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The long Labor Day weekend always brings an incredible buzz with it. Parents are rushing to get their kids prepared for school. Friends and family squeeze in that last big BBQ gathering. And everyone starts thinking about their plans for the upcoming Thanksgiving and year-end holiday season. At this time of the year, we at Green & Green turn our thoughts towards holiday gifting and helping our clients get ready for the end of the year. This year, we are focusing on `green’ gifts. So what constitutes a `green’ gift? Is it a trendy buzz word that’s just an issue for the rich? Not necessarily. `Green’ gifts need not cost more than regular gifts and with some planning, they can make unique and memorable gifts that your friends and family will talk about. In this month’s article, we bring you ways to go green with gifts. Do your part for the environment this year and get thoughtful gifts that help towards saving energy and the environment. Sincerely,
Going Green The desire to “go green” has impacted the way people shop. From clothing, to food, to cars, to gifts and even pet products, everyone’s doing their bit to save the environment. Show your eco-consciousness this holiday season by giving a thoughtful eco-friendly gift. Here are some things to look out for:
2) Sustainable Gifts – A sustainable gift is one that is produced without adversely affecting the environment. These include goods that have been efficiently produced, that support local industry and use fewer materials in their packaging. For instance, you can buy clothing made from natural materials like cotton, bamboo, soy and even leather alternatives.
3) Go Organic – Simply put, organic products are those that are grown or raised naturally without the use of chemicals. Organic products are better for humans, animals and the Earth as they don’t contribute to pollution. Organic does not apply only to food. Non-edible products like cotton, skincare and housecleaning detergents can also be made from organically grown materials.
4) Fair trade gifts - Fair Trade is an internationally-recognized approach that aims to ensure producers in developing countries get a fair deal. Each time you purchase a fair trade product, you help local craftsmen and producers achieve livable wages, skills training and sustainable business development, while breaking the cycle of poverty.
5) Ethical gifts – What constitutes an ethical gift? These tend to be donations towards a worthy cause that will help transform the lives of people in communities around the world. Whether you buy a goat, bees or mosquito nets, your gift will show that you care. Buy a home, bridge or tree in a loved one’s name and help alleviate poverty and hardship in a developing country. Green & Green can help you go green with your gifts this holiday season. Whether it’s organic baby clothing, a tree-growing kit or a Canadian recycled glass bowl with native designs, we have a wonderful range of handpicked eco-options to suit all needs. Call us at 604-689-5027 today and we will be happy to help find the perfect gift.
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Author Archive
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It’s been an exciting wedding season! Princess Victoria of Sweden recently married Daniel Westling, in the biggest royal wedding since Diana and Charles back in 1981, while Former US President, Bill Clinton & Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton’s only daughter, Chelsea Clinton, got married just a few days ago. In Hollywood, actress Megan Fox recently tied the knot, much to the disappointment of her many male fans, while Grammy Award-winning country singer Carrie Underwood married hockey player Mike Fisher. It is the wedding season and I have been invited to three weddings just this summer. But the one that I am looking forward to most is the one that I’ll be attending in Krabi, Thailand. My brother finally gets married to his beautiful Thai girlfriend. Being a mixed marriage, the happy couple will be saying their vows in both the traditional Thai and Sikh wedding ceremonies. While weddings focus on the union of two people, they are also huge opportunities for families to reunite, bond and celebrate. Even though such events can bring about a lot of stress, they also present opportunities for family and friends to put aside their differences and celebrate with the couple. Of course there are many ways to get involved in a wedding and below, we have shared a few of our suggestions. Weddings are a time of joy, and we should make the most of these happy occasions when they are brought into our lives. Sincerely,
P.s. Don’t forget the gift when you attend the next wedding. For gift ideas look up our website at www.greenNgreen.com or call us at 604-689-5027.
Five Ways to Be Useful At A Wedding. You feel excited that your sibling or best friend is getting married but you’re not sure what how best to make yourself useful at their special life-changing event. Here are five ways that you’ll be able to help take some of the stress away from the bride and groom.
2) Organize a gift registry - Help the couple set up a wedding registry checklist at their favorite store to avoid getting five sets of silverware and multiple irons among their wedding gifts. Their family & friends will also appreciate the help in choosing the right gifts that the couple could really use.
3) Follow Up On Wedding RSVPs – With so much to do, the last thing the couple will want to worry about is the wedding invitation RSVPs. Help the couple follow up on out-of-town guests who may need booking of accommodation and directions on that day. Call invited guests who have not responded to get the final head count. This will give the couple a better gauge of food and seats for the day.
4) Create an Online Guest Book – For the couple who wants more than the traditional guest book, create a digital book that guests can type their messages into. All you need on that day are a computer and a computer savvy guest-book attendant. The data from the digital guest book can later be integrated with photos from the wedding, and voila, guest messages can be kept alive forever.
5) After the Wedding – People often forget the newly-wed couple after the big event. Offer to look after their mail, pets and plants when they go away on their honeymoon. By doing so, the couple will not have to worry about a thing while vacationing and can then focus on each other. Help make it the perfect wedding by being there for the wedding couple. Instead of being a spectator, the event becomes more meaningful and memorable to you when you play an active role in it too.
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When I was at a retreat and asked to identify one object of nature that I most relate to, I wrote down the sky. To me the sky has many different moods & colors, depending on the season and weather. I am enthralled by the sky’s vastness and how it can affect us. It serves as a wonderful backdrop for the spectacular sun and beautiful cloud formations which never fail to hold my attention. When we go on a camping trip and I lie in my tent at night, I am always in awe of the vast sky and the beautiful stars that are sprinkled across it. Even on a simple road trip, I feel renewed just being able to stare at the beauty of the sky.
Get outside and indulge in nature. Allow the outdoors to rejuvenate you and enjoy the healing power of nature. This month, we bring you tips on how we can make the most of the outdoors this summer. Do share your own ideas and suggestions with us at info@greenNgreen.com. We’d love to hear from you! Sincerely,
P.S. For more summer fun, check out our website for a wide range of outdoor items!
Ten things to do this summer
This summer, indulge yourself in gorgeous sunsets, picnics in the park, and long nature walks. Enjoy the gifts of nature’s abundance and beauty.
3) Have a meal outdoors – Simply serve dinner on your backyard table or out on the balcony for a change. Meals always seem to taste better outdoors. 4) Hike the mountains – Escape the monotony of the gym and treadmill! Hike along more adventurous trails on mountain ridges. This activity that costs next to nothing will have you working on improving your health and fitness real quickly. 5) Cycle or rollerblade along Stanley Park’s Seawall – Enjoy the beautiful park and bay, or if you prefer, just walk, and enjoy the relatively flat terrain of the Park’s most famous feature.
6) Go bird watching – Canada is home to hundreds of species of birds, and bird watching trips can be very exciting. The opportunities to be outdoors and chance for photography are great reasons to take up bird watching in your leisure. 7) Sign up for sunset kayaking – Have you ever experienced a sunset kayaking tour? Until you do, you will not realize how wondrous nature is – from the fiery sky above to the gorgeous seals & otters at sea level. 8) Take a Mountie Crash Course – Be a Mountie for a day in Regina! There’s a interactive forensics display for budding CSIs, an array of transport from dogsleds to planes, and tales of outdoor life on the frontier. 9) Go fishing on the Campbell River –Known as the Salmon Capital of the World, the Campbell River boasts some of the best fishing in all of Canada. Not only is there the possibility to snag a 40 lbs salmon, but you also have the chance to catch other species of wildlife like bears, eagles and even whales! 10) Bring the Outdoors In – Surround yourself with the outdoors by bringing it into your home or office. A bouquet of fresh flowers looks as lovely in your kitchen as it does in your office cubicle. Adding color to a wall or even ceiling can bring a pop of color to your room and remind you of sand, sea or sky. Potted plants, bundles of branches or bowls of colorful fruit can also bring nature indoors. As you can see, there are tons of cost-effective options that don’t involve expensive airfares & hotel rooms. A summer holiday need not be expensive or time-consuming. Remember to check out your local area newspapers and websites for free and nearly-free summer activities that will keep you entertained, healthy and active without going broke!
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If you particular about your toast and are looking for the perfect toaster, look no further. The Dualit toaster is the best around. For over fifty years, Dualit toasters have reflected an attitude that’s fundamentally British. They are gleaming, sturdy and tough as old boots. And as much a part of British life as toast itself.
A tribute to British design, the toasters have cut a stylish profile and withstood rigorous use since they were invented by engineer Max Gort-Barten in 1946. Each product is also designed with an elegant appearance in harmony with its hard-working components. Today Dualit toasters are recognized as the best in the world.
The Dualit toaster costs approximately $355.00 and I have often been asked why the toaster is is so expensive and what makes it unique. Well, each toaster is individually hand assembled in London, England. The housing of each toaster is made up of sturdy, stainless steel. Pick one up and feel the weight difference compared to other toasters.
Did you know that the 2-slice Dualit toaster can turn out 65 crisp, golden slices per hour; surely one would say I don’t need to have 65 toasts but what is neat about the Dualit toaster is that, when your toast is ready, it doesn’t pop up, like other toasters; instead, it sits in the casing, staying warm. Extra insulation ensures that the toast will stay warm up to 10 minutes after the cycle has stopped to allow for smoother spreading of butter. Staying warm longer is also helped due to the toaster having a manual lever for taking out the toast when you are ready, not just automatically popping up when it is done.
What is also neat about the dualit is that, each toaster is equipped with patented pro-heat elements to insure and increase efficiency and longevity by giving it a unique and protective layer. This translates to no more broken heating elements due to consumers putting their knives in the toasters. This means no down time for the consumer of having to send their toaster to the service center. Clever wire guards adjust to the width of the bread to keep it central during toasting.
The Dualit Vario with an insulated stainless-steel body, variable controls and automatic turnoff. With extra wide 28mm slots to accommodate a Sandwich Cage and the award winning ProHeat elements, a patented design which increases toasting efficiency & element longevity, every toaster has a removable crumb tray and an adjustable rear foot.
Efficiency is yet another feature that the Dualit offers, the new improved selector switches allow more control of the heating elements. For example you can manually turn off the right side heating elements when toasting only one slice of bread for the 2 slice toaster and 2 slices of bread for the 4 slice toaster to save on energy costs.
The Dualit toaster in my opinion is a “Green” appliance, it is efficient, conserves energy and its nothing like having your butter melting when you get your toast warm. Rumor has it that the Dualit toaster is used by the queen of England. I had a client who bought a Dualit toaster; mentioned that her father in law’s Dualit toaster was one that he had inherited – a family heirloom! So here is another reason to start a family tradition.
Orchids are the most spectacular and beautiful of all flowers. In the past, orchid growing and caring was difficult. They were expensive and the required expertise, however today, there are orchids for everyone, to suit their budget and growing conditions. Did you know that the orchid family contains an estimated 30,000+ species, and more are discovered each year? Orchids are one of the easiest plants to grow. Their incredible beauty and diversity captivate men and women of every walk of life.
They are easy to maintain and require the least amount of watering compared to other plants. Here are come instructions on how to care for your Phalaenopsis orchid.
Oriental Waterfall Orchid (Phalaenopsis)
Light : Medium to bright light is preferred, but try to avoid direct sunlight. If plants are grown under fluorescent lights, it should be placed at least 12 inches (30cm) from the bulbs to avoid damage to the leaves.
Temperature : Phalaenopsis orchids are just like any other houseplants. Optimal temperatures are between 17-25C (62-77F). Good air circulation is needed. You can create air movement by using a small fan, but make sure it’s not blowing directly at your orchid plant. Make sure your orchid is away from the heater or cold drafts.
Humidity : An easy way to create humidity in the house is to have a tray of pebbles filled with water and place it near your orchid plant. Or, you can increase humidity by misting your plant in the morning. Do not mist at night, because excessive water in the crown area of the plant will create possible disease problems in the future.
Watering : Before you water your phalaenopsis, make sure the top 1-2 inches of the growing media is dry to touch. If it is still wet, do not apply any more water. In general, your orchid plant needs to be watered every 7-10 days in summer and 10-14 days in winter if it’s grown in moss. Water more frequently if it’s in orchid mix. Do not allow your orchid plant to stand in water. The water’s temperature should not be cold to touch.
Fertilizing : We don’t recommend feeding your orchid while it’s in bloom, unless you know what your doing. Just plain water will be sufficient (won’t kill it). You can start feeding your orchid with 20-20-20 fertilizer or anything with a balanced formula at half of the recommended strength every second time you water after your orchid has finishes blooming. Or, for those of you who pay a lot of attention to their plants, who like to feed their babies well, you can feed your phalaenopsis weekly ‘weakly’.
Extra Tips (Where to cut) : Once your orchid has finished blooming, cut one inch below the first bloom. Sometimes a branch will emerge with more blooms from one of the nodes on the stem. If nothing happens in 6-8 weeks, cut the flower stem all the way back. A new spike will form after its resting period. To re-bloom, place your orchid plant near a south window or somewhere in the house where it’s warm during the day and cool at night. A 5 to 8C (10-15F) difference between night and day is required for blooming. They bloom between 17-25C (62-77F).
Repotting : If your plant is showing a lot of roots, whether inside or outside the pot, you know it’s about time to re-pot your orchid. However, only re-pot it if it’s not in bloom, unless you don’t mind losing a few blooms. When choosing a new pot, try to remember that most orchids like to be root-bound. You can use a slightly bigger pot, or, just use the original one. Clean the roots and cut the dead (shriveled) ones off. Try to avoid hurting the healthy root tips when you re-pot your orchid, just gently wrapped the roots with new sphagnum moss or with orchid mix (bark, tree fern …).
Gift Ideas for your Favorite People
Say `Thank You’, `Merry Christmas’ or just send a greeting that says `Happy Holidays’… we aim to please and impress your friends, family and business associates. Don’t have the time to shop or to wrap? Just visit our website or call us and we can help.
Below are some of our customer favorites for great gift ideas. One call or click is all you need to do to take care of your holiday gift giving.
For the gang at the office
For the Executive
For the Home Owner
For the Diva
For the Gadget Guru
For the Devoted Grandparent
For the Adventurer
For the Movie Fan
For the Travel Enthusiast
For the Sports Fan
Holiday Gifts for businesses big or small
Convey your gratitude with decadent gifts and leave a lasting impression.
Choose from our extensive collection or have us customize to suit your budget.
Indians from around the world celebrate Diwali, also known as Festival of lights. It is the biggest celebration of all Hindu festivals. The date is set by the Hindu calendar and generally falls in either October or ovember.Diwali is not only celebrated by Hindus, but also Jains and Sikhs.
Diwali celebrates victory of good over evil and light over darkness. Light, is the symbol of hope and positive energy. On this night people decorate their homes with diyas (earthen lamps with cotton wicks dipped in ghee or oil) thus spreading light in every corner of their homes. The significance of lighting the diyas is to destroy the reign of darkness and to help Lakshmi, goddess of prosperity and wealth to find her way into their homes.
Preparation for Diwali includes the cleaning and redecorating homes, and purchasing new clothing. It is also a time when family and friends gather to celebrate with the exchange of traditional sweets and fruit. And of course celebrating includes fireworks. Fireworks are a big part of the Diwali celebrations.
This Diwali, indulge in decorating your homes with traditional lamps and diyas, usher in prosperity and celebrate victory over evil and light over darkness. Add a dash of social responsibility to your celebrations by lighting the traditional diyas rather electric bulbs.
Happy Diwali!
While the earlier settlers celebrated Thanksgiving for a successful harvest, today we celebrate to give thanks for all the blessings we enjoy. It brings to our awareness something that can relieve stress and bring greater contentment: gratitude.
Here are a few ideas on How to Give Thanks this Thanksgiving.
1. Be thankful for the food you’re eating. Appreciate the feast that has been put together with time, effort and money. Even if you’re the one who’s put the meal together, be grateful for the ability to put such good food on the table for your loved ones.
2. Be grateful for the company you’re with. Be thankful you’re not spending Thanksgiving alone. No matter how much your family or close friends drive you crazy, you know that nobody knows you better or loves you more.
3. Show your love and appreciation for each other by giving thanks to them. Make the most of your Thanksgiving meal by having everyone share with each other why they’re grateful for each other.
4. Think about all the things you’ve learned and earned this year. What experiences have you been through? Have you overcome any adversity? Have you learned things that you’re grateful for? Give thanks for the knowledge you’ve gained and each special moment or experience you’ve had.
5. Think of the less fortunate. Consider the true spirit of Thanksgiving and think of those who have less than you. Consider the poor, the needy, or those who have truly struggled financially in these difficult times. Then think of all that you still have and all that you can still give to others. Consider helping out at a nearby soup kitchen, or adopting a family by sending them a meal basket.
Give thanks for your life, your health, your loved ones and your luxuries, no matter how little they may be. Pass some of your generous spirit on to those less fortunate than you this Thanksgiving by donating your time or money to the less fortunate - it’s the best way to show you’re thankful for the life you have this holiday season.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving.