Children's Place Kids Clothing $500 [#Giveaway] US/CAN, 7/30

The Kids are really fortunate.

Both sides of their grandparents spoil them whenever they can.

While I try and keep their gift giving within reason (and fail miserably), there are definitely some items that they can use such as...

Kids Clothes from Children's Place!

Max and Artemis have many "uniforms" from the Children's Place like these "piranha shorts" that Max wears on a daily basis. Okay, we have to pry them off him at night he loves them so much.

Artemis also has a bunch of adorable shorts, pants and t-shirts. What I've found (and it makes my life easier) is that you can wear the individual items as a set or mix-and-match.

Speaking of uniforms, while The Kids won't be headed to school for a couple of years, it's still fun to look nice and you can never be too dressed up (if you ask me).

If you're in the market for some uniforms, check out just two of the great pairings that they have for boys and girls. What boy doesn't look handsome in a vest and tie? And their coats and shoes are absolutely adorable and comfortable (just ask my three year old).

FYI, there's a Monster Sale going on right. Receive up to 70% off clearance items and 25% off school uniforms!

The Children's Place makes no secret about the fact that their products are Made in Bangladesh. They take their sense of Social Responsibility very seriously and are members of the "Alliance for Bangladesh Worker Safety". Read their website for more information on their Policy & Standards for Factories and Suppliers.

Connect with The Children's Place via their Website, Facebook and Twitter.

Tweet Share this with your Friends.

Enter to Win a
$500 Children's Place GC Below!

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CONTEST DETAILS
Prize:	Children's Place Gift Card. Approximate prize value is $500USD.
Eligibility:	USA and Canada. Void in Quebec and Hawaii. Age 18+
Duration:	The contest will run from Monday, July 15 until Tuesday, July 30, 2013 at 10pm EST.
Shipping:	Included in the prize.
Entry Method:	Giveaway Tools.
Disclosure:	This giveaway has been sponsored by Children's Place and hosted by Kimsumers. Journeys of The Zoo did not receive any compensation in exchange for posting this giveaway.

Entry-Form

  Besos, The Zoo

Toilet Training Made Easier with Pants from Baby Bug Shop {Etsy}

As of Tuesday, Max decided that he was done with diapers.

Not only during the day but at night too.

Eck!

While I support him in this major milestone, I also want to minimize laundry and the need to change his bed. Especially at night.

That's why, the package from Baby Bug Shop couldn't have come at a better time.

Stylish Toilet Training Pants!

Pickle Peas Bibs Keep Baby Dry and Stylish {#Giveaway} US/CAN, 5/11

Drool. Slobber. Dribble.

Whatever you call it, changing your baby for the 10th time in as many hours isn't fun.

What if you could embrace your baby's natural inclination and have them looking stylish at the same time?

You can with Pickle Peas Snap on Bibs!

Pickle Peas was started in 2012 by a mother of three who knows what drooling babies (and their parents) need. Pickle Peas offers interchangeable snap-on bibs that coordinate with a variety of different outfits including long/short sleeved onesies, long sleeved shirts and rompers. The company also has a commitment to sustainability:

Pickle Peas is proud to make a positive impact on the environment with earth-friendly fabric that's 100% organic cotton and through the use of low impact dyes, nickel-free snaps and recycled shipping materials.

For review, we received the long sleeve bodysuit with two interchangeable bibs in size 3-6 months. I loved how soft the fabric was and am sure it will get even softer with wear. The washable applique bibs are flexible (not rigid as I had expected!) and include a waterproof layer to keep the shirt (and baby) dry.

The colours were vibrant and definitely from a more "hip" palette than many of the baby clothes out there. While being cute is important, being comfortable and dry counts for even more. Turns out, Pickle Peas scored 100% on both these factors. Just ask my two month old daughter ;)

Speaking of which, as you can see, the sizing chart is right on because she weighs 11lbs and it's still a bit large for her.

I like the fact that she can't pull off her bib and I don't need to worry about her yanking on her neck. The snaps were a bit stiff at first but with use are becoming easier to open and close.

The variety of design options on the website covers all the bases, and Pickle Peas is open to suggestions for future designs, should you have any. With International shipping (including tracking), and $4 Flat Rate shipping within the USA, anyone can access this cool new clothing system.

Pickle Peas – Dribble Duds for Little Hipsters.
Cool. Innovative. Comfy. Cute.

Connect with Pickle Peas via their Website, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

Enter to Win Your Own Pickle Peas Set!

Kids Can Play in Puddles with @Stonzwear Rain Bootz! {Review}

Spring is such a busy time.

Flowers are in Bloom. Gardens are being planted. It rains everyday.

I'm not big on the last one but this year, The Kids get to play in puddles and I get piece of mind that,

Their Feet will be Dry with Stonz Rain Bootz!

A Canadian company based in Vancouver, Stonz Wear Inc. got it's start when Owner Lisa discovered that finding warm footwear for her young kids was near impossible. Her only option, wrapping scarves around her 5-month old sons' legs to keep him warm.

After meeting another mom who had made a boot that looked a lot like a fleece-lined chalk bag for her child. Lisa instantly knew these booties could fill a need in the market. And the rest they say is history.

There is no such thing as bad weather; only inappropriate clothing ~ Lisa

Our review of their creatively named, Stonz Rain Bootz came at the perfect time. The rain boots that we'd bought for Artemis had just torn where an appliqué flower was "applied". The 2" tear at the bottom of the boot left them unusable. She'd only worn them a handful of times.

Choosing a colour was tough, especially when you have such vibrant colours to choose from. I chose the neutral colour charcoal so that The Kids could share.

The sizing chart was just right. Of course I ordered a size too big (what Mother doesn't) and the size 8's were roomy but didn't inhibit Max's ability to get around and jump in rain puddles!

The treads are wide and deep, perfect for walking on muddy gravel roads as well as slippery wet grass. Living in the country, we have lots of both at this time of year.

While these 100% Natural Rubber Boots also have an appliqué, it is at the top of the boot and doesn't appear to use the same adhesive technique as "the other company". They are lined with a soft cottony lining and the insole is removeable. Great if you need to dry them out or if your kids have orthotics.

Speaking of which, their Original Booties have received several awards, including a "Seal of Approval" from the Canadian Podiatric Medical Association who were impressed by the construction and warranty of the products.

The integrity of a company is a major factor in how I spend my hard earned money.

Right from the beginning, Stonz Wear was upfront that while they were a Canadian company, the boots were not Made in Canada. They wanted to use 100% Natural Rubber, and avoid using PVC, phthalates, formaldehyde and lead and they couldn't find a suitable producer here in Canada. I appreciated that they provided me with this information.

Even so, rest assured Stonz Wear Inc. is 100% Canadian.

Stonz Wear is a perfect fit for The Zoo!

Want to know more about this great Canadian company? Connect with Stonz Wear via Website, Facebook, Twitter and informative videos on YouTube.

Journeys of The Zoo received a copy of this product that enabled us to complete this review.

  Besos, The Zoo

What's Under The Zoo’s Non-Existent Christmas Tree?

It's been a while since we told you what's in The Zoo's mailbox. Seeing as Christmas is only three-ish weeks away, we thought we'd share with you some of the unique and affordable gifts ideas for Mom and Kids that we've found.

Before we go any farther, I should let you know that Journeys of The Zoo doesn't actually have a Christmas tree. Well, we do but it's in a box in the basement and it hasn't seen the light of day since I took it down March 23, 2003 in preparation for my move. Up until that point, it had been a permanent fixture in my living room since November 2000.

Yes, you read that correctly.

I was known as "The lady with the Christmas tree". I would turn the lights on every quarter December, March, June, September and the neighbours would come over for a chat.

If you're surprized then you need to read my blog more.

Here are some of the goodies that will be under our tree, if we had one.

Second Peek Maternity & Undercover Mama Review

When my friend Sarah learned of my second pregnancy, she so graciously bestowed upon me a gift certificate to Second Peek Maternity Boutique.

Excited to get something new for this time around (I'm even more frugal than Sarah), I immediately went to check out their website. I was impressed by the wide range of products (over 20 categories), for pregnancy and beyond.

First, I perused the "Pre-Loved Maternity" clothes to see what was available. I was pleased to see that there was a good range of options in all sizes. Even better was that each item was photographed on a mannequin, which allowed me to see how the item would drape on a pregnant form. In addition to maternity clothing, the boutique carries a wide assortment of mom-invented gear (how cool is that?!) for babies, kids, and moms. All the prices were clearly marked and in CAN$.

After much difficult decision making, I decided on the "Undercover Mama Nursing Tank". I ordered a medium in a practical black (it came in Black, Brown and White). The site recommends ordering a size smaller than your normal size, which I did, and I'm happy to report that the medium fits!

I got out my stash of nursing bras to prove the theory that it will attach to any nursing bra. The tank has two methods with which to attach and I had no trouble hooking it up to the different styles of bras I have. It was a cinch! I suggest you do what I did and view a video of how to use the tank on Second Peek Maternity Boutique's website.

The package was sent expedited service and it only took a few days to arrive. Seeing as I was paying for shipping, I would have liked to see two shipping options; expedited and regular ground mail. For me, time is not of the essense as I'm not due for another six months.

I am so pleased to have this product because I don't relish the opportunity to have my belly hang out while nursing in public, especially in Ontario in February! For the many reasons that I am ready to have the baby (the excitement, an end to the nausea, the visits from family), I can now add nursing in public to that list. Thanks to Undercover Mama and Second Peek Maternity Boutique, I am...

Ready for Baby at Second Peek!

Rene is a regular Contributor at Journeys of The Zoo and received a copy of this product that enabled her to complete this unsolicited review.

  Besos, The Zoo

What's in The Zoo's Mailbox for June 26, 2012

1. BowTie from Sunny Vanilla

Jen sent me the most adorable bowtie EVER. Seriously, look at Max sporting it (minus the ketchup smeared all over his face, I always swore that I'd never be one of THOSE mothers, back to the tie).

Seriously Adorable

I ordered the plaid, seersucker, blue/green (size two yrs). It's plenty big enough and you can't even tell that it's handmade (although that's the best part!). In addition, it will go with almost everything (note to Nanna, perhaps I should have changed his shirt, you know, to maximize the "matching factor", I'll know for next time).

If you know a boy, he needs a tie. If he already has one, he needs another. Don't know a boy, check out the bags and purses that Sunny Vanilla has to offer.

2. Cloth Diaper from Sew Silly

Kammie graciously gave me one of her cloth diapers.
Problem. I don't know anything about cloth diapers (I know what you were going to ask, don't).

I got my choice of fabric and I picked this one. So pretty!
Problem. It didn't come with any care instructions.

I emailed Kammie a few questions.
Problem Solved. She emailed me the following,

For Washing. Wash on normal cycle with cloth diaper friendly detergent. Hot water/cold rinse.
For Drying. High heat dry or line/sun dry.
For General Care. About once a month you will need to strip your diapers. After regular wash but before the dry cycle wash again this time with 5 drops of Tea tree oil. Then dry.
Insert. The insert is made to be folded in half with the free side against baby's skin. You could triple it if needed but I think it would be too skinny that way.
More Information. Diaperpin.com.
Laundry Detergent Chart available at www.diaperjungle.com/detergent-chart.html or you can make your own detergent for super cheap (that's what I do).

I can't comment on quality or function because they're the first cloth diaper that I've ever owned. But, all the seams are really neat and finished, the snaps are solid (I know enough that I like snaps better than velcro!) and I gave the elastic around the leg a good workout and everything looks in great working order!

Check out all the amazing fabrics, cloth diapers, slings and pouches that Sew Silly has to offer. You won't be disappointed by the quality, price or customer service that you receive.

3. Red Cabochon Flower and White Pearl Necklace from Sodapop Designs.

Dana is a mind reader. She must be because she sent me a necklace with my favourite accent colour... red.

The flower is very intricate, or so it appears, not that I'd really know. You see, Artemis has taken ownership of the necklace, and won't let anyone near it. Not an issue for this review because that girl knows her stuff. She loves the feeling of the pearls and keeps asking to look at herself in the mirror (note that this symptom may not be attributed to the new necklace...).

Red isn't your colour (really, it should be)? No worries, Dana has tons of other items to wet your appetite. Check out Sodapop Designs for all your "I want to look fantastic" needs!

4. Princess Revolution CD from Moey

This is Moey's third album and it's all about "The Princess". The kids (read: Max) are young enough that they couldn't care less if Moey was singing about Princesses or Olympic Highjumping. The important part is that they love the beat and the songs don't annoy the crap out of you as a parent that has to listen to it 1,231 times a day are catchy and even teach concepts such as counting and sharing.

One song even talks about having the courage to sing off key something that I totally have no idea about. I'm pretty sure that all the songs are original. If not, I was never a child.

Check out Moey's website to learn about her previous two CD's and "All Things Moey".

5. Monogrammed Luggage Tags from Birds on a Line

I LOVE ALL THINGS MONOGRAMMED. Have I made myself clear?

When Sandra told me that I'd won personalized luggage tags, I was thrilled to be able to cross luggage tags off my list. When she offered to take my logo and completely "Zooify" the tag, I was awed. Talk about a happy customer!

Both sides of the tags were personalized (the back contains my name and blog coordinates) and came with plastic and black leather straps. I can't wait to go somewhere so that I can use them. Won't be hard to find my bags in a crowd.

Don't travel, no problem. Birds on a Line offers gift labels and notepads as well. Besides, you could always get something for me the kids.

6. Necklace Leaf Buddy from GermanDolls

Ulla is the owner of GermanDolls and uses her German heritage as her inspiration. Her little Leafbuddies (as well as other products) are made from roving wool.

I don't know how she does it but the colours are so vibrant. I decided to use her photograph as I couldn't do the doll justice. The doll came with care instructions as well as a warning that "The dolls are handsewn and do have small heads" so to beware. Note that I already knew that because Ulla realized that I had young kids and sent me an email beforehand. Better to be safe than sorry.

Artemis and Max have enjoyed carrying their doll around and even had her sitting (on a chair) for their daily tea party. Visit GermanDolls and give the gift of "nothing says I love you like a toy made by a real person" (quoted by Ulla herself).

  Besos, The Zoo

Vintage Baby Revival Keeps Legs warm {Review}

You know how I always talk about how I appreciate it when people send me a personalized note with their gift. Well, Melissa from Vintage Baby Revival has really outdone herself. Opening up her package made me feel like a "kid in a candy shop". There were so many little items and each one was thought out and functional. And of course, she included a personalized note.

My prize, two legwarmers knitted by Melissa herself. The yarn (colours) were so beautiful and unique that it was difficult to pick. But, sacrifice myself I did and chose green and reeces pieces.

Each of the legwarmers came in their own owl "burlap like" drawstring bag (with logo/name stamped on the front) and a shipping tag attached (with removable string) that contained her name on one side and washing instructions/material content on the back.

Seeing as these are 75% wool and 25% nylon, she suggests machine wash cold and dry low. I love that it's so easy. I don't know about you but if something says "dry clean only or hand wash" I either don't buy it or throw it in the washing machine anyways and hope for the best.

Also included was a business card with an owl on it (I'm sensing a theme), one of her creations on the front (an owl) and balls of yarns on the back. The little personalized note came on card stock (love that too) with an owl stamp and a little strip of (wallpaper like) paper.

I absolutely loved the owl theme and DIY-like feel throughout.

Summer might be just around the corner, but around here, we can wear leg warmers all but two months of the year. Besides, it's a fashion statement and we know our fashion (tee, hee).

The only problem was that the package arrived when Nanna was here (I'll have to time things better) and the leg warmers were too cute (totally Melissa's fault!). In turn, one pair was stolen traded (for a not so nice pair). Before you go and feel sorry for me, did I mention that Melissa threw in an extra pair of warmers. Yes, that makes three pairs in total. Her excuse was that I'd had to wait too long to receive them. I think that she's just like that. Truth be told, I can't even remember how long they took to arrive (maybe a few weeks) and besides, I'd told her that there wasn't any rush (apparently that was my fault, smile).

To top it off, Melissa is Canadian and you all know how I heart Canadians. Save yourself the hassle of searching for the perfect gift and just check out Melissa's shop, Vintage Baby Revival. There's something for everyone and if you have a baby in your future, she has some one-of-a-kind items for your little nugget!

Support Canadian!

  Besos, The Zoo

What Winnings are in The Zoo's Mailbox? {Canadian}

Time for another installment of "What's in The Zoo's Mailbox". The only difference is that this time, all the prizes come from Canadian companies.

I Canada.

1. Porcelain Bead Bracelet Earring Set from Jaya at The Jewel Street
I don’t wear a lot of jewellery (Eric, check here for spelling accuracy); one ring and a pair of earrings. I have a few other pieces that I pull out for special occasions but nothing like this. Especially because it’s my one and only "set". I can definitely see myself wearing it in my day-to-day casual wear (is there anything else?) but could also wear it for a formal dinner out.

When I first tried to put the bracelet on, I kept trying to twist the clasp (open) until I realized that it's attached with a magnet. Neat! I'd never seen that before (I don’t get out much). It feels so strong that I have little doubt that I'll ever lose it. I find no difference in weight to my bracelets with clasp fittings (they’re both lightweight).

I can safely say that I'm glad that someone who shall remain nameless (you know who you are...) no longer has their ears pierced or else this set would no longer be in my possession. In addition, I’ve recently lost my "go to" pair of earrings so these have taken up the role nicely.

Seeing as Jaya has a great sense of humour, I thought that I'd ask her a couple questions.

One: What is/was your favourite piece in your collection?
I like everything I create. Can a mother answer who's your favorite child (smile)? My mom is the greatest inspiration for me. She's a very strong hearted lady. In my childhood, she looked like an ordinary mom to me. But as I grew up and particularly after my marriage, am seeing something great in her. I see this necklace as very simple but it portrays a bold and confident attitude.

Two: What item is your best seller?
My earrings sell the best. My customers love these green turquoise ones. They say that they’re fun and unique.

Three: What is your favourite Zoo animal?
Can I pick 2? I like the Zebra and Giraffe for their patterns.

Four: A "normal" person has 32 permanent teeth. How many do you have?
I have 30 as I had two removed and had to wear braces for three years (when I was 12).

If my review and Jaya's interview don't convince you to check out her Etsy Shop, then how about the fact that she sent along a lovely handwritten card and you know what I think about that!

As you mentioned Jaya, we’ll have to get together for a coffee when I’m in Toronto.

2. Pwark from Louis a.k.a. TiWi (the caretaker of all things "Pwark")
Let me start out by saying that The Professor almost didn’t come to live with us. You see, Louis sent me a Facebook message on March 27 and I didn’t see it until April 15. "Normally", you have from 24-72 hours to respond or you forfeit your prize. But, Louis is no "normal guy" nor are his creatures!

So, who is "The Professor" you ask. Well, the latest addition to The Zoo. In keeping with the French(ish) theme (he’s actually Belgian) we named him with this guy in mind. It's like he was made.for.me. All my favourite colours; oranges, yellows with a retro vibe.

A face that only a mother could love!?

Opening up the package (the cool creature on the front was such a nice touch) was like getting a birthday present on my birthday (hey, it WAS my birthday). Out fell handfuls of stickers, a screened fly jean patch and TWO Pwarks (apparently The Professor, formally known as Pwark #444 was too afraid to travel alone so he brought his friend "Skwid"). Note that the only thing that I won was the Pwark so all the extra’s were such a nice surprise.

Want your own Professor (well he’s a one-of-a-kind but there are many other special ones to choose from), check out Louis's Facebook Page (http://www.facebook.com/pwark) and his Website (http://www.pwarkland.com/) for other unique and creative items (much more than just creatures)!

We look forward to creating many more adventures with the latest member of The Zoo.

In keeping with the Canadian theme of this post, Louis has kindly translated his review into French (Canada’s other official language).

Merci Louis! (that would be French for thank you).

Le PWARK de Louis, a.k.a TiWi ( le créateur de l'univers "PWARK!")
Pour commencer, je dois dire que Le Professeur a bien failli ne pas venir habiter avec nous. En effet, Louis m'a envoyé un message sur Facebook le 27 Mars et je ne l'ai vu que le 15 Avril. Habituellement, vous avez de 24 a 72 heures pour répondre ou vous ne pouvez réclamer votre prix. Mais, Louis n'est pas un gars ordinaire, tout comme ses créatures!

Vous vous demandez surement qui est "Le Professeur". Bien, c'est le petit dernier addicion au Zoo. Dans le but de garder son nom dans un thème français (il est Belge) nous l'avons nommé "Professor Calculus" en tête.

[See pictures above]

N'est-il pas adorable (un visage que seul une mère peut aimer!?). C'est comme s'il était fait spécialement pour moi. Toutes mes couleurs favorites; orange, jaune avec un accent rétro.

En ouvrant le colis (la créature sur le dessus est un joli ajout) ce fut comme un cadeau de fête (en plein jour de ma fête). Il en est tombé plein d'autocollants, une pièce de jean avec une mouche sérigraphiée dessus et DEUX PWARK! (il paraitrait que Le Professeur, a l'origine PWARK #444 était effrayé a l'idée de voyager seul, donc il est accompagné de son ami "Skwid"). A noter que le prix était seulement le PWARK, donc tous les petits extras étaient des surprises.

Vous voulez votre propre Professeur ( bien qu'il soit unique, il y en a plein d'autres que vous pouvez adopter), visitez la page Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/pwark) ou le site internet (http://www.pwarkland.com/) pour les autres items uniques et disjonctés (beaucoup plus que seulement des créatures)!

On espère faire plein d'aventures avec le dernier membre du Zoo.

Pour conserver l'aspect Canadien de ce billet, Louis a gentiment traduit la critique en Français (la seconde langue officielle du Canada).

Thanks Louis! [That would be anglais for merci]

3. Split Pack from Loveable Labels
I did it! All my time wasted hard work paid off. I finally won my coveted prize; a Loveable Labels Split Pack. I know, I need to get out more.

This time (versus the last time), I got personalized stickers in each of the kids names. Besides blankie and teddy, I think that this is the first thing that they don’t need to share. Ed and I have no problem with them sharing (it’s an important concept of our parenting style) but seriously, our poor kids.

I love that each pack (name) comes in their own booklet with tabs. Talk about sleek. They’ve thought of everything and even provide instructions. Not because they're difficult to install (they're stickers for Pete's sake, poor Pete) but to ensure that you get the maximum stickability (new word!?). I for one appreciated (and read) them.

Max's real name (yes, Max is only his super secret spy name) is kind of long (10 characters) but I was pleased to see that it didn't look squished at all. However, I already knew that because you can preview your order!

My one minor issue with the split pack is that it isn’t really ideal if you have to split the pack with a boy and girl. I chose the "Nature Lovers" design and I find it a bit girly for Max. Not so much in the colours but in the designs (flowers and butterflies, not that we aren't an equal opportunity family over here, Max wears his fair share of tutus). Next time (and trust me, there will be one), I'll choose their Licorice Twist design with a frog icon. Or even better, maybe I’ll ask them if they could use our "Z" icon.

So just to clarify, I've updated my goals. Now it isn't to win a Loveable Labels Pack but to win TWO Loveable Labels packs. Want your own pack? Check out their site at www.lovablelabels.ca and support Canadian!

4. Jewellery from Made by Lin Lin Lindsay creates beautiful handmade pieces from her studio in Vancouver. Not sure if it's the fresh air, or being surrounded by beauty (love the ocean and forests) but she sure knows about colour! I was fortunate enough to have my choice (of colours) of three pairs of earrings and a ring. The ring is adjustable (brass) but it just slipped on my ring finger like that.

Be sure to check out all her other items (she does custom work). I especially like the bobby pins!

5. Herringbone Pants from Hugh Fielding
Let me introduce you to the cutest (capri) pants. Well actually, they aren’t supposed to be capri pants but Hugh Fielding had already sent their prize (pants sized for an 11 month old) to the giveaway hosts so I couldn’t get them in Max’s size. No worries, they’re big enough in the girth so Max has been wearing them as capri pants.

Note that this picture is from their website. I still need to add a picture of Max wearing them!

They have this label on the inside that looks "personalized" (it's earthy looking and worn, not a bad thing, just the way it is) and so Ed keeps telling Max that he’s wearing "Hugh Fielding's" pants. Tee, hee.

Love the stripes around the waist and cuffs. The cuff length is 3" and I would have turned them up more but it was creased (I just need to iron it) and didn’t want to make the picture even worse, considering I take such bad pictures negatively affect the creative integrity of the photo. A.d.o.r.a.b.l.e. Looking forward to warmer weather so he can wear them outside.

Hugh Fielding has great stuff for your home and kids. Be sure to check out their shop.

6. P-Touch Scrapbooking Labeller from Brother Canada
Seriously, how lucky can a girl get (rhetorical question)? This week, this labeller showed up at my doorstep (see comment about UPS guy below for additional details).

As I mentioned, recently I’ve been bitten by the crafting bug. In turn, I'd borrowed Ed’s Brother Labeller (for men) but he took it back because I was using up too much of his labels because he needed to use it. I don't need to worry about Ed borrowing mine because it came in a pretty "your husband will never steal your labeller from you" pink. The package included a handy carrying case, instructions, batteries (seriously, who provides batteries anymore, BONUS!) and TWO packs of labels (amongst other important things but I don't want to cut into my labelling time by mentioning them, refer to the links I provided for more details).

The installation of the batteries and tape was really easy (especially because I followed the instructions, yes, I'm like that). I immediately started to label everything items of importance. Needless to say, I'm really excited to finish up my craftroom revamp.

The only problem I had was that I broke one of the (plastic) clasps on the box and now it won't close. They have a "one year brother labeling machine limited warranty" so I'll give them a call and let you know what happens. Speaking of which, brother is so efficient that my package came with a personalized letter (love those!) to be used as a "proof of purchase" (which was necessary for me to register my labeler online, which I did and was so easy that it took me less than 2 minutes to do!).

7. Family Four Pack to Chimpanzee the Movie (Disney) Believe it or not, I have been entering giveaways for prizes that I have no intention of using (quell the laughter please). This was one such prize. While entering, I thought, Grey, Drey and Nanna who live in Toronto (I do not) could use it but when the time came (and I'd actually won), it turned out that my Aunt Bib was getting married on that day and so they couldn't attend. Plan B: my cousin Heidi. Luckily, she totally rearranged her life and cancelled her plans in order to attend the advanced screening. Here's what she had to say.

Thank you so much for this opportunity for a family outing. No popcorn tales, I snuck in Girl Guide cookies, fruit snacks and granola bars. No drinks though, that would be wrong. The movie was great, Jeffrey (seven year old boy) had seen trailers for it the week before and was asking to see it. He and Cameron watched the whole thing. Stephanie (five-year old girl) only lasted 45 minutes. It showed a chimpanzee family live in the wild, play, sleep, gather food highlighting the challenges and rewards of the search and success of opening a nut. They all had names and an important role in the family. I love the way Oscar stayed so close to mom until he was strong enough to explore on his own.

As for the drink comment, that is "Classic Heidi"!

Note that this picture was used with permission.

8. One Year Subscription to EcoParent.ca

Last but not least, the first ever edition of EcoParent magazine arrived and even the feel of it tells me that this magazine is special

It feels extra durable (kind of like tyvek) but still the nice feel of a paper magazine that you're used to. It feels this way because it's been printed on "Canadian-made Enviro100 Satin 100% post-consumer waste recycled paper compared to a typical 100% recycled paper. In turn it saved; 53,000L of water, 963kg of water, 3,217 kg of CO2 (the average emission of one car for a whole year), 12 kg NOx (37 days worth of a large truck's emissions) and 22GJ (101,259 60W lightbulbs for one hour). Who knew that there were differences in recycled paper!

In flipping through, it appears that the magazine is regionalized (the address sticker for mine references Smith Falls) and there are local (provincial and national) advertisements one of which is from "A Mother's Touch" which I love (and have done business with).

Know someone that has everything but wants to make a difference? By giving them a subscription to this magazine you're helping the environment, supporting Canadian and learning about the world around you. I'm looking forward to catching some time to read.

Off to check the Mailbox!

  Besos, The Zoo