Top 10 little BIG KID FAV'S (mommy approved)

Life on the other end of toddler hood is almost as bad as i was forewarned. Between the new and improved (and changing on the daily) personal preferences, dropping nap time conflict and mediating the ever prominent tantrum - life has been, well... busy. 

But, lets shine light on the things that get us through- the simple pleasures. 

Here are a list of my top 10 little BIG kid (and mommy approved) favourites... for this week.

yogurt drinks. nuff' said. 

weather you pass them off as milkshakes, yogurt, 'pop' or whatever. they do the trick, crave hanger and are great mini portions

comfy pants- cause really, aren't we all happier in comfy pants. 

Little's move, ALOT. All those cute skinny hipster pants are great for your photo shoot but be real..the daily grind is all about comfort. 

yummy vitamins DHA vitamin (max & ruby) cause they are good for you.

This sweet lemony concoction is treated like a reward at our house- can't get enough. so, "OK... i guess, if you promise to be good"... your welcome. 

Tupperware wipes case. the mecca of all wipes cases is here. 

I haven't met a wipe that doesn't fit in here- if you are reusable i think they would even fit.. keeps wipes wet, and the latch to let them out stays closed and only lets one out at a time. what a concept! 

fun band aids - duh. 

for invisible owies, teddy bears, big boo boos and even your own needs- everything does feel better under the care of a Disney princess.. 

backpack/suitcase- its time.

start letting them haul (some) of their own crap. of course your still the following mule, but it sure helps when your trying to leave the house and their entire stuffy collection can't fit. tough choices. like life. start em young... 

Squeezies for veggies - sneaky. 

my house isn't much of a nutritional palace so i sneak these babies in anywhere i can. No they aren't just for babies.. celebs even carry them in their gym bags for a quick recharge. And no, i don't prepare them myself but by all means.... 

thirty one snack thermal zip cooler- you need one. 

This little cooler pouch is a saving grace for on the go. its small enough to fit in my enormous bag, holds all the snacks and keeps them cool. i love this for carry thing things like the inevitable cheese string and even yogurt drinks! (it also does hold 3 beer- just sayin) i love mine. Check out my friend Erin's ThirtyOne Gifts website for options 

Honest Co. Breath easy rub 

your always in cold season when you have a little one. this rub is awesome. Its child friendly, kids can apply it to their own chest or feet and feel 'big' helping. its safe and chemical free- unlike the nasties in Vick's, you can feel good about this choice. 

SAGO mini app - if you can't beat em, make it educational. 

A friend introduced me to this line of apps geared towards toddlers and inspires interest in numbers and letters- the cute animals and monsters don't hurt either. Its as not annoying and really does a great job teaching age appropriate lessons. 

Mommy & Toddler Favourites for DECEMBER

Hello All! I wanted to get this out quickly mid month so perhaps it could inspire you for some gift giving ideas - Ill be doing a separate post for gift ideas for littles but here are a few quick ideas, enjoy and happy shopping!!!! 

I'm loving these products this month and they are also especially festive and would make great treats for any momma or toddler in the family. 

Here we go... 

Frosted Plum Body Butter from Body Shop

This first item is a new-found-find, only around for a limited time! Body Shop got me with this light and delightful scented body butter for the holidays. Its fresh and feminine, fruity and fun. And BONUS they have an amazing sale going on now and apparently this amazing scent now comes in just about everything from bath fizzies to room spray... dance on sugar plums, dance on!!!! 

Purdy's Himalayan Pink Sea Salt Caramels

These inch by inch salted sweeties are divine! I recently shared them with a friend and immediately had to take her to buy some ;) good thing they come in boxes of 20- or i could really over indulge- lol.

These come in milk and dark chocolate not to discriminate and choosing between the two is really like having to choose between the Hemsworth brothers... also great gift idea for just about anyone on your list! 

Lush's 'Ultrabland' facial cleanser

Next product for momma is this luxurious and creamy facial cleanser from Lush. Of course almost everything this place pumps out is amaze balls- but this face wash really is that good. 

It comes in a bucket and is like a modern day cold cream- it removes makeup, cleanses, moisturizes and soothes the skin.. just apply as much as you like- rub it in, leave to sit (like a sweet cocoon for your face) and wipe off with a hot towel.. mini facial! a little pricey for the bucket but i don't use it as an everyday cleanser just a treat once a week. 

Its great for any skin type - so another great pampering gift, give it with some super soft face towels for a quick and simple gift! 

'A Very Marley Christmas' by Josh Grogan

My little guy has really been loving this book as we are getting into the Christmas spirit! 

Its funny and light and it helps that we have our own real life Marley in the house! 

I change the word Marley to 'Wheelie' our dogs name and my little guy laughs at all the mischief that silly pup gets into. Yup its the same Marley from the tear jerking 'Marley & Me' Movie.. no tears here- just great illustrations and fun storyline! 

  

Adventure Play sets

If you have a little girl or boy around 2-3 years of age- this toy is a hit and i love that they make a girl version too! Im going to do a separate post on gift giving for kids but this has been a favourite. 

These ones are from Cabela's but my little guy is blessed to have one from Bass Pro too. They have so many fun pieces and they can use their imagination to play for hours!! If your family is the outdoorsy type- your little will extra enjoy this! 

Gingerbread Bear Paws

I don't think i know a kid that doesn't like these soft cookie treats- this gingerbread seasonal flavour is a nice change. Don't you get sick of having the same goodies for your kids all year!?! 

This is just like the usual with a mild gingerbread flavour. These of course aren't as good as homemade- but sometimes a mommas gotta have a packaged snack at the ready! These are going in our holiday arsenal and maybe the stocking too! 

Thats it for now- a few quick items topping our everyday list, its the little things.. stay tuned for a gift list for toddlers and under. Have a safe and blessed December! 

Mommy & Toddler Favourites for NOVEMBER

Well, its that time again.. (lets just pretend that i didn't miss October) 

that would just be a big rant about sweet treats and the stresses keeping me from my love of blogging so lets skip that by and enjoy the fav's of November!

I love November, its the time when festive spirits start filling the air- the light snow begins to fall and we are preparing our homes, hearts and calendars for the busyness and Joy of December. So lets jump in! 

This months favourites are all over the map- but thats part of the fun..

First All- life has been a little scattered for me with nights away from home and distance from my family- so this in turn when i get to be home it has made me really appreciate home. There really is nowhere like it. So upon coming home- i have been burning this DIVINE candle from none other than Bath & Body Works. This 'Mulled wine' inspired candle would not have been one i would have grabbed if it didn't have the word apple in its fragrance notes... 

(I'm a sucker like that) 

Anyway its fragrant and unique & What feels more home-y than a flickering candle... 

Along with being in and out i haven't had the 'luxury' (as i call it these days) of making a lot of home cooked meals. I have been relying on the old stand by- M&M Meat Shops

But not just for anything - for CABBAGE ROLLS! 

THEY ARE AMAZING. Lord have mercy 

(they don't always taste better when you don't have to put in the effort) 

They taste fresh and maintain their shape and consistency well. Theres enough sauce too- sauce is always important!!! A must try for a quick, cook free night! 

This next product is lovely. 

When something makes cleaning better- its a fav. This Clean Everything Cleaner

is a lavender scented all-purpose cleaner. Bonus it isn't just enviro and child friendly, its gentle, safe and cleans great. I love an all purpose. This is great for this seasons germmies and cleans toys and counters like a lavender dream. A little pricey- $8.50 CAD but its a large bottle and it seemed to last quite awhile. 

My next favourite is a new regular on our coffee table- also its a classic that has allowed me to relive my childhood and it hasn't lost its sparkle. 

Hungry, Hungry Hippos is actually the perfect game for my almost 3 year old. Its simple enough for him to understand and loud enough to be 'cool'.

We are really enjoying some screen free fun with this one- i think growing our child-friendly game collection is whats on the wish list for Santa this year.

This next child product is relatively new to me- vitamins that are gummies?!? 

Have i been living under a rock? well - yea..

My tiny guy always took vitamins no problem but these make my little feel like he is getting a reward and that reward itself is good! 

Costco makes these babies- I'm sure there are numerous ones out there- so leave a comment on tips for my next bottle! 

This sweet bottle of ginger bliss is Origins Ginger burst body wash

Let me tell you- it is divine. Its like having a shower with tiny gingerbread angels!!! 

This body wash is the perfect scent for this holiday season and it works well to moisturize and leave you feeling clean (and slightly more delicious) 

Here is that all over the map thing i was talking about... My new Christmas tree! (fa la la la la la la)

I have been searching for awhile for a skinny and tall christmas tree- we are going to do a larger real one in our downstairs but i don't have a lot of room on my main floor and of course- i can't wait till December to put up a tree (crazy) 

So I found her-here she is the 7 ft Cashmere Skinny Christmas tree from Michaels. 

Its pre-lit and has a really nice detail to the branches, it almost glows and takes up very little space- so if your looking for a space saving tree- Michael's usually has great deals and this is a good choice! 

My last item- is probably one of my most favourite items ever- its the Mom-on-the-go Planner from 'In the Leafy Treetops'

This planner may be on the big side (they make a smaller version too) but it does it all! Budgeting, Meals, vacations, wish lists, planning, holidays, inspiration. it is amazing. 

There are options for add-ons and custom covers and I'm so happy i went with this one. I know there are Erin Condren lovers out there- but this one just seems a little less put together (life in reality!) 

So there it is- my short and sweet list for my top favs from this month. 

Hope you enjoyed and i have encouraged you into a few new products. 

Have a wonderful week! 

Mommy & Toddler Monthly Fav's!

I love hearing what peoples favourite products are, its like finding gold without all the mining.. I thought  i would start a new series for monthly product empties, what i loved so much i have used up! 
this is a mishmash of mommy products, toddler products and household loves. I'm sure there are a few things you haven't heard of but also some old fashioned goodies too! 

Lets get started..

Presidents choice PURE strawberry Jam 
-I know, I know..who cares about a Jam- But I do! i love toast and therefore Jam is like the cherry on top! This fresh and PURE Jam from PC brand is delicious- its globby and full of real strawberries, its not farmers market fresh but it tastes more 'real' than others I have had... great price point and amazing with brie! 

Melissa & Doug Stamp markers 
-I purchased these babies from a recent well.ca order and I'm really happy with them, my toddler enjoys the variety of shapes and although he isn't awesome at following the coordinating pages, he likes to stamp stamp away and i enjoy they wash off easily :) win win 

Scentsy Bar- Clementine & Clove 
-No secret, fall is here and its bliss- This smell i had purchased last Christmas and not being the typical scentsy buyer- this scent has lasted me quite awhile and i enjoy that its versatile for the Christmas and fall seasons. Its orange-y & spicy from the clove but not like cinnamon punching you in the nose. Its noticeable yet subtle and adds to the festive feeling... 

Clear Shampoo 
OK OK I know this one has been around awhile but i recently was fully out of shampoo and purchased this at the supermarket cause it was on sale. I'm delightfully surprised by its light texture and cleaning. It really makes my hair feel clean without 'gunk' and its scent is light - so husband appreciated it too! All the hype is true- great buy! 

YES to cucumber - soothing night cream 
This night cream is soon good. Who doesn't like the freshness of anything cucumber- its like a mini trip to the spa! i enjoy its rich texture and upon waking my skin feels nourished and healthy. Ill definitely re-buying this one :) 

Aromachology scent - sophisticated & sensual 
I received this in an IPSY bag  few months ago and I'm so sad to see my trial size empty. This scent is not what i would call 'sophisticated and sensual' but rather feminine with citrusy/floral touch. I feel so pretty when i wear it. The sample was a roller and i intend to buy the full size for a birthday present to myself online. Its slightly annoying when you can't buy a product anywhere..but its worth every 'scent' for shipping!!! 

Eddie Bauer - toddler down puffer jacket 
I was searching for an in-between jacket for my little when i cam across this lightweight puffer jacket from Eddie Bauer at Winners! (don't you love that) This is such a great jacket for a toddler. Its bright so you can spot them easily, squishy for throwing in your bag or wrestling into the car seat and light enough they can move and not complain about being too hot. Puffers are always cute, but in this mini me size- I'm in LOVE!!! 

Seventh generation dishwasher liquid 
This was a purchase to start making smarter chemically free purchases and I'm surprised how well this dish washing detergent cleans and actually doesn't leave a 'funk' in the dishwasher. Sadly with most 'enviromentally friendly' products- they just don't clean as good as those harsh and scary chemicals..but this one from seven generation is almost as good. Its a compromise I'm happy i made :) 

Mini Dino Toys 
This one is simple and oh so awesome! we recently took a trip to a dinosaur museum so as to be expected- our little is in dino-mite mode. We picked up these little guys at the gift shop and they have been so fun to play with out in the dirt and sand and anywhere- its nice break from cars too for momma! I'm sure you can grab them at the dollar store too- but the fun is endless... we even made our own little 'dig' expedition...