Category: Kids

Soar with Santa at FlyOver Canada

Posted on Categories Features, Kids

FLY LIKE SANTA

The most magical time of the year is upon us, and passengers are invited to depart for the glistening snow-dressed landscapes of the North Pole on their journey from Canada’s captivating coasts to the winter wonderland and home of Santa.

Soar with Santa flight ride is back at FlyOver Canada from November 16 to January 7, giving the whole family a chance to fly the skies alongside Santa Claus. Plus, we’ll be celebrate the season throughout December with special events, offers and surprises to get you into the holiday spirit.

Following the ride, guests can pick up some locally made stocking stuffers in the gift shop or continue embracing the wonder of the holiday season at the Flying Whale Café, where seasonal treats and winter warming drinks include peppermint mochas, gingerbread cookies, and Christmas loaf. Yum!

On Saturdays and Sundays between November 18 to December 17, create memories with an extra special Breakfast with Santa before boarding the holiday flight ride. For more information or to book breakfast, click here.

As an added bonus, from now until December 14, guests can also see Legendary Iceland, an exhilarating ride featuring more than 30 locations and landmarks across the Nordic region.

FlyOver Canada

Soar with Santa From FlyOver Canada

  • Date: November 16, 2023 to January 7, 2024
  • Location: FlyOver Canada (999 Canada Pl #201, Vancouver)
  • Admission: Tickets available for purchase online. Advanced booking is recommended.
    • Visit Monday through Thursday for free child admission with each accompanying adult (see website for details).

FlyOver Canada

Green Beaver’s All Natural Flavoured Toothpaste Has This Mama Smiling

Posted on Categories Business, Features, Kids

*I received this product for free from Moms Meet (momsmeet.com) to use and post my honest opinions. Compensation for this post was provided and this page may contain affiliate links.

Who else has a kiddo who constantly moans and groans every time you ask them to go brush their teeth? Mine constantly complains about how it’s too hard to squeeze the bottle or that the flavour just isn’t very good, which I can understand because who wants something yucky in their mouth? Well thankfully with Green Beaver® fluoride-free, 100% natural toothpastes, my kiddo is happy with the added bonus of it being natural and having effective ingredients.

What is Green Beaver all about?

Founded in 2002 by husband and wife duo, Green Beaver is a Canadian company with a desire to keep inspiring a natural way of life in a more sustainable world. They provide natural products in the categories of body care, skincare, dental care for adults as well as kids. The natural fluoride-free toothpastes contain calcium and antioxidant vitamin C which help you maintain good oral hygiene health.

Green Beaver toothpastes gently clean and polish teeth with 100% natural ingredients. They are non-GMO, free of artificial flavors and dyes, and do not contain sodium lauryl sulfate. The best thing about these toothpastes is that they are naturally made. They contain calcium, papaya extract, and xylitol, a natural ingredient derived from birch that helps prevent cavities.

The five flavours we were sent and able to test out were:

  • Green Beaver Natural Toothpaste – Green Apple
  • Green Beaver Naturapeutic Kids Toothpaste – Bubblegum
  • Green Beaver Naturapeutic Kids Toothpaste – Strawberry
  • Green Beaver Natural Toothpaste – Zesty Orange
  • Green Beaver Naturapeutic Toothpaste – Fresh Mint

Can you guess which flavour was Ryersons favourite? *Hint Hint* rhymes with shmubblegum.

Natural, Fluoride-Free Toothpaste for the Whole Family

I’m a standard mint goer myself and don’t love a lot of fruity flavours for toothpaste so I was happy they had an extra whitening fresh mint toothpaste that I’ve kept hidden in my drawer! I like knowing they also have calcium and Vitamin C, all great things for the adults but even better for the kids.

Anti-Cavity, Safe-to-Swallow Kids’ Toothpaste

Unlike other toothpastes, the Green Beaver kids’ toothpastes are made with xylitol, which comes from birch extract. A natural sweetener, xylitol helps in the absorption of calcium and the strengthening of your child’s teeth. It prevents the production of acid (which weakens tooth enamel) and reduces bacteria (which cause cavities). This safe, natural substance thus has many benefits and is the main ingredient in Green Beaver kids’ toothpastes. Plus as an extra bonus (or safety bonus I should say), is these toothpastes are perfectly safe to swallow. That’s not to say let the kiddos eat them like candy but it’s nice to know once they’re rinsing or playing with their toothbrush that I know it’s not harmful for them or their little tummies.

Did you know? Green Beaver’s Naturapeutic Toothpastes are the only toothpastes approved by Health Canada to claim they’re able to prevent cavities and tooth decay without fluoride. They are also the only anticavity kids’ toothpastes that are safe to swallow (also approved by Health Canada).

More About Green Beaver

Green Beaver offers more than just natural toothpastes; such as soaps, deodorants, skincare products, hair care productions, lotions and more for the whole family. All products are made here in Canada. Their products are also vegan, biodegradable, cruelty free, gluten free, fluoride free, and recycled.

Green Beaver 100% natural, fluoride-free Naturapeutic & Flavour Collection Toothpastes are available to purchase online at greenbeaver.com or in-store at Loblaws, Jean-Coutu, Healthy Planet, Avril Supermarché Santé, Sobeys, IGA Rachelle-Berry, Shoppers Drug Mart, and London Drugs.

Save 25% off any purchase of Green Beaver toothpaste at greenbeaver.com with promo code GBSmile25. (Expires 11/30/21.)

Overall, all of us were happy with the Green Beaver natural toothpastes especially the main user of the house, Ryerson. If you’re worried about the ingredients’ in your kids’ toothpaste, or trying to encourage your kids to brush their teeth more often, I would definitely recommend and suggest checking out Green Beaver and buying several flavours. Especially right now, these would make as an excellent stocking stuffer for the holidays!

Are you going to try Green Beaver toothpaste?

Baby Registry with buybuy BABY Langley

Posted on Categories Business, Features, Kids, Motherhood

Note: This post is in partnership with buybuy BABY Langley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

I can’t believe baby girl will be here in a few short weeks – eek!

With the huge selection of baby products out there and new ones always coming out, it can be really overwhelming to get your registry just right for you and your little one on the way. I’ll be 100% honest, I never created a registry for my first (due to being a young single mom at the time) life was already overwhelming as it was that going into it a second time I wasn’t sure what to expect. The anxiety and nerves kicked in knowing there would be sooo many products to see and choose from *overwhelmed much*.

I’m super happy that I had the chance to partner with buybuy BABY Langley to create my registry and the experience was phenomenal! I seriously can’t recommend it enough for mamas-to-be. The one-on-one attention and care you get from the consultant assigned to you makes it a breath of fresh air.

While there are tons of online registries available, having an in-store option that has a huge selection (and a physical person to chat with) is really helpful – especially for first time moms!

As a mama already to an almost 6-year old, it’s been quite some time since I had to think about ‘baby related’ items and or needs and wants. Heck, there are products and items they’ve created in the years since I had my son that I didn’t even know existed! Setting up a registry and speaking with someone definitely gave me the initiative to get my ducks in a row and really open my eyes to what I really needed for baby over my wants and maybe unrealistic objectives (don’t just get products for the sake of it).

My Appointment with a Registry Expert

I actually started making my registry back when I was about 4-5 months pregnant to ensure I was comfortable and had time to pre-plan everything. Now currently being in my third trimester the thought of starting one now would just not be happening!

The most convenient and nicest thing about creating a registry with buybuy BABY is that you can get help building and managing your registry for FREE! After arriving to the store I was greeted by Rapinder (the store manager) who introduced me to Pam, my in-store Registry Expert. Pam was immediately welcoming and such a calm presence I knew I was going to be in great hands for the next hour or two.

After taking a few minutes to setup my registry — asking about my due date, babies gender, my baby shower date and going through a checklist of wants vs needs (plus items I already had), we were on our way to explore the store. The tour took about a total of 1.5 hours from start to finish, Pam gave me an overview of each of the store’s sections and some of her recommendations. During your appointment you have the ability to customize the tour to your needs. For me I completely skipped the baby-wearing section as I still have my Tula from my first baby and the nursey component as I had my crib and bassinet already from my previous pregnancy. She also asked me specific questions to get an idea of my taste and preferences. It was so nice having someone walk me through the entire process and give her take on what is the best for my lifestyle and home.

If you’ve never been into a buybuy BABY store, they’re super easy to navigate. The store (Langley specifically) is openly laid out and is broken off into sections. For instance, they have clothing in one area, feeding in another, bath essentials, etc. you see where I’m going with this. It made it super easy to know where I needed to spend my time and where I could skip out on or come back too.  Between selecting clothes, gear, diaper bags, car-seats, strollers etc. the store has all your baby needs covered!

Registry Benefits & Perks

There are amazing perks of registering with buybuy BABY and these are just some:

  • Online Registry Tools
  • Interactive checklist*
  • Thank you list
  • Group gifting
  • Quick picks
  • Registry analyzer
  • Parent Favourites’
  • 15% completion discount
  • Simple returns

*They have a checklist that is super helpful to use and follow – there were items I had completely forgotten about until I look this over! I’d strongly recommend printing this list before you register to stay organized as you select items. It’ll help ensure that your registry is thorough, comprehensive and easy for your guests to shop from. Or, if you’ve already registered, use it to double-check for items you may have forgotten. (Chances are, you’ll find something you missed!)

For those who aren’t aware, using a consultant in-store is completely free. No appointment is necessary, although you’re sure to get one-on-one assistance when you schedule your visit.

buybuy baby Langley

Why Register With buybuy BABY?

Here are a few reasons you should register with buybuy Baby:

  • Huge in-store selection with multiple brands
  • Friendly & knowledgeable staff
    (This is a big one for me — when I am asking questions about a specific product I really want to know the person has experience and knowledge in this area.)
  • The ability to shop online and in-store with ‘same day’ curb-side pickup

One of the reasons I went with a registry with buybuy BABY, besides the fact that they have EVERYTHING for the baby is because of all the benefits. You can view your registry from their website directly or from the app on your phone. It’s simple to navigate through everything and it acts as your own personal checklist.

Also when you sign up online today or visit a buybuy BABY store in-person, receive a FREE Goody Bag full of great samples and a buybuy BABY coupon to help get you started!

If you’re a mom-to-be and feeling overwhelmed right now just thinking about the process of setting up a baby registry, that’s totally understandable. It can be a lot. It’s crazy the amount of things a baby needs, and sometimes we can forget what it feels like having a newborn, even if it’s not your first which is why I wanted to give you a little peace of mind and share my process of setting up a baby registry with buybuyBABY, and how fun it can actually be. Again, I’m super grateful for the team at buybuy Baby in Langley and a special shout-out to my personal consultant Pam, who knew all the things I needed and could answer any and all questions I had.

Now it’s time to bring home the most important item… baby!

For more information or to start your own registry, be sure to check out www.buybuybaby.ca or by visiting them on Facebook: www.facebook.com/buybuyBabyCanada

Grow your own Magic with My Fairy Light Garden

Posted on Categories Features, Kids

A Toy that’s Also a Real, Live Garden!

My fairy garden is the first of its kind: a toy that’s also a real, live garden! Children love kits that allow them to grow plants at home; it gives them a connection to nature and a sense of satisfaction at having nurtured a living thing. Fortunately enough, Playmonster was kind enough to send us our very own My Fairy Garden Fairy Light Garden!

My Fairy Garden takes it to a new, exciting level by allowing children to interact with it as part of an enchanting playset! Children plant the seeds, and care for their garden, all while setting up and playing with adorable fairies, woodland friends and accessories! I know what you’re thinking – and yes this toy is also okay for boys. My son has always loved to help me garden and watch our plants grow so I knew this would be right up his alley.

Each kit includes everything children need to grow their very own fairy garden, nurture the plants, and play in the fairy world they create!

my fairy garden

About My Fairy Garden

Did you know that fairies are everywhere? They are! Fairies love nature, so you’ll usually find them near flowers, trees, and toadstools or among other wild and beautiful plants.  If you’re wanting to invite a fairy into your home, creating a magical garden for them is the first step.

This set includes everything you need to make that special garden for the fairy Saffron and her beautiful unicorn. Saffron spends much of her time daydreaming in her garden, petting and chatting with her unicorn, Calista. Saffron especially loves her garden at nighttime when it’s quiet and peaceful. She blows on her magical mushroom home to activate magical lights and music to fully relax.

Once you build Saffron’s garden and start growing your own plants, you can have fun playing in your new fairy world.

Contents of this kit includes: Light house, bridge, waterwheel, watering can, gardening tools, seed packets, seed starter, Saffron the Fairy, Calista the Unicorn and the fairy flying-cord.

my fairy garden

Make it your Own

As you’ll see in the photos Ry and I decided to add our own plants after the fairy garden grew. Sadly we went away on holidays and the fairy garden was looking a little sad when we got home so we decided to re-plant and regrow. Don’t ask the plants, I let Ryerson take the lead and he grabbed what spoke to him. It’s so fun watching him create and be so fascinated with the nature that is right in front of him.

For those looking to get this or if you already have it, be sure to really make it your own though when you grow your garden. Add rocks, sticks, twigs, shells, etc. Why not even add some extra flowers or plants as we did?!

I also loved the fact this was a STEM toy. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. It’s great for the kids to become educated on how things work in a fun way (also with a dose of magic).

Now, what are you waiting for… go plant some magic and watch it grow!

my fairy garden

Disclosure: All opinions expressed are my own. The product was gifted in exchange for this blog post. 

Stacking Just Got a Whole Lot Sillier with Stacktopus

Posted on Categories Business, Features, Kids

It’s Fun for the Whole Family

Nothing sayings being silly quite like putting funny objects on your fingers!

PlayMonster‘s Stacktopus is having players slip on silly sea fingers to become a stacking octopus…a Stacktopus!™ Stacking these cups should be easy, but when you’re wearing octopus arms on your fingers, it becomes silly competitive fun! Race to match your stack of cups to the card shown to win! It’s great fun for kids, but also for families—wearing the silly sea fingers levels the playing field for kids and adults! Best for only 2 to 3 Players.

stacktopus

Silly isn’t just for Kids!

When Ryerson received this game in the mail he was so excited. Talk about killer branding with a giant fun-loving Octopus on the side, what kid wouldn’t want to open the box immediately? Of course, dad had to join in on the fun (plus I don’t let Ry win if I’m playing #badmom hehe).

I will admit I have seen the octopus hands not just used for game-play… Ry likes to pretend to be an octopus and run around the house mostly scaring and annoying the cats, but sometimes he wants to just because. Sometimes the simplest games can keep the kids’ imagination running wild.

Rules of the Game

To play the game, kids draw from the included deck of 24 stack cards to receive their mission. From there, it’s a fast-paced race to see which player can complete the colourful stack on their card first. Kids (or even the adults) place three octo-fingers onto one hand to tackle the task. Nine of the awkward appendages are included, so up to three players can take part in the fun.

Stacktopus is a perfect addition to the game shelf for the entire family to enjoy. It’s a game that can be played quickly, stores easily, and will put smiles on faces all the way around. This game is recommended for 5 years and up but younger kids definitely can still join in.  Of course, Ry being younger didn’t always follow the rules but we made the best of it.

stacktopusDisclosure – This game was gifted and sent to us for review. All opinions expressed are my own. Thank you PlayMonster and ChizComm.

Small Prints – Big Impressions

Posted on Categories Business, Features, Kids, Motherhood

Smallprint Vancouver North, which specializes in handcrafted jewellery that captures the fingerprint of a loved one in silver. No moulds are taken; which means the silver keepsake has literally been touched by your loved one. Hand and footprints, drawings, and love notes can also be turned into silver jewellery. All items are handcrafted and hand engraved by Mahnaz (Naz), the owner, in her North Vancouver studio, from start to finish!

Heartfelt Impressions

When Naz reached out to me wanting to create some lifelong keepsake jewelry pieces I was floored. I had seen her work on other people and on social media so I was ecstatic to be working with her to create some unique items that were meaningful to me. The process was very easy. First, Naz sent over an inkless print kit where I was able to run a (wet wipe) a Magic Inkless Print Kit over Ryerson’s hands and feet and then press them onto this ‘special paper’. Then voila! His prints appeared (see image below).

small prints vancouver

Making A Mark

Additionally, I got Ryerson to write down his name and the word ‘MOM’ as this is something I wanted to be imprinted onto a charm for me to be able to wear as he grows. Something so simple yet meaningful, it seemed like the perfect choice to get on a piece of jewelry. I then took a photo of each of the pieces of paper where Ry wrote the names and emailed them to Naz. The rest was left in her magical hands.

The two pieces I had done up were a bracelet with the word ‘MOM’ and on the other side Ry’s handprint. Additionally, a keychain was made with both of Ry’s footprints and his name that he spelt out. On the back of the keychain was the date and his age so we were able to know exactly when the prints were taken.

small prints vancouver

Perfect for Every Day & Special Occasions

Smallprint Vancouver North offers a beautiful collection of handmade sterling silver keepsakes that are perfect at any time of the year.

Consider a unique handcrafted sterling silver jewelry piece or  personalized keepsake for:

  • Mother’s Day & Father’s Day
  • Birthday or a new birth
  • Engagement, Wedding or an Anniversary
  • Valentine’s Day
  • Christmas
  • Graduation
  • or even just because! There are so many reasons why these pieces make a great gift.

Smallprint Vancouver North also offers Memory Treasures for the bereaved. These handcrafted and personalized memorial keepsakes can provide comfort to those with loved ones they are about to lose as well as preserving the memory of those who have already sadly passed.

Who Can Get Their Prints Done?

Anyone really! From children as young as newborns to their grandparents, loved ones of all ages can get their prints taken for your Smallprint keepsake. And did you know that you can also take your furry friends prints? Anything you’d like to get an impression of you can realistically.

small prints vancouver

Experiences that last a lifetime

When you choose a Smallprint Keepsake, you are getting the experience in addition to your personalized accessory. And it really only takes a matter of moments. The creation process happens right in front of your eyes and you’ll have a memory of exactly where you were when your special piece was made. I loved the idea that Ry was a bit older so I was able to get his hand and footprints in addition to some of his writing. I think it’s also adorable that you’re able to get an actual drawing your child has created done up and recreated into an everlasting piece of jewelry.

Which Smallprint Vancouver North pieces would you love to receive? What special memory would you like to carry with you most? Let me know in the comments below.

If you want more information on the Smallprint brand you can either visit the Facebook page or  Instagram.
Smallprint Vancouver North in the media.

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Smallprint Vancouver North however, all opinions expressed are my own.