I couldn’t believe it as I turned the calendar to June yesterday morning. Not only are we in the very same month as my due date (yikes!!), but we are also fully in to the beginning of summer. Our American neighbours say that Memorial Day weekend, which just passed, is the kick off – even though summer does not officially start until the 21st of June, I think we can all agree that we are well under way.

The weather here in Montreal has been spectacular. After a week of staggering, 30+ degree heat (which was lots of fun for me and my big, huge belly!), it seems to have leveled off now to a solid 24-25 degrees, which is absolutely lovely. Perfect weather for splashing around the fountains at the park in the sunny afternoons, and so much more comfortable to sleep in at night. Let’s hope it continues throughout the next few months… Last summer’s June & July were so rainy it felt like we had gotten London’s weather!

With the heat kicking in to full gear, it is so important to keep the sunblock flowing and the drinks on hand at all times. I now never leave the house without a water bottle for me and Jasper in my stroller, and the Hatley ones do the trick for both of us. With adorable designs, like Moose on Red and Creepy Bugs, Jas and I are both set. Because they are made with stainless steel instead of aluminum, your drink stays icy cold, and is so much safer to drink. Aluminum water bottles have to be lined, often with the very controversial BPA (bisphenol-A). BPA is a chemical often used in the production of baby bottles, which Canada has declared hazardous  to human health and is considering to ban in baby products all together. Hatley’s water bottles also come with phthalate-free caps, which is very important since phthalates (a chemical used in plastics to make it softer, very often used in baby chew toys and bottle caps) have been linked to numerous health risks, including cancer. Stainless steel water bottles are considered to be the safest and purest, which is certainly what you want for your kids (and yourself)!

And on another note, I like the Hatley ones because they don’t leak! I can’t tell you how often I am cleaning up messes of spilled juice and wet pants on Jasper from poorly screwed on sippy-cup lids. He is in a very long lasting phase of pouring water cups out onto the floor and dissolving in laughter, so I certainly appreciate the no-spill factor.

Enjoy this beautiful weather everyone, and I hope that you have a wonderful start to the summer!