We're back to the grey days of February, but Stimulistas, It's time to break out of our winter wardrobe box and add some texture and colour to our outfits. The fact that our newest little find is able to multi-task as much as we do is an added bonus.

We just discovered these handmade Sweet Nova Clips and we love them!  Created by a local mom who is a graduate of Emily Carr, the clips are intended as a hair accessory for babies and little girls. Having said that, we think they make a great brooch to add a little punch to your outfit. The felt rosette has a great texture that is perfect as a fall & winter accessory, but with spring just around the corner (we hope), the colourful Ranunculus has caught our eye.

Wondering how to wear you new purchase? Why not clip the flowers onto the collar of your shirt or use it to create a unique knot with a scarf?  It's also perfectly appropriate as your own little grown-up hair accessory when tucked into the back of a ponytail.

You can pick up your own multi-tasking Sweet Nova clip at La Belle Vie in Cloverdale or online at sweetnova.com. Prices range from $4.00 - $9.00.

One of the most popular gift items at Christmas is board games. Not only do they provide hours of entertainment and fun, they also encourage friends and family to spend time together -  a family that plays together stays together.

Konexi from the Wonder Forge, is a 3D word building game where each player takes turns adding letters to build a teetering skyscraper. The longer the word, the higher your points and the more precariously balanced it becomes. You can spell your words upward, downward or sideways, but there will come a point when gravity kicks in and Konexi will collapse.

Konexi is just making its way into the Canadian market. It is available at Splash Toys in Vancouver as well as online from Amazon for $21.99. You can also visit wonderforge.com (the game distributor) for a list of major US retailers if you plan to head south.

Walking to and from school used to be the norm when we were kids. You didn't think twice about it. Now, with the world feeling so much more dangerous for our kids, the thought of letting them walk puts fear in the hearts of many parents. We want them to be safe but we also want them to have a taste of the freedom that we were able to enjoy by roaming the neighbourhood.

iSAFE Backpacks may be the answer. This line of backpacks and messenger bags have all the usual compartments for books and papers as well as cell phones and ipods, but what makes these bags different is that they come equipped with a built-in personal alarm and red strobe light. Concealed under a flap on the shoulder strap, the alarm is activated by simply pulling the cord. You can watch the video demonstration here.

iSAFE bags comes in a variety of colours and fabric designs. They are designed for people ages 8 and  up and the pack weighs only 2.3 pounds with the alarm batteries. Not bad at all.

iSAFE backpacks and messenger bags are available online starting at $39.99.

Summer is finally here - both with the weather and with the end of school! Now it's time for vacation and that means road trips! What do you do to keep your kids, or yourself, busy as you watch the miles tick by?

A good, old fashioned game of Tic Tac Toe will keep them their minds and their hands occupied.  The Yes or No Tic Tac Toe game set is handmade right here in Maple Ridge, BC by Mizzonk, whose name is inspired by a monk's devotion to contemplation and his work. More than just a game, this beautifully crafted set it is a work of art. Measuring only 5 1/4" x 5 1/4" x 5 1/4",  it is a perfect travel sized game-on-the-go.

This limited edition game set is available in black MDF ($85), Solid Western Cedar ($125) and the actual game pieces are Eastern Hard Maple. You can order online from mizzonk.com with payment available through Paypal.

With several of us here at Stimuli falling into the thirty-something age bracket, it goes without saying that there are a lot of little people in our lives. Our friends, siblings and even customers are having children, en masse it would seem. The question is…what do you get them for a gift?

Since we are the generous "aunty" and not the parent, we tend to go for something a little more luxurious yet still practical. We recently discovered Pico Charlie Cole, a Canadian company that specializes in linens, blankets and baby wear.  There's two items that caught our eye; the Take Me Home Gift Set that holds a receiving blanket and baby hat, both embroidered with a lovely saying.

We couldn't resists a little oohing and awing over the Perfect Pair Twin Tee Set. Made of 100% cotton jersey, the tee is available in white, natural and grey.

These two Pico Charlie Cole items are available at The Passionate Home in Langley. Did you know they've just moved into a brand new, bigger location right across the courtyard in McBurney Lane? Go check out the new space - it's breathtaking!