I got an email today with some pretty cool and crazy pictures of European shopping bags. I thought this one was pretty neat. Excuse me while I sneak off to the fridge to quench my thirst...

Cooking in the kitchen has never been my forté. I do my best and sometimes the meal will come out in a pleasant-looking edible form, but really, I'd rather let my talented husband take care of meal prep. He's extremely good at it, so why not? To my dismay, however, there are nights where he has to work late and dinner is left up to me. Gulp. Thank goodness for Dr. Oetker Frozen Pizzas!

While we prefer to prepare fresh meals for our kids as often as possible, being pressed for time sometimes leaves us with no other recourse than to pull out a frozen meal. If we are all out of frozen lasagne that, ahem, I slaved over one Sunday, I am always relieved if I have a frozen pizza on hand. Cause who doesn't love pizza? One of my favourites is Dr. Oetker's thin-crust Ristorante Pizzas, namely the Pizza Speciale variety. Yum! I also had a chance to try out their Casa di Mama pizzas, which, by the way, has just won the 2011 Best New Product Award as voted by 35,000 Canadians.


Want a chance to try all four Panebello varieties? Divine.ca is offering you a chance to win 1 of 5 $500 Home Bakery Bundles! Simply visit Divine.ca from now until June 13, 2011 and you could be the lucky owner of a fabulous prize pack which includes:

• 8 Coupons for two of each of the new Dr. Oetker Panebello pizza varieties (Vegetables and Goats Cheese, Country Pepperoni,  Classic Canadian, Bruschetta)
• 1 Breville Toaster Oven
• 1 Pair of Dr. Oetker Oven Mitts
• 1 Dr. Oetker Pizza Cutter
• 1 Williams-Sonoma Pizza Peel

Please visit oetker.ca for further information, including nutritional content and ingredients information.

Disclosure: I was sent coupons to redeem for free product to help facilitate this post. All opinions expressed in this blog are my own.

Before I got married and had kids, I knew that I wanted a big library of children's books so that one day I could read them with my own kids. Being a teacher, I had already built up a nice collection of books for young school-aged children, mainly because I once taught a grade 2/3 split and found some pretty amazing deals for used books on eBay. Then, I had my babies and discovered the joys of board books. Aside from being small enough for infants and toddlers to hold, they are also sturdy enough to withstand tiny hands and I don't have to worry about any of the pages being torn. Plus, you can find some really sweet books such as Marianne Richmond's The Night Night Book.



The Night Night Book is the newest title in Marianne Richmond's ever-growing library. And just like her other stories, such as If I Could Keep You Little..., Richmond uses her artistic talent to bring the story to life. The illustrations in this book were made using acrylic paint on canvas board with collage and remain true to the characteristic whimsy with which Richmond illustrates her stories. From bedroom to bathroom, indoors to outdoors, the pictures accompany each verse which details all of the many things the child encounters during the day to which he must bid adieu at night. The rhyme and rhythm of The Night Night Book make it a pleasure to both read and listen to. It will easily become a favourite bedtime story amongst the little ones and would make a perfect gift for a mom-to-be. It measures about 7" by 7" which is small enough, I think, to include in my next diaper cake creation. All in all, The Night Night Book makes for a wonderful addition to bedtime routines and makes reading fun. It thus earns the Toronto Teacher Mom Seal of Approval!


The book is available at bookstores as well as online, and if you order from Marianne Richmond's online store for $7.95, she can even add a personalized autograph along with a gold sticker. How neat!

About the Author

Marianne Richmond is an award-winning author and illustrator who founded Marianne Richmond Studios, Inc. back in 1991. She also designs greeting cards and other gift products that are adorned with her artistic style. Marianne is the mother of 4 children who serve as inspiration for her stories. You can read about the latest on Marianne's blog as well as connect with her on her Facebook fan page.


Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. I was not compensated in any way. The thoughts expressed in this review are my own.

On May 9, Rogers Media partnered with iVillage to bring you iVillage.ca, an online community for women to share, connect and be inspired. To celebrate the launch, Canadian women are invited to participate in the iVillage Passion Project where they can share their passions for the best things in life in an interactive program. You can also watch other women talk about their passions, women such as CityLine's Tracy Moore and Sportsnet Martine Gaillard. By watching videos, you also have a chance to win instant prizes and enter sweepstakes. You can also read regular columns penned by Canadian experts on a variety of subjects. Fellow mom-blogger Catherine Connors of Her Bad Mother will pen a weekly column especially for iVillage called “Straight Up From Her Bad Mother.”

In support of this project, Foxy Jewellery has designed a beautiful Passion Project necklace which is up for grabs right here on Toronto Teacher Mom.

For a chance to win a limited edition iVillage Heart Necklace valued at $30, head on over to iVillage.ca or the iVillage Passion Project and tell me something that you learned. Winners are contacted by email so please be sure to leave your email address in your comment if it's not listed on your profile.

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

• Like the iVillage Canada Facebook fan page. 
• Become a follower of iVillage Canada on Twitter
• 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:  

Is spring here yet? Didn't really notice much. But then again, I've been too busy playing with my new toys thanks to Nerf by Hasbro. What can I say? It's been great venting my frustrations with the weather by lining up rows of mittens and tuques and blasting them away with my brand-spanking new semi-automatic N-Strike Barricade RV-10. It's so easy to use, even my three-year-old knows how.

Current website price: $21.99 on ToysRus.ca

First, mom or dad needs to insert 3 AA batteries (not included, of course) into the battery compartment. You can use a Phillips or a cross head screwdriver to loosen the screw, insert the batteries, replace the cover and tighten the screw.


Second, be sure the switch is set to the Off position.


Third, rotate the barrel and insert darts completely.


Finally, turn it on and you're ready to go.

If a dart becomes jammed, which we have yet to experience, simply open the jam clearing door and remove the dart. Be sure to close the door or the blaster will not work.


Even though it's recommended for children aged 6 and up, my kids have been able to use it, with adult supervision of course. The only major problem we've had is sharing it! And finding some of the darts that end up in hard-to-find places. Be it known that we only aim at stationary targets and never at people. I am sometimes uneasy when it comes to my kids and 'blasters' of any kind, including water balloons, but this is where a serious conversation comes into play about the safe and appropriate use of such toys. As a kid, though, I remember how much fun we would have playing with water blasters, especially on a hot summer day.

Enter the Super Soaker.

Current website price: $19.99 on ToysRus.ca

Nerf's Spring 2011 line has certainly come a long way since I was a wee lass. The Super Soaker Thunderstorm is one of their newest products and is a fully automatic water blaster that can send streams of water up to 25 feet away. It comes with a water clip but additional water clips can be bought separately to expedite your drenching efforts. I really like that it is on the smaller side and easy to use. Plus, having an extra water clip saves you from having to take multiple trips to the kitchen to fill up.

Current website price: $32.99 on ToysRus.ca

But if you want big, Nerf has got big. Super big. Check out the Super Soaker Hydro Cannon! Man, this thing will surely cause a spike in your water bill. It makes me want to invest in a pool just for the added water fun potential. This is also great for toning the biceps thanks to the required pumping action. If you pump the handle 20 times, you can send a stream of water as far as 35 feet! This Super Soaker is understandably the one toy that everyone wants to reach for first, including my daughter's friend who lives next door. The thing is almost as tall as my son so it's kind of hard to keep out of sight. And while my 5-year-old can use it, it is also quite cumbersome for the little ones to carry, especially when it's full of water. Oh, well. I guess I'll have to lighten their load and play with it on their behalf.



THREE incredibly lucky readers will win a Blast Away Winter prize pack consisting of:

• NERF SUPER SOAKER THUNDERSTORM
• NERF SUPER SOAKER CLIP SYSTEM CANISTERS 
  
• NERF SUPER SOAKER HYDRO CANNON
• NERF NSTRIKE BARRICADE RV-10

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

• Add the Blast Away Winter button to the sidebar of your website or blog. (Worth 5 entries! Leave five separate comments.)
  <center><a href="http://www.torontoteachermom.com/2011/05/nerf-super-soaker-and-n-strike-review.html" target="_blank"><img style="width: 175px; height: 175px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3474/5742179180_2fa5be8315_m.jpg" /></a></center>
• Add my regular blog button to your website or blog for one entry. Copy code is located on my sidebar.
• Blog about this giveaway and include a direct link to this post. (3 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:  

Contest ends on the first day of summer June 21 at 10pm EST. Open to Canadian 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.

So you're probably all familiar with the rainbow coloured candy known as Skittles. But do you know where they come from? Surprisingly enough, it all started with a belly button. Douglas Birch is an 18-year-old phenomenon who enjoys mowing the lawn, bird watching and photosynthesis. He also has a tree growing out of him that bears tiny multi-coloured fruit called Skittles. Here is a recent commercial in which Douglas starred:


Now that Tree Boy, I mean, Douglas, is growing up, he has developed a yearning to attend college to study and hang out with his friends while enjoying the Skittles that fall from his branches. But he needs your help. From April 25 until June 30, 2011, Skittles is encouraging Canadians across the country to visit www.freetreeboy.ca to vote for what college program they want Tree Boy to attend when he is free.


Also, when you purchase specially marked packs of Skittles in stores, you can get one of six Freedom Bands to show your support for Tree Boy. It had been a while since I've had Skittles but Tree Boy was so kind to send some my way since they are having a great harvest this year. My favourite flavour would have to be Berry Explosion. But since I have a terrible sweet tooth, I knew I couldn't keep them all to myself. Our school participated in its fourth annual Terry Fox Run (yes, in May!) and raised over $3300. I am super thrilled that we passed the total for last year which was just over $2900. As a token of appreciation and to reward their efforts, one class will be given the loot of Skittles and Freedom Bands that Tree Boy was so kind to share with me. I can't wait to see the look on their faces! I would imagine they will be just as thrilled as Tree Boy once he is set free.

Disclosure: I was sent a variety pack of Skittles product from Tree Boy as a thank-you for supporting his campaign. Any opinions expressed in this post are my own.

The ingredients impressed me – it is real food. I had to chuckle when the thought crossed my mind… someone {human} could really eat this! Grilled chicken primavera, steak tips and garden greens… it smelled and looked like real food in gravy!

Brady (Beagle/Pug Cross)

Our Beagle / Pug cross is fifteen months old and the Cesar Bistro meals were a nice treat for him from his usual diet of dry dog food. He REALLY enjoyed them, licked the bowl clean in a few seconds. When I read the feeding recommendations, 3.5 packages per ten pounds per day, I suddenly realized that though my puppy is smallish… he’s bulky… at thirty plus pounds… we’d be going through the Cesar Bistro meals like water.

A friend of mine happened to be over and since she has one of those “armpit” dogs I call them. You know… the ones that fit under your arm and are as light as a feather. She gladly took the “one gulp to Brady” treats home to feed her dog, Bam-Bam.

Bam-Bam

Bam-Bam loved the Cesar Bistro meals and for him, it’s a full meal. He doesn’t stop licking the bowl and his face for quite a while afterwards. Sufficiently suffonsified as my Grandmother would have said.

Thanks to Diana for asking me to help her with this review and to Cesar Bistro for sending it my way.

~ Shannon from Shasher's Life


Blog: www.shasherslife.com
Twitter: @shasherslife
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Shasherslife

About Cesar Bistro
CESAR® is a leading brand that is dedicated exclusively to small dogs, offering a perfect range of food for small dogs from dry to wet to treats. CESAR® Dry food, CESAR® Entrées and CESAR® Slices (wet food), and DOUBLE DELIGHTS® treats are developed specifically for small dogs of all ages, and are 100 per cent complete and balanced nutritionally. CESAR® products are available at grocery, pet specialty and mass merchandise outlets. For more information on the CESAR® brand, visit www.cesar.ca.

One reader will win a Cesar Bistro prize pack valued at $100 that includes:

• Steak Tips and Garden Greens Flavour
• Grilled Chicken Primavera
• Tuscan Style Stew with Beef
• Steak Florentine Flavour
• Leash and dog bag dispenser

For your main entry, which is mandatory, visit Cesar.ca to browse through their new line of gourmet recipes and tell me which flavour you think would be most popular.

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

• Become a follower of Toronto Teacher Mom using Google Friend Connect.
• Add my button to your site.
• Subscribe to Toronto Teacher Mom.
• Become a follower of Toronto Teacher Mom on Facebook via Networked Blogs.
• Like the Toronto Teacher Mom's Facebook fan page.
• Follow Cesar Canada on Facebook.
• Like the Shasher's Life on Facebook.
• Become a follower of Toronto Teacher Mom on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway. Feel free to use the following tweet:

Contest ends May 31 at 10pm EST. Open to Canadian residents only.

Winner will be selected using Random.org and must reply to the notification email within 48 hours or a new winner will be drawn.

And the winner is...

82. Undomesticgirl

Disclosure: I was offered a chance to have a friend sample Cesar Bistro product to help facilitate this guest blogger review.

Disclosure: I have been offered a pair of complimentary tickets to attend the show in order to provide a review.

1 in 4 First Nations children lives in poverty compared to 1 in 9 other Canadian children.


The First Nations' infant mortality rate is 1.5 times higher than the national rate.


First Nations infants are four times more likely to die of injury than other Canadian infants.

Overall, the Sundae Funday was a fun and memorable event and a worthwhile opportunity to learn about an important cause. It was really nice to connect with old friends and make new acquaintances. It was also so nice to see a room full of happy children.  I would like to thank Save the Children Canada and Frigidaire for extending the invitation and for making the commitment to help children in need.

Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post.

One reader will win a Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides prize pack that includes:

• Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides T-shirt in adult sizes only
• Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides bandana in black
• Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides·  temporary tattoo (x2)
• Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides official movie poster
• Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides pin

For your main entry, which is mandatory, like Walt Disney Studios Canada on Facebook as well as Pirates of the Caribbean on Facebook.

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

• Become a follower of Toronto Teacher Mom using Google Friend Connect.
• Add my button to your site.
• Subscribe to Toronto Teacher Mom.
• Become a follower of Toronto Teacher Mom on Facebook via Networked Blogs. 
• Like the Toronto Teacher Mom's Facebook fan page.
• Follow Walt Disney Pictures on Twitter.
• Become a follower of Toronto Teacher Mom on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway. Feel free to use the following tweet:

Contest ends May 20 at 10pm EST. Open to Canadian residents only.

Winner will be selected using Random.org and must reply to the notification email within 48 hours or a new winner will be drawn.
 
And the winner is:

29. Jennifer L.

Disclosure: I have been offered a chance to host this giveaway and thought it would be fun. :)