September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. A couple of weeks ago, Electrolux along with their fashionable and passionate brand ambassador Kelly Ripa hosted a one-of-a-kind fashion show benefiting the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund. The Rumpled to Runway Fashion Show featured a number of fashion-savvy bloggers some of which I'm sure you've come across in the blogosphere.

In order to help raise awareness of ovarian cancer, Electrolux is donating $200 to the OCRF for every new turquoise Sky Perfect Steam washer/dryer pair purchased this month. In addition, every day you press the Perfect Steam™ button online to take your garments from rumpled to runway-ready, Electrolux will donate $1 to OCRF. You will be entered for a chance to win a shopping spree between $50 and $250 and the grand prize: a luxury washer and dryer from Electrolux. Visit www.kelly-confidential.com/ to participate and to show your support.

You can also follow along at Facebook/KellyConfidential and on Twitter @KCbyElectrolux.


Disclosure: By writing this post, I have been entered for a chance to win the gift as part of the Electrolux program.

On the night that I had to announce three winners, I had to put the kids to bed on my own because my husband had to work late (again). My son would not go down easily and by the time he did, I was already asleep and my husband had to put him to bed once he came home. Which means I am late selecting winners. So without further ado, here they are:

The winner of the $50 Gift Card from theAnniversaryRose.com is:

75. MommyWantsToRead said...

I would love to get two of the personalized frames. One for my mother-in-law and one for my parents. Put pictures of the kids in it for christmas

The winner of the Pink Digital Photo Keychain is:


8. Karla Sceviour who said: I like you on facebook Karla Sceviour

And the winner of the Bazooka Gum and T-shirt Giveaway is:


28. Kerry who said: I like your facebook page.

Congratulations to all the winners. I will be emailing you at some point today. Thanks to everyone who entered and tweeted and voted and all the other great things you do. And a big thanks to all of the sponsors.

Back in April, I did a review on the neatfreak! everfresh Single Fashion Laundry Tote. It was designed by the same innovative people who created the closetMax system. You can view a video from neatfreak with tips on how to organize your closet on my neatfreak review post.

Until September 24, you can enter to have a chance at winning a 9-piece closetMax system of your own along with an online consultation with professional organizer Clare Kumar. Weekly prizes are available. For more information, visit neatfreak.com.

Prince Hayden MacCheeky was a REAL little prince. He lived in a royal castle on a royal lane with his royal parents, his royal brother Prince Campbell, his royal sister Princess Ava, and his royal dog Goober.

You would be hard pressed to find a book that's more regal than one whose main character answers to Prince Hayden MacCheeky and is nothing but a royal pain. He is so annoying that he earned the royal title of A Royal Little Pest.


The MacCheeky series is full of entertaining characters and delightful illustrations, and currently includes two titles: A Royal Little Pest and A Royal Little Pest: Mine! Both stories explore the universal motif of empathy and touch upon the old adage of doing unto others as you would have them do unto you. And better still, they bring joy and humour to children and parents alike. With funny story lines and amusing visuals, moms and dads will love reading the MacCheeky books to their children who will learn the benefits of treating others with respect and kindness. It's no wonder that A Royal Little Pest received the Great Books seal from the Canadian Toy Testing Council.

About the Author

Anita Reynolds was born and raised in Montreal and currently resides right here in Toronto with her husband, three children and a dog named... yes, you guessed it... Goober! With a degree in English Literature and a diploma in Book and Magazine Publishing, Anita finds inspiration for writing children's literature in her everyday life.


About the Illustrator

Karen Roy, a wife and mother to two kids and two cats, studied Graphic Design and claims that she did nothing but scribble. Until, that is, she learned to scribble on her computer.


Our Thoughts

For this review, I was lucky enough to be sent a copy of each of the books and was so ecstatic to learn that my friend would also receive her own copies. You see, her oldest daughter, my goddaughter, is a little principessa. And the books were an instant hit! My friend sent in her thoughts on the series and I would like to share them with you. Be it known that my friend is an English Literature major with a Masters in Education. She also has a desire to someday publish children's stories of her own. Here is what she had to say:

My oldest daughter is an avid reader at the tender age of 6. When my copies of A Royal Little Pest and A Royal Little Pest MINE! arrived, I placed them securely on my desk. As soon as my daughter entered the room, she snatched them up. She must have some sort of biblio-radar, I’m convinced. When I told her that we would read them at bedtime, she wasn’t impressed with having to wait. She immediately devoured the books. Soon after she entered her room from whence I heard pleasing laughter, giggles and the creation of various voices in full animation. Her joyful reaction to these delightful books are a testament to the splendid work of Anita Reynolds MacArthur. Each book contains a simple message, a moral, so to speak: play nicely and learn to share, respectively. Furthermore, the touch of royalty drove my daughter into hysterics. When I asked her what she liked about the books, she immediately blurted, "Everything is royal, mama!" From there, my daughter proceeded to imitate the concept in vivo addressing various things in her immediate vicinity as royal this and royal that. These stories are sure to delight the curious mind of any young reader. The gorgeous pictures make them all the more inviting too!
Sandra Garcia

You can tell by the look on his face that he thoroughly enjoyed the whimsical illustrations. As a teacher and a mom, I give the MacCheeky books an A+!

The MacCheeky books are available for purchase for as little as $12.96 when ordering from Amazon.ca (only 2 left at the time of posting). Canadians can also order from Chapter.Indigo.ca while our American counterparts can also order from Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble or Borders.
One Toronto Teacher Mom reader will win a copy of A Royal Little Pest and A Royal Little Pest: Mine!

For your main entry, which is mandatory, tell me how you heard about this giveaway. Was it through Facebook, Twitter, email subscription, etc. The more specific you are, the better! Leave a comment on this post along with a way to contact you if you win.

For additional entries, you may choose to do any or all of the following:

• Add my blog button to your site. Copy code is located on the right sidebar. (Worth 2 entries. Please leave two separate comments.)
• Become a follower of MacCheeky on Twitter.
• Become a fan of MacCheeky's Royal Facebook Page and leave a comment saying Toronto Teacher Mom sent you.
• Become a follower of Toronto Teacher Mom using Google Friend Connect.
• Become a fan of the new Toronto Teacher Mom Facebook fan page.
• Become a follower of Toronto Teacher Mom on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway. Tweet daily for additional entries. Feel free to use the following tweet:  

Contest ends October 7 at 10pm EST. Open to US and Canadian residents. Winner will be selected using Random.org and must reply to the notification email within 3 days or a new winner will be drawn.

I have been a BzzAgent for almost a year and I think it's a great opportunity to help spread the buzz about amazing products and worthwhile causes. They are currently running a contest where anyone who joins BzzAgent could earn a $500 shopping spree to the Cadillac-Fairview Shopping Centre of their choosing. Wouldn't that come in handy? And since I'm not eligible to win, I'm passing along the information to you.

All you need to do is register as a BzzAgent by visiting bzzagent.com/go/canada and you'll be entered upon registering.

Even if you don't get the shopping spree, you still get all the benefits of being a BzzAgent.

Here are the top 5 reasons to join BzzAgent:

(Taken from BzzAgent.com)

1. It's free to join, with no obligation to participate (though that is the fun part)
2. Discover new products and services first
3. Help spread the word about your favorite brands
4. Always have something to talk about with friends
5. Join a community of 650,000 people who help influence some of the biggest companies in the world

Contest ends October 31, 2010.

Ever look at all the toys and baby gear you've accumulated over the years and wonder if it was all worth it? Or are you a recent or soon-to-be parent and feeling overwhelmed trying to narrow down the products that will give you the biggest bang for your buck? Stop wondering and start saving. For the cost of your typical baby activity centre, you can now treat your wee one to a versatile and ingenious 5-in-1 baby gym called the First Toddle.


Designed by Mike Monaghan and inspired by his twins, the First Toddle is the solution to every parent's need for a quality product with multi-functional features. I'm telling you, this baby gym packs a punch. Suitable for babies as young as 3 months all the way to toddlerhood and beyond, the First Toddle promotes cognitive development and exploration as it grows with your child. The complete 5-in-1 system provides your newborn with a comfortable play floor mat and sturdy parallel bars to help him or her learn to stand and walk. It also comes with velcro fasteners from which to hang baby's toys as well as a large activity table.

Once your child is a bit older, they can use the parallel bars for some gymnastics fun. It has three adjustable heights and you can see my 5-year-old enjoyed balancing on the First Toddle at the highest setting.


My two-year-old son also enjoyed hanging around. And you can also tell that these are my kids since they like "hanging around" in their pyjamas.




Speaking of scoring, the First Toddle comes with a mesh net to convert it into a soccer or hockey net. With blue and pink balls, foam hockey stick and mini goal, it was a huge hit in our home. Just watch as my daughter attacked shot at the goal with fierce determination.


I gave the First Toddle to my friend who tested it out with her three girls aged 1, 4 and 7. The sports features were also popular with them, which I think is great because I feel it's just as important to promote sports among girls as it is among boys. Here are her two youngest sharing some mat time.


My friend sums it up by saying that, all in all, it is a durable toy and because of the many configurations it's great for kids beyond the 3 year recommendation. And I tend to agree. Oh, and I'm inserting some more pictures of her middle child because she's just too cute not to.



Here are some more noteworthy features of the First Toddle:

1. Contains no lead, no paint, no PVC and no BPA
2. Safety tested and certified
3. Assembles easily without tools (no flimsy allen keys required!)
4. Disassembles just as easily for storage or transport in reusable box
5. Eliminates the need for a multitude of toys
6. Great for children with special needs
7. You can count on great friendly service from the people at First Toddle!

It is also the recipient of several awards including the National Parenting Center 2010 Seal of Approval. The First Toddle is truly a unique must-have for babies.


The First Toddle retails for $129.95 US and is available in over 30 specialty stores and e-tailers in the US along with a couple more here in Canada. You can visit FirstToddle.com to find a store near you. You can also order directly from the First Toddle online store. Readers of Toronto Teacher Mom can also save 10% off their purchase by using the promotional code FT10.
One Toronto Teacher Mom reader will win $50 towards their First Toddle Purchase.

For your main entry, which is mandatory, visit FirstToddle.com and tell me the name of another award that the First Toddle has received. Leave a comment on this post along with a way to contact you if you win.

For additional entries, you may choose to do any or all of the following:

• Add my blog button to your site. Copy code is located on the right sidebar. (Worth 2 entries. Please leave two separate comments.)
• Become a follower of First Toddle on Twitter.
• Become a fan of First Toddle on Facebook and leave a comment saying Toronto Teacher Mom sent you.
• Become a follower of Toronto Teacher Mom using Google Friend Connect.
• Become a fan of the new Toronto Teacher Mom Facebook fan page.
• Become a follower of Toronto Teacher Mom on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway. Tweet daily for additional entries. Feel free to use the following tweet:  

Contest ends October 7 at 10pm EST. Open to US and Canadian residents. Winner will be selected at random and must reply to the notification email within 3 days or a new winner will be drawn.

For Labour Day weekend, we took a last-minute trip to Blue Mountain and had a great time with some dear friends. I chose this picture because it represents two of my favourite things: my kids and chocolate! (Click on the picture to take a closer look!)

On Sunday, September 19, 2010, join other Toronto moms and dads at the Children's Expo being hosted by Expo4kids.ca and learn about all the fun ways you can encourage your children to lead a more active and healthier lifestyle. This show has been designed for kids with the aim of achieving excellence in our children. If you fear that your children are not as active as they should be, or if you're looking for ideas on how to continue promoting an active and healthy lifestyle among your children, stop by the Expo this Sunday.

Expo4kidz focuses on several disciplines and areas of interest such as fitness, dance, martial arts, fencing, swimming, team sports, the arts and chess. At the event, you'll be sure to find a variety of interactive activities and several opportunities to meet leading children's fitness providers, healthcare professionals and educational providers. This local event services families in the Vaughn, North York and Woodbridge areas.  There are two seminars by the Clinic for Emotional Wellbening, early childhood development delays and language delays. Scott Andrew, who is a chiropractor, will discuss healthy eating and healthy lifestyles. Also, you can let your children try out hip hop with Dance Surge, Ballroom Dancing with Club Viva Dance, Karate with Balance of Life, and more. Steve's Magic will provide some entertainment and Kosher food will be served (kiddie style). You can find more information and pre-register on their website www.expo4kidz.ca. Also, Expo4kidz will also be giving away 4 tickets to Pinkalicious along with other fabulous door prizes at the show.  You can follow Expo4kidz on Twitter or join their facebook group. Vendors can still inquire about space, at info@expo4kidz.ca


When: Sunday, September 19 from 10am to 4pm

Where: Paradise Banquet and Conference Centre
             7601 Jane Street, Vaughan
             (N of 407, S of Highway 7)       

Who: For families with younger children (ages 3-10 and beyond)

Why: To improve the health and fitness of our kids


Cost: FREE! (including parking)

The event is sponsored by The Yummy Mummy Club, Pinkalicious the Musical and The Vaughn Citizen.

Have you ever participated in a blow-off before? What? You haven't? Me, neither. The closest I have ever come to a blow-off was the childhood game of "Who can hold their breath the longest?" which usually resulted in blowing up with laughter. Kelly, if you're reading this, I have two words - Got kleenex?

What is a blow-off? you might be wondering. Glad you asked. It's a competition to see who can blow the biggest, gumtastic bubble. That's right. All those years of practice and relentless dedication could finally pay off. C'mon, you remember, don't you? Blowing bubble after bubble when you should have been paying attention to your French teacher. *ahem*

Bazooka Bubble Gum is being relaunched in Canada, just in time for Halloween. And to honour this "chew-tastic" day, Bazooka Candy Brands will be having their first annual Bazooka Bubble Gum Blow-off. Kids all of all ages, from 5-100, are invited to show off their bubble-blowing talents at the Toronto Eaton Centre (click here for a map) on October 9, 2010. Join in the fun and you will enjoy giveaways, music and much more. The competition will begin at 1pm. Prizes to be awarded to top blowers.

And remember, you don't have to be a pro. Contestants of all skill levels are welcome to join in the sticky fun. Or perhaps you're thinking of getting a head start on training for next year's competition. Well, you're in luck. One reader of Toronto Teacher Mom will be the recipient of their own personal supply of Bazooka Bubble Gum and a classic Bazooka Bubble Gum t-shirt (kid sized or adult). 
Mandatory entry: Vote for me on Top Mommy Blogs by clicking on the button below.
Additional entries:

• Follow Toronto Teacher Mom via Google Friend Connect.
• Like my Facebook Fan Page.
• Follow me on Twitter.
• Subscribe to my blog.

Once you have filled in all the blanks on the form, click on Submit.

Contest is open to residents of Canada and the U.S. and will be closed on September 20, 2010 at 10pm EST. Winner will be selected at random and will have 48 hours to reply to notification email in order to claim their prize.

A few days ago, I posted my review of the Pink Digital Photo Keychain. Now I get a chance to give one away to one of my readers. I'm going to keep the entry requirements pretty simple. I am, however, trying a new way for you to enter by filling out a form in lieu of leaving a comment on this post. I'm trying it out and would love to hear if you prefer this method. It makes it easier for those who do not have a Google account since you are simply required to leave your name and email address, which also remains private.

Mandatory entry: Vote for me on Picket Fence Blogs by clicking on the button below.

Additional entries:

• Follow Toronto Teacher Mom via Google Friend Connect.
• Like my Facebook Fan Page.
• Subscribe to my blog.

Once you have filled in all the blanks on the form, click submit.

Contest is open to Canada and U.S. and will be closed on September 20, 2010 at 10pm EST. Winner will be selected at random and will have 48 hours to reply to notification email in order to claim their prize.

Sparkle, shimmer and shine from within. The premise behind the latest in Barbie movies makes it worth the while to watch. Barbie A Fashion Fairytale is all about staying true to yourself and finding your inner "sparkle." And thanks to YummyMummyClub.ca, my kids and I discovered that sparkle in VIP style!

When I signed up to attend the exclusive premiere, I had no idea how fabulous it would be. Then, when I was selected as the winner of the VIP package, I was completely floored. Not only did my children and I get to join a theatre full of other yummy mummies, daddies and their brood and be among the first in North America to watch the film, we got to do it while sitting next to none other than Barbie herself!

Our morning began with a classy stretch limo ride. Our driver Mike picked us up at our home bright and early. Inside the limo, he turned on the t.v. so my kids could enjoy a couple of episodes of Mr. Bean while we headed to pick up the other VIP winner @wendyjacinto. This was the first time my children had ever rid in a limo and they loved it, especially riding in the rear-facing seats. Upon arriving at the theatre, we were treated to a box of Tim Horton's muffins, which was perfect. My kids are always hungry and I had missed breakfast altogether!

We were then escorted to the VIP room where we met Barbie and took pictures with her. She also autographed a poster for the kids and gave both girls a massive swag bag. I swear it was as big as my son! Then we waited at the front of the line where we received vouchers for complimentary combos for the kids and a free Tim Hortons coffee for the parents.

Once Barbie arrived and walked down the pink carpet, she was followed by Erica Ehm's angel of a daughter. We were next to walk the carpet and watch our kids pose in front of a lineup of paparazzi.

Afterwards, the kids had a chance to pose as Barie (and Ken) in a giant larger than life Barbie doll box. Don't they look 100% fabulous? We then proceeded to our VIP seats covered in pink seat covers and feathered boas.

As we settled in to watch our first Barbie movie ever, my son fell asleep, the result of waking up at 5:30 in the morning. One of the things I enjoyed most about the movie was the theme of staying true to yourself. I also love that it took place in Paris, which was my honeymoon destination. The soundtrack was also fantastique.



Once the movie was over, we were rushed through the crowds to our individual limos, just like celebrities. It was almost a shame, though, that I couldn't stay and chat with some of the other yummy mummies such as @SharonDV, @mapsgirl, @cbadov, @InfoSara, @wondermoms_ca and @jackiyo just to name a few. But we later caught up on Twitter. The ride home was filled with anxiety as my daughter was dying to open up her VIP loot bag.
I did manage to have a lovely conversation with our driver Val. I quickly discovered he was an intelligent man from Romania with two kids of his own. He went back to Romania to take a 3-year contract as a General TV producer but did not get his contract renewed due to the poor economic status of his country at that time. He moved back here with his wife and kids. His wife had previously left a nice-paying job to join him during those three years but has been unable to find anything comparable since Kodak closed their doors. He was such a kind man and I'm hoping that some of my good luck will rub off on him. May he and his family find happiness and success.

On a final note, I would like to personally thank Erica Ehm and the Yummy Mummy Club, Mallory Haughey and crew from High Road Communications, Mattel, and Universal Studios for making our day memorable and flaretastic! From the bottom of my heart, thank you!