It was probably when I got pregnant with Brooks that I started to take a more serious look into the products that were coming into our home. When I first had Pearce I was so focused on just being a good mom, and make sure he was hitting all the mile stones, I never considered that products that were coming into our home weren’t good.
Last year during the Covid Quarantine, I started to spend more time focusing on how products I buy affected the environment. I wanted to learn about where are food came from, what actually happened with products once I put it in my recycling bin, and how I could make small changes to improve the environment.
During this time I was introduced to Tru Earth Laundry Strips, I think my favorite thing about the strips was that it came in a cardboard box, and that I didn’t have to measure! Something I’ve always hated when doing the laundry – other than actually doing the laundry is having to measure. So when I found out you just put the strip into the washer it seemed to good to be true. But it wasn’t, you put strip in and it dissolved, no residue was left on our clothes and it smelt great.
In a front load washer you rip up and place into the detergent slot. Or place in the drum before clothes.
There are so many great features about the strips, before you even talk about how it actually cleans your clothes and leaves them smelling fresh.
The actual package takes up very little space – unlike a jug or box of other detergents.
All their packaging is recyclable.
The ingredients are safe and eco friendly, phosphate free, biodegradable, hypoallergencic, and 1, 4-dioxane free
This time around we also got their eco friendly produce bags which I love, because they are super easy to wash and dry, they come with multiple sizes so it is easy for you to fit all your goodies. I also love that I am no longer using the plastic store produce bags and am in turn using less plastic. The produce bags are machine washable for easy reusing.
If you are looking to reduce your waste, use more eco-friendly product or generally just want to give the eco-laundry strips a try I suggest you do. You will not be disappointed, and you will be helping the environment. Check them out online, on Instagram and on Facebook.
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!
The Middle Market place is a online market place bringing a collection of small Canadian businesses to one place. The idea of opening The Middle Market Place came from an idea of opening a small boutique, with Canadian small businesses inside – But then Covid hit, and everyone had to realign their plans. Online Shopping became the way of the times, and alas The Middle Market Place was formed.
The Middle Marketwas founded by the owner and operator of Flora Hemp, a natural bath/body and hand dyed textile company. Kara is a mother to her daughter Nova and 4 step Children, Logan, Grace, Carter and Bayleigh. Something I love to ask Mothers is: What is your favorite thing about being a Mom? Kara’s answer was so authentic and it really just shows you the kind of person standing behind this brand, “Becoming a Mom has challenged me in so many ways, its pushed me to my breaking point on many occasions – its been humbling. I realized that my kids have this amazing unconditional love for me, even when I loose my patience, or feel like I’ve completely mom-failed that day. I want to be more like them – They show me Grace. We spend so much time trying to teach our kids to be good humans, but my kids have also taught me a thing or two, and I love learning from them”. These words really sunk in with me, because it is so true. I love talking to Kara and getting to know her, because she is just such a genuine, loving soul.
After getting pregnant with her daughter in 2017, she had the opportunity to evaluate her passions, after 12 long years of being a hairdresser, and never really loving what she did. Kara knew she loved to work with her hands, and that is how Flora Hemp was born, in 2019. After attending many local markets as a vendor for Flora Hemp, she realized how great it would be if their was an online market, where people could go and find exclusive items, find brands they had never seen, and support local all from the comfort of their home.
But how do you open an online shop when so many companies already offer online sales? You create exclusive items that can’t be found anywhere but the Middle Market Place, that way the brands themselves are not competing with themselves. It was extremely important to Kara to be able to offer companies a space where their business would never be in competition with itself and that the Middle Marketplace would always be a place to support, embrace, and bring together Canadian Small businesses.
So now you are probably wondering how does one pick these products, and brand. Well the truth is it takes a lot of time and care. When choosing a brand Kara always takes into considering the business and the brand of Middle Market Place, and asking herself “Does our visions align?”. The Middle Market Place is always on the look out for high quality, natural products that are priced with the consumer in mind. Kara loves finding small businesses that don’t have a large following yet, or that are just starting out to help them grow. The Middle Marketplace wants to partner with business on creating as many online exclusive pieces as possible. Always keeping in mind to support the business and never compete with them. It allows you to shop many small brands, and not pay multiple shipping for ordering on separate sites.
Now to introduce the brands currently selling on The Middle Marketplace – Hold tight cause there is so many amazing brands involved.
Pebble to Peak is a small shop that sells Pacifier Clips, Teethers and Silicone Bibs. They are safety certified for the materials used (chemical certification), and for the way they make them (physical and mechanical certification) – something that a lot of brands making similar items are not! Follow Pebble to Peak on Instagram, check them out on The Middle Market Place for online exclusives.
Flora Hemp is a natural skin care line that also carries, soy candles, and hand dyed textiles. All of their products are made by hand in small batches, with all natural ingredients. All their products can be found on The Middle Marketplace and you can also follow them on Instagram.
Heart & Hope Inc is a small pottery company that started out as a love of handmade goods especially pottery. They aimed to create the perfect microwave, dishwasher safe hand made item, making pieces that were truly family friendly. Each item is hand crafted, making each item special and unique. Follow them on Instagram, and find their Mugs and Tumblers on the Middle Marketplace.
Oh So Lovely is a jewelry company that creates beautiful pieces that are priced to not break the bank for the consumer. Oh So Lovely also gives back with each purchase, they put money towards a Christmas Hamper. You can find their beautiful pieces on The Middle Marketplace, and Follow them on Instagram.
Namaste Jewelry offers high quality Stainless steel and sterling silver pieces for minimal style everyday wear. They also donate 5% of their profit to improve education in developing countries. You can find their Necklaces, rings and hair clips on the Middle Market place, and follow them on Instagram.
Westcoast Alchemist is a textile brand that offers, wool blended blankets, pillows, scarves, as well as natural, hand dyed textiles. Each clothing item has an uplifted saying meant to support and encourage the consumer. You can find their crewnecks, blankets and pillows on the Middle Market place and follow them on Instagram.
Morse Code Love Prints or as they like to call themselves the funny, attention seeking youngest child of the stationary world, brings beautiful hand crafted cards that are designed to make the consumer laugh. All of the cards are printed with rich bold color on a super thick paper, You can find many exclusive cards, and pins on the Middle Market Place and follow them on Instagram.
Sealuxe is a skin care line specializing in Thalassotherapy: Seaweed, Salt and Canadian glacial marine clay. Their products help to restore your bodys natural chemical balance. The elements in their products work synergistically to stimulate circulate and increase blood flow to the surface of your skin, allowing more oxygen to reach and noursih your skin. All of their products bring these benefits right to your door step. You can find them on Middle Place Market and follow them on Instagram.
All of Apt. 6 Skin products are designed for everyone to know exactly what is in them, by bringing the Essential oil and Gem Stones into their products. These natural ingredients have been used for centuries but have been dismissed by a lot of modern day people. After finding relief in their own family by these products they have since started to create self care items with these products, and only use natural, safe, non toxic ingredients that are safe for all ages. Find them at Middle Market Place and follow them here.
Soak and Sea is a small business that pride themselves on using an all natural approach. Only using therapeutic grade essential oils, their brand consists of only the most luxurious ingredients for a safe experience for everyone. The Middle Market Place carries a wide variety of their products, from their SOUL bath bombs, children’s line and some of their essentials line. Check them out at the Middle Market Place, and give them a follow here.
Oliver and Co is a small business that makes everything by hand in a small home studio. They make a wide variety of items from Handmade bunnies, to personalized blankets and swaddles. It was originally started by Caitlyn’s cousin, but she took it over in 2017. Head to the Middle Market Place to get their minky blankets and swaddles and follow them on instagram.
Macrame by Kae designs stunning modern bohemian art pieces by hand, each piece is uniquely one of a kind. Created from local driftwood sourced on the beaches of White Rock. You can find their popular leaf wall hangs, and dangly car charms at the Middle Market Place and give them a follow here.
Paper Connections by Demi are hand crafted greeting cards designed to help you pass along a keepsake for years to come. Greeting cards are made on premium quality paper and packaged with eco-friendly packaging. Find exclusive pieces at The Middle Market Place and follow them on Instagram.
BLK Customs specializes in digital stickers, prints and stationary, showcasing the beauty and culture of black lives. They create beautiful digital art stickers, birthday cards, book marks, and you can also reach out to have custom digital art create for you. The Middle Market carries their stickers, and book marks. Find them on Instagram and shop their products on the Middle Market Place.
Essentials by Nature says so much in just their name. All of their products are natural, plant-based, and chemical free. They only create small batch items and everything is handcrafted in Edmonton, AB. They make Handcream, hand cleansing gel, Magnesium spray, Bubble bath and a Linen Spray. You can find their items at the Middle Marketplace as well as follow them on Instagram.
Nh Designs is a small business that makes handmade aromatherapy jewelry and accessories. The owner is a full time registered nurse who makes these pieces on the side. The Middle Marketplace is carrying their diffuser bracelets, checked them out here, and follow them on Instagram.
Harvest Creations are handmade jewelry for the modern woman. Each item is handmade by one person from start to finish in small batches from their home studio. Made from only Gold plated or stainless steel posts and hooks, ensuring that their products are suitable for sensitive ears. Check out their exclusive pieces on Middle Market Place and follow them here.
Bean and Boo’s screen printed apparel is designed with parents and minis in mind with twinning options available. Many of their designs include sayings in both english and french. The Middle Marketplace will be carrying a selection of their sweatshirts and tee’s check out the selection here, and follow them along here.
Parkside home was designed by a mom who loved letter boards but hated the lint and fluff always getting stuck to the felt letter board. She solved that by designing a hardwood letterboard, it is a timeless, premium piece that maintains its versatility – without any dog fur getting stuck to it. You can find their beautiful boards on The Middle Market Place, and follow them on Instagram.
Arrow it forward is a small business that specializes in making soy wax candles. Soy wax is a renewable source that is biodegradable and cleans up very easily with soap and water. It also has a lower melting point which makes their candles last longer. You can find their candles at the Middle Market place here, and follow along with them on Instagram.
Royce and Oak’s jewelry will take you from simple to sparkle and can be worn daily. They specialize in making fun geometric shaped jewelry by combining different elements to finalize the look. The middle market place carries some of these fun earrings you can find them here, follow them on Instagram.
Jem designs specializes in making sassy drinkware that is the perfect gift for you or someone you care about. Jem designs owner Jewel had always dreamed about having her own store since she was a little girl and is now living that dream. You can find their tumblers and insulated mugs at the Middle Marketplace here, and follow them on Instagram here.
Misiyo Candle Co makes their candles with a custom blend of local beeswax and sustainable coconut wax, pouring them into reusable, recyclable tins in our their home studio. Their candles are clean burning and air purifying, as well as each candle gives back by providing health insurance to someone in Rwanda. Find their candles on Middle Market Place and on Instagram here.
Gaia Smiles Tooth Powder crafts wholesome products designed to brighten your smile and freshen your breath while sustaining your mouths ideal ecosystem. The Middle Marketplace is carrying their Peppermint tooth powder, you can find it here, and follow them on Instagram.
Envirobags offer silicone bags, as a brilliant replacement to plastic and containers, their product line has something for every stage of life, from the busy family to the retiree. The Middle Market Place carries their Mason Jar Bags, Peva Bags and Silicone Bags. Check them out here, and follow them on Instagram.
New Moon Tea co is inspired by the earth and plants around us, and the ancient traditions which were used for prevention, maintenance and restoration. They believe that good herbal tea should come from the land around us, just as our food does. You can find their exclusive products on The Middle Market place and follow them on Instagram.
Monkey Fly Memories are a husband and wife duo who both work day jobs and do this hustle on the side. They love to make people laugh with humor which is why they have all the catchy items. The Middle Market Place carries their famous door matts, find them here. You can also follow along with them on Instagram.
Jack59 hand crafts pH balanced shampoo and conditioner bars. Their bars are sulfate free making them salon quality and gentle on your hair and scalp. They offer 11 different varieties ensuring they have the right bar for every hair type. They are vegan, plant based, silicone free and they have gluten free options. Check out the selection at the Middle Marketplace here and follow along on Instagram.
Osprey Village Soap Company makes all their products in small batches with 100% toxin free, chemical free, perservative free, cruelty free, all natural ingredients. They use absolutely no fillers, perservatives, or artifical fragrances. Every single one of thier ingredients has a purpose and benefit for your skin. You can find their make up remover, deodorant, hair serum, and soap bars at The Middle Market Place and follow them on Instagram.
Lanna and Co creates high quality, hand crafted scrunchies in her home studio, by Megan. Megan is a stay at home mom of 2 girls who keep her on her toes and our what made Lanna and Co happen. Check out their exclusive scrunchies at the Middle Market Place and follow them on Instagram.
The Rose Company create vegan, all natural, products that come in sustainable packaging and are made in small batches. Their company is named after their mother Rose, and they produce dry shampoo, lip gloss and toner. Find their products on The Middle Market Place and follow them on Instagram here.
These beautifully hand crafted cards are made by a mom who is an accountant by day, crafting small business owner by night — hopefully one day the other way around! All of their cards are made by hand, cutting out each piece and assembling it all together. You can find cards for every occasion. Find these beautiful pieces on The Middle Market, and follow them on Instagram.
Isabelle and Pistachio
The Fifty Fifty Workshop – Langley, BC (Coming online soon)
The Fifty Fifty Workshop is a company that pours concrete and pours candles. They create high quality products all while helping to give back, fifty percent of all profits are donated to organizations providing clean water to communities who do not have clean water. So when you support the Fifty Fifty Workshop you support a local maker and make a truly lasting impact around the world. Check out the Middle Market Place to see their exclusive pieces here, and follow them on Instagram.
Handmade by Amber Akre makes everything herself, from start to finish, everything from the pom pom to the tags on some products. They have also started making face masks. Check out the Middle Marketplace’s exclusive pieces here, and follow them on Instagram.
Isabelle and Pistachio is a new small startup that offers handmade gifts for women. They offer functional products that are made from fabric with romantic, soft colored hues. The Middle Marketplace will be carrying their make up bags and wristlets exclusively. Check them out here, and follow along with them on Instagram.
Can you believe this is just a few of the vendors currently available on The Middle Marketplace. They are adding new vendors daily so you need to go online and check them out. Especially since they are adding exclusive items that can only be found on The Middle Marketplace. Please be sure to subscribe to their emails so you can get exclusive discounts only for subscribers.
In honor of our partnership, The Middle Marketplace has put together an amazing basket worth over $100 that we will be giving to one lucky winner.
Basket worth over $100 enter to win on Instagram
All you have to do is go to Monsterz Mama’s Instagram and find out how to win! Please note that you must be 18 years or older to win, a Canadian Resident and if you are out of the lower mainland you will be required to pay for shipping of the basket.
Mini Monsterz Mama 