Listen to Lena

Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion

Kinder Canada

A Summer of KINDER Smiles :)

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And look at that! A completely appropriate smiley face in the post title.

strip (1)This past summer, I killed it. I told you I would! At the start of the season, I made a commitment to my family that we would seize every weekend and get out, enjoy the weather, take a dip in a pool, do something different, try something new, capture the memories, spend time together…all that and more. And we did it! We totally treasured every moment together (sometimes to a fault; let’s just say that I only have so much patience for two rambunctious boys) and made this summer count.

Don’t believe me? Just stroll through my blog from the past few months. See, told you so.

Looking back, it’s a summer for the scrapbook! And if you’re looking for fun way to share your summer smiles with family and friends, KINDER offers a cool little “Smile Booth” app on KINDER Canada’s Facebook Page. It’s a fun and interactive way for parents to capture and share moments of joy in a playful way. Once you’re a KINDER Fan, it’s just a few simple steps:

Step 1: Fan KINDER on Facebook
Step 2: Start your photo-strip
Step 3: Upload your photos
Step 4: Choose a fancy KINDER frame
Step 5: Choose a filter (make yourself look silly!)
Step 6: Save & share

My photos were slightly too small to apply the silly filters, but you can bet I’ll be zooming in and recreating the script for the boys. Sharing the photo strip is super easy, with a link to share on Twitter and/or Facebook available immediately upon completion.

Where did your summer travels take you? Was it the summer of Flora, Lynda, Jaime, Judy or Chandra? Or maybe… the summer of George? (Any Seinfeld fans out there?)

What was the single best memory from summer vacay 2014? Do tell!

 

I’m part of the Kinder Mom program and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group.
The opinions on this blog are my own.

2014: We Shall Seize the Summer

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Folks, we are in the month of July. JULY! And just like every single year, the summer seems to be zipping along way too quickly for my liking. The promise of long, hazy days and relaxing nights on the patio will soon pass with a snap of the finger, leaving me to wonder where the time went – and exactly how I spent it.

This year, I’ve had a revelation of sorts. You see, I’m really good at making plans for all I want to do… but I always let life get in the way, and then fall short. NOT. THIS. SUMMER. This season, I’ve made a commitment to my family that we will seize every weekend and get out, enjoy the weather, take a dip in a pool, do something different, try something new, capture the memories, spend time together… you get my drift.

Seize the SummerThe summer fun is already underway. After spending a luxury weekend getaway at the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto, and then following up with a Day of Discovery with Renaissance Hotels (including two awesome days at Ripley’s Aquarium!), we’re off to Canada’s Wonderland this Friday, to be followed up with a weekend (and anniversary!) getaway to our favourite northern destination, the JW Marriott Muskoka. After that, we’re taking in an advanced screening of Planes: Fire & Rescue, followed by a visit to African Lion Safari, a dinner and tournament at Medieval Times… an epic family trip to Disneyland, California… and whatever else pops up in between. And, that’s just over the next few weeks.

See? I’ve made good on my word, and will continue to do so. …

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Kinder & Madagascar 3: It’s a Pretty Big Deal

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I’m normally not on the outside looking in when it comes to PBD’s, but in this case, my little ones are “a little too little” to fully appreciate the hype. Nevertheless, I have been assured: Kinder + Madagascar 3 is a Pretty. Big. Deal.

Probably with good reason: Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted was released on June 8th to MUCH fanfare and hoopla. From the previews, I’m not even sure I could resist the madcap crew of Alex, Marty, Melman, Gloria and, of course, those crafty little penguins.

So what could be better than the movie? Madagascar 3 with Kinder chocolate, of course!
Look for specially-marked box of 3 Kinder Surprise Eggs: 2 in 3 eggs is guaranteed to have a Madagascar 3 toy inside! You can collect all 14 (including an über awesome train set) to make special treat time even more AWESOME.

As excited as I am to see the new movie, I must admit that getting both boys to sit down and pay attention is a bit of a struggle. It seems that they’d rather play than sit still – which is a bit frustrating at the moment (I rarely get a second to myself!) but I’m sure I’ll appreciate the trait more as they grow. I’m not raising couch potatoes, that’s for sure :)

The good news? They can crack open a Kinder Surprise Egg, and have a blast playing with their new Madagascar 3 toys. Now THAT’s quality play time I’ll endorse!

(You can now follow Kinder Canada on Twitter. And don’t forget to visit the Kinder Canada website for product and parenting information.)

I’m part of the KINDER Mom program and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group.
As with every post that I write, the opinions on this blog are my own.

Kinder: Believe in Miracles

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When I signed up to be a #KinderMom, I knew little about the brand – other than they produced chocolatey treats that my boys simply adored, and they were a hit chez Lena around Easter time.

Turns out, this past Easter was no different; YES, they were a hit – and they were universally adored.

But for me, I have a sweet little secret – every time I dole out an egg to an über excited boy, I also know that I’m supporting a company that believes in miracles… and does their part to make them a reality.

I pleased to share that Kinder has partnered with the Children’s Miracle Network for their “A Joy to Share” campaign. This season, proceeds from their sales of Easter products will be donated to the Children’s Miracle Network to help families that are less fortunate.

(There are tons of Easter products still available in stores! Snap them up at a good price – for a great cause!)

I count my blessings each day that I have two healthy, vivacious little boys. But it hasn’t always been smooth sailing – Ryder was born with a cephalhematoma, a birth injury that had us routinely following up with doctors (and a neurosurgeon at Sick Kids Hospital) for months and months after his birth. But following every visit – every time we left the hospital with another positive prognosis – my heart literally burst with sadness for those parents who weren’t receiving the same good news. That’s why supporting other moms – and causes like the Children’s Miracle Network – is so very important.

Visit Kinder Canada on Facebook and click The Miracle Kids tab. Here you’ll find stories of children, as told by their mothers, who have been helped by the Children’s Miracle Network through their own local Children’s Hospital – including a call to action to areas that could really use one (read Vicki’s story – a touching story of love and loss).

This Easter, we once again gave thanks for a multitude of blessings, and paused to reflect and pray for those in need. After our family meal, the best part came – seeing the joy on the faces of my little boys as they unwrapped their Kinder Eggs, and knowing that their Easter Kinder treats are helping to spread joy to other sweet little boys in our community as well.

(You can now follow Kinder Canada on Twitter. And don’t forget to visit the Kinder Canada website for product and parenting information.)

I’m part of the KINDER Mom program and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group.
As with every post that I write, the opinions on this blog are my own.

March Break: Off the Beaten Path

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As a parent, it’s impossible not to notice the perceptible buzz in the air – let’s call it, oh, March Break.

Even though both my boys are not in school yet, we’ve been “celebrating” March Break thanks to the plethora of activities that spring up during the illustrious week off.

Matinees. Indoor Playgrounds. Museum, Science Center and Art Gallery events… it appears that the entire city is hopping with excitement in an effort to soothe those who didn’t make it down south. And there are a lot of us; although it seems like EVERYONE is getting away, the truth is, most of us are still here :)

But for parents of pre-school children, March Break can also be overwhelming. Suddenly our favourite spots are crowded with school aged party crashers (boo!). Who wants to elbow for room on the “magic story carpet” at the local community centre? Or be demoted to the front of an overcrowded movie theatre? As a mom who relishes in anti-mob surroundings, I actually find it unnerving to suddenly be in the throngs of children.

So we’ve learned to make the most of March Break festivities by finding events off the beaten path: special engagements that aren’t necessarily standing room only. Consider visiting an independent bookstore or children’s art store; chances are they’ll have something special planned (crafts, story time, puppets shows and more). Skip the indoor playground and arrange a playdate at a local park or arcade. Do an “urban wildlife” tour; visit a pet store or aquarium – but only if you’re prepared to come home with a pug or tetra fish. Find free concerts featuring local talent. If you live in (or close to) the same city you grew up in, take the kids to your favourite burger joint for lunch, and your favourite ice cream parlour for dessert.

I like to enjoy my community without sticking to the usual tried-and-true March Break events. No matter what you decide, make fun your first priority… and have TONS of treats on hand :)

Speaking of treats, as a proud Kinder® Mom, I’ll definitely be well stocked for March Break! Check out KINDER® Canada on Facebook for a peek at the 2012 toy collection, great conversation, and exclusive monthly contests through the My Kinder Moments application!

Do you have any suggestions for unique ways to enjoy March Break? What are your plans? 

I’m part of the Kinder® Mom program and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.