Listen to Lena

Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion

Lifestyle

Fall into Better Digestive Health: Take Control and #OwnTheThrone

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It’s the season for tall riding boots and warm, cozy sweaters. The crisp, clean air is accented with the tempting aroma of Pumpkin Spice Lattes. Leaves are changing, days are shortening, and the holiday rush is just around the corner.

Welcome to Fall.
seasonNow, besides your wardrobe and your choice of coffee house beverage, can you think of any other changes you’ll make this season? Chances are, some of your adjustments will be so subtle, you may not even notice. Like, you’ll probably sleep earlier as the days get shorter. You may even spend a little more time selecting clothes as you layer and accessorize for the cooler temps. And you’ll likely alter your diet and lifestyle, eating heavier meals while exercising less, which can lead to digestive troubles. …

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Get Back to Natural Sleep.

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“With PASCOFLAIR you can fall asleep quickly and stay sound asleep.”

That was the plan. Over a month ago, I had turned to PASCOFLAIR with the hope that I could achieve a restful sleep with the help of this safe, herbal alternative to traditional sleep aids.

Truth be told, I was mildly skeptical.

As an A-type, overstimulated, multitasking mom and mompreneur, it’s hard to simply turn off and fall into a peaceful slumber. In fact, after banning my nemesis – the cell phone – from my bedside table, I still found myself waking up 2-3 times per night, simply to go through everything I had to do the next day. (And maybe to reach for the cell phone that was no longer there.)

I know many of my readers were interested in hearing my experience with PASCOFLAIR after I wrote about it in a previous post. However, for those that are just joining us, here’s what turned me on to the product:

Passionflower is traditionally used in Herbal Medicine as a sleep aid, in cases of restlessness or insomnia due to mental stress. PASCOFLAIR is a high dose of Passionflower which helps promote relaxation and calmness resulting in a better night’s sleep.
passionflowerNow here’s the important part: Passionflower does not act as a sedative: in the brain, it regulates neurotransmitters associated with calming rather than sleep. Therefore, you’re less likely to feel drowsy or “foggy” when you use PASCOFLAIR. It is fully registered with Health Canada and has been found to have no known drug interactions, no toxic effects for overdosing and have no known dependency potential. …

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Charting a New Path, Powered by Accuracy

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NOTE: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only. 

In Canada, there were 3.3 million people living with diabetes in 2014. Chances are, you know someone living with the disease. I do.

Following my previous post, Making the Right Decisions when they Matter Most, I’m happy to continue the conversation about diabetes, and share the stories of those who are living with the disease – and thriving. Because even though there is no cure – only ways to manage symptoms and prevent complications – more and more Canadians diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes have achieved extraordinary professional milestones.

Did You Know:

– An estimated one in three people will be affected by diabetes by 2020.
– A recent survey found that despite the high prevalence of diabetes in Canada, there are many misconceptions around the disease and how to properly manage it.
– 82% of Canadians agree that having diabetes has some limit on what you can do with your life.
– Almost half of Canadians (47%) don’t think that diabetes is a difficult disease to manage. …

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Last Minute Back-to-School Shopping? Make the Most It.

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If you’re ready to brave the crowds this Labour Day weekend, congrats! You’re just as crazy as I am.

After some unscheduled time off, I haven’t had the time to do all those last-minute errands for the boys. And so, here it is, the last weekend before school begins, and I’m set to hit the mall, the grocery store, and most likely, the bottle.

A girl’s gotta unwind, yes?

There is a silver lining to this 11th-hour chaos: the AIR MILES Better Bonus Event, which gives Collectors like me the opportunity to support children’s causes across Canada. Check it out: for every Bonus Mile I receive using my Better Bonus Event coupons, AIR MILES will match that Mile – up to 10 million Miles! – to donate to children’s causes nationwide.
main-wk4Here are my picks for this weekend!

Sobeys: Shop for all your school lunch necessities and support their partners such as Free The Children and the Home Cook Heroes program.

Shell: Driving to the dorm? Fuel up with Shell, and receive 7x the AIR MILES Reward Miles with a $10 in-store purchase. Minimum 25 L fuel purchase required per transaction. …

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A New Way to Pay it Forward with #AIRMILES4Change

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It’s the week before the new school year begins. Also known as, one of the most chaotic weeks of my life! If I’m not taking a mental inventory of the boys’ wardrobe and rummaging through the closet for shoes that fit, I’m making grocery lists on the fly while trying to figure out back-to-school lunches and snacks. And then, of course, there’s that little matter of school supplies – paper, pencils and everything in between.

It’s exhausting! Of course, what keeps me going is the knowledge that at this time next week, they’ll be settled behind their desks instead of shadowing my every action. Seven more days, Lena!

And while I’m running around purchasing clothing, food and supplies, I’m also helping to make a difference in the lives of children around the world. Here’s how you can too.

Just in time for back-to-school, the AIR MILES Reward Program is teaming up with its Partners – some of Canada’s most trusted and beloved brands – to launch a new initiative that celebrates and gives back to children’s causes.
better bonusOn August 6, 2015, AIR MILES launched the Better Bonus Event, which gives Collectors like me the opportunity to support children’s causes across Canada, just by doing my everyday shopping – including my back-to-school shopping. For every Bonus Mile I receive using my Better Bonus Event coupons, AIR MILES will match that Mile – up to 10 million Miles! – to donate to children’s causes nationwide.

Rewarding Yourself + Giving Back = Perfect Promotion. Way to go, AIR MILES!

And there’s more – not only can I collect a substantial number of Bonus Miles, but I’ll also have the opportunity to win one of four prizes, including 50,000 Miles plus an additional 50,000 Miles that goes towards the charity of my choice! …

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Getting Back to Sleep, Naturally.

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I’ve always prided myself on my ability to prioritize, especially when it comes to my health. A clean(ish) diet, eight glasses of water a day, and a good night’s sleep. In fact, I once stated that I couldn’t function on less than 7 hours of shuteye, and I meant it.

Now *I know* you’re waiting for me to insert some anecdote about being a mom, and how I rarely have a restful night, but the truth is, I can’t blame this one on the kids. It’s all me, and it’s all terrible.

It’s the iPhone on the night table – one of the most detrimental habits known to mankind.

A stronger person wouldn’t be lured at all hours of night, but admittedly, I am weak. Because if I wake up for any reason at all, I simply must check my e-mail. And Twitter. And Instagram and Facebook and sometimes even Periscope even though I’m following 6 people and really have no interest in it whatsoever.

Do you know what happens when you succumb to the lure of the iPhone on the night table? You stay awake for much longer than you should. Multiply this by two, three times per night, and all of a sudden, I’m robbing myself of a good night’s sleep. In fact, it’s fair to say that I haven’t slept uninterrupted for over 2 years now.

I need to get back to me.

So, I’m trying two things. The first is that I’ve made a conscious effort to leave my phone in another room. On another floor. And from a standpoint of not checking my phone, it’s working. However, I honestly thought that by simply removing access to the offensive object, I’d gain a proper night’s sleep. It’s not that easy – after years of waking up multiple times per night, I’m now conditioned to awaken every 2 hours or so. It’s horrible! …

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Spoiler Alert: Life’s Milestones Typically Happen Out of Order

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First comes love…. then comes marriage…. then comes Lena with a baby carriage.

Okay, so I managed to stick to the script. But for a large percentage of the Canadian population, life’s milestones typically happen out of order. Think about it: the once traditional sequence of life events used to read like a “to-do” list – finish school, get married, buy a house and have kids. However, this sequence is far less common now than it was for past generations. In fact, a recent TD survey found nearly six in 10 (58 per cent) Canadians have completed or are on track to complete their life’s milestones in a different order than they originally expected.
kissMore specifically, Gen X Canadians are more likely to complete or be on track to complete them in a different order (64 per cent) than Millennials (52 per cent).

I can attest to this. I have girlfriends who have purchased their own home, returned to school, and had a baby – all before getting married. And to tell the truth, I am in awe! I took great pains to plan, budget and save accordingly based on my life’s own milestones, and for the most part, they followed a predictable timeline that I was equipped to handle. Therefore, I salute those who are able to swim against the current to achieve their own life goals, especially they happen out of the typical order.

Of course, while the order of life’s milestones may vary, thinking ahead about your goals and putting a financial plan in place can help manage the financial impact of these significant life moments, whenever they occur. We know that preparing for life’s big moments requires planning and saving, and regardless of your age, it’s never too early to build a financial plan and set goals for your future. …

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How Do You Love Wildlife?

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Products with a dual purpose. Like Pampers baby wipes, which are safe and gentle for your baby’s bottom, but also double as a makeup remover towelette for mom. Or Bounty paper towels, which both clean up the messiest spills, and stand in as coffee filter in a pinch.

And Dawn dishwashing liquid. With its unparalleled grease cutting power, it cleans my dishes in a hurry, using less product than competitive brands. And, for over 30 years, Dawn dish soap has been an important part of rescuing and releasing more than 75,000 wild animals affected by oil pollution.

I love products with a dual purpose.

How do you love wildlife? This summer, Dawn is celebrating its rich history of loving and supporting wildlife with the debut of its We All Love Wildlife video series. Since 1978, Dawn has been the only dishwashing brand trusted by wildlife rescue experts, praised for its “soft on feathers, tough on grease benefits”.

The touching video series showcases the profound, positive influence that wildlife has had on rescue volunteers from Dawn’s long standing wildlife partners, International Bird Rescue (IBR) and The Marine Mammal Center. The videos feature four volunteers – a college student, a mom, a surfer and a veteran volunteer – all dedicated to helping save and rehabilitate marine animals in need.

Of course, when you enlist animal advocate and actor Ian Somerhalder to join the cause, you know it will get the media attention it deserves. Because, Ian Somerhalder.
Dawn Wildlife Press EventThe Ian Somerhalder foundation lends support to campaigns that focus on everything from pollution to animal cruelty. To date, the foundation has awarded $50M in Animal Medical Emergency Grants – of which IBR has been a recipient. To celebrate their collaboration, Ian recently joined Dawn at International Bird Rescue’s San Pedro, California facility. There, guests and media personnel were given a behind-the-scenes look by IBR’s veteran volunteers. …

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Are You Prepared for the Unexpected?

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Having just celebrated eight years in our “new” home, my husband and I have been taking a trip down memory lane, reminiscing about the experience. When we first purchased the house in 2006, it was a heady combination of excitement, apprehension, hope and frustration – all rolled into one! From securing a mortgage to purchasing brand new furniture, saying goodbye to the city and hello to the suburbs, it’s so easy to recall the feelings and emotions. (And the arguments… usually centered on his eclectic taste in coffee tables.)

Because our first home was a new build, we had the opportunity to add custom touches to reflect our tastes and personalities. There’s nothing quite like visiting the design and décor centre to select finishes for your brand new home. I fondly remember pouring over the samples of foyer tiles – at the time, the decision to go with either gray or white grout seemed insurmountable. Because everyone notices your grout colour, right?

(One of our favourite past times: visiting the property week by week to see the progress. Here’s my husband in 2006, standing in our “foyer”!)
IMG_0348When the house was finally ready to take possession in summer 2007, we had some pretty big decisions to make.

First, how would we fill the home with furniture? Having come from a one-bedroom loft in Toronto, we now had about ten extra rooms to decorate. Bedrooms… a living/ dining area, a great room… the basement? There seemed to be a lot of “space” and we had enough furniture to fill about 1/5th of it. …

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Making the Right Decisions when they Matter Most.

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“You don’t draw blood every day without developing a thicker skin.”

I admit that the above quote gave me chills, especially after hearing Max Domi steadfastly utter those words.

Max, a World Junior Ice Hockey Champion and son of famed Toronto Maple Leafs enforcer Tie Domi, has Type 1 Diabetes. He regulates his blood sugar levels using an insulin pump attached to his hip. During games, he excuses himself every 15 minutes to test his blood glucose level. And, he wears number 16 in homage to Bobby Clarke, a famed hockey player who also suffered with the disease. (Source)

So, how’s your day going? Got any excuses for why you’re not on top of your game?

In Canada, there were 3.3 million people living with diabetes in 2014, of whom between 5 and 10 per cent would have Type 1, which for Max and others will be a lifelong concern. Chances are, you know someone afflicted with the disease. And even though there is no cure – only ways to manage symptoms and prevent complications – more and more Canadians diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes have achieved extraordinary professional milestones despite living with the disease. Like Dessi Zaharieva, MMA Artist and International Tae Kwon Do Bronze Medalist. Or James Coones, a Fire Captain with the Toronto Professional Fire Fighters’ Association. And my personal favourite, Max Domi, captain of the London Knights.

I’m no stranger to diabetes. My paternal grandmother was diagnosed at a young age, and I had two high school friends who either regularly tested their blood glucose levels or injected insulin on a daily basis. But it didn’t let it stop them. …

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Healthier Habits for the Summer

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It’s summer. Hallelujah!

And just in case you hadn’t noticed (how’s the weather under that rock?), people are vacationing, dining out, drinking on patios and festival-hopping in full force. Honestly! Some days I need to stay off Instagram, where I’m constantly reminded of friends’ summertime travels and exploits.
10865108_422184224655700_1749091094_nThe above photo is courtesy of my blogging bestie Stephanie Holmes, who’s currently in Turks and Caicos. I know, right? You can say it. I was totally thinking it too.

However, I’m not mad at her, because we’re off to Niagara Falls for the long weekend! There, we’ll get wet at the Fallsview Indoor Waterpark, enjoy a special meal in the revolving dining room at Skylon Tower, and even take in a little cross-border shopping action (I miss Target!). …

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Finding Your Perfect Balance

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I think we can all officially say it… summer is here! And many Canadians are basking in the warmer weather, the longer days, and for those that have suffered this winter: the official end of cold and flu season.

However, even though we’re spending more time outdoors and ideally eating an abundance of fresh, local produce, sometimes our diet falls short of our nutritional goals. With many Canadian families juggling work, summer camp, sports activities and more, despite our best intentions, it’s easy to succumb to less desirable meals and snacks – ones that don’t provide the balanced nutrition that our bodies crave.

A balanced, healthy diet feeds your body with the vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids and other key nutrients you need. Think of the times when you’ve felt your best – chances are, you were eating well, keeping stress levels low, and finding time for physical activity. And if you find yourself needing a little extra push, supplements can definitely help fill the gap.
Year round, Canadians depend on a variety of supplements to keep them feeling their best. Think of supplements as an insurance policy; they help ensure that you’re always at your optimal health, especially when life is hectic and a balanced diet isn’t always an option. …

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Even a Travelling Germaphobe Needs to Own the Throne

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I feel like the title of this post is somewhat of an oxymoron; generally speaking, germaphobes don’t travel – they stay close to their bubbles homes and encapsulate themselves in a clean, sanitary surrounding. Ah, disinfected bliss.

I, on the other hand, travel frequently, and I *may* have a few germaphobe tendencies.
11419046_1451116841855144_386192179_nI’m the kind of gal who has three travel-sized bottles of hand sanitizer tucked into her carry-on bags. Safely nestled in my checked luggage is a full-sized can of disinfectant spray, which I use on every “suspicious” surface of the hotel room – bathroom fixtures, light fixtures and of course the remote control. I wear long sleeves and pants on flights to discourage transfer of viruses via contact, and if I can help it, I never ever ever ever ever use public bathrooms. Especially not plane bathrooms. Ew. …

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Find Your Perfect Balance

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Summer is finally here! And one of the reasons I love the warmer season is the abundance of fresh, local produce coming our way. All those vitamins and nutrients fill me with glee!
free-oranges-wallpaper-27804-28526-hd-wallpapersHowever, there are times when, despite my best intentions, I fall short of my nutritional goals. Let’s face it – life is hectic, and takeout is simple. And that’s when I rely on supplements to bridge the gap.

Want to know more about the benefits of supplements? << Click there. It will take you to an article I recently wrote to help you Get the Most Out of Life. And, for more information on health and wellness, here’s your source for the season’s top health topics and advice from Shoppers Drug Mart’s panel of experts. Here’s to your health!

Panamania! WIN 4 Tix to Women’s Medal Soccer at the Pan Am Games!

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It’s nice to have friends in clean places.

As I shared in a previous post, I’m happy to announce that Maytag Canada, a Whirlpool brand, is bringing its iconic powerful and dependable laundry appliances to the Toronto 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games, providing washers and dryers to ensure athletes not only perform at their best, but look great too. As the Official Appliance and Athlete Laundry Services Supplier for the Games, Maytag will furnish all athlete residences in the CIBC Pan Am/Parapan Am Athletes’ Village with over 400 washers and dryers.

Open_1175X1290_P130793_81 (2)Fact: More than 7500 athletes will depend on Maytag appliances to perform so their uniforms are ready when it’s time to compete. WOW!

For years, Canadians have chosen Maytag appliances for their durability, reliability, and power. And today, Maytag wants you to check out the bright, clean uniforms that will be sported by a women’s soccer team at the Pan Am Games… one lucky reader will win 4 tickets to a Women’s Medal Soccer match on the night of Friday, July 24th, 2015!

(CIBC Hamilton Pan Am Soccer Stadium)

You’ll be responsible for your own transportation and other expenses, but here’s your chance to take in a bronze medal game, courtesy of Maytag. …

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Life in a Paperless World? One Step Closer with eBills

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Disclosure: I love my mail carrier; I really do. She brings me countless goodies and always remembers to knock twice. And, she’s pretty fearless during inclement weather, plowing through my un-shoveled driveway, toy-strewn lawn or fallen leaf wonderland to deposit the latest review product or late-night shopping spree on my doorstep. So I really hate to complain… especially since I’m not entirely certain it’s her fault…

It’s just that, time after time, my electricity and water bills go to the wrong house. And, I tend to receive mail from another house about 4 streets over. I’m not exactly sure where the confusion begins – at the sorting facility or as the carrier sorts the mail on her route – but the end result is that I regularly receive an electricity bill about 3 weeks late, and I often NEVER see my water bills.

It’s kind of lame.

Hence, when I heard about TorontoHydro’s eBills, I rolled my eyes. At myself. Because surely I should have known about this sooner, yes? Talk about a game changer.
eBillHere’s the deal. With eBills, you have 24/7 access to your account from anywhere you access the Internet. You can view all your bills for the past two years (great if you own a small business), and because it’s paperless, it’s better for the environment. And if you need further incentive to sign up for eBill, all those who sign up will receive a free bottle of Fleecy Fast Dry concentrated fabric softener, and one lucky winner will win the GRAND PRIZE: a Samsung high-efficiency washer and dryer (Samsung WF5600 front-load steam washer and DV5600 front-load dryer).

I love the idea of accessing all my electricity bills in one location – especially since I’m more likely to pay them on time if the notification is dropped right into my inbox. Then, I simply pay the bill online at my financial institution’s website. Easy-peasy!

I’m looking forward to continuing to test the service and see just how much easier it makes my life. At the very least, the statements will end up in my inbox, and not on a neighbour’s doorstep!

Have you signed up for eBills? Are you a paperless enthusiast, or do you prefer to receive traditional statements in the mail?

Love Your Environment: #GreenWhereYouLive

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I love the city. I love the hustle, the energy and most of all, knowing that I live and work in a world-class metropolis that is teeming with intellectuals, artists and cultural icons. I love the cuisine, the retail therapy, and the opportunity to seize each day with gusto. Toronto, you have my heart.

Alas, if I had to critique just one thing about this urban oasis, it would be my desire to see more greenery. And I’m not alone – a recent TD Environment survey found more than half of Canadians (56 per cent) feel most connected to the environment when they spend time at a local park or other green space. Understandably, this is hard to find in the heart of a metropolitan city – especially one as developed as Toronto.

So, you’ve heard of pop-up shops, yes? How about pop-up parks?

To celebrate its 25th anniversary, TD Friends of the Environment Foundation (TD FEF) has set out to transform six urban concrete lots across Canada into temporary green spaces. Each park will offer up to five days of free community programming, such as educational workshops, fitness classes and live musical performances.
TD FEF 25 - Surrey Pop-Up Park (3)Expect to be surrounded by native grasses and trees. Take a break from the hustle and bustle and recharge on log seating. Spend a few moments enjoying outdoor activities. Watch as urban communities across the country get a little greener!

“We know that green spaces are vital to our well-being and our communities,” said Mary Desjardins, Executive Director, TD FEF. “These pop-up parks are designed to surprise and delight visitors, and to bring to life the benefits of healthy, vibrant green spaces. Plus, what better way to celebrate 25 years of TD FEF than by bringing parks to people?” Indeed! …

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Help With the Hard Part: Your Plan. Your Way.

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It’s been exactly six months since I joined Weight Watchers. If you’ve been following my journey (see Help with the Hard Part and When the Hard Part is Easy), you’ll know that I made a commitment to conquer my “hard parts”:

1. It’s hard to separate hunger from boredom. 10:00 PM snacking is “a thing”.
2. It’s hard to say no to leftover cheesecake.
3. It’s hard to fit in exercise when I work 14-hour days.
4. It’s hard to stay on track when eating out and cooking for picky eaters.
5. It’s hard to eat well without feeling completely and utterly deprived of delicious food.

With the help of Weight Watchers, I did it. I conquered them.

Now I won’t leave you in suspense – I did reach my goal of 20-pound weight loss. And I attribute a large portion of my success to the new 24/7 Expert Chat. Coaches who have successfully lost weight on Weight Watchers are available to subscribers through 24/7 Expert Chat for instant advice on how to get started, get back on track, and stay motivated.  This new feature is available to all Weight Watchers subscribers through online and mobile chat, 24 hours per day, seven days a week!

Yet, I stalled in publishing this 6-month check-in photo. Maybe it’s the old insecurities creeping in; maybe it’s just hard to put oneself out there for judgement. But after thinking about all I’ve accomplished, and how I got here in a healthy, habit-changing way, I’m throwing caution to the wind.

Screw it – I’M HOT! I LOVE MY NEW LOOK!wwOkay, so I’ll never get rid of the Kardashian hips (I’m not sure I want to) and I’m okay with a little tummy action too (I was totally sucking in my stomach here), but all in all, I feel confident, pretty and most of all, healthy. I feel like a 37-year old mom of two who’s on top of her game (albeit slightly sunburned). To be honest, I feel a little giddy. …

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This Father’s Day, Boost His MOJO

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Decades ago, the iconic soap-on-a-rope and striped tie represented the hallmark of Father’s Day gifts. Hygiene! Fashion! Two things that dear old dad definitely lacked, yes?

Today, things are a little different.

Canadian fathers are fashionable. They’re more willing to follow trends in culture, technology and the arts. In fact, the 30-something fathers represented in my Facebook feed are nothing like the 30-something fathers of the 80’s! Today’s fathers wear motorcycle jackets (for fashion) and spritz expensive cologne (designer, of course). They unabashedly tote around their infants in baby carriers and know how to properly order a Triple, Venti, Soy, No Foam Latte from Starbucks.

They have MOJO.

This Father’s Day, boost his MOJO with these stunning picks from Philips guaranteed to appeal to the modern dad. I’ve hand-picked my top 3 selections – take a peek, and get shopping!

shaverPhilips Shaver Series 9000. The Philips Shaver Series 9000 brings you the most advanced shaving system yet. It introduces newly designed shaving heads that move in eight directions and cut up to 20 per cent more hair in a single pass.

Features:

– V-Track Precision Blades, a state-of-the-art system that guides hairs into the optimal cutting position for a 30 per cent closer shave with comfort
– Diverse speed settings to best fit your skin and hair type day after day: Slow (more skin-friendly shave), Medium (thorough shave), and Fast (high-powered shave)
– Each shaving head, with unique Contour Detect Technology, independently moves in eight directions to follow your face’s every curve

The Philips Shaver Series 9000 is my top pick for Father’s Day. It’s the gift of smooth, supple skin! …

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