Listen to Lena

Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion

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Your Summer Family Destination: Niagara-on-the-Lake!

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My husband and I celebrated our 11th wedding anniversary this past weekend! I’d say that time flies but it feels like an understatement; somewhere along the way we collected a couple of kids, a home or two, and hundreds (thousands?) of incredible memories I’ll always hold dear.

Last year, for our 10th, we returned to Niagara-on-the-Lake where we were married. At the time, we couldn’t envision making the destination “family friendly” – but perhaps that’s just because all our memories tied to region were pre-kids. However, when invited to check out a new adaptation of C.S. Lewis’s The Magician’s Nephew at The Shaw Festival, and scanning over a masterfully-planned itinerary, we quickly realized that we can enjoy our favourite getaway as a family! Here’s how to spend a magical weekend in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
1. What to Do: See The Magician’s Nephew by Michael O’Brien.

The synopsis:

“Tricked into using his Uncle Andrew’s (Steven Sutcliffe) enchanted rings, young Digory (Travis Seetoo) and his new friend Polly (Vanessa Sears) stumble into a magical portal that takes them to other worlds. Before returning home to Victorian London, they travel to the desolate world of Charn and unwittingly unleash Queen Jadis (Deborah Hay), a malevolent sorceress bent on domination. With the assistance of Aslan (Kyle Blair), Digory must undertake a valiant quest to the mysterious locked garden that holds the key to defeating evil and defending the new world of Narnia.” …

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A Cleaner Dishwasher? Now THAT’s Affresh!

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Have you been lucky enough to come across a product you just can’t live without? You know, one that totally changes your life, and you can’t believe it took so long for you to discover it?

That’s exactly how I feel about affresh Washer Cleaner. And, if you’re one of the thousands of Canadians who have Googled “how to get rid of sewer smell in front load washing machine”, chances are it’s your miracle product, too.

And now, I’m over the moon about affresh Dishwasher Cleaner! I had started to suspect that my dishwasher was under-performing; my stemware was slightly filmy, my plates and bowls were often not clean enough.

(Not to mention, but I will anyways, a musty odor. No one wants to eat off dishes that came from a funky washer, am I right?)

I fiddled with the rinse agent and even poked around the dishwasher to see if there was a problem, when all of a sudden, the heavens parted and I realized my dishwasher likely just needed a good cleaning. Of course! I couldn’t believe I hadn’t thought of it sooner – it was pretty gnarly in there! And since I consider affresh Washer Cleaner my personal salvation, you know I couldn’t wait to get my hands on affresh Dishwater Cleaner.
DSC_0185bThe promise: affresh Dishwater Cleaner powers away hard water and mineral deposits to keep your dishwasher working its best.

The outcome: Heck yes! If you’re just about to begin your spring cleaning, you’ll want to add this product to your shopping list. Promise. And don’t worry – if you’re feeling mildly alarmed that you’ve never cleaned your dishwasher before, you’re not alone: while cleaning inside your appliances is an important step to keep them working their best, only 25% of Canadians have cleaned inside their dishwashers in the last 12 months. …

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Master the Art of Nude.

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Have you ever wondered why some women have eyes that “pop”? They’re bright, well-defined and expressive…. and sometimes, it’s hard to pinpoint exactly what their secret is. A skilled makeup application? A teeny bit of Botox? Gasp – full blown plastic surgery?

It’s that je ne said quoi, n’est-ce pas?

I won’t keep you in suspense. You see, some women have simply mastered the art of nude.
IMG_3197Introducing L’Oreal Colour Riche La Palette Nude 2. Inspired by makeup designers’ ‘Must Have’ palettes, the La Palette Nude 2 offers everything you need to master the art of nude eye shadow. Ten highly pigmented shades range from light to dark to flatter every skin tone in three shadow finishes: shimmery satin, buttery matte & lustrous sheen. …

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Things You Think You Don’t Need but Trust Me You Really Do

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NOTE: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

I’m going to file this one under: “Things you think you don’t need but trust me you really do and I’m about to tell you why.” << And then you’ll thank me.

First, an ode to the shower.

Ah, the shower. Twenty minutes of uninterrupted, blissful relaxation coupled with sweet-smelling body wash and the permission to daydream. Hey moms – you know that point where you discover that your kids will actually be okay if you close the door and enjoy a long, hot shower? And like, when you get out, you may have to deal with a minor LEGO explosion or find a kid pressed up against the TV, but hell, it’s still so worth it?

I have arrived. And I’ve earned my shower time.

This is a totally true story and illustrates perfectly just how much I enjoy a good shower. Reid, bless his kindergarten-aged heart, created a Mother’s Day “card” for me (air quotes because it didn’t fold and had weird holes and pieces of scotch tape all over it). Students were asked to say nice things about mommy – and there was even a section for mommy’s favourite thing to do.
image1 (2)See? Apparently, all those things I thought I loved (sandy beaches, venti frappuccinos, etc) pale in comparison to my one true passion in life – taking a shower.

(I wonder what his poor teacher thought as she read through his work. Dear teacher, have you ever noticed how clean my skin is? All that showering, natch.)

Now that we’ve established my hidden desire for extended H2O therapy, next, here’s a crash course in Delta Temp2O Technology.

The Delta Temp2O Technology hand showers, showerheads, and tub and shower fixtures take the guesswork out of water temperature, preventing unwanted surprises – especially useful when bathing children. Each product includes an easy-to-read LED digital display and background colour indicators (blue, magenta, red) to signal different water temperature ranges. …

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Believe in Miracles

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From time to time, I think about my shopping habits. (Usually, after I receive my VISA statement). And I think about what motivates my shopping behaviour; what drives my purchase decisions?

A t-shirt from a trendy clothing company. A designer pair of flats. Four pairs of bohemian-chic earrings from an accessories store that I totally didn’t need, but, SALE.

And I’ve been able to sum up that the single most important motivating factor for me is word of mouth recommendations. Be it a casual mention from a girlfriend, an Instagramed endorsement from a celebrity I adore, or even a texted thumbs up from a close associate – when I hear good things about a product, place or person, I am more likely to take the advice of someone I trust.

And y’all trust me, right?

It all started two weeks ago when Elaine covered the Garnier Miracle Hotel for my blog. Besides indulging at the Trump International Hotel in Toronto and sharing her thoughts on Garnier Ultra-Lift Miracle Sleeping Cream, she had one bit of advice for me: Try the cream. It’s that good.

So, never one to take a friend’s endorsement lightly, I did. And I LOVE it.
packshot_ENGGarnier’s NEW Ultra-Lift Miracle Sleeping Night Cream is pretty revolutionary – it’s the first night cream of its kind to deliver results from your first overnight use and continues to improve the look of your skin over time. You can expect to wake up to smoother, rested-looking skin that will have you believing miracles do happen overnight!

I began seeing results after the first night of use. Truly! Upon awakening, my skin looked fresher, younger and was intensely hydrated – almost as if it had been wrapped in velvet. The cream contains seven active ingredients that are powerful alone – and transformative together – such as Hyaluronic acid, LHA and Lavender Essential Oil.

(The Miracle Sleeping Night Cream also has a pleasant fragrance, which we all know is right up there on my list of “must-haves”.) …

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Your Next Microwave

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It’s not the sexiest purchase you’ll ever make.

Heck, it’s not like you’ll tell your husband this weekend, “Let’s go look at some microwaves!” And when you do buy one, you may not have been anticipating the purchase – often, the only time one shops for a new microwave is when they have to suddenly replace or upgrade their current model.

However, at some point in your lifetime – maybe even sooner than you think – it will be time to buy a new microwave. And today, I’m here to introduce you to your next microwave.
DSC_0606It’s funny. Before I fell in love with my Panasonic Genius Prestige Plus Over-the-Range Microwave Oven, I didn’t give the appliance the respect it deserves, nor did I try to be particularly creative or daring in the foods I prepared. In fact, for the most part, my prior relationship with a microwave included the one and only “reheat” function.

FYI: It would be a shame to only reheat in a Microwave with Inverter Technology.

Oh, you can reheat. But you can also select from one of nineteen cooking settings, or let the microwave do the thinking for you. With Sensor Cook, built-in sensor technology lets you cook food automatically – with no need to set the power level, food weight or cooking time.

Did I just blow your mind? …

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Just Call Me Ms. Diaz

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Er… or maybe Mrs. Madden. Cameron Diaz is married now, yes?

Nevertheless, I’m not ashamed to admit that I’m obsessed with Cameron’s… everything.

Her style! Her hair! Her effortless way of exuding the perfect California beach babe. And through it all, remaining likable to both males (duh) and females alike. I mean, can anyone really hate on Cameron Diaz? She’s like the dream BFF (no offense to my BFF).

So it’s obvious that when I watched her performance in 2014’s The Other Woman, I instantly fell in love with her all over again. Of course, it *may* have had something to do with the fact that her character boasted the hottest collection of designer outfits and accessories – I’m talking drool-worthy with a capital D.

At the top of my list – her statement sunglasses from Saint Laurent, aptly named “BOLD1”. These YSL beauties are coveted for their classical look with a hint of modern styling, and although they are often listed as men’s sunglasses, they are striking on women as well.
DSC_0587The only problem? Finding them online was a chore, and when I did, they retailed for $345.00 USD. That’s over $430 Canadian! And while I’d be happy to spend that on a pair of sunnies I loved, I happen to own a lot of sunnies. So it just wasn’t in the cards.

Enter SmartBuyGlasses.ca. They afforded me the opportunity to review the site, and of course the very first thing I did was hunt down the Saint Laurent glasses. And not only did I find them; I found them for just $233.95 CDN with fast and FREE shipping. Hello!  …

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Can You Fake a Good Night’s Sleep?

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As a mom of two young boys, I have only one answer… I WISH!

While sleep is a necessity, a good night’s sleep is a luxury ’round here. I mean really, does any mom actually sleep well? I’d like to meet her and shake her hand! (And, maybe, swap families with her.) Hence, when I was invited by the good folks at Garnier to indulge in a good night’s sleep at the Garnier Miracle Hotel, I was immeasurably excited.

Until I realized that I’d be in Orlando, juggling work, family and roller coasters – ergo, likely not getting any sleep at all.

So I did the next best thing – I bestowed the gift of a good night’s sleep to Elaine Atkins of Toronto Beauty Reviews, and asked her to report back on her experience at this exclusive, widely coveted event. Take it away Elaine!
B9r7RRgCEAIj9xpAre you always chasing a good night’s sleep? As we age and lead busier and busier lives (think work, social obligations, kids, and even household chores) we lose a little bit of quality sleep with each new task we take on.

I was invited to check into the Garnier Miracle Hotel to help me get that rest that I so desperately needed. So, where is this mysterious Garnier Miracle Hotel, you ask? It’s none other than the Trump International Hotel in Toronto, decked out by the Garnier Canada team. …

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It’s Always a Party! Introducing the Kettle Style Popcorn Popper!

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Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

Salty, savoury popcorn with a sharp burst of cheesy goodness and a mild, Italian herb flavour. Do not adjust your computer monitor. You HAVE just stumbled on the perfect popcorn, popped in the perfect popcorn popper.
DSC_0428Now I’m not one to mince words, so I’m just going to come out and say it. You need the Hamilton Beach Kettle Style Popcorn Popper in your life. You need it like meat needs salt. Like apple pie needs cinnamon. Like Kanye West needs an awards show. And once you have it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

Introducing… the very best small appliance for every popcorn lover you know.
DSC_0400Yeah, that’s it right there. Kind of looks space age, doesn’t it? But whether it’s a date night in or a movie-watching party with friends and family, this popper delivers. Enjoy hot and delicious theater-style popcorn that can be prepared and served right in the same bowl! Simply measure your oil and kernels into the popping chamber and turn it on. (I swear, that’s all there is to it.) When the popping slows down to two seconds between pops, your popcorn is ready to eat.

Even better? The Kettle Style Popcorn Popper is dishwasher safe, and the top and bottom nest for space-saving storage. Plus, you can pop up to 24 cups per cycle, so your family is never left waiting for more. It’s actually kind of perfect. …

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Five Reasons We Chose to #GoSeizeTheSummer

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If you’ve been following along over the past few months, you’ll know that I accepted Travelocity.ca’s invitation to #GoSeizeTheSummer. In essence, I spent quality time with my family via mini-vacations at resorts across Ontario.

However, when I first chatted with my husband about joining the program, he brought up a very valid point: “We’re already both so busy. Do you really want to take on more work – especially a campaign that necessitates travelling with our family to resorts we’ve always wanted to visit? It’ll be tough,” he cautioned.

Of course, he was only joking. Because if there’s one thing I’ve got tattooed on my brain, it’s the infamous quote that Amy Foster of Disney Parks Consumer Insights shared at the 2012 Disney Social Media Moms Conference: “You only have 18 summers with your children.” The quote has been shared over and over again by almost every family blogger, and I rarely tire of seeing it. It’s an affirmation that life is too short; kids grow up too quickly, and soon my little boys will be (not-so-little) men.

Hence, any chance I get to spend time with them, especially in new and fun surroundings, is a chance worth taking. So yeah, we were on board :)

And without further ado, I present to you… Five Reasons We Chose to #GoSeizeTheSummer.

1. You only have 18 summers with your children. Right? This year was Ryder’s first official summer break. Soon, he’ll come to realize the significance of no school; the break for vacation that every student craves from the moment their classes become more about work and less about finger painting. And just as quickly, he may not think it’s “cool” to hang out with the parental unit, opting for weekends at the beach with his friends or worse, an afternoon spent hanging out at the mall, cruising for chicks. And I’m sure Reid will be right behind him.

So, an opportunity to seize the summer family-style was so welcome. And when I could do it at an amazing price thanks to Travelocity.ca’s summer travel promotions – which are available on a huge selection of resorts and hotels – did I really need another reason? (Er, technically, I have four more. Read on…)

2. Okay, speaking of Travelocity.ca – it’s simply one of my favourite ways to book family travel. In addition to the wide variety of properties to choose from and great prices, I love that they have a Free & Flexible Cancellation Policy. Sometimes – especially when you have kids – plans change! Travelocity.ca charges no hotel cancellation fee if you need to alter or cancel your stay. (However, hotel cancellation fees may be charged by hotel properties if you cancel outside their stated cancellation window.)…

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JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa: Nature on Your Terms (Part II)

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One of the best things in life: reminiscing about a recent (or not-so-recent) vacation. A few days ago, I shared highlights from our stay at the JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa. Of course, there was so much to chat about that I decided to break up my review into two parts; the first showcased the resort and our room, and today, I’d love to give you a sense of the family-friendly aspects of the property.

But first, read: JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa: Nature on Your Terms.

Here’s Part II. And I’ll pick it up exactly where I left off…

After a simple dinner in our room – brought from home and kept cool in the kitchenette – we decided to venture out on a nature walk. After all, we were in God’s country, and while the boys would have happily opted for a return visit to the pool (the central pool is heated all year round!), we concurred that exploring the grounds was a much better way to round out an already fabulous day. Of course, the little guys were all for our plan – once they realized they could bring along some reading material and bugger off in their wagon.

We started at the front of the resort, where the grounds were lush, scenic and painstakingly maintained. There was an underlying feeling of tranquility and relaxation, which was perfect, given the location and surroundings. Large bumblebees buzzed gracefully between tall lavender bushes, and the sound of trickling water provided the most serene backdrop to an ideal summer evening.

…

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JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa: Nature on Your Terms

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A few weeks ago, I casually mentioned that I was going up to Muskoka, Ontario for a few days.

“Camping?” one friend asked.
“Do you have a cottage there?” another inquired.
“Roughing it up north?” yet another assumed.

Er… not exactly…We were off to #GoSeizetheSummer with Travelocity.ca, and I was very much looking forward to my very first mini-vacation in cottage country. Just 2.5 hours north of Toronto, and located in the heart of the Muskoka Lakes region, the JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa combines luxury and adventure for the ultimate retreat. Named one of the ten best resort views by National Geographic, this Canadian resort boasts an array of indoor and outdoor activities year-round.

We are keen on planning a week-long, semi-local vacation for the summer of 2014, so it made perfect sense to take a jaunt up to the resort for a couple of days to test-drive the hotel, amenities and activities. Plus, I knew two friends who were vacationing at the property the following week, plus a host of other readers who have expressed interest in the resort, so I reasoned that my review would also help those planning their own upcoming vacations.

However, since we covered quite a lot in the two days we were there, I’ve decided to break up my review into two parts; today, I’ll chat about our first day right up to dinner, and tomorrow, I’ll conclude with our after-dinner activities, as well as our second day at the resort. Hence, sit back and be prepared to be taken to paradise… Ontario-style….

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Staying Off-Resort in Orlando? Stay Here.

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It’s safe to say that Orlando, Florida is my happy place… and the Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort is as close as you can get to the Happiest Place on Earth… without staying at the Happiest Place on Earth. I’ll explain.

Located in beautiful Orlando – within the gates of Walt Disney World Resort – the Wyndham Grand Orlando is your gateway to Orlando’s legendary attractions, theme parks, entertainment and shopping. In fact, you can catch a complimentary shuttle to the Walt Disney World theme parks or explore Downtown Disney for incredible shopping, dining and live entertainment. And trust me, the enviable location is just one of the many reasons you should consider this resort for your next Orlando stay – with rooms starting at just $164.25 per night (“Stay 3 or More Nights” Promo) you won’t break the bank, either.

Accommodations

Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort offers 400 guest rooms and suites that overlook the property’s 10-acre lake and Walt Disney World parks. (In fact, we watched the fireworks from the comfort of our room each night at 9:00pm. Now that’s my idea of magical.) Each room is appointed with contemporary furniture; a 40-inch, flat-panel television; high-speed wired and wireless Internet access; black granite surfaces; and True Blue Spa and Bath & Body Works amenities….

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5 Reasons to Stay at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

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As you may have read, until just a month ago – I was a Disney newbie. Seriously! It took me 34 years to finally experience the most magical place on earth for myself. Through the tears and misty-eyed moments (here)… the wonder and awe surrounding the New Fantasyland (there) … and even the less than perfect photographic evidence (everywhere)… let’s just say that it’s never too late to experience Walt Disney World for yourself.

And, if you have a couple of beautiful, excited children to take along with you, it’s even better.

When we returned, I expected friends and family to ask, “How was it? What did you enjoy most? What parks did you visit?” – etc, etc. BUT, to tell the truth, the most frequently asked question was “Where did you stay??”

It makes sense, of course – a huge part of your Disney vacation budget is allocated to lodgings, and you want to make sure that you’re getting the best comfort, convenience and value for your money. And so I pretty much have this to offer – our stay at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort was flawless. Truly, we could not have asked for more. But you don’t have to take my word for it – listen to the 458 people who rated the hotel a 4.5/5 on Trip Advisor. For a “value” or “budget” hotel – a rating so high is virtually unheard of. Told you it was awesome, no?

The following review is not written with the air of a professional traveller, sharing yet another review of another hotel she has visited on yet another media trip. The fact is, I don’t think I’ve ever reviewed a hotel! So, rather than complicate things, I think it’s best to simply share 5 Reasons to Stay at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. If you’re planning a trip to Walt Disney World, trust me – you’ll want to read this….

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Rimmel Soft Kohl Kajal Eye Pencil

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I LOVE THIS EYELINER!

It’s a “soft” kohl, which means ~

1) It goes on smoothly, almost like a liquid
2) There’s no tugging or faded lines
3) The colour is INTENSE

And here’s the kicker… it’s a pencil! That’s right ladies, the boldness of a liquid liner with the convenience of a pencil. Absolutely heavenly for those who have a less-than-steady hand while applying liquid lines.

The product also lasts all day long with NO FADING whatsoever. Did I mention I LOVE this eyeliner?

I stumbled across these gems while waiting for a prescription at Shoppers Drug Mart. They’re retailing them for $6.99 which is a steal in itself. I normally wouldn’t have even thought of Rimmel, but the cosmetician looked fab and I asked her what she was using. Surprise!

Try it! You’ll love it!