#PGMom

COVERGIRL: Embrace Your Face

March 29, 2016 By Lena 22 Comments

Welcome to Spring! It’s my favourite season of the year – and I’m not just saying that because my birthday is coming up in two weeks!

Spring is about renewal. It’s about shrugging off the heavy layers (both physically and metaphorically) that we endured all winter, and looking forward to longer, brighter days. It’s also a great time to lighten up: our diets, clothing, hair colour, and even our makeup routine.

This Spring, embrace your face with COVERGIRL! In just 30 seconds, you can get matched to your perfect foundation based on the coverage you need, your skin type and skin tone, and the preferred makeup finish you are looking for. Personally, I love buildable coverage for my dry skin, with a natural look for my medium complexion. According to the #EmbraceYourFace Makeup Finder, I was matched with TruBLEND Liquid Makeup!
IMG_1765c TruBLEND Liquid Makeup is available in 14 shades and features a new shade matching system. To find your perfect blend, first determine your shade family. Second, choose your number. Coordinate complementary truBLEND products based on your number for a seamlessly flawless nude look that blends in and virtually disappears.

I’m wearing truBLEND foundation in Golden Beige M-3, with a light dusting of TRUblend Pressed Powder in Translucent Honey 3. I wore a strapless top to illustrate how closely the liquid makeup matches my natural skin tone; as you can see, it is a touch more rosy than my yellow-based skin, but overall, I’m quite happy with the shade and ease of application. …

On Winged Eyeliner, Rocker Chick Vibes and Grocery Clerks

October 27, 2015 By Lena 64 Comments

Spoiler Alert: I’m not spontaneous with my beauty routine. AT ALL.

I mean, why should I be? Why should I care? I work from home, my wardrobe consists of tee shirts and track pants, and I’ve been known to extend the washing of my hair by a day (or three).

That’s my life 90% of the time. The other 10% – the part you see on social media – is my glamorous life; the media events and photo shoots, the fashion advertising and beauty blogger selfies. And, if you can only envision one Lena, I want you to think of that version. Because I totes woke up like that. Totes.

Yesterday, feeling like a bored suburban housewife on a Monday morning, I decided to spice up my life. Dipping into a stash of COVERGIRL cosmetics, I created a rocker chick look, complete with winged eyeliner, tousled hair and pouty lips.
I couldn’t let this awesome look go to waste, so I visited Loblaws and picked fresh produce. The end.

(There’s probably a reason I’m not spontaneous with my beauty routine – I don’t have the necessary lifestyle to enjoy it! Nevertheless, a grocery store clerk did check me out. Or, he was side-eyeing me because I was messing up his tower of green peppers.) …

From Sag to Swag, A True Story

October 13, 2015 By Lena 14 Comments

From time to time, my ovaries do that little twinge thing. Hey Lena, they’ll say. How about another baby? A wee one to snuggle and cuddle and love to bits!

Down, ovaries, down.

First, I’m dangerously approaching the “Sell By” date on my eggs. Let’s just say that the big 4-0 is around the corner, and the only dates I want to be tracking are the date nights I have with my husband. Without kids.

Second, I have a new(ish) niece! She provides me with all the enjoyment I need, because she checks off the three major requirements: she looks like a baby, talks like a baby and walks like a baby.

Er, actually, she doesn’t walk like a baby at all. Because she just went from #SagtoSwag.

If there’s one thing I remember about my boys, it was their saggy diapers. As they grew and became mobile, I became increasingly aware of their overly bulky, bulging diapers which caused them to waddle around like most toddlers. At first, I began to change diapers around the clock, thinking that it must be terribly uncomfortable! But I soon realized that no matter what I did, the sag stayed.

That was then. Today, new and improved Pampers Cruisers diapers with Extra Absorb Channels help little ones stay drier and do not sag like ordinary diapers – helping babies go from sag to swag!
Pampers Think about it. A poor fitting or saggy diaper can limit babies’ freedom of movement. As babies grow, develop and explore their world, they need a diaper that allows them to play freely, provides a great fit, and stays drier. Plus, a recent Pampers survey found that more than 80% of moms who notice sag are bothered that their baby’s diaper sags. The same survey also found that 78% of moms feel that saggy diapers can weigh their baby down. …

Celebrate #SagtoSwag with the NEW Pampers Cruisers at Walmart!

August 21, 2015 By Lena 7 Comments

That moment when you realize one the world’s best products just got better.

It’s no secret that Pampers is the ONE product that I’ve never dared to cheat on. Through thick and thin – lured by coupons, sales, or manufacturer claims of superiority – I simply haven’t wavered in my loyalty or trust. And, Pampers also happens to be the brand that I’ve used on the two individuals who matter most to me in life – my two boys.

First, they were swaddled. Then, they were kept dry. And finally, they achieved cruiser status… exploring the world with gusto and glee. And then came the day when we no longer saw the familiar box in the corner of our room; we no longer felt the soft, padded bottom of our toddlers. It was a bittersweet moment for us, and often, if I think about sweet-smelling babies, cooing little mouths and Pampers-clad bottoms a little too much… my ovaries start to stir.

Um, NOPE. This shop is closed for business.

Even though my boys are well past the toddler stage, I’ll never stop being interested and invested in the Pampers brand. It is the only brand of diapers that I recommend to new moms, and I follow the updates and innovation rather closely. Last week, I had the pleasure of attending a media event in New York City, which celebrated the unveiling of the NEW Pampers Cruisers! There, I joined celebrity mom Jane Krakowski and mompreneurs from across North America.
I’ll be back to share all the details about the day – and, of course, the new and improved Pampers Cruisers – but in the meantime, I’d love to invite parents in the Greater Toronto Area to a very special event!…

How Do You Love Wildlife?

August 20, 2015 By Lena 18 Comments

Products with a dual purpose. Like Pampers baby wipes, which are safe and gentle for your baby’s bottom, but also double as a makeup remover towelette for mom. Or Bounty paper towels, which both clean up the messiest spills, and stand in as coffee filter in a pinch.

And Dawn dishwashing liquid. With its unparalleled grease cutting power, it cleans my dishes in a hurry, using less product than competitive brands. And, for over 30 years, Dawn dish soap has been an important part of rescuing and releasing more than 75,000 wild animals affected by oil pollution.

I love products with a dual purpose.

How do you love wildlife? This summer, Dawn is celebrating its rich history of loving and supporting wildlife with the debut of its We All Love Wildlife video series. Since 1978, Dawn has been the only dishwashing brand trusted by wildlife rescue experts, praised for its “soft on feathers, tough on grease benefits”.

The touching video series showcases the profound, positive influence that wildlife has had on rescue volunteers from Dawn’s long standing wildlife partners, International Bird Rescue (IBR) and The Marine Mammal Center. The videos feature four volunteers – a college student, a mom, a surfer and a veteran volunteer – all dedicated to helping save and rehabilitate marine animals in need.

Of course, when you enlist animal advocate and actor Ian Somerhalder to join the cause, you know it will get the media attention it deserves. Because, Ian Somerhalder.
Dawn Wildlife Press Event The Ian Somerhalder foundation lends support to campaigns that focus on everything from pollution to animal cruelty. To date, the foundation has awarded $50M in Animal Medical Emergency Grants – of which IBR has been a recipient. To celebrate their collaboration, Ian recently joined Dawn at International Bird Rescue’s San Pedro, California facility. There, guests and media personnel were given a behind-the-scenes look by IBR’s veteran volunteers. …

Recognizing Our Biggest Champions: #ThankYouMom

June 19, 2015 By Lena 4 Comments

Shaping, molding and nurturing one of our most important resources – our children – is no small feat, and is one that requires patience, perseverance and passion. Through countless hours, Canadian mothers play many different roles, whether it’s bringing a forgotten lunch to school, or cheering on a dedicated athlete at her track meet.

Sometimes, that athlete grows up and becomes an Olympian.

Meet Brianne Theisen-Eaton, an Olympian from London 2012. She holds the Canadian record for the indoor pentathlon with a score of 4768 points, and competes in the heptathlon and women’s pentathlon.

And meet Kim Theisen, her mom. “I did my best to be there for Brianne so that she could dedicate herself to the sport she loved. I relied on quality products for my family and taught Brianne to do the same.”

P&G’s #ThankYouMom campaign is about giving athletes an opportunity to thank their biggest champions – their moms. As a proud sponsor of moms, P&G products are used and trusted by moms every day so moms can focus on supporting their children.

This year, P&G has partnered with Athletics Canada to provide members of their team competing at the upcoming Pan Am and Parapan Am Games in Toronto and their moms an assortment of P&G products from brands like Tide, Bounty, Pantene and Gillette.

To learn more, please join us for the #ThankYouMom Twitter Chat on Monday, June 22 at 8pm EDT.
ThankYouMom Graphic v6 We’ll be joined by very special guest Brianne Theisen-Eaton (@btheiseneaton), who’ll share her own experiences and examples of her mom’s support and selflessness throughout the years.

“I was honoured when P&G approached me to become involved in the Thank You Mom program,” says Theisen-Eaton. “This program gives me a chance to shine the spotlight on my mom – one of my biggest champions.” …

Introducing the Newest NIOXIN Campaign… Starring ME!

February 23, 2015 By Lena 31 Comments

If you’ve ever had a bad hair day, you’ll know that I’ve had them too.

Read: Bad Hair Day? Yeah, Me Too.

After several bouts of thinning, lacklustre hair, I decided to trust my locks to NIOXIN. The NIOXIN approach began in 1987, when the founder experienced thinning hair and began to investigate the idea of treating the scalp with skincare methods. NIOXIN uses advanced technologies to deliver thicker, fuller, denser-looking hair. The three parts of each NIOXIN system – cleanse, optimise and treat – work together to help create an optimal scalp environment.

I’m a believer.

After using the system religiously for six months, my hair is healthier, thicker and fuller looking with uncompromising depth and body. In fact, I am so thrilled with the results, when NIOXIN asked me to partner with them on a Spring ad campaign, I happily signed on to be the face of the brand.

Remember this post when I teased about heading off to Los Angeles for a photo shoot? May I present my official ad campaign for NIOXIN professional hair care products:
nioxin ad Have a question about NIOXIN? As me! I’m happy to help. And go on and take the NIOXIN 30-day challenge for thicker, fuller looking hair – and you will be a believer, too.

Surprise! I’m California Dreamin’….

September 11, 2014 By Lena 52 Comments

Psst! I have a secret. It’s not a HUGE secret, but it’s a pretty AWESOME one.

I’m currently in Los Angeles!

Yup, I’ve been whisked away for a very special assignment for Proctor & Gamble. As a #PGMom, you know I’ve received a few amazing perks over the years… well, none could be more amazing than this!

Now I can’t give away the details just yet, but think photo shoot. And modelling. And North American campaign. Told you it was awesome, no? Pinch me!

As soon as I can share information about the campaign, you know I will! In the meantime, I’ll be squeezing in some pool time today at The Standard Downtown LA, my home for the next three days.

The Standard What are the odds I can score one of those red private cabanas? Wish me luck!

I’ll be back home Saturday night and it’ll be business as usual… in the meantime, I’m going to order room service, head out to soak up the sun (and do a little shopping!) and of course, strike a pose. Have a great weekend friends!

Put Your Best Eyebrows Forward

July 9, 2014 By Lena 52 Comments

I have an eyebrow obsession. Some people have good hair days… I have good eyebrow days.

I tend to be vain about them, too. That’s why I couldn’t resist taking this photo last night – chillin’ in bed with the kiddos, I realized that my eyebrows were quite awesome. So of course I Instagrammed the picture and tagged it #goodeyebrowday.

Eyebrow Obsession I know, I’m very strange.

Now you may be asking yourself, What’s the secret to perfect eyebrows? Well, there really isn’t a secret at all. You just need to remember three things:

1. Your eyebrow shape has been pre-designed to perfectly frame your eyes and provide expression to your face. Balance and proportion are what the human eye perceives as beautiful, so always work with your natural shape vs. trying to tweeze them into an unnatural arch.

2. If you have gone overboard and tweezed your brows into thin lines (or the dreaded “comma” shape), grow them back. Many women will claim that after over-tweezing, their eyebrows won’t grow back. However, unless you’ve been tweezing for 30+ years, it’s hard to permanently damage the hair follicle.

You just need to be super patient (re-growth can take up to 6 months) and put up with unpolished brows for a season or two. This past winter, I successfully grew back 30% of my brows by leaving them alone.

3. Regardless of your eyebrow state, use a brow pencil or brow powder to define the shape and fill in sparse areas. You’ll need a steady hand, and a lot of practice. (Hint: if you look like Groucho Marx, wipe if off and start again.) You can even purchase handy eyebrow stencils (yes, stencils!) from Sephora, but I don’t prefer them as they force you to create a new shape vs. defining your own.

Here are my tools of the trade:

Tweezerman Tweezer. Positively the finest general use tweezer in the world – top eyebrow artists always recommend the original Slant tweezer for expert brow shaping. The perfectly aligned, hand-filed tips grab every hair, every time with true precision.

CoverGirl Brow & Eyemakers Pencil. Create beautiful brows with this incredibly versatile pencil. It has a soft hue and powdery finish, and offers the perfect amount of coverage when applied with a light, feathery stroke. Best of all, the two-pack of pencils retails for about $5.00!

My very best tip when using an eyebrow pencil is to ensure your brows are darker than your hair colour. The biggest mistake I see is when women use a light or medium brown eyebrow pencil/powder when they have dark brown or blonde hair. Even natural blondes have dark brown brows, people! Stick to midnight brown and you’ll be good to go, regardless of your hair colour.

Do you have questions about shaping or filling eyebrows? I’m here to help! After years of obsessing over my own, I consider myself quite the expert on the subject.

Hit The Snooze Button: The Dirty on 5 Dry Shampoos

June 9, 2014 By Lena 75 Comments

Often, when I least expect it, I have flashbacks to my corporate days. Oh, I rarely think about my tiny cubicle, the 4pm meetings (who schedules 4pm meetings?) or the frequent travel – but I do think about the mornings. The mornings where, almost on a daily basis, I whacked the snooze button and began the internal debate of whether I could get away with not washing my hair.

You see, back in the mid-2000’s, there was exactly one dry shampoo on the market – Oscar Blandi – and it was ex.pen.sive. It still is! At $30 for just 2.5 oz, it’s a great option only if you’d rather drop hundreds a year on fake shampoo than drag your sorry ass out of bed.

(Of course, I can be rational about it now, because it’s not 6:00am and I haven’t slammed my alarm clock twice.)

Alas, since I wasn’t willing to invest in Oscar Blandi, I dragged my ass out of bed. And now, when I don’t need to wake up in time for a morning commute, of course there’s a plethora of affordable dry shampoos on the market. Isn’t it ironic, Alanis Morisette?

So, how do you choose the perfect dry shampoo? Well, the good news is that with so many options that won’t break the bank, you can afford a little trial and error. From my own personal experience, I can tell you there is no “one size fits all” miracle product. I thought I had found the perfect dry shampoo, until I tried another, and then another, and then another. And now I realize that dry shampoo is a very personal choice; one that changes with your hair’s length, texture, colour, styling habits, and of course, oiliness. Hence, without further ado, here are five new-to-market, affordable and readily available dry shampoos. I’ll start with Pantene’s trio of products, as they really do deserve separate mentions.

1. Pantene Original Fresh Dry Shampoo

The Pitch: With our dry shampoo formula, it’s now possible to wash your hair without the water. Cleanse, remove oil, and refresh your style even when it’s not convenient to shower. Fuses tapioca with Pro-V Science; leaves no excess residue; tapioca starch is solubilized in ethanol to provide minimal white residue; made without emollients for excellent oil absorption.

Pantene Dry Shampoo The Perfect Customer: Gals with slightly oily hair. The product smells fabulous and goes on relatively translucently, so for application, it’s a clear winner. However, it had a tough time whipping my limp, greasy locks into shape, even with repeated applications. Hence, this product is best used the first day after washing as a maintenance dose, rather than trying to repair already oily hair. But OMG the scent! *Love* it.

2. Pantene Blowout Extend Dry Shampoo

The Pitch: Want to keep your runway-ready style a little longer? Our new waterless formula helps extend your blowout, giving your style a fresh, clean look, even on the second day. Outstanding Oil Absorber technology featuring tapioca particles; quickly evaporates leaving the oil absorbers available to clean effectively.

The Perfect Customer: Just about any gal. Does a great job of protecting the integrity of a fabulous blowout, restoring hair to its full, bouncy state. Showed amazing promise after three daily applications, extending my hair washing cycle effectively and without too much build up. With a good blow out, your volume potential is almost limitless. Definitely my pick of the bunch. …

Bad Hair Day? Yeah, Me Too.

May 19, 2014 By Lena 74 Comments

The first time it happened, I was 21 years old. Having just been dumped by my high school sweetheart, I was understandably under a *little* stress. What is it about heartache that causes your body to fall apart? I lost 5 pounds without trying, stopped enjoying just about everything in life, and had trouble concentrating on even the most simple tasks. And I suppose I could have soldiered on, except for one thing: my hair was falling out.

Nioxin 1 (Seriously? I was just dumped by the supposed love of my life… and was rewarded with a bald spot?)

I should have known that I wouldn’t be able to escape the breakup unscathed – after all, it’s a widely known fact that stress can cause significant hair loss. But why?

“Typically, people shed about 100 hairs a day,” says Carolyn Jacob, MD. “Most people don’t even notice.” Sometimes, a significant stress of some sort may spark a change in your body’s routine physiological functions, and cause a disproportionate number of hairs to go into the resting phase at the same time. Then three to four months later, sometimes longer, all those resting hairs are shed. The effect can be alarming. The types of events that disrupt the normal hair cycle, Jacob says, can be caused by the substantial physiological stresses on your body.
– Source

Okay, so we’ve established that I was under physiological stress. Break ups suck! But while complaining to my then-stylist about my thinning hair, she suggested the NIOXIN system of products. Fair warning: they weren’t as sexy as they are now. Packaged in a brown bottle with a similarly forgettable scent and consistency, I figured something so blah had to work, as it wasn’t trussed up in sweet-smelling peachy commercialism. And you know what? It did work. With consistent use over a few months, and a heart on the mend, I started to feel my hair return to its natural texture and density.

Nioxin 2 The second time it happened, I was 26 years old… and it was yet again after a breakup. Honestly! Four years with a guy who couldn’t commit, and my perky, bouncy hair started falling out in chunks. I had flashbacks of my first battle of the bald spot – and was ready to swear off men for good – when I remembered NIOXIN. The packaging had changed, but the results were the same: a noticeable decrease in hair loss after 3-4 weeks, and after 2-3 months, thicker, healthier hair.

So what’s the deal with NIOXIN?

The NIOXIN approach began in 1987, when the founder experienced thinning hair and began to investigate the idea of treating the scalp with skincare methods. NIOXIN uses advanced technologies to deliver thicker, fuller, denser-looking hair. The three parts of each NIOXIN system – cleanse, optimise and treat – work together to help create an optimal scalp environment.

Today, my hair is thinning – and I can’t blame it on a break up. That’s right, good ol’ genetics, hormones and age – combined with a handful of medications – have started their assault on my naturally fine hair, making it lack body, lustre and strength. As a P&G Mom, I had the awesome opportunity to visit a NIOXIN salon – P&H Salon in Toronto. There, the talented Fabrizio (call him! He’s fab – pun intended) took me through the ins and outs of the NIOXIN system, and we settled on the correct one for my hair type (System 3) and what to expect. …

Scruff or Suave? The Battle of the Babes

May 11, 2014 By Lena 54 Comments

Generally speaking, there are two categories of women: those who like men with a little scruff, and those who don’t.

Me – well, let’s just say I’m a switch hitter, because truly, I can go both ways. (Side note: are goatees still popular? It’s been a while since I’ve seen a guy sport one.) I mean, there are advantages to both – scruffy guys tend to look more manly, with a devil-may-care attitude; suave guys show that a little personal grooming goes a long way, and, you don’t have to endure beard-burn during an epic make out session.

Now, it’s a tough job but *someone* had to do it: research the internet for “scruffy celebrity hotties”. Can you guess who made the top of the list? Did you know that “Somerhalder” means the incredibly hot one in Latin? Okay I’m just pulling your leg. Or not. Cause he’s incredibly hot, obvi (fanning myself in a dramatic fashion).

Ian Somerhalder Alas, if I have to make a choice, I do prefer a clean-shaven man. I find it sexy, sophisticated and most of all, a sign of impeccable grooming. And I’m not alone: a study, which was published in the journal Behavioral Ecology, queried women from New Zealand and Canada to determine their preferences on men’s facial hair. Over 200 women were presented with pictures of clean-shaven and bearded men. The results showed that women found the clean-shaven men significantly more attractive.

Okay, so I’ve hardly made it fair for men by using Brad Pitt as the poster child for a clean-shaven dude. And, if I’m telling the truth, in a Brad Pitt – Ian Somerhalder showdown, I don’t want to be making a judgement on the level of desirability. Still, I have to give ol’ Brad the edge – and extra points for a kissably soft cheek.

My husband? He’s on Team Suave, thanks to the Braun °CoolTec shaver. The Braun °CoolTec is the world’s first dry shaver that’s engineered to deliver the leading shaving performance you expect from Braun whilst creating a noticeable reduction in the signs of shaving irritation including burning, itching, redness, skin tension and warmth. …

The #cleanwater Twitter Chat

April 10, 2014 By Lena

Most of y’all are used to my fun and catchy post titles – especially when promoting Twitter Chats or other online shindigs. However, I recognize that the upcoming #cleanwater Twitter Chat is simply one of the most meaningful initiatives I’ve ever aligned with, and hence, wanted to give it the respect it deserves.

FACT: The majority of Canadians take clean drinking water for granted… while one billion go without.

It can be said that nearly all Canadians enjoy an unlimited supply of clean water, so it’s no surprise that a recent survey by P&G and Walmart Canada found that 80% of us take safe drinking water for granted. And, many of us may be shocked to learn that one billion people in the developing world do not have the same luxury.

FACT: Diseases from contaminated water kill more children than HIV/AIDS and malaria combined.

To help combat this global issue, P&G and Walmart Canada have teamed up to donate one day of clean drinking water for every P&G product purchased at Walmart or Walmart.ca during the month of April. The Canadian initiative will support the Children’s Safe Drinking Water Program (CSDW) that aims to save one life every hour by 2020 through the provision of two billion litres of clean water each year. For a 12-month period, a selection of more than 20 P&G products will continue to generate donations for each purchase at Walmart Canada.

FACT: Canadian actor and #cleanwater activist, Jason Priestley, supports the initiative.

“More than 1,600 children die every single day from water-borne illnesses,” says Jason Priestley. “I believe that everyone should have clean water. As a dad, the thought of children dying every day from preventable diseases caused by lack of clean water is an unfathomable tragedy. I’m proud to partner with P&G and Walmart Canada to educate Canadians about how they can bring clean drinking water to children and families in the developing world.”

Join us on Tuesday, April 15th at 8:00pm ET for the #cleanwater Twitter Chat. We’ll share a wealth of information about this incredibly important initiative, and have amazing P&G prize packs on hand to reward our chat attendees.

Our GRAND PRIZE is valued at over $250, which includes a $200 Walmart Gift Card. Plus, please welcome @Jason_Priestley – he will be our special guest, tweeting LIVE on the chat!

RSVP below for a chance to win. See you on Tuesday night!…

Secret to a Successful Marriage? The #SwifferEffect

March 17, 2014 By Lena

I should probably write a book. Or at the very least, submit my story to those seeking relationship counselling. Because friends, gather ’round: I have found the secret to a successful marriage.

I know what you’re thinking… communication, friendship and companionship, right? Of course. Of course those are important attributes of any fulfilling relationship. And for better or worse, richer or poorer… I married the man of my dreams. He’s smart, he’s charming, and he knows his way around the kitchen just as he knows the way to my heart.

But that’s not why I hang on to him.

My man has something I’ll be hard-pressed to find in another potential mate. Until now, I’ve kept his special skills a secret from the world. Because truthfully, I fear women everywhere will try to steal him away. And before you start to speculate, I’ll just come clean: no, he doesn’t send me romantic texts – or leave doting messages written in raspberries. And – shockingly – he doesn’t whip out an acoustic guitar, serenading me with words of love. But he does have the one thing that keeps me coming back for more – he has the #SwifferEffect.

Yes, ladies, my man does all the cleaning. And when he cleans, he only trusts Swiffer.

By day, he’s a successful business executive. He likes high definition smartphones and a high definition clean. Swiffer Dusters pick up dust and lock it away with thousands of flexible fluffy fibres. Lightly coated with Dust Lock Adhesive, these fibres change shape to reach into nooks and crannies, trapping up to 2x more dust than a dust cloth.

Conference call at 3pm? No problem. He’s on it like dust on shutters. Now THIS is what you call multi-tasking 101. …

It’s a #PampersParty Twitter Party!

October 13, 2013 By Lena

It’s such a pleasure to partner with brands that I’ve had a long-standing relationship with. Loyal readers of my blog will know that there is only ONE product that I’ve never dared to cheat on. Through thick and thin – lured by coupons, sales, or manufacturer claims of superiority – I simply haven’t wavered in my loyalty or trust. And, it happens to be a brand that I’ve used on the two individuals who matter most to me in life – my two boys.

The product is Pampers, of course.

And now, I’m happy to share news of the LARGEST innovation in the history of Pampers! After 50 years of caring for little ones, Pampers continues its commitment to making diapers and wipes that help support the happy, healthy development of every baby.

“Pampers set out to deliver meaningful innovation – in performance, design and aesthetics – across the entire line to fully meet the needs of every parent and baby that has ever used – or will ever use – a Pampers product. After interviewing nearly 9,000 moms, Pampers is excited to announce a superior diaper and the biggest innovation in the brands history!”

The new Pampers diapers are three times drier than ordinary diapers with up to 12 hours of overnight dryness protection, resulting in the best possible experience for babies. Another development – advanced comfort features for newborns, extending the Swaddlers you love into larger sizes – now size 5!

And there’s no better time to grab a box or two: To make shopping even more convenient, Loblaw is launching a new program perfect for moms – The Mommy of all Baby Events! From October 10 –24, Loblaw stores will offer fabulous promotions and events from cooking classes, dietitian demos, special sales and fun contests. Check out your local Loblaw store to find out more, or go to themommyofallbabyevents.ca.

To kick off the launch of Loblaws’ The Mommy of all Baby Events, share your shopping secrets and learn a few great tips with #PampersMom @jessicamulroney at the #PampersParty Twitter Party on Wednesday, October 16 at 9pm. Our party will highlight how to maximize time with loved ones by being a smart mommy shopper. Jessica will also share her shopping tips and insight into her life as a Pampers mom of three!

To make things more exciting – you’ll have the chance to win fabulous prizes courtesy of Pampers and Loblaws:

2 x Pampers Family Prize Pack – $500 in Pampers products from Swaddlers to Easy Ups (Grand Prizes)
1 x Savvy Mom Style Prize – $100 Joe Fresh Gift Card
5 x Baby Needs Prize Packs – $150 Pampers & Loblaws Package

Do you know someone who can use $500 in Pampers products? Sure, we all do! Be a great friend and RSVP for a chance to win BIG! Looking forward to partying with you!…

It’s a Matter of Trust.

August 9, 2013 By Lena

I’m a product junkie. I bounce from brand to brand, always looking for my next favourite product. Ahem – have you seen my stash of lip balms?

If it’s on sale, I’ll try it out. If it’s slapped with a “New and Improved!” seal, I’ll give it a go. I’ve found some of my favourite products through trial and error; Rimmel Kohl Eye Pencils and eos Shave Cream, to name a few.

However, a few nights ago, it dawned on me that there is ONE product that I’ve never dared to cheat on. Through thick and thin – lured by coupons, sales, or manufacturer claims of superiority – I simply haven’t wavered in my loyalty or trust. And, it happens to be a brand that I’ve used on the two individuals who matter most to me in life – my two boys.

The product is Pampers.

This post is written on the heels of Reid meeting a major milestone (TMI alert!) – last night, he pooped in the big boy’s toilet for the very first time! Finally, our potty training efforts have started to move from abysmal to mildly successful. Yes, I can see the light at the end of the tunnel, and it’s been a damned long tunnel.

Hence, it’s with bittersweet joy that I announce that my relationship with the one product I’ve never considered substituting – the one brand I’ve trusted for over 5 years between 2 boys – is slowly coming to an end. But, I do have a purpose for writing this post –

It’s for every new mom or mom-to-be. I see you, cruising through the diapers aisle, mentally checking out the goods. I see you comparing diaper counts and whipping out your phone to calculate the cost-per-diaper. I see you lifting the store brand of diapers, wondering if they’ll do. I see that little wrinkle in your frown as you decide which diaper will adorn the behind of the precious little life you’re in charge of.

And I’m here to say, “Buy Pampers”.

How can I be so confident in my recommendation? Well, it’s more than just because I’ve used them on my own children and endorse them with enthusiasm and without hesitation. And it’s more than the fact I was a Pampers baby myself. It’s because I’ve been privy to a little insider information… a coveted look behind the scenes, if you will…

Back in June, I was treated to an exclusive tour of the Pampers facility in Cincinnati, Ohio.

As part of my affiliation with the Proctor & Gamble #PGMom program, I had an opportunity to witness the science behind the brand. Ever wonder if those “leak proof” commercials are staged? Or if the rigorous performance testing they undertake is valid? Thanks to an interactive demonstration with Joann Hoover, Principal Researcher at Pampers North America Research & Development, I can honestly say I’m a believer….

It’s a #BountyShowdown Twitter Party!

March 27, 2013 By Lena

There are so many ways I could introduce this Twitter Party – you know, talk about my addiction to Bounty Paper Towels; how they’ve helped us out of mess after mess… and why it’s so important to have them on hand for every little disaster.

But really, what it comes down to is this: Who wants to win a ONE-YEAR supply of Bounty? Um yeah, that would be EVERYONE!!

Here’s the scoop. Food Network Canada’s newest original competition series, Donut Showdown, premieres on Tuesday, April 2nd at 10pm ET/PT. And, Bounty happens to be the title sponsor!

(I can totally see that. Jelly donuts, cream puffs and chocolate cruellers? Recipe for a mess, for sure!)

“Hosted by international food television personality Danny Boome (from The Chew and Recipe Rehab), Donut Showdown features an all-star judges panel, who will decide which fried dessert will make the cut. The judges are Food Network Canada chef David Rocco, culinary expert Maggie McKeown of Recipe to Riches and popular Toronto restauranteur Zane Caplansky. Each episode starts with three competitors who will be asked to create a fried treat using bizarre and top-secret ingredients. At the end of each week, only one will prevail and will walk away with a $10,000 prize.”

Join us as we TWEET LIVE with Bounty during the show, chatting up all the thrills and spills. (I recommend having a light snack on hand – there’ll be a lot of donut talk, so you may get a case of the late-night munchies!)

DATE and TIME: Tuesday, April 2nd at 10:00pm ET
HASHTAG: #BountyShowdown
MODERATORS: @Listen2Lena – @FeistyFrugal – @Jen_Banks – @ParentClub – @SassyModernMom

Of course, you know we have some AMAZING prizing up for grabs – we’ll be giving away 5 x 6-months supply of Bounty, and 3 x 1-year supply of Bounty. Now raise your hand if you just got ridiculously excited about that – congratulations, you must be a Mom!…

From Pampers to Prada.

February 24, 2013 By Lena

I’ve been in a relationship for almost five years now. At first, it was just an exclusive kind of thing… but then, for a short period of time, I actually had two to contend with. And let me tell you, when you’re going at it two at a time, sometimes, it’s overwhelming.

Of course that only lasted for a few months; the first outgrew it – or rather, I forced a full breakup. You see, we both needed our freedom.

So I was left with just one – back in my comfort zone, if you will. And now, after two and a half years, it looks like I’ll finally be done. I’ll finally be free.

Our home is about to become Pampers-less.

Truthfully? It’s mostly awesome, but also kind of bittersweet. No more diapers means that I officially no longer have babies in my household. Those tender moments – changing a diaper in the middle of the night before a feeding, gently applying cream to those oh-so-soft cheeks – will be replaced with hollers of “Come wipe my bum!” and “Look at this one, it takes up the whole toilet!”

Right.
Splendid.

And so with Reid’s potty training officially underway, I began reminiscing about my relationship with Pampers. Truthfully, in terms of products, it has likely been the most long-lasting, trusted relationship that I’ve had. From the very first hour of their lives, both Ryder and Reid’s sweet little bottoms were coddled with Swaddlers. Through the months that followed, I’ve believed in Pampers’ ability to keep their delicate skin soft and dry; to take them through the night with comfort; and to keep their business contained in the diapers… and off my very expensive leather sectional.

Will it feel strange to not see the familiar green Baby Dry box in the corner of Reid’s room?
Will I miss scanning the flyers for sales, clipping coupons and inputting Gifts to Grow Points?

I’ll never forget the first few moments of Ryder’s life. After enduring over 30 hours of labour and a natural childbirth (someone told me that us “au naturel” mamas have bragging rights for the rest of our lives) I was understandably exhausted. As my head rolled to the side of my hospital bed, I saw the most enduring thing – the nurse showing my husband how to properly diaper Ryder.

And I thought, “Phew. Maybe he can show me how to do it later.”
And I remember feeling a little bit vulnerable, because Ryder was swimming in his newborn diaper.
And I thought, “What have I done?”

Husband went on to be a champion diaper-changer, and I’m still convinced the nurse showed him a critical technique that allows him to consistently have the best time….

My Love for this Product is Unstopable

February 6, 2013 By Lena

It’s hardly a new product – being on the market for at least one year now – but it’s certainly one of my favourites. Folks, if you haven’t tried Downy Unstopables yet – You.Are.Missing.Out.

Now I suppose this would be a good time to add a disclaimer – if you’re sensitive to fragrance, or have an aversion to having your clothes smelling heavenly for weeks on end – perhaps this isn’t the product for you. But for all those who adore the scent of freshly washed laundry, read on.

Unstopables are marketed as an “in wash scent booster”, which roughly translates to “pebbles of deliciousness that you toss in your washing machine.” They don’t clean; they don’t soften clothes; but hot damn do they ever deliver on the whole scent-boosting phenomena. Currently available in four scents – Fresh, Lush (my personal fave), Shimmer and Spring, the scent beads are dissolved during the wash cycle, infusing your fabrics with lasting fresh scent. Just use a little (or a lot!) and you have total control over the amount of fragrance and freshness.

When I first received the product for review I was skeptical about a) the effectiveness, b) the value for the price ($8.99 per bottle), and c) the effectiveness. Oops, did I already say that? Call me a skeptic, but I’ve been disappointed before by laundry products claiming long-lasting freshness.

After using Unstopables just once, I was hooked. Not only did our clothes come out smelling heavenly, but the fragrance lingered on for days. And days. And days. In fact, when retrieving a pair of jeans from Reid’s dresser – some 2 weeks after doing a kid’s load in the wash – I was overjoyed to be hit with the lush scent of lavender as soon as I opened the drawer. It was glorious! I actually stuffed my face in the jeans and took a deep breath; never before had boys clothing smelled so divine.

The official claim from Downy is that Unstopables will keep laundry fresh for up to 12 weeks. I’m not exactly if this a true statement, but I can tell you this: if you’re only doing laundry every 12 weeks, you have too many clothes. Like, way too many. Hence, I don’t think we’ll ever be able to give it the full 3-month test, but I can certainly vouch for its efficacy up to 2 weeks and slightly beyond.

Aren’t those little pebbles just adorable? I wish our computer screens were scent-enabled.

Since one of my prior concerns was price, I can tell you this: I’ve since purchased two more bottles (on sale for $6.99 each). I was able to get at least 25 washes per bottle (using about a tablespoon in each wash), and so to me, it’s worth an extra 28¢ per wash to get lasting freshness and fragrance. I always break things down on a cost-per-use basis, because it allows me to track where I spend too much money – and where I’m happy to indulge. For Downy Unstopables, I will indulge.…

Beauty and the Marketing Beast

November 9, 2012 By Lena

Yesterday, I had the distinct pleasure of attending the #PGMom Influencer Event at the Four Seasons Hotel in Toronto. Although I missed most of the day due to scheduling conflicts, I was able to breeze in for the last two sessions. And since both centered around beauty (makeup/hair) I was in seventh heaven.

(Disclaimer: I have joined the #PGMom program as a beauty blogger; hence, I will mostly be covering their beauty brands – CoverGirl, Olay, Pantene, Clairol, Herbal Essences, Secret and Head and Shoulders.)

The first session was a trip through the P&G Product Mall, where I had a most wonderful makeup chat with Diana Nguyen, the Communications – Brand PR representative for Proctor & Gamble. We talked about everything from the latest products to how every teenage girl’s first compact is a CoverGirl Clean Pressed Powder compact (I used the blue one – oil control – from grades 10 through 12). I even pulled the CoverGirl Brow & Eyemakers Duo out of my purse – yes, I travel with an eyebrow pencil!

Next, a sit-down session to “Meet the P&G Beauty Experts”. Well, I was more than a little excited to meet Greg Wencel – CoverGirl pro and celebrity makeup artist. Hello! He’s worked with Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift, Lisa Ray and Katy Perry, to name a few. I secured a seat in the front row, excited to pick up the best tips and tricks.

It wasn’t what I expected.

Of course, he did have wonderful advice to share. After all, he’s a bloody genius! Much respect to him. However, I was slightly turned off by the undertone of his messaging –

We know Moms are busy….
Don’t always have time to put best face forward…
Looking for tips to incorporate into quick makeup routine…

Well, he is correct in a certain respect – Moms ARE busy. And many Moms don’t have the time or desire to apply makeup every day – and frankly, some aren’t even interested in doing so. Fair enough.

But there’s also a large portion of us who MAKE THE TIME. I arrived at the event with a full face of makeup – artfully sculpted brows, winged eyeliner with smoky eyes, a sweep of bronzer highlighting my cheekbones and dewy, shiny lips. Yes, I am busy – and I am short on time. But I will find the time to complete my beauty ritual; it’s just a part of who I am and who I’ll always be. I don’t need quick tips. I don’t have a quick makeup routine….