Socially responsible, huh?

We're getting closer to open date!  It's been absolutely great to get so much positive feedback from my community about the adventure we're about to embark on.  (Okay, granted, perhaps we've embarked already....I would still say we're not quite out of the harbour yet!)  But, my experience sure goes to show you can never judge what others think until you ask them.

At first, trying to explain we're a toy store that isn't a toy store has been a bit tough.  Eventually, I've learned how to explain the concept pretty quickly - now it takes me about 3 sentences instead of 10 minutes!  (Mr. deMille, I'm ready for my close-up now!)  

Eco-tastic ideas!

We just got back from a really amazing trade show featuring everything "kids".  We saw so many cool new things that I can't wait to tell you about.  Eco-tastic was definitely the theme this year and it was exciting to see all the new companies who are coming up with North American-made, eco-friendly options for our kids to live creatively.

eco-paint -made with organic fruit, vegetable and plant extracts

eco-kids are a small family company in Maine.  Kip, one of the owners told us all about the eco-kids concept, manufacturing, ingredients and packaging  - from start to finish an eco-tastic line of art materials!  In their words: "eco-kids is dedicated to offering art supplies for creative play the natural way, using only the most natural ingredients and eco-friendly packaging."

From treeless paper (made from discarded stalks of banana trees), to rice

Nature Challenge - Mosaics!

Hubby and I went out for brunch on a whim a short while back.  We took a scenic drive to Thornbury to eat at our new favourite diner, the Orchid.  I love the drive - green grass.....blue sky......tall trees....playful birds....the occasional deer in the right season...it's beautiful and peaceful.

On another whim we decided to stop in to see the model home of a development we probably knew was out of our league, but were curious anyway.  SPECTACULAR!  Truly and absolutely.

iQ Cleaners by Planet People

Allow me to introduce you to iQ Cleaners by Planet People - an INSPIRED CANADIAN company, folks!

I can already hear you, Dad - "how is this about inspiring kids imaginations, Dd?"

Well, I'll tell you:  a safely cleaned home, is a place you don't mind letting your kids get a little messy experimenting, exploring and inventing.

How's that for a twist?!