Listen to Lena

Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion

All

A Better Way to Breakfast – Flourish Pancakes!

By 13 Comments

I didn’t know I was looking for a better-for-you pancake and waffle mix, however, now that I’ve discovered Flourish Pancakes, I simply can’t go back!

Flourish Pancakes Protein Pancake & Waffle Mix, a proudly Canadian brand (based right here in Toronto!), packs 23g of protein, 7g of fibre and contains ZERO added sugar per serving. Based on the ingredients alone (which are all-natural, and include organic and non-GMO foods), I feel amazing about serving Flourish Pancakes to my family. In fact, we were recently treated to the LIMITED EDITION Birthday Cake flavour (the company just turned two!) and the mix is even made with all-natural sprinkles, such as green sprinkles made with spirulina, which means they contain no artificial colours either!
We decided to use the mix to make waffles, and since I just needed to add water, prep work was a breeze. Skipping the syrup, we instead dipped our waffles in natural colour candy melts for a flash of colour and birthday fun. Aren’t they just too cute for words? …

Read More

The Most Delicious Way to Elevate Your Burger

By 9 Comments

It’s officially summer! I don’t know about you, but this year, more than ever, I am ready for the heat!

Of course, like many other Canadian families, we’ll be sticking close to home this season. With several travel restrictions still in place, most of our daily jaunts will be to the backyard. But there’s nothing a delicious meal can’t fix! Since we’ll be grillin’ and chillin’ all summer long, I’ve come up with a simple and delicious way to elevate your burger.

Think outside the bun!
I know hamburgers are a family fave, and normally I wouldn’t try to mess with a good thing. However, I think I’ve found THE BEST way to enjoy your burger this summer – by swapping classic hamburger buns with Furlani Garlic Toast!
The combination of flavours is almost too delicious to describe. …

Read More

This Spring, Break Out of Your Shell! Kid-Friendly Meal Ideas

By Leave a Comment

Spring 2020 is unlike any we’ve ever known. (Understatement, right?)

My son was recently assigned a writing task where he was asked to detail “positive effects” of staying safe at home. After spending time brainstorming, he presented a list to me – and at the top:

“I’m spending a lot of time cooking with my mom.”
Be still my heart! It’s no surprise that many Canadian families are rediscovering their love for home-cooked meals – and reveling in the bonding that comes with it  – while we stay home. Since my boys now eagerly join me during meal prep, I’ve made it a priority to try nutritious recipes that keep them entertained and egg-cited about cooking! …

Read More

Kids in the Kitchen: Make this Easter EGGcellent!

By Leave a Comment

Friends, read on for two simple ways to get the kids involved with Easter prep!
There comes a point in most children’s lives where they sincerely want to help out in the kitchen. (And let’s be honest: mini chefs are the best.) Whether it’s baking with mom or helping dad prepare breakfast in bed, the enthusiasm with which kids stretch their culinary expertise is downright precious.

So, what better time to let them shine than holidays? Involving kids in special occasion meal prep not only facilitates family bonding and expands picky palettes, it helps children hone a necessary life skill – cooking. …

Read More

Your 2020 Last Minute Getaway: Where, When and Why to Go!

By 1 Comment

It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of last minute vacations. It’s honestly one of my favourite ways to travel! In fact, in 2019, I helped friends and family NOT-plan five family vacations – all booked with less than a month’s notice (and all beautiful, memorable getaways).
If you’re fortunate to have flexibility in your work and home life, here’s why last minute vacations are a great option:

1) You’ll save money. Of course you’ll save money – it’s the main reason they’re called last minute “deals”. With Air Canada Vacations, you can save up to 40% on packages to Mexico, the Caribbean, South and Central America, the US and many more vacation destinations. …

Read More

Conquer “Fright Night” with Janes

By Leave a Comment

Before I became a parent, I often scoffed when the term “Fright Night” was used to describe a busy weeknight. I mean, get it together! How crazy could a random Tuesday or Wednesday evening actually be?

Friends, I humbly beg for forgiveness, for I have seen the light.

Our family’s dynamic has changed through the years. Whereas we used to enjoy casual, unhurried dinners (actually eaten at the dinner table), today our demanding jobs and activities pull us in different directions. My husband is in sales, so he’s often on the road or working late. My job has no set hours; I could be working at 5:30AM or 11:00PM, depending on the day. Ryder has karate twice a week, Reid has coding twice a week, and they both have skiing and skating once a week. And yet somehow, the expectation is that I’ll produce a delicious, healthy meal that the entire family will love.

So, what if I told you that I’ve found quick and delicious, fully cooked and, most importantly, KID FRIENDLY foods that are ready when I am?

Let me reintroduce you to Janes. …

Read More

New Year: A New Way to Invest in Your Child’s Future


By Leave a Comment

Happy 2020, friends!

We’re just a few weeks into the new year and I’m already feeling amazing about my progress. This year, I decided to shun resolutions and instead set goals for improvement that I’m willing to continuously work on. My plan to better nutritional, physical and financial health in 2020 includes:

1) Make better food choices for my family. This includes adopting a more plant-based lifestyle, reducing the amount of processed foods in our diet and making healthier substitutions when possible. It’s definitely a work in progress for me, but this year I’ve communicated my plan to everyone in the family and, so far, have buy-in. Fingers crossed!

2) Get physical, together. Although our family is moderately active, I realized last year that we don’t actually spend time together enjoying physical activities. This year, we’ll be skiing, canoeing, bike riding and ice skating as a family. Our days are busy, so I’m hoping to make this one work!
3) Focus on building the boys’ RESPs. It feels like I blinked and suddenly, my sons will be 12 and 10 years old! Although I created an RESP for each of them many years ago, I’ll admit that I’ve majorly slacked when it comes to contributions. …

Read More

Facial Fillers: Five Questions to Ask Your Cosmetic Dermatologist

By

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. …

Read More

This Holiday Season, Give a Priceless Experience

By 1 Comment

“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! …

Read More

This Season, Make Your Miles Count

By Leave a Comment

I know I say this every year, but where did the time go? We’ve snapped our fingers and poof! The holiday season is upon us. And this year, more than ever, I know that many of my friends and followers are looking for ways to give back. In fact, I’ve been so inspired by acts of kindness, generosity and selflessness that I’ve seen all year long! Whether it’s donating time to assist others or offering support to a special cause, there’s no better time to share in the true spirit of the season.

Need a little inspiration? Here’s a quick and simple way to help make a huge impact.

From December 2nd to 8th 2019, Aeroplan, through its annual Mile Matching week, will once again support the Air Canada Foundation Hospital Transportation Program. All miles donated to the Air Canada Foundation during the week will be matched, up to 500,000 miles. These miles help provide flights to children who need specialized health care not available in their hometown. Since the introduction of the Air Canada Foundation Hospital Transportation Program in 2003, hundreds of sick children, accompanied by a parent, have been able to obtain the medical care they needed away from home.Photo (and feature image): First Steps Photography

I’m blessed to live in a city where medical assistance for both my children is readily available. However, for many parents across the country and beyond, their situation is quite the opposite. In fact, for those children currently undergoing treatment, long road trips can be strenuous for both the child and the parent, especially when several visits to the hospital are required each month or when treatments last several months. …

Read More

Mom Health Talk: Catching Up to Stay Ahead


By Leave a Comment

Every so often, I crave mom-to-mom time. I seemed to have an abundance of “mom talk” opportunities when the boys were younger; between play dates, online forums and yes, even Twitter, there was always a chance to ask questions, vent about setbacks or share parenting wins. However, as the boys grow, I’ve found myself less inclined to reach out to other moms. Perhaps it’s because I’ve become more confident in my decisions or I’ve simply “been there, done that” – nevertheless, I’m aware that I’m reaching out less and less as the years go by.

Therefore, I make it a point to connect with my “mom friends” at least once every few weeks. Whether it’s over coffee, for a shopping date, or better yet, both – I think it’s important to continue the parent-focused conversations, especially with those who have children at different ages/stages from my own. It allows me to be both the pupil and the teacher; I can seek advice and “what to expect” from my girlfriends who have tweens and teens, and I can offer comfort and perspective to those raising toddlers and primary-aged children.
What dominated our conversations this month? I recently got together with my friend Georgia from Extra Sparkles Please, who also has two boys (ages 2 and 4). Here’s what we chatted about this time around! …

Read More

House Hunting? Five Lessons Learned + Introducing Nobul

By Leave a Comment

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. …

Read More

Beauty Decoded Live: Decoding the Science of Facial Fillers

By

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

A few months ago, I entered into a partnership with JUVÉDERM®. You may assume that the motivation behind my collaboration was to explore cosmetic dermatology, and if you did, you’re not wrong.
At 41 years old, I’ve thought about it, talked about it, and now, have taken the next step to see if facial fillers are right for me. But before I divulge the details, and my ultimate decision, let me take you back to Beauty Decoded Live, an event in Toronto that aimed to decode the science behind JUVÉDERM® facial fillers and debunking medical aesthetics myths once and for all. …

Read More

Vacay Ready: Travel Essentials

By Leave a Comment

Sure, I know a thing or two about travelling. We travel as a family, on average, eight times per year! And with 10 trips already in the books, we’re maintaining our nomadic lifestyle in 2019.
I’m often interviewed or asked to provide tips for my favourite travel essentials. Over the years, I’ve amassed quite a collection of “must haves”. Today, I’m sharing my top picks with you! …

Read More

Messenger Kids: Where Kids Connect

By 3 Comments

The new school year is underway! For my boys, now in Grade 4 and Grade 6, it means that evenings are filled with homework, lessons and of course, trying to fit in a little screen time. While we tend to argue about how much and how often they are in front of their devices, I can’t deny that electronics are now an essential part of a youth’s life. Simply put, they learn, connect with others and explore boundaries while plugged in.

However, at ages 9 and 11, I’m still not entirely comfortable giving my boys their own devices. I know that many would consider the tween years a responsible age for a first phone, but I also know that my boys are not yet able to demonstrate responsible device usage (they’d play all day and all night if I let them). Therefore, it’s a “no” for now.

Yes, I’m a mean mom. *Rolls eyes*

I do appreciate that they’d like to stay in touch with their peers beyond the classroom and playground, and I’ve been looking for a safe, simple way for them connect – while still having eyes on them to ensure responsible usage. Recently, I was introduced to Messenger Kids. You may already be familiar with Messenger from Facebook; the app works similarly, but is wholly designed with kids in mind. …

Read More

Multigenerational Travel Spotlight: Kissimmee, Florida


By 1 Comment

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.) …

Read More

Ya Mon! Families First at Beaches Ocho Rios

By 3 Comments

Heads up, Canadians! Read on for a limited time promo with Air Canada Vacations: for bookings made before October 31, 2019, use code BEACHES to save $200 per booking with no minimum spend, valid on any Beaches property in Jamaica. Further details follow.
There are many things I look for when reviewing family-friendly sun destinations, and for the most part, Caribbean resorts have elevated their offerings to meet the expectations of discerning Canadian vacationers. Therefore, when I find a resort that goes over and above to deliver an exceptional experience at a comparably excellent value, I am more than happy to sing its praises.

At the moment, that resort is Beaches Ocho Rios, Jamaica. …

Read More

Bring it, Winter! Helpful Hacks for Dry Skin

By 1 Comment

By now, you know I’m absolutely obsessed with Bio-Oil Dry Skin Gel. This superior moisturizer is suitable for all skin types, and its gel-to-oil formula is non-comedogenic, making it perfect for protecting everything from your nose to your toes!
But, what makes it so effective at moisturizing? Bio-Oil Dry Skin Gel is made with very little water (only 3% compared to 70%) and significantly more oil. Because our skin has a layer that repels water, water as an ingredient in skin formulations is actually of no use to dry skin. An oil-based formulation is much more effective as it locks in moisture and provides the hydration needed for long-lasting results.

I’ve been experimenting with the gel for a few months now and have found some pretty amazing ways to make the most of its moisturizing properties. With winter around the corner, I’m happy to share these helpful hacks with you! …

Read More

Three Simple Ways to Pack in Protein at Thanksgiving

By Leave a Comment

Thanksgiving is the holiday that seems to sneak up on all of us. Barely after summer has ended and the kids are back in school, the influx of Pumpkin Spice EVERYTHING reminds us that the feast of Thanksgiving is right around the corner.
I’ve been focused on making healthier dietary choices, and I’d like to continue this pattern of “better for me” eating even during the holidays. Specifically, I’ve worked hard to reduce the amount of sugar and refined carbs that previously dominated my diet. Instead, I’ve been loading up on protein-rich foods that keep me fulfilled, satiated and not craving a cookie before bedtime. …

Read More

Fall in Love with The Westin Ottawa

By Leave a Comment

Fall, besides being my favourite season, is also my favourite time to take a road trip! The cooler weather makes long drives more comfortable; the changing leaves offer a breathtaking backdrop, and the absence of humidity ensures I’ll have better hair days. (Okay, so the last one has nothing to do with road trips.)

We were recently invited by The Westin Ottawa to experience the family-friendly features of their hotel, and we happily accepted! Ottawa is only about a 4-hour drive from the Greater Toronto Area, making it an easy option for weekend getaways. I did some light research about the hotel and its amenities before we arrived, just to have an understanding of how we could pass the time while there.

Translation: I had expectations.
Spoiler alert: Those expectations were exceeded.
Here are three reasons to fall in love with The Westin Ottawa. …

Read More