#1 Local Baby Shower Gift: The Baby Sling

I know normally people count down to #1 but I am impatient and hate waiting. It is also something close to my heart so I have researched it numerous times which makes this an easy & fun post for me. ;)

I have said this before and I will say it numerous times again, a comfortable, safe baby sling or wrap can do wonders for the moral of a new mommy and her baby. Everyone has had the baby that is fussy, colic, or overstimulated. You pace back and forth with him, rocking, singing, with both of you crying and nothing helps. Neither of you get any sleep and you both, and your participating partner of course, are at your wits end. I, and many friends, have not found anything that works as well as a comfortable sling, wrap, or carrier. Department stores stock thousands of items to help with baby's sleep and comfort but nothing will work as well as cuddling up against their parent's heart and swaying back and forth on a leisurely walk. I also believe it will work miracles with post partum and help increase bonding. You also get to share some relaxing exercise with the one you now hold dearest to you.

One thing Manitoba has are amazing sling makers. These slings are beautiful, comfortable, and made to be the safest alternative you have for your baby. The moms who make them use them and model them to ensure the ultimate closeness. They choose modern & breathable fabrics. The designs are simple and easy to use. I cannot even choose which sling maker I like best because they all are unique in their own ways. I have heard that to test how good a chef is you have to choose the simplest dish on the menu. This goes the same for these sling makers. The sling designs here are similar and simple but the fabrics chosen are unique to each artisan and they are 100% better than any of the main stream carriers available today.

So, to wrap this up, I think slings are a great shower gift because they will get oos and aahs from the crowd due to the beautiful fabrics. They also range in price from $40 - over $100 so they are a good idea if you would like to purchase one on your own or with a group. Lastly, most of the sling makers here sell gift certificates so if you are unsure of the style or size of the sling you can let the mom choose from a large variety. Check the websites to ensure you are getting the right sized sling for your mom.

Lastly, slings do not have to be bought to reflect the baby in them. A tiny little girl does not need to be cuddled into a pink poka dot sling or the boy into one with baseball bats. Slings are made to reflect the mom (and partner's) style and you will notice this with the fabrics that all these artisans work with. Slings actually get quite addictive and I know more moms than I can count who end up with many. Have a peak at these websites and believe me that it is the ultimate baby shower gift.

http://theslingsisters.blogspot.com

http://www.small-potatoes.ca

http://www.etsy.com/shop/lilypadshop

http://www.gurumama.ca

http://www.emkclothing.com

Also, if you are interested in more information about slings, wraps, and carriers I invite you to join a fabulous local babywearing forum. Here you will learn from first hand users babywearing tips and opinions.

www.winnipegbabywearers.com

or check out this utube video with members from Winnipeg Babywearers showing off what is available in the baby sling world.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEamEjltYjg

If I have missed any sling makers please email me handmadeinmanitoba@gmail.com.


Legend for slings featured here:
1. Small Potatoes Pouch Sling
2. Sling Sister Pouch Sling
3. Gurumama Mei Tai
4. EMK Pouch Sling
5. Lily Pad Pouch Sling
6. Sling Sisters Bamboo Stretchy Wrap
7. Gurumama Ring Sling

Gurumama, Mother to Mother, The Soap Lady, Bent Into Shape, Eclat Jewelry, & More

I found my cards from the Scattered Seeds Craft Show. I am going to apologize now that most of the artisans and crafters I like do not have websites and I do not have photos to accompany most of the features. I also didn't end up buying much at this sale because I only went with $20 and unfortunately after the $8 spent to get in I didn't have much left to spend. I also ended up liking larger ticket items like furniture and custom cabinets.

Since I mentioned cabinets I will start there. I liked this corner booth that featured beautiful distressed painted cabinets, country garden and house designed items, a little children's table, and this big country garden shed. Everything was custom made and it was very country chic. I got a business card and the business is called Calligraphy From The Heart. They haven't a website and I am not sure if this is another business owned by CFTH's Laurie Harvey. I am interested in a small double door wood cabinet that they call a water cooler cabinet. I think it would be great as a small pantry. If you are interested in more information her email is slharvey@mts.net. I am going to email her for some photos and will add them here when I hear back.

Another furniture booth was Bent Into Shape which customizes in Willow Furniture. Again, no website but I will try to contact them. I loved their willow chairs and I thought the prices were great. If you are interested in willow chairs, loveseats, mosaic tile tables, arbors, or are interested in taking a workshop email them at ree@mts.net.

Now to change direction....to....a farm.....Aurora Farm from St.Norbert. They had a fun booth with photo cards of their beloved animals, wool scarves, hats, and mitts, goat milk soap, and more. I bought two adorable photo cards of Jeffery (a baby cow) and Vincent (an alpaca) that I plan on framing for my boy's room. Too cute. If you are interested in wool items, soaps, or even horse back riding lessons email louisewillowmay@gmail.com. They have a website in the works. www.aurorafarm.ca

Now...time to switch gears again. That Soap Lady had super cute soaps. Anyone who knows me knows that I love bar soaps and That Soap Lady made beautiful looking soaps with very interested smells and designs. Some actually looked edible like the donut soaps she has posted about on her blog. All her products are made from natural ingredients. The soaps are hypo-allergenic, with no detergents, sulphates, surfactants, alcohol or sugar solutions. She uses vegetable oils, water, moisturizers, emulsifier and kosher glycerin. She can be found on her blog at www.theprimpantry.blogspot.com, www.thatsoaplady.blogspot.com or That Soap Lady can be found at the following retail stores: Fort Whyte Alive - 1961 McCreary Road, Winnipeg, Phone: 204-989-8364, 515 Osborne Street (South) Winnipeg ~ Phone: 204-219-9991 Toll Free: 1-866-924-6082 & at Sew Dandee in Osborne Village.

Another booth that I was drawn to was Eclat One of kind jewelry designs. The jewelry was beautiful but it was the glass art that I was amazed with. I especially loved the poplar trees that looked like they were topped with glass candy. They actually have a working website with photos of many of their glass art. http://www.klassworks.com

Lastly, my favorite booth of the day was split between Gurumama and Mother to Mother. Jennifer from Gurumama is continuously expanding her product line. I know Gurumama as AMAZING baby sling makers. The fabrics they choose are awesome and the quality it top of the line. What I LOVED at this sale was her reversible toddler swing dresses and not just for baby retro bonnets. Oh are they adorable. The fabrics are to die for and I will be ordering for my little girl asap!! Gurumama has a great website http://www.gurumama.ca. Mother to Mother started as Childbirth & Doula Services but has expanded to selling hip and handy wares for babies & big kids. Most items are not handmade but my favorite find of the night was Noreen's handmade eye spy bags. They are little pillows with a window on the front. Kids can peak through the window and search for items hidden within the bag filled of little plastic beads. Attached to the pillow is a search list with photos of the items so kids can try to find the items in the bag. I am picking up two from her because I am on the search for good travel goods for our 40 hr car trip in June. Noreen has a website www.mother2mother.ca.

There were also some good oldies that I have reviewed previously. EMK's bags were beautiful as usual, my friends and I always go gaga for U.S.E.D. recycled seatbelt bags, and I finally got to have a look at Periwinkle Dzyns's jewelry. I joked with my friend that she had to pick up at least one set of earrings because her husband is a computer nerd and a pair of Periwinkle Dzyns earrings would probably be quite an aphrodisiac. ;) Their reviews can be found here in case you missed them:

http://handmadeinmanitoba.blogspot.com/2009/11/emk-clothing.html

http://handmadeinmanitoba.blogspot.com/2009/12/ruth-at-periwinkle-designs-takes.html

http://handmadeinmanitoba.blogspot.com/2009/11/used-recycled-seatbelt-bags.html

Baby and Kids Show February 20-21st

Lori from Sling Sisters reminded me about the Baby & Kids Show at the Convention Centre this month. I have never been but I have heard that there is a lot of neat things and lots of fun stuff for the kids.

"We will be there and are offering an awesome deal for anyone who is there - 50% off of a pouch sling with purchase of a bamboo wrap. We'll have lots of stock with us and will be allowing people to try on a carrier while they look around. Its always fun to see babies coming out of strollers and parents trying something new (that they've never seen at wal-mart). We were interviewed by the Free Press a few weeks ago and they are planning to put an article about us in the Baby and Kids edition next week! I'm so excited, but won't really believe it until I see it with my own eyes - I keep thinking its too good to be true as I know how much they charge for advertising space.

I know that AMP diapers is going to be there as well. I met Annie for the first time recently and absolutely love her and her products, I think she's a great Manitoban business to feature. All of her product line is made at her store in St. James which I think is really cool.

Lux for Sprouts is also going to be there and is the show's main sponsor. They carry our products and are locally owned.." - Lori

This is the official details from baby show site:

"The Winnipeg Baby & Kids Show, Presented by Lux For Sprouts

Showtime Productions is proud to present the 5th Annual Winnipeg Baby & Kids Show! The Baby & Kids Show is Winnipeg's largest special event for expectant parents and young families.

Families can explore the show for the latest in baby and toddler products & fashions, collect information, and attend information seminars, all under one roof! This year the show is proud to welcome as a Special Guest Speaker, best-selling pregnancy and parenting author, Ann Douglas!

And children will love the show as they're treated to fun and activities throughout the day, including quality live children's stage entertainment & special Meet & Greets. This year the Baby & Kids Show is excited to present "The Backyardigans" live on the Main Stage, plus a special Meet & Greet with "Dora the Explorer"!

One lucky family will also win a luxurious Beaches Resorts Vacation valued at approx. $5,000!

See PRIZES & CONTESTS page for more details

Every family will also receive a free Gift Bag filled with family-themed products & samples, courtesy of Babymoon Ultrasound.."

The show's official website:
http://www.babyshow.ca/index.php

Handmade in Manitoba's 2009 Top 10

I know it is a little late being February and all but after a month of everyone in my family being sick over and over and over I am ready to get back in action and finish this post started oh so long ago.

I really enjoyed 2009. It was a year of exploring my community. I have featured many talented Manitoba businesses, artisans, and crafters. I just wanted to post my top 10 wrap up of 2009 and I am looking forward to featuring many more local talent in 2010. Since I am a Mom of 2 very young kids many of my favorites are child or food centered. If anyone has their own favorites for 2009 I would love to see them in the comments!!

#1. Favorite Grocery: Eat It *I have been shopping here for years now but they continue to impress me with their beautiful produce, amazing staff, and lots of local goods.
http://www.eatit.ca


#2. Favorite Baby Goods: Lilypad *I especially love their pocket bibs, pouch slings, & baby blankets.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/lilypadshop

#3. Favorite Bath & Body Products: Just The Goods *I love the Gin & Tonic Salt Scrub.
http://www.justthegoods.net




#4. Favorite Bakery: Tall Grass Prairie *Best cheese croissants in town!
http://www.tallgrassbakery.ca


#5. Favorite Baby Slings & Carriers: Sling Sisters *Awesome ladies & I just picked up their newly introduced Pipa Baby Pack to carry my youngest.
http://www.theslingsisters.net

photo borrowed from Pipa Creations etsy site:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32219144&ref=cat1_gallery_3









#6. Favorite Jewelry: Revelations North *I have to meet her and see her stuff in person!!!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/revelate

#7. Favorite Artist: Joy Eidse *Beautiful artistic quilts. I especially love this prairie scene. Email her at joyeidse@mts.net or connect with her on Facebook.


#8. Favorite Clothing Store: Brave New World *comfortable and beautifully designed clothes from near and very very far away.
http://www.bravenewworld.ca

#9. Favorite Sweets: High Tea Bakery *delicious cookies. It is my daughter's cookie store. I love their imperial & almond cookies.
http://www.highteabakery.com


#10. Favorite Childrens Goods: Manic Mittens *They have an great selection of hats, clips, and whimsical dress up items. The prices are fabulous too. I am ordering tutus and crocheted crowns for my little girl for her Birthday in April.
http://www.manicmittens.com




I have so many more artisans, businesses, and artists to be featured starting up in March. This month I am primarily featuring local restaurants so when March hits I will be back in artisan action so make sure to contact me if you would like to be featured here. :D

handmadeinmanitoba@gmail.com

Thanks for reading my blog!!

Great Local Baby & Kid Shops

Skip Baby's R Us and shop instead at our local stores that feature amazing new and used goods.
Bug N Boo:

"We carry quality gently worn maternity, infant & children’s fashions. The store features many of the popular quality brand names at greatly reduced cost.

At Bug N Boo we pride ourselves in carrying the best New walking shoes in town. We love our shoes.

This just in at Bug N Boo Boutique

• Bravado Nursing Bra
• Stonz Outerwear Footwear
• Little Soles
• See Kai Run
• Pedipeds
• Webkinz

Children / Infant

Sizes range from infant – children’s size 6x in boys and infant - children's size 10 in girls.

Don’t be surprised to find names like Gap, Old Navy, MEXX, Gymboree, Oshkosh, Ralph Lauren, Little Me, Please Mum, Adams, The Childrens Place, Deux Par Deux, Zara, Morese, Laura Ashley, Tommy Hilfiger and Club Monaco.

It is not unusual to find a leather jacket, Club Monaco house coat, or Ralph Lauren Dress.

Many many more designer brands. Come check and see!!!!"

Bug N Boo
34-845 Dakota Street
Winnipeg, MB R2M 5M3
Canada

Phone
204.255.7505
Email
info@bugnboo.com
http://www.bugnboo.com

Baby Bin Boutique:

"What makes The Baby Bin Boutique different from other stores? The Baby Bin Boutique was conceived with the notion that we can come together and bring to you the products that will enhance your life and the lives of your family.

Our primary focus is to help you with your shopping by offering you products and services that are unique, original, essential, and in many cases, exclusive to our shop. We believe that our knowledge combined with generous product choices provide you- our customers with the tools to make informed purchasing decisions.

We are happy to have created a warm atmosphere where moms, dads and grandparents can shop in peace while their little ones enjoy themselves in our safe and fun play area. Customers will be able to find clothing for their children, both new and consignment, as well as a selection of unique toys and gifts. Our consignment racks are full of children’s clothing from newborn to size 14, all in excellent condition and at extremely reasonable prices.

We are proud to offer many Mompreneur products. By doing so, we are promoting women like us, supporting small business and our local economy, and most importantly, helping children and families.

The Baby Bin Boutique we believe we should be considerate of Mother Earth. For this reason we encourage consignment, have a terrific selection of organic products, cloth diapers and babywearing products, and carry a variety of handmade specialty toys and gifts.

Our inventory changes daily so we're never the same store twice! We look forward to seeing you soon at The Baby Bin Boutique!Bring a friend and shop the friendliest Baby Boutique on the block!"

The Baby Bin Boutique
1444 Corydon Avenue
phone: 487-4687
http://www.babybin.ca/

http://babybinboutique.blogspot.com/

Mom's & Children's Paradise:

MCP is one of the largest local owned children's store featuring mostly second hand items that have been gently used. I am not sure if there is any "local" products featured here but I love used items and would like to get more people on that great bandwagon too! ;)

"MCP has been family owned and operated since 1981. So how did it all begin? Twenty eight years ago a mother and daughter realized a problem. Parents were having to spend ever increasing amounts to raise their children. Most unfortunate was that most of the items parents bought for their children were barely even used. Kids were in and out of things before parents have a chance to blink. Everything from car seats to cribs were great for the few months they were used, but after that these items became useless clutter. There were countless parents with drawers full of clothes their children only got to wear once before they were outgrown. It seemed an aweful waste to see these items thrown away.

In a small little shop in Trascona the mother and daughter team solved the problem. They opened a store where parents could bring their gently used items in for cash, while at the same time buying most of what they and their child needed at prices far less than new retail stores were charging. Although we have grown significantly in the last 28 years, moving to our current location on Nairn Ave. and at least quadrupling in size, we still have the heart of a small shop from Transcona. We hope this shows in the friendly environment within our store.

You may be surprised when you first walk in our store by the large number of brand name products we carry. Baby products by Graco, Cosco, Safety 1st, Evenflo, and Storkcraft. Toys by Fisher-Price, Playskool, Little Tikes, Step 2, and VTech. Clothing by Gap, OshKosh B'gosh, The Disney Store, Old Navy, Please Mum, Gymboree, Le Chateau, and Thyme. Come and see it all for yourself!

Here is a list of just some of the Baby Needs we carry:
Strollers Car Seats Cribs High Chairs Exersaucers	Swings Booster Seats Playpens Toddler Beds Cradles	Bottles Diapers Receiving Blankets Bedding Sets Activity Toys"

Mom's & Children's Paradise
990 Nairn Ave.
Winnipeg, MB

P: 204-669-3700

mcpltd@mts.net

http://www.mcp.mb.ca/

I apologize for this odd looking post. I was taking info off their sites and the text is all wonky. I hope it wasn't too hard to read. Ugh!

Winnipeg's Sling Sisters Wraps and Slings

Another thing that you may not know about me is how I LOVE slings and baby carriers. I do not mean the sad cases that somehow make it big like the Bjorns and such. I mean beautiful and back loving slings like the mei tais, ring slings, pouch slings, and the well made soft carriers. I was suckered in once with a Bjorn I saw some movie star using when I was all but a virgin baby wearer but I have grown and I am not looking back.

A sister dual is making beautiful baby wearing devices here in Manitoba. They make beautiful wraps and pouch slings. Their bamboo wrap fabric is also milled in Canada. They have donated a sling and a wrap to my Winnipeg Babywearers group so we can lend them out to our members. You can glance upon their beautiful local made slings and wraps on their blog:

www.theslingsisters.blogspot.com

They also have been making wet bags to store wet diapers, bathing suits, heck anything you don't want dripping all inside your purse. They are very handy to have around and great baby shower or Christmas gifts.

I recommend that if you are deciding to pick up one of those big name brand carriers for a mommy to be I would suggest you look here first. Instead of buying her a back breaking expensive carrier or some carrier with octopus padded arms that wrap around you 10,000 times buy her something beautiful where she can bond with her baby. Don't buy her something that is worn by some paid movie star. All eyes will stop on her and she can be the star instead. ;)

They have an online shop:

www.theslingsisters.net

Sling Sisters slings and wraps can be purchased at these online retailers:

Tiny Tree Hugger Diapers
A Tall Giraffe

As well as these local retail stores in Winnipeg:

Bug N Boo: 845 Dakota (across from St. Vital Mall)
Hempyrean: at The Forks

***Remember that baby slings are not just for the baby. Skip the
teddy bears and pastel prints. Stand out with the new must have accessory...your baby in one hot looking sling.