Save On Essentials With Love Me Do Baby & Maternity's NEW Love Points Loyalty Program + Get 150 BONUS POINTS!!

Shopping for a new baby, and keeping up with our little one’s ever changing needs, can be an expensive endeavour for parents. So it’s always nice to find ways to save a little money along the way, while not compromising on quality or service. One of my all time favourite local & online baby boutiques, Love Me Do Baby & Maternity, is doing just this. The owner Linda, and her amazing team, always offer the most incredible customer service experience (eg. they have the sweetest spot to rest & play, offer Complimentary Professional Car Seat Installation with car seat purchase, and host tons of In-store events), and now they’ve introduced a NEW Love Points Loyalty Program, that earns you points toward future purchases!* In the world of parenting it really doesn’t get much better than free stuff.

The best part is that they made it so simple. All you need to do is create a customer profile with your name and email address (profile can be made in-store, or you can Register Online by clicking the “check rewards” tab). Once you’re all set up, there are a whole bunch of simple ways you can start to earn points to redeem at the store. You’ll even get special stuff like birthday points! As a very special perk Enter Code SHOPWITHCARE at checkout to recieve 50 Bonus Points! Plus if you share a photo of your purchase on Instagram and tag With Care & Love Me Do Baby & Maternity you’ll receive an additional 100 Bonus Points!!

Since so many of us live in small spaces it’s all about quality over quantity, and finding the perfect product to suit your needs. I always appreciate that Love Me Do keeps their inventory and their “Registry Essentials” list to just that, quality essentials! They understand parenting and living in a city. They don’t want to add to your stress by breaking your budget or weighing you down with unnecessary stuff. Make sure to head over to Love Me Do online and set up your profile so you can start earning points today! You can thank me when you earn your first free purchase ;)

- Care

*Some Conditions & Restrictions Apply. Full Details

*This is a sponsored post which means I was provided compensation and/or products/services for this post. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. I only partner with companies, services and institutions that I genuinely love and want to recommend.

Join Me At The Total Mom Show + 2 Ways To WIN Tickets! + 15% OFF

As a busy mom it’s so easy to get caught up in placing our children’s wellness ahead of our own, and forgetting to give ourselves the time and attention we need to thrive. That’s why I’m so excited to be taking part in The Total Mom Show this February. An incredible local event that is geared toward educating, supporting, and celebrating Moms. Sounds pretty amazing to me!

There’s so much going on at this show that I thought I would break it down and give you all the details, plus a chance to WIN some tickets, and get a sweet discount!

The Total Mom Show is unlike any other out there for moms. The 2 day festival will feature immersive activities, expert speakers, vibrant panel discussions, and two interactive floors of local vendors focussing on all things mom. Participants can indulge in some epic pampering in the Face Forward Zone. Simply pre-book your appointment via the Total Mom Show App and enjoy a treatment at the show. Once you’re sufficiently relaxed you'll want to check out the Recipe For Life Zone for a variety of healthy and delicious eats. Then head over to the Mom Life Hacks Zone to learn how to make your busy mom life a little easier.

Another amazing part of The Total Mom Show is The Total Mom Pitch Contest! If you have a great business idea, or could use some help with your small business start up, you need to apply. The contest will take place on day 1 (February 9th) and will give 5 chosen applicants an opportunity to present a 5-7 minute pitch to a panel of successful entrepreneurs. The winner will receive a cash prize, as well as complimentary services from the amazing panel of judges. This is an incredible prize, so make sure to enter & let your mompreneur friends know, so they can apply for a chance to WIN!

Tickets to The Total Mom Show are on Sale, but don’t wait too grab yours! There are a limited number of VIP BAGS left + Limited spots available in the Face Forward beauty Lounge. Use Code @with_care15 for 15% off your ticket.

After telling you all these amazing things, I thought it was only fair to give away some tickets! I’ll be doing a giveaway for a pair of tickets (valued at over $100!) on my Instagram, so head over and ENTER for your chance to Win! Plus come to Movies for Mommies at the Humber Cinema on Monday January 14th (Aquaman) & 21st (The Upside) to be entered for a chance to WIN Tickets to The Total Mom Show. Movie starts at 1pm and doors open at 12:30pm.

Hope to see you on Monday at the movies, and at The Total Mom Show in February.

- Care

How To Use A Ring Sling With A Newborn

Getting the hang of a ring sling can take some practice, but they’re such great carriers once you do. I love ring slings because they’re super lightweight and fold up small making them perfect for tossing in my diaper bag or purse, so I’m always prepared while we’re out and about. Kind of essential with 4 kids ;)

Join me and my 5 week old baby Freddy to learn how to use a ring sling safely and comfortably. In this video I’m featuring a linen ring sling by Potter & Pehar. I absolutely love the soft neutral colour of this Elora sling, but to be honest it’s hard to choose a fav from their gorgeous collection. Potter & Pehar products are beautifully designed to simplify motherhood, and I love that they’re all made locally in Toronto. Plus the business is owned and run by two kick ass women (Shelley & Tina), who are always available for customer support via email, facebook, and instagram. I have several Potter & Pehar slings, and have personally used them with my babes and while teaching at my monthly Free Community Babywearing Drop In. This is definitely a biz that feels good to support. You can use Code WITHCARE10 for 10% off Potter & Pehar.

I hope you enjoyed my video. Please comment below with any questions, and let me know if you have any topics you would like me to cover in the future. Don’t forget to Subscribe to my YouTube channel to stay up to date of all of my new videos.

- Care

In This Post:

“Elora” Ring Sling: Potter & Pehar *Use Code WITHCARE10 for 10% Off | How To Thread A Ring Sling Video

*This is a sponsored post which means I was provided compensation and/or products/services for this post. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. I only partner with companies that I genuinely love and want to recommend

*The information in this video is meant to help you learn about safe babywearing. There are many ways to safely use a carrier, but I demonstrate how I typically teach ring sling use. Please always refer to your particular baby carrier manual to ensure proper and safe use. The information provided does not constitute individual advice or consultation and should not be used as such. 

How To Safely Swaddle A Newborn - Video

I love helping families learn how to care for their babies and keep them safe. Since safe swaddling is one of my most requested topics, I thought I should make a little video about it. Join me and baby Freddy to learn about the purpose of swaddling, current health & safety concerns, and when it’s essential to transition baby out of a swaddle. Plus watch as I make my very own adorable baby burrito ;) If you have a baby on the way, or are caring for a newborn, this is a must watch.

Hope you enjoyed this video. Please feel free to comment below with any questions, and don’t forget to subscribe to my channel.

- Care  

In this post:

Swaddle blanket: Aden & Anais      |      Machine Washable ABC Rug: Lorena Canals    

*The information in this video is meant to help you learn about safe swaddling. The information provided does not constitute individual advice or consultation and should not be used as such. 

Preparing Our Home For Baby 4 - Freddy’s Nursery Reveal

Baby 4 is on the way any day now (Edited to note that baby Freddy arrived on Thursday evening, just 5 hours after these photos were taken), and surprisingly this is the first time I’ve actually prepared an official nursery. I guess you could say that I want to soak up all I can with this last baby of ours.

For our little guys room I set out to create a clean and simple space with a calming colour palate and a little farmhouse feel. After weeks of working on it I’m so excited to finally show you the finished room…and in reality it’s not 100% done. I still need something beautiful and safe to accent the wall above the crib eg. won’t kill a baby if it falls on them ;) Please let me know if you have any ideas!

When I started this nursery I knew one of my main priorities was a comfortable place to sit, rock, nurse, and cuddle our babe. For our last 3 kids I have had less than ideal chairs, so getting a custom chair from Off Your Rocker was basically my dream come true. I love that this rocker was made locally in Belleville Ontario and can be totally customized to suit your preference for style, wood stain, and fabric, all at a reasonable price. I decided on the Jamestown Wingback in Battleship Grey Twill with Walnut stain and couldn’t be happier with my choice. Not only is it beautiful, it’s so comfortable! A perfect place to spend a few thousand hours over the early years of this baby’s life ;) If you’re in the market for a chair check out Off Your Rocker, and make sure when you place your order to choose "Store Pickup" & Mention With Care to Receive FREE SHIPPING to the GTA!

I wanted the nursery to have a little bit of a rustic feel so my husband and I did DIY shiplap on one accent wall and painted it white to match the rest of the room. It’s subtle, but I love the way it looks with our spindle style crib.

We were in desperate need of some fresh linens for baby 4. After 7+ years of use, our old ones were all completely done and ready for retirement. Keeping our baby’s space and the air he breathes as safe and clean as possible is very important, so I chose a beautiful organic waterproof crib mattress protector & organic crib sheets from my favourite online source, Organic Lifestyle. They have some absolutely gorgeous, eco-friendly and sustainable products for around the home. Perfect for holiday gift giving! Use code care for 15% Off your order from Organic Lifestyle.

I was set on farmhouse ticking curtains (stripped fabric seen above) but couldn’t find any that worked for our budget and time line, so I set out to make my own. I sewed blackout lined curtains and a matching crib skirt from beautiful classic nickel ticking fabric I found locally at Tonic Living.

I also refinished my childhood nursery dresser by sanding and painting it and adding new porcelain knobs. It was a pretty quick project and gave it a totally fresh look on a small budget.

Instead of going for lots of traditional wall decor I decided to decorate this small space with greenery and beautiful baby stuff, like our favourite treasures and my ring sling collection.

I absolutely love having my slings easily accessible on these gorgeous locally made wooden wall knobs. Perfect to grab and go whenever we need.

I’m so happy with how this space has turned out. I know it will be a calm and soothing space for us to care for baby Freddy. Even with the day-to-day chaos that is our busy home. Check out all the details for products featured in my nursery reveal below, and please comment with any questions.

- Care

In The Post:

Rocking Chair: Off Your Rocker *Choose "Store Pickup" & Mention With Care to Receive FREE Shipping to the GTA | Photos: Anchor Studio *Get 10% off when you mention With Care at Booking | Organic waterproof crib mattress protector & organic crib sheet: Organic Lifestyle *Get 15% off with code care | Care’s Maternity Clothing sponsored by Canadian rental box company The Sprout Collection: *Use Code Care20off for 20% off | Curtain & Crib Skirt Fabric: Tonic Living | Dresser Knobs: Overstock.ca | Rug: Overstock.ca | Dresser Paint Colour: Behr Frozen Pond | Wooden Wall Knobs: JB + DG | Black & Pink Ring Slings: Potter & Pehar *Use Code WITHCARE10 for 10% Off | Sand Ring Sling: Jr Foxes | Umbra Prisma Wall Decorations: Amazon.ca | Wooden Rattles: Bonjour Baby Baskets | Patouche Baby Bonnet: Little Zen One *Use Code WITHCARE for $15 off your purchase of $100 or more | “You Are Loved” Print: ATTN2Detail Designs | White Round Metal Mirror & Heart Marquee Light: HomeSense | White Wood Shelves, Wickers Planters, Hanging Planter & Baskets: Ikea | Herbal Sitz Bath & Lavender Mineral Soak: Tenth Moon

*This is a sponsored post which means I was provided compensation and/or products/services for this post. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. I only partner with companies that I genuinely love and want to recommend.

Packing For The Hospital - Labour & Birth: Video + FREE Downloadable Packing List

As I’m preparing for the arrival of baby 4 I thought I would share a New Video about Packing for Labour & Birth. As a Midwife & Childbirth Educator I am always asked about what to pack. Although not all of my clients deliver in hospital, everyone needs a bag ready, just in case. I suggest getting it out of the way early so you can feel prepared. Having your bag packed by around 36 weeks is ideal.

It can be tempting to pack a ton of stuff to take to the hospital, but in my experience less is more. Remember, you’ll need to bring home everything you pack, plus a new baby, and you’ll be recovering from giving birth. If plans change and you need to stay at the hospital for a few extra days, friends and family can be called for extra supplies, or your partner can take a quick trip home.

Watch My Video & Get My FREE Downloadable Packing List

I hope this simple list helps you feel a bit more prepared for the birth of your little one. Wishing you all the best in your labour, birth & beyond!

- Care

In The Post:

Care’s Sweater: Seraphine from Love Me Do | Bag: Amazon Prime | Back Massagers: Body Shop | Nightgown: Laura Ashley from Winners | Robe: Cynthia Rowley from Winners | Slippers: Ikea | Depends: Amazon Prime | Maternity Pads: Starkmans Heath Care Depot | Toothpaste: Toms | Natural Deodorant: No Pong | Arnica Gel: Boiron | Reusable Merino Wool Breastpads: Evymama | Disposable Breastpads: Medela | Nursing Bra: Bravado Body Silk & Seamless | Whale Sleeper: Kyte Baby | Hands Free Skin to Skin Device: Sleepbelt | Nuts, Trail Mix, Dark Chocolate, Fruit Water: Ikea | Granola Bars: Made Good from Costco

*This is a sponsored post which means I was provided compensation and/or products/services for this post. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. I only partner with companies that I genuinely love and want to recommend.

Register NOW for Complimentary Halloween Mini Sessions at Movies for Mommies Humber Cinema

I know it feels like we just got through the back-to-school rush, but it’s time to plan for Halloween! Getting a sweet pic of your little one in their costume is such a fun way to mark each holiday. Since it’s not always easy to snap a great pic, I let the professionals do all the hard work. If you want to get a beautiful professional photo this holiday season join me for one of my 2 sessions of Complimentary Halloween Mini Sessions with Anchor Studio at Movies for Mommies at the Humber Cinema. Photos will take place pre-show from 12-1pm on Monday October 1st and Monday October 15th. (Movies TBD, I will update this as I know what’s screening).  Sessions are complimentary for Movies Attendees (You must purchase a movie ticket to be eligible for these sessions), and high resolution digital images can be purchased for $25/file. 

Space is extremely limited for these sessions and always fills up fast, so please don't wait to register. Send an email to care@with-care.ca indicating which date you prefer, and a session time will be emailed to you. If all sessions are booked I will give you the option of being added to the waiting list. 

These are a few of my favourites from our previous Halloween sessions with Anchor Studio.

I love that Silvia still got a beautiful fall inspired shot when my preschooler refused to put on her costume.

Don't forget that Anchor Studio is one of my partners and offers 10% off to my clients. Just mention With Care when you book your session. 

Hope to see you at the Movies! 

- Care 

**Please Note: Sessions are for Movie attendees only. Send an email to care@with-care.ca indicating which date you prefer, and a session time will be emailed to you. If all sessions are booked I will give you the option of being added to the waiting list. *

Easter Mini Sessions at Movies for Mommies Humber Cinema - Register Now!

Easter is around the corner, so you know what that means? Time for some ridiculously cute pics of babies in bunny ears! Anchor Studio Photography will be joining me at Movies for Mommies for 2 weeks to offer complimentary Easter Mini Photo Sessions. Appointments will be scheduled between 12pm-1pm on each day (March 5th & 19th). Photo sessions are free and attendees have the option to purchase photos for $25/digital image (discounted packages for more photos are also vailable). **PLEASE NOTE: Sessions are reserved for Movie Attendees Only**

Space is very limited for these sessions, so please email care@with-care.ca ASAP to request a spot. Don't forget to let me know which day you prefer, March 5th or March 19th. If the date you prefer is full I will offer you a time on the other day, or a spot on the wait list. These sessions fill up very fast, so please don't wait!

*If you can't make it to the Movies for photos during these times check out these beautiful Mom & Me Mini Sessions that Anchor Studio is hosting at the gorgeous Mint Studio April 7th & 8th. Sessions are $199 plus HST for a 20 minute session with 5 edited digital images available for download (or $299 for 8 images). Space is limited for these sessions REGISTER HERE.

*The movie being screened March 5th is Game Night & the movie for the 19th is still TBD (I will update this post as it becomes available). If you would like to receive notice of our weekly screenings and special events please join my Movies for Mommies Humber Cinemas Newsletter.

- Care