Whoa, Baby!

I had a bunch of new baby stuff on the way so I thought I would post it all at once and get it out of the way, so the baby audience gets it all in one go, and the non-baby audience can move on and not have a million baby posts spread out all month.

Some other updates-- Sleep Sheep and Friends are on order, and should be in shortly, as will all colors of Bumbos (currently sold out of a few colors). More Woombies are on the way and also some additional color selections in both sizes. New Alex and Melissa & Doug toys are on the way too, woot. Swaddle Me blankets and Tiny Diner Placemats (the cool ones with the little scoop to catch falling food) are coming too!

New bug a lug bows and soother clips are coming as are more Snuggle Bug Baby Bows and Bink Links, and new Cookie Safes in Green, Blue and Purple!

Also, in Bumbo news, Bumbos are $15 off right now--which means you can get a Bumbo AND a Bumbo Play Tray for the regular price of the Bumbo, so it's like the tray is free, sweet!

All Momzelle Nursing Tops are 30% Off.
Little Soles Squeaky Shoes are also 30% Off.
Ingrid and Isabel Maternity Camis, Tanks, Pants and Leggings are 20 % Off.

Robeez Booties are on for 31.97 (reg 38.97)--find them in the Power Aisle
Stonz Booties, Mittz and Hats are 20% off.
Babylegs are on for 12.97
Sophie the Giraffe is on for 19.97
All Webkinz are 20% off the last ticketed price (so sale items are even further reduced!)

Ok, hopefully we are all caught up in all things baby for awhile! :)

Belly Belt

You’ve got a wardrobe full of great clothes, why limit yourself? bellybelt gives you the option to create the maternity outfit of your choice. Simply button it into your regular trousers, jeans, skirts and shorts and add a fabulous top. Double your options with bellybelt slide, specially designed for slide-fastening trousers and skirts. each kit contains

• 3 bellybelt extension panels
• 3 colored panels to mix & match
• storage bag to keep it all together

BellyBelt Combo is the easy and inexpensive way to transform your favourite jeans, trousers, skirts and shorts into maternity wear.

Each kit contains two different size button up belts, two different size slide belts and three fabric panels (white, denim, black) that cover the gap. It's truly the maternity wear solution!

Gaia

GAIA NATURAL BABY & GAIA PURE PREGNANCY
PURE, NATURAL, ORGANIC SKIN CARE FOR MUM TO BE AND BABES!

Made In Australia!

GAIA Natural Baby is so nourishing and gentle it will effectively care for your baby's skin and keep it soft and beautifully moisturised.

It is made from natural and organic ingredients all suitable for the most sensitive skin, and because it is free artificial fragrance, soap, sulphates, petrochemicals, lanolin, mineral oils, paraben preservatives, propylene glycol and other ingredients that can cause dryess and skin irritation, it is kinder on your little one's skin, making it eczema friendly.

Enriched with nourishing organic vegetable oils and organic plant extracts including wheat germ oil, evening primrose oil, avocado oil, calendula, chamomile and lavender, GAIA Natural Baby products are ideal to gently cleanse, care and moisturise every day all at an affordable price.

Take your time and select the products from our beautiful range and see for yourself why GAIA Natural Baby is the most popular natural and organic baby skin care brand and loved and recommended by so many mums around Australia!

Available Products include:
-Hair and Body Wash
A gentle ‘top to toe’ cleanser ideal for newborns and little ones who don’t have much hair. Enriched with organic aloe vera leaf and organic oat extracts, known for their skin soothing properties.

-Bath and Body Wash
A soap free gel to gently cleanse, moisturise and care for your baby's delicate skin without dryness and irritation. Enriched with organic oils to keep baby's sensitive skin moisturised. There are no soap or sulphates that can be drying so it is ideal for skin affected by eczema.

-Sleepytime Bath
Gently cleanse and care for your baby's skin using our gentle body wash with a new calming scent of organic lavender and organic ylang ylang, ideal to form part of your bedtime routine and assist your baby to a peaceful night's sleep.

-Baby Shampoo
Kind and gentle on sensitive little scalps, skin and eyes. GAIA Natural Baby Shampoo is extremely mild but effectively cleanses leaving baby's hair silky soft and shiny - has the added benefit of moisturising properties making it great for cradle cap.

-Baby Moisturizer
A nourishing blend of skin softening oils, including organic evening primrose and organic shea butter, to leave your baby's skin velvety soft and smooth. Makes a great nappy change lotion.

-Baby Massage Oil
Enhance the special time you spend with your little one through the gentle touch of massage. Made with nourishing sweet almond oil combined with the calming pure essential oils of organic lavender and organic chamomile - just beautiful!

-Natural Baby Powder
Ideal for calming and comforting nappy rash and reducing moisture. Use at nappy change time to freshen your baby's bottom and leave it smelling beautiful with the subtle smell of organic lavender.

-Skin Soothing Lotion
This is a great calming lotion that can be used from top to toe on any areas that need soothing. Itchy, irritated skin conditions benefit most from this versatile product. Use as your 'bum cream' at every diaper change to keep little bottoms nice and soft!

GAIA Pure Pregnancy Belly Butter is the first product to released in our pregnancy care collection. Enriched with pure cocoa butter, organic shea butter and organic rosehip oil, GAIA Pure Pregnancy Belly Butter is designed to maintain suppleness and elasticity and minimise stretchmarks.

Deeply moisturising and nourishing, it contains pure cocoa butter and organic shea butter, both well known for replenishing skin’s vital moisture, maintaining suppleness and reducing the possibility and appearance of stretchmarks.

Organic rosehip and organic wheat germ oils are rich sources of vitamins, which are shown to assist with skin elasticity and especially good for dry or itchy skin.

Beautifully scented with a special blend of pure essential oils, recommended for use during pregnancy, including mandarin, tangerine and frankincense pure essential oils, this beautiful cream helps to smooth lines and scars, improving the overall appearance of the skin and fade any existing stretchmarks.

Not just for your growing belly, it can also be used on your breasts and thighs as well - use from the moment your belly starts to grow through until 12 weeks after the birth.

(We also carry a selection of body washes and lotions for Mom!)

New Mitten Clips & More Dapper Snapper Options!

We know and love our Dapper Snappers and now we are pleased to offer a wider color selection and NEW 3-packs. Never heard of Dapper Snappers?

The Dapper Snapper makes any pair of pants with belt loops into adjustable waist pants. Extend your child’s wardrobe and save with a Dapper Snapper! It’s perfect for potty training toddlers; no bunched up fabric near the button or snap and zipper so it’s easier for little fingers to take care of business. With Dapper Snappers, you can Fix Droopy Drawers in a Snap!

Dapper Snappers are:

• Affordable
• Versatile in a wide range of colors for girls and boys
• Recommended for ages 9 mo-6 yrs and One Size Fits All
• Perfect for kids who are in between sizes or wearing hand-me-downs!
• Convenient – no need to remove for diaper changes & doesn’t impede potty training

No belt loops? No problem! Now, with Dapper Snappers clips, you can use your favorite Dapper Snappers toddler belt or adult belt even if you don't have beltloops!

Dapper Snappers clips are specially made to accomodate Dapper Snappers. All you have to do is slide your dapper snapper through the clip loops.

Clips have plastic inserts to prevent damage to clothing and extra strong loops that won't bend or break. (Dapper Snapper sold seperately).

Finally!!! Dapper Snappers for Women! From Miss to Maternity to Momhood, this belt is for you.

Wear this special women's belt in the back to get rid of that annoying gap or to keep up your low rise jeans. Wear as a maternity belt in the front using the 2 front belt loops instead of the rubberband trick. Either way, this genius product is for you.

Oh, and it can be used on kids 7+ (if the regular size Dapper Snapper is too small), tweens, teens, and even Dads!

Don’t lose your mittens! Get Dapper Snappers for Mittens and keep them right where they belong.

• Made in the USA*
• Strong elastic bands
• Durable metal clips with plastic
• Plastic inserts that won’t destroy clothing
• Easy to attach and remove
• A Winter MUST HAVE!!!
• A nice selection of designs, including hockey and hearts!

Teethease

Teethease was designed to provide a product that is fun but useful for mothers, fathers and care-givers alike. Although there are many different choices when it comes time to teething products, we found it difficult to find any that offered convenience and were Canadian made and manufactured. Thus began the start of a journey to provide a Canadian product that is both safe and useful. It is a fun, functional and fashionable piece of jewellery that is an accessible alternative to digging through a purse or diaper bag. Teethease is made of FDA approved medical grade silicone, free of BPA, PVC, latex, phthalates and meets all of Health Canada's product safety standards.

Tilty Cup

Coming soon... Tilty Cup!

TILTY's patent pending ergonomic design makes learning to drink easier and more comfortable.

TILTY cup's patent-pending ergonomic design creates a comfortable and natural drinking experience. TILTY keeps the liquid at an angle and allows it to flow to the spout with minimal effort so that your little one doesn't have to tilt his/her head back as far. TILTY makes finishing the last drops a cinch and creates habits that will help your baby transition from sippy cups to "grown-up" cups easier and quicker. TILTY comes with a snap-on lid and does not have a valve, which according to the American Dental Association is better for a toddler's dental development.

Safe

TILTY is BPA Free, PVC Free, Pthalate Free, made of safe #5 polypropylene, and is dishwasher safe.

Easy To Use

TILTY only has two parts, the lid and the cup. No valves to lose or clean. Snap on lid can be put on with only one hand.

TILTY is dishwasher safe, top rack only. TILTY has two drain holes to let the out water that collects under the angled wall. TILTY is easy to clean without a dishwasher too. The mouth piece is large enough to clean with a sponge.

In the New Year we will also be getting additional lid options, including one especially designed for smoothies! (Hooray! So ready for a cup that Hannah can drink a smoothie out of that doesn't get stuck or spill all over).

Limited Edition Robeez Gift Sets!

I Love these, they are such a cute idea and a great Christmas present!

You've spent countless nights reading the beloved Eric Carle books to your baby, and now Robeez has brought the stories to life with this adorable gift set! This beautifully decorated box includes a pair of navy soft soles with a curious caterpillar OR a pair of fuchsia soft soles with a bold butterfly stretching g across its leather upper and an Eric Carle logo on its heel, as well as a miniature Eric Carle book.

Also in Baby all Momzelle Nursing Tops and Little Soles Squeaky Shoes are 30% off (including new arrivals!)

Come Home for Christmas this Thursday...

You are invited to Come Home for Christmas

Thursday, November 25

6:00 - 9:00 PM

Scratch and Save 10-50% Off

Join us for a festive evening in celebration of tradition

and the simple things:

food, family, friends and sharing.

Shop for your home, yourself or someone on your Christmas list!

Enjoy specialty holiday treats and beverages while you mix and mingle!

Bring your friends; see you there!

*Discount not applicable to building materials, special orders or items on hold.

The lumber and paint desks will be closed this evening.

Coming Soon...Prince Lionheart

Seat Saver

Protects car's upholstery from depression damage, dirt, spills and more! Flap folds down for use with rear-facing car seats. The Seatsaver’s textured top and non-skid backing prevents slipping. Works with all rear and front facing child safety seats and booster seats! Front pocket is great for books, toys, cups etc. LATCH Compatible. Conforms to your car’s seat. Non-skid backing and stabilizing flap prevent slipping.

Wheely Bug!

• Totally new concept to encourage gross motor skills while having heaps of fun.• Bright, soft, unisex design... an instant attraction to little girls and boys alike.• Tough PU covering, resistant to the inevitable “little accidents”, easy to clean.• Padded with a 1” layer of soft sponge.• Entirely non-toxic and contains no PVC.• Weighs only Small: 4lb, Large: 5lb• Constructed with only the highest quality components.• Design Patented and Trademark Registered.• Multidirectional castors, no more getting stuck against obstacles.• Children love the easy, unlimited mobility.• Researched and developed in child care centres (designed for “industrial” kid use.)• Intended for use on smooth floors, ideal for indoors, runs quietly.• Recommended rider weight 50lb.• Stainless steel spring mounted “feelers”, which wobble much to the delight of children, have an internal cord to prevent pull out.• Plywood base made from renewable plantation timber.

We are carrying 2 sizes and 3 styles (Ladybug, Bee and NEW! Tiger).

pottyPOD™ helps create a hassle-free potty experience that makes potty training easier for you and your child. Because it looks similar to a real toilet and is familiar to your child, the pottyPOD™ makes the transition from a potty seat to a grown-up toilet easier.The ONLY Anti-Microbial pottyPOD™ on the market! The soft, cushiony surface of the pottyPOD™ is treated with an EPA approved additive to inhibit the growth of microorganisms that may cause spoilage, odors and mildew. Height adjustable base to grow with child.Soft, Cushiony Comfort for Training Time™Removable bowl and deflector shield make for easy clean-up. Rigid base with non-slip grip strips provides strength & stability.

Yes! Now you don't have to drive to Edmonton to buy a Wipe Warmer or refill packs!

The Ultimate Wipes Warmer takes the chill out of diaper changing! Featuring the patented Ever-Fresh System, the Wipes Warmer keeps baby wipes fresh, moist and free from discoloration. Discoloration also occurs when aloe, lotions and other additives typically found in baby wipes are warmed over time. The Ever-Fresh pillow effectively insulates your wipes from the warming surface, preventing browning. The ONLY Wipes Warmer that will not brown and dry out wipes.

Travel Wipes Warmer. Largest capacity travel wipes warmer – holds 30 wipes. Auto-lid for instant access to pop-up wipes. EPA-approved additive inhibits growth of microorganisms.Pop-up wipes dispenser with enhanced moisture barrier 2 adaptors included for use in home or automobile. It comes in 3 different colors; aqua, pink, and mint

Fruits and Passion Customer Appreciation Event

Fruits and Passion
Customer Appreciation Event
This Thursday, Friday and Saturday

Save 20% on Everything F & P!
Great Selection of Stocking Stuffers, Hostess Gifts and
Presents everyone will love!

Shop early for best selection, and watch the blog
for featured items!

Foaming Baths

Give the gift of pure delight with this collection of six festive Fruity Foaming Baths. There’s a fragrance for every mood and the rich, luxurious foam offers the ultimate in meltaway pleasure!

This set includes:

• Foaming Bath Georgia Peach 2 fl oz
• Foaming Bath Blackberry & Musk 2 fl oz
• Foaming Bath Pear-Peony 2 fl oz
• Foaming Bath Field Berries 2 fl oz
• Foaming Bath Orange-Cantaloupe 2 fl oz
• Foaming Bath Grapefruit-Guava 2 fl oz

Trimming the Tree time

There was a great article in the Edmonton Journal today featuring our friends at Greenland Garden Centre on tips for trimming your tree.

When do you put your tree up? One of the advantages of artificial trees is you can do it any old time your heart desires. We are thinking of putting ours up earlier this year now that Hannah is older and (hopefully) won't be playing with it too much! (We made the switch from real to artificial a few years ago after our real tree toppled over (even after being anchored!) three times and broke some favorite ornaments). Another major advantage is the trees being pre-lit--such a lifesaver! My in-laws insist this year they will upgrade to one of the great new life-like trees we have available now (theirs is an old-school, pipe base with fluffy, fuzzy, fake branches.)

One of my favorite things to do is collect ornaments for our tree from our travels. I have a little wombat from Australia, a busy bee from New Zealand (did you know that's where they originated?), a Venetian glass gondola from Venice, several Disney ornaments from Florida and California, and other little beauties from across Canada, the US and Mexico.

Watch the blog and our Facebook page (facebook.com/hhlloyd) for pictures of our Christmas decorations at the store--I will be uploading them next week!

If you're looking to mix it up this year, or have grown weary of the decades old dough and macaroni ornaments the kids did in school, or have a new color scheme or...(the list goes on) here are some helpful pointers:

Take time to fluff your branches. “If you leave them stuck together, you may as well buy a cheap tree,” says Sirman. Fluffing can take a few hours, “but it’s worth it because then your tree is beautiful.”

If your tree is looking sparse, Sirman suggests buying lifelike evergreen stems that can be inserted into gaps, or even upgrading to a new tree. Artificial trees are truer-to-life than ever, says Sirman, with branches that are “injection-moulded” to replicate the look of a real spruce.

“They’ve gone from ugly artificials to ones that you honestly have to touch to see. From a distance, you wonder if that’s real,” she says. “When you get a good tree, you need less ornaments. You don’t need to cover it up as much.”

Ditch the popcorn for ribbon. “What ribbons do is they update the tree immediately,” says Sirman. “If you’re wanting the best bang for your dollar, investing in a ribbon that will help tie in your colours is probably one of the first things you should start with.”

Apply your ribbon from the top, using branches to secure the ribbon. Let it balloon from branch to branch, and work it right to the bottom, where you can tuck the ribbon in and bring it back up, bottom to top. Don’t cut your ribbons. An average 7.5-ft. tree will use about 20 yards of ribbon.

If you want to get really fancy, layer your ribbon with another one in a complementary tone.

Edit out old ornaments. Replace anything out-of-date with a new, cohesive set in a uniform colour and texture. “If you start mixing it all up, it’s not going to look as good,” says Sirman.

Make sure you bring samples of old pieces you want to reuse when you go shopping so that you can more easily match pieces.

“There’s probably 93 shades of green,” says Sirman with a laugh. “And do that during the day. If it’s dark outside, it’s very difficult to match and if things don’t match, it won’t tie in together.”

Think birds and words and three dimensions. “Once we get to the smaller accents, butterflies and birds are our biggest sellers,” says Sirman. Festive sayings — joy, Noel, peace — are also popular.

Always place large pieces, such as floral stems, first, and follow with large balls. Then, arrange by importance — special pieces should go up first; fill in gaps with whatever’s left over. Specialty shapes, such as birds and butterflies can be placed last.

To add dimension and texture, Sirman likes finishing with picks of coloured berries and artificial greens around floral stems.

“Instead of just putting ribbon and a flower, we like something to come out, and that something always complements the floral or the focal piece that you’re using,” she explains.

“We find that on all of our trees, if we don’t have it, it just doesn’t have that bang.”

Try a new topper. Ribbons and picks also work well as tree toppers, says Sirman.

“A lot of the time, it’s just stuff spraying out of the top,” she says. “I think it just gives it a more interesting effect and a lot of the time, those trees — artificial and real — are not sturdy. Their stems are not sturdy enough to hold up a heavy angel.”

Kinderville

Finally! A safe and easy option for storing and heating your little one's edibles at home, daycare or on-the-go! (Bye bye ubiquitous plastic! Unlike plastic, little bites storage jars are bacteria resistant and, most importantly, BPA, Phthalate and Lead free!)

These stylish, versatile silicone jars and lids feature an innovative, patent-pending design and are made from high-grade silicone - making them not only dishwasher-, refrigerator- and freezer-safe, but microwave safe, too! Little bites stackable storage jars are the perfect solution for preserving baby food, storing and defrosting leftovers, stowing and warming lunches, and serving up snacks, and more.

Why Silicone? Natural. Silicone is an inert, rubber-like material that is safe, durable and pliable. Silicone, made up of silicon, which is a natural element present in organic materials like sand, quartz and rock. Silicon is transformed into silicone when combined with oxygen, carbon and hydrogen.

Non-Toxic. Silicone is great for food storage and serving purposes because it is hygienic, hypoallergenic and resistant to bacteria. Because it is a natural material, it does not contain any toxic chemicals like those found in plastics (Bisphenol-A, lead, PVC and phthalates. And, silicone does not react with food or beverages, or produce any hazardous fumes.

Clean. Silicone is extremely easy to use and to clean. Silicone can be safely boiled to sterilize and is also dishwasher safe, and is sturdy and easy to clean.

Versatile. Because silicone can withstand hot and cold temperatures, it is microwave, freezer and dishwasher safe. It is highly portable and very durable, so you can use silicone items time and time again, promoting reuse and less waste.


Kinderville Bigger Bites Divided Plates (Set of 2 in Green and Blue color, or Pink and Purple).

These silicone divided plates feature 3 individuals sections (one large and two small), a wide base (no tipping!), low profile and nifty sidewalls to help your little one scoop up their edibles (fewer spills and uh-oh's!). They are also designed with two handles for easier transport. Perfect for home use, at preschool or kindergarten or on the road. And, bigger bites divided plates are dishwasher, freezer and microwave safe. Like all Kinderville products, bigger bites divided plates are a fantastic alternative to plastic and are bacteria resistant and, most importantly, bpa, phthalate and lead free! Sold as a set of 2 in fun boy or girl colors.





Also available, cups (grippy sides and wide base means they are tip-resistant!) and freezer storage trays.