Basement Playroom Makeover Reveal + Amazing Decor GIVEAWAY! (Special Discount Included)
Last year as we awaited the arrival of Penny, our 3rd baby, we realized that we desperately needed more usable space in our Toronto home. We made the big decision to finish our basement, and set out to create a comfortable space for our family that wouldn't break the bank. Originally it was a dark and dingy 70's inspired space with cement floors covered in ripped linoleum and walls cladded in old-school wood panelling. My inspiration for the makeover was light and bright.
Last year as we awaited the arrival of Penny, our 3rd baby, we realized that we desperately needed more usable space in our Toronto home. We made the big decision to finish our basement, and set out to create a comfortable space for our family that wouldn't break the bank. Originally it was a dark and dingy 70's inspired space with cement floors covered in ripped linoleum and walls cladded in old-school wood panelling. My inspiration for the makeover was light and bright.
The main part of the renovations were completed just days before Penny's arrival. Every contractor who entered our house looked terrified when they saw me waddling around talking about my home water birth, that was to be held in said basement ;) With 3 kids in tow it has taken me a year to pull together accessories and fun stuff for this kid friendly space. I'm so excited to finally share the kids' favourite new space and give away shop credits for two of our favourite finds! *Please note: the playroom was only this tidy for photos. Typically every basket and bin get emptied out onto the floor daily ;)
1. Lorena Canals Machine Washable & Dryer Friendly Rugs
Kid's are messy little creatures, so when I set out to find a rug to make a cozy reading space for the kids I knew I wanted a Lorena Canals. These rugs are incredible. They are machine washable, made from all natural materials and dyes, and free from any dangerous chemicals. We have already washed and dried our rug a few times and I can tell you I am so happy with the choice. There are tons of amazing designs and colours to choose from at Amelie & Max. I loved so many of them, but was limited to choosing one without fringe, because we have a cat who loves to destroy all fringe. I love this ABC one the kids helped me choose. Enter for a chance to WIN a $100 credit toward a Lorena Canals Rug from Amelie & Max! (entry details below)
2. Newmies Eco-Friendly Baby & Toddler Developmental Toys
I love supporting small local businesses, so when I met Amanda, the owner of Newmies, at The Bump to Baby Show I knew it was a perfect fit. I absolutely love her handmade stuffed toys, rattles, teethers, painted wooden blocks, and most of all her wall hangings. They have such great positive messages for our kids. We picked the "Love is Love" and "Wild & Free" hangings, but there are tons of adorable ones in her etsy shop, so check it out. Such a unique gift for baby showers or birthday parties. I'm also obsessed with the Farmer's Market set and the Campfire Set that comes complete with S'mores! Enter for a Chance to WIN a $40 shop credit with Newmies. (entry details below)
Enter for a chance to WIN a $100 Credit for a Lorena Canals Rug with Amelie & Max* + a $40 Shop Credit with Newmies! (*Rug design choices subject to availability at www.amelieandmax.ca at time of ordering)
To Enter simply comment below with your name and email address, or alternatively you may comment below and submit your email address to care@with-care.ca for entry. Plus make sure to check out our Facebook page & Instagram feed for 2 more ways to enter! Contest is open worldwide for anyone 25+ and closes Thursday June 22nd at 11pm EST. A winner will be chosen at random and contacted within 24 hours. Good Luck!
*As a special treat use code "WITHCARE" for $10 off your 1st purchase over $50 with Amelie & Max and $10 off your 1st purchase over $40 with Newmies.
Don't wait, Enter NOW! Plus don't forget to enter on Facebook & Instagram. Good luck!
Care
In this post:
Amelie & Max: rug, sheepskin, house shelf, toy hamper, lightbox | Newmies: hand painted blocks, rattle, teether, wall hangings, stuffed unicorn | Ikea: book rails, couch, shelving unit, baskets, play kitchen | With Care: DIY Simple Floor Cushions | Tiny Trendsetters: Penny's dress & bloomers
*This is a sponsored post which means I was provided compensation and/or product for this post. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.
Awesome Summer Pop Ups in the 6ix!
The city is bursting with summer fun and a few of my favourite online stores are having amazing summer Pop Up Shops, so I thought I would share the details.
Pop up shops have become such a fun way to meet amazing online retailers & small local vendors, and get a chance to see the products up close and in person.
The city is bursting with summer fun and a few of my favourite online stores are having amazing summer Pop Up Shops, so I thought I would share the details.
Pop up shops have become such a fun way to meet amazing online retailers & small local vendors, and get a chance to see the products up close and in person. Plus they often come with exclusive offers that can't be beat! Check out these 2 great upcoming sales!
1. The Toronto Urban Collective
Voted as one of the Best Summer Markets, The Toronto Urban Collective brings together a collection of the city's finest local artists, craft makers, photographers, designers and artisan chefs. With dozens of beautiful vendors to meet, products to see, and delicious food to taste, this is a summer event you don't want to miss!
This year our friends Amelie & Max will be at The Toronto Urban Collective showing off their carefully curated line of beautiful and sustainable clothing, skin care and decor for the whole family. *Use Promo: MOVIEMOM for $10 off purchases over $50
Sunday August 7th 11AM - 6PM
The Bram & Bluma Appel Salon at
the Toronto Reference Library
789 Yonge Street
2. Family Friendly Summer Pop Up Shop
This FREE family-friendly Summer Pop Up Shop is hosted by our good friends Bonjour Baby Baskets, Minimodel Gallery & Emily D Photography. With over 70% off on beautiful clothing, toys and decor for baby and kids, plus free lemonade, face painting, balloon twisting, photo sessions & Awesome Giveaways, this is definitely an event you want to add to your calendar.
August 12 & 13 10AM - 5PM
August 14 12PM - 6PM
Real Estate Homeward Brokerage
2035 Danforth Ave
Hope you have fun checking out these awesome summer sales. I know I will!
- Carolyn
Holiday Gift Guide for Babies, Toddlers & Preschoolers
When the holiday sales start to roll out it can be tempting to buy everything you see, but do you really need it? We try very hard to remind our children how fortunate we are, and focus on keeping gift giving small and on things that we truly need.
When the holiday sales start to roll out it can be tempting to buy everything you see, but do you really need it? We try very hard to remind our children how fortunate we are, and focus on keeping gift giving small and on things that we truly need.
I love to make DIY gifts for the kids and our friends and family, but also always pick a few special gifts to buy for our little ones. We stick to the rule of “Something you Want, Something you Need, Something to Wear & Something to Read”. This year we added a new category “Something to Give”, and are making sure that we think of little ways we can help our community locally or globally every day.
Here are a few of my favourite gifts to give for little ones. Most items included are locally made or sourced from small local stores so that we can reduce our impact this holiday season, and support our local community. Hope you enjoy!
*Use Promo Code: Withcare for 10% off purchases at Diaper-eez this holiday season
Something You Want:
There are so many amazing toys available around the holidays, but I love to focus on buying presents that will be enjoyed over the winter months. A Sled is a perfect gift for kiddos of any age. Canadian Tire and many local hardware stores have excellent selections of beautiful Canadian made wooden sleds. From basic to fancy, single to triple occupancy, you can choose what’s right for your family and your budget.
Something You Need:
With our frigid Canadian winters kid’s need quality winter gear. Here are a few ideas for necessary items that can double as Christmas gifts.
My absolute favourite snow suit for little ones are the Mountain Equipment Co-op Toaster Suit. Toasty warm as the name implies, these snow suits are made to last through a few kids and never disappoint. Purchase online or locally at Mountain Equipment Co-op.
For keeping those little hands warm my new favourite is locally made Mimitens. These brilliant mitts have fabric that extends up your little ones forearm to keep them warm and more importantly to keep them ON! If you have a constant mitt taker offer, you know how frustrating it is. Invest in a pair of these and ditch the daily fight. Purchase online or locally at Diaper-eez.
A warm toque is always needed and my favourite this year is the Je T’aime toque by Whistle & Flute. Made on the West Coast these adorable hats are available locally from Amelie & Max and come in kid and adult sizes. Perfect for twinning! Purchase online from Amelie & Max and choose shipping or local Toronto pickup.
Something To Wear:
Little ones need warm feet whether they are lounging at home, out in the car, in the stroller or while babywearing. Padraig Cottage are by far my favourite Canadian made booties. They are soft, cozy, warm and don’t fall off like most other booties. Great for little ones of all ages and the perfect gift. Purchase online or locally at Diaper-eez.
Something To Read:
Books are one of my all time favourite things to give as gifts. Reading and interacting with babies from a young age has been shown to be very beneficial for brain development.
For little ones who love to put stuff in their mouths and tear at paper, board books are ideal. One of my absolute favourites is “On the Night You Were Born” by Nancy Tillman. An instant tear jerker for most parents.
As your kiddos get older and want longer stories I love anything and everything by the super talented Oliver Jeffers.
For this category also consider thinking outside of the box. Baby Sign Language Flash Cards and board games can be a great way to practice language development.
Something To Give:
If you haven’t heard of Cuddle + Kind yet, you need to check them out. These beautiful dolls are part of an incredible campaign to help decrease child hunger worldwide, as each doll purchased provides 10 meals to children in need. It’s too late to order them to arrive in time for this holiday season. Sorry! You’re probably wondering why I included them if their holiday orders were done a few months ago. The truth is I wanted to share them because I think they’re a great gift year round and knew I would have your attention. So get ordering for your 2016 birthday gift list!
Some other great ways to give back include purchasing a food hamper for a family in need in your community, supporting The Stop Community Food Centre which does amazing work in our city, and supporting local Syrian refugee aid groups like the Lakeshore Syrian Connection.
Hope you got some great ideas for your little ones and stay tuned for Part 2 of our Holiday Gift Guide tomorrow with great gift ideas for Expectant & New Moms!
Don’t forget to use Promo Code: Withcare for 10% off purchases at Diaper-eez this holiday season
- Care