Binky Magazine Volume 05

H S I S N R A E P S GN I S E

FASHION

BOBO CHOSES MANUELA DE JUAN

INSPIRATION

FOR YOUR NEXT Fร TE

BINKY TRAVELS

AMSTERDAM FASHION

WWW.BINKYMAGAZINE.COM

D

Nยบ5 SUMMER

BESPOKE BABY PHOTOGRAPHY

bonjour@modernbabyphoto.com

modernbabyphoto.com

08 Letter | From Editor 14 Binky Picks | Summer Must Haves 16 Spotlight on Spain | Designers 20 Binky Loves Bobo | Editorial 30 Project | iPhonography 34 Bien Dans Sa Peau | Style 38 Party Looks | Outfit Inspiration 52 Mom With Style |Tash Geddes 54 Healthy Mummy | Get Fit

table of contents.

well hello

56 60 64 68 72 74 76

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Antony Robart | In The Studio Wellness | Suncare for Children Binky Travels | Amsterdam Birthday | Party Ideas Kids Corner | Rowan Getting Ready | Kindergarten Binky Wants | Feature Products

table of contents.

well hello

BESPOKE BABY PHOTOGRAPHY bonjour@modernbabyphoto.com

modernbabyphoto.com

Editor Winter has been long... and spring has taken its time in making its presence felt.

While waiting for its arrival, our team at Binky Magazine has been craving colour and warmth.

In creating this issue, our stylist, Georgia Groom, took inspiration from the vibrance of Spain and its innovative children’s designers.

She curated a list of Spanish children’s designers who you need to know about.

The quintessential Spanish designer Bobo Choses is the feature of its own editorial, but we also curated a list of some of our favorite children’s Spanish designers who are definitely worth checking out. You can find some of these fashions in our second editorial which brings you a few key looks that can be drawn upon when dressing your Littles for the Birthday Party circuit.

We also bring you some looks for the busy mummy - check out Georgia’s styling of Anya Shor for some ideas on how to dress yourself with a ready-to-go look that will take you from school drop-off, to dinner out, and everywhere in-between.

Binky also decided to avoid winter by hitting the road—with a short voyage to the streets of Amsterdam sharing a day in the life of two best friends who show us what is new in Dutch design.

We also got to hang out with some inspirational parents—learning a bit about putting ourselves at the top of the list, staying sun safe, prepping our kids for school and balancing it all. We hope you enjoy! Thank you so much for stopping by....

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

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Contributors.

ANDREA M @andreamful

is a writer and creative consultant with a PhD in Political Studies and is currently studying photography, focusing on it’s philosophy and mobile applications. She lives outside Toronto with her husband and son.

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GEORGIA GROOM has fashion running in her veins. This Brit by birth, now living in Toronto, is a stylist extraordinaire with experience in the fashion world ranging from the academia of working as a tailor’s apprentice and attending fashion school, to the practical world of owning her own boutique to styling shoots for up to 100. Whilst continuing to work with commercial clients, Georgia still finds time to be inspired by fashion and somehow can always sense what is coming next. She brings an eclectic and effortless eye to children’s fashion but also the practical sense that comes with being a mother of three beauties under 5.

DANIELLE PATERSON is the Executive Director of the David Cornfield Melanoma Fund (DCMF), a Canadian charity whose mission is to save lives from melanoma skin cancer through prevention and research. DCMF was formed in 2007 in memory of David Cornfield, a much loved father, family member and friend who died of melanoma at 32 years of age.

Danielle lives in Toronto with her husband and four sons.

VANESSA AST BILLER of Toronto is Founder and Leader of Vastfit, female-focused fitness for results with an emphasis on self-care. She is emerging as a local champion for pelvic health as relates to Moms & Moms to be.

Vastfit provides personal training, small group classes, and run coaching of record. Vanessa is certifying in Pilates as the next extension of her fit & wellness education. She is wife to Andrew, and Mum to 2 young daughters Béa (4yrs) & Anya (19mos).

AMANDA ROTHSCHILD is a Kindergarten teacher and mom to a baby girl.

She is passionate about education. Amanda loves her new role as a mom and aims to make mommy-life glamorous. She is always on the lookout for the latest and greatest baby products and loves styling her little one. Amanda received her Bachelor of Education Degree from the University of Ontario Institute of Technology, as well as a Bachelor of Arts Degree from York University. She is a member in good standing with the Ontario College of Teachers and lives in Toronto with her family and Goldendoodle.

ISA BATTAGLIN is a Los Angeles based children’s fashion, commercial and portrait photographer. Born and raised in Brazil, Isa always had an eye for the creative and an interest in photography. With the intention of capturing beautiful family moments, Isa began honing her photographic skills while studying photography in school. In 2002 Isa founded Lilly K. Photography and quickly discovered her passion for photographing children.

Isa’s work spans the USA and she regularly works in NYC, San Francisco, Chicago, Boston and Miami. She, her husband and three children live in Los Angeles, California.

CLAUDIA VAN RIJEN & SABRINA VAN DER VELDE are two Dutch friends, living in the Netherlands along with their families.

Claudia is a photographer and blogger for www. thiskidsgotstyle.nl and Sabrina styled this shoot with local Dutch designers.

Claudia and Sabrina each have young children and Sabrina’s daughter Iris is a model for this piece along with her BFF Isabel. Claudia and Sabrina wanted to share a bit about life in their beloved Netherlands along with their passion for photography and kids fashion.

CLAIRE KILGOUR HERVEY From home renos to unforgettable events it’s an und erstatement to say Claire Kilgour Hervey is obsesse d with planning! It’s no surprise that this mother of two (Cecily, 4 and James, 2) is the brainchild behind Darling & Ninth, Toronto’s premiere maternity and baby planning service. Inspired by thebelief that a happy mommy is the best thing for any baby Claire and her team work closely with expecting and new moms to ensure a beautiful beginning.

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binky Editor Design & Art Direction Graphic Design Photography Guest Photographer Fashion Contributor Styling Makeup & Hair

Lara Teoli Vanessa Wiktorczyk Vanessa Wiktorczyk Modern Baby Isa Battaglin Georgia Groom Georgia Groom Caitlin Cullimore Robert Weir Wink Wink

All rights reserved @ 2014 Binky Magazine

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binky MAGAZINE

@

Follow

@binkymagazine #binkylittles

STYLE| PICKS

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TIPPI TOE TAILOR

BINKY

PICKS

Cloth Dolls hand made with love in Toronto Canada.

Available on Etsy. www.etsy.com/ shop/tippitoetailor

what we found while looking around. A few must have items for your summer shopping list... for littles and mummies alike.

NANOS ONSIE Newborn Pyjamas that will spoil your littles. Beautifully made in Spain. www.nanos.es 14 • www.binkymagazine.com

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STYLE| PICKS

SWELL MADE CO Fine paper goods that make a statement. Swell also offers custom prints.

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www.swellmade.co

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MONTE & COE Handcrafted Luggage These premium weekend bags are hand crafted in Toronto out of high quality felt & leather. www.monteandcoe.com

TROUT RAINWEAR

A smart raincoat that one can wear rain or shine. Its the first for littles keeping them bone dry and sniffle free.

www.troutrainwear.co

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SPANISH DESIGNERS

MOTORETA Motoreta is a children’s wear brand from Seville, Spain, for boys and girls from 2 to 11.

The founders and designers of this clothing line are both architects, and their fashion is closely linked to the world of graphic design.

This clothing features shapes that are simple and minimal with phenomenal attention to detail. The theme of SS15 is “Lets Go Outside!” We couldn’t say it better ourselves.

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SPANISH DESIGNERS

NANOS The Nanos brand was founded in Spain in 1964 and now has over 60 stores internationally. Nanos embodies the essence of Spanish fashion whose designers pride themselves on being artisans. Their clothing is fashion forward but always has a nod to its Spanish roots and traditions.

SPANISH DESIGNERS

LA COQUETA La Coqueta is a clothing and shoe line based in London but proudly crafted in Spain. This timeless children’s label incorporates a chic and contemporary style for our modern world.

The founder of La Coqueta is a mother of five littles and therefor she knows the importance of finding easy care clothes that stand the test of time.

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SPANISH DESIGNERS

BÚHO Búho aims to create a collection of clothing for children that will be destined to become the child’s favorite piece... one that makes them feel special every time it is put on. With a beautiful array of colours, exclusive prints and soft and carefully nurtured fabrics, this Spanish children’s line is sure to make this vision come true.

STYLE| COVER

STYLE|COVER

BINKY

LOVES BOBO Everybody is falling for Bobo Choses Spring Summer 15 collection and we are no exception.

PHOTOGRAPHY ISA BATTAGLIN

MAĂ High Top Sneakers, hand made in Spain. www.maashoes.com

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STYLE| COVER

STYLE|COVER

BINKY|PROJECT

ANDREAMFUL iphotography LET YOUR IPHONE TEACH YOU HOW TO BE PRESENT AND APPRECIATE THE ORDINARY MOMENTS.

BY: ANDREAMFUL

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BINKY| PROJECT

PHOTOS: ANDREAMFUL

The experience of photographing my son with my mobile camera has taught me to be candid and appreciate ordinary moments.

I have also gained a new sense of space and have learnt to read my surroundings.

I love clean spaces and harmonious compositions. The window in “Colonial Window” stood out to me during a recent trip to Colombia. I asked my husband, who was carrying our napping son on his shoulders, to stand by the window. I took several photos and this one shows my son just as he was starting to open his eyes.

Cropping is an easy way to edit mobile photos. For “Colonial Window”, I really wanted the focus to be the window, my husband and my son so I left all the other elements out of

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the final edit. I would have probably found a way to incorporate the rocks into my shot if I was shooting with my DSLR, but I find that less is always more in mobile photography.

I took “Farewell” by the lake just as an intense summer storm was brewing. My son asked if he could climb on the rocks by the shore and began frantically waving at the geese flying above. I love the mood of this photo (the colours, the fog, light). I decided to crop the geese out of the shot to give the photograph an air of mystery.

When photographing children with a mobile phone every moment is an opportunity. The emphasis is not necessarily on achieving a perfect shot, but on capturing a fleeting moment. That is the beauty of iphoneography.

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BINKY| FASHION

Anthropologie Tank, Zara Trousers, Nine West Pumps, Bracelet Wouters & Hendrix

Anya

SHOR Bien Dans Sa Peau Must have essentials for the effortlessly chic career mom

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JCrew Pumps, Nine West Choker,

Listed in Vogue’s Guide to Canada’s Cultural Capital as the “arbiter of cool”

Aritzia Trench Coat, Ewanika slip, Gillian Steinhardt from Gaspard.

Anthropologie Belt, JCrew Shoes, Model Citizen Necklace, Shannon HazelCuff,

BINKY| FASHION

Zara Top, Anthropologie Denim, Gaspard Belt, Nine West Sandals, Wouters & Hendrix Bracellet .

Anya Shor, Co-Owner of the Neubacher Shor Contemporary gallery in Toronto, faces the not so unique challenge of looking chic and appropriate in all of the aspects of her day. Be it dropping off her littles at school, meeting a client, hosting parties, or partaking of the bustling Arts scene. Binky stylist Georgia Groom took on the challenge of creating a mini wardrobe that would take Anya from day to night. Photographed in the beautiful NSC gallery, we can see that Anya is truly comfortable in her own skin.

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Taessa Chorny Jump Suite, Wousters & Hendrix Necklace, from Gaspard, JCrew Sandals.

BINKY| EDITORIAL

PARTY

LOOKS to take your little beyond the expected this summer season.

PHOTOGRAPHY MODERN BABY Jacadi Cotton V Back Dress, Mokuba Silk Bow.

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BINKY| EDITORIAL

Zara Shirt, Vintage Scarf, Vintage Suspenders from Courage My Love.

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BINKY| EDITORIAL

Manuela De Juan Fringe Nude Shoe, La Coqueta Ribbed Knee High Sock, Tippi Toe Tailor Custom Made Doll.

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BINKY| EDITORIAL

Jacadi Cotton V Back Dress, Mokuba Silk Bow. Jacadi Poplin Roll Up Sleeve Shirt.

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BINKY| EDITORIAL

Zara Shirt, Vintage Scarf, Vintage Suspenders, Motoreta Baggy Gray Denim from The Minilife, Rainbow And Snow Desert Boot, Vintage Hat. 42 • www.binkymagazine.com

BINKY| EDITORIAL

Zara Jacket with Applique, Wolf & Rita Sofia Stripes Dress from Minimodel Gallery.

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BINKY| EDITORIAL

Zara Jacket with Applique, Wolf & Rita Sofia Stripes Dress.

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BINKY| EDITORIAL

Zara Shirt, Vintage Scarf, Vintage Suspenders.

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BINKY| EDITORIAL

Tutu Du Monde Princess Charming Onsie, Manuela De Juan Fringe Nude Shoe, La Coqueta Ribbed Knee High Sock, Zara Shirt, Vintage Scarf, Vintage Suspenders, Motoreta Baggy Gray Denim, Rainbow and Snow Desert Boot.

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BINKY| EDITORIAL

Mini Rodini Crocodile Print Jacket, Hugo Loves Tiki Garcon T-Shirt, Zara Jeans.

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BINKY| EDITORIAL

Tutu Du Monde Princess Charming Onsie from Minimodel Gallery, Tippi Toe Taylor Custom Made Doll.

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BINKY| EDITORIAL

Mini Rodini Crocodile Print Jacket, Hugo Loves Tiki Garcon T-Shirt from The Mini Life, Zara Jeans.

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BINKY| EDITORIAL

Jacadi Poplin Roll up Sleeve Shirt, Classic Bermuda Shorts, La Coqueta Ribbed Knee High Socks, Zara Leather Blucher Shoes. Jacadi Cotton V Back Dress, Mokuba Silk Bow, Jacadi Canvas Mary Jane Sneakers.

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swellmade.co Paper goods that make a statement.

MOM WITH STYLE PERSONAL SHOPPER & CONSULTANT, NATASHA GEDDES IS READY FOR ANY STYLE CHALLENGE.

BINKY|MOM Mise en Dior double pearl earring

NATASHA GEDDES

Tash is a mother of two young children who keep her running when she is away from her #SuiteTash - a child friendly sanctuary where she works one-on-one with clients at Holt Renfrew Yorkdale as a personal shopper. Tash is passionate about giving her clients options that leave them feeling glamorous and confident, even with young children at home.

It is all about choosing key seasonal items, timeless classic staples and sprinkling in a little personal sass.

CĂŠline textured silk knit top

Rag & Bone jeans both provided by Holt Renfrew Miu Miu peep toe pumps.

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HEALTHY MUMMY IN ORDER TO BE THERE FOR OUR LITTLES, WE HAVE TO BE THERE FOR OURSELVES FIRST.

BY VANESSA AST BILLER

BINKY|WELLNESS

PRIORITIZE YOURSELF: This is a mother’s greatest challenge in the face of her bustling family life. Book classes & treatments ahead of time. Sundays are an excellent day to review busy schedules and book selfcare routines for the week. Once we are committed to a trainer, treatment, or class, we are less likely to cancel on ourselves.

IT IS ESSENTIAL FOR TODAY’S PARENT TO PRIORITIZE FITNESS AS PART OF A SELFCARE ROUTINE IN ORDER TO BE FULLY PRESENT,AND CONTENT AS A PARENT.

BRING BALANCE TO YOUR BODY: Choose a workout that compliments your strength demands as mothers to avoid injuries. Address injuries as soon as possible to avoid more complicated knock-on effects.

Shoulder and lower back injuries are rampant in mothers and affect quality of life. Be empowered by your physical strength.

CREATE AN ENJOYABLE WELL-ROUNDED ROUTINE: Every routine needs a balance of cardio and strengthbuilding. To age gracefully is to weave in restorative practices: yoga, Pilates, meditation. Be honest about which discipline you are most in need of and act accordingly.

EAT, SLEEP, REPEAT: We all learn this lesson the hard way. The best way to achieve optimal energy according to science is to honor a consistent sleepwake routine. Clean eating is the simplest way to feed our families. It is not based on the elimination of any food group, but in choosing high quality foods.

Once food is perceivied as a fuel, the decision to eat healthily becomes easier.

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CAREER DAD FOLLOW ANTONY ROBART FROM ON AIR TO ON DECK AT HOME.

BINKY|DAD

Antony Robart is a daddy of two and co-host of Global Toronto’s wildly popular, The Morning Show and News at Noon. We had the chance to meet Antony and get a snapshot of a day in the life of a news anchor whose work day starts at 3:15 am.

This unbelievably early morning means that he’s able to be quite a hands on dad at the end of his very busy day.

THIS UNBELIEVABLY EARLY MORING (3:15 AM) MEANS THAT HE’S ABLE TO BE QUITE A HANDS ON DAD AT THE END OF HIS VERY BUSY DAY.

We watched Antony at work at bustling Global News, which is a street-front studio on Toronto’s Bloor Street. Passers-by are welcome to stop and watch the action. As if co-hosting The Morning Show and anchoring the News at Noon wasn’t a full day’s work already, he also participates in story meetings, researches and prepares to interview guests, helps to write the newscasts, and develops interviews and editorial content.

Having never seen a live newsroom in action before, it was remarkable how busy it seemed.

Antony was conducting live broadcasts and interviews in a news room with guests walking in and out, people talking and working the phones, cameras moving and producers tweaking the shots. Clearly, a high level of concentration was required to perform under those conditions.

The hustle and bustle did not stop when Antony returned home. He is lucky to arrive home in time to play with the kids after school. His daughter Havynn (3) and son Kieran (4). We hung out with them for a bit one afternoon and can attest that he is clearly a hands on dad.

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Blue Parasol Coin 1010 www.thethingsiwishiknew.com

sun safety Your skin is like an elephant it never forgets, and neither should you when it comes to protecting your littles.

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BINKY|SPOTLIGHT

IN THE

SUN

BY DANIELLE PATERSON

There is nothing better than playing outside with your kids. Outdoor moments with young children are filled with small joys and simple fun: hopscotch, bubbles, swings, sandcastles and running through the sprinkler.

Navigating how to keep your kids safe outdoors is a big responsibility for parents. Some rules are non-negotiable: helmets for biking, life-jackets for boating and staying off the road. Other rules seem a bit more flexible and as parents we find ourselves giving a little leeway here and there: letting the kids jump on the bed and not worrying about proper sun protection.

Unfortunately, our sometimes casual attention to protecting our kids from the sun is misguided. Sun protection is important because the consequences of not protecting your child’s skin are serious.

Most people are not aware that skin cancer is the number one cancer in Canada, accounting for nearly the same number of new cancer cases as lung, breast, colorectal and prostate cancer cases combined. And while the incidence of most cancers is decreasing, the incidence of melanoma, the most serious and often fatal form of skin cancer, is increasing. t Sun protection is important for the whole family but especially for children. Did you know that skin damage from the sun is permanent? Did you know that one severe sunburn in childhood doubles your chances of getting melanoma? Were you aware that babies are particularly vulnerable, requiring extra protection from the sun?

The good news is that the ma jority of melanoma cases can be prevented. Since sun/UV exposure is the primary cause of melanoma and other skin cancers, the best way to reduce your child’s risk is to protect their skin from the sun.

BINKY|SPOTLIGHT

How do you do this? Simply put, when outdoors, you need to protect every part of your child’s body: Protect their head with a wide brimmed hat.

Protect their skin with long clothing.

Protect their exposed skin with a broadspectrum sunscreen with a SPF of 30 or more and reapply often.

Protect their eyes with sunglasses.

Protect their whole body under the shade of trees or a large umbrella and reduce their time in the sun between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun is strongest.

Building sun protection into your family’s life is not difficult, but it does takes commitment and some thoughtful preparation. Follow these steps to get your family ready for outdoor fun:

Have a family discussion about why sun protection is important and outline how everyone can protect their skin.

Gather your sun protection tools (hat, long clothing, sunglasses, shade, sunscreen).

Place your sun protection tools in several accessible spots in your home, car and outdoor spaces.

Establish routines (such as ‘hats and shoes on’ and ‘sunscreen after meals and snacks’).

Lead by example.

Upgrade sun protection from a ‘flexible rule’ to a ‘mandatory rule’ and go have fun outside!

www.darlingandninth.com

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AMSTERDAM

Socks from HEMA, ikat dress Lemonade Amsterdam, burlap sack flag skirt JOW JUNIOR shirt RAINEt

BINKY|TRAVELS

All items from

By Kyra

Photographer Claudia Kooij and friend Sabrina Van Der Velde got besties Iris and Isabel together to spend a day in Amsterdam. This is a snaphot of life as a Little, dutch style.

Socks HEMA, skirt Combineer’t, Cat blouse Primark, Shoes New balance

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

Skirt Combineer’t, Meow shirt Primark, Socks HEMA, shoes Fila

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STYLE| SPACES

birthday Modern moms are giving the boot to branded birthday parties. Let’s Party! Home is where the heart is for birthday fun.

BY CLAIRE KILGOUR HERVEY.

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STYLE| SPACES

Sure, Barbie, Spidey, Dora and Thomas are bound to infiltrate your home at some point but that doesn’t mean you can’t think outside the toy box when it’s time for your child to blow out the candles. tip one

Pick a gender-neutral theme that will appeal to all of your littlest guests. We love playing with colour schemes for inspiration. For younger kids try an Over the Rainbow theme and for older kids a Watercolour Art Party will let imagination’s soar.

tip two

Have fun with the food but don’t go overboard on the sugar. Just pick one sweet treat – cupcakes are always a hit – and try to serve it during the middle of the party followed by a high energy activity so that parents don’t have zany kids on their hands when its time to head out.

tip three

If you dispense with loot bags entirely a mutiny is sure to ensue but if Dollar Store junk offends your inner environmentalist find a clever way to integrate a giveaway into the party. This could mean handing out stylish accessories and a CD with burned songs for a Pop Star Dance Party, doling out carnival prizes at a Vintage Circus Party or staging a treasure hunt at a Pirate Party.

tip four

Keep an eye on the time. For babies and toddlers limit the party to 1.5 hours and be sure to book it well before the clock strikes naptime. For older children 2 hours is morethan enough time to destroy your house...just being realistic here.

tip five

Go big on balloons. Kids of all ages love them and balloons add so much colour and whimsy to a room without breaking the bank (or putting holes in your walls).

Play with shapes, sizes and patterns to create the right look.

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STYLE| SPACES

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STYLE| SPACES

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KIDS CORNER

Kenzie Dress from ModerneChild Shoppe

ROWAN, 4.5yrs. JK 72 • www.binkymagazine.com

KIDS CORNER

WHAT IS YOUR NAME ︱ Everly Rainbow Hearts ( Editor - it is actually Rowan) HOW OLD ARE YOU ︱ 4 1/2 WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE COLOUR︱ Pink and purple and blue and rainbow WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CHARACTER ︱ Elsa WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP︱ A princess character that visits birthday parties WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ANIMAL ︱ Baby cheetah (growls)

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BINKY|EDUCATION

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BINKY|EDUCATION

Getting Ready for

JK

BY AMANDA ROTHSCHILD

My child can’t read. My child can’t write. My child is starting Kindergarten and I’m freaking out.

As both a Kindergarten teacher and a mom, I get it. I understand the pressure on children today, or perhaps more precisely, the pressure on their parents. Numerous parents have approached me concerned that their children may not be ready for Kindergarten. They worry that because their children cannot recognize all of their letters or numbers, they simply are not ready.

My advice to parents: RELAX, take a deep breath, and know that your child IS ready.

Being ready for Kindergarten is not determined by whether your child can recognize all of the letters in the alphabet or if they can add or subtract. That will come in time—in your child’s own time. Remember your little one is only three or four years old, a fact parents often forget when the panic to get their child ready sets in. While some children are eager to sit down with a book, others will have no interest in it, and that is OKAY. To be ready for Kindergarten, a child must be allowed to be just that, a child.

And what do children do best? They play.

Play is a fundamental component in every child’s life and it is an incredible medium through which children learn. It is through play that children learn about themselves, about others, and about the world around them. Play allows children to express their creativity and to try new things. It helps them learn valuable skills such as problem solving

and self-regulation. Play is also a wonderful way for parents to expose their children to literacy and numeracy. Play-based curriculum for many kindergarten jurisdictions is popular for a reason; it simply works.

So, by now you are probably thinking that this teacher-talk sounds great; in fact, you have heard it numerous times before. But how does one actually put it into practice? Here’s how...

Start by incorporating print into your child’s play. Whether your little one is building a city out of Lego or dressing up as a ninja, there are a myriad of ways to introduce print. For example, you can make street signs for a Lego city, a menu for a restaurant, or label dinosaurs at a museum. But wait, your child is not reading or writing yet, so how does this work? Easy, YOU do the writing, but make sure to include your child. You can act as a scribe; writing down their ideas, or they can help sound out the first or last letters of a word. Even if they just watch you, they are learning through example.

The same goes for numeracy. You can make price tags for a toy store, or count animals at a zoo. Your child is learning fundamental literacy and numeracy concepts and more importantly, they are learning that reading, writing, and exploring numbers can be fun.

So, is your child ready for Kindergarten? Of course they are! They are hard-wired to play and are hard-wired to learn. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the wonderful journey ahead

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BINKY| WANTS

WHEAT We fell for the minimal danish design and beutiful fabrication of Wheat’s garments.

This dreamy romper is both timeless and practical

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BINKY| WANTS

TROUT MINNOW We love this scaled down version of Trouts best selling style. Its full coverage hood, nautical drawstring, and striped french terry lining give this coat major fashion cred rain or shine.

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À la prochaine...

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