Toronto Teacher Mom

Children's Sheepskin Boots by EMU Australia

2012-06-02T22:43:00.002-04:00

Sheepskin boots. Yeah, I've seen them around. Yet, I've never convinced myself that I needed to try on a pair. Not until recently, that is. But now that my daughter has her very own pair courtesy of EMU Australia, I'm beginning to suffer from sheepskin envy. The kid just doesn't want to take them off, they're that comfy. I don't see what the big deal is, really. I know they keep your legs and feet toasty warm and help to regulate your body temperature. Still I'm not so sure they would look good on me. My daughter really knows how to work them, though. She received a pair of EMU Wallaby Hi boots in chestnut and wears them with anything and everything. They're made with the finest Australian sheepskin and are one of the best quality children’s sheepskin boots available on the market.

Shop at The New Children's Place in Toronto for Great Deals on Summer and Back-to-School Fashion

2012-06-01T22:34:00.000-04:00

Today is the first day of the last month of school. Not that I'm counting down the days, or anything. Who am I kidding? I am totally marking off the days with my red marking pen. It has been a busy school year and summer vacation is the perfect time to re-energize and spend more quality time with the kids. One of my favourite things to do over the summer, believe it or not, is to shop for back-to-school deals in anticipation of the beginning of a fresh new year. Even as a kid, I would get all tingly inside thinking about the first day back. New school supplies, new shoes and of course, new clothing - be still, my heart!

The Children's Place, Limeridge Mall in Hamilton

Who Are Phineas and Ferb and What Exactly Are the Perry Files?

2012-05-30T23:30:00.000-04:00

Are you sitting down? I have to share something with you that may come across as a bit of a shock. I must shamefully admit that I have never, not once, sat through an entire episode of Phineas and Ferb. That's not to say that I have ever made the effort. Quite frankly, I have only seen glimpses here and there while clicking through all the channels looking for something that isn't... well... a cartoon. All I know is that when I overhear people talking about Phineas and Ferb at work, I often hear rave reviews. So I did a Google search and came across an article on Phineas and Ferb on Wikipedia. It is listed as an animated television comedy-musical series that has received a variety of awards and nominations since it first aired in 2008. Hmm... toe-tapping knee-slapping entertainment à la Disney?

Anthelios Broad-Spectrum Lotion and MySkinCheck.ca

2012-05-29T17:33:00.000-04:00

It is nearly June but based on Toronto's recent record-breaking temperatures, you would think we were already in the thick of summer. Now is as good a time as any to remind ourselves about the importance of skin care and good sun habits. Time to pull out the shades, hats and sunscreen, especially where kids are concerned. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, 1 in 74 men and 1 in 90 women is expected to develop melanoma during their lifetime. In addition, 1 in 284 men, and 1 in 486 women, will die of it. Melanoma is a serious type of skin cancer and, while there is no single cause of melanoma, there are certain risk factors that can increase the likelihood of developing skin cancer. Such risks include sensitivity to the sun and a history of excessive sun exposure.

Crispy Pitas - A Yummy All-Natural Pita Snack

2012-05-26T23:30:00.000-04:00

Ozery’s Pita Break is a Toronto-based family-owned bakery and sandwich shop that opened in 1996. They are firm believers that we are what we eat and that "our bodies deserve the best possible fuel." Each day, they bake all-natural, preservative-free flatbreads, pitas and Lavash crackers. And now, Ozery's Pita Break has recently introduced their yummy Crispy Pitas.

Crispy Pitas are a delicious and healthier option for snacking. They are great all on their own or dipped in peanut butter, hummus or salsa. Available in four flavours, they come in 170g bags and contain 50 per cent less fat than regular potato chips (Per 50g serving, Crispy Pitas contain 8g of fat while regular potato chips contain 18g fat.) Crispy Pitas are Trans Fat free, contain whole grains, are a source of fibre and contain 6g of protein per serving.

New Schick Intuition Limited Edition Handles

2012-05-25T23:30:00.000-04:00

Can you believe this gorgeous weather we've been having? The sunshine. The heat. The blue skies. Ahhh! This is what I have been waiting for all winter. Time to pull out my short shorts and a tank top and bare my... hairy legs? Ack! This week is the not the first week when I have shown up at work in a pair of capris only to notice after I have arrived that my lower appendages could use some serious mowing. Come on. I'm not the only one who has done that. Am I?

What better time to try out the Schick® Intuition® razor that lathers and shaves in one easy step. This spring brings you the new Limited Edition handles designed by top fashion blogger Kelly Framel, creator of The Glamourai. She has developed two new decorative patterns that adorn the handles of the Schick Intuition Naturals razor and the Schick Intuition Moisture Care Pack razor. The Schick Intuition razor has four blades and is surrounded by a skin conditioning solid that lathers when wet. No need for soap or shaving cream. It also contains 100% natural aloe with vitamin E to help moisturize your skin while you shave. Also, it is fragrance-free and hypo-allergenic making it gentle on your skin while reducing irritation.

Cross-Stitch Elephant Pillow - Wordless Wednesday (Linky)

2012-05-22T16:49:00.001-04:00

While visiting with friends, I noticed they still had this cross-stitch elephant I had made many years ago after they had gotten engaged. And they still have it! It means a lot that they have taken such care of it since it took forever to stitch the pattern. That was back in the day when I made time for crafts. I imagine when I retire, I will take up cross-stitching again.

Happy Wordless Wednesday! Feel free to link up your WW posts below.

Cavalia's Odysseo in Toronto - A Magnificent Spectacle for Children of All Ages

2012-05-20T23:30:00.000-04:00

When it comes to jaw-dropping live entertainment, Cavalia's Odysseo is truly unparalleled. Its expansive stage, stunning visual effects and live music set the backdrop for a spectacular combination of equestrian arts and awe-inspiring acrobatics. Children of all ages are especially marveled by the majestic animal that is the horse. I recently came across a Spanish quote from the count of Buffón, "La más noble conquista del hombre es este animal fiel y fogoso..." (This faithful and spirited animal is man's most noble conquest...) And so is Odysseo one of Normand Latourelle's greatest successes.

Eagerly waiting for Odysseo to begin.

Burt's Bees Baby Bee Multi-Purpose Ointment

2012-05-17T18:21:00.000-04:00

Burt's Bees has done it again. They have created a new Baby Bee product that I wish was around when my kids were little babies. It's the new Baby Bee Multi-Purpose Ointment. Pediatrician tested, it is gentle enough to use every day as a moisturizer and forms an effective barrier that helps protect skin from dryness and soothe baby's bottom. This ointment is a natural alternative to petroleum jelly and is free from phthalates, petrochemicals and paraben.

Werther's Original "Share Your Reaction"

2012-05-11T23:30:00.000-04:00

Have you heard about the Werther's Original "Share Your Reaction" campaign, yet? By sharing a video reaction of yourself trying out the new Werther's Original Caramel Chocolates, you can be eligible to win over $10,000 in SONY prizes! Eat chocolate. Win a camcorder? I'm in!

There will be SIXTEEN Weekly Prizes available to be won, each consisting of two Sony 8GB bloggie™ Touch Full HD camcorders. But I have my eye on the Grand Prize, though.

The Grand Prize includes the following:

One Sony 8GB bloggie™ Touch Full HD camcorder
One Sony 16GB Full HD Camcorder with Projector
One 16GB Sony Tablet
One Sony VAIO® S Series Notebook
One Sony BRAVIA® TV

Would you like to see my reaction? I call it "OMC - Oh My Caramel!"

Best Buy Canada Launches Twelpforce - Try it Out and Win!

2012-05-09T05:36:00.000-04:00

Best Buy to the Rescue!

Last Christmas, I received a #LittleHelp from Best Buy in finding just the right gift for the kids. When it comes to the latest video games, I could use all the help I can get. Thankfully, @BBYCanada came to the rescue and sent over a copy of the Mario Party 8 Wii game. And it was a hit! It's easy enough for my little ones to play but offers plenty of challenges and loads of fun. Not only does Best Buy offer a list of Favourite Things that make wonderful gifts, but they also take great pride in being able to help Canadians with their tech troubles. Now they have taken it one step further with the launch of Twelpforce in Canada.

Twelpforce is Best Buy’s army of technology pros who are available on Twitter to answer any type of consumer tech question. Go ahead. Ask them anything you want. With their speedy service, you can get answers to your tech woes, whether big or small, from changing your mobile phone settings to hooking up your entire home entertainment system. All you need to do is send your question as a tweet to @Twelpforce and within minutes you will get a reply from some of the most experienced tech experts in the Twitterverse. And it doesn't cost you a penny. A brilliant idea, in my opinion!

May the Fourth Be With You - Wordless Wednesday

2012-05-08T18:20:00.000-04:00

My little guy turned four on May the fourth. This is him all dressed up the following day.

Me, oh my!

What a handsome guy!

~ ~ ~

Are you participating in Wordless Wednesday this week? Link it up using the thumbnail linky below.

Cavalia's Odysseo Opens in Toronto on May 15. Win VIP Tickets!

2012-05-07T23:34:00.001-04:00

Over the weekend, while driving home from Burlington, I drove along the Gardiner Expressway and noticed a large white big top. I immediately became excited because it reminded me that Cavalia's Odysseo premieres in Toronto on May 15. That's next week!

Doro Wants to Know... What’s Your Most Memorable Call?

2012-05-07T23:30:00.000-04:00

Doro wants to know... What's your most memorable call?

Who is Doro, you're wondering? It is a Swedish company and the leader in the telecom care market. With over 37 years of experience in the telecom industry, the company " focuses on developing, marketing and selling products, software, TeleCare and mHealth solutions specially adapted to the growing worldwide population of seniors." Their award-winning phones are sold in over 30 countries around the world and are distributed exclusively in Canada by Rogers Communications Inc.

New Strider Bikes In Stock at Balance Bikes Canada

2012-05-07T21:56:00.000-04:00

On May the fourth, we celebrated my son's fourth birthday. Yes, he's a Star Wars baby and no, we didn't name him Luke. After school, we took in some rays and enjoyed some backyard play while the sun was still out. Our deck is home to a myriad of outdoor ride-on toys including tricycles, a wagon and bikes with training wheels, which sadly get used the least. Both my daughter, age 6, and my son love riding around in their three-wheelers. Last summer, we bought a larger two-wheeler with training wheels for my daughter but she is terrified to use it. Her fear makes it really difficult to help her learn how to ride a bike. Where my son is concerned, I think it will be a completely different situation. Why? Because we have one of the greatest ride-on toys in the galaxy - the Strider.

Mommy-to-be Soiree

2012-05-04T20:27:00.000-04:00

Last year, Mom n’ Tot Deals celebrated the launch of their site with a Mom n' Tot Deals Facebook launch party. This year, they are back again with a wonderful event for all you expectant moms. On June 15, 2012 at 8pm-10pm EST, join in for a fun night filled with mommy-to-be talk, giveaways and amazing deals for you and your little ones. This time around, they have even more free stuff to give. But the prizes are not the only part of it, though – the ladies will keep things interesting by throwing out questions to the attendees, such as “what is your number one craving?” Moms, dads, grandmas, aunts and caregivers are all welcome. This online event will take place on the Mom n' Tot Deals Facebook page. You can also RSVP on the Mommy-to-be Soiree event page, too.

ivivva athletica Now Open in Oakville!

2012-05-01T19:11:00.000-04:00

If you love lululemon apparel as much as I do, you were probably just as excited as I was to learn about ivivva, lululemon athletica’s dance apparel brand for girls. This clothing line is movement-inspired active wear in size 4-14 created out of a need for dance specific products. Geared towards a younger age group, ivivva uses similar signature fabrics, technical design features and exciting colors characteristic of lululemon athletica. Check out this adorable pink outfit from their Disney's Shake It Up line:

Thank You for Sharing Your Goldfish Moments!

2012-04-30T12:00:00.000-04:00

For all those who shared their Goldfish Moments, I'd like to send out a great big thank you! It was a lot of fun reading your stories and swapping ideas during the Twitter chat hosted by Kathy Buckworth. There was also a lot of talk about how trusty ol' Finn has come to the rescue on many an occasion. Some of your tweets even made it's way into an online publication at GoldfishMoments.ca. You can view the document below:

Open publication - Free publishing - More goldfish

You will likely recall that I also ran a giveaway for a Goldfish Grahams prize pack, which included a Kodak Easy Share Camera. Today, I get to announce the lucky winner! Random.org returned number 335 which means the winner is...

Belinda M!

Congratulations! Thank you to everyone who participated and shared their Goldfish Moments.

Say it With a Flower #HallmarkPressPause

2012-04-29T08:42:00.002-04:00

How many moms do you know love getting flowers on special occasions or even for no reason at all? Flowers always brighten my day and I can never get enough of them. The bright colours cheer me up no matter what mood I'm in. The sad part is when they wilt away and I have to throw them in the green bin. This spring, Hallmark Canada brings you a delightful alternative with their Bloomin' Expressions flowers.

Going Green for Earth Month - Part 1

2012-04-27T23:30:00.000-04:00

"According to a recent survey, almost all Canadians are taking some action when it comes to the environment and are doing the little things in an effort to make a difference."

Well, guess what. Brands are, too! Companies are realizing the importance of sustainability and the need for eco-friendly products. Rather, I feel there is a huge demand for these kinds of products because I, for one, don't want to leave behind a world of non-biodegradable garbage for my grandchildren to have to worry about. This is why I am excited to share with you some of the eco-friendly products that have recently caught my eye.

Take, for example, the Schick Xtreme3 Eco. It's the same Xtreme3 razor, only better for the environment. Actually, it is the first disposable razor designed for maximum sustainability. The handle is made of 100 percent recycled plastic and the packaging is 100 percent recycled paper. By using recycled plastic, 103,000 lbs of virgin material will be rescued from landfills and dumps in the first year of production. The Eco razor handle is made of retrieved items that have been recycled, such as coat hangers, buckets, and pails. I know coat hangers are problematic and cannot be recycled here in Toronto so it's great that there are companies willing to find ways to recycle them.

Read more »

BunkiMunki for Tweens - Win a Premium Membership!

2012-04-22T22:31:00.000-04:00

Have you heard of the Canadian start-up toy company called BunkiMunki? It's a safe social networking website for tweens who may be too young for social sites like Facebook, but still want a place where it's safe to socialize and play online. The website includes games, chat, Bmail, a really cool music mixer and even a virtual avatar. Who doesn't love designing a likeness of themselves, albeit as a furry monkey? And while monkeys are cute in their natural state...

... they're just as cute when you get to dress them up.

Read more »

Shoppers Drugmart and RBC Make Shopping Convenient and Rewarding

2012-04-19T23:30:00.000-04:00

Imagine you had to head out to a pharmacy late one night because your little one came down with a fever. You arrive at a 24-hour Shoppers Drug Mart location when suddenly you remember your husband asked you to withdraw some money earlier that day. Your heart sinks because you know the banks are closed. Then, out of the corner of your eye, you notice the glimmer coming from a shiny, new... ATM? Why, yes! It's an RBC bank machine, to be precise. Your spirits are lifted as you pull out your brand new RBC Shoppers Optimum bank card because, not only has it saved the day, it will also help you earn rewards points faster than before.

RBC and Shoppers Drug Mart have partnered to bring you a bank card that offers convenience as well as additional rewards at Shoppers Drug Mart/Pharmaprix locations across Canada, more than 300 of which will house new RBC ATMs. With the RBC Shoppers Optimum banking account and debit card with enhanced Shoppers Optimum rewards, you'll benefit from unlimited debit transactions in the account, access to Canada’s largest combined network of ATM’s and branches and the ability to convert RBC Rewards points to Shoppers Optimum points

Stella and Sam Now Available on DVD

2012-04-18T00:20:00.000-04:00

Remember a few years ago I did a couple of book readings of Stella and Sam by Marie-Louise Gay in my hometown of Hamilton? It was all part of the Playhouse Disney Traveling Birthday Bonanza that brought activities and games to a mall near you. It was such an enjoyable experience reading her book to the children while they looked at the pictures up on the big screen. I find it's always fun to read picture books to kids, but it's a lot more fun to read great picture books that are mesmerizing and whimsical. Add a bit of Disney magic and you've got a television series that is not only imaginative but educational, too. That is why I am so excited to announce that Stella and Sam is now available on DVD!

Ode to Dr. Seuss - Wordless Wednesday

2012-04-17T18:57:00.000-04:00

Thank you, Dr. Seuss, for stories that make my son laugh and help to peak his interest in reading books.

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Fresh Produce Cardigans for Women

2012-04-16T10:35:00.000-04:00

Is it spring? With the return of cold temperatures, it's hard to believe it's April. I think someone needs to send Mother Nature a memo to remind her what season it is. In the meantime, I'm going to get into the spring of things by surrounding myself with bright colours and by pulling out my spring wardrobe. And thanks to Fresh Produce Clothing, I have a cheery women's cardigan to add to it.