Christmas Christmas Blessings!

Sorry it has been so long! Christmas season can change our priorities sometimes! For the better?? Let's think about it...

What an incredible time of year! Magical, really... tis the season where we can get together with the ones we love and let them know how much we appreciate them. What an incredible opportunity! I am sure many of you are stuffed to the max like moi, and feeling blessed to the nines with love and material goods. Well, I hope so. If not, you are not alone. There are SO many people struggling this year and in need of love and support. It is so important that during that this season the focus is on giving more than receiving, contrary to popular belief, but crucial to keep focused on others and giving our gifts to help others: other families, countries, family members, loved ones, strangers, etc.

This year, here are a few things we can all do to help the people in our world out:

- Donate time to organizations, assembling hampers, organizing charity events

- Give away excessively acquired material goods from Christmas that you don't need... the new definition for "re-gifting" to Community Living, Salvation Army, other community organizations... let's be real... how many of us need everything in our home and all of the gifts that we received this Christmas season? This can be a good time for house cleaning... I know I did and now my house feels a heck of a lot cleaner and I feel like I was able to give a little while feeling good about it!

- Go through your cupboards for excessive dry goods... we went through ours this holiday season and found some canned goods and other unopened non-perishable foods and donated it to an organization that our local grocery store promoted this year... all it took was us dropping by the grocery store to drop them off! Or... buying one small thing per grocery trip to donate to the organizations that your grocery store supports is also a great way to promote the spirit of giving without stressing about breaking the bank... a little at a time we can make change!

- Closets of clothes that are not worn... anything you have not worn in over 6 months... Community Living, Salvation Army or another organizations. Just do it... it will feel good, and someone will be able to make MUCH BETTER use of the items than you are!

Remember: giving doesn't always have to be material... there are MANY other ways, sometimes better ways, to show people we care.
Also: what was your give/receive ratio this year? Did you give more than you received? Can you imagine if we all gave more of ourselves than we received... what would the world look like??

Find a little way to spread some cheer!
Chanel and Heather

Before Leaving...

A lot of offices and places are closed over the holidays, and then is the time to begin making change when we start leaving the office! So many times electronics are left on, lights on, heat full blown, computers still running.... let's leave for the holidays with a conscious effort of leaving on a minimum amount of energy-sucking appliances on! Here are a few tips to check before shutting down for the holidays (if you're so lucky :P):

1. Turn off your computer AND monitor and unplug before leaving the office!
A PC left on over the holiday will use enough energy o produce 13kg of CO2 – equivalent to 3 inflatable garden Santas (which is another thing to think about before inflating them on your lawn...:P)
2. Make sure the kitchen hot water/coffee machine is turned off. The energy
needed to keep a water tank just under boiling point for hot drinks during the
break could be using enough energy to emit 240kg of CO2.
3. Switch off your office light, desk lamp, display lights and any
decorative lights as you leave. This is good practice and can save 33kWh
of wasted energy – especially if ceiling and desk lamps are not compact
fluorescent lamps - as well as removing a potential fire hazard in the form of
decorative lights.
4. Unplug any non-essential items rather than leaving on standby.
Appliances such as televisions left on standby still use energy – a 20watt
residual energy use equates to 2.5kg of CO2 emitted over the holiday period.
5. Turn off stand alone electric or wall mounted radiators at the
socket. A 3kW electric heater going flat out during the vacation can use
enough energy to produce CO2 for 77 inflatable Santas!
6. Turn off printers and photocopiers at the socket. It is good practice to
turn appliances off rather than leave them on powersave mode. A photocopier
on powersave can still require 90% of the regular standing energy
consumption, translating to 14kg of CO2 per machine over the vacation period.
7. Shut all windows and office doors. Open offices can allow fire to
spread, thefts, and thermostatically controlled room heaters to heat the rest
of the building.
8. Turn the thermostats a bit below room temperature while away... your space will warm up quickly when you return, and you will have saved a whole lot of energy!

These, and many others, could be performed daily when leaving the office... so let's start over the Christmas holidays! And possibly set a few New Year's resolutions for the world... environmentally conscious is the way to go!!

Have a great holiday season, keep your hearts warm!
Chanel and Heather

Red and GREEN, this Holiday!

Well there is only 16 days left until Christmas, and while we hope many of you are THINKING about what/where you are buying in the first place this year there are a few more things we can do to help keep this holiday as GREEN as Christmas CAN be…

Yes traditionally the Christmas colors are GREEN and RED, so let’s think of RED as LOVE, for family, friends, strangers etc. but also our WORLD… stay GREEN!

So let’s enjoy those beloved traditions and celebrations without harming the planet.

One great idea is cut down on the amount of wrapping paper you use. Gift bags, or better yet a reusable bag which is PART of the gift can be used to wrap the items. OR try using things life tea towels, wrap the item in un-used fabric, recycled paper (even the wrinkly stuff… wrinkle it more, it’s a great effect).

Think outside the box when it comes to sending Christmas Cards, although it is really the ONE time of year people do send cards (these days anyhow) to cut down on paper, try using OLD cards re-made into new ones, or… perhaps hit up a great free e-card site and send your wishes that way, no stamp, no paper!

As we are all lighting up out yards, trees, homes etc. with Christmas light make sure you look into getting new energy efficient lights, or LED, which not only cut down on your bills but also on your energy consumption. Try putting the lightning on a timer as well, so you are not leaving them on when no one is around to view their splendor.

As for the Christmas tree itself, what about investing in a GREAT artificial tree this year? They have some a LONG way over the years and there are many VERY real looking trees which don’t require being cut down. And if you’re like me and really love the smell of the real pine, you can always buy some boughs or a wreath. I know many of you will debate the fact that which is really more environmentally friendly, the real tree or the artificial one, but we’ll leave that up to you!

If anyone else has any great tips send them our way!

Otherwise, we hope you are all having a wonderful time this holiday season!

Red and GREEN pals,

Chanel and Heather

What are the things that consume you?

Merry Christmas~ We are huge fans of Christmas at Fighting Footprints~ During the holiday season, we love reflecting on what's important in life, spending time wisely, showing gratitude and love to those we may neglect throughout the year, and most importantly, truly celebrating life!
This holiday season what are your priorities? Will you be stressed about getting all of the presents ready for exchanges, meals prepared, and outfits picked out for parties, or will you focus on re-evaluating your priorities, thought patterns, and life habits? Now is the PERFECT opportunity to take a true look at our lives and how we spend our time, and make some modifications to improve our quality of life, and how we spread life and love to others!

Jack Johnson said it best:
Are there things that consume you... more than your time? Gone going..

It truly got us thinking... many conversations and thoughts are surrounded by the lack of TIME, especially around this time of year! Let's make an effort to change that, and truly be concerned for the well being of others and their families as we enter into this season that can sometimes be polluted with Christmas bears, candy canes, toys, games, A LACK OF TIME, busy stores, and of course, shopping. We can change the conversation toward things that really matter, showing other people we care, and giving back to the world instead of taking from it. Let's make that our challenge this season, and hopefully we can continue it throughout the New Year.

Another great Jack Johnson quote:
You can't blame me says the media man
Well I wasn't the one that came up with the plan
and I just point my camera what the people wanna see
man it's a two way mirror and you can't blame me...

It's supply and demand... if we stop asking for it, it will no longer be produced, we just need to take a stand and think about the true meaning of Christmas... in its raw, miraculous, and joyful intent.

Small changes, one at a time revolutionize the world!
Chanel and Heather

Global Warning Reminders!

So I was just out getting some ideas for Christmas gifts, and I was at Ten Thousand Villages and saw these great posters, one was "How to Build Global Community", another was "How to go Organic", and also "How to End Global Warming"! They are a fantastic reminder for people to have up in their homes, work or classrooms and it is from Ten Thousand Villages which we LOVE to support.

Check out what the "How to End Global Warning" poster says...

How to End Global Warming:

Get excited about an energy revolution
Visualize our Earth from space
Know that it’s fragile
MAKE YOUR HOME ENERGY EFFICIENT
Don’t drive, unless you have to
Walk more * Cycle more * Skate more
Switch to energy star appliances
Turn off lights when you leave a room
Avoid drive-thrus
Install Solar Panels... They Work
Build political will for local change
DEMAND BETTER MASS TRANSIT
Use buses,trains, and trams
Share cars * Carpool
Avoid fast food * Eat Less Meat
Share what you have * Buy Less Stuff
Reuse Before you Recycle
Dig up the concrete
PLANT TREES * SAVE FORESTS
Buy eco-certified or re-used timber
Put your hot water heater on a timer
EAT LOCALLY GROWN ORGANIC FOOD
Don’t fly, unless you have to
Support climate friendly politicians
Support neighborhood businesses
Take Pride in being Resourceful
Put on a sweater
Turn off the air conditioner
Buy tree-free or post-consumer paper
Use a clothsline instead of a dryer
Dream of a solar-hydrogen economy
Close down coal-burning power plants
BUY GREEN ENERGY
Slow down * Find your voice
DON’T BELIEVE WHAT THE AUTO
AND OIL COMPANIES SAY
Support the Kyoto Protocol
Demand Strict Emission Controls
And Fuel Efficiency
On All Vehicles
Kiss the carbon years goodbye
Our world will be whole
And Healed Tomorrow
If We Pay Attention Today.

Pretty awesome hey, Check out other GREAT gift ideas at http://www.tenthousandvillages.ca/

Poster Pals

Heather and Chanel

Canned Goods

Something I learned today: BPA isn't only found in plastic goods.... it's also found in METAL CANS.... yes, that's right, canned goods, foods stored in metal containers..... might be at risk for containing BPA. That was a huge shocker to me because I assumed that they were only found in plastic goods. Check out Jillian Michael's website at this link to get more info:

http://www.jillianmichaels.com/fitness-and-diet-tips/BPA-free

Canning considerations,

Chanel and Heather

Flu Flu FLu

It sounds like all we have been hearing about lately is the FLU. What have been some steps that you have taken to prevent contraction of the flu?

We have become much more aware of how the spread of disease occurs in our society. We know a LOT of people have become SICK of hearing about this hype, including ourselves at times. Fighting Footprints always attempts to find something positive in every situation, so what did we decide to do this time? Find something good about this hype!

There's always something to be learned from every situation. Sooo..... here are some things we have learned throughout this media frenzied situation:

The importance of simply washing our hands! (and the art of washing our hands WELL)

Awareness of the frequency in which we touch our faces, bite our nails, lick our fingers, fix our hair, rub our eyes, etc.

The use of hand sanitizers!

Awareness of touching objects such as door knobs (the place on door handles where they are most frequently touched to open and close doors in public), sink faucets, elevator buttons, bathroom doors and toilet flush handles, computer buttons, etc.

Shaking hands with others... always necessary? Where were their hands?

When using debit machines... we punch the numbers with our card instead of our fingers!

Multivitamins and looking at our diets... are they supporting or inhibiting healthy function of our immune systems?

What quantity of fluids are we drinking? And importantly... WHAT KIND of fluids are we putting into our bodies?

It has also made us question whether we need to be out and about as frequently as we are! Do we reeeally need to run erands? Or could we wait until we have a few things to go out for?

There are soooo many more little tricks that other people are doing to prevent contracting the flu or a cold lately... what are you doing?

Please post your tricks for all to see!

Let's learn from one another and live healthier, happier lives!

Healthy and happy,

Chanel and Heather

No Flyers, PLEASE!!!

So many of us have put stickers and notes on our mailboxes for years "No Flyers, PLEASE" and depending on you mail carrier, you mail box may or may not be still filling with flyers, unwanted mail and other junk you neither WANT nor want to be printed off in the first place!

So according to the Canada Post "Action Plan" here is the best way to have your unwanted mail properly vanish...

Canada Post "Action Plan"

1. Leave a note for the mail carrier "No unaddressed ad-mail. Please mark this address with a red sticker for future reference." This should work for anything unaddressed with the exception of House of Commons, election info and community newsleters!

Fact - They MUST deliver anything with you address ON it!

2. Stop most addressed ad-mail by filling out a form here
http://cornerstonewebmedia.com/cma/submit.asp


Next...
How to have your unwanted Flyers properly disappear as apposed to the flyer carriers throwing them away afterward so they are still paid for the numbers they deliver etc.
Fact - They will print and deliver flyers until you call to be removed from their list

Flyers and the Sunday Sun - Action Plan

1. Call 657-6320 to be removed from the list and to report any troubles with flyer delivery. Do this even if you are not currently recieving flyers so they stop PRINTING them for your home.

2. Place a sticker on your mailbox as a courtesy reminder and to promote flyer reduction. Stickers are available for FREE at "The Better Good" - 640 Broadway Ave. Saskatoon

One more thought... if you enjoy the Starpheonix but do not want flyers... please consider the online version.

AND, consider most flyers are also availabel online!

Flyer Fighters,
Heather and Chanel

In Remembrance,

Today is a very special day, let's focus on remembering those who have fought, those that are currently fighting, and those that have lost their lives for our freedom.

It can sound like a cliche, or an overused corny statement, but truly, it is important to reflect on the freedoms we enjoy in Canada. Today, and all-days after, let's silently thank those who have gone to war for the freedom of our country, whether we agree with war or not.

Let's remember those who valiantly fought or fight for our country!

In Flanders Fields

by John McCrae, 1915

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

Remembering the soldiers,

Chanel and Heather

Christmas Craze!

So the thought of Christmas is now upon us, and as I think of all the people I need to/want to buy gifts for; our HUGE family and some friends, I am already beginning to feel OVERWHELMED!
Why you ask… there is lots of time left…. Well yes, however, when you start to do the math… 28 people x approx. $20 (or MORE) per person= $560 plus!!!
YIKES…. And then when I begin to think about “What does anyone really NEED anyhow?”… I mean my Nephews and Nieces seem to have every toy imaginable already, and I certainly don’t like ADDING to that… so what should I do?
What can we all do differently which will still fulfill our need for gift giving, without breaking the bank, or adding to our already clutter filled lives?

Here are a few ideas:

1. Have a “Make or Bake” Christmas! Personally make a gift or Bake something for your friends and family!


2. Time is often a bigger gift then money! Make coupons for your time with family members; whether its babysitting time, or housecleaning, neck message etc.
3. On behalf of different family members, sponsor a child overseas or give locally to various causes and charities.
4. A great idea for teaching children to reach out to others is by buying (on their behalf) soccer balls, or a chicken, school supplies, clean water etc. for other children who are less fortunate then them through organizations like Ten Thousand Villages (Living Gift 2009), or PLAN (plancanada.ca)


5. Offer to teach someone a skill you have… music lessons, pie making, computer skills etc.


6. Give FAIR TRADE items which not only act as gifts, but also provide income to artisans, farmers etc. in countries who truly need it.
7. Give a “FAMILY” gift instead of individual gifts, perhaps something that will bring the family together eg. a game
8. Have a recycled Christmas, give gifts that are PRE-loved by you and your family, but someone else may enjoy! Eg. Jewelry that was your grandmothers that you don’t wear may be adored by another family member, an old tackle box filled with lure for your nephew, a purse with FUN makeup for you young niece etc.


9. Have a “Salvaged” Christmas, buy pre-loved gift from thrift stores for you family and friends but at a fraction of the cost! And have fun doing it, hunt out cool ONE of a kind items which you can’t BUY in the stores anymore!
10. Framed photographs or custom family calendars are great keepsakes and at a low cost!
11. Consider giving a living gift, a beautiful potted plant with a pretty pot is a great gift for an individual or a family.



OK so I’m sure there are MANY more great ideas, and I’d LOVE to hear them, so let us know what YOU do to keep costs down and still feel GOOD about what your giving instead of the uggg… consumerism feeling many of us get while walking the malls in search for STUFF to give.

Good luck, and remember it really IS the thought that counts!

Gift Gatherers,
Heather and Chanel

Guardians of BEING!

Oh my I have just been introduced to the New book by Eckhart Tolle (art by Patrick McDonnell) called “Guardians of Being”! This amazing story takes form as almost a children’s type book, however is for the young and old to enjoy. I just bought my first copy (I’m sure I will buy many more for gifts) and wanted to share just a few excerpts so you to will be intrigued to go and check it out…

Guardians of Being:

True happiness is found in simple,

seemingly unremarkable things.

But to be aware of little, quiet things,

you need to be quiet inside.

A high degree of alertness is required.

Be still. Look. Listen.

Be Present….

Look at a tree, a flower, a plant.

Let your awareness rest upon it.

How still it is, how deeply rooted in Being.

Allow nature to teach you stillness.

It is so wonderful to watch an animal,

because an animal has no opinion about itself.

It is.

That’s why the dog is so joyful

And why the cat purrs.

Most of us live in a world of

mental abstraction, conceptualization,

and image making – a world of thought.

we are immersed in a continuous stream

of mental noise. It seems that we can’t

stop thinking.

I have lived

with many

Zen masters,

All of them cats.

And so on…

It is a beautiful book and a great gift idea for someone who perhaps needs to

Be still. Look. Listen…. Be PRESENT! And for any animal lovers as it makes many comparisons with the natures or own common house pets and what we as humans can learn from their behaviors.

So pick it up from the Library, or head to the book store. The illustrations by Patrick McDonnell are amazing too!

Just Being,

Heather and Chanel

Tips!

As I was browing through a local magazine, The Neighbourhood Express, I came across an article of interest to this week's topic of food. So many people in our society struggle with the idea of food... food addictions, food allergies, overindulgence (especially when fall hits, the weather cools off, it becomes darker at night, and holiday season is upon us!)... all of these factors lead many of us to crawl up on our comfy couches and indulge in things that make us more COMFORTABLE. Food provides many of us with a level of comfort...
Today let's think: what ELSE in our lives could comfort us???? Are there more healthy outlets that we can be reaching to other than "comfort foods"? Seeing as comfort foods usually are not the healthiest choices, and they usually are eaten in larger quantities to relieve an emotional hole in our beings... lol... too deep? Too deep, most def. But here are a few tips to keeping the eating for the purpose as NOURISHMENT FOR OUR BODIES, from The Neighbourhood Express:


Fast eating- completely swallow each spoonful of food before lifting your spoon to get another spoonful- use smaller utensils- consciously take time to eat, chew, and saaaavour your food!-

Eat only while sitting in ONE area of your house- avoid eating in front of the tv- set 1 room for eating, and only eat in that room!

Take time to eat- sounds like too much work? Take time to eat, and see how it not only changes your eating habits for the better, but most likely your family life, and your perspective on life!

Chew gum while cooking!

Brush your teeth early at night to tell yourself that you are finished eating for the evening!

Some tips for you- they may not come right away, and may require some work- but in the end, you will be grateful you implemented these changes! And if you already do these things, cheers to you! Keep it up! Write us to let us know how it's going!

Eating and Loving,

Chanel and Heather

Good Eatin'!

Hey there.... food food food!

Some of the people in our society exist in massive excess of material goods.. including the big struggle: food.

Can I ask you a tough question?
When did the purpose of food deviate from nourishment for our body?

Our tastebuds have completely turned into the governance by which we choose what goes into our bodies.
Training your brain to recognize the nourishment it NEEDS instead of CRAVES is a difficult task in this world of ours... it requires a great amount of discipline and conscious effort. But, like many things.. with hard work... IT IS POSSIBLE!
Let's examine the things we put into our bodies... not solely because it is the newest trend... but because we care to make the effort!
Or.... will we wait until cancer, obesity, and sedentary lifestyles become more important?
Let's take a proactive approach: read labels, pay for quality versus quantity, support local businesses doing good work, portion control, and get off of that couch!

Take CARE,
Chanel and Heather

Breathe!

Yes, yes we are always breathing, but sometimes we need to take that extra time to stop and consciously BREATHE!

Whether it is to calm yourself… just BREATH, put things in to perspective … just BREATH, refocus… just BREATH, when you are discouraged… just BREATH, feeling overwhelmed… just BREATH etc. You get the point!

By stopping to…“ just BREATH” it allows us to be present in that moment of our life… as Oprah once said… “Breathe. Let go. And remind yourself that this very moment is the only one you know you have for sure.” ~ Oprah Winfrey

“Breath is the bridge which connects life to consciousness, which units your body to your thoughts.” ~ Thich Nhat Hanh

“Smile, Breathe and Go slow.” ~ Thich Nhat Hanh

Breathing Buds

Heather & Chanel

HOW ARE YOU????????

Helloooo! How are you? How many times a day do you think you ask that question, or are asked that question? I've never counted, but I can imagine that it is a large number.

Number 1: When you ask this question, what is your typical response? What response do you expect? DO you reeeallly care to know the answer or are you just asking out of habit or because it's the polite thing to do?
So many times throughout our day, many of us overuse these words... I usually expect "I'm fine, and you?" after I ask the question, and that is most typically the answer I get.
Would you be surprised or put-off if someone answered truthfully?
I am going to make a conscious effort to ask this question only when I care to get an honest answer, and listen to the truth!

Number 2: What is your typical response when somebody asks you this question? Do you answer truthfully, or do you have a robotic, thoughtless answer as well? Next time someone asks you... try and think about delivering an honest answer!! It is unusually refreshing!

There are so many socially acceptable conversations that do not reflect our true thoughts or feelings, next time think about it!

Together, let's put meaning back into the phrase: How are you? In order for us to foster closer, more honest and supportive relationships with those in our lives!

Sincerely honest,

Chanel and Heather

THANKS-GIVING... a look beyond the turkey

On this holiday, be grateful!

THANKS-GIVING, GIVING-THANKS

Gratitude is a topic that is either over-used and lost meaning, or neglected and put away. Today, on this day of thanks, let's try and change our thought patterns in order to truly make giving thanks a meaningful priority in our every day lives.

Ponder it, think about it! What does it mean to you?

Everyday lately, I have made it a point to sit in quiet for 5 minutes, and be grateful for the Blessings that are abundant in my life. If I don't make this time, I end up seeing only hardships throughout my day instead of seeing the great events that bring a smile to my face! Once I begin actively practicing this, I more easily see Blessings in the moment, and the good times help carry me through the tough times.

Task Time:

Tonight, try to practice cultivating thankfulness by having a gratitude conversation with someone you love, writing a gratitude list, or by being thankful in our heart for the wonderful Blessings that surround you! They aren't always as obvious as getting a new job, winning the lottery, or being complimented on a good job done. They come in little, yet powerful, packages too! Little packages like watching snow falling, eating food that nourishes your body, seeing colourful leaves, driving a functional car or taking public transport to get to places you need to get to, watching a great TV program, hearing a song, or working with someone you enjoy being with!

Count your Blessings and the things you enjoy in your everyday life!

Choosing a Meaningful Attitude of Gratitude,

Chanel and Heather

FOOD FOOD FOOD

On the eve of this eating “extravaganza” Thanksgiving long weekend, I thought perhaps an interesting movie to pick up this weekend for you and your family to check out is “Food, Inc.” Although I myself haven’t seen it yet (I will this weekend) I have heard it will change your eating habits forever! Check out the trailer on youtube.com…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5eKYyD14d_0&feature=fvst

How much do we really know about the food we buy at our local supermarkets and serve to our families?

“In Food, Inc., filmmaker Robert Kenner lifts the veil on our nation's food industry, exposing the highly mechanized underbelly that's been hidden from the consumer with the consent of our government's regulatory agencies.

Our nation's food supply is now controlled by a handful of corporations that often put profit ahead of consumer health, the livelihood of our farmers, the safety of workers and our own environment.

We have bigger-breasted chickens, the perfect pork chop, insecticide-resistant soybean seeds, even tomatoes that won't go bad, but we also have new strains of e coli -- the harmful bacteria that cause illness for an estimated 73,000 Americans annually.

We are riddled with widespread obesity, particularly among children, and an epidemic level of diabetes among adults.

Food, Inc. reveals surprising -- and often shocking truths -- about what we eat, how it's produced, who we have become as a nation and where we are going from here.”

YIKES! So perhaps the scare tactic doesn’t work for everyone, but it works for MEEE, so check it out this weekend, and take a second look/thought next time you do your grocery shopping?

Cheaper & BIGGER doesn’t equal BETTER!

Heather and Chanel

H1N1 vs. Seasonal Flu

Hello! Ok, so this fall weather has got us thinking.... FLUUUU SEASON!!!! There has been a whole lot of hype around this flu topic... H1N1 and the regular flu as well. The vaccinations that are available and recommended have been a hot topic in the media and also in our work places. All of these mixed messages we have been getting needed to be sorted out. Many companies have been educating their employees and preparing for a pandemic... so here's a little info from our "offices" :P

H1N1 flu vaccination is expected to be available to Canadians in approximately 3 weeks. It just recently became available to residents of the U.S.A. Now there has been a rumour that the flu vaccine should not be taken with the H1N1 vaccine... because it makes you more susceptible to H1N1.... ok, we are here to clarify!! Companies have stopped providing the flu shot for their employees... why you ask?
A study came in from Mexico contradicting the Canadian study... there definitely IS controversy... some say that if you have had the seasonal flu shot in previous years, you have a higher chance of getting H1N1… but having the H1N1 vaccination protects you… it’s the lag time in between from the flu vaccine and Mexico says that
The Canadian vaccinations have an added adjuvant agent… this boosts your immune system so when it is mixed into the vaccine, the vaccine protects you against H1N1 and the Adjuvant protects your immune system, rumour has it that it will make the vaccine more effective. Note: They have also made the vaccine available without Adjuvant for pregnant women because there have been no studies completed to test whether Adjuvant has effects on the growing fetus.

Controversial studies, contradictory information, and a whole lot of panic has set into our pop culture, making it difficult to sift through all of the information and make an educated decision in peace! This post will hopefully inform you a little; although there is a lot of information that speaks differently… you make the decision! Please comment if you have any further information to provide us with!


Flu shmoo…. But take it seriously!
Chanel and Heather

Evergreen

Soooo.... I was at this INCREDIBLY PHENOMENAL leader in protecting our environment while providing us with ways that we can continue our lifestyles.... starting with this coffee shop. Called Evergreen. A little coffee shop in Waskesiu Saskatchewan, doing A LOT for the world... one coffee at a time. A few friends and I were talking about how it's difficult to find coffee that's fair trade AND organic... this place has got it, and man is it gooood!! This isn't the only thing they are doing to help our world... there are several other things they are doing as well...let's look into it and SUPPORT!

This little diamond in the rough has everything from baby Evergreen's to spaghetti stir sticks to completely biodegradable paper cups used form recycled materials to local art to home-made baking. Incredible places such as these need to be supported by our communities in order to create a sustainable lifestyle for ourselves and the generations to come. Simply put: well done Evergreen.... hopefully the trend will spread and we will become more conscious consumers. Thank you, way to go.

Fighting Footprints.

Thanksgiving 100 Mile Challenge

Some of you may have heard about the 100 Mile Diet and perhaps others of you have NOT….

What is the 100 Mile Challenge?

Exactly what it sounds like: you challenge yourself to eat only foods grown, produced and sold within 100 miles of your home. Anywhere from a week to a year... the length of the challenge is up to you.

Who thought of this brilliant challenge?

Back in 2005 Alisa Smith & James MacKinnon (the authors of The 100 Mile Diet) learned that the average ingredient in a North American meal travels 1500 miles from the farm to our plate and it shocked them. They came up with the idea to eat locally for a year – to eat products grown only within 100 miles of their home. No sugar, no olive oil, no beer…

For the authors, this diet turned into a new lifestyle for them. This experiment also spoke to many, many people across the world. Popularity and the knowledge contained in this book spread quickly through the media, blogs and through word of mouth.

Soooo, if you haven’t already heard from another blog, media, or heard about it from a friend… NOW YOU HAVE! And what a great idea it is!

Yes it can definitely be a daunting task, and not for the faint or heart… hey it takes time to find local food sources… But that raises an interesting questions in itself, about how we’re spending our time. What if we spent more time on self-sufficiency and less time at the office or watching TV?

OK, so this is a big challenge if you choose to accept it, and the fact is I am not fully there myself yet, however upon checking out the http://100milediet.org/ website… I saw the idea of doing a 100 Mile Thanksgiving Dinner Challenge… GREAT IDEA!

100milediet.org: Thanksgiving

Every year, more and more people are celebrating a 100 Mile Thanksgiving because it just makes sense. Together we’re taking the harvest celebration back to its roots: fresh, local, seasonal food. Since we started our campaign in 2006, tens of thousands of people across the continent have celebrated—the old-fashioned way.

So check out the website (http://100milediet.org/) read the book (The 100 Mile Diet), become inspired and think about starting with something like the 100 Mile Thanksgiving Dinner?!

For those of you in Saskatoon great sources can be found right at your finger tips, The Farmers Market, ask around to friends, local health food stores etc. to find a local poultry farmers, Eat from YOUR garden and Saskatoon based “Wild Serendipity” (http://www.wildserendipity.com/) even offers a cooking class on the 100 Mile Diet to get ya going, I’ve done it and it’s GREAT!

100 Mile Missioners

Heather and Chanel

CHANGE the World!

So I have this WONDERFULLLL book called “Change the World for Ten Buck” - 50 ways to make a difference! And can I just say, wow they are GREAT little EXTRA things we can all learn from and put into our daily lives to make a difference!

So I would like to share a few of my favorites with you:

Pick up Litter

-A man walked by a candy wrapper on the sidewalk yesterday. He frowned and said “tsk, tsk”. Today he walked by another wrapper, picked it up and put it in the garbage. He felt better! Lend a hand, help clean up Canada! Next time you pass a piece of litter on the street, why not pick it up? You WON’T get the cooties, we promise!

Make Change

- There’s always loose change – and there are always charity tins. It’s a match made in heaven – like bacon and eggs. Gretzky and 99, Bob and Doug. If every time we ended up with a bit of change… we looked for the nearest charity tin, the world would be a whole lot better off. After all, 25 cents per person, per week, adds up to $390 million per year!

Spend time with someone from a different generation!

- Talk to old people, they know cool stuff you don’t!

- Talk to young people, they know cool stuff you don’t!

Smile and Smile Back

- It takes half as many muscles to smile as it does to frown. And it make you and others feel twice as good!

Turn you Thermostat down by 1 degree

- If you turn your thermostat down by one degree, you can save on average $50 a year. That’s $4 a month you can put into a charity tin :)

Hang your Wash out to dry

- Hungry? One load of laundry in the dryer uses enough energy to make 250 pieces of toast.

Be Resourceful

- Glue it, Screw it, Tie it up, Tape it down, Darn it, Oil it, Sand it off, Sew it back on… Every time you repair something, you help the world’s resources last a little bit longer.

These are just a FEW of all this book has to offer and if you put your mind to it, you will see that there are MANY things you and your family can do to make just a little DIFFERENCE, because if we are all making a little change, it will make a HUGE one! Remember the 25 cents per person idea… SAME philosophy!

Change Chiefs!

Heather and Chanel

Shifting homes...

(http://www.theshifthome.ca/)

Saskatoon Home (http://www.saskatoon-home.ca/): A mag focused on educating and informing the general public about building and home development trends in Saskatoon.

The past few issues have focused on many things green: is this a sign of a shift in our community toward sustainable and responsible construction-quality green within practical budgets? Or is this magazine choosing to promote these initiatives with hopes that this shift will occur (the chicken or the egg...)? It's up to us, the general consumers, to decide and make this change... will we take the bait?

One of the new companies featured in the Fall Issue of Saskatoon Home is "The Shift Home," moto being "Modern, Green & Affordable." Targeted Certifications include LEED for Homes and Energy Star. A group of environmentally conscious businesses have come together with a variety of skills and trades to create sustainable and environmentally responsible homes that are LEED certified.

Upon seeing this, our minds immediately thought of the Swedish model of development and living: simple, responsible, practical homes that exist to serve the purpose of living: dare we say minimalist theories applied beautifully using a variety of responsibly extracted building materials and features. Check out their website (http://www.theshifthome.com/) for more info!

We have made it a priority this year to live responsibly and consciously for ourselves and our future... are we, in Saskatchewan, ready for this model of life that companies such as Saskatoon Home and The Shift Home is presenting us?

LEED the way!
Heather and Chanel