Sweet & Irresistible

All the way from New Zealand, come these truly irresistible custom made names to complete your nursery.  Ten colours to choose from and a gorgeous retro font.  I am absolutely in love!

Angie is a mom (and she is really nice).  Two years ago, after bringing her first baby home, her husband created one of these for the baby’s nursery and that’s how Fudge Designs began.

Guess what?  Mamapicks readers receive 25% off their order! Please keep in mind that the website is in New Zealand dollars, NOT US dollars!  For example, a 4-letter name including shipping to Canada costs approximately $56 US after the Mamapicks discount (including shipping!).  What a great gift this would make.  Promo code:  MAMAPICKS, valid until October 31st.

What To Do This Weekend (Oct. 17-18)

Visit the Mompreneur Event taking place in the Forest Hill Village (2nd Flr., What A Bagel, 421 Spadina Rd.) on Sunday, Oct. 18th, 10am – 3pm.  Participating vendors will display unique products & services.    The event will also raise money for donation to Princess Margaret Hospital.  Don’t miss this great shopping opportunity and a chance to support fellow mamas.

Visit Green Acres Camp (Markham) for a FREE Pumpkin Picking Fun Day on Sunday, Oct. 18th, 11:00am- 2:30pm.

Plan a Fall adventure with the help of an amazing website which outlines beautiful Fall routes in Ontario.

For more fun weekend events,  go to www.mamapicks.com.

Parenting is Difficult

Parenting.  It’s so fulfilling and challenging all at the same time.  When I speak to fellow moms, I realize that we are all dealing with parenting issues.  Sometimes we swim in a sea of self-doubt and all we need is a little guidance and some practical ideas for making our household a little more sane.  I know from my own experience, that getting advice from an outside professional source goes a long way in making important changes (unlike hearing it from your husband or mother-in-law).

The Parenting Network offers real-life solutions and tools for parents through a variety of parenting courses in the GTA.  They understand that we all strive for improved family life, more confidence, and children who are cooperative and contributing.  They have been guiding parents for over 20 years (and Mamapicks didn’t know!).   Take a look at the interesting topics and convenient schedules & locations (sessions starts this week!).  Bring a friend and get 25% off your registration! There is still space in a variety of locations including Thornhill.

Book  of the Week(ish)

Chrysanthemum has an unusual name but she thinks it’s perfect…until the first day of school.  She is teased about her name and even though her doting parents try to instill confidence in her, the next day of school is dreaded. This heartfelt story is one that every child will relate to.   It can spark many important conversations between you and your little one about teasing, bullying and what goes on at school when mom and dad are not around to defend.  Chrysanthemum is appropriate for ages 4-8.  It is a wonderful story about names, identity and self-confidence.  One of my very  favourites!  Soft-cover available at Indigo or Mastermind for $9.25.

Cool Ideas for Halloween Costumes

I found this adorable costume on Etsy.  Maybe some of you are crafty mamas who can whip up a home-made costume.  See more costumes in the Holiday Goods section.

Giant Birdnest

Sorry you can’t buy this…but wouldn’t it be amazing?  This is part of O*GE Interactive Gallery.  I don’t know who they are and what they do but I want the nest.

Exclusive Mamapicks Discount on Mittens From Honeybunch!

Ever wake up one day in November only to realize that it’s really cold outside and your kids don’t have proper hats, mittens and boots?  We’ve all been there.  When you go to the store on that very cold day, you are not likely to find much variety left because all the other moms were more prepared.  Avoid the stress and get ready ahead of time!  That’s what I’ve committed to do this year.  I am all about mastering small commitments.  Currently on my list is this fabulous pair of mittens by CaliKids that have all the features I am looking for:

• Waterproof on the outside, soft and warm on the inside
• Clips sewn right into the cuff!
• Easy fit with side zippers, velcro wrist straps and a good fit over sleeves

Honeybunch (my favourite online shop), is offering Mamapicks readers a special discount of 15% off !  Promo Code: mamapicks.  Valid until Oct. 20th.    If you’d like to visit the beautiful store, Honeybunch Homestore for Kids is located at 3885 Bloor Street West in  Etobicoke.  This little store is so gorgeous,  I could spend hours browsing all of the unique stuff.  Since it’s a little far from where I live, I visit the online shop often to see what’s new and exciting!

What To Do This Weekend (Oct. 10-12)

Thanksgiving Funfest @ The Shops on Donmills (Lawrence & Donmills) takes place on Saturday & Sunday from 12-4pm.  There will be family entertainment, bouncing castle and a giant obstacle course.

Join Harbourfront Kids @ Harbourfront Centre for a 3-day festival for kids ages 5 to 12.  The main theme of the festival is RESPECT (people, animals, the environment) and workshops & activities are many and varied.  See the schedule of events.

The fabulous Pinkalicious, The Musical! has shows running throughout the weekend as well as a on Thanksgiving Day!

For more fun weekend events including many a pumpkin patch directory, go to www.mamapicks.com

Free Story Time + Exclusive Discount @ KLIM

One of the best kept secrets in Thornhill Woods (Hwy. 7 & Bathurst/Dufferin) is Klim School of Art.  The school runs many wonderful art classes for kids and adults alike, led by carefully hand-picked instructors.  Last year, I joined a class with a group of moms and the school opened a post-bedtime class especially for us!  It was so nice to get out once  a week to socialize and learn.  The atmosphere is warm and the space is bright and inspiring…perfect for dabbling and experienced artists.  New this Fall, are the following programs:

Free Story Time for ages 2-5 takes place every Wednesday @ 1:30pm throughout the month of October.  Your child does not need to be enrolled in order to enjoy this free activity.  Come on over to hear exciting and interactive tales about mythical creatures, far away lands, and much more.

Mom & Tots Class is a new  introductory art course for ages 2-3 yrs.  Children will learn basic art skills, create using a variety of media and age-appropriate tools,  play games, sing songs and have a great time.

Mamapicks readers receive 10% off when registering for any program! The discount also applies to Klim’s great P.A. Day programs.  Offer valid until Friday, Oct. 9th.

Free Printable Thank-You Cards

Susan Connor of SusyJack paper goods has posted this freebie recently and I thought you might like it.  It’s a beautiful Thank-You card that prints on 5×5 folding card format.  Download the PDF file here and print as many as you like.

Info About Cell Phone Radiation

Does your baby love playing or devouring your cell phone?  I have to admit that there have been times (mostly in long line-ups) that I have voluntarily handed my cell phone to my daughter to avoid an eruption of toddler impatience.  I am not proud of such moments especially because I worry about radiation.  I came upon this informative website about cell phone radiation where you can look up your cell phone and learn how to reduce exposure.

Mastermind Deal: Straws & Connectors

Sometimes I feel like someone is listening…  I just blogged about my love for Straws & Connectors last week and now the jumbo-super-size sets are on sale at Mastermind (two boxes for $30!).  Guess you know where I am heading…