Once Upon a Child- Fab Store To Buy Kids Toys

How great is Once Upon a Child?  I frequent the Bayview location and I have found the best things there for Charlie.  A Radio Flyer Roadster for $25 in perfect condition and it's regular $100USD!  This rocking moose was $20 which is Charlies Easter present from Mom and Pop.
It's $45 at Ikea and the one that I bought today at Once Upon didn't even have a mark on it, I doubt it was even used!  Before hitting the big, box stores save your money & check out Once Upon a Child.

boon-Squirt spoon

For any new mom and your baby who is learning to eat solids this is the utensil for you!  I bought mine at Moms to be and More for $12.
I've been meaning to write about this forever and it is a godsend for feeding.  No more messy, leaking baby food containers, all you have to do is put your applesauce, cereal(just make sure it's not too thick) and whatever your little puree desires in this spoon and voila you have easy feeding on the go. BPA and PVC free.
If you know me, you know I love all things boon!

Here's a little blurb from them:

"The Squirt baby food dispensing spoon allows for convenient feeding, one bite at a time. The easy-to-fill bulb holds up to 3 ounces of baby food and attaches firmly to the spoon end. Simply squeeze the bulb to dispense just the right amount of food. Squirt comes with a protective cover to seal food in and keep the spoon clean between feedings. By combining the spoon and food container into one product, Squirt makes one-handed feeding a snap."
Can be found at The Bay, Pistachio, Moms to and More
Go to their website for more info and where to buy....boon

Miessence Baby Balm and Actual Organics

 Miessence Baby Barrier is a soothing balm that protects your baby's sensitive areas. Softens dry patches, soothes irritated skin and calms redness. Repels moisture and calms minor skin inflammations. Protects nappy area from chafing. Can be used all over baby's body to help relieve extra dry patches. Soothes chapped skin and lips. Can also be used for relieving cuts, scrapes, bites, sun & wind burn.   
Did I mention it tastes like honey, I use it too.
This is one of my favorite all in ones, especially on the lips for baby.  You can also put it on your newborns little suckle blister on the top lips.  I didn't know what it was then and I wish I had this.
You can order this online from Joanna of Actual Organics.  
Spring time is the perfect time to start a detox and to clean and replenish your body.  Learn how food is your medicine and contact Joanna as she is in the Whistler/Vancouver area via email.
Here's more info on Joanna and her company Actual Organics.
Actual Organics helps you to "Detox your Body and our World" through wise choices on food, Miessence skincare, and how to create your healthful future with life coaching and wellness consultations.  Joanna from Actual Organics is passionate about wise environmental choices, every step we can take, makes a difference as what we consume affects those downstream.  Joanna is an independent representative with Miessence.  Follow her blog or Twitter feed for regular updates.

Earth Child-Organic Cotton Clothes for You And Your Children

Going for an afternoon stroll we stumbled upon this great find in Forest Hill.
Earth Child is the shop I've been looking for and I have to give it a shout out.
Beautiful organic cotton in the most gentle, soothing colours that are easy on the eyes.  Neutrals that represent what Earth Child stands for.
All clothes are made in South Africa where this company was born and raised and now it is available in Canada.

The women's line is drastically reduced, you can get great leggings for $15, cotton dresses from $110-$140 are on sale for $20, tunics, hoodies, lounge pants, tank tops all for the price around $15-$20.  They are phasing the adult clothes out from the store so mama's go shopping before it's all gone for good.
There's also some good deals for children as I got my boy a great olive green cotton spring jacket for $18(reg. price was $46)
The staff were welcoming, friendly and most importantly, helpful.
You can find Earth Child at:
501 Eglinton Avenue West
(West of Avenue Road at Tarlton Road)
Toronto, Ontario
M5N 1B1
Tel: 416-849-1119 or
Tel: 1-866-523-1099        

Weleda Wild Rose Skin Care

Weleda has given me the opportunity to try out this kit Weleda's Wild Rose Skin Care Kit.
This helped my skin!
I figured since my skin is going through some hormonal changes( I wanted to see how well this line would work so this was the right time to try)  due to my body getting back to normal since I finished breast feeding two months ago and who doesn't get the big, deep cystic pimple right on the chin before their monthly cycle.
I may be an Esthetician but I am human and I do get some bouts of angst with my skin too.   It doesn't help that I'm a product whore either.
In Chinese medicine you can "map" the face as each part of the face has a zone.  The chin represents the hormonal area of the face and usually you'll get that blemish on the right side which symbolizes the ovaries before your period or in that two week window.  I follow a lot of Eastern principles when diagnosing the skin at work and I'm usually spot on with my clients.
Wild Rose is the perfect fit for women with this type of skin: Hormonal breakouts, sensitivity and combination skin. It also has anti aging properties as well.  It's light, calming and soothing.
In the kit I got the Cleansing Lotion, Facial Toner, Moisture Cream and Night Cream.
What makes it so great? Well for me, I noticed a difference the next day.  My skin is all of the above and my skin was a little inflamed because mama had some wine and wine being yang makes me rosy and I had a zit on my chin, thank you hormones. 
Being an Esthetician I was truly impressed on how well it worked on bringing my skin back to balance and bringing that awful zit down but most of all having healthy looking skin.  I used the line continually for 7 days and I'm still impressed and sad to be out of it.  As I'm going through other lines to try, this is one of my favorites.  Now I just need the regular retail size of the whole line or since I'm a skincare professional maybe I can order the professional sizes?
In a nutshell, here are the main ingredients in this line:

• Organic rosehip seed oil is naturally rich in vitamins A and E and antioxidants
• Organic jojoba seed oil acts as an emollient, smoothing your skin and improving elasticity
• Witch hazel, a light astringent, tightens and strengthens your skin. Your face is purified, renewed and perfectly balanced.  
• Soothing organic mallow extract’s antiseptic properties calm and care for your delicate skin. 

So ladies, if your skin is in limbo with the hormonal changes and you've got blemishes to tackle give this a try.  I hope it will work for you as well as it did for me. This is on my top list of skincare brands.

Disclaimer:
I used it. My skin is clear now until next month but I need to buy the whole range to see if it would keep me clear til the next bout of ranging hormones to be completely honest.
This worked for me as I was right in the middle of the cycle.  I can't say what my skin will be like next month as I am now out of Wild Rose and about to try another brand to review.
I have a feeling though that Wild Rose will replace my current cleansing regime.

Recall on Infantino Slings

I cannot stand Infantino (and one other major brand from Sweden..hint...hint) slings and carriers such as the Snugli but this is a wake up call that parents need to know the safety and proper positioning when babywearing. 
I feel horrible for the families that have lost their precious angels, it actually angers me that so many shoddy slings and carriers are out on the market because they have the money to sway magazines and other influences yet at the same time parents need to be aware of how to properly use a carrier/sling.  

Parents if you are exploring babywearing it is wonderful and safe.  Find  a local babywearing group, find someone who can help you learn proper carrying methods.  There are babywearing educators as well in the US and Canada.
Most sales people don't know too much unfortunately about proper positioning.   There's lots of info online and always be aware of babies chin to chest.  This goes for strollers, car seats and swings as well.

Moms, if you have this take them back as there has been 3 infant deaths related to this sling.
For more info, please read here
Contact Infantino here  CDN
Contact Infantino here USA
Info on baby wearing here 
Health Canada on slings

Got Twins? Double Ender Feeding Spoon

Check this out from a fellow Manitoban, Canadian Wood Crafts.  How smart and creative.
This is the double ender spoon, a perfect idea for feeding twins or for your single toddler learning to feed themselves.
This one is carved from Cherry wood but can be carved with another species of wood if you prefer something else. The overall length is about 7" and it has my standard finish of Certified Organic Flax seed Oil and Orange Wax.
Tell them you saw it on Everything Mom and Baby ;)

Maxwell Bags Customer Appreciation- Great Deals!

Just an FYI....
If you are looking for a new diaper bag you have to go to Maxwell Designs website.
For the first time ever she is having a Customer Appreciation Promotion and her bags are the fabulous price of...$64.95, that's a $20's in savings.  I appreciate it that's for sure.
Here is just a taste of some of her fabulous bags.  Shop now while supplies last!
What does Mama Ash think of these bags?  Read here

EO Products- A Soothing Bathing Experience for You and Baby

 I was recently given some heavenly scented products to review from EO.
EO is a family run company from beautiful California that was founded in 1995.  To learn more on this wonderful family and the ingredients used click here
Their products are Paraben free, Polysorbate free, Disodium EDTA free and Sodium Laureth/Lauryl Sulfate free. 
They don't really have a specific baby line but looking through the website there are products you can use for your child over the age of 1 year.
Master Charles had the most delicious bath last night that afterwards he went down like a light. He smelled heavanly as well with the gentle scent of French Lavender.  Here's what we used.

We had a bath using Night Nite Bubble Bath.
Scented with pure essential oils of Blue Chamomile and Lavender, soothing scents to knock you out into a sleeping bliss.  It's not a heavy scent at all, quite light actually.  It also contains Organic Calendula to replenish the skin. This was indeed a rich, bubbly bath and Charles had the most fun splashy about and playing with bubbles.  A pampering bath with the Coconut as it cleanses without drying out baby's delicate skin.  Secondly, once we got out I moisturized his skin with EO's Everyday Body Lotion Unscented with Coconut Milk.  I think this my new favorite.  It goes on so nice, baby isn't greasy so your not struggling to put the diaper and jammy's on after baby's been massaged and hydrated, this morning when I was changing him he was still ever so soft.  Organic Coconut Milk pampers and nourishes the skin, Oat Betaglucan moisturizes and soothes irritated skin. 
For a little further added soothing touch I put a little touch of the French Lavender Body Oil on his chakras, and he was blissfully happy and ready to hit Snoozeland.
This smells wonderful, French Lavender is healing, (here's a little tid bit: it actually increases white blood cell count, keep handy for when you accidentally burn or cut yourself. I always have Lavender in the kitchen) Organic Jojoba restores moisture and skin softness, it makes a great carrier.
So if you are looking for something new to try and are tired of the synthetic and mineral oil laden based baby products out there...we know the brands.   Go to your natural food/health market or simply order online at EO. Click here for the website.
*For Canadian shopping I have seen this line at Whole Foods(Avenue Rd/Davenport), The Big Carrot(Chester/Danforth), Evergreen Natural Food Store(St.Clair/Bathurst), Health Shoppe(Yonge and St.Clair)

Shop for Baby Soiree- April.25, 2010 3pm-9:30pm

I just bought my ticket and you should too.  Support this event and Sick Kids Hospital.
 Moms this is the place to be Sunday afternoon for pampering, door prizes, cocktails and all that charity fun that these events bring.  All money is raised for Sick Kids Hospital.
I came across this through an email from a Mom group that I'm a part of, I don't know how Amar finds all this stuff but this sounds like a fun and I'm glad she found it, so thank you if you are reading this Amar.  Please click on the picture to get details.
Support Sick Kids Hospital and have some good mommy fun, hope to see you there!
To buy tickets and for more info click here
Are you a Canadian Mom Blogger, click here

Disposable Diapers and no they are not Pampers or Huggies!

Even though I am cloth diapering mama 99% of the time, Papa Ash ain't so much!  To be honest I sometimes cheat as well but I am not a Pamper nor Huggies supporter.  I think of his bits sitting so close so to those chemicals it makes me shudder.  That's just my opinion, please don't feel offended if you use them.  But if you do use them, know that there are better options out there when it comes to using disposables which is why I am mentioning the brands below.
Whats in those diapers? Learn about the chemicals in those brands of diapers here
Read Why Choose Cloth Diapers: Health Reasons by Autumn Beck from the #1 Cloth Diaper blog
 
So I've compromised with him when it comes to diapering our sweet & cheeky little boy.  I'm a huge fan of Delora for disposables.
Evergreen in Toronto carries fantastic products at the BEST prices but you can find these brands online or inquire at your local health food store.
Their organic dry foods are the best, the selection of food there is phenomenal and cheap compared to other stores and they have the BEST prices for Boiron products.
Last but not least the selection of baby care is amazing!
The brands of diapers are:

• $9.99 on sale-Tushies(chemical & gel free disposables, but selection is limited as Earths Best bought them out)
• $15.99-Earths Best Diapers(chlorine free, latex free and natural absorbency derived from corn and wheat)
• $15.99-7th Generation ( not the best diaper as they leak... A LOT!)
• $9.99 on sale-Tender Care (from the UK)

Evergreen Natural Food Store is located in Toronto,ON at St.Clair & Bathurst.
513 St.Clair Ave West
416.536.2932

The Healthy Moms- New contributor for fashion and beauty

I am thrilled to announce that I am the new contributor writer for The Healthy Moms.
I will be their mom blogger writing about Fashion and Beauty as they are becoming more of an online magazine for moms.  How great is that?!  I can't wait to get started and I just wanted to share my happiness with you.
To check out Healthy Moms, click here

The Bay- Deals you never you knew about and how to get it.

 As you may or may not know I am on the hunt for Toronto's best baby/toddler store.  My mission is to help moms shop and find the best prices and products out there.  Or you can hire me and I'll be your personal shopper for your baby needs!
So I started my process yesterday.
I went to The Hudsons Bay Company.
As I was waiting in line with some stuff for Charles the manager asked if I was on the Baby Registry.  Of course I said no as my baby is fast asleep in the stroller.
He asked me if I'd be interested in saving 15% off my purchases today".  I said "Yeah, okay, sign me up".  It takes only 2 minutes.  Accessories like my Boon faucet cover and Bunnykins Sippy cup by Royal Doulton never go on sale.
So what you do is go to the Bay, go to the registry and sign up, you can make up a birthday as that's what I did, I used Charlies but I changed the year. Second, they give you a scanner so you go and scan what you want or need that day and you can do it for future visits as well.  Bring the scanner back, print out what you want to buy for the day and you'll save anywhere from 15% on clothing and accessories and depending you can also save up to 25% off on strollers, car seats and crib bedding plus more!
So when I go to the Bay the manager told me to come to the gift registry get my scanner, scan what I want to buy that day and I save money! Hello!  Need a food processor to make baby food, scan it and save.
Thought you moms out there might appreciate this.  I assume it is the same for Bay stores across Canada.  Now mind you, if the item is on sale you get that sale price not the registry discount on top of the sale price.  Always hold on to your receipt if you need to return an item from the registry.
This is how I'll be shopping at the Bay from now on. The managers customer service was phenomenal as for the other workers there...well they could improve.  For selection of items, they are pretty good but the Bay is going through some changes as they need to find a new buyer.  Hopefully a Canadian financier can step up and buy the Bay and keep it Canadian.
If you found this tidbit helpful on saving at the Bay, please leave me a comment, I'd love to know.

Where to buy good baby things in Toronto: Strollers, car seats, clothes, diapers you name it.

Okay moms, I'm taking a challenge here and I'm going to start looking and going to baby stores all over the GTA.  All that I ask is your patience as I take on this task.
My goal is to find you the best prices, best customer service, selection, parking, accessibility via public transit and best products and quality for your little ones.  This is some of my criteria that I can think of at the moment.
My husband gave me this idea about a month ago and I'd like to be your resource, god willing.
Maybe over time dear followers and new viewers of Everything Mom and Baby I can create a new resource for Canadian shopping and hopefully expand over Canada and have fellow moms(volunteer) to secret shop for me since I cannot hop on my broom stick and zip over to Nova Scotia or British Columbia.
I plan on creating a little post to the side of the blog of baby stores and maybe if I can figure out how  also add a star system to it like I have for my blog articles.
If you have a favorite store that you think I should visit post it on my blog & let me know why  preferably in the Toronto area for now or if you'd like, email me at: mamaash77@gmail.com
I will be a secret shopper and let you know what stores are worth going to and what stores you probably shouldn't bother with.  Customer service is a big one for me and finding a deal.
*If you are a retailer and want me to come to your store contact me and I'll add you to my list, either leave a comment on here or email me at: mamaash77@gmail.com
* It will be honest opinions, I am not for sale.
*If retailers are up to it and want to be listed on my blog please know that it will be done in a fair, honest manner for my followers and viewers who want good places to shop to spend their hard earned money.
Until then, enjoy my other posts on useful stuff to buy and try.

Toronto Fire Fighters at Station #131

Not only did Charlie get his first haircut yesterday but he also sat behind the drivers seat in a real, big, shiny fire truck.  His favorite!
We were walking by and there were two firemen sitting out enjoying the sun.  Charlie naturally gravitated to the fire hall and the firemen welcomed us with open arms!
These men put their lives on the line every day for us and it was so nice to spend a few minutes with them & especially sweet for them to show Charlie around.
Station #131 Fire Hall at Yonge & Lawrence, you guys are great.  Thank you for taking the time to show Charlie around and you're hard work that you deal with everyday.  Of course as Charlies sitting in the drivers seat I'm just picturing a real emergency is about to take place and the bells are going to go off!  Thank god it didn't.  However, we did see them about half an hour later zooming by with sirens and Charlie looked at them in awe.
When we left they gave us Junior Fireman stickers and a book on Fire Safety.  Big hugs and kisses to you guys! Thank you!
Here are some pics I wanted to share with you.

Melonhead Children Hair Care

When we told people we were going to get Charlies haircut for the first time we got a lot of. "No, not his beautiful hair!"
Well, folks we had to. It was a mess and it was long so now he looks like a little boy.
We wanted his 1st hair cut to be a special day for us(more so for me and dad) so we booked an appointment at Melonhead.  Located at Yonge and Lawrence in a cute little spot where you can buy toys, Melonhead hair products and other accessories.
The salon has 5 seats and each has a container of toys to keep your child mellow and content while getting it's hair cut.  My boy was well behaved and didn't even cry.  The hairdresser snipped away and caught the hair so we could keep his golden locks. When we were done Charlie got a certificate for his first hair cut, a picture, his hair in a little baggie and a pony ride on the mechanical horse.  A great place to go to get your child's hair cut, the people are professional and accommodating.  We had to change the appointment twice because this time change has been hard on Charlie, he's teething so naps were all over the place. They were friendly when we called and made his 1st haircut a wonderful experience.  They also have locations all over Ontario and there's a Melonhead in Vancouver and Calgary.
Would I return to Melonhead? Most definitely. A hair cut costs $21 and the hair care costs around $10. We got our little chump some hair gel for his newly coiffed do.
Check it out, to go to the Melonhead website, look here

Want to win a new Beco?

 Do you have a Beco and want a new one just for the heck of it since they are so stylish and the best carrier for your baby bonding experience?
Go to Facebook and become a fan of Beco
Post a picture of you and baby in your fabulous Beco and voila, you're entered!
Go to this link for more info on entering.
Beco website, click here
*Please note this has nothing to do with EMB, I'm just telling you something juicy! 

Applesnax-The Best Apple Sauce from Leahy Orchards

I love Applesnax.  
Another favorite of mine I wanted to share with you.
I don't know about you but I hate, I mean hate peeling and coring an apple.  I don't know why but it's the same amount of hate I have for ironing. Yet I have no problem peeling a potato.
I came across Applesnax a while ago and I've been using them exclusively ever since.
I buy the Unsweetened Organic Applesauce that comes in the perfect size of 113g. They are perfect for on the go with you & sweet babe.  I'll also bring a Baby Cube with me that has Healthy Times Cereal and mix in with the applesauce.  When we need a snack we're ready and Charles is nicely full after a healthy snack.  Also this great for baby's first foods, it has been my savior when Charlie is being picky, I just add applesauce and then he eats.  He's even fussier when teething and applesauce has come to the rescue to fill his belly.
What else I love about them, the packaging is fantastic, sometimes the Baby Cubes can leak so I use them more for dry cereals and such.  The plastic that the applesauce come in are BPA free.  So I'm happy about that and when I called them to find out, Leahy Orhards replied to me within 48hrs.  I probably wouldn't have continued of buying them if it weren't.  I'd get over my lack of love for peeling apples.  The Unsweetened Applesauce is so tasty, it is beautiful and full of flavour and Canadian. So when you see them, pick them up. You won't be disappointed.   
*Currently only the Applesauce is organic.
I've seen them at Sobeys($2.99), WholeFoods($3.99) & Evergreen Naturals($2.99)
Applesauce Muffins recipe, click here

I'm Giving Away Mabu Cloths To 10 Followers! Enter if you want one.

                    ~GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED~

I have a fantastic, fun giveaway!
I love Mabu Cloths so much that I am giving 10 away for now :) 
RULES-                   PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
*You must be a follower or become a follower of EMB(being a follower on Facebook and Twitter do not count). Enter with Google Friends Connect here on the blog.
*All you have to do is reply to this post and tell me that you want one & that you are a follower of EMB
*The first 10 to reply will get one sent to you
*Email me at mamaash77@gmail.com with your mailing address once you've entered
*This giveaway is open to Canadian & American Residents only
               ~Thank you Mabu cloths for your generosity in this giveaway!~
To learn more about Mabu click here

Nature Clean since 1963-Household Disinfectant, Toxin Free Cleaning for Your Little Ones Toys

I have to share another favorite product.
How do you clean your baby's/toddlers toys?
It's Nature Clean Household Disinfectant. 
That's what I use.

It is an all natural disinfectant that cleans a whole range of whatever you need to be clean and disinfected.
I bought this in particular to clean Charlies toys for when he's sick(which is once in a while, but why spread germs) but we have a lot of play dates at our pad and you never know what people are bringing in.  I also use this to sanitize his high chair, his toys of course(as mentioned) and the diaper pail since we use cloth.  You can use this on other things as well like the counter, the sink etc..you get the point.
So if you want to save time cleaning toys, soothers and whatever else baby throws keep this handy.  Give it a spray and let it dry, usually takes about 10-12 minutes.  I also took this when we dined out as Charlie has habit of throwing everything!  I LOVE this product and other Nature Clean products, it's a great Canadian company and their products are Canadian made.
So what makes this safe to clean my kids toys and my home? Info is from their site

"Our all-natural, antibacterial technology is proven to kill over 99.99% of bacteria mold and mildew (such as Salmonella, Strep, Staph, Pseudomonas & Athlete’s Foot Fungus).
We include only therapeutic plant extracts. The scent is pretty strong…but it works! Our formula is completely Free of ammonia, chlorine, perfumes or dyes.

Perfect for disinfecting hard surfaces such as children's toys, highchairs, change tables, pet areas, cutting boards, countertops, sinks, garbage cans, door knobs, toilets and showers.
Great in the home, office, daycare, hospital, retirement home, hospice - anywhere where "clean and disinfected" is important to you.
Ingredients: THYMOL (PRESENT AS A COMPONENT OF THYME OIL) 0.23%."
Please go to their website for other fabulous, Canadian made products. Click here 
For where to buy click here
Naturally this gets the EMB Seal of Approval. 

Usborne Books- The perfect book for your beginner reader

Recently I was sent a couple of books to review by Usborne Publishing consultant Carolyn Staples.   As soon as I opened the package Charlie took the books out of hands, he loves books.
There are a huge variety of beginner books to choose from.  I got a book part of series called "Usborne First Experiences" and the books premise was Going On a Plane.
These books are written in a special way so young children can learn to read.  It is set up that you read the whole story, emphasis is on the pictures and speaking aloud.  There is a similar text at the top of page that encourages your young one to read simple text.  It's a fantastic way for your child to build the confidence and enjoy the love of reading.
I know these will be a favorite in our house hold and I can't wait to get more of these books, especially the touchy feeling ones so Charlie can explore each page and the bath books too. Charlie loves to look at them.  There are also phonic books so he can learn new sounds and words.  You can order these books in Spanish and French.
Here's a little history on Usborne Books.
"Usborne books are produced by Usborne Publishing, in London, England. Founded by Peter Usborne over 30 years ago, Usborne Publishing revolutionized children's publishing in the UK with information books that combined very high educational and editorial standards – and made finding out fun".
There are a selection of Early Year Books that range from bath books to phonics, there's Usborne and Reading which is for children learning to read and then there's Usborne non-fiction for older children.
Carloyn Staples of Manitoba hosts book parties either at your home where as a hostess you can receive $30 in free books or get your friends together for an online e-parties for Usborne Publishing.
To contact Carolyn about these fun, educational books and to have a party click here 

Discussion-"Your baby doesn't look like you.."

Okay moms, how many of you have had family and strangers comment on how much your child doesn't look like you?  Raise your hands.
Have you gotten the "He/she looks just like your husband", or "baby looks like your husbands sister", or even "Baby looks just like Great Grandma Ethel" of course it's the in-laws making that comment because your parents wouldn't say such a thing.  Or would they?
Is it inappropriate?  Yes, especially if they go on and on about it and every time they see you and baby.
Why does having a baby bring out the ugly in people? It's like some jealous poison takes over their mind, body and soul?
Here are some comments I'd like to share with you that other moms have encountered:
"The stranger said though she must look like her father because if you walked away from her no one would know she was yours!"
"People always ask...is that your son? He doesn't look a thing like you!"

I got into this topic with a bunch of other moms yesterday and I thought I'd bring it up on here, surely we're not the only ones.
One friend of mine looks nothing like her daughter. I would never say it, who cares if she doesn't, she'll probably have her moms personality isn't that always the trade off?
Strangers have asked if she's the nanny, acquaintances have commented that "Wow, look at how dark you are and how light she is", people really want to get personal and ask what her heritage is and what is her husbands.
When I had Charlie I knew he would end up looking more like his father because the Norwegian genes in his family is strong, Papa Ash looks like his mom but I see Big T(Grandpa Ash) in him as well especially in his mannerisms and bone structure.
I got it and I got it a lot, in particular my step mother always laughed and said "He looks nothing like you, wow those Ash genes are strong etc...etc...".  Every time we would speak.  Okay, I get it.  Does she have to always have to reiterate it?
It really didn't bother me that much, I think what bothered me was the lack of manners.  I mean if he doesn't look like me thank god he looks like my husband.  Why wouldn't he? Duh!
Often I would laugh and say "Yeah, well you know it's a funny thing. I had nothing to do with it, all I had to do was push baby out" Here's Master Charles, yes he looks like his father.  Did I get high lights so I'd be part of the blondes(Papa Ash and Charlie) in my family. Yes.  However I am back to brunette but that involved an awesome diaper bag.
A lot of other moms really, really take it personal and are quite hurt when people constantly bring it up.
What have your experiences been?  I'd love to hear your stories.
And if your a person who has done this, really think before you speak we know your comments aren't sincere so don't play dumb when we call you on it.

Do you want a Mabu Cloth?

Mabu cloth knows got wind of my lovely review(okay, I told Mabu because I was using their logo on my blog and they should know when something good is being said) for their product and they will be sending me Mabu Cloths to have for a giveaway!

I will post the details for the Mabu giveaway as soon.  In the mean time, read my blog post about it {here}

Great Find-Mabu Cloths

 I stumbled upon a fantastic product.
So fantastic that I won't tell you where I bought them because I plan on going back tomorrow and buy the last 2 that were left.
They are called Mabu Cloths.  They are naturally bacteria resistant and stain resistant.  They sure feel strong but ever so gentle when you run it under water to remove the vegetable starch stiffener(its edible, no worries).  Mabu has a special 8 layer design so it's soft and thick, its unique woven fabric doesn't trap food or debris so it's always clean and ready to use when you wash it under water.
Mabu is made from wood sustainable forests and comes is a package of 3 cloths measure 29cmx29cm.
I bought them to wipe Charlies face and hands but I want get more and maybe use them as reusable diaper wipes. You can use it for yourself in the bath, use to wash dishes, clean around the house, clean the car, it has so many uses and it's machine washable.
It's a great product, I'm going tomorrow to buy the rest at $6.99....like I said; and I can't tell you where I bought them okay if I do I have one condition leave a package for me.
I got it at Green Natural, 689 Mount Pleasant Rd, Toronto,ON
I may just call and have him put them on hold for me.  Yeah, they are a fantastic cloth that I would do that. I'm going to tweet about them to all my Eco-Mama's out there.
This is going to my must haves category, EMB Seal of Approval for sure!
Where do I buy these cloths in my Province? Click here
Read frequently asked questions here
For many uses read here
For my Americans, go to my Amazon I recommend widget and buy online; just scroll down and look to the right.

My Morning with Master Chunk

Even though he isn't a chunky little dude it's just something Papa Ash & I have called him since his first suckle.
Here's our morning, a snap shot of a viking showing me his belly button after he ravished our home and stole my slippers as his token, a morning ponder of deep thoughts while chewing on his fingers, pure happiness/giggles and falling asleep eating breakfast.  I am so happy I can stay home with my boy, thank you Papa Ash for working so hard. xoxox