Posts Tagged ‘canadian moms’
Check out these great deals on PJs, Bibs & The Kangaroo Towel.
It’s baby shower season and time to stock up on award winning baby gear! With waterproof bibs at only $5* and soft cotton PJs at *$11 it’s a sale not to be missed!!
The award winning Kangaroo Towel is on sale for only $30, an amazing deal! Make bath time a breeze. For mom it means no more trying to find a spot in the bathroom to lay down a towel or running to the change table with a naked baby.It means no longer needing an extra set of hands during bath time. In the Kangaroo Towel™ the baby gets coddled as soon as they come out of the bath
The Kangaroo Towel™ is a luxurious baby towel with a pouch for your precious baby. You wear the Kangaroo Towel™ while bathing the baby in order to keep you dry. When bath time is over, simply lift your baby out of the tub and place them into the hooded Kangaroo Towel. The towel comes equipped with a hoodie to make sure every inch of them stays warm on their trip to the change table. It’s for you, but really it’s all about them.
It’s all about practicality. Or is it all about being the hippest baby on the block? With these PJs, it’s about both. Choose these fantastic 2 piece pajamas made from the softest 100% cotton. As well, you can add a matching bib for $5!
Over the past few weeks York Region Parent has learnt about a new law that will affect many of our favourite, indy baby and kids brands, including Made By Angie. Angie sent us this letter and we are passing it on to you so you can read and take action.
~Thanks, Kirsty
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dear Customers, Retailers and Friends,
In 2007, we were shocked to learn that so many of the toys our children were (are) exposed to were tainted with lead and phthalates. Large toy manufacturers outsourcing to China and other developing countries sold numerous products within the US that simply put, made kids sick.
Rightfully reacting to this mess, the US Congress cracked down on the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) and passed the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) in August 2008. Essentially, this law requires mandatory safety testing for all toys and products geared towards children ages 12 and under.
In theory, we as parents and consumers should be thrilled with this action. However, the law lacks specifics and without modification, the reality is that thousands of small businesses who produce handmade toys and children’s products will be forced to close our doors because the testing procedures are prohibitively expensive. Does this really make sense for the cloth diaper business using 100% organic cotton materials? Or the craft fair artisan that sold you a hand chisled wooden train set? Or the adorable personalized hand appliqued birthday t-shirt you just ordered from etsy.com?
On February 10, 2009 (coined “National Bankruptcy Day“)– this law will go into effect, forcing us to provide certification of thousands of dollars spent on third-party testing. Testing for chemicals that don’t exist to begin with in the materials we use. Now more than ever, with our economy hanging on by a thread we need these small businesses who provide innovative, unique and SAFE products and help to keep our handmade in the USA industry thriving.
Here’s what you can do to help.
1. Start by forwarding this information to everyone you know. Parents of young children are not the only ones touched by this legislation. There is a “forward” button at the bottom of this email.
2. Vote for amending the law on Change.org. With enough votes it will be presented to President Obama in January!
3. Find your congress person and senators and write a letter like the sample here. Particularly if they serve on the House Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection or the House Committee on Small Business.
4. Send an email directly to the CPSC or contact chairperson Nancy Nord at 301-504-7923.
5. Sign this petition, to be submitted to the CPSC.
6. Check out these additional resources: Facebook -Help Save Handmade Toys from the CPSIA and Handmade Toy Alliance
Thank you for reading!
Best,
Angie Beermann
Made by Angie, Inc.
Are you a mom with rich stories to tell? Always say you’ll remember this moment forever but know you won’t - unless you write it down? (And let’s face it: Who has time for that?) Recording your experiences is actually easier than you may think. It’s also fun, rewarding, and a little bit painful. Just like motherhood itself.
Part writing group, part literary salon, The Momoir Project offers writing courses for mothers interested in learning how to translate their personal experience with motherhood into words. Whether you want to write as a keepsake for yourself or your children, or whether you would like to publish your story in a newspaper, magazine or book, this course is intended to inspire you and get you writing.
Cori Howard, editor of Between Interruptions: Thirty Women Tell the Truth About Motherhood is the mom behind these classes. They are starting their classes in Toronto in January, and if you can’t make it to the class, you can join the online class via Skype.
Check out The Momoir Project’s website for more information.
For the Cool Mom on Your List
You know that friend who is a little funky and fun; the one whose wardrobe you would love to raid? This is shirt by Etsy Store, Xenotees is so wonderfully cool. The “French Pet Lobster Shirt” says « J’ai le goût des homards, qui sont tranquilles, sérieux, savent les secrets de la mer, n’aboient pas… »Translation:”I have a liking for lobsters. They are peaceful, serious creatures. They know the secrets of the sea, they don’t bark…”
Supposedly the French poet, Gérard de Nerval, would walk his pet lobster with a ribbon. This was his reasoning for adopting a lobster as opposed to a dog! A lobster…our kind of pet!!
The best gift for an mom-to-be of a mom of many, is time! What better way to give her some time, by giving her a Pippalily Sling. These Canadian-made fashionable baby slings are so functional for your newborn to toddler. With fabrics as from funky to classical these slings are such a wonderful gift for all your mommy friends!!
We also like this necklace from Bella Button Designs. At only $35 it’s an affordable and sentimental gift for mom.
Both pendants dance on a fancy-link sterling silver chain, finished with your choice of a lobster clasp with 2-inch extender or a toggle clasp. Add a freshwater pearl or Swarovski crystal charm for no additional charge.Your favourite, high-quality photo is permanently enclosed in a reversible, glass charm with soldered silver frame. Photos will be printed in your choice of black/white, color or sepia.
For Grandparents, who live near or far!
The best gifts are ones that grandparents can share and show off the most precious things in their lives. We all know how much grandparents love to brag. Check out Heritage Makers 5 X 5 Storybook that allows you to add photos and journaling. This size give you 21 pages to create your own design or try a template. A sure hit for grandmas everywhere.
For Your Bundle O’Joy
Our favourite body wash for babies and up is now available in Newmarket atWild Child Baby Store on Main Street. It smells sooooooo yummy and has no harmful parabens or other chemicals. It’s made with organic ingredients and is pH Balanced for Sensitive Skin.
This dermatologist-tested formula contains skin-softening Vitamin E, skin-soothing calendula-with a light, lively citrus-rosemary scent.
parade has always been on our of favourite brands for our babies. They have extended their line from their signature prints, like monkey and peanut to these lovely organic cotton rompers. Who says organic has to be boring? At parade it is anything but that!
Under the Nile’s Organic Cotton Teether is sure to capture the heart of your little one and safe for them to chew on. Made with 100% organic Egyptian cotton. Available at online baby store Along Came Baby.
New for Winter 2008 from baby magoo are these animal print hooded towels. The towels have been a best-seller and now available in adorable giraffe and cow prints. They are hand-made with absorbent, soft terry on the inside and velvety chenille on the outside.(cute baby not included!)
For the Toddler & Preschooler in Your Life
Every little boy loves to dream! So let them dream away in this Bolt of Thunder crown. This fun crown will be a part of everyday play and will let your little one explore the heights and depths of imagination.
One the right is a fun set for the your 3+ princess. A hand-made set of sweets to go along with any tea party.
In under 5 minutes and under $20 you can create a personalized onesie or shirt atsimply colors. I created one for my niece and love that it is quick & easy, yet personal. As well, moms will appreciate that they are shipping Christmas ordersFREE (as in NO charge whatsoever) in November and December 2008!
We love Canadian mom-invented name stamps are for little learners to learn and print their names. The self inking stamps fromThe Little Stamp Co. are personalized in a large dotted font so kids can stamp and trace their name on colouring pages, cards and artwork to encourage printing in a fun and interactive way! Genius!!
For Bigger Kids
We know that iPods, video games, computers and all the techie stuff are big on kid’s lists, like usual. But, you already know that. So we want to offer you some other ideas…
Totes with Quotes were created as an outlet for good ideas and phrases! Not only are they hip, trendy and good for the environment but they are a good way to have fun! We like that they are fabulous as well as fair wage, fair labour, eco-friendly reusable bags are stylish, affordable and fashion forward!
Who says blankets are just for babies? At Designs by Mimi and Lola their Kids Collection is big!! It’s is 51″ x 59″, which makes it great for a kids bed or from snuggling on the couch watching movies. Choose from non personalized or personalized.
These helmet covers for bike, skate, ski, snowboard, toboggan, and equestrian are designed to make it exciting for kids (and adults!) to wear their helmets. Tail Wags Helmet Covers increase visibility, especially in low light conditions. From tigers to zebras and much more, kids can choose from more than 30 animal themed helmets for their next adventure.
10% off all online orders placed directly with Tail Wagsfrom now until December 31, 2008. Just enter the promotion code York when checking out.
The 2nd International Cookbook for Kids by Matthew Locricchio is great for boys or girls. Following up on his popular The International Cookbook for Kids, Chef Matthew Locricchio brings us more mouthwatering recipes specially designed for kids and their families.
Veggie Teens Cookbook is a great receipe book written by 14 year old Elyse May, with the help of her doctor mom and chef dad. This boo is for teenage vegetarians, teenagers hoping to convince their parents to let them try becoming a vegetarian, vegetarians of any age, and anybody else who loves to cook and eat great food.
If you are looking for an inspiring gift, then checkout 1>0 (one is greater than none) a charity created by high school girls who wanted to make a difference. 1>0 is working hard to save kids in Africa from a life of slavery and abuse one bracelet at a time. By buying this bracelet you are helping children in Africa as well as supporting teens who are making a difference!
There is only one company who I trust to make our birthday invites and Christmas cards each year, and luckily for our readers they are based in York Region.
Grace Announcements is the place to get your cards for the upcoming holidays. Mom of 2 and owner/designer, Lindsay loves creating custom photo cards and stationery for all your life’s moments.
She has a complete line of professionally printed photo birth and adoption announcements, invitations, holiday cards, note cards, call me cards and more.
I am so excited that I just got the proof of our Christmas card yesterday and can’t wait to send it out! I can’t share it here, because I want it to be a surprise for my friends and family! But take a look at this great card, that also is a birth announcement and go to the gallery to view all the spectacular designs!
Check out some of the best products for babies, toddlers & kids all invented by Canadian Mom Entrepreneurs. Some good ideas to add to your holiday lists.
Mom Knows Best…
Holiday Gift Ideas Inspired By Canadian Kids, Created By Canadian Moms!
When 6 Canadian moms found themselves wanting for solutions to typical parenting challenges, they got down to business and developed 6 creative and successful products. Here are some of the most exciting new children’s products developed by moms, just in time for the holidays…
Smart & Fun
Teach My Toddler is the award-winning all-in-one learning system for toddlers. The toddler tote has 17 teaching tools to help toddlers master the basics; alphabet, numbers, shapes and colours. Each section is fully-coordinated with a total of 5 puzzles, 4 board books, 4 posters and 4 sets of flashcards, all in one handy carrying case. The aim of Teach My Toddler is to give toddlers a head start and to encourage one-on-one time between toddlers and their parents. Just 20 minutes a day will make a difference! 18 months+, $39.99, www.teach-my.com
Fit & Active
Snow, Rain or Shine – Be Active All the Time! DreamGYM Indoor Jungle Gyms allow children to stay physically active all year long right in your home: a kids’ room, basement, or a spare bedroom. Children have a blast climbing ladders, scaling monkey bars, swinging on a trapeze bar, doing flips on gym rings or relaxing in hammocks right inside their homes. Jungle gyms can be as small as just a climbing wall or you can design your own. 3 years+, accessories $15+, jungle gyms $175+,www.KidsDreamGym.com
Warm & Relaxing
A Spa Baby tub is the most relaxing bath for your baby. Spa Baby is a European style bath that allows your baby to bathe in a natural upright position, much like the way they spent their very first nine months. Babies love a Spa Baby bath and settle immediately while staying warm. Spa Baby is non-toxic, recyclable, BPA and PVC free. It is safe, easy to use and comes in a beautiful translucent sea green that makes a fabulous baby gift. So relax during bathtime with the tub babies love. Newborn – 10 months, $39.99, www.spababytubs.com
Promotes Safety
Safety and fun go hand in hand with Tail Wags’ adorable helmet covers for bike, skate, ski, snowboard, toboggan, and equestrian helmets. Designed to make it exciting for kids (and adults!) to wear their helmets, Tail Wags Helmet Covers increase the visibility of the wearer on bike trails, skating rinks and ski slopes. Tickle your child’s fancy with over 35 different animal characters to adorn their helmet including Tipsy Turtle, Lucky Lady the Ladybug, The Big Cat Lion and Pink Cottontail! All Ages, Animal helmet covers: $40.00 - $45.00 & Basic helmet covers: $30.00 - $35.00 www.tail-wags.com
The Chatterbox is an innovative game suitable for all ages designed to get families chattering. Players can be sitting at the table over dinner, around the fireplace or in the car. The forum is not what’s important here, but rather the discussion that results from the game. The Chatterbox was created to help families communicate and learn important life skills, such as money skills, people skills, character education and goal setting, in a fun and interesting way. Remember truth or dare? It’s like the truth part but with cards and questions like: “Do you ever hear your parents using words you are not allowed to use?” or for the younger set, “Have you ever spilled your drink and said someone else did it?” You can ask about favourite activities and family experiences as well. This game empowers busy families to sit down and discuss life instead of letting it pass us by too quickly. Makes a great hostess gift! 3 age ranges in one box - Age 3-6, 6-11, 12+, $29.99 www.chatterboxgames.com
Well-Written
The ‘Signature’ stamps from The Little Stamp Company allow children to stamp, trace and learn to print in an engaging and interactive way. Little ones will enjoy learning to print their own names with the large connect the dot letters and funky ink colours. Children easily trace their names on colouring pages, thank you, birthday and holiday cards, artwork and more - no more boring worksheets! The customized all-in-one stamps provide mess free fun while parents are assured with the eco-friendly and child safe ink. These stamps are fun, useful and educational - makes a great holiday gift! Ages 3 - 6, $24.95, www.littlestamp.com
Goober Baby is a Mom and Canadian made line that offers a few stylish accessories for parents (Dads included!), including a change purse, tote bags and change mats.
Their “Change Purse” is a perfect sized tote to carry baby wipes and diapers inside your purse or diaper bag. It comes in a variety of fabric options and the lining is super soft!
The change purse features are:
Durable, easy hook and loop closure
Measures: 6″ x 10″
Fabrics: 100% cotton / 100% Polyester
Made in Canada
When Canadian mom Catherine SoYoung Choi was looking for a diaper bag she couldn’t find one that she loved she took matters into her own hands! Catherine designed and brought to market a fabulous line of diaper bags for the modern mom.
SoYoung Mother is a line of diaper bags and accessories that are stylish and fun as well as practical. We love that is shallow-bottomed so that you can actually see what’s lurking inside.
The contrasting interior with see-through pockets is great so you can see everything in the bag at a glance. It’s big enough to hold all you need and know where it is, but not too big that it’s unmanageable to carry around. The size also allows it to do double duty as a laptop bag, a must for mom entrepeneurs! Go from grocery to a networking event with one bag.
We love that Canadian moms are out there inventing and designing better products for us. The price of the bag ($150) is probably less than what I have spent on bag after bag, trying to find the right one. It also comes with a wetbag, stroller hook, change pad and checklist.
