Petit Joujou

Moving blog to new location!!!

2013-02-13T21:42:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone,

I just wanted to let you all know, that I'm moving the contents of this blog to a new blog at http://claudiapersi.blogspot.ca/. Please update your favorites as the old one will eventually be deleted. From now on, I will be posting on my new blog. Sorry for the inconvenience, and I hope to see you all there once again.

Thanks

Claudia

Huge Sale!!!

2013-02-10T09:53:00.001-05:00

Hi everyone, hope you are having a great weekend. :) Just wanted to share with you that my online baby and mommy boutique is having a huge SALE www.petitjoujou.ca. Great gift ideas, for boys, girls and moms. :) We ship everywhere in the world and we also offer local pick up for Free.
If you have any questions just contact me info@petitjoujou.ca or comment here on my blog, I will be happy to help you.
Here are some of our items and products on sale. :) Great opportunity to stock up on your favorite items and products.

Thanks everyone.

Claudia

How do you organize your jewelry?

2013-02-08T19:26:00.000-05:00

Wow this week went by so fast! Already Friday.:) The weather sucks here in Toronto, we are having a snowstorm and it's really windy and cold out there. Well I got to admit it's beautiful to see all the white snow in my backyard, but it's for sure no fun to remove all the snow from my drive way. My poor tree covered in snow. Anyway, how is the weather where you live?

Ok, now back to the topic.:) So today I wanted to share with you my latest way to organize my jewelry . I started thinking, "How can I organize my jewelry in a cool and stylish way? I had to find a simple, easy, inexpensive way to keep it organized. Personally, I like my jewelry displayed! I like everything to be visible in a way that I can see it everyday, then it's so much easier to match my outfits. :) I will be honest with you, I am not big into jewelry, so I don't have tons of it and that's OK. I am more of a handbag kind of girl.:) To start, here is how I like to organize some of my earrings, not that many I know! I only have the custom ones on this display since I am not big into big and flashy earrings, I like more the simple look when it comes to earrings, but once in a while I like to go " crazy" hehehe. My smaller earrings are stored in a little box. When I was in Portugal last September, my beautiful cousin helped me make this super cute earring holder. We used an Ikea frame, some glue on top of the frame we added a little bit of sand from the beach. She lives close to the beach so it was easy to get,:) then we cut a piece of mesh plastic canvas type "Et voilà!" Turned out great, and no more digging for earrings. Simple, easy and inexpensive!!! You can have it on the wall like any other frame. Whatever works best for you in your home. I will place it on my wall close to my necklace holder but for now I still have it on top of my dresser next to my bracelets. :)

To display my everyday jewelry I like to use a beautiful silver platter. You can place it next to your night table or if you have a dresser you can place it on top of your dresser.

As for a bracelet holder I bought this one from Ebay but still waiting to get it. I needed a convenient way to organize my bracelets. I think it's a great way to display and organize all your bracelets and again I will probably put it on top of my dresser close to my other displays next to my closet. At the moment I am using another silver holder and place it on top of my dresser.

And for my necklaces since I was so tired of tangled chains, I found at Lowe's a super cute key holder and I use it to organize most of necklaces. It was only $8. If you like to DIY then you can always get plenty of amazing and inexpensive ideas online like Pinturest (love that site btw).

How do you organize your jewelry? Do you display it in a unique way? What tips and tricks have you used to keep it organized? Share your tips and ideas by commenting on this post. I would LOVE to hear from you.

Claudia

My favorite Albert Einstein quotes and what I've been up to:)

2013-02-07T14:38:00.001-05:00

Well it's been a few weeks since my last post. Hope you didn't miss me too much! :) I've been so busy with a new project I told you about, building a walk in closet in my master bedroom, basically turning my two small closets into a bigger one.:) It's been a lot a work and with a 18 month old baby is not so easy. But it's almost done and I can't wait to show you all the final results.

Here is a sneak peek.:)

Plus we had some birthdays these past days.:) My mom's bday and mine and my husband's bday is also coming really soon. February is always such a busy month!!! What about you ladies and gentlemen? What have you been up to? I will try my best to post soon my before and after pictures. Not just my walk in closet renovation but some of my recent organizing tips and ideas I want to share. It does make my life a lot easier when everything has it's place, so I will for sure share that with you soon. If you you Love organizing, declutter, decoration, DIY projects and ideas for your home check out these awesome blogs that I absolutely LOVE. http://orgjunkie.com/ , http://akadesign.ca/ , http://itsy-bits-and-pieces.blogspot.ca/ and http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.ca/.

In the meantime let me share with you some of my favorite and powerful quotations from Albert Einstein. Enjoy!

“If you can't explain it to a six year old, you don't understand it yourself.” -Albert Einstein

“A clever person solves a problem. A wise person avoids it.”
-Albert Einstein

“Logic will get you from A to Z; imagination will get you everywhere.” -Albert Einstein

“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.” -Albert Einstein

“If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales. If you want them to be more intelligent, read them more fairy tales.”
-Albert Einstein

“Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new.” -Albert Einstein

“When you trip over love, it is easy to get up. But when you fall in love, it is impossible to stand again.”

-Albert Einstein

"Any man who can drive safely while kissing a pretty girl is simply not giving the kiss the attention it deserves."
-Albert Einstein

Do you have any favorites quotes? Share with us by commenting on this post. I would LOVE to hear from you.:)
If you wish to share your home projects, DIY ideas... email me and we can talk about it sharing here on my blog. Love learning new organizing, decorating, DIY ideas for my home. So don't be shy and join us if you still didn't and join the conversation. :)

Claudia

Just 4 Me Songs Personalized Music for your child

2013-01-24T12:50:00.000-05:00

Hi moms and dads, do you have kids under six or seven? If yes, this one is for you!:) Just 4 Me Songs creates personalized CDs with your child's name, in the actual voice of the character. You can choose from your child's favorite character Disney Princess Tea Party, Mickey Minnie and Goofy Sing Along, Elmo and Friends, The Wiggles, Sing a Long Veggie Tales and Silly Songs Veggie Tales.
My 18 month old daughter loves her new personalized Disney Princess Tea Party CD. She loves to dance and sing along and let me tell you our car rides are way more fun now.:) You should have seen her face every time she listened to Cinderella, Ariel and many more Disney Princesses saying her name! Priceless!!!
She was delighted by her Disney Princess Tea Party, it really made the CD special when Sofia heard her name, she was so happy.:) Would definitely recommend this to everyone! Super quick delivery too!!!
Check out their website http://www.just4mesongs.com/ and you can also find them on Facebook. Their customer service is awesome!!!:)

Just 4 Me Songs CDs - nominated for the Hottest Tots Products of 2012 by Modern Mama

Just 4 Me Songs CDs were recently featured on CTV Morning Live and Breakfast Television Edmonton.

If you’re looking for a unique birthday party gift, for the kid who has everything and loves music, a baby shower or a little something for your child Just 4 me Songs are an awesome gift idea.
Besides awesome gifts, the CDs are fantastic for road trips! Wonderful for settling antsy kids down and making them feel special.
Just 4 Me Songs CDs are only $21.99 plus the shipping is very inexpensive just $2.25 CDN per CD across Canada and USA. How awesome is that? CD's are made and mailed within 48 hours.
At the beginning of February (approximately), they will have a brand new website with personalized books (Sesame Street, Super Heroes, Scooby Doo, Ballerina Princess, Hockey, Baby Book and many more). Can't wait to see them, Sofia loves books. :)

Just 4 Me Songs
info@just4mesongs.com
780-467-8742
Sherwood Park, AB Canada

When ordering Just 4 me Songs you can choose from a list of names. The names are pre-recorded by the characters. Just go through the list, click on the name and listen to the sample to ensure that it is pronounced how you want it.
You can hear a sample of your child's name on their website.

Thank you so much Just 4 Me Songs for making our car rides so much fun now and stress free, we are looking forward to see your new books and getting more Cd's.

*The reviews and opinions on this blog are my own honest opinions. I was not required to write a positive review.

Claudia

New walk in closet coming soon! :)

2013-01-23T16:33:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone, it's been a few days since my last post. I've been so busy at home renovating and building a new walk in closet in our master bedroom. Well let me rephrase this, someone is doing it for me. :) It's been a few days already, hopefully soon we will be done with the messy and dusty part of building it and start the best part which is painting, organizing and decorating my new closet. :)
I will be posting a few before and after pictures soon.
Stay tune!

Claudia

Eyelash Canada review

2013-01-10T12:08:00.000-05:00

Hi ladies, hope everyone is doing great. Today I want to share with you something that most women would probably lie about. :) So tuesday, I got a little treatment done for the first time ever. Eyelash extensions from Eyelash Canada!:) I've been really curious about it for a while now, so i decided to try it and share with you my experience. Whether you want eyelash extensions for a special occasion or for every day, you’ll love the way they extend and thicken your natural eyelashes. They are a wonderful way to enhance your appearance and as a mom it's for sure a time saver, no need to apply mascara.
When I got them done the main thing was to have them look natural and not like I had a set of fake lashes on! Each eyelash is attached individually to one of your own lashes. The result is lush lashes that look so real even your closest friends will think they really are yours! These lashes last up to 3 months with maintenance touchups every 3 to 5 weeks.
Eyelash extensions are worn by famous celebrities like Nicole Kidman, Star Jones, Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan, Gwen Stefani, Lucy Liu, Naomi Campbell, Liz Hurley, Jennifer Lopez, Kim Kardashion, Ashley Tisdale, Shannon Doherty, Rebecca Romijn, Annalynne Mccord, to name a few. But you don't have to be a celebrity to wear them.

Yvette from Eyelash Canada was very friendly, talkative and extremely knowledgeable and professional. She made me feel super confortable throughout the whole experience. The session took about 90 minutes. Overall the whole experience isn't uncomfortable or painful.
Make sure you go to the bathroom first!:) She did an amazing job!!

I couldn't believe how natural yet gorgeous my lashes looked!

It's honestly a time saver for me as a mom. I don't feel like I need to wear eye makeup daily. I think if you have a special occasion coming up or will be going on vacation where you want to be more low maintenance, this is also a perfect option.

Here's the Before & After Photos!:)

P.s: Please note I have absolutely no makeup on any of these pictures!

I love them and the hubby too!:)
Thank you so much Yvette from Eyelash Canada for this amazing little treat. You did an amazing job!

Have you ever done eyelash extensions?
If you live in the GTA area and would like to have this treatment done contact Eyelash Canada.
I had mine done by Yvette, she was amazing!

http://www.eyelashcanada.com/

613 Yonge St., Toronto
16 Orfus Rd., Unit 205, North York
T: 416-410-8152
T: 905-895-6346
Toll-free: 1-888-410-8152

Eyelash Canada offers many services. In addition to Eyelash Extensions, they also do hair extensions, permanent makeup, laser hair removal, waxing hair removal, microdermabrasion, chemical peel, deep cleansing facials, acne facials, anti-aging facials and teeth Whitening.

My birthday is next month I can't wait to try their facials, it's been months I haven't had one.

I really need a good facial asap!!!

Claudia

My sweet cat:)

2013-01-09T17:32:00.003-05:00

Hi everyone, just wanted to share with you my silly cat. His name is Figo and he's about 7 years old but still acts like a kitten. Monday I took all our Christmas decorations down. He was my little helper. He was going crazy and trying to steal some ornaments it was great entertainment for me and my daughter. She loves our 2 cats.:) The other one is camera shy, but I will for sure share a picture of him some other time. :)
How can you get mad at such cute face? Isn't he just adorable?

Do you have any pets? Share your stories by commenting on this post. Would love to hear from you.

Claudia

Fun at Juicy Couture!

2013-01-06T21:43:00.000-05:00

How was everyone's weekend? I never liked shopping on the weekends, but this Sunday me, my hubby and our sweet little princess did a little exception. We went for a little shopping, grabbed some amazing white and green tea from David's Tea, got some amazing plates made in Portugal from Pottery Barn, checked out Holt Renfrew's sales. Awesome BTW!!! Christian Louboutin, Gucci, Prada, Michael Kors and many more half price. Wow talk about a great deal! And we also made a stop at Juicy Couture store. I absolutely love that store, specially when they do sales. They have awesome things for us ladies but also super cute outfits for kids. We got a few nice pieces (not much since this Christmas I got myself a handbag and some super cute outfits for my daughter), but it's always great to stop by and check when they have sales. 50% off!!! Wow! I am not a big spender, but once in a while it's nice to treat yourself. Don't you think? :)
Here are a few of the pieces we got including the ones we got for Christmas.
If you love this brand don't miss out their amazing sales now. I believe they are ending the sales this week.
Anyways got to go, I will be watching some movies tonight. Nemo is on the list for my daughter and then when she's in bed we can watch anything else but cartoons. hehehe

Btw Juicy Couture is proud to support World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and has made a $20.000 contribution to its mission. How awesome is that??? Well since I LOVE animals I think it's pretty cool!!! That's one of the reasons I got the necklace.:)

Take care everyone and have a great week!!!

Claudia

10 Amazing Life Lessons from Albert Einstein

2013-01-05T12:19:00.000-05:00

It's Saturday afternoon and my baby is asleep, so i just wanted to take a moment to share some of the things you can learn from the great and amazingly successful Albert Einstein.
The way he lived and worked has inspired people to have the same attitude towards life.
Success requires perseverance! There’s no such thing as an “overnight success.” What often appears to happen overnight is the result of many years of work. So i guess patience is also a must have. :)
Are you willing to persevere until you get to your intended destination or do you tend to give up easily?
Learn to be present where you are, give your all to whatever you’re currently doing. Well i like to try to give my best at everything i do, doesn't mean i do it perfect, far from that but at least at the end i can say i did my best and I was present.
Are you using your imagination daily? Einstein said the imagination is more important than knowledge! Your imagination pre-plays your future. Are you exercising your “imagination muscles” daily? I like to think i do!
Never be afraid of making mistakes. Well this one is hard sometimes, i don't like when i make mistakes. Who does it anyways? Specially when it comes to my daughter, she's the best thing that ever happened to me and my husband, so i want to make sure i am the best mom i can be, but if you think about it a mistake is not a failure, it's simply a learning process. There is no such thing as perfect!
You can’t keep doing the same thing everyday and expect different results. In other words, you can’t keep doing the same workout routine and expect to look differently.
Knowledge comes from experience. You can discuss a task, but discussion will only give you a philosophical understanding of it, you must experience the task first to really "know it.”

So here are the 10 life lessons from the amazing Albert Einstein:

1. Follow your curiosity
“I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious.”

2. Perserverance is Priceless
“It's not that I'm so smart; it's just that I stay with problems longer.”

3. Focus on the present
“Any man who can drive safely while kissing a pretty girl is simply not giving the kiss the attention it deserves.”

4. The Imagination is Powerful
“Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life's coming attractions. Imagination is more important than knowledge.”

5.Make Mistakes
“A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new.”

6. Live in the Moment
“I never think of the future - it comes soon enough.”

7. Create Value
“Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value."

8. Don't Expect Different Results
“Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”

9. Knowledge Comes From Experience
“Information is not knowledge. The only source of knowledge is experience.”

10. Learn the Rules and Then Play better
“You have to learn the rules of the game. And then you have to play better than anyone else.”

Take his advice to heart and you will lead a fuller life.

Happy New Year everyone and all the best!

Which is your favorite lesson/quote?

Claudia

New Year new skin!

2013-01-04T10:45:00.001-05:00

Being a mom of a 17 month old baby, I don't always have time to pamper myself, but that is no excuse to let myself go. I Like to try easy, natural and homemade remedies to keep my skin healthy and well hydrated specialy in the winter when my skin gets drier. For many years i thought I had eczema or skin allergies due to sometimes my excessive dry skin. Well after doing a lot of research I said to myself I have to do something about this! I have tried a lot of creams with very little success, even the expensive ones. So i decided to go and see a dermatologist and she confirmed that I have seborrheic dermatitis. No big deal, well at least not in my case. In a way I consider myself lucky cause I don't have a severe case of seborrheic dermatitis witch is always confused with eczema.

Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder that develops in parts of the body rich in the sebaceous glands that produce sebum (oil). The disorder presents as flakiness and reddish patches on your scalp, around the nose, mouth, hairline, in the eyebrows, or above the ears and sometimes it can be itchy.

If you have any of these symptoms you could be suffering from seborrheic dermatitis.

This common syndrome affects 5% of the population. Fatigue and stress can both trigger episodes of seborrheic dermatitis, which develops more frequently in winter and is not affected by diet. Like I said it can be confused with eczema, psoriasis or skin allergies, which is why I suggest to consult a dermatologist for a proper diagnose, treatment and care.

As a general rule of thumb, daily use of standard moisturizers can help reduce redness and flakiness. I prefer the most natural beauty products with no perfumes since those can only irritate my skin. I also ensure to drink enough water throughout the day. Work with your health care provider to determine possible food sensitivities. Some of these sensitivities can be overcome, but while undetected, can silently interfere with the absorption of essential nutrients, including those that replenish the skin.

As soon as I started the prescribed cream, shampoo and lotion for my hair i can see a big difference. I also started to avoid really hot showers cause they dry my skin a lot.

Here are some of the little homemade remedies to do at home that can help anyone.

Simple, efficient and cheap:)

Homemade Body Scrub
2 cups of sugar
1/2 cup of olive oil
Mix all then apply on skin, leave it a couple of minutes and wash it off.

Body Moisturizer
1 handful of solid shortening Crisco
Mix with vitamine E capsules and apply to skin.
Hospitals even use it to treat psoriasis and eczema.

Homemade Facial Scrub
2 tablespoons of coffee
1 tablespoon of cocoa powder
1 tablespoon of Olive oil

Moisturizing mask for the face:
4 black crushed bananas
1 tablespoon of honey
Mix it all and leave it for 15 min on your face.

Chocolate Anti aging mask
2 tablespoons of cocoa powder
2 tablespoons of plain yogurt
1 tablespoon of honey
3 tablespoons of finely chopped oats

Leave the chocolate mask for 20 minutes on your face. Rinse face with water, tone and moisturize your skin. "Et voila!" Please try this one when you're alone, you really don't want to scare your kids or husband. :)

Do you have any beauty secrets you would like to share with us? Any creams you use that work for you? Any homemade beauty tips you know you want to share? What type of skin you have?
Please note that I am not a Doctor. These are only my suggestions and me sharing my experience with my skin condition. Please consult your dermatologist for any skin care concerns.

Thank you

Claudia

Buncha Farmers All natural Stain remover

2013-01-01T13:11:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year everyone! Hope you all had fun last night! We spend the night at home with some good friends and family. Food and wine was great and my mom made some amazing desserts. Sofia was so happy and full of energy. It was a fun night!

I would like to start the New Year by sharing this amazing product. A must have item for all households specially with kids! I love this product it works amazingly and the scent is really nice, smells fresh and lovely. Love the fact that it's all natural and 100% biodegradable product!

Being a mommy of a 17 month old little girl, this product has saved her quite a few adorable outfits.
I have tried a couple of other stain removers but nothing as worked so well as the Buncha Farmers All Natural Stain Remover.
The instructions say to wet the stick and rub it in on the stain and then launder as usual. I tried it and guess what? It actually works! You can even use it on your baby's cloth diapers.
Highly recommend this product to any mom! What I find works really great is to wet the stain, not the stick, rub it on until you get a bit of a lather then wash it as usual.
I had to try this product myself since i carry this product on my online baby boutique www.petitjoujou.ca. Even though the stains were a few days old, with a few minutes of scrubbing, the stains came out!!! It truly does work wonders.

*All natural stain remover
*Made with all-natural, biodegradable ingredients, and enhanced with borax to soften the water and aid in the cleaning process
*No artificial dyes or perfumes
*Colour safe and hypo-allergenic
*Wet stick, rub on stain and then launder as usual, and it works!
*Canadian made product by stay-at-home moms

My only thought for the company is to get some sort of re-usable cover for the stick, kind of like a glue stick that you can keep pushing up. The paper on the stick gets wet and rips away after awhile. Other than that, I am totally in love with this product! I use a soap holder in my laundry room to put it.:)
You can buy this product tax free at www.petitjoujou.ca
Any questions or concerns please comment on this post or email me anytime.
I will be happy to help!

*The reviews and opinions on this blog are my own honest opinions . I was not required to write a positive review.

Claudia

Xtra Closet space anyone?

2012-12-29T11:04:00.002-05:00

Hey ladies, I would to share with you a little secret. :) Would you like to double your closet’s storage space in just a few minutes? Off course you would!:) Today i saw this really great closet organizer it's called the Handy Trends Xtra Closet Organizer. ! If you know me, you know that i love to have an organize home and everything needs to have it's place. For me it's a way to keep my life stress free when everything is organize and tidy.:) It helps me also to get things done faster which is great specialy when you have kids. Since i will be turning my two closets in my master bedroom in one walk in closet ( small one lets not get carried away lol) i decided to buy this one for my daughter's closet to see how it works and since i really love it i will for sure buy another one for my future walk in closet and for the third bedroom. Ohhh i forgot and the best part is that it only costed me $3 plus tax. Yes $3 at Dollarama, but you can get it also on Ebay or Amazon!

How it works:

The strongly constructed metal bars can hold up to 50lbs in weight and comes complete with convenient hooks to hold belts, ties and scarves. I only use it for hanging clothes since i have other ways to organize ties, belts and scarfs. The center bar adjusts to any height. Assembly is fast and easy. No tools required! 3 pcs set.

*Keep everything neat, tidy and wrinkle free with extra space you never knew you had!
*No tools needed.
*Fast and easy assembly.
*Adjusts to a custom fit.
*Strong and structured metal.
*Holds up to 50 pounds.
*Fully adjustable.
*Double your closet space.

Hope this will help you organize your closet and get more space.
Thank you and please feel free to comment and let us know how you organize your closet. What are your tips and ideas to keep it nice and tidy and easy to use?

Any questions or concerns please comment on this post or email me anytime.
I will be happy to help!

*The reviews and opinions on this blog are my own honest opinions . I was not required to write a positive review on this product.

Claudia

Our first snow this year!

2012-12-29T10:47:00.002-05:00

Hope everyone is having a great Holiday season so far. Do you love winter, cold days and snow? Well lets be honest here i don't!!! I hate winter with a passion and i can't stand being cold. Even as a child, when i came to Canada, I wasn’t really excited to go outdoors after December. This time of the year I like to hibernate lol even if I am used to canadian winter since i lived in Montreal for over 20 years and now living in Toronto. The weather here is a bit better. In the winter we have less snow and it's not as cold which makes me happier.:) Don't get me wrong I still like to go outside and enjoy the first snow, while the snow is still nice and clean specially now that i am a mom. :) We got some snow here in Toronto 2 days ago, so me and my hubby decided to go and play a bit in our backyard with our daughter and see how she will like it. It was not super cold, so that was great too.

Lets put it this way, she was not too impressed and kept saying "i don't want it" with a sad and confused face. Poor thing! Lol so we just took some pictures and went back home. I guess she's like mommy and daddy, not big fans of winter!:)

I don't mind the first couple of days of snow, but after a month of it I'd rather sit inside wrapped in a blanket and drink some warm tea. Lol

How many of you have had snow already this year? Where are you from? Do you get any snow where you live? Do you have any winter activities? How do you keep yourself and your family active in the winter? Do you love winter? Let us know by commenting on this post.

Take care everyone

Claudia

Tips for flying with children

2012-12-23T15:24:00.000-05:00

For those who already know me, know that I love to travel. I always loved to travel maybe that's because i worked a few years for an airline and have been bitten by the travel bug a few years ago .:) Traveling for me is a way to open my mind, it gives me a feeling of accomplishment, and it makes me feel alive and happy. And i also love photography, so i always take tons of pictures when i travel.:) I did go to a few places and i have a few that are for sure my favorites and i still want to go back. Now that i am a mom my priorities are way diferent, but i still think it's important to show my daughter a little more then just where she was born. After Sofia was born i try to go back home as much as i can. Sofia has taken the plane about 4 times and she's only 17 months. :) The first time she was only a month and a half. When i planned on going to Portugal with her at that time so many people told me " ohhh... you are so courageous to go with a newborn baby on a 7 hour flight, i would never do it..." I have to admit i was a bit nervous the first time i traveled with her specially that my husband wasn't coming with me, but my mom was with me so that was great help for sure. We had the best time there and the flight was good. I consider myself a pretty organized person so i planned that trip in advance to avoid stress. Sofia was a little angel, she didn't cry once, she slept thru the night and was just awake when hungry (it was a night flight so i guess that helped too.:) I have to admit i am really lucky with her, she's always been a good baby.

Now that she's older it's a diferent story, she's still a very good baby and our flights are still pretty good, a lot of times we took first class since now she needs a lot more space and it's so much easier for us. But sometimes first class is booked and we have to go in economy wich is tottaly fine just a lot less space for her to move and play.

Me and my baby waiting in Lisbon airport for our flight.

I think nowadays traveling by plane has become tedious with long waits and increased security, making flying with children a challenge, but, even with all the inconveniences of travel, i think with some preparation, you and your children should enjoy the journey. At least the times i traveled with my daughter it helped me a lot. Keep calm and organize yourself in advance and everything will be just fine.:)

I also prefer nonstop flights. With nonstop flights you avoid the hassle of lugging everything and everyone to a connecting flight. On the other hand, depending on the length of your flight and the temperament of your child, you may want to schedule a layover. Some parents find that splitting international or long domestic flights into two legs is helpful; their children can enjoy a brief change of scenery and stretch their legs. It all depends on you and your family. Everyone is dfferent.

Here are some of my tips when traveling with children.

*Before booking a trip i recommend to schedule an appointment with your pediatrician.

*Dress yourself and the kids comfortably in loose fitting pants and layered shirts because it's always to hot or too cold on the plane. Slip-on type shoes are best for quick removal at security and for curling up for a nap.

*If kids are small enough to spill or have toilet accidents, having a change of clothes for the child and possibly yourself :) in your carry-on bag is essential.

*Bring along a variety of activities, such as: new coloring, sticker or activity books, portable travel games, or and erasable drawing board. I also suggest every hour or so, give your little one a gift to unwrap. The presents don't have to be fancy or expensive; they might include books, snacks, or stickers, but it's best to give items your child has never seen before, since these will hold his interest the longest. A little creativity goes a long way, too.

*During takeoff and landing, giving the child something to drink, suck on or chew will protect their ears from the altitude change. Nursing will accomplish the same.

*Bring snacks for the kids, as allowed by the airline. Bring your child's empty sippy cup or bottle on board for the flight attendant to fill with water, milk or juice, but i would avoid all foods that are sticky, messy or crumby. I also recommend when booking your flight, you can request a special meal for your child specially if he or she's a picky eater.

*Hopefully, the kids will sleep during part of the flight. Bringing the child's favorite blanket or stuffed animal is a must. It can definitely help make them more comfortable.

Hope this helps :)

Thank you and please share your traveling experiences and your best advice when traveling with children by commenting on this post.

Claudia

Pictures with Santa at the Oakville Place mall

2012-12-20T15:49:00.001-05:00

Yesterday me, my mom and my 17 month old daughter went to see Santa. It was such an awesome day! We had a blast! We went to Oakville Place shopping mall in the morning since it's not as busy specially if you want to see Santa, the waiting time is not bad. I recommend to bring snacks, a toy and some water to keep your kids busy. Sofia was such a good girl playing with the other kids in line.

Their decorations are simply magical!

This is becoming a really fun tradition, as long as i see my daughter enjoying and having fun i think it's great to take her to see Santa, it was our second year, last year she was only 5 months not knowing what was going on, but now she' s 17 months, she was able to enjoy more. We also did some last minute shopping and had a delicious lunch. They take a photo and video of your child which they send you after by email. You can later download, print and or send it to friends. It's a fun experience that we look forward to each year. She was all smiles and had no issues sitting next to Santa in his big chair. But she wasn’t willing to sit on his lap…let’s not push it. lol The photo and the video is All FREE of charge! In exchange they accept donations on behalf of Sleeping Children Around the World, an organization that provides bed kits to needy children in underdeveloped and developing countries.

Here is a little about the organization:

Sleeping Children Around the World

September 19, 2012

Sleeping Children Around the World is a organization that provides bed kits to less fortunate children around the world. The bed kits, which include a mattress with cover to protect the children from malaria, also includes school supplies, cloth for making a school uniform, and flip flops, among numerous other items. It is operated by volunteers from the processing of donations to the distribution of bed kits. Oakville Place supports this organization through the Santa Program and has been an avid supporter for many years.
If you would like to donate or know more about the Sleeping Children Around the World. please visit www.scaw.org. Free photos and videos with Santa at Oakville Place shopping mall!!!:) November 30-December 24.

Tuesday-Friday	10	am	-	8	pm
Saturday	10	am	-	6	pm
Sunday	11	am	-	5	pm

Christmas Eve*Reservations Only*

You can visit their website for more information

http://www.oakvilleplace.com/en-CA

Do you take your kids to see Santa? Do they like it? Share your stories by commenting on this post. Happy holidays everyone!!!

Claudia

My favorite quotes by Marilyn Monroe

2012-12-18T15:54:00.004-05:00

Born as Norma Jeane Mortenson on June 1, 1926 in Los Angeles General Hospital.
Marilyn Monroe's career as an actress spanned 16 years. She made 29 films, 24 in the first 8 years of her career.

Here are just a few quotes that i absolutely love!Enjoy!:)

“Give a girl the right shoes, and she can conquer the world.”
― Marilyn Monroe

“I don't know who invented high heels, but all women owe him a lot!”
― Marilyn Monroe

“Your clothes should be tight enough to show you're a woman but loose enough to show you're a lady”
― Marilyn Monroe

“Women who seek to be equal with men lack ambition.”
― Marilyn Monroe

“Keep smiling, because life is a beautiful thing and there's so much to smile about.”
― Marilyn Monroe

“If you're gonna be two-faced at least make one of them pretty.”
― Marilyn Monroe

“The nicest thing for me is sleep, then at least I can dream.”
― Marilyn Monroe

“I believe that everything happens for a reason. People change so that you can learn to let go, things go wrong so that you appreciate them when they're right, you believe lies so you eventually learn to trust no one but yourself, and sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together.”
― Marilyn Monroe

“This life is what you make it. Not matter what, you're going to mess up sometimes, it's a universal truth. But the good part is you get to decide how you're going to mess it up. Girls will be your friends - they'll act like it anyway. But just remember, some come, somg go. The ones that stay with you through everything - they're your true best friends. Don't let go of them. Also remember, sisters make the best friends in the world. As for lovers, well, they'll come and go too. And babve, I hate to say it, most of them - actually pretty much all of them are going to break your heart, but you can't give up becuase if you give up, you'll never find your soul mate. You'll never find that half who makes you whole and that goes for everything. Just because you fail once, doesn't mean you're gonna fail at everything. Keep trying, hold on, and always, always, always believe in yourself, because if you don't, then who will, sweetie? So keep your head high, keep your chin up, and most importantly, keep smiling, because life's a beautiful thing and there's so much to smile about.”
― Marilyn Monroe

Share your favorite quotes by commenting on this post?

Claudia

Sophie the Giraffe So Pure teether

2012-12-17T12:08:00.001-05:00

Talk about the perfect natural teether!!!! Love this one! So Pure Teether is made of 100% natural rubber. It is BPA, PVC & phthalates free. It is ideal for soothing painful gums. A safe and natural teether providing comfort and relief during teething. The two rings have different textured surfaces for baby to choose from according to his or her age and needs: 1) ridged surface for erupting teeth, and 2) raised bump surface for soothing sore gums. Lightweight two-ring design, easy for small hands to hold and play with. A great on the go companion.:) Appropriate for newborns due to his perfect size.

* Made of natural rubber
* Light and easy to grab
* BPA, Phthalates Free
* Made in France

It's easy to hold, their little fingers can grab the curved part plus the legs so it makes it much easier than those bulky teethers to grab and hold onto.
Easy to chew; the teething surface is flatter and therefore easier for them to put in there mouth. Easy to clean is a great plus for us moms.:)

While the price is more than other teethers, this is by far the best designed and to me, worth every cent. Another must have for our babies.:)

You can buy this product tax free at www.petitjoujou.ca
Any questions or concerns please comment on this post or email me anytime.
I will be happy to help!

*The reviews and opinions on this blog are my own honest opinions . I was not required to write a positive review.

Claudia

Another quote that i love :)

2012-12-17T12:05:00.001-05:00

“Listen earnestly to anything your children want to tell you, no matter what. If you don't listen eagerly to the little stuff when they are little, they won't tell you the big stuff when they are big, because to them all of it has always been big stuff.”
― Catherine M. Wallace

Tell me your favorite quotes by commenting on this post.

Claudia

My thoughts and prayers go out to those affected by the tragedy in Connecticut.

2012-12-17T10:22:00.000-05:00

Twenty-seven people were killed in a shooting at an elementary school in suburban Connecticut last friday. Twenty of the victims were children.
I feel awful for all these people and children. What is wrong with society today?
He definately had serious problems and he was loose where he should've been locked up in a mental hospital. This is the sickest thing I've ever heard, to target small innocent children.:(
This wouldn't have happened if they had strict gun laws. It is ridiculous to think about how easy it is to have access to guns.
Let's keep these little angels in our hearts and remember the courage of the hero's who risked their lives protecting their students.
Thoughts and prayers go out to the family's and friends of everyone affected by this tragedy.

Claudia

And the winner for my first giveaway is...

2012-12-15T01:59:00.002-05:00

Hyland's Giveaway closed! Congrats Amanda Field.!!! :) By now you should have received my email requesting your info so i can send you the gift bag.:)
Thank you for those who entered. There will be more in the near future hope to have all of you next time. I am sure i will also do another Hyland's giveaway since i love their products so much.

Claudia

French toasts anyone?

2012-12-11T18:01:00.000-05:00

French toast is known in France as pain perdu, which translates to "lost bread," because it makes delicious use of leftover bread. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so why wouldn’t you start off in a most delicious way possible? Not only are these french toast recipes a fantastic way to use the last of a great loaf of bread, they make the perfect simple-yet-elegant meal to impress your loved ones and show them just how much you care. Treat them and yourself to something delicious this weekend with this yummy and easy to do recipe. If you have kids they will love this one!!!:)

You will need:

-3 eggs
-1/2 cup milk

-4-6 slices whole wheat or if you prefer white bread

-butter or vegetable spray
-cinnamon and maple syrup

In a shallow bowl with a fork, combine eggs and milk. On medium, heat a non-stick frying pan on stove. Either melt a little butter or spray pan with vegetable spray. Dip bread into bowl with egg mixture. Make sure both sides are wet. Place slice of bread in pan. Continue process with the other slices. Turn slices over when bread is slightly golden brown.

Sprinkle French Toast with cinnamon and sugar after cooking. Remove cooked slices to a plate and keep warm.

Serve with maple syrup, jam, honey, orange or lemon zest or fresh seasonal fruit.

The results are pure heaven!!!

Bon Appetit!!!

Claudia

Did you check Petit Joujou lately?

2012-12-06T15:33:00.001-05:00

Here are a few awesome items that are on sale right now at Petit Joujou. These are all great gift ideas at affordable prices. Tax free and we also offer local pick up.
We have super cute warm crochet hats perfect for this cold weather, our bloomers and tutus are simply adorable, we have different sizes and colours available for your little princess. They are perfect for birthday parties, photo shoots or just because she is a princess.:) We also have Lulujo's organic burp cloths, always beautifully wrapped, they make a perfect gift.
And much more...

http://www.petitjoujou.ca/category/sale.htm

Contact me if you have any questions or need help about any of our products info@petitjoujou.ca

Thank you
Claudia

Gramma's apple crumble recipe

2012-12-05T20:10:00.002-05:00

This Apple Crumble recipe is a tasty, economical dessert and super easy to do. Can be served warm or cold and prepared in less than an hour. Delicious!
Sometimes, you just don't want to fuss, but you still want something a little sweet and homemade.
Thank you mom for sharing this super yummy dessert. :)

Ingredients:
150g brown sugar
150g all purpose flour
1cup butter, room temperature
1 teaspoon baking powder
5 apples

Method:
*Spread a bit of vegetable oil and lay chopped apples in the bottom of your baking dish with a bit of cinnamon. Hazelnuts or raisins can also be added on top of the apples if you wish.
*Place the flour, baking powder, brown sugar and butter in a bowl and using your hands mix all together.
*With a box grater grate the dough into the baking dish

Preheat the oven to 180° C / 350° F. Bake for about 25 minutes until the topping is nicely brown.

Et Voilà!!!:) It simply cannot be any easier than this. And with winter already here, this will definitely be a firm favourite on snowy evenings in my house.:)

You can serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream but it's also a perfect accompaniment to tea or coffee or if you prefer a glass of Porto. :)

Do you have a favorite way of preparing apple crumble? If so, please let us know about it in the comments.

How to follow my blog? :)

2012-12-03T16:06:00.001-05:00

Hi everyone, i received a few emails this week wondering how to follow my blog and enter the GIVEAWAYS. This is all new to me too so hope this helps. :)

You just need to click on "join this site" or "follow by email" and enter your email address. You need to have a google, twitter, yahoo, aim, netlog OR openid account. Hotmail accounts don't work on blogger.
Any of these will work, so hope to see you all here.:)

I also wanted to mention that i only do product reviews and giveaways on products i truly believe.
I will be doing more and more giveaways. This is only the beginning!:)

Any questions/ suggestions just email me info@petitjoujou.ca.

Good luck everyone!!!

Thank you
Claudia