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.

 

 

Baby, I got the Blues!

It’s Festival Season in the Capital! We’ve had a successful Jazz Festival and are now in full swing of the epic Ottawa Bluesfest. Brought to us by RBC this year, we’re hosting such huge acts as Metric, Alice Cooper and Snoop Dogg.

Are you heading off to the Festivities with the fam? We’ve got a couple of Fab Fave products for you to pop in the ol’ Diaper Bag before you head out;

Sunblock is the name of the game during the warmer months. Currently In-Stock at both stores we have Green Beaver and Substance. Green Beaver is a 30 SPF Waterproof and Fragrance Free sunscreen that is also Certified Organic and Chemical Free. And Substance comes in two formats – Tube for squirting or Stick for rubbing. I use it on my face, and absolutely love it! It’s a 30 SPF again, and Fragrance Free.

 

 

We’ve also got a neat little product in stores by All Things Jill. Their Outdoor Joose both hydrates and keeps the bugs off of sensitive skin! Made with Aloe Vera juice and Witch Hazel, this non-greasy spray is safe for both little ones and pets. Do be warned to avoid eyes and mouths though!

 

 

One of the biggest products for Fab every summer is the Baby Banz Ear Muffs. They’re a protective and fashionable way to protect sensitive ears from the deafening chords of Iron Maiden or MSTRKRFT. The foam-filled cushions are soft, so they rest comfortably upon your little’s head from the Sound of Lions to Skrillex! I imagine they’d also work great at Demolition Derby’s and Lawnmower races if Summer Fairs are more your speed. (See what I did there? SPEED?) I’m not sure when it happened, but suddenly I make serious Dad jokes- be forewarned!

And while enjoying the sure-to-be singalong of Carly Rae Jepsen’s Call Me Maybe, why not have a relaxing sit on one of our cushy outdoor blankets? The Tuffo, JJ Cole & Skip Hop blankets all fold into totally tote-able packages and come in a variety of colours.

Supporting local events is what Fab, and our customers, are all about! So get out there and enjoy a sunset over the Ottawa River while championing a group of people that stand for the Arts and their important role in our vibrant city!

Most people don’t know this, but the RBC Bluesfest team has been running a great program in Ottawa schools since 1999. Blues in the Schools is a program dedicated to preserving the long history of Blues music by educating students about the genre itself, as well as it’s influence on current faves. Through pairing artists and educators with local musicians our young ones gain a love for music that is truly abiding. Why not share the love a little with a musical instrument? Janod makes a child-friendly harmonica for singing the blues! Or a perfectly pitched Xylophone, if you’re looking for something more upbeat.

Whether you’re watching Norah Jones or checking out the Just For Laughs shows in the Barney Danson Theatre, we hope you enjoy the show! C’mon by our stores with tales of the concerts you’ve seen and the places you’ve been- we can’t wait for the awesome cellphone captured videos of miniature dance parties and rock on signs!