Listen to Lena

Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion

Lifestyle

Pay Before You Pump! (It’s Safer for Everyone)

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It’s routine. It’s perfunctory. And it literally helps us get from point A to point B. You guessed it – it’s filling up a tank of gas.
Unfortunately, at gas stations across Canada, too many lives have been lost in violent incidents involving gas theft – losses that could have been prevented. Familiar with the term “gas-and-dash?” It’s pretty self-explanatory; gas-and-dash crimes happen when an individual takes off without paying for fuel. And sadly, there are many potential victims along the way:

1. The gas station attendant. Perform a Google search of “gas and dash crimes” and you’ll find a list of gas station attendants who’ve lost their lives while trying to stop thieves. This list is too long. You’ll see horrific stories of attendants being struck intentionally by vehicles or dragged out of the station and down the street. You’ll read about the families they left behind and how they’re grieving their loved ones every day. …

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This Father’s Day, boost his MOJO with Costco.ca and Masterpass!

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Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

Decades ago, the iconic soap-on-a-rope and striped tie represented the hallmark of Father’s Day presents. After all, dads were branded as toiling away in either a factory or office, so the selection of gifts represented his “need to have” versus a “nice to have”.

Today, gift giving for Father’s Day isn’t focused on what dad does; rather, it’s focused on what dad does for us. He shows unconditional love and likes your post on Facebook. He solves math problems and makes the best marinara sauce. He changes dirty diapers and orders the biggest slurpee at the ballgame. He’s AWESOME.
Also? Let’s pay homage to his style, his MOJO and his always efficient approach to online shopping: 1) great selection, 2) fabulous price, and 3) a quick, convenient and secure transaction.

Thankfully, Costco.ca and Masterpass offer all of the above – a shopping experience dad can get behind! …

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Tea, Myself and I: Introducing the Breville Smart Tea Infuser

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Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

I don’t just “pop in for a quick spot of tea.”

Growing up, I observed tea to be a ritual – never rushed. Tea leaves were selected by the season, the temperature, and sometimes, even the time of day. Aromatic spices were added for fragrance and flavour; the blends customized with cooling herbs or spicy roots. The focus was never on tea as a beverage – rather, a cup of tea was a means of achieving nourishment, comfort, and most of all, balance.

If you’re reading this, nodding your head, you may be a serious tea drinker – and you may need to be turned onto the Breville Smart Tea Infuser.
The raison d’être for this small appliance is quite simple: different teas need different degrees. The Breville Smart Tea Infuser knows the right temperature and steep time to bring out the best in your favourite teas – whether you brew green, white, oolong, herbal, black – or any combination in between. …

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The Truth About Worn Tires

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Have you ever thought about the quality of your worn tires? It’s time to start.

Recently, my friend Jaime Damak of Je Suis Une Maman flew to Greenville, South Carolina to spend a day at Michelin Laurens Proving Grounds. There, she had a chance to test drive cars that were equipped with different tires, and learn more about worn tire performance. Here’s what she had to say about the experience!
In the interest of full disclosure, I’m not the one who buys or takes care of tires in my household. Normally, I would just tell my husband to find the best deal! Sigh. But after spending the day with Michelin Canada, driving and testing different tires in both new and worn conditions, I’ve done a complete 180. …

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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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Dream with Your Eyes Open: Say Hello to Google Daydream View

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Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

Dream a little dream… I see you, daydreamer. I see your unfocused eyes and far off gaze. I see your soft smile as you picture palm trees in Aruba, window shopping in Paris, surfing in Hawaii or backpacking in Nepal.

Where do your daydreams take you?

For some, calendars are filled with travel and adventures, and for others, adventures may be defined as caring for a toddler, juggling two jobs or learning a new skill or trade. But for those momentarily grounded, why shouldn’t you have the ability to feel what it’s like to soar over mountains, hear the rush of falling water or the view the majestic beauty of nature-inspired landscapes?

Say hello to Google Daydream View.
Swim with seals, stand at the edge of a volcano – even explore the world’s most famous paintings in a virtual museum. The Google Daydream View is a headset and controller that lets you experience high-quality, immersive virtual reality (VR) from anywhere to virtually everywhere (see what I did there?). …

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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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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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Gifts for Her Under $20!

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Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only. This post contains affiliate links.

It’s official: there’s just one week until Christmas! By now, you’re probably in one of two camps: 1) the gift-givers who have completely wrapped up their holiday shopping (or have a handful of presents to go), or 2) the gift-givers who have yet to begin.

(That’s what December 23rd is for, amirite?)

If you’re still dragging your feet, I’m here to help with simple suggestions for her under $20. They’re perfect as stocking stuffers or Secret Santa gifts, and if you’re an Amazon Prime member, you’ll grab FREE Two-Day Shipping, FREE Same-Day and One-Day Delivery on eligible items in select areas. That means you can beat the crowds, shop from the comfort of your home and have your orders delivered straight to your door in a day or two. I placed a huge order on Friday night and my guaranteed arrival day is today! Yes, Sunday! That means I’m spending my weekend mulling apple cider instead of fighting for a parking spot.

So, if you’ve got a special gal to tick off your shopping list, here are my top picks under $20:
Top Row, left to right:

Latest Jar Opener, CDN$ 14.95. In Stock. Arrives before Christmas. This cool little kitchen gadget will make life easier for everyone. Seniors, those with limited or weakened hand mobility and those with arthritic hands will especially love the easy twist opening, non slip grip and excellent rubber inside grip which helps open even the most stubborn jar and bottle lids. I have this jar opener and love it! …

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Stop and Smell the Happiness!

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It’s a fact: nothing smells greater than the great outdoors. Some of my fondest, most happy memories are tied to scents inspired by nature: freshly cut grass, rows and rows of lavender fields, my mom’s flower garden in full bloom. Often, when I’m feeling particularly stressed or need to unwind, I reflect on those times and feel like I am there… I can smell the happiness.

As we head into winter, there’s no doubt that we’ll be spending a lot of time indoors. However, I’ve found a way to replicate the powerful scent of nature with NEW Gain Botanique! Gain’s newest detergent provides an amazingly irresistible scent experience, all in a 65% plant-based formula that is free of dyes, chlorine, phosphates and optical brighteners.
I don’t think I can choose a favourite! Inspired by scents from nature, Gain Botanique White Tea & Lavender and Orange Blossom Vanilla offer fresh, floral fragrances that will transport you to your happy place. Trust me when I say it will make laundry less of a chore! …

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Breville Precision Brewer: When Style Meets Function

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Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

I’m like the prodigal son who found his way home.

Yes, I’ve been dabbling in one-cup coffee makers and machines that use pods. And I know, I’ve touted the convenience, range of flavours and “it factor” that surrounds many of the trendy brewers on the market. But the truth is, although I felt very millennial in my choices, there was one thing that was missing:

A great cup of coffee.

After testing out the Breville Precision Brewer drip coffee maker, I shall never lose my way again. Forgive me, coffee gods, for I have seen the light – and that light is displayed in “My Brew Setting”, which allows me to customize any of the parameters like bloom time, brew temperature and flow rate to suit the particular coffee I’m using.
If you follow me on Instagram, you may have caught my stories a few weeks ago when we tested out the “Gold Standard” setting, used to brew a perfectly robust yet balanced cup of coffee. Now there are a lot of technical features of the Breville Precision Brewer, but I’m going to break it down in the most simplest of terms – my only goal being for you to realize just how amazing this small appliance is. …

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WeeL: Unlock an Entirely New Car-Ownership Experience

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Confession: I’m not very savvy when it comes to automobiles.

In fact, in the 20+ years that I’ve been a driver (which is probably mathematically impossible since I’m like, only 25-years old) I’ve managed to locate the ignition, the windshield wipers and (maybe) the fuel tank. It’s embarrassing, I agree – but with a little luck, to date I haven’t had a major malfunction which required immediate assistance.

Still, I live in fear.

What if my engine light goes on in the middle of nowhere? Or, if I’m in an accident, do I have to go with the first tow truck that shows up on the scene? If I do incur damage to my car, how do I know that I’m being quoted fairly for routine and not-so-routine maintenance and repairs?

And, if you’re crazy busy like me, maybe you’ll wonder if there’s some way the garage can come to you.

Introducing WeeL.WeeL is a platform that connects drivers with trusted auto repair professionals in the Greater Toronto Area certified by WeeL. The user-friendly app, which launched in early 2016, provides direct access to trained technicians for on-demand advice, 24/7 accident support and preferred pricing on vehicle services.

Here’s how it works. Download the app via iTunes or Android or visit getweel.com. …

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Be Inspired: Fall Favourites with Texture

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Brought to you by Texture and TheCo.

There are things I miss about 90’s. I miss 90210 (the original, iconic cast) and finding Lip Smackers at the bottom of my backpack. I miss Goosebumps books and crimped hair. But most of all, I miss the stack of magazines found in every corner of my bedroom.

Issues of Seventeen and Teen Vogue piled high next to my bed, within convenient reach for late-night reading. Cosmopolitan for the smut I shouldn’t be reading and Martha Stewart Living for all the things I aspired to be.

When I (finally) moved out of my parent’s home, I left them all behind – they were later thrown into the recycling bin with my permission. And as the years passed, I found myself purchasing fewer and fewer magazines, embracing our paperless society and freeing space in my handbag.

However, I missed my magazines.

I missed the inspiration I found from the photographs and the information I absorbed in the articles. I missed catching up on the latest trends, coming across drool-worthy recipes and even the FOMO-inducing paranoia of not having the latest “it” bag or boots.

But could I find a way to continue my love for magazines in a paperless world? I did find a way – thanks to Texture.Texture is Canada’s only digital subscription magazine service that gives you unlimited access to over 200 of the world’s best magazines. No matter what you’re into — food and fashion, celebrity and entertainment, news and business, sports and fitness, travel and lifestyle — you can discover what you love with Texture. …

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Psoriasis: End the Stigma

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One million Canadians are affected by psoriasis. One million. It can happen to anyone and the underlying cause is often unknown. But it’s not contagious; it’s not caused by a lack of hygiene and it’s certainly not some kind of strange growth, infection or malady.

Now can we please end the stigma?

Psoriasis, although somewhat of a commonly misunderstood skin condition, is actually pretty simple to explain. It happens when faulty signals in the body’s immune system trigger new skin cells to form in three to four days instead of 30 days. Because the skin cells grow too quickly, they are not shed normally and pile up on the skin’s surface, creating sores or lesions, often called plaques. Thick, silvery scales form atop these itchy plaques and sometimes cause painful red patches.

It’s not always pretty to look at, but you know what’s worse? Living with the punishing and unfair effects of social stigma, such as being misjudged as unclean or incapable of being touched without passing on a condition that is out of your control.

It’s just excess skin, people.

Because psoriasis is a visible skin condition, it can affect people’s feelings, behaviour and experiences. Does it surprise you to learn that psoriasis is associated with a lack of self-esteem, sexual dysfunction, anxiety and depression? We can change this, and it starts with you and me.
October 29, 2017 is World Psoriasis Day. It’s the perfect reason to educate ourselves about the condition and share ways that people with psoriasis can increase their self-esteem and regain a sense of control over the condition. …

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Masterpass: My Favourite New Online Shopping Hack!

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Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

This past week, I did something I hadn’t done in a really, really long time.

I went to my local shopping mall. It was noisy, and crowded. At 11:00am on a weekday! Dear lord, don’t people have better things to do on a random Tuesday morning? And ugh, someone coughed in my general direction!

Okay, clearly it’s been a while since I’ve been around, er, people.

The thing is, I love shopping online. It’s the absolute best! I can save time by shopping whenever it suits me, whether that be late at night or over my lunch hour. I can save money because comparing prices is as easy as opening a new browser tab, and many companies offer “online only” deals. And most of all, I can save my sanity, because I can browse in the privacy of my own home, for as long as I like without pressure from well-meaning sales personnel.
Therefore, I have just one question for you: Why aren’t you shopping online?

Recently, I discovered Masterpass. And within days of setting up my account and using it at participating retailers, I realized that it single-handedly addresses so many of the concerns Canadians have when shopping online. Today, I’d love to share exactly how it overcomes those barriers, with the hope that by the end of this blog post, you too will be setting up your Masterpass account. …

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It’s Really Not a Conversation I Was Dying to Have.

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But, I had it anyways. And I want you to have it too.

It’s a conversation about death. Have I made you uncomfortable? Don’t be. I understand it’s not an easy topic to discuss – really, does anyone want to confront their own mortality? – but if we don’t talk about it now, trust me when I say that when you’re dead, it will be too late.

(Plus, do you really trust someone else to plan a party in your honour?)
I wasn’t always so open about talking about dying, and death. But years ago, I had a health scare. It’s not something I openly chat about, but I don’t attempt to hide it, either. One day I may even write about it on my blog, but the post would be very long (ugh, too long) and right now, I’m just not up to it. However, I will say that the experience changed my perception of a once “taboo” subject: my funeral, and the funerals of my loved ones. …

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Too Cool for School! Two Thumbs Up for the Alcatel A50 Smartphone

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Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

In a previous post, I asked: “Does ‘super cool’ always have to come at a super steep cost?” Well, if you’ve been paying attention, you’ll know that the answer is a resounding no! Whether you’re purchasing a first phone for your child, or want an affordable smartphone that keeps up with you at work and play, the Alcatel A50 Smartphone is the one you’re looking for.
Offering a perfect balance of smartphone functionality powered by Android 7.0 Nougat, the Alcatel A50 includes the complete Alcatel SNAPBAK accessory system, including the LightUp, Sound and Power SNAPBAK covers. …

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Reward Yourself: Offset the Cost of Back to School Shopping

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Years ago, if you told me that I’d have to budget for back to school shopping, I’d think you were crazy. I mean, really, how expensive can pencils and paper be?

Oh, right – that was before I considered clothing, shoes, laptops, lunchboxes, fidget-spinners-cubes-whatever and about a hundred other things that all add up. There’s no doubt about it: back to school shopping is expensive.

However, this year, I’m doing things a little bit differently: I’m still crossing everything off my list – while paying less money out of pocket than ever! – with the help of RBC Rewards. Do you collect RBC Rewards points? Now’s a great time to redeem them, especially since there are so many ways they can help offset the cost of back to school shopping.

1. Stay ahead of the rush. The mall is probably my least favourite place to venture just before summer holidays end. In addition to the crowds, I’m also more likely to overspend at the mall when confronted with multiple sales and promotions, beckoning me to make that impulse purchase.  This is why I love the RBC Rewards App. With products available from Best Buy, Apple, Herschel and more, I can redeem points for so many of my back to school essentials right from the palm of my hand. As a busy mom I like the convenience of being able to shop and track my points on the go.

2. Comparison shop ‘til you drop. With a wide variety of retailers available on one easy-to-navigate website, I can ensure I’m receiving the best value for my hard-earned rewards. RBC Rewards features more than 400 brands to shop from and gives me the opportunity to opt-in to earn bonus points from retailers like HBC and Apple on purchases I’d already be making for back to school! Because I’ve opted in to receive deals and promos, I always know when it’s the best time to shop. …

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