This quote resonates with local lifestyle boutique owners and is what inspires them as they source eco friendly brands for their store.  I have been shopping at Mortise & Tenon for quite some time now and every time I go I am more inspired than the last, which to be honest, is hard to do.  More often than not, I am overcome with guilt when I think of all the things I am not doing to reduce our carbon footprint.  Walking into Mortise & Tenon feels different.  Their gentle encouragement and amazing products have made it easy for me, and many others, to incorporate small, everyday changes that I believe really will make a difference.  They are located at 2415 11th Avenue here in Regina.  They have an online store which is beautifully laid out, but if you’re in the city I encourage you to grab a coffee (in a keep cup, of course) and peruse the store.  They have SO many great gift ideas and unique items- it truly is one of my favourite places to shop!

I have recycled and understood the importance of it for a long time, let’s be honest, we all have.  But, it wasn’t until a few years ago that I fully understood the importance of REDUCING.  Once I did some research and began to understand the whole eco friendly world a little more, I began to shift my focus from recycling to reducing.  Yes, both are VERY important.  I am not here to tell you not to recycle… oh lord, please continue to recycle all things that can be.   I AM here however, to hopefully inspire you to make a few small changes that will help you to reduce your waste.

On Earth Day, I posted an Instagram photo where I shared 6 simple lifestyle changes I have made.   You can check it out by clicking here.  I was overwhelmed with the positive reaction to it and it had me feeling even more inspired.  I know there are so many of you who are making changes and want to do even more!

With that in mind,  I thought I would share a few items that I got from Mortise & Tenon that I USE, and love with the hopes it will inspire you to try a few of the items as well! I know it can be overwhelming at first so I’ve given you a little break down of why I personally love them:

(re) Zip Leakproof Reusable Storage Bags– I have used many reusable zip lock bag and these are by far my favourite! They are dish washer safe, never leak, and they dry quickly.  I love the Colibra ones as well, but I like the fact that you can dry these instantly and reuse them right away.

Metal Straws– Obviously, they are good for the environment and I swear things just taste better when you drink them out of a metal straw… weird? I know.

Dryer Balls– This is a newer item to my house but I swear I will never go back.  They dry my clothes in half the time and also keep my sheets from forming a gigantic ball when I dry them… again, its a win win.

Bees Wax Wrap– The only problem is have with this is that I never seem to have enough.  I am still growing my collection but I hope to be able to eliminate plastic wrap completely.

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I must give myself some credit, since visiting with Rochelle from TLBPC I have been doing much better.  I used to go to Home Depot or Rona and poke around their greenhouse looking for what I thought was the most beautiful plants. I’d bring them home and without fail in a few weeks or months, if I was lucky, they’d be dead.  WTF?!  Well, turns out there’s a lot more that should go into buying plants than just picking the prettiest ones.  This is where Rochelle and her team have helped me out in a big way.  They are specialist in this department and can help you determine which plants are best for the space you’re looking for.  They genuinely want you to have success with your plant babies and will even discourage you from purchasing a plant they know won’t do well in your space or your lifestyle.  For example, I am OBSESSED with fiddle leaf fig trees… like super obsessed.  I want a massive one SO bad but the way I described the space I have, Rochelle suggested something else and in the mean time sent me home with  baby fiddle leaf to try it out!  She easily could have sent me home with the fiddle leaf.  She would have made a sale only to know it wouldn’t survive, but that’s not what they’re about and I appreciate that!  In case you’re wondering my baby fig is doing SO well and I am so proud of myself.  He is in a spot that gets the morning sun and seems to be loving it… maybe one day I’ll graduate to a big boy but for now I am jazzed watching my little babe grow!

Like I mentioned before, if you have the chance to go into the store I highly suggest you do.  Rochelle and her team are super knowledgeable and would be happy to help you pick out some new plant babies for your home. If you’re not located in Regina or for some reason you don’t want to head into the store Rochelle has answered some questions I had and I thought I would share the answers with you all!

I am terrible with plants.  What are some low maintenance plants that I won’t kill?
Best low maintenance plants I would suggest are snake plants and zz plants. They can tolerate low to high light and prefer to dry out between waterings.

Brown tips usually mean that the plant needs a bit more humidity. To help the plant we suggest misting the leaves with a spray bottle once a day just to help increase the humidity. You can always buy a humidifier as well.

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Let’s be clear I’m not complaining that What Women Want is quickly approaching that’s for sure.  It is such a fun event filled with, well you guessed it, everything women want: spa treatments, art, wellness, plant workshops, style coaching (Riley Lawson will be there!) a little entertainment, and of course, SHOPPING!!  Ah, the shopping… the space really does turn into a mini shopping mall filled with all your favourite local shops from near and far!

Speaking of local shopping… UPTOWN CASUALS is going to be there! If you’ve been kicking around here for a while you’ll be very familiar with this boutique.  They have quickly become one of my favourite places to shop carrying trendy, yet affordable pieces, along with some great classics that will live in your closet for years.   Although they ship daily, there is just something about being able to try items on.  Not to mention, their staff is absolutely adorable, so if you’ve been on the fence about heading to WWW this weekend just go!!!

Rumor has it these adorable overalls along with some other exclusive items will be sold only at the show!

Overalls c/o Uptown Casuals || Turtle Neck c/o Shein

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