A reader emailed me to ask if I’d post a list of community garage sales like last year‘s, so here we go! I’ll add more as I hear about them and feel free to leave a comment with other suggestions. The list includes town-wide sales for some of the small towns near to Winnipeg as well.

Niverville – May 2, 2015

Whyte Ridge – May 9, 2015

Woodhaven – May 9, 2015

Sage Creek – May 23, 2015

Royalwood – May 30, 2015

Glenelm – May 30, 2015

Linden Woods — June 6, 2015

Normand Park — June 6th, 2015

Lorette – June 6, 2015

Island Lakes – September 12, 2015

Midwifery… I sometimes think either you love it, or you don’t understand it… because if you did, you would love it too! With the International Day of the Midwife coming up on May 5, the Women’s Health Clinic ran a neat interview with two Manitoba midwives that looks at the state of midwifery in Manitoba: how it’s unique, what are its challenges, misconceptions the profession would like to see corrected, what they see for the future of midwifery in Manitoba, and more.

Read the interview here: Celebrating Midwifery in Manitoba

P.S. The Midwives Association of MB is hosting a celebration for International Day of the Midwife on May 5th at the Birth Centre! See facebook for more details!

A cool event is taking place this Friday at the Forks Market: the Naturally Mom & Me Showcase runs April 24 from 9:30 am -5:00 pm.

“You love your baby more than words can express and you only want the best for them. Welcome to the first ever Naturally Mom & Me Showcase, a free day of all things natural for you and your baby. Come check out some of the top eco-friendly baby products, sit in on sessions like Baby Wearing, and enter to win some great prizes.”

Generation Green is one of the event sponsors. Here’s some more info from them:

“Our local manufacturers will be showcasing their “Made in Manitoba” products that cater to moms, babies & children. Come out meet these creators, find out information on the benefits of using their products, receive discounts & special deals this day only! We are setting up shop in the Fork’s beautiful atrium, where we will also have scheduled presentations on nursing, nutrition, doula services, attachment parenting information, along with baby wearing demonstrations. Everyone in attendance will be entered to win an amazing basket filled with products donated from our manufacturers. We have chosen to also support the North End Women’s Center, by accepting donations for admission. They are currently in need of baby receiving blankets, or a voluntary monetary donation of choice is also acceptable.”

See the full schedule of sessions here.

The 2015 Moms & Kids Show takes place in just a couple days, this Saturday, April 18, at the Viscount Gort Hotel from 10am to 5pm.

This event is in its second year. Here’s what Leanne at Modern Mama Winnipeg (an event sponsor) had to say about it:

“The show is here not only connect local families, parents and children to the products and services that they need, but also to give back to the community.

This year, a part of the proceeds from the show are going to be donated to supporting and improving the lives of those less fortunate in our local community.

Along with Modern Mama Wpg, a long list of exhibitors for Moms and Kids will be at the show.  Among those being, Gymboree Play & Music, Health Canada, MACFE, Forever Living, Sparkle Tattoo, Time for Bed Sleep Solutions, Usborne Book Canada and so many more!

My Gym St. Vital is sponsoring a play section for the event, and there is planned to be a diaper changing station as well!

Throughout the day, Baby Crawl Races will be featured, and any baby who is crawling but cannot yet walk can enter! Last Year, My littlest man took home 1st place and it was so exciting!”

Looks like lots of fun! Hope all attendees and exhibitors have a wonderful time!

Winnipeg’s baby and family services scene is always changing, and it’s nice to see a business expanding its offerings! Bean Family Wellness is one such company that I’m excited to share today.

Its founder, Ilissa Kolly, who previously ran Simply Beautiful Childbirth Services, has combined that business with her photography business, and added a bunch of new services and products into one company that focuses on wellness from pregnancy through the early years.

Here’s a look at what’s offered through Bean Family Wellness:

• Doula services
• Birth wishes consultations
• Birth and newborn photography (Imagery by Bean)
• Free support groups: More Milk: Before Birth & Early Postpartum Preparation Support Group & Winnipeg Positive Birth Group
• An online boutique offering sales and rentals of items such as
  • Ameda breast pump rentals and accessories (Ameda rental and retail depot)
  • Pumping bras
  • TENS machines
  • Birth in a Box Eco pool and accessories

Bean Family Wellness is based in Niverville, and offers free pickup locally as well as in several surrounding towns, and free pickup in South Winnipeg once a week. Shipping and doorstep delivery options are also available. See the FAQ for more info.

A little more about Ilissa and her company:

“Bean Family Wellness is a member of the Canadian Birth Photographers Association and the International Association of Professional Birth Photographers. Bean Family Wellness also offers volunteer services through The Tiny Footprints Project, a project supporting families with premature babies living in the NICU.

Ilissa Kolly, owner of Bean Family Wellness is the founder and manager of The Art of Breastmilk Project, a project of Bean Family Wellness.”

She notes that she is currently completing her Childbirth Education Certification through Birth Arts International, and her Certified Herbalist Certification through Heart of Herbs.

Find Bean on Twitter: @BeanWellness and Facebook: Bean Family Wellness with Imagery by Bean

Congratulations, Ilissa, on your ever-growing business!

Have you heard about Jamberry? This is a neat line of “nail wraps” that gives you a polished manicure look with very little time and effort – and there’s no odors, no chemicals, and no animal testing. Samantha Bruce, a local Jamberry rep, is hosting a fundraiser party to support the awesome local charity You Can’t Spoil a Baby.

The party runs until April 10 and there are a ton of fun perks for anyone who participates, like bonus gifts, trivia contests, and special promos (buy 3 get 1 free). Plus if you live locally and are willing to pick up your order, you can save the cost of shipping! With hundreds of designs to choose from, I’m sure there are one or two that appeal to you!

Check out the party now to support this wonderful organization and get glam for spring!

Spring is a great time for kids’ used clothing and gear sales around Winnipeg. Here’s a quick look at a few sales that are coming up. Leave a comment if you know of others!

River Park South Y Neighbor Used Toy & Clothing Sale – April 11th – 9am – 12:30pm

St. Vital Y Neighbours Children’s Used Toy and Clothing Sale – April 18th – 9am -12pm

St James Y Neighbours Used Toy & Clothing Sale – April 18 – 9am to 12pm

Manitoba Families of Multiples Spring Sale – April 25th – 10:30am to 1:30pm

The Spring Swap – April 25th – 9am to 1:30pm

ChildCycle – May 1 & 2, 2015

Sage Creek Residents Association Garage Sale – May 23 – 8am to 3pm