MicrosoftStore.ca March Break Scavenger Hunt

Although Jadon was back at school this week after two weeks of Spring Break, that didn't stop us from participating in the MicrosoftStore.ca March Break Scavenger Hunt!

We've partnered up with MicrosoftStore.ca to bring the magic of the Surface 3 into our home and along with us on our Spring Break adventures.  I had so much fun learning about the features of the Surface 3 that I had no idea about before we took on this challenge (truth: I didn't really know what the Surface 3 was!!).  Thankfully, we were loaned a Surface 3 device to complete the March Break Scavenger hunt and, I won't lie, it's a keeper!

Here are a few things you can expect from the Surface 3:

1. Convenience:  Since you can use it as a tablet or laptop, the Surface 3 is the perfect device for a student, working professional or anyone on-the-go!  
2. Style:  With its 10.8-inch full HD display and sleek design, it'll be the centre of attention while you work at the coffee shop.
3. Personalization:  Accessorize your Surface 3 with an optional backlit keyboard (sold separately), which comes in a variety of colours to suit your style.
4. Features:  The Surface 3 comes with a full-size USB 3.0 port and an integrated kickstand (one of my favourite features!), and has the ability to run desktop software with a fast Intel processor.  It also features a 5MP front-facing camera and 8MP autofocus rear-facing camera.
5. Creativity:  The Surface Pen is AMAZING!  It's the absolute perfect babysitter for the kids - they can spend hours drawing and creating individualized artwork on OneNote.

Part of our challenge was to have the kids draw their favourite activity from Spring Break:

Loving the Surface 3 so far?  From now until March 27th, you can save up to $170 on your Surface 3 purchase at MicrosoftStore.ca.  

There's also some more amazing March Break deals happening at MicrosoftStore.ca, which starts today until March 29th, and includes sales on the Surface Pro 4 and X Box One!

Follow #MicrosoftMarchBreak for more details on our MicrosoftStore.ca March Break Scavenger Hunt challenge!

Shoppers Drug Mart Winter Skin

We all know how harsh the change to colder temperatures in the winter months can be to our skin.  Personally, my face and hands get extremely dry and rough.  It doesn’t matter how much I moisturize – it always seems like the dryness reappears in a different spot.

Thankfully, Shoppers Drug Mart has a wide range of skin care products to help you and your family get through the cold winter months.  I’m very excited to try Clinque Smart Custom Repair Serum.  I’ve tried Clinque skin care products in the past and have been impressed with how they treat my skin and repair the rough, dry patches.  

Although I know what skin care product I’d like to try, it doesn’t necessarily mean I know which ones are good for my skin.  If you’re like me (confused and in the dark) about your winter skin care regimen, Shoppers Drug Mart Beauty Experts offer in-store complimentary skin consultations using the beautyRx tool.  This special Skin Analysis consists of two important steps:

1. Moisture Checker – measures your skin’s hydration levels
2. Video Microscope – magnifies your skin’s surface by 30 times to help diagnose your skin type

Based on the results of your Skin Analysis, your Beauty Expert will be able to recommend the skin care products that will help bring your skin back to its natural beauty.

Celebrate the outdoors at Active Baby's Grand Re-Opening and 5 Year Anniversary event!

When we first posted about Active Baby’s new Upper Lonsdale location in early March, July and Chen {co-owners and husband & wife duo} were in the process of settling into their new store and gearing up for their Grand Re-Opening event, which is scheduled to take place at the beginning of next month.

After much anticipation, Active Baby started the month of April with a bang – an explosion of giveaways worth over $7,000, including a Mountain Buggy Evolution Terrain worth $549.99!  These amazing giveaways lead up to Active Baby’s big Grand Re-Opening and 5 year anniversary celebration on May 3-4, 2014.

If you’re planning on joining July and Chen at their Grand Re-Opening on May 3rd or 4th, you’re in for an amazing time!  With free parking behind the store and a huge selection of the best products on the market for today’s active family, the first 50 customers to make a purchase during the weekend will receive a gift bag filled with goodies from Active Baby’s fabulous sponsors.  In addition, all attendees will receive exclusive discount offers only available during the Grand Re-Opening event!

Shoppers Drug Mart: Your Holiday Shopping Destination

While we just revealed the first part of our Swank Holiday Gift Guide, Shoppers Drug Mart is also getting into the holiday spirit by releasing a number of Gift Guides and Beauty Books between now and December!  The first Beauty Book, Give Beauty, arrived in households and in-stores on November 9th and features many fabulous gift ideas for everyone on your list.  Our top 3 items in Shoppers Drug Mart's Gift Guide and Beauty Books include:

1. Eye Studio Sampler:  This sampler set is sure to satisfy the makeup obsessed {or in this case mascara obsessed} recipient on your holiday list!  It includes six deluxe mini mascaras, deluxe eye makeup remover and a certificate for a complimentary full-sized product of your choice.  Available exclusively at Shoppers Drug Mart.
                               
2. Play-Doh Candy Cane Set:  Perfect for any kid on your list, the classic Play-Doh is getting in the holiday spirit with their cute Candy Can Set which features mini Play-Doh containers in multiple colours.  We love this set as a stocking stuffer!
                                             
3. Sonicare Diamond Clean Power Toothbrush:  This may not sound like the most exciting gift to give but, let's face it, clean and healthy teeth is "in" any holiday season!  The Sonicare Diamond Clean Power Toothbrush includes a charging glass, charging travel case, USB cable and USB wall plug, and it's available in black {new this season} and white.

In addition to the array of holiday gifts in-store, shopping at Shoppers Drug Mart offers many additional incentives such as exciting in-store sales and promotions, a chance to earn points on every purchase with their Shoppers Optimum Rewards Program, plenty of parking options, convenient hours {open late or 24 hours} and locations, and exclusive gift sets available only at Shoppers Drug Mart!  Plus the stores are extremely easy to navigate and if you have any questions, one of their many friendly associates will be on hand to assist you.

Make sure you visit Shoppers Drug Mart online for more holiday gift ideas and to browse their holiday catalogues, as well as a convenient store locator.  There will also be select beauty products that includes a free gift with purchase while quantities last.  Hurry over to your nearest Shoppers Drug Mart location to find out more!

Shoppers Drug Mart is also launching a Facebook contest on December 2nd that includes:

1. An advent calendar that will reveal a new product each day.
2. 12 days of prizes!

Be sure to Like them HERE to receive updates! And join on the conversation on Twitter with #GiftsMadeEasy.

Make sure you pick up your Gift Guides and Beauty Books and head to Shoppers Drug Mart to get a head start on your holiday shopping.  We can't wait to hear all about your amazing finds at Shoppers Drug Mart this holiday season!

captured in print: moments in time + a Sears Portrait Studio giveaway! #SearsBabysRoom

Remember those studio pictures?  The ones with the bad hair, questionable wardrobe choices and the funny grins that seemed to go on for miles?  The ones where you look at your parents wondering what on earth were they thinking?  Or maybe they secretly wanted to save those embarrassing photos for that certain once-in-a-lifetime slideshow - I cannot confirm nor deny that I may or may not have already started a collection of embarrassing photos of my own kids {shhhh!}.

For our first family photo shoot, I took hubby and Miss S to a {surprise!} portrait studio.  It immediately brought back memories of the few times my brother and I had smiled and posed and looked so very proper.

Following that first photo shoot came many more over the years. There's something magical about capturing moments in time and seeing our kids grow up through the pictures.  After all, they grow up far to fast and we always say that we'll remember them as they are.  At least for me, I always think that I'll remember, and then when I look back at pictures, I'm in complete awe at how much my kids change - in as little as six months!

Outdoor Summertime Play + Our Top 5 Outdoor Toys from Sears Canada #SearsBabysRoom

Summer is already in full-swing and, gasp, Vancouver actually has summer weather {no rain!}!  We're talking outdoor, beach, lounging on a yacht weather {I wish I were lounging on a yacht right about now but, instead, I'm sitting here writing this blog post.  Which actually isn't half bad!}.

This week we decided to take out Lil J's outdoor sand/water table that has been in storage for the past few years and I have no idea why we waited so long to set it up!  Since he laid his eyes on his new "toy", Lil J has spent endless hours playing with his trucks and cars in the sand, and basically just having the time of his life.

Another outdoor activity that's a hit with the little man is our bubble machine!  I mean, seriously!  On a side note, I think hubby may have purchased the bubble machine for his own amusement - shhhhh!

Sears Canada carries an amazing assortment of outdoor play toys for your little ones, most of which are on sale for the month of July!  Our top five outdoor toys for the summer are:

Why I Love My Husband as a Father #SearsBabysRoom

Every Father's Day, I try to do something special for my hubby from the kids. Now that Lil J is older, we tend to get a little crafty and down 'n dirty {if finger painting is considered dirty!}.

It's interesting to see the dynamics between Mother's Day and Father's Day. Sometimes I feel like fathers aren't getting the recognition they deserve. In today's modern society, it's not uncommon for dads to take on the a role reversal of the so-called "traditional" role of a stay-at-home mom or parent.  However in our household, both of us work full-time, are constantly sleep deprived and are demanded that we pay 100% attention to our kids 24/7.  Does that sound familiar?

My husband is an amazing father.  I know we probably all say that about our husbands/partners, but he really is. When we first started dating, he was awarded full custody of his then five year old daughter. This, in itself, showed me how dedicated he was to his child and made me realize early on that this is the type of man I would want my future kids' father to be.

Photo credit:  Bopomo Pictures

Coupons.com Review + The Children's Place E-Gift Card Giveaway!

Have I ever told you how much I love shopping?  And how much I love deals?  You know those additional __% off signs that you see in storefronts or those emails landing in your inbox that scream "DEALS!  SALES!  LIMITED TIME ONLY!".  Yep, I pretty much live for those.  Which is weird because how did I not discover Coupons.com until now?  Where have you been all my life?!

What is Coupons.com you ask?  It's basically a digital coupon book for the online world.  In addition to a variety of free printable coupons, Coupons.com also has online coupon codes for well-known companies such as The Children's Place, Old Navy and Amazon.com.

We recently had the opportunity to test out The Children's Place coupon codes on Coupons.com and went on a mini shopping spree!  We used a 15% off coupon plus The Children's Place was offering free one-day shipping so it was kind of hard not to!  Here's what we bought for $50:

The Mom Spa South Surrey Review

Imagine breaking away from the everyday.  Going solo without any kid-friendly responsibilities.  Imagine going to the spa for a day - maybe with a friend or two.  Imagine all of the gossip you'll be able to catch up on without being interrupted every two seconds.  The tea you'll be able to sit and sip and finish.  Imagine your day being calm, stress-free and clear of worries.

Hold that thought.

{swank}deal: Sephora's Weekly Special {iPhone case}

Sephora currently has an amazing offer for iPhone users.  Get a FREE iPhone 3G/3GS or 4G case with any online purchase!  All you have to do is download Sephora's iPhone app and enter the code found under the "weekly specials" section of the app.

Happy shopping!

swank|deal: B. Toys

B. Toys has a coupon for $3.00 off a purchase of any B. toy priced $19.99 or higher at Target.  B. offers a variety of fun toys for your babies, toddlers and tykes that are visually stimulating.  My favourite part about a B. toy is that most of them come with a box that wraps itself!  No more rushing around for that last minute wrapping paper and card for the birthday babe - just flip the packaging around and voila!

Head on over to B. and get the coupon here.

Happy shopping!

PS:  B. will be offering a coupon for Canadian customers in the near future.  Stay tuned!

swank|deals: Agoo Apparel

Vancouver based company, Agoo Apparel, is having a huge 70% off sale on all of their online merchandise (via Mother of a Sale)!  Hurry over to their website and enter coupon code kissesallaround at checkout.

Last time they had this amazing sale, I bought Lil J a pair of Vancouver Canucks hockey huggers:

And a "Little Prince" t-shirt:

The quality of Agoo's materials are exquisite and has lasted many washes, and many, many instances of Lil J roughhousing.  Any mamas out there with boys know what I mean!

I am not sure how long the sale will last but hopefully it will last throughout the week.

- swank|mama

swank|deals - skoah

Today's Vancouver Groupon deal is for an amazing skoah "mother of all facials" facial treatment for only $47.00!!  This offer is valid at their four locations: Yaletown, Kits, Metrotown and Lower Lonsdale (North Vancouver).

Perfect for Mother's Day or any other special day, as it doesn't expire until November 8, 2011.

I have had many fantastic experiences at skoah, my most recent one being at the North Vancouver location.  Before skoah, I had never experienced a facial before so I was kind of nervous going into my treatment.  But I had absolutely nothing to worry about as the girls at skoah make you feel comfortable and at ease, and must I say, the facial experience is..well..true bliss.  The heated beds are definitely a plus and is probably guilty for helping me drift off to dreamland....

I have also had the pleasure of meeting skoah's owner, Andrea Scott, a couple times - once at the opening of her newest location in North Vancouver and once at a party at her Yaletown location.  She is a pleasure to talk to and is very informative about her products (yes, they sell their own products too!  And I believe that they are made in Vancouver.  I read that somewhere but could not confirm it on their website).

So if I haven't convinced you yet, you need to purchase this Groupon!!

- swank|mama

swank|sales: Parade Organics

Sale alert!!

Vancouver based company Parade Organics is having a massive sample sale at their Gastown studio (235 Cambie Street) today and tomorrow from 10 - 6pm both days.

Parade uses only pesticide and chemical free 100% SKAL certified organically grown cotton & sustainable materials.  All of Parade's products are made with the finest organic cotton in sweatshop free environments through fair trade.

Sizes will range from newborn to 4 years old.  Spend $30 or more and receive a free toddler shirt (while quantities last).

Happy shopping swank mamas!!

- swank|mama

jack & lola!

My favourite store on the North Shore is having another amazing Social Shopper deal: $24 for $50 worth of merchandise at jack&lola.  That's 52% off!

I stop by jack&lola approximately 2-3 times a week during my lunch hours as it is only a 5 minute walk.  When I was pregnant with Lil J, I was in absolute awe at the amazing products that are available for newborns, toddlers and young kids.  Every time I went to jack&lola I would find new toys or bags or mommy essentials that I just needed to have!

The owner, Leanne Kripp, is always welcoming and her staff are very knowledgeable.  There is always someone willing to help you and the selection of merchandise is only the best.  They also carry a number of eco-friendly and locally made brands such as Green Toys and myMonkeymoo.

Sale items are also drastically marked-down - perfect for a swank mama!

The Social Shopper deal excludes Britax, Peg Perego and any sale items.  You may purchase up to 8 for yourself and an unlimited number for gifts.  Follow the link and purchase your coupon now for 52% off almost everything at jack&lola!!

- swank|mama

swank|sales

Now this is one sale that you do not want to miss!  Believe me.  Agoo Apparel is cleaning out their current stock to make room for the new season and they are currently offering a 70% discount off of EVERYTHING!!

Yes, you heard right.

EVERYTHING!!

All you have to do is enter the code cleanup70 at checkout.

My absolute favourite would have to be the Hockey Huggers, in Vancouver colours of course!  They also have leggings in a variety of colours and designs for boys and girls alike.  Perfect for the crawling and potty training stages!

Lil J has the Khaki Time Tushie Huggers and the Rock Steady Tushie Top, both of which have stood the test of time.  Or should I say the adventures of a 21 month old toddler's (boy!) adventures.  The reason?  Agoo uses high quality fabrics and construction to ensure that your active baby is comfortable and stays dry while getting into mischief!

Happy saving!

- swank|mama

swank|sales

Fantastic deals all weekend long!!  Visit see kai run's website for 50% off select smaller styles now through Monday, March 14th at 3:00pm PT.

Act fast before they go!

                

- swank|mama

swank|sales

The Gap is having some great deals right now:

• 50% off coupon - $50 worth of merchandise for $25!!  Fill in the form with your cell phone # and they will text you a code to use in-store.  Restrictions do apply.  Valid March 10 - 16, 2011.
• Extra 25% off sale styles in-store only (Canada).  Ends Sunday, March 13, 2011.
• $20 off your purchase of $80 or more (Canada) - online only.  Ends Saturday, March 12, 2011.
• Say Your Price - name your price and accept the best offer!!