Eynat Don is the incredible photographer of the above photos.  I met her this past Spring when she invited me over for tea and a shoot of myself and my newborn baby boy.  I was thrilled because I didn’t have any professional photos of my other kids when they were infants…and I was already well aware of how those precious few months of infancy go by in a blink.

Eynat’s studio is in her home and she works wonders there,  capturing spontaneous moments that are intimate and so real – you can almost relive them.  Isn’t that what good photos are all about?  She made me feel comfortable and I fell in love instantly with her warm and quirky personality.  She was 9 months pregnant then and climbing chairs and tables…anything for a good shot.

By the time I got home from our session, I already had a beautifully designed postcard waiting for me in my inbox – a collage of the best photos from the morning!  Incredible photos.  Her post cards can be used for holiday greetings or just to share your moments with family and friends.  Eynat also designs beautiful photo books for families and special occasions.  A session with Eynat is perfect for family, babies, pregnancy and event photography.  Eynat also takes great business portraits.  A business portrait session ($75) was a great gift for my husband for Father’s Day and the results were superb.

Professional photography is often an indulgence but Eynat’s prices are so reasonable and turn out time is rather quick.  A session costs only $200 and includes all of the photographs on a CD for you to keep.  This means that you can print any time and anywhere.   Mamapicks readers, when booking your session, you will receive four 8×10 OR five 5×7 complimentary prints!  You can check out Eynat Don Photography or contact her directly here.

Solo Para Ti is a wonderful home store in Richmond Hill.  Allison, the owner, offers a variety of wonderful products and personalized service.  You can -e-mail her your budget and gifting needs and she will help you put it all together.  If you have been to a mall recently, you know that it is not so fun to shop around – bad weather, slow service, no time!  Ugh.  Mamapicks readers receive 15% off all orders picked up from the store in Richmond Hill.  Check out the website for great gift ideas.

Life is so busy that sometimes it’s hard to find time for taking care of ourselves – for me, the 2 minutes it takes to remove my mascara sometimes proves too much when all I want to do is go to bed already.  But lately, I’ve been looking in the mirror and really…it’s time to work a little harder, feed the skin, make sure that those fine lines are not entirely my fault.

When my friend gave me a series of Arbonne products to try, I was so happy.  This came just in time as I was making a personal resolution to take better care of myself and to make it a priority to indulge in something other than Nuttella.  I tried the skin care line as well as the line of skin care for babies/kids and loved it.

The skin products are very luxurious and I especially enjoyed the eye cream.  My skin felt more supple and hydrated within a very short time.  I read a bit about the formulas and was happy to find that Arbonne stays away from harmful ingredients such as PABAs and the company is committed to designing products that are botanically based and not tested on animals.

The baby products went a long way in my house – especially since I am trying to expose my children’s skin to products that are safer.  The Boy (4), has very sensitive skin and always reacts to sunscreen.  Arbonne’s delicate sunscreen won me over when I tried it on him and saw no reaction.  I also tried the baby oil on The Baby…and it is by far, the silkiest baby oil I have ever used.  I ordered the whole baby line!

If you would like to try the products, there is a great way to do so with your family and friends.  You can host a beauty workshop for 5 people and receive $120 worth of products.  As well, for the next month, Mamapicks readers receive 35% off the Arbonne baby line!  You can contact Lital at 416-999-3255 or send her an e-mail.  If you live downtown, you can contact Sharon.  Just say Mamapicks and enjoy!

Hairless.  Can you imagine a summer without a razor or waxing appointment?  Sounds like complete freedom to me.  This mama has taken the plunge and started IPL hair removal.  As always, I ask friends, do some research and all this brought me to The Body Health Spa and Treatment Centre.  It is not a regular relaxation spa, it is a centre that offers a wide selection of non-surgical treatments for both men and woman of all ages.  These include special facials, cellulite treatments, body wraps….and of course, IPL hair removal.

The spa is new, immaculate and relaxing with knowledgeable and friendly staff.  Upstairs you will see a teaching area – the fact that this spa trains staff from other spas made me feel really good    The technician  took the time to explain all of the details of the treatment to me with great patience.  The treatment itself was PAINLESS.  It is difficult for me to explain the sensation but there was definitely no pain involved (believe me, I was ready for pain and was even told by friends  to use skin numbing cream!).

I can’t wait for my next session and to be hairless by next summer.  Prices are really reasonable and Mamapicks readers receive an additional 20% off!

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!