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GFTD.GIVING, MEET ALLISON

Gftd founder profile image

Why we love company name

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ABOUT THE BUSINESS

MEET THE FOUNDER

WAYS TO SUPPORT THIS BRAND

MEET THE FOUNDER

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Company Name: The Company Name   |   Location: City, Province

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ABOUT THE BUSINESS
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MEET THE FOUNDER
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details
Company Name: The Company Name   |   Location: City, Province
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ATELIER COCOTTE, MEET ISABELLE

Isabelle Auger, Atelier Cocotte, Lighting, Lamps, Montreal Quebec Canada

Why we love Atelier Cocotte

Atelier Cocotte’s designs reflect an appreciation for nature and inspire the collection’s silhouettes and structure. Canadian wood veneer is at the forefront of every piece and has become Isabelle’s undeniable creative signature. Made to order. Nature’s Lighting by Design. Atelier Cocotte is located in Montreal, Québec.

ABOUT THE BUSINESS

Atelier Cocotte’s designs reflect an appreciation for nature and inspire the collection’s silhouettes and structure. Canadian wood veneer is at the forefront of every piece and has become Isabelle’s undeniable creative signature. Made to order. Nature’s Lighting by Design. Atelier Cocotte is located in Montreal, Québec.

MEET THE FOUNDER

After completing her fine arts studies and a bachelor’s degree in graphic design, Isabelle worked as a portrait photographer, prop assistant for TV, and graphic designer.
 
In 2010, driven by a passion for design and a desire to create something unique, Isabelle Auger established Atelier Cocotte. Her designs reflect her appreciation for nature and are often inspired by plants & botanicals. Isabelle’s work is characterized by her innovative use of Canadian wood veneer, which has become her undeniable signature. With nearly a dozen distinctive styles that have captured the imagination of discerning customers across Canada, Atelier Cocotte has quickly established itself as a leader in contemporary lighting design.
 
In early 2012, Atelier Cocotte expanded its focus to include more commercial contracts. One of Isabelle’s most notable projects was a collaboration with JBC Architectes for the offices of GCM Consultants.
 
In keeping with her love for wood and its endless possibilities, Isabelle plans to expand into other decor products.

WAYS TO SUPPORT THIS BRAND

Company: Atelier Cocotte
Location: Montréal, Québec
Website: ateliercocotte.com
Instagram: @ateliercocotte

Click here to find out how you can support this brand.

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THE BLACK BOW GIFT CO., MEET AMANDA

Amanda, Black Bow Gift Co., Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada, Women-owned Canadian Gifting Company, Personal gifting, business gifting, corporate gifting

Why we love company name

Black Bow Gift Co. takes pride in its belief that a gift is an extension of ourselves. They offer high-quality gift boxes for corporate, weddings and all of life’s celebrations. Amanda creates gifts that are thoughtful, creative and designs them to align to your brand, theme or event.  Amanda’s mission is to spread more kindness into the world by helping others create genuine connections with the important people in their lives through gifting.

ABOUT THE BUSINESS

Black Bow Gift Co. is a Halifax-based gift company offering high-quality gift boxes for corporate, wedding favours and other events or celebrations. Founder Amanda is passionate about collaborating with skilled craftspeople and incorporating their special products into her designs to create unique and memorable gifts for her clients.
 
The company offers several gifting options, including pre-designed gift boxes, an extensive collection of upscale goods to design your own gifts, and custom designs for corporate gifting. The company’s gifts are thoughtful, creative, and designed to align perfectly with your brand or wedding theme or event.
 
Black Bow Gift Co. takes pride in its belief that a gift is an extension of ourselves, and whether we intend to or not, it communicates something specific to the gift receiver. To ensure each gift feels personal, the Black Box Gift Co. offers themed boxes for every occasion, including boxes for new parents, bridal parties, thank yous, healing and relaxation, sympathy, and more.
 
They are fully equipped to handle bulk orders, taking the hassle out of gifting for their clients. Their services ensure clients can leave the gift-giving to them, allowing them to focus on other essential aspects of their business, wedding or event.
 
In summary, Black Bow Gift Co. is a high-end gift company that offers various options for clients looking for memorable and personalized gifts. With a focus on collaboration with craftspeople, personalization, and convenience, Black Bow Gift Co. ensures that each gift communicates something special and leaves a lasting impression on the receiver.

MEET THE FOUNDER

Amanda’s passion for crafting grew as she spent time with her mother in her craft room as a child.

Amanda enjoyed everything about the room, from the smell and colours to the endless possibilities of creating something new. As she grew older, she observed her mother’s ability to create unique gifts for her father’s clients and employees, using her craft skills to make thoughtful gifts everyone appreciated.

Amanda learned early on that nurturing personal or professional relationships was vital to building genuine connections. As Amanda’s father’s business grew, he realized the importance of showing appreciation to his clients and employees. By tapping into Amanda’s mother’s craft skills, they created heartfelt gifts that fostered deep connections with the people around them.

Amanda is now a proud mother of three children and a wife to a loving husband. Her passion for crafting and spreading kindness led her to create a gift collection and custom gifting services. She believes gifts communicate something specific to the recipient, making them feel special and appreciated.

Amanda’s mission is to spread more kindness into the world by helping people create genuine connections with the important people in their lives through gifting.

WAYS TO SUPPORT THIS BRAND

Company: Black Bow Gift Co.
Location: Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
Website: blackbowgiftco.ca
Instagram: @blackbowgiftco

Click here to find out how you can support this brand.

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THE EASTER GIFT GUIDE

The GFTD Gift Guides, Easter, Children's gift ideas, Easter in Canada, Easter gift Canada
The GFTD Gift Guide | Easter Edition
the sources

1 / Bunny Ears Hair Clips by Felt & Luxe  These are the most adorable Easter hair clips, made in Hamilton, Ontario by Felt & Luxe. Get your little one camera ready for those adorable Easter portraits.

2 / Floppy Chocolate Bunny by Christy’s Gourmet Gifts These adorable floppy eared bunnies are made with solid Belgian chocolate and come with colourful milk chocolate eggs. Made in Burlington, Ontario by Christy’s Gourmet Gifts. The perfect addition to your Easter baskets or Easter table settings, your guests will love these!

3 / Tiny Floral Notecard by Paperscript Paperscript just released the beautiful notecard with their spring collection. It is the perfect accompaniment to an Easter hostess gift or mail to someone that needs a little reminder about how special they are. Paperscript will even write and mail the card for you! Paperscript is based in Niagara, Ontario.

4 / Baby Bunny & Baby Duck by Cuddle & Kind I’m note sure if this would still be considered a small business anymore, but their story and their products are incredible. Cuddle & Kind wanted to create a sustainable stream of giving that wouldn’t rely on donations. Since September 2015, that thru your purchases they have helped provide over 25 million meals to children in need! Each stuffed dolls is lovingly handcrafted by incredible women artisans in Peru, providing them with a sustainable, fair trade income, all that and they make the perfect Easter gifts. Based in Etobicoke, Ontario.

5 / Bunny Bath Bombs by Fresh Wife The Easter Bunny Bath Bombs are the perfect addition to everyone’s easter basket.  Fun, fruity and bright, add the them to your next bath for a their skin softening ingredients and sweet smelling aroma. They even added some fun Easter sprinkles to these bunnies! Fresh Wife is based in Settler, Alberta.

6 / Fresh Baked Donuts by Pretty Sweet  How sweet these would look on your Easter dessert table! These freshly baked donuts are made in Calgary, Alberta. Check their website for the flavours of the week. Flavour examples (w/o March 21 – 25) Cosmic Brownie, Grape Crush, Cookies + Cream, Chai, Fuzzy Peach, Maple Brown Sugar. Yum! For custom orders visit their website and call or email them.

7 /   The Black Bow Gift Co. is located in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. This Easter inspired gift box is the perfect gift to send to someone who isn’t able to make Easter dinner.  This premium gift box includes quality artisan items. They offer hand delivery within the inner areas of the Halifax Regional Municipality, free studio pick-up or shipping anywhere in Canada.

8 / 4 Mini Bunny Soaps from Beth & Olivia’s Market. A set of 4 beautifully detailed 3D bunny soaps great as favours and for gift giving. They make great guest and travel soaps. Soaps are coloured in French yellow, pink or green clay. They are available in 6 scents. 4 little bunnies come packaged in a Kraft gift box. Beth & Olivia’s Market is based in Vancouver, British Columbia.

9 / Easter Chick Earrings by Emmy’s Earrings  How cute are these! Designed by a mom with purpose for her daughter who couldn’t wear anything but gold earrings. So each pair of Emmy’s Earrings are designed for sensitive ears.  We offer fun and stylish designs in your choice of styles; hypoallergenic plastic posts or clip-ons.  For adults or kids. The entire collection is 100% metal free. These would make an adorable addition to any Easter gift. Emmy’s Earrings is based in Richmond, Ontario.

10 / Mini Egg Crunch by Christy’s Gourmet Gifts  Another delectable item from Christy’s, their signature Crunch with Mini Eggs! Yum. It’s an Easter favourite. It’s just the right combination of Belgian milk chocolate, mini eggs and a buttery toffee biscuit, a perfectly balanced sweet and salty treat. Each bite will keep you coming back for more! Christy’s Gourmet Gifts is located in Burlington, Ontario.

11 / Velvet Easter Basket by ShellysCraftCanada  Make someones Easter special this year with this one of a kind velvet easter bag,  complete with bunny ears and personalization. Large enough to fill with loads of candy, chocolate, easter eggs and toys. Made of velvet with satin ribbon drawstrings, personalization available. Available in 5 different colours. Shelly’s is based in Mississauga, Ontario.

GFTD FOR CANADIAN WOMEN BUSINESS OWNERS

Resources for small businesses, women-owned businesses, Canadian small business directory, shop local, shop Canadian

GFTD for Canadian Women Owned Businesses

How We’re Different: Getting Your Business in Front of More Eyeballs

As a business owner, you understand the importance of getting your company in front of as many people as possible. Exposure is critical to your success whether you’re just starting out or have been in business for years. However, with so many options, knowing where to turn for help can be challenging.

If you’ve ever searched for online business directories or business development services, you know how overwhelming the options can be. Most of these services promise to promote your business but often fall short when delivering actual results. Many simply offer a basic link to your website or social media accounts with little to no additional promotion or support.

That’s where we come in. We get your business in front of as many eyeballs as possible, using a comprehensive approach to business development that sets us apart from the competition.

So, how are we different? Here are just a few of the ways we stand out from the crowd:

We Handle Your Profile, Owner & Company Bios, SEO Optimized
One of the most important aspects of promoting your business online is having a strong, optimized profile. This is where potential customers will go to learn more about your company, so it must be well-written, professional, and SEO-optimized for maximum visibility.

At GTFD, we take care of all aspects of your profile, from writing your owner and company bios to optimizing your content for search engines. We ensure that your profile is well-written, professional, and highly searchable by potential customers.

We Make Sure Your Profile & Images Look Professional
We ensure your profile and images look professional and visually appealing. This includes selecting high-quality images showcasing your products or services and designing a visually engaging profile. By taking care of these details, we ensure that your profile stands out from the competition and makes a strong impression on potential customers.

We List You by Location, Province & City
When it comes to promoting your business online, location is key. That’s why we list your business by location, province, and city so local customers can easily discover you. By targeting customers in your local area, we help you reach the people who are most likely to be interested in your products or services. This can be especially valuable for small businesses or those just starting out, as it allows you to build a local following while expanding your reach.

We Ensure Consumers Can Find You with Effective Links
In addition to optimizing your profile, we ensure that consumers can find you easily by providing effective links to all your selling platforms and social media accounts. This includes links to your website, e-commerce platform, social media profiles, and any other relevant platforms where you sell your products or services. By providing these links, we make it easy for potential customers to find you and learn more about what you have to offer.

We Promote You in Newsletters, Blog Posts, Gift Guides, and on Social
Promoting your business is about more than just having a strong online profile. It’s also about reaching potential customers through various channels, from newsletters and blog posts to social media and gift guides.

At GFTD for women-owned businesses, we use a multi-channel approach to promotion, ensuring that your business is featured in various contexts and reaching as many potential customers as possible. This can include being featured in our newsletters, blog posts, and social media accounts, as well as in gift guides or other promotional materials.

You Can Promote Your Sales and Coupons
We believe in empowering business owners to take control of their own promotions. That’s why we allow you to promote your own sales and coupons, giving you the flexibility to run promotions that work best for your business.

Whether you’re offering a discount on a product or service, or running a special promotion for a limited time, we make it easy to get the word out to potential customers.

By leveraging our platform and channels, you can reach a wider audience and drive more sales for your business.

We Direct You to Content Designed for Business Growth
We promote your business and provide you with resources and content designed to help you grow and succeed. This includes access to articles, videos, and other educational content that can help you improve your marketing, sales, and overall business strategy.

By providing you with these resources, we give you the tools you need to succeed and grow your business over time.

Whether you’re just starting out or have been in business for years, there’s always room for improvement, and our resources can help you take your business to the next level.

We Give You Access to Money-Saving Resources, Tips & Tricks
Running a business can be expensive, and every dollar counts. That’s why we provide you with access to money-saving resources, tips, and tricks that can help you save money and operate more efficiently.

This might include information on negotiating better deals with suppliers or tips on streamlining your operations and reducing waste. By taking advantage of these resources, you can save money and reinvest those savings back into your business.

We Educate So That You Can Do It Too!
We don’t just do – we also educate. We believe that by empowering business owners with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed, we can help create a more vibrant and successful business community.

That’s why we provide you with the information and resources you need to control your promotions and grow your business over time. From SEO optimization to social media marketing, we’ll teach you the skills and strategies you need to succeed in today’s competitive business environment.

We’re Here to Support You, Answer Questions & Give Advice
Finally, at our company, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Whether you have questions about our platform, need advice on how to grow your business, or want to chat about your goals and aspirations, we’re always here to help. We’re available to answer your questions and provide you with the guidance and support you need to succeed. We believe in building strong relationships with our clients and are committed to being there for you whenever you need us.

Conclusion
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a comprehensive and effective approach to business development and promotion, look no further than GFTD. We’re dedicated to getting your business in front of as many potential customers as possible, using a multi-channel approach that includes SEO optimization, targeted promotion, and educational resources.

Whether you’re just starting out or have been in business for years, we’re here to support you and help you succeed. So why wait? SIGN UP TODAY!

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your business succeed!

file: GFTD for Canadian Women-Owned Businesses

5 GREAT APPS FOR PLANT LOVERS + 1 BONUS

PLANTA

NATURE ID

 

GARDENIA

 

FLORISH

 

BLOSSOM

 

PLANTIE

 

5 GREAT APPS FOR PLANT LOVERS + 1 BONUS

Surrounding yourself with plants indoors is beneficial to your decor aesthetic and health!

7 Benefits of living with house plants:

  • Indoor plants may help reduce stress levels
  • Real plants may sharpen your attention
  • Working with plants can be therapeutic
  • Plants may help you recover from illness faster
  • Plants may boost your productivity
  • Plants may improve your whole outlook on work
  • Plants may improve the quality of indoor air

Check out this article on the benefits of indoor plants.

“Plants are a way of creating a moment of escape within your own home, of bringing the outside world in”

Hilton Carter, BHG

So we love them, appreciate them, and want more of them, but how do we care for them and help them thrive? (We don’t all have green thumbs, hmm hmm)..

We recommend the following 5 apps to help you help your plants thrive.
They all have a free option, but you’ll have to pay for the premium features.

Planta | **Apple Apps Editor’s Choice ** Your houseplants will love this app. Simply tell Planta a location (living room, kitchen, office) and how much light the area gets, and the app will recommend the plants most likely to survive there. With Planta, you can turn your home into a horticultural haven.

  • Care Schedules & Reminders
  • Step by Step Guides
  • Plant Recommendations based on skill level
  • Plant Identification
  • Discover plants for every corner of your home
  • Plant Journal

Nature ID | A smart assistant for your plants.

  • Plant Identifier
  • Plant Doctor
  • Plant Care Guide
  • Plant Journal
  • Plant Encyclopedia

Gardenia | Manage your garden with style and discover precious tips on how to take care of your plants! Organize tasks and set smart gardening reminders: Gardenia will be your essential green helper!

  • Browse a 90000+ species database
  • Gardening tips such as sun exposure, watering, fertilization, soiling
  • Garden Manager
  • Weather Monitor

Florish | The complete indoor plant companion app, designed for those new to indoor gardening who may need help picking new plants for a space, or caring for the ones they already own.

  • Light Monitor
  • Plant Database
  • Indoor Plants Only
  • Pro Tips

Blossom | ** People’s Voice Winner 2022 ** – The Webby Awards
Want to become a better plant parent?
Meet Blossom – the app that guides you through plant parenthood. With Blossom, you can confidently grow and care for your plants with the support and inspiration you need.

  • Plant Care Info
  • Care Reminders
  • Accurate Plant Database
  • Plant Disease ID
  • Water Calculator
  • Guide for Growing Edible Plants
  • Green Blog
  • Notes
  • Personal Plant Collection


+ 1 Bonus App

This one is for plant lovers who need some time management help.
Plantie | A time management app that allows you to grow and harvest your favourite fruits while stay focused on your work.

  • Grow your favourite fruit while focusing on your task
  • The task will be interrupted if the user switches to other apps
  • Keep track of your performance every day
  • Collect badges and keep motivated
  • Unlock more fruits along the way
  • Cute and fun to use

 

Note to self: These plants that may be dangerous for children or pets
Common plants that pose a danger to children and animals:
amaryllis

  • aloe vera
  • azalea
  • chrysanthemums
  • cyclamen
  • dieffenbachia
  • English ivy
  • jade
  • jonquils
  • a wide variety of lilies
  • mistletoe
  • monstera deliciosa
  • philodendron
  • poinsettias
  • pothos
  • sago palm
  • umbrella plant

**This isn’t a comprehensive list. If you have children or pets, double-check before bringing a new plant variety into your home.

Apps are available for IOS on the Apple App Store.

While you’re here, these might interest you:

STRAWBERRY, MINT, SPINACH & GOAT CHEESE SALAD WITH BALSAMIC, HONEY & POPPYSEED DRESSING

strawberry goat cheese salad (1)

Strawberry, mint, spinach & goat cheese salad with balsamic, honey, poppy seed dressing.

SPRING / SUMMER SALADS

This impressive salad is quick to put together, and is full of flavour & colour. Add this to your dinner party menu or serve it your next backyard BBQ get-together.

4-6 Servings

SALAD | INGREDIENTS

  • 10 ounces of fresh pre-washed baby spinach
  • 1 quart strawberries hulled and quartered (about 1 pound)
  • 1/4 small red onion, very thinly sliced
  • 100 gr crumbled plain goat cheese
  • 2/3 cup walnuts
  • 10-20 fresh mint leaves

SALAD | METHOD

Combine all ingredients into a large bowl and toss.

DRESSING | INGREDIENTS

  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon orange juice
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (or to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons poppy seeds
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

DRESSING | METHOD

Add all ingredients to glass jar with lid, shake until combined. Taste. Add more sugar or seasoning per personal preference. Top salad with dressing just prior to serving.

 

ENJOY!

SIMPLE EASTER DINNER

Easter Ham Recipe

Simple & Elegant Easter Dinner For Busy People

I would have to say that I love to cook. I usually choose to bake from scratch. But, as life gets hectic sometimes, I admit to taking shortcuts. This Easter is falling in the middle of a crazy time in our lives. So I have decided to simplify my family Easter dinner.

Below I’ve linked all the recipes that I have used time and time again. I hope you love them as much as we do! Happy Easter.

 

THE MENU

Carrot & ginger soup | Williams-Sonoma

Strawberry, mint, spinach & goat cheese salad | GFTD

Apricot glazed ham | Natasha’s Kitchen

Garlic mashed potatoes | Martha Stewart

Roasted asparagus | Skinny Taste

Assorted breads & biscuits | Local bakery, like Cobbs

Mini lemon tarts | Tenderflakes Mini Tart Shells + Lemon Pie Filling

Medley of berries with crème fraîche

Chocolate eggs & bunnies | Assemble your own or visit Christy’s Gourmet

 

5 Ways To Enjoy Winter This February

5 Ways To Enjoy Winter This February

5 Ways To Enjoy Winter This February

It’s February in Ontario. This week over 30 cm (that’s almost 1 foot) of snow fell. It looks beautiful, like a world made out of marshmallows. I love winter. I know that I am in the minority club here. But winter gives us so many opportunities to be happy. Here are my top 5 ways to cure the winter blues.

Sleep.
It’s cold outside; it’s dark; make the best of it.
Bury yourself under warm duvets in your flannel pj’s and a fluffy pillow and stay in bed a little longer than usual. Or, cuddle up on the couch with a cozy throw and take a nap.

Bake.
Bake your way to happiness. There is nothing more comforting than the smells of home-baked cookies, fresh bread, muffins or scones. On cold Sunday afternoons, why not whip up your family’s favourite or try baking something new. If you haven’t tried to whip up a fresh loaf of bread, it is a lot easier than you would think. Here are a few recipes to try.

Let The Sun In.
On the rare occasion that the sun is shining, open up all the blinds & curtains and let the sunlight fill your space. It’s a breath of fresh air.

Start Something New
Winter is the perfect time to teach yourself something new. I suggest starting a new routine and challenging yourself to stick to it. Here are a few examples to get you started.

  • Try practicing yoga every morning.
    There’s no better way to start your day (whatever time that might be) than with a good morning stretch and a little mindfulness.

  • Drink more water.
    Set a goal of how much water you want to drink and do it.

  • Dive into a new hobby.
    Dive into a new hobby and set time aside to do it every day, even if it’s only 10 minutes. There are so many hobbies to choose from; here are a few that I have embraced this winter: Crochet, indoor gardening, and journaling.

Spend more quality time with your family.
I know this might sound crazy after two years of lockdown, but if you’re like me and you have two teenagers in the house. How much quality time are you really spending together (without a cell phone in hand)? Organize a family movie night, or dig out a puzzle from the start of lockdown (we all have them). If not, there’s always Scrabble or Blockus (our family fav.)
If you have younger kids, build a fort or put on a show, let them sell tickets and sit back and enjoy a good chuckle.

 

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