12 Days of Giveaways: Day 3 with Mastermind Toys

Before when I use to ask my child or my niece or nephew what they wanted for their Birthday or for Christmas and they would reply with some sort of toy, my response would usually be less than absorbed.

Yes, I sadly caught the BA (Boring Adult) Syndrome.

I forgot how much toys not only brought joy and elation to a child on Christmas morning, but the many adventures and education it actually brought as well.

I learned to count as a toddler using toys. I learned to walk using toys. I grasped math and science growing up with toys. 

We grow up and we forget the value of play.

What I admire about Mastermind Toys is that they carry only the best quality selection of toys that get your brain and body going along with art of play. There's nothing wasted nor humdrum about them.

You can rest assured what you purchase from Mastermind Toys will always be a great buy! 

Two toys that I really enjoyed (along with my children of course) and found to be so interesting is the Tegu Magnetic Wooden Building Blocks and the Hexbug Aquabots!

Create colourful structures with this beautiful set of Tegu Magnetic Wooden Building Blocks! Tinted in bright colours and featuring magnets, Tegu is ready to inspire creative designs and lots of fun for young builders! Complete with a set of 4 Tegu Magnetic Wooden Wheels, this 42 piece, large building set allows for the construction of structures as well as rolling vehicle creations!

ARV $109.99, mastermindtoys.com

My daughter, son, husband, brother, sister, mom, dad, nephew, neighbour, friend... LOVED building with the Tegu Magnetic Wooden Building Blocks. Age on the box says 0-99 for a reason -- it's so much fun! 

Because of their amazing quality and structure, this is one toy that is sure to last many, many years. Possibly even a hand-me-down to my future grand-kids!

My daughter loves underwater life. She is begging me for a big aquarium filled with fish, turtles, starfish, sharks, manta rays, octopus and more. 

I guess for now we will settle with these cool "robo-fish" as my husband likes to call them.

The Hexbug Aquabot is the first water-born Hexbug micro robotic creature with smart fish technology! Powered by electro-magnetic propulsion, this swimming fish propels itself to explore its environment. The colourful Hexbug Aquabot offers kids the fun experience of having a pet fish, without all the messy clean-up. The Aquabots are equipped with an automatic on and off sensor that activates when submerged in water, a design element meant to get kids thinking about the science behind the robot.

ARV $8.99/each, mastermindtoys.com

This is one stocking stuffer of small gift idea that will please any child! No matter how picky they can be!

To learn more, visit Mastermind Toys at www.mastermindtoys.com.

Courtesy of Mastermind Toys, we are bringing the exciting gift of play with a Tegu 42-Piece Wooden Building Block Set (Tints) and 2 Hexbug Aquabots {ARV $128}!

To enter, leave a comment below telling me why you think PLAY is so important for your child.

Open to Canadian Residents only.

Contest ends 12/12.

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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CAC's Top 10 Father's Day Gift Guide

I'm glad that my dad is the type of guy that makes it easy for me when buying him gifts. He usually gives off tons of hints during casual conversation and he's pretty easy.
My husband on the other hand, is a different story. He's a man that knows exactly what he wants and extremely particular.
Getting him a gift that he will actually use can be a challenge but thankfully after many years of being married, I'm starting to slowly get the hang of man-shopping.
And they say it's hard to shop for a woman? Pssssh! Yeah right!

No matter the type of DAD you're shopping for, I've compiled my Top 10 Favourite Gift Ideas for every Father out there.
Gifts that he will actually use!
Thank me later.

1)  Black & Decker 18V Cordless NiCad Drill/Driver with Accessories
Sale Price $49.97 (Reg. $99.99), Canadian Tire
A handy Drill Set for everyday use. A great gift for the "handyman" in your family.

2) Beer Making Kit
$49.50, Indigo
The perfect gift for the DIY-guy, this apartment-friendly kit from Brooklyn Brew Shop makes it easy to craft artisanal beer in your own kitchen.

3) Gastro Grilling: Fired-up Recipes To Grill Great Everyday Meals
$19.14, Indigo
If your Dad is the "King of the Grill", get his hands on this!
Gastro Grilling is for everyone who loves to fire up the grill at any time of the year and turn an everyday meal into a gastronomic delight. This must-have book features recipes for great-flavoured steaks of beef, veal, pork, lamb, and game-the essence of grilling. And there are plenty of tasty chicken recipes, too.

4) Tim Horton's Gift Card 
What Dad can't use this? 
Whether it's the start or middle of a long day at work or before his son's hockey practice, Dad will appreciate some Tims. A Canadian Father's Favourite! 

5) Bath & Body Works Paris Blue Signature Collection for Men
From $11.00 (Buy 3, Get 2 Free Sale), Bath & Body Works
A modern blend of white woods, orange zest, and a hint of musk, he will embark on an ultimate adventure with this fresh and crisp scent.
And of course, we all know... Paris is always a good idea.

 6) Golf Stay and Play Packages
From $229/night, Deerhurst Resort
Your Golf-Loving Dad will love a fantastic and relaxing weekend stay away from it all!
With several stay and play packages to choose from, you can find the perfect course for Dad.

7) Joe Fresh Classic Polo Shirts
$12 each - CURRENT SALE: 2 for $20, Joe Fresh
A staple piece that every man definitely has in his wardrobe. Mix it up with different colours - whether he's open to bold or brights or prefers the classics, a Classic Polo Shirt will surely be a great gift!

8) Men's Bag
(Left)   Fossil Estate Messenger Bag $178, The Hudson's Bay
(Right) Mulberry Men’s Medium Clipper Holdall Bag
A stylish and classy way to carry all he needs for business or travel, he'll love one of these strapping bags.

9)  Men's Shoes (Top 3 Popular Styles Under $100)
L-R:
Pegabo Sarabia Double Monk Strap
Sale Price $90 (Reg. $150), The Hudson's Bay
Pegabo Maniello Oxfords
Sale Price $78 (Reg. $130), The Hudson's Bay
Sperry Top-Sider Boat Shoes
Sale Price $82.50 (Reg. $110), The Hudson's Bay
You can tell a lot about a man by the shoes he wears. Just when we thought a woman could never have enough shoes... 

10) Olloclip 3-in-1 Photo Lens for iPhone
$69.99, Best Buy
This is a brand new lens for the iPhone's and truly a must-have!
Shoot stunning photos using your Apple iPhone 4, 4S or 5 with this Olloclip 3-in-1 photo lens that features fish-eye, wide-angle and macro lenses with multi-element coated glass optics for clear pictures.

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Mother's Day Gift Ideas Under $25 at Target Canada

I can't tell you how ecstatic I was when the doors of Target opened all across Canada.  

Target has made shopping so much more easier for me as a busy mother that still looks for good quality items, and for some miraculous reason, this is the one large retail shop that my 4 year old seems to never have a tantrum of some sort in *knocks on wood*. Must be the Red! Or the fact that the target logo can be quite hypnotizing. Well done, Target.

Have you been to your local Target yet?

Mother's Day is fast approaching and there truly is no better place to get so many wonderful gift ideas at fantastic pricing than at Target.

Here are some of my favourite gift ideas under $25 spotted during my most recent trip to Target.

Kate Young is one of my favourite Target Designer Brands featuring chic and on-trend items for every savvy and stylish woman. These gorgeous clutches and accessories would make lovely gifts! Some fab finds under $25!

And if that wasn't enough pretty for you, their selection of jewelry pieces are to die for!
They've got a variety of jewelry to suit all taste. These ones are perfect for Spring/Summer and will add the perfect touch to Mom's wardrobe. They start at $5.99 with most under $25!

If she loves bags, they have quite a few under $25. These Merona Clutches (seen here in sand colour) are only $24.99. They have deals all the time so watch out for more discounts!

Hello Spring/Summer! 
These are super lovely outfits! Many of their blouses, pants, tops, dresses from their amazing line-up of designers including Kate Young, Massimo, Merona and more are priced under $25!
You will definitely find something that Mom will love!
If you are looking for something for an Expecting Mom, they've got a gorgeous collection of Maternity wear too.

What woman doesn't love cardi's? They can change up a wardrobe in an instant.
I personally love cardigan's and these Merona ones in an assortment of appealing prints will make any woman happy.
Target sizes range from XS to XXL.
These cardigans are priced so well at only $24.99!

If you know a mom that loves taking pictures and proudly displaying them as much as I do, these charming selection of frames would make a great gift. Prices start at $5.99 with the artistic hanging frames at only $24.99.

Mmm, something smells delightful.
Scented Candles are never a bad gift idea. Well, for most that is. I am addicted to scented candles and personally find them to always make for a lovely gift idea.
This collection I came across including Diffusers, Scented Candles, Vases, even notepads are simply adorable. Prices start at $9.99.

And how about pairing a candle with a comfy throw?
I know the weather is getting warmer, but every woman loves curling up at night underneath a cozy throw blanket. They've got some throws in different colours and prints available under $25.
Perhaps even pick up a book in their book section and a box of tea too? Perfect combo!

I'm weak for pretty prints so when I saw these stone dishware items starting at only $3.99 (microwavable and dishwasher safe) in an array of dainty designs I knew I just had to have it!
And yes, I did leave this trip with a few of them. 

For the mother that enjoys a slow-cooked, delicious meal and not much time on her hands, these slow cookers are a fantastic gift idea under $25! Check out that white and light blue damask printed one. Super cute!

Perfumes tend to be a tricky gift purchase as not every person enjoys fragrances and of course, everyone has their own scent preference. But if you know that mom well and know what she will love, I'm sure you'll find a great perfume to suit her taste with the collection they have.
There are quite a few under $25! If perfume is not her cup of tea, they also have bath and body product gift sets and/or make-up gifts for under $25.

Whatever her taste or style, the wonderful thing about shopping for a Mother's Day gift at Target is that you will leave with the right gift because they have everything you need.

While you're shopping for a gift, why not pick something up for yourself too?
Look what I left with.
 This pretty pastel green blouse is light, airy and a great piece to add to my Spring/Summer wardrobe to be mixed and matched.
Well, this and the dishware and some make-up and also some stuff for the kids... it's so hard to leave Target with just one thing. *sigh*

Happy Shopping!

Disclosure: “I am a member of the Collective Bias®  Social Fabric® Community.  This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias® #cbias #SocialFabric. 
All opinions expressed in this post are my very own."
 

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Shower Her with Love: Baby Shower Gift Ideas

Pink and ivory confetti and balloons, beautiful cupcake tower, the serenity and beauty of tealight candles lit on each table and an abundance of love and laughter... I still remember my very first baby shower.

It was your traditional baby shower complete with friends & family, lots of good food, games, and of course plenty of gifts to shower baby girl and mom-to-be with.

Thanks to my mother and sister, it was a successful and absolutely perfect baby shower.

One thing that was not very traditional, was that it wasn't just women at the shower; I made it a point to have my husband by my side and my dad and all the wonderful men in my life to be a part of this as well.
This pregnancy was such a blessing and very much anticipated that I couldn't have any of them miss out on this.

We received so many wonderful baby shower presents, but among them all, there were definitely some that we made the most use of and honestly some that we barely did use unfortunately.

We always get excited, especially when it's our first opening our baby registry (I remember I was scanner-crazy, scanning almost everything I saw), but if I could go back in time, there would be plenty of items I wouldn't have bothered adding to it.

Although a gorgeous picture frame or picture album or a lit-up wall art of baby animals may sound cute... trust me, there are some things that are just not necessary and the mother really does not need.

Yes, it's the thought the counts, but in all honesty, let's get something that mom and baby could really use. 

I thought I'd compile a list of Baby Shower Gift Must-Haves for my new moms-to-be that are planning on opening a registry and also for those that are looking to purchase a gift for an upcoming baby shower.

We all know how much I LOVE Munchkin products! 

There are so many great items and what I love about their website is that they've made it simple for you by categorizing their products. 

Check out their Nursery Essentials for some great baby shower gift ideas.  

Among them, the Arm and Hammer ™ Diaper Pail has to be one of my favourite must-haves (if not #1)!  I'm using it now with a newborn and oh my goodness is it Godsend!  Not only is it easy to use, but it really eliminates the odour and carries a lot of dirty diapers too!  You can check out my recent post about this marvelous product here.

More amazing products from Munchkin that are definitely needed for the nursery are:

• Sarabear® Diaper Caddy (because they just look so much better in
•  this in the nursery & isn't it pretty?!)

• Diaper Duty Organizer (I know firsthand how crowded the changing table can get -- this is very helpful!)

• Deluxe Drying Rack (If you choose to bottle-feed, this is the perfect must-have product!)

• Their Bottle Warmers: Time Saver Bottle Warmer, Travel Bottle Warmer, & more!
• Any of their Safety products (Baby-proofing is always a must-do!)
• Any of their adorable Munchkin Baby Bath Products like their White Hot® Inflatable Safety Tub (it tells you when the water is too hot and it's super cute!)

And they also have many products that grow with baby, like their famous Click Lock™ Sippy Cups!

Make sure you check out their website at www.munchkinbaby.ca to view all their amazing products.

You can also visit and be a fan on Facebook for updates and amazing contests and giveaways!
Speaking of contests, Munchkin Canada has something brewing on Facebook.
Make sure you're a fan today!

Click here to be a FAN on Facebook! 

Other very important baby shower gift ideas that are very much needed by mom and baby are:

• Clothing Necessities. Newborn - 6 months baby Onesies (Short and Long Sleeve)/diaper shirts, Sleepers (These are a favourite of mine -- especially for babies born during the cooler months) socks/booties, mitts, caps and clothing.  Bibs are good too.
• Diapers, diapers and more diapers (& don't forget the diaper rash cream!).  A cute idea that I loved receiving and also a creative way to give diapers is the diaper cake.  How cute are they? 

• Bath and Body products (always go for something gentle and for sensitive skin just in case -- stay away from fragrant products) including Bath Towel (hooded & organic is always a much preferred choice for newborns), Body Wash (stick with fragrance-free and for sensitive skin), washcloths, and a bathtub.

One thing I also received during my baby shower and that I've also done for friends and family is to create a basket with an assortment of baby (and even mom) products.  Check these beautiful examples below.  So adorable!

• Humidifier or Vaporizer
• Nursing Products (for the mom that will be breast-feeding) like a Nursing Cover, Breast Pump, Nursing Pillow (transitions throughout baby's first year for multiple uses).
• A Diaper Bag. One of my favourite diaper bags that is also unisex (let's not forget dad-to-be!) is from 7 A.M. Enfant, their Voyage Diaper Bag.  You can see my review of this product here.
• Health Products like a Baby First-Aid Kit with all the essential items needed when baby gets sick or hurt.
• Baby Bouncer/Rocker
• Baby Carrier/Wrap

Another site that you will have to visit that will make baby shower gift shopping so much more easier is PTPA's website. Click here and check out their Baby Toddler Section with options per category.

You want to make sure you choose a baby shower gift that's a) on the mom-to-be's registry 

and b) a neutral style (mom-to-be may have a different taste than you do, so stick with neutral colors/styles).

It's always nice to ask what the nursery theme is (if there is one) -- this makes it easier for you to find the perfect gift.

This is such an exciting time for mom (and dad) -to-be and I hope this post helps you in choosing something just right.

**Disclaimer: As Brand Ambassador for Munchkin Canada, I have received products & compensation; however the opinions expressed are my very own.**

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Home-made Neighbor Christmas Gift

Spread a little holiday cheer to your neighbors (whether they deserve it or not...). :) 
After all, this is what the Holiday Season is really about, right? Good Tidings?


TGFP (Thank God for Pinterest), I came across (what is probably one of my new fave Blogs of all time) Petit Elefant's Blog and this wonderful home-made gift idea.

If you’re looking for a last minute homemade neighbor gift, I’ve got you covered.  

Before you go calling the Martha police on me, I swear this gift is easier than it looks.  Way easier. These are just skewers with marshmallows coated in peppermint.

Give them to your friends alongside packets of hot chocolate mix and you’ll be the toast of the neighborhood in no time.

Here’s what you need to make peppermint marshmallows

• candy canes or peppermint candies
• marshmallows
• bamboo skewers
• powdered sugar
• hot chocolate packets {for packaging as a gift}
• waxed paper {I always forget at least one thing, forgive me}

Step 1:

Put the peppermint candy canes in a zip-lock bag and hand over to your kids.  You’ll have smashed peppermint candy in no time.  {I wish I were kidding, but I’m totally not}  Failing that, use a mallet or something else heavy and smash up the candy until it’s a chunky consistency.

Step 2:

Pour the broken up peppermint candy into a bowl and put aside.

Step 3:

Measure 1 cup of sifted powdered sugar and put into a bowl.  This will be the glue for the peppermint.  Now add one tablespoon at a time of water to the mixture until you get a thin-ish consistency.

Step 4:

Lay out two sheets of waxed paper and put the liquid powdered sugar and the peppermint bowls next to each other on top of it.  This stuff’s a mess.  You’ll be dipping the marshmallow into the glaze, then coating it with peppermint.

Step 5:

Completely coat the marshmallow in the powdered sugar glaze, then transfer over to the peppermint bowl really fast.  Roll the marshmallow around in the peppermint until it’s covered and transfer to the waxed paper to dry.

Step 6:

Do as many marshmallows as you have peppermint for, laying them out one at a time on the waxed paper to dry.  Look how crafty you are!

Craftypants.

Step 7:

Skewer the marshmallows on bamboo skewers, two at a time.  Leave these to dry a few hours or until the peppermint and marshmallows feel hard and completely dry.

Step 8:

Now package up the peppermint marshmallow alongside a few packets of hot chocolate mix in a cellophane bag tied with a pretty ribbon.  Your friends and neighbors will die, swoon, melt.

This is a super cheap, easy, and gorgeous holiday neighbor gift.

Merry Christmas!

Credits: petitelefant.com

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An Amazing Wedding Gift Idea: Framed Invitations

I came across this posting on one of my favourite Blogs and thought I'd share because it's just too beautiful not to. :)
This gift will definitely be one of the most cherished gifts the bride & groom will receive on their wedding day!

Here is how you make one of these gorgeous framed invitations!

1.) Email/call the bride to find out the color scheme of the wedding (bridesmaid dress colors, flower colors, accent colors, etc).
2.) After receiving the Wedding invitation:
• Bring the invitation with you to your local craft store (ie. Michael's)
• Shop for a frame suitable to the couples’ taste (modern, classic, silver, gold).
• Be sure the frame will allow room for pressed flowers to be placed around/on the invitation.
• Choose an 8x11 inch piece of scrapbook paper that compliments the invitation colors and frame.
Be sure not to overpower the invitation or flowers with the color paper you choose.
3.) Order dried, pressed flowers that go with the wedding’s color scheme or just pick some up at your local Arts & Crafts Store.
4.) Glue the invitation on the 8x11 scrapbook paper. Be sure to center it by measuring on all sides.
5.) Arrange the flowers on the invitation first. Play around with different arrangements BEFORE you glue. Try placing flowers across the top or bottom of the invite or in opposite corners. You want to create a balance without taking away or covering the information or design on the invite. 6.) Use tweezers to handle the flowers as you arrange them on the invite.
7.) Once you decide on a design/arrangement you like, add a small drop of super glue to the flowers and place them where you like.
8.) Wait for the glue to dry before placing the decorated invite into the frame.

Now you have an inexpensive, but thoughtful and sentimental wedding gift for your bride and groom!

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