Growing Up Western

I have a new venture in the works – something I will be revealing just in time for the Chilliwack, BC, Mane Event this coming October! I\’m super excited about it, but I can\’t reveal too much right now. However, I thought I would give y\’all a little prelude to my newest project with today\’s blog – introducing… drum roll, please…!

Growing Up Western.

Yes, that is the name of my newest project and I hope to keep a running spin-off of it on My Stable Life. Here, I will essentially feature a few children\’s items that we really admire – and use – in our household. Whether they are items of clothing, toys, books or learning materials, we always tend to lean towards the \”horsey\” and \”western\” types of products. It helps us keep things real with our twins. Real and ranch-like.

From Little People tractors and farm sets, to hobby horses and night-time storybooks, Growing Up Western is inspired by all things equine and agriculture-related. Here are four of my faves:

1) LeapFrog Mix and Match Fridge Farm Phonics.

This magnetic barn teaches kids the names of farm animals in both English and French. It\’s a big hit whenever children pass by the fridge as they simply place the magnetic halves of 4 different animals into the barn doors and listen to see what the barn tells them. When children put the same halves of the animal side by side, they are rewarded with the sound the animal makes. But if two different halves are put side by side – well, you\’ll see. I get a real kick out of this toy. Apparently \”cow horses\” are silly. Guess, LeapFrog never banked on this toy ending up in our house! <grin>

Toys R Us – $14.95

2. Petit Lem Western Onesie & Pajama Sets

Petit Lem was a favorite brand of mine when my babies were little, little. Their jammies and onesies are eco-friendly and made from the softest materials. This western set really caught my eye when traveling through Drumheller, Alberta, this summer. With bucking broncos and horseshoes daintily placed all over each piece, these layette sets really portray a baby\’s western lifestyle. And the easy snap fixtures make them convenient for Mom when it\’s time to change little bottoms.

Sleeper is $29.99 • Onesie set is $44.99

Over the Rainbow 403-823-3505

3. Big Red Barn Book

Margaret Wise Brown\’s lulling story about a day in the life of a barnyard is now available as a sturdy board book. This is a very tranquil, simplistic story and a classic favorite at bed time.

\”By the big red barn
In the great green field,
There was a pink pig
Who was learning to squeal…\”

Pictures illustrated by Felicia Bond lovingly evokes Brown\’s simple, rhythmic text about the cycle of a day on a farm, where a family of animals peacefully plays and sleeps.

Amazon – $9.99

4. Handmade Stampede Dress

When I saw this piece at the Millarville Farmer\’s Market, I just couldn\’t pass it by. It had to come home with me. Handstitched by Helen of Helen\’s Crafts, this little sundress is perfect for hot weather or can be worn on cooler days with a long sleeve shirt and tights. So flippin\’ cute!!

Dress $22 – Helen\’s Crafts 403-982-2542