Mamapicks Newsletter – June 30th, 2009

This Mamapicks Newsletter is all about my best BIRTHDAY PARTY finds! Check out the website for other daily finds.

Etsy Find: Printable Birthday Invitations

Happy Paper’s Shop will personalize these adorable invitations and loot bag labels for you and let you print them at home! This is perfect for those of you who like paper invitations and don’t want to invest too much. The PDF file costs only $7 US and you can print as many as you like. Delivered to your inbox within 24 hours…what could be simpler? Check out this wonderful shop for more invitation varieties.

Great Birthday Cakes + Mamapicks Exclusive Discount

Butter cream icing. There is just something about those words! A birthday cake that is personal, beautiful AND delicious is not easy to find. Joy creates beautiful and scrumptious cakes for your loved ones as well as adorable cupcakes and cookie grams. Everything is hand-decorated and she has hundreds of shapes and characters to choose from! She can also turn a memorable photo or picture into an edible masterpiece. Made by a mom, everything is nut and milk free. If you are looking for a special cake for your child’s birthday or any other occasion, contact Joy at Baked With Joy and you’ll get 10% off a shape cake when you tell her you are a mamapicks reader.

Loot Bags

Loot bags. I used to love putting them together myself until I counted the number of trips I made to the Dollar Store and the time and effort it took me to package them. My son recently came home from a party with a great loot bag and I knew I had to contact Creative Loots. High quality licensed products, completely age appropriate, great theme, and sealed ever so neatly in a beautiful decorated cello bag. Jenn is a mom of three and runs Creative Loots from her home. Her website is very user-friendly - loot bags are sorted by age, gender and theme, making it a breeze to complete an order. Average cost is $5 per loot bag, 10% off online orders, complimentary delivery and for Mamapicks readers…an extra 8 pc. package of Wikki Stix in each loot bag! When it’s this inexpensive and this good, it just doesn’t make sense to make them yourself.

Pick Your Nose

I often ask myself…why didn’t I think of that? These humorous cups are a great way to add some originality and spunk to a kid’s birthday party. They are definitely on my list for our next birthday celebration. Available at Danna Bananas, an online Ontario store that specializes in unusual gifts that are funny, entertaining and useful all at the same time. You’ll have a great time browsing through their products. Danna Bananas is offering mamapicks readers 10% off their order. Use promo code: nosey. Have fun!

Free: Birthday Mini Banners

Thank you to Heirloom Paperie for this awesome free template of mini birthday banners. The PDF includes banners for boys (blue) and girls (pink…shocking!) who are turning 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5! These can be strung together to make a banner or they can be placed in photo/name card holders and placed on your birthday buffet table. Just print and cut on the dotted lines. I love free.

Musical Birthday Candle – Coming Soon to Mamapicks

We were recently at a birthday party and when I saw this candle on the cake, I actually squealed. When you light this little flower, fire shoots up from the centre, it opens up and all the candles on the petals are magically lit! Round and round it goes while playing birthday music. It’s a party on a cake! This candle will be available from Mamapicks next week and I am so excited!

There are many more deals, coupons and product features on mamapicks.com. This week’s other features include:

Don’t forget to forward this newsletter to your friends!

Posted in Newsletter.

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By mamapicks – June 30, 2009

Resort vacations for families of 5

If your family has three children, you know how frustrating it is to find a resort that will accommodate five people in one room. Having two rooms is very costly and not a good option if you have young children. Best Family Beach Vacations has compiled a list of resorts that will accept up to three children with two adults in one room. Check their suggestions and of course, double check with your travel agent if you find a resort that interests you. While the list was accurate when published, changes may have occurred. If you have two kids, make sure to squeeze in another vacation before the third comes along!

Posted in Useful Info.

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By mamapicks –
Etsy Find: Printable Birthday Party Invitations

Happy Paper’s Shop will personalize these adorable invitations and loot bag labels for you and let you print them at home! This is perfect for those of you who like paper invitations and don’t want to invest too much. The PDF file costs only $7 US and you can print as many as you like. Delivered to your inbox within 24 hours…what could be simpler? Check out this wonderful shop for more invitation varieties.

Posted in Cool Products, Personalized.

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By mamapicks –
Half Price Summer Sale @ Hill Street Blues

Half off everything! The sale begins Thursday, July 2nd and runs until Sunday, July 5th. AND…there is a pre-sale and you are invited. The pre-sale takes place on Canada Day (Wednesday) from 10am-5pm. For those of you who don’t know the store, Hill Street Blues has the best selection of jeans for both men and women. The store is located on Yonge St. just South of Elgin Mills. The long standing buy one get one at 1/2 off signature store deal is not valid during the time of the sale.

Posted in Deals, sale.

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By mamapicks – June 29, 2009
Take the GO Train to Niagara Falls

Long car trips with our kids are the bane of my existence. Summer excursions are tempting but I refuse to spend 2 hours in the car transferring pacifiers, Kleenex, sippy cups, snacks, and books to the little passengers and let’s not forget readjusting car seat straps, picking up fallen objects and hearing my husband argue with my 3 year old about his turn to listen to the radio. This just in: for the first time, GO Transit is offering weekend and holiday train service to Niagara Falls! From June 27th – Oct. 12th, there will be 4 trips daily in each direction on Saturdays, Sundays & Holidays. Any kid would be thrilled to ride the train and it makes for a unique and rather peaceful way to get to Niagara Falls. The website offers information on connections (i.e. getting to Niagara-on-the-Lake). Check out fares and schedules for overnight options as well as prices for families of five (or less).

Posted in Activities & Events, Useful Info.

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By mamapicks – June 28, 2009
Free Template: Birthday Mini Banners

Thank you to Heirloom Paperie for this awesome free template of mini birthday banners. The PDF includes banners for boys (blue) and girls (pink…shocking!) who are turning 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5! These can be strung together to make a banner or they can be put in photo/name card holders and placed on your birthday buffet table. Just print and cut on the dotted lines. I love free.

Posted in Ideas.

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By mamapicks –
Loot Bags

Loot bags. I used to love putting them together myself until I counted the number of trips I made to the Dollar Store and the time and effort it took me to package them. My son recently came home from a party with a great loot bag and I knew I had to contact Creative Loots. High quality licensed products, completely age appropriate, great theme, and sealed ever so neatly in a beautiful decorated cello bag. Jenn is a mom of three and runs Creative Loots from her home. Her website is very user-friendly - loot bags are sorted by age, gender and theme, making it a breeze to complete an order. Average cost is $5 per loot bag, 10% off online orders, complimentary delivery and for Mamapicks readers…an extra 8 pc. package of Wikki Stix in each loot bag! When it’s this inexpensive and this good, it just doesn’t make sense to make them yourself.

* To all my readers, just a note to let you know that every product and service featured on this website is something that I know and love and want to share with you. None of the features are sponsored.

Posted in Cool Products, Deals, Useful Info.

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By mamapicks – June 27, 2009
A Place to Sew + Craft

Lately I’ve been itching to learn something new. I feel like learning to play tennis and I really want to sew. God help me, I don’t think I have much of a talent for either but I am very good at imagining myself playing a good game or creating beautiful sewing projects. My little aspirations are going to have to wait until I am less needed around the house during bed time…but maybe one of you can start now. The Workroom is Toronto’s first sew + craft by the hour space. What a great concept! You can take lessons, join a Stich N Bitch session or complete your own projects. All of the necessary equipment is there for you to use for $7 an hour. Go and be crafty!

Posted in Activities & Events, Useful Info.

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By mamapicks – June 26, 2009
Dearborn Baby Glider Sale

Gliders are a must. Don’t make the same mistake I did…I tried to save money by opting out of the ottoman option. When I realized that I needed an ottoman, I called the store and found out that the line had been discontinued. Thank goodness for a good friend who lent me her comfy ottoman (HI!). Click here for store location. ***Be sure about what you are buying (be it a glider or anything else) because the return policy is a bitch.

Posted in Deals, sale.

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By mamapicks – June 25, 2009
Etsy Find: Personalized Wall Decal

A unique gift for a little man. Choose from 23 colour choices. This wall sticker can be easily applied and removed from most surfaces. $21US + shipping. Check out Home Sweet Walls for details.

Posted in Cool Products.

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By mamapicks –
Toons for Toddlers June Feature (correction)

It’s the end of June and time for another Sunday morning movie. This month’s feature is Super Why and Sid The Science Kid. For those of you who don’t know, Toons for Toddlers is a whole new and wonderful concept in family entertainment that recently launched in Toronto.

If you have kids between the ages of 2-5, and you are looking for an indoor activity this weekend, catch a one-hour flick with softer sound and brighter lights. There are 3 Toronto locations including Rainbow Cinemas at The Promenade Mall. Correction: At the Oakville & Beaches locations, the movie will be showing on Saturday, June 27th @ 10:30am while at the Promenade & Market Square, the showing is on Sunday, June 28th @ 10:30am.

$5.00 per child, accompanying adults are free!

Posted in Activities & Events, This Weekend.

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By mamapicks – June 24, 2009
BabiesRus Coupons

Here are twelve super useful BabiesRus coupons for everything you may need for a new baby. You can print the coupons for in-store use or get an online promotion code. Both valid until December 31st, 2009.

Posted in Coupons, Deals.

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By mamapicks –
This weekend: The 10th Annual Toronto Ribfest

Vegetarians need not read this post. The rest of you, don’t dismiss this event too quickly. It’s actually a lot of fun and if you enjoy meat, you’ll taste some award-winning succulent ribs. If your husband is a carnivore like mine is, he’ll be very excited. Ribfest takes palce in celebration of Canada Day (June 27th-July 1st, 11am-10pm) in Centennial Park, Etobicoke. The event attracts over 100,000 visitors and offers live music, carnival and pony rides. And ribs.

Posted in Activities & Events, This Weekend.

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By mamapicks –

Mamapicks Newsletter – June 23rd.

This is some of what has been happening at Mamapicks.com this week! Check the website for daily finds.

Crooked Houses

Did you watch Jon & Kate Plus Eight last night? To be honest, I was more intrigued by the construction of the kids’ new playhouses than the deconstruction of the Gosselin marriage. I love the concept of letting kids design their own little house. In case you are wondering, a custom Crooked House like those built for the Gosselin kids costs upwards of $5000. Ba! The company was established by two handy and brilliant dads. Take a look at the website for more info.

50% Off Everything at Mexx

The sale is on at all locations until Saturday, June 27th. Please help me refrain from buying any more summer dresses for my kid. Amen.

Vitamin D (in just one drop!)

Health Canada recommends that healthy breastfed infants receive a Vitamin D supplement. Most moms, including myself, use D-V-Sol Vitamin D drops. Many babies don’t mind the drops at all but mine had a difficult time tolerating the amount and taste. When my daughter was born, I found Ddrops (The Sunshine Vitamin in Just One Drop!) in the health section of my local Shoppers Drugmart. This product is great because it is more concentrated and offers the proper daily dose (400 IU) in just ONE drop and it tastes like water. I showed it to my pediatrician and he said that it’s just as good as the other brands. Ddrops also come in an adult dose of 1000 IU so make sure to get the right dose for your baby.

This Weekend: A Festival @ The Shops at Donmills

Anthropologie opened its doors in Toronto and at that moment I felt complete. But that’s not the only reason I love The Shops at Donmills. If you haven’t been to this new & classy outdoor mall, you are truly missing something! One hundred retail stores and services, great restaurants, outdoor patios, and a grassy area for the kids to let loose. This weekend (June 26th-28th) come enjoy The Festival in the Square with your family. Featuring live music, buskers and special guests. Located at the corner of Donmills Road and Lawrence Ave. East. (and btw, they have great family bathrooms).

The Right Space Between Siblings?

Three years between siblings used to be pretty standard. Does anybody else feel like 18 months is the new 3 years? With ‘two under two’, I often wondered about the best spacing between kids. Parenting.com recently featured a great article about all that is good and all that is less with ‘two under two’, ‘three years apart’ and ‘more than four’. A great read despite the fact that life rarely lets you stick to a plan.

There are many more deals, coupons and product features on mamapicks.com. This week’s other features include:

Don’t forget to forward this newsletter to your friends.

Posted in Newsletter.

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By mamapicks – June 23, 2009

Vitamin D (in just one drop!)

Health Canada recommends that healthy breastfed infants receive a Vitamin D supplement. Many moms, including myself, use D-V-Sol Vitamin D drops. While some babies don’t mind the drops at all, mine had a difficult time tolerating the amount and taste. When my daughter was born, I found Ddrops (The Sunshine Vitamin in Just One Drop!) in the health section of my local Shoppers Drugmart. This product is great because it is more concentrated and offers the proper daily dose (400 IU) in just ONE drop and it tastes like water. I showed it to my pediatrician and he said that it’s just as good as the other brands. Ddrops also come in an adult dose of 1000 IU so make sure to get the right dose for your baby if you choose to use Vitamin D.

Posted in Cool Products.

1 comment

By mamapicks –
Crooked Houses

Did you watch Jon & Kate Plus Eight last night? To be honest, I was more intrigued by the construction of the kids’ new playhouses than the deconstruction of the Gosselin marriage. I love the concept of letting kids design their own little house. In case you are wondering, a custom Crooked House like those built for the Gosselin kids costs upwards of $5000. Ba! The company was established by two handy and brilliant dads. Take a look at the website for more info.

Posted in Cool Products.

No comments

By mamapicks –
50% off everything at MEXX

…until Saturday, June 27th.

Posted in Deals, sale.

No comments

By mamapicks –
Great birthday cakes + a Mamapicks Exclusive Discount

Butter cream icing. There is just something about those words! A birthday cake that is personal, beautiful AND delicious is not easy to find. Joy creates beautiful and scrumptious cakes for your loved ones as well as adorable cupcakes and cookie grams. Everything is hand-decorated and she has hundreds of shapes and characters to choose from! She can also turn a memorable photo or picture into an edible masterpiece. Made by a mom, everything is nut and milk free. If you are looking for a special cake for your child’s birthday or any other occasion, contact Joy at Baked With Joy and you’ll get 10% off a shape cake when you tell her you are a mamapicks reader.

Posted in Cool Products, Deals, Useful Info.

No comments

By mamapicks – June 22, 2009
The Shops At Donmills

Anthropologie opened its doors in Toronto and at that moment I felt complete. But that’s not the only reason I love The Shops at Donmills. If you haven’t been to this new & classy outdoor mall, you are truly missing something! One hundred retail stores and services, great restaurants, outdoor patios, and a grassy area for the kids to let loose. This weekend (June 26th-28th) come enjoy The Festival in the Square with your family. Featuring live music, buskers and special guests. Located at the corner of Donmills Road and Lawrence Ave. East. (and btw, they have great family bathrooms).

Posted in Activities & Events, This Weekend.

No comments

By mamapicks –
Pingg! Online Invitations

I am sick of e-vites. Don’t get me wrong, I love online invitations but want to see something fresh. Pingg. It’s another line of e-correspondece with a beautiful photo gallery and tons of options to customize your online invitations. Their designs are very clean and sleek!

Posted in Cool Products.

1 comment

By mamapicks –
Siblings 101

Three years between siblings used to be pretty standard. Does anybody else feel like 18 months is the new 3 years? With ‘two under two’, I often wondered about the best spacing between kids. Parenting.com recently featured a great article about all that is good and all that is less with ‘two under two’, ‘three years apart’ and ‘more than four’. A great read despite the fact that life rarely lets you stick to a plan.

Posted in Useful Info.

No comments

By mamapicks – June 21, 2009
Etsy Find: House Pillows

I just love these decorative pillows by LeiLiLaLoo. Lovingly collected scraps sewed together to create something beautiful! I wish I could buy them all and line them up on my daughter’s (future) bed just like that. She is almost two and just about ready for a big-girl bed…but I am not ready for any such thing. My baby in a crib shall remain ;o

Posted in Cool Products.

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By mamapicks –
Sales around town…
- From June 24th – July 30th, the Aveda Experience Centre will be offering warehouse sale specials of up to 75% on selected products every Wednesday. Located on 210 Lesmill Road near Leslie & Hwy 401. Open Wednesdays from 9am-6pm.
- EVERYTHING at Mango is 50% off.
- Up to 40% off selected items at Banana Republic. In-store only and not at the Factory Outlet Store.
- Up to 50% off selected items at Over the Rainbow.
Posted in Coupons, Deals, sale.

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By mamapicks – June 19, 2009
This Weekend – Taste of Little Italy

Taste of Little Italy starts today. We went last year in the evening without the kids and it was great. If you like to see lots of people, outdoor patios, music and fun, this is an outing for you. During the day, there are activities for kids but unfortunately, the website’s link to “Children’s Activities” does not work so I can’t tell you more about that. However, the event takes place on College St. (between Bathurst and Shaw) and the street remains closed during the event hours so that already makes it fun. Friday, June 19th 6pm-2am, June 20 12pm-2am, June 21 12pm – 10am.

Posted in Activities & Events.

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By mamapicks –
Old Navy Doorbster – Saturday!

Posted in Deals, sale.

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By mamapicks –