Doll Can Create

100 Mile Life/Grandma Core

Category: 100 Mile Life Adventure

100 Mile Life – 30 Day Challenge — August 27, 2025

100 Mile Life – 30 Day Challenge

/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

Free Checklist for 100 Mile Life

Have you ever wondered what it would feel like to live more closely tied to the land? What about the seasons and your own community? That’s what my 100 Mile Journey is all about. For the next 30 days, starting September 1st, I am embracing this challenge. I am choosing to live, eat, and create within a 100-mile radius of home.

This isn’t just about food. It’s about weaving a life that reflects simplicity, sustainability, and gratitude for what’s close at hand.

Why a 30-Day Challenge?

Thirty days feels approachable. It’s long enough to notice shifts in habits and perspective, but short enough that it doesn’t feel overwhelming. I wanted to give myself a set time frame to experiment, track, and think. It would be almost like a season of mindful living.

What the Challenge Includes

Here’s how I’m approaching it:

  • Food: Visiting farmers’ markets, local farms, and small shops to fill my pantry. I’m aiming to cook at least three meals each week made entirely from local ingredients.
  • Fiber: Sourcing wool and yarn from within my 100-mile circle and committing to one project made completely from local fiber.
  • Faith & Reflection: Writing down what I learn each week, giving thanks for abundance, and noticing where the gaps are.
  • Community: Supporting local makers, sharing my progress with you, and inviting others to join.

Early Discoveries

Even in the first few days, when I walked into this in March, I learned so much. Seasonal produce shines in a whole new way when it’s the foundation of your meals. And talking with local farmers brings a joy and connection you just can’t get in a supermarket aisle.

Holding wool that was grown and milled close to home gives me the feeling of being rooted. It turns each stitch into an act of gratitude.

The Challenges

It’s not all easy! Coffee and spices aren’t grown nearby, so I’m learning to use them more sparingly and substitute where I can. Convenience also plays a big role — sometimes it feels easier to order online or grab something quick. But that’s where the heart of the challenge lies: slowing down, choosing intentionally, and letting go of “instant.”

How You Can Join Me

I’d love for you to try this alongside me — even in small ways. Maybe it’s one farmers’ market visit, one local craft buy, or one meal cooked entirely from nearby ingredients. Share your steps with me using #100MileLife so we can celebrate together.

A Reflection

As I start this 30-day journey, I’m reminded of these words:

“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.” (Psalm 24:1)

Each choice I make feels like a way of honoring that truth. This is true whether I am in my kitchen, craft room, or community.

Here’s to 30 days of learning, growing, and rediscovering the beauty that’s already around us.

✨
I’ll be sharing updates here, as well as on YouTube and Instagram. Make sure to follow along — and let me know if you’re ready to take your own 100 Mile Challenge!

We are grateful for every small step we take toward living locally. — Doll Creelman “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.” — Psalm 24:1 Living gently within 100 miles

Hope you’ll join me: 100 Mile Check List

What Is the 100 Mile Life? — August 26, 2025

What Is the 100 Mile Life?

/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live a 100 Mile Life?

Hi, I’m Doll, and I’m here to share with you my journey into 100 Mile Living. You already have heard of the “100 Mile Diet”—that’s where this all began for me. Years ago, I read The 100-Mile Diet by a couple in British Columbia. They committed to eating only food grown or produced within 100 miles of their home. Their story stuck with me, and over time it’s grown into something bigger: what I call the 100 Mile Life.

What Is the 100 Mile Life?

The idea is simple. Find out where you live on a map. Place a circle with a 100-mile radius around it. Then, commit to sourcing as much of your daily life as possible from within that circle. Food, household items, clothing, even craft supplies—what if you choose local first?

In my case, living on Hamilton Mountain, a lot of my 100 miles is actually water. Lake Ontario to the north and Lake Erie to the south shape my circle. Sometimes I stretch the boundary a little. Let’s say 110 miles. The principle remains the same: live close, live local.

What That Looks Like in Practice

  • Food: I look for local flour. It is milled from Canadian wheat. I’m fortunate to have two or three mills within my circle. I buy bread ingredients. I get dairy from a nearby Ancaster farm. I also buy meats from Hamilton butchers who source directly from local farms.
  • Household & Clothing: Thrift stores are my go-to. Buying secondhand means I’m not feeding the global fast-fashion machine. It’s an easy way to keep things affordable. It’s also sustainable.
  • Craft Materials: Many of my fiber and creative supplies come from local sources. Sometimes they are sourced from thrift stores. This gives new life to old materials.

It’s not always perfect, but it’s always intentional.

Why September?

I sat in my rocking chair tonight. While talking with Nick over dinner, I realized something. September—a neat, tidy 30-day month—would be the perfect time to really lean into this. So, I’m setting myself a 30-Day 100 Mile Challenge.

Throughout September, I’ll share the process with you:

  • Short videos and longer reflections
  • A revamped 100 Mile Life Checklist (coming soon!)
  • Practical tips on sourcing food, clothing, and home goods locally

And here’s the exciting part: I’d love for you to join me.

A Season of Gratitude

Here in Canada, October brings Thanksgiving. What better way to prepare our hearts than by spending September cultivating gratitude for what we already have around us? By living within 100 miles, we discover the richness of our local farms, makers, and communities. We drive less, rely less on global shipping, and tread a little lighter on the earth.

Why Pair It with Grandma Core?

Because I’m a granny! And I love the grandma core aesthetic—slowing down, using what you have, mending, baking, thrifting, and cherishing simple joys. The 100 Mile Life feels like it belongs here, nestled among teacups, knitted shawls, and garden harvests.

Let’s Do This Together

This isn’t just my journey—it can be ours. I’ll share my ups and downs, and I’d love to hear your questions, tips, and experiences. Drop a comment below, subscribe to my YouTube, and follow along on my blog.

Let’s step into September with excitement and joy. We should be ready to live a little closer to home. Let’s stay a little kinder to the earth.

Here’s to the 100 Mile Life.

Bye for now, and God bless.

A Week of 100 Mile Meals: What I Ate, What I Learned — April 26, 2025

A Week of 100 Mile Meals: What I Ate, What I Learned

/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment


By Doll | dollcancreate.com

I challenged myself to spend an entire week eating meals. These meals were made from ingredients sourced within a 100-mile radius of my home. The idea was simple but profound. I wanted to deepen my connection to the land. It was also about supporting local producers and exploring what it means to truly eat “close to home.”

Here’s a glimpse into what I ate—and what I discovered along the way.

🍳 Day 1: A Breakfast Grounded in Home

  • Meal: Scrambled eggs with local cheddar, served on English muffins from Oakrun Farm Bakery (Brantford)
  • Local sources: Eggs from the farmers’ market, cheese from a regional dairy
  • Reflection: Starting the day with food grown and made nearby felt grounding. No fancy ingredients—just simple, satisfying nourishment.

🥣 Day 2: Soup for the Soul

  • Meal: Carrot, potato, and onion soup with homemade stock
  • Local sources: All vegetables from a local farm store; stock made from leftover bones from a locally raised chicken
  • Surprise: The flavour was richer than expected—fresh produce really does make a difference.
  • Reflection: I felt connected to the rhythm of seasons and soil.

🧀 Day 3: Plough-man’s Lunch

  • Meal: A rustic plate of local cheese, apples, sourdough bread, and pickled veggies
  • Local sources: Apple orchard just 15 minutes away; pickles canned last summer
  • Reflection: This felt like a picnic from another era—slow, thoughtful, rooted in tradition.

🥘 Day 4: Comfort in a Casserole

  • Meal: Ground beef and rice casserole with herbs from the garden
  • Local sources: Grass-fed beef from a farm visit last fall; rice sourced regionally
  • Reflection: Planning ahead (and freezing local meat) makes this lifestyle more doable than I thought.

🥕 Day 5: Veggie Skillet Supper

  • Meal: Cabbage, carrots, onion, and sausage all tossed together in a skillet
  • Local sources: Veg from the local stand; sausage from a family-run butcher
  • Surprise: How much I didn’t miss anything “exotic.” This was deeply satisfying.
  • Reflection: Eating locally doesn’t mean boring. It means seasonal, vibrant, and flavorful.

🥚 Day 6: Brunch for Dinner

  • Meal: Local eggs, fried potatoes, toast, and rhubarb preserves
  • Local sources: Everything within 50 miles—truly a feast from close to home
  • Reflection: There’s something joyful in keeping it simple and making it special.

🍎 Day 7: Sweet Ending

  • Meal: Baked apples with oats and a splash of cream
  • Local sources: Apples from the orchard, oats from a nearby mill, cream from a local dairy
  • Reflection: A week of eating local ended on a sweet note—and I wasn’t craving anything else.

💭 What I Learned

  • Planning is essential. Local eating takes more intention but less complication than you’d expect.
  • The taste is better. Fresher food, fewer miles, and a story behind every bite.
  • It’s about connection. To farmers, seasons, neighbours, and your own values.

This week reminded me that food isn’t just fuel—it’s a relationship. And when that relationship is rooted in care, proximity, and community, every meal becomes a moment of grace.

Catching Up on My 100 Mile Life — Check-In — April 9, 2025

Catching Up on My 100 Mile Life — Check-In

/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

Hi friends, it’s Doll. Just popping in with a little life update — where I’m at in this 100 Mile Life journey.

  • We took a quick run to Costco after Bible study. Some hits, some misses!

The Misses (and lessons learned):

  • Grapes from South Africa — delicious, but not local.
  • Mandarins from Morocco — sweet, but definitely outside the 100-mile goal.
  • Blueberry bagels — I thought they were fresh, but it turns out the blueberries were simulated. Big disappointment! I should have read the label more closely.

The Wins:

  • Oak Run Farm Bakery English muffins — made in Brantford, which is local.
  • Plain bagels (also from Costco) — possibly made in-house, but unclear.
  • Local apples still in my fridge.
  • Summit Dairy cream and chocolate milk — both local.
  • Allen’s Apple Juice — made in Ontario.
  • Local maple syrup (label gone, but I promise it’s local!).
  • Liverwurst — also a local purchase.

Freezer Peek (yes, I showed it!):

  • Bacon — 100 Mile approved and Canadian.
  • Shaw’s, My favourite ice cream — Canadian-made
  • Pierogies from Toronto — a great local find!
  • Leftover chili and other good things waiting for me.

Other food notes:

  • All our meat is Canadian, much of it local.
  • One exception: canned ham from Denmark — and yes, I love it.
  • Coffee is tricky. I’m finishing up my stash but plan to switch to Canadian-roasted or locally roasted beans soon. The price jump is real though , my favourite coffee— $18.99 now vs. $9.99 back in the day!

Reflections:

  • The journey is real — and full of trial and error. I do my best and pray over the rest, as the saying goes.
  • I started this for 100 days, which brings me to Easter Monday. After that, I might refine it even more and lean harder into local. As we move into spring/summer and planting season I believe that the journey will be a bit easier.
  • Local fiber is especially important to me — I’m really passionate about Canadian wool.
  • I’m still spinning every day (100 Days of Spindling!), and yes, I’m still knitting too. A mitten for the fall mitten tree, and slowly working on a sock.

What’s Next:

  • A new video coming soon on my fiber declutter and de-stash project.
  • Planning for Palm Sunday and the big parade — so exciting.
  • After Easter? I’m taking a reading week — some rest, some reflection, and gentle learning. A little soul-care.

To You, My Reader:

  • If you’re trying a 100 Mile Life or a 160 km journey, I’d love to hear from you.
  • What’s worked? What’s been hard? What have you joyfully given up on?
  • We all have those “I’m still buying bananas” moments — and that’s okay.

Final Thoughts:

  • I feel so blessed. I’m doing what I love, surrounded by people who care. That’s a gift not everyone has, and I don’t take it for granted.
  • Let’s keep encouraging each other. One little thing at a time is how it starts.
  • Until next time, friends — God bless and take care.
  • And remember: you can create too.
March Reflections: Fiber, Faith & Finding Calm — March 31, 2025

March Reflections: Fiber, Faith & Finding Calm

/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

Hello friends,

As March draws to a close, I’ve been reflecting on the rhythm of my days—filled with fibre, faith, and finding small ways to bring more peace into my life. This month has been about creativity, mindful making, and managing anxiety with intention. Here’s a glimpse into what I’ve been working on and learning.

Spinning & Knitting Updates

March has been a full month on my needles and spindle! Here’s what’s been keeping my hands busy:

  • Socks, a shawl, a sweater, and a blanket—each one growing stitch by stitch.
  • Spindling DK brown & spinning fawn—finding joy in slow, meditative movement.
  • Carding white & brown wool—preparing fiber is just as satisfying as spinning it!
  • English Paper Piecing (EPP)—a quiet, mindful project for piecing beauty together.
  • Knitting a hat—because there’s always room for one more.

I’m also planning recorded a spindle plying tutorial, which I’m excited to share soon! You’ll see this later today.

Lenten Knitting & YouTube

I continue to work on a Lenten knitting project, setting aside an hour a day to stitch with intention. This ties into a YouTube video I’m creating about faith and knitting, where I explore how these practices intertwine.

Another video I create is this shortform: “Finding Calm: Strategies for Managing Anxiety.” I’d shared how spinning and knitting has become powerful tools in my journey, along with other techniques that help me reset when anxiety starts creeping in.

Managing Anxiety: What’s Been Helping

Anxiety has a way of showing up uninvited, but I’ve been focusing on small, tangible ways to shift my mindset. Here are some go-to strategies I’ve been leaning on:

  • Fresh air & water—getting outside, even for a few minutes, helps.
  • Knitting—stitching my worries into something tangible.
  • Watching something funny—laughter truly is medicine.
  • Healthy food—choosing what nourishes both body and mind.
  • Writing down blessings—a simple way to shift perspective.
  • Decluttering—turning tidying into a game keeps it from feeling overwhelming.
  • Driving—sometimes a change of scenery is all I need.

Recognizing the early signs of anxiety—like staying up too late or feeling a racing heart—has also been key in catching it before it takes over.

Sourcing Local: My 100-Mile Life Challenge

Another focus lately has been my 100-Mile Life in 100 Days challenge. I’m continuing to seek out locally sourced wool and other products, making mindful choices about where my materials come from. It’s been an eye-opening experience, deepening my connection to both my craft and my community.

Looking Ahead

As April approaches, I’m eager to continue these projects and see where they lead. If you’re also on a journey of mindful making, I’d love to hear from you—what’s been on your needles, spindle, or heart this month?

Until next time,

Doll from Doll Can Create

100 Mile Journey Check-in March 28, 2025 — March 28, 2025

100 Mile Journey Check-in March 28, 2025

/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

Embarking on a Hundred Mile Life—sourcing essentials within a 100-mile radius—has come with its share of challenges. Here’s how I’m tackling them:

Budget Challenges & Solutions

  • Local products can be more expensive, so I need to cut back elsewhere.
  • Reviewing subscriptions to streaming services:
    • Prioritizing only what we actually use.
    • Canceling unnecessary ones to free up funds for local purchases.
  • Reducing unnecessary delivery costs:
    • Checking if I’m paying for services I don’t need.
    • Finding ways to replace delivery items with local alternatives.

Finding Local Alternatives

  • Some items are harder to find, like canned goods and long-term storage items.
  • Farmers’ markets will be opening soon—good opportunities to stock up.
  • Meat sourcing has been a challenge:
    • Local meats can be pricey but not impossible to find.
    • Found a store in Hamilton with its own meat processing plant—more affordable and transparent.
    • Whole chickens are cheaper there than at big-box stores.

Tracking Local vs. Non-Local Spending

  • Need a better way to measure how much I’m truly sourcing locally.
  • Planning to use YNAB (You Need a Budget) to:
    • Separate spending into “local” and “non-local” categories.
    • Analyze where I can improve and adjust.

Minimizing Delivery Costs

  • Ensuring delivery services are within the 100-mile radius.
  • Already have local options for dairy, produce, and coffee:
    • Dairy: Prepaid for a year’s worth of delivery.
    • Produce: Can pick up for free in Ancaster (15–20 min away).
    • Coffee: Found a local roaster that delivers affordably.
  • Planning errands efficiently to reduce fuel costs when picking up local goods.

Looking Ahead

  • Expecting more challenges but staying flexible and creative.
  • The goal is sustainability—balancing cost, convenience, and commitment to local sourcing.
  • Continuing to track progress and refine strategies.

Have you tried focusing on local purchases? What obstacles have you encountered, and how did you overcome them?

Let’s start a conversation. What steps will you take this weekend?

Till again,

Doll from DollCanCreate

Rocking chair crafting goals 2025 — March 1, 2025

Rocking chair crafting goals 2025

/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

Hello, dear friends! It’s Doll from Doll Can Create, and I’m thrilled to have you join me today. As we usher in March, the landscape around us is in flux—snow, rain, sleet, and the promise of spring. It’s a season of renewal, and what better time to embark on a year-long journey of mindful, local crafting?

Embracing the 100-Mile Crafting Challenge

Inspired by the 100-Mile Diet, which encourages sourcing food within a 100-mile radius to promote sustainability and support local economies, I’ve decided to apply this concept to my crafting endeavors. The goal is to source fibers and materials from local farms and artisans, thereby reducing our carbon footprint and fostering a deeper connection with our community.

en.wikipedia.org

The Importance of Setting Crafting Goals

Without clear goals, it’s easy to drift from one project to another, leaving many unfinished. By setting specific objectives, we can channel our creativity more effectively and experience the satisfaction of completing meaningful projects. For instance, committing to knitting a pair of socks each month or spinning a certain amount of fiber weekly can provide structure and motivation.

zenyarngarden.com

My Current Projects and Fiber Adventures

Recently, I’ve been spinning some delightful brown fiber gifted from Germany—a blend that’s been a joy to work with. Additionally, I’ve spun yarn from local sheep, resulting in a sturdy two-ply yarn. While I haven’t decided on the final projects for these yarns, I’m contemplating various options like scarves, socks, or perhaps even a cozy sweater.

Tips for Your Crafting Journey

  1. Start Small: If you’re new to spinning or knitting, begin with manageable projects like hats or scarves. Completing these can boost your confidence and inspire you to tackle more ambitious endeavors.
  2. Keep Records: Maintaining a crafting journal can be invaluable. Documenting your projects, materials used, and techniques learned not only tracks your progress but also serves as a reference for future projects.
  3. Set Seasonal Goals: Align your projects with the seasons. Winter might be ideal for cozy accessories, while spring could inspire lightweight garments. Summer offers opportunities for natural dyeing, and fall is perfect for larger undertakings like sweaters.

Health Benefits of Knitting and Spinning

Beyond the tangible products we create, crafting offers numerous health benefits. Engaging in activities like knitting can reduce stress, enhance cognitive function, and promote relaxation. It’s a therapeutic practice that nurtures both mind and body.

Join Me on This Journey

I invite you to embark on this year of mindful local crafting. What’s the first project you’ll start this March? Where will you source your materials? Share your plans and experiences in the comments below. Together, let’s make this year one of creativity, sustainability, and community connection.

Until next time, happy crafting, and may your projects bring you joy and fulfillment.

Blessings,

Doll

What did we buy today? (100 Mile Adventure) — January 30, 2025

What did we buy today? (100 Mile Adventure)

/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

We did some end of the month shopping today at a local store: Denninger’s. (3.5 KM from home)

I was looking for some liverwurst and asked at the Deli where it was made – right here in Hamilton she said. Bonus!

All that I purchased was 100 Mile except the grapes which came from Peru. This is not the best shop for low prices but the quality is so good and the staff always pleasant and kind.

We saved $14.15 by purchasing items marked down. Even the grapes were $2.00 off. Will we shop there again? For sure.

How have you made out with your shopping this week? Any great, local deals? Comment below. Let’s keep the conversation going.

Doll

Station Dairy 21.3 KM (we purchased at Denningers)

Hewitts Dairy 33.8 KM

I struggle with moving from miles to km so for me it’s almost always how long does it take to get there? 160 km = 100 mile LOL

Decluttering and Embracing the 100 Mile Life — January 29, 2025

Decluttering and Embracing the 100 Mile Life

/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

Hi friends, and welcome! I’m so glad you could join me. This past weekend, I went through a huge decluttering session with a group of others online, and it made me realize just how much stuff I have. Have you ever taken a moment to think about how many items are in your kitchen, in that one forgotten corner, or scattered throughout your home?

As I continue my journey with the 100 Mile Life, I want to dive into household essentials—what we need, what we don’t, and how we can replace items sustainably within our local area.

The Reality Check on Household Items

Take a moment to consider: How many dishes do you own? How many pots, pans, gadgets, and miscellaneous tools are in your kitchen? More importantly, when something breaks, what is your instinct? Do you immediately turn to Amazon for a replacement? That used to be me. But if we’re truly committed to the 100 Mile Life, we need a different approach.

For me, the answer is thrifting. Right now, I’m searching for a square baking pan—either an 8×8 or 9×9. Sure, I could order one online and have it delivered tomorrow. But instead, I’m choosing to visit a local thrift store, where I’m almost certain to find one. And even if I don’t, I already have round baking pans that will serve the same purpose. Do I truly need to spend money at all?

Thrift stores are treasure troves filled with baking items, dishes, utensils, glassware, and even kitchen electronics. However, it’s easy to walk out with more than you need, so I follow the “one in, one out” rule—if I bring something new into my home, something old must go.

Thinking Beyond Convenience

The convenience of new products often comes at a cost. Many household goods travel thousands of miles from manufacturing sites in China, India, and other distant locations. The transportation industry is massive, and while I love tracking ships on the Great Lakes and seeing what goods they carry, I’ve decided I don’t want to contribute unnecessarily to that cycle. I have enough.

Reducing Paper and Cleaning Products

Household sustainability isn’t just about dishes and gadgets—it extends to disposable products as well. How much paper do we really need? Could we use rags instead of paper towels? And while I won’t dive into the topic of toilet paper just yet, it’s another area worth considering.

Cleaning products are another area for reflection. Do we really need a chemical-based cleaner for every surface? Often, a simple spray bottle with water will do the trick. I plan to use up the cleaning products I already own before deciding on more eco-friendly alternatives. While sustainable options can be more expensive, buying fewer unnecessary items makes room in the budget for quality, local products.

Moving Forward with the 100 Mile Life

So, what can you do in your home to make it more 100 Mile Life-friendly? Are there items you could source locally instead of buying new? Are there ways to simplify and reduce waste?

I’d love to hear your thoughts! If you have any insights or questions, feel free to leave a comment and share this with anyone who might be interested. The 100 Mile Diet has its challenges—especially in winter—but I’m committed to finding a way, whether it’s through fiber, food, household goods, or clothing (which we’ll discuss in the next post).

Let’s create a life that is not only fulfilling but also conscious of our impact.

Buy locally. Live sustainably.

This is Doll from Doll Can Create and you can too. Thanks for reading—see you next time!

Might not be easy but it is possible. — January 28, 2025

Might not be easy but it is possible.

/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

Hi friends,

How are you doing in your 100 Mile Life? If you’ve been following me, you’ll know that I’ve embarked on a journey to create a life within a 100-mile radius of where we’re living.

Hi, this is Doll from Doll Can Create. You can too!

In Canada right now, there’s a big push to buy Canadian, which I understand. But my thought is—why not buy 100 miles? Let’s cut down on shipping, trucking, and the environmental impact. Let’s be good to this big, beautiful world that we live in. Right? That’s where I’m coming from.

I started this challenge and this journey before last week’s shift in government and before last week’s announcements about a federal and provincial election. This started before that, and I want to bring you along with me.

So if you’re interested, like, subscribe, and share with your friends. Know that I’m here to help, and through my longer videos and blog posts, I’ll share strategies and things to look for as you enjoy your 100 Mile Life—not just today, but for many days to come.

Till then, God bless. See you next time!

Bye for now.