• home
  • about me
  • PR Info

mapsgirl.ca

mapping our life's journey

  • Life
    • body mind spirit
    • faith hope love
    • parenting
  • Recipes
  • Travel
    • RVing
    • Camping
    • Vacation
  • Features
    • monday mumbers
    • 10tuesday
    • wordless wednesday
    • Thank You Thursdays
    • Thursday 13
    • Other Great Blogs
  • Reviews
    • Auto Reviews
You are here: Home / Archives for shopping

5 Tips to Style Your Kids When Going Out

March 25, 2022 by Wendy S

Image by StockSnap from Pixabay

Style

Life as a parent is a constant rush. With traveling back and forth from school, band and sports practices, trips to the grocery store, and obligatory family functions, it’s no wonder you’re always wondering where the time went. However, just because life as the energizer bunny is not all it’s cracked up to be, getting your family dressed and out the door doesn’t have to add to your workload.

Make conscious, fashionable dressing decisions and teach your children a lesson in personal responsibility and individuality with these five tips on how to style your kids without spending hours playing dress-up.

Plan Ahead

It is no surprise that clothing stores hold big sales events as one season closes and another begins. Take advantage of these opportunities to stock up on clothing options for the next year, at a discounted price.

For baby clothes, use this opportunity to buy clothes the next couple of sizes up to ensure you have options for months, and years, to come.

Explore New Options

When you’re shopping for kid’s clothing, consider layering. Layering adds dimension to any outfit. Choose clothes in different textiles and patterns to diversify closet selections.

Layered clothing styles aren’t exclusive to girls. There are plenty of options out there for trendy boy’s clothing too. Encourage your child’s individual style, and let their personality play out in the clothes they wear. Set out of few staple pieces and let your child decide what to mix and match.

Shop in Boutiques

Shop outside of the box! Yes, you too can dress your kids in trendy clothes, without breaking the bank. While you may not have the multi-million dollar budget some celebrity’s kids do, boutique shopping is still possible. Boutique doesn’t necessarily mean expensive; they’re just small stores that are not run by the megastore corporations like Walmart or The Bay. Clothing in boutique stores have more creative freedom since large companies do not design them, so you can get diverse, trendy clothes that are relatively inexpensive. Explore children’s boutique stores as an alternative to superstores.

Would You Wear It?

When shopping for clothes for your kids, ask yourself, would you wear it? If the answer is no, don’t buy it! The last thing you want to do is fill your kids closet with clothes you’ll never dress them in. If don’t know where to start with styling your kids, peruse online stores for new ideas and price comparisons.

You can also coordinate clothes with your children. Dressing similarly doesn’t have to be just for holiday postcards, nor does it have to be an exact match. Choose a color palette or style, and go from there. Not only will your kids look stylish, but you will look like a cohesive, well-represented family. You may even find yourself trying new style combinations from your own closet.

Make it Fun

Styling your kids isn’t always about clothes. Pay attention to details like hair and accessories. You can make any outfit fun with a big pair of sunglasses. Complete a casual-cool look with a messy bun or mussed-up hair. When it comes to style, it’s the complete picture that pulls together a look, so don’t forget to consider the details when you’re dressing your kids.

To dress your kids in style doesn’t require a big budget, a big closet, or endless amounts of time. Take the time to make wise purchases when there is a sale, plan for future wears, consider layers and different textures for endless outfit combinations, and pay attention to the details.

Happy styling!

Filed Under: family, Life Tagged With: children, kids, shopping, style

The Importance of Reading to Kids with Mabel’s Labels! @mabelhood #holidays

November 13, 2015 by Wendy S

**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

There is more treasure in books than in all the pirate’s loot on Treasure Island. — Walt Disney

Mabel’s Labels knows that reading to kids is important for their growth and development, and also one of the most rewarding and heartwarming activities we can do with our little ones. That’s why they created this adorable video of Mabel’s Labels staff reading with their kids. After you watch it, be sure to check out the great personalized books for kids they have available to make reading with your kids even more special this holiday season.

Star Wars Personalized Book

Discover all the great new products Mabel’s Labels has for the holidays. There are all sorts of ways to be merry with Mabel’s this year!

The Stocking Stuffer Combo  Holiday Return Address Labels

Filed Under: Products & Reviews Tagged With: Christmas, mabel's labels, shopping

Registering for baby? Not all Safety Items are actually safe

February 13, 2015 by Wendy S

Just becuase they sell it, doesn't mean it's safe @ mapsgirl.caI remember being a mom-to-be, walking up and down the aisles of the baby store and scanning all of the items that I thought would be required to keep my baby safe. 

Unfortunately, just because a company has a product and labels it as a “safety” item, doesn’t mean it will help keep baby protected.

There are many items on the “Top Registry Items” lists that parents shouldn’t be registering for, and I’ll explain why.  I’ve also given some suggestions of what you should do, and I end with a nice list of the items that are good to have!

What not to register or buy

Seat Savers

Don't buy seat saversThese are the protectors that you can put in your car under the child car seat. They are supposed to protect your car from the indents that can happen from the child car seat or from spills and crumbs. Since this device was not crash tested with the child car seat that you own, you do not know how it will react in a collision.  

NOTE: Car seat manufacturers will state is if any third party accessory can be used with or under the seat. Some do not even allow for the use of pool noodles or towels.

Suggested item – Nothing. It is best not to use them and install the car seat as it is described in the car seat owner’s guide.

Roll up Car Shade

Don't buy roller window shadeThese are the cute window blinds, that roll up into a metal holder at the top. They are supposed to protect your child from the sun. Unfortunately, the suction cups that come with them don’t stick forever. This could lead to the shade coming off of the window and falling directly on your child. During a collision, if the window was to break, the metal holder then becomes a projectile flying through your car causing further damage to your child or yourself.

Suggested item – The shades that come as a plastic sheet that clings to the window. If this was to fall off of the window, it won’t cause further damage to the occupants of the vehicle.

Cuddle Bags

Don't buy Cuddle BagThese are the bags that are designed to go inside the car seat and then zip up and over your child to protect them from the cold. These are not recommended because they come between your child and the car seat. The added fabric will be compressed during a collision and will cause the harness straps to be loose. This means that your child will not be held firmly in the seat and there is potential for injury to occur.

Don't buy bunting bagsSuggested item – You want the cover that goes over the entire car seat. There is a window in the top so that you can see the baby’s face. This type does not interfere at all with the harness straps and your child can be secured properly.

Bunting Bags and Baby snowsuits should also not be used in a car seat for the same reason; you will not get the harness straps tight enough and the bulky fabric will compress.  

Please read my post “A winter coat is for playing in the snow, not in a car seat!” to see more info on winter coats and car seats.

Suggested item –  put your child in a warm, but not bulky outfit, put them in their car seat properly and tighten the straps, then place a warm blanket over the top.

NOTE: Cuddle bags and snowsuits are great for use in a stroller; just not in a car seat.

Mirrors

Don't buy baby mirrorThe cute mirrors that allow a parent to use the rear view mirror to see their rear-facing child are not recommended.

Not only could they come loose and become a projectile object in a collision, their sole purpose is to distract the driver. The driver of the car should be watching the road and vehicles around them when driving. If they are taking the time to look at the baby in the back seat, they are distracted.

Suggested item – Nothing. If you need to tend to a crying baby in the back seat, pull off the road to a safe location and then do what is required for the child.

Bumper Pads (baby bedding)

Bumper PadsBumper Pads are not suggested because if a child gets caught in them, they could suffocate.

Suggestion item: Nothing.

The only thing that should be on the mattress is a good fitted sheet and nothing else should be in the crib.

 

“Baby on Board” signs

Don't buy baby on board signFor the same reason that roll up shades are not recommended, hard plastic baby on board signs should not be used as the suction cups detach and then it is a potential projectile in the car.

Suggested item: If you truly feel that you need a sign, get a magnet for the back bumper of your car. It is outside and can’t hurt the passengers inside the vehicle.


3rd Party Protective Padding that goes around the harness straps

Harness pads are dangerous! @ mapsgirl.caThe basic rules is: “If it didn’t come with the car seat, don’t use it.” Reason being is that everything that comes with the car seat has been crash tested with that seat and is safe to use. Many car seat manufacturers have started including these pads with the car seats so it’s not as much of an issue. Do not add anything to the harness straps of your child’s car seat.

Suggested item: If the harness should be too close to the child’s neck and the seat didn’t come with the protective pads, try to pull the child’s shirt collar up a bit so that the harness doesn’t rub.

Safety Items that are good for new parents:

  • new mattresses for the cribCheck mark @ mapsgirl.ca
  • baby sound monitors
  • gates
  • door knob covers (prevents the door from being opened)
  • cupboard and drawer locks
  • plug covers
  • fridge/oven locks
  • blind cord winders (to prevent strangulation)

See more great car seat info on my Pinterest board!

Follow Wendy | mapsgirl.ca’s board Car Seat Safety on Pinterest.


Other car seat info:

[catlist id=”52″ numberposts=’10’]

Filed Under: Booster Seats, Car Seat Safety, Forward Facing, Rear Facing Tagged With: baby, best practice, car seat, car seat installation, car seat safety, registry, shopping

Three Days of Boxing Day Savings at Target Canada! @TargetCanada #TargetBoxingDay #SeasonsTweetings #VIPMom

December 24, 2014 by Wendy S

Starting December 26th, Target has some great offers for you!

2014 Target Canada Boxing Day Deals @ mapsgirl.ca

 

I think the Skylanders are going to go quickly!

Target Canada Boxing Day Syklanders

And these deals from Apple are amazing!!

Target Canada Boxing Day Apple

 

What’s your plan of attack?!?!

Target Canada has everything to help you plan your Boxing Day Shopping!  They even have MAPS!  (And we all know I love maps!)

Target Boxing Day Store Map

 

All the great deals!

Electronics:

  • PS4 Little Big Planet 3 and NHL Bundle – $449.99 + Free $70 Target gift card
  • Element 55″ 4K Ultra HD LED HDTV – $499.99
  • Samsung 58″ 60Hz 1080p Smart LED HDTV – $697.99 (was $1099.99)
  • Magnavox 40″ 2.1 Channel Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer – $59.99
  • $44.99 Video Games (Destiny, Halo: MCC, Super Smash Bros Wii U + More)
  • $30 Video Games (Shadow of Mordor, The Evil Within + More)
  • PS4 Dualshock 4 Controller – $44.99 (was $64.99)
  • $1.99 Movies (Anchorman, Transformers + More)
  • iPad Air 2 Wi-Fi 16GB – $549 + Free $50 Target Gift Card
  • iPod Shuffle 2 GB – $49 + Free $10 Target Gift Card
  • Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 (10″, 1.5GB RAM) – $278 (was $379.99)

Home & Garden:

  • 50% Off All Aerobed or Serta Air Mattresses
  • Turbo Power 3.78L Windshield Washer Fluid – $1.49 (was $2.89)
  • KitchenAid 10-piece KNonstick Cookware Set – $69.99 (was $199.99)
  • Buy 1, get 1 free on all Corelle open-stock dinnerware
  • Room Essentials Bed-in-a-Bag Set – $35 (was $49.99 – $59.99)
  • Dirt Devil Versa 2-in-1 Steam Mop – $34.99 (was $69.99)

Toys & Games:

  • Disney Infinity Single Characters – $8 (was $13.99)
  • Skylanders Trap Masters or 2-pack Minis – $12 (was $16.99)
  • Sofia The First Flower Girl – $17.49 (was $34.99)
  • Star Wars Lightsaber – $14.99 (was $29.99)

Plus Target has Boxing Week Sales too!

Check out the flyers on their website for all the great deals — http://flyers.target.ca/


Disclosure: I am participating in the Target Canada campaign as a VIP Mom managed by ShesConnected. I received compensation in exchange for my participation in this campaign. The opinions on this blog are my own.

Filed Under: Products & Reviews Tagged With: Boxing Day, canada, shopping, Target, Target Canada

Only 2 days left to save at @OldNavyCa’s #ONKidtacular sale!

February 18, 2013 by Wendy S


Only 2 days left to save!
Old Navy Kid and Baby sale ends February 20th
(In-store and online)
And only a few more day to Pin to Win!!
(Details below)

 

old navy canada, kidtacular sale, 40%

It’s time to stock up on great fashions for spring and summer!

With prices like these, how can you not stock up?
You can head over to your local Old Navy location or shop online!!

Check out my other post where, I first showed the outfit that Lauren has picked out to start spring off right!

Girls Embellished Ruffle-Trim Dresses, Denim Jacket, Girls Heart-Cutout Ballet Flats, Girls Lace-Trim Leggings

 

And be sure to participate in the Pin to Win Sweepstakes.  (Contest closed)

Entering is super easy! Scroll to the cute girls Old Navyoutfit featured in my blog post, enter your e-mail and pinfor a chance to win daily prizes of $50 Old Navy gift cardsand a final grand prize of $1,000 for one lucky winner!

Happy pinning and good luck everyone!

And Happy Shopping!!!!!


Filed Under: giveaway closed, sponsored Tagged With: shopping

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • Next Page »

Follow MapsGirl On…

mapsgirl@gmail.com

Why “mapsgirl” ?

Wendy is a cartographer! She draws maps!

When not mapping, Wendy is also a mom to two daughters. They are the inspiration of this blog. Passionate about child passenger safety, Wendy was a certified Car Seat Technician in Ontario, Canada from 2008 to 2020. [Read More …]

Subscribe

Top Posts

  • Registering for baby? Not all Safety Items are actually safe
  • Eight is not Enough: The 5 Step Test in Action #carseat #ncssw
  • Club House Flavourful Recipe Mixes are everything they claim to be! #ClubHouseRecipeMix
  • Healthy recipes + PC Guiding Stars = Success! #GuidingStarsCA #PCStars
  • playhouse disney canada blog tour [winner]

RSS What’s new @ Big Daddy Kreativ

  • 3 Ways To Prioritize Safety on a Family Road Trip
  • How To Ensure Your Phone Is Always Working Efficiently
  • Five of the Most Immersive Gaming Genres
  • Tips for Making a Small Bathroom Look Elegant
  • 9 Skincare Tips for Flawless Skin
  • 5 Tips For Teaching Your Teen How to Drive
  • The Ideal, Must-Have Accessories for Hiking
  • 4 Ways You Can Decorate Your Home Sustainably
  • Awesome Gifts for Fast Food Lovers
  • 10 Travel Essentials for Your Next Day Trip

Copyright © 2023 · Lifestyle Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in