I’m celebrating my One Year Blogiversary all month! In addition to the $250 Gift Card from Best Buy that’s up for grabs, I’ll be adding prizes every few days. Here’s one more fab addition to the Blogiversary Stash of Goodies!

Courtesy of Fusion Soap, one winner will receive a Trio of Loofah Soaps (retail value $22.50).

Win these delicately moisturizing soaps – with a piece of loofah immersed right into the bar! Provides wonderful exfoliation and a fresh, sweet scent. Your skin will feel amazing! Winner will receive a Key Lime, Bubble Gum and Blueberry Loofah soap.

Be sure to enter the giveaway!

For one day only – Thursday, October 29th – ALL Danier handbags are an additional 25% off (you must present the invitation linked below).

The sale includes Danier Outlet merchandise and sale/ clearance items as well. Pretty nifty!

This season, they’ve got some gorgeous lambskin and croco-print numbers in a variety of colours – you’ll have a hard time deciding – buy two!

Click here to print your invitation for 25% off at Danier.

So, you thought it couldn’t get any better? IT HAS!

Yes, I have the Blogiversary giveaway this Saturday – but – stay tuned in the next day or so for a HUGE contest announcement on Listen to Lena! You don’t want to miss this one!

The contest will only run for 3-4 days, so be sure to check back and enter asap for a chance to win an amazing prize! Here’s a hint – I’ve got TEN to give away! I’ll post back shortly!

From PTPA:

Do you love “Tweeting” as much as we do?! Are you following us? Are your friends following us? Tell everyone you know that PTPA is the place to go! We will keep you posted on the latest and greatest Parent Tested Parent Approved winning products that you and your family MUST have!

It’s easy! Just spread the word to your friends to follow PTPA on Twitter. Our goal is to reach 2000 followers by Christmas! Each time we gain an extra 100 followers, we will be giving away a prize by random draw.

Word on the street is that they’re giving away a bunch of fabulous prizes, including Award Winning products! So if you’re a parent, have a Twitter account and you’d love to receive great information as well as get your hands on some amazing loot, be sure to follow PTPA on Twitter!

Today’s posts are dedicated to some pretty fabulous contests currently running on Listen to Lena!

In addition to the ever-so-talented and unique Alli’s Originals, we also have my One Year Blogiversary Stash of Goodies. I’ve got three (3) more prizes to add, so sit tight – and be sure to tune in THIS SATURDAY to view all the winners! (HINT: I’ll have the post up late afternoon – before the trick or treaters arrive!)

Over the months, I’ve received e-mails from readers asking how to enter contests on my blog. It’s actually quite simple, and I happen to think the prizes are fab! So I thought I’d do a quick post to encourage those shy but freebie-minded individuals who take the time to visit my site. I believe we’ve had over 50 winners to date – it could be YOU next!

1. At the bottom of each post, right above the turquoise divider, you’ll find a link that says “Comments”. At the moment, the Alli’s Originals contest link says “16 Comments”. Click on this link.

2. On the right side of the comment screen, you’ll see a box where you can “Leave Your Comment”. In here, you can write whatever you’d like to enter the contest – for example, what you’d like to buy, what you find interesting, etc. You can also see what other commenters have written to get an idea.

3. Then you have to choose an identity. If you do not have a blogger account, you can also log in with your Gmail, Yahoo or Open ID account. If you don’t want to sign in on any of these platforms, then simply choose the Name/URL bullet, and when this pops up -

So that’s how to officially enter the contests! Good luck!

I’m celebrating my One Year Blogiversary all month! In addition to the $250 Gift Card from Best Buy that’s up for grabs, I’ll be adding prizes every few days. Here’s one more fab addition to the Blogiversary Stash of Goodies!

Courtesy of Warm Buddy Company, one winner will receive a Jumbo Black Beary (retail value $110.00). What an AMAZING prize!

With the supermarkets overflowing with delicious, ripe apples, I always debate whether or not I should once again try my hand at an apple pie. You see, pastry and I are NOT friends. I suppose I’m dyslexic when it comes to using a rolling pin; I never seem able to impart the right amount of pressure for a perfectly smooth, elastic dough. And let’s be honest – the crust is what makes an apple pie. Any fool can toss together apples, cinnamon and sugar :)

So when Nadia forwarded this recipe to me for an Apple Crumble Pie, I thought, Hooray! One less crust = One happy Lena!

If you’re short on time, you can cheat by using a frozen or pre-made crust for the bottom, but I actually do take the time to roll out fresh dough (since no one can see the sloppiness of my work, I feel confident in making it from scratch). The recipe calls for raisins and walnuts, which can be left out if you prefer; I love ‘em – they add a homey and harvest-like taste. You can also double the crumble ingredients if you’re looking for a generous topping – as written, the crumble just about covers the surface. A must try!

INGREDIENTS

1 (9 inch) pie shell
6 cups thinly sliced apples (Granny Smith works nicely)
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
3/4 cup white sugar
2 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup raisins (optional)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Crumble:
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
3 tablespoons butter

They say:

“Thunk! That’s the sound your wallet will make with all the money you save.”

I say:

“Bring it! I never say no to saving money!”

Valid three (3) days only, October 27th thru 29th, get a jump start on your holiday shopping (especially if you’re making BIG purchases) with these coupon codes from Future Shop. The savings are pretty dismal for small purchases, but decent on larger ones.

For online shopping:

Coupon Code: coupon10366072566447
Discount: $10 off $100 to $349

Coupon Code: coupon20366240263188
Discount: $20 off $350 to $999

Coupon Code: coupon00366612922613
Discount: $100 off $1000+

In-store, simply print your coupons here.

I hate making big purchases so soon before Christmas, especially in anticipation of all the upcoming holiday sales. However, if you need something and can’t wait, be sure to take a few dollars off with these codes.

I’ve been meaning to blog about these new coupons for about a week now, and decided Monday morning is definitely the way to go to scratch them off my list.

Save.ca has introduced a new sub-site, Live Well, Save Well. Here you can find coupons for Aveeno Body Lotion and Wash, Benadryl, Imodium, Johnson’s Baby and Penaten, Listerine, Lubriderm Lotion, and much more.

But my very favourite coupon would have to be the SAVE $5 When You Buy Any 2 Stayfree (16-24′s), Carefree (46-60′s) or o.b. (18-20′s) Products.

Do you know what this means ladies? No more printing off the tempermental Stayfree $2.00 off coupon which can be rejected at 10 paces! AND, since you’re saving $2.50 when you buy 2, you don’t even have to wait for a sale (we’ve all heard the retched “You can’t use a coupon on sale items” from Shoppers Drug Mart. Boo.)

Walmart retails Stayfree for $2.34 every day. If you’re afraid of coupon rejection based on the fact that the total purchase will be less than the savings, calmly explain that they can adjust the value of the coupon to match the total cost ($4.68). If you get a blank stare, just take the coupon to Pharma Plus, Zellers or No Frills, all who retail Stayfree at around the $2.50 price point.

Click here to order your coupons from Live Well, Save Well.

No secret here: I’m a jewelry junkie. Everything shiny, sparkly and spectacular must make it’s way into my repertoire. But even more alluring is a personalized accessory – one that manages to make a statement while simultaneously commu-nicating something personal about the wearer. Anything engraved with “RYDER”, an initial, or a birthstone is consistently at the top of my rotation (and isn’t it fitting that my birthstone is a diamond? As I tell my husband – it’s not my fault that April babies are lavished in ice. Now go buy me a “birthstone” necklace/ bracelet/ earrings!)

So it should come as no surprise that I’m LOVING Alli’s Originals – designed by Alli Grosberg, a Canadian-based artist and mompreneur.

Alli’s creations are the epitome of unique, stylish and affordable jewelry. Her charms, key chains bracelets and necklaces are all engraved with your very own choice of symbols, initials, text or dates. And although Alli specializes in made to order, hand stamped sterling silver jewelery – she also dabbles in semi precious stones, beads, fresh water pearls and Swarovski crystals.

A little about Alli:

A 35 year old Mompreneur, Alli began making jewelry as a hobby over 9 years ago. She began with beaded projects, key chains & wire work. After years of designing jewelry, Alli began taking courses in silversmithing and lost wax casting. Alli’s Collection has expanded over the last couple of years and now includes hand stamped pendants and charms, hand cut pendants and unique casted charms that are only available exclusively through Alli’s Originals. As well, a great collection for men: The Prince Charming Collection.

Ladies, her designs are THE PERFECT GIFT for any occasion – she makes it so easy to wear your heart on your sleeve. Child’s names, wedding anniversaries, loved ones, even an ode to teachers, parents and friends – there are literally countless ways to showcase your love and affection (and your impeccable sense of style). Alternatively, if you’re a person of few words, check out all of the symbols available for stamping here. Combine them with names and/or date discs to tell a story in 3 charms or less.

Alli graciously offered to send me a necklace from her “Princess Charming” collection, and I settled on a very personal (and fitting) description: “Happy Mommy”. I knew, based on the pictures, that it would be a knockout, but I was still blown away when the necklace arrived. First, it came in a beautiful wrapped package, complete with a keepsake tin, care instructions and a personal note from Alli. (Click to enlarge all images.)

The necklace charms included “happy”, “mommy”, “love” on a heart-shaped charm, and a daisy motif. Put together, they perfectly displayed my aura of contentment.

The stamping is flawless, and the quality of the silver is evident from every angle. As for me – the Happy Mommy – I’ve been ecstatically sporting my beautiful Alli’s Originals charm necklace every day for almost two weeks, and the sight of the necklace almost always necessitates closer examination by friends (and random strangers). My husband LOVES the charms, and often marvels at how a simply bauble can conjure such a pleasant feeling. I say, it’s the power of a truly lovely work of art.

Also remarkable – how wonderfully affordable her designs are. Her necklaces, ID tags, bracelets and hand cut collection are priced exceptionally well for handmade, exclusive designs. If you’re looking to simply purchase charms, you’ll find tons of great engraved options to suit every budget. She’s even got a Sales, Samples & Discontinued Stock section where you can continually find cool and chic pieces for next to nothing. Some of my favourites at the moment – the “LAUGH”, “GIVE THANKS” and “DREAM” discs; just $4.50, $6.00 and $7.00, respectively. Add one (or all three) to your favourite silver chain and you’ve got a beautiful new way to feel inspired!

Alli’s Originals have been featured in Pregnancy & Newborn, Metro Parent, and she proudly makes contributions to charities and fundraisers such as: The Lance Armstrong Foundation, The Rena Foundation, Women’s Shelters, The Special Olympics and more.

Alli would like to offer all Listen to Lena! readers 10% off your next purchase at Alli’s Originals – simply enter code ao 10% 07 at checkout. I think it’s a wonderful time to start your Christmas shopping – and you can cross your girlfriends, mamas-to-be, daughters, teachers and grandparents off your list! Thank you Alli!

Click here to begin shopping at Alli’s Originals.

Are you ready to live a charmed life?

Alli has generously offered one Listen to Lena! reader the chance to win a $35 Gift Certificate to her store! To enter, simply browse through her collection and then leave a comment here telling us how you think you’d spend your loot! I’ll draw for a winner next Friday. Good luck everybody!

Thanks to everyone who entered the Lena Loves… My Tagalongs Purse Hookers contest. Aren’t they just the coolest way to keep your hobo or slouch bag safe and germ-free? Since I first discovered them, I swear I’m seeing more and more women whipping them out in restaurants and at coffee shops. And you know what? There’s almost always a gasp of “OMG! Where did you get that?!” Definitely a conversation piece :)

I also hope ya’ll have signed up for Wildflowers Aroma-therapy’s FREE newsletter where you can receive up-to-date news on products, sales, and of course, grab valuable coupon codes! They, of course, are the home of Warm Buddy!

So who’s been hooked up with a fabulous prize? I’ve got three (3) to give away… and the winners are NT, Helen and Nancy G!

NT

Helen

Nancy G

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 Wildflowers Aromatherapy!

If you’re lucky enough to live near an Ikea, you’ll want to take advantage of this promotion for quick and easy storage. Valid October 22nd thru 25th, Billy Bookcases are just $79.99, down from $115.99. This special edition product includes adjustable shelves, and is available in a variety of finishes (ash, beech, birch, dark brown).

I LOVE Billy bookcases! Not only are they sturdy and easy to assemble, but they have minimalist styling that does not compete with other décor. A must for simple storage solutions in almost any room of the house.

Time to stock up for the kiddies!

For a limited time, take an EXTRA 50% off all sale merchandise at The Children’s Place! The sale includes Halloween costumes and a TON of great styles for boys and girls. I took a peek last night, and found long sleeve tops for under $5, boys pants for about $8, and girls skirts for just $4. Great deals indeed!

The Erin Mills Town Centre location in Mississauga still had quite the selection, but I’d recommend stopping by before the weekend rush to grab some great pieces for cheap.

This sale includes winter coats! Now there’s no excuse to be wearing that tired number from 2005 (I’m actually looking in my own closet as I type this).

Okay, I’ll come clean. Yes, my winter coat was purchased in 2005 – and I just can’t seem to let it go. Granted, it was purchased from Aritzia, is cashmere, and cost a whopping $495 – so you’ll have to excuse me for digging it out every winter. But I actually do think it’s time to hang it up – the buttons are hanging on for dear life, the pocket lining is fraying, and it just looks like it’s seen better days (it has, back when I had a life). Sniff.

Will I replace it with a number from H&M? Not likely. But I WILL consider supplementing my main winter coat with a fun and flirty jacket from the number one ambassador of cheap chic. This time, I’ve got my eye on a little grey peacoat which screams Parisian nights. At 50% off.

The sale runs until November 4th, so join me in updating your winter look for less.