Jack Of Sports Summer Camp GIVEAWAY!! $335.00 Value! Enter NOW!

Winter may still be hanging around, but it’s officially time to start planning for the warmer weather. Spring will be here before we know it, so let’s get the kids registered for summer camps before everything is full! This year our big kids are attending a few great local day camps including Jack of Sports. We have been loving our experience with their swimming lessons, so we wanted to give their camps a try. My 6 year old Lucy can’t wait to try Art Camp and Swimming Camp, while my 8 year old Ben is going for a combo of Swimming and Rock Climbing. So cool!

As a parent I know summer camp costs add up fast, so I’ve partnered with Jack Of Sports to do an amazing GIVEAWAY. Enter for a chance to WIN a week of summer camp, Valued at $335! With tons of amazing activities to choose from (check out all the options below), and locations all over the city, this giveaway is perfect for Toronto families with kids ages 4-13.

I love that all of the Jack of Sports programs include 1 hour of swimming a day, and even the theme camps include some sport play, so our kids keep active. They offer an extended before and after care program, plus this year they have a new optional lunch program (including vegetarian & gluten free meals). A huge perk for tired parents everywhere!

Needless to say, you should ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY! Make sure to Enter all 3 ways to increase your chances of Winning!

1. To Enter Via My Blog: Simply Like this post & Comment below with your name and email (you must include your email address so I can contact you if you win. If you prefer to keep it private, please comment with your name below and send me a quick email so I have your contact info.)

2. Head over to my Instagram and Enter!! ** Unlimited entries with tags!

3. Head over to my Facebook Page and Enter!! ** Unlimited entries with tags!

That’s it. So easy, and if you win, you can check one thing off your never-ending parent to-do list. You can thank me later ;)

Contest is open to all Canadians* 18+ and closes Monday March 2nd at 10pm EST** A winner will be chosen at random and contacted within 24 hours. *Jack of Sports Camps are located in Toronto Canada. No travel or accommodation costs will be covered. Camp registration dates are subject to availability and age restrictions. Learn More about Jack of Sports Programs Here. 

Good luck, and happy registering!!

- Care

*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.

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.

Tax Time Is Coming! Set up Your Small Biz Finances With Lina De Luca CPA + Wine & Wisdom Event

As a small business owner I know that accounting and taxes can be really stressful, but they should never hold you back from achieving your goals. For the first 5 years of my business I tried to do it all myself, but this year I have vowed to make some big changes. Now that my business and revenue streams are growing I desperately need some help putting larger longterm systems into place. Having a professional help me will free up my time so I can focus on what truly creates revenue in my business. I know there are so many mamas out there launching new ventures, so I thought I would share my experience. I hope it helps alleviate a little money related stress for the business mamas out there.

For this new phase in my business I’m so thrilled to be working with Lina De Luca, a CPA (Chartered Professional Accountant) with 10 years experience, and local Bloor West Mom. Lina and her adorable son Mikey have come to lots of my community programs, so I’m very happy to be working together. Lina mentioned to me that in addition to offering bookkeeping and tax services (for businesses and individuals), she is passionate about helping small businesses set up their bookkeeping and get organized, so they will be prepared when tax time comes around. Sounded perfect to me! Her program called “The Blueprint” is geared toward small business owners (or self-employed people). In it she designs an accounting process customized to your particular lifestyle and business needs. By automating as much as possible, Lina helps to reduce time spent, and bookkeeping costs, for businesses who don’t need, or can’t afford, full-time support. This is exactly the kind of help I was looking for, so it was a natural fit. Moving forward with Lina’s help has me so excited. It’s kinda funny what’s exciting when you’re a mom and small business owner ;)

If you want to meet Lina in person and ask her all your questions, Register Now for the upcoming Wine & Wisdom Seminar she’s co-hosting at Community Venue (708 Annette St) on February 27th. Along with three other professionals (Laroux Peoples: Wills & Estates Lawyer, Andrea Henry: Business & Partnerships Lawyer, and Cindy Marques: Financial Planner Investments/Insurance Broker), Lina will be discussing common mistakes made, and answering all of your accounting questions. Space is very limited, so don’t wait to Register. You’ll get some invaluable advice for your business, plus have the opportunity to network with an incredible group of professionals who can help support you along the way.

If you have questions but can’t make it on the 27th, simply Sign Up for a Complimentary 30 Minute Consultation Phone Call with Lina.

5 years into my business, the one thing I would say is that it’s worth investing in this type of help right from the start. Don’t wait like I did. It’ll just pile up and make more work for you in the long run.

Please comment with any questions below, and don’t hesitate to reach out directly to Lina. She really is an amazing person, and so genuinely excited to help you organize your money, so you can meet your business goals.

- Care

*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 Holiday Photos with Anchor Studio at Movies for Mommies Humber

The holiday season is fast approaching, so that means it's time to capture some adorable pics of your little elves. Anchor Studio Photography will be joining me at Movies for Mommies for 2 weeks to offer complimentary Holiday Mini Photo Sessions to movie attendees. Appointments will be scheduled between 12pm-1pm on each day (December 3rd & December 10th). Photo sessions are free and attendees have the option to purchase photos for $25/digital image (or a package). 

Space is very limited for these mini sessions, so please email care@with-care.ca to request a spot. Don't forget to let me know which day you prefer December 3rd or 10th. If the date you prefer is full I will offer you a time on the alternative day, or a spot on the wait list. These sessions fill up very fast, so please don't wait!

If you would like a longer session for your family holiday photos, please check out Anchor Studio’s sessions on Dec 2nd.

Here are a few of my favourite holiday photos from last year with Anchor Studio.

Movies being screened on Monday December 3rd and 10th have not been determined. If you would like to receive notice of our weekly screenings and special events please join the Movies for Mommies Humber Cinemas Newsletter 

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 and space is extremely limited. 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. 

New Mom Project Donation Collections Are Back! - Check Out The Schedule

Fall is here and it's officially time to clean out all the extra stuff you have laying around your house before winter arrives. If you have any new or gently used baby clothes or gear to donate please come by one of my monthly donation collections for the New Mom Project. 

Supporting the New Mom Project means helping families in our own city who desperately need assistance in securing resources for their baby. All clients of the New Mom Project are referred by their Prenatal Primary Health Care Provider (eg. Midwife, Family Dr, OB) and are genuinely in need, so you can feel good knowing that your donations are really making a difference. 

Please check out the details below for a full schedule of donation collections, and to find out what is, and is not, accepted.

Upcoming Donation Dates: Please email care@with-care.ca for the residential drop off address (Jane & Annette). **Please note: With Care can not provide pick-up services or accomodate alternative drop off times**

• Thursday September 13th, 2018 12pm-7pm

• Thursday October 11th, 2018 12pm-7pm

• Thursday November 8th, 2018 12pm-7pm

• Tuesday January 15th, 2019 12pm-7pm

• Tuesday February 19th, 2019 12pm-7pm

• Tuesday March 19th, 2019 12pm-7pm

• Tuesday April 16th, 2019 12pm-7pm

• Tuesday May 21st, 2019 12pm-7pm

• Tuesday June 18th, 2019 12pm-7pm

Items Accepted for Donation:  

• New & gently used baby clothing from 0-12 month sizes (including onesies, sleepers, pants, dresses, socks, shoes, snowsuits & hats)

• Baby blankets

• Baby carriers (in good working order, without recalls)

• Newborn & Size 1 diapers (open packages accepted)

• Wipes (only unopened packages)

• Baby bath products (only unopened packages)

• Small infant toys (0-12 months)

• New bottles & formula (only unopened packages)

• Bumbo Seats/Bouncy Seats/Play Mats/Baths

• Highchairs *please check recalls

• Strollers *please check recalls

• Cribs *No drop sides, please check recalls

• Nursing Pillows

Although we would love to accept all donations, The New Mom Project is a volunteer based organization and is only capable of handling donations for infants 0-12 months. Please check this list before making a donation.

*Items Not Accepted!

• No maternity clothes

• No toddler/preschooler clothing, gear or toys

• No used car seats

• No used breastpumps or open bottles

• No opened wipes packages

• No opened or expired formula

Please Contact The New Mom Project Directly with any questions about alternative donation collection times or special pick ups. 

Thanks for your generosity! Hope to see you at one of my upcoming collections. 

- Care

Booster Seat Safety 101: Watch My Video + Get 15% OFF Nuna Products at Love Me Do Baby & Maternity

I get so many questions from parents about when their child is ready to make the move to a booster and when they can ditch the booster all together. So I decided to make a little video with my son Ben’s Nuna AACE booster seat. He's almost 7 years old and moved from his forward facing 5 point harness car seat to this high back booster at 6.5 years old. He will be able to use this for many years to come, as it transitions into a no back booster for bigger kids.

In this video I'll go over proper use, appropriate ages and stages, and a very important safety tip that is often overlooked by parents when a booster seat is in the car. 

If you’re in need of an amazing booster seat, infant seat, toddler seat, or stroller, make sure you check out the selection of beautiful Nuna products at Love Me Do. They will be 15% off until June 4th. This is an incredible savings, so don’t miss out. The best part is, you can get complimentary car seat installation by their amazing certified car seat technician on any seat you purchase in store. That's a huge value. 

If you want to learn more about safe car seat and booster use, check out this great handout from the Child Passenger Safety Association of Canada. Since all provinces and territories vary in their regulations you can get full details on current laws from the Ontario Ministry of Transportation and a summary of other provinces and territories here.

I hope you enjoy the video. Please feel free to comment below with any questions or topics you would like covered in the future. 

- Care 

In this post:

Love Me Do Baby & Maternity: Nuna AACE Booster Seat     |     Homesense: Basket & Throw Pillows    |     Mur Lifestyle: Black and White Blanket in Basket     |     Ikea: Ektorp Couch & Blanket     |     Bird Apparel: Care's Poncho Shirt (See note in link to special order)     |    Lorena Canals: Rug     |     Bensound: Music, Ukulele Clip

*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. I only partner with products and services that I genuinely love and want to recommend.

*The information in this video is meant to help you learn about booster seats. Please always read your car manual and booster/car seat manual to ensure compatibility and proper secure installation and use. The information provided does not constitute individual advice or consultation and should not be used as such. 

Daddy & Me Mini Sessions at Movies for Mommies Humber - Register NOW!

I'm so excited to be offering Daddy & Me mini sessions at Movies for Mommies this year. What a great gift for father's day! If you would love to get a beautiful photo of your little one this spring, join me at Movies for Mommies at the Humber Cinema (2442 Bloor St W) on Monday May 28th for complimentary mini sessions with Anchor Studio Photography. Appointments will be scheduled before the movie between 12pm-1pm. Photo sessions are free and attendees have the option to purchase photos for $25/digital image (discounted packages for more photos are also available). **PLEASE NOTE: Sessions are reserved for Movie Attendees Only**

You're also welcome to do a solo shoot, or have mom/partner in the pic with your little one. You can choose how to customize your mini session.

Please note that space is very limited for these sessions, so please email care@with-care.ca ASAP to request a spot. 

*The movie being screened May 28th is Solo: A Star Wars Story. If you would like to receive notice of our weekly screenings and special events directly to your inbox, please join my Movies for Mommies Humber Cinemas Newsletter.

Hope to see you at the Movies!

- Care

3 Things You Need to Know About Breastfeeding Beyond 6 Months + Register for The March Breastfeeding Cafe

Taya & Baby Mabel photo credit: four bees photography

Breastfeeding isn't always straightforward, so it's essential to have amazing support along the way. I find that there tends to be a lot of support for parents with newborns, but with older babies, breastfeeding questions are often overlooked. That's why I'm so excited to have Taya Griffin joining me as guest speaker at the March Breastfeeding Cafe, to answer questions about breastfeeding babies of all ages.

Taya is an incredible Lactation Consultant and mom of 2 beautiful girls. She is my go-to referral for all breastfeeding related issues because she is so gentle and caring, but also incredibly knowledgeable. Taya offers amazing Prenatal Breastfeeding Classes at West End Mamas (Register for her next session May 29th), as well as Private In-Home Education & Support, and sees clients at Kidcrew Medical & Dental Clinic.

As a little sneak peak to the amazing advice parents will receive at the Cafe, Taya has provided me with answers to 3 of the questions she gets asked most often about nursing an older baby and returning to work. This is amazing advice and so important for parents to know, so make sure you read it below.

If you want to join Me and Taya at the Breastfeeding Cafe at West End Mamas in March please Register Here. Remaining space is extremely limited, so don't wait! (Edited to Note that the Cafe is now Full! Please email care@with-care.ca to be placed on the waitlist.) *See post for full details

3 Things You Need To Know About Nursing Beyond 6 Months - By Taya Griffin

"As a Lactation Consultant who works in a clinic and community setting, I see babies of all different ages, and answer questions from mothers about nursing well beyond the first and second year. Breastfeeding an older baby is fun, as they are full of personality and their own special quirks, but it definitely comes with its own set of questions that are very different from the newborn stage! Here are three of the top questions that I get asked about nursing an older baby."

1) Do I need to pump when I go back to work?

"Should you be returning to work before the 1 year mark the answer is yes.  You will need to pump each time that baby feeds while you are away from them.  However the luxury that many Canadian mothers have of staying home for a year (and now 18 months for some mamas!) means that upon a return to the workforce there is no need to pump.  Baby will likely want to breastfeed as soon as they see you, and throughout their time with you, but while you are away your breasts will figure out that they are no longer needed. If mother feels some discomfort in the first few weeks of returning to work, hand expressing off a little milk will help to relieve the breasts until they get used to the time away from baby."

2) If I am still breastfeeding will my baby need cow’s milk? 

"This is one of the best aspects of breastfeeding beyond the year mark.  If your baby is breastfeeding at least three times a day there is no need to worry about them receiving any other kind of milk.  Between your breastmilk and a well- balanced diet they will receive more than enough of the vitamins and minerals that they need."

3) My baby won’t take a bottle – how will they drink liquid if I am not around?

"Health Canada’s new guidelines recommend that babies are introduced to a cup at the six month mark. Drinking from a cup, not a bottle, is a life-long skill that we all need and is better for the teeth and palate.  As a transition I have helped many families move from breast to doidy cup (a cup with a small spout) to an open faced cup with a lot of success." 

Thanks for this great advice Taya. For all of the local West End parents, don't forget to Register for the Cafe so you can ask Taya all of your questions in person. Plus we'll be doing fun Giveaway at the Cafe for some delicious Booby Boon Lactation Cookies. You can also get in touch with Taya directly via Email or call her at 416-996-0321 with any questions. 

- Care