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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

Why Endy is the Best Mattress Ever

March 5, 2019 By Lena Leave a Comment

That’s an unnecessarily bold claim, right?

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

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

September, 2018.

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

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

October, 2018.

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

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

December, 2018. 

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

February, 2019. 

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

Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: endy, endy mattress, endy review

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


March 1, 2019 By Lena Leave a Comment

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

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

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

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Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: direct sellers association, direct selling, dsa canada

Make this Valentine’s Day Priceless


February 13, 2019 By Lena 13 Comments

Confession: I’m not obsessed with Valentine’s Day. Frankly, it’s not really on my radar at all.

I guess I’ve just never been a candy-and-flowers kind of girl. Early in our relationship, I shared with my then boyfriend (now husband) that I’m mildly allergic to chocolate and inevitably kill all living foliage. This remains true to this day! Therefore, Valentine’s Day for me has always been about spending time together, doing something we love – or maybe trying something new – and remembering that our hearts belong to one another, with or without a fancy greeting card.

Hence, I make it my mission to counteract the commercial-ness of Valentine’s Day with thoughtful gifts and gestures. Some cost money, some don’t cost a thing – (I’m sensing a JLo song in here) – but here are my suggestions for making Valentine’s Day priceless.

1. Time, not things. It’s been a growing trend among my sons’ classmates to attach candy, school supplies and/or removable tattoos with their store-bought Valentines. It’s a fun little treat and I don’t begrudge the goodies for a second. However, this year I encouraged the boys to create “coupons” to attach to their Valentines. These coupons offer their time and expertise, customized to their classmates and how they normally interact with them.
For example, Reid is somewhat of a Beyblade champion, so he has offered a coupon for Beyblade lessons during recess to those friends he thinks would enjoy learning from the “master”. Ryder, who has a vast knowledge of Pokémon, has offered to share trading techniques and intel to those who are interested. The coupons are an out-of-the-box way to show love and kindness on Valentine’s Day, and I hope to make it a tradition! …

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Filed Under: Family Tagged With: #startsomethingpriceless, mastercard, priceless cities

New Year, New Ways to Stay on Track!

February 4, 2019 By Lena 263 Comments

Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

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

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

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

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Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: New Year Giveaway

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


January 25, 2019 By Lena 14 Comments

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

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

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

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

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Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: ikea furniture assembly, local handymen, taskrabbit review, taskrabbit.ca

Dreaming of Hawaii? Here’s How to Make it Come True


December 30, 2018 By Lena 18 Comments

When I first started to think about this post, I had decided to craft a list of reasons “why” you should visit Hawaii. However, I realized pretty quickly that I was essentially stating the obvious; of course you want to visit Hawaii. Of course you know the reasons why. Besides the lush greenery, the remarkable hospitality of its inhabitants and the over 750 miles of pristine shoreline, Hawaii has been and always will be a bucket list travel destination. So, wanting to turn your dream of Hawaii into reality, let’s focus on the “how” – specifically, how to plan for a family vacation to the Aloha state, and how to do it seamlessly with Air Canada Vacations.
1. When to Travel. Great news, especially for family travellers: year round, the temperature in Hawaii remains relatively stable, so you can choose to travel when it makes the most sense for you. While the islands have a drier season (summer) and a wetter season (winter), the sun shines almost every day of the year so your vacation shouldn’t be impacted by precipitation. My family visited Maui and Oahu in the month of November, and save for one morning where it rained for just over an hour, the rest of the time we spent (10 days) was sunny and clear with low humidity. …

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Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: #dreamofhawaii, air canada vacations, hawaii, maui vacation, oahu vacation

A Lifetime of Love with a First Time Fan

December 28, 2018 By Lena 15 Comments

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: #startsomethingpriceless, MasterCard Canada, Toronto Maple Leafs

Holidays at Home: Binge Watching with the Dell XPS 13


December 20, 2018 By Lena 3 Comments

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

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

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

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Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: dell xps 13, Dell XPS13 Ultrabook, Infinity Edge 4K Display, laptop, travel laptop

This Christmas, Save on Energy!

December 20, 2018 By Lena 3 Comments

There’s no doubt about it: the most wonderful time of year is usually the most expensive, too.

I originally started this blog post by listing all of my usual holiday expenses, but quickly abandoned the effort when I realized the list would be longer than my children’s combined holiday wish lists (and, trust me, they go on forever). However, while brainstorming some of the things I inevitably spend money on, I realized there are so many items I don’t normally budget for at the start of the season, like gift bags, impulse décor purchases, matching holiday pjs, etc. It made me all the more motivated to save money where I can, and that includes reducing my energy bill!

There are simply ways to save on energy costs over the holidays; you may already be employing some of the techniques without even realizing! Here are my top four tips for using less energy:

1. Switch to LED Christmas lights. LED Christmas lights use up to 90% less electricity than regular Christmas lights, and they usually retail for less than $10 a strand. There’s no better win-win!

2. Use the smallest appliance to get the job done. No need to use the main oven when a toaster oven or microwave will do – especially for cooking appetizers or reheating dishes.

3. Look for ENERGY STAR certified appliances and electronics. They use up to 60% less electricity than their non-certified counterparts, and during the busy holiday season, this can amount to significant savings!

4. Consider using no-bake recipes or baking in batches. Holiday baking is a tradition in most families, but there are smarter strategies, such as being mindful of off-peak hours or inviting your friends over for a Christmas cookie exchange.

I’ve been experimenting with no-bake treats this holiday season and am happy to share this simple recipe for Candy Cane Fudge!
It’s a little ambitious to call this a “recipe” because it only includes six ingredients and can be assembled in a jiffy. In fact, the first time I made this fudge, it was with my girlfriend relaying instructions to me over the phone! Yes, it’s that simple! …

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Filed Under: Food Tagged With: no bake candy cane fudge, peppermint bark, reducing energy costs, Save on Energy

Quiz: Do You Need Winter Tires?


December 18, 2018 By Lena 4 Comments

From time to time, I’ve heard arguments from well-meaning friends and family both for and, GASP, against winter tires. Now, if you’ve been following my blog over the last few years, you’ll know I’m a firm – no, staunch – supporter of the use of winter tires. Simply put, they’re a requirement for winter driving. Period.

However, even though I’ve spent a lot of time discussing the merits, I’ve realized that there is still a segment of the population that may not have the most up-to-date information. To help you make a more informed decision, I’ve developed the following quiz!

1. Do you live in Canada?

YES – You need winter tires.
NO – Depending on where you reside, you may not need winter tires. For example, if you see palm trees outside your window, you’re probably okay. Further information is needed.

2. Do you drive in the winter?

YES – You need winter tires.
NO – You may not need winter tires. However, please ensure you have access to safe transportation, and if you carpool or depend on another driver for a ride, insist their car is equipped with winter tires. If possible, pitch in to help with the purchase price – consider it an investment in your safety.
Now, you’ll notice that I didn’t ask if you drive in “snow”; rather, I inquired if you drive in the winter. That’s because I wanted to address one of the biggest misconceptions about winter tires: that they’re only needed once snow begins to fall. Not true! In fact, they’re essential when the temperature consistently falls below 0⁰ Celsius or freezing, which is likely to happen at some point during winter across the country. 

…

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Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: michelin canada, Michelin X-ICE Xi3, winter tires

Breville the Bambino Plus: We Be Frothin’

December 17, 2018 By Lena 6 Comments

Confession: I called my husband and asked him if this title was “funny and cool”.
Further confession: His opinion matters, because he’s my personal barista.

I’m not sure when it happened, but it did: at some point in our relationship, I stopped making coffee. Morning after morning, it just became tradition for my husband to bring me a steaming, aromatic mug of much-needed caffeine. In fact, I became so accustomed to the arrangement that in the rare circumstance I was saddled with the task, I became flustered with even the most basic machines.

The good news? My husband is happy to accept the responsibility, so my life – in terms of my coffee consumption, especially- is actually perfect.

Of course, since he’s spent years honing and perfecting his craft, my husband loves to test out any and all of the coffee makers, espresso machines, and everything coffee-related in between, that he can get his hands on.
Therefore, when the Breville the Bambino Plus arrived at our door for review (and to give away! Read on for the link), I could tell that my husband had ascended to java nirvana. …

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Filed Under: Food Tagged With: breville canada, coffee maker, espresso maker, the bambino plus

Confidence Starts with Understanding: 
Let’s Talk About ADHD


December 13, 2018 By Lena 1 Comment

After reading the title of this post, I know that many of my readers will make an assumption right away: that I’m about to start a discussion about childhood ADHD.

I get it. When most parents hear about ADHD, it’s a conversation that begins in the classroom, through the media or with other moms and dads who are also looking for information and resources. And I’m not going to fault you for making that assumption; ADHD is the most common child psychiatric disorder and affects 5 to 12% of school-aged children. (1)

But here’s something we don’t talk about often – and perhaps not nearly often enough – ADHD does not only affect children. Did you know that as many as 4.4% of grownups have ADHD? (2) Translated, that means 1.1 million Canadian adults are living with ADHD. Chances are, someone very close to you is affected by this condition, but may refrain from reaching out due to the myths and social stigma associated with the disorder. (1) (2)
Let’s counteract misperceptions with understanding. …

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Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: ADHD, Being Me with ADHD, Centre for ADHD Awareness

It’s Not Easy Being Sneezy.

November 25, 2018 By Lena 27 Comments

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

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

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

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Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: allergy relief, Nasacort Allergy 24HR, seasonal allergies

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

November 8, 2018 By Lena 237 Comments

Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

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

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

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

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

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

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Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: #oldestsmarthome, Best Buy Canada

Precision Makes Perfect: the Breville Sous Chef 16 Peel & Dice

November 1, 2018 By Lena 241 Comments

Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

Fast. Versatile. Precise. Exactly how I like my food prep – and exactly how I like the small appliances handling my food prep to perform. Because I am usually time-starved, often caught in a rut, always cooking in batches and mostly dying to get out of the kitchen. What I really need is a sous chef, or something that perfectly – no, precisely – mimics one.

Introducing the Breville Sous Chef 16 Peel & Dice.
The Breville Sous Chef 16 Peel & Dice is one of the most revolutionary machines I’ve ever had the pleasure of reviewing. It peels, dices, slices, mixes and chops in half the time of doing it by hand – and without any of the hassle. Its extra wide chute is designed for every shape of food, so you no longer need to chop your ingredients into smaller pieces before letting the appliance do the work. (I’ve always felt that pre-cutting foods completely defeats the purpose of using a food processor – wouldn’t you agree?) Aside from saving time and speeding up your meal preparation, the machine’s precise cut leads to even and consistent cooking and perfect textures. …

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Filed Under: Food Tagged With: breville canada, Breville Sous Chef 16 Peel & Dice

Do Try This At Home: Guinness World Records 2019

October 28, 2018 By Lena 38 Comments

Ah, fall and winter. We’ve been expecting you.

While the two seasons may be the perfect time to huddle and hibernate, the demands for family-friendly entertainment are actually at an all-time high:

#1. Kids will spend almost all their free time indoors, and, unless you enjoy hearing “I’m bored” approximately every 20 minutes, the responsibility for keeping them busy and happy falls squarely on your shoulders.

#2. The holidays and sprinkling of PA days during the colder seasons create several opportunities for play dates, family get-togethers and reunions with extended family. More kids = more #1 noted above.

You know what? Bring it! I’ve found a way to take family fun to the next level with Guinness World Records 2019!
(Above: Reading about insects and arachnids, obviously.) …

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Filed Under: Family Tagged With: #GWR2019, Guinness World Records

Questions About Insurance? #AskAnneMarie

October 6, 2018 By Lena 18 Comments

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

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

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

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Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: #askannemarie, insurance makeover, insurancehotline.com

This Thanksgiving, Save Time AND Energy!

October 4, 2018 By Lena 24 Comments

A few days ago, I came across a hilarious tweet in a list of “Dad Memes”. (Why I was looking at Dad Memes, I cannot fathom. The internet is a strange place!)

Anyways, giggling with glee, I showed it to my husband:
“My God!” my husband exclaimed, laughing. “You’ve turned into your dad!”

Yes, I replied. Yes I have.

It’s actually pretty simple: As an adult, a homeowner, and of course, a person who pays bills, I care about saving energy and saving money. And truthfully, it probably took all three for me to realize the importance of managing my electricity use. Not only can I monitor my energy consumption in an effort to reduce long-term energy costs, I can also increase the comfort, usability and market value of my home. …

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Filed Under: Food Tagged With: energy efficiency, no bake pumpkin squares, Save on Energy

Cruise Views: 10 Reasons to Escape with Norwegian Cruise Line

September 19, 2018 By Lena 28 Comments

When the scent of pumpkin spice lattes and the allure of pretty blanket scarves grows old, Canadians are left with… cold weather. Time to start planning that vacation down south, eh?

For many of us, deciding where to go and what to do – and then having the entire family agree on the itinerary – can add stress to the planning process. But what if I told you that you the perfect vacation awaits? Start the car… no, really, START THE CAR!
Here are 10 reasons to Escape with Norwegian Cruise Line.

1. Proximity to the GTA. Norwegian Escape, voted 2017 Ship of the Year by Ocean & Cruise News, sails out of the Manhattan Cruise Terminal (only about an 8-hour drive from the Greater Toronto Area – very road trip friendly). Saving money on flights puts vacation dollars back in your wallet – which means you can splurge on excursions, on-board amenities or the ever-popular Ultimate Beverage Package! …

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Filed Under: Featured, Travel Tagged With: canada at par, family travel, norwegian cruise line, norwegian escape

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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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