Canadian Cozy Shopping Cart Covers

Customers have been asking for shopping cart covers for awhile, and I was toying with a few ideas. I finally decided on Canadian Cozy covers and I am so excited for them. One of the reasons I liked them is that they are lined (unlike a lot of others I have found) and therefore will help protect little bums from icy cold cart seats in winter (which, let's face it, is the majority of the time here on the Prairies!) Here's what else makes them great:

One hand installation

Suitable from 6 months to 3 years

Layers of bamboo & cotton lining (not polyester)

Patent Pending design. • Rear buckling safety strap - because toddlers
will figure it out! (avoid the broken, weathered, dirty and unsafe buckles on grocery carts)

Universally designed to fit all grocery carts

Dual purpose - fits over most restaurant highchairs

Pacifier and toy attachment

Oversized side pocket for storage

"Fold & Go" option for easy transport and storage

Washer and dryer safe

Bamboo lining is:	Antibacterial
	Breathable
	Biodegradable
	Hypoallergenic
	Thermal Regulating
	Wash & Dryer Safe

MADE IN CANADA

Fold and Go!!

		1. Stand in front of shopping cart and lay Canadian Cozy™ in seating area of cart.
		2. Stretch elastic perimeter of Canadian Cozy™ over each side of shopping cart. Align Canadian Cozy™ leg holes with cart leg holes. Smooth Canadian Cozy™ around seating area. NOTE: Short section of safety belt must appear and be threaded through to back grid of shopping cart.
		3. Place infant or toddler in shopping cart seat. WARNING! Do not use Cozy with infant unable to support him/herself upright. Do not leave child unattended in shopping cart.
[Click To Enlarge]		4. Holding the buckle and long portion of the safety belt, pull around child’s waist. Loop buckle with strap through large buttonhole to back grid of shopping cart seat. Fasten buckle and adjust to fit snugly around child’s waist.
		5. Canadian Cozy™ Shopping Cart Covers buckle in the back because toddlers figure stuff out! Attach toys, place items in pocket and enjoy a pleasant trip to the grocery store!

Kiddopotamus!

Also new in baby, Kiddopotamus! We have been waiting for these products and are so excited!

First up, the Swaddle Me. When you have a new baby, sometimes swaddling can be tricky. This takes the guess work out, and wraps baby up nice and tight.

The award-winning SwaddleMe® soothes infants and reduces symptoms of colic by recreating the soothing snugness of the womb. It also reduces the incidence of the startle reflex, helping babies to sleep longer. New research shows that swaddling can help reduce the risk of SIDS by promoting better sleep when infants are on their backs.

Next up, the Tiny Diner. This portable placemat gives your child there very own space at the table--yours or one out at a restaurant. The built-in scoop catches spills and keeps your child clean. When you are done eating, the mat rolls up into the scoop and you're good to go!

Finally The Bibbity Rinse and Roll Bib.
The amazing new Bibbity Rinse & Roll bib is made with a unique, flexible material that gently conforms to your child's body and adjusts for a custom fit from 8 months to 4 years. To keep the mess off your baby, the Bibbity is 100% waterproof and spills are caught by the built in scoop before landing on your child's lap. Contoured collar is soft around baby's neck and adjusts easily. The Bibbity rolls into its own scoop and tucks into diaper bag for meals on the go. After meals, simply rinse clean. No more piles of bibs to launder every day! The Bibbity does not contain BPA, lead, PVC, phthalates or latex.

Baby Bjorn

Coming Soon--Baby Bjorn Potties and Stools!


After doing a lot of research on potties, I decided to use this brand for Hannah and then also decided to bring them into the store. The reasons are as follows:

1. Simplicity. While some potties make noises, have magazine and wipes holders, convert to stools, have fancy designs etc, what I read over and over again was that these things were distractions. It was best to just to stick to the subject at hand and not make the potty into a toy.

2. Simplicity, part 2. So many potties have so many pieces that the things are a pain to clean (and who wants that?) These potties have 2 parts (or, for the Little Potty, just one) so no messing around.

These potties are the best reviewed potties on the internet. No potty is perfect for every bottom but I tried to find the one most people were pleased with most of the time.

We have 3 options (details below) with one a little taller, one a little shorter and one great for travel or a spare.

We are getting everything in every color so potty training does not have to be drab! (And I can tell you, most places I have looked do not have all of the colors, they carry one or two, so come to HH and choose from a rainbow of potties!) White, Red, Blue, Green, Yellow & Pink!

First up, the Potty Chair.
Using the potty should feel comfortable and secure. The ergonomic design and soft shapes of the BabyBjorn Potty Chair make it the perfect start to your child's diaper-free life. The Potty Chair features a high backrest, comfortable armrests and plenty of legroom, plus a non-skid bottom that keeps the potty in place on slippery bathroom floors. Easy to Clean.

(Companion non-skid stools are also coming).

Next, the Smart Potty (new for BB this year).
The BABYBJÖRN Smart Potty is the perfect combination of function and convenience. It is small, yet stable and easy to empty and clean. It is the ideal potty for a small bathroom. It takes up minimal space and is easy to take with you. With its ergonomic design and soft lines, the BABYBJÖRN Smart Potty is also nice and comfortable for your child.

Finally, the Little Potty.
The BABYBJÖRN Little Potty is perfect for traveling or to keep in the car in case of emergencies, because it is so small and easy to carry. Your child will find it comfortable and convenient to use. And it’s practical for you, too, with a handle at the back, making it easy to empty and clean. The BABYBJÖRN Little Potty has a splashguard and is stable on the floor.

Cocktails from the Garden

While I was browsing CTV's recipe page, I found these cocktails that use herbs from the garden! Then I sourced out some Iced Tea recipes for those of you who don't believe in drinking during the day (pshh.) They all sounds good to me. If you try any let me know what you think! (I am talking to you, Heather.)

Cold Peach Chamomile Tisane

Ingredients:

• 1 oz thyme syrup
• 1/2 lemon (juice)
• 4 oz cold chamomile tea
• fresh peach slices

Directions:

Build over cubed ice, "iced tea" style. garnish with peach slices and optional thyme leaves.

Summer Trip

• 13.5 oz vodka
• 6 3/4 oz gin
• 10 sprigs lemon thyme
• 4 barspoons lemon sugar
• 10 blackberries
• 10 blueberries

Directions:

Infuse for 48 hrs and top with cold blackcurrant, ginseng and vanilla tea when ready to serve

Country Garden

Ingredients:

• 10 1/4 oz vodka
• 1 3/4 oz cucumber puree
• 5 mint sprigs
• 3 oz lemon juice
• 2 oz elderflower cordial
• 1/2 oz simple syrup

Directions:

Infuse for 48 hours and top with chilled pressed apple juice when ready to serve.

Chamomile Lavender Mint Iced Tea

• 1 loosely packed cup fresh mint leaves
• 2 tablespoons dried culinary lavender
• 1 1/2 tablespoons dried chamomile (or 4 chamomile tea bags)

1. Crush mint leaves and put in a 1-gal. lidded jar. Add lavender and chamomile.

2. Fill jar with water to within 2 in. of rim. Cover and refrigerate 6 hours. Pour through a cheesecloth-lined colander into pitcher for serving.

Lemongrass Ginger Iced Tea

• ½ cup sugar
• 7 ½ cups water
• 1 large stalk lemongrass, dry tops and tough outer leaves removed, stalk cut into small rounds (about ¼ cup)
• 1-inch by 2-inch knob of ginger, peeled and chopped (about 2 tablespoons)
• 4 mild black teabags, such as Darjeeling or Assam
• Ice for serving

1. In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, 1/2 cup water, lemongrass and ginger. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring to the dissolve sugar. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow the lemongrass and ginger to steep in the sugar syrup for at least half an hour. For more pronounced flavor, place in the refrigerator and allow to steep several hours or overnight.

2. Bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the teabags, turn off the heat, and allow the tea to steep for 5 minutes. Squeeze out the teabags and discard. Pour the brewed tea into a heat-proof pitcher.

3. Strain the lemongrass ginger syrup through a small sieve, pressing on the solids to extract as much flavor as possible. Discard the solids, and add the syrup to the pitcher of tea. Add three cups of cold water to the tea, and stir well. Serve over ice.

Lavender Lemon Quencher

• 1/4 cup fresh lemon balm leaves, chopped OR 1 tablespoon dried leaves
• 1 tablespoon fresh lavender buds OR 2 teaspoons dried buds
• 2 cups hot water
• 2 cups cold water and ice
• Fresh lemon for garnish

1. Steep lemon balm and lavender in hot (80- to 90-degree) water about 3 minutes.

2. Add cold water and ice.

3. Serve over additional ice with lemon wedges.

Peach Pick Me Up

• 1 tablespoon dried mint leaves
• 4 cups water
• 2 cups pureed peaches, chilled
• Fresh mint leaves for garnish

1. Steep mint leaves in hot (80- to 90-degree) water for 3 minutes.

2. Pour peaches into a sieve to remove chunks.

3. After the mint tea has cooled completely, mix it with the strained peach puree. Serve cold, garnished with fresh mint leaves.

Hot Garden Tip of the Week

36 varieties of heirloom tomatoes arriving tomorrow--early bird gets the worm, we open at 8 AM!

Also check out the area in front of the goat pen for SALE priced Mark's Choice plants!

PS--Don't forget the garden centre is open until 8 PM weeknights until June 4.

Mixing Edibles with Ornamentals in the Garden

By Mark Cullen. For more tips and stories from Mark, visit the CTV gardening page.

For a long time it has struck me that the appearance of a well kept vegetable garden is a thing of great beauty. The straight rows, the glowing appearance of tomatoes on the vine, of carrot tops and bush beans loaded with fruit.

But not everyone agrees with me.

Enter a new generation of gardeners for whom the old rules of gardening do not apply.

Here we have 20 and 30 year olds, some in their first home and with young children and some not: all of them with concerns about the environment and the quality of what they put in their mouths (and that of their kids!).

Today we have this wonderful mixing of edible plants and ornamental ones. In my opinion it is one of the most exciting developments in the gardening industry since the introduction of native plants about 25 years ago.

What grows with what?

First, consider that all plants that produce edible fruit, foliage or roots have some ornamental qualities.

Take a fruit tree for example: an apple in full bloom in late April is just as attractive as many dwarf flowering trees. We don't think of an apple as a flowering tree because it's primary purpose in the garden is it's productivity. Same for cherries, pears and the list goes on.

This photo of a demonstration garden at the Hampton Court Flower Show I England tells a wonderful story: from right to left, note the snap beans, onions, strawberries, young cabbage or kale plants, curly parsley, arugula and finally the Red Sails leaf lettuce.

See the ornamental quality of this planting?

Now you are getting the idea…..

Mark Cullen's Tips for Great Tomatoes

By far the #1 veggie crop in Canadian gardens is the tomato.

And why not - it is no mistake that Heinz has their #2 plant in Leamington Ontario [Pittsburgh is #1 but that is where they 'discovered' the secret recipe too...]

In most of Canada we have loads of sunshine and good soil is not all that far away.

My recipe for a great tomato crop is:

• 1. start with a healthy plant [I trust that you have planting it already...]
• 2. prep the soil with a minimum of ½ bushel [20 liters] of compost and equal amount of top soil, mixed equally in the bottom of the hole.
• 3. plant deeply: up to the fist leaves. Roots will grow out of the stem.
• 4. water well and fertilize with one inch [2 cm.] of finished compost or Green Earth organic 4-6-8 Tomato and Vegetable food.
• 5. continue to water deeply when the soil is dry about 5 cm. down.
• 6. double the tomato crop by getting them off the ground. Stake them as Jeff and I demo in this segment.
• 7. mulch to minimize weeds and watering. I use 6 inches/16 cm. of loose straw. Finely ground up bark also works well.
• 8. apply Bordo mixture in July to prevent early blight. This is very important where a hot, dry August in not a certainty.

As they ripen, pick often and enjoy.

Mark Cullen's Top Garden Trends for 2010

1. Canadians will be paying down their debt - to the soil. As more and more Canadians realize that they cannot draw on the goodness of soil forever, they will be 'giving back' by adding generous layers of organic material including [you guessed it] COMPOST

2. From Garden to Fork. Inspired by the recent trend to eat food produced with in 100 miles, Canadians will be growing more of their own food in their own yards and on balconies- Why? to control what is put on their food [ie. No chemicals], convenience, money saving and honest to goodness wholesomeness.

3. Naturally. Canadian gardeners are discovering -in increasing numbers - the benefits of gardening organically or [at least] in the absence of chemicals. Or at the VERY least the minimal use of chemicals.

4. Heritage Gardening. As more and more Canadians are prepared to pay a premium for 'heritage' or 'heirloom' tomatoes and other produce, they are also more interested in growing what their great grandparents grew...... look for heritage tomato varieties at garden retailers this spring.

5. Water Conservation. Gardeners are acutely aware of water use and are naturally concerned about the limited availability of water in most regions of t he country. Look for an increase in the use of rain barrels and other 'water saving' devices including low pressure water sprinklers and water conserving products like the new Water Solutions tea bags [which I will bring in for a demo]

6. Bringing Nature Home. Gardeners are closely connected to the natural world and are designing their gardens in an effort to embrace the natural world around them rather than insulate them selves from it, as we did a generation ago... as a result lawns will get smaller, native plants will gain in popularity and birding in all forms [including bird feeding] will continue to rise in popularity.

7. Gardeners as Community minded activists. Gardeners are seeing themselves more as a vital part of the community as a whole, with sensitivity to historic attributes of our towns and cities, our public green spaces and the overall beauty of our communities. We will see horticultural societies and individual gardeners give time and resources to partnerships with Historic societies, conservation groups and a growing interest in Communities in Bloom.

8. Smaller is better. As house builders continue to build larger homes on smaller lots, the nature of gardening spaces will continue to 'intensify'. The popularity of dwarf conifers, small flowering trees and growing in containers will continue to grow.

9. Gardening as Therapy. As our population ages there is a growing appreciation for the therapeutic benefits of gardening.... Improved cognitive skills, sharper minds, better memory, lower blood pressure, increased flexibility and overall better health result from the ACTIVITY of gardening, regardless of age.

10. Gardening for the NEXT generation and Gardening for Pets. The emerging generation of gardeners are integrating their kids and grand kids [and even their pets!] into the gardening experience. In an effort to reduce the growth of 'nature deficit disorder' the garden is providing the perfect opportunity to engage young people in Mother Nature's world, right in our own backyards.

Gingersnaps Weekly Menu

Double Click to Enlarge

It's Back! The Gingersnaps Specials of the Day are back for the summer, woo hoo! Buffalo Chicken wrap on Wednesday? Sounds like the best way to spend a Wednesday to me!

Yoga in Lloydminster

Double Click to Enlarge

To find classes, visit our friends at Studio Encore Yoga
or Serenity Yoga Studio

Get your Pouchee on

It was a year ago this Mother's Day that we first introduced you to Pouchees, so in honor of our anniversary we'd like to remind you how great they are ;)

If you're like some girls I know (ahem, Sarah) 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 Aussie Red (and Pink Cotton for the inside shot), Pouchee is available in leather and cotton in all sorts of fun colors.

New, this year, we are pleased to present the Jewelry Traveler, to keep all your pretty baubles and bling neat and organized and not tied up in knots!

Jewelry Traveler

• Handy swivel hook for hanging in your closet or hotel.
• unique patent pending design for keeping necklaces separated during travel.
• Inside pockets for earrings, bracelets & more
• retractable handle for easy transport.
• Folds flat for easy packing.

And The Daddy. We had him in before and he's sold out, so more are on the way!

The Daddy

• Car Console Organizer.
• Sturdy handles so you can take your Console Caddie with you to keep your valuables safe.
• Outside pockets for checkbook, sunglasses, mobile phone, tissues,change etc.
• Inside pockets for pens, flashlights tire gauges, CDs & more
• Inside credit card or business card pockets.
• Inside dividers to keep everything organized.

Anna Olson's Asparagus Salad

From www.annaolson.com

Asparagus Salad with Chevre, Avocado and Blackberries
Serves 4

1 lb (450g) fresh asparagus
1 ripe but firm avocado
3 oz (90g) fresh goat cheese
1 cup (250mL) fresh blackberries
1 lemon, cut in half
extra virgin olive oil
salt & pepper

Bring a pot of water up to a boil and salt generously. Trim asparagus and add to water. Blanch, uncovered, until tender (check by tasting – time will vary depending on thickness of asparagus). Once tender drain and shock in a bowl with ice and water to halt cooking. Strain and chill until ready to serve.

To serve, arrange chilled asparagus on a serving platter. Peel and slice avocado and arrange over asparagus. Crumble goat cheese on top and then sprinkle salad with blackberries. Squeeze lemon juice over top then drizzle salad with a touch of olive oil and season lightly.

And now a word from Mark Cullen...

Excerpted from Mark Cullen's Monthly newsletter, which can be found at www.markcullen.com

“All gardeners live in beautiful places

Because they made them so.”

~ Joseph Joubert

It is the month of May. Time to get serious about the garden.

I don’t quite mean this the way that it sounds: serious is not a word that we should ever attach to the gardening experience. After all, you got into this thing for the fun of it right? May is the month that we really dig in, if a great looking garden is in the plan for this year at all. That is what I mean.

As I travel the country talking with gardeners it is becoming clear to me that the emerging generation of gardeners have some lessons to teach those of us who have been doing this for a time: #1 “There are no rules”

We now mix up vegetable plants with perennials – in the same container! And most every plant that goes in the garden also goes into containers… and most everything that can hold some soil is a container for planting most everything else. No rules.

Where to start: THAT is the question!

Vegetables to plant:

For most of us Canadian gardeners it helps to look at May as two months – early (when frost can still occur) and late (when the threat of frost is much less likely).

Plant in the first half: all ‘frost hardy’ vegetable seeds. There are many that thrive in cool soil and will tolerate some frost once out of the ground.

Radish, carrots, all members of the onion family including spring sets, Spanish onions, leeks and multipliers. Plant peas now, both the ‘snow’ peas and the podded peas, (plus, for the record Sweat Peas), lettuce – leaf, head and bib varieties, cabbage, kale, Brussels sprouts (providing you can find someone to eat them). In fact virtually all of the ‘gassy' vegetables can be planted early –like now.

Later, when the threat of frost is no longer a consideration plant out your tomato plants and peppers, seed potatoes, squash, pumpkins and beans. Corn should be planted when the leaves of your oak trees are the size of a squirrel’s ear. If you lack squirrels, come over to my place and help yourself.

Containers.

I have a way to cut your watering down by up to one half this summer. Water Wicks are a new product in the Mark’s Choice line up that I am very excited about. Each ‘Water Wick’ tea bag absorbs up to 400 times its’ weight in water.

When you prepare a hole for planting, drop a pre-moistened Water Wick tea bag into the bottom of the hole and place the plant directly on top of it. Firm the soil around the plant as per usual. Now, as the soil dries out the plant will draw moisture from the Water Wick. When you water your plants the Water Wick is automatically recharged with water.

The results are that you will water much less and your plants will become deeply rooted in their search for water at the bottom of the planting hole.

How do we know these work? We tested them ourselves. But not until the Ontario Flower Growers applied them to over one million potted plants that were shipped to retailers across the country. The Water Wick concept was such a hit that reforestation projects are now using them when planting tree seedlings. We (Home Hardware and I) have the exclusive use of the product in the retail market.

Give them a try and let me know what you think. I have used them in the veggie garden, under newly planted perennials and in containers with great success.

Water Wicks are made in Canada and are a 100% Canadian concept!

The BEST Wheel Barrow. Ever. It took us a while to perfect this one, but the new Mark’s Choice wheel barrow is a winner. I know this because my wife has claimed mine as her own.

It has a generous 5 cubic foot capacity, a low centre of gravity (so it will not tip unless you really try), it is perfectly balanced (the part that we worked on the longest), it has two heavy duty wheels, a thick gage high impact plastic hopper and a comfortable wrap around handle for ‘one handled’ work (so you can hold a beer in one hand and walk a load around the yard with the other!).

Mark's Choice Product of the Month

Mark’s Choice garden soils – at last ! We have been working for 3 years on the perfect formulation of soils for the 3 main jobs that you have around the garden.

Container mix for planting in hanging baskets, window boxes and all other containers. Home Hardware item# 5053-500

Weed Free Lawn Soil for getting grass seed and sod off to a great and fast start. Home Hardware item# 5053-686

Flower and Vegetable Soil , which also contains the very best ingredients for growing all vegetables and flowers in the garden. Home Hardware item# 5053-695

Welcome Elyssa!

Congratulations to staff member Cristy and husband Tim Van Staden

on the arrival of their daughter

Elyssa Alida Elizabeth Van Staden.

Born May 4 at 11:57 AM.

Mother and daughter are doing fine and we wish the new

happy family the best of luck! We can't wait to meet her!

Giftcard & Gift for Mom

This Thursday, Friday & Saturday
buy at giftcard valued at $50 or more and receive a
FREE Miniature Rose
to go with your gift for Mom!

How sweet!

Add color to your condo

Check out this great article on adding color to your condo with hanging baskets

Spring Purge

In today's Edmonton Journal there were some great articles in the condos section, one called
Spring Purge--say adieu to those aerosol air fresheners.

An excerpt:

When tackling spring cleaning duties, there are some environmentally dubious household items that you might want to give a second look. And when I say "give a second look" I mean you should reconsider using and/or replace them with a more eco-sensible alternative.

Don't get me wrong -- I love fragrantly scented air. In fact, I have a bit of a purchase-problem when it comes to scented soy candles. But if you're the type who grabs for a can of Freesia Fiesta or Melon Madness aerosol air freshener to combat the stench of last night's fish fry or this morning's wet dog, I'm here to convince you to spritz your last spritz.

As you might be aware, the alluring fragrance housed in that aerosol can isn't derived from freesia or melons but from a complex chemical brew that can trigger allergic reactions, respiratory problems, and pollute the indoor air.

The four basic ingredients, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: formaldehyde, petroleum distillates, p-dichlorobenzene and aerosol propellants. And unsurprisingly, air fresheners of all varieties, not just ones in aerosol cans, contain those nefarious volatile organic compounds (VOCs), a source of health woes and ground-level ozone.

And here's something to consider before you say adios to that half-empty aerosol air freshener: The contents are considered as hazardous waste and should be taken to an eco-station. Yep, that Freesia Fiesta is hazardous (not to mention ineffective since it masks odours instead of removing them).

The author recommends opening some windows and placing bowls of baking soda around the house to absorb odors. And a vase or two of spring flowers not only brighten the place up but offer a beautiful, natural, safe aroma.

You have to keep in mind that these things you are inhaling are chemicals. The commercials of people spraying air fresheners all over everything in house and then inhaling the scents...good grief. You would never take the can and inhale it's contents, but somehow we feel like it is OK, (or like we SHOULD) scent the air (and invariably inhale it that way).

The reason this is especially timely for me is because I went to our local farmer's market this Thursday where I was fed a sales pitch by a sell-from-your-home candle company, initials MB. While this company's candles are in fact made from soy, the salesperson proceeded to tell me that they were the only "green" candle in North America, were 100% natural and non-toxic. I asked, "What about the fragrance?" I was told "Everything is all-natural."

It is not, in fact, all natural, and the company's own website says they use synthetic fragrance because the scent lasts longer. And it is not a "green" candle, let alone the only "green" candle in North America.

This really made me angry because a) it's not true, b) it's misleading (known as "greenwashing" where a person or company misrepresents a product as natural/good for the environment/organic/safe) and c) it is being spread around and shared through at-home parties and women's shows (like the one in Lloyd this weekend). Consumers should not be lied to--if your fragrance is fake but the base is real, just be honest with us.

We offer all kinds of things at the store--just in our candle lines, some are, indeed, all-natural (soy or beeswax) and fragranced with essential oils. Some are soy, but fragranced with synthetic (man-made) scents. Some are old-school paraffin (what most candles are made of).

When making choices, as the author above indicated, consider all the information you receive. Does "sticky cinnamon raisin bun" or "birthday cake" scents exist in nature? No. So how can it be natural? Plain old cinnamon or vanilla, yes, go for it. If you don't care if it is natural, burn whatever you like. But if you do care, and you are buying the product because you think it is all-natural or safe, then you might have to do a little extra research if you hear something that sounds fishy.

Happy Birthday Dad!

Wishing a very happy 60th birthday to one of the hippest 60 year olds we know, our Dad, Richard!

Young At Heart

Fairy tales can come true, it can happen to you
If you're young at heart
For it's hard, you will find, to be narrow of mind
If you're young at heart

You can go to extremes with impossible schemes
You can laugh when your dreams fall apart at the seams
And life gets more exciting with each passing day
And love is either in your heart or on its way

Don't you know that it's worth every treasure on Earth
To be young at heart
For as rich as you are it's much better by far
To be young at heart

And if you should survive to 105
Look at all you'll derive out of being alive
Then here is the best part
You have a head start
If you are among the very young at heart

One more update!

Coming this fall/winter--Sesame Street paint colors! Sesame Street actually approached Home Hardware to develop the colors and program. What's great about Sesame Street is that all of their products support Sesame Workshop which works around the world to teach and inspire children in 140 countries around the world, many of whom have no other access to preschool education.

In honor of this new partnership, why not enjoy an old-school Sesame video called Wet Paint, here.

Update from the Market

Well, we just returned from the Home Hardware Market and have lots to share!

First up, we met Anna Olson! (This photo is from Sarah's blackberry.) I have some excellent BBQ tips from her to share with you in a later post. We are hoping she will come to our store for a visit someday soon! She also gave us an insider tip--in the Summer edition of Home at Home magazine she will be providing some recipes for preserving (something a lot of you have been requesting lately!)

We also met up with Kevin O'Leary from CBC's Dragon's Den. He was there to promote one of the products he pitched the Dig It Garden Glove. In case you haven't heard of it, the glove has an interior reinforced pillow top protector built on the inside that prevents the nail from direct contact with the glove, thereby protecting your manicure (and/or also preventing dirt from sneaking in the seems and under your nails!) We will have a more detailed post on it in the future. We are also bringing in the Eye Dig It sunglasses, which combine revolutionary technology that allows you to protect your eyes from UV rays while incorporating the highest impact resistance lenses of any safety glasses (so you're safe from flying rocks while mowing the lawn, but still look stylish--they are made from a Prada mold!) Sarah and I were their first customers of the day!

We also met up with Mark Cullen and are really excited for the new Water Wicks this year! (See earlier post).

Hmm.. what else. Well, we were ordering Christmas at the show, and while it is the LAST thing from your minds right now, I will give you one update--we have some new self-forming trees this year that come out of the box fluffed, formed and ready for decorations!

For toys this Christmas we have the COOLEST new thing, Paper Jamz! These puppies are affordable, lightweight, paper-thin guitars that actually play music! The creative blend of technology and play is made possible with Active Graphics Technology which allows for circuit-embedded paper, enabling you to play like a pro by simply touching the paper surface! Here is a video of some actual kids playing at the Home Hardware market and here is another one showing you how it actually works.

In Kitchen news, Kitchenaid is coming back Home! Look forward this fall to a new assortment of totally redesigned coffee pots, toasters and more! Pyrex also has a new line of kitchen accessories, including measuring spoons and cups that are magnetized. LOVE THIS. You can take one spoon off, use it, wash it, and stick it back with the rest. No annoying rings or lost spoons again!

And, last but not least, Anti Monkey Butt.
I won't explain it, I will just let you go to the site and read all about it.

A greener way to control bugs

Mark Cullen’s Greener Way to Control Garden Bugs

Dealing with lawn and garden bugs can be difficult, but more than 95 per cent of the insects in our yards, such as earthworms, ladybugs and praying mantis, are actually helpful to the home gardener.

“I believe we can garden successfully without the use of toxic chemicals, and that includes insect control,” says Mark Cullen, Home Hardware’s Gardening Expert and author of The Canadian Garden Primer. Here are some of the most common pest problems, with Mark’s natural and organic solutions.

Beetles usually attack plants by eating their leaves and laying eggs that hatch in late fall or early spring. Applying dormant spray early in the spring can help kill off eggs before they hatch. Green Earth Dormant Spray is a safe, organically based product.

Aphids are sucking insects common in many gardens. They cause damage such as wilting and growth deformity, but they can easily be controlled with Green Earth insecticidal soap, a natural organic spray with no harmful effects on humans or pets. One spray application should do the trick.

Mark’s Most-Requested Recipe for Ant Control

Mix one litre of water, one teaspoon of Borax and a cup of sugar. Soak cotton balls in the solution and place them in an old margarine container. Punch holes in the lid so ants can get in. Place the containers in locations where you’ve seen ants (out of reach of pets and children). The ants will gather the poison sugar, take it back to the nest and eventually kill the entire colony.

Tasha's Note:

We have lots of customers coming in asking for ant control. Our question is always WHY? People will answer, "Well, I have ants in my yard." Of course you do! That's where ants live! Pesticide commercials have trained us to think that ants are bad and we must get rid of them.

In our opinion, the only reason you should have to get rid of ants are if they are in your home, or if they have built a large nest in your lawn or garden. Otherwise, don't worry about them. A few ants living in your garden ecosystem won't hurt. :)

Mixed Green Salad

Mixed Green Salad with Raw Yellow Pepper Vinaigrette

Serves 4

• 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, dandelion, mustard, mizuna), washed and torn into bite-size pieces
• 4 tablespoons Raw Yellow Pepper Vinaigrette

Directions

1. Place the greens in a large bowl.
2. Stir the dressing well, pour over the greens, and toss well to coat.

Raw Yellow Pepper Vinaigrette Makes 1 cup

• 1 large yellow bell pepper, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
• 4 teaspoons red wine vinegar
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 teaspoons warm water
• Pinch of sugar

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together all of the ingredients until combined well. The vinaigrette will keep, tightly covered, in the refrigerator for about 3 days.

Recipe from Whole Living

Turn Organic Waste into a resource

From Mark Cullen:

I can think of many excellent reasons why every Canadian would want to compost: the environment, education, economy, convenience, usefulness and downright rewarding. Composting is a simple way to capture valuable organic resources and recycle them back into the garden. Adding finished compost to garden soil helps to improve soil quality and productivity. Do-it-yourself composting grows in popularity each year as homeowners discover this easy and rewarding process. As we begin a new growing season I encourage you to start your own compost.

Together, you and the kids will learn that great compost begins with many of the raw, organic materials that we eat and enjoy around the yard and ends with the miracle of a valuable resource that is good for everything that you grow in your garden.

Many municipalities in Canada now provide waste disposal for organics. I encourage you to keep the compostable organics for yourself. You will save money by not having to buy quite so much garden soil, you will help the environment by not having the raw material trucked away and you will have fun. So will the kids!

Composters range in styles from containers on rotating stands to large fenced-in areas of the yard. There are a few basic rules to follow when establishing a compost pile:

• - The more sun your composter receives, the faster the raw material in it will break down.
• - It is important to locate your composter near a reliable water source. The organic mixture needs a thorough soaking every couple of weeks during the heat of summer.
• - The best way to accelerate the decomposition of the organic material in your composter is to turn it every couple of weeks throughout the gardening season. Rotating units are great for this. Stationary compost piles will require turning with a garden fork or compost turner. Turning the organic mixture introduces oxygen into the centre of the pile. This recharges the microbial activity of the beneficial bacteria in the compost.

For more website information on composting, please visit compost.org and markcullen.com

Compost

What should be added to the mix for successful composting?

• - Leaves - Chopped leaves break down faster than whole leaves.
• - Grass clippings - Allow clippings to dry before adding to the composter or they just become a mucky mess.
• - Plants and weeds - Add only those plants without ripe seeds to avoid future problems.
• - Old potting soil - The plants and soil from last year that may still be in containers.
• - Kitchen scraps - Fruit and vegetable trimmings, egg shells, tea bags and coffee grounds.

Some things do not belong in your composter.

• - Meat - Not only will left-over meat attract animals but as it rots it risks turning your compost rancid.
• - Dairy products - Cheese and milk, etc. can go sour and make your compost smell.
• - Wood, bark, metal, plastic - Anything that will either not break down in a reasonable period of time or is not organic in the first place.
• - Weeds gone to seed - A great way to infest your garden with the plants you hate is to spread them everywhere in your finished compost. Don't count on your compost to heat up enough to kill these seeds. Few home gardeners have the critical mass or the discipline to turn their compost frequently enough to make the raw material heat up to this degree.
• - Dog and cat waste - Heavy metals are the biggest problem here - not to mention the smell. Stick with the manure of vegetarian animals such as cattle, sheep and horses. Don't overdo it though. Too much of the raw stuff can create an odour that will not endear you to your neighbours, especially in an urban situation.

MORE IN STORE

• composter 5010-500/953/962
• rotating composter 5010-506/508
• Green Earth^® Compost Accelerator 5010-908
• terra garden composter 5010-510
• compost aid 5011-532

Myths of Green Gardening

Garden Guru, Mark Cullen, Battles the Myths of Green Gardening with Mark Cullen

With Mark Cullen

Coast-to-coast Canadians are searching for new ways to reduce their carbon footprint. Springtime provides an opportunity to extend environmentally-friendly practices to the outdoors, but many homeowners question whether they can achieve lush results without pest-fighting chemicals.

"There's a myth that eco-friendly gardening equals sparse lawns and feeble plants," said Mark Cullen, Home Hardware's gardening expert and author of The Canadian Garden Primer. "Homeowners can create a healthy and natural environment by focusing on eliminating toxins through pesticide-free solutions and incorporating robust native and indigenous plants that do not need an abundance of water to survive the summer heat."

Mark Cullen gives gardeners the facts when it comes to gardening:

Myth #1 - It is impossible to conserve water in the summer months.

False. Conserve water by using mulch to keep soil moist, capturing rain fall in water barrels and placing soaking hoses in your garden to uniformly soak the soil. For best results, install hoses beneath a layer of mulch to further reduce moisture loss.

Myth #2 - Exotic plants are better-equipped to handle the summer heat.

False. Think local and cultivate native and indigenous plants to increase natural biodiversity cycles. Best suited to survive local weather conditions, native plants also have a greater tolerance towards local pests.

Myth #3 - It is difficult to grow vegetables and herbs in a standard garden.

False. Cultivate an organic food source and grow vegetables and herbs in your garden or in a container. Not only is this a practical approach, but the plants will complement your overall garden and ease the pressure on your bottom line.

Myth #4 - Pesticides are vital to keep grass green, plants lush and flowers blooming.

False. Use compost materials to help cultivate your garden by naturally enriching the soil with nutrients that will enable your plants to thrive.

Lloydminster Baby

Did you know Home Hardware in Lloydminster offers a large selection of baby and maternity products?

We are proud to offer a great selection of baby items in Lloyd, including:

Robeez
Bumbo
Lamaze Toys
Baby Gund
Babywrappers
Bella Bands
Hooter Hiders
Booby Trapper Nursing Covers
Bebe Au Lait
Sophie the Giraffe
Natural and Organic Baby Products
Stonz
Mimitens
Tee Pee for Me
Bearington Bear
Bearington Baby
Little Scholastic Books
Ore and Sugar Booger Baby Dish Sets
Bunnykins by Royal Doulton
Snacktrap
Baby Books & Music
Swaddling Blankets
Melissa and Doug
Little Soles Squeaky Shoes
grobag Egg
2 chix maternity t shirts
Baby Bee by Burts Bees
Druide Baby
cloud b Sleep Sheep, Twilight Turtle and Friends
My Little Seat
Nursing Pillows
Ergo Baby Carriers
Preggie Pops
Dapper Snappers
Cookie Safe
Raz Teethers
Bug a lug and Snuggle bug baby Bows
Soother Clips
PeePee TeePee
aden & anaais swaddling blankets
Miracle Milk Bib
Ringley
Dwink Box
Tinkle Time Stickers
Bumbo Toilet Trainer
Fruits & Passion bebe products
Baby Safe Feeder
Baby Cubes
BabyLegs and Babylegs socks
Banz Sunglasses for Baby
Manhattan Toy
Baby Bjorn
Kiddopotamus Bibs and Placemats
Skip Hop
Momzelle Nursing Clothing
Scwibbles and Crayoleez Crayons
Keep it Clean Pacifier


And More! Visit our website to see our Mommy and Baby Wishlists, or search this blog under the label "baby" and see some of our write ups on our favorite products! Visit our Facebook page and see photos of our Baby and Maternity items!

Gardenomical: Gardening on a Budget

Gardennomical: Gardening on a Budget with Tips from Mark Cullen

This spring, economic uncertainty is the prevailing theme as homeowners decide how to maximize limited budgets for home improvement projects.

"Trends this year reflect the need for cost-efficient gardening that makes the most of hard-earned dollars," said Mark Cullen, Home Hardware's gardening expert and author of The Canadian Garden Primer. "The focus will be on integrating native and indigenous plants into gardens as homeowners look for robust plants that do not need a lot of maintenance. Water conservation will also be a top priority as homeowners search for ways to save money while keeping the environment top of mind."

By following Mark Cullen's top five tips for economical gardening, you can create a flourishing garden without breaking the bank:

• Save on water bills by using mulch to keep soil moist, capturing rain fall in water barrels and placing soaker hoses in your garden to uniformly soak the soil. For best results, place hoses beneath a layer of mulch to further reduce moisture loss.
• Focus on native plants to increase natural biodiversity cycles. Native plants are typically less expensive, survive local weather conditions and reduce maintenance fees due to a tolerance to insects.
• Cultivate seeds to grow your own annuals, vegetables and herbs for a decorative flair and a practical approach.
• Invest wisely and improve your yard and garden so you can relax in your own outdoor retreat instead of spending on costly summer vacations.
• Select multi-purpose garden tools that work and protect your tools from the elements so that you don't have to buy new tools each year.

Anna Olson's Grilled Pizza

Grilled Pizza with pesto, asparagus, smoked salmon & chevre

Makes 2 pizzas
Serves 4 as an appetizer

• 3/4 cup (175 mL) tepid water 105˚F (40˚C)
• 2 1/4 tsp (11 mL) instant dry yeast
• 1 cup (250 mL) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (250 mL) whole wheat flour
• 1 tsp (5 mL) salt
• 3 tbsp (45 mL) olive oil

Toppings:

• cornmeal, for sprinkling
• 1/4 cup (60 mL) basil pesto
• 3 tbsp (45 mL) sour cream (not low-fat)
• 12 spears cooked fresh asparagus
• 8 slices smoked salmon
• 4 oz (120 g) fresh chèvre (goat cheese)
• 3 tbsp (45 mL) chopped chives
• 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped

To make the dough, stir water and yeast together then stir in flours, salt and olive oil until dough becomes hard to work with a wooden spoon. Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for just one minute, until dough feels elastic. Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap and let rest for 30 minutes.

Stir pesto and sour cream together and set aside. Preheat grill to high heat. Divide dough in two and, on a lightly floured surface, roll out each piece as thinly as possible, to about 9-inches (23 cm) across. Place on a parchment-lined baking tray. Place rolled crust on pan or stone and cover the rolled out crust with a thin layer of the pesto mixture. Arrange asparagus and smoked salmon on top, crumble chèvre over top and grill with the lid open for 10 to 15 minutes, until golden at the edges. Sprinkle with chives and chopped egg immediately before slicing and serving.

Get a jump on garden planning

By Kate Forgach, Ottawa Citizen; Canwest News Service

Pardon the pun, but gardening is rapidly growing into the No. 1 North American hobby. Maybe we're trying to save money by growing our own veggies or maybe gardeners are returning to the soil as a means of working off stress. Whatever the reason, gardening is one of the most "fruitful" returns on investment one can make.

Unfortunately, novice gardeners can end up spending more on seeds, tools and the other doodads required for a startup patch.

The good news is there are a few tricks that can save you money while still turning out a good crop. Here are 10 tips to get you going.

1. PLAN EARLY

Plot out your garden before turning the first spade of earth. Several websites make it easy to plan your garden either at no cost or free for the first 30 days. I'm particularly partial to GrowVeg.com,which helps you plot out the amount of space you'll need for each plant and where each should go in relation to other plants.

The Farmers' Almanac is still one of your best guides to when you should start planting and what kind of weather you can anticipate for the growing year.

2. UNDERSTAND YOUR LAND

Before you shell out a ton of cash for new plants, ask your neighbours what plants thrive in the soil of your region. Keep in mind plants appropriate for your growing zone might not work in your garden due to variations in soil composition, microclimate, pests, sunlight exposure and water availability. Visit your local nursery or call your municipality to learn how to get an analysis of your soil and recommendations for suitable plants.

3. DIG DEEP

Digging a deep garden bed can increase the number of plants you grow and ensure roots have plenty of room to thrive.

4. MULCH

Mulching your garden -- or covering the surface layer with plastic, wood chips, etc. -- will feed the soil, keep the soil and plant roots cool, retain moisture to reduce watering and prevent weeds. Also, mulching will reduce the amount of time you spend watering and weeding.

5. PLANT FROM SEEDS

Bedding plants are 10 times more expensive than seeds and often are sold long after the plant should have been unpotted. (Never buy plants with roots growing through the bottom of the pot.) Starting seeds indoors is cheaper and will give you a jump on the season. Save even more money by creating your own seed-starting pots.

6. SAVE AND SWAP SEEDS

Seed packets often contain far more seeds than you actually need, so consider starting or joining a seed exchange in your area. You can also harvest and store seeds for use the following year.

7. PROFIT FROM YOUR PLANTS

If you have limited space, consider planting produce that costs the most in a store or at a farmers market. You get the best bang for your buck by growing cilantro, salad greens, chives, tomatoes and squash.

8. BE SUN SAVVY

You'd be surprised how often experienced gardeners put a shade-loving plant in full sun or a sun-loving plant in the shade. Daylight is a moving target, so it can be difficult to ascertain the best location for each plant. Before plotting out your garden, spend time studying the movement of the sun over that patch of land, paying particular attention to heavily shadowed areas.

9. BE SMART ABOUT WATERING

Consider installing an evapotranspiration (ET) controller, if you have an in-ground sprinkler system. These systems use real-time weather data sent by satellite to control when your sprinklers turn on and off. This can cut your water usage by up to 30 per cent. Controllers cost between $300 and $400, depending on system size, but some municipal water agencies offer rebates, particularly in arid regions.

10. INSTALL DRIP IRRIGATION

If you don't have an in-ground sprinkler system, consider installing a drip-irrigation system. You'll save on water bills because the water won't evaporate as quickly and plant roots will receive a more thorough soaking.

© Copyright (c) The Edmonton Journal

Tips for Growing your own Food

Take these tips before growing your own food

By Steve Whysall, Vancouver Sun; Canwest News Service

Food gardening is still the biggest trend in gardening as more and more people, especially young families, try their hand at growing vegetables and fruit in their backyards.

Those who don't have backyards are growing food in tubs and containers -- call them "crops in pots" -- on a deck, balcony or patio, or renting a plot at a nearby community garden.

Where there's a will, there's a way. But if you are a newcomer to the world of food gardening, here are a few helpful tips, plus some recommendations about the best varieties to try growing, either from seed or from seedlings.

- You need sunshine and good soil.

To get a bumper crop, you need to grow your veggies and fruit in a spot that gets at least six hours of sunshine a day. You need healthy, crumbly, loamy, well-drained soil. Vegetables grow best in soil that is "sweet" or slightly more alkaline than acidic. Adding lime will help raise your soil's pH, the measure of acidity or alkalinity.

- Don't start too soon.

This is the most common mistake vegetable gardeners make. They sow seed into ground that is still too cold and wet. Find out when the soil in your area is workable. A simple test is to squeeze a handful of soil: if water runs out of it or it feels excessively moist and squishes into a hard ball, it is still too early to be in the garden.

- Start by growing easy crops.

Broad beans, pole beans, bush beans, peas, green onions, potatoes, spinach, radishes, beets, chard, kohlrabi and lettuce are all pretty much foolproof. Leeks, parsnips, garlic, zucchini and carrots take a little longer, but are also easy to grow. You can sow the seed for these or plant seedlings in the garden through May and June. Think twice about cabbage because it can be prone to pests and diseases. Broccoli and cauliflower take a little more skill.

- Start warm-season crops indoors.

Peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers and eggplants can be started from seed indoors, then moved into the garden in June. You'll find seedlings for all these at garden centres in May if you don't want to nurse plants indoors. These do best grown in containers or raised beds or greenhouses.

- Always rotate crops.

This is no folksy theory; it's an important rule of vegetable gardening to reduce pests and diseases. Don't grow a crop in the same location two years running.

For instance, beans pump nitrogen into the soil and broccoli thrives on nitrogen-rich soil, so it's smart to grow broccoli where beans were grown the previous year. Onions like weed-free soil, so it's good to grow them after potatoes because the foliage of potatoes suppresses weeds.

The British have a way of remembering how to rotate crops every three years by using the mnemonic British Rail Late: B for brassicas (cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, brussels sprouts, kohlrabi), followed by R for root vegetables (beets, carrots, parsnips), followed by L for legumes (peas, broad and runner beans.) Leeks, onions, chives and garlic go with legumes, which are followed by brassicas to complete the cycle.

- Put in the effort.

Food gardening requires time, commitment and effort. This may be a reality that eventually causes some time-starved gardeners to reconsider their initial enthusiasm.

- - -

GARDENING LEGWORK

The following practices will lead to greater success:

- -Grow a range of plants. This creates a healthier, more balanced environment where pests and diseases are less likely to get out of control.

- -Monitor your crops regularly. Hand-pick greenfly and blackfly, slugs and cutworms. This is also the way to stay on top of weeds.

- -When you thin rows of radishes and carrots, always clear away your thinnings. Leaving them to rot on the ground next to healthy plants opens the door to disease.

© Copyright (c) The Edmonton Journal