What's lightweight, funky-looking and colourful all over? 

It's the brand new Reebok Kids ATV19 collection. On the heels of last year's kids sport footwear innovation with their RealFlex and ZigTech offerings, Reebok has a designed a shoe that adapts to whatever surface kids are playing on. The sole is inspired by the tread of an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) and has 19 unique pods designed with a rubber outsole to give kids added traction and strategically positioned to cushion the foot. 

Laced up and geared to go with their ATV19 runners, my kids were game for anything. Trampolines, tunnels, tires, you name it. And you know what? They enjoyed it so much, they completed the course again and again and again...

Rage, rage against the dying of the sunlight...

Summer is still not over, my friends, regardless of the near fall-like temperatures we experienced last week. There are still plenty of daylight hours to enjoy the sun's rays and sport some brightly coloured apparel such as the newest styles from the Crocs 2013 summer collection. With vibrant colours and funky designs, it's easy to take a bold bite out of summer.

The day we were packing our suitcase for a family blogger retreat at The Westin Trillium House in Blue Mountain, a package arrived just in time with my son's sample pair of Crocs Kids' Micah II Sandals. These multi-sport, lightweight and cushioning sandals were perfect for our fun-filled agenda at the resort. Easy to put on with a stretchy neoprene upper for a comfortable and secure fit, my son's feet were splash-ready as we made our way to the Plunge! Aquatic Centre.

Also included in our package was a pair of Crocs Keeley Sandals in a lovely colour combination of dahlia and aqua. Accented with a fixed floral charm, these sandals have an adjustable closure to provide a secure fit and are lightweight. There are also additional Jibbitz charm holes to let your child add a personal touch.

Available in children's sizes from size 4 to size 13, the Keeley sandal currently retails on Crocs.ca for $34.99.

I have always been a firm believer that walking is one of the best forms of physical activity, especially the speed-walking variety. I prefer walking over running simply because it is low impact and therefore easier on my knees. Plus, you can call up a friend to join you on your power walk while you get to catch up on the latest gossip, such as the undeniable fact that Chris Hemsworth has a secret crush on me. It's true.

One very important factor affecting your walk is a decent pair of shoes. Since we are finally enjoying some spring-like temperatures here in Toronto, I am feeling the itch to get out and walk more often. So I accepted an opportunity to try out a pair of Skechers GOwalk shoes. Having worked in a shoe store when I was younger, I have a general idea of what to look for: a low, supportive heel, a flexible sole, breathable material and a lightweight shoe. The new Skechers GOwalk pretty much fits this bill.

Seeing as I often have difficulty finding shoes that fit properly, I questioned whether or not this slip-on shoe would fit me well as compared to a lace-up. I was glad to find they fit like glove. The uppers are so flexible yet they hug you in just the right places. They are wide enough for my short, stubby feet and easily accommodate my slightly high in-step. The size 7 shoes left me with plenty of room in the toe box for my little piggies to spread out freely and cry, 'Wee, wee, wee!" all the way home. Unfortunately, the shoes smell of unpleasant rubber so I'm hoping the smell goes away sooner than later. And I'll be curious to see how durable they are for such a lightweight shoe and whether or not they can bring the price down a smidgen from the $75 suggested retail price.

All in favour of an early summer say, "Aye!"

If I had my druthers, I would file a lawsuit against Wiarton Willie for giving us false hope of an early spring. But instead, I will simply demand an early summer. Sounds fair, right?

This week, while off for the March Break, I refused to let the snowfall dampen my spirits. Instead, I gave myself my first pedicure of the year (you're welcome!) and pulled out my new sandals courtesy of Orthaheel. I decided to pour myself a fresh glass of lemon water, throw on my slingbacks and kick back for some much deserved down time. The thing is, as a French teacher that travels from class to class... to class..., I am always on my feet. I often wear running shoes or flats that provide enough support for the demands of my job. But sometimes I want to wear something more stylish.

While flipping through the Orthaheel 2013 Spring/Summer Look Book, I had no doubt in my mind that I wanted to try the Julie Slingback Sandal in coral. The floral t-strap is oh, so adorable and the gold accents were perfect. Stylish? You bet! And they are easy to put on and adjust for the right fit. I've been wearing them around the house all day long and love that they are so comfortable and lightweight. Did I mention they're adorable?

Orthaheel has a very nice selection of sandals designed for both comfort and style as well as various colours to choose from. This summer, I am leaning towards the colour coral. It simply reminds me of long walks on the beach at sunset and searching for seashells along the seashore. I think my next pair would have to be the Fleur Toe Post Sandal, which is also new for 2013.

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about A Working Mom's Fashion Woes and how I wasn't looking forward to going back to work simply because I was bored with my plain ol' wardrobe. As a French teacher, I would love to wear smart-looking clothes that me look all professional but sometimes I would much rather wear my Lululemon gear and runners. You see, on any given day, I walk up and down a flight of stairs dozens of times and back and forth between ten different classrooms, my office, the staff room... you get the picture. I spend most of my work day on my feet so by the time I get home from work, they are crying for some TLC. This, my friends, is the very reason why I want to climb to a rooftop and scream, "Mama's got a new pair of shoes!"

At a recent "lunch and learn" event hosted by Reebok, parents and their kids gathered at School Restaurant in Toronto to try out the newest ZigTech and RealFlex kids' collections by Reebok. With fitness expert Jason Martin on hand, we learned some of the main reasons why kids should be physically active, most of which I am sure we have all heard before. He did, however, mention something that caught my attention. I am not too sure of the scientific reasoning behind it, but he claims that, if you engage in intellectual activity shortly after physical activity, the synapses in your brain are more apt to work together. So, exercise of the physical kind followed by exercise of the mental variety makes your brain work better? Hmm, I'm beginning to rethink the way I begin my French classes...

Sheepskin boots. Yeah, I've seen them around. Yet, I've never convinced myself that I needed to try on a pair. Not until recently, that is. But now that my daughter has her very own pair courtesy of EMU Australia, I'm beginning to suffer from sheepskin envy. The kid just doesn't want to take them off, they're that comfy. I don't see what the big deal is, really. I know they keep your legs and feet toasty warm and help to regulate your body temperature. Still I'm not so sure they would look good on me. My daughter really knows how to work them, though. She received a pair of EMU Wallaby Hi boots in chestnut and wears them with anything and everything. They're made with the finest Australian sheepskin and are one of the best quality children’s sheepskin boots available on the market.