Buy Canadian First - Your destination for good shopping

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

Paper People Perfect!

Samantha here, back for week 2 of our Made-in-Canada fashion series! If you missed last week's post, check it out here.

The art of creating a garment is a tricky task involving creative and intricate hands-on knowledge. The Canadian label Paper People Clothing takes this one step further each season, by creating clothing from clothing. When we don't want old clothes, we try to recycle, donate and pass it on in hopes of clearing our wardrobe and our conscience. We thoughtfully deliver unwanted items to second hand stores, charity events, clothing swaps and fabric recycling programs however much of will end up in a landfill. With waste reduction and the environment at the forefront, Paper People Clothing designs by only using reclaimed clothing and environmentally conscious textiles.

Paper People Clothing is based in Toronto, ON and was founded in 2001 by designer Jennifer Fukushima. The line launched by creating handmade handbags and accessories from reclaimed material; however the vision of Fukushima progressed to a full clothing brand. During her studies in fashion design at Ryerson University, Jenn enhanced her portfolio from handbags to designing clothing. After learning about sustainable design practices and textiles, Fukushima decided to fully incorporate them into her brilliant designs. It is amazing the way these responsible designs fit your body and make you look! They are truly "feel good" clothing!

Today Paper People Clothing is sold at over 30 locations across North America. With this wide audience, the number of dedicated followers of the brand continues to increase. This week they launched their online shop and now fans around the world can get their hands on these one-of-a-kind Canadian gems!

The Paper People Clothing Fall 2012 Collection is bright-coloured business wear with durability and style that is also perfect for any fall weekend event. All of the items designed by Jenn carry versatility in their structure complimented by understated details. Canadian designers know that you are making an investment in their designs, so the garments have been thought through for the highest wearability. Not only does the Maude Blazer  match your career wear, it can get you through the trails when it is paired with your favourite leggings, scarf and hiking boots! To read more on the Paper People Fall 2012 Collection visit Samantha Stylish and to dive deeper into the world of Paper People Clothing (and SHOP!!) visit PaperPeopleClothing

Exciting News! Enter to win these beautiful winter accessories from Paper People! Click here for information!

Images courtesy of Samantha Stylish

You heard me: don’t do it. They are addictive. Once you start, you won’t be able to stop. Trust me.

Shame on you, Canadian candy geniuses Chris & Larry... First it was the Clodhoppers , and now this? What are you thinking?! How can you create such dangerously-delicious snacks and still sleep at night? Think about us poor Canadians, rushing to our local Shoppers Drug Mart and Loblaws to stock up on these OMGs ! Have a little heart...

And what’s up with all that chocolate-covered graham cookie, diced almonds and toffee bits? What ever possessed you to blend it all up and break it into bite-sized pieces of heaven? Really, not cool. And as if the chocolate milk one wasn’t awesome enough, you had to also have a dark chocolate version? For us poor suckers who consume dark chocolate with reckless abandon, since it is so “healthy”. Well, that just won’t do.  

I warned you, fellow Canadians, my job is done. Now please excuse me, I need to go back to my half-eaten bag....Hands-off my made in Canada OMGs!

Image courtesy of OMGs.

It is Day 12 of our Cross Canadian Countdown and I am so pleased to have the opportunity to introduce Canadians across the country to some awesome Holiday gifts ideas made in Canada , on Monday December 12th, thanks to Canada AM!

Featured this morning (watch the segment):

1) MegaBloks building blocks from MegaBrands, available at Toys R Us and Walmart:

2) Convertible wooden sleigh from Millside Industries, available at Canadian Tire :

3) Backyard ice rink kits from RinkMaster, available online at RinkMaster :

4) Casual safety footwear from Mellow Walk, available at Mark’s, Mister Safety & Work Authority :

5) Jez-Elite leather apparel from Creations Jez, available in specialty retailers across the country:

6) Muttluks dog booties available at Pet Valu stores across Canada as well as specialty pet retailers:

This year, why not put Canadian-made under the tree? It’s the gift that truly keeps on giving....to your community, your environment, your country....

Happy Holidays!

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.

Have you heard of Pinterest? Pinterest is a platform to visually catalog things that you love. Their goal is to change the way people discover everything, from the products they buy, to the places they visit. They are currently in private beta, but millions of people already use Pinterest to plan their weddings, decorate their homes, and find gifts for friends. Right now, Pinterest is by invite only, but you can find out more by emailing Ben and requesting an invitation.

 

                 Made in Canada Backyard

I love Pinterest! It’s like my own cork board online, that I can PIN my INTERESTS to. I use it to compare prices on the same items, to create wish lists and even to make detailed dream boards! It’s a kabillion times better for me than ‘Favorites’ or ‘Bookmarks’ to keep track of what I’m interested in online. Think about how cool it would be to pin your weekly meal plan up, your favourite books or day trips you want to make!

The easiest way to pin an item is to use the Pin It bookmark. You can add it to your browser so that you can grab an image from any website and pin it to one of your pinboards. Then Pinterest automatically grabs the source link so that the original creator can be credited!

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To show you how cool it is, I made a Pinterest Board of what I would love to have in our back yard. I went to Google and specified that the items had to be Made in Canada, of course. So my searches looked like “made in Canada deck pond’ or 'made in Canada hammock’. Then, when I found something that I liked, I pinned it to my Board! Voila!

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What do you think of this as a way to shop?

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:: images courtesy of Buy Canadian First member Lee Valley, For the Birds Nature Shop, Sears Canada ,  Cedar Shed and The Modern Shop .

We visited the library the other day, with with the kids from the daycare. Trying to amuse them indoors after another day of 35 below weather, we decided to treat them to a film. I didn't really want to watch the cartoon so I grabbed a book from the shelves. It wasn't by accident I picked the one that I did as I was curious about what the author had to say. I had no commitment to reading the book in its entirety. I just wanted a little escape from Franklin the Turtle and to just flip through the pages. The book I chose was Mars and Venus Together Forever. I was curious to see what the hype was all about. It sucked me in and I couldn`t put it down even though some parts were a little cheesy.

"Hmmm", I thought. Could it be  as simple as appreciation and communication? I don't know, but it sounds like a great start! So, on Valentine's Day, to show our appreciation for the men in our lives, here is my top 5 great Canadian made gifts for your man.

1. The Chevrolet Camaro - Oh yeahh! Find out all the details on the Buy Canadian First member page of the Chevy Camaro. Gorgeous, safe and efficient! Think of all the fun you'll have cruising around!

2. Lucky Strike -  The things that we have in common glue us together and the things we don`t, keep us interesting. As much as a couple are stitched together and, somedays they are all that the other needs, we still need to do the things we enjoy as individuals. So whether it be golf, woodworking or fishing, get him a small token like these great lures from our member Lucky Strike to encourage him to take some down time doing the things he enjoys.

3. Go hide in your cave - So your Mister comes home at the end of the day and you are filled with information; important dates, tales from the day, a rant or two and of course, we can`t forget to tell him to take out the trash. You can`t help but notice that he`s not quite there. Instead he is occupied with the news,  the sports updates or the newspaper rather than giving you his undivided attention. In the book, it is described as `being in the cave` and eventually he`ll emerge and be all ears, but while he`s there, consider some books from his favourite authors at Chapters-Indigo or a subscription from Canadian Magazines to help take his mind off the day.

4. The summer position - Just as an armchair in the living room is a welcomed treat so, too, would be comfy seating for the balmy summer days. Imagine a sultry, summer evening of giggling children, a thirsty garden, a thirsty couple enjoying some beer (my pick would be from Half Pints Brewing Company),  watering the garden, hand in hand, while lounging in this great love seat lodge chair by Jardinique. Those are the days you'll remember 40 years from now.

5. Sleep on it - We spend one third of our lives in bed sleeping and what not, and as I age little, I find little comforts such as a good bed really make the difference. Treat your guy to the promise of a restful night (or *wink) with the fabulous line of mattresses from our member Essentia.

Really though, isn't that the truth for us all?  This Valentine's day, and, frankly every single day, don`t forget to smother him with tight squishy hugs and long slow kisses.

How are you telling your man you adore him? Share your Valentine day ideas with us.

Photo credits: Buy Candadian First members Chevrolet, Lucky Strike, Chapters Indigo, Jardinique, Essentia

Quote credits Gray, J. (1996). Mars and Venus Together Forever