Spring is in the air and so too is Mother Nature's calling to revitalize, rejuvenate and rejoice. After a long and stress-filled winter, I know I feel compelled to escape the everyday, indulge in some rest and relaxation, and celebrate the beauty of the season, which also happens to be replete with many a birthday. Luckily, I had a little help from Hallmark in finding the perfect gifts for my family and friends. First up is this beautiful Mark & Hall Camel Colorblock Tote Bag, featured above. Stripes are always fashionable and this handbag has the perfect blend of simplistic style and practicality. It's a steal at a special value of $14.95. Featuring comfortable shoulder straps and a reinforced bottom panel in attractive vegan leather, it pairs beautifully with a matching embossed luggage tag and passport holder set. We gifted this as a bon-voyage-slash-early-birthday gift for my sister-in-law who is living in Italy for a few months while she works on writing her cookbook. But it would also make a great gift for a graduate, honeymooning bride and groom, or a friend journeying abroad. We also threw in a botanical inspired Floral Grey Scarf, available at a special price of $9.95.

For the littles celebrating springtime birthdays or kindergarten graduation, check out these new Happy Go Luckys mini plush toys ($12.95). The Springtime collection includes Twirp, the adorable chick, who is as mighty as he is little, his friend, Boe Kay the flower, who loves to brighten everyone's day and the street-smart gray bunny, Hip Hop, who bounces through the day with a style all his own. And of course, I can't forget Floral Print Floppy Snoopy ($12.95). This stuffed animal screams "spring" and is just begging for little hugs!

Finally, whether you're going away for the weekend or planning a staycation filled with yoga and meditation, don't forget to spoil yourself. Hallmark's Hot + Cold aromatherapy Lavender Comfort Wrap ($34.95) soothes, relaxes and rejuvenates achy shoulders, sore spots on lower and upper back or the tummy area for relief of uncomfortable cramps. It features a blend of aromatic herbs known and selected for their qualities to calm, soothe, and release stress, including flax seed, lavender, chamomile, peppermint, spearmint, lemon grass, rosemary, cinnamon and other natural ingredients. While you let the wrap do its thing, chill on the sofa in a pair of "Just Chill" lotus flower slippers. These fun and casual slippers are soft and cozy, and retail for $29.95. And remember to rehydrate and remind yourself that glamour has no age limit with a sassy 17-ounce water bottle, featuring a double-wall construction and a screw-top lid. Need somewhere to store them all while on your mini getaway? Check out their classic faux-leather Mark & Hall zippered tote. It features two decorative tassels, gold-tone expansion zippers and a bright floral-lined interior that makes it easy to find what you're looking for. It also includes a zippered interior pocket and a detachable zippered wristlet.

Want the perfect excuse to just chill? Enter for a chance to win a pair of "Just Chill" slippers, valued at $29.95. This giveaway is open to Canadian residents only, excluding Quebec, who have reached the age of majority. Please complete the Rafflecopter form below to be eligible to win.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I received product to help facilitate this review. Any opinions expressed in this post are my own.

In a matter of weeks, we will be celebrating the long-awaited holidays. Of course, if you still have holiday gift shopping on your to-do list like I do, then you're probably not in any hurry. Yes, I'm a procrastinator by nature but I have Amazon.ca on my side. I am taking full advantage of my Prime membership and enjoying free same-day or one-day shipping as well as early access to deals. And there are Prime member exclusives that are too awesome to pass up, such as holiday gift cards that come with free gift boxes, tins or greeting cards. While scouring the site for gift ideas, I came across their 2017 Women's Gift Guide and thought I would share my top picks for practical gift ideas.

Daniel Wellington Women's Classic Petite 32mm Watch

This timeless piece features a round stainless steel Japanese quartz watch in eggshell white with scratch resistant mineral crystal glass and an interchangeable 14 mm strap made of genuine Italian leather. It is currently on sale at 39% off and Prime members can enjoy free shipping.

Vera Bradley RFID Riley Compact Wallet 

This fun compact wallet is made of 100% cotton and features a snap closure and lined interior. There is an exterior back zip and slip pockets, as well as an interior zip pocket with slots for five credit cards. I love this wallet not just for the designer label but because it has RFID lining.

Fossil Emma Rfid Smartphone Wristlet

This Fossil wristlet is a cute alternative to carrying around a large tote or purse. It comes with four pockets and features RFID lining to help protect the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chips in your credit and debit cards from unwarranted scanning.

Lug Women's Puddle Jumper Overnight/Gym Bag

For the fitness fanatic or avid traveler on your list, check out this Lug gym bag where fashion meets function. It has tote handles and a removable cross-body strap, similar to the Lug Airbus Weekender Bag. It also has several storage pockets, a hidden magnetic pocket, a handy removable pouch, and a detachable mirror. It also has a ventilated shoe compartment as well. 

GreatShield Touch Screen Gloves, Conductive Lambswool

Here is a practical gift idea for women who love their smartphone as much as I do. GreatShield's lightweight touch gloves allow you to use your touchscreen devices without having to remove your gloves, keeping your hands warm while providing accurate touch functions. At $19.99, this snowflake design would make an ideal stocking stuffer.

Whenever I shop for shoes, I tend to play it safe and purchase plain black shoes because, well, they go with pretty much every outfit I own. I make no apologies. However, I do often suffer from shoe envy. Granted my Flintstone feet, as my husband likes to call them, make it quite to find shoes that fit so I'm often left with few choices. Until I started scouring Amazon.ca, that is. I recently came across their Ultimate Fall Shoe Guide that features tall boots, workday favourites, boots under $100, and more, and found some super cute footwear. And no, they're not all black!

Joules Women's Welly Print Rain Boot - As much as I despise the rain, a pretty pair of rain boots can make it all the more tolerable. The great news is these boots are under $100 and qualify for free shipping. I like this navy spot design but there are literally dozens of other colours to choose from.

Pajar Canada Women's Alina Boot - Last on my Amazon.ca wish list are these beautiful ice white boots that will be perfect for winter as well. I've been lusting over Pajar boots for a couple of years and now that my daughter has grown into my old boots, I have the perfect excuse reason. Am I right? These boots retail for $172.31 on Amazon.ca and qualify for Prime shipping, as well as free returns.

Have you spotted a pair of must-have fall shoes or boots on Amazon.ca? Here's your chance to win a $100 Amazon.ca e-gift card! Complete the Rafflecopter form below to be eligible. Open to residents of Canada only, excluding Quebec.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I have partnered with Amazon.ca to bring you this post, which contains affiliate links, and have received special perks. Any opinions expressed in this post are my own.

It doesn't take much for me to get excited about the latest tech accessories. Yet, when they are not only functional but stylish and unique, I can't help but swoon. If you have yet to discover the perfect combo of fun and functional, check out all the coolest accessories by Toddy Gear. We're talking about power banks, charge and sync cables, microfiber smart cloths and wedge mobile device stands that reflect your personality and add some extra flair to what is so often boring and plain.

One of my favourite Toddy Gear accessories is their Smart Cloth. This eco-friendly microfiber cloth is made in the USA and is incredibly soft. You can use it to clean screens and it is also great for cleaning glasses, too. I've had so many compliments on my Sanibel Smart Cloth, seen above, but you can get them in so many different styles. For the art enthusiast, Toddy Gear recently added a famous artwork collection. My personal favourites are Mona Lisa, Starry Night, and La Tournée du Chat Noir. Their 5x7 cloths usually retail for $9.99.

Looking for a hands-free solution? The Toddy Gear Wedge is a beanbag-like stand that is perfect for the home, office, or even on an airplane. It cradles your smartphone so you can catch up on your favourite show or follow a recipe while you cook. The plush microfiber on the bottom can also clean your screen. There are some fun new designs in their Back-to-School collection such their Bubblegum Wedge, Jazzy Wedge, and Pug Life Wedge. These generally retail for $14.99. 

Finally, don't leave home without a power bank. Toddy Gear's Smart Charge Power Bank is travel-sized and is available in a wide range of creative and unique designs to suit your style. I tested out the deluxe charger with a 7000mAh battery that has dual USB ports so you can charge two devices at once. I use it with my iPhone 6S and get almost three full charges. It is slim and elegant in design and features three digital LED indicators to show how much power is remaining. A standard power bank is $24.99 and the deluxe is $29.99. 

Luckily, I have a special promo code that will save you 20% off your Toddy Gear purchase. Simply use TEACHERMOM20 at checkout. 

One lucky Toronto Teacher Mom reader will win a Toddy Gear Smart Charge Deluxe Power Bank in their choice of available designs. Be sure to complete the Rafflecopter form below. This giveaway is open to residents of Canada and the USA who have reached the age of majority. Void where prohibited.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I received product to help facilitate this review. Any opinions expressed in this post are my own.

Shockingly, I have never owned a pair of skinny jeans and now that I have a pair from Svelte Shapewear in the perfect indigo colour, I guarantee they won't be my last. I love them so much! This classic piece, designed with their exclusive denim fabric, is soft and stretchy, with an elongated classic slimming panel that makes them flattering for all body types. 

I usually fit into a size 10 but their size chart lists size 10 to 12 as a large. After taking rough measurements and following their sizing guide, I felt I was right on the border between medium and large. Given the stretchiness of the fabric, I thought it was better to opt for a medium. I lucked out with the sizing but it is good to know that you have 30 days to take advantage of free returns. Plus, you can get free shipping on orders over $100, which is great since these skinny jeans retail for $112. The fact that they are so comfy and that I have received so many compliments whenever I wear them, however, makes them worth every penny.

Disclosure: I received product to help facilitate this review. Any opinions expressed in this post are my own.

Should you be so brave as to take a peek at my sad little wardrobe, you would discover that I own quite a few black and grey pieces that, though practical, add very little pizzazz to my fitness outfits. So, when I headed out to my local Walmart Supercentre, I decided enough is enough. Time to find something bold and bright to help energize my workout. 

One of the first things that caught my eye was a bright pink Athletic Works Running Tank. I particularly like the drawstring hem that can be tightened, which proves useful whenever I do inversions. It is also designed with Athletic Works DRI-MORE technology which helps to wick away moisture.

I chose to pair this top with a basic black Athletic Works Cotton Blend Legging that has non-chafing, flatlock seams and is made of 90% cotton. It, too, offers DRI-MORE tech and is tagless, just like the tank top. It even has a convenient media pocket in the waistband for your cell phone. Plus, they are incredibly comfortable. So comfortable, in fact, I bought similar leggings in their capri style. And no, they're not black. They're grey.

In case you haven't noticed, I'm head over heels in love with my new Athletic Works outfit. Not only is it super comfy and stylish, it was extremely affordable at $14.97 each for both pieces. How's that for some #NewYearLook motivation! So if increasing your fitness is part of your New Year's resolution, make sure to check out Walmart for the Athletic Works collection!

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Walmart Canada, as part of the Athletic Works New Year Look program. In exchange for this review, I have received special perks in the form of products and/or compensation. All opinions on this blog are my own.

If I had a nickel for every time someone stopped me at the mall or in the school halls to ask me about my new iPhone case by Bandolier, I would have enough money to buy a second one. And I wouldn't even hesitate. This brilliant solution to my smartphone woes has changed how I go about my daily routines. I first learned about this chic accessory at the grand opening of the new iStore in the Scarborough Town Centre last fall. It was love at first sight!

Since my husband bought me a new iPhone 6 for Christmas, it was the perfect excuse to head back to the iStore. I nabbed a leather Bandolier with gold mini studs, similar to the latest model seen above. And as a bonus, it was on sale! What makes this accessory incredibly handy are the two precision cut slots in the back that hold a credit card and a driver's license so I can leave my purse at home. Or, if you have a credit card loaded onto your Ugo Wallet app like I do, you can use the second slot to store cash. The major advantage of having my phone attached to a strap is that I will never lose it or drop it. And the fact that the strap clips onto the bottom of the phone case makes it easy to lift the phone to your ear since you don't have to turn it upside down. You will want to make sure you have a screen protector but ideally, I would love to see a folio version of the Bandolier in the future.

Bandolier is available for iPhone 5/5S, 6/6S and 6 Plus/6Plus S as well as Galaxy S5. Prices vary from $60 to $150.

When I read about extreme couponing, I can't help but admire people's determination to scour endless piles of flyers and keeping their coupons organized. But extreme couponing isn't for everyone, especially me. I need to simplify everyday tasks as much as possible because simple will help save my sanity. However, it doesn't mean I'm willing to overlook potential savings, especially when it comes to buying premium items. Nope. I flip open my laptop instead and search for the latest deals and coupon codes via RetailMeNot.ca.


My latest find? A fancy new Ralph Lauren quilted down jacket I found at Hudson's Bay. And just in time, too. I saved $100!

Loving my latest find via RetailMeNot.ca. A Ralph Lauren hooded coat from the Bay and a savings of $100! #SimpleSavings

A photo posted by Diana (@torontomom) on Nov 4, 2015 at 5:12am PST

RetailMeNot.ca, a digital offers site that compiles the best in-store and online deals, aims to encourage Canadians to develop savvy spending habits by using coupons or offer codes on everyday items. They've also compiled a list of savvy spending tips that dispel the myths about couponing in Canada from Smart Cookie Sandra Hanna.

To help you enjoy #SimpleSavings, RetailMeNot.ca is offering up a $200 Visa gift card to one lucky reader. To be eligible to win, sign up for the RetailMeNot.ca newsletter by entering your email address via the Rafflecopter form below. Please read the disclaimer below. Open to Canadian residents only, excluding Quebec.

Disclaimer: RetailMeNot.ca’s weekly and holiday emails feature only the best deals. By entering your email, you consent to receive emails from RetailMeNot, Inc. You can opt out at any time. Your consent is sought by RetailMeNot, Inc., 301 Congress Ave., Ste 700, Austin TX 78701 U.S.A. http://www.retailmenot.ca/static/privacy/.

Disclosure: I am participating in the #SimpleSavings campaign with RetailMeNot.ca and have received special perks. Any opinions expressed in this post are my own.

Back-to-school season is all about the latest trends and the newest tech. From fashionable to economical, there is an abundance of school supplies to suit one's fancy. But rare are those that combine fun and functional with recycled and sustainable. Introducing R3VOLVED, the makers of planet-friendly school, home, and office supplies that inspire green action.

With the goal of making recycled products accessible to everyone, R3VOLVED is focused on the evolution and revolution of manufacturing. Their mantra? Recovered. Remade. Reloved. Their product is recycled and non-toxic, made from a carefully audited supply chain. Even their packaging is made from recycled paper and printed with non-toxic vegetable inks. For review, our family received a sampling of their colourful collection. Truth be told, they do not look like your typical recycled or eco-friendly products. Our family loves the bright colours and unique designs. The kids' favourites include the R3BOTTLEERASER, a cylindrical eraser in a fun plastic bottle case. It's made with one plastic 500 mL bottle and 100% recycled  rubber, know as crumb rubber. I really like the permanent black R3MARKERS, which I can never have enough of as a teacher. Four of these prevents three 500 mL bottles from ending up in the landfill. Honestly, I can't recall ever having using recycled markers before. There's a first time for everything, right?

R3VOLVED is founded by two Canadian moms, Jacquelyn Cyr and Suzanne Dyment, and is based right here in Toronto. And I am excited to report that their products have recently launched at Walmart. Prices range from $3 for smaller items up to $15 for back-to-school kits. Check them out at r3volved.com and show some Twitter love for our local eco-warriors by following @r3volved.

Disclosure: I received product to help facilitate this review. Any opinions expressed in this post are my own.

Armed with a $250 VISA gift card, I began my #RMNchallenge with some online shoe shopping at Mark's. I took advantage of a 40% off promotion on the Denver Hayes Collection and purchased three pairs of shoes for work. Since the order subtotal was $119.97, I received free shipping which would have cost me $6.50.

Luckily, RetailMeNot.ca also had a coupon code that saved me an extra $10 off any order of $50. But I was wise enough to check out other coupon codes and discovered that, once you sign up for the Mark's Rewards Club, they will email you a coupon code for 10% when you spend $50 or more. This meant my savings was slightly higher. 

If I had paid full price with shipping, my total would have been $232.43 but thanks to RetailMeNot.ca, I managed to save a little over $110! 

All in all, I'm quite pleased with the casual outfit that can easily be dressed up for a night on the town. Or for attending a VIP Big Brother Canada viewing party. When I made my final tally, I think I did a pretty good job finding #DixieDeals, too. In total, I spent $201 on what would have cost me $378! So tell me what do you think of my final outfit?

As I had mentioned last week, I am participating in the "She Who Hunts Finds" Blogger Challenge hosted by Dixie Outlet Mall. I was tasked with the extremely difficult task (sarcasm intended) of going shopping for a new spring outfit with the aim of finding the best #DixieDeals. Never having visited Dixie Outlet Mall prior to this challenge, I didn't feel confident that I would be able to find an entire outfit in one visit because I had this erroneous impression that outlet stores had limited selection and sizes. Plus, would I have the patience to sift through the endless racks of clothing and then try on every item that caught my eye? I didn't even know what outlet stores I would find or where they were located. Luckily, I did some research in advance and scoped out which stores I would target first using the store directory on dixieoutletmall.com. 

On the top of my list was one of my favourite stores. Can you Guess which one? I would have to say this was probably my favourite place to shop while at Dixie Outlet Mall. Not only was the expansive store full of fun and fashionable finds, they were stocked with a large variety of sizes and fashion must-haves at fabulous prices. And the service was fantastic. I think I spent the bulk of my time at Guess since there was so much to choose from and everyone who worked there offered to help me find what I was looking for.

Another one of my favourites is Garage Clothing or what is now Dynamite - The Garage Clothing Co. Depot. Lots of great basics to complement any outfit as well as cute affordable spring wear.