Spring In The City

We think it’s safe to say that spring has finally sprung in the city. Signs of the seasons changing have been popping up everywhere from local food spots opening their patios to green grass and pastel flowers starting to sprout. With this, we’re excited to be bringing out our spring and summer stock to get you ready for the beautiful weather ahead. There are so many things to do in a city so abundant with nature and culture that we want to make sure you can venture out with ease.

Spring Fashion:

We cannot begin to express how adorable the spring/summer fashion is in our stores this year! First off, have you seen the SS 2014 Tea Collection? With Moroccan-inspired patterns and colours, there’s something for every young lady and gentlemen. With cute jungle animal tops and girly, twirly dresses, your kids will look fabulous all season long. All three of our store locations are carrying pieces from Tea so you can get in on the fun wherever you may be.

 

We’re in love with some of the new summer styles and classics that TOMS has come out with this year. With sizes ranging from 2 – 11, your whole crew will have their feet covered while visiting local parks and festivals or playing outside with friends. Already looking for those summer sandals? See Kai Run has beautiful buttery soft leather shoes in cool style for boys and girls ranging from 6 months to 9 years old. Both shoe brands are available in all our store locations and online.

Sun Protection: 

As a parent, it’s super fun to dress your kids in cute summery outfits, but one of the most important things to accessorize them with this season is sun protection! Don’t worry, you don’t have to send them outside with a big glob of goop on their noses, we’ve got your sweet peas covered so you don’t have to worry!

Before heading out for the day, it’s important to apply a generous amount of sunscreen 20 minutes beforehand. Anything with a UV protection level of 30 SPF or higher will do the trick like our Goddess Garden Organic Sunscreen, available for both babies and kids. It is water-resistant and is packed with anti-oxidants and vitamins to keep skin hydrated during busy outside play. We like this brand because it is made with 90% organic materials making it non-toxic and safe for delicate skin.

Did you know that even babies should wear sunglasses? Wrap-around sunglasses are the most recommended when outdoors with both UVA and UVB protection. Baby Banz Sunglasses cover all the bases of sun eye safety while in the sun. Designed in Australia, one of the world’s toughest UV spots,  Banz comes in sizes for newborns to kids up to five years old. They have 100% UVA and UVB protection, they feature polycarbonate lenses and a unique neoprene band with a soft silicone nose and brow piece for superior comfort and fit. You can pick yours up in store or online in an variety of colours and sizes.

The fun doesn’t stop there! Hatley has an awesome collection of kid’s wide-brim sunhats. Each hat is reversible with a solid colour side and a patterned side.

Upcoming Local Events:

Now that you’re protected and ready to go, here are some upcoming local events to check out.

Canadian Tulip Festival | May 9 – 19
This year marks the 62^nd edition of the Canadian Tulip Festival. The festival is hosted in celebration of the return of spring, with over a million tulips in 50 varieties blooming in public spaces across the National Capital Region. The highest concentration of tulips can be viewed in the flower beds of Commissioners Park, on the banks of Dow’s Lake, where 300,000 flowers bloom.

Ottawa International Children’s Festival | May 9 – 14
The Ottawa International Children’s Festival is an annual celebration of performing arts for children. Programs are geared towards children aged four to 15 and focuses on enriching school curriculum and promoting the arts as an integral part of children’s education. The majority of the events take place at LeBreton Flats and the War Museum. For a full schedule of events and to purchase tickets click HERE. 

Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend | May 24 – 25
Join thousands of runners from around the world during Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend. Children, youth, and veteran runners take over Ottawa during this weekend for a number of events, including a kid’s marathon and two- and five-kilometre runs. The main marathon passes many of Ottawa’s major landmarks, so there are plenty of great spots to watch the races too. 

Great Glebe Garage Sale | May 24
You betcha we’ll be a part of the Great Glebe Garage Sale again this year. The GGGS is a community event organized by the Glebe Community Association where homeowners set up yard sales on their front lawns creating one huge community events. Local businesses also take part in the event by having awesome sidewalk sales. Many vendors and shoppers collect and give donations to the Ottawa Food Bank. The event happens rain or shine and runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

 

 

FAB Guide to Winterlude 2014

Since winter is here to stay and you need to keep your babes at bay, we thought that a guide to the capital’s famous winter festival would be fitting. With three weeks of fun-filled winter activities, we’ve got you covered on what to wear, where to go and other tips during the 36^th edition of Winterlude.

With nearly 600,000 people in attendance each year, it’s no wonder Winterlude is the place to be in February. The festivities kick off on Friday January 31^st at 7 p.m. in Confederation Park with Winterlude’s Great Winter Ball and conclude on Monday February 17^th. From skating to snacking and ice sculptures and sliding, there is plenty for the whole family to enjoy.

WHAT TO WEAR

This winter in Ottawa, we’ve seen temperatures drop to the near 40s with the wind chill and days with sunshine and single digits, so you can never be too cautious when dressing your little ones for a day outside. The key here is layering. If it’s too hot, they can take something off and when Jack Frost comes nipping, they can bundle back up.

This week at all our Fab store locations and online, you can save 25% our winter gear stock. Pick up a pair of mimiTENS for little fingers and a pair of Stonz Booties to keep tiny toes toasty. If you’re looking for a little more coverage from the cool winter air, try a 7am Enfant Le Sac Igloo. Bundle your babes up in the cozy bunting bag while they’re in a sleigh, stroller or carrier.

WHERE TO GO

There are three main locations that Winterlude activities take place. The first is the Crystal Gardens in Confederation Park. Ice carvers from across the globe showcase their talents by turning big blocks of ice into beautiful sculptures. In the evening the sculptures are lit up with captivating and colourful lights that bring their masterpieces to life. From there you can snack on sticky maple syrup sticks, learn a bit about Canadian heritage at various kiosks them slip over to your next location.

The Rideau Canal Skateway is the world’s largest skating rink measuring at nearly 8 km of slippery fun. Several vendors are located along the skateway allowing you to rent skates, warm up and buy the renowned Beaver Tail treat. On Feberuary 1^st, the Winterlude Triathlon takes place where hundreds of winter enthusiast race down 8 km of ice, ski for 5 km and wrap it all up with a 5 km run. In addition to the winter sport fun is the Great Canadian Beaver Cup Pond Hockey Classic on Dow’s Lake. From February 7-9, watch the teams go head to head for some good old fashion winter fun.

Last, but most certainly not least is Jacques-Cartier Park in Gatineau, home to the biggest snow playground on the continent! The Snowflake Kingdom is where you’ll find all the fun and snowy activities you and your kids will love. Slide down the Chinook, Iceberg and Glacier super slides or experience the XTRÊME Zone where you’ll find a four-line zipline, pedal go-karts, bungee trampoline and the all new giant snow maze. While you’re there, try to find the Ice Hog family for a cuddly hug. The mysterious winter creatures have come to the capital to celebrate Winterlude for many years and enjoy the winter festivities.

HELPFUL TIPS

• Pack snacks: Though Beaver Tails and hot dogs are a fun way to keep their bellies full, pack some little snacks to keep your kids energized and happy. Trail mix, granola bars and crackers are easy non-perishable treats.
• Bring cash:  Though there are several ATMs along the way, most vendors only accept cash which results in long lineups and tired little ones. If you’re planning on grabbing some hot cocoa, beat the crowd by carrying some small change on you.
• Take the OLG Sno-Bus: On all three Winterlude weekends (Feb 1-2, Feb 8-9 and Feb 15-16), OC Transpo and OLG provide several free shuttle buses that travel to all the different events.
• Bring backup: Sometimes little mittens get lost and socks get soggy, so pack an extra pair just in case.