Born 2 Be Mom

Lovin' Life

2012-05-30T08:58:00.002-05:00

Since I'm long overdue for an update about life at the Born2BeMom house I thought I'd write a quick rundown about what's been going on.

For starters, the kids are doing great! D has been enjoying playing soccer this month for the first time, twice a week. She has a friend on her team and watching the two of them play together is awesome. We've been getting outdoors a lot during daycare hours now that the weather is so much nicer, too. She's such a happy kid when she gets to play outside. All week long she asks when we'll get to go out to "Grandma's cottage" again. We haven't been out to the lake in a few weeks, so this weekend might be perfect. I recently registered D for a pre-kindergarten program starting in the Fall. I can't believe my baby girl will be going to school! She is very, very excited about it. I'm nervous about how well she'll take direction from a teacher, since that's not something she's really ever experienced, but I guess that's basically what pre-school is all about!

L has been growing like a weed. At 8 months old he's weighing in at about 20lbs - probably more, it's been a while since I've put the not so little guy on a baby scale. Just yesterday I pulled out a new sleeper that I thought couldn't possibly fit him yet. Apparently I was wrong! Size 12 - 18 months it is, then! He's a wonderful eater - he loves his veggies and meat, and he enjoys most (but not all) fruit. I've been giving him little bites of food of my plate at meal times too, which he particularly enjoys. And here's the big news: L is crawling!!! Time to baby proof the main floor, I guess.

In other news, we've finally finished some work around the house and we've now got a fully fenced in backyard! We bought a cool fire pit and DH and I have been enjoying sitting outdoors in the evenings, roasting marshmallows and chilling out after the kids are in bed. (Baby monitors are the greatest things, aren't they?)

As for the blog, I've got some fantastic reviews and giveaways coming up for some great kid's DVDs, a Little Tikes Sandbox and an awesome giveaway for made in Canada skincare products. So stay tuned. :)

Dino Dan: Ready? Set? Dino! DVD #Review

2012-04-27T08:17:00.000-05:00

My little girl has a thing for dinosaurs. She loves the Land Before Time series, her dinosaur colouring book and I even let her watch a documentary about dinosaurs on Netflix once. I figured she'd be done with it about 10 minutes in -- Not so! She sat through the ENTIRE thing! Ever since our visit to the Royal Tyrrell Museum she's been fascinated by them, and I think that's pretty darn cool.

When we were given the opportunity to review DINO DAN Ready? Set? Dino! I knew she would love it right away. Actually, as soon as the DVD arrived she immediately ~~asked nicely~~ grabbed it from my hands and started tearing open the cellophane. Ha! We popped it into the DVD player and watched it together. It's such a fun show! I love that part of the series has been filmed at the Royal Tyrrell Museum in Alberta and that the dinos are made to look so real. The show is clever, funny, educational and lots of fun. D is only 3 and a half years old and I was concerned that it might be too "old" for her - not that it'd be inappropriate but that it may lose her interest. It turns out she's ready for more "big kid" shows like this now and she really is starting to enjoy them. Over the course of the weekend we watched the whole DVD and it held her interest the entire time.

Synopsis: Follow the adventures of a paleontologist in training Dan Henderson as he imagines dinosaurs into the real world! Combines live action with CGI dinosaurs! Join Dan as he races a T-rex and a Spinosaurus to see who’s a faster carnivore, makes dancing in gym class fun using different dinosaur movements, and learns all about teamwork from his dinosaur pals. Dan uses the scientific method to gather clues and solve mysteries. Ready? Set? Dino! is an action packed adventure full of discovery!

Fun Facts!

·         Dino Dan is a Canadian/American television series for children ages 2-7.
·         The series is produced in Toronto, Canada, by Sinking Ship Entertainment.
·         Dino Dan follows the adventures of paleontologist-in-training Dan Henderson as he imagines dinosaurs into the real world! Join Dan as he plays a game of chase with his prehistoric pals, tracks down a mysterious dinosaur and learns how dinosaurs got their names. He uses the scientific method to gather clues and solve mysteries!
·         One of the brand’s partners is the Royal Tyrrell Museum in Alberta, Canada. The Royal Tyrrell Museum is Canada’s only museum dedicated exclusively to the science of paleontology. This museum houses the world’s largest display of dinosaurs. Dino Dan has filmed at the Royal Tyrrell Museum already for seasons one and two and plans to film again for seasons three and four

Want to see more of this cool Canadian show? Check out the trailer (it's awesome) then pick up the DVD for yourself! It's available in stores now!

Stella And Sam DVD: Review & #Giveaway

2012-04-19T08:42:00.000-05:00

Cross-platform preschool series Stella and Sam comes to DVD for home viewing. Parents can bring home Stella and Sam for their preschooler to see all of the imaginative, educational programming this series has to offer. The series is based on the best-selling novels of Marie-Louise Gay.

I was given the opportunity to do a review of Stella and Sam on DVD. Since we do not have cable (we're one of those "Netflix only" families since we don't watch a lot of TV anyway) we'd never heard of the show. The DVD arrived in our mailbox just in time to pack for our Easter weekend at the lake. It was perfect! We had a couple of rainy days, so the new movie was a great "actippity" (3 year old speak for "activity") for D. We enjoyed it! The characters are adorable, the messages were clear and all positive. From a parents perspective, I enjoyed that neither character was whiny, negative, bossy, mean or obnoxious. Too many kids shows send the wrong messages to toddlers and pre-schoolers! Stella and Sam is not one of them. It was entertaining and sweet, and Stella and Sam are intelligent, inquisitive and fun! D and I both really enjoyed watching, and I believe that any little ones in your life would too. :)

Want to see for yourself? Check out this preview, and then enter to win a copy of the DVD!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disney's CHIMPANZEE - Family Pass #Giveaway #Winnipeg

2012-04-02T14:58:00.000-05:00

Disney's CHIMPANZEE will be coming to theatres on April 20th. It looks like a wonderful flick for people of all ages! And good news for you: I've got a family pass of 4 tickets to the advanced screening in WINNIPEG on Saturday, April 14th to give away to one of my readers! Here's some quick info about the show:

On April 20th, just in time for Earth Day, Disneynature is taking moviegoers deep into the forests of Africa with the release of CHIMPANZEE, a new true-life adventure that introduces us to the adorable young chimp named Oscar and his chimpanzee family. Featuring Disneynature’s signature breathtaking, never-before-seen footage, CHIMPANZEE showcases the intelligence and ingenuity of some of the most extraordinary personalities in the animal kingdom.

Want to know more? Like Walt Disney Studios Canada on Facebook! Check out their plans to adopt 2 chimps from the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada -- See Image Below

Want to win tickets???? Enter Here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Diaper Genie Portable Diaper Disposal System: Product Review

2012-02-29T07:58:00.000-06:00

How do you dispose of your child's soiled diapers when you're away from home? According to Playtex Canada:

A new survey by Playtex Infant has found that when away from home, more than half of Canadian parents (57%) get rid of dirty diapers in the first garbage can they can find.

The Playtex Infant Diaper Disposal Survey of Canadian parents found that while the majority of moms and dads (71%) don’t find changing diapers so horrible, they still want to dispose of them quickly. Only 16% said they would wrap it up and keep in their baby bag until they got home, and 21% said they would look for an outdoor garbage disposal.

Personally, I chuck them in the nearest bin I can find, unless I'm visiting someone's house. In that case, I'll use a plastic bag, or in desperate times just stuff it into a side pocket of the diaper bag until I get home. It's a predicament that Playtex Infant has caught on to, and when they offered me the opportunity to check out the new Diaper Genie Portable Diaper Bag Dispenser, I happily took it!

The Diaper Genie features a small roll of scented plastic bags, in a plastic container with a handy hook that can be clipped on to your diaper bag, stroller, in the car or anywhere you may need it. I stuck mine in the diaper bag, and I've found it to be a great convenience. When out for dinner at my Mom's place the other day, my son had a particularly messy poop (... just sayin'!) Instead of having to take the the soiled diaper directly to the trash outside, I was able to wrap it, tie off the bag and throw it out. It was pleasantly scented and once tied you'd never have known what was in it. Hmm! Not too shabby! I'm thinking this would be great to have on hand at all times, with the kids. My daughter gets terrible motion sickness, so we'll definitely have one in the car for those unfortunate times when she gets sick. It could even be great when taking the dog for a walk!

The Portable Diaper Genie retails for $4.99 across Canada.

Disney on Ice: 100 Years of Magic (Winnipeg) GIVEAWAY!

2012-01-23T16:26:00.000-06:00

Disney on Ice: 100 Years of Magic will be sliding into Winnipeg on January 26th! You can find out more about the show on my post HERE! In the meantime, why not enter to win some tickets??? I'm so excited to give away a Family Pack (of 4) tickets to see Disney on Ice in Winnipeg on either Friday, January 27th or Saturday, January 28th at 7pm - Winner's Choice

Enter Here - Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disney on Ice: 100 Years of Magic (Winnipeg)

2012-01-23T15:17:00.000-06:00

Disney on Ice 100 Years of Magic is coming to Winnipeg this weekend! I've always loved watching figure skating and can't wait to share the Disney magic with my 3 year old daughter. Here's some more information about the show:

Join the celebration as 65 of Disney's unforgettable characters from 18 beloved stories come to life in Disney On Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic! You'll be captivated by the one and only Mickey Mouse, the irresistible Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Donald Duck, Jiminy Cricket, Pinocchio and many Disney Princesses. Be thrilled by exciting moments from The Lion King; Mulan; and Disney/Pixar’s Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, and Toy Story films; in a skating spectacular filled with magical Disney moments you'll remember forever as Disney On Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic!

(All Photos: Feld Entertainment)

Sounds great, right? Disney on Ice will be sliding through Winnipeg this weekend on January 26th - 29th. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster - and as a special bonus, I've got a discount code for you!

• $4 off (Valid on Thursday 7pm, Saturday 7pm and Sunday 12pm)
• Code: NEMO
• Channels: Internet / Phone / Box Office
• Restrictions: EXCLUDES Front Row, VIP, and Rinkside tickets / no double discounts
• On/Off Sale: Now thru end of the last engagement

PS -- Want to try and WIN some tickets instead???? STAY TUNED......................

Zellers: Festive Finale Needs Your Help

2011-12-25T11:37:00.000-06:00

Zellers needs your help to run its final sale! Watch the video and check them out on Facebook to find out how:

My Friendship Bracelet/Ribbon Barrette Maker: Product Review

2011-12-19T11:22:00.000-06:00

One of the things I remember doing a lot of as a child was making friendship bracelets. My friends and I would get together with our boxes of embroidery thread, beads and safety pins and choose colors from each others boxes to make bracelets symbolizing our friendship. Once you tied those suckers on, you did NOT take them off until they were falling off. (Or until you had a family wedding to attend, or some function where you had to dress up and Mom told you to ditch the ratty looking bracelet. Ha!)

The thing was, it was kind of a pain to always be pinning the bracelet to your pants or the bedspread while you were working on it. And keeping those strings sorted if you had to stop for a bathroom break could get tricky too - it was easy to tangle them up by accident. Fortunately, for little girls these days it's no longer a problem: My Friendship Bracelet Maker is a handy little loom tool that helps girls (of all ages!) make cool friendship bracelets with ease. What's more? Their website www.myfbm.com has how-to videos and patterns to make all different kinds of bracelets.

What do I love about the MY FBM? First of all, it solves the problem of making bracelets in a tidy, and organized manner without tangling up your threads. You're less likely to have knots or to mess up your design, because the tool keeps everything straight. Second, it stores your thread! The handy drawer beneath your loom is the perfect place to store everything you need to make great bracelets.

And now there's a new tool to make cute Ribbon barrettes! All the rage in the 80s, these cute ribbon hair clips feature braided ribbon and beads dangling from the clip itself. They're super cute, and I can see why little girls are into wearing them again. My Ribbon Barrette Maker is a similar tool to the MyFBM in that it's a place to clip and sort your ribbons as you work.

The My FBM and My RBM are are available at Toys R Us and other select stores across the US and Canada, as well as various Online retailers.

Check out their website at www.MyFBM.com

Beauty and the Beast 3D Family Pass (Winnipeg): Givaway

2011-12-17T10:20:00.000-06:00

Hey Winnipeg! I'm so excited to bring you this amazing Giveaway care of Walt Disney Motion Pictures Canada:

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ magical classic “Beauty and the Beast” returns to the big screen in Disney Digital 3D™, introducing a whole new generation to the Disney classic with stunning new 3D imagery. The film captures the fantastic journey of Belle (voice of Paige O’Hara), a bright and beautiful young woman who’s taken prisoner by a hideous beast (voice of Robby Benson) in his castle. Despite her precarious situation, Belle befriends the castle’s enchanted staff—a teapot, a candelabra and a mantel clock, among others—and ultimately learns to see beneath the Beast’s exterior to discover the heart and soul of a prince.

Featuring unforgettable music by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, and an enormously talented vocal ensemble, “Beauty and the Beast” was the first animated feature to receive a Best Picture nomination from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Every little girl loves a princess - and D is no exception. From the time she started watching Disney movies, her favorite princess has been Belle from Beauty and the Beast. And I have to admit, of all the Disney Princess movies, this is probably my absolute favorite as well. Which is why I am so thrilled to see that Beauty and the Beast is coming to theatres in Disney Digital 3D! What a perfect opportunity to see Belle, the Beast, Cogsworth, Lumiere and all of our other favourite movie characters come to life. Are you interested in seeing this one too? Well, you might be in luck. I've got a FAMILY PASS good for 4 PEOPLE to see this movie in Winnipeg on January 7th at 10am @ Silver City Polo Park.

You want it? Entering is easy!

MANDATORY ENTRY
1. Tell me who your favorite Disney Princess is in a comment.

BONUS ENTRIES
2. Follow Born 2 Be Mom on Google Friend Connect
3. Like Born 2 Be Mom on Facebook
4. Follow Born 2 Be Mom on Twitter

Contest closes on January 4th. Open to all Canadians, but must be in Winnipeg at time of movie screening to collect your prize.

Good Luck!

HEXBUG Nano: Product Review

2011-12-12T12:10:00.000-06:00

I was given the opportunity to do a review on some HEXBUG Nano toy sets. When I first saw them I didn't know what to think! My daughter is a total girlie girl and I took one look at these toys and was confused about how they work, and not sure how much fun they would be for her. On the other hand, my husband took one look at the boxes and started ripping right into them! It was like watching a kid on Christmas morning, ha! I had to laugh at that - clearly he knew they would be fun to play with. As it turns out, he was right! These toys are really, really cool.

HEXBUG Nanos are little robotic bugs that use the physics of vibration to move. They come with tracks to run along and to battle in. The bugs race each other, flip over and back onto their feet, bump into one another, etc. They look incredibly lifelike once they get going! You can arrange the tracks to be multi-level, and in a variety of different patterns making for hours of creative play. There are numerous ways to watch the bugs go - from racing them, to setting them up for "battle" to just letting them do their own thing around the track and watching where they'll go next. The Glow in the Dark set is particularly cool as the bugs and the track take one minute to "charge" before shining brightly in the dark - adding another level of excitement for the kids. D is only 3 years old. Although the packages say 3+ and she got a total kick out of the toys, when it comes to solo play I do think they are better suited for slightly older children. Having said that, with the help of an older friend or an adult they are certainly appropriate for 3 year olds as well. She just had some trouble getting the tracks together and setting everything up by herself. I do think that in a group setting these toys would be wonderful for kids of all ages - and I can honestly say that as an adult I got a kick out of them too!

Each HEXBUG Nano set comes with track pieces and either 2 or 4 of the robotic bugs in various colours and rarities. You can also buy the bugs individually, so you can collect them all! Oh, and here's another bonus - batteries are INCLUDED with each toy set, and are also sold separately too. Hexbug NANO are available at www.HEXBUG.com and range in price from $6 - $50

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 - DVD Giveaway

2011-11-11T13:59:00.002-06:00

So how many of you are Harry Potter fans? I am an avid reader and have been through the series of books at least twice now - some of them even more times! I have to admit, I jumped on the HP bandwagon a little late in the game. Somewhere between book 4 and book 5 I think. Once I did, though, I was totally hooked! I remember zipping off to Target on the new book's release date, to pick up my copy first thing in the morning; Bumping into kids and adults alike who were walking and reading at the same time. It was kinda fun! I'm sort of a dork like that.

Since the books have all been released, the only thing "left" so to speak has been watching the Harry Potter films. And guess what? The final film - Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2 is being released on DVD TODAY! I've got a great giveaway for the Harry Potter Fan (Pot...head? Is there a name for these kids? lol) in your life. All you've gotta do is follow my entry requirements below, and you could win a
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 DVD of your very own. Cool beans!

MANDATORY ENTRY
1. Comment with who your favorite Harry Potter character is and why.

BONUS ENTRIES (1x Comment Each)
2. Like Born 2 Be Mom on Facebook
3. Follow Born 2 Be Mom on Google Friend Connect
4. Follow @ Born 2 Be Mom on Twitter and tweet this giveaway.:

Acacio! Enter to win Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 on DVD @Born2BeMom http://www.born2bemom.com/2011/11/harry-potter-and-deathly-hallows-part-2.html

5. Do the Trivia Quiz on the widget below! What was your score?

**Contest open to residents of the US & Canada, closes November 30th, '11**

Good Luck!

Sugar High

2011-10-30T10:01:00.000-05:00

Halloween is tomorrow and I'm sorta excited! D will be dressing up in the pink butterfly costume from Old Navy. (I love their toddler costumes because they're so warm and fall in the 'Peg can get incredibly chilly - most years we already have snow on the ground!) And she is JACKED about trick-or-treating. She's also pretty excited about all the candy we'll be collecting. What kid isn't?

Up until now, trick-or-treating has been more for myself and my husband than for D... She had only just turned 2 last year, so it was more about the photo op than the actual treats. And of course, most of said treats went straight to my hips! Haha! This year, however, I think we're going to have to put some rules in place. D has a thing for chocolate, and she would sit there all day long chowing down on bars if I let her. Our saving grace here is that she doesn't like most traditional "candy" - things like lollipops, rockets, gummi bears, etc. she won't touch. And that's completely fine by me. I'm in no hurry to introduce another source of sugary junk into her diet.

So my question to you is: How do you manage your Halloween candy? Do you share it amongst the family? Toss it out after a week or two? Donate it? I'm looking for ideas here, because no one - I mean NO ONE - needs the amount of junk food that usually enters a home with kids at this time of year. (Even though it's super fun to collect it!)

Life With Baby

2011-10-22T10:22:00.000-05:00

Adjusting to life with a newborn has been interesting. For the most part, I already knew what we would be in for - sleepless nights, a TON of breastfeeding and diapers - but having a 3 year old at home adds a new challenge! D has been doing really well with her baby brother. She loves him to pieces and tries to get her cuddles in with L as much as the rest of us. She gives him his pacifier when he's crying, and tells him it will be OK (totally adorable :) She asks for me to "bring him back" when I take him from their bedroom for a feed at night.

Having said that... We've had a few less than stellar moments with D as well. She gets up a lot at night lately, and I think it's because she knows that L gets so much attention when she's asleep in bed. She certainly misses the one-on-one time she used to get with us, so we've been trying to do as much with her as possible when there is a spare hour or two. One thing I've started doing is including D while I'm making lunch and dinner. She LOVES to help in the kitchen, and since this is time I have sans baby anyway, it's a good way to get a little alone time with her.

For those of you with 2+ kids... How did you go about making sure your older child wasn't feeling left out?

Winnie The Pooh DVD/Blue Ray Combo: GIVEAWAY!

2011-10-20T18:11:00.003-05:00

Return to the Hundred Acre Wood, for the latest adventure featuring the world’s beloved bear, Winnie The Pooh! Join Pooh, Tigger, Rabbit, Christopher Robin, Owl, Kanga, Piglet, Eeyore, and all of the classic characters you know and love when Walt Disney Pictures releases Winnie The Pooh on DVD and Blu-Ray October 25, 2011!

Growing up, I always loved Winnie the Pooh and being from Winnipeg there's a special little bit of History there as well. D loves watching Pooh Bear too, which I think is fantastic. I can't wait to pick up a copy of this fabulous new movie for me her! Want to win a DVD/Blue Ray combo pack for your own little one? Entering is a piece of cake!

Just tell me...

MANDATORY ENTRY (Comment 1x)
1. Who is your favorite character on Winnie the Pooh?

BONUS ENTRIES (Comment 1x each)
2. Follow me on GFC
3. Like Born 2 Be Mom on Facebook
4. Take the quiz! Check out the widget below, and tell me which character you/your child is!

Contest is open to residents of the US and Canada until Oct.31st/2011

Good Luck!

What To Expect: Review

2011-10-19T07:45:00.001-05:00

As mentioned in my previous post, pregnancy can be pretty darned complicated. And you know what? Once your little precious bundle is born, things don't always get a whole lot easier! There's establishing breastfeeding and sleep routines, all kinds of newborn "conditions" to worry about and more. I've learned that just because it's your second baby, that doesn't mean that these things become old hat! You still worry. Just. As. Much.

One of the first items I purchased when I found out I was pregnant with D was what so many women (and even my own doctor!) refer to as the "Pregnancy Bible" ... And I can see why they'd call it that. What to Expect When You're Expecting is a comprehensive book about pregnancy, and includes everything from Baby's development week by week, to what symptoms and feelings Mom might be having at the time. I loved being able to refer to it every time I had a concern about a symptom or about the birth itself, and reading up each week about where my little one was at developmentally.

What To Expect has just released an all new version of their popular book What To Expect When You're Expecting, and I was fortunate enough to receive 2 copies of this as well as their two newest books What To Expect The First Year and What To Expect The Second Year. I found the new book to be extremely useful during my pregnancy. I even took it to the hospital with me when I was on bedrest! I looked up symptoms and conditions to learn more about them after speaking with my doctor, and read the entire chapter on breastfeeding so I'd feel more prepared before L was born. I gave the second set of books to my Brother and Sister in Law who are expecting their first baby this February.

The What to Expect series of books would make a wonderful gift for any new parents. Have a look for yourself at What To Expect online - a great resource in addition to these wonderful books!

He's Finally Here!

2011-10-18T09:09:00.001-05:00

These last few months have been anything but easy. With a pregnancy complicated beyond complicated, and having spent nearly 5 weeks in the hospital without internet access - then time on complete bed rest at home due to threatened preterm labour - it was difficult for me to get into blogging. But it was all so, SO entirely worth it because HE'S HERE!!!

L was born on September 19th at 10:57am via c-section. Weighing in at a whopping (all things considered!) 8lbs. and 11oz. and 20.5 inches he was not nearly as teeny-tiny as I thought he might be. He was over a pound bigger than D when she was born! Thankfully, he is healthy and lovely and wonderful.... And such a good baby. We are thrilled. D has been an awesome big sister, she loves having the baby at home with us and enjoys giving her new brother hugs and kisses, holding him and even helping to change diapers! Ha!

We're feeling so blessed. And now that we're all settled in at home - my sweet baby will be 1 month old tomorrow! - I have more time to get back to some of the things I enjoy doing... like baking cookies, and reading lots of books, and of course blogging. I just paid for another year of Born2BeMom.com, so now I am committed.

Anyway. Here's a pic of L in his car seat for the first time :)

Thanks for stopping by!

25 Weeks and Counting

2011-06-22T09:22:00.000-05:00

It's been a long time since I've given a pregnancy update! I'm pleased to be able to say that everything is going smoothly - at least now that I've finished work. I had to give up my daycare quite early, because of cramping and contractions, so was not able to do any more heavy lifting (and that includes hauling toddlers around all day long!) I've been taking a lot of time to just rest - which is what I know my body needs right now. What's been great about that is the amount of time I've been able to spend 1 on 1 with D - we've enjoyed all kinds of neat activities already this spring and I hope the summer is just as fun. It's rainy out today so on the agenda is baking brownies and some craft time together. :)

I've had a few days where lack of baby's movement had me concerned. Some of you might remember my review of FetalAssure.ca - thank goodness for this amazing Canadian business - having a doppler came in incredibly handy at these times. I've been in the habit of checking on the little one every couple of days just to be sure. His last heart rate, on Monday, was 142 bpm - just chillin' out in there I guess! ; ) That's my boy!

Please do stop by and give Danielle at www.FetalAssure.ca some love - she's on Facebook - tell her I sent you!

Disney Pixar Cars 2 - Giveaway!

2011-06-17T10:05:00.001-05:00

Cars 2 is coming to a theatre near you on June 24th, so boys and girls of the world get ready! My daughter is a huge fan of the first Cars movie, which I think is sort of fantastic given her most recent obsession with all things Disney Princess. We've got a nice balance going on there. :) I'm looking forward to taking her to Cars 2, as I know she'll love it!

Movie Synopsis
When star racecar Lightning McQueen (voice of Owen Wilson) and the incomparable tow truck Mater (voice of Larry the Cable Guy) head overseas to compete in the first-ever World Grand Prix, Mater gets caught up in an intriguing adventure of his own: international espionage.

And here's the cool news: I've got a fantastic Cars 2 Giveaway pack for one lucky CANADIAN reader! It's been a while since I've had anything fun to give away, so I'm pretty excited about this one. Here's what's up for grabs:

CARS 2 tshirt in youth sizes only
CARS 2 official movie poster
CARS 2 temporary tattoos (2 per winner)
CARS 2 bumper stickers (set of 3)
CARS 2 puzzle

There are a few simple ways to enter, comment 1x per entry -
1. (Mandatory Entry) Comment with who your favorite Cars character is!
2. Like Born 2 Be Mom on Facebook
3. Follow Born 2 Be Mom on Google Friend Connect

Contest is open until Friday June 24th, 2011 and is open ONLY to residents of CANADA. Good luck!!!!!

Mini Lalaloopsy Doll: Product Review

2011-04-15T08:45:00.000-05:00

D is at the age now where her imagination is really growing. I love watching her play pretend, and act out different scenarios with her toys. Some of her favorite items to play with lately have been smaller sized dolls and play sets - toys that fit perfectly in her little hands, that she can take with her everywhere.

I knew when I was given the opportunity to review a Mini Lalaloopsy Doll that it would be an immediate hit. It's small (just 4" tall) and wobbly with brightly colored, fabric inspired clothes, and cute little button eyes. When the doll arrived in the mail, I immediately stashed it away in my purse knowing we'd be taking D out to a restaurant later that evening. It worked out wonderfully because after supper when she started to get a little antsy, I gave her the new doll and it kept her busy until we were ready to go. Each play set comes with small accessories and a pet, and the packaging converts into the doll's own house. We received the Sew Pretty Mini Lalaloopsy with a little sheep for a pet, an alarm clock and a book. D thought the doll was fantastic! She really enjoyed setting up the doll's house at the table, and filling it with the small toys it came with. She kept herself busy pretending the doll was sitting down and eating dinner with the rest of us. It was such a joy for the rest of us to watch! D even took her new little friend to bed with her that night (a sure sign that the new toy is a favorite.)

The Mini Lalaloopsy Dolls by MGA Entertainment are available at all major toy retailers across Canada, and sell at a suggested retail price of just $6.99 There are 8 different dolls to choose from, as pictured above. (Side Note: Does the Easter Bunny need any additional treats for your little girl's basket next weekend? These dolls would be perfect!) For more information on these and other great Lalaloopsy Dolls, visit their website at www.Lalaloopsy.com

Disclaimer: I was sent a Mini Lalaloopsy Doll for review from Paradigm PR. All opinions expressed in this post are my own. I was not financially compensated in any way for this review.

My Growing Baby: Week 15

2011-04-11T11:30:00.000-05:00

Dear Little One,

This week you are 15 weeks old in Mommy's tummy. You're about 4 inches long, and weigh about 2 and a half ounces. So tiny! You're growing little by little every day, and are able to wiggle around with your arms and legs. Your tiny lungs are beginning to develop, and you are already sensitive to light - though your eyes are still closed.

I've been feeling pretty great, and have you to thank for that! Aside from some sleepless nights (thanks to lots of bathroom trips, and a touch of insomnia) I am starting to get some energy back during the day. I can tell that you're growing, because I have been getting a lot of round ligament pain - which means I can't carry your big sister around as much, and Daddy has to push the shopping cart when we get groceries! Aside from that, everything is going very well. I haven't been sick at all, which is a wonderful thing. I've also been eating a lot - I think you already must love macaroni and cheese, and especially tomatoes!

I have been checking up on you regularly, listening to your heartbeat. It's my favorite thing to do, and your big sister thinks it's pretty cool too. Yesterday, your heart rate was about 138 bpm, and I found it instantly! You like to move around and kick when I'm listening for you, which sometimes makes it tricky!

Can't wait to meet you - just 25 weeks to go!

Love, Mommy xoxox

A BIG THANK YOU to www.FetalAssure.ca for providing me with a fetal doppler to use during this pregnancy. Check out my review of this awesome Canadian company HERE!

Pocket Dots: Product Review

2011-04-04T09:05:00.000-05:00

You know that awkward stage in pregnancy where your regular pants don't fit, but maternity pants are still a little too big? That's sort of where I'm at. Admittedly, I got big pretty fast. I guess considering it hasn't yet been a year since I last was pregnant, it's not all that surprising. Anyway, I outgrew my "non-mom-jeans" almost immediately, and my "mom-jeans" shortly thereafter. Ack! It's a good thing I work from home, because for a good while that left mostly yoga pants and sweats that actually fit. That is until I was introduced to Pocket Dots ;) See, I already know about belly bands - stretchy bands of fabric that sit around your waist, tuck in the belly and allow you to walk around in public with your pants undone and no one the wiser. (Genius, right?!) The problem is that if you're bending down to pick up your 2 year old a lot like I am, or going from standing to sitting a lot like when you're running errands and getting in and out of your car, the belly band tends to slip out of place exposing...Well, more than necessary.

Pocket Dots are these clever little clips that hold your belly band in place! They clip to your belly band in the back, and then to the back pockets of your pants - they do not budge. I was sent a pair of Nude Pocket Dots to review a few weeks ago. I first tried them with a pair of my regular pants, and wore them out shopping. It felt great not to have to tug at my pants all day! No re-adjustments needed! I think if the pocket dots are exposed, ie. if you have a shorter top on, they do look a little silly. However, since I have such a long torso and I outgrow even maternity tops pretty quick (they just get too darned short!) I always wear longer tops which cover the back of my pants anyway. Now that I'm primarily wearing maternity pants, I use pocket dots with a belly band just to hold up any of the 3-way maternity pants I have which have lost some of their stretch. It's nice not to have to yank up my pants every 5 minutes - which, let's be honest - is really not a good look, pregnant or not!

Pocket Dots can be purchased for $6.95 online or in select retail stores.

Check out Pocket Dots for yourself at www.PocketDots.com or on Facebook!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

FetalAssure.ca Fetal Doppler Rental: Special Review

2011-03-27T10:04:00.000-05:00

Pregnancy is exciting, but for me it's equal parts nerve racking. After losing my twins late in pregnancy, I knew I wanted to have another baby - but I also knew that it would bring up all kinds of mixed emotions. I was definitely right. I've been feeling all kinds of things from excitement about the future, to fear that something may go wrong with my baby. Throughout my first 2 pregnancies with D and my twins, I always felt better after a visit to the doctor and hearing my little ones heart beats. It was wonderful to know that I had a little person in there, growing, developing and most importantly... living! This time, of course, is no different - except the reassurance of life inside the womb is even more valuable to me. I am more on edge and as a result, I have been looking for ways to settle those feelings.

Thankfully, I was able to connect with Danielle Bouillon from FetalAssure.ca After Danielle suffered her own late term loss, she knew it was time to do something to help other women with their natural fears and concerns throughout pregnancy. She started FetalAssure.ca and now is able to rent out and sell fetal dopplers to women across Canada.

More from the Fetal Assure website:

Fetal Assure doppler units are highly sensitive ultrasound devices that are used for detecting and monitoring fetal heartbeats, usually as early as 10-12 weeks gestation. These dopplers can be rented on a monthly basis, and are the same units used by doctors, midwives and obstetricians. The units are small, handheld and portable.

Fetal Assure Doppler units are perfect for the first-time mother-to-be, high risk pregnancies, or for anyone who desires constant reassurance, at their convenience. It is also a wonderful way to connect with your child before birth, and to allow other family members or friends to share this experience with you.

We advise all of our customers to use this product prudently with the consent and consultation of their physicians. All Doppler units rented or sold by Fetal Assure Doppler Rental are licensed with Health Canada’s Medical Devices Regulation Bureau.

Danielle has been wonderful to work with! She's been very understanding and compassionate, and knew that I would be anxious to hear my little one's heartbeat. She sent me a Fetal Doppler for use as soon as I was ready for it, and made sure to let me know not to be concerned if I didn't hear anything right away. This made things much easier for me when, at 10.5 weeks, the doppler came and I was not yet able to get a heartbeat. I was patient and I kept trying every couple of days. The doppler is very simple to use, and Danielle sent enough gel to last for as long as I'll be needing it, along with an instructional CD that explains how to use the doppler safely and effectively. Eventually, at nearly 12 weeks, and after a few minutes of looking I was able to hear my little bean's heartbeat faintly on the monitor. (I hadn't even heard it at the doctor's office yet!) It was such a special experience, and I loved the fact that my family was able to be there to hear it with me! I am now 13 weeks along as of yesterday, and have been enjoying the early bonding experience and the extra reassurance so early in my pregnancy, knowing that my baby is doing just fine. What's more? I can sometimes hear when the little guy (still think I'm having a boy!) kicks and shuffles around in there, I can hear the placenta sounds, and I can listen whenever I feel the need to just.... Know. :) I am so thankful for this wonderful opportunity!

I'd like to keep my readers (and Family & Friends) updated on the growth of my baby, so I'll be doing weekly posts with heart rates and a little bit about fetal development as the weeks go by. Stay tuned for those! If you are pregnant yourself, or thinking of having a baby in the near future, do yourself a favor and get familiar with www.FetalAssure.ca Having the doppler has been a wonderful, invaluable resource for me and I know it would be for you too!

Doppler Rental Pricing

Monthly: $38.00/month CAD
(this is the month-by-month rate)
PREPAID SPECIALS:

Two (2) months: $74.00 (save $2.00)
Three (3) months: $104.00 (save $10.00)
Four (4) months: $140.00 (save $12.00)
Five (5) months: $172.00 (save $18.00)
Six (6) months: $205.00 (save $23.00)

All prices listed DO NOT included shipping and 5% GST (Quebec residents add 7.5% HST)

** If you are interested in PURCHASING a doppler, please inquire with Fetal Assure directly at 1-866-523-6626 **

For more information, visit www.FetalAssure.ca or stay tuned with their Twitter and Facebook feeds.

Disclaimer: I was provided a Fetal Doppler for use from FetalAssure.ca I was not financially compensated for this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Spillin' The Beans

2011-03-22T07:11:00.000-05:00

Wow. It's been a long time since I've had the opportunity to blog. The break was unintentional, we've had a lot of things happen within the family over the last 2 weeks that have kept me away from home and away from my computer. But anyway... I am back! AND I have good news!

Along with the difficult stuff comes the amazing news that I'm expecting...Again. Finally. :) I'm about 12 and a half weeks along, meaning the baby will be born via scheduled c-section this September. And yes, I really hope this time I make it to my scheduled date! What I wouldn't give to just walk into the hospital calmly, knowing that my baby is healthy and on his or her way shortly. Of course what happened with my twins is weighing heavily on my mind right now - and will throughout this pregnancy. My last experience with giving birth was very, very traumatic. I would never wish what happened to me upon anybody - ever. Having said that, D was no piece of cake either - I was sitting at home one morning when my water broke, unexpectedly @ 37 weeks. I felt no contractions or anything else, and the next thing you know I was being rushed into surgery! Craziness!

So we'll see how things turn out. I'm cautiously optimistic and ready to be a Mommy again to my new little boy - no, that's not confirmed, I'm just convinced. ;) And hey, pregnancy is kind of a good time! So I think we need to celebrate, don't you? Keep an eye out for some fantastic pregnancy and baby themed reviews & giveaways coming soon. I am planning an event for June which I think you will LOVE! I'm looking forward to sharing this with all of you.

Skin MD Natural: Review

2011-03-09T08:51:00.000-06:00

Working with kids means a lot of hand washing in a day. When I'm not washing my own hands (which I've never counted, but I am certain amounts to more than the average person) I'm helping the kids wash theirs! This winter, I've found my skin to be even more dry than usual and my hands in particular have been very, very dry. I have tried all kinds of gentle hand lotions and butters after each hand wash, always with the same result: Greasy, itchy, splotchy burning red hands. Not exactly the result I'm looking to achieve with a moisturizer!

Enter Skin MD Natural, an all natural dry skin care lotion (and protector.) I was excited to try it, because as well as my skin concerns, D has terribly dry skin on her arms and legs and suffers from exzema. While the products and perscriptions we've tried in the past have worked to an extent for D, I often worry about the kinds of chemicals I am slathering all over her delicate skin. Recently, I've begun making the switch to more natural products because to me it only makes sense - what you put ON your body is just as important to your overall health as the food you eat and put inside of your body. Our skin is a living, working part of us and it needs to be treated with as much care and respect as everything else!

From the Skin MD website:

Natural Ingredients for Non-greasy Lightweight Hydration

Skin MD Natural uses a blend of natural ingredients in combination with significant recent scientific advances to hydrate and help heal dry skin without any greasy residue, harsh fragrances, or other potentially toxic ingredients. Conventional lotions simply attempt to replace lost moisture with artificial moisture.
Skin MD Natural works differently by helping keep moisture-robbing irritants away thus enhancing the skin's inherent ability to moisturize itself. This easy-to-apply, fast-absorbing lotion helps protect against many household, cosmetic and other commonly used products that can lead to skin disorders or just plain dry cracked skin.

Eco Friendly, Cruelty Free and Vegan Skin Care

Skin MD Natural and Skin MD Natural + SPF 15 are manufactured in the United States using 100% solar power, free of animal products and animal testing.

My Review
I found Skin MD Natural to be completely true to its claims. I had expected it to be a bit greasy, but it actually felt excellent going on and absorbed very quickly. The dry, usually extremely irritated skin on the tops of my hands felt cool and soothed immediately. It also surprised me how long the lotion seemed to "stay put" for - my skin felt unusually smooth for several hours afterward, through hand washing and everything else. Having seen what a difference the lotion made on my own dry hands, I decided to try some on D's arms and legs and was pleased to find the same result. Her skin feels much less rough already, after only 2 applications. I like that there's an option to get the lotion with SPF 15. I am pretty loyal to my current facial moisturizer (also an all natural product) but it doesn't have sun protection which is an important factor, especially with the weather warming up and my spending more time outdoors! I am certainly tempted to give the Skin MD with SPF a try, as it does seem light enough to keep my skin hydrated without causing me to break out (which is still a concern of mine.)

Overall, I think this is a great product for anyone with problem skin - adults and children alike. Moms can feel good about using a skincare product without harsh ingredients for their entire family, and feel confident that it will keep skin healthy and hydrated.

Skin MD is available at Skin MD Natural in 2 varieties -
Regular 4 oz. bottle - $18.00 (+ applicable taxes & shipping)
+ SPF 4oz. bottle - $25.00 (+applicable taxes & shipping)

OR check their Store Locator to find a retailer near you!