The card created include a picture of The Backyardigans as well as charming message, and it will be customized with the child’s name.

Please send it to info@thebackyardigansontour.com and don’t forget to include your child’s name.

I hope you are all as excited as I am about the chance to win a pair of free Il Divo tickets. Getting a date night when you are a parent, is sometimes a struggle. We hope winning free tickets would make it easier for you to have a wonderful night out!

The world’s foremost classical crossover quartet IL DIVO announce the initial United States and Canadian concert dates on the group’s massive 2012 world tour, slated to cross six continents in the upcoming year. The IL DIVO 2012 world tour, the group’s fourth, follows the release of the quartet’s latest album, Wicked Game and provides a new mark of achievement for the signature vocal blend and unique operatic arrangements which have captivated millions and launched a classical-crossover sensation.

Wicked Game, the group’s fifth studio album, includes the title track (a dramatic reworking of the Chris Isaak classic), an emotionally beautiful rendering of Roy Orbison’s ‘Crying,’ a heavenly song inspired by Samuel Barber’s ‘Adagio for Strings’ called ‘Dove L’Amore’ and a stunning version of the unforgettable ‘Time To Say Goodbye’.

For your chance to win a pair of tickets to see Il Divo at Credit Union Centre on July 29th, enter by leaving a comment out the form below. For more information about the show and to purchase tickets click here.

Disclaimer: Opinions expressed belong to Saskatoon Moms and are NOT influenced in any way. Contest open to Canadian residents only.

Sylvia has another wonderful concert, Sylvia’s Marchmallow Treat! Concert dates are:  March 9th at 10:30 a.m. & 1 p.m. and March 10th at 11:00 a.m. & 2 p.m.

Come celebrate the winter with Sylvia & the coming of Spring too! A wonderful occasion for families and their young ones to sing
together and have a rollicking good time! Sylvia will have everyone warmed up in no time. No touques, mittens or scarves required!

Pre- Paid tickets are $5 per person, $7 at the Door. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Refinery Box Office at 653-5191 or online www.ontheboards.ca.

Children under 2 years old are free! Group rates are available for schools/preschools & daycares.

This February, the largest producer of local apples in Western Canada, BC Tree Fruits is inviting Canadians to celebrate apple month by loading up on local apple varieties. We might not always equate February with fruit season however BC Tree Fruits apples are available in multiple delicious varieties. Apple month encourages supporting local growers while adhering to Doctor’s orders of an apple a day!

The 2012 Apple Month also marks a milestone for BC Tree Fruits as it is the Okanagan organizations 75th anniversary. 75 years ago in 1936 a group of dedicated farmers came together with a goal to provide the finest tree fruits worldwide. From that first planted seed grew a co–operative of over 700 producers that continues today.

To commemorate Apple Month this February, BC Tree Fruit is launching its first nation wide contest – The Artful Apple. Artful Apple asks fruit fans to decorate their favorite variety of BC Tree Fruit apples and upload the works of art to share. The public will vote for their favorite Artful Apple. The individual with the winning apple will be awarded an exclusive Okanagan vacation package for four. Full prizing and details at www.artfulapple.com

“Apple Month is an initiative that dates back to 1960 as a way to celebrate and promote locally grown fruit,h said Rick Austin Director of Sales and Marketing for BC Tree Fruits. ” Some consumers think the winter months leave no opportunity for fresh or quality fruit, however we are proud to have multiple apple varieties in the produce aisles and Apple Month aids in spreading this awareness,”h Austin adds.

During Apple Month, shoppers will notice additional displays of B.C. Tree Fruits apple varieties available at this time of year, including Royal Gala, Ambrosia, McIntosh, Spartan, Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith and Fuji. Consumers will be able to sample apples in stores during the month.

About BC Tree Fruits:

BC Tree Fruits, one of the largest apples shippers in North America is part of the Okanagan Tree Fruit Cooperative, is owned by over 700 local grower families. The organization markets and distributes a variety of BC–]grown fruit including apples, pears, cherries, peaches, apricots, prune plums and blueberries. BC Tree Fruits’ head office is based in Kelowna, B.C

Congratulations to Melissa B for winning a set of three hand-made soaps at a value of $20.00 thank you Sunspark Soap.

When we were approached to review and test a bamboo wrap by WrapsbyCharmaine, I asked one of our moms who was scared of baby wraps to do the review.

I headed over to her house, wrap in hand to let her try it out vs a commercial carrier she was already using but didn’t love. She explained how it looked too hard to use and too complicated – then we watched Charmaine’s videos on facebook on how to tie the wrap, put in baby and more.

After reviewing the wrap for a few weeks, here is her feedback.

I have to admit, I wasn’t too excited on trying out a wrap but after watching the videos, a lot, I got the hang of putting my baby in the wrap pretty quickly. I would start at home to make sure I was doing it right but now I can put the baby in the wrap in the mall or a parking lot easily.

I really like how well the material breaths. No cutting into my shoulders or back. In fact, I find it helps with my back pain as it holds my baby close to me balancing the weight.

My baby is happy in the wrap as well and I find that I can do more of my pre-baby activities easier.

Grocery shopping with an infant car seat in the grocery cart was hard for me to steer the cart, fill it with food or interact with my baby. Now we take the wrap and he’s happier longer and it’s easier for me to complete my task.

I have changed my opinion on what I thought about wraps. The wrap is beautiful and functional. It also takes up less space in a diaper bag so I can keep it with me and use it whenever.

The Inspiration

I did a tonne of research prior to choosing a baby carrier. I wound up purchasing a few – Baby Bjorn active, a pouch sling, I made a ring sling and a bamboo wrap. Out of them all, I loved the wrap the best as it was the most comfortable.

The Baby Bjorn dug into my shoulders, my baby hated the pouch sling and cried every time I tried to use it, and the ring sling was great but became uncomfortable as my baby got heavier or if I wore it for extended periods.

Since a few of my friends were expecting and asking me about what carrier I liked best and not knowing where to send them, I got the wonderful idea to start sewing them to spread the word about the most comfortable way I know how to wear a baby.

What makes your product unique/different?

Bamboo! My bamboo only has a one-way stretch, which means your baby doesn’t droop when you wear them for long periods of time, but has enough give to make wrapping your baby easy, and easy to get them in and out. It also allows your baby to be snug against you without being too tight or too loose. The bamboo is also great because it helps thermoregulate your baby naturally – keeps them warm in cold weather and cool in hot weather. The bamboo is also odour resistant and moisture wicking, so you can work up a sweat in it and be comfortable; you can also wear it to a restaurant without it picking up food odours.
My product is also different from other wraps in that they are pretty and customizable with a print that suits you. Each and every wrap I make is hand made with attention to detail, and lovingly made with my baby inside his wrap close to me.

What keeps you motivated?

My baby! I firmly believe that action precedes motivation, so I’m always on the go.

If you could have one super-hero power, what would it be?
To be able to function on little or no sleep! I read once that Martha Stewart only gets an hour of sleep per night and she does magnificent things… oh to be that lucky!

What is the most rewarding thing about running your own business?

Getting a referral from a customer that loves your product – heart warming to know that my creations are helping people manage with their new baby.

Where do you see your business in 5 years?
Hopefully still quaint and personal – I have no desire to sell my products in a retail store as I’d like to keep the costs low and offer my product without huge markups. I love to sew, I’m passionate about baby wearing and breastfeeding, so I hope to keep selling my products just as I’m doing now.

What is the most valuable lesson you have learned as a working mom {so far}?

It’s a great idea – you can earn a little money while still being at home with your child(ren). Start small and network with family and friends.

Disclaimer: Opinions expressed belong to Saskatoon Moms and are NOT influenced in any way. Contest open to Canadian residents only.

It’s no secret that baby 3 for me has been a challenge. Months of crying and now baby has decided that that car seat is the worst place to be. This is not handy when I have two older children I shuttle to school and activities.

Originally this taggie blanket was suppose to be tested by another mom on our Saskatoon Moms team but once my little one fuzzed the soft milkie fabric and wound those chubby fingers around the tags – I called dibs! (sorry Sam!)

Let me share how this 17″ X 21″  bit of fabric has helped me get some sort of happiness when we are out an about.

First of all, it’s sewn by a mother of two boys – so she knows how to make things that can take some tough baby love. I clip this blanket though a taggie with some rings onto the handles of the car seat. This makes it so baby 3 can’t kick it off but can always reach those wonderful assortment of taggies. I put the soft side down for fuzzing and cuddling and I just love the little owls on top! Cute but not too ‘baby’ looking so I know this blanket will last as my baby becomes a toddler!

It also washes wonderfully as baby 3 is as barfy as they come. This blanket can work as a small blanket to put down at play group, then fits nicly back on the car seat or in my wet bag without taking up too much space in the diaper bag.

It’s  also become a must have in the crib at nap time so baby can fuzz and pull at it learning to fall asleep without me always having to bounce and rock and nurse and… well you get the idea.

This is one perfect size, soft, fun blanket for my little one and if you see me out and about – you will see me and my happier baby holding onto it!

Now off to get groceries, with out favorite go to blanket!

The Inspiration

I often wondered if I would ever be a Mommy at all.  We tried for four heartbreaking years to get pregnant without success.  What a time that was, it was crazy-making.  I think one of the most difficult experiences I have gone through.

Dealing with infertility is like being on a rollercoaster ride without end.  I feel for others who are experiencing the same.   However, all that aside I now burst with pride every time I say I am the Mom of two little boys , Drew 22 months and Ryan 9 months.  My two perfectly wonderful miracle babies 13 months apart.  I can honestly say that there are days exhaustion takes over, my patience dwindles and stress gets the better of me; however, without a doubt these are the best days my life.

What makes your product unique/different?

Our 1st baby was in a hurry to greet the world and came early at 5 weeks premature. He weighed 3 lbs, 14 ounces and was such a tiny little peanut. That was a very scary time for us, joyful and scary all combined into one. I have decided to donate 10% from the purchase of each item on my site to the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Saskatchewan, towards the building of a children’s hospital in Saskatoon.

Additionally, the blankets, lovies and growing list of items in my store are all handmade with loving care for little miracles and those who love them. Personally, I love to buy handmade products. They hold within them a ‘story’ of why they came to be and tend to be unique as there is great variability among the creative designs of handmade goods.

And on another note, each baby prototype has be “product-tested” by my 2 boys and passed

What keeps you motivated?

I aspire to be the best mommy I can be and somehow find the time to gracefully balance family life, work and friends. I find it relaxing to create beautiful things that babies, parents, and gift-givers alike will enjoy.

Sewing things, such as ribbon-tag blankets, is something I love to do for my boys and for all the other little miracles out there. I hope other babies will enjoy them as much as mine

If you could have one super-hero power, what would it be?
I’m not sure if this classifies as a super hero power, but for those of you who remember the sitcom from the 70’s called Bewitched, I’d definitely be Samantha. What could be better than wiggling your nose and have your house magically clean!!!!

What is the most rewarding thing about running your own business?

Being creative and having others tell me stories about how much they or their little one loved and enjoyed what I made.

Where do you see your business in 5 years?
Doing well, and being sustainable as a business.  Most importantly I see Snails N’ Puppy Dog Tails continuing to give back to the community through donating a portion of sales to the Children’s Hospital Foundation.

What is the most valuable lesson you have learned as a working mom {so far}?

Find what you enjoy and go for it!

Disclaimer: Opinions expressed belong to Saskatoon Moms and are NOT influenced in any way. Contest open to Canadian residents only.

I have made the usual.

Loose Weight
Eat Better
Give more time to my kids
Give more time to myself
Help others.

This year, after listening and noticing moms around me, I have made a new years resolution, for new years.  Each day when I go out for a coffee, visit a mom group, chat with a feature business mom – I remind  myself of this simple resolution.

Do not judge other moms and dads.

It sounds simple but you may be surprised how hard it is.

Having a play day at the mall with friends,  another mom begins to nurse a toddler. Right away, there is a gasp from our group and a comment on hold old is that child!! Can you imagine!!??

The next day at my regular playgroup – a new mom pulled out a bottle to give to her beautiful, healthy baby boy. You guessed it – soon a whisper on “didn’t take her long to quit nursing”

Why as moms, do we seem to need to justify hurting another mom’s feeling and judging her decisions on how to parent?

I am not innocent in all this judging. I used to do it as well. Sometimes with just a look, sometimes to another mom and sometimes, I save my rant for my husband.  In fact, I didn’t even notice myself doing it for the longest time. It’s taken me 5 years of parenting and 3 children before I started to notice beyond the obvious.

The incident that really made me decide on my resolution happened at a local bookstore. It was before Christmas and the store was packed! I was browsing the cooking books in my usual spot when a mom with two small children came down my isle looking for a gift. Everyone was tired. Tired of shopping and tired of all the people.

Finally the little girl decided to throw a fit. I don’t blame her. If it was acceptable for adults to have tantrums – I would have been beside her that day.

The mom calmly knelt down and told her that screaming would not help and if she needed a minute, she could sit there. The mom kept herself quiet and calm as I watched over my book. She then told the daughter if she got up, they would get the last present and they could all go home and relax.

Of course the little girl cried for a while – then finally gave up and off they went.

I knew right away, most people only saw a little kid have a fit. They probably wondered why the mom didn’t just rush her out of the store. I would have thought that before my children too. What I saw now, was a very strong mom. One who kept her calm and was being a wonderful mom in the situation.

This new year – join me in my resolution to not judge other parents so much. It will be hard. As other moms and parents, we need to be there for each other – even if it’s just by not giving dirty looks and quiet whispers behind each others back.

When I was fist contacted by Carol-Lynne to review handmade, local soap, I was curious. While I do enjoy many additive free items in my home (cleaners, laundry soap, dish soap,etc) I have yet to make the plunge to soaps. Part of me was worried that they may not clean as well or not last as long.

When the sample of soaps arrived, I met with the other moms here at SaskatoonMoms.com that help me review and test items. We all took a soap to review and meet back on. I took sampled the Oatmeal Soap as my youngest baby seems to have flair up’s when using commercial soaps and I hoped it would be ok for my oldest’s very sensitive skin as well.

I have to admit, when the other moms came back raving about how good the Chocolate Orange soap smelt, I was jealous!

We all came back with very similar comments. The soap had some great lather ability. Smells wonderful and left us all squeeky clean. In fact, one husband commented to his wife he liked the new many soap she had brought home (Rosemary Mint). It seems to last just as long as commercial soap without ever cracking or getting hard spots. It does last longer when kept on a soap dish, but we also had some left in a shower and it seemed to hold up just fine.

The oatmeal has been wonderful for my kids. It has great bubbles for washing hands and bodies and I love that it deposits a bit of oatmeal in the tub as they bath. I’ve noticed a big improvement on dry, red skin on my oldest.We all commented on how the simple ingredients, printed on the packaging of each soap was so much simpler than trying to guess what was in some of the soaps we have all been using! I am so glad to find a local alternative.

The give away pack will give you a reason to soak in the tub and enjoy some down time or if you think you can part with it, it would make a geat teacher, neighbour, thank you gift. I warn you – once you start trying natural soap – you may not want to give any of it away!

The Inspiration

Using commercial bars and body washes, my family had terribly itchy, dry skin every winter, and I researched the process of old fashioned soap making to see if it would help us – and it did! Cold process soaps help immeasurably because there are no added chemicals in them to make the bar harder, to give it more lather, or to preserve it. I then made some for family and friends for gifts,
started experimenting with essential oils and fragrances, and the business grew from there.

What makes your product unique/different?

SunSparkSoaps are all vegetable oil soaps with no hardeners, preservatives or lathering agents. What makes them unique among other soapmakers is the fragrance combinations I use and the Saskatchewan theme that I love. In addition to many more traditional fragrances, I have Prairie Spirit, Prairie Rain, Boreal Comfort, Prairie Autumn, and Prairie Wild Rose soaps.

What keeps you motivated?

I am motivated by the idea of being able to work from my own home at my own pace, and by doing that, I can give more time and energy to my family. The fact that I get to help others by providing healthy, great smelling bar soaps is a bonus!

If you could have one super-hero power, what would it be?

My son asks me this all the time. I always say that I would like the power to heal others. He thinks I want to fly.

What is the most rewarding thing about running your own business?

Meeting the new and returning customers and seeing them delighted with their choices. It’s nice to know I’ve made someone happy in a very simple, day-to-day way. That, and being my own employer is the best!

Where do you see your business in 5 years?
In five years I see my business involved with up to twenty Saskatchewan retail outlets, and with a thriving online mailorder business. This will provide me with enough income to meet my needs, but it won’t be so big that I need to have a location outside my home. I see satisfied returning customers and lots of new fragrance combinations.

What is the most valuable lesson you have learned as a working mom {so far}?

My best tip would be to start slow and have a plan, and to believe that you can make it work over time. For me, if I told my family something was going to happen, then I would work doubly hard to make it so. It can take a lot of time to build up if you are funding it yourself, but it can happen.

Disclaimer: Opinions expressed belong to Saskatoon Moms and are NOT influenced in any way.

Congratulations to Koreena on winning the family pass of 4 to the upcoming Backyardigans concert! We hope you and your family enjoy the show!