Category Archives: Around Town


Know Moncton: Ana Banana

The only thing harder than shopping for a new mum is being one. Both of those were true though for Amy Clinch who struggled to be able to get the products that she wanted for her new born in Moncton. Amy will tell you that when she was pregnant that she resorted to traveling all over Atlantic Canada and ordering online on order to get the products she wanted for her baby because of the limited selection available in Moncton. And it was this struggled that gave Amy the idea of starting her own store here in Moncton so that other mothers didn’t have to go through the same thing she did. Ana Banana, named after Amy’s daughter, is a high quality baby products and accessories store that experienced real success itself in its first two month of business.

Being a new mother can be very overwhleming and big generic box stores don’t help that. Ana Banana prides itself on giving you the one-on-one customer service that you and your new family member deserve. Located at 1612 Mountain Rd. the store is filled with innovative and award winning products for newborn-4 year olds. From strollers to toys to cribs to swaddling cloths, this store has products that you wont find anywhere else in Moncton. As well, Ana Banana offers registry services to help loved ones with their shopping experience as well.

Recommended Product: One of Ana Banana’s most successful products to date has been their breathable swaddling clothes. These clothes, made of  muslin, have gained so much popularity because of the reduced risk of SIDS associated with the breathable material. So, whether you’re expecting yourself or know someone who is, this is the product to try!

For more information about products or store hours you can call (506)-386-baby (2229)

Know Moncton: The Jitter Bean Cafe

Maybe you’re new to Moncton and maybe you’ve lived here your whole life. Either way, there are always places you’re not going that you should be. These places are the hidden treasures.

One of Moncton’s newest “hidden treasures” can be found at 1690 Mountain road, the Jitter Bean Cafe (JBC). And we think you should check it out.This is the perfect cafe for professionals looking to get a healthy lunch, have a casual work meeting, or enjoy a delicious treat. The cafe prides itself in serving only fair trade coffees and teas, buying local, and offering health alternatives like hummus, veggies, gluten free and multigrain options.

Their menu is diverse like their clientel and includes beverages (coffees, teats, lattes, etc), treats (cakes, muffins, cookies),  lunch items (panini etc), and crepes which are the newest addition to the JBC menu!

One of my favorite things when I checked out the Jitter Bean Cafe was the atmosphere. Clean, modern, and inviting the JBC will make you feel comfortable the second you walk through the door.  There’s just something about mod lamps, black countertops, and turquoise walls that make this cafe a unique find. It’s the perfect blend of chic and modern.

Things to Try: It can be scary checking out somewhere new and so to both ease the process and  help you widen your cafe horizons, here are our recommendations:

The Jitter Bean Latte – This caramel chocolate latte with caramel drizzle and chocolate shavings is the perfect treat (seriously, I tried it and will definitely be getting it again).

The Margarita Chicken Panini – This delicious and nutritious lunch is a favorite among JBC customers. Grilled chicken, homemade tomato pesto, roasted red peppers, and lettuce make this the food to try.

For more information about the Jitter Bean Cafe (like their hours) check out there Facebook page here.

What do you think is Moncton’s hidden treasure?

‘No Kill’ Means A Bigger Bill: Kent County Aminal Rescue

Compassion costs. It costs time, it costs money, and it costs effort.  This is true for the Kent County Animal Rescue (KCAR) which is an organization founded on a deep compassion for our four legged friends.

Recently, a valued Martell Homes customer brought a very special organization to our attention, the KCAR. Unlike other shelters, the KCAR is a ‘no kill’ shelter. The shelter’s mission is to help “abused, neglected, and abandoned animals”. The dedication, passion, and love of the management is what drives their commitment to the ‘no kill’ policy which ensures that no animal is left behind… But the reality is that this compassion costs.

From February 24th until March 4th at midnight the KCAR will be holding an online auction in order to raise funds required by the organization. The money raised will go towards buying the pet food, medicine, and vet services that these animals need. If you are interested in either donating an item to be auctioned or bidding on items, head to the auction facebook page. 100% of the proceeds will go to the KCAR and truly every dollar helps. So, start bidding!

Compassion costs, but the reward of helping to save a life (even if that life is covered in fur) is well worth it.

 

How are you showing compassion in your life?