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Once again, I've found another great Canadian company that just may solve some of your gift giving dilemmas this year! Award-winning Bloco Toys is a family owned and operated company, located in Montreal,  that invents, designs and manufactures high quality original construction toys under the Bloco™ trademark. I had no idea how many home grown toy making companies there are in Canada! Bloco Toys is committed to providing highly original, high quality and really entertaining toys, that demonstrate their Canadian craftmanship and innovation.

     

These toys combine all the pleasure of building blocks with the solving satisfaction of a puzzle. Constructed of brightly coloured foam and plastic, the toys are functional, educational and fun!

My husband was a building block maniac when he was a child! He would spend hours building fantasy houses and spaceports, putting blocks together in various ways, trying different designs, totally focussed on what he was doing. He remembers his little grey blocks with much fond nostalgia! Some of them are still around! As a parent, having toys like this for your children to play with, seems like a perfectly win-win situation! My husband turned out really well!

  

Bloco's  excellent, fully bilingual website is full of information about the products and the company, including explanations of their many awards. These Bloco™ construction toys are manufactured from a one of a kind patented concept, useing high density, uniquely shaped foam, with specialized plastic connectors. Pieces link together and rotate at any angle. You can create flat models like snakes or stack the pieces to create fantastic 3D creatures like dragons and lions. Your child can follow the design or make a creature from his imagination! Like any good building toy, sets can be combined!

You can find these great, Canadian made toys online and in Canada and the States, at Chapters-Indigo stores and Barnes and Noble, among others. 

Is this the type of toy you would give as a gift?

 

:: images courtesy of Bloco Toys.

Toys made in Canada

When my husband was diagnosed with testicular cancer at the end of the summer we went into a whirlwind of emotions. It was never what we could have imagined for our family, and while we were quickly reassured that this cancer has very high survival and cure rates, the shock did not easily go away. I wrote about our discovery on my personal blog.

In between surgery, chemo appointments, raising our children, taking care of his health, maintaining the household and so on, we haven’t had to worry much about the system.

 

Living in Ontario means that his procedures and care – surgery and recovery, chemotherapy, doctor appointments, home care visits and supplies – are mostly, if not completely, covered. Having the financial burden lifted, in many ways helps reduce stress, at a time when stress is high.

In Canada, we pride ourselves on our health care. And while we all have different experiences, and some are more positive than others, we are blessed to have the system we have.

Most importantly, we discovered that while ‘the system’ may be full of paper work and bureaucracy, it’s full of people, too. The receptionists, nurses, home care workers, doctors, oncologists – it has been our experience that they all care.

When our family doctor arranged a special meeting after the original diagnosis, and sat to answer our questions, we never felt rushed and really felt his care and support.

When the urologist came out personally after surgery to tell me it went very well, his presence was reassuring.

When our oncologist puts her hand on my knee and says "He’ll be fine", I believe her.

These are people who care.

Canada’s system isn’t perfect and each election seems to report on health care in some positive and negative light. But my family is living it first hand, and while we encounter small bumps along the road (in some cases, I see why wait times can be a problem) we have had as good an experience as we can. Given the situation we are in, that says a lot.

Is it the Canadian way to be so well cared for? Or do you think it is just the luck of the draw? I like to believe the system is filled only with such great people and am confident we will be well taken care of in this country.

I know my husband is. And at this moment, that gives me great hope.

On top of it all, we are a concerned country.  Donations and fundraisers exist for many forms of cancer, and more recently it seems, more awareness is being paid to men's health. 

Awareness is crucial in detecting many cancers early in order to have the best success rates.  This couldn't have been more true for the testicular cancer my husband has.  It is one that spreads extremely fast, so his awareness to get checked early helped place his cure rate much higher. 

This year alone, I noticed a trend in creating that awareness for men. Ottawa, Edmonton, Calgary, Toronto and Vancouver hosted The Underwear Affair to raise awareness, and funds, for 'down there' cancers in men and women. 

A testicular cancer survivor himself, Mark set out to work with Stanfield's (a Canadian company!) to raise money and awareness for testicular cancer by being at home in his underwear for 25 days.  Never leaving the house, and broadcasting live over the internet - in only his underwear - he became 'The Guy at Home in his Underwear' and successfully raised over $50,000.

Meanwhile, as November comes to an end, many men are preparing to shave their mustaches.  Many grew their 'mo's' in November for 'Movember' to raise awareness and funds for prostate cancer.

 

No matter how creative these campaigns are, getting the message remains the most important part - be aware and help if you can.   It really does make a difference.

*Image credits: www.sxc.hu, Movember Foundation, guyathome.ca

 

You can find these great puzzles and games in department and toy stores, and near you, by entering your postal code into their handy location search engine. With the holiday gift giving season rapidly approaching, why not think about giving games this year .... or having them available to play when relatives and friends stop by?

Please visit their website:  Editions Gladius International Inc.

:: images courtesy of    Editions Gladius International Inc.

From the moment I landed in Winnipeg, until I left, it snowed. And not just a light dusting. By the time I went to bed (around 11PM) and then left the hotel to make my way to the CityTV studio for the BT Winnipeg show, a block away (around 6AM), there was over a foot of snow and it was still falling. I'd left Montreal on Thursday and it was hot and sunny 6 degrees and landed to a cool -6 degrees and snowing. And to think I almost didn't bring my winter coat with me!

I was staying at my usual home-away from home - The Inn at the Forks. At the front desk, they knew me as the guest who "had all those boxes shipped to the hotel". I smiled and nodded. Indeed, that is I.

After having dinner at Current Restauramt and Lounge, the hotel's amazing restaurant, I went back to my room and assembled the products that needed assembling and rehearsed, as I always do.

I was expected at the studio at 6:15AM to be ready for 6:50AM, when the first segment would air. I have to admit, I was a little surprised at the amount of snow there was. That early, the show plows hadn't passed yet but not to worry I thought. I'll put all the products into the XC Charriot Carrier and cart it on over... I was excited at the idea that I was testing out the product, right before showcasing it on live TV. I  actually jogged, in my heels, pushing the carrier in the foot of snow all the way to the studio. I must've looked ridiculous but who cares... There was nobody around, except a cab driver who offered me a ride, which I didn't need.

The first segment was about making the best of winter - indoors. You can watch the first segment here or click on the image below.

 

Here are the companies we featured:  

• Luxurious Egyptian cotton towels by Cambridge Towel Corporation - Ontario
• Mouth blown, hand cut votive candles by NovaScotian Crystals - Nova Scotia
• Caprina Goat's Milk Skin Care Products by Canus - Quebec
  

A short while later, I was back on for the second segment. This time it was about making the best of winter - outdoors. You can watch the second segment here (or click on the image). 

• Icers, anti-slip soles by Lee Valley Tools - Ontario
• XC baby carrier, including the jogging kit and cross-country ski kit by Chariot Carriers - Alberta
• Cardio Coulou joger cover and mittens by P'tit Coulou - Quebec
  

While I was setting up the second segment, Luke Fritz, the Winnipeg Blue Bomber who was there to talk about his project for the Pepsi Refresh Challenge was eyeing the Chariot Carrier (he has a 1 year old)... To be honest, everyone was in love with it. And everyone loved the P'tit Coulou Cardio Cover and mittens. Genius and darling!

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 How will you make the best on winter?

Images source: BT Winnipeg

Author: Melissa Thibodeau

Only 3 days after I boasted that Southern Manitoba had yet to get snow, the snow started to fall Thursday morning and just hasn't stopped. I peeked at the Environment Canada website and the forecast for the rest of the week consists of temperatures at least 10 degrees cooler than last week. Winter in Manitoba has arrived. Tomorrow we will have to leave early, my girls will have more to wear and it will take much more time to walk and inspect their new landscape. They will want to count the snowflakes (at most to 20), taste the snow, admire their footprints, then run around to admire more and giggle in the sheer newness of it all. Despite all my bellyaching, I do not hate winter; in fact winter is one of the best times to start a new project. Once the snow falls, my focus falls to Christmas and the planning and creation of hand-crafted Christmas gifts and winter necessities. It seems early, but when you are creating by hand, time is your best friend.

  

It wasn't until I moved to the country that I started receiving homemade food items as gifts; canned items like jelly, relish and salsa, a delicious selection of cookies and salty handmade treats. It was the season after my first Christmas here that I followed suit. The quest for the perfect homemade and unique food item has since haunted me. This year I am toying with barks and brittles, savoury crackers with homemade yogurt cheese spread and the relish I canned this summer or my hot chocolate mix with (something I have never tried before) homemade marshmallows . This list is not written in stone; coconut macaroons are one of my favourites, spiced nuts and biscotti are other treats I would like to try. This is why I start now, test the recipes, see what works and what flops, then mass produce the best.

 

  

Homemade Hot Chocolate (Pegg, is this your recipe?)

2.5 cups dry milk solids
3/4 -1.5 cups of icing sugar
1 to 2 cups cocoa
pinch of salt
optional (ground cloves, anise, nutmeg, black or red pepper, cinnamon, all spice, or any other spice and any combination)
Sift together. Keep in airtight container. Add mix (to your desired taste) to hot water or, for extra creamy hot chocolate, add to hot milk.

I love mittens and with two little girls (and myself) in the house, we lose a lot of mittens. So this year, the plan is to make extra mittens, so that in the morning rush of ski pants, boots, scarves, hats, screams of discontent and trying to remember lunch, we always have a pair of mittens. My materials are old fleece and old 100% wool sweaters. The fleece you can use as is, but the wool needs to be felted  so that the knit doesn't run. I intend to trace the girls' hands on to card stock and use that as a pattern to create simple, woolly mittens designed to keep our fingers warm during our walks to and from the centre. You can find patterns for fleece and felted wool mittens online for just a few dollars. With a trip to the secondhand store and a little time, we could all have a basket of mittens. Of course, these make great little stocking suffers that can be filled with little toys, goodies or....coal!

 

Yes I know this is a pretty short list but I have a lot on the go, school, work, kids, house, well.. you know. If I can make all the above and get some cards out before the new year, I am ahead of the game! That would be a first!

Do you make or bake gifts during the holidays? 

 

photo credits: willowcat, flickr becky_mckimmy and andrea_r

 

Writing these Member Spotlights is really opening my eyes to the many unique companies we have here in Canada, and in the Buy Canadian First catalogue! Chariot Carriers Inc. is one of them, and I was pleased to see that they are sold at a local sporting goods store, here in Peterborough, as well as all across Canada.

  

I see Chariot Carriers all the time, because many Peterborough parents are keen on making the most of the outdoors in our fabulous city in the beautiful Kawarthas! Bike trails crisscross the city, with some found right beside the Otonabee River, making for spectacular bike rides. Lots of people here are students and walk or ride to Trent Universty or Fleming College. The Ministry of Natural Resources, in the heart of downtown, has many employees who like to travel green with their kids. We have many joggers, bicyclists, hikers and walkers in this town!

 

Chariot Carriers are especially good for all four seasons here in Canada and won't be beat by snow, slush or rain! As a privately-held, family-run business, whose members love outdoor, family activities and being fit and healthy, they bring this awareness to the design and manufacturing of all their products!

You can tell just by looking at the carriers that they are well-made and durable and really, really cool! What a great way to get around with your kids, keep fit and not have to hire a baby sitter!

 

Here in Southern Manitoba we've been very fortunate. Old Man Winter hasn't yet arrived and this Canuck is not too upset. There are those around me who are jumping up and down, excited for the onslaught of blustery winds and mountains of snow to frolic in and shovel. I just don't get it. I can pretend it won't happen but one morning I'll wake and the world outside my window will be draped in a velvety white blanket and everything will look fresh and bright. I will be most delighted until I remember I have to leave my house every work day with a four year old and a two year old. Winter, despite all it's beauty, comes with a big side of cabin fever.

Cabin fever can make the most steadfast of souls delirious with boredom. Especially the little ones as you watch them destroy the house around you, bickering, screaming and squabbling and generally running a-muck. So what can you do to keep the peace? Thankfully there are lots of great activities to have a fabulous time, in fact, here are 6 to get you started in your quest for freedom from winter boredom.

 

 

6. The great Canadian dance party. What's more fun than dancing? Jumping up and down, flitting across the house and shaking you thang with the babes in tow! The kids will love the goofiness, you will surly get your cardio-fix in and the world outside will be a distant thought. If you didn't already know CBC3 is one of my favourite places online. Allowing you the chance to explore Canadian music, here's my play list , dance winter away , go make one too!

5. Kid cooking: easy peasy chili. Warm soft comfort food is a delight. This chili recipe has only 3 ingredient and the kids will love being a help in the kitchen. Ingredients: 454 g of ground beef, lamb or turkey, 2 cans of pork and beans (we use the maple ones) and a 1/4 to 1/2 a jar of your favourite pasta sauce. Place ground beef in a pan and cook until well done, add beans and sauce and simmer till hot. Of course this recipe is adaptable, onions, corn, peppers, chili powder and anything else could be added throughout the cooking stages.

 

  

 

4. The crafternoon - grab your pom-poms, googly eyes, glue, paper bits, cotton balls, Popsicle sticks, finger paints, feathers, beads, sticks and any other elements that spark your fancy and make a family collage. The bigger the paper the better the fun!!

3. Be a bear (or your favourite animal) for a day. Eat what they eat, create a den, growl and walk on your hands and feet...or try and convince the wee ones to hibernate.

 

  

 

2. Get out the video camera and record the family doing anything you do. Later make some popcorn, nestle in and giggle at your goofiness.

1. Start a reading circle, every evening get together with a novel. Read a chapter a night or just a few pages. This is a great activity with older kids but the little ones will enjoy the cuddle time.

Sometimes the best cure for cabin fever is just a little time together. Turn off the tv, the computer, the radio and all and just be together. Talk, laugh, giggle, run a-muck and make a big mess. These are the days that can shape your collective memories. So let the snow fall, let the blustery winds blow and who cares if it's 30 or 45 below, you have each other!!

How do you and your family chase cabin fever away?

 

:: images courtesy of Willowcat family

 

Today is the 11th day of the 11th month. At the 11th hour, Canadians will hold 2 minutes of silence, as we do every year, in honour of those who have fought for our freedom.

My father was a sailor in World War II. An ordinary hero, like most of the men and women who answered the call to the military life. He made it, with distinction, through that war.

Here in Peterborough, Ontario, there are more than 30 families whose sons are fighting in Afghanistan right now. Their war isn't over.

I received this in my email and thought I would pass it on to you!

 "If you look at the back right-hand side of a Canadian $10 bill, you will see an old veteran standing at attention near the Ottawa war memorial. His name is Robert Metcalfe and he died last month at the age of 90.

That he managed to live to that age is rather remarkable, given what happened in the Second World War. Born in England, he was one of the 400,000 members of the British Expeditionary Force sent to the mainland where they found themselves facing the new German warfare technique - the Blitzkrieg.

He was treating a wounded comrade when he was hit in the legs by shrapnel.

En route to hospital, his ambulance came under fire from a German tank, which then miraculously ceased fire. Evacuated from Dunkirk on HMS Grenade, two of the sister ships with them were sunk.

Recovered, he was sent to allied campaigns in North Africa and Italy. En route his ship was chased by the German battleship Bismarck.

In North Africa he served under General Montgomery against the Desert Fox, Rommel.

Sent into the Italian campaign, he met his future wife, a lieutenant and physiotherapist in a Canadian hospital. They were married in the morning by the mayor of the Italian town, and again in the afternoon by a British padre.

After the war they settled in Chatham, Ontario where he went into politics and became the warden (chairman) of the county and on his retirement he and his wife moved to Ottawa.  At the age of 80 he wrote a book about his experiences.

One day out of the blue he received a call from a government official asking him to go downtown for a photo op. He wasn't told what the photo was for or why they chose him. 'He had no idea he would be on the bill,' his daughter said.

And now you know the story of the old veteran on the $10 bill."

LIVE: Remembrance Day ceremony in Ottawa

Watch live coverage of the Remembrance Day ceremony in Ottawa, hosted by the CBC's Peter Mansbridge.

 

Today, how will you remember ? 

 

I am not the only one who gripes about how many more hours are required in one day. If we really needed more we could fly to Venus for their generous 5,832 hour day, except that the air quality isn't so great. Luckily, we can save ourselves the 38 million kilometre journey and be thrilled to get an extra hour this weekend, albeit at 2 in the morning. For those at you with night lives, last call has been extended! Those of you with kids...you'll be up to see the dawn, I'll have the coffee brewing!

  

Daylight savings time was first implemented in Germany in 1915 and was soon adopted by Great Britain, Europe and Canada, though Benjamin Franklin had first suggested the idea a century earlier. Because the Sun shines while everyone is still asleep, pushing the clocks forward in the Spring causes people to wake up earlier and be able to better use the Sun's light. That is why we 'spring ahead' the second Sunday of March and "fall back' the first Sunday in November.

  

In Canada, it is up to each province to decide to use daylight time, and most follow the program. The exceptions are most of Saskatchewan, who has remained on standard time since 1966 and is joined by some border towns in Manitoba and Alberta. There are some pockets of Ontario and BC as well as Quebec, north of 63 degree west longitude, who remain on Atlantic time year round. Frankly, it's all a little confusing. I wonder if it is really worth the effort? In the winter it feels like you travel to work in the dark and you trudge home in dark, making the little sunlight you do see, bliss, as it sparkles on the snow.

In a nutshell,  daylight savings was designed to help save energy by timing our lives better to the times that the Sun is available.

Now that you have this elusive extra hour in your life there are a few things that you must accomplish. This is the time of year to think about your smoke alarms and to check their batteries. It is important to have a working smoke detector on every floor and in every room used for sleeping. For more information about smoke alarms please read this Health Canada page.  While you are carting around the ladder, why not exchange your regular bulbs with energy efficient CLFs bulbs? Each one will save you $40.00 over the course of it's lifetime!

  

So, Canada, fall back one hour this Sunday morning, check your smoke alarms and change your bulbs and when all is said and done, you'll be safer, energy efficient and without that one gained hour! Who's taken the map to Venus?

Do you have routines for when it's time to set the clocks back one hour?

::Images courtesy of Flickr.