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.
Is Your Family Ready for Winter? Come Pillage In The Village!
It's that time of year again. Time to start thinking about switching over seasonal gear and going through your closets to see what fits & what needs to be replaced for your family this winter. I don't know about you, but I find it a stressful time of year as the cost of snowsuits, boots, skates & other seasonal gear really adds up.
It's that time of year again. Time to start thinking about switching over seasonal gear and going through your closets to see what fits & what needs to be replaced for your family this winter. I don't know about you, but I find it a stressful time of year as the cost of snowsuits, boots, skates & other seasonal gear really adds up. As always our family relies heavily on gently-used clothing & gear to get us through the changing seasons on budget.
If you're looking to save some money this season check out your local Community Parent-to-Parent sales. Our local sale in the Bloor West Village area Pillage In The Village is coming up at the beginning of October and is always a great event with tons of amazing deals. It's an absolute fav of mine and a sale that I try not to miss.
Where: Swansea Community Center, 15 Waller Ave
When: Saturday October 4th from 1pm-3:30pm. *50% off sale runs from 3pm-3:30pm.
*Most sales do not allow children, strollers or bags inside. So leave the kids at home & have fun shopping for some great deals with your laundry hamper!
*I strongly encourage you to make note of your kid’s shoe & clothing sizes & what you need most, so you can go directly to those areas of the sale first. These sales are extremely busy & not for the faint of heart!
If you want to know more about local parent to parent sales and other ways to save money while dressing your family, check out this 3-part blog series from last spring about 3 Ways to Save Money & The Environment While Dressing Your Kids.
Upcoming Toronto Parent to Parent Sales:
- The Parent Bazaar(Sept 13, 2014)
- TPOMBA Fall/Winter Clothing Sale (Sept 20, 2014)
- South Etobicoke Mommy Market (Oct 18, 2014)
- (Oct 18, 2014) Great Kids Stuff Sale (Oct 25, 2014)
- Mom to Mom Sale Markham & Stouffville (Oct 25, 2014)
- Toronto Mom to Mom Fall Sale Event (Nov 1, 2014)
Good luck getting some great deals for your family this fall!
- Care
Top 3 Ways to Save Money & The Environment While Dressing Your Kids - Part 2/3
Last week on the blog I told you about one of my top 3 ways to save money and the environment while shopping for our kids - Local Parent to Parent Sales. These sales are such a great resource for families, but since most are held only once or twice a year it can be difficult to get to them. Plus sometimes it's nice to be able to shop on your own schedule in a less chaotic environment.
Last week on the blog I told you about one of my top 3 ways to save money and the environment while shopping for our kids - Local Parent to Parent Sales. These sales are such a great resource for families, but since most are held only once or twice a year it can be difficult to get to them. Plus sometimes it's nice to be able to shop on your own schedule in a less chaotic environment. Not that I ever shy away from a good sale ;)
As a regular go-to for gently used clothing and gear I rely on kids consignment stores. These are an excellent way to get name brand items that still have lots of life left in them. Sometimes you'll even score brand new items with the tags on! The only draw back is that consignment shopping can be time consuming, and as a busy parent and business owner I don't have a ton of time to go out and browse the stores for deals. That's why I was so excited to find a new local online kids consignment store called Eco Outfitters Online.
Last week I had the pleasure of sitting down to chat with Rebecca Saha the Owner of Eco Outfitters Online, who specializes in high-end, gently used, baby & kids clothing & accessories. In addition to owning her own new business Rebecca is a wife, a mom of 3 kids, and a kindergarten teacher. What a woman! She is also a proud environmentalist and loves to help families learn how to make more green decisions in their daily lives, including purchasing clothing.
Eco Outfitters Online provides families with 2 great options for purchasing their hand-curated line of high-end gently used clothing.
Low flat fee shipping, or even the option of free pick up if you live locally.
2. Book a Personal Shopping Appointment online
Meet with Rebecca & check out the goods in person at the Eco Outfitters Boutique located in her West Toronto home. It's a great space with lots of beautiful stuff to browse & choose from.
I couldn't help myself and ended up buying a few items for our little Lucy :)
Luckily our toddler Ben is still living off of massive piles of hand-me-downs thanks to our extremely generous friends and family, so no need to buy him anything. (Huge shout out to Auntie Meagan, Auntie AnaBela & Auntie Margaret for clothing him for the last 3 years!)
Check out Eco Outfitters Online website for full details and to view some of their adorable clothes currently available www.ecooutfittersonline.ca. Enjoy shopping from the comfort of your own home or book an appointment to visit the boutique in person to find some great stuff for your little ones.
*Eco Outfitters Online offers Full Refund Or Exchange on all purchases (tags still attached). Plus a great Referral Rewards Program & Trade In Trade Up Program.
Stay tuned for the final instalment in this 3 part series next week to learn how to save money and the environment when choosing to buy New.
- Care
Top 3 Ways To Save Money & The Environment While Dressing Your Kids - Part 1/3
Constantly buying new kids clothing & gear is really expensive and harmful to the environment. Keeping up with the seasons, your kid's ever changing body, and their personal preferences can put a big dent in your family's budget, and often means that parents rely on cheap disposable clothing in order to get by.
Constantly buying new kids clothing & gear is really expensive and harmful to the environment. Keeping up with the seasons, your kid's ever changing body, and their personal preferences can put a big dent in your family's budget, and often means that parents rely on cheap disposable clothing in order to get by. The consequences of such fast fashion include human rights violations for labourers, as well as serious environmental damage. (Important topics for another post)
In an effort to save money and decrease our impact we buy a lot of gently used clothing and gear for our little ones, and also think a lot about what we purchase new. Friends and clients often ask how we save money and where we get our best deals, so in this 3 part series I'll lay out my 3 favourite ways to save money & help the environment while dressing our kids. (besides free hand-me-downs...they are obviously the best!)
Local Community Parent to Parent Sales
These sales are a great way to get amazing deals on kids clothing, gear & toys. Every year I hit up a few of these sales to stock up on our most pressing needs.
In our area of the city, Bloor West Village, there is a semi-annual sale called "Children's Pillage in the Village" put on by community families which is happening TOMORROW!
Sat. May 24th from 1pm-3:30pm at Swansea Community Center (15 Waller Ave)
I can't wait! Last fall I managed to get baby Lucy a very gently used Mountain Equipment Co-op fleece snow suit for only $5!! As well as an almost new Maya Wrap Ring Sling for only $12!! So many amazing deals to be had on clothes, accessories, gear and toys.
*Most sales do not allow children or strollers inside. So leave the kids at home & have fun shopping for some great deals with your laundry hamper!
*I strongly encourage you to make note of your kid's shoe & clothing sizes & what you need most, so you can go directly to those areas of the sale first. These sales are extremely busy & not for the faint of heart!
Below you'll find links to some of the sales that happen around the city each spring & fall. Hope you check some of them out, so you and your family can save some moola and stay green while dressing your little ones.
Stay tuned for Part 2 next week to learn more about dressing your kids on a budget with the environment in mind.
- Carolyn
Local Parent to Parent Sales