Welcome to all Ultimate Blog Party visitors! This is going to be a very fun week and there will be lots of prizes up for grabs. Plus, it's the perfect opportunity to discover new blogs and grow your social network. I first participated last year and had so much fun, I knew I had to participate again. Only this year, I have decided to sponsor a UBP11 giveaway consisting of a $50 Amazon gift certificate. So be sure to head over to the official Ultimate Blog Party post on 5MinutesforMom.com for more details on how you can win and to discover some new and fabulous blogs.

About Toronto Teacher Mom

When I first decided to start a blog, I never really put much thought into my blog title. A lot of clever names had already been chosen by some pretty talented mom bloggers and I myself wasn't feeling very creative. I chose instead a title that reflected who I was - a teacher and a mom living in Toronto. While I am no longer so fond of my blog title, I am still incredibly grateful for all of the wonderful opportunities that have come about and totally love knowing that I have met some pretty amazing people and fellow bloggers who share the same love of social media. It has been through blogging that I have found a community where I feel like I belong. And having left my hometown, family and friends to move to a new city with my husband and take on a new job, it became very important for me. It hasn't always been easy over the years but there is consolation in knowing that there is someone somewhere out there in the online world who is ready to lend a listening ear, share advice or simply empathize.

What do I do when I'm not busy blogging or tweeting? Well, play with the kids, of course! I have a beautiful 5 year old girl and an almost 3 year old handsome little boy. This is such a nice time because I am able to witness such significant changes in their personalities; it really is exciting. Not so exciting is when those personalities clash, but that's an entirely different blog post. And in case you're wondering, I teach in the elementary panel as a Core French teacher. C'est vrai! I have loved French since I was first introduced to it and remember writing a note in a Christmas card to my grade 7 French teacher that she was such an inspiration and that some day I would be a French teacher like her. And now here I am. Last year, in my UPB blog post, I invited readers to inquire about how many languages I can speak. This year, I invite any questions you may have about me, my blog or anything that tickles your fancy. Like, oh... I don't know... what my hobbies are. Or why I'm a Twitter addict. Or who took the bop from the bop shoo bop shoo bop. Ask away!

This just in: 

Presented by State Farm, the “Agents on a Mission” tour hits the road with Disney•Pixar’s “Cars 2” this spring when four-time Piston Cup champion Lightning McQueen and best friend Mater join master British spy Finn McMissile on a 30-city tour that kicked off at the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minn., on March 22. The star cars race off the big screen and into a host of cities—life-size remote-controlled models will light up and rev for fans in Detroit, Toronto, Ottawa, Phoenix, Philadelphia, New York, Boston, Washington, DC, and Miami, among others. The tour heats up at the film’s Los Angeles red-carpet premiere on June 18, just in time for the “Cars 2” theatrical opening on June 24.  The tour hits Toronto April 9 – 11 at the NASCAR® SpeedPark at Vaughan Mills Mall and Ottawa on April 14 at Place d’Orléans Shopping Centre.

Here is the exclusive MSN trailer for Cars 2 just in case you have yet to see it:



<br/><a href="http://movies.msn.com/movies/movie-trailers/?src=SLPl:embed:&fg=sharenoembed#/video/2b1a776e-e95a-4023-911e-898c72a39e53" target="_new"title="'Cars 2' Trailer">Video: 'Cars 2' Trailer</a>

And here are some interesting facts about the STATE FARM “AGENTS ON A MISSION” TOUR:

• The replica cars are the largest production radio-controlled replica cars ever built.
• At 1000 foot pounds of torque – the electric motors provide enough power to theoretically climb a telephone pole!
• Finn weighs in around 1,760 lbs.
• Lightning McQueen weighs in around 2,250 lbs.
• Mater weighs in at just over 2,700 lbs.
• Because of the unique scale of these vehicles, all the exterior pieces had to be fabricated from scratch. No actual “off- the-shelf” car parts could be used. The sculpting process for each vehicle’s body took 6-10 days, totaling 1000-1600 man hours. After the cars were carved in foam, a fiberglass mold was created, and from that the final bodies were produced.
• The chassis for the cars are Model-T replica frames.
• Mater is hand-painted, using a proprietary system that creates real rust on his cab and bed.
• Because the cars had to reflect the designs of the film’s characters, the control systems (switches, lights etc.) had to be built into the various parts of the car. These have been hidden from view.
• The cars are all electric powered. Each runs on four automotive-style batteries at 48 volts and can run for 30 minutes at full speed.
• The cars can travel up to 10 miles per hour.
• The engine sounds and exhaust sounds are recreated through a 200-watt sound system under the hood.
• The cars are controlled by a high-tech radio-control system normally used for high-end RC hobby cars.
• Lightning McQueen’s tires are one of a kind due to their unique size and were fabricated by Goodyear specifically for the “Agents on a Mission” tour.
• Lightning McQueen is so low to the ground that he needs specially designed ramps to get over even the smallest bumps.
• There are three sets of eyes that are held to the windshield by magnets. The fiberglass windshield is imbedded with iron filings which attracts the magnetic eyes.

Rockabye Rockers currently priced at $60-$80 on MotherofaSale.com

Don't forget that flat rate shipping is only $10!

• Recyclable
• Non Toxic, Lead and Latex Free safe materials
• Non-PVC - releases no toxic fume
• Energy saving production
• Recycled original Japanese paper packaging
• 100% Made in Japan in clean environmental friendly factories
• Meet all international standards in safety and environmental care
• 1200 pages of safety reports
• Take apart puzzle designs
• Retail $1.99

The 2011 JUNO Awards show saw many talented artists unite in celebration of musical work by both the young and not so Young. The show was hosted by Drake, who serenaded recently inducted Canadian Music Hall of Famer Shania Twain and offered to make her feel like a woman. The piano rendition of Snow's Informer was a brilliant touch. On stage, each performance clearly demonstrated the amazing Canadian ingenuity that has hit the music scene, notably independent artists Arcade Fire and Down with Webster. Toronto-raised K'naan took home a well-deserved JUNO for Single of the Year on behalf of Young Artists for Haiti. All in all, it was an awesome night.

Drake, host of THE JUNO AWARDS, heats up the red carpet at THE 2011 JUNO AWARDS in Toronto on Sunday, March 27, 2011 (Photo courtesy of CTV)

Host Drake shows his mom some love on the red carpet for CTV's ETALK AT THE JUNOS on Sunday, March 27, 2011, leading up to THE 2011 JUNO AWARDS in Toronto (Photo courtesy of CTV)

Canadian music star Shania Twain hit the red carpet for CTV's ETALK AT THE JUNOS on Sunday, March 27, 2011, leading up to THE 2011 JUNO AWARDS in Toronto (Photo courtesy of CTV) Rock on! Neil Young stops by the red carpet for CTV's ETALK AT THE JUNOS on Sunday, March 27, 2011, leading up to THE 2011 JUNO AWARDS in Toronto (Photo courtesy of CTV)

Arcade Fire chats with CTV's Tanya Kim behind-the-scenes of THE 2011 JUNO AWARDS in the ETALK LOUNGE FEATURING BEYONCÉ HEAT on Sunday, March 27, 2011 (Photo courtesy of CTV)

Deadmau5 stopped by the ETALK LOUNGE FEATURING BEYONCÉ HEAT during THE 2011 JUNO AWARDS in Toronto on Sunday, March 27, 2011 (Photo courtesy of CTV)

Wow! All I can say is that I'm totally impressed with the general turnout for this month's amazing giveaways! So thank you to all of my readers! Please take note that there are a number of additional giveaways in store for Toronto Teacher Mom readers so be sure to come back again soon. And without further ado, I shall announce the four most recent winners.





The winner of the Dinosaur Train DVD is:

Then There Were 4





The winner of the Pepsi Max, Gatorade and Lay's prize pack is:

Stacey Dempsey

 




The winner of the $50 CSN Stores voucher is:


Flower_child_23





And finally, the winner of the $50 Amazon gift certificate in honour of my 5-year blogoversary goes to:

Pamalot



Congratulations to all the winners! I will be emailing you all shortly. And of course, these giveaways would not be possible if it weren't for some pretty fabulous sponsors. So, thank you!

April is just around the corner and if you have a little chick that's getting ready to hatch, you might want to check out the One Urban Mama Show in Markham on April 8. I was able to giveaway a pair of tickets and today I announce the winner.

Congratulations goes to:

Maltia13

You won two tickets to the One Urban Mama Show! I will be emailing you shortly.

Thanks goes out the One Urban Mama Show for offering up two tickets for the giveaway!

Recently, I was invited by CTV to join in the 2011 JUNO Awards Digital Media Room. This means that I have been granted access to a live web stream of the backstage media room and, through an online interface, I will be able to direct questions to the 2011 JUNO Award winners and backstage guests in real time. How awesome is that!

This is where you come in. I am inviting you to share any questions you would like me to ask any potential JUNO nominee, winner or guest that may be participating in the live web stream. While I cannot guarantee that all your questions will be asked or answered, I will do my best. Just leave me a comment with your question and to whom you would like it directed, like... oh, I don't know... Justin Bieber, Hedley, Michael Bublé, Sarah McLachlan... For more information on the 2011 JUNO Awards including nominee and presenter information, visit JUNOS.CTV.CA.

A colleague at work shared this video of Fascinating Aida performing a hilarious Irish song called Cheap Flights. I had to share the version with subtitles with you because it's just too gosh-darn funny. You can read more about the talented trio at fascinatingaida.co.uk.

Caution: Beware of curse words. And be prepared to laugh!

And now, the news most of you have been waiting for. The winner of the Lay's Kettle Cooked Chips Prize Pack has been selected. And as much as I was thrilled with the overwhelming response, I am saddened by the fact that I can only choose one winner. Believe you me when I say I cannot thank you all enough for your participation and for sharing the giveaway with your friends. I wish I could do more to show my appreciation. Especially seeing as some of you mentioned experiencing difficulty leaving a comments with the new Disqus platform. I feel so bad about that and I know Disqus has been in communication with Microsoft to work out the bugs with Internet Explorer 9. But I feel like I should just return back to the original Blogger comments form. And hopefully, I'll transfer to Wordpress some day soon. Okay, okay. I know I'm rambling. Let's get on with it, shall we?

Out of a whopping 502 entries, Random.org returned to following lucky number:


Congratulations goes to:

Lisa Dugo


I will be sending you an email soon. Thanks again to all who entered and a big thank you to Lay's and Fleishman-Hillard Canada for offering the opportunity to host such an amazing giveaway!

Earlier this month, it was announced that Playhouse Disney will be changing to Disney Junior effective May 6. This means that your kids will still enjoy entertaining and development-based programming which focuses on storytelling, contemporary characters and storylines, and it's commercial-free. The French-language version Playhouse Disney Télé will also be changing to Disney Junior.

Does this mean that the Playhouse Disney classics will no longer be available? Not at all! Your kids can still watch Handy Manny, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Imagination Movers, Mickey's Mousekersize and my favourite, Stella and Sam. But they will also be adding the following new Disney Junior programs:

Jake and the Never Land Pirates
(Weekends at 9:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. ET)

This music-filled interactive treasure hunt derives its inspiration from Disney's classic film Peter Pan. Join Jake and his crew of kid pirates on their search for gold doubloons while they try to outwit Captain Hook and Mr. Smee. Jake and the Never Land Pirates features the voice talent of Colin Ford, Madison Pettis, Jonathon Morgan, and David Arquette.


Special Agent Oso
(Every day at 6 p.m. and weekends at 11 a.m. ET)

Paying homage to special agent classics, Special Agent Oso is a new series featuring Oso, a fuzzy, lovable and bumbling stuffed panda bear who works for U.N.I.Q.U.E.  (United Network for Investigating Quite Usual Events). This international organization of stuffed animals aims to help kids accomplish everyday tasks by learning how to organize and break down tasks. Sean Astin is the voice behind Oso, alongside Meghan Strange and Gary Anthony Williams.

This has been brought to you by: Toronto Teacher Mom, a #PlayhouseDisneyMom

Do you have a Max & Ruby fan in your house? On Saturday, April 16, 2011, the Max & Ruby Bunny Party is coming to the Sony Centre here in Toronto. It's "a surprise party for someone special, and bunny siblings Max and Ruby have a-million-and-one things to do before the exciting event! Who could the mystery guest be? Find out by joining Max and Ruby in this lively theatrical production that will have the whole family singing and hopping along!" And when you use the code SUPER at checkout, you can save $5 off $27 and $23 tickets. (Ticketing fees may apply.)

Still wondering what to do with your kids to end March Break with a bang? I am super excited that Bobs and Lolo are voyaging yet again across Canada to share their delightful music with children here in Ontario! And with the return of colder temperatures and a chance of precipitation this weekend, why not throw on some warm rain gear and venture off to the Go Green Expo at Landsowne Park in Ottawa or celebrate the upcoming Junos at the Ontario Science Centre in Toronto with Treehouse duo Bobs and Lolo? It's sure to be lots of fun!


Saturday, March 19, 2011
Ottawa Go Green Expo

Sunday, March 20, 2011
Ontario Science Centre

Also, if you are planning a local event in your area and are looking for family concert presenters, you can send Bobs and Lolo an email at booking@bobsandlolo.com.

For up-to-date information on Bobs and Lolo events, check out their Events Calendar. You can also follow Bobs and Lolo on Facebook or connect with them on Twitter @BobsandLolo.

My kids got to meet Barbie. Again!

Milo, Gribble and Ki to the rescue.

Below you will find a YouTube video of Joan Cusack sharing her thoughts on her role as "mom" in Mars Needs Moms.

You can also view the trailer, play games and more on the Mars Needs Moms official website.

Disclosure: I was asked to attend an advance screening of Mars Needs Moms to help facilitate this review. I was not compensated in any way. The thoughts and opinions expressed in this post are my own.

Last year, I wrote about a fabulous Toronto based company called BOBA: Baby On Board Apparel. Founded by Toronto's own Ali McEwan, BOBA maternity fashions are made of recycled polyester, recycled polyester blends and cooling organic cotton. Her clothing is also made via an eco-conscious manufacturing process which includes local manufacturing within a 60 km radius. Plus, BOBA offers some really stylish staple pieces that will go a long way in your maternity wardrobe.

Molly Blazer - $92

From now until March 31, 2011, anyone who registers for their monthly newsletter will be entered to win one of three $75 BOBA gift certificates! (Fear not, they promise to send only one newsletter a month. ;) And, Toronto Teacher Mom readers can also take advantage of a special discount code which will save you 20% off your purchase. Simply use redemption code FRIEND at checkout. Also, shipping is as little as $7.00, which is an added bonus in my books! Man, I'm starting to wish I were pregnant again...

Connect with BOBA:

• Twitter @bobabyali 
• Baby on Board Apparel Facebook fan page 
• TheBOBAtv YouTube channel

Disclosure: I was not paid to share this information. All opinions expressed in this post are my own.

With so many great movies to catch up on, I feel like snuggling under a blanket and vegging on the sofa this March Break with the t.v. remote in hand and a bowl of popcorn by my side. It's great to be able to watch movies and shows on demand through our cable provider, online or via Netflix without worrying about late fees. Luckily, for one Toronto Teacher Mom reader, they will get some Pop Secret popcorn, Raisinets and a $25 VISA gift card to use towards their next movie night in. Out of 70 entries, Random.org returned the following winning number:


Congratulations goes to:

jalapenomama

I will be sending you an email shortly. Thanks to all of my U.S. readers who entered, tweeted and shared this contest. And I'd also like to thank Pop Secret for sponsoring this giveaway!

This March, the American Dietetic Association is celebrating National Nutrition Month® which focuses on nutrition education and the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. The theme this year is “Eat right with Color,” which aims to encourage everyone to include a colorful variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and dairy on a daily basis.

We all know how a healthy diet is important to our well-being. This month, Dinosaur Train invites you and your child to prepare a vegetarian or herbivore picnic full of healthy foods by visiting Dinosaur Train on PBS.org. Further resources for parents can be found on the American Dietetic Association site at www.eatright.org/nnm where you can download a PDF list of healthy snacks for kids. Here is a sampling:

1. Peel a banana and dip it in yogurt. Roll in crushed cereal and freeze.
2. Spread celery sticks with peanut butter or low-fat cream cheese. Top with raisins. Enjoy your “ants on a log.”
3. Stuff a whole-grain pita pocket with ricotta cheese and Granny Smith apple slices. Add a dash of cinnamon.
4. Mix together ready-to-eat cereal, dried fruit and nuts in a sandwich bag for an on-the-go snack.
5. Smear a scoop of frozen yogurt on two graham crackers and add sliced banana to make a yummy
sandwich.

Next, Buddy can help you and your child prepare a vegetarian (herbivore) picnic with The Have A Brachiosaurus Picnic activity which "helps young children to learn what foods fit into an herbivore's diet (fruits and vegetables); reminds children about the importance of hand washing before eating; and also creates an opportunity to discuss why all animals need to eliminate waste from their bodies (a.k.a. “poop”)." This activity is aimed at children ages 3-6 and includes a list of the required ingredients for fun foods such as:

• Brachiosaurus Super Salad: The kids will have fun tearing up green leafy veggies into bite-size pieces and mixing ranch dressing with green coloring to make a tasty topping.
• Sauropod Sandwich: With a plastic knife, cut pieces of whole wheat bread in the shape of a favorite dinosaur and spread with cheese spread or peanut butter.
• Herbivore Herb and Spinach Spread: Mix frozen spinach, dried onion soup mix, sour cream, celery sticks and crackers
• Green Juice: Fill a child’s plastic cup with apple juice and add green food color to make a green beverage fit for an herbivore.

In addition to celebrating National Nutrition Month with fun healthy ideas, Dinosaur Train is offering one of my U.S. followers a copy of DINOSAUR TRAIN: PTERANODON FAMILY WORLD TOUR ADVENTURE DVD, which will be released on March 15 from Paramount Home Entertainment and PBS Kids. The hit television series Dinosaur Train® airs daily on PBS KIDS® (check local listings).

For a chance to win the DINOSAUR TRAIN: PTERANODON FAMILY WORLD TOUR ADVENTURE DVD, leave a comment on this post with a healthy eating tip that works for your kids. (You need to click on the word "comments" at the bottom of this post to take you to the comment form.)

For additional entries, you may choose to do any or all of the following. Please leave a separate comment for each entry indicating what you have done.

• Like The Jim Henson Company Fan Page on Facebook
• Like Toronto Teacher Mom on Facebook
• Share this giveaway on Facebook or via email. (1 entry each) 
• Follow Toronto Teacher Mom via Google Friend Connect
• Follow Henson Parents on Twitter
• 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 March 26 at 11pm EST and is open to U.S. residents only. Winner will be selected using Random.org and must reply to the notification email within 3 days or a new winner will be drawn.

Disclosure: I was not compensated in any way for posting this giveaway.

• Enter the Bring Home a Stanley Cup Champion contest (worth three entries!)
• Become a follower of Toronto Teacher Mom using Google Friend Connect.
• Like the Toronto Teacher Mom Facebook fan page. 
• Subscribe to this blog by email or in a reader. 
• 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:  

Fingers and Sticks
Piano and percussion are natural music-making companions – after all, the piano is a member of the percussion family! Tandem presents a concert featuring the best of music for piano and percussion, both pitched and non-pitched. Selections will include American composer Dave Hollinden’s Platinum, music from the “king of tango”, Astor Piazzolla, the premiere of a new Canadian work, and Tobin Stokes’ exciting Brazilian-influenced El Sol del Sur.

Wed. Mar 16, 2011 12 – 1 p.m.
Humber Brazilian Jazz Project
Gordon Sheard, director

Rio Comes to Toronto
No need to go to Rio…internationally acclaimed pianist/composer Gordon Sheard and an exuberant and talented group of young artists conjure the irresistible and inimitable spirit of Brazil. With its seductive melodies, sunny harmonies and floor-shaking rhythms, this program of authentic Brazilian music is guaranteed to take the chill off the Toronto winter.