New President's Choice Supreme Diapers are soft AND absorbent

These diapers will save your baby's clothes and save you money...

The first thing I noticed when I opened the package of brand new President's Choice (PC) Supreme Diapers is how soft they are. I seriously wouldn't mind a pillow made from these diapers. They are THAT soft. 

But a diaper cannot be judged on softness alone. As we introduce Hannah to more and more solid foods, her diapers are becoming more instrumental in saving her clothes (and rocking chair, high chair, car seat, etc.) from poop. I'm happy to report that these diapers stood up to the test. One even withstood as an overnight dirty diaper - and kept the mess contained better than any brand we have used yet. The super absorbent core and back waistband that helps prevent leakage left her clothing dry and stain-free. The soft, stretchy sides ensured a snug and comfortable fit, and the diapers moved along with Hannah with no issues at all.

The diapers come in sizes 1 to 6 (with a wetness indicator for sizes 1 and 2). They are hypoallergenic and fragrance free. A box (comparable sizing to national leading brands) retails for $24.99.
 
Truthfully, the only things these diapers don't have that the leading brands do are Disney or Sesame Street characters on the design. There are also no "points" to collect, but with the savings I accrue by purchasing PC Supreme Diapers versus the leading brands, I can choose to buy whatever toys/DVDs I want for Hannah.

President's Choice has definitely done their homework when it comes to these new diapers. I wasn't a fan of their PC Green ones, but I will happily buy the Supreme ones for Hannah.

President's Choice Supreme Diapers can be found at your local Loblaw banner supermarket now. In Ontario, they are available at Loblaws^®, Loblaw greatfood^®, Zehrs^®, Zehrs greatfood™, Fortinos^®, Real Canadian Superstore^®, valu-mart^®, Your Independent Grocer™, nofrills^®, Cash & Carry™ and Real Canadian Wholesale Club^®. You can find your closest store here.

Although this post has generously been sponsored by President’s Choice, the opinions and language are all my own.

© 2012 YYZ Bambina. All Rights Reserved.

Guest Blogging at My So-Called Mommy Life

Happy Friday! Today I am guest blogging over at My So-Called Mommy Life as part of her Friendly Fridays.

I don't recall how I found Renee's blog, but I do remember the first post I ever read of hers. It was all about how a baby could paint WITHOUT making a mess. The post is called No mess art? No way! She has oodles of great ideas like this as well as honest posts about what is going on in her life with her Hubster and her daughter Princess Peach.

So please go read my post Organizing Baby's Clothes on My So-Called Mommy Life, and stick around for her other great offerings!

© 2012 YYZ Bambina. All Rights Reserved.

Toys "R" Us Holiday Fair

This week Hannah and I (and my cousin Jessica) had the opportunity to attend the Toys "R" Us Toy Vendor Fair.

Basically we got to have a sneak peek of the hottest toys and gadgets coming out for this holiday season, and I mentally started a list of all the things I want to put under the tree for Hannah for her first Christmas. I also mentally started a list of toys I can't wait to purchase when she's older so that Chris and I Hannah can play with them.

Some highlights from the fair (at least for me) included:

Information on Monsters University - the prequel to Disney/Pixar's Monsters, Inc. As a huge Sulley fan, I'm happy to report the movie will be in theatres on June 21, 2013. AND they are re-releasing the original in 3D on December 19, 2012 so you can re-watch (or watch for the first time) the movie that started it all on the big screen. There are a bunch of cool toys coming out along with the film - a talking Boo doll and action figures are a few.

Infantino's new Pop & Swap Gym would be a great gift for a newborn. The activity pods, graphic cards and activity plush toys are all interchangeable - so you can use them together, attach them to the stroller or mix things up for baby. The Gym also plays 10 minutes of lights and music, and grows along with baby as she strengthens her visual and motor skills. HappiTaps are also a gift that I'm considering for Hannah - they use your iPhone or iPod, you download an app - and it becomes an interactive toy that plays peekaboo and plays with your child.

I was so excited to stop by the Crayola booth. Their earliest products are 12 months plus, and I can't wait to buy Hannah the My First Crayola Washable Markers Palm Grip with My First Crayola Mess-Free Marker and Paper. In many years, I could also see the Crayola Catwalk Creations under the tree as a gift from Hannah's Aunt who is a fashion designer.

Mega Bloks also had fun assortment kits of Hello Kitty and the Smurfs.

On my first Christmas I got a Cabbage Patch Doll from my Godmother. I still have her today. This Christmas I will definitely be getting Hannah the Newborn Cabbage Patch Doll - and with its soft face, I won't have to worry about her whacking it into her own face.

So many amazing toys, so little time.

Have you started your holiday list for your little one? If so, what's on the list?

© 2012 YYZ Bambina. All Rights Reserved.

Baby's First CNE

One of my favourite things about living in Toronto is the annual Canadian National Exhibition (CNE), also know as The Ex. Even though it marks the end of summer, how can one not love rides, food and fun?

This year was Hannah's first taste of the CNE. And although she didn't get to actually taste any of the delicacies yet (hello Tiny Tom's Donuts and Ice Cream Waffle Sandwiches), she soaked in the sights and sounds of Canada’s largest annual community event. According to the CNE website, over the course of its 18 day run, the CNE attracts more than 1.3 million people each year.

Hannah didn't make it on to any rides. But she won her own stuffed animal on the midway (a brown horse at the Duck Pond - she touched two ducks, those counted), saw her first ice skating show and took in the SuperDogs (thankfully she's not old enough to ask for a dog yet...maybe I should be training Booyah to do tricks when she goes to bed).

We also made a stop at the CNE farm where she talked to a cow and went through an activity about being a farmer (OK, I pushed her stroller and my Mom did all the hard work...but next year, Hannah will REALLY enjoy that).

I can't wait until next year when I can take her on some rides, she can enjoy the bouncy castle and I can FINALLY give her the first (of what I hope will be many) Tiny Tom's Donut.

Have you been to the CNE? If so, what are some of your favourite memories?

© 2012 YYZ Bambina. All Rights Reserved.

Hannah's Pick of the Month - Fisher-Price Whirl n Tumble Elephant

Hannah's Pick of the Month for August is her Fisher-Price Whirl n Tumble Elephant.

She likes the orange and red "tumbling character" much better than than the purple elephant, alas they are a duo and must be treated as such.

When the tumbling character is placed inside the drum of the elephant and baby (or Mommy) pushes it along (the wheels making a mechanical sound), the tumbling character spins and somersaults inside the vehicle. Then baby usually picks up the tumbling character in one hand, and the elephant vehicle in another. When the tumbling character is dropped and rolls out of baby's reach, baby whines until Mommy comes to the rescue.

That being said, this toy does keep Hannah entertained and happy. And I've already seen her move a lot more by herself when using it.

You can purchase the Fisher-Price Whirl n Tumble Elephant at various outlets for around $10.

© 2012 YYZ Bambina. All Rights Reserved.

Green Your Routine with Seventh Generation

Did you know that it only takes two weeks to form a habit (or change a bad one)? With that in mind, Seventh Generation has set out to Green Your Routine during Back-to-School. Over the next few weeks, please join me by:

1. Packing a litterless lunch
2. Switching to eco-friendly cleaners
3. Green commuting
4. Rebranding responsibility

Every step of the way I will post about how my family is changing their habits - and how yours can too. By adopting these four small and simple changes you can save you money, make a lasting impact on
the environment, and positively affect the health of your family.

As part of the Green Your Routine campaign, Seventh Generation will award one YYZ Bambina reader a Seventh Generation Starter Pack. The pack is composed of three coupons redeemable for Seventh Generation products. The winner will be able to choose from any of Seventh Generation's household products or laundry products (Shower Cleaner, Tub & Tile Cleaner, Toilet Bowl Cleaner, All-Purpose Cleaners, Glass & Surface Cleaner, Natural 4X Laundry Detergent, Natural 2X Laundry Detergent, Liquid Fabric Softener or Natural Liquid Fabric Softener).

I was sent some Seventh Generation products and I will review them in my switching to eco-friendly cleaners post next week.

In the meantime, start thinking about how you can Green Your Routine, enter the giveaway below, and look for my first #GYR post on litterless lunches later this week!

Open to Canadian Residents only. Valid entries only. Contest ends Sunday, September 23, 2012.
 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

© 2012 YYZ Bambina. All Rights Reserved.

Baby's First Word

This post is a long time coming. Hannah actually hit this milestone two weeks ago. However, in order for the post not to be a rant, I needed a little bit of a cool down before I began to type.

Two weeks ago, my Mom, Chris, Hannah and I went to lunch at a Montana's. While we were waiting for our food to arrive, my Mom asked Hannah, "Where's Daddy?" She looked right at Chris and with crisp clarity said, "Dada!"

Then my Mom, as if she was some sort of referee in the matter, said, "Yep, that goes in the baby book."

She later tried to console me by saying "Well, when Hannah needs a diaper change or is hungry she always says 'Mmmmmm'." Right. Thanks.

A few other people have tried to tell me that Dada is easier to say than Mama. Some go on to complain about how we still live in a male-dominated society and of course Dada will be easier to say even though Mama changed her diet, gave up her body and slept uncomfortably for months to bring baby into this world. And now that baby is here and Mama spends every hour of every day with her, "Dada" is still her first word.

OK this is turning into a rant, which I was trying to avoid, so I must end this post.

What was your baby's first word?

© 2012 YYZ Bambina. All Rights Reserved.

Add-a-Kid Wins Best Kid's Gift

We're still wearing shorts and flip-flops, but the retail industry is already looking ahead to the holiday season.

The 2012 Retail News Best Gift Award winners were recently revealed in Toronto during the Fall 2012 Toronto Gift Show hinting to Canadians what should be on their wish lists this year. Hundreds of new products competed for various categories to win recognition from the Canadian Gift and Tableware Association (CGTA). The 2012 Best Kid's Gift Award went to Add-a-Kid of North York, Ontario.

Add-a-Kid provides unique bibs, onesies and t-shirts in a range of sizes for various ages in many themes including sports, occupations, hobbies and fantasy in a variety of styles. (How cute is this Elvis shirt?) Note the unique photographic hangers. They make great gifts for baby showers, children's birthdays or holiday presents.

Hannah was sent an uber cute Monkey bib. As she is our little monkey, it was quite fitting. The bibs are meant for babies 6 months and older. They are over-sized, which allows the clothing underneath to stay protected from whatever doesn't reach the tummy. They are also super absorbent which allows the clothing underneath to stay dry during each and every feeding.

The care instructions for the bib are quite simple - just throw into the washing machine and then air-dry so the print stays like brand-new.

The Add-a-Kid line retails from $11.99 (bib) to $17.99 (onesie or t-shirt).

© 2012 YYZ Bambina. All Rights Reserved.

Mommy Brain - It Exists!

Today after swimming, Hannah passed out in her crib, I hopped into the shower to rid myself of the chlorine smell.

I put some shampoo in my hair and rinsed. Then I put some body wash...in my hair. Point 3,459,287 for Mommy Brain versus zero for me.

There's been countless emails I've thought I've sent which I haven't even typed. I swear I put a bib in the diaper bag, but when I go to reach for it it's not there. And of course, there's all the times I enter a room and mutter "Why am I here again?", which are increasing exponentially since I gave birth.

Unfortunately, it seems like Mommy Brain is no myth - it's a real thing.

What's your funniest Mommy Brain moment?

© 2012 YYZ Bambina. All Rights Reserved.

Mabel's Labels Back-to-School Free Package Offer

The temperatures have begun to get cooler and the sun is starting to go to bed earlier. Fall is upon us, which means one thing for most people - it's almost time for back-to-school.

Help the little scholars in your life stay organized this school year with Mabel's Labels. Identify clothes, footwear, books, backpacks and more. Best of all, spend $100 and receive a free package of Write Away labels now through August 31. Enjoy! 

© 2012 YYZ Bambina. All Rights Reserved.

Are You Breastfeeding?

This is not a post about the benefits of breastfeeding. The interwebs and doctors are full of breastfeeding facts if one so desires.

This is a post about the inappropriateness of strangers asking mothers whether or not they breastfeed.

Such incidences have occurred to me quite frequently. Usually from older women, who clearly are not breastfeeding themselves. For the record, I don't recall ever asking another mother how they nourish their baby. As I point out above, I feel its inappropriate. I try my best to practice what I preach. I try never to judge other mothers period. Unless it's someone who looks like a model, days after they have given birth. But even then, I keep my jealous comments to myself. I am only human, after all.

Anyway, today an older woman in my Mom's condo building rudely asked me if I was breastfeeding. (This was after she commented that my baby is "large" in a discourteous fashion. Hannah is 75th percentile for weight AND height, and therefore is proportional. My pediatrician has no issues with her growth rate, so nor do I).

If we had been anywhere other than an elevator, and if we had not been the only people in said elevator, I would have just ignored her.

Instead, in reaction to her curt manner, I proudly replied, "No."

By the facial reaction of this woman, you would have thought I just told her I killed puppies and kittens for a living. Thankfully I had enough time to throw her a big smile before she finally got off at her floor.

How is it ANY of her business how my daughter is nourished?

So, today's incident is my final straw. I've had enough of being a friendly mom. The next time someone asks me if I'm breastfeeding, I'm going to say sweetly, "That's really none of your business."

Because it's not. It's every mom's personal choice to determine how they feed their child - and we should not have to listen to unwanted advice from people we have just met, or justify our decisions to people we will never see again. Like all other mothers, I decide what is best for me and my baby - I should not be judged by people who have no idea what my situation is or the factors that went into making my decision.

In my opinion, asking any personal question (like breastfeeding) to a stranger (or to be totally honest, ANYONE) is rude - so if they think I'm being rude with my response, my karma will still remain in tact.

And just like I ranted in See See...No Touch!, hopefully any strangers who ask me, "Do you breastfeed?" will now think twice before they ask another mom.

How do you deal with the breastfeeding question?

© 2012 YYZ Bambina. All Rights Reserved.

Baby Fashionista

At some point in the Mother-Daughter relationship, the mom begins to listen to and seek advice from the daughter in regards to fashion.

Hannah, months old, is already giving me her opinion on my outfits. I'm not exactly a trendsetter. My closet is full of American Eagle, Joe Fresh, Jacob and RW & Co. classic, comfortable items in navy, hunter green, gray and black.

Therefore, (even months before she was born) Hannah has a much cuter, colourful wardrobe than I do.

My cousin came to visit us and today we went to Vaughan Mills. Eventually we found ourselves in Forever 21. Hannah was all about soaking in the different colours, prints and textures in the store. I was all about searching for a top to wear for portraits we are taking later this week.

I found two that I really liked and couldn't determine which one to choose. I held them up against me, one at a time, for Hannah to see. She clearly preferred one over the other (the "loser" didn't even get focused on, the winner got a huge two-tooth smile).

So already Hannah is affecting my fashion choices. Helping me choose bolder colours, and more interesting cuts. (Although, she once saw a women's Elmo shirt in Sears...she liked it so much, it now hangs in my closet...hopefully she'll stick to patterns and prints from now on...or I will just be stronger at not buying things that make her smile).

Do you ask your kids for their opinions on what you wear?

© 2012 YYZ Bambina. All Rights Reserved.

Get Back-to-School Ready with Command™ Tools (Giveaway)

August has always been a time for me to get organized, going Back-to-School or not (full disclosure: for the last 25 years I pretty much WAS in school...albeit part-time near the end).

So when Command™ gave me an opportunity to help my readers organize their homes this fall, I just had to take it!

Two Large Hooks and three Medium Hooks were sent to me. Chris and I had trouble deciding how to use them, since there were so many options (check out http://www.commandstrips.ca for lots of Smart Ideas). One of the best features of these products is that you can remove it cleanly from the wall - without harming the paint. We are currently using a Large Hook to clear clutter in our front hall (our umbrellas finally have a classy home!) and are using the Medium Hooks in Hannah's nursery for her sweaters and swim bag...but that could change!

Although I was a Girl Guide, I'm not that handy in the home. I'm actually that person who has hit their thumb with a hammer versus the intended nail target. Command™ is SUPER easy to use (not to mention safe), and takes only four simple steps:

1. Use isopropyl rubbing alcohol to lightly wipe the area of the wall where you want to mount the hook. Do not use household cleaners.
2. Remove the red adhesive liner. Align the square end with the raised line on the back of the hook. Press firmly.
3. Remove black "wall side" liner. Position hook and press firmly for 30 seconds.
4. Wait for one hour before use.

I wouldn't be a good reviewer unless I also tested how difficult it was to remove a hook. I'm happy to report it took seconds to take down, and afterwards the wall looked as though nothing had been on it. To remove:

1. Slide hook up to reveal mounting base and removal tab.
2. Pull tab down. Do not press base against the wall.
3. Slowly slide the tab straight down against the wall at least 30 cm to release base from the wall.

You can see how easy the process of mounting and removal of Command™ products are by watching this video How to Use Command™.

Command™ products are available at Canadian Tire, Home Depot, Home Hardware, Loblaw, London Drugs, Office Pro,  Rona, Staples and Walmart stores across Canada. They retail at $2.99 and up. The product line includes general hooks, decorative and metal hooks, picture and frame hangers, cord organization and more.

One lucky YYZ Bambina Blog reader will win a Command™ Back-to-School Prize Pack.

The prize package includes essential organizing tools to get your home (or student's dorm room) Back-to-School ready, including:  

• 2 Small Utensil Hook Packs
• 1 Small Hook Value Pack
• 1 Pack of Poster Strips
• 2 Black Picture Hanging Strips
• 2 White Picture Hanging Strips
• 2 Medium Timeless Metallic Coated Hooks
• 2 Large Timeless Metallic Coated Hooks

For more information on these products, please visit http://www.commandstrips.ca.

Please use the Rafflecopter below to enter. Open to Canadian Residents only. Contest ends Sunday, August 26, 2012.

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

© 2012 YYZ Bambina. All Rights Reserved.

Staples Canada Teacher Appreciation Days 2012

The renowned Teacher Appreciation Days will be held at every Staples Canada location nationwide on August 9, 16, 23 and 30, 2012.

On Teacher Appreciation Days, educators will save 15% off in-store purchases, receive 10% back in easyRewards Savings for Education, and get a free gift bag. Teachers can also participate in an exclusive online contest featuring a 2012 Toyota Prius v as the grand prize and chances for $2,500 or $500 Staples shopping sprees. The contest is currently running until August 31, 2012. Teachers can find more information and enter online at www.staples.ca/teachers (www.bureauengros.com/enseignants). (I have a lot of teacher friends and family, so I hope if one of them wins they'll take me for a ride in their new car.)

As an added perk for teachers needing a new back-to-school wardrobe, teachers will also receive a $25 coupon towards their purchase of $75 or more at Sears Canada (some exclusions apply) when they shop in-store at any Staples location on August 16, 23 and 30.

© 2012 YYZ Bambina. All Rights Reserved.

Dadpost: Solid Food Progress Report

It's been so far, so good in the solid food department for Hannah as she goes past the 6-month mark. Sarah and I have offered her solids twice a day on average for the last few weeks, and with the rare exception she's taken to them quite well. 

Her first solid food was Gerber Rice Cereal, but now that she's had food with actual taste she won't touch the stuff. I don't blame her really; if I was just discovering my sense of taste, bland rice cereal would be somewhere near the bottom of my list as well.

As the cook of the family, I've been waiting for this time in Hannah's life with much anticipation. For you see, one of the items we received at our baby shower was a Baby Bullet (thanks, Tina!)

There are not enough superlatives in my vocabulary to adequately convey how much I love this thing. It purees enough food for several servings, it's super easy to clean, and comes with jars that you can store either in the fridge or freezer. On each one is a little dial with the days of the month so that you can keep track of when the food was made (it's good for 3 days in the fridge, 30 in the freezer).

Combine the Baby Bullet with my rice cooker for steaming vegetables and I've got a formidable arsenal in the battle to provide nutritious homemade food for Hannah. 

Hannah's order of preference (roughly): bananas, sweet potatoes, carrots, peaches, sweet potatoes with chicken. Our pediatrician gave us the go ahead to add meat, but the added texture has proven a little difficult for her to handle. Although I am happy to report that today's feeding session with the sweet potato/chicken blend went well.

Next up are squash and broccoli with beef, which I just made this evening for her to try out over the next week.

We also give Hannah jarred baby food for variety and for ease of feeding during the day. She absolutely loves Gerber peas, and also enjoys the Heinz Apples & Strawberries.

Hannah's watched Sarah and I eat our meals at home with great interest, so it fills me with joy to be able to truly make her a part of meal time.

To check out more posts from my boyfriend Chris, please visit his blog Below the Mendoza Line.

© 2012 YYZ Bambina. All Rights Reserved.

Save with Barbie!

Hannah's not old enough for Barbies yet, although one of my best friends already has set-up her dream house that we played with as children (I wonder, now that we're MUCH older if we'll still fight over who gets to play with Joey, her NKOTB doll).

Thanks to Websaver.ca and Mattel, you can now save on select Barbie™ items. Let your daughters play with fashion and accessorize their imagination! From a mermaid to a movie star, a fairy to a fashionista Barbie™ allows you to try it all.

Check this link for a new coupon every Tuesday and Thursday from August 7 to September 13, 2012 and save on your favourite Barbie™ toys.

© 2012 YYZ Bambina. All Rights Reserved.

Wind in my Face

So, yet another household appliance soothes Hannah - the first, you may recall, was the stove's fan. Sometimes it makes me wonder why I bother buying her all these fun toys if she's just as amused by things we need to own. And then I remember, I like playing with those toys too...

The latest appliances-turned-entertainment are cool air makers. It's been a HOT summer in Toronto, and thanks to my awesome GBF we thankfully have air conditioning. Since our hydro is included in the rent, I can count the number of times we've turned off our window unit on one hand.

We first discovered Hannah loved being blown away on her first trip to Centre Island. She giggled and smiled whenever a big wind gust came and got caught in her hair.

One day while we were out shopping she became mesmerized by a huge ceiling fan.

So now, I've thrown in "Stand by air conditioning unit so cool air blows in Hannah's face" and "Watch bedroom fan" into the rotation of our daily activities that keep Hannah entertained.

Blowing air on her forehead also works. And it may look funny in public, but I get less cut eye from strangers doing that versus when she is loudly fussing.

I can only imagine what household product will amuse her next. Which amuse your LO?

© 2012 YYZ Bambina. All Rights Reserved.

Book Review: If You Give a Cat a Cupcake

It's like some books were written with me in mind. Even Children's Books.

We found this gem at the library the other day. It's about what could happen if you give a cat (my favourite animal) a cupcake (my favourite dessert). It is written by Laura Numeroff and illustrated by Felicia Bond.

The possible trajectory described in the book begins with the cat then asking for sprinkles which leads (believably) to taking the cat to the beach, the gym, a merry-go-round and even visiting dinosaurs at the museum.

Hannah liked the big pictures and bright colours. I liked the adventure the cat and his poor owner  went on. And, of course, the pictures of the cupcakes.

As part of the "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie" franchise, this book does not disappoint. You can order it on Amazon.

© 2012 YYZ Bambina. All Rights Reserved.

Dad, The Babysitter?

It really annoys me when people use the term "babysitting" when a father looks after his own child(ren). As if to imply being a dad does not include the role of caregiver.

I am currently on mat leave, and joke that my daughter is the best boss I've ever had. When Chris gets home from work, the first thing he does is wash his subway hands, and if Hannah is awake, grabs her for a hug.  He is the "bath" man, he purees her food and never minds changing a dirty diaper if he's home to do so (although I am quite petty and offer them up if I am the first to notice the smell).

Is our relationship perfect? Of course not. But we feel comfortable letting the other person know if they aren't pulling their weight or if there are chores that need doing. We agree that parenting is a team sport and both of us need to strive for personal bests and share the puck (so to speak). (I always had great respect for single parents, and now that I have my own child that respect has rapidly grown into awe.)

I do not want my daughter to grow up in a home where she sees Mommy doing all the housework and child rearing while Daddy surfs the Internet or watches TV. I want to teach her that relationships are about equality and respect. I want to teach her about cooperation. I want her to realize that if she decides to start a family one day she deserves a partner in every sense of the word - someone who helps, supports and loves her the best they can.

And really, unless a father spends time taking care of their child, how are they to bond?

So the next time someone says, "Oh, daddy is babysitting tonight," I'll politely inquire as to how much his hourly wage is. If the rate is good, perhaps he can babysit my child too.

© 2012 YYZ Bambina. All Rights Reserved.