Friday 27 October 2017

ADVENTURE 05 | SOCALITY + The Mountains

Connection and collaboration are two things I have learned are so important when it comes to authentically building a brand. (That, and working your butt off!) Achieving these things are most rewarding when you meet an amazing person, or group, and with whom you feel like you have found a kinship. I recently experienced meeting such a collection of folk, in which was mirrored my desire to grow, create, and venture into ourselves.

Scrolling through Instagram one day, I came across a picture of a man, standing in a valley next to a white Westfalia van, low evergreen forests ringing snow capped mountains in the background. One click of the image and I was down the rabbit hole!

What I found was Socality, a self-described local and global community of artists and makers. By happy chance (or maybe fate), scheduled just days away was their sold-out Socality Camp taking place in Alberta, in the breathtaking Canadian Rockies. It would bring together 150 like-minded artists, speakers, and workshop leaders. I took a chance and reached out for a last minute ticket, and it paid off. I booked my flights; I was in.  

When I hopped off the plane in the Calgary airport, I rounded a corner to find a group of backpack clad individuals looking ready for an adventure. Joining the queue, I could feel the camaraderie that existed among those who had clearly attended Socality events before. On the bus, new connections blossomed immediately among what I would soon learn was a warm, open community of individuals.

What I loved about arriving at camp, was despite being surrounded by countless influencers, talents, and creatives, I was arriving without preconceived notions of anyone. Like many of my new found friends, I was a Socality first-timer. Having spontaneously decided to jump into this experience, I didn’t give myself time to do much background research. In this click-first-ask-questions later world where we are always on social media, where we can Google anyone we want, it was a refreshing way to meet people. I discovered our age group spanned several decades. Most I spoke with were photographers and videographers, many of whom were there to learn how to grow their passions into full-time gigs, some who were already living the dream. Every hour that passed I learned something new about this group and how they came together, who they were, and what kept them coming back to this community of spirited individuals.

Regardless of the welcoming atmosphere, I still felt a little like a kid showing up for the first day of summer camp.. Even as an adult, things like “Am I going to make friends?” were running through my mind. In any context, at any age, being thrust into a new group can push you out of your comfort zone. It gives you that nervous-excited fluttery feeling, that thrill of the unknown.

You answer the typical getting to know you questions a lot. Where are you from? What do you do? What brought you here? At first, I felt a little like a big fish swimming from my small pond into the ocean. That feeling faded as I received new and genuine interest in what I was creating for my life. My self-made entrepreneur story generated a lot of questions that I was proud to answer. I am an owner/operator/designer creating my own life. I play it down at times, but deep down I know it’s pretty awesome!

Portrait of me by @mollhickey 

I could have easily stuck with the people I met the first day of camp, they were great. Instead, I consciously challenged myself not to fall into comfort at any time. Plus, I wanted to meet everyone! I wanted to hear their stories. Every chance I got, I would sit in a new place on the bus, in the dining hall, in the workshops, and find new hiking buddies.

I loved learning about the huge variety of lifestyles our group brought to the table. I was inspired by the many attendees who showed up with their Westie vans and other mobile living set-ups. Having recently sold my first house and downsized to a 10x10 tiny home (that used to be a goat shed!), these small-living stories reinforced the sanity behind my newly adopted situation. Not long ago I purchased my own vintage Airstream (@meetwilder) that I plan to reno myself so I too can take my home with me wherever the wind blows! Maybe to next year’s Socality camp!

As a photographer, I enjoyed re-connecting with my camera and reminding myself that keeping my finger on the trigger brings me joy. As a business owner, I really related with the sessions that were stories about what it takes to build something for yourself. Like Kohl Crecelius, of Krochet Kids Intl. He was so open about his experience, answering the tough questions like “What is the worst thing you have ever gone through in business?” Not an easy topic for the ego.

If all the camp content wasn’t enough already, the backdrop to our time together was spectacular. We paid homage to the land that hosted us by climbing as many new peaks as we could. Highlights for me were exploring Larch Valley and gasping my way up Serail Ridge, the highest peak I have ever summitted on foot. There was an unspoken understanding among us, about getting up early to get the good picture, to see that sunrise over the mountains just to experience it. Sometimes, I left my camera out of it. Being in nature is the kind of break I crave to give my mind a little peace.

Closing out our evenings next to the campfire with musical stylings like those of Jared from Fireside Music gave our days a chill vibe that wouldn’t be present were we all sitting around in a conference room. Waking up every day in a cabin or a tent, no one was trying to achieve a polished persona. Getting active, learning, and sharing, created a strong sense of vulnerability among our group. Whether we were letting our hair down, or letting our guard down, we were also letting ourselves just be, which is not something people consciously do every day.

Since I’ve come down from the clouds, it has been fun and exciting to see everyone’s experience through the visual content created. It inspires me to get out with my camera and see a little more through the lense. I love that even outside of camp, people are still connecting. I forged friendships with people from places I look forward to visiting, and I am excited to host them in my home town. PLEASE EVERYONE COME VISIT!!!!

Most of all, what keeps coming up for me is how much joy, energy, and good vibrations I get from being able to encourage people to follow their dreams. I find that being vulnerable with your own journey is the best way to communicate that. Who knows, maybe someday I will be up on a stage sharing my story. For now, I’m still writing it.

 

I discovered Scott Bakken of Socality on a Follow Friday share, so here is my list of peeps I met at camp who I think you should check out who are still inspiring me back at home. The below photos were all lifted from their personal Instagram’s. Click the image to see their full feeds!

 

          

Thanks for reading, and Socality campers, thanks for a great adventure together! 

Photos of me thanks to @mollhickey



from SALT Shop - Journal https://saltshop.ca/blogs/news/adventure-05-socality-the-mountains

Thursday 19 October 2017

BETTER BRUSHING | BKIND to the Planet!

 

At SALT, we are always looking for ways that we can live more sustainably. With the arrival of the BKIND Biodegradable Bamboo Toothbrush to our shelves, we got to thinking about how many plastic toothbrushes must end up in landfills. Too many!

An everyday toothbrush is made up of plastic, rubber, nylon, and other materials that are no friend to our environment. None of these materials break down, which means when they end up in our landfills, or in our oceans, they are there indefinitely, polluting our planet and endangering marine life.

We want to help you help us be part of the solution! For the month of November, any purchase of $100 or more will receive a free BKIND toothbrush! Plus, if you bring in your old plastic toothbrush, we will give you another one! In fact, we are encouraging anyone to bring in their plastic toothbrushes, toothpaste tubes, and floss containers to add to our collection bins, no purchase necessary. We will be sending them away to TerraCycle to be broken down and properly recycled.

Shopping online? If all you want to purchase is a BKIND toothbrush, the shipping is on us!

Share with your friends and help us keep as many plastic toothbrushes out of landfills as we can! While we will be recycling the whole month, the promotion is only until quantities last. Visit us at our flagship store on Salt Spring and our Victoria pop-up for the whole month of November to do your part. 



from SALT Shop - Journal https://saltshop.ca/blogs/news/better-brushing-bkind-to-the-planet

Wednesday 18 October 2017

FALL | A Season For Change

 

At SALT, we design elevated basics for your everyday wardrobe. Most of the time, that means we stick to neutral tones and shades that can easily transition from day to night, from work to hike. This Fall, we are excited to add an extra pop to our store with a few hues inspired by the ocean’s decorative starfish, coral gardens, and sunsets reflecting on it’s surface.


We know that bringing in colour contradicts our usual take on minimal decor and style, but hear us out. These days, a deep, colourful tone can be perceived as a basic when done right. That is how we feel about the Nero Tee and Pacific Sweater in our new Plum. A bold purple is dark enough that it doesn’t overpower an outfit, but still adds a flair that can’t be achieved with a neutral. It’s richness also invokes the cozy notes of Fall, and combined with the weight of our organic bamboo, each piece is like a soft hug that lasts all day.


 

Flint is like Plum’s cool, modern cousin. It is warm with a bit of a dusty quality to it. It also means we have a new tencel and organic cotton blend hitting the hangers. A lighter weight with a silky finish, it is just as soft as our bamboo and even more sustainably produced. In our Fjord top, it is worn loose and flowy with long sleeves to keep the chill at bay.


We want you to celebrate our new colours with us! From October 19th-22nd, use code AMTN-HUE when you shop online and receive 15% off your purchase.


These purple pops are not the only new things in stock. Have a browse around all sections of the store and find new styles and fabrics in both tops and bottoms, with still more to come. We can’t wait to hear what you think of our Fall/Winter items. We think they’re pretty great!



from SALT Shop - Journal https://saltshop.ca/blogs/news/fall-a-season-for-change

Wednesday 11 October 2017

OCEAN CARE | What You Can Do

One of our favourite things about nature is that it is cyclical; it’s a closed loop system. It never creates anything naturally that it can’t deal with in some way.

Would anyone else like to go back in time to the moment when plastic was created and take with them evidence of how it has affected our planet? Plead with them to turn back, to say no to something that we can’t break down without polluting our eco-system? Sometimes we get that urge. Sadly, that is not an option.

So much of the plastic we consume ends up in our oceans now. It gets mistaken by marine life as food, choking or starving them; it entangles and drowns them; it breaks down into the water, polluting their home in irreversible ways. It is truly heartbreaking.

What can we do to help? Simply living more consciously is a good start, but we need to be doing more to combat the damage already done. Here are a few resounding suggestions from the global community of Ocean lovers and researchers.

  • Reduce Energy Use: Climate change is hitting our oceans hard. We are seeing reefs disappear, coral graveyards become more prevalent due to rising water temperatures, and higher acidity due to high levels of carbon dioxide being absorbed into the oceans. Walk more, drive less. Use energy efficient appliances. Be mindful of your carbon footprint and ways you can reduce it.
  • Straws: These handy beverage accessories have made the Top 10 list of things washing up on our shores. Switch the plastic versions out for a reusable option like metal or glass, or at least a sustainable, biodegradable option like recycled paper. Or simply just sip without!
  • Toothbrushes: Such a simple item, yet something so integral to our way of life. We probably each use on average 3-4 toothbushes per year. Keep them out of landfills and oceans by choosing a sustainable option, like bamboo. For the entire month of November, receive a free bamboo toothbrush from SALT with any purchase $100 or more. Bring in your plastic brush to be recycled and get a second one! Or just drop yours off to our collection bins. We will be sending away all the toothbrushes we collect for proper recycling.
  • Drink Containers: Staying hydrated is key and doing it without leaving an item in a landfill is just as important. Same goes for those of us who can’t be denied a daily caffeine jolt. One-time use bottles, cups, and lids are plaguing our seas and shores. Pick up a sustainably produced reusable bottle and cup, like a ceramic beauty made by a local artisan, and enjoy your beverages guilt-free.
  • Tampons: About 50% of the world’s population is female, which means that every month there is an enormous amount of waste being produced from menstruation. Ladies, (and the men who support them) make sure you are choosing brands with conscious packaging like paper and cardboard instead of plastic, or opting for a reusable solution like a Diva cup or Thinx underwear.
  • Shopping Bags: Aside from maintaining the artistic integrity of American Beauty and Katy Perry, there isn’t much excuse for needing a plastic bag these days, especially not in the developed world. A plastic bag is basically a death trap for marine life in all ways. Have a collection of reusable bags in the house, in the car, in your backpack, anywhere you might need one. The best options really are natural fibres that are organically grown, like cotton or hemp.
  • Food Containers: Everyone should be concerned on a daily basis about what their food is prepared, served, and stored in/on. Open that Tupperware cupboard, and count how many plastic containers you own. Now vow to never buy another one again. Glass is so much better for you and for the planet. Opt for multi-use items like jars. Skip the plastic wrap and grab a few biodegradable foods wraps like the ones from Abeego. Make your kitchen healthier and more sustainable!
  • Be a Responsible Boater: Boating can be such a fun adventure, but it should also be a reminder that you are encroaching on the habitat of thousands of sea creatures. Be aware of what products you are using to clean and run your boats, take care not to tread on marine life, and follow proper discharge regulations. Those of us ascribing to an Island lifestyle can’t always make a choice about how we travel. We can learn about the green initiatives of the the companies we rely on, engage in conversation, and encourage them to be more conscious of their impacts if needed. For Gulf Islands residents, that means looking at what BC Ferries is doing.
  • Make Sustainable Seafood Choices: The easiest way to accomplish this is to say no to putting anything from the ocean on your plate. Otherwise, you need to be mindful of where your food is coming from. Try to opt for local options that have been line-caught or sustainably caught, and avoid supporting exploitative fishing practices.
  • Volunteer for an Ocean Clean Up Day: If you haven’t seen a devastating photo of a shoreline covered in plastic debris, it’s probably because you have been avoiding them. Research what kind of ocean clean-up organizations operate in your community. If you can’t find any, start one yourself! Get your peers together and make a difference, even if it is just an annual or one-time event. Take pride in your home!
  • Talk! Educate yourself and talk to your friends and family about these kinds of things. Share articles like this, encourage them to make conscious shopping choices. You could make a big difference in the impact from multiple households just by sharing your knowledge.

Knowing what our impacts are and making small daily changes won’t be enough in the long run, but if we can collectively commit to habitually living differently, we might just be able to create the shift we need to start the kind of change our planet needs from us. There are so many bigger underlying issues behind these impacts. We need stakeholders like governments and big business to get on board for the real change to commence. We can do our part now, by making good choices and supporting organizations that are fighting the big fight.

If you are making a difference in your community or even just in your home in a creative way, we want to hear about it! Sharing our individual innovations creates conversation and awareness, and helps us all live more consciously. Tag us or e-mail us!


Sources:

National Geographic

One World One Ocean

Oceana

Global Coral Bleaching

EDF



from SALT Shop - Journal https://saltshop.ca/blogs/news/for-the-love-of-the-sea

Monday 9 October 2017

#STYLExSALT | Back to School

Now that a few weeks have passed, you have walked the halls and had time to figure out what you are missing from your academic attire. Knowing how to coordinate an outfit or build a wardrobe is not everyone's strong suit though! On the West Coast, early Fall is a confusing time for fashion. A time of cool mornings and blazing afternoons. You have to dress smart, building an outfit that transitions with the day. 

A dress keeps summer alive, and a turkish towel goes from shoulder wrap to stylish scarf as the day's temperature changes. School accessorizing is always a great reason to invest in a new backpack to fill with academic must-haves like notebooks, a pencil case, and lip balm. A wide brimmed wool hat keeps the sun from your gaze and your head warm, plus, along with a set of simple bangles, adds a finished quality to your perfectly balanced Autumn ensemble.

 

SHOP THE LOOK  |

 



from SALT Shop - Journal https://saltshop.ca/blogs/news/ootd-back-to-school

Wednesday 4 October 2017

THANKSGIVING | PLANT-BASED PLETHORA

Thanksgiving is an all day event in many households, sometimes longer. Aside from a great excuse to flex our culinary skills, it is all about visiting with loved ones, being thankful for all we are blessed with, and mindfully sharing kindness. We want to bring some kindness to the plate with this plant based, vegan Thanksgiving feast brought to us by our favourite cook Dana, the Minimalist Baker.

Before you dive right in, read through every recipe to review cook times, steps that may need to be done the day before, and ingredients for the big day. As you read, make notes to get your shopping list on the go. Planning may not be the fun part, but it is a small step and will save you time in the end! Pay close attention to the seasonings required, as some may not be in your everyday pantry. There is usually a general savoury theme throughout Thanksgiving, so lots of recipes will want things like fresh sage and thyme. Make sure you get enough! And pumpkin pie spice, or at least the mixture of spices needed for it. They will surely find their way into other Fall recipes.

The below list will get you started on your shopping. A few things you should have on hand in larger quantities, as more than one will be required in multiple recipes, and in many vegan recipes in general.


Coconut Oil

Vegan Butter

Onions

Garlic

Maple Syrup (or other vegan unprocessed vegan sweetener)

Broth Starter (cubes or paste)

Almond Milk (unsweetened plain)

Flaxseed

Lentils


Pro-tip: The day-of is always a mash of juggling oven space, being a fantastic host, and trying to do dishes as you go so you don’t leave the whole kitchen a disaster. Review your menu a few days ahead and make a list of any prep work you can do before. Things like chopping vegetables, preparing spice mixtures, even making a few full dishes in advance. It will save you some sanity!

Dive into these delectable dishes for a homemade Thanksgiving that your conscience and your body will feel good about.


Starter

Creamy Fall Soup (1hr 30 mins)

Warm up the tummy and the appetite with this rich, root vegetable soup. Dana gives you directions on how to prepare Acorn Squash Bowls if you really want to go all out!


Main Event

Vegan Pot Pies (1HR)

Every guest will get a tasty little pot all to themselves. Don’t be deterred by the intimidating idea of making pastry. This recipe has a great alternative for a pie topper: Vegan Biscuits! These you could easily make the day ahead, left unbaked and ready for topping. Or, as suggested, the whole mix could be made the day before and then popped into ramekins 30 minutes before serving.

 

Simple Vegan Stuffing (1HR 45 Mins)

Green lentils pack protein into this popular side dish. Pair with Vegan Mushroom Gravy for some extra sauciness.

 

Best Damn Vegan Mashed Potatoes (40 Mins)

There is really not much to be said about a decadent serving of creamy mashed potatoes. Dana ups the flavour game in this recipe with roasted garlic mixed into a velvety yukon gold mash.


Simple Vegan Dinner Rolls (1HR 20 Mins)

Perfect for sopping up delicious sauces and the leftovers are great for making tasty little sandwiches or snacks.


 

Dessert

Vegan Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pie (2HRs)

Nothing beats finishing off a holiday meal with a slice of sweet Pumpkin Pie. We highly recommend following Dana’s suggestion of serving each slice with a dollop of Coconut Whipped Cream. Soooo delish!


Our mouths are watering! We hope everyone has a fantastic Thanksgiving with full bellies and full hearts!

We’d love to see pictures of your culinary creations! Send them to us or tag us at @saltshop.ca.



from SALT Shop - Journal https://saltshop.ca/blogs/news/thanksgiving-plant-based-plethora