Contests

Toronto: Enter to Win Tickets to a Screening of Kung Fu Panda 3!

June 15, 2016 By Lena

*Note: The following sweepstakes is open only to those in the Greater Toronto Area who can travel to the Toronto Zoo for the event on June 24, 2016.*

ENTER TO WIN TICKETS TO A SCREENING OF KUNG FU PANDA 3 AT THE TORONTO ZOO!

After reuniting with his long-lost father, Po travels to a secret village and meets tons of hilarious new panda friends and family members. But when the supernatural villain Kai challenges all the Kung Fu masters across China, Po must discover the teacher within himself and train his clumsy brethren to become the ultimate band of Kung Fu Pandas!
KungFuPanda3_2048x1024 TWO lucky readers will win a Family Prize Pack consisting of 4 ‘admit one’ passes to attend an exclusive screening of Kung Fu Panda 3 at the Toronto Zoo. (Parking included.)

Date: Friday, June 24, 2016
Time: 1 pm arrival, 2 pm screening
Location: Toronto Zoo: 2000 Meadowvale Rd, Toronto, ON
Screening will take place in the Wildlife Marquee, Discovery Zone

Bonus: Winners will receive passes for full entry to the zoo before and after the screening! …

#MyLittleDreamer Twitter Party

June 12, 2016 By Lena

As a child, I dreamed big. I dreamed of castles and kings, of becoming a teacher or a theatre actor. I wanted a house in the suburbs and a quiet spot on a beach. I lusted after high heels and a low maintenance lifestyle. I thought of unicorns and university boyfriends. I wanted it all.

Kids dream BIG, and Heritage Education Funds have helped them achieve their dreams for over 50 years, with the support of parents and loved ones. So to celebrate all of the kids – and parents – who never stop dreaming, they’re throwing a twitter party!

Join @HeritageFunds for the #MyLittleDreamer Twitter Party this Thursday, June 16, 2016 at 9:00PM ET. They’ll be sharing ways to help nurture your little dreamers and can’t wait to hear your tips, too! As always, it promises to be a heartwarming party filled with helpful information.
Join the conversation and tweet along with some fabulous Canadian bloggers and – surprise! – Celebrity Guest Caroline Rhea! To thank you for participating, there will be over $1,000 in prizes up for grabs, courtesy of Heritage Education Funds, iTravel2000, The Canadian Mother Resource, Heritage Lending Group and DK Canada:

2 – $250 travel voucher, courtesy of iTravel2000
1 – Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8” Tablet (ARV $200), courtesy of The CMR
2 – $100 Visa prepaid gift card, courtesy of Heritage Lending
1 – $100 Indigo gift card, courtesy of Heritage Education Funds
1 – $100 Eyewitness Collection from DK, courtesy of DK Books (Canada)
1 – $100 swag prize pack, courtesy of Heritage Education Funds

Whew! Now THAT’s a party! RSVP here for a chance to win, and see you on Thursday night!

We Love Local! Join the #LoveONTFood Twitter Party!

June 6, 2016 By Lena

Life is a bowl of cherries. Especially in June, when they’re in season.

Let’s celebrate, friends – it’s Local Food Week in Ontario! Finding locally grown, fresh, tasty food in Ontario is becoming easier all the time – and the diversity of the products available is incredible. By buying local, you’re not only getting nutritious, delicious and environmentally friendly groceries – but you’re supporting your neighbours, friends and the local economy. Now that’s something to celebrate.

Here’s how to make the most of Local Food Week:

1. Visit www.loveontfood.ca. Here, you’ll find a list of events that are happening across the province to celebrate Local Food. From farmers markets to pop-up shops, find the best in locally produced meats, eggs, dairy products and greenhouse vegetables for your family’s nourishment and enjoyment.

2. Enjoy the FREE We Love Local! E-Magazine. Inside, you’ll find a collection of scrumptious Ontario-inspired recipes, barbecue and campsite cooking hacks, and my favourite – an Availability Guide which showcases which locally-grown fruits and vegetables are in season!

3. Join our #LoveONTFood Twitter Party. Hosted by @FoodlandOnt and myself, @Listen2Lena, visit us on Twitter this Wednesday, June 8th at 8PM ET. (@Brunette_Baker and @BrittanyStager will also be there to dish local foodie tips and tricks!)
We’ll be talking about all the good things that grow in Ontario and will have some AH-MAZING prizes* up for grabs – Three (3) prize packs from Foodland Ontario partners + Five (5) $50 Sobeys Gift Cards + One (1) $250 Sobeys Gift Card Grand Prize!

* Everyone is welcome to participate in the party, but only residents from Ontario are eligible to win prizes.

RSVP below for a chance to win, and we’ll see you on Wednesday night! …

It’s Time to #OwnTheThrone!

May 26, 2016 By Lena

Ladies, it’s time to open the bathroom door wide open.

Bowel health, and particularly bowel health issues, aren’t always the easiest conversations to have. For many women the subject is considered “taboo”, especially when discussing with members of the opposite sex. And if you feel uneasy chatting about it, you’re not alone: according to the Dulcolax® Bowel Health Poll, seven in ten Canadians feel comfortable discussing their bowel movements with their doctor, but only two in five feel comfortable discussing the subject with their partner, and even fewer would discuss it with a close friend, parent or co-worker.

The stigma around bathroom habits needs to be addressed.

Join us on Wednesday, June 1st at 12:00pm ET for the #OwnTheThrone Twitter Chat. We’ll discus ways to keep digestive health a priority this season, and have a fun conversation to prove number two doesn’t have to be so taboo!
To thank you for attending, we’ll be giving away six (6) #OwnTheThrone prize bundles valued at $125 each! They include everything you need to – you guessed it – own the throne. …

Twitter Party Alert! #CMRLovesMoms

May 1, 2016 By Lena

One of my first memories of being a new mom was signing up with the Canadian Mother Resource. It’s the source for everything from preconception to pre-school and beyond, and I was pleased to receive offers and samples from many of their partners. (Receiving free samples in the mail is like winning the lottery when you’ve got a newborn in the house.) That’s why I’m happy to recommend their services to all the moms-to-be and new moms I know.

The CMR loves Moms, so in honour of Mother’s Day, they’re throwing a party just for you! (And me!)
Join us on Tuesday, May 3rd for the second annual #CMRLovesMoms Twitter Party. We’ll be tweeting about all things Mom-related, so pop by and join the conversation. Of course, it wouldn’t be a party without fabulous prizes, so they’re giving away over $500 in gift cards so that some lucky Moms can indulge themselves this Mother’s Day!

RSVP here to be eligible for prizes, and we’ll see you on Tuesday night!

Start Enjoying The Great Indoors!

February 20, 2016 By Lena

Ah, Canadian winter. (Cold, Canadian winter.) As the snow falls lightly to the ground and the landscape turns into a picturesque…

Oh, stuff it. If you need me, I’ll be indoors.

Celebrate #TheGreatIndoors with @Schneiders, @MapleLeafFoods and @MapleLeafPrime and have a chance to TWEET LIVE with Kevin Pillar (@KPILLAR4) of the Toronto Blue Jays! Join our Twitter Party on Tuesday, February 23rd at 8:00PM EST. There is no RSVP; simply join the conversation, tag your tweets with #TheGreatOutdoors and tweet to win.
Psst… See that little shopping bag with oh, “$5,000 in Prizes” noted? Heck yeah! We know Maple Leaf Foods Twitter Parties are all about delicious food, helpful tips and recipe inspiration – okay, we know they’re about prizes too! And this time, many attendees will walk away with awesome swag.

Would you rather take the game inside, too? Don’t worry, Appehtite has you covered. Introducing the The Great Indoors Playbook; here, you’ll find fun indoor versions of your favourite outdoor activities, plus delicious recipes that you can snack on while you play. …

Online Shopping, Saving and Splurging… My Way!

February 1, 2016 By Lena

NOTE: The following contest is open to Canadians only.

So, you received a prepaid credit card (or two, or ten) over the holidays, and you’re thinking:

I should probably spend this on groceries.

STAAAHP. Just stop. I mean, you *could* spend it on groceries. Go ahead! Make my day. But if you do, you won’t be making the most of that magical little prepaid credit card. In fact, you’ll be doing a disservice to gift givers everywhere. Really.
Mastercard 2 Today, I’m here to show you all the possibilities of prepaid cards. And after our little discussion, if you’re still keen on using it to buy groceries, I promise I won’t hold it against you.

ONLINE SHOPPING. Because open loop prepaid cards look and function like traditional credit and debit cards, they can be used anywhere the card network (American Express, MasterCard and Visa) is accepted, including online, on the phone and around the world. So, if you’re shopping online for say, a new handbag at Michael Kors, using a prepaid card allows you to make a secure purchase while reducing the chances of fraud or identity theft. …

Live Better: It’s a #GreatValueContest Twitter Party!

January 23, 2016 By Lena

Introducing a NEW line of products that offers certified organic foods at budget-friendly prices – Walmart Canada’s new Great Value Organic line features a variety of pantry staples that your entire family will love!

”The Great Value Organic products align to our promise to customers that we will help them save money on organic products so that their families can live better,” said Pablo Heyman, Senior Director, Brand Management, Walmart Canada. “We are proud to offer an assortment of packaged organic products, each Canadian certified organic, from cereals and granola bars to pasta and pasta sauces and starting at just $1.97.”

Want to learn more? We’ll be sharing easy ways to incorporate these delicious products at the #GreatValueContest Twitter Party!
Join us on Wednesday, January 27th at 8PM EST. There is no RSVP; simply attend the Twitter Party, answer the questions and always remember to use the hashtag #GreatValueContest. The contest is open to Canadians only (excluding QC); see official rules here.

We’ll also be giving away over $1200 in prizing, including a grand prize valued at $250! This is definitely one Twitter Party you won’t want to miss. See you on Wednesday night! …

New Year, New YOU! Take the Activia Challenge and WIN!

December 31, 2015 By Lena

It’s time to welcome a brand New Year! 2016 will be here in 3… 2… 1…

We all know that January is the perfect time to take care of yourself, re-establish healthy eating habits and get on track for another fabulous year. In fact, an impressive 7 in 10 Canadian women plan to make health-related New Year’s resolutions this season!

If you’re looking for a way to stay on track, eat right and stay healthy, the Activia Challenge is the perfect ally for your New Year’s resolutions.

Each serving of Activia contains over 1 billion live, active BL bacteria or bifidobacteria, called Bifidobacterium lactis CNCM I-2494. (That’s the science-y talk. Translation: Activia is a probiotic yogurt. The word probiotic literally means “for life.”)

The Challenge consists of eating two Activias a day for two weeks, which allows you to get the two to four servings of milk products recommended by Canada’s Food Guide. And, consumption of probiotic-rich foods like Activia may help reduce the frequency of minor digestive problems such as bloating, gas, discomfort and gurgling when eaten twice a day for two weeks as part of a healthy balanced diet.

Want to learn more? Join the #ActiviaChallenge Twitter Party!
You’ll have a chance to WIN Activia yogurt for the entire 14-day challenge for you AND a friend! We’re giving away 14 Days of free yogurt (2x per day) to 14 winners. There’s no RSVP, simply tweet to win! Hope to see you on Tuesday night.

Celebrate! It’s a #CMRHoliday Twitter Party!

November 30, 2015 By Lena

It’s beginning to look a lot like… Twitter Party Season!

And folks, you do not want to miss this one. With $750 in gift cards up for grabs, courtesy of The Canadian Mother Resource, it’s the perfect time to get into the holiday spirit! Join us for the #CMRHoliday Twitter Party on Wednesday, December 2nd at 9 PM EST.
We’re talking all things holiday and will be sharing holiday tips, crafts, gift ideas and more. Settle in with a hot cup of tea and ready for some good old fashioned Christmas cheer!

The Canadian Mother Resource provides new and expectant mothers with valuable information about pregnancy, babies and motherhood, and sends subscribers discounts, promotional offers and gifts from our partners. For the #CMRHoliday Twitter Party, they’ve generously offered 1 – $100 Spa gift card, 1 – $100 Starbucks gift card, 1 – $100 prepaid Mastercard gift card, 2 – $100 Indigo gift cards and a GRAND PRIZE of a $250 prepaid Visa gift card!

RSVP HERE for a chance to win, and we’ll see you on Wednesday night!

Making Sense of it All: Join the #TaxTalkTime Twitter Chat

October 16, 2015 By Lena

It’s really no surprise to learn that personal tax implications sway 70% of Canadians’ votes. Of course! We all want to know how our support for a particular party will directly affect our bank account. However, studies from H&R Block have previously shown widespread confusion about personal tax topics, ranging from marital status filings to TFSAs.

To help address the persistent questions around taxes, join @HRBlockCanada for a #TaxTalkTime Twitter Chat on Thursday, October 22nd at 8:00pm EDT.
“Canadian consumers are right to be concerned about how proposed tax platforms will impact their personal taxes,” says Caroline Battista, senior tax analyst, H&R Block Canada. “Personal taxes are complicated enough with the rules changing constantly, especially during an election year.”

We all know it’s important to pay attention so we can understand how the election’s outcome will impact our personal filing situation. That’s why I encourage everyone to join the chat! To thank you for your participation, we’ll give away $750.00 in cash card prizes, including a grand prize of $250.00.

There’s no RSVP for this chat; simply tweet on the hashtag to join the conversation, and for a chance to win! See you on Thursday night!

Baby on Board: #CMRCarSeatSafety

September 15, 2015 By Lena

They’re a part of your child’s life for a very long time. Sure – they’ll outgrow their cribs, high chairs and strollers – and mercifully, you’ll be able to say goodbye to diapers after a couple of years too. But from infant car seat to combination to booster seat, your child’s road safety for many years is dependent on a quality, correctly installed car seat.

Did you know it’s Child Passenger Safety Awareness Week?

While we are always mindful of our child(ren)’s safety, it’s important to stay abreast of any recent changes or updates to laws (and best practices) surrounding car seat and booster use. That’s why The Canadian Mother Resource is hosting their 2nd annual #CMRCarSeatSafety Twitter Party this Wednesday, September 16th at 9:00pm EDT. Have a child or one on the way? Don’t miss it!
NEW 2015 #CMRCarSeatSafety-horizontal (2) Join @mapsgirl, the CMR’s Car Seat Expert tomorrow night at 9pm EDT. We’ll share car seat safety tips and answer your most frequent questions surrounding purchase and installation. Of course, to thank you for joining, we’ll be giving away over $800 in prizes, including 2 convertible car seats (valued at approx. $300 each) as well as 2 $100 Visa gift cards.

RSVP below for a chance to win, and we’ll see you on Wednesday night! …

It’s That Time of Year Again: #PurifyYourAir

September 12, 2015 By Lena

It’s September, which means that the dreaded allergy and flu season is here.

Here’s the thing: Annually, Canadians invest $9.1 billion in janitorial and sanitation supplies to clean surfaces, remove odours and kill germs with touch-free hand sanitizers – none of which address the issue of illness from air transmission. Because even with all these products, if your child has asthma, there’s a 1 in 4 chance he or she will be heading to hospital this month.

Seriously.

Every year, up to 25% of the annual hospital admissions for asthma flare-ups among Canadian children occur in September. With the new school year in session, so comes some of most frequent asthma triggers: germs, low use of appropriate asthma medications over the summer months, and unventilated classrooms that may contain dust and mold spores.

Most asthma exacerbations are caused from the air we breathe. And, the dirty truth is that inside air is five times more polluted than outdoor air and we spend an average of 90% of our time indoors. With preventative care, we can decrease asthma sufferers’ reliance on steroid-containing inhalers as a first line of defense, an issue which has been receiving much dialogue among parents.

This is a subject I’m passionate about, as we have both allergy and asthma sufferers in our family. And that’s why I am proud to partner once again with Fellowes AeraMax Air Purifiers. The ONLY Air Purifier to be certified by the Asthma Society of Canada, AeraMax units safely remove 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns. That means cleaner, safer air for you and your loved ones.

Learn more at the @FellowesCanada #PurifyYourAir Twitter Party on Thursday, September 17th at 8:00pm ET. In addition to sharing important information on how to make your air cleaner and safer, we’ll also have some incredible prizes up for grabs – join us for a chance to WIN!
RSVP below to be eligible for prizes (Canadians only) and we’ll see you on Thursday night. …

Ready for a Change? Join the #TDAeroplan Twitter Chat!

August 24, 2015 By Lena

There is it. That moment when you look at the calendar and realize that summer is on its way out the door, ushering in the brisk, fresh fall weather. Yes, the days will get shorter and the nights will be cooler, but fall happens to be my favourite season for travelling; you can appreciate the beauty of the Canadian landscape without fighting the opposing elements of summer and winter.

To answer the questions of where to go and what to do, join the #TDAeroplan Twitter Chat. We’ll share some of our favourite Canadian destinations that are perfect for weekend getaways (with or without kids). From a classic mountain retreat in the Rockies to a scenic stay in a European-inspired village, these laid-back escapes promise relaxation and offer a unique appreciation of the season!
To thank you for participating, we’ll be giving away some pretty amazing prizes! RSVP below for a chance to win, and see you on Thursday night. …

Back to School with Grand & Toy!

August 21, 2015 By Lena

Back. to. School. If you’re a parent, those three words rule your world right now! And with the kiddos set to enter the classroom for another year, the crunch is on to get ready, get prepped, and go!

This year, there are three things you absolutely need to know:

1) Camo is *always* in style. This year, rock the trend in a subtle way with a camo hat, cell phone case or book bag. For the girls, pair it with metallic solids for street-style perfection.

2) Put an end to bullying. Make it part of your back-to-school “to do” list to talk to your children about behavioural expectations throughout the school year. Remember, no one likes a bully.

3) Grand & Toy has an online shop, where you can find some of the hottest back-to-school products and prices. YES, Grand & Toy!

Grand & Toy offers Canadians a complete selection of office supplies, furniture, the latest tech and of course, back-to-school products for kids, teens and the college crowd! It’s all available through their online shop, where you can take advantage of fabulous sales, discounts and promos you won’t find anywhere else (like this Starbucks gift card offer or this bonus China Glaze nail polish set).

Want to learn more? We thought so! Join the #grandandtoyB2S Twitter Party on Tuesday, August 25th at 8pm EDT! We’ll have all the scoop on the hottest back-to-school products that you can order online in time for the first day of school.
To thank you for joining, we’ll have some AMAZING prizes up for grabs – you won’t want to miss it! RSVP below for a chance to win (Canadians only), and we’ll see you on Tuesday night. …

Get Ready for Back-to-School with #HeritageB2S

August 15, 2015 By Lena

Sitting here, gathering my thoughts to write this post, I have only one question: Where did summer go? It’s like I snapped my fingers and poof! It’s gone!

Which means September is around the corner. And the kids will be going back to school. And I’ll have my sanity back.

Hello! Summer is sooo overrated, isn’t it?

Back-to-school season is upon us; shopping for school supplies, setting new routines and more. Heritage Education Funds wants to help start the school year off right, so they’re hosting the second annual #HeritageB2S Twitter Party on Wednesday!
To thank you for joining us, they’ve teamed up with Save.ca and DK Canada to offer over $1300 in prizes that you – and your kids – will love! Up for grabs:

3 x $100 Visa gift cards
2 x Book Prize Packs (valued at over $100 each)
2 x HP Chromebooks (valued at $399 each)

RSVP below to be eligible for prizes (Canadians only). Good luck, and see you on Wednesday! …

#TDThanksYou Then and Now

August 4, 2015 By Lena

From test drive, to owning a ride.
From building blocks, to building a business.
From tree house, to first house.

Think about your then and now. And then think about how far you’ve come.

At TD Canada, they’ve been there through some of their customer’s biggest life moments. To say thank you, they turned a trip to the bank into a journey through their years together.

What are some of life’s major moments that have inspired your then and now? Join us for the #TDThanksYou Twitter Chat on Thursday, August 6th at 8:00pm EDT. We’ll celebrate your best throwbacks, recall the times you felt lucky in life, and of course, have a heartwarming chat centered around gratitude.
To thank you for joining us, we’ll give away five (5) x $100 Amazon Gift Cards. To participate in the chat, simply follow @TD_Canada and join your hosts @Listen2Lena, @FeistyFrugal, @Kidsumers and @SassyModernMom while tweeting on the #TDThanksYou hashtag. …

Hands Up if you Love a Good #VarageSale!

August 2, 2015 By Lena

I know what you’re thinking. What’s a VarageSale?

Hold onto your hat (but only if you don’t want to sell it) – because VarageSale is like a virtual garage sale on your phone! It’s a FREE marketplace app that allows families to buy and sell pre-loved items with their neighbors. Started by an expecting mom in 2012, VarageSale has evolved into a worldwide movement that touches the lives of millions. Visit VarageSale at www.varagesale.com, or download the mobile app, available on iOS, Android and Kindle devices.

Millions of members love the VarageSale app for its ease of use, convenience and safety. Use it to:

– Buy items you love at a fraction of the retail price
– Make money decluttering your home and selling unused items
– Buy and sell with people you can trust
– Have fun connecting with people in your community

Want to learn more? We’re celebrating the Ontario launch of #VarageSale with a Twitter Party this Wednesday, August 5th at 8PM EDT. We’ll be talking about clutter, organization and favourite finds. (Psst – we hope you’ll download the app before Wednesday to check out how VarageSale works!)
Of course, it wouldn’t be a Twitter Party without great prizes! We’ll be giving away four (4) $150 Visa Gift Cards and one (1) grand prize of a $400 Visa Gift Card throughout the party. This party is open to Ontario residents only. RSVP below to be eligible for prizing.

See you on Wednesday night! …

Let’s Chat About the Playground! #PolyHealingIndex

July 30, 2015 By Lena

You don’t know what fear is until you let two young boys loose at the playground.

“Don’t jump – it’s too high!”
“Watch your step… no pushing!”
“Slow down, you’re going to bump into something or someone!”
“STOP! Just STOP!”

(All words bellowed by me at one time or another while taking my kids to the local park.)

And you know what? I’m not alone. According to a recent survey of 500 Canadian moms with at least one child between the ages of 2 and 10, 71% have pain on the brain according to POLYSPORIN’s Healing Index, with the majority expressing that they are concerned about their children getting hurt while playing. In fact, 8 out of 10 mothers monitor their children closely with the aim to prevent any kind of physical harm. Sounds like you? Me too!

However, I know that the playground is an important place for child development, and want my kids to have freedom when playing even if it leads to getting hurt. Minor cuts and scrapes are part of being a kid! And I do realize that while accidents aren’t always preventable, I can do my best to kiss those boo-boos better.

Are you a helicopter parent? Like me, do you fall into the trap of being “too cautious” with your children? Join @PolysporinCA for the #PolyHealingIndex Twitter Party, where we’ll chat about the value and benefits of outdoor play!
Co-hosting the chat is Dr. Shimi Kang MD (@drshimikang), author of #1 Bestseller The Dolphin Parent. She’ll be on hand to share her best tips for letting go of those parental fears, and if minor mishaps do happen, how to treat/comfort the kiddos.

Of course we’ll have some amazing prizes up for grabs! We’re giving away 4 x #PolyHealingIndex prize baskets valued at $90 each. In it, you’ll find a variety of Polysporin products, plus a $50 Walmart Gift Card! RSVP below for a chance to win, and we’ll see you on Tuesday night.

See official rules….

Hello Summer! #LetsDoPicnic with Maple Leaf Foods!

July 24, 2015 By Lena

What happens when you have an incredible, summer food-themed Twitter Party with all your favourite brands? You do it all over again, of course!

Join @MapleLeafFoods, @PepsiCanada, @LaysCanada, @TostitosCanada and @WonderBreadCA for the #LetsDoPicnic Twitter Party on Wednesday, July 29th at 8pm EDT!
Now I know what you’re thinking: The last party was insanely good! How can you top it? Well, let’s start by upping the prize value – with over $1500 in prizes available to be won! – and you know we’ll be serving up scrumptious picnic food suggestions you won’t want to miss.

RSVP below for a chance to win and we’ll see you on Wednesday night. …