Buy Canadian First - Your destination for good shopping

Dogs are awesome companions. They get us up off the couch and enjoying the outdoors, they cheer us up, help us out and improve the quality of our life. In return, all they want is TLC and healthy food & snacks. That's not too muck to ask, is it? 

I was instantly sold when I read about these made in Canada dog treats, "...the benefit of treat giving with the ultimate peace of mind." Perhaps this statement from BioSnax regarding their functional and healthy treats for dogs resonated with me as that is how I feel about feeding myself and my family. Frankly, it shouldn't be anything but the same for our canine family members, should it?

According to Patricia and Nick Grillo, co-founders of Northern Biscuit Bakery, it started with a bag of Canadian flour, fresh beef liver and a real picky dog. They soon discovered that tasty and healthy treats begin with fresh and simple ingredients. They are passionate about finding the freshest ingredients supplied from local mills, growers and suppliers. This company is also committed to their community in another way: they work with their local Community Living Ontario to employ intellectually disabled people to affix the labels onto the bags.

I was the lucky one to receive some samples and even though I have not had a dog in my family for sometime now, I couldn't resist the opportunity to go far and wide to visit with some new and old puppy friends.

Merf is a lab cross who used to be my pup once upon a time. Now she lives happily on a big ol' farm in southern Manitoba with a great family. She chases rabbits, visits neighbors, receives lots of love and hangs out in the shop with the guys. We brought Merf a bag of BioSnax's Shiny Coat, which contains the omega fats from both flax and chia seeds to aid with dry skin and promote a silky smooth coat. I made the mistake of giving the bag of treats to my girls and before I knew it, Merf had eaten the better part of the bag of treats! Probably not a bad thing for a dog who enjoys spending a lot of time out doors in these cold dry winters.

This is Benny and he is a middle-aged city pug. Benny enjoys bones from the butcher, barking at dogs through the window, visiting his beagle cousin and hanging out with his human. I sent Benny the Fresh Breath BioSnax treats a combination that contains parsley, myrtle and Atlantic kelp all of which help with freshing breath, detoxifying and getting rid of bacteria. Benny sniffed and nudged the treat but to no avail, he was simply not interested. I guess we can't win them all, maybe future tries will change Benny's mind.

This is Aksel and he's just an awesome northern elkhound lab cross pup. He is quite affectionate, will jump all over you, adores running and if you open the door he will be gone in a flash! Aksel needed a little Zen in his life so I brought him the Calm treats from Biosnax. Calm is filled with chamomile to soothe as well as the amino acid trypotphan found in turkey. Aksel's human sent me a message stating Aksel loved the treats. He also said that he noticed the calming effect it had on Aksel and will be looking for the product the next time he is at the pet store.

The final bag from BioSnax is the hip and joint treats. This treat features New Zealand green lipped mussels tart cherries and glucosamine all to help build cartilage, reduce inflammation and ease the effects of arthritis. I thought of giving the final bag away to another dog, but l couldn't help but keep it. You see, I keep a few in my bag and when I come across a pup I pull out the treats and the information to share with the owner and pup. I mean, how could I not tell everyone about this great Canadian-made treat from a great Canadian company! 

What kind of treats do you give your dog?

Image credits: Northern Biscuits Bakery, willowcat, Benny's human, Aksel's human

Sallazzo!  I love the name of these Canadian-made, oh so comfy, slippers! I was thrilled to receive some of Sallazzo's slippers for me and my family, as they will keep our feet warm during the chilly Manitoba winter.

Speaking of family, Sallazzo (Big Star Sandy Shoes Inc.) is a family-run company manufacturing dance, fitness, gymnastics and everyday footwear since 195,9 when they vowed that their product would be not only the best on the market but hygienic as well.

In 2006 Sharon Albers bought the company and started to create these fabulous, sassy comfy slippers.

Sallazzo is a company who values quality products, attention to details, teamwork, and being all-Canadian. The rewards come from their satisfied customers, as seen in these awesome customer testimonials. Here are some of my favourites;

 

• "Dear Sallazzo, My 26 year old daughter has Down syndrome and has strange little feet, child size 13 and odd shaped as well. Whenever she would go to a wedding or party where dancing was happening, she would end up taking off the 'party shoes' and dancing in her bare feet, which in her words, was 'gross cause people spill stuff you know', and she is right, because we could never find a flat that fit her and stayed on her weird little foot, until now that is!!! Thank you Sallazzo for making a little flat that is comfy and stylish! Lauren is looking forward to taking hers for a test dance at a wedding this weekend!!!" 

• "I have been wearing my slippers everyday for 3 years problem free. When they get dirty I just pop them into the wash and they come out looking brand new!"

 

There are several reasons to wear Sallazzo, besides being comfortable and looking cute:

• This super comfortable footwear can help people with diabetes that need breathable footwear that protect their feet from cuts and other injury.
• They are great for the airport; you will not have to remove your Sallazzo footwear at security checkpoints and can wear them throughout your whole journey.
• People living with Downs Syndrome can often experience a orthopaedic problems. Sallazzo slippers can fit around any shape foot comfortably and fashionably with its elastic free stretchy nylon material. 
• Use them for dancing the night away whether on an evening out or your wedding day!
• Non-slip leather sole for safety, great for everyone!

So what do me and the girls think of our slippers??

 

We love them, and so do their friends! When my daughters' friends come over, someone always snags a pair of Sallazzo slippers to wear. I am not entirely convinced that we haven't lost a pair, they are so popular! I take them with me to the college so I don't have to wear my big winter boots all day. I adore that I do not feel the seams under my feet and truly forget that I am wearing them. When I look down and see the little bit of bling on the All dolled up model of slippers, I admit it makes me smile. My foot size is typically a nine and a half and I ordered a size nine in the slipper. It is a good fit though I may have been better with the 10. I suggest you measure your foot and compare it to Sallazzo's sizing chart for the best fit. You won't regret it... I promise! 

So when will YOU get a pair of Sallazzo footwear?

Images courtesy of Sallazzo and Andrea Willowcat. 

My biggest pet peeve when it comes to cars and winter is having to scrape the wiper blades off a frozen windshield. Arhhh!!!! Even if you can scrape off the ice from the windshield, ice clumps stay on your wiper blades attracting more of the same and eventually re-icing your windshield. It’s frustrating and exhausting, right? 

 

Buy 2 sets and get the second set at 50% discount, from now until December 31st 2012!

 

 

 

 

   

 

Soaperie Main de Nature came to light when Nicole Poitras of Quebec began formulating a detergent-free soap. After four years of trial and error, with her co-workers as her testers and evaluators, Nicole came up with an all-natural formula using fresh vegetables and fruit, gentle enough for everyone to use, including her dogs and horses. Join their facebook page for updates and the activities of the Soaperie.

Do you buy skin care products made locally?

Image credits: Buy Canadian First members Whistler Naturals, Organically Hatched, Natural Plantation, Pure Anada, Vidoma Naturals, Soaperie Main de Nature,  The Great Canadian Soap Co. 

I am not sure about the rest of Canada,  but I do know that the sweltering heat of Manitoba has us craving delectable, cold treats. It doesn't take much to break a sweat over here right now. So what Canadian treats can we get our hands on to keep us cool as the mercury soars?

What happens when Buy Canadian First member Ninette, a Canadian stay-at-home mom of seven children, decides to make ice cream? She makes the most dreamed of flavours ever that are low calorie and low fat: Cinnamon Apple Pie, Gingerbread Crunch, Raspberry Truffle, Mocha Almond Fudge, Thyme Lemon Fusion and Basil Lemon. I can only imagine scoops on waffle cones or homemade granola sprinkled over the Cinnamon Apple Pie! What about a Thyme Lemon milkshake? Oh be still, my taste buds! Sadly, I am unable to get Ninette's scrumptious ice cream here in Manitoba. In fact, outside of Quebec and eastern Ontario, the rest of us Canucks are out of luck. Don't dismay! If you Like the Ninette's facebook page,  you can enter to win a five pack of ice cream, valid anywhere in North America!!! Wouldn't that be a wonderful delivery? In the meantime, if anyone driving from Quebec or eastern Ontario is driving west with a few blocks of ice and a cooler, message me; I want one of each Ninette's flavours!

I may be unable to get Ninette's ice cream right now but I can still find some yummy ice cream locally and drizzle (or drench it) in Buy Canadian First member Crofter's  Organic Jellies, Spreads and Conserves. Wild Blueberries, Apricot and Super Fruit spreads are among the delicious flavours. Crofter's is environmentally conscious, and their fruit is organic and not genetically altered. Their cane sugar is also organic and sourced from ethical and environmentally friendly sources. I am dying to try these spreads on my plain Greek yoghurt, over vanilla ice cream or even a dollop on my oatmeal (though that's not a cold treat). While I know that I can pick up these jars of fruit preserves at local organic food stores and regular grocers, I can also have Crofter's delivered to my son, in British Columbia, or myself in Manitoba, through Buy Canadian First member Well.ca ! Be sure to join their facebook page  for updates and events.

Buy Canadian First member Soyummi  has healthy and wholesome, naturally sweetened desserts to indulge in on a hot day or anytime. Soyummi not only makes my favourite, tapioca pudding, with real tapioca pearls, they also offer Cherry, Chocolate, Rice and a limited edition Lime pudding. It is wonderful that they also use organic ingredients that have not been genetically modified. In fact, Soyummi has a long list of ingredients that they do not use in their products. I look forward to tasting their tapioca as I am not keen on making it myself from scratch. I guess that the proof is in the pudding! Catch them on Facebook!

While you are surfing Facebook, have a cup of my favourite, cold chamomile tea with crushed mint and honey over a mountain of ice, and make sure to come and visit us on Buy Canadian First's facebook page. Be the first to know about our latest blog posts, contests and great Canadian-made items!!

What are your favourite cold summer desserts and drinks?

 Image credit: Buy Canadian First members Ninettes Ice Cream, Crofter's Organics, Soyummi 

 

 

Karyn Climans: My name is Karyn Climans and I am the owner/creator of Tail Wags Helmet Covers . My husband Jeff and I have 2 wonderful sons: Josh is 21 years old and Daniel is 19. We have 2 dogs: a German Sheppard named Lucaya and a Golden Retriever puppy (11 months old) named Harley. My favourite colours are green (it represents nature) and tangerine orange (it’s a sunny colour).

GSB: What compelled you to start this business? How long have you been at it and where is it located? How many employees do you have?

KC: Following a serious ski accident in which my ski helmet saved my life, I wanted to create a product that would make it FUN for kids and adults to wear their safety helmets. I started my business in the basement of my Toronto home just over 6 years ago. Today, Tail Wags employs several part time seamstresses, a bookkeeper, graphic artist and photographer. In addition, as required, I hire high school students on an hourly basis to help tag and package the helmet covers.

GSB: How has the response been?

KC: If you told me 6 years ago that Tail Wags would grow into a company selling products internationally, I would never have believed you! The remarkable growth of my company is something of which I am very proud.

GSB: Why is being identified as a Canadian company important to you?

KC: Being involved in the design and creation of my helmet covers, every step of the way, is important to me. My brand is built on quality, so monitoring the production process closely is a priority. Finally, made in Canada products lead to more jobs for Canadians and, in this economy, that’s essential.

GSB: What advice would you give to a budding Canadian entrepreneur?

KC: Being an entrepreneur is a 24/7 job but the rewards are worth it. Although the first 3 to 5 years are the toughest, if you’ve got a good idea and you are passionate about what you’re doing, stick to it! Your hard work will pay off.

GSB: Is there something you can tell us about that we might be surprised to know about you?

KC: I never dreamed of being an entrepreneur because I always assumed I’d work for someone else as a teacher or lawyer, however, now, I can’t imagine working for anyone else. I love the freedom and challenge of running my own business!

Thanks for sharing some of your fascinating entrepreneurial experience, Karyn! Here's how to enter to win the Tail Wags Helmet Cover of your choice:

• "Like" the Tail Wags facebook page 
• Tell Buy Canadian First on our Facebook page  what design you like the best. (Check them all out at www.tail-wags.com!).

I can't believe summer is almost over ALREADY! Wasn't it just yesterday that we were putting out the patio furniture and planting the vegetables in the garden?  And now we're working on getting the kids back to school. Crazy...

Thankfully, the late-summer weather is beautiful today and perfect for a Montreal-Ottawa-Montreal drive. I had the pleasure of doing 2 segments on /A\ Morning in the capital this morning: all about back-to-school, made in Canada! As usual, we drove up the night before so we could enjoy an evening in Ottawa. This time around, we stayed at the Canadian-owned Delta Hotel on Queen Street. While my husband and son headed out for dinner, I ordered room service and went over my notes for the next day's segments. The grilled veggie sandwich they brought up to my room was out of this world! Just enough Cambozola cheese, and lots' of great veggies. YUMMY! Next time you're in town, do yourself a favour and stop-by for one of those. I promise you will not be disappointed!

First segment:

 Watch it here.

In the first segment, we featured a really nifty new (to me) product: liquid vitamin D supplements made in Ontario by Ddrops Company. In recent years, after being told to stay out of the sun by the entire medical establishment, it now seems that many Canadians are suffering from Vitamin D deficiency! You see, vitamin D is the sunshine vitamin. So now, we either stay in the sun to get the vitamin D (bad) or stay out of the sun and take supplements (good). If your family is like mine, no one likes to take "pills", even if they are just vitamins. But now, no need for that. Ddrops has created liquid supplements for the whole family, and a single drop each day is all that is required. Add it to the morning juice or coffee, and you're done for the day! No one even needs to know it's in there: the drops are odorless and tasteless. They are also preservative-free, sugar-free, wheat-free, gluten-free, soy-free, corn-free, milk-free and peanut-free. LOVE THAT!

Next up are those great ice packs to keep our kids lunches fresh, cool & safe to eat. I love the Cryopak ice packs: super-durable, they come in many different sizes and colours, making it easy for everyone to keep track of their own! Also, they are very affordable and are sold in many dollar stores across the country. Buying Canadian on a budget: AWESOME! Manufactured by Montreal-based Cryopak for over 40 years, they are must-haves in my house.

And finally, eco-friendly school supplies made in Quebec by a truly green company: Storex. Since 1998, Storex has been manufacturing an ever-expanding line of PVC-free office and school supplies. PVC is often found in imported plastic items and has been linked to learning disabilities, cancers, etc. But none of that at Storex.  Want to hear something even better: all their products are recyclable! That's right, when you're done with them, simply pop them into your recycling bin and they will have a brand new life as something completely different...or as a new version of themselves! Because, guess what, their products are actually made from recycled material! The percentage of recycled material in each item varies from 25% to 100%, depending on the product. Bright, cheerful and colourful products that can even be personalized with your company, school or team logo. VERY COOL!

Second segment:

Watch it here. 

After a quick commercial break (during which my hair got all messed up and I had no idea the camera was rolling while I was trying to fix it...lol) , we were back with a truly sensational product line: I.C.E. tags (In Case of Emergency). They say the best products are always the simplest, and I agree with that. There is nothing simpler that these tags, and at the same time, they can truly be life-savers. Think about it, if something were to happen to you or a loved one, how would emergency personnel know who to contact? Um... good question. Ottawa-based  Gwen Staltari has the answer: personalized tags listing 2 names and phone numbers of people to contact In Case of Emergency. She has a complete (and still expanding) line of products to fit all needs: wallet cards, key rings, dog-tags (for humans, not dogs!) and my favourites: ones you attached to your helmet or loop your shoelaces through. Affordable, simple and invaluable: something every family member should have. Thanks for thinking about it Gwen, I'll be ordering a family-pack!

As usual, thanks to all the Buy Canadian First members who participated and a great big thank you to the amazing crew at /A\ Morning. See you soon!

Images courtesy of Buy Canadian First members Ddrops Company, Cryopak, Storex and I.C.E. In Case of Emergency.

Back from another fun Made-in-Canada adventure on A Morning in Ottawa! As usual, my husband and I drive down from Montreal the night before and enjoy a nice relaxing evening in our nation's Capital. As we both have businesses and lead very busy lives, we welcome the time we get to spend together. This time around, we stayed at the Indigo Downtown Hotel on Metcalfe Avenue, within walking distance of the Parliament. I had never heard of it, but what a great place! A boutique hotel, very chic and simple all at once, beautiful design and great big rooms with great big beds! Next time you're in Ottawa on business or pleasure, do yourself a favour and check it out. You won't be disappointed!

So, off we went to the studio for 7h10. Just in time to set-up on the patio and ...action! Why does on-air time seem to pass so fast? I never understood that...Maybe it's because it's so much fun! Watch it here.

So today we featured gift ideas for Dad for Father's Day. Four companies and their products were featured:

Lawn care products made in Ontario by C-I-L & Wilson (Premier Tech):

Multi-bit screwdrivers made in B.C. by Picquic Tool Company:

Closson Chase wines from Ontario's Prince Edward County:

Cycling apparel made in Quebec by Louis Garneau:

What will you be giving your Dad on Father's Day? Any other suggestions of products made in Canada? How about something handmade? Please share them with us!

P.S. In case you're wondering, I am wearing a dress made in Toronto by Lundstrom. Love their designs; so classy & comfortable.

Images courtesy of Premier Tech, Picquic Tool Company, Closson Chase Winery and Louis Garneau

Great to be back in Ottawa! I love that city, especially now that my stepson and his family have moved there. We're always looking for an excuse to visit and hang out with Junior (baby Kevin, 14 months old and ADORABLE). Yes, I'm a Step-Grandma and loving it! But I digress...;-)

I had a blast on /A\ Morning, showing-off some great products made in Canada, as usual! Today's theme was Outdoor Living...and hoping for sunnier skies!

You can watch the video here.

Featured were:

Gardening tools and accessories made by Garant in Quebec. I was blown away to learn that this company has been manufacturing in Canada  for 116 years! That's amazing! We featured their Botanica line of tools designed for smaller spaces... or smaller hands! Love that lime green, don't you?

And what about that cute Tubby, to carry around the garden when you're weeding, raking, fertilizing, etc. Just hose it down when you're done! 

Solid maple baseball bats made by Sam Bat in Ottawa. This is a true success story. Not only does this company supply baseball bats to the MLB, but they also export to over a dozen countries where Baseball is king! Plus, Sam Bats are the official baseball bats of Australian Baseball!  Just fantastic! The bat featured this morning, the 2K1 (or 73) is the same model as the one used by Barry Bonds to break the record of most home runs in one season!

A summer classic: Mr. Freeze, made by Kisko in Ontario. Makers of everyone's favourite frozen treat since 1977, Kisko is forever etched in our childhood memories as the best way to cool down on a hot summer's day! New this year, 2 healthy additions to their product line: The Welch's frozen juice bars and the Kisko Plus which has added calcium and Vitamin D. The kiddies will never know something that tastes so good is also good for them!

And finally, the most gorgeous summer dress I have ever worn: a tie-front dress made by Lundstrom in Ontario. Part of their new Lundstrom Collection, it is a real pleasure to wear: beautiful fabric, great design and soooooo comfortable! Originally founded in 1974 by the award-winning designer Linda Lundstrom, the company operates a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Toronto. Check-out their latest collection here.

As always, the crew of /A\ Morning, headed by Producer Extraordinaire Ziyada Callender, do a great job of supporting their immediate community as well as embracing the greater Canadian picture. Koodos and thanks for a great time! See you next month for great Father's Day gift ideas...made in Canada!

What about you, are you getting ready for summer (or Spring at least) ?

Images courtesy of Buy Canadian First members Garant, Sam Bat, Kisko and Lundstrom.