Toronto Teacher Mom: Mom Life

There are a Million Reasons to Celebrate Mom #LoveHallmarkCA

Mother's Day Gift Ideas from Hallmark #LoveHallmarkCA

"There are a million reasons to celebrate you. Mother's Day is a million and one."

To be honest, I don't think we should celebrate moms on Mother's Day. We should celebrate them every day. For this reason, I tend not to make a big fuss over what to get for my mother for Mother's Day. The one thing I will guarantee is that I take the family to pay her a visit. Sometimes I buy flowers. Sometimes I buy a card. Sometimes I buy nothing at all. You see, my mother and I are close enough to know that we love each other and will do anything for each other no matter what. And we don't wait for that one day of the year to prove it. But then sometimes, you come across a really sweet gift at Hallmark that you just can't resist, whether it's a pretty picture frame, a tea towel or a sentimental card that perfectly captures your feelings. So whether I buy it for her for Mother's Day or for no reason it all, it makes very little difference.

This Mother's Day, Hallmark has rounded up some gifts and Signature cards to help show mom you care. Featured above is their Blue Ceramic Mug with Tea Infuser that has a removable lid and a ceramic infuser basket that can be used with bagged or loose tea. This mug, which is dishwasher safe, is listed at $24.95. Also above is the "Never Tell a Mom" Framed Print on gold foil paper background inside of a gold frame. It features an easel back for tabletop display and retails for $14.95.

Mother's Day Gift Ideas from Hallmark - Catalina Estrada - #LoveHallmarkCA

To brighten up mom's day, check out Hallmark's new Catalina Estrada collection. Featuring exotic floral accents, bright colours and exotic designs inspired by nature, there are so many gifts ideas in this collection, from cosmetic bags and cuff bracelets to scented candles and tote bags. My personal favourite is the Catalina Estrada Hummingbird Haven Umbrella that includes a sleeve for storage. The ceramic picture frame seen above is also really pretty and retails for $19.95.

Looking for a simple and creative way to wrap up mom's gift? Check out this nifty video tutorial:

Enter to Win a Catalina Estrada Bundle!

One lucky reader will win a Catalina Estrada bundle from Hallmark Canada. It includes:

1x Catalina Estrada Umbrella ($24.95)
1x Catalina Estrada Candle ($22.95)
1x Catalina Estrada Cuff Bracelet ($14.95)

This giveaway is open to residents of Canada, excluding Quebec. For a chance to win, please complete the Rafflecopter form below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I was sent product from Hallmark Canada as part of their Hallmark Blogger Panel to help facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own and have not been influenced in any way.

Saturday, May 13, 2017
44 Comments

Indigo-Exclusive Baby Books by Petite Boutique

Children's Books

Wednesday, May 03, 2017
59 Comments

Tangled Before Ever After, a Disney Channel Original Movie

Disney

Last month, the beloved Rapunzel and friends delighted their fans with a special Tangled takeover on Disney Channel Canada. After the television premiere of Walt Disney Animation Studios' acclaimed film Tangled, viewers were treated to a new Disney Channel original movie called Tangled Before Ever After. Both films were in anticipation of the premiere of Tangled: The Series, which saw the return of Mandy Moore as Rapunzel and Zachary Levi as Eugene (formerly known as Flynn Rider).

The adventure/comedy movie and series begin as Rapunzel acquaints herself with her parents, her kingdom and the people of Corona. Thanks to Rapunzel's curious nature and irrepressible spirit, she realizes she has so much she needs to learn about herself and the world before taking on the role as Princess of Corona. Joining her on her journey are her partner in life Eugene; her loyal chameleon sidekick, Pascal; her dutiful horse, Maximus; and the Snuggly Duckling Pub Thugs. The series, which airs Fridays at 7 p.m. ET/PT, introduces newcomer Cassandra (voiced by Broadway's Eden Espinosa), as lady-in-waiting and Rapunzel's confidante.

Tangled Before Ever After (Disney Channel) PASCAL, RAPUNZEL

In Tangled Before Ever After, Rapunzel struggles with her new responsibilities as princess and the overprotective ways of her father. While she loves Eugene, she is not yet ready to get married and settle down. Instead, she and Cassandra set out on a secret adventure where they encounter mystical rocks that magically cause Rapunzel's long blonde hair to grow back, leaving her with no other recourse than to learn to embrace her hair and all that it represents.

Tangled Before Ever After - Rapunzel's journal

For those who missed out on the premiere of Tangled Before Ever After, have I got a treat for you. This Disney Channel original movie is now available on DVD. And I have a copy to give away to one lucky reader here on Toronto Teacher Mom!

Included with the DVD is an exclusive replica of Rapunzel's journal. Complete with authentic-looking scribbles and beautiful drawings, there are also empty pages for your mini Rapunzel to fill in herself. The replica also includes a bookmark with a lock of Rapunzel's hair.

For your chance to win a copy of Tangled Before Ever After, please complete the Rafflecopter form below. Open to Canada only, excluding Quebec. Closes Monday, April 24 at midnight. Winner will have 24 hours to respond to notification email.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

Friday, April 21, 2017
27 Comments

Take the Sustainable Laundry Pledge

#CleanPledge

On April 22, 1970, long before I was even born, people across the planet joined together in support of environmental protection. Since then, the annual Earth Day event has encouraged millions of people to participate in activities that help promote a more sustainable future. And each year, I am so inspired by the many efforts being made in our community to help reduce our impact on the environment, whether it be setting up e-waste collection stations, organizing tree planting meet-ups or participating in community cleanup events. But this year, I am encouraging you to make every day Earth day by making simple changes in the way you go about an everyday chore - laundry. By adopting more eco-friendly laundry habits, we can make a big difference to the environment.

Here are some environmentally friendly laundry tips that I use to help get our clothes clean while staying green:

Wash with cold water. Did you know that one year of cold-water cycles can save enough energy to charge your smartphone for a lifetime?
Use an energy-saving HE washer. Typically, these machines use three times less water and use 65% less energy.
Use the quick cycle. While I usually aim for a full load before turning on the washer, I make sure to use the quick cycle for small loads or for laundry that is not heavily soiled or stained.
Wash during off-peak hours. This will not only save you money, it helps to reduce energy demand during peak hours.
Hang your clothes to dry. If this isn't possible, be sure to remove lint from the lint trap and screen each time you use your dryer.
Use a plant-based detergent. I first started using Tide purclean when it was launched last fall and was thrilled that Tide took this giant step towards helping to build a more sustainable future. Tide purclean is 65% renewable, plant-based ingredients, as certified by the USDA BioPreferred program. It is also hypoallergenic, free of dyes, chlorine, phosphates, ethanolamine and optical brighteners, and the Unscented version is free of perfumes. Plus, it is gentle for baby's clothes, making it perfect for the whole family's laundry.

Take the Sustainable Laundry Pledge - Tide purclean

This Earth Day, join me in taking the Sustainable Laundry Pledge to reduce our environmental impact on the planet and support the WWF-Canada’s Count For Nature movement. For each pledge received, Tide purclean will donate $5 to support WWF-Canada’s Count For Nature movement up to $15,000. Simply visit tide.ca/CleanPledge, click on the "Pledge Now" button, and post your tweet. It's that easy.

Take the Sustainable Laundry #CleanPledge with me and @Tide purclean will donate $5 to @WWFCanada #CA #ad https://t.co/pNMmXxrzot pic.twitter.com/76FPnw0p9p
— Diana Mancuso (@TeacherMomOfTwo) April 18, 2017

If you have yet to try Tide purclean, be sure to keep an eye out for it the next time you're out shopping. It is available at retailers across Canada in both Unscented, as well as in a Honey Lavender. The first bio-based detergent with the cleaning power of Tide, Tide purclean is HE-Compatible, which means it works in all machines.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. Any opinions expressed in this post are my own.

Thursday, April 20, 2017
8 Comments

Svelte Shapewear - Redefining Skinny Jeans

Fashion

When it comes to shopping for everyday fashion, comfort is a top priority for me. How well it fits comes in as a close second. This often means I miss out on trendy pieces because they either don't suit my body or they are simply not comfortable enough to justify the purchase. Lately, I have resorted to pairing long tunics or loose-fitting tops with comfy leggings during the work week. Why? Leggings have forgiving waistbands that can easily accommodate my fluctuating waistline. Currently, said waistline is enjoying some freedom and, as such, I haven't been wearing any of my jeans so as to avoid the unsightly muffin top. Thankfully, Svelte Shapewear has come to my rescue with their incredibly flattering skinny jeans.

The sun is shining. It's finally time to break out the @michaelkors wedge sandals! #michaelkors #sandals #footwear #fashion #ootd #wedgesandals #platformsandals #instashoes #instafashion #svelteshapewear #sveltestyle #instastyle #gold #twitter

A post shared by Diana Mancuso (@torontomom) on Apr 8, 2017 at 7:05am PDT

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.

Wednesday, April 19, 2017
4 Comments

Vileda EasyWring Spin Mop & Bucket System

House and Home

Growing up in a home where my mother kept everything immaculately clean, I now have a great appreciation for the amount of time and effort that went into her household chores. This is especially true now that I have two children of my own who love playing outside and end up tracking remnants of the outdoors into our home. Luckily, we don't have any carpet in our house so cleanup is fairly straightforward but it does mean that I have a lot of floor to clean. When my husband and I first moved in together, I purchased a plain ol' mop and a plain ol' bucket, and would wring the mop by hand, just like my mother taught me. I know! Gross, right? Then I discovered a bucket by Vileda that had a built-in wringer, which meant I could keep my hands dry. And just when I thought they couldn't make it any easier, Vileda took it a step further with the Vileda EasyWring Spin Mop & Bucket System.

The Vileda EasyWring Spin & Mop Bucket System puts a new spin on mopping. Literally. The highlight of this new system is the fact that you can wring your mop in a matter of seconds and with minimal effort. The bucket has a built-in wringer that, when activated by the foot pedal, sends the mop spinning. I found that I would only need to activate the foot pedal three or four times to get the perfect measure of moisture. Plus, it was a lot more fun!

I also love that the mop has a telescopic handle which can be easily adjusted according to your height. Yes, kids. You heard me. It's the perfect mop for you, too! In fact, my kids loved activating the foot pedal just as much as I did. So much so, they didn't notice me walking away as they took over the mopping.

Another great feature is the triangular mop head that is perfect for cleaning those ever elusive corners. And because it is 100% microfibre, it helps to absorb and dissolve messes easily. As an added bonus, the mop head is machine washable. While the bucket is a little bigger than what I am used to, the exclusive design with built-in wringer is quite innovative and really does make mopping the floors easy. Just how I like it!

For cleaning tips, tricks and special promos, visit the Vileda Canada Facebook page. Save $5.00 off of the EasyWring Spin Mop by printing off this EasyWring Spin Mop e-coupon. And click here to save $2.00 off your next EasyWring refill!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. Any opinions expressed in this post are my own.

Wednesday, April 12, 2017
9 Comments

Danone and the Breakfast Club of Canada – Nourishing Children’s Potential One Breakfast at a Time

Healthy Living

Danone and the Breakfast Club of Canada - yogurt parfait

A couple of years ago, I took on a challenge to experience what it would be like to go without breakfast for four days. It would be so easy, I thought. I can totally do this! But by the fourth day, I was miserable, grumpy and just plain hangry. Yet, a part of me was relieved to know that I would have a nice, hearty breakfast to enjoy once the challenge was over. Unfortunately, 1 in 5 children in Canada go hungry every morning. In fact, according to the Breakfast Club of Canada 1 in 5 children is at risk of starting the school day on an empty stomach due to a lack of access to nutritious food. As a teacher, this is incredibly disheartening. It is no surprise that kids who enjoy a balanced breakfast generally have more energy and perform better in school. I see it all the time. Conversely, I have also noticed how much a student can struggle to maintain focus or grasp a new concept when all they can think about is how much their little tummy is grumbling.

The good news is that, for the past 20 years, Danone Canada has partnered with the Breakfast Club of Canada to help ensure that a healthy breakfast is accessible to the ones who need it the most. Thanks to this all-important breakfast program, children are given access to balanced meals, with healthy essential foods such as yogurt, in an environment that allows their self-esteem to flourish. In a recent survey by Leger and Danone Canada, 83% of Quebecers eat breakfast in the morning but 77% of Quebec families identified toast, coffee and cereals or oatmeal as the most popular breakfast items. I can definitely relate because these popular breakfast foods are easy to prepare during the morning rush before driving the kids to school and heading off to work. However, these foods are missing the essential protein that gives our body an energy boost while helping us to feel fuller, longer. This is why I love having yogurt on hand. Not only does it add a protein boost, it is a good source of calcium, vitamin B-2, B-12, potassium, and magnesium.

Another reason I love having yogurt readily available is that it is easy to prepare a balanced breakfast based on yogurt. One of my go-to recipes is the yogurt parfait. It is super simple to prepare and, with my favourite Activia vanilla yogurt, it is incredibly tasty, too.

Make Your Own Yogurt Parfait

Ingredients

Activia vanilla yogurt
granola
fresh berries
sliced banana
chocolate chips (optional)

Directions

Wash and dry the berries. Peel and slice the banana. Place the yogurt, fruit, granola and any additional toppings in the middle of the table with some bowls or dessert cups and spoons, and let your kids create their own layered yogurt parfait.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. Any opinions expressed in this post are my own.

Tuesday, April 11, 2017
10 Comments

Try Something New for 30 Days

#AfL30Days

For the past few weeks, families have been taking on the Active for Life 30-day family physical literacy challenge. This challenge is for anyone who wants to be more active with the family and who want to help their child develop physical literacy. For each of the 30 days, Active for Life will post a suggestion for an easy activity on Facebook that will help your child develop physical literacy but is also enjoyable for the grown-ups in the house as well.

As an Active for Life Role Model, I was invited to share some photos of our family's activities so, of course, I decided to share snapshots of an impromptu family yoga session. However, I wasn't prepared for how awesome my kids would be at getting their yoga on since we don't do family yoga nearly enough. Their downward-facing dog in honour of National Puppy Day was a good start. Then... but then...

Lifted lotus - Active for Life #AfL30Days challenge - #AfLFamily

I don't know how he does it but he manages to get into lifted lotus without even thinking. It's like kids are naturals when it comes to yoga. I keep remembering how easily both my kids were able to do the downward dog as toddlers, even touching the tops of their heads to the ground. Or when I used to check up on them while they were sleeping and find them lying on their back in warrior pose. It's like, somehow, their bodies know. But when they get older, they forget what they are capable of. This is why I love this 30-day challenge so much because it gives us a chance to exercise the muscle memory while having fun together, as a family. I shared some of our photos on Instagram and they just so happen to be some of the most popular photos I've ever shared. Here's my daughter, a dancer in training, sharing her y-stand:

Next up, a dancer's version of yoga: an impressive Y-stand! #AfL30Days #ystand #yoga #yogaforkids #familyyoga #yogafamily #activeforlife #physicalliteracy #namaste #instayoga #AfLfamily #twitter #everybodybends #everybodybendscanada #dancer #jazzdancer #stopdropandyoga

A post shared by Diana Mancuso (@torontomom) on Mar 23, 2017 at 6:14pm PDT

To see the rest of the photos, head on over to my Instragram feed @torontomom. For more information on how you can participate in the #AfL30Days challenge, visit activeforlife.com.

Saturday, March 25, 2017
13 Comments

GIFTED Starring Chris Evans

Arts and Entertainment

(From L-R): Octavia Spencer as Roberta Taylor, McKenna Grace as Mary Adler and Chris Evans as Frank Adler in the film GIFTED. Photo by Wilson Webb. © 2017 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation All Rights Reserved

Every teacher can tell you a story of that one student who was smarter than all the rest. And knew it, too. I'm talking about that one student who eagerly awaits the opportunity to catch the teacher making a mistake and wastes no time in pointing it out. You know the ones. Heck, I was one of them. For many of us teachers, though, we harbour a secret fear of these students. Not because they keep us on our toes by constantly proving us wrong. But rather, we fear that we will be unable to challenge and engage these students, failing to meet their academic needs and condemning them to ten months of boredom. In the movie GIFTED, we come across child prodigy Mary Adler (McKenna Grace), a seven-year-old whose mathematical abilities astonish her first grade teacher. Raised by her uncle Frank (Chris Evans), Mary makes no attempt to hide her boredom and frustration from her teacher Bonnie (Jenny Slate) who quickly realizes her new student will never be academically challenged in a regular school setting.

GIFTED Starring Chris Evans, McKenna Grace

For the first seven years of Mary's life, Frank, a former university professor, chooses to teach his niece at home, where she develops a strong bond with their landlady Roberta (Octavia Spencer). Knowing his sister would want Mary to lead as "normal" a life as possible, Frank decides it's time to enrol her in grade school where she can be more like her peers and make new friends her own age. When news of her gift reaches her grandmother, a custody battle ensues, threatening to separate Frank and Mary.

While the trailer looked promising, I decided to attend an advanced screening of GIFTED more so out of curiosity. And... Chris Evans. The trailer did little to prepare me, however, for the unexpected emotions I felt as I followed a fictional, yet poignant, story that was so beautifully portrayed on the big screen.

I laughed. I cried. I cried some more. All thanks to @ChrisEvans and @MckennaGraceful. @GiftedtheMovie #GiftedMovie

— Diana Mancuso (@TeacherMomOfTwo) March 3, 2017

If you think it difficult to believe Chris Evans in a fatherly role, think again. His performance as Mary's guardian was brilliant, from witty repartee to words of heartfelt wisdom. And let's not forget the adorable and talented McKenna Grace, whose on screen rapport with Chris Evans seemed effortless. Trust me when I say this is one movie you will absolutely fall in love with. In fact, I know you will.

Signed,
Diana, the Smart Arse

GIFTED will be in theatres April 7, 2017.

You're invited to an advance screening of GIFTED in Toronto!

On Thursday, March 16, 2017, there will be an advance screening of GIFTED at Cineplex Yonge & Dundas at 7:00pm and, because I loved the movie so much, I wanted to give some of my readers the opportunity to check out this wonderful film. And so, here's your chance! Visit foxsearchlightscreenings.com/torontoteachermom for passes. But hurry! Spots are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Sunday, March 12, 2017
1 Comments

It's Fraud Prevention Month. Do You Know Where Your Shredder Is?

Fellowes Canada

Fraud Prevention Month #FellowesProtects

Did you know that in 2009, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre received over 11,000 identity fraud reports from Canadian victims, totalling a loss of more than 10 million dollars? The most reported incidents involved payment card fraud but several instances of identity theft and fraud continue to go unreported. Not surprisingly, identity thieves still rely on basic methods such as sifting through discarded physical documents in search of credit card information, bank account numbers, signatures, passports, and other personal information. Since March is Fraud Prevention Month, it is the perfect time of year to pull out your shredder and put it to work. This year, I will be using my new Powershred 79Ci Cross-Cut Jam Proof Shredder by Fellowes.

Fellowes Powershred 79Ci Cross-Cut Jam Proof Shredder - Fraud Prevention Month

With tax season right around the corner, I found myself in spring cleaning mode recently and took to shredding old income tax documents. The Canada Revenue Agency only requires that you keep supporting documents for six years but I hadn't sorted through my old files in quite some time. And neither had my husband, who also happens to be a small business owner. Needless to say, I had my work cut out for me. And yet, it didn't seem like work at all. With my super cool Fellowes shredder, I actually had a great time shredding, shredding and shredding some more.

You see, the Powershred 79Ci can shred up to 14 sheets at once into small cross-cut particles and can hold up to 6 gallons of shredded documents. It also shreds staples, small paper clips, credit cards and CDs. My favourite feature? The Powershred 79Ci boasts SilentShred™ technology that makes shredding ultra-quiet. And I mean, quiet! I couldn't believe it until I heard it with my own ears.

To learn more about how to prevent identity theft, visit the Royal Canadian Mounted Police web page on Identity Theft and Identity Fraud. Also, tune in on March 1st at 8 PM EST for a #FellowesProtects Twitter party where you will learn how to protect yourself against one of the fastest growing crimes in Canada.

Disclosure: I am participating in a Fellowes identity theft campaign and have received special perks. Any opinions expressed in this post are my own.

Wednesday, March 01, 2017
2 Comments

Stand up to Bullying and #MakeKindnessYourStyle

Arts and Entertainment

Saturday, February 25, 2017
1 Comments

Celebrate Valentine's Day Hallmark Style

Gift Guide

Hallmark Valentine's Day 2017 #LoveHallmarkCA

For Valentine's Day, all I ever really want is a fancy box of chocolates. Chocolate caramels, preferably. Or even a new puzzle. But every once in a while, I come across an item or two among the myriad of Valentine's Day gift items that I can't help but fall in love with. Like this year's selection of whimsical and fun gift ideas from Hallmark Canada. From cork coasters and colour-block cork journals with a pop of gold wire accents to compact mirrors and trendy cases for your eyeglasses, I mean, I just don't know where to begin. The teacher in me is squealing over the metallic-gold apple paperweight, a classy and practical gift for your child's teacher. It comes in a beautiful box and retails for $24.95.

Hallmark Valentine's Day 2017 - Wineglasses #LoveHallmarkCA

If you're looking for more playful gift ideas, check out Hallmark's Lightbulb Bottle Stopper that features a miniature lightbulb set, a top on cork with a heart-shaped filament. It retails for $12.95. And for the wine lover, consider a set of Cheers to Us Stemless Wineglasses. These "no-spill" glasses feature fun messages on bubble glass. They retail for $19.95 but you can take advantage of a limited time offer that will save you half the price.

Hallmark Valentine's Day 2017 - Emoticon Cards #LoveHallmarkCA

Of course, Hallmark is the place to visit for Valentine's Day cards. They have really cute packs of mini cards, such as the Emoticons Cards above that include 32 cards, stickers and special card for teacher.

Hallmark Valentine's Day 2017 - Gift Bags #LoveHallmarkCA

Finally, don't forget to pick up a Hallmark Signature gift bag such as the XOXO bag with floating confetti on the front or the beautifully designed marble bag with metal handles. Top them off with love-themed tissue or, my new favourite, spiral tissue! Just pop up, shake and insert in the bag for effortless festive flair.

Hallmark Valentine's Day 2017 - Marbled Wristlet Purse #LoveHallmarkCA

If you're looking to treat yourself, however, have a look at Hallmark's Marbled Wristlet Purse. This simulated leather accessory is so cute and adds a pop of pink and mint green to your ensemble. Plus, it includes a stylish gold bangle bracelet strap. It retails for $19.95. Or, you could just enter for a chance to win one of your own by filling out the Rafflecopter form below. Open to residents of Canada, excluding Quebec.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hallmark 2015 Blogger Panel - Diana #LoveHallmarkCA

Disclosure: I was sent product from Hallmark Canada as part of their Hallmark Blogger Panel to help facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own and have not been influenced in any way.

Tuesday, February 14, 2017
31 Comments

Disney's Pinocchio Now Available on Blu-ray and Digital HD

Disney

Tuesday, January 31, 2017
49 Comments

Celebrate National Puzzle Day with Hallmark

Arts and Crafts

Sunday, January 29, 2017
10 Comments

Energize Your Workout With Walmart Canada's Athletic Works Line

Athletic Apparel

Athletic Works Running Tank and Leggings - Walmart #NewYearLook

Every January, many of us commit to New Year's resolutions in the hopes of making significant lifestyle changes. Whether that means being more active, travelling more, procrastinating less, or developing healthier eating habits, making resolutions is often the easy part. Sticking to our goals beyond those first few weeks of the year is what tends to challenge us most. Even though joining a gym has popped up on my list of resolutions over the past several years, I am a woman of convenience and choose the comfort of my own home for the majority of my workouts. But more often than not, the motivation to pull out my yoga mat tends to sway, especially during the gloomy winter months when I would prefer to hibernate in the warmth of my cozy bed. However, this year will be different, thanks to my new Athletic Works outfit from Walmart Canada.

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.

Athletic Works Running Tank and Athletic Works Cotton Blend Leggings can both be found on Walmart.ca

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.

A bright new yoga outfit to energize my workout. Namasté! #NewYearLook #AthleticWorks @walmartcanada #ad #namaste #yoga #yogawear #leggings #tanktop #activewear #ootd #fashion #activefashion #aflfamily #gaiam #walmart #walmartcanada #prettyinpink #pink #headstand #headstandpose #sirsasana #AfLfamily

A photo posted by Diana Mancuso (@torontomom) on Jan 15, 2017 at 7:16am PST

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.