Thanks to everyone who entered the Lena Loves… The Boys Are Back contest. It will be released in selected theatres tomorrow! And even though I’ve already seen the movie, I may not be able to pass up a chance to see the incredibly fine Mr. Owen again. HAWT!

Because it’s as easy as pie to copy and paste, here’s the trailer again:

Inspired by a true story, THE BOYS ARE BACK is a deeply moving, wryly confessional tale of fatherhood, that intimately evokes both the fragility and wonders of family life. It follows a witty, wisecracking, action-oriented sportswriter (Academy Award nominee and Golden Globe winner CLIVE OWEN) who, in the wake of his wife’s tragic death, finds himself in a sudden, stultifying state of single parenthood. With turbulent emotions swirling just below the surface, Joe Warr throws himself into the only child-rearing philosophy he thinks has a shot at bringing joy back into their lives: “just say yes.” Raising two boys – a curious six year-old (NICHOLAS MCANULTY) and a rebel teen (GEORGE MACKAY) from a previous marriage — in a household devoid of feminine influence, and with an unabashed lack of rules, life becomes exuberant, instinctual, reckless . . . and on the constant verge of disaster.

Who’s going with a friend to see it? The winner is… Melanie! Congratulations!

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 again to everyone who participated, and to Melissa Silverstein and Miramax!

Beginning tomorrow, September 25th, when you purchase 3 sale items at Gap, you’ll receive an additional 30% off! The deal runs until Sunday and includes all Gap, GapKids and babyGap merchandise.

Is it me, or does it seem like Gap runs a promo every week? I remember the days when Gap was considered somewhat street-posh, and I would wait for Boxing day to be able to afford their jeans or sweaters. And now, thanks to a multitude of sales, I actually pass on Gap promos more than I take advantage of them! Of course, as a mommy, I’m not complaining – Ryder is almost always dressed in head-to-toe babyGap – for less than the price of “George” at Walmart. Who knew?

Since we’re on the subject of babyGap, if you’ve purchased a Toggle Coat (0-24 months) from the store, you may want to check out this recall notice from Health Canada.

Anyhoo, thankfully, no special invitation is needed for this event, so be sure to stop by if you’re in the mall this weekend.

Thanks to Kathyrn for the heads up!

If you love The Children’s Place, here’s a neat little deal for you. Until October 14th, when you spend $50 in-store, you’ll receive a gift card for $25 off your next purchase of $50 or more. So, essentially, if you manage to spend the minimum requirement of $100 ($50 each time), you’ll score a cool 25% off your purchase.

Wicked savings if you’re a regular customer! And with tons of sale items, you could conceivably build an entire wardrobe for just $75. Coolio!

Another Town Promo gals! Hurry!

Valid until October 15th, with ANY purchase at Town Shoes, simply present this coupon (linked below) and you’ll receive a FREE Barbie Keychain.

I’m totally digging the hot zebra-print heel. Even more so, I’m digging Town Shoes’ new fall line-up!

Click here to print your Town Shoes coupon.

It’s been just about a few weeks since we had 10 Warm Buddy Body Wrap winners here on Listen to Lena!, and I was just wondering if ya’ll are loving your heat wrap as much as I do!

I literally use it every night – I place it on my bed while I’m changing into my pj’s, and by the time I climb in, everything is nice and toasty! Heaven! I also can’t get enough of the lavender scent – it’s sooo soothing and relaxing, even my husband loves it (we’ve had a few arguments over whose turn it was to use the Warm Buddy).

So I’d like to invite all the winners to post a quick comment telling me about your experience with the product! I’m dying to hear your feedback, especially since I happen to think it’s the best thing since sliced bread :)

And, if you didn’t win one yourself, but are liking what people have to say, then definitely take advantage of this promotion from Wildflowers Aromatherapy – take 15% off ALL Warm Buddy Products with code WILD 8 until September 29th, 2009. Woot! Woot!

Click here to begin shopping at Wildflowers Aromatherapy.

It’s Aéropostale’s Fall Fling, where you can save 25% off the lowest price (excluding clearance)! Valid September 24th to 27th, you can grab savings online (code FALL09) or in-store by printing this invitation.

Let the battle of the sales begin! I have a feeling Aéropostale and Hollister aren’t the only ones who’ll be throwing on a promo this weekend…

For some reason, I’m having a little bit of trouble concentrating right now.

Uh… 20% off. EVERYTHING. At Hollister. Yeah, um – what? Oh right.

20% off everything at… Hollister? From September 23rd to 27th. Just… um. Yeah.

Oh! Just print this coupon for 20% off everything at… Hollisterrrrrr.

To the Ontarians – are you sad over the departure of SUPER 7? I certainly am – not because I won a dime playing that silly lottery for over 10 years, but more because it just seemed part of my routine – my mom would call on a weekly basis, saying, “This week’s SUPER 7 is x.x million dollars, so don’t forget to buy a ticket.” Then I’d give up two perfectly good loonies in exchange for a glimpse of the good life. Bah.

Well, it seems that we haven’t been left hanging; according to the OLG website, “LOTTO SUPER 7 has retired to make way for a new national lottery game that will offer Canadians even more of what they’re looking for – big jackpots and more millionaires than ever before.”

Uh huh. Here’s what the new LOTTO MAX offers:

- LOTTO MAX is available for sale across Canada.
- Jackpots start at $10 million and can reach $50 million.
- $5 per play for three sets of numbers.
- Pick seven numbers from 1 to 49 or choose Quick Pick.
- Play up to 10 draws in advance.
- Draws are held every Friday.

You know what? I don’t see the benefits. This means that, if I choose to, I’ll need to shell out $3 more per play, for roughly the same odds and roughly the same jackpot. And really, after $10 million, does it really matter if it’s $20 million or $50 million? You’re a freakin’ multi millionaire! What are you going to do with all that money?

(I promise, should I win, that I will at least blog a good bye post. Then I’ll re-create a blog called “Look at Lena”, where my contests will include BMWs and vacations to Fiji.)

Anyhoo, this is a long winded way of saying that on Thursday, September 24th ONLY, when you buy one LOTTO MAX with Encore ($6), you’ll get another Encore FREE. Good luck everybody – and if you’re a winner, remember where you heard about this deal!

p.s. AC also sent a note, letting me know that there are two other LOTTO MAX promos running right now with Shoppers Drug Mart and Metro; click here for details.

Who wants to have the coolest baby on the playground? There are just 3 things you’ll need. First, you have to be a cool parent (no Mom jeans). Second, you’ll have to pop at least one tiny collar, or invest in pink glitter nail polish. And finally, you simply must outfit your budding superstar in bandanas from Tsitah Threads.

Tsitah Threads, a PTPA Award Winner, creates one of the hottest accessories around for babies and toddlers. Designed in the mountains between Vancouver’s North Shore and Whistler, B.C., Tsitah Threads launched their first design and online store in November 2008.

Think the designs are great? Then you’ll love the owner’s background!

After an extensive career in feature film production working with many celebrities including Brad Pitt(!!!), Anthony Hopkins and Uma Thurman, owner/designer Nicole Florian retired from the film industry when her daughter Haven Tsi was born and started her own apparel company.

The bandanas are available in baby and toddler sizes, and come in awesome pattern combos with such names as Boss Lady, Park Rocker, Funkghi, Dirty Hippie and Live Aloha. All fabric is 100% Cotton or 100% Organic Cotton and is pre-washed in 7th Generation Natural Baby Laundry Detergent. They’re super easy to fasten with velcro, and it’s about more than just fashion – the bandanas protect your little one’s scalp from the sun, and are a great way to sneak in some haute UV protection.

Now tell me, how much do you love these patterns? (click to enlarge)

For Babies:

For Toddlers:

Here are some hip and gorgeous models, posing in Tsitah Threads:

I love, love, LOVE these bandanas! I have visions of Ryder leading a little pack of outlaws on his tricycle – and anyone who knows my little one will vouch that it’s certainly a possibility! Now here’s the scoop; if you’re loving a certain fabric, grab it now before it’s gone – the company believes in quality over quantity, so everything is made in small batches and is carried in limited quantities. And, don’t forget to check back frequently for new colors and fabrics!

In the Fall of 2009, Tsitah Threads launched its first winter item – a winter baby blanket that combines the cozy insulating properties of fleece and the water repellent features of ripstop nylon. This blanket rocks! Click here to learn more about the winter baby blanket.

You can find Tsitah Threads at select locations in western Canada, or you can shop online. Shipping is a very reasonable $3.00 across Canada.

Click here to begin shopping at Tsitah Threads.

Contest Time!

Tsitah Threads has generously offered one Listen to Lena! reader your choice of a Baby Bandana (value $21.95/cotton, $22.95/organic cotton) or Toddler Bandana (value $23.95/cotton, $24.95/organic cotton).

To enter, simply check out the prints from the line of your choice, and tell us which one you’d like to win! I’ll draw for a winner next Monday. Good luck everybody!

It’s time to update your look.

On October 1st-4th, 2009, visit the Fall Home Show to take home new ideas, expert advice and shop the lowest prices on home improvement products & services with more than 300 retailers.

Highlights this year include:

THE PLANNING STAGE presented by Lowe’s

Need help updating your look? Don’t go at it alone; look no further than the Planning Stage presented by Lowe’s for the latest in kitchen design, DIY, renovation and holiday décor and entertaining. Local experts and celebs will offer insight and advice to help with all your home improvement needs. Don’t miss Bryan Baeumler live on stage Oct. 1st at 6:30 pm.

Click here to check out the line-up of great presenters and celebs on stage.

THE MODERN LIVING LOUNGE – CELEBRATE IN STYLE

Get the inside dish. Join Ontario’s hottest chefs, Entertaining Experts and Beverage buffs for not-to-be-missed tips and tricks for the Holiday season. Complete with holiday décor presentations and wine and spirit samples and suggestions, this ultra modern lounge will take you from holiday hopeless to the hostess with the mostess!

TIME TO UPDATE YOUR LOOK? – HGTV WORKSHOP SERIES

If your home’s look is mismatched, out-of-date or just plain hopeless, help is coming! Re-fresh, Re-love and Re-energize your space with the help from local design celebrities and experts at the Fall Home Show’s annual hands-on workshop series. Get up to the minute advice on topics ranging from redecorating in a recession and choosing the right color to buying vintage furniture and laying flooring. Please check back soon for schedules.

Click here for a more details on presentations and schedule!

TySTYLES

Take designer cues straight from top insider and Extreme Home Makeover’s Ty Pennington. Ty inspired vignette spaces are brought to life down the main aisle at the Fall Home Show. Created by noted designer Adam Berkowitz, TySTYLES is all about achieving the ultimate in home decor with the latest Ty Pennington must have products.

Plus much more!

And, until Midnight on September 23rd, you can get 2 for 1 Adult Admission by entering code VIP when you purchase online, a savings of $13 (based on door prices). I love the Home Show, and will definitely be there this year!

Click here to purchase your tickets for the Toronto Fall Home Show.

For a limited time, all skincare at The Body Shop.ca is Buy Two, Get One FREE! This includes the Vitamin E, Tea Tree, Vitamin C, Seaweed, Wise Woman, and Aloe lines, as well as the new Nutriganics line (An exciting new high performance, certified organic skin care regime with the power of organic ingredients to help address first signs of ageing and promote a youthful, healthy-looking complexion).

In addition to the Buy Two, Get One Free sale, they’ve also got the Body Focus line for 50% off and Buy Three, Get One Free soaps. Also, if you’re a Warm Amber fan, check out their “Last Chance” section, where you can find all products at just $3, including the shower gel, shimmer lotion, body scrub, body butter, bath crystals and bath oil.

Shipping is a very reasonable $5.95 flat-rate, so load up your cart, or split the shipping costs with friends.

Click here to begin shopping at The Body Shop.

Thanks to Vanda for the heads up on this fantabulous find!

Chapters is currently running a neat little promo (in store only), so it’s a great time to unleash your inner bookworm and grab some reading material!

Until October 30th, 2009, when you spend $40 (before taxes) you will receive a $45 savings card, which includes:

$10 off your next purchase of $40 at Chapters
2 for 1 Adult Admission to Cineplex theatres
$25 off your purchase of $100 at Roots Canada

Not bad, especially the additional $10 savings your next time around. My advice: buy the book, then take a friend to see the movie :)

Here’s the fine print:

Promotion excludes Atlantic Canada and other select stores across Canada. See in-store for details. Promotion may be terminated at any time without notice. $40 minimum spend before taxes and after applicable discounts.

Thanks to everyone who entered the Lena Loves… NORMandLOU contest. I’m still loving the Felt Apple Tree Case, and am thinking my iPod needs a warm, soft friend very soon :)

I can guarantee you one thing – the winner of this contest will have the most stylish and unique gadget case ever! Do keep in mind that all of her work is sewn by hand (no machine ever) and the majority of the items use Eco-felt (an environ-mentally friendly and lead-free craft felt). At $12.50 a pop, I think we should all grab one (or two, or three…)

As a reminder, up for grabs is the chance to win a felt gadget case of your choice!

If it works for a Glamour Gal like Reese Witherspoon, I will definitely give it a go.

For a limited time, Avon’s Smooth Mineral lineup is up to 50% off! Now is the perfect time to dabble in some mineral makeup, with minimum commitment and maximum WOW! Here are just a few of the items on promo:

Smooth Minerals Eyeshadow – $3.99, regularly $7.99
Smooth Minerals SPF 15 Lipstick – $4.99, regularly $9.99
Smooth Minerals Foundation – $8.99, regularly $14.99
Smooth Minerals Blush – $6.99, regularly $9.99

Plus, if you spend more than $35 (which, at these prices, may actually take some work), enter code AVON35 for FREE shipping! (The $35 minimum spend can be combined with any products on the Avon site.)

Click here to begin shopping at Avon.