I'm Dreaming of a White (and green) Christmas

My favorite things about the holidays...
*School Holiday Concerts
*Writing letters to Santa

*My boys' faces on Christmas morning

*Snow

*It's A Wonderful Life

*Hot Chocolate & Eggnog

*The smell of Christmas trees

*Making decorations

Here are a few handmade things you might want to give to your family and friends for Christmas from Dandelion Mud Pie...

A Salute

I take a moment to salute Margaret Mead, a wonderful human being who gave us so very much. Here are a few of her thoughts that touch my soul...

"If we are to achieve a richer culture, rich in contrasting values, we must recognize the whole gamut of potentialities, and so weave a less arbitrary social fabric, one in which diverse human gifts will a ll find a fitting place."

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."

"Prayer does not use up artificial energy, doesn't burn up any fossil fuel, doesn't pollute."

Giving Thanks

It's always a good idea to stop for a moment to give thanks for all the abundance in the world and the wonderful people and things around us. Even though I do this everyday, Thanksgiving is one of my favourite holidays because I have my family all around me and am reminded of all the laughter, love and caring that we have for each other and have shared. Here are some pics of my nephews and nieces and Liam and Spencer along with a big, heartfelt thank you to the Universe.

Green Halloween

The first community Halloween Costume Swap happened this Saturday. I'm so glad I pulled this event together. Even though there were only a handful of costumes that came in and got picked up, it was the start of something great. Next year I'll advertise the event much earlier and get a few of the local daycares involved. You have to start somewhere!!!

Don't forget to pick up your organic lollipops and beeswax votive candles for your Jack-o-Lanterns! I have tons in stock.

Free Talks

I've been wanting to have free talks at Dandelion Mud Pie since the day I opened, and now, finally, it is really happening. Here is a list of the ones that are coming up with many more in the future. Oh, by the way, we started Morning Mediation at the shop on Wednesday mornings lead by Marla Gold. What a great way to start the day! Hope to see you at one of the talks!

Tuesday, September 30 at 7pm Topic: It’s So Easy Living Green

Wednesday, October 1 at 7pm Topic: Chemicals in personal care products

Thursday, October 9 at 7pm Topic: The Foundations of Naturopathic Medicine

Wednesday, October 22 at 7pm Topic: The true adventure of Body, Mind, Spirit healing

Wednesday, November 5 at 7pm Topic: Pangea Organics – Good for You. Good for Our Planet.

Confirm you attendance to any of the free talks by emailing dandelionmudpie@gmail.com. Please note that confirmation is necessary because space is limited.

The Colours of Fall

Well, it's officially here...fall, with all it's splendour, well, almost splendour since the leaves are just now starting to turn colour. My favourite season is upon us and there are some really great new things in the shop, like Your Time Candles and mugs by Janna Burford.

Back To School ... already!

They say that time moves quicker the older you get. I'm not sure why that is, but when it comes to this summer I can honestly say that it just flew by. Although another few weeks of summer would be nice, I do enjoy the cool crispness of the fall and the beautiful colours of the leaves.

I even changed the front window today to a "back-to-school" theme and bought some pretty, orange coloured mums. Check out some of these photos...

I've also brought in some really cool accessories to the shop. Check out the hats by Pitch Patch Ella made from vintage neckties and the organic cotton crocheted hats by Auntie Gin as well as the beautiful yoga clothes from Movement. I'm the only store in Toronto that carries the Movement line and it is absolutely beautiful - oh so soft bamboo.

Village Day

The North Toronto Village Day was this past weekend and what a great time was had by all. The weather co-operated and it seemed as if everyone in the entire neighbourhood was out with their kids and their dogs. What fun we had! Fred was here from The Lavender Barn talking to people about lavender and giving out his delicious lavender cookies. Yum! Take a peek...

That's Fred from The Lavender Barn showing off his beautiful lavender products, Alejandra was manning the table outside and giving out treats to all the dogs that were stolling by, Emma hanging out by the clothes and that's me with my new "conserve" t-shirt.

Lots of Green Moms

It was very nice to see so many "green" moms this past Saturday at the Green Mom show that took place at the CNIB building. Here is a photo of me at my little booth outside.

Starting this Wednesday from 3pm - 7pm(until Thanksgiving), I'm going to have a table at the North Toronto Fresh Food Market. Out on the front lawn of St. George's Church at 35 Lytton Blvd. there will be several vendors selling an array of quality organic and local foods including produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods and snacks. Come check us out.

Spring brings new things

Ah spring! Fall is my favourite season but spring runs a very close second. With each day there are new and wonderful changes...leaves on the trees, flowers, the smell of the wet soil, gentle breezes and the sun, the sweet, sweet sun. It feels really good doesn't it? As things are changing outside, so they are changing inside too. I have received some new really neat things. New bags and chenille cushions from Echoes in the Attic (made from antique chenille blankets from MaryGrove on Lake Joe, Muskoka, the summer residence of The Sisters of St. Joseph) , new furniture from Second Bloom Design (shadow box table below) and Shabby Lane Design, a new batch of face and body creams from Sigrid Natural Skincare and much more. Check things out below and of course, drop by Dandelion Mud Pie when you get the chance.

It's a Bird, It's a Plane, nooooo, it's a Sign!!

Finally, after six months of being in business, I have a sign for the front of my shop. Thanks to Catie Raymond of Off the Beaten Path Designs for this beautiful, hand-made, wood sign. Also, thanks to Laura of Echoes in the Attic, for the beautiful window display. She stopped people in their tracks when she put this display together last week using some of Sue Bedell's beautiful furniture pieces (Second Bloom Design) as well as some of her own chenille cushions. I hope I can follow it up with a pretty display when I change it at the end of the week. There are tricks to creating an eye-catching display which I am slowly learning. Fingers crossed that I can actually pull it

off, or else you know who I'll be calling.

Dandelion Wishes

Because joy is free and wishes do come true. Sometimes all you need is a gentle breeze and when you don't have that...blow!

Liam and Spencer amongst the dandelions...