Last night, while I was attempting to frame a 5×7 photo, Ryder strolled in and decided that he had a much more interesting photo op for me…

What a ham.

Right now at La Senza, in-store and online, when you buy 2 bras, you’ll get one FREE! Selection is limited (but plentiful) with the single price as marked.

Right now at Reitmans, you can grab a $25 gift card for every $100 you spend! The gift card cannot be used in the same transaction, but can be used on any amount immediately following the transaction. (Thank goodness. I get frustrated when stores dole out bonus gift cards, only to find out you have to spend another qualifying amount – say, $50 – to use the gift card. Boo.)

I actually really loving Reitmans’ fall collection – I grabbed a couple of pieces when they had their BOGO event a few weeks ago. The quality isn’t up to par with RW&CO, but for a cheapie outfit, they have stylish clothes which fit well and won’t break the bank.

Do I have to say it? Okay I will.

A few weeks ago, I was at a friend’s house enjoying a very nice dinner (with great wine and great friends). When nature called, the hostess instructed me to use the main bathroom upstairs. I have to admit that this is a perversely huge joy for makeup and beauty junkies like me – you have a chance to subtly take in other people’s personal products as you wash and dry your hands. (Before you ask, no, I’m NOT in the 36% of people who open other people’s vanities and medicine chests. As a germophobe – eww. However, I do like to take a peek with my peepers.)

On this particular trip, I couldn’t help but notice that the bathroom was crammed with soaps, lip balms, lotions and bath bombs – all from a company called “SudsMuffin.” The aroma was absolutely to die for – a slightly sweet citrus scent that was fresh without being overpowering. I broke my rule of “no-touching the goods” and carefully turned the products over to get a closer look. Later, I Googled “SudsMuffin” and was pleasantly surprised to see that they are a Canadian company based in the Maritimes. And that’s just one of the reasons I love them. (BTW, I also discovered that during my bathroom foray, I had encountered their Satsuma Sunrise Soap with Silk.)

SudsMuffin is a small, family-run business located in Saint John, New Brunswick on the Bay of Fundy. They started making bath salts, soaps and lip balms 9 years ago, and sold them at local craft shows.

“In 2007, we opened our own retail store and Mr. SudsMuffin now works there full time, making all kinds of yummy bath goodies every day. Mrs. SudsMuffin does all the labels and packaging and pictures and just makes it all look pretty. Our MiniMuffin is a great help with folks in the shop. She can answer just about any question on any of the products, having grown up with it since she was 2. We absolutely *love* our business and our store and we hope your readers will too.”

What’s so special about SudsMuffin products? All of their vibrant, lovely soaps are infused with raw silk, which feels absolutely decadent on the skin and imparts incredible moisture. The products are continually inspired by delicious food scents, and the atmosphere in the shop reflects their love of pretty cakes and sweet desserts. “We love seeing people smile when they experience the sights and scents in our shop,” says Mrs. SudsMuffin. “This is why our tag line is feel delicious.“

Quite honestly, the products are simply amazing. They have a huge assortment of bath and shower care, perfume oils, lip balms, scrubs, and of course, soap! SudsMuffin uses only vegetable oils, along with high quality essential and/or fragrance oils. Their scrubs, which are enriched with extra-virgin olive oil and sugar, provide an even scrubbing texture without the sting of salt. And the lip balms deliver a creamy layer of protection against dry, chapped lips.

Here are some of their luscious products (click to enlarge):

I’m also loving their fabulously unique and gorgeous soap cakes – We make soap with the look and smell of real cake! These are a perfect gift for a wedding, bridal or baby shower, retirement party, volunteer recognition, grand opening, open house, just about any special occasion you might have. We’ll pre-cut your cake into 16 (or 20) slices and hold it all together with a ribbon, served up on a cake board in a bakery box.

Delish!

Click here to view more pictures of their soap cakes.

SudsMuffin will ship any size retail order within Canada for a maximum of $12. Smaller orders are shipped at actual Canada Post rates.

Thanks to Ing for passing along this fantabulous find (though I’m a bit worried she’s clipping coupons for men’s shoes – LOL).

Until October 21, 2009, when you spend $100 or more on Men’s shoes at Town Shoes, you can get $20 off by clicking and printing the coupon on the left. Come to think of it, I’m fairly certain that ALL Men’s shoes at Town are over $100. So go nuts.

I’m a fan of white tea, and I’m a fan of smoothies, but together? The jury’s still out on that one. Thankfully, now’s a great time to challenge my taste buds!

Until October 31st, 2009, buy one 20oz White Tea Smoothie and you’ll get the second FREE when you present the coupon linked below. Available in Peach and Raspberry, they’re made with real fruit and are low in fat.

And now I have to go try one for myself.

Click here to print your Orange Julius coupon.

It’s no secret that I love to decorate… and re-decorate… and re-decorate. Every 6 months or so.

The thing is, I’m constantly looking for inspiration, and, somehow, seem to find it willingly. A new couch always looks hot, until a newer (more posh, more comfortable) model comes along, and then it’s days are numbered. Say, 180 days. Or so.

Therefore it’s no surprise that I’m a fixture at the Toronto Fall Home Show. An unfailing source of expert tips, trends and invaluable advice, it’s quite simply the best way to gather design ideas and inspiration. And with over 250 retailers offering the lowest prices on home improvement products and services, it’s definitely the place to be for home owners and home owners-to-be.

I’ll be there this weekend – and you can be too – for FREE! Marketplace Events has generously offered five (5) Listen to Lena! readers the chance to win a pair of tickets to the 2009 Fall Home Show in Toronto! The show takes place from Thursday, October 1st to Sunday, October 4th. Here are some not-to-be-missed reasons for attending this season’s show:

250 + retailers
Save at the Home + Style Studio Tour
Free advice at Destination Renovation by BILD
Decor consultations at What’s Your Design Dilemma?
Entertaining and Renovation on The Planning Stage by Lowe’s
Tech Style with ConnectPro by Future Shop
Wine & Spirits in the Modern Living Lounge
Bryan Baeumler and other experts at the HGTV Workshop Series

To enter, simply leave a comment telling us why you’d like to go to the show. I’ll randomly draw for five (5) winners this Thursday morning. Now pay attention: be sure to check back on Thursday to see if you’ve won – I’ll need to grab your details ASAP to ensure the tix will be waiting for you at the gate.

Good luck everybody!

If you’ve been looking for a snazzy (yet functional) laptop case, you may want to check out this deal from Dell.ca.

Here’s a HAWT deal for those who like to travel in style!

Spotted this weekend at Costco – the Heys xcase (19″ Carry-On Case) for just $35.99! The Mississauga location had it available in red, silver and black. To give you an idea of how great a deal this is, the Heys website, The Bay and other luggage stores are currently retailing this very same case for $79.97! That’s 55% off MSRP!

The xcase Dimpled Surface has a ‘matte’ surface finish with a dimpled texture to better hide any marks or scratches that may occur. Weighing only a mere 4.8 lbs ( 2.18 kg ), the xcase Dimpled Surface has all the same features as the the xcase Shiny Finish. It features a built-in divider with mesh pocket as well as a curved single tube handle system to prevent the ‘back-kicking’ of the case. It also uses our new metallic wheels for some extra flare. Porter Airlines, a new airline with a sophisticated fashion sense, chose the xcase Dimpled Finish for professional use of their crew members and flight attendants.

According to Red Flag Deals, “while this item does not appear on the Costco.ca site, readers have confirmed that these cases are available at Markham, Ottawa, Calgary, Downsview, Oakville, Willingdon, Vancouver and Mississauga Costco locations.” I can vouch for that!

So my next question is… who’s coming away with me for a long weekend?

I know what you’re thinking – Coupons for sale? What gives? Well, you’ll actually be giving – to the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption – when you purchase a coupon booklet for just $2. In it, you’ll find coupons for 4 FREE 6oz Frosties and 4 FREE Small Fries!

The coupons may be purchased now, but are only valid from November 1st, 2009 to December 31st, 2009. Both freebies are pint-sized, making them wonderful additions to Halloween treat bags (or portion-controlled goodies for kids of all ages).

I love when a toonie goes a long way:

In 1992, Dave Thomas, Founder of Wendy’s, established the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, and in 2003 the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption Canada was incorporated. We are firmly committed to continue our founder’s vision and belief that all children deserve the love and support of a permanent family. To Dave Thomas, adoption was personal because he was adopted into a permanent, loving home. He sincerely believed every child deserves the same.

There are approximately 78,000 children in foster care in Canada and nearly 30,000 of those children are legally free, waiting for permanent families. Adoption and permanency is personal to them, too.The Foundation is dedicated to helping these children by supporting programs that will dramatically increase the number of adoptions, while also focusing on ways to make the adoption process easier and more affordable.

“Mommy, there’s a monster in my closet!”

ScareMeNots to the rescue! ScareMeNots, a Fall 2009 PTPA Award Winner, are plush creatures designed to take the “scary” out of monsters! Soft, cuddly, and oh-so-cute, they are perfect bedtime companions for all children, especially those with night time fears: ScareMeNots are equipped with special features that allow them to ward off frightening things that hide in all the usual places (under the bed, in the closet, behind the drapes)—and in the unusual places as well!

Innovative Toys, makers of the ScareMeNots, are hot newcomers to the toy industry.
Founded in August 2008, their goal is to create unique, quality toys for kids of all ages.

“What Parent hasn’t experienced sleep deprived nights? Well, our own kids were the inspiration. They were always scared at night due to something under their bed or in their closet, sound familiar? Launching this company is a dream come true for us and our goal is to help kids conquer their night time fears in a fun and enchanting way.”

Quite seriously, these are the coolest defenders I’ve ever seen! I love that they’re constantly on guard, ready to scare away even the creepiest monsters lurking under the bed. What makes them even more special is their tail: “All ScareMeNots have a long tail with two Velcro strips (at tip and midpoint) that allow the dolls to hang from door handles, closet or curtain rods, chair backs, etc. The tail can also be placed between the box spring and mattress, allowing the ScareMeNot to hang down and peer under the bed.”

How ingenious is that? I love this feature – it makes them so easy to position and re-position for the most effective and reassuring anti-monster strategy. The next time a crawly critter comes looking for your little one, you can prove to them that a ScareMeNot is on duty!

Here’s a great pic of a ScareMeNot in action:

No monsters are getting by on his watch! The picture also shows the relative size of ScareMeNots – they’re BIG! (I suppose they have to be – they’ve got a very important job to do, which sometimes requires intimidation tactics! On average, they’re just under 2 feet tall, the perfect size for children of all ages.)

Want to meet them?

Defender Dave is the founder of S.M.N. (Scare Me Not). He is 100% I.C.U. (I See You) certified from the M.P.S.A. (Monsters Preventative Services of America). With all his eyes he spots monsters with ease and will always keep an eye out for your child.

Watchdog Wally is the star of our k‐9 protection division at S.M.N. (Scare Me Not). He has been trained to keep his high tech nose into the wind scanning for monsters. Fearless Fred has spent many weeks training Wally and now he’s ready for duty to protect a very lucky boy or girl. Wally is obedient, enjoys the company of children and will be delighted to learn tricks from his new owner.

Fearless Fred was recently awarded the Big Badge of Bravery from the M.P.S.A. (Monsters Preventative Services of America) for the apprehension (fancy word for zapping) of the notorious Snackfoot Monster. Thanks to Fearless Fred’s never-ending search for monsters, Mr. Chewy Snackfoot was removed from beneath the bed of a four year old boy living in Schenectady, New York.

Guardian Gus, with an extra eye in each hand, is ideal for spotting monsters around corners and under beds. He removes closet and hallway monsters by sliding one hand‐eye under the door, while never leaving your little ones’ bedroom. His assignments have taken him worldwide in search of monsters like Swamp Thing and Bigfoot. However, Gus is most renowned for his detection of the Bathtub Belly Slimer due to his use of S.W.A.T. (Soapy Water Approach Technique).

Protector Patty is the current chairman of M.A.M.A (Mothers Against Monster Activity). Throughout her career she has detached hundreds of cotton fiber monsters from the sock and underwear drawers of frightened children. Even today’s elaborate blended microfiber monsters are no match for Protector Patty’s M.S.D. (Monster Sensory Detection) trained eyes.

Valiant Valerie possesses all the monster detection and preventive intuition of her parents Protector Patty and Guardian Gus. Even at her young age she can protect herself and your child from any run-a-muck monster. However, Valiant Valerie is still too young for us at S.M.N. (Scare Me Not) to allow her to be fully certified. The problem is Valerie has not passed regulation #2-N.P.P. (No Poop in Pants). We’ll have to wait until she’s completed potty training before she can receive S.M.N. certification.

As you can see, they are extensively trained and well-qualified to provide the highest protection from the terrifying world of monsters. For more information and tips on how you can create a monster-free zone, click here for an excellent to-do list from Preschool Education advisors.

ScareMeNots are available for purchase online directly from ScareMeNot.com or Amazon.com. They are affordably priced at just US $24.99 each – worth every penny for your child’s peace of mind!

Want to win one?

Innovative Toys has generously offered one Listen to Lena! reader the chance to win a ScareMeNot of your choice (value $24.99). Simply visit their website to learn more about ScareMeNots, and then post a comment telling us which one you’d like to win! I’ll draw for a winner next Thursday. Good luck everybody!

While grocery shopping at Loblaws last week, I walked by the streusel cakes and thought… mmmm…. but no, I just couldn’t do it. It wasn’t the price (they’re a steal at $5.99), but rather the fact that once in the house, I’d just be finding excuses to polish it off. So I shunned the delicious cake in favour of baby carrots and broccoli (which are – strategically? – placed about 5 feet from the baked goods).

But with streusel on my mind, I decided to just go ahead and throw up this fabulous recipe for a moist and tasty coffee cake. I’m thinking that if I look at the picture long enough, my craving will be satisfied. Here’s hoping!

Got a dude (or dudes) in your life that can use some new shoes? You’ll want to check out the BOGO event at Sears, where all regular-priced men’s shoes, boots and slippers are Buy One, Get One FREE!

The sale takes place TODAY ONLY (September 25th), from 6pm ’til 9pm at all participating Sears locations. You’ll want to arrive early for the best selection – and if you don’t already know, Sears carries premium brands such as Rockport, Florsheim, Clarks, and Mephisto, as well as the regulars – Timberland, Nike, K-Swiss and more.

The last time I drooled over men’s shoes, it was pair of Mephisto’s in black leather… I don’t remember the style name, but I do know they were $525.00 and instantly brought about images of George Clooney in Ocean’s Twelve. Drool.

Selection will vary by store, and the discount will be applied to the lowest priced pair.

Man oh man, I thought I was getting a good deal from Amazon.ca when I paid $279.99 for a Wii a couple of years ago. Effective September 27th, 2009, the Wii system (with Wii Sports) is dropping in price to $219.99 at Toys R Us – and I’m quite certain Future Shop, Best Buy and Walmart will be reducing their prices tout de suite in response.

According to the website, this is a permanent price adjustment, so no need to rush out and grab and system, unless you’ve been waiting for such motivation. FYI – I’m pretty darn fantastic at Wii Baseball – beat (annihilate) my husband every time :)