When I go back to thinking about our life before we brought Endy home, I honestly have nightmares. I know you’re thinking that it probably wasn’t as bad as I am making it sound, but it honestly was.
We had been dealing with Pearce not sleeping through the night for 3-4 months. Constantly crawling into my husband and my bed, and seriously ruining all 3 of our sleeps. My husband and I have a queen size bed, so not a ton of extra room then you had a 4 year old who moves around like he is in a circus in his sleep and it makes for 2 grumpy parents and one sassy 4 year old. When I would put Pearce to bed I hated laying on his bed, it killed my back, the mattress was so firm and so uncomfortable, that I honestly knew he needed another one.
I knew I wanted to get him a quality mattress to help us all, and I refuse to advocate for things that I don’t love. So when our friends told us they had recently gotten an Endy mattress for themselves I tested it out. It was amazing!!! I couldn’t believe how comfy it was, she even put down a plate of snacks she had in her hand and had me jump – nothing moved! I knew that getting Pearce their mattress would save us all!
In July we got Pearce a new loft bed, and a new Endy Mattress, the box came literally the day after ordering it. Pearce was so excited about his new mattress, he couldn’t believe that it had come from a box! On the first night I was so surprised when I woke up in the morning and my bed was just my husband and I. I immediately rushed into Pearce’s room and made sure he was there. He was, sound asleep and when he woke up, he said “Mom, my new bed is so comfy I love it.” At that point I knew that for months Pearce had been uncomfortable in his old bed and that we had made the right decision to bring this bed home.
Here we are 8 months later and Pearce still sleeps in his bed every night, he picked out a space themed room for his new bed, and likes to pretend that his bed is his space ship, where he peers out the window with his telescope and dreams of universes far far away.
I had also heard so much about how great Endy pillows were for side sleepers that I got some of those as well. They have honestly changed my life, I used to wake up aching from sleeping on my side and my neck not being properly supported. I tried going to the chiropractor, massage therapist nothing could cure it. When I slept on my Endy pillow it truly gave me the support I needed to get a good nights rest. We loved their pillows so much that we just purchased more to replace our other pillows. In your life time you will spend 26 years sleeping, which adds up to 227,760 hours, why spend that uncomfortable?
I know that when we transition Brooks into his big boy bed, that we will be getting him an Endy Mattress, and hopefully I can convince my husband we need to get a new one too! The best part for me about Endy, is that I am bringing home something that is made in Canada, all their mattresses are made in Canada, so you can feel good about what you lay down on every night. Support Canadian businesses and get a better night’s sleep all in one – a year ago I would have thought this was too good to be true, and now I know it’s just Endy!
Here’s to 32! I have always loved celebrating birthdays for as long as I can remember, mine, my kids, my hubs – I just love Birthdays! Since this year I knew my birthday would be a little bit different than my usual Birthdays I decided I wanted to spend it by giving one of my amazing followers a basket filled with all my favorite things! I have teamed up with 10 of my favorite local businesses to give 1 lucky winner a basket worth over $400. This is an incredible opportunity for me to offer and I am so excited to tell you about what’s inside!
I discovered Farmstead Naturals over a year ago, when I was shopping for a gift for my girlfriend. I stumbled upon one of the bath bombs in the baskets, and my girlfriend loved it. It has quickly become one of my favorite brands to gift to friends. Farmstead Naturals is owned and operated by Crystal, a farm wife and mother of four, who has discovered a love for creating all-natural safe skincare, and household products. They are made on a small farm in Deroche, BC. It all started when Crystal had her baby and she opted for cloth diapers, finding a diaper cream that was safe for cloth diapers was hard to find, so she decided to make her own, and from their it has snowballed into Farmstead Naturals and that was 3 years ago. You can find Farmstead Naturals in This is it Gifts in Langley BC, Unika in Chilliwack, BC, Gallery 202 in Mission, BC, Mission Information Center, as well as online on Etsy,Lovely Finds Market, Lets Go Eco, and Farm Stead Naturals Website. Be sure to Follow Farmstead Naturals on Instagram and Facebook.
If you know me you know I love scrunchies almost as much as I love shopping local, so it isn’t much of a surprise to see these here. Lanna and Co is owned and operated by Megan a stay at home mom of 2 beautiful little girls. The business started when Megan was looking for something to do that, she could enjoy for herself. Her eldest daughter is obsessed with bows and hair accessories so she started with scrunchies and has moved onto add matching bows. You can find Lanna and Co in Willow and Wallflower in Port Moody BC, Oak and Ivory Collection in Maple Ridge BC, The Local Space in Langley BC, BluEnvy Boutique in White Horse YT, Cultured Coast in Nanaimo BC, Wildflower Style Co in Langley BC, Shop Meadow Market Online Shop in Ontario BC, and Etsy. Make sure to Follow Lanna and Co on Facebook and Instagram.
So, if you’ve seen me this summer you’ve seen me in Tie-Die and one of my favorite Local Small Shops is Shady Hat Company. Shady Hat Company was started two years ago by Amber a born and raised Missionite who has found a passion in making clothes we all love. Amber is a dog mom who loves reading Stephen king and spending times with friends. Shady Hat Co all started by making hats and toques with catchy sayings and has quickly expended into sweaters, and t shirts. Right now, Shady Hat Company is available only through Instagram by Direct Message. Amber loves that by keeping the business run this way she gets to have a personal interaction with every customer. She is hoping to have shipping soon but right now it is Pick Up in Mission, BC only! Make sure to Follow Shady Hat Company on Instagram, and if you’d like to get one of the super cute t-shirts make sure to msg and get on the waitlist!
Chrystalized Artz has made me a special piece for each of my children and one for even my husband and I this year, nothing is quite as good as a timeless piece of art of someone you love. Chrystal is a stay at home mother of two and freelance artist who specializes in watercolor portraits. She loves to be able to capture special moments and memories on canvas. She is based in Mission BC and started her business 5 years ago after rediscovering her passion for art. Chrystal has often traveled to other communities to participate in art festivals. You can commission a painting from Chrystalized Artz by sending her an email or a DM, you can also view her paintings at Hotties Italian Food Emporio. You can also view her site and if there is a painting you like prints are available. Be sure to follow Chrystal on Instagram and Facebook and check out her website for more info.
Jars by Jodi was beginning in November 2015, with the goal of bringing people together to bake and enjoy cookies and treats using the jars they purchase or are given. Jars by Jodi sells cookie and dessert mixes layer in a mason jar. They make the perfect gift or part favor and are easy way to make treats at home. From what started as a budget friendly Christmas gift for her family her business has quickly grown into a home-based business, with 5 retailers and various markets each year, they also offer local pick up in Pitt Meadows, BC. Jodi is the sole owner and operator of this business; she does get support from friends and family. Jars by Jodi is the reason that she can stay home Monday-Friday with her 2 boys, which she is incredibly thankful for. Jodi is also always open to new flavors if you have ideas let her know! You can find Jars by Jodi online, on Instagram, Facebook and in store at Artisan Gifts and Flowers in Coquitlam, BC ,Coastal Collective and Co in Pitt Meadows, BC, Hopcott Meats in Pitt Meadows, BC, Midtown Main in Vancouver BC, The Local Space in Langley BC, Two Trees Tofino in Tofino BC. Jars by Jodi is our families favorite treat, we absolutely love the Unicorn Poop Flavor. We also highly recommend Jars by Jodi’s Petite size for birthday goodie bags.
Here is to another one of my favorite Brands, this brand has grown and brought out a ton of new products since it was last featured. With a wicked Tie-Dye line, they have pieces that were a collab of West Coast Wild Child and West Coast Alchemist made to support and lift up their customers. Their Blankets are the perfect beach blanket for all your summer beach days. West Coast Alchemist was founded in Abbotsford BC, in October 2019. It is owned by my sister Laken. Lake has dreamt about making products that people will love for as long as I can remember. You can find them online on Facebook, Instagram and Etsy. As well as in a new stockist very soon.
Singletree Winery – 2 Bottles of their Flagship Siegerrebe wine Sieggie
Singletree Winery is a family owned winery based here in the Fraser valley (Abbotsford), as well as in the Okanagan in Naramata. Their winery is a family run winery who have deep roots in the agricultural community. As huge advocates for the Fraser Valley and The Farming Community it is a wonderful addition that they have added grapes to their Mt Lehman Farm and expanded to the Okanagan. When you visit their winery in Abbotsford, you will enter a safe picturesque tasting room. You can view their fields of grapes while hanging in the grass enjoying their delicious cheese and wine. The new tasting area is by reservation only as a limited number of guests are allowed on site. For Reservations please call 604-381-1788. If you aren’t able to make it to the winery this season, pick up a bottle of the delicious Singletree Flagship Siegerrebe wine Sieggie at BC Liquor Stores. Fruity and floral this slightly off dry, Fraser Valley Grown Siegerrebe is a fruit salad of peaches, pears, apricots and limes with a slightly spritzy palate. Perfect for the patio, be sure to grab a bottle before their gone. Book your visit today in Abbotsford at abbotsford@singletreewinery.com or 604-381-1788. Be sure to follow Single tree wine on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
If you are like me and love having sassy t-shirts than this is the brand for you! From my “Fresh Milk Made Here shirt to my drop the f-bomb mom sweater” I am all about it! West Coast Wild Child is currently run by Tanya based in Abbotsford BC. The business has been operational for 3 years however Tanya took over the business last summer. Tanya had always dreamt of owning a brand, so she was lucky to find West Coast Wild Child – Knowing the right people at the right time! You can currently find West Coast Wild Child in The Local Space and Oak and Ivory Collective, as well as the full line at www.westcoastwildchildco.com. Be sure to follow them on Instagram and Facebook.
I stumbled across The Blue House on the Corner when my love for wicker and all things plants and boho started and I have slowly started to add many pieces to my home. They offer an array of home decor, plants, candles and much more. The Blue House on the Corner is a small business in Mission BC, owned and operated by the passionate Carey a mother of 2. Her business started when she was on maternity leave with her first baby and has been operating for 5 years. She is always creating new special one of a kind pieces. You can currently only find Blue house on the corner products on Instagram, but stay tuned because they will be launching a full website soon and be dropping into stores near you! She is also hosting a pop-up market this weekend in Mission, BC check out her Instagram page for more information. Be sure to follow The blue house on the corner on Facebook and Instagram.
I came across Flora Hemp last year when one of my friends pointed me to them. Their friend had just started a small business and I was putting together a big Christmas Giveaway. I have slowly accumulated over half of their products and they remain my main skin care line, my go to candles, and one of my favorite brands to work with. Flora Hemp is run by Kara a mother, living in Abbotsford, BC. Flora Hemp was started when Kara went on maternity leave and didn’t want to return to working as a Hairdresser anymore, 12 years was too long to do a job that she didn’t love. Flora Hemp has been Kara’s passion project from day 1. They make small batch bath and body products, soy candles, and hand dyed textiles. You can purchase Flora hemp online or DM on Instagram. They are also in Bella Beauty Salon in Mission BC. Be sure to follow Flora Hemp on Instagram and Facebook.
Tag a friend – each tag is an entry – only separate comments will be counted.
BONUS ENTRIES:
1 bonus entry for sharing on your stories – be sure to tag @monsterzmama
5 bonus entries for posting on your feed – again be sure to tag @monsterzmama
Rules:
Must be 19 years or older to win
If you are not able to pick up in the Fraser Valley, you will have to pay for shipping
Open to Canadian Residents Only
Not associated with Facebook or Instagram
Thank you all for your continued support over the years and I hope that given the circumstances of the times you are still finding ways to enjoy this beautiful summer. Good Luck Everyone!
Today I am very excited to share an up and coming online market with you, Lovely Finds Market. This market was established in February 2020 – What a time to come to life! But even through Covid 19, Tabitha is growing her brand. She brings Quality, natural Canadian products to you, in one place. I know for me it’s always annoying having to go to 1 website for soap, another website for candles, and another website for my bath bombs. But what if they were all in 1 place? Well now they are!
Tabitha started her business 5 months ago with the hopes of bringing quality brands to one place, to make shopping and finding these products easier for us the consumers. The best part, all products in Lovely Finds Market are made in Canada. I don’t know about you, but that has become super important for me to support local – especially with everything going on in the world.
A little about the women behind the brand, Tabitha Hobbs resides in the Fraser Valley with her husband Bryan and 2 senior chihuahuas, and 1 medium sized Thailand Street dog. She is a huge animal lover, who adopts from shelters -as she grows, she will donate portions of sales to animal rescues. She started this business to bring her love of nature and her passion for using natural products to others.
All of the products in Lovely Finds Market are Canadian made, from a small business, 100% natural ingredients derived from nature or plants. 80% of the current inventory are vegan for those who prefer them. They have Eco Friendly packaging, none of the products are tested on animals, and the best prices our sourced for the consumer.
I recently have started to move towards reducing our waste – 1 piece of garbage at a time. In doing this we tried the Goldilocks reusable beeswax food wraps. I absolutely love these wraps; I have never found plastic wrap to be easy to work with and always found it incredibly wasteful. But Goldilocks Wraps are so easy to use and look super pretty in your fridge. Not to mention that they keep food fresh longer than plastic wrap. I highly recommend checking them out – These can be found online at Lovely Finds Market.
Another product that is carried on Lovely Finds Market is Farmstead Naturals Handmade Baby Soap. We have been using this product and only this product on the boys for almost 10 months now. And I absolutely love it, it smells great and it is so gentle on their skin. We use it to wash their skin and their hair and they come out smelling so good and so soft! The best part it’s made of olive oil, Calendula Flowers and Chamomile Flowers, so its super gentle.
I was very excited to try Lily and Ollie Designs Microwavable Heat Pack – I don’t know about you but there is nothing more satisfying than curling up with your favorite candy the heat pack and good chick flick when you’ve got cramps. I found this to be so helpful for my bad cramps, I also love that it is lavender scented as I have had microwave packs in the past that are not scented, and they become very smelly with time. They are also very easy to use and care for!
Last but certainly not least I also tried my first Shower Steamer from Zombear Writes, of course I tried Eucalyptus Flavor as it smells amazing. It was so easy to use, and I got 2 showers out of it. I had an extra-long shower and found the aroma to be extremely relaxing. As someone who suffers from mental health issues the aroma really relaxed me and made me less anxious. I highly recommend checking them out online as Lovely Finds Markets has many different options.
It wouldn’t be fair to end the introduction of this amazing up and coming business without giving a little something back to the readers am I right? Well I have partnered up with Tabitha from Lovely Finds Market to give 1 lucky winner a 9 oz Madeleine and Minou Soy Candle (100% soy, and phthalate free fragrance and essential oils), the candles are handcrafted in Brandon Manitoba, The scents are so fresh and really set the summer mood and a $50 shop credit to use on Lovely Finds Market. Head over my Instagram to Enter to win.
Winner will get to choose the Scent of their choice, and it will be shipped directly to you.
Scents to choose from:
All Summer Long – Sweet Grass & Summer blooms the right amount of summer flowers & fresh Grass
Summer of George – Starfruit & Aloe – gives off a cozy warm vibe and inspired by one man’s ambition to make this summer the best one yet
South Beach Crush – Kiwi, Coconut & Mango – smooth and fruity that will have you dreaming of beaches and cocktails
Tropical Splash – Melon, Mango & Mint – Cucumber melon with a kick of mint that will freshen up any room!
As always I urge you to head over to Lovely Finds Market on Instagram, Facebook and check out this amazing up and coming business, where great things come together to give you more!
Mini Monsterz Mama 