Laura K. posted an article on The Mindful Merchant - Oct 16, 2011, 4:45 pm
Have you heard of Ta‘Kaiya Blaney? I had not until reading about her inspiring work on We Canada’s blog. Ta‘Kaiya is a Sliammon First Nations singer, songwriter and actor. She is also concerned about the environment, marine and coastal wildlife. She is also TEN years old and amazing. Have a li...
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Laura K. posted an article on The Mindful Merchant - Oct 14, 2011, 10:57 pm
  This post is part of the 2011 Greening your Halloween Blog Tour brought to us by Green Planet Parties, Green Halloween, Green Gift Guide, Surf Sweets and A Little Bit of Momsense.     September inspired changes regarding healthier lunches, avoiding packaging and rethinking purchases in our...
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Laura K. posted an article on The Mindful Merchant - Oct 9, 2011, 10:26 pm
My family is fast approaching a five-year anniversary of our move from Toronto to Ottawa. It took a while to call Ottawa home but we have come to love this city, its friendly people, beautiful landscape and attractions. Over the years, as a cheeky newcomer, I have noted a few characteristics many ...
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Laura K. posted an article on The Mindful Merchant - Sep 10, 2011, 8:57 pm
I feel the new year starts in September once the kids are back to school.  It is an exciting, busy time in our house with anticipation of a new grade, new teachers, new classrooms, classmates and activities too.  I find it a wistful time  as it is hard for me to let go of the summer and relaxing ...
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Laura K. posted an article on The Mindful Merchant - Aug 12, 2011, 8:31 am
  What are you doing tonight?  If you have nothing exciting planned here is a suggestion for a FREE activity, weather permitting.  It is the 2011 Perseid Meteor Shower and for those of us living in the Northern Hemisphere, August is the best time to watch the night skies for meteors.  It is pr...
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Laura K. posted an article on The Mindful Merchant - Aug 11, 2011, 2:24 pm
A few posts dedicated to answering email questions from readers… A friend inquired about switching to cloth napkins.  She was not convinced the effort, expense and care were better for the environment.  There are certainly arguments for both sides of the debate. Personally, I like using cloth ...
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Laura K. posted an article on The Mindful Merchant - Jul 31, 2011, 12:43 pm
For the past three summers, we tried unsuccessfully to plant a vegetable garden.  Our resident rabbits and full figured groundhog thoroughly enjoyed the buffet of young sprouts we planted.  Multiple times. Nibbled right down to the soil.  I believe they appreciated the work we went to solely for...
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Laura K. posted an article on The Mindful Merchant - Jul 30, 2011, 9:42 pm
I have a book suggestion. It is the kind of book after finished; you might feel inspired to share with your friends and family too. It is not a fluffy, romantic summer novel or gripping mystery, but an eye-opening book. In fact, it is downright frightening. The book is “There is Lead in your Lipst...
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Laura K. posted an article on The Mindful Merchant - Jul 26, 2011, 11:08 pm
I found this new PSA for the WWF thanks to @LisaBorden on Twitter tonight. It is so simple and beautifully done I had to share. Hope you find it powerful too.
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Laura K. posted an article on The Mindful Merchant - Jul 5, 2011, 11:08 pm
Ramble*  –  intransitive verb   (a) : to move aimlessly from place to place  (b) : to explore idly : to talk or write in a desultory or long-winded wandering fashion : to grow or extend irregularly The summer of awesome is officially off to a smashing start thanks to visitors.  One of...
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Laura K. posted an article on The Mindful Merchant - Jun 30, 2011, 11:33 pm
Today Their Royal Highnesses, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (Wills & Kate, as I like to refer) arrive today in Ottawa at 2pm for their first joint tour of Canada.  The newlyweds will celebrate Canada Day in our nation’s capital. It will be easier to stalk attend Royal events around the city ...
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Laura K. posted an article on The Mindful Merchant - Jun 29, 2011, 8:36 pm
“The best protection in any emergency is knowing what to do.”  ~ City of Ottawa Emergency Preparedness site Last night we had a wicked, but short storm in Ottawa.  It blew in quickly during the dinner hour. Dark clouds and gusts of wind brought heavy rain.  As we cleared the dinner dishes a...
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Laura K. posted an article on The Mindful Merchant - Jun 20, 2011, 1:40 pm
Hubby:  Um…you know that great deal you found at the garage sale?  The realistic owl? The one you said would solve our bird-grapevine-pooping-on-patio furniture problems? Me:  Yeah.  What about it? Hubby:  Well, you had better come see this. Walking over to the window. Me:  Oh noooo!!! ...
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Laura K. posted an article on The Mindful Merchant - Jun 19, 2011, 11:53 pm
  One word popped up three times Saturday morning. It was the strangest thing. My sister in law would tell me it is the universe sending me a message.  You know, I think she might be right. Saturday morning I took advantage of a quiet house and woke early to catch up on some my neglectful blog r...
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Laura K. posted an article on The Mindful Merchant - Jun 15, 2011, 3:49 pm
I recently cleaned out my inbox and found a press release from a PR company asking me to promote their non-stick cookware and healthy cooking campaign.  While I will not be doing so, the email inspired this post. Here is why I do not own non-stick cookware and bakeware…  The chemical used ...
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Laura K. posted an article on The Mindful Merchant - May 31, 2011, 8:39 pm
Thought I would share a few tidbits from today’s news that made me go “hmmm”. 1.  World Health Organization has changed its wording about cell phone usage.  Until recently, the WHO stated that studies did not show there were adverse health effects from mobile phone use.  That was until Tu...
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Laura K. posted an article on The Mindful Merchant - May 28, 2011, 5:00 pm
Now that spring is here, some of us are staring out the window wondering what the heck to do with the patio, balcony, deck or green space beyond. Perhaps you are like me and wailing “Noooooo!” with face and hands pressed against the window.  Back breaking hours spent weeding the garden, only t...
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Laura K. posted an article on The Mindful Merchant - May 23, 2011, 11:25 pm
A funny thing happened on the way to our friends’ house this weekend.  Admiring the beautiful drive through rolling hills and farmland our quiet car startled… “Stop!” Our daughter yelled her body straining to see the road behind us.   “What’s wrong???“ We asked a little alarmed. �...
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Laura K. posted an article on The Mindful Merchant - May 6, 2011, 12:46 pm
It is a wonderful sentiment, Mother’s Day. Honouring the women in your life is a beautiful thing. I get that…sort of. The problem I have with Mother’s Day is the marketing behind the celebration.  Does anyone else cringe at musical cards that play “I’m Every Woman” or “You Light Up M...
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Laura K. posted an article on The Mindful Merchant - May 5, 2011, 10:56 pm
  As transplanted Torontonians that now call Ottawa home, we still enjoy exploring the city thanks to an abundance of special events throughout the year. Since our move five year ago, we spent a lot of vacation time in Toronto visiting family and friends.  Due to work schedules and our chi...
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Laura K. posted an article on The Mindful Merchant - May 2, 2011, 12:37 pm
A friendly reminder to Canadians (older than 18 years, May ’11) to vote today from 9:30am to 9:30 pm. Not sure where to vote? No problem, check out Elecations Canada website. I look forward to following lively election chat on ‘The Twitter’ tonight. If you are new to Twitter, you might want ...
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Laura K. posted an article on The Mindful Merchant - Apr 20, 2011, 11:37 pm
I love hearing about philanthropic children.  It is inspiring to see young people with ingenuity, generous spirit and confidence to act.  This year we met such a person, a friend of our daughter and hockey teammate, Morgan.   First thing you notice about Morgan when you meet her is her warm an...
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Laura K. posted an article on The Mindful Merchant - Apr 18, 2011, 11:44 am
  It’s not green, eco-friendly or mindful but by golly it’s deeeeelicious.   Today marks the first day of Passover or Pesach for Jewish people around the world.  It is an eight-day festival marking the Exodus from Egypt and the liberation of the Jewish people from slavery.  Passover also�...
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Laura K. posted an article on The Mindful Merchant - Apr 17, 2011, 9:09 pm
             The world is mud-luscious and puddle-wonderful. – E.E. Cummings All the signs are here, spring has sprung. Migrating birds are gathering along the Ottawa River, tulips and neighbours are popping out after a long winter and children come home from school covered in mud. (P...
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Laura K. posted an article on The Mindful Merchant - Mar 30, 2011, 5:26 pm
The Mindful Merchant blog has been experiencing technical difficulties.  Changes were made to my weblog due to problems inadvertently created after I tinkered with widgets, favicons and plug-ins. (WordPress design features I have no business using.)   New posts and updates have not reached all M...
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Laura K. posted an article on The Mindful Merchant - Mar 28, 2011, 8:09 pm
(Before reading, this is a serious reminder to please drink responsibly, never drink and drive.) Ottawa has been good to us.  Over the last five years, we have made wonderful friends.  The kind of people we can count on for kind support through life’s challenges and celebrations. Take a mont...
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Laura K. posted an article on The Mindful Merchant - Mar 26, 2011, 12:17 am
When I first read the article, I almost skipped the video.  I came across it while catching up on my reading over at Treehugger.  As soon as I saw the words ‘flash mob’, I cringed.  Perhaps it is just me, but I am a tad weary of the flash mob video.  Especially when you add the word recyclin...
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Laura K. posted an article on The Mindful Merchant - Mar 23, 2011, 11:06 am
    The web is an excellent place to find earth-friendly, healthy, natural products.  Reading labels checking ingredients is important, as is finding a trustworthy store. I discovered a wonderful Canadian company called Nayla Natural Care, based here in Ottawa.  Over the years, I have purchas...
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Laura K. posted an article on The Mindful Merchant - Mar 7, 2011, 11:44 pm
I have mentioned in the past about our dud of a dishwasher.  I suspect it purposely conked out just in time for the holidays this December when we needed it most.  After all, dishwashers have the power to will things to happen. We have repaired the appliance several times and it is no longer wor...
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Laura K. posted an article on The Mindful Merchant - Mar 3, 2011, 2:46 pm
Saturday March 26th at 8:30 Eastern Standard Time is the 4th annual Earth Hour. It is a worldwide voluntary symbolic stand against climate change. Millions of people from all across the globe will turn off their lights for an hour celebrating the earth. Earth Hour is an awareness campaign with an i...
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Laura K. posted an article on The Mindful Merchant - Feb 15, 2011, 1:46 pm
“We each have the ability to create the community we want.  Make a conscious choice to contribute to a kind Ottawa.” – Rabbi Bulken February 18th – 25th is Kindness Week in Ottawa with charitable community events happening throughout the city.  Kindness Week was inspired by Rabbi Bulken w...
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Laura K. posted an article on The Mindful Merchant - Feb 12, 2011, 11:40 pm
“A chocolate bar can have significant environmental impacts on tropical ecosystems and social impacts on farmers and laborers.” – Goodguide   Monday is Valentines.  I am not a big fan of the holiday and think it is a pressure-filled holiday.  I do however like the excuse to indulge in cho...
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Laura K. posted an article on The Mindful Merchant - Feb 7, 2011, 4:14 pm
  I am so excited about my first interview with Schmutzie, founder and co-ordinator of the Canadian Weblog Awards.  It was a wonderful and surprising experience, having to articulate the story behind this blog, what motivates me, topic ideas etc..  I say surprising because some questions I neve...
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Laura K. posted an article on The Mindful Merchant - Feb 1, 2011, 5:34 pm
This Friday marks the first day of Winterlude in Ottawa.  It is an excellent festival starring the largest outdoor skating rink (7.8 kms long!), the frozen Rideau Canal.  The Canal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Estimates of over 700,000 visitors come to Canada’s capital to celebrate wint...
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Laura K. posted an article on The Mindful Merchant - Jan 27, 2011, 5:52 pm
  Your thoughts? My daughter is 10 years old and attends public school.  This year for the holidays, she asked for a cell phone…specifically an iphone.   My husband and I laughed aloud when she brought up the topic during dinner.  Other than the expense of the gift, why would a ten-year-...
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Laura K. posted an article on The Mindful Merchant - Jan 23, 2011, 6:39 pm
Ah, to heck with stereotypes! Canadians are experts on winter.  We know how to dress for the elements. Depending on the province or territory, we know the how to dig ourselves out of our houses, chase recycling boxes down icy streets and chip ice from walkways and windshields.    Not only do w...
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Laura K. posted an article on The Mindful Merchant - Jan 23, 2011, 11:06 am
Although this is a big departure from the usual tone and topics of this blog, I want to share a post I wrote featured today at Kids in the Capital.   Talking to Kids about Alzheimer's   I decided to share our family’s personal experience with Dementia for a few reasons.  I wanted to sh...
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Laura K. posted an article on The Mindful Merchant - Jan 14, 2011, 3:07 pm
  A year ago, I came across blogs with this badge, calling it Delurking Day. It made me smile…and leave a few comments. I am not pointing fingers.  After all, I am a lurker, sometimes.  That sounds creepy, doesn’t  it?   No, I am not hiding in the bushes looking into windows.  A lurker...
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Laura K. posted an article on The Mindful Merchant - Jan 13, 2011, 8:34 am
Often people ask me about items I use in our home.  It has been a while since I have written about a product for a few reasons. Even though I experiment and look for new eco-friendly, healthier products, I have not found anything worth recommending in a long time.  The more I research product in...
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Laura K. posted an article on The Mindful Merchant - Jan 12, 2011, 1:04 pm
  It has been a while since I shared a word from my curious green word list. Today’s word ties into a quick follow-up to the Beaver Pond, South Highlands March forest story. Unfortunately, it is not good news for groups trying to save this old growth forest.  No trespassing signs are up and as ...
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Laura K. posted an article on The Mindful Merchant - Jan 1, 2011, 1:50 pm
  The first day of 2011 started smashingly well.  I awoke to a quiet house thanks to a fun late night New Year’s party with friends.  Armed with extra strong coffee and my glasses, I made a beeline for the computer to read the winners of the Canadian Weblog Awards.  To my utter amazement, I ...
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Laura K. posted an article on The Mindful Merchant - Dec 29, 2010, 9:55 am
  Move over Tupperwear and Pampered Chef, there is a new party in town.  If you receive a request to BYOJ  no need to wonder what that means, I shall explain.  Bring your own JAR.  If someone wants you to BYOJ, likely this includes an invite to a green cleaning party.  BYOJ When I first...
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Laura K. posted an article on The Mindful Merchant - Dec 22, 2010, 9:48 pm
For anyone in Ottawa and the surrounding region, the sound you heard Friday afternoon were cheers and whoops as my kids got off the bus with their friends.  The Christmas holidays have begun! A backpack full of art I am cheering too.  My husband and I have vacation days and look forward to s...
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Laura K. posted an article on The Mindful Merchant - Dec 14, 2010, 11:48 am
If you are trying to make the holidays more about experiences rather than gifts, or encouraging your family to make presents, I have an idea that might appeal to you.  I thought of this craft when my father celebrated his 80th birthday.  He did not want anyone to buy him gifts, he felt had every...
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Laura K. posted an article on The Mindful Merchant - Dec 14, 2010, 1:15 am
There is a grass roots movement in my neighbourhood regarding an ecologically sensitive forest called the South March Highlands, which include the Beaver Pond Land. Thirty years ago, a zoning mistake failed to protect the entire South March Highlands from development. Attempts to stop a major road ...
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Laura K. posted an article on The Mindful Merchant - Dec 9, 2010, 1:40 pm
December is a month brimming with tradition, good tidings, cheer and parties with friends, co-workers and family.  Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanza are big holidays this month but did you know there is another holiday gaining popularity*?  It is Festivus. What is Festivus? Well if you were a Sein...
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Laura K. posted an article on The Mindful Merchant - Dec 6, 2010, 10:16 am
I have a sister that is green minded and frugal.  What are the chances?  Marian has two young children that love to draw and paint on their easel.  Instead of buying individual sheets of paper to hang on the easel, my sister found a cheaper alternative.  She purchased a roll of recycled paper...
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Laura K. posted an article on The Mindful Merchant - Dec 1, 2010, 7:50 pm
  Last night on ‘The Twitter’, I discovered the Mindful Merchant made the shortlist in the Canadian Weblog Awards .  Holy crap. I was thrilled with the Ecology & Social Justice nomination.  Today the news makes me walk around with a goofy smile and blurt out “Wow!” occasionally.  I mu...
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