Listen to Lena

Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion

Reno-Giveaway

Reno-cation: Giveaway Winners!

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Happy Canada Day!

Today the ol’ country is 144 years old… not too shabby, eh?

Lately, I have become obsessed with the way I pronounce “about” – especially since Americans love to suggest that we say “aboot”…

A – BOUT. A – BOUT. A – BOUT. 

Nope, sounds nothing like aboot to me. WTF?

Anyhoo, I can’t think of a better day to announce a slew of Canadian winners from my recent Reno-Giveaways!

Congratulations all ~

HP e-Station All in One Printer #1168 Scott

Sharp Air Purifier #804 MommyNoob

SummerFresh Foods #409 cherdon

Delta Faucet with Touch 2O #321 David

Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker/MTF Price Matters #397 Rae T. (Auqakuh)

Kodak Playtouch Video Camera #618 roswell

Bento Sushi #373 AHC

ConAgra Foods #62 Tricha

(Not included in the Reno-cation, but also a winner)

Daddy Diaper Changing Toolbox #46 Amy

I’ll be sending out winner’s notifications later today. In the meantime, if you see your name here, please send me an e-mail with your complete mailing address, plus phone number, so I can have the prize sent to you right away.

Thank you to everyone who participated, and to my fabulous sponsors!

Reno-Giveaway #8: ConAgra Foods

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Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

Sigh, it’s my last Reno-cation giveaway! I’ve had such an awesome time showcasing my new abode – and the companies that made it possible. Here’s another sponsor who made my life SO MUCH easier amidst the chaos: ConAgra Foods.

Now I know you’ve enjoyed goodies from one (or more) of their awesome brands – Chef Boyardee, Healthy Choice, Hunt’s, Orville Redenbacher’s, PAM, POGO, Snack Pack and VH – at any given time, my pantry is stocked with these products!

We’ve already agreed that cooking was not my priority during the renovations, so when the good folks at ConAgra Foods asked if I needed a little help in the kitchen, I responded with a resounding “YES!”

I was very lucky to have received  a sampling of their most delicious foods to help create quick and simple meals, and of course, facilitate late night snacks! (Thank you Orville – your New Flavour Shakers White Cheddar Popcorn is simply delicious!)

I’m sure you’ve heard me say Ryder is addicted to popcorn, so his eyes literally lit up when the Smart Pop made it’s way to the pantry. (Did you know that Smart Pop has only 130 calories per 7 cups, 0 trans fat and 20% of your daily value for fibre, per 1/2 bag? Yup, it’s pretty much the perfect snack.)

If you didn’t catch my review on Healthy Choice Gourmet Steamers, shame on you! You’ve likely missed out on tons of quick, delicious and healthy meals!

With Healthy Choice Gourmet Steamers, you can enjoy unbelievably fresh tasting, healthy meals cooked to perfection in your microwave. The secret? High-quality ingredients and a unique DuoTray SteamCooker which circulates steam throughout the meal during cooking.

And if you’re looking for equally delicious, Asian-inspired meals, then you simply must try VH Steamers. I must admit, they’re my fave. Using a similar cooking technology as the Healthy Choice Gourmet Steamers, flavour is locked in – which is especially awesome when the flavour is Shanghai Ginger Beef :)

(The husband has declared VH Steamers his new “emergency food”! They are stacked in my freezer at any given time.)

Wondering what I did with all the other goodies I received? I prepared the EASIEST MEAL EVER – which loosely consists of me throwing together a few items while masquerading as a master chef. Write this down:

Lena’s Quick Un-Pad Thai
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 5 minutes

250g capellini pasta
1 clove garlic, minced
1 cup medium cooked shrimp, deveined
3/4 cup VH Thai Market Pad Thai Sauce
2-3 leaves fresh basil, chiffonade cut
Original PAM Cooking Spray

In a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook capellini according to manufacturer’s directions (normally only about 3-4 minutes).

Meanwhile, spray a wok or large pan with PAM cooking spray; set on medium heat. Add minced garlic and fry barely 30 seconds; add shrimp and VH Market Pad Thai Sauce and stir for 1 minute until heated through. Toss with drained pasta, remove to serving bowl and sprinkle with fresh basil.

Ta-da! A delicious, Asian-inspired meal that you can create in minutes if you’ve got a few staple ingredients on hand – including the VH Sauce, of course! All my boys gobble it up, and even though it’s not strictly authentic, the flavours are nonetheless perfectly balanced.


You find all the ConAgra brands at your local supermarket!


One lucky Listen to Lena! reader will win Five (5) Healthy Choice Gourmet Steamers Free Product Coupons and Five (5) VH Steamers Free Product Coupons! (Total Value $50)

To enter, simply visit Healthy Choice Gourmet Steamers and VH Sauces online and choose your two favourite flavours from each of the steamers. 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) NEW Follow Listen to Lena! on Twitter
(4) “Like” Healthy Choice Canada on Facebook
(5) “Like” Life Unjarred on Facebook
(6) Tweet daily: Please use this ConAgra Foods Giveaway Tweet.

I’ll draw for a winner on June 30th. Good luck everybody!

Reno-Giveaway #7: Bento Sushi

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The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

If you’ve been following my recent Reno-cation, you’ll know that cooking wasn’t always a priority. Thank goodness for Bento; fresh, convenient and always delicious, their amazing products are the answer to sushi on demand.

“As the largest sushi company in Canada, Bento serves more than 10 million handmade servings of sushi per year through a network of 22 quick service ‘grab and go’ sushi bars in premier shopping malls and office towers; more than 350 on-site sushi bars in quality supermarkets and more than 2,000 supermarket and institutional food service locations. The brands which the company’s products are known by include: Bento, Bento Express and Bento Sushi.”

If you caught my previous Bento feature, you’ll know that no supermarket stop is complete without a tray of their famous “Handcrafted Sushi. Ready to Roll.”

Think you know all about Bento’s sushi? Think again.

Introducing Bento Kenzen, a line of innovative products which bring an eclectic mix of exotic, beautiful and, of course, delicious sushi items right to your grocery store. Available exclusively at select Loblaws, Zehrs and Real Canadian Superstore locations (where else?), you can indulge in truly inspired creations, such as:

Tropicali Roll – Strawberry Dragon Roll – Volcano Roll – Kamikaze Roll 
It’s a fresh new spin on my beloved maki! With tart and tangy ingredients such as strawberry and mango, plus traditional favourites like crab, avocado and fish roe, each bite is truly a culinary celebration. Don’t think you can handle strawberries and crab in the same mouthful? At first, I was a little skeptical too – but since I’m all about discovering tasty new foods, I kept an open mind and a willing tummy.

The good folks at Bento prepared a delectable platter for all to enjoy chez Lena:

If the old adage “You Eat with Your Eyes” is true, then this platter was quite likely the most delicious thing I’d ever seen.

After sampling the new Kenzen pieces, I had to declare the Volcano roll as my fave; cucumber and cream cheese topped with spicy tuna, masago (fish roe) and panko breadcrumbs. (Was there any doubt I’d be drawn to the roll with caviar?) To fully enjoy the experience, you should concentrate on the subtle combinations of tastes and textures – in other words, put away the wasabi for just a moment. It took a couple of bites for me to conclude that the new Kenzen rolls are pretty darn yummy.

If you’re new to Bento Sushi, start out with their famed, fresh and ready-to-go California rolls. But for those looking to add a little fabulous – the new Kenzen offerings will definitely hit the mark.


You can find Bento at more than 350 on-site sushi bars in quality supermarkets across Canada! Click here to find a location near you. (Note: Kenzen products are only available at select stores.)


One lucky Listen to Lena! reader will win a Mega Maki Platter and a Mega Maki Nigiri Platter – which is 90 pieces of sushi! (Value $75) To enter, simply visit Bento and pick out three (3) other products that are drool-worthy. Then, leave a comment here telling us your choices.

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) NEW Follow Listen to Lena! on Twitter
(4) “Like” Bento Sushi on Facebook
(5) Follow Bento Sushi on Twitter
(6) Tweet daily: Please use this Bento Sushi Giveaway Tweet.

I’ll draw for a winner on June 30th. Good luck everybody!

Reno-Giveaway #6: Kodak Playtouch

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Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only. 

Now I’m not quite sure if anyone has been taking notes, but y’all may have noticed that Reid’s bedroom has been missing from the before/after footage of my recent Reno-cation. Ta-da! Here we go…

Reno-cation: Reid’s Room

Creating a new room for Reid was both happy and heartbreaking for me. On one hand, I was quite content to move his crib out of our master bedroom (we’ve since changed the space to a sitting area, complete with cream leather couch). But giving Reid a new dwelling also meant that we’d be removing all traces of Ryder’s old nursery, a room that I had put so much time, thought and love into.

Alas, children grow up, and Ryder has a smashing new bedroom, so it was time to introduce Reid to the place he’d be hanging out for much of his childhood.

BEFORE

Unfortunately, I only remembered to take pictures when the room was just ready to be painted, so I can only really show a limited “before” room. We had previously painted the room in a muted sky blue, and my father-in-law had added a sunset theme on top.

The room, at 10’x12′, is the smallest bedroom in the house but it’s location beside the master bedroom makes it desirable for baby. Although there is ample space now, I foresee a twin bed in Reid’s room down the line.

AFTER

Turn up your speakers!
[youtube_sc url=”http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MuoGOAmKe3I?rel=0″]

As you can see, the above video was filmed with my new Kodak Playtouch Video Camera. It totally rocks! I was pleased as punch to receive the camera for review from Kodak Canada. Please excuse my slightly shaking hand – I’ve got a sprained finger and it was hard to hold steady :(

NOTES

The paint colour we chose was Para Paints #P5040-34 Double Bogey. It may be difficult to discern the exact colour in the video, so here’s a paint chip for you. There’s actually a LOT more yellow that shines through when on the walls, making it an authentic pea green – as opposed to our main bathroom, which is more of a mint green. It’s in the same happy, upbeat family as Ryder’s sea blue – perfect for two, happy and upbeat little boys!

On to the video camera –

Read this:

“Go ahead. Touch it. You know you want to. Its unique touchscreen lets you glide through HD video like never before. That’s the beauty of the Kodak Playtouch Video Camera. It puts the high-end features you want right at your fingertips. With on-screen editing, you can easily keep the moments you want and trim the ones you don’t. And when you’re ready to turn today’s escapades into tomorrow’s buzz, getting them online is easier than ever. Just press the Share button and your videos are automatically ready for the Web.”

I LOVE this video camera! There are so many features I honestly don’t know where to begin. From a high level, the camera is stylish, very easy to navigate from the get-go, takes stunning pictures and full 1080p HD video, and fits into just about every pocket (even those attached to skinny jeans).

The features that rock my world:

One-button upload. With the Share button and Kodak’s Share button app, sharing your pictures is ridiculously simple. After you record your video or take a picture, press the “Share” button directly on the touchscreen. You can then tag it to YouTube, Facebook, or even send it to someone via e-mail! Then, once your Playtouch is connected to your computer, and with Kodak’s Share button app, your videos and pictures are automatically uploaded (and simultaneously transferred to your computer). Could it be easier?

Video recording in True 1080p HD. Pop in a SD/SDHC card and record up to 10 hours of HD video – my husband’s favourite feature! We can shoot up close or over the horizon, and even enjoy playback on the device with courtesy of the bright 7.6 cm LCD touchscreen.

Edit in the palm of your hand. That’s right – you can make changes to your video, such as trimming and extracting a still image, directly on the Playtouch.

Choose your effects. YOU be the director; choose from a variety of resolutions and capture effects, including black and white, sepia, high saturation, and 1970’s film look! You can also take 5 MP HD still pictures, which makes it the one of the most versatile video cameras on the market!

Click here for a full list of Kodak Playtouch features and specifications.

You can also purchase an incredible range of accessories for the Playtouch, including tripods, a fisheye lens, remote controls, cases and more!

(BONUS: Save 20% on accessories with any new digital camera purchase until June 19th, 2011 at Kodak.ca.)

We take the Kodak Playtouch everywhere we go, because you never know when you’ll stumble on a Kodak Moment. The Playtouch is available in four (4) colours – chrome, black, teal and orange – so you can match your camera to your personality!


The Kodak Playtouch Video Camera retails for $179.95 and can be purchased from Kodak.ca.


One lucky Listen to Lena! reader will win a Kodak Playtouch Video Camera! To enter, simply visit Kodak.ca and choose your favourite feature of the Playtouch. Then, leave a comment here telling us what it is.

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

(1) Visit Kodak.ca and choose one other product that catches your eye. Then, leave a separate comment telling us what it is.

(2) Follow my blog, Listen to Lena!
(3) “Like” Listen to Lena! on Facebook
(4) NEW Follow Listen to Lena! on Twitter
(5) Tweet daily: Please use this Kodak Playtouch Giveaway Tweet.

I’ll draw for a winner on June 30th. Good luck everybody!

Reno-Giveaway #5: MTF Price Matters

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Note: The following giveaway is open to US and Canadian residents.

A home reno would not be complete without some fabulous pieces from MTF Price Matters. Not only do they have a huge selection of discounted merchandise for the entire home, they’ve also got some pretty sweet deals on hard-to-find items!

And when the company heard about my recent Reno-cation, they generously sent over a few fabulous products for my home, including a Hampton Forge Knife 8 Piece Set and this Fujifilm Finepix XP15! In fact, many of the Reno-cation before/after pictures were taken with this awesome camera. The Finepix XP15 is currently listed on Price Matters’ website for $103.99 – that’s a savings of $86!

Since my Q&A about MTF Price Matters continues to be one of my most Googled posts, here’s the info once again for your convenience:

Q: The prices are SO low! Is the stuff legit? 
A: All of the merchandise at MTF Price Matters is 100% authentic. They simply do not do knock-offs. So you can take the low, low prices at face value – they’re awesome deals, plain and simple!

Q: I’m wary of online shopping. What if I have a problem?
A: Their customer service is ridiculously good. Like, the best service I’ve ever received when purchasing online. So don’t be afraid to give them a shout with questions, concerns or feedback (EST customers keep in mind they’re located in BC – so mind the time difference).

Q: The sunglasses I saw yesterday are gone! What happened?
A: Inventory is constantly being updated – and the best deals sell out quickly – so check back often.

Q: Can I pick up my order?
A: If you happen to live out west, check out their Pay N’ Pick Up service – you can save on shipping by picking up your purchases at any one of their twelve (12) locations. They ship anywhere in North America – US customers, welcome!

Q: I’ve heard the shipping costs are high.
A: Not so! MTF Price Matters is pleased to introduce $15 flat shipping on all Canadian orders! That’s right – load up as much (or as little) into your cart and you’ll always pay a low flat fee.

Now if it were up to me, I’d grab:

Sodastream Genesis Home Drinks Maker – I’m obsessed with this machine! “Help reduce the effect on the environment by using tap water and creating an exciting range of sparkling soft drinks in your own home. Its fun for you, your family and friends and kind to the planet too.” I’ve seen it retail for over $200 – here, just $144.49!

Ladies Original Fit BootCut 7 For All Mankind Jeans – Price Matters always has the BEST deals on designer denim! “The classic medium blue wash is whiskered and slightly faded through the rear and thigh with subtle abrasion and distress.” And, at a HOT price of just $59.99!


Shop online 24/7 at PriceMatters.ca. Remember: inventory is constantly being updated and items are available in limited quantities. So when you see a great deal, grab it!


One lucky reader will win the perfect household item for summer, a Cuisinart Frozen Yogurt, Ice Cream & Sorbet Maker! (Retail Price $50, MTF Price Matters: $34.99!)

Now you can enjoy the finest homemade frozen treats – at home! The Cuisinart Frozen Yogurt, Ice Cream & Sorbet Maker lets you make your favorites in approximately 20 minutes, with no fuss and no mess. Just add ingredients to the freezer bowl, press ON and the machine does the rest!

To enter, visit MTF Price Matters and choose three (3) products that you think would be perfect in your home (or on yourself!) Then, leave a comment here telling us about them.

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) NEW Follow Listen to Lena! on Twitter
(4) “Like” MTF Price Matters on Facebook
(5) Follow MTF Price Matters on Twitter
(6) Tweet daily: Please use this MTF Price Matters Giveaway Tweet.

I’ll draw for a winner on June 30th. Good luck everybody!

Reno-Giveaway #4: Delta Faucet

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Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

For those who have been following my Reno-cation, it may have crossed your mind, “What about the kitchen?” Truth is, we don’t really need an upgrade, because it’s pretty awesome as is. However, we did require a) a back splash, which is still in the works, and b) a new showpiece kitchen faucet.

BEFORE

See that sorry looking faucet? What can I say – builder’s specialty. We’ve made do with it for almost four years now, but it’s constantly a sore spot with my husband, who believes a gorgeous island deserves a stunning showpiece faucet. And that’s where my good friends at Delta Faucet come in.

Introducing the new Addison Single Handle Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet Featuring Touch2O Technology. A long title for a pretty simple concept: the most kick a** kitchen faucet ever.

Features: 

– Design inspired by the fragile scallops of a sea shell
– Graceful curves provide a delicate beauty that adds a romantic touch to the kitchen
– Multi-flow temporarily increases flow rate to 1.75 gpm
– Single-handle design for quick and easy water control
– High-arc spout swivels 360° for complete sink access
– Pull-down spray wand features a 62 in. hose for a 20 in. reach to clean the bottom of pots
– MagnaTite docking keeps the spray wand secure

I am pleased to say that I completed 90% of the installation of this faucet myself; after reading through the instructions and putting the parts together, I only needed a friend’s help to connect to the pipes under the sink.

And now, I can’t believe how my kitchen has come alive! It is truly a “showpiece” – it wouldn’t be a stretch to consider the faucet a piece of art. To tell the truth, for about two weeks after it was installed, I would catch myself just staring at the clean, fluid lines with unconcealed admiration. It is THAT gorgeous. We chose the Chrome finish, but it is also available in Stainless Steel and Venetian Bronze.

So just what is Touch2O Technology? Simply put, Touch2O technology allows water to be turned on and off with just a touch anywhere along the spout or handle. You’ll save time (just keep the faucet at your perfect temperature), you’ll save money (no more running taps! It’s so simply to turn on/off, you’ll make it a habit to do so), and you’ll reduce the amount of germs and bacteria you’re exposed to, especially those that linger on faucet handles.

AFTER

I’d like to share with y’all my new and improved island… with the faucet in action!

[youtube_sc url=”http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2Yusk4zxnY?rel=0″]

If “OMG I want this!” is going through your mind, I’m certain you’re not alone :)

Delta Faucet offers a full range of kitchen and bath faucets. You can choose from classic or contemporary styling, and all of their products are designed with their commitment to sustainability in mind.

And if you’re looking for a little design inspiration, do check out Beige is Dead, Masco Canada’s design and lifestyle blog. Here you’ll find decor inspiration and learn fun ways to inject colour and vibrancy.


The faucet retails for $399.99 can be purchased at major Home Center/Hardware Stores across Canada. Click here to find a retailer in your area.


One lucky Listen to Lena! reader will win an Addison Single Handle Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet Featuring Touch2O Technology, in your choice of finish! (Value $400)

To enter, simply visit Delta Faucet and find two more styles you love (kitchen or bath), in addition to the Addison faucet. 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) NEW Follow Listen to Lena! on Twitter
(4) “Like” Beige is Dead on Facebook
(5) Follow Beige is Dead on Twitter
(6) Tweet daily about this giveaway: Please use this Delta Faucet Giveaway Tweet.

I’ll draw for a winner on June 30th. Good luck everybody!

Reno-Giveaway #3: Summer Fresh Salads

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Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadian readers only.

One of the hardest things about being in a Reno-cation was finding the time to cook. Scratch that – it was finding the approximate location of my stove amidst all the debris.

We tried to avoid relying on take-out too often, but hand on heart, some nights I just couldn’t be bothered to lift a finger. The only problem: portions were usually only enough for one meal, and I often found myself missing leftovers for lunch the next day.

Thank goodness for Summer Fresh Salads. With their delectable dips, tangy salads and ultra-convenient “Meal to Go” portable meal solutions, I always had fresh and delicious options for lunch and snack time. And when they heard about my Reno-cation, they generously sent us an array of their most popular products – YUM!

At the time this picture was taken, I had already gobbled down the Red Package Meal to Go (Roasted Red Pepper Hummus, Greek Couscous Salad, Trail Mix and Flatbread crackers) and Green Package Meal to Go (Roasted Garlic Hummus, Taboulah Salad, Trail Mix and Flat Bread crackers). I had told myself that I could surely hold off until I took a pic… unfortunately my taste buds had other plans!

Now I can’t believe I’m going to admit this, but I have another confession to make: see that container of Roasted Eggplant Hummus in the picture above?… Well, it was completely empty. As in, licked clean empty. It was BEYOND delicious – even hubby, who is not a hummus lover, broke down and scooped pita chip after pita chip in this heavenly spread. The fire roasted eggplant lends a subtle smoky flavour, and the creamy texture just rolls around in your mouth. It is DIVINE.

I’m also a huge fan of their Bruschetta and Tzatziki Dips; with less than 2g of carbs per serving, the Bruschetta can be mixed with rice and ground beef for a delicious stuffed pepper filling, and substituting Tzatziki for mayo can make your tuna sandwich come alive!

Summer Fresh now offers lighter versions of their signature dips and hummus – with 50% less fat and 100% delicious flavour, they’re a smart choice! You can find light flavours of their best sellers, including Light Spicy Hummus, Light Original Hummus, Light Spinach, and Light Artichoke & Asiago Dip.

You can visit SummerFresh.com for tons of scrumptious recipes featuring their products, including Baked Apples with Maple Walnut Topping, Spinach & Artichoke Puff Pastry Wheel, Marinated Sundried Tomato Rack of Lamb and many, many more!


Summer Fresh Salads can be found in the refrigerated deli section of your local grocery store. If a particular product is not available, make sure to ask the manager to bring some in to add to their offering!

One lucky Listen to Lena! reader will win $25 worth of Summer Fresh Salads Free Product Coupons (FPCs)! That’s enough to take care of all the dips and spreads at your next party!

To enter, simply visit Summer Fresh Salads and choose your three (3) favourite products. 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) NEW Follow Listen to Lena! on Twitter
(4) “Like” Summer Fresh Salads on Facebook
(5) Follow Summer Fresh Salads on Twitter
(6) Tweet daily about this giveaway: Please use this Summer Fresh Giveaway Tweet.

I’ll draw for a winner on June 30th. Good luck everybody!

Reno-Giveaway #2: Sharp Air Purifier

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Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.
Two weeks ago, I let y’all know about what an asset it was to have a Sharp Air Purifier in my home. Great news! The fabulous folks over at Sharp agreed that we should share the love… Enter below for your chance to win!

And… we’ve still got the Air Purifier going every single day, even though our renovations are now complete. It is SO effective at removing cooking smells, dust and germs from the air – everyone is breathing better!

If you missed my review the first time around, read on! And, good luck!

If I had to sum up my entire Reno-cation in one word, it would be…

MESSY.

You know – dusty, dirty, disorganized… just… messy. From the onset of the renovations, I was more than a little concerned about the level of dust and debris that would surely invade the air in our home, especially since:

1) I suffer from wicked allergies to dust
2) My husband is a recovering asthmatic
3) We’ve got two little boys with tender lungs

So when the good folks at Sharp asked if I’d like to review their new Plasmacluster Air Purifier with Humidifying Function, I all but danced for joy. Cleaner, healthier air? Yes please!

The air purifier offers a unique combination of air treatment technologies to make you and your family more comfortable, whatever the season (spring reno-cations included!). Bacteria, germs, mold spores, pollen, pet dander, smoke, dust and odors are removed from the air with ease, thanks to an ultra quiet fan that draws air through a three-stage filter system while the revolutionary Plasmacluster Ion Technology actively refreshes the air.

But that’s not all – for an even more comfortable environment, the unit’s sensors constantly monitor the air quality in the room, adjusting the fan for air purity while providing the optimum humidity level. This combination of features is a smart way to choose cleaner, healthier, more breathable air.

My favourite features:

– New Humidification Function adds humidity to the air for more comfortable air quality, especially in colder weather. It also helps reduce static electricity that results from dry air.
– True HEPA Filter captures 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns from the air that passes through it, including pollen, mold, pet dander and dust.
– Plasmacluster Technology splits water molecules into positively and negatively charged ions which spread throughout the room. This system effectively refreshes the air similiar to the way nature cleans the environment near waterfalls or just after a thunderstorm.
– Clean Sign Indicator shows the level of impurities in the air passing through the filter so it’s easy to see the progress as healthier, cleaner air is returned into the room.
– Library Quiet operation is ideal for bedrooms and living rooms. Silent Mode is as quiet as 22 decibels, about the volume of rustling leaves. The KC-850U is among the quietest Air Purifiers with a true HEPA filter available anywhere.
– Energy Efficient operation means it’s easy on the wallet. With its advanced technologies, it is 35% more energy-efficient than standard models, making it ENERGY STAR qualified. So it can operate all the time, saving money while improving the quality of the air.
– Ultra Long Life HEPA Filters require changing only once every five years so operating costs are low.

We received the air purifier shortly after renovations began; therefore, the air was already littered with faint paint odors and dust from sanding walls and moving furniture. Set-up was incredibly simple – just plug and go, really. The display was intuitive, easy to follow and offered both manual and automatic operation settings. Since I’m all about convenience, I set the unit to automatic and prepared for a life altering experience.

Don’t laugh; I’m quite serious.

Within two hours (yes – that quickly) I could already detect a noticeable difference in the quality of air. Now I can’t put my finger on it, but it just seemed easier to breathe in and out.

Real results include:

1) My eyes, which had been streaked with red for much of the first few days, cleared after several hours (and have stayed that way). Allergies be gone!
2) My husband, who normally complains of breathing difficulties due to asthma, had his first completely restful night in years. He couldn’t stop raving about how well he slept (and is sleeping) – it makes us wonder how we ever lived without it.
3) Upon cleaning the air, there were virtually no noticeable paint fumes whatsoever: that’s pretty awesome considering we painted the ENTIRE house!

Now as we used the air purifier during warmer months, and since humidity and drying paint don’t necessarily mix, we didn’t have a chance to review the humidifier features of the unit. But, I very much look forward to putting it to the test this fall and winter!

Two things you may be wondering:

Q. Does the Air Purifier make a noticeable sound? Is it noisy?

A. According to Sharp Canada, and as mentioned above, the “Silent Mode is as quiet as 22 decibels, about the volume of rustling leaves.” This is incorrect. The truth is, it’s MUCH quieter than rustling leaves. You can’t hear it at all! I promise, you won’t even know it’s there.

Q. So did you see the results? How much junk did it pull out of the air?

A. Yes, we saw results! And you can too – here’s the filter after just one week – look at all those fuzzies – some of them overflowing and collecting in between the filter pads.

To think – that could have been in our nose, throat and lungs! We are so happy with the air purifier and truly believe its a wonderful addition to the health and wellness of your family.

Click here to learn about the Sharp Plasmacluster Air Purifier.


The Sharp Plasmacluster Air Purifier retails for $449.99 and can be purchased from reputable dealers nationwide. Click here to find a dealer near you.


Here’s your chance to breathe easier! One lucky Listen to Lena! reader will win a Sharp Plasmacluster Air Purifier (value $449.99). To enter, simply visit Sharp online and learn more about the product. Then, leave a comment here telling us about your favourite feature(s) of the Air Purifier.

You can also qualify for extra entries! Remember, you must leave a separate comment for each. You can:
(1) Visit Sharp online and pick out two (2) more products you’d love to have in your home. Then leave a comment here telling us what they are.
(2) Follow my blog, Listen to Lena!
(4) NEW Follow Listen to Lena! on Twitter
(5) Tweet daily about this giveaway: Please use this Sharp Air Purifier Giveaway Tweet.

I’ll draw for a winner on June 30th. Good luck everybody!

Reno-Giveaway #1: HP Photosmart e-Station

By

Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

When it came time to re-do our home office, I had but three wishes:

1) Go wireless. I hate wires! They’re so messy and in addition to presenting a fire hazard, they’re not child-friendly at all. Plus, portability is a major factor when you’ve got two laptops, two children and about fourteen potential blogging locations (bathroom floor included).

2) Keep it tidy. A lot easier to do when the wires are gone! Seriously, though, keeping an area clutter-free is one of my weak points. My husband likens me to a Tasmanian Devil, leaving a path of destruction everywhere I go (guess the kids do take after me!). So I’ve had to work extra hard to stay clean and organized.

3. Multitask. I’m a busy gal. I measure my days in productivity: how many blog posts were written, how many dishes were done, how many Duct Cleaning telemarketer calls were avoided. I live for the words “All in One”.

Therefore the new HP Photosmart e-Station All in One Printer suits me very well, indeed.

The state-of-the-art HP Photosmart eStation All-in-One is the perfect device to keep your family connected. Beyond being a fabulous all in one printer, copier, scanner and fax, the e-Station also boasts the HP Zeen; a detachable, 7-inch, full-colour wireless companion that allows you to browse and print the web, watch movies, read books and listen to music.

(I know. Totally awesome, right?)

So essentially, in between printing documents (which is absolutely seamless – read below), I can take my Zeen tablet with me to check my Facebook, read e-books, watch videos and much, much more. I frequently use the companion when I’m hanging out in the back with the kids – much more user-friendly than a tiny phone screen, and much less bulky than a laptop – it’s the perfect way to stay connected. 

Upping the WOW! factor is the ability to download apps for the whole family. With partners like Kraft, Mapquest and Disney, you can print coupons for your shopping list, search a map for that out-of-town party, and bookmark activities to keep your kids entertained – all without using a PC.

It gets better. 

First and foremost, the HP Photosmart e-Station is a printer. But it’s light years ahead of your standard inkjet:  HP ePrint lets you print and share your favorite family memories anywhere, anytime. Each web-connected printer has a unique email address, meaning you can send photos and documents from any email-enabled device. This means that you can print at your convenience – whether it’s across the room, or across town!

Think about it: You’re out at the park. Snap a pic on your mobile phone, and e-mail it to the e-Station; the high quality picture will be printed and waiting for you upon your return! You can also have the office, your friends, family (or yourself!) e-mail documents straight to the printer. It’s truly a breeze!

And the quality? Superb, of course. Remember my little DIY project for Ryder’s Room? Here’s my sequence of events:

1. In the basement, surfing the Internet on my HP Zeen.
2. Found a picture I thought would be fun to frame, as it matched the theme of the room.
3. Sent the picture to my HP e-Station.
4. Played with my boys. Went grocery shopping. Ate dinner. Tucked boys in bed.
4. Picked up my print from the printer; mounted in on cardstock, framed it.

And THAT’s why having a Photosmart printer totally rocks.

In the mood to get away? From June 1st through 30th, visit HP Canada on Facebook for their HP Print Away contest! One lucky winner will win a 7-day, all-inclusive trip to a tropical destination, and TEN lucky participants will have the chance to win the HP Photosmart eStation! Link on over for full contest details!


Shop HP’s online store for all the latest HP products. The HP Photosmart e-Station retails for $399 – which, of course, goes a long way when you consider it’s six products in one!


HP Canada has generously offered Listen to Lena! readers the chance to win an HP Photosmart e-Station! (Value $399). To enter, simply visit HP online and pick out another item that would make your life a lot easier. Then, leave a comment here telling us about it, and why.

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) NEW Follow Listen to Lena! on Twitter
(4) “Like” HP Canada on Facebook
(5) Follow HP_PC on Twitter
(6) Tweet daily about this giveaway: Please use this HP e-Station Giveaway Tweet.

I’ll draw for a winner on June 30th. Good luck everybody!