WE HAVE MOVED!

All good things must come to an end and we have moved!   The blog is still going strong but we've added some new sections and now have an official website!

We've added some new pages for you including recipes, and events and cleaned up a few lines and edges.

Please come and see the new blog at Vancity Mommy D

Thank you so much for your love and support over the last few months, I couldn't have done it without you!  XOX


Sangria Ham and all the fixins....

One thing you may not know about me, is I can be QUITE the procrastinator! With 2-3 trips to the grocery store in the week leading UP TO Thanksgiving, I saw the turkey's but did I ever purchase one.. NO! So why would I be shocked when two days before all that is left is a $50.00 turkey! It was a little TOO much for 3 adults and 1 child!  So our Thanksgiving dinner was ham and all of the fixings!

Once upon a time, I decided to cook dinner for my entire family but knowing my father is not a fan of ham, I thought maybe I'd try to cook it a different way and he's like it more? So throw in one of my favorite drinks and a big old ham and let's see what we can create! Well, I've made it every single year since on at least one special occasion for the last 10+ years!

Sangria Ham
1 c. Sangria (for Ham)
1 c. Sangria (for you)
1 c. Citrus Juice
1/2c. Brown Sugar
Bone in Ham

Preheat over to 425 Fahrenheit then I score the ham in a diamond shape about a 1 inch to 1.5 inch deep and pack with brown sugar. I then pack the top and sides with brown sugar and put in the over for about 15-20 minutes at 425 to let the brown sugar bake to the top. Once it's baked to the top, remove from oven, reduce heat to 375 Fehrenheit and in a 2c. measuring cup, I combine 1 cup Sangria and one cup of a citrus juice, this year I used Orange Juice, but normally I will use a Pineapple or a citrus blend.

At this point in a separate wine glass, when not pregnant, I pour myself a glass of sangria! One for the Ham, one for me!

Pour one of two cups onto the ham and put back into the oven for the next 40-45 minutes and then continue every 30 minutes thereafter until the two cups is gone and then baste with juices from the bottom of the pan until the Ham reaches an internal temperature of 140 degrees.  It's usually about 3.5 hrs.  This will retain heat for well over an hour after well, so I usually plan to have it out one hour before dinner is to start and as soon as I remove it from the oven, I will add additional sangria to sit in for the hour, usually about half a cup but this is just extra step and doesn't need to happen so I never measure!

Don't mind my slippers!

 



Next on the menu was Pan Roasted Bacon Brussel Sprouts, Bourbon Glazed Carrots, Twice baked Potatoes, fresh made buns complete with homemade Garlic butter!

Pan Roasted Bacon Brussel Sprouts
6 strips of Bacon
4c. Brussel Sprouts halved.
Butter

My recipe called to cook the bacon until crispy, chop and set aside. Then to add butter to bacon fat and cook Brussel sprouts until golden brown, toss with salt and pepper.  Only change I would have made was to perhaps boil/steam the Brussel sprouts for a bit first to get the sprouts to open up a bit to allow more of the bacon flavor to seep in.

Bourbon Glazed Carrots
2 c. baby carrots
1/4 c. butter
1/4 c. brown sugar
2 tbsp. Bourbon

Boil carrots for 8-10 minutes then in separate pot, bring to a simmer the remaining ingredients, stir until thickened. Combine the two serve immediately!

Add caption

Twice Baked Potatoes

Bake Potatoes at 400 until you can insert fork and it slides off the fork with easily.  Cut in half once cooled down.  Scoop the insides out into a bowl, add milk, butter, salt, pepper and any other seasoning, mash and then whip with a hand held blender. Scoop back into your halves until they are full again. Put in oven on broil to make top crispy.

Homemade Garlic Butter
1/4 c. Butter
1 garlic clove finely chopped
Splash of Olive Oil

Add all 3 together and whisk/blend together.

The bun recipe was a generic recipe from my break maker, followed exactly, so I won't be posting that!

Finally... Pumpkin Crisp makes either two regular size pies or one deep dish

Filling
1 can of Pumpkin
300 ml of Evaporated Milk
1 c. brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp of vanilla and cinnamon.
1/2 tsp. of ground ginger, nutmeg and salt.

Crisp topping
1c. Oats
3/4 c.  Brown Sugar
2 tbsp. All purpose flour
1/3 cup melted butter
1/2 tsp cinnamon.

Preheat Oven to 425, I used a pre-made pie crust and poured my Filling into the two pies crust.  Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes and then reduce heat to 350 and bake for 45 minutes.  In this time, prepare the crisp topping so when pie comes out of oven, put on top of pie and return to oven for an additional 20 minutes.

The crisp added a different texture to the pie and I served warm with whipped cream and everyone licked their bowls clean!

Well there you have it! This will also be my final blog post done at Blogger.com!  This Thanksgiving, I can honestly say that I'm so thankful for the love and support I have been given since starting this journey in blogging!  Honestly, I started this very shy about what to post and  didn't really think there was anyone who wanted to hear about my life in parenting, etc and I thought well if I can help out a few mommies, I will know that my job here is done.  I started scared and eventually got over it and the more I "let go" the more I heard people tell me how much they loved my latest post, or that they laughed at my crazy preggo stories. I knew I had something!

As I make my transition over to my official website, I'm going to try to have regular content posted daily.  That being said, if there is something you want my honest opinion, thoughts, or take on please shoot me an email at janette@vancitymommyd.com or if you're a business looking to take part in my small business features, product reviews or event blogging, please reach out, I have loved my part in all of these avenues so far and can't wait to continue doing so!

I will have some advertising space open for businesses to advertise and honestly looking at my numbers without a dime going into any paid marketing, makes me so excited to see what is going to happen once I actually start investing into advertisement! Each month my page views double and triple and that is all because my lovely friends, supporters and local businesses!

I love social media, testing products and falling in love with local business!  I hope you enjoy these recipes and stay tuned to the new website that will have recipes posted weekly and I've got some good ones!

Winner of the contest....uh oh!

Unfortunately, some error must have happened with Rafflecopter and I'm currently awaiting a response from them to let me know what happened but for the contest, it was MANDATORY that you leave a comment on the blog.  The winners chosen by Rafflecopter, did not actually comment on the blog so leaving them disqualified and the only people that did comment on the blog were not chosen as winners and there was no entry recorded for them by Rafflecopter.

As mentioned, I am currently awaiting a response from Rafflecopter but we may have to re-do this contest!

Hope you're all having a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend! BLOG POST TONIGHT!

Baby & Tot Show; Meet the Exhibitors Part 3

Rewind sometime ago,  I never would have imagined that sending out two emails within a few days time would change my blogging life in such a positive way! I reached out to two coordinators for events that were happening, The Baby and Tot Show being one of the two.  Every week, I've been introducing you to some of the Exhibitors that I was already either in love with or was inspired by.  This is my final week doing so, as we have a few other plans on the horizon such as the official website with a new added component! Make sure you read this ALL the way down to the end, there is a surprise for BC lower mainland residents!

1. Woodland Owl Trinkets

Where to start with this jewelry line?  I reached out to Jessica about including her in this blog post and she was immediately welcoming, kind and engaging! We conversed back and forth about husbands and gifting for anniversaries and such! She is so sweet that I want to order from her just because she genuinely seems really excited about every single custom order she receives.

Now, I can guarantee that any mother looking at what Jessica creates with her ever so talented hands will completely adore her signature piece, the bird's nest, because it symbolizes a mothers love for her young! The following is a paragraph right from her website telling you how these came to be; " I spend time moulding the pieces, weaving every piece and bend, and moulding the nest into a round shape when it's all woven! It really is a process that I have learnt how to perfect. I've done so many that my hands get into a lovely rhythm when I make these nests! You get what you pay for- a beautiful piece of art that you can cherish and hold your loved ones in. I lovingly make these with you in mind! I don't simply glue the pieces together, or simply wind or roll it up: I pride myself on making something that is truly intricate and detailed... attention to detail is my motto when I make these nests! I love how each and every one turns out differently, just like nests do in nature!"

That right there, is quality, it's commitment, its total and pure joy with passion for what you do! She is taking custom orders and can be reached via the contact link at the top of her page! This would be the perfect gift for Christmas, in fact would someone mind mentioning that to my husband as it'd would be a nice sentiment with the 4th member of our family arriving in November!

2. Jady Baby's Soft Soled Boots

Everyone who has a mommy friend on Facebook, knows they can be crazy about certain products and share it religiously every time a giveaway is hosted, that for my news feed was Jady Baby's. I had the same mommies who I've looked up too for many years sharing this "Jady Baby's" every few months.  Since JB started to show up in my news feed, I always thought that my "baby" was too big for this product.

Once I had confirmed with a few girlfriends that we were expecting another baby, of course I was then getting tagged in these giveaways but since I had not come out of the pregnancy closet to everyone just yet, I asked one of my mommies not to tag me because I didn't want to give away that I was pregnant. She informed me that Jady Baby's is NOT just for babies! I immediately began to look into this company and I learned, JB is for your baby, your toddler, your child and for YOU too.

All of a sudden JB is now on my radar and I need to look into who is Jady Baby's, where is this company located? Why has this company invaded my FB page for so long?  Well when you start to actually look into the company itself without any regard to WHAT the product is... you cannot help but want to get behind everything these two lovely women stand for.  Jade Barr was born in Langley, raised in Sarnia Ontario and moved to Saskatoon for her husbands work. I am quite passionate about all things SK as I myself come from Saskatoon, so I needed to learn more!

If you Google Jady Baby's, it is evident in every single link how amazing this Mompreneur is.  "Jade was selected from more than 300 nominees after 64,000 online votes were cast. Jady Baby's soft soled boots wins 2013 Mompreneur of the year!" (quote provided by parentscanada.com).  For any women, whether you are a SAHM, a Mompreneur, an employee, a manager or a CEO, it doesn't take much to look at this company and feel PROUD of your gender. It's people like Jade Barr that make the rest of us want to try harder, her business etiquette, her social media techniques, the fact that she is a mother, and how supportive she is within the small business community, combined with product itself is the perfect recipe for success!

As I mentioned above, these are not just baby booties, these are for everyone! The patterns, the detail everything about these boots are spectacular and a lot of pride goes into what she does! They are vegan, Machine washable & dryable. Both indoor and outdoor friendly as they are made without glue or chemicals.  Non-slip, water-proof & durable pediatrician recommended soft soles and best yet GUARANTEED to STAY ON!!


3. B & R Laundry Soap

When I began going through the exhibitor list of over 150 different companies, it became very clear that I was going to have to be really choosy about who I featured, and that is partially why this business feature has turned into a 3 week adventure but also because each company has something truly unique that makes it remarkable.  B&R Laundry soap has one main thing that I find so incredible and different about the product itself and that it's actually a paste, as opposed to a liquid or a powder and it comes in the ever so popular mason jar! Then the list of benefits just goes on and on and on. Did I mention it's locally made? Or that they are Eco-friendly? What about Vegan?

Each jar does 60-65 loads and they have an amazing recycling program where the customer gets $5 back for every jar returned. It is also safe for all washing machines and is available in 4 varieties (Citrus, Lavender, Peppermint and Unscented). So there is really no excuse!

In speaking with Eileen Fisher, it is so very clear how much she loves what she does, how inspired she is by her creation and it's mompreneurs like her that make the rest of us want to work even harder at what we do! She started this business just over a year ago and that she owes all to her children! She was making the laundry soap for her own home and the kids suggested she try selling it at the Abbotsford Farmer's Market. Now that is a compliment if I ever heard one!

They got in at the end of the season last year and it sold really well! Now B&R is sold in 10 stores in the Fraser Valley/Lower Mainland area and the list is growing. The company is named after her kids' initials & they are now the marketing team behind B & R Laundry Soap.
.
The website is www.brlaundrysoap.com but I'm told the Facebook page is the place where the dirty laundry is shared... so to speak. They have rather quickly grown to a fan base of almost 1,100 and do post on Facebook regularly, as they find it's the perfect place for connecting with their customers.

 I just received word that they have been nominated for an award with Small Business BC. Congratulations Eileen Fisher, the marketing team and everyone who stands behind B&R Laundry Soap! Here is the link to vote for B&R Laundry Soap! Show some love!  http://sbbcawards.ca/award/peoples-choice/b-r-laundry-soap/

4.  Cutie Pie Boutique

This boutique makes some of the most adorable hair clippies, headbands and hair accessories for your LO's, and furthermore, they have started to venture into clothing as well with the ever so precious ruffled rompers.  The heart behind this boutique surprisingly, consists of a remarkable crafting trio, a Grandmother, a mother, and a daughter, do you need any more reasons to shop Cutie Pie Boutique? Well if you do, go to their Etsy store, link above and see for yourself why you NEED these in your LO's life!

What initially drew me to this company aside from them being local were these two stunning little beauties wearing these headbands that remind me something from the 20's. I'm not sure if this was their intention but it definitely got my attention. I dug a bit further, I found that they make hair clippies and this above anything else EVER was my favorite accessory for Ava.  Her hair is on the finer side like and this style of hair clip was the only thing that stayed in and stayed PUT! Hair clippies are partially lined with premium ribbon for maximum hold, and all clips are lined with a no-slip grip. Ribbon ends have been heat sealed to prevent fraying. 

I'm hoping they have some hair clippies on hand for me at the show. We are almost out and those Cotton Candy ones just SCREAM Ava! Which hair clippies are your favorite?

5. Hidden Garden Foods

I was first introduced to Hidden Garden Foods a while back when I won a Parent Perks Bag and there was a bag of these little gems inside!   These Cookies are all Gluten free and contain half a serving of Vegetables.  They are completely natural with no preservatives, artificial flavors or coloring!  These cookies are the perfect snack for the picky eater in your house who won't eat their vegetables.  You honestly cannot tell that you are consuming any vegetables!


I'm so please that I could introduce you to all of these local companies that are inspiring and I hope  have created a place in your heart,  just as they have for me! Each week, I've reached out to these companies as a new mommy blogger, just wanting to give some local love and the response has been remarkable. I feel as though I've made some new friends, encouraged some new friendships between companies and consumers and it's been a lot of fun to fall in love with new products,  meet new people and learn something new about myself and the companies!

GIVEAWAY ALERT!!!!

So NOW the surprise, I'm giving away another set of two tickets to The Baby and Tot Show in Abbotsford on October 18th and 19th at the Tradex Centre.  All you have to do is comment on this post telling me which company you are most excited to meet and which product/pattern they have is your favorite. I will be checking to make sure that you actually comment on the blog with all requirements.  You can also gain extra entries by visiting their Facebook pages and giving little local love by "liking" their page!  Good Luck all!

This giveaway is not affiliated with Facebook in anyway shape or form.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Your Response to Postpartum Depression!

I was not aware of how much writing one post could mean to me, until I wrote about my struggle with postpartum depression.  The experience in it's entirety has been most rewarding to me and I couldn't feel this way, if it wasn't for YOU lovely people, who read this blog, shared this blog and wrote to me with the following kind words;


"What a great post!!!! Thank you for sharing that!!! You have a total gift! I too had really bad PPD and knew I had to take charge of the situation the second time around... Thank you for sharing your story!" Mompreneur with 2 Children under the age of 5

"I think I had some depression after ***** was born, it was more towards the anxiety side, it's an awful feeling. Good for you for writing this blog. I've known a few friends and my good neighbour friend across the street who have had it, each to very different degrees! It can be so scary and no need to suffer alone or be ashamed." Kennedy SAHM to 4 children under the age of 10

"It's real life's struggles and truth. And very important to read and understand, as MANY women have gone through similar situations! So enjoy the read, the knowledge. Thank you Janette for sharing your "all" about "everything"! I am very happy I met you! " Tammy P - Mompreneur with 2 children.

"It's nice to hear from other people,e that it is ok to feel like your falling apart! I wish more people would be honest about what actually goes on, it would make those that feel like they are loosing see that all of us do at some point. Love you bud and keep on writing. xo" Taryn Mommy to 2 children under the age of 5

"A pretty real post from my SIL about her struggle with postpartum depression. I was so lucky with Carter to not even have had five minutes of the "baby blues," but this pregnancy has been a lot different than Carter's was right from the beginning, and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't worried that post partum depression will also be a part of this experience. At least I know I'll have support in my life should that come to be. Well said, sister!" Amber on maternity leave with 1 ever so handsome young lad, 3 years old and another on the way!

Those are just some of the comments that have come my way, I've had many shares by companies, by my friends, my family.  Though I will admit, I've been a put pushy within my social media networks but only because I know that this topic deserves so much more attention than the hush behind closed doors. THANK YOU to those of you, who have put up with my constant posting! I lurve you!

I did tear up at many points while writing that blog and it wasn't because I was sad, quite the contrary, it felt relieving to give my experience with PPD a voice.  It was not a faceless monster hiding in the nursery, or that quite whisper behind any closed door, it was my real and it happened. Knowing that I had people who were listening and that with my words, I could make someone else feel a bit more ok, is precisely what brought out those tears and feelings of joy! I am proud of what I wrote!

Over the last 5-6 years, there has been many situations, where I have given more power to a person, place or thing than required. I say given because I never asked for it back! For someone reason, at this moment in time, every one of those moments has now become clearer to me and throughout much self reflection of this past summer, I have been afforded the opportunity to see how every thing that has happened has led me to the next place. Almost, as if I saw the last few years as a puzzle slowly being put together, now I am left with a chance to put it into perspective and make a change.

I think as women we often will turn things into a something MORE or BIGGER than is needed and that would be our emotional side taking over.  Thank goodness for my husband's patience and rationality, he has always been able to point out my moments of GIVING power to people, situations and environments that are simply not worth it!

My previous post was shared on a few mommy sites and some questions have arisen, as soon as I am approved on those sites, I can answer any and all questions.  Same goes for here, if you have read the post or do read that post and have a question, please know I am an open book.  You can ask me anything and clearly... no judgement! Email me at fulltimemommydearest@gmail.com I am MORE than happy to chat,  ANYTIME to answer questions, or clarify anything or just listen!

 

Post Partum Depression - Will you make the choice?

Depression is a stigma, it is the conversation that sometimes happens behind closed doors, if it does at all! Depression happens everyday to every single one of us at some point.  Perhaps not always as severe but it is REAL and there are many forms of it. Manic and Post Partum are perhaps the most common. The best thing that you can do for yourself is to speak about it, LOUDLY!  Speaking about depression is also the best thing we can all do for each other! Once we all tell our stories, it is not such a scary thing for others to examine and eventually, we will stop giving so much power to this monster that truly doesn't need to be this larger than life presence! WE are MAKING the CHOICE to give it life!

After the birth of my 1st daughter in January of 2009, I did not feel right.  It took a long time for me to identify what the problem was.  Most of time when I get "down", I tend to view it as being somewhat homesick, especially now after having a baby.  I had a really difficult time knowing what was real, what was normal and how do I stop feeling this way? I was lonely, I wanted my parents, I wanted my friends, I wanted to not feel scared!  Bruce had always been there for me and he is my best friend, however he is not a female,  trying to vocalize some of the things I felt were not as relatable to a man as they were to a girlfriend, if I had one there to lean on!

A while back, I touched on my pregnancies being classified as "High Risk", my first pregnancy really did a number on me! I was labelled as an "incompetent cervix", which is truly an awful term in every single regard.   Nothing about me or my cervix is incompetent, we are just sensitive!  Being stamped "High Risk", people ask you to explain and then you say Incompetent. Every time that you say it, it feels like the ink is darkening and none of these terms are fun to converse about. They are not often spoken about, so you get a lot of eyebrow lifts and in that moment, I did not want to discuss it anymore! I didn't want to be labelled, categorized, stamped, I would not allow this define me as a pregnant woman!

We moved out to Burnaby into our first apartment together and shortly thereafter, I was put on modified bed rest, which meant that I was to get out of bed to go to the bathroom etc., but to not really do any walking.  After having spent the last 2 years living in the downtown core of Vancouver, most of my friends had always remained within walking distance and now I was technically in another city. You even had to do a sky train transfer *GASP*, which meant that I wasn't going to be getting any visitors. No one came to see me. I was at home, sometimes with Bruce, but no friends to see or people to converse with and I was "incompetent"?!

I gave birth to a beautiful little girl, Ava Blaire who was 7lbs, 7oz, and 19.5 inches long.  She came into this world like the true Rock Star that she is, a day late at 3:55pm. She came out healthy and a dream come true!

We went home and I was supposed to be happy! I had this beautiful bouncing baby girl and all the pictures show the mommie as being so happy, they had that new mommy glow, why didn't I? Why didn't I sit and stare at her while she was sleeping and revel in every single breastfeeding moment? Why was I so short and angry with almost every single person? I just didn't feel anything really, and what I did feel, didn't feel good... at all!

I began to research mood disorders and had my Ah-ha moment! Things clicked in place, it made sense, I was suffering from postpartum depression, I knew it! I immediately called my doctor, made an appointment and KEPT it! I sat down with my Doctor and had the hardest conversation I had ever had with a "stranger", she identified with me and referred me to speak with someone. I did a few times and it felt great! I was given medication to take with instructions on what to do and what not to do,  I followed them! I felt great! Life got happier, I got happier, this little girl lit up my world and all seemed well! I said it out loud and that took ALL the power away from Postpartum Depression. I claimed my life back and honestly I felt really good because I did that! I recognized my problem, identified it, and I solved it! I made that choice!

Picture by http://picturedmomentsbyapril.co/shake-the-shame-of-postpartum-depression/
 

This pregnancy, no doubt to anyone that knows me, has been an experience all on it's own.  There are a lot of things happening, but as for being "high risk" or "incompetent cervix", I feel a lot more strength this time around.  Maybe it's cause I'm older now or because we got through it once already, or maybe it's both! I did not have a lot of time to truly enjoy my last pregnancy, as I was scared and lonely for most of it.  I want to enjoy this experience, for me, for Ava, for Bruce.  This is a different pregnancy and I need to keep that perspective in mind as I approach road blocks both physically and mentally!

As I'm approaching my final few weeks of pregnancy, my final pregnancy, I feel strength! I definitely feel like I am heading into this situation much more prepared in every single aspect of what I could possibly be facing after the baby is here. But most importantly, I feel empowered with knowledge and with this knowledge, I can prepare.

Meeting Kami from Full Moon Mothering at the Busy Bump Baby Shower, I think was a blessing in disguise! If you read my review on this baby shower and what I had to say about Kami, you will remember that her area of profession was one I was the most ignorant about and I am truly inspired by what she does and I firmly believe that I have not even began to scratch the surface of what she does!  But nonetheless, I won her prize package, which consisted of a Baltic Amber necklace with a pendant made by Amy of Mandal Journey to celebrate birth, it has a mother and father having just given birth, with a doula (or midwife) and an essential oil of my choosing.

Thanks again Kami!

I went with the New Mama essential oil to help balance hormones during the postpartum period. It's a blend of oils specifically for the emotional and physical upheaval of that time! This sounds perfect and right up my alley, as my newest ailment that I have identified within this pregnancy is also anxiety.  I believe it's a social thing and perhaps hence why I have turned to blogging? This will be something I deal with fully after baby arrives, it has been an ongoing conversation with my doctor throughout this pregnancy.  We have a plan and furthermore, I am considering doing the Placenta Encapsulation, after reading some of the benefits this can bring both mother and baby!

I acknowledge that I am susceptible to Postpartum Depression.  I want to ensure that I am taking all measures to prevent it from happening again this time, and if it does, how to identify it quickly and not give IT any more power or strength within my life!  I have said it, I'm not ashamed by it and I would love to see all people just admit it if you've been there, or if you are there, to get help.  This monster doesn't need any more power and it doesn't need to be a quiet hush behind closed doors. It's real and we all go through it! 

Men: Would you want your sister, your mother, your daughter to suffer quietly? No?  Then say it if you have it, or have lived with it! I think most people can admire the courage it takes for a man to say it than by the physical strength that men can judge either by.

Mommies/Women: You would NEVER want another mommy, or your daughter when she becomes one or any other female to suffer quietly from any ailment,  let alone one like depression.  Speak up! I dare you!  Together, let's take all the power away from depression and turn our own volume up! 

Now you know my story! I had it, I'm susceptible to it, and I refuse to encourage Depression to ever take part of my life away.  That strength I WILL give to my daughters! Will you say it out loud? What strength will you give to your family? Will YOU make the CHOICE to remove Depressions power from YOUR life?

Picture by: http://www.ericafustero.com/2013/11/monsters-worst-nightmare/

Baby & Tot Show; Meet the Exhibitors Part 2

Just over 2 weeks to the highly anticipated Baby & Tot Show in Abbotsford at the Tradex Centre on October 18 & 19th. I have chosen my next 5 Exhibitors that I have either already fallen in love with or am very excited to meet at the show! 

Every single Exhibitor in attendance brings such an interesting products, passion, or experience to the table that it would take me forever to outline who they are and what they do, so allow me to introduce 5 of my personal favorites for this week!

As a new mom, it can be so overwhelming to see all the products and options that are in the stores.  Throw in word of mouth from other mommies and soon you will find yourself dreading the baby aisles in the stores. 

1. Glowbug Cloth Diapers 

I used disposable diapers with Ava and had my own list of issues with them, going through brands and seeing which ones worked for US.  I began to research reusable diapers, however most of the products out there, seem to be a HUGE investment in time and money. Which brought me to  Glowbug Cloth Diapers, the website is more than informative about the brand, what they stand for and the Pro's & Con's between Disposable Diapers and Reusable.

Some of the many incredible features regarding this particular reusable diaper is as follows;

Price – Glow Bugs are almost half the price of other brands. Buy now all the diapers you will ever need and NEVER buy diapers again! Fashionable Prints – Get your baby in the hottest cloth diaper prints! One Size – ​Fit Babies from Newborn to Potty Training so You NEVER have to Buy Diapers Again! Design –  Not all cloth diapers were made equal. Glow Bug diapers are the ultimate diapers when it comes to the design features!

Each brand is going to have different wonderful things and so it is ultimately up to you to decide what works best for your LO! I personally as a mom and now going back into diapers for a second time, I think of all the money we could save, the toxins that I would be removing from my child's day to day, I will admit it's hard not to be tempted, even though my husband still turns up his nose.

Please go to the website, read about the brand and if you're local Vancouver, come to The Baby & Tot Show and meet Shannon and talk reusable diapers with her, check out the new bamboo inserts that were just launched in September. Before the end of the year, you will also want to note, they will have a limited release holiday diaper . Furthermore a new line featuring solid colours and re-prints of some of the most popular designs from past packages as they offer new prints every year.

2.  Once Upon a Child Abbotsford

For those of you who don't know what Once Upon a Child is, they are a kids clothing resale store which has all your baby and kid clothing, furniture, equipment and toys up to 70% off retail prices. They buy already loved products from you every single day and you are paid on the spot, but please go to the website to see what is all required because this particular location has a brand standard that they abide by.

This husband and wife team are extremely proud of their store and they believe in what they do with  passion about this Franchise. Being parents themselves, with a 4 year old, a 2 year old and one on the way, it lends confidence to those shopping in their store, that they have been there before! It is a franchise that they strongly believe is a much needed component to all of the young and growing families in the Fraser Valley. It provides a great shopping and selling experience for the parents in our community and the are very pro community.

With a brand standard to follow they have added little touches to the family washroom (little toilet for the tots) with beautiful images by Lisa Nelly Photography. A large change room which also acts as a mothers area - should a mother want to nurse in private we have a glider chair and beautiful images by Cradled Creations Photography.

3. Tiny Threads

Everyone meet Melissa the Creator of Tiny Threads.  She handcrafts these custom shoes for each child with lots of love and care put into each pair. Each pair of shoes are made specifically for the babe that will be wearing them, including the colour and the inside pattern. Every shoe is sized to the babes foot with their name printed on the tag if desired. 

Tiny Threads custom shoes have an elastic opening which makes it quick and easy to put on and take off your babes foot.  They will stay snug on their feet rather than easily being kicked off. They are a soft sole shoe that are recommended for indoor and dry weather outdoor use and have a non slip grip on the bottom sole for those beginner to intermediate walkers.

You can find her on Facebook or follow her on Instagram @tiny_threads.  She has the most beautiful packaging, incredible color choices for these breathtaking shoes. Her website is also incredible easy to navigate through and makes it so easy to order exactly what you are looking for!

 I will be ordering some once my LO graces us with her presence or maybe at the show, Melissa tells me she will have a new product being released at the Show. How exciting!!

4. Jack and Audrey Organic Baby and Beauty Products

These gorgeous hand crafted products were inspired by two incredible creations named Jack and Audrey in Chillwack BC.  The recipes are all natural and almost 90% organic and from local ingredients.

Being a mom, we are all always looking for products that are easy on our children's sensitive skin  so after a lot of research about the ingredients in the common products we have been told to use on our children, she decided to come up with some great all natural recipes we use daily. Furthermore, they are homemade and have no preservatives, a few of the items have a shelf life and every batch made is a little different, equalling as nutrient and mineral rich just slightly different in texture or appearance making them all unique.

Head over to the Etsy page for this company and you will see just how passionate she is about her company.  The healthy organic, natural products she creates are inspiring from the soaps, scrub soap, essential oils, Baltic amber necklaces,  sunscreen and men's clay shave soap with brush, I cannot wait to get my hands on all of the above, now if I could only narrow down which ones I want most! The Blueberry Lemon Poppyseed sounds delicious! Did I mention, the packaging is this crazy cool vintage inspired packaging, which is like the icing on the cake, that I must now have!

5. Tushie Treats Diaper Cakes

My girl Stephanie at Tushie Treats Diaper Cakes creates some of the most adorable diaper cakes and tushie treats consisting of useful everyday items for the care and well being of the new baby. 

She makes Custom diaper cakes, onesie cupcakes, wash cloth lollipops, wash cloth bon bons, baby sock cupcakes, Sundae gift sets and much more.  Did I mention that she is also about to do cloth diaper cakes?

These are just amazingly cute little products that we all need for our LO's and why not make them more visually appealing.  These are perfect for Baby Showers, gifts and just a much more fun way to welcome a new baby to the world! 

PS.. Stephanie is giving away free tickets to The Baby & Tot Show, winner will be announced Saturday! Get on over to her Facebook page, say Hello, fall in love with these adorable baby products and enter to win tickets!

There you have it our week 2 of featured businesses for The Baby & Tot Show! Next week, we will have another 5 businesses, who do you think will be next? 

For more information or to buy tickets to the event, please go to The Baby & Tot Show website for all sponsors, exhibitors, prizes and times!