From left to right: Myself and Oprah. Just to clarify. ;)

And so, let's get this UBParty started!

Welcome to all Ultimate Blog Party visitors! This is going to be a very fun week and there will be lots of prizes up for grabs. Plus, it's the perfect opportunity to discover new blogs and grow your social network. I first participated last year and had so much fun, I knew I had to participate again. Only this year, I have decided to sponsor a UBP11 giveaway consisting of a $50 Amazon gift certificate. So be sure to head over to the official Ultimate Blog Party post on 5MinutesforMom.com for more details on how you can win and to discover some new and fabulous blogs.

About Toronto Teacher Mom

When I first decided to start a blog, I never really put much thought into my blog title. A lot of clever names had already been chosen by some pretty talented mom bloggers and I myself wasn't feeling very creative. I chose instead a title that reflected who I was - a teacher and a mom living in Toronto. While I am no longer so fond of my blog title, I am still incredibly grateful for all of the wonderful opportunities that have come about and totally love knowing that I have met some pretty amazing people and fellow bloggers who share the same love of social media. It has been through blogging that I have found a community where I feel like I belong. And having left my hometown, family and friends to move to a new city with my husband and take on a new job, it became very important for me. It hasn't always been easy over the years but there is consolation in knowing that there is someone somewhere out there in the online world who is ready to lend a listening ear, share advice or simply empathize.

What do I do when I'm not busy blogging or tweeting? Well, play with the kids, of course! I have a beautiful 5 year old girl and an almost 3 year old handsome little boy. This is such a nice time because I am able to witness such significant changes in their personalities; it really is exciting. Not so exciting is when those personalities clash, but that's an entirely different blog post. And in case you're wondering, I teach in the elementary panel as a Core French teacher. C'est vrai! I have loved French since I was first introduced to it and remember writing a note in a Christmas card to my grade 7 French teacher that she was such an inspiration and that some day I would be a French teacher like her. And now here I am. Last year, in my UPB blog post, I invited readers to inquire about how many languages I can speak. This year, I invite any questions you may have about me, my blog or anything that tickles your fancy. Like, oh... I don't know... what my hobbies are. Or why I'm a Twitter addict. Or who took the bop from the bop shoo bop shoo bop. Ask away!

Though I wish I had spent more time sifting through the thousands of blogs that joined in the party this year, I am grateful that I was able to take part and be introduced to some really fantastic blogs. Here are just a few fabulous finds:

1. Coupon Teacher - A great place to find bargains and coupons galore!





2. Dayngrous Discourse - A humorous blog written by an organized, talented, mom blogger slash entrepreneur who just happens to be blonde.



3. Hon, What's for Dinner? - A food blog written by a fellow teacher mom who's mission is to help lost souls such as myself find their way around the kitchen and make tasty meals for the family.

Have you heard what all the buzz is about? It's the Ultimate Blog Party for moms, dads and virtually anyone who loves kids. This incredible event is hosted by 5MinutesForMom.com and is full of blog hopping opportunities and some fabulous prizes.

To all of my regular readers, why not take a load off and check out what it's all about. You can take part even if you don't have your own blog.

To all of you UBP blog hoppers, thanks for stopping by. Please stay a while and share some comment love. I [heart] comments! Here's a little bit about me, just in case you're wondering who that mysterious lady is behind the glasses.

I am a mom of two kids, aged 2 and 4, who are utterly adorable. I am married to a man who is very smart. His marriage proposal is proof of that.  I teach over 200 students who love French, or will at some point in my career. Okay, maybe not. But it's what I aim for. Yoga, paper crafts, dance and teaching are some of my passions. I even signed up to be a Stampin' Up Demonstrator, as if I don't have enough things to do already! I blog about my family and seek advice from and virtual friendships with fellow bloggers to help maintain my sanity and social skills. I have also recently started reviewing products that are family-friendly and seek out products that are eco-friendly, organic and/or natural. I also write about local events and try to promote local businesses that may be of interest to families or are of educational value. I could go on and on and on all about little ol' me. But that would probably kill the mystery. You are always more than welcome to leave me some comment love or send me an email if you have any deep thoughts to share or if you're dying to ask me how many languages I speak.

In the meantime, you can peruse through my list of things I'd love to win while taking part in my first Ultimate Blog Party. Like to see it? Hear it is:

USC 17  - A $200 Apple Gift Certificate from CmomGo
USC 60 – A $200 gift certificate for any Wall Slicks vinyl wall decal from Modern Wall Graphics
USC 35 - A $50.00 cash Paypal Transfer from American Muslim Mom
USC 39 – A $50 paypal cash prize from MomDot
USC 34 – $60.00 worth of merchandise from Fashions For Your Little Ones
USC 30 – A $50 Gift Certificate to Paperlicious.com

USC 31 - Lovable Labels Special Starter/Camp Pack from Nicole Laws of Simplicity Lovable Labels
USC 49 – Label Out Loud Essentials Combo Pack from Mabel’s Labels
USC 4 – A Child’s Summer Fun Gift Pack from The Plus Size Mommy
USC 29 – Little Leaders DVD from Serendipity is Sweet
 
This is just a sampling of the amazing prizes to be won by participating in UBP 2010. How lucky do you feel? (... in addition to feeling honoured in making my acquaintance!) Looking forward (and feeling just as honoured!) to making your acquaintance. Party on, dudes and dudettes!