When the original idea of What's In Store started in 2007.  It was a simple idea based on the fact that people today seem to work longer hours, work farther from their homes, already spend too much time on their computers and not enough time on their relationships.  I figured that if I could do the legwork for these people they would be able to reduce stress and get more enjoyment out of their "free" time.

In the second half of the first year I started learning about the chemical use in so many of the products that we use every day.  I started to become more and more educated about the damage to our health and the environment that we all become a part of and don't necessarily even realize until it has become a habit that is hard to break.  I knew that there had to be alternatives that we could choose.  So, I set out to find products that were not laden with chemicals, that still met the requirements of effectiveness and preferably were made in Canada.  This task was exciting and gave me a sense of doing something worthwhile...not just selling other people's stuff! 

I'm so glad to say that I have found many wonderful companies run by people who are doing something they believe in, proud of what they do and are truly interested in the well being of all.

The goal for What's In Store is to provide a central place where those who do not have the time to do their own research can gain comfort in the fact that I have tried very hard  (with wonderful success) to put into place affiliations with companies that care, want to make quality products and still respect health and environmental issues.

I hope that my small efforts to become the place that is "making it easy to be part of the solution" can bring reduced stress, joy and well being to those it reaches.

Christine McKague, President
What's In Store

Okay, as I have said many times over in my blogs, my goal is to research products and find the best I can for our health and our environment - trying hard to find them right here in Canada to support our economy at the same time.

Now, in my searches I have discovered an interesting angle.  Basically, I think that the conscience is growing and a lot of people are looking hard to find what will be better for their families and their planet, but there are so many conflicting views even among the green companies.  I was searching hard for clothing that is made from more environmentally conscious fibres and found that there are varied opinions on that!  Bamboo some say is great because it can be grown in a short time, doesn't need all the chemicals, etc., etc.  Then I go to another green company that says they would never use it because of deforestation and taking food away from the panda!  Okay, so now, I have to include in my search whether or not the bamboo used to make the clothing is grown specifically for this purpose, whether it is being replanted, etc., etc.

Then there are those against chemicals in our products (I think most of us are in that group) but even among the green....you have to be careful that all of the things in it are green and beyond that safe (because not all natural things are good for us).

Overall, I think if we continue to do the best that we can with our planet, our health and the children's future in the forefront of our minds, I think eventually the world WILL be a better place for all of us.  We just have a lot to consider.

www.whatsinstore.ca

Okay, as I have said many times over in my blogs, my goal is to research products and find the best I can for our health and our environment - trying hard to find them right here in Canada to support our economy at the same time.

Now, in my searches I have discovered an interesting angle.  Basically, I think that the conscience is growing and a lot of people are looking hard to find what will be better for their families and their planet, but there are so many conflicting views even among the green companies.  I was searching hard for clothing that is made from more environmentally conscious fibres and found that there are varied opinions on that!  Bamboo some say is great because it can be grown in a short time, doesn't need all the chemicals, etc., etc.  Then I go to another green company that says they would never use it because of deforestation and taking food away from the panda!  Okay, so now, I have to include in my search whether or not the bamboo used to make the clothing is grown specifically for this purpose, whether it is being replanted, etc., etc.

Then there are those against chemicals in our products (I think most of us are in that group) but even among the green....you have to be careful that all of the things in it are green and beyond that safe (because not all natural things are good for us).

Overall, I think if we continue to do the best that we can with our planet, our health and the children's future in the forefront of our minds, I think eventually the world WILL be a better place for all of us.  We just have a lot to consider.

www.whatsinstore.ca

In my early stages as a custom shopper I did the legwork for others who were seeking products that they wanted but didn't have time to find.  As time went on I started to seek out organic products and things that were good for our planet and our health....Now, the goal I have in mind for my online store is quite simply to do the legwork and weed through all the companies that make claims that they are effective, natural and organic and find the ones that really live up to their claims.  Basically I would like to host a "Harrods online for the health and earth conscious buyer", then it will be easy for everyone to make changes because they would be able to source everything in one place....that would be great!

I have taken the time to research makeup companies, skin care, cleaning products, even BPA free water bottles and have listed only those that I personally feel are quality and actually care about what they put out there for us to buy.  Because I am a firm believer in shopping locally (in your own Country) I try to find products within Canada first, however, I have gone outside of our Country to find the best if I can't find it at home.  So far, I have found all but 2 that are made right here in Canada!  For those that are not, I make sure that they are tested and ethical products before I choose to promote them!

I plan to continue to bring more companies onto my site as I find them - in all categories!  Please let me know if you are aware of any that meet the grade, I would love to check them out and see if they are everything they claim to be....if they do....expect to see them on my site at www.whatsinstore.ca

Life gets so busy!  Have you ever felt that "running on a wheel" ratrace feeling?  Do you ever think that life is passing by and all you do is work?  Believe it or not, that seems to be a common problem.   Many of us get too caught up in work, responsibility and demands of life (again partly based on expectations of others) that we forget how important the social aspect of our life is.

The people in your life enhance it!  Getting together with friends, looking at pictures from their trips, seeing small glimpses into other people's lives is actually very grounding.  My husband and I actually made a pact this year to socialize more and invite friends over to dinner and conversation!  What a great idea!  We started to reconnect with friends that we did not often get to spend time with, then it resulted in more social connectedness and improved quality of life for us!

We obviously have to work and do our jobs well to keep them, but we really need to remember what is important in this life too....the experience and sharing it with others!  Remember that friends are important, family is important, relationships are important....and most of all, we as individuals are important! 

Oh, one more thing, these online groups are great, but nothing compares to human connection....being present with other people is what it is all really about.