Week 5, Day 8 Fit Chicks

Since I started writing about my Fit Chicks experience have you yet joined? Or a Bootcamp type class?
I can't believe how good I feel after a work out...yes I know it's nothing new that you don't already know about me.

Class is never boring.  Never.
Last night we had a sub teach class, her name's Jackie.  What an awesome chick.  She always had a big smile on her face, she'd come to all of us and check our form and help those along the way that needed it.  I am a "seasoned" chick so I felt really good when I could do the plank for a solid 1 minute.
What I liked in particular from last nights class is that it was hard but we focused on form and circuits of leg work, then arm work and lastly ab work. We also did a good stretch at the end.

It was one of my favorites, although I do like cardio(but I still feel like an incompetent cow bouncing around) as well because I can "handle" it but the way how class was done was good because I felt every part was of my body was being targeted rather than a class of just quads and some ab work.
My abs are what I really want to melt away but I held my core in for all movements and compared to where it was last week it's better this week.  I want the gut to be gone because I feel it gets in the way of exercise like running with knees up, up, up.  My stupid, lovely gut that housed my little angel is getting in the way!  


Fit Chicks thanks for an awesome class!

Poids Plume- A Must Have from the OOAK Show

I just got back from the One of a Kind Show and for a Monday it was busy.
Charlie was doing pretty good but I had to pick up by wholesale products from Pippalily and I couldn't wait to see Poids Plume close up.  A fantastic apparel and bedding designer for Quebec.
One of the best parts of the OOAK Show......DAYCARE!
Charlie was getting antsy so I buzzed over to the Daycare Drop-Off Centre they have there, FREE of charge!
It's from Network Child Care Services, I remembered them from the Tommee Tippee Launch so I knew he was is good hands and I left sad but relieved and he was just as happy as a tot can be.

Overall the show was okay.  Some nice crafts and the busiest section of the show was where all the food was.  They had nice set ups through out the show where you can sit, relax and have a bite to eat with some vino.  I finally found a hat for my big head!  Love, love, love Genevieve Dostaler hats!  They only sell at the show.        

In all honesty there were maybe 4 apparel lines that were really nice for children and one of them was Poids Plume.

I've mentioned Poids Plume a few times over on my Facebook page and to see her product close up was the whole purpose of me going to the show.
Beautiful, earthy and simple designs.  The cotton is organic and everything is made in Canada.  Out of all the crafts I really found hers to be the best.
Go ahead, look around.  Hers is the nicest.  I loved her stroller blanket.  Her sleep saks are gorgeous and swaddlle blankets, onesies, sleepers beautiful cream coloured clothing.  I personally love Charlie is these colours, I love seeing babies is cream and white.  It just suits all babies and the good thing is when they are small their clothes don't get all that dirty as milk is the same colour!  Prices range from $15-$75  Booth I-51

Cyber Monday Deal at Rockpretty Baby!

Quaker Journey Blog Tour

For the past month blogger, Lynn from www.walkingwithsissors.com has been documenting her families journey to healthy living, making better dietary choices and the challenges they've experience together as a family.
The Quaker Journey to Wellness is following Lynn and one of the best parts is there will be prizes for you along the way.


What would be my path to better health?  Well exercise is important and I am doing that through Fit Chicks, diet is extremely important as well.  I always buy organic foods for my family, I try to get in as much veggies as possible but the one change I'd like to see are our snacking choices as we don't often eat together as a family so I prepare breakfast/lunch/dinner for my toddler, hubby leaves for work and doesn't get home til late so he ends up eating leftovers and at a later time.  I always make sure he takes digestive enzymes when he's eating that late (11pm) and then heading to bed. 
I snack on Miss.Vickies, the wonderful saltiness from a bag of her chips gets my cravings salivating and I have to give in.
Those are the changes I'd love to see change but with my husbands schedule it's not possible but I need to take care of myself and make better choices because it's so easy to make those choices for my son and husband.

Check out Quaker Journey for yourself, it's a great website.  What healthy choices have you made recently?  They are also on Facebook so you can share tips, get coupons and leave your comments on Lynn's journey.


Disclosure - I am participating in the Quaker Journey to Wellness program by Mom Central on behalf of Pepsi Co. I received a gift card as a thank you for my participation.  The opinions on this blog are my own.

Week 4, Day 7 of Fit Chicks-Tracking the progress

 Okay, now I do need to be held accountable as with my measurements there are a slight improvement but what do you do when you have those PMS cravings or I'll eat this and work really hard on Monday.
Well it shouldn't be that way.  I have to fight my cravings and find another way to deal with them.

After a month of Fit Chicks my measurements are as follows:
 Start Day/ 4week
Arms 13/13     
Chest 43.5/43   (1/2 an inch come on!  I want these hooters downsized!)
Waist 43/40      (okay this is great!)
Booty 49.5/49  (hmph!)
Thigh 29/28      (ok)

Weight....I won't put the actual weight because I come from an overly crtical family and they read this but I am down 4 pds.

The next 4 weeks I have to really, really work hard because what are the chances that I'll be able to do Fit Chicks again?  This has come to me and I want to lose more weight.
I am however stronger.
I did a Spider push up!  No that is not me in the video.

So there's the Fit Chick Test, here's my progress:
Start Day/4week
Push Ups 33/34
Sit Ups 40/50
Jumping Jacks 53/63
Dips 20/35
Sprints 8/8

December is around the corner come take a taste of Fit Chicks and try their 2 week class, contact them to inquire.  I am stronger, a couple of inches thinner and a couple pounds lighter.  Lets see what the next 4 weeks bring me?

Recipe of the Day for Toddler- Delightful Asparagus Cheese Dip

I haven't posted a recipe in a loooooong time!
So why not a great toddler dish.  Toddlers love dipping their fingers into everything so lets let them do so with dipping asparagus instead or whatever else they like to eat....Yeah right?! I still had a mess to clean up but he ate some healthy food!

Ingredients
2 Asparagus Spears
2 Cups of Water
1/2 ripe avocado
1 tbsp Cottage Cheese (if you can get organic. Commercial cottage cheese has so many additives)

1. Bring the asparagus and water to a boil in a shallow sauce pan.  Steam for 10-15 minutes or until soft.
2. Cut the avocado in half. Remove the pit and scoop the avocado out of the skin.  When the asparagus is cooked cut into chunks and blend with food processor or hand blender.
3. Add the cottage cheese and mix into the avocado/asparagus mix puree them together.
4. If it's too thick add the cooking water from the asparagus to thin it out a bit.
5. Serve with your tot's favorite finger food such as cooked carrot, crust from bread, crackers.
6. Refrigerate the left overs immediately.

* Play around with the recipe and get creative.  Add another puree to it to add more veggies if you have commercial made food pouches laying around.  When I'm pressed for time I love reaching for my Baby Gourmet and mixing it in the cottage cheese.
Make it with yams, avocado and cottage cheese or steamed apple, pear banana and cottage cheese.  It's so easy to get creative with snacks once you get started.

Tangled Giveaway Alert!

Okay, some of you were lucky enough to go to a screening of Tangled courtesy of Disney and Everything Mom and Baby.  Did you love the movie? Was it great for your kids to get a sneak peak before anyone else?

How about a Tangled doll and vanity set for your little girl?

To celebrate the opening day of Tangled, we are giving one lucky follower of Everything Mom and Baby this doll set.

What do you have to do win the above toy?

1) Tell me what was your favorite Fairy Tale when you were little?
2) Please include your email
3) Open to the US & Canada
4) Ends Nov.30, 2010
5) Must be a Follower of the blog
6) Grab your munchkin and enjoy a sneak peak of the trailer!

Week 4, Day 6 of Fit Chicks

 Everything is about Fit Chicks at home.
I come home glowing after a wicked work out.  The best part is if I can get into the shower when I get home and do a body scrub, Clarins Tonic Body Scrub to remove dead skin cells and impurities and then I slather myself in it's Anti Eau Body Treatment Oil to eliminate toxins.  Yes it is heaven and it's amazing how alive, stimulated, fresh yet relaxed after a work out and with the above mentioned products.  With weight loss you have to take care of your skin plus it's just good for your mental well being.  The aroma's are heavenly.

We worked hard and well.  I stunk for sure.  Thank you natural deodorants.
I liked that we focused more on the arms and abs this time around.  Everything seems to be quads and glutes but my main concern is my waist and those stretched out ab muscles.  I'd love to see more ad work as well but I try to remember to use my core strength in everything I do...like right now as I am typing.  It's getting easier to hold in my stomach, LOL!

But with each class I get closer and closer to completing the Russian sit ups.
What's a Russian sit up? A sit up with weights and then using the weights and your core to stand up with out hands.  I can't do them because I'm Ukrainian, hahaha (and a comedian)
Here's a pic of Charlie showing me(gotta love the half blink shot where he looks sauced up):

However we'll see if I can do it tonight...... Just when I think I can't do something Fit Chicks proves I can!

Just an FYI...if you want a nice little taste of Fit Chicks their 2 week December classes are starting.  I truly encourage you to give it a go.  It's only two weeks, so if you don't have time for the spa(working out is more important so make the time) go to Fit Chicks and then have a hot shower use quality products and you will feel like a million bucks.

As a mom and WAHM(work at home mom) I look at these classes as my Get out of Jail free card(not that I think of my home or motherhood as jail, but I'm sure you get what I mean)  But this is my ME TIME and if I'm lucky to get in the shower and do my body treatments I am GLOWING.
Now if only I could find my weights....Somebody is also joining Mommy in getting fit, LOL!  He's 2 and lifting weights.  That's my little viking.

Agoo Giveaway

Stocking stuffers here we come.  No sad faces when they find socks under the tree or in the stocking!
Fun, comfy and super cool Agoo is having a "Dinomite" 40% off sale of their Dino stock and out the 3 you see here I am giving a pair away!
*When shopping online enter code: dinomania40


To Enter:

 1) Tell me your worst stocking stuffer gift! Please include your email
2) Which Agoo Dino style would you like to win, please include your email
3) Open to US & CDN
4) Ends Nov.30, 2010

Skip, skip, skip to my loo...no,no, no you can't too!

 It's Sunday morning and 9am.  So far so good.
I might just take this oppurtunity to jump in the shower.  Ahhhhhh, the shower.  I would love a bath to soothe my aching body but there's no time for that.
I can't remember the last time I had 10 minutes to myself to decompress and do what  millions of people do in privacy. Shower.
To be honest I even can't believe my tot is still asleep.  8:30am every morning he is up.
But it's Sunday and he's still asleep.
Why am I taking up my minutes here to tell you all of this? Do you care? Probably not but what I am getting to is....privacy.

Even when Papa Ash is home I have to leave the bathroom door open so Master Charles has access to me; at the snap of his finger tips he must have access to his mama.
Can I close the shower curtain?
Hell, no and piss off Master Charles?  He wants to see me and feel the water splash on him.  He wants to come to the bathroom and start throwing all his toys in and make a game out of it.

Mom cannot have 10 minutes to herself. Is Papa Ash useful in all of this? No.
I can't even take a tinkle in privacy.  Once I leave the room, I'll poke my head from the bathroom door and he'll whip around and come find me. 
My little boy, you are so sweet and I love that you love need me all the time.  Before you know it, he won't need me and I'll be the one following him around!

It's 9:20am....I better go!

Do you miss going to the loo in privacy?

Shop Announcement-Everything Mom and Baby

So some of you may or may not know I have made the leap to starting my own online business.  I did a soft opening on Facebook and it has been successful so know I am telling you all here.  I think I've ironed out my glitches.  I hope to have a brick & mortar store one day as I love talking to people and showing them what is good and what is sooooo worth it.

About Me

If you see my above blog description it mentions how I've always wanted to have my own store and since having Chunkles I became a serious shopaholic looking for organically made items, cloth diapers, eco feeding products, bedding and carriers and all the little accessories in between.

Thanks to blogging I have made great friendships with companies and found some amazing products that I have blogged about and instead of sending people off to shop somewhere else, why not shop with me?

Some unique features on my website is I offer Skype so we can set up a date and time and I can show you some of the products features and even how to's.  All orders are McAfee secure and safe, I ship via Canada Post and I am a stay at home mom so I can always be of assistance need be.  I also have gift registry, electronic gift certificates and even a guest book where you can leave your comments.

Everything on my site are my favorite products that I have blogged about and mostly unique products that you can find, that are new to Canada such as Zoe Organics, Charlie Banana, The Little Lasso(coming in the New Year) and even more specifically in Toronto, ON.

This is my online boutique and I am every excited to share it with all of you!

Upcoming products that I am hoping to carry as well in the New Year are Dapper Snapper,  Lunch Punch,  Honey Dumplings, Tia and Zia, Poids Plume, Manduca Baby Carriers, Silkberry, Lulujo, Little Soles , Graze Organics, Sevi, Just Hatched and Dress Me Up Organic.  Maybe some hard to find in Canada cloth diapers too!  This is just some of my ideas for my shop.  I hope you like them.

If there's a brand that you of that you think I would like leave me a comment here.

I'd love to hear your thoughts and what you think of upcoming lines that I hope to carry.

Until then check out my current stock and I hope you'll love my shop as much as I do!

Thank you!

Maclaren XLR 2011: Review

 If you need an umbrella stroller I highly, highly, highly suggest you get the Maclaren XLR.

Why?
Maclaren is a reputable company from the UK.
I've been using it for 2 weeks and it my favorite because we are a tall family.  So here are my reasons why I love this.  We have the coffee and blue and it's perfect.  Little did I know they have a foot muff, I also want the matching diaper bag.
They have everything you need for baby.  Skincare, strollers, bedding, toys and accessories for parents such as the diaper bag and great stroller accessories.

What we love about the 2011 XLR
1) The handles. They also extend out if your partner is much taller than you!

2) No more hunching over (like I used to with Maxi Cosi Perle)

3) No more kicking the back of the stroller and having to focus on little steps to avoid kicking(hard to do when your 5'9")

4) Smooth ride and awesome wheels.  I can tilt back safely on the back wheels to move over gaps(like on the subway when exiting, because you have to "mind the gap") I couldn't do this with my Perle.

5) The canopy with a sun viser!  Also you can unzip the canopy to extend it further, all UVB protected and waterproof.  Watch their video here

6) Reclines back far back so my tot can have a great snooze!  My sons legs can extend out and further thanks to the extender in the front.... Also the awesome roomy pockets (2) on the back of the canopy

7) I can roll up and down steps easily because of the positions of the brakes( I couldn't with Perle)

8) Comes with an uber luxurious padding cover that sits on the stroller.  Great to have because it's washable and we all know...baby pees and sometimes leaks.  Now if this does happen you can remove the padding and wash it.

9) The rain cover.  Easy to put and remove and it's long enough for my tall toddler so he's not squished in!

10) Maclaren is found through out North America!  A even larger presence in Canada.  Please visit them on Twitter and Facebook and "Like" them.  Tell them you read my review on Maclaren ;)

11) They make quality products!  Another reason to love them.  I hope this review has helped you make a better decision when purchasing an umbrella stroller.

Do you have a Maclaren? Which one and what do you love about it?  I have 11 reasons.

Disclaimer: Even though Maclaren provided me with the stroller for review, all opinions are of my own and not influenced in any way.  Thus is truly an awesome umbrella stroller and Maclaren comes highly recommended.

Week 3, Day 6 Fit Chicks Bootcamp

What am I going to do when Fit Chicks is over?
I'm almost done my first month and feel FABULOUS!
Last nights class was my kind of class.  With sprinting, weights, ab work and longer stretching it was probably one of Anna's best class.  In my opinion.
I worked hard and I mean hard but I had one less worry to think about so I could finally give my best and work on form and strength.  My "worry" was stopping me.
Last nights class when doing the warm up, we run around the gym and finally I wasn't panting like a sad dog.  Well you know what I mean.  I wasn't gasping for air after one run around.
I ran and felt good.  I haven't felt that good running since I was 12 years old...a budding track and fielder until I hit my first hurdle.  Then I stopped.  
Gosh I sure am sharing alot about my youth in these posts but it was when I was my fittest.
Last nights class was so stimulating I loved it and really wish I could do that kind of workout everyday.  I know, the body needs rest but I feel more alive, more competent even though sitting today was hard on my quads. Especially when getting up but I try to keep it up when I'm not at Fit Chicks.
I speed walked to the community centre for Charlie's play date and had Anna in my head telling me to "Step Up" and it was a great mini workout!
Thank you Fit Chicks,  you have no idea what this has done to and for me.  I can't wait to see how I will feel and look come end of January.  I haven't stepped on the scale yet....I'll wait until I am done.


Week 1, Day 1

Week 1, Day 2

Week 2, Day 3

Week 2, Day 4 

Week 3, Day 5

Stride-Awesome new find!

If you have read my blogs about Fit Chicks bootcamp you'll see a couple of references where I mention I wish I took Kegels seriously.  Because once you do jumping jacks and mostly any other active exercise where you are bouncing up and down you might get a tiny tinkle.

Does anyone talk about incontinence?  I just read a great article in Best Health (one of my favorites) and thought why didn't they mention Stride?
It's okay. There are treatments and they are even talking about botox to help stop leaking...Um...no thank you.  I'll stick with Stride.

So what's Stride?
A revolutionary underwear that has OQUOST patented technology built into the liner.
After my "embarrassing" moments that no one knew at the moment, until now....working out at bootcamp made it awkward as I was nervous, will people see something?  Will I leave a dribble?

I was thinking do I have to wear a pad to bootcamp now?  I hate the waste of pads when tossed surely there must be another option.
So at The Baby Time Show when I turned down the aisle I saw Stride and I had a "Aha!" moment.
I bought two pairs.  I had bootcamp yesterday and let me tell you. They are seamless, they are comfortable with no creeping up and they work.  I ran, I jumped you name it and I could finally focus on my form and workout. 

The creator of Stride 
After the birth of her son, like many other women out there,  she was shocked to realize she had stress incontinence. The “embarrassing” problem of always worrying about what might happen if you laugh too hard, or sneeze unexpectedly. So she looked for a solution to the issue, but was disappointed that there were really no good options out there.
Sure, you could use pantiliners, but they’re pretty uncomfortable and are definitely not an environmentally friendly option. There was no way I was going to use pantiliners every day! She wanted something functional, that would still allow me to feel sexy. And so the STRIDE solution was born. They have created sexy, practical, and  panties that help women deal with the issue of light leaks – without anything being disposable.
So, the search began. Wendy and her team worked with a strong R&D partner to design the patented fabric technology and permanently built it into the panty’s gusset. The patented technology is revolutionary in its super-absorbent ability to wick moisture from the top layer, absorb and deodorize…so you and your clothes stay dry.

So what do you think?  
I love mine and will take advantage of this discount because they are so nice!

Well, if you're curious and want to try them here is an exclusive discount code for you to save 30% on orders over $35:
Visit Stride online to make your purchase, here:
Code: STRIDE818    
expires November 30th, 2010

As well how about a giveaway!

To enter tell me why you'd love a pair! 

Please include your email. 

Open to US & CDN's and Good Luck!

Ends: December.1, 2010 at 6pmEST

New Product from Zoe Organics-Extreme Cream

New products from Zoe Organics!

Extreme Cream.
Just what I need at this time of year when skin is so dry and my psoriasis flares up.  This is hand crafted for eczema so this is a must have for baby's who suffer as well.
The ingredients are therapeutic, with shea butter, jojoba oil, rosehip oil( rosehip is very high in Vit.C), coconut oil, calendula, marshmallow(how lovely!) and rosemary extract.

I just received this product today and it is intensely hydrating and restorative.  It has a rich mouse like consistency and when massaged into the skin it becomes emollient like.  With cold winds and winter waiting to make it's arrival this is what will be on Charlies cheeks every time we leave house. I love it!  I can't wait until her Mommy line comes.

To learn more about this product please visit here, I am the one and only retailing this fine line in Canada.
What a honour!

Nov.24-Healthy Pregnancy Seminar at EcoExistence

Learn 10 Steps to a toxin free pregnancy
Learn how to reduce the risks of childhood diseases and developmental disorders that have known environmental causes. Please join Dr. Jennifer Glazer, a naturopathic doctor who specializes in biomedical treatment of children with autism spectrum disorders, for insight into the toxins threaten the health of our children.
Wednesday, November 24th at ecoexistence 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm. 

A special sale will also be held at the store that night, anywhere from 10-50% off!

21 Vaughan Road Unit 103
Toronto, ON M6G 2N2, Canada
(416) 652-0808
info@ecoexistence.ca
www.ecoexistence.ca

The Laundry Tarts Giveaway! Open to US & CDN's!

I have been meaning to share this giveaway with the world since October!
No rest for the wicked right?

Okay, a while back I wrote a review on The Laundry Tarts and these tartful delights gave 25 fans of Everything Mom and Baby a sample package of their delicious detergent.  Yes, I used the word delicious in the same sentence with detergent.
If you don't know them, pop over to their site and you will know why I refer to them as delicious!
I love their detergent and their insightful Youtube video's.

So how about you?  Did you receive a sample of their soap?  If so what did you think?
Do you want a big bag for yourself so you can wash your cloth dipes brilliantly?  Wash your clothes ever so decadently?

Here's the giveaway! A full bag of 72/144 loads of laundry!

1) Tell us what you love about The Laundry Tarts. Did you get a sample? Please include your email.

2) If you were to win what would be your dessert of choice for laundry? Please include your email.

3) By reading my review do you want to try The Laundry Tarts? Answer: Yes, No or Whatever Erica.

4)Optional: Like The Laundry Tarts on Facebook

5)Optional: If you do Like them Facebook, leave a comment on my Facebook page that you did.

6) Optional: Follow their Tweets

7) Copy & Paste this and tweet twice a day: 

@TheLaundryTarts visit @MamaAsh77 to win some awesome detergent that is cloth diaper friendly and better than what you currently use!#clothdiapers

Just leave a comment here every time you do so.

8) Optional: Follow my blog.  Just click on Follow and go from there.  It's okay to stalk. Just a  little okay.

9) Optional: Be in the know and Subscribe to my blog!

10) Good Luck! Ends 11/30/10 @ 11:59pm  Open to US & CDN's!

Week 3, Day 5 of Fit Chicks Boot Camp

NEVER EVER WHERE A LONG SLEEVED COTTON SHIRT WHEN DOING BOOTCAMP!

I learned that lesson last night.  I thought I was going to die and not in a good way like in my first post.
I got a little dizzy, sweated like a pig and it distracted me.  Boo!  It did state in the Fit Chicks  Chick Pack to wear light clothing so it's my boo boo.  I forgot.

Last nights class was interesting and in a good way.
They were designed to get your cardio moving by sets of workouts, a lot of quad work with lunges and squats and I got a slight injury......again Boo!
But it felt so good to wake up those muscles that have been on snooze for the past 15 years.

However, I focused more on form so I tightened my core and moved a tad slower as I wanted to focus on the obvious without looking like a sloppy, a touch over weight woman bouncing around and flaying my arms around.  I wanted control and proper form and I can feel the muscles I worked yesterday, today and the one little muscle I pulled while working out.

I am getting more flexible too! Yay!  Thank you Fit Chicks!
Last nights was hard and I thought I was going to throw up because of the ab work I did, but it made up for the wine I had Saturday night and maybe a bite or two of Miss. Vickies.
But the motivation I got to keep moving was when I got home and my husband said "I think you've lost a couple of inches.  You can see your hard work... it's starting"
A smile and a "I hope so" on my end as I collapsed onto the recliner with my 2 year old for a bedtime snuggle.

Phew!

Previous posts:
Week 1, Day 1

Week 1, Day 2

Week 2, Day 3

Week 2, Day 4

 

Mummi Quilts Review & Giveaway

Can you find a quality, hand made organic flannel blanket?

 I couldn't. Then I came across Mummi Quilts, whom I met at the Childrens Trunk Show in Toronto.
Tis' the season to make things all cozy and keep baby warm and we reach for our new organic flannel blankie to get Chunkles ready for his bedtime snuggle.  This will be a keepsake for us.
Earthy tones, organic and comfy and beautifully hand made in Canada by Eeva who is a mummi(which is Finnish for grandma). 
Thank you Eeva for sending us a blanket for review and for sponsoring this giveaway!

Eeva would love to give to you one as well.  Just visit her site, she has some great sales on her merchandise(just in time for Christmas!) and she can even custom make a quilt for you.

{THE GIVEAWAY}

1) Leave me a comment here with your email on why you'd like to win this!
2) Visit Mummi Quilts and tell us what else you like in her shop
3) Open to US & CDN, ends November.30, 2010 11:59pm EST

Charlie Banana Winner Announced!

Wow! What a lot of entries.  I don't know who would give this giveaway a poor star rating but this was one awesome giveaway for an equally awesome product!
Get to know Charlie Banana and no they are nothing like Fuzzi Bunz, Flip or any other diaper on the market.  They have a nice big, wide back,  super soft, high quality interior lining and they are the best hybrid cloth/disposable I have used.  That's why I jumped at the opportunity to be their first Canadian retailer.  Give 'em a try.  You'll soon know why I love them.

Now for the winner.......................LIBBY BLOOM. HUNT!  Congratulations!
To everyone who entered, I'm so sorry but there will be another chance to win!  I promise.  I wish I could give you all a diaper to see how awesome they  are but you can buy online and if you're in Canada drop me a line at my shop.

True Random Number Generator Min: Max: Result: 11 Powered by RANDOM.ORG

Walt Disney: Tangled screening tickets up for grabs!

{THIS IS NOW OVER}

I have an exclusive giveaway for a family of 4 to go this Saturday to a screening of Tangled! 

Wanna go?  

I need to know by this Thursday, Nov.18/10

Leave me a comment here with what city your in and your email so I can contact you if you win!
There is a chance for 7 families to win so you must live in these cities to enter, good luck!

Calgary

Toronto

Halifax

Vancouver

Edmonton

Calgary

Winnipeg

GRAND PRIZE!

We also have a grand prize giveaway which includes the following: family four pass to a screening in any of the above mentioned markets, Tangled T-shirt, $50 Walmart Gift Card, Official movie poster, silly bandz, Mattel Rapunzel doll and Rapunzel book.

The Little Lasso Winner!

And the winner of this months giveaway for The Little Lasso is........khaymax
Congratulations! I know you will love it as much as I do and I hope you'll post a pick of it on our Facebook page!

True Random Number Generator Min: Max: Result: 11 Powered by RANDOM.ORG

My experience with Maxi Cosi strollers and car seats.

I have used Maxi Cosi since Charles was a new born. Can I recommend it? Not 100%.
 I thought it was a good company.  I mean I guess it is.  I haven't had too many serious complaints with them but the Foray is okay.   Not the best because you have to remove the seat in order to fold it up and to remove the seat is beyond ANNOYING because you have to push two buttons at once on each side and well, my button thingies get stuck and I am left cursing and kicking the stroller because it is too hard to remove and fold up. The basket can't get filled because it just rubs against the wheels and the bottle holder is a pain because of how it sits and it tends to get caught in everything because it swings out and in. I hate it.

On a postive note, it's survived Canadian winters well and my son can have a good snooze in there and it's great for taller parents and tall babies.  So why is the Perle not good for tall parents?
However I don't know what I'll do this winter because the weather protector doesn't work for us anymore.  I have a tall toddler so his feet are squished in because of how the weather protector tucks under, my son kicks it off and the zipper is tearing along the canopy but I could order a new canopy for $20+ dollars but there's no point because of the length of the weather protector.  It's not Maxi Cosi's fault I have a tall toddler but I've had the stroller for 2 years and need to move on.
The Maxi Costi Mico car seat..that was a waste of money for us because at 3 months he had outgrown it, winter suits no way he could fit in the Maxi Cosi because the straps aren't long enough!  Even when they sent me longer straps it didn't do the job because it was only an inch longer! 

Now the Maxi Cosi Perle.
I returned it after a week of use.
If you are below 5'7" then it might be good for you.  Is there anything more annoying then walking and kicking the stroller?  How about the brakes on the Perle? It sits further down so when you need to go up or down steps it locks!  On the TTC subway line here in Toronto you sometimes need to pull back on the stroller and let it sit on the back wheels to get on the subway because there's a small gap between the platform and subway and whenever I used that method it was hard for some reason.
Now the handle bars.  I am about 5'9"- 5'10" and it was so hard on my back.
I was hunched over and kicking the back of the stroller with every step.  It was not good for us at all!
We got it as gift and I thought okay, let me give it one more try.  It felt okay at the store but once you have it at home and use it on a day to day business that's when you can truly test and see how a product works. 
The weather protector is fantastic for the Perle and it does recline for good nap for your child.  It has a lift at the bottom of the seating.  Yeah, my sons legs kept pushing them down.
Overall Maxi Cosi seems like a great product would I recommend it?
Well for price it's great and if you know all of the above then get it.  You may have a better experience with it than I.
Maxi Cosi Perle is not for tall parents! Trust me. If the handles extended out like my new 2011 XLR Maclaren stroller(thank you Maclaren) than maybe it'd be better?
I'm sorry Maxi Cosi, I know you have a lot of fans.
Overall I give them a 6/10

Disclaimer: This is my personal opinion of Maxi Cosi,  all products mentioned were purchased and not given by Maxi Cosi for the purpose of my review.

Baby's Gourmet - Great new company!

Finally.
I have been on the hunt for something like this.
What do you ask?
Baby Gourmet.
I was at the Baby Times Show today and out of all of the new organic baby food companies this company stood out the most for me.
Why?
I have been looking for something similar to Plum Organics which is only in the States but seriously, who needs Plum when there's Baby's Gourmet.
Charlie likes pouches and as I was talking to Jennifer Broe one of the co-founders of Baby Gourmet my son was reaching for the pouches and he gulped down Harvet Pear, Pumpkin, Banana puree.

 

Besides loving them because they are Canadian(Alberta! I love Alberta), made in Canada and organic, the packaging clearly states being BPA free.  Plus I really like the menu options and they are a great snack for on the go.  They can be served at room temperature or served warm.

It comes in three stages, 1 for being Yummy purees, 2 Yummy Combo's, 3 Tasty textures.
With greens and pears to vanilla berry risotta the possibilities of yummy food are endless and they are with no salt or sugar and no fillers or thickeners.
You can find Baby Gourmet at The Big Carrot and at the end of the month they will be at Walmart.
I am so happy to find this line.  If you're going to the Baby Time Show check out their section to get a free a pouch and tell them I sent ya!  Have fun.

If you'd like to order online do so!
Here's a promo code to save 10% plus free shipping when you shop on www.babygourmet.com!  It ends November,15.10!
Code: Toronto10

Week 2, Day 4-Fit Chiks Bootcamp

 I'd have to say last nights class was the hardest.
We were a large group and we started a little late therefore we stayed a little late (glad the time was made up!) but we partnered up and I had a fellow mom of a toddler.

It was great to chat while working out.  I think I halfassed it a little last night as I was tired from Mr. Terrible Two but it was an okay class.
Looking forward to a more pumped class next time.

Don't get me wrong last nights class was hard core but different compared to others.  I don't know the terms but strength training works outs, painful advanced Burpees and all that other wonderful muscle strengthening training that left me today with a sore derriere.

I liked the partnering up but I think I work harder when doing the classes independently.  I was lucky to have such a great partner because she's been doing Fit Chicks for two years so she helped motivate me and also told me to take it easy if need be.
I am trying really hard but at the same time I can't.  I seriously can't and that makes me upset(I'd like use different words but I shouldn't)
I got frusterated with myself, I got the push from Anna but I'm sorry.  I can't do everything level 2 and up.
So when I left class I decided to walk home and in my head was Anna saying "walk faster, come on, move"
I see a new benefit day after day since starting Fit Chicks. 
Now I need to look through my Chick Pack and see what work outs I should do and look at their website for healthy choices to make in my diet.  Fit Chicks has everything!

Previous posts:
Week 1, Day 1

Week 1, Day 2

Week 1, Day 3

Silkberry- Bamboo Blanket Review

 

If you love bamboo, quality and blankets to keep your beautiful baby cozy and free of sythentic materials then Silkberry Baby products is for you.

Looking for a quality gift this holiday season or know someone who has a fresh new angel on Earth? Get this.

I am stickler for quality and hate cheap, synthetic fabric.  I truly love the line, I've received two blankets(the toddler duvet is another that I have and the best comforter for my prince) from Silkberry Baby as I will be carrying her products on my shop and what I want my viewers to have the best and I want you to get to know this company.

Silkberry Baby

Silkberry Baby was launched by Winsun Fashion, located in beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia.
 A mother of two young children she decided to develop her own baby bedding products because of her daughter who had an allergic reaction to the synthetic fibers of regular bedding. The polyester filled typically used in commercial bedding also made her daughter overheat and sweat a lot at night. After much research, she was able to source natural, eco-friendly and sustainable fibers - mulberry silk floss and bamboo fabric, the best natural choices available for baby and toddlers' bedding.

 My Bamboo Blanket...I mean Chunkles Bamboo Blanket
It has a beautiful weight to it, nice stitching and super soft. The perfect cuddly blanket and my son loves this as do I, we take this with us everywhere.

from the Silkberry website:

Fabric: 100% rayon from bamboo
Size: 35" x 47" (90cm x 120cm)
Price: $29.99 CDN
Features: The bamboo blanket is made from rayon from bamboo and is an eco-friendly, renewable resource, exquisitely soft and luxurious. Like silk, bamboo wicks moisture away from the body and stays fresh longer. Bamboo contains anti-bacterial properties. This soft blanket is the perfect solution for allergy sufferers. This blanket is woven in a waffle pattern. You know it is healthy for your baby's skin and keeps your baby cozy during naps and sleep time.  Fully machine washable and available in baby pink, sky blue and ivory colors. If you prefer smaller blanket, you can choose our 100% silk fleece baby blanket.

So visit her site, pop over to her Facebook page(tell her you heard about Silkberry through Everything Mom and Baby) and get to know Silkberry Baby.  You will love her products.

See Silkberry's Guest Post on my blog, here

Now can be found on Everything Mom and Baby's Shop!

Week 2 Day 3 of Fit Chicks Bootcamp

 I swear I could start every new post with OMG after a nights class of Bootcamp courtesy of Fit Chicks.

I got to meet Anna, she will be my Sergeant until the end of January and let me tell....she is one tough lady.

Last nights class consisted of Tabata's.  Oh dear Tabata's how I love and hate you.  My butt and thighs are feeling yesterdays workout.

What is Tabata's?

Tabata is a type of interval training that takes 4 minutes to perform. You do 20 seconds of intense work followed by 10 seconds of rest. You repeat this 8 times. 

Sound easy?  Well it ain't. From skipping to planks to burpees to frog jumping etc..  again I wish I took Kegel exercises seriously.  It is brutal, I think this was the hardest class from a beginners point of view who is so out of shape.

Post baby my abs are beyond stretched that holding in my stomach in was a workout before I started Fit Chicks, now it's getting easier as my abs are getting stronger.  See my first post.

Thank god muscle has memory as my dear RMT(Registered Massage Therapists) friends tell me.  Because after a week of FitChicks Bootcamp I am walking taller, my glutes tighten right up when I stand or stop suddenly(example of muscle memory and of ballet training in my younger days, my thighs and butt are beginning to remember).   I would love to get my dancers body back, yet I have no coordination when we do certain exercises.  I look ridiculous.

Last nights class I was able to sit with my legs extended and reach my toes and sit there for 10 seconds as we stretched.  I need to find a good Yoga Studio and incorporate all of this in, if you know of any in the GTA, please let me know.  Preferably Yonge and St.Clair area. I think Mosha Yoga Studio is close to me.

It was hell but as always I feel so good after and can't wait for the next class.

So in a nutshell after one week(for me):

~ Improved posture

~Muscle memory kicks in

~Becoming more stronger and more flexible.

Have you started FitChicks yet?

Previous posts:
Week 1, Day 1

Week 1, Day 2

 

Vintage Lucy Winner!

Who has won an awesome piece of clothing from Vintage Lucy?

It is........bukaeyes

I like the Dream a Little and The Hot Rod Girl Girly Shirts (size 12-18 months)! I really liked everything but those are just a few.
bukaeyes@*******.com

 

True Random Number Generator Min: Max: Result: 16 Powered by RANDOM.ORG

 

Week 1, Day 2-Fit Chicks Bootcamp

I knew last night I would wake up with sore quads and glutes.
What a class it was, Dana is one tough cookie but I really enjoyed last nights class.
Cardio is my weakest.  I almost died in yesterdays activities. Is there such a thing as a good kind of dying?
If there is, then it is  Fit Chicks Bootcamp.
The time goes by quickly and before you know it, you're doing cool down and class is over.
So yesterdays class involved warm up, a jog around the gym and then some moves I have no idea if I was doing correctly because I have no coordination.  Since having Charlie and besides having a beautiful 2 year old that he is,  I have a gut and huge breasts(by the way, having big breasts is hugely overrated) I cannot wait to get rid of all three.  I'm not talking about Total Recall either, LOL!
Yesterdays Cardio was hard.  I will not lie.  But I went shopping today at Winners(after watching my beloved Season 2 of Mad Men, I would be such a Joan, we have the same figure...if I was thin) so I don't look like such a slob.  I wore my comfy Roots sweats and my ever so flattering maternity tank top...Not anymore.  I felt like the below picture.

 We went around the gym and did a lot of jumps, lunges, calf raises, galloping( I feel like a cow.  I almost wondered if there was a subliminal theme, here....calf raises, galloping etc..)
But in the end it was AWESOME!
It would make certain exercises in Bootcamp much easier but that will come in time and I cannot wait.
What I loved the most about Dana's class is some exercises involved exercises I did many, many moons ago in ballet warm up.
I never thought that Bootcamp would rekindle memories from my childhood and how nice it is to get out and break free from the Terrible Two's.
I wish there was Bootcamp on Friday.  When I first start warm up I think "Good God, I can't do this" and when I finish I am pumped and can't wait for the next class.
Have you ever done Bootcamp?
Have you ever worked with Fit Chicks before?