Listen to Lena

Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion

Bamboo Lily

OOAK Christmas Show: Good Times!

By

Just four (4) days left to enjoy the One of A Kind Christmas Show in Toronto!

Keeping with tradition, we checked it out last weekend and had an amazing time! Ryder tagged along for the first time ever, and I was a little concerned how he would hold up as we made our way through the aisles. However, he enjoyed himself immensely, and couldn’t say no to all the goodies available for sampling. Here he is in front of the portable puppet theatre booth from Open Door Designs – nothing like a good puppet show to get the party started!

Then I just simply had to pop in on my girls at Foxy Originals, who always have the busiest booth at the show. And no wonder – with literally tons of pieces to choose from, customers were on a gift-giving free for all. I was happy to be introduced to my new favourite necklace – the Cabaret – and proudly showed off some Foxy love as I walked through the show. (Only 3 days left to enter the Foxy Originals giveaway!)

Off to Bamboo Lily, where I marveled at the stunning booth. Gorgeous bamboo clothing, sweet pictures of babes modelling the goods, and a lovely eco-friendly vibe. And the kudos! I couldn’t believe how many satisfied customers dropped by to tell Lillian how much they loved the line – and to make another purchase, of course. I gushed about Reid’s favourite blanket – made of oh-so-soft bamboo and personalized with his name. (Enter to win one of your very own!)

I was also quite thrilled to run into Babywrappers – and had a strong urge to stop shopping and start praising the qualities of the product to everyone who walked by. Seriously, mamas, you NEED this at bathtime! It’s quite simply the best baby bath towel on the market. Ryder was happy to take home a Green Camo Babywrapper and matching face cloths for Reid – although by the way he was snuggling up to it, I’m sure he’ll be declaring “mine!” the moment he sees his little brother bundled up in it. And don’t forget that you can win a Babywrapper here – just 3 days left to enter the giveaway!

We covered the entire show and purchased some one of a kind staples, including delectable Lobster Mousse, personalized tree ornaments, and of course, a gourmet caramel apple from Bruce County Fudge. YUM!

If you’re looking for something to do this weekend, visit the show – you’ll be glad you did!

OOAK Christmas Show Starts TODAY!

By

If you happen to live in the Greater Toronto Area, LUCKY you!

The One of A Kind Christmas Show begins today! It is the stop for all your Christmas shopping, especially if you’re after unique, handmade, one of a kind gifts.

While you’re there, do stop by and say hello to all of the participants in my It’s One of A Kind! features – they’ve all generously donated prizes for YOU to win! (All draws take place December 4th.)

SPA SISTERS – Booth P-30
MATTER COMPANY – Booth R-38
FOXY ORIGINALS – Booth S-38
LUXE DESIGN – Booth T-54
BAMBOO LILY – Booth T-55
DOMISTYLE – Booth X-20
BABYWRAPPERS – Booth X-61

See you at the show!

OOAK Art Show Toronto: Win a Pair of Tix!

By

Tired of hearing me go on about the One of A Kind Christmas show? Here’s your chance to win a pair of tickets!

Courtesy of Bamboo Lily, you too can take in an endless selection of distinctive, handcrafted items created by talented artists and local craftspeople. You’ll probably bump into me – we can shop together!

Simply leave a comment on this post telling us which artisans you’d like to check out this year. (Click here for a list of exhibitors.)

Don’t trust your luck? You can also save $3 off the price of admission when you purchase online and enter code ADjk97x – once again, compliments of Lillian Chiu @Bamboo Lily!

(Don’t forget to ENTER TO WIN a personalized baby blanket… just scroll down!)

I’ll draw for a winner on November 20th. Good luck everybody – see you at the show…

Bamboo Lily… It’s One of A Kind!

By

Are you excited? I AM!

Time to kick off Listen to Lena’s month-long series of features on Canadian artists – plus giveaways – with It’s One of A Kind!

Now it’s no secret that I’m a One of A Kind Art Show JUNKIE. I gleefully wait every winter and spring to visit my favourite artisans and indulge in their unique, fashionable and always trend-setting goodies.

One of my most anticipated stops is Bamboo Lily. Created by local design guru Lillian Chiu, she offers up a chic line of Asian-inspired baby and toddler clothing using the ultimate in sustainable living: rayon from bamboo fabric.

Nice to know:
Bamboo Lily is the ultimate in green luxury! Rayon from Bamboo fabric is a renewable resource that has a cashmere-like texture,and is so incredibly soft. Bamboo is the fastest growing plant in the world – making it a sustainable and renewable resource. It is also eco-friendly as it doesn’t need pesticides or fertilizers to grow. It wicks moisture from the skin; keeping baby’s delicate skin cool and dry.

Need to know: 
These fashions are beyond adorable. Baby onesies, hoodies, dresses, hats, kung fu pants and more – all with painstaking attention to detail and fun, flirty pictures and sayings such as “Miso Cute“, “I Love House Music“,  “Buddha Belly” and more. Could it get better? Indeed! The quality is SUPERB. The clothing is incredibly soft and smooth. It’s the perfect compliment to baby’s delicate skin, and is strongly recommended for babies with eczema or other skin conditions. The material is just about all-natural with NO chemical treating of any kind.

Need to have:
The new swaddling blankets and the popular baby blankets. Lillian graciously sent Baby Reid the most supple, perfectly posh blanket trimmed with a gorgeous Chinese Brocade border – personalized with his name!

I was immediately impressed with how luxurious it was – the kind of blanket you want to put to your face and softly stroke. Combine that with the fact that it’s lightweight, breathable and just cozy enough, and you’ve got quite conceivably the PERFECT blanket. The personalization option makes it wonderful gift for baby showers, birthdays, or just because. I’ve already decided that this is my new signature gift item – so guess what preggo friends… you’ve got one coming your way! (If ordering online, the blanket arrives beautifully wrapped and ready to give.)

JUST FOR YOU!

Bamboo Lily is offering Listen to Lena! readers FREE embroidery to anyone who purchases a blanket before December 25th (savings of $10). Simply enter code “LENA” in the comments section (the discount will not show up immediately, however Lillian will contact you to honour the discount). Personalize with a baby’s name, the family name, or my favourite – your baby’s nickname!

WIN IT!

Bamboo Lily has generously offered one Listen to Lena! reader the chance to win a personalized baby blanket (value $75)! To enter, simply take a look online and let us know which other Bamboo Lily product(s) tickle your fancy.

You can also qualify for extra entries! Remember, you must leave a separate comment to claim your extra entry. You can:

(1) Follow my blog, Listen to Lena!
(2) “Like” Bamboo Lily on Facebook
(3) Follow Bamboo Lily on Twitter
(4) Tweet about the It’s One of A Kind! giveaways (tiny URL: http://tinyurl.com/369glqk)
(5) You may Tweet daily.

I’ll draw for a winner On December 4th. Good luck everybody!