The Itsabelly Blog

Budgeting for Twins or More!

Check out our latest post by Elizabeth Sneller, Multiples Expert here:

Budgeting for Twins or More!

Baby Skincare, Breastfeeding & Going Green with Baby...New Itsabelly Blog Posts

Check out our latest blog posts below:

Don't Touch My Baby With That! (What to Avoid in Baby Skincare)

Breastfeeding Cover Up (The Must-Have Item for Breastfeeding)

How to Throw a Green Baby Shower

Showtime in Toronto

Rishma Lalani, Itsabelly Toronto

Fall is my favorite season, the beauty of the changing colours of the trees and leaves falling are incredibly picturesque.  No longer are we battling with the summer humidity and it is the calm before the winter storm.  The other great thing about fall in Toronto…it’s filled with great trade shows for families! 

While I wish I could share with you all the amazing details of products, services, and people I have met over the last couple of weeks there simply isn’t enough time (or space) to do so.  I’ve done my best to provide you with some key highlights below.

Healthy Kids Expo – October 24th – 26th
Living a healthier lifestyle has become a topic of interest for most of us these days. Torontonians are fortunate enough to be home to the Healthy Kids Expo  intended to educate and showcase products and services targeting important health and environmental issues.  Kudos to Holistic World for securing Dr. Mehmet Oz, host of Second Opinion with Dr. Oz and The Oprah Winfrey Show’s regular contributor, as the celebrity headline speaker for the event sharing his tips!  There was something for everyone at the show including plenty of play areas for kids, informative seminars, demonstrations and great organic food samples.

Mark your calendars…the next show will be October 3-4th 2009 at the Direct Energy Centre!

Today’s Parent Babytime Show – November 7-9th
Held twice a year in Toronto, this is the ultimate event for pregnancy, birth, baby, and toddler.  There are over 200 exhibitors including manufacturers such as Stokke, Quinny, Peg Perego, Playtex.  Here are a few special mentions Itsabelly is excited to share with you.

M Coat

This innovative product by Canadian Spirit Downwear is a transitional jacket that takes you from a fashionable Maternity coat; to a hip Mama coat; and back to a regular fitting Myself coat.  Made in Canada and insulated with Pure Canadian Down this is sure to be a must have on many mom-to-be wish lists!

Grobag® First Bedding set    
 
For those toddlers who don’t like blankets and have outgrown their sleep sacks, grobag®  has a perfect solution – their first duvet bedding set.  With an integrated duvet cover, pillowcase, and fitted sheet, the bedding stays in place.  Unfortunately the organic option is not yet available. 

Clek™

Clek booster seats offer the ease and safety of the Latch system.  Coming soon is the new oobr removable full back booster that grows easily with your child.   It has a wider seat base, reclines up to 12 degrees and has the Elemental Safety System.  For the fashionista mommy there are even 2 designs by Paul Frank!

HiLo Chair

  

This sleek, modern chair is the brainchild of Age Design  based out of Montreal.  It is a one piece molded plastic seat, with wooden legs, attached by a two-button aluminum adjustment mechanism.  The chair also easily swivels from high chair to an under table kids chair. A great chair to grow with your child with a modern look.

Of the many speakers and seminars available I’d like to make a few quick mentions.  Sophie Gregoire-Trudeau, wife of Justin Trudeau and mom-to-be for the 2nd time.  Sophie associates herself with many causes including a variety of women’s issues (having dealt with image issues herself) she was able to sincerely connect with her audience and communicate the power and value of a mother.  Equally informative to hear was Ann Douglas  one of Canada’s leading parenting experts, the award winning author of The Mother of All Books series.

I was also lucky and got to attend one of the VIP (very important parent) parties hosted by Yummy Mummy  Founder Erica Ehm, Wee Welcome Founder Maureen Dennis and urbanmoms.ca .  These women provide confidence, support and inspiration for all mothers to continue to be strong, attractive, well-informed women.
 
The Spring Show will be held April 3-5th 2009 at the International Centre.  Tip – print out an exhibitor/speaker list and highlight the ones you definitely want to visit/attend because it is so easy to get caught up in “window shopping” and the day may be over before you know it.  Didn’t get a chance to cover it all in one day?  Stop at the information booth to get a voucher to come back for the entire weekend without paying another entrance fee!

Coming up…

The Mompreneur Show – November 16th
This bi-annual event showcases products and services for all women, moms and entrepreneurs. From jewelry and fashion to trendy baby products, there is sure to be something for everyone attending.  The venue at The Distillery District is stroller accessible so it’s be the perfect outing for you to keep busy and out of the cold (ok and do some shopping too…it is for women after all and that’s what we do best!)

Whole Life Expo – November 14-16th
Looking for information on natural health, alternative medicine and eco-friendly lifestyles?  Come out to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre this weekend and you’ll have access to view over 60 speakers and 200 exhibitors showcasing their products and services!
 
Itsabelly is happy to be in the great city of Toronto keeping you connected with the products, services, and resources that help educate and promote healthy living! 

We've Given Birth to our Latest Baby - Itsabelly's Guide to Going Green with Baby has ARRIVED!

Very exciting news, one year in the making and our book has finally arrived! Itsabelly is the first and only baby planner business certified green by Co-op America and we're proud of it!  Itsabelly's Guide to Going Green with Baby is here, yay!  The price is $17.95 and wholesale orders are available for those of you wanting to order for your on-line boutique or store front.  Please contact us at: info@itsa-belly.com or call us on our toll free phone # at 877-280-9540 for more information.

Our guide will make a perfect holiday gift for your pregnant sister or friend.  It is also a great gift for new parents.  Order your copy now - it is the first of its kind complete green baby registry guide and we're so thrilled to share such valuable knowledge with you.  We're spreading the news on how to choose non-toxic products for your baby and you while protecting mother earth!

Advanced praise from Christopher Gavigan of Healthy Child Healthy World and content provided by Alicia Voorhies of The Soft Landing as well as many great green advocates makes this book a must-have for parents everywhere!

Itsabelly Canada Has Twins - Our Belly Expands in Vancouver!

By Farhana Kassam, Owner, Itsabelly Vancouver

Vancouver, one of the “greenest” cities in North America boasts snow-capped mountains, ocean views, incredible landscapes, and a highly diversified, driven and active population. This amazing city is the newest home for Itsabelly Baby Concierge - we now have a home in two wonderful Canadian cities! Our Baby Planners offer services such as baby registry completion, pre and post natal fitness, nursery décor, baby showers and “going green with baby”.

Having moved to around from city to city and country to country all my life, I have become something of a research pro. When we moved to Vancouver a little less than two years ago, I found out I was pregnant with my daughter Jayden. The prospect of being pregnant in a new city with no clue where to go to find help or answers to questions was a challenge that caught me totally off-guard. Not one to let a challenge get the best of me, it turned out to be a great way to learn about this amazing city and make some wonderful friends!

Being pregnant and parenting in Vancouver has opened my eyes to so many earth friendly, baby friendly alternatives to the mainstream options I always assumed I would use. I have become a resource for friends and family who want to know what options they have for pre and post natal care as well as for the products they use for their children. I have enlisted the consulting services of a native Vancouverite, Priya Singh who will focus her energies on finding ways to bring new and expecting parents and Itsabelly Baby Concierge together!

Itsabelly’s focus on protecting families from an unhealthy environment and preserving the planet made it a tremendous fit for the new and expecting families looking for baby planning services in the Lower Mainland Area. If you or someone you know would benefit from the services offered by Itsabelly Baby Concierge, please contact our Vancouver office!

One Day At A Time….Not Just a Sitcom From The Seventies

By Elizabeth Sneller, Itsabelly's Multiples Mama Expert

There are numerous life lessons that come with being a parent, and as a mom to triplets one of the greatest things I have learned is to take life one day at a time.  As cliché as this might sound, it is really a major change in my thinking that came about with the birth of my babies. 

I have found that this thought process has advantages in both precious and challenging times.  In good times, this mantra has allowed me to stay "present" and enjoy the amazing world of infants and toddlers.  In difficult times, it has got me through a crazy day like when all three kids had the stomach flu.  Taking life one day at a time makes difficult situations seem more manageable.  Sometimes, I even take life 2 hours at a time, like when the kids are throwing their oatmeal on the ground, and I know that in 2 hours it will be nap time for both kids and mommy.  Life with twins or more can quickly get chaotic and sometimes getting through one day is a major achievement!  I love that this outlook allows me start each morning off fresh and ready for all the day's joys and challenges that lie in store.

Does taking life one day at a time mean that I throw all planning for the future aside?  Absolutely not.  The key to this lesson is the ability to conquer small things on a daily basis.  For example, when I first found out we were having triplets I lost A LOT of sleep worrying about what our life was soon going to be like.  Truthfully, there WAS a lot to worry about, but everyday I researched or tackled one of these concerns, and soon our future seemed more manageable.  Having a plan for raising multiples was one of the best things I could do to stay present and enjoy the unique moments in our family.

After talking to many new moms, especially mothers of twins, I have found this is a wonderful skill set to possess.  It gives you an amazing confidence that you can conquer or survive just about anything.  The future can be overwhelming when you start projecting out months and years in advance.  Believe me, I still worry about how we are going to get through drivers training with three kids turning 16 at once, but I know by then we will figure out something.

The Lucky Number 3 - Itsabelly's Super Mom Shares Her Life with Triplets

(image of the triplets as embryos)

By Elizabeth Sneller, Itsabelly's Multiples Mama Expert

My fast, fabulous and sometimes frantic journey to today has a clear start date. March 23, 2005. This was the date in which a quick flash on our fertility clinic's ultrasound screen confirmed our best hopes and worst fears, all at the same time....TRIPLETS! The three blinking heartbeats were clear to any untrained eye, and from that moment on, we knew we were in for an unusual life. My husband went into what resembled catatonic shock, and I couldn't wipe the smile off my face; that is until 2:00 a.m. that night when it HIT me. At that moment the doubts began pouring in, and I began to question if we were really going to be able to raise three babies at once. 

The next morning I went into "research" mode, and I spent the remainder of my pregnancy putting together a sort of "game plan" for life with multiples. Although not perfect (and with adjustments along the way) our first year with our precious babies was filled with joy, love and lots of fun. About the time of their first birthday, I conceived a sort of "multiples" consulting company in my brain, but put it on the back burner until I had more time.

(image below of the triplets first ultrasound)


Flash forward to July of 2008, in which I read a series of newspaper and magazine articles on the new Baby Planning industry. Itsabelly was highlighted in one article, and I fell in love with founder Melissa Moog's enthusiasm for new and expecting parents. She presents a great business model that fit perfectly with my passion for new mothers of multiples, and I am thrilled to be a part of her growing organization.

As a seasoned mom of triplets, I understand the wide range of emotions that come with the news of twins or more. I am excited to share my knowledge and insight so that new parents can live a joyous and fulfilling life with their growing families. My offerings are tailored to Itsabelly's current services, and I'm happy to consult on all things multiples. Whether you need help setting up a registry, arranging volunteers, choosing a doctor or getting your babies on a schedule, I am here to help, support and encourage you. I look forward to blogging for the first time about a wide range of topics ranging from budgeting to birthdays. 

It is my joy to share in your unique journey of raising twins, triplets or more.

Double, Triple or Quadruple Trouble...Need Help?

You've probably heard of Jon & Kate Plus Eight who have been on Oprah and the TLC channel.  Or have seen twins become really popular since Angie and Brad have added to their already large family!  Well, move over celebrities... Itsabelly has added an exciting new component to our services for new and expectant parents of multiples! 

We now offer one on one consultation with our Multiples Expert, Elizabeth Sneller.  Elizabeth is extremely qualified to provide this new service as a mom to two year old TRIPLETS!  We're amazed at her energy level and very happy to have her join the Itsabelly team.

Elizabeth will primarily focus on multiples consultation.  You can also see her blogging and sharing tips for parents of multiples here.  We'll be adding a special multiples section for you to use as a resource.  So, keep an eye out for Elizabeth and drop by to say hello.

She can be reached at Itsabelly via our inquiry form or call 503-799-5719.

Our Belly Grows in Toronto, Canada

By Rishma Lalani - Itsabelly Canada

Toronto is home to over 2.5 million residents, Canada’s largest financial centre, Yonge Street (the longest street in the world), more 7,000 restaurants & cafes, and now I’m excited to announce that Toronto is also home to Itsabelly Baby Concierge!  After months of collaboration with Melissa Moog, founder of Itsabelly, we now offer quality baby planning services to expecting parents in the GTA.  Services available include (but not limited to) baby registry, nursery design and childcare placement.

As I approach my daughter Siyana’s milestone 1st birthday I am looking back at the incredible journey I have experienced and know that I could not have gotten to this point on my own.  I am thankful for the friends and family in my life and also thankful for the new people I meet everyday in stores, on walks, and at playgroups.  Sharing experiences and information with other moms and parents-to-be has been invaluable for me and I hope to provide a service for expecting parents to support them through this exciting time in their lives as well.

So, if you know anyone in Toronto or have connections to this great city send them Itsabelly's way for baby planning services and consultation.  We look forward to offering our assistance to Canadian families.

Our Special Announcement to Honor Earth Day!

             

Itsabelly's Guide to Going Green with Baby is the first book to provide a simple resource for evaluating eco-friendly baby gear and to learn more about organic and natural family living. We offer mom-tested product reviews and tips to raising a healthy baby and creating a happy planet. The founders of Under the Nile, gDiapers, TheSoftLanding.com and Earth Mama Angel Baby provide insight on why choosing organic and natural baby products is important to creating a healthier lifestyle. Going Green with Baby features personal product recommendations from eco-minded moms Jennifer Lo Prete and Melissa Moog. Jennifer is a writer and mother of two that has long practiced green living. Melissa is mom to a toddler, writer and the founder of Itsabelly Baby Concierge, a premier baby planning agency that specializes in going green with baby.

Going Green with Baby will be released in the Summer of 2008. To pre-order your copy, please send us an email to info@itsa-belly.com or call us at (503)799-5719 with your name and contact information. We will contact you when the book is available for purchase. Wholesale inquiries are also welcome.

A Peek Inside...

• Plan your baby registry with the best mom-tested reviews of over 300 eco-friendly baby products. We cover all your baby’s needs from slings to strollers, non-toxic bottles to safe skin care products, organic baby clothes to eco-friendly diapers and sustainable nursery furniture.
           
• Learn why going green with baby is important for a healthy baby and happy planet. Our panel of eco experts weighs in on the importance of organic apparel, sustainable wood, non-toxic feeding products and natural skin care products.
           
• Discover our simple eco-mom tips to raising a healthy baby and protecting our planet.
           
• Decipher the meaning and standards behind eco-labels. What does organic mean anyway? We make your trip to the store easier with a useful guide to common eco-labels and organic certification standards.
           
• Gain valuable tips on going green on a budget. From our own experience, it may not be financially feasible to turn your household completely organic. We give you tips on how you can make green choices that are right for your family.