Coffee cozy

Cute, silly, practical...a knitted cozy for your Timmy's from the following blog:
http://tinyurl.com/9nwggw

Or, you could purchase the cozy on Etsy.com.

We haven't tried this pattern out yet, but will keep you posted if/when we have time to do it.

Here's the pattern
worsted weight yarn & size US 6 needles

CO 20 sts

row 1- k 20
row 2- k4, p12, k4
row 3- k 20
row 4- k4, p12, k4
row 5- k4, c6b, c6f, k4
row 6- k4, p12, k4
row 7- k 20
row 8- k4, p12, k4
row 9- k20
row 10- k4, p12, k4

repeat these 10 rows until it reaches around cup a little snug (can't remember how long)
BO
stitch ends together
(c6b=slip 3 sts onto cable needle, hold to back,k3 then k3 from cable ndl.)
(c6f=slip 3 sts onto cable needle, hold to front,k3 then k3 from cable ndl.)

Lahdee Dahee we like to Potty!

We came across the coolest thing on the Canadian Family site. (http://canadianfamily.ca/picks/all)

A LOT cheaper than the Bjorn potties, (only $3.99!!) these potties come in black, green, red and white!

Now, if we can only get the kids to use it.......

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/30141225

Diaper Disco Silent Auction

We're trying something new for the next Diaper Disco.

Instead of Silent Auction AT the event, our Silent Auction will be available online BEFORE the event.

http://diaperdiscoauction.blogspot.com/

People can bid on the items by indicating their information and bid price in the comments section, or by emailing leslie@diaperdisco.com

We'll have all the items ready for you to pick up at our next family dance party!

See you there!

From online blogs to baby books

A very cool idea from Springwise (http://www.springwise.com):

Online and offline are no longer mutually exclusive realms, as we (Springwise.com) have already pointed out in numerous examples. The latest illustration comes from the world of online baby journals, where purveyors are increasingly beginning to offer print versions as well.

To wit: Kidmondo, which we covered this summer, has since added a print option to its offerings. Through a partnership with custom publishing platform Sharedbook, Kidmondo now gives parents a fast and easy way to turn all the content they create online into a "KidBook" in the brick-and-mortar world. Users can pick which parts of the online journal they want to include in the book as well as customizing the content, cover, titles and more. Pricing for the KidBook begins at USD 28 for a perfect-bound softcover book with 20 full-colour pages and free US shipping. Hardcover is also available, and additional pages can be added for USD 0.50 each. KidBooks are currently available only in English, but Kidmondo hopes to accommodate other languages in the future, it says.

BabyChapters, meanwhile, is another site that lets parents share their baby's precious moments with family and friends in a safe and secure way, and also offers an online-offline combination. After creating their free online baby book, parents can select the chapters they'd like to include in a hardcover print version. Prices begin at USD 27.95 for a 24-page book, with a 20 percent discount for additional copies. Los Angeles-based BabyChapters launched in April.

For years offline ventures struggled to make their way online. Now that online ventures are often the starting point, opportunities abound in connecting digital offerings with the tangible here and now. (For more on that subject, see trendwatching.com's OFF=ON briefing.) Online is a given; now offline is cool once more! ;-) (Related: Blurb's blog-to-book printing.)

Websites: www.kidmondo.com — www.babychapters.com
Contact: hello@kidmondo.com — www.babychapters.com/contact_us.php

Twitter Moms

Our newest social networking site!

Snuffalupagus and Big Bird @ the Disco

Check out this classic, adorable clip from Sesame Street.
Snuffy and Big Bird disco dancing. (4:41 min)

September 27th - Diaper Disco

Our first Diaper Disco event was a great success.

We really enjoyed watching all the Moms, Dads and even Grandparents get up on the dance floor interacting with the kids. We will have some pictures uploaded to the site shortly.

The Candy Bar was very well received and the Face Painter, Janet Lange was a HUGE hit with a lot of the kids.

We're already planning to host the next Diaper Disco in late November (date TBD) so be sure to tell all your friends to sign up to the e-updates to stay informed.

We can't wait to "boogie down" with you again soon!

See you at the DISCO!

Just a few more sleeps....

The Diaper Disco is only a few (short) sleeps away.

We're as excited as the kids are about Santa coming!

We've got lots in store for both the kids and parents too - including:

• Mini-massages ($10 for 10 min) with RMT Sarah King
• Face Painting with Janet Lange
• A Sweetpea Organic Baby Food Tasting Table (yum!)
• A Candy Bar full of goodies (all proceeds going to Mount Sinai Hospital)
• A fabulous Silent Auction also to benefit Mount Sinai Hospital
• Bath-a-holic Bath and Body products will be on sale at the event.

And, as you know, the private VIP lounge will be available for breastfeeding/diaper changes and we'll have veggie snacks for the kids.

To top it all off, our SWAG BAGS (aka Gift/Loot Bags) are chock-ful of neat stuff including a copy of Canadian Family Magazine, a trial soap from Suzanne Graham for You, coupons and info from lots of great businesses.

We are so excited....and we just can't hide it......

See you at the Disco!

SavvyMom - Savvy Guide to September

Diaper Disco has been noticed by SavvyMom.ca's Savvy Guide to September!

http://www.savvymom.ca/index.php/newsletter/tor_toronto_the_savvy_guide_to_september1/

Things to do in Durham

Finding things to do with your kids isn't always easy. Taking a toddler out for a day-filled adventure of shopping just isn't feasible for most Moms.

Thank GOD there are regularly scheduled events at the local library. Not only are they FREE (yahoo!) but the kids really like getting out of the house to play with other kids too.

Check out the ParentSource.ca calendar for lots of free and inexpensive events and activities in Durham: http://www.parentsource.ca/events.html

Hallowe'en ALREADY??

Once again, a reminder that Fall is just around the corner (sniff, sniff).

Stores have already started displaying their Hallowe'en costumes and decorations.

Old Navy just happens to have THE cutest costumes imaginable....We're disappointed the Fireman costume isn't available this year, but torturing your kid with an absolutely ADORABLE monkey costume comes in as a close second.

For little girls, they have the cutest French poodle costume.

Or if you REALLY want to torture your little one, the Skunk costume has a "Little Stinker" patch.

These will be the glorious pictures (along with the bath pictures) you'll be able to display to your kid's first girlfriend/boyfriend.

What we love MOST about the Old Navy costumes is they are easy to get on/off and they are really warm for those cold Hallowe'en nights. The price is approx. $30.

They sell out fast, so get over there NOW to ensure your kid is decked out!!

Everyone loves a little Retail Therapy

The CNE has started already. The count-down to the end of summer begins.

How can Fall be looming, when Summer never REALLY started???

Perhaps a little retail therapy can help.

As we all know, having kids costs big bucks (paid in full with unsolicited kisses, of course).

Did you know that Once Upon A Child also carries a lot of NEW but previously-owned clothes? Inexpensive stuff with the tags still on it.

Once Upon A Child, Ajax is clean, and organized and has a lot of neat stuff.
We picked up a tricycle and a tent with a tunnel for about 20 bucks!

We're also partnering with Once Upon A Child, Ajax for the Diaper Disco event. Tickets can be purchased at their location (or on our website). Check 'em out at:

Once Upon A Child
75 Bayly Street [W] Ste. #17
Ajax Ontario L1S 7K7

Weird, wild and wacky

Just when you think you've seen everything.....

WEIRD
A baby toupee??!! Website http://www.babytoupee.com features wigs inspired by Donald Trump, Lil Kim and Bob Marley.
The picture says it all.


WILD
Loving shoes take on a whole new meaning.
The gals at www.heelarious.com created soft shoes for non-walking babies
ages 0-6 months.
We have to admit, we think this idea is kind of adorable.



WACKY
A baby binkie/soother with Billy Bob teeth??!! This creeps us out.
www.faketeeth.net

Love Letters to your Baby

I LOVE my Book Club. We have quite an eclectic group of gals with significantly different views on just about everything. One of the things I love most about my Book Club (other than getting a night out of the house) is the fact that I end up reading books I'd normally never pick up. The Book Club also encourages me to read, period.

After one novel we read, I felt inspired to begin my own musings. I didn't feel like I had much to write about at the time, so, I began a "Dear Diary" but directed the content to, and about, my little guy. I envisioned presenting him with a little album of these Love Letters on a particularly special day - like his wedding, or the birth of his own child.

I thought this idea was completely original....until I stumbled across an author who wrote a book about it.
http://www.amazon.com/Love-Mommy-Writing-Letters-Your/dp/1550227580

I haven't read this book, but didn't want to take any credit for my original idea (even though it was original to me!).

Finding time to write isn't always easy, but taking a moment to be grateful is.

Did you know....?

Being a kid in the '70s, we watched a LOT of really strange TV shows on Saturday mornings. Weird and wacky stuff such as H.R. PufnStuf, Wonderbug (a dune buggy that captured crooks like the K.I.T.T. car in Knight Rider) and the Hilarious House of Frightenstein.

Did you know that the 'Hilarious House of Frightenstein' - with the Count, the Wolfman, Harvey Wallbanger and Vincent Price - was actually filmed in Hamilton ON?

Another little tidbit of Canadiana - 'You Can't Do That on Television' was filmed in Ottawa and Alanis Morrisette was a cast member for 5 episodes? In 1981, Nickelodeon began airing 'You Can't Do That on Television' and obtained very high ratings.

Not specifically related to Canada, but a new terms has emerged as the "new" name for Gift Bags....SWAG.

Did you know that SWAG is the acronym for Stuff We All Get?!

The first 100 families who buy Diaper Disco tickets, will receive a fabulous SWAG BAG including a copy of Canadian Family and a deeelish soap from Suzanne Graham for You (plus LOTS more!).

Who thought Gift Bags were only for kids?

Toronto4Kids.com

The Diaper Disco is delighted to announce that Toronto4Kids.com will be a Sponsor at our first event in Whitby! Check 'em out!!

Toronto4Kids is a leading Free Parenting Directory in the Greater Toronto Area. Our comprehensive directory includes after-school programs, birthday planning, camps, shopping, services, sports, parenting articles, resources, family travel & more. We promote family-friendly events, entertainment, seasonal activities and outings, happening in and around the city. And, visit our site for great contests!
www.toronto4kids.com
www.toronto4babies.com
www.toronto4dogs.com

Chocolate...chocolate...chocolate. Need I say MORE?

This recipe sounds lovely and it's ONLY 74 calories.

NESQUIK Ice Pops

10 MIN

Ingredients:
Fat Free or 2% Evaporated Milk
NESTLÉ NESQUIK Chocolate or Strawberry Syrup

Tools required:
Pitcher, plastic ice pop molds

Step 1:
Stir together 1 can (385 ml) Evaporated Milk and 1/3 cup (75 ml) NESQUIK Syrup; pour into plastic ice pop molds and put plastic in place.

Step 2:
Freeze 4 hours or until firm.

Step 3:
Let stand at room temperature 15 to 20 minutes before serving.

Makes 8 Nesquik Ice Pops

Nutritional Information per serving:74 calories, 4.1 g Protein, 14 g Carbohydrates, 14% RDI for Calcium.

Tip: You can substitute 1½ cups (375 ml) milk for the evaporated milk.

C-panty - the after Cesarean Underwear

Sometimes you come across an idea and think it's GENIOUS. (One of them happens to be SPANX. They ROCK!).

While we haven't tried this product yet, we think it would be very helpful for all Moms-to-be who have a C-section.

http://www.cpanty.com/

According to their website..
C-Panty uses a compression and silicone panel localized to the incision area in order to minimize scar formation, promote comfort and provide incision area body shaping and compression. Silicone, commonly used in burn and other post-surgical rehab, helps retain surface moisture in the incision area. Compression discourages swelling, assists in organizing collagen formation and provides support to the area. These techniques, often called scar management, also help to address the pain, itching, discomfort and scar volume during recovery.

Let us know if you have any other neat products that we can talk about!
leslie@diaperdisco.com

Happy Father's Day!

Sometimes celebration days - like Father's Day - can be kind of stressful. Getting the right gift for "Dad" can sometimes be a scramble to figure out what to do.....

This year, we'll start Father's Day with a little Scavenger Hunt. Hopefully "Daddy" will find the card next to his pillow (or it may be stuck to his forehead in the morning). A little note from our son will be enclosed with a little poem to his next clue.

We've hidden a few items around the house (a magazine on Football and a "coupon" for a free car wash) and will be cooking a big, hearty breakfast (bacon and eggs).

In my opinion, holidays/celebration aren't about the gifts. It's about spending time with people you love. People often say..."Life is too short"....All the more reason to slow it down and remember to capture moments for our Rolodex of memories.

Happy Father's Day to all the great Dads out there!
Leslie

We WISH....

We have to admit...One of life's wonderful guilty pleasures is reading magazines.
Do we NEED them? Nope. Do we LOVE them. Yep.

Magazines that have lots of little useful tidbits and pretty pictures are always the best.

One of our favourite magazines is Wish. It's like having four neat little magazines combined into one. The Editors seem to "get" that there aren't enough hours in a day to get everything done. It's like they suggest things to simplify our lives.

We saw this really neat and simple recipe on their website and thought we'd pass it along....

Raspberry & Strawberry Granita

Ingredients (Serves 6)

3/4	cup sugar
1	cup water
1	cup lemon juice
1	cup strawberry juice
1	pint fresh raspberries, crushed with a fork

Instructions

1. Combine sugar, water and juices in a saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved.
2. Remove from heat and let cool.
3. Pour into a shallow pan, add crushed raspberries and stir.
4. Place in freezer for one hour.
5. Remove from freezer and fork the crystals that have formed around the edges into the rest of the juice. Continue to do this at intervals for another hour, forking the slush to break it up as it freezes. The result is fine shards of ice. Serving Tip: Put serving bowls or glasses in the freezer in the afternoon. A frosted glass will help keep the granita cold.

Nutritional information

Nutrients per serving: 151 calories, 0 g fat, 1 g protein, 40 g carbohydrates, 2 g fibre. Excellent source of vitamin C.

http://www.wish.ca/food/recipe/154/

Going green.

A little tidbit of info we thought you might want to know....

Our Web host (www.hostpapa.com) is a Canadian company and also considered "green". HostPapa uses 100% green renewable energy by having purchased "green energy tags" or certificates from a certified green energy supplier.

While I don't always live a "green" lifestyle, I am a lot more conscious about the future of our planet. I suppose every little bit helps!

Leslie

Our listing on Mount Sinai Hospital's Event Calendar

The Diaper Disco is now listed on the Mount Sinai Hospital's Event Calendar!
http://www.mshfoundation.ca/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?&pid=415&srcid=415.

Diaper Disco launch

Diaper Disco has been officially launched!

We're delighted with the positive response we've received and thank you for all your support.

We're also absolutely THRILLED to be partnered with Mount Sinai Hospital's Valentine Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Leslie spent three (long) weeks in this unit when she had her son (who was a mere 3.2 lbs at 31 weeks gestation).

Being in a hospital, you realize how vulnerable you feel and just how dependent you are on the knowledge and expertise of qualified medical staff. Words can't even begin to express our gratitude for all their wonderful care.

We believe that nurses and doctors are truly heros and we thank you!!

Gettin' the party started

Things are really starting to shape up for what is expected to be a phenomenal event. We've scoped out the potential venue and it seems to be EXACTLY what we're looking for. It's got a lot of parking, it's central, and has an awesome dance floor (with a disco ball!).

There is even a private VIP section which will be used for the Breastfeeding/Diaper Changing station.

Our logo has been designed by our FABULOUS friend Lindsay - who is super talented and a really amazing gal in her own right.

We can't wait to get the word out and get the buzz going about the event!!!