A funny thing happened this weekend. I blinked and it was mid December. You're probably thinking that I'm going to complain, like I do every year, about how little time I have left to finish my holiday shopping but you'd be wrong. For what feels like the first time, I am not panicking at all. Last year, school didn't let out until December 22, which left me feeling rushed to buy all the things. But then I had almost two of weeks of vacation time where my shopping woes were all behind me and I could actually enjoy plenty of downtime. This year, school ends just a day earlier but I'm holding onto that post-Christmas feeling of peace that followed the hectic last-minute shopping of 2017. Oh, and I've had quite a bit of help checking things off my list thanks to my friends at Hallmark Canada who sent over what is quite possibly my favourite #LoveHallmarkCA bundle of all time. Two of my favourite holiday decor items, seen above, include the embroidered Merry Christmas pillow with felt attachment and red piping, and the Woven Blanket. Both help bring a cozy feeling to our family room and retail for $32.99 and $29.99 respectively.

Not surprisingly, Hallmark continues to offer some of the most beautiful ornaments and this year adds a gorgeous line of blown glass ornaments with the Heritage Collection. The Santa's Ride Ball, seen above, is the creative work of artist Jim Tronoski, who was enchanted by the creative attention to detail he discovered on a 100-year-old archival postcard that inspired this whimsical Christmas tree ornament. The hand-painted ornament is just one of many ornaments inspired by the art from the Hallmark Archives, interpreted by a Hallmark artist, and then hand-blown and crafted by artisans in Poland. They range in price from $24.99 to $39.99.

Last, but certainly not least, is Hallmark's itty bittys Santa and Rudolph Christmas Countdown Calendar. This sturdy fabric calendar has 24 pockets to hold itty bittys Santa (included with purchase) as you count down to the big day. It retails for $39.95 and would make the perfect gift for the teacher on your shopping list.

Earlier this month, I enjoyed a wonderful opportunity to try out one of many Breakaway Experiences - Luxury for 2 at Novo Spa. And luxurious it was! It was so nice to spend some time with my husband in beautiful Yorkville and relish in some much-needed pampering. Our visit began in the lounge where we enjoyed a tranquil setting.

Included in our Breakaway Experience was a glass of bubbly for two, tasty chocolates and a long stem red rose. 

Last week was Computer Science Education Week. It's one of my favourite times of the year because I get to play teach and share something I love so much - coding. This is the third year that I have participated in the Hour of Code and I love that students can easily switch the language to French on code.org. But sometimes, especially with my younger students, it can be a time-consuming task to have the students log on to the computers and get things started. Although it is easier on the iPads, they may already be reserved. And with 30 minute-periods, I want to take advantage of every minute I can get. This is why I was so thrilled to review a complimentary Bee-Bot programmable floor robot from Canadian Classroom.

I had first learned about Bee-Bot when I attended Steven Floyd's workshop at OECTA’s Technology Summit: Get Your Head Out of Your Apps conference last spring. I knew instantly that it would be the perfect tool for introducing programming to my primary French students. 

Last but not least is the perfect gift idea for the crafter on your list. With Hallmark's Keepsake Build-Your-Own Snowman Ornament Kit, you can create your own handmade snowman ornaments with your own unique and personalized touch. This fun holiday activity includes contents to build three complete Christmas tree ornaments. Mix-and-match parts fit together like interlocking puzzle pieces for easy assembly. And it's perfect for kids ages 4 and up. This kit is priced at $24.99.