Mr. D Season 4, Episode 1 - Photo Credit: CBC

Mr. D Season 4, Episode 1 - Photo Credit: CBC

Gerry's moving up the inter-scholastic athletic competition ladder and he's dangerously motivated. Unfortunately, the team's prior success puts a spotlight on them, and spotlights rarely do Gerry any favours. When the pressure's on, true to character, Gerry will find a way to ruin a good thing. Many of the usual suspects butt heads with Gerry, questioning his "unique" teaching style and questionable choices. But season four also introduces several new students and staff members...some of whom even match Gerry's knack for inappropriate behaviour. 

Can I just say the whole @mrd_on_cbc cast is even more handsome in person?! #teachhard pic.twitter.com/O5k5Ztpu9H

— Diana M. (@TeacherMomOfTwo) January 19, 2015

1. Are You Afraid of the Dark?
2. Johnny Test
3. Black Hole High
4. Alpha and Omega
5. Goosebumps
6. Erky Perky
7. Eliot Kid
8. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days

Today we kick off The Great Canadian Blog Bash hosted by Whispered Inspirations, Mom vs. the Boys, Positively Pampered Patty, Good Girl Gone Green and Kat’s Confessions. It's all about celebrating our country's big day and uniting Canadian bloggers both old and new. And this year, they're kicking it off with a big Twitter party full of Canadian trivia and prizes sponsored by fabulous Canadian companies! Tune in tonight at 9:00pm and follow the hashtag #TGCBB.

I will also be giving away a $25 iTunes.ca gift card but before I do, I wanted to share some interesting facts about the largest city in Canada that I now call home - Toronto. Not only is it the capital of Ontario, it is also one of the busiest places in the country. There is always something to do, places to see and it seems as though there are construction cranes everywhere you look. Here are some other interesting facts about Toronto:

Each week where I work, staff members enjoy Friday treat days. We sign up with other staff to bring in a selection of goodies for all to share and it makes morning recess fly by so quickly since there's rarely enough time to savour the tasty treats. This month, I decided to bring in a sampling of La Crème Cow cheese along with some crackers that I had been sent to try out.


Recently, Parmalat Canada launched La Crème Cow, a new line of spreadable snack cheese. It is available in three flavours: Original, Light and Parmesan and Peppercorn. The cheese has a very smooth and creamy texture, and is individually wrapped so you can take it with you on the go.

My lovely La Crème Cow package arrived the night before my scheduled treat day and oh, là, là! Was it ever lovely!

Photo courtesy of Racheal McCaig Photography

Beginning Monday, January 9, 2012 at 8 p.m., you can watch Gerry as the star of CBC's newest comedy Mr. D.

Back in September, I shared with you the results of a survey on Back to School spending, conducted on behalf of VISA Canada. They have now released the results of another survey on how Canadians plan to spend their time and money during the holiday season. What do the results show? Canadian shoppers can save money and time by shopping online deals like the ones you can find at visaperks.ca.


It's easy to believe that, if Canadians had a little extra time over the holidays, they would choose to relax (58%), spend more time with family (54%), and spend time with friends (38%). I mean, isn't that what holidays are for? To break away from the daily routines, connect with the important people in our lives and create happy memories? It's also easy to get caught up in the shopping madness of the holiday season, however.

Busy malls and parking lots, impatient shoppers and long lineups are a recipe for disaster in my books. I would much rather shop online at my convenience, in my pj's,  and take advantage of free shipping offers wherever I can. Plus, I find it a lot easier to compare prices and benefit from discounts and deals when I don't have ominous displays of expensive chocolates hovering over me, taunting me to cave into my weakness. You know what I mean?

With Visaperks, VISA cardholders receive exclusive merchant discounts and offers on everything from fashion, beauty and accessories to electronics, travel and more. For instance, you can save 15 per cent off purchases of $100 or more from Birks.com.

As a one-stop destination that helps Canadians save money on the things they love, Visaperks is ideal for shoppers looking to score the best deals for everyone on their list. Whether you’re buying a gift for a family member or friend, purchasing a new holiday outfit or buying the latest electronics at discounted prices, going online to Visaperks is a great way to find and save on whatever you need.

~ Anne McNeil, Director of Marketing, VISA Canada

Take a look at the results below then share your thoughts and holiday shopping tendencies for a chance to win a $50 prepaid VISA gift card here on Toronto Teacher Mom.

• 54% of Canadians have made an online purchase in the last 12 months.
• 51% of Canadians said that they are more likely than last year to shop online this holiday season.
• Canadians plan on spending on average 8.1 hours shopping in the mall and 3.9 hours shopping online this holiday season. 
• Maritimers plan to spend the most time in the mall (9.2 hours) and Ontarians plan to spend the most time online shopping (4.4 hours).
• Crowds (35%), long lineups (22%) and parking lot chaos (11%) continue to be the elements Canadians like least about holiday shopping.

• 72% of Canadians between 18-34 years old have made an online purchase in the last 12 months.
• 68% of Canadians between 18-34 years claim to be more likely than last year to shop online this holiday season.

• More than half of Canadian males (53%) and females (55%) have made an online purchase in the last 12 months.
• Canadian males expect to spend 7.2 hours shopping at the mall this holiday season, while females expect to spend 8.9 hours.
• Female Canadians expect to spend 3.5 hours shopping online during the holiday season, while males expect to spend 4.3 hours.

For a chance to win a $50 prepaid VISA gift card, follow the instructions using the Rafflecopter form below.

Disclosure: I have received a gift card as a thank you for sharing the results of this survey. Any opinions expressed in this post are my own.

This is it, Canada! This weekend is the last weekend to Flip it to Win at the Brick. If you haven't already, check out flipittowin.com for your chance to win over $600,000 in prizes. It's as easy as voting for one of three prizes up for grabs. Today, you can vote on an Avington Accent Chair, a Bronze Finish Floor Lamp or an Amos Walnut Queen Faux Leather Bed, which is currently in the lead. The last day will be November 3, 2011.


You can also win by visiting a Brick store near you. Simply reach into the red Prize Couch and pick out your Flip-It-To-Win Game Card. Flip up all 3 tabs on the card and see what you've won. You’re guaranteed discounts on furniture and LG appliances plus you’ll have the chance to win
incredible products. The best thing? You’ll know your savings before you shop and be able to get your
discount immediately!


The Brick will be having their last street event tomorrow October 29. The Brick and LG Street Team will set up a red Prize Couch at a final secret location somewhere in Canada. The location will be revealed later today on www.flipittowin.com, The Brick Facebook Page and The Brick Twitter Feed. All you have to do is show up at the location to pick a Game Card from the red couch to get a chance to win great great prizes and guaranteed furniture and electronics discounts. They will also be giving away some exclusive prizing as well!

Go on, now. Get flipping.

Disclosure: This post has been sponsored by The Brick.

This weekend, I am giving thanks for the wonderfully warm weather we have been enjoying these past few days. It's hard to believe that we are now officially into the fall season. Before you know it, we'll be bundling up our children in warm layers, tuques and mittens, and bracing ourselves for cold, wint'ry weather. For some, the freezing cold temperatures are a welcome change as it is a time to enjoy one of Canada's favourite sports - hockey. And if your children are among those avid hockey fans, you will definitely want to check out the newly launched Stickheads Hockey Stick Hats.


Hockey fans both young and old can now show their hockey pride by donning their very own Stickheads Hockey Stick Hat, available in sizes 0-12 months, 1-3 years, 4-8 years or 9+ (fits average adult). There are seven different styles/colour combos from which to choose. My son ended up with Team Canada colours in a size 4-8 years. Do you think he likes it?


I'm pretty sure he does. Golly, is he ever cute!


I like it because it is made in Canada from soft, cozy polar fleece with detailed stitchwork. The quality in craftsmanship, or should I say craftsmomship, is evident and I have no doubt that the Stickheads Hockey Stick Hat will be durable enough to withstand our Canadian winters. And the price is reasonable at $24.95.

Stickheads was founded by two mothers, Susan and Melissa, who wanted to help kids get their head in the game. Susan was the designer behind the Sports Kids T-shirts that I had an opportunity to review last year. I was even so fortunate to meet Susan at the ShesConnected Conference last week. Although the customizable t-shirts are no longer available, you can still find similar designs in the Stickheads t-shirt line. They also sell hockey hoodies but I have to say, their personalized Sports Jersey Blankets are brilliant! Don't you think?


You can also get standard MVP blankets for $39.99 but if you like the personalized touch, the cost goes up to $59.99. Good news is that Toronto Teacher Mom readers can save 15% off any purchase by using the discount code teachermom. Also, one lucky reader will win a Stickhead Hockey Stick Hat of his/her own!


For a chance to win your own Stickhead Hockey Stick Hat, fill out the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!

Disclosure: I received a Stickhead Hockey Stick Hat to help facilitate this review. Any opinions expressed in this review are my own.