How to survive a road trip with your kids

When I tell people that my kids – ages 5 and a half and 20 months – have never been on a plane ride, I get a lot of "Whaaaat?! They need to experience this!"

Well, guess what? I know my kids, and I know they just aren't ready to survive the simplest plane ride right now. And honestly, I'm not going to pay for a vacation where I'll have to worry about screaming, crying and whining on a plane. I can worry about that crap at home for free!

So right now, my hubby and I resort to road trips. What do we do to make them somewhat hassle-free? Here's what we do during a three-hour car ride:

• We hit Michaels and Dollarama for new things the kids have never seen before, like pack-and-play coloring kits, small toys such as cars, even stickers. 

• We create a "family-friendly" playlist in advance, which does NOT include "Old MacDonald" and "Mary Had A Little Lamb." The key here is "family-friendly" – the music has to be tolerable among the adults, too! So our playlist consists of a lot of Kidz Bop compilations, fun Disney stuff from Frozen, and music from Glee. Quick tip: turn your car ride into a carpool dance party, à la James Corden's carpool karaoke below: 

• Keep a portable potty in the car, such as this one, as well as plastic bags to pee into.  (FYI: make sure the bags don't have any holes!) This also means you need to make sure hand sanitizer and baby wipes are well within reach – keep them in the front seat with you, too. 

• Don't pack snacks in the trunk; keep them with you in the front seat so that they're easily accessible. 

• We plan our pit stops in advance. This isn't the time to worry about your children's sodium and sugar intake, people. Stop at McDonald's and get them a damn Happy Meal. 

And finally, keep your expectations low. When you experience a kiddie meltdown, know that the car behind you is probably going through the same thing. Don't worry, it may feel like a thousand years, but this car ride will end, and when it does, you will feel awesome.

Do you have anymore tips to add? Let me know!

Review: Crock A Doodle Mississauga

My creation looks a bit juvenile, but it's the experience that counts! 

My five-year-old daughter and I both have crafty thumbs, and with a "craft corner" in my family room piled high to the ceiling, it was time to move a project out of the home.

Recently, we headed to Crock A Doodle Mississauga on a Saturday afternoon, where we each painted a pottery creation. Was it worth our time? Here's what I've got to say as a "baby savings" mom:

Pros:

• Lots of items to paint, including different dishes, boxes and figurines. My daughter chose a princess and I chose a small mug; both were $18 each. (The larger and heavier the item, the higher the price. Prices for teeny-tiny items started at $6.) At first I thought, "Mother Goose, isn't this kind of expensive?!" But when you think about it, this price includes your studio time, paint, clean-up and kiln-firing. 
• A very bright, relaxing studio environment, with lots of seating for customers. 
• The studio also provides different paint brushes for you to experiment with.
• Don't worry, you won't get kicked out! You're free to take your time. My daughter and I took over two hours. 
• Staff is super helpful and friendly. They even helped me with painting a blurb on the bottom of my mug. 

Cons:

• When I went to pick up our projects post kiln-firing, I noticed I was a few dollars overcharged. Instead of cash back, I received a $5 credit. For customers who don't wish to come back in the future, a credit could be a problem. 
• Crock A Doodle Mississauga wraps up your pottery in brown paper and bags it for you. However, the wrapping was kind of chintzy; there wasn't even enough paper to fully protect both my mug and my daughter's princess. 
• Definitely not toddler friendly! There are way too many breakable items at hand; it's best to leave little ones under 3 years old at home. 

Overall, even if I didn't get my $5 credit, I would still return; I'm already planning my next visit, where I'll create a gorgeous mandala-inspired platter (yes, I'm fully aware I sound like a little old lady with no life, but hey, painting pottery is healthier than drinking!).

Visiting Crock A Doodle Mississauga was quite a memorable moment between myself and my daughter; if you need some one-on-one time with your crafty child, I highly recommend spending time here.

Have you been here before? I would love to know your thoughts; sound off below. 

You won't believe what I bought for $6.99...

Here's one thing I'm constantly amazed by as a parent: kids really do grow fast. And I mean fast!

My five-year-old daughter's shoe size went from size 8.5 to 10 practically overnight (ok, more like within a few months, but you know what I mean!). I'm proud she's so healthy and strong, but I'm also a little bummed by the extra costs in shoes.

And of course, she needed shoes during the "off season." For instance, we had to buy new winter boots last week, which happened to be the end of freakin' winter! So instead of paying full price for boots that would only be worn for a week, we went thrift shopping. 

Hello, Kid to Kid Mississauga – we bought a pair of kid's Cougar-branded boots for $10. And now that the weather is getting warmer, my daughter's going to need outdoor shoes for school. Luckily, we found these Skechers below for $6.99 (and the lights still work!). 

Skechers, size 10 for $6.99 from Kid to Kid Mississauga (and they still light up!)

Wanna know something sweet? We sold our old Snugli baby carrier, a few pairs of shoes and an old dress of my daughter's at Kid to Kid Mississauga; I got a $12 credit, so I used it towards the shoes and a few shirts. 

So really, I paid nothing for today's purchases!

Thrift Shopping Tips

If you really want to reap the rewards of thrift shopping. check out a few of my tips below: 

• Sign up for e-mailing lists for coupons, announcements on special sales, etc. 
• Join "clubs", like Value Village's Super Savers club card for better deals. 
• Find out what the thrift store's conditions are for selling items to the store and getting store credit in return. FYI: Kid to Kid Mississauga can be extremely picky in terms of buying used stuff and they do take awhile to scrutinize the condition of each item submitted (i.e. frays, treads on shoes, scuffs, etc). 

I have yet to purchase gently-used clothing through social media, but I'd love to know your thoughts and tips on this. Sound off in the comments section below. 

3 Little-Known Tips For Saving Money For Your Family

As an avid money-saver, I can appreciate couponing, but let's be realistic: who the heck has time for that?!

I was totally into couponing a few years back (I even had a coupon book!). But now that I have two kids, organizing coupons is the least I want to do right now. So here are three tips I swear by when couponing feels like a daunting task:


1. Just because it's sold at Costco, it doesn't mean it's cheaper. 
Although Costco sells diapers, sometimes they aren't better priced. Let's break it down per unit: I just bought Huggies size 5 right now for 20 cents per diaper from the Real Canadian Superstore. Costco, however, is selling the same size and brand for over 10 cents more.

2. Carefully watch the prices ring in at the checkout. 
Make sure your items scan through at the right price. And if they come in at the wrong price, ask the store if they have any policies for "correcting" this error. At the Real Canadian Superstore, they will take $10 off the item that scans in wrong. Depending on what you buy, this means you leave with a freebie!

*Note: this is not an ad for the Real Canadian Superstore, it just so happens that I've come across great deals there in the past month.

3. Visit your library for access to free downloads.
Check your library to see if they offer access to free downloads. For instance, at the Mississauga Library, you can use your login to download music from Freegal Music. And from firsthand experience, Freegal has some impressive selections, including Kidz Bop, The Wiggles, and music from Glee and Empire. (And yes, I downloaded "Drip Drop" from Empire!)

From dinners to entertainment deals, what are your tips for saving money for the family? I would love to hear your feedback - post in the Comments section below or join the Adventures in Baby Savings Facebook Group here. 

Your Guide to Buying Gently-Used Clothing And Toys For Babies and Kids in Mississauga

With the winter season quickly approaching, I wanted to compile a resource for buying gently-used baby and kid items in Mississauga, Ontario.

Babies and kids go through clothes and toys quickly; I figure why not purchase used items and save some money for Christmas gifts, am I right? Aside from social media connections, check out these worthwhile Mississauga resources:

Value Village
Referred to as "The Village" by my mommy friend, their Halloween section (with new costumes!) has the best prices from what I've seen locally. Clothes are usually decent quality, but what I also appreciate the most is the way items are organized by size and/or age.

Talize
I find the used clothing here a little dated, but depending on what you're looking for, they're slightly better quality compared to Value Village.


Kid to Kid Mississauga
Out of all the gently-used clothing places I've been to, this has THE best quality in used shoes. Prices are impressive, too! Bonus: if you sell your used items to the store, they'll give you cash or a store credit worth 20% more. (My advice? Take the store credit if you've still got kids. Think of it as "trading.")

Mom-to-Mom sales
Check out your community centre or parks and recreation guide for upcoming events; vendors consist of different local parents selling used clothes and toys. Sometimes these sales consist of an admission fee, but usually they go towards a great cause.

OutGROW OutPLAY sale events
Events happen twice a year; register as a consignor and OutGROW and OutPLAY will sell your old clothes (plus toys and baby equipment) for you. Or, hey, just shop around. Also, when you volunteer your time at an event, you can get up to 80% off your purchase.

Did I miss any other Mississauga stores or events? Let me know if I did; just leave your comments below, thanks!

Kindergarten Lunch Products That Work!

Wondering what to use to pack your kindergartener's lunch this fall?

I have two kids, one is going into senior kindergarten and another is almost 10 months old. With that, the following are my top two container choices that work for my whole family:


1. The First Years Learning Curve Take and Toss Feeding Variety

First off, this pack is perfect for a clan with kids of all ages. With sippy cups, snack containers, and utensils, these BPA-free dishes are durable and easy for little hands to open and close by themselves with no difficulty. A great value for its multi-use; I've seen it at Walmart, as well as Amazon.ca (28 pieces, $16.98). Worth every penny, trust me. 

2. Ikea's Pruta Food Containers

My daughter was able to open and close these containers by herself since she was three years old. They're microwavable, last forever and I love how I can use these for either my daughter's lunch or food storage at home. (Check out "Awesome (And Affordable!) Products for Kindergarten Students" here for more info on Ikea's Pruta containers.)

What do you use to pack your little one's lunch? Post your answer below to share. 

Got a crafty kid? Then save your empty egg cartons

My kid loves to paint, but I hate cleaning up afterwards. (Wait, who actually enjoys cleaning up after their kid?!) 

So anyways, I have a corner in my house that makes me look like a semi-hoarder of craft materials. The weird thing is, I have A LOT of empty egg cartons because I figure one day I'll make use of them. And last night I had a mommy epiphany to do this to an egg carton when my daughter requested a painting craft: 

Now after she's done painting, I only need to clean the paintbrush, as I just have to toss the carton and paint away. I don't know if this is a no-brainer or what, but it made me feel like Martha Effen Stewart. 

What are your shortcuts for cleaning up after your kids? I'd love to know your answers. 

Don't Make These Baby Shopping Mistakes!

Having babies is an expensive ordeal, don't you agree? So if you want to avoid over-spending, learn from my mistakes here:


Mistake #1:  I stocked up on too much baby food
I have to say, feeding baby solids for the first time is kind of fun! That said, I fully admit to going overboard and purchasing too many jars of purees, assuming my baby will eat them all. As a mom to two kids, I have these words of wisdom: your baby's taste preferences will change and they won't stick with pureed food for long! Keep some jars and pouches on hand, but don't get too excited and buy 10 creamed corns and 10 apple sauces.

Don't stock up on too much baby food!

Mistake #2: I choose price over quality
A few years ago, I found a particular brand name of size 3 and 4 diapers on clearance, which equalled to under 12 cents per diaper! They weren't known to be the best of quality, but I thought, man, this is such a good deal, I'm not losing anything here! So I bought them – big mistake! The diapers weren't very absorbent and my tot ended up being allergic to the diapers. I felt super guilty about offering these diapers to other moms, so I ended up throwing them away.

Mistake #3: I didn't take a thorough look at my used clothing purchases. 
I'm all for buying gently-used clothing; after all, kids go through clothes super fast! But there have been times where I purchased used clothing from stores or mom-to-mom sales, and realized at home they were missing zippers, buttons, had tears, etc. So the lesson here: whenever you visit Value Village, Goodwill, Talize, or a garage sale, always double (even triple!) check the clothes before paying up!

'Fess up: what shopping mistakes did you make as a new parent? Post your response below. 

What people don't tell you about having a baby...

As a mom to a four-year-old kindergartener and six-month-old baby, I've met lots of new parents who have had a hard time adjusting to new babies. So I thought, hey, why not compile this list of things to expect if you're expecting a little one? Check out these points:

1. It's not uncommon to go a day or two (or more) without showering. 
Whether you're rocking a fussy baby or breastfeeding at midnight, washing yourself has no importance; besides, sleeping is much more attractive at this point! So if you want a few minutes to shower or take time for yourself, do ask for help from family or friends.

2. Your sleep routine will change.
Especially when baby is going through a developmental change, such as rolling, your baby's sleep will be disturbed. It's inevitable! The best thing to think during those sleepless nights is this won't last forever. It seems easier said than done, but the thought does stick and trust me, it's 100-percent true.

3. Your baby will cost money.

I may sound curt, but when I hear the saying "all my baby needs is love," it just sounds ridiculous. Let's face it – babies need diapers, clothes, formula if you're bottle-feeding, food, strollers, you name it! Which is why I created Adventures in Baby Savings four years ago – to inspire new parents to save money through unique avenues, such as coupons, price-matching, and even interacting with others through the Facebook group.

Want to know more about life as a new parent? Check out this post "Guest blogger reveals life change as a new dad" by Casey Palmer. 

More Coupons You Need To Try

If you liked my last post regarding my go-to coupon sources, check out some more below:

• Huggies: $2 off their Little Movers diapers. (Note: in order to download the coupon, you'll have to sign in.)

• Walmart.ca: Loads of coupons here that can be used in other stores, too. Coupons include dish and laundry detergents, personal care and drug store products; check back regularly for updates. 

• Coppertone: Save $1 on any Coppertone suncare product. 

• Chuck E Cheese: Before you take your kids here, check their site for food and token deals (i.e. 100 tokens for $25!)

Where do you get your coupons? Let me know in the comment box below. 

Have you tried these coupons yet?

Here are my favourite coupon links at the moment, which will save you money on your baby- and kid-related purchases: 

CereVe
Save $2 on moisturizers or cleansers; I found their moisturizer to be the most effective when my 4-month-old's forehead was chapped from cold weather. 

Treehouse Kids Supplements

Save $1 on their probiotics, multivitamins, omega-3s and vitamin Ds. Use this coupon during a sale and you'll stretch your dollar further. 

Boiron Canada

Save $2 on the children's line, which includes Camilia for teething, Cocyntal for colic, Coryzalia for cold symptoms and Stodal for coughs. 

Advil 

Save $3 on any Children's Advil product. 

The Healthy Essentials Program

Affiliated with Johnson & Johnson, this site features a slew of impressive coupons, including $1 off Johnson's Baby Lotion, $1.50 off Children's or Infant's Tylenol, and $1 off any Aveeno Baby product. 

Where do you get your favourite coupons? Share your answer in the comment box below. 

Review: Playtown, Mississauga, Ontario

Searching for a new activity for your kids? Then meet my guest blogger Petite Adventurer, who knows a thing or two about saving money with young children:

I'm a mother of two (ages 2-and-a-half and 1 month) and currently on maternity leave. Professionally, I'm a retail buyer, always on the look-out for scoring good deals and finding amazing products; it's twice the fun when I manage to shop and save for my household. I believe parenthood takes you on a unique adventure -- my family loves trying new restaurants, discovering new activities and places to go to.  

Petite Adventurer attended Playtown, Mississauga's newest indoor playground, during their grand opening on February 21st, 2015. Check out Petite Adventurer's Playtown review below: 

Playtown is definitely a fun-filled day for the imaginative child.  It’s essentially an miniature play “town” that consists of a raceway, construction house, vet office, fire station, house with a farm yard, restaurant, theatre, salon, grocery store and a small main street with retro metal cars and a fuel pump station.  

The details in place for each section of play are impressive.  At the vet office there are smocks, stethoscopes, pill bottles with cotton to imitate meds, stuffed animals, bandages, first aid kits and even little cages.  For active kids, there are slides in the construction site and the fire station, plus the raceway has little PlasmaCar racers to zoom around in circles.  

FYI...
There's a limit to how many people can enter the building due to the fire code, which is a good thing. However, when we arrived with our group of family friends, the last family of four to arrive were told they weren't allow in for another two hours. This could be problematic if you arrive at a time where you want to play, but can’t because the centre is full.  When Playtown was asked how they were going to manage this situation in the future, I was told that since we came on their grand opening day – the busiest day – it shouldn’t be an issue on regular days.  However, I still recommend calling ahead on the weekends to make sure you get in.

In my opinion, Playtown is best for ages 2-and-a-half to 6. From what I observed at the grand opening, older, more physically-active boys would find the facility less interesting. Out of the group of families I came with, one active 5-year-old boy took awhile to get into imaginative play. But older girls adored giving pretend makeovers in the hair salon, performing on the theatre stage and serving imaginary customers in the restaurant. If you have kids under the age of 2, they can play with a train table or a play yard with soft toys.

Good To Know...

• If you visit Playtown, feel free to pack snacks and drinks because there's a small rest area with a microwave, plus a single-serving coffee machine for adults. Playland also sells healthy snacks and juice.  
• The rest area has a flat-screen TV that focuses on all play areas, which is an awesome way for moms and dads to relax and supervise older kids from afar.  

With admission costing $11 (including taxes), I would definitely come back again. Children 12 - 24 months are $6 and babies under the age of 12 months are free.  One-year memberships cost $199 + tax.

What do you think makes a great indoor playground? Share your comments below. 

Potty-Training Tips You Need To Know

Fisher-Price Ducky Fun 3-in-1 Potty, 

$39.99, toysrus.ca

Last weekend a friend asked me for some toilet-training tips, which inspired me to create this post. Here are the "tools" I used to help me get started:

• A functional toddler potty. In my opinion, you need to have a floor-level toddler potty. Using only a portable potty seat is less messy, but when a kid says she's gotta go, she's gotta go NOW. You may not have time to place the potty seat on the toilet and seat your kid's butt down! So what I loved about the Fisher-Price Ducky Fun 3-in-1 Potty is that my daughter could reach it at floor level; you can remove the potty seat, AND it also acts as a stepping stool. 

• Extra toilet seats. To help with toilet training outside the house, I used my Huggies points to get a portable potty seat. Then I spent Canadian Tire money to purchase a potty seat that my daughter would love (Dora never fails!). 

• A potty for the car, too! To prevent on-the-road accidents, I purchased the LILLA Children's Potty from Ikea for $3.99. I kept it in the car and when my daughter needed it, I put a plastic bag over the potty for easy clean-up. 

FYI: In case you're wondering, my daughter was 2-and-a-half when she started using the potty on her own. What worked for me was the when-you're-ready method -- let your toddler use the potty when she's comfortable. I know other parents have used different methods though, so definitely go with what's working for you.

Top 3 Mommy Shortcuts That Make My Life Easier

I have a few hacks for keeping day-to-day tasks simple, which leaves me time to enjoy the better things (like catching up on Shameless and American Horror Story -- thank you, shomi!). Check out these tips:

1. I prepare my daughter's breakfast the night before.
I have a four-year-old daughter and a two-month-old son, so mornings are pretty rushed and hazy for me. That said, making my daughter's breakfast the night before, then storing it in the fridge for her to easily reach when she's ready to eat, treats me to a few more minutes of sleep!

2. I make sure all nighttime necessities are by my bedside.
There's a basket full of extra baby sleepers, onesies, pants and shirts on the left side of my bed. Then on the right side, I have water bottles, granola bars, an infant nose aspirator and my breast pump. Screw aesthetics and house tidiness – having nighttime necessities close by keeps me comfortable at night without having to go from room-to-room and my sleep isn't as badly disturbed.

3. I stick with what works for ME, not anyone else.
I am a huge proponent of co-sleeping, however, not all moms I've spoken to agree with me. I'm okay with this, as well as the other baby-related decisions I've made. It took awhile for me to "agree to disagree", but in the end, I have to work with what's best for my situation. So really, it's about being confident in your everyday tasks, which prevents you from stressing out.

What are your tips for saving time as a new parent? Post your comments below. 

5 Things I Rediscovered After Having My Second Baby

After a gruelling pregnancy of countless infections, painful Braxton Hicks contractions through both my second and third trimesters, multiple trips to the walk-in clinic and endless nausea, I finally gave birth to my beautiful son on November 9th.

And what a baby – maybe I'm speaking too soon, but he's a great sleeper, eater and totally calm! However, this whole prenatal and postnatal experience has forced me to reflect on four years ago, when I gave birth to my daughter.

So when it comes to saving your sanity and money, check out these tips for if you're have your first, second or nineteenth baby:

1. Just say no. Seriously. If family or friends want you to come over to their place, or you were asked to organize an event, don't do it. Just don't. You pushed a watermelon out of your body, you deserve to rest!

2. Keep food and water at your nightstand. Nighttime feedings with a newborn can make you hungry and thirsty. So here's your chance to be lazy - keep granola bars and water bottles by your bed instead of walking to the kitchen.

3. Ask for help. There's no shame in asking your parents or grandparents to bring some food over, as well as saying "yes" when a friend offers to buy you groceries or do your laundry. This is a time when you need to think about your recovery.

4. Don't cheap out on lanolin cream. "They" say applying breast milk should help with sore and cracked nipples. But geez, if you need a nudge on axing the uncomfortable-ness of breastfeeding, splurge $10 or $12 on some lanolin cream. It's worth it!

5. Samples can be lifesavers. If you get some worthwhile samples, keep them in a container or drawer. (But not in a hoarder way, if you know what I mean.)  When I refer to worthwhile, I mean moisturizers, bottles, diaper rash creams, etc. They could come in handy in desperate situations (that's how I realized Lansinoh is worth it!).

What are your tips for surviving with a newborn? Looking forward to reading your feedback! And as always, please continue to post your money-saving tips on the official Adventures in Baby Savings Facebook Group. 

Review: The Baby Show, Toronto, Ontario

Readers, I am honoured to introduce you to "Foxy", my latest guest blogger. In fact, you may have seen her work on some popular Canadian TV shows! Please meet Foxy:

"Before baby, I worked as a costumer on set of different film and TV shows and at a vintage costume studio. Plus, I was a fitness instructor and a tea expert at a tea store!  Yes I was busy, and I had lots of practice getting little sleep. But being a new mom has trumped everything. I love staying home and looking after our son, who was born only a few months ago. I wouldn't want it any other way."

Foxy recently attended The Baby Show, which happened last month at the Exhibition Place in Toronto, Ontario, and the first thing I asked was, "so... was it good? Busy? Did you leave with lots of goodies? Details!" Check out Foxy's review of this prenatal, baby and toddler event: 

Just some of Foxy's swag from the Baby Show ;) 

First off, I found that this show gears specifically to families who are expecting or for those who are raising toddlers.  The first 2,500 people who came on either September 27th or 28th got a swag bag worth $30. Tickets were $15 each, so when you got your bag, it was like getting your money back. (Check out the goodies I got in the photo! I didn't do half bad, huh?)

By far, this was a comprehensive show -- my husband and I even stayed for four hours! There were over 90 vendors, which included baby photographers, baby furniture, clothes, cloth diaper services and eco-friendly products.

There was even a breastfeeding-friendly area sectioned off for nursing, as well as a diaper changing station (thank goodness!). Oh, and get this: Diapers and cream were provided! Each family that entered the diaper-changing section got a sample of Baby Butz diaper rash cream. So if you're wondering, yes, if you had to change your baby 2 or 3 times at the show (hey, it happens!), you always got a Baby Butz sample. 

Take Note:

• Very stroller-friendly. Lots of space for parents to stroll their kids around -- if you go next time, don't worry about lugging a stroller. 
• You will find some great deals there. For instance, I’ve always liked Snuggle Bugz and they had a great deal on muslin blankets. Normally Lulujo muslins are approximately $17.99 for one; however, at the Baby Show, Snuggle Bugz had a deal at 2 for $20! 
• How was transportation? Instead of TTC or GO Transit, we drove and we got there within the hour the show opened. However, the city closed the QEW for the weekend! If we knew about this ahead of time, we would have taken the GO train. Getting home around 1:30 pm was a nightmare; a normal 30-minute drive was an hour-and-a-half! FYI: Parking costed about $14.

So will I go back again? Of course! The freebies and deals are worth it, and maybe next time I won't bother driving.

Did you attend the Baby Show? What did you think of it? 

Awesome (and Affordable!) Products for Kindergarten Students

Now that my daughter's been in junior kindergarten for approximately a month, I'm getting the hang of what she needs (and doesn't need!) in terms of shopping. So for the future, note these cool products for when your kids start school:

1. Funtainer Bottles by Thermos
I've tried many different water bottles and this is by far the BEST. In public school, kindergarteners have to do things "by themselves", and this thermos is so easy to open and close! My daughter's been using this one since she was about two and now she's almost four. And don't worry, it comes in different characters, not just Hello Kitty.

Best place to find it cheap: Real Canadian Superstore -- wait for a no-tax day and you can pay approximately $9 or $10.


2. Pruta Food Containers

I purchased these containers before my daughter was born, but it just so happens that I've found these to be the most user-friendly for her little hands. She can take off the lids and put them back on the containers, and they're still secure enough for food AND survive the rough-and-toughness of a child. 

PLUS, you get so many in one package at an awesome price, you can't lose out! So in other words, great for home and the classroom. 

Best place to find it cheap: Ikea (online), set of 17 containers for $5.49



3. Mabels Labels "Write Away" Labels
 
Everything -- and I mean everything -- needs to be labelled in school. Backpacks, lunch bags, water bottles, containers, shoes, clothes, the works. I didn't want to keep wasting pen and tape for labels, so I gave Mabels Labels a try. Well, they work alright! Dishwasher- and microwave-safe, they're super durable and when they stick on things, they stick! However, they don't stick on "textured" products such as backpacks very well, but they're amazing on clothes and other items.

Best place to find it cheap: Walmart! You can find a package for $10. (FYI: these are only the "Write Away" labels, NOT the personalized ones.)


Have you tried these products? Can you recommend other kindergarten-friendly items? 

What you've always wanted to know about birth doulas...

I have always been curious about the role of a doula.

Sure, I've heard about sleep doulas, but what exactly does a birth doula do? I found out when I attended a friend's baby shower awhile back and I met Nici Shipway, my friend's birth doula. I've kept in touch with Nici, and her website’s birth stories and super helpful resources always amaze me. 

Bottom line: if you think you need help adjusting to a newborn, especially after you've given birth, don't hesitate to contact a doula – it may be well worth it. 

Check out this Q&A I conducted with Nici – you'll be surprised to learn the exact role of a doula, how to find the perfect one, and where you can save money here.

Q. What do you do as a doula? 

A. As a doula, I offer care during the prenatal period, the birth and the postnatal period. I support as a non-medical role and offer alternative relaxation and pain reduction methods. I assist families in establishing birth preferences and offer informational support and refer families to support that are not within my scope of practice. Another very important part of my job is to empower woman so that they feel comfortable to ask questions during their labour and make educated decisions.

Q. How do you help parents pre- and post-pregnancy? 

A. In the prenatal period, I answer any questions that the family may have about labor and birth. We develop birth preferences together (aka a birth plan) and we discuss how to make their preferences possible. During this time, we also build our relationship by getting to know each other better and doing things like massage, belly henna, etc. 

During the postpartum period, we talk about the birth and sometimes develop a birth story together. I assist with breast-feeding techniques and pretty much anything that the moms needs (even if it's doing the laundry or hanging out with the baby so that mom can shower or go for a walk).

Q. How do you go about finding a doula?
A. The best way to find a doula is word of mouth. Ask your friends and family. Another way is to call or approach yoga studios that offer prenatal yoga. Sometimes the instructors are also doulas or they can refer you to someone. There are also websites such as DoulaMatch that are available.

Q. What qualities should your doula already have?
A. No one actually needs to take any courses to call themselves a doula. However, there are a few very well established doula trainings such as DONA (where I did my training) and CAPPA. 

As far as choosing your doula, you should pick someone whom you feel like you click with. Someone who is on the same level as you when it comes to your birth preferences, and someone who is at a price point you can afford. I always suggest for families to interview a few doulas to make sure they feel confident in their decision.

Q. Do insurance companies cover doula services?
Some do. Some insurance companies offer health and wellness packages, which would include a certified doula. You must produce a copy of your doula's certification from a recognized doula training.

If you have more questions about doula services, visit Nici's awesome website here or email Nici. Have you ever used a doula before? If so, what was your experience like? I would love to know your thoughts – please post them below. 

NEWS: Walmart.ca has FREE shipping on household items!

I just got a flyer in my mailbox from Walmart.ca that I'm pretty stoked about!

Now Walmart.ca is offering free shipping on products ranging in health/beauty, groceries, pet food, household, diapers/formula. PLUS, you don't have to spend a minimum amount, score!

I have to say, I get turned off of "free shipping" offers whenever you have to spend a certain amount of money, so this new shipping offer from Walmart has made my baby-savings day.

FYI: This is only free for standard shipping – also, "remote markets" are not included, so you may want to contact Walmart if you have questions about their exclusions.

Any other retailers you know that do free shipping? I would love to know your tips in the comments below!

Don’t Forget These Tips Before You Bring Your Family To Disney World

If you loved the previous post, “How I survived Disney World ona budget – with TWO young kids” by JenniMommy, you’re going to be astounded by these 11 bonus tips she’s sharing with Adventures in Baby Savings readers.

So before you head to Disney World with the family, take note of these things, writes JenniMommy:

1.  Check the crowd calendar on sites like Undercover Tourist to find out when the busiest times of year and busiest days of the week are for the park you want to visit.
2. Bring extra Ziploc bags. They’re great for storing extra snacks, dirty clothes, bottles of bubbles for waiting in lines, small toys and such.
3. Download the Disney Experience app. Awesome for booking fast passes and checking the times for parades. Plus, it shows you how long the lines are for the rides, which can be useful for deciding which ride to do next.
4. Make use of your fast passes at Disney.  You can always change the times or the ride if you haven’t used them yet; and they shorten the time that you have to spend entertaining little ones in line!
5. Try to eat during “off times” for meals  (i.e. 10:30am or 11:00am for lunch). The restaurants and lines are less busy and, during these times, it's easier to find a table.
6. At Magic Kingdom, go left to Adventureland first, especially if you’re there first thing in the morning to avoid the crowds. When we were at Disney World, we noticed how everyone went straight to Tomorrowland and Fantasyland first. Adventureland was empty enough that we were able to go on the Magic Carpets twice and reschedule our fast pass for another activity later in the day!
7. Try not to follow a rigid schedule. Chances are if you’re travelling with a toddler, it’s not going to happen on time.  If you need to go back to the hotel for a short nap, make time for it.  Dragging grumpy toddlers through lines and rides is not fun! Also, you should know that your ticket allows re-admission into the park; same goes for your parking.
8. Check out the free attractions, too!  Downtown Disney is a fun place to window shop; go play in the dancing water fountains or visit the Lego store. Plus, parking is free!
9. Try not to do the park the day before you go back on the airplane. Visiting these parks can be super tiring! 
10. Make time to chill by the pool and relax a bit. Travelling with small children is exhausting and you need some “me” time, too.
11. Use your Pampers or Huggies points to create an awesome photo book from Shutterfly – they’re a great way to remember all of those vacation moments!

Can you add more must-know Disney World tips to this list? Share them in the comment box below.