Listen to Lena

Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion

Lifestyle

Overcoming Barriers to Financial Independence

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In a previous post, Driving Change with Financial Literacy, I shared the work of Enactus Ryerson: Project Dago. The program was initiated in August 2011 in Dago, a rural village in Western Kenya, which is home to over 3,000 households. Enactus Ryerson members empowered villagers to break the cycle of poverty by teaching money management and cultivating entrepreneurial skills.

Even though Dago is miles and miles away, at home in Canada, our own college and university students have returned to school. However, while they may be prepared for their required curriculum, a recent Capital One Canada Financial Education Study suggests that many could be blindsided by a crash course in money management.

Forty-six per cent of Canadians – and 50 per cent of 18-25 year olds – say they were unprepared to manage their finances going into post-secondary education….

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Taking Diabetes Management to the NEXT Level

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Years ago, when I had time on my hands and my anxiety levels were much higher, I spent a lot of time online looking at health forums and chat rooms, swapping stories with fellow hypochondriacs. As I read through discussion threads, or replied to messages with words of support, I often thought, “I wish there was someone well-known – maybe a celebrity – who shares my concerns. I wish there was someone in the spotlight who understands what I am going through.”

Today, celebrities, professional athletes and media personalities are much more open about their own personal struggles and issues surrounding health. For the little boys and girls who idolize them, it’s an incredible feeling to know they’re not alone.
maxresdefaultMax Domi, a professional hockey player in the NHL, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 12. Max hopes that by opening up about his personal experiences with diabetes, he will inspire Canadians to visit poweredbyaccuracy.ca to learn more about diabetes and the Accuracy Coach program.

“Managing diabetes can be hard, but with the right coaching and support there are no limits. It’s so important that people with diabetes have the confidence to develop a healthy mindset and take control,” says Domi. “I want to reach as many people as I can and share my own experience and tell my own story. Diabetes hasn’t stopped me and the goals I’ve set for myself, and it doesn’t have to stop anyone else.” …

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How to Live Your Life in 4K

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NOTE: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

If you caught my last post, 5 Reasons to Live Your Life in 4K, you’ll know that I enthusiastically endorse the Samsung 4K SUHD TV and Rogers NextBox 4K. And really, why wouldn’t I? With a new era of picture quality, allowing users to view an even wider range of brilliant and vibrant colours, deep contrast, incredible brightness and 4K resolution, you can think of it as an investment into your happiness.

And I’m pretty damned happy living life in 4K.

However, I would be remiss to equate a vibrant life with simply a high quality (okay, ultra high quality) viewing experience. Life in 4K encompasses so much more! So, now that I’ve provided reasons to live your life in 4K, I’m here to show you *how* to do so, with gusto.

1. Take a Dream Vacation. Did you know that 26 per cent of Canadians are not using paid vacation days provided by their employer? It’s no secret that one of the barriers to travel is simply not having the funds to do so. But I’m here to tell you that’s hogwash. (Clearly, I’ve decided to tell you in a British accent.) We can all find the time and money to get away – we just have to prioritize travel and attribute a value to the benefits we derive from it.
10387805_1674863439421167_313603232_nSit down with family or friends and decide on your dream getaway, and then take steps – every single day – to save for it. Perhaps it’s collecting the change from drive thru orders or setting aside a fixed amount on each paycheque. Then, open a savings account strictly for your vacation. Living in 4K includes realizing that rest and relaxation are keys to happiness.

(Travelling soon? Check out my post on things You Can (Totally) Leave Home Without.) …

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Summer Sixteen

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It’s finally here! SUMMER! And it arrives with a blaze in Toronto, reaching temperatures of 41°C with the humidity this afternoon. Hands up if you’d rather be running through a backyard sprinkler today!
13402308_634847196670543_894784101_nI’m putting up my “Out of Office” for the day, whipping up some homemade popsicles for the kiddos and fruity sangria for the adults. Wishing you all a wonderful start to the work week, and to summer!

The Conversion to Customer: Favourite Purchases YTD

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One of the very best things about being an influencer in the online space is the opportunity to review products and services that I have a keen interest in. Translation: the chance to test out products I’d actually buy.

Back in 2014, I made a promise to myself – and to my audience – that I’d cut out the spam. No more accepting freebies, no more “fluff” reviews for the sake of content, no more overtly gushing testimonials about one-off products I’d never open my wallet to purchase. And for the most part, it’s been very effective: I spend my time talking about the products, services and destinations I love, and you can trust that if it appears on my blog, it’s because it has my personal endorsement (and isn’t just a paid endorsement).

Of course, the benefit of being choosy with my content means that more often than not, I can convert from a reviewer to a customer! As such, I thought I’d put together a quick round-up of the brands I’ve featured this year that I am now a bona fide customer. It’s putting my wallet where my website is!

Kamik Rain Boots. Part of Kamik’s appeal to me is their focus on sustainability. Their Zylex liners are made from 77% – 97% recycled water bottles, and their rubber boots are 100% recyclable. Combined with the fact that they’re a Canadian company (with over 70 percent of their products made in Canada), and they have some of the prettiest designs I’ve seen, it’s no wonder I purchased a second pair (“Jennifer”) in addition to the “Orchid” style I received for review!
13188193_1568370533460479_1610109504_nI purchased my Kamik Rain Boots at Globo Shoes, but you can also find them at Soft Moc, Town Shoes, Sporting Life and more. Tomorrow’s forecast is calling for rain… I’m all set to conquer the elements in style! …

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#BandTogether! Get Meghan Trainor to a Canadian Small Town!

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I’ll admit it: growing up in and around Toronto, I’ve had no shortage of opportunities to see “big name” acts live in concert. In fact, even when other large Canadian cities are shunned on “World” or “North American” tours, Torontonians are always treated to a stop for the most popular bands and singers.

Time to change that.

AIR MILES is proud to present DETOUR, a new music program launched by the AIR MILES Reward Program in partnership with Live Nation. In the spirit of being better together, AIR MILES will be rewarding a lucky Canadian small town with an epic music experience – a chance to host Meghan Trainor LIVE in concert!
bg--vip-headerWant to get in on the fun? You should – because there’s totally something in it for YOU!

First, select the small town Canadian town you’d like to support from these finalists. I have committed my vote to Mulmur, ON! (Here’s a reason: They’re home to a festival that changed music history.) …

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A Cleaner Dishwasher? Now THAT’s Affresh!

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Have you been lucky enough to come across a product you just can’t live without? You know, one that totally changes your life, and you can’t believe it took so long for you to discover it?

That’s exactly how I feel about affresh Washer Cleaner. And, if you’re one of the thousands of Canadians who have Googled “how to get rid of sewer smell in front load washing machine”, chances are it’s your miracle product, too.

And now, I’m over the moon about affresh Dishwasher Cleaner! I had started to suspect that my dishwasher was under-performing; my stemware was slightly filmy, my plates and bowls were often not clean enough.

(Not to mention, but I will anyways, a musty odor. No one wants to eat off dishes that came from a funky washer, am I right?)

I fiddled with the rinse agent and even poked around the dishwasher to see if there was a problem, when all of a sudden, the heavens parted and I realized my dishwasher likely just needed a good cleaning. Of course! I couldn’t believe I hadn’t thought of it sooner – it was pretty gnarly in there! And since I consider affresh Washer Cleaner my personal salvation, you know I couldn’t wait to get my hands on affresh Dishwater Cleaner.
DSC_0185bThe promise: affresh Dishwater Cleaner powers away hard water and mineral deposits to keep your dishwasher working its best.

The outcome: Heck yes! If you’re just about to begin your spring cleaning, you’ll want to add this product to your shopping list. Promise. And don’t worry – if you’re feeling mildly alarmed that you’ve never cleaned your dishwasher before, you’re not alone: while cleaning inside your appliances is an important step to keep them working their best, only 25% of Canadians have cleaned inside their dishwashers in the last 12 months. …

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ID Theft: Eight “Harmless” Ways to Lose Your Identity

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There you go, minding your own business. Doing things like you’ve always done, not hurting a fly. And then one fine day, when the sun is shining and the birds are singing – BAM! Someone swoops in and steals your identity.

Think it won’t happen to you? Think again.

Identity theft is at an all-time high in Canada. In fact, it’s the most serious, non-violent crime and fastest growing type of fraud in North America, increasing steadily and setting records in the number of data breaches recorded. In 2015, more than 17,000 identity theft cases were reported in Canada, with a loss of more than $10 million.

I’ll just let that sink in for a moment.

So, we know it’s a problem – one that Canadians simply aren’t paying enough attention to. However, it’s actually pretty easy to safeguard yourself and your loved ones against identity theft; there are simple steps you can take to ensure you’re not a victim. …

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The Most Delicious Way to Show Your Support!

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I’m a former baker. In fact, I was *this close* to pursuing a diploma in pastry arts! I’ve had a sweet tooth my entire life, and always saw myself as the Suzie Homemaker type that would bake sweet treats for her family. That was the dream.

Reality: All three of my boys (husband and sons) prefer salty snacks.

Alas, my pursuit of pastry perfection was a short-lived fantasy, but from time to time, I like to dust off my apron, pull out my measuring spoons and get ready to bake up a storm.

This is one of those times.

February 29th, 2016 is National Cupcake Day! And before you think it’s just another excuse to indulge – and trust me, I will be indulging – here’s why baking cupcakes for your family and friends is the most delicious way to show support for a great cause!
20160125_182717National Cupcake Day is a fundraiser for SPCAs and Humane Societies across Canada. Animal lovers and bakers unite to host cupcake events throughout the month of February, leading up to the big day on February 29th. Participating is easy, and with your support, you could save a puppy, kitten or pony and make everyone’s day a little brighter with a scrumptious treat. What could be sweeter? …

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Writing it Down.

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When I was 14-years old, I started a diary. It coincided with the beginning of high school. I was a fresh-faced “minor niner” and suddenly, my world became a lot more interesting. There were new friends, new crushes and of course, a new set of important tasks that almost overshadowed my education (where does one buy the perfect grunge-inspired plaid shirt to go with Revlon’s Blackberry lipstick?). And when I was happy, troubled or somewhere in the middle, I wrote.

I wrote about my insecurities and my fears. I jotted down unsolicited opinions on everything from the length of a mean girl’s kilt to the blueness of my crush’s eyes. I wrote about my first boyfriend and my first heartbreak. And most of all, I wrote about my hopes for the future. I wrote about having a job I loved, exactly two sons (it was always my preference), and of course, meeting my prince in shining Burberry sunglasses. Funny how things work out, huh?
let goI wrote in a first, second, third…. seventh diary throughout my high school years and even into my first year of university. I can’t describe the sense of relief I felt as I unloaded my feelings. My diary didn’t judge me, offer unsolicited advice or spill my secrets. It was a form of much needed therapy through a period of angst and personal discovery. …

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The Truth is… Some Deals are Too Good to Pass Up!

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So, here’s the thing. I’ve already come clean about succumbing to Black Friday sales, but I’m a firm believer that life is short, and sometimes, you just have to treat yourself.

(And sometimes, treating yourself covers a lot of surface. Er… can cause good feelings to surface. Okay, I’ll say it. I want a Microsoft Surface Pro 4.)

Because let’s be honest, it’s fun to shop for yourself – and for everyone on your list – when you know that you’re getting a good deal. And with the holidays right around the corner, we know retailers from all over the web are going to be wooing you with their best discounts, so it can be tough to know where to start looking.

Good news, folks, I’ve got a few insider tips, so stick with me if you want to know where to click first.
Store_BF_1127_1920x720_EN_USHere’s the scoop. I have it on good authority that MicrosoftStore.ca is going to launch a bunch of exciting sales next week, and I’m committed to sharing the savings with you. So, check back here on December 1, and then every day for the next 12 days, for details about the latest deal.

Can’t wait to save? Check out Microsoft’s online store NOW through next Monday for their best Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales. Whether you’re buying for a gamer, a budding photographer, a fitness fiend or someone in between, you’ll have no trouble finding something for just about every tech lover you know – like this Dell Inspiron 15 Signature Edition Laptop! It’s just $599.00, down from $1,049.00. You’ll save $450.00! WOW! …

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It’s Time to Shop the Neighbourhood!

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It’s Ba-ack! Mark your calendars, friends! On Saturday, November 28, 2015 – grab your smartphone, your wallet and a latte… it’s time to Shop the Neighbourhood!

They Say: For a third year, Shop The Neighbourhood encourages support for small businesses by promoting local shopping and offering free online and mobile app advertising to participating stores and services.

I Say: It’s the best excuse to go shopping, ever!
STN_Promo_image (2)I believe in give and take. This year, I’ll absolutely partake in online shopping. To counter that, I’m also happy to show support to some of my favourite local businesses. I’ll be in Burlington this Saturday shopping the neighbourhood… and bringing you some of the best sales and offers!

Want to get in on the fun? Here’s what you need to do.

First, download the YP Shopwise app. (YP Shopwise will act as your personal shopper, alerting you to an exclusive deal or promotion in your proximity, and will even provide directions to the store.) Then, on Saturday, November 28, 2015, make a local purchase and take advantage of exclusive event deals offered by the businesses in your neighbourhood. …

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It’s Snot Your Imagination: The Ins and Outs of Sick-Etiquette

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Ah, flu season. Why are you a thing?

I suppose it comes with the territory of being Canadian; as children strap on hockey skates and parents pull on their warmest toques, so shall the influenza virus make its way through schools, businesses and homes alike. It’s clockwork, it takes no prisoners, and it really, really has poor timing – striking when you’re mostly likely to least expect it.
(Well hello there, co-workers! Stock photos like this exist for a reason!)

Yes, flu season is here, and there IS such a thing called Sick-Etiquette. Simply stated, it’s a collection of unspoken rules that you should abide by during cold and flu season, and I’m happy to share them with you today! …

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Better Health Together!

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Every month, it’s the same old, same old. I make the trip to my local lab, have my blood drawn and tested, and hope I don’t hear from my doctor. Such is life while managing an ongoing health issue.

If he needs to see you, we’ll call, the nurse at my doctor’s office says.

Which I suppose is well and good, except often, I’d like to know what my blood work says – even if I’m in the clear. As a patient, don’t I have the right to see the results from my own tests? Of course I do. And now, I can. Last Tuesday, as I rolled my sleeve down and prepared to leave the lab, the technician handed me a leaflet with a tracking number.

You can now access your results online, she said with a smile.

Sweet success! I simply had to create an account and provide the info I received, et voila! In 24 hours, I became part of the digital health initiative.
INFOWAY_TWITTER (2)What is digital health?

It’s an easy, secure and digital way to manage you and your family’s health! Simply put, digital health allows authorized health care providers to quickly access your health information in order to make important decisions about your care. Think about it: if you still have a traditional paper medical file, it does not follow you everywhere you go. So, in the unfortunate event you had to make a trip to the emergency room or a walk-in clinic, the attending doctor would not have access to your complete health record.

But imagine if they did! With digital health, this is possible. …

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Defending our Daughters from Dietainment

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Recently, I posted a photo of my beautiful niece on Instagram with the following caption:

The thing is, my niece looks so much like me, sometimes I pretend she’s all mine. “I have a girl! I have a princess.” But then I remember that one day, this beautiful little girl will turn into a beautiful woman and that’s a bit too scary. So I kiss her and hug her and spoil her and hand her back to my brother damn quick. 
DSC_1598aAs she grows, I want to protect her from the pressure to live up to society’s version of perfection when it comes to body image. And one of our best defenses against Dietainment is knowing it when we see it. Unhealthy diet messages disguised as entertainment are easy to miss, because they often hide in plain sight. Examples of Dietainment include messages or advertisements that do the following:

– Promise unrealistically fast weight loss that sounds too good to be true
– Lack valid scientific research to support claims
– Use over-the-top, implausible headlines like “slim down your belly fat in just a week”

Bella is still young, but if you have a daughter, granddaughter or niece who is at an influential age, you can help break the cycle by being a positive role model for the young women in your life! …

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The Scents of Happiness: Holiday Memories

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Last year, I spent a little too much time trying to get things just right.

“How long are you going to spend on that mantle?” my husband asked.
“Until it is right,” I replied tersely.
“What does that mean?”
DSC_0241 (1)To tell the truth, even I wasn’t sure. But growing up, my mom’s Christmas decorations were always perfect, year after year. I marvel at the way she was consistently able to recreate the same holiday feel; shiny foil buntings, hanging from the entranceway. A tree expertly trimmed with tinsel and decorated with ornaments. Lights and streamers adorning every available surface. The scent of clean floors and crisp white linen. …

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The Battle of the Holiday Bulge, and How to WIN.

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Now that we’ve established that Fall Body is a thing, it’s time to turn our attention to most magical time of year.

For every Christmas, turn, turn, turn.
There is a temptation, turn, turn, turn.
And a plate filled with cookies and holiday cheer.

Tell me: HOW can any self-loving woman resist all the splendours of the season? It’s almost impossible to turn down a glass of Irish cream on ice or a second helping of savoury stuffing. And please don’t judge the amount of baked goodies that I can consume without batting an eyelash. If there’s a time to create a Healthy Holidays plan, it’s now!

(Homemade salted caramels? Oh yeah, they’re also a thing chez Lena.)
Dessert-Moments1-662x1024 copyToday, I’m pleased to share some tried and true tips for managing your weight throughout the holidays. Some are common sense – like don’t overeat! – but for the times you do find yourself indulging a little too much and a little too often, there are ways to circumvent those added inches. …

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Safety at its BEST with Best Buy!

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NOTE: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

It’s an argument I’ve had with my husband at least twice in my lifetime.

“You are not going to mount that TV yourself,” I’ve cautioned.
“Of course I’m not going to do it myself! I’m going to call Dave to come help,” he’s responded.

And the conversation loops on repeat for about five days, until Dave shows up, measurements are made, holes are drilled, and the television is hoisted… and then set back down. On the TV stand. Where it currently resides.

I hate to say I told you so but… yeah.

Okay, in my husband’s defense, we can’t actually mount our television in our current setup because the wall has a concrete backing. So, we either redesign our glam cave or use a television stand as an alternative. (Which actually has its own safety concerns – read on.)

For the purposes of this post, here’s a picture of the glam cave in our basement, the last time it was super clean – which I believe was last Christmas. Hey! Halloween is over. I’m allowed to post pictures of holiday happiness!
IMG_32001As you can see, the 60-inch television is supported by about a 4-inch stick which connects to the base… and that’s about it. Nothing could go awry with that, right? WRONG. Settle in, friends, because I want to chat about a topic you haven’t attributed enough time and attention to. I’m talking about safe television installation. And I’ve got a super sweet giveaway coming up – valued at approximately $500.00! – so it’s in your best interest to follow along. …

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Long Live Learning: #ThankYouTeachers

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September 1992.

As I huddled in homeroom English, I glanced at the clock, willing it to inch forward. It was Monday, and I knew what was coming – my grade 9 English teacher, Mrs. Meredith, would soon ask me to return to her class after school. Her newspaper club met then, and she was anxious for me to become a member. I suppose she spotted potential still unknown to me; a geeky, chubby 14-year old with coke-bottle glasses and frizzy hair – but I continually declined, theorizing that joining the writing geeks would certainly not elevate my already non-existent status.

But she was persistent, and creative – the very next Monday morning, Mrs. Meredith slapped me with detention for a questionable, minor offense. Bewildered, I stuttered an apology and agreed to return that afternoon. And so, I was sucked into the meeting, and into the club, and before I knew it, I was the first 9th grade Editor-in-Chief in newspaper club history.

We’re Facebook friends now. And she still calls me “chief” from time to time.

These were the days of dot matrix printers and 13-inch computer monitors. When electronics were limited to your boyfriend’s pager and your oversized boombox. When technology was a luxury.
hero-nominationsToday, 88% of Canadian teachers and 80% of parents agree with the use of technology in the classroom. Providing a national voice to those closest to students, Parents and Teachers on Education asked both groups to share their perspective on Canada’s education system. …

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Living the GoodLife: Falling into Health and Wellness

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There’s no use denying it: one of the reasons I love fall so much is the excuse to wear sweaters and coats. Big, warm, bulky articles of clothing which hide the extra bit of bulk I may be hiding underneath. It’s true, fall is my worst season for managing my weight. You too? Yeah, it’s not surprising at all.

In the beginning of the year, there are resolutions and promises. And for a while, it works. Then comes early spring, also known as travel season, where myself and countless Canadians are vacationing down south to escape the Canadian climate and reset our perspective on life. And since a bikini body is always top of mind, chances are, diet and exercise are happening in some form or fashion.

Then there’s summer. The season where extra clothing is not an option, and fitness routines are easier to stick to thanks to the availability of both indoor and outdoor options. As a result, weight is managed and self-esteem remains intact.
DSC_0895-876x1024(Pictured above: Me, in summer. Just like every summer – at my best weight of the year.)

But then… then comes fall. And after months of watching what I eat, fitting in exercise, squeezing into skinny jeans and jumping on the weighing scale, I’ve had enough. Enough! I will gladly ensconce myself in the sanctuary of oversized sweaters and strategically cut blazers and always say yes to that second helping of lasagna.

Fall Body. It’s a thing, folks.

And the most dangerous thing about Fall Body is that it sets the pace for Holiday Body, the free-for-all of overindulgence (usually involving copious amounts of sweets, stuffing and sangria) which ultimately leads to Resolution Body in January. …

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