Introducing: Retrophiliac & Co.

My Mother and I have always talked about working on a project together and we never got around to it. Finally, my vision is taking shape and it’s turning in to reality.

Introducing:

https://www.facebook.com/retrophiliacandco/

I create the one of a kind fabric. My Mom takes care of the the technical aspects: making patterns and sewing. We come up with the designs of each accessory together and turn it in to something really amazing.

They will be available for purchase online really soon and will be working out some details to bring them to local Vancouver shops.

Stay tuned for more exciting announcements and I hope you join me on this new endeavour!

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My Thoughts on VegExpo 2018 Vancouver

I’ve been a Vegetarian for roughly 15 years, so naturally i’ve wanted to go to VegExpo. It was incredibly busy! You had to push past part of the crowds to get anywhere so that was a bit tedious. The fact I had the chance to connect with brands that I already love, taste delicious new treats and be immersed in a space with likeminded people made it completely worth it. They had over 200 vendors. The location was the Vancouver Convention Centre and it ran from 10 until 5pm. We got there at around 10:15, waited in line for about 15 minutes and got in at 10:30. We stayed for 3 hours and I’m really happy we went early. As the day went on it just kept getting busier. It’s really nice to see something of this calibre be such a success.

Back when I was employed in the retail health food sector, I had the privilege of going to CHFA. This, being a show open to the public and not just exclusive to retailers and wholesalers, was, well, very different: The demographic and the approach by companies was more tailored to their customer base. It was interesting to compare and contrast.

I was really happy that I was able to talk a bit about my story and connect with brands that seem to align with my vision and values. I hope this gives me some opportunities for some great taste test videos (did you see this one?)!

 

Here are the brands/companies/associations that I mention in my video above: 

• One Degree Organic
• Silver Hills Bakery
• Westpoint Naturals
• Caboo
• Choice Markers
• Vero & Co.
• Planet Hemp
• Flora
• Manitoba Harvest
• Hippie Snacks
• Zevia
• The Fur Bearers Protection (Defender Radio)
• Ener-C
• Ben & Jerry’s Non-Dairy
• Pureleaf (teabags)
• Tubify
• Wise Bites
• Wize Monkey
• Chosen Foods
• Purica

I can’t wait to taste some of the goodies i’ve brought home.

Are you following a strict diet? Are you Vegan or Vegetarian or have food aversions? I’d love to hear about your story!

Thank you so much for your continued support,

Margaux

 

Two New Videos!

Am I an AUTISM Expert? No.

I remember watching a CBC Documentary “The Trouble With Experts” back in 2015. http://www.cbc.ca/player/play/2651996758 

It essentially outlined how anybody can call themselves an expert. You didn’t need any kind of accreditation to utilize this title– You just COULD. Now, that got me thinking about self-proclaimed Autism Experts, yeah, you may know the ones. They are bright-eyed and bushy-tailed and able to create a profit off of this. I’m certainly not talking about Amythest Schaber who I have the UTMOST respect for. (so please, don’t think that for a moment!) I’m talking about the ones who actually attend talks and tell people how to profit off of their different abilities and have acquired a mass amount of social media followers. I want to make one thing inherently clear: I AM NOT AN AUTISM EXPERT. I will begin to preface my videos by giving a little schpiel about this. My views, my opinions, yada-yada-yada. I’ve been asked for advice and I try to make sure they know that I, in no way, have any kind of training or expertise. I just live by experience. I want to share my story in the hopes that people relate with me but don’t go thinking I’m some kind of shrink. I do this blog because I love writing, taking photos, making videos and trying out things in my very own way.

If it’s too good to be true, it probably is. ALWAYS ASK QUESTIONS. It’s more than OK to be a skeptic.

-Margaux

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

SensoryGoods.com Weighted Blanket!

This is a WIN WIN!! I hope you have a chance to check out my video and hear all about this Sensorygoods.com Weighted blanket!!

2 NEW Videos!

Fluorescent lighting, go away.

Fluorescent lighting is, perhaps, one of the things I hate most. It causes so much interference with my life and makes me feel miserable. There’s humming and flickering. I have felt faint, I have felt wobbly and I have lost some opportunities as well.

I understand that businesses use this lighting because it’s cheap but it’s always telling me to hurry up and get out. Studies confirm that fluorescent lighting definitely affects mood and health. 

Yes, i’m Autistic. Most workplaces have this kind of lighting. I’m lucky enough that the place i’m working now does NOT have it. I have to basically determine workplaces that would be suitable based on lighting, amongst other factors. Could you imagine how many workplaces this would eliminate?.

I have light sensitivity and other sensory sensitivities and it’s so hard to deal with. I am usually in a room with no lighting on and the windows opened. I can deal with soft sunlight but even if i’m outside, I will, most likely, need my sunglasses.

I wish there was a cheap alternative that wasn’t so harsh and horrible.

 

Vegexpo Vancouver!

I am so excited that I will FINALLY be going to Vegexpo this year.

There will be featured speakers, lots of exhibitors, samples and much more.

If you’re interested, more information can be found here: https://www.vegexpo.ca

Sewing!

With the help of my Mother and youtube, I have been taking up sewing. I’m a complete amateur with a whole lot to learn but my ideas are, quite literally, BURSTING-AT-THE-SEAMS! I purchased a Brother sewing machine a while back from Costco and dug up some thrifted zippers out of storage. I got some placemats and fabric from thrift stores and thread from Walmart! I also got some raw canvas from DeSerres and here’s what i’ve made so far.

I’ve been told that inserting zippers is the hardest part, but honestly – it’s been the easiest! I definitely need to get some Fray-stop, some D rings, more zippers, some wonder clips and a rotary cutter. I’m trying to keep it all organized and put together. It’s really fun being able to combine my art with sewing. 

I also happen to have a pretty cute audience too!

-Margaux

Travel with Me: Vernon, BC

We concluded our trip in Vernon, BC. One of our favourite towns. The weather kept up with the sun shining non stop.

Our first stop was our accommodations, located in the country, we stayed in a tiny house on a farm. Surrounded by horses, nature and some more incredibly sweet animals.

After we got settled, we went to our very favourite restaurant ever: The Curry Pot. The owners are of nepalese descent. We both ordered dinner specials, I got the Paneer Lababdar and Justin got the Butter Chicken.

We went the next morning to the Vernon Farmers Market. There is a great variety of different things being offered, such as: crafts, food and even a prayer tent.

My favourite is the Crepe Bistro. I got a Nutella Crepe, made fresh right in front of you!

Our next stop was Eatology! Justin found it on Google based on their 4.6 rating. He ordered the Mexican Skillet, completely vegetarian. “oh man it was good!” is his very personable review. I ordered buttermilk pancakes. The coffee is from Oso Negro in Nelson. This restaurant seems like it belongs in Vancouver. It’s hip, the menu is vast and it’s hard to not find something to eat. The water is self-serve and also is really nice – no chlorinated taste (which I am so sensitive to).

We had a really incredible vacation and can’t wait to go on our next one. I hope you enjoyed all my instalments. Travel is fabulous for the soul and makes us feel connected with the world around us.