Anatomy of a Look Book

In addition to our quarterly catalogues, we recently began publishing monthly Lookbooks to showcase our products in fun, playful environments with some really awesome kids! The experience has truly been blast and we've received such great feedback on the new lookbooks that we thought we'd give you, our VIPB's, a insiders peek into the creation of our latest Back-To-School LookBook!

WIN a Rachel Rainbow Limited Edition

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What is your job title at Peekaboo Beans?

My job title is the Day Dreamer, aka PB Junior Designer

What is your role at Peekaboo Beans?
As the PB Junior Designer I work alongside Head Designer, Calli, and Production Manager, Michaela, to forecast trends and build a storyboard for the upcoming season, create prints and graphics for the collection, develop measurement specs for production, measure and fit prototypes and samples and create props for the photoshoots. 

When did you start? 
I started at Peekaboo Beans at the beginning of August 2012. 

How long have you been creating? 
I have been creating as long as I can remember. I love working with my hands and experimenting with various materials and projects in my spare time. After much procrastination, I decided in October of 2013 that I should channel this into a collection that could potentially become a second source of income.

What do you specialize in when crafting? 
I love to try new things and take on random projects! I would say my aesthetic is whimsical which translates into the type of projects I'm drawn to. I love to create jewelry, party decorations, working with paint, stamps and 3D objects. 

Where does your inspiration come from? 
It is a balance between; nostalgic girlish whimsy inspired by my childhood combined with clean geometric shapes and a more refined sense of design that I am developing as a creative individual. 

What are you working on now and what next can we see from Rachel Rainbow? 
Currently I am working on incorporating new shapes and sizes of wooden beads in to the necklace line as well as developing a coordinating bracelet line! I have a few other kids decore type projects that might  popup in the next little while as well. I am always playing around with new ideas and side projects that could potentially become a part of the line.  

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So we don't want to keep these just all to ourselves!  So in grand Peekaboo Beans playful fashion we are giving away 2 FABULOUS NECKLACES!!  

To enter, simply LIKE the Rachel Rainbow Facebook page. For an extra entry, share the this contest on your own Facebook page. Our winners will be drawn at random and announced May 10th in the Peekaboo Beans BeansTalk newsletter, on our Facebook page as well as Rachel Rainbow Facebook page.  Contest closes on May 9th at 9pm PST. 

To purchase one of these pretties, shop On-Vine HERE contact your local Peekaboo Beans Play Stylist. 

Find out more about Rachel: 
Website:  www.rachelrainbow.com
Facebook:  www.facebook.com/rachelrainbow
Twitter:  www.twitter.com/RachelRain_Bow
Pinterest:  www.pinterest.com/rachelrainboww

It's time to give.

No matter what, whether I am happy, sad, down, blue, gracious or any other of the multitudes of emotions us women experience, giving to others makes me happy. Making others smile makes me smile.

I have been watching the tragedies of Hurricane Haiyan and I feel helpless. Sometimes the world feels so big and I wonder, "How can I contribute and make a difference?"

I've learned from one of my mentors, Darrell Kopke, that you have to find what you are passionate about and make a choice as to how you can contribute. Align with your values and you will drive impactful, positive change. It is up to you to find your voice, discover your passion, and pursue it. He says, "I drive a V8, so I'm not saving the world by driving the vehicle I do. I do, however, invest in socially responsible companies while being a stand for profit and for people."

In his words, "You can't suffer for the suffering," but you can help be part of change. Follow what makes you naturally curious, it will lead you to your passions and purpose. This is how you will best affect change.

So I declare my contribution through Peekaboo Beans:

1. To be a stand for the importance of play: I will be relentless in my efforts to educate about the importance of free, unstructured play for our children and future generations. I will make a product that supports a playful life.
2. To give back to play: I will create opportunities to raise awareness and funds to build safe places for less fortunate children to play in through our charity partner: Playground Builders.
3. To be a voice for working women: I will create a working environment for mothers that provides the space to be a mother first while being a creative and knowledgeable contributor to a society of meaningful work.
4. To foster a community of entrepreneurs: To extend this mom-focused working environment, I will strive to build out an entrepreneurial platform that allows mothers the opportunity to stay at home, earn income, and be entrepreneurial on their own terms.

This month, you can help give the gift of play with our Playground Builders' "Purple and Green Hoodie" campaign. Buy a green "On the Go" or a purple "I Heart Play" Hoodie at a reduced price and $5.00 will go to buying the following pieces for a playground:

• Swing set: $488
• See Saw: $381
• Bench: $74
• Slide: $391
• Monkey Bars: $73

By choosing to align with Peekaboo Beans you are standing with us as we choose to make a change. Together, we are:

1. Giving the gift of play, for your children, my children, and children around the world.
2. Giving the gift of change - through the voice of PB.
3. Giving the gift of ethics in manufacturing practices.
4. Giving the gift of supporting the local economy.
5. Giving the gift of making a difference in the world. One Bean at a time.

What could be more perfect? Buying local, supporting the worldwide community, and all in the comfort of your own home! Does it get better than that?


In love and play,

Happy BEANiversary to us!

What happened in 2005:

• (Bird Flu) H5N1 strain of Avian Flu claims more lives in Indonesia and other countries around the globe;
• Microsoft releases the Xbox 360 gaming console in North America;
• Hurricane Katrina devastates much of the U.S. Gulf Coast from Louisiana to the Florida Panhandle, killing thousands and costing over $100 billion in damages;
• Apple announces iTunes 5;
• Canada becomes the fourth country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage, after the bill C-38 received its Royal Assent;
• Steve Nash becomes the first Canadian player to win the NBA MVP Award;
• Wayne Gretzky is appointed executive director of Team Canada for the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy;
• Michael Jackson found not guilty on all 10 counts during his child molestation trial;
• After a lockout, which wiped out the entire 2004-05 NHL Season, NHL hockey returns to play; and
• Peekaboo Beans was born.

Not from some Ivy League scholars, smoking cigars and discussing what the latest apparel trends are for children; or by a multinational "fast fashion" company looking to expand their market...

It was all started by a Mom. A Mom who wanted something better and questioned the fundamental needs of children starting with what they wear everyday.

From the spare room of my sister in law's house, to the basement of my home. From a small little warehouse, to our corporate "Playground" today.

Our vision and mission has never wavered:  "Let Kids Play".  Play is the work of childhood.

Play is becoming a lost art.  We must stand up and ensure our children play - for the future. 

Thank you does not measure up to what I want you to know about how I feel about your dedication to Peekaboo Beans.  Thank you is something quick off the tongue that seems appropriate to say.  But it doesn't say enough - for you are helping this little Canadian company ensure we make our mark on the world:

• By being a stand for a product that won't hit the landfill because it is made better;

• By being a stand for ethical manufacturing processes;

• By being a stand for a workforce where Moms can be celebrated and embraced in our "family first" culture;

• By being a stand for play. The simple elegant practice of learning and growing without strings attached. 

Peekaboo Beans is what children ask for by name.  Children do not have filters; they can't tell you a lie.  They can only share what is pure and necessary. Beans make them feel good and happy. 

So, here we are. We make clothes so children can play. 

  

The choice to be an entrepreneur is not the easy path in life, but even just one happy bean in the world is the fuel that drives us forward everyday.  Let there be a land of happy beans sprouting up everywhere so they can play and we can smile. 

  

Playfully and gratefully yours, 

  

Click HERE to view the Peekaboo Beans Anniversary Video

Name that feeling.

"When the student is ready, the teacher will appear." - Buddha

"I have no more love in my heart." - Colbie Costa

"Feeling?  What feeling?" - Grandma Bean

The other day, my Grand-Bean Colbie was upset about something that happened that she thought was very unfair.  When her Mom went to talk to her about it, she said to her Mom, "I have no more love in my heart."  Dramatic, perhaps, but so impressive that this tiny little girl could tell you exactly what she was feeling.  I have felt no love in my heart many times in my life, but I didn't have a name to put on it.  It got me to thinking that even 4-year olds have something to teach me about "Naming that Feeling." I do think women of my generation tend to have more difficulty identifying our emotions.  We were raised in a more "Stiff Upper Lip, Never Let Them See You Sweat" kind of way.  Most families of my generation didn't talk about our family issues, under the assumption that if you don't acknowledge the problems, they don't really exist.  Or maybe we just didn't have the words to identify the problem in the same way children do today. Later I went into a profession where a stiff upper lip was essentially required.  You could not fall apart in front of people who were injured or gravely ill.  In those days there were no Post-Traumatic debriefings.......you just sucked it up, and then swallowed Valium until you were comatose.  This was obviously not a perfect system.  As a 19 year old student nurse, with no life experience, I did my rotation in Labor and Delivery.  One night a seasoned maternity nurse came into the room where I was working, carrying a package, which she handed to me.  What she had given to me with no explanation, I quickly realized, was a small stillborn baby.  As I stood there, trying to process this, she told me, without emotion, to go weigh the tiny tyke.....apparently something that was required for medical records. That was the first of countless times over the years that I swallowed down my emotions and like Nike says" just did it".

  

When I was working in Emergency, we had a little chart at the triage desk that we used to help children identify their level of pain....from a neutral face to a smiley face to a crying face; it showed the gamut of emotions.  I realized that all my life I needed a version of this chart in my head because sometimes it took me days or weeks to figure out what I was feeling.

Recently, I found out on Facebook that there had been a surprise birthday party for a close family member, to which everyone, except me, had been invited.  I consulted the little chart in my head and it still took me one week to establish that what I was feeling was HURT.  Hurt feelings!!!  What a concept.  This in spite of the fact that everyone I told this story to said the same thing: "You must have been really hurt!" 

I've written before that I believe that everyone in our lives has something to teach us.  For me, those "Everyone's" happen to be the children in my life.  Cailin has taught me to be brave....and now Colbie has taught me how to put a name to the face.  Maybe I can soon get rid of that chart in my head.  Today, though, I know for sure that I have a TON of love in my heart.  Thank you Baby Girl!

xoxo,

7 years later... and it's just the beginning.

In 2006 I founded Peekaboo Beans on the premise that all kids should play.  Play is the foundation for success in children.  So why not dress them for success in clothing that supports what they do best - play!

Fast forward 7 years and what a journey we are on.  Our loyal Beanaholics, the loving beans around the land, the stories, the moments shared of a Bean dressing themselves with pride!

The friends, the co-workers, the family I have made are momentous and literally life changing.  We could not do what we do, without you - our loyal VIPB's!

In 2006 I sat at a computer and literally created a website on power point (I think that is what it was). And when I say that to people who know me, laughs ensue - knowing my computer and graphic capabilities. But hey, you do what you have to do. 

A good friend (who happens to be a graphic designer) and loyal devoted supporter of PB said to me one day - let me do this.  You need help.  Clearly I did. A new site was built and was buckets of beans better than what I had done.  That site evolved over the years.  It was pretty, but clunky.  But our fans prevailed and supported us a young company, just trying to spread the love of play. This week we did a face lift.  7 years later, a fresh look.  Clean.  Simple and important.  Let kids Play.

I hope you enjoy looking at our new fresh face.  Thank you to those who have seen the journey. This is our soft launch - as we look to continually improve and update, please come back and check out enhanced pages that are currently under construction.  Just remember - seven years later and this is only the beginning. 

In love and play, 

 

Click HERE to go to our brand new website!

Join our Vine for only $199!!

Come join our Peekaboo Beans Vine as a Play Stylist!  Email us at stylist@peekaboobeans.com to get you enrolled today with this amazing limited time offer!

Step out of your box and create your playful business with Peekaboo Beans! 

Silly moments from the Playground staff

This month our staff at the Peekaboo Beans Playground (that's our head office if you haven't figured it out by now) created a little game of anonymously sharing embarrassing or silly moments that occurred in our lives within the past month.  We found this was a great way to not take ourselves so seriously, to have fun, strengthen our bond and create community within our 4 Playground walls. Some of these confessions had many us rolling on the floor with laughter so we figured why not share our imperfections and crazy moments with you all...
 

 

I had a 3 year old tell me my butt stinks.

 

I wiped out in the parking lot in front of my daughters future school.

 

Going down into the splits in front of an entire class and not being able to get up.

 

Watch my best friend get a rather inappropriate male lap dance.

 

I got my silly on one weekend and ended up at Terynn's house with my lunch box full of diet Pepsi and rye, in my Tupperware container to help sell some vintage beans!

 

My cat started taking an interest in watching Oasis nature shows and hockey.

 

My hamster got loose in the house mysteriously and got behind the drywall and ran around in our ceiling. Then the next day was found sitting beside it's cage, high up on a shelf waiting to get in.

 

I tried to pay with a 20 pound note, in Canada.

 

Answering "Beyonce" to the question... Do you know who's playing at the Super Bowl?

 

I couldn't open the door to an all night diner FULL of people.  A lot of people could see me. LOL!

 

I got showed up by my Dad in a hot yoga class.  It was his first time, and I was the one dying on the floor. 

 

First, the coin toss came up heads. Then, Joe Flacco threw a pass that was under 9.5 yards.  Then, the first punt of the game was over 48.5 yards. Lastly, there was no score in the first 4 minutes of the second quarter. This series of events led to me winning money.  Isn't that crazy!  I think it is.  (We think it was pretty obvious as to who this one happened to!!)

 

 

 

Our Vine to You

 

Ever wonder who exactly our "Play Expert" is? I know, she's been posting here on our blog for months with her much read Play Posts and we have been selfishly keeping her under wraps and all to ourselves. So we thought there is no better time than to finally get you to meet her and find out a little more about Andrea's life, work and passions.

We are happy to introduce you to the lovely Andrea, PBPE (Peekaboo Beans Play Expert!)...

Exactly who is our Play Expert? Hi, my name is Andrea and I’m excited to be your PeekabBoo Beans Play Expert. As a mom, child therapist and humanitarian I’m committed to providing opportunities to play for children of all ages and cultures.

What is your official title? I am a Clinical Counsellor (MA, CCC) and I love my job! Through my private practice A Child’s Song I offer Education, Consultation and Therapeutic Services for children and families. I have the opportunity every day to work with parents and children helping them to strengthen their relationships with each other. One of my most effective therapeutic tools is PLAY and I look forward to sharing with you how play can enhance relationships.

What's defines you as our Play Expert? When I’m not working I’m most often referred to as Kerlinda’s mom! My daughter is seven years old and a bundle of energy and joy. She was born in Haiti and came to Canada at twenty months through adoption. I made a choice to adopt as a single parent and it has been the most incredible journey.

As a result of my love for Kerlinda, improving the lives of orphaned Haitian children has become my passion. I’m thrilled to be part of an exciting project this spring to train orphanage nannies in Haiti how to meet the emotional and psychological needs of the children they care for. I’m sure you won’t be surprised when I tell you I intend to accomplish this by teaching the nannies how to PLAY with children.

What does PLAY mean to you? For me it is the essence of the work I do with children and families. Play is the key to my success in helping parents and children connect with each other in a more meaningful way. It is also one of the ways I am able to engage and connect with my own daughter.

What did you have to conquer in order to fulfill a dream you had? My life dream has always been to create change for children who are living in poverty. I knew from the time I was a teenage that working in a third world orphanage was in my future. I think intuitively I knew that I needed to complete my education in order to have the social power required to make the changes I envisioned. Having to stay focused and complete my Master’s was what I had to conquer in order to do what I am passionate about.

Who is one person you look up to or are inspired by and why? I am most inspired by my daughter. She has had to overcome unbelievable challenges just to be where most of her peers are. She spent her first seventeen months living in an orphanage and experienced both physical and emotional deprivation. I watch the way she has had to overcome the emotional scars of her early childhood and I am amazed by her bravery and depth of understanding.

What possession do you cherish the most? This would definitely be my photo albums. They are irreplaceable!

Is there a special tradition you share with your children? Kerlinda and I celebrate‘Family Day’ every year on May 11. This is the date that her adoption was finalized and so we celebrate it as the day we became a family. If it happens to fall on a weekday I take the day off work and Kerlinda is off school. She chooses the activity and we spend the day just being together and doing something we enjoy. We both look forward to it and the day is always planned in detail long before it arrives!

What spot in your neighbourhood if your favourite place to go? There is a little café just a few minutes away that faces the beach. It has outdoor seating that offers a beautiful view of the ocean. The family that owns Watts Cooking makes the most amazing baked goods. My cup of tea, a home baked muffin and a good book is the perfect way to relax.

What kind of house do you live in? And what do you like best about living there? We live in a small rancher home with a big backyard in a quiet neighbourhood. I love that the house is old and has a ton of character. The old wood floors and doorbell chimes give it a homey feeling. I would have to say though that the backyard is the best part. It has a big tree that is home to a squirrel my daughter has named and many beautiful little birds.

Can you share with us your favorite recipe, websites or local shops? I don’t really enjoy cooking but baking is something my daughter and I enjoy doing together regularly. I am a big fan of the http://allrecipes.com/. It is my go to for simple baking recipes. And I love to shop for vintage items. I’m forever collecting old castaway furniture pieces and promising to refinish them. Some of them are lovely additions to our home and others are still in the garage waiting for some attention!

What's one thing you always look forward to? Hugs and kisses in the morning from my daughter. With that and a good cup of tea I’m ready for whatever the day will bring.

What legacy would you like to build for you and your life or family? I want to offer my child the opportunity to see the world beyond our quiet little neighbourhood. I hope that by modelling a lifestyle of humanitarian work she will develop her own ideas of creating change in the world.

Likes: chocolate, wine, hot sunny weather and hugs

Dislikes: housecleaning, paperwork and rain!

 

Find out more about Andrea, her team, her missions to Haiti and her private services on A Child Song. 

A Playdate at the Playground

There's not many things in this world better than seeing children with smiles on their faces and enjoying the simple act of play.  So we at the Playground were more than happy when we had a little impromptu playdate with a whole bunch of our Peekaboo Bean fans at our offices. We were joined by fabulous ladies from our Beanaholics Facebook page, along with a few lovely ladies from who are active sellers and buyers from the Vintage Beans Facebook page.  Together, with all our Beans, we had a wonderful afternoon playdate filled with first-time greetings, laughter, giggles, playtime, pizza and snacks galore!

 

This was such a wonderful opportunity to see our products in action, first hand on the customers themselves, the little Beans, busy jumping, tumbling socializing, make-believing... playing!  And many of these little Beans were dressed in PB's from seasons and seasons ago. Its so amazing to see how our product has held up from years of washing, wear and tear, and being passed down between the hands of older Beans to the younger Beans. 

 

This is such an amazing community of people, of Peekaboo Beans lovers, and of followers. By getting to see the affect we have had on mothers, fathers, and most importantly, children's lives first hand is incredible.  We love that we create a product that kids love to wear, love to play in, and feel proud that they are given the independence and confidence with our clothing to be who they are and to be comfortable with themselves so they can ultimately focus on what's most important for them.... which is PLAY! 

 

Such a wonderful community and we are so proud to be a part of your everyday.  Thank you for allowing Peekaboo Beans into your family's homes and lives, we are so honored to be here.  We are so grateful for your dedication, and are in awe of all of your love and passion for our products. You certainly inspire us to keep going everyday and because of you Peekaboo Beans will continue to grow and all for the simple reason that... we love our Beans.

 

 

Have a playful holiday from us!

 

My wish is for your Beans to smile this Christmas, for your families to share and create happy memories together and that you get a little time to just Play. Here's to a wonderful holiday season, from my family to yours.

 

In love and Play,

 

Our Play Stylists Paying it Forward

Sharing stories of our Peekaboo Beans Play Stylists Paying it Forward

 

Taking some inspiration from the 'Keepin it Real' event that was hosted at the Peekaboo Beans   Playground in August, on Saturday September 15th, I had the pleasure of hosting my own Keeping it Real - an event for tweens in Ottawa. I could not have imagined a better response or turnout for the event. A friend who owns her own home organization company, Heather or Smart Space Organizing, offered her office space for the event. With Heather's many business contacts, we were able to get some donations for swag bags, including Dove shampoo and deodorant, 3M post it notes and biodegradable pens, and even personalized Mabels Labels tween packs, which were a HUGE hit with the girls. I included some mini CiCi Bean catalogs as well.

 

The event was advertised on Facebook, Twitter and Eventbrite. Both Heather and I also sent out the information through our newsletter lists. I had 25 RSVPs, and more than 20 tweens (ages 8-14) and their moms arrived for an afternoon event! I was so happy with the response! Almost everyone arrived early, hoping to be one of the first to get a swag bag (I had advertised that there was a limited amount). By 1:00pm the room was buzzing with conversation about real beauty!

 

Another friend who owns her own photography business, Julie, offered to come and take photos of the tweens and their moms. We had motivational signs for the girls to hold with messages like:

I love you because.

When I see you I see.

I hope you can see how amazing you are.

The best part of me is...

Let your heart be your guide.

Happiness is the secret to all beauty.

A smile is the best kind of makeup a girl can wear.

One mom/tween pair chose to write their own message and not show each other. It will be a surprise once they see the photos. We had moms tearing up as they were touched by the power of the motivational signs.

 

Around the office walls I had posted large sheets of paper with a question prompt on each one. The girls were given markers and crayons and invited to answer the questions. What happened was a personal and intimate conversation between moms and daughters as they answered each questions. I overheard a lot of tweens asking their moms of their opinions, and moms redirecting the questions to their daughters, prompting them to think deeper and come up with their own opinions. It was beautiful to see this bonding experience, in a safe environment, where moms could really connect with their daughters and think about some hard questions that tweens are facing.

 

Heather provided some organizational activities in the boardroom. One activity involved asking the tweens and their moms to empty the contents of a bag and organize them. The objective was to show how we all think differently about organizing, and that to a tween her room may be untidy but organized in a way that works for her. It was an eye opening activity for sure!

 

We also had snacks and punch in the kitchen, and invited everyone to help themselves.

At the back of the space I had my rack of Peekaboo Beans and CiCi Beans samples to try on. I invited the girls to give me their feedback about the line, without any pressure to buy. The focus of the event was really on making a connection between tweens and moms, and raising awareness of how important it is to talk to our kids about hard questions like: "Do you find some people easier or harder to talk with? Why do you think this is? How important is it to be able to express yourself effectively?" The energy in the room was vibrant, and just by looking around at the pairs of moms and daughters, I could tell there were moments of connecting. One tween answered the prompt "Why did you decide to come to Keeping it Real" with the answer "to spend quality time with my mom."

 

I was honestly so inspired by the answers the girls gave to the questions about beauty. As a parent of young children, but also as a teacher who often teaches tweens, I realized that this age group has far strong opinions and knowledge about self and beauty than I ever realized.

 

Heather and I are already teaming up to host a 2nd Keepin it Real event in November, which will include a tween yoga session and also a talk about budgeting and finances for tweens. I can't wait to share with you how it goes, I know it will be even better than the first one!

In love and play, Vicky Bisson

Peekaboo Beans Play Stylist, Ottawa

Meet the Playground Staff

Ever wonder who is running the show?  What the "Playground" is?  How we become inspired and continue to create and grow?  Here's a quick behind the scenes look at all us ladies & Derrick (our sole brave man) who make up the team at the Peekaboo Beans Playground.  

 

The Peekaboo Beans "Playground", located in Richmond, British Columbia, has been busy planting a unique and special working environment with a family first philosophy.  Together as a family we watch our garden grow and thrive through a strongly rooted value system.  Our garden grows when we fill it with like minded individuals, water it with positivity and embrace change.

 

Peekaboo Beans is a vine like no other as we support and promote a work life balance for Moms.  We believe that everyone deserves to be a mom but still be YOU, all while loving what you do each day.  With rejuvenating yoga classes, relaxing chair massage, super fun monthly play dates and even personal grocery shopping, Peekaboo Beans brings to bloom a true mommy mecca. 

 

As we plant the seeds, add some water and watch it bloom we live by the vision of working culture specifically geared to what working mamma's need.  Imagine in-house daycare, shopping services, exercise facilities, spa services, meal preparation, and many more family support systems right at your finger tips.  This is MOM Inc.  A place where, through support and family values we can have every Mom arrive home happy, healthy and present for their special little Beans!

Our Vine to You - Kristy Owen

Getting to know your local Peekaboo Beans Play Stylist... we begin this exciting feature with a closer look at the lovely ladies who are sprouting off our Vine and providing you with the ingredients for a playful life.   

Today we meet Kristy of Tsawwassen, British Columbia.  And here's a glimpse from her VINE:

Tell us about you:

My heart is with my family! I have a 1 year old daughter, Ellen, who is definitely a bit of a “Cheeky Monkey” and a very loving and supportive hubby. Dave and I got married in Maui, and were lucky to spend our 4 year anniversary there in January. We try to go back once a year and soak up some rays. As a family, we love being out on the water, and spend lots of time on the boat in the summer, usually at Hatzic lake. In the winter, we love to get up to Whistler to ski, although since Ellen, that has been a bit difficult! We are so lucky to have an amazing family, group of friends and great neighbours. We work so that we can play! Isn’t that what life is about?

Tell us a little bit about the journey to becoming a Peekaboo Beans Stylist:

Being a friend of Traci’s, I have always been a huge fan of Peekaboo Beans! After having my own bean, Ellen, last April, I found I had a huge desire to be involved with this amazing company. I am so passionate about what they value because I have my own little walking-talking example of the importance of play right in front of my eyes. Being a Play Stylist is my “Play” job. I am also a Nuclear Medicine Technologist at BC Children’s Hospital, as well as a (contract-based) Instructor at BCIT!

What does PLAY mean to you?

Great question! To me, play means allowing kids to have the space to explore their mind and act freely! I truly believe that boundary-free playtime allows kids to see and learn about our world from their own perspective, rather than ours.

How do you balance Motherhood, play and work?

Well, this is my first week back to work (part-time yay at Children’s) after my maternity leave, so I’ll let you know! But actually, everything in moderation is a theme I try to live by. I think it is healthy to have a balanced life.

What inspires you?

Many things! Sunny weather, rainy weather, people who seem to do it all and still look fabulous doing it, my daughter, my grandparents, a bottle of wine, a long drive, a good book, a night of insomnia (sometimes great ideas result from not sleeping), people who are consistently happy (like my husband), the list goes on...

Who is one person you look up to or are inspired by and why?

I don’t know that there is 1 person I am completely solely inspired by. I think I am inspired by many people in my life for a bazillion reasons! Whether it is their strength through a tough situation, or their everyday positive attitude, or their work ethic, or their play ethic, there are many people who help me be a better person. I am very lucky!

Besides your family, what is the one possession you most cherish?

Is health a possession? Because I cherish health. If that is too cliché an answer, I guess I would say my camera. I love catching Ellen with a great big toothy-laughy smile.

What were your favorite toy, game and quiet activity as a child?

I’m pretty sure I loved “My Little Pony.” Uno was definitely my favourite card game. Quiet activity was (and still is) reading.

Where do your kids spend most of their free time and/or what do they like to do?

Ellen loves exploring, whether it is the washer or the garden, she gets really smiley when she is exploring a new place. She is such a little sponge, learning from everything around her. I love this age! Oh and she LOVES the swings. The higher the better! We have a little daredevil on our hands!

How do you celebrate your kids birthdays?

Ellen just had her first birthday April 5^th. We had close friends and family over for dinner and cake…40 people later, it was super fun, but pretty busy! I think next year will be much quieter!

What kind of house do you live in? And what do you like best about living there?

We live in a small rancher-style house in Beach Grove, Tsawwassen, BC. The neighbourhood is so friendly and the beach is very close. It is a great place to raise a family, the perfect balance of fun activities at our fingertips, and relaxation. And it really is “Sunny Tsawwassen!”

What places in your neighborhood frequent the most?

There is a super-cute café called Beach Grove Café. Saturday morning walk to the swings and coffee is usually our thing.

What are your go to books, websites or local shops?

I have a kindle (love) and so I read a ton. I love the Hunger Games trilogy (Almost done reading it for the 3^rd time. Blush.)! There are a ton of local shops that are very quaint and adorable here in Tsawwassen. My top 2 favourites are probably Ambiente and Toys & Tech. Every time I go into Ambiente, I get so many creative decorating ideas, and the toy store has lots of unique fun stuff.

What’s your idea of a perfect day?

Well, it is definitely sunny! We are a boating family and spend a lot of time out at Hatzic lake in the summer. A day where there is a combination of me wake boarding, Ellen swimming, Dave (my hubby) skiing and perhaps some relaxing would be more than perfect.

What legacy would you like to build through Peekaboo Beans?

I would love if my passion for play was contagious, infecting everyone in my life. I would love to see all my kiddies near and far, playing in Peekaboo Beans, being comfortable and fashionable. That’s not too much to ask is it?

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