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.

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!

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!