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My Canadian Weight Loss Journey - Month 3

By / Par: Isabelle Remy - Dorval, Quebec

Category / Catégorie: From Isabelle

I am mid-way through the third month of my Thin Evolution weight loss program. I’m happy to report that I lost 7 lbs and my waist has been reduced by 5 inches! Considering my goal is to lose 15 lbs, I’m almost half way! Yay for me!

As you can tell, this is not an “overnight” kind of weight loss. It’s gradual, manageable and realistic. Once I got over the first few weeks where I sometimes struggled with hunger and cravings, it has pretty much been smooth sailing. I eat less at each meal and feel fuller. My stomach has definitely shrunk!

My favourite part of this “diet” is the fact that I get to enjoy a mix of homemade favourites “lightened-up” and a selection of great tasting snacks that are high in protein and low in calories…and Made-in-Canada, of course! My favourites are still the 2 fruit bars: apricot & berry. I usually have them as my morning snack (around 10 AM) and they always feel like a treat. Love’em! Check out my daily eating schedule.

As I mentioned in a previous post, I keep a food journal where I record everything I eat. I find this is the best way to stay accountable to myself and to keep track of my daily intake of protein, fibre, carbs, etc. It’s also useful at my weekly weigh-ins with my coach Tina from Thin Evolution, because she can see how my food choices affect my progress.

I’m feeling great and looking forward to losing the balance of the weight, not to mention the inches! I am now posting once a month instead of once a week. Since the progress is slower (by MY choice) but steady, I’ll have more to report monthly than weekly. Next month: introducing some (gentle) exercise. Now that’s a whole other challenge…

How to YOU keep up with your weight loss goals?

Images courtesy of Thin Evolution

Tags / Balises: Behind the Brand, Buy Canadian, Food, Good news, Healthy living, Made in Canada, Manufacturer, Weight Loss

Product Review: Canadian-made Dad's Wiper Covers

By / Par: Isabelle Remy - Dorval, Quebec

Category / Catégorie: Product reviews

I confess: I am not a winter person. I don’t enjoy the cold, the wind, the snow, the freezing rain. I don’t ski anymore, I don’t ice skate, nor do I snowshoe. To me, winter means catching up on movies I did not get to see when they were in theatres, trying new recipes, playing games with the kids, planning vacations at the beach, etc.

The only thing I dislike more than winter itself is cleaning off the car, and especially scraping the windows. Arrgghhhh … such a waste of time! And the windshield is the worst, especially when your wiper blades are stuck to the window. Trying to dislodge the blades without damaging them is an exercise in frustration. Clumps of ice stay on the blades and make a mess of the windshield. And of course, the part right in front of your eyes is always the one that doesn’t get wiped properly. Ever tried to clean off the blades at a red light, with your arm sticking out of the window to shake the blade when it comes up? You know what I mean, right?

Recently I discovered an awesome Canadian solution to this decidedly Canadian problem: heavy-duty wiper covers created and made in Ontario by Dad’s Wiper Covers. The covers are made from the same high-quality vinyl used on snowmobile seats, which means they won’t crack or break in cold temperatures. The stitching is top notch and super-resistant, and they are large enough to slip easily on any windshield wipers. Just put them on when the forecast calls for snow or freezing rain, and you’ll be glad you did. Your wiper blades will stay clean and dry. Just slip them off and you’ll be ready to go in no time!

And when they’re not in use, simply fold them away in your glove compartment or storage nook. They’ll be ready for next time! It’s such a simple idea and it really works. Not only do they simplify things, they also save you money by extending the life of your wiper blades. And at $18.99 a pair (with FREE shipping) these nifty wiper covers are excellent value and a great gift idea!

Who do you know would love a pair of these?

Tags / Balises: Automotive industry, Buy Canadian, Consumers, Gifts, Good news, Made in Canada, Manufacturer, Ontario, Product Review, Shopping

The Great Canadian Weight Loss Giveaway!

By / Par: Isabelle Remy - Dorval, Quebec

Category / Catégorie: Contests

Welcome 2013! A New Year calls for a new challenge, and nothing is more appropriate than losing weight and getting healthy. So you’ve been down this road before? Can’t stick to a diet long enough for it to become a new lifestyle?

We’ve got good news for you! Buy Canadian First has teamed up with Thin Evolution to bring our readers an exclusive Canadian contest. Up for grabs: a personalized weight-loss starter program designed to kick-start the New You!

Thin Evolution is based in Montreal and led by Tina Di Salvia and her team of weight-loss professionals. With over 10 years experience in the field, they offer personalized programs to guide you and motivate you to stay on track.

Tina Di Salvia

Their programs are based on high-protein-low-calorie snacks designed to keep you feeling full while losing the weight. Most of their healthy product line is made in Canada (some are gluten free) and ranges from sweet bars, squares and cereals to savory soups & snacks. And yes, they taste good!

This awesome giveaway includes a one-week starter supply of food plus free consultation, assessment and weigh-ins for one entire month. And don’t worry if you don’t live in Montreal, the consultations can be done across Canada via Skype!

Total value: over $ 150.00

To enter the giveaway, do as many of the 3 following things as possible, as they each count for one entry. The more the merrier (and luckier)!

1. Leave us a comment below telling us what your motivation is for losing weight. (Comments are moderated, so don't panic if your comment doesn't show up right away!);

2. Follow us on Twitter and tweet the following:

@BuyCndianFirst loves @ThinEvolution. I entered their Great Canadian Weight Loss #Giveaway here: http://bit.ly/ZVglsv

3. 'Like' us on Facebook.

The giveaway ends on Sunday, January 20th at 5:00 PM ET. We will pick one name at random from all entries and the winner will be announced the following day.

Good luck, Canada!

THIS CONTEST IS CLOSED. WINNER HAS BEEN CONTACTED.

Tags / Balises: Buy Canadian, Contest giveaway, Good news, Healthy living, Lifestyle, Made in Canada, Resolutions, Weight Loss

My Canadian Weight Loss Journey - Week 4

By / Par: Isabelle Remy - Dorval, Quebec

Category / Catégorie: From Isabelle

It’s week 4 of my weight loss journey with Thin Evolution’s diet program. Why now, you ask? Studies show that people put on 5-7 lbs over the Holidays. Since I lost almost 5 lbs during December, I should come out ahead if I’m just a little careful. After all, it’s the first bite (or sip) that tastes the best, right?

If you’re just joining in this series, check out last week’s Canadian weight loss post. This week I decided to mix things up a bit, with the blessing of Tina, my weight loss coach extraordinaire: I replaced my breakfast square with a breakfast smoothie. And I love it! Here’s my recipe:

High-protein breakfast smoothie:

1 cup of frozen berries;
1 cup of almond “milk” made in Canada by Almost Fresh (I like the vanilla flavoured one);
A few leaves of fresh spinach (for the iron);
1 scoop of Canadian hemp protein powder from Manitoba Harvest.

Put everything in the blender until you get a nice “slush”. I absolutely love the flavor, and it keeps hunger away for about 2 hours. Yummy!!!!

So what does the scale say this week? No weight loss, but nothing gained either. Considering my over-indulging in the past few days, I call this a WIN!

Now on to the next round of parties: New Year’s! I found an extra bit of motivation in these 10 ways to avoid Holiday weight gain from Canadian Living. Wish me luck!

Happy (healthy) New Year to all!

Tags / Balises: Behind the Brand, Buy Canadian, Food, Good news, Healthy living, Made in Canada, Manufacturer, Weight Loss

My Weight Loss Journey - Week 3

By / Par: Isabelle Remy - Dorval, Quebec

Category / Catégorie: From Isabelle

It’s week 3 of my Thin Evolution weight loss journey and this one was really tough. I think my body finally figured out what was going on and decided it did not like it one bit! If you’re just joining in, check out last week’s weight loss post.

This week I was craving carbs like nobody’s business…my kingdom for a plate of pasta, some risotto or freshly baked bread!!!! Just thinking about it makes me salivate….

But I’m happy to say I did not give in. It wasn’t easy but I keep my eye on the prize: 15 lbs less will feel so good!

I figured out that over the weekend, my water intake is too low. During the week, I start each day by filling a pitcher with water and leaving it within reach on my desk. It contains about 2 liters and I finish it before I leave work. Sometimes I even re-fill it during the day. But on weekends, my schedule is different and I don’t keep up the water intake. It probably explains the hunger, as water keeps you feeling fuller. So now that I know, I will pay more attention.

One of the things I really like about this program, other than those awesome Canadian made high-protein apricot squares, is the support along the way. Tina, my coach and owner at Thin Evolution, is always just a phone call (or Tweet) away. Her insights into the weight loss process are invaluable. She is knowledgeable, experienced and enthusiastic. Thanks, Tina!

So what is this week’s result you ask? I lost another pound, as well as an inch around the waist. Yay!

Next week is Christmas, so that's a whole new challenge!

Will you be indulging over the Holidays?

Tags / Balises: Behind the Brand, Buy Canadian, Food, Good news, Healthy living, Made in Canada, Manufacturer, Weight Loss

Save $$$ On Your Heating Bills With Solar Blinds Made in Canada

By / Par: Isabelle Remy - Dorval, Quebec

Category / Catégorie: What's hot

The very best part of my job is discovering awesome products made all across this beautiful land of ours. This week, I was blown away by Krumpers Solar Blinds, based in Ottawa and run by dynamo Diana Livshits.

Diana is passionate about her products, with good reasons. Krumpers Solar Blinds are the only 2-sided reversible blinds on the market: one side for the summer and one side for the winter. They help regulate the temperature inside your home all through the year; saving you money on heating and cooling by up to 40%. See how they work in this demo:

That demo says it all, doesn't it?!

Krumpers Solar Blinds act like sunglasses for your windows:

1) They reduce glare by 70-80%;

2) They stop more than 92% of UV rays;

3) They protect your furnishings and décor from fade.

Krumpers Solar Blinds act like insulation for your windows:

1) In the summer: they keep the heat outside, reducing heat transfer by up to 76%;

2) In the winter: they keep the heat inside, reducing heat loss by up to 45%.

Krumpers Solar Blinds are completely transparent:

1) They do not obstruct the outside view;

2) They do not add colour or texture to a room, so you can decorate as you wish;

3) They offer full privacy during the day: you cannot see through them into the house.

Krumpers Solar Blinds are made-to-measure and come in 3 different styles:

1) Roller blinds;

2) Vertical blinds;

3) Fix panels.

They are strong, durable and easy to clean with a damp wet cloth. And best of all, they will pay for themselves within a few years and will continue to save you money for years to come. Now that’s a true investment!

Check out their handy price calculator and read some awesome consumer reviews.

We are so excited to bring you a great offer from Krumpers Solar Blinds, exclusive to Buy Canadian First readers, followers and fans:

Get 10% off any blinds, from now until December 31st 2012!

Just mention "Buy Canadian First" when placing your order. Then sit back and watch your heating bills melt away!

Images courtesy of Krumpers Solar Blinds.

Tags / Balises: Awards, Bills, Buy Canadian, Canadian Blogs, Carbon Footprint, Consumers, Economy, Environment, Fall, Good news, Green, Healthy living, Home, Innovation, Made in Canada, Manufacturer

Top 5 Ways To "Sell Canadian" for Retailers

By / Par: Guest bloggers

Category / Catégorie: Tips and tricks

How to increase your retail sales of Canadian-made items

by Stephen Krakower,

Student at Law

Aside from being a full-time law student in school and part-time law student in a law firm, I also work as a part-time sales person at one of Canada’s largest sporting goods chains. As with many stores, the vast majority of our products come from oversees; China, India, Japan, etc. There are however some exceptions; some of our best products and easiest ones to sell come from, you guessed it, Canada. Below is a list of the top 5 ways to sell Canadian-made products from the point of view of a sales person:

1. Know your products: Sales people are expected to know the features and benefits of sometimes hundreds, if not thousands, of products. In retail jargon, this is referred to as product knowledge or PK for short. In order to "sell Canadian", you have to take your product knowledge one step further, beyond the performance advantages, and do a little research and ask the question: "where is this product made?". The first step to selling Canadian is knowing what products in your store are Canadian-made.

2. Be proud to sell Canadian: Once you have identified which products in your store or section are Canadian-made, you then have to sell them to your customers. The most important thing in my opinion when selling a product is to have confidence in the product, and to be proud of what you’re selling. To me, there is nothing that can make a sales person prouder than selling something made in his or her homeland, a product made from Canadian resources by Canadian hands. Be proud of your country and its products, and most of all, be proud to sell them.

3. Know your clients: Every day hundreds of people walk into your store, some will buy and others will just “look around”. It is important to know who these potential customers are: what are they looking for? what are they willing to spend? and most of all what products do they prefer? Not every customer who comes into your store will want to buy products made in Canada. Some will be happy with the cheapest product available, while others will only want locally-made products. By knowing your customers, and specifically those who prefer to buy Canadian, you will be able to tailor your sales pitch and as a result increase your chances of selling more Canadian-made products.

4. Focus on the advantages: I think it is fair to admit that selling Canadian is not always easy. In the sporting field where I work, there are brands that are very well known produced by some very large companies. However, those other products don’t always have some of the advantages Canadian products have. For example, for the most part Canadian-made products are of better quality, as they tend to be made with better materials and built by more qualified workers. Most often, this is reflected in a higher price tag, but not always. And of course, when we think about value, then the Canadian-made products will most often last longer and give you better value in the long run. These are just a couple of the many advantages of buying Canadian. As a salesperson, it’s your job to sell the advantages, and Canadian products are blessed with many.

5. Adopt a product: My final suggestion on how to sell Canadian or how to increase “made in Canada” sales is to adopt a Canadian-made product from within your current inventory. This step combines the first four suggestions: learn everything about your adopted product, be proud to sell it, learn which consumers its best suited for and lastly sell ALL of its advantages. If every salesperson in a store adopts a Canadian-made product, you will be astounded at how many can be sold.

I think we can all agree that selling a few Canadian-made products, amongst hundreds of products that come from all corners of the world, is not the easiest task. But with these five tips, I think every store in every sector can increase their “made in Canada” sales. The onus is on the sales people; the product is ready and waiting to be sold.

Do you apply any of these tips in your store? Do you have other suggestions?

Stephen Krakower

Student-at-Law

WILRC INC.

Tags / Balises: Apparel industry, Buy Canadian, Canadian Blogs, Consumers, Economy, Good news, Made in Canada, Retailers, Small Business Series

An Awesome Offer Exclusive to Buy Canadian First!

By / Par: Isabelle Remy - Dorval, Quebec

Category / Catégorie: From Isabelle

Wellness and sleep are closely related. How have you been sleeping lately? Since you spend about one third of your life in bed, it's well worth considering what kind of mattress you (and your kids) sleep on every night.

A good sleep is everyone's wish, but what about the stuff you breathe in all night? Did you know that most mattresses are made with toxic foams, glues and chemically treated fabrics that emit harmful VOCs? Not to mention that they are a breeding ground for dust mites and other allergens. That’s enough to keep you up at night, right?

We did a little digging and found a healthy, Canadian-made alternative: natural memory foam mattresses made in Montreal by Essentia. Using all-natural ingredients, Essentia has created the World's ONLY natural memory foam, which they use in their collection of mattresses and pillows.

Naturally dust mite and bed bug resistant, this hypoallergenic foam is made from the sap of the rubber tree, organic essential oils, natural plant extracts, and water. Unlike all other memory foams on the market (which are made with petrochemicals!), Essentia mattresses and pillows are breathable and will not leave you hot and sticky. And as far as comfort goes, experts agree that memory foam is best, as it contours the body and provides excellent custom-made support for a restful sleep.

Essentia has been featured on Dr. OZ, Anderson Live, Rachael Ray and the Dragon's Den.

You're probably wondering if you can afford an Essentia mattress. Well, we’ve got excellent news for you! The answer is YES!

We have partnered with Essentia to offer you their biggest sale this year, exclusive to Buy Canadian First readers like you: get 20% back in Essentia products with every mattress purchased.

This exclusive offer is available online, or in any of their retail locations in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal and Ottawa. Just mention the promo code: Buy Canadian First

Choose among a wide selection of mattresses for the entire family, including your pooch! Add pillows, organic cotton sheets, mattress covers, etc. You will be well on your way to a healthy & restful sleep, made in Canada.

Good night...zzz

Tags / Balises: Biodegradable, Buy Canadian, Carbon Footprint, Good news, Healthy living, Home, Made in Canada, Manufacturer, Organic, Shopping, Sustainability

The All-Canadian bedroom on Canada AM

By / Par: Isabelle Remy - Dorval, Quebec

Category / Catégorie: From Isabelle

Nice to be back on the set of Canada AM!

And this time, our segment is a little different… well actually, I should say it’s different in a very BIG way! You see, this time we set-up an entire room to talk about Made-in-Canada: the All-Canadian Bedroom! We wanted to demonstrate how you could create an entire room with furnishings made in Canada.

You can watch the segment here.

The centerpiece of every bedroom, of course, is the mattress. And the one we are featuring today is an amazing one, made in Quebec by Essentia. It’s the world’s ONLY natural memory foam mattress. All other memory foam mattresse out there are petroleum-based, which means they gives off loads of VOCs that you end up breathing all night long. Not this one. Made from the sap of the rubber tree, to which essential oils, plant extracts and water is added, Essentia mattresses are the ultimate in comfort & health. And yes, there’s even one for your pooch!

On such a healthy base, we just had to seek out the best organic cotton sheets we could find. And we found them at Dream Designs in Vancouver. They come is 16 beautiful colours and I’m so glad we had the turquoise ones to show today. How gorgeous are those!? Made in Canada for over 30 years, these sheets will make you forget all others. An investment worth making, for a good (and healthy) night’s sleep!

And to complete the natural & healthy theme, what better than an alpaca “duvet” handmade by Salem Alpacas in Ontario. Of course, it’s not a “duvet” in the traditional sense of the word, as no feathery friends were sacrificed for the use of their feathers. This one is made with alpaca fiber, a light, natural, renewable fiber sheared from the alpaca (similar to a lama) each Spring. Warm in the winter and cool in the summer, it is also naturally dust-mite resistant and hypo-allergenic. What's not to love about that!

The stylish & contemporary bedside tables and bureau are part of the Fynn collection, made in Quebec by South Shore Furniture. A third-generation family business, South Shore specializes in bedroom sets (master, kids, nursery) and home entertainment units made of particle board and MDF and using recycled fibres. All their collections meet and even exceed the ultra-low North-American formaldehyde emission levels required by the California Air Resource Board (CARB). Their furniture can be purchased pre-assembled in stores, or ready-to-assemble and delivered to your door. It has it all: style, function and affordability! Check out their brand new website to see their entire collection and lot's of great design tips!

And what about that gorgeous Othello upholstered chair made in Winnipeg by Palliser! Confortable, stylish and timeless. A beautiful houndstooth pattern in taupe, with solid dark wood legs. I love the fact that you can mix and match designs and coverings to create exactly the look you want. That's something you can never do with imports!

And finally, last but definitely not least, how cool is that adult onesie from Strong & Free!? The ultimate sleepwear or loungewear, it’s made with care in Nova Scotia. And yes, it has a “bum-flap”! This is a Canadian premiere and marks the national launch of this awesome must-have. You can place an order here to reserve yours today!

So that’s the All-Canadian Bedroom! Pretty impressive, eh? Again, thanks so much to the entire Canada AM team and especially to Jenny who helped us set-up behind the scenes. You rock! See you again soon!

Happy Canada Day everyone!

Images courtesy of Buy Canadian First members above.

Tags / Balises: Buy Canadian, Canada Day, Consumers, Decor, Furniture, Good news, Home, Lifestyle, Made in Canada

The Great Made-in-Canada Mother's Day Giveaway!

By / Par: Isabelle Remy - Dorval, Quebec

Category / Catégorie: Contests

May is always a nice month in Canada. Trees and bulbs are blooming, while we shed extra layers of clothing and dream of the summer ahead. And of course, May is the time to celebrate Mom in a special way with Mother’s Day!

We all know Moms are special. Personally, I never realized just how special my Mom was until I became a Mom myself. Being a Mom is an all-encompassing experience, one filled with both joy & pain, pride & disappointment, happiness & frustration. And of course, many sleepless nights. On this subject, I never forgot something funny my friend Tina’s Mom told me when I was pregnant: “I have not had a good night’s sleep since my children were born!”... and they were all adults! I laughed at the time, but I can sort of understand what she meant. The worry and concern are constant. Sorry, Mom...;-)

So if anyone deserves to be spoiled at least once a year, it is surely Mom! With the help of some awesome Canadian companies, we have put together a prize-pack filled with very special Canadian-made gifts fit for a Mother. What’s in it, you ask? A whole lot of awesomeness!

1) Gorgeous SIMS jewelry set made in Alberta. Includes Crystal Cluster Attachable Pendant, Plus Matching Earrings and 18" Sterling Silver Filled Necklace. (value: over $65)

(Warning: Attachable Pendants SIMS Style are addicting as they clip to any necklace, and come in every colour to modernize any necklace in a flick)

2) Treat Mom to a well-deserved youth-restoring lift with AgeOff Face & Body Nutrition and Ageoff Wrinkle-Reduction Serum, made in Ontario by Nuvocare. Mom will look radiant AND feel great! (value: $100)

3) Whispy Raspberry classic handbag, made in Nova Scotia by the lovely ladies of Michique. Mom will no longer be able to go anywhere without someone commenting on how gorgeous your handbag is! Trust me, I know from experience! (value: $ 284)

4) A really sweet treat from New Brunswick' famous Ganong chocolate confectioners. An assortment of chocolates and candy, not necessarily what you see below, but guaranteed to please Mom! (value: $ 50)

5) "Give your Mom something she hasn't had since you came along... A good night's sleep!" These words are from the ladies at Ontario's enVy Pillow, the anti-aging/wellness pillow. A patented ergonomic pillow designed to keep the side and back sleeper in perfect spine and airway alignment off their face.(value: $200)

Check out this hilarious "Sorry Mom" video to find out why every Mom deserves a Good Night's Sleep!

6) Pamper Mom with all-natural skincare products made with love (and fresh goat's milk!) in PEI by The Great Canadian Soap Company. An assortment of sweet-smelling luxurious scrubs, balms, creams and soaps. Yummy! (value: over $ 60)

7) Nothing beats a new fragrance for Spring! A Canadian classic made by Fragrance Dutal in Quebec: Kimono by Simon Chang. A beautiful gift set containg an Eau de Toilette, body lotion and shower/bath gel. Pampering at it's very best! (value: $ 104)

8) An last but definitely not least: natural health products made in B.C. by Enzed Nutricorp. How awesome does this sound: Relax-Eze (soothing & calming formula), NITE-Eze (sleep inducing formula) and Anthocin, an immune-boosting formula to keep Mom healthy. (value: $ 100)

Total value: over $ 950.00 !!!

To enter the giveaway, do as many of the 3 following things as possible, as they each count for one entry. The more the merrier (and luckier)!

• Leave us a comment below telling us what you love the most about your Mom (Comments are moderated, so don't panic if your comment doesn't show up right away!);

Follow us on Twitter and mention the following: @BuyCndianFirst loves Moms #madeincanada;

Like us on Facebook.

The giveaway ends on Saturday, May 12th at 5:00 PM ET. We will pick one name at random from all entries and the winner will be announced on Mother's Day, Sunday May 13th.

Good luck!

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED. CONGRATS TO OUR WINNER: BRAD, FROM GUELPH, ON.

Images courtesy of Buy Canadian First members, as listed.