It's my first my post of 2018 and all I can think of is... 

Wow! 

It's 2018!

In a couple of years, it will be 2020, that once futuristic year I remember writing about in elementary school. You know, when the teacher asked you to predict what your life would be like. And it's funny because I did predict the basics: that I would be married with kids and working as a French teacher. Only, I had predicted that I would have three kids. I suppose I could still have a third child, but, despite how desperately my son wants a younger brother, that would be highly unlikely. Because it would mean that I'd have to change my Twitter handle. But seriously, I'm turning 40 next month and, as much as I totally loved being pregnant the last time around and holding a tiny babe in my arms and witnessing milestones and all the newborn awesomeness, I don't think I could survive the diaper stage. Or the sleepless nights. Nope. I'm quite happy with my two beautiful children. Besides, I'd like to think of this blog as my third child anyhow. 

Toronto Teacher Mom was born on February 23, 2006 at 10:17 AM, measuring at 1024 pixels wide. I was so proud to share my newest-born with the world but, as many new parents so often experience, I had no clue what I was doing. Heck, I wasn't sure I even knew why. But it didn't matter. I gave birth to something that I could shape and mould into a reflection of who I was as an individual and the many new roles I had taken on during that time in my life. The fact that writing was my least favourite thing to do never once crossed my mind. I was more fascinated by the ability to take a basic Blogger template and learn how to customize it in html. I looked at it as a great outlet for creative expression and a potential venue through which I could connect with other moms. Little did I imagine how my blog would transform itself and how it would afford me and my family countless adventures and opportunities that would not have otherwise been possible. Nor could I have ever predicted I would have made so many amazing connections with people across the globe. I could go with the cliché and say I have been so blessed but, really... someone pinch me!

Over the past while, I have taken much time to reflect on my blogging journey that began nearly 12 years ago. Regrets? I've had a few. Then again, too few to mention. What really counts is that I did it my way. It hasn't always been easy, that's for sure. But I'm a hard-headed woman who just so happens to be stuck on blogging. I kid you not when I say it is always on my mind, even when life has me too busy too write a post. I would even say it has become an extension of who I am. Crazy, isn't it? I have grown so much over the past decade and, looking back, so has my blog and my writing style. My blog is no where near "perfect" and that's okay. She's no Mary Poppins but she's still supercalifragilisticexpialidocious in my eyes. And that has a large part to do with you, my readers. So as I kick off 2018 with this, the first blog post of the year, please allow me to share my gratitude to you for following along in my journey and for your continued support. You jailhouse rock!

Alright, alright. I'll dispense with the Elvis song titles already.

Stay tuned, ladies and gents, for some upcoming reviews and giveaways, and be sure to follow along as I welcome the 40's in style with a luxurious getaway at Ste. Anne's Spa. Go ahead. You can pinch me now.

As New Year’s Eve approaches, many families are looking forward to hosting parties in celebration of this monumental occasion. Whether it be early evening festivities for the little ones or a fun-filled cocktail party with long-time friends, savoury treats, tasty sweets and a dash of sparkle are essential elements for a memorable event. This New Year’s Eve, avoid a mad dash to the grocery store while preparing for the big night and wow your guests with a New Year's Eve Essentials Kit from Loblaws.

Starting today, you can take advantage of Loblaws Click & Collect New Year’s Eve Entertaining Essentials Kit, a charcuterie board in-a-box designed specifically for New Year’s Eve. Available at select GTA store locations from December 27-31, this kit includes a selection of meats, cheeses, crackers, dried fruit and even a round acacia serving board. There is enough yummy food to serve 6-8 people.

To get your hands on a New Year's Eve Entertaining Essentials Kit, place an order online at Loblaws.ca and enjoy same-day pick up at one of select Loblaws locations in Mississauga, Etobicoke, Richmond Hill, Markham and Toronto. Each kit costs $84.99 and includes the following:

Take it from a professional procrastinator: nothing beats time-saving solutions such as this convenient Loblaws Click & Collect New Years Eve kit. But don't delay because quantities are limited. Order online today by selecting your nearest Loblaws pickup location and select a pickup time. When you arrive at your selected location during your chosen time slot, simply park in one of the dedicated Click & Collect parking spots and call to let them know you have arrived. And be sure to link up your PC Plus account with your Click & Collect account, too. 

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

After a relaxing Christmas vacation and a nice long break from blogging, I'm back to wish you all a Happy New Year! I was doodling on the Sketches app on my iPad the other day and, in the spirit of Star Wars, I created a drawing of BB-8, seen above. I could doodle on my iPad all day long if I had the option. It's so fun to awaken the creative forces within!

May the force awaken within you in 2016!

As is common during the holidays, life can get a little busy entertaining guests, shopping for last-minute gifts or tending to household chores. Fortunately, our family was able to ring in the New Year with family and friends at our dinner table. But the following morning found me at the walk-in clinic, a sign, I believe, that my body needed some serious R&R. So here we are, enjoying a last-minute family getaway in Horseshoe Valley at the gorgeous Forks in the Trail Bed and Breakfast. With this being my first post of 2015, I would like to wish you and your loved ones a happy New Year and hope that you find the time to rest and unwind. As I wrap up this short post, allow me this one cliché: life is too short.

It's a new year, a fresh start, twelve months of memories waiting to be made. Reflecting on the year 2013, there are so many moments that I have to cherish and I am grateful for each and every one. But I am also thankful for you, my readers, who have joined me throughout my blogging journey. It has been such a ride and I am looking forward to another amazing year. Earlier, I came across Nadia's post on Instagram apps and was compelled to try Statigr.am. It was quite easy to create a very short video snapshot of some of the highlights of my Instragram feed. And so, here it is. 

Happy New Year!

Another year has come and gone. And while I'll take a cup o' kindness yet and cheers to love and friendship, a part of me feels very sad and nostalgic when I think of auld lang syne. I've been reminiscing upon my childhood, way back when I was young and carefree. When my family and friends seemed so youthful and relatively healthy. I think back to the days when I would sleep in on Saturday mornings and spend a midsummer Sunday at the lake with my family. My dad would be standing near the barbecue prepping the charcoal for our noontime feast, my mother busily setting the picnic table before throwing together a fresh salad. And the rest of us, my brother, my sister and I, we would be gleefully splashing about on the lake's shore, none the wiser that life would never get any easier than that. And then, someone hollers, "Mommy! Mommy!" and my thoughts return to present day, 2013.

I lift my head slightly from my pillow to be greeted by my children who are over the moon at the sight of snow falling to the ground. 

"Can we go tobogganing today, mommy? Can we? Please?!"