Giving Thanks

It's Canadian Thanksgiving.

And while many companies are having sales to promote Turkey day here is one that stood out.

Serena & Lily have a beautiful line of children's bedding.

But my favourite item from their collection has to be their market sling. When Hannah was just a few months old I wanted tone so badly. But couldn't justify the $129Us price tag. I knew a sling would last just a few months compared to my Beco Carrier which lasted over a year.

But maybe if I had the opportunity to save 25% I would have. Well, aren't you lucky!

From October 12-15, you can save 25% off on their gypsy tote and market sling collections.

Just use the code NEWMOM at checkout.

No Ordinary Nap

Hannah is doing fabulously at daycare.

Last week was the first week that I left her in the morning with no tears. Yes, she's been going for over a month but its been a very erratic schedule with just a few days a week in class.

Now, I knew going down to one nap a day would be an adjustment but I didn't know she'd be the short sleeper of the class.

I never sat around eating bonbons while Hannah took a 2 hour slumber. I was lucky to get an hour on any given day. Well, I think her teachers, who are looking after 14 other kids, were hoping to have a bit of a longer break too.

Hannah took a nap that was a whole 15 minutes on Friday. Most days I get a report that its anywhere between 30 and 60 minutes, which is about half of the time of her peers. I knew she would never jump into a super long nap but I thought her classmates might have a bit of an influence on her.

Guess not. But I totally understand where she is coming from. I can't imagine sleeping on a little cot (when I'm used to an enclosed crib) in a room with my friends. I'd love to just sneak in at 12:30 and see how it all really works.

Hopefully with a bit more time she'll start resting longer. In the meantime, I guess her teachers will just have to take what they can get, like I did for 18 months.

Price Tag Wars

Last night I visited a new kids clothing store in Westmount for an article for Sweetmama. I won't give away the name or address yet...you'll have to wait until my article runs to find that out.

I've reviewed many kids' stores in my day but this one was special. Aside from having beautiful fashions for kids of all ages, the store had another distinguishing feature. It's price tags. $100, $200, even $300! I had to scour the shelves for the lowest priced clothing item at $70.

Now don't get me wrong, these shelves were lined with designer labels from Sonia Rykiel to Moschino. But why does a 2, 6 or 12 year old need to wear such expensive clothing? I don't think I even own one piece of clothing that cost more than $300 (ok, maybe the powder pink dress I wore as a maid of honor was more). So why would a kid, like Hannah, who is prone to tomato sauce stains and dirty knees, need such fine fashions?

I love to dress Hannah in cool clothes. At least twice a week at daycare her teachers compliment her on her outfits but I don't think I have ever spent more than $30 on a single item for her (shoes and outerwear excluded). In fact, if I'm not at Old Navy, H&M or Joe Fresh, I won't buy anything that's not on sale. Call me cheap. Call me frugal. I just don't see the point.

I already step into our locker and see her 6+ boxes of clothing since she was a newborn and secretly hope that my next child is a girl so all this stuff gets a second life.

What do you think? Are you a $100+ kids' clothing shopper or do you adhere to a style budget?

Ready, Set, Shop!

Sample sale season is coming up quickly.

Perfect timing for this rainy weather and the urge to curl up in warm comfy sweaters.

I just discovered this new sale that is full of goodies for the little ones. With sizes newborn to 14 years, the Fashion District, is sure to have something for all of them.

This sale is being held on the following dates:

October 6-8 10am-6pm

October 9 10am-9pm

At this location (just minutes from my office, how convenient...)

7449 Trans Canada Hwy (Cote Vertu exit)

H4T 1T3

Brands featured include European imports like Imps&Elfs, Tumble 'n Dry and Franck Fischer.

You can get all of the details here.

Happy shopping!

You Give me Fever

Why is fever for an adult anything over 98.6 but for a child its over 100.4?

Nothing like making things confusing, especially when you have a little one who is burning up.

Mid-day Saturday, Hannah started getting a little toasty so out came the thermometer. With a challenging feat ahead of us we managed to get take her temperature which was about 99.6.

A few drops of tempra and a low key afternoon were the remedy (along with many smoothies) and then she was off to bed early. With thoughts of febrile seizures looming in my head, we took the monitor off of its beloved position on one of our nightstands and put it next to the couch while we watched the Hurt Locker.

She woke up at 6am, with another mild fever. No other symptoms though. No tummy problems. No runny nose. But most of all, no intention of missing her BFF's birthday party. So a shot more of tempra pre-party dress and she was off.

Not sure why it took me 24 hours (and a faster thermometer) to realize that she had a tooth coming in (thanks mom). Hannah has a mouth full of teeth but these last few ones seem to be taking a toll on her.

Early mornings, short naps, reduced appetite...poor baby!

I didn't get the warmest reception at daycare this morning after recounting her temperature chart, but she had a great day with no more medicine. Hopefully this little fang will break through soon, and my little girl will be back to her normal rambunctious self!

Groceries to Go

Now that I have started working full time, menial house chores are snuck into the most random of places.

Laundry at 9am on a Sunday morning. Cleaning the bathroom sink as I brush my teeth. Groceries at 8:30pm.

Well, now I just discovered a way to cross one of the chores off of my list, by just lifting a finger (or two)

A few days ago, driving home from Hannah's daycare, I spotted a colourful van that was delivering groceries. I jotted down the name in my iPhone notes and only got around to researching Epicerie Direct a few days later. But so glad that I did.

This local company delivers groceries right to your door. And most importantly, they service my neighbourhood which a lot of the supermarket chains do not. The website is very easy to use with a variety of products from homemade bread to organic produce to baby food.

My first order was mostly the basics. Figured I'd keep it small for a test. The prices on this site are extremely competitive and delivery is free with an order over $50. I scheduled my delivery between 6pm-7pm and was greeted by a friendly knock on the door at 6:55pm.

My order was all there and in good condition. Except for the strawberries which were pretty banged up. I even got a bonus bag of grapes (whoops on their part at $6/bag) but was pleased with the easiness and, most of all, the convenience of this service.

You might be thinking...how much did they pay her to write this. The answer is 0. Like I said, I scouted Epicerie Direct out on my own and just wanted to pass along this great time saving find.

If they service your area, hopefully it will take one thing off your to-do list giving you a bit more mommy downtime...

Choo Choo

I am currently sitting on a train en route to Toronto for a business meeting. It's my first time on the train in just over 8 years.

Back in our days of courtship, my husband treated me to a weekend in Toronto (theatre and all) via train. I honestly don't remember much about the journey but sitting here for just under 2 hours I'm wondering how I could have forgotten.

This is simply lovely. Yes, I came prepared with an iPhone, iPad, magazine and salad, but does this ever beat the hustle and bustle of an airport, take-off and landing. Maybe it's because I haven't had 5 hours of peace to myself in over a year. Maybe it's because I worked till 11:30 last night. Maybe I'll be bored in another hour.

But right now, I am quite content.

Except for knowing that I am missing dinner, playtime and the bedtime routine. Yes, it's my first night away from Hannah. Crazy to think we've been in the same place every night for the past 18 months. I don't think she'll make too much of a stink tonight but come tomorrow afternoon the "mommy, mommy" might get a bit incessant.

I honestly don't know who was more distraught about my departure. Me, her or my husband. I was feeling guilt. She was likely feeling sadness and he was feeling scared (sorry dear).

But we'll all make it through. If all goes well at my meeting tomorrow this won't be the last business trip I'll have to take.

And thanks to the wonders of technology, a face time chat isn't too far off. This would make for the perfect iPhone 4 commercial, wouldn't it?