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Show me that Smile (Again): The Case for Braces

March 13, 2023 By Lena Leave a Comment

When I first thought about getting braces – again, in my 40’s – a lot of people thought I was crazy.

“But your teeth are straight!” they’d say.
“Didn’t you already have braces?” they’d (correctly) state.
“You’re seriously going to spend $$ on a few wonky teeth?” they’d question.

Well yes, yes I am.

Let me rewind. As an adolescent, I needed braces – badly. My teeth were crowded, I had an extreme overbite, and one tooth (sadly, in the front) was positioned at an unfortunate angle. However, my immigrant parents didn’t really see the need (nor have the money) for orthodontic treatment, so braces were put off until I could pay for a portion myself. This didn’t happen until I was 19 years old – one month before entering university.

Nothing like being a freshman with a mouth full of metal, eh?

Truthfully, I loved it. I had been insecure about my smile for so long; just the thought of having beautiful, straight teeth was enough to keep me euphoric about the experience in its entirety. And, when the braces did come off, this then 21-and-a-half year old felt like a million bucks. Nah – a TRILLION bucks. I had a permanent retainer attached behind my bottom teeth, and a removable retainer was created for my top teeth.

Spoiler alert: I didn’t wear my retainer. Maybe for the first two weeks… and then, NEVER.

It was my mid-thirties, about 15 years after orthodontic treatment, when I first noticed the gradual shifting in my top teeth. I was at a social media conference where they were offering free head shots, and of course I jumped at the opportunity. However, when the photo was sent to my phone, the only thing I noticed was that my front tooth – the tooth that previously lived at an unfortunate angle – had begun its pilgrimage back home.

Can you see it? Perhaps I should ask, if I hadn’t pointed it out, would you have seen it?
It bothered me… enough to raise my concerns with my husband. He scoffed; it was one tooth, barely noticeable. Hardly a reason to spend thousands of dollars for braces! It was a hard no from him. Wanting to believe he was right – it wasn’t THAT bad – I dropped the subject. …

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Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: 3d printed braces, lightforce, lightforce braces, lightforce braces review, lightforce orthodontics, lightforce review

Laser Clinics Canada is Here!

February 15, 2023 By Lena Leave a Comment

If you’ve considered laser hair removal, cosmetic injections or skin treatments such as microdermabrasion, you may be surprised to learn it is more affordable (and more accessible) than you think. Laser Clinics – the largest cosmetic clinic in the world with over 200 clinics globally – now has four cosmetic clinics in the GTA, including Scarborough Town Centre (NEW!), Sherway Gardens, Hillcrest Mall and Square One Shopping Centre.
Worldwide, they perform over 2.5 million treatments per year, and have curated a dedicated client base thanks to their experienced medical teams and tailored treatments. With their expansion into the Canadian market, Laser Clinics Canada offers affordable, accessible and reliable aesthetic treatments….

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Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: laser clinics canada, laser clinics mississauga, laser clinics review, laser clinics toronto

Cooking with Love: Wild Mushroom Risotto, featuring Kilne Cookware

February 7, 2023 By Lena 1 Comment

*PROMO DETAILS BELOW* Save money with Kilne’s Love to Cook Sale!

Food is my love language. The simple act of preparing food is cherished in my family; cooking for others is the most enduring way to show devotion. Today, whether I’m creating a chef-inspired dish or assembling a simple sandwich, I know that when I’m serving a meal, I’m really saying “I love you”.
With love on my mind: a recipe for Wild Mushroom Risotto, one of my go-to “Date Night In” meals. Risotto is easy to make but requires patience and persistence. There are no shortcuts, but with care and attention, it is always worth the effort.

Kind of like love, right?…

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Filed Under: Food, Lifestyle Tagged With: #kilnecooks, everything pan, everything pan review, kilne, kilne cookware, kilne everything pan, kilne everything pan review, kilne knives

Five Things I’d Never Do as Someone Who Has Psoriasis

October 28, 2022 By Lena Leave a Comment

What makes someone an “expert”? Is it education, training, experience – a combination of the three? Or is it simply living, day in and day out, with something that forces you to learn, adapt and overcome?

If having psoriasis (PsO) for over 30 years – 75% of my life – makes me an expert, I’ll say I’ve earned my accolades. When I first started showing symptoms of the disease, I didn’t want to leave my room. I can recall every nuance of my childhood bedroom, and the hours I spent looking in the mirror while scrutinizing my imperfections. Running my fingers over the scales. Picking at the scabs. Wanting to pull the covers over my head and hibernate.

Today, in remission and thriving, the only time I hide away in my room is when I’m wearing cute pyjamas.

However, there were many, many lessons learned along the way. And if there’s one thing we’ve learned from experts on social media, it’s what NOT to do. Here are five things I’d never do as someone who has psoriasis:…

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Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: Canadian Association of Psoriasis Patients, know pso, psoriasis, world psoriasis day

Strawberry Caprese Salad with Toasted Walnuts

September 18, 2022 By Lena Leave a Comment

A sweet twist on a summer classic – Strawberry Caprese Salad with Toasted Walnuts is sure to become a new favourite! It’s so simple to put together and combines peppery arugula with delicate, fresh local mozzarella (often referred to as bocconcini).
Dairy is a staple ingredient in our fridge, and it’s a key ingredient in so many of our go-to recipes – including the cheese used in this salad! Bocconcini is mild-tasting, creamy, and pairs perfectly with sweet strawberries and crunchy walnuts. If you’ve been looking for a new salad to add to your outdoor entertaining menu, this is it! Here’s what you’ll need: …

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Filed Under: Food Tagged With: easy recipes, Strawberry Caprese Salad with Toasted Walnuts

The Best Egg Salad

September 6, 2022 By Lena Leave a Comment

Could this Egg Salad be eggsactly what you need in your life? It’s no yolk – you’ll love it!
I make this delectable spread with Conestoga Farms Free Run Omega 3 Eggs, which are enriched with Omega-3 polyunsaturates and produced by hens fed an all-grain diet enriched with flax seed. It only takes a few simple ingredients to make this lunchtime favourite pop: quality eggs, crunchy celery, savoury herbs and leafy greens! I love to serve this sandwich open faced, but that’s just because I prefer a towering heaping of the egg salad spread! Here’s what you’ll need: …

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Filed Under: Food Tagged With: Conestoga Farms, easy recipes, egg salad sandwich

Mydoh: The Smart Way to Earn, Spend and Play – with Goals!

August 20, 2022 By Lena Leave a Comment

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

It’s been just about a year now that we’ve been using Mydoh, the digital app with a Smart Cash Card that helps kids learn and practice money management. Without hesitation, I’d say it’s one of the most useful apps our family has downloaded! It keeps us organized and on top of household responsibilities, teaches my sons about financial literacy, and provides a simple, secure way for them to build a healthy relationship with money.

Here’s what we love most:

1) EARNING IS STRAIGHTFORWARD. My kids just do the chores, mark them as complete, and they’ll get paid – there’s no red tape or runaround from either kids or parents. I can easily create tasks for the boys, track if they’re overdue and know when they’re complete. All in just a few taps! …

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Filed Under: Family Tagged With: kids chores, mydoh, mydoh app, mydoh review

Roasted Strawberry Sheet Pan Cake

August 14, 2022 By Lena Leave a Comment

Since sheet pan cakes are having a moment and shopping local is *always* on trend, it’s the perfect time to try a Roasted Strawberry Sheet Pan Cake!
Made with fresh Ontario milk and sweet Ontario strawberries, every bite is a tribute to summer. I like to finish the cake with a light dusting of powdered sugar, but it’s even more delicious with a scoop of vanilla ice cream! No matter how you choose to enjoy a slice, just remember to pair it with a glass of cold Ontario milk. …

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Filed Under: Food Tagged With: ontario dairy, recipes, roasted strawberries, strawberry sheet pan cake

Must Do Disney: 2022 Edition

August 9, 2022 By Lena Leave a Comment

Before 2020, Walt Disney World and I were faithful buddies.

I popped in for a visit several times a year, and Disney rewarded me with a good time and great memories. In fact, in September 2019, I celebrated my 20th visit to Walt Disney World and my first visit without the kids! Yep, my husband and I ditched our offspring for an adults-only vacation. We visited Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and ate around Epcot and took advantage of every minute of extra magic hours. My boys were flabbergasted that we left them behind, but I promised that we’d all be back for our family vacation in March 2020.

MARCH 2020! Oops.

In fact, we didn’t go back, and it would be a full two years – and two cancelled Disney vacations later – that we were finally able to experience the most magical place on earth. In June, we spent five incredible days rekindling our love for classic attractions, enchanting fireworks, over-the-top food and beloved Disney characters.
Was it worth the wait? YES.
Would I do it again? HECK YES.
Was it… different? Yeah, yeah it was. …

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Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: Disney, disney genie+, disney virtual queue tips, disney world vacation, genie+, guardians of the galaxy cosmic rewind, lightning lane, Walt Disney World

Bhurji – Indian Scrambled Eggs

August 3, 2022 By Lena Leave a Comment

It’s one of my favourite meals from my childhood and today, my mom joined me in the kitchen! A popular street food in India, bhurji features savoury aromatics combined with smooth, delicious scrambled eggs.
The best way to elevate an old favourite? Use the best quality products possible! I love Conestoga Farms Free Run Omega-3 Eggs; they’re enriched with Omega-3 polyunsaturates and are produced by hens fed an all-grain diet enriched with flax seed. Indulge with me in Eggs Around The World and enjoy a plate of bhurji! …

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Filed Under: Food Tagged With: bhurji, Conestoga Farms, egg recipes

Kid-Friendly Egg Bites

July 14, 2022 By Lena Leave a Comment

Get the kiddos in the kitchen, because this recipe is so simple to make! My own “Chef Reid” takes over to make Egg Bites, the perfectly portable breakfast or snack. Made with Conestoga Farms Free Run Omega 3 Eggs, they’re a great way to involve kids, as most of the prep work is easy for little ones to follow. And remember, the food you make yourself always tastes better!
1 carton Conestoga Farms Free Run Omega 3 Eggs
Assorted additions, such as chopped ham, onion, pepper, chives and bacon
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
1 muffin tin, greased well …

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Filed Under: Food Tagged With: Conestoga Farms, egg bites, egg recipes

Put the Sizzle in Summer with Tex-Mex Burgers!

July 12, 2022 By Lena Leave a Comment

Summer is in full swing, and nothing says #weekendvibes quite like a burger on the grill. But basic burgers beware: once you try my recipe for Tex-Mex Burgers, made with Canadian Beef and served on Furlani® Garlic Texas Toast, you may find yourself craving the sizzlin’ southwest flavour all season long!

We start with a thick, juicy Canadian Beef burger patty – kicked up a notch with the addition of fresh jalapeno and chipotle barbecue sauce – then top it with melted, gooey Monterey Jack cheese, freshly smashed avocado and sliced tomatoes. Served on Furlani® Garlic Texas Toast for an extra hit of savoury flavour, this may just become your favourite way to Friday. Serve with your favourite veggies and tortilla chips with salsa on the side. …

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Filed Under: Food Tagged With: bbq recipes, burger recipes, canadian beef, furlani foods, furlani garlic toast, tex mex burgers

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Virtual Queue Strategies

June 13, 2022 By Lena Leave a Comment

Are you ready to take off on an intergalactic chase through space and time? It’s finally here: Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind  launched at EPCOT on May 27th, and believe me when I say the hype is REAL. From the thrilling ride pre-show to Disney’s first-ever reverse launch, this full-enclosed coaster is the newest innovation from Walt Disney Imagineering. We experienced the ride last week thanks to a well-timed family vacation, and there’s only one word for me to describe it: OBSESSED!
At the time of publication (June 13, 2022), you have two options available to experience the attraction: joining the virtual queue (no additional fee) or purchasing an individual Lightning Lane entry. That’s right: there is currently no standby line available, nor can you schedule a Lightning Lane entry using the Genie+ service. While both available options are pretty straightforward, there are are few strategies that can help you snag a spot in the virtual queue for this wildly popular ride. Read on! …

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Filed Under: Featured, Travel Tagged With: disney virtual queue tips, epcot virtual queue, guardians of the galaxy cosmic rewind, guardians of the galaxy ride, virtual queue, Walt Disney World

The 411: Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) Awareness

June 10, 2022 By Lena Leave a Comment

The first time I heard about Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS), it was through a friend who had been recently diagnosed. She showed me tracks of ulcers that had developed in her armpit, and admittedly, I recoiled.

Is it contagious? I wondered. Should I ask? I angled my chair just slightly so I could scoot back without making it obvious.

“It’s not contagious,” she said, rolling her eyes. She saw right through me – and I’d never felt so ashamed. “Okay, so what IS it?” I asked, deciding the most direct route was probably the best. We ended up chatting about the condition, how she was misdiagnosed by her family doctor, and how she was now working with a dermatologist to come up with a treatment plan. …

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Filed Under: Lifestyle

Candied Salmon Nachos

May 17, 2022 By Lena Leave a Comment

Let’s toast to the unofficial start of summer! I’m OBSESSED with these Candied Salmon Nachos – I can’t wait to share them with family and friends this long weekend!
Inspired by Chef Robert Belcham’s Salmon Candy with Tostitos, I simplified the recipe by using fresh jalapeños, store-bought teriyaki sauce and sriracha mayo. The result? A fusion of west coast salmon and Japanese flavours for a fun, unique appetizer! If you’ll be gathering with loved ones over the Victoria Day long weekend, trust me, this is the main attraction! …

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Filed Under: Food Tagged With: Candied Salmon Nachos, tostitos

Grated Egg Avocado Toast

May 16, 2022 By Lena Leave a Comment

My favourite new way to enjoy Avo Toast! I tried the trending Grated Egg Avocado Toast that everyone’s talking about, and trust me – I understand the obsession!
Tip: Use Conestoga Farms Free Run Omega-3 Eggs; they’re enriched with Omega-3 polyunsaturates and are produced by hens fed an all-grain diet enriched with flax seed. Adding cooked, grated egg to avocado toast easily increases the nutrition profile with protein and omega-3 fatty acids. I’m in love with the silky, smooth texture of grated egg – I honestly could enjoy this meal every single day! Here’s what you’ll need per serving: …

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Filed Under: Food Tagged With: avocado toast, Conestoga Farms, egg recipes, grated egg avocado toast, recipes

Mexican-Style Bison Stuffed Peppers

May 6, 2022 By Lena Leave a Comment

My favourite Mother’s Day gift? Time away from the kitchen! Thankfully I have two adorable sous chefs who are happy to help me create a special meal. Together, we made Mexican-Style Bison Stuffed Peppers using Noble Premium Bison – YUM!
New to bison? It’s lean, super nutritious and has a slightly sweet, rich taste that I love. Bison meat is good for the planet because it’s raised without harm to the environment – as a mom, that’s so important to me, as I’m sure it is to you, too! In fact, bison is grass raised with NO antibiotics or added hormones. …

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Filed Under: Food Tagged With: bison, bison recipes, ground bison recipe, Mexican-Style Bison Stuffed Peppers

Crispy Tofu Satay with Spicy Peanut Dipping Sauce

April 18, 2022 By Lena Leave a Comment

Need a little Meatless Monday dinner inspo? Crispy Tofu Satay with Spicy Peanut Dipping Sauce is always in our rotation! The marinade and sauce are so simple to make, and the best part is, you can’t really mess up when it comes to putting this recipe together. No, really – it’s almost completely foolproof and absolutely delicious!
Here’s what you’ll need for the tofu satay:

1 block firm tofu
2 tbsp light soy sauce
1 tbsp creamy peanut butter
1 tbsp brown sugar
1/2 tsp dried basil …

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Filed Under: Food Tagged With: asian recipes, Crispy Tofu Satay with Spicy Peanut Dipping Sauce, meatless monday, recipes, tofu recipes

Top 5 Reasons to Use TurboTax Live Full Service

March 9, 2022 By Lena Leave a Comment

I have a recurring dream (fantasy?) where I’m in the audience of a certain television talk show, and suddenly, the host begins giving out the BEST prizes to everyone. The strange thing? It’s the same prize over and over –

“You get a break! You get a break! You ALL get a break!”

I think I need a break.
This tax season, I’m taking steps to turn that dream into reality: by getting my taxes done from the comfort of my home with a  TurboTax Live Full Service expert. I handed off my taxes to a qualified tax expert (with an average of 10 years of experience!) so I feel confident they will be done right, with the best possible return! …

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Filed Under: Lifestyle

Celebrate Your Side Hustle! Introducing TurboTax Self-Employed Full Service

February 24, 2022 By Lena Leave a Comment

If you started a small business during the past two years, you’re in great company! Two million Canadian entrepreneurs – including a large percentage of “mompreneurs” – created businesses during COVID-19. Whether you’ve registered your interior design company, launched a home-based bakery, curated a social media following or (insert dream job here), moms are wearing more hats than ever and side hustles have been pushed into the spotlight.

As a business owner myself, I can say that the rewards are well worth the risk! However, I will add the following caveat: no one prepared me for the sheer amount of paperwork that comes with being your own boss. From invoices (incoming and outgoing) to contracts to every possible .docx file in between, I spend a lot of time managing the least fun part of my business. And now that we’re in the middle of tax season… ugh.
I know that many new mompreneurs are in the same boat. Especially if this is your first or second year identifying as self-employed (congratulations on officially elevating your side hustle to replace your full-time income!), you may not have the time or expertise to ensure you’re taking advantage of every tax credit, tax strategy or tax savings available to you. Listen, I get it! The thing about passion projects is that it’s easy to focus on what drives you, and usually, that doesn’t include calculating the depreciation on the car you use to drop off your homemade welcome mats….

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Filed Under: Lifestyle

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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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