• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Listen to Lena

Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion

  • All
  • Family
  • Lifestyle
  • Food
  • Travel
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Decor
  • About Lena
  • Contact

home decor

The Chic Retreat

April 7, 2016 By Lena

If you didn’t attend our #TimetoRefreshContest Twitter Party last night, it may already be too late.

On trend pieces for home décor? Check.
Affordable prices? Check.
A desire to purchase everything in the collection? Check!

And, it is selling out like crazy. I may have placed a piece or two in my shopping cart last night!
824pmLENAIntroducing the Chic Retreat collection from Walmart. A limited offering for Spring 2016, this style driven collection offers a full range of linens, furniture, décor and accessories, making it easy and affordable to decorate an entire room or simply add a piece or two to update existing décor in bed, bath and living. …

Read More

Filed Under: Decor Tagged With: #timetorefreshcontest, home decor, Walmart Canada

Making the Most of #EverySecond.

February 5, 2016 By Lena

They’re competitive and loud and rarely respond unless I scream. They’re argumentative and ornery and way too sensitive about the silliest things (He’s looking at me, mom! He’s LOOKING at me!). They push my buttons, push for a later bedtime and always push each other.

Yet, they’re the heart of my home. They breathe so much life, excitement and vigor into my day. And when I catch them sitting together – because they just can’t stand to be apart – I remember that beyond the spats and bickering, they truly are the very best of friends.  I am truly blessed to share every second of my day with them. …

Read More

Filed Under: Decor Tagged With: #EverySecond, Family, home decor, Ikea

Celebrate with a #housie and WIN!

April 16, 2015 By Lena

Note: The following contest is open to Canadian residents only, excluding Quebec, who have reached the age of majority in their province. See complete rules here. 

My first home was actually a mansion.

It was modern, with three floors and spacious rooms. And unlike my present home, it came almost fully furnished… but the husband was sold separately. (And the place was pink – did I mention that?) It was the Barbie Dream House, of course.

At one point, I wondered if my perception of a “dream home” would be skewed by a plastic toy from the 80’s. Would I need the picket fence and three-car garage? Should all homes come with a private elevator? Thankfully, when I set foot inside my brand new abode – complete with furniture I worked to purchase, and a husband I worked to put a ring on it – I was completely, utterly in love. And that’s when I realized that when a home is YOURS – whether it’s a new home you’ve purchased, the first condo you’ve rented, or the forever home you just can’t bear to leave – THAT’s your dream house.

Love your home? Why not show it off with a #housie?

You may have caught the hashtag on Twitter or peeked inside homes on tdhousie.com. Here, you’ll find home owners from across Canada celebrating their favourite rooms and outdoor spaces, showcasing their personality, decor, and of course, what makes their space unique!
11088406_10153812148299126_23929010960894144_nSo, how do you take a #housie? It’s simple!

1. Record a 360° video selfie of your home (or outdoor space)

2. Keep your video short — no more than 15 seconds

3. Share it to Twitter or Instagram to join the TD #housie tour (make sure your account isn’t private)

4. Don’t forget to include the hashtag #housie (otherwise it might not show up in the tour)

5. Go to tdhousie.com to see your #housie, enjoy the #housie song, and celebrate all the amazing places we call home

Check out the full guidelines so you can be sure to be included in the #housie celebration.

Still sitting on the fence? Here’s a little inspiration – I’ve got FIVE (5) $200 Amazon.ca Gift Cards to give away to readers who upload their #housie before April 30th! Simply follow the instructions above and share your #housie on Twitter or Instagram. Then, copy the status link and paste it in the comments section of this blog post so we can check it out! …

Read More

Filed Under: Decor Tagged With: #housie, home decor, home tour, TD Canada

Celebrate Your Abode with a #Housie!

April 6, 2015 By Lena

It’ll be eight years since we moved into our first home… and when given the choice to love it or list it, we ALWAYS love it.

The serial re-decorator strikes again! This time, I’ve made over my sitting room into a place I can unwind and relax when the boys are in bed… and let’s face it, since “unwind and relax” are rarely in my vocabulary, I enjoy every moment!

Do you love your home? Join the celebration of new homeowners! Share your own #housie.

So, how do you housie? Simply Record a 360° video selfie of your new home (or outdoor space). Keep your video short — no more than 20 seconds! Then share it to Twitter or Instagram to join the TD #housie tour. I tried several times, unsuccessfully, to capture both myself and the sitting room in my iPhone frame, but in the end I had to let my house shine and popped in for a cameo.

(Don’t forget to include the hashtag #housie – otherwise it might not show up in the tour!)

Go to tdhousie.com to see your housie, enjoy the housie song, and celebrate all the amazing places we call home.

As for my next project? We’re working on a few things simultaneously – the laundry room, the backyard, finishing up the front and creating a new office space in our loft. Remember, it’s never boring Chez Lena!

This video and post is sponsored by TD, though my opinions and thoughts as always are my own.

Filed Under: Decor Tagged With: #housie, home decor, new home, TD Canada

I’m Part of a Squad. A Home Depot Blog Squad. Fabulous!

February 19, 2015 By Lena

It’s no secret that I’m a little less DIY (“do it yourself”) and a little more DIFM (“do it for me”). And there’s no shame in that! I am happy to keep contractors gainfully employed, and with every home reno and small room makeover we complete, we get a little more confident… a little more creative… and a lot more willing to take on bigger projects.
B-OdvBqCMAAGpIDOf course, taking the time to complete a room facelift or renovation is 50% ability, and 50% inspiration! And as part of the very first Home Depot Blog Squad, I am thrilled to be in the company of some of the most inspiring design and decor bloggers in Canada.

Together, we’ll be tackling small reno projects – with products and advice from Home Depot Canada – and working to encourage YOU to take on some projects of your own. Let’s just say that you can do it, and we can help.

Today, I’d love to share some of the home decor and design projects that have been happening behind the scenes by the #HDBlogSquad.

Tim Lam of Design Maze
Shannon Acheson of AKA Design
Brittany Stager of My Daily Randomness
Jennifer Flores of Rambling Renovators

And… moi! Okay, so I don’t have my small reno project available *just yet*. Between our recent family vacation and a tiny (really, super tiny, like minuscule) plumbing fiasco, we are a bit behind schedule for a laundry room “facelift”.

(Can a laundry room be pretty? I’d like to think so! And trust me, I’m working to make the most of the tiny cell that has been zoned for laundry purposes on our second floor. You can look forward to my reno in the coming weeks!)

In the meantime, check out the DIY’s above, and be sure to follow the #HDBlogSquad hashtag on social to stay on top of our exploits.

Are you currently working on any home renos? Do tell!

Filed Under: Decor Tagged With: #HDBlogSquad, DIY, home decor, Home Depot Canada, small renovations

Express Your Kitchen with Countertop Gems

December 9, 2014 By Lena

NOTE: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

Thinking back to my wedding registry, I can divide the items I selected into three distinct categories: items I needed, items I wanted, and items that I totally, absolutely, positively lusted after.

Included in the third category? Denby Tableware.

Established in 1809, Denby has been making pottery in the heart of the English countryside for over two hundred years.

Says Denby: “We take our locally sourced clay and the expertise of our craftsmen here at Denby, and set about making some truly wonderful dishes. But we’ve not stopped there. Our design team have created some beautiful porcelain and china patterns too, working with specially selected partners, and carefully sourcing materials that are every bit as hardworking as our stoneware. And now they’ve taken their know-how from the dining room to the kitchen with our exciting cookware, glass and accessories collections.”
Denby CanadaDenby’s new Monsoon collection is filled with great pieces to bring life to your kitchen.The collection allows you to play up what your kitchen pattern says about you – with a variety of different patterns and pieces to select from, turn a drab kitchen into an eclectic masterpiece. This new collection is also the perfect hostess gift and keepsake.

The Antalya style (pictured above and below) is bright and fresh in shades of aqua and dark blue. Along with the colour scheme, the collection uses a total of four different graphic patterns called Antalya, Cadiz Turquoise, Granada, and Tangier. If you really like your shades of blue, these are the patterns to start with. Keep things traditional and simple by working in one or two patterns in simple accent pieces to a solid white collection.
Denby CanadaAlso included is a range of different materials used in each design such as ceramics, tins, textiles, glass and cork mats, bringing further options to the table. …

Read More

Filed Under: Decor Tagged With: Denby, home decor, tableware, tea collection

Shopping Traditions: William Ashley Warehouse Sale

November 17, 2014 By Lena

Published posts on the Internet don’t lie. So, when I tell you that I’ve been a loyal customer of the William Ashley Warehouse Sale for over a decade, I have the proof to back it up. Just take a gander at this post from October 9th, 2008. Yep – it was one of the first posts I’d written on my blog! And in the brief article, I raved about the mammoth annual warehouse sale, which offers household, design and décor pieces for up to 90% off retail prices.

(I daresay it’s the hap-happiest time of the year.)

A kitchen table. A floor lamp. A handful of picture frames. Dozens of Christmas ornaments and too many baking supplies to count. And my most prized purchase: a vintage-inspired credenza that belongs in a Paris salon, but is happily set up in my sitting room. These are past finds at the William Ashley Sale.

This year, the sale has moved to a larger location in Vaughan (just off the 400). The space features 30,000 square feet of shopping, with over one million items up for sale! And as always, there’s more to the sale than William Ashley’s signature china and dishware – you’ll find Christmas décor, home décor, fashion items, candles, bath toiletries – even gourmet food.

Christmas shopping, anyone?

Last Monday, I had the enviable opportunity to shop the sale while it was closed to the public.
William Ashley SaleSince it’s tradition for my mom and I to visit the sale together, she was my special guest for the day. We spent a lot of time in the china and dinnerware section, simply because regardless of whether we need it or not, no one does fine china like William Ashley. And, Couture Platinum at warehouse prices? Yeah, you can see why we lingered. …

Read More

Filed Under: Decor Tagged With: christmas decor, home decor, William Ashley, william ashley warehouse sale

DIY with Benjamin Moore

September 9, 2014 By Lena

Normally, I don’t need a push to change things up. I am a serial re-decorator and proud of it! In fact, from year to year, we’ve changed at least one thing about our home at my insistence, whether it be re-painting the entire house, adding a backyard oasis, creating a live-in dining room or designing a man cave. It’s all me and it’s all because I thrive on change.

Think I’ve run out of ideas for my home? Ha! My husband wishes! I’ve got my eye on refinishing our second floor, cleaning out the laundry room, adding shelving to our walk-in closet and am strongly considering an enclosure for our front porch. And then, maybe I’ll give it a rest for a while.

Now the truth is, my fireplace was not on my list of things to overhaul. I mean, it’s just a fireplace, right? However, I recently came across a house listing where the living/dining area was described as having a “statement corner fireplace”. Wait a minute – I have a corner fireplace! But, it’s far from being a statement; painted in the same warm beige tone as the majority of my first floor, it actually blended into the wall with a decided lack of ambition. And that’s when I learned about Benjamin Moore’s new ben & ME promotion:

ben&ME BagFor a limited time (until October 5th, 2014), Benjamin Moore is offering exclusive ben & ME kits for just $109 (a $169 value)*. In the kit, you’ll receive:

• 2 gallons of premium paint with 1 quart for trim
• a sleeve roller, paintbrush, paint tray
• a drop cloth, paint can opener and green painters tape
• How-To Guide and even a playlist to keep you on a roll!

Perspective: for just over a hundred bucks, you’ll have everything you need to add colour vibrancy, softness, glam or interest to a room you choose. And fall is the perfect season for change! To take advantage of the promo, pop into your local Benjamin Moore Signature store or visit the Ben & Me website to find your nearest participating dealer.

I’ll be honest – I’m living a charmed life, because my father-in-law is a professional painter! And, he just happens to be a Benjamin Moore enthusiast, trusting the brand for over 40 years for all his clients. To quote him, “you can’t find a better paint.” So, of course I asked for his expertise (and his perfected technique!) when painting something as finicky as a fireplace. Consulting the ben & ME How-To Guide, he asked that I share the 3 top tips that have served him well over the years:

1) Preparation, Preparation, Preparation. Prep your walls by sanding down any lumps or rough patches first. Then use a slightly dampened sponge to wipe all the dust away (don’t forget the trim). Clean walls ensure your tape will stick, and no dust will muck up your pretty paint job.

2) Protect Your Goods. You have stuff. Some of it may even be nice stuff. You don’t want paint on that stuff. So move it, cover it and you won’t have to worry about it. Don’t forget the floors too. Drop cloths are your friend.

3) Tape Trick. Here is a master taping secret: heat seal the tape’s edge (with friction!) by running a smooth tool like your finger, a spoon or a paint stick along the edge. Heating up the sticky stuff helps it form a stronger seal against paint seepage. You don’t want paint seepage.

Without further ado, here’s our statement-less fireplace, also known as the “before” photo:

ben & MEOkay, so we had a candy jar on the fireplace. And some haphazard candles. I know, I know! But the point is, the fireplace blended into the background, so there was no point in dressing it up. Our bad. …

Read More

Filed Under: Decor Tagged With: #DIYwithBen, ben & ME kit, Benjamin Moore Canada, DIY, home decor

Urban Barn #livein: Dining Room Reveal

June 2, 2014 By Lena

Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only. 

The war against the inhospitable home is complete, and a winner has been declared… it’s me, of course!

This spring, I challenged the notion of a couch condom and waged war against the blueprint. Then, with the help of Urban Barn, I redesigned my dining room into a space that we can #livein. The goal: achieving an area where we can enjoy our meals, spend time together as a family, help the little guys with homework, whip out a laptop or tablet, colour and get crafty, mix cookie dough… in essence, creating a room that is full of zest and happiness – not one that exists solely on display.

A short while ago, I shared with y’all my picks for my brand new, functional living room. And today, I’m so happy to post my big reveal! TA-DA! This is my über modern, über gorgeous and über functional dining room, courtesy of the decor gods at Urban Barn.

Urban Barn #liveinPictured Above: Chateau Extension Dining Table $1,399.00; Chateau Bench $499.00; Wylan Dinnerware Set $79.00; Sensa Candles $9.00 – $12.00; Echo Wall Clock $249.00; Vintage Pillar Candleholders $19.00 each; Ashworth Wine Rack $39.00; Miko Collection – Orange $12.00 per piece; Chateau Sideboard $1,199.00; Brigette Vases $22.00 – $36.00; Rooster Menu Board $26.00 …

Read More

Filed Under: Decor Tagged With: #livein, contemporary furniture, design, home decor, Urban Barn

Urban Barn: Furniture You Can #livein

May 4, 2014 By Lena

Friends, as you know, I have challenged the notion of a couch condom and waged war against the blueprint. So what’s next? I need to practice what I preach, of course!

This spring, I’m pleased to partner with Urban Barn to redesign my dining room into a space that we can #livein. The goal: achieving an area where we can enjoy our meals, spend time together as a family, help the little guys with homework, whip out a laptop or tablet, colour and get crafty, mix cookie dough… in essence, creating a room that is full of zest and happiness – not one that exists solely on display.

“Homes are evolving to accommodate the ever-changing ways in which Canadians are living in their homes”, says Candice Laughlin, architecture & home design expert, Urban Barn.

Nine in ten current Canadian homeowners recently surveyed stated their childhood living space and current living space differ in some way:

– 89% consider a blend of comfort and style as the perfect décor for the living area;
– 76% prefer their family’s living space have a more ‘causal’ feel as compared to their childhood home;
– 85% value multi-purpose and multi-functional furniture in their family living space.

Multi-purpose and multi-functional furniture. YES.

So we all know that the best part of redesigning a room is choosing the furnishings, of course! Hence, before I go ahead and show you my brand new, functional living room that is totally lived in already, here are just some of the pieces that I simply couldn’t resist (photos not to scale):

Urban Barn liveinTop to Bottom, Left to Right:

Wylan Dinnerware Set, $79.00; You’re Just Like Bacon Block, $49.00; Brigette Vases, $22.00 – $36.00
Chateau Extension Dining Table, $1,399.00
Sensa Candles, $9.00 – $12.00; Echo Wall Clock, $249.00; Vintage Pillar Candleholders, $19.00 each
Chateau Bench, $499.00; Chateau Sideboard, $1,199.00
Ashworth Wine Rack, $39.00; Miko Collection – Orange, $5.00 – $12.00 per piece

I can’t wait to show you my new dining room! Stick around… I *may* just have a sweet giveaway for you!

Filed Under: Decor Tagged With: #livein, contemporary furniture, design, home decor, Urban Barn

#livein: Rage Against the Blueprint

April 27, 2014 By Lena

It’s probably one of the most ambitious things you can do in life: purchase a brand new house off a blueprint. 

Think about it. You’re asked to invest hundreds of thousands of dollars for your potential dream home – based on a smooth flyer that features a two-dimensional layout. Sure, you have measurements, and if you’re really creative, you can picture where your furniture will go. You can almost see it. A cozy family home which is everything you wished for, and more.

But then, blueprint becomes reality. And your dream home looks *slightly* different than you had envisioned.

I’ve been there. In 2006, my then-fiance and I purchased our very first home together, in an up-and-coming subdivision scheduled for occupancy the following summer. I remember pouring over blueprints in the sales office, certain that I could easily fill the home with gorgeous-yet-functional furniture. In fact, so confident was I in my interior design capabilities, I completed shopping for the major furnishings before we took possession. And once inside, I was pleased that my eye for style was bang on, reveling in the way my brand new furniture filled my brand new house.

Yet something was off. 

My main floor, an open concept layout, was adequately sectioned to create “rooms” based on the blueprint. A living room upon entry, followed by a cozy dining area and then a long, spacious family room. However, just six months in, we quickly realized that although our home was furnished, we spent 100% of our time at the back of the house in the kitchen/ family room area. The front – designated for a combined living and dining room – was absolutely, completely wasted space. We were not living in our home.

livein Living RoomThe funny thing? It actually never occurred to us when initially purchasing our decor to make the most of our living space. We decorated based on what the blueprint told us to do; hence, if our living room was 15.5ft x 9 ft at the front of the house, that’s what we assumed it was – not thinking that a living room not lived in would be a colossal waste of effort. A bar area? Puh-lease. We rarely drink! …

Read More

Filed Under: Decor Tagged With: #livein, contemporary furniture, design, home decor, Urban Barn

#livein: The Evolution of the Home

April 3, 2014 By Lena

If you were a child in the 70’s or 80’s, chances are, you encountered a couch condom.

Okay, so maybe you’re unfamiliar with the term. You may know them as slipcovers, or the shrink-wrapped plastic that our parents layered on the furniture to preserve and protect what was underneath. You know, like a condom.

And what were they protecting the furniture from? LIFE, of course! Sticky fingers, wayward juice boxes, muddy pants, shedding pets, sharp toys, cookie crumbs and baby bums… all the things that come with being blessed with a family. Plastic slipcovers were the equivalent of a velvet rope; lifted with caution – and only for VIPs.


I often wonder why furniture required such proficient preservation. I mean, did our parents think that they’d be handing down that sofa through the generations? Or maybe in the off-chance the Queen visited for tea, the pristine velvet couch would signify grooming and grace.

Regardless, the message was loud and clear: this is our home, but we don’t actually live in it.

Did you grow up in a shrink-wrapped home? Did you have a formal living and dining room that were only used on “special” occasions, and then, just as quickly preserved the second the guests left? Looking back, I often marvel at the amount of space in homes that was for show only; the living room at the front of the house, the overly formal dining room, the guest room that was perfectly made up – and perfectly unused. However, times are changing.

A recent Ipsos-Reid survey conducted on behalf of Urban Barn revealed the majority of Canadian homeowners (71%) are “living” differently in their homes compared to the one they grew up in.

“Homes are evolving to accommodate the ever-changing ways in which Canadians are living in their homes”, says Candice Laughlin, architecture & home design expert, Urban Barn. …

Read More

Filed Under: Decor Tagged With: #livein, contemporary furniture, design, home decor, Urban Barn

Make Yourself #RightAtHome with Urban Barn

March 10, 2014 By Lena

It’s not every day that I have the opportunity to work with one of my most favourite brands. As a self-professed Urban Barn junkie, I’ve coveted their furniture from the moment we signed the purchase agreement for our home. (In fact, I’m quite positive I buggered off work for the rest of the day so I could pop into a nearby store.)

Regardless, when I think of effortless style with a contemporary flair, I think of Urban Barn. And my Yoshi Bedroom Set. And my Groove Chair… Lucent Round Damask Mirror… City in Motion Collage… Aldo Bar Stools… London Bedding Collection… Carradine Leather Sofa Chaise… Strike Coffee Table…

Am I obsessed? I prefer the term, “fan girl”.

And it gives me great pleasure to announce the GRAND OPENING of Urban Barn’s newest location – 18166 Yonge Street in Newmarket, Ontario. If you live in the Greater Toronto Area, pop by the store this Saturday, March 15th from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. as they welcome customers to the Green Lane Centre.

BONUS: You’ll enjoy 20% off all Décor Accents! AND, use this EXCLUSIVE coupon to save 15% off furniture! Remember, both promotions are valid on Saturday, March 15th at the Newmarket store only.

Urban Barn offers a stunning array of contemporary furniture, home decor and gorgeous accessories that will look #RightAtHome in your place, for years to come. By shaking up a winning cocktail of great design, quality and value with liberal splashes of fun, they’ve become a true favourite of the style conscious shopper. (<< That would be me.)

Whether compact condo or roomy rural retreat, Urban Barn has the right furniture and accessories to bring sophistication and comfort to every room of your home. If you love your home, you’ll love their stores…it’s a given.

In the mood to Spring into a new season of style? Join us for the @Urban_Barn #RightAtHome Twitter Party!

We’ll chat about the best design and decor trends for Spring 2014 with Urban Barn, the original purveyors of effortless style. All those who RSVP below will have a chance win AMAZING prizes, including Urban Gift cards to get your shopping started off right!

Follow @Urban_Barn, RSVP using the linky below and tweet using #RightAtHome to be eligible to win. See you on Thursday night – and if you live in the GTA, be sure to pop by the Newmarket store on Saturday!…

Read More

Filed Under: Contests Tagged With: #RightAtHome, home decor, Twitter Party, Urban Barn

WIN IT! Kitchen Stuff Plus #Giveaway

February 11, 2014 By Lena

NOTE: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

If you live in Ontario, chances are you’ve ventured into a Kitchen Stuff Plus! A leading discount retailer in housewares and home décor, KSP has been voted one of Toronto’s best places to shop again and again.

“We started our business in 1987 with the belief that customers deserve a value-added shopping experience that exceeds their expectations – every time they visit our stores. And we’ve achieved that by providing incredible savings (featuring everyday rock bottom prices), superior selection and exceptional service that few can match.”

From gadgets and gizmos to gorgeous home decor, it’s the perfect place to get everything you need under one roof. I have fond memories of stocking my entire home with KSP products. Often, I found must-haves at up to 70% off, and when you’re shopping on a budget, it’s a dream come true.

Don’t live in Ontario? Don’t worry! Kitchen Stuff Plus offers online shopping for customers across North America, with FREE shipping in Canada when you spend $75 or more. I’m partial to their clearance section (both in-store and online) – I always find a sweet little deal I just can’t resist, especially for home decor.

WIN IT! One lucky reader will win a $200 Kitchen Stuff Plus Gift Card! To enter, simply fill the form below with your qualifying entries. Good luck everybody – can’t wait to see what you all pick out!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Filed Under: Contests Tagged With: giveaway, home decor, household products, Kitchen Stuff Plus

It’s #MoreForTheHolidays with Home Depot Canada!

November 7, 2013 By Lena

Psst. I’ve got a little secret. Ready for this? Okay, here goes.

Did you know that you can find FABULOUS decor items for the holidays… at The Home Depot Canada? It’s true! When it comes to holiday decorating, it’s all about the style. Browse their inspiration gallery and find festive touches that will perfectly fit your space. And, with contemporary, distinctive items from the Martha Stewart Living Collection, you’ll be the most stylish stop on Santa’s route.

(I’m an Arctic Collection lover myself. Check out all of their stylish holiday items!)

From holiday trees (real and faux) and ornamental décor to outdoor inflatables and Griswold-worthy lights, The Home Depot Canada has you covered – with unbeatable prices and selection both online and in-store. In fact, you could say they have #MoreForTheHolidays… and I’m so pleased to invite you to a very special festive chat!

Need a little help with your holiday decorating? We’ll be tweeting up a storm with @HomeDepotCanada. Join us for decor inspiration and ideas, your favourite ways to warm up a room, and of course, the opportunity to win amazing prizes, including TWO Grand Prizes of a $250 Home Depot Canada Gift Card! (Please see Rules and Regulations.)

RSVP below for a chance to win. Looking forward to chatting #MoreForTheHolidays with you!…

Read More

Filed Under: Contests Tagged With: #MoreForTheHolidays Twitter Party, holiday dec, home decor, The Home Depot Canada

Tell Me Something Good….

September 10, 2013 By Lena

Picture it: You’re scrolling through your Facebook news feed, and someone posts an update that includes an infographic. It may be funny; it may be inspirational, it may be downright timely due to current events. And when you see it, it speaks to you… and you must.click.LIKE.

That’s me. That’s usually how it goes. And that’s why I was in trouble while I shopped online at Chapters Indigo yesterday. You see – I’m a huge fan of inspirational quotes, and any time I find one of my favourite sayings emblazoned across a decor item, I simply must have it. Hence, I was in full-on shopaholic mode as I was confronted with an abundance of intellectual artistry. Here are some of my favourite pieces:

Designed in-house and exclusive to Indigo, their new mugs are generously sized with a comfortable handle to make them an instant favourite. Love the whimsical sayings – an especially pleasant way to greet a new day.

The mugs retail for $10.00 each, which is fabulous for gift giving, especially when stuffed with gourmet candy! In addition to Good Morning Beautiful, there’s Good Morning Handsome – and I think the pair makes a perfect housewarming gift for a newly married couple. Now who’s getting married?? I need to gift this!

I also adore the decorative pillows – not so much for the colours or prints, but for one very heartfelt saying that I now have tattooed on my brain: “Collect Moments, Not Things”. 

They’re a *teeny* bit more expensive than I’d like to see at $39.50. However, I am very patient in my shoppertunistic ways and have no problem waiting for them to go on sale. Often, Chapters releases coupons for 25% off one item. Looks like I’ll have to build my inspirational pillow collection one item at a time!

Finally, these prints are on sale right now – 50% off – which means that I’ve already purchased one, of course. And I can’t wait for it to arrive! Yes, “Good Things Come to Those Who Hustle” will forever have a place on my office desk. Because it’s all about the hustle. It’s all about getting off your a** and making things happen. It’s all about working hard. I LOVE it.


Do you own a home decor item that speaks to you with your favourite quote?

Filed Under: Fashion Tagged With: Chapters Indigo, home decor, inspirational quotes, online shopping

Pardon My Accent.

February 15, 2013 By Lena

Today is February 15th – which means that officially, we’re more than halfway through the most blahful month of the year. To chase away the winter blues, I’ve been looking to inject a little brightness and warmth into my home. Here’s a roundup of my favourite accent chairs – all available in Canada, with designs and price tags to suit every fancy. Now take a peek – and then take your Vitamin D. We will get through this winter together, friends.


1 – James Rocker, EQ3. $499.99
2 – Cinderella Custom Chair, Urban Barn. From $656.00
3 – Cindy Crawford Hydra Blue Chair, SHOP.CA. $499.97
4 – JUSTIN Swivel Armchair, Structube. $599.00
5 – Parlour Chair in Atomic Orange, CB2. $799.00
6 – Zuo Drop Stool, Walmart. $159.00
7 – Avenue Six Laguna Chair – Stripe Sky, The Home Depot. $149.00
8 – Aristides, Decorium. $1,699.00
9 – Arturo Lounge Chair, Urban Mode. $998.00

Filed Under: Fashion Tagged With: accent chairs, contemporary furniture, design, home decor

The Birth of An Obsession…

October 31, 2012 By Lena

… can be a wonderful thing. Except, of course, if you’re a serial re-decorator like me.

(Husband, you are going to HATE this post. Avert your eyes! Your wife is about to spend money.)

It’s no secret that I love home decor. In fact, every room in my house has been re-decorated at least once (and sometimes twice, even three times) over the past five years. It’s simply an itch that only a brand new colour of paint, an updated leather sectional or multiple chevron accessories will fix. Yes, I have a problem.

(Check out my entire Reno-cation here.)

So when I see home accents that really float my boat, my eyes start to glaze over with desire… and the re-decorating bug begins to awaken within me. (Bug? Husband will call it beast.)

Such is the case with these gorgeous art prints from Cici Art Factory, available at SHOP.CA.

“Spark your child’s imagination and stimulate visual development with these whimsical characters embarking on old-fashioned adventures. Vancouver artist Liz Clay’s wit & whimsy collection is traditional in style. The figures are stylized with round faces, rosy cheeks and big hair. They’re guaranteed to spark imaginations and activate rooms. Choose from either a frame-yourself paper print or canvas giclée print. If you have a larger wall space to fill, think about displaying a pair vertically or three in a row.”

The whimsical styling of the prints would be perfect for a bedroom makeover, especially for Ryder, who’s four years old. I can just picture a row of pirates, astronauts and pilots dancing across his bedroom wall.

Each paper print is professionally printed on wind-generated, FSC certified 80 lb paper and is packaged in a clear, biodegradable sleeve. It comes with a white mat for easy framing and fits a standard frame size – available sizes are 8×10″ or 16×16″. The giclée canvas print uses up to 8 inks to achieve rich tonal values and colour breadth, ensuring the paint strokes look as realistic as possible. Comes ready to hang.

Friends, I think it may be time to present Ryder with a brand new bedroom. But first, I just need to convince the husband that it’s time for another reno. Wish me luck!

Click here to visit Cici Art Factory, available at SHOP.CA.

Filed Under: Fashion Tagged With: Cici Art Factory, home decor, online shopping, SHOP.CA

SHOP.CA Picks of the Week!

July 16, 2012 By Lena

My picks are *slightly* late this week as I was fighting a nasty migraine on/off for five days. Yes, FIVE days! Longest headache ever… and, it derailed me from my shopping, so that’s unacceptable!

Anyhoo… without further ado, here’s what caught my eye on SHOP.CA this week:

OASIS FIREPLACE

“Indoors or outdoors, on a table, floor or ground, around a pool, patio or in a living room you can place the beautiful and and stylishly designed Oasis Fireplace from Anywhere Fireplace. It will add the ambiance and create a focal point and the ambiance that dancing flames the fire creates. By using a Gel fuel canister that is placed into the center cup, you just have to light is with a long lighter or match stick and you now have a personal fireplace. Using the proper gel fuel cans designed for fireplaces, it is safe to use indoors or out, where ever you may want to create ambiance. It comes with white decorative river stones, but choose to decorate it with colorful fireglass, sea shells, or anything else to make it a perfect piece for the perfect setting.”

Totally digging this little fire pit, especially since it can fit on a small deck. I am picturing: the kids in bed, a few girlfriends, wine, my backyard – and the Oasis fireplace. Paints a nice picture, no? And at $139.99 – an affordable luxury. This is definitely at the top of my “investigate further” list….

Read More

Filed Under: Fashion Tagged With: books, Fashion, home decor, online shopping, SHOP.CA

Make Your Home and Garden Even Better Sweepstakes!

May 5, 2012 By Lena

A few months ago, a friend on Facebook – who also happens to be a Mortgage Specialist and a well-respected Financial Expert – posted the following status update:

Well, being from Mississauga, and always having a keen interest in what’s going on in the Canadian Real Estate Market, I checked out her recommendation and landed on Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Canada’s page. I was quite tickled pink to see that in addition to providing a plethora of real estate services (buying and selling, moving, closing, etc) they also offer design and decor advice, remodeling and landscaping tips, and examples of how to live green. In essence, they embody the brand whose namesake has personified a passion for the home since 1924. (Who hasn’t reached for a Better Homes and Gardens magazine while looking for decor or DIY inspiration?)

Anyhoo, I’ve been cruising their Facebook page for a few days now and I’ve found a nice mix of style tips, recipes, deck and patio inspiration… and more. Another reason to “Like” their page? Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Canada is launching the Make Your Home and Garden Even Better Sweepstakes! BHGREC is giving away a new iPhone 4S and 10 individual Home Depot Gift Cards worth $50 each!

In order to participate in the sweepstakes, you’ll need to sign up through the Facebook App. The Contest is available to Canadians only on Facebook from May 8th to May 30th (ends at 11:59pm).

Good luck everybody! After you’ve entered, check out this article from BHG Real Estate Canada’s website for Green Space: Great Tips For A Perfect Lawn. I’ve already sent it to my husband, who is always on the quest for the perfect golf green!

This post was sponsored by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Canada. The opinions on this blog are my own.

Filed Under: Contests Tagged With: Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Canada, contest, home decor, real estate

Next Page »

Primary Sidebar

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…

Connect with Lena

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Featured

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Virtual Queue Strategies

Five Cool Tips for a Backyard Ice Cream Bar

Beaches Turks & Caicos: Your FAQs Answered!