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Blog post written by: Kirsten Bartel

Your dog was skunked? No problem! Read our recent post entitled Tackling Aromatic Encounters - Preparation for information on how to make a home remedy to combat this problem, roll up your sleeves and get ready for the fun part! Oh and don’t forget those all important items of lavender, hops and herbs.

pour the solution over your dog, often using sponges will help in the process, and massage well into the fur. Make sure none of the bath water gets into your dog's eyes or face as it is a very strong irritant. Gently wash the face by using a paper towel and soft strokes, ensuring to keep it out of the eyes and mouth. Also Hydrogen Peroxide should not be digested internally, so no drinking out of the tub! Leave the solution on the dog's fur for about five minutes and then rinse well. Pour the water out and make a new solution and repeat the entire process.

Optional: Many people use vinegar for the first rinse, then clear water, then do the second washing and then they repeat again. If you are using white vinegar, it is best to dilute it with water to minimize skin irritation. Apple cider vinegar is a good alternate solution as it has some medicinal properties and helps the fur.

If your dog was sprayed directly in the face, make a thorough inspection of the eyes, call your veterinarian if at all possible, and rinse her eyes with a natural saline eye drops or artificial tears. You may want to use some drops for yourself to ease the effect on your eyes from the strong skunk vapours. The spray from the skunk is extremely irritating and can also cause some nausea.

Dry the dog off with some eco-friendly paper towels and old towels (it is best to not to use your best bath towels for this). Dispose of any items which are unsalvageable in bio-degradable bags.

After you get the smell out, it is a good idea to use natural Oatmeal and Aloe shampoo to revitalize the skin and fur. Your dog's fur may bleach from the solution and may shed more for about a month until it recovers, however, the wonderful aroma should be eliminated. Any lingering scent may come from the dog’s face but it will dissipate.

Lavender, Hops and Herbs

Now you are probably wondering where the lavender, hops and herbs come in? After such a wonderful ordeal, you will no doubt need to calm your nerves. Lavender oil is a great essential oil which calms the skin and nerves, for men, women and dogs. You can mix some up in water or try member's Tuscan Farm Gardens product Lavender Body Spray and spray it on the dog's bed and on yourself. Even better, use the spray for the dog and take a bath using their  Lavender Milk Bath, so you can relax and regain a sense of well-being while allowing the sodium bicarbonate to soothe your skin.

The solution is strong and although you should be wearing gloves, some solution may make it's way into your gloves and could roughen up your hands. If so, don't worry. You can get the care you need, all the while also supporting made-in-Canada brands: Buy Canadian First has members who manufacture and sell some pretty great hand and body lotions: Upper Canada Soap has an amazing hand care collection called All About Hands. Through our retailer Well.ca, try Ella's Botanicals Yummy Almond Hand and Body Lotion. You can also check out Canus Goat's Milk product Canus Goat's Milk Moisturizing Lotion with Shea Butter or Mont-Echo Naturels, Inc. product purSea Hand Lotion.

Afterwards, have a fine relaxing herbal tea, such as member Nature Bella's product Algonquin peace tea by Mother Earth herbal teas.

If you feel you need something stronger, hops is also a great herb for relaxation (seriously). You can buy some in bulk at your local health food store. Or perhaps a nice bottle of beer from one of our local microbreweries may fair you well. A Boréale perhaps? The Quebec-owned microbrewery, Les Brasseurs du Nord, have six ale-type beers with a lot of character to help you chill. Or maybe a choice selection from la microbrasserie Unibroue, such as a Maudite or Fin du Monde, since no doubt you thought it was the end of the world until you were completely free of that smell!

Source: Flickr Creative Commons, Oakley Originals, Flickr Creative Commons, Selma Broeder, BuyCanadianFirst.ca, Nature-Bella.com

Blog post written by: Kirsten Bartel

Even with the best intentions of preventing such an encounter, unexpected things can unfortunately happen — especially when you own a curious pooch — and your greatest fears may be realized:

You or your dog, or worse, both of you met a skunk!

Don’t panic. Just remember to be prepared and to know of a simple home remedy for that lovely aroma these creatures leave behind on our dogs and ourselves.

To recover, you will need the following:

• One skunked dog
• Hydrogen Peroxide 3% solution: You may want to  have two bottles of Canadian-made Résérvé Hydrogen peroxide 10 Volume 450ml, manufactured by Groupe Pharmessor in Boucherville, Quebec, in the house as a topical antiseptic for minor wounds and skunk emergencies
• Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda): Try Canadian made Eco-Pioneer Pure Baking Soda by Verve Naturals

• Dishwashing Liquid: Buy Canadian First member Attitude has amazing environmentally-friendly, biodegradable and non toxic dishwashing liquids, available in Grapefruit & Bergamot or Ylang Ylang & Lime. Any citric dishwashing will do, just make sure there is no tea tree oil in the product you choose as tea tree oil can be toxic to pets.

Other useful items:

• Rubber gloves & rubber boots: Try these Waterproof Rainboots available from Buy Canadian First member Rallye Footwear Inc.
• Vinegar: President's Choice The Natural Vinegar (white vinegar) can be used if diluted with water, or Apple Cider Vinegar. You can learn more about the Vinegar Market in Canada by reading articles on the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada web site.
• Bio-degradable Plastic bags
• Paper towels: Buy Canadian First member, Cascades Inc. makes some wonderful products. Check out their Cascades Enviro 100% Recycled Paper Towels, which are made without new tree pulp
• Old Towels
• Toothpaste: Any brand will do, but you may want to check out Buy Canadian First member Green Beaver's natural toothpastes, such as the Green Beaver Green Apple Toothpaste

• Sponges: Try Buy Canadian First member Polyad Industries Ltd. various collections of sponges, such as the The O’Maré® Seahorse™ Sponge Collection - sponges which will pamper the skin and foam up with minimal soap, Equest® Sponge Collection - great for bathing horses or skunked dogs, or the SOAKER® Sponge Collection, all by SOAKER® Seahorse™
• Dog Shampoo: an oatmeal and aloe shampoo would be good to soothe the skin and help the coat
• Lavender, hops and herbs

The procedure
Step one - Preparation

First do not let the dog, or anyone who was sprayed, in the house or car. Then mix the following concoction together:

1 litre Hydrogen Peroxide 3% solution
50 ml (1/4 cup) sodium bicarbonate (baking soda)
5 ml (1 tsp) dishwashing liquid

But wait! What about the tomato juice, you ask? The best thing to do with tomato juice when it comes to skunks, is to pour it in a glass and drink it, or even better, get some Canadian invented Clamato Juice and Canadian vodka, like Polar Ice and mix yourself a Bloody Caesar, and take a sip. It may help in bracing yourself for the next step ;)

It is best to wear old clothes, rubber boots and especially rubber gloves so that you do not get the smell on your hands. If you should already have some from catching your dog, you can either put some toothpaste on your hands and rinse or wash them in the solution you just mixed together, then dry them with some eco-friendly paper towels, roll up your sleeves and put on your gloves.

Ready? Okay, now remember this important concoction and stay tuned, as in the next segment I will give tips on how to survive the actual bath!

Image sources: Flickr Creative Commons, Oakley Originals, Attitude, labonneattitude.com, BuyCanadianFirst.ca, Flickr Creative Commons, Kristen Taylor

Blog post written by: Kirsten Bartel

One of the marvels of living in Canada, and occasionally its challenge, is how we live side by side with our wild neighbours. Our vast land from coast-to-coast-to-coast is the habitat for a wide diversity of flora and fauna. Summertime to early Autumn in Canada is often filled with many joyous and memorable adventures, however, probably its least appealing attribute is that it is also a great time to encounter a skunk.

Striped Skunks are found across the country and are well known by all Canadians, urban and rural alike, whether we live in the Maritimes to British Columbia or even Nunavut. There may be some of us who have never actually seen a live skunk, but it is doubtful anyone does not know the distinct scent that can travel up to a kilometre in the wind from its source.

In general, skunks are not aggressive creatures and would rather avoid people than confront them, something which can be used to our advantage.

Prevention is always the best method of avoiding the skunk's wonderful perfume. Lights and sounds can temporarily discourage them from moving in, however, they are rather persistent creatures and, thus, permanent measurements are required to keep them out. Always ensure you have no skunks in the areas you are sealing before you permanently close the opening.

As with any wild animal prevention, it is always advisable to make your home and land less appealing to them:

( ) Limit "ready made" dens by blocking openings with wood and metal screens, burying the screens at least 15-20 cm into the ground to discourage digging
( ) Keep your yard uncluttered
( ) Opt for secure garbage and compost bin that have tight lids
( ) Make pet food, water dishes and food scraps unavailable at night

If an unwanted visitor has entered any part of your home or sheds, leave the doors as wide open as possible to allow them easy access to exits. Give them wide berth, and do not try to chase them out or startle them and keep your pets away as well as you may end up being sprayed.

To properly skunk-proof your living area, besides the raw materials of lumber and metal screens, you may also require the following items:

( ) A pair of good work gloves (Try these Canadian Deer Grain Work Gloves from Buy Canadian First member Sterling Gloves Company Ltd.)
( ) A measuring tape and metal cutters
( ) A saw (also available from Buy Canadian First member Trail Blazer Products)
( ) Nails or Screws
( ) Hammer or Screwdriver (perhaps a Canadian invented Robertson screwdriver?)

( ) A shovel or gardening tools (try Trail Blazer Garden Tools)
( ) A new garbage can with lid & bags
( ) A compost with secure lid (you can check out the Envirocycle Composter by Envirolet compost bin which is manufactured and assembled in Canada and has a latching lid)

Now you should be equipped to properly deter and prevent skunks from becoming tenants — Happy skunk proofing!

Source: Flickr Creative Commons Kevin Collins, BuyCanadianFirst.ca, Envirolet

Blog post written by: Kirsten Bartel

Are you a student? Have you ever thought of taking a volunteer vacation? This may be just what you are searching for!

Me to We is an organization which works with youth to help promote change by action. Schools can register their students, thus giving them the opportunity to help such organizations as Free the Children and travelling abroad to places like Kenya, Africa, to build schools, dig wells for fresh water, plant trees and more.

We Day was recently hosted in Vancouver on September 29, 2009, and now We Day Toronto has moved to the Air Canada Centre for Monday, October 5, 2009. Registration for tickets is closed, however, you can still catch a LIVE webcast on Monday, from 09:00 to 14:30 EST at ctv.ca/weday. We Day Hamilton will return to Hamilton Place, for the second year in a row, on November 5, 2009. This unique event is a celebration of the power to change the world, and is always attended by inspirational speakers and performers. At We Day Vancouver, His Holiness the Dalai Lama spoke to the 16,000 students who filled GM Place. Every one of the attendees at a We Day event is committed to help make the world better.

If you are attending university and wondering what you should do during the next summer break, wonder no more. Me to We Trips will offer you something unique, something that will impact your life. You will be able to apply knowledge you have learned during your school year to real life applications.

 Embark on a trip to a place like Kenya, Africa, and:

• help build a school so children can have a place to learn
• work at providing clean, safe drinking water for the communities
• learn about the traditional culture of another land
• participate in hands-on workshops to learn about issues in Africa

That is only the beginning. While there, you also get to experience and be awed by the natural environment around you. Spend evenings under starry skies and days taking a safari to see the wildlife — lions, zebra, wildebeest — living on the vast savannah. This will definitely be a trip filled with memories which will last a lifetime.

If you plan to embark on such a volunteer vacation, you will need to bring quite a few items. You can purchase great and meaningful apparel directly from the Me to We Style online store where fifty percent of all the proceeds will go to the Free the Children organization (and you'll be happy to know that everything is made-in-Canada too).

And be sure to check out some of the items we have here through Buy Canadian First members.

• First of all, a strong backpack will come in handy to carry your personal items. Check out the medium backpack from Fort McPherson Tent & Canvas.
• You then have to consider that you will be working and walking a lot, thus a good pair of work gloves and well-fitting hiking boots are also a must.
• The sun is stronger in Africa, and many of the places to which you would travel, than it is here, so a supply of good Lip Balm will also be important. Try the Honey Trap Lip Balms by Lush. We also really like the idea behind their Charity Pot Body Lotion. Lush selects different non-profit organization and to which they donate all the proceeds of their sales to. Lush hand-makes their products in Ontario and British-Columbia to ensure quality, they source their ingredients ethically from around the world and they generously give proceeds to charities, so you can help a cause each time you buy their products.

• Since the work you will be doing will require that you can move freely and efficiently, you will need to have a good pair of pants, such as the Sport Fit Pant by Respecterre, which will allow you the flexibility you need.

• Lastly, organic cotton clothing, such as those made by Attraction in their facilities at Lac Drolet, Quebec, will help show your commitment to the environment and the betterment of the world, as well as, wearing something which will breathe while you work.

Go out and try something new, join the cause, learn while helping others and exploring the world and realize what impact you can have on those around you.

Image sources: Flickr Creative Commons Stevie Withers, Flickr Creative Commons Greg Westfall, BuyCanadianFirst.ca

Blog post written by: Kirsten Bartel

Ah! Fall has arrived at last! A season when dog owners, and all Canadians across the country, can still rush to get outdoors without multiple layers of clothes and coats, or fear of sinking belly deep in snow ... Just yet. The joys of hiking in the wilderness, exploring the countryside and enjoying nature at its best with your canine friend is sure to put smiles on every face. Dog lovers across the country will attest that there is nothing quite like it.

Preparing for an outing is important, even if you don't have far to go. Five kilometres from home is still a fair hike if you find yourself in need of something which is laying on your kitchen table.

Some basics for a pleasant trek in the country with your pup:

( ) A Hat. Personally I love my "Handcrafted in Canada with Care" Tilley hat for sun protection, however, you can find others. Perhaps a made in Canada Blurr Flora Cap or a MEC Rover Hat from Mountain Equipment Co-op is more to your liking?

( ) Bio bags. Try eco-friendly bags such as those from Sacsmunger, Epi-global or Natursac.

( ) Rubber boots. I use the traditional Canadian Marshland Red Sole Rubber Boots from Canadian Tire, but you can also try these Waterproof Rainboots available from Buy Canadian First member Rallye Footwear Inc.

( ) Quality sunglasses

( ) Water. If you haven't done so already, get a refillable aluminium water bottle, like Otterbottles. Otterbottles are not Made in Canada (nobody seems to make aluminium or steel bottles in Canada) but they are a great Canadian company - They even received a thumbs up from David Suzuki!

( ) Waist / Backpack

( ) Basic first-aid items

( ) Sun screen

( ) Lip balm. Try Buy Canadian First member's products like the Clear Lip Saver by Aroma Crystal Therapy, Tuscan Farm Gardens Organic Lavender Honey Lip Balm, or Pursea Lip Balm.

( ) Natural bug repellant. I make my own but try the Natural Insect Repellent by Glengarry Gardens for yourself and maybe the Tuscan Farm Gardens Lavender Body Spray for your dog.

( ) Natural doggy treats (not essential but always appreciated)

( ) Leather leash and collar. I really like this leather dog lead and leather dog collar from Buy Canadian First member Roots.

And don't forget your camera! Even during short walks just this past week, I was able to sight a red-winged blackbird flying over the crop fields, a deer feeding in the early morning sunlight and a rainbow arching across the sky. You just never know what is in store for you, even in your own backyard.

Explore, discover and enjoy!

A camera is also handy to capture any antics your dog may decide to throw your way. Dogs In Canada magazine often has a photo contest and, who knows, you may just get that winning image!

Being prepared makes all adventures more enjoyable and that includes learning about your area and what natural wonders you can find. Summer to early autumn, as even urban lovers know, is a time when wildlife is in abundance. An encounter we all dread is one with our friendly neighbourhood striped skunk. You can't get more natural than a skunk, however, there are some things in nature we may like to live without.

 Image sources: Flickr Creative Commons, Jesse Yardley (Fotographix.ca), BuyCanadianFirst.ca

I just left CTV's studios in Toronto after a live appearance on Canada AM. You wouldn't believe how many things are going on all at once on the set! Congrats to a great crew that makes it all look so seamless on screen! In case you missed it, here's the segment

The theme was back-to-school with Canadian-made items. The products and companies featured were:

For kids:  

1) Basic workbooks, from Hilroy in Ontario

2) Recycled pencil case, from Eco-HandBags in Quebec

3) Lunch bag, from Eco-HandBags in Quebec

4) Ice-packs for lunch bags, from Cryopak in Quebec

5) Family organizer/calendar, from More Time Moms in Quebec

6) Multi-vitamins for kids, from BodyBreak in B.C.

7) Plastic lunch containers, from Era Group in Quebec

8) Rain boots, from Rallye Footwear in Quebec

9) Eco-friendly journals and workbooks, from Ecojot in Ontario  

And for Moms who got the kids back-to-school in time!  

1) Yoga wear, from Terrafrog in Alberta

2) A Day at the Spa, from LUSH in B.C.

Happy Back-to-School everyone!  

P.S. Yes, the dress I'm wearing is made in Canada. It's from Tristan's Summer 2009 collection. 

 Blog post written by: Joseph Wilburn

Si vous êtes un entrepreneur canadien, fabricant ou vendeur de produits faits au Canada, c’est à vous que je m’adresse.

Saviez-vous que vos concitoyens canadiens désirent vraiment faire affaire avec vous? Ils ont seulement besoin d’un petit coup de pouce pour trouver vos produits. C’est là qu’intervient Achetons canadien d'abord. Nous sommes un site Internet dont l’objectif principal est de bâtir une communauté qui lie les consommateurs canadiens aux fournisseurs canadiens (je parle de vous bien sûr!) afin de créer un petit paradis de magasinage «Fait au Canada»!

Nous pouvons présenter votre marchandise sur notre site Web et en discuter sur notre blogue The Good Shopper. Nos entreprises ont toutes besoin de se faire connaître un peu plus et de recevoir des commentaires de leurs clients n’est-ce pas? L’objectif de mettre un site en ligne tel qu’Achetonscanadiendabord.ca est d’augmenter la visibilité de produits de qualité faits au Canada dans un marché inondé par la publicité.

Venez donc jeter un coup d’œil à notre site! Si vous désirez obtenir un devis estimatif ou si vous avez des questions, n’hésitez pas à laisser un commentaire ici ou envoyez un courriel à Isabelle Remy, fondatrice {courriel: isabelleremy (arobas) buycanadianfirst (point) ca}.

Devenez un fournisseurs d’Achetons canadien d'abord et obtenez votre part du gâteau!

Photo: orange42, Flickr.com (creative commons)

 Blog post writen by: Joseph Wilburn

Nous les Canadiens suivons la mode de près n’est-ce pas? Je sais que la plupart d’entre vous pensez à Paris et à Milan dès que le sujet de la mode est abordé. Cependant, j’aimerais vous ramener sur ce côté de l’Atlantique quelques instants et attirer votre attention sur Montréal. Oui, Montréal. Je ne crois pas vous solliciter quelque effort particulier côté imagination. Permettez-moi de vous expliquer…

À titre de fournisseur vestimentaire canadien, ainsi qu'un fournisseur sur notre site, Tristan est tout simplement unique. En plus d’avoir son siège social au Québec, Tristan utilise les services de fabricants de textiles canadiens dans la conception de certaines de ses créations. Tristan a opté pour une stratégie d’harmonisation entre les sous-traitants asiatiques et les fabricants canadiens de textiles, ce qui représente un avantage pour ses clients. De plus, Tristan contrôle la conception, la fabrication et la distribution de ses propres collections.

Et bonne nouvelle pour nous les garçons, Tristan, en plus de sa ligne de produits pour femmes possède aussi une ligne de produits de vêtements pour hommes. J’aime bien lorsque les compagnies de vêtements se rendent compte que les hommes aussi veulent bien paraître et faire bonne impression. Visionnez le carnet de la collection autome 2008 ici. Et si ce n’est pas assez pour vous convaincre, les prix de Tristan sont aussi très raisonnables, surtout pour des vêtements de si belle apparence. Mais ne vous fiez surtout pas à ma parole car Tristan affiche sa liste de prix sur son site Internet. Ainsi, vous pourrez sérieusement remettre en question l’idée que bien s’habiller avec des vêtements canadiens coûte les yeux de la tête.

Qu’il s’agisse de sous-vêtements ou de vêtements d’extérieur, décontractés ou habillés, je suis certain que vous trouverez ce que vous cherchez parmi les collections de Tristan. Leur style est très branché sans toutefois être trop tendance pour ainsi éviter que vous ne portiez ces vêtements qu’une fois ou deux avant qu’ils n’aient perdu tout leur attrait. Tristan est conscient que des vêtements de qualité représentent un investissement qui devient rentable à long terme.

Nous, les canadiens apprécions réellement toute prise de position de la part de ceux qui nous comprennent le mieux, et c’est ce que Tristan a fait. N’hésitez pas à visiter une de leurs boutiques située dans toutes les grandes villes de l’Alberta, de l’Ontario, du Québec et de la Colombie-Britannique ainsi que leur site Internet pour leurs plus récentes offres et collections.

Photo: Tristan