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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

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

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

Today’s Classroom: Connecting and Feeling Connected with D2L

February 17, 2022 By Lena Leave a Comment

If you ask any Canadian parent how they feel about their child’s education experience over the past several months, you’re likely to hear everything from hopeful and excited to anxious and uncertain. Truthfully, I probably fall somewhere in the middle – while I’m feeling mostly positive about my sons’ academic progress, there are times when I question if there’s more I can do to offer additional support, especially when they learn online.
A new survey commissioned by D2L, a global learning technology leader, tells me that I’m not alone. Canadian parents are feeling connected (36%), overwhelmed (29%), and empowered (20%) by online learning platforms as part of their child’s education experience. …

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Filed Under: Family Tagged With: d2l, d2l review, online classroom, virtual learning

Eggs Around The World – Savoury Egg Curry

November 29, 2021 By Lena 12 Comments

From time to time, often when I least expect it, memories of the rich, fragrant East Indian dishes from my childhood come flooding to my mind. I’ll instantly run to call my mom, asking her to send the recipe or explain the cooking method. Sometimes, I’ll brazenly ask her to simply make the dish so I can come pick it up – we all know the best takeout comes from mom’s kitchen.

Recently I began craving Egg Curry, a humble dish served all over India thanks to its roots in vegetarianism and simple, accessible and affordable ingredients. For this recipe, I love to 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.
Traditionally, this dish would be made with eggs that were hard-cooked until crumbly. However, I prefer a creamier center; I usually set my egg timer for exactly eight minutes.

Tip: to save time, try Conestoga Farms Free Run On the Run Hard Boiled Eggs. They’re cooked and peeled, then packaged in a convenient twin pack, for an easy, ready-to-eat snack – no peeling required. …

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Filed Under: Food Tagged With: Conestoga Farms, egg curry, indian cooking, Indian Food

Adventure Has Never Been Bigger: Clifford The Big Red Dog

November 12, 2021 By Lena 7 Comments

“Magic is all around us if you just know where to look.” – Mr. Bridwell
Let me start out by saying: Clifford The Big Red Dog is a magical family film. We were offered an exclusive opportunity to view an advanced screening courtesy of eOne, and my boys loved it! The movie has a decidedly innocent throwback appeal; generations of fans of the original literary series have already fallen in love with the over-the-top main character and this movie has been long awaited by children and their parents alike! Here’s the official movie synopsis:

When middle-schooler Emily Elizabeth (Darby Camp) meets a magical animal rescuer (John Cleese) who gifts her a little, red puppy, she never anticipated waking up to find a giant ten-foot hound in her small New York City apartment. While her single mom (Sienna Guillory) is away for business, Emily and her fun but impulsive uncle Casey (Jack Whitehall) set out on an adventure that will keep you on the edge-of-your-seat as our heroes take a bite out of the Big Apple. Based on the beloved Scholastic book character, Clifford will teach the world how to love big!…

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Filed Under: Family Tagged With: clifford the big red dog movie, eone, family films, family movies

If I Knew Then What I Know Now… Living with Psoriasis

October 19, 2021 By Lena 18 Comments

When I was just 11 years old, I asked my mom to look at my scalp. “It feels strange,” I worried. It was mildly itchy and had a tingly, almost burning sensation. Additionally, I had felt quite a few bumpy patches that I couldn’t keep my hands off. “Have you been picking?” she asked, knowing that I tended to scrape and pick at scabs. “Yes,” I admitted. “It’s very itchy!”

(That was only partially true. Have you ever seen the payoff from psoriasis scabs? They’re like the size of cornflakes and I found them so satisfying to peel! Disclaimer: Don’t do this!)

My mom marched me to our family doctor who a) diagnosed me with psoriasis and b) suggested a coal tar shampoo of which I can still recall the smell to this day. Faithfully, once a week, I tipped my head over in the bathtub while my mom massaged the shampoo into my hair and scalp. When I was older, I took over the duties myself, and weaned myself off the regimen when my psoriasis improved – though it never completely went away.

While I tried not to let my psoriasis get me down, it nevertheless affected me psychologically throughout my teens and twenties. I rarely wore my hair up, concerned that the scales and scabs would be more visible if I pulled my locks away from my scalp. I panicked when my hairdresser went on vacation, knowing I’d be too embarrassed to have a new stylist do my hair. When I dated, I freely disclosed my condition out of fear that a man would nonchalantly run his fingers through my hair – and draw back in surprise.

It’s obvious that while I thought I was “managing” my psoriasis, I was still allowing it to control my day-to-day. Fast forward to 2014, when, after decades of letting my psoriasis symptoms wax and wane, my joints flared to the point where I was disabled with swelling and pain for over six months. The diagnosis: psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

Today, I have mild flares of psoriasis on my scalp, lips and elbows, but I’m considered to be in clinical remission thanks to the medications I take for my psoriatic arthritis (which have the added benefit of keeping my psoriasis in check). I regularly see both a dermatologist and rheumatologist for my conditions, making sure to advocate for myself when I need to. Recently, I had a chance to sit down with Dr. Geeta Yadav, a dermatologist based in Toronto at Skin Science Dermatology.

In the days leading up to the interview, an idea started to form –  I wanted to share with you some things I wish I knew about psoriasis decades ago (that I know now). Dr. Yadav was knowledgeable and thoroughly answered my questions, which in turn allowed me to create the following list for you!
1. Psoriasis is a lifelong condition.

If I had clearly understood that my psoriasis would likely be with me for the rest of my life, I would have taken more definitive steps sooner to get my condition under control (and certainly before it progressed to PsA). …

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Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: know pso, psoriasis, world psoriasis day

Mydoh: Earn, Spend, Play. Smart!

October 15, 2021 By Lena 10 Comments

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

I have a teen and tween and they’re both EXCITED to perform their weekly chores. Yes, really! And it’s all thanks to Mydoh, the digital app with a Smart Cash Card that helps kids learn and practice money management.
However, things weren’t always so simple. Let me rewind:

Now that our boys are back in school, I decided it was a great time to re-establish a routine for chores. Together, we decided what they would be responsible for, and how much we would compensate them for each completed task. Generally, the boys had weekly responsibilities, which included washing their uniforms, dusting areas of the home, cleaning their bedrooms and reducing clutter from high-traffic areas such as the kitchen and family room….

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Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: mydoh, mydoh app, rbc mydoh

Rewarding My Lifestyle with Neo

October 6, 2021 By Lena Leave a Comment

Rewards.
Cashback.
No Annual Fee.

Oh yeah, you’re speaking my language, Neo Financial!
I was first persuaded to join the Neo Community via a promotion from Hudson’s Bay. There’s just something about the words “additional % off…” that I can’t refuse! I was absolutely floored by the simple process that had me approved, with credit card number in hand, in less than 20 minutes. Everything was done digitally, including providing a selfie with my mobile phone! …

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Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: hudsons bay mastercard, neo, neo financial

Simplify Weekday Mornings with Evive Smoothies!

August 31, 2021 By Lena 12 Comments

Parents, it’s crunch time.

Back to school time can be both exciting and exhilarating. Supplies have been purchased, routines have been established and after a long, lazy summer, kiddos are ready to be reunited with their classmates.

But weekday mornings? Still crazy.

The ongoing struggle with my boys is ensuring they have a nutritious breakfast – preferably that they can make themselves – that’s ready in a pinch. Thank goodness for Evive Smoothies!
Evive, the original blender-free smoothie, takes just 30 seconds to make – simply pop the cubes in a bottle, add your favourite liquid (juice, milk or water) and shake. I find the smoothie cubes are best incorporated when steeped in liquid for 15-20 minutes, so combine the cubes and liquid, let the kids continue their morning routine, shake… and YUM! …

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Filed Under: Food Tagged With: evive, evive smoothies

Phantom Screens: Five Benefits of Retractable Screen Doors

August 27, 2021 By Lena 1 Comment

If you’d like to welcome fresh air into your home, reduce energy costs, enjoy natural lighting and more… this is your sign to purchase a retractable screen door from Phantom Screens.
Our retractable screen door, professionally installed by Ontario Screen Systems Inc., Phantom Screens authorized distributor, is sleek and stylish, easy to use, and most importantly, retracts fully when not in use (preserving the beauty of our balcony door). When we first researched screen doors, our needs were simple: to keep the bugs out. However, with continued use over several months (and seasons), we’ve discovered many surprise benefits, including:

1. Improved air quality = improved mood. You’ve heard the saying, “Like a breath of fresh air” – now sit back and enjoy the real benefits to your emotional well-being and mental clarity when you have fresh air circulating all day long. Phantom Screens retractable screens make it easy – they fit all types of doors including in-swing, out-swing, single, double and slider doors. …

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Filed Under: Decor, Family Tagged With: entryway doors, phantom screens, retractable screen doors, screen doors

Back to School Tips: Organizing the Entryway

August 25, 2021 By Lena 18 Comments

With the new school year just around the corner, I decided it was time to reorganize our home’s entryway. I know it’s not typically associated with back to school preparations, but the foyer actually sees the most traffic and chaos: masks are thrown, shoes are kicked off and lunch bags stay nestled in backpacks (often with leftover food inside – my biggest pet peeve)!

To set up my kids for success, I stopped by Kitchen Stuff Plus and grabbed stylish, affordable accessories to help organize the space. I can’t believe such small changes made such a big impact! Here are my top tips and product recos:

1. Start with large, high quality indoor mat. Especially over the winter months when slush finds its way in the home, you’ll want to ensure that kids know to keep their shoes and boots planted firmly on the doormat. I found this sleek, Harman Textaline ‘Trace’ Vinyl Indoor-Outdoor Mat. Available in an array of designs and sizes, its non-slip backing prevents shifting and skidding, and the mat cleans easily by simply wiping with a damp cloth.
2. Keep it simple: use a coat rack. We have a gorgeous, spacious, mirrored closet adjacent to our foyer… but somehow, my kids haven’t mastered the trick of opening the closet and hanging their coats. (Okay, they’re just lazy. We know this.) After years of nagging I finally decided to simply their lives (and mine) by purchasing this gorgeous, sleek KSP Spoke Metal Coat Rack. A simple and modern design helps tidy up outerwear, and I love that it suits any décor! A wide metal base keeps the coat rack secure. …

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Filed Under: Decor, Family Tagged With: back to school, entryway organization, home organization, Kitchen Stuff Plus

Mommy Needs a Cocktail! Iconic Mixed Drinks to Make at Home

August 3, 2021 By Lena 10 Comments

As the world begins to open safely, we’re once again dreaming, planning and enjoying leisure travel! While everyone has their own level of comfort when it comes to vacations abroad, at the very least, we’re all hoping to move in a decidedly forward and positive direction.

In the meantime, why not bring a little bit of the Caribbean into your home this summer? Beaches Resorts has generously shared the recipes for their most popular cocktails mixed at their all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean. Until you can experience the ultimate luxury family getaway at one of their stunning properties (my pick: Beaches Turks & Caicos!), let’s cheers at home to sandy beaches and warm breezes!

And to be honest – whether it’s planning the perfect getaway or simply balancing the highs and lows of everyday life, sometimes, mommy needs a cocktail!
Be sure to pin the following recipe cards for a taste of paradise at home – I’m sure you’ll feel all the vacay vibes while recreating these popular cocktails! (Tip: Simply leave out the alcohol for a delicious mocktail.) …

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Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: beaches, beaches jamaica, beaches ocho rios, Beaches Resorts, beaches turks and caicos, bob marley, cocktail, cocktail recipes, dirty banana, hummingbird, miami vice, purple rain, summer cocktails

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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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