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).

Strolling Through Miami

Posted on by barbara solomon


At South Beach. Sterling wearing H&M. Barbara wearing Who What Wear from Target.

Ever since I was little, I’ve been visiting Miami to enjoy the sun, sand and shopping. It’s always felt like a second home for me. This year would be a very different trip for me, instead of visiting my grandparents, I’d be visiting my parents and instead of bringing a friend or Trevor, I’d be bringing my 7 week old son.


On the balcony. Sterling wearing Carter’s. Barbara wearing Universal Thread from Target. 

The thought of traveling with a newborn was stressful, but once I got his papers together (passport and letter for Trevor stating I could travel with him – which is 100% needed when crossing the border) I got excited to show and experience my favourite place with him. Miami for many is an amazing party city, but for me it’s always been a place for relaxation and rejuvenation. This year with Sterling on hand, I planned to take it even slower for our 10 day trip.

The Flights
I did a lot of research for best practices when flying with an infant. The best tips I learned was to feed upon take off and landing, as the swallowing process helps with the pressure changes. If feeding wasn’t possible then pacifiers could help to avoid popped ears.

I also decided that because I was travelling alone it would be best to wear him using my Solly Wrap and by the time we took off, he was sleeping. My infant wrap (which I love) was actually amazing for both the travel days and on the longer days exploring the city.


At The Miami Design District. Sterling in Solly Baby. Barbara wearing Farm Rio from Anthropologie

The Meals

We visited some of my favourite restaurants that I’ve been dining at each year, like Mo’s Bagels & Deli – which is like the most classic Jewish deli with unbelievable smoked salmon (they call it nova) and amazing black and white cookies, The Original Pancake House – which has the best chocolate chip pancakes, and Joe’s Stone Crab, the go-to spot in Miami for stone crab.

The Days

At The Miami Design District. Sterling wearing Carter’s. Barbara wearing Farm Rio from Anthropologie

We visited our usual spots like the Aventura Mall and Lincoln Road, two amazing destinations for shopping, with the latter having amazing restaurants and a great late night atmosphere.  We also explored the breathtaking Miami Design District and the inspiring Wynwood Walls, a community covered in stunning graffiti and street art filled with culture, cafes and galleries.


At Wynwood Walls. Barbara wearing Farm Rio from Anthropologie

Though most of our days were spent relaxing by the pool and taking in the beautiful weather.


At the pool. Sterling wearing hat and bathing suit from Babies R Us. Barbara wearing (old) Joe Fresh, Glasses Kam Dhillon from Clearly.

The Gear
I must say that one of the most important things for traveling with a newborn is ensuring you bring the appropriate gear. The key items for me and Sterling were my infant wrap, our Maxi-Cosi car seat, our Dock A Tot (as mentioned in a previous post) and our ValcoBaby Stroller.

The Snap Ultra stroller was used everyday providing Sterling not only a smooth ride but also protection from the sun with its large breathable canopy. The lightweight stroller fully reclines providing Sterling the perfect place to snooze during the pool days and easily folds down and to take with us in our rental car to explore the city. The large basket underneath was the perfect place to hold our parcels when shopping.


At the pool. Barbara wearing (old) Mara Hoffman, Glasses Kam Dhillon from Clearly, Shoes: (old) Loeffler Randall.

Have you traveled with an infant? What were your tips and tricks? I cannot wait for our next trip together!

Photography by Gary & Cynthia Solomon
I received products compliments of and/or in collaboration with ValcoBaby Canada, 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