Archive for the ‘For The Folks’
I’m a bonafide latte addict and I can’t live without espresso. However, the third one in a day gives me a nasty case of the jitters. I’ve recently discovered that I can replace every hot drink after the first with the new to North America red espresso®, a premium Rooibos tea espresso product. It originated in Cape Town, South Africa (created by Western Cape farmer and former coffee addict, Carl Pretorius when he was seeking a healthy alternative to caffeine) and is made from 100% premium Rooibos tea refined under a patented process to an espresso grind similar to coffee.
It’s extra cool in it’s fusion of two fast-growing global trends: café culture and good health – and so it’s being embraced by tea and coffee lovers alike. It offers a sophisticated, delicious way to drink tea and a naturally caffeine-free alternative to coffee by allowing people to enjoy a rich-flavoured cappuccino or latte – with health benefits. Naturally caffeine-free, a shot of red espresso® has five times more antioxidants than a cup of green tea (per ORAC measurements) and ten times more than regular Rooibos tea and is known to be a potent immune system booster.
Easy to prepare at home or in a café, red espresso® is best prepared using an espresso machine and stovetop espresso maker but can also be prepared using a French Press and coffee maker. My own espresso maker didn’t love red espresso – I only got a few drops (but even that had a nice crema) and it became rather gummy inside, but I tried it in my french press and my regular coffee maker and both of those worked great. Red espresso is delicious – it takes uniquely like Rooibos and a red latte makes a nice change to my usual vice and doesn’t give me the jitters at all.
Win it! We’ve got a couple of packages to hand out to our dedicated T.O.P. fans – just comment here telling us why you want one before noon mst on December 29, 2009.
CONTEST CLOSED & WINNERS EMAILED
Posted on on December 21st, 2009 in
Eats & Drinks, For The Folks, Giveaway! |
98 Comments »
Buttoned Up is a company whose products we’ve recommended in the past. Several times. It’s great company founded by four women to create great organizational products to help you get & stay “buttoned up.” I can’t think of a better group to make organizational products than mothers, and I can’t think of a group more deserving of great organizational products than mothers.
Since the last time we checked out Buttoned Up they’ve released several new items.
Ho Ho Ho!
They’re giving them to one of you!
You could win:
Greetings.stash ($6.95)
Fitness.doc ($4.95)
(2) BU Coupons ($4.50)
Collision.kit ($19.95 – one of my faves!)
Tax.filer ($19.95)
To enter, simply comment on this post before noon mst on December 23, 2009
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Don’t miss another contest…
CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED
Posted on on December 15th, 2009 in
For The Folks, Gadgets & Goodies, Giveaway!, Organization |
16 Comments »
I am often asked if my young preschooler can read because I’m a teacher, and if my toddler speaks prolifically because my profession is early childhood education. Also, I’m often asked if I think I’m a better parent than people who aren’t teachers.
Um, no. Emphatically no.
My children were born with the gifts they were given and I have had the good fortune to be able to expose them to things and play with them in ways that nourished the growth of those gifts, but am I a better parent? Hardly. It’s a heck of a lot easier with a group of 20 kids that aren’t yours than with one or two that you sprung from your loins. I have the same struggles as every other mother on the planet. I have moments when I’m very proud of my parenting, and moments when I call myself “Yelly Mom” and find myself apologizing and feeling like a big turd.
I was offered a chance to review “The Breakthrough Course” online from Positive Parenting Solutions and decided to give it a shot, though I’ve never much liked any of the other courses I’ve tried. Anything’s worth a shot when it comes to my children.
And this course? I love it.
It is a “One of a kind, Web 2.0 format online parenting course that teaches parents how to correct misbehaviors in children ages 1-17. The misbehaviors addressed include not listening, backtalk, temper tantrums, dawdling, sibling rivalry, power struggles, the terrible two behaviors and much more.”
It teaches parents “WHY children misbehave, how their own personality plays a role in the misbehaviors and how many “intuitive” strategies (such as “time out”) that parents typically use make behaviors worse. Parents…learn over 20 tools to address misbehaviors in the moment and how to correct the behaviors permanently. Parents report how the misbehaviors begin to disappear almost immediately after implementing the first tool in the Tool Box.
The online course can be accessed 24/7 and is delivered via 42 high quality, HD videos broken down into easy to follow and understand sessions supported by a printable guide. Additional information is provided via supplemental readings and easy and fun interactive learning experiences. Parents rave how their lives are changed dramatically because their relationship with their children is improved, their stress is reduced and their relationship with their spouse has improved.”
That’s what Amy McCready, the founder of Positive Parenting Solutions Inc, says about the course, and I can completely authenticate her claims. The videos aren’t too long and Amy is a great teacher – very easy to listen to and not at all pretentious. I captured some of my faves with flashgot (one of my favourite Firefox add ons) so I can watch them again when I need a little parenting kick in the pants. It would never have occurred to me to pay to take an online parenting course when there’s so much out there for free, but this course is worth every penny of the $199 enrollment fee. It’s full of time-tested techniques that go against the grain of some popular “knowledge” (time-out, anyone?) and each video you watch or exercise you do will give you something you can use right away to make your life and your child’s life easier and more positive. There are also interactive learning modules to allow you to practice what you’ve learned, supplemental readings, tons of FAQ’s at your fingertips and free (FREE!) email and phone support from Amy herself. The weekly emails are awesome pearls of wisdom, but more than that they were a great reminder to me to stay on track, watch the next video and be a better mom.
I’m lucky to have children without major behavioural problems (but they’re totally normal – don’t get me wrong) and a great marriage (also totally normal, though) and the Breakthrough Course has made me much more aware of my parenting and co-parenting at all times throughout the day – particularly the times when I used to be “Yelly Mom.” I’m still not perfect, but I’m better thanks to Positive Parenting!
Save 10% on your enrollment with the code opinionated.
The first 20 that enroll using that discount code will be upgraded to lifetime access for free. Just choose one of the four payment/access options other than the “lifetime” option and Amy will upgrade it to lifetime manually.
Win it! We’re giving away 1 free lifetime enrollment in The Breakthrough Course (valued at $225) to one T.O.P. reader. To enter, just leave a comment on this post before noon mst on October 16, 2009.
CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED – Congratulations Susan!
Posted on on October 2nd, 2009 in
For Dad, For Mom, For The Folks, Random Reviews |
27 Comments »
Our first child never has taken a trip to the emergency room. The middle child is a whole other story! Just over two years old and we have had to take that fateful trip to the emergency room twice already! Both children are great kids, just one is much more adventurous and daring than the other more cautious child. No matter the temperament of your child, there are times when all parents panic unsure what to do next.
Making the decision whether or not to take your child to the emergency room is not always an easy one. Dr Lara Zibners, an American ER doctor having witnessed many different cases, has written a helpful book for parents called, “If Your Kids Eats this Book, Everything will be Okay: How to Know if Your Child’s Injury or Illness is Really an Emergency“.
What is nice about this book, besides being an excellent resource, is that the author takes a light, do not panic approach to parenting decisions. The chapters are easy to navigate, so when in a potentially serious situation it is easy to find what you need. The information is to the point, yet fun to read, with valuable advice for parents.
I headed to chapter 8, the body, arms and legs to read about nursemaid’s elbow (something we recently took our son to the emergency room for) out of curiosity. The author has a great tip, recommending seeing the doctor before having x-rays as the doctor (or nurse in our case) can pop the elbow back in quite easily, avoiding the x-ray completely.
“If Your Kids Eats this Book, Everything will be Okay“, is an awesome resource for parents that will be within hands reach for us for years to come. – by Chelle
Win it! We’re giving away a copy to one reader who comments before noon mst on September 4, 2009.
CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED
Posted on on September 1st, 2009 in
Books & Other Reads, For The Folks, Giveaway! |
61 Comments »
It is all the rage these days, living green. It is not surprising considering the impact our previous lifestyles have had on the planet. There is so much information out there it is sometimes hard to know where and how to begin.
We, as busy mothers have it even harder. Our time is limited, but our concern for our children’s safety and health is huge. Jennifer Taggart, an environmental lawyer and mother, wrote an awesome green guide book to help moms called “Smart Mama’s Green Guide: Simple Steps to Reduce Your Child’s Toxic Chemical Exposure“.
The book is full of amazing information for parents to help them make the right green decisions for their family. The chapters each focus on a different area of the house from the bathroom to the nursery, giving practical tips to help reduce your child’s exposure to toxic chemicals. What I enjoyed the most in “Smart Mama’s Green Guide“, was the way in which Jennifer Taggart defines and explains chemicals like BPA in plain language that anyone can understand.
Taggart also includes some great homemade cleaner recipes, as well as some great tips on insect repellents, sunscreen and antibacterial products. There is a lot of information packed into this book. It is definitely a book to reread and use as a reference when making purchasing decisions for the family. – by Chelle
Win it! We’re giving away a copy to one reader who comments before noon mst on September 4, 2009.
CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED
Posted on on August 31st, 2009 in
Books & Other Reads, For Mom, For The Folks, Giveaway!, Naturals |
50 Comments »
Since we got our Wii & Wii Fit, we haven’t played them nearly as much as we thought we would. In fact, it just might have an embarrassing layer of dust on it. I blame it on having small children who aren’t allowed to touch expensive electronics. However, we recently received a few cool items to go along with our Wii that have brought it back in to our repertoire.
The NERF Sports Pack ($19.99) includes add-ons for Baseball, Golf, and Tennis that are coated in that great & well loved NERF material that protects both your head and your big screen tv. I love that these games actually came with our Wii so we could play with them right away without buying anything else. All of these games are way more fun when you have the right equipment instead of just a Wii-mote. Who knew? The NERF Racing Wheel (only $9.99) makes driving super fun and much safer. It actually inspired me to let the three year old drive, which means we no longer have to wait until after bedtime to break out the games! I would never have played or bought Mario Kart if I didn’t have to try out this wheel, and now it’s my fave!
Energizer Power & Play Wii 4X Charger ($39.99) offers Wii users the ability to charge up to 4 Wii-motes with or without the wrist-strap via conduction technology. If you have more than two remotes, you MUST get one of these! It’s pretty awesome to know you’ll all be able to play together with fully charged remotes any time. It comes with 4 rechargeable battery packs, 4 battery covers and a power cord. If you’ve only got two remotes, check out the very cool Energizer Power & Play Wii Induction Charger ($49.99). It charges 2 Wii-motes at once without removing the silicone jacket or your Wii Motion Plus attachment and comes with 2 rechargeable battery packs, 2 battery covers and a power cord.
Performance Designed Products (PDP) is an industry leader in designing and manufacturing products for all major video game platforms including the Sony PS2, PS3, PSP, Nintendo Wii, GameCube, Nintendo DS, Microsoft XBOX and XBOX 360. The company has been supplying video game accessories to the U.S. market for more than a decade. PDP sells products under a variety of brands, with sales in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and throughout Europe. For more information on PDP and its products, visit www.pdp.com.
Win it! We’re giving away all FOUR of these great products for the Wii to one T.O.P. reader! To enter, leave a comment on this post before noon mst on August (holy crap! August?) 19, 2009.
CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED
Posted on on August 5th, 2009 in
Electronics, For Big Kids (6+), For Dad, For Mom, For PreSchoolers (3+), For The Folks, Gadgets & Goodies, Giveaway!, for teens |
371 Comments »
Looking for a distraction? (ed: Aren’t we all?)
Be careful, because if you try out one of Pop Cap’s many seek and solve games, you may find yourself distracted for hours. Pop Cap games created Bejeweled – one my all time favourite puzzle games – so I was excited to experience these new ones. Pop Cap is the leading developer & publisher of G-rated, family-friendly word, puzzle and action games.
The first two that I tried were the Mystery P.I. games, Vegas Heist and The Lottery Ticket. Both are hidden object games in which you’re tasked with finding particular objects in an extremely cluttered scene. Once inside the game it is hard not to want to find all the clues and solve the game. Although a little repetitive at times, still allows the players hours of challenging fun.
Then I tried The Wizard’s Pen and Amazing Adventure: The Lost Tomb, which are very similar to the above games but with new challenges and more levels. Because they are so involved they are perfect to sit down for a couple of minutes, seek and solve then return to your housework.
Being that I get a little obsessive with puzzle games, these seek and solve games have been awesome to play, simple fun yet challenging! The games sell for just $20 each and a free trial is available for all of them at the Pop Cap site.
Pop Cap offers a large selection of both downloadable and online games, as well as games for your phone/iPod/iPhone and a shop full of goodies under $15. – by Chelle
Win it! We’ve got TWO copies of EACH of these games to give away. Each of two randomly selected winners will receive boxed copies of Vegas Heist, The Lottery Ticket, The Wizard’s Pen and Amazing Adventure: The Lost Tomb,. To enter, leave a comment on this post before noon mst on July 10, 2009.
CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED
Posted on on July 3rd, 2009 in
For Big Kids (6+), For The Folks, For Tweens, Giveaway!, Software, for teens |
86 Comments »
Over the last few years, I’ve invested in a cupboard full of glass containers for freezing & storing food and ditched 90% of the plastic that we used to use. It’s costly, but totally worth it for the health of my family. I consider it an investment. They’re endlessly reusable which means I save money, the earth, and the bodies of the people I love most.
My husband and I often take leftovers for lunch in glass, but I’m not about to send glass with my three year old. Even if he didn’t smash it on purpose, he’d surely do it accidentally by the end of the first week. Since he mostly eats dry snackies, fresh produce & cheese all day long, I was thrilled to discover LunchBots. Made from the highest quality 18/8 stainless steel, LunchBots won’t leach chemicals into foods like plastic does.
The LunchBots uno (blue lid) is perfect for sandwiches or a larger quantity of the same snack. My kids love it for trail mix or cookies. The LunchBots duo (orange lid) is the same container but with a divider welded in to hold two portions of snacks. The divider is not water tight so LunchBots are not intended for wet foods, but if you pack fresh like we do then you’ll be very happy with these. For extras like dips & yogurts, you’ll need to supplement with another type of container. We love the duo for cheese & crackers, raisins & cucumbers, fresh fruit salad & veggies sticks and so much more. Both measure 6.5″x4.5″ and fit easily in lunch bags, diaper bags & most purses. I recommend buying both because no matter which one you choose, you’ll wish you had the other one as soon as you start packing lunches! They’re both great, and used daily in our home.
US readers can purchase directly from LunchBots ($14.99). Canadian readers can purchase from Parenting by Nature ($22.98).
Win it! We’ve got a LunchBots uno AND a LunchBots duo to give away to one lucky reader. To enter, leave a comment on this post before noon mst on May 12, 2009. Feel free to share your great “dry lunch” ideas!
CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED
Posted on on May 5th, 2009 in
Eats & Drinks, For Big Kids (6+), For PreSchoolers (3+), For The Folks, For Toddlers (1-3), For Tweens, Gadgets & Goodies, Giveaway!, Naturals |
127 Comments »
With Earth Day having just passed, there’s no better time than now to introduce you to the Etsy shop of Ruth Smith, a Winnipeg-based Canadian working mom of two, PeriwinkleDzyns. Ruth got tired of seeing all the obsolete electronic components go into the garbage at a local factory and was industrious enough to rescue them, combine them with her jewellery making skills and create her line of upcycled e-waste jewelery.
Her custom original geekery lanyard is the coolest geekiest. It’s 44″ total length (adjustable to your specification) and has a sterling plated chain around the back of the neck for comfort. It’s very sturdily made of new resistors (never in contact with solder or circuit boards) that have been rescued from going to the landfill. It comes equipped with a 0.75″ key ring for your keys, pass card or whatever you need to have within reach. She makes some cool jewelery that’s less function and more fashion as well. I love this one and this one.
Another cool find in Ruth’s shop are the vintage pinback 1.25″ buttons made by her daughter Kendra. She uses words from vintage dictionaries and thesauri to create these cute accessories which she sells for just $2 each, keeping the books out of the recycle bin, increasing her vocabulary and learning basic business skills all at the same time. What a great venture for an obviously smart little girl!
We love a find that allows you to have it all – shop online, support a mom, support a kid and protect the earth.
Win it! We’ve got BOTH of the pictured items up for grabs – a yellow geekery lanyard and a full set of Charlie Brown dictionary buttons. To enter, visit the PeriwinkleDzyns shop and come back to comment with your fave(s) that were not mentioned in this review. Contest closes at noon mst on May 1, 2009.
CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED
Posted on on April 24th, 2009 in
Accessories, Bangles, Baubles & More, Canadian Businesses, Canadian-Made, For Dad, For Mom, For The Folks, Giveaway!, Green Living & Organics, Hardware & Techie Stuff |
44 Comments »
The Perfect Baby Handbook: A Guide for Excessively Motivated Parents by Dale Hrabi (Harper Collins) is brilliantly funny – hands down the funniest I’ve read (and I just may have read them all). Addressing the phenomena of the over-the-top yuppy parent and spoofing the run of the mill how-to parenting book, Canadian born Hrabi pokes satirical fun at…well, everything about parenthood. He leaves no stone left unturned. Need help naming baby? Check IKEA’s product names. He’ll teach you how to babyproof the planet, perform an imbalance awareness drill, hire dead entertainers for your baby’s first birthday, adopt the ultimate schedule (down to the minute), induce “advanced slumber”, and colour code poop. The artwork is terrific – as funny as the text, perhaps – and the entire book makes me want to hang out with Dale and laugh and myself and everyone else who has ever spawned. If you know someone on bedrest awaiting their first child, this is THE book you need to buy for them. If it doesn’t make them laugh, they need some major therapy. Bedrest or not, I think this book would make an awesome addition to any baby gift.
If you need some more entertainment, check out the Perfect Baby blog.
And by the way – if you’re into competitive breastfeeding? I totally win.
Win it! We’ve got this very book just for you. Or you. Or maybe you. To enter, just leave a comment on this post before noon mst on Friday, April 24, 2009.
CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED
Posted on on April 21st, 2009 in
Books & Other Reads, For The Folks, Giveaway! |
42 Comments »
Thanks to the Home Depot, we’ve been warming up our home this season while cooling down our heating bills, and you can too. With their help, we upgraded the energy efficiency of our home by installing CFL light bulbs throughout the house, replaced a ton of caulk and weather stripping, replaced our furnace filter, installed dimmer switches throughout the house and installed a new programmable thermostat. We could have done more if we were made of time and money but we feel great having done what we did.
The installs were, for the most part, self explanatory, but when they weren’t (or when we were just afraid of electrocuting ourselves or burning our house down) Home Depot was there for us. They offered us access to master tradespeople, but with the quality of help available online we didn’t end up needing them. Scroll down on this page to see some of the great videos we used to help with our installs, and check out the Home Depot podcasts too.
Home Depot carries over 1500 Energy Star products and over 900 EcoStar products to help you save energy & save money in your house. Click here to see the ten great ways to save energy in your home.
Win it! We’re giving away a $100 Home Depot gift card good at US stores only so you can save energy too. (You don’t have to be in the US to win, you only have to be able to get there to shop!) Home Depot gift cards are a great idea for the do-it-herself-ers and handymen on the gift lists, so you decide whether you keep it or share the love. To enter, simply leave a comment on this post before noon mst on December 19, 2008.
CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED
Posted on on December 15th, 2008 in
For The Folks, Giveaway!, Green Living & Organics |
539 Comments »
Toy cars have always been a hit gift for both kids and adults and I’m quite sure they always will be. From simple toy cars to high-tech remote control models, a car is a man’s best friend. Second to the family dog, of course. Oh, and our wives. Parents and kids now have a brand new high tech way to take their favorite car out for a spin. Road Mice, a brand new line of optical wireless computer mice, let’s car lovers cruise the Web in style.
Road Mice are exact replicas of some favorite automobiles (even the headlights work) that are compatible with both Apple and PC desktops and laptops. There are nine models, including a 2008 Corvette which I tried out. There’s also a Chevy Camaro, a Dodge Charger SRT8, a Ford Mustang GT, and several souped up police vehicles. The price point isn’t too high for such a cool gift and the mouse works as well as any other good quality wireless optical mouse. It’s not something I’d buy for myself but does make a wicked gift for the grease monkey on your list.
Each car mouse retails for $45 and for an additional $20 you can pick up Road Mice Insurance. “The Road Mice™ Replacement Plan provides comprehensive coverage from day one. This plan covers all of its Optical Wireless Road Mice products with no deductibles or other hidden charges. Its comprehensive, bumper-to-bumper coverage that protects against all types of damage, including: mechanical breakdown, crashes, theft, fire, acts of god, parental repossession, beverage or water damage, earthquake, floods, drops, falling rocks, animal consumption, jealous friends or family members stepping on it, and anything else that typical insurance companies will exclude from coverage. The plan offers a one time product replacement per customer and does not include shipping.” - by Kenton
Win it! We’re giving away a car mouse from Road Mice to one lucky T.O.P. reader. To enter, visit the Road Mice site and choose your model and colour. Come back and leave a comment with your choice. Pick carefully because that’s what you’ll get if you’re the winner. Contest closes at noon mst on December 5, 2008.
CONTEST CLOSED AND WINNER EMAILED
Posted on on November 28th, 2008 in
For Big Kids (6+), For Dad, For The Folks, Gadgets & Goodies, Giveaway!, Hardware & Techie Stuff |
153 Comments »
It is almost that time of year again! I so adore Christmas. Even over great distances the Holidays bring people closer together. We have lived far from family and friends for a long time now, however every Christmas I always send packages and Christmas greetings home. It is a simple, yet wonderful way to reconnect with everyone.
I had the amazing fortune to review holiday cards from Simple Salutations, a company run by two moms who are also sisters. Kris, the designer, has a background at Walt Disney Feature Animation. All of the card options are gorgeous! I skipped over to the Holiday section and was taken aback by the awesome selection. The style and graphics are truly beautiful.
I decided on flat cards (folded are also available), and settled on the Holiday Quilt design. *gasp*
When the cards arrived in the mail I squealed in delight! The entire process was quick, simple and efficient. Seriously – who has time for anything less? I am so happy with my cards, I can hardly wait to send them out to family and friends!
- By Chelle
Save 10% with the code opinionated.
Head to the TOP Shops for more exclusive codes just for you!
Win it! Simple Salutations is giving one T.O.P. reader a ten card set of their choice! To enter, visit the site & leave a comment on this post letting us know which card you’d like to have if you are the lucky winner. Contest closes at noon mst on December 2, 2008.
CONTEST CLOSED AND WINNER EMAILED – CONGRATULATIONS TO #11, tuesday!
Posted on on November 25th, 2008 in
For The Folks, Giveaway!, On Paper |
62 Comments »
“Let your loved ones share your excitement with hip custom announcements and invitations that are as fabulous as your occasions!”
Judging from the Christmas music already playing on the radio, the holidays must be just around the corner.
I know, I know, it’s not even Thanksgiving yet! But if you are going to be sending out Holiday cards, you might want to start thinking about choosing where you are going to get them. May I suggest, PaperShouts for all your Holiday (and beyond!) card needs {anyone else just start thinking “to infinity and beyond!” just now? no? just me? moving on…}
PaperShouts offers: “Traditional, Vintage and Modern designs to choose from – your news should reflect your style. A simple process to personalize and preview your invitations and announcements. High quality cards printed on heavy uncoated paper – your friends and family will love your PaperShouts! ”
And just look at all the “Shouting you can do:”
Holiday Shouts
Christmas Cards Feliz Navidad Cards Holiday Party Hanukkah Cards Valentines Halloween
Baby Shouts
Boy Birth Announcements Girl Birth Announcements Baby Shower Invites First Birthday Party Thank You Cards Baptism
Kids Shouts
Girl Birthday Party Boy Birthday Party Thank You Cards Promotion/Graduation
Teen Shouts
Graduation Announcements Sweet Sixteen Party Bar/Bat Mitzvah Quincinera Thank You Cards
Bridal Shouts
Engagement Party Bridal Shower Save the Date Wedding Invitation Sets Reply Cards Reception Cards Direction Cards Thank You Cards Enclosures
More Shouts
Moving/Housewarming Pet Announcements Adult Birthday Party College Graduation Party Invitations Valentines Thank You Cards Note/Thank You Cards
Envelopes
Address Labels
To try out Paper Shouts, I went to their website to order some Christmas Cards. We had just had our family pictures made so I knew I wanted photo cards this year.
From their enormous selection (seriously, even more designs have been added since my order), I chose the Christmas Cherry Snow Fall card.
“Shout out your holiday news with your own style, personalize your message and include photos of your family. Your cards will be printed on white, high quality, heavyweight matte finish recycled paper.
Card Specification: Flat, one sided printed
5″ x 7″ (width by height)
Cherry background with White type
Blank white envelopes included
15-49 ($1.99 ea)
50-99 ($1.89 ea)
100+ ($1.79 ea)”
Well, let me tell you, the process could not be simpler. You chose the card you want, you upload the photos you want (and get to move the pictures around the card yourself until you get the look you want), choose the verbiage and PaperShouts gives you an almost instantaneous proof! I felt like an editor myself! And at the end of the process (which took 20 minutes, tops) my cards arrived about 5 days later. And they are gorgeous! I cannot wait to mail them out to my family this year. I highly recommend PaperShouts for your Holiday cards.
Bonus: PaperShouts prints on 100% recycled, high-quality, uncoated paper.
– By CPA Mom
Win it! We’re giving away a $50 gift certificate to Paper Shouts! To enter, visit the PaperShouts site to choose your fave(s) and come back to comment letting us know what you’d spend your $50 on. Contest closes at noon mst on December 1, 2008.
CONTEST CLOSED AND WINNER EMAILED (Congrats to #30, Pam!)
Posted on on November 24th, 2008 in
For The Folks, Giveaway!, On Paper |
72 Comments »
Natural Creation is a Canadian company that hand-makes all natural products for women. It was founded by two doulas, Chelsea LaFrance and Emily Baxter. They specialize in products for pregnancy, labour & postpartum, as well as babies. In addition to making organic cotton and hemp ring slings, Natural Creation offers natural solutions for nausea, headaches,exhaustion, varicose veins, stretch marks, perineal healing, stress, teething pain, cleaning and more. All of their products are made in small batches to ensure quality and freshness and are vegan and free of synthetic perfumes, colours, and preservatives.
As someone who cleans almost exclusively with vinegar and baking soda but often yearns for something that smells a little more pleasant, I was thrilled to discover Tea Tree Clean – a mixture of tea tree and lemon essential oils in purified water. The mixture is naturally antibacterial, antiviral, and deodorizing. While it’s technically labeled “for diaper bags,” Tea Tree Clean mist is awesome as a hand sanitizer or for cleaning change pads or toys. It’s perfect for wiping down shopping carts & restaurant tables, doorknobs and almost anything that could use a little bit of a clean up. It smells great and wonderfully clean, and the lemon lightens the strong tea tree scent just perfectly. The 120 ml glass bottle sells for $15.95 – a great deal since I’ve been using it many times a day for a few weeks and have barely made a dent in it.
Win it! We’ve got a bottle of Tea Tree Clean up for grabs. To enter, leave a comment on this post letting us know some of your other fave products from this page. Contest closes at noon mst on November 25, 2008.
CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED
Posted on on November 18th, 2008 in
Around The House, Canadian Businesses, Canadian-Made, For The Folks, Giveaway!, Green Living & Organics, Naturals |
98 Comments »
With a large family scattered across the globe, one of the things I’m always looking for are sites that provide a stable, fun and easy way to share pictures and messages across the web. That way I can upload Kiddo’s photos while it’s morning here and his grandparents can see them as soon as they wake up on the other side of the globe! But there are a lot of cons associated with these types of sites, one of the main being the lack of privacy.
The best thing about the recently launched Wee Web is that it’s strictly “invitation-only”. It’s a great way for parents to proudly share their little ones’ growing accomplishments, for pregnant couples to share the miracle of life growing, and more! You specify who you want to have access to your kid’s pages, and when those users sign up and login, they can see the updates either on their homepage or on their “Friend’s Kids” page. The site also has its own simple photo uploader, as well as an option to embed videos of your kid. There is also a micro-blogging feature that notifies a parent’s network when they have updated their child’s page. One of the coolest features of Wee Web is that family and friends can control how frequently they are notified about updates.
Wee Web is simple – simple to set up, simple to use, simple to update and simple to get those updates as and when you want them. Since this website is the brainchild of creators of the ultra-successful Meetup, it’s sure to make its mark in the growing niche of baby blogging/networking.
By
Rashmi
Posted on on November 12th, 2008 in
For The Folks, TOP Sites |
No Comments »
Some of our long time readers may remember my review of the Wrap N Mat from February 2007. With the shift toward green living becoming larger (yay!) every day, it’s time to revisit this great invention which is now available from the new-ish Vancouver-based Canadian boutique Lavish and Lime.
Lavish and Lime carries only the Wrap-N-Mats with the phthalate-free LDPE lining (the same material as plastic sandwich bags but a thicker grade to ensure re-usability) and carries a selection of the nicest available fabrics. I’m especially digging the dots fabric (pictured at right) for it’s decidedly not bright and ugly style. These fabulously green reusable sandwich wraps are not only great for sandwiches but also for muffins, crackers and other snacks. When opened they provide a clean place to eat that can be brought home, washed in warm water and re-used for an entire school year. At a price of $7.50, you’ll not only be doing your part to save the earth but you may even be saving money if you’re not buying as many costly ziploc bags.
Save 10% at Lavish and Lime with the code TOP
Win it! We’ve got a reusable sandwich wrap from Lavish and Lime in the rainbow fish print to give away. To enter, leave a comment on this post before midnight mst on October 14, 2008.
CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED
Posted on on October 14th, 2008 in
Accessories, Bangles, Baubles & More, Canadian Businesses, For Big Kids (6+), For Dad, For Mom, For PreSchoolers (3+), For The Folks, For Tweens, Gadgets & Goodies, Giveaway!, Green Living & Organics, Random Reviews, Special Offer |
101 Comments »
The Chatterbox is a new game developed by Kim and David Maksymuik, Canadian parents who were stumped by a lack of resources available to parents to assist them when teaching their young twins valuable life skills. Their mission is to empower families to communicate, work together and master key life skills by providing them with tools and information that will help them learn in a quick, easy, fun and interesting way.
Each box comes with 140 cards covering topics in six life skills categories: family harmony, building character, developing people skills, goal planning, achievement skills and understanding money.
The Chatterbox provides age appropriate questions for children aged 3-6 years, 7-11 years and 12 years and up that are designed to stimulate conversation within the family. The Chatterbox also suggests fun games related to the subject matter addressed on each card and reinforcing tasks to be completed over the next week to facilitate retention and family fun and to ensure that families gain experience with real life skills in addition to the hypothetical ones. We’re sure looking forward to using The Chatterbox as a tool to facilitate our family dinner table conversations when our kids are older!
As of August 1/08, The Chatterbox is available online at Please Mum.com and, if you’re not an online shopper, just head to the local mall and pick yours up at any Please Mum store across Canada!
Win it! Enter to win a copy of this fabulous family game by leaving a comment on this post. Contest closes August 27/08.
Additional entries available. See contest entry information and rules.
CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED
Posted on on August 20th, 2008 in
Activities, Hand-Making Stuff & Things To Do, For Big Kids (6+), For PreSchoolers (3+), For The Folks, Giveaway!, Toys & Games & Just For Fun |
43 Comments »
I’ve been exhausted since I got pregnant with my first child and it hasn’t let up. More experienced parents tell me I’ll sleep well once or twice over the next 30 years, and then I’ll start staying up to worry about my grandchildren. That doesn’t sounds promising.
When I heard about NAP26™ I was excited to try it. The claim is that you will feel like you slept 3 hours after 26 minutes, and since that’s almost exactly the maximum amount of time I have each day when both my kids are sleeping (on a very good day when the planets are aligned) it sounded good to me.
The idea is that you can energize and refresh without the drowsiness that comes from sleeping too long. NASA science has shown that a 26 minute nap improves alertness in pilots. If it’s good enough for NASA, it’s certainly good enough for me.
The website says “NAP26™ uses Binaural Beat Technology to train the brain to relax and to awaken without risk of grogginess. A scientific digital modulation process inserts precise pulses and beats that the brain hears. The difference in vibration between one ear and the other stimulates either deeper relaxation or alertness. You will feel like you slept for 3 hours in 26 minutes.”
The big question, though, is does it work for chronically sleep deprived parents?
Yes!
On the rare days when I get 26 minutes to myself, I am absolutely loving the NAP26™ system. Sometimes I fall asleep, most of the time I just relax, but I always feel amazing when the 26 minutes of heaven are over.
I think we’ve found what may be the best new mom gift of all time – sleep. Just make sure you also include the half hour of babysitting that goes with it.
Win it! We’re giving away a copy of the NAP26™ CD. To enter, leave a comment on this post before 11:59 mst on August 18/08.
Additional entries available – up to four per person. See contest entry information and rules.
CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED
Posted on on August 11th, 2008 in
For The Folks, Giveaway!, Random Reviews |
102 Comments »
Everyone I know who’s ever been pregnant has experienced preggo-brain to some extent. Sadly, it only gets worse once the kid is out. My brain hasn’t been the same since conception, quite frankly.
As with any other part of our bodies, our brains need exercise. The sudoku craze has to be doing something great for our species, but what do you do if you aren’t a fan? Or can’t figure the damn things out?
Check out Brainiversity. It’s one of the best brain training games I’ve tried to date. Edison the talking light bulb accompanies you as you play, and he can be muted at any time (which can be a very good thing). There are a huge variety of games to play and more are unlocked as you progress. If you play daily, you’ll take a quiz each day composed of 4 tests which is recorded on your personal graph.
Many games in this genre are ridiculously easy for the intelligent among us (ahem) but this one is neither simple nor repetitive. It’s incredibly enjoyable, actually. It would be too easy for advanced brain trainers, but for kids, the average adult (particularly those with kids) or seniors, Brainiversity is fabulous! We talk a lot about baby shower gifts here, but I think this would make an awesome retirement gift.
Buy it for less than $20 at Amazon.
Win it! We’ve got a copy of Brainiversity to give away. To enter, leave a comment on this post by 11:59 mst tonight – August 7/08.
Additional entries available – up to four per person. See contest entry information and rules.
CONTEST CLOSED AND WINNER EMAILED
Posted on on August 7th, 2008 in
Activities, Hand-Making Stuff & Things To Do, For Big Kids (6+), For Dad, For Mom, For The Folks, Giveaway!, Software |
77 Comments »
You asked for a great calendar, and we’ve got one for you.
Families With Purpose has a great selection of calendars and my own family is now using the Mom’s Plan It Calendar. It’s a 17-month calendar (August 2008 – December 2009) for a family’s busy world. Hanging below the calendar is a handy storage pocket for party invitations, appointment reminder cards, forms and tickets. There’s a built-in magnetic hanger so you can just slap it on the fridge and start using it, and a sturdy wall hanger too, if that’s your thing. It also comes with 442 stickers to help mark special events. At the top of the calendar there’s a plastic clip that used pages easily tuck in to and stay there. Unless you want to look back at old pages – they’re very easy to pull in and out.
It’s 11″ x 20.5″ when open and fits perfectly on my freezer door. Each writing rectangle is 1.25″ x .25″ and each of up to five family members have their own space for each day. Being a four human family (plus three fur babies, but they don’t have many appointments), I’m using the fifth spot for dinner planning.
There are eight different styles to choose from. No matter what your family composition, if you’ve got kids there’s likely a calendar at Families With Purpose that would be perfect for you.
Buy it here for just $14.99.
Win it! We’ve got a Mom’s Plan It Calendar to give away to one reader. To enter, visit the Families With Purpose store and then leave a comment on this post telling us what other product(s) available there are of interest to you. Alternatively, hit the home page and tell us about any section of the site that you like. Contest closes at 11:59 mst on August 13/08.
Additional entries available – up to four per person. See contest entry information and rules.
CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED
Posted on on August 6th, 2008 in
Around The House, For The Folks, Giveaway! |
87 Comments »
Not only did I lose all of my contacts and files, but I haven’t even been able to use the 15 minutes per day that my kids are both asleep to attempt to recover them because I’m totally addicted to Jishaku.
What’s that, you ask?
Don’t worry. So did I.
Jishak, the Japanese word for magnet, is a portable strategy game like chess or checkers that can be played anywhere. Unlike any other game, though, there is an element of surprise when the magnets jump out of position without warning.
All magnets have North and South poles. Jishaku magnets do too, but they aren’t marked. As you carefully place your magnet in a hole you can feel the tug of magnets all around the board. Skilled players (apparently…I’m not there yet) learn to use magnetic force in their favor- repelling the magnets closest to them without forcing them into other magnets.
Depending on which version of the game you choose to play, I’m Out, Roundup, or Elimination, your goal will vary. The suspense that you feel as you place your stones, though, never changes. Even when you play it all by yourself as I’ve been doing.
See it in action here and then tell me you don’t want to buy this game. Trust me. You do.
Save 10% through 7/31 with the code TOP100.
Win it!We’ve got a game of Jishaku for one randomly selected winner. To enter, simply comment on this post before 11:59 MST on August 4/08.
Additional entries available – up to four per person. See contest entry information and rules.
CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED
Posted on on July 28th, 2008 in
For Big Kids (6+), For Dad, For Mom, For The Folks, Giveaway!, Random Reviews, Special Offer, Toys & Games & Just For Fun |
152 Comments »
I am a gift bag convert, for enviro-reasons and also because I can’t wrap a gift to save my life. However, I often feel a little guilt at depriving people of the sheer joy of tearing in to a nicely wrapped gift. Hallmark recently introduced the first-of-its-kind
Adhesive Gift Wrap so now I can give in to my wrapping desire a little more often without tying myself up in a roll of tape. It’s pretty much like using a sticky note — the sticky coating on the paper adheres to the present without leaving any residue and there’s no need to fumble around with tape, hold down edges, or any of the usual frustrations that abound when wrapping gifts.
Win it! We’re giving away four rolls of Hallmark Adhesive Gift Wrap, two rolls to each of two winners. To enter, leave a comment on this post before noon MST on July 29/08.
Additional entries available – up to four per person. See contest entry information and rules.
CONTEST CLOSED – WINNERS EMAILED
Posted on on July 22nd, 2008 in
For The Folks, Gadgets & Goodies, Giveaway! |
363 Comments »
The world is your nannycam with Howsmynanny.com. Do you ever wonder how your care provider interacts with your children or reacts to situations while caring for your child? An online service offered by a mom from New York City can help you find the answers to those questions. Jill Starishevsky, a New York City prosecutor of child abuse and sex crimes, created the innovative website that enables anyone to communicate with parents to report problems they witness with your children’s caregiver. The service also allows people to report great things that your nanny is doing with your children by sending a praise report.
When you sign up with HowsMyNanny.com you are provided with a small license plate bearing the website information and a number unique to you. You simply attach the plate to your stroller with the cable ties provided and wait for the comments to come in. If people notice something good or concerning related to your childcare provider, they can log onto the howsmynanny site, enter your plate number and send a praise report or incident report. Howsmynanny will email you to notify you of a new comment. You then sign on to HowsMyNanny.com using your password to view the report. HowsMyNanny.com allows the person leaving the comment can do so anonymously or they can choose to leave contact information so that you can contact them to find out more details.
The service has an annual fee of $50 but you can receive an additional year of free membership if you refer three additional people to HowsMyNanny.com. I have already received feedback on my children’s nanny after only a month and a half with the plates on my stroller & despite living in a small city in Western Canada . I am very relieved to know that the nanny I chose has received nothing but praise from people who have witnessed her interacting with my toddlers and I will definitely be referring more of my friends to this great service. -by Cara – dedicated TOP reader and guest reviewer
Win it! Jill is giving FIVE randomly selected winners a license plate and a one year membership to HowsMyNanny.com valued at $50 each. To enter, just leave a comment on this post before noon MST on July 28, 2008.
Additional entries available – up to four per person. See contest entry information and rules.
CONTEST CLOSED – WINNERS EMAILED
Posted on on July 21st, 2008 in
For The Folks, Giveaway!, Service |
11 Comments »
We’re taking the day off tomorrow to enjoy Canada Day with our families. In honour of Canada’s birthday we’re featuring a fantastic Canadian business from which you can acquire the wares of many others. Enjoy, and HAPPY CANADA DAY!
You know when you read repeatedly of a shop but don’t take the time to click through and explore? Well, I did that and feel like a moron for not knowing about Apples n’ Oranges sooner.
Owned by Ottawa moms Lara and Vicky, Apples n’ Oranges carries only Canadian brands. I am ashamed to say that I had no idea we Canucks had such amazing style. The selection is fabulous. With 33 brands to choose from, and growing, there’s no need to pay customs fees anymore. My wallet thanks you, ladies!
Apples n’ Oranges is the exclusive online retailer for my newest love, Vancouver based Peekaboo Beans – a functional and fashionable line of playwear that’s perilously close to being too nice to be playwear.
Each piece meets a “no fuss dressing” mission and is easy for children to get on and off when potty training or learning to dress themselves. Every piece mixes, matches and layers with the others and they’re more versatile than any line I’ve seen before – pants become capris, tunics become tanks and skirts become dresses to lengthen their lifespan. They’re also reversible for the inevitable spills while on the go. Made with high quality materials and super comfortable fabrics, there’s extra strength and durability built into the construction and the pieces are pre-washed. 
The pants feature a wide, flat waistband for comfort and all pieces use flat, seamless stitching for itch free wearing. The shirts are A-shaped and are a longer length than standard to accommodate those adorable kid-bellies. Added safety features are included, such as reflective piping, chin guards, and ironed in personal identification labels.
Peekaboo Beans is everything you want in a kids clothing line – perfect for playdate, playground and playtime…but you’ll want to make time for an impromptu photo shoot before you leave the house. This stuff is just that nice.
Save 20% on your first purchase with the code firsttop.
Win it! Apples n’ Oranges is giving away a Peekaboo Beans top AND bottom of the winner’s choice. To enter, leave a comment on this post with your choice of outfit should you be the lucky winner. (Be specific. As always, you can’t win if you’re too lazy to click through to this awesome shop. It’s bad karma.) Contest closes at noon MST on July 5/08.
Additional entries available – up to four per person. See contest entry information and rules.
CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED
Posted on on June 30th, 2008 in
Canadian Businesses, Canadian-Made, For Babies (0-1), For Big Kids (6+), For PreSchoolers (3+), For The Folks, For Toddlers (1-3), Giveaway!, TOP Shops, wearables |
164 Comments »
You’ve likely read in the news, a parenting mag or any number of other places over the last decade that family dinners are on the decrease and, conversely, that regular family dinners contribute to academic success, decrease the risk of our children becoming crack heads and keep families connected in ways that are very necessary. As crazy as they are, I love family dinners.
If you’ve ever sat at a table in silence and wondered how to get the conversation started, you’re not alone. You won’t have to hear “Nothing…Nowhere…Nobody…” from your child anymore with the addition of the new card game, Family Talk, to your dinner table. The concept behind Around the Table Games is simple brilliance. These games should not be necessary, but with the state of family dinners in our society today they really, really are. Available in three versions, Family Talk, Family Talk 2 and Grandparent Talk are inexpensive, portable cards games on carribiners (or available in cool jars) that encourage conversations between parents, children and relatives of all ages.
Around the Table Games aren’t just for dinner at your dining room table. “Our games are like taking the dinner time conversation with you, wherever you go,” explains Around the Table Games founder Beth Daniels, herself a working mom. “Because our games are made to be portable, the proverbial table discussions can now be held at the airport, during carpool, waiting in a long line or wherever people gather in the same place at the same time.” You can clip them to a backpack or purse and use them anywhere you might have a few minutes to chat.
Grandparent Talk would make a fantastic gift for your childrens’ grandparents, and it’s just as much a gift for your own childrens. Allowing them and encouraging them to really know their grandparents is one of the greatest gifts you can give. Connecting young people to their family and to their heritage is just one of the things that’s missing from many families today and I, for one, am going to do my damnedest to make sure that my family talks – really talks – and Around the Table Games will sure help!
Save 20% when you buy direct with the code TOPFMT
Win it! One TOP reader will win your choice of the three Around The Table Games! To enter, leave a comment on this post before noon MST on July 2/08 with your choice of the three versions of the game and either a suggested question for a future game or a tip for the rest of us to keep our families connected.
Get up to three additional entries into this contest! (Today you get the expanded version…just in case you need a refresher.)
1. Blog about this contest using one of the top three images found here. Leave a comment with the direct link to your post (not to your main page, and in a separate comment from your other entry).
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Leave an additional comment to let us know that you did this for your extra entry. Be sure to leave a valid email address so we can confirm your subscription. Current subscriptions count too! Just let us know how you subscribe…Bloglines? Another reader? Email? They all work!
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3. Place our button in your sidebar or add us to your blogroll. Leave an additional comment to let us know that you did this for your extra entry. Be sure to leave a valid url so we can confirm the addition. If we’ve been there all along, that counts too!
