New in Store

Great gift ideas for Mother's Day (and hey, if you are a mother, why not treat yourself? You deserve it!) Super comfy Inpanema sandals, Big Buddha bags in bright, spring colors, new yoga clothes and props, and some GORGEOUS new prints (I love the lilies!)

Lobster Fest!

The Rotary Club Lobster Fest is this Saturday, do you have your crackers? Butter Warmers? Napkins? Sharp Knives? Disposable trays for all your lobster bits and pieces? After going several times, we smartened up and started bringing roasting pans (aluminum ones) for the shells and claws etc, real cutlery, numerous cutting and cracking devices and also, some flowers, candles and decorative napkins to dress it up a little. Can't wait for Lobster, and Hannah is coming too! See you there!

MilkBands

Milk Bands are a bracelet with time measuring sliders that can be used to keep track of breast or bottle feedings, and a whole lot more. Flip the band inside out to remember which side you nursed from last (RIGHT is raised, and LEFT is indented, for easy use in the dark).

Milk Bands™ incorporate many unique features such as a side indicator, which lets the mother know which breast should be used when starting a breast feeding session by simply flipping the breastfeeding bracelet inside-out once during every nursing session, as well as “time tracking” sliders which can be used for many different purposes including:

-Record single feeding sessions to the nearest 5 minute increment
-Record multiple feeding sessions over a full day period
-Record the number of times the baby fed in one day
-Record the number of diapers a baby soiled during the day
-Reminding the mother what time the baby last fed
-Reminding the mother roughly what time the baby is due for another feeding
-Helping the mother to wean her baby by tracking the number of nursing sessions and then eliminating them one at a time

For more details on how to use, click here.

Lug

A favorite on Oprah's O List, the Puddle Jumper is the ultimate in gym bags.


Puddle Jumper

Special Features:

• Tons of storage pockets and compartments
• Lower main compartment for cosmetic storage
• Detachable mirror
• Plastic coated bottom with metal feet
• Ventilated zip pocket compartment in back
• Perfect for shoes or soiled clothing
• ID card for identification
• Interior bottle holder and cargo pocket
• D-ring for your keys, pen holders & zip pocket
• Material specially treated with water-repellent finish

This bag, like a lot of the Lug bags, is also great for a diaper bag or overnight bag. (If you are looking for a good diaper bag, try some of these bags on in the store and see what feels right. I use the Tugboat because I like it's long design, so I can see everything when I open up the bag.)

I put this pic in to show you the great hideaway straps available on many of the Lug bags, including the Puddle Jumper. They lie flat and are inconspicuous when not in use, but allow you to easily offload your bag onto your suitcase for easy travel. Neat!

Gingersnaps Weekly Menu

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Heather and the Compost Pile. Part One.

Meet Heather.



Meet Heather's Gourds.



Heather is a valued member of our staff. She is one of our floor managers and a driving force behind the delicious food that comes out of Gingersnaps.

Heather also worked in our Garden Centre and has a garden of her own, where she grew these gourds. Heather's smart. She's with it. She's pretty earthy. Just today she brought beautiful bouquets of Pussy Willows for the tables in Gingersnaps. Last fall she brought jars of her very own homemade salsa. That she canned herself! Heather cans!

But she doesn't compost.
She informed me of this fact just last week when we were driving to the market, sparking some interesting conversation about the subject.

Thus sparked my mission to get Heather to compost this gardening season. To kick off my mission, I will post a series of compelling stories on composting, thus inspiring Heather to begin the practice in her own yard.

And if she's not composting by... let's say the end of May... then... we'll use this blog to publicly shame her.

You hear that, Heather? Public. Shame.

Mother's Day is May 10th!

Make this Mother's Day memorable by giving her the perfect present: a Home Gift Card.

Home Gift Cards can be redeemed for anything we have to offer, from home decor to kitchenware, gardening essentials to power tools. And they never expire, ensuring your mom gets exactly what she wants.

What's in Your Water?

Ever fill a child's backyard pool with water from a hose? Or let them sneak a sip from that hose, or run through the sprinkler it's connected to?

Did you know that most garden hoses contain toxic chemicals - ones that are known to cause cancer, infertility, brain damage, developmental difficulties, among other things.

Most garden hoses- and their fittings- are made with dirty materials that often contain lead.
Lead is a potent neurotoxin. There is no amount of lead that's safe for a child.

And this is what we're watering our gardens with?

I was shocked and sickened to hear this, too. So we've sourced a hose that is made of 'clean' material- virgin latex- and water from this hose is safe to drink, play in, or water your garden with. See the girls in seasonal to get yours today.

Think Spring!

Hard to do when it's snowing, right? I know. I'm freezing. I turned the little heater in the office on this morning, as well as my heated seats in the car. So depressing.

But- we (Jeff, Dad, Heather and I) just got back from the Spring Market in St. Jacobs Ontario where daffodills are growing everywhere, the grass is green, and perennials are peeking out, green tips emerging from their mounds of winter-killed growth. A good sign that spring is on her way out West. We also took a few courses while we were gone and have come home inspired and excited to get going outside. I hired three new girls for the Garden Centre today, now we just need plants!

From today on we'll be having regular Garden Posts. Keep an eye out for special 'organic' gardening tips. Missed something? Click on the appropriate label (Garden, for example) to catch up on old posts.

Welcome Little Miss Evangeline Kennedy!

Congratulations to staff member Nadine Kennedy, her husband, Jon and daughter Trinity on the new addition to the family! Evangeline Dominique Kennedy was born at 8:02 on Sunday April 19 in the Lloydminster hospital. She was 6Lbs 11oz's and 21&1/2 inches long. Nadine says "She is a very good baby and a blessing to us. Her big sister Trinity is a very good helper too!" Welcome to the world, Evangeline!

Big things are coming in May...

Ooh do we have some special things brewing for you in May.

STAY TUNED to the blog, you will hear about it here first. One secret: we will be having a contest, and you will get your entry form here.

Candle of the Month

Every month, we feature one Colonial Candles fragrance as our candle of the month. This is a great way to try out new scents, and change your fragrances with the seasons as you receive 25% off the Candle of the Month!

This months fragrance is SIMPLY VANILLA , a fragrance Colonial describes as "A classic scent, pure and memorable, calling to mind warm memories of home, comfort and family."

A little over the top, I think, but it is a great everyday scent that most people enjoy. If you have never tried Colonial Candles, why not give it a shot this month? The jars are beautiful, and make great vases afterward (or, of course, you can toss them in with your recycling). The labels are easily removed for a clean look. Some additional information on the brand:

*The finest ingredients, including proprietary wax blends; exclusive fragrances;

all-cotton, lead-free wicks; and dyes that continue the color all
the way through. Superior burn performance with long-lasting candles that
burn smoothly and evenly.

*Creative design, rigorous testing. Formulated by the best fragrance experts, perfumers, chemists and creative artisans in the industry, they bring together science and art that results in he best quality and on-trend products.

*Stewardship of our natural resources and environment. Our U.S.candle manufacturing facility is recognized as a “green” facility.

PS-- Have you tried our Wickman wick trimmers? I used to think, who needs a wick trimmer, I'll just use scissors! Big mistake. The wick trimmer is shaped to allow for easy trimming access, and it also grips and holds onto the trimmed wick (which prevents unsightly burnt wick pieces from falling into the wax). And, of course, you should always keep your wicks trimmed for even burning and the prevention of flareups.

Lug

Part Three in our Get To Know Lug series, the Moped. I love this bag, it is the perfect purse, and great for traveling. I transfered all my stuff to it to use on vacation a few years ago and haven't switched back. It is ideal for holidays because it is so versatile. And if you have one in grey, black or brown, your husband won't even mind holding it.

It has lots of little pockets for your id, lip gloss, camera, waterbottle, sunglasses etc; ample mesh zippered compartments, so you can see what you are storing; a magnetic closure on the top flap and in the back pouch (a great place to tuck your Travel Wallet or mail, forms etc).

Moped Day Pack

Special Features:

• Organizer pockets in front zip compartment
• Hidden magnets under lid for unique closure
• Zip mesh pocket under lid
• Interior bottle holder
• Interior cell phone pocket, eyeglass pocket, pen holders
• Interior zip pocket
• Slim back pocket
• Extremely light weight

Gingersnaps Weekly Menu April 20-25

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Woot

The store's website has just been updated, and now includes Sarah's original HH commercial (there are probably like 10 now that feature her). Want to check it out?
CLICK HERE

St. Jacobs Spring Market

Hello from St. Jacobs, Ontario! Heather, Jeff, Dad and I are taking today to tour gift stores and check out other Home Hardware stores. It's been a long day with a lot of driving. Tonight we polish up our presentations before speaking tomorrow morning. Will let you know how it goes!

Sent on the TELUS Mobility network with BlackBerry

You Suck....up a lot of power

We've all heard of phantom power, or vampire power, right? This is the brutal reality that our electrical applicances are using power even when they are not turned on. Just by virtue of them being plugged in, they are costing you money.

"What? Even if I am not using it?" Yes. Planet Green asks you,

Do you have a DVD player? Do you leave it plugged in all the time, even though you're not perpetually watching movies? Thought so. That accounts for almost $9 a year on your electrical bill. Big deal, you say? Well, how about your computer? You leave that plugged in? There's another $34. Xbox, Wii? $25.73 each. Start's to add up, right? Here's the big one: if you have a plasma screen TV, that sucker's costing you $160 a year—in electricity used while the thing is turned off.

Yes, you could plug all of your precious stuff into a power strip and flip the switch at the end of the night. But then your PVR would not tape that episode of Diners, Drive Ins and Dives you have been dying to see.

Enter the Smart Power Strip. This thing is a beauty. Here's how it works--at the end of the night, before you shuffle off to bed in your flannel pajamas, you turn off your TV. Your Smart Power Strip will then automatically turn off your DVD player, your Playstation, your speakers or whatever else you have plugged into the sections controlled by the TV. Ah ha! There are also outlets that are reserved to be "always on" brilliant!

Or, how about your computer. Shut that puppy down and you can automatically shut down the printer, scanner, speakers, etc.

Some sources estimate that the use of the power strip will pay for itself in saved electricity costs in about three months.

Home has two versions of this strip. If you need more than what is in stock, talk to the boys at the Plumbing/Electrical Desk or the girls at Front Cash and we can order some in, just for you. They'll usually be in in about a week.


7 Plug Smart Surge Power Bar
- Automatically shuts off peripherals
- Environmentally friendly
- Reduces energy consumption
- 7 outlets
- 1200 Joules
- 6ft (1.8m) power cord
- 1 spaced outlet for large adapters (THANK YOU!)
- On/off switch and circuit breaker switch combined into one
- Ground and surge protection indicator light - LED light shows that the unit is working properly
- Controlled outlets indicator light
- lit LED indicates that the outlets are on
- Control outlet
- one outlet to control up to 4 additional outlets
- 2 always on outlets
- ensures that these outlets are always operating
- Automatic power shut down
- Right angle plug to fit closer to the wall
- 15A/125V/1875W
- CUL approved

3665-742 29.99

10 Plug Smart Surge Power Bar
- Automatically shuts off peripherals
- Environmentally friendly
- Reduces energy consumption
- 10 outlets
- 2100 Joules
- 6ft (1.8m) power cord
- 2 spaced outlets for large adapters
- On/off switch and circuit breaker switch combined into one
- Ground and surge protection indicator light - LED light shows that the unit is working properly
- Controlled outlets indicator light
- lit LED indicates that the outlets are on
- Control outlet
- one outlet to control up to 6 additional outlets
- 3 always on outlets
- ensures that these outlets are always operating
- Automatic power shut down
- Right angle plug to fit closer to the wall
- 15A/125V/1875W
- CUL approved

3665743 39.99

Ultimate Backyard Makeover!

Enter to win a $50,000 to redo the old backyard--how about kicking back on a new deck jazzed up with a stainless steel BBQ and comfy new patio furniture, overlooking your new pond? Or you could win a $1,000 giftcard, a new lawn mower or a deck restoration system. To enter and for contest details click here.

The Webkinz are here! The Webkinz are here!

Here is a preview of 2 of the 11 new Webkinz in store now. Pretty fun. huh? And yes, there are plenty of new Webkinz boys will be interested in (like Blue Whale, Boston Terrier and...well... I won't spill the whole can of beans here!)

New Webkinz Signature Pets--we have a very limited amount of these guys, so get them before they are gone! And if they sell out before you get them, let us know and we will get more the next time around. Webkinz Signature Pets are larger and made out of a high-quality, ultra-soft plush. They are designed to have a realistic appearance and coloring. Included with the adoption of a Webkinz Signature Pet is an e-store quality pet-specific item, a piece of furniture from the Signature theme and a wish token.The Panda is the first in the series, isn't it beautiful?


Webkinz Jr, a new family of super soft microfibre Webkinz specifically for kids 3-6. They even have their own website, www.webkinzjr.com. The site caters to children with age-appropriate activities, and even provides parents with progress reports. For more information, visit the site and take a tour!

The Secret... Revealed!

We are excited to introduce you to Halfmoon Yoga products. This Vancouver based company has been making and sourcing quality yoga products for 20 years. As they say on their website,

Really, we just love yoga and we love that you might too. Whether you are taking your first step or have been on the path for years, whether you practice to bring flexibility to your body or to nourish your mind and soul, we know we can help you on your way.

We have brought in a selection of mats (including thick mats and eco mats), blocks, straps, bags and bolsters. Let us know what you think, let us know what you like, let us know what you want and we will try to find it for you!

Also coming soon, to compliment your yoga practice (and perhaps even as a lovely Mother's Day gift) are some beautiful silk eye pillows and neck warmers from our good friends at Warm Buddy. The eye pillows contain a blend of herbs, essential oils, and flax seeds to provide weight which soothes acupressure points and relaxes muscles around the eyes--perfect for use in final relaxation at the end of class.

Sweet Deal

From April 1 to 25, get a $500 Home Gift Card for the special rate of just 59,000 Aeroplan Miles. Save 3,000!

Shop Online!

See something you like? Can't make it in to the store? Shop Online! We are happy to have our product shipped to you. Email shophomehardware@gmail.com for more information.

By the way, these pretty eco-shopping bags? We sell them, too!

Moody Bee

My all-time favourite lip balm! I've been known to hand these out to staff and tuck them into every gift I give, because I think it is such a great product and everyone needs to know about it!

I have used every lip gloss out there. We've carried a number of brands (including Savannah Bee and Burts Bees, among others) and this one wins, hands-down. Unlike most beeswax-based lipbalms, it's not at all waxy. A little added almond oil ensures this balm goes on smoothly and keeps even the driest lips moist! The vanilla-peppermint flavour is subtle and unique. Bonus- it's all-natural!

This adorable family runs a small bee-keeping operation in

Surrey, B.C. where the lipgloss is hand-made by Krista Moody

herself.

Seriously. Try it.

If you don't like it, I'll buy you a latte.

Pouchees!

If you're like me, you change your purse daily. Purses now are so reasonably priced, it's hard not to buy the newest colour and style. I think a big bright bag is a great way to accessorize any outfit for minimal investment.

BUT- if you change your purse frequently, you'll know how irritating it is to realize you left your sunglasses in one bag, your moody bee in another.

Additionally, if you're into the bigger style of bags, you'll know how hard it is to find just what you're looking for (which pocket did I put my iRewards card in?).

Well- a retired mom from South Carolina has solved our purse-swapping woes!

Meet Pouchee, a clever little pocket meant for holding all your important bits and pieces. Room for your iPod, glasses, cell phone, sun glasses, laptop cord, keys and more.

Handy Rings for ease of changing purses and bags. Inside pockets for lipsticks or small flashlights. Inside Zippered pockets for change or personal items. Inside dividers to keep everything organized!

Shown here in tan leather, Pouchee is available in all sorts of styles and fun colours.

Will be in the store just in time for Mother's Day!

Sophie!

Sophie the Giraffe is one of the top-rated and most loved first toys for babies. She has been loved the world over since 1961. Made in France from 100% natural rubber and non-toxic food paint, Sophie is free of BPA and Pthalates (see our previous post for more info on those nasties).

Sophie is a soft teething toy who will squeak with delight when baby chews on her bumpy head or long neck. Babies love her dark spots and big eyes. She is soft, flexible and light, and her long legs and neck make her easy to grip.

If your Baby loves Sophie, try her friends Chan Pie and Gnon. Made from the same company and same materials, they are named for the french word for their shape, champignon, or mushroom! 3 new delightful shapes to try!

Gingersnaps Weekly Menu April 12-18

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Shhhh....

I am so so so excited for some new product we have coming in. I am hoping it will hit the floor next week. Here is your hint: it will be in Personal Expressions.

We have been having lots of requests for these types of products, and now we are proud to expand our offerings. Coming Soon! Stay tuned to the blog, you will hear about it here first!

Lug

Next up in our Lug adventure is the Tuk Tuk Carry-All Bag

The design allows so much versatility and different uses that this amazing bag works as a carry-on, overnight bag, gym bag, and is the cadillac of baby bags!

The Tuk Tuk features two insulated front pockets perfect for storing beverages and bottles, quick access soft lined zip pocket perfect for your digital camera or valuables, there is an adjustable padded strap which can be worn over the shoulder or across the chest, and our signature ventilated compartment in the back for your clothing or snacks.

Inside of the bag includes a removable drawstring bag for items you want to keep separate plus cargo pockets and zip pocket for organized storage. There is also a padded mat that has dual purpose - it is perfect to sit on at concerts or outdoor events and doubles as a baby change mat.

On the back of the bag there are two "hide-away" straps to attach the bag to your luggage or a stroller. There are innovative pockets specially designed for your keys, cell, tissue and misc. accessories.

This is a must have bag for personal travel, or travel with baby! There is a strap at the back of the bag that allows you to slip the bag over your suitcase handle for easy transport!

In this week's Flyer

In this week's flyer is this Hamilton Beach 6 speed Hand Mixer. The greatest part about this mixer as far as I am concerned is the storage case that snaps onto the mixer, housing all of your beaters etc. So smart! (Especially since I spent 20 minutes looking for the beaters at my parent's house the other day.) To see the mixer with the case click here enter your info and select page 21 of the Renovation Flyer.

Features:
- 6 speeds
- Slower first speed
- QuickBurst button
- Traditional beaters, wire beaters and whisk
- Snap-on accessory storage case
- Bowl Rest design
- Finger tip controls
- Powerful enough for tough mixing chores
- Unique groove stabilizes mixer on edge of bowl to eliminate messy drips
- No mess fingertip release
- Easy to change speeds with thumb

Regular 34.99 on sale for 29.97 until April 18, 2009

A sneak peak at Garden...

Here is a behind-the-scenes look at some of our plants, growing, changing, getting ready to brighten up your yard or patio in a few weeks time.

You can truly appreciate the efficient use of space and resources taking a look at some of these shots. This is the little home where they are living before they high-tail it outta town and move in to our greenhouses in Lloyd.

This one below amazes me, can you see how HIGH these baskets are compared to the pots at the bottom? Craziness!
Also, since you are reading this, I might as well let you in on a secret-- the Garden Centre is being totally revamped this year. Yup, you will even see Greenhouses facing entirely different directions. And the Animal Kingdom is being redone as well. A fresh new look will be waiting for you when those gates finally open in a few weeks time...

Two leaves and a Bud

Strange how a teapot can represent at the same time the comforts of solitude and the pleasures of company. ~Author Unknown

Did you know that while you are enjoying your cup of tea in Gingersnaps or Sweetpea's you are drinking whole-leaf organic tea? And that you are drinking the finest quality of tea, the top two leaves and the bud of the tea flower?

Did you also know that we feature a tea of the month, with detailed information and a discount on the featured tea? AND that if you have a personal favorite, you can purchase a box of it for brewing at home?

This month's featured tea is Lemon Rooibos

Rooibos, or red bush tea, is a great caffeine-free alternative. This blend brews up rich and lemony with just a hint of lemon grass tang to craft a sweet but interesting flavor. Rooibos is also high in antioxidants and trace minerals. Red Tea or more literally "red bush" only grows in South Africa and has a spicy, somewhat astringent herbal flavor, making it a great tea alternative.

PS: Who is excited for Sweetpea's? I can't WAIT for it to warm up so Hannah and I can walk to the store and relax on the Sweetpea's deck. Italian sodas, floats, mint chocolate chip ice cream... it's just a few weeks away!

Happy Easter!

Home Hardware will be CLOSED Friday, April 10th for Good Friday.

So take the day, decorate eggs, eat some Paska, bake hot cross buns or just spend some time with your family. Happy Easter!

PS-- Good Friday always reminds me of a few years ago, when some of our young staff in the yard looked over the schedule and saw that we were closed. One remarked to the other, "Yes! We don't have school on Friday because it is a GOOD Friday!" So funny.

Lug

Lug is a fabulous company that designs innovative products that merge seamlessly from travel to everyday. They have been featured everywhere, in magazines such as Time, Women's Health, Canadian Living, Oprah and most recently in the April 2009 issue of Best Health Magazine.

Lug loves travel. So much so that a lot of their designs are given monikers straight out of aviation (although Alpha, Delta, Sierra may sound like cute names, they are actually the words used for the phonetic alphabet. Ever notice how your flight attendant might tell her co-worker you are seated in 12 Foxtrot?)

Lug's products have so many bells and whistles, you may own a piece and not be using it to its full potential. This month we will feature some of our favorite products, so you can get to know them, get to know all about them, get to like them, get to hope they like you (I am sure they will).

First up, a MUST HAVE as far as I am concerned, the Ticket Tango Travel Wallet.

Special Features:

• mesh pocket for boarding pass and paper itineraries
• zipper currency pocket
• mesh pouch for coins
• slim pocket perfectly sized for passports
• business card slots
• pen holder
• slim pocket in back for easy access
• wrist strap
• full zipper closure to keep your valuables safe

It is also perfect for holding your immigration forms, as they never want these folded.

Gingersnaps Weekly Menu April 6-11

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Yum--Did someone say HUNGRY MAN SANDWICH? If you have not tried this beauty, I suggest you stop by on Tuesday. Sooo good.

Bamboo Charcoal

New, from Nature's Expressions, is the Bamboo Charcoal Home Freshener Kit. Charcoal has long been used to purify water and air. The company describes bamboo charcoal as such:

Bamboo charcoal known as “Black Diamond” in various Asian countries is highly porous allowing it to trap and store water and airborne particles. This means it’s a natural freshener made without any harsh chemicals or scents. Bamboo Charcoal’s natural porous nature is highly beneficial, creating a sense of well being and vitality.

Included in the kit is a mesh bag for the fridge (use like baking soda for up to 4 months), a clothing pack (to hang in closets or place in drawers) and some loose pieces of charcoal (for use in water purification or pest prevention). The mesh bags can be rejuvenated once a month by placing in sunlight to release the absorbed odors.

Mesh bags are also available separately for replacement or a trial run.