Magic Beans Giveaway... The Numbers Are In!

The numbers are in and we are so proud of our amazing tribe of Play Stylists and VIPB’s! On March 28^th we had launched the Magic Beans Giveaway to help get children across the land playing comfortably as well as a way to help mama’s give back to their communities to causes that are significant to them. During this two-week opportunity, Peekaboo Beans was able to donate 438 boys, girls, baby, and tween pieces to charities in need across the nation! 

Just a few of the charities included Central Alberta Women’s Emergency Shelter, the Malawi Girls School, Mizppah House, Connaught School, Battlefords Boys & Girls Club, and the Big Brother program. That is amazing and we can’t thank all of you who contributed enough!

Below are just a few of the inspiring stories we received from our Play Stylists about the Magic Beans Giveaway Soiree’s that they were able to hold with their Hostesses.

Thank you for the Magic Beans Giveaway! I recently attended a Mile Zero Mercy Roller-Girls fundraiser for Mizpah House. Mizpah house is a local transition house for abused women and children. There was a speaker from the shelter at the fundraiser and she hit a chord with me. I thought, "I'd like to get involved with this organization". When the lovely ladies at Baked Cafe hosted a qualifying Soiree I had asked them their thoughts and they too are big supporters of Mizpah House! What a wonderful opportunity to bring a little comfort to women and children in desperate need! Often these women and their kids arrive with nothing but the clothes on their backs. I contacted Mizpah House and they have told me they are in need of clothing for girl’s ages 2-5 and boys 3-5 :) 

My second Magic Beans bundle is going to be donated to Malawi Girls School. Every year Arlene Delawsky, a top local realtor and philanthropist, hosts a private party to fundraise for the girls school in Africa. This school provides a safe place and education to girls in Malawi. This year the principal and former student of the school will be joining us for the event. Arlene is the hostess of a Peekaboo Beans fashion show and in addition to the Magic Beans Giveaway, all the Hostess Bean-e-fits are being donated to the school! As well, I will be donating a portion of my commission to the school. Let the love flow!!! - Charlie Jordan

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“My Hostess was looking for a local charity to support and had come across the Battlefords Boys & Girls Club online.  She saw all of the amazing programs that they offer to children in our community and knew instantly they would benefit.  The first line on their home page is "Another School year is up and running!  The Battlefords Boys & Girls Club is OPEN and ready for kids to come play in our brand new building!"  How could we not support a charity that is so aligned with Peekaboo Beans and children playing?!” - Jamie Killoran

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“This is a back story for my Magic Beans. It's a recommendation from one of my VIPB. Here is the msg she provided me:

The Magic Beans Soiree that I held was with a VIPB who knew the perfect family to help out during a hard time. Below is the message she had originally sent me:

“Hi Laura, as I mentioned, Leigh was one of the mom's that we sponsored through the Christmas Fairies this past Christmas. She is a single mom with 2 children.  Jack, who is in Grade 1, and Leighla, who is 3 1/2.  She home schools Jack and is currently trying to figure out a source of income because her soon to be ex husband will not be able to support the family.

Leigh is one of the most beautiful people that I have ever met.  Her heart is just so generous, open and honest.  We all got together close to Christmas time  and she brought some food and a bottle of wine (probably with her last few dollars).  As I mentioned before, she is the type to give her last few dollars.

Both of her children are amazing.  Jack is an incredible artist and is very bright.  Leighla is a little fireball full of energy but just so sweet and loving like her mom.

I was out with a girlfriend last night and we were both trying to figure out a way to try and support Leigh during this time. When I saw your message, I immediately thought of her and how deserving she is of some special treats for her children.  She would NEVER be able to afford PBB.” - Laura Webb

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! 

Come join our vine with the best deal ever!

For the month of JUNE only, join our growing vine of fabulous Peekaboo Beans Stylists and receive our best deal yet!  This doesn't come around too often so if you have been contemplating creating a new business for yourself  now is the perfect opportunity.  

Email stylist@peekaboobeans.com to receive your New Sprout information package today. 

Hello Summer!

Our Endless Summer Collection has arrived! 

As of today, Peekaboo Beans has 11 brand new pieces available from our Endless Summer Collection.  We bring you more glorious color, playful details, comfortable styles and light layers for all those upcoming hot summer months. The Endless Summer collections has that California beach vibe, reminiscent of days spent skim boarding, riding big waves and running barefoot in the sand; truly a special time where kids can just be kids

Shop ON-VINE at Peekaboo Beans or
contact your local Peekaboo Beans Play Stylist for personal shopping service!

And for the month of May only, if you host a Bean Soiree you will have the option to purchase one of our "limited edition" Garden Party Dress!  See all the exciting details below!  

Sue's Survivor cookies

You don't need to know us well to know that we are all cookie, cake and donut lovers here at the Peekaboo Beans Playground.  And some of our favorite days are when we see Play Stylist Super Star Sue Jennings pull into the parking lot and gently emerge from her car with a basket of home baked goodies!!  Sue.. we love you and you certainly bring an element of FUN and YUM to us around here! 

 

So a few weeks ago, Sue showed up with her latest creation of goodness... Survivor Cookies.  The perfect blend of oatmeal, buttery-ness, delicate nuts and hearty chocolate chips. Mmmmm is all that we can say!!  And they certainly didn't last long! 

 

 

When we asked Sue if she minded that we share her delicious recipe with the rest of the world, she graciously accepted and asked us to give a big warm shout out to her friends at Eric Hamber Secondary as this recipe is originally from the grade 10 baking teacher, who happens to be Sue's good friend.  So without further ado, we bring you Sue's Survivor Cookies...

 

 

We asked Sue why they are called survivor cookies and here's what she had to say...

I believe they are called survivor cookies because they have similar ingredients to a granola bar. Lots of seeds, can add nuts, dried fruit etc to give you a bit longer lasting energy and fibre than a chocolate chip cookie. But, they ARE a cookie!! 

 

And one more note... the baked cookies freeze excellently (real word??)  as does the raw cookie dough. Which allows for long term enjoyment!! 

 

Sue's Survivor Cookies:

1 cup butter
3/4 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
1 1/4 cup flour (white or whole wheat)
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt

3/4 cup raw/unsalted sunflower seeds
1/3 cup flax or poppy seeds
3/4 cup unsalted pumpkin seeds
1 cup raisins or chopped dates
2 cups large flaked oats
1 pkg milk chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 F.
In a large bowl or mixer, cream butter and both sugars until light and fluffy.
Add eggs and vanilla and beat well.
Add flour, baking soda and salt and stir into batter.  Mix until combined.
Stir in seeds, dried fruit, oats and chocolate chips. You can refrigerate dough for 30 minutes to reduce spreading when baking. (this step is optional)
Drop dough in rounded/heaping tablespoons on parchment lined baking sheet (12 per tray).
Bake 15-20 minutes or until just golden around the edges. (bake less for chewy, more for crispy).
Cool on racks and enjoy with a big glass of milk.

This makes about 5 dozen cookies, you can bake half and freeze the remaining raw cookie dough to bake later.  ENJOY!!

Betcha can't eat just one! 
 

 

 

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

What's your calling?

Do you take as STAND for:

• Unstructured free play
• Empowering independence in children
• Sharing with others
• Taking time for you
• Building a business legacy

If so, we think you ROCK and we want you!  Join the play forces and be part of our inspiring team of Bean-trepreneurs.

Growing as a Play Stylist with Peekaboo Beans lets you:

• create your own destiny
• be your own boss
• love what you do
• create your own work schedule
• outfit your children in amazing clothes
• be part of something revolutionary
• receive professional and life coaching
• find your work/life balance
• earn an income on your terms
• work with a dynamic, inspiring group of talented women (and one man) like you!

What is a Beans Soiree?

The Beans Soiree is a unique home shopping experience.  We bring the vine to you, providing you with the exclusive opportunity to see and purchase the entire Peekaboo Bean playwear collection.  Hosting or attending a Soiree makes life easier for you and your beans with shopping that fits your schedule. 

If you are curious how it all works, here's our Compensation at a glance:

And just to make it all super easy for you... here's a peek at our Kick Start Kit to get you and your business growing (available until July15th only!):

  

If you are interested or would like more information about becoming a Peekaboo Beans Play Stylist please email our Cheer Captain Becky at the Peekaboo Beans Playground. 

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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Do you live in Kristy's area?  Looking to host your own Peekaboo Beans Soiree?  Here's how you can get in touch with her today: 

Kristy's FACEBOOK

Kristy's TWITTER

Kristy's email