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Christmas

Did Canadian Tire Save Christmas?

December 25, 2014 By Lena

Psst… I received a very strange email in the wee hours of the morning – containing a few photos and a copy of a hush-hush video – and it was simply too good not to share.

I admit I’m a little nervous about posting this on my site, as it involves a certain celebrity, a stealth paparazzi, and likely a situation that a jolly ol’ PR team would like to keep under wraps. Here’s some photographic evidence of what went down last night:
IMG_9958 (1)If you’re thinking, “Gee, that looks like Santa!”… you’d be correct. And wouldn’t you know it, I spy his trusted reindeer, look less than impressed. Confused? Yeah me too. …

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Filed Under: Decor Tagged With: #CTSavesSanta, Canadian Tire, Christmas

Merry Christmas!

December 24, 2014 By Lena

Christmas 2014bDear Friends,

May the holidays refresh your spirit and bring you new inspiration and happiness. May the splendor of the season fill your heart with peace. Wishing you the joy of family, the happiness of friends, and the love of Christmas!

Today, I’m unofficially setting up an “Out of Office Alert”. Over the next several days I’ll be enjoying food, family and the festivities of the season – and hope you’ll be doing the same. (Of course, I may not be able to stay away long. In fact, I’m sure I’ll be back sooner than later.)

I also hope you’ll partake in a Christmas carol, cookie and cocktail! After all, ’tis the season! My recommendations – O Holy Night, Shortbread and a Peppermint Martini.

Have a wonderful week, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Filed Under: Family Tagged With: #wellwishes, Christmas, Family, greetings

And Now, A Word from Our Sponsor

December 15, 2013 By Lena

Hello Friends!

So wonderful to have a moment to chat with you. With the hustle and bustle of the season, I realize that it’s been a long time since I’ve had an opportunity to just write for the pure enjoyment of writing… which technically, is the reason I’m blogging today.

I took a peek at my site this morning, and was pretty surprised by the amount of sponsored content. Normally, I pride myself on having a good balance of organic posts (fashion boards, beauty reviews, my boys’ exploits and more) to sponsored (brand-driven) posts. However, with the holidays right around the corner, it’s no surprise that many companies are jostling for advertorial space on popular Canadian blogs, including my own.

So here’s the deal. I know that I’ve been talking about brands lately. Between Twitter Parties, sponsored posts and reviews – not to mention home renos, shopping experiences and travel – I agree that my organic posts are sorely lacking. However, sponsored content pays my bills, gives my children experiences they wouldn’t normally have, and enriches my life through product and service discoveries. Hence, I’m asking you to please bear with me during the holiday season as I navigate through my list of “to-do’s”. I too am looking forward to the new year, with a less crazy content calendar, and more time to write simply for the pleasure of writing.

In the meantime, please know that I put the same dedication and creativity into writing sponsored content, always with the aim of making the article entertaining and informative for you. Thanks for sticking with me through the busy holiday season! When things settle down, I promise to post a colourful beauty board (did you check out my Radiant Orchid roundup?) and share those predictable, unavoidable “Only Lena!” moments. Hugs and Kisses, friends!

P.S. I’ve made the monumental decision to spend every evening watching holiday specials with the boys. Hence, if you find me MIA on social media this week, it’s because I’ve treated myself to a peppermint hot chocolate, fuzzy pink slippers, and two boys who believe in the magic of Christmas. Sounds like the perfect way to savour the season!

Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: Christmas, creative writing, Family, Lena, sponsored content

Be Merry! Be Bright!

December 24, 2012 By Lena

It’s just about time for me to unplug for the holidays, but I couldn’t leave without posting a little message to my friends online. This Christmas, may the holidays refresh your spirit and bring you new inspiration, and may the splendor of the season fill your heart with peace. Wishing you the joy of family, the happiness of friends, and the love of Christmas!

Today, I’m unofficially setting up an “Out of Office Alert”. Over the next several days I’ll be enjoying food, family and the festivities of the season – and hope you’ll be doing the same! I’ll be back later this week with some shop talk :)

Merry Christmas All!

Filed Under: Family Tagged With: Christmas, Family, holidays

It’s in the Bag… Now Put it Under the Tree

November 6, 2012 By Lena

♪ It’s the most wonderful time of the year ♫… The appearance of Special Edition beauty collections!

This holiday season, eBeauty.ca offers the perfect gift for a beauty-crazed gal on your shopping list: the eBeauty Holiday Beauty Bag. For just $25.00, it’s chock full of over $100 worth of goodies essential for pampering yourself, packaged in an oh-so-chic boudoir inspired makeup bag.

What’s inside:

Perricone MD Hypoallergenic Nourishing Moisturizer: A multitasking cream formulated with olive polyphenols and vitamin E tocotrienols to help soften wrinkles, repair the skin barrier and maintain its youthful suppleness. It also doubles as the perfect primer before applying makeup!

CARGO Lash Activator Mascara: A mascara formulated with marine algae extracts and a peptide-biotin complex to help promote lash vitality and reduce the loss of lashes without irritating the eyes.

Carol’s Daughter Monoi Repairing Hair Mask Packette: A moisturizing, repairing hair mask infused with rejuvenating Monoi Oil, a repairing Tahitian blend of the Tiare gardenia flower, and Coprah Coconut Oil….

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Filed Under: Beauty Tagged With: Christmas, eBeauty Holiday Beauty Bag, special edition beauty

Put a Bow on It: Dell Inspiron One 2320 All-In-One

December 12, 2011 By Lena

Since I don’t like to mince words, I’ll just come out and say it:

This is my favourite computer EVER.

Introducing the Dell Inspiron One 2320 All-in-One desktop computer. This is not the computer I blog from (though I should). It’s not the computer my husband works from (though he could). It is simply the computer the whole family loves, and when we use it, we enjoy it as a family. After reviewing it for just three weeks, it has officially earned the title of “Best Holiday Gift of 2011” in my books….

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Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: Christmas, computer, Dell, Family, Inspiron One 2320 All-in-One, review

Sephora by OPI Holiday Mini Blockbuster Set

December 11, 2011 By Lena

I did it! I found the PERFECT gift for every hard-to-shop-for gal on your holiday list.

(Totally awesomesauce, I promise.)

It’s the Sephora by OPI Holiday Mini Blockbuster Set!

Now tell me this: which girl is going to refuse a collection of the hottest, trendiest and most sought-after nail colours around? None that I know! Even if she’s not the type to paint her fingernails, every self-respecting woman needs colour on her toes, right? Right. This collection offers a wide spectrum of shades that are longwearing, chip-resistant and as always, Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP), Toluene and Formaldehyde-free.

In other words: pure, unadulterated joy….

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Filed Under: Beauty Tagged With: Beauty, Christmas, nail polish, review, Sephora, Sephora by OPI

Put it Under the Tree: Fisher-Price Cadillac Escalade

December 11, 2011 By Lena

Dear Santa,

Great news! This Christmas eve, you can skip our house during your frenzied gift-giving spree. That’s right; we’re all good. You see, Christmas came early this year; the boys were treated to the “Cadillac” of presents (ha ha ha! pun intended) courtesy of Fisher-Price, and since they’ve been more than blessed with good health, a loving family and kick a** toys, please re-route their presents to someone less fortunate. We’ll be doing the same in appreciation of the kind gesture from Fisher-Price; the money we had set aside for Christmas presents will be used to help feed the hungry, and the boys will have to make do with one present… albeit one big, shiny, freaking awesome present.

Kind Regards,
Lena

p.s. However, if you happen to find a spare Danier winter coat in your sleigh – particularly style #192980026 – I won’t be offended if you shove it down the chimney. Is my husband reading this? Hint, hint.

Earlier this month, you may have seen me tweet out a photo of a great big box. Inside the box: The Fisher-Price Power Wheels Cadillac Escalade Ride-On. If F-P wanted to blow my mind, congratulations: mission accomplished. I am speechless.

(Well, not really – I don’t think it’s humanly possible for me to shut my mouth for more than 2 minutes. Perhaps blown away is a better description. I am blown away.)

Why it rocks:

The Toys ‘R’ Us Cadillac Escalade is loaded with luxury features! Premium sound system includes a real-working FM radio and sound boosting rear speakers. See-through windows, chrome wheels and grill and doors that really open and close add to real driving fun, with a battery charge indicator that lets kids know when it’s time for “refuel”! Drives two speeds forward (2.5 and 5 mph, max.) plus reverse on hard surfaces and grass with a high-speed lock-out for beginners and Power Lock Brake System.

Why it’s relevant:

Ryder has always been obsessed with cars. He collects them, races them, makes those little boy “brrrrr” sounds, and even has names for them: Yellow Mommy’s Car, Blue Mommy’s Car, Red Mommy’s Car, etc. I know, terribly creative. At last count, he has 88 Hot Wheels….

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Filed Under: Family Tagged With: Cadillac Escalade Ride-On, Christmas, Fisher Price, Joy of Learning, Play Panel, review

WOW Your Way Through the Holidays with PC

December 10, 2011 By Lena

I suppose I could really expedite this post by saying “Eat This”. Perhaps… “It’s Scrumptious and Sinfully Good”.

Or, “It’s Made by President’s Choice”. Yes, I think that would convey the message quite effectively.

It’s pretty obvious that I don’t have to sell you on the fact that I LOVE PRESIDENT’S CHOICE. Anyone who’s ever read my reviews on PC products will attest that I may even be obsessed…

Of course, as soon as I hear the words “Holiday Insider’s Report”, I generally break out the stretchy pants.

My good friends at President’s Choice normally treat me to a sampling of their holiday goodies, and this year was no different. (Thank God. I mean really, If I’m ever taken off their press list I’d have seriously problems. For real. Does PC make anti-depressants?)

Anyhoo, always the innovator, PC kicked things up a notch this season and sent over a mini Christmas pantry full of holiday treats -…

Read More

Filed Under: Food Tagged With: Christmas, easy entertaining, Insider's Report, President's Choice, review

Portable North Pole!

December 5, 2011 By Lena

It’s that time of year again – time for Portable North Pole! If you’ve got a child, niece, nephew, grandchild – you name it – you simply must check it out.

Portable North Pole (PNP) is a free video message from Santa for kids (and adults). It brings the magic of Christmas to a computer near you! Users can have Santa say their child’s name, open a book with their child’s photo, trace the route from the North Pole to their child’s home and let them know what Santa will be putting under the tree at Christmas. All with a few mouse clicks!

The video is magnificent. Your children will honestly believe that Santa is talking directly to them, I promise. I raced through the process with Ryder’s details, and less than 5 minutes later I had a fun, personalized message from St. Nick himself – irrefutable evidence that there is a Santa Claus! I love that there are different messages tailored to children of all ages – even grownups – making it fun and relevant for everyone in your family.

Want to check out Ryder’s video? Click here – I promise, you’ll be inspired to create your own.

The best part? It’s completely FREE. You can have the message delivered directly to a recipient or to your own inbox for sharing. It’s definitely a must-do!

Click here to create a PNP message from Santa.

Filed Under: Family Tagged With: Christmas, freebie, Portable North Pole, Santa Claus

Merry Christmas!

December 24, 2010 By Lena

A Very Merry Christmas to all!

This year, I’ve been slacking a bit with holiday posts (okay, I haven’t actually been slacking, just supremely busy and disorganized as always). But of course I had to take a moment to wish all of you Happy Holidays!

It’ll be such a special Christmas for us this year – not only is it Reid’s first, but Ryder has been brimming with anticipation at the thought of “Santa Closet” bringing him toys and chocolates. It’s 7:00am and he’s been up for at least an hour, shouting “Kiss-mas Today!” How wonderful!

I’ll be taking a bit of a blogging break – trying to catch up on some R&R (and, consequently, Y&R) over the next few days. For those Boxing Day deal seekers, I can offer the following:

For daily hot deals, check out Canadian Daily Deals. Justine already has tons of sweet promos listed – many of them available online – so you won’t even have to leave the comfort of your home.

For a listing (and links to) Boxing Day flyers, go to Red Flag Deals – you’ll have complete store flyers at your fingertips, all in one place.

For unique deals, include promo codes for small businesses and neat little bargains, visit Bargainmoose.

Now, for my annual Christmas picture… at the height of disorganization, I haven’t even taken one yet! But I promise to post a pic of the boys later tonight (I’m sure we’ll have tons of opportunities to grab them in all their Christmas splendor). However, I decided to take advantage of the fact that Ryder and I were the only ones up at 6:30am, and did what all moms would do – slapped a bow on his head, told him to stand beside the tree, and “Say Kiss-mas!”

(Can you believe he’s only 2.5 years old? He’ll be towering over me soon!)

I’ll be posting sporadically over the next week – but be sure to tune in on December 31st when I announce the winners of the Holiday Beauty Fest!

Until then, may beautiful moments and happy memories surround you with joy this Christmas. Wishing you good times, good cheer, and a Happy New Year!

Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: Christmas

Playing Santa… All I Want for Christmas

December 8, 2010 By Lena

 
This Holiday post is
sponsored as part of 
the UrbanMoms Network.
For the last few weeks, I’ve been caught up in the holiday rush – putting up the tree, perfecting the menu for the Christmas feast and trying to find my boys the very perfect gifts (on sale, of course!). Between flipping through flyers, negotiating with family on who gets to give what, and hiding the gifts from very curious little peepers, I’m in full Santa mode.

Now I’ve always lived by the notion that it’s better to give than receive (ahem, contest winners will attest to that!) and really am in my element when shopping for others. So when UrbanMoms asked me what I’d buy for MYSELF this Christmas … I was stumped. You see, the adults in my family stopped exchanging gifts a long time ago (it’s all about the kiddies now), and my girlfriends and I get together an annual holiday brunch. So to tell the truth, I haven’t given my own Christmas wishes much thought.

Hence, I decided to write my own letter to Santa; and, to get in the mood, I sat cross legged on the floor, took in all the beautiful Christmas decorations, and over a steaming mug of peppermint hot chocolate, envisioned what I would just LOVE to see under the tree…

Dear Santa:

Long time no write! This year for Christmas, I promise not to ask for a furnace-mounted humidifier, a tricycle for Ryder, extra Corningware bowls – or all those other items I tend to give preference to instead of indulging in my own desires. Today, it’s all about me – so please listen up…

How about a Nirve Lahaina 26″ 3-Speed Women’s Cruiser Bicycle? Surely it can fit down the chimney – er, cancel that – but tell ya what; I’ll leave the back sliding door cracked open just a bit for you on Christmas Eve.  I love everything about this bike – from the California colours (sooo me!), quality design and construction, and the whole retro factor; I’ll be Queen of the Block! And, at only $459.99, it’s the best way to keep fit and/or enjoy a leisurely ride!

Now it’s been a long time since I rocked a handbag that didn’t have separate insulated compartments for baby bottles. Not that I don’t love my diaper bag; I’d just that sometimes, I’d rather sport a brand that 20-something single gals don’t raise their eyebrows at (“What the heck is Petunia Pickle Bottom? And why would you want to wear a bag that says that?” – It’s a DIAPER bag, sweetheart, and it cost a fortune so you can take your knockoff Prada and stick it!)

Okay I got off track. So I was saying, I would love a handbag that’s 100% for ME. And I’ve got my eye on Roots’ New Large Hobo – Prince; The New Large Hobo is made in Canada from 100% Italian leather. The main compartment includes a top zipper closure. The exterior has one zipper pocket, perfect for your cell phone or MP3 player! Inside you’ll find another zipper pocket and a two-compartment slip pocket.

Bel regalo! The handbag is $248, which is more than I’d spend on myself without a handy coupon code or gift card, but hey, this is my letter to Santa – and that’s what I’m asking you for, dude.

Finally, it wouldn’t be a special time of year if I didn’t ask for something special – and in limited edition – so please Santa, it would be most generous if you could please drop off these Sterling Rondell Huggie earrings from Coach. Perfect all year round – and for every outfit, occasion and mood – they’re only $98 so you won’t break the bank. And according to Coach, they have a beautiful shine, classic styling, and pair perfectly with the Rondell Pendant Necklace (hint, hint).

Well, I think that’s it! Three fabulous gifts for a gal who’s been (mostly) good this year. Can’t wait to see you, Santa – I’ll have a cup of cocoa ready, though the cookies are on a first come, first served basis.

What do YOU want for Christmas this year? Head on over to UrbanMoms.ca and enter for your chance to win $100 to spend at Old Navy! 

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Christmas, UrbanMoms, wish list

He’s STILL Awake. It’s 4:02pm

December 11, 2009 By Lena

No blogging for Lena today! The little guy has decided to grace me with his presence non-stop. Sorry peeps :(

I hope you have an exceedingly wonderful weekend! Since I won’t have time to throw up anything original, here are my favourite lines from A Christmas Story:

Scut Farkus! What a rotten name! There he stood, between us and the alley. Scut Farkus staring out at us with his yellow eyes. He had yellow eyes! So, help me, God! Yellow eyes!
-Ralphie as Adult

Be sure to drink your Ovaltine. Ovaltine? A crummy commercial? Son of a bitch!
-Ralphie

Over the years I got to be quite a connoisseur of soap. Though my personal preference was for Lux, I found that Palmolive had a nice, piquant after-dinner flavor – heavy, but with a touch of mellow smoothness. Life Buoy, on the other hand… YECCHH!
-Ralphie as Adult

It was all over – I was dead. What would it be? The guillotine? Hanging? The chair? The rack? The Chinese water torture? Hmmph. Mere child’s play compared to what surely awaited me.
-Ralphie as Adult

Oh…fuuuudge… Only I didn’t say “Fudge.” I said THE word, the big one, the queen-mother of dirty words, the “F-dash-dash-dash” word!
-Ralphie as Adult

It ’twas… soap poisoning.
-Ralphie

Only one thing in the world could’ve dragged me away from the soft glow of electric sex gleaming in the window.
-Ralphie as Adult

I want a red rider 200 shot carbine action range model air rifle with a compass and this thing which tells time built right in the stock.
-Ralphie

In the heat of battle, my father wove a tapestry of obscenity that as far as we know, is still hanging in space over Lake Michigan.
-Ralphie as Adult

*EDIT*

Lil Lex reminded me of the classic tag-line of the movie:

You’ll shoot your eye out.
-Ralphie’s Mom, Miss Sheilds, Department Store Santa

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Christmas, fun

Recipe #1: Family

December 10, 2008 By Lena

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!Today is the day to rip off the apron and enjoy every little moment with the ones you love! So to complete my Christmas recipe countdown, I’ll be squeezing, kissing and cuddling up to the best present under my tree.

Here’s Ryder last Christmas:

And a photo taken last night:

I can’t believe what a difference one year makes. I have tears in my eyes as I type this! (And yes, you can witness his freakishly large feet in all their glory.
Husband is very, very proud, LOL.)

A very Merry Christmas to my readers and your families! May you experience all the joy the season has to offer. I’ll be back on Monday, December 28th… until then, don’t forget to leave Santa your home baked cookies and milk!

Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: 12 Recipes of Christmas, Christmas, fun

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Lena Almeida

Toronto Blogger, Social Media Strategist for Listen to Lena Inc. Television & Radio Personality, Columnist and Speaker. Family Travel Expert. Star Wars Fanatic. Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion. Read More…

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