Canada's Baking and Sweets Show & Celebrity Pastry Chef Christian Faure M.O.F.

Did you know Canada..  this past weekend was the Canada's Baking and Sweets Show at the Toronto Congress Center.  The highlight of the show was watching Award-winning Chef Christian Faure M.O.F. create an impressive Alice in Wonderland edible sculpture.

The sculpting began Friday September 27, 2013..

And by the end of Day 2, the progress on the Alice in Wonderland Sculpture Saturday, September 28, 2013..

Behold the completed Alice in Wonderland edible sculpture, a masterpiece!

At the show, Christian Faure M.O.F. also announced  the opening of Maison Christian Faure, the first international school in Canada for professionals interested in a career in the pastry arts. With only 10 students per class, this small, focused and hands-on approach to teaching will offer its first 6-month, 600-hour program, beginning November 1, 2013 in Montreal.

The 6-month program will concentrate on practicing and perfecting techniques needed to become a successful pastry chef.  Each day there will be 2½ hours of demonstration followed by 3½ hours of hands-on work.   The course curriculum will include Breads and Viennoiseries; the Art of Chocolate; Desserts and Cakes for Special Occasions; Ice Cream and Cocktail pastries and Sugar Work, with the preparation of the final masterpiece to be displayed at graduation.   Six special guest chefs, all holding the title of M.O.F. (Meilleur Ouvrier de France or Best Craftsman of France), will make appearances throughout the program.

Enroll online or by email registrar@christianfaure.ca.   Maison Christian Faure will also offer evening and weekend courses for serious amateurs and there will be Saturday courses throughout the year for “Little Bakers” and their parents.  Summer courses will be available for all.

You may already know Chef Christian Faure M.O.F. has an impressive list of achievements and awards with the title of Meilleur Ouvrier de France (Best Craftsman of France), being the ultimate recognition.  He was awarded “Best Pastry Chef in the World” by the American “Hospitality & Sciences” Academy, he has worked for the Prince of Monaco, in the palaces of several Arabian princes, in the VIP Olympic Villages of Salt Lake City and Vancouver and recently competed and won in the "Sugar Dome" competition on the Food Network.

An exciting weekend and fantastic news to learn of the opening of Maison Christian Faure in the heart of old Montreal in a 300-year old historic building that has been entirely refurbished.  You may not be a chef, but if you are in the neighbourhood be sure to stop by to visit a wonderful Snacking Café and Parlour, Boutique and Pastry Shop on the ground floor where you can buy croissants, brioches, pastries and much more!

Canadian Giveaway Linky! 09/30

Did you know Canada.. We are so happy to once again bring you this weekly feature with our co-host Tales of a Ranting Ginger - Every Monday we are opening a weekly linky for giveaways open to Canadians. We appreciate everyone's interest and contributions!

Do you have a blog that is running a giveaway and it's open to Canadians?? Link up below!!

Visit here through out the week to find giveaways open to Canadians and get winning!! Good Luck!!

Private School Expos Toronto and Halton-Peel

Did you know Canada.. Education is one of the most important part of our life. Everyone has own gifts and talents, education gives us an opportunity to develop these talents and build a bright future. Just remembering the famous  B.B. King quote: "The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.",  education is always wise investment.


This fall Our Kids invite families, supporters and educators to visit Private School Expos across Canada. We are glad that in October the GTA will host two Our Kids Expos. Find the best school for your child at the Our Kids Halton-Peel on October 20th or Toronto Private School Expo on October 26th, 2013. These Expos are the largest in Canada and feature the very best private and independent schools in Ontario and outstanding schools across Canada. Do not miss the exclusive opportunity to explore private school options and find the best school for your child quickly and easily.

Find all the information you need in one day at one location:

• meet face to face with top schools
• speak with education experts
• attend information sessions

From preschool to high school, traditional to special needs,  Private School Expo is a must for every parent. Get your FREE VIP family admission vouchers compliments of Did You Know Canada? using the promo code “DYK” by following the registration link here.

 
Halton-Peel Private School Expo
When and Where Date:
Sunday, October 20th, 2013
Time: 12:00pm to 4:00pm

Location:
Oakville Conference Centre
2515 Wyecroft Road
Oakville, ON L6L 6P8
 
 Toronto Private School Expo
When and Where Date:
Saturday, October 26th, 2013
Time: 11:00am to 3:00pm

Location:
Roy Thomson Hall
60 Simcoe Street
Toronto, ON M5J 2J5

Faniya
Teddy Out-Ready

PlaSmart - Stomp Rocket

Did you know Canada..  we have had tons of fun this summer checking out PlaSmart's Stomp Rocket!

With no batteries or fuel required this air powered rocket is the perfect activity to bring to the park, beach, friends house or even just out into the backyard.  Think about where you are before you stomp too hard though, the Stomp Rocket Super High Performance can get up to 400 feet!

There's also Stomp Rocket Ultra soaring up to 200 feet and Stomp Rocket Jr. Glow going up to 100 feet - lots of options for every age range and space range.

Easy to set up, the Stomp Rocket Super High Performance came with 6 rockets, stand, air hose and launch pad, that's all you need for an afternoon of fun!

We brought ours to a pool party this summer and the boys and their uncles had fun seeing who could launch the rockets the highest.  It also led to some interesting discussions about how it worked, why a harder stomp made it fly higher, why it needed to be straight up and down on the stand - I think the boys learned a lot!  Everyone was also really pleased it came with 6 rockets, so you could launch them one after another without having to chase the rockets down where they land.

Not just for summer though, Stomp Rockets are a great outdoor activity for this fall too.  If the grass is too wet to play on, take it to a big empty parking lot and have fun with it there!

Canadian company PlaSmart has a host of smart, innovative and amazing toys - stay up to date with them on Facebook, Twitter and on the web.

Enter below for your chance to win a PlaSmart Stomp Rocket, the whole family will love it!  Good luck Canada!

Giveaway

Back to School with Crayola

Did you know Canada..  now that we are a few weeks in to school, we know what the kids REALLY need at school and Crayola has you covered with their Back to School must haves.

A must have in this house was whiteboard tools.  When I went to school it was all dusty chalk boards, but now it's all about whiteboards!  Heading into Grade 1 my guys had to have their own dry erase markers as part of their supplies.  Crayola has a big selection of dry erase products..

Dry Erase Washable Broad Line Markers - Bright, bold, Crayola coloured dry-erase markers wash right out of clothes and easily wipe off of dry-erase surfaces leaving parents with little clean-up.

Dry Erase Broad Line Markers - Low odour dry erase markers from Crayola are perfect for students, teachers, and all members of the classroom. Suitable for everyday use on all standard whiteboard surfaces.

Dry Erase Fine Line Markers - For smooth, fine line writing, Crayola Dry Erase markers deliver bold colours and low odour. Squeak-free and easy to erase, the extended ventilated cap is safety designed for use by children.

Dry Erase Crayons, Original or Brights - Ideal for use on white or dark dry-erase surfaces, these large-size washable crayons provide a punch of non-messy colour. Includes a crayon sharpener and an E-Z erase cloth.

Dry Erase Coloured Pencils - These pencils’ unique formula give kids the chance to write and erase on dry-erase surfaces, just like paper. Trace designs, practice lettering, create images and perfect fine details and shading. Sharpener included.

We tried out the dry erase crayons - every day after school the boys and I work on their word list for the week by practicing the words on their white board.  We love it because we can easily practice lots of words without wasting paper, we can do it in the middle of the floor without needing a table or book under the paper, and easy clean up!  I was really happy to learn about dry erase crayons, I didn't even know they existed, but they are perfect for Grade 1'ers hands to write easily with and the boys love the colours.

Do your kids use dry erase products at school too?

Star Wars Reads Day II is coming to Canada October 5, 2013

Did you know Canada..  it's true - Star Wars Reads Day II is coming to Canada October 5, 2013!  On October 5th bookstores, libraries and schools all around the world will all be taking part in a one day celebration of literacy.

Star Wars Reads is an international day-long celebration of literacy and all things Star Wars.  Last year, 30 authors and 1,500 costumed volunteers participated in over 1,200 Star Wars Reads Day events across North America.

We are HUGE Star Wars fans in this house, have I showed you a few pictures from my boys 6th birthday party in August?  We had an all out Star Wars day with Jedi Training, light saber cookies, costumes, the works!  My boys love all things Star Wars and that includes books.

Our favourite our the DK Readers, perfect for my Grade 1'ers learning to read, we even include the books on the nightly reading list!  (When they get to 50 books they get a prize - whoo!)

Two DK Reader books we have been reading at bed time are DK Readers Star Wars Clone Wars Watch out for Jabba The Hutt and Jedi in Training, both enjoyable story lines, accurate Star Wars information, awesome graphics and perfect for my guys to practice with.

We also love the Star Wars Complete Vehicles - it is packed with visual explorations of more than fifty essential Star Wars spacecraft and landcraft, including the TIE bomber, Imperial shuttle, A-wing, B-wing, and more. Full-color cross-section artwork presents in-depth examinations of each craft's weapon systems, engines, hyperdrives, cockpits, and construction secrets, providing a never-before-seen glimpse at the vehicles that drive the Star Wars universe.  The detail is every picture is amazing, it's a great read full of fast facts that my boys are mesmerized over every night.

Visit DK Canada's Star Wars Boutique and you can save 30% off Star Wars books, order now to surprise the kids (and maybe hubby!) in time for Star Wars Reads Day and celebrate the joy of reading!

Canadian Giveaway Link! 09/23

Did you know Canada.. We are so happy to once again bring you this weekly feature with our co-host Tales of a Ranting Ginger - Every Monday we are opening a weekly linky for giveaways open to Canadians. We appreciate everyone's interest and contributions!

Do you have a blog that is running a giveaway and it's open to Canadians?? Link up below!!

Visit here through out the week to find giveaways open to Canadians and get winning!! Good Luck!!

NEW Swiffer BISSELL SteamBoost #PGMom

Did you know Canada..  there is a new Swiffer in town - the NEW Swiffer BISSELL SteamBoost!

Designed to deeply penetrate dirt and remove messes mops can leave behind, this product is amazing!  I've been using it to clean muddy dog prints and muddy kid shoe prints with the rain we've been having today and I love it!

Fill it with water, attach a Steam Pad and plug it in - that's it!!  No other cleaning solutions necessary and your floors will be sparkling like mine.  I was very happy with how light the machine was to zip around and loved how quickly the floors were dry after going over them with the Swiffer BISSELL SteamBoost too - no worries about keeping the baby off the floor for too long and I can easily run it through the house while he naps without having to drag out a bucket or clean after I clean if you know what I mean.

The special Steam Pads have a steam-activated, dirt-dissolving cleaning solution that pulls dirt from surfaces and locks it away - no yucky residue!

This Saturday, September 21 and Sunday, September 22 you can get more than just groceries at your local Real Canadian Superstores. Visit any Real Canadian Superstore this weekend to collect a coupon booklet which includes a full mail-in rebate on Swiffer Sweeper and Dusters! The booklet
will also have coupons for other Swiffer and Mr. Clean products including $5 off my new favourite - the Swiffer BISSELL SteamBoost!

I know you are dying to try one on your floors right now, well guess what Canada - enter below for your chance to win a Swiffer BISSELL SteamBoost!!  You will love it!!

Giveaway

Winnipeg in the fall

Did you know Canada..  while most people think about travel through the summer or during the lull of January - March, I actually like travelling in the fall.  Not too hot, no snow (usually), not too busy but still lots to do.

I've been researching what there is to do in Winnipeg in the fall, and it turns out - there's lots to do!

We all know fall means football, and checking out the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on their new home turf at Investors Group Field would be a treat for any fan!

Check out the beauty of Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s, in October they are premiering The Handmaid's Tale.

Browse for unique goods at The Forks Market from made-in-Manitoba food products to souvenirs
to glass art and more.

Fellow blogger?  Check out the Winnipeg International Writers’ Festival running September 20-28.

There on business? Check out Roseman executive suites for your stay.

I know you are all hockey fans - you can see the Winnipeg Jets in action!

If you are heading there later in the season rent skates and glide along 1.2 km of groomed skating at Arctic Glacier Winter Park located at The Forks.

One idea that would really be my favourite - stroll the scenic Riverwalk and snap picture-perfect views of the city!

Have you visited The Peg in the fall? share some tips with us!

Mastermind Toys Celebrates their second location in London ON! #ldnont

Did you know Canada..  Mastermind Toys has just opened a second location in London ON - South London at 3120 Wonderland Road S (same area as Michael's, Canadian Tire, Adventures on Wonderland, etc).

Today my little man and I visited the new store and it is awesome!  They've added on to the building to make it 5,000 sq ft and it is full to the brim with toys, books, crafts and more!

Lisa the Toy Whiz introduced us to some of the hottest toys of the season, including the new HEXBUG aquabots (I even picked up some of these for my boys for Christmas), Rainbow Loom (this is a MUST HAVE!), SkyTrix Stunt Glider (you might remember our review from the summer), really fun Bixbee backpacks (designed to sit high on little ones backs, genius!), GoldieBlox and B. Toys - B. Turns (I got this one for my little man!) and B. Meowsic Keyboard - alllll amazing!  We also got a few sneak peeks on new products - like a couple new Sophie the Giraffe wooden toys!!!  Baby Lucas decided to check out a few of the toys on display too. ;-)

If you are in the area you must hit up the new store for their Grand Opening this week!  Running from this Thursday September 19th - Sunday September 22nd, pop in to check out the 25-ft Lego Man, Bountiful Balloon Decor, Free fun-filled favours, Cupcakes on Saturday and check your emails for a special Mastermind Toys coupon with a 25% savings on any one item!  All this (except the Lego Man) is also happening at the North London at 685 Fanshawe Park Rd.

Some of my favourite features about Mastermind stores are their friendly, very knowledgeable staff, the amazing decor with huge stuffed animals, fun toys along the tops of the shelves and hanging from the ceiling, funky signage and colourful displays.  It is our go to store for birthdays, parties, holidays and just because days.  Talking about birthdays, if you find yourself on the way to a birthday party without a gift, this is your GO TO place - they will help you find the perfect gift, get you through the check out and wrap it for you for FREE so you can make it to the party on time!  I LOVE their funky giftwrap and use it often; can't make it to the store? They gift wrap online orders for you as well.

Check out some of the purchases I made today, got a head start on my Christmas shopping!  I also grabbed the Star Wars 2013 Advent Calendar that my boys are going to go nuts for come December.  Even my hubby can't wait to bust open the new aquabots but we are waiting until Christmas on those!  I did let Lucas have the B. Turns and the Lamaze T-Rex for his car seat, we are saving the GO! Go! Smart Wheels for his stocking though!  Mastermind is amazing at having stocking stuffer and loot bag stuffer ideas, their products are functional, reuseable, FUN, not "junky" and not covered in sugar!

I'm going to surprise the boys with a trip to Mastermind Toys after school on Friday to check out the Grand Opening, I hope you can make it there too!

Tenant Insurance #TenantsNeed2Know

Did you know Canada..  if you are tenant you need tenant insurance!

That's right, as a tenant you are liable for any harm caused to any part of the building and to other who live or visit there. If your faulty microwave starts a fire that damages the apartment complex, that's on you!

Even if you think your stuff isn't worth much just because you are not swimming in jewels, have the most expensive clothes or the best TV could you imagine having to replace it all at once? Although subject to some exclusions or limits, tenant's insurance will help you recover losses.

For the simple cost of a few coffees a month (yes, that's IT!) you'll have the protection you need in case of a problem. Not only with losses but say you were forced to leave your apartment while being repaired - insurance will pay for necessary expenses such as hotel stays, restaurant meals and even moving costs (subject to some limits).

Statistics Canada says tenant households that bought insurance spent an average of only $309 on it last year.

With many students recently moved into new apartments you may be surprised to know students may even be covered under their parents' home insurance and it wouldn't cost them a cent. Double-check with the insurance provider to find out if this is the case for you.

Did you know about tenant insurance?


Although this post has been generously sponsored by IBC, the opinions and language are all my own, and in no way do they reflect The Insurance Bureau of Canada.

Canadian Giveaway Linky! 09/16

Did you know Canada.. We are so happy to once again bring you this weekly feature with our co-host Tales of a Ranting Ginger - Every Monday we are opening a weekly linky for giveaways open to Canadians. We appreciate everyone's interest and contributions!

Do you have a blog that is running a giveaway and it's open to Canadians?? Link up below!!

Visit here through out the week to find giveaways open to Canadians and get winning!! Good Luck!!

#CAAREWARDS Update and Contest Link

Did you know Canada..  for the last month you may have seen some excitement on twitter as myself and some friends were racing around the city finding CAA reward partners.  You would not believe how many discounts you can earn with your CAA card!!

To celebrate this fun challenge there's an iPad Mini up for grabs!!  Enter for your chance to win here and if you can, join us this Thursday, September 19th at 12pm to chat about #CAAREWARDS and find out who the iPad Mini winner is!!

Canadian casinos worth checking out

Did you know Canada..  Canada is probably not the first country you’d think of when you’re talking about casinos, but it’s actually home to more than its fair share of swanky casinos. In fact, if
you find Sin City – aka Las Vegas – a bit too vulgar and over the top, you might be pleasantly surprised by the ambience of the casinos in Canada.

Of course, you can now also find a choice of online casinos in Canada. You can play online Casino games from 32Red at any time of the day or night. No need to get dressed up and go out to one of the land-based casinos described below, but of course, playing online casino games is a totally different experience to playing in a land-based casino.

For those times that you’re looking for a glamorous evening out though, check out these three casinos.

(Photo by: Arnold C)

River Rock Casino Resort

The biggest casino in western Canada is the River Rock Casino Resort in British Columbia. Apart from anything inside the building, its location is awesome – on the banks of the Fraser River. Inside, there’s over 70,000 square feet dedicated to gambling. You’ll find over 900 slots machines, a 14-table poker room and a VIP room called the Dogwood Club. If you’re hungry, you can gamble while you eat in the 260-seat racetrack buffet. For entertainment away from the games there’s the River Rock Show Theatre or Lulu’s Lounge where you can watch live acts and shows. And if you want to make a weekend of it, you can stay at the luxury hotel with spa that completes the resort.

Casino Niagara

Combine sightseeing with gambling and visit Niagara Falls. When you’ve had your fill of watching the gushing falls, there is 95,000 square feet of games and machines at Casino Niagara. Here you’ll find over 1500 slots and 40 games tables. You’ll also find a sports section for betting on live games that you can watch in the same venue and a 12-table poker room.

River Cree Casino

This casino mixes gaming with sport as there’s a hockey centre here at this luxury resort. In the casino, there are 39 games tables and more than 1000 slots. You’ll also find a VIP poker room and an off-track betting restaurant. If you want to stay overnight, there’s the Edmonton Marriott at the River Cree hotel.

Casino de Montreal

This is one of the biggest casinos in the world, let alone Quebec. The building was originally constructed for the Expo ’67 exhibition and has its own street – Rue Du Casino. You’ll find more than 3000 slots here and over a hundred gaming tables. It’s a regular venue for big poker tournaments too.

Online or off – if you enjoy casino gaming, then Canada’s a great place to do it!

M&M Meat Shops’ National Family Dinner Night

Did you know Canada..  On Thursday, September 19, 2013, M&M Meat Shops will once again step up to the plate and encourage Canadians to enjoy the tradition of the family dinner.

Did you know a recent national study completed for M&M Meat Shops reveals that fewer families than ever before are making family meal time part of their daily lives. Nearly 10 per cent of Canadians say that they never have dinner with their partner or their family, and fewer than 40 per cent sit down with their family for a daily meal!

At our house we do have dinner together *nearly* every night, but I can see as the boys get older and get even more involved in sports and activities, sometimes it's really hard to get together BUT it's so important.

This year, in addition to encouraging everyone to enjoy a family meal, M&M Meat Shops is challenging Canadians to share their own family-favourite recipes that feature M&M Meat Shops’ products.

From September 13 to October 11, 2013, Canadians can submit their recipes on the M&M Meat Shops Facebook page to be entered for a chance to win 1 of 3 prizes of a $100 M&M Gift Card. Winners will be selected by a panel of M&M food and recipe experts and the winning recipes will be featured on www.mmmeatshops.com.

One of our favourite dinners is fajita night using M&M Meat Shops Grilled Chicken Breast Slices.  I love that the chicken comes in a resealable bag so I only use as much as we will eat that night (unless we want leftovers!) and I love that the chicken pieces are never stuck together because I like mine different from the rest of the family.

So I get out 2 pans, start frying onions and sliced peppers in both, add the frozen chicken breast slices and heat.  Then in my pan I add chopped chipotle peppers (seeds removed) in adobe sauce, in the other pan I add fajita spice.  Serve on tortillas, I like to add sour cream too - delish, everyone is happy and we can all sit down and chat while we eat.

With only 33 per cent of Canadians aged 18-34 regularly take part in a family dinner night and almost 80 per cent of survey respondents indicated that a less busy schedule would help them better enjoy family dinners it's time to make quick, easy and delicious meals so you can get to the table!  In fact, shopping at M&M Meat Shops means you can be in and out of the store in 10 minutes or less.

Head to M&M Meat Shops and participate in the Ninth Annual National Family Dinner Night on September 19, 2013!

Splash’N Boots - Keepin' It Green

Did you know Canada..  Our favourite Canadian Children's Group Splash'N Boots, and leading conservationist, Little Ray (director of Eastern Ontario's largest exotic animal rescue, Little Ray's
Reptile Zoo)  have teamed up on a brand new album, "Keepin' It Green"!

2012 Canadian Children's Group of the Year - Splash'N Boots are also Treehouse TV's newest stars, with music videos on daily rotation across Canada and Little Ray's Reptile Zoo is proud to have the largest and most diverse animal education outreach program the country has to offer.  What a perfect combination to create a new album which features 10 original Splash'N Boots songs dedicated to conservation!

Available since August 30th at Little Ray's Reptile Zoo locations across Canada and at , a portion of all proceeds from “Keepin' It Green” will help support conservation initiatives in your community.

www.splashnboots.com

We have been dancing to "Keepin' It Green" all week in the kitchen and we love it!  The boys love to sing to Water Water and sing the "Wa-wa-wa water" parts, so cute!  Same with the "Re-re-re-recycle" in Recycle - Everybody wins - it's a big topic back at school too, so PERFECT time for songs like this!

A fun surprise to get the kids for having a good couple weeks back to school, I also think it's a FANTASTIC birthday party gift for boys and girls, have you received the first birthday invite of the school year yet?  We already have one for this Saturday! :-)

We also have a surprise for are awesome Canadian readers - enter below for your chance to win a copy of "Keepin' It Green"!

Giveaway

Canadian Giveaway Linky! 09/09

Did you know Canada.. We are so happy to once again bring you this weekly feature with our co-host Tales of a Ranting Ginger - Every Monday we are opening a weekly linky for giveaways open to Canadians. We appreciate everyone's interest and contributions!

Do you have a blog that is running a giveaway and it's open to Canadians?? Link up below!!

Visit here through out the week to find giveaways open to Canadians and get winning!! Good Luck!!

The Newborn Nesting Event is happening at @SearsCA #SearsBabysRoom

Did you know Canada..  if you have a baby room to plan, now is the time to head to Sears Canada!  Happening September 6-18, 2013 if you spend $200+ on anything Baby (baby gear, baby furniture and infant fashions) you receive a cash card.

So if you spend the following amount on almost any* nursery items you get:
$200 and get a $25 cash card
$300 and get a $50 cash card
$400 and get a $100 cash card

This cash card works similarly to a gift card and you’ll have from October
7-31 to redeem it at Sears! Available at Sears locations across Canada excluding Vancouver.

*Excludes items ending in 0.97, Carter's and OshKosh

In Vancouver only Sears customers can save 15% on all* nursery furniture, baby gear and infant fashions!

*Again, excludes items ending in 0.97, Carter's and OshKosh

I learned a lot between my twins and my newest little man and if you are wondering hmmmm... am I really going to use that, who sees it anyways, or he only uses it for a couple months is it really worth it? These are my nursery must haves..

• bassinet - yes, it's only good for 2-5 months depending on the bassinet itself and the baby, but when you bring that TINY baby home you will feel terrible putting them in that huge crib.  And even if you tell yourself you won't, you likely WILL want the baby in your room at least the first 2-4 weeks.
• theme - you really want to make the nursery, well, look like a nursery! Even if you don't think so now it will be special to you and a huge part of your memories when you look back on your little one's infant stage and here we like to think of the nursery as stepping into another world, I love walking into Lucas' room :)  A theme is also nice for friends and family who want to by you a gift, knowing our theme was monkeys people had fun buying us monkey related items :)
• chair - doesn't have to be rocking, gliding or anything else, but you do need somewhere to sit, even if you're not nursing you'll be thankful for that chair in the middle of the night for cuddles, somewhere to sit while you worry about them if they have a stuffy nose
• change table - perfect for storage and perfect for dressing in the morning and at night, we don't run upstairs for every diaper change but it's great for saving your back while you wrestle your little one into their clothes :)
• crib (of course) - make sure you are comfortable with it, try reaching in when viewing it in store, find out how many different heights the mattress goes, make sure you really love it

Those are my must haves, what are yours?  Let us know in the comments!

To celebrate all things nursery, Sears is giving away a beautiful three (3)-piece nursery from the brand Stork Craft and includes a crib, change table and side table/chest for storage, an $800 value!  Enter below for your chance to win and good luck!

Giveaway

Iams SO GOOD! Doggie Café #PGmom

Did you know Canada..  Iams SO GOOD! Doggie Café has been traveling across Canada this summer and still has a few stops left!

The first ever Iams SO GOOD! Doggie Café is spreading the real love between pets and their owners and introducing Canadians to the new Iams SO GOOD! dog food.  The Doggie Café is a paw-fect truck filled with Iams SO GOOD! food and fun activities designed specifically for dogs and their owners to enjoy together, including a photo booth, slot machine and sampling stations.

Iams SO GOOD! offers delicious, wholesome nutrition to keep your dog healthy, strong, and playful.  Made with no added sugar, no added dyes and no artificial flavours, you can know you are doing the best for your pet.

We have 2 doggies in our household, Maddie our Boxer/Retriever and Bailey our Shih-Tzu and we do everything we can do make sure they stay healthy and happy.  I never have to worry if they are getting enough love, all 3 of my guys smother the dogs in love every day and the dogs love it.  :)

Here's the rest of the stops for the Iams SO GOOD! Doggie Café that you can check out this month:

• Calgary, AB – September 3 
• Airdrie, AB – September 3 
• Edmonton, AB – September 4 
• Prince George, BC – September 6 
• Kelowna, BC – September 8 
• Vancouver, BC – September 10 
• North Vancouver, BC – September 11

We also have a fun Iams SO GOOD! giveaway to share with our Canadian readers, it includes:
Iams doggie waterpouch, SO GOOD! doggie brush, collapsable travel water bowl, Iams measuring cup, Iams frisbee, two Iams SO GOOD! coupons and Iams pens.

Enter below for your chance to win so you can treat your doggie to Iams SO GOOD!

Giveaway

Canadian Giveaway Linky! 09/02

Did you know Canada.. We are so happy to once again bring you this weekly feature with our co-host Tales of a Ranting Ginger - Every Monday we are opening a weekly linky for giveaways open to Canadians. We appreciate everyone's interest and contributions!

Do you have a blog that is running a giveaway and it's open to Canadians?? Link up below!!

Visit here through out the week to find giveaways open to Canadians and get winning!! Good Luck!!