Best Gifts for Baby Showers: Stress Free Gifts for the New Addition

Baby showers are a time for joy, excitement and… stress? Stress for the gift givers that is! Knowing what to bring for the new addition can be daunting; the baby business is a booming billion dollar industry that offers everything from “pee-pee tee-pees” to outfits that look like they should be on a runway to pure gold baby spoons. With choices that diverse, how is an average shower guest to pick an item that is not only useful, but doesn’t break the bank? Here are a few of the best gifts to choose from that will have not only the baby, but also the parents tickled pink (or blue)!

Board Books: You can find them in a wide variety of titles these days: from “Goodnight Moon” to “Peter Rabbit”. These sturdy and entertaining books are perfect for learning, coordination and chewing! Parents can read their little one a bedtime story and not worry about little fingers ripping pages or staining the books. The best part is they’re very affordable; wrap up a couple and you’re good to go.

CDs & DVDs for Baby: Does playing music for baby make him smarter? Some people answer with a resounding “YES!” Whether true or not, singing and dancing with baby in your arms is just plain fun.  You can choose from:

• Baby’s 1^st: ABCs, animals, 123s, words, etc. These use repetition and familiar objects to encourage speech development, communication skills and recognition.
• Popular children’s songs
• Lullabies to help tots fall asleep (a new Mom favourite!)
• Invigorating rhythm that encourages dance, play and sing-along type behavior

Bath Toys: These items are not a usual gift at baby showers but they sure make bath-time much more fun! Helping a child maximize quality bath time is a snap with colourful bath books, bubbles and bath squirters. There are also toys that double as thermometers and other safety necessities. Stackable toys like boats help with motor skills too; kids can learn to love bath time with these fun accessories.

Baby Plush Toys:  Including popular brands like Taggies, Infantino, Brainy Baby and Alex Jr., these toys are the go-to items on every baby’s toy list. Little ones are fascinated with the soft textures and sounds that these toys produce and are very happy to bounce, chew, pull lift and poke every surface, flap and orifice these toys have. They are great for enticing kids to start exploring sight, sound and touch from as young  as three months old. 

Gift Cards: Who doesn’t like gift cards? Though not directly responsible for thrilling playtime activity (and not as exciting as a flashing, beeping rattle), new parents can easily go out and do some shopping of their own at educational toy stores and department stores when loaded down with Gift Cards (or cash!) To personalize it a bit more, why not pick up a popular children’s book, write a short but sweet message on the inside cover and slip a gift card inside? Gift cards are definitely not frowned upon in this new age of online shopping and convenience.

So, the next baby shower you’re invited to, make shopping for the gift easy, quick and productive with these simple hints. They’re simple to find, useful and educational toys that will delight new parents and babies alike.

Lilly Gordon is a freelance writer and web publisher. She is a Mom of two and loves shopping for educational toys in Edmonton, where she currently resides.

Secrets of an Auto Repair Shop: Commonly Asked Questions

If you’re like me, you don’t fix your own vehicle. In fact, I am a work-at-home mom who doesn’t know a lot about cars in general. All I know is that when that “check-engine” light comes on, I panic a little. When the brakes squeal, I fear for my life. And when something smells weird, I know it’s not my husband this time. You may be a housewife, you may be a big burly guy; it doesn’t matter what you look like, a lot of us have no idea what we’re doing when it comes to auto repair.  

Here Are 3 Commonly Asked Questions at the Auto Repair Shop: 

1. What is a Tune Up?
A tune up is a general maintenance feature at mechanic shops. Basically, it’s like a physical for your car. Typical checks and jobs include:

·         Inspecting and changing fuel filter

·         Diagnostics check

·         Changing spark Plugs

·         Fluids top-up

·         Oil change

·         Cleaning/ changing air filter

·         General inspection: engine, transmission, radiator, etc.

·         Checking the tire pressure and rotating

Many auto repair and maintenance shops offer these services plus or minus additional services depending on their policy. 

2. How often should I get an oil change?
My mechanic keeps telling me every 5000KM but the last time I waited that long, the oil almost evaporated; (I don’t drive around all that much I guess. ) The usual recommendation is every 3000-5000 KM but it really depends on how much you use your vehicle. A good rule of thumb is once in the fall and once in the spring; if you are a highway driver by trade or pleasure, you may need to get another appointment in there somewhere.

3. What should I do when the “check engine” light comes on?

If you’re like me, you panic slightly when you see that light come on. Unless you see smoke, you should resist the urge to immediately swerve to the side of the road and simply try to make it to the nearest safe location. Check your Owner’s Manual to see inn which cases the light should be coming on (in my car it could be anything from a loose gas cap to a full-scale nuclear meltdown inside my engine.) After trying all of the simple, inconsequential fixes, if the light is still on, it’s time to call your auto service shop for a diagnostics test.

Lilly Gordon is a freelance writer and web publisher. She is currently learning about auto repair in Sherwood Park, Alberta.

Finding the Right Auto Repair Shop

Auto repair and maintenance is no joke - vehicles not only need to be operating at optimum performance levels, they also need to be repaired and maintained within a set timeline and budget; two considerations that many mechanic shops take no notice of.

A lot of us aren’t that great with auto repairs, which is why we go to the mechanic’s in the first place. But how can we trust that what they’re telling us is the truth? And how do we know that they are being honest about prices? The answer: we don’t. But when you find the best mechanic for your needs, you’ll have a much better shot at getting your car fixed in a superior fashion, without being taken for a ride.

Start your search by word of mouth. Ask your friends and family which repair shops they frequent. People generally don’t stay with a mechanic that treats them badly, so you’ll have a good chance of landing a nice, honest mechanic this way. When you have a short list, compare locations. Find the mechanic shops that are in a convenient location (either close to home or work).

Don’t wait until you’re in a dire situation; book a routine appointment with the auto repair shop of your choosing and then do a little price comparison with other places. When you’re there ask some easy questions:

• Do they use new, used or salvaged parts for large-scale fixes?
• What are their labour rates?
• Do they offer rentals or shuttle service?
• What services do they offer?
• What is their warranty on parts and labour?

A great way to snoop is also to “Google” the shop and see if there are any bad reviews or complaints against their work or billing. Contact the better business bureau as well to see if there have ever been complaints lodged against the shop.

If you’re faced with a large-scale auto breakdown and need  a different level of work done, make sure to call around and compare prices and always ask which parts they will be using – vehicle specific or general.

As with any service, make sure there is the promise of a long-term relationship that you can build on over the years. The best auto repair shops are the ones that pride themselves in honesty, professionalism and customer service. You bring them the work and they’ll leave you with a functioning vehicle and the shirt you came in with.

Lilly Gordon is a freelance writer and web publisher. She is currently researching Auto Repair in Sherwood Park, Alberta and auto service.

Buying a Home that’s Smaller: Why Downsizing Could Be Better

In the past forty years a trend has developed in the housing market: Bigger is Better! Unfortunately, with bigger comes much more responsibility; financially, mentally  and physically. Buying a smaller home may be the answer to the stress, the bilss and the constant cleaning and mowing… Downsizing may be the answer.

Why Downsize?
Home buyers downsize for many reasons, the most typical being that they’re empty nesters and son’t need or want the pressure of maintaining a larger home. Another usual reason is lack of cash flow, as we saw when the economic crisis hit North America and many were forced out of their bigger houses. Some people simply want a different way of life: a simpler existence with less impact on the Earth, and their wallets.

There are several advantages to making the move to a cozier place:

With a smaller house or condo comes a smaller plot of land: less lawn and garden to maintain. The time that used to be spent trimming, mowing and sweeping can now be dedicated to other endeavors.

With less house comes less cleaning time! Imagine the amount of time that gets shaved off of your mopping and vacuuming schedule when you know off a thousand square feet or so. Again, time that could be devoted to hobbies, travel or quality hours with your family.

Financially speaking, selling a house and downsizing can make a tremendous impact on your lifestyle. Families and couples that previously found themselves constantly strapped for cash become free to use their hard-earned money on things other than steep mortgage payments, utility bills and property taxes.

When you sacrifice on space, you are gaining on extra cash which could open many doors: more travel time, more time with your family, more time for hobbies, or more cash flow for home improvements.

Downsizing 101: What to Look For
When buying a smaller home, there are many factors to take into consideration.

• Make sure you think about your or your family’s needs. Do you want to be close to a school, or removed from a family neighbourhood?
• Is the neighbourhood or building pet-friendly?
• What is the size of the yard?
• Will the majority of your belongings fit into the new house?
• What are the main selling points that you can’t live without? (e.g. large master bathroom, craft room, office, etc.)

How to Make the Move
Before you set out to your smaller abode, a possession purge may be in order. Your new home will not have the same amount of space and a few adjustments may need to take place.

Take stock of your furniture and make sure it will all fit into the new place. If not, a shopping trip may be in order; replace your sectional with something smaller.

Have a garage or yard sale to get rid of furniture and knick knacks that will take up precious space in the new house. Donate the gently used items that don’t sell; don’t take them with you!

Throw out or shred all of your old paperwork that isn’t needed anymore and make a trip to the recycle depot in your neighbourhood with old electronics.

Plan out the use of every new room before you move in. because of the smaller space, you will need to turn a room or two into multi-purpose rooms (i.e. an office / guest room).

Downsizing is an adventure that can help you and your family take advantage of more activities and opportunities that life has to offer. Embrace the opportunity and repeat: Smaller can be Better!

Lilly Gordon is a freelance writer and web publisher. She is currently researching Spruce Grove Real Estate in Alberta.

Day Spa Tips: Perfect Skin for Summer

The beautiful days of summer mean swimsuits; beachy, blown-out waves and golden skin. But it also means increased risk for severe sunburn, age spots and skin cancer. Some damage is immediate and some is visible as the years pass. The only sure thing is that none of us wants it! At the very least, damaged skin can cause us to look older than our years, and lower our self esteem. Luckily, there are tips and tricks that are used by popular day spas to avoid this embarrassing outcome and keep your skin healthy and fresh.

1. Choose a facial moisturizer with protection. Choose a light-weight moisturizer with SPF 15 or higher. The moisturizer should be made for facial use – do not use regular sunscreen on your face as it tends to be too heavy for that delicate area. Make sure all of your moisturizer and sunscreen protect from UVA and UVB rays.
2. Slather and then slather some more! Cover your body entirely, not just certain areas, and enlist some help. Area left uncovered by the protective lotion can get severely burnt – even when covered with light clothing. Try to use a waterproof formula if possible but always reapply after swimming.
3. Go incognito. Buy yourself a stylish sun hat and some glamorous shades to protect your face. Rock is like the Royals and find a hat for all occasions.The skin around the eyes is super-sensitive and should be protected at all times., so throw in a pair of sunglasses and you’ll be ready for any summer soiree!
4. Stay shady. Keeping out of the direct sunlight, especially when it’s at full strength will help keep your skin from getting fried. Between the hours of 10am – 4pm the sun’s rays are more direct and do much more damage.
5. Switch exfoliators. Using an exfoliator with large, coarse chunks is not okay for tender summer skin. Instead, opt for exfoliation with fruit or alpha-hydroxyl acids. (Test a small area of your skin first to ensure there is no allergic reaction.) Coarse exfoliating products can tear your skin and cause 
6. Bronzer is better. If you’re still crazy for that bronze colour (who isn’t…) get it with a self tanner or bronzer. You can still get that healthy glow – just fake it!
7. Get lippy. Don’t forget about that sexy pout. Your kisser needs attention too so be sure to buy lip balm with SPF protection as well. Bare lips can result in cracked peeling skin – not exactly the height of sexiness!
8. Choose the right foundation. Some pure mineral makeup actually provide a natural cover for the skin. Go with all natural, light mineral foundation and makeup.
9. Moisturize like there’s no tomorrow. Keep that summer skin moisturized just as much as you would in the winter. Summer moisturizers don’t generally need to be as heavy, but they should be applied just as diligently as they are in the winter. Apply your moisturizer after your morning shower and again at night for beautiful glowing skin.
10. Be consistent! The biggest hurdle to having radiant summer skin is following the rules – every day, all day!

Say goodbye to dried-up saggy leather skin and hello to a fresh and glowing gal. Make your epidermis a priority this summer and you’ll be ready for the beach, the backyard and even the big day! 

Lilly Gordon is a freelance writer and web publisher. She is currently researching Edmonton Day Spas.

Choosing Your Child’s Summer Camp: Questions Every Parent Should Ask

The sun is out and the summer camps are ready to start. I personally don’t have a great perception of summer camp because of an experience I had when I was a child. I remember being very young – seven or so – and being dropped off with my Strawberry Shortcake Lunch box, excited to meet new kids and run around all day long. What I got instead was a dreary, miserable camp experience. I was picked on, made fun of, and left to sit under a tree when it rained with no end in sight. The days stretched on and I kept going with the hope that “tomorrow couldn’t possibly be as bad as today” but I was wrong. The instructors took “smoke breaks”, the kids were mean and I didn’t learn anything new – except to hate summer camp. When I had my own kids, I decided to look into the camps a little more thoroughly than my over-worked parents had so they could have a better experience than I did.

There are thousands of residential summer camps in North America and it can be difficult and overwhelming to try and figure out the appropriate camp for your kids. Every camp is different, with different activities, varying timeframes, instruction levels and policies; leaving a child in the care of strangers is not something a parent does lightly. Ask questions and weigh the answers carefully for a stellar summer experience.

Which camp is your child most interested in? Many parents pick camps based on cost and availability only without really considering what experience their children would like to have. Ask your child what he or she is truly interested in doing / learning and sit down with them to chat about what’s available in your area.

What is the camp’s bullying policy? Bullying is a widespread problem in North America and it doesn’t stop at summer camp. Many children and parents report that bullying can be worse at camps than it is at school simply because of the change in environment and the close proximity of the children to each other on a constant basis for days on end.  Ask questions about the camp’s policies on bullying and their disciplinary tactics.

Are the instructors or camp leaders experienced?  Before leaving your child with strangers, find out a little more about the background checks and experience of the current staff. The best summer camps have dedicated, experienced and / or certified instructors, while others are simply municipal employees or people looking for easy summer money.  Also, be sure that at least one or more leaders are trained in CPR.

What happens when it rains? Many outdoor camps boast a plethora of rainy-day activities, but parents would be surprised to learn how many actually have no set plans for these unfortunate days! Ask what types of activities your child will be taking part in if such an occasion arises. 

How many people will be supervising in total? Find out how many campers there will be and compare it to the number of supervisors. If the number in comparison seems too askew, the supervision will be lacking – this can prove to be dangerous especially when there may be swimming or transportation to different locations.

What is the cost compared to the value? Summer camps that are worthwhile are sometimes a little more expensive than most simply due to training costs, materials, vehicle rentals and other overhead that means a better experience for your child. Make sure that the summer program is worth what you are paying. Loosely calculating the costs of field trips, materials, payment of instructors and rentals and dividing it by the number of children attending may help you really figure out what you’re paying for.

What are the pick-up and drop-off times? Many working parents use summer camp in place of pre school or as a replacement to their usual after school care; they may discount a camp because the camp day is shorter than their work day. Many camps however, offer a pick-up and drop-off time which extends the length of the day and allows parents to get there without missing work. Just be sure that they children will be properly supervised at these times.

Does the camp have references? If the camp can give you at least a short list of references, it is ideal to call a couple of families that have also attended. Online blogs can prove to be useful for this as well.

Summer Camps should be fun and exciting for children and parents alike. Be sure to ask these questions and more to ensure fun is had by all and that your kids will come home safe, happy and healthy.

Lilly Gordon is a freelance writer, web publisher and mother of two. She is currently researching Edmonton after school care and summer camps.