Chalkboard Sign from Harpers Haols

So if you remember in my last post (SEE HERE) I talked about my order from Mabel's Labels for my son for preschool this week. Well, I decided to also get him a chalkboard sign to hold for his 1st day of school picture on Tuesday. Of course I thought about doing this such last minute, so at midnight on Friday, I started searching Etsy to see if I could find someone to create one in such a short amount of time.

 

I came across Harpers Halos. Tamara has a store on Etsy with several pre-made chalkboard designs. I emailed her right away, and she replied very quickly and said she would be able to work with my deadline. Since all of her designs are already pre-designed, all you have to do is purchase the design you like.  Then in the notes at the payment section add in the details you want on your chalkboard (ie. Name, Age, School, etc) It was so easy!

 

Once she has completed your order she will then send you a proof to approve. After it has been approved you then take the high resolution image to your local copy store to print it! That's it! You're done! What's great about printing it yourself is that there is no shipping charge!

 

Harpers Halos does all kinds of chalkboard designs. Not only does she do first day of school signs she also does birthday's & baby announcements. Here are some of my favourites:

 

First Day of School Chalkboard Sign- $5.59 CAD. Comes in Sizes 8 x 10, 11 x 14, 16 x 20

 

Birthday Chalkboard Sign- $16.77 CAD Comes in Size 16. x20

 

 

Pregnancy Announcement Chalkboard Sign- $5.59 Comes in Sizes: 8 x 10, 11 x 14 and 16 x 20

 

 

In addition to chalkboard signs she also sells headbands and clip sets. They come in sizes according to age, so make sure you specify which size you would like at checkout. Unfortunately, at this time she only ships to the US, so for all my Canadian followers it's a sad day :( Hopefully in the future she will start shipping to Canada because I want a bunch!! Headbands start at $4.47 US

 

Here are some of my favourites.

 

If you are interested in purchasing something from Harpers Halos- Tamara has generously provided a coupon code for you to use at her Etsy Shop. At checkout use code - NEWFAN for 10% off!!

 

She also has a Facebook page (SEE HERE) if you want to follow her

 

 

Happy Shopping!!!

Fire Hall Tour

Any of your kids obsessed with fire trucks? My son is.  Every time we pass a fire hall he wants me to stop so he can see the fireman and the fire tucks. I never wanted to just randomly stop at one just in case they were busy so, I decided to contact the city to see if they offer any fire hall tours. To my surprise they do, and they are very popular! I had to book 2 weeks in advance and they only have certain days and times available so, I called a bunch of my friends to see if they were interested in doing a group visit.

Yesterday was our tour. The kids had a blast. They were so excited. As soon as we got there all the kids were greeted by all the firemen in the hall. Then they took them over to the fire truck and showed them all the tools they use in a fire or car accident such as an axe, hammer, jaws of life etc. They also showed them the fire hose and let each child hold it so we could get a picture. After that they let them all go inside the fire truck to look around.

 

Next they showed them they their uniforms. They explained all the items they have to wear when attending a call. I learned a few things myself. I didn't know they all have special alarms on them to press when they are in trouble. Did you? They also were telling the kids in case of a fire to never be afraid of them because they are there to help them.

 

 

Once the tour was over all the kids got a plastic fireman hat and colouring book to take home as a "Thank You" for coming. They also got group pictures with the firemen and on their fire truck.

 

 

 

 

If you are interested in booking a fire hall tour as well, contact your city or town to book a day and time. It's a lot of fun!!

H & M Studio Collection

Last night I got invited to pre-shop The Autumn/ Winter 2014 Studio Collection at H & M in Toronto. This high fashion collection was presented for the first time during Paris Fashion Week in February. It isn't available at all locations including the city I live in so, I was lucky I got to go to this private event and grab some pieces before everything was sold out!

Here are some of my favourites from the collection:

 

 

To see more pieces from the collection and to find a store nearest you visit http://www.hm.com/ca

Main Street in Unionville

 

Whether you are from the Greater Toronto Area or you're coming to Toronto to visit I would make a point to check out Unionville in Markham, Ontario. I never knew Unionville existed until I met my husband. When we were dating he would always take me to Main Street for lunch. Main Street is a beautiful little strip filled with unique shops and restaurants. If you have a day in your weekend free, it's worth checking out. During the summer they decorate the streets with huge hanging baskets filled with gorgeous flowers. Most of the restaurants have cute little patios to sit outside for lunch/dinner or just to have a drink.

 

We were there this weekend so I took some pictures:

 

 

 

If you are looking for a good place to eat, I would recommend going to the Unionville Arms Pub & Grill. Great pub food- try the Greek Salad because it's amazing! We usually eat on the patio. 

 

 

This place is a must! Old Firehall Confectionery. This is why I get a salad at the pub because I have to go here directly after. I spend about 20 minutes deciding on what to get because I want everything. I took some pictures of what they have to offer which explains why.

 

  

 

 

 

Today they have the Unionville Heritage Festival going on from 10-5pm if you wanted to go and check it out. They are going to have historic demonstrations, live music, horse- drawn carriage rides, historic guided tours and more.

 

For more information on Unionville visit their website:  http://www.unionvilleinfo.com/