My son was initially freaked out by the two moving soldiers. But he liked Santa!

It's just my luck that I pick super lucky winners who have won on multiple blogs during the #NewProactiv blog tour. So I have yet again to pick another winner and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that she hasn't already one. Here is the newest winner:

34. Glogirl said... I have tried the 3 step Proactiv solution and I didn't find it to be successful in treating my acne. However, I did enjoy using the Proactiv sulphur mask-it seemed to help my skin.

I will be sending you an email soon.

Happy Tuesday everyone! Only 4 days left until Christmas!

Updated at 3:00 pm:

Well, it looks like Glogirl has already won. I have randomly selected another winner and hopefully, third time's a charm.

88. Kirsten said... Like you on facebook (Kirsten T..) 

Okay, Kirsten! I'm emailing you now and hoping you'll tell me that you have not yet won...

Friday night, I selected 5 random winners of the Proactiv Green Tea Moisturizers. One of the winners had already won on another blog so that means I get to pick a new winner. Ready? Here I go...

95. catamo said... I would love to try this product. My skin is oily and sensitive, and I am not a teen anymore.

Congratulations! Since I can't find an email, I will try contacting you via Twitter.

Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend!

With Christmas only one week away, you might be among those who have yet to wrap up presents and add some final touches to your holiday decorations. Okay, maybe that's just me. But let me tell you, I have had my fair share of wrapping and card-making this week. And boy, am I ever thankful for my newest stash of Scotch Brand Tape!


If you were to ask me which item was my favourite, I'd have to say all of them. Tape is a hot commodity in our house and we go through it like crazy. I will admit that the double-sided tape is near and dear to me because I use it a lot when making greeting cards and it also helps to achieve that Martha Stewart finish when wrapping gifts. The scissors are fantastic and I love the weight and feel when cutting paper. These I will save for special projects when I need nice, gunk-free scissors with a sharp blade for precision cuts. For those times where you're in a rush, the pop-up tape dispenser comes in handy. I would use this only in those rare cases when you find yourself wrapping teacher gifts minutes before taking the kids to school since each pre-cut strip of tape is 2" long and sometimes you can do with half the length. But for one-handed taping, the pop-up handband dispenser is easy to use and refill.

Slide the cover all the way open.

Add a Scotch Pop-Up refill and close the cover.

Here is one of the teacher gifts that I wrapped up using the pop-up tape dispenser and the ribbon that came along with the samples. (The label is from StickerYou and you can win 5 customized sheets of stickers/labels from them as well here on Toronto Teacher Mom ;)


For detailed product descriptions, visit ScotchTape.ca or click on the links below.



Scotch® GiftWrap Tape features a unique satin finish that disappears on most gift wrap papers. Makes all your gifts look great! Easy to dispense and sticks securely.






Scotch® Permanent Double Sided Tape is coated with photo-safe, permanent adhesive on both sides. A no-mess alternative to glue for light duty attaching and mounting tasks.







Scotch® Magic™ Tape is the original matte-finish, invisible tape. Frosty on the roll but invisible on paper, It’s the preferred tape for offices, home offices and schools.


Scotch® Pop-Up Tape Handband dispenser is the ultimate in tape delivery, style, and convenience. With one-handed dispensing, this attractive and sleek styled dispenser slips comfortably onto your hand. Great for gift wrapping!






Scotch™ Precision Ultra Edge Non-Stick Scissors are ideal for fabrics, photos, and all types of paper. The titanium-fused blades stay sharper longer than stainless steel blades and use non-stick technology that means no more sticky build up on blades.




For those who like to procrastinate as much as I do, you might like to read up on some holiday decorating tips from Lynn Spence. If you watch Citytv's CityLine, you will recognize her as the regular style expert on Around the House and Fashion Friday. She also works as a freelance editor for Canadian Home and Country Magazine as well as a photo shoot stylist for various magazines. Here are Lynn's 12 tips for holiday decorating:

1. Stock Up – Before you start wrapping, make sure you have all of the necessary supplies. Quality scissors and tape will make the gift wrapping experience a breeze (see proof points below:)
2. Stay Sharp – Have a sharp pair of scissors, such as Scotch Precision Ultra Edge Scissors, for cutting paper and other materials. It will allow you to achieve greater precision with your cuts. And if tape on your scissors is a pet peeve, Scotch Precision Ultra Edge Non-Stick Scissors use non-stick technology that means no more sticky build up on blades.
3. One of a Kind Tags – You can make your own gift tags by using the back of old holiday cards. Cut pictures or words from magazines, and paste them on the gift card to make it festive. Voila! Your own customized gift tag.
4. Go Glam – Add luxury to your packages with glamorous materials such as metallic papers that will make anyone feel spoiled. Fashioned inspired animal print or sophisticated quilted paper will look luxurious under the tree.
5. Mix It Up – Move away from traditional wrapping paper by incorporating new textures such as rice, foil and matte papers into your wrapping repertoire. Mixed colours and patterns are also a great way to add visual interest to your presents.
6. Au Natural – For a more organic, eco look, use recycled papers or materials such as linen, Kraft paper, fabric remnants, burlap or a fabulous vintage scarf.
7. In Lieu of Glue – For tasks where you’d traditional use glue, reach for Scotch® Double-Sided Tape, a no-mess alternative for light duty attaching and mounting tasks.
8. Fit to Be Tied – Homemade bows are easier to make than you think. Simply tie the ribbon as you would a shoelace, and use fresh greens or other ornamentation to “dress up” the package. The recipient will surely be impressed with the “professional look” of the present!
9. Stay Seamless – Scotch GiftWrap Tape features a unique satin finish that disappears on most gift wrap papers. Makes all your gifts look great! Easy to dispense and sticks securely.
10. Make It Last – The joy of giving is always in style but before you start wrapping gifts, make sure you stock up on quality tape like Scotch Brand to ensure your packages stay sealed until its time to unwrap them.
11. Waste Not, Want Not – Get creative with scraps of paper, ribbons and other found items to add pizzazz to your wrapping and help the environment by keeping these items out of the waste basket. 
12. ‘Tis the Season – Before you start gift wrapping, put on some holiday music, relax and have fun! Remember – it’s the thought that counts!

You can find Scotch-Brite products at a variety of stores including Loblaws, Canadian Tire and Zellers. Visit the Scotch Canada site for a full list of retailers.
One lucky reader will win a 3M Scotch Holiday prize pack containing similar items as the ones I received, as seen in the picture to the right (ARV $50).

For you first entry, visit the Scotch Tape How To section on Gift Wrapping and tell me which technique you'd love to try. Leave a comment on this post along with a way to contact you if you win.

For additional entries, you may choose to do any or all of the following:

• Add my blog button to your website for one entry. If it's located on your sidebar, add a second entry. Copy code is located to the right.
• Become a follower of Toronto Teacher Mom using Google Friend Connect.
• Like the Scotch Facebook fan page for one entry. Leave a comment on their wall telling them I sent you and you get a second bonus entry.
• Like the Toronto Teacher Mom Facebook fan page. 
• Subscribe to this blog by email or in a reader.
• Become a follower of Toronto Teacher Mom on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway. Tweet daily for additional entries. Feel free to use the following tweet:  

Contest ends December 23 at 9 pm EST. Open to Canadian residents only. Winner will be selected using Random.org and must reply to the notification email within 3 days or a new winner will be drawn.

Today is day 9 of my 30-day Proactiv challenge and so far, I am very happy with the results. My skin feels smoother and I feel like I have had less breakouts so far. I'm due for a major break-out soon with you know what just around the corner; I always get a monthly breakout that's clearly visible from the International Space Station. And I have still been picking at some of them out of sheer habit but so far, no major inflammations.



Today is also the day that I get to pick 5 winners to try out a full-size bottle of Proactiv Green Tea Moisturizer valued at $33 CAD! This is the first time I have had a sister duo both win in one giveaway.


12. karasceviour said... I follow you via GFC

40. ksceviour said... daily tweet
http://twitter.com/ksceviour/status/13441250090815489 

2. leanne_mac said... I follow you on GFC.

47. Robyn said... I have your button.

29. flowerchild said... i would love to try this because i want to see if it works for me.
thanks

I will email you all very soon. If there are duplicate winners on other blogs that took part in the Proactiv Canada blog tour via Mom Central Canada, a re-draw could possibly take place. Thanks to all who entered!

Also, come back in about 3 weeks to read my final review on the New Proactiv 3-Step System.

Last weekend, I shared with you my review of StickerYou and their unique variety of customizable vinyl stickers. This Toronto-based company designed the Sticker Maker online platform that gives you the freedom to personalize stickers, tags and labels with great ease. You can even upload your own image and use a standard shape or use a specific die-cut based on the image.


I am happy to announce that StickerYou has offered my readers a discount code for 25% off your next purchase. Simply use the following code at checkout: 25offTTM. And if you order within the next couple of days, you can probably get them shipped in time for Christmas, since it usually takes about a week. They would sure make great personalized stocking stuffers.  I am also excited to include a giveaway consisting of 5 free sheets that you can customize to your heart's content. This is a $30 value and the coupon code can only be applied to an order of exactly 5 sheets in the same order.
One reader will win 5 free sheets of customizable stickers valued at $30!

For you first entry, view the StickerYou.com and tell me what you would love to try and how you would personalize it. Leave a comment on this post along with a way to contact you if you win.

For additional entries, you may choose to do any or all of the following:

• Add my blog button to your website for one entry. If it's located on your sidebar, add a second entry. Copy code is located to the right.
• Become a follower of Toronto Teacher Mom using Google Friend Connect.
• Like the StickerYou Facebook fan page for one entry. Leave a comment on their wall telling them I sent you and you will gain a second bonus entry.
• Follow StickerYou on Twitter. 
• Like the Toronto Teacher Mom Facebook fan page. 
• Subscribe to this blog by email or in a reader.
• Become a follower of Toronto Teacher Mom on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway. Tweet daily for additional entries. Feel free to use the following tweet:  

Contest ends December 27 at 9 pm EST. Open to U.S. and Canadian residents. Winner will be selected using Random.org and must reply to the notification email within 3 days or a new winner will be drawn.

This week, I have a couple of giveaways that are ending so I'm opening up another thumbnail linky. I invite you to link up any giveaway you have that is ending this week and enter any of the ones that you like. Here is the html code if you'd like to include the linky on your blog as well.

PS. Only one week left until Christmas vacation! Lucky me!

Back in October, I met the super lovely Lynette at the Blissdom Canada Conference held here in Toronto. She is the author of the blog My Wee View and was sponsored by EcoMom to attend the event. Fortunately, she got to spread some EcoMom love by giving out gift certificates to lucky people like me who were able to make her acquaintance. And I have to say she is such a sweetheart! I am so glad that I got the chance to meet her in person. I love her bubbly personality. And she really pulled off her Sarah Palin costume quite well.

Me, Shannon (Shasher's Life) and Lynette at the Blissdom Canada Halloween Party

Just the other day, I went to redeem the gift certificates on EcoMom.com only to discover that the international fees for shipping to Canada cost more than the actual items I wanted to purchase. So I have decided to give them away instead. This contest will be open to residents of both Canada and the U.S. but I would imagine that our friends south of the border will get a better bang for their buck.

Update: Lynette mentioned that "if you contact EcoMom, they will help you out on the shipping charges. They will actually weigh out the products for you and charge you the real shipping, not the guestimate." How cool is that!

If you would like to enter this giveaway, head on over to My Wee View and leave a comment on any of Lynette's posts. Come back here and leave a comment on this post telling me you have done so along with a way to contact you if you win. This must be done before any bonus entries will be counted.


Bonus Entries: You may choose to do any or all of the following for bonus entries. Leave additional comments letting me know what you have done. Please read carefully to make sure you get all your entries in.

• Like the EcoMom Facebook page.
• Follow EcoMom on Twitter.
• Follow My Wee View using Google Friend Connect.
• Follow My Wee View on Twitter.
• Like the My Wee View Facebook fan page.
• Follow Toronto Teacher Mom using Google Friend Connect.
• Like the Toronto Teacher Mom Facebook fan page. 
• Become a follower of Toronto Teacher Mom on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway. Tweet daily for additional entries. Feel free to use the following tweet:  

This contest will end on December 21 at 10 pm EST. A winner will be selected using Random.org.

As we head into the year 2011, it never ceases to amaze me how far we have come in terms of modern inventions and technology. Just the other day, in fact, I heard on the radio that they have actually created a holodeck for military training purposes in Playa Vista. How Star Trekki is that? Yesterday, I received my evaluation based on my principal's observation during a French lesson where I implemented the SmartBoard in one of my grade 1 classes. In it, he referred to me as a "digital native" which made me smile with pride. I grew up in a world where technology was quickly becoming integrated into the classroom and now it's more prevalent than ever before. Yet, with all the remarkable innovations I have seen in my lifetime, I am still in awe of all the wonderful things we can do thanks to the Internet. By taking something so simplistic as a sticker, StickerYou.com has incorporated cutting edge technology to bring you customizable vinyl die-cut labels to suit your every need.

StickerYou has been recognized as a leader in online stickers and I am proud to say that it is a Toronto-based company that developed the Sticker Maker, a web-interface that allows people to order custom stickers. Founded in 2008, they have partnered and licensed with some popular brands such as Coke, Ford and yes, Star Trek! StickerYou has also partnered with Bernardin as well to expand on their selection of personalized food labels for those who can their own jams, seal their own sauce or preserve their own pickles. And this Christmas, StickerYou can help you make gift giving more personalized with professional quality stickers and labels by using artwork from their online library or, my favourite part, uploading your own logo or image. How cool is that!


For this review, I was sent a sheet of holiday gift tags. They came in handy for labeling teacher gifts and had some really cute images like the Christmas stocking featured above and a cute little snowman. When you order online, you get to customize the sheet any way you like. Drag and drop images from their image bank, customize each individual label by adding or editing the existing text, change the font type, size or colour and more. It's quite user friendly, I must say. And everything loads fairly quickly which makes it all the more enjoyable to personalize your order.


Along with the gift tags, I received a sheet of Christmas themed stickers. Of course, my daughter had to have them. She immediately decorated her bedroom window. They adhered very well and were easily re-positionable. My son took a couple of them to stick right on to his furniture. They were safe to use on his dresser and could be removed without leaving any residue. These would be great to use on greeting cards or envelopes and would also be great for stocking stuffers. I love how durable they are, too.

StickerYou.com is the perfect destination for the sticker fanatic on your Christmas shopping list. You'll find everything from DC Comics and Peanuts stickers to hockey stickers. I really like their Mr. Men and Little Miss stickers. So cute! StickerYou stickers are weather-resistant, dishwasher safe and microwave safe, too. You can order a sheet of stickers online for $7.99 or less, depending on quantity, and they usually ship to your door in about a week. Also, if you like the StickerYou Facebook fan page, you can receive updates on promotions such as the current 2 for 1 StickerYou deal via Kijiji Daily Deals which expires in less than two days. You can also follow StickerYou on Twitter.

Disclosure: I was sent two sheets of StickerYou stickers to facilitate this review. I was not compensated in any way. The thoughts expressed are my own honest opinions.

On the day before an encore presentation of Dinosaurs in the Snow, I get to announce the winner of the Dinosaur Train DVD giveaway. Here is the winning entry:

7. Knish said...

I liked Jim Hensen on FB as well :)

4 December, 2010 1:29 PM

Congratulations! You can check your inbox for an email soon!