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GTA

Attn Foxy Ladies! It’s a Foxy Originals Sample Sale!

April 19, 2015 By Lena

If you live in the Greater Toronto Area, and happen to love fresh, fashionable and ALWAYS foxy jewelry, have I got a sale for you.
10452958_10152787083498015_4288149784710178308_oIt’s the Foxy Originals Spring Sample Sale! Taking place on April 24th and 25th this year, you’ll find Foxy Jewelry at 80% off, and Jeannie Lottie Brand purses at huge savings too! (Honestly, do not adjust your computer screen. You read that correctly.)

There are two things you need to know, so pay attention and I promise you’ll thank me later. …

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Filed Under: Fashion Tagged With: Foxy Originals, GTA, jewelry, sample sale

GTA: See “The Voice” LIVE in Toronto!

July 5, 2014 By Lena

Today I have a chance to chat about TWO things I love – CLEAR Scalp & Hair Beauty Therapy… and The Voice!

(And… they just happen to partner perfectly together – read on for your chance to see The Voice live in concert in Toronto! Now that’s CLEARLY something fans of the show won’t want to miss.)

Long-time readers will remember that I first tried CLEAR products early last year. Having a deep desire to improve the health of my hair, I put CLEAR Scalp & Hair Beauty Therapy to the test. It’s a nourishing hair care line, with Nutrium 10, a rich blend of vitamins and nutrients. CLEAR feeds your scalp and can give you stronger, more beautiful hair in just seven days!

CLEAR Scalp & HairAnd the results? After the third or fourth wash, I started seeing a noticeable difference in the feel, look and texture of my hair. It was much shinier, felt somewhat healthier and the breakage was pretty much NIL. Honestly, even Jerry Seinfeld would approve the zero strands of hair left behind on my brush!

Did you know that 99% of hair’s natural strength and beauty comes from the scalp? Just like we apply moisturizer for beautiful skin, the scalp needs the same attention to grow healthy hair. And THAT’s why CLEAR Scalp & Hair Beauty Therapy is totally fab – it targets the hair at the root.

So… what about that amazing partnership? CLEAR Scalp & Hair is the official sponsor of The Voice Tour! And on Thursday, July 10th, 2014, they’ll sing their way to the Sony Centre For The Performing Arts in Toronto at 7:30pm.

The Voice TourThe Voice Tour features past stars and this season’s finalists! Catch up on their journeys on The Voice and see them showcase their resilience. Featured artists include Josh Kaufman, Jake Worthington, Christina Grimmie, Kristen Merlin (Your Pick!), Jake Barker, Tessanne Chin and more. Does this sound like music to your ears? Here’s your chance to WIN!

One lucky reader and a guest will be treated to an incredible show, backstage passes, and a number of interactive experiences for some great photo-opportunities. (Note: transportation to/from the venue is not included.) To enter, simply leave a comment on this post telling us what you love about The Voice – and, let us know if you’ve tried CLEAR Scalp & Hair products! I’ll draw for a winner on Monday, July 7th, 2014. Good luck everybody!

<<EDIT: A winner has been chosen! Congrats Marcy!>>

Filed Under: Beauty Tagged With: Beauty, CLEAR Scalp & Hair Therapy, GTA, The Voice Tour

Blue Carpet: Thomas & Friends King of the Railway

September 17, 2013 By Lena

Live in the Greater Toronto Area? Know a Thomas & Friends Fanatic?

Courtesy of Fisher-Price, I’m giving away twenty (20) family passes of four to the Blue Carpet Screening of Thomas & Friends King of the Railway!

WHAT: Blue Carpet Screening of Thomas & Friends King of the Railway
WHEN: Saturday, September 21st at 10:30am
WHERE: Cineplex Cinemas Yonge-Dundas, 10 Dundas Street East
WHY: Because I’m a #FisherPriceMom, and have awesome perks to share!

“Join Thomas & Friends as they embark on a legendary movie adventure! The engines meet new friends and discover suits of armor; coats of arms and legends of long-ago heroes. Then their bravery is put to the test when their new friend Stephen goes missing. Will Thomas find him in time? Will the engines discover the truth about the Island of Sodor’s biggest mystery? It’s a crusade of knightly proportions in this epic movie!”

*EDIT* Thank you! All tickets have been claimed!

Filed Under: Family Tagged With: #FisherPriceMoms, family movies, GTA, Thomas & Friends King of the Railway

Your March Break Destination: The Grocery Store

March 12, 2013 By Lena

Picture it: It’s Day 3 of March Break, and you’ve exhausted your staycation ideas (and patience). You consider the usual suspects: the movies, the museum, etc, etc… but the thought of fighting crowds and wading through a sea of highly excitable children makes you slightly less enthusiastic. And, with the kids at home now, you realize that you already need groceries mid-week.

If you’re lucky enough to live in the Greater Toronto Area – or if you’re a short drive away – here’s how to kill two birds with one stone. Presenting the perfect staycation idea plus a wonderful way to complete your grocery shopping…

It’s Toronto’s crown jewel of food stores – Loblaws at Maple Leaf Gardens.

Now you may be thinking, seriously Lena? What could my kids possibly get out of visiting a grocery store? Well, simply put, Loblaws at Maple Leaf Gardens is not just any grocery store.

Says Loblaws: “Witness the amazing 18-foot high wall of cheese. Revel in the bounteous takeaway options of the Fresh Food Hall. Buy chocolate chiselled by the chunk, explore a variety of tea from around the world and see sushi creations made to order before your eyes. Breathe in the smell of good things baking. Peruse a huge selection of sustainable seafood, ogle meat options beyond compare, and choose from our freshest produce.”

I had the wonderful opportunity to tour the store yesterday with Chef Mark Russell, Executive Chef at Loblaws at Maple Leaf Gardens, and Nema McGlynn, In-Store Dietitian. (Yes, being a blogger is a really cool gig.) The purpose of the tour was to identify food superstars and ways to make new and exciting healthy choices – and trust me, I’ve got more than enough products and tips from Chef Mark to share in another post – but during the tour, it suddenly became apparent that shopping at Loblaws at Maple Leaf Gardens is the perfect way to spend a morning or afternoon with your kiddos during March Break.

How so? Let me count the ways….

1. Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

Browse through sugary concoctions that are sure to please the child in all of us. (Just don’t touch the 3-ft Easter Egg – it’s kind of a big deal!) The Patisserie also features a mouthwatering selection of cakes and cupcakes, ice cream cakes, cheesecakes, donuts, muffins, Bruce County Fudge, chocolate pops and so much more – including their famous handcrafted chocolate, lovingly made with natural ingredients. Choosing a sweet treat is the perfect reward for well-behaved shoppers, so admire the goodies as you come in, but save the prize for the end. My pick? The delectable macarons ($2.60) or a luscious maple bacon donut ($1.29).

…

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Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: family travel, GTA, Loblaws at Maple Leaf Gardens, March Break, tourism

All the Highlights: Old Navy Family Day Festival

March 4, 2013 By Lena

If you missed the Old Navy Family Day Festival in Toronto on February 18th, BOO to you! An amazing time was had by all, and I daresay it was the most fun festival yet!

I was anxiously waiting on pictures from the event to share the experience with y’all, but Bunch Family did one better – they sent this awesome little video. You’ll see that I quickly introduce the event, and then it’s all family fun and games from there on in (and, of course, a little bit of shopping! The deals were crazy that day).

My two little munchkins make an appearance at 0:24 (Ryder) and 1:17 (Reid). And after watching this video, I FULLY expect that my readers in the GTA will put the Old Navy Family Festival in their calendars for 2014! Too much fun!

 

Filed Under: Family Tagged With: Family, Fashion, GTA, Old Navy, Old Navy Family Day 2013, sale

Come One, Come All: Old Navy Family Day!

February 14, 2013 By Lena

If you live in the Greater Toronto Area and are currently scratching your head over your options for Family Day – boy, do I have a solution for you.

Come join me – I’ll be hosting Old Navy’s Family Day Festival: a FREE wild and crazy party for families to celebrate Family Day from 1-4 pm!

This is the second year for the Family Day event, and if it’s anything like last year’s party, you will not be disappointed. Come on down to the Old Navy Etobicoke location – just minutes from downtown Toronto, the store is across from Sherway Gardens and offers free parking. Once inside the party, the whole family will enjoy:

3 Craft Stations
Cookie and Juice Bar
Twister-style Dance Floor where kids can show off their dance moves!
One-on-one wardrobe consultation with a stylist
A gift with purchase while supplies last

Plus – a coupon for $10 off when you spend $50 or more! So, if you haven’t yet stocked up on some Kidtacular clothes during the Kids & Baby Sale, here’s a perfect time to SAVE EVEN MORE.

Hmm… great shopping for you, tons of activities for the kids, a gift with purchase and further discount… all in a family friendly, incredibly fun environment? Yes please!

If you do join us, be sure to come find me and say hello. I’d love to meet you! I’ll be the gal walking around and chatting with everyone… while putting clothes aside for the boys, and trying on some of Old Navy’s fabulous new lightweight patterned shirts. Hey, it IS a shopping event!…

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Filed Under: Family Tagged With: Family, Fashion, GTA, Old Navy, Old Navy Family Day 2013, sale

Join Goldfish Pretzels & Me for a Night of Snacking!

September 10, 2012 By Lena

***EDIT*** Thanks for your interest in the Goldfish Pretzel screening of Finding Nemo 3D in Toronto. We’ve officially hit our maximum capacity for this screening – yup, the event is now sold out! Check back later for your chance to win great prizes from Goldfish!

When Ryder was just a baby, I received a lot of unsolicited advice.

“Swaddle him tightly!”
“Put him to bed crying – let him learn to soothe himself.”
“Start him on vegetables before fruits, otherwise he’ll grow up with a sweet tooth.”

As Ryder grew, the well-meaning suggestions continued, but I’d learned to take it all with a grain of salt. However, there was one recurring piece of advice that I commit to memory:

“When Ryder’s a young boy, Goldfish Crackers will become your new best friend.”

Truer words were never spoken! Whether it’s during a long car ride, after school, at the playground, or especially in the grocery store (cue: I’m hungry! I want to go home! I want candy!) Goldfish Crackers have been a hero in our household. The boys originally took a shining to the Three Cheese Trio, but there’s a new favourite in the house –

Goldfish Pretzels!

Yes, they are AWESOME! Goldfish Pretzels are baked into the familiar trademark shape that the boys know and love, and are the perfect snack for every occasion (especially TV and movie night at home!). With no artificial colours or flavours, no saturated fat and no trans fat, they give the satisfying crunch kids are looking for. One caveat: with all that snacking going on, you may have to turn up the volume on the telly!

And so we’ve officially got a new “most requested” item on grocery shopping list – yes, it’s imperative that I keep a pantry well-stocked with Goldfish Pretzels. Have I persuaded you to try them for yourself? Well, if you still need convincing, how about this:

Join Goldfish Pretzels and me for a very special night of snacking! On Monday, September 17th, I’d like to extend an invitation to my readers in the Greater Toronto Area. 

The Event: A FREE screening of the Finding Nemo 3D for you and your family!
The Venue: Cineplex Odeon Queensway Cinemas in Etobicoke (7:00pm showtime; please arrive by 6:30pm)
The Snacks: Goldfish Pretzels, of course!

Tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis with a limit of five (5) tickets per family until the theatre is full. Please RSVP with your first and last name, as well as the total number of adults and children in your party, to goldfishtoronto@gmail.com. (For example, for myself, my hubby and two kiddos, I would RSVP: Lena Almeida, 2 adults, 2 children.)

It’s no secret that Goldfish crackers have been known to unleash smiles, often saving the day by satisfying a snack attack and helping parents create special moments with their kids.  We call these Goldfish Moments and I’d love to share one with you – I look forward to seeing you all at the movie theatre!

I have received compensation from Campbell Canada for my participation in this program. While Campbell Canada has provided the prizes, Listen to Lena is the administrator of the promotion.


Filed Under: Family Tagged With: Goldfish Moments, Goldfish Pretzels, GTA, snacking

Dreaming of a “Green” Collar Job?

September 9, 2012 By Lena

Here’s one of those moments when I’m happy to share news on behalf of a great initiative. If you live in the Greater Toronto Area and have a keen interest in a) environmental protection and conservation, b) alternative and eco-friendly energy or c) hugging trees, this may interest you:

“Introducing the First Annual Green Jobs Forum. Green Living Enterprises is putting together a Green Jobs Forum to raise awareness about environmental career opportunities among youth. On September 17th, 2012, thousands of students, recent graduates and anyone looking for a career change will gather at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre to learn all there is to know about jobs in the New Green Economy. The Green Jobs Forum is Canada’s first comprehensive, multi-sector platform for business leaders, visionaries and teachers to connect and exchange their knowledge with the next generation. The goal: To foster a greater understanding of real-life career opportunities and put youth in the position to seize them.”

Oh, and did I mention: Admission is FREE!

You all know I’ve recently committed to make small changes to do my part for the environment. On September 17th, you can be among people who’ve made a commitment to change the world….

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Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: environment, Green Jobs Forum, Green Living Enterprises, GTA

GTA: SHOP.CA’s Red Carpet Event!

June 22, 2012 By Lena

I love a good ol’ fashioned street party, especially after torrential downpours have chased away the humidity! What a perfect day for SHOP.CA‘s Red Carpet event!

If you live in the Greater Toronto Area and tend to enjoy free food, prizes, music and even a fashion show – this one is for you. Today, from 12:00-6:00pm at Yonge/Dundas Square, come get an inside look at Canada’s largest online shopping mall –

Stop by (no RSVP required!) and you’ll be treated to:

– A complimentary BBQ and refreshments from Big Grill

– Hourly draws for a chance to win a shopping spree at SHOP.CA

– Giveaways of SHOP.CA products (I have the inside scoop! You’ll have a chance to win a Samsung LED HDTV, Gift Basket from Ren’s Pets @ $50 Value, Artsy Pear Gift Basket @ $75, SHOP.CA Shopping Sprees (your share of $3000 total rewards will be given away!), Aquaovo and Aquaswiss Drinking Vessels, and more!)

– 2 fashion shows featuring products and unique Canadian brands available on SHOP.CA, including: AquaSwiss, Whitney Linen, Boathouse, Loko Sport and eLUXE

– Music by DJ Flash and other great local Canadian entertainment

It looks like a it’ll be a smashingly good day – come start your weekend off right! Party on!

Filed Under: Fashion, Lifestyle Tagged With: GTA, online shopping, SHOP.CA

The Toronto Zoo: Same Planet, Different World

May 13, 2012 By Lena

On Saturday, my whole family had the chance to “Discover the Hidden Zoo” – a media preview with the Toronto Zoo. Since most press events require me leaving the boys behind, they were tickled pink to join me at the coolest place on earth for kids of all ages. Needless to say, they had a blast.

Needless to say, I was pooped. Almost comatose, actually.

I didn’t take a lot of pictures, because let’s face it, you’ve all seen someone’s zoo shots of a hippo lying in the water. (Oooh, look, a motionless hippo!) But here are the photos I did take:

There are four boys in this photograph, assuming the white rhinoceros in the background is male.

…

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Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: animals, Family, family travel, GTA, membership, The Toronto Zoo

Two Thumbs Up: Personal Gourmet by Rose Reisman

February 26, 2012 By Lena

If you caught my post from a couple of weeks ago entitled I LOVE It: Personal Gourmet by Rose Reisman, you’ll know that I had the opportunity to test drive her Person Gourmet Frozen meal plan for two weeks.

(Delicious, healthy and convenient meals for two whole weeks? Twist my arm!)

Now that the program is over, I decided to take a moment to put some thoughts together on how to make the most of the service, and decided the best way to do that was to formulate some sort of list. Technically, the following points are just a collection of conversations I’ve had with family and friends, describing (and raving about) the program. So here we go… if you live in the Greater Toronto Area and are looking for healthy meal solutions, may I offer……

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Filed Under: Food Tagged With: food delivery service, frozen food, GTA, healthy living, Personal Gourmet by Rose Reisman

#OldNavyFamilyDay: Now THAT was a Party!

February 22, 2012 By Lena

I’ve said it once and I’ll say it before: Old Navy knows how to throw a party, y’all.

(Insert any track from “Dance Hits 2000” here.)

If you happened to catch one of their #OldNavyFamilyDay celebrations on Monday, you’ll agree with me all the way. From the Crazy Cookie Bar to the Accessory Creation Stations (which were a HUGE hit with all the kiddos – standing room only!!) the entire store was packed with families, shoppers and little ones busting a move on the Funky Floor. Here’s Reid showing the party people how low he can go (very low, from the looks of it). You’ll also notice big brother Ryder in yellow, standing around trying to look cool. #nicetry


Other photos from the event, courtesy of the über talented
Racheal McCaig:

…

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Filed Under: Fashion Tagged With: #OldNavyFamilyDay, Family, Fashion, GTA, Old Navy, sale

I LOVE It: Personal Gourmet by Rose Reisman

February 17, 2012 By Lena

Conventional wisdom tells me that my readers must read – at the very least – the first few lines of any blog post. With that in mind, I’ll get straight to the point:

If you live in the Greater Toronto Area and are looking for a nutritious, delicious and convenient meal program, you simply MUST try Personal Gourmet by Rose Reisman.

Still reading? Here’s the scoop. I’ve tried meal delivery plans before, and have been very pleased with the results. The food was yummy and I couldn’t beat the convenience. Not so convenient: the lack of flexibility. Because some nights, I wanted to cook my own healthy, low fat meal – but since the meal was already there, I’d be throwing away food (and money) if I opted for a home-cooked option. And so I plugged on, limited to what arrived on my doorstep every morning.

That’s why Personal Gourmet by Rose Reisman is different, and SO awesome. In addition to a a fresh food delivery service, she also offers a frozen gourmet option. And if you just thought, “Ew! Frozen? Why would I have frozen meals delivered?” – read on, friends, because this is definitely NOT conventional freezer food.

But first, who’s Rose Reisman?

“Rose Reisman is Canada’s go-to nutrition and wellness expert. She is an Adjunct Professor in the Faculty of Health at York University, a Registered Nutritionist, and author of 17 best-selling books on nutrition and healthy cooking. She is a regular guest expert on Breakfast Television, Cityline, Canada AM, 680 News and the National Post. Reisman is also the executive director of Glow Fresh Grill and owner of Rose Reisman Catering and Personal Gourmet.”…

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Filed Under: Food Tagged With: GTA, healthy living, meal delivery, Personal Gourmet by Rose Reisman, review

Tales of a #FanGirl: Sherway Gardens

January 29, 2012 By Lena

Some people talk about their kids. Others, their hobbies. Shopaholics talk about shopping malls. Of course.

My love affair with Sherway Gardens supersedes every relationship I’ve had in my life in terms of longevity and lust. (Well, perhaps my parents could be up there with the whole longevity thing… but Sherway Gardens is a very close second.)

It all began in April, 1978. I was born at the Queensway General Hospital (now known as Trillium Health Centre) which gosh darn it, happens to be RIGHT ACROSS THE STREET from Sherway Gardens. You know how some infants turn towards the light? Or the sound of mommy’s voice? It’s a well documented fact that I turned towards the mall.

Years later, even after my family moved from Etobicoke to Mississauga, I still remember making the trek to “Simpsons” and “Eatons”. This was, of course, pre-Square One (gasp!) so driving 25 minutes to the nearest mall did not seem out of the ordinary. Of course, after being treated to Square One, which was literally around the corner from my childhood home, I began to forget about Sherway Gardens; opting instead to hang out at Mississauga’s destination for mallrats which was conveniently only a 5-minute bus ride away….

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Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: family travel, Fashion, GTA, Sherway Gardens, shopping

Hallmark’s NEW Gold Crown Store

November 13, 2011 By Lena

I simply ADORE shopping-related press events!

(Paging “Captain Obvious”…)

Seriously, though, nothing tickles my fancy more than the opportunity to check out a brand new – or mucho renovated – store. There’s just something about the “newness” that creates a special kind of buzz; it makes you look at everything twice, want to reach out and touch items, and willingly open your wallet (though this does require a little self-restraint).

Therefore I gratefully accepted an invitation to come celebrate with Hallmark as they unveiled their new Gold Crown Store in Woodbridge, ON last Saturday. My good friend Diana over at Toronto Teacher Mom made the intro, so I had twice the excitement: new store + awesome girly time. I brought the family and we arrived at the store just after the festivities began.

(Speaking of Diana, link on over to her blog; she took some fabulous photos, including a ribbon cutting ceremony with the Mayor of Vaughan, pics of the ChumFM crew and more – not to mention her downright adorable kiddies!)

Now if there’s one thing I want to impress on you today, it’s this: Yes, you can buy greeting cards at Hallmark. But if that’s all you’re doing, YOU ARE MISSING OUT. …

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Filed Under: Family Tagged With: greeting cards, GTA, Hallmark, holiday shopping, novelty gifts

Red Lobster: Feast on This

October 30, 2011 By Lena

I’m a bit of a seafood snob.

I usually like to prepare it myself, finding that few people can achieve the proper flavour and texture that elevates the cuisine from ordinary to orgasmic. Instead, I’ve come across too many seafood blunders, including overcooking, overseasoning or – gasp – overthinking the dish. Tsk tsk.

And so I tend to order fruits de mer strictly from Michelin-starred restaurants, where paying $42.50 for an entrée is a surefire way to ascertain the food will arrive perfectly poached, pan-seared or Provençal.

I warned you. (Don’t worry, I can hardly stand myself.)

But for all my airs and expectations, I have a little secret… when it comes to enjoying seafood that is tasty, affordable and available without jetting off to London, I really, really love Red Lobster.

My first real date was at Red Lobster; my boyfriend at the time (it’s totally a high school romance when your “boyfriend” takes you on a first date after he’s your boyfriend) surprised me with a fine lobster dinner for my 17th birthday. At the time, I thought it was the most delicious meal I’d ever had in my entire life. And over the years, I popped in and out of Red Lobster, always for the mixed bag of seafood, and usually when there was an endless shrimp promo :)

But somewhere along the way, I lost touch with the brand and it had been many years since I indulged in their varied menu of surf and turf. So when contacted by Red Lobster to check out one of their new, redesigned restaurants, I figured it was time to decide once and for all if my palette – which had changed drastically since I was 17 – could indeed find room for a Red Lobster recommendation….

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Filed Under: Food Tagged With: GTA, Red Lobster, restaurant, review, seafood

Boa Apparel: I Want It (+ Giveaway!)

October 23, 2011 By Lena

The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

For the last little while, I’ve been in a bit of a funk. Telling myself that once I lose those last 20 15 10 pounds, I’ll dress better; stand up straighter, and have more confidence.

And then I smacked myself upside the head.

I’m a beautiful girl! And regardless of the extra wobbly bits that came along with two amazing boys, there’s no excuse to cover up in oversized tees and yoga pants. Hello! Life is short!

Hence, I’ve embraced my new curves and made a concerted effort to dress appropriately for my body type. And, regardless of the junk in my trunk, I’m once again flaunting my body in skinny jeans, leggings, dresses and skirts. #liberating…

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Filed Under: Contests, Fashion Tagged With: Boa Apparel, giveaway, GTA, review

Beauty Blogs I Stalk: Emily Loves

July 20, 2011 By Lena

As a stay at home mom, I take my fashion cues from… oh hell, I’m not going to lie. I don’t have fashion cues. My trendiest outfit at the moment consists of my new yoga pants and my favourite black tank top. Pathetic, I know.

But I do take fashion hints – and I take them from a gal who makes ordinary clothes seem extraordinary with her impeccable taste, impossible beauty, and her “Impractical Shoe Fridays.” I’m talking about Emily Loves, of course!

“I am a 24 year old French teacher who fell into the world of beauty blogging by accident. In high school I never used to wear any makeup, but once I started getting into it there was no going back! I started my blog a few years ago as a place to share all about the things I love: beauty, fashion, travel, shoes, photography. . . basically anything that tickles my fancy!”

Emily models the clothes I would like to wear, swatches the beauty trends I’d like to hear more about, and most important, she connects on a level that makes sense to me – no frou frou $600 shoes (unless they’re really, really worth it).

She also happens to be another local gal, and I had a chance to hang out with her at the last Toronto Beauty Bloggers meet up. All I can say is, this girl is fashion inspiration on 5-inch platforms.

Some of my favourite posts from Emily Loves:

Black Eye
Impractical Shoe Friday (Look for Less Edition)
Light My Tiki (Torch)

If you’re looking for girlicious tips on how to be more fabulous, let Emily share her loves with you! And let me just put it on record – Lena Loves… Emily Loves!

Click here to visit Emily Loves.

Filed Under: Beauty Tagged With: Beauty Bloggers, blog love, Emily Loves, GTA, Summer Beauty and Fashion Guide

GTA: SNAPBOX Photobooth Rentals

July 11, 2011 By Lena

I’ve been meaning to blog about an awesome service for almost two months now – please forgive my disorganization, but you’ll want to hear about this!

At Reid’s First Birthday party in May, we had the pleasure of receiving a complimentary SNAPBOX Photobooth rental for our guests to enjoy – along with memories for our family to treasure always.

“SNAPBOX is a great way to entertain and treat your guests at weddings, corporate parties, birthdays and any other event you can think of. It’s also a great way to promote your company brand or celebrate a grand opening or new product release! Everyone leaves with something tangible to remember the event by as well as an unforgettable photo booth rental experience by SNAPBOX photobooth.”

Features of the photobooth:

– Unlimited photo sessions throughout event
– Fast photos printed in about 7 secs
– Free delivery, setup, clean up
– Friendly on-site SNAPBOX technician
– Event logo/image on prints (artwork provided by client)
– Digital files of all photos taken on a DVD at the end of the event
– Standard backdrop (black)
– Online Gallery of all photos in our Client Access Gallery (password protected)

For Reid’s First Birthday, we thought we’d forgo the standard photographer (read: whoever is tossed my Canon Powershot) and try out the SNAPBOX photobooth. I loved that my guests could have a fun, interactive experience – and that they’d have an instant souvenir to take with them. In fact, the photobooth printed two sets of photos within seconds, therefore, we had guests place one set by the cake table so we could all laugh at the antics and shenanigans inside the booth.

Here are just a few of the great shots captured that day:

As you can see, each strip was branded with Reid’s birthday logo at the bottom, which is a special touch that reminds guests where those wacky pictures were taken. I was able to download the photos online, where all my guests can view the photos of the event thanks to a password protected gallery.

There are also several custom options available that can be viewed here. I was incredibly impressed with the quality and speed of the photo strips – this is not your average mall photobooth from the 80’s. The touch screen is user friendly, the directions are clear, and snap! Your photo is captured! Plus, check out some of my favourite custom backdrops – so HOT!

SNAPBOX also lends an air of excitement to your event – after a wee bit of encouraging, guests were lining up to try on props and silly smiles for the photobooth. I can see how the SNAPBOX photobooth would be a welcome addition to a wedding or corporate party – after all, I’m sure a little alcohol buzz does wonders for inspiring poses!

Check out SNAPBOX’s rates to see if a photobooth rental is a good option for your next party or event in the Greater Toronto Area. Don’t forget to Like SNAPBOX on Facebook to keep up to date with all their news and happenings. And, say cheese!

Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: GTA, review, SNAPBOX Photobooth

GTA: Hoop It Up and Make A Difference!

June 15, 2011 By Lena

Torontonians – Wednesday is going to be a beautiful day. Sunny, warm and smiles all around… so why not have some fun and make someone else’s day just as bright?

This Wednesday, June 15th, Swiss Natural is encouraging Torontonians to move their hips and hula hoop at the Route of Change event to raise funds for Breakfast for Learning. (Fun!) Supporters are invited to join “Hoop Toronto” professional hula hoopers, at Yonge Eglinton Square from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for demonstrations, giveaways and fundraising initiatives. For everyone who joins the fun and hula hoops, Swiss Natural will make a $1 donation to Breakfast for Learning. The event kicks off a three-day Swiss Natural “fun-raising” initiative of hooping in support of Breakfast for Learning throughout downtown Toronto June 15 to 17, 2011.

The Players:

Swiss Natural, a Canadian owned and operated company offering over 400 vitamins, minerals and supplements. You’ve likely got at least one Swiss Natural product in your medicine chest; I’ve got five. The company created Route of Change to both give customers a voice and provide a comfortable environment where it would actually be heard. Bonus: Dr. Elvis Ali, ND is a Natural Health Educator at Swiss Natural, is there to answer your questions and help you on the path to better health and wellness.

Breakfast for Learning helps support and sustain school-based child nutrition programs through grants, ongoing support, and child nutrition resources and research. In 2009-2010, Breakfast for Learning provided funding to 2,300 programs, providing healthy meals and snacks to over 267,000 children and youth.

Hoop Toronto has converted thousands to the joys of hooping through energizing classes, high-quality hoops, and mesmerizing performances

The Cause:

One in nine children in Canada live below the poverty line and this is only one of the many reasons children go to school hungry each day. 31% of elementary school and 62% of secondary school students do not eat a healthy breakfast daily. Childhood obesity rates, Type 2 diabetes and other health-related issues continue to rise; and still Canada remains one of the few developed countries without a national nutrition program for children. (Source: Breakfast for Learning)

The Deets:

Yonge Eglinton Square on Wednesday, June 15th from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

p.s. This isn’t the last you’ve seen of Swiss Natural on Listen to Lena!… since beauty starts on the inside first, look for a sweet giveaway during the July beauty event!

Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: Breakfast for Learning, charity, GTA, Swiss Natural, Toronto

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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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