Working out with FITMOM-Wednesday, Feb.29/12

What a snowy, wet day in Toronto! I hopped on the bus and made it to FITMOM in time to get a wicked work out. When I heard the wind blowing outside I had no idea what was waiting for us when we stepped out the door.

I can still feel the sensation of my thighs hard work. That it almost 6 hours later from todays class.
We did our regular warm up with the dumb bells and squats and my arms almost fell off.
Umm..yeah. I was using 3pd weights, LOL!  But the way Andrea has you working them, wow!  It really should be nothing for me to do after 5 weeks of working out with FITMOM.  But Andrea has a way of motivating you and finding those little muscles that need waking up in not just the arms but EVERYWHERE!

I really like the feeling of my body aching after a work out.  It's a good feeling not a bad feeling.  As we were squatting and doing these crazy frog jumps well I did one row of these crazy jumps (no stress incontinence! Must be those planks she makes us do!) I actually jumped. Jumping is hard as you get older.  Maybe it's just the +++ pounds of me but I did one row of jumping and then went into duck walks which is like squatting, back straight and waddling.  Sound easy? Think again!

Then we were lunging and skipping with a lunge. Talk about getting your cardio started.  I almost passed out but I was foolish and skipped breakfast.  Thank god for modifications.
But as I passed the mirrors I was looking at myself and saw a slightly thinner me. As I looked at myself all red in the face and sweaty I said:

"You can do it!  The pain is your body changing.  Wake up muscles, WAKE UP!"

Today was a awesome work out.  As hard as it was when it ended I thought, okay that wasn't so bad ;)

So the next step is my food journal and 40 days of FITMOM! Andrea warned me, I need to prepare.  I say.  

"BRING IT ON!"

simons.ca ~ Fashion Fan Giveaway and my experience shopping online with them

I recently was selected to review what shopping on simons.ca would be like.  
It was like a dream come true.  You mean I get to shop? I get to pick something out for myself?
When motherhood comes, some of us are helpless and we feel guilty when we buy something for our selves.  I can't remember the last time I did shop for something for me. When I get these opportunities I think what would Charlie like or Papa Ash?

So I started browsing, the site it's self is easy to navigate.  Lot's of beautiful merchandise and designers that well...didn't exactly work in my favor.  A lot of things were not is size XL.  Now I had the moment of oh yes, now I remember why don't shop for myself!

Their Return Policy is brilliant as I picked out a lovely coat.  When it arrived I couldn't button it over my chest properly. Sad moment for me as it was a XL.  All I had to do was go back online follow the procedure and print out a new delivery slip for UPS. They came and picked it up and sent it back to simons.ca.
Voila!

So back to website to see what else I should get.

I loved browsing as there were lots of things I wish I could wear if I were thinner.  However the line Twik is more so for a smaller fit and Contemporaine is more for a European/woman's shape and fit.
So I've been told.  I did however pick something out from Twik forgetting that their XL will fit me more like a Large.  It is a simple cardigan but it will look nice on me by the time Spring comes.
Their stock changes almost daily and there's always something new I find on the site I wish I could have.

So here's what I ended up getting.  I played it safe and got some bracelets, the cardigan mentioned above, hair accessories and a shower curtain :) Here's what a $100 gift card got me with a little room left over.

Now if you go to simons.ca on Facebook you can be automatically entered to win 4 prizes worth $1000 and $10,000 in instant prizes and $50 to shop at simons.ca.  That is drawn every 100 new fans.

I loved having this opportunity to review for simons.ca
I do recommend you check it out and thank you again simons!

Coco & Tini ~ Natural bathing products for children

A new company called Coco & Tini from British Columbia is making it's way East and who better than EM&B to tell you about it and to give you a chance to win!

As some of you may know, skin care is another passion of mine along with baby carriers. Skincare was my profession before motherhood so being a "product junkie" when I find a great skin care line for my son I get equally excited.

Excited? Seriously?
Well..yes. My son has sensitive skin and even products that are organic and natural can still give him the itchies.
Coco & Tini did not! Hurrah!
And he just informed he likes the Sea Horse best which is their bubble bath and then the froggy for his body wash. He hates getting water over his face but he just said he's okay with the lady bugs and owls.
The conditioner by the way is lovely and not too heavy for his fine hair.

What's not in Coco & Tini?

• Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate-Free
• No Artificial Fragrance
• No Artificial Preservatives
• No Parabens
• Nut-Free Ingredients
• No Animal Testing

"Gentle cleansers and no parabens or artificial fragrance. That's a formulation any parent can be happy about. Their shampoo contains only 100% of the finest natural-source ingredients and is free of cheap and harsh surfactants like sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate. Plus it smells great too."

Coco & Tini would love to give a set a away to a lucky Canadian Family. Here you have a chance to win the whole line, valued at $75.

To enter:  Pop over to Everything Mom and Baby on Facebook and post a photo on the EM&B wall of your baby splashing away in some bubbles or lets see a picture of your messy bebe that needs Coco & Tini.  Either or is great and fun!

ENTER {HERE}

Bonus entries:
*  Like Coco & Tini on and let them know how you heard about them on Facebook 
*  Tweet the giveaway or share this post. Just click on the little heart below.
*  Follow my bog, just click on the Follow button on the top right

*  Giveaway ends March.13, 2012.  Open to Canadians only. Winner will be selected randomly.

~ GOOD LUCK ~

Win VIP tickets to the ultimate Original Baby Soiree ~ March.11, 2012

Local mothers and mothers to be we have an event you don't want to miss!

The Original Baby Soiree is a lavish affair with a focus on expected and new mommies.
This is not your typical mass-expo event but rather an elite experience and a true treat; an intimate and interactive show featuring the top companies in the baby, toddler and celebration industry.
We can't wait to go and here's your chance to win a pair of tickets!

Buy tickets {HERE}

The Prize:  Two (2) VIP Passes to the event on March 11, 2012
contest value $90
Children 12 & under are FREE

What do VIP tickets get you?
VIP TICKET
Your ticket includes:

* Signature Mocktail
* Hors D’Oeuvres
* All Seminars + Workshops
* Entrance to the Mama Beauty Bar with spa treatments (spring water & caviar facial, manicure, makeup application, massage, skin care consultation)
* Access to Baby & Toddler Quarters complete with supervised activities & crafts
* Mini Consultations with industry experts
* Access to over 40 hand-picked baby, toddler and celebration professionals
* Live Inspiration Boards
* A copy of The Little Paper & Help We’ve Got Kids
* Automatic entry to win 1 of 5 fabulous prizes including 7 nights at a Club Med Resort
* Entrance to the Chanel-Inspired Lounge complete with a full Mocktail + Coffee Bar
* Access to the VIP Gifting Suite where you choose your own items/products for Swag Bags

How to Enter:

1. Facebook: Like the Original Baby Soiree(tell them I sent you!)

2. Tweet:  March.11/12 come to the Original Baby Soiree hosted by @mymamaloves!

http://mamalovesu.com/the-show-2/

3. Share this post: Click on the little heart and share this post on your Facebook wall or whichever method posted below.

4. Finish your entry by clicking {HERE} for your name and email address

~ Contest ends this Wednesday, Feb.29, 2012 ~

Personal Gourmet Frozen from Rose Reisman ~ A Delicious Review

Last week I got to eat like a star. If I could afford it I would love to have to personal chef. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE to cook.  But once in awhile I like to have someone cook me a meal and I thoroughly appreciated receiving the offer to try out Personal Gourmet for a couple of days.

I was hesitant at first. I thought well, we don't have a microwave. How will the food really taste? I wonder if there's preservatives and it would be something I would like and would my readers benefit from this? I reviewed their frozen line and there is also a fresh option. How nice is that?!

Well readers you would. You can use Personal Gourmet for your weight loss goals or if you want to eat healthy and this would make a really great gift for a family.  Personal Gourmet also offers Gluten Free meals.

I have an idea for you.  As I was eating this delicious food I got to thinking how great this would be for new moms.   My sister offered to hire a personal chef as a gift in my early newborn baby days and I wish I had taken her up on the offer.

I loved the food I was eating from Personal Gourmet and when you're a new mom the last thing you want to do or feel like is cooking when it's just you and hubby.
At least I did. I was exhausted, after all I fed on demand, I showered when I could, cleaned when I could and slept when I could.  I don't see anything about me eating.  I'd open the fridge and ate whatever was in there and savoured every last dish my mom made for me.

When I was enjoying my meals from Personal Gourmet I felt very pampered and mothered.  Yes, mothered. It felt as though my mom had me these healthy, yummy meals because it had the homemade gourmet feel to it.  No preservatives or additives, just fresh healthy, delicious food and I didn't want it to end.
Since we're microwave free, I just let the meals thaw and gently reheated them in the oven. Easy and great.
I enjoyed the Barley Pilaf with grilled shrimp with basil pesto & asiago cheese.  The shrimps were plump and big, not those tiny flimsy, soggy shrimps you might get in other ready made meals.  Rose Reisman did not skimp on quality in her prepared foods.  
The chicken in my wild and brown rice was tender and lovely, I loved the mix of dried fruits which I've never thought to do myself.
The salmon was tender and a great portion. A real nice piece of fish and the pulled pork and homemade BBQ sauce with the salsa rice...definitely my favorite!

Company Profile on Personal Gourmet:

Personal Gourmet, created by Rose Reisman, is a DAILY food delivery service designed for people who want to eat healthy, great tasting food!

We provide flexibility that works with your lifestyle.  Our programs have no start date, end date or need for consecutive days.
We offer all of the following plans:

• Fresh Food - Healthy Living & Weightloss Plans
• Frozen Food - Healthy Living & Weightloss Plans
• Corporate Food Program

Rose Reisman is a well known health and wellness expert, media personality, caterer and author of 17 cookbooks.  We understand and believe that food is all about enjoyment.

So sit back and enjoy! Each meal plan offers a proper balance of the 4 major food groups, based on the Canada Food Guide and American Heart Association.

PERSONAL GOURMET is a result of the combined efforts of Rose Reisman - a well known health and wellness expert, media personality, caterer and author of 17 cookbooks - a team of qualified dietitians, and Dr. David Macklin, one of Canada’s leading weight management physicians.

What else did I get to eat?  Take a look! The picture's speak for themselves. I highly recommend Personal Gourmet. I am so sad I don't have any more meals!

Playtex Mommyville Reviewer Panel and we're contributing! #giveaway

Playtex Mommyville has started something new!  A review panel of Moms dishing on reviews, hot topics and series of our own mommyville insights.

Here are some of the fabulous Canadian bloggers that will be contributing
alongside Everything Mom and Baby:

Mommy Kat & Kids
Everything Up Close
Jabbering Jessi
Nolies Place
Amotherworld
and Registered Nurse for Playtex Mommyville, Cindy Zizek.

So I ask you,  to come over and join our community.  It's easy to sign up.
I'm excited to be a part of this community and look forward to chatting with you on Playtex Mommyville!

We're going to kick off our collaboration with a giveaway of one of my favorite dishes and coolster cup!

Enter {HERE} for a chance to win a Playtex Baby Plates and Coolster cup. Please read carefully.

* All you have to do is sign up to Playtex Mommyville

* Like Playtex on Facebook and if you're new to Everything Mom and Baby you can stay on top of things by liking us on Facebook too!

GIVEAWAY OVER ~ Winner: V. Theberge

Open to Canada Only, ends March.9/12

Getting fit with FITMOM: Pre & Post Natal Fitness Programs

I have been getting my butt handed to me by Andrea Page the fabulous FITMOM behind this company getting moms healthy during and after pregnancy.

Where I am at and feeling:

This blogging series on my experience with FITMOM is going to get serious. Measurements and photo's will be shared and I cannot make any excuses for any lack of progress as we track my weight loss.  I want results and I want to share them with you.
I am nervous to share my photo's and measurements because mainly:

A) I come from a very critical family
B) I am posting myself right out there while I feel and look my worst(in my opinion. My husband loves me in any shape or form)
C) I am scared

I have always been thin, I was taking ballet classes at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet from the time I was a preschooler up to just starting my teens and then I got into Ukrainian dancing. 
I moved to Toronto when was 18 and felt this sense of freedom.  I ate what I wanted and never thought I'd have to worry.  I was about a size 8 and now 34 and  I am a size 16.  I don't want to get any bigger because it's not comfortable for me.  I don't think my body type is meant to be cared for this way and to carry the extra baggage. I am tired of hiding and just want to look good.  I am not doing to please anyone but myself.

Before I had my son I was a 14. Granted I had a child but after birth I was a size 12 because I ate better, I walked to work and well...I didn't drink anymore.  I lost weight while pregnant because I was healthier and made better decisions.  We were always out and about, my husband is in the hospitality industry and dinner and drinks is what we did.

So here I am,  3 years post partum and feeling like a whale. I want to get fit and healthy so we can plan baby #2.  And when I see a picture of myself. Photo's from the bust up please :)

So what has my first couple of weeks with FitMom have been about?

Well I never knew about ab separation also known as Diastasis Recti.  In pregnant women, increased tension on the abdominal wall may lead to diastasis recti. Multiple births or repeated pregnancies increase the risk.  Great!  So I want to repair the damage before baby #2 comes along.

At FitMom you get checked for that and do exercises accordingly.  The work outs are tailored to repair and prevent issues that can arise from postpartum.

 I LOVE IT!

Don't get me wrong it is hard fat burning work outs and I feel like a Seal flapping around and losing my balance in some of the positions but I am working out hard twice a week in class and once a week doing the FIT MOM DVD.  Today I did half an hour on the elliptical and I end Friday with the DVD.

The Classes:

The moms in the classes are wonderful, non judgmental and it's great to be able to bring your kids to class.
You can even baby wear as you exercise and it is encouraged.  Don't worry about over heating, just take baby off and baby will be in their own designated area where we all can see still the child and coo as we sweat up a storm.

Andrea is fabulous with the kids as and we finish each class with a baby song or I should say Circle Time.

Getting the energy to run and be active is such a great feeling and I do encourage you to visit her site and find an instructor near you.
It's good to get the Chi flowing.  It's good for your health and if you are planning on having more babies learn more here about getting your body ready for it!

 So here are my measurements for Feb.23, 2012:
Height: 5'9 1/2"
Bust:46  Waist:43.5 (I still remember when it was 28!)  Hips: 51.2  Thighs(R/L): 29.5/29 Arms(R/L) 14.5/14
Weight: No way am I ready to share that, LOL! But I will be honest in the pounds shed

What I look like now. This pic was taken after class so I am nice and sweaty for you.
Photo's are taken by Trina Turl Photography and Trina will be taking pics during my progress!

And yes you are getting a side shot of me because I am shy and not comfortable will full exposure.
I'm sorry I can't help it!  It is very hard for me to post this picture. AHHHHHH!!!

So here I am. I hope you'll come along with me and enjoy my posts on FitMom, share with me your insecurities or your successes as I am with you and I hope you'll all give me words of encouragement because I need it!

Thank you for taking the time to read this and so it begins!

Fisher Price does it again! Fun with Thomas and Friends...#FisherPriceMom

When the courier came with a box of goodies from my latest marketing campaign with Fisher Price I truly had no idea what to expect.

When I opened the box and saw Thomas I  knew I would have one happy little 3 year old.

We play with Thomas a lot. We have DVD's to watch for our mid afternoon cuddles with a big bowl of popcorn and sing a long to their songs. My son loves to sing to Thomas.
But when he got this super cool Thomas and Friends Track Master, Colin and "The Party Surprise" I knew our days of watching movies would be replaced with a motorized Thomas!

We don't have a motorized track and honestly I didn't know too much about their new tracks as we always buy wood and do it the old fashioned way ;)

How captivated was Charlie? He was so into playing with Thomas and thank goodness we had batteries.  I think as parenthood comes to us, batteries of all sizes are essential, LOL!

I will say, I enjoy watching him play.  I'll get in there and be the crane but it is hilarious seeing Charlie say Thomas' words like "Cinders and Ashes" as he goes around the track or his latest is "Sizzling Fireboxes".  I often think of them as Thomas' swear words.  The best is when Charlie yells out "Bother!" when he purposefully knocks off the surprise boxes off of Thomas' trailer.

Moms, can you share your children's favorite Fisher Price toys? I guess you know we're all about Thomas and Friends ;)

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

Consonant Skincare announces skin care swap! Feb.14-26/12

 Out with the old, in with the new and natural from

Consonant Skincare encourages consumers to swap old skin care products for 50% off select Consonant items!

Mama Ash's Experience with Consonant?

Finally a truly organic cream I am pleased to use! It is called Consonant Ultra Moisturizing Organic Face Cream for Dry Skin.
I have super dry skin ever since giving birth to my son 3 years ago.  There are two types, one for normal, combination and oily skin and one for Dry Skin. It's packed with organic ingredients and my skin cannot help but smile and it's thanks shows me healthy skin and it's unscented.  The Ultra Face cream soothed my redness thanks to the contents of Argan oil and Borage oil. 

Are you aware of what the skin absorbs? Some of the ingredients found in your creams are not always beneficial and often have useless fillers in them that offer nothing for the skin.  Organic cream if you can is the way to go and you have this unique opportunity to try it and save 50%!

The Ultra Moisturizing Organic Body Lotion is what I love to slather on my little guys skin.   He's super sensitive and a lot of products cause his skin to itch. Baby have eczema?
Give this moisturizer a try. There's Cocoa Seed Butter, Olive seed oil (high in EFA's!) and Chamomile to soothe.

Got Dry Lips? Being organic I also thoroughly enjoy licking my lips and I can rest at ease with their Organic Ultra Moisturizing Lip Conditioner.
Sweet Almond oil is the main ingredient and it so rich but not overly greasy at all! I love that it has Beeswax as well.  Highly recommended you try the lip gloss.

So why not bring in the old and try Consonant?  
 Consonant Skincare has launched its second annual Skincare Swap taking place from Tuesday, February 14 until Sunday, February 26 at its flagship store (2479 Yonge St.), as well as at select retail locations.

 

As a result of the vast response generated by last year’s Hand Cream Swap, Consonant Skincare is inviting people to bring in their old face wash, face cream or eye cream (used or unused) to trade in for a 50 per cent discount on the equivalent Consonant Skincare product (limit one per person).

“Most women have a bin of rejected products under their sink that promise to soothe, plump or hydrate their skin, and fail to deliver,” said Bill Baker, owner of Consonant Skincare.“This repeated let-down can make buying skin care frustrating, not to mention extremely costly. We want to encourage people to try healthier skin care as part of a general healthy way of living, and to prove that natural skin care actually works.”

All of Consonant Skincare’s products are free of toxic chemicals and carcinogens. In encouraging consumers to try their products, they hope to convince people that they don't have to give up anything to use healthier and more natural products. They can achieve results that are just as good, if not better, than the traditional, synthetic brands they’ve been using for years.

About Consonant Skincare:
Located at 2479 Yonge St. in Toronto, all of Consonant Skincare’s 100-per-cent natural products are created and produced in Canada, and are made with the highest possible concentration of organic botanical ingredients. They are formulated to work in harmony with the body’s natural chemistry to improve the health of skin over time, rather than just covering up irritating symptoms. Skin appears firmer, healthier and younger without the use of synthetic ingredients such as parabens, sulphates, petroleum ingredients, phthalates and silicone. The Organic Firming Eye Cream, a customer favourite, was recently selected by Chatelaine magazine as a 2011 Star Product for being the best Canadian beauty product. Store hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

If you go and swap I hope you'll tell me what you swapped and what you got!

Kowalli Baby Carrier Covers-Pre-Order Special from Everything Mom and Baby Shop

Well why not have a SALE before they come in?

Just in time for Spring, babywearing can be warm and cozy without having to put on a big, heavy coat with Kowalli Baby Carrier Covers.

Kowalli features:

• The fabric is weather-treated Polartec fleece that repels rain and snow. 
• It works with baby in any position (facing in or out), front or back, or hip carry. 
• Lies toga-style so baby can see out
• One size fits most. 
• Can be used with any SSC(Soft Structured Carrier), sling, or wrap. Made in USA.
• Works as a nursing cover

I like that I can wear a lighter coat and pull the cover over or step in and pull it up, cinch and go. If I was still breast feeding I can easily use the Kowalli as a cover and nurse discreetly by opening my coat and lift my nursing top.  Something that can't easily done in another product where baby has to poke their head through.

 Kowalli's are coming to Everything Mom and Baby Shop in a couple of weeks and EM&B is running a pre-order special for Canadian orders.   Sorry, US but you can order directly through Kowalli.

Canadian orders, Kowalli's are on special $69.99 (and ships for free)  til Sunday, Feb.26/12 and then they go up to $79.99.

 PRE-ORDER {HERE} and get the hottest Spring Baby Carrier Cover accessory that Ontario has ever seen!  EM&B is their first retailer in Ontario and as you know EM&B sets the trend ;)
These are also very daddy friendly! You might need to buy two!

Family Day Giveaway from Dress Me Up Organic!

We have something really nice to giveaway as we take a day off to celebrate 

Family Day.

Teething Bonbons

                                             $15.95
Such a unique a brilliant teether this is made of 100% organic cotton and stuffed with Canadian wool.
1. Dip the ends in water.

2. Leave the centre stuffing dry.

3. Toss in the freezer ‘till needed.

So what we have for a giveaway is not only a teething bon bon but a teething bon bon leash to keep the bonbon from hitting the floor!

Organic Teething Bonbon Leash
                     $12.95

They have created a leash that can be attached to your little one's shirt and be threaded through the tag on the Teething Bonbon® to ensure that it doesn't fall on the floor.
The leash can also be used to secure your favorite soother or other toys.
Each Organic Teething Bonbon^® Leash is handmade one at a time in our Canadian, west coast studio from custom printed 100% organic cotton sateen. The metal soother clip is certified lead free.

So what we have for you is a fun giveaway! Are you ready for a scavenger hunt?

One lucky winner will win a Teething Bon Bon and leash!

Visit Dress Me Up Organic and find the EM&B Logo!

How to Enter, please read carefully

1. You will find my logo strategically placed in 10 of Dress Me Up product line. You must find them all.

2. Enter your contact info and your urls/entry to this {FORM}

3. Like Dress Me Up on {Facebook}

4. Tweet the giveaway! Click on the little heart below where it says Share this Post or share it another way if you are not on Twitter.

5. Open to US and Canada

6. Contest ends 12pm EST, Tuesday Feb.21/12

7. Have fun and good luck!

8. Just comment below what else you like from Dress Me Up Organic.

Staycation Toronto style and enter to win a $500 Stayation from Kinder Canada! #kindermom

Do you normally go away for March break?  We never do, LOL!  Actually we never really go anywhere sadly.  Maybe back home to Winnipeg to see family or up North in Ontario to see family as well.
Mostly because we can't afford to jet set.  With Charlie in our lives that means one extra plane fair and Toronto is such  a great city sometimes it's nice to pretend you are the tourist in your own city.

Go ahead and explore your surroundings.
Some great things to do around Toronto that one may by pass:

1) Visit The Distillery District.  I actually used to work in a spa there, it is a Victoria era area of Toronto that is really well preserved.  I will say thought the spa I worked in was haunted.
It is a pedestrian-only set amidst fabulous heritage architecture that has the largest collection of Victorian Industrial Architecture. No franchise's there from what I remember but really hip, chic boutiques, art galleries, condo living  and wonderful restaurants.

2) Right around the corner you have more of Toronto history by visiting St.Lawrence Market.
One of the worlds greatest markets and great food for the whole family!
208 years later St.Lawrence Market is thriving in downtown Toronto.
The North Market is primarily known for its Saturday Farmers' Market, since1803 producers of Southern Ontario bring their seasonal produce to market in the city.
Sundays is the day to explore Antiques.
3) Yorkville.  Bloor St  is the Rhodeo Drive of Beverly Hills.
Here you'll see fashionista's,  lady's and men with little dogs in their Louis Vuitton's bustling by some of the most fabulous boutiques in the world.  You might even see a celebrity or two.
It's fun to people watch, window shop, lunch,  and to visit such fashion houses.  I love Yorkville, mind you I frequent the Winners there :P

4) Royal Ontario Museum(ROM)
The ROM is a must-see Toronto attraction.
Discount admission on ROM Friday Nights starts at 4:30 pm. The ROM remains free to students attending a Canadian post-secondary institution every Tuesday.  Also on Wednesday after 5pm is free admission FOR ALL!
 Saturday Morning Club for kids offers fun-filled, educational adventures in the ROM's fascinating galleries and learning labs. If you are planning a family visit, find tons of fun and inspiring drop-in programs at ROMkids weekends or bunk down for the night at our popular ROM Sleepovers.
Check out and get your kids signed up March Break Camp!

So this are just a few suggestions of things to do for a Staycation in Toronto.  What about your town?
What does your city have to offer where you can be a tourist?

What does Kinder Surprise got to do with this you ask?

Check out the KINDER® Canada Facebook page for a peek at the 2012 toy collection, great conversation, and exclusive monthly contests through the My Kinder Moments application – this February they’re giving away $500 towards the ultimate staycation!!!!

I am so happy to be selected as a Kinder Mom, this will be a fun campaign again!
What I love especially about Kinder Surprise:

• Both capsules & toys are made with new (non-recycled) material
• Capsules & toys ARE recyclable
• Capsules & toys are free of PVC and of phthalates
• Capsules are free of BPA

Disclosure: I’m part of the Kinder® Mom program and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.

Lady and the Tramp ~ Win a BluRay Combo Pack!

Fall in love all over again!

A wonderful classic has just come out in time for Valentines!  This will be our movie of the month to enjoy and for Charlie to watch this classic Disney film.  This will his first time watching Lady and the Tramp and I'm saving it for Valentines as we're going to have a nice little theme on the 14th.
Friends will come over and we'll make heart shaped Sables(French butter cookies) with pink icing and watch Lady and the Tramp.

Wanna come over?  What is your favorite part in Lady and The Tramp?
Feel free to comment below, I bet Disney Canada would love to know.
Having a Siamese cross at home, I look forward to singing along "We are Siamese if you please".  Charlie will love it!

Well Disney Canada and EM&B are teaming up to give one lucky family in Canada a combo prize pack of your very own.

  Experience the magic!  Read along with the characters from the film with this storybook and CD!

To Enter simply fill out this form and enter here!
Please note this Giveaway is open to Canadians only, excluding Quebec(sorry!)

Foxielicious Giveaway from Beco Baby Carrier

 

It's time to get foxie at the EM&B blog and Beco has just the thing for you!

We're both the feeling the love for February and what better way to show you the love than with a foxilicious Foxie Black Gemini Giveaway!

It's sleek, elegant and functional!   Speaking of sleek and functional...which one would you prefer?

Is it me or does baby seem to be in a better position in the Beco Gemini(pictured left), now I will say that Beco's inner panels(towards the crotch) are closed inwards, this is for forward facing.  When they are folded out knee's sit higher that baby's hip which is always optimal and best for baby.
Baby should be high enough to kiss. I do love the little bonnet baby is wearing in the Baby Bjorn but baby seems to be sitting pretty low. Sorry Baby Bjorn. I know you have 40yrs of being in the babywearing industry.
* please know, these are my opinions and are not influenced in any way. Pictures are shown for visual carrier comparisons.

Here are some product details on the Beco Gemini:

Sleek and Elegant: 
A little bit of print goes a long way and is a burst of fun compared to plain tone on tone carriers.
The Foxie Black from Beco is calling for the Mama fashionista in you.
* The body is 13" wide x 18.5" tall with head rest up, 14" tall with headrest folded
* Shoulder straps 23" (can be adjusted up to 22" LONGER for a total of 45")
* Waist belt 28"(size 0) can be adjusted up to 57"
                                                                * Weight capacity of the carrier: 7-35 lbs (3.5-16kg)
                                                                * Weight of the carrier: 1.5 lbs

{ GIVEAWAY IS NOW OVER!} ANDREA SCOTT is the WINNER

Now I want one lucky blog subscriber to win a Foxie Black Gemini Carrier as pictured above so you can see for yourself what a great brand Beco.

To Enter:

1) {mandatory} Finish the sentence:  " I think the Beco Baby Carrier is........

2) {mandatory}Like our sponsor Beco Baby Carrier on Facebook

3) {optional} Like EM&B(if you truly do) on Facebook

4) {optional}Subscribe to my blog so you don't miss any of our giveaways {here}

5) {mandatory} Enter your name/email address {here} to complete your entry.

6) {optional} FOLLOW my blog ;)  Click at the top right side where you see all those fabulous people following my blog

7) {optional} Click on Share this post, where the pink little heart is. You can tweet once a day too, add the #babywearing hashtag to it.

* You only need to comment here on the blog with question #1. 

Everything else you can check mark off on the question #5 entry form.*

GOOD LUCK!
ends Feb.14/12