:: michelle wells photography giveaway reminder ::

Don't forget to enter the Michelle Wells Newborn Photography Giveaway! Winner will be announced on September 14th. To enter, please click here to view and comment on the giveaway post. Best of luck!

:: 27 weeks ::

AH! The third trimester starts this week! And school! Only 3 more months to go until the little man arrives. I cannot even believe how fast time is flying.....wow.

:: diy play kitchen by sutton grace ::

I am in LOVE with this DIY play kitchen that was featured on Ohdeedoh. Seriously.....is it not brilliant? Best part is, it is made with a very common piece of furniture, available at a garage sale or kijiji listing near you. Can you see it? Huh?

I certainly could not until I read the original post (with great detailed instructions) over at the fantastic blog Sutton Grace. With $65 and a couple power tools you could make this too! Hope our little guy wants to be a chef because I can't wait to tackle this project!

:: picky sticky winner! ::

Thank you to everyone that entered our giveaway. Make sure to visit Picky Sticky's website for an affordable solution to taking fantastic monthly pictures of your babe.

The winner of our Picky Sticky Milestone Stickers giveaway (chosen by random.org) is............

Julie!

Congratulations! I will be in touch with more details!

Happy Weekend everyone :)

:: koo & poppet ::

Remember Sadie's nursery we loved earlier this week? Turns out the reason it is so beautiful is because her Mom is also a creative designer of little lovelies for the nursery, sold on her Etsy shop Koo & Poppet. Don't you love these little characters? I especially love her descriptions of them on each listing. You can also read her sweet blog here.

:: smidgebox custom fabric blocks ::

Vancouver-based Etsy shop Smidgebox makes the loveliest fabric blocks to display in your little one's nursery. You can customize the colours and fabrics of these handmade soft toys by contacting her through her fab Etsy shop.

Check out her blog for many other great Etsy finds! I am bookmarking it for sure!

:: spotted at project nursery - a modern whimsy nursery from victoria, bc ::

I love this woodland and whimsy nursery that was featured on Project Nursery. For all the info about how Mom and Dad created (and handmade) this gorgeous space for their daughter, Sadie, you can read all about it here.

:: baby bump luxury skincare ::

Today's Canadian Company Spotlight is a Baby Bump - a fabulous Calgary-based skin care company that is well on it's way to becoming the next big thing for moms in Canada....all the way to Hollywood!

Unfortunately, not everyone is lucky enough to get that pregnancy "glow". What's worse, pregnancy can really wreak havoc on your skin, causing breakouts, dry patches or patches of melasma.

When Baby Bump founder Kate Mistol was pregnant, she was frustrated by the lack of safe, natural skin care products on the market for expectant women. In mompreneur fashion, she started using ingredients in her own kitchen to concoct a miracle potiion to combat the dry, itchy, breakout prone skin she was experiencing.

After much experimentation, mompreneur Kate and her husband came up with the products in the Baby Bump luxury skincare line. Combinations of safe, natural ingredients to soothe your skin and give you that coveted glow.

This product line is fairly new, and it is destined to be a huge hit! In fact, Kate is off to the Emmy Awards soon to add these lovely products to the swag bags of our favourite pregnant celebrities!

It is currently available in Canada through the Baby Bump online store only, and in the United States through the Due Maternity website. I can't wait to try out the face mask and sugar scrub!

:: 26 weeks ::

It's been too long since I did one of these updates! I am 26 weeks today. The little guy is about 14 inches long, and he is kicking up a storm in there!

Feeling: big. And I know I will get much bigger. It really boggles my mind.
Sick?: Not feeling sick as much as I used to, though I am starting to get heartburn! Tums are a favourite bedtime snack.
Cravings: Oranges, nectarines, cold grapes. JUICY fruits!
Wishing for: a bit more summer vacation! I can't believe how quickly the summer has gone! Back to school next week.
Movement?: YES! He is moving around all.the.time. Sometimes feels like earthquakes in my belly!
Reading: The Hour I First Believed - Wally Lamb (for bookclub). Need to finish it for bookclub this week, hosted by moi!
Favourite clothes right now: A dress I picked up at Joe. Navy, empire waist, pleated jersey, super cute and cool.
Current Project: Cleaning out our basement. I am in major nesting mode and it is the only area of our house left that has not been morganized :p
Weight: up 17 pounds total. Probably due to entering the "I'm starving all the time" phase. Seriously....I am so sick of EATING! It seems like that is all I do these days!

:: tickled pink photoshoot #3 ::

I am the luckiest girl in the world to have such a talented photographer sister-in-law to document my growing belly. This was photoshoot number 3 with Tickled Pink and I think I love these pictures the most of all the ones so far.

It was such a beautiful summer night and the light was so pretty. I loved the cool night air too....a nice reprieve from the heat we've had this week. This preggo is ready for FALL!

For more pictures from our shoot, please visit http://weretickledpink.blogspot.com

:: isabella oliver - loved by celebrities ::

The celebs love the line and so do I! For some seriously stylish maternity that even the Mommies to be in Hollywood are coveting, you need to visit our newest sponsor...............

Isabella Oliver Ltd. (Canada)

Happy Shopping!

:: my newborn swirly hat has arrived! ::

Another fun day at the mailbox for me! Our little guy's fleece Swirly Hat in Kelly Green has arrived. I can't wait to put this on him for Christmas pictures. Our little elf! To purchase your own Swirly Hat, check out their shop on Etsy.

:: obleek diaper clutch ::

I got my Obleek Diaper Clutch in the mail today! This cute little bag fits a couple diapers and a small wipes case. So excited to pop this in my diaper bag once our baby boy is here.

If you are looking for funky and original diaper bags and accessories, or the perfect purse or clutch to give as a gift, visit Obleek's Etsy Shop!

:: going organic - the produce dirty dozen ::

If you are thinking of going "kinda" organic, like I am, you might be interested in the latest list from the EWG (Environmental Working Group) about the most sprayed produce on the market. Here are the dirty dozen - the fruits and veggies you really should buy organic, if you can afford it. Disappointing to see so many of my favourite summer fruits on there!




1. Peach
2. Apple
3. Sweet bell pepper
4. Celery
5. Nectarine
6. Strawberries
7. Cherries
8. Kale
9. Lettuce
10. Grapes (imported)
11. Carrot
12. Pear

And, just to ease your mind, here are the 12 least sprayed fruits and veggies that you can continue buying at the local market without shelling out for the organic varieties.

1. Watermelon
2. Papaya
3. Eggplant
4. Cabbage
5. Kiwi
6. Sweet Peas – Frozen
7. Asparagus
8. Mango
9. Pineapple
10. Sweet Corn – Frozen
11. Avocado
12. Onion

For the full list, click here. The EWG offers other information on their website as well, including a very useful cosmetics database to inform you about the chemicals and additives in our everyday skincare, haircare and makeup.

Speaking of, I got the most beautiful paraben-free lip gloss called Kiss My Face Sheer Organics (in Pearl) at Planet Organic yesterday! It even has a bit of Stevia in it for sweetness, and peppermint and chocolate oils for scent. YUM!

:: calgary company spotlight - and amazing newborn photography giveaway! ::

This week's Canadian Company Spotlight features a Calgary-based company - Michelle Wells Photography. I love profiling mompreneurs from my hometown, and I especially love it when they generously donate amazing giveaways!

Michelle Wells has been capturing the beauty of brand-new families since 2004. She specializes in on-location natural light photography. This mom of 4 (plus 2 stepdaughters) sees each face in each family as a new challenge, that of turning your special moments into beautiful memories.

Michelle has donated a newborn session and 11 x 14 print (a value of $266) to be won by readers of Mon Petit Amour! This fantastic prize is open to mommies-to-be who are due within the next six months, as the prize must be redeemed by the end of the month of March 2010.

To enter the giveaway, please visit Michelle's blog and pick your favourite photo. Post a comment with a description of your favourite photo and make sure to leave your email address if it is not already linked to your google account.

For up to 4 additional entries you can:
- Vote for me on Top Baby blogs and leave a seperate comment
- become a follower or subscriber of my blog and leave a seperate comment
- tweet about the giveaway and leave a seperate comment
- blog about the giveaway and leave a seperate comment with the link

Winner will be drawn on Monday, September 14th. Please spread the word to Calgary Mommies-to-be!

:: custom family address labels ::

I am loving these personalized address labels from Amyzo on Etsy. Wouldn't these be so cute on our Christmas cards/birth announcements this December?

:: beautiful baby girl nursery inspiration ::

I am in love with the soft colours and personal touches in Phoebe's baby room, profiled on Ohdeedoh. This sweet nursery was made on a tight budget, incorporating mom-made toys, bedding and art, as well as some beautiful Etsy finds. In case you are wondering about the gorgeous pink on the walls, it is Silk Sheets by Valspar.

Sounds like this Mom (Emily Schildhouse) and I share the same sentiments on nursery decor:

"Whenever anyone who hasn’t seen the room asks about the nursery, they always ask “What’s the theme?” I don’t know where everyone got the idea that a nursery has to have a cutesy baby theme with everything being so matchy-matchy. We just went with a general color scheme that allowed us to incorporate pieces that we really love."

I especially love this handmade mobile.....from a Martha Stewart tutorial. I did a quick google and found the instructions here. If it is still rainy tomorrow, I might just start crafting one of my own!

:: picky sticky milestone stickers and giveaway ::

Aren't mompreneurs the best? Picky Sticky is a brilliant set of stickers that adhere right to your little one's shirt, looking just like expensive custom clothing, or an iron-on transfer.

Her slogan - just stick, then click is music to the ears of a busy mom wanting to get those monthly shots of her little babe. I love monthly photoshoots, and these would make them so easy, and so much more professional looking. Best of all, the stickers retain some stickiness so you can paste them into your scrapbook later!



Available in a variety of colours and designs for a very reasonable price, these stickers make a fab gift for a baby shower. If you are like me and like to take pictures of your pregnant self at regular intervals, she has a set of belly stickers too!

This clever Mompreneur is also generous! Tisha, the creator of Picky Sticky is offering a set of stickers to a lucky reader.

To enter the giveaway, please visit the Picky Sticky website and leave a comment with your favourite set of stickers. Don't forget to include your email if it is not linked to your blogger profile or google account.

If you want additional entries you can.....
- Vote for me on Top Baby blogs and leave a seperate comment
- become a follower or subscriber of my blog and leave a seperate comment
- tweet about the giveaway and leave a seperate comment
- blog about the giveaway and leave a seperate comment with the link

Good luck! I will draw using random.org for the winner on Friday, August 28th!

Watch the blog for another amazing giveaway Monday morning also involving babies and photography ;)

:: maternity clothes from non-maternity stores ::

Just thought I would post some pictures of this awesome dress I found at Winners! I love anything with bows (see the detail in bottom left corner) and I knew I could make it bump-worthy by adding this purple sash I had at home. Love the result, and the price was right! I am off to do a bit more shopping with a mall gift card I have burning a hole in my wallet. Can't wait to see all the fall stuff out in the stores. Definitely want to find something in plaid.....wish me luck!

:: cuddly clearance! ::

Trust me.... you need to visit True Cuddles today. I just ordered 3 things I missed out on the first time that they were featured on the True Cuddles website and I am so excited!

We’re cleaning out our basements and making room for fall cuddles. This is your last chance to nab some cuddles that you may have missed… or indulge in some seconds!

At up to 75% off regular retail! Fair warning though … some lonely leftovers have only ONE remaining…so they may go quick! Items are discounted up to 75% off regular retail! Spend $50 or more, and enjoy $5 shipping within Canada; $7 to US destinations!

It's slim pickin's but the cuddly prices are fabulous!

http://truecuddles.myshopify.com/collections/cuddle-clearance

In other shopping news, you also need to become a fan of Mally Bibs on facebook! This Great Canadian Company is offering fans a discount code for their fabulous leather bibs (feature coming soon!) for today and tomorrow only. I can't give you the code....you have to become a fan of them to get it! I have been in love with these since before I got pregnant, they are so practical and I am a fan of anything that avoids soggy moldy bibs (ugh!).

Happy Shopping!

Watch the blog tomorrow for a fabulous giveaway!

:: wordly babies ::

I love the idea of using maps as decor in a nursery. We have a vintage globe on our bookshelf and it adds a studious flair :)

Though it may not contain the most up-to-date information (i.e no Nunavut on that globe!) it is fun to look at and adds a subtle pop of colour.




World Map Wall Decal in Black - a modern take on the world map. Personally, I prefer the more colourful ones. This might look neat in an office.

Vintage Globe Bank - so Junior can start saving for his or her first trip.

Vintage Flock of Birds from Atlas Pages - wouldn't this make a great DIY mobile?

:: tickled pink maternity photoshoot winner ::

I just plugged in the digits at random.org, and the winner of a maternity photoshoot with Tickled Pink Photography is............

LUCKY NUMBER 1 - Erin!

Congratulations Erin! Can't wait to see the pictures! Tickled Pink will be in touch soon to set up the shoot.

:: jackpot at the mailbox! my new uppababy, onesies from affordable organics, & rowdy diaper bag ::

Yesterday was an exciting day! I got "the call" about my stroller, and picked up my UppaBaby at E-Children here in Calgary. Put it all together myself, with NO instructions needed (it is so easy!) and then strolled down to the mailbox to see what Canada Post would bring me. I seriously considered taking the stroller for a walk, but I was too embarassed!

When I saw that little key in the box I got pretty excited....and when I saw 3 packages for me I was over the moon! I love getting mail!

My Rowdy Diaper bag arrived from BabySteals, and I received my apple green onesie and hat from Affordable Baby Organics - which I won on the Emily's Latest Blog. The third package was ribbon from FinerRibbon.com (for floral work) but it was exciting nonetheless!

I also got a sweet card from my Mom. Thanks Mom :)

Ooh! And my Hubs took a picture of me at 24 weeks. Props to him for suggesting the shower curtain as a backdrop! I cannot believe how big I am getting....and I still have so much farther to go!

:: tutu faboo ::

Don't forget, today is your last day to enter for a maternity photoshoot from Tickled Pink Photography. Enter by leaving a comment here. I will be announcing the winner tomorrow morning!

Today's Canadian Company Spotlight is for all the mommies of sweet baby girls.......

If you are looking for the cutest photography prop ever, you need to order a tutu from Tutu Faboo!

Creative Canadian mompreneur Nicole says:

Tutu Faboo was born out of my love to have spontaenous photo shoots with my daughter, Natalie. I started making tutus to match her onesies, our favourite sports teams, and even her daddy's poker chips!

Tutus are great for photo shoots, cake smashes, birthday parties and dance recitals. Your little one can wear them to weddings, to church, to grandma's... heck, she can even wear it outside to play. She can wear one as a Halloween costume, and she can wear one on Christmas day. The possibilities are endless!

Each tutu is handmade with over 100 yards of tulle (that means that your daughter's tutu has enough tulle to cover the length of a football field!). Choose up to four colours, and add on embellishments for as little as $1.00.

Become a fan of Tutu Faboo on Facebook and receive 10% off your order!

I can already imagine a Christmas themed tutu.....too bad the Hubs would probably die if I put one on our little boy! My love for all things tutu will have to wait until I have a girl!

:: shopping for baby in calgary ::

If you are looking for a place to shop for baby beyond Babies R Us and department stores here in Calgary, here are some suggestions of beautiful baby boutiques to visit for inspiration, unique baby items, and great gifts! It took me a while to compile the list, so I hope it is helpful to you. If you know of any great stores I have missed, just comment below and I will add them!

Calgary Baby Boutiques

Central
Pink or Blue Baby Couture - 509 19th Ave S.W (Mission)
Located in Mission, this modern baby lifestyle boutique specializes in items from New York and Los Angeles. Check out their blog as well.

The Hawthorne Tree - 3534 Garrison Gate S.W (Garrison Woods/Marda Loop)
Looking for the latest in Baby Burberry? This swank little boutique features baby and children's clothing from top designers.

i Bambini - 235, 225 7 Ave S.W (Scotia Centre Downtown)
This downtown baby shop offers baby gifts, clothing, strollers and prams.

Riva's EcoStore - 1534 17th Avenue S.W
For the baby of eco-activists, you must visit this store for organic baby carriers, clothing, cloth diapers and bedding.

Cherry 4 - 1215A 9th Avenue S.E (Inglewood)
This beautiful boutique offers gorgeous furniture, unique gift items and beautiful upholstery and fabric for custom work. Make an afternoon of it and visit my FAVOURITE dessert bar after you are done shopping. Nectar Desserts makes the most delish red velvet cake.

The Mom Store - 1111 Kensington Road N.W
Next time you are in Kensington indulging in a Crave cupcake (*drool*)....stop by the Mom Store for a great selection of furniture, baby clothing and organic products. Another one I have yet to visit....I need to get there soon. And now I really want a peanut butter cupcake!


North
Sweet Cheeks Children's Boutique - 151, 5005 Dalhousie Drive N.W
This vibrant and fun shop has clothing for infants to children, and features story and craft time as well! Call for details.

Bug & Blossom - 1679, 1632 14 Ave N.W (North Hill Shopping Centre)
For great gifts, toys, accessories, shoes and gift baskets, visit Bug & Blossom in North Hill Shopping Centre.

South
Trend-e-Tots - 7730 MacLeod Trail S.E, Unit 5
This boutique features some great brands for the modern tot, one of which is Olli & Lime bedding. I have being eyeing some of these patterns online for a while, so I am excited I can see them in person here in Calgary!

Stephanie's Kids - 580 Willow Park Village
After you treat yourself to some beautiful maternity clothes at Ella Bella, head over to Stephanie's kids for the latest in designer baby wear. Featuring Burberry, 3 Pommes, and DKNY to name a few, this long-established boutique is sure to please the eye.....just not the wallet!

E-Children - 130 71 Ave S.E
This boutique is chock full of all of the trendiest brands in baby gear, furniture, strollers, carriers and so much more. Everytime I go in there I find some stylish new thing I did not know I needed :)

Multiple Locations
Kacz Kids - 7290 11 Street S.E, and 901 64 Ave N.E (Deerfoot Outlet Mall)
Although it is not the prettiest store out there, it is worth taking a look. Prices are good, and there are many baby brands featured at Kacz' Kids. This place was once the only gig in town for Baby stuff!

Bo Bebe - Shawnessy Village, Crowfoot Village, Market Mall and Westhills Towne Centre
I recently visited all 6500 feet of the magnificent Westhills Towne Centre store and it is just beautiful! I could spend hours browsing in there. I really loved the selection of cloth diapers and the Hubs liked trying them out with the dolls they have in there :p

Babes in Arms - 6707 Elbow Drive S.W (Mayfair Place)
This is the place to go for slings, cloth diapers, natural toys and hip nursing wear. I have not visited yet, but I plan to soon!

Okotoks
Baby Boutique Okotoks - 1 North Railway Street, Okotoks.
I visited this lovely, shabby chic boutique a couple of weeks ago, and it is just gorgeous! Make an afternoon of it and have an afternoon tea or coffee at one of the many cute little cafes and restaurants in Olde Towne Okotoks.

Calgary Maternity Wear
From designer denim to nursing wear, to clothing for work, these posh maternity boutiques have it all!

Ella Bella - Willow Park Village and Bankers Hall
Posh Mommy - 2120 Kensington Road N.W


Calgary Baby and Maternity Consignment
Let's not forget consignment! All the consignment stores I have visited so far have far exceeded my expectations. They are usually a combination of new and gently used items, and there are many great deals to be had. Here are the addresses of baby and maternity consignment places around town. I have added a star to those that also carry maternity consignment.

Central
Lullaby Lane - 1314 9 Ave S.E (in Inglewood)*
Sproutz Kidz - Glendale Shopping Centre 2835 37 Street S.W*

North
CaterTot in Airdrie - 2002 Luxstone Boulevard, Airdrie*
Baby & Me - 105, 300 14 St. NW*
Once Upon a Child - 4625 Varsity Drive NW
Starbright for Kids - 309, 500 Country Hills Boulevard N.E*

South
Sproutz Kidz - 13226 MacLeod Trail S.E (Canyon Meadows Shopping Centre)*
Huckleberry Kids - 15566 McIvor Boulevard S.E (Copperfield Corner)
Once Upon a Child - 9250 MacLeod Trail SE

Whew! Happy Shopping Calgary Mommies! Please let me know if you have any other stores I should add to the list :)

executive suites Calgary

:: p*rn for new moms - must have baby shower gift ::

Eeps! I hope I don't get in trouble for the title of this post...... meh, perhaps it will just HUGELY boost traffic to my little baby blog? :p

I just returned from a baby shower and I now know what I will be giving as a part of all future baby shower gifts! This fantastic book from the Cambridge Women's Pornography Co-operative (read more about them here) is chock full of tantalizing images of Daddies doing all the right stuff.

For a sneak peek into the man candy featured in the book, as well as some reader reactions.....watch the video:



Available at Chapters.ca

For more titles by the CWPC - click here.