Listen to Lena

Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion

Lena

Beat the Morning Rush: It’s as Simple as #SteepSleepEat!

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I’ll be honest: when my friends at Quaker reached out and asked me to take a “Hassle Free Morning” Challenge, I was a bit skeptical. I mean, mornings ‘round here are crazy. Between getting two (sometimes three, all non-morning) family members off for the day, prepping my to-do list, fitting in a quick workout (maybe), writing a witty and engaging blog post (that’s why you’re here, right?) and about a million other little things that are somehow the responsibility of the person who answers to “mom”, I didn’t need the added stress of a challenge, TYVM.

BUT WAIT! Upon further inspection, it appeared that the point of the challenge was to alleviate some of my morning stress; the NEW Quaker Overnight Oats with Quinoa and Flaxseed products are designed to deliver a tasty and nourishing addition to breakfast with MINIMAL FUSS!

Dear Quaker: I’m all in.
First things first – if you haven’t tried making overnight oats, you’re missing out. They’re one of the easiest ways to enjoy a comforting and satisfying serving of oatmeal in the morning, and the best part is, they’re made the night before! …

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Summer Camp – Do it Because You Love Your Kids AND Your Sanity

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…. and maybe not necessarily in that order.

I had a very short-lived experiment last week. It was called “let’s keep the kids home for March Break.” The outcome? We had fun (most of the time), but I wouldn’t exactly call it a success – mainly because by the end of it, I found myself wondering where my husband keeps the hard liquor. (It’s fine! It was only a fleeting thought.)

Look, I love my boys – but I love them more when they’re mentally stimulated, physically motivated and experiencing life-changing fun, growth and accomplishment… close to (but away from) home.

Oh yes, they will definitely be returning to Muskoka Woods CITYCAMP this summer.
If your child is not quite ready for a full-fledged summer camp experience, a day camp like Muskoka Woods CITYCAMP may be the perfect solution for you (and me, too!). Day camps encourage kids to try new things, develop skills and foster positive social and emotional growth when interacting with other kids their own age. They often offer a broad range of activities or specialize in one or two niches, allowing children to develop their interests in a fun and supportive environment. And, most importantly, day camps encourage young children to get a feel for a camp experience without traveling too far from home. …

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Keep Calm and Carry On (Your Luggage)!

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I am a reformed over-packer.

In fact, phrases like “emergency outfit”, “extra jeans just in case” and “after dinner shoes” were once in my vocabulary! However, a combination of checked baggage fees, managing two energetic little boys and – okay, it’s really all about the checked baggage fees – made me rethink my packing technique. Now, more often than not, we do carry on luggage only! Since we travel so often, after just one year I was able to purchase four airline tickets from Toronto to Orlando with the money I saved on checked baggage fees alone. Crazy, huh?
Today, I’m sharing a few of my fave tips for travelling with carry on luggage only!

1. Edit your wardrobe. Here are two things I want you to remind yourself of when packing for any vacation: 1) plan whole outfits, not items of clothing,  and 2) people RARELY (if ever) notice or care what you’re wearing. Seriously. …

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Grossest. Smelliest. Weirdest. Nosiest… FUN!

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Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

When I tell guests to excuse the mess because I’ve got two boys, ages (almost) 8 and 10, I’ll usually receive a knowing look. “Oh yeah,” they’ll say. “Boys are fun at that age.”

Of course, we both know what “fun” really means… it means gross, smelly, weird and noisy. Everything I both love and cringe over as a mom of boys. Normally, I’m an expert at finding ways to contain their energy, but with a whole week of March Break ahead of us, I decided if I can’t beat ‘em… yup, I’ll join ‘em!
Introducing Guinness World Records: Science & Stuff – a super fun and highly interactive book featuring the astounding, record-breaking world (and universe) around us, with an intro from TV science educator and author Science Bob. It’s written especially for curious little minds and is packed with gross facts, smelly anecdotes, weird trivia bites and noisy activities for the whole family to try. Translation: it’s right up my boys’ alley! …

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Cruise Into the Blue: Top 10 Tips for a Memorable Cruise Vacation

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My family loves to cruise. In fact, we are so into taking cruise vacations that it’s often the first thing I recommend to friends and family – especially if they’re looking to unwind at a more leisurely pace. However, as much as I adore exploring the high seas while indulging in all-you-can-eat ice cream, cruising can be overwhelming, especially if you’ve never cruised before and don’t know what to expect. Here are 10 tips to ensure a most memorable cruise vacation.

1. Do your research. Are you travelling with young ones – in which a family-friendly ship would be more your speed – or are you vacationing with older children, who would prefer a more sophisticated experience? On-board entertainment, ports of call, cabin size and options such as dining and shopping vary from ship to ship, so you’ll want to narrow down the type of cruising experience you’re looking for and then select a cruise line that can fulfill your travel desires. …

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Prevent Identity Theft: 10 Tips from #FellowesProtects

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Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

I know, I sound like a broken record. “Protect your identity!” I’ll say. “Shred those documents!” But can you believe that a sizeable percentage of Canadians – perhaps including ones reading my post at this very moment – are still guilty of:

1) Carrying their SIN or birth certificate in their wallet
2) Throwing bills in the trash (or worse, the recycling bin!)
3) Using their birthdate or 1234 as their PIN

Ugh! Stop! These are all paths to the dark side – identity theft. Identity theft is the most serious, non-violent crime and fastest growing type of fraud in North America.
But fear not, friends! There are ways to protect yourself. Courtesy of my friends at Fellowes Canada – pioneers in creating innovative products with superior design, performance and durability – here are 10 Tips for Preventing Identity Theft. …

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Good for Your Gut! Introducing Jamieson Essentials Probiotic

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Brought to you by Jamieson and TheCo.

(Your gut? Don’t worry – I’m not talking about an ab roller. That’s for your spare tire!)

I’m talking about bacteria – the good kind, and lots of it – to help maintain a healthy immune system. If you’ve heard of probiotic supplements but are fuzzy on the details, I’m here to give you the 411.

First things first – you’ve probably been told to “eat more yogurt” when filling a prescription for antibiotics. As the mother of two walking germ factories, I’ve had my fair share of warnings about how certain drugs can wipe out the good bacteria that helps keep our intestinal flora in balance. And I’m not knocking yogurt (it’s part of my daily diet and I absolutely love it), but for therapeutic benefits, it just doesn’t measure up to a quality probiotic in capsule form. First, it’s difficult to get consistently active amounts of cultures from dairy. Second, you’d have to eat A LOT of yogurt, all the time, until you were sure you were about to burst… and then you’d have to eat some more, in order to obtain noticeable benefits.

There’s gotta be a better way.
The solution? Jamieson Essentials 10 Billion Probiotic. The capsules are easy to take, contain no artificial colours, flavours or sweeteners and effectively transport billions of live, active and friendly probiotic cells to the intestinal system. …

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Family Travel: All-Inclusive? Alright!

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Travelling with kids is a challenge.

Let me just put that out there, lest you believe my Instagram reel is real life. (Hint: it’s not always sunshine and smiling faces.) Now don’t get me wrong; I didn’t say it was impossible, or even difficult. I simply stated the obvious: travelling with kids can (and will) throw a wrench into your best laid plans. That’s why when it comes to Mexico or Caribbean travel, I always recommend booking a quality all-inclusive resort with a reputable vacation provider, such as Air Canada Vacations. They take a lot of the guesswork out of arranging a perfect family vacation, leaving you with more time to enjoy your family and less time spent pouring over the details.
But why should you book an all-inclusive resort? Let me count the ways!

1. Convenience. Beach time, pool time, tours and excursions, restaurants – you name it – you can find it all in the same place, and often, with on-site support to assist you with your in-the-moment vacation dreams. All-inclusive vacations are packaged to maximize fun with limited planning on your end; simply decide when you want to travel, where you want to go and select from a variety of resorts that cater to families, big and small! …

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A Legendary Taste for Snacking Success

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Some mothers raise math wizards. Others, future professional athletes. Me? I’m raising two snacking champions.

Oh yes, there is such a thing.

When the boys return home from school, they make a beeline to the pantry and refrigerator. They’re so ravenous, you’d swear they have hollow legs! I used to hover, helicopter-parent style, ensuring they were making healthy and satisfying choices. But over the years I’ve learned that if you make nutritious options easy to grab and readily available, it’s that much easier for kids to gravitate towards them.
Here are my tips for after school snacking success.

1. Create a squad of BFFs. Best Finger Foods, that is. There’s no doubt that little hands like to reach for little foods. I always have sliced vegetables, sweet berries, bite-size croissants and Mini Babybel on hand. The varying tastes and textures satisfy their need for crunchy, soft, salty and sweet. …

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Simple Ways to #RaisetheBar in 2018

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Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

Welcome to 2018!

Okay, so we all know I’m not one for resolutions (I’ve already broken the ones I didn’t make) and my track record for, well, staying on track, is questionable. However, I am a huge believer in learning from mistakes, resetting my course and striving for progress over perfection.

My advice? Forget the word “resolution”. Instead, set goals. Make a promise to do better, to be better. Tell yourself that you deserve to live your best life, and believe it.

Raise the bar.
How will you go farther in 2018? Here are five simple ways to help make this year your best yet.

1. Make Lists. Lists are the easiest way to hold yourself accountable and can improve your organization, productivity and feelings of accomplishment. On a weekly basis, I have two lists: things I need to do and things I want to do. If I am striking too many things off my “need to do” list, it usually means I’m out of sync and need to slow down. Conversely, if I find myself tacking my “want to do” list too easily, I generally need to stop procrastinating and get back on track! …

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Three Simple Ways to Work on Your Fitness in 2018

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I don’t do resolutions.

The thing is, I have enough on my plate without worrying about inevitably breaking the promises I’ve made to myself. Plus, if you’re like me, you tend to create resolutions that are highly ambitious (translation: never going to happen) and the last thing I want is to start the year off feeling bad about myself.

So, I work on things. I better myself. Instead of creating a goal to lose five pounds, I make a pact to eat better. Forget about purchasing a gym membership I’ll never use; I simply use apps that fit my lifestyle and celebrate the small victories. Instead of focusing on the end result, I focus on the journey.
However, things don’t just fall into place; I need to have a plan and hold myself accountable for sticking to it. Here’s what I’m doing in 2018 to work on my fitness and to make better lifestyle choices along the way. …

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AIR MILES All Aboard! The Most Rewarding Cruise in the Caribbean

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For hundreds of AIR MILES Collectors, it’s a cruise they’ll never forget.
In November, AIR MILES celebrated their 25th anniversary by rewarding a ship full of Collectors and their guests with a FREE cruise aboard Princess Cruises’ Crown Princess. The five-night Caribbean cruise brought together Canadians from coast to coast, celebrating AIR MILES’ anniversary as well as their own special occasions: anniversaries, birthdays, honeymoons and even some new engagements onboard! …

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Winter Dry Skin Woes… Solved!

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There’s no denying that this winter has been one of the coldest in recent memory. With the wind chill making it feel like – gasp – almost -30°C on a daily basis, it’s no wonder that so many women are seeking a solution for their dry skin woes. And, with another blast of artic weather just around the corner, the time to implement preventative and restorative measures is now.
So, what can you do to ensure your skin is looking and feeling its best? Here are my top tips for counteracting the cold:

1. Check the humidity levels in your home. It’s recommended that relative humidity in your home be between 30-40% during cold winter months. Any higher, you may experience condensation and mould on windows, and any lower may lead to dry skin, irritated sinuses and itchy eyes. …

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Good Vibes Only: That’s the Power of Protein

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“You’re superwoman!” my girlfriend says every time we catch up. “What’s your secret – tell me, how do you do it all?”
I laugh, shaking my head. I don’t do it all – not even close. I’ve got about nine unfinished blog posts, seven loads of laundry, four dusty dressers and two little boys who are used to mommy saying “come back in five minutes, I just need five more minutes” on an hourly basis. Sigh. …

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Must Do Disney in 2018!

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And now, ladies and gentlemen, I’ll be chatting about my most favourite subject, ever: all things Disney! I’ve estimated that I spend the equivalent of 25 days per year dreaming, researching, planning and coordinating Disney vacations. It’s an obsession, admittedly, but if craving a little pixie dust is wrong… I don’t want to be right.

But why am I a bona fide Disney fanatic? It’s simple. It’s the happiness on my boys’ faces when we enter Magic Kingdom. It’s the joy in their voices as we conquer Expedition Everest. And it’s the wonder and enchantment in their eyes as they see their most heartfelt wishes come true. I am reliving my youth through them and loving every second!

If you’ve decided that 2018 is the year that you’ll plan a most magical vacation, let me help you! Here’s a month-by-month rundown of all the exciting happenings at Disney Parks and Resorts, and aboard Disney Cruise Line. If you have any questions, as always, feel free to connect with me on social or email me at lena@listentolena.com.

Before I begin, however, I must tell you about the most incredible offers:
Canadian residents can save 20% on 4-day or longer tickets for Walt Disney World Resort when purchased in advance online or over the phone before February 10, 2018. Tickets are valid through December 31, 2018. …

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Food Diary: In-Room Dining at Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel

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Food diaries are my very favourite posts to write, like, ever. (I try not to write them on an empty stomach.) In my last post, I chatted about the benefits of breaking up long distance travel with an overnight stay. And, I may have teased you with the following photo –
One word: Om nom nom.

The in-room dining menu at Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel features fresh coastal cuisine from Harold’s Bistro, a casual dining restaurant located in the hotel lobby. Named after a customer who lunched in the restaurant every day for over 35 years (no kidding!), the Richmond hotspot welcomes guests with a warm, modern ambiance. …

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Taking the Scenic Route: Long Distance Travel with Kids

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It was the end of August, just before the boys returned to school. I had a million things on my mind; I needed to shop, schedule and manage… well, life. The very last thing I was expecting was a most thrilling (and humbling) invitation to paradise on earth.

You are invited to experience Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa…

At first, I was shocked. A press trip to Hawaii? Does this even happen? Is this real life?
When I calmed down, I realized that 1) I really, really wanted to go, and 2) Hawaii is really, really far away. Okay, so it’s not other-side-of-the-world far, but a good 12 hours by plane. And when you’re travelling with kids, any long distance commute requires careful planning and execution.

Here’s what I did.

1. Don’t try to do it all in one day. When I realized that Toronto (YYZ) to Honolulu (HNL) would necessitate one stop in either Vancouver or Los Angeles, I decided that I didn’t want to spend my entire day on airplanes and in airports. My boys’ threshold is about six hours before they start to go stir-crazy on flights (or, as I like to say, three and a half Disney movies), so the last thing I wanted to do was put them through 12 hours in a moving cage at one go. …

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Mastering the Art of “Me Time” with Masterpass

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Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

This December, it’s all about me.

After 10 years of getting caught up in the holiday rush – shopping for presents, hosting Christmas dinner, losing my mind with blog commitments and ramping up for the new year – this time around, I’ve decided to simply … not.

I’m done. Out. Finito. And it was easier to achieve than I ever could have imagined. If you’ve been (or are currently) in the same boat, here’s how to master the art of “me time”, even during the busiest time of the year.

1. Practice saying no, and mean it when you say it. For the first time in 10 years, I am not hosting Christmas dinner. Now don’t get me wrong – I love having my family over for the holidays. I love baking and cooking and decorating and fussing about all the tiny details to make it a night to remember. But this year, I decided that I had earned a hall pass; we have other able-bodied members in our family who are just as capable of throwing a festive get together. The conversation went something like this:

“Hey! So I’m not going to host Christmas dinner this year; I’ll let someone else have a turn. So you guys chat … and let us know when and where to show up!”

I realize it may be too late for you to follow suit (there’s always next year!), but there are ways to lessen the burden if you are hosting, such as planning a menu with make-ahead items, declaring Christmas dinner a potluck so everyone shares the workload, or eliminating a few dishes that are not universal hits and yield too many leftovers.

(Need a great potluck dish? Try my Cranberry, Pear and Bacon Stuffing. Yum!)
2. Avoid shopping malls during the busiest time of year. Hey, I love hitting the mall as much as the next shopaholic (some would call it my home away from home) and I have nothing but love for my favourite stores. But during the craziness of the holidays – especially when you’re trying to maximize your well-being – there’s no bigger time suck than shopping for Christmas presents in-store. In fact, a recent survey by Mastercard Canada revealed the average time Canadians spend holiday shopping in-store is about 8 hours … but that doesn’t include the time spent bundling up in winter wear, clearing snow off the vehicle, driving to the mall, circling the parking lot, and finally, walking around from store to store, lugging heavy purchases. …

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Winter is here! Step Outside with Kamik

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And it’s not just any winter; it’s Canadian winter, the very best kind.

Sledding and sliding,
Snowshoeing and slush.
Skating and making snowmen,
I love it all so much!

Are you ready for the season? We recently had our very first snowfall, and to say my boys were excited is an understatement – they literally sat by the window and watched while it fell to the ground! When there was a sufficient amount of the white stuff covering the lawn, boom! They were outside in a flash.

Ah, to be a kid again!
This season, I’m thrilled to partner with Kamik. Family owned and operated in Canada, each pair of Kamik boots comes with over 100 years of history and expertise. They have a saying I love – “There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad footwear” – and I couldn’t agree more! Kamik boots are both fashionable and functional, offering stylish options that are temperature rated up to -40 degrees Celsius. …

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Chocolats Favoris: Your New Obsession

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Last year, after catching up with a long-distance friend, she slipped something in my handbag as we parted ways.

“Try this,” she said. “It’s my very favourite chocolate from Quebec.”

At the time, I hadn’t heard of Chocolats Favoris – but, being a bona fide chocoholic, of course I accepted the treat with gratitude.

It was the birth of an obsession.

Friends, I want to introduce you to my very favourite brand of chocolatey confections. Chocolats Favoris is a Quebec-based brand – soon to expand further into Ontario! – that has reinvented the traditional concept of a chocolate shop.

Why do I love them so much? Let me count the ways.

1. They’re pretty – almost too pretty to eat. (I said “almost”.) Everything from the whimsical, dreamy packaging to the artistically masterful fine chocolates lures you in. You’ve heard the adage “like a kid in a candy store”… at Chocolats Favoris, you’ll feel like an Instagrammer in a confectionary paradise.
2. They’re devastatingly delicious. I’ve often joked with my husband that death by chocolate would only be acceptable if the sweet treat was from Chocolats Favoris. Their fine chocolates are concocted by master chocolatiers and made with care. Their packaged fondue – both easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious – makes the perfect dessert or gift.

And who can forget about their chocolate bars? Available in inspiring flavours such as Hazelnut Praline, Raspberry Burst, Maple Vanilla, Creamy Coffee and many more, you’ll have a hard time picking a favourite. My advice? Try them all. …

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