Get Gifts + Do Good

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Registering for wedding gifts is one of the fun and kind of stressful parts of planning a wedding.  If you go to a big store, the gun that scans the barcode is pretty cool to use, but debating cream or ivory dinner plates with your soon-to-be spouse can get a bit tiring :)

To do good while receiving gifts, consider registering at Ten Thousand Villages.  They have a beautiful assortment of serving dishes, dinnerware, tablecloths, decor, furniture, etc. and the best part is all products are handmade by artisans that are receiving fair pay for their work.  Winnipeg has two locations - on Henderson Highway in Northdale Shopping Centre and at Winnipeg Plaza off of Pembina.  There are also locations in Altona, Brandon, Steinbach and Winkler.

EcoShift

I've been putting off this post mainly because the photos I took are, ahem, less than professional.  Anyway...

The Jewish Federation of Winnipeg contacted me in Spring about their EcoShift event which was held on September 26th.  It was their first ever EcoShift, and they had a huge vision - to encourage the Jewish Community and all Winnipeggers to go green by hosting a day full of activities and an evening keynote address by Dr. David Suzuki.  I'm still in awe of Dov and Sarah who thought of the idea, brought together a committee and many volunteers, and pulled off a fantastic event.

My portion was to help with the evening.  There was a pre-event reception for event sponsors and VIP guests to mingle at the Shaarey Zedek.  Hors D'ouerves were passed around, featuring local ingredients and wild salmon.  Confession: I have never done this before, but on this night I snuck an hors d'ouerve every time I was in the kitchen...they were so, so good :)

After the pre-event reception, the keynote address began. Dr. Suzuki spoke about the things that matter - people, relationships, family.  He urged the audience to live simply and not strive for the next, bigger, better item.  He talked about the state of the environment and Canada's policies.  It was a wonderful speech and I overheard a lot of positive feedback.

I had a great time working on this event.  Thanks very much!

I just took a couple of pictures:

The centrepieces on the cocktail tables were wheatgrass and candles: 

 

This is the view from where I sat for the introduction.  

Dr. Suzuki is to the right of the big screen at the front: 

Today My Baby is Three

At three years old, my baby tells me he's now "big" and not a baby anymore.  I guess he's right, but the last three years have just flown by.  Miles likes music, maps and cars, and he's very interested in how thing work.  We spent part of this morning watching videos about engines, and he can explain to you how cavitation works.  He can recognize cars faster than I can, and he can find Hungary on the map faster than I can.  He's a smart little guy.  He says his favourite colour is yellow.

I overheard this conversation a while ago:
Sam (my husband): Miles, you're my favourite son.
Miles: You're my favourite moon.

He makes me laugh a hundred times a day.  He speaks pretty good Spanish, and loves to do everything his dad does.  Miles likes weddings (going to them and talking about my work).  He is cheerful and smart and I know that I am very blessed to have such a neat little guy in my life.

He's 3 going on 73 in his grandpa loafers and pj's: 

Holding a snake in Pinawa:

Hanging out in Gimli:

Elkhorn Resort

Back in August, a few wedding planners, photographers, and a florist were treated to a night at Elkhorn Resort.  During the afternoon, we had a guided tour to the many areas of the resort and saw some sample wedding tables.  We rode in a limo (my first time riding in a limo since I was a flower girl when I was 5!), and our wonderful tour guide showed us some of the beautiful places to get married in Clear Lake.  At the resort there is a restaurant, lounge, pool, spa, stables, and a golf course.

If you are looking for a lake wedding location, or a destination wedding that is not too far away, Elkhorn is a great place to consider.  It's just so calming to be out of the city for a couple of days.  The banquet room is nice, and the rooms are recently renovated and have balconies.  Of course, the cabins are also available.  This was my first time ever alone in a hotel room, and it was great!  My room had a king sized bed and a nice couch.  It also had a tv, which doesn't seem that exciting but since we don't have a tv at home I never channel surf, especially by myself.  I ended up watching Property Hunters or something like that until 3am (maybe it's a good thing we don't have a tv at home...)!

Sorry, no photos this time...I need to get in the habit of taking my camera everywhere.  Please check out their website for more details and pictures!

Fair Trade Flowers

Happy Wednesday!  Flowers are one of the main things you can do to make your next event eco-friendly and fair trade.  A huge percentage of our flowers are shipped here from South America, where certain chemicals that are illegal in Canada are used, harming the local environment and farm workers.

We suggest using local flowers whenever possible.  Strawberry Lanes at the St. Norbert Farmers' Market sells locally grown flowers (we often use these flowers for arrangements that we design).  My Secret Garden carries organically grown flowers, The Friendly Florist offers locally grown flowers (certain flowers are available all year), and Villa Flora carries organic and Rainforest Certified flowers.

Whichever florist you end up booking for your wedding, please simply ask if they carry organic blooms - florists will begin to ask for organic flowers when they know that their customers are interested.

Does anyone know of anyone other companies in Winnipeg carrying organic or fair trade flowers?