Listen to Lena

Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion

summer

Healthier Habits for the Summer

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It’s summer. Hallelujah!

And just in case you hadn’t noticed (how’s the weather under that rock?), people are vacationing, dining out, drinking on patios and festival-hopping in full force. Honestly! Some days I need to stay off Instagram, where I’m constantly reminded of friends’ summertime travels and exploits.
10865108_422184224655700_1749091094_nThe above photo is courtesy of my blogging bestie Stephanie Holmes, who’s currently in Turks and Caicos. I know, right? You can say it. I was totally thinking it too.

However, I’m not mad at her, because we’re off to Niagara Falls for the long weekend! There, we’ll get wet at the Fallsview Indoor Waterpark, enjoy a special meal in the revolving dining room at Skylon Tower, and even take in a little cross-border shopping action (I miss Target!). …

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A Summer of KINDER Smiles :)

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And look at that! A completely appropriate smiley face in the post title.

strip (1)This past summer, I killed it. I told you I would! At the start of the season, I made a commitment to my family that we would seize every weekend and get out, enjoy the weather, take a dip in a pool, do something different, try something new, capture the memories, spend time together…all that and more. And we did it! We totally treasured every moment together (sometimes to a fault; let’s just say that I only have so much patience for two rambunctious boys) and made this summer count.

Don’t believe me? Just stroll through my blog from the past few months. See, told you so.

Looking back, it’s a summer for the scrapbook! And if you’re looking for fun way to share your summer smiles with family and friends, KINDER offers a cool little “Smile Booth” app on KINDER Canada’s Facebook Page. It’s a fun and interactive way for parents to capture and share moments of joy in a playful way. Once you’re a KINDER Fan, it’s just a few simple steps:

Step 1: Fan KINDER on Facebook
Step 2: Start your photo-strip
Step 3: Upload your photos
Step 4: Choose a fancy KINDER frame
Step 5: Choose a filter (make yourself look silly!)
Step 6: Save & share

My photos were slightly too small to apply the silly filters, but you can bet I’ll be zooming in and recreating the script for the boys. Sharing the photo strip is super easy, with a link to share on Twitter and/or Facebook available immediately upon completion.

Where did your summer travels take you? Was it the summer of Flora, Lynda, Jaime, Judy or Chandra? Or maybe… the summer of George? (Any Seinfeld fans out there?)

What was the single best memory from summer vacay 2014? Do tell!

 

I’m part of the Kinder Mom program and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group.
The opinions on this blog are my own.

Long Weekend with WONDER+ SimplyFree!

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Bliss. Another hot, lazy long weekend is winding down. Last time, I shared highlights from my family barbecue with y’all – including some juicy hamburgers courtesy of Canadian Living, Summer Fun Comes Naturally and WONDER+ SimplyFree.

This time around, we moved the barbecue indoors. 

I’m sure you’ve seen me mention this before, but I am just fed up with the extreme heat and humidity that Toronto has experienced this summer. My poor toddler has been having regular nosebleeds, my husband’s asthma is acting up, and I can’t take all these frizzy, bad hair days! So while we considered celebrating the long weekend with another barbecue, we opted to bring the festivities indoors instead.

Boy, am I glad that WONDER+ SimplyFree buns are so versatile! I decided to make Tuna Salmon Melts from Canadian Living’s Simply Better BBQ’s, and was pleased that I could use the hamburger buns as a perfect, soft roll for this yummy sandwich.

(WONDER+ SimplyFree is the first Canadian National branded line of hamburger & hotdog buns FREE OF artificial preservatives, artificial flavours and artificial colours. They are also made with NO high fructose corn syrup, and like all products from WONDER, made with unbleached wheat flour. LOVE!)

The original recipe calls for canned tuna, but I substituted canned salmon as I prefer the omega 3’s and added calcium from crushed bones.

INGREDIENTS

2 cans flaked tuna (or salmon), well drained
3 tbsp (45 mL) finely chopped gherkin pickles
2 tbsp (25 mL) finely chopped celery
2 tbsp (25 mL) ketchup
2 tbsp (4 mL) finely diced onions
3 tbsp (45 mL) mayonnaise
4 Wonder+ SimplyFree hamburger buns
1/2 cup (125 mL) shredded Cheddar cheese

DIRECTIONS

In large bowl, combine tuna, pickles, celery, ketchup and onions; stir in mayonnaise until well mixed. Spoon onto bottom of buns. Top each with about 2 tbsp (25 mL) cheese.

For barbecuing, wrap in foil and heat for about 4 minutes, turning once, to heat through and melt cheese. Makes 4 servings.

So I cheated and actually placed the buns open-faced under the broiler to toast the bread and melt the cheese. Bonus: it only took about 3 minutes and we didn’t have to heat the barbecue!

Here’s my sandwich, waiting to be tucked into:

It was quite delish! Way more flavourful than your standard salmon salad sandwich, and the addition of toasted bread and gooey cheese really put this one over the top. My husband had two!

With only one long weekend left in summer, I’m hoping this heat wave subsides soon so we can once again be grilling up a storm. Until then, I’m quite happy to enjoy more delicious sandwiches like the one we tried today.

I am participating in the Wonder+ SimplyFree program by Mom Central Canada on behalf of Weston Bakeries. I received a gift card and free product coupons as a thank you. The opinions on this blog are my own.

Summer Beauty: Bobbi Brown Cosmetics

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The following giveaway is open to US and CAN residents.

This iconic figure in the world of beauty needs no introduction: Bobbi Brown.

A celebrated makeup artist for 30 years (!!!), her brand Bobbi Brown Cosmetics enables every woman to enhance her unique beauty. The products are straightforward, easy-to-use and in timeless hues, all formulated to create a smooth, natural, and healthy appearance.

Fun Fact:

In 1991, her 10 lipsticks debuted at the Bergdorf Goodman under the name of Bobbi Brown Essentials. Bobbi was expecting to sell 100 in a month. She sold 100 within the first day. The message was clear: Women wanted makeup that was simple, flattering, and wearable.

I was first turned on to Bobbi Brown Cosmetics in the mid 90’s. Having a strong warm undertone, I found it impossible to wear foundation for the simple fact that most drugstore brands were too pink for my complexion. When a family friend from the US stayed with us one weekend, she saw me smoothing on a decidedly cool Cover Girl hue (I was in my teens at the time so CG was all the rage – and all I could afford). Discreetly, she popped down to the guestroom and returned with a stick of Bobbi Brown foundation.

“Try this,” she offered.

I looked at the most sophisticated piece of makeup I had ever laid eyes on. Enchanted, I warmed a bit of the foundation on my fingertips and proceeded to blend in the exact match for my skin tone. Weeks later, I received another stick in the mail, courtesy of my generous family friend.

Today, Bobbi Brown has ten (10) foundations to choose from and the most sought-after shades in lip colour. In fact, her Brightening Lip Gloss in Peach is my go-to product of the summer.

I was fortunate to receive three of Bobbi Brown’s other essentials for summer: beach Body Lotion, Illuminating Bronzing Powder and Bronzer Brush.

If you didn’t catch my review of beach Body Lotion, click here. In a nutshell:

“The fragrance – beach – is the cleanest, freshest, most tantalizing scent I have ever smelled. I’m hooked! I literally could not stop applying the lotion to my arms and upper body… and last night, I booted it to Holt Renfrew so I could pick up the beach Eau de Parfum.

beach captures the very essence of summer with a lightly intoxicating blend of sand jasmine, sea spray and mandarin. But it doesn’t merely smell like the beach. It smells like the beach at a 5-star resort, where a gorgeous cabana boy is offering you a fruity concoction while you turn over on your side to enjoy the view of the clear blue water lapping up to the shore.

Or, for my 80’s girls – running through the sprinkler in th backyard, wearing Coppertone sun tan oil, trading jelly bracelets and drinking Kool Aid. The fragrance evokes so many memories, it’s almost like a nostalgic drug.”

I’m also a big fan of the Illuminating Bronzing Powder and Bronzer Brush; I received “Bahama”, a deep golden bronze, to review. (You may click to enlarge pictures.)

BRONZER IN #7 BAHAMA
CLICK TO ENLARGE FOR THE GORGEOUS PEARL FINISH

The bronzer is silky soft and so smooth to the touch. It’s formulated with a unique blend of sheer powder and micro pearls, which gives it the perfect sheen without being too shiny. The powder glides on sheer, evenly and gives skin a seamless natural-looking glow. After applying the bronzer my husband joked that it looked like I was lying out in the sun for two days – the perfect compliment, considering it took me only 30 seconds to apply the bronzer :)

BRONZER APPLIED ALL OVER FOR SUN-KISSED LOOK
COLOUR CONCENTRATED ON CHEEKS

The Bronzer Brush has now officially eclipsed all other face brushes that I own. The brush features luxuriously soft bristles and a more rounded brush head to provide smoother, more even application of bronzer. When you stroke the brush across your face, it feels like a veil of satin. And while the brush is a little bit pricey ($50), it is well worth it. Yes, I would recommend purchasing this brush – but don’t just take my word for it; 100% of customers on Bobbi Brown’s website (65 of 65) would also recommend this product to a friend.


Bobbi Brown Cosmetics can be purchased at Holt Renfrew and Murale locations across Canada, and online at bobbibrowncosmetics.com (US only).


One lucky reader will win a Summer Essentials Prize Pack, including beach Body Lotion, an Illuminating Bronzing Powder and a Bronzer Brush (value $120)!

To enter, visit Bobbi Brown Cosmetics and find three (3) other products that you believe epitomize simple, flattering and wearable beauty. 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 extra entries!)
(2) “Like” Listen to Lena! on Facebook
(3) NEW Follow Listen to Lena! on Twitter
(4) “Like” Bobbi Brown Cosmetics on Facebook
(5) Follow Bobbi Brown on Twitter
(6) Tweet daily: Please use this Bobbi Brown Giveaway Tweet.

I’ll draw for a winner on July 31st. Good luck everybody!

BBQ’ing with WONDER+ SimplyFree!

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Ah, another long weekend winding down – the sights, sounds and tastes of summer still fresh in my mind. Of course, this Canada Day long weekend was slightly less than perfect since I’m still getting over a summer cold. However, nothing makes a gal feel better than family, food and fun!

We decided to postpone Friday’s Canada Day celebration until earlier this afternoon so that I’d have a chance to recuperate. My parents, brother and sister-in-law came over for a BBQ-licious good time, and we had a blast! I was a little worried about the heat (we have full afternoon sun and the humidex temperature creeped up to 35 degrees Celsius) but we moved lunch inside and saved the outdoor fun for when the 4:00pm shade settled in.

Inspired to create a new burger, I checked out the WONDER+ SimplyFree recipes available through the Canadian Living, Summer Fun Comes Naturally site. I decided that the Juicy Extra-Lean Burgers were good to go; I had all the ingredients on hand, loved that the prep work was quick and easy, and I’m always looking for healthier, lower fat options.

Here’s my resident grill master with the burgers:

MY SUMMER CHEF
EXTRA LEAN BURGERS ON THE GRILL
VEGETARIANS NEED NOT APPLY

We also added a few turkey sausages in the mix, but I can’t take the credit for making those :) We teamed ’em all up with WONDER+ SimplyFree hamburger and hot dog buns, which are the perfect complement to a scrumptious BBQ. WONDER+ SimplyFree is the 1st Canadian National branded line of hamburger & hotdog buns FREE OF artificial preservatives, artificial flavours and artificial colours. They are also made with NO high fructose corn syrup, and like all products from WONDER, made with unbleached wheat flour. Loves it!

LOVE THOSE WONDER+ SIMPLY FREE BUNS
THE SPREAD

(For those of you WONDERing, they taste exactly like the regular WONDER buns you’ve come to know and love. Seriously, there’s no difference at all – they’ve taken all the bad stuff out and left the good stuff in. A win-win!)

Here’s my fam digging into the yummy meal…

MY LOVELY SIL, DAD AND MOM
HUBBY, RYDER AND MY BRO

Want to throw a BBQ of your own? When you purchase WONDER+ SimplyFree buns, enter to win a BBQ party worth $5,000 through a unique PIN found on specially marked packages. The grand prize includes a Weber Genesis Propane BBQ (!), $50.00 CDN worth of WONDER+ SimplyFree product coupons, a $500 CDN grocery gift card, a $1,500 gift card towards a patio set (!) and a $1,450 gift card towards an Outdoor stereo system. Holy Hannah! I just entered two PINS… cross your fingers for me! Party at Lena’s!

How did you spend your long weekend? Was BBQ on the menu? I cannot wait until the next one comes along… food, family and fun… I can get used to this!

I am participating in the WONDER+ SimplyFree program by Mom Central Canada on behalf of Weston Bakeries. I received a gift card, BBQ kit and free product coupons as a thank you for my participation. The opinions on this blog are my own.

The Sights, Sounds and Smells of Summer

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Ah… blogging just to blog. After an obligatory run of giveaways (more to come) it feels nice to just unwind with a chillin’ post. Which brings me to the title: The Sights, Sounds and Smells of Summer.

Last week, the whole family went out for a late afternoon stroll. Pulling the little guys in their wagon, we traipsed through the neighbourhood, basking in the warm summer day. As we turned on to a parallel street, I heard the faint sound of ethnic music drifting through an open window. Immediately, I was filled with nostalgia… but couldn’t nail down the exact memory.

We continued down the block, and within moments I felt yet another throwback to my youth: the pungent scent of Middle Eastern food wafting through a screen door.

And then it hit me: air conditioning killed the sights, sounds and smells of summer.

I began thinking back to my childhood; of my neighbours, who always had every window open and a constant stream of Portuguese folk songs bellowing a happy tune. Of the college kid around the corner who spent all summer in his open garage, working on his motorcycle (I may have had a tiny crush). I remembered the elderly lady across the street, who unfailingly greeted Saturday morning with a spicy curry you could smell for miles. And of people – friends, strangers, children of all ages – lounging on their balconies or the front porch. Kids circling the driveway on bicycles, skipping with one end of the rope tied to a railing. And all just to catch a hint of cool breeze… because the thought of staying in a sticky, hot, sweltering house was just not an option.

But that day, walking down that street… you’d think every single home was unoccupied. Doors and windows closed tight, not allowing one inch of precious bought-air to escape. The eerie quiet of citizens locked inside, with only the hum of air conditioners heard every few paces. The sun beating down on the back of my neck was the only factor that tied my childhood to the present.

How I miss the sights, sounds and smells of summer. Almost as much as I miss that green, polka dot romper.

Bobbi Brown beach Body Lotion

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It’s no secret that I’m having the ultimate Beauty & Fashion Bash in July. I’m just waiting on a few sponsors to confirm, but it looks like there will be a giveaway for EVERY day of the month.

(Don’t mind me – just doing a happy dance.)

Yesterday, I received a very summery package of goodies courtesy of Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, one of my fabulous sponsors. Now while I’d normally wait until the event to post my review, I simply can’t contain my excitement for one of the products: Bobbi Brown beach Body Lotion.

“This lightweight body moisturizer contains a soothing and hydrating blend of Aloe Vera and Olive, Jojoba and Sunflower Oils. beach Body Lotion helps reduce peeling and prolong the life of your tan. Green Tea and Vitamin E provide antioxidant protection. Freshly scented with beach Fragrance.”

The fragrance – beach – is the cleanest, freshest, most tantalizing scent I have ever smelled. I’m hooked! I literally could not stop applying the lotion to my arms and upper body… and last night, I booted it to Holt Renfrew so I could pick up the beach Eau de Parfum.

beach captures the very essence of summer with a lightly intoxicating blend of sand jasmine, sea spray and mandarin. But it doesn’t merely smell like the beach. It smells like the beach at a 5-star resort, where a gorgeous cabana boy is offering you a fruity concoction while you turn over on your side to enjoy the view of the clear blue water lapping up to the shore.

Or, for my 80’s girls – running through the sprinkler in th backyard, wearing Coppertone sun tan oil, trading jelly bracelets and drinking Kool Aid. The fragrance evokes so many memories, it’s almost like a nostalgic drug.

Do you see why I couldn’t wait until July to share this with you?

The fragrance also passes the “guys love it” test – my husband described the scent as “hot” but “light and fresh” at the same time… and “that’s how all ladies should smell in summer”. LOVE it!

Click here to find a Bobbi Brown store near you.

Here Comes the Sun!

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Woo hoo! After living under what seemed like ENDLESS cloud for the past two weeks, last night Torontonians were treated to an epic thunderstorm. Seriously, the walls were shaking! BUT, looks like it was nature’s last hurrah for some time… ’cause The Weather Network is showing NOTHING BUT SUN for the next 7 days!

Hello, Summer! Nice of you to join us!

Um, I am a *tad* concerned about the humidex reading tomorrow – seriously, 41°C? For my American friends, that’s 106°F!

Regardless, it’s time to break out the shades and sunscreen! Woot!

It’s the Official Start of BBQ Season!

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Woo! My “May 2-4” weekend was a blend of sheer craziness and sheer relaxation. I’m currently in a chillin’ mode, which I must admit is my favourite way to be :)

Saturday morning began with Reid’s first birthday party (I know, where has the time flown!).

We had a “small” party; just about 35 friends and family. I was joking with my girlfriend that as we get older and families expand, it only takes about 10 invitations to families of 3-4 to pack the house! I’ll blog about some of the party highlights in a separate post later this week.

After the party, hubby and boys crashed while mommy cleaned up… but that’s okay, because I have a pedicure with my name on it tomorrow. I can’t remember what time I went to sleep that night, but I’m sure it coincided with the sunset.

Sunday we were out and about. I had been holding on to about 6 items that needed to be returned, so I dragged the family to Square One in order to put $$$ back on the Visa. As much as I like purchasing goodies, sometimes it can be just as satisfying to sign a refund slip :)

Today, we decided to keep it low key and have a lunchtime BBQ. With grey skies and heavy clouds overhead, my husband ran out to throw some burgers on the grill. Here’s a quick pic of our BBQ Master in action…

I can’t tell you how excited I am to kick off the official start of BBQ Season!

This year, while burgers and hot dogs are always on the menu, we’ll be complementing our yummy fare with products from Wonder + SimplyFree. It is the first Canadian national brand of bakery products (including NEW white hotdog and hamburger buns) that are made with unbleached wheat flour. SimplyFree buns have absolutely no:

– artificial preservatives
– flavours
– colouring or dye
– high fructose corn syrup

In other words, ENJOY! You can now have your buns, and eat them (guilt-free) too! Seriously folks, you’re gonna LOVE them.

But don’t just take my word for it… head on over to Facebook and “Like” Wonder+. You’ll have the opportunity to grab money saving coupons, participate in fun promotions, and grab scrumptious recipes made especially for the grill.

Speaking of recipes, you can also check out Canadian Living, where they’ve teamed up with Wonder+ SimplyFree to provide some of most drool-worthy burgers of the summer, including these Zesty Chicken Burgers and Juicy Extra Lean Burgers.

As someone who’s still got a few pounds to lose, I’m all for healthier alternatives such as burgers made with lean ground chicken. Will be whipping up these babies soon!

How did you spend your long weekend? And, did you have a chance to fire up your BBQ? Do tell!

I am participating in the Wonder+ SimplyFree program by Mom Central Canada on behalf of Weston Bakeries. I received a gift card and free product coupons as a thank you. The opinions on this blog are my own.