Saturday, 24 November 2012

Gone Loco...Local that is ;)

Earlier this month, I decided to go on a mission and seek out sustainably sourced local food vendors and restaurants.  I would like to thank each of you that took the time to comment on my Facebook page and help me with my endeavor   :)  I will share with you my findings so far and hopefully engage others on a similar mission...right after I share this quote from a recent article I read:

“Too much and too long, we seem to have surrendered community excellence and community values in the mere accumulation of material things…. The Gross National Product [the primary measure of economic progress] measures everything, in short, except that which makes life worthwhile ”— Robert Kennedy.

Sustainable living takes many things into consideration...what will you do?



"According to Local Food Plus, an Ontario-based non-profit organization, sustainable-food purchases in Canada increased 92 percent from 2007 to 2008. Dramatic increases in food and (until recently) fuel prices, combined with the growing awareness that vibrant communities depend on a diverse and sustainable local economy, have caused many Canadians to re-evaluate their grocery lists."   (Kilpatrick, 2009)

Locally Sourced Restaurants:

Fraser Cafe

Their simple menu allows for flexibility as well as inspiration, while using an appropriate technique for the preparation of each ingredient. It is their aim to source our products locally and to use them in their respective season.

http://frasercafe.ca/

Wellington Gastropub

The national capital’s first official British-style gastropub, which opened in 2006, serves local brews complemented by a menu that features vegetables, meats and other products from suppliers in the Ottawa region. (When they can’t source local, such as for seafood, they buy Canadian.) 
1325 Wellington Street, Ottawa
613-729-1315

www.thewellingtongastropub.com

Credible Edibles

We live in a fast-paced world where choices are often determined by the time we have available. We need to slow down, take better care of our bodies and our planet. Credible Edibles is committed to providing busy people with a choice that is convenient and healthy and ecologically-sound. No one should have to choose convenience at the expense of planetary or personal health!

http://www.credible-edibles.ca/aboutus.php

Grocery Store:


McKeen's Metro

Located in the heart of the Glebe, McKeen Metro Grocery Store has been providing locally sourced food since the early 20th century. McKeen’s Metro believe that the distance from farm to plate should be limited. This benefits the local farming economy but also the health of customers and their families. McKeen Metro is a medium through which delicious local food is made available to the community. You can find everything from local beef, turkey and dairy to seasonal fruits and vegetables. McKeen Metro Glebe is a leader when it comes to eating local.

http://www.savourottawa.ca/profiles_en/mckeens_metro.php

Farmer's Markets:

The Savour Ottawa brand provides you with instant recognition for local agricultural products. When you see the Savour Ottawa logo at farmers' markets, butcheries, retail grocery stores and more, you can feel assured that each product or establishment with the logo has undergone a verification process to ensure that they are using local food in their products, or are a local producer.
Savour Ottawa works to develop and promote Ottawa and area as a premier, year-round culinary destination, with robust offerings of local foods and experiences for both locals and visitors to the area.

Byward Market

Established by Lt-Col. John By in 1826, Byward Market is one of Canada’s oldest and largest public markets.

Outdoor vendors are an integral part of the ByWard Market experience.  Unlike some other market experiences, you'll find ByWard Market vendors outside, no matter the weather, 363 days per year (closed on Christmas Day and New Year's Day)!

Typically, agri-food vendors are open from May to October from 7:00 a.m. and remain open until 6:00 p.m.  Bad weather will rarely stop them from selling.  Art and craft vendors usually operate from mid-May to mid-September and start at 9:00 a.m. until 8:00 or 9:00 p.m.

Produce Availability

What's on the menu?  See below to find out what type of produce is available on the ByWard Market at various times of the year.  It should be noted that these dates are approximations.  The actual availability may vary from year to year, depending on the weather conditions.  Contact Markets Management for up-to-date information. 613-244-4410.
How to tell if it's from a local farm? Look for the Savour Ottawa logo. It identifies food grown or raised near Ottawa.
http://www.byward-market.com/about/outdoor-vending.htm

Parkdale Market

Located at Parkdale and Wellington Streets, smack dab in the middle of Ottawa’s Hintonburg neighbourhood, Parkdale Market has been selling fresh fruits, vegetables, plants and flowers for more than 75 years.

Ottawa Farmer's Market

http://www.ottawafarmersmarket.ca/
Ottawa Farmers' Market - Brewer Park
Every Sunday, 8am - 3pm, May 6 - Oct 28 20112
(613) 986-2770

At the Ottawa Farmers’ Market, you can buy just-picked vegetables, farm-fresh meats, still-warm breads, pies, pastries and other baked goods, locally produced maple and honey products, as well as hand-crafted jewelry, pottery, clothing, furniture. and other works created by talented local artisans.
Best of all, you buy directly from the people who produce what they’re selling - farmers and craftspeople who come from the surrounding area. And we have more Savour Ottawa verified local vendors than any other market in Ottawa!

And last but certainly not least...terra20.  Community.  Convenience. Credibility. these are the words that define this stores vision.

http://www.terra20.com/about/story/

Check em out....you won't be disappointed.

Brandelyn

Sunday, 4 November 2012

Something's Gotta Give


According to the World Happiness Report, "We live in an age of stark contradictions.  The world enjoys technologies of unimaginable sophistication; yet has at least one billion people without enough to eat each day.  The world economy is propelled to soaring new heights of productivity through ongoing technological and organizational advance; yet is relentlessly destroying the natural environment in the process.  Countries achieve great progress in economic development as conventionally measured; yet along the way succumb to new crises of obesity, smoking, diabetes, depression, and other ills of modern life".



UN discusses creation of Gross National Happiness


UNITED NATIONS (AP) — Should happiness figure in a nation's bottom line? And should the concept of Gross National Product be replaced by Gross National Happiness?
Bhutan's Prime Minister Jigmi Y. Thinley told a high-level U.N. meeting Monday that it not only should but that it must if mankind is to avoid its current unsustainable and self-destructive course.
Bhutan, the tiny Himalayan nation which tops Asia in the United Nations' First World Happiness Report, convened the meeting seeking to develop a new economic model based on principles of happiness and well being.
"The GDP-lead development model that compels boundless growth on a planet with limited resources no longer makes economic sense. It is the cause of our irresponsible, immoral and self-destructive actions," Thinley said. "The purpose of development must be to create enabling conditions through public policy for the pursuit of the ultimate goal of happiness by all citizens."
The conference titled "Happiness and Well-being: Defining a New Economic Paradigm," brought together hundreds of representatives of government — including Costa Rican President Laura Chincilla — academics and other civic leaders to discuss the issue. All endorsed the importance of happiness, though not necessarily Bhutan's proposed index.
Check out the full World Happiness Report by clicking on the link:
What do YOU think?  GDP vs GNH can we bridge the gap for a more sustainable future?

Saturday, 3 November 2012

What the heck is a 'Locavore'? ;)


Here I sit as a ‘Certified Eco-Pro’ in my sustainably designed space wondering what’s next.  I mean sure it’s easy to incorporate as many elements of LEED into my green designs and to respect the natural environment wherever possible.  Recycling, reducing, reusing...I get it, but how can I go beyond this?  How can I further reduce my carbon footprint and enhance my healthy living on a daily basis? 

So I decided to start in the area of my house that terrifies me the most...the kitchen!  This time, however, I am not looking through a green lens at how to redesign the space; I am looking at this functionally green space and wondering how to use it in a sustainable way every day.  Those that know me well know that cooking is certainly not my forte nor is the art of grocery shopping, quite frankly up until this weekend, the mere thought of either made me cringe.

Over the past several years, there has been a growing interest in local food, consumers have more choices on where to shop, what to buy, and many of us are left wondering where to start, so I decided to find out.  What does it mean to be local?  How local is local?  Unlike organic standards which entail specific legal requirements and inspection processes local means different things to different people.

According to Sustainable.org, local food production might be thought of in concentric circles that start with growing food at home followed by growing in the community, next Province and so on and so forth.  Depending on the climate, especially in Canada, it may be possible to buy close to home, but at other times an expanded reach may be necessary.

Jessica Prentice, from the San Francisco Bay Area for World Environment Day 2005, coined a term that is used to describe and promote the practice of eating a diet that consists of food harvested from within an area bound by a 100 mile radius. People who value local as their primary food criterion are referred to as “locavores”.

Now that we've taken a look at what it means to be local, what about sustainability?  Sustainable agriculture involves health food production methods that meet the following criteria:

  • do not harm the environment 
  • respects workers
  • are humane to animals
  • provide fair wages to farmers
  • and support farming communities

Sustainability includes buying food as locally as possible; however it is important to note that not all locally produced food is created equal.  When considering your local options, take the time to ask the vendor a few questions regarding how the animals were raised or if they know the name and location of the farm.

Locally, sustainable farming benefits the local community, local economy while respecting the natural environment by enriching the soil, protecting the air and water quality and minimizing energy consumption.  Globally, industrial food production is entirely dependent on fossil fuels which when refined and burned create greenhouse gasses that are significant contributors to climate change.   This however, is not the biggest problem with fossil fuels use in industrial farming, the biggest part of fossil fuel use in industrial farming is not transporting food or fueling machinery; it's chemicals. As much as forty percent of the energy used in the food system goes towards the production of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.[1] By adding transportation, processing and packaging to the food system equation, the fossil fuel and energy use of our current food system puts tremendous stress on the environment.

I have also complied a check list to help anyone else interested in jumping on the locavore train!

Sustainably Yours,

Brandelyn



[1] Heller, Martin C., and Gregory A. Keoleian. "Life Cycle-Based Sustainability Indicators for Assessment of the U.S. Food System." Ann Arbor, MI: Center for Sustainable Systems, University of Michigan, 2000: 42.

Appendix A – The Locavore Checklist[1]
Commit to becoming a Locavore

Changing your diet is never easy but eating locally can be a rewarding and healthy experience. Try adding one seasonal local ingredient to your diet each week, or even better cook one meal per week using only local food. We've even seen people commit to an entire month or year of local eating. Become a locavore at your own pace!
Educate yourself

Become a member and/or a volunteer of Just Food by logging onto their website and signing up under the Get Involved section. They will keep you up to date with food events and issues in the Ottawa region. You can even invite Just Food to give a presentation at your community association, place of worship or workplace on local foods and the food system.
Shop at Farmer’s Markets

Ottawa's Farmers' Markets are growing. You will find wonderful varieties of local fruits, vegetables, meat, cheese, eggs, honey, maple syrup and more at farmers' markets throughout the season. Make it a weekly ritual to start your groceries at farmers' markets. You will get the freshest, tastiest foods available!
Grow Your Own

Learn how to grow your own food in backyards, community gardens, or even on your balcony. Polish your gardening skills by taking a Just Food & Canadian Organic Growers (Ottawa) vegetable gardening workshop in the spring. You can also download a free beginner gardening guide from our website. Think about starting a community garden in your neighbourhood.
Eat seasonally available items

Get to know when local food is available through this guide's seasonal calendar and by frequently visiting farmers' markets. Cook forward by planning your meals around what is seasonally available, rather than deciding on a recipe first and then going out to buy ingredients wherever you can find them. The first fresh cucumber of the season, from a field close to home, never tasted so good. Celebrate the special local flavours available at different times of the year.
Celebrate local agriculture

Support farmers and better understand the agricultural landscapes through the unique taste of the food that is grown here. Celebrate with local farmers at local food feasts, garlic festivals, strawberry socials, trips to the sugar bush, country farm fairs etc.
Support your local farmers and join their cause

Become a member of a farm connected to your community. Sign on for a season of vegetables and get creative while cooking the seasonal surprises each week. Through your commitment to a farm for a full growing season, you help ensure that small farms are viable and our farmers keep farming.
Buy in bulk and learn to preserve

Buy larger quantities of local food in season (whether meat, veggies or something else). It is more expensive to buy food in small quantities offseason – by buying in season you can stretch your dollar. By freezing, canning and dehydrating seasonal food you buy in bulk, you can include local foods in your diet the entire year.
Promote your favorite food outlets

As consumers get more interested in local foods, grocers, restaurants and institutions feel more incentive to provide what consumers want. Ask your local grocery store, workplace/school cafeteria and your favourite restaurants how they plan to integrate local foods onto their shelves and into their menus.

Saturday, 13 October 2012

Household Hazardous Waste Depot


The City of Ottawa would like to encourage residents to dispose of their waste in the safest and most environmentally friendly way.
The City is pleased to host a one-day mobile household hazardous waste and electronic waste (e-waste) collection depot on Saturday, October 13 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Rideau Carleton Raceway, 4837 Albion Road.
Household hazardous waste includes the following items:
  •  Aerosol containers
  • Propane cylinders
  • Disinfectants
  • Fluorescent bulbs/tubes
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Fertilizers and pesticides
  • Mercury switches/thermometers
  • Needles and syringes
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Paints and coatings
  • Oven and window cleaners
  • Pool chemicals
  • Batteries (automotive/household)
E-waste includes the following items (these items are not picked up curbside):
  • Televisions
  • Desktop computers and terminals
  • Monitors
  • Laptop computers
  • Desktop printers
  • Disk drives
  • CD-ROM drives
  • Keyboards and mice
  • Amplifiers, stereos, speakers, receivers
  • Cameras, digital cameras
  • Copiers, fax machines, scanners
  • Pagers, PDAs
  • Radios
  • Telephones, cellphones, answering machines
  • VCR and DVD players
For a complete listing of acceptable household hazardous waste or e-waste, please visit ottawa.ca/hhw. Residents are reminded that this depot is for household waste only. No commercial waste will be accepted.
To keep our waste collection operators and our environment safe please do your part by safely disposing of hazardous household waste such as used needles, pesticides and pool chemicals.
If you are unable to attend the depot, some materials can be easily recycled every day. Items such as paint, oil, compact fluorescent bulbs and rechargeable batteries can be returned to a participating local retailer any day of the week during regular operating hours.
For more information on waste management and recycling, visit ottawa.ca or call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401).

Sustainable Yours,
Brandelyn

Monday, 23 July 2012

EcoFabulous Interiors is excited to extend Property Styling Consultations to Ottawa Real Estate Agents and New Home Builders!


EcoFabulous is excited to extend Property Styling Consultations to Ottawa Real Estate Agents and New Home Builders.

As a former Real Estate Sales Agent, I am very excited to announce the expansion of my consulting practice to include Property Styling (aka Home Staging).  Growing up in the business with both parents as Real Estate Brokers, I can truly attest to the value of a well presented interior space.

Did you know that industry studies show that by spending as little as 1% of the value of your client’s property on its presentation, you can increase the price by as much as 10-15%?

In today’s competitive market, buyers with busy lifestyles are even more discerning than ever.

Contact Us Today!

Creatively Yours,
Brandelyn
Brandelyn M. Cameron, Dip. Interior Design
Certified Property Stylist
EcoFabulous Interiors
613.882.3406

Follow my blog, http://brynncameron.blogspot.ca as I transform my design nemesis, The Knock Down into The Eclectic Beach House.




Tuesday, 10 July 2012

Gananoque Getaway!

So those who know me well, know that I am a fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants'er'...yup, planning outside of work is not in my cards.  I mean sure there's routine and structure in my day to day life, but when it comes to  social events, vacations and getaways..I am a last minute Larry!  However, as haphazard as my planning may seem to the untrained eye (wink wink), the best adventures and hidden gems are always uncovered.

What does all of this mean...well...when I plan a vacay or getaway, the most important aspects are (not surprisingly) based on architectural elements.  I absolutely love planning a getaway that encompasses an out of the ordinary event combined with magnificent buildings with design splendor!

This weekend was no exception...Gananoque - 1000 Islands since my son was racing in his first regatta since joining the Rideau Canoe Club, for an unforgettable summer camp of Kayak and Canoe adventures.  Therefore, I couldn't possible miss such a milestone and searched the area for spectacular accommodations.

Without further adieu, I present the Victorian Elegance of the Absolute1000 Island Suites:








Need I say more...the Victorian elegance combined with the contemporary flare and fabulous hosts, Petra and Phil, outstanding experience in every aspect!  Organic treats and homemade goodies (best blueberry tea biscuits ever) await your arrival...Book your Gananoque Getaway today...and tell them Brandelyn sent you!  :)

ABSOLUTE 1000 ISLANDS SUITES, 22 CHURCH STREET, GANANOQUE. K7G 2M8
Contact: ( 001) 613 817 1759 or enjoy@absolutelocations.net








Thursday, 28 June 2012

If You're Selling...Get Your Style On!!


I am am very excited to announce the expansion of my consulting practice to include Property Styling (aka Home Staging).  As a former Real Estate Sales Agent who grew up in the business with both parents Real Estate Brokers, I can truly attest to the value of a well presented interior space.  There are so many areas in life where your built environment has such an impact on you and most of the time, we don't even know it.

You see, for as long as I can remember, I have been fascinated with a harmonious, balanced, matching environment that flows from room to room.  My little brother used to purposefully misplace items, then hide and see how long it would take for my mom and I to notice and giggle away as he watched us 'organize'.  Now, he and others satisfy this little prank by leaving cupboard doors open or not pressing clear on the microwave.

Yes, all these little idiosyncrasies drive me bonkers!!

Did you know that industry studies show that by spending as little as 1% of the value of your property on its presentation, you can increase the price by as much as 10-15%?

Your styling should, “…resonate with your target market. In the twenty-first century, we must learn to look at buildings not as objects but as advertisements and destinations. We are no longer consuming objects but sensations; even lifestyles… buildings are not about where we live, but how we imagine ourselves to be.”


Brandscapes, Anna Klingmann MIT Press Cambridge 2007

Home Staging is the process of styling a home for sale. The theory behind Home Staging is to prepare the home in such a way that it stands out from others on the market, and appeals to a wide audience.

A potential buyer must be able to walk through the door and imagine themselves living there. The more neutral a property is, and the more uncluttered and free of personal items, photos etc., the easier it will be for the client to envisage themselves living there.

Just like meeting a person for the first time, the first visit to a property is tremendously significant. Therefore, presenting it in the best way possible is the secret to reeling in and dazzling a potential buyer. With this in mind, and because we know that sometimes all a property needs to realise its full potential is a little change here and there, hiring a Property Stylist is your secret sales weapon.

Creatively Yours,
Brandelyn
Dip. Interior Design
Cert. Home Staging & Property Styling


Tuesday, 26 June 2012

Don't Judge a Book by It's Cover

So, in retrospect, I have to admit, I wasn't so open minded when I pulled up to the infamous 'knock down', aka my design nemesis.  However, as I learned more about the unique style (Art Moderne) and the characteristics of such, including:

  • A minimalistic approach
  • Angular, asymmetric lines
  • Flat (butterfly) roof
I began to appreciate the natural design splendour of this vintage classic and was becoming very excited to modernize this property while maintaining it's unique style.  Since contemporary architecture is on the rise as the new en vogue, I now consider myself  privileged to be working with such a home.  Pretty far cry from my initial rash opinion.

THE BEFORE:


IN PROGRESS:


AFTER:


Eco-Friendly Products Used:

  • Low VOC paint & wood stain:   Minwax® provides a full range of environmentally responsible products that deliver beauty and protection, while meeting or even exceeding the most stringent environmental regulations. In addition, Minwax® takes steps to minimize their environmental impact.  http://www.minwax.com/about-us/environmental-responsibility/  

  • Engineered Stone:  Artificial stone products are environment-friendly engineered products that provide you with all of the advantages of natural stone with none of the draw backs.  The beauty of artificial stone and practical efficiency affords many exciting design options for both interior and exterior wall facings and treatments, creating a harmony between your outdoor and indoor living spaces.

  • CanExcel Prefinished Siding:  CanExcel uses 100% SFI certified wood from small diameter, rapidly regenerating trees.  As an engineered product, it also uses less raw materials andoffers more consistent performance than traditional products.  http://www.lpcorp.com/greenbuilding/

Be sure to stay tuned as we continue with this transformation, I'm really excited to conquer the car port!  :) 

Now it's time to hang out in the hammock!  ;)

Creatively yours,
Brandelyn



Thursday, 21 June 2012

The Full Production

THE SAGA:

Video Shoot, Video Edit, Video Production...no turning back now you say...just as I am writing my email draft to Sue and pasting the link to my new video...I am thinking to myself...wow...did these last 3 days really happen.  What a HOOT!!!

So....I upload my video hit send and Bob's your uncle... right?  Just when I thought it was safe to put away the marketing and self promotion kit...into my inbox appears a few more tips...

THE TIPS:


Good morning, Brandelyn,

Thank you, so very much, for submitting for 'Showhouse Showdown'. Your video is perfect! Thank you, so much, for re-shooting it! You are wonderful on camera and your tips are perfect! Very creative and you have a fabulous sense of humour.

I am presenting to the Temple Street and HGTV executives next week and will, most definitely, be presenting yours to them.

Brandelyn, I need to receive, please, your cover letter which includes your love of design and why and how you decided to change careers from being an Executive Director in the Health Care industry to design, the design school you attended and why you MUST be a participant on 'Showhouse Showdown'. Your pitch to HGTV.

Thanks, again, Brandelyn. And your home is stunning. 

Have a lovely evening and I'll be on standby for your cover letter.

Thanks, again, so very much!

Most sincerely,
Sue

Sue Skinner
Casting Director - CDC
SMS Concepts Ltd.
Office: 289-868-8949



THE COVER LETTER:

June 15, 2012
Showhouse Showdown
c/o Sue Skinner
SMS Concepts Ltd

Dear Sue,

It has been an absolute pleasure working with SMS Concepts as I prepare my application for HGTV’s Showhouse Showdown Amateur Edition.

Ever since I can remember, I have had a passion for interior design.  The challenge of transforming an underprivileged space has always provided me an extreme appreciation of the importance of harmony and balance within your built environment.   Unfortunately, throughout my academia, I chose to ignore my natural talent (as we often do), replacing my passion with a drive for corporate success.  Conforming to my ambition, I chose a career in Health Care Administration in Private Practice Management.  Now acting as the Executive Director of an extremely busy Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery practice, I turn to my creative passion as an escape from the corporate chaos.

Until recently, the majority of my designs were a compilation of ornate Victorian elegance combined with contemporary flair.  Two years ago, a good friend of mine purchased a home on the banks of the Rideau River and I was faced with my biggest design challenge, a mid-century Art Modern bungalow and I was stumped.  Ironically, I turned to my corporate alter-ego for advice and enrolled in an online Diploma program through the Interior Design Institute.  Concurrent with this program, I had selected several other green design courses offered through the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) as well as CE credits through AEC Daily.  Moreover, I have recently enrolled in a Feng Shui certification and credentialing program through QC Design School and am looking forward to each module.

As such, I have unleashed a creative monster!  This wealth of knowledge combined with my natural design talent and unwavering inspiration leave me longing for more.  I have since transformed my design nemesis, the 1950’s bungalow, into ‘The Eclectic Beach House’, respecting all elements of its natural architectural splendour.

I would absolutely love the opportunity to channel this creative wizardry through the reputable design programming that HGTV offers and participate in the upcoming series.  Rather than rambling on about why you should choose me, I have included the video that shows you why.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Best Regards,
Brandelyn


THE FINAL VIDEO SUBMISSION:




THE FEEDBACK:


Perfection! Thanks, Brandelyn! You are GOOD! :-)

Have a lovely weekend.
Suze

Sue Skinner
Casting Director - CDC
SMS Concepts Ltd.
Office: 289-868-8949


Whew...now that the pressure is off, I can kickback and relax and spend my evenings and weekends moonlighting as design wannabe.  ;)

Creatively Yours,
Brandelyn

Sunday, 17 June 2012

VIDEO EDIT

Here I am contemplating the edits thinking..."OMG what have I committed myself to?"  I mean sure it's one thing to compile a bunch of before and after shots, add some music and call your static story board a video.  ;)  But to actually have to talk to a camera and send it to a casting agency to then present to the big kahuna's is an entirely different matter.  How was I going to pull this off?  What was I going to say?  Better yet...who was going to tape it?  Feeling rather nervous, I enlisted the help of my good friend Renee, who up until this week had no idea that she would be my budding videographer.  Thank you Renee, your diplomatic candor and steady hand are much appreciated.

With the following tips in mind, we were ready to roll:

Vickie Fagan notes:


'This is a good summation from Sue on what to do with the video!


The video is THEIR BIG sales pitch to make the show so... They need to pitch why we should pick them.
1. History of where they came from 20ish seconds before design
2. Why passionate for design 20 seconds
3. Their 3 design tips for a home - 1 minute
4. Why they must be on the show and are the BEST contestant participant we could ever hope for - 30 seconds-ish'


Below you will find the 1st part of my 3 part series which will take you through my video design tips.