Spring is in the air and so too is Mother Nature's calling to revitalize, rejuvenate and rejoice. After a long and stress-filled winter, I know I feel compelled to escape the everyday, indulge in some rest and relaxation, and celebrate the beauty of the season, which also happens to be replete with many a birthday. Luckily, I had a little help from Hallmark in finding the perfect gifts for my family and friends. First up is this beautiful Mark & Hall Camel Colorblock Tote Bag, featured above. Stripes are always fashionable and this handbag has the perfect blend of simplistic style and practicality. It's a steal at a special value of $14.95. Featuring comfortable shoulder straps and a reinforced bottom panel in attractive vegan leather, it pairs beautifully with a matching embossed luggage tag and passport holder set. We gifted this as a bon-voyage-slash-early-birthday gift for my sister-in-law who is living in Italy for a few months while she works on writing her cookbook. But it would also make a great gift for a graduate, honeymooning bride and groom, or a friend journeying abroad. We also threw in a botanical inspired Floral Grey Scarf, available at a special price of $9.95.

For the littles celebrating springtime birthdays or kindergarten graduation, check out these new Happy Go Luckys mini plush toys ($12.95). The Springtime collection includes Twirp, the adorable chick, who is as mighty as he is little, his friend, Boe Kay the flower, who loves to brighten everyone's day and the street-smart gray bunny, Hip Hop, who bounces through the day with a style all his own. And of course, I can't forget Floral Print Floppy Snoopy ($12.95). This stuffed animal screams "spring" and is just begging for little hugs!

Finally, whether you're going away for the weekend or planning a staycation filled with yoga and meditation, don't forget to spoil yourself. Hallmark's Hot + Cold aromatherapy Lavender Comfort Wrap ($34.95) soothes, relaxes and rejuvenates achy shoulders, sore spots on lower and upper back or the tummy area for relief of uncomfortable cramps. It features a blend of aromatic herbs known and selected for their qualities to calm, soothe, and release stress, including flax seed, lavender, chamomile, peppermint, spearmint, lemon grass, rosemary, cinnamon and other natural ingredients. While you let the wrap do its thing, chill on the sofa in a pair of "Just Chill" lotus flower slippers. These fun and casual slippers are soft and cozy, and retail for $29.95. And remember to rehydrate and remind yourself that glamour has no age limit with a sassy 17-ounce water bottle, featuring a double-wall construction and a screw-top lid. Need somewhere to store them all while on your mini getaway? Check out their classic faux-leather Mark & Hall zippered tote. It features two decorative tassels, gold-tone expansion zippers and a bright floral-lined interior that makes it easy to find what you're looking for. It also includes a zippered interior pocket and a detachable zippered wristlet.

Want the perfect excuse to just chill? Enter for a chance to win a pair of "Just Chill" slippers, valued at $29.95. This giveaway is open to Canadian residents only, excluding Quebec, who have reached the age of majority. Please complete the Rafflecopter form below to be eligible to win.

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

A few weeks ago, the family and I opted to go a little greener and test out the 2018 Ford Fusion Energi Plug-In Hyrbrid for a week, all the while learning more about our amazing universe and ways in which we can live a more eco-conscious way of life. This was all in celebration of Earth Day. Seeing as I have often wondered what it would be like to drive an electric vehicle, I felt this was the perfect opportunity to see how our family could incorporate an EV into our busy lifestyle. With more and more charging stations popping up, the idea of owning a Ford Hybrid is more intriguing than ever. But what I failed to realize is that the Ford Fusion Energi that was loaned to us by Ford Canada is an incredibly brilliant plug-in model that can be easily plugged into a standard 120-volt wall outlet using the convenience cord that is included. Not only does this help to maximize battery capability and allow you to operate longer in EV mode, it offers peace of mind knowing that I can plug in the vehicle before I go to bed and can wake up to a full charge. Plus, owners can easily monitor and schedule battery charging via the MyFord Mobile smartphone app. Say what?

When I first stepped into the Ford Fusion Energi Platinum model, I couldn't help but notice the luxurious premium leather interior with ample space both in the front and in the rear. Power windows, power locks, a power tilt steering column and a power moonroof are all standard specs on this model, along with rain-sensing wipers, keyless entry and remote start. But what impressed me the most was the incredible Quiet Start feature. Honestly, I didn't believe the car was really on the first time I started it. Thankfully, the display has a green light that indicates that the car is on and ready to go. The rest of the display, however, was full of gauges and display modes that were quite overwhelming at first. It took some getting used to, especially when a battery indicator would light periodically and I would slightly panic because I wasn't sure how long I could go before I had to recharge. But then I discovered the range meter and oh, yeah! It's a hybrid and it has a full tank of gas, I reassured myself. While I was used to the lane keeping system and the sensitive braking system from our Ford Edge test drive last fall, the Brake Coach was handy because is coaches you to brake in a way that maximizes the amount of energy returned through the regenerative braking system on the Ford Fusion. It made for a really smooth and enjoyable ride. The ability to drive in the HOV lane thanks to the Green Vehicle plates was an added bonus.

Throughout our week with the Ford Fusion, not only were we treated to a smooth, quiet ride while on the road, we also celebrated Earth Day by planting our very own organic herb garden at home thanks to a handy Sow & Grow kit provided by Ford Canada. It was a great activity for the whole family and, because the kit included herbs that we use regularly, we can continue to celebrate Earth Day every day with fresh, homegrown herbs.

There's always one. That one person on your holiday list for whom finding the perfect gift is next to impossible. But at the end of the day, do we really need more stuff? As much as I would love a 60 inch 4K Ultra HD TV, I really don't need one. If there is one thing I do need, it would be more down time, some good ol' rest and relaxation. And that's not something you can easily wrap in a box. Thanks to Breakaway Experiences, we can think outside the gift box and treat our loved ones to unique experiences and fond memories to be treasured forever.

We were then invited into our private luxury suite where we revelled in a 60 minute holistic massage. Inside the suite, there was a colour therapy shower with a rainforest cascade, and a mini lounge area. It was the perfect place to escape the everyday chaos and relish the serene atmosphere of the spa.

Afterwards, we were invited to enjoy a complimentary tea in the luxurious tea room where gentle music played.

And before our experience ended, I was able to enjoy some quietude in the relaxing steam colour therapy sauna in the ladies' change room. (There is also one in the men's change room as well.) This is actually recommended before the treatment but I completely forgot and didn't want to pass up on the chance to check it out. It's not like any sauna I've been in. The ceiling is dotted with tiny lights that slowly change colour. So pretty!

This Luxury for 2 at Novo Spa experience is but one of many spa experiences available through Breakaway Experiences. But that's not all. They have flying experiences, hot air balloon rides, driving experiences, dog sledding, gourmet experiences, snowshoeing, horseback riding, dance classes, aerial adventures, segway tours, family fun experiences and... need I go on? And if you just can't choose, you can't go wrong with a Breakaway Experiences Gift Certificate. It's kind of like a gift that gives twice!

Speaking of gift certificates, Breakaway Experiences has offered up a $100 gift certificate to one lucky Toronto Teacher Mom reader! To be eligible to win, please complete the Rafflecopter form below. Open to residents of Canada, excluding Quebec.

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Disclosure: I received a complimentary experience via Breakaway Experiences to help facilitate this review. Any opinions expressed in this post are my own.

Before we hit the road, I connected my phone to the Ford Sync system. With the easy-to-use standard SYNC 3 technology in the Ford Edge, all I had to do was turn on the Bluetooth on my phone, add my device on the Ford Sync display screen and connect to the Ford Edge on my phone. Once connected, I clicked on the Audio button on the Ford Sync display, clicked on Sources and selected my phone. Then I opened my Audible Canada app and started listening to Cataract City. And thanks to the premium Sony Audio System, we enjoyed crisp sound as we listened to James Colby's narration.

It was a cold, rainy day when we set out on our trip to Niagara Falls, but we still enjoyed our ride thanks to heated front and rear seats. The Rain Sensing Wipers was a neat feature and the Ford Edge handled itself very well on the slick highway. It took my husband some getting used to the Lane Keeping System but he actually suggested we consider a Ford Edge for our next family vehicle. And this coming for a man who is very particular about automobiles. 

Once we arrived at Niagara Falls, we checked into our hotel and decided to head into Niagara-on-the-Lake. Along the way, we stopped by the Living Water Wayside Chapel, then grabbed a bite to eat on the main strip and purchased some fall accessories at the hat shoppe. Oh, and we bought some ice cream, too!

The following day, we bundled up and took in the sites at the falls of Cataract City, which is the city nickname of Niagara Falls and has its roots in the Latin word for waterfalls. We also stopped by the Whirlpool Aero Car and contemplated going for a ride. But it was a little too cold for my liking. 

And before we headed home in our Ford Edge, I insisted we stop by the Floral Clock. This place always brings me back to my childhood when my parents would often take us to Niagara Falls. We have many a family photo at this spot, so it meant so much that I could get a photo with my husband and kids. To the kind gentleman who took this wonderful photo, thank you! It was so... Canadian of you.

Disclosure: I participated in the Ford Book Club and received special perks. Any opinions expressed in this post are my own.

A while back, I shared with you my thoughts on a super chic 4-in-1 tricycle by smarTrike. It was right around the time my youngest nephew was born and my niece, his sister, was about 30 months old. It goes without saying that the versatility of a 4-in-1 is so practical and definitely helps you stretch your dollar. I had first assembled it as a training bike for my niece and then my brother could transform it to Stage 1 once my nephew turned 10-months-old. Brilliant, right? Well, today I share with you how smarTrike has taken their innovation even further with their new smarTfold 500, a revolutionary fully foldable, portable combination stroller and trike, now available in Canada. 

The smarTfold Trike is the ultimate portable multi-phase stroller and trike for children 9m-36m. Available exclusively at Toys R Us and Babies R Us throughout Canada for $229.99, the versatile smarTfold trike is the latest game changer from smarTrike, which features Touch Steering that provides smooth maneuverability, even with one hand. What makes smarTfold so unique is that it is 85% smaller when folded for travelling, transporting or storage, making it the world’s most compact folding trike. 

Unlike the smarTrike Chic, it comes mostly assembled in its folded state and it took me approximately five minutes to fully assemble it for the 9m stage, seen in the first photo above. I love that it has a storage bag at the back and a tray that easily mounts to the handlebar to store baby's bottle.

I haven't had to fold a stroller for travel in quite some time but it was fairly intuitive with the smarTfold and the mesh cover keeps everything in its place with a top flap that has hook-and-loop fasteners. While in folding mode, you can adjust the handle to your preferred height, making it perfect for travel, or you can lower it all the way, making it ideal for storage in cars, planes or even cluttered closets. It is heavier than I thought it would be but, luckily, it has a roller that allows you pull your smarTfold alongside you while folded. 

If I were to ever have a third child, this smarTfold would definitely be on my baby registry. Its quick-click design enables folding the trike, while it stays intact, just like a stroller and, in just a few clicks, you're ready to go. Plus, it will grow with your child, providing the ideal ride at every stage of their growth, from 6-months to 3-years. The smarTfold is a true winner in my books!

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

I lay on the beach beneath the bluest sky, the sun's warm rays dancing across the ocean before me. I hear the gentle waves lapping the shoreline, erasing the footprints in the sand and leaving, in their place, a fresh but temporary canvas. The gentle breeze brings with it a welcome mist and the slightest hint of sea air, while the crystal waters beckon me to dive into the depths of unparalleled beauty.

And then, all at once, the images and sounds disappear as my early morning reverie fades away into a fleeting memory, replaced vehemently by the sound of my alarm. 

Alas, 'twas but a dream. The reality of back-to-school routines sets in and I'm reminded of how desperately I need to get away from it all already. I have recently fallen victim to the common cold and I am now battling an incessant cough coupled with congestion. All I can think of is how nice it would be to relax on the beach and enjoy the healing benefits of the saline air while revelling in the quietude of a little known beach on the southern tip of Portugal. This latest fixation is not entirely random and I have Aeroplan to thank for many a daydream.

Earlier this month, Aeroplan launched a Moments Worth a Million Miles Contest and all I can think about is how incredibly amazing it would be to win a million Aeroplan miles. Wowza! That's enough points to fly my family, my parents, my sister and nephew, my brother and his family, and my in-laws from Toronto to Lisbon on an economy round-trip! Because heaven knows we could all use some R & R. I'm already thinking of Praia do Carvalho, seen above, and Praia da Marinha, below. Don't these beaches look breathtaking? But don't go telling people about them because I want them all to myself, mkay?

My husband and I started accumulating Aeroplan miles since the beginning of the year and, while we've already earned 50,000 miles, a million mile boost would sure go a long, long way! Here's how you can win: Share where your Aeroplan Miles have taken you and the moments they helped create by posting your travel pics, videos, and stories using #withAeroplan on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram for a chance to win 1 of 5 prizes of 1 million miles. That’s a total of 5 million miles! Remember to tell a little bit about your photo in your post. A million-mile winner will be selected every week for five weeks from September 5, 2017 to October 3, 2017. 

Enter the Moments Worth a Million Miles Contest today!

And just in case you win and have no clue how to spend your one million Aeroplan Miles, consider:

For the most part, my decision to not be a car owner has been one of few regrets, leading to far fewer expenses, the pleasure of not dealing with traffic and a pretty notable increase in my activity level translating to better health.  There are, however, times when having access to an automobile would quite honestly simplify my travels and increase my productivity. Last week, I had one of those days where my list of to-do’s far outweighed the hours available to me in a day.  As a result, I ended up cruising around the city in a Fiat 500 quite effortlessly thanks to Enterprise CareShare.


Enterprise CarShare is an automated way to rent a vehicle by the hour, the day, or overnight, offering a variety of makes and models that are parked in your community and are accessible 24/7. It's great for when you need to rent a vehicle on the spur of the moment, whether it be for a day trip or to go grocery shopping.

Having used Enterprise Rent a Car for various weekend getaways, I wasn’t surprised to find their CarShare Service convenient and accessible. Once I received my membership card and downloaded the mobile app, I was all set to select a convenient location for vehicle pick-up and drop off. I have to admit, choosing the car took a lot longer. I mean, just because I don’t own a car doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate a sweet ride!  

With my membership card and a lengthy to-do list in hand, I picked up my rental by simply holding the card over the windshield sensor to unlock the door. The keys were conveniently waiting inside. I did a thorough check of the car (interior and exterior) and then went on my way. The first few stops included shopping for the perfect birthday gift, groceries from the farmers market that included items too heavy to carry on foot, and a drop-in at my yoga studio to teach a noon-hour class.

Follow along w/ @RoseProse as she tests out Enterprise @CarShare. First stop = Farmers market #CarShareTO #ad pic.twitter.com/vCPZkbwS6W

— Diana Mancuso, OCT (@TeacherMomOfTwo) August 13, 2016

I even managed to stop in and see my nephew, the biggest automobile aficionado I’ve ever known, and take him for a little spin. 

A dozen more errands, a quick stop at home to clean up, put on some heels (something that I rarely consider doing if I’m commuting or walking beyond a few blocks) and I headed out for a fancy dinner with my girlfriends. It had been a long but productive day, filled with great moments, air conditioning (an absolute must while driving around on a hot summer day), teaching, visits with family and friends, and a stop at a gas station to refuel. I was so pleased to know that fuel is included in the membership. I just needed to use the prepaid card that can be found inside the vehicle.

Once I returned the vehicle, I quickly learned that drop off is a breeze. The keys remain in the car and the membership card is used to lock up. But I also discovered that, with each step I took further and further away from the vehicle, how enjoyable it was to allow myself the day to get on the road and use Enterprise CarShare to break up my routine. Life doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon and there’s always so much to see and do. Why not rent a vehicle that can get me where I want, when I want without all the costs and commitments that come with owning a vehicle? I’m on board with that.

Enterprise CarShare is a member-based service offering automated rental vehicles by the hour, the day, or overnight. They offer a variety of cars from compacts to pickups and cargo vans to get members where they want, when they want – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. New members in Canada can join for $10 and receive $10 in driving credits using this "BLOG16" promotion code. US members can explore local offers here.

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

Earlier this morning, I was greeted at the door by an Emirates Chauffeur and whisked away to the Aviva Centre for a VIP Rogers Cup experience. As a platinum sponsor for the event, Emirates Airline was so kind to extend an invitation to join Emirates Country Manager for Canada Don McWilliam for a semi-finals game. We enjoyed premium service in an air-conditioned and beautifully appointed lounge overlooking centre court. 

As if the view wasn't enough, we indulged in delicious food and drinks thanks to top-notch catering. Emirates Airline attendants were also on hand taking drink orders and making sure our bowls of nuts and sweet potato chips were always full. They even delivered Häagen-Dazs to our seats so we could watch the game without interruption. 

Her opponent Simona Halep stepped onto the court while the crowds exploded with excitement. The 23-year-old is currently ranked world no. 3.

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