Staycation? Stay safe and have fun at the Toronto Don Valley Hotel

photo courtesy of TDV

Have you thought about a Staycation?  I keep hearing about them and they seem to be more popular than actually going away and much more relaxing.  It's also more affordable and easier when traveling with kids and we did a Staycation for this vacation courtesy of the Toronto Don Valley Hotel and Suites.
Staycations offer local adventures without the added stress associated with travel, such as packing, long drives or waits at the airport and dealing with currency exchanges.  Recent studies have found two-thirds of Canadian families will travel within Canada this summer, due to its affordability and convenience.

“Summertime means the kids are at home and bursting with energy; mom and dad might still be working but are looking for ways to spend quality family time. It’s an ongoing struggle to find that balance, so more and more Canadians are looking for simple, easy ‘staycation’ ideas,” says Kevin Porter, General Manager, Toronto Don Valley Hotel & Suites. 

I asked fellow readers/fans on my Facebook page of Everything Mom and Baby what they liked about Staycations and here's what was said:

"I like that if we need to go home we can. With four small children (5,4,2, and 1 month) its nice to be able to head home if needed!" ~ Stephanie

" You finally get a chance to see all the sights and attractions in your own backyard that you never seem to have time for. After living in Toronto for 20 years, I still hadn't gone to the CN Tower. I finally saw it after I moved away!" ~ Sarah blogger at Journey of the Zoo

" A staycation is so much easier and cheaper than a trip away. It's easy to overlook the great sites and activities that are right in our own backyard; a staycation provides a super opportunity to explore locally" ~ Deborah blogger at Raising My Boys

" I love staycations - doing day trips to places like the zoo, the museum, Toronto Island etc. Staycations are less expensive and can sometimes be more enjoyable than vacations. Less stress, planning and cost!" ~ Amanda, blogger at Multi Testing Mommy

" Staycations are a wonderful idea - a limited budget and work vacation restrictions mean that this is definitely on agenda this year. Throw in four small people and a hotel in a nearby city (short travel distance!) is right up our alley!" ~ Melanie, blogger of MBAMamaMusings 

All of the above make perfect sense! We travel North every Summer and it's a good 4 hour drive, just long enough to drive my preschooler nuts in the back seat of the car.

So we had a very unique opportunity to review a night at the Toronto Don Valley Hotel for our staycation and it was an extremely pleasant stay.  This is an Urban Resort and great little get away.  Once you enter a hotel, even though you are staying in town, you feel as though you are vacationing.

Here are some photo's from our stay at the TDV.  They have a fabulous outdoor pool where we spent most of our time. It's the best spot for the kids.  Other amenities include their newly renovated gym, the indoor pool which has an amazing glass dome roof that would be awesome for a winters stay, and  the sauna and steam room.
I know they were working on reinventing the menu for the restaurant and room service, but due to unfortunate circumstances it has been delayed. The restaurant is set up in an appealing open manner right in the lobby and looks out over the pool. Very reminiscent of a summery getaway! I am hoping the menu will still get the upgrade it deserves, and look forward to coming back and trying it!

When we arrived because we participated in the Summer Sizzle Deal and were able to choose between two gifts for our son.  We chose the Spider Man Water Wings over the bubbles.

Learning to swim! He was great in his first time using water wings!
The most memorable part of our trip.

Yummy cocktails, poolside!

 Lounging in the beautiful lobby

A lovely welcome letter and treats!  On a side note, I would have loved to see a healthier options and maybe some organic fruit juices, treats or even in-house baked goods/treats.  But I let my son indulge in the juice and Smartfood since we're on vacation ;)

We really liked our room.  It was nicely furnished and had a Keurig machine!

Nice quality products and I LOVED the heated floor in the bathroom.

Night time kisses before bed.

We had a great time at the hotel.  I do suggest you check it out for your own staycation/getaway and see what all the fun is about.
The hotel staff was welcoming and friendly, it is designed impeccably, the beds are fantastic and you too can start building your own family staycation memories!

With the increasing interest and desire for staycations, the Toronto Don Valley Hotel & Suites is committed to providing a cost-effective way to stay and play with the family.  The location is great!
It's surrounded by the tranquil Don Valley Park, their newly renovated facilities offer the perfect background for an urban getaway, while remaining close to popular Toronto tourist attractions.
You can play with the kids at the nearby Ontario Science Centre or  take a trip to Toronto Zoo.  You can even go visit and check out the view from the  CN Tower.
Special TDV room rates and family packages are available at www.torontodonvalleyhotel.com.

I hope you're all having a wonderful Summer!

Small Business Sunday Feature: Carre Jaune. Little Wonders Great Care!

Being an Esthtetician and being a product junkie, researching skincare is one of my favorite things to do.  And when I come across a fabulous line I get rather excited and have to tell everyone about it.

About Carré Jaune:
 Carré Jaune(in English it means yellow box. Something Sylvies daughter loved to point out when learning shapes)
Carré Jaune was created by a mom of two is 100% natural, uses dried fruit extracts such as apricot and banana instead of essential oils.


What Everything Mom and Baby loves:
Carré Jaune is an organic line from Quebec, Canada using intriguing, healing and delightful nutritious oils and butters like Capuaçu buuter, Sea Buckthorn, Tamanu and Apricot oils.
All are highly nourishing for you and your little one's skin.

All Carré Jaune formula's contain the following NO's :

• NO Phtalates
• NO Petrochemichals
• NO Parabens
• NO Synthetic or chemical ingredients
• NO EDTA
• NO Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
• NO BPA

I received travel sizes of the line and I am savouring every last drop.  My son's skin truly has never been so soft.  I can say I am 100% pleased with the whole line.

First of the Apricot Bath Powder is made from dried fruits such as Apricot and Banana.  It also contains Oats and Tapioca!  This is so gentle and lovely.

The Natural Foam Wash is something I even use to wash my face but it is oh so gentle for your baby.  Carrot extract, Neroli(one of my favorite essential oils) and Witch Hazel makes this safe for all skn types.  I love it's creamy texture even though it's a foam.

Apricot Cream.  Oh Carré Jaune's Apricot Cream.  I could not stop smelling my arm as I did a test rub.  It smells so pure and like delicious ripe Apricots.  
The Apricot Cream also has some of my favorite oils and plants in it such as Sea Buckthorn and Calendula.   It is a healing and protective cream.  A must have to moisturize your child's skin.

Apricot Massage Oil...if you know how much I love the Apricot Cream you'll know I feel the same way about the massage oil.
You can smell a hint of the highly sought after and making a break through in skincare Tamanu Oil.
Tamanu is high in fatty acids, anti inflammatory, healing and overall a remarkable oil.
You will also note that Carrot, Rice Bran Oil also make this oil complete.  I love massaging my son with this oil.

Cupuaçu Pommade is your answer to diaper rash.  Carré Jaune uses Sea Buckthorn hand picked from Quebec as well as Rice Bran and Cupuaçu butter.  The Cupuaçu butter gives this pommade it's smoothness that I've never felt before in a diaper cream. 
This is cloth diaper safe too!  Anywhere where redness is or in the creases of baby's neck and thighs you can use this.  I use it for my skin irritations as well.  I love the cupuaçu butter in this!

Cupuaçu Balm is a handy balm that you can toss in your bag.  It calms and treats sunburned skin, treats wind burn cheeks and heals cuts and scratches.  Made with Cupuaçu butter(of course!) and Carrot, Sea Buckthorn and Tamanu.  Talk about nourishing! A must have.

This line is a high quality, affordable organic skin care and definitely a favorite of mine so naturally I give it my:

Now you can enter to WIN

the complete retail size line of Carré Jaune!

Open to Canada and the USA

Ends Aug.5, 2012
Giveaway is generated via Rafflecopter so please click on Read More or actual
blog post.
Good Luck!

Electrolux announces '365 Nights of Comfort' partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities Canada

Could I be any happier when I hear of such a joint venture?  How about you?  A big company like Electrolux that will contribute a substantial about in funds and donated appliances to 13, soon to be 14 Ronald McDonald Houses across Canada kinda makes me happy since we have some Electrolux appliances.
Electrolux will make a commitment and donate premium, modern appliances to each guest of the Ronald McDonald House to create comfortable kitchen environments for guest families.

Norm MacNiel, Direcrtor of Product and Brand Development, Electrolux Canada says:

" We cannot begin to understand the extreme hardship these families face, but we are pleased to be able provide appliances for the heart of the home, the kitchen, adding the comfort and convenience that Ronald McDonald Houses have been providing to these families for three decades".

 Starting July.1 to December.31, Brandsource retailers across Canada will donate $40 from the sale of every Fridigdaire® Dishwasher with OrbtClean™Technology that will go towards providing families with 365 Nights of Comfort at Ronald McDonald houses across Canada.  Electrolux will then commit to a final donation of $44,000.


Each Ronald McDonald House is independently operated (I did not know that!) and relies on support from individuals like you and me(get involved here) and individual donations from corporations and charitable groups.
With the aid of Electrolux in helping the Ronald McDonald House, it provides more than 10,000 families of seriously ill children with a safe and comfortable place to stay that is just steps from the hospital where the children undergo treatment.


So if you're in need of a new dishwasher, check out Frigidaire® Dishewasher with Orbit Clean and know that $40 of your purchase will be going to The Ronald McDonald House.

Get Fit with Fit Mom and repair your Diastasis with Andrea Page

A long over due post! My apologies everyone but I do have great news.  I've been delayed with Summer outings, media events and family visits!  But I am so happy to have discovered FitMom!
For the classes I've missed I've been sticking to my FitMom DVD and her FitMom 101.

Since starting FitMom in the end of January I've lost 14 pds and 4 inches off everywhere! See my previous post here about why I chose FitMom and my personal struggle with weight loss. 

I love that you can babywear when doing FitMom.  Great for core strengthening.

I have my waist in the high end of the 30's now and working on getting that smaller and it makes me a lot happier than the 43.5 inches I had when I first started.
But not only that is what I am really pleased about at my last FitMom class I had Andrea assess my Diastasis Recti.  It has repaired!!!! No more ab separation!
Through exercise with FitMom exclusively and listening to Andrea I don't have ab separation anymore. Can I say that again? LOL! No more ab separation thanks to FitMom!!!!!

Have you heard of Diastasis Recti? Have you ever been assessed? I never knew of ab separation until I heard about it from a friend of mine who experienced it in her second pregnancy.
I asked Andrea Page of FitMom to tell you a little more about it, what you can do and prevention.

HOW DO A DIASTASIS ASSESSMENT
By Andrea Page, FitMom

To assess diastasis lie briefly on your back with legs bent feet flat on the ground. Then place finger tips of one hand behind their head and lift upper body of the ground as if doing a crunch.
You should place finger of other hand (FLAT) approximately at belly button with finger tips pointing towards your pubic bone. Apply a gentle pressure to identify the attachment area of the left and right sides of the rectus abdominus. In an early pregnant or non pregnant state you would identify one finger or less – this would be considered normal for this subject if it is a first time pregnancy. A second pregnancy may have residual undiagnosed /unrehabiltated diastasis. This is why regular assessment from the early stages of pregnancy helps with recognition.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD ASSESSMENT BE DONE?
FITMOM programming suggests an early (first trimester where possible) assessment. This should be done at a first meeting or first class with a client.
FIRST TRIMESTER – You should be assessed at the first meeting.
SECOND TRIMESTER – You should be assessed at the beginning of the second trimester (16-18 weeks) and then again at approximately 25 plus weeks. Increase frequency to every two weeks for women with two finger widths or more.
THIRD TRIMESTER – Minimum diastases check should be 3 times. Subject should be assessed every two weeks noting that in some clients this could be self assessment.

PREVENTION: WHAT CAN ONE DO TO LOWER THE RISK?
In the ideal world woman planning to get pregnant will have some lead time to prepare their body for pregnancy in every aspect. In terms of diastasis recti there a few things that can optimize the body for pregnancy thus limiting biomechanical stress. As the oblique’s are stabilizers it is preventative to ensure that women planning pregnancy or pregnant focus on strengthening them. Non twisting oblique’s once pregnant should be avoided as it stresses the connective tissue of the rectus abdominus. However prior to pregnancy you can include in a core stability program. During pregnancy as well as postpartum if you have been assessed with diastasis should engage in non twisting oblique in the saggital plane. A great explanation is to think of the oblique’s as a picture frame and the rectus abdominus as the picture. A stable frame will help protect the picture.
Unsupported lengthening phases: Regular concentric /eccentric abdominals can continue before 1-2 finger width postpartum. Splinting (manual/or towel based) will minimize aggravating the ligamentus tissue that attaches the left and right side of the rectus abdominus.

REHABILITATION: IF A WOMAN HAS A COMPLETE OR PARTIAL SEPARATION WHAT CAN AND SHOULD BE DONE?
In many cases a diastasis or opening will correct itself postpartum. However assumptions should not be made and postpartum woman should be reassessed before resuming regular abdominal work. In severe cases where complete separation has occurred surgery may be necessary. Where complete separation has occurred the long term implications are far from desirable. Separated abdominals leave the organs (uterus, bladder etc) generally supported by the abdominals vulnerable to prolapse in the near or late future depending on severity. This of course can be aggravated by traumatic vaginal births further contributing to lack of support. Getting this diagnosis can still be difficult. Many caregivers do not check for abdominal separation still today. Encourage clients to request this and get second opinions as often caregivers in a rush misdiagnosis or minimize the importance of proper direction around this condition.
Low to minimal risk separation = 1-3 fingers widths.
Moderate to minimal risk = 2-3 finger widths.
High Risk = 4 finger widths.


So there you have it moms.  I hope you'll look into this and consider doing FitMom yourself.  If you can't get out,  get her DVD's, get her online support and have your own personal trainer with you helping you repair your diastasis recti, lose weight and feel great.  If you leave it ignored you are only going to regret it so and suffer from back pain as well.  That's just one of the side effects.
See all my posts here.

                                          Thank You Andrea! FitMom is AWESOME!!!!

Charlie doing push ups with me at FitMom!

Summer Fun and Fisher Price debuts two new products! #Fisher Price Moms

Packing things up and getting ready for the splash pad just got a lot easier for me this Summer!
This has been the Summer of splashing around and trekking around the city to the best splash pads and parks for picnics and play.  How are you spending the hot, hazy days of Summer?
Well for us it's been lots of fun and I can easily do more by being hands free with my brand new Fisher Price Back Pack!

I can fit my Mei Tai, Charlie's towel, dry clothes and wet bag for his swim shorts.  I have my sunscreen in there, snacks and my book and even some games.
The bag is genius in the sense that it has labeled zippers for soothers, bottles, wipes and such.  I know not every bag needs this feature but it's quite handy.  Because as you know, a diaper bag comes with a lot of compartments and I'm sure I'm not the only one searching through and looking for that one item.  The labeled tags help make it a breeze where my patience is not run short as I look for this and that!
There's a reason why this is called The Fisher Price Deluxe Sporty BackPack with Fast Finder Pocket System.  If this back pack looks a little familiar it made its debut in the motion picture "What to Expect When You're Expecting".

My Mao Pô Toddler sized Mei Tai

Lots of room!

All zipped up with ease!

Now lets talk summer clothing.  Are onesies your baby's summer long outfit? You may be interested in finding out about Fisher Prices' newest onesie made with fun colour palettes for boys and girls.

                                                   Fisher Price is the Stretch 'Ems.  

Cloth diapering mama's....these onesies are for you too as they fit fluffy bums perfect!  These will hit stores July 25/12 throughout Walmart Canada, 3 body suits from sizes of Newborn, 0-3, 3-6 and 9-12 months will be priced at $14.97
They stretch and grow just like baby for a comfortable fit and a longer fit as well.  After 18 months of research, testing and development the perfect onesie is here!  You are sure to enjoy their unique grow-with-me design.

            Now we're off to the splash pad! Stay cool and I hope you're having a wonderful Summer!

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.

Summer #Babywearing Tip: Cool down with Rose Water and lighten the load with a new style of carrier perhaps;)

I've been using my bamboo cloths from Westcoast Baby when things get hot while toddler wearing.  I run them under cold water and place them in a zip lock bag. For short trips you could use an ice pack in your Mai Poketto with the cloths too as an alternative, since Mai Poketto is PUL lined. 

The jersey cloths are pretty nice too!

Because my diaper bag has a thermal section like most do for a bottle I put a mini ice pack in there.  When we need to cool down a fresh cool cloth to wipe down helps a lot! Also so does a spritz of Rose Water if you don't want to pack cloths.  Just mist away.
You can even saturate the cloths with Rose Water too(and don't use the rose water you'd use for desserts!)

Photo courtesy of Mao Pô

Also for summer babywearing we've switched to Mei Tai's for now as they are thinner and Mao Pô' is my choice for comfort and babywearing ergonomics. I love the wide straps that Mao Pô has for that great knee to knee support of the "M" position.  Now you can give your partner the perfect excuse as to why you need another carrier!

Ring slings and wraps are a nice alternative to SSC's if you feel you are getting overheated in yours. 
Je Porte Mon Bebe's  wraps is made of a breathable cotton/spandex blend and is thin yet very supportive and super comfy. You can easily do a Rebozo style slip knot carry as well when wrapping and summer wearing. Hip carries are great!
Here's a video to inspire you and try a slip knot carry with your wrap.


And back to Rose water......

Benefits of Rose Water/Hydrosol:

~ Cooling

~ Calming
~ Soothing, Analgesic
~ Great for baby's sensitive skin too!

You can find quality rose water at most health shops in the skincare section.  Prices range from $10-$40 depending on brands and the types of roses used.
On of my favorites is Neil Yards Rose Toner. Pricey but the esthetician in me loves the brand and quality.

Lastly keep yourself hydrated! Vapur bottles easily hook on to just about anything too! Although I can foresee some splashes from this style of "bottles"...which could be a good thing ;)

Try to pack cooling foods for you and baby to snack on fruit if they are eating food like cantaloupe, watermelon, apples, cucumber, apricots, banana's, honey dew to bring some yin(cooling) to yours and baby's body.  In Chinese Medicine this is a way to treat over heating.  Peppermint is cooling too.

Oh another tip! Use your ice pack and place it behind your knee and baby's for a few seconds to cool down as there is a pressure point there to clear heat(yang).

                                                          ~ Enjoy Carrying Your Love ~

PlasmaBike from Plasmart ~ Enter to Win!

There's a new balance bike on the scene and it is great for your toddler!  Its unique design encourages balance, coordination and motor skill development while offering a fun, safe ride around the block.
It's called PlasmaBike!

We've had the pleasure over at EM&B headquarters taking the PlasmaBike out for spin. Come take a look!

Plasabike is ideal for tots over the age of 18 months(my son is 3 1/2 yrs old) and supports the weight up to 55 pounds and the weight itself is under 8pds, so it's nice and light to carry with it's snazzy handle. It also comes in two styles of black & red and runs $89.99.  I also love that these are made in Europe.

Unlike most balance bikes, the wide wheels used in PlasmaBike assist children in keeping in an upright position and in a stopped or stationary position, this gives children the added confidence.  The wide wheels and limited steering range enhance balancing capabilities and provide a smooth ride to a conventional 2 wheel ride.
Balancing bikes are all the rage now so this is a great first time balance bike. We love it and know you will too!
             So because we give it a double thumbs up we give it our own Seal of Approval!

Enter to WIN!
Open to Canada and the USA(excluding Hawaii & Alaska)

End July.22, 2012
Click on Read More or the actual blog post title to see the raffle

Good Luck!

The Amazing Spiderman from Hasbro: Gear Up!

This is the Summer of Spiderman!  With the new movie that launched on July.3, there are a bunch of new Spiderman toys out there worth knowing about and if you have a Spiderman of your very own you'll want to read this!

We got to review a bunch of Spiderman toys and we saw great ones at Hasbro's Holiday Preview Event. But here are some of our faves to make action hero shopping a breeze!

                      The Amazing Spider-Man R/C Speed Climbing Spider-Man Figure

For ages 6+ we gave it a go at the event and my son squealed with delight. I think this will be on our list for his birthday.  It's super neat, doesn't damage the walls either and with a remote control you have Spider-Man crawling up the wall.  Visit this link for where to buy.

                 The Amazing Spider-Man Web Battlers Assortment

For ages 4+.  Visually this is attractive and super cool for little boys with the maroon, red, gold and navy colouring.  Actually my husband likes it as well for its looks.

When you squeeze his legs watch out for his attack!
Where to buy? Visit {here}

The Amazing Spider-Man Mega Blaster Web Shooter With Glove

For ages 5+.  Picture your own little Spider-Man running around in the back yard and shooting his webs. 
This is fun and a for sure toy accessory to feel like Spider-Man and fight enemies.

You’ll be able to fire web fluid or water just like Spider-Man and when you pull on the glove and attach the Mega Blaster Web Shooter to it use your middle two figures to trigger the shooter just like SPIDER-MAN does. Great fun!

Don't forget to include the The Amazing Spider-Man Hero Mask!
Get it {here}

The Amazing Spider-Man Strike Battle Vehicle

For ages 4+.  What little boy doesn't love cars? With Spider-Man + Car it's a win win right? When SPIDER-MAN rides in the seat and needs more than webs to chase down the bad guys and stop it. you push down on the vehicle’s spoilers to launch the retractable web claw!SPIDER-MAN comes swinging for attack from the claw.  Very fun as I see my son playing with this e-v-e-r-y day!  Get it {here}

The Amazing Spider-Man 3.75" Mission Spidey Action Figure Assortments

For ages 4+.  I'll be honest, because they are smaller I keep one in my bag for temper tantrum melt downs.  In fact I may go and buy a couple of more because I have a screamer :) Good times!
Comes in 4 styles and this one's has clompers to snatch up the bad guys and bad attitudes ;)
Get it {here}