Anyone planning a summer birthday party?  Keep those kids active, entertained and happy outdoors.  Rent from a selection of bouncy castles for your next outdoor event.  What could possibly be more fun?  Fun 4 Kids is offering Mamapicks readers 10% off rentals.  For details, call 647-889-5857.

There is nothing like a good cut or style to make a mama feel amazing… and there is nothing like a good deal to help us justify spending money on looking good.   Lena is an incredible stylist who works at the Finishing Touch Salon near Centre & Dufferin.  She is offering first-time clients an unbelievable price on Tuesday & Wednesday appointments.  $15 for a blow-dry and $35 for cut+blow dry.  Trust me, she is incredible and you’ll be back for more!  Just tell her that you are a Mamapicks reader.

These gorgeous alphabet prints by Penny People Designs are the type of find that I want to share and keep to myself all at the same time.  My son has one in his room and I can’t help but admire it every time I see it.  I love the concept, the colours and of course…I am 100% into anything personalized (in case you haven’t noticed). The prints come in two sizes and fit into an IKEA  Ribba frame which makes framing so simple.

Lindsay, the talented Toronto-based designer of the prints, just sent me information about an amazing promotion.  For every 13×19 print that you buy, you will get one free.  That’s a $25 saving!  Shipping is $13, but will include as many prints as you like.  To take advantage of this promotion, go to the online store and only place in your cart, the amount of prints you would like to buy.  Upon checkout, enter the promotion “Buy1 Get 1 free” in the notes to seller, as well as information about how you would like to personalize your free print(s).  This promotion runs until Feb. 3rd, 2010.  Please note that everything on Etsy is in US funds.

Those of you who know me, know that one of my favourite finds (ever!) are mini-cards by a printing company called Moo.  They are very sturdy little rectangular cards that you can print anything on.  I print photos of my kids…and Mamapicks business cards.  You can use 100 full colour photos, designs or text to make business cards, mom-calling-cards, or gift tags for only $19.99.  Mini cards can be kept in a sleek plastic mini-card holder which makes for a great gift.  Definitely more original than wallet photos!  Moo makes it easy to create with their friendly interface and great prices.  Get 10% off on your first order with this code until Jan. 31st: RKZCMU

The Kids’ Treasure Box is one of those amazing finds I want to keep to myself and tell you about all at the same time.  These two lovely mompreneurs sell high quality educational toys for under $10.  Hard to believe, I know!  The Kids’ Treasure Box carries a great selection of workbooks, puzzles, toys and games that parents and teachers will love.  I just purchased a plastic tub of wooden primary lacing beads ($6) for The Girl and a number of puzzles for holiday gifts.  Great educational loot-bags are also available for $3-$5.  Call or e-mail for an appointment or visit their upcoming Open House in Richmond Hill (See map) on Nov. 29th, 7pm – 10pm.  For more information, please call 416-471-0060.  Mamapicks exclusive discount: receive a $10 gift of your choice on every $5o spend when you mention MAMAPICKS!

]]> http://www.mamapicks.com/2009/11/educational-toys-for-unbelievable-prices/feed/ 0 http://www.mamapicks.com/2009/11/mamapicks-exclusive-you-are-my-sunshine-prints/ http://www.mamapicks.com/2009/11/mamapicks-exclusive-you-are-my-sunshine-prints/#comments Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:19:10 +0000 mamapicks http://www.mamapicks.com/?p=2819 I am madly in love with this print.  Partly because seeing yellow makes me feel happy on gray Fall days…and also because I want my girl to always know that she is my sunshine.  A beautiful addition to any girl’s room with the warmest message of love.  Created by the talented illustrator, Katie Lombardo.  Katie is offering this print to Mamapicks readers for a very special price of $15 + free shipping (prints are normally $20 + shipping).  Choose “reserved for Mamapicks readers” to order and if you are asked, mention the promo code Mamapicks in the notes to seller section.  You can order as many as you like!

]]> http://www.mamapicks.com/2009/10/25-off-just-for-me-personalized-music-cds/feed/ 1 http://www.mamapicks.com/2009/10/sweet-irresistible-custom-made-names/ http://www.mamapicks.com/2009/10/sweet-irresistible-custom-made-names/#comments Tue, 13 Oct 2009 10:32:08 +0000 mamapicks http://www.mamapicks.com/?p=2555

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.

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!

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.