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Quick & Easy Reunion Recipes featuring USA Rice!

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The best part of summer 2020? That’s an easy one: reuniting with loved ones.

As certain restrictions have lifted in many cities across Canada, families and friends are able to get together in a smart and safe way – limiting their numbers, staying within the same bubble, and most importantly, continuing to social distance from others. For me, it’s a chance to reunite with my extended family and closest friends, and do the one thing we love about summer: enjoying a meal, drink or coffee together in our backyard.

Of course, having a repertoire of quick and easy recipes is just part of my charm!

For those impromptu drop ins, late afternoon coffee chats and lazy summer nights where you’d rather spend time with your loved ones than cooking in the kitchen, read on for simple meal ideas, perfect to put together with a few favourite ingredients you may already have on hand. The star of the show? USA Rice!
USA Rice is a key pantry staple and can be used in so many delicious ways. This gluten-free, low allergen, original ancient grain is virtually fat free and serves up the complex carbohydrates your mind and muscles need to function. Rice has always been an integral part of my diet, and now it’s a staple ingredient in so many of the meals and snacks that my family loves, too. We tend to cook a big batch on the weekend and then refrigerate to use in soups, fried rice, side dishes and even desserts. One pot of cooked USA Rice can last us over five days and be used in five different ways! …

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Facial Fillers: Five Questions to Ask Your Cosmetic Dermatologist

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This post is sponsored by JUVÉDERM®. The opinions on this blog, as always, are my own.

A few weeks ago, I shared my feelings from before, during and after the Beauty Decoded Live event by JUVÉDERM®. Go ahead and take a moment to read the post – don’t worry, I’ll wait.

Back already? Great. You’ll see that following the event, I felt more comfortable than ever at the prospect of having facial filler injections. Based on the wealth of information provided at Beauty Decoded Live, combined with the opportunity to see a live demonstration with almost instant results, I went from thinking facial fillers were something that weren’t for me to making an appointment at a local cosmetic dermatology clinic.
Dermetics, you are incredible.

Since admittedly I’m a noob when it comes to cosmetic procedures, I had a few questions (okay, more than a few). And while I’d love to provide a complete transcript of my 90-minute appointment, I figured it would be much easier to simply pick five questions I feel are absolutely necessary when considering facial fillers. …

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This Holiday Season, Give a Priceless Experience

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“Experiences, Not Things.” The saying was etched in sparkly red letters on a plush white throw pillow, carefully positioned on an elegant chair in a store window. I recall stopping in front of the small store, staring at the pillow while pondering the words before me.

Experiences, not things.

The moment was particularly poignant because just hours before, I had engaged in a discussion with my girlfriend about how travel is the perfect gift. You see,  it’s actually three gifts in one:

1) The gift of anticipation. Planning a trip with friends and family fosters closeness and offers a continuous build in excitement! From the moment you start thinking about booking a trip to the last-minute discussions about wardrobe, you’re on a happy high anticipating your great adventure.

2) The gift of experience. These include the sights you see, the foods you eat, and of course, the laughs you share with loved ones. Often, experiences also involve discovering a new country, culture or customs, which make them all the more enriching!

3) The gift of memories. Going through your camera roll; sharing an inside joke with a friend (“what happens in…”) or finding a ticket stub in your jacket pocket. You relive the moment all over again, hanging on to the good times until you start the cycle all over again.

This is why we choose experiences over things.

Of course, there are experiences, and then there are Priceless Experiences. Whether you’re booked to travel abroad or prefer to stay closer to home, Priceless Cities is available exclusively to Mastercard cardholders and provides access to unforgettable experiences around the world.
The best part is, there’s something for everyone! Enjoy a glass of prosecco and a behind-the-scenes kitchen tour at the hottest restaurant near you or play golf with a PGA pro while staying at a world-renowned resort and spa. You can even skip the line at a popular theatre show or take a hands-on donut workshop! …

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House Hunting? Five Lessons Learned + Introducing Nobul

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Although I once called myself a shopaholic, I’m not afraid to admit that buying and selling a home – twice in my lifetime now! – were not my smoothest transactions. To be sure, the outcome was desirable, but the process wasn’t always the easiest (or the most beneficial to my wallet).

Today, I’m sharing my five lessons learned, and introducing you to Nobul – an innovative real estate platform which offers buyers and sellers complete marketplace transparency.
(Also, read on for information about the Nobul $100K giveaway!)

1. Don’t hire the first agent you meet. While house hunting back in 2015, we met an agent at the very first open house we popped in to. She seemed professional, pleasant and well connected – in short, while she didn’t sell us the house, she nevertheless sold us on her services. We signed with her and came this close to paying an astronomical amount of commission on a property that was decidedly not our dream home. …

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Multigenerational Travel Spotlight: Kissimmee, Florida


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I have a travel bucket list; it’s true. There are places that I’ve yet to visit and I know that I’ll eventually get there. But in the meantime, I have a more pressing need – and it’s not a place, it’s a scenario. It’s a multigenerational family vacation; the chance to have my sons experience a holiday with their grandparents. Truly, nothing would make me happier.

Multigenerational travel is becoming more and more popular as families try to carve out quality time together. Especially around the holidays, as families gather and enjoy each other’s company, it’s only natural to want to extend those feelings of happiness and discuss a family vacation.

However, most often these trips can be decided rather spontaneously (sometimes, after copious amounts of food and drink) and there is a lack of communication through the planning process. If you’re planning a multigenerational family vacation, here are my top tips to ensure that everyone in the family, from young to young-at-heart – has a great time!

1. Make sure to clearly outline expectations when it comes to who’s paying, and what they’re paying for.

Occasionally, the grandparents will say “We’ll pay for the family vacation!” – but they’ll fail to define what that includes. For example, when travelling to an all-inclusive resort, that may include flights and accommodations. But what happens when dear daughter-in-law wants to visit the hotel spa? Get together those travelling and be upfront about financial responsibilities. Often, the easiest way is for everyone to pay their way separately, but if one person wants to play Santa, set clear expectations for what will be covered.
(Also, no IOU’s! If you can’t afford to make the family vacay, stay drama-free by staying home.) …

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Kia Canada: The Power to Surprise

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Around this time, every four years, our dinnertime conversations are peppered with words such as panoramic moon roof, heated seats, horsepower, trunk space… Yes, we are in the market for a new family automobile.

This year, we have a jump start on our selection process, as we were recently treated to an extended, two-week test drive of the newly redesigned 2019 Kia Sorento SXL. Admittedly, I had no prior experience with Kia automobiles, making this partnership the perfect opportunity to experience the brand with no previous biases. Today, nearing the end of our test drive, I can sum up my thoughts on the Kia Sorento quite simply: Yes, Kia – I AM surprised.
Here are my Top Five Surprises with the 2019 Kia Sorento. …

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LG TWINWash: The Washing Machine for Every Mom

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I am absolutely, irrevocably in love with the LG TWINWash™ system. Quite simply, LG has reimagined the washing machine, allowing me to divide and conquer my laundry by washing two loads at the same time!

Now, if you want to fully understand what makes my LG washer and dryer so essential to my life, read my previous post, “Divide and Conquer: A Better Laundry Experience with LG TWINWash.” However, you may be thinking to yourself, that’s great for you, but what about ME? Friends, I present to you: LG TWINWash – the washing machine for every mom.

The Transporter. Sounds futuristic! But really, you’re a chauffeur… for 12-year olds… to get to and from hockey practice. And you don’t have time to waste; you need the game uniforms washed for a 6AM practice on Saturday morning, while trying to plan outfits for a much-deserved date night later that evening. Go on! Do both loads – at once. The innovative LG TWINWash machine allows you to wash the kids’ (stinky) clothes in the front-loading washer up top while the smaller LG SideKick™ pedestal washer simultaneously washes a second load of clothes down below. That’s not just laundry done fast – it’s laundry done right!
The TWINWash Binge. Go grab that tub of popcorn, lady, but don’t get too comfortable – the main feature is a lot shorter than you think! If you’ve got multiple loads to get through (a “laundry-thon?”) the LG TWINWash SpeedWash feature will make time zip by. It can help save up to 30 minutes per load, cutting wash time by half – without shortcutting cleaning performance. …

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Why Endy is the Best Mattress Ever

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That’s an unnecessarily bold claim, right?

WRONG. I would agree with the claim. My husband would agree with the claim. Even my kids would agree! Endy mattresses ARE the best mattress ever. But for me to clearly articulate just how impressed I am with the process and product, let me break it down for you in a very handy timeline.

(Full disclosure: I received three (3) mattresses and four (4) pillows from Endy in exchange for this review. But you don’t really think I’d make you pay your hard-earned money if I wasn’t confident in the results, do you? Of course not. Regardless of how I sourced the product, I am deliriously happy with everything Endy. Read on.)

September, 2018.

Moving day! Not a lot of people know this, but we moved with only one armchair, two kitchen stools and three mattresses. No kidding! We wanted to start fresh with our furnishings and it was the perfect excuse to update our decor. We “christened” our home by unboxing our Endy mattresses.
At the time, I believed I’d be sleeping on the mattress on the floor for a week or two, just until our bedroom furniture arrived. I couldn’t have been more wrong, yikes!

Receiving and unboxing the mattress was seamless. Shipping is free for all Endy products, and we literally pulled the mattress out of the box and rolled it flat. As soon as the vacuum-sealed bag was cut open, I could literally see the mattress plump and take shape. From there, I was ready to begin my 100-night trial. That’s right – each customer is eligible for one (1) 100-night trial per purchase, per Endy Mattress. If you don’t love it, Endy will pick up your mattress at no charge and refund the full purchase price.

October, 2018.

(NOTE: The Endy team does NOT recommend sleeping with your mattress on the floor. Not only will a bed frame add height and support, it also ensures the mattress lasts longer – otherwise, moisture can get trapped between the mattress and the floor. So… don’t do as we did. If you’re ordering an Endy, get your bed frame delivered first.)

We’re still all sleeping on the floor because our furniture is backordered, badly. But you know what? I’m not even mad about it. How does Endy produce the most perfectly firm mattress? And how is it that every single person I’ve spoken with, including my own family members, have had the best sleep of their lives on an Endy mattress? I’m thinking it has something to do with the finely crafted 10″, 3-layer foam mattress which delivers cool and amazingly comfortable support. It’s also proudly Canadian made!
I’m wondering if we’re the first family to complete the 100-night trial with the mattresses on the floor. Yet every single night, we had the most wonderful, restful sleep imaginable. I remember lazing in “bed” with my husband, marvelling at the cool, perfectly firm support. If you had asked me before trying Endy mattress if I thought a one-mattress-fits-all could be exactly suited to my needs, I wouldn’t have believed you. Now, I want you to believe me.

December, 2018. 

We have a bed! And the lovefest with Endy mattress continues. My kids are sleeping soundly through the night. My husband is snoring less, because he’s not tossing and turning as frequently as he used to. And I’m 100% more productive because my insomnia is no match for Endy’s open air cell foam, which provides optimal comfort, firmness and support – without pressure points. The shredded bamboo charcoal memory foam pillow cradles my head as I drift into slumber. Endy, you had me at “good night.”
It’s around this time that I’m starting to hear from friends and family. “I can’t wait for my Endy mattress to arrive!” says Shayna. “I’m sold! Buying one for Asher’s new bedroom,” says Georgia. Did they use my code LENA50 to take $50 off any sized mattress? I certainly hope so! And you can too – simply add the code during checkout.

February, 2019. 

The single best decision I’ve made for my family’s health in the past year. Yes, I said health. Sleep is as important as nutrition and exercise; it’s when the body repairs, realigns and reprograms itself to take on a new day. In a culture that’s obsessed with the business of “busyness”, I’m proud to champion the benefits of rest and relaxation.
Want to make your dreams sweeter? Make 2019 the year you invest in rest with Endy. A Canadian made mattress with perfect firmness, shipped to your door; Endy is the highest customer-rated mattress in Canada, with the lowest rate of returns. Quite simply, quite perfectly, the best mattress ever.

Find Your Community: How Direct Selling Can Help Launch Your Career


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Eleven years ago, I didn’t have the same level of hustle I do today. In fact, the entrepreneurial lifestyle was quite foreign to me; having worked in an office straight out of university, I had become accustomed to a 9-5 corporate way of life.

However, during my first maternity leave, I suddenly had less of a desire to return to the office environment, but nevertheless needed to bring in an income. I decided to try my hand at monetizing a blog, rationalizing that if it didn’t work out, I could always return to my 9-5.

I haven’t set foot in an office since.
Entrepreneurs are not born, they’re made – often as a result of circumstances like my own. And today, there’s no shortage of opportunities for those who want to launch their “side hustle” into a career. Direct selling is a prime example of how to work independently and build a business with low start-up and overhead costs. In fact, OVER 1 MILLION Canadians are involved in direct selling! Whether you’re trying to create personal income or simply because you enjoy a company’s products or services, direct selling offers the flexibility to set your own hours, the freedom to run your own business, and of course, an ideal level of work-life balance. Chances are, you know someone who sells beauty or hair products, kitchen essentials, clothing or more!
Need further inspo? Here’s what Brittany Johnston, a National Vice President at Arbonne has to say: …

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New Year, New Ways to Stay on Track!

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Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

I normally write a “New Years Resolutions” post shortly after January 1st, but this year, I decided to be a little more forgiving. After all, is there really only one specific time to start anew? Whether you’re looking after your health, removing toxicity from your life or simply taking up a new hobby, I’m down for making a change when it suits you – not when the calendar flips over.

So, if you’re like me and realized that January came and went and you haven’t crossed anything off your list, I’m here with a few inspiring ideas to get you started! The best part? You can enter to win a $100 Costco Cash Card at the end of this post!

1. Think outside the treadmill. There’s no denying that many new year’s resolutions include joining the gym or dusting off the exercise equipment in your home. However, aside from an elliptical, exercise bike or treadmill, there are many other ways to get your workout in!
Boxing is a fabulous full-body regime and the Everlast Kit: Cardio Fitness Training Bag and Neoprene Gloves is engineered for light boxing and fitness style workouts. The base can be filled with either sand or water for stability and the Neoprene heavy bag gloves feature premium neoprene material. …

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When Tasked with a “To Do”, let TaskRabbit do it for you!


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I know you know that I recently moved into a new home. And I know you know this because I can’t. stop. talking. about. it.

I’ll admit it; I’m overwhelmed. There’s just so much to do! From the simple things like changing my mailing address to the more complicated matters such as making sure the kids are adjusting well in their new school, lately, I’ve been feeling the pressure. Add in all the tedious tasks like unpacking, assembling furniture and restocking the pantry… and perhaps overwhelmed isn’t a strong enough word! Of course, I’m not alone; 54% of Canadians rank packing and moving among their most dreaded tasks to complete at home.

Therefore, when help is available, I’ll take it. Gladly.

I was recently introduced to TaskRabbit, an on-demand network that conveniently connects people with “Taskers” to handle everyday home improvement tasks. Taskers can help with everything from furniture assembly to sewing to running errands for you – you can even hire a tasker to help you wait in line!
As someone who normally depends on experts for everything from delivery to installation, I was immediately intrigued. How does it work? Who are the taskers? How do I handle booking and payment? Turns out, it’s so simple! Here’s how to save time and sanity when you need help with a task. …

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A Lifetime of Love with a First Time Fan

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The very first time I laid eyes on my future husband, it was through a computer screen.

YES! Michael and I met online. I know it’s a common meeting place for couples today, but back in 2005, there was still a strong stigma attached to online dating – specifically, the creeps and weirdos I’d surely encounter. The good news? My husband is neither.

However, with online dating, there’s always one major hurdle to cross: the first date. After chatting through the computer and on the phone for a week or two, we decided to plow ahead and not postpone the inevitable. We met for drinks at a local resto-bar and I was officially the most nervous I had been in my entire life.

About 10 minutes into our first date, I knew I wanted a second.

We chatted about everything from family to work life to places we’ve travelled and places we wanted to visit. We talked about kids (a definite yes) and outdoorsy stuff (a definite no), and discovered that we could have crossed paths about a dozen times before we did, yet found each other at the very right time. Needless to say, it was a very, very good first date.

At some point during our conversation, I mentioned that I was a bit of a sports nut. Baseball, basketball and especially hockey – I followed the sports, statistics, players, you name it. Michael laughed and admitted that he wasn’t into sports at all, save for the World Cup and UFC championships. I smiled and nodded and was just a little disappointed, but brushed the feelings aside, quickly. I mean, so what? There were more important things to a relationship than discussing the league’s leading GAA.
Our memorable first date concluded with promises to get together again that weekend. We met on a Wednesday night, so the thought of seeing him again in just a few days was so very welcome. After a long hug and a brief kiss, I drove home with a smile on my face. …

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Holidays at Home: Binge Watching with the Dell XPS 13


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For the first time in a long time, I’m spending my entire Christmas vacation at home. Gasp!

That’s right, friends – I’m trading palm trees for pajamas! Over the holidays, I have absolutely no plans but to wrap myself in fuzzy blankets, fill mug after mug of peppermint hot chocolate and catch up on all the movies and television series I’ve missed all year.

Translation: Do not disturb.
However, just because I’m lying low doesn’t mean that I haven’t planned for my holiday movie-a-thon and Netflix binge fest. I’ve got everything I need to ensure I have the best viewing experience, including the Dell XPS 13 – an evolution of the most celebrated product in Dell’s history! …

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It’s Not Easy Being Sneezy.

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“Bless you!” my kids holler over to me… TWENTY times per day.

It’s no secret: I have seasonal allergies. In fact, from March to October, I have a love-hate relationship with trees, grass and ragweed. (Okay, it’s mostly “hate” with ragweed.) And while sneeze-a-thons can definitely be a nuisance, it goes further than that for me; I frequently experience an itchy, runny nose, sneezing, and nasal congestion.

I’m not alone. Experts estimate that about 20 to 30 per cent of Canadians suffer from seasonal allergies – the immune system’s exaggerated response to an allergen. For me, “allergy season” starts in early spring and goes until the first frost of autumn. Translation: I spend about 3/4 of the year in hay fever hell.
(My husband, who is affected by indoor allergies that can be caused by pet dander, dust mites, etc. – actually suffers all year round. Yikes!) …

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Smarten Up! It’s Time to Make Your Home Smarter with Best Buy Canada

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Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

When we recently moved into our new home, there were so many things that made me giddy with excitement. A brand new kitchen! Rooms that need decorating! Walls that need paint! So much potential!

My husband? He had two words for me: Smart Home.

But what is a Smart Home – and why should you want to live in one? Simply put, a smart home is a residence where tasks, normally completed by humans, are automated by computers instead. For some homes, becoming “smart” can begin with the introduction of a connected hub such as Google Home, while for others, being smart includes a combination of automated devices, such as speakers, thermometers, security systems, appliances and more.

Now I know some readers will be thinking to themselves, “Oh, I live in an old home. There’s no way I can incorporate all this new-fangled technology!” (Bonus marks if you actually used the words new-fangled.) But here’s the thing – you can, and you should. And here’s how I know.

Toronto’s oldest home is now a smart home!
John Cox Cottage, built in 1807, was recently outfitted with the latest smart tech from Best Buy Canada. From Hunter Douglas smart blinds and intelligent cleaning via Roomba to a NETGEAR Arlo 1080p HD camera at the front door, it’s a tech enthusiast’s dream. …

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Questions About Insurance? #AskAnneMarie

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Hello, readers! It’s been a while, huh?

Truth is, I’ve been pretty overwhelmed with my recent move. We are now inhabitants of a new city, the boys have started a new school and the bills are piling up – yes, moving is expensive.

Of course, being the savvy saver that I am, I knew we’d need to budget accordingly. I set about finding ways to save money while we were still in the old home, and that included trying to determine if I could save money on insurance. A quick search led me to InsuranceHotline.com, where I discovered I could get a quote – and, most importantly, compare insurance quotes – in three easy steps! There was no obligation to buy and the information was accurate and unbiased. Such a win!
Here’s the scoop: there are many ways to save on your insurance premiums, but none are more effective than shopping around. And I know you may be thinking, ugh, SUCH a process! It’s not, friends. Forget about waiting on the phone in call centre queues or dodging aggressive sales professionals. You can grab a quote online in minutes when it’s convenient for you, so there’s no excuse to not shop around to see if you can save some money! With auto insurance, for example, InsuranceHotline.com shoppers saved $450 on average in 2017 after comparing car insurance quotes. What could you do with $450? …

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Canadian Red Cross: Earn 20 Reward Points for Every $1 Donation!

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Friends… read on for a very special promotion from the Canadian Red Cross!
Every day in Canada and abroad, vulnerable people come to the Canadian Red Cross in their time of need. Whether they’ve just seen their home destroyed by a fire, or have lived through a natural disaster like a hurricane or earthquake, the Canadian Red Cross provides care and support when people need it most.

Familiar with their work? Trust me, it’s more than you know – and then some. As one of Canada’s leading humanitarian charities, here’s what the Canadian Red Cross has accomplished in the last year alone:

2,977 disaster responses in Canada
132,472 Canadians assisted
More than 6,000 engaged volunteers
More than 3 million assisted globally
557,000 Canadians took Red Cross First Aid courses
8,600 first aid instructors trained
1,100 lifeguards trained

There’s no doubt about it: the Canadian Red Cross is synonymous with humanity. …

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Jamieson Vitamins: A Safer Source of Vitamin D

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I love having “A-Ha!” moments.

Honestly, they’re just so satisfying, aren’t they? There you are, minding your own business, doing things the way they’ve always been done, and then… out of the blue… your mind is blown.

Recently, I had one such moment during a conversation about Vitamin D. No, really – hear me out!

I’d always been under the impression that I didn’t need to take my Vitamin D supplement during the summer months. I spend more than enough time outdoors, and figured about an hour or so of daily sun exposure would be enough to boost my level to the point where I could forgo taking a daily vitamin.
In fact, I was so confident in my warm weather health regime that I found myself bragging to an acquaintance about how I swapped my supplements for the sun.

“But you wear sunscreen, right?” she asked. “Of course I wear sunscreen!” I replied haughtily. “Well, if you’re wearing sunscreen – to shield you from the sun’s rays – how is your body producing Vitamin D?” …

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LG: Dream a Little Dream (Kitchen)

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Looking at the calendar, I realize with a start that we’re less than two months from moving into our new house!

Truthfully, this year has been a blur. Between putting our current home on the market, travelling at least once a month and juggling the responsibilities of – well, LIFE – I haven’t had much time to think about how I’ll make the shiny new abode my own. Of course I’ve developed one or two (or 20) to-do and wish lists, but with our closing date just around the corner, it’s all beginning to feel very real.

At the top of my list? Building my dream kitchen. So when I received an invitation from LG Canada to come preview some of their efficient, aesthetically superior and technologically-sound kitchen appliances, you know I was all over it. Hosted by media personality Rick Campanelli and celebrity chef Chuck Hughes, I was treated to a demo of some the dreamiest innovations in home appliances I’ve seen in a very long time.
(Don’t be alarmed if you are irrationally excited by the following images and text – I’m legitimately just as enamoured!)

First up: The LG InstaView Door-in-Door® Refrigerator. Simply knock twice and see what’s inside. No, really! …

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Pay Before You Pump! (It’s Safer for Everyone)

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It’s routine. It’s perfunctory. And it literally helps us get from point A to point B. You guessed it – it’s filling up a tank of gas.
Unfortunately, at gas stations across Canada, too many lives have been lost in violent incidents involving gas theft – losses that could have been prevented. Familiar with the term “gas-and-dash?” It’s pretty self-explanatory; gas-and-dash crimes happen when an individual takes off without paying for fuel. And sadly, there are many potential victims along the way:

1. The gas station attendant. Perform a Google search of “gas and dash crimes” and you’ll find a list of gas station attendants who’ve lost their lives while trying to stop thieves. This list is too long. You’ll see horrific stories of attendants being struck intentionally by vehicles or dragged out of the station and down the street. You’ll read about the families they left behind and how they’re grieving their loved ones every day. …

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