Here’s a great little coupon if your shopping list includes electronics, DVDs or other techy gadgets!

Save $10 on any purchase of $50 or more when you print this coupon and present in-store (or redeem e-certificate online) between July 3rd and 5th. The discount applies on top of the amazing Canada Day sale prices! Cha-ching!

Since I just posted about PTPA, it’s only fair that I let you know about a sale from one of their Spring 2009 winners – and my all-time favourite shoes for the little guy – Robeez Shoez!

The best shoe mimics bare feet, by supporting – not constricting tiny growing feet. Robeez footwear flex and bend with every step. They promote good balance and unrestricted growth, while protecting little feet from the world. They stay on too, with elasticized ankles to ensure a perfectly snug fit. And… they’re just precious!

For a limited time, many of their styles are up to 50% off! And, if you order two pairs or more, shipping is FREE.

I am loving these Robeez Tredz Sporty Z-Strap for the lil’ athlete just stepping onto the field. And, these Robeez Tredz Flower Sandals are too cute for words :)

(Sneakers on sale for $32.99, sandals on sale for $24.99. It may still sound pricey, but I guarantee that Robeez shoes will outgrow your child. The quality is superb.)

To begin shopping at Robeez, please click here.

Parent Tested Parent Approved has done it again – the Summer 2009 winners have been announced!

Now, I know I don’t have to brief ya’ll on PTPA. You know I’m a huge fan (and guest writer on their blog – Woot! Woot!). To refresh your memory, and for information on how to become a PTPA Parent Evaluator, click here.

PTPA CEO Sharon Vinderine recently posted the following information which I wanted to share:

1) We believe that a parent’s recommendation is the best recommendation that you can get
2) Just because (a product) looks good in the packaging doesn’t necessarily mean it is; check our site first to see what other parents thought
3) The more people focus on buying products with the Parent Tested Parent Approved Seal , the more quality products manufacturers will feel that they have to produce
4) Almost 35% of this round of submissions did not earn our seal. This means that we don’t just hand it out to anyone with a product, our parent testers are very picky!

When it comes to baby products, I trust other parents. Period.

This season’s winners include:

Thanks to everyone who entered the Great Sippy Cup Contest! Good to see we’re not all a bunch of ranging alcoholics – we prefer to sip our drinks!

The winner of this week’s contest was (as always) chosen randomly out of a very stylish little bag. As a reminder, here’s what was up for grabs: 2 x No-Spill Twin Handled 1st Cup, 2 x No-Spill Easy Grip Cup, and 1 x No-Spill Flip n’ Sip Cup (approx. retail value $25).

Drum roll please… the winner is none other than our Mojito-lovin’ Mommy, Shauna! Congratulations!

Please send me an e-mail with your full name and address, and I’ll have the prize sent to you right away!

Thanks again to everyone who participated. Sit tight for more great summer contests. Next up: I haven’t decided yet! But I will shortly, and promise it’ll be a good one :)

Ever since he watched a Food Network challenge, hubby has been after me to try out a recipe for Arroz con Pollo – literally badgering me with constant hints, suggestions and outright demands – “Why don’t we try out that chicken recipe tonight?”, “Tonight’s a good day for some of that Pollo stuff”, and finally, “I’m making Arroz con Pollo tonight. You don’t have to do a thing. Just relax and I’ll take care of everything.”

The extremely unsettling thing is, every time hubby offers to try something new, my territorial instincts set in – and I basically shoo him out, unable to accept or tolerate any one’s presence in my kitchen. It’s not that he’s not allowed to cook – it’s just that when there’s a new recipe to try, I want to be the one to uncover it’s deliciousness, it’s flavour, and have bragging rights for introducing a new a dish to our repertoire. (Of course, if it’s a flop, I sigh and say, “I knew this one wouldn’t turn out well. But since you wanted to try it so badly, you can take it for lunch for the next few days…”).

Thankfully, Saturday night’s Arroz con Pollo wasn’t a flop – it was positively fantabulous!

Arroz con Pollo, or “rice with chicken”, originated in the Andalusia region of Spain, but is a traditional dish that can be found throughout Latin America as well. In many Latin American countries, specifically the Caribbean ones, Arroz con Pollo is considered a common homemade dish that is enjoyed quite frequently by people of all classes. It is distinguished by its comprehensive list of ingredients ranging from vegetables to chicken to its basic carbohydrate, rice. Arroz con Pollo is considered an all-in-one meal.

This dish was downright yummy – spicy, flavourful rice combined with tangy, moist chicken, topped off with bursts of fresh green peas. The prep + baking time was a little longer than expected (about half an hour for me, plus about an hour and the half in the oven – total 2 hours) but well worth it indeed. I’d say skip this on a weeknight and enjoy over the weekend with a glass of Sangre de Toro wine.

10-12 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1/2 cup olive oil
2 cups chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 cups long-grain white rice
2 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon saffron threads (or 1 teaspoon cumin)
1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chiles
1 1/4 cups chicken broth
3/4 cup fresh peas
1/4 cup pimentos, drained
1/2 cup pimiento-stuffed green olives, drained and sliced
1/2 cup water

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).

Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Sear the chicken until golden, then set aside. Stir in the onion, garlic, and red pepper flakes; cook until the onions have softened, about 4 minutes. Add the rice, and season with salt, pepper, and saffron (or cumin). Cook rice until golden, stirring constantly, about 10 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes, green chiles, and chicken broth. Place chicken thighs on top, then bring to a boil, cover, and place in the preheated oven.

Bake for 1 hour, then sprinkle the peas, pimentos, and olives on top. Pour in the water, but do not stir. Recover and continue baking until the chicken is fully cooked, about 20 minutes. Serves 4-6.

Celebrating your birthday this summer? Looking for a fun way to spend the day – for FREE?

Is it your Birthday? Have a Day of Fun On Us!

If your birthday falls on any day during Ontario Place’s 2009 summer operating season, you will receive a complimentary Toronto Star Play All Day Pass. You can enjoy Ontario Place’s rides and attractions, including Froster Soak City, Toronto’s only downtown waterpark, and the state-of-the-art Cinesphere showcasing this year’s newest feature, Hurricane on the Bayou.

Here’s what you need to know:
- Offer valid only on your birthday
- Click here to download your birthday voucher
- Proceed to the Guest Services Pavilion with your voucher and valid identification
- Valid identification can include a birth certificate, passport or driver’s license

For those celebrating between the ages of 6-64, that’s savings of $33.50!

Don’t forget to check out Ontario Place’s Days of Operation to see if the park will be open on your birthday – the very last day appears to be September 20th, with only a few dates in September being open. Have fun!

Colour me skeptical, but I’m a little wary of motorized makeup. Let’s see: a chemical-covered stick, vibrating 7,000 times per stroke, just millimeters from my cornea? Um, no thanks. (I know, when I phrase it like that, it sounds downright frightening.)

But it’s just makeup (FDA approved and perfectly safe to use) – or to be precise, Maybelline’s new Pulse Perfection Mascara. Retailing for less than half the price of similar department store contenders (both Estée Lauder’s Turbolash and Lancôme’s Oscillation Mascara will set you back $39.00), the product promises to provide clump-free definition, intense color, and shine – all while a shakin’ something fierce.

The mascara even comes with directions – insisting that you use a very slow, gentle hand while holding the wand (duh) and sweeping the length of your lashes 2-3 times for dramatic results.

Think you’d like to try it out? The mascara retails for $18.99 at most stores, but, since you’re reading about it on Listen to Lena – ya’ll know I’m about to throw some savings your way! For a limited time, you can get 3 x $5.00 off coupons towards the purchase of a Maybelline Pulse Perfection Mascara (according to the website: one for you and two to share!). Simply fill out the form at Live the Pulse.

If anyone has tried this mascara, or has an opinion about the Estée Lauder or Lancôme version, I would love to hear your thoughts!

When I first saw this freebie posted on Coach’s Facebook page, I thought, Holy Guacamole! A FREE gift from Coach!

Then I found out it was a box of pencils. Still, not one to pass up a freebie – especially something emblazoned with the word “Coach” – I dutifully printed out the invitation. Word on the street is that the signature box comes with 12 pencils (6 different colours), wrapped in a pretty gift bag. The freebie is also yours if you spend $200.

Ikea’s renovating and having a sale! Now through July 12th, 2009, you can save up to 50% off on select items. Check your local store for further details.

Ikea Says:
Construction Reduction! We are renovating to provide more inspiration, more home furnishing ideas, and more low prices! Visit us today for up to 50% off selected merchandise! While supplies last. Selection may vary by store.

Do you watch Showcase? Like movies? If you do, showcase will send you a $20 Cineplex Gift Card simply for taking a short survey (only about 5 minutes).

Here’s what you’ll need to do: Visit http://www.showcase.ca/.

Click on the following ad that will appear above the “Newsletter” link. If you do not see this ad, you may have to refresh your screen until it cycles back. The ad will start with the question, “Like Movies?”

Take the survey, answering honestly as possible (of course, if you don’t watch Showcase or are not prepared to lie and say you do – not endorsed by Lena, but hey, to each their own – you won’t be able to complete the survey).

You may be asked to watch two quick videos and comment on the effectiveness of them. At the end of the survey, simply fill out your mailing address and the gift card will (hopefully) be sent to you. And then, you get to watch more of the movies you like, for FREE :)

As ya’ll know, I’m a huge fan of Parent Tested Parent Approved (PTPA Media). PTPA, as the name suggests, promotes items that have been tested and approved by real parents, not fresh-faced marketing execs. So you have confidence knowing that the same person who loves a product is probably facing some of the same issues as you – whether it be a colicky baby, poor breast milk flow, toilet training woes or curious little Einsteins.

Well, it turns out that PTPA are also huge fans of Listen to Lena! And, since their readers are just as hungry for the latest scoop on sales, product reviews and money-saving tips, you’ll now be able to “listen” to me on PTPA’s blog. I’ll be posting parent-inspired deals and discounts several times per week, so if you’ve got wee ones or know someone that does, don’t forget to visit often!

Check out my introductory post on PTPA’s blog here.

FAQs (I’ve always wanted to do this, LOL)

You asked for it Toronto. Now you’re gonna get it. Blo is coming to T.O.!

Still Canada’s only true Blow Dry Bar, Blo opens its fourth location on Yonge Street (between Eglinton and Lawrence) on July 13th, 2009. Now bullet-proof confidence is possible in about 30 minutes for just over 30 dollars.

Whether your hair needs top-notch tresses before work (Blo opens as early as 7am), for a power lunch, on date night or just because, Blo answers the call of those that covet affordable, catwalk-quality hair, 7 days a week.

(Blo will continue to offer its signature “Blo on the Go” and “Blo Bridal” services — Blo’s top session stylists will deliver flawless hair in-bar or wherever curl-power is desired or required.)

Online reservations are available (check Blo’s Website for the link).

BLO TORONTO BAR STATS

LOCATION: 2594 Yonge Street, 416.440.4256 (4BLO)
SQUARE FEET: 750
CHAIRS: 8
INTERIOR: Philippe Starck “Louis Ghost” chairs, Mercedes Benz silver detailing
HOT HAIR: Check

THE BLO CONCEPT
Blo is a Blow Dry Bar. Scissors are forbidden. Dye, ditto. For around 30 dollars, and in about 30 minutes get a wash and blow out style. No cuts, no colour: Just WASH, BLOW, GO! Clients — also known as “Hair Cadets” — choose from 7 styles featured in the Blo Hair Menu, from the sexy razor-straight “Executive Sweet” to the rocker-chic inspired “Sex, Hugs and Rock & Roll”.

Source: TorontoStyle

I could live in maxi dresses. They’re the perfect wardrobe solution for just about every occasion! I love their versatility, the endless variety of styles and prints, and the seamless transition from day to night (hmm, perhaps even overnight if you need a nightgown in a pinch).

I’ve never had a hard time finding great pieces, as stores seem to be rocking the trend like no body’s business. However, I am perturbed by a certain maxi-inflation from various retailers – since when does a cotton dress warrant a $68 price tag? (I’m looking at YOU Jacob!) Scandalous!

But I can’t pick on poor Jacob alone, as MPMD’s (maxi-priced maxi-dresses) have been popping up all over town; including offenders such as Club Monaco, Marciano, French Connection and more.

Listen up MPMD’s: You’re not Nicole Miller on Robertson Blvd. You’re a mass retailer in a suburban mall. Now start acting like one.

Thank goodness for Forever 21. They have an amazing selection of maxi dresses, all for under $30! Sassy, stylish, and most of all, sensible spending! I’m loving these pieces:

(Okay I cheated; not all of them are under $30 – the last one is actually on sale for $33 – but still, undeniably cheap chic.)

With prices like these, EVERY woman should own a maxi dress! Still not convinced? Check out Suite 101′s top ten reasons to wear one -

1. Celebrity fashion comes to the high street at affordable prices. Look like Kate Moss, Paris Hilton or Nichole Ritchie by buying celebrity-styled maxi dresses.

2. Versatility – great for day or evening wear. Wear it to the beach, a walk in the park, or a cocktail party.

3. Ditch the jeans and wear a chic and stylish maxi to the office for a quick “Casual Friday” make-over.

4. Whatever your size, there is a style to suit everyone. The maxi’s halter, bandeau and strap tops reveal just the right amount of flesh. The empire line accentuates the narrowest part of our bodies thus flattering most shapes and that full-length skirt keeps any lumps and bumps well hidden.

5. The perfect vacation dress. Feel fashionable as well as respectful when visiting countries with more modest dress codes such as the popular tourist destination of Dubai. Western expatriate women workers in the U.A.E. have been wearing the maxi for years, covering legs and providing a comfortable solution to keeping cool in the Middle-Eastern heat.

6. They cover up. For those with chunky legs who were relegated to wearing trousers last season, a chance to feel feminine and wear dresses again. Good news for those who don’t have legs like Kate Moss!

7. With sweeping floor-length fashion there is no pressure to wax your legs. Maxis are the perfect solution for pre-tanned legs too.

8. Maxis can be worn with flats or chunky wedges and platforms for extra height. Casual or smart, wear the maxi with flip flops, sandals or ultra high heels. Accessorize with this season’s messenger or saddle-style shoulder bags and don a pair of oversized sunglasses.

9. You can bring out those old Laura Ashley dresses and be in fashion again. Reinvent them with new accessories in this season’s colors. Laura Ashley has reissued its classic designs from the seventies, in a new Archive range.

10. Lastly, the maxi owes much of its popularity to being comfortable, glamorous and easy to wear. Cool, sexy and very feminine – this latest fashion trend means that, no matter what size or shape, women can feel like women again!

Oh my! Lip plumping giant DuWop is releasing a limited edition version of their popular lip gloss: a Twilight-inspired Lip Venom V!

Here’s how DuWop describes its new lip lacquer: “Instead of a gloss, Lip Venom V is a shimmering crimson lip stain suspended in a venom-laced liquid lip conditioner with a bite, and contains argan, avocado, olive oils and vitamin E. This product should be shaken before use to represent the blending of the human and vampire worlds …”

Don’t like it? Too bloody bad! (Team Edward) The lip gloss will be available to the public on July 1st, retailing for $18. Twirrific!