Halloween Mini Sessions at Movies For Mommies Queensway with Anchor Studio *REGISTER NOW!
It’s hard to believe that it’s already almost the end of September! That means it’s time to start planning for Halloween with your kiddos. Getting an adorable photo of my kids in their costumes is always at the top of my list, but it can be so hard, especially on the big day. That’s why I love getting a pro to do the work for me in advance. With the pic out of the way, we can just enjoy the festive celebrations.
It’s hard to believe that it’s already almost the end of September! That means it’s time to start planning for Halloween with your kiddos. Getting an adorable photo of my kids in their costumes is always at the top of my list, but it can be so hard, especially on the big day. That’s why I love getting a pro to do the work for me in advance. With the pic out of the way, we can just enjoy the festive celebrations.
If you want to get a beautiful professional photo this Halloween season for your babe, join me for one of my 2 sessions of Complimentary Halloween Mini Sessions with Anchor Studio at Movies for Mommies at the Cineplex Queensway Cinemas. Photos will take place pre-show from 12-1pm on Wednesday October 9th and Wednesday October 23rd. (Movies TBD). Sessions are complimentary for Movies Attendees (You must purchase a movie ticket to enter Cineplex and be eligible for these sessions), and high resolution digital images can be purchased for $25/file.
Space is extremely limited for these sessions and always fills up fast, so please don't wait to register. Send an email to care@with-care.ca indicating which date you prefer, and a session time will be emailed to you. If all sessions are booked I will give you the option of being added to the waiting list.
Don't forget that Anchor Studio is one of my partners and offers 10% off to my clients. Just mention With Care when you book your session.
Hope to see you at the Movies!
- Care
**Please Note: Sessions are for Movie attendees only. Send an email to care@with-care.ca indicating which date you prefer, and a session time will be emailed to you. If all sessions are booked I will give you the option of being added to the waiting list. *
Save On Essentials With Love Me Do Baby & Maternity's NEW Love Points Loyalty Program + Get 150 BONUS POINTS!!
Shopping for a new baby, and keeping up with our little one’s ever changing needs, can be an expensive endeavour for parents. So it’s always nice to find ways to save a little money along the way, while not compromising on quality or service. One of my all time favourite local & online baby boutiques, Love Me Do Baby & Maternity, is doing just this. The owner Linda, and her amazing team, always offer the most incredible customer service experience (eg. they have the sweetest spot to rest & play, offer Complimentary Professional Car Seat Installation with car seat purchase, and host tons of In-store events), and now they’ve introduced a NEW Love Points Loyalty Program, that earns you points toward future purchases!* In the world of parenting it really doesn’t get much better than free stuff.
Shopping for a new baby, and keeping up with our little one’s ever changing needs, can be an expensive endeavour for parents. So it’s always nice to find ways to save a little money along the way, while not compromising on quality or service. One of my all time favourite local & online baby boutiques, Love Me Do Baby & Maternity, is doing just this. The owner Linda, and her amazing team, always offer the most incredible customer service experience (eg. they have the sweetest spot to rest & play, offer Complimentary Professional Car Seat Installation with car seat purchase, and host tons of In-store events), and now they’ve introduced a NEW Love Points Loyalty Program, that earns you points toward future purchases!* In the world of parenting it really doesn’t get much better than free stuff.
The best part is that they made it so simple. All you need to do is create a customer profile with your name and email address (profile can be made in-store, or you can Register Online by clicking the “check rewards” tab). Once you’re all set up, there are a whole bunch of simple ways you can start to earn points to redeem at the store. You’ll even get special stuff like birthday points! As a very special perk Enter Code SHOPWITHCARE at checkout to recieve 50 Bonus Points! Plus if you share a photo of your purchase on Instagram and tag With Care & Love Me Do Baby & Maternity you’ll receive an additional 100 Bonus Points!!
Since so many of us live in small spaces it’s all about quality over quantity, and finding the perfect product to suit your needs. I always appreciate that Love Me Do keeps their inventory and their “Registry Essentials” list to just that, quality essentials! They understand parenting and living in a city. They don’t want to add to your stress by breaking your budget or weighing you down with unnecessary stuff. Make sure to head over to Love Me Do online and set up your profile so you can start earning points today! You can thank me when you earn your first free purchase ;)
- Care
*Some Conditions & Restrictions Apply. Full Details
*This is a sponsored post which means I was provided compensation and/or products/services for this post. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. I only partner with companies, services and institutions that I genuinely love and want to recommend.
Summer Camp GIVEAWAY!!! Enter NOW for a Chance to WIN a Week at Westside FUN $400+ Value!
The polar vortex has finally left us behind and this brief warm spell of weather has me craving summer. Since I’m dreaming of summer bliss, I thought I would make one parent’s summer dreams come true. So I’ve partnered with Westside FUN Day Camp to give away a week of summer camp!! This giveaway is Valued at $390+HST! So if you have a little one 4 and up, don’t wait to ENTER! #sponsored
The polar vortex has finally left us behind and this brief warm spell of weather has me craving summer. Since I’m dreaming of summer bliss, I thought I would make one parent’s summer dreams come true. So I’ve partnered with Westside FUN Day Camp to give away a week of summer camp!! This giveaway is Valued at $390+HST! So if you have a little one 4 and up, don’t wait to ENTER! #sponsored
Last summer our big kids Ben and Lucy attended Westside FUN for 2 weeks each. They both absolutely loved it! I think the best part is that this camp offers such a wide variety of activities, so kid’s get to try out some new stuff, and don’t get bored doing the same thing over and over again every day. Plus, as a mom with pretty high standards, I was very pleased with the staff at Westside FUN. The counsellors always had the kids moving and having fun, exactly as summer camp should be. The kids came home absolutely exhausted every day, as evident by this photo of Lucy last summer passed out after a long day at Westside FUN.
A few weeks ago when I asked the kids if they wanted to go back to Westside FUN again this year, it was a resounding “YES!!” from both of them. Yay! Makes my mom job at a lot easier knowing they love where they spend their summer days.
So without further ado, I give you an Epic Summer Camp Giveaway valued at over $400!! Feel free to Enter all 3 ways to increase your chances of Winning!
To Enter Via My Blog: Simply Like this post & Comment below with your name and email (you must include your email so I can contact you if you win. If you prefer to keep it private, please comment with your name below and send me a quick email so I have your contact info.)
Head over to my Instagram and Enter!! ** Unlimited entries with tags!
Head over to my Facebook Page and Enter!! ** Unlimited entries with tags!
That’s it. So easy, and if you win, you can check one thing off your never-ending parent to-do list. You can thank me later ;)
Contest is open to all Canadians* 18+ and closes Thursday February 14th at 10pm EST** A winner will be chosen at random and contacted within 24 hours. *Westside FUN Day Camp is located in Toronto Canada. No travel or accommodation costs will be covered. Camp registration dates are subject to availability and age restrictions. Updated to Note: THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED
Learn More about Westside FUN's Programs & Register Here. Please note that Westside FUN only runs programs in July, so space in their programs is Extremely Limited. Don't wait to register! Use code CARE for $25 OFF Westside FUN! Multi-week and sibling discounts are available, so make sure to check those out!
Good luck and let’s hope the groundhog was right. An early spring sounds pretty lovely right about now.
- Care
*This is a sponsored post which means I was provided compensation and/or products/services for this post. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. I only partner with companies that I genuinely love and want to recommend.
The Bump To Baby Show Spring 2018 *Free Family Friendly Event!
I can't believe May is almost here! That means it's time for the 5th annual Bump to Baby Show. This is personally my favourite baby show in the city, and the one that I'm always excited to take part in. The Wychwood Barns is such a beautiful venue, and the organizers do such an amazing job of bringing together the best local vendors for their marketplace (Of course I'm not biased at all). Most vendors offer amazing discounts and specials for the show, so it's worth the visit! Especially since admission for the whole family is FREE!!
I can't believe May is almost here! That means it's time for the 5th annual Bump to Baby Show. This is personally my favourite baby show in the city, and the one that I'm always excited to take part in. The Wychwood Barns is such a beautiful venue, and the organizers do such an amazing job of bringing together the best local vendors for their marketplace (Of course I'm not biased at all). Most vendors offer amazing discounts and specials for the show, so it's worth the visit! Especially since admission for the whole family is FREE!!
In addition to amazing products, enjoy the family fun zone, face painting, music and dancing, swag bags, delicious food, an amazing raffle, and so much more. Plus a portion of the raffle proceeds will be donated to The Stop's Healthy Beginnings Program; a pre- and postnatal program for women and children that need support in our community. So make sure you grab a ticket!
This year I'm very excited to be partnering with The Big Carrot again for a talk and live food demo covering "Healthy Recipes for Starting Solids." Join me from 2-3 pm in the Play & Learn Area for this special event. You must Pre-Register for this talk *Please note that remaining space for this session is limited. So don't wait!
Learn More & Pre-Register for the rest of the amazing talks and classes here. This year's lineup includes free prenatal yoga, a fun fam jam, a puppet show, a session on pelvic floor health, and talks on family nutrition & natural sunscreens. There's so much for the whole family to enjoy!
Hope to see you at the show on May 6th. Make sure to pop by my table or workshop to say hi!
- Care
Mother's Day Mini Sessions at Movies for Mommies with Anchor Studio - REGISTER NOW!
This awful cold weather sure doesn't feel like spring, but in just a few weeks May will be here and it will be time to celebrate the best holiday of the year...Mother's Day of course ;) If you would love to get a beautiful photo of you and your little one, join me at Movies for Mommies this April.
This awful cold weather sure doesn't feel like spring, but in just a few weeks May will be here and it will be time to celebrate the best holiday of the year...Mother's Day of course ;)
If you would love to get a beautiful photo of you and your little one, join me at Movies for Mommies this April. Anchor Studio Photography will be joining me at the theatre for 2 weeks to offer complimentary Mommy & Me Mini Photo Sessions. Appointments will be scheduled between 12pm-1pm on each day (April 23rd & 30th). Photo sessions are free and attendees have the option to purchase photos for $25/digital image (discounted packages for more photos are also vailable). **PLEASE NOTE: Sessions are reserved for Movie Attendees Only**
Space is very limited for these sessions, so please email care@with-care.ca ASAP to request a spot. Don't forget to let me know which day you prefer, April 23rd or 30th. If the date you prefer is full I will offer you a time on the other day, or a spot on the wait list. These sessions fill up very fast, so please don't wait!
*The movie being screened April 23rd is I Feel Pretty. The movie being screened April 30th is still TBD (I will update this post as it becomes available). If you would like to receive notice of our weekly screenings and special events please join my Movies for Mommies Humber Cinemas Newsletter.
- Care
Kegel's are NOT always the Answer! Pelvic Floor Recovery for Moms - Register Now for The April Breastfeeding Cafe
I am so excited to have Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist Trang Bui from West End Mamas joining me at The Breastfeeding Cafe in April to discuss Postpartum Recovery and the Pelvic Floor. Before pregnancy the pelvic floor doesn't mean much to most people, but after having a baby, it can play a huge part in your recovery and wellbeing. So many people (well meaning health care providers included) believe that the answer to all Pelvic floor issues is kegel exercises, but did you know that these exercises can actually worsen symptoms for some women?
I am so excited to have Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist Trang Bui from West End Mamas joining me at The Breastfeeding Cafe in April to discuss Postpartum Recovery and the Pelvic Floor.
Before pregnancy the pelvic floor doesn't mean much to most people, but after having a baby, it can play a huge part in your recovery and wellbeing. So many people (well meaning health care providers included) believe that the answer to all Pelvic floor issues is kegel exercises, but did you know that these exercises can actually worsen symptoms for some women? That's why it's so important to speak to a skilled care provider and have an individualized assessment, so you can better understand how to best help your personal situation. As a midwife and mom of 3, I believe that all pregnant women should see a pelvic floor physiotherapist prenatally, so they can prepare for their delivery and understand what to be looking for in their postpartum recovery.
If you have questions about your pelvic floor and recovery since having a baby, or just want to learn something new about your body, join us at The Breastfeeding Cafe on April 3rd at West End Mamas at 9:30am. Come and learn what your pelvic floor is all about, find out what's normal versus what's common after having a baby, and how Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy can help in your postpartum recovery. Trang will be available to answer your questions about common issues including incontinence, painful intercourse, pressure in your bottom, and back pain, just to name a few. So many women suffer silently in pain and discomfort, when simple treatment can be very effective.
If you want to join Me and Trang at the Breastfeeding Cafe at West End Mamas in April please Register Here. Remaining space is extremely limited, so don't wait!
This session is mainly focused on postpartum recovery but pregnant people are always welcome to join this Free Community Event. If you're expecting, please make sure you check out West End Mamas FREE monthly sessions on Pelvic Health Basics for Birth with their amazing team of physiotherapists. Space is very limited for these events, so don't wait to register.
If you're in need of some one-on-one treatment mention With Care to receive 20% off your 1st Wellness Service at West End Mamas. I can speak from personal experience when I say that their on-site childcare is the answer to all of your mama wellness woes. Plus check out their Postpartum Restore Your Core Fitness Classes with Laura Wood if you're needing some help getting moving and reconnecting to your core.
Hope to see you at the Cafe! Register Here
- Care
3 Things You Need to Know About Breastfeeding Beyond 6 Months + Register for The March Breastfeeding Cafe
Breastfeeding isn't always straightforward, so it's essential to have amazing support along the way. I find that there tends to be a lot of support for parents with newborns, but with older babies, breastfeeding questions are often overlooked. That's why I'm so excited to have Taya Griffin joining me as guest speaker at the March Breastfeeding Cafe, to answer questions about breastfeeding babies of all ages.
Breastfeeding isn't always straightforward, so it's essential to have amazing support along the way. I find that there tends to be a lot of support for parents with newborns, but with older babies, breastfeeding questions are often overlooked. That's why I'm so excited to have Taya Griffin joining me as guest speaker at the March Breastfeeding Cafe, to answer questions about breastfeeding babies of all ages.
Taya is an incredible Lactation Consultant and mom of 2 beautiful girls. She is my go-to referral for all breastfeeding related issues because she is so gentle and caring, but also incredibly knowledgeable. Taya offers amazing Prenatal Breastfeeding Classes at West End Mamas (Register for her next session May 29th), as well as Private In-Home Education & Support, and sees clients at Kidcrew Medical & Dental Clinic.
As a little sneak peak to the amazing advice parents will receive at the Cafe, Taya has provided me with answers to 3 of the questions she gets asked most often about nursing an older baby and returning to work. This is amazing advice and so important for parents to know, so make sure you read it below.
If you want to join Me and Taya at the Breastfeeding Cafe at West End Mamas in March please Register Here. Remaining space is extremely limited, so don't wait! (Edited to Note that the Cafe is now Full! Please email care@with-care.ca to be placed on the waitlist.) *See post for full details
3 Things You Need To Know About Nursing Beyond 6 Months - By Taya Griffin
"As a Lactation Consultant who works in a clinic and community setting, I see babies of all different ages, and answer questions from mothers about nursing well beyond the first and second year. Breastfeeding an older baby is fun, as they are full of personality and their own special quirks, but it definitely comes with its own set of questions that are very different from the newborn stage! Here are three of the top questions that I get asked about nursing an older baby."
1) Do I need to pump when I go back to work?
"Should you be returning to work before the 1 year mark the answer is yes. You will need to pump each time that baby feeds while you are away from them. However the luxury that many Canadian mothers have of staying home for a year (and now 18 months for some mamas!) means that upon a return to the workforce there is no need to pump. Baby will likely want to breastfeed as soon as they see you, and throughout their time with you, but while you are away your breasts will figure out that they are no longer needed. If mother feels some discomfort in the first few weeks of returning to work, hand expressing off a little milk will help to relieve the breasts until they get used to the time away from baby."
2) If I am still breastfeeding will my baby need cow’s milk?
"This is one of the best aspects of breastfeeding beyond the year mark. If your baby is breastfeeding at least three times a day there is no need to worry about them receiving any other kind of milk. Between your breastmilk and a well- balanced diet they will receive more than enough of the vitamins and minerals that they need."
3) My baby won’t take a bottle – how will they drink liquid if I am not around?
"Health Canada’s new guidelines recommend that babies are introduced to a cup at the six month mark. Drinking from a cup, not a bottle, is a life-long skill that we all need and is better for the teeth and palate. As a transition I have helped many families move from breast to doidy cup (a cup with a small spout) to an open faced cup with a lot of success."
Thanks for this great advice Taya. For all of the local West End parents, don't forget to Register for the Cafe so you can ask Taya all of your questions in person. Plus we'll be doing fun Giveaway at the Cafe for some delicious Booby Boon Lactation Cookies. You can also get in touch with Taya directly via Email or call her at 416-996-0321 with any questions.
- Care
Westside FUN Day Camp GIVEAWAY! ENTER For a Chance to WIN a Week of FREE Camp! + Discount Code Included! (CONTEST CLOSED)
This winter has already been a tough one, and if the groundhog is right we still have several more weeks of battling our kids into snow suits, hats, mitts and boots...argh. I'm already so done with the cold and snow, and totally dreaming of summer weather. Soooo... as a little reminder that summer will arrive (seriously, it has to!!) I have an amazing GIVEAWAY with Westside FUN Day Camp!
This winter has already been a tough one, and if the groundhog is right we still have several more weeks of battling our kids into snow suits, hats, mitts and boots...argh. I'm already so done with the cold and snow, and totally dreaming of summer weather. Soooo... as a little reminder that summer will arrive (seriously, it has to!!) I have an amazing GIVEAWAY with Westside FUN Day Camp!
You can Enter for a Chance to WIN A Week of FREE Camp for your kiddo at this amazing West End Day Camp. This prize is valued at $390+tax!! Plus get a code below for $40 off your 1st Week!
Westside FUN offers day camp programs to kid's ages 4 and up and has a great combo of activities, so every kid will have fun! That's what really drew me to the camp. Activities include: Sports, Arts & Crafts, Drama & Puppetry to name a few. The camp operates out of King George Junior Pubic School at 25 Rexford Road (main intersection: Jane & Dundas St W), right here in the Bloor West/Junction neighbourhood and has a really great community feel.
My big kids, Ben and Lucy, are so excited to be going to Westside FUN this year. They've already checked out the website and can't wait to join the Blue Birds & Golden Stars. Plus Mommy is pretty darn happy that they'll be in a quiet neighbourhood, and within walking distance for easy drop off and pick up. It's a win win for us all!
To ENTER for a Chance to WIN a Week of FREE Camp at Westside FUN Simply comment below with your name and email address. (Alternatively you may comment below with your name and then submit your email address to care@with-care.ca for entry). Plus make sure to check out my Facebook page & Instagram feed for 2 more ways to enter!
Contest is open to all Canadians* 18+ and closes **EXTENDED to Wednesday February 21st at 11pm EST** A winner will be chosen at random and contacted within 24 hours. *Westside FUN Day Camp is located in Toronto Canada. No travel or accommodation costs will be covered. CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
Learn More about Westside FUN's Programs & Register Here. Please note that Westside FUN only runs programs in July, so space in their programs is Extremely Limited. Don't wait to register! Use code CARE40 for $40 off your 1st week at Westside FUN! Multi-week and sibling discounts are available, so make sure to check those out!
Good luck and enjoy dreaming of summer :)
- Care
*This is a sponsored post which means I was provided compensation and/or product for this post. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. I only partner with products and services that I genuinely love and want to recommend.