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Friday, December 31

So you think you can pee?

My New Year's Resolution

Yes, I want to lose weight, and as of January 1st I have an active gym membership and plan on losing 20-40lbs over the next year. Blah blah blah, what a boring way to begin 2011. So I thought I need something more challenging... I have no real control over what my career prospects are at this point and truthfully, I'd rather not stress over it until September when it's back to work for me. After a discussion with my baby-daddy, we've decided to take the big step. No, as I once shouted... "there will be no aisle",... we're talking about EC and diapering.

Call me crazy, but I think Kate's ready for potty training - or maybe more like I think it's time to train me! I've been reading up on this "elimination communication" (or EC for short) theory and thought, "my life isn't tiring enough these days... let's try something else on my plate!" We're going to start out with introduction to potty after her naps and after each feeding. Kate already HATES being wet or dirty, (god bless cloth diapers!) and I can already tell by her face right before she pees. (She also lets out a little fart.) I know someone who's done it, and swears by it. So I'm going to give it a go. First step, finding a potty small enough for her tiny bum. Suggestions? Wish me luck!

More on the subject here...
What is Elimination Communication?
Infant Potty Training

Thursday, December 30

Pro Shots from Natasha Gregoire (continued)

Original Post: Pro Shots from Natasha Gregoire

I really can't express how happy I am with the outcome of these photos. They are far better than I could ever have imagined.

Thanks again to Natasha for doing this for us, you truly are a talent, and I hope to work again with you soon. :)

Please see Natasha's site for a complete list of her services.




Monday, December 27

Holy Sock Puppets Batman!


At 3 am, I'm waiting for the kettle to boil, while Kate is patiently waiting for her milk, I sit at my computer (conveniently near the kitchen) and start browsing the home page on Facebook. Blog Exchange? I'm there... then I found the CUTEST thing tonight. Mandee Franee Designs SOCK PUPPETS!

Seriously, you need to check them out. SO cute. Gives me the urge to craft one myself! Or maybe I'll do the lazy thing, and have this woman make it for me. :)

Sunday, December 26

So you want to be BFFs?

1. I love my pumas. My feet and fingers got fat during/after I got pregnant. I went up a whole size. Pumas make me feel normal.

2. I own lots of jewelery - but hardly wear any. I bought me my own engagement ring after my last bad breakup.(à la Sex in the City). I lost it after finding the new BF.

3. I don’t have many mom friends - I'm too laid back in my parenting ways for them. Some think I'm neglectful for not rushing to my child every time she cries.

4. I hate my job - but don't have the guts to do anything else.

5. I have too many business ideas in my head, but no enough cahonies to pull through with one.

6. I stress about money ALL THE TIME. Even when I'm debt free.

7. I hate office work. I love working retail. My office job pays far too well to quit.

8. I shower too many times a day.

9. I don't like cats. But I have one.

10. I don’t own a hair brush. I rather comb with my fingers.

11. Sooner or later, I get hurt doing almost everything - even walking.

12. I don't shave unless I have to.

13. I chug my drinks. I don't know how to sip.

14. Buffets are gross. They scare me, but I'm not a germaphobe.

15. I have no real taste in specific music. I'm all over the place. Some people call that "eclectic" I call that "too lazy to make a decision".

16. I hate karaoke and hate people who enjoy it.

17. I have been someone's supportive hand on getting an abortion.

18.
I hate it when people are late. I'm always late. Me and my period.

19. I've watched someone die. I also have experience using an iron lung.

20. I've lived in a house with 4 other girls and a boy. We were not a frat/sorority house.

21. I used to suffer from OCD. I counted steps and imagined tripping and breaking my front teeth. I sought help.

22. I get bored. Easily. So I nap. I have PJ days far too often.

23. I've had far too many surgeries for someone my age. Breast reduction, Shoulder arthroscopy and D&C are the biggest.

24. I'm not a huge fan of summer. I think I'm better at snowboarding that I probably really am.

25. I have only been seriously hungover twice in my life. I hate booze. If I had met me 5 years ago after a bad breakup, I'd hate me. I was drunk 4 out of 7 days. I was a bit of a dancing bar fly. Glad those days are behind.


Saturday, December 25

Merry First Christmas Kate!

Kate's first Christmas was pretty uneventful this year. We decided to have ourselves a Christmas Day Pyjama Day with her toys and her new movies. :) First up, a Nickelodeon Christmas featuring Spongebob Squarepants and the Fairly Odd Parents. (We skipped the Rugrats... I didn't remember them being that boring when we were younger). We did Christmas at my parents last weekend and Christmas eve with the BF's family. Kate was SPOILED. I think she got more gifts from friends and family that she did from her parents - who yes, gave her socks and underwear. ;)
Merry Christmas to all of you, and hope your day was as relaxing and enjoyable as mine... now sleep is needed for Boxing Day shopping!

PS - I don't care what people say, I think my kid is turning out to be the cutest thing in the world. I may be bias... but just saying... who else can sport a ski-doo brand winter hat and not look like they need a beer in hand.

Tuesday, December 21

Knitting Gene?

As discussed in an older post (Heavy Knitters)
I spoke about how I seriously don't possess the knitting gene (seems everyone else in my extended family knits but me). I tried making squares, but they turned into parallelograms. I turned to crocheting, the jury is still out on that one.

All this to say that my mom is the best, I spoke to her about wanting to make her a pair of wool longies. Described briefly what they were and next day, my mom calls and says, "I made a pair of pants for Kate". These took her 4 hours. 4 HOURS!!?? WHY did my sister get the luck? Why can't I make a simple straight stitch??? I can't even purl knit. Oh well, At least they're willing to make things for me...

FYI - I'd share a pattern for these, but my mom just "winged it". I do have a pattern in my back pocket for a similar pair and will type it up for you the minute I get a chance. In the meantime, back to Kate.

Monday, December 20

Wool Dryer Balls


My very first batch of Roving Wool Balls. Why did I make a bunch of balls? There is no need for fabric softeners when you use all-natural 100% wool dryer balls! It reduces static and saves on drying time! These are about the size of a tennis ball and cloth diaper safe which is initially why I wanted them in the first place. Winter time takes forever to dry my diapers. I gave up and used the dryer on super delicate cycle. Dryer balls cut the time in half! Woohoo! Kate and I both have soap sensitivities and I find these are a great alternative to fabric softeners when it comes to keeping your towels from feeling "crunchy". I will be making these available for purchase in the new year. Still have to come up with a clever name for them though! Any thoughts? Keep it clean people...

Saturday, December 18

UPDATE: Laundry Wars

I had talked briefly about Crunchy Clean in my Laundry Wars Review and claimed I didn't like it because it made my clothes smell like wet dog. Ended up I just didn't like the scent. I used Baby Bee Clean over the weekend (I had a sample bag) and actually really loved it!
Please note however, that there are 2 types of Crunchy Clean (found this out today). There is a Diaper safe version and an everyday version used to clean anything else - however it may cause your diapers to repel. Just an FYI.

Old Review

Crunchy Clean (WEB) (BLOG) (FACEBOOK)
Retails for $18.50 CAD
(80 loads / 160 HE loads)

Crunchy clean is a cloth diaper detergent made from "naturally occurring minerals, detergents, oxygen releasing agents that have proven to clean diapers in a safe way that does not harm your precious baby or your diapers". I don't fully agree with this statement. I tested is on lightly soiled towels. It made my towels stink like wet dog. I tried it on one load of diapers and it made my diapers smell like skunk - I read reviews that Crunchy Clean also made diapers repel - I did not experience this. I'm wondering if it was the scents I chose??? I have a second sample pack that I am willing to try... stay tuned. Available scents: Monkey Fart, Pink Sugar, Baby Bee Clean, Clothespin, Vanilla Lavender, Unscented, Custom fragrances also available. See website for details.

Boasts:
  • No optical brighteners, fillers, dyes, or enzymes
  • Great for military use!
  • Clean rinsing - an extra rinse isn't necessary!
  • No soap to build up in your diapers.
  • HE compatible.
  • Great for all of your family's clothing and diapers.
- Phosphate free
- Chlorine free
- Non-toxic
- Planet friendly
- VEGAN (ALL NEW, FALL '09!)
- Dye free
- Free of enzymes, and optical brighteners
- Approved for military use!

Thursday, December 16

Wool Soakers and Longies

I visited a good friend of mine on Tuesday who surprised me with a REALLY cute pair of purple cashmere longies she had made for Kate out of a recycled sweater. I went out and bought 2 other sweaters a few weeks ago, and was waiting for a serger before trying my hand in this... ends up it's a LOT easier than I thought!

So why was I paying upwards of $30 a pair in-stores???

Martha's World offers a quick and simple pattern to create your own longies... and make a matching T-Shirt with the leftovers. Check her out! Her blog is quite informative. It's now part of my daily read. Please note, her site does not mention felting your wool first. Personally, I run my sweaters through a hot wash and toss them into the dryer to make them into itty bitty sweaters. http://marthasworld76.blogspot.com/2007/05/how-to-make-wool-soaker-from-recycled.html

I will be posting all of them as soon as I have them all finished. Who knows,.. if I get good enough, maybe I'll start selling them on my site too! (PLUG HERE: http://www.etsy.com/shop/bibmababy)

I'm trying my hand at these ridiculously cute wool soakers later when I can salvage about an hour of my day - who knew a baby was so time consuming? Stay tuned for pics! This woman offers a free pattern here.
http://katrinassqs.blogspot.com/2010/09/just-soaker.html
Older post: http://katrinassqs.blogspot.com/2007/10/instructions-for-sewing-soaker.html



More Links:
http://doityourselfec.blogspot.com/search/label/Wool-in-two%20training%20pants


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Make your own Wool Wash!

I use this recipe to clean all my wool diaper covers.
  1. Add a pea size of Lanolin to a cup of HOT water.
  2. Let it melt.
  3. Add a few drops of baby shampoo.
  4. Stir!
and there's your lanolizing soap!

To wash:
  1. Put about a teaspoon of your concoction into a tub of water.
  2. Swish the water to ensure even distribution of lanolin wash.
  3. Turn all your wool items inside out - careful colours may run!
  4. Soak for about an hour.
  5. Remove your wool and roll into a towel to remove moisture.
  6. Reshape and lay flat to dry. Hanging can distort the shape of your wool.

Thursday, December 9

My renewed faith in humanity.

Problems with my FuzziBunz. :(

Saturday, November 7 - Took by diapers out of the wash and OH OH!!! The PUL separated from the liner. :( Hope they live up to their warranty...

Monday, November 9 - FuzziBunz will take their diapers back, but I need to find receipts. :s... Found 1 receipt, but can't find the one for the blue dots. Breaks my heart to part with these. They are my favourite prints!

Tuesday,
November 10 - Good news!!! FuzziBunz stood behind their product. Must ship without inserts to save on cost.

Wednesday, November 11 - They have been shipped for replacement. So far, I am really impressed with their customer service! Thanks FuzziBunz for making this easy!

2 weeks later...
Tuesday, November 29 - I got an email today. FedEx return shipment. Woooo!!!!

Monday, December 6 - Got my new FuzziBunz! Granted I lost my favourite print to an unfortunate manufacturing defect,... BUT My return was hassle free, and they were kind enough to send me 2 packs of wipes along with my new diapers (Choco Truffle and Cotton Candy) WITH new inserts! I must admit that I was a little scared since I've had issues with other CD companies (who shall remain nameless) where they didn't live up to their so-called warranties. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND FUZZIBUNZ! GREAT PRODUCT, AWESOME CUSTOMER SERVICE! I will definitely be sticking with them once Kate moves up to the next size. Keep up the good work FzBz!


Freebie they sent - FuzziBunz® Wonder Wipes – Organic Cotton / Fleece Double sided wipes – 10 Pack
They are made with 100% organically grown cotton on one side and luxurious quick clean up fleece on the other. Use one side to wipe up the mess, and the other to wipe baby nice and clean. Each wipe is 9in. x 9in.

Tuesday, December 7

Make my booty shine!

Avoiding the big 'V'
Comparing bum pastes, salves and ointments


Petroleum Jelly (aka Vaseline or soft paraffin, mineral oil) is claimed to be the baby essential. It's been trusted by moms for well over a hundred years. They've used it from diaper rashes to sticky eyes to cradle cap and even teething pain. Vaseline claims that it “protects chafed skin due to diaper rash, seals out wetness, treats and prevents diaper rash.” Sure, this is what marketing claims, but... considering it is a petroleum derivative, is it really safe? I've read a few researches in the last month or so on the subject and here are my findings. (Take this with what it is... a bored mom researching over the INTERNET.)

Mineral Oil blocks pores and forms a waterproof film on the skin's surface. It prevents the ability to perspire and expel toxins.Vaseline says that their product ensures a 100 percent barrier! Mineral oil seals pores to prevent germs and moisture from getting into the skin irritation. On the flip side, it doesn't allow any soothing anti-inflammatory to enter either. Taking this into consideration,... Vaseline doesn’t hurt, but it doesn’t heal either. Mineral oil is considered nontoxic because it doesn't get absorbed by the skin.

Dating back to a study in 2008, mineral paraffin was found to be one of the largest contaminants in our body. Mineral oil paraffin can be found in human body fat and milk. (Concin N, Hofstetter G et al. Food and Chemical Toxicology. 2008 Feb; 46(2):544-52.)

Paraffin most commonly enters our body through food - but babies are formula and/or breast fed - they ingest 1% of mineral oils from moms through milk, or balms and salves used to ease nipple chaffing. Babies have been known to swallow up to 1.5 g of petroleum jelly a day. This said, no studies have determined the safe-level of petroleum jelly in children. I say that until we know - I'll use a greener method - plant oil–based creams.

Based on this, here are a few products I've tried in the last few months.
Remember, there is a difference between a salve, cream, paste (safe fir everyday use) - and then there's the ointment which should only be used when there's an actual presence of a diaper rash since these can be a little harsher.


Patatras! Crème by Pissenlit et Coccinelles
Retails: $11.99 CAD (30ml)

Calendula and white argyle based cream. Use very sparingly as a little goes a LONG way. Creates a protective barrier on baby's bum. No preservatives, no chemical additives that risk being absorbed by the skin. You get a big bang for your buck on this one...

Smell: 2.5 out of 5 - I'm not a fan of the smell but dad doesn't mind it.
Messiness: your hands stay greasy unless you do a thorough soap and water hand wash. On the plus side... my nails looked way healthier when I'd rub it into my fingers.
Ease of use: you need to work the cream between your fingers first, it doesn't feel too waxy, but it is a little thick.
CD Friendly?: Yes
Price: Most bang for your buck

Main Ingredients: Olea europaea (huile d'olive), Butyrospermum parkii (karaté), Calendula officinalis


Bum Balm by Dimpleskins Naturals
Retails: $12.00 CAD

Marketing Pitch: Zinc-Free and Cloth Diaper Friendly! Apply to diaper area at each diaper change. A must in every diaper bag and an excellent choice for cloth diapers. Learn the reason why we do not use zinc oxide! Pure, unbleached, Canadian beeswax provides a nice barrier on the skin, helping to keep moisture away, while organic Calendula oil provides natural healing properties for rashes.

Review: I find this a little waxy, but it gets the job done. I found this creme at a ridiculously cheap price - $7.99 at PharmaPlus Drugstores. Seriously folks... if saving money is the most important thing to you... just stick with this stuff. A little goes a long way. The smell well,... jury's out on it. It doesn't stink, but i wouldn't bathe in it either.

Smell: 3 out of 5
Messiness: needs a good hand scrubbing
Ease of use: feels waxy, really need to work it between your fingers first
CD Friendly?: Yes
Price: CHEAP!!

Ingredients: Coconut Oil, pure unbleached Beeswax, organic Jojoba Oil, Apricot Kernel Oil, Organic Calendula Oil (infused in Sunflower Oil), Cocoabutter, Vitamin e Oil (derived from pure Soybean oil), pure Lavender essential oil.


Bottom Balm by Earth Mama Angel Baby
Retails: $17.99 (60ml)

Marketing Pitch: Your new angel's skin – is anything softer? Is anything sweeter? Hey! What's that crud, and that rash, and those scrapes? Being a baby is a hard business, from diaper rash to tiny fingernail scratches, and then bangs and scrapes galore as they begin to explore. Clinically tested Angel Baby® Bottom Balm has got her back, his bottom, mama's dry skin, papa's razor burn and gazillions of other owies that come your family's way.

Our #1 best selling salve is clinically tested, safe for cloth diapers, and safely battles existing diaper rash and protects against flare ups. The only balm made with organic olive oil infused with a proprietary blend of naturally antibacterial and anti-fungal organic herbs, Shea butter and pure essential oils, soothes itchy bug bites, scrapes, chicken pox, minor rashes, and burns.
Allergy tested, non-irritating Angel Baby® Bottom Balm is vegan (no beeswax!) and works great for all your diapering needs, and especially well with all kinds of cloth diapers.

Review: This is by far my favourite, yet it is also the MOST expensive. I've used this product for more than baby's bottom - after giving birth, I used it on myself. It helped with that "not so fresh" feeling.

Smell: 4.5 out of 5
Messiness: easy to clean off your hands
Ease of use: feels like lotion. not waxy at all.
CD Friendly?: Yes
Price: I didn't give it a 5 out of 5 because it is pretty expensive for my taste...

Ingredients: Olea europaea (organic olive) oil, Calendula officinalis (organic calendula) extract, Hypericum perforatum (organic St. John's wort) extract, Stellaria media (organic chickweed) extract, Plantago major (organic plantain extract), Butyrospermum parkii (shea) butter, Euphorbia antisyphilitica (candelilla), Simmondsia chinensis (organic jojoba) oil, proprietary blend of Lavandula angustifolia (organic lavender) oil, Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil and Commiphora myrrha (myrrh) oil


Magic Stick Diaper Ointment
by
The Natural Baby Company (makers of GroVia)
and
Magic Stick by GroVia
This product goes by 2 different names.
Retails: $16.25 CAD

Marketing Pitch: Clean. Simple. Organic. All Natural Diaper Ointment. Now keep your hands clean when applying diaper balm. Easy to use Magic Stick goes on smooth and keeps baby’s delicate area protected and comfortable. We love this diaper ointment! It lasts forever and works wonders! Magic Stick®’s all natural and organic ingredients and petroleum-free formula is safe to use with cloth or disposable diapers. Keep Your Hands Clean and Baby Happy.

Features

  • Safe to use with cloth and disposables
  • Use a light layer to protect from wetness
  • Helps clear up minor rashes
  • Hate greasy, messy hands? Great NO MESS packaging makes application a cinch. Just the right amount will be left on baby's skin and NONE on yours!
  • Safe to use on minor skin irritations....chapped skin, stretch marks, most anywhere you need extra moisture
  • Made with natural and organic ingredients
Instructions
Use as needed with diaper changes and at night before bed. Apply to clean, dry skin. Use only one stick per child.

Review: SUPER easy to use, smells okay, but this one is an OINTMENT! Ointments are typically used for the treatment of rashes. It claims you can use it all the time, however a main ingredient is Grapeseed Oil which is a pretty harsh oil... I'd use this one if things look a little red - not for everyday use. (Seriously, try to take a Grapeseed Oil pill,... you'll understand what I mean afterward.)

Smell: 4 out of 5
Messiness: your hands never come into contact with it.
Ease of use: can barely tell that you're putting some on baby's bum.
CD Friendly?: Yes
Price: higher than average.

Ingredients
Vitis vinifera (Grapeseed) Oil, Apis mellifera (Beeswax), Limmnanthes alba (Meadowfoam) Oil, Simmondsia chinensis (Organic Jojoba) Oil, Butyrospermun parkii (Shea) Oil, Rosa mosqueta (Organic Rosehip) and a proprietary blend of essential oils.


Diaper Rash Remedy and Prevention
by Grandma El's

Retails: $18.99 CAD

Marketing Pitch: Grandma El's Diaper Rash Remedy & Prevention is a Patented, Pediatrician recommended, healing ointment. Used with each and every diaper change it will help to protect, prevent, and heal diaper rash.

This pleasant fragrance-free ointment soothes baby's most sensitive skin while keeping it protected. It is absolutely the most effective diaper rash treatment product available today. Grandma El's Diaper Rash Remedy and Prevention reduces the redness, pain, itching & irritation caused by diaper rash. This ointment creates a patented breathable, softening, protective barrier which prevents wetness from coming in contact with the skin, therefore keeping your baby comfortable. An application of Grandma El's will heal & protect, helping your precious little one to be more comfortable while sleeping, playing & exploring. Use Grandma El's with your next diaper change.

Three children & four grandchildren later, Grandma El has decided to share her patented secret with you. Grandma El's Diaper Rash Remedy & Prevention was discovered & developed in 1974, by Grandma El's husband, Bob, who has been a staple in the skin care industry for many years.

Most diaper rash is caused by wetness coming into contact with baby's sensitive skin. Anhydrous Lanolin & Yellow Petrolatum USP are combined to form a barrier preventing wetness from coming in contact with the skin. Vitamin E & Salicylic Acid USP are also included in this product to encourage healing. The unique combination of all the ingredients in Grandma El's is simply miraculous.

Review: Strong and unpleasant smell. Overpriced. Contains salicylic acid and petrolatum. If you search it online, it seems to get 5 stars all around... I don't understand why really,... lack of knowledge about other salves out there maybe? Better marketing? Who knows. Not my fave.

Smell: 2 out of 5
Messiness: easy cleanup
Ease of use: like using a thick lotion
CD Friendly?: Yes
Price: Too expensive for my taste...

Ingredients:
  • Anti-oxidant Natural Vitamin E, derived from Wheat Germ Oil (D alpha tocopherol acetate)
  • Natural active derivatives of the plant Balsam of Peru, a known healing agent
  • Salicylic Acid, derived from Willow bark and Wintergreen; this ingredient acting with Vitamin E can promote the growth of new skin
  • Yellow Petrolatum, derived from naturally occurring mineral oil
  • Insecticide-free Anhydrous Lanolin, a naturally occurring, allergy-free protecting and healing agent
Yellow Petrolatum and Insecticide-free Anhydrous Lanolin are FDA approved healing agents and protectants, while Vitamin E, Derivatives of Balsam of Peru, and Salicylic Acid heal and stimulate production of new cells.

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There are still several more balms I'd like to try and 29 Diapers is having a Giveaway a Zoe Organics Baby Balm click here!


I'd also like to try try:



Thirsties Booty Luster spray (8 oz)

Retails: $11.00 CAD

Marketing Pitch:
Thirsties Booty Luster is blended by hand in small batches, using flowers, plants, resins, and high quality organic ingredients. Each component of our wipes solution has been carefully selected to not only clean your baby's diaper area, but to soothe and moisturize, as well. And perhaps most importantly, the properties of Thirsties Booty Luster actually help to restore the natural barrier your baby needs to protect him/herself from harmful, rash-inducing bacteria. Use Thirsties Booty Luster at every diaper change to clean thoroughly--yet gently, to moisturize, and to help protect your baby from diaper rash.

Features:
  • A completely non-toxic, non-irritating solution
  • Custom formulated by a chemist especially for use in cleaning your baby’s diaper area
  • Designed to help loosen waste, thoroughly cleanse, and gently moisturize your baby’s skin
  • Restores skin’s natural barrier against bacteria
  • Soothes skin and helps prevent diaper rash
  • Dries completely clean; will not leave residue
  • Made in the USA
Ingredients: Aloe Vera, Vitamin E, water-based Extract of Coconut, Honey, Grapeseed Extract, traces of Glycerin, Avocado Oil, Humectant Moisturizers, and other Organic Ingredients.
Thirsties Booty Luster is free of petroleum, alcohols, animal products, parabens,

NOTE: I did not receive any compensation for this review. I have purchased all of these products on my own.

Friday, December 3

I've died and gone to fabric heaven.


I've signed up to a neat little blog called Made by Rae. She is ingenious and has an amazing blog site that offers a myriad of free patterns (baby friendly and more) I absolutely adore her stuff and will be trying some of her patterns out early next year just in time for my Bibmababy relaunch (also on FACEBOOK). I have a huge love for fabrics - some might call it an obsession - seriously, check out my basement. I often buy used clothing, curtains, blankets, sheets, pillowcases, etc. at second hand stores and recycle them into new goodies.

Made by Rae introduced me to a very monetarily dangerous website...
Fabricworm.com Sells Fun, Modern Cotton Fabric for Quilting and many other Craft Items and they one of the largest selections of Japanese Imported Fabrics on the World Wide Web. I LOVE the bright child friendly colours!

Lucky for you, Made by Rae is having a FabricWorm giveaway! Head over and check it out!
http://rae-made.blogspot.com/2010/12/falalalafabric-circa-50-giveaway-from.html

Thursday, December 2

Pro Shots with Natasha Gregoire


Pro Shots with Natasha Gregoire of Gatineau, QC
(WEB) (BLOG)

Count me lucky to have found an amazing photographer in my backyard! I accidentally found Natasha on a Used Ottawa post looking for newborns to use in a photo shoot. I jumped on it, thinking "why not?". Natasha has a dedicated room designed into a fun studio in her basement filled with props. She's kind and gentle and Kate had no issues posing for her. (A problem I have run into 3 times prior with other photographers...) We spent a little over an hour with Natasha coming up with wardrobe changes and prop selections. Here's a teaser of what is to come.


I really enjoyed working with Natasha and highly recommend her to other moms in the area. Her stuff is reasonably priced - and you get lasting memories. :)

Love the hat? My mom made it using a pattern from The Inner Hooker (FACEBOOK, ETSY). I've had a few of these made for friends - they make great shower gifts. I'm not quite agile enough to attempt something like this with my crochet hook... I'm still working on circles and flowers. Thanks Mom!