It’s Reading Week

University students across Canada are gearing up for Reading Week. Last year the Dal News (our daughter attends Dalhousie University) put out this list of Top 10 Ways to Spend Reading Week.

Of all those options, we’re glad our daughter will be spending her week at home in Barrie. Here are some of the things we’re thinking about as we prepare for her visit:

Activities

There’s no shortage of things to do in and around Barrie in the wintertime. I would also love to skate or walk along the Ice Trail at Arrowhead Provincial Park.

Meals

I know one of the things my daughter is looking forward to is homemade meals. If Thanksgiving and Christmas are any indication, we’d better loosen our belts because we’ll be indulging in all her favourites.

Family dynamics

There is always an adjustment when someone has been away and returns. She’s bound to get more of our attention, and that won’t go unnoticed by our other children.

And as independent as our kids get when they’re living on their own, back at home they tend to jump right back into the habit of letting Mom do everything for them again. It’s only natural, and can happen when we return home no matter how old we are.

Shopping

Our daughter is in residence so she may not need the same type of care package as someone living on their own. Plus there is only so much she can pack into her luggage for the flight home.

Still, I’m sure her wardrobe will need some replenishing (starting with the bras, of course), and let’s think ahead to spring and warmer weather!

Studying

It’s called Reading Week for a reason, and I’m sure my daughter will have assignments and studying to do. It may be hard to remember that our kids have been developing their own independent study skills at university, and we should encourage that rather than swoop in again like when they were in high school.

Friends

We have to accept that we’re not the only ones our daughter wants to spend time with while she’s here. And it’s not just about sharing her time, I’m also going to have to share my car!

Thinking ahead

Reading Week is a prime time to secure a summer job for when the school year ends in April. In fact, a lot of summer jobs like camps have been hiring already and may even have closed their applications by now.

They’ll be a lot of competition on the job trail. Students can start with a basic web search (“My town + jobs”), and then branch out from there.

Brabary and other local stores often hire summer help because their regular staff want to take time off.

For some students, this is also time to confirm accommodations for next year, if they haven’t already.

Do you have a child coming home for Reading Week? What’s it going to be like at your house?

Preparing Your Children for University or College

Having recently gone through the process of preparing a child for university out of province, we were reflecting on how much was involved, and what tools were most helpful for getting it all done.

Most universities offer in-depth guidelines for students moving into residence, and their parents who are helping them prepare. They provide things like moving lists, residence room layouts and dimensions, photos and videos. We relied heavily on the Dalhousie Residence site.

We knew it was important to get a hold of as much of the bedding and kitchenware items as we could ahead of time, since the few days at the beginning of school would be such a madhouse in the stores around campus.

We took advantage of stores like Bed, Bath & Beyond, who will ship right to a university residence or a local store so items are there when the student arrives.

If your child is travelling a farther distance, you definitely have to be more organized, even thinking as far ahead as the winter months. Do you pack their winter clothes? Ship them later? Will they be home for a visit in between?

Undergarment essentials include lots of socks and underwear (Hanky Panky for the girls, Saxx for the guys) so they don’t have to do as much laundry. Also be sure girls have enough sports bras to stay active and avoid the “freshman 15.”

What are your best tips for having a child away at university or college?

Bring Spring into your Home

Tulipe by Shan - available at Brabary

With temperatures rising, you’re likely finding plenty of excuses to get outside – whether it’s tending to the newly thawed lawn, longer walks, or fun group sports outdoors. There are also plenty of things you can do indoors to bring in the feeling of spring. Here are a few ideas:

• Have fun with potted plants that you can eventually move outdoors or plant in the garden. As a bonus, plants also freshen up the air inside your house.
• Tulips are a lovely symbol of spring, as are other fresh cut flowers you can use to adorn the house.
• Brighten up your décor with colourful accessories like throw pillows – choose pillows or fabrics to make your own.
• Fill a vase with lemons or green apples. For more ideas on how to bring spring’s hottest colours into your kitchen, check out these countertop accessory ideas from the Marilyn Denis Show.
• Let spring greet you and your visitors right at the front door. Put together or purchase a spring-themed wreath or go one step further and paint your front door in a nice bright colour.

Don’t forget about Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 11^th. A beautiful flowering tree will help Mom bring spring indoors as well, and a Brabary gift certificate will give her the chance to look and feel her best with the help of a professional fitting and consultation. Mothers give so much and put everyone’s needs before their own – let’s give back to Mom!

Unique North American Lingerie and Sleepwear

In many communities around North America, there is a movement going on to encourage consumers to shop locally. The benefits are that the money you spend is reinvested back into the community, and it helps local shop owners thrive and give back.

At Brabary, we’ve extended the Shop Local movement with a quest to source as many North American-made products as we can, so when you’re supporting us as a local business you’re also supporting other businesses committed to local manufacturing and staffing.

It’s no longer necessary to go to Europe for unique, high-end luxury lingerie and sleepwear (though they do still tend to be ahead of us when it comes to bras and getting a true fit).

While our last post featured one Canadian-made brand of swimwear and resort wear (SHAN), today we’ll share a variety of North American vendors we’re proud to feature in our store.

ARIANNE was founded in 1947 in Quebec and makes tops, camisoles, loungewear, lingerie and sleepwear.

Christine, created by designer Christine Morton, was the first line of silk lingerie designed and manufactured in Canada (Vancouver, BC). Customers include Oprah, Gwyneth Paltrow, Diana Krall, and Catherine Zeta-Jones.

Mary Green (San Francisco, California) – Called "a visionary of ethical and sustainable entrepreneurship," Mary Green's sleepwear is made from the finest Chinese silk and has been featured in all the top fashion magazines.

Saxx (Vancouver, BC) – Men’s underwear line created out of a frustration with men’s underwear that was not designed for how men are actually built.

Forever New – Finally, to care for all of these delicate products, there is the Toronto-based company The Forever Group, makers of eco-friendly gentle laundry soap Forever New as well as other laundry accessories. Visit their site for cleaning tips.

A Handy Checklist Twenty-Five Things For Your Next Trip

Visiting different places around the world can be a great source of pleasure, but getting there can be a source of stress, especially if you’re worried about what you might have forgotten to pack!

Here is a checklist we’ve put together of important things to remember for your next trip:

1. Enough underwear for everyday, unless you’ll have laundry facilities
2. Swimwear – check that it still fits, and that it’s weathered the summer
3. Special occasion bras for evening events
4. Everyday bras
5. Forever New powder – you can use this for both swimwear and lingerie
6. Shapewear for special outfits
7. Hosiery for special outfits – choose the right weight for the climate
8. Sunscreen – it will be more expensive to buy it there (just remember to pack it in your suitcase because of liquid restrictions)
9. Sun hat
10. Beach bag – there are handy mesh bags that fold up nice and small
11. Insulated travel mug to keep your drinks cool while you’re poolside
12. Flip flops
13. After-sun lotion
14. Nail polish in the same colour you’re wearing, for touch-ups
15. E-reader – tip: download your books in case there’s no Wi-Fi
16. E-reader screen for reading in the sun
17. Comfortable running/walking shoes
18. Workout wear so you can enjoy the buffet and still feel good in your bathing suit
19. Extra cell phone coverage for your destination country, or walkie-talkies to stay in touch
20. Valid passport (worth checking before you get to the airport!)
21. Money in the currency where you’re traveling (hint: consider opening a $USD account if you travel often)
22. Small bills for tipping
23. Canada-themed gifts for resort or hotel staff
24. Sleepwear – choose the right weight for your location
25. Coverups or wraps – tip: looks for versatile items that work both in daytime and evening

What would you add to this list? What are your must-haves for travel? What’s the worst thing you’ve ever forgotten to pack?

Brabary is committed to promoting a sense of “I’m worth it” to women of all ages by providing excellent service and quality products. We look forward to seeing you in the perfect fitting bra.

Register for Stress-Free Gifts This Holiday Season

Gift certificates have become a popular alternative for gifts in all seasons, but on Christmas Day, it’s nice to have something to unwrap. More and more women are taking advantage of gift registries – they’re not just for brides anymore!

There are online gift registries, and check your favourite stores to see if they have a registry program. You may think it will take out the element of surprise, but not if you go to different stores and pick out a variety of things.

By registering for gifts you’re taking the stress away for the gift giver. For yourself, you make sure to avoid the stress of taking things back if they weren’t the right size or style for you. Plus, some things like hosiery can’t be taken back so you would be left with something you can’t use.

Everyone wants to stretch their dollars further, and no one wants to see their money wasted. Pre-registering for gifts you really want help the gift giver choose something that fits their budget, and ensures their money will be well spent.

So enjoy a fun day of shopping, try things on and get expert help to find the perfect fit and register for your favourites. The gift giver can feel confident in their choice, and just enjoy making you happy. You can take pleasure in the beautiful items you’ve selected, and everyone can focus on enjoying the holidays stress-free.

Have you ever registered for gifts? How did it work for you? Have you ever shopped for someone else using a gift registry, and how was that different from doing it on your own?

You don't need to go to Toronto to experience the selection of a world-class boutique – it’s now available right here in Barrie at Brabary. Come in and register today!

Choosing and Caring for Your Sleep Wardrobe

When it comes to getting a great night’s sleep, one of the most important factors is the clothing you wear to bed. There are many options from which to choose, and we have done our best to cover a few of the most popular options here. Read on to discover our thoughts on the perfect sleep wardrobe.

The right fabric for a great night’s sleep

Pyjamas come in almost every fibre. One of the most popular choices is flannel. Usually made out of 100% cotton, flannel can be purchased at many different price points based on the fibre quality. Other great options for sleepwear include:

• Silk (feels very soft and comfortable against the skin)
• Microfibre (excellent for wicking moisture away from the skin)
• Cotton (soft on delicate skin)

Whichever fabric you choose for your pyjamas, be sure to avoid polyester and other synthetic fibres. They can hinder the body’s process of expelling toxins, something that happens predominantly during restorative sleep. Additionally, pay attention to the quality of the seaming. Many women find cheap seams to be bulky and irritating on the skin.

Loose-fitting night clothes will promote optimal circulation. No one wants to wake up in the middle of the night feeling constrained.

Skip the foundations or try a sleep bra

Generally speaking, you should avoid wearing undergarments to bed in order to encourage air flow over the body. If you cannot imagine sleeping without them, stick to natural fibres only. Additionally, women who need a little extra support at night may enjoy a sleep bra. Made of microfibre and elastic, this stretchy and supportive garment keeps breasts in place without being too confining.

Care for your sleepwear

Just as it is crucial to wash your bras and swimwear regularly, your sleepwear and bedding needs the same care and attention. Especially when you consider that the average person produces about 1/2 a pint of perspiration each and every night (according to Melissa Maker of Clean My Space). Be sure to keep plenty of sheets, pillowcases and sleepwear on hand so that you can change and wash them frequently.

Ultimately, whatever you wear to bed should comfortable and should keep your temperature regulated appropriately – not too warm and not too cool. Happy sleeping!

Brabary is committed to promoting a sense of “I’m worth it” to women of all ages by providing excellent service and quality products. We look forward to seeing you in the perfect fitting sleepwear.

Getting a Good Night's Sleep

If the nightly news is to be trusted, we all need to be getting better sleep at night.

Unfortunately, the pressures of the modern world make it very difficult for many women to get the kind of sleep they need to function optimally. Here is a list of easy tips and tricks to help you sleep better tonight.

• Make sure that your mattress has adequate support and be sure to flip it regularly to prolong its life span.
• Wear something comfortable to bed every night. Everyone’s tastes are different; many women enjoy flannelette pyjamas – they feel like a hug, while others prefer technical fabrics that can wick away moisture while you slumber.
• Get into the habit of allowing yourself to relax entirely before bed. Limit your use of electronics in the hour before bedtime and try a yoga pose such as laying down with your feet against the wall. You may also want to practise a few deep breathing exercises: focus on your breaths while thinking “positive in, negative out.”
• Avoid sleeping on your stomach. The unnecessary pressure can cause your breast tissue to tear and stretch, a negative condition that is irreparable. Furthermore, according to Dr. Andrea Ryan of Anderson Chiropractic Group in Barrie, “By sleeping on your stomach, you force yourself to turn your neck and create undue postural stress on your nervous system. Sleeping on your back is optimal as it maintains the most neutral position for your body.”

Ultimately, getting better sleep at night comes down to practising a regular and healthy sleep routine. Commit to taking the time you need to unwind each night before bed: take a bath, light some candles, unplug from the world and get the best night’s sleep of your life.

Brabary is located at 12 Commerce Park Drive in the south end of Barrie, featuring specialty sizing bras, custom bras, fine lingerie, swimwear, wedding day trousseau, sports bras, hosiery, maternity bras and breast prosthesis offered in a broad range of quality brand names. We look forward to helping you.

Caring For Your Summer Fabrics

Summer is upon us and for most women that means dealing with less-than-preferable amounts of sweat. Sweating can wreak havoc on the delicate fabrics used to manufacture stockings, panties and bras.

Though sweating is an unavoidable part of summer life, there are ways to lessen the damage sweat can have on fabric, while also making sure to choose fabrics that will feel most comfortable.

How to select the perfect summer bra

When selecting the perfect bra to wear during the summer, your first priority should be your comfort in the heat. Lace bras are inherently cooler as they offer more airflow. You can also choose from a variety of lighter fabrics and seamless options, both of which will keep you cool while minimising the risk of chafing.

Stay away from moulded or padded cups that increase bulk and trap in heat. Additionally, many sports bras now feature moisture-wicking fabrics that work to keep you dry and comfortable during the hot summer months.

Whatever bra you choose, you must wash it regularly to keep it functioning optimally and looking great. You should actually be washing your bras after each wear, especially your sports bra. This not only removes sweat, oil and skin particles from the bra, but also rejuvenates the elasticity of the band.

Forever New^® is a great citrus-based cleaning agent that is convenient to use. Also, you can periodically rinse your bra with a water and vinegar solution to eliminate any oil or detergent build-up.

The right material, the right feel

Like sports bras, many panties are now made out of moisture-wicking, odour-reducing fabric to maximise your comfort during the summer months. The drier you are, the more comfortable you will be. Like your bras, underwear should be laundered after each and every wear to keep the garment functioning optimally.

Sweating can make summer very uncomfortable. Make sure that you are choosing the appropriate fabrics for your undergarments to ensure that you are as cool as possible. Then, take care to clean these items properly to extend their lifespan.

Brabary is committed to promoting a sense of “I’m worth it” to women of all ages by providing excellent service and quality products. We look forward to seeing helping you find the most comfortable garments for our beautiful Barrie summer.