Wednesday 31 August 2011

It's Time to Get Organized!

Labour Day weekend seems to signal the end of summer even though it's officially not over. In our house, summertime is the time to just 'go with the flow'. We barbecue whatever we have for dinner, we stay outside all day and we just enjoy the weather as much as we can. Then September rolls around and all of a sudden I feel a panic to get back into some kind of schedule and to get organized. I will admit that I am a Virgo and should be organized, but in my home life, I am just the opposite. I need help!

As luck would have it, I met the most organized mama ever at our local indoor playground the other day. She was giving me pointers left, right and centre - so much so, I wanted to take her home with me and have her sort out my life. I was so in awe and impressed with how she organizes her home, her day and her family life that I just had to share some of her advice. To some of you this may be common sense, but if you are anything like me you may just learn a thing or two.
Some of her great tips included:
  1. Try to get as much done the night before. For example, lay out next day's clothing for yourself and your kids, cut up fruits and veggies for the next day, make lunches, set the breakfast table, pack your day bag...just to name a few;
  2. Do some simple meal planning, whether it be for the next few days, a week or for the month.  From this, create your grocery list and grocery shop once a week (on a set day if possible);
  3. Once a week, take the time to de-clutter every drawer, toy box and closet in your house.  The less stuff, the less frazzled you might feel;
  4. Put up a calendar in the busiest area of your house (read: kitchen) to keep track of your family's activities and appointments.

I can't tackle all of these tips at once, so my first step is to get as much done the night before.  Problem is it's almost 10 p.m. and I haven't even finished dishes from dinner...

Do you have any tips to share?

Sunday 28 August 2011

Week 5: Colourful Essentials Combo from Mabel's Labels!

Mabel's Labels -- Labels for the stuff kids lose!

Mabel’s Labels was founded by moms who were frustrated by the amount of stuff that left their houses, never to return. After lots of research and testing they created the perfect labels for the stuff kids lose.
Their sticky labels and clothing labels are dishwasher, microwave and laundry safe, and customized with a child’s name, choice of colours and icon. They also offer child safety products and household labels.
They continuously create innovative labels for babies, kids and grown-ups. You’ll be amazed at what you can label!

Prize:
A Colourful Essentials Combo - The Colourful Label Out Loud™ Essentials Combo includes all the durable, waterproof labels needed at substantial savings. This Combo features our most vibrant designs.
Winner will be given a gift certificate code for this prize to be redeemed at www.mabel.ca
(must be redeemed by Nov. 1, 2011)

To enter (mandatory):
Leave a comment below letting us know which of your kid(s)' items gets lost or misplaced the most.
Extra Entries:
- Join the One Urban Mama blog via Google Friend Connect or Networked Blogs
- Like Mabel's Labels on Facebook and leave a comment below
- Like One Urban Mama on Facebook and leave a comment below
- Follow @oneurbanmama on Twitter and retweet this giveaway (once per day): Win a Colourful Essentials Combo from @mabelhood via http://bit.ly/o1nAnF
- Follow Mabel's Labels on Twitter: @mabelhood
- Blog about this giveaway and leave the link below
- Sign up for our newsletter - http://eepurl.com/eO1k2

Contest ends Sept. 3 at 11:59 pm (EST). Winner will be selected using Random.org.

Monday 22 August 2011

Kids...I mean Parents...Say the Darndest Thing

My best friend gave me My Quotable Kid: A Parents' Journal Of Unforgettable Quotes as part of a gift for my baby shower back in 2008.  I thought it was such a cute idea and was sure I would have plenty to fill it up with...and I have.  Nicholas has said some pretty funny things over the last couple of years - his signature saying is "that's so gooooood" (saying it with a funny accent). So this got me thinking...yes, it's great having a journal of funny things they are saying, but what about the things that I a) swore I would never say and b) can't believe these words are coming out of my mouth.  Is there a journal to keep a record of that?  Wouldn't it be so hilarious to read that one day when the kids are grown up? 

This journal may or may not exist, so I will share some of my personal favourites here.  Of course, I have the standard "I can't believe I am saying these things I swore I would never say!!!",  for example, "because I said so" and "don't talk with your mouth full".  

Then there are the things that make me wonder...
- "stop pretending your pee-pee is a gun and stop shooting your brother"
- "stop stepping in your poop!!!!"
- "stop touching your poop!!!"
- "get your finger out of your brother's nose, there's nothing in there"
- "don't eat the money"
- "don't splash me with your pee"
- "Alex, stop climbing the stove!!!"

I can probably add a new one to this list every day and they're the ones that I would like to remember, along with the silly things my kiddies say.

Have some to add?? Please share!

:: sonja


Sunday 21 August 2011

Week 4: New Mama Prize Pack from Baby Butterfly Boutique

Baby Butterfly Boutique is one of the hosts of the fabulous One Urban Mama show! 

We are the place to find that great shower gift or a little something for your own baby...whether it's a cute onesie, silly pacifier or natural skin products, we have it.

Visit us online at www.babybutterfly.ca.

Prize:
The New Mama Prize Pack includes an Organic Moby Wrap (in celery) and an assortment of teas (for mama) and body products for mama and baby.  (ARV: >$150)

To Enter (mandatory):
Leave us a comment letting us know what shower gift you really want to receive or what your most favourite shower gift was.

Extra Entries:
- Join the One Urban Mama blog via Google Friend Connect
- Like Baby Butterfly Boutique on Facebook and leave a comment below
- Like One Urban Mama on Facebook and leave a comment below
- Follow @oneurbanmama on Twitter and retweet this giveaway (once per day): Win a New Mama Prize pack from @babybutterflyboutique via http://bit.ly/o1nAnF
- Follow Baby Butterfly Boutique on Twitter: @babybutterflyb
- Blog about this giveaway and leave the link below
- Sign up for our newsletter - http://eepurl.com/eO1k2


Open to CDN and USA residents.
Winner will be selected using Random.org. Contest ends: 08/28 (11:59 p.m. EST)

Wednesday 17 August 2011

Potty Training Woes

Potty training...it became a royal pain in my a$$ over the last couple of months

It was June, my son Nicholas will turn 3 in October and Alex will be 1 in July, so it seemed like the perfect time to potty train Nicholas.  Even more perfect because we had just gone to IKEA and he really wanted to stay at the children's play area, however kids MUST be toilet trained to enter, so he wasn't able to go in.  Well as I am sure you can imagine, this was devastating  to him. 

We decided to use this opportunity to start talking about potty training.  I went out and bought Cars-themed underwear and Pull-Ups and off we went.  I decided to start on a Friday (in early June) and hoped he would be trained by the Monday...that's not unrealistic right?  Right....he was trained by the first week of August.

Things I learned through this process (please keep in mind, this was my first time PT):

- Boys can't aim...sit them down or spend a lot of time cleaning the floor;
- Better yet, use one of those seats that go onto the toilet (we got a Cars one of course)...oh wait, the inside of that will also be covered in pee.  Spend a lot of time cleaning that too.
- For boys, Hot Wheels make for a great reward (thanks for the idea daddy!)
- Don't bother with Pull-Ups.  Kids are smart...they know if they pee in there, it won't drip down their leg, so why stop playing?
- They don't like pooping in the toilet.  Really??  Crapping your pants is better?
- When they do poop themselves, be careful when trying to take off his/her underwear...poop may fall out and become a hazard.  As in they may step in it, then get scared, then spread it all over the place.  Oh wait, did I mention I have a 1 year old who loves to crawl everywhere...especially wherever his brother is???
- Invest in a serious disinfectant (see above).
- They'll eventually get it...and life is good!

Now, if only he can train Alex when it's his turn...

:: sonja

Sunday 14 August 2011

Week 3 Giveaway: First Food Organics (continued)

Welcome to First Food Organics where we make organic baby food using only the best quality fresh produce. We cook and blend our recipes without any additives or preservatives (never, ever!) and then freeze each serving to maintain the best taste, colour and nutrient level.
Our organic baby food recipes come in two stages and include unique ingredients that you won’t find on store shelves – things like cinnamon, chick peas, basil and quinoa just to name a few. Our goal is to save you time while still allowing you to feed your baby the freshest flavours, encouraging a lifetime love of nutritious whole foods. If you don't have a retailer in your area, you can order our baby food products online for delivery anywhere in Ontario, or come by and pick it up at First Food Organics Aurora, Ontario location.

We know that there is nothing more important to you than providing your baby with safe, healthy food.

Prize:

A starter pack of all of our flavours (14 flavours – approx. value $40, shipping included in Ontario)!!!

To Enter (mandatory):
- Visit First Food Organics and tell us which flavour you think your baby would like the best

Extra Entries:
- Join the One Urban Mama Google Friend Connect
- Like First Food Organics on Facebook and leave a comment below
- Like One Urban Mama on Facebook and leave a comment below
- Follow @oneurbanmama on Twitter and retweet this giveaway (once per day): Win a Starter Pack of First Food Organics baby food {link}
- Follow First Food Organics on Twitter: @FFOrganics
- Blog about this giveaway and leave the link below
- Sign up for our newsletter - http://eepurl.com/eO1k2

Winner will be selected using Random.org.  Contest ends: 08/21 (12 am EST)




Tuesday 9 August 2011

Spring 2011 Show

We had a blast at the first One Urban Mama show held on April 8, 2011 at the prestigious Angus Glen Golf Club in Markham.  Over 40 vendors (for a list of vendors, please visit http://www.oneurbanmama.com/pages/spring.htm) were there to sell their great products and share wonderful information to the mamas of the area.  We were thrilled with the turnout and feedback we received from the show and love hearing how a local business was able to connect to new fans!

Photos courtesy of tbr photography






Wednesday 3 August 2011

Fall Show Date Announced!

We had such a great time in April that we are doing it again (and hopefully again and again).  The fall show will be held on November 20th from 9:00 to 4:00 at the exclusive Angus Glen Golf and Country Club.  We are expecting over 50 vendors this time and hope you will join us for a fun-filled day of shopping, networking and great demos. 

We want to spoil you rotten!