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Granville Island Toy Company: Top 20 Gifts for Girls

Christine — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 09:00:38 +0000

VancouverMom.ca asked some of its favourite local merchants to name its top picks for the season. Joanna Mileos and her awesome staff over at Granville Island Toy Company offered up this list of Top 20 Gifts. And while we had girls in mind, most of these items would be appropriate for that boy on your list too.

1. Plan Green Dollhouse (with Furniture)

Granville Island Toy Company says: “Really popular with an environmentally friendly look.”

I personally have been oohing and ahhhing for a Plan dollhouse for a few years now (it happens to be under the tree for my daughters this year). I love the modern aesthetic of these dollhouses, as well as Plan’s eco-vision in everything the make. This Plan Green Dollhouse features a wind turbine and solar cell panel with electrical inverter for generating electricity, as well as little touches like a rain barrel and shade canopy, for the little environmentalist in your family.

2. Corolle Dolls Lia Interactive Doll

Granville Island Toy Company says: “All of Corolle’s dolls are fantastic and really well-made.”

Corolle is my brand of choice for traditional dolls for my girls. I love this collection of dolls from France. My youngest daughter has had her beloved “baby” since she was about a year old and has carried its plush squishy goodness around with her everywhere since she received it. Joanne recommended Corolle Dolls’ Lia Interactive, a doll that not only speaks four languages, but also responds when your child interacts with it. Lia will laugh when you tickle her feet and cry when she’s hungry. Comes with eight accessories: a bib, plate, bottle, spoon, potty and three bracelets to allow you to change the language.

3. Calico Critters Cozy Cottage

Granville Island Toy Company says: “A sweet dollhouse that any little girl would love.”

Measuring 12” x 10.75” x 8”, this adorable house comes with an amazing amount of furniture and accessories, including Bell Hopscotch Rabbit, bed with matching sheets, table with chairs, kitchen counter with sink and oven, along with moveable stairs, cookware and food! Terrific for children ages 3+.

4. ThinkFun Hoppers Junior

Granville Island Toy Company says: “Teaches the kids problem-solving.”

ThinkFun’s series of games are terrific for kids. In ThinkFun’s Hoppers Junior, a single player helps Red Frog Freddy win the leaping contest by being the last one on the pond. Players choose a challenge and place the frogs on the playing board to match the picture shown. To win, players hop all of their frogs around the pond until only the Red Frog remains. Ranging from Easy to Super Hard, this game will keep any five- to seven-year-old busy.

5. Kids of Carcassonne

Any person that plays the adult version of this game knows just how addictive Carcassonne can be. In Kids of Carcassonne, sheep, chicken and cows have been set free in the town of Carcassonne and children have to catch the animals before dusk. Two or four players can play (although the game is ideal with four). Appropriate for children aged four and up.

6. Bloco Horses and Unicorns Set

Granville Island Toy Company says: “Made in Canada.”

Bloco has some amazing 3D building kits. This set allows for the simultaneoius creation of three models: a horse, a unicorn and a filly. Accessories like a saddle, blanket, mane and bridle are included. The filly can also be mounted on cradles to create a rocking horse. Or kids can use their imagination and build whatever suits their fancy.

7. Teaching Cash Register

Granville Island Toy Company says: “The absolute best play value. Works with Canadian money – fake or real.”

Joanna couldn’t say enough about the Teaching Cash Register. One of her customers even joked that his kids could use the cash register to figure out how much money they raided out of his spare change. The Teaching Cash Register talks, lights up and makes other rewarding sounds. Games help kids practice basic math skills such as addition and subtraction. Comes with Canadian money and also works with really Canadian currency!

8. Little Tikes 8×8 Bouncer

Granville Island Toy Company says: “Easy to pack.”

I couldn’t believe that you could have your very own bouncy castle for your backyard. This inflatable bouncer is built with durability in mind – a double-stitched entrance and made with puncture-resistant material and a durable mesh netting. Includes stakes to anchor the bouncer firmly to the ground and a heavy-duty blower. For ages 3 to 10 years.

9. Crazy Forts by Crazy Forts

Granville Island Toy Company says: “Stable. Kids can easily make their own tents.”

I’ve been eyeing Crazy Forts for some time. If your kids are struggling to make their indoor forts with blankets and furniture, use this fort system instead. Children can connect the balls and sticks to make a structure and then cover it with bedsheets – solving that dilemma of not having enough chairs or tables to create a substantial fort.

10. Melissa and Doug Shopping Cart

I don’t know what it is, but kids love shopping carts. Made with durable metal, Melissa and Doug’s Shopping Cart looks just like one from a real grocery store. Complete with pivoting front wheels, a folding doll seat, and protective corner bumpers.

11. Spatulatta Cookbook

Granville Island Toy Company says: “Recipes are easy to make yet impressive. Nice introduction to cooking.”

The other day, I noticed that my foodie sister had this cookbook on her shelf for her kids. Based on the concept of kids teaching kids, tween-aged sisters Belle and Liv whip up adventurous yet kid-friendly recipes like Berry Dip and Roll and Yumbo Gumbo. All the recipes include full-colour photos, easy instructions and playful commentary. Spiral binding allows the book to lie flat and its high-gloss pages mean that the book is stain and spill resistant. Perfect for kids ages 9 to 12. Also check out their award winning web site at www.spatulatta.com.

12. Project Runway Fashion Design Projector Kit

For the budding fashion designer, kids can create any look by using slides to project a pattern and tracing fashion combinations that they can embellish on their own.

13. Fashion Angels Hair Stylist

Granville Island Toy Company says: “Kids learn to make real – and complicated – hair styles.”

I don’t know about you, but I’m horrible at doing my kids’ hair. I don’t really know how to get the perfect French braid and am not all that creative with the ponytails and barrettes – so this guide would surely help. This hair style guide gives your child step-by-step instructions for over 50 styles for her own hair – or using the wig that’s provided. Includes wig, hair extensions, 6 hair clips and hair colour streaking set and guide.

14. Playmais

Granville Island Toy Company says: “Made from corn, Playmais is safe, has multiple uses and can be enjoyed by kids of any age.”

Joanna loves Playmais so much she gave me a box to bring home and try with the kids. I just happened to be heading to my sister’s and between the two of us, we have two two-year-olds, a four- and five-year-old and a nine-year-old. All of them were kept busy for well over 30-minutes and proudly boasted their creations when they were done. Made of corn and water and dyed with natural and food colours, Playmais does not contain toxic ingredients and is safe to play with (although the manufacturers don’t recommend eating it!).

15. Schylling My Secret’s Safe

When I was a kid, I had a miniature Canada Post replica mailbox where I could keep letters and other valuables locked safely inside – and loved it. With My Secret’s Safe, kids can guard their special keepsakes in this steel safe complete with combination lock and alarm. Hot pink with contemporary flower graphics. Recommended for ages 5 and up.

16. GoGo’s Crazy Bones Packs

Granville Island Toy Company says: “These surprise packages are the next big thing.”

Joanna’s staff insisted that she carry GoGo’s Crazy Bones – small one-inch high plastic figures that children can play games with. Each pack contains three Crazy Bones and three stickers, each randomly selected. With 80 different types and stickers in each bag, Gogo’s Crazy Bones are sure to be the hot thing that every little kid is collecting.

17. Wikki Stix

Wikki Stix are made of wax, bend like pipe cleaners but stick to surfaces so you can make pictures. Kids can bend, twist, cut and stick the sticks together to make jewellery or 3D creatures. While the kit comes with a playboard, Wiki Stix can stick to almost any surface like paper or the fridge to make pictures. No preparation required. Clean-up is just an easy wipe with a dry cloth or paper towel.

18. Slingshot Flying Monkey With Scream Sound

Granville Island Toy Company says: “We could not stock enough of these last year.”

I gave the Slingshot Flying Monkey away in place of goodie bags at the start of my daughter’s birthday party and they kept the older kids occupied for hours. Fling the monkey long distances using its elastic arms. Dressed in a cape and mask like a super hero, the monkey will let out two loud monkey calls whenever you shoot him. Warning! This toy has a high adult-annoyance factor (note the “with scream sound” in the title), but the kids (and adults at your office) will toss these monkeys with delight. Appropriate for older kids (five and up) who have the hand dexterity to place their fingers in the pockets and fling the monkey.

19. Elf on the Shelf

Granville Island Toy Company says: “Perfect for any child that believes in Santa.”

In this book, Santa reveals his biggest secret – just how Santa knows who’s been naughty and who’s been nice. Each book comes with a scout elf, which the children name, register in the North Pole’s Hall of Registry at elfontheshelf.com, and print their official elf adoption certificate.

20. The Cat in The Hat Game

Granville Island Toy Company says: “An award-winning game that gets kids moving.”

This award-winning game combines balancing, jumping, sliding, giggling and more. Can you limbo under the trick-a-mas-stick will balancing the fish on your stomach? Hundreds of possibilities that encourage reading, physical activity and memory skills.

Entertaining Educational Toys

Erin Stringer — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 08:00:37 +0000

For some, educational toys often come across as boring or nerdy, but there are hundreds of fun educational learning toys on the market for all ages and skill levels. Educational toys for your baby, toddler or older child can be a great addition to your playroom because they will keep your kids occupied for hours while they learn valuable new skills. It can be hard to choose which educational toys your kids will play with, and which will gather dust in the toybox, so here are some recommendations on toys that are sure to educate and entertain.

Educational Building Toys

Building toys are one of the most popular types of educational learning toys for toddlers and young children, who are learning hand-eye coordination, creative thinking, and shape and colour recognition. Educational building toys may be colourful wooden blocks, plastic construction sets or soft cloth cubes that aren’t just for stacking. Select toys that are easy enough for your child to understand, but challenging enough to provide stimulation.

Recommended: MEGA Bloks Zoo Crew – a full zoo of colourful animal blocks, bells and rattles.

Activity Centres

Activity centres are favourites among kids’ and parents; they foster imagination and creativity while combining a number of sights, sounds and objects children can touch and squeeze. Younger kids will benefit from basic activity blankets where they can lie and keep busy, while activity centres for older kids are usually more elaborate: play kitchens, or fairy castles complete with costumes.

Recommended: Vtech Sit to Stand Learning Walker, which features five piano keys so toddlers can play music, three colorful spinning rollers, three shape sorters and light-up shape buttons.

Electronic Educational Toys

As technology grows in leaps and bounds, so do children’s educational learning toys. Electronic educational toys combine a wide variety of learning tools. Many of today’s electronic educational toys are also very practical: they’re designed to grow with your child, featuring a number of skill levels so that they can convert as your kid grows and stay relevant for years.

Recommended: LeapFrog Leapster 2 Learning Game System. This system connects to the LeapFrog Learning Path, an online experience that lets you see what your child is learning. It features a library of over 30 learning games to teach skills in different subjects, like arts, reading, mathematics and science. Kids can also connect online for extra activities and rewards.

Educational Videos

Don’t like the idea of plunking your kid down in front of the TV to watch daytime programming? Choose an educational video that keeps your child’s age and interests in mind, and you’ll be surprised how quietly they’ll sit to take in everything from learning a foreign language to playing along to modern music.

Recommended: Richard Scarry’s Best ABC Video Ever, a video featuring 26 short stories that introduces kids to the alphabet. Children will learn how to identify different letters and words.

Erin Stringer has been a freelance writer for over 10 years, and her work has appeared in various online and offline publications. She enjoys writing about all that Vancouver has to offer. Erin is a VancouverMom.ca contributor. Have some great article ideas? Find out how you can become a contributor.

Jack and Lola’s Top 20 Gifts for Moms on the Go

Christine — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 08:00:55 +0000

VancouverMom.ca asked a few of our favourite local merchants to put together their list of top gifts for this holiday season. Leanne Kripp and Anne Leishman over at North Vancouver’s Jack and Lola told us what their top picks were for moms on the go. They’ve also generously offered VancouverMom.ca readers a discount of 15% (some restrictions apply – see in store for details). Just mention that you’ve heard about the offer at the time of purchase.

Guest post by Leanne Kripp and Anne Leishman.

Perfect Gifts For Moms On the Go

1. Mommy Hook $8

How often do moms say they could use an extra hand? Now they have one. The Mommy Hook holds all types of bags and fits on both strollers and grocery carts with ease. It’s the must-have accessory for any mom-on-the-go.

Why We Love It: Made of aluminum, not plastic.

2. ERGO Weather Cover $44

ERGO has invented the perfect product for rainy days in Vancouver. A water-resistant and lined cover for their baby carriers! Your little loved one will stay snuggly and warm even in the worst downpour.

Why We Love It: Fits with our favourite carrier.

3. Personalized necklace from Luxe Design

Keep your family close to your heart throughout the day with a personalized necklace from Luxe Design. Birthstones, charms, and personal message can all be incorporated to create a completely unique piece. (VancouverMom.ca: Luxe has been nominated for one of Vancouver’s 30 Essential Jewellery Designers!)

Why We Love It: If you like, you can base your designs on necklaces done for celebrities.

4. My Monkey Moo Blanket $64

A stylish addition to any park outing, these blankets keep baby warm while looking oh so cool. The new Metro and Solido lines offer a more contemporary design while the printed fabrics add some flair to your daily walk.

Why We Love It: These can be combined with a matching stroller pad for an entire look.

5. Baby Bjorn Travel Crib $329.99

A happy baby is a sleeping baby and we are sure that your little one will fall fast asleep in this cozy crib. This is the perfect item for travels abroad or just a jaunt over to Grandma’s house.

Why We Love It: Can be put together in less than 10 seconds.

6. Skip Hop Triple Bottle Bag/Lunch Bag $33.99

Bottles, and snacks, and keys, oh my! Worn as a shoulder bag, backpack, or clipped to your stroller, it’s ideal for any mom heading out for the day with young children.

Why We Love It: Keeps bottles or sippy cups cold for up to 4 hours.

7. Tuffo Outdoor Blanket $45

Water-resistant on one side and padded material on the other, this blanket is superbly designed for the variety of outdoor activities and terrain to be found around the Lower Mainland. Keep it handy in the trunk and never worry again about sitting the kids on wet-grass or cold, hard ground again.

Why We Love It: You can easily wipe off any excess sand or grass, so it’s ideal for kids with allergies.

8. 40oz Kleen Kanteen Classic Bottle $29.99

Moms are always rightly concerned with their children’s safety and health. Look after yourself with the Kleen Kanteen that helps to hydrate the body while being free of BPA, phthalates, lead or other toxins.

Why We Love It: Dishwasher safe and fits in most cup holders.

9. Phil & Teds Escape Backpack Carrier $199.99

Ready for an adventure with your little one? This backpack carrier will make it easy for you to introduce your new baby or toddler to the great outdoors. The design of this carrier includes a rear view mirror to keep an eye on baby and a change mat for heading nature’s call.

Why We Love It: All the little extras.

10. Petunia Pickle Bottom Sojourn Sling $89.99

Get going fast with this stylish and simply designed pouch sling made from organic cotton fabric. Your baby will love the close contact with you while you maneuver busy streets or grocery stores with ease.

Why We Love It: “Match your sling and your diaper bag.”

11. The New Baby’s Baby Journal $22.00

The perfect baby journal for busy moms who want to jot down special memories or moments from their baby’s first year. Based on the series, “Urban Babies Don’t Wear Black”, it is filled with entertaining pictures from the books.

Why We Love It: Great captions!

12. BOB Stroller Strides Fitness Kit $39.99

Turn your stroller into a fitness machine and get in shape on the move. The kit includes two exercise tubes, one water bottle holder that attaches to your BOB stroller and a fitness manual to help you develop a whole body workout.

Why We Love It: Much cheaper than a personal trainer

13. Green Zebra Coupon Book $20

Handy for your daily travels or a night on the town, Green Zebra lets you save on products and services while supporting local eco-friendly businesses. Feel good about shopping for yourself and your family.

Why We Love It: You get option of mobile coupons to find sustainable businesses right from your phone.

14. Cake by Petunia Cosmopolitan Carryall $369.99

Functional interior meets fashionable exterior with this diaper bag. No one would ever believe that this bag features a mommy pocket and change pad within its European cut velvet and coordinating wool tweed exterior. It carries all the daily essentials for baby or for your own weekend getaway.

Why We Love It: The detailed finishing on this bag is a definite plus.

15. Clek Oobr booster seat $319.99

For moms who flinch every time they look in their rear mirror at the cheerio-filled and juice-stained car seats, this is the answer to their prayers. Oobr boosters are made with easy to clean Crypton Super Fabrics that resist moisture, stains and bacteria.

Why We Love It: Covers are removable and machine washable.

16. Uppa Vista $799.99

This stroller can be used with your first, second, and even your third child with the addition of a Rumble Seat and piggyBack board – and still considered a single stroller!

Why We Love It: Easily maneuvers around corners and through narrow shopping aisles.

17. Ju Ju Be Wardrobe Station $26

Experienced moms know never to leave home without a spare diaper and change of clothes. The Wardrobe Station can carry that and a whole lot more with two inside travel pouches and an exterior pocket for cash or keys.

Why We Love It: Inside pockets are waterproof.

18. Bebe Au Lait Nursing Covers $39.99

Nursing in public often meant searching for a quiet spot where your baby wouldn’t get distracted by all the activity around them. Now it is often passers-by who are distracted by the chic design and patterns of these covers, while baby nurses in peace and quiet.

Why We Love It: The rigid neckline that allows you to monitor your baby without disturbing him/her.

19. Maclaren Easy Traveller $149.99

It is EASY to transport your precious cargo with this car seat carrier from Maclaren. Perfect for those quick trips out, or when baby falls asleep in the car on your way to the store.

Why We Love It: Includes a cup holder and fits a number of different car seat brands.

20. Monte Luca Glider $945

The life of a mom-on-the-go is filled with adventure and misadventure. At the end of the day, you need a place to relax and unwind. Ergonomic arm height for feeding, a smooth gliding motion, and removable lumbar pillow all combine with beautiful design make this a wonderful place to end the day.

Why We Love It: This Canadian-made chair could fit the décor of any room in the house.

Jack and Lola are offering VancouverMom.ca readers a discount of 15% (some restrictions apply – see in store for details) until December 24, 2009. Just mention that you’ve heard about the offer at the time of purchase.

The Great Christmas Tree Heist

VancouverMom.ca — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 08:00:37 +0000

Guest post by Jane Eaton Hamilton.

“No one has ever become poor by giving.”—Anne Frank

“There is a wonderful mythical law of nature that the three things we crave most in life – happiness, freedom, and peace of mind – are always attained by giving them to someone else.” —Peyton Conway March

Sarah rattles the chain link fence and breaking icicles shatter like bells. I look back at Joy in the driver’s seat of the Micra, drumming mittened fingers on the steering wheel while the car puffs determined smoke rings into a swirl of snow. This is totally not going to work. The tree lot still has lights on, but it’s late on Christmas Eve, the roads are skating rinks, we’re in the middle of a white out, there are no people around anywhere, and it’s locked up tight. Except, maybe, for police trolling up and down Hastings Street looking for burglars.

I blow on my hands and say, “Never mind, let’s check somewhere else.”

Sarah keeps examining the perimeter. It’s so cold the inside of my nostrils freeze.

We’ve just come from delivering a hamper to a sole support mom and her kiddos this Christmas Eve. When Marsha confided that she couldn’t find a taxi willing to deliver a tree to her, and her kids held up homemade popcorn and cranberry strings, their big eyes blinking, well, we were goners.

Sarah finds a spot where the chain doesn’t meet and manages to slide inside, all elfin and thin. I’m a hundred pounds bigger and 23 years older, and when she holds open the gap, for a minute I just pray for a cop, anyone just to stop me from getting stuck. But I’m all charged up and reckless. Breaking and entering, me? It’s such a surreal moment that it seems like we could never get caught. I push my bulk through the gate and sure enough, yup, stick as if the fence is size 10 pants. Can’t go forward, can’t go back. Just for a second, I hate Joy in the safe warmth of the getaway car.

Sarah says, “Mom, come on,” and yanks my coat.

Like that will work.

Suck it in, I tell myself and surprise myself by popping out like an enormous ping pong ball. I am the most graceful thief in all of Vancouver, surely.

Green boughs beat in the wind like weird angel wings, but we soon find out there aren’t actually any trees left. I think, Why lock the place up then? There are needles and wood chips and chunks littering the ground, heaps of string, dangling ropes that once anchored trees. In the debris, I’m cold, shivering. Around Vancouver, no one dresses for the weather, and I’m no exception in a light spring jacket. Sarah finds tops that have been cut off other people’s trees, woebegone trees, and holds them up for my appraisal (which surely I could have offered from the legal side of the fence). Finally, I just nod, because really, they all look the same—like not real trees, just like Charlie Brown trees a pitiful two feet tall.

Still though, lame or not, the tree cries sap as we drag it back to the opening. I tell Sarah we should leave a twenty stuck in the door of the shed, but she says I’m insane. I tell myself the tree was just going to be pulped anyhow. Sarah slides out. She tugs the tree out. I, on the other hand, heave and ho and suck in my gut and finally stumble free ripping the back out of my coat. Joy lifts the sorry little tree into the back of the car. We skid out on the slippery roads with the tree shushing out the back like some demented green mermaid tail and take it to its awaiting family.

At our house, Christmas morning turns out to be a bit of an anti-climax because the hamper was our only gift to each other, and, well, we didn’t get a tree either. But we have our beautiful house, and each other, and before long, the scent of cooking turkey and the sounds of relatives knocking at the door to celebrate with us. And we have this small something else tucked inside us like a little private present just for we three—the memory of our great Christmas tree heist and the knowledge that across town some kiddos are opening presents under their brilliantly decorated little tree.

Jane Eaton Hamilton is the author of six books and the owner of Vancouver’s photo studio Jane Photo, where she photographs mostly the under-ten set. She is the mother of two grown daughters. This year she will deliver another Christmas Eve hamper.

Gift Guide for Moms: Because Sometimes Mom Needs a Bottle Too!

Christine — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 08:00:19 +0000

Vancouver Mom asked a few of our favourite local merchants to put together their list of top gifts. The following is a guest post by Sue Sinclair, Chief Executive Mom of Raspberry Kids. Sue has also offered VancouverMom.ca readers 15% off any purchase at Raspberry Kids between now and December 15th, 2009. At checkout, please use promo code: vancouvermoms15.

You are the quarterback, the Jill of all trades, the CEO of the family, the Chef, the Chauffeur, the milk factory, the referee, the tutor and the housekeeper. Let’s face it Vancouver Moms, we have a lot on our plates!

And for just that reason, we have come up with a list of gems just for you this holiday season. How do you make sure you get what you really want? You either drop some very obvious hints (including URLs, magazine clippings taped to the mirror with big circles drawn around the item you desire) or you pick up a little something for yourself while you are running around like a mad woman leading up to the holidays.

Some suggestions for you include:

My Quoteable Kid

OK, already, I know you are asking what the heck does that have to do about Moms but if you are like me, you get a huge kick out of all of your hilarious Out Of The Mouth Of Babes (OOTMOB’s as we like to call them at Raspberry Kids) moments and this wonderful book allows you to capture each of them in an organized fashion. This is a much better option than jotting these newsy items on bits of paper or a restaurant napkin. These books are small enough to keep in your purse or diaper bag and in a pinch, you can use them for a quick status update on Facebook or Twitter or as a conversation starter at your holiday parties.

Anything from BLUSH Designs

We recently connected with a local mom who designs some of the prettiest jewelry around, Christine from BLUSH designs, who also has been nominated for VancouverMom.ca’s 30 Essential Jewellery Designer list. Check out the pieces she has made exclusively for Raspberry Kids including earrings, bracelets and necklaces. Considering the lack of sleep we get, we need to replace the sparkle in our eye with something!

Espe

Long before we launched Raspberry Kids we were fans of Canadian designed espe products and now we are so pleased to sell them in our store. The range includes so many funky, adorable and modern designs in a range of colors so there truly is something for everyone. From wallets, to lunch bags, to luggage or laptop bag tags, to shoulder pouches, to card holders and notebooks, these make an excellent gift for thyself or others (think Caregivers, Teachers, Hostess gifts).

Momiji Secret Message Dolls

Momiji Secret message dolls aren’t just for young girls to collect. I bought my first Momiji doll called Sister for myself and have sent these to others to help brighten their day. Can you think of a Party Girl or a Funny Girl or perhaps someone who is having a Very Big Birthday or likes to Dance, Dance, Dance or maybe someone who qualifies as your Favorite Person, Best Friend or who deserves a Thank You.

Klean Kanteen

Last but certainly not least are the wonderful products from Klean Kanteen. We’ve long used the water bottles in our family but were absolutely over the moon when they recently came out with Klean Kanteen wine Karafes, available in stainless steel or merlot colored. For someone who likes the outdoors, walks, hiking, picnics and who also loves red wine, this item is a must have under your tree.

From Raspberry Kids to VancouverMoms, we wish you a fresh, healthy & fun holiday season and we would like to offer VancouverMoms 15% off their purchases between now and December 15th, 2009. At checkout, please use the promotional code: vancouvermoms15. Visit www.raspberrykids.com now.

Holiday Fun at Bright Nights in Stanley Park

Erin Stringer — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 08:00:00 +0000

It’s been c-c-c-old lately (although friends in Alberta think we have it good). I was afraid I’d freeze my toes off as I made my way to meet a friend at Bright Nights at Stanley Park this week. I thought about canceling and staying in where there’s central heating, but I didn’t want to disappoint my three-year-old friend, as I was the designated hot chocolate person.

And, I’m glad I went. As soon as we arrived, I started to feel really festive and forgot that it was pretty chilly out. There were lots of families milling around, checking out the two million twinkling lights strung everywhere: through the tree tops, through animated displays, and all along the train route.

I’ve been on the train many times in the summer, but never for Bright Nights, and I have to say, it was more than I expected. The entire park was blanketed in lights, with elaborate displays – an international village, Santa’s workshop, and my favourite, the moose standing in the water, lit up by sparkling lights. The kids were really excited to visit Santa in his living room as well. There are Christmas tunes playing in the background which change as you go from display to display. Also, on some nights, professional and community choirs and bands will be performing, so ask the student ambassadors on-site if they know when the next one will be.

And in the spirit of the season…all donations collected and part of the proceeds from the train tickets go to the Burn Fund to help burn victims and their families. To date they’ve raised about $1.5 million! All those twinkling lights you see are put up by more than 500 off-duty professional firefighters from around BC, who set up and take down the display.

On the way out, of course we had to stop for a big bag of hot buttered popcorn from the Stanley Park Ecology Society’s cob house. You can also get roasted chestnuts and pistachios and hot chocolate in the Plaza.

My recommendation is to buy tickets in advance. There are over 200,000 visitors each year to Bright Nights, and we were told as it nears Christmas it gets even crazier, so get tickets early to avoid disappointment. (You can get into the park for free and see the sights, but if you want to ride the train and check out the animated displays on the route, you have to buy a ticket.)

Prices are:
Adult: $8.00
Discount $5.00 (Children, Youth (2-18), Seniors (65+))

Bright Nights in Stanley Park is open every day from 3 pm to 10 pm until January 2, 2010 (closed Christmas day). If you’re driving, there are parking spots in the adjoining lot that are free after 3 pm. We had no problem finding parking, but I’m not sure about that once it gets closer to Christmas! If you’re taking transit, bus #19 stops right at the bus loop by the entrance to the Train Plaza.

Photo by keepitsurreal on Flickr. | CC BY-SA 2.0

Gingerbread Competition and Charity Auction 2009

Christine — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 20:43:21 +0000

Just found out about the Gingerbread Competition and Charity Auction, the gala of which will be held tonight at the Museum of Vancouver. Entrants were asked to shun the traditional elements of gumdrops and smarties to create a gingerbread house in a modern context.

A panel of some of Vancouver’s most reputable architects, designers and artists will judge all the submissions, which were required to be made of edible materials and constructed to fit within a 16″ x 16″ box.

Check out out the 11 entrants online on the Creative Room web site. Don’t miss some of the project descriptions, which also include Macfarlane Green Biggar’s special acknowledgment to the “good folks at People for the Ethical Treatment of Gingerbread Animals” and Romses Architects homage to an alternative ending to the classic gingerbread boy story.

Want to have one of these fabulous gingerbread houses grace your home? There’s still time to bid online. Final bids will be made at the Gingerbread Gala this evening. All proceeds from this event will be donated to Architecture for Humanity.

Photo of Eastside Design & Solus Decor’s submission from CreativeRoom.ca.

Online Auction: December 3rd – 10th
Gala: December 10th @ Museum of Vancouver (7-10pm)
Gala tickets are available here.

Museum of Vancouver

1100 Chestnut Street, Vancouver

Latest Poll: When do you do your holiday shopping?

Christine — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 08:00:26 +0000

&amp;lt;br /&amp;gt; &amp;lt;a href=”http://answers.polldaddy.com/poll/2359258/” mce_href=”http://answers.polldaddy.com/poll/2359258/”&amp;gt;When do you do your holiday shopping?&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&amp;lt;span style=”font-size:9px;” mce_style=”font-size:9px;”&amp;gt;(&amp;lt;a href=”http://answers.polldaddy.com” mce_href=”http://answers.polldaddy.com”&amp;gt;polling&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;)&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br /&amp;gt; Related posts:Vote for Your Favourite Vancouver Mom Blogger! Klik Photographic: Mini Photo Session Fundraiser Our Gift To You Related posts:

Beauty Mark and Mama Mio Line For Pregnant Women

Erin Stringer — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 08:00:45 +0000

Beauty Mark has long been a staple of Yaletown, for top-notch brands of cosmetics, fragrances and bath products. The recent addition to Pacific Centre Sephora may be the giant superstore for beauty-loving girls and guys, but Beauty Mark makes up for its small stature by bursting with additional products like handbags, clothing, jewelry, and even baby stuff. Whether you need a last-minute baby shower gift or you want to pamper a mom-to-be, Beauty Mark has a small but effective selection of teeny, tiny booties, kids bath stuff, and creams and lotions.

They carry the Mama Mio line, a London line of creams and kits for pregnant women that contain Essential Fatty Acid-rich oils (EFAs) that they believe are the best defense against pregnancy stretch and sag. It was started by three friends – and moms – who wanted to help women adapt and bounce back from pregnancy. As popularity for their pregnancy products grew, they expanded to Canada and Ireland? The Mama Mio divas (Sian Sutherland, Tanaya Kazeminy Mackay and Kathy Miller) work with top chemists and aromatherapists to create products for “supermamas.”

Here are a few Mama Mio products that make excellent mom-to-be gifts for yourself or your friends – for the holidays or any occassion.

MAMA MIO Goodbye Stretch Marks $72.00

Proven to reduce the appearance of stretch marks by over 70 percent, Goodbye Stretch Marks can help old and new badges of pregnancy fade away. Numerous women swear by this stuff to help their baby bellies return to pre-pregnancy state. Now, if only it could replace those sweat-inducing crunches for a flat tummy.

MAMA MIO Congratulations! Kit 57.00

The Congratulations! Kit contains products to help mom from her first month of pregnancy to her last. As the skin stretches, there are different oils to hydrate and smooth the skin at each stage of pre-mommy. The kit contains:

Moisturising Shower Cream
Super-Rich Body Cream
Tummy Rub (oil blend)

MAMA MIO Countdown Kit $72.00

A fun way for mom to count down the days of her pregnancy with calming and moisturizing skin care. The Countdown Kit contains:

Tummy Rub Butter
Wonder-Full Balm
Calming Facial Spritz
Massage Oil

MAMA MIO Boob Tube $40.00

The skin in the bust area is delicate and stretches as pregnancy progresses, and many moms will tell you about the toll gravity takes on the breasts. Boob Tube is a leave-on mask that contains a mix of evening primrose oil, avocado oil, olive oil, sweet almond oil, CoQ10 and shea butter.

MAMA MIO Gravida Candle $28.00

When it’s time to relax, the soft pink Gravida Candle is perfect for your down time. It will burn safely for 40 hours, and is packed with 10 pregnancy-specific essential oils and is made of natural soy wax.

Beauty Mark

103-1120 Hamilton Street, Vancouver, BC | www.beautymark.ca | 604-642-2294

Erin Stringer has been a freelance writer for over 10 years, and her work has appeared in various online and offline publications. She enjoys writing about all that Vancouver has to offer.

Our Gift To You

Christine — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 08:00:53 +0000

Want to know our best picks for this holiday season? We wanted to know what was hot for you and your loved ones. We’ve searched and found. We’ve asked our friends and experts. And we’ve assembled a gift ideas and guides just for you. Check this feature regularly – we’ll be updating it with the latest and greatest articles.