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House Hunting? Five Lessons Learned + Introducing Nobul

November 27, 2019 By Lena 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. …

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Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: nobul, nobul.com, real estate, real estate agent

Beauty Decoded Live: Decoding the Science of Facial Fillers

November 26, 2019 By Lena

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. …

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Filed Under: Beauty Tagged With: Beauty Decoded, Beauty Decoded Live, Dr. Mauricio de Maio, facial fillers, JUVÉDERM, MD Codes

Vacay Ready: Travel Essentials

November 25, 2019 By Lena 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! …

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Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: designer sunglasses, family travel, SmartBuyGlasses.ca, sunglasses, travel essentials

Messenger Kids: Where Kids Connect

November 14, 2019 By Lena 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. …

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Filed Under: Family Tagged With: Facebook, Facebook Messenger, Facebook Messenger Kids

Multigenerational Travel Spotlight: Kissimmee, Florida


October 29, 2019 By Lena 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.) …

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Filed Under: Lifestyle, Travel Tagged With: experience kissimmee, kissimmee florida, Orlando Dream Vacation, orlando rental homes, orlando vacation rental, visit florida

Ya Mon! Families First at Beaches Ocho Rios

October 21, 2019 By Lena 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. …

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Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: beaches jamaica, beaches ocho rios, Beaches Resorts, family travel, Jamaica

Bring it, Winter! Helpful Hacks for Dry Skin

October 12, 2019 By Lena 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! …

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Filed Under: Beauty Tagged With: bio-oil canada, Bio-Oil Dry Skin Gel, dry skin, winter skin

Three Simple Ways to Pack in Protein at Thanksgiving

October 10, 2019 By Lena 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. …

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Filed Under: Food Tagged With: icelandic skyr yogurt, siggi's, siggi's skyr yogurt, Thanksgiving

Fall in Love with The Westin Ottawa

October 10, 2019 By Lena 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. …

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Filed Under: Family, Travel Tagged With: canada, family travel, Marriott International, ottawa, road trip, the westin ottawa

Start Something Priceless! The Surprise Getaway

September 25, 2019 By Lena 1 Comment

We are a family of travellers. Since 2012, we’ve taken over 100 trips together – exploring, learning, bonding, creating. In fact, the most enriching experiences I’ve had as a parent center around introducing my children to new cultures and cuisines. Family travel is awesome.

However, it was time to bid the kids adieu and TAKE A REAL GROWNUP VACATION!
My husband and I were (over) due for some alone time. Months ago, I started researching quick getaways where we could leave for a few days without overly disrupting the boys’ schedule or putting too much pressure on my mother-in-law (who would be looking after them in our absence). I kept everything a secret from my husband, mostly because I didn’t want to get his hopes up just in case I couldn’t pull something together. …

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Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: #startsomethingpriceless, galaxy's edge, MasterCard Canada, star wars, Walt Disney World

Five Ways to Stay Ahead of Sensitive Skin

September 10, 2019 By Lena Leave a Comment

Feeling sensitive? You’re not alone. 72% of Canadian women believe they have sensitive skin, and more and more, products designed for sensitive skin are the most important consideration (second only to anti-aging) when selecting a skin care regimen.

However, how is sensitive skin defined? Unfortunately, there really isn’t a clear answer; symptoms tend to vary from person-to-person and reactions can be unpredictable! I tend to flare (redness, bumps and itching) when products contain too many harsh ingredients, while my mom’s skin reacts based on certain foods. We’re both equally sensitive in different ways!

Sounds like you? Here are five ways to stay ahead of sensitive skin:

1. Identify Your Triggers

Are there environmental, emotional or dietary triggers that cause your sensitive skin to flare? How easily is your skin irritated following contact with skin care products, makeup, or even UV rays? Keep an ongoing diary (with photographic evidence) to uncover patterns of skin reactions that can help identify your triggers. Sometimes it’s nearly impossible to identify one thing in particular; sensitive skin can simply be the result of a combination of elements working against you. (It happens, no need to be stress about it!) …

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Filed Under: Beauty Tagged With: facial cleansers, Fragrance-Free, Olay Sensitive Collection, sensitive skin

Kia Canada: The Power to Surprise

August 30, 2019 By Lena 1 Comment

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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Filed Under: Family, Lifestyle Tagged With: family road trips, family suv, kia canada, kia sorento

Back-to-School Shopping: Old School Edition!

August 15, 2019 By Lena 1 Comment

Tell me back-to-school isn’t the most wonderful time of year. Change my mind! I dare you.

Just like every summer, it seems the time has flown by and we’re already starting to prep for the new school year. Admittedly, I’ve eschewed the mall in years past, preferring to complete my shopping online (often, without input from my boys). I mean, it’s all the same to kids, right?

Except, this year, I don’t have kids. I have young men: Ryder is entering grade 6 and Reid is entering grade 4. They’ve both reached the age where they care about their clothing, shoes (excuse me, “kicks”) and absolutely every accessory that I’ll be sticking a label on (they may be young men, but they still lose stuff all the time). For the first time, they’ve asked to actively participate in back-to-school shopping! Because I have wonderful memories of shopping for all my “must haves” with my mom, I decided to forgo online shopping and take the kids to the mall. The experience? Priceless.
This year, I’m sharing my best tips for back-to-school shopping – the old school way! …

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Filed Under: Family Tagged With: back to school, back to school shopping, MasterCard Canada, scarborough town centre

LG Kitchen Memory Rescue: My Mom’s Carrot Cake

August 12, 2019 By Lena 5 Comments

To fully appreciate the depth of my excitement over my recent LG Kitchen Memory Rescue experience, I’ll have to share the following background information:

1. Growing up, my mom wasn’t the traditional “pleasantville”-type nurturer. She cooked, yes, and she kept a wonderful home, but baking was not her strength. For the first 20-some years of my life, she only baked one particular cake – semolina-based with raisins. (I disliked it.) Later, in the early 2000s, she expanded her repertoire to include a carrot cake and banana bread.

The good news? I really, really love carrot cake.

2. You know who else loves carrot cake? My childhood best friend, Victoria. In fact, in our early 20s, while everyone else was ordering slices of chocolate truffle and caramel crunch cakes, we were the “uncool” girls enjoying a slice of densely spiced, heavily frosted carrot cake. The combination of earthy carrots, crunchy walnuts and sweetened cream cheese was too irresistible to pass up. In fact, I went on to select carrot cake as my wedding cake and Victoria as my maid of honour.
3. At some point in my mid-twenties, inspired by Chef Anna Olson’s hit television show, “Sugar,” I decided to supplement my Bachelor of Commerce with a Pastry Arts Diploma. I know, polar opposites! But I was lacking motivation in my 9-5 job and decided that pursuing outside interests would be a great way to reinstate passion in my life. When I read in a local newspaper that Anna had opened an artisanal boutique in St. Catharines, Ontario, I was one of the first to visit her in-store and purchase a signed copy of her newest cookbook. …

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Filed Under: Family, Food Tagged With: #lgkitchenmemoryrescue, Anna Olson, lg canada, LG InstaView Door-in-Door, lg kitchen, LG ProBake Convection, LG QuadWash

Bio Oil Dry Skin Gel: My Secret Remedy for Air Travel Woes!


June 24, 2019 By Lena 2 Comments

There seems to be a tiny misconception out there that I’m “always on vacation”. Never one to pass up a moment to troll –
It’s true; I’m a travel writer by trade. And this means that my family travels frequently – on average, once or twice per month. My boys are definitely living their best lives (there’s no doubt about it) but for me, it simply means that my office changes scenery, and often, time zones.

Over the years, the effects of air travel have started to catch up with me. I often have what I call a “day after migraine” (which usually disrupts the first day on my itinerary), and trust me when I say that my skin is rebelling: it’s dry, flaky and can have patches of irritation. In fact, it’s taken such a toll on me that I’ve finally decided to spring into action! I’ve formulated an action plan of how I can stay on top of skin woes. Read on for my best tips to keep your skin happy before, during and after flights! …

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Filed Under: Beauty Tagged With: air travel, bio oil, Bio-Oil Dry Skin Gel, dry skin

Summer Camp by the Sea: Tips for a Safe Family Vacation


June 10, 2019 By Lena Leave a Comment

Winter, second winter, spring (ish)…. and GO! The warm weather is almost here and for many Canadian families, that means the coveted summer travel season is about to begin! Especially if you’re vacationing down south this summer, here are my best tips for ensuring that your travel plans go swimmingly (see what I did there?) and in the safest manner possible.
1. Take the time to research your destination. Sure, you’ll want to do the basic things, like scoping out the accommodations, dining options and recreational activities. However, especially when travelling with young ones, you’ll need to do a little bit of a deeper dive. …

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Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: family travel, family travel tips, mastercard

A Look Ahead to Summer Travel: Dream of Europe!


May 30, 2019 By Lena Leave a Comment

I’m going to let you in on a little secret. Each year, the first Monday after March Break is marked off on my calendar. I clear my schedule, drop my laptop in my handbag and make my way to my favourite local coffee shop. When the morning’s pressing emails are answered, a latte is in front of me and I’ve scanned the bakery case to decide on my afternoon treat, I dive into summer vacation planning.But it’s only March! you’re thinking. Friends, it’s the PERFECT time to plan – especially if you’re considering a family vacation to Europe, which has never been hotter (or more attainable) for family travels. Barcelona, London, and Lisbon have gained reputations for being flawlessly kid-friendly, and when you book with Air Canada Vacations, they’ll do the planning for you! Vacation packages feature a family-centric itinerary and include flights, accommodations and private airport transfers – in addition to excursions, some meals, and more! (Be sure to review the package inclusions as each package offers a unique customized experience and varies from country to country.)

 …

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Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: air canada vacations, europe vacations, family travel

LG TWINWash: The Washing Machine for Every Mom

April 14, 2019 By Lena 4 Comments

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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Filed Under: Decor, Lifestyle

Divide and Conquer: A Better Laundry Experience with LG TWINWash


April 1, 2019 By Lena Leave a Comment

Shiny. New. Home Appliances.
Is there anything more alluring to a homeowner? I’ll admit, when we first moved into our new house last year, one of the things that kept me sane through the chaos was the prospect of selecting brand new kitchen and laundry room appliances. My previous purchases had been made over a decade ago, and, given the advances in technology during that time, I knew I would be in for a treat.

Turns out, in the case of my washer and dryer, I was in for a better laundry experience. …

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Filed Under: Decor Tagged With: #lgtwinwash, #LGUltimateLaundryRoom, lg appliances, LG TWIN Wash

Fabulous Sunnies at Incredible Prices? Now that’s a SmartBuy!

March 31, 2019 By Lena Leave a Comment

It’s 2019, which means you can do practically everything online – including shopping for a pair of sunglasses you’ve been lusting after. Have you heard of SmartBuyGlasses? They are, hands down, my favourite place to source quality, designer frames at the very best prices.

Ray-Ban. Balenciaga. Celine, Gucci and Tiffany & Co. These are a few of my favourite things… and they’re all available for a fraction of the price you’d find in-store. In fact, with 180 brands and over 80,000 products on the website, you’re almost guaranteed to find the designer eyeglasses of your dreams!
I selected this timeless pair of “Amarissa” aviator sunglasses by the late style icon, Kate Spade. The perfect colour combination of silver and blue make this pair a great addition to any outfit – and look especially great if you’re beach-bound. It was easy for me to choose these sunglasses because I’ve worn similar styles in the past, but I could have also taken advantage of the new 3D Virtual Try On feature from SmartBuyGlasses; their new cutting-edge technology ensures you love the way glasses look and fit on you before you buy.

More reasons to love SmartBuyGlasses.ca:

1. Introduce your friends to SmartBuyGlasses.ca by sending them a unique discount code. With this code, they can get C$10 off their first purchase – and once your friends use the code, you will get C$10 off your next order.

2. SmartBuyGlasses.ca offers FREE standard shipping on ALL eyewear, and in many cases, you’ll receive your glasses within a week. All international shipments will be sent with duties and taxes to be paid by the recipient – however – if you are asked to pay customs fees, simply pay the amount in a timely manner and then e-mail your receipt to the customer service department to be immediately reimbursed for your expense!

3. Not sure if you love your new sunglasses? If for any reason you are not fully satisfied with your order, SmartBuyGlasses.ca gladly offers a 100-day refund policy, starting the day you receive your order. (The product must be returned unused with all the authenticity tags and manufacturer seals still attached.)

4. To further ensure complete satisfaction, SmartBuyGlasses offers their own exclusive 24-month warranty against manufacturers’ defects. You can shop with confidence at SmartBuyGlasses!

5. Designer eyewear at SmartBuyGlasses is guaranteed to be authentic. I’ve ordered sunglasses 4-5 times in the past three years and have always found the items to be 100% as described, and I’ve never doubted the legitimacy of the products.

But the very best reason for shopping and SmartBuyGlasses.ca? You simply won’t find a better price! (In fact, they guarantee it; for items marked Best Price Guarantee, if you find any eyeglasses or sunglasses less expensive somewhere else, let them know within 14 days of placing your order and they’ll credit the difference back to your account. See here for full terms and conditions.)

Summer is on the way! It’s the perfect time to pick out fabulous designer eyewear at an incredible price.

I received a pair of sunglasses from SmartBuyGlasses.ca for the purpose of this review. The opinions on this blog, as always, are my own.

Filed Under: Fashion Tagged With: designer eyewear, designer sunglasses, smartbuyglasses, SmartBuyGlasses.ca

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Lena Almeida

Toronto Blogger, Social Media Strategist for Listen to Lena Inc. Television & Radio Personality, Columnist and Speaker. Family Travel Expert. Star Wars Fanatic. Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion. Read More…

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