Have you ever bought a battery-powered toy as a gift for a child but then forgot the batteries? Nope? Neither have I. Okay, yes I have. It's worse when the child opens the gift on Christmas day when there aren't any stores open where you can pick up some batteries after the fact. But imagine having to spend the holidays in the hospital. Think of the thousands of children across Canada who, instead of asking for toys and games, hope instead for a full recovery or a cure that will allow them the luxury of never having to spend another holiday in the hospital ever again. To help ensure these kids can still enjoy the magic of the season, Duracell is donating a year’s supply of batteries to hospitals across Canada, batteries which will power the thousands of playroom toys and games that children and their families will be playing with this holiday season and beyond.

In addition, for every pack of Duracell CopperTop and Quantum batteries that are purchased at Walmart locations in Canada from December 1st to December 31st, 2014, Duracell will donate 20 cents to Children’s Miracle Network. Their goal: to raise $150,000 for the Network. To learn more about the campaign follow @Duracell on Twitter.

It's hard to believe this photo was taken only six years ago. When I think back to Christmas 2008, I feel as though it was a lifetime ago. Oh, how my children have grown so much since then! They're so big now, I can barely pick them up any more. What I would give to re-live those baby years...

Not sure what to give loved ones this holiday season? Join the club. When it comes to shopping for kids, I've pretty much mastered the art. Shopping for adults, however, is an entirely different matter. Ultimately I end up getting them a gift card so that they can purchase whatever they need. I won't have to worry if it's the right size or if it will suit their taste. But I kind of feel like it's a cop-out. If I'm going to give a gift card, I would rather it be a card that can be used towards an experience such as a night out at the movies. Or how about a card that allows you to stay in and still watch one of thousands of movies available on demand via Netflix? Now we're talking!

As a member of the Netflix Stream Team, I was sent two one-year memberships to give away and was utterly thrilled to be able to cross two people off of my shopping list. Why hadn't I thought of a Netflix gift card sooner? Such a simple and yet worthwhile gift idea which you can find at select stores that include Staples, EB Games, Metro, Loblaws and now Shoppers Drug Mart. (Want to find a store near year? Check out the Netflix CA Store Locator.) This Christmas, I am giving a Netflix gift card to my sister and the other to my sister-in-law, both current Netflix subscribers. Redeeming the card is easy, too. Simply log on to Netflix on your computer and click on "Your Account" on the drop down menu beneath your username (top right corner). Input the pin in the field next to "Gifts & Offers" and click redeem.

If you thought Disney's Frozen was the #1 animated film of all time, you're wrong. It's Frozen Sing-Along Edition. You can still enjoy the same colourful characters and beautiful backdrops as you follow Anna on her journey to find her sister Elsa and save Arendelle. But now you can sing along with your favourite Frozen tunes by following the lyrics on-screen with a bouncing Frozen snowflake. This feature was clearly designed with parents in mind since practically every child I know has memorized all the words to the songs. At least, they know them much better than I do.

For as long as I can remember, bedtime has always been a challenge with my first-born. As a newborn, she would often fuss and cry at night but I thought if we could just implement a routine as she got older, things would get easier. And sometimes it did. But mostly, it didn't. It turns out, she needed someone with her in her room every night. Yet for me, I needed her to go to sleep on her own. I was often tired and if I were to lay down next to her, I would inevitably fall asleep in an awkward position on her twin bed and wake up with an arm resting on my face. I'm sure many parents can relate. Lots of fun, right? Nope. I needed to sleep in my own spacious bed and I needed my daughter to find ways to self-soothe. My husband, however, would prefer to lay down next to her than have her call us repeatedly to her room out of fear of the dark. We have tried a few different night lights but, even at nine years of age, she was still afraid of being alone in her room at night. Until we met Charley the Chameleon, that is.

Initially, I had intended for my six-year-old son to have Charley because it was designed for babies and toddlers, I thought to myself. Surely the novelty would wear off and then I could pass it on to my baby nephew or my three-year-old goddaughter. While my son loved it, he really didn't need it. He's always been a pro at sleeping and would often sleep for 10-11 hours a night since he was one month old. But because Charley is so cute, my kids decided to take turns with him each night. What ended up happening? My daughter kept him in her room and my son really hasn't asked for him in weeks. Which is perfectly fine because for the first time in a very, very long time, my daughter will go to bed without asking me to say with her. I'm still having a hard time believing it myself, but it's true! I feel like bowing down to the Cloud B gods and saying, "I'm not worthy! I'm not worthy!"

As one of the oldest and largest Fair Trade organizations in North America, Ten Thousand Villages is a non-profit program that sells artisan-crafted personal accessories, home decor and gift items from the world over. They have as their mission statement the goal of creating "opportunities for artisans in developing countries to earn income by bringing their products and stories to our markets through long-term, fair trading relationships." And what could be better than giving a gift made by a talented artisan that has been fairly purchased from sustainable sources? 

Given that Ten Thousand Villages is an organization designed to benefit artisans, they market products from handicraft and agricultural organizations based in low-income countries, thereby supporting their livelihood. So not only will you find products that are truly unique, you can shop in good conscience knowing that the artisans who have made them have received respect, dignity and hope from earning fair value for their hard work.

For review, Ten Thousand Villages sent over a lovely package that contained a gorgeous Garden Paisley Infinity Scarf ($34) and a pair of teardrop Kenya earrings ($24). I think I'm going to get a lot of use out of my new scarf. It suits me well, no?

This paper craft was taught to me by one of my teacher colleagues at work. She does them every year with her students and every year I marvel at how beautifully they turn out. Last week, she showed me how to make them and now I'm hooked! If you're interested in learning how, let me know and I can post a tutorial on how to make your own paper star/snowflake Christmas decoration. It's a great activity the whole family can enjoy!

Stopping in for Wordless Wednesday? Be sure to link up your post below.

PS. Read about an exciting announcement here on Toronto Teacher Mom! 

It is with great honour that I share with you that Toronto Teacher Mom has recently received a 2014 Canadian Weblog Award. Among an impressive group of 42 blogs in the Sponsored & Product Review Blog category, my blog was selected to receive First Place based on ten criteria. The Canadian Weblog Awards is the work of Elan Morgan of Schmutzie.com and supported by a large panel of 34 jurors. 

I would like to send out a big thank you to Elan and Aidan, as well as the volunteer jury, for their tireless work over the past year compiling an incredible list of nominees and working their magic to make it all come together. I truly appreciate this special achievement and am very humbled! I would also like to send a shout-out to all my friends, family and readers who have supported my blog over the years. It really means a lot!

Be sure to head on over to canblogawards.com to view the full list of 2014 Canadian Weblog Award winners.

When it comes to the hottest toys of the season, you can pretty much guarantee that remote-controlled robots will be among them. This year, VEX Robotics by HEXBUG, the makers of Aquabot 2.0, bring you hands-on play as you construct your very own jumbo-sized robot ant. Drive the robot manually using the remote control or select the autonomous drive mode to send Ant scurrying about all by itself, mimicking real-life movement. 

For those of you who've been following my blog for a while now, you probably already know that I'm far from perfect. I procrastinate, struggle with organization and fail miserably in the kitchen. I make no apologies for my imperfections but I feel the need to explain that I do try my best to get things done on time and in an organized fashion. Improving my cooking skills? Well, let's just say that it isn't high on my priority list right now. But mark my words when I say that, over the next few weeks, I am determined to accomplish all that needs to be done in time for Christmas without breaking the bank. Or losing my sanity. 

As one of Canada's Walmart Moms, I was tasked with a mission to flip my way of thinking when it comes to shopping for the holidays. With the help of the innovative Flipp app, I had to browse through Walmart's electronic flyers, make a shopping list and visit my local Walmart store in search of the selected sale items. I had previously downloaded the app on to my phone on the advice of the wise Gail Vaz-Oxlade a few months ago and fell instantly in love with the idea that I no longer needed to rely on paper flyers. They were are all at my finger tips, including previews of new flyers to come. The app is very intuitive and makes it easy to clip items to your shopping list as well as comparison shop. Plus, you have easy access to affordable gift ideas from top brands available at Walmart!

If you've never used the Flipp app before, I highly recommend you connect yourself to a WiFi and download it now. Your cafe mocha can wait. It really doesn't take long. Then, search for "Walmart" to find all new and any soon-to-be released e-flyers. Don't forget to click on the heart icon to add Walmart to your list of favourites for ease of reference.

If you're looking for big savings, use the percentage slider at the bottom to isolate items that are within your desired discount range. Any items that do not fall within it will be darkened making it easier to find the best bargains. Found an item that you want? Tap it once and it will be circled in yellow and automatically added to your clippings. Not sure if it's what you were looking for? Tap and hold to pull up details about the item and either clip it or buy it now via Walmart.ca.

Ho, ho, ho-ly mackerel! There are only two weeks left until Christmas and I still have much to do to get ready. Okay, I will never be ready just like I have never been ready for Christmas since I'm such a procrastinator. Leaving things to the last minute has always been a fault of mine. I guess that's why I loved childhood so much. It was my parents' job to worry about getting ready for Christmas while all I had to worry about was begging them to let me open just one gift on Christmas Eve. Golly, those were the days! Now, I need to make sure that I have enough gifts for everyone, all the decorations are up and the house has had a good cleaning before hosting dinner guests next weekend. At least I've had some help with one of those items on my to-do list thanks to Hallmark Canada.

For a special little one on my shopping list, I will be gifting the adorable Perfect Tree Snowman Plush that has a sign that lights up as the snowmen sway. It is a great commemorative item for 2014 and this year the plush features a parody of "Up on the Housetop." If you purchase three Hallmark cards, you can nab this plush for $15.95. It also coordinates with "There's Snowbody Like You!" storybook, sold separately.

And what child wouldn't love a Push and Play Techno Plush? Hallmark's Rudolph is simply irresistible, so much so that I had to keep him at work. My grade one students are so eager to be chosen as my special helper who gets to take care of Nez Rouge during French class! Also available: Clarice, the reindeer and Bumble, the abominable snow monster.

Hallmark is also expanding their collection of itty bittys® with their Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer 50th Anniversary Collector Set. Buy the whole kit and caboodle for $29.95 or individually for $6.95 each.

If it's a hostess or a teacher gift you're looking for, Hallmark has several "Gifts to Go" that come packaged with a designer to/from hang tag and a festive sprig of evergreen tied with a bright red ribbon. Choose from a cozy mug, nesting bowls, a Christmas tea set or an appetizer plate set (featured above).

When it comes to planning a party with delectable food, amazing company and drinks a-plenty all amidst fabulously festive décor, leave it to Lena to ensure it is outrageously awesome. This past weekend, our lovely hostess transformed her home into a Fisher-Price Showroom and invited moms and bloggers from across the GTA and beyond to gather in celebration of the holidays. Of course, no showroom would be complete without the latest products to demo and drool over. I kid you not when I say her house was bursting with some seriously cool baby gear and what will surely be some of the hottest toys of 2014.

I had just returned from Hamilton where the kids and I had celebrated my niece's third birthday. We ended up giving her the Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Smart Stages Chair and it sure was popular. One of her two-year-old friends tried to walk away with it! After a smooth commute home, I was looking forward to a fun night of socializing with some of my favourite local peeps. Once I arrived at Lena's, I was surprisingly distracted by some of the new baby gear that beckoned me to pursue the idea of having a third child. I swear, it was like my mammary glands were crying out, "Go home and make another baby!"

As I sat quietly in the corner, ruminating over what life would be like with a third, I quickly realized that I should be grateful for all of the wonderful #fpmommymoments that I have been able to enjoy with my two kids and decided to move on to another distraction: food! With hors d'oeuvres that included tuna tartare, risotto balls, and mini grilled cheese sandwiches with creamy Brie, you would think I would have had very little room left over for dinner. But I did. And even though it may have appeared that I still wasn't socializing as much as most, you can bet I was tweeting the night away. It sure is much easier to tweet than to talk with a mouthful of food, am I right?

Throughout the evening, I tweeted about the super chic Infant-to-Toddler Rocker in pink that is available exclusively at Babies R Us as well as the fashion-forward design of the 4-in-1 Rock 'n Glide Rocker that won't even be out until January 2015. The papasan style of the rocker reminded me of the Cradle 'n Swing I had purchased for my son several years ago, one of my personal Fisher-Price favourites. He spent so many hours in that thing way back when he was oh, so tiny. Life seemed so much easier back then. I could secure him in that swing and rest assured he was safe and sound, if not fast asleep thanks to the gentle swaying motion. Nowadays, I have to throw on my coat, step reluctantly into the cold outdoors and yell out, like the crazy neighbour I am, while in search of my kids. They never sit still anymore! If only Fisher-Price could manufacture a youth-size swing with a combination lock...

Back to the present, it wasn't long before I had polished off a plate of chicken and green beans, and washed it down with a glass of bubbly. Okay, so I went a little crazy and had not one but two servings of cola. Straight up. With a squeeze of lime. Stirred, not shaken. Because... duh!

As a parent of two school-aged children, I have gone through a number of creative toys and gadgets that both my children have used and later passed on to their younger cousin. Then there are those that I have donated to a classroom once my kids have outgrown them or that I have used with my own students during class. But then there are the ones that I want to keep and, if I could, buy more of so that family, friends and students may all benefit. I'm talking about unique devices that spark the imagination and appeal to a vast array of interests. Enter Sparkup: The Magical Book Reader. 

The Sparkup Reader is a device that allows you to create personalized audio recordings of virtually any illustrated children’s book. Kids can now listen and read along with their favourite book, such as Creature Features or Fall Leaves, simply by attaching Sparkup to the top of the book. They can also record their own voice while the device tracks each page via its built-in camera. Moms and dads can record their own voice, too, so you can stay connected with your child while you're away.

Once you have created an audio recording, you can attach Sparkup to that book at any time and the camera will automatically recognize its images and play the appropriate recording for each page. This enables the child to advance at his or her own pace. Accidentally skipped a page? Fret not. Sparkup can read pages out of order so you can advance or return to previous pages thanks to its unique camera sensing technology. The best part? It's so easy to use!

If recording multiple books, I suggest switching from page-by-page mode to continuous mode since the repetitive prompts can be a little annoying.

Sparkup's Magical Book Reader includes the unit which can store up to 50 book recordings, a hardcover demo book, instruction manual, three AAA batteries and a USB cable to connect to your computer. You can save recordings or download stories such as Shrek! as read by Emmy Award winner Stanley Tucci.

From now until March 29, 2015, neurons of all ages are invited to explore the amazing, ever-changing brain by embarking on an adventure of 'mass' proportions at the Ontario Science Centre with their newest exhibit BRAIN: The Inside Story. Learn about the bundle of neurons that form the human brain and how this control centre is connected to our thoughts, senses and feelings. As you enter the exhibit, you will walk through a forest of tangled wires and flashing lights that illustrate the numerous firing synapses inside the brain. 

Once inside you will be able to watch an introductory video projected on a giant brain model and learn about the various areas and functions of the brain. Test your knowledge of parts of the brain and reassemble a model at an interactive booth. 

You can view a side-by-side comparison of a healthy human brain versus a human brain with Alzheimer's Disease.

Dive deeper into the brain and explore how your brain processes emotion and stores memories.

  

Discover how the brain processes language, experience the Stroop Effect and challenge yourself with puzzles and games that probe neural connections and pathways.