At the recent Vancouver Island Baby Fair (Sept. 25 & 26, 2010 in Victoria) we were so pleased to offer a free copy of Leah Douglas’ book The Gourmet Pregnancy to the first 40 people to arrive on Sunday morning. Leah sent us this guest post:

“There are two ways to live your life. One as though nothing is a miracle. The other as though everything is a miracle.” ~ Albert Einstein

I wish I could have joined you all at the fantastic Vancouver Island Baby Fair – but my second baby (our new little miracle) arrived on September 10^th, so I needed to stick close to home.  I’ve been focused on a few important things (like taking care of my new baby and active toddler, obviously!), as well as making healthy, easy and delicious meals to keep my own body nourished and energized.

Nearing the end of my second pregnancy, I started reflecting on how focused I have been on eating healthy and diverse foods during pregnancy – and how easy it would be to forget to keep it up with all the positive dietary changes I’ve made.  Lots of other things to do!

But perhaps I can think of my health, my needs, myself as another miracle.  I would want nothing less for my own daughters, if they choose to become moms.  It is a simple shift in thinking, but one that can certainly help me maintain my commitment to nourishing and nurturing foods.

Maintaining a healthy diet during pregnancy is so important, and I tried to eat a wide variety of nutritious foods. Between cravings, food aversions and morning sickness, I made every effort to focus on a balanced diet of protein, fruits and vegetables, calcium-rich dairy products, whole grains and good fats (such as those found in fish, olive oil, avocado and nuts).

The recipes in this book really helped me avoid the stress of eating the “right” foods by focusing on the sensual tastes of sumptuous meals. They’ve all be screened by a medical doctor to ensure they are safe to eat during pregnancy.

For all you beautiful pregnant gals – you may be giving up a lot during these nine special months, so perhaps it’s time to add in some excitement and culinary adventure. I hope the positive and luxurious focus of The Gourmet Pregnancy will help you to feel posh, sexy and connected with your body, baby and partner.

As a bonus, many people believe that exposing baby to lots of foods and flavours in utero is a surefire way to have a child who is open to eating lots of different foods. So why not have some fun with gourmet cooking? Celebrate your pregnant body, pamper your palate and start loving up your kitchen!

Now that this special time has ended for me, I will still delight in small servings of delicious, fabulous food that are truly and genuinely satisfying. I will always take pleasure in preparing and eating fantastic and healthy meals, and in spending time with friends and family.  So I will continue to use these great recipes that my family has come to know and love.

Pregnant or not, so many of The Gourmet Pregnancy recipes are quick, simple, and use fresh, wholesome, and seasonal ingredients.  For Fall, you might want to try the French Fusion Onion Soup (p. 100), the Spiced Caramelized Cauliflower and Candied Curry Pecan Salad (p.110), or the Sautéed Sablefish with Eggplant Caviar (p. 128).  Yum!

The Gourmet Pregnancy is available at Chapters, Indigo, Coles, Borders, and Amazon.com, as well as select local retailers.  You can also check out our website at www.gourmetpregnancy.com for great sample recipes.

What is the best change you made to your diet while pregnant?  Did you keep it up after your baby was born?  Let me know on Twitter (@gourmetprgnancy) or on Facebook. Your suggestion could inspire a recipe in the next edition of The Gourmet Pregnancy, with your name beside it!

Cheers,

Leah Douglas

The first 30 people through the doors of the Vancouver Island Baby Fair on Saturday (Sept. 25) morning get a free copy of the book “Hands off My Belly: The Pregnant Woman’s Survival Guide to Myths, Mothers and Moods” by Shawn A Tassone, MD & Kathryn M Landherr, MD!

And the first 40 people in on Sunday (Sept. 26) morning get a free copy of “The Gourmet Pregnancy,” a unique cookbook by Leah Douglas.

Plus, 2000 visitors will get a reusable Vancouver Island Baby Fair shopping bag which includes a bunch of great info and discounts from KidsinVictoria.com, Cat and Fiddle Kids, Miles of Smiles Child Care, Pizzeria Prima Strada, Health Canada, the Times Colonist, Children’s Education Funds Inc. the Kids’ Guide to Victoria, a coupon for two free classes at Mothering Touch Centre, and an issue of CHIRP magazine from Owlkids!
(Note: Full contents not guaranteed – some bags may not include all items)

Bobs & Lolo dropped into the CBC Victoria studio to do a segment on All Points West today while they’re in town for the Vancouver Island Baby Fair. If you missed it, listen here.

You can catch Bobs & Lolo live at 12pm and 2pm both Saturday and Sunday at the Vancouver Island Baby Fair, Sept. 25 & 26 at Pearkes Recreation Centre in Victoria.

Time to give away free stuff on the blog! Read on to see how to enter to win a Bobs & Lolo prize pack…

Juno-nominated favourites Bobs & Lolo will perform four shows over two days at the upcoming Vancouver Island Baby Fair in Victoria.

Bobs & Lolo grew up on Vancouver Island, and are dedicated to connecting kids to the natural world with music, movement and make-believe. Sharing musical stories that engage, inspire and educate, they teach kids to care about themselves, their neighbours and the planet.

Bobs and Lolo have won many awards, including numerous Parents’ Choice awards and the 2009 Western Canadian Music Award for Children’s Recording of the Year, and they were nominated at the 2010 Juno Awards for 2010 Children’s Album of the Year! Catch Bobs & Lolo’s regular appearances on Treehouse TV, and live at the Vancouver Island Baby Fair!

To enter to win a copy of Bobs & Lolo’s CD Action Packed, their DVD On Your Feet, plus some Bobs & Lolo stickers, simply add a comment to this blog post telling us what you’re most looking forward to at the 2010 Vancouver Island Baby Fair, Sept. 25 & 26 at Pearkes Rec Centre in Victoria. We’ll pick one commenter at random (Tonight, Thursday Sept. 23 at 9pm) to win the prize package.

Note that this is a moderated blog, so it may take some time before you see your post show up. Winner will be contacted at the email provided in the comment form. Your email address will not be visible publicly with your comment.

Contest is now closed. Stay tuned for future giveaways!

One of the fun parts of coming to the Vancouver Island Baby Fair is the chance to win some pretty amazing prizes. Many exhibitors will have great prize draws in their booths, plus we’ve lined up some huge prize packages for the photo contest, baby races, and grand prizes at the door.

New Parent Grand Prize – Value: $1835

• April Showers Cakes – Neutral design diaper cake ($60)
• Awesome Mommies – One year Awesome Mommies membership & onesie ($60)
• Baby Oopies – Newborn size bamboo nighttime cloth diaper & matching wool diaper cover ($75)
• BCAA Traffic Safety Foundation – BCAA Gift Card ($50)
• Bellies in Bloom Maternity – Posh Plus nursing pillow ($70)
• Blue Sky Photography – Two hour maternity photo session plus five 5×7 prints ($225)
• Camosun College Prenatal Program – 12 hour prenatal class series or weekend ($165)
• Elements of Health Centre – 45 min. massage with Jane Podmore ($65)
• Elizabeth Belfry, RMT, CIMT – Initial 30 minute massage treatment or use value towards infant massage lessons ($67)
• Hip Baby Victoria – Gift Card ($50)
• Hudson & Saige – Gift Certificate ($50)
• JamTots Baby & More Store – Baby Kangas one-size diaper with hemp stuffer, one change pad and one wet bag ($56)
• Jennifer Jonker Photography – Newborn package: newborn session, 25 custom-designed birth announcements, two 5×7 portraits ($350)
• Momma Goose Baby Care – New Mom package: Belly Butter Bar, Herbal Sitz Bath, Recovery Care, All Better Balm ($56)
• Mothering Touch Centre – $30 Gift Card & $50 punch card for classes ($80)
• Norwex Enviro Products – Antibacterial baby hooded towel set & antibacterial body pack ($50)
• Rosemary Brown-Tucker, RMT – CranioSacral Therapy session for baby or child ($75)
• Snugglings – Organic cotton/bamboo blankets & bib ($52)
• Tokyo Baby – Two pairs Monkey pants & leg warmers ($58)
• Wee Woolies – 100% pure NZ merino swaddle wrap ($50)
• Wobabybasics – Cosy Me Gift Set: Sleeping Cocoon & Hold Me bodysuit wrapped in Eco box ($72)

Parent & Tot Grand Prize – Value: $1652

• Abby Sprouts – Gift Certificate ($50)
• Awesome Mommies – One year Awesome Mommies membership & onesie ($60)
• Baby Jones – Boots & Bracelets ($50)
• BCAA Traffic Safety Foundation – BCAA Gift Card ($50)
• Bellies in Bloom Maternity – See Kai Run shoes ($36)
• Creative Exposure Photography – Maternity/family session plus proof album ($225)
• Elements of Health Centre – 60 min. acupuncture treatment with Jonna Eggerer ($100)
• Elizabeth Belfry, RMT, CIMT – Initial 30 minute massage treatment or use value towards infant massage lessons ($67)
• Fill Your Own – Eco-friendly lunchkit: stainless steel drink bottle, 2 stainless steel airtight food containers, reuseable lunch bag made from recycled water bottles ($50)
• Hip Baby Victoria – Gift Card ($50)
• Hudson & Saige – Gift Certificate ($50)
• Huckleberry Baby Shop – Echoes in the Attic tote bag & $10 Gift Certificate ($55)
• JamTots Baby & More Store – KangaSac Litterless Lunch System: lunch bag, 2 sandwich bags, 2 snack bags & 2 ice packs ($53)
• Jennifer Jonker Photography – Family package: family session plus 3 high resolution digital negatives ($350)
• Momma Goose Baby Care – New Baby Package: All Better Balm, Bottom Balm, Massage Oil & Sun Defence ($56)
• Norwex Enviro Products – Cleaning pack: antibacterial enviro cloth, dusting mitt, antibacterial window cloth ($50)
• Rosemary Brown-Tucker, RMT – CranioSacral Therapy session for baby or child ($75)
• ROCKBEBE – Gift Certificate ($50)
• School House – Gift Certificate ($50)
• St. Margaret’s School – Back to School gift basket: SMS lunch bag, pencil case, markers, coloured pencils ($60)
• Tutu Faboo – Custom tutu, fairy wing set & fairy wand ($65)

Every visitor to the Vancouver Island Baby Fair will receive one ballot at the door, and may enter it for either one of the two Grand Prizes. Deadline for entry is Sept. 26 at 4pm (at the close of the fair). Winners will be drawn after closing and notified, plus will be announced in our e-Newsletter, blog and/or website.

Baby Races Grand Prize (Saturday) – Value: $452

• Abby Sprouts – Two onesies & $15 Gift Certificate ($45)
• Awesome Mommies – 6 month Awesome Mommies membership & onesie ($45)
• BCAA Traffic Safety Foundation – Graco booster seat ($40)
• Bellies in Bloom Maternity – Leather See Kai Run booties ($36)
• Elements of Health Centre – 45 min. massage with Jane Podmore ($65)
• Mothering Touch Centre – Gift Card ($30)
• ROCKBEBE – Crib Shoe- baby’s first running shoe ($30)
• Rosemary Brown-Tucker, RMT – CranioSacral Therapy session for baby or child ($75)
• Tutu Faboo – Matching fairy wings and fairy wand ($35)
• Wobabybasics – Take Me Out Gift Set: Hold Me bodysuit, leggings & bandana scarf wrapped in eco box ($51)

Baby Races Grand Prize (Sunday) – Value: $493

• Abby Sprouts – Two onesies & $15 Gift Certificate ($45)
• April Showers Cakes – Neutral design diaper cake ($40)
• Bellies in Bloom Maternity – Leather See Kai Run booties ($36)
• Bo Dene’s Art – Gift Certificate ($30)
• Elements of Health Centre – 45 min. massage with Jane Podmore ($65)
• Elizabeth Belfry, RMT, CIMT – Initial 30 minute massage treatment or use value towards infant massage lessons ($67)
• Mothering Touch Centre – Gift Card ($30)
• ROCKBEBE – Crib Shoe- baby’s first running shoe ($30)
• Rosemary Brown-Tucker, RMT – CranioSacral Therapy session for baby or child ($75)
• School House – Gift Certificate ($30)
• Wobabybasics – Ready for the World gift set: Tickle Me all-in-one, Messy Me burp bib wrapped in eco box ($45)

Babies aged 5-11 months race in heats of 4-5 babies. Winner of each heat will receive a Savvy Squirrel Coupon Book ($10 value) and will move on to the final race. Final race winner’s family will receive the grand prize.

Photo Contest Grand Prizes

A $10 donation to the Greater Victoria Down Syndrome Society will get your chid an on-site portrait shoot with Jennifer Jonker Photography, a 5×7 print from your session after the fair, and enter you in the contest. One winner will be chosen in each of two categories: Baby (0-24 months) and Child (2-6 years)

Winner of Baby (0-24 months) category:

• Jennifer Jonker Photography – Family & Baby session plus 4 high resolution digital negatives & 2 11×14 mounted portaits ($695 value)
• BCAA Traffic Safety Foundation – $100 “Room Makeover” Gift Certificate from Cloverdale Paints
• Become the poster child for our next Baby Fair in Victoria
• Appear on the cover of Island Parent Magazine

Winner of Child (2-6 years) category:

• Jennifer Jonker Photography – Family & Baby session plus 4 high resolution digital negatives & 2 11×14 mounted portaits ($695 value)
• ROCKBEBE – Gift Certificate ($100)

If you missed Shirley Broback on CFAX 1070 this morning on Real Parenting, you can listen back to the interview here:

Real Parenting – Sept. 18, 2010

Tune in to Real Parenting on CFAX 1070 this morning between 10am-11am. Shirley Broback, producer of the Vancouver Island Baby Fair, will be on to talk about the upcoming fair next weekend – Sept. 25 & 26.

Plus, host Amy Bronee will speak with Stephanie Curran of Elements of Health Centre about using acupressure for labour – a preview of her talk on the main stage next weekend.

Listen live at CFAX website or tune in at 1070AM in Victoria.

About a year ago I was honoured to win the prestigious SavvyMom Entrepreneur of the Year award – a national contest put on by the wonderful online publication SavvyMom.ca. What an incredible year it has been!

I have learned so much, and have received such amazing exposure as a business person and for my event, the Vancouver Island Baby Fair.

Now that the 2010 contest is coming to a close this weekend, I want to be sure to once again thank all the amazing friends, clients, colleagues and supporters who helped me win this contest, and who have helped make the Vancouver Island Baby Fair a wonderful event celebrating the growing family.

I’d like to thank all the Vancouver Island Baby Fair exhibitors who supported me, asked their customers to vote for me, hosted events for me at their stores to campaign at and also those who participated at the Baby Fair.

Huge thanks to all my friends, family, Twitter and Facebook friends, and all of the wonderful community on Kids In Victoria. It is because you supported me & believed in me that I was able to win this award and benefit from all the wonderful prizes.

Extra big thanks to Sarah & Minnow at SavvyMom.ca and to all the incredible businesses who provided the prizing – Ann from Clear Concept, Jeanette at Limelite PR, Martha from Canadian Nanny and Veronica from Eighty8 Online. Your wisdom and generosity has benefitted me in such a huge way. I could never thank you enough.

Please take a few minutes to browse through the amazing mom entrepreneurs who are running to become the 2010 SavvyMom Entrepreneur of the Year, and show your support by voting! Voting closes at midnight (EST) on Sunday, Sept. 12.

I can’t wait to find out who wins – as the 2009 winner, I get to mentor the winner over the coming year!

It’s back! Our most popular e-Newsletter giveaway ever is back this week… the Strider running bike from West Coast Strider Sales!

As always, this giveaway is exclusive to people who receive our e-Newsletter – a monthly inside scoop on the Vancouver Island Baby Fair –  you can be the first to know about Baby Fair announcements and we always have a giveaway to offer to subscribers only.

In recent issues, we’ve given away subscriptions to Chirp magazine and a $50 gift certificate to Abby Sprouts…

In our next e-Newsletter going out the morning of Friday, Sept. 10, we’re giving away one of these cool West Coast Strider Bikes! To sign up, fill out the form over in the right-hand column of the blog, or visit our e-Newsletter sign-up page.

Strider Running Bike

Skip the tricycle and the training wheels!
Strider running bikes are two wheeled bikes designed to allow your child to teach themselves to balance on two wheels, without the interference of pedals or chains. Weighing only 6.9 lbs and with a seat that lowers to just 11″ from the ground, children as young as 12 months up to 5 years (50 lbs) can easily handle the Strider running bike and gain the confidence they need to balance on two wheels. Stand back and watch as they teach themselves to balance. You will be amazed!  Strider running bikes come in six vibrant colors: Red, Blue, Green, Pink, Orange and Yellow.

Your preschooler can come try out a West Coast Strider bike in the Kids Corner at the upcoming Vancouver Island Baby Fair, September 25 & 26, 2010 at Pearkes Rec Centre in Victoria, but in the meantime, check out their website for full details on these great bikes!

At each of our events, the Vancouver Island Baby Fair partners with a local charity to benefit from fundraising through donations at the stroller parking, face painting, and the photo contest. For the upcoming Victoria fair on September 25 & 26, 2010, we have chosen the Greater Victoria Down Syndrome Society. The following post was contributed by the GVDSS.

By Carol N.

The Greater Victoria Down Syndrome Society is thrilled to be this year’s charity of choice for the Baby Fair!  We are very excited to be able to advocate for our wonderful members, raise awareness about Down syndrome, and share in the joy and excitement of the Baby Fair with all of you!

This year we will have some art cards for sale at the booth.  The purpose of the art cards is to raise awareness about the GVDSS, while at the same time raise money to help support one of our very special programs:  Music Therapy, which is run in collaboration with Dr. Johanne Brodeur at the Victoria Conservatory of Music.

On a Personal Note:  Our Story

When our son Aidan came into our lives, many people said, “God gives these kids to special families.”  I didn’t contradict them, but I did think they had it backwards.  I felt very certain that Aidan would make us live a better life.  Now, four years later, I stand by that notion.

Aidan reminds us not to take life for granted.  He reminds us to celebrate life, give thanks for all that we’ve got, and not to sweat the small stuff.   Our family and friends rally around Aidan.

We celebrate each of his accomplishments – like walking at three years of age; trying to go potty; using sign language to communicate with us; putting words together; learning to drink from a straw; doing fingerplays and action songs; kicking a soccer ball;  cheering for his preschool teacher at circle time; and blowing a kiss to the check-out lady.

Since Aidan’s birth, I’ve had an opportunity to meet a lot of people who have a person with Down syndrome in their life.  I’m reminded that our children are all unique, and all special.  They are not cookie-cut outs of each other – they are as individual as you and me.  In each of those conversations, one thing has been consistent: not one of us would trade our children for anything; we love them just the way they are.