- Sunday, March 15, 2015
- 27 Comments
Ho, ho, ho-ly mackerel! There are only two weeks left until Christmas and I still have much to do to get ready. Okay, I will never be ready just like I have never been ready for Christmas since I'm such a procrastinator. Leaving things to the last minute has always been a fault of mine. I guess that's why I loved childhood so much. It was my parents' job to worry about getting ready for Christmas while all I had to worry about was begging them to let me open just one gift on Christmas Eve. Golly, those were the days! Now, I need to make sure that I have enough gifts for everyone, all the decorations are up and the house has had a good cleaning before hosting dinner guests next weekend. At least I've had some help with one of those items on my to-do list thanks to Hallmark Canada.
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| The Perfect Tree Snowman Plush by Hallmark - $29.95 |
For a special little one on my shopping list, I will be gifting the adorable Perfect Tree Snowman Plush that has a sign that lights up as the snowmen sway. It is a great commemorative item for 2014 and this year the plush features a parody of "Up on the Housetop." If you purchase three Hallmark cards, you can nab this plush for $15.95. It also coordinates with "There's Snowbody Like You!" storybook, sold separately.
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| Rudolph Push and Play Techno Plush - $19.95 |
And what child wouldn't love a Push and Play Techno Plush? Hallmark's Rudolph is simply irresistible, so much so that I had to keep him at work. My grade one students are so eager to be chosen as my special helper who gets to take care of Nez Rouge during French class! Also available: Clarice, the reindeer and Bumble, the abominable snow monster.
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| Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer 50th Anniversary itty bittys® Collector Set - $29.95. |
Hallmark is also expanding their collection of itty bittys® with their Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer 50th Anniversary Collector Set. Buy the whole kit and caboodle for $29.95 or individually for $6.95 each.
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| Hallmark Gifts to Go: Nesting Bowls - $9.99, Cozy Mug - $12.95, Appetizer Plate Set - $24.95 |
If it's a hostess or a teacher gift you're looking for, Hallmark has several "Gifts to Go" that come packaged with a designer to/from hang tag and a festive sprig of evergreen tied with a bright red ribbon. Choose from a cozy mug, nesting bowls, a Christmas tea set or an appetizer plate set (featured above).
- Wednesday, December 10, 2014
- 116 Comments
Beware of haunting images lurking below! These frightful Halloween décor items may give you quite a scare. Read on, only if you dare...
OK, I digress. The newest in Halloween must-haves from Hallmark Canada aren't really that scary. More like adorable! The recent batch of Hallmark Press Pause samples I received last week are sure to be a real hit with treak-or-treaters this Halloween. A fun complement to last year's Halloween décor items from Hallmark, they will also make a great addition to my growing collection of décor items at school. My personal favourite is already hanging on my bulletin board:
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| "BOO" Door Décor - $19.95 |
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| Halloween Door Frame Décor - $9.95 each |
Looking to add some fall pizzazz to your buffet or dinner table? This beverage napkin basket adds a simple touch of earthy tones and looks great next to my Family Tree Frame Holder.
- Thursday, October 16, 2014
- 36 Comments
Good morning. Word has reached us through postal channels that handwritten messages are on the decline. Technological advancements are wreaking havoc on handwriting skills and this could prove fatal for the written word. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to reach out to seven different people by sending out seven cards in seven days and reconnect with them offline. As always, should you or any of your SLM Force be caught, the secretary will disavow any knowledge of your actions. This blog post will self-destruct in five seconds. Good luck.
I have already accepted the challenge along with my daughter who sent out a card to her friend to arrange a play date. We will continue to send out the remaining six cards in the hopes of reconnecting with special loved ones. It's the least we could to do to help prevent the extinction of the written word.
Win a Sarah Richardson Notecard Set
To help you with your #7Cards7Days mission, you could win a Notecard Set containing 10 blank cards from Hallmark’s Sarah Richardson Collection. Simply complete the Rafflecopter form below for a chance to win.
- Friday, September 19, 2014
- 23 Comments
Last week, Hallmark Canada announced an exciting new partnership with Toronto's own award-winning interior designer, Sarah Richardson. The Sarah Richardson Collection consists of gorgeous greeting cards, sophisticated stationery, elegant gift wrap and coordinating gift bags featuring designs created exclusively for Hallmark. Sarah Richardson is also a recognized television personality, known around the world for transforming ordinary spaces into magazine-worthy rooms. Richardson is the host and co-producer of five HGTV lifestyle series: Room Service, Design Inc, Sarah's House, Sarah 101, and most recently, Sarah Sees Potential which will debut on HGTV USA this fall. She is a past contributor and columnist on design and style for The Globe and Mail and Chatelaine, and was most recently named home design director at Good Housekeeping magazine. In addition, Sarah is a creative powerhouse in the design world and runs a design business, Sarah Richardson Design Inc. based here in Toronto. Think she can manage to squeeze in some time to transform my home?
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| Sarah Richardson Stationery Ensemble |
There are 16 individual greeting card designs for everyday occasions including birthday, wedding, baby, congratulations, friendship and blank cards. The boxed note card sets and journals would make excellent gift sets. Two of her elegant design themes from her Kravet fabrics collection have also carried over into the collection and are featured on two stationery box sets.
- Thursday, July 17, 2014
- 15 Comments
Next week, my son graduates from senior kindergarten. I'm not sure I'm quite prepared to accept that but I will, without a doubt, be prepared with my camera on hand to preserve the memories of his special day. In the meantime, as a Hallmark Press Pause Blogger Panelist, I wanted to share with you some graduation gift ideas from Hallmark. Read on and you will find a little giveaway for you, too!
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| Autograph Owl with Pen - Special: $12.95 MSRP: $16.95 |
Autograph Owl with Pen
Family, friends and fellow students can add meaningful messages to this adorable fabric owl. Add a signature, well-wishes or a special memory that the grad will love reading well after the festivities are over.
Family, friends and fellow students can add meaningful messages to this adorable fabric owl. Add a signature, well-wishes or a special memory that the grad will love reading well after the festivities are over.
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| Accordion Display Board Album - MSRP: $12.95 |
Accordion Display Board Album
Sculpted Sentiments
With this ‘2014’ display board album, you can protect the moments that matter most. It will look great on a coffee table or in the study and allows you to feature your favourite photos. Includes a sticker page for customization.
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| Sculpted Sentiments - MSRP: $14.95 |
Sculpted Sentiments
A sophisticated white porcelain sculpture of a lock is a lovely keepsake to commemorate the milestone. It features motivating words (“Unlock your potential”) and will nicely complement your bookshelf, desk or bedside table. Also available: graduation cap (“Wear your success proudly”), typewriter (“Write your own story”), airplane (“Let your dreams soar”), or light bulb (“It’s your time to shine”).
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| One-of-a-Kind Creations 2014 Frame - MSRP: $24.95 |
One-of-a-Kind Creations 2014 Frame
Remember the momentous occasion with a one-of-a-kind, customizable “2014” die-cut frame. And thanks to Shutterfly, you can easily display a precut photo and enjoy free printing and shipping!
Want to win a 2014 frame of your own?
- Thursday, June 12, 2014
- 24 Comments
As a member of the Hallmark Press Pause Blogger Panel, I am sharing with you some ideas for Mother's Day gifts under $25. And not because mothers don't deserve to be spoiled rotten with luxurious gifts from time to time. But because we can celebrate those who make our lives special by "pressing pause" and connecting with them in meaningful ways, whether it be with a simple card, a special keepsake or a recordable storybook. Shown below are my top four gifts for mom that won't break the bank.
- Mother's Day Snippets and Stories - This spiral-bound book features book cloth spine, handmade paper cover with gold bronze pattern, 25 designed 4-color pages, pocket pages, foldout pages, two glassine envelopes and 11 die-cut embellished tags. Special Offer: $24.95
- Mug/Stationary Bundle with Coordinating Pen - These special stationery and mug bundles are available in three different designs. They make a perfect gift for Mom or even that favourite teacher. (Nudge, nudge!) Special: FREE with any purchase of $30 or more, or $7.95 each with each purchase of three Hallmark cards MSRP: $14.95
- Magnetic Memo Board Burlap - Reminder notes, random happy notes, or sweet nothings. Keep all your notes in one place with this handy memo board that includes a satin ribbon for hangings, and a set of six coloured magnets for displaying notes. $24.95
- Thanks, Mom: Letters, Poems and Short Stories of Gratitude - For the book-lover, share some of the many reasons to thank Mom with this first-ever book created by Hallmark fans like you. Read touching letters, poems and short stories that'll make you reflect on just how much moms do for the ones they love. $14.99
My personal favourite out of the four, and what I found to be most practical, is the Magnetic Memo Board. And since I love it so much, I have agreed to give one away to a lucky reader of Toronto Teacher Mom. Simply complete the Rafflecopter form below to be eligible to win.
- Tuesday, April 22, 2014
- 33 Comments
Counting down to Valentine's Day? It's only one week away but there's still time to find the perfect gift for that special someone, whether it be your spouse, your nephew, a friend or, ahem, your child's teacher. Featured below are some gift ideas from Hallmark to help celebrate the day. My personal favourite? The Hearts A-Hoppin' Frog that sings a cute parody of "Hot, Hot, Hot!" Isn't he toad-ally adorable?
New to Hallmark is the Sarah Jessica Parker Collection of greeting cards, sold exclusively at Hallmark Gold Crown stores across Canada. This collection includes more than 70 different cards for birthday, friendship, love, thank you, congratulations, wedding and baby.
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| Sarah Jessica Parker Greeting Cards - $4.99 - $7.99 |
This year, I will continue my role as a member of the Hallmark 2014 Panel and share my favourite Hallmark products with you. To celebrate my fourth year on the panel, I will be giving away a Magic Message Reveal Heart to one of my readers. For a chance to win, check out my past Hallmark panel posts and leave a comment here telling me which has been your favourite Hallmark product. Please be sure to leave your email address so that I may contact you if you win. This giveaway will end on Tuesday, February 11 at 11 pm ET and the winner will be chosen at random from all qualifying entries.
Disclosure: I was sent product from Hallmark Canada as part of their Hallmark Panel
to help facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own and
have not been influenced in any way.
- Friday, February 07, 2014
- 19 Comments
As a member of the Hallmark Canada Press Pause Panel, I have the good fortune of sampling Hallmark's newest products and their holiday must-haves are the ones I look forward to the most. There is always something inside our holiday package that puts a small on my face and a twinkle in my kids' eyes. Last year, one of our favourite products was the Hallmark Wireless Children's Angel Choir. We loved each of the individual angels that we ended up buying several of them as gifts for friends, family and co-workers. This year, Hallmark has added some really cute holiday items to their shelves. For Disney fans, they will love the Totally Ticklish Goofy featured above. Tickle Goofy at any point while he sings a parody of "Up on the Rooftop" and he'll start giggling like mad. This toy retails for $29.95 but if you buy three Hallmark cards, you can buy it a special price of $15.95. For the teacher on your list, check out this cute 'Blink-Along' Musical Scarf:
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| 'Blink-Along' Musical Scarf - $24.95 (or $14.95 with any purchase) |
Come on! Doesn't it just scream 'teacher'? I am totally wearing this at work, I don't care how much it clashes with my wardrobe. The scarf plays a combination of holiday songs while lights flash along to the music. It's perfect for impromptu caroling en français, n'est-ce pas? And, do you remember that Hallmark Family Tree Frame Holder I wrote about a couple of years ago? Well, it has become a permanent feature in our home and this year I have decorated it with these 'Let it Snowmen' Mini Snowmen Ornaments:
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| 'Let it Snowmen' 5-piece Mini Snowman Ornament Set - $14.95 (or $6.95 with purchase of 3 cards) |
It makes for a cute little gift set and the kids think the snowmen are so cute. Check this out: if you participate in the Hallmark Rewards program, you can get it for FREE with any $35 purchase!
- Wednesday, November 13, 2013
- 40 Comments
Do you ever feel like somebody's watching you? You know, that eerie feeling of mysterious eyes following your every move? I get that feeling all the time. I think it has something to do with all of the Hallmark Halloween decor that I've unpacked while cleaning out my storage space. With Halloween just a few weeks away, I thought I should feature some of the newest Hallmark products we received in the latest Hallmark Press Pause package, including that Singing Owl Techno Plush in the photo above. He sings a parody of "Somebody's Watching Me" that is so catchy, my five-year-old sings it all the time. His eyes move and an additional set of spooky eyes light up on the tree stump beneath him. Not a bad catch at $15.95 with the purchase of a Hallmark card.
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| Hallmark Alive and Talking Pumpkin - $19.95 |
If you like light-up Halloween decorations, the Alive and Talking Pumpkin is really cute. As guests walk by, the pumpkin comes to life with changing expressions and phrases.
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| Hallmark Witchiest of Witches Shadowcaster - $14.95 |
One of my favourites is the new witch-themed shadowcaster. By placing this next to a wall, you will see shadows flickering and glowing in the dark. I'm thinking I'm going to have to head in-store to pick up one of the Haunted House shadowcasters. They just scream "Halloween!"
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| Hallmark Fortune-Telling Magic Mirror - $19.95 |
The Hallmark Fortune-telling Magic Mirror is hilarious. It is motion-activated and shares one of ten delightfully frightful predictions. This one totally applies to me: "I predict something dark in your future... I think it must be... yes, it is... chocolate!"
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| Hallmark Pics 'n' Props Halloween Party Activity Kit - $19.95 |
Planning a Halloween party? The Hallmark Pics 'n' Props Halloween Activity Kit is perfect. Each kit includes photo props, masks, backdrop and a 4" x 6" album for recording memories.
- Monday, October 07, 2013
- 9 Comments
Looking for gift ideas for Valentine's Day? Hallmark has got you covered. As a returning member of the Hallmark Press Pause Panel, I will be sharing some of my favourite Valentine's Day gifts and other great products from Hallmark throughout the year. Today, I begin with the beautiful Blooming Expressions flower. I adore it in the colour red and love that it's a flower that keeps on blooming. It is available with music for $24.95 or $19.95 without music.
Hallmark has a beautiful collection of Card Presenters for Adults, an assortment of elegant and beautiful, highly-crafted designs with gems, attachments and a unique clasp.
The embossed envelopes are absolutely gorgeous!
- Tuesday, February 12, 2013
- 2 Comments
This year at Hallmark Canada, they have expanded their line of recordable gifts to help families press pause and record special messages for loved ones. From recordable cards and picture frames to recordable storybooks and iPad apps, there are so many ways to personalize your Christmas wishes. One of my favourite Hallmark gift ideas is Jingle the Husky Pup with Storybook. As you or your child reads the story, Jingle will respond to select sentences as indicated in red font. And now, you can include Jingle's Magic Christmas Recordable Storybook which also works with Jingle the Interactive Story Buddy (2012 buddies or newer). You can also purchase a Jingle All the Way DVD for $9.95 for more interactive fun.
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| Bell Interactive Story Book Gift Set - $34.95 |
- Thursday, December 06, 2012
- 28 Comments
As a teacher who volunteers with the school choir, Christmas is one of the most joyous times of the year. I know many people frown upon the incessant playing of holiday music everywhere you go but I, for one, love it. I may not be a very good singer or choir leader but there is very little else that can cheer me up more than a traditional carol. When I came home to find some of the latest and greatest holiday themed samples from Hallmark, I was utterly moved by the sweetest, most ingenious holiday gift idea I've seen this year: the gift of children's angelic voices. The Hallmark Wireless Children's Angel Choir comes in the form of four little figurines that play music, sing and move. The best part? These figurines are interconnected wirelessly when they are placed together and collectively sing eight songs, with two songs lead by each one. Press the button on one of them and within seconds, the rest join in. How sweet are they!
- Thursday, November 22, 2012
- 2 Comments
'Twas the night before Halloween, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The decorations were hung with a malevolent sneer
In hopes that trick-or-treating soon would be here.
The children have tried on their masks and their threads,
While visions of candy danced in their heads.
And papa in pj's, and I in old sweats,
Had just settled our brains and cooled off our jets.
When all of a sudden I shuddered with fear.
Did I buy any chocolates or candy? Oh, dear!
Away to the kitchen I flew like the wind,
Tore open the cupboards and happily grinned.
- Tuesday, October 30, 2012
- 4 Comments
Next weekend, I will be attending my cousin's wedding in Hamilton. It will be a nice occasion to spend with family and friends I don't get to see as often as I would like. Weddings are always a special time that often bring tears of joy to my eyes, especially when I watch couples dancing. They remind me of when I got married and how honoured I was to have a banquet hall filled with those nearest and dearest to help celebrate a momentous occasion. Last month marked my eight-year wedding anniversary and I was compelled to pull out our wedding video. I would have taken out our wedding album but alas, I never put one together. That's the problem with digital photography. You end up with literally hundreds of pictures to choose from which makes it next to impossible to narrow down your favourites. Although, I did create a couple of photo books to give to my parents and in-laws. Still, there is something to be said for looking at actual processed photos in a beautifully bound wedding album, such as the Embroidered Post Bound Wedding Album from Hallmark.
- Thursday, August 23, 2012
- 1 Comments
How many moms do you know love getting flowers on special occasions or even for no reason at all? Flowers always brighten my day and I can never get enough of them. The bright colours cheer me up no matter what mood I'm in. The sad part is when they wilt away and I have to throw them in the green bin. This spring, Hallmark Canada brings you a delightful alternative with their Bloomin' Expressions flowers.
- Sunday, April 29, 2012
- 2 Comments
This weekend is Easter and I'm looking forward to spending some quality time with my family. It will be the first Easter for my darling niece so it will be an extra special gathering this year. We generally give out chocolate to the kids but my niece won't be able to enjoy it just yet. For non-edible gifts, Hallmark Canada has a bunch of really cute ideas that I know will be a hit with the little ones.
- Friday, April 06, 2012
- 1 Comments
When it comes to buying gifts for kids, I find it difficult to pick the perfect toy. Sometimes, I don't know what they're new favourites are, whether they are age appropriate or even if they already have what I plan to buy. This is when I default to books. You can never have enough books, in my honest opinion. Plus, there are so many neat interactive and recordable books for the holiday season available from Hallmark.
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| Current price $29.95 (valued at $39.95) |
- Monday, December 12, 2011
- 0 Comments
Not only does it look festive, it sounds festive, too! Simply press the button and watch the hat move to a jingling beat. Each hat is $24.95 but you can save $5 from now until Christmas Eve. Head on over to Hallmark.ca to watch the Rockin' Talkin' Hats demo. It's like a party on your head!
Disclosure: As a member of the Press Pause Panel, I received a Rockin' Talkin' Elf Hat from Hallmark Canada. All opinions expressed in this post are my own.
- Thursday, December 01, 2011
- 2 Comments
Today marked the grand opening of the Hallmark Gold Crown Store in Woodbridge. To commemorate the event, the Mayor of Vaughn Maurizio Bevilacqua was invited to cut the red ribbon, which he thought was the nicest ribbon he'd ever had to cut. And it's not because he was a Liberal member of Parliament, he joked.
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| Mayor of Vaughn Maurizio Bevilacqua, Concillor Rosanna DeFrancesca and the Vice President of Hallmark |
Customers were invited to view the entire collection of Hallmark products and also enter to win a number of fabulous prizes with winners being announced periodically throughout the day. Up for grabs is a fully loaded Christmas tree with 100 Hallmark ornaments from the 2011 collection, valued at $2500. You can still stop by and enter to win because they won't be picking a winner until November 16.
Some of the newest additions to the store include their gorgeous Accessories department which features beautiful ChocoStyle shoes, fun and funky Lolita martini glasses, colourful and affordable scarves, and fashionable bags by Lug.
Their expansive array of Hallmark stationery was on sale for 25% off.
My son was fascinated by all the ornaments, especially if it was a train, car or fire truck.
He couldn't get enough of the Christmas Express Musical Train either.
My daughter really loved the giant Husky.
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| This puppy costs $100. It would be so much better to win one. |
And so did my son.
In fact, they loved interacting with several of the items in the Hallmark store. They also had a chance to meet the wonderful Charlene from Listen to Lena and her two adorable sons. I'm telling ya, their smiles would melt your heart. We were going to stay for the magic show but had to leave early due to a family emergency. But not before we had a chance to meet Blake Carter from ChumFM who was there to cover the event during a live 3-hour broadcast.
The shopping experience was really quite enjoyable. There was so much to see, lots of room to move around and plenty of new and creative gift ideas. Have a look at the photo slideshow to view more of the new Hallmark Gold Crown store.
Stay tuned for some Hallmark product reviews in the coming weeks. #PressPausePanel
- Saturday, November 05, 2011
- 4 Comments
