A Cute Mother's Day Gift

We always say, kids say the darnedest things, and my kids sure do!  Since the day my oldest was born I have been writing down a description of moments that stand out in our daily routine and nowadays they are mostly about the things both my kids say.

For the first year of each of my kids' lives I used the following calendar:

Via Bed Bath & Beyond

But after that, I couldn't find anything to keep track so I just wrote notes in my phone with the hope I would find something new in which to document and keep as a keep sake.  And last week, 2 years later, I finally did.

Via Chapters Indigo

This diary is perfect.  It is made to allow you to document 5 years and gives enough space to write down that special something, whether it is something that was said or done.  Now I have to start transferring all that I have on my phone to this book.  Wish me luck, as I know it is going to take me a while.  Worth it for sure.  

This diary is sold out on Chapter's website but they have it in store and you can also order it from Amazon.ca. 

A Symbolic Gift for a Kid (or a Kid at Heart) That Has Everything

Today my youngest son received an early Christmas gift from his much older and very thoughtful cousin!  He symbolically adopted a hippopotamus through the WWF for him.   Click here for more details.

My little guy received his adoption certificate and will receive a hippo stuffed animal very soon in the mail.  Plus a donation was made on his behalf to the WWF to help support its conservation efforts.  

Here is what his package includes:

The stuffed animal

The donation certificate with his name on it

A picture and information about the hippo

All in a nice reusable bag ready for gifting! (I love easy packaging)

I am sure this hippo will stay with him forever and it will always have special meaning!

There are other animals to choose from - perfect for an animal lover or a person who has everything.  Click here to see all the options.

If you are purchasing this last minute, I think it is definitely acceptable to just give the donation certificate for now until the stuffed animal arrives by mail.

Kids Christmas Crafts for Christmas Party

I'm attending a Christmas party this weekend.  The kids are included and there will be lots of them. I'm hoping to set up a craft table for the kids.  Here are a few quick and easy ideas to plan for.

This one from Right Start Blog is my favourite because it is also a nice keepsake.

See full instructions Via Right Start Blog

It doesn't get easier than this craft platter from Michael's.  Everything you need in one box.

Via Michael's

This one is cute for older kids.

Via Freaky Pic

Gift for 5yrs plus - Do You Remember Fashion Plates?

Yesterday I shared how much I loved going through the "25 Awesome Toys Every 80s Girl Wanted for Christmas" on Buzz Feed (click here to see the list again if you missed it).  I decided to look my favourite item up and noticed that it is still available, and still popular.  I think Fashion Plates would make a great gift for a girl 5 years and up.  

Via Chapters/Indigo

Via Chapters/Indigo

Via Chapters/Indigo

Funny I have seen this so many times in the stores but never paid close attention to notice that it is the same Fashion Plates I loved for so many years!!  The blue colour fooled me.  I may buy it for myself to see if it's the same as it was, or close to.

If You Are An 80s Girl You Will Love This List!

My brother sent me this article in Buzz Feed yesterday because he thought of me - 35 Awesome Toys Every 80s Girl Wanted For Christmas.  Going through the list made us both feel nostalgic.  Do you remember any of these?  The following were my favourites.  What were your favourites?

I know I definitely played with this game for hours and years.  Actually, it is the toy that mostly stands out to me.

Via Buzz Feed

Popples were so fun and cute.  We found a bunch at my parents' house the other day stored in the basement. The ones we still have are the ones that turned into sports balls (soccer ball, basket ball, etc.).

Via Buzz Feed

I see these often in China Town.  I bought myself a Monchihchi change purse a few years ago with my cousin.  I couldn't resist!

Via Buzz Feed

These were really awesome.  I remember rolling around at the beach resort we used to attend every summer.

Via Buzz Feed

And last but not least, I had this phone and I held some of the best girl talk on that phone...did you have one?!?

Via Buzz Feed

This makes me wonder whether any of these gifts still exist and should be considered for kids these days, or even for an 80s child.  If I loved them then I should feel very comfortable gifting them to other kids.  Stay tuned for more information on these finds.

More Black Friday Deals - Holt Renfrew

For those working downtown Ottawa make sure you check out Holt Renfrew's hourly deals in the next two days (it includes sales on certain Links of London jewelry, Marc by Marc Jacobs accessories as well as Kate Spade and Michael Kors items) plus they have up to 40% on some fall fashion.  Click here for the exact details.  Click here for the details of hourly deals for the Montreal store and here for the details of the hourly deals for other stores in your area.

Via Holt Renfrew

Black Friday Starting Today - Beat the Crowds (Chapters/Indigo: Christmas decor, Stocking Stuffers, Hostess gifts and more)

My intention is to try to beat tomorrow's crowds by taking advantage of Black Friday deals today.  I am sure everyone is slowly finding out that most stores are starting their sales today so I am not sure if my plan will work, but I will try!  If not, I will focus my shopping online - with a nice hot coco perhaps.

Check out these deals at Chapters/Indigo. Click here for a full list.

They claim this is their best Black Friday sale ever and I believe it because the deals seems pretty good. I still have some Christmas Décor I would like to purchase so I am excited to see that all their Holiday décor is 40% starting today.  Their 25% off toy sale starts tomorrow.

Via Indigo

 Perfect hostess gift.

Via Indigo

Best place for cute and fun Stocking Stuffers (and small gift exchange items)

Via Indigo