Environmental Health Consulting

One of the newest vendors to 100 Mile Finds is Environmental Health Consulting.  Their slogan,

Live with joy, in the healthiest space possible. That makes sense to me.

They provide Healthy Home assessments, holistic evaluations (i.e. they look at the complete situation -the site, air flow, quality, contaminants, electric and magnetic fields...). "We provide guidance to creating healthier spaces, by identifying practical priorities, answering your questions, and conducting further research (including air sampling and laboratory testing) if needed. We will suggest common-sense, affordable strategies to improve your indoor air quality, reduce your electro-magnetic exposure, use safer products, save energy costs, and prioritize material changes in your home".

What a unique service!  The information in this field is daunting - I can feel overwhelmed about what to pick at the grocery store let alone my house.  We look forward to having Environmental Health Consulting on the 100 Mile Finds team.

The Sage Fair

June 2^nd 11-6pm & June 3^rd 11-5pm
Metro Toronto Convention Centre

Want to learn about a healthier, happier, greener lifestyle? Check out the Sage Fair in Toronto on June 2^nd and 3^rd at the Metro Convention Centre. This is going to be a really unique experience with inspiring workshops, fantastic speakers, and an amazing group of exhibitors offering a really diverse range of products and services, all designed to enhance your lifestyle.

There’s so much going on at the fair. Behind the scenes, Bullfrog Power is providing 100% green energy for this event. Arnarres and WHEN are hosting a natural cleaning booth and will be offering free mini workshops throughout the fair. Swapcity.ca  is offering an eco-swap so don’t forget to bring your books, dvds, cds,blue ray discs, and records. Brenda MacIntyre, juno winning singer and renowned healer will be performing at 2pm on Saturday and Adria Vasil of NOW magazine will be there signing copies of her book “Echolic Body” on Sunday.

The Bohemian marketplace is a place where you can find over 50 booths with everything from organic foods to natural remedies, green house wares and everything in between. KitchenCraft Cookware, Stellar Kids Yoga,  Miri Art Designs are a few of the vendors that will be setting up shop at the event.

There will also be a really interesting line up of speakers at the event. Florence Grunfelder will be talking about The Three Keys to Manifesting Abundance in your Life, who doesn’t want to do that?! BioLive Nutrition will be discussing Germination and Andrea Ramirez will be talking about  taking a natural approach to your life.
If that's not enough they've got a ton of great stuff for the whole family, for the littlest members of the family, changeMatt is providing nursing area, the Toronto and Etobicoke Monpreneurs are presenting a play area for kids and EcoParent is offering up some eco-friendly toys for the little ones to enjoy. Stellar Kids Yoga is offering a yoga class each day of the fair too.

Check out the Sage Fair  website to see everything that will be happening.

First Sunday Stroll

June 3, 2012
10am - 4pm
Harold Black Park
953 Haist Street, Fonthill

We first met Erin when she was involved with the Brocante Lux markets in St. Catharine’s.  As soon as we heard that Erin was spearheading a new market, First Sunday Stroll, we knew it was going to be something worth visiting. Erin has gathered a bunch of quality artisans, sprinkled in some activities for the kids, added the unveiling of a new arts initiative for youth and an opportunity to donate to Pelham Cares to create a great day in Harold Black Park in Fonthill.
First Sunday Stroll is a community driven arts market featuring the works of over 85 artisans. These are the best of the best, with many local artisans and others coming from as far away as Oshawa to Ottawa. Many of our favourite 100 mile finds artists will be there. If that’s not enough to get you out for a Sunday stroll...
There are a number of activities for the kids to get involved in, making this event a real family affair. Dinosaur fossils will be on hand for the kids to touch amongst other interactive events offered by Club Rex Paleopresentations. There is really something for everyone at this market, the dog park committee will also be on hand selling gourmet dog treats.
The Niagara Etsy Artisan team has even sponsored a free craft table with lots of goodies and giveaways (while supplies last). Here you can make a beautiful punch card designed by Etsy’s innovative graphics team!
If that’s not enough to entice you, “In the Orchard” is set to make the public debut of the up-cycled art creations from their Art 2 Youth arts program. This program sees items from the Salvation Army transformed into fantastic works of art. Not only with the ITO be debuting their Art-2-Market program at the show but they will providing free origami flower craft sessions for the young and young at heart.
Finally, First Sunday Stroll will be collecting donations for Pelham Cares   a non-profit, volunteer organization helping residents of Pelham to help each other in times of need. The first fifty visitors making a $2 donation will be given a swag bag full of goodies.
100 mile finds will be there with a groovy gift basket giveaway... Looking forward to seeing you there.

Take out Food

Listening to Sara Elton's Locavore radio bit on CBC a couple of weeks ago, when I heard her invited guest (and friend of 100 Mile Finds) Lisa Borden talk about her crusade to lessen take out food waste/packaging.  I have to say this has always been something I have felt guilty about if we get take out.  After one Swiss Chalet meal, my garbage can is full.  Many years ago when my parents lived in Thunder Bay, they told me that on Thursdays the Italian Canadian Club sold spaghetti take out.  Everyone brought their own container.  I thought this was hilarious - I imagined someone bringing the biggest corn pot they had trying to get away with this as a 'large size'.  Now, I realize that it was just good sense.
According to Lisa, when you call your favourite sushi/pasta takeout location, just let them know that you will be bringing a container, and most are happy to accommodate.  And my favourite tip is to bring a coffee cup in your car/lunch bag.  When you buy that 'second cup', just have them fill up yours.  It really is disturbing when you walk by city garbage bins full of cups.
Anyway, thanks for bearing with me as I clamber onto my soap box. If you would like more info on this subject, check out this link http://takeoutwithout.org/about.html

the Art Show - in support of the Masai Tribal Girls Education

the Art Show - in support of the Masai Tribal Girls Education
May 26^th & 27^th, 2012

Saturday 2pm-9pm
Sunday noon – 6pm

14 Ridgemoor Ave. Toronto

As you can imagine, here at 100 mile finds H.Q. we are introduced some amazing artisans. It is humbling to watch these fantastically talented people pursue their dreams. These artisans live their lives with such passion that every aspect of what they do is blessed with their spirit and drive.  Nancy Lismer of ADORNMENTS Jewellery Design and Production has introduced us to an amazing initiative that we just had to share. 

“the Art Show” features 30 artisans working in a wide range of media including paint, iron work, textiles, ceramics, jewellery, wood working, dye, paper & photography. For the past 7 years, on the last weekend in May, Peg Graham and Marion Burnett have transformed Peg’s bungalow at 14 Ridgemoor Ave. in Scarborough into and indoor/outdoor gallery.  This year Peg Elliot’s neighbouring backyard will be added giving more space for the art work and a larger Silent Auction.

This is the 5^th year that event has made the young woman of Masai village their cause. Up to 30% of each piece sold goes directly to educating the Masai girls and it should be noted that none of the funding goes to administrative overhead, which is so great. A bevy of volunteers have created and run the show making this amazing event such a huge success.

This year is extra special because the first recipients of the funding, which includes food, uniforms, books, medicine and shelter for 16 girls will be graduating. One is planning to be a teacher, two more are entering into nursing and one more hopes to be a lawyer. It’s amazing to me how powerful each one of us is. To think that with the organization and collaboration of these artists, who are each following their own passions and the hard work and dedication of the organizers and volunteers, it has been made possible for these young girls, who are a world away, to follow their own dreams.

This year starts with a new group of excited young women entering into their secondary school education and together we can all make a difference. Come out to “the Art Show” – In support of the Masai Tribal Girls Education, it’s a great opportunity to see some amazing pieces of art and to support a wonderful cause.

Spring Markets are Here

There is often a lull in the shows and sales in the first part of the year.  Many artisans are busy in the winter months making things to show in the spring, and gearing up for the busy fall/Xmas season.  We are always glad to come out of hibernation in the spring and see what everyone is doing.  If you are interested in getting out on a beautiful spring Saturday to see what your local creative community is up to, check out our shows and sales page.  We list events/sales that are happening all year round. 

For example, Artscape's Wychwood Barns market has started.  The next one is Saturday, 26 May.  This show runs one Saturday a month from May to October.  The Barns Art Market coincides with The Stop's popular Farmers Market, which attracts hundreds of people to the area every Saturday. Barns Art Market is also a great opportunity to visit the many vibrant artist studios located in Wychwood Barns.  100 Mile Finds vendors Wilk Watchworks, Baited Hook Handmade & Kempton Jones, and several others,  will be there.
So stay tuned and check our shows and sales page regularly for great outings.  And if you are participating in a show, or know of a good one coming up, let us know.  We post them for free and love to spread the word.

Jack and Willa Designs

Jack and Willa Designs joined us recently and I LOVE their kimonos.  I can't imagine anything cuter than a 16 month old fresh out of the bath wearing one of these.  Add the little felt slippers, and it might get even a little cuter. 
Jack and Willa came about as a result of owner Melissa wanting to 'work' after the kids went to school.  With a background in knitting and a love of design, as well as a couple of children for inspiration, Jack and Willa was born.  These designs are beyond just cute though - they are made by a Mom who understands function. 
But regardless of the items' practicality, Michelle's choice of fabric is fantastic.  And many of the kimonos are made from upcycled materials, making each one unique.  We are so pleased to have Jack and Willa as a part of 100 Mile Finds - welcome.

Salmon Naturals

New vendor Salmon Naturals makes both handmade jewelry and organic bath/body products.  There is obviously a creative mind behind this multi-faceted business.

We love their twist on the friendship bracelet.  This is a bracelet made for your diva friends by the inclusion of these lovely beads.  And if you think your friend would like something a little different, they 'love custom orders and look forward to working with you on your truly one of a kind pieces'.
Welcome to 100 Mile Finds Salmon Naturals!

Country Home Candles

New vendor Country Home Candles has a real 'country background.  After a few years in the city, proprietor Karen Northgraves, moved back to her country roots and opened clothing/gift stores.  She was inspired to manufacture candles to sell in her store in Norfolk County (my parents lived there too Karen!) twenty years ago.  From here, a wholesale business began, and Country Home Candles were being sold in other independently owned stores in other small towns.  Country Home Candles now sells to thousands of stores worldwide.

Country Home Candles is featuring a Mothers' Day gift set on their site now, as well as many other unique products.  I am thinking something for the bathroom might be nice - to go with that Mothers' Day soak I am planning after breakfast in bed of course).  If you have a minute, check out this great success story, another fine local find.