Marketplace

CLOSED: Mom-Shell Giveaway!

2009-11-17T17:33:58Z

THIS CONTEST IS CLOSED.

Last month we featured the beautiful Mom-Shell collection in the Marketplace, and now we're thrilled to be able to bring you an urbanmoms.ca exclusive giveaway: you could win a Mom-Shell of your very own!

this style is the Gwenyth, from offspring 2009 collection:

Mom-Shells were conceived by a mom who cares about how she looks, and wanted to be able to nurse comfortably in the presence of others. To enter, please add a comment below with your best 'nursing in public' story. It could be funny, heartwarming, embarrassing...you decide!

Remember, only urbanmoms.ca members are eligible to win, so sign in before you comment. Not an urbanmoms.ca member? Join now, it's easy and free.

Foundation Studio

2009-10-13T22:32:54Z

It's our pleasure at the urbanmoms.ca Marketplace this week to bring you Ariane's story:

Foundation Studio is a Marketing & Promotions company that focuses on The Start-up Business. As an Entrepreneur myself, I know how hard it is to stay on track of your marketing efforts; there are just too many corners begging to be cut! Tasks just waiting to be shifted to tomorrow's to-do list. Unfortunately, marketing always seems to be the one shifted!!

I started Foundation Studio because I love hearing about someone's lifestyle change towards Entrepreneurship - I get so excited when I find out a friend has taken the leap that I am always coming up with neat ideas on how they can market their venture affordably.

Foundation Studio was more due to the fact I was helping my husband launch and market his business - people started to notice Foundation Studio as the company's promotional rep and seek me out for their company. Normally I would've stayed local, but now I have clients in the States and Overseas!

The services that Foundation Studio and I provide are general marketing advice and guidance, web, blog and graphic design as well as celebrity swag bag placement and media coverage. The clientele that I serve ranges from schools to local and national community non-profits to corporate and mom & pop companies.

I think the difference between my company and that of a larger marketing firm is that I take the time to get to know my client and their product - I won't represent a client or product that I can't get excited about - I need to make sure that I feel their passion as well - so basically their business and wellbeing are just as important to me as it is to them - it's not about the paycheque for me, it's about my client actually achieving their goals!

There are huge things happening around the office lately, we've been nominated for Mom Entrepreneur of the Year and we also just announced the launch of the Premiere Work From Home Expo - again, helping others find their Entrepreneurial path to success!

For more information on how Foundation Studio can help your business succeed or to find out more on the Work From Home Expo, please contact Ariane at info@foundationstudio.ca or check out the website at http://foundationstudio.ca

Mom-Shell

2009-10-06T20:07:09Z

Mom-Shell was conceived 2 years ago when my baby refused to take a bottle, and I refused to wear the bib and apron-like options available to new mothers.

Each MOM-SHELL is designed for mothers who care about the way they look, and who want to nurse comfortably in the company of others. MOM-SHELLs will flatter, fit and function throughout pregnancy and beyond....allowing for "chic and discreet" nursing. They are the ultimate "wear everywhere" layer- work, rest or play.

MOM-SHELLs are also designed for mothers who care about the earth. We are committed to using fabrics made of certified organic fibres (Control Union Certifications) and low-impact dyes to promote a healthy environment. Our proudly Canadian made garments will help you nurture your child, yourself and your surroundings. We know that baby steps are huge.

Coco Baby Boutique

2009-09-29T22:59:38Z

Coco Baby Boutique offers mod and trendy products for the swankiest of tots. Coco Baby Boutique is committed to finding products for their customers that are new, exciting, and most of all functional! All of the brands and products that they carry have been tested by their mommy testing group or by themselves personally before they decide to carry a specific item. This is a fabulous way to ensure that they are selling products that not only they stand behind but other moms stand behind these products as well.
Coco Baby Boutique is owned by Nicole Wilson and Heather York, they are both daycare providers and mothers. Through another company Nicole owns, she had been doing product testing and the ladies began talking about the need for different products that were either hard to get or were not available in Canada and Coco Baby Boutique was born in June 2009. Or goal is to carry products that moms love, need and want. We do carry many products that are well known but we strive to find new, fabulous products that we know moms all over Canada will love.

A few of the new, fun products that they carry on their on-line store include Dabbawalla Bags.

These bags have been one of their best sellers. The line includes lunch bags and toddler backpacks made out of neoprene. This material makes the bags great insulators, and the fun prints make kids and adults of all ages want one. Another line that is new and hard to find in Canada is Magz Bagz.
These diaper bags are fabulous, designed and hand made in Canada. The prints are bold and pretty, and the styles include a backpack, sling, and tote. The craftsmanship is amazing and the styles make them a bag that any mom would love to carry. The Woobee is another great product; it was loved by all of their mommy testers.

They are weather resistant blankets, that have a super soft side for baby to snuggle against and the outside layer keeps the elements at bay. It has two ties, one on each side in order to keep the blanket from falling off baby in the stroller, car seat, carrier and so on. So simple, yet so very functional.

Coco Baby Boutique is an on-line store who believes in customer service above anything else and aims to make moms job a little easier.... and what better way to do this then by providing functional, fun, new products right at their finger tips!

Holly Clegg Cookbooks

2009-09-21T17:09:48Z

Holly Clegg
Holly Clegg, author of the best selling trim&TERRIFIC® cookbook series including a diabetic cookbook with the ADA and Eating Well Through Cancer, has sold almost 1 million copies. Holly has promoted her healthy lifestyle recipes on national shows including Fox & Friends, NBC Weekend Today, and The 700 Club. She understands the demands of the busy person and with her user friendly, pantry friendly, and time friendly cookbooks, she has garnered a national reputation as the healthy "Queen of Quick!"

Holly Clegg's trim&TERRIFIC® Freezer Friendly Meals

For the person on the go who doesn't have time to cook or struggles with the daily dinner dilemma, Holly Clegg comes to the rescue with her Holly Clegg trim&TERRIFIC Freezer Friendly Meals (Running Press, ISBN 07676242597) Planning and cooking weekly delicious and healthy meals can be time-consuming and frustrating. Holly offers home cooks more than 200 easy freezable recipes. Now, busy cooks can tackle weekly menus in a day or two, and spend the rest of the week enjoying the tasty rewards of their labor!! In addition, this great resource includes menus, pantry tips, nutritional analysis, diabetic exchanges, substitution suggestions, short cuts and helpful hints. For instance, not sure which foods freeze well? Wondering how long chicken will stay good frozen? Everything you wanted to know about freezing food and didn't know where to look!!

Each recipe includes three sets of directions (serve, freeze, or serve after freezing) to accommodate your need and vegetarian recipes are indicated with a carrot. Sweet Potato Praline Coffee Cake, Baked Garlic Brie and Chunky Chicken Divan are just a few of the tempting recipes. Cook in advance, and when you get home after a long, hard day at work...just reheat and serve! For sample freezer friendly recipes: visit www.hollyclegg.com

KIDS COOKING for Mommies

What Mom doesn't wish just once that a home cooked meal will miraculously appear? While we can't offer magic or a genie, Holly's cookbook, KIDS COOKING for Mommies with 50 yummy kid-friendly recipes might be the next best thing. Recipes are easy and use panty friendly common ingredients.

A busy mother of three, Holly understands what it feels like to have limited time to help your children develop a lifetime of healthy eating habits. Her goal was to offer real-world, nutritious and easy to make recipes that kids, from toddlers to tweens, can have fun preparing
More than recipes, the Kitchen Wonderland chapter provides insight on ways Mommies can transform kitchens into a child-friendly environment and help them understand the importance of nutrition. Rainbow Recipes was created to help Moms who have to feed picky eaters and help kids develop a new appreciation for fruits and vegetables. The cookbook is with Mommies Line L.L.C.

For sample kid recipes, visit www.hollyclegg.com

True Cuddles

2009-09-15T17:01:17Z

As moms, Julie and Sarah loved searching for products that helped them celebrate motherhood, outfit and nurture their little ones and of course, keep them safe. They waded through the clutter of mainstream baby products and were able to find so many uncovered gems. They began brainstorming how they could share these gems with other moms, and looked for a way to bring together aspects from there personal and work life that they genuinely enjoyed the most and...True Cuddles came to life. But they always knew, they wanted to do more than to just sell product! Julie and Sarah have woven their passions together to create the True Cuddles community.

Every Monday morning, True Cuddles offers a limited quantity of one in-demand baby/toddler product a week, at a discounted price, until it sells out. We call it our "Cuddle of the Week". Our discounts range from 40% to 70% off regular retail price.

Our community consists of thousands of hip moms, across North America, who loyally read, share and shop with us. These moms want to know about the latest baby gear, can't live without toddler products and everything else that keeps their children safe, fed and in-style. We're a fun, unique shopping experience {and outlet} for modern moms to buy high quality products at affordable prices, in a stress free, always-open environment.

Each week or sometimes bi-monthly, we feature a mom who successfully juggles family and a business. We were inspired by other's passion, creativity, and energy when launching True Cuddles so we want to include that energy in our site! The featured mom shares a little about herself and her business...in turn we hope to motivate and inspire other moms to take the next step in starting their own business. Along with their feature, we are often host to some fabulous giveaways!

Marketplace Giveaway: WIN a Squishy Fish Onesie!

2009-09-08T22:50:45Z

Last week we featured the sweet clothing line Squishy Fish, and this week we're thrilled to bring you a Squishy Fish Giveaway!

The Squishy Fish line consists of bright, playful images printed onto the softest organic cotton onesies and t-shirts available. Each shirt is a tribute to childhood and all of the little moments that parents treasure most. Whimsical and sweet, Squishy Fish designs are sure to put smiles on child and adult faces alike.

You could win a Squishy Fish onesie of your choice! All you have to do is click over to the Squishy Fish website, select your favourite design, and tell us what your fave onesie design is (and why!) in the comments section below.

Remember, you must be an urbanmoms.ca member to win! Not a member? Join now, it's easy and free. Already a member? Remember to sign in when you comment.

Squishy Fish

2009-09-01T15:23:27Z

Squishy Fish is the brainchild of owner and founder Mel Bednar. After the birth of her daughter in 2006, she found that much of the organic cotton baby clothing on the market was plain and uninspiring. Knowing that organic cotton was better for her daughter's sensitive skin and for the planet, Mel began her mission to create a clothing line that is both natural and fun.

The Squishy Fish line consists of bright, playful images printed onto the softest organic cotton onesies and t-shirts available. Each shirt is a tribute to childhood and all of the little moments that parents treasure most. Whimsical and sweet, Squishy Fish designs are sure to put smiles on child and adult faces alike.

At home, Mel is always looking for ways to reduce her family's footprint on the planet, and Squishy Fish is run with the same principles in mind. All clothing is made from unbleached, 100% certified organic cotton, is manufactured by businesses using fair trade practices only, and packaged using recycled and biodegradable materials.

Squishy Fish onesies and t-shirts are available at several stores across the country as well as on-line at www.squishyfish.ca. Sizes range from 3-6m to 18-24m and prices start at $22 on-line. Their fall/holiday line (available in October 2009) will feature exciting new products and gift sets.

Natural and unique, Squishy Fish offers baby gifting options that new and expecting parents will love and appreciate. For more information about Squishy Fish including pricing, upcoming events, media coverage and retail availability, please visit: www.squishyfish.ca.

TinyWiggles

2009-08-18T18:39:36Z

TinyWiggles Ltd is an online specialty shop started March 1, 2009 by a mother and daughter team, featuring fresh innovative baby and toddler products. All our products are handmade in Canada. TinyWiggles strives to make the lives of parents and their little ones a little simpler by offering practical products for everyday living.

The birth of my son was a very difficult delivery, and I was very happy to have my mother and husband by my side. My son arrived 3 weeks early and a healthy baby, however a bit of a fussy baby which brought many challenges to a first time mom. My son was a very wiggly baby and what I call a "passionate"-type baby, everything was a struggle with him, whether it would be bed time, bath time or getting him dressed. With my son being so active, we decided to call our business adventureTinyWiggles. He was tiny and he wiggled a lot!

Both my mother and I work full time outside the home and decided to start this business venture to help others find products that are useful and fun. My mother is close to retirement and loves to sew, so we thought this would be a great idea. I love to think of new things and I love to do the marketing aspect of the business. We teamed up and decided to put our outside passions to work! It's been challenging at times, as we both work full time and would love to dedicate more time to create more new and wonderful things, but we both have families to manage!

Please visit: www.tinywiggles.etsy.com

Nu-world Botanicals

2009-08-11T21:33:22Z

Aromatherapy Personals - Instant Aromatherapy-To-Go! From NUWORLD Botanicals, founded by Canadian Natalie Cascella.

Eco-chic, compact vials with rollerballs that combine the power of acupressure, aromatherapy and anti-oxidant vitamins A, B, C and E to help balance, harmonize and promote the health of mind, body and skin. Eleven targeted blends, including Anxiety Relief, Energy Boost, Sweet Dreams, Meditation and Jet Lag Relief, work within seconds to help restore balance to mind, body and skin.

Made from 100% naturally active plant seed oils, with over 90% Certified Organic ingredients, these ready made blends offer one of the quickest, easiest, and safest ways to enjoy the benefits of pure Aromatherapy.

Simply massage into pulse points (inside wrists, temples, back of neck) and breathe in the transforming aroma for an overall sense of well being and restoration. A nutrient-enriched oil blend, packed with powerful anti-oxidants and natural UVA-UVB protection properties works to hydrate, smooth and protect your skin, while a unique synergy blend of pure essential oils instantly stimulates your senses. Convenient size fits easily in your pocket, purse or briefcase. Take wherever you go!

This is a brand new line from Mississauga, Canada and can be found in major health and beauty product retail stores in and around Toronto. US consumers can now order on-line from Spirit Beauty Lounge (New York) http://www.spiritbeautylounge.com and Bella Floria Organics (California) http://www.bellafloria.com and shipping takes approximately 3-5 days. Retails for $20 CDN (9.6ml bottle). Watch for Aromatherapy Personals 'Body+Bath+Hair' all-in-one, Instant Sensory Remedy and Daily Moisturizing Nutritive Oil, launching Spring 2009.

Aromatherapy Personals: Boost Your Mood...Naturally!

Little Stars Bedtime Cards

2009-08-05T02:51:30Z

Every parent knows how important it is to send their child to bed feeling secure, comforted, and loved. But most parents are familiar with the feeling of "running out of steam" at the end of day, especially when their child is pleading for "one more story!"

Little Stars Bedtime Cards offer a gentle, one-on-one bedtime ritual that both parents and children enjoy. The award-winning cards are simple and interactive, and require no special knowledge or tools to use -- just a desire to spend a few meaningful minutes together at bedtime.

Intended for use with children 3-6 years of age, the cards were developed to give parents a way to end the day with their young children on a peaceful and affirming note.

Shannon McQuillan and Linda Komori, both of Kamloops, developed the cards in response to their experiences as mothers of young children. Shannon had developed a bedtime routine of asking her young sons affirming questions before bed, and realized how much it helped to "gear down" and send everyone off to sleep feeling secure and contented. "Plus," says Shannon, "it gave me a chance to take a few minutes to appreciate them for the delightful people that they are." Linda, a graphic designer and artist, got involved when Shannon was trying to figure out the best way to translate her valuable bedtime ritual into a parenting tool that would help others create their own easy, "no pressure" bedtime ritual.

Linda developed the three Little Stars characters to make it easy for kids to open up and talk in a "no wrong answers" context. Each of the 28 cards features a bright illustration and questions designed to appeal to the 3-6 year old age group.

Linda has enjoyed her part in creating a parenting tool that is so flexible. "I think it can really help make the day/night transition for young children a little easier." As the parent chooses which cards to use each night, the experience can be tailored to each child's needs on a particular night.

Feedback from parents using the cards has included such accolades as "It used to be this battle. Arguments over toothbrushing, story time, getting them into the bed, and calls of 'I'm scared. Don't leave.' But the bedtime cards motivate our little ones to follow the routine and get to those pillows..."

Launched at the end of 2007, Little Stars Bedtime Cards were chosen for a Creative Child Magazine Top Choice of the Year Award in 2008.

Little Stars Bedtime Cards are sold online through www.bedtimecards.com.

Style My Child

2009-07-28T17:11:48Z

Style My Child is the one-of-a-kind online design studio, that turns your ordinary photos into extraordinary pieces of art!

My husband Todd is a graphic designer and artist, and I am a stay-at-home mom who loves taking pictures of my kids! I mean, what mom doesn't!? For our daughter, Noelle's second birthday, I sat her down and took a whole bunch of pictures of her, and when I loaded them onto my computer, decided that they needed something more, something to make them really special! I asked my husband if he would take Noelle's picture and make it look like something out of a magazine, or something you would see on a billboard! And he did... Friends and family started to take notice of Todd's amazing photo creations and gave me the idea of offering other parents the chance to 'style their child'!

Lots of time and creative process go into each photo with the hopes of giving parents a unique and amazing photo of their child that they will cherish for a lifetime!"

Wish Bedding

2009-07-14T14:54:26Z

My name is Natalie Kaplan and my partner is Allison Meshwork. We are two moms who have just launched Wish Bedding, an e-boutique dedicated to children's bedding.

As you click through the pages of our website, you will see the combined efforts of two very devoted stay-at-home moms with a dream. We're Natalie and Alli - the next door neighbours who founded Wish Bedding, Dreamy Finds for Kids!

When it was time for Natalie's daughter to move into her big girl bed, she wanted to get good quality, affordable, washable, AND inspirational linens that would excite her little girl. Natalie wanted the room to be beautiful, not only for her daughter, but for herself as well.

Time to go shopping! Simple enough, right? Not exactly. Natalie searched the city - department and big box stores and linen boutiques. The choices were few. Most options were licensed and poorly fabricated. Some were quilts that were a little too thin for our Canadian winters. Other linens were more expensive than what she had on her own bed! Why was this simple shopping experience turning into a grand expedition?

Necessity is the mother of invention. Natalie and Alli compared notes and determined that something needed to be done for the good of all Canadian children and their frustrated parents! (Imagine trumpets blaring now!)

. . . and Wish Bedding was born.

With a combined background of packaged goods marketing and years of working with elementary students in education, we knew we had the tools to bring something unique to the Canadian retail landscape. The baby we created together is our new pride and joy and we hope that you take delight in your shopping experience with us.

We want Wish Bedding, Dreamy Finds for Kids to be your destination for dressing your child's bed. As Canadian mothers who know what parents want, we continuously shop the world to find the best combination of design, quality and affordability in children's bedding. From playful to chic, wehave the style choices you and your child wish for, and the knowledge, service and enthusiasm to make your shopping experience one you would recommend to friends. Wish Bedding allows parents to decorate their children's rooms in style while filling their child's wish for whimsical, fun and imaginative patterns.

Whether you meet us online or in our showroom we want you to feel welcomed and inspired. We will navigate you through your purchase from beginning to end.

Watch your child make their bedtime wish in a bed fit for their dreams.

For more info, please visit our website at www.wishbedding.com.

Sweet Peanut

2009-06-24T02:33:11Z

Sweet Peanut started with a very stylish advertising and marketing executive. New York's dailycandy.com was her bible and shopbop.com was her homepage. Her Manolos were on altars, her Sevens on padded hangers and she brought C&C California to her very stylish
friends before it was one of Oprah's favorite things. And then one day, the inevitable happened. This hip girl became a hip mama and found that dressing her sweet baby boy became a problem of Trini and Susannah proportions. Her stylish side shunned the
teddy bears and balloons, her yoga mama side couldn't face unnatural fabrics or "dryclean only" processes on her newborn's skin, her practical side needed wash and wear and her dear hubby's hands couldn't manage the intricate web of small buttons and snaps.

Something had to be done - and surely this mama wasn't alone. And so, with the help of
her two not-so-silent partners and tireless husband, The Sweet Peanut Clothing Company
was born. Focusing on making the whole "getting ready for baby process" simple and stylish Sweet Peanut produces the only 14 pieces that baby needs for the first 24 months of life
in original and hip coordinating collections in 100% lush interlocking cotton.

Our mission is to Make Dressing a Joy by keeping it simple, keeping it sane and keeping it stylish. Today the Sweet Peanut collections are found at fine children's boutiques and maternity stores across North America, the UK, Australia and are available online at
www.sweetpeanut.com. Additionally, Sweet Peanut is currently designing exclusive bi-annual collections for Harrods.

uba BABY

2009-06-16T20:09:06Z

My name is Janet Mogus and I'm the founder of uba BABY (ooh-bah BABY), an eco-friendly on-line baby and mama-to-be boutique.

As a mother to 5 wonderful children under the age of 12, I have to say I've had my share of running noses, spilled milks, invisible boo boo's requiring immediate band-aid application and sleepless nights.

Perhaps one of the greatest challenges I've encountered was finding all natural and safe products for my wee ones. Shortly after the birth of my fifth child, I set forth on my mom entrepreneur adventure and opened up uba BABY. In between my son's 6am hockey practices, my girls' figure skating competitions, homework and that never-ending pile of dirty laundry, I have thoughtfully selected and researched some of the most unique and highly sought after innovative products for growing up green.

Embrace a greener lifestyle... uba BABY! Who says going green can't be fun... just ask my 15 month old who helps to package your order with recycled materials!