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Walmart

Having a Baby? Let’s Talk.

January 15, 2015 By Lena

If you participated in our super fun @WalmartCanada Twitter Party earlier this week, you may:

a) have baby on the brain
b) want a baby registry re-do
c) be super envious of pregnant women

Yeah, me too.

Because these lucky duck moms-to-be have a chance to register for their baby, with the convenience of an online registry and access to literally thousands of trusted products, at Walmart or Walmart.ca/Registry. That’s right – ANY product at Walmart can be added to a baby registry, making it the most epic way to prepare for baby, like, ever.

Want to learn more? If you live in the Greater Toronto Area, please join us for a Walmart Baby Shower on Saturday at their Square One store in Mississauga!
Walmart Baby Shower Evite (2)You’ll have a chance to preview some of the hottest baby products and gear for parents-to-be, learn about how easy it is to register for your child at Walmart, and of course, be eligible to win some sweet giveaways! And, if you have questions about baby, parenting expert Alyson Schafer will be there to share her best tips and techniques. …

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Filed Under: Family Tagged With: #LetsTalkBaby, baby shower, Walmart, Walmart Baby Registry

The #cleanwater Twitter Chat

April 10, 2014 By Lena

Most of y’all are used to my fun and catchy post titles – especially when promoting Twitter Chats or other online shindigs. However, I recognize that the upcoming #cleanwater Twitter Chat is simply one of the most meaningful initiatives I’ve ever aligned with, and hence, wanted to give it the respect it deserves.

FACT: The majority of Canadians take clean drinking water for granted… while one billion go without.

It can be said that nearly all Canadians enjoy an unlimited supply of clean water, so it’s no surprise that a recent survey by P&G and Walmart Canada found that 80% of us take safe drinking water for granted. And, many of us may be shocked to learn that one billion people in the developing world do not have the same luxury.

FACT: Diseases from contaminated water kill more children than HIV/AIDS and malaria combined.

To help combat this global issue, P&G and Walmart Canada have teamed up to donate one day of clean drinking water for every P&G product purchased at Walmart or Walmart.ca during the month of April. The Canadian initiative will support the Children’s Safe Drinking Water Program (CSDW) that aims to save one life every hour by 2020 through the provision of two billion litres of clean water each year. For a 12-month period, a selection of more than 20 P&G products will continue to generate donations for each purchase at Walmart Canada.

FACT: Canadian actor and #cleanwater activist, Jason Priestley, supports the initiative.

“More than 1,600 children die every single day from water-borne illnesses,” says Jason Priestley. “I believe that everyone should have clean water. As a dad, the thought of children dying every day from preventable diseases caused by lack of clean water is an unfathomable tragedy. I’m proud to partner with P&G and Walmart Canada to educate Canadians about how they can bring clean drinking water to children and families in the developing world.”

Join us on Tuesday, April 15th at 8:00pm ET for the #cleanwater Twitter Chat. We’ll share a wealth of information about this incredibly important initiative, and have amazing P&G prize packs on hand to reward our chat attendees.

Our GRAND PRIZE is valued at over $250, which includes a $200 Walmart Gift Card. Plus, please welcome @Jason_Priestley – he will be our special guest, tweeting LIVE on the chat!

RSVP below for a chance to win. See you on Tuesday night!…

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Filed Under: Contests Tagged With: #cleanwater, #PGMom, Children’s Safe Drinking Water Program, Twitter Party, Walmart

Warning: Ovaries in Overload

February 26, 2014 By Lena

Hands UP if this makes your ovaries ache. I can’t stand the cuteness. Can’t even deal.

I’m excited to share the news: Carter’s Child of Mine apparel is now available at Walmart Canada – in stores and online! The adorable selection of mix-and-match, two and three piece sets for boys and girls are priced below $10. Yup, under ten bucks! If you’re like me and have a new baby to spoil (hello little niece!), this is great news – now I can give the gift of fashion – like this Child of Mine by Carter’s Monkey Dress – for just $6.94, about the price of a venti frappuccino. I know, right??
Styles range in size for newborns, infants and toddlers (sizes 0-24). And remember, you can shop in the comfort of your own home and enjoy free shipping every day with Walmart.ca. So… anyone’s ovaries aching a wee bit?

Filed Under: Fashion Tagged With: Carter's Child of Mine, children's fashion, Walmart, Walmart.ca

The Cars Dream Room

August 26, 2013 By Lena

Eight days. Eight days until my little guy returns to school; eight days before another year of bagged lunches, squeaky running shoes and gooey hair gel.

However, the anxiety starts now.

You may remember an earlier post where I shared that Ryder, my sweet little 5-year old, has selective mutism – an anxiety disorder. To make a long story short, in social situations where Ryder does not feel comfortable, he simply does not speak. In fact, in his entire first year of school, he only spoke a couple of times.

We have coping techniques; ways to help draw him out of his shell. And for the most part, they’re helping. But we can’t control his anxiety, nor can we write it off as inconsequential. He has a real aversion to social situations and we have a really difficult time watching as he withdraws into what we call “the Ryder zone”.

So, with the onset of school just around the corner, things are changing. Ryder stops is his tracks when he hears “Back to School” commercials. He asks on a daily basis, “Is there school today?” And when I say “No, but soon…” he stares off into space, no doubt thinking of a gazillion ways to psyche himself out.

I wanted to do something special for him. Something positive that he could associate with back to school; something to give him comfort and reassurance. And I just knew that I wanted it to somehow involve Disney Cars – it’s no secret that both boys are obsessed with them, and for Ryder, they represent confidence and fearlessness.

Then it came to me – a bedroom makeover! Of course – what better way to start off the school year right than to recreate his bedroom – his safe place – into one that reflects his love of Cars and life in the (G-rated) fast lane?

And I knew just where to go to make it happen – Walmart, of course! They have absolutely everything you need for back to school, back to campus, and even back to sanity (which is what I’m looking forward to once the boys are separated for a few hours each day). Plus, they have a fantastic selection of Disney Cars merchandise for your little race fans.

Now, y’all know that I’m pretty obsessed with Walmart, and have been an avid Sunday morning shopper for oh, the last 15 years or so. And, like so many friends and family, I constantly fall victim to the “Walmart Rule of 60”; that is, you walk in to buy one thing,  and you end up spending $60. (Read: How to Spend $169.22 on Three Bags of Milk)

The good news? Being an avid shopper, and an avid supporter, has allowed me to build a fabulous relationship with the brand. Hence, when I politely requested a $200 Gift Card to makeover Ryder’s room, they happily obliged. (Thank you Walmart!)

And you know what? While I came very close to spending my budget, I definitely didn’t go over. So…. are you ready to see how you can take a room from cutesy to KA-CHOW! for less than two bills? It’s time for a good old fashioned before and after!

BEFORE

Ryder’s bedroom was last made over as part of my “Renocation” in 2011. With the exception of the toddler bed being swapped for a double bed, the room was essentially the same. So for all intents and purposes, here are the “before” pictures:

…

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Filed Under: Family Tagged With: #ProjectBacktoSchool, Disney Cars, DIY, room makeover, Walmart

Find it at Walmart: Canada Day Edition

June 28, 2013 By Lena

It’s no secret that I shop at Walmart for… well, everything.

Seriously, is there anything you can’t find at Walmart? From beauty products to bananas, toys to t-shirts, pet food to paint, and more… chances are, if you need it, you’ll find it at Walmart. Often, at an unbeatable price. Ka-chow!

And so in anticipation of my first annual Canada Day BBQ (read: an excuse to show off our brand new patio), I booted it to Walmart this morning to grab a few essentials for our little party. Would you believe I was in and out in under 30 minutes? It’s true! I’m not normally one to shop-and-scoot, but since everything was so easy to find, my mission was accomplished in under a half hour. Want to see what I grabbed? Of course you do!

Upon entering the store, I decided that every outdoor party needs water guns, so I let Reid choose his favourite from a massive display of outdoor toys. He originally selected one that was *slightly* on the expensive side, but that’s when a great selection comes in handy, as I was able to steer him in the direction of more affordable toys. (I mean, $29.44 for a super soaker is a tad excessive. Thankfully, there were tons in the $10-15 price range.)

Next, we booted it to the center aisle, where I just knew I’d find a special section devoted to Canada Day goodies. Predicable? Sure. Appreciated? You bet. It’s great to know exactly where Walmart stashes their special occasion merchandise; it makes navigating the store so much easier….

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Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: BBQ, Canada Day, summer parties, Walmart

What Can You Find at Walmart?

December 20, 2012 By Lena

One word: EVERYTHING.

With just a few days left until Christmas, chances are that you’ve paid a visit (or two, or three) to your local Walmart. You know I have! In fact, an informal survey amongst friends and neighbours has suggested that everyone has popped by the giant retailer at least twice… this week alone. And it makes sense – everything from toys to holiday décor to groceries to Christmas-inspired air fresheners can be found there! You can conceivable scratch everything off your to-do list in one visit.

(I make no secret of being a HUGE Walmart fan. Plain and simple, I believe it’s just the smartest way to spend your money. The prices are always right and I’m constantly amazed by their selection. #Fan4Life)

Two days ago, I found myself once again strolling through the aisles at 6:14am – which is, IMHO, the best time to visit Walmart. Think about it – only early bird, like-minded people like you are shopping at that ungodly hour, keeping the stress and bumper-carts to a minimum. I know what you’re thinking: Holiday shopping without stress and bumper carts? Sign me up! <<- No problem! Just set your alarm for 5:30am to beat the crowds, and get ready to have your most pleasant shopping experience ever. (Often, with a premium parking selection – score!)

Now you know I just had to snap a few pictures while strolling through the store, because it’s Walmart… and things ALWAYS catch my eye at Walmart. There’s no rhyme or reason to the photos – just a few of the more interesting things that were on my to-do list, ended up in my cart or made me smile (and in the case of the Justin Bieber singing toothbrush, howling with laughter).

First, I went straight to the holiday movies, because it’s tradition in my family to pick up a new Christmas movie every year. Can’t beat Walmart for their selection and prices! I settled on Shrek the Halls ($10) as Reid is now into everything Shrek (or “Frek” – as he calls him).

…

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Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: holiday shopping, household items, Walmart

I Love Mr. Coffee: Single Serve Coffee Maker

November 19, 2011 By Lena

*EDIT* The Mr. Coffee Single Serve Coffee Maker is on SALE this week at Walmart for just $48.00! Can’t think of a better holiday gift for the coffee lovers on your list.
(Valid November 18-24, 2011)

… Yes, I love Mr. Coffee. And I’m not even cheating on my husband by saying it – heck, he loves him too.

Great news, folks – Mr. Coffee is in Canada! And with their über-convenient Single Serve Coffee Maker, featuring Keurig brewing technology, chances are you’ll be declaring your undying devotion too. It’s that awesome.

“Canadians shouldn’t have to compromise taste or quality for convenience when it comes to enjoying a good cup of coffee,” says Adam Ball, director of marketing, Jarden Consumers Solutions. “Mr. Coffee Single Serve Coffee Makers use Keurig’s patented, powerful brewing engine, so Canadians can indulge in a coffeehouse experience at home.”

I received the machine for review a few months ago. Now here’s the scoop: rather than write about it, I thought I’d show you why it’s so hot! Turn your speakers up – I had to speak in a lower voice as the kiddos were in bed :)

[youtube_sc url=”http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=blCKR-0sFX4″]


Are you in love yet?
Well, here are few points that I really ought to mention:…

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Filed Under: Food Tagged With: Keurig, Mr. Coffee Single Serve Coffee Maker, review, Sears.ca, Walmart

Save Your Sanity Tip #14

February 13, 2011 By Lena

Shop at Wal-Mart… at 7:10am.

Seriously, folks, I don’t make this stuff up. Be at Wally World just a few minutes after opening, and you will be their ONLY customer. Then, to prove that your entire shopping experience can be free of whiny kids, bumper carts and climbing over customers, I took these photos just before I left – at 8:25am. 

Blissfully, still without a customer – or pulse. Save Your Sanity – shop at Wal-Mart before everyone else does.

Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: fun, Walmart

Spotted: Salon Selectives at Walmart!

July 7, 2010 By Lena

You’re probably tired of me going on and on about how much I love Salon Selectives hairspray. BUT, consider this – according to Google Analytics, the most popular post ever on Listen to Lena! is my review of Salon Selectives hairspray, with over 5,000 hits via Google Search since May 2009! Holy Hannah.

Well, to my fellow SS Junkies, I have wonderful news – you can now find the new, revamped Salon Selectives line at Walmart! To tell the truth, I’m not really a fan of the new design hairspray – I like it about 85% as much as their original formula. However, I’m still loyal to the brand and will choose it over any other hairspray on the market – at under $3, it’s my beauty bargain!

And since today happens to be my 3rd Wedding Anniversary (love you honey!), I thought I’d post a picture of me touching up right before I walked down the aisle – with a quick hit of Salon Selectives, of course!

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: hair, Lena, Salon Selectives, Walmart

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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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