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Driving in the Canadian winters can be such a challenge as most of us know. Whether it's ice or snow or freezing rain, road conditions can be very unpredictable. We need to be prepared in these conditions. Today, I will share a few of my tips for driving safely in the Canadian winters. 

First off, winter tires are a must have for safe winter driving (in Quebec, this is now the law). These tires have a deeper tread and are best on snow and ice. Goodyear still manufactures most of its winter tires in Canada. The deeper treading allows for the tire to clear the snow from it as it rotates. They also remain more flexible in colder temperatures as compared to an all-season tire. For maximum control on snowy and slippery conditions, it is recommended that you install four winter tires, even on a front-wheel drive vehicle.

There are ways to drive safer in the winter too. Ensure that you watch your speed and adjust your speed according to road conditions.  Slow down in really icy or snowy situations. Keep a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. Transport Canada has lots of excellent information about winter driving.

Many of us don't even think about the weather conditions outside when we go out to our heated garage and get in a warm car to go out. Before heading out on a long trip, it is advisable to check the weather conditions and road conditions. The Weather Network has a great page that breaks down this information by province and then you can further take it to you city. This way, you can be prepared before going out.

Also, make sure to call ahead before traveling. This way, someone will know to watch for you and ensure you arrive when scheduled.

A great new product made in Canada was just launched a few weeks ago: Dad's Wiper Covers. Slip them over your wipers to protect your wiper blades from freezing to your windshield. Simple and efficient!

There are a few must-haves that you should have in your car in case of an emergency. I call this my winter survival kit. This kit should contain:

• A cell phone and change for a payphone if the cell phone cannot be used;
• A first aid kit;
• A flashlight with batteries;
• A candle with a small tin can to keep it in and waterproof matches;
• A couple of granola or energy bars to snack on;
• A blanket;
• An ice scraper (check out Mallory Industries' line of scrapers and snowbrushes made in Canada);
• A shovel (Garant has a great Telescopic Emergency Shovel Snowbrush);
• Warning lights or road flares;
• Booster cables;
• Tow rope.

Of course, you should also carry along a snowsuit, winter boots, a warm hat, scarf and mittens.

If you do get stranded out in the winter, if you have a membership with CAA (Canadian Automobile Association) you can call their number to get roadside assistance. They will send a tow truck to help you regardless if it is a boost that you need or if you have a flat tire or need a tow.

One needs to be prepared for anything when driving in winter conditions. Please make sure you are well prepared and DRIVE SAFE!

Image sources: Flickr-Creative Commons, CAA

 

 

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!).

After renting a cottage last year and in anticipation of more made in Canada cottage adventures in the future, my husband thought it would be a good idea to take the Boaters Exam so we can rent a boat next time. With the Canada Day long weekend coming up, and the great weather we've been having, this would also be a fantastic time to go boating. You must have a Pleasure Craft Operator Card to operate any powered boat. What's great though, is that once you have the card, it's good for a lifetime. My husband used Boaterexam.com - taking the three hour, in-class course where the exam follows at the end and you get a temporary card right there if you pass.

Once you have the card you are ready to rent (or maybe even purchase) a boat. Please remember that everyone must be wearing a life jacket at all times while on a pleasure craft. Not having a life jacket will cost you $250 (each) if you’re stopped by a police marine patrol - but even more important is your safety. A good Canadian-made life jacket you can pick up is one from Buy Canadian First member - Salus Marine.

Abacus Sail adult life vest - Salus Marine

Many other pieces of equipment are required to be on a powered boat at all times, such as a sound-signalling device, a hand-bailer or manual pump, a buoyant heaving line and more. If the police stop your boat for a safety check you could be fined up to $200 for each piece of missing equipment. Boats can be rented for as little as one hour or as long as seven days or more, depending on what you are looking to do and how much you are willing to spend. Renting a boat is not cheap. Depending on the marina you are renting a boat from, you may have the option of having the boat delivered to where you are staying or, if the marina is on the same lake you wish to use the boat, you can pick the boat up there. While there is still some confusion on the subject, it's possible that you may not need a Pleasure Craft Operator Card to rent a boat. Sometimes you just have to fill out a rental boat safety checklist. Check with your marina on the subject before assuming anything, though.

If you plan on doing some fishing while on the boat, remember that your province may require you to carry a fishing licence. Don't forget some Canadian made fishing lures, too, such as those made by Buy Canadian First member, Lucky Strike.

Fishing Lure - Lucky Strike

To celebrate Canada Day and safe boating, we are giving away a Salus Marine life jacket (made in Canada, of course!) with a retail value of over $ 125.00!

How can you get your hands on that beauty? Simple, each of the following actions will give you one chance, so the more the merrier!

1) Like us on Facebook and leave a comment mentioning ''Salus Marine giveaway'';

2) Follow us on Twitter or DM us mentioning ''Salus Marine giveaway'';

3) Leave a comment below telling us what's your favourite thing made in Canada.

The winner will be picked at random the day before Canada Day. Good luck! 

by Stacey Kazmir

Images courtesy of Buy Canadian First Members Salus Marine and Lucky Strike.

Our pets; beloved companions that live to love. They may scratch our curtains or destroy our trash bins when we are not looking, but it doesn't mean they love us any less. In fact, our pets don't care what we look like, how we are dressed or what our bad habits are. So I say, for this unconditional love and everlasting companionship, our furry friends should never be overlooked during the holiday season.

Taking care of your pet includes more than a healthy dose of love and 'scratches'! You should include yearly vet visits, keeping vaccinations up-to-date, spay and neutering, identification, proper shelter, grooming, exercise, water and nutrition as part of your pets necessary needs.

Kibbles

Tell Fido and Boots that you love them all year round with good food. Proper nutrition fuels your pets the same way it does humans; offering optimum energy and preventing diseases. Find the right food for your cats and dogs with our members Acana and Orijen pet food by Champion Petfoods found at a local pet food store near you.

This is such a cute product, HOTdog Eau de Toilette by Fruits and Passion for your dog. Designed especially for fido's sensitive skin and sense of smell this product will leave him smelling of fruit, fig leaves and cedar, yummy!

Just like the winter leaves our skin begging for mercy, so does the dogs paw pads. Running and walking in the elements leaves little moisture in those pads. Tanzilla has a fabulous Yukon sled dog pad & paw treatment, it was designed for sled dogs, but will most certainly keep your pooch's paws from feeling the effects of winter.

Accessories

Jazzing up your cat, dog and even horse is an effortless task with Hotdogs all Dressed . Collars, leashes and harnesses are available in different styles and oodles of colours with your choice of adornments. 

Keep your dog cozy and cool in this Roots Leather Dog Jacket, I think the picture says it all! 

Who doesn't enjoy a little bling? Along with your pets tags and identification, give him a little charm from Paw Purr Bling.

Sporty Dawg

In Canada, swimming (zany polar bear clubs) and surfing occurs all year round! While I am not suggesting you and your pooch go take a holiday dip, I am bringing your attention to a fabulous product. Skippy dog life vest by Salus Marine is a great addition to your dog's essentials especially in the summer. Boating, fishing and just bopping around in the water will be so much more fun-and safe.

And why not do a little baking for your pooch?

Handmade stocking stuffer

Homemade carrot crunch dog treats

2 cups of carrots, peeled, boiled and pureed
Add 2 eggs and,
2 tablespoons of minced garlic.
Mix until you get a smooth batter.
Add 1 cup of rolled oats,
2 cups of rice flour and,
Add 1/4 cup of wheat germ.

Roll out and cut into bars. Bake at 300 degrees for 45 minutes. Allow it to cool. This is really crunchy. You could brush with egg before popping them into the oven for the glazed finish.

Remember your treats should be hard and chewy since they are a tool to clean your dog's teeth.

Recipe by blogger plentyofpuppies

The Holidays are a wonderful time of year but we can't forget that there are several hazards that accompany the season. Lilies, poinsettias, holly and mistletoe can all pose health risks to your pet if ingested. Find out more at the City of Guelph website.

Happy Holidays!
Belly scratches to all!

 Image sources: willowcatstudio, BuyCanadianFirst.ca

Ah, sweet summertime, children running about all day playing in the sprinklers, skipping rope in the front street, street hockey in the back lane... what? What do you mean whose children am I talking about? Is the scene in your house more like a bunch of sloths sprawled across your floors and sofas, loafing around watching TV and playing video games? As a child I was playing outside in my neighbourhood rather than watching television or playing my Atari (!) system. Perhaps it is the 24/7 availability of children's programming, state of the art game systems, mind blowing graphics, busy parents, lazy parents, safety issues and whatever else but kids are less active these days and it shows with a growing rate of obesity and diabetes in children. In fact type 2 diabetes was once considered an illness for the aging is now affecting children and young adults at an alarming rate, see some statistics and information here.  

Here are some great items that are also made in Canada that will get the kids and their parents playing, creating and having fun!

• Test your slow pitch arm with Pro-Am Sand Bag Game from Buy Canadian First member Bojeux
• Boogie all day long with Bobs and Lolo available from member Organically Hatched
• Hone your putting skills or your slap shot with great products from our member DOM Sports
• Gather all the kids and have a neighborhood baseball game using Combat Youth Baseball Bat - B2YB  from member Combat Sports.

For more fantastic summer ideas be sure to check out these creative and talented Canadian bloggers too:

Outdoor Activities 

• How to play hopscotch by  Quiet Fish
• Butterfly Feeder by Our Big Earth
• Can Stilts from Hudsonny

In the Kitchen

• Rhubarb Juice Concentrate from Bovine Bubbles and Hogwash
• Popcorn Ball from FiveForty  
• Perfect Lemonade from Canadian Parent

Arts and Craft

• Stenciled T-Shirts from RikRak
• Secret Fold Note Book from My Hand Bound Books
• Cornstarch Clay Activity from High On craft

There is no excuse Canada to not get kids and grown-ups in motion! Be sure to inquire into the summer activities at your local community centers, parks and pools. Seek adventure and have fun!

PS: In case you still run out of ideas here are hundreds more from author, illustrator and guerilla artist Keri Smith 

So where are you going this summer? Do you have a destination or are you going to see where your spirit guides you? Regardless if you are going far or near a road trip is an original favourite for the summer vacation, it a thrill to just to head out on the highway! Let's assume that you have already taken your car in for a full check up; fluid top up, tire inspection, filters cleaned, hoses and belts checked as well as a spare tire and the knowledge to change it. This is usually done during your annual car tune up but if you have any questions call your mechanic. Once your transportation is purring like a kitten, it's time to pack the rest of the car.

Here are some road-trip essentials to bring along:

Sunscreen - The windows of your car will not protect you from the sun this includs your lips. Try the Livacious Lip Balms, by Glengarry Gardens the ingredient Sea Buckthorn has shown to be a natural sunscreen. Keep your lips safe and smoochy soft. 

Journal - A picture says 1,000 words but sometimes a few hilarious words are all that's needed. Along with snapping photographs keep a travel log to collect postcards, ticket stubs, pressed flowers and fun stories of your journey. Ecojot manufactures a varied selection of books and other paper products made entirely on 100% post consumer waste and vegetable based inks.

Food and Drinks - Eating truck stop and fast foods can not only get expensive but turn your belly too. To keep your moods, health and bellies happy stock up on water and snacks. Try Jakeman's Maple Almonds, bake some of Melissa's banana, cranberry, chocolate chip muffins or while on your journey, stop at local farmers markets (check-out our buy-local series of posts) to stock up on fresh fruits, vegetables and snacks.

Boredom busters - Long journeys can be a little dull while stuck in the car, so be sure to stock up on some mags by looking for the Genuine Canadian Magazine logo from member Magazine Canada.

Canadian books and music from Chapters Indigo. We love the audiobooks for driving at night on the highway. Here is my all canadian playlist for you, I want to know what you would add to it! 

1. The Poppy Family - Which Way you Going Billy
2. Rufus Wainwright- Across the Universe
3. 5440 - Ocean Pearl
4. Feist - Sealion
5. Simple Plan - When I'm Gone
6. Spirit of the West - If Venice is Sinking
7. Crystal Castles - Crimewave
8. Great Lake Swimmers - Your Rocky Spine
9. Tegan and Sara - Walking with a Ghost
10. Blue Rodeo - Lost Together
11. Big Sugar - Turn the Lights On
12. Lost Fingers -You Shook me all Night Long
13. Corb Lund - Time to Switch to Whiskey

Your road trip is all about fun but we cannot dismiss the value of safety and being prepared. Please ensure you have a first aid kit, GPS system or current maps and someone to check-in with whether they are at home or your destination. Be realistic about how long it will take you to reach your destination and allow for times to stretch and sleep and, of course, always buckle up.

Here in Manitoba the threat of emergency has, for the most part, abated. The flood waters have ravaged communities across the Red River valley and to the north into the interlake area, people are taking stock of the damage or are grateful to have stayed safe.

Now Manitobans are waiting. Waiting for the waters to recede so the highways can open up, linking our individual communities once again and waiting for the ennui to pass. Canada is not immune to natural hazzards like, ice storms, rock slides, earthquakes  and more but now there is alarming news of a possible (global) pandemic  a unique influenza strain that has been dubbed the Influenza A (H1N1), keeps the nation's curiosity piqued. There is always a possibility of a disaster or an emergency occurring at any given moment how prepared are you?

The news is all buzz with the Influenza A(H1N1) (formerly known as the swine flu) that on April 29, 2009 was upgraded to a level five risk (a pandemic is looming and countries must confirm preparations to deal with the outbreak of Influenza A (H1N1) with the World Health Organization (WHO). On occasion pigs will pass a virus to a human and then it is possible that the virus will mutate into a strain that is easily passed from person to person. Public Health Agency of Canada recommends the regular precautions against this or any other flu; wash your hands regularly, cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or in the crook of your elbow and stay home if you are ill. If you are feeling sick, especially with respitory symtoms like difficulty breathing and coughing, contact your doctor. In the meantime give your immune system a little boost with a great diet, proper rest and drink lot's of water.

What if a pandemic or a natural hazzard keeps us from leaving the house? Have you seen the "72 Hours.....is your family prepared?" campaign? Launched by Canada's public safety minister The Honourable Peter Van Loan it is ‘designed to improve Canada's readiness to prepare for and respond to an emergency by mobilizing families to take three practical steps'; Know the risks, make a plan, and get a kit.

2) In case of emergency remember the plan! Every Canadian household should have an emergency plan stating what to do incase of emergency. Details like safe escapes from your home and neighborhood, a safe meeting place and the location of your fire extinguisher, water valve, electrical box, gas valve and floor drain all need to be addressed and known. The plan can be completed online or printed and completed in pen.

3) Get a kit. Being prepared and secure for 72 hours (3 days) is vital so that you are able to sustain yourself while emergency workers are aiding people who are in need of urgent care. Your basic kit should contain; 2 liters of water per person per day, non-perishable food items for everyone, manual can opener, batteries and flashlight, windup or battery powered radio, first aid kit, special needed items (medicinal needs, baby items, etc.), extra keys for your house and car, your emergency plan and Cash as ATM and credit cards may not function. The idea is to try and have your kit in a bag in case you have to leave the house. A backpack is ideal. It is recommended to include these items, like candles and clothing as well but you can also buy ready made kits that you can later customize to your family's needs.

Get on board! Be prepared and feel safe and at ease, even in an emergency.

Today we are highlighting and celebrating another Buy Canadian First member and announcing our second giveaway (more on that at the end of this post).

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Aroma Crystal Therapy was founded by Jane Janzen in 1989. This is when she opened a stand at the renowned Salt Spring Saturday farmer's market in Salt Spring Island, British Columbia. Using her knowledge of natural plant elements, tinctures and bio-electric technologies she was inspired to create alternative body care products. This was so her family could have access to safe and clean, natural products. Aroma Crystal Therapy is now well known in both Canada and the United States.

The goal of Aroma Crystal Therapy is to create balance and abundance by supporting health and well-being. This is done by using energetically enhanced aromatherapy products. They use only 100% pure essential oils, and the finest plant extracts. Their products are manufactured in Vancouver, B.C. under the strict guidelines of GMP and Health Canada. 

Here are a few of the wonderful products that Aroma Crystal Therapy has to offer.

Gardener's Dream Cream is a great product to use year round. Especially at this time of year, we are working outside and can end up with rough, dry and irritated skin. It is made with essential oils such as lavender, peppermint, rosemary, cinnamon, eucalyptus and rosemary - each with its own health benefits. Oils such as shea butter, sunflower oil and grapeseed oil all benefit the skin as well.

Our lips can suffer and get neglected and chapped year round.  Aroma Crystal Therapy has Crystal Clear Lip Saver to help alleviate dry, chapped lips.

Mother's Day is fast approaching. How about giving mom an Aroma Crystal Therapy gift basket filled with luxurious products.

You can learn more by visiting Aroma Crystal Therapy's Member profile page here. Have you tried their products? If you have, leave us a comment here but don't forget to rate and review the products you have tried in the catalogue!

And now for the fun part! The Giveaway! The good people at Aroma Crystal Therapy have created a gift basket for us to give as a prize to one of our lucky readers!

The basket includes:

• A 6 oz. tube of Gardener's Dream Cream - The award-winning Gardener's Dream Cream is made from 100% natural ingredients and pure essential oils and combines the benefits of vibrational and aroma therapy.  It provides amazing moisturizing for all skin types and so much more. Customer's have used Gardener's Dream Cream for weird rashes, muscle & joint pain, edema, skin conditions and soothing massages.
• A jar of Ohm - Ohm is a naturally nourishing, rich facial moisturizer which protects the skin and promotes a youthful complexion. Ohm acts as an effective barrier against pollutants and toxins that dry and age skin. The fragrant formula promotes circulation and helps to smooth fine lines and wrinkles with the power of 100% pure essential oils and extracts.
• 5 sample packages of the Gardener's Dream Cream.

What do you have to do to be eligible? You must leave a comment below, answering the following question: "What kind of Canadian-made products do you purchase the most and why?" and we kindly ask that you do as many of the things that are listed on the Get Involved page as you can. We cannot stress enough that without the support of consumers like you and of manufacturers and retailers like our members, we would not and could not exist. Please spread the word: Buying Canadian-made is everyone's business!

We will announce the winner next Friday, May 15th 2009.

THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED. WINNER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. 

I have to admit we have rarely sought out the advice of experts for rearing our kids. For us, me especially, parenting has been about following my instinct and getting to know and simply trusting my children. Our first was an easy going adventurous young boy who learned quickly, our youth combined with a different parenting style warranted us a raised eyebrow or 2 and warnings that we will be fostering spoiled and selfish behaviors. What we watched was a young boy who grew into an independent young man with goals and aspirations and the ability to make wise decisions for himself. Don't get me wrong he is still 15; mess scattered about his room, hours spent on the computer or video games, some sass and the occasional bout of selective hearing, which are all perfectly fine to me.

Raising baby naturally is a conscious choice made by many parents today. Topics like self weaning, baby wearing and co-sleeping are common words in the parental vocabulary, new words for old practices. Parents are not only concerned with their kids' emotional health but their physical health as well. Scares of contaminants or toxins in our foods, toys and hygienic products, and statistic showing an increase in food and other allergies are pushing parents and our culture to ‘greener' and natural solutions.

Baby wearing was a term coined by America's pediatrician Dr. Sears as he and his wife ‘wore' their children. Baby carriers have been around for centuries, as you can read in this article, but in more ‘cultured' societies, carried babies were less common. There was often the stigma that only the low income and status people carried their babies, but this is changing now. Buy Canadian First member Rolz & Sassy, designers of baby carriers, have a whole web page devoted to the benefits of carrying your baby with informative outside links. Babies who are worn cry less, learn more, and are protected from germs but these are only a few of many more compelling reasons. Rolz and Sassy have a stunning collection of fabrics and two styles, the ring sling and the sassy wrap, to choose from. If you haven't worn your baby today may be a good day to try her on! Rolz and Sassy items can be bought on their online shop, or in other e-shops and retail outlets.

Bath and body products contain harmful chemicals. Some shampoos contain something called methylisothiazoline, or MIT, and it has shown to cause nervous system disorders. Other substances include something called D4 and D5 (Siloxanes), while in small quarantines is allegedly not harmful to humans, the large waste loads from industry may pose a risk to fish and aquatic life. Buy Canadian First member ViDoma Naturals offers a wide selection of natural products for the whole family.

Their products are the combined knowledge of a certified aroma therapist and a clinical herbalist who work in the alternative health care field. ViDoma's full line of baby products include baby body wash, baby body lotion, baby bum cream, baby soft laundry soap and baby eczema lotion. They have sunscreen lotion and a child friendly, deet free Out & About (Insect Repellent) Lotion, that I am eyeing for my toddler. The wonderful thing about Vidoma's site is the full disclosure of ingredients accompanied by an ingredient information page, eliminating all doubt as to what you are putting on baby's skin. You can shop online at ViDoma's store or find a retail location near you.

If there was ever a time to reconsider where you buy toys for your baby perhaps it is now. With recent news headline shouting recalls for lead paint, loose magnets and other big manufacturing disasters it's sometimes scary shopping for toys. Buy Canadian First member Organically Hatched  has a fabulous handmade in Canada straight or knotted natural baby teether made of  Canadian maple and 100% organic cotton by Ringley. This combination is a wonder tactile contrast proving soothing to the teeth, interesting to explore and above all safe to chew. The Ringley teether is available online at Organically Hatched.

Raising baby naturally seems to just makes sense. I would love to read your own tips on the subject!