Keeping your kids busy indoors this winter!

In the summer it's so easy to find things to do with your kids - the sky is the limit and you can easily enjoy both indoor and outdoor activities. But in the winter, when it is really cold outside, many of your activities may be concentrated indoors. Especially if you are like me and hate the cold! If you have older kids, this may lead to a bit of 'cabin fever'. Luckily, Lyla is still too young to know the difference between indoor and outdoor play and we can easily fill our days with indoor activities without me being asked every 5 minutes 'Can we go outside yet?' or 'What can I do?...there is nothing to do inside!'. I'm sure those of you with older kids know those discussions all too well.

Lyla and I have been finding it pretty easy to fill our days between dancing, tummy time, spending time exploring new toys, and practicing new skills (like sitting)!

But, I remember when I was babysitting, I really had to get creative to keep the kids entertained and away from the television.  I loved trying to find activities that stimulated both their minds and their bodies (not easy while staying inside).  Some go to activities that I always loved doing with the children I babysat include:
-Crafts
-Colouring
-Dancing
-Baking
-Board and Card Games
-Reading
-Story-telling
-Make-belief play
-and more!

So as you can see, just because it's winter and cold outside, it doesn't mean you have to be bored inside!  The Fisher-Price Play and Learn Family Activities resource has some more great ideas on how to keep your children entertained indoors.  It is conveniently categorized from birth to three years.  I especially love that this tool includes activities for even the littlest little ones (starting right from birth).  One activity that I look forward to trying with Lyla is the Wiggle Worm, helping her learn cause and effect, motor control, and practice those pre-crawling exercises!  This easy to use resource will help add a little fun to your days inside.  I'll be sure to be using it for the remainder of the cold months and beyond!

Disclosure:  I am part of the Fisher-Price Play Panel and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.

Santa Came Early - and Mom's Helper (Fisher-Price) Application

Santa came a bit early this year and brought Lyla some new Fisher-Price toys: a Luv U Zoo™ Jumperoo™ and Laugh & Learn™ Dance & Play Puppy. Although Lyla was only 3 months when we got both items, we were surprised to see over the next month how much Lyla was changing with the help of these toys (particularly the Luv U Zoo™ Jumperoo™).

Lyla is in awe of the Laugh & Learn™ Dance & Play Puppy

The Luv U Zoo™ Jumperoo™ has given Lyla and us so many moments of joy. Seeing her explore, learn, and get excited about playing is an amazing experience! At first she just started to notice the different items on the Luv U Zoo™ Jumperoo™ Then, she started hitting some of the items, making them move or make noises, without even realizing it. After numerous times of doing this, she started to learn cause and effect - what she was doing was actually making something happen! From those moments until now, she has started to jump and move and scream with delight when in her Luv U Zoo™ Jumperoo™. As parents, each of these moments are amazing for us!  They make us so proud of our quickly growing little girl!

Lyla's first time in the Luv U Zoo™ Jumperoo™.

This item really showed us the Joy of Learning through play.  The Jumperoo™has proven to be a great Christmas gift for little ones around Lyla's age who are able to hold up their head on their own.

This year, Fisher-Price is making Christmas shopping for little ones a bit easier with the FREE smart phone application (available on Blackberry®, Android®, and iSO devices): Mom's Helper.  This new smart phone application will help you to: find toys and gear based on your child's specific and developmental needs,  keep track of your child’s age, height and weight, plus, and create a toy wish list to share with friends and family (great for the holiday season and birthdays). 
I did a bit more research on the new Fisher-Price Mom's Helper application and found some really neat functions that will help shopper's this holiday season.  For example, scan UPC codes on toys in-store to receive more product information on over 150 Fisher-Price toys and gear!  Or, make a list of the gear you or the little one you are shopping for already has and add a list of toys or gear that you'd like.  Both functions are great for making holiday shopping a little bit easier!

Mom's Helper is now available on iTunes for download!  

Disclosure: I am part of the Fisher-Price Play Panel and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.

Fisher-Price Twitter Party!

Are you wondering what to do tonight? Come join me and the rest of the Fisher-Price Play Panel for Fisher-Price's 1st Twitter Party!

The details...
Date: December 15, 2011
Time: 9:00-10:00pm EST

The Fisher-Price Twitter party should be a lot of fun!  Plus, as a party participant you'll have the chance to win one of 6 prizes.  The prize packs are based on the age of your child and have an approximate value of $100 each.

To join the party, all you have to do is follow the hashtag #JOYofLearning on Twitter and use it when participating in the conversation.

Haven't participated in a Twitter party before?  Don't let that stop you!  An easy way to participate is go to TweetGrid, and enter 1) The Party Hashtag (#JOYofLearning), 2) The Party Host (@MC_Canada), and 3) Your Twitter Username.  Then, join in the fun!

Seventh Generation is giving back!

Seventh Generation is committing to giving back to families across Canada this October! Their goal is to distribute up to 240,000 packages of diapers (or up to $160k worth of diapers) to women's shelters located in the provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Quebec, since these shelters often do not receive corporate help.  Seventh Generation has started a diaper donation program that they are calling BOGO (BUY ONE GIVE ONE) and they are encouraging families across Canada to participate.  I was lucky that Seventh Generation gave me to chance to participate in, enabling me to help to donate even more diapers across Canada.

As part of Seventh Generation's diaper donation program, I was able to donate four (4) packages of diapers to a local charity of my choice.  Because I work (when not on maternity leave) in the Wolseley area of Winnipeg, I wanted to donate the diapers to a charity that I know a lot about, that I've worked with in the past, and that I've seen benefit many families in the community. 

I chose to donate the four (4) packages of Free & Clear diapers that Seventh Generation sent me to a place called Wolseley Family Place, a non-profit community based charity that helps families with young children.  When I went to drop of the diapers, I felt good knowing that the diapers would be put to good use.  The centre receives food and clothing regularly as donations but I have a feeling that don't receive diapers too often...especially so many at once or ones that are eco-friendly (an aspect that many people in this particular community feel strongly about).  It was great to see a number of Moms and their babies in the centre when I went there because I knew that they may be one of the families who will benefit from Seventh Generations kindness.

As I mentioned briefly above, you can help families in your community too by participating in the Diaper Donation Program.  Seventh Generation is encouraging families to Buy One & Give One.  In other words, the next time you purchase a package of diapers, purchase an extra package to donate to a local community charity of your choice, to help a local family in need.

I recently had a chance to try Seventh Generation's Free & Clear diapers.  I wasn't quite sure what to expect since I had never tried eco-friendly diapers before.  I'll be honest and say I wasn't expecting much because I've learned over the past few months that I'm rather picky about my daughter's diapers and I wasn't sure how an eco-friendly version would hold up.

After using a whole package of the diapers, I'm happy to report, I love them!  First and foremost, I love that these diapers hold up (most importantly); I didn't experience any leaks despite some really wet and really poopy diapers.  I also love that the diapers contain no chlorine, no petroleum based products, no latex, and are scent free and hypoallergenic!  With my baby's sensitive skin, I'd rather her not be exposed to all that unnecessary 'stuff'!  I was surprised that these diapers were a beige color but realized that, that was because these diapers are not bleached (something I can definitely live without).  After using the 'beige' diapers, I actually started to enjoy the natural look to them, partially because it reminded me that they were au natural!  I also loved that these diapers fit really well; they had the nice stretchy contoured parts around the legs and the back that are needed to avoid leaks (there is nothing worse than a poopy diaper that runs up the whole back of my baby's sleeper).  I would definitely use these diapers again and I'd recommend them to other Moms who are looking for an eco-friendly alternative.

If you haven't already, become a part of the 7th Gen Nation or visit Seventh Generation's Facebook Fan Page!  As a member of the 7th Gen Nation program, you will have special member-only access to coupons, special offers, and tips on how to live green and keep your family healthy at the same time!  Both places are a great way to stay up to date on what is new and happening with Seventh Generation!


Disclosure – I am participating in the Seventh Generation program by Mom Central Canada.  I received compensation as a thank you for my participation.  The opinions on this blog are my own.

I'm a Fisher-Price Mom-to-Be!

Many of you who are on Twitter have probably seen updates from me about the Fisher-Price Play Panel and have been curious about what it is all about! I found out shortly before I announced my pregnancy to my blog readers that I was chosen to be a Fisher-Price Mom, currently their Fisher-Price Mom-to-Be or Fisher-Price prenatal mom (it's still a bit surreal and I'm still basking in excitement). Although I wanted to tell the additional exciting news in my Wordless Wednesday post that announced my pregnancy, I was sworn to secrecy...at least for a short while. Plus, if I shared the news, it wouldn't be a Wordless Wednesday post, now would it?! :)


So, this is my official post announcing my year long partnership with Fisher-Price as a Fisher-Price Mom, Mom Central and Spider Marketing Solutions. 

My experience started off with a trip to Toronto at the beginning of March to meet the other seven (7) Fisher-Price Moms (fellow Canadian bloggers), the Mom Central Team, the Spider Marketing Team, and a few representatives from Fisher-Price.  The trip to Toronto was a 30 hour blitz trip that seems like a bit of a whirlwind when I look back on it.  It was amazing to meet all the people involved in the campaign; meeting the bloggers whom I've talked with before and read their blogs previously was awesome!  Besides meeting all these wonderful people, the main purpose of my trip to Toronto was a photo shoot.  Since I had participated in one photo shoot previously (Marks photo shoot), I wasn't too worried about getting in front of the camera once again.  However, nerves hit me when I realized that this was going to be seen by moms across Canada!

Before heading off to Toronto, I didn't realize that most of the photos currently used for Fisher-Price in Canada were actually American moms and children.  Us bloggers (and children) are going to amongst the first Fisher-Price models for Fisher-Price Canada.  These photos are slowly starting to be circulated through various media sources such as displays and the new Fisher-Price website, which is supposed to be launching later this month.  For those of you who aren't quite sure what I mean by a new Fisher-Price website...I mean a Canadian dedicated Fisher-Price website; before joining the campaign, I had no idea that Fisher-Price Canada didn't have their own website.  Up until the new launch, when you go to Fisher-Price and click Canada, you are redirected to the American website.  So, this is another exciting first for Fisher-Price Canada.  Needless to say, I am excited to be a part of it.

The photo shoot day was a lot of fun and to tell you the truth...the I felt a bit spoiled.  From the make-up stylist, to the hair stylist, to the fashion stylist and the professional studio, it was all an 'un-real' yet real experience!  Plus, the whole group who hosted us was fantastic - ensuring we had everything we needed and making sure all the children were happy with what seemed like a truck load of Fisher-Price toys (it felt like Christmas and I found it hard to contain myself - the reality of being a child care provider)!

Now,  for some pictures...









This picture was taken by Danigirl at Postcards from the Mothership.  For those of you who don't recognize me, I'm the blogger in the blue jeans.  I was either tweeting or texting my husband at this point in the day.  Unfortunately you can't see my wee 17-week baby bump in this picture. The other blogger next to be is Nadia from Les Cornus.

Here are a few pictures that will be used in the Fisher-Price nationwide campaign (taken by Rino Noto Foto):

As a Fisher-Price Mom, some of the things I'll be doing over the next year include,

• - Participating in the Fisher-Price Spark at least once a month to share my opinions.  I'll announce more details once I have them.
• - Write product reviews for the items I receive from Fisher-Price throughout the year on the *NEW* Fisher-Price website.  So far I've received a Fisher-Price My Little Snugabunny Bouncer (super cute, soft, and snuggley), a Fisher-Price My Little Lamb Cradle 'n Swing (also adorable and super soft), and an original and a favorite - the Fisher-Price Rock-a-Stack.  So far I've experimenting with a doll in the bouncer and a swing, and playing a bit with the Rock-a-Stack myself.  I'm really looking forward to using these items with baby once he or she is born! :)
• - Write a variety of themed posts relevant to Fisher-Price content on my blog 6-9 times throughout the remainder of 2011.
• - Promote Fisher-Price through Twitter & Facebook, where applicable (don't worry, they won't overwhelm my regular posts).
• - And, possibly participating in some in-person Fisher-Price promotion projects.

I feel like the experience thus far has been so full of excitement and I have no idea if I was able to capture it all in the this post.  I am sure there will be lots more fun to come (especially once baby arrives).  As mentioned, I will be posting articles throughout the year that are sure to be full of Fisher-Price news.  To make sure you don't miss out, please subscribe via email or rss, and follow me on Facebook and Twitter.

If you'd like to read the latest in the Fisher-Price Play Panel news from all whole Fisher-Price Team, check out Twitter hashtag #playpanel.

Royale Reno-cation Contest Blog Tour (with Giveaway)

Have you been wanting to tackle some home renovations but just don't have the time, the money, or you don't know where to start?  Royale is offering to help you out with the $25,000 Royale Renocation Contest!

The prizes in this contest include,

- "A Grand prize of $13,000 to spend on a home renovation in any way the winner chooses plus an 11-day, $7,000 Royal Caribbean cruise for two on the Jewel of the Seas."

- $5,000 in prizes will go to the contest's secondary winners.  These prizes will be given away "in the form of 15 weekly prize packs from the Royale Luxury Bath Collection that include a personal heated towel rack, new luxurious towels, and premium Royale robes."

I was chosen to participate in the Mom Central Blog Tour to help spread the word on this exciting contest and later on you will discover how you can win something from me too!  First, I'm going to tell you a bit about my renovation plans and what I'd do if I won the grand prize.

My list of priorities includes:
-a second full bath in our basment
-drywalling and painting in our rec room
-new carpet in both our main floor bedrooms
-new carpet in our basement (recroom and 3rd bedroom)
-a new front door (does this count as a renovation?) :D
-a new fence
Edit
I just remembered another two items on my reno-cation wishlist:
-new kitchen appliances (specifically a range and a new refrigerator)
-a new countertop

Now, I think my list is pushing $13,000 in renovations but a girl can dream, right?  Some of the items on the list are ones that we've been planning to do for awhile now.  Others are bonuses that we'd like to do but aren't necessarily a priority.  We are hoping to buy a new home in the next year or so, so if we won this contest, it would be a huge financial help for us; we really need to spruce up our home before we put it on the market.

Do you want to win the Reno-cation contest too?  I encourage you to go enter now.  You can enter the Royale Ren-cation Contest HERE.

THE GIVEAWAY

As I mentioned above, you will have a chance to win something from me in this giveaway as well.  Thanks to Mom Central, I will be giving away two (2) gift cards!

The Prizes:

-One winner will receive a $50 Cara Restaurant gift card, accepted at Swiss Chalet, Montana’s, Milestones, Kelsey’s and Harvey’s

-One winner will receive a $50 Home Hardware gift card

To enter, tell me what renovations you'd like to do if you won the Royale Reno-cation grand prize. This question must be answered to gain an entry in the giveaway and it can be done 1x per week until the end of the giveaway.

Each of the following will give you one extra entry in the giveaway (unless stated otherwise). Please make sure to leave a separate comment for each thing you do:

- Entering one other giveaway on Everything Up Close, then leaving me a comment hear indicating the name of the other giveaway you entered.
- Subscribing to my blog via email or RSS feed (Maximum of 1 entry - please tell me how you subscribe in your comment).

- Adding my main button to your blog sidebar.
- Adding my 'Wonderful Wedding Wishes' event button to your blog sidebar.

- Following me on Twitter (@ihchicky). Please leave your Twitter name.

- Following me on Blogger / Google Friends Connect (publicly).

- Tweeting about this giveaway with a link to this page, @MC_Canada and/or #Royalerenocation on Twitter. Please leave a link to your tweet or your twitter name. You can do this once a day.

- Blogging about this giveaway on your blog. Please leave a link to your blog post in your comment. 2 ENTRIES! Please leave 2 separate comments if you blog about this giveaway.

- Talking about and linking to this giveaway in any public forum or on Facebook. If you do this, please leave your user-name and a link to the post. 2 ENTRIES! Please leave 3 separate comments if you blog about this giveaway.
- Visit my etsy shop and tell me the name of or leave me a link to your favorite item.

Important Entry Details: The above entries (main and bonus) can only be submitted once per person (except for the tweet entry, which can be done daily). Please do not use more than one blogger account or add additional anonymous comments to gain extra entries. This is not fair to everyone else and this practice is strictly prohibited. If a person is found to be using more than one account to enter the same giveaway, they will be disqualified from that particular giveaway, as well as all future giveaways.

This giveaway will end on Tuesday, April 27th at 11:59pm (Central Standard Time). After the giveaway has ended, the winner will be picked randomly using random.org. EMAIL RULES: In order to win, you must provide a valid email. I will be notifying the winner by email only. Please make sure your blog profile includes your email address and make sure that it is visible. If you do not have a blogger account, please make sure you have included your email address in your post. If there is no email address provided, to contact the winner, another person will be chosen. The winner will have 48 hours to respond to the winning email notification with their complete mailing address (I will be forwarding all this information to the sponsor), If this information is not received within 48 hours, a new winner will be chosen.  

This giveaway is open to CANADA ONLY!

Good Luck!

**Disclaimer** As a thank you for posting information about this contest and for hosting this giveaway on my blog, I will be receiving my choice of $50 Cara Restaurant giftcard or $50 Home Hardware giftcard.  This compensation did not alter the information which is discussed in this article in anyway.  I did not receive any other type of compensation for this article/giveaway.