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Teacher Holiday Gift Guide For Under $30

Teacher Holiday Gift Guide for under $30

 

 

I can’t believe it, but the holidays are fast approaching! I already feel like I’m behind preparing for the holidays, but it’s only mid-November!

I have a hard time thinking of a gift for my son’s teacher each year, and although I’m sure they appreciate gift cards, it’s nice to give them something to show appreciation for all of the hard work they do.

I feel like my son has learned so much more from his teacher this year than I have ever taught him! It’s hard enough to leave our children in someone else’s care, so it’s especially comforting when that person treats them like they are special. My son’s teacher is lovely, and truly seems to adore him so she deserves something thoughtful for the holidays.

I’ve rounded up some of my favourite gifts for under $30 for that special teacher to receive this holiday season. It’s difficult to determine how much is appropriate to spend, but I’m sure in the end most teachers are happy just to be acknowledged for all of their efforts at this time of year!

 

 

1. 2016/2017 kate Spade New York Desk Calendar

2. Chalkboard Tea Cup

3. Personalized Reusable Starbucks Travel Cup

4. Kate Spade Daisy Place Pencil Cup

5. Nadege Macarons

6. West Elm Brass Hashtag Desk Paperweight

7. Kitten & the Bear Jam

8. L’Occitane Hand Cream Delights

 

 
Mandy Furnis

 

My Coveted New Chanel Classic Flap Bag

Chanel Classic Flap Bag sparkleshinylove
 

 
Chanel Classic Flap Bag sparkleshinylove
 

 
Chanel Classic Flap Bag sparkleshinylove
 

 
Chanel Classic Flap Bag sparkleshinylove

 

 

I never thought I would have this bag, so I’m still a little shocked that it’s in my possession! For the past year I’ve been saving for a Chanel Flap Bag, but part way through the year when I was closer to my goal I had a hard time locating one! I couldn’t even see one in store – every Chanel in Toronto said they were completely sold out of this bag.

I was shocked it was so hard to even see one, let alone buy one. I was unable to be put on a wait list, so I was told to call as each new collection hit stores to see if this bag came available.

Luckily enough my Dad convinced me we should visit the Chanel in Orlando while we were away, and I was excited to find out they had one! I never thought I would be able to buy this bag, and I already had a similar one in mind as a consultation-prize of sorts. I was also thinking about the experience mentioned on Ella Pretty Blog about buying a vintage bag.

My experience just purchasing the bag was interesting. I had no idea then when buying this particular bag the authentication card was personalized at the store. Inserted into the storybook of the iconic handbag which came with the bag, a simple card was inserted with the handwritten serial number, location of purchase, date and my name. No other bag from Chanel is treated this way.

Unwrapping the bag at home was lovely as well. It was packaged straight from France, so I was the first to unwrap it and handle it after being painstakingly created by hand.

It’s easy to say that this is my most coveted item in my closet, and will likely always be!
 

 
Chanel Classic Flap Bag sparkleshinylove
 

 
Chanel Classic Flap Bag sparkleshinylove

 

 

Chanel classic flap bag sparkleshinylove

 

 

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Mandy Furnis

 

My Favourite Vacation Looks

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Packing for vacation is a total headache for a girl like me who likes wearing different outfits each day. I’m always scared to place my luggage on the scale at the airport! On the way home from a trip that airport scale is never my friend since I obviously shop along the way and the last thing I want to do is pay fees for overweight luggage.

Last week I was away for 10 days, and putting everything I needed into one suitcase and one carry-on was stressful, but I didn’t do a bad job. I only brought a couple pairs of shoes and bags, but I had a different dinner outfit, bathing suit cover up and bathing suit for each day! I can do this because I don’t tend to spend a lot on my holiday outfits. I like to get as many fun outfits as possible for a great deal, and know that I’m likely not going to get a lot of wear from these pieces.

Here are a few of my favourite looks from my trip below, along with links on where to shop them yourself.

 

 

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Solid Colour Ruffle Off the Shoulder Dress – Zaful | Lace Up Heels – Zaful (similar here) | Clutch – Prada (Similar) | Ray Ban Aviators – Ray Ban

 

 

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Red Long Sleeve Off the Shoulder Dress – Zaful | Lace Up Heels – Zaful (similar here) | Clutch – Prada (Similar) | Ray Ban Original Wayfarer Classic – Ray Ban
 

 

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Retro Floral Two Piece – Zaful | Lace Up Heels – Zaful (similar here) | Ray Ban Aviators – Ray Ban | Louis Vuitton Mini Pochette – Louis Vuitton

 

 

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V-Notched Strapless Jumpsuit – Forever 21 | Lace Up Heels – Zaful (similar)
 

 

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Off the Shoulder Dress – Dynamite (only in stores| Wedge Sandals – Aldo

 

 

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Black Strappy Dress – Forever 21 (similar) | Lace Up Heels – Zaful (similar here)

 

 

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Mixed Mosaic Print Dress – Zaful

 

 

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Hand-Stitched Beach Cover Up – Cozumel Market

 

 
Mandy Furnis

 

Making memorable moments at Sesame Street Live

This past weekend, Amex Canada treated my son and I to a night out together where we saw Sesame Street Live: Make a New Friend at the Sony Centre for the Performing Arts in Toronto.

Being an Amex cardholder Cardmember has many perks including Front Of The Line pre-sales which means you don’t have to wait for tickets to go on sale – you have access to tickets for some of your favourite events before anyone else. You can learn all about the upcoming events on www.AmexInvites.ca!

My son is a HUGE Elmo fan, so this night out was a pretty big deal for him. He prepared for the day by gathering all of his Sesame Street characters, wanting to bring them all to the show with him to have a good time.

Once I convinced my son to only choose one Elmo, we headed off to the show, ready to enjoy #ThisMoment.

 

 

Amex and Sesame Street Live

 

 

Amex arranged for us to meet and greet characters before the show, and my son was so excited for this opportunity! We breezed right into a private area set up with colouring pages, crayons, balloons, and the Cookie Monster and Elmo were there to greet us!
 

 
Amex and Sesame Street Live 2

 

 

We took some photos with both characters (my son got a little shy!) and then we were able to hang out with the other VIP kids for a bit before the characters came back to play with the children. This was great because we not only got to have our photos taken with the characters, but they joined us for play time which made each child’s day.  For my shy son this was great because he had the chance to warm up to the characters he desperately wanted to see and he had some one-on-one time with Elmo when he got comfortable.  We would have never had this chance without the help from Amex setting us up with the Meet and Greet!

 

 
Amex and Sesame Street Live 3

 

 

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Amex and Sesame Street Live 5

 

 

We loaded up on snacks and souvenirs (I was convinced by my toddler to buy a t-shirt and a balloon) and we headed to our amazing seats at the front of the theatre.

My son was up dancing the whole show! He loved all of the songs in the show, and was glued to the story.

 

 
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When the lights finally came on at the end of the show, my son had a huge grin on his face. Then he told me we should go for dinner because he was hungry from doing so much dancing.  So cute!
 

 
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Thanks to Amex we enjoyed #ThisMoment and made some pretty great memories.   Amex will help over 400k fans rock out to their favourite band (or sing along with their favourite furry characters) in 2015.  American Express offers its Cardmembers Front Of The Line Advance Access, Reserved Tickets, Delights Special Offers and Experiences.

To learn more about some of the hottest upcoming events, and to be Front Of The Line, visit www.AmexInvites.ca.

 

 
Mandy Furnis

 

 

Winner of the Fresh City Farms Giveaway!

KIDSOFTHEWOOD Photography
 

 

Thank you to everyone who entered the Fresh City Farms Giveaway! The winner is Jolie Z.! Congratulations Jolie, and thank you again to everyone who entered!

 

 
Mandy Furnis