Binky Magazine Volume 04

BINKY A LIFESTYLE GUIDE TO THE MAGIC YEARS

CONSCIOUS GIVING THIS HOLIDAY

MEET THE MINIATURE MULRONEYS HEDVIG ALEXANDER FAR AND WIDE COLLECTIVE

WWW.BINKYMAGAZINE.COM

SPARKLES IN THE ATTIC CHILDREN’S EDITORIAL

Nº4 HOLIDAY EDITION

BESPOKE BABY PHOTOGRAPHY

bonjour@modernbabyphoto.com

modernbabyphoto.com

COVER

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JESSICA MULRONEY AND HER 3 BEAUTIFUL CHILDREN TALK ABOUT THE HOLIDAYS

Editor Making room for the magic of the holidays Contributors

26 Social Binky Magazine’s fun collaboration with GapKids for the launch of Kate Spade + Jack Spade

10 Editor’s Picks Knock on wood

Holiday Trends from our stylish mommy

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18

24

Travel

Editorial Sparkles in the Attic

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table of contents.

well hello

GIVING BACK Meet Hedvig Alexander, founder of Far & Wide Collective

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Je Taime What makes Amy Poole, founder of Randolph & Third, smile

Artist Principal Dancer with the National Ballet of Canada, Heather Ogden

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ASK THE EXPERTS How to unleash the creativity in the 0-6 set

88 KIDS COURNER This is London

BINKY GIVEAWAY Fabulous prizes to be given away to the winners of our Binky Magazine Give Away contest on instagram 6 • www.binkymagazine.com

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table of contents.

well hello

BESPOKE BABY PHOTOGRAPHY bonjour@modernbabyphoto.com

modernbabyphoto.com

Editor The holidays are around the corner and as a parent of two little ones, I always have mixed feelings. First and foremost, I’m excited and want to make memories that will last forever. On the other hand, I feel the anxiety mounting because it’s up to me to make it happen.

well underway. Halloween is behind us, and my girls and I are talking about all the fun that is to come: The Nutcracker, the holiday parties, the fancy dress-up brunch where Santa makes an appearance on a golf cart pulled by Rudolph, the Elf on the Shelf... and on and on.

I distinctly remember the night I realized that it was going to be up to me to make the holidays magical for my family. My girls, who were now old enough to “get” Christmas, were sleeping upstairs, my husband was at work, and I was downstairs doing some kind of household chore. It struck me that the “sparkle” of the holidays doesn’t just appear—it has to be created and nurtured.

And I knew with just as much certainty how much I wanted my children to experience all kinds of holiday magic. It then dawned on me that, considering our intensely busy household, it was all going to fall on my shoulders: I was the one who was going to have to make it all happen.

It’s all about creating your family’s traditions, balancing holiday “obligations” with fun, and carving out time to celebrate. It is about harnessing the bubbling excitement from the wee ones in our lives—and remembering the true “spirit” of the season.

Now that I have a few holidays under my belt as a mother of two, the traditions are

I am trying to take time to enjoy the anticipation of what’s to come, and realizing that “this is it”. This. Is. It. We are smack dab in the middle of the magic years. And, as for the holidays, I think for once I can say - I’ve got this.

We hope that whatever your traditions, whether established or just being formulated, that you and your family cherish those perfect moments this holiday season and take them with you for always.

Letter From The Editor LARA TEOLI 8 • www.binkymagazine.com

www.minimodelgallery.com

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Contributors.

Hedvig Alexander spent seven years in Afghanistan working in international development, where she met her husband, Chris Alexander.

Hedvig and Chris moved to Canada where he works in federal politics, and they have two beautiful little girls. While working abroad, Hedvig found that even the most talented craftswomen and men could not connect with buyers abroad. Out of this need sprung her decision to create an online market place that would focus entirely on bringing a new segment of makers to the international market, approproately named Far & Wide Collective.

Natalie Von Teichman is a mother of four boys under four years old, including twins. After 12 years of working at Pfizer, Natalie decided to stay at home with her boys and work along side her husband, Andrew von Teichman (Vonterra Enterprises) in the wine industry. Despite having three of her four boys in diapers and spending endless hours just trying to get out of the house in the morning -she loves being a part of it! Â She is unwavering about manners and runs a tight ship but she believes that this is the job of which she is the most proud. that she will be most proud.

www.farandwidecollective.com

www.unionwines.com

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Miriam Nazar is a formr PR Director of V Del Sol swimwear who then founded ME STYLE, a Toronto-based company that sells high-end and couture costume jewelry at pop-up shops and private sales in Toronto, New York and Dubai.

With a discerning eye she delivers a bold and tightly edited jewelry collection every season. Fashion is her second baby after her daughter Chloe. www.shopmestyle.ca

Dr. Kathleen Regan and Dr. Angelina Riopel are both doctors of Naturopathic Medicine and co-founders of Innate Wellness.

At Innate Wellness, Kathleen and Angelina bring you a fresh health shop experience with professional naturopathic advice, and in-store consults. They  are committed to bringing their clients the best of natural medicine, whole foods, clean beauty and lifestyle products. www.innatewellness.ca

Amy Poole former Slavin Raephal brand rep is now the founder of Randolph & Third, a residential interior design firm based in Toronto. Amy strives to create spaces that are contemporary and stylish while incorporating a mixture of modern and rustic elements. She is the proud mother to Elle and is excited to be welcoming a new baby to the family this winter. www.randolphandthird.com

Nikki Goldman Stroh is the owner and director of Seasons Family Centre. An arts based centre for all ages that aims at helping develop your creativity.

Nikki completed a diploma in photography, a degree in psychology and a post-graduate program at the Toronto Art Therapy Institute as well as becoming a Registered Canadian Art Therapist. Nikki has been published in several national magazines and enjoys speaking engagements about the importance of creativity in our lives.

www.seasonsfamilycentre.com

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BINKY Editor Contributing Editor Design & Art Direction Photography Fashion Conributor Styling Assistant Stylist Makeup & Hair

Lara Teoli Melissa Picken Vanessa Wiktorczyk Modern Baby Miriam Nazar Melissa Picken Eve Audrey Mayrand Civello Kate Brooks

All rights reserved @ 2014 Binky Magazine

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PLUS explore the Kidville Boutique for fun toys & fashion for kids!

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www.kidville.ca

kidville holiday pop-up shop November 24, 2014 - December 24, 2014 9:00am - 6:00pm Join us at Kidville - Yonge Lawrence Village to shop a well-crafted selection of holiday gifts from brika.com

KNOCK ON WOOD PEG DOLLS Goose Grease Peg Doll Family. This custom painted family of dolls is just adorable. It’s hand crafted and made to last a lifetime.

www.goosegreaseshop.com

CONCENTRATION GAME Memory Match 16 Wooden Concentration Game by Kid O These natural wood boards hold 4 double sided cards for 8 different games which are equally beautiful as they are fun. www.kidotoys.com

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www.bonjourbabybaskets.com

KNOCK ON WOOD

BALANCING GAME Des Enfantillages Balancing Game Des Enfantillages is a collection of kids’ toys handmade in Montreal.

This is a fun balancing game for kids to stack as high as they can...

www.desenfantillages.com

BLOCKS Little Sapling Toys These toys are hand crafted in the US out of high qulaity hardwoods and for every toy sold, Little Sapling plants a tree. www.littlesaplingtoys.com

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www.aniandwren.com

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STYLISH MOM

NATALIE VON TEICHMAN

HAIR & MAKEUP : CIVELLO

STYLISH MOM

Sunglasses: I have four children under four years old. I drive a mini van. Need I say more? Here is the answer to how you can drive a mini van with style: Wear GREAT eyewear!

May Lindstrom Skin: The Problem Solver. This cream comes out of the jar jet-black and is so full of antioxidants that it just “has” to work!

Wine: As the cool weather closes in, there is nothing better than a big glass of red wine to get you through zoo hour!

Rag & Bone Boot. These boots go with anything and are shockingly comfortable.

They are my go-to boot once the weather turns cold.

Nars Lipstick: This Nars Red is perfect for the holidays and no matter what I’m wearing, this lipstick provides a pick-meup and makes me feel festive.

"The Style Hunter". With my busy lifestyle, I need to stay current with fashion but don't always have the time to hit the stores myself. I use "style box" deliveries where I tell The Style Hunter what I want and they find it for me and send it in a style box, delivered to my front door. Best part is that I don’t pay for shipping at all! It is so easy.

www.thestylehunter.com

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Luxury gift baskets for babies bonjourbabybaskets.com

www.bonjourbabybaskets.com

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www.innatewellness.ca

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WELLNESS

A healthy path during the holidays JINGLE BELLS! IT’S HOLIDAY SEASON… A MIXTURE OF JOY AND PANIC FOR MANY BUSY FAMILIES.

by Kathleen Regan, ND & Angelina Riopel, ND

We asked naturopathic doctors and owners of Innate Wellness, Angelina Riopel, ND and Kathleen Regan, ND, for some ways to help Moms make it through the holiday season.

How can we manage our cravings with so many sweets around?

Angelina: Don’t skip meals, especially breakfast. When we’re busy its easy to go for long periods of time without eating, then blood sugar plummets and hunger hits…. Holiday goodies are everywhere, that’s what we go for! Eating regular, balanced meals will allow you to maintain selfcontrol.

Kathleen: Try taking herbal bitters. Bitters help to promote

digestion and elevate the mood, which decreases binging or compulsive snacking. Bitters are taken in a bit of water and sipped before meals. They can also be taken whenever you are craving sweets.

Is there something we can take to help cope with chaotic holiday schedules?

Angelina: With all your planning make sure to schedule some time for yourself. Take a warm bath or fit a yoga class into the day. Taking a time-out will help you keep balanced and energized.

Kathleen: Take 5 minutes each day just to breath. When things get

WELLNESS

crazy we tend to hold our breath, which stops oxygen from getting to our organs and muscles. This can heighten our sense of mental and physical fatigue.

What do you recommend from Innate to take the edge off stress this season?

Angelina: Kat Burki’s Raw Body Butter and Sugar Scrub. Both are made with raw, organic oils that deeply moisturize and smell amazing!

Kathleen: 100% Pure Jasmine Absolute by Intelligent Nutrients.

This scent is addictive! Its no wonder since Jasmine has been used traditionally to promote selfawareness and elevate mood.

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TRAVEL

DESTINATION COLD

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3

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5 7 6 1. Ruffled Sleeve blouse, Simone Rocha 2. Earrings, Erickson Beamon 3.Leather Pant, Helmut Lang 4. Coat, Helen Yarmak, 5. Ankle boots, Fianvito Rossi 6. Necklace, Erickson Beamon 7. Handbag, Chanel

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TRAVEL

HOT

1 2

3 4

6 5

1. Shoes, Tom Ford 2. Crop top, Michael Lo Sordo 3.Skirt, Vika Gazinskaya 4. Earrings, Iradj Moini 5. Ring, Mesi Jilly 6. Clutch, Mary Katrantzou Curated by Miriam Nazar

SOCIAL This month BINKY Magazine celebrated along side GAPKIDS for the Launch of their Kate Spade + Jack Spade kids PHOTOS : MODERN BABY

Children were welcomed and enjoyed the colourful treats table and hamming it up in front of the step and repeat. Although none of the celebrations outshone the adorable collection of clothing which was perfectly timed for the holidays.

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PARTY STYLE

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SOCIAL

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SOCIAL

Lola and Ollie are sparkling in their GapKids + Kate Spade + Jack Spade Collection. Having the chance to photograph these two beauties for the GapKids collaboration was a pure treat.

SOCIAL

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SOCIAL

SOCIAL

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Je T’aime

Amy Poole is the founder of Randolph & Third, a residential interior design firm based in Toronto. Amy strives to create spaces that are contemporary and stylish while incorporating a mixture of modern and rustic elements. She is the proud mother to Elle and is excited to be welcoming a new baby to the family this winter. In the midst of her very busy day, we asked Amy to take a few moments to reflect on what makes her smile.

Je T’aime

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Je T’aime

AMY POOLE

1. Grabbing absolutely anything from Greenhouse Juice Co and walking up to L’Atelier.

2. Those sourcing days when a design scheme suddenly comes together.

3. Anything Massimo Vitali framed in white with crisp white matting 4. For me, there is no better city in the world for decor inspiration, or any inspiration for that matter, than Manhattan.

5. Chicken Chica’ pulled chicken on a gluten free wrap from the Elte Cafe.

6. Playing with scale.

7. Resin art. Cover anything with a resin coating and you have perfection.

8. The calm, clean crisp lines of modern design mixed with soft, lush texture and small hits of pastel colour.

9. Reveal day! The look on my client’s face when they see their new space for the first time.

10. Taking my 4 year old daughter Elle with me on sourcing trips. I call her my little assistant and she takes it quite seriously. I think that makes me smile the most. Although, the day usually ends with me having to buy her something new for her room to “make it fair” as she puts it. The apple doesn’t fall far...

www.randolphandthird.com

www.darlingandninth.com

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GIVING BACK

HEDVIG ALEXANDER Tell us a little about yourself? Â I grew up in Denmark and decided to join the Danish army after high school. It is not mandatory for women to go into the armed forces in Denmark, but I somehow did not quite feel ready for university. We were a small group and there was a lot of physical training, but we were also taught intensive Russian language, politics, and history.

When I graduated as a first lieutenant 24 38 • www.binkymagazine.com

months later, I went to Russia to work for two years before starting business school back in Copenhagen.

When I graduated from university I joined a small contingent of Danish officers going to the Republic of Georgia (Caucasus) as UN Military Observers. I was the only woman amongst the 106 observers.

GIVING BACK

While I had experienced a lot of international relations in action, I wanted to learn more about the theory and policy so I entered into a Masters program in International Relations at Yale University. While at Yale, 9/11 happened and the US forces embarked on Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan — getting rid of the Taliban that had terrorized Afghanistan and its people for almost six years. I followed events in Afghanistan closely and decided that once I graduated I would go to Kabul.

A month later, in July 2002, there I was.

How did you come to start Far & Wide Collective?

I met my husband in Kabul. At the time he was the Canadian Ambassador to Afghanistan. Afghanistan can be a very romantic place. After we met we stayed in Afghanistan and only left when I was seven months pregnant and really did need to leave.

A few months later – after giving birth in Denmark – I landed in Ajax, Ontario. One afternoon I was sitting in my new home, staring out on Lake Ontario thinking, “From Kabul to Ajax – what on earth am I going to do with myself here?” I had only ever worked

in developing and conflict countries – there really was not much need for my skills where I was now. I had to reinvent myself.

In Kabul I had helped to set up and run and NGO called Turquoise Mountain, which began my interest in artisans and crafts. Turquoise Mountain was reviving Afghan arts, crafts and architecture by reviving a large part of the old city of Kabul — and starting four schools training a new generation of young Afghans in architectural wood work, jewelry, ceramics and calligraphy.

At Turquoise Mountain we had begun to produce and sell abroad but it was hard both

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GIVING BACK

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GIVING BACK

to be good at design, product development, and production while at the same time connecting with customers abroad and building sales. It was very hard to connect with the fast-paced North American retail world from inside Afghanistan. I decided to start a business that would exclusively focus on helping craft producers and artisans connect to buyers in North America. This was how Far & Wide Collective was born.

What is your goal with the Collective?

Given the current demand for high quality and well-designed crafts, the objective of Far & Wide Collective is to match demand

and supply through a business model that supports and enables artisans. The grand ambition is to lift a whole new segment of producers and artisans – who have had no access to the international market – into the global economy. If we can do this we can make a difference in thousands of peoples lives – especially in the lives of women.

If women thrive, and are able to earn a decent living, there is a proven trickle-down effect. Their families and communities thrive.

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How has becoming a mother changed you?

As I am sure most women will agree, becoming a mother changes life and us fundamentally. I think it is very demanding – at times exhausting – but it is the most wonderful thing that could ever have happened. And the love I feel for our children is a very special love that transcends everything else.

I still have all the interests I had before I had children, and perhaps an even bigger desire to make a difference. The challenge is to structure life so there is both time for children and the things that matter to you outside the family. It is not easy and something every woman is struggling with —from Sheryl Sandberg and Hilary Clinton — to my neighbours in Ajax.

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Do you still travel to war-torn regions now that you have children?

I do, but I feel very nervous every time before I leave. I think about what would happen to my girls if something happened to me. But as soon as I land in Afghanistan I seem to slip into my old life and have a wonderful time. It seems like two very separate worlds.

When I went back to Kabul for the first time after my eldest daughter was born, I asked my mother for advice. She said: “You should do what will make you happy for the best gift you can give your children is happy and fulfilled parents”.

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GIVING BACK

Shop with a conscience this holiday season.

Gifts that transform lives from Far & Wide Collective.

Quilt Turquoise and cream embroidered, Pakistan from $139

www.farandwidecollective.com

Print Limited Edition, Afghanistan from $85

Necklace Gold Plate with Lapis & Turquoise, Afghanistan/India, from $185

Pillow Turtle Back Throw, Uzbekistan from $89 Bracelet Turquoise Star, Afghantistan/India from $48

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GIVING BACK

Striped Basket, Yellow & Pink, Kenya from $145

Dipping Bowl, Green Check, Uzbekistan from $19

Jali “Lattice” tray, Afghanistan from $149

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THE MULRONEYS WITH THE HOLIDAYS APPROACHING, JESSICA TOLD US A BIT ABOUT WHAT SHE AND HER FAMILY DO TO MAKE THIS TIME SPECIAL. PHOTOS: MODERN BABY HAIR & MAKEUP : CIVELLO

Ivy is wearing a Kleinfeld HBC Pink Collection flower girl dress.

Style Collette Cap Sleeve.

COVER

Jessica Mulroney has

always been one of those people you are drawn to—wherever she goes, people look. She is a gorgeous mother of three, and is married to the charismatic anchor of CTV’s hit news entertainment newsmagazine, eTalk, Ben Mulroney. This is quite simply a beautiful family.

This is also a clearly busy household. Jessica works for Kleinfeld Bridal at Hudson’s Bay in public relations and marketing, is the Canadian distributor for La Perla and Cosabella, and is extremely active in the charity she co-founded, the Shoebox Project.

Most importantly, she is a handson mother to her 4-year-old twin boys (John and Brian), and 2-year-old daughter, Ivy. Add to that a very full social calendar and there is not a lot of downtime in the Mulroney schedule.

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Despite their very full lives, you need only spend five minutes with Jessica and her children to know that this is a happy household where laughter is the norm.

With the holidays approaching, Jessica told us a bit about what she and her family do to make this time special. Jessica and Ben are maintaining the traditions of their parents: Christmas with the Mulroneys in Florida one year, and Christmas/Chanukah in Montreal with Jessica’s family the Brownsteins the next. Jessica says that the goal is to make her children feel comfortable and to have warm memories of them both so that when they get older, they can carry both traditions on in their own way. It is less about presents and more about time with family that matters.

COVER

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Jessica is wearing a black tulle embroidered dress

by Claire Pettibone, style Raven available at Kleinfeld HBC. Brian & John are wearing J.Crew.

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Brian & John are wearing Akid Brand Shoes, knight in blue camo and H&M Clothing.

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JESSICA’S

SHOEBOX PROJECT The Shoebox Project is now a national initiative and will provide gifts to women in need right across Canada.

An important part of the holidays includes Jessica’s family charity, the Shoebox Project. It’s goal is to provide some special gifts, and a much needed emotional boost, for mothers who are living in shelters over the holidays. While the holidays bring toy drives for the little ones, their mothers are often overlooked. Now those of us looking to give-back during the holidays can fill up a small box with special items just for Mom. This deceptively simple idea has taken off.

Jessica launched the Shoebox Project in Toronto in 2011, teaming up with her sisters-

in-law Vanessa, Katy and Caroline. All the sisters-in-law try to get the whole family involved. Hundreds of boxes are put together in their basements right before the holidays, and when the children get old enough, they participate which makes it even more special.

The Shoebox Project is now a national initiative and will provide gifts to women in need right across Canada. Check out www.shoeboxproject.com for more information on how to get involved.

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JULE’S BASKETS Beautiful shoebox prepared by Jule’s Baskets. Health conscious curated gift baskets. www.julesbaskets.com

LOCAL ARTIST

LOCAL ARTIST

Dancing Her Way To Motherhood GONE ARE THE DAYS WHEN HAVING A BABY AS A BALLERINA WAS SEEN AS A CAREER LIMITING MOVE PHOTOS: MODERN BABY

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Heather Ogden is at the top of her game. Hailing from British Columbia,

Heather joined the National Ballet of Canada in 1998 and has been a Principal Dancer since 2005. She has since danced principal roles in too many ma jor ballets to mention. She is married to her love, Guillaume Côté (also a Principal Dancer in the same company)—and they are about to welcome their first child during the holidays.

Their romance is truly the stuff of ballets.

We met Heather on her first day of maternity leave—and to say she was glowing is an understatement! Having taught ballet classes right up to her third trimester, she is moving into this next phase of her life with the full support of her company. Gone are the days when having a baby as a ballerina was seen as a career-limiting move. In fact, motherhood is thought to open up a whole range of emotion, which can translate to the stage.

Motherhood is the “new normal” at the

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National Ballet with 4 of the 6 Principal Dancers being moms (Heather will be the 5th). In the company, almost 1/3 of all female dancers are mothers and after Heather’s baby arrives, the National Ballet will boast 16 children of active dancers.

After settling into a routine with her little one, Heather will decide when her body is ready to dance again. We can all expect to see her bringing her new experiences to the stage sometime in the new year.

The National Ballet has launched its 2014/15 season with two of the greatest dramatic masterworks created; Kenneth MacMillan’s Manon has just finished its successful run, and next is John Neumeier’s Nijinsky (November 22-30, 2014). Toronto’s favourite holiday tradition, The Nutcracker, runs from December 13, 2014 – January 3.

Heather wears a Joie Cashmere blend high low sweater in heather sterling. available at Ani + Wren

www.national.ballet.ca

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Now available at:

SPORTING LIFE, CORBETTS and SQUIRE JOHNS

www.buckandcook.com

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www.shopmestyle.ca

Coco is wears GapKids Deer Print dress. The Hucklebones faux fur collar and Mini Melissa sugar rain rhino boots available at Minimodel Gallery.

SPARKLES in the

ATTIC PHOTOS MODERN BABY & STYLING MELISSA PICKEN

Margot wears an adorable hat with cat ears from Zara Kids, and a Mini Mioche empire pleated tunic in heather grey.

Adrienna wears a mustard cardigan from Jacadi and floral dress from Zara Kids.

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Bowie is snuggled in his GapKids Fair Isle Trapper hat, a fleece lined buttoned short coat from Zara Kids and Mini Mioche slim pants in mustard, with Ugg boots. Trophy and crate from Love The Design.

Adrienna is adorable in Woodstock London Gold sequins mouse ears available at Minimodel Gallery, and a Jacadi Girls suit and blouse.

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Little John Bow Tie from Mini Mioche, GapKids Chambray shirt, and Intarsia cardigan with toggles, slim fit trousers and soft leather boots, from Zara Kids

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Tuck Shop Co muskoka toque from Love The Design, Beau Loves Raglan Jumper from Minimodel Gallery, checked trousers with suspenders from Zara Kids, and Toms Canvas Paseo shoes from Mini Mioche.

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Beautiful Hucklebones Berry scalloped jacket is from Minimodel Gallery, stars skirt from Zara Kids, and blouse and shoes all Jacadi. Antlers from Love The Design

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Bobo Choses star pant from Minimodel Gallery, Zara blouse and a fur pom toque from My Mila, shoes from Zara Kids.

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Bang Bang Copenhagen Bow Peep Dress available at Minimodel Gallery, paired with classic Jacadi shoes.

Flower print trouser from Zara Kids, Mini Mioche empire pleated tunic and boots from Jacadi

Vest from Jacadi, floral dress from Zara Kids, socks from Benneton and GapKids ballet flars.

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Mila Ruffle strap jumper in navy dot corduroy and organic cotton nautical Tee both by Mabo

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FIN

Wool and Sherpa cape by Mabo, and Mini Mioche empire pleated tunic.

LOCAL EXPERT

TEACHING CREATIVITY It used to be that a high school diploma combined with an undergraduate degree virtually guaranteed a promising career.

“Used to be” is the operative term.

However, many people these days have graduate degrees and still can’t find jobs.

How does this bode for our children?

What will their job market look like?

Unlike previous generations, our children will require a new creative thought process to build careers for themselves.

And we, as parents and caregivers can nurture that creativity in our wee ones from the moment they open their eyes.

Creativity is important for young children; creating something with their own hands leads to a sense of accomplishment and

pride. Taking nothing and molding it into something builds confidence. The more they create, the more their feelings of self-worth and individuality grow.

For some of us, the idea of encouraging creativity in our children may seem daunting. Perhaps you don’t see yourself as a creative person; perhaps you associate creativity with only with artistic endeavors. Don’t be fooled by that notion. We can be creative in the way we manage our finances, in gardening, in cooking, in just about anything.

Consider these helpful tips when trying to encourage your child to be creative:

Words by Nikki Goldman Stroh & Photography: Modern Baby

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TODDLER Children are innately creative. Give a child a paper towel roll and see how many different things it can become in 5 minutes: a spaceship, a trumpet, an elephant trunk — the sky is the limit! Get some basic art supplies and sit with your child for 10 minutes. Talk to your child about what they are creating and see where their imagination takes them. Sensory bins are great ways for toddlers to learn through play. Children easily turn piles of sand into enchanted forests and soapy water into underwater caves.

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PRESCHOOL Play-dates are a great way to help foster creativity: children tend to grow and learn from each other. Have you ever watched what happens when you give a couple of preschoolers a large cardboard box (the box is often more fun than the toy that was inside). With preschoolers all you need to do is supply the materials and they’ll let their imaginations take it from there.

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SCHOOL AGE It can be difficult not to hover but it’s important to give your child space to explore independently.

“Hovering” and “monitoring” are different. It helps to be close by to encourage your child to expand some of their creative ideas while simultaneously keeping them safe as creative ideas sometimes take flight into dangerous territories. Having a basket filled with some art supplies within your child’s reach is a great way for children to be creative whenever they feel that spark ignite. Keeping a basket of “beautiful junk” around is also perfect for enhancing

imaginations. Milk and egg cartons make great monsters, toilet paper rolls can become puppets, and Kleenex boxes can be aquariums. The key is making sure the materials are easily and readily available for your child. Try and limit the amount of store bought toys — children should be encouraged to make their own props to incorporate into their dramatic play. Forget the costly big-ticket items and dig out the old dress-up box. Rummage through your closet, toss in that funky scarf, an old pair of heels and watch your child’s imagination go wild.

LONDON, 4.5yrs, JK 94 • www.binkymagazine.com

KIDS CORNER What is your name? London Malia Adelson How old are you? 3 What is your favourite colour? Yellow, Purple, Pink What are you most excited about for the holidays coming up? Christmas because I love Christmas and I miss it so much. I’m excited to get a squishy Nemo What is your favourite thing about winter? I play in the snow and I build snowmen with mommy and daddy What do you want to be when you grow up? Elephant.

If I can’t be an elephant I guess I’ll be a doctor What makes you happy? Playing in the snow and on a beach. I like the games at Great Wolf Lodge What is your favourite thing about your baby brother?

He plays with me and he tries to crawl on my leg and he tries to kiss me.

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GI VE AWAYS Luxury gift baskets for babies bonjourbabybaskets.com

Bonjour Baby Baskets The ultimate in high-end baby gift baskets.

Each unique basket is hand selected to include safe, chemical free toys, skin care products that are free of parabens, mineral oils and other harmful material, as well as luxurious designer and baby-name brand clothing. The winner of this prize will receive a $50 gift certificate for Bonjour Baby Baskets. www.bonjourbabybaskets.com

Greenhouse Juice Co. Greenhouse Juice Co. will deliver a selection of eight raw, 100% organic coldpressed juices directly to your doorstep via electric delivery vehicle. Not familiar with Greenhouse? Visit for more information. www.greenhousejuice.com

Lovefresh Pear Trio (wash, scrub, lotion) Lovefresh is a collection of all-natural products that provide a moment of luxury without compromise. The beautiful Pear collection provides a sweet fragrance with blackberry undertones. www.lovefresh.com

Kidville Yonge Lawrence Village is giving away a 10-week class & annual membership Choose from a wide range of classes including RockinʼRailroad music class, My Big Messy Art Class, Big Muscle Builders, Ballet Tea Party, Wee Wiggle Giggle, Kidville Sports, and many other programs for children newborn to eight years old. www.kidville.ca

Tuck Shop Co. City of Neighbourhoods family toque collection. Tuck Shop Co. is known for its outdoor staples with a sophisticated and edgy twist. We have fallen for these Retro Ski-doo toques representing your local neighbourhood. Prize includes 2 adult and 2 child or infant toques customized with the name of your local hood. Proudly made in Toronto.

Trout Rainwear’s signature Humboldt Jacket.

Trout has bridged the gap between fashion and function. These Canadian made and designed jackets will protect you from the rain because they are 100% waterproof, but you will be comfortable rain or shine given they are breathable as well. www.troutrainwear.com

www.tuckshopco.com

Smittie The evolution of mittens on a string. With a very harsh winter on the way, our lucky winner will be set.

Buck & Cook have designed and created high performance mittens attached to a base layer jacket which uses the best technology and fabric on the market today. The winner of this prize will get a unisex red plaid smittie for their child up to 8 yrs old. www.buckandcook.com www.binkymagazine.com • 97

www.seasonsfamilycentre.com

www.trustkids.net

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www.bellymaternity.ca

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