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.
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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.


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Busy Bump Baby Shower - What You Missed!

Copyright 2014 Candice Wong Photography

I had the honor and privilege of attending the Busy Bump Baby Shower with media passes  on this past Wednesday evening at the Heritage Hall and cannot stress how much I need to spread the word about this event, the vendors, and workshops. Here is what you missed!

Backing the bus up a moment, let's start with how this came to be! After an evening of browsing around on Facebook and came across a sponsored ad for a Busy Bump Maternity Service, which was advertising the Busy Bump Baby Shower!  Now,  I'd like to think that this does prove that advertising through Facebook does in fact work. my inquiring mind needs to know more about this event only to learn that it's the following day! Wow, why haven't I heard about this before??

I navigate myself through the website and find that these tickets are going for $53.99. I have been to a few "Baby Showers" when I was pregnant with Ava but I have never seen one with that kind of price tag attached.  I'm now intrigued and very quickly realized why there was such a price tag associated with this event.

Copyright 2014 Candice Wong Photography

It wasn't just a room full with a bunch of vendors that you meet and collect a bunch of pamphlets.  This event was so much more! It was extremely obvious from the first moment that we walked in the room, that a lot of planning, time and consideration went into this event.  From the smallest of details to the vendors, the prizing ( which was amazing; a full bassinet not yet released in Canada was given out), and the 5 workshop speakers.

Copyright 2014 Candice Wong Photography

All of the lovely deserts were provided by Sugarplum Pantry in New Westminster with the stunning linens provided by Elegantly Covered Events.  I think Stephanie with Busy Bump Maternity Service thought of absolutely every little thing.

I could go on for HOURS about how well this event was put together from the prizes that were won and diaper bags that were given out but that will be the next blog post,  I wanted to touch on my TOP 4 Exhibitors.  Every single person there brought something absolutely amazing to the table, but these specific 4 spoke beautifully to me!

Candice Wong Photography - Maybe it was the absolutely gorgeous canvas prints she had on display? Maybe it was the ever so sweet baby she with her?  Or maybe it was the fact that her passion for what she does jumps at you the moment you approach her.  We spoke for some time about having a birth photographer and the importance of newborn photos, etc and as much of a budget as I am on, it made me really want to have her come in and not to skimp just because it's my second baby! Candice, thank you for what you do, your work is just stunning and any family would be so lucky to have your work on their walls!

Copyright 2014 Candice Wong Photography

Belly Bean Imaging - This was the 1st stop I made when checking out all the Exhibitors and I have to say Brie is probably the sweetest thing! You can tell just exactly how much she loves her business, from the way her face lights up even when discussing the smallest of details.  So by now most mommies have heard of 3d ultrasounds and know someone who has done it or has heard someone speak about it, but when she tells you that she is mobile and see the way her passion spills out as she continues on to tell you all of the wonderful services she provides, it's hard not to get excited along with her! Just ask her about her Gender Reveal parties and try to resist the urge book a party!

Copyright 2014 Candice Wong Photography

Mindful Abundance - I had the pleasure of speaking with these wonderful ladies at the Busy Bump Shower and let me tell you, something about the approach these women take in discussing such important matters such as your child's education was just so comforting and not all as intimidating and as pushy as some other companies that like to deal in RESP's can be. These ladies are people and mothers as well, and they talk to you as such, without any agenda other than to educate.  If you have been curious about RESP's, your children's education or insurance such as critical illness etc. These topics are important, and affect our everyday, why not have this conversation with a company who's Philosophy starts like this, "We believe that freedom, choice and opportunity are a part of what makes life so magnificent, filled with wonder, excitement and adventure. One of the best ways to ensure a life filled with opportunity is by having a strong educational base to build on."

Copyright 2014 Candice Wong Photography

Full Moon Mothering - Placenta Encapsulation

Wow, so I remembered seeing this on the Busy Bump website as one of the Workshop Presenters and being slightly uncomfortable in that how much did I really want to hear a lady go on and on about Placenta's. I believe we as a culture have been fed such extreme one-sided conversations about what is the Placenta and you hear the animalistic adventure of Tom Cruise gnawing on a Placenta, of course, that is the extreme of how I took that media coverage.  I blame all my ignorance on not being informed, not getting informed, and not having someone like Kami, who is such an amazing public speaker to inform us of all the benefits and amazing thing that Placenta Encapsulation entails and completely take away all of the preconceived notions behind one of the most important details of pregnancy, that is so highly overlooked.

She very quickly put to bed, every single misinformed idea I had and encouraged me to learn about Placenta Encapsulation and this was just before I had the chance to speak with her one on one.  She offers an incredible service from pick up of Placenta to drop off of Pills with instructions plus much more.  Please go to her website and learn. Educate yourself! I could go on for hours about everything that I have felt since meeting her that I might just do a further blog post on this cause two paragraphs can't even begin to describe all the amazement I have for what she does from the Placenta Encapsulation, Essential Oils, and right down to the Baltic Amber necklaces which she handcrafts herself!

Copyright 2014 Candice Wong Photography

This post is just part one of the Busy Bump Baby Shower, there was still so many amazing things that came home with me that I want you all to know about it, so next week stay tuned but in the meantime, go to the websites links and learn.... educate yourself! These are such amazing women with amazing products, services and knowledge! If you get a chance to attend a Busy Bump Baby Shower, go it is nothing like any other Baby Shower I've been too and I loved every moment.

Thank you Stephanie with Busy Bump Maternity Service for allowing me to attend and to Candice Wong Photography for providing the photos.

Parenting.. Would You Change Anything You've Done?

I've been looking back at the parents moments between what you do with your 1st born vs  your 2nd born. I have been thinking about some of the decisions I have made and doing a lot of self reflection has made me ask... did I not love my child enough? How/What will I do differently between Miss Ava Blaire vs. Baby Squishy? What would I change?

When Ava was born, I had all these ideas of how I wanted it to be, based on some suggestions I got from other moms, parenting books, and Mom blogs.  One of the most common complaints I heard about was sleep issues; kids refusing to sleep in their own rooms, not being able to fall asleep without a lot of coaxing from the parents, sleep routines, bassinet to crib to toddler bed or just general concerns. For those reasons, Ava never slept in our room or in our bed.  From the first night the our tiny little baby was alone in her room, in a crib, honestly.. our newborn baby slept alone in a big crib her 1st night at home.

I feel like I should probably knock on wood here, as with this child, we don't have enough room in our house for this new babe to have her own room so she will be bunking with us until the time is right to move her into sharing a room with Miss Ava.  Thankfully, we have a walk in closet that with some strategic planning, I think we might be able to create a little space for baby that will give the illusion of having her own room. Cross your fingers it works! With the power of Pinterest behind me.. I think we can do it!

I am a firm believer that her beginning this way, was the first step in creating the independence Miss Ava exudes today! From day one we started her on a schedule, but it was a flexible schedule, as we never wanted to have her dictate how our day went, that being said, there were some days when I just couldn't bring myself to do the things I needed to do because Ava had her own mind set! I really wanted to make sure that I didn't miss out on the chance at anything because the baby needed a nap or it was feeding time.  Saying it now, it sounds a bit selfish, but I look back at all the ways my life has changed since having Ava and I'm ok with a few of the selfish decisions I made.

At times, I feel like one of those moms that talk about how easy going their baby is and how life hasn't changed that much.  But it did and ALOT, Miss Ava wasn't always easy going!  We had our moments her and I but I honestly think that because of some of the choices that we made, we have all  fit together wonderfully. She came into our lives and I kind of took that "they smell fear" approach and attempted to make sure that no matter what was going on, to her it looked like I knew exactly what I was doing every single moment. Truth is...I didn't!

In looking back at all these things that I did with Ava and by asking myself, "Would I repeat them with baby no.2?"  It has also got me questioning the type of mother I am.  Maybe my perception of "loving my child" is slightly off, because I see so many of these moms taking the attachment parenting style and I have never been that mom.

Don't get me wrong, I love my daughter with all my heart and I am so thankful for everything she is and all that I can imagine she will accomplish.  She is absolutely fearless, determined, strong willed, stubborn and wayyyy to intelligent for her own good!

I think that I have always looked at her independence as her maybe, having grown up too fast or as I didn't cuddle her enough and so she doesn't haven't that "bond" with me.  But the truth is, in all my self reflection over the past few months.  Her independence is a good thing! She is confident in herself, and our relationship enough to be able to walk away and have very little fear with what the outcome might be! She is able to walk into a situation, head up and be present in that moment enough to feel safe and she is 5 years old! Have I mentioned... she is wayyy to smart for her own good.

So ask me now.... would I change anything? No!  Did I love her enough? Absolutely! There are always small tweaks to the system as each child is different but I'm happy! Maybe I won't let this child play video games as early as we let Ava!  Who knows!  What would you change?

Copyright Bruce Shearer 2014

Meet some Local Exhibitors; The Baby & Tot Show

By now you must know that I'm a huge advocate for the upcoming The Baby & Tot show out in Abbotsford and there are SO many reasons as to why you should be going to this event! The list of vendors for one, the seminars, the stage, and the giveaways.  If there was ever an event to go to to acquire the most knowledge and quick..... this is it! I'd like to introduce you to some of the local Exhibitors that I am looking forward too!

Cheeky Chops -  These lovely Sleep Consultants are all moms themselves and as they say on their website, many of their consultants were clients first! If you ask any mother or father, the number one concern for your baby, toddler, kid, to teenager is SLEEP. Every parent will tell you that the most important thing to the success and happiness of your entire family is SLEEP. Are they getting enough? Is it a good solid sleep? Well these are the people you want to speak too, and I'm thankful I didn't need their service with Ava but I'm not too naïve as to think that I may not need them for my second baby!

Love Child Organics - Who doesn't love the idea of providing our children with nutritionally- focused organic food? I know in the business of life, sometimes it can be easy to give our babies fast food, or not enough veggies in a day, well Love Child Organics is that product that you know exactly what you're getting every single time! Did I mention they are also local? Based out of Whistler, this husband and wife team are a force to be reckoned with! Make sure you go see them and if you haven't tried their product yet.. you need to!

Rock N Wool -  Click on that link.. seriously.. I really don't need to explain why I'm excited to go meet this lovely mommy! Michelle makes vintage glam inspired crochet, knit items that will melt your heart and put your credit card to good use!

Arrow & Laces Designs - Laura Derksen is the owner and creator of this ever so sweet vintage inspired apparel and handmade accessories. I've been following Arrow & Laces on Instagram from afar for quite some time now and you can see her dedicate just in her images alone. I'm a big fan and it'll be nice to meet her in public and maybe pick up some of those swoon-worthy headbands or maybe the Isla dress??  Can you bring a Pink Nora head band for me?

And last but not least Bubzies Custom Letters & Décor - Each letter is personally cut, sanded, and painted to give a professional smooth finish. All sides of every letter is detailed to perfection so there are no raw unfinished edges. Only the best paints, patterns and supplies are used to ensure that you are receiving a superior product.

Everyone of these Vendors has something amazing to offer that will definitely add to your life and these are also all local companies and who doesn't like to support our local moms, company's, and have fun all the while. 

This is round one of featured Vendors, so stay tuned next week, to meet more of the vendors that will join us at The Baby & Tot Show in Abbotsford on October 18th and 19th at the Tradex Centre.

30 Week Update: Meet Squishy!

Officially as of yesterday, I am 30 weeks pregnant with baby girl #2 so only 70 days left to go!  The most wonderful thing about all the doctors appointments have been that my OB has an ultrasound machine in her office! So I have had a lot more sneak peaks at the baby! My appointment this last week, I was able to see my little girls face and WOW .. she's a beaut! We had such a great view of this little girl, which we confirmed ONCE again that she is in fact still a girl, but we had such a good view she went over to 3d and I got to see her even more real looking. "I shall call her squishy and she will be mine!"
Everyone meet Squishy!



So far everything looks great, she's quite confident with her cerclage placement and how everything has progressed so far that she's given me some time off from her poking and prodding me and letting my GP take over with the poking and prodding, this is probably the most exciting news that I've had in a while! 

So now down to the details, baby girl squishy is weighing in at 3lbs 3oz's so far with an estimated date of delivery being November 14th.  Everything is pretty dead on for her measurements which means, she is healthy and growing and even after all the stress that I've been under, I am managing to grow myself a good healthy squishy! I can easily say, 100% it was all worth it! My appointment to have the cerclage removed is booked for October 27th and with Squishy already head down, we are just steps closer to being ready for this arrival of this sweet little girl!

I will now continue on with the rest of this pregnancy, moving into appointments with my GP every two weeks and just keep on getting myself, the baby room and the family ready for the arrival of beautiful baby girl! Deep sigh of relief and a trillion knocks on wood that we are free and clear here!

Do You Know a Mommy in Need?

I am currently searching for a Mommy in the Vancouver Lower Mainland, who is in need of baby girl clothes!  After my oldest daughter was born, I boxed up her old clothes and sold off something's to help get clothes for the next little age group but during a move everything else went missing!

When I found out the I was pregnant again with another girl, I began to go through some of the stuff that managed to stick around as a tagalong in random boxes but alas not enough.  I am currently 29 weeks pregnant and awaiting the arrival of my second daughter who should be making her much anticipated arrival on November 16th, 2014.

I was recently gifted ALOT of hand me downs from this amazing mother, Tanya Olivares, whose eldest child has been working with my husband within the DJ Industry! She collected some hand me downs from another mother and we just recently brought them all home.  I began washing, drying and sorting all of these clothing and it became very clear to me that there was enough clothes for two for at least the 1st 6 months. From receiving blankets, a snowsuit, onesies, pants, shirts, I'd like to find one mommy who could use this for their beautiful little girl!

Knowing my current situation, which I won't get into right now but I couldn't hold onto these clothes knowing how many moms are out there that could use some generosity! I will be compiling a list of items and pictures, but in the mean time if you are or know of a Mommy within the Vancouver Lower Mainland who is in need of some clothes, please send me an email at fulltimemommydearest@gmail.com     and let me know your story! I'd love to help out a bunch of pregnant mommies but unfortunately I can only help out one mommy!

If you would like to join in and donate some clothes to help out a mommy in need, just send me an email!  Receiving these hand me downs meant the world to me and I'd love to pay it forward to someone else in need!

Mommy melt down... Crying at the PNE

Once upon a time ago, I worked at Playland for an Airbrush Tattoo company doing airbrush tattoo's, day in and day out, I'd see parents bring their children and then watch the meltdowns happen around every corner of Playland! I never wanted to be that parent! This year that meltdown was not my child but was in fact myself. I had a mommy meltdown at the PNE!

The melt downs mentioned above, were always from children that were  visually and physically over-stimulated and on a sugar rush! For that reason, I managed to shield my daughter from any type of "fair" until now, other than small mall parking lot ones. This year, I just couldn't hide it any longer, with neighbourhood friends talking about it etc. I knew it was time to let go just a little bit!

Seeing as we live just a few blocks from the PNE Fair Grounds, we decided to walk down for Free Day! We had a fun few hours with my husband and the next door neighbours but then we got left just the two girls to wander the grounds. Once the sun came out and we started to overheat, we decided to head home for a few hours and come back at night with husband for some night riding!


I still laugh when I see this face!

 So we head back to PNE around 8:30 pm, walk around a little and we approach this one ride! Now let me offer some background here, I am the worlds biggest chicken when it comes to rides! I can't stand them, I get nauseous on the swings. I got freaked out on the Ferris Wheel with my 5 year old cause it was rocking too much!  Anyway, we approach this ride and I see my beautiful little girl's big green eyes open wide and sparkle with excitement. My stomach TURNS! "Can I please?"

My pulse begins to race and I can't imagine squashing her excitement! Oh Zero Gravity...you might just win this one! So we go to see if she is tall enough... she is! DAMN IT! She runs up and onto the ride! My pulse is racing faster! She gets on, finds her place on the wall, they strap her in! Seriously? My 5 year old is going to do this! They let Bruce onto the ride to snap a quick photo, he comes off the door closes. I'm in complete shock that she is doing this, he is letting her do this and what happens if she's on the ride and gets scared. I was not prepared for this AT ALL!

The door closes, the ride starts! Now my 5 year old is strapped to a wall, while it spins at an insanely fast rate, and then turns on its side and continues spinning. For this very quick moment, I see her face and her sweet little body is pressed against this wall and she looks terrified. I begin to freak out! Bruce is trying to tell me she's laughing but I saw her face, she was scared! I'm panicking! How the hell do I get my baby off this ride? I'm now crying, a lot and I cannot look at my husband!

The ride ends and I'm covered in tears and can barely breathe. The door opens, she comes stumbling off the ride and she looks at us. I'm still crying! " THAT WAS AWESOME!" and she runs back on to the damn ride!

Are you freaking kidding me child?? She wasn't scared for a damn minute! I can now see my future flash before my eyes and I can see this girl causing me so much grey hair! She is fearless and as my husband says," She has bigger balls than her mama!" followed by, "What mom cries at the Fair?"

Now I can accept my fear for rides, it's fairly common! But now I need your help, the tears, are those pregnant hormones or is this my life now? Do I cry every time my child hurts? What happened to me? I can't even begin to explain all the ways that I have felt myself change over the past few months. Are those pregnancy hormones or is this some type of side effect with getting myself ready to be the mother of two children?

Formula Coupons for the breast feeding mommy

Originally when I found out I was pregnant with Ava, I wasn't sure what would happen as far as breast feeding or formula feeding. I was open to both options but as some of us know our babies can have a plan all of their own.  I signed up for all the formula company's, as a just in case and as it turned out, breastfeeding was the best option for her and us as a family So now as a breastfeeding mommy... what do you do with all the formula coupons and samples?

I knew that there were plenty of Moms in my neighbourhood who couldn't breastfeed or it just wasn't for them and the financial cost of purchasing formula alone can be hard on a family so I decided to organize my Formula coupons by month and do a trade with other moms for some of the things I needed to get for baby Ava at a lower price!

I signed up for the Similac Club before Ava arrived which gets you up to $120 in free gifts, samples and rebate cheques which are accepted at all major retailers.  Throughout the first year, these rebate cheques kept coming in!  With this in mind, I signed up Nestle Baby which at the time, came with a lot of coupons for baby food, formula and a back pack with change pad which was very handy for short trips out.  I also signed up for Enfamil, which seemed to have a lot of samples but wasn't too handy for coupons etc.

All my coupons were organized by month and then again by brand and then they were placed into a plastic portable file folder, I got mine at Dollarama for $2.00.  Then usually 4-6 weeks before they were set to expire, I'd put them on Craigslist or Kijiji as a trade for sleepers or baby clothes for the next age bracket that my daughter would be entering.  Not only did this help out other moms in financial need but it helped us out to ensure that I wasn't having to spend too much money on baby clothes but it also helped me meet new people in the neighbourhood with babies! Win - Win for everyone!

 

 

What other free sites did you sign up for as a new mom? I'm working on putting together an updated list of sites to visit to get free samples, coupons etc! Any input on the best sites that you found most fruitful would be appreciated from one mommy to another! Send me an email at fulltimemommydearest@gmail.com, comment below, or visit our facebook page!