Spoil Your Pet with PetSafe Stocking Stuffers + Holiday Prize Pack Giveaway!

With the holidays just around the corner, people are starting to get their gift items together for family and friends.  According to a recent PetSafe Survey, 98 per cent of Canadians consider their pet to be part of the family, so why should they be left out of the gift exchange this holiday season? 

In our house, we like to make sure that Santa drops off one or two things for our German Shepherd, Nova.  We've had Nova since shortly after the Little Man was born.  In fact, we adopted her when he was just 6 weeks old!  Here's a pic of the Little Miss feeding our pup while out camping one summer:

PetSafe offers an amazing selection of pet friendly products, both large and small, to give to your pets!  Here are a list of the Top 5 Must Have Stocking Stuffers for your pet, this holiday season: 

And lucky for you, PetSafe is offering an incredible Holiday Prize Pack for giveaway!  Check it out!  It contains everything you need to make your furry family member's holiday season complete.  Spoil them rotten. ;)

Make sure you go and enter below!  And to find out more about PetSafe and what they have to offer, check out PetSafe.net and  PetSafe on Facebook 


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Make sure you stop by this Winnipeg Mom Blog again soon for more fantastic Giveaways! 

Amope Pedi Perfect Electronic Foot File #Review

 I'm always looking for easy gifts for friends and family members that I can throw in a "theme basket." During this time of year, I really like being able to put gift packages together that I know a person will use and really enjoy. This year, I'll be doing up a couple of Spa themed baskets and I've found the perfect bigger item to tuck inside!

The Amope Pedi Perfect Electronic Foot File is designed to treat rough, dry, cracked feet quickly and effortlessly – no soaking required.  To use it, you simply turn it on, and glide the file across the rough parts of your feet.  It buffs away hard skin in minutes, leaving you with soft, smooth feet.  Love it!  I tried it out myself and it really works as promised.  It was quick as well, which I can certainly appreciate as a busy Mom.  I don't often find the time to pamper myself, so when I do, I like to do it right! 

You can purchase the Amope Pedi Perfect Electronic Foot File at Amazon.ca for $39.59 

Additional retailers include:

-          Shoppers Drug Mart

-          Loblaws grocery stores

-          Jean Coutu in QC

-          Uniprix in QC

-          Well.ca

I'll be combing the Amope Foot File in with a nice foot soak, a wash basin, a soft, fluffy towel and some cute colored polishes.  Who wouldn't love that?  What kinds of gift baskets do you like to put together for family and friends?  Let me know in the comments below! 

Enjoy!


 

Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Smart Stages Toys #Review

 
One of my favorite things about the holiday season now that I'm a Mom (and an Auntie!) is showering my kiddos and my nieces with tons of unique, fun and educational gifts.  I love watching the kids open up their new toys, playing with them and knowing that they're learning new skills along the way.  A possibly unknown fact about me:  When I'm not blogging, I also run a small home daycare.  So I have the added experience of doing the same with my "daytime" little ones, too! 

Fisher Price toys are kind of a go-to around here.  We have more than I could possibly count and the kids are playing with them constantly.  As a part of our daily routine, I try and incorporate our learning based on play.  My kids are all quite young, with my 3 year old son being the oldest around here when my daughter is in school.  So rather than doing circle time, we practice colors and counting while playing with our Fisher-Price Little People, the alphabet song at lunch time, and so on.  It often makes for an interesting day, full of giggles and surprises.


Fisher Price Laugh & Learn Smart Stages Toys 

Smart Stages Vacuum – age 12-36 months ($29.99)  
It’s clean-up time – with a push-along Vacuum that encourages baby to learn through real-world role-play, and features three light-up shape buttons that help teach baby about colours, shapes and letters. Parents manually change the level for content updates.

Smart Stages Mower – age 12-26 months ($29.99)                                                   
Get out and mow that lawn with the push along Mower that engages with baby through creative role-play, and features a number slider, a turn gas cap, a pull lever, and a light-up face to interact with baby. Parents manually change the level for content updates.


My Review:
These toys are just downright adorable, and PERFECT for the active toddler!  I have a 1 year old and a 2 year old here each day, and they love taking turns with the lawn mower and the vacuum, pushing them around the house.  I appreciate that they're learning the little songs and sayings, learning as they play.  And as an added bonus, I've always found the Fisher Price toys to be super cute rather than super annoying to listen to!  I find myself singing along a lot of the time - which is just a part of my job, I guess.  These would make fantastic holiday gifts for any little one on your list, even if they're not yet walking.  The beauty of the Fisher Price Smart Stages toys is that they can sit and play with the buttons and knobs, before they're even able to physically push the toys around.  The Smart Stages toys really do grow with your kids.

Check out FisherPrice.ca for more info on these great finds!

 

VTech Kidizoom Smartwatch Review - Fun For Kids of All Ages!

VTech has been a go-to brand for me for years. I remember in high school I was given this extremely cool looking VTech cordless phone for my bedroom (this was before cell phones were much of a "thing" because you know, I'm like old and stuff...)  I loved it!  It was small and cute, was this gorgeous translucent dark teal colour, had great features and even appeared in a few of my favourite teen movies at the time. 

When my kids were born, I began to look at VTech toys knowing they'd be of the same great quality and likely tons of fun, too!  I have not been disappointed yet.  We LOVE everything they have to offer.  The latest gadget to make its way into our home is the new VTech Kidizoom Smartwatch. 

I knew the watch would be neat, but it honestly exceeded my expectations!  My son LOVES it, and I won't lie, I have fun playing around with it too.  

About the VTech Kidizoom Smartwatch
The VTech® Kidizoom® Smartwatch is the smartest watch for kids! Perfect for young photographers, this durable smartwatch makes it easy to take photos and record videos on the go. They can also use the touch screen to explore their creativity with fun photo effects, frames and filters. The watch helps kids learn how to tell time by letting them choose between digital and analog displays. They can also choose between more than 50 clock face designs. It also includes a timer and alarm with a variety of fun animations to choose from. A voice recorder lets kids record their voice and play with five voice-changing effects. The Smartwatch also includes four learning games with the ability to download more from Learning Lodge™ using the included micro USB cable, which can also be used to upload photos and videos as well as recharge the battery. The Kidizoom® Smartwatch is also splash proof, making it perfect for everyday play. (Splash and sweat proof. Do not submerge and not suitable for showering or bathing). More than just a watch, it’s the Kidizoom® Smartwatch. 

When my son first got the watch, he couldn't wait to wear it.  I set it up for him and let him go to town.  He loves the bright green colour, and how "grown up" he looks wearing a fancy watch!  This weekend he decided he wanted to wear the watch on our trip to the grocery store.  A few minutes into my stuffing veggies into the shopping cart, I realized he was video recording my every move!  He thought it was pretty hilarious. While the watch is age rated from 4-7 years, kids are pretty clever these days and the Little Man just turned 3 but he's got most features figured out.  My daughter just turned 6 and she enjoys the watch as well, but I find she tires of it a little faster and will move on to something else.  

I'm amazed at how sensitive the touch screen is.  Often times when toys are touch screen, you really have to press at the screen to get it working.  With the watch, the sensitivity is great and it only takes a gentle tap of the finger.  As well, the quality of the camera is surprisingly good.  The watch takes better photos than the two toy cameras my kids have to play with. 

Our verdict?  AMAZING toy!  It'd make a great gift for birthdays or Christmas.  Find out more about the VTech Kidizoom Watch and other VTech products here!

Happy Shopping ;)


 

Hexbug Aquabot 2.0 Review

Hexbugs have become a favourite tiny toy around here.  My kids love setting up their battle habitat to watch them "fight" just as much as they enjoy watching the tiny "bugs" skitter along the kitchen floor while they hop away from them!  (And torment the dog.  And me while I'm trying to cook dinner.)

The new Hexbug Aquabot is a new way to have tons of fun with Hexbugs, only in water!  

About Hexbug Aquabot 2.0
The new water-born Angelfish and Hammerhead Shark are  packed with smart fish technology, added sensors and an inner glow that makes them appear more alive than ever before!  The hi-tech sensor allows you to wake the sleeping fish by tapping on the tank.  Each fish comes with its own bowl and removable background stickers.  

When we first opened our fishy and plunked him into his bowl of water, he swam around slowly and then stopped.  I panicked for a second, but then remembered we had a brand new set of power cells (batteries) to add to the fish.  Once we changed out the batteries, the fish was really able to move!  My kids get a kick out of it.  The fish now sits on the kitchen table and they've been taking turns playing with it, recording video of it and...well... talking to it. lol.  I don't believe they've given him a name yet.  It's neat to see how tapping on the glass bowl will "wake it up" -- A fun little toy!  I think it'd be super neat in the tub and can't wait to toss it in one day while the kids are bathing, and wait for the screams and laughter!

You can find out more about the Hexbug Aquabot 2.0 here!

Happy Fishing ;)

Saving For The Future: RESPs and What You Need To Know #RESPwithRBC

It's a fairly universal fact that having kids costs money.  It's also the general consensus that parents want what's best for their kids.  So when Moms and Dads in Canada decide to have a baby, it's fairly common to think about the impact that a child (or an additional child) might have on family finances.  Obviously, one of the biggest factors at play in this is a child's Education. 

With the cost of College and University tuition on the rise, not to mention many people turning to Private or Home schooling for their children, the value of an RESP is maybe even greater than it's ever been.  Saving for our children's future is something that will benefit everyone in the long run.  Because let's be real here for a second - we are going to need some well educated leaders to look after us when we get old, no?  

It's important to know that the earlier you start saving, the better off you will be when it comes to helping your kids financially with future endeavors.   Just $25/ week over the course of 18 years can add up to $50,911.00 -- That's nothing to sneeze at!  But there are other ways to save, too.  Instead of having your child showered with an abundance of unneeded gifts and toys on the holidays, family members can contribute to an RESP as well.  And what's more?  You can receive free money from the government! The Canada Education Savings Grant will match up to 20% on the first $2,500 contributed annually. That could mean up to an additional $500 a year in your RESP, up to a lifetime maximum of $7,200!

I'll be honest.  I am not a "numbers" person, so when it comes to financial planning I often find myself sitting in a banker's office, or my financial planner's office with eyes glazed over, having to force myself to pay attention and to ask questions.  It's OK to ask a lot of questions when it comes to doing what's best for your kids.  And sorting this out now means that at crunch time (your child's graduation) you will have MUCH less to worry about.  All the help financial help you need to cover the cost of tuition fees, books and more will already be at your disposal thanks to your planning ahead.  Wouldn't that take a load off?

With advice from RBC, it's easy to start. No need to be overwhelmed. You have the flexibility to use the RESP for university, college, apprenticeship, non-credit courses etc., and if your child doesn't use the funds, you can use your contributions and earnings to fund your RRSP!

With all of that being said, I'll be setting up an RESP as soon as possible for my little "Chemist" and...erm... "Batman" in progress!  

You can find more great tips on saving for your child’s education here: http://www.rbcroyalbank.com/resp/ and rbc.com/education  

Enter here to WIN $500 towards your child's RESP with RBC. 

Do you have an RESP for your kids?  What are some of your best tips for saving for your children's education?  Tell me in the comments! 


Disclosure: I am part of the RBC RESP blogger program with Mom Central Canada and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.

Find The Perfect School Snack With Kelloggs Canada #KelloggCAInnovations

With school back session, I'm always on the lookout for the perfect snack to send along with the Little Miss for recess.  She's a picky pumpkin alright, but the one thing she does love is cereal.  So I was excited when our newest box from Kelloggs showed up on the doorstep containing a bunch of goodies perfect to send in her backpack! 

In addition to the Miss, I have a home daycare full of kids (including my son) who LOVE snacking.  There was no shortage of treats for these kids as well.

Here are some of our faves.

The new Rice Krispies Multi-Grain Shapes are seriously awesome!  Little Miss likes to fill up her Snack Taxi and throw it in her school bag to pull out during recess.  These are bite sized, not at all messy and they're great for little hands too.  The Handsome Mister will often take a small bowl full of these along for his wagon ride, to take his big sister to school in the mornings.  It makes a great breakfast on the go!  And I find because they almost melt in your mouth, they're great for older babies, too.

The other cereal my kids absolutely love, and it's totally cool by me, is the simple but delicious Original Special K Cereal.  Its crispy, yet light and airy texture and mild taste is great for kids who can be picky.  You can add it to baking, snack on it dry, or if you want to jazz it up a bit on a Saturday morning you can add Chocolate milk to it too.  (Not a bad little "sometimes" treat!  Just sayin'!)  The new cereal flakes are now "bigger and better" -- which my kids can attest to!

Oh, and one more thing.  I need to throw out a big ol' YUM-O for the Chocolate Krave cereal!!! My husband and I didn't share this one with the kids at all.  We happily chowed down ourselves after the shorties were in bed.  In case anyone happens to be wondering, it makes a really good dessert!  Call me crazy but next time I think I'll toss a handful on top of some vanilla ice cream and just live for the moment.  Mmmmmm. 

Do your kids have a favourite Kellogg's cereal to snack on?  Tell me about it in the comments!
 

 

Stylin' At School With Staples Canada #Review

The school year is off to a great start and my kids couldn't be more thrilled!  I feel incredibly lucky to have two kids who happen to really love learning new things, and just love school in general. 

This year, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to work with Staples Canada to get both of my kids set up for the year ahead in absolute style.  We were able to choose new backpacks and lunch bags for the kids, to make sure they both have everything they need.

Staples has such an amazing selection of school supplies!  They've become my go-to place at the beginning of the year, because I know that I'll find everything I need in one stop - no running all over the city for extra items, and on top of that they always have incredible sales too. 

My kids and I chose their items online and had a lot of fun doing it.

The handsome mister is off to preschool and looking good with his new Lug brand backpack and lunch tote!  

And the little miss is off to Grade 1 (I'm not sure how that happened so fast?!) with this WAY cute pink Foxy Jeans brand backpack, and a Ketto brand lunch bag.  The lunch bag was packed full of pizza , fruit and yogurt and sent off to school this morning, so is not making a photo appearance at this time!

Both kids love their great new bags!  Grade 1 is an important milestone around here as it's the first time my sweet girl has to stay at school for a full day, and stay for lunch.  She was nervous about it at first, but now it's become something she looks forward to.  Yesterday she told me she signed up for a "drumming course" at lunch time - how cool is that?  The fun, easy access lunch and school bags mean she can get her items in and out, eat quickly and move on to fun activities with her friends.  Plus, she told me she's been given lots of compliments on them from her friends - which is kind of a big deal when you're 6.  ;)

I appreciate the great quality items and the excellent prices Staples has to offer when it comes to school supplies, now and throughout the school year.  As mentioned, it has and always will be our go-to stop for Back to School shopping!

Check out Staples.ca for these items, and any other back to school necessities.  

And enjoy the year!


 

Shick Intuition Advanced Moisture Razor - Reader #Reviews

Recently, I was able to provide a selection of readers with the opportunity to try out the Shick Intuition Advanced Moisture Razor and submit their reviews for a chance to WIN at Born 2 Be Mom. Here are their reviews!

___________________________________________________________

"I consider myself pretty lazy, probably because I have 2 little ones and barely have any time for myself, so this razor is perfect for lazy girls like myself. I really like that when I need to shave, I don't have to lather any cream. I can just wet my legs, shave and I'm ready to go. At first I wasn't sure if the big moisturizing bar would get in the way of a close shave, but it didn't. In fact, this razor gave me a very close shave without nicking myself!  I also really like how my sensitive skin isn't irritated during the shave and kept my skin pretty moisturized. My biggest plus isn't even the razor, but rather the holder that comes with it. I have a pretty small bathroom and anything that I can stick on the wall high up and away from the kids makes it even better!"  -- Jeannie L. 

"I love this razor! I love the convienece of not having to use any shaving cream/gel when shaving my legs, as the conditioning bar on the razor does a great job! I used it in the shower,and with water it became very sudsy and let me shave smoothly with no knicks or cuts. I have shaved about 3 times so far and the conditioning bar is still hardly worn down, so I`m thinking it will last a while. I would prefer the razor to be a little smaller as I find it a little bulky for my hands, but overall I love it and will probably purchase it when I need a new razor.  It is also great for overnight trips, or short vacations,as you do not need to bring any shaving cream with you,just the razor. I also love the suction cup holder, so I can attach it to my shower wall and out of the way."  -- Karla S. 

"I love that the Schick razor is surrounded by the built in shaving cream, which is convenient and saves me time to use a separate shaving cream. Usually when I use other razors, I need to apply lotion afterwards due to dryness but after using this Schick razor with shea butter, it moisturizes my legs really nicely and save me the step of applying lotion. Furthermore, the packaging of this razor is much better than their previous all plastic packaging as it is more environmentally friendly. I would definitely recommend this razor as it saves me time and makes shaving much more enjoyable." -- Cassey C.

 "The built in shaving soap is really handy and the suction cup attaches this bigger than average razor nicely to the tile in the corner of my tub.  The larger size also gives me a good grip. Initially I thought I might use it only for travel but for now it has replaced my regular smaller sized shaver.  Thanks for the razor and refills!" -- Birgit G.

"The razor itself is packaged in a nice box. I think the inner packaging of the razor itself was a little too excessive.  The concept of the soap around the blades was unique and did provide some moisture lather. The problem with the razor I found was when I went to clean the hairs out of the blades by tapping it against the side of the sink, the blade head fell off. Of course since it was wet and lathered it was rather slimy to reinsert the blade head back on. Again I rinsed it under water and went to tap it against the side of the sink to get the hairs to fall off and again the blade head clunked off. This was rather disadvantageous with a lot of hair to shave to keep repeating this process. "-- Roger S. 

"The Schick Intuition Advanced Moisture razor is everything I've ever wanted in a razor. The four blades and the moisturizing solid work together to make shaving so quick and comfortable! There is no need to use slippery shave gel or go over your legs again and again. My skin was left feeling soft and smooth with no irritation in record time. The scent was really pleasant and I love the thick, easy-to-grip handle. This razor is now a permanent fixture in my shower!"  -- Jonnie H. 

"Despite its larger size, this razor felt comfortable in my hands and I appreciated the rubber grips on the handle to give me greater control of the razor.  The shea butter shave bar smelt wonderful, a fresh and clean scent.  While shaving with this razor I just wet it in the shower and proceeded to shave. The shave bar lathered up and eliminated the need for a shave gel.  I was leary about getting a close shave as I felt the shave bars would prevent a close shave.  However I was quite surprised that I got a close, comfortable shave.  My legs felt soft, moisturized and were hair-free.  I was quite impressed with this razor and would definitely recommend it to others to try."  -- Amy M 

"I think the idea of a conditioning bar and razor in one is a great innovation by Schick! It really saves time especially on those busy mornings. However I think the actual product is a little lacking, too bulky and my hair gets stuck in the razor itself. I do like the packaging of the product, and the fact that it comes with a replacable blade/conditioning bar. The conditioning bar works great at lathering and makes my legs really smooth." -- Maelin C. 

Thanks to all of you for all of the fantastic reviews!  Good luck!

eOne Films - The Boxtrolls Movie Screening and Prize Pack Giveaway #Winnipeg

eOne Films The Boxtrolls is coming to theatres on September 26th, and I have some Family Passes to giveaway in celebration of the release!  

About The Boxtrolls
The Boxtrolls is a comedic fable that unfolds in Cheesebridge, a posh Victorian-era town obsessed with wealth, class and the stinkiest of fine cheeses. Beneath its charming cobblestone streets dwell the Boxtrolls, foul monsters who crawl out of the sewers at night and steal what the townspeople hold most dear: their children and their cheeses. At least that's the legend residents have always believed. In truth, the Boxtrolls are an underground cavern-dwelling community of quirky and lovable oddballs who wear recycled cardboard boxes the way turtles wear their shells. The Boxtrolls have raised an orphaned human boy since infancy as one of their dumpster-diving and mechanical junk-collecting own. When the Boxtrolls are targeted by a villainous pest exterminator who is bent on eradicating them as his ticket to Cheesebridge society, the kind-hearted band of tinkerers must turn to their adopted charge and an adventurous rich girl to bridge two worlds amidst the winds of change -- and cheese.

I showed the preview video to my kidlets and they can not wait to see this fun flick!  Want to surprise your kids with a trip to the movies and/or some fun Back To School movie swag?  Then you'd better check out the great giveaways I have below!  

Contest open to Residents of Canada. 

Prize #1 -  3 WINNERS - Back To School Prize Packs (including a 1 Family Pass admission each, plus a fancy pants The Boxtrolls Lunch Bag, 2x Coloring Books, Crayons and a Night Light.) is pick-up ONLY.  Movie Screening is at 10am, on September 13th, at Silver City Polo Park in WINNIPEG.

Prize #2 - 5 WINNERS - Family Pass admissions to September 20th show - 10am at Silver City Polo Park in WINNIPEG.  These can be emailed directly to the Winner.


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A Great Rainy Day Activity! - Sands Alive! Product #Review

We've had a lot of rain here this last week, meaning my kids (and daycare kids) who love to be outside have had a lot more indoor time than they're used to!  Because we try and limit our TV time to an extent, this leaves me often scrambling to find age appropriate activities for all of them. 

I was pretty excited to try out Sands Alive!  We've heard great things about this product and I figured my kids would really enjoy it.  I was right. 

We were sent this amazing Sands Alive! - Large Set -- which comes with everything you need for a hands on sensory activity, including 4lbs of sand, shape molds, rollers, cutters, and even a large tub to play with it in! 

About Sands Alive!:
Bring all the fun of the sandbox indoors with Sands Alive! Easily make and mould shapes, patterns or creative sculptures with this unique indoor play sand. The texture of Sands Alive is similar to cookie dough, but completely dry to the touch. Mould it into hard durable shapes and with a soft touch, it will break apart and appear to move! This product a parent tested, parent approved award winner, and is water-soluble, 100% non-toxic and anti-bacterial. Sands Alive won't stain and easily removes from your hands. The Sands Alive Large Set includes 4 pounds of Sands Alive sand, the large sand tray, and 14 sand tools!

 This kit has kept my kids busy for hours upon hours.  They love shaping the sand, making "castles" and all kinds of different things. And I have to admit, it's a lot of fun - I like playing with it, too!  We do find it a little bit messy, but that's more about the kids not keeping the sand in the tub as they're supposed to.  It's great for outdoors, and indoors we just use it in the kitchen.  The sand is easy to vacuum up after play time is over.  I honestly can not recommend Sands Alive enough!  Seeing kids ranging in age from 2 (with direct supervision) to almost 6 playing quietly and cooperatively together is all the proof I need that this toy is a keeper.
 

 

5 Tips For Bathing Baby & A Disney Baby Prize Pack #Giveaway #Canada

I remember giving both of my kids their first baths. With my daughter, it was something we did after arriving home from the hospital. I had a cute little fold out tub that fit perfectly in the kitchen sink! She wasn't too keen on the water in her face, but she always loved snuggling up in a warm towel or robe afterwards. In fact, almost 6 years later, she still does.

Here's one of my favourite pics of my baby girl at 11 weeks old, just after a bath!  

Need some tips on getting your little pumpkin squeaky clean?  Bath time can be  great way for both you and baby to relax, and can be a very helpful part of a regular bedtime routine.  Here are some tips to help make your baby's bath time a success:

5 Tips for Bathing Baby

Tip #1: Start small
Your baby is little, so his bathtub should be too! When you start bathing a baby, it’s easier to do it in the sink, or using a small plastic tub. That way, you won’t have to kneel or lean awkwardly over the side of a big bath while keeping your baby upright. Some baby tubs, like this adorable Winnie the Pooh one, feature built-in toys, ensuring that bath time is fun for everyone!

Tip #2: Get some tub toys
For older babies, the bath can be a great place to learn and explore. Once your little one has graduated to a big tub, introduce them to some squirt toys, fun floaties or sponges. Disney Baby has a great selection of these, featuring characters like Nemo and Friends. Toys can keep your baby distracted and happy, helping make bath time a breeze.

Tip #3: Ditch the daily dips
Babies don’t need to bathe everyday – in fact, daily baths can dry out or damage your little one’s skin. It only takes two or three baths a week to ensure that baby stays squeaky-clean, as long as you stay vigilant about keeping face, hands and diaper area clean between washes. These Finding Nemo washcloths are the perfect way to keep baby fresh between bath times.

Tip #4: Lock in that moisture
If your baby does have dry skin, rub on a little moisturizing lotion, cream or oil post bath. There are plenty of products out there that both you and your baby can use!

Tip #5: Keep baby warm
Wet babies can become easily chilled, so throughout bath time it’s important to keep your little on warm. Ensure that bath water is around 37 degrees and that the air in the bathroom is comfortably warm as well. After the bath, wrap baby up in a soft, clean towel and give him a little snuggle! A Winnie the Pooh Bathtime Wrap keeps baby feeling cozy and looking cute.

And if you're looking for something cute and warm to dress your little pookie in, you could be in luck!  I've got this gorgeous DISNEY BABY gift set - including a 4 piece Mickey Mouse layette set, a small toy and a toddler sport drink bottle - up for Giveaway.  Open to residents of Canada, ends on Sept. 01/2014.  Enter below!

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Good Luck! 

 

Cloud B Twinkling Firefly Frog #Review

I remember when both of my kids started to show signs of "bad dreams" at night. With my son, it would involve a frantic cry in the middle of the night and usually talk of "spiders crawling in his bed." Poor kid!  I thought at his age - going on 3 next month - that was about as scary as it could get.  Then one night last month, as I put him to bed, he really began to sob and shake telling me he was too afraid to go to sleep.  When I asked him what he was afraid of, I was rather shocked at the answer!  Not monsters under the bed, or giant lions in the doorway like I dreamed about as a kid (...I know.  I was an odd one, lol.)  No.  He was afraid that Zombies were coming to get him.  Zombies?!  Where on EARTH would he have heard about Zombies?  My poor baby!  I had to laugh a little bit -- and of course I had to reassure him that Zombies are not real.  They're not coming to get him, and as usual, Nova our dog would keep him safe. 

Then I remembered an item I'd recently received for review: the Cloud B Twinkling Firefly Frog.  We pulled it out and set it up with some new batteries, set it to "lights only," then I tucked in my little guy and said goodnight.  In the morning, he marched out of his room and the first thing he said, word for word was "Thanks for the new frog, Mommy.  It kept me safe from Zombies."  lol!  I might have melted a little bit.  He's all boy, but he's still my baby.

Cloud B Twinkling Firefly Frog 
Fireflies twinkle in Frog’s belly to create a magical glow that helps ease fear of the dark. This cuddly friend is perfect for enchanted playtime and helps children transition into nighttime. Twinkling Firefly Frog also plays a choice of two soothing sounds: rain with crickets, or lullaby melody.
Features


Soothing cuddly companion

• Twinkling Firefly Frog helps ease kids from playtime to sleep time
• Soft glowing fireflies glow in Frog’s belly

Two soothing sounds

• Rain with crickets
• Lullaby Melody

Sound box timer and features

• 45-minute sleep timer
• Requires 3 AAA batteries; batteries are included

Until now, the Little Man hasn't had any sort of nightlights in his room.  I didn't want to get into the bad habit of him needing light to fall asleep, for all kinds of reasons.  So the fact that the Frog is on a 45 minute timer is perfect for us!  It allows him to fall asleep soundly, and then it stays off for the rest of the night.  It's also easy enough for him to turn on himself if he needs it, meaning I'm not getting woken up in the middle of the night for any requests to turn the lights on.  While we don't usually use the sound functions, they would be AMAZING for a new baby.  If  I'd had this from the newborn stage, I would have used it for sure - This would be a great new-baby gift!  We love our Cloud B toys in this house.   The Little Miss uses her Twilight Lady Bug every night as well, and it's her second one.  My nieces have the Sleep Sheep and the Twilight Turtle as well, given as gifts from us and they love them too.  I stand by the fact that the Twinkling Firefly Frog is fantastic for kids of ALL ages.  As proven by my little Zombie fearing almost-3-year old!  ;)

 

#Giveaway - Enter to Win a Family Pass to A Day Out With Thomas: The Thrill of the Ride Tour in #Winnipeg

I am so excited to share this one!  

Little engineers won’t believe their eyes—or their ears!  For the first time ever at Day Out With Thomas™, Thomas the Tank Engine™ will be able to talk to his fans.  Boys and girls will be cheerfully greeted by the #1 Engine when he pulls into The Prairie Dog Central Railway for Day Out with Thomas™: The Thrill of the Ride Tour.

This fun-filled event offers little engineers and their families the opportunity to take a ride with Thomas the Tank Engine, star of the popular Thomas & Friends® series, meet Sir Topham Hatt®, Controller of the Railway and enjoy a day of Thomas-themed activities including arts & crafts, storytelling and more.  This is the first time Thomas the Tank Engine has returned to the area in many years.   

If your favourite kids are anything like mine, they will LOVE this!  I have been wanting to get my two shorties over to Prairie Dog Central for a while now - so what better excuse than to meet Thomas the Train himself?  My handsome little Mister will be in awe.  

Would you like some tickets to take the family?  Find out more information about the event here: 

Tickets for Day Out with Thomas: The Thrill of the Ride Tour 2014 are on sale now and available by calling Ticketweb toll-free 866-468-7630, or by visiting www.ticketweb.com/dowt or www.pdcrailway.com.  Ticket prices are $22 plus tax for ages 2 and up (service charges and fee may apply). 

For more information and directions, contact the Ticket Office at 204 832 5259 or visit www.pdcrailway.com.

For information on Thomas & Friends, visit www.thomasandfriends.com

Follow Thomas & Friends on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thomasandfriends and Twitter @ThomasParent.

  

Want to win tickets?  Enter below!  

(Please note tickets will be for the Monday-Friday dates only, based on availability.)  

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Recently Launched: Barbie Business Bursery Program and Entrepreneur Barbie #Giveaway

Growing up, I was always told I could be whatever I wanted to be as long as I worked hard to achieve that goal.  This is a message that my husband and I strive to impart on our little girl.  She's only 5 and like most kids her age, there are a  number of things she wants to be when she grows up.  I've been told she wants to be a rock star, a ballerina, a figure skater and more recently even a paleontologist or some kind of scientist.  (I think as she recently put it, she wants to be a scientist who plays rock shows in her spare time.  And why shouldn't she, right?!)

I love that for decades Barbie has been inspiring girls along the way and sending the same positive message.  I grew up playing with these dolls, and while I always loved the fashion and the glamor, I also loved giving my dolls fascinating careers and big, wild adventures. 

Recently, Barbie launched the Barbie Business Bursary Program.  Kids and youth are being encouraged to dream big, and to make those dreams a reality.

About the Barbie Business Bursary Program:
The Barbie™ Business Bursary encourages Canadians to nominate a budding entrepreneur – yourself, children, siblings, cousins, students or friends – under the age of 18, who demonstrates true entrepreneurial spirit, from now until September 1, 2014. 

To enter the national competition, simply visit the www.barbie.com/mydreams and share your or your nominee’s entrepreneurial dream. 

Barbie^™ will select ten amazing nominees and post their video profiles on Barbie™ my Dreams; and a jury panel will then select three winners to receive a $2500 Barbie^™ Business Bursary to fund their big ideas.

“Barbie^™ strives to empower  children to imagine themselves in a variety of roles from pilot to president,” says Alicia Sumar, Brand Manager, Barbie – Mattel Canada Inc. “We know from research that play is a positive force that encourages a child's creativity and imagination. Playing with Barbie^® fosters the belief that anything is possible. We are proud to launch this Canadian Barbie^™ Business Bursary initiative to help make children’s’ dreams and aspirations come true.”

To celebrate, they've released Entrepreneur Barbie.  Is she awesome, or what?  She looks all business, and I love her purse!  This stylish doll has been inspired by women entrepreneurs world wide.   

Up for grabs, I have one of these super cute dolls to Giveaway!  I'm sure she'll make a child somewhere very happy.  :)  Contest is open to residents of Canada.  Ends on August 11th, 2014.  Enter below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good Luck! 
 
 

5 Tips for Decorating Baby's Room #disneybabyCA

I am so excited to be a part of the Disney Mom Ambassador program! Our first box of beautiful Disney Baby products arrived recently, and they are going to make a lovely gift for somebody.  Here's a look at the products.

Looking back to when my daughter was born, I remember spending hours scouring pics online, looking at products and deciding how I was going to decorate the nursery.  I remember being 6 months pregnant and bursting into tears (thanks crazy hormones!) to my husband because we hadn't started on her room just yet.  I wanted it done!  And I know a lot of other Moms are the same way.

We painted my daughter's room a beautiful shade of green, because I hoped that she'd have a sibling one day and they would end up sharing for a while.  I loved the colour, I loved everything about it.  When we sold our house, the only thing that made me sad was saying goodbye to my kid's beautiful bedroom - and all the amazing memories and milestones that went along with it.  

Here's what it looked like before the Little Miss was born, in its "not quite finished" state:

 

5 Tips for Decorating Baby's Room

1) Choose a style that’s unique to baby!  If you give yourself a focus, it’s much easier to create a cohesive design. You could start with some fun wall art as an inspiration and use that to determine your colour scheme. Or pick some bedding you love and build the room around that. This Lion King bedding set has lots of fun, neutral colours and patterns to draw from.

2) Create a nifty-nursing station.  Set up a table near a comfy chair, and keep it stocked with necessary supplies like baby-safe hand sanitizer, nursing pads, nipple cream, burp cloths and paper towels. Receiving blankets like this Winnie the Pooh set are always great to have on hand – they can be used as burp cloths, coverlets, and to keep your baby warm.

3) Get creative with storage.  With a new baby occupying a room, storage may be limited, so get creative. Add a cute bed skirt to your crib which allows you to hide boxes or supplies. Or buy a multi-bin organizer, so you can store books, toys, and clothes in one convenient location.

4) Set the mood with lighting.  The nursery should be a soothing space where your baby can fall asleep easily. Try putting your overhead light on a dimmer, or buying some small accent lamps to minimize harsh lighting. This Winnie the Pooh night light is another great way to provide safety and comfort – especially during late-night feedings.

5) Leave Room to Grow – because they will!  Remember that your baby won’t be a baby forever. It’s helpful to choose decorations that are easy to update or change as your baby grows up, so your baby’s room can grow up too. Wall Decals are detachable, reusable and they won’t harm your walls – you can remove or replace them if you’d like a change.

Do you have any advice for new parents setting up a nursery?  Share them in the comments below!