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tips

When You Need it, You’ll Be Glad it’s There

October 23, 2012 By Lena

Every day, I drive through the intersection. 

And every time I do, I cringe inwardly. If I could shut my eyes I would; if I could somehow take another route, or another street, I would. But I think of my two precious boys in the back, and drive on with conviction.

It’s been almost two years since I was hit in the intersection just seconds from my home. But I remember every detail like it was yesterday: While returning from a weekday morning grocery trip, a driver – chatting away on her cell phone – ran a red light and t-boned me. My car? A write-off. My injuries? Relatively minor, but months of physiotherapy followed. My saving grace? Both boys were at home with Grandma, allowing me to make the quick trip on my own. Had Ryder or Reid been in the car with me, I’m not sure how differently the story would have played out.

Of course, after the ordeal, one of the most frequently asked questions was: “Was your insurance company good to you?” It’s front of mind when speaking to an accident victim, because no one wants to hear that someone has had a rough time with their claim. Back then, because I was trying to make my way through the paperwork, and the pain from the accident – I really couldn’t provide an objective assessment. But now I’m ready to post another PSA of sorts; that is, a reminder about the importance insurance. Trust me, when you need it, you’ll be glad it’s there….

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Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: auto accidents, coverage, Insurance Bureau of Canada, tips

Be Shoppertunistic: Tips for Online Shopping

July 24, 2012 By Lena

With Back to School just around the corner, shopping for the little ones (and not-so-little ones) is to be expected. In recent years, you may have ditched pounding the pavement in favor of online shopping. But, are you making the most of your experience?

In my humble opinion (which is that of a Jedi Master of shopping, by the way), there is a very clear difference between Online Shopping and finding an Online Shoppertunity. Online shopping merely involves jumping on a website and paying for your goods, done. Not very rewarding, other than the fact that you’ve just traded fresh air, exercise and social interaction in favour of hovering over your keyboard while sipping your third latte.

(Hey, I’m not knocking it – fresh air, exercise and social interaction are so 2004. And your fingers will have enviable muscle tone.)

But you’re “shoppertunistic” when you’re able to effectively extract bonuses and freebies while still working on those sexy, taut fingertips. And since I consider myself quite the expert on the subject (no playful bashfulness here), it occurred to me, why not pull out some tips to share from my bag o’ shoppertunites?

(Disclaimer: The bag is actually a Prada hobo. Bought on sale, of course!)…

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Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: free shipping, online shopping, SHOP.CA, tips

Do you Mom 2 Mom?

March 14, 2012 By Lena

A few years ago, a good friend invited me to a local Mom 2 Mom Sale. It was my first time, and while I loved the concept – a ginormous garage sale run by Moms – I certainly didn’t know what to expect.

Turns out, I could have used a few pointers.

I was completely overwhelmed by the sheer volume of people, products and prices. I felt like I had suddenly jumped inside the pages of Kijiji or Craigslist – a veritable cornucopia of children’s toys, clothing, strollers and more – with the added benefit of being able to touch and see the merchandise up close. I was duly impressed with the amazing deals… but every time I waffled on an item, it was swiftly purchased the minute my back was turned.

And through it all, I kept thinking to myself – “Why the heck didn’t WE set up a table? I have SO much stuff at home!”

Needless to say I didn’t make the most of my first Mom 2 Mom Sale, leaving empty-handed but with a promise to be better prepared the next time around.

Fast forward a couple of years, and I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Sandra Moniz Prencipe, Founder of the Woodbridge Mom 2 Mom Sale – one of the largest, most anticipated and highly organized sales in the entire Mom 2 Mom circuit. Sandra, an expert in the Hospitality Industry for almost 20 years, has planned and participated in hundreds of tradeshows and conferences… in addition to being a mom, of course.

With the annual sale just around the corner (April 21st), I asked Sandra if she would kindly prvode some tips and tricks for buying and selling at the Woodbridge Mom 2 Mom Sale. She was only too happy to oblige! And so I’m pleased to share the following advice for making the most of the sale – with the intention of saving you time and money! Thanks Sandra!
…

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Filed Under: Family Tagged With: sales, shopping, tips, Woodbridge Mom 2 Mom

Life Made Delicious: Stocking the Perfect Pantry

January 29, 2012 By Lena

“There’s nothing to eat.”

The four most annoying words uttered by husbands and children… and sometimes mom (though we always say it in our heads and never out loud, right?). There’s NOTHING. to. eat.

And so those words are usually followed by the rustling of takeout menus and the husband asking “what do you feel like tonight?” And those actions are usually followed by a bill for $25.98 and the realization that if you do this just twice per week you’ve lost over $200 per month on absolutely nothing tangible. Yikes.

Good thing I learned how to stock the perfect pantry a long time ago. If you’re a decent cook, and have a few versatile ingredients on hand, you can always nip the takeout craving in the bud – and make a healthy, delicious, home cooked meal before the delivery man arrives.

In addition to easy recipes, Life Made Delicious offers a plethora of valuable tips, including a list of what you need for last minute meals. Here’s what they suggest:

In Your Pantry

Bread (buns, loaves, pitas and Old El Paso tortillas)
Bread crumbs (for stuffing and breading fish)
Pasta
Rice
Cereal
Canned beans
Canned meats (chicken, salmon, tuna)
Canned tomatoes
Pasta sauce (Alfredo and spaghetti)
Tomato paste
Canned broth (beef, chicken and vegetables)
Soup (canned or dry)
Peanut butter
Pickles and olives
Ketchup, mustard and mayo
Salsa and chips
Soy and marinating sauces
Hamburger Helper
Vegetable oil (canola and olive)
Vinegar…

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Filed Under: Food Tagged With: easy recipes, Life Made Delicious, tips

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Lena Almeida

Toronto Blogger, Social Media Strategist for Listen to Lena Inc. Television & Radio Personality, Columnist and Speaker. Family Travel Expert. Star Wars Fanatic. Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion. Read More…

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