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Kraft Canada

This Holiday Season, Send Your #WellWishes

December 16, 2014 By Lena

We do Christmas a little differently around here.

You see, for years, my boys have been spoiled – the fringe benefits of having a mom who works in social media. Toys, games – even trips to exotic locations – they show up on the doorstep, and in my inbox, with regularity. And while I won’t apologize for working hard to earn these opportunities, I am sensitive about how they impact my boys’ egos, lifestyle perceptions, and sense of entitlement.

So, during the holidays, I impress on them that it’s a chance to give back for all the wonderful products and experiences they’ve received throughout the year. And they rise to the occasion – they select items to gift and donate, have a generous heart and are happy to spread the joy of the season. I truly could not be more proud.

But what makes our Christmas different? Santa actually bypasses our chimney so he’s able to gift the toys to other boys and girls who are in need. Ryder and Reid understand this, and as such, expect only simple presents from immediately family – pajamas, socks and *maybe* a small LEGO set. I love that they don’t anticipate a mountain of toys; instead, they look for ways they can give back.

This year, I’ve found the perfect way to celebrate the season – we’re sending #WellWishes to children in hospitals, in support of Children’s Miracle Network.
Logo (2)Here’s how you can participate:

1) Kraft Canada will donate $1.00 (up to a maximum of $50,000) to Children’s Miracle Network with your purchase of any Kraft product from Walmart Canada. Or,

2) Send your #WellWishes to children in hospitals on Facebook, Twitter or Google+, remembering to use the hashtag. For every social mention, Kraft Canada will also donate $1.00. …

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Filed Under: Family Tagged With: #wellwishes, Children's Miracle Network, Kraft Canada, Walmart Canada

We’re Brewing Up a Good Time!

October 10, 2014 By Lena

It’s safe to say that coffee isn’t a beverage for me… it’s a culture.

A morning cup with my husband. An afternoon break with my mom. An evening cup of coffee with friends. Coffee signifies so much more to me than a simple shot of caffeine. (Though on some days, that particular pick-me-up is not only appreciated  – it’s downright necessary.)

And now, with the wealth of quality, deliciously aromatic options that you can brew at home, it’s never been easier to enjoy your favourite cup of java. I am an equal opportunity coffee lover: I look for bold, rich flavours, a well-bodied coffee, and a smooth, velvety finish. Lately, I’ve been experimenting with at-home coffee blends, and now I have three more products to add to my “must try” list.

My friends at Kraft Canada are celebrating their NEW line of Keurig Compatible Pods, and of course I’m on board to help spread the word! The Keurig Compatible Pods are available in Kraft’s top coffee brands including Maxwell House, Gevalia, and Nabob…the perfect fit for your morning.
Kraft_Keurig_Invite_Post4Maxwell House Keurig® Compatible Pods contain 100% Arabica coffee and are individually wrapped to seal in the freshness. Simply peel back the outer freshness seal, remove the inner filter cup and insert into the brewer to enjoy your favourite cup of Maxwell House. Are you a Nabob lover? Try the lively, rich and citrusy flavour of 100% Colombian medium roast coffee. Or perhaps you’re seeking a dark-roasted, full-bodied selection made with premium 100% Arabica Beans – in which case, Gevalia is for you.

I’ll be honest – while I am an aficionado of both Maxwell House and Gevalia ground coffees, I haven’t had a chance to try the coffee pods. But something tells me that Kraft has it down to a science, and the new Keurig® Compatible Pods will pack all the robust flavour… in a convenient, single-serve option. I am open to new possibilities! …

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Filed Under: Food Tagged With: #Kraftmeacoffee, Keurig Compatible Pods, Kraft Canada, Twitter Party

Food Hackers Unite! #IAmFoodHacks Twitter Party

August 6, 2014 By Lena

“Get these. Do this. Done.” Sounds pretty simple, but do YOU have what it takes to elevate a meal, perfect a cooking method, or create an epic flavour fusion?

As you’ll recall from my post – Are YOU Kraft Canada’s Ultimate Food Hacker? – Kraft Canada is searching for our nation’s #IAmFoodHacks ULTIMATE Food Hacker. The selected winning candidate will be Kraft Canada’s official Food Hacker, develop new Food Hacking recipes and drive food hacking content through Kraft social channels. (BONUS: This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity comes with a one year contract including a total of $25,000 in compensation and a generous monthly food allowance designed to inspire creative food hacking solutions.)

Well, the finalists have been chosen, and it’s time to put their food hacking skills to the test! They’ll be the special guests at the #IAmFoodHacks Twitter Party on Monday, August 11th at 8pm ET! (See official rules here.)

IamFoodHacks v2At the Twitter Party, we’ll share our best tips and tricks – hacks, if you will – with a keen emphasis on creating delicious food, expanding your knowledge of cooking techniques, and combining simple ingredients for quick and easy meals. And just as you answer our questions, so will the finalists… so be sure to send some love (RT’s, mentions) if you like what they have to say! (You *could* say this is their official “Twitterview!”)

As always, there will be fabulous prizes up for grabs – RSVP below for your chance to win. And, start thinking of your own food hacks and get ready to share- we’d love to hear them! See you on Monday night! …

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Filed Under: Contests Tagged With: #IamFoodHacks, food hacks, Kraft Canada, Twitter Party

Are YOU Kraft Canada’s Ultimate Food Hacker?

August 1, 2014 By Lena

Are you a ninja in the kitchen? Can you take a meal from bor-ing to brilliant! by swapping an ingredient or two? Maybe you’re the queen of one-bowl meals, prepping and cooking dinner with lightning fast precision. Or, perhaps you’ve found the most versatile way to use ordinary cooking appliances (waffle sandwiches, anyone?).

Kraft Canada knows that consumers have never been more committed to eating better, yet busy lifestyles force many to make compromises for the sake of convenience. Enter food hacking — a growing movement aimed at helping moms cook tasty meals, using unexpected twists and elements of inspiration.

Food Hacking is serious business. It’s not just a fancy title for a foodie who can Instagram a picture of their meal. It’s an emerging food trend and social conversation. And it’s something Kraft Canada is helping to amplify, showing consumers that when it comes to meal preparation, it can be as easy as “Get these. Do this. Done.”

To bring Food Hacking to a new level, Kraft Canada is launching a national talent search for our nation’s #IamFoodHacks ULTIMATE Food Hacker. This is the real deal! A real PAYING opportunity with real credibility. The selected winning candidate will be Kraft Canada’s official Food Hacker, develop new Food Hacking recipes and drive food hacking content through Kraft social channels. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity comes with a one year contract including a total of $25,000 in compensation and a generous monthly food allowance designed to inspire creative food hacking solutions.

Need some inspiration? Check out this One-Pot Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta. Everything goes in at once! The water, the seasonings and the pasta. Bring to a boil, then 12 minutes later you have a pot of perfectly cooked pasta!

IamFoodHacks220 g spaghetti, uncooked – 3 cups water – 1 cup halves cherry tomatoes – 1 onion, thinly sliced – ¼ cup Kraft Extra Virgin Olive Oil Sun-Dried Tomato Dressing – ½ cup fresh basil, divided – ¼ cup Kraft 100% Parmesan Grated Cheese

Bring spaghetti, water, tomatoes, onions, dressing and ¼ basil to a boil in large skillet. Cook on medium heat 12 min. or until spaghetti is tender and most of the water is cooked off, stirring and turning spaghetti frequently with tongs. Add cheese; mix lightly. Top with remaining basil. And just like that: Get these. Do this. Done.

So, you think you have what it takes? HURRY! It’s your last chance to enter the Kraft Canada #IamFoodHacks contest. For official competition guidelines and complete program details, visit: http://offerpop.com/foodhacks 

Filed Under: Food Tagged With: #IamFoodHacks, food hacks, Kraft Canada, ULTIMATE Food Hacker

Sometimes, It’s ALL About the #TINYWIN

July 17, 2014 By Lena

Taking the stairs at work. Parking farther away from the mall entrance. Dancing around the kitchen while making dinner. Sounds like a great idea!

Drinking eight glasses of water per day. Swapping fried potatoes for baked potatoes. Surviving on one less cup of coffee every morning. That’s doable, no?

A small change which can lead to HUGE lifestyle rewards. That is the #TINYWIN.

We believe every step in the right direction deserves a celebration! Because, let’s face it, life is short, but days can be long. Faced with the stresses of balancing work, family, social obligations and more, it’s not always easy to stay on track with a healthy lifestyle. But when you pause, take a deep breath, and give yourself a pat on the back for your #TINYWIN, you’re well on the way to making a positive life change.

Need a little inspiration to get you started? Join us for the @KraftCanada Crystal Light #TINYWIN Twitter Party on Thursday, July 24th at 8:00pm ET. We’ll share our best tips for living an active, healthy lifestyle, and how you can make small (er… tiny!) changes every day to keep you positive, motivated, and most importantly, feeling your best.

CrystalLight-TwitterPartyE-viteTo thank you for joining the conversation, we’ll have some amazing prizes up for grabs! So, think of your own #TINYWIN strategy, and get ready to share. Cheers to a healthier you! (Click here for official Twitter Party Rules.)

For your chance to win, RSVP below. Looking forward to partying with you! …

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Filed Under: Contests Tagged With: #TINYWIN, Crystal Light, Kraft Canada, Twitter Party

3:00pm: It’s #KraftPBChocolate Smoothie O’Clock

February 23, 2014 By Lena

It happens every day without fail. I blame years of taking a 3:00pm coffee break. Or maybe I’m just wired to get positively, irrevocably, irrationally hungry every day at the same time. But when the clock strikes three, my tummy doth sayeth to me:

“How ’bout a little something, Lena?” 

Now I try my best to make healthy choices, and for the most part, I succeed. It’s been a very long time since I’ve succumbed to a 3:00pm vending machine chocolate bar (due in part to the fact that I do not have a vending machine in my home office), and I generally choose fresh options like fruit and veggies, cheese and crackers or the always filling dried fruit and nuts. And, my newest obsession: this low-fat, highly satisfying Peanut Butter with Chocolate and Banana Smoothie. Oh yes, I may have uncovered the best mid-afternoon taste sensation ever. I am hooked.

Fair warning: I’m not a barista, so my chocolate syrup designs leave much to be desired. But who cares? It’s the taste that counts and let me tell you, this smoothie is taaassty. Super easy and super on the waistline too!

1/4 cup crushed ice
1 tbsp Kraft Peanut Butter with Chocolate
1 ripe banana
1/2 cup non-fat (0%) Vanilla Greek Yogurt
1/4 cup skim milk
chocolate syrup, for drizzling or doodling

Blend all ingredients until smooth. Enjoy!

Filed Under: Food Tagged With: drink recipes, Kraft Canada, Peanut Butter with Chocolate and Banana Smoothie

It’s Meant to Be: Introducing #KraftPBChocolate

February 7, 2014 By Lena

Hearts and Flowers. Music and Romance. Love and Marriage. Some of the life’s most winning combinations, ones guaranteed to set the mood. Yet one simple pairing trumps them all; it is the height of deliciousness, the very definition of smooth, sweet satisfaction.

It’s Peanut Butter and Chocolate, of course. Also known as seduction squared.

And now, from the experts at @KraftCanada – purveyors of delicious food, entertaining, healthy living ideas and more – together at last, introducing Kraft Peanut Butter with Chocolate. YES! That’s right. The most perfectly balanced combination created for PB lovers like you – and just in time for Valentine’s Day!

The new spread combines smooth Kraft Peanut Butter and delicious chocolate, giving you the Kraft Peanut Butter you know and love with just enough chocolaty goodness. Inspired by all things meant to be, experience this tasty flavour combination – we hope you’ll discover that, much like you and your loved ones, Kraft Peanut Butter and Chocolate are perfect together!

Be one of the first to learn more about this delicious spread: Join the #KraftPBChocolate Twitter Party on Wednesday, February 12th at 8:00pm EST!

We’ll share romantic recipes and ideas that are sure to put you in a sweet frame of mind. Of course, you’ll also have the chance to win amazing prizes from Kraft Canada, including 1 of 10 Romance Inspired Fondue Gift Baskets, consisting of one (1) fondue set, one (1) Kraft Peanut Butter with Chocolate throw pillow, one (1) Kraft Peanut Butter with Chocolate Blanket, two (2) Champagne Flutes and one (1) jar of Kraft Peanut Butter with Chocolate. Approximate retail value of each prize is $100.00. One word: HEAVEN.

RSVP below for a chance to win, and see you on Wednesday night! (See official rules here.)…

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Filed Under: Contests Tagged With: #KraftPBChocolate Twitter Party, Kraft Canada, Twitter Party

#WhatsCooking? It’s the @KraftCanada Twitter Party!

December 6, 2013 By Lena

If you’re like me, you tune into the all-holiday classics radio station on December 1st. Between Silver Bells and I’ll Be Home for Christmas, I’m really getting into the festive spirit!

But as I drove around the city this afternoon, I realized that as much time as we spend baking, cooking and otherwise entertaining during the holiday season, not many holiday tunes are dedicated to the art of good food. I mean, it’s the year 2013; shouldn’t we have a carol about Peppermint Mocha? It’s a *game changer* as far as the holidays go. And what about Irish Cream Cheesecake, Cranberry Biscotti and Chocolate Chip Shortbread? Seriously, people, we need more holiday songs dedicated to good, festive food.

(“I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas?” Puh-lease. The only thing I’m dreaming of is this Peppermint Bark Cheesecake from www.kraftcanada.com.)

Well, if we can’t have carols… we can have a Twitter Party!


Fa-la-la-la-follow @KraftCanada for the BEST holiday tips and tricks as we share mouth-watering festive recipes. From entertaining ideas to favourite desserts, we’ve got you covered. At Kraft Kitchens, they’re always busy cooking up delicious food solutions to try and make getting dinner on the table easy – holiday dinners included!

(Five words: Roast Turkey with Sausage Stuffing.)

We’ll also have some fabulous prizes up for grabs – $1000 worth, to be exact! Simply tweet to win, and bring your best holiday tips to share. Good luck, and RSVP below to join all the fun! (See our official rules here.)

…

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Filed Under: Contests Tagged With: #whatscooking Twitter Party, holiday baking, holiday entertaining, Kraft Canada

The Undomestic Goddess? #DessertMoments

December 15, 2012 By Lena

Is it possible to leave a corporate job, stay at home to raise two boys… and become undomestic?

Because that’s exactly how I’ve felt for the past few years. Until recently, the days leading up to Christmas were crammed with eggnog swinging, tree-trimming and of course, holiday baking. Yes, my kitchen was my bakery: with cakes, cookies and confections galore, I’d stay up well past midnight waiting for the shortbread to cool or the icing sugar to set. It was my thing – friends knew that once the holidays came ’round, Lena would be baking up a storm.

And you’d think that being at home, with little children (who love the aforementioned cakes, cookies and confections), I’d increase my baking efforts – right?

Sadly, no. Since the boys were born, I’ve found myself making less and less time to enjoy holiday baking. To tell the truth, I didn’t bake at all last year – opting instead for a few store-bought goodies that worked in a pinch, but could never compare to a homemade treat.

So when Kraft Canada contacted me about doing a fun, festive photo shoot to capture some wonderful Holiday #DessertMoments, I couldn’t say no. And it wasn’t because I was looking forward to having a professional photographer take beautiful pictures of my handiwork (though that was an awesome fringe benefit) – it was so I would be guaranteed to turn out some holiday goodies this year!

And so without further ado, I’d love to share Kraft Canada’s recipe for Salted Chocolate Covered Caramels… made by yours truly!

(The photographer, Teddy Chau, is a creative genius. Look for drool-worthy pictures of the candy – plus a few fabulous shots of moi. You didn’t really think I’d let the food be the star of the show, did you?)

What You Need:

1 pkg. (269 g) Kraft Caramels
5 squares Baker’s Premium 70% Cacao Dark Chocolate, melted
1 Tbsp. sea salt
toothpicks for handling the Caramels

(That’s all folks! Just 3 ingredients and a waxed paper-covered baking sheet. Anyone can make this recipe – and since there’s no baking involved, it’s a great one to do with the kiddos.)

…

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Filed Under: Food Tagged With: #DessertMoments, holiday baking, Kraft Canada, Reader Favourites

#KraftMeACoffee Twitter Party Contest 2014

January 1, 2012 By Lena

1) CONTEST PERIOD: This contest begins on October 16th, 2014 at 12:00 noon Eastern Time (“ET”) and closes on October 16th, 2014 at 1:00pm ET, the “Contest Period”.

2) HOW TO ENTER: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY.

To enter the contest you must a valid Twitter account and have a valid email address.

ENTER ONLINE: To enter, access the RSVP #KraftMeACoffee Twitter party page online at www.listentolena.com, and follow the on-screen instructions. In order to submit an entry, registered Twitter users must send a Twitter @Reply tweet to the Kraft Canada (“Sponsor”) designated Twitter feed and include the Sponsor’s designated hashtag #KraftMeACoffee within the reply during the Contest Period.

Entries per person are unlimited. However, each entry must be different than any previously entered submissions.

3) ELIGIBILITY: Contest is open to legal residents of Canada (excluding Quebec), who have reached the age of majority in the province or territory which they reside as of the Contest Closing Date.

Employees of the Sponsor and their respective parents, affiliates, subsidiaries, and advertising and promotion agencies, (collectively, “Promotion Parties”), and the household members and/or the immediate family of any of the above are not eligible to enter. For the purposes of these contest rules, “immediate family” means husband, wife, spouse, mother, father, brother, sister, son, and/or daughter, whether or not they reside in the same household.

4) POTENTIAL WINNER SELECTION:

POTENTIAL WINNER SELECTION FOR GRAND PRIZE: A random draw will be made electronically on October 16th, 2014 at approximately 1:05 pm (ET) at Toronto, Ontario from all eligible entries received on or before the Contest Closing Date. Before being declared a Winner, the selected Potential Winner of a Prize must correctly answer a time-limited mathematical skill-testing question without assistance or mechanical or electronic aid and will be required to sign a standard declaration and release form confirming compliance with the contest Official Rules and acceptance of the prize as awarded. The selected Potential Winner will be notified by direct personal Twitter message no later than October 16th, 2014. If Potential Winner cannot be contacted within three (3) business days after October 16th, 2014, at Sponsor’s discretion, another Entrant will be selected. Limit of one prize per household.

5) ODDS: The chances of being selected depend upon the number of eligible entries received.

6) PRIZES/APPROXIMATE RETAIL VALUES (ARVs):

PRIZES: There will be ten (10) prizes available to be won during the Contest Period, as follows:
Each prize consists of one (1) Coffee Product Prize Pack. Each prize has an approximate retail value of $100.00.
Total approximate retail value of all prizes is $1,000.00

The approximate retail value of each prize is that stated by the supplier of the prize as being in effect thirty (30) days prior to the launching of this contest.

7) DECLARATION AND RELEASE: Potential Winner will be required to execute and return a Declaration and Release within seven (7) days of attempted delivery or prize will be forfeited and may be awarded to an alternate Entrant.

The return of any prize/prize notification as undeliverable or noncompliance with the terms of these Official Rules may result in disqualification and at Sponsor’s discretion, selection of an alternate Entrant.

8) LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: By entering contest, the entrant, accepts and agrees to these Official Rules and the decisions of Sponsor, which shall be final in all matters. By accepting prize, winner, agrees to hold Promotion Parties, their affiliates, directors, officers, employees and assigns harmless against any and all claims and liability arising out of use or redemption of prize or participation in the contest. Promotion Parties are not responsible for lost or late entries or Declaration and Releases, or for any typographical, or other error in the printing of the offer, administration of the contest, or announcement of the prize, or for technical, hardware, or software malfunctions, computer virus, bugs, tampering, unauthorized intervention, fraud, lost or unavailable network connections, or failed, incorrect, inaccurate, incomplete, garbled, or delayed electronic communications whether caused by the sender or by any of the equipment or programming associated with or utilized in this contest, or by any human error which may occur in the processing of the entries in this contest, or any other cause beyond the reasonable control of Sponsor that interferes with the proper conduct of the contest as contemplated by these Official Rules. If, in the Sponsor’s opinion, there is any suspected or actual evidence of tampering with any portion of the contest, or if technical difficulties or any other factor including accident, printing, administrative, or any error of any kind compromises the integrity, administration, or conduct of the contest, the Sponsor reserves the right, to modify, cancel, or suspend this contest without prior notice or obligation. Any attempt to deliberately damage any website or to undermine the legitimate operation of this contest is a violation of criminal and civil laws and should such an attempt be made, the Sponsor reserves the right to seek remedies and damages to the fullest extent permitted by law, including criminal prosecution.

Sponsor reserves the right to disqualify a person if he/she enters the contest or tries to do so by any means contrary to these rules or which would be unfair to other entrants or where contest entries are generated by any mechanical or automated means. Entry materials that have been tampered with, reproduced, falsified, or altered are void. In the event a dispute arises as to the identity of a potentially winning online entrant, entries made by internet will be declared made by the name on the online entry form.

Currency is in Canadian dollars unless otherwise stipulated. Each prize must be accepted “as is” and may not be exchanged for an amount of money, bartered, sold, raffled, substituted, or transferred, and is non-refundable. In the event the stated prizes are unavailable due to reasons beyond the control of Kraft Canada Inc., a prize of equivalent nature and value will be available to be won, or Kraft, in its sole option, may award the winner the equivalent monetary value in lieu of prize. The prize will be delivered only to the confirmed winners.

Refusal to accept a prize releases the Promotion Parties, as well as their respective directors, officers, and employees, of all responsibility and obligations toward the winner of such prize. In no event shall Sponsor be held to award more prizes that what is mentioned in these rules or to award prizes otherwise than in compliance with these rules.

Promotion Parties shall assume no liability whatsoever for any situation in which their inability to act results from an event or situation unforeseeable or beyond their control, including but not limited to force majeure, a strike, lockout, or any other labour dispute at their location or the locations of the businesses whose services are used to hold this event.

9) CONDITIONS OF ENTRY: Acceptance of a prize constitutes permission for the Sponsor, and their agencies to use winners’ names, cities and provinces/territories of residence and likenesses for purposes of advertising and publicity in any and all media now or hereafter known throughout the world in perpetuity, without further compensation, notification, or permission, unless prohibited by law.

All information requested by and supplied by each entrant must be truthful, accurate, and in no way misleading. Sponsor reserves the right to disqualify any entrant from the contest in their discretion, should the entrant at any stage supply untruthful, inaccurate, or misleading details and/or information or should the entrant be ineligible for the contest pursuant to these rules.

10) PRIVACY: Kraft Canada Inc,. 95 Moatfield Drive, Don Mills, ON M3B 3L6, respects entrants’ right to privacy. Entrants’ names, age, mailing addresses, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses are gathered for the purpose of administering this contest and conducting publicity about this contest. By entering this contest, entrants consent to Kraft’s collection, use, and disclosure of their personal information for these purposes. You consent may be withdrawn at any time. Should you withdrawal your consent, your entry into this contest will be invalid. For a copy of Kraft’s Privacy Promise, please call 1-800-567-KRAFT or visit www.kraftcanada.com.

11) TWITTER: This Contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Twitter. You understand that you are providing your information to the Sponsor and not to Twitter.

12) OFFICIAL RULES: These rules are available on the contest website at www.listentolena.com

Filed Under: Contests Tagged With: #Kraftmeacoffee, Kraft Canada

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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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