Making Parenting Easier

As summer draws to a close, it's time to start thinking about getting our little ones ready to head back to school. Whether it's their first year or they're seasoned pros, ensuring they have everything they need is key to a successful start.

Yumbox: Packing Fun and Nutrition

Yumbox is every parent's dream when it comes to packing lunches. With its clever compartments and leak-proof design, Yumbox makes it easy to pack a variety of nutritious foods that kids will love. From sandwiches to snacks, Yumbox keeps everything organized and mess-free. Plus, its vibrant colors and kid-friendly designs add a touch of fun to lunchtime!

The Yumbox mini silicone bento cup set of 6 is an amazing addition to your yumbox. These versatile cups make packing and portioning lunches a breeze, and they're also dishwasher safe and suitable for the oven and freezer. Get creative and use them for baking, serving snacks, or adding a pop of color to your meals.

Fluf: Eco-Friendly Lunchbags

Pair your child's Yumbox with a Fluf lunchbag for the perfect back-to-school combo. Fluf lunchbags are not only stylish and durable but also eco-friendly. Made from organic cotton and printed with low-impact dyes, Fluf bags are a sustainable choice for conscientious parents. They come in a range of playful patterns and sizes, ensuring there's a Fluf bag to suit every kid's style.

Why Choose Yumbox and Fluf?

• Convenience: Yumbox's easy-to-use compartments make lunch packing a breeze, while Fluf bags keep everything neatly packed and ready to go.

• Durability: Both Yumbox and Fluf products are designed to withstand the rigors of daily use, ensuring they'll last through the school year and beyond.

• Safety: Yumbox's leak-proof design and Fluf's use of organic materials give parents peace of mind that their child's lunch is safe and healthy.

Make Back to School Fun!

Preparing for back to school doesn't have to be stressful. With Yumbox and Fluf, you can make lunchtime enjoyable and worry-free for both you and your child. Visit Yumbox and Fluf to explore their full range of products and start this school year off right!

Let's make this back-to-school season a success with Yumbox and Fluf—because every child deserves a lunch that's nutritious, delicious, and packed with love!

Lunchbox ideas!

Here's a list of lunch ideas that are quick, nutritious, and perfect for school:

1. Turkey and Cheese Wrap: Whole grain tortilla wrap with sliced turkey, cheese, lettuce, and a spread like mustard or mayo.

2. Chicken Salad Sandwich: Whole wheat bread with chicken salad (chicken, mayo, celery, and grapes), lettuce, and tomato.

3. Pasta Salad: Cold pasta (like rotini or penne) mixed with cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, black olives, and Italian dressing.

4. DIY Pizza Lunchable: Whole grain crackers, mini pepperoni slices, cheese cubes, and marinara sauce for dipping.

5. Vegetarian Sushi Rolls: Sushi rice rolled with cucumber, avocado, and carrot in seaweed sheets, cut into bite-sized pieces.

6. Quinoa Salad: Quinoa mixed with diced bell peppers, chickpeas, feta cheese, and a lemon vinaigrette dressing.

 

Snack ideas!

Here are some simple and tasty snack ideas that are great for school:

1. Fruit Kabobs: Skewer pieces of melon, grapes, strawberries, and pineapple for a colorful and refreshing snack.

2. String Cheese and Crackers: Pair string cheese with whole grain crackers for a satisfying and portable snack.

3. Yogurt and Granola: Greek yogurt topped with granola and a drizzle of honey makes for a creamy and crunchy treat.

4. Veggie Sticks with Hummus: Carrot sticks, cucumber slices, and bell pepper strips served with hummus for dipping.

5. Trail Mix: Create your own mix with cereal, dried fruits (like raisins or cranberries), seeds (pumpkin or sunflower) and a sprinkle of dark chocolate chips.

6. Popcorn: Air-popped popcorn seasoned with a sprinkle of salt or nutritional yeast for a crunchy snack.

7. Apple Slices with Sunflower butter: Thinly sliced apples paired with a seed-butter (pumpkin, sunflower, etc) for a protein-packed snack.

8. Rice Cakes with Toppings: Brown rice cakes topped with avocado slices, tomato, and a sprinkle of sea salt. 

9. Smoothie: Blend yogurt, spinach, banana, and berries for a refreshing and nutrient-rich drink.

10. Cucumber and Cream Cheese Sandwiches: Mini cucumber slices sandwiched with cream cheese and a dash of seasoning.

11. Hard-Boiled Eggs: Prepare a couple of hard-boiled eggs for a protein-rich snack that's easy to eat on the go.

12. Edamame: Steamed edamame pods sprinkled with a pinch of sea salt for a nutritious and satisfying snack.

13. Cheese and Apple Slices: Pair cheese cubes with slices of apple for a sweet and savory snack combination.

14. Pita Bread with Hummus: Cut pita bread into triangles and serve with hummus for a delicious and filling snack.

Greek Yogurt Dip with Pretzels: Mix Greek yogurt with herbs and spices for a tasty dip with pretzel sticks.

Quick Fun Tips for new parents!

Here are some quick and fun tips for first-time parents getting ready for their child to start school:

Before School Starts:

1. Explore Together: Visit the school and explore the classrooms and playground. It helps build excitement!

2. Create a Routine: Start a school routine a few weeks early—like regular wake-up times and bedtime stories about school adventures.

3. Gear Up: Get the school supplies together and personalize them with stickers or drawings.

On the First Day:

1. Be Cheerful: Smile and be positive—it’s contagious! Your excitement will rub off on your child.

2. Arrive Early: Get there early so you can meet the teacher and find your child’s classroom without rushing.

3. Quick Goodbye: Say goodbye with a hug and a high-five, then let them know you'll be back soon for more stories.

During the School Year:

1. Stay Connected: Read newsletters and join school events. It’s a great way to meet other parents and stay in the loop.

2. Encourage Independence: Let your child pack their own lunch (with a little help) and celebrate their growing independence.

3. Homework Hub: Create a cozy homework spot and cheer them on as they tackle new challenges.

Handling Challenges:

1. Listen Up: If they’re worried or upset, listen closely and brainstorm together on how to make things better.

2. Team Up: Chat with teachers if you have questions or concerns—they’re there to help!

3. Celebrate Big and Small: Celebrate every triumph, from tying shoes to making new friends.

Starting school is a big adventure for both kids and parents. Enjoy the journey, share lots of giggles, and watch your little one bloom in this exciting new chapter!

NICU Care Club: Supporting Parents, Nurturing Hope.  As we celebrate the ongoing efforts of the NICU Care Club, the upcoming raffle serves as a wonderful reminder that giving back is a collaborative effort. By donating items, attending the event, or simply spreading the word, you become an integral part of a community united by compassion and a shared commitment to making a positive impact. Together, we can create a ripple effect of kindness that reaches far beyond the confines of any one event or organization.

Connetix Magnet Tiles have transformed playtime into an engaging educational adventure. With the introduction of the enchanting Pastel Colors collection, children can now explore their creativity in a world of vibrant hues. These magnetic wonders seamlessly integrate STEM learning, turning every construction into a canvas for imagination and skill development.

The addition of the Ball Run accessory elevates the excitement, introducing dynamic play and teaching fundamental physics principles in a thrilling way. Beyond the fun, Connetix Magnet Tiles contribute to fine motor skill development, with the Pastel Colors adding a touch of elegance to the learning process.

As children collaborate to build, they not only construct physical structures but also cultivate essential social skills. The durability and safety of Connetix Magnet Tiles provide parents with peace of mind, knowing that their children are not only having fun but engaging with a toy that prioritizes both enjoyment and education.

In a world of evolving educational toys, Connetix Magnet Tiles, with the Pastel Colors collection and Ball Run accessory, stand out as a beacon of creativity and learning. This dynamic trio invites children on a delightful journey of discovery and achievement, where education becomes a captivating adventure.

Step into a world of wonder as we unveil the hottest toys of 2023, designed to ignite creativity and joy in every child. From Makedo's sustainable play experience to Tiny Harlow's timeless elegance, these toys redefine playtime. Cuddle and Kind spreads love through ethically crafted plushies, while Happy Hippo Bath Bombs turn bath time into a vibrant adventure. Pico Tattoos add a touch of temporary fun for little trendsetters, completing a lineup that promises a year filled with laughter, learning, and limitless possibilities in the world of play.

We're Hiring! Are you passionate about providing exceptional customer service? Do you thrive in a dynamic and fast-paced retail environment? If so, we want you to join our team as a Retail Sales Associate, part-time 10-15 hours a week!

From toys to clothing and everything in between, we've got you covered with high-quality, durable products that make parenting life a little easier. So, without further ado, let's dive into our top picks for this summer!

We are thrilled to announce the opening of our brand new storefront at 5 Hawthorne Ave, nestled by the picturesque Rideau Canal. After months of anticipation and hard work, we can't wait to welcome you to our renovated space and share the wonderful products we have curated with parents like you in mind. As a token of our appreciation, we'll be offering complimentary coffee to all our valued customers.

Join us on this exciting journey as we strive to make parenting easier and more enjoyable for you!

This week, we have decided to highlight Native Shoes, offer a bit more insight about the company and delve into the steps they are taking to ensure a sustainable future.

Earth Day is a reminder of our responsibility to take care of our planet and to make sustainable choices. Fortunately, there are many companies out there that are leading the way in sustainable fashion, and the following companies are some of  them. With their amazing commitment to eco-friendly and ethical practices, these companies are setting a high standard for the children's clothing and toy industry.

We chose to carry Tentree, because I think they're a bit underrated when it comes to their children collection.  Many people don't even know they make children's clothing and we want to change that!   Their children's clothing (1T-5T) is absolutely amazing, the material is thick and soft, durable and washes very well.  They even do "Parent and Kid" matching sweaters, which is always a bonus! 

Sustainable fashion is a growing movement in the fashion industry that focuses on the use of environmentally friendly and ethically sourced materials in the production of clothing and accessories. There are many benefits to this approach, both for the environment and for the people involved in the fashion industry.