rainy days giveaways {day 7}: it's to die for banana bread

CONTEST CLOSED!  Congratulations to Brandee Foster - she has won a loaf of Erin Ireland's famous It's To Die for Banana Bread!!

We are celebrating the last day of our Rainy Days Giveaways and this one is featuring Vancouver's very own foodie darling, Erin Ireland!

While we all know her as a successful Vancouver tv personality with a penchant for the finest foods, few of us know that she was also once a very smart & successful athlete - scoring a volleyball scholarship to Winthrop University in South Carolina and leading her team to win three Big South Championships while earning her place on the dean's list and the Big South Conference Presidential Honor Roll!

Erin eventually returned back to Vancouver and started work with CTV News and Yaletown-based Novus TV.  In between, she embarked on a six month European education familiarizing herself with the local culture.  Vancouver was still calling her name and she returned to her homeland and scored a hosting gig with FMA and continued her work with Novus TV.  Currently, she is also Metro Newspaper's Lunch Rush columnist which features her lunch finds every Tuesday and has a monthly article in Vancouver View Magazine featuring Vancouver celebrities and their favourite foods.

Erin and her "baby".  Image courtesy of Erin Ireland

Recently, Erin has garnered much deserved attention for her little baby.  No, not an actual baby but a creation she calls It's To Die For Banana Bread.  And does it ever live up to it's name!  A combination of sweet and salty {something that I was hesitant in trying at first} together with roasted macadamian nuts, Callebaut milk chocolate {and sometimes white} and olive oil have proven to make this banana bread masterpiece come to life.

It's To Die For Banana Bread. Image courtesy of Erin Ireland

It's To Die For Banana Bread has been making it's rounds among local Vancouver cafes and coffee shops.  People are raving about it and the goods go quite quickly so I suggest to get there early or be disappointed.  Erin's delicious banana bread can be found at Commune Cafe, Ethical Bean and Milano Coffee Roasters.  In addition, the exclusive Bacon Banana Bread can be found at Save On Meats.

Bacon Banana Bread.  Image courtesy of Erin Ireland.

If you haven't already experienced Erin's banana bread, I guarantee it is absolutely 100% to die for.  You think you know banana bread but you won't know what you're missing until you try It's To Die For Banana Bread!  Luckily, Erin has agreed to "give away" one of her fabulous creations!

{Win It!}

One lucky winner will receive a loaf of It's To Die For Banana Bread handcrafted by Vancouver's very own Erin Ireland.  This giveaway is open to Vancouver and Lower Mainland residents only and ends at 9pm PST on April 19, 2012. Winners will be contacted via email and arrangements to get your hands on your prize can be made with Erin directly. 

The views expressed in this review are my own and do not represent the opinions or views of Erin Ireland or It's To Die For Banana Bread. Note that {swank}mama does not accept responsibility for sponsors that do not fulfill their giveaway duties.

rainy days giveaways {day 6}: Bopomo Pictures

CONTEST CLOSED!  Congratulations to Tammy Dreland - she won a $50 Bopomo gift certificate and a free photo session!

Day 6 of our Rainy Days Giveaways continues with Vancouver based award-winning photography studio, Bopomo Pictures! 

Bopomo Pictures was started out of the need to create a photo studio that could capture life's precious moments with more flexibility and style than your standard department store studio, and one that didn't charge high rates charged by some independent studios.  Bopomo strives to bring out the best in you and your family in a fun, friendly and worry-free environment.

Although I have yet to experience Bopomo myself, their work speaks for itself.  One of the most popular boutique photography studios in Vancouver, Bopomo has continued to showcase it's work with talent, professionalism and, of course, pricing that won't break the bank.  Sitting fees are as low as $29.99 and there is no obligation to make a purchase.  If you do decide to invest in your everlasting memories, there are many options available in both print and digital files.

Bopomo also offers a number of promotions throughout the year.  Their latest is an Easter promo valid until April 6, 2012, which includes a photo session, 8x10 print, 5x7 print and ten 4x6 photocards - all for only $89.95!

Image courtesy of Bompomo Pictures

If you are a frequent Bopomo customer, what better way than to save big with a Bopomo membership at more than 50% off it's value of $375.  For more details on this exclusive membership, click here.  And it gets better!  If you refer a friend to Bopomo, you can earn $10 Bopomo bucks to spend on anything in the studio with their referral program.

Image courtesy of Bompomo Pictures

As if being a photo studio wasn't enough, Bopomo also offers various merchandise such as an accessory collection, photo jewelry, custom framing and canvas prints.  It's like a one-stop shop!

{Win It!}

Bopomo is kindly donating a free photo shoot and a $50 gift certificate to one lucky reader!  You must be able to attend in person at 2631 West Broadway, Vancouver, BC.  The giveaway is open to Vancouver, BC and Lower Mainland residents only and ends at 9pm PST on April 17, 2012.

The views expressed in this review are my own and do not represent the opinions or views of Bopomo Pictures. Note that {swank}mama does not accept responsibility for sponsors that do not fulfill their giveaway duties.

rainy days giveaways {day 5}: guzzie + Guss

CONTEST CLOSED!  Congratulations to Xing Zheng - she has won a guzzie + Guss "Pimp My Ride" stroller accessory pack!

Day 5 of our Rainy Days Giveaways features local Vancouver, BC stroller company, guzzie + Guss!

Finding the perfect stroller is definitely exciting but can end up feeling like a chore.  Familiar questions will pop up in your head:  How much should/can we spend?  Is the stroller compatible with our car seat?  Does the stroller come with a cup holder?  Is everything an add-on cost?

Vancouver stroller manufacturer guzzie + Guss strive to make the best product on the market at the most affordable prices.  Combining over 30 years of product development and market experience, guzzie + Guss offers everything from strollers and stroller accessories to high chairs, safety gear and toys.  They even have  universal car seat adapters for each of their stroller's models which makes it easier for parents to choose whichever car seat they desire.

guzzie + Guss G+G 051 Denman Stroller. 
Image courtesy of guzzie + Guss

G+G 1+1 Gabriola Stroller
Image courtesy of guzzie + Guss

In the past few months, we have been struggling with a toddler who hates sitting in his stroller and loves to take off when we're not looking.  With a baby on the way and a toddler who refuses to sit in his stroller, I figured the option that made the most sense was a stroller board.  I was set on getting a BuggyBoard because I thought it was the only stroller board on the market when I came across guzzie + Guss' G+G 001 Universal Stroller Hitch.  Life. Saver.

G+G 001 Universal Stroller Hitch
Image courtesy of guzzie + Guss

{The Review}

The Universal Stroller Hitch is truly universal.  It attached perfectly to our Maxi-Cosi Foray and Perle strollers and, despite the fact that my hitch didn't come with instructions, I was able to attach it with just viewing the instructional video below and off we went!

Lil J and Miss S enjoying the guzzie + Guss stroller board!

The Universal Stroller Hitch also features two adjustable knobs which allows a user to adjust and tighten the angle of the platform.  For times where you are not using the hitch, you can simply fold it up and attach it to the stroller bar handle with the strap provided.

I found that the Universal Stroller Hitch was very sturdy and easy to maneuver.  There have been a couple times where it would get stuck in a certain position if I was backing up and turning the stroller around simultaneously {eg: exciting an elevator}, but with a few quick back-and-forth movements of the stroller, we were able to get the stroller hitch to re-adjust itself without having to do it manually.

Our son not only loves the stroller hitch, he actually asks to ride it.  No more running after a runaway toddler or struggling to strap him into his stroller!  A bonus?  His sister loves to push the stroller with her brother yelling "Beep beep, beep beep!".

{Win It!}

guzzie + Guss is giving away a "Pimp My Ride" accessory pack to one lucky winner!  The accessory pack includes a rain cover, universal cup holder, stroller insert pad and their stuffed animal mascots {combined value of $120 CND}.  The giveaway is open to Vancouver, BC and Lower Mainland residents only and ends at 9pm PST on April 13, 2012.

The views expressed in this review are my own and do not represent the opinions or views of guzzie + Guss. Note that {swank}mama does not accept responsibility for sponsors that do not fulfill their giveaway duties.

rainy days giveaways {day 4}: Modern Mama

CONTEST CLOSED!  Congratulations to Lee-Anne Gin - our winner of the Modern Mama Perks Card!!

If you haven't heard of Modern Mama by now, you are about to be hooked.  Hooked on parties, get togethers and events that you can... *gasp*.....bring your little ones to.

Founded in 2008 by mama of three Connie Peters, Modern Mama has been bringing stylish and informative events to the Edmonton and Calgary areas and, most recently, Vancouver.  Events include:

• Mama Needs a Babysitter - a chance to meet local sitters face-to-face in a social environment.
• Infant and Child CPR Session
• Stylish events such as Mama at the Hair Salon and Essentials of Skin Care at Sephora
• Mini-Mixers - introduces you to other moms interested in establishing a playgroup in your area
• And much more!

Beauty Basics at Sephora - Vancouver.  Images courtesy of modernmama.com

If that wasn't enough, Modern Mama also has a yearly Membership Perks Card which offers discounts at local Vancouver, Edmonton and Calgary stores and Modern Mama events.  The cost is $35 and also includes national perks for mamas residing outside of the three Modern Mama cities.

Modern Mama also offers a licensing option of their brand in your community.  Becoming a Modern Mama Community Director means working part-time at your own pace while being at home with your kids.  You can even bring your kids to Modern Mama events!  A few responsibilities of Modern Mama's Community Directors include:

• Creating events based on a semester schedule based on Modern Mama's model
• Building a community in person and online using social media and blogging
• Growing a membership base and maintaining regular newsletters
• And more!

For more information on potential licensing opportunities with Modern Mama, you can visit their website and fill out their form.

{Win It!}

Modern Mama is generously donating a Membership Perks Card to one lucky winner!  Please see the Rafflecopter entry form below. The giveaway is open to Canadian residents only and ends at 9pm PST on April 12, 2012.

The views expressed in this review are my own and do not represent the opinions or views of Modern Mama or Modern Mama Vancouver. Note that {swank}mama does not accept responsibility for sponsors that do not fulfill their giveaway duties.

rainy days giveaways {day 3}: bobs and LoLo

CONTEST CLOSED!  Congratulations to Stacy Lowe - our lucky winner of the Bobs & LoLo CD/DVD Prize Pack!

To celebrate day 3 of our Rainy Days Giveaways, we have partnered up with kid favourite duo Bobs & LoLo!

Bobs & LoLo are dedicated to connecting kids to the natural world with music, movement, and make-believe.  Robyn Hardy {Bobs} and Lorraine Pond {LoLo} both grew up on Vancouver Island and share a mutual passion of working with kids and teaching them the love of creativity and harmony through music.  Over the years, they have released a number of popular CDs and DVDs and are featured on the Canadian children's channel, Treehouse.  Their enthusiasm, talent and catchy songs are a favourite of children and parents alike.

I've had the honour of seeing Bobs & LoLo at a couple of their mini concerts around town.  The first one was at a local Gap store when Lil J was a few months old and they were so popular, I could see parents pushing their kids past others just so they could be in the front!  Talk about star power!

In addition to holding mini concerts around the city, Bobs & LoLo also perform in elementary schools across Canada and the United States to rave review from everyone in the audience!  Booking inquiries can be directed to Eran Norton at booking@bobsandLoLo.com.

Here is a video of Bobs & LoLo singing their popular song "Raindrop Pop".  Perfect for our Rainy Days Giveaways!!

{Win It!}

Bobs and LoLo are generously donating a CD/DVD package including their 2012 JUNO nominated album Connecting the Dots and their award-winning musical DVD On Your Feet to one lucky winner!  Please see the Rafflecopter entry form below. The giveaway is open to Canadian and US residents and ends at 9pm PST on April 11, 2012.


The views expressed in this review are my own and do not represent the opinions or views of Bobs and LoLo. Note that {swank}mama does not accept responsibility for sponsors that do not fulfill their giveaway duties.

rainy days giveaways {day 2}: raspberry kids

Day 2 of our Rainy Days Giveaways features local Vancouver online retailer, Raspberry Kids!

Sue Sinclair, owner of Raspberry Kids, abandoned her corporate life after having her two kids in favour of opening her own business.  The result?  A highly successful online retail company specializing in only the best brands and products for kids.

I love how Raspberry Kids' website is extremely user-friendly and easy to navigate.  Everything and anything that you are looking for has been itemized accordingly, including sections for the new and sale items.

Once you have filled your cyber shopping cart with goodies, Raspberry Kids offers numerous ways to place your order including:

•  shopping online
•  ordering by phone @ 1.888.950.KIDS (5437)
•  shop in person or pick up at their local Vancouver warehouse located at #504 - 1540 West 2nd Avenue, Vancouver, BC.  Email shopping@rasberrykids.com to schedule an appointment - last minute inquiries will be accomodated

Some of the fab products that you can find at Raspberry Kids include:

Educo Creative Cookery Club - $139.99 CAD

3 Sprouts Storage Box - $25.99 CAD

 

Vapur Flexible Water Bottle "Fun Size" 2 Pack - $20.99 CAD

It's clear that loyal Raspberry Kids customers love coming back - as evident by their testimonials and diverse customer base.  Customer service excellence is something they strive for every day and is a huge part of their success.  Purchases from Raspberry Kids will be shipped virtually anywhere in the world and shipping prices can be found here.

{Win It!}

Raspberry Kids has kindly offered to donate a So Young Mother Cooler Bag in Brown Birds to a lucky Vancouver resident!  You must be available to pick up the bag from their warehouse located at #504 - 1540 West 2nd Avenue in Vancouver.  Please see the Rafflecopter entry form below.  The giveaway is open to Vancouver {Lower Mainland}, BC residents only and ends at 9pm PST on April 10, 2012. 

The views expressed in this review are my own and do not represent the opinions or views of Raspberry Kids.  Note that {swank}mama does not accept responsibility for sponsors that do not fulfill their giveaway duties.

rainy days giveaways {day 1}: GumDrops Wet Weather Boutique

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CONTEST CLOSED!  Congratulations to Lee-Anne Gin who has won a Hatley Grover Rain Coat from GumDrops Wet Weather Boutique!

To launch our Rainy Days Giveaway, we have partnered up with local Vancouver retailer GumDrops Wet Weather Boutique!

Located on fashionable West 4th Avenue, GumDrops is a boutique store specializing in wet weather wear for the whole family.  'Weather' {no pun intended!} you're on the market for the perfect rain boots, a new rain jacket or the most stylish umbrella on the block, GumDrops is guaranteed to have what you're looking for.

You can find a variety of items at GumDrops including Hunter's, Cheeky Umbrellas, Havaianas and, of course, Hatley. They also feature their own house brand {cleverly labeled GumDrops} which consists of jackets and boots for the whole family.  Also on hand are the friendly and knowledgeable GumDrops staff to help you personalize your wet weather purchase!

Purchases at GumDrops include in-store {2029 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver, BC} and online with multiple shipping options including in-store pick-up.

GumDrops generously donated a Hatley Grover Raincoat for Lil J {and Mommy!} to review.

We personally love the soft terry towel lining on the inside of the jacket and the light-weight, water resistant outer shell.  The jacket was very flexible and easy for Lil J to move around in.  Although Lil J is only 2 1/2, we opted for a size 4T to give him plenty of room to grow into.  The "Super" Grover design on the jacket is super cute, as well as 100% PVC free.

{Win It!}

GumDrops is offering one of our local Vancouver readers a chance to win a Hatley Grover Raincoat!  You must be able to pick up the coat in store at 2029 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver, BC.  Please see the Rafflecopter entry form below.  The giveaway is open to Vancouver, BC residents only and ends at 9pm PST on April 9, 2012. 

The views expressed in this review are my own and do not represent the opinions or views of GumDrops Wet Weather Boutique.  Note that {swank}mama does not accept responsibility for sponsors that do not fulfill their giveaway duties.

Rainy Days Giveaways!!

We are very excited to announce {swank}mama's Rainy Days Giveaways starting March 26, 2012 -  week-long giveaway extravaganza celebrating Vancouver's infamous rainy weather!

If you live in the Vancouver area or have ever visited the city then you already know that Vancouver is known for it's wet and rainy days.  There is not a day that goes by where you don't hear someone complaining about the weather - which usually consists of rain and low temperatures this time of year.  So we thought, instead of complaining, why not "celebrate" it?!  We have teamed up with a number of local companies and Vancouverites to bring you a variety of giveaways - one per day.

The following companies will be participating in {swank}mama's Rainy Days Giveaways:

• Gumdrops {2029 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver, BC}
• guzzie + Guss
• Modern Mama 
• Bobs and LoLo
• It's to Die 4 and Erin Ireland
• Raspberry Kids 
• Bopomo Pictures {2631 West Broadway, Vancouver, BC}

Each giveaway will be open for two weeks and will be available to be entered via Rafflecopter.  Please check back for updates!

Bobs & LoLo Present: ShamROCK!!

Any parent who has a kid between the ages of 1-12 knows that Bobs & LoLo is a household name.  Since debuting in 2003, Bobs & LoLo have captured the hearts and minds of parents and children alike - appearing on Treehouse and performing in elementary schools across Canada and the United States.  They produce original songs and interactive segments to engage their audiences in an upbeat and educational manner.

I am very excited for this duo - Robyn {Bobs} and Lorraine {LoLo} - as their latest album has just been nominated for Children's Album of the Year at the 2012 Juno Awards in Ottawa, Canada.  In case you didn't know, the Juno's are the Canadian equivalent to the Grammy Awards.

In order to offset travel costs to the Juno's at the end of March, Bobs & LoLo will be performing at a St. Patrick's Day concert, ShamROCK, on March 17, 2012.  The concert will take place at Handsworth Secondary School in North Vancouver at 1:30pm {doors open at 1pm}.  Tickets are $12 in advance or $15 at the door.  They can be purchased in-store at Jack & Lola, BC Playthings, Beansprouts and online at Raspberry Kids.

Partial proceeds {$1 per ticket sold} will go to the Gaby Davis Foundation - an organization that offers financial support to children {and their families} battling cancer.  Kids are encouraged to show their St. Paddy's Day spirit and wear GREEN to have a chance to win some fun prizes!

I am also excited to announce that Bobs & LoLo will be participating in {swank}mama's Rainy Days Giveaways coming soon - local companies are teaming up with {swank}mama to celebrate Vancouver's infamous rainy weather!!