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Easter Gift Guide – Books for all ages

My memories of Easter as a kid was spent with family, a big delicious meal, going to church, pretty Easter dresses and a very anticipated Easter egg hunt. My older brothers and my younger sister and I would love racing around looking for the small foil-wrapped chocolate eggs and comparing who found the most. Then for the months following we would continue to find random eggs around our home. Those were simpler times.

As a mom I’ve made a conscious decision to not try to keep up with the Christmas-like gift giving highlighted by Instagram that seems to go on with Easter these days. I just can’t.

Way back when Holden was a toddler, as I watched all of his grandparents spoil him with stuffed animals and chocolate, I decided that each year I would buy a book for each of my kids for Easter to balance out all of the sweets and stuff.

This simple tradition has been happily embraced by our four kids, and although I still pick out Easter-themed books for our twins, our big kids enjoy putting in requests for specific books they’ve had their eye on. And I happily oblige.

I thought for this year’s Easter gift guide, I would share some very sweet Easter-themed books for kids. Perfect for an Easter gift. I’ve included some of our family’s favourites too. Enjoy!

0-2 years

1. Peter Rabbit Naturally Better Classic Gift Set by Beatrix Potter

Are you or is someone you know expecting around Easter or early spring?

The classic Peter Cottontail Classic Gift Set is the perfect gift for the new bundle’s first library.

These books come in beautiful pastel colours that would look great in a nursery, and the classic stories are loved by many generations. Shop here.

2. Where are Baby’s Easter Eggs? by Karen Katz

This Easter themed story of Baby’s search for Easter Eggs is an adorable and interactive book for little ones who love to turn pages and lift flaps. The bright and colourful illustrations and simple wording make it an engaging (and short) read sure to keep kids and parents happy. Karen Katz has a series of books featuring some adorable and relatable “baby” characters that are sure to be a favorite. Shop here.

3. Little People: Easter Is Here!

Parents of toddlers know the Little People, mostly for their toys. But did you know they make really fun books? Our Little People Easter Book is one of our favourites all year round. Shop here.

3-5 years

4. The Berenstain Bears Easter Parade by Mike Berenstain

Who doesn’t love the Berenstain Bears? My little sister and I were raised on Berenstain Bears and we have passed on the tradition to our kids. The Easter Parade book is one of our favourites. Shop here.

5. Plant the Tiny Seed by Christine Matheson

Press, tap, wiggle, and jiggle to start the magic!

This book is a great way to teach your little one about nature, and also get them to follow simple commands as they listen to the story. It would be great to read one on one, or even with a group of young kids. They will have lots of fun acting out how to plant a seed, clapping to bring the sun, and wiggling their fingers to water the plant and make it grow. Shop here.

6. My, Oh My-a Butterfly! By Tish Rabe

Learn about butterflies with the classic Cat in the Hat character. Filled with silly sounding rhymes, this book is a lot of fun for young readers. Plus, it’s actually pretty informative, explaining the metamorphosis of an egg into a caterpillar into a chrysalis into a bright new butterfly. Shop here.

6-8 years

7. The Big Book of Bugs by Yuval Zommer

Do you have a kid that is fascinated by creepy-crawlies? This book is a beautifully illustrated way for them to learn more about nature, where to find bugs by teaching them to be a young bug spotter, and it’s filled with fun facts that may teach Mom and Dad some new things. Shop here.

8. The Princess In Black and the Hungry Bunny Horde by Shannon Hale &Dean Hale

This is one of a series of Princess in Black stories, which are filled with mischief, humour and fun illustrations. These books are simple for early readors, but are presented as chapter books so they feel a bit more “grown up.” And this story with fluffy tail bunnies would be great for Easter! Shop here.

9-12 years

9. The Babysitters Club #1 Kristy’s Great Idea by Ann M. Martin

Did you read these series of books as a kid? I sure did. And the movie was one of the first I saw in the theatre with my friends without a parent (it’s due for a remake, as Hollywood is really into that at the moment). These feel good, girl-centric stories are perfect for a young woman coming of age. Wouldn’t it be great if your daughter was inspired to be a successful entrepreneur too? Shop here.

10. A Wrinkle in Time Trilogy by Madeleine L’Engle

Are your kids in love with Disney’s latest live action movie? Encourage them to read the classic story about Meg, Charles and Calvin on their mission to save the day, and keep reading more where the movie leaves off by buying the trilogy (or you could even look into the box set of 5 books which is also available). Shop here.

11. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl

One of my all-time favorites, this book features the importance of family, honesty and a sense of bewilderment.

This is a book that every kid should read at some point. I’m sure you’ve probably read it yourself? Why not re-read it as an adult, then have a marathon movie party with your kids? Start with the original starring Gene Wilder, then watch the most recent version with Johnny Depp. And don’t forget to pick up some Wonka candy and chocolate treats to enjoy together. Shop here.

Has our family found our joy? Following up on New Year’s Resolutions

This post was created in partnership with Kids & Company.

This January I wrote about finding my joy again. I was hustling harder than ever while running my own business and there was barely any down time in between. I wasn’t laughing, I wasn’t playing, I wasn’t stopping.

Where had I taken a wrong turn? When did I lose my joy?

We are now three months into 2018 and I am taking a minute to reflect and see if I have stuck to my goal.

I have found joy, and am actively moving towards my goals. But my joy came in a surprising way, in the form of a new family member. For years our kids have been begging us to get a dog. For a long time we kept saying no. It just seemed like too much more work to be piled on.

But eventually the idea of adding a puppy to our already busy house started to make more and more sense. So, in January we welcomed our newest member, Oliver into our family.

Truthfully, half of me was worried that the idea of getting a dog was a pipe-dream, and half was sure it was the right decision. I had visions of this little guy (we knew it would be a boy to balance out all of the girls in our home), sleeping in my home office while worked, getting me outside more to keep the seasonal blues away, bringing us together as a family, and helping our son Holden get past his fear of dogs.

Well someone must have been smiling down on our family from above because not only has Oliver brought all of those dreams to life, but he has brought so much more joy to our home. Oliver is an old soul and he has forced me to create the balance I so badly needed.

But as far as the rest of my 2018 list goes, am I following through? Yes, well mostly.

Am I delegating? Yes! I have now created a team of three other people at Nesting Story and I have finally found my groove as a team leader. I am also taking full advantage of the time I have during the day while our twins are in daycare at Kids and Company.

After all of the drop-offs I exercise outside with Oliver and then get all of my work done before everyone is home, so that evenings and weekends are dedicated to my family.

Have I been playing? Kind of. Last week I finally went skiing, something I have been wanting to get back into for ten years now. I have even signed up for a 10k run in May (more on that another day).

I am continuing to go after what I want, by creating a beautiful and functional home, while purging all of the stuff that was clutter in our lives.

Although I am making great strides towards these goals, I do have to make sure I am constantly checking in with myself, asking if I am experiencing joy, and balancing my time properly.

Finding a childcare that not only gives me time to build my career, but that my kids also love, has been such a wonderful aspect to having more of a work/life balance. Kids & Company has the flexibility I need with my schedule, but also the unique programming, learning opportunities, from-scratch meals and sense of community they provide fills me with such confidence in my choice in childcare.

With locations all across Canada, Kids & Company is a high-quality care and early development centre that parents can trust and kids will love. It started under the leadership of two moms (one with 8 children!), who felt there was a need for flexible care options in a setting with amazing teachers, community, proven development programs and an understanding of today’s families.

Whether it’s their Grab ‘n’Go snacks, parent workshops, or their complimentary care for date nights and shopping days outside of regular hours, nothing has been forgotten.

Here’s where it gets exciting… right now Kids and Company is waiving the registration fee (a $150 value) for Nesting Story readers! Just email amcnaught@kidsandcompany.com to access this exclusive offer.
One waved registration per family for a newly registering child before December 31, 2018. Subject to availability.

Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Kids & Company. While compensation was provided, all opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not necessarily indicative of the opinions of Kids & Company.

Today I felt joy and wondered when life got so serious

Today I skied. This was a big freaking deal for me because although I was an avid skier since age five, I gave up skiing when I was pregnant with my oldest child and never picked it up again. This was a ten year break from something that I loved.

As I whooshed down the hill solo, assessing my body to make sure I wasn’t about to break a hip, (I was ten years older and had birthed four children since my last ski experience), it hit me…

All of the stress that I had been feeling, especially from the previous week was gone. In fact I felt good. I felt alive. I felt ache and pain free.

As the cold air hit my cheeks I felt as though my troubles were an eternity away.

You see, although I share most of my life on here, or on my videos, there are some areas of my life that are sacred. Especially the lives of my children. Although I may share this particularly stressful situation with you one day, at the moment it isn’t my story to tell. But for context, I must say, I have been under extreme stress during the past week.

For the first time in one week, or 168 hours, my stress was one hundred percent gone. I felt free, like someone had cut this cord I was tethered to.

“Why,” I thought to myself as I carved through the snow, “can I not let go of this stress away from a ski hill. Why can’t I take a break from worry in real life?”

As I went up the chairlift, looking down at a winding creek below, it hit me, I had been carrying around intense stress and worry, thinking that if I took a break for even a minute the world would come crashing down, shattering around me.

That somehow because I was deep in the trenches of anxiety and dread I was fixing my problem. If I put down the worry for one minute, everything would fall apart.

But here I was, zipping down a ski hill, like I was 25 again, not a worry in sight, and the world was still in tact. It was still turning.

I haven’t been doing anyone any good allowing myself to be so immersed in my stress that I am in physical pain, can barely tidy up, or prepare a meal at home. I am sabotaging my healthy eating, and I am an emotional wreck.

This particular stressful period of parenthood won’t be my last. In fact far from it. I have four kids who haven’t even hit their teenage years. So I need to figure out a better system.

First step, loose the guilt about taking breaks from problem solving and worrying. Allow myself to feel joy during each storm.

Remind myself that letting go doesn’t mean I care any less.

Letting go of the worry is allowing my head to go above water for a breath of air before the next wave.

My winter weekday and weekend morning routines

As a mom of four (and a puppy) my morning routines are constantly evolving. Whether it’s my twin toddlers waking up earlier, kids with colds, or needing to taking our puppy out to pee, there always seems to be something disrupting my morning rhythm. Until lately.

Recently, despite all of the above, I seem to have found my groove in the morning. I have been consistently setting my alarm clock in the morning, and getting myself going before the rest of the family.

I wanted to share with you what my current winter weekend morning routine looks like. The meltdowns, the wins and everything in between.

Morning routines during the week…

and on the weekend.

Join me and be a fly on the wall in my home in the mornings.

I’d love to know, what does your morning routine look like?

Valentine’s Day gift guide for the expecting mom, new mom and the kids

By Carly Viger and Joanna Venditti

Love is in the air and it’s time to tell someone you love just how much they mean to you. But what do we really want? What would your kids love? Do you even buy your kids Valentines gifts, or is it your time to be pampered? Here are some gift ideas that I am sure will spread the love this Valentines Day.

For the Expecting Mom

1. Sweets/Chocolates
Is the mommy-to-be craving anything in particular?
You can’t go wrong with the gift of food for an expecting Mom. The classic heart shaped box of chocolates is the best option, and the bigger, the better! Who wouldn’t love some delicious truffles from Godiva?

2. Comfy Maternity Clothes
The Expecting Mom may have started to outgrow her favorite pre-baby clothes, so some new maternity clothes would be a great gift idea. Maybe a cute dress or blouse for a night out? Or better yet, some pajamas or loungewear for her to relax (or nap) in. I love this bright red trendy top from A Pea in the Pod, it’s perfect for a Valentine’s Day dinner date before the baby arrives.

3. A Pedicure
Baby coming soon? Has it been awhile since mommy has seen her toes? They probably need some TLC, so a pedicure would surely be a great Valentine’s Day gift. If a trip to the spa isn’t manageable, then a nice set of nail polishes like these from Nails Inc. would work wonders. These gel polishes are enriched with coconut water for hydration, and they create a flawless and glossy finish just like at the spa. And to make the gift even more special, maybe Dad can offer to paint her toenails for her?

For the New Mom

4. Pampering
A new mom deserves some pampering. Whether it’s her first or fourth child, she is giving everything she has to her new baby and maybe she’s neglected herself along the way. Show her that she’s important too with a little something special. Fab Fit Fun boxes are a great way spoil her. You can purchase a subscription so she receives a new box of personalized items every month/season.

5. Jewellery
Why not have a piece of jewellery engraved with the new little bundles name? These stacking rings from LetterbyLinda on Etsy.com are a sweet and sentimental idea sure to make Mommy very happy.

6. Cleaning Service
New Moms are busy dealing with sleepless nights, diaper changes, pumping, bottle feeding, sleep training, etc, etc, etc. Maybe the housework is a lower priority now? The gift of a house cleaning service would be much appreciated, whether it be a one-time deep cleaning or even better, regular scheduled visits! Give Mom the gift of time with her new little love by taking some things off her to-do list.

For the New Baby

7. Cute Clothes
Who can resist a sweet little baby dressed up for Valentine’s Day!? Dress your little one in something cute and comfy, like one of these outfits from Gymboree.

Baby True Red Stripe Set by Gymboree

Baby Ivory Mommy Set by Gymboree

8. Books
Books are perfect way to bond with a new baby, and to teach them language, colour, and feelings. For your little one’s first Valentine’s Day, you can gift them a classic board book and write a special message inside the cover for them to cherish when they’re older. Here are some favorites:
Read your little Love Bug a story from the classic character The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle.

9. Or enjoy the bestselling book “I Love You Through and Through” while your little one cuddles the plush bear that comes with this set.

10. Stuffed Animal
For Baby’s first Valentine’s Day, a soft and cuddly new friend is a perfect gift. Jellycat toys are soft and warm, perfect for little ones to snuggle. You can choose from many different animals including dogs, cats, dinosaurs, hippos and elephants. The adorable Bashful Bunny is available in a variety of colours, including this bright Strawberry pink which is perfect for your little Valentine.

11. Blankets and Accessories
A blanket is a classic and versatile item, perfect for a little one. Mom will use it now as a swaddle, burp cloth and stroller cover, and baby will use it as a toy and comfort item as they grow older. Aden & Anais make beautiful muslin swaddle blankets that are light and airy, bibs that are super soft, and sleep sacks that are perfect for bedtime. The classic Heart Breaker print is perfect for Valentine’s Day and is available in a number of items, including the Dream Blanket.

For a Toddler/Preschooler

12. A Dress
Little girls love to spin and twirl, so this adorable heart print dress with a pleated dress from Joe Fresh is perfect. Need something a little less girly and a little more suited for playtime? The same heart print design is available in leggings, rain boots and a super cute peplum t-shirt.

13. Toys
Toddlers are all about moving, exploring and making noise. This Red Race Car by Green Toys is a fun way to encourage the development of your child’s motor skills while playing. It’s safe for little hands with plastic parts made from recycled materials. And the bright red colour is sure to excite your little one.

14. Books
A new book to read together would be a great way to spend some time cuddling your busy toddler and teach them about love and kindness. Love Monster by Rachel Bright is a cute and funny story they will surely love.

For School-aged Kids

15. Accessories
Maybe she’s a budding fashionista? Now that she’s a little older, with friends at school and a style of her own, some new accessories would make a great gift. H&M has this cute little “LOVE” purse, which would be perfect even after Valentine’s Day.

16. T Shirts
Maybe now that they’re older they aren’t as keen on Valentine’s Day. Funny t-shirts are a great way to give them a themed gift. What kid doesn’t love pizza? This “Pizza is my Valentine” shirt would be a great way to get a laugh out of your little guy, his friends, and probably even his teachers.

17. Games
Maybe the days of romantic Valentine’s dates with your spouse are on pause, at least during this phase of life. Now that you’re a family, this day of love can still be spent having fun together-in a different way. Why not buy a new board game to play with the kids? This game of Speak Out Kids Vs. Parents would be an great way to spend an night in. It’s sure to make your kids laugh (and even you), there are categories for parents as well as for kids, and can work for up to 10 players.