YYZ Bambina

The holidays mean spending a lot of time with family. Hannah loves going over to my Mom's house for many reasons - one of them is that she gets to watch the Disney Junior channel. Her favourite shows are Doc McStuffins and Sofia the First, and she's really starting to get into Jake and the Never Land Pirates.

Check out the great specials airing on Disney Junior Canada this January 2015. At our house, we are especially excited for One Very Special Week - two of Hannah's favourite shows have special episodes the week of her birthday!

Lalaloopsy Ponies: The Big Show

Saturday, January 17 at 6 p.m. EST

Yee-haw! Disney Junior saddles up for the network premiere of Lalaloopsy Ponies: The Big Show. Set in Lalaloopsy Land, the magical movie introduces a whole new group of friends as the Lalaloopsy girls discover their new pen pals are talking ponies. In preparation for the big night, Disney Junior hosts Lalaloopsy Week where fan-favourite episodes air daily at 6 p.m. from Monday, January 12 to Friday, January 16.

ON YOUR MARK, GET SET, GO!

Sunday, January 25 beginning at 9 a.m. EST

Start your engines! Disney Junior races to the finish line with a morning full of obstacle courses, rallies and fun. The festivities begin with a special one-hour episode of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse followed by an all-new Henry Hugglemonster where Henry competes in athletic events with his scout troop. The magnificent marathon also includes race-themed episodes of Jake and the Never Land Pirates and Sheriff Callie’s Wild West.

ONE VERY SPECIAL WEEK

Monday, January 26 to Friday, January 30 beginning at 5 p.m. EST

It’s One Very Special Week on Disney Junior with back-to-back, one-hour episodes from the network’s top series airing every weekday. Among the loveable lineup includes the Sofia The First special “The Curse of Princess Ivy,” Mickey Mouse Clubhouse’s holiday episode “Minnie’s Winter Bow Show” and Jake and the Never Land Pirates’ musical special “Jake’s Never Land Rescue.”

And stay tuned, coming to Disney Junior in February 2015:

Miles From Tomorrowland (Disney Junior Original Series) First Look
Sofia the First (Disney Junior Original Series) Cedric Marathon
Around the World with Minnie, Mickey and Justin
Special Valentine’s Day Episodes from the Network’s Top Series

Make sure to follow Disney Junior Canada on Twitter (@DisneyJuniorCA) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/DisneyJuniorCanada) to keep up-to-date on all the latest programming news.

Which Disney Junior show is your child's favourite?

© 2015 YYZ Bambina. All Rights Reserved.

Before Hannah was born, lots of people gave us books for her as gifts. One such book was Guess How Much I Love You, a great book about the love between a parent and a child.

Did you know that there is a TV series based on the book? And more exciting - some episodes just came out on DVD this week!

Guess How Much I love You - Someone Special contains 7 episodes, 11 minutes each. You can watch them all at once, or if your kid is anything like mine, you can choose a favourite episode to watch over and over and over again.

The episodes follow the adventures of Little Nutbrown Hare and his friends, who always seem to need the help of his father Big Nutbrown Hare. Hannah's favourite character is Little White Owl - I guess she likes hearing her "stories". She probably also likes that she's nocturnal because it's one of her favourite words - she loves telling people what nocturnal means.

The DVD makes a great Valentine's Day treat - it's sweet, loving and won't give cavities!

Make sure to like the Kaboom! Entertainment Facebook page and follow them on Twitter to learn about upcoming releases.

One lucky YYZ Bambina reader will win the Guess How Much I Love You - Someone Special DVD and the brand new Guess How Much I Love You panorama pop book.

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Disclosure: I received a copy of Guess How Much I Love You - Someone Special for the purpose of this review. As always, opinions on this blog are my own.

I like cats better than I like most people. So it's no surprise I really like Puss in Boots from the Shrek movies...and that I was really excited to introduce Hannah to him in TV form.

Hannah still can't sit long enough to watch a full-length movie (probably a good thing) but a 23 minute show she can handle. And as much as I love the five episodes of All Hail King Julien, I was getting ready for something new from Netflix Original/DreamWorks to grace our screens.

The Adventures of Puss in Boots allow viewers to follow Puss on an misadventure - where he stumbles upon a town, San Lorenzo, and through his own greediness pretty much backs himself into a corner, becoming the town's defender. There are many, many unique characters in this town - especially the children who live at the orphanage, which of course, is shaped like a shoe. Your kids will love the children's personalities. You will love the high brow jokes that your kids won't quite understand.

Of course, there is still the awesomeness that is a cat fighting off hooligans with a sword. During one fight, a thief tries to distract Puss with a string. At first he falls for it, but then uses the string to tie up the thief, winning the fight. And don't worry - he still uses his "big eyes thing" to get out of trouble, just as he does in the Shrek movies.

And in case you're wondering why Dulcinea - the sweet grey cat who teaches at the orphanage - voice is so familiar, she's voiced by Jayma Mays of Glee fame (you can also stream Glee on Netflix). Just like King Julien, we can't wait for more episodes!

Puss in Boots is based on a book. Did you know there are other great shows based on books on Netflix? Recommendations for Little Kids include:

1. The Very Hungry Caterpillar

2. The Red Shoes
3. Harold and the Purple Crayon
4. Stuart Little: The Animated Series

What are your favourite shows or movies based on books?

Disclosure: I am part of the Netflix #StreamTeam. As always, opinions on this blog are my own.

© 2015 YYZ Bambina. All Rights Reserved.

I was in high school the first time OxiClean came home with the groceries. It was like someone had followed me around all day and was like, “I know just the product to invent for this clumsy girl.”

I was the absolute worst at spilling things on my clothes. Ketchup, salad dressing, pasta sauce. If it could spill – I would spill it. Since I had started buying my own clothes at that point, I was so excited there was a product that could finally get those tough stains out and be a hero to my favourite shirt, so it could see another day outside the closet and not be put to pasture as a dust rag.

If you have never used OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover Powder you should – it can save your clothes and so much more! The original oxygen-based stain remover also handles carpet stains, upholstery stains, even stains on hard kitchen and bathroom surfaces.

A couple of months ago Chris and I became homeowners. Hannah’s room was white and Maple Leafs blue (I’m not kidding – the old owner was a big fan). So we decided to paint her walls Sugar Plum – a pinky purple. Less man cave, more child’s haven. We also decided to install mirrored closets to make the room look bigger. The carpet in her room is blue (no big surprise), therefore when using white paint for the borders it was quite clear where our drop cloth let us down.

Enter OxiClean. One quick mix (one scoop with water), some dabbing, blotting and drying later you would never know anything had touched the pristine carpet. (I did test it first on a stain INSIDE the closet, as the package recommended.)

I have a feeling OxiClean will save us a LOT over the next few months as we put a personal touch on the condo, making it ours. And over the next few years, having a child and a cat who both love to make messes – especially on the couch.

OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover Powder has over 101 uses on multiple surfaces like carpet, upholstery, kitchen and bath surfaces, and even works outdoors on gutters, unfinished decks, and patio furniture. Oxiclean is an incredible oxygen-based stain fighter that’s chlorine free and colour safe.

OxiClean can be purchased nationally at Walmart and Shoppers Drug Mart. If you have a baby or a toddler, be sure to pick up some OxiClean Baby Stain Remover Spray. It was the only product that helped us get out formula, baby food and yes, even poop stains from Hannah’s clothes. It really saved her wardrobe when she started daycare.

For more stain-fighting tips and tricks, visit OxiClean on Facebook.

How do you use OxiClean in your home?

This post was brought to you by OxiClean Versatile Stain remover, however the images and opinions are my own. For more information please visit http://oxiclean.ca/.

Yesterday Hannah turned 3. I remarked to Chris that I now "officially" feel like a Mom. I asked him when he officially felt like a Dad, and he said the day Hannah was born.

Now before you think I'm crazy (like he clearly did) and regret reading the lifestyle/parenting blog of someone who didn't "officially" think they were a parent, please hear me out.

My very first memory is walking into Woman's College Hospital in downtown Toronto to meet my baby brother. (Some memories are traumatic experiences - I wanted a sister so badly.) Not actually walking into the room and meeting him, but the feeling of anxiousness and excitement as I walked through the hospital lobby. Who would this baby be? What would he look like? How would he affect my life? Would I REALLY have to share my toys with him?

I was 3 years and 29 days old the day my brother was born.

Anything Hannah does from this point forward could be her first memory...and I could (and hope) to very much be a part of that. But realistically, she won't remember the first three years of her life. My Mom and Dad took millions of photos of me when I was younger and I'm glad they did because while I can't remember, it proves things happened in those years. I hope when Hannah is older she will be grateful for all the photos and videos we are capturing of her early years.

I know Hannah KNOWS I am her Mom. The best part of my day is when she squeals "MOMMY!" and runs to me when I pick her up at preschool. Heck, most of the kids at her daycare call me "Hannah's Mom". But now she might actually start to remember things I do for her to reflect on when she is older.

As an aside, because I really don't want you to regret reading my blog, the first time I really felt like a parent was during the first week of Hannah's life. I had to take her to get her blood tested for jaundice and the receptionist asked, "Mom, is your baby a boy or a girl?" It struck me because this was the first time someone outside my family and friends or the hospital staff where I had given birth acknowledged my new position in life.

When did you first "officially" feel like a parent?

© 2015 YYZ Bambina. All Rights Reserved.

Tomorrow Hannah and I leave for Mexico with my Mom. Chris is staying behind, and I think the only thing that softens the blow is the fact that he will be able to do whatever he wants on Super Bowl Sunday!

Are you watching the Super Bowl this Sunday too? Watch out for the debut of a 60 second version of the influential #LikeAGirl video.

With more than 100 million people watching the Super Bowl, including an expected 10 million in Canada, Always wants to ask girls, women, boys and men across the country and around the world to help redefine the meaning of #LikeAGirl.

As my daughter grows, I want her to know that doing things #LikeAGirl means doing them the best you can - and the fact that you are a girl makes no difference in the greatness you can achieve.

Join the movement by tuning in and joining the conversation. Use the hashtag #LikeAGirl & tag @Always to take a stand and show young girls everywhere that we can make “like a girl” mean amazing things!

If you're not so much in to football, you can also check out the video below:

To celebrate, one lucky YYZ Bambina reader will win a prize pack valued at $40 including a #LikeAGirl T-shirt and Always Infinity product.

By entering the following contest you are accepting that if you win your contact information will be shared with a P&G PR and shipping agency for the purpose of mailing your prize. Please allow 4-6 weeks from the contest closure date to receive your prize. This giveaway may appear on other blogs as part of the #PGmom program. However, to be fair, you can only win once per giveaway. If your name is chosen more than once, another winner will be selected. All winners must be from within Canada excluding Quebec. Valid entries only. Contest ends February 8th, 2015. For further contest rules, refer to the Terms and Conditions within the Rafflecopter.

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Disclosure: I am a P&Gmom/mamanP&G. As part of my affiliation with this group I receive products and special access to P&G events and opportunities. The opinions on this blog are my own.

Over the years I'll openly admit to having a love/hate relationship with Valentine's Day. When you're younger, Valentine's is all about the cute little cards and providing an excuse to have a classroom party. Once you're done school and entering the workforce you either observe happily with your significant other with an expensive dinner or hang out with your single friends with expensive drinks. Eventually one might get married, have kids and then the focus becomes more family-oriented while still trying to stay romantic (I did use the word "try").

My all-time favourite Valentine's Day has to be the first year after my parents separated (I'm not cruel, please continue reading). I was living with my Mom and not dating anyone at the time. Unbeknownst to us, we both went out and got Valentine's presents for each other. It was the Frozen type of true love, mother-daughter style.

Where ever you fall on the love spectrum for Valentine's Day, Hallmark Canada has something to celebrate all the different types of loves of your life.

For her part, Hannah already loves the Hug-Lovin' Hippo Techno Plush. Move over Olaf, this Hippo loves her hugs and she cannot lie. She dances and sings a parody of "Baby Got Back". Hannah also loves hugs, dancing and singing so this Hippo is right up her alley.

She will of course be giving out Frozen Valentine's Day Cards at preschool, where I swear they call her "Elsa" when I'm not around. They have the Frozen soundtrack in her classroom and she belts out Let It Go as only a 3 year old can. Each set of Kids Valentines comes with 32 cards, 1 teacher card and stickers.

For Chris, the Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown Book. As a big fan of Peanuts, he'll love the 65th anniversary edition of this classic Valentine's story.

For my Mom, the Marjolein Bastin Die-Cut Heart Memo Pad. She can take it to work or leave it by her home phone - either way she'll be jotting down the prettiest notes ever.

And for me (because after all, you can not love until you love yourself), the Love Cup with Marker will hold my tea and allow me to write different witty sayings over and over again.

Make sure to visit your local Hallmark store for plenty more great Valentine's gifts for all the loves in your life.

How do you celebrate Valentine's Day?

One lucky YYZ Bambina reader will win a Hug-Lovin' Hippo Techno Plush! In order for the winner to have their prize by Valentine's Day, this giveaway closes Feb. 7th, 2015.

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Disclosure: I am part of the 2015 Hallmark Canada Blogger Panel. As always, opinions on this blog are my own.

© 2015 YYZ Bambina. All Rights Reserved.

Sorry the blog was super quiet last week. I had a great excuse - my Mom, Hannah and I were in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and my resort had no Wifi. We had a mostly relaxing vacation (I say mostly because Hannah and I returned with some sort of cold/flu bug, fabulous for flying...) and Toronto welcomed us home yesterday with more snow.

Winter is easily my least favourite season. Skating and skiing aside, after Christmas, I want it to immediately be spring. The only positive thing about winter for me is this - sweaters. Nothing beats a comfy, gorgeous, weight-gain hiding sweater. So while I am sad to wash my summer clothes and pack them away for next few months, after all the fabulous food I ate on vacation I'm thankful my sweaters literally have my back (and, uh, love handles). Having a January baby, most of my sweaters are also sentimental to me - they grew with Hannah in my belly and thankfully took back their original shape postpartum.

This winter, Downy is challenging Canadians to share their favourite fashion looks that make them want to rip their clothes on. How? Sprinkle a little Downy Unstopables into your load of laundry and your clothes will smell oh so fresh you’ll just have to cuddle up with your loved ones!

Downy Unstopables are also great for getting rid of smells - especially when potty-training toddlers have expected accidents. You just sprinkle some into the washer at the beginning of the wash and your clothes, towels and linens come out smelling more fabulous than they ever did before! Added bonus - the scent lasts for up to 12 weeks.

One lucky YYZ Bambina reader will win a #RipYourClothesOn bundle valued at approximately $45 including Downy Unstopables, Ultra Downy & a $25 Joe Fresh gift card!

Two of my favourite sweaters are from Joe Fresh. One is a brown sparkly number that makes a drab winter day fab, and the other is a comfy black sweater that is super slimming - I like it so much I actually wore it last Christmas, as you can see in the photo below.

I love that I can shop for clothes in Real Canadian Superstore and Loblaw banner stores across Canada while picking up Downy products at the same time.

Do you have a favourite sweater?

By entering the following contest you are accepting that if you win your contact information will be shared with a P&G PR and shipping agency for the purpose of mailing your prize. Please allow 4-6 weeks from the contest closure date to receive your prize. This giveaway may appear on other blogs as part of the #PGmom program. However, to be fair, you can only win once per giveaway. If your name is chosen more than once, another winner will be selected. All winners must be from within Canada excluding Quebec. Valid entries only. Contest ends February 23rd, 2015. For further contest rules, refer to the Terms and Conditions within the Rafflecopter.

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Disclosure: I am a P&Gmom/mamanP&G. As part of my affiliation with this group I receive products and special access to P&G events and opportunities. The opinions on this blog are my own.

© 2015 YYZ Bambina. All Rights Reserved.

Last month, Hannah told me she wanted to change her name to Toopy Baa Baa Pizza Pizza Pie Mr. Potato. I kid you not. Clearly Toopy was in homage to every preschooler's favourite rat - Toopy of Toopy and Binoo fame.

So she was really excited when I brought home two new DVDs for her - I Love Toopy and I Love Binoo.

Each DVD is 75 minutes long and contains many Toopy and Binoo favourites - and both are in stores now, a perfect gift for Valentine's Day!

I Love Toopy

Watch as Toopy shows us the meaning of friendship as he goes on a fishing trip with Binoo, looks for the perfect planet, has a camp out and plays in the land of bubbles.

I Love Binoo

Watch as Binoo gets ready for Valentine’s Day, gets lost playing with books, plays peek-a-boo with Toopy and shows us the true meaning of friendship.

Hannah's favourite episode is "Binoo's Letter". She likes watching Toopy and Binoo deliver all the letters and see what each of the animals get in the mail.

Make sure to like the Kaboom! Entertainment Facebook page and follow them on Twitter to learn about upcoming releases.

Does your child prefer Toopy or Binoo?

One lucky YYZ Bambina reader will win BOTH DVDs! Enter using the Rafflecopter below by February 24th, 2015.

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Disclosure: I received copies of the DVDs for the purpose of this review. As always, opinions on my blog are my own.

© 2015 YYZ Bambina. All Rights Reserved.

The only thing that makes the cold week back at work bearable after a week with palm trees is an upcoming Family Day long weekend. Last week at this time, Hannah was building me sand birthday cakes on the beach as I laid under a palm tree. She was also putting Kinder Sorpresa in her child's shopping cart at the Mexican Walmart.

Little does she know that this weekend she'll be surprised on Saturday morning with more Kinder eggs as a Valentine's Day treat - including Disney Fairies and Transformers heart trains (OK, so the Disney Fairies or "tooth fairies" as she calls them are for Hannah, the Transformers will be for me).

She's so proud that she can open the wrapping and eat the chocolate herself. She still sometimes needs help making the toys before she plays though, and I enjoy making the toys together. I also enjoy when she wants to share some of the delicious chocolate.

I'm not sure how we will spend Valentine's Day or what we will have for dinner Saturday night. I do know a second Kinder egg will very likely be dessert.

Do you celebrate Valentine's Day with chocolate?

Kinder Canada on Social Media

#KinderPlayWednesday is back in action. Every Wednesday expect to see fun games on the Kinder Canada Facebook page to help give busy parents ideas on how to engage and play with their kids.

Did you know that @KinderCanada is on Instagram? If you share Kinder-themed pictures tagged with the @KinderCanada handle they can get re-grammed on the page!

DISCLOSURE: I’m a #KinderMom who is part of the KINDER® Canada influencer team; as part of my affiliation with KINDER® Canada, I am provided with special perks and products. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

© 2015 YYZ Bambina. All Rights Reserved.

This morning while I was at work I saw on social media a 3-year-old boy had gone missing in the 401/Bathurst area in Toronto. Quite quickly it was discovered he had left his Grandma's apartment - alone - where he had been spending the night. He ventured out around 4 am when it was -17 C with the windchill making it feel like -28. Elijah had on a tee shirt, a pull-up and his winter boots. The photo of him leaving the building through the lobby is haunting, all of us now knowing what would happen to him after he pushed open that door.

My heart aches for his family. All day I was refreshing Twitter - happy he was found, then crossing my fingers for a miracle while he was at the hospital. As a mom to a 3-year-old, I know just how clever they can be.

This tragedy is no one's fault.

I know, because at the age of 4 I also made it to my apartment's lobby - without an adult, but with my one year old brother in tow. I knew how to get on the elevator and press the button to go to the lobby. It was moving day and I suppose my brother and I somehow got lost in the shuffle. Most likely my Mom had told me to press the elevator button and wait for her and obviously I did not. When the elevator doors opened in the lobby, my Dad was standing right there and intercepted our escape.

Why I chose to get on the elevator alone (well, again, with my one year old brother) I'm not sure. Why I pressed the button to go to the lobby, I'm not sure. But I did these things. And for an entire elevator ride, my brother and I were without adult supervision. And it wasn't anyone's fault.

We will never know why Elijah put on his winter boots and left his Grandma's apartment so early in the morning on such a frigid day.

Please do not blame his family - this tragedy could have happened to anyone, and I am living proof.

Keep Elijah's family in your thoughts and prayers instead. I know I will be.

RIP Elijah.

I used to laugh at photos on the Internet of tiny fingers underneath the bathroom door. That will NEVER happen to me I thought.

Then I became a Mom.

The first few weeks of my maternity leave, I was super paranoid of leaving Hannah alone to use the washroom, so I'd put her in her little Fisher-Price chair right at the bathroom door while I was using the facilities. Now that I have a 3-year-old, privacy is a thing of the past - unless she's not at home or she's asleep. Now I have an audience outside the door - always. "Mommy, what are you doing? Are you peeing? Are you putting contacts on? Are you brushing your hair? Your hair is pretty, Mommy."

I'm sure every parent can relate. It's easy to let the little things escape you when your child is a priority - even forcing themselves to be one in the place you should really be able to have a few minutes alone.

That's why I love the new Pantene Pro-V Full & Strong Shampoo and Pantene Pro-V Full & Strong Conditioner. The shower is the only place where I get to be alone. The sounds of the water drown out any questions from my little one...I can relax and enjoy the few minutes I have to myself...and while I do so my hair get high intensity strength and natural fullness. The shampoo features anti-oxidant technology and is damage defying, while the conditioner helps reinforce strands at the core of the hair, leaving me with full hair instead of my natural flat.

I'm more of a lip gloss girl, but I really like the light shade of COVERGIRL Colorlicious Lipstick Caramel Kiss. It has Shea, Avocado and Aloe butter enriched formula - which makes it apply smoothly and fight against dry winter lips. The line comes in 36 shades so if you want your lips to stand out, you can.

Every few years I like to use Crest White Strips to keep my teeth white and bright. The latest Crest 3D White Whitestripes LUXE Supreme Flexfit are more comfortable than ever before as custom fit your smile.

One lucky YYZ Bambina reader will win a beauty prize pack with Pantene Pro-V, COVERGIRL and Crest products. The prize pack is valued at approximately $72 and consists of:

By entering the following contest you are accepting that if you win your contact information will be shared with a P&G PR and shipping agency for the purpose of mailing your prize. Please allow 4-6 weeks from the contest closure date to receive your prize. This giveaway may appear on other blogs as part of the #PGmom program. However, to be fair, you can only win once per giveaway. If your name is chosen more than once, another winner will be selected. All winners must be from within Canada excluding Quebec. Valid entries only. Contest ends March 9th, 2015. For further contest rules, refer to the Terms and Conditions within the Rafflecopter.

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Disclosure: I am a P&Gmom/mamanP&G. As part of my affiliation with this group I receive products and special access to P&G events and opportunities. The opinions on this blog are my own.

© 2015 YYZ Bambina. All Rights Reserved.

I wanted to be a teacher when I grew up – at least I did until about Grade 8. That's when I discovered you could actually write for a living, which began my quest to get in to Ryerson’s Journalism Program. Spoiler alert: I succeeded. If my Grade 8 English teacher Ms. Markham hadn't noticed my flair for writing, I may have never gone to Journalism school or, many years later, started this blog. The piece I wrote that impressed her was an instructional one, about making my favourite meal – Kraft Dinner – and she actually found it interesting!

Another teacher who left a lasting impression on me was my high school Physics teacher Mr. Kinsman. Even though I was never good at math, he somehow always made formulas so interesting and entertaining - and therefore easy for me to remember. In fact, even though it wasn’t a requirement for any of the university programs I was applying to, I liked his class so much I continued taking Physics right through OAC.

As a kid, I always thought being a teacher would be awesome. As an adult who now has a kid, I’m in awe of teachers. I have many friends who teach and the amount of work they put in to their profession outside of the classroom is astounding.

Did you know that every teacher in publicly funded elementary and secondary schools in Ontario must be certified by the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT)? Once teachers have successfully completed a teacher education program, they apply to the College for a Certificate of Qualification and Registration, which is their license to teach in Ontario.

You can find a teacher using the OCT’s public register. Simply visit oct.ca/findateacher. The records include the teacher’s qualifications, date of initial certification, status with the college and disciplinary history (if applicable).

While on the OCT website you can also sign up for The Standard, the OCT’s free electronic newsletter. In it you will find information about college services, how the college works to ensure high standards in education, reports on education trends and changes in education legislation.

If you would like more frequent updates from the OCT, make sure you follow them on Twitter @OCT_OEEO, Facebook and YouTube.

Did you have a teacher who left a lasting impression on you? Has your child met theirs yet?

This post was sponsored by the Ontario College of Teachers but opinions and experiences shared here are my own.

© 2015 YYZ Bambina. All Rights Reserved.

One of my favourite things about having a preschooler is our conversations. Throughout a single one, Hannah can change what she wants to be when she grows up multiple times. The top professions usually are doctor, scientist and puppy.

Her love of science definitely comes from watching Sid the Science Kid which streams on Netflix Canada.

Hannah is in love with Sid. She'll ask me where Sid lives. She'll tell people Sid is her friend. That she goes to preschool just like Sid does. And that she wants a dog just like Sid does.

I love the show too. Well, save Gerald. The Jim Henson production follows preschooler Sid and his friends May, Gabriella and the aforementioned Gerald. They all go to the best preschool ever (only four kids!) and learn about a variety of different scientific things from teacher Susie. They also sing catchy songs in every single episode and there's always a scientific song about the focus of each (I like checking out charts, because charts rule. A chart is a handy dandy scientific tool. It gives you information you see with your eyes, a chart helps you visualize. Get the picture? So do I). The songs are catchy - and stick in your head.

The kids are all curious and polite. Sid usually comes to school with a question about something he discovered earlier that day at home.

My favourite episode takes place on Sid's birthday - he declares everyone should eat birthday cake for every meal. (I love birthday cake, so in some ways I really wish we could). The kids learn that it's better to have balanced foods and treats only sometimes to keep their bodies healthy.

Hannah's favourite is about animals and how they communicate. It's also the episode that Sid constantly asks for a dog.

In a few episodes, Gabriella's mom is also featured - she is a research scientist who works at the local science centre, showing what Sid might do if he does indeed grow up to be a scientist.

I love watching Sid the Science Kid with Hannah. It explores science in a fun way and in certain episodes even I learn something new!

Some other great shows for little kids include:

What do your kids want to be when they grow up?

Disclosure: I am part of the Netflix #StreamTeam. As always, opinions on this blog are my own.

© 2015 YYZ Bambina. All Rights Reserved.

It's officially less than two weeks until spring! Whether or not the winter weather will completely ease up on us is to be seen, but we can dream of spring - especially Easter and Mother's Day - with great new plush toys, books, home gifts, stationary and gift bags from Hallmark Canada.

Spring has always been my favourite season - notably because my birthday is in April. As I got older I also became a big fan of Easter, and of course, when I was blessed with Hannah I now like spring best because of Mother's Day.

For all the occasions that occur in spring, Hallmark Canada has you covered.

Easter Sunday is April 5th this year.

Nothing says Easter like Easter Beagle Snoopy Plush. As mentioned in my Valentine's post, Chris loves Peanuts so he was really excited to receive one of these!

Hannah was more partial to Mimi. She's at the age where she likes telling other people what to do (most of the times nicely, other times not so nicely). She likes that she can TELL Mimi a song to sing and Mimi obliges. And when she can't decide what she wants to hear, she can say, "Mimi's choice" and Mimi picks one of the seven songs for her. (Check out the bottom of this post to enter to win your own Mimi!)

To wrap it all up, Hallmark also has a variety of colourful gift bags for Easter - including a super cute bag with Woodstock on top of a bunch of Easter eggs in a nest.

Mother's Day is Sunday, May 10th this year.

Like anything in life, you really don't know what it's like to be a Mom until you become one.

Over the years, I've defaulted to giving my Mom flowers for Mother's Day, but Hallmark Canada allows you to give gifts that will last a lifetime versus a few weeks.

In stores you can find books that celebrate Mom. My Mom, My Friend by Renee Daniels is a book of pretty pictures and sayings. You're Love, Mom: A Few Reasons Why is a book you can personalize by filling out memories of your mother while thanking her for all she's done.

Hallmark Canada also has embroidered items such as pillows and framed sentiments. I love the "Home" pillow - as we continue to update and decorate our condo, it reminds me this is in fact home.

I love the Ceramic Desktop Whiteboards with Marker. It's a perfect place to put to-dos or write a personal message versus communicating via text.

How do you celebrate Easter and Mother's Day?

Would you like to win a Mimi? Enter using the Rafflecopter below by March 23rd, 2015.

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Disclosure: I am part of the 2015 Hallmark Canada Blogger Panel. As always, opinions on this blog are my own.

© 2015 YYZ Bambina. All Rights Reserved.

Since April 2014, Canadians have come out in droves to support the P&G and Walmart Clean Water Program, raising more than 20 million days of clean drinking water for families around the world and propelling the initiative to within 20 per cent of its year-long donation goal. P&G has pledged to donate the equivalent of one day of clean drinking water for every participating P&G household product purchased in Walmart stores or online at Walmart.ca until March 19, 2015. By stocking up on P&G products, you’ll be taking a small step to make a big difference.

Participating P&G Brands include:

How do you encourage your children to lend a hand in their local and global communities?

On a quarterly basis our family also donates items to daycares and donation centres.

When Hannah is a little older I would love for her and I to donate time with a charity that takes care of animals...it will just be hard for both of us not to want to take them all home!

Hannah didn't have a birthday party this year, but when she does, she'll have "Twonie Parties". Guest will bring two twonies - one will be given to Hannah (allowing her to pick one birthday present versus receiving many she doesn't need) and the other will be given to a charity of Hannah's choice.

P&G Clean Water Giveaway

One kind YYZ Bambina reader will win:

Swiffer Sweep & Trap Starter Kit
Mr. Clean Antibacterial Multi-Surfaces Liquid Cleaner
Tide Pods Spring Meadow
Dawn Ultra Original Scent with Active Suds Dishwashing Liquid
Febreze Extra Strength
Febreze Air Effects Unstopables Fresh
Febreze Air Effects Unstopables Lush
Febreze Air Effects Unstopables Shimmer
Febreze Candle Unstopables Fresh
Febreze Candle Unstopables Lush
Febreze Fabric Refresher Unstopables Lush
Febreze Fabric Refresher Unstopables Shimmer
Febreze Noticeables Unstopables Fresh
Febreze Noticeables Unstopables Fresh – Refill
Febreze Noticeables Unstopables Shimmer

By entering the following contest you are accepting that if you win your contact information will be shared with a P&G PR and shipping agency for the purpose of mailing your prize. Please allow 4-6 weeks from the contest closure date to receive your prize. This giveaway may appear on other blogs as part of the #PGmom program. However, to be fair, you can only win once per giveaway. If your name is chosen more than once, another winner will be selected. All winners must be from within Canada excluding Quebec. Valid entries only. Contest ends March 22nd, 2015. For further contest rules, refer to the Terms and Conditions within the Rafflecopter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I am a P&Gmom/mamanP&G. As part of my affiliation with this group I receive products and special access to P&G events and opportunities. The opinions on this blog are my own.

© 2015 YYZ Bambina. All Rights Reserved.

There are people who refuse to be chained to a desk all day. There are people who refuse to work within four walls. There are people who willingly work in -40 C weather in the winter in our great country to benefit others.

My brother is one of these people. His job involves working outdoors and/or in dark dusty tunnels. He works for the Toronto Transit Commission. He ensures hundreds of thousands of people get where they are going each and every day - no matter how cold it is outside. He is my #TideColdHero.

A chilly "office" view

Growing up, I never ever thought my brother would text me "I still can't feel my face" many hours after working a long, freezing night shift. He was always at the computer (which caused serious issues between us - especially when it came to how to divvy up our 5 hours of monthly Internet - oh the 90s) or playing on a game system. I figured he'd go in to something dealing with desktop computers and be some sort of tech help for others as he was always helping family and friends.

Instead he went to college and took electronics. Which, looking back, shouldn't really have surprised me - he was always taking things apart and putting them back together. I just didn't think he'd have a job where he was outdoors so much.

Simpler times. AKA before the Internet.

When I heard about #TideColdHero, I instantly thought of my brother. As a #PGmom, I was so happy to be able to gift him a limited edition Tide scarf, travel mug, and of course, Tide Coldwater HE Liquid laundry detergent to ensure he has a product that is as tough in the cold as he is.

Hannah also thinks of her Uncle as a hero. Whether we are going over bumpy roads or on a playdate where her friend has a broken necklace, "My Uncle Ra Ra can fix it."

You can learn about other Tide Cold Weather Heroes at http://www.theweathernetwork.com/coldweatherheroes.

Who is your #TideColdHero?

Disclosure: I am a P&Gmom/mamanP&G. As part of my affiliation with this group I receive products and special access to P&G events and opportunities. The opinions on this blog are my own.

© 2015 YYZ Bambina. All Rights Reserved.

With thawing temperatures this week, I'm starting to get excited about spring and Easter. Kaboom! Entertainment has us covered with the perfect DVDs to celebrate the slow arrival of slightly warmer weather!

Zack & Quack Popping Hopping Easter

Zack (a dynamic boy) & Quack (an impulsive young duck) live inside the most amazing pop-up book ever! It's a place full of fantastical surprises – where pulling pop-ups makes exciting and unexpected things happen.

Hannah loves books, especially pop-ups, so it was wonderful to watch her watch show that takes place within one. As someone who suffers hiccups on a regular basis, Hannah enjoyed watching the episode "Popping Hopping Hiccups". Belly Up, a frog with an amazing accent, spends the episode trying different ways to loose his hiccups as the gang jumps through several pages.

Zack & Quack Popping Hopping Easter includes 5 episodes that run 11 minutes each. It's the first time Zack & Quack are on DVD in Canada!

Another great Easter gift is Guess How Much I Love You - Someone Special. A DVD with stories featuring a bunny is quite fitting!

The Treehouse Ultimate Collection Cube

The Treehouse Ultimate Collection Cube contains 10 DVDs, which results in over 10 hours of educational fun. DVDs include some of the most popular Treehouse friends including Toopy, Binoo, Franklin, Max, Ruby, Brother Bear, Captain Barnacles, Kwazii, Golias and Nessa.

We don't have cable. We have Netflix and many, many DVDs. Hannah gets to watch Treehouse when she's over at Grandma's. Last year the Big Show was My Big Big Friend, but this year she LOVES Octonauts.

Chris filmed Hannah opening the Treehouse Ultimate Collection Cube - check out her reactions in the unboxing video below.

Make sure to like the Kaboom! Entertainment Facebook page and follow them on Twitter to learn about upcoming releases.

One lucky YYZ Bambina reader will win the Treehouse Ultimate Collection Cube AND Zack & Quack Hopping Easter. Make sure to enter by March 27th, 2015.

If you asked me to describe Wizard World, I would say it's a mini indoor CNE for kids. (The for kids part is very important - you won't be admitted without one!)

Happening now until March 22nd, 2015 at the Better Living Building on Exhibition Grounds, Wizard World has it all. Rides, games, shows, fair food and animals too.

We were lucky enough to visit today - opening day - and Hannah had a great time.

We started the day in the Tiny Tots Area which was filled with toys, jumping castles and even Bubble Guppies on TV. Hannah loved playing in the tents and in the castle. The only way we got her to leave was that we saw Olaf walking by - she had to give him a warm hug!

Then it was on to some rides. Hannah was able to ride most things with an adult, although there are quite a few rides meant strictly for the older kids. We had SO much fun on the roller coaster that we rode it THREE times...in a row!

We checked out some kangaroos and lemurs at the petting zoo and then had a Pizza Pizza lunch.

There are also daily shows and performances by The Magic Family, Doo Doo the Clown, Ontario Falconry Centre's Birds of Prey, and Tiger Paw Exotics. There's also face painting and a colouring station too.

With the Home Show going on in the Direct Energy Centre it's a good idea to arrive early to find parking. You can buy tickets online or at the door - but make sure you bring cash. Especially for those awesome Tiny Tom's Donuts!

What are you doing this March Break?

Disclosure: We received passes to Wizard World for the purpose of this review. As always, opinions on this blog are my own.

© 2015 YYZ Bambina. All Rights Reserved.

It's no surprise that I REALLY love P&G products. Did you know that several P&G products received the Best New Product Award, based on results of the 2015 BrandSpark consumer survey conducted between November and December 2014? Winners are determined based on consumer appeal and repurchase intent.

Check out the list below for a full review of the categories and products that won from P&G!

Oral-B Precision Black 7000 (Adult Powered Teeth Cleaning over $40)
Febreze First Defense (Air Freshener)
Olay Luminous Tone Perfecting Cream (Anti-Aging Facial Care)
Pampers Sensitive Wipes (Baby Wipe)
Charmin Bathroom Tissue Ultra Soft 4 Double Rolls (Bathroom Tissue)
Olay Sensitive Body Wash (Body Wash)
CoverGirl + Olay The Depuffer Concealer (Concealer)
Pampers Swaddlers (Diapers)
Cascade Platinum Clean Packs (Dishwasher Cleaning)
CoverGirl + Olay Face Lift Effect Foundation (Foundation)
Clairol Nice ‘n Easy AgeDefy Hair Colour (Hair Colour)
Pantene Overnight Miracle Repair Serum (Hair Oils and Serums)
Gain Flings (Laundry Detergent Pods)
Tide Simply Clean and Fresh (Laundry Detergent)
CoverGirl by Lashblast Bombshell Curvaceous Mascara (Mascara)
Old Spice Swagger Deodorant (Men’s Antiperspirant/Deodorant)
Gillette Fusion ProGlide with FlexBall Technology (Men’s Razor)
Pantene Pro-V Damage Detox Shampoo & Conditioner (Shampoo & Conditioner)
Crest Sensi-Relief Whitening Plus Scope Minty Fresh (Toothpaste)
Gillette Venus Embrace Sensitive (Women’s Razor)

My absolute fave from the winners is Gain Flings. I LOVE the scent of Gain so to be able to have my clothes carry that scent is amazing. Of course, I'm also a fan of Pampers Swaddlers (love that indicator!) and Gillette Venus Embrace Sensitive which leaves my legs silky smooth.

Do you have a favourite from the winners?

One lucky YYZ Bambina reader will win a P&G Best New Product Awards pack, consisting of:

Pantene Pro-V Damage Detox Shampoo
Pantene Pro-V Damage Detox Conditioner
Pampers Swaddlers (Size 3)
Pampers Sensitive Wipes
Febreze Air Effects Crisp Clean
Tide Simply Clean & Fresh
Gain Flings

By entering the following contest you are accepting that if you win your contact information will be shared with a P&G PR and shipping agency for the purpose of mailing your prize. Please allow 4-6 weeks from the contest closure date to receive your prize. This giveaway may appear on other blogs as part of the #PGmom program. However, to be fair, you can only win once per giveaway. If your name is chosen more than once, another winner will be selected. All winners must be from within Canada excluding Quebec. Valid entries only. Contest ends April 2nd, 2015. For further contest rules, refer to the Terms and Conditions within the Rafflecopter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I am a P&Gmom/mamanP&G. As part of my affiliation with this group I receive products and special access to P&G events and opportunities. The opinions on this blog are my own.

© 2015 YYZ Bambina. All Rights Reserved.

New Year, New Episodes from Disney Junior Canada!

Guess How Much I Love You - Someone Special now on DVD! #Review #Giveaway

En garde! Stream The Adventures of Puss in Boots now! #StreamTeam

Fight tough stains with OxiClean #WowOxiClean

Officially 3, Officially a Mom

Super Bowl Sunday #LikeAGirl #PGmom #Giveaway

Share the Love this Valentine's Day with Hallmark Canada #Review #Giveaway

This Winter #RipYourClothesOn with Downy #PGmom #Review #Giveaway

Celebrate Valentine's Day with Toopy and Binoo #Review #Giveaway

Create #KinderSmiles this Valentine's Day #KinderMom

I Could Have Been Elijah

Beauty Must-Haves for Busy Moms #PGmom #Review #Giveaway

Educate your child & yourself with the Ontario College of Teachers

Learning about professions with a preschooler on Netflix Canada #StreamTeam

Spring has sprung at Hallmark Canada #LoveHallmarkCA #Review #Giveaway

Clean Water Family Kindness Challenge #CleanWater #PGmom #Giveaway

My Brother, My #TideColdHero #PGmom

Have a Hoppy Easter with Zack & Quack and the Treehouse Ultimate Collection Cube #Review #Giveaway #Unboxing

Make March Break Magical at Wizard World! #WizardWorldFun

P&G wins Best New Product Awards #PGmom #giveaway