Fail, Fail, Fail

This morning, I'll be MIA. Instead of blogging away, playing with my little guy (who has developed an obsession for walking up and down the street holding his ball) and enjoying a nice hearty breakfast, I'll be trapped in a lab taking a two-hour glucose test.

Why a two-hour glucose test? Well, it's simple. I FAILED the first one.

To those in the know, at 26 weeks, all pregnoids are routinely screened for gestational diabetes. Since I had passed with flying colours while pregnant with Ryder, and have never bothered to monitor my sugar intake, I felt pretty confident I'd sneak by once again when I took the initial test two weeks ago. (The first glucose tolerance test consists of drinking an Orange Crush knock-off and then sitting quietly for 1 hour. When 60 minutes has elapsed, your blood is drawn and the quantity of sugar in your blood is measured.)

The upper limit for blood glucose after this test is 7.8 mmol/L.

My score? 8.0. You've got to be freakin' kidding me!

So for a mere 0.2 of a mmol (whatever that is) I now have to repeat the test, only:

a) I have to fast for 12 hours before the beginning the test - at this very moment, my tummy is rumbling and I am in a VERY poor mood

b) I have to once again drink the sugary concoction, and then sit tight for TWO hours
c) During the test, I can't leave the lab... yup, it's just sitting and waiting the whole time

Do you know how long two hours will feel when you're stuck in a clinical setting? I am sooo not looking forward to this test. Thankfully, I enlisted my mom to come sit with me and provide companionship (Mike came with me to the first test, but was promptly replaced after I found that 60 minutes of chatting alone with my husband actually scraped at my pregnant nerves).

Of course, if it comes back that I'm in the clear, it'll be worth it. When my OB first told me that my sugar levels were slightly elevated, I went on a massive Googling session to learn all about gestational diabetes. And from what I can see, my single risk factor is that I have a family history of diabetes - my paternal grandmother was a diabetic and my father is routinely screened with mid-to-high levels. So this may just be hormones marrying with genetics - a doomed relationship!

The good news? Gestational diabetes is managed well through diet (bye bye mango smoothies) and exercise (as if keeping up with a psycho toddler isn't enough). Surprisingly, seven months into my pregnancy, my weight gain to date has been only 15 pounds, so my OB can't accuse me of eating my body weight as I did with Ryder :)

Okay, it's 8:00am, and I am officially off to the clinic! Wish me luck! xoxo

Lena Loves... Pampers Cruisers with Dry Max

When I was first approached by PTPA to evaluate the new Pampers Cruisers with Dry Max, I jumped at the opportunity. First and foremost, I was excited because Ryder has been a Pampers baby since Day #1, and I had nothing but love for the brand. Secondly, I'm all for thinner, more absorbent diapers (who isn't?) And last but not least - I had this special inkling that I would be part of a revolution of sorts; one of the first people to test the new and improved diapers, which would somehow make a huge impact on many lives.

I wasn't far from the mark. The new Pampers Cruisers with Dry Max are spectacular! They have the soft, flexible grips of the standard Pampers Cruisers, and mimic your infant's movements to a tee. And, of course, they just happen to be 20% thinner and a heck of a lot more absorbent - revolutionary!

Here's a fun video I found on Pampers' YouTube page:

Even the experts agree - Pampers Cruisers with Dry Max are a touchdown!

Now I hate shortcuts, so you can bet that I put these diapers to the test. Daily wear proved to be comparable to my current stash of Pampers Cruisers, with a little less diaper-induced waddle (thanks largely to the thinner design). So I focused on Ryder's overnight experience. And I set up my own little test environment that was sure to push the limits of Dry Max.

First, I prepared my little guy for bed with his PJs and a fresh diaper. Then I rewarded a very happy Ryder with a sippy cup full of diluted juice just before bedtime (yes, he did brush his teeth afterwards - I'm not out to rot his little chompers). After about 9 oz of liquid goodness, I sang his favourite lullabies and wished him a good night, full of sweet dreams and lots of pee.

In the morning, I was happy to see that my faith in Pampers was legit - Ryder awoke fresh faced and content with - you guessed it - an extremely heavy diaper but no leaks. I was thrilled that the diapers came through for us. Pampers 4 Life!

Pampers Cruisers with Dry Max are PTPA Award Winning! Our parent evaluators (including myself) love that they are the thinnest diaper on the market able to deliver such stellar results. There was literally nothing negative to say about them - they rock!

The new Dry Max diapers launched in stores March 1st, so what are you waiting for? Thick, leaky diapers are sooo 2009!

Ready for a fab giveaway? Win Pampers here!

Pampers has generously offered two (2) Listen to Lena! readers the chance to win a pack of their new Cruisers or Swaddlers with Dry Max, plus a limited edition Liz Lange diaper clutch. The clutch retails for $50 and is 100% polyester with a genuine leather trim. Pretty nifty!

To enter, simply leave a comment to let us know what intrigues you about the new Dry Max diapers, or simply why you'd like to win! I'll draw for a winner on Sunday. Thanks to Pampers for sponsoring the giveaway, and good luck everybody!

Casey's 30th Birthday Menu

I'm blogging this one for my husband, who just happens to be an alumni of Casey's School for Dishwashers (his very first part-time job).

Casey's restaurants can be found all over Ontario and Quebec, and let me tell you, they make a mean Butcher Block Burger. And until March 28th, to celebrate their 30th birthday, you can enjoy items on their Classic Menu for classic prices! (Although, truth be told, I'm having a little trouble believing that a burger plate was sold for $7.99 thirty years ago.)

Regardless, why not celebrate with an 18oz domestic draught (Blue, Budweiser or Coors Light) for just $4.99? Now that's a dealio!

Click here to find a Casey's near you.

SDM: 20x The Points Event March 10th

If you missed Shoppers Drug Mart's 20x The Points Event last week, fear not! There's a "secret" event taking place tomorrow - to qualify, simply spend at least $50, show your Optimum card and present this coupon. Et voila! You'll receive an insane amount of points that you can redeem for SDM gift cards and other loot.

Here's the fine print:

Excludes all products offered or sold by a pharmacist in the course of the exercise of his/her profession, lottery tickets, passport photos, stamps, transit tickets and passes, event tickets, electronic gift cards, prepaid phone cards, Life Experiences packages and Pharmaprix Home Health Care locations. Offer applies to photofinishing services that are picked up and paid for on the day of the offer only. Not to be used in conjunction with any other Pharmaprix Optimum Points promotions or offers. The additional points will be awarded to the registrant’s account by March 18, 2010.

PTPA Spring 2010 Winners Announced!

Did you notice that fresh feeling of excitement in the air? The bees are definitely buzzing - the PTPA Spring 2010 Winners have just been announced!

PTPA’s mission is to discover and appraise new products designed for children and families. We research new products and coordinate testing with parents. Award winning products are selected based on value, functionality, quality and appeal.

This season, some of our winners include:

Pampers Cruisers with Dry Max: Pampers Cruisers with Dry Max will feature a new look in March and will be 20% thinner and Pampers’ driest diaper ever.

DaysAgo Digital Day Counter:Beyond its functionality as a kitchen gadget and tool, the DaysAgo is unique in that it can be used in every room in your house! In the family room, track how long it’s been since you watered the plants or changed the filter in the fish tank. In the bathroom, track how long it’s been since you’ve taken your medication. Outside, track how many days it’s been since you fertilized the vegetable garden. The many unique uses of the DaysAgo make it a great gift for any busy household.

Whiplash: The Whiplash Scooter is a self-propelling, revolutionary new ride that is part scooter, part Wave board and totally fun. The Whiplash Scooter’s flexing deck and handlebar fuse together to provide riders with a cool, side to side, whip-like ride. Riders can self-propel the scooter so that their feet never touch the ground or ride it like a a traditional scooter.

Hooked on Phonics Learn to Read Pre-K to Second Grade: Designed in conjunction with leading educators, award-winning authors, teachers and parents, the new Hooked on Phonics Learn to Read Pre-K to Second Grade gives children the fundamentals to become confident readers. The instructional approach and techniques used in this program are based on research and address each stage of the child’s reading development.

The SodaStream System: Making carbonated water and soft drinks is so simple. Turn tap water into sparkling water in 3 seconds! Enjoy the convenience of home soda and protect the environment. No heavy bottles to carry, store at home or throw away. Fizz to your taste with our delicious syrups. Add the flavor of your choice and make your favorite drink.

Click here to view our full list of Spring Winners.

As always, I had the opportunity to evaluate an array of fabulous products - so stay tuned, you know there are some amazing giveaways on the horizon!

Mabel's LOL Sticky Labels... Winner!

Thanks to everyone who entered the Lena Loves... Mabel's LOL Sticky Labels giveaway. It was so refreshing to see the burst of Canadian pride - I can't believe how many parents chose the maple leaf motif as their preferred design! Oh Canada!

As a reminder, up for grabs is a pack of 45 LOL Sticky Labels.

Just like our Classic Sticky Labels, our Label Out Loud Sticky Labels are fantastic for toys, bottles, dishes and more, providing that famous Mabel's Labels durability in an exciting NEW look! LOL Sticky Labels are $21.00 for a pack of 45 labels. Dishwasher/microwave-safe and UV resistant.

Get stickin'... the winner is zarinashad! Congratulations!

Zarina, please send me an e-mail with your full name and contact details so that I can have the prize sent to you right away. Thanks to everyone who participated, and to Mabel's Labels!

The GAP Non-Promo

Thanks a bunch to all of ya'll who forwarded me GAP's latest promo - bring in your old denim, and save 30% on the purchase of a new pair of jeans. Since you're probably used to me blogging GAP promos, you likely thought, "What gives? How could she miss this one?"

Rest assured friends, I didn't miss it - I just consider it to be a non-promo. Why? Because GAP is holding their Friends & Family event next weekend, where you can save 30% off everything at GAP, Old Navy and Banana Republic.

So let's see... bring in my old jeans and just get denim for 30% off, or save my jeans and get the entire store for 30% off. You scammers....

Curiously, GAP doesn't mention what the heck they'll be doing with all that old denim. No mention of charity, recycling or other donations. Perhaps they'll be using the inspiration from your old denim to formulate their next "new" style?

The Source: Camera Case Blowout

Looking for a hip camera case to protect your precious memories? Then ya'll should definitely check out The Source.ca, where there are a TON of camera cases on sale - starting as low as $4.48!

My personal fave is the Gnarlyfish Soft Camera Case in blue/green, which is down to $4.48 (regular price $14.99) until March 31st. Want it right away? The Source offers FREE 1-hour store pickup on this item! Alternatively, you can check your store stock and see it in person before you purchase.

Now I'll be honest, The Source isn't my favourite place to shop. I find their policies rigid, their customer service shaky, and simply cannot be bothered to wait in line for 25 minutes while the one employee on duty is busy showing a couple the complete selection of TVs. But for $4.48, what the heck, I'll take a look see.

Click here to view The Source's deals on camera cases.

Lancome.ca: $240 Gift With Purchase

I've seen some pretty big gift with purchases, but Lancome's latest seems to be out of the park. For a limited time, spend $60 or more at Lancome.ca, and you'll receive a FREE goodie bag valued at $240 when you enter code SPRING10 at checkout.

I'm looking at the picture to the left, and I just can't figure out where the $240 is coming from. So of course, I added up the retail value of the contents, and am happy to share that the "Signature Travel Case" is valued at $60. Suuure it is.

Anyhoo, if you're a fan of the brand, there are some very nice pieces included, such as Le Rouge Absolu lip colour and their awesome Défincils High Definition mini mascara. Plus, spend $85 or more, and shipping is free.

Click here to shop at Lancome.ca.

Morning Glory Muffins

Since Southern Ontario is in for a few days of glorious weather, today I'm baking Morning Glory Muffins!

These easy, tasty muffins provide a satisfying start to your day, and combine the great taste of carrots with the wonderful flavors of apple, raisins, coconut, walnuts, and cinnamon. The original recipe calls for 1 cup of oil, but I like to make them a bit healthier by substituting a 1/2 cup of unsweetened applesauce. You can also play with the additions - add some crushed pineapple, omit the coconut, be creative! Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cups white sugar
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups shredded carrots
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup unsweetened flaked coconut
1 apple - peeled, cored and shredded
3 eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease 12 muffin cups, or line with paper muffin liners.

In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Stir in the carrot, raisins, nuts, coconut, and apple.

In a separate bowl, beat together eggs, oil, applesauce and vanilla. Stir egg mixture into the carrot/flour mixture, just until moistened. Scoop batter into prepared muffin cups.

Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into center of a muffin comes out clean. Makes 12 muffins.

ALDO: 50% off Women's Sale Boots

I love receiving "Should I Buy This?" e-mails from Lotus. She's got a spectacular eye for fashion, and I always look forward to dishing out advice on her fancy du jour.

So I was particularly pleased to see she was soliciting feedback for the MATSUSHIMA boots from ALDO ~ For a look that says it all, pull on these fabulous tall boots. Sleek and stylish, featuring delicately pleated, smooth leather upper, as well as tapered toe and straight high heel.


Hey, I bought those boots last year! Love that they can be worn two ways... they're HOT! And believe me, I didn't pay $85.00 for them. Which brings me to the point of this post - all women's sale boots at ALDO are now 50% off. Plus, sign up for their newsletter and you'll receive an additional 10% off - I can't think of a better time to grab a pair of hottie heels. Most styles are under $100 - go nuts :)

Click here to begin shopping at ALDO.

Sailorgirl Jewelry: FREE Shipping in March

Sailorgirl Jewelry, one of my top guilty pleasures, has just launched a snazzy new online store front. To celebrate, Catherine (the uber talented designer) is offering FREE shipping for the entire month of March!

I first became intrigued with Sailorgirl when I came across her designs at the One of A Kind Art Show in Toronto in 2006. Her pieces were so whimsical and vibrant, it literally took eons to decide on the right pendant (and even then, I ended up buying three). This spring, you can bet I'll once again be visiting her booth at the show (March 31 - April 4, Direct Energy Centre, Toronto).

Here are some of my fave pieces:





And a teaser from Catherine: Take note everyone, March 21 is the first day of spring! This is the season of fresh bright colours, daffodils, tulips, snowbells, wouldn't those colours be a great necklace? Stay tuned…

Click here to begin shopping at Sailorgirl Jewelry.

Banana Republic: 25, 35 or 50% off Discounts

In celebration of the 82nd Annual Academy Awards, EVERYONE WINS at Banana Republic!

This weekend, March 5th thru 7th, visit the store and you'll receive a sealed envelope with a discount worth 25, 35 or 50% off your entire purchase. Not too shabby!

I suspect you won't be able to open the envelope until your purchase is tallied, but here's a Lena-approved tip:

Grab the clothes you'd likely buy if you received only a 25% discount, and the clothes you'd definitely get if the discount was 50% off. When you get to the cash register, mull over the items, and then tell the cashier you're not sure about the second pile, and you won't be taking them after all. By this time the cashier has salivated slightly at the the size of the would-be purchase, and is probably disappointed to put the clothes aside.

Then, after the discount is revealed - and if it happens to be 50% off - smile with delight and ask, "OMG! Could you possibly ring in those other items after all?" Since they're already right there at the cash register, most cashiers will play nice and add them to your purchase. And voila! You've beaten their crappy "envelope please" system, because I know for a fact that once a 50% off coupon is revealed, they won't let you foray back into the store to grab more items (store policy).

I do this all the time - it's really about having two mindsets; what you would spend for 25% off, and what you would spend for 50% off. And, of course, having the foresight to play the game. It works every time! Worst case scenario - you walk away with your 25% off, and only what you intended to purchase :)

Happy shopping!

Coach Factory Store: 20% Off Coupon

Okay peeps, I'm doing it. Waahoooo!

I'll be visiting the Coach Outlet store in Niagara Falls this weekend, armed with my 20% off coupon, in hopes of rekindling my friendship with "Penelope." If all goes well (translation: she costs less than $200 and is as fabulous as I remember) I will have wonderful news to report on Monday morning.

(At this point, the little angel on my right shoulder says, "Isn't saving your $200 instead of spending it on frivolous purchases good news as well?")

Um, talk to the hand, Gabriel. I'm down with Damian this weekend!

Click here to print your 20% off coupon.

Weekly Specials at Well.ca

Travelling somewhere warm for the March Break? Lucky you! This week, Well.ca has you covered, with an assortment of deals to take you from plane to playa!

Soapopular Foaming Hand Sanitizer – was $4.59, sale price $3.99
Burt’s Bees Flower After Sun Soother – was $13.99, sale price $11.89
Badger SPF 30 Sunscreen for Face & Body – was $19.99, sale price $16.99
Imodium Advanced Chewable Tablets – was $18.79, sale price $15.99
Kyolic Kyo-Dophilus With Enzymes – was $21.79, sale price $18.49
Hearos Ultimate Softness Series Ear Plugs – was $11.69, sale price $9.99
No-Jet-Lag – was $14.89, sale price $12.59
Gravol Natural Source Ginger Filmkote Tablets – was $6.19, sale price $5.29
Obus Forme Memory Foam Travel Pillow – was $32.99, sale price $27.99

Click here to begin shopping at Well.ca.

As always, shipping on every order is FREE within Canada! Hurry - the sale ends on Sunday, March 7th, 2010.

Harvey's: BOGO Angus Mushroom Melt

It's 7:27am, and in front of me, I've got a glass of calcium-enriched orange juice and a piece of toast. And all I can do is stare at this picture of the Angus Mushroom Melt. Damn you, pregnancy cravings. Surely I can hold out 12 hours?

Until April 4th, 2010, when you buy one Angus Mushroom Melt at Harvey's, you can get one FREE! I've had this burger before, and it's quite divine.

Please note: The coupon is not accepted at The Eaton Centre, Union Station, RBC Plaza, and Commerce Court in Toronto.

Simply click, print and present the coupon below to cash in on the deal. Mmm....

McDonalds: Free Small Coffee March 1-14

Did you grab your FREE coffee from McD's yesterday and Monday? If not, you're missing out! Their Premium Roast Coffee is delish!

Just a friendly reminder to take advantage of this wonderful promo before March 14th. And remember - this time the freebie is valid all day long! So if you're sitting in your cube wondering how to spend your 3:00pm break, how about grabbing a friend and "treating" them to some java?

Jean Machine/Bench Warehouse Sale

It's that time of year again! Thanks to Darren from Jean Machine for sending along all the deets!

"Come check out Jean Machine's Spring/Summer warehouse sale!

All of Jean Machine's favorite brands will be 50-90% off!! If you missed the last Jean Machine warehouse sale, you won't want to miss this one. We've doubled the change rooms, doubled the Bench department, doubled the rest of our product, and will have double the deals!!

Each day new MENS AND WOMENS product will be arriving straight from stores. Call 1-888-855-8116 for more information!”

If you live in the GTA, here's your chance to save some serious dough on brand name and designer denim. I wonder if Buffalo makes a pair of maternity jeans? I'm thinking... not.

If you happen to attend this year, please drop me a line so I can report back to the other readers. Happy shopping!

Lena Loves... Mabel's LOL Labels CLOSED

As I mentioned before, due to the Gold Medal celebration on Sunday, I'm a little behind on my posts. But somehow, I don't think Mabel's Labels - a proudly Canadian company - will mind.

Did I really need to preface this post with "Lena Loves?" Who doesn't love Mabel's Labels? The coveted labels, used on everything from children's shoes to toys to feeding utensils, are an absolute savior when it comes to the stuff kids lose (and they ALL lose stuff).

Now I know I've sung the praises of Mabel's All-time Classic Labels before (and had a nifty giveaway to boot - did you miss it? Poops on you!), but move over ordinary... it's time to LABEL OUT LOUD!

The new Label Out Loud (LOL) Sticky labels carry all the same benefits as the Classic labels; designed to deliver maximum durability, they're dishwasher, microwave and UV-safe. But they also include a burst of bright colours, fonts and icons which will have your loot branded with style!

Mabel's offers 20 motifs with complementary colour combinations to choose from, so you're sure to have a perfectly personalized label for your wee one. The eye-catching colours and recognizable picture make it easy for pre-readers to easily identify their stash - I can certainly vouch that Ryder only reaches for the straw cup with his name emblazoned across it - even if I place an identical cup (sans label) next to it!

And here's a word of warning disguised as a Woot!: these labels, as the name implies, are STICKY. Not so great if you have shaky hands and dream of re-positioning the label 14 times, but wonderful for the abuse they'll surely be subjected to! Hot, soapy dishwasher water, microwave radiation, tosses and tumbles and even little chompers cannot pry apart these labels from their source. FANTASTIC!

Through PTPA, I had the wonderful opportunity to receive a set of LOL labels for Ryder, and we're loving the cool factor they give to all his belongings. Of course, we chose the race car motif for our speedy little guy :)

Mabel's LOL Sticky Labels are Parent Tested Parent Approved! Our parent evaluators loved that they encompass all the quality of the Classic Labels with bold new hues. They're recognizable, definitely long-lasting, and a great way to keep track of your children's belongings - at daycare, school, during play dates and excursions.

(On a related, funny note: when Ryder first starting holding his own bottle, I took him shopping with me and he was happily sipping away at some water. I then came across another mommy whose child also had an identical bottle full of water - and both our babies took one look at each other and threw their bottles on the floor in glee, effectively confusing us as to which one belonged to whom. Well, needless to say, I had to toss that one, because no amount of sterilizing would convince this germophobe mommy to potentially give my baby someone else's bottle. Mabel's LOL Sticky Labels would have prevented this!)

LOL Sticky Labels are just $21.00 for a pack of 45 labels, and if you live in Canada, standard shipping is always FREE. Click here to begin shopping at Mabel's Labels.

Or... you can win a set here!

Mabel's Labels has generously offered one Listen to Lena! reader the chance to win a pack of LOL Sticky Labels. To enter, simply visit their site and let us know which design motif you would choose for your little one. (Click "Customize and Order Here" to view all designs.) I'll draw for a winner on Sunday.

Thanks to Mabel's Labels for sponsoring the giveaway, and good luck everybody!

Tots and Kiddo Deals at BRU and TRU!

I'm loving the Babies R Us and Toys R Us flyers this week. If you've got offspring under 4 feet tall, you'll definitely want to stop by!

Note: Babies R Us are infamous for turning you away if you attempt to return an item even one day over their 45-day return policy. Solution? If you're purchasing items in advance for a baby shower or your own baby-to-be, speak to a manager at the time of purchase. I've found most BRU store managers to be exceedingly friendly, and they'll provide their name (and initial the receipt if necessary) to waive the 45-day policy.

Highlights:

Babies R Us:

Britax Marathon Convertible Car Seat $249.99 (save $50)
Up to 50% off ALL Foogo Stainless Steel Feeding Products
40% off ALL $7.99 and $8.99 Gagou Tagou Sleepwear
50% off ALL Swaddle Me Infant Wraps
25-40% off a selection of Infant Toys (Laugh & Learn, Baby Einstein, Lamaze and Bruin)

Toys R Us:

Up to 50% off a selection of Bikes, Trikes, Scooters, Skateboards and Ride Ons
Buy 1 Get 1 FREE on ALL $24.99 and under Barbie Dolls

50% off VTech Learning Laptop (just $24.97)
Save $15 on ALL $44.99 Little People Play Sets

Visit Toys R Us Canada to view the complete flyers.

Corel Software... Winners!

Thanks to everyone who entered the Lena Loves... Corel Software giveaway. Since posting the contest, I've edited about 15 videos of Ryder - even turning one into an Oscar-worthy short film, which I have entitled, "Ryder Waits for Daddy to Come Home." It is inspired by Ryder's daily routine of waiting by the front window at 6:00pm until he sees Mike's car drive up. He then bangs furiously on the window screaming, "Dada! Dada!" Of course, the second Mike enters the doorway Ryder screams, "Hi!" - followed by clinging to me for dear life. You see, he likes the idea of Daddy coming home - he just doesn't like the reality of sharing his Mommy time. Oh, it's going to be fun when his little brother arrives.

Anyhoo, there are two lucky winners this week, as Corel is giving away a Digital Studio 2010 as well as a Painter Essentials 4. Let the fun begin!

The winner of the Digital Studio 2010 is Monica!

The winner of the Painter Essentials 4 is remarker/fcffollower!

Congratulations to you both! Please send me an e-mail with your full name and contact details so that I can have the prize sent to you right away. Thanks to everyone who participated, and to Corel!

GO CANADA! Canadian Pride...

... means that just like every other Canadian, I was glued to the television yesterday afternoon to watch the Canada vs. USA Men's hockey game.

Interesting tidbit: We're currently having our basement finished. Shortly after the game ended, our contractor booted it to Home Depot to pick up some drywall - only to find out that the store had actually closed at 3pm for the hockey game (complete with a Sharpie-scribbled message tacked to the front door). You know you've got a national sport when Canadian employees can coerce a multi-million dollar US chain to shut down midday.

Of course, after the hockey game came the hockey celebration... which lasted all the way until the closing ceremonies, which of course, I just had to watch.

So essentially, this is a really long way of saying I'm behind on my posts :) I've closed the Corel giveaway and will be drawing for winners. And, I'm also blogging about a fabulous new contest which should be live by mid-morning. Until then!

MD Moms on HauteLook!

Thanks to Jen for passing along the heads up on this FAB deal!

Based on the amazing response from the Lena Loves... MD Moms Baby Silk giveaway, I can only assume that there are a bunch of mommies just dying to get their hands on these high quality products. GREAT NEWS! Tomorrow only, Saturday, February 27th, you can purchase some of MD Moms' most popular items at HOT prices! MD Moms has teamed up with HauteLook.com to provide their customers with a fabulous one-day sale.

What is HauteLook?

HauteLook brings the thrill back to shopping through exclusive, limited-time, online sale events. Each day, HauteLook partners with premium fashion and lifestyle brands to create private, upscale sale events at savings of up to 75% off retail prices. HauteLook is free to join and everyone is welcome. In the last two years, over 600 high profile brands have chosen HauteLook to host more than 1,200 private sale events for women, men, kids, home, and beauty.

To purchase from the site, you'll need to register first - I know, bah! - but I promise, the registration process is quick and painless. Then, you can begin shopping! Most "events" are timed over the course of one day only, and you'll always be able to see how much time is left for you to shop. You can also view upcoming events, which is crucial for grabbing the best selection from your fave designers!

And I just happen to have the inside scoop on the MD Moms event!

Tomorrow only, MD Moms is offering a special sunscreen bundle pack (limited edition - on HauteLook only) that includes a full sized pack (15) + 6 sunscreen singles for just $21 (a $41 retail value).

You'll also save 50% on these MD Moms favourites:

- baby silk gentle scalp rub ($11 - a $22 value)
- baby silk soothing bottom relief ($8 - a $16 value)
- baby silk delicate skin comfort ($11 - a $22 value)

Amazing! Wondering about shipping?

US orders are charged a flat shipping rate of $10.95, plus applicable state taxes.

For all orders shipped to Canada, we simply charge a flat $10.95 shipping rate (which includes brokerage fees) and an international surcharge of 18%, which covers GST, PST and duties. These charges will be displayed when you check out, and what you see is what you pay - there are no additional charges upon receipt. Please note: all prices and charges on the site are in US dollars.

One way to save on shipping to Canada - take advantage of other events as well! You'll only pay the international surcharge since the shipping fee is flat across the board.

Lena says: load up on the baby silk soothing bottom relief - this lightweight lotion smoothes on white, then turns clear to provide an invisible moisture barrier and to protect, soothe, heal and moisturize all-in-one. Parent Approved!

Click here to register with HauteLook.com.

AVON: Mega Impact Lipstick Just $4.99

Since AVON has a ton of promos, I normally only grab the blog-worthy ones. And this product is definitely generating a lot of buzz...

Beauty bloggers everywhere are chatting about the new Mega Impact Lipstick! Its supposed to be AVON's best lipstick ever - and they've produced a few over the years :)

High-definition drama! Reds go redder, pinks go pinker! Lips look fuller and come alive in crisp, clear color and high-def drama! Mega sexy lips!

CHROMAPIXEL TECHNOLOGY boosts color by reflecting light and enhancing shine to amplify each shade’s true hue.

In the reviews I've read, most customers are impressed with the bold hues, smooth consistency, SPF 15 protection, and multi-faceted shimmer. And now, you can be impressed with the introductory price - just $4.99 until March 10th!

And remember, enter coupon code AVON35 at checkout to receive FREE shipping on orders over $35.

Click here to begin shopping at Avon.ca.

Old Navy: All Adult Jeans Just $19

If you'd like to grab a few pairs of decent quality jeans for chillin' around the house, stop by Old Navy this week, where all adult jeans are just $19, and all kids jeans just $12!

So let's be real. They're not a $216 pair of Rich & Skinny jeans. And hence, the styling and quality may be slightly below expectations. But you know what? My favourite jeans for Saturday errands happens to be the Flirt low-rise pair I grabbed last year (while I'm not wearing them at the moment, I can't wait to get back into them!) They're actually quite comfortable and look great with layered tank tops or tees.

(On a side note, I don't care who you are - I don't find it impressive when gals stroll through No Frills with their 7 For All Mankind jeans. There's just something wrong about that picture.)

The sale runs until Thursday, March 4th. Don't forget to combine this deal with a coupon from Old Navy Weekly, where you can grab additional savings!