A chat with Andrea from FITMOM on Abdominal Separation: Enter to win FITMOMS PostNatal DVD Workout

I have been having the utmost, brilliant time working out with FitMom.  What is so fabulous about FitMom besides the great lady behind FitMom?

You can work out with your infant.toddler.preschooler.  You can even wear baby!

I have been in a rut and had no idea FitMom even existed.  I needed to have Charlie with me and options were limited. With no family to babysit and not wanting to bother friends I found myself getting a tad fuller lets say ;)

I first came across FitMom at the BabyTime Show in Toronto while checking out Cosy Baby Happy Mom carriers, a brand that FitMom endorses and that moms use while working out.  From what I hear CBHM is coming out with an exclusive carrier just for FitMom!

CBHM and I had been twittering and told me her carriers will be there at the FitMom booth and I guess I should thank Erin for introducing me to Andrea of FitMom.  Erin thank you!!!

I had never heard of FitMom and being an avid toddlerwearer I had to see what this exciting exercise class that incorporates babywearing is all about!

I've attended 3 classes so far and it is amazing, classes are twice a week and I have a postnatal DVD to  use as well. It's hard, it pushes your limits and gets your body working to repair those post partum muscles.

Especially the abdominals.  Something I did not know about was how they stay stretched out and my caregiver never checked them when I went in for my postpartum check up.  This is something to think about especially if you plan on getting pregnant again. Core support is so vital!

I asked Andrea of FitMom to contribute to this post. I care about my health and I care about all my mama's here. So please give this a read and below we will have a giveaway for FitMom Post Natal DVD.  Stay tuned we have lots more to come with EM&B and FitMom.  I am going to tranform my body through FitMom and share it with you.

Pregnancy and Postpartum - Restore Your Core
by Andrea Page

Are you concerned about abdominal separation? Do you know how to address it?  Do you know what it is?  Why did my caregiver not check for this?
During pregnancy, most woman separate down the middle of their rectus abdominus (the six pack) a small amount or more. A small amount of separation is normal but pregnant women should take a preventative approach to prevent further separation that can lead to complete separation.
At Fitmom, we recommend having your abdominals checked by a trained expert or caregiver one time in the first trimester, twice in the second, and three times in the third. By doing so, you and a trained expert can decide how to approach abdominals throughout pregnancy.
Postpartum women should have their abdominals checked to assess the remaining separation to determine how to best rehabilitate or close the opening. In some cases referral to a physiotherapist is necessary.

Stay tuned for Andreas next post  on the MUST DOS and DO NOT exercises during pregnancy and beyond to stabilize your core and protect it from severe separation and rebuilding a stable core in the postpartum phase.

Enter to Win FitMoms Post Natal DVDFinally a postnatal workout that really works. North Americas premiere pre and postnatal fitness specialist whips beginners up to athletes into shape with guaranteed success!

A review on Cottonkind Diapers ~ Enter to win!

Eco friendly, affordable cloth diapers made in Canada.

Follow Cottonkind on {Twitter}
Friend Cottonkind on {Facebook} Check out their basics on cloth diapering link!

I had these diapers reviewed by Mandy.  A loyal and wonderful fan, friend, shopper and follower of Everything Mom and Baby.

Theses are Mandy's words on her review of Cottonkinds, Fitted Diaper and Cover.

The fitted diaper had the most adorable "wise owls" print it was very retro. According to the CottonKind website, the fitted diapers are made with 5 layers of cotton flannel and have a matching doubler with an additional 4 layers. A total of 9 layers in the wet zone. They are made with a higher rise in the back area to keep in "poo-spolsions" and adjust with a hook and loop closure that also contains laundry tabs to help eliminate the tangling of diapers. I personally found the laundry tabs to be slightly smaller in size and therefore they would not keep closed/secured in the wash. As a daytime diaper, they worked well. The absorbancy was fine when changing every 2-3 hours. While using them overnight, they didn't contain well. My little one sleeps through the nights and therefore is a super soaker because of that. The 9 layers of flannel were saturated in the morning.


Fitted Diapers Features: $18

• 5 layers of super soft, absorbent 100% cotton flannel
• Snug fitting elastic legs and back to prevent leaks and blowouts
• Laundry tabs keep velcro closed during washing
• Each Diaper comes with a matching doubler for 4 extra layers of absorbancy
• Generous velcro tabs adjust to fit as baby grows
• Higher back rise keeps explosions contained
• Requires a waterproof Cover
• See our Cloth Diaper Basics page for care instructions and more
• Choose from 3 sizes: Size 1 (up to 15 lbs), Size 2 (15 – 25 lbs), Size 3 (25 lbs+)

Diaper Cover
While she was wearing the fitted diaper, we used the cottonkind cover in "bubblegum". I really liked this cover! It fit very well and had the generous rise in the back. I prefer the higher rise diapers for more coverage, but that is just my personal opinion. The cover also has the velcro closures that the fitted diaper has. I really like this for grandparents or daddies that are inclined to put snap diapers on incorrectly. The laundry tabs were again, slightly smaller than normal and therefore caused some issues in the washing process. The cover was easily wipe able so that I could reuse it over again with a fresh diaper. I also used the cover with prefolds and flats and it worked wonderfully!
Cover Features: $15

• Made of 2 layers of waterproof PUL (polyurethane laminate) fabric. PUL is the most popular fabric for cloth diaper covers because of its softness and ability to stop leaks in their tracks
• Fits perfectly over our Diapers for the complete cloth diapering package
• Snug fitting elastic legs and back to prevent leaks and blowouts
• Laundry tabs keep velcro closed during washing
• Generous velcro tabs adjust to fit as baby grows
• Higher back rise keeps explosions contained
• Covers dry in about 10 minutes in the dryer. Less drying time keeps covers in excellent condition for longer
• See our Cloth Diaper Basics page for care instructions and more
• Choose from 3 sizes: Size 1 (up to 15 lbs), Size 2 (15 – 25 lbs), Size 3 (25 lbs+)

After many uses and laundering, the diapers have essentially held up quite well. The stitching is quite strong and the workmanship is very well done. Although they diapers are not the first ones we reach for, they have remained in our daytime rotation. The cover has been used many times during the day and night, without issue. I hope to use it again in the future on more little ones!

~ Mandy

Disclosure: Cottonkinds provided Everything Mom and Baby with samples for the purpose of this review.

Fun idea's to do when it's too chilly outside!

Brrrr..baby it's cold outside!

You're home, you look around at think what to do?  Well you could put the TV on, you could pop in little one's favorite movie that you've seen for the umpteenth time....give them the iPad to play with...
Well if you do the app thing you have to check out Fisher Prices free apps for the iPad and iPhone.
We did this yesterday and just download some fabulous books from Laugh and Learn and my son has a kick playing with it. Best part....it's F-R-E-E! When you go to iTune just type in Fisher Price or click {here}. I had no idea such apps existed. Win!

But we're also good about turning everything off and having some fun, one on one time.

Some of the things we enjoy doing together is baking and cooking.  My little chef loves to stand the stool and stir the pot(no pun intended)  You know a great book for those kids that love to help and love to be in the kitchen is Cook School by Amy Grant.  It has more than 50 fun and easy recipes to suit your child's age and ability.
See what we made {here}

We love to be creative, it's a nice stimulation so we love arts and crafts.

But what's a super cool book to get is Paper Toy Monsters.
I love books and I love getting idea's from books for fun things to do. 
All you need is this fantastic book and glue!
The monsters pop out, you fold and glue.  Plus you get 10 blank templates so you can design your own paper toy monsters.
With this fun book you can make 50 paper toy.  I bet you have a little boy that would like this.

Why not embrace winter?

Get outside! So tobogganing! Make snow angels! Make Snowmen! Be a kid again yourself!

What you could also do is have your friends kids over to have a snow ball fight, build igloo's and give those moms a break and when the next cold freeze comes, switch it up so you send the kids to their place and you can have a nice quiet afternoon at home...or the spa!

Or.......make puppets and have a puppet show!  If you wanna switch it up a bit when the moms come back to pick the kids up put on a Puppet Show for them.  Have the kids make fun paper puppets or materials that can be found around your home like socks and gloves.
I got loads of idea's from this awesome book, 10-Minute Puppets.

And if you get some time yourself like swapping as suggested above or when it's nap time, check out Craft Mama!
49 fun, easy no sew craft ideas that aren't expensive and that is easy.
Or just put your feet up, blog, facebook, catch up on emails, sleep whatever!

Need more ideas? Check our Fisher Prices' Play and Learn Family Activities!

Winter only comes once a year,  I hope you liked some of my idea's. What's yours? Post below on the comment section of this post :)

Disclosure: I am a Fisher-Price Mom and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.

The Bonne Femme CookBook ~ Simple, Spendid Food That French Women Cook Every Day

Looking for fresh, fabulous food to cook?  This book is for you!  Intimidated to cook like the French?
Please don't be.   It is not as hard nor intimidating as I thought it was when I first started cooking  French Cuisine. I love cooking French and it is my preferred and favorite way to cook.
I am all about using butter and cream but it's not all about the richness that one associates with French cuisine.

I have made so many recipes from this book and one recipe that I want to share with you is Ratatouille.
A gorgeous medley of vegetables in this Provencal dish.
I chose Ratatouille because it is something you can make for the whole family including your infant who is starting solids.  Just don't add salt if you want to share with your infant.  Salt is not recommend in baby's food as it is too hard for their little kidneys to process.
Packed with fresh tasty vegetables it is also friendly on our waist lines.  As  a mom I know some of struggle with baby weight and eating more vegetables is a nice way to help shed pounds.

I have eaten Ratatouille with eggs in the morning, last night after Charlie went to bed I pulled my left overs out and had them with pita chips.
When I made my first batch I thought how lovely this would be to serve as an appetizer or cheese platter.
I pictured olives, Lappi Cheese, feta, crackers, nuts, some nice thin slices of german cured meats...... Mmmm...
Or just get a fabulous baguette and serve it as first course or side dish.

Okay here's the recipe:
6 tbsp of Olive Oil
2 Medium thinly sliced onions
2 Red Bell peppers, cored and cut into 1-inch chunks
4 cloves of garlic, minced
Salt & pepper to taste
5 Medium-size tomatoes (about 1 pound) cored, seeded and chopped
1 Bouquet Garni (fresh Herbs de Provence) or teaspoon of the dried herbs, crushed
* use a kitchen string to tie together 3 sprigs of fresh thyme, 1 sprig of fresh rosemary, and 1 sprig of fresh Sage (or tie these herbs in a piece of cheese cloth)
2 Small Eggplants cut into 1-inch cubes
2 Medium Sized Zucchini's cut int 2 1/2 or 1/2 inch strips

1. In a Dutch Oven heat 2 tbsp of the oil over medium-low heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally until tender and starting to turn golden, 15-20 minutes.  Add the bell peppers, garlic, salt and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally until the peppers soften a bit, about 10 minutes.
Add the tomatoes and bouquet garni(I just used Herbs de Provence and sprinkled it in). Increase the heat to medium-low and cook stirring occasionally.

2. Meanwhile heat 3 tbsp of oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat.  Add the eggplant and cook, stirring, for 8 minutes. Add the zucchini and remaining 1 tbsp on oil.  Cook, stirring occasionally, until the eggplant and zucchini are crisp-tender, about 5 minutes.  Season with salt and pepper.

3.  Add the eggplant and zucchini mixture to the tomato mixture and simmer gently until the liquid is reduced to a tablespoon or two, 5-10 minutes. Check the seasoning, adding more salt and pepper if needed. Remove and discard the bouquet garni.

4. Serve warm or at room temperature.  Or chill overnight and bring to room temperature to serve.

Get your own copy of this cook book {here}
Visit Chez Bonne Femme on the internet {here}

Main description

250 recipes that focus on simple, fresh ingredients prepared well.

Wini Moranville draws on years of traveling to and living in France and serves up a hip, user-friendly volume that brings a wealth of up-to-date French recipes and time-saving techniques seamlessly into the American kitchen. Two main-dish chapters, "Saute, Deglaze, and Serve" and "Roast, Stew, or Braise," show readers how to turn out robust and delicious entrees in a genuine French style with ease. Soups that range from light to substantial; salads, both simple and complex; and, of course, desserts round out the picture. In her recipes, wine suggestions, tips and shortcuts, and sidebars brimming with local color, Moranville gives French cooking an accessible and casual spin.

Read more about this cook book {here}

We are giving one copy of The Bonne Femme Cook Book to one cooking EM&B FAN!
*Canadian entries only as per the publisher, click on read more for the Rafflecopter to download.

2 years ago my life changed with a little recipe...... Happy 2nd Birthday EM&B

2 years ago I had a little dude just over the age of 1 years.  I've never read a blog or knew too much about them.  The only time I thought of it or learned about blogs was in the movie Julie & Julia. I love Julia Child, I love French cooking, wine and baking.

I was a part of local mom groups and I always got complimented on the accessories and things I had for my son as well comments on the food I made for him.  Most of the moms were at a loss on making baby/toddler food and I didn't understand why they were struggling.
I mean it's just puree's and some chunkier foods. It's not challenging to steam and puree so I gave them recipes and resources that I used.

I was inspired to share recipes like  weelicious (she creates all those fabulous recipes, I had this recipe from somewhere else and I can't remember where I got it!) after she asked: "What did you make for lunch" on her Facebook page.
So I posted what I made on her Facebook page and there were a lot of responses from moms wanting that recipe.  So with that instead of messaging everyone I went to different sites like Blogger, TypePad, Wordpress etc and decided to go with Blogger and started a blog!

It all happened by flook so I created my blog, Everything Mom and Baby and this was the recipe....Chicken and Apple Fingers

So then my posts became a mix of skin care postpartum, my skin has never been so dry! Surely I wasn't the only one to be sucked dry even after a year of having dear son.
I am an esthetician and aromatherapist so I shared my breast feeding massage method and oils to increase or decrease milk flow. I tied all of them in to the posts before I even knew about reviewing and hosting giveaways.  Wait, I forgot to mention I am a product junkie.  Big time! So I wrote about my favorite products and pissed off a couple of brands I am sure....

As my blog grew companies started to contact me and I was getting lovely products to review I also declined a lot of media events and products that weren't a fit for me or what I am all about which is:
organic, cloth diapers, baby carriers, skin care, natural health/medicine, food etc.....

I am ever thankful to blogging and weelicious for posting that question one day. I am so thankful for the products I've been introduced to so and I can share them with you and give to you!

It's very fulfilling to be able to share all the wonderful products I come across.  10 years ago no one would be able to access the information I share and information from all the other wonderful bloggers out there.
I've absorbed and learned that I've never thought possible via the web. I learned all of this on my own and am flattered when new moms want to become bloggers and ask me for me advice!
I've met  fabulous bloggers and made new friends. I vow to comment more your blogs!

I created an online business within the year of my blog(please check it out!) that I am still learning step by step. I love recommending products and helping parents shop for their new baby. It's a passion of mine as there are so many lines I want to write about tell you about.

Thank you for being a part of Everything Mom and Baby and for following, subscribing, tweeting and liking me on Facebook. I am growing because of you dear moms, dads, friends,  cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents.  All of you!

What would a birthday blog post be without a goodie bag?

Well I have some of my favorite companies participating in this post that I've blogged about and some of my favorite WAHM's businesses.  Here are just a few of my favorite reviews from 2011 and new favorites for 2012!

All giveaways are open to Canada and USA!

One of my passions is baby wearing or I should say toddler wearing. A remarkable company that I do hold in high regard is Boba. The family behind the brand are wonderful, the creators articles on baby wearing are beautiful and I've seen the growth of their carriers over the 2 years.
Boba is generously going to sponsor a carrier for one lucky fan of Everything Mom and Baby!
Read my review {here}.

The Giveaway!  

A Boba Baby Carrier

Links you need to know:
Boba's Website
Boba on Facebook 
(let them know you entered here on the blog or say Hi!)

~ Enter my boba giveaway {here}! ~

One of my favorites for 2012 baby wearing!
Spring is around the corner and with that fabulous carrier of yours you and baby still need to be cozy.  A Kowalli Carrier Cover is what you'll need!
Kowalli has been a favorite of mine that I had the honour to review because from one mother to another, it's nice to support fellow moms in business and Alizah is the fabulous mom behind this brand. All carrier covers are made in beautiful Rhode Island, USA. Quality and material are fantastic! I love my Kowalli! It is such a fabulous baby carrier cover.  The cover repels snow, rain and wind (a Toronto winter!). It's made of weather treated fleece so no need to worry about tears and rips.  It is a high quality cover.
Use Kowalli in the Fall, Winter and Spring! It fits over your coat, you can unzip your coat and pop baby on the breast if hungry.  Makes for discreet baby/toddler wearing nursing as well!

The Giveaway!
A Kowalli Cover of your own! 
Links you need to know:
Kowalli's Website
Kowalli on Facebook
Let Kowalli know how you found them on Facebook!

 ~ Enter my Kowalli Giveaway {here}~

Mama has a carrier what about the toddler in your life? As you know I am a huge fan of Natural Mother Productions. See our current giveaway here for her carriers.
Well Michelle Dunn is graciously sponsoring a Dolly Tai for EM&B Birthday Bash Giveaway!

Natural Mother Productions is based in Ontario and all products are hand made by Michelle Dunn.  Carry your baby the natural way!

The Giveaway: A Dolly Tai

Links to know:

NMP Website
NMP on Facebook
Let NMP know you entered!

Enter the NMP Dolly Tai Giveaway {here}

Have you sweetened your laundry?  The Laundry Tarts are making a name for themselves everywhere and especially in the cloth diaper community.  Again, one of the things I love about blogging are the new friends I have made and it would not be right to not include The Laundry Tarts. Jess and I have connected on line and is one of the geniuses behind the company.  We've had many giggles on Facebook.  Jess, if you're reading this we have to get together!  Jess and her business partner Tanja have brought dessert inspired laundry detergent that is loaded with all the good stuff! No yucky synthetic chemicals! You can read my review from 2010 {here}!

The Giveaway!

The Laundry Tarts are generously giveaway a 10 sample pack of their detergent along with their coveted Sweet Spot Stain Remover.

Links to know:

The Laundry Tarts Website
The Laundry Tarts on Facebook
Let them know I sent you!

~ Enter The Laundry Tarts Giveaway {here} ~

 OM by Miquette....This is a new favorite for 2012. I foresee a collection of OM's that I want and will pass them on to my grandchildren once my collection is complete. My Chara OM arrived today. They are beyond cute. Hand made by a talented woman and mother named Miquette.  Her family inspires her, she has a  love to create all things natural and beautiful and it comes through in her OM's. 

What is an OM? 

"OMs are peaceful little creatures with big dreams and even bigger hearts. They are collected and treasured by happy people around the globe, but many people don’t know where they come from or why they’re here. Until now…
OMs are the products of wishes."   Read more here.....

Magical indeed, made with good intent and love.  Miquette the lady behind these is such a beautiful person that it's amazing how you can sense one's energy via internet and emails.  Twitter brought us together which is how I came to find out about OM. It's funny how things touch us and what a product can mean to someone.
These are really special gifts and something to think about for 2012.

It fits in my hand perfectly, I feel the love and make my wish. 
Each OM comes nicely packaged and with a little card.  My beloved Chara is very fitting for me as it stated:

Chara is a caring, nurturing soul… 

A Mother and a symbol of the first, beautiful connection we make in life. 

She holds her baby OM and knows that someday he’ll grow up to walk beside her on the journey. 

Until then, he is peaceful in the arms that were made to hold him, warm in a blanket of love.

Chara and her baby OM celebrate family and motherhood… and all true connections of the soul.

The Giveaway: A $25 Gift Voucher to OM by Miquette
Links to know for the giveaway:
OM by Miquette Website
OM Facebook page
Let her know I sent you!

~ Enter OM giveaway {here} ~

 Another favorite item I've reviewed is a product called Healing Hazel.
Who knew the magical properties of hazelwood. The Natives in Quebec did.
I know Hazelwood nuts are delicious as I love Nutella, LOL!  But therapeutic jewellery from the wood of the tree?!
YES! I've had many readers vouch on the effectiveness with their teething babies.

I love the look of Healing Hazel brand compared to other hazelwood lines.  I like the feel of quality and the look of the Hazelwood used in this line.  They are slightly larger/wider and have now incorporated Amber, their newest addition to their necklaces.
It's used for treating teething, eczema and other skin disorders and conditions.

It's alkaline properties is where all the magic happens.

The Giveaway: A Hazelwood necklace of your choice
Links to know:
Healing Hazel Website
Healing Hazel on Facebook
Let them know I sent you :)

 ~ Enter the Healing Hazel Giveaway {here} ~

Zin Frames is a new find for Everything Mom and Baby. With a love for photography and design I am in love with the vintage inspired picture frames from new Canadian business Zin Frames. 
I can't wait to get some gorgeous photography done by Diana Nazareth(check out our 1000 Fan giveaway) and have our picture's beautifully displayed in Zin Frames.
With their new launch of their website, Zin Frames has a fabulous giveaway for our EM&B Birthday Bash!  With a great selection of colours you can choose from have fun browsing all the different design options.

The Giveaway: a 8 x 10 frame (you pick the design and colour!)

Links to know:
Zin Frames Website
Zin Frames on Facebook, let them know how you heard about them since they are brand new!

Enter the Zin Frames Giveaway {here}

MiaBebe.
I love supporting WAHM's mom so when I received an email from this lovely fan of my blog I was more than happy to have her participate in my EM&B Birthday Bash giveaway and have her share her love for handmade.
Lynda is a busy mom of two girls and has a passion for making baby clothes.

The Giveaway: A onesie and beanie

Links to know:
MiaBebe Website

Enter the MiaBebe Giveaway {here}

A new line for Everything Mom and Baby to discover is Pearl and Daisy Natural Soap Company.

Snuggle Bunny is what we love for 2012!

I recently had the pleasure to review this line...well I benefited by the soothing aroma of Lavender and Chamomile as my son received a lovely massage after his bath. We used the soap and it gave a lovely lather and moisturizing bath for my sons sensitive skin.

I love the Snuggle Bunny Massage Oil. Apricot oil is the carrier oil and infused with Lavender and Chamomile.  It provided a great slip for the massage and the benefits of Apricot Oil are that it provides relief for dry, itchy eczemic skin.  The lipid levels of the oil are similar to the skins natural oils. My son has dry. itchy skin so this is a another must have for Everything Mom and Baby.

The Snuggle Bunny Balm is a great product to have handy and to keep in your diaper bag.  Great for preventing nappy rash I love it to soothe and hydrate my dry elbows and sons cheeks before the cold air slaps us in the face.

The Giveaway: Snuggle Bunny Gift Set (pictured above)

Links to know:
Pearl & Daisy Natural Soap Company

Pearl & Daisy on Facebook
Let them know I sent you!

~ Enter the Pear & Daisy Giveaway {here} ~

Oh how I love honeydumplings! It is such a gorgeous line.  All of the material are harvested and made in Canada as well as the products.  What we have for you is their swaddle blankets.

Baby will be snugly warm in their organic swaddle blankets.  They have a great stretch to them and is designed with a unique fold down swaddle corner.
You can read my reviews on the line {here}. It is my favorite line to give at baby showers. 

100% organic cotton pointelle with natural bamboo swaddle corner.  Handmade in Canada. Love, love, love and so luxurious! You have to check out their buckwheat collection.

The Giveaway: Organic Swaddle Blanket
Links to know:
honeydumplings website

honeydumplings on Facebook
Let them know I sent you!

Enter the honeydumplings giveaway {here}

 

So this is my Everything Mom and Baby Birthday Giveaway!  Good luck in your entries and thank you for being a fan of my blog! Welcome new fans!

{ Check out the Current Giveaways on the right side panel here and enter some more fabulous giveaways!}

I do want to hear from you!  How can I make my blog better? What else would you like to see on my blog in the future?
Do you have any favorite blog posts or reviews I've done? Tell me!

Has my blog helped you in product purchases in any way? Tell me!

Thank you to my fabulous sponsors and fans for a great 2 years!  I look forward to many more!
Please share this post, tweet the giveaways and suggest my page to your friends and family.

Click on the little heart below where it says "Share this post"

Blessed Be! Many Thanks!