Listen to Lena

Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion

review

Three Clicks to a New Couch

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Okay, perhaps I’m oversimplifying the process. But truly, that’s how easy it was to get a brand new leather sectional in my basement, and overall, we are thrilled with the results.

A couple of weeks ago, I shared with y’all news that I had the opportunity to receive a brand new sectional from Wholesale Furniture Brokers, with the promise that I’d review their ordering process, in addition to the quality, value and selection of their furniture. Well, I’ve already touched on the incredible selection, value and ease – and today, I’d love to chat about everything that went down behind the scenes to get the couch into our Man Cave.

Now even though I’ve always touted the virtues of online shopping, at the eleventh hour, I chickened out and placed my order by calling their Sales team. And to tell the truth, I’m glad I did! The representative was friendly, knowledgeable and literally held my hand from start to finish, letting me know what to expect (more on that later) and how to reach out if I needed assistance or clarity.

(When I complimented her on her thoroughness, she informed me that had I ordered online, I would’ve been privy to all the information she was sharing, so she was simply doing her part to ensure I had everything I needed.)

Since the sectional we had selected –  the Toronto Tufted Black Leather Corner Sectional Sofa by True Contemporary – was considered a “Quick Ship Canada” item, I knew that it would leave the warehouse in 1 – 3 business days with an estimated delivery of 1 – 17 business days. So, we waited.

During the entire shipping process, I received e-mail updates from Wholesale Furniture Brokers to inform me of the location and status of my shipment. And when it appeared that the sectional was right around the corner, I received a phone call to remind me about the delivery, and that one of their delivery partners would contact me directly to arrange a drop-off. Completely smooth sailing, friends!…

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What’s for Dinner? Try Dinnerit.

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Friends, it’s officially December. Ho-Ho-HOLY Toledo! Where did the time go? This month is, and will always be, the month that passes by way too quickly.

End of year commitments. Holiday decorating and baking. Christmas plans. School concerts. Shopping.

The fact is, for this home-cooking affectionado, I have thrown takeout menus on the table for the last three nights straight. And it kills me! I love cooking, and honestly, can make the time to get it done. But what I don’t have: recipe inspiration, the right ingredients in my fridge, and the perfect complimentary foods to make a well-balanced meal.

Paging Mr. Chow. Yes, I’d love an extra order of egg rolls for $1.99.

Sigh. Does this sound like your household? Well, if you live in the GTA, I just may have the solution for you.

Dinnerit is a friendly subscription service that provides the freshest dinner ingredients and inspiring nutritionist-developed recipes direct to your doorstep each week. Simply order a Family Bag ($139/week) or Medium Bag ($99/week) online, and the ingredients – plus recipes – will be delivered by their friendly drivers in a temperature-controlled environment. (Below: Denise Fernandes, Co-Founder of Dinnerit.)


So, how is this different from a meal delivery service? Well, first and foremost, you cook the meals yourself. That means that you have complete control over the ingredients that go into your meal, and you have insight into the freshness and quality of those ingredients. Second, you’re paying less than you would to have the meal made for you; the Dinnerit Family Bag works out to $6.95 per meal per person for the week. When you consider that you don’t have to spend time making lists, grocery shopping and seeking out recipes, and that the entire meal is balanced nutritionally, the service starts to make sense….

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The Epitome of Cool: Dell XPS 12

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Last month, I let y’all know that I had a stack of cool gadgets to review this season. And while I wanted to chat about the NEW Dell XPS 12 weeks ago, I really wanted to give myself a chance to get to know the ultrabook. After all, I take my product reviews seriously – well, as seriously as someone who’s currently blogging from her dining table in a fuzzy pink robe – and I wanted to ensure I had adequate time to familiarize myself with the machine.

But, to be completely honest, there’s one major reason I’ve been dragging my feet. You see, I’m so IN LOVE with my Dell XPS 13 Ultrabook, that I simply had to fall out of love in order to give the XPS 12 a fair shot. Both Dell Ultrabooks, both super sleek with impressive features, both incredibly portable for moms on the go.

However, the XPS 12 does have a unique, distinctive advantage: it’s a 2-in-1 Ultrabook and Tablet.

XPS 12 is the only high-performance Ultrabook to feature the elegant flip-hinge design. Whether you’re browsing your favourite blogs in tablet mode, or answering emails and preparing presentations in Ultrabook mode, the XPS 12 is built around your life. “The unique flip-hinge design couples an elegant transition with premium materials and craftsmanship. The hinge is tested to 20,000 cycles. That is equivalent to doing 10 flips per day, 7 days a week for 5.5 years.” – Dell

And when you factor in its innovative design, durable style and resilient display, there’s only one way to describe the XPS 12: The Epitome of Cool.

Look out for the following features of the Dell XPS 12:

Beautifully Tough. Constructed with precision cut aluminium and carbon fibre, the XPS 12 maximizes strength and minimizes weight with premium materials. The carbon fibre body is as strong as aluminium, but lighter and cooler to the touch.

A Brilliant View. XPS 12 includes a 12.5″ Full HD (1080p) screen that provides up to 2X more pixels than standard HD displays so you’ll see finer details, lines and edges. And, a 170-degree viewing angle means that your display looks clear and crisp from almost any seat.

Fast Start. Get started quickly with whatever your day brings. Boot up in seconds with an all flash solid-state drive and Intel Rapid Start Technology.

Impressive Battery Performance. XPS 12 is designed to save you time and keep going longer – delivering up to 9 hours 32 minutes of battery life. (My favourite feature, naturally.)

I’m slowly falling in love with this Ultrabook, especially from a family travel perspective; the boys can enjoy all their favourite apps and videos in tablet mode, and I can pop open the laptop to get my work done after they’re down for the night. The XPS 12 is an authentic mutitasker!

I’ll be back next month with more thoughts and findings. In the meantime, visit Dell.ca to learn more about the XPS 12 2-in-1 Ultrabook and Tablet.

HP Family Time for THAT Mom

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In some ways, I feel like I’m “outing” myself here, but in reality, I’m sure my readers have cottoned onto me a long time ago: I’m THAT mom.

I’m that mom who cringes when asked to look after a friend’s kids. Some days, I can barely stand my own offspring, leave alone kids that I’m forced to be nice to in an effort to appear like a normal, caring maternal figure. The truth is, I like children in small doses. Say, 10-minute doses.

I’m that mom who sighs when her child asks for another bedtime story. I’ve got a gazillion things on my mind right now, and if I have to read about an inane rabbit in an inane wonderland one more time, I may hurt myself. Every time I turn the dog-eared pages of my son’s favourite story, I make a mental note to search for a nanny-for-hire service.

I’m that mom who ushers the kids in front of the television while I cook dinner, hollering threats from time to time as the boys jump on the couch while the pasta sauce bubbles on the stove. But then I quickly look on the bright side – the fact that I have two boys who mostly amuse each other and give me a hall pass from parenting, at least before bedtime. It’s a well known fact that the only reason I had Reid is so that Ryder would leave me alone. Score 1 – Me.

I’m that mom who loves her kids fiercely, but on the whole, has a hard time connecting with them. Perhaps it’s a lack of patience, or a sensitivity chip that was programmed incorrectly. Maybe I’m just better with adults, and when my boys grow and mature and I can understand their world better, our relationship will take off from there.

I’m THAT mom. But I’m also that much more determined to be better. So I became this mom:

The mom who takes her children on family adventures that help to create lifelong memories.
The mom who works her butt off to show her children that ambition has limitless potential.
The mom who created a career that allows her to be present to kiss every boo-boo and unwrap every popsicle.
The mom who makes learning a priority – and makes it fun.

So I guess you can say, I’m that mom… and I’m this mom… and I’m just being perfectly me. And that’s that.

Now if we’re being honest, what types of family activities do I love? Simple – the ones that keep the kids challenged, entertained and out of trouble… and allow me to be off the hook after brief togetherness.

A few weeks ago, I introduced you to the HP ENVY Rove 20 Mobile All-in-One Desktop PC and HP ENVY 5530 e-All-in-One Printer. (Read my posts here and here.) And now, just in time for Halloween, I’m pleased to introduce you to the HP Snapfish portal, an amazing online resource chock full of fun activity templates for kids and décor ideas. HP Snapfish provides a free, fully-printable party décor kit, pumpkin carving templates, decorations and colouring pages. It’s so easy- just click on the activity you want and hit “Print”!

And so #HPFamilyTime just got even more awesome. Last night, I sat together with the boys and they selected a few colouring pages, in addition to a hanging decoration, straight from the HP Snapfish portal. As advertised, all we had to do was hit “Print” – of course, we printed our fun activities on our HP ENVY 5530 e-All-in-One Printer. …

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Brain Training 101: Creative IQ

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Last week, I let y’all know that I’ve had the pleasure of testing out some brand new electronic toys this season. Courtesy of HP, we received the new HP ENVY Rove 20 Mobile All-in-One Desktop PC – read my review here – and the snazzy HP ENVY 5530 e-All-in-One Printer.

In addition to the super sleek tech gadgets, HP also sent us a copy of Creative IQ: Giving Young Learners the Creative Edge in a Competitive World. The book offers over one hundred activities contained within ten-themed chapters to help parents and teachers develop children’s Creative IQ; a concept they have defined as the ability to confidently develop and express creative, out-of-the-box solutions to challenges relating to every aspect of life. The activities involve art, music, drama, creative movement, cooking, science, mathematics and fitness.

Well, since I have two little guys who love to learn, we dove right into some of the Brain Training Challenges, including “My Dream Bedroom”, which fosters Design and Categorization Skills.

“This activity will allow kids to draw their ideal bedroom with a pencil, black marker, or crayon. Photocopy the bedroom design several times with the ENVY 5530 e-All-in-One so that young learners can experiment with different colours to see which combination looks best. Challenge: Ask the children to identify each of the colours used as a primary, secondary or tertiary colour, thus helping to build their classification skills.”

Well, since Ryder was recently treated to a dream bedroom makeover, I thought it was only fair that Reid had a chance to create his own ideal bedroom too. However, we ran into the first roadblock right from the start; (1) Reid can’t actually create an intelligible design and (2) neither can I. Seriously, when God was handing out artistic talent he skipped over me completely. (Guess I’ll just have to rely on my wit and charm, eh?) Hence, after a few futile attempts that proved mildly embarrassing and majorly annoying, I turned to my good friend, MS PowerPoint….

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Brain Training 101: A Clever Way to Entertain Kiddos

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‘Tis the season for back to school, and thus, ’tis the season for gadget reviews! Over the past few weeks, I’ve had the pleasure of testing out some brand new electronic toys; specifically, a phone, an ultrabook and a brand new Mobile All-in-One Desktop PC. (Yes, I’m feeling très geek chic.) The truth is, even though I’m not a tech writer, I have a pretty good handle on what works well for my family, and hence, am enthused to share some of our favourite gadgets for the new school year. Let’s begin with the All-in-One.

Courtesy of HP, we received the new HP ENVY Rove 20 Mobile All-in-One Desktop PC. Touted as “the desktop with a built-in battery that leaves the desk behind”, your family can enjoy an all-in-one that moves with you. Stand the touchscreen upright to watch movies, then move it to the living room and lay it flat for group games and creative projects. Think of it as the king of tablets. And when I say king, I mean King Kong, because the 20-inch HD display is downright massive.

So, Ryder has been at school for just over 3 weeks now. And even though I feared he may have an awkward, fearful transition – he had been just fine. More than fine, actually; while he still shows signs of anxiety, he also shows excitement for going to class because he loves to learn. Reading, writing, math and art – you name it – he is utterly obsessed with gaining knowledge. And so we try to tailor the activities at home to keep the Brain Training alive; you’ll often find Ryder’s head buried in a primary reader, assembling 100-piece puzzles on the floor and always, always colouring. (And shouting at little Reid to colour between the lines.)

Last month, HP issued a Brain Training Challenge aimed at helping parents and teachers give young learners the creative edge in a competitive world. I was asked to perform a series of challenges with my boys in the first few weeks of school – a “kick start” of sorts to get their creative and analytic juices flowing from the beginning. Of course, I had the perfect tester!

Before I chat about the visually-striking, family friendly educational apps we tried, I really should point something out. See the HP ENVY Rove 20 Mobile All-in-One Desktop PC on my coffee table? Did you notice anything that’s missing? Oh, just the EXTENSION CORD – that’s right, with a built-in battery, my entire “home office” is now completely mobile! So when I’m not pounding away on the keyboard drumming up blog posts, the kiddos are watching movies online, playing games and fighting over taking turns with the apps I’ve downloaded from the Windows store….

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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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#ProjectPatio & The Home Depot Canada #Giveaway

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NOTE: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

With the end of the season right around the corner….  yeah, I know. Bite my tongue; it’s finally starting to feel like summer in Southwestern Ontario.

Regardless, in just a few short weeks, the kiddos will be back in school, I’ll be breaking out my Tory Burch riding boots, and sadly, packing away my patio furniture. Ah, my beloved #ProjectPatio.


I want to express sincere thanks to all those who followed along as we turned our backyard from ordinary to an oasis. Since the reno was completed back in May, I’ve enjoyed many drinks on the patio, and have even developed a new appreciation for barbecued everything.

Of course, I also have to show my appreciation to The Home Depot Canada, who partnered with me on this amazing makeover. I am so fortunate to have teamed up with the world’s largest home improvement specialty retailer; a company whose core values include respect for all people, giving back to communities and of course, excellent customer service. Thank you so much for helping us create the patio of our dreams!

Now if you’re thinking that it’s time to take on your own #ProjectPatio for 2014, there’s no better time to get started; you’ll recall from my Buy it Now! Hampton Bay Millstone Dining Set post that many of the dining sets are on sale (check in store for the best prices – only a few options left!) and you can find great deals on other summer must-haves as well. And… shhh… a little birdie told me that y’all should be checking out Home Depot Canada’s enviable selection of BBQs over the next 2-3 weeks… you may be BLOWN AWAY by the amazing prices!

Speaking of BBQs, we’re kind of obsessed with our Weber Genesis S-330 Natural Gas Grill. The top-of-the-line grill creates an atmosphere of pure grilling excellence! Its high-heat Sear Station burner, three standard stainless steel burners and electronic ignition system are just a few of the noteworthy features we can’t resist.


So WHY all the patio talk, so close to the end of the season? Trust me, I’m not trying to torture you. I simply want to provide some inspiration for your own #ProjectPatio for 2014… and The Home Depot Canada will provide some FABULOUS incentive!…

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ROAR! Dinosaurs Alive! at Canada’s Wonderland

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A few weeks ago, we took the boys to Canada’s Wonderland for the very first time. Let’s just say that I have a 5-year old budding adrenaline junkie, and a 3-year old who specializes in thrill ride avoidance. (Be still my heart! I have a comrade-in-fear.)

Alas, one of the only attractions that we didn’t have a chance to experience on our recent adventure was the new Dinosaurs Alive! exhibit. Unleashed in May 2012, visitors to Canada’s Wonderland are transported back in time to periods between 245 million and 65 million years ago in one of the world’s largest animatronic dinosaur parks.

Thanks to the generosity of Canada’s Wonderland, we were invited back to the park for our own prehistoric adventure, and we even brought along a few friends; @ShaunaMacKenzie from Kindergarten Confidential and her two boys, Big A and Lil J.

The day started off a little gloomy, and unfortunately, we encountered a rain delay of about 30 minutes. Thankfully, the passing showers made way for a beautiful, sunny day. As soon as the skies cleared, we made our way over to the Dinosaurs Alive exhibit. First, an obligatory pose by the entrance. (Side note: My “Change Your Life with Bacon” t-shirt made me Ms. Popularity for the day. Thanks Maple Leaf Foods!)

…

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Grill On. The Weber Genesis S-330 Natural Gas Grill

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Disclaimer: Reviewing the Weber Genesis S-330 Natural Gas Grill is kind of like reviewing a luxury car. I mean really, what’s not to love? You simply won’t find a better grill for the price.

We were fortunate to receive the grill for review from The Home Depot Canada as part of our #ProjectPatio overhaul. Now in the spirit of being completely honest… and you know I always am… I actually haven’t used this grill once. Frankly, I don’t even know how to turn it on. To me, it’s nothing more than a shiny new appliance that looks kind of spectacular on my shiny new patio.

However, the MAN CHEF in my family is near-orgasmic over this contraption. In fact, my husband has attributed most of his happiness this summer to the addition of the BBQ. Hence, when he’s not wiping it down or admiring it from afar (yes, I have caught him staring), he can usually speak to its features and attributes.

“This stainless steel rendition of our top-of-the-line Genesis natural gas grill creates an atmosphere of pure grilling excellence. It’s high-heat Sear Station burner, three standard stainless steel burners, and electronic ignition system are just a few of the noteworthy features you won’t be able to resist.” – Weber Grills

– 38,000 BTU cooking system provides powerful heat and performance
– The 10,600 BTU sear burner is designed to step up the heat on demand for searing
– The 12,000 BTU flush mounted side burner let’s you multi task at the grill
– The stainless steel rod cooking grids have a 7mm diameter
– Includes a 10-foot flexible natural gas hose
– Two stainless steel work surfaces offer plenty of room for all your grilling needs

Of course, before I let him get into the nitty gritty, here’s what I like about the Weber Genesis S-330 Natural Gas Grill:

Okay, it’s pretty obvious that I’m a huge fan of our new BBQ, for obvious, delicious reasons. But why is my husband on cloud nine?…

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A Brief Explanation of the Situation….

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This is my balcony at the JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa…

… and this is my view.

As such, I hope you’ll understand if I bugger off blogging today and simply enjoy the moment. Have a wonderful day friends! I’ll be back home tomorrow, but today – today is for remembering that sometimes, we all need to slow down.

We’re Off to Go Seize the Summer!

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Yes, friends… I hear Mother Nature calling… and she’s beckoning me to a luxury resort in the heart of the Muskoka Lakes. Twist my arm!

Last month, I told y’all about Travelocity.ca’s Go Seize the Summer Sale –

“Make this the best summer ever with the Go Seize the Summer Sale!  Recreate memories of summer vacations past or create new memories.  There are holiday ideas to suit a variety of interests and budgets.  Explore the historical cities of Europe, enjoy the ocean breeze of the seaside, head to the outdoors for your next adventure, enjoy the sites of the Big City or discover more exotic destinations. There are vacations to please everyone in your family this summer.”

Well, I accepted Travelocity.ca’s challenge to #GoSeizetheSummer, and we’ll be embarking on a few family adventures – starting with the JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa. Our view over the next two days:

Booking through Travelocity.ca couldn’t have been easier! I love the flexibility, wide variety of properties to choose from, and most of all – the amazing prices! Follow my tweets and watch as we make the most of our summer vacation together. And if you’d like to participate in your own adventure, visit Travelocity.ca and enter code LENA10; the code is good for 10% off a prepaid GoodBuy Hotel booking of $200 or more. (Valid July 10 thru August 31, 2013.)…

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Impulse Purchase. Again.

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Disclaimer: Can we please agree that if an item is selling for under $30, or is at least 70% off, then it’s no longer an impulse purchase… but a NECESSARY buy?

Such is the case with this Little Tikes Easy Store Picnic Table with Umbrella. It is currently retailing for $94.99 on the Little Tikes website. At Walmart, you can grab it for $93.00. And surprisingly, Canadian Tire has it a little cheaper at $69.99. But here’s why I just had to purchase it… I found it at Target Canada for just $25.99!

“This indoor/outdoor table can be used as a play table or picnic table. Folds for fast set up and take down – an ideal portable table! Six children can sit comfortably for play and interaction. Includes umbrella for safe fun in the sun.” …

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Ride & Relax… Oh Yeah. And Then Some.

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Meet my two boys. You may know them already; they’ve been prominently featured on my site for oh, the last five years or so. On the left is Ryder, and on the right, Reid. Of course, we also have several nicknames for them. This summer, it’s “The Whiner” and “Sir Good to Go”.

“The Whiner” – my son formerly known as Ryder – is 5 years old. He likes to kick soccer balls, drink apple juice, and complain about the heat. Oh, how he complains! In fact, we cannot recall a single event or day trip this summer where he didn’t schlep around whining about how hot he is.

“I’m tired,” he says.
“It’s too hot outside. I don’t want to walk anymore,” he says.
“Can I sit in Reid’s stroller? My legs hurt,” he says.

Yes, he is a professional whiner. His little brother, “Sir Good to Go”, has no problem getting out, running around and trudging through deep vegetation… but here’s the problem. He’s 3 years old, and he’s batsh*t CRAZY. Picture the Tasmanian Devil – got it. That’s Reid. So technically, we don’t want him getting out, running around and trudging through deep vegetation – we want him securely fastened so we can keep both eyes on him. To tell the truth, if child leashes weren’t so socially unacceptable, he’d be harnessed in a heartbeat.

Here’s the dilemma. Reid is the toddler who dislikes the stroller; Ryder is the kindergarten kid who wants to crawl in. I loathe taking the double stroller to theme parks and street festivals just because The Whiner doesn’t want to walk. So what’s a girl to do?

(Cue the parting of the heavens. If I could Photoshop a ray of light shining down on the Little Tikes Deluxe Ride & Relax Wagon with Umbrella, I would.)

Of course a wagon is the answer! It allows both boys to be comfy and secure, with the ease of jumping in/out whenever they’d like. And, the optional harness allows us to safely restrain Reid on bumpier terrain or near roads.

Now, just as I like my vehicles souped up and with options to the nines, you can bet I wouldn’t just settle for any wagon. Nope; it had to be a wagon with ALL the bells and whistles. And trust me, the Little Tikes Deluxe Ride & Relax Wagon with Umbrella delivers. Here’s why we love it….

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Buy it Now! Hampton Bay Millstone Dining Set

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So many of y’all fell in LOVE with my Hampton Bay Millstone Dining Set, available at the Home Depot Canada. It was prominently featured in my #ProjectPatio: The BIG Reveal! post, and we too coveted the set from the first moment we laid eyes on it.

(And now that I’ve hyperlinked the hell out of it, it’s time to get down to business!)

Here’s the deal. When we first started planning for our backyard patio, we assumed that we would prefer lounge-type seating. After all, drinks on the patio and wicker sectionals go hand-in-hand, no? However, after much thought and a careful reassessment of our family habits, eating preferences and lifestyle, we concurred that a standard dining set would likely be the better choice. However, I was very particular about the features of the dining set; it had to have:

a) comfortable seating for six
b) sturdy, stackable chairs, and preferably two that reclined
c) a unique style that is contemporary yet functional
d) rust proof framing and weather resistant fabric
e) a timeless colour coombination that coordinates well with all décor

Thankfully, it didn’t take long before we settled on the Hampton Bay Millstone Dining Set. I was quite taken with the cast iron dining table; its intricate design and aged bronze powder coated finish was perfectly stylish and functional, and I appreciated the quality of the design….

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Go Seize The Summer! Family Travel Here We Come!

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Friends, I’ve found a new way to raise my kids, spend time with them, and survive the preschool years… without strangling them.

It’s called Family Travel. 

(Disclaimer: I do not actually strangle my kids, nor do I plan to in the near future. However, has the thought ever crossed my mind? Er….)

On our last family adventure to Walt Disney World in May, I discovered that while my boys are jerks less-than-angels at home, they always rise to the occasion and morph into wonderful travellers. In fact, they’re usually up for a good press trip, staycation or all-day excursion – and, I’m so pleased to be able to offer them opportunities to discover the world beyond their own backyard. With equal parts wonder and excitement, they help me pack for our vacation, make a list of cars they’d like to bring along, and always, always remind me to pack their swim trunks. Let’s just say that our family bonding begins even before we walk out the front door!

Now this is Ryder’s very first summer vacation (yep, wouldn’t it be nice to be 5 years old again!) and I want to make it one to remember. So, I’ve been doing my part to plan day trips, weekends away, and even looking into a short family vacation at the end of August, just before school resumes. In short, I want to ensure that we’re spending this precious time together, and making the most of the amazing local attractions and tourist stops that are just a short drive away. This year, we plan to #GoSeizetheSummer!

Hence, when I heard about Travelocity.ca’s Go Seize the Summer Sale, I was pretty much in seventh heaven –

“Make this the best summer ever with the Go Seize the Summer Sale!  Recreate memories of summer vacations past or create new memories.  There are holiday ideas to suit a variety of interests and budgets.  Explore the historical cities of Europe, enjoy the ocean breeze of the seaside, head to the outdoors for your next adventure, enjoy the sites of the Big City or discover more exotic destinations. There are vacations to please everyone in your family this summer.”

Hello! Great deals on hotels and destinations, specifically geared toward family travel? My boys have already cracked open their suitcases, and are ready to take off!…

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The Smelly Smell that Smells Smelly. Never Again.

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Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

We’ve all done it. Some, more than others. Some… all the time. And make no mistake; it always catches up to us. C’mon… you know you’ve done it.

You’ve forgotten to move the clothes from the washer to the dryer.

After the first hour, it’s cool. No harm done! In fact, one could argue that allowing clothes to “cure” in the washing machine drum is a good thing. The clothes are promptly (albeit tardily) transferred from washer to dryer and you don’t look back. Moving on.

Sometimes, two hours go by. And after the second hour, while you’re not yet in Panicville, you’re definitely on the outskirts. But it’s alright! You can deal. You give your clothes a quick whiff, confirm that no offensive odour exists, and silently reprimand yourself for being so forgetful. You vow it will never happen again… But it does.

This time, you forget for a longer period of time. Maybe even overnight (gah!). And as you pull open the drum, you notice it. Frankly, you are confronted by it. That smell….


The musty odour of clothes; the pungent mildewy smell of dampness wafting from the drum. A veritable reminder that you suck, and your suckage has led to a stinky washing machine and even stinkier clothes that will now require a re-wash. You carefully measure out the detergent, silently cursing your forgetful ways. To add insult to injury, the energy savings period has passed, which means you’ll pay through the nose to wash the same damn towels through the same damn hot wash cycle yet again.

Yeah, we’ve all done it.

Of course, I do have a few suggestions to try and help you remember. First, tie a string to your finger until you’re just about cutting off the circulation. By the time it turns purple and starts throbbing, your wash *should* be done. Or, you can always leave your 3-year old to stand guard at the washing machine, because we all know 3-year olds never wander off, right? Failing that, you could strap a megaphone next to the “end of cycle” signal and pray that you don’t blow out your eardrums when it inevitably beeps. (Disclaimer: Do not try these suggestions at home. Unless you want to. In which case, stinky laundry isn’t your biggest problem.)…

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Clearly, My Boys Love Clearly Sports

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I’m always on the lookout for great, affordable toys that can be gifted for birthday parties and other celebrations. Especially in the summertime, I find that there’s a boom in the number of party invitations we receive. (Note to self: do not book anything for the next 12 Saturdays, because they’re already crammed with events.) Hence, toys that are fun, educational and combine a love of outdoor play are always at the top of my list.

The very awesome folks at Little Tikes gifted Ryder and Reid with the Clear Sports trio for their birthdays in May. Alas, with the weather being unseasonably cool, and then our backyard makeover, we had to wait until last week before we could break out the toys. Ryder, who at five years old is very much into sports, almost burst with excitement when he set eyes on the play sets. Well done Little Tikes!

The Little Tikes Clearly Sports toys help the young sports fans in your life burn energy and develop hand-eye coordination and motor skills. This summer, you can make every play-date a grand slam with the Clearly Sports Baseball set ($24.99), which includes a bat that holds colourful balls that make a huge sound when hit. Turn your yard into a driving range with the Clearly Sports Golf set ($19.99), or transform your hallway into a bowling alley with Clearly Sports Bowling ($24.99). They’re priced just right for gifting, and are nice and sturdy for outdoor use. (You *could* use the sets indoors, though I don’t recommend playing with the baseball set around antiques or glassware!) The sets are available at Toys’R’Us, Walmart and Target.

Ryder immediately took a shining to the the Clearly Sports Baseball set.

The Little Tikes Clearly Sports Baseball set is ideal for engaging active play. The colorful baseballs jump and clatter inside to enhance excitement just like at the ball park! Plus, all pieces fit together for compact storage. The Little Tikes two-in-one Clearly Baseball play set is also just right for beginners; start with the tee-ball play, and as kids grow they can advance up to baseball play. Perfect for ages 2-5.

Accessories include:
* 1- Base
* 1- Tee
* 1- Baseball bat
* 3- Baseballs

“Assembly” consists of snapping the two base pieces together. Easy peasy!

Within moments Ryder had the hang of hitting the ball off the tee, and now my husband is working on his posture and form before he can transition him from tee-ball to baseball. Reid, who’s a little younger, whacks angrily at the tee – I started to photograph him but then feared for my safety as plastic balls were popping everywhere. Let’s just say he needs a little more practice.

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