The best resource for great local shopping!

There is amazing stuff close by – local artisans and independently owned retailers, cool things to do and eat, and great charities to support. It’s good for the economy, the environment and the soul. www.100milefinds.com

Monday, April 30, 2012

Bheda Yoga

Bheda Yoga joined 100 Mile Finds recently.  While our criteria states that we do not list all services (since all services are local, we did not want to become just a service directory), we want to be able to bring you services that are either unique or will add something special to our lives.  Bheda Yoga fits the bill.  They are located in the Markham/Thornhill area.  And we can't help but love their introductory offer $38 for one month. 

"We want you to be sure that Bheda Yoga is exactly what you have been looking for. So for just a few dollars more than the cost of 2 regular walk in classes we invite you to take as many classes as you want for a month. We invite you to find out that our schedule works for you. We invite you to find out that not only can you do hot yoga but that you love it. We invite you to come find your hot side".  That is not a big risk, and it strikes us that they must get quite a few converts that love their experience.  

Welcome to 100 Mile Finds Bheda Yoga!

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Mother's Day 101

We all want Mother's Day to be a big success, right? There is nothing worse than a Mom on Mother's Day with hurt feelings. Who's kidding who, the whole family pays the price for that!
I'm not talking to the husbands/partners of new Moms, that's a no brainer. Then the first few years the kids are in school, the teachers pretty much take care of the gift from the kids and the little ones love figuring out how to get breakfast into the bedroom. No worries there. It's when the kids graduate into the teen/tweendom that things can go horribly wrong.

I've put together some insider tricks and tips to ensure that everyone has a great Mother's Day! It's not hard but there are a few key points, that if ignored, there is really no turning back from. Think of it this way, the better the day goes, the better the evening will go, wink, wink!


1. Dad, you are responsible for Mother's Day!
I think the most important thing to remember about Mother's Day is that DAD is responsible for Mother's Day, not the kids, not yet! I know she's not your mother, doesn't matter, move on from that. Whether the day is a success or a failure is on your shoulders, please refer back to how much more fun your "evening" will be...

2. Plan ahead
We put a lot of time and energy into making sure that you people are feed and clothed, that you get where you need to go and are taken care of when you are sick. Plan to have a quick meeting with the kids and brain storm on something that Mom would really appreciate. Some quiet reading time that day? A walk with the whole family? Brunch/dinner out? and make sure it happens, preferably with no whining or crying, from you or the kids!

3. Start the day off well
Breakfast in bed is really a part of the whole Mother's Day experience. I'm happy with a coffee, but nothing says "I love you" like something sweet & flaky. There is a little pre-planning involved here, but it is Mother's Day for goodness sake!

3. Words never to be heard on Mother's Day
a) If things start to go wrong, and they could, whatever you do, you can't pull out the "You're not my Mother" card. Don't do it, that never ends well, never.
b) Please instruct the kids that "How come there's no kids day?" is a question for tomorrow or yesterday, not today.

4. The Other Mother's (just for the Super Stars)
What about your Mom and her Mom? It's key that this is done before the actual day, preferably at least one week in advance. Ask her what she thinks you guys should do to celebrate Mother's Day for your Mom and hers. It shows what a great guy you are AND that you've already started thinking about it.

All the best to you and yours on this Mother's Day!

Monday, April 23, 2012

Threads N Things

I am not a knitter. If you go back a generation or two, knitting was such a practical skill. I might be showing my age here, but I do remember hand knit socks and Winston Kinsey sported some interesting hand knit shorts that must have been itchy. But I digress, the point of this is how amazed I am by the 'new knitting'. It is not just fairisle sweaters anymore. The knitters who worked together to create the car cosy was one of my favourites.

And, there is a new knitter on 100 Mile Finds - Threads N Things. Margaret's knitted and crocheted scarves and shawls are her specialty. " I specialize in upcycled 100% sari silk yarn and ribbon fibres to make truly unique and one of a kind items. This fibre is purchase fair trade from women's cooperatives in India and Nepal who spin it to make a luxurious product while at the same time, supporting their families". There are several other unique products that you don't think of immediately when you think of knitting - check them out.

Who would not want to stay cosy and warm and feel good about who you are supporting at the same time?

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Made by Hand is Saturday

We talked about the upcoming Made by Hand show this Saturday (April 21) here in the blog a couple of weeks ago, but just wanted to re-post another gentle reminder. And of course there will be several 100 Mile Finds vendors there. Here are a couple more that were not mentioned in the previous blog:

Wendy of Tiny Brushstrokes creates memorable gifts/artwork for your nursery or children's space. Browse through her gallery or commission a painting. Ordering a custom painting is an easy process that will suit any budget. Go take a closer look on Saturday and discuss your options.

Jack and Willa Designs and Mistura Time Pieces have recently joined our site, but are not quite set up yet. Probably busy getting ready for the show, so we will see them there.
Albertine Dawn makes beautiful accent pillows for the home. We always enjoy talking to Dawn when we see her.
C&L Creations create beautiful jewellery that can be previewed through our site.

We are looking forward to saying hi to all our vendors there and spotting a few more 'Finds' to join the site. Hope you can make it.

Monday, April 16, 2012

Adornments

Nancy Lismer of Adornments has been involved with 100 Mile Finds for quite a while now and we are so glad to have met her. Her work is extraordinary, and she is always coming up with new ideas. "Inspiration is drawn from all things Nancy finds aesthetically pleasing including flowers, rocks & shells, wrought iron work, and many forms of art. The materials used include sterling silver, handmade Italian glass beads (that she lampworks), Swarovski crystal and semi-precious stones".

Nancy is always thinking about new ways to promote her gorgeous wares. She wanted everyone to know about o Adornments jewellery website and facebook page, the "Gallery of the Adorned", a showcase devoted to the wearers of Adornments jewellery. If you would like to be part of the permanent gallery send a digital photo of yourself wearing any of your Adornments jewellery to nancy@adornments.ca, the jewellery must be visible!

Nancy will be featured at the spring Made by Hand show this Saturday (April 21), booth 144, and would love to say hi. She has a link on her blog for a $1 off coupon for admission too - http://www.adornments.ca/blog.html (kids are free by the way).

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

More (Purple) Finds........

Earlier this week we highlighted some of the work by two of our talented artisans, and I wanted to bring to your attention a couple more.

For some reason purple is my new favourite colour. Not sure why we gravitate to certain colours at different times of our lives - if anyone has any answer to that question, let me know. I.M. Wyred has created this contemporary gun metal necklace with purple agate. I thought of painting our front hall purple, but this would suit my latest fixation better.

And there is another wee trinket that I have been eying. Michelle Prosek Glass' purple OM pendant. These little darlings are made from kiln-formed recycled glass and feature a sterling silver bail and 18" sterling silver chain.


Maybe this hand dyed silk scarf by Silk Designs by Jane best fits the bill - runs the gamut from mauve to violet. But I would hate to have to pick........
Thanks to all for their take on 'The Colour Purple'. Isn't there something else that goes by that handle?

Monday, April 9, 2012

Finds

When we first came up with the idea of a website featuring locally made cool things, we of course had to come up with a name for it. The '100 Mile' concept is pretty straight forward, but the word 'Finds' came about because we wanted a word that would reflect the 'hidden gem' component that we see in so many of our artisans. This week the blog is devoted to a few real 'Finds'.

This turquose stone necklace by JOS Originals is beautiful. The turquoise itself has so much colour and detail. The string of stones includes wooden agate, grass turquoise and turquoise. Several large links at the back of this necklace enable the wearer to shorten or lengthen the piece.

Every time I walk into our powder room I am reminded of Soap Utopia Naturals. This delightful soap has a beautiful natural fragrance that fills the room without overpowering it. Made from a blend of 100% biodegradable olive oil, coconut oil, palm (sustainably farmed), soy/canola, heaps of fair trade shea butter, and castor bean oil. These bars are infused with pure essential oil or bodysafe, phthalate-free fragrance oil. Its' luscious lathers are naturally free of added harsh detergents, phosphates, sulfates (SLS), and synthetic color.

We feel fortunate here at 100 Mile Finds to be a part of finding these unique items to share with you.

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Bunny Charm Necklace by aTana Designs


Looking for a different Easter treat this year? Instead of (or in addition too) buying Easter eggs and chocolate bunnies that will only temporarily satisfy your taste buds, why don’t you consider supporting the well-being of REAL bunnies? Just in time for Easter, aTana Designs has created a sweet little silver Bunny Charm Necklace in which all profits will be donated to Rabbit Rescue. This charm is hand crafted out of Fine Silver from Precious Metal Clay, and it comes ready to wear on a silver plated chain!  
My love of bunnies originated in high school when I got my first rabbit, Velvet, and realized how intelligent, curious, and sweet these furry friends are. I now have Audrey who is almost seven years old, and she is so affectionate and has quite the personality!
 
People don’t often realize that the irresistibly cute bunnies found in many pet stores grow up and become a lifelong commitment and this is one of the unfortunate reasons why “Rabbit Rescue” was founded. “Rabbit Rescue” is a registered charity that has been dedicated to helping domestic unwanted rabbits since 2001. Rabbit Rescue was the first rabbit charity in Ontario, and it is now the largest rabbit rescue in Canada. What makes this charity stand out is that it is a NO KILL shelter and they offer medical care and they spay/neuter all of their rabbits. As you can guess, veterinary care doesn’t come cheap and this is why it is so important to help out this worthy charity. With the money raised from this necklace, that sells for $35, I intend to sponsor bunnies through Rabbit Rescue and you can check out my Facebook page for updates and to see the furry friends you are helping to support. Please consider purchasing this Bunny Charm Necklace or visit Rabbit Rescue to donate directly.

Monday, April 2, 2012

Made By Hand Spring Show 2012

DeniMural
The Made by Hand Spring Show is coming to the International Centre on Saturday April 21, 2012. It will run from 11am until 5pm. Come early because there will be free swag bags for the first 150 shoppers. If last year’s show is any indication people will be lined up out the door first thing in the morning.
Blissful Sew
This is a one-stop shopping experience that shouldn’t be missed. With over 3,000 ft of selling space for over 150 handmade exhibitors there is something for everyone. The different categories include Clothing & Accessories, Home Decor, Food, Jewellery, Art, Baby/Toys to name but a few.

Adornments
Jacqueline Hunter, the show’s organizer, has taken great pains to make sure this show is another huge success. With face-painting, crafts and balloon animals going on it shouldn’t be hard to keep the little ones in line. Just let your little princesses know that Cinderella will be making an appearance from 2-5pm, that should give you some quality shopping time!
There are also door prizes and raffles running throughout the day too!
A Knot Above
Some really fantastic artisans will be participating in the show. Erin from A Knot Above creates unique pieces from luxury wool and high grade cotton, upcycled/repurposed fabrics and metal. Her accessories are romantic, eclectic and striking. You definitely want to stop by her booth.

Thunderpeep Designs
Another 100 mile finds favourite is Thunderpeep Designs.  This is a great opportunity to pick up a stash of cards so you’ve got some great options on hand.
Details By Donna


If you are looking for jewellery you’ve got to stop by Adornments  and Details By Donna, you won’t want to miss either of these booths.





BLISSFULsew is another great booth to check out if you are looking for gorgeous items for Mom and baby.
You’ve got to stop by  DeniMural a one of a kind artisan that can’t be missed.
Mark April 21, 2012 on your calendar, this is a show you don't want to miss.