Archive | January, 2010

Lena Loves… MD Moms Baby Silk CLOSED

One of the coolest things about being PTPA‘s Social Media Mom? I have the wonderful opportunity to try out the newest, highest quality and most sought after products. Ryder, my co-evaluator and test junkie, is one very lucky little boy indeed!

Definitely topping the list of sought after products is the MD Moms Baby Silk line. The products, created by board-certified pediatricians and moms Dr. Diane Truong and Dr. JJ Levenstein, are the first pediatrician-developed personal care line for babies. And after spending a quarter of a century caring for children and advising thousands of new parents, they’ve truly created your baby’s prescription for healthy skin.
Why I trust the products:

Developed with pure, effective advanced ingredients
Gentle enough for sensitive skin but highly effective
Protect from environmental damage
Critical maintenance of skin’s natural moisture barrier
Promote bonding between parent & baby

Why I love the products:

Packaging & products thoughtfully developed
Products that do “double duty” by having a dual use
Modern aesthetics & smart design*
Specially formulated so small doses provide big results

*Okay, I have to talk about this first. You know how sometimes you come across a fabulous product – which just happens to be outfitted in really pretty packaging? And then, you can’t bear to hide it under the vanity, so you proudly display the item on your countertop? Well, that’s how much I love the modern aesthetics of Baby Silk products. With the irresistible combination of robin egg blue and brown, they’re constantly “on show” in the bathroom!

(Before you ask, we had a power failure when I took this picture. But since when did no lights stop a determined mommy? That’s why cameras have flashes!)

I had the pleasure of testing the following products: baby silk gentle all over clean hair and body wash, baby silk gentle all over clean cleansing towelettes (not pictured above – used them all up!), baby silk delicate skin comfort silky liquid powder, baby silk gentle scalp rub exfoliating cleanser for cradle cap, and baby silk soothing bottom relief diaper rash cream.

All I can say: WOW. These are honest-to-goodness the BEST baby products I’ve ever used (and as a product junkie, you know I’ve tried many!) They are fully, 100%, stop-reading-here-and-just-buy-everything Lena Approved. I won’t use anything else.

The hair and body wash is strong enough to clean away all traces of Ryder’s daily adventures in paint, jam and puddles of mud – yet thoroughly cares for his delicate skin without harsh chemicals or irritation.

I double duty the cleansing towelletes to remove my own traces of makeup, and give Ryder’s mouth and hands a good swipe when we’re on the go. (Please don’t laugh, but I can’t bear to use them on his bum. With their deliciously delicate scent and soft, touch-me texture, I’d rather use them on my cheeks than his!)

Now I’m one of those really lucky parents who never had to face a day of diaper rash. Whether this is because Ryder’s got super resilient skin, or because I’ve had the good sense to apply the soothing bottom relief diaper rash cream from almost day one, we’ll never know. What I do know – the cream smooths on white, then turns clear to provide an invisible moisture barrier and to protect, soothe, heal and moisturize all-in-one.

And here’s a tip: do not attempt to face a humid, sticky summer without the silky liquid powder. Designed to keep any fold or crevice comfortably dry and cool, it works wonders in those chubby little folds around the neck and knees (and a quick application on daddy’s feet before he plays basketball doesn’t hurt either!)

Finally, I haven’t had the opportunity to try the exfoliating cleanser for cradle cap just yet. After confessing to an almost OCD-like round of battling mild cradle cap with Ryder (for 2-3 months after birth, never more than a visual problem, yet always a thorn in this mommy’s side), MD Moms were incredibly thoughtful and sent me their gentle scalp rub so I would be well prepared when baby-to-be arrives in May. Thanks MD Moms!

Did I mention that their products are:

Paraben-free, preservative-free and sulfate-free
Contain no phthalates, lanolin, mineral oil, petroleum, waxes, wheat or gluten
Tear free, clinically tested & hypoallergenic
Made in the USA
Not tested on animals

MD Moms Baby Silk products are Parent Tested Parent Approved! Our parent evaluators rave about their gentle, natural ingredients, effective protection and coverage, and their ability to provide double duty beauty for mommies!

You may purchase MD Moms Baby Silk directly from their website, or find a retailer near you.

Reader Tip from Christine F: If you order 6 or more products on their website, you can use promo code LOVEYOU to get 25% off. And if your order is $75 or more (after your 25% discount) you get a free travel size pack of cleansing wipes!

How excited am I… get ready to win a Baby Silk Spaaah Baby Gift Set!

***THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED***

MD Moms has generously offered one Listen to Lena! reader the chance to win a Spaaah Baby gift set ~

Lie back, relax, and say “spaaah, baby”! Pamper your tiny tot tip to toe with our most luxurious baby bonding essentials. Full sizes of Gentle All-Over Clean Hair and Body Wash, Daily Skin Protection Moisturizing Balm and Delicate Skin Comfort Silky Liquid Powder are tucked in our signature Baby Silk keepsake box that is sure to elicit “oohs and aaahs” all around! (value $64)

To enter, simply jump online, take a looksee through their website, and leave a comment here telling us which product(s) you’re loving. Don’t forget to click the “double duty beauty” button to view some uses for mommy! I’ll draw for a winner next Sunday.

Thanks to MD Moms for sponsoring the giveaway, and good luck everybody!

KSP: Save 25% on Any One Item

Kitchen Stuff Plus: I’ve been waiting for this one!

This weekend only, January 29th thru 31st, 2010, you can save 25% on any one item with the coupon linked below! I LOVE that you can combine this offer with sale items, making KSP a very necessary stop this weekend :)

Between you and I, I’m a little curious about the Chef’n Emulstir Salad Dressing Bottle (pictured left). I have a feeling Mike will say “Hell no. No more crap.” Boo.

Click here to print your 25% off KSP coupon.

The Bay: Up to 70% off Clearance Items

When they want it gone, they want it gone.

This weekend only, you’ll save up to 70% off the original price of clearance men’s, women’s and kid’s fashions, women’s intimates (oh la la), men’s underwear (not so ooh la la) and women’s and men’s sleepwear.

Plus, you’ll save an additional 25-50% off on a bunch of stuff (too lazy to retype it all; just look at the flyer here).

If you have a few moments to sort through the merchandise, you’re sure to find more than a few deals! Happy shopping!

Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas at Well.ca

While checking out Well.ca for new and exciting items (they seem to have great new additions every week!) I noticed that they’ve got a fab section dedicated to Valentine’s Day Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts to Share, and even Gifts under $20.

LOVE that they offer FREE shipping on all orders (regardless of the amount) within Canada, so I’m a frequent online shopper (and I must admit, I also very much enjoy receiving the hand written thank you which accompanies every order).

What I’m loving “for Her”:

Burt’s Bees Tips ‘n Toes Hands & Feet Kit: why not pamper your special gal from tip to toe? For natural silky softness just reach out for the beauty of Burt’s Bees! Loaded with emollient Cocoa Butter and Beeswax, vitamin enriched oils and botanical extracts, Burt’s Bees rich cremes combine for the hands-down best in skin and nail care.

What I’m loving “for Him”:

Obus Forme Professional Body Massager: A serious massage for a seriously well-deserving dude. A 3″ arm extension and two pulsating massage heads deliver a relaxing therapeutic massage of up to 3,000 pulses per minute, encouraging increased blood circulation.

What I’m loving “to share”: Um… anything really. One of the things I love about Well.ca? ANONYMITY. After all, I don’t know many people who would risk purchasing the Durex Play Vibrations Ring (Play Vibrations is a vibrating ring designed to give you up to 20 minutes of quivering pleasure! It’s easily turned off and on, and why not try it with a little lube for even more fun!) in person without full disguise. Or maybe you’re freaky like that. I don’t judge.

TBS: Today Only, $8 Body Butter

The Body Shop has an online exclusive TODAY only – you can grab 4 of their popular body butters for just $8 – a savings of 60%!

Choose from Pink Grapefruit, Mango, Moringa (?) or Wild Cherry. Shipping is always a flat $5.00, so while you’re online, why not grab some other favourites as well – ALL Bath & Body and Fragrance is 25% off as well!

It’s funny, but I remember my mall job as a Body Shop “Beauty Consultant” (read: salesperson). Things never went on sale, and when they did, even the employees were shocked. And then, it was usually a cool 10% off the Peppermint Foot Lotion or an equally silly product.

How times have changed! With their 3 for $30 deals, store wide discounts and cheapie promotions, I’m wondering if Bath and Body Works has handed TBS their pink slip. Time will tell! Until then, stock up – because even though it’s “cooler” to sport a BB&W carrier bag, I still believe that The Body Shop has a leg up on quality.

Click here to shop the Body Butter Sale at The Body Shop.

Toronto: Free Taping of Steven and Chris

Received an e-mail this morning from Steven and Chris (not really, just their PR dude) who is calling all Torontonians to a FREE taping of Steven and Chris!

Steven and Chris are thrilled to be back for Season 3! Our show is taped in front of a live studio audience at the CBC in downtown Toronto, Monday to Wednesday at 11:30 am, and 2 tapings on Thursdays at 10:15 am and 1:15 pm.

We would love to be part of making your day a little bit more fabulous!

Tickets are now available for the following dates:

Monday February 1st 2010 – 11:30AM
Tuesday February 2nd 2010 – 11:30 AM
Wednesday February 3rd 2010 – 10:30AM *SPECIAL TAPING*
Thursday February 4th – 10:15 AM & 1:15 PM

You can bring up to three guests, and word on the street is, if you’re good looking, they’re looking for you (“Call For Models! We’ve been looking for you! We love the fact that you’ve been watching at home! We may also have had the pleasure of your company in our studio audience!”)

Like all daytime shows, the freebies are pretty fabulous! Definitely worth checking out if you’ve got a couple of spare hours.

Click here to visit the Steven and Chris website.

Old Navy: 30% off Entire Purchase!

Whoa Nelly! Here’s a pretty hot dealio!

Spotted on Sweetspot.ca: Wear something red, save something big. Old Navy will give you 30% off your entire purchase if you wear something red, or that says “Canada” or has a maple leaf. Only available this weekend, from Friday, January 29th thru Sunday, January 31st. Shop proudly!

*UPDATE* Confirmed – this deal is for 30% off your entire purchase, including promotional and clearance items!

Looks like you can do some damage if you’re in a patriotic state of mind :)

Roots Online: Extra 20% off Sale Items + FS!

FINALLY! A free shipping promo from Roots!

As you all know, I HATE to pay for shipping. I really think it’s a barbaric practice, especially when you order within Canada from a large corporation. (Small/medium businesses are exempt from my wrath – I love supporting local.)

You see, when you order online from Roots, they do NOT have to pay for 6,000 square feet of retail space, electricity, security, sales personnel, training, etc… and yet, I’m still being charged $8.95 to send a pair of $24 earmuffs to my house? I don’t think so.

So I loooove that they’ve finally caved and have thrown us a bone. Until February 1st at 10:00am EST, you can enjoy FREE standard shipping on every purchase at Canada.Roots.com. To make this promo even sweeter, you can also take an extra 20% off all sale items! The discount is a further reduction on the red sale price, and will automatically appear in your cart.

They’re got a pretty decent selection of tees and track pants, so shop soon!

HomeDepot.ca Value Centre

While searching for a power drill (don’t ask) on the Home Depot website, I happened across their “Value Centre.” At this point, I became very annoyed, as a deal-seeker like me should have known about this hidden gem! Bad Lena.

Nevertheless, what I stumbled on was a veritable cornucopia of hot deals – up to 60% off end of line, clearance and seasonal product. Oh lordy, I could be on this site for days.

At the moment, there are 1702 items in the Value Centre (I counted, okay?) And honestly, you can find all sorts of unique, kitschy designer products for CHEAP, in addition to brand name staples for kitchen, bed and bath. I honestly almost skipped dinner last night while camping out at the computer screen.

For instance (click to enlarge pictures)…

Wishing for a Pegasus Metro Storage Tray for the bathroom? Yours for just $59.99!

How about these gorgeous Angela Adams set of 4 Tumblers – for just $15.00! I want those!

OMG a Peugeot Tresses Salt & Pepper Set – down from $250.00, for just $50.00!

Linens Clearance… don’t even get me started. Towels from $1.57, bath mats from $3.97, pillows from $7.99, and sheet sets from $12.00!

It took an iron will not to place anything into my virtual shopping cart. Take a looksee; you may find the very thing you were (or weren’t) looking for.

Click here to begin shopping at the Home Depot Value Centre.

Random House: 40% off Orders of $50 or More

LOVE these deals for the bookworms!

RandomHouse.ca has teamed up with Canadian Living for a fabulous promotion – until February 12th, 2010, enter code CANADIANLIVING at checkout and you’ll receive 40% off your order of $50 or more, plus free shipping!

And since today is Family Literacy Day, I can’t think of a better way to both stock your bookshelf and challenge your imagination.

Click here to begin shopping at RandomHouse.ca.

e.l.f. Cosmetics: Free Red Mini Makeup

I normally don’t post about e.l.f. promos (they tend to have one EVERY DAY), but thought this would be a nice treat just in time for Valentine’s Day.

Until February 14, 2010, you can get a FREE Red Mini Makeup collection, complete with 9 eyeshadows, a cream eyeshadow, bronzer, blush, 10 lip glosses, brow powder, eye liner pencil, duo ended eyeshadow applicator and brush, face brush and lip brush – 27 pieces FREE!

Now the promotion states it’s a free $80 value, but e.l.f. actually retails the product for $15 – so you decide the supposed worth. You’ll need to spend at least $10 at e.l.f. to qualify for the freebie, and remember, it’s a MINI makeup kit, so although the picture makes it look really grand, it’s teeny. Like Polly Pocket teeny. Still, if you’re going to spend $10 anyways, why not grab one at no cost? Makes a great travel companion! Use code REDMINI at checkout.

As with all e.l.f. orders to Canada, you’ll have to pay shipping (and duty costs for orders over $20). However, I’ve recently discovered a cool little way to save on these fees – if you choose to pay with PayPal, you’ll only be charged US $6.95 for shipping, vs. their standard rate of CDN $14.95 when you charge to your credit card. With the dollar at just about par, that works out to roughly $7.40 for shipping. Not bad at all!

***EDIT***

Thanks to Jeanne for inquiring about PayPal!

So, it looks like you can only access the PayPal option if you place items in your cart and proceed to checkout before signing in (found through trial and error). If you’ve already signed in, for some reason, it bypasses this option. Here’s the screen you should see after you checkout:

Happy Shopping!

What’s so hot about e.l.f. cosmetics?

We at e.l.f. believe that innovative technology, quality ingredients and superb delivery systems should not be limited to prestige retailers. Every woman should have the opportunity to participate in innovation, without sacrificing her budget.

Our cosmetics are designed to improve and accentuate the individual, not hide her away. Launched in 2004 and guided by celebrity and beauty professional Scott-Vincent Borba, e.l.f. is a revolutionary new beauty company, able to provide a line of cosmetics that moisturize, hydrate, and enliven your complexion without taxing your budget.

We are often asked how we are able to provide our customers with such wonderful products, many for as little as $1. By developing quality cosmetics and the highest standard of service, but using the Internet for branding rather than higher-priced advertising media; by sourcing the best ingredients at competitive prices; and by prioritizing our products, rather than their packaging, e.l.f. always provides you with quality and value.

e.l.f. has been a revolution in the beauty industry, turning heads away from more expensive brands with its unique approach. These values extend to recently launched new lines of bath products and fine mineral make-up.

Click here to begin shopping at E.L.F. cosmetics.

The Sleeping Habits of a Little Man: BOO

Just when you think you’re in a routine, and nothing can stop you – BAM! Your little one decides to throw you for a loop.

Of course, all the experienced parents are reading this, laughing, and saying, “Um, yeah, Lena, what did you expect?” Well, to put it mildly, I expected 7 freakin’ hours of uninterrupted sleep!

Oh my, mommies are testy when they’re thrown for a loop.

So for the past few days, Ryder has decided that he does not want to go to be a minute before 10pm (which is contrary to his usual 8:30pm bedtime), wakes up at least twice during the night wanting to “down” (go downstairs and play), “up” (be held in my arms), or “zee” (have a freezie) – AND, wakes up at the ungodly hour of 6:00am and demands milk, cheerios and a wide eyed, fresh faced mommy to skip along with him and start the day. Tra la la la la.

Well, there are three things I can do. I can cut down on his afternoon nap, so he feels tired sooner (wake up sweetie! um, now!), I can assuredly let him know in the middle of the night that it’s time to sleep (Freezie? Hell no! Go to sleep you sissy!), and I can do my best to start the day with him, ready for fun and adventure (he’s amusing himself with Mega Blocks while I blog this).

So in the time it would have taken me to post some hot deals, I’m ranting instead. Will. blog. later. today. Stay. tuned.

Danier Yellow Tag Clearance

Here’s a smokin’ hot sale from Danier – save 50% or more on all yellow-tagged items in store! I popped in over the weekend, and let me tell you, the whole store is covered in yellow. That means fabulous savings for you!

(Does PETA come after people who wear leather? Last time I posted a recipe for Greek burgers, I received a few nasty comments from PETA supporters. Bring it on, crazies, bring it on. LOVE my inky purple calfskin blazer from Danier. Only $149!)

Click here to find a Danier near you!

Free Sample: K-Y Touch Massage

Just in time for Valentine’s Day – why not set the mood with your special someone?

For a limited time, sign up for a FREE sample of K-Y TOUCH MASSAGE 2-in-1 WARMING body massage and personal lubricant. The sample size is 15ml, which is actually pretty generous and should allow for a few close encounters.

Says K-Y:

The spark is back. Touch is the most vital part of a relationship, so it’s important to make every touch count.

K-Y TOUCH MASSAGE lets your fingers lead the way. Perfect for massaging all over the body, even in your most intimate areas. K-Y TOUCH MASSAGE 2-IN-1 WARMING liquid is a 2-in-1 massage plus personal lubricant that allows you to discover a whole new way to connect to your partner. This silky-smooth lubricating massage product warms on contact with your skin.

Order soon to receive by February 14th! Click here to grab your free sample.

Lena Loves… Baby’s First Journal CLOSED

If you are a new parent (or a new parent-to-be), sit back and read on, doll, because this is one item that you should not be without.

Introducing Baby’s First Journal – “a compre-hensive log book enabling parents to track the eating, sleeping and diapering schedules of their newborn. Easy to use and portable, this journal will help in understanding the baby’s needs and assist in developing a daily routine.”

The first few weeks after Ryder was born, I honestly didn’t know my head from my bum. Between the never ending feedings, poopy diapers, cries, snuggles and helpless looks (exchanged about 42 times a day between Mike and myself), I was pretty overwhelmed with simple tasks, let only the important measurements that doctor’s look for in those first few precious months.

Length of breastfeeding? How many ounces of formula? Amount of heavy diapers? Poops? Consistency? I had a pile of papers with chicken scratches detailing feed times, diaper changes, and sanity checks.

This time, I plan to be much more organized with the help of Baby’s First Journal. (I’ll need to be; as I’ve heard the infant/toddler combination is not something to take lightly.) The journal was proudly created by Canadian Lindsay Harris. As a mother of two young daughters, Lindsay quickly came to appre-ciate the difficulties of caring for a toddler while at the same time making sure the needs of her newborn were met. So she developed a simple yet effective means of tracking feedings, diaper changes, sleeping, bathing, etc., designed in a slim, portable and stylish journal.

I’m a list person. I have a “To-Do” list prominently displayed on my whiteboard at all given times. And before you ask, yes, I have heard of Outlook Tasks, PDA’s and iPhone Apps. The thing is, I just don’t receive the same level of satisfaction using an electronic device – I like to manually check, circle and scratch off the day’s accomplishments. I find lists calming, and an effective reminder of my daily responsibilities (this time, I may even schedule “Take Shower” and “Brush Hair”). And one of the things I love about Baby’s First Journal is that the list isn’t stationary at my desk; I can take the journal wherever I go to keep organized, compare entries and even add notes at the bottom, like “Baby laughed for the first time today,” or “No more gassy baby! Hurray!”

Those little additions make this tracking journal a keepsake journal as well. Baby’s First Journal also includes a Baby Growth Log and Contacts page, allowing you to store all your important information together. And it’s printed on acid-free paper (of course), so you can be sure it will retain it’s quality until you’re ready to share your son’s infant pooping schedule with his new girlfriend. (I don’t know about you, but it’s hard to imagine showing your future 16-year-old an iPhone application from 2010.)

Another thing I love about this journal? How easy it is to pass off to caregivers. Not only can you return from your date night/shopping spree/mini vacation with a detailed log of your little one’s performance, but your caregiver can also look at your own recorded history to see if baby’s routine is on par for the week…. which hopefully will eliminate the hourly phone calls from my mom: “Baby drank 4 oz at one sitting – is that too much? Only pooped once since morning – s’okay?”

Baby’s First Journal is PTPA Award Winning! Our parent evaluators loved the design, content, and ease of use. The gorgeous journals are available in pink, blue and green and retail for just $15.99, making them a stylish essential that’s affordable, too. Glow Baby also offers magnetic pads designed to make your life easier, such as a Medicine Pad, Shopping List, To Do List and Babysitter Notes. All help you stay organized and easily attach to your fridge for convenience.

Click here to begin shopping at Glow Baby.

How about winning a Glow Baby product?

Lindsay has generously offered one Listen to Lena! reader the opportunity to win your choice of a Baby’s First Journal, or a selection of three (3) notepads! The journal also makes a wonderful shower gift, and if you’ve got wee ones past the tracking stage, do enter to win some of Glow Baby’s fabulous notepads.

***This contest is now closed. Thank you to all who entered***

To enter, simply visit Glow Baby’s site and let us know:

Which Journal you’d like to win (choice of pink, blue or green)
- or -
Which three (3) Notepads you’d select (choice of Medicine Pad, Shopping List, To Do List or Babysitter Notes)

For an extra entry, become a fan of Glow Baby of Facebook! Then leave an additional comment here to let us know you signed up. I’ll draw for a winner next Sunday. Thanks to Glow Baby for sponsoring the review, and good luck everybody!