Wednesday, April 14, 2010

what difference do you make?



Excuse me for my ignorance......

Yes, yes, yes....it is Earth Month and April 22nd is Earth Day, no big deal..just the largest secular holiday in the world celebrated by more than a billion people and this is the 40th!!! I believe that we all want to make changes, and help the earth, sometimes we just don't know where to start. I feel that it is my job to help people and make them more aware of the impact of their choices on both the health of their bodies and our earth....if you aren't aware, how can you change.

I realized AGAIN last week, that maybe I am more ignorant than I wanted to admit. I was in the shop and it was an amazing "spring like" day, and I opened the door to let in a little fresh air...and I heard what was initially very hurtful comments out a middle aged couple. Gratefully, they actually took the time to read the words I wrote on my little sandwich board....looked at my window and very sarcastically barked..."what's the deal with all this organic stuff...and now clothes...I don't get it" Initially my first reaction was opening the door and screaming..."I can hear you....you @$%&&&!" I was hurt and then I realized how true and honest his comment was....he doesn't get it. I am the ignorant one to assume people do "get it". I also found comfort in these thoughts because one would have to assume, if they did know, then they would realize the positive effects of buying organic, whether it be food, clothing, skin care, bedding etc. and in turn would see and appreciate the value.
Shame on Me for assuming this! I consider it part of my job to create awareness! This was something I used to be better at when I first opened explaining the difference between conventional and organic cotton, benefits of bamboo, and hemp, soy etc., but I had become complacent and afraid of appearing too "preachy" (which can be annoying I know) but if nobody ever says anything how will we know, how do we change, how do we learn? I became more concerned with offending someone and lost focus of part of the point. And frankly if people find it offensive to promote a healthy body, earth/environment, shopping local, etc., then I have to be okay with that. If I don't take the opportunity in Earth month or on Earth Day to promote myself and flow as an eco-chic/organic boutique and reveal and take pride in the ways flow is different than I am not being true to myself or what flow stands for! I have to tell whoever will listen, whever I can....

Clothing that is made with sustainable/organic fibres is just one lifestyle choice we can make to help our earth, choosing, to buy organic/local produce, shopping at farmer's markets, walking/biking more often, car pool, choosing reusable coffee/shopping bags, use natural cleaning products...afterall making these changes is not only better for our earth, but it is healthier for our bodies. Baking soda and vinegar and my two house cleaning staples now...and I'm a reformed cleaning product junkie...I loved to use bleach, and sprayed lysol on everthing!! But using these natural options, is healthier for me and my family as well!! Making these small changes to your lifestyle makes a BIG difference!!!

This April 22nd....what difference will you make???
Remember this basic rule of thumb; "if it's not good for the earth, then you can bet it's not good for you either"

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Greener side of Spring










Spring is on it's way and these days it seems it is approaching at a nice pace....here in Nova Scotia I would say we have had a fairly easy winter, milder temps, snow storms were few and far between, and no ice storms! Phew...getting through winter seems like such an accomplishment, and the images, and signs of Spring surround us, the robins are out, the days are longer, sugar woods are open, and my basement is flooded....ahhhh..Spring!



Spring is creeping in here at flow as well, I'm really loving the wide leg linen pants, and the linen knickers from Vancouver label Nixxi, they are so comfortable, and classic and best of all...they are super flattering, pair them with sandles, and a great "flowy" top or fitted tank, and you have a timeless look that never grows old!



The hemp, and bamboo, capris, skirts, dresses, and "rain tops" (how fitting) from Salts Organics-made in Sooke, BC are also especially great for Spring, the cut, feel, and versatility of these pieces is amazing! For me it's like this, if I can wear something, to yogs/gym/grocery shopping, and then change the shoe and add some jewelry and go to dinner....it works! I clothes that I can wear anywhere, then I get to wear them more often!


This Spring, focus less on your brown grass, and look at the greener side of spring, pop in to flow, browse, have a great cup of organic/fair trade coffee, try on clothes, check out the soap, take your time, enjoy a more humane shopping experience, one you will feel good about for so many ways...go with the flow...


'til later,



Steph

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Hello, First Post!!!!

This is a new blog for Flow Lifestyle Boutique. Flow is a little green boutique in Amherst, Nova Scotia Canada which stocks organic cotton, hemp, soy and wool clothing as well as hand made jewelry and olive oil based soaps and creams from the Olivier Soapery in New Brunswick. I will update this blog with bits of information, new items, local events and interesting news stories....If you have any suggestions just let me know, Thanks

Stephanie Moreau