• 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

household

Dyson DC35 Digit Slim: Review

March 14, 2011 By Lena

Remember this post? I Want It: Dyson DC35 Digital Slim. Well, I got it. And it’s pretty darn fabulous.

Since I’d been lusting after the NEW Dyson DC35 Digital Slim, I was pleased as punch when the good folks at Dyson asked me to test drive their hot little multi-floor vacuum. Now I normally don’t jump to review household products (Lena + Cleaning = Avoidance) but I just couldn’t resist the call of the new DC35:

“No clean up is too big (or out-of-reach) for Dyson’s latest technology. Condo, closet and clean-freak friendly, Dyson introduces DC35 – the most powerful lightweight vacuum. And, it’s cordless!”

Yes please!

The vacuum features Dyson’s famous power-efficient, high performance digital motor (which runs 3 times faster than conventional motors) and even has a “Dual Power” mode that allows you to adjust suction power. Since I have two little boys that create really big messes, I switched to MAX Power indefinitely to help pick up leftover snackin’s. Here’s a quick video of my DC35 making Cheerios disappear in just over 10 seconds:

(I actually made my husband do this a few times, as the little ones were clamoring to be in the video. They love the vacuum too.)

Of course, the vacuum does much more than rescue wayward Cheerios – it also boasts a detachable long-reach wand to clean up high, down low and into awkward gaps (think in between stair spindles and above window frames). The DC35’s motorized floor tool is a wizard on hard floors and carpet, with absolutely zero loss of suction. Detach the wand to use it as a handheld vacuum for spot cleaning, upholstery and inside the car. Genuis!

If you’re a condo owner, this vacuum could conceivably replace more expensive models while being an efficient space-saver. The vacuum performs as well as most stand-up vacuums: with its anti-static carbon fiber brushes for hard floors, stiff nylon brushes for carpets and ability to maintain constant floor contact, the DC35 will change the way you look at cordless vacuums. Click here for more details on the motorized floor tool.

I used the vacuum for cleaning up under couches, beds and the dreaded stairs. While my husband was hesitant to sing its praises as a Cheerio-collector alone, he was quickly converted once he started wielding the detachable long-reach wand. When was the last time you cleaned under your bed with a cordless vacuum?

Some people have opined that once charged, the vacuum retains a very short lifespan before a re-charge is necessary. I must admit, I did not perform a dedicated test to measure the battery life. But I will say this: I was able to vacuum my stairs, in between spindles, under the bed, around the kitchen and over a few window frames for good measure – all in the same battery cycle. So for day-to-day routine tasks, I’d say the battery life is more than adequate. I love this vacuum!

The DC35 is now available at The Bay, Home Outfitters, Bed Bath & Beyond, Future Shop, BestBuy.ca and all Dyson authorized independent retailers for $349.99.

You can also shop online at Dyson Canada.

Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: Dyson, household, review, vacuum

Lena Loves… Kathy & Kim Originals

March 9, 2011 By Lena

HOT DEAL ALERT: Until midnight on Thursday, March 10th, SAVE 30% OFF everything with coupon code MADNESS!

My very favourite items carry one common theme: they’re personalized. Whether it be a name, date or picture, there’s just something about personal items that make them that much more special. So it’s no surprise that I’m a huge fan of Kathy & Kim Originals.

Kathy & Kim Originals turn sensible, everyday items that kids (and moms!) use into adorable, must-have gear. They offer eco friendly water bottles, tee’s, bags and accessories that are all personalized with names, sayings and designs that are as special as the person who receives them! Each piece is custom designed – simply choose your favourite colours, fonts and designs and they will create an original piece just for you. The company is proudly Canadian and I just LOVE the incredible quality!

Some of my picks include:

Wow! It’s ME! Insulated Lunch Tote ($28.00) – “Keep your lunch and snacks chill with these cool new lunch totes from Kathy and Kim Originals! These roomy lunch totes are insulated and have a small outside pocket and two straps to carry. Will easily carry a large lunch!”

Your little one will be the talk of the block with this beyond adorable lunch bag – and I know a few office gals who’d love to turn heads with this personalized tote! At 9″ x 7.5″ x 5″, it’s got great space for all your lunch fixin’s and more.

“BEST” ECO Tumbler ($32.00) – “These porcelain tumblers are a fantastic, green alternative to disposable paper cup/ plastic lid varieties found in popular coffee shops. Our new porcelain eco tumblers come with a silicone lid that securely keeps liquid in the cup. With a double-walled construction that protects the drinker from getting burned, no heat sleeve is needed!”

For the Java Junkie in your life, take care of their caffeine fix (and the environment) by gifting an ECO Tumbler. You can personlize it with “Best” Teacher, Mom, Dad, Coach, etc… or my suggestion: Best Gift Ever.

(A less expensive – but equally fabulous – option is their “BEST” Mug or Travel Mug. At just $14.00, it’s the perfect teacher gift or a great addition to breakfast in bed on Mother’s/Father’s Day.)

Wow! It’s ME! Short Sleeved Tee ($26.00) – “Create your childs adorable likeness on their very own top quality t-shirt!”

There is simply nothing cuter than dressing little ones in a personalized tee – and I do mean personal-ized! You’ll be able to select your choice of hair style, eye colour and skin colour, and add optional finishing touches such as glasses, freckles, barrettes, hair bows and more. I love this item as a birthday gift for those hard-to-shop for toddlers!


You simply must check out Kathy & Kim Originals for many more fabulous products. Shipping is a flat $8 across Canada, and remember – save 30% off everything with coupon code MADNESS until midnight on March 10th!


Kathy & Kim Originals have offered one Listen to Lena! reader the chance to win a $50 Gift Card! To enter, simply visit them online and choose three (3) items which you’d love to spend your gift card on. Then leave a comment here telling us what they are.

You can also qualify for extra entries! Remember, you must leave a separate comment for each. You can:

(1) Follow my blog, Listen to Lena!
(2) “Like” Listen to Lena! on Facebook
(3) “Like” Kathy & Kim Originals on Facebook
(4) Follow Kathy & Kim Originals on Twitter
(5) Tweet about this giveaway (tiny URL: http://tinyurl.com/697fbdn)
(6) You may Tweet daily.

I’ll draw for a winner on April 10th. Special thanks to Kathy & Kim Originals, and good luck everybody!

Filed Under: Contests, Fashion Tagged With: contest, household, Kathy and Kim Originals, personalized

I Want It: Dyson DC35 Digital Slim

February 21, 2011 By Lena

Now I know I’m in trouble – I’m obsessing over a vacuum cleaner instead of shoes.

But surely you’ll see my point if you catch a glimpse of the NEW Dyson DC35 –

“Dyson DC35 Multi floor is a Dyson Digital Slim cordless vacuum cleaner for multiple floor types- carpet, ceramic, vinyl and wood. It features a detachable long-reach wand and a motorized cleaner head. Powered by the Dyson digital motor, it’s the most powerful cordless vacuum cleaner.”

I sweep Cheerios off the floor approximately 3 times per day. Imagine how much easier life would be with this awesome cordless vacuum?

The vacuum features Dyson’s famous power-efficient, high performance digital motor (which runs 3 times faster than conventional motors!) and even has a “Dual Power” mode that allows you to adjust suction power. And my husband will just do cartwheels when he learns that the DC35 has rotating nylon brushes it its detachable motorhead to annihilate ground in dirt.

You’ll also notice that its incredibly sleek and stylish – the kind of vacuum you just have to whip out to show off to guests!

(Okay, perhaps that’s only something I would do. But you can’t fault my enthusiasm.)

So… Dyson over Dior? Yes please!

The countdown is on – just in time for spring cleaning, the DC35 is available on March 1st online at Dyson.com, and at The Bay, Home Outfitters, BB&B, Future Shop, BestBuy.ca and independent retailers for $349.99.

Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: Dyson, household, vacuum

Aquatopia Deluxe Bath Time Easy Kneeler

November 9, 2010 By Lena

“Bath Time Makes a Comeback!”

At least that’s what my headline reads ever since I discovered the Aquatopia Deluxe Safety Bath Time Easy Kneeler. I know it sounds like a mouthful, but the concept is simple: save your knees, keep bath stuff where you need it, and once again have fun bathing your little one.

With comfortable padding for knees, elbows and forearms and bath-side pockets to keep bathing supplies at arms’ reach, this kneeler helps to create a safe, comfortable and practical environment for children’s bathtime, while saving you the aches and pains of kneeling on the floor beside the tub! Made with durable neoprene material, the same material used for wetsuits, the kneeler stands up against moisture and dries quickly. Anti-slip base material helps prevent slipping even on tiled floors. Kneeler attaches securely to any standard tub with large suction cups. Measures 29 1/2″ x 50 1/2″.

I was fortunate to test the product through PTPA’s Latest & Greatest Campaign, and I literally jumped up and down when I opened the box. For months, I had complained about my knees and elbows aching as I did the bath rounds with both boys, especially since Ryder loves a captive audience and insists that I hang around tubside while he splashes.

I love the super soft padding that literally wicks up moisture like nobody’s business. The non-skid base also ensures that I stay put as I reach over the bath tub, giving me peace of mind as I lather, rinse and repeat. And when bath time fun is over, it folds up neat as can be and stores out of the way. Bonus: the anti-slip mat and extra thick foam padding is detachable, making it great for all ground level chores. Whether washing baby, scrubbing floors/tiles or cleaning the oven, the kneeler protects those all-important joints while you get the job done.

The Aquatopia Deluxe Bath Time Easy Kneeler can be found in the US at Walmart, Toys R Us, Bed Bath & Beyond, etc, and can be purchased by everyone online at Amazon.com. It retails for $29.99, and if you suffer from joint pain, is worth every penny!

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Aquatopia Easy Kneeler, Award Winners, household, PTPA

Dyson.ca: Refurbished Vacuums

March 22, 2010 By Lena

Perhaps the only Dyson you’ll ever come across for less than $100.

Right now at Dyson.ca, you can grab a refurbished DC16 handheld vacuum for just $99.99 (regularly $179.99). According to Red Flag Deals, where I came across the deal, “the DC16 is powerful with a 21.6 volt lithium-ion battery, but be forewarned that the battery only lasts for 6 minutes on a full charge.” Dyson is also offering their DC17 at just $329.99 ($599.99 new).

(Dyson offers FREE shipping on both machines!)

A note about Dyson Refurbished:

Upright and canister machines come with a 2 year manufacturer’s warranty on parts and labour. Handhelds come with a 1 year warranty on parts and labour. Each one meets Dyson’s high standards and comes with a full set of on-board tools.

We cannot guarantee a particular colour. Other special offers or promotions do not apply to refurbished products. All sales are final.

Click here to begin shopping at Dyson.ca.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Dyson, household, online shopping

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!