One of a Kind Show for Babies

Posted on by barbara solomon

If you follow me on Instagram, or have read my post from almost a year ago, you’d know that I LOVE The One of a Kind Show. The semi-annual event brings in some of the most creative and talented vendors from across Canada for my favourite trade show.

This year I went into the show with a very different mindset. I was on the hunt for the perfect and most beautiful things for babies. Now please note, The One of a Kind Show is such a large show that I may have missed an amazing vendor, so please let me know what your favourite booth was. These are a few of mine.

Ouistitine
Ouistitine is a Montreal based company that makes handmade dolls, toys from recycled natural fibres. I fell in love with the pig hand puppet and went back on day 2 of The One of a Kind Show to go get it.

Ollie Jones
You can’t help but smile when looking at the fun and playful designs by Toronto-based Ollie Jones. As you know I love my prints, so expect to see Sterling in a lot of adorable outfits by Ollie Jones.

Sonic Bloom Succulents
I am plant obsessed, like most millennials, and lately I’ve been on the hunt for unique ways to display and add greenery into my home. When I came across this colourful booth I immediately fell for her whimsical air plants inside brightly painted dinosaurs. I also checked out her site and found out so much info about keeping my plant babies alive.

Mally Designs
I came across Mally Designs’ booth during the 2017 Holiday show at The One of a Kind Show, and couldn’t wait to pick out a pair of shoes for my future baby upon their arrival. The soft leather moccasins, by the Vancouver based couple, are available in so many colours it was hard to choose. We went with Midnight Blue (their darkest blue) which is a perfect start for Sterling’s shoe collection.

Surfing Ninjas
This adorable line of baby and children’s clothes is designed in Toronto by Shay Benedict and draws inspiration for the line from her two kids. I loved the unapologetic prints that are a refreshing change from the typical for little ones.

Happy Quilts Co.
Now it may be because I spend hours breastfeeding, but when I walked by and saw this giant boob, I was obsessed. I loved the quirky humour of Steph Hung. Available in both pre-made pillows and quilts or DIY kits, Happy Quilts Co. is a must have for a modern home.

Adelaide Creek Furniture
Inspired by the classic kids building blocks, these customizable toy boxes are the cutest thing to store away your little one’s toys, blankets or keepsakes in. They can also double as seating, side tables or storage in rooms other than your nursery.

The show is only on until Sunday April 1st, so make the most of this weekend and support small and local artisans at The One pf a Kind Show. Tickets are available here.

Soothing to Sleep

Posted on by barbara solomon

The number one topic I get asked about since becoming a mother is sleep. How many hours do I get? How many times does Sterling wake up? Naps? With so many parents struggling with lack of sleep, it makes sense that everyone is so curious about how we are doing.

Trevor and I have been very lucky, Sterling is a great sleeper (so far) napping throughout the day and only waking up a few times overnight. The midnight wake ups may be few but they still cause us to walk around pretty dazed, especially on the bad nights. So when Fisher Price reached out for Sterling to try their Soothing Motions™ Bassinet, we jumped at the opportunity to improve our routine. Although this post is sponsored by Fisher Price all opinions are 100% my own.

Loaded with features like nature sounds, music, a nightlight and projection light that displays stars on the ceiling, this bassinet has it all. The projector is also removable which is ideal for travel or use as a table top soother. It’s easy to assemble and takes up little space, making it perfect for beside my bed, allowing for easy feedings during the night when needed.

My favourite feature of the Soothing Motions™ Bassinet is the way that the bassinet sits in the stand allowing it to move with Sterling’s movements and the calming vibrations that help lull him back to sleep. The mesh sides are also great for visibility and for allowing air to flow through, ensuring he doesn’t overheat.

It also has a spot underneath ideal for storing your diaper bags, books or in our case Taco, who loves to stay close to Sterling ensuring he’s safe all night.

For those who are in the baby planning stage, I would be adding the Fisher Price Soothing Motions™ Bassinet to your wish list. #RegisterForSleep today and get a good night’s rest, once your baby comes.

If you are interested in working together in please contact Krista at Shine Influencers (krista@shineinfluencers.com).

Docking My Tot

Posted on by barbara solomon

About a month ago, I mentioned how much Sterling and I were loving our Dock A Tot in my Infant Top 10 List and as the weeks have gone by, this multi-functional nest has become one of my most essential and recommended items in our home.

The Dock A Tot is a lightweight docking station that is handmade in Europe and created as a solution for a more comfortable and supportive sleeping frame for infants and children.

Made from 100% cotton and materials that will not harbour heat, allowing the best possible micro-climate and breathability. Dock A Tot is also Oeko-tex certified and passes the standards for healthy textiles which means it is free of harmful substances.

The cover, which is available in tons of adorable prints and patterns, is also machine washable, which is amazing, as I’ve learned how messy babies can be. I have the Bananas For You print and love how on-trend (and gender neutral) it is.

We’ve found it perfect for lounging, playing, chilling, resting and snuggling and lately we’ve been using as part of his supervised tummy time. By placing Sterling with the round bumper under his chest and armpits, he can strengthen his neck and has began to reach for colourful things in front of him. Sterling also sleeps securely for hours (only on his back) allowing me to work, cook and clean the house. The snug fit of the Dock A Tot is to resemble the womb, comforting him to fall and remain asleep.

We also love how portable and lightweight it is. When planning a day out to visit family and friends, we’ve brought the Dock A Tot with us to ensure Sterling has a comfortable spot to lounge and nap. We kept the packaging and cardboard it came in to ensure it stays clean and help keep its shape during the transporting. Last week, our Dock A Tot joined Sterling and I in Miami, fitting perfectly in my luggage and was the perfect place to sleep and to move throughout the condo for lounging.

We have the Deluxe + which is meant for 0-8 months and cannot wait to get the Grand for Sterling when he’s 9-36 months. I have and will continue to recommend it to excepting families, as I can’t imagine our home without it during the last 2 months.

I received products compliments of and/or in collaboration with Dock A Tot, but all opinions are 100% my own. If you are interested in working together in please contact me (barbara.ann.solomon@gmail.com) or Krista at Shine Influencers (krista@shineinfluencers.com).

Photography by the amazing Scarlet O’Neill during our family shoot.
Fox outfit: So’Dorable, Swaddle blanket: Aden and Anais Silky Soft Swaddle in Sahara