FRIENDSHIP | International Day of Friendship

This isn't just an arbitrary day that someone decided should be dedicated to their buddies. The United Nations declared July 30th International Friendship Day to support the idea that "...friendship between peoples, countries, cultures and individuals can inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities." It is a commitment to show the youth of our world that camaraderie and cooperation are what we need to lead us to long term international peace.

That is a fantastic sentiment. Here at home, we want everyone to take this day as an opportunity to thank all those rad people who make up our support systems. The people who show up for us when we need them to, in whatever way we need them to. 

There are many different kinds of friends. Silent and wise. Overtly protective and strong. Warm and nurturing. We need all of them.

You can't expect everyone to be the same kind of friend that you would be, we are all different. But you can keep around those awesome humans with whom you find a comfortable compatibility. In the same breath, don't feel guilt for letting go of destructive influences in your life. Our social energy is not unlimited. Sometimes having a social life at all in between all our other commitments can be challenging. So we need to make our time count, and give it to those who don't take it for granted.

Real friends aren't afraid to give us feedback, and give us hugs. When we feel like we can't count on ourselves, they are there to hold us up. They don't let us give up on ourselves. We share our secrets and they keep them safe. They are our partners in crime, our shelter in a storm, our chosen family.

"Friend" is more than just a casual term. It represents a bond that is an integral part of human interaction. On July 30th, and every day, we should celebrate and appreciate those every day heroes we hold so dear.

 

from SALT Shop - Journal https://saltshop.ca/blogs/news/friendship-international-friendship-day

MEET THE BOSS | Q+A with Jessica

Behind every great brand is at least one amazing visionary. We thought it high time to give you the dirty on our one and only boss-lady extraordinaire, Jessica Wilson. She is an entrepreneur by nature, always seeing the possibility to create, well, anything that will inspire her and others. She let us in on a few details about herself, her life, and what drives her. 

Who influences your style?

Life - ha ha. That is the life I want to live. Living in a small community, I don't need to ‘dress up’ very often, but I like to look nice and be comfortable. So I just focus on designing for what I want in my life. I will also say that Instagram and other social media have a part to play too. If I see something I want, I put it on the board to make!

Where do you work best?

HOME, for sure! I love to be in my office with my computer and a cup of tea. And slippers, my feet are always cold. Good music is usually playing and I can get the most done when I am not distracted.  

Why did you pick the name SALT?

It was a quick decision. When I sold my last company I had 30 days to rebrand and get ready for the busy season again so I had to think fast. I thought about what natural element brings me the most joy + balancing energy. The answer… was the Ocean. So that is were I started, I wanted a simple name that meant something to me. I found SALT to be the perfect name to unite the ocean + the island I live on!

If you could start your next business right now, what would it be?

OH, I have so many building in my head it’s hard to choose. I think the one I wish to start is my dream of having a Creative barn! My vision: a large piece of acreage, that I build a BEAUTIFUL barn on. The top floor, SALT headquarters, the bottom floor gets split into artist studios + of course a coffee shop / juice bar / retail shop. I think it would be a really fun community space to visit + host events! Its the big dream :D

But the new business I am actually working on in the background is Wilder Designs. A multi-faceted design company that covers everything from graphic design, media layouts, residential and commercial decor + so much more! Its in the works and I am excited!

You just designed your first home. Tell us about that process?

Whew, it was a whirl wind! I am super lucky all of my family is into contracting so the support system was rad. It took 4 months to build + I designed it myself. I kept function + affordability at the top of my list of priorities. I loved making the design choices; it was extremely gratifying to see it all come together, albeit a tiny bit exhausting.

How would you describe your home decor tastes?

White + Black + Plants! I would say that is my main theme. However I do like a mixture of a little bohemian and a little industrial in there too. So I guess I’m just my own bag of tricks!

What was the last recipe you tried that you loved?

I was recently given a meal plan my by cousin who runs Ingrained Nutrition. She is a delight, and her food - OMG. It is so healthy and extremely vibrant and flavorfull. Her recipe for Buckwheat waffles is EXCELLENT (find it  on our Journal!), as well as her Zucchini Noodles + Alfredo sauce made with cashews + dill. All to die for, yum yum! Might have to be a wellness feature in the future! ;)

 

Where is your favourite outdoor space?

I would have to say the swim grid on our family sailboat. Because when I am sitting on it it usually means that the sun is out and I am soaking up some rays in my bikini! It also means that I am taking some well needed time out for myself.

What are 3 things you have learned as an entrepreneur that you think all business owners should know?

1) Follow Thru - Ideas come into our minds constantly and they are almost always worth following thru, just trust your gut and leap!

2) Take at least 2hrs a day of personal time. Whether that’s cooking a nice meal, going for a run, doing yoga or...? Just make sure you have 2hrs a day to be calm in your mind, not engaging with anyone or technology. 2hrs seems like a lot, but it flies by fast and keeps your mind open and ready to receive all those great ideas you have to follow thru on! I don't always make it everyday, but I try!

3) YOUR TO DO LIST WILL NEVER GET SMALLER. This one is a big one. It seems simple, and takes awhile to accept and adjust to. Once you accept this, it helps you schedule in that much needed 2hrs of you time. Sure, we all have times when we need to hustle, but it does not need to be everyday, otherwise we will burn out.

If you had a band, what kind of music would they play?

I'm sure it would be indie folk, I'm obsessed.  

Would you trade the experience you have gained from starting multiple businesses, to be able to go back in time and do things over again differently?

Nope, never. I have had some extremely tough times, but each and every one has taught me something. I have gained some many nuggets of knowledge I wouldn’t want to live without.

What are the top qualities you look for in a friend?

Travel buddy, dreamer, + up for a good laugh! I would say the biggest quality though is someone who is a doer! I love to have friends that are moving and shaking in their own lives. Because when we get together the energy is great! We have lots to catch up on, and sometimes we even boogie together and make magic happen! Like plan a trip, event, or head to the beach! I am always busy doing something, and I love to share it with others. So people who take joy in action are my kind of people! Lets HIKE! :D 

What is your favourite aquatic activity?

Floating! I don’t mind if it’s in my bikini on a lylo or on a boat. I just love to be on the water :D

 

That is our Jessica! Thanks for taking the time to get to know her. She's pretty rad, right? (And doesn't she have the best hair!) Anything you want to know that she didn't share? Leave your questions in the comments box for round two!

from SALT Shop - Journal https://saltshop.ca/blogs/news/meet-the-boss-q-a-with-jessica

WAFFLES | Bring on the Buckwheat

When we think about decadent breakfasts, we often lust after fluffy flapjacks stacked high, with sugary syrup running over the sides and pooling on our plate. Then many of us hold our middles as our stomachs groan, and move on to a smoothie. Not so with this tantalizing morning treat! No wheat, no sugar, no problems.

These are our favourite fermented Buckwheat Waffles. Buckwheat groats, despite the misleading name, are actually seeds from the buckwheat plant, not a grain. Their benefits and functions are much like quinoa.

This receipe is awesome for those of us with wheat sensitivities or anyone who is looking to get away from wheat heavy recipes and into something healthier.  

 

 

While super easy to make, the first step you have to think of ahead of time. The buckwheat is mixed with yoghurt and left out to soak for 12-14 hours. This is when the fermentation happens, making the seeds easier to digest for all, but especially those that have a difficulty with grains. 

When Jessica makes her waffles, she likes to use sheep's yoghurt, mostly out of personal preference. You can use whatever dairy option you like!

 

Buckwheat has been getting extra attention these days, and with good reason. These little gluten-free nuggets have a low glycemic index and are packed with protein, putting them near the top of the superfood list. It can be eaten on it's own as a porridge or side-dish with savoury meals in place of rice or potatoes, or incorporated into recipes like this for a healthy non-wheat option.

Recipe

Step One  |  Combine + Soak for 12-24hrs

• 1 Cup buckwheat groats
• 1/2 Cup yogurt + 1/2 Cup water

Step Two  |  Blend Batter

• Rinse soaked buckwheat + yogurt mixture, then toss into blender

ADD

• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup yogurt
• 1 tsp Baking Soda
• 1 tsp Vanilla
• pinch of salt

Puree until smooth then pour into waffle iron.

Step Three  |  Waffle it up!

Bake for 3-5 min depending on desired crispness. Makes 4-6 waffles depending on size. 

You can keep left over batter in the fridge for up to 3 days. It makes an easy on-the-go breakfast you can whip later in the week. So make extra batter! You can also use the batter for pancakes, no variation needed. 

 

As our Grandmothers told us, breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so why not make it something you enjoy instead of something you have to eat? Pick a topping that you will look forward to. Jess paired it with a rhubarb compote + coconut cream. Grabbing some fresh rhubarb from a market or the garden is a great way to fit some veggies into your meal, and works well with the fermented taste of the batter. The coconut cream, well that's just delicious. (Learn to make it here) Pop on some of your favourite berries, a little drizzle of real maple syrup, or even some roast chicken if that's what you're into.

We hope this meal brings you full and delicious mornings!

 

 

from SALT Shop - Journal https://saltshop.ca/blogs/news/waffles-buckwheat-yogurt-heaven