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...

Breakfast Television at Dandelion Mud Pie

Sometimes really cool things happen and yesterday was one of those days for me. The folks at Breakfast Television were here doing their "Live Eye" feature on my wee shop. What a blast we all had. Laura was here from Echoes in the Attic, Sue from Second Bloom Design, Sigrid from Sigrid Naturals Body Care, Michelle from her home cleaning and organizing practice, Virginia from Auntie Gin, Angela from Flourish Designs and Indra, whom I just met, was here with her clay water filter and of course Jennifer from Breakfast Television. We made home cleaning products and body creams and talked about refurbished furniture as well as bags, purses, pillows, jewellery and hats. Fun, fun, fun!!! Check out some of the photos...

A Million Bags

Did I happen to mention that I just got a new batch of Echoes in the Attic bags into the shop? I get new bags from Laura every month and I'm always thrilled to see what she has - beautiful fabrics and always so well made. If you haven't picked one up yet, get them while they're hot, because you know, once they're gone ... they're gone. Such is the beauty of a one-of-a-kind bag. Besides, you can never have too many bags, right?!!

Ah, To Be Two Again

I'm over the moon about these new kids jackets and dresses that I've brought into the shop. I'm the only person in Toronto who is carrying these wonderful pieces. Zoe Dunbar, the artist who is creating these one-of-a-kind pieces (made from reclaimed fabric) doesn't sell through retail stores normally. She's at the One-Of-Kind Shows in the winter and spring, so you can imagine my excitement when she said okay to me. Take a look at a few of the pieces I have - aren't they fantastic?! I'll be getting more dresses in the spring. Boy, I wish I were two again just so I could wear these cool clothes.

Simplicity

It's the simple things that leave the greatest impression. Funny isn't it? It isn't about how much money is spent or how big the gift or event or gesture that we remember the most. Instead, it's the kind words of encouragement or a hopeful smile. This morning Liam and I held hands as we walked to the bus stop and were rhyming words - he giggled the whole time. It didn't cost me a dime and yet... well, you know. The kids and I are going to make Valentine's Day cards tonight with recycled paper and bits and pieces of things we have in our art "treasure" box for their classmates. How's that for a simple yet special thing to do? I just brought in the cutest cards to the shop. They're handcrafted on recycled paper - Bellecarte and My Circle of Friends Notecards. They are beautiful and they are blank inside so that you can use them for any occassion. So, if you aren't able to make your own Valentine's Day cards this year, come down and get one of these cards for your funny Valentine and check out our Valentine's Day baskets too. Always wanting to hear about simple things.