Have heartburn? Try Himalyan Salt!

On yesterday's Dr. Oz show, he discussed how Himalayan Salt (available at Home Hardware) has been found to reduce the symptoms of heartburn. One of the possible reasons for this is the 20-50 minerals found in this type of salt (the same kind used to make beautiful salt rock lamps) or that this type of salt reduces acid. Click Here to see the video.

Another option to try is Real Salt:

Compared to RealSalt brand salt, regular “table salts” and also many sea salts appear stark white because they have undergone harsh bleaching and refining. By contrast, RealSalt is extracted from deep within the earth, crushed, screened, and packaged without any bleaching or refining. RealSalt’s unique “pinkish” appearance and flecks of color come from more than 50 natural trace minerals, including iodine.

Real Salt is available in the Gourmet department.

My Dad has heartburn and has been using these types of salt recently. Hey Dad, how's your heartburn? [And PS--Where the heck did Richard's Thought of the Day go? Haven't had any lately? ;) ]

Update: Dr Oz also mentioned Himalayan Salt in February 2010 as an inhaler to help with with allergies, sinus infections and breathing difficulties Click here for the video!

Breast Friends Cookbooks

The Breast friends Cookbooks have now raised over one million dollars for cancer causes! If you have never heard of them, The Breast Friends Cookbooks are written and produced by a group of 10 women from Foam Lake, SK. The ladies gathered together to create these books in support of cancer research and also for projects like shuttle services and mammogram machines. (And, in fact, have even donated to the Lloydminster Region Health Foundation's Mammography Program!)

This article appeared in last Saturday's Edmonton Journal. An excerpt:

Cookbook proceeds have allowed the Breast Friends to donate more than$33,000 to digital mammography, which they said they continue to support as donations allow.

"The nice thing about these books is that we get to decide where our hard-earned money goes. And it makes a difference in people's lives, and their family's lives--people that are suffering," Helgason added.

Another excerpt from their website:

Their first book won its national gold seller seal in three months, their second in just under two months and the way things are stewing, number three may beat both of those to the golden seal.

“Breast Wishes” is a celebration of life. It is dedicated to the many women living with, and in spite of breast cancer. It speaks to the small positive steps that are being made toward combating the disease. It talks about the strength of women and the importance of girlfriends. It makes us laugh and it serves up food for thought.

Each book has over 400 different delectable recipes. They are tried and tested family favorites which whet ones appetite for more. They are not complex and they reflect these rural women’s ethnic backgrounds.

Net profits from each book are donated to help fund breast cancer research.

The group makes every effort to make donations in areas where books are sold.

We are proud to offer the Breast Friends cookbooks at Home Hardware, and, in conjunction with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, will feature recipes from the cookbooks throughout the month of October.

Remember that our Purse Party is in support of local Breast Cancer initiatives, and we will be featuring a door prize draw for one of these cookbooks as well.

For more information, please visit their website, www.breastfriends.ca

HH speaking at Mommy's To Be Group TONIGHT!

Home Hardware is pleased to be doing a presentation for the Mommys To Be group at Midwest Family Connections. For more information, visit their facebook page.

Join us to hear more about our maternity and newborn products, including Bella Bands, Pippalilly Slings, Sophie the Giraffe, Bumbo, Nursing Pillows and other items available exclusively at Home Hardware in Lloydminster. We search high and low for the best maternity and baby products so you don't have to order online or head to the city for them. Want to see other Baby items we carry? Visit our website and search through our wishlists for Mommy and Baby. We are always adding new items, so be sure to stop by and check us out!

Let us introduce you to some of these special items that just may make your life a little bit easier.

Mommys To Be Group runs Tuesday Nights from 6:30-7:45 at Midwest Family Connections, 4910 - 50 Street, Lower Level, (Old Co-Op Building) Lloydminster SK.

See you there TONIGHT!

Now Hiring!

We are currently accepting applications for several positions. Please fill out an application form at front cash (attach a resume if you have one, but please complete the application form in full.)

*All jobs require that you work Saturdays.*

We offer a positive, exciting, family working environment with excellent co-workers and great customers. You receive on-going training, comprehensive benefits (full-time staff) and a generous 20% staff discount. No early mornings, late nights, Sundays or holidays.

We are looking for candidates with a positive, professional attitude to assist our customers with their purchases. Join a great team and work in one of these exciting departments, with room to move up within the company.

Stock Room Receiver
We are looking for a positive, hardworking individual to unload, price and receive products in our busy stockroom. This job also includes computer ordering and receiving. Applicants must be attentive, efficient and capable of heavy lifting. Please speak with David or Jeff.

Floor Assistant
Great after school job that can lead to a full time summer position. Work in the plumbing, electrical and hardware departments and gain real knowledge and great experience. Ideal for high school student. Assist with putting away stock, assembly and carry-outs (larger items). Must be available after school at least Wed, Thur, Fri and all day Sat. This position is not flexible around sporting schedules. Please ask to speak with Jeff.

Gingersnaps Coffee Shop
When this little shop is busy, it's busy! Job includes preparing and serving specialty coffees, snacks and light lunch items, and occasionally helping on the sales floor. Must be comfortable with computer use. Please ask to speak with Heather or Sarah

Home Expressions Salesperson
This position is ideal for someone who is creative and has a passion for style! Interest or background in interior design or home decor is an asset.
Please fill out an application and ask to speak with Sarah or Jeff

A special stuffing from Anna Olson

Pumpkin Dressing

By definition, a “stuffing” is cooked inside a chicken or turkey, while a “dressing” is baked in a separate dish. Regardless of how it is cooked, make sure you keep a few slices for that leftover sandwich of chicken and dressing - yum!

Serves 6

• 5 cups (1.25L) cubed day-old baguette or other crusty bread
• 4 Tbsp (60 mL) chopped green onion
• 1 Tbsp (15 mL) chopped fresh sage
• 2 Tbsp (30 mL) butter, melted
• 1½ cups (375 mL) pumpkin purée
• 2 Tbsp (30 mL) pure maple syrup
• 1¼ tsp (1 mL) fine salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (250 mL) coarsely grated medium Cheddar Cheese
• ½ cup (125 mL) lightly toasted pecan pieces, plus extra for sprinkling

Preheat oven to 350˚F (180˚C) and grease an 8-inch square pan.

Toss cubed bread, green onion and sage with melted butter in a large bowl. In another bowl, whisk pumpkin and maple syrup. Whisk eggs into pumpkin mixture and pour over bread. Stir and let sit for 15 minutes to soak in. Stir in Cheddar Cheese and ½ cup (125 mL) pecans. Pour into prepared pan and bake for about 45 minutes, until centre springs back when pressed.

New lug Arrivals!

Ok, we all know how much I love lug, and this new bag is no exception.

The Cabby Social Tote:

Not too big and not too small, this stylish Lug® tote works for the girl on the go. With zip-closing pockets on each side, finding space is never an issue. And the cure for lost keys, the interior mesh pocket guarantees the days of aimlessly digging are gone. Bonus: there’s a hidden mirror beneath the interior-hanging pocket! How clever! You’ll love this bag’s sophisticated shape and the chic straps that sling it over the shoulder.

Special Features:

• Wipeable bottom
• Convenient zip pockets and multiple interior pouches
• Soft lined accessory pockets to protect digital devices
• Quick access zip pocket on back for mobile phone
• Material specially treated with water-repellent finish

Love it! The pictures don't do it justice. Come in and check them out--the red is particularily hot. I love all the pockets--I need help staying organized.

Need more convincing? Check out these testimonials!

Gingersnaps Weekly Menu

Gingersnaps Weekly Menu is currently on hold.

Gingersnaps will still be serving salads, sandwiches and a soup of the day, in addition to other assorted snacks.

We are also featuring delicious fall drinks like Pumpkin Spice Lattes and Apple Ciders.

See in store for Today's Special!

Weekend Update

-Yard Sale is winding down, last chance for markdowns in the Annual Greenhouse and at other areas in the store. Great savings still to be had on placemats ($3!), baby items, notebooks, Sheds, Lawn Mowers & BBQ's. Selected building materials on sale, see Lumber Desk for details.

-Plumbing, Heating and Electrical Sale on now! Need a new faucet? We've got you covered, whether your budget is $100 or $25! Visit the HH page and click on "eflyer" to view all the deals!

- I want to write a little love note about these clothes pins. They are my go-to item for clipping up bags in the kitchen. Frozen veggies, snack bags, bread bags etc-- these are the best clips I have ever used. They work way better than clips marketed as "chip clips" and other clamps you can buy at home parties, they are handy and easy to store. Find them in Housewares; $5.69 for a pack of 20, SKU 4427-400.

-Homecard No Fee Event--12 Equal Monthly Payments. No Interest. Absolutely no fees! On Homecard Purchases over $200. O.A.C. See store for details. Event runs from September 23 to October 10, 2009.*

I guess it's true what they say about rabbits...

We have more baby bunnies! Just when the first ones have come out to play, lo and behold there is another batch!

The bigger bunnies are ready for homes now. Their colorings are SO beautiful (I love the fawn colored one!). The Daddy is $20 and the Babies are $10. (The Mommy and the new babies are not for sale yet--they still need each other.)

Stonz Booties

Now in store--Stonz Booties!

The booties are made of flexible fabric and have rubberized non-skid soft soles. The shoe does not need to fit exactly when choosing a size and can be worn with bare feet or over a sock or shoe (like Robeez) depending on how cold it is.

The booties are tube shaped, much like a toddler's little legs. This makes them easy to slide on. Then simply pull the toggles at the ankle and calf for a custom fit! Available in 2 sizes: Medium (6-18 months) and Large (1-2.5 years).

(Double Click image to Enlarge)

Read more about Stonz below (information taken from their website):

As an active mom based on Canada’s wet and rugged West Coast, Lisa discovered that finding warm footwear for her young kids was near impossible. With her five-month old son in a backpack, Lisa resorted to wrapping scarves around her son’s legs to keep him warm.

The first Stonz booties samples were sewn – made with a fleece lined inner and a coated nylon exterior. The booties were designed with stylish appliqués, soft soles for a custom fit, and toggles at both the calf and ankle so that they stayed on.

"Awesome idea! I absolutely LOVE these boots. I had to have them for my son. He got them for his birthday and it was the best gift! I like that I can just slip them on over his slippers and that they won't hinder his foot development. I love the different prints too! Thanks so much!"
- Shannon

"We love your boots. Zane wears them all the time. It has been cold & snowy here, with another 15 inches falling yesterday. The boots keep his feet warmer than anything else we have. Thank you so much."
- Zane's Mom

"Lily just loves the outdoors and fresh air - be it hiking with our dogs, playing with her toys or just exploring on our deck. Her Stonz booties keep her feet dry and warm - she just loves them and even tries putting them on herself!"
- Laura

Another good reason to use natural baby shampoos

The Journal of Dermatology has released a new paper finding that ingredients in the most popular baby shampoos contain chemical preservatives that can increase the risk of contact dermatitis in your baby (an inflammation of the skin that varies from mild irritation to rashes and open sores).

“Quaternium 15 is present in an alarmingly high number of baby products, making exposure and sensitization at an early age increasingly common,” said Sharon Jacob, M.D., co-author of the paper and physician at the Department of Medicine and Pediatrics at Rady Children’s Hospital. “This is a concern because repeated exposures to sensitizing chemicals, especially in early life, can cause a person to develop allergic reactions over time. Therefore, we advise parents to choose products without quaternium 15 and other formaldehyde-releasing preservatives whenever possible.”

Home Hardware is pleased to offer you an alternative, in Druide's baby care line.

DRUIDE offers you a line of baby care products that are perfectly pure, gentle and soothing. It is now possible to offer your little ones baby care products that are supremely clean and natural. These gentle products have been especially created to pamper your baby’s delicately balanced system. With this line, you don’t have to worry about chemical ingredients or synthetic fragrances that can block pores or cause uncomfortable irritations. DRUIDE’s Alternative Rare organic essences derived from flowers and fruits, chosen for their unprecedented skin-nourishing components. These fine ingredients were extracted using the gentlest of processing techniques in order to preserve their maximum potency and natural softening and protective properties. Guaranteed not to contain Synthetic preservatives and fragrances and petroleum by-products Mineral or animal ingredient in this biodegradable formula Artificial colors Toxic foaming base Nut or peanut oil Sulfates of any kind GMO or irradiated ingredients Customer’s Comments Bum balm more effective than zinc ointment to repair the skin Recommended for newborns acknowledging the extreme permeability of their tender skin A complete line of products that satisfies all of a baby’s needs Very fine hair gains body and shine Very concentrated products a small quantity will go a long way. Numerous cases of child eczema were helped due to the softness and efficiency of the active ingredients

Yoga Helps you Stop Binging...

Check out this great article from Dr. Oz's newsletter, RealAge.

And check out local yoga classes this fall, just search this blog for YOGA.

Bonus Aeroplan Miles!

Click here for more details!

The Season to Save at Home Hardware

Check out this week's flyer for great fall savings, including:

-20% selected rakes and leaf blowers
-25% on Scott's Pure Premium Lawn Seed (fall is a great time to reseed your lawn)
-Big Savings on Dewalt & Makita Tools
-Up to 50% off on Baker's Secret Pans (make some muffins for lunchboxes!)
-Up to 45% off In Style Stainless Steel Kitchen Gadgets
-Save up to 58% on mouse traps (tis the season for mice to move indoors!)

View all the savings in our online flyer, here.

Purse Party and Ladies Night

You are cordially invited to our first
Purse Party & Ladies Night
In support of Breast Cancer Awareness
and the Mammography Program at the Lloydminster Hospital

Thursday, October 8th
6:30-8:30 PM

Join us for a fun night with the ladies and see all of our
HOT NEW FALL PURSES & HANDBAGS
and other new arrivals--
clothing, jewelry, baby, candles,
gourmet, personal & home expressions

Only the front half of the store will be open for this special event
Mocktails & Tasty Treats
Door Prizes
Wear Pink and receive a Swag Bag!


Pick your Party Favor and Reveal your Special Deal --
Save 15-60% off your entire purchase


Invite your friends! See you there!

Another delicious treat from Anna Olson

Find this recipe in the Fall issue of Home at Home Magazine

Triple Ginger Molasses Cookies

Ground ginger adds depth of taste, fresh ginger adds a subtle spike of heat and candied ginger adds that final sweet kick that altogether make it impossible to say no to a second cookie.

Makes about 2 dozen cookies

• ½ cup (125 mL) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 ½ cup (375 mL) sugar, plus 1⁄4 cup (60 mL) for dipping
• ¼ cup (60 mL) fancy molasses
• 2 tsp (10 mL) grated fresh ginger
• 1 large egg
• 2 cups + 2 Tbsp (530 mL) all purpose flour
• ¼ tsp (1mL) salt
• 1 tsp (5mL) baking soda
• 1 tsp (5mL) ground ginger
• ½ tsp (2mL) ground cinnamon
• 2 Tbsp (30mL) finely chopped candied ginger

Preheat oven to 350˚F (180˚C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.

In a medium bowl, cream together butter and 1½ cups (375 mL) sugar until light and fluffy. Add molasses, fresh ginger, and stir in egg. In a separate bowl, blend together flour, salt, baking soda and spices; add to butter base and blend until smooth. Stir in candied ginger. Place remaining sugar in a small bowl. Shape cookie dough into 1½-inch balls and toss into sugar. Place on prepared baking tray. Flatten cookies with your hand or the bottom of a glass. Bake cookies for 12-15 minutes, until lightly browned around the edges. Remove cookies from pan to cool. Cookies can be stored for up to 5 days in an airtight container.

Fall for Yoga

YOGA with Daniela at Serenity Yoga Studio

Serenity Yoga Studio Hwy 17 South between Harley Davidson and Fabutan

Stretch, Strengthen, Balance & Breathe Beginner & Intermediate Yoga Classes

Beginner (from the start, nice and easy)
Mondays 5:30-7pm Sept 21st - Nov 2nd (6 classes, no class on Thanksgiving) $45 per person

Intermediate (when you'd like more of a challange)
Wednesday's 5:30-7pm Sept 23rd - Oct 28th $45 per person

To Register call Daniela (780) 872-2332


YOGA at Studio Encore
5008 - 48 Street Downtown

Gentle Hatha Yoga – Classic Iyengar Yoga - Perfect for beginners
Improve flexibility. Helps manage, reduce and eliminate stress and pain
Monday 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM; Thursday 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM, 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Boot Camp Blast! - Intense Power Yoga & Detox Flow
Advanced Sun Salutations – Deep Body Cleanse - Prepare to Sweat!
Monday, Tuesday & Thursday 8:00 PM - 9:30 PM

Prenatal Yoga - Feel more comfortable, relaxed and fit during your
pregnancy. Improve flexibility, posture, stamina and breathe control
Tuesday 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM, Friday 5:15 PM - 7:15 PM

Postnatal Yoga - New Moms & Babies - A playdate you won’t want to miss!
A great yoga workout for you – fun & stimulating for your new baby
Tuesday 1:00 PM - 3:00PM

Healing Garden Yoga - Begin your healing journey - Extra gentle, deep relaxation, therapeutic & restorative – improve flexibility - helps to manage, reduce and eliminate stress and pain - Friday 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Yoga for Dancers – Develop deep grounding in your core, improves balance, flexibility and breathe control. Friday 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Super Flexible Passes
Fits your schedule and lifestyle - attend any class, any time
Take one, two, or as many classes a week as you like.

4 class pass $48.00 10 class pass $100.00
8 class pass $ 88.00 20 class pass $160.00
Prenatal Yoga – 20 class pass - $180.00 – two classes a week for ten weeks

Enjoy our warm family atmosphere, beautiful new, fully equipped yoga studio, cozy fireplace, and traditional Ayurvedic aromatherapy

Register 15 minutes before first class - For more information please call
Pam 780-875-6886 - Studio 780-875-4090 – Diane 780- 875-9244

Fall for our new Handbags...

Check out this great article for what is up-and-coming this fall for handbags, and check out this video clip too! The four hot trends this fall are Classic, Colorful, Tough and Textured. Some of our fall bags have already flown off the shelves but don't worry, there are pallets and pallets (literally!) of more shipments on the way.

And....

Can you keep a secret....?

For all you purse fanatics out there....

Mark OCTOBER 1st on your calender....

More details to come soon, stay tuned!

Bathtub storage Bags in Baby!

The Sugar Booger Bath Toy Bag is an easy way to keep shampoos and toys organized and tidy before and after bath time and it's cute, too!

Our Horizontal Bath Toy Bag features a jumbo pocket for toys and three small pockets for shampoo, conditioner and of course, more toys. Back and bottom are mesh for easy drainage and measures 12 inches tall by 23 inches wide. Front panel made from environmentally friendly PVC-free frosted EVA. Features six strong suction cups for easy hanging.

Fire at Home Hardware...

Last night at 2 am a call was made to the fire department about a fire in our lumber yard. (We would like to extend a Special Thank You to whomever reported the fire.) We arrived twenty minutes later. Our yard and garden centre were also vandalized during the night 2 weeks ago.

As a family-owned business with a tight-knit staff, we are all disheartened when our store is vandalized, in this case the act of arson was exceptionally frightening- we are grateful that no one was hurt and that the fire department was able to contain the fire.