Maple Leaf Mommy

My Aunt, who is a very awesome Aunt and a really rocking grandmother, has this giant plastic bin full of Tea Party goodies. There are dozens of beaded necklaces, and tons vintage gloves and wacky old hats. When I bring the girls over to her place to visit we have a blast.



A few weeks back we borrowed the bin of dress up goodies and had a tea party at Mimi's house....


The girls of course went through about a dozen costume changes each.

Rafflecopter put out this helpful 50 second tutorial on how to use their form. I'm hoping this will help clear up any questions you have about using the Rafflecopter entry form to enter my giveaways.


Also if you have any questions about how to login to Rafflecopter, you can check out this Q&A: Facebook vs, Email Login post from the Rafflecopter blog.

Introducing Zin Frames!

Why you want one:
Zin Frames has got a funky vintage shabby chic yet modern sort of vibe going on. Their frames are custom made to order and come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and colours. They even offer the option to colour match a custom paint colour. They also offer chalkboard, mirror and whiteboard inserts. All of these options mean you can design some very cool and unique wall accessories.

The Canadian Angle:
Zin Frames are 100% Made in Canada, they are designed and produced in Vancouver, BC.



 To learn more about Zin Frames :
- visit their website.
- connect with them on Facebook.
- connect with them on Twitter.
- connect with them on Pinterest.

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I couldn't think of a more perfect sponsor for The Great Canadian Blog Bash then the Maplelea Girls! These all-Canadian 18" vinyl dolls are simply awesome.

Why you want one:
These 18" vinyl play dolls are high quality, sturdy, and made with an incredible attention to detail. Each Maplelea Girl has different interests, lives in a different part of Canada and has different stories to share with her new owner via her accompanying journal. We recently welcomed Saila into out home and G-Girl is utterly enchanted with her.

The Canadian Angle:
You really can't get more Canadian then the Maplelea Girls. These dolls are designed to help kids learn about Canada's culture, heritage and geography. And everything about the Maplelea Girls is done in Canada, sculpting, design, writing, illustration, etc., with the exception of the actual assembly which is done in a socially responsible Chinese factory (I'm quoting from their F.A.Q. page here, click through to learn more).



 To learn more about Maplelea Girls:
- visit their website.
- connect with them on Facebook.
- connect with them on Twitter.
- join their mailing list.

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Take a look at these little guys...


Totally cute, right?

Introducing Lilikin & Friends

Why you want one:
These unique and adorable dolls were designed here in Canada by Kimberly Cleland of Montreal, Quebec. They are well made, super soft and cuddly, utterly adorable and much loved by my little ones (You can check out my full Lilikin & Friends review HERE).

The Canadian angle:
Their creator Kimberly Cleland has a Bachelor's Degree in Industrial design from Carleton University and has worked in the Canadian toy industry since 2003. In 2011 she took the plunge and started her own company selling these lovely and unique dolls.



To learn more about Lilikin & Friends:
- visit their website.
- connect with them on Facebook.
- follow Lilikin on Twitter.
- follow Mollycoddle on Twitter .
- follow Eleven on Twitter.
- join their mailing list.

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This is Lilikin (smushed and in hiding) and his friends Eleven and Mollycoddle. They are adorable and much loved!

So I've finally figured out the trick to getting my kids to name their toys, apparently all I need to do is insist they already have a name.

Lilikin a.k.a. MyMojoDoll or MyMojoCat, not to be confused with the real live housecat running about, who goes merely by Mojo.

Normally getting my girls to name their dolls is like pulling teeth, My husband is always trying to get our daughters to name their stuffed animals. He asks them "Does this turtle have a name?" or "What should we call this rabbit?" He sometimes even goes so far as to suggest names, only to be met by blank stares. So I was amused and even the tiniest bit annoyed when I presented my girls with two lovely brand new pre-named stuffed dolls... and they promptly and stubbornly named both of them.

The two year old started it, she took one look at this cat and said that's MY Mojo. I tried to explain to her that he was actually called Lilikin, but she was having none of it.

Then G-Girl began referring to Mollycoddle as Flopsy Mopsy Coddle. I tried to convince her that the dolls name was Molly or Mollycoddle, but like her little sister she was quite insistent.

As you can sort of guess from the intensity of their desire to name them, it was love at first site with these guys for my little ones.

Trying to copy Mollycoddle's Flopsy Mopsy's expression.

Personally, I really love the style and look of these dolls which were designed by Kimberly Cleland of Montreal, Quebec. What you don't get from the photos is just how wonderfully constructed they are. Now I have to admit that when I first saw Mollycoddle's little pink pompom tail I thought, "Oh goodness that is going to come right off!", but not so. Like all the rest of her, it is well attached and incredibly sturdy.

Actually sturdy and well-made is the perfect description for all three of the dolls. They are soft and wonderful to snuggle with, yet keep their "shape" and can even sit on their own, with a little prompting. Their organic cotton outsides are super soft and plush, and the attention to detail is amazing. You can tell they have been thoughtfully designed with love. From the stitching around their eyes and ears, to Mollycoddle's tutu, and Eleven's wrist watch, I was deeply impressed with the quality and loving attention to detail.

My only real complaint is the dolls aren't machine washable. They are "spot wash"/surface wash only, or hand wash if you must dolls. Because of this I wish Mollycoddle wasn't white. I mean she is completely utterly adorable looking, and I can't imagine her in any other colour, but... she get's dirty far too easy. Those long ears and floppy legs make it inevitable that she's going to get dragged around. It's s sign of how well loved she is and my kids look so darn cute hauling her about everywhere. However, the downside is she was already looking a little dingy in spots by day two. Her grey coloured compatriot has been fairing much better.



I also am not sure I agree with the age rating of zero and up. Mostly because of that whole spot wash only thing. Baby's chew on things, and drool on things. I mean look at Mollycoddle, those long floppy ears just beg to be chewed on by anyone with an oral fixation.  So for me baby toys need to be machine washable. I know some folks feel otherwise. And for the extremely high cuteness level here, you may feel it's worth going the extra mile to hand wash.

I have one other concern with the 0+ age rating. Some of the "accessory" piece are removable. They are tacked on to the doll with a stitch of thread, but almost immediately came off during regular gentle play. And this isn't an issue for older kids, but for really little ones I look at things like Eleven's watch and I think choking hazard. I'm a worry wort that way. Personally I'm thinking ages 2 and up. Of course it depends on the babe. With girl #1 I could have gotten away with this when she was an infant, as the only thing she was interested in chewing on was her own thumb.

Don't let my complaints fool you though, I am totally and utterly in love with these guys and so are my kids. They are well made, very soft, very cuddly, utterly adorable and much loved by my little ones. I would totally recommend these dolls to anyone, and I beam with pride at the thought that they were designed by a fellow Canuck.

My kids adore these little guys. Since Mollycoddle Flopsy Mopsy wears a tutu my daughter insists she is a ballerina and of course needs to dance. I managed to capture my girls in one on their impromptu Lilikin & Friends dance routines:

To learn more about Lilikin & Friends:
- visit their website.
- connect with them on Facebook.
- follow Lilikin on Twitter.
- follow Mollycoddle on Twitter .
- follow Eleven on Twitter.
-  join their mailing list.

Want to win a Lilikin & Friends doll of your own?  Of course you do! So here's how...

First follow Lilikin & Friends on their Facebook fanpage. A giveaway draw is planned for when they reach each "like" milestone (300 likes, 400 likes, etc) where one lucky fan will win a set of all three dolls!

Also, be sure to check out my Lilikin & Friends giveaway!

Disclosure: I received a set of three dolls to review. As always my words and opinions are my own. 

So, Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted came out in theatres on June 8th. Have any of you guys seen it yet? What'd you think?

I had sort of forgotten about Madagascar. Hubby and I watched it on DVD before G-Girl was born. It was cute and amusing, with the penguins being the highlight of the film. We watched it, enjoyed it, and then completely forgot about it. Movie number two slipped by without our even noticing it.

But now... now Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted is out, and now I have two little girls. Two little girls who love penguins, and talking animals. Needless to say my family will be watching Madagascar 3; it seems inevitable.

Kinder has partnered with Dreamworks to offer special Kinder Surprise three packs featuring Madagascar 3 toys. My kids haven't even seen the film yet and they went completely gaga over the toys, insisting I buy the "special Kinder box" again soon.


Two out of three eggs in each specially marked Kinder box contains one of fourteen original Madagascar 3 toys. In Europe's Most Wanted the quirky Madagascar animal crew join a travelling circus. So to tie in with the film, Kinder has created a set of nine special toys that together form a circus-themed train.

There was also a Madagascar themed "gadget" style toy in the box, but for us the train toy was the star of the show.  My daughters love their Alex the Lion train piece. Given that Kinder eggs are a regular treat around these parts, I'm tempted to make sure we buy the special three egg Madagascar sets next time. The Madagascar circus train Kinder toys are so darn cute, I would love to collect all nine and make a complete train.


I am left wondering if Cineplex sells Kinder eggs at their concession stand. I know it's a no-no, but sneaking a themed three pack into see Madagascar 3 is such a tempting thought, no?

If you want to keep up-to-date on all nifty new toys and the cool promos that Kinder Canada comes up with, be sure to follow the Kinder Canada Facebook fan page, as well as their Twitter account @KinderCanada (or @KinderCanadaFR for tweets en français).

Disclosure: I’m part of the Kinder Mom program and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.

The core concept behind the ShesConnected Conference is connecting digital woman with brands. I think it's what truly sets them apart as unique. They are all about connecting brands and bloggers, in a continuous year round relationship.

Have you taken a gander at the Sponsor list for this year's conference? To say that there are just a few companies on there that I would like to work with would certainly be an understatement. (And the list isn't anywhere near complete. Many sponsors aren't quite finalized yet, and will be added to the list in the days and weeks to come. )

One of the exciting "behind-the-scenes" tidbits I learned recently is that every brand taking part in this year's conference as a sponsor has plans either to launch a blogger program, or hire brand ambassadors, via ShesConnected over the coming year. Is that not amazing? I am SO excited!

ShesConnected works hard to connect bloggers with brands on a year round basis, not just for a couple of days each Fall. One of the ways they do this is through their fabulous Twitter parties.

And ShesConnected really knows how to throw a virtual party. Seriously, hands down, their past Twitter parties have been some of the best I've ever attended. Amazing conversation, amazing prizes, and amazing connections waiting to be made. The conference sponsor brands actually attend these parties, and they actively take part! They answer questions and genuinely connect with bloggers via Twitter. It's fantastic stuff.

It's also the first step in making a lasting connection. Dip your feet in. Join the Twitter party conversation and meet the Twitter voices for some fantastic brands. Then take the second step by coming out and taking part in ShesConnected Conference 2012, October 19-20th. Finally, after the conference, take that third step in establishing long-term brand relationships by applying through ShesConnected to work with their brand sponsors. 


Overall ShesConnected is offering Canadian Bloggers something truly special: the chance to chat with brands, get to know them a little better, meet with them in person during the conference, and then work together with them on some amazing projects.

Take that first step and join in the first of what promises to be a monthly series of Twitter parties, leading up to the conference. This first party is all about the conference, and will focus on discussing what YOU would like to see at this year's event.  They will be giving away 10 passes to She's Connected Conference 2012. There is also going to be one very nice grand prize up for grabs, a Toshiba Excite Tablet!! 

Mark Your Calendars
She's Connected Conference Twitter Party
When: Last Tuesday of every month from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m.
NOTE: The start time for this month's party has been changed to 9:00p.m.EST.
Follow: @SCConference, @shesconnected
Hashtag:  #SCCTO
RSVP on this page: http://shesconnectedconference.com/Micro/twitter-parties/
(To qualify for prizes you must RSVP).

Disclosure: I attended ShesConnected Conference #SCCTO in 2010 and I’m pleased to share my thoughts on the conference. As part of the Blogger Outreach program with ShesConnected, I received compensation. The opinions on this blog are my own.

Welcome to Summer time! To help celebrate the season of sizzle, I've teamed up with some fabulous fellow Canadian bloggers to offer the Summer Cash Giveaway! I invite you to click around and visit some of my fellow Canadian bloggers, have fun finding some great Canadian blogs to read, and enter to win $115 in PayPal cash.

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To enter just fill out the Rafflecopter form below.
Good luck!

Please be patient, the entry form may take a moment to load. Need help?
Check out this 50 second tutorial on how to enter my giveaways via Rafflecopter.

My lousy ipod photos don't do this scene justice. This family of snuggling lemurs were just disgusting cute in real life.

Time for another exciting giveaway folks! This one is all about parents on the go. We all know, Moms are constantly on the run and with summer travels under way, we thought is would be perfect to give away some TravelTime shoes by EasySpirit!  

About EasySpirit.com & TravelTime Shoes
EasySpirit has been around for 20 years. They began with the mission to create comfort for women and still focus on that concept 20 years later. The Easy Spirit brand was created for all women and includes many size and width options, including a wide and double wide option. Their most popular shoe is the TravelTime line. This slide on sneaker is great for walking and light activity. It also has a removable sock liner that absorbs shock and provides superior comfort; you'll wear them everywhere! 

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  a Rafflecopter giveaway
Thanks to the wonderful folks who've organized this giveaway event; AutismUnited.org in partnership with MommyMatter.com. 

A big thanks to Disney Baby for sponsoring this post and the Disney Baby “Little Character” Contest.

Those magical baby moments.... You know the ones that make it all worth while? The ones that make you wish they could stay this tiny forever?

"You will always be my baby and I will always be your mama." It's something I tell both my girls fairly often, while constantly assuring them that yes they are indeed Big and Even Bigger.  I have to admit I have a tough time wrapping my head around the fact that my eldest child is soon to turn five, while "Baby"-G is rocketing towards two and a half.

"Not a baby!", is something I hear from the littlest one on an almost daily basis. And I have to tell you, when I slip and call her baby-girl she gets so indignant. Not a baby, nope, no babies here. To be honest mostly I'm glad we are past it. Good riddance to little wobbly necks that you have to hold just so, and no sleep ever, and spit up everywhere and teething and diapers. (Well ok, I only wish it were good riddance to diapers. Soon, please?)

And hello to little people who colour on the walls, inexplicably put things up their nose,and have temper-fits for no discernible reason. Hello to slightly bigger people who show younger siblings stupid thing to do (like say colour on the walls), refuse to eat anything green, get off the school bus singing about shaking their boo-tay, and who want to invite forty some strangers to their 5th birthday (which thank God takes place during the summer vacation).

Ok, ok, so sometimes I think about all of those magical baby moments and I get a little sentimental. Like when at six month's old G-Girl signed back to me for the first time, asking for milk. I was so excited. I wanted to tell the entire world. And then I couldn't get her to do it again, and everyone thought I was nuts.

Or when I look back through our photo albums and see a picture like this...

One that captures my daughter's pure joy in every moment far better then her current monkey face phase does.

Or when we first brought girl number two home, and we were worried about a jealous older sister, but really G-Girl was so good with the baby, so gentle.


When I think of magical moments like that I almost wish they were still wee babes, almost. What about you guys?  What magical baby moments do you cherish the most?

For my US readers, Disney wants you to share your magical moments as part of their Disney Baby ‘Little Character’ Contest.

There are some truly magical prizes up for grabs, like Disney Baby gift packs, Huggies diapers, a beach resort vacation, and more!  There are weekly winners, fan favourites and finally, a grand prize winner.

Today, June 18th, is actually the last day to enter. Then Disney Baby is going to select five lucky finalists, and America will vote to choose the Grand Prize winner. The grand prize is utterly amazing and includes a 10,000 college scholarship, a Disney Baby Store shopping spree trip to Los Angelos, a years supply of Huggies, and more!

So hurry up and head on over and enter your favourite magical moment. (Or if you just want to die from a cuteness overload, go check out the entries they've already received.)

Hey, fellow Canadian bloggers, pay attention here... ShesConnected is doing something simply amazing, they are putting the direction of this year's Toronto conference into YOUR hands. They are looking for input on what YOU want to experience.

What do YOU want to learn about? What areas do you need help in? What topics would you like to hear speakers or panels address?

ShesConnected has put out a simple survey where you can tell them exactly what you would like to see this year. It's an amazing opportunity to help shape the #1 Women's Social Media Conference in Canada.  Take the survey, have your say, and then come out this Fall and take part in a conference YOU helped to shape.

Or go one further... Are you interested in speaking at a big event like this? I spoke on a panel last year and it was an amazing, terrifying, liberating, empowering, experience. ShesConnected is accepting open applications for speakers on a ridiculously wide array of topics.  Check out the form. Pitch them your idea for a panel, or workshop. Or just send them your wishlist for what sessions you would love most to attend. (Just check off that little box at the top, "I would like to speak" or "I am suggesting a session.")

Click here and fill out the form to become a speaker or suggest a session.


Input into this year's conference is also going to be the theme of this month's ShesConnected Twitter Party.  They will be giving away 10 full conference passes for ShesConnected Conference 2012. There is also going to be one very nice grand prize (Here's a hint, it's being supplied by Toshiba!)

ShesConnected Conference Twitter Party
When: Tuesday June 26th
Follow: @SCConference, @shesconnected
Hashtag:  #SCCTO
RSVP on this page: http://shesconnectedconference.com/Micro/twitter-parties/
(To qualify for prizes you must RSVP).

Disclosure: I attended ShesConnected Conference #SCCTO in 2010 and I’m pleased to share my thoughts on the conference. As part of the Blogger Outreach program with ShesConnected, I received compensation. The opinions on this blog are my own.

Today I'm letting my good friend Shari from The Knit Wit by Shair speak up on a topic near and dear to her heart. She's working to help raise donations for the Canadian Cancer Society, and creating some darn cute hats during the process. Check it out.

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I am a firm believer that if you look hard enough, try hard enough, you can find something good that came of something bad in your life.

Recently my Mom started undergoing chemo therapy, and from a brief call where she was very upset and asked me, The Knit Wit by Shair, to knit her up a couple of chemo caps came an idea.

I know there are many people out there who need chemo caps, but profiting from their struggles would break my heart.  So, I created Let's Cap Cancer.

For each chemo cap sold in my shop, I will donate the $10 from the purchase to the Canadian Cancer Society.  I am looking for help getting the word out (like Maple Leaf Mommy so kindly is helping me do), and would be so thankful for any donations, or sponsorships for yarn or knitting supplies.  So far, all the yarn has been personal gifts, or donations from friends, so I can pass these along to those who need them.

For further info:
- Check out Shari's store front.
- Visit her blog ~ The Knit Wit By Shair