WEEKEND SHOPPING: FUN FINDS FOR THE KIDDOS

It's Saturday, the sun is shining and the sales are ON!!! After celebrating a lazy long weekend here in Canada last weekend, this weekend is about getting set up for the summer. We still have another month of school but I love to be prepared so that the most time possible is spent lazing with the kids once the holidays hit.

Some of our favourite shops have great sales this weekend so it's the perfect time to think ahead, whether it's adding some Spring finds to the kids rooms, fresh pillows to your patio or a lighter quilt for those hot summer nights. 

I'm featuring some favourite finds for breezy summer days with the kids from Serena & Lily (use code SUMMERDAYS for 20% off!) in this board to give you a pulled together look for a covered outdoor area and have added more sites below with codes to shop the sale!

01. // Cozy quilt; 02. // Hanging chair; 03. // Wood stools; 04. // Storage bins; 05. // Large pillow; 06. // Textured pillow; 07. // Beach chair.

Pehr:
For simple modern rugs and my favourite storage bins! Use code HOORAY for 20% off.

Coyuchi:
If you don't know this site, it's my go-to for clients looking for organic linens. The quality is high, the toxins are low and there is a new section just for kids. Love this organic cotton (inside and out) comforter for summer nights. 20% off certain items.

McGee & Co:
SO many amazing finds from rugs to pillows to faux greenery (perfect for kids bedrooms & bathrooms!). Use code SUMMERSALE for 20% off.

Lulu & Georgia:
Their new kids section has some great finds, including this gold mesh lamp that is both safe AND functional for kids rooms! From 15%-25% off depending on what you spend, this is a good one!

Noble Carriage:
With a big focus on organic products, this small shop carries the adorable Holdie doll house that I can't find anywhere in Canada. Use code MEMORIAL for 20% off.

Crate & Kids:
Looking to make a furniture purchase for your kids? This is the place. Code SAVE15 will get you 15% off all full priced items.

Etsy:
Etsy is my favourite place for unique finds from handmade shops. Lots of small makers have sales this weekend. To find sales on shops near you, enter 'sale' into the search bar and then set a custom location. It's a great way to find sales this weekend and throughout the whole year!

Hope you have a memory-making weekend whether it is a long one or not.

IN THE GARDEN WITH KIDS

Our kids looove the garden. They spend hours outside digging, watering, collecting treasures, picking, eating and generally just being very, very happy. While fresh air and sunshine are obviously an incredible feeling for us all, I also think having a little piece of dirt to play with is just plain fun. Whether you live in an apartment, or have a small outdoor area (us!) or have a sprawling backyard, a simple garden can bring kids SO MUCH JOY!

Most people know our backyard because of our little playhouse. On the other side along a fence, we have a small garden bed where we grow vegetables. This year, the kids were fully onboard with it all, from choosing the plants to planting them!

With that in mind, I thought it would be fun to share a bit about our garden this season as we are novice gardeners and the outcome is FUN more than whether the plants actually grow.

We started with simple things - herbs (parsley, cilantro, still need to plant chives), lettuce and kale and the bean plant that Xavier brought home from preschool. These are sure to produce at least something. I also let the kids pick out plants that they wanted (zucchini, cauliflower, broccoli), which we have never grown before. We have had success with tomatoes in the past (and our kids gobble them up like candy) so put in five different tomato plants this year to test out colour and variety (and also put one in a pot next to the garden instead of in the garden bed to test which plants were happier). Like I said, we aren't looking for an amazing garden; it's all more of an experiment!

This is an ongoing project that I thought I would keep you posted on over the summer. I am happy to share anything about the garden in hopes that it might inspire you to start one of your own! Just leave me a comment and I'll answer it as quickly as possible.

There are some key items that we love to have nearby for the kids to use. Below I'm sharing our favourite tools for gardening with kids, including our favourite slide, which is perfect for times when everyone just needs a break, ha!

I'd love to know...do you grow plants with your kids? 

01. // Garden tools; 02. // Magnifying glass; 03. // Watering can; 04. // Gardening gloves; 05. // Flower press; 06. // Plant labels; 07. // Garden book; 08. // Water shoes; 09. // Outdoor slide; 10. // Plant buggy. 

FRIDAY INSPIRATION: TREEHOUSES!

The long weekend is nearly here and I can't think of anything better than hangin' with my sweet family all weekend long. While we live an urban life with the beach a block away, I still dream of wild and free days for my kiddos with a backyard tree big enough for a tree house. Totally inspired by these beauties!

1. The most incredible treehouse in the most incredible tree in Tuscany, Italy.

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2. A simple and beautiful boho hangout perfect for sunny day dreaming.

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3. Love this one! An adventure just to climb into it!

4. A slide, a sandbox and a climbing wall make this all-day-fun for little kids.

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5. Absolutely unreal!!! Forget about letting the kids have the house; I think I'd take it for myself!

6. Love how amazing this one is while still being achievable. The twirly slide is the perfect accessory.

While our kids enjoy lazy afternoons in their playhouse, I'll be dreaming of a vineyard in Italy with a treehouse overlooking it (#1). Which one is your favourite?

Have a great weekend everyone!

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8 OF THE BEST PLAY KITCHENS FOR TODDLERS

Purchasing a play kitchen almost feels like a parenting rite of passage. It’s the one toy set you’re guaranteed to find in nearly every home with a toddler, and it’s not without good reason. Play kitchens deliver a perfect outlet for imaginative play, and of course, there’s nothing more adorable than kiddos “cooking” up dinner alongside Mom and Dad.

But before you secretly cringe at the idea of adding another toy set into your thoughtfully designed home, rest assured that play kitchens don’t have to be a total eyesore. In fact, I’ve searched the web and rounded up nine pint-sized kitchens you’ll actually want to show off in any part of your home.

One. | Leave it to Milton & Goose to bridge the gap between style and function with the cutest kitchen featuring all the bells and whistles. Not only is it made from eco-friendly woods, but this kitchen includes a miniature farmhouse sink and a magnetic chalkboard for your little’s weekly menus. 

Two. | Any style-conscious parents will be envious of their little one’s kitchen with this Kid Craft beauty. With its' simple white design, you’ll have the perfect backdrop to add in pops of color through fun accessories like this added shelf pictured below.

Three. | Fit for a little gourmand, this toddler kitchen boasts warm grey cabinetry and gold hardware. The gas switch is rotatable and I love that there is a little clock for kids to learn how to tell time!

Four. | With a solid maple build, this play kitchen is bound to become your toddler's most loved toy. Well made and with a roll out cart, this is a buy that will be past on down the years.

Five. | Tiny chefs rejoice! This retro play kitchen includes a refrigerator, microwave, oven, and sink so kiddos will stay busy with endless hours of pretend. Take your pick from six different colors to match your home’s aesthetic and let the fun begin. 

Six. | Perfectly neutral and with a warm wood tone to match, this mid century modern play kitchen has you covered. The fridge provides good storage and the little stove top is an addition your little one is sure to love.

Seven. | Keep things sweet and simple with this handcrafted kitchen featuring a detachable sink and faucets and ample toy storage below. You’ll be able to tuck away any play food, pots, or pans for easy cleanup post-play.

Eight. | The ultimate in mid-mod style, this mini kitchen packs awesome play features into a compact size. Kids will love cooking and baking through active play, while parents will love the eye-catching (and total space-saving!) design.

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OH MONDAY!

1. We have a winner of the Saje Wellness baby line giveaway!!! A big congratulations to Nicole Sternberg (@nicoleleigh521) who won!

2. I know I shared a room with a hanging chair last week but this chair AND a window bench in an attic playroom? I just had to show you this sweet space.

Image Serena & Lily

GET THE LOOK...

3. The countdown to school summer break is on at our house (6 weeks!) and I am starting to gather ideas for some fun ways to whittle away the ideas. Do you make a bucket list for summer vacation with your kiddos?

4. I came across this beautiful kaftan for kids and can't get enough. Isn't it gorgeous?

5. This renovation of a 70's airstream is blowing my mind!!! I've dreamt of a caravan for the kids venturing to beautiful spots to explore but this is next level!

Image + Design The Modern Caravan

Enjoy the Spring weather this week!