Little Girl Favourites - Wrapeaze

Well, with the cold comes the dreaded snowsuit struggle. Just the other day I ordered a Wrapeaze for P to help with this. When we are just going somewhere quick in the car I plan to use this instead of trying to put a jacket on her.

The Wrapeaze is a loose fitting poncho, made of 100% polyester lightweight fleece and has a simple velcro closure. It comes in sizes:
• Xtra Small: 12" (0-24months)
• Small: 17" (2-6yrs)
• Medium: 23" (Tween)
• Large: 27" (Adult)

It costs between $35-37, but is often on for half price on one the baby discount sites.

They come in a variety of colours and patterns and seems like the perfect solution to keeping your little one warm and cozy (plus it is quick and easy). The smallest size also comes with a cute little hood with ears!

Check them out or orders yours today at www.wrapeaze.com

**It is also highly recommended that you don't put your children in their car seats with big heavy jackets as it comprimises their safety**

Looks Good - Lula Clips

Awhile back I had written about BosoBuddies which are these neat button/elastic contraptions that hold back the straps in your infant car seats to make it easier to put your child in or take them out.

I just LOVE my BosoBuddies and am so happy with them, but I purchased mine from one of the discount sites and was disappointed to learn that you cannot purchase them from the actual company as they do not ship to Canada.

Today I found the same sort of thing from a company here in Canada - Lula Clips. What I really like about these is that they would work with regular toddler car seats too, unlike my BosoBuddies, which are only made for the infant car seats.

These pin (safely) onto your carseat and then the metal buckle on the strap sticks to the magnet in the Lula Clip. The only downfall I see with this product is that it only comes in bright orange - no pretty coordinating colours.

They sell online for $14.99 and shipping only costs $2.99!!

You can learn more about Lula Clips at www.lulaclips.com

Just Gabbing - Not Just Baby Brain Giveaway!

Another great blog, Not Just Baby Brain, has this great contest up right now.

You can enter to win a pair of Stonz Wear mitts or booties for your little cutie this winter! There are many different ways that you can enter to win - so check it out at:

http://notjustbabybrain.com/2011/11/stonz-mittz-giveaway.html/comment-page-1#comment-39156

Looks Good - Vizardz Night Lights

OK, this is one of the coolest things I have ever seen!

This company can take any picture and make it into a beautiful night light. When the nightlight is off it looks like a ceramic imprint of your picture, but when it is turned on the actual colours from your photo shine through.

What a great way to remember that special memory!!!

All you do is upload your photo and they create it!

You can choose either a monochrome picture or full colour and then you have two sizes to choose from:

3" x 4.5" $38.95
4" x 6" $58.95

Another neat thing about this is that you can later order additional inserts as your child ages or your tastes change. Additional inserts cost:

3" x 4.5" $19.50
4" x 6" $29.50

This company also makes light boxes, ornaments and sculptures using the same sort of idea.

If you are looking for something really different to buy as a birthday gift, housewarming, Christmas, etc. I think you may have found it!

Check them out at www.vizardz.com

Little Boy Favourites - Hockey Sockey

Looking for something to get your little guy that is different?
Hockey Sockey is a company that makes winter hats out of actual hockey socks.

The HOCKEY SOCKEY is a toque made from an actual hockey sock. It is reversible and is fleece lined for extra warmth. Each hat has the primary logo on one side and the secondary one on the inside. They come in a variety of team colours. (See above picture with two hats)

The HOCKEY FLOPPY is very similar it is just rounded at the end and does not have the two legs like the HOCKEY SOCKEY. It is not reversible and only features the team's primary logo. (See above picture with one hat)

Both sell for $27.99. Hockey Sockey now also sells scarves and mitts to match.

You can check out their items at www.hockeysockey.com (their hats are also sold in many stores around Canada and you can check exactly where on their website as well).

Winter Favourites - Christmas Traditions

Since my son is only 2 and my daughter 5 months, and since we usually travel on Christmas to see our families we don't really have any Christmas traditions yet. When talking with a few friends, they mentioned some really neat things that they do every year and I think we are going to "steal" a few of them to make them our own starting this year. Here are a few that I have heard of:

1. Christmas PJs - a few of my girlfriends do this and I think it is a great idea. They let their children open one present Christmas Eve and it is new (and washed) pjs for them to wear that night so they have something nice and new to wear Christmas Day. Love it and I have already bought pairs for my little guys!!!

2. Christmas Books - my sister-in-law does this and I think it is another great idea worth stealing!! She wraps up 7 books and starting a week before Christmas she lets her daughter open one book a night to read. Then she gets to see just how many days, through the number of books left, until Santa comes.

3. Elf on a Shelf - I wrote about this last year as Christine had shared it with us.

http://mommiesfavourites.blogspot.com/2010/12/christmas-favourite-elf-on-shelf.html

My mother-in-law has purchased us an elf for this year and is therefore another thing that we are going to be doing annually!

4. Advent Calendar - this is something that I always did as a kid. This year, my mother-in-law has quilted our kids an advent calendar with little pockets to use. I cannot wait until Dec 1st to begin!

What are some of your Christmas traditions?

Just Gabbing - Snuggle Bugz 12 Days of Christmas Sale

Snuggle Bugz.ca is having a 12 Days of Christmas sale starting today, Nov 17th. Everyday one item will be drastically reduced for you to purchase.

For example today's item was these really cute Lambs & Ivy Nap Mats regular $26.49 on for $19.99.

You can check out their daily sale item at www.snugglebugz.ca

Snuggle Bugz also offers free shipping to orders over $25 and is a Canadian store.

Winter Favourites - mimiTENS

Well it is snowing here, so I thought I would post another Winter Favourite. This company makes mittens with a long soft cuff to help prevent the dreadful mitten fall-off incident.





Some of mimiTENS features are:

BIG CUFFS mean mimiTENS stay on.

ECO-FRIENDLY fabrics are good for baby and mama-Earth.

CANADIAN MADE because it is the right thing to do.

ALL WEATHER mimiTENS are made of water-repellent nylon, insulated with Thinsulate™ and lined with Oeko-Tex® certified bamboo/cotton fleece for extra warmth and softness. Cotton + lycra cuffs keep mitts up those busy arms.

They come in sizes:
0-18mths (no thumbs in this size)
1-2years
2-3years
3-4years
4-5years

They are made from bright fabrics and have really cute pictures on them as well!

Check them out at www.mimitens.com

Just Gabbing - Bebe Bella Designs 65% Off

I was just saying to H the other day that I would love a blankie like his in adult size and then "bam" today I receive an email saying that Bebe Bella Designs is offering 65% off ALL of their minky chenille blankets. YEAHH!! That makes the blanket now $52 instead of $150! Putting that on my wish list!

This is also valid with their custom colour blankets as well where you get to choose the colours and patterns you want!

The sale runs until November 20th and the coupon code is custom65.

Check out their products at www.bebebelladesigns.com/Blankets

Feeding Favourites - Bibagogo

Bibagogo is a bib, spoon and washcloths that rolls up all in one. It would be great to keep in your diaper bag as it is nice and compact and contains everything that you need.

Some of its features are:
-roll and go portable design
-hidden pockets containing spoon and 2 washcloths
-stain resistant materials
-one size fits all
-long in length to tuck under table
-adjustable snap neck fasteners
-catch all bottom pocket

They come in a variety of patterns, are made in Canada and sell for $29.99

Check them out at:
www.bibagogo.com

Just Gabbing - Sticky Bellies Giveaway

Sticky Bellies is having a Monthly Milestones Giveaway - where they are giving away a bunch of cool products every few days.

Their current giveaways are some great Itzy Ritzy Snack Happened Reusable Bags. There are many ways that you can enter the contest, so head on over to their blog below to enter to win - who doesn't like free things right?

www.stickybellies.com/blog

Looks Good - No-Snow Snuggler

Saw this online and thought it looked interesting!! It is a one piece sweater/jacket and mitts.

Their website says:
"The No-Snow Snuggler's unique design provides protection where traditional children's mittens fail. It's worn underneath your child's coat or snowsuit and features the patented, water-resistant sleevemittens™ that protect your child's hands and wrists from the harsh winter weather.

Unlike other extended length or over the elbow mittens, the all-in-one design of the No-Snow Snuggler™ not only prevents small children from removing their mittens, it also adds an extra layer of warmth for your child. And, since it's all one piece, the No-Snow Snuggler means no more lost mittens. It's the perfect winter accessory!"

Sounds like a great idea to me!!! Sure would stop a lot of my winter problems! :)

It comes in 4 colours (cobalt, jewel, cranberry and pink) and in 3 sizes (2T, 3T and 4T). It sells for $29.99 or you can personalize it for just $5 more.

Check it out at:
www.nosnowsnuggler.com/pages/products

Etsy Favourite - Readers' Favourites

Today I am sharing some of my readers' favourite etsy shops, here they are:

1. Kit likes StephieMc Designs
www.etsy.com/shop/StephieMc
They specialize in personalized hand stamped jewellery. Her stuff is so beautiful. I myself have purchased two things from her shop a cooper key chain in the shape of a guitar pic that says, "Daddy You Rock" and a family tree necklace with the kids' names on it. Love both pieces!

2. Melissa likes NormandLou
www.etsy.com/shop/NORMandLOU
This shop is owned by a girl from my hometown, Thunder Bay. She makes cute items like ipod/iphone cases, magnets, key chains, etc. from felt made from recycled plastic bottles. She adorns them with cute characters like owls, wolves and mustaches. Her shop is closed right now, but you can check out her items in the "sales" folder.

3. Sherri likes Frosticular Design
www.etsy.com/shop/frosticularDESIGN?ref=ss_profile
This is another etsy shop from Thunder Bay. Right now she has some prints up on her site of cute characters. These prints would be great for a kids room. She is in transition right now and is hoping to have some more products up soon!

Thanks for sharing ladies!

Just Gabbing - SnuggyBaby Discount Code

Whenever possible I always try to contact the company that I have blogged about to let them know that their products were mentioned.

In response to this, SnuggyBaby has offered a 10% discount code off anything from their site www.snuggybaby.com to me and my readers. The coupon code is good until Dec 1st! The code is MommiesFavourites (no space).

Can you say Christmas shopping? I already have 3 of their large wet bags, but am excited to see what else I can get - they also sell ring slings, baby wraps, child doll slings (too cute) and their three sizes of wet bags!

Thank you SnuggyBaby - that is very thoughtful of you!

Etsy Favourites - Seasonal/Gift Items

The snow is a coming and with that comes...... Christmas! I have been spending my evenings searching etsy for the perfect set of stockings, and I think I found them from Meringue Designs. While doing this I have also found a few other neat seasonal/gift shops, check them out below:

1. Meringue Designs
www.etsy.com/shop/meringuedesigns
This woman makes the most beautiful stockings!! My taste is a little more modern so I am just in love with her patchwork stockings. I am going to order a red one for me, a green one for Bruce, blue for Hudson and pink for Peyton (just like the ones pictured above). Unfortunately, she is so busy that she cannot make any more of these particular ones this year, so I will have to wait until spring to place my order, but she is still offering other styles for this Christmas. She also sells embroidered pillows, signs, and patterns.

2. MonaLeisa
www.etsy.com/shop/MonaLeisa
I love the stockings this woman makes as well - kinda the same idea. They were a close second to Meringue Designs. Hers are the red and green stockings pictured above.

3. Monksey See Boutique
www.etsy.com/shop/monkeyseeboutique
I found this shop also when looking for stockings, but was pleasantly surprised by all of the other neat things that she makes. Monogramming is big right now and I really like all of the great products she offers that can be personalized. Things like platter, bags, coffee cups, clothing, scarves - you name it! She has items for every holiday and just because. The green Christmas platter above is just one of her great creations! Looking for something different to give that person who has everything, then definitely check out Monkey See Boutique.

Etsy Favourites - Crochet Hats

Crochet hats seem to be all the rage nowadays! They come in so many different styles and colours that I just cannot decide which ones to buy. Here are a few of my favourite crochet shops (all happen to be Canadian):

1. Bouquet Beanies
www.etsy.com/shop/2crochetmamma
I saw this woman at the craft show here last weekend and she makes some of the cutest hats. One neat idea that she has is this hat that has a button on it so you can change up the colour of the flower to match the outfit - LOVE IT! I may even buy one for myself :) (See the picture above to see what I mean). She is also from Southern Ontario, so another reason I like her stuff. (Her snowman hats are really cute too!)

2. Newmarket Mom
www.etsy.com/shop/newmarketmom
Another southern Ontario local. She makes the cutest reindeer hat (pictured above), as well as other seasonal ones such as Santa and a pumpkin. Her hats look thick and nice and warm and comfy!

3. Bambino Boutique
www.etsy.com/shop/jonesy7788
This shop is in the Kawartha Lakes area. She also makes the cutest crochet hats and some adorable booties as well. I love how she uses wood buttons as accents on her hats (the pink monkey hat pictured above is one of hers).

4. Baby Buttercup
www.etsy.com/shop/babybuttercup
This shop is in Alberta. She makes all types of hats: beanies, newsboy, earflap and bear/monkey hats! Check out the cute bear one made by her above. Some of her hats are even made from alpaca wool.

Do you have a favourite crochet etsy site?

Etsy Favourites - Kids Stuff

OK, my next group of favourites are kids items. Here are just a few that I like to check out often:

1. Super Sock Monkeys
www.etsy.com/shop/supersockmonkeys
This company makes a variety of stuffed animals out of socks. They have the cutest characters (not just monkeys) and I love the bright colours they use. They are also super reasonable ranging from about $12-$20. They also make buttonless ones for babies under 3, or they will change the eyes on any of the ones with buttons if you prefer one of those.

2. SnuggyBaby
www.etsy.com/shop/SnuggyBaby
Love, love, love the wetbags they make!!! They also sell a variety of slings.

3. Zoey's Attic
www.etsy.com/shop/zoeysattic
They specialize in custom made(personalized) t-shirts like Big Brother, Big Sister, Holiday or Birthday. Very cute!!! The picture of the elf shirt is one of theirs.

4. Baby Smiles
www.etsy.com/shop/BabySmilesBoutique
They make monthly photo onesie stickers and labels and more! Cute colours and designs - one of the nicest of their kind that I have seen. I especially like their holiday ones - Baby's First Christmas, etc.

Whew - what are your etsy finds for kids?

Etsy Favourites - Home Decor

I could spend hours looking for neat little touches to add to my home on etsy.

Here are just a couple of shops that have caught my attention:

1. Bosheree - Custom Family Signs
www.etsy.com/shop/Bosheree08
They make beautiful and modern family signs with your last name and the year you were married. I love the one with the first names of the family members below it, it is the rectangular sign above.

2. Define Your Space Custom Vinyl and Home Decor
www.etsy.com/shop/defineyourspacevinyl
They also make modern signs and vinyl decals for your walls. This company does family signs as well as quotes and other neat ideas. The round sign pictured above is one of theirs.

3. Re-de-zines
www.etsy.com/shop/redezinescanada?ref=ss_profile
I met this local woman this weekend and just loved her stuff. She takes old items and renews them and finds other purposes for them. Her work is very modern and she uses very bold colours that really catch your attention. Some neat things I saw were these tables that she created using old drawers and a chair made from a vintage suitcase (pictured above)!

These are just 3 of my many home decor favourites. What is your favourite home decor etsy shop? Please share as a comment below!

Just Gabbing - Etsy.com

OK, as I am sure I have mentioned in many other posts I love etsy!

I find myself searching it every night. Also, every time I need something, I like to look on there first to see if someone can hand make it before I go and purchase it from a store.

So in honour of my obsession I am going to post about my favourite etsy shops every day this week! And please send me your favourite etsy shops as well and I will add them to the bunch!

Enjoy!

First Year Favourites - Padalily

Carrying that carseat is absolutely horrendous! It is awkward, bulky and most definitely heavy. Padalily thinks that they have created something to help with that - a cushion that wraps around the handle to make it more comfortable and easy to carry.

The padalily comes in a variety of fashionable fabrics and is reversible so you can change it up a bit.

They sell online on their website for $24.99 and you can choose from 14 different fabric designs.

Check it out at www.padalily.com

**If you "like" Padalily on Facebook, you will receive a 10% coupon code to use on your purchase**

Looks Good - CHILDish

I had seen this company before on CityLine, but was reminded of it just a few days ago when it was mentioned on KulaKlips. It was founded in 2011 by a mom, who started it off as a fundraising venture for her child's playgroup in Edmonton.

From their website:
"CHILDish offers personalization on melamine dishes and plastic lunchboxes. You have the option to choose hair style, hair colour, eye colour, skin tone, and more to create an image of each child. Include the child’s name, background colour and pattern and you’ll have a one-of-a-kind product made especially for each child!"

What a neat idea!

The dishes and lunchboxes are BPA free, recyclable and dishwasher safe. The lunchbox also comes with 3 reusable food containers and a custom fit ice pack.

Pricing is as follows:
Plate $25
Bowl $25
Plate/Bowl Combo $45
Lunch Box $45

Shipping is about $15, depending on how much you spend.

They also do Christmas Dishware(love it - see pic above), labels and offer fundraising for schools and organizations.

One other plus is that they are a Canadian company!!!

If you are ordering for Christmas, their deadline for that is November 15th!

Check them out at www.childishfundraising.com

Just Gabbing- Article on Johnson and Johnson Shampoo Scare

OK, I saw this article posted on one of the blogs I follow and I must say it has me scared. I have used Johnson and Johnson shampoo on both of my kids since they were born. The article states that their shampoo has two potentially cancer causing chemicals in it.

http://jezebel.com/5855115/

I haven't had a chance to do any research, yet, to see if there is any truth to what was written, but it definitely has me thinking that I need to find a new shampoo.

On that note, which bath products do you use with your little ones? Please comment below as I know many of us will be on the hunt for a new one!

**Google Johnson and Johnson to find out more. I just did and tons of articles pop up about the same thing - scary!**