In decorating our nursery, I was excited for the opportunity to collaborate with and feature a few Canadian companies (like Obasan and Urban Walls) and incorporate their pieces into my design vision.

In this nursery reveal blog post, not only do I share photos of our nursery, but also the decision making process behind the pieces we picked, links to the items in our nursery, prices, and alternative options we had considered. Because we had so much time to prepare, we never felt rushed and could take our time in shopping around and choosing pieces. I had a lot of fun decorating our nursery and picking pieces — I hope this provides you with some inspiration for your nursery too!

Our soft grey, white, and natural wood nursery

Jellycat bashful puppy + handmade rainbow gifted from a friend in our Storkcraft crib

Storkcraft Beckett 3-in-1 Convertible Crib in Natural 

We were specifically looking at ‘convertible’ cribs, which means the sides can be taken down and transitioned into a toddler bed in the future. We like how basic the Storkcraft Beckett Crib is, and thought $300 was a good mid-range price for something we’d be able to use for a couple of years. Note that you have to buy additional parts for the conversion to a toddler bed. // $300

Obasan Organic Crib Mattress  

Obasan is an Ottawa-based, organic mattress company. Their crib mattress for babies, like the rest of their offerings, are comfortable, organic, and, most importantly, free of harsh chemicals. It’s crafted with a 100% certified organic cotton cover, wrapped over a pressure-relieving layer of certified organic rubber, supported by a firm layer of post-consumer shredded coconut husk. Obasan’s natural mattresses are breathable and moisture-wicking, which help to regulate babies’ temperature levels throughout the night. // $329 (gifted)

• More on Modern Mix Vancouver: Obasan Mattress Review | Shopping For An Organic Crib Mattress

Rugs USA Moroccan Lattice Tassel Rug  

The Temara Moroccan Lattice Tassel Area Rug from Rugs USA definitely has that ‘synthetic’ feel but serves the purpose of adding some warmth, texture, and style to the room. The other option we considered was the Handwoven Natural Rug from Crate and Barrel Kids, but after reading reviews, it appears to shed a lot. Plus, it was 4x the price.  We also looked at Homesense, Westcoast Kids, Buy Buy Baby, and Ikea for rug options, but we found that the best value for style and selection is Rugs USA. // $100

Diaper Genie 

Yes, we are counting the Diaper Genie as a decor item! This is the go-to standard for diaper disposal, it has a trap door, so odours don’t escape. The grey colour matches with our nursery floor lamp and changing table. The other option we considered was the Ubbi, which is a stainless steel diaper pail. We read this review on the Ubbi vs. Diaper Genie but the main drawback for us was the Ubbi didn’t have a foot pedal for opening the lid. // $45

Urban Walls “Shapes & Sizes” wall decals

Urban Walls “Shapes & Sizes Decals”  

We were hesitant to put framed artwork directly above the crib (what if it falls?) which is why the peel-and-stick wall decals from the BC-based Urban Walls appealed to us. They have hundreds of design options, but Shapes & Sizes is from their newest Saguaro-inspired dessert collection. Even though we only ended up using five of the largest decals (there were at least 20+ in the full order), I really liked how we layered these on the wall. We were loosely envisioning rolling hills or mountains, with the big circular decal as the sun. // $349 (gifted)

IKEA Flisat bookshelves and Hemnes 3-Drawer Dresser with Plockar wooden knobs

The built-in mobile from the Skip Hop Changing Pad

Druide Biolove Baby Products

IKEA Flisat Bookshelves  

These floating, wall-mounted Flisat bookshelves from IKEA were actually the first items we purchased for our nursery! Instead of displaying the spine of the books, you can see the full cover, which adds colour and personality to the nursery. Half the books on the shelves right now are books from my own childhood collection. // $20 each

IKEA Hemnes 3-Drawer Dresser with Plockar Knobs and Skip Hop Changing Pad

The Hemnes dresser (both the 3- and 8- drawer versions) seems to be a favourite among new moms, I’ve seen it featured in so many nursery reveals! It appealed to us because the price point is super reasonable and the size and height ideal for a changing pad. // $219

Ours is the Skiphop Changing Pad (which was on our baby gift registry); it wipes clean and doesn’t require a cover. // $100

The one thing I didn’t like about the Hemnes series, however, were the original knobs. Thankfully, we didn’t have to look very far for a replacement, the Plockar Knobs at Ikea were exactly what we were looking for; the round wooden knobs match perfectly with the wood of our crib and bookshelves, and the $2/knob price couldn’t have been better.

For more ornate options, you could also consider Anthropologie or Etsy.

Crate & Barrel Animal Alphabet Banner by Wee Gallery

Crate & Barrel Kids Animal Alphabet Banner 

Similar to my reasoning behind investing in wall decals instead of framed wall art, I love the idea of hanging up lightweight tapestries rather than framed wall-art. This Animal Alphabet Wall Hanging is by Wee Gallery, sold through Crate and Barrel Kids. // $89

Pottery Barn Kids Dream Swivel Glider & Recliner and Crate & Barrel Kids Grey Touch Floor Lamp

Crate & Barrel Kids Grey Touch Floor Lamp 

The Grey Touch Floor Lamp from Crate & Barrel Kids is around 5ft high, and can be turned on by touching any part of the lamp. The base is a bit wobbly which sparked safety concerns, but we were too lazy to return it.  It currently also comes in other colours including sage green and gold. // $249

Pottery Barn Kids Dream Swivel Glider & Recliner 

Rather than shopping online, we really wanted to sit in and try nursery gliders before making a purchase. Especially because of the pandemic, there were very few stores where we could actually go in and try out the chairs.  On a whim, we were walking along South Granville and popped into Pottery Barn Kids. This was our splurge purchase and the final piece in our nursery — their Dream Swivel Gliderc and Recliner was being discontinued and on sale for 20% off. // $1,400

Delivered seasonally (or whenever your baby outgrows the items), Tradle sources from an impressive inventory of high quality, eco-friendly, and on-trend Canadian baby clothing brands, including Parade Organics, Jax & Lennon, Haven Kids, Little & Lively, Greige, and Nudnik.

Tradle: Baby Clothing Subscription Company

Buy less, choose well, and make it last.

I recently had a conversation with a mom-to-be who shared with me that she already has enough clothing for her baby for the next two years…and she hasn’t even given birth yet! In the world of fast fashion, it seems like baby clothing is something new parents always end up with an excess of.

As new parents, it can be tempting to buy everything — especially if it’s cute and cheap. But with babies going through growth spurts every few weeks, how many times can your baby really wear that item before it’s outgrown? You can either save money and buy something cheap, cheerful, and disposable, or invest in higher quality items — but no matter what you buy or how much or little you spend, baby will still inevitably outgrow the items in a few weeks.

Also, if you’ve ever done any browsing on Facebook marketplace, you’ll know that the resell value of baby clothing is terrible — you barely get anything back when you resell. Unless you know someone else to pass on baby clothes to, most baby clothing items are still as good as new when they get tossed out after being worn only a few times.

Consume less, and share better.

Unboxing my first baby clothing delivery from Tradle

I’ve always been a believer of quality over quantity, and that’s why Tradle’s baby clothing subscription service makes so much sense to me. The Tradle concept supports the ‘circular economy’, a sustainable business model that uses methods like sharing, leasing or re-using to increase the longevity of a product. Items (like baby clothing) are shared or traded within a community, thereby extending the use of a product while reducing waste.

As a subscriber, I love how Tradle allows me to receive new styles without feeling guilty about being wasteful by sharing gently loved clothing. Initial market research done by the Tradle team showed that most parents are open to gently used baby clothing (agree) but not stains (also agree). So whenever items get stained, Tradle will remove those items from their inventory.

If there are any items you want to keep instead of returning, you have the option to purchase from Tradle’s inventory.

My first delivery from Tradle

A Tradle subscription begins with a $50 deposit to ‘reserve’ your spot. You answer a survey of colour and style preferences, and then are invited to a personal one-on-one phone call with someone from their team to introduce you to the service. As an early stage start-up, they like to know who is part of their community and are very open to feedback and suggestions.

Shortly before the delivery of my first order, I was sent an email to confirm my capsule wardrobe bundle, which was essentially a sneak peek of the items I’d be receiving. If I had any issues or wanted something replaced, I had the option to reply to the email and make a suggestion. With each order, you are given the new, retail value of each item.  In my first delivery alone, I received $400 worth of items (in newborn and o-3 months sizing) from coveted, high-quality Canadian brands including Parade Organics, Jax & Lennon, and Lil Boop Boop.

Quality-wise, the items I received were as good as new with no patches or stains. As the Tradle service is still so new, there’s a high probability that some of the items actually are new! The only way I could tell a few of the items were gently used, were maybe a couple of the inner tags on a few items looked washed and slightly faded, but everything I received was in better shape than second-hand items we’ve been handed down from friends and family.

Because my first order came before giving birth, they sent me two bundles at once, with both newborn and 0 to 3 month sizes. The Tradle team was thoughtful enough to know that newborn babies pretty much outgrow their clothing in two weeks, so wanted to make sure I was also equipped with options for the next size up.

I can expect my next delivery in approximately three months or so, but if my baby outgrows anything in the meantime, there’s the flexibility for me to opt for an exchange of items sooner. It’s advised to wash everything before returning, but Tradle will do a second wash, cleaning, and inspection before sending out the items to the next family.

How much does a Tradle subscription cost?

Holding up a newborn shirt from Jax and Lennon

Subscribers can choose between a 12-item half-capsule for $50/month or a 24-item full capsule for $95/month with no minimum time commitment. Considering a Jax & Lennon Baby Gown, or a Lil Boop Boop Romper (both of which were items included in my first delivery) already retails at $50 new, you are getting amazing value from a Tradle subscription. Delivery and exchanges are included in the monthly fee.

You can also put Tradle on an Amazon or your Babylist gift registry.

I am obsessed with the Tradle concept and I am so happy to have discovered this service to incorporate into my pregnancy journey and beyond. It appeals to me in so many ways! I love being able to receive high-quality clothing from Canadian baby clothing brands, at a fraction of the price, without the guilt of consuming too much and being wasteful.

I cannot wait to dress up my baby-to-be and promise you’ll be seeing some baby photos soon! For more information about Tradle, visit: tradle.ca.

Conventional deodorants and antiperspirants are filled with parabens, fragrance, and aluminum compounds that build up in your skin tissue over time. Antiperspirants are also literally designed to make you not perspire, and while that might sound enticing, it means you’re limiting your body’s natural cooling and detoxing abilities.

Was there a more natural way to eliminate body odour, without the need for chemical ingredients?

Turns out, there are many natural and effective ingredients which can help combat body odor, so there’s no need to swipe on toxins every morning. Especially since finding out I was pregnant (you can read more about my pregnancy journey here), it was time for us to make the switch to a cleaner skin and body care routine.

How Natural Deodorants Work

I Luv It Natural Deodorant

Drug store deodorants are typically alcohol-based and when applied, turn your skin acidic. This makes your skin less attractive to bacteria and thus less likely for it to hang around your armpits and become stinky.

Natural deodorants, like I Luv It, work similarly to traditional deodorants in that they’re formulated to eliminate armpit odour but not perspiration. But their main benefit is that they do it with clean ingredients like anti-fungal coconut oil, healing cocoa butter, bacteria-fighting beeswax, moisture absorbing and anti-inflammatory arrowroot powder, and sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) which is a natural deodorizer.

Essential oils (like tea tree, for example) are also added to not only help in odor masking, but to also offer different antibacterial and astringent benefits, depending on the oil.

Ingredients to Avoid in Deodorant 

When making the conscious decision to not include toxic ingredients in their natural deodorant formulations, I Luv It goes by what the International Agency for Research on Cancer has to say on carcinogens in personal care products.

Ingredients you won’t find in I Luv It include:

• Aluminum Compounds
• Parabens
• Silica
• Propylene Glycol
• Steareth-n
• Talc
• Triclosan

Each of these ingredients are considered carcinogenic, and ones we’re better off eliminating.

What to Expect: Switching to a Natural Deodorant 

For years now, there have been talk about aluminum linking to breast cancer because there are large lymph nodes present in our underarms. If absorbed, aluminum may cause estrogen-like hormonal changes in the body.

Throwing out antiperspirants and drug store deodorants is a personal choice, but one many people are opting for.

Once you do decide to make the switch, there might be a short adjustment period to your new natural deodorant. Why? Your body has most likely held onto some of that aluminum and other odor-reducing ingredients in your pores. As you reduce your use of these ingredients, your body begins to purge any toxins and has to relearn how to self-regulate its temperature.

What can result is some temporary odor as your body adjusts. To help speed along the detox, make sure you’re drinking plenty of water to help flush out any toxins. Don’t go back to your antiperspirant to cover up the smell. You’ll only be pushing the detox process back further.

As we got rid of our Secret and Old Spice, we personally didn’t encounter this adjustment period, but if you do, your body will likely find its new rhythm within a few days to a couple of week, and begin self-regulating once more, naturally flushing its system daily but without the added smell. By this point, your body chemistry has adjusted and you can feel confident that your natural deodorant is keeping you smelling fresh, without the need for toxic ingredients.

Have Fun and Luv It

I Luv It natural deodorant comes in two formulations: a regular formula with baking soda, and a ‘sensitive’ version without. The deodorant currently comes in a 4oz jar….and I’ve been told that sticks are coming soon! Only a pea-sized amount needs to be used with each aplication, and can be applied with your fingers on clean skin.

The first product I tried was I Luv It’s Naturally Sensitive Sweetheart, which is a baking-soda free deodorant and scented with vanilla extract.  My husband tried Naturally Noble, which has an iconically Westcoast pine essential oil scent. Other options offered by I Luv It includes: Naturally Lovely (citrus with a mild floral scent), Naturally Fresh (lavender and orange) and Naturally Naked (which has no scent at all).

If you want to try a bit of everything, there’s a six pack sampler kit from I Luv It with their most popular scents and both formulas, so you can see what you ‘luv’ best before committing to a full-size jar.

Each full-sized jar is priced between $18.75 and $22.50, and is available online.For more information or to shop I Luv It, visit: iluvit.ca.

“Bored, I started to learn a hobby. I thought that jewelry making would be a fun endeavour, because it was so far from the biology and sciences way of thinking I had grown accustomed to.” – Lana Lepper

Keep reading, to learn more about Lana’s creativity behind LanaBetty, adaptations she made during Covid, and what supporting local means to her.

Jewelry Designer Lana Lepper of LanaBetty // Photo by Amber Hughes

Q: How did you make the leap from your corporate 9-to-5 to running your jewelry business full time? 

Five years into making jewelry, several hundred craft shows and a few websites later, I found myself at a crossroads. I could keep going with my corporate life, where it was safe. I had a good income and knew my role. I even had direct reports and managed a small team. It was what I was good at. Or, I could take the leap and see if all this hype about living your daydream was worth it. I knew it would be one of the biggest challenges I’ve ever faced and well, I did it! I officially took the leap to make my hobby into my full-time gig in 2015 and I haven’t looked back or regretted it once. I’m so glad I chose my passion.

Jewelry Designer Lana Lepper of LanaBetty // Photo by Amber Hughes

Q: How would you describe the style of your designs?

My style tends to be detail-oriented, linear, and fun. I find that when I’m not trying to conform my designs to a specific theme or topic, I can really create something fun. I really love creating loose representations of ideas or topics, play with or inhibit motion, and always, challenge people’s perspectives on how jewelry can be made.

LanaBetty Libra Layering Necklaces

Q: Where do you find your inspiration?

Look around – we are in one of the most amazing cities and locations in the world for inspiration. The city is rich with art deco and modern architecture that I could soak up for days and days. We’re just a stone’s throw, literally, from the ocean. I can glimpse the north shore mountains from a corner of my studio. It sounds cliche to say that I am inspired by my surroundings, and it’s true. I love to wander and explore and doodle all the little details I see.

Q: Where did you learn how to make jewelry?

While I had already done the university thing to get my biology degree, the idea of going back to school for jewelry fundamentals didn’t make much sense to me. I have a mortgage in one of the most expensive cities in the world and stopping my business for a full-time course load wasn’t that appealing either.

Much of what I have learned has been a culmination of trial and error, youtube videos, and asking the professionals. I’ve taken many weekend courses, and just last year I travelled to Tennessee (just before the lockdown) to study stone setting from one of the masters. I can’t wait to go back for another two week intensive.

Q: What’s your most popular or best-selling piece of jewelry?

Lately my more popular pieces have been my layering necklaces – Horizon, Libra, and Virgo. They all have ethically sourced, hand-cut gemstones set in them. The gemstones are so flattering on any neckline and I love that they can be layered in such amazing ways.

LanaBetty Horizon Earrings and Necklace // Photo by Jjosue Photography

Q: How about your favourite piece to make? 

My favorite piece to make isn’t exactly a piece exactly, it’s been working with 14k gold for custom pieces. This last year has been such a rollercoaster. Instead of offering less expensive pieces or selling myself short, I doubled down and wanted to tell the world that I can set diamonds and work with gold. It has been so much fun too! I’ve had the honor of putting together a handful of engagement rings, anniversary rings, and a few custom pieces from gold that are just absolutely special and definitely challenging all the skills and training I’ve combined over the years. I just can’t wait to continue to grow my skills and experience and really show the world what I am capable of.

Q: Why is supporting local important to you?

I definitely wouldn’t be who I am without the amazing support of other crafters, makers, and small business enthusiasts like myself. By supporting small, I can use my voice to show others how great local and small business can be too. It’s even evolved into a side business for me. I want to help small businesses feel confident in their idea and show them that they can grow too. I love to guide and support these makers because when you shop small and local, you know that your dollars are going direct to grow someone’s livelihood, to put food on their plate. It isn’t inflating some strangers’ overall net worth, and that, to me, matters.

Lana Betty Jewelry Box // Photo by Jjosue Photography

Q: Anything else you’d like to share with Modern Mix Vancouver readers?

I’d love to share my gratitude. I just love doing what I do, no matter how dusty or dirty or long hours I work. Being in charge of my own destiny, even in these crazy covid-times has been such an amazing experience, and despite all the stress, there is nothing else I would rather be doing. Thank you for all of your support and shares and likes and purchases. Choosing to support small has such a direct impact on my little world and I appreciate each and everyone who stops by and says hello.

LanaBetty Gravity Hoop Earrings

Loula’s Taverna & Bar is Opening Summer 2021 on Commercial Drive

Loula’s is the Greek nostalgia of the team’s upbringing with a twist. The atmosphere and cuisine are an homage to the restaurant’s namesake, a woman dear to their hearts who always leaves you in good spirits with a full stomach.

“The idea for Loula’s came to us while looking through old family albums. Back in the day, the dining culture in Greece was so wild and welcoming. We realized that we wanted to bring that to Vancouver and blend it with something fresh. And it was immediately clear to us that Commercial Drive was just the spot to do it in” – Yianni Kerasiotis, Co-Owner, Loula’s Taverna + Bar.

Nammos Estiatorio’s celebrated chef, Manos Grammatikogiannis, is handcrafting the menu. Grammatikogiannis moved to Vancouver from Athens to create Nammos’ signature cuisine and will be doing the same for Loula’s. All dishes will be intended for family-style eating and lean heavily on classic Greek fare that we’ve all come to know and love.

Loula’s Taverna & Bar is located at 1608 Commercial Drive. For more information, visit: loulastaverna.com.

Stephen and his team have been in R&D mode for Vennie’s for the past few months, popping up at select locations across the city. Their commitment to fresh, local-as-possible produce and ingredients continues to shine. The buns arrive in the morning daily, while the meats are sliced fresh-to-order.

The Classic Deli from Vennie’s Sub Shop

The opening menu features five eight-inch hoagie subs, several Livia potato bun options (think Porketta, Meatloaf, and fried Bologna), one Japanese milk bread creation (The Ramen Egg Salad), plus sides. Sub highlights include:

• The Classic Deli – An Italian hero-style sandwich packed with Mortadella, Genoa Salami, Spicy Calabrian Soppressata, slivered onions, shredded lettuce, Provolone, pepper relish, EVOO, balsamic, and herb seasoning.
• The Aftermath – Made in partnership with David Bowett’s The Aftermath Barbecue Pop-up, this hoagie features smoked beef, shredded lettuce, slivered onions, Swiss cheese, herb seasoning, horseradish mayo, beer mustard, and dill pickles.
• The Lucky – This first made its appearance during St. Patrick’s Day at Strange Fellows Brewing, The Lucky features corned beef, sauerkraut by Meghan Fulton, slivered onions, beer mustard, Dubliner cheese, dill pickles, and mayo. A plant-based corned mushroom option is also available.
• The Soy Poached Chicken – One of Stephen’s favourites, this hoagie includes soy and ginger poached chicken breast, scallion-ginger relish, chili mayo, shredded lettuce, and smashed cucumbers.

“We’ve always loved sandwiches, and Vennie’s is our ode to all those underrated, unsung heroes out there. There is just so much potential and versatility in building a great hoagie, sub, submarine, hero, or sandwich – no matter what you call it. Think of the sauces, the meats, the veg, the cheese. Of course, it takes some finesse in how you build it. Once you’ve got it figured out, you get a taste of everything in each bite!” – Doug Stephen

Vennie’s Sub Shop is open Monday to Friday, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For the full menu and more information, please visit Vennie’s Sub Shop on Instagram at @venniessubshop.

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Photography credit: Rich Won