From Caterpillar to Butterfly - Take Part in Junction Wings 2018

It's that time of year again. Time for the most fun community fundraiser ever - Junction Wings! For anyone who isn't familiar, it's basically the story of The Very Hungry Caterpillar (without the inappropriate food choices) come to life in your very own home. 

For only $10 you get a caterpillar in a little container with some caterpillar food. We always get a few caterpillars. In nature not everything works out, so think of extras as an insurance policy to avoid a disappointed kid. Your fuzzy friend(s) will remain in the little cup eating until they're nice and big and tired. Then it will attach to the lid of the container and spin it's cocoon. At this time you can move the container lid with the attached cocoon to an appropriate butterfly habitat.

Check out my post from last year about a simple Ikea Hack for a perfect butterfly enclosure. 

About 10 days later a beautiful painted lady butterfly emerges. Your butterfly will need to remain in the butterfly habitat for a few days while it's wings dry out and it gains strength. Then it can be released outside. (Don't worry, all the details are included in the instructions that come with your little critter) 

The whole experience is so magical and such a fun activity to do with your kids. We look forward to this event every year and are so excited that it's almost time to bring a few hungry caterpillars home. 

If you live in the area and are willing to drive to the Junction to pick up your little fuzzy friend(s), you are more than welcome to take part in this event. Simply Buy Your Caterpillars Here by Tuesday April 10th. 

Please Note: Caterpillar pickup will take place on Saturday May 12th from 12pm-4pm on the 2nd floor of the Legion in the Junction 3591 Dundas Street West. If you can't make this pickup time you will need to arrange for someone to pick them up for you. 

Make sure to share your caterpillar adventures on instagram and facebook with #junctionwings so we can all follow along. 

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? 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 

Easter Mini Sessions at Movies for Mommies Humber Cinema - Register Now!

Easter is around the corner, so you know what that means? Time for some ridiculously cute pics of babies in bunny ears! Anchor Studio Photography will be joining me at Movies for Mommies for 2 weeks to offer complimentary Easter Mini Photo Sessions. Appointments will be scheduled between 12pm-1pm on each day (March 5th & 19th). 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, March 5th or March 19th. 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!

*If you can't make it to the Movies for photos during these times check out these beautiful Mom & Me Mini Sessions that Anchor Studio is hosting at the gorgeous Mint Studio April 7th & 8th. Sessions are $199 plus HST for a 20 minute session with 5 edited digital images available for download (or $299 for 8 images). Space is limited for these sessions REGISTER HERE.

*The movie being screened March 5th is Game Night & the movie for the 19th 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

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!

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. 

Want to Sip & Sling with Potter & Pehar at Love Me Do? REGISTER NOW!

I absolutely adore babywearing, so it only seems natural to talk about it during the month of love. In fact, carrying your baby close to your body gets your love hormones surging, and helps keep baby (and parents) happy. If you want to learn more about babywearing with a ring sling, join me and Potter & Pehar at Love Me Do in Liberty Village on February 9th for Babywearing, Bubbles & Special Treats in celebration of Valentine's Day. 

Potter & Pehar will be offering discounts on their beautiful Ring Slings (I'm wearing the double layer Avenue above with my Toddler Penny). Plus they will be Giving Away a Ring Sling to one lucky attendee!! 

Love Me Do will also be offering a special 10% off to all attendees during the event (some exceptions apply). If you've never been to Love Me Do, get ready! It's amazing and has all of my absolute favourite products for young families. 

Bonus: I will be there to offer my expertise and support as a long time babywearer and Certified Babywearing Educator. My mini-workshop will cover Safe Babywearing & Ring Sling Basics. Plus there will be time for questions and trying on carriers with your little ones. 

This Complimentary Event has very Limited Space. Please email hello@potterandpehar.com to reserve your spot! 

Hope to see you there!

Care xo

Valentine's Mini Photo Sessions at Movies for Mommies Humber Cinemas - Register Now!

Valentine's Day is a holiday that I was never really into, until I had kids. Now I absolutely love sharing all the love with my kiddos on February 14th. Doing heart themed crafts, making heart shaped foods, and giving special little notes of love are some of the ways that we love to celebrate. As a mom, my absolute favourite way to mark this special time of year is with holiday photos. How could you not? Look at these adorable Valentine's babes.

Since I know so many of you can't resist a holiday baby, I am excited to announce that Anchor Studio Photography will be joining me at Movies for Mommies for 2 weeks to offer complimentary Valentine's Mini Photo Sessions. Appointments will be scheduled between 12pm-1pm on each day (January 29th & February 5th). Photo sessions are free and attendees have the option to purchase photos for $25/digital image. *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, January 29th or February 5th. 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 movies being screened January 29th & February 5th are still TBD (I will update this post as they become available). If you would like to receive notice of our weekly screenings and special events please join my Movies for Mommies Humber Cinemas Newsletter.

Here are a few of my favourite Valentine's photos that Anchor Studio has taken of my kiddos in the past. I can't believe how much the girls have changed. 

The cookie sequence below cracks me up.

Don't forget to email me care@with-care.ca to request a spot and let me know which day you prefer, January 29th or February 5th. Hope to see you on Monday at the Movies! 

*If you can't make it to the Movies during these times check out the Studio Valentine's Sessions that Anchor Studio is hosting February 10th & 11th. Sessions are $199 plus HST for a 30 minute in studio session with 8 digital images available for downloading. Space is limited for these sessions REGISTER HERE.

- Care

Halloween Mini Sessions at Movies for Mommies

I don't know about you, but I'm pretty much obsessed with seeing my kiddos in halloween costumes. They're always so ridiculously cute. Every year I try to capture a sweet photo as a memento, but I have learned over the years that it's best to do it before Halloween. That way I don't have to compete with their sheer excitement for CANDY! Snapping a good pic can be tough, so I love letting the professionals do the hard work. 

This month I will be hosting 2 sessions of Complimentary Halloween Mini Sessions with Anchor Studio at Movies for Mommies at the Humber Cinema. Photos will take place pre-show from 12-1pm on Monday October 16th (Battle of the Sexes) and Monday October 23rd (Movie TBD).  Sessions are complimentary for Movies Attendees, 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. 

These are a few of my favourites from our Halloween session with Anchor Studio last fall. As you can see Lucy refused to put on her costume (in true preschooler fashion), so Silvia and Tony rolled with it and made it a fall inspired session instead. 

Penny obviously rocked her costume.

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. *

No Stress, Last Minute, Back To School Guide - The Real 4 Must Haves

With back to school right around the corner I have received some panicked messages from friends and clients who have left prep to the last minute, and are feeling overwhelmed. So many parents believe they need to break the bank and buy a tons of supplies to make sure their little one is ready, but that's not the case. I firmly believe back to school shouldn't be stressful for parents, especially if you're little one is headed to Kindergarten (or early elementary years, grades 1-3). We are very fortunate to have the majority of school supplies provided here by our public school board, so don't waste your money. You can always buy supplies in the future if the need arrises. (*If your child attends a private school, please follow the list they provide)

In an effort to calm nerves and help anyone who is worried that they're not doing enough, here is my super simple, no stress, totally last minute, back to school guide. There are only 4 Must Haves on my list...yes technically some categories have more than 1 item, but you probably have at least 1 at home. Yay! See, you're already winning ;) 

4 Must Haves for Back to School

1. Litterless Lunch: Most schools ask families to pack lunch and snacks with as little disposable packaging as possible. There are tons of amazing lunch boxes on the market these days, so take a look around before you purchase one. You can always use some simple containers eg. yogurt and sour cream containers, for the first few days if you're waiting on your lunchbox to arrive, or still deciding. One thing to ensure is that your little one can independantly open whatever containers you send. It's a good idea to do some practice runs in the days leading up to the start of school to give them confidence for the big day. We did a practice walk to school and a picnic so Lucy could try out her new gear. Needless to say it was a total hit.

Each kid typically needs a lunchbox and bag, an ice pack, a leakproof water bottle, a reusable cutlery set, a napkin, and a thermos (if you intend to send any warm food). We love our PlanetBox lunch boxes (See previous review here), and are really excited to try out their capsule water bottles and cold kits this year. These are definitely an investment, but with Ben going into his 3rd year with his, I'm feeling pretty great about the purchase. *Edited in 2019 to note: We’re now on year 5 with Ben’s original planet box and still going strong! 

We typically pack the PlanetBox with a healthy lunch, and then pack 2 snacks in the front pocket of the carry bag (you could also pack these in the front pocket of their backpack). For snacks we typically do 1 piece of fruit eg. apple, pear, orange - no package, or wrapped in abeego, and something that fits into the planet box big dipper snack container eg. nut-free energy balls 

2. Indoor Shoes: Schools usually ask that kids have a comfortable pair of shoes to be left at school for daily use indoor. Since our kids are running around inside and sweating a lot I always try to pick something that's breathable. I love runners with a strong mesh fabric upper. These are the ones I have bought for Ben for the last 2 years (In pic above. *Edited in 2019 to note that we got these awesome similar New Balance ones this year for both Ben & Lucy). I have been really happy with the way they have lasted all school year and through the summer for camp, and how comfortable he's found them. I highly recommend finding something similar with good breathability. There are tons of great sales on right now, so hopefully you can save some money on this purchase. 

3. Change of Clothes: A labeled, season appropriate, change of clothes is important to pack on the first day of school (including socks and underwear). Place the extra clothes in a labeled resealable plastic bag to be left at school for future accidents or mishaps. I have used Mabels Labels on clothes, bags, water bottles & lunch containers with success for 2 years now and have barely lost anything. I highly recommend labelling your kid's stuff in some way (even simply using a sharpie), otherwise you will lose a lot of stuff, and be unable to easily identify it.  

I don't rush out to buy a ton of fall clothes for back-to-school, because September tends to be warm in our area. When I do buy school clothes I like to stick to basics that can be handed down to siblings. If your little one is in need of some new cloths for the school year, check out the amazing new line of Tiny Basics Tiny Trendsetter just launched. 

4. A Backpack: Every kid obviously needs one, but what size? There are so many these days that it can be hard to know what is appropriate. Most schools ask that kid's bring a full size backpack (eg. one that fits a binder) starting in Kindergarten. Mini backpacks, like these adorable Skip Hop ones, are perfect for preschool and daycare, but not appropriate for full day school. I always try to find a backpack that will fit lunch, snacks and library books, but that also fits my kid's frame and doesn't overpower their ability to stay upright ;)

If you're in need of some last minute back to school gear check out Tiny Trendsetter. They have a huge selection of adorable backpacks and back-to-school basics to choose from online or in-store. 

I hope this simple list helps put you at ease, and let's you focus instead on your little one, and the big transition that is to come. Lots of love to all of the nervous parents out there (don't worry, I'm one too!). One thing I can tell you from experience is that it's usually harder on us than it is on them. You've got this!

As always please feel free to ask questions below. 

Care

In This Post

Tiny Trendsetter Herschel Backpacks, Skip Hop Backpacks    |    PlanetBox Rover Lunchbox, Capsule Water Bottle, Carry Bag + Cold Kits    |    The Shoe Company Nike Running Shoes

*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.