A Father's Day Experience + a Giveaway

Isn't it amazing how life comes around full circle once we "grow up"?  Way back when, I remember thinking about how uncool my parents were and how they didn't know anything (because teenagers know EVERYTHING, haha!).  Now I know that they were just trying to raise us, teach us morals and give us the foundations we would need to tackle this thing called life.  There are certain things that I've had to figure out myself, but I know my parents did the best they could.

As I raise my two kids, I realize just how much my dad did for us on a daily basis.  From the time I was five years old, I was a competitive gymnast.  This meant many practices, gymnastic meets, volunteer hours and commitment - not just from myself, but from my dad.  His shifts at work changed quite often (mornings, days, nights), but he always made sure he was present when he could be.  If he wasn't working, he was driving me wherever I needed to be or he was at the bingo hall volunteering or at the bottle drive, car wash, selling raffle tickets / chocolate almonds / his life (?) - you name it!  And let's not get started on those late night pick ups at 12:15am when my shift ended at my local grocery store at 16/17 years old (poor Dad!).

Whatever I needed, I knew I could always rely on Dad.

I initially intended to document a day of experiences with my Dad for this post, but we ended up running behind and didn't get to meet up until later in the evening.  Despite the change of plans, we were able to score Dad (and hubby) an in-store experience and new fit gear from Sport Chek!

Dad is normally a fairly laid back guy, so (as you can imagine) he was completely out of his element when I told him he was going on a shopping spree.  I just assumed he knew why we were meeting up, but when I told him he could get something for himself, he was beyond himself (growing up, Dad would always say by 'assuming' you're making an 'ass' out of 'u' and 'me' - typical Dad joke, I know)!

We browsed around the shoe department and tried to make Dad 'cooler' by making him try on a pair of Pure Boosts, but that kind of failed haha!  I could tell hat he wast trying to convince himself that he truly needed another pair of runners.  After circling the store a few more times, Dad received a Fitbit lesson from one of the electronics specialists and he was sold!  Nothing like a little nudge and a challenge from his daughter (did you know that you can 'challenge' your friends through the Fitbit app?).  And off he went with his new Fitbit Charge 2!!

Since Sport Chek is our go-to shop for Father's Day gifts, I've put together some budget friendly gift ideas for the amazing dad / grandfather / step-dad / special man in your life just in time for the big day!

1. Fitbit Charge 2 | 2. Adidas Training Pants | 3. Nike Sandals | 4. Jason Mark Essentials Kit | 5. GoPro HERO5 HD Action Camera | 6. Nike Aerolayer Jacket | 7. Nike Flex Distance 2-1 Shorts | 8. Under Armour Sport Wireless Headphones | 9. GT Mountain Bike | 10. Adidas Pure Boost Runners

{win it!}

Father's Day is just around the corner and Sport Chek is generously offering one of our Canadian readers a chance to win a $75 gift card to help out with those gifts for Dad!  To enter, please follow the instructions on the Rafflecopter form below.  This giveaway is open to Canadian residents only and ends Friday, June 16, 2017 at 9pm PST.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Disclosure:  All opinions in this review remain my own and do not reflect the opinions or views of Sport Chek and/or their affiliates.  We received a form of compensation from Sport Chek in order to complete this review.  Note that SwankMama does not accept responsibility for sponsors that do not fulfill their giveaway duties.  Winner will be contacted via email and will have 24 hours to respond, otherwise, a new winner will be chosen at random.

father's day gift ideas for the fit dad + a giveaway!

Father's Day is just around the corner and writing this post has got me thinking that I have no idea what to get hubby or my dad.  Growing up, I remember my mother would always say that Dad needed more underwear and socks.  Really?  I mean, how boring would it be to open up a package of underwear or socks for Father's Day?  And Christmas.  AND your birthday!!

Every year, I love the encourage the kids to create a handmade gift for hubby.  Now that the younger ones are older, they're able to contribute a lot more and help Sasha brainstorm about what to make Daddy for his special day.  However, I believe hubby (and dad!) deserve to be spoiled once in a while.  You can only have so many socks and underwear - am I not right?!

Since I'm on a mission to get the entire family on track with their fitness (it's a work in progress!), it couldn't be more perfect than to make a Father's Day wishlist from Sport Chek.  I dug a little deeper and uncovered some pretty amazing products that are available at Sport Chek (online and at your local store) and guaranteed to bring a smile to dad's face!

1. Training Shoes: Nike | 2. Activity Tracker: Fitbit Surge | 3. Headphones: ROC Sport by Monster | 4. Action Camera: GoPro HERO4 | 5. Speaker: Monster SuperStar Bluetooth Speaker | 6. Golf Watch: SkyCaddie LINX | 7. Backpack: Under Armour | 8. Sunglasses: Ray Ban | 9. Jacket: Nike | 10. Gold Training Shoes: Nike | 11. Belt: Nike Golf | 12. Scale: Fit it Aria Wi-Fi Smart Scale



{win it / flash giveaway}

Just in time for Father's Day, Sport Chek is generously offering one of our Canadian readers a chance to win a $100 gift card!  To enter, please follow the instructions on the Rafflecopter form below.  This giveaway is open to Canadian residents only and ends on Tuesday, June 14, 2016 at 9pm PST.

zoe's special day + a giveaway!

You know those weekends that feel so fulfilling and successful (is that the right word?) that when you look back at it, you actually feel like you got something done?  This was one of those weekends.

Yes, it helped that it was a long weekend and, yes, it also helped that it was a special one for our family.   I almost can't believe I'm saying this, but Zoe just turned four.  FOUR!!  It just feels weird saying that since she's my baby, and now I look at her and she's this little person.  My mind is just blown.

Since we celebrated Zoe's birthday a couple weeks ago at a joint party with her BFF, we decided to spend her actual birthday at the Vancouver Aquarium with the entire family.  The night before, Jadon couldn't contain his excitement about his baby sister's special day and even helped me bake her birthday cake (all caught on Snapchat: kristina.cross).

The best part about our visits to the aquarium is seeing the magic of discovery through my kids' eyes. Everything is so new and amazing to them, and I just love that.  Speaking of new, the recent upgrades to the aquarium will have visitors of all ages in awe!

If you haven't been to the Vancouver Aquarium lately, you have to go!  There is so much to discover, see and learn - from the new Discover Rays exhibit (which, unfortunately, we ran out of time and weren't able to see) to the ever-popular dolphin shows to the 4D movie feature.  I promise the locals that the new aquarium is nothing like you remember it to be and I promise tourists will not be disappointed.

When it's time to finally relax (and while you're waiting for the 4D movie to start), I would highly recommend visiting the "Animal Rescue Centre" with your kids.  It's basically an enclosed play/educational area for kids to freely roam, and for adults to sit down and take a break.  Zoe had a blast rescuing her animal friends, while Jadon ran wild:

celebrating 60 years

The Vancouver Aquarium is celebrating it's 60th anniversary this June!  They've launched a photo contest to celebrate this milestone and encourage visitors to post their favourite Vancouver Aquarium memory to Instagram or Twitter using the hashtag #vanaqua60.  Alternatively, entrants can upload their photos directly to their contest page.

{win it!}

Want to win your way in and see the new Discover Rays exhibit for yourself?  The Vancouver Aquarium is giving one of our lucky readers a chance to win a #DiscoverRays prize pack including two tickets to check out the exhibit!  To enter, please follow the instructions on the Rafflecopter form below.  This giveaway is open to BC residents only and ends on Monday, May 30, 2016 at 9pm PST.

Getting Fit with Sport Chek

Every year I make a promise to myself to be more active and every year I feel like I could always do more.  Thankfully, I recently partnered up with Sport Chek to get my butt into gear (literally!).  They set me up with a Fitbit Charge, workout gear and a new pair of Nike Air Zoom Elite 8 running shoes, and it was exactly what I needed to start focusing on my fitness again.

Over the past couple weeks, I've been tracking my daily fitness activities with my new Fitbit Charge and it's addicting!  Believe it or not, I had no idea what a Fitbit was before this and it's almost hard to imagine life without one anymore, ha!  Not only does it track how many steps you've taken in a day, but also the calories you've burned, how many stories climbed, the distance you've travelled (walking distance, of course) and more.  Plus, I've been creating daily challenges with my fellow Fitbit-ers, which is definitely keeping me motivated.

{Win It!}

Sport Chek is generously offering one of our Canadian readers a chance to win a $100 gift card!  To enter, please follow the instructions on the Rafflecopter form below.  This giveaway is open to Canadian residents only and ends on Monday, February 22, 2016 at 9pm PST.

4 Angels Beauty Care Review + a Giveaway!

Is it really January 21st today?  Weren't we just celebrating the holiday season?  I mean, I still have some Christmas presents to exchange haha!  Talk about procrastinating...

Early this month, I decided that 2016 was going to be the year of taking care of myself, amongst other things.  I'd like to think that I'm on the road to achieving that, but with two young kids, it's sooooo easy to get sidetracked.  Which is why I'm going to let you in on one of my secret vices...

4 Angels Beauty Care is an amazing beauty boutique specializing in shaping the perfect eyebrows.  I've been personally hooked since my first visit and now Navkiran (owner of 4 Angels) is the only person I allow to touch my brows.  However, brows are not their only service - they also offer waxing and massage services, including an Indian Head Massage, which I was treated to during my last visit.

The Indian Head Massage was definitely different from any head massage I've had in the past (if you're experiencing a headache or migraine, I would recommend to wait until you feel better before getting this head massage.)  The massage started with your choice of oils (castor, almond, olive or baby oil) and a number of rhythmic taps to my entire head.  It definitely helped to relieve some tension and the oils brought some much needed moisture back to my hair.  I ended up leaving the oil in overnight, which I would highly recommend if your hair is on the dry side.


{Win It!}

4 Angels Beauty Care is giving two of our readers a chance to win a Divine Brows service, complete with a full consultation, threading, massage and brow makeup.  To enter please follow the instructions on the Rafflecopter form below.  This giveaway is open worldwide!

Tiny Prints Holiday Cards Review + a Giveaway!

It’s hard to believe it’s already that time of the year again.  I mean, Christmas is SIX days away!  I’m slightly panicking and I’m not really ready for anything.  My tree is half decorated, I’ve been meaning to wrap presents for three days straight and I haven’t sent out my holiday cards yet.

Thankfully, Tiny Prints came to the rescue once again with their gorgeous holiday cards, speedy service and delivery, and amazing customer service.  I ordered my cards last Thursday and had them at my doorstep by Tuesday morning!

The thing I love about Tiny Prints and their website is how user-friendly it is.  You don’t have to be a computer whiz to figure out how to create a professional looking holiday card – just simply choose your favourite card template, upload and insert your photos and choose the many different colour, paper and envelope options that Tiny Prints has to offer.  And don’t forget to add envelope liners and matching address labels to complete the look!

We ended up going with the luxe Holiday Heritage holiday card in Eggshell with foil stamped details in red.  I loved this template because I was able to choose not one, but three of my favourite shots from our outdoor photo session with my friend and budding photographer, Amy Teixeira (more on that in another post!).  

 

To match the stunning details of the card, I also chose the pearl white shimmer paper, antique gold envelopes, and black and white polka dot envelope liners:

Still need to order your holiday cards?  Check out the current Tiny Prints promotions and place your order today and get it by Christmas Eve with Super Rush delivery. 

{Win It!}

We couldn’t be happier with our Tiny Prints holiday cards and we’d love to share the love!  One of our lucky readers will receive a $50 Tiny Prints credit to use on their very own holiday cards or towards any other Tiny Prints product.  Giveaway is open to US residents only, and ends Sunday, December 21, 2014 at 9pm PST.  To enter, please use the Rafflecopter form below.

Vancouver Home + Design Show $300+ Giveaway!

It’s that time of the year again and the experts in all things home and design are coming together under one roof for the Vancouver Home + Design Show on October 16-19, 2014.

Mark your calendars for a fun day (or four!) of inspiration from familiar faces such as Colin McAllister and Justin Ryan, co-stars of Cottage Life TV’s Colin & Justin’s Cabin Pressure, Bryan Baeumler, host of HGTV’s Leave it to Bryan, and culinary master Chef Corbin Tomaszeski, plus local design and foodie favorites and over 325 exhibitors. This, together with a number of amazing new features, will be sure to make for an amazing day of expert insight, innovation and inspiration for living well. In fact, the Vancouver Home + Design Show is so confident you’ll love their show or the admission is on them. It’s a win-win for everyone, right?

And the excitement doesn't stop there for parents - children 12 and under are FREE! It doesn't get any better than that!

WHEN:
Thursday, October 16th 4:00pm – 9:00pm
Friday, October 17th 12-noon – 9:00pm
Saturday, October 18th 10:00am – 9:00pm
Sunday, October 19th 10:00am – 6:00pm

PRICE:
Adults: $15
Adults ONLINE: $12
Seniors (60+): $12 or $5 Thursday & Friday before 5:00pm (Box Office & Online)
Seniors (60+) ONLINE: $9
Children (12 and under): FREE
VENUE:
BC Place Stadium
777 Pacific Boulevard
Vancouver, BC

TICKETS:
vancouverhomeshow.com
SOCIAL MEDIA:

Facebook & Twitter (@VanHomeShows)

We hope you enjoy the show!

{Win It!}

The Vancouver Home + Design Show has partnered up with SwankMama to give one lucky reader an amazing giveaway worth over $300 including a Save More Plumbing Hand Shower Rail ($200 value), Aspen Clean House Cleaning Kit ($75 value) and 4 tickets to the Vancouver Home + Design Show ($60 value).  This giveaway is restricted to Lower Mainland (BC) residents only until 11:59pm on Sunday, October 12, 2014. To enter, please use the Rafflecopter form below.

Kraft Dinner's KD Fun Pop-Up Shop + a Giveaway!

Think Vancouver is the "no fun" city?  Ready to get a little silly?  With the launch of the first ever KD Fun Pop-Up Shop, Kraft Dinner is on a mission to get Canadian’s back to their fun-loving selves.  Join in on the fun and visit the Fun Shop from June this week in downtown Vancouver at Granville Square - you can’t miss it!

{WHAT IS IT?}

The KD Fun Pop-Up Shop {the only place in the world where you can pay for KD-inspired items with FUN instead of money!} will take over Granville Square at 200 Granville Street {near the Waterfront Skytrain station} from July 23rd-25th from 7am to 7pm.

This big and bright noodle shop will be stocked with never-before-seen items that Vancouverites of all ages {including kids!} can take home by simply having a little fun, while sampling KD.  This means no wallet necessary!!

Our 4 Angels Beauty Care Experience + a Giveaway!

When it comes to beauty, whenever I find an expert in their field that blows me away with their expertise, personality and knowledge, I typically stay with them. Basically, once I’ve found you, I’m extremely loyal to you.  This meaning I have a hair guy, a nail girl, my go-to lash lounge and a waxing lady.  I had a girl that did my eyebrows a couple of times but she became a bit too expensive so, when it came time for some brow maintenance, I decided to check out 4 Angels Beauty Care, which provides brow threading/waxing services along with a number of other beauty services.

And then I had her. My new brow lady. I’ve never quite experienced what I experienced with Navkiran at her gorgeous brow studio, 4 Angels Beauty Care.  She has a very warm aura, is extremely kind and personable, and very attentive to her clients.  Navkiran could see what needed to be done on my brows {I have a lot of random empty spaces that I usually fill in with a brow pencil} and determined a course of natural treatment to help my pesky brows grow in properly.

Fall in Love with Over The Loom + a Giveaway!

With all the craziness leading up to Zoe's birthday party, I'm kind of ashamed to admit that I almost forgot to plan the birthday girl's outfit!  After all, it's the most important detail of the day - besides all the little party details, of course.

Thankfully, Angel Kho from Over The Loom saved the day {and my sanity} with a gorgeous dress that went perfectly with the party's mint green colour scheme.  Made out of soft tulle, the Knox Tulle dress fit Zoe perfectly {with room to grow!} and received many compliments and admirers.  I think the pictures speak for themselves!

While browsing Over The Loom’s website, it’s hard not to fall in love with every single item. Their dresses, skirts and outfits have a girlish, old-world charm about them – think lace detailing, tulle and princess-inspired dresses.  While I was a little worried that lace and tulle would mean that Zoe would get limited wear out of her outfits, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the fabrics, as well as the construction of the dresses and skirts.

We also love the versatility of Over The Loom’s skirts!  Not only will Zoe be able to wear them for dressy occasions but she’ll also be able to pair them with casual tops for everyday wear, such as a day at the park.  Here's Zoe showing off her Isabella Tulle Skirt in Apricot:

      

{Win It!}

Scrunchies are back with Chelsea King + an Instagram Giveaway!

Cheers to the weekend!
When we were getting ready for our Vegas trip {which happened almost a month ago – time flies!}, I was trying to think of something cute and fun that I could gift the girls, and it had to be something that they could use in Vegas, as well as over and over again once we returned back to reality {our reality meant Vancouver, BC}.

I came across Chelsea King on Instagram and we instantly hit it off!  Not only are they a local company, but they’re bringing back a trend that is all too familiar with those growing up in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s – the SCRUNCHIE!

Yes, you heard right!  The scrunchie is back and it’s back with style.  Owners, designers and sisters, Emily and Olivia, are the creative minds behind Chelsea King which started out as a hobby and is now growing into a successful {not to mention popular!} business.

Get Camp Ready with Stuck On You Labels + a Giveaway!

Can you believe we're already talking about the end of the school year and the start of summer vacations?  We sure can't!  It seems like yesterday that we were putting up the Christmas tree in anticipation for 'ol Saint Nick's arrival.  Now we're planning beach days and park play dates!

Speaking of the end of school, many families are also preparing their kids for summer camps.  With summer camps come a lot of organization, as well as personal items that need to be transported to and from camp - whether daily, weekly or monthly.  We can't think of what's worse:  kids coming home with missing items or us parents having to spend extra money {and making unplanned trips to the stores} to replace the items that could have been easily labeled with their names to prevent them from being misplaced in the first place.  Ah, you had a light bulb moment, didn't you?

For all the reasons that we dislike re-buying things, we love Stuck On You labels!  They offer a great range of name labels, shoe labels, value packs and personalized merchandise - all at an incredible value and amazing quality.  We had the opportunity to review the 5+ Pack, and Out and About Pack, as well as a Homework Pencils pack and personalized water bottles!  What did we think?  I'll let the pictures do the talking:

As always, Stuck On You labels never fails to amaze us.  Our all-time favourite labels would have to be their shoe labels.  We love that our kids' shoes won't be confused with "Jack's" identical shoes from preschool.  Plus, before Jadon knew his left from his right, I would put the labels on the sides facing the inside so that he would know which shoe was his right and which one was his left.  Genius, right?  {I thought so!}

{Win It!}