We Won Gold!!!! It is crazy on the streets in Toronto!

Playing the Canadian anthem for our Team Canada winning us the Gold in Mens Hockey!
Sorry to my fellow Americans, just turn the volume off on your computer :)
Watch this youtube commercial, Canadian in every way with an East coast flare!
Here ya go! Way to go eh! Youtube video

Proud of our Olympians

It's been a day of proud tears as we watch the news and seeing our Canadian athletes and hearing our anthem so much.
I am so glad to be Canadian and to have been born in this country, thank god my parents migrated to Canada from Ukraine. 
I could not imagine what my life would of been if they stayed there, I can picture it.  I'm at a stove wearing a babushka, making borscht in our tiny apartment in Lvov and with like 4 kids running around, one on the hip and the other in my belly and a schlapa of a husband yelling from across the room to bring him vodka.....or I'd be a "nanny" in Turkey. 
Thank god I'm here in this country, as the commercial goes for Molson Coors...I AM CANADIAN!
Go Team Canada, let's play some hockey!
Share your favorite Olympic moments here or tell me what you love about Canada!

We love our Beco Team Canada Style!

Hi Everyone!  It's Sunday and we have a big game to watch this afternoon.  Charlie is wearing his Canada sweat suit and I have my gorgeous Canada wool sweater that Papa Ash surprised me with, it's hard to find but the Hudson Bay Company put out some beautiful Canadian Olympic gear out.
We're about to go out in this picture and I wanted to share with you photos in our new Beco carrier.  I've used so much this past week and I still love it, it is the most comfortable I've worn, now you may not see it in the picture but there are covers you can slide over the buckles.  I figured that out when we got home.
Visit the Beco website, click here
To read more about Beco click here
Like my diaper bag? Click here

Weleda Almond Pomegranate Biscotti

 How natural are Weleda products?  You can eat them! Check this recipe courtesy of Weleda.
This recipe is for us, sorry babies.....when you get older you can have some.
Now I'm off to get some Weleda Pomegrante Body Oil!

Ingredients

• 3 ½ cups unbleached all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 4 large eggs
• 2 egg yolks plus one egg white, reserved
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons almond extract
• 1 tablespoon anise seed
• 2 tablespoons Weleda Pomegranate Regenerating Body Oil
• 6 cups coarsely chopped whole almonds
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar for glaze

Preparation

• Preheat the oven to 325°F. Lightly grease two heavy cookie sheets, or line with parchment paper.
• In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt and set aside.
• In a large bowl, beat together the eggs and sugar until light, about 2 minutes; the mixture will look somewhat curdled. Beat in the vanilla, almond extract, and anise seed. Beat in the dry ingredients, then the chopped nuts.
• Divide the dough into four portions. On a lightly floured board, shape each portion into a flat log, just about the length the cookie sheet. Place two rolls on each cookie sheet.
• In a small bowl, beat the egg white with a fork until frothy. With a pastry brush, glaze each log with some egg white and sprinkle with granulated sugar. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the logs are lightly golden brown, firm to the touch and just beginning to crack slightly.
• Allow the logs to cool on the cookie sheet until cool to the touch, about 40 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 200°. With a serrated knife, slice the biscotti, slightly on the bias, into ½-inch slices. Lay the slices on the cookie sheets in single layer; Return the biscotti to the oven and cook for 20 more minutes, or until the biscotti are toasted and crisp.
• Store the biscotti in an airtight container. They will keep up to about 2 weeks.

Recipe of the Day for Toddler-Applesauce Muffins

 Finger Foods-Applesauce Muffins (10+months)

2 oz (1/4 cup) softened butter(use unsalted butter if under 1 years of age)
2 oz (1/4 cup) sugar
1 egg (if your baby is under 1 year, you may prefer to use these egg substitutes)
3 oz (3/8 cup) Applesnax applesauce(use unsweetened if under baby is under 1yr)
4 oz (1 cup) flour
2 tsp baking powder
pinch cinnamon

Preheat the oven to 200 deg C, 390 deg F.
Cream the butter and sugar in a bowl until light.
Beat in the egg until fluffy.
Beat in the applesauce.
Stir the dry ingredients together and add them to the bowl, blending just enough to moisten the dry ingredients.
Spoon into greased muffin tins and bake for around 15 mins, until golden.

Read more here 

Courtesy of Homemade Baby Food Recipe Blog, a favorite website of mine and absolutely fantastic for all new moms wanting to learn about feeding baby. Loads of information on nutrition on a variety of foods based per age.  This website, helped me a lot.
*As well, the measurements seem a little off, 1 cup of flour ='s 8oz(not 4), Applesauce, 3oz ='s 1/3 cup(not 3/8). I used 1/2 a cup, 4oz.
I bought sweetened Apple Sauce by mistake and I used it for this recipe, Papa Ash really enjoyed them as well.  He said it had just the right amount of sweetness, tomorrow I'm going to use unsweetened as they are almost all gone! It's a great recipe.
*Wouldn't this be yummy with a homemade cinnamon butter......

Recipe of the Day for Baby-Sweet Potato, Parsnip & Pear Puree

 Sweet Potato, Parsnip & Pear Puree
1 sweet potato
1 medium parsnip
1 small pear
pinch ground nutmeg
blob of natural yogurt (a thick natural Greek yogurt is particularly good!)
Peel the sweet potato and cut into 1 inch chunks.
Peel the parsnip and cut into thick slices.
Peel the pear, remove the core and chop roughly.
Place the sweet potato and parsnip into a saucepan and fill with water until it comes about half way to the level of the veggies.
Bring to the boil, reduce heat and simmer, covered, for around 10 mins, stirring the ingredients around from time to time.
When the veggies are almost tender, add the chopped pear and simmer for a further 4 to 5 mins.
Drain, reserving the cooking water, then transfer the ingredients to a food processor.
Add a pinch of nutmeg and blend to a smooth puree, adding a little of the cooking water if the consistency is too thick for your baby.
Serve with a blob of yogurt swirled in (optional – but we think it gives the dish a nice creaminess).
TIP: This puree freezes well, but DON’T thin any of the puree that you plan to freeze, as you may find the consistency too thin once it’s thawed. You should also wait until you are ready to serve the puree before adding the yogurt.
Courtesy of Homemade Baby Food Recipe Blog

Green Baby Bargains-Another online shopping haven!

Green BabyBargains another awesome online shopping venue offering the best in eco friendly baby goodies.  They ship to Canada as well!  Yippee!
So click here and lets spend some green and buy some green.  This will be a very dangerous website for me....very dangerous.  How do I find these things?
Today's deal is Umi infant shoes for $15.75-$25
The products they carry must fit on of these criteria:

• chemical free (BPA, formaldehyde, etc.)
• eco-friendly packaging
• made from sustainable, renewable or recycled materials
• manufactured with minimal environmental impact
• fairly traded
• made with minimal or no artificial materials (organic, bamboo, soy, or non-toxic fabrics/fillers/dyes)

A New Cook Book for Moi!

Everything has been about what I get for Charlie. Well today I got something for myself. Okay, Papa Ash got something for me.
Even though Papa Ash is out watching Canada kick some Soviet ass I am not alone.
There's another man here with me.
His name is Gordon Ramsay.
Papa Ash bought me Gordon Ramsay Cooking for Friends
I have numerous cookbooks.  I enjoy cooking and I have never felt this way about a cook book.  Is it my little girl crush of this Scottish rogue?  I feel as though he is here and is going to cook for me.  I have never eaten at his restaurants, there are rumors that he is going to open one up in Toronto.  I cannot wait.  I plan using this ASAP, maybe pull a Julie and cook from front to back..we'll see. I have an active monkey who loves to be in the kitchen with me and then run off like he actually knows where he has to go and why.
Skimming through this book, I must say the recipes look very good and I will have a little taste of Ramsay here and there...I feel so dirty saying that.
I like him, I like his style. 
F Word is a great show and it's so nice watching him on BBC compared to Hells Kitchen but like I said.  I like him and his no BS attitude.  To me he is brilliant, and if you know the Gordon from Hells Kitchen you have no idea what your missing on the F Word and Kitchen Nightmares(UK version).  He is completely different, more real, charming, funny and well smart.  Tana is a lucky lady!
So Gordon and I are going now, I have to look at his recipe on Poached Halibut with creamy white wine and tarragon sauce. When I start his cook book I'll let you know and we'll see if he's as good as he is.  Bollocks, who am I kidding? Of course he will be!  ~ Mama Ash

Weleda Starter Baby Skin Care Kit

What is not to love about this Weleda Baby Skin Care Kit.

It's main ingredient is Calendula.
Some of the benefits of Calendula's healing properties is it's soothing and it reduces inflammation and because of that it is great for your baby if he/she has sensitive skin or suffers from eczema.
Weleda generously sent me a kit to review and here's what I'd like to share with my fellow moms.

The Starter Kit comes with Shampoo and Body Wash, Diaper Care, Calendula Oil, Calendula Lotion and Calendula Baby Cream.

My sweet little boy had a beautiful bath filled with the heavenly gentle scent of calendula and sweet almond oil from the Shampoo and Body Wash.  It’s a gentle wash that retains the moisture in your baby’s hair and skin.
The Diaper Care cream provides instant relief with this barrier cream.  Calendula is the main ingredient and zinc oxide.  I love this as well because baby's derriere can breathe unlike petroleum jelly; beeswax smooths away dryness and adds a breathable layer of protection.
Calendula Oil, what better than this precious oil(it's the therapist in me), I use this to massage Charlie and I add the oil to my wipes to soothe his ailing derriere when he's teething or something new has been added to his diet. It's a gentle oil loaded with EFA's. Complete nourishment to his skin and soul. It's a heavenly oil. I love it.
Calendula Lotion is a light milky smooth moisturizer that's easily absorbed.  Another favorite after bathtime.  I love the scent of this cream and smelling Charlie in a cuddle is divine!
Lastly Calendula Baby Cream, this is a bit richer and I apply to his face to protect his skin when the wind can catch him when he's close to me in the carrier.  It's a wonderful cream to apply to your new baby when he/she has that dry newborn skin on the feet and hands.  It is safe.
This is a beautiful kit to have for a new mom, the experienced mom and great for travel as well.  You  can find this kit at most health shops and you can win this kit on my blog!  Enter now, contest ends March.1st, 2010
Please go to this link to enter. Click here
To read about Weleda Toothpaste for first teeth click here, but don't forget to enter the contest!
Good luck, spread the word and thanks for coming by~Mama Ash

Storing Your Kids Toys

Finally I have a use for this!  I never ever ended up using this as storage for my shoes but it does a great job holding Charlies nik naks.
Use shoe bags to hang small items such as bean bag animals and small dolls. Hang them on closet or room door I used the wall since there was already a hole there from a previous nail.

Charlie had to get in the picture!  Of course:)

Analia-Hair accessories to pacifier clips

 Analia is offering 20% off her merchandise to my blog viewers! Take advantage of the great deals as this is just a one time offer for February unless Gaby lets us when she's able to do it again.
She has gorgeous hair clips for your little girl, pony tail loops,cool tie t-shirts and onesies for the little dudes in your life and really great pacifier clips.
She's a local, Canadian Mompreneur so please check her site out. You'll see Charlie modeling the awesome tie T-shirt on her site.  He's the second little dude :)
I don't know if she ships to the US you'll have to ask her, for my Canuks click and start shopping!
*To get the discount make sure you tell her you saw Analia on the Everything Mom and Baby Blog and that you are a"follower" of my blog.  To become Follower click on the Google Follow button :)
Thank you for your generosity Gaby! 

A Rough and Tumble Toddler-Bumper Bonnet & Arnica Gel

My  little guy loves to climb, run and do crazy things as he's beginning to learn more and more about his body and his capabilities.  He is now closing his eyes and pretending to sleep walk, he will climb onto the couch and roll around like the kook he is and I sit there anxiously watching him and getting ready to catch him if he falls.  He's squealing in sheer delight, laughing and jumping all over the place, he has no idea on the anguish his mom is feeling.  We on the other hand are waiting for the big ouch moment so we're not feeling his joy, but it is nice to watch his happiness.
When Charlie first started walking and was getting the whole balance thing in place he was walking into everything and every corner found him.  I had enough one morning when he hurt himself 3 times so I went to The Bay(at Yonge & Bloor) and got him this Jolly Jumper Bumper Bonnet, which is nicely padded.  It has been a life saver in the means that we can relax a little more when Charlie is exploring his surroundings. He's a rambunctious kid and this is great for the beginner walker.  If you have a new walker consider this for a little peace of mind.

But what do you do about the bruises?  Baby has a big bruiser on it's noggin' or somewhere else.  As soon as he started walking I knew I had to get Arnica Gel.  I went to my local health shop and picked up Boiron Arnica Gel.  I've used this numerous times and it has healed my little monkey on numerous occasions.  I love homeopathy and it's effectiveness and safety for babies and toddlers.
For more on homeopathy products for teething click here
For more on homeopathy products for a baby's cold click here
Thanks for coming by.
~Mama Ash

Tip of the Day-Get a balloon

For the 1st time mom want to entertain your toddler? Tired of the toys you have?
Go get a balloon and blow it up.
Your babe will be endlessly entertained! LOL!

Beaba BabyCook

Cooking for baby just got a whole lot easier!  From the French company renowned throughout Europe for baby food–related products, this compact countertop appliance makes it easy to prepare fresh, healthy meals for baby – from start to finish. This machine has no traceable amounts of BPA either.
It's a steamer, blender, defroster and warmer...all in one.  What is not to love with products from Williams and Sonoma? One question...is this available in Canada?  To my Americans, if you have this please leave your thoughts on this. 
Would you take a look at this?  This is on my wish list since I killed my magic bullet.
For more eyegasmic window shopping click here

My Beco Carrier-I Got It!

I have my Beco carrier, sorry oh Snap by BabyHawk.  I just got it on Friday and I've been loving every minute of it.  So has Master Charles.  I will post a picture of us when we're feeling better.....tummy bug in the Ash' home!
This is the only carrier you will need so get this now or put it on your baby registry.
My back is not sore, the shoulder straps stay on and are not digging into me, the buckles are easy to snap on and off, the straps are just the right amount thickness and padding and can be adjusted easily, the lumbar support padding is comfortable and supportive and when you fold this carrier up you can use it as a hip carry.

I love baby wearing, it is a special bond with mom and baby, sweet kisses, sweet smells and hugs. It's not about making a fashion statement even though Beco is extremely easy on the eye.  I look forward to putting Charlie in my carrier because of closeness we share and the hugs and kisses I get.
It is hard to find the right carrier and trust me moms, this is the only one you need.   It is by far the most comfortable carrier I've worn.  I've had Ergo(too bulky), Chunei(awful buckles), BabyHawks Mei(straps are annoying but it is the 2nd best carrier of choice) Tai style and the Belle Organic Carrier(don't like the ergonomics of it for baby, close to the Baby Bjorn, booo).  No more long straps to loop here and there and to trip over, no more shoulder digs from the above mentioned carriers and most important no more hard buckles and straps to adjust. The Beco has by far surpassed quality standards, Charlies legs are perfectly parallel to me so there's no pressure on his spine and he's comfortable.  This carrier and some features comes with an instructional DVD, a hoody that snaps on to the carrier to protect babe's head while sleeping, and it has a little pocket on the carrier where you can store it, it also comes with an infant insert and when you fold this up, it can be used as a hip carry!
What carrier has that? Beco!
There's a reason why the Beco carrier is the best selling baby carrier.

I have this style, the Lenka.  I can't wait to show it off and post some pics on Bloggerville:) It's a fabulous well structured carrier.  A mom designed this, she is extremely active and baby is with her at all times so she needed a good carrier to keep up with her so she took matters into her own hands when she couldn't find one and created Beco, through a lot of love and hard work.  Gotta love mompreneurs!

Photo Parenting By Nature/Beco

Here's the run down on Beco:

• Your only carrier you'll need from infant to toddler
• Breast feeding compatible(yep, you can breast feed in the Butterfly 2 version)
• Lightweight, stylish design & comfortable. 
• Front and Back carry only
• The Beco is completely ergonomic with excellent lumbar support.
• Inside panel enables to pass baby from one parent to another. No other carrier can do that!
• Easy and accessible adjustable buckles on body & waist. 
• Can be worn as a hip carry when folded up
• Comes with a Sleeping hood for baby's comfort & protection against the elements. 

 

If you're looking for a carrier this truly is a must, go get this carrier, you won't be disappointed! When you do come back to my site and leave a comment.  This gets the EMB approved.
Thanks for coming by!
~Mama Ash
For the Beco website,store locations & to learn more please click here
For product features and sizing please click here
What some moms are saying about Beco read here
This carrier is online at Parenting By Nature, click here
For a Toronto store, BB Buggy and Baby on the Hip

Happy Squash Toys-Hand Made Wooden Toys from North America

 Happy Squash Toys are original handmade wooden toys that are bright, colorful, fun and made to last since they are made from a variety of hard woods. Happy Squash Toys also offer toys natural with a beautiful beeswax finish.
All of their toys are original designs that they cut out themselves. They only use non-toxic, lead-free paints and finishes. The painted toys all have two coats of water based paint with a light sanding between coats to provide a smooth even finish.  They are made in the U.S.A and ship to Canada.
I had to order the Ash wood cars for Charlie since our last name is derived from Dorset, England meaning from the moors of the Ash trees, where apparently in that part of England there are lots of Ash trees... so it only made sense that Charlie must have this set.  I think hubby would agree, I guess we'll find out later tonight!
Here's Master Charles playing with his set he got this morning.  They are beautiful.  Thank you Happy Squash for making such a beautiful hand made toy.

Little Soles- A Shoe Worth Talking About

 When I first started this blog I wrote about Little Soles Urban Class Footwear for Children.
It was founded in 2005 by a Canadian Mompreneur and designer Jessica Jacobs in beautiful Alberta.
I want to share with others what's important to me and maybe even cause another to think about something that they never thought about when it came to buying for their children.
Why Little Soles? They are toxin free shoes.
 Your baby's feet sweat twice as much and think of what  the foot absorbs.  The feet are not only our foundation but they absorb everything through every step. Just rub some garlic on your foot.  Your breath will smell like garlic.
Springs around the corner so it's time to get new shoes and what better than Little Soles?
Do you really want to put a plastic or synthetic leather shoe on your baby's feet?
With all the toxins out there I want my son to be a least protected by what he puts on his feet and the quality of shoe is important to me.  I don't know how they do it but the cost for these shoes are extemely reasonable and rage from $30-$50.
Little Soles is a type of shoe that doesn't have toxins in their leather, they are made of top quality hides and our little ones love to put everything in their mouth so I'm sure you see where I'm going with this.
When Charlie grabbed his shoes, it wasn't a worry for me to see him gnaw like a puppy at them. Others would alert me and say he's chewing on his shoes(he wasn't walking at this time and as if I didn't know already he took them off and was playing with them) and I would respond, "I know & it's okay.  They're toxic free". And the next comment would "Really? What brand are they & where did you get them?"
Little Sole is the only shoe company that I am aware of that actually tests their shoes for harmful chemicals & toxins such as formaldehyde content, lead, mercury, arsenic, cadmium, antimony, selenium and barium.
They are deeply involved in the creation of their shoe and are surpassing the safety and standards that are set from Health Canada.
To read about Toxin Truth click here
To read my first intro on Little Soles please click here
For store locator click here
To shop online and join Little Soles Newsletter click here

2nd Featured Article from my EMB blog for Baby On The Way!

What a delight to see that I am used again for Baby on the Way.  I certainly hope this will be an on going thing as it makes feel so good to know my blog is worthwhile, that people find it useful and appreciative and I can provide great hot new products to show moms all the things that are out there for baby.  Thanks for coming by-Mama Ash
Check it out here.

Mad About Colour-Hand Made custom order knits

Mad About Colour
If you know Mama Ash, you know I love hand made knits and I found a gem from the Bay of Fundy!
Custom items are created "just for you" in Eastern Canada and require time and attention to produce.
Fun, cool, knit bright striped hat that have an Elfin/Pixie/Faery look!!
This looks adorable on and comes in a variety of different styles and colours.
Fits baby, newborn comfortably. Relaxed brim measurement is 12-14". Comfortably stretches.

Polkadotmagpie: Personalized, Recycled,Handmade Jewelry

A beautiful piece for a mom of twins!

Polkadotmagpie.  Another great find of personalized jewelery displaying your childs name.

Hand made treasures that make wonderful gifts for a first time mom or a keepsake necklace for grandma. She has tonnes more to offer as well from charm bracelets,clips to stylish animal and holiday pendants. Comes in gold, copper and silver.  The bunny which is a new design is lovely for your baby's first Easter.

All jewelry is made in the States and she ships to Canada.

Recipe of the Day for Toddler- Chickpea Snack

I don't know about you but I have a little man that likes to feed himself so I'm making him a snack right now and I thought I would share it with you.

1/2 can of Chickpeas also known as Garbanzo (buy Eden Organic as their cans are BPA free or buy dried ones and follow the directions if you are using dried chickpeas)
2 Celeries, chopped
6 Little Cherry Tomatoes, chopped
olive oil
Vegetable seasoning stock, just for flavour (organic and MSG free) or use whatever you like
Sour cream(for dipping)

Always try to buy organic if you can.
Add olive oil to pan and saute chickpeas for about 5 minutes, add chopped celery, add chopped tomatoes. Sprinkle a little of the Veggie stock for flavour.  Cumin is yummy as well.
Saute until cooked through and serve in a bowl with sour cream for dipping.

A Breast Feeding Tale with Tips and Teas to Promote Milk

I always knew I was going to breast feed, giving my baby the right start in life was important to me, thankfully I've never had any serious issues with breastfeeding, except for the odd night here and there waiting desperately for Charlie to wake up so he can take it all in and leave me deflated. I would of been devastated if I was unable to breast feed and in Canada our supply of "decent" formula is low because of our stupid laws.  Thank god there's a place here that carries Natures One.
At the hospital the nurses would come every hour or 2 to check in and put Charlie on the breast, they never showed me how which I realized after leaving the hospital & that annoyed me. I truly didn't think of it then to say "Hey...what are you doing, show me a proper latch".  The nurse would come in pick Charlie up and give him to me, they'd wake him up, open his mouth and just put him on the boob.  Okay, I thought, that's it.
When I got home panic set in.  What do we do now? So we sat there and looked at our fresh new angel here on earth and waited.
Our first night was horrible, he was just crying and crying, I was exhausted after just giving birth and not really sleeping in the hospital and 24 hrs later your home.  So Charlies crying, we don't know what to do and my mom said "Just give him the boob!", "But he just ate an hour ago!" I would yell back, "Feed him again, he's hungry!" so I listened and that has been my savior ever since.
I fed on demand, whenever Charlie would cry, I'd put him on the breast and all is well.  I've done that all the way through to solids and I feel so lucky.  So what if I was walking pacifier, what else am I, I'm a Mom.  Happy Baby ='s Happy Mommy.
But what about the latch? Moms it took Charlie about a month before he learned himself to latch on by himself correctly.
Thank god for my Dr.Sears Baby Book, this book was my bible, I give this to every new mom, it's a great book.  His recommendation that helped me the most was this:
"An important part of proper latch is getting baby to open wide.  Help baby's mouth open wider by using the index finger of the hand supporting the breast to press firmly down on your baby's chin as you pull baby down" Dr. Sears Baby Book, pg130
By doing that I had my first "Aha!" moment when Charlie latched on properly and what a difference compared to a so-so latch.
Just be careful not to hunch over moms, it's so easy to do.  Protect your posture by seating up right with a pillow to support you, position baby correctly. Baby should always be facing you tummy to tummy. Patience is required when breast feeding, don't give up! Sore nipples are caused by a poor latch, baby's latch should be around the areola and not direct pressure on the nipple.
What about milk supply?
To keep milk supply up, feed more and more, trust your body. I think we doubt ourselves too much.  If baby is gaining weight and has that sweet smelling(yes, it was sweet to me) yellow stool your doing a great job.  Look at your baby's stool.  Once it becomes a yellow, seedy mustard colour you know baby is getting  the higher caloric hind milk.  A baby will get at least 2-4 yellow sweet smelling stools so don't worry. But talk to your doctor as I am not one if you are concerned with yourself.
Now that Master Chunk is older I miss those poops, you know what I'm talking about moms.  Solids change everything! Hahahaha!  Okay, no more poop talk.
Teas can help promote breast milk.  Some of my favorites are Weleda Nursing Tea, Lunar Eclipse Nursing and Earth Mama Angel Baby.
You may notice once baby starts eating solids and around 8-9 months your supply may feel like it's going down. To keep it up, breast feed more and try one of these delicious teas.
I managed to successfully breast feed my angel until he was 15 1/2 months and looking at the picture above brings back so many memories of those days, he was so little now he's so tall, I miss breastfeeding. I stopped because he just didn't seem all that interested.  If he wants it I'll let him have it but he's got teeth..more teeth now so I'll settle for snuggle.
They day because all it took was that dreadful day my DS wasn't into the best meal of his day.  Read here
Oh, gotta run.  Thanks for coming by my blog. I hope you enjoyed this little write up.

Mom Reviews

I'd like to know what you look for in reviews?
The products that I write about are all done by me & are my personal opinion.
On Twitter today I came across some new regulations for bloggers in the States and the FTC.
To my mom bloggers who write product reviews I'd also like to know what you think of these regulations.
So let me know..
Thanks for coming by.

Baby Half Off - another great deal website for your baby

The selection out there in cyberspace for great deals on your baby's essentials is amazing.  Now I have added Baby Half Off to one of my favorite companies listed here for such things that it makes you wonder why shop at big box stores.
The prices are ridiculous, our dollar is comparable and shipping isn't that bad considering what you would spend on gas and parking.  You can do this from the comfort of your home and sometimes it's not always all that easy to go out with a new baby or an anxious toddler who wants to run free in a store.  I like the options of baby deal websites as I never knew existed until I started this blog.  You have to go online daily to get these deals because they change so quickly.
Baby Half off also ships to Canada.

Potty Training

Just throwing it out there...how old were your kids when you started to potty train and what is your favorite potty that worked well? What were your methods?
I understand there's different designs in looking for a good potty compared to girls and boys.
Master Charles here is showing signs that he might be interested, he squats when going #2, he's still a heavy wetter at night but through out the day some days are better than others and he can be dry for a while. He does other signs as well..we use cloth diapers so it should help move potty along sooner.
He is only 16 months.
I have one potty that I have and I leave it out to introduce it to Charlie, I let him run around in his birthday suit and try to catch him in time to seat him in the potty.  Thankfully it's only been done mid stream! LOL!
Am I doing this all too early?
I beginning to think I should really focus on potty training when he can actually tell me he has to go potty or show more mature signs as he's developing more and more into a little man that he is.
Is there a rush to do it sooner?  I hear back in the old days that kids were potty trained at 1-1 1/2 yrs old etc.....Grandmas and older woman have stated in their "I know best" tones by stating that using disposable diapers has made people lazy to enforce potty training at an earlier age.  I think their just jealous because they didn't have the option to use disposables(between you & I)
There's so many "rules" out there as not to too push it, let your child's signals tell you when it's time, boys are harder than girls....
Please share your stories on this topic.
I hear potty training is no walk in the park...maybe I should wait? But there's no harm in showing him the idea at this age.

Veggie Quinoa was a hit!

Ta da!  Minus the freaky looking pepper.  This is super yummy and super healthy, I added chicken.
Master Charles is enjoying his meal, dishes are from Pottery Barn, too cute to pass by.

Genetically Modified or Horrified?

I'm making the recipe of the day and I always try to buy organic but I couldn't get any peppers so I bought a regular non organic pepper...
Have any of you seen this before?  It's like a pepper growing inside of a pepper?!
Ok, back to cooking...just wanted to share...
COMMENTS ANYONE?  What do you think?  Bizarre 'eh....

Recipe of the Day for Toddler- Vegetable Quinoa

Vegetable Quinoa
Olive oil for frying
1 Onion, finely chopped
2 Carrots, halved lengthwise and sliced
1 Small Zucchini
1/2 Red Bell Pepper, seeded and chopped
1 tsp cumin
2 Tomatoes, skinned and diced
a dash of salt
1-2 tbsp cilantro
13oz Canned Chickpeas( I really like Eden Organics, BPA free cans)
1/2 Cup Quinoa

Heat oil in frying pan and add onion, fry until golden brown. 
Then add carrots, red pepper, zucchini and cumin.  Continue to fry for a few minutes.
Add the tomatoes, a little salt, and the cilantro, simmer for about 10 minutes or until the veggies are tender. 
Add the chickpeas and heat through.
Prepare Quinoa.  Combine 1/2 cup of quinoa with 1 cup of water or sodium reduced broth in a pot. Bring to a boil, turn heat on low cover with a lid for 15 minutes and let it cook.  Let it cool for 5 minutes after cooking then fluff with a fork.
Serve with the vegetables and you have a lovely, healthy super food protein packed lunch or dinner for your child. 
* If you want to add chicken cook it with the onion at the beginning

I am eagerly awaiting my button for this blog!
If you have your own blog and are a fan(follower) of mine you will be able to paste it on yours as well. 
Can't wait, I'm playing around with my settings so it'll match my cool design courtesy of aqua poppy design.

Topic of Discussion: Baby Carriers

I've been using my beloved toddlerhawk a lot lately but my love for it is beginning to sway a little in regards to the long straps.  Part of it is my fault because I  got extra long straps, but I'm tall.  Maybe buckles aren't so bad afterall?  The buckles on the chunei are annoying and hard to adjust.
When I need to put Charlie in, the straps are on the filthy pavement and when I try to put Charlie on my back again the straps are dangling and I swear I'm going to trip on them one of these days.
Granted it is good carrier and I bought it because it is specifically for a toddler, but there are other toddler carriers out there and I am going to find one with buckles.
I borrowed my friends carrier, she had an Ergo.  I found the Ergo okay, but Charlie is 16months now and he was sitting half way out from it.  I didn't find the structure of it all that great nor was there any real support.  It just went halfway up his back.
A lot of moms in Canada love the Ergo and I'm wondering what do you like so much about it compared to other carriers?  Is it the cost? The accessories that it can come with that you buy separately? I truly think Ergo is over rated and there are better carriers out there.
I'm on the hunt and I like the look of the Beco, some features I like is that you can transfer you child from parent to parent without having to take baby out of the carrier.  You can also easily transfer from front to back which I like...alot.  Their buckles have a double lock system and the material is durable and stylish.
One more thing, have you seen the Beco polar fleece vest?  How brilliant is that?  For Toronto weather I am going to have to find a store and get one.
More on carriers read here
Beco on the Way read here
Beco or Oh Snap read here
Moms, tell me...what do like in a carrier and what are some of the features you like?  Do you want a carrier that you can breastfeed discretely in?   Is that important to you?

COME ON!  I'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU :)  PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT, it's okay to be the first!

Analia-Organic Tie Shirt

Are you ready for cuteness?

In the mail from Analia I received this ever so hip stylin' tshirt for Master Charles.
It comes in different tie styles so there's more to choose from,  mine is a size L and they are made from 100% organic cotton(you know I love that!) and it's a snugger fit so keep that in mind when buying.
I love this shirt and I think Analia makes great accessories for your baby. The cutest hair accessories for your little girl, crocheted beanies and much more.  Just in time for Valentines!
*As a special offer for all my Followers of EverythingMomandBaby, she is extending her generosity and is offering 20% off on all Analia merchandise!  Say you it on the EMB blog to get the discount.
If you're not a follower and want the discount....well, it's easy!  Become a follower for sweet deals!
EMB loves her mompreneurs and she definitely gets the EMB Approved!

Charlie just chillin' on his bean bag chair...I had to show you all this.

Note:  It is so fun seeing Charlie in this, it's been a couple of hours since I posted this and I gotta tell you, this is one of my favorite shirts for my monkers.
The retro style of the tie is just too funny and cute for words.
He's quite the poser...why he's not in commercials I do not know?!

Our 1st CONTEST!!! Enter now and win a Weleda Baby Skin Care Kit!

GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED: SEE WINNERS CIRCLE TAB AT THE TOP IF YOU WON!

Weleda and Everything Mom and Baby want to know:

• What is important to you when choosing natural skincare for your baby?

This essential kit up for grabs contains: 
Calendula Baby Cream, 0.34 oz. (10 g)
Calendula Lotion, 0.34 oz. (10 g)
Calendula Shampoo and Body Wash, 0.72 oz. (20.4 g)
Calendula Oil, 0.34 fl. oz. (10 ml)
Calendula Diaper Care, 0.4 oz. (10.8 g)

Enter your answer in the comment section just below Cultivate Compassion.

Good Luck and spread the word!

Winner will be announced on March.1, 2010

Rules:

• Must be a follower or become a follower(follow publicly so we know you joined) of Everything Mom and Baby
•  Open to Canadian & American Residents only
• Facebook fans are not included in this contest
• If you are a Facebook fan to be eligible for this contest just join "Follow" on this blog .  It's that easy.

How does a kid at 16 months have this big of a foot? 
He takes after me as I was ridiculed for my big feet.  I was tall & skinny( ballet classes at RWB) and then went into Ukrainian dancing(I was rather tall for ballet) but seriously his feet are growing like weeds and 2 weeks ago he was measured at 7.  These shoes are a 8.  
I remember my mom making a comment about my feet.  I was in gr.7 at Churchill High School in Winnipeg and the "in" thing was tight jeans with safety pins rowed up the inner seam, slouch socks, a sweat shirt from Boca(remember them?!) or when Club Monaco was actually good and Reebok runners.  All you saw were scrawny legs(even with all the dance I did, my legs never got muscular)and these big bear feet in runners. I was 12.  My lovely mom said "all you see are your feet".  Whatever! So be it. When I was around 10 or so we'd have to look at adult shoes for me and spend hours at Eatons.  Back then it was easy to find a narrow shoe.  Not anymore.  Women with narrow feet, can you find your size with a "N" next to it? I doubt it, unless you're in Europe.  This topic started when I told my mom how big Charlies feet are and she laughed and said just like you! We had a laugh but it brought me back to this memory.  That and my ears that I finally grew into.
I remember the comfiness of that whole outfit and my sweatshirt was the best(now that I think of it, it was a Club Monaco sweatshirt in a pale pink to match my new runners)
The funny thing is Charlie won't be ridiculed for his big feet because he's a boy and he'll be the biggest kid in his class.  He's as tall as most 3-4 year olds.  But if they do make fun of his feet, we'll see who gets called first to play in the gym team especially when basketball is involved.  I was always the 2nd last kid to get picked, I hope he'll be good at sports.
I don't want him to feel what I felt in dreaded gym class but I could dance and I was a ballerina on weekends(I miss the old location of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet on Portage), what a privilege, seeing the dancers, all of us in the change room at our lockers and talking about our dreaded teacher(she worked us hard...but what do you expect) and the sour faced pianist, the woman never smiled. The lighting was awful and a weird fluorescent colour and getting free tickets to the ballet was a bonus and the best was seeing Evelyn Hart.  For a young girl, I was star struck. Who would of thought that talking about big  feet would take me back to this memory? It's all around the same era for me I guess because that's around when I stopped ballet and went into Ukrainian dancing.
Now it's time to teach our kids what not to do and we were all part of that growing up.  We sure can be cruel when we were that age.  I'll have to put my foot down when Charlie starts school and teach him not to judge and to treat others as he'd like to be treated.  I don't think it'll be that easy.

Maxwell Designs- Canadian Made Diaper Bags

Spring is here and it's time for a new spring bag....
Maxwell Designs was created by a stay at home mom and she was looking for a diaper bag and didn't see anything that fitted into her lifestyle.  She wanted a bag that didn't look like a diaper bag firstly, and secondly that it not made of plastic or vinyl.

 Well look what I found from Beautiful British Columbia. 
This line of hemp bags are eco-friendly, anti-microbial, dye free and great for our environment. All her products are made by hand in Canada.

Maxwell Design bags are made to be worn messenger style, over the chest, allowing both hands to be free to do other things. The standard length of strap is approx. 43 inches from end to end, to make things easier some of her bags now make an adjustable strap. Check with her when you order.  However with the strap, be careful not to make it too heavy because being the type of bag they are, the straps come undone from the ring they are in.

Not only are bags beautiful but the change pads, wet bags to coordinate, she offers clothing, slings, sleep covers and few other things.  Check out her site and it's a great find.  I can't wait to get my hands on her bags. Like other things, my love for purses has been taken over by diaper bags, ask my husband about my love of bags and you'll get a big sigh and a roll of the eyes with a smart remark.

Sale on Stones of Healing Nursing Necklaces

Stones of Healing from Tucson, Arizona.  Beautiful, genuine gem stone nursing necklaces to keep your lucky little babe occupied whilst getting it's best meal ever!
Instead of hair pulling in good jest but it does lose it's charm quickly, little fingers shoving their way into your mouth or poking you up the nose our sweet babes will be gently distracted with these gorgeous necklaces.

These are normally priced anywhere from $25-$49 in your baby boutique.  Sale ends February.14, these are made in North America and are handmade and  priced around $12USD-$16USD sale price and shipping is about $3.50
There is also a wooden nursing necklace that can be used as a teether.  2 products in 1, I like that.

Toys are here!

I got my etsy purchases today from 2 of my favorite handmade toy companies...pictures to follow!
It took a week for delivery and Charlie really likes them.  I just need to get batteries for the camera!
They are really nicely made, I feel good giving these to Charlie, now to buy them as presents for others to enjoy.

Recipe of the Day for Toddler-finger food Sweet Potato & Apple

Sweet Potato and Apple Casserole (Serves 4)
2 Large Sweet Potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
2 Large Apples (Gala, Fuji, or other sweet cooking apples), peeled, cored and cut into chunks
2 Tbsp Butter, melted
3 Tbsp Maple Syrup
1/2 Tsp Salt
1/2 Tsp Cinnamon
1/4 Tsp Nutmeg
1 Cup Apple Juice(or unsweetened)
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and stir to combine.
3. Place the sweet potato/apple mixture in a buttered 13 x 9 inch baking dish.
4. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
5. Uncover, stir and bake an additional 20-30 minutes or until tender.
6. Serve.
Courtesy of weelicious.

I am going to have the coziest sleep tonight thanks to my order that came in today from Beautiful British Columbia.  Now we will sleep like Charlie in our sheepskin.  All my friends know how he sleeps and maybe I'm lucky or it's a combination that he's sleeping on sheepskin.
If you've missed my first intro's into the health benefits of sheepskin and other benefits check these links out.  I will be soooooo comfortable in my new bedding...how blissful....thank you hubby, you have some free nights ahead!
Auckland is having a sale so order online, NOW!
You're hubby or wifey will be happy as well, especially if you need a new duvet or mattress cover. Great baby products too because we can't forget about baby.
I ordered on Friday and it came to my door on Wednesday..yep....that's pretty good.
To learn more about sheepskin and sheepskin for baby and products please click on these posts:
Post 1
Post 2