Shoeaholic Alert!

Right now at Town Shoes, you can save 40-70% off all women’s sale shoes and handbags.

If you’ve been to Town Shoes during a sale, you’ll know that their normally organized store turns into an orgy of mid-room sale racks, shoes grouped by size, and a standing room only fitting area. Not exactly my cup of tea.

However, what is my cup of tea is this coupon for a Complimentary Platinum Credit when you try on any shoe from their Spring 2010 collection. Click here to print your coupon (credit expires March 4, 2010).

I’m happy to try anything from the Barbie by Town Shoes line… and am hoping I can rock a pair before summer is over! I’m also pretty excited, as this complimentary credit will give me just enough points for $50 off any accessory purchase! Woot! Woot!

Thanks to everyone who entered the Lena Loves… MAC Cosmetics giveaway. WOW, 230 entries! Looks like ya’ll love MAC as much as I do!

Shortly after posting this contest, I marched into MAC and purchased – you guessed it – a new Chili lipstick. At first, I thought “Whoa! This shade is too intense!” But then I puckered my lips a la Snooki, thrust my shoulders back and rocked the red with confidence. LOVES IT all over again! (Now if only I could pull off my high school kilt… hmm, maybe I should wait until after I have the baby to squeeze into it.)

Since I’m about to make a very lucky lady very happy, I won’t delay… up for grabs is a $100 Gift Card to MAC Cosmetics!

The winner is Yolanda! Congratulations!
Yolanda said: I was introduced to MAC about 5 years ago and I’ve been a fanatic ever since. With $100, I would definitely buy the new Studio Fix Lash and get a handful of Lip Glasses.

Yolanda, 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 to everyone who participated, and stay tuned for more great giveaways! Next up: Amazing photo-editing software from Corel!

Words cannot describe how excited I was to receive Corel Digital Studio 2010 and Painter Essentials 4 to review. As a scrapbooking enthusiast, I’m always looking for ways to creatively enhance photos, edit backgrounds and touch up old pictures. As soon as the packages arrived, I literally stayed up all night playing with my cool new tech toys. FUN!

What is Digital Studio 2010?

Easy photo-editing software: Make every picture perfect with Corel Digital Studio’s easy touch-up tools and fun effects. The best photo-editing software for beginners, it helps you turn your ordinary photos into stunning keepsakes you’ll be proud to share. Fix common problems like red-eye and color in seconds. Add artistic photo edges and picture frames with a single click. Play with cool effects to give your photos more impact. Then share your photos with friends and family any way you like. Print them or create professional-looking DVDs—all right from the suite.

Easy video-editing software: Looking for a simple way to clean up and share your videos? Digital Studio’s video-editing software turns your home video into a quality movie in just minutes. Just choose the video clips, photos and music you want to use, pick a movie style, then sit back and watch as Digital Studio adds Hollywood-style openings, transitions and credits to create a polished movie. It practically makes itself! So grab your family and friends, and get ready to relive your favorite moments over and over again.

One-stop DVD burning and converting software: By combining the easiest photo-editing and video-editing software with the fastest DVD burning tools you’ll ever use, Corel Digital Studio wraps all your multimedia software into one great experience. Now you can preserve and share your movies, music, photos and TV shows any way you like—all from the same suite you used to create them. Digital Studio’s DVD Factory helps you create professional-quality DVDs in just minutes, complete with Hollywood-style menus and special effects.

Click here to learn more about Corel Digital Studio 2010.

Mike immediately jumped on the video-editing software and started to clean up some of the videos we’ve shot of Ryder (he’s got about, oh, 200 to go). He was amazed at how simple it was to cut, enhance and edit videos – not to mention the oh-so-fabulous ability to change a simple video into an Oscar-worthy short film! You can add titles, music and effects – even voice overs – allowing you to add part-time director to your resume.

I loved manipulating pictures using the photo-editing software. To tell the truth, I didn’t even read the instructions – just loaded the program and away I went. It’s truly that user-friendly; the information and menu bars are clearly labelled, the drop down lists are well categorized, and you can be as creative as you want without worrying about permanent changes (the “undo” function works every time). An added bonus? You can use the software to create photo books, slideshows, calendars, cards and more!

There are so many other features we have yet to make use of – and can’t wait! My scrapbook pages have never looked better :)

What is Painter Essentials 4?

If you want to do more than just edit and print your photos, Corel Painter Essentials 4 is the ideal way to get started with digital art. Create a painting from a photo in just 3 easy steps. Sketch or paint on a blank canvas to produce an original image, and add creative elements to any digital project. A wide selection of brushes, paints, pens and paper textures lets you add unique touches to photos, create cards and scrapbooks, and complete other fun projects.

Click here to learn more about Corel Painter Essentials 4.

Now this was fun. I’ve always wondered how people take a simple picture and turn it into a work of art, and now I’ve been accepted into the secret circle! The answer is definitely Painter Essentials 4. Probably the most fun I’ve ever had working with a paint program – I’m quite certain even 4 year olds can create masterpieces.

To appreciate the full effect, click to enlarge all pictures below!

I wanted to post my first three projects – all created in 5 minutes or less. These pictures were enhanced after simply skimming the instructions and trial and error. You can’t go wrong – with the “Auto-Painting” function, you’re only a few clicks away from turning any picture into a work of art. Let’s start with my first photo – a snapshot of Merlot wine grapes from my 2007 honeymoon in Napa Valley. With the Auto-Painting function set to French Paper and Watercolors, you’ll see an instant artistic interpretation (click to enlarge):

Next up: an adorable shot of much-younger Ryder after a bath. I left this one partially incomplete so you can see the depth of the brush strokes – using acrylic paint with opaque setting on a linen canvas. After you enlarge the photo, you can literally see how each brushstroke is captured on the raised surface. Beautiful.

And finally, this is where I went crazy – and why Painter Essentials 4 is perfect for your budding artist. You can take any photo, turn it into a sketch, and then colour away! It’s the no-mess way for children to explore their creativity and develop an appreciation for art. I took an impromptu photo (yes I’m yapping on the phone, what else is new?), and used basic virtual markers and simple colours (rest assured, my skintone is not really Simpson-yellow) to design a fun drawing which gives my husband the creeps and makes me laugh!

The colouring took a little bit longer, but that “creepy” little piece was still created in under 10 minutes. Since these first attempts, I’ve actually turned a family photo into a watercolour, printed it on 12×12 paper and framed it! We always receive compliments from visitors (some whom actually think we posed for a painting).

Corel Digital Studio 2010 and Painter Essentials 4 are PTPA Award Winning! Our parent evaluators loved letting their imaginations run wild, and Painter Essentials 4 was a definite favourite with the kiddies! Both install in a jiffy, are extremely user friendly, and make a wonderful gift for photography enthusiasts.

Here’s your chance to win!!!

Corel has generously offered two (2) Listen to Lena! readers the chance to win a Digital Studio 2010 (value $59.99) or a Painter Essentials 4 (value $49.99). To enter, simply leave a comment letting us know which software you’d like to win! I’ll draw for two winners next Sunday. Thanks to Corel for sponsoring the giveaway, and good luck everybody!

Thanks to Jessica for passing along this HOT dealio!

If you’re in the Markham area tomorrow (February 20th) and are lookin’ for a deal on Britax car seats, stop by CanaBee Baby for their Britax Tent Sale!

Britax Tent Sale on Saturday, Feb 20, 2010

CanaBee Baby has been authorized by Britax to have a one day long sale on February 20th, 2010. All Britax car seats will be discounted – some up to $70! Even the newest seats will be on sale for big discounts. This event is not going to be available online – IN STORES ONLY. The prices will only be available on February 20th. After that, pricing will go back to normal without exception. Our business hours on February 20th is: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

CanaBee Baby is excited to have St. John’s Ambulance on site on Saturday, February 20th, between 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM to install your car seat properly and teach you the safest way to use your baby’s car seat. Car seat installations will cost $20.00, and the proceeds will be donated to St. John Ambulance.

Here is how the discount structure works:

Parkway SG $139.99 -$20.00 off -$119.99 on sale
Roundabout $219.99 – $20.00 off -$199.99 on sale
Roundabout 50 $249.99 -$30.00 off -$219.99 on sale
Chaperone Infant Car Seat $269.99 -$30.00 off -$239.99 on sale
Diplomat $279.99 -$35.00 off -$244.99 on sale
Marathon $299.99 -$40.00 off -$259.99 on sale
Frontier $299.99 -$50.00 off -$249.99 on sale
Boulevard $339.99 -$50.00 off -$289.99 on sale
Boulevard CS $369.99 -$60.00 off -$309.99 on sale
Advocate CS $399.99 -$70.00 off -$329.99 on sale

CanaBee is located at 8555 Woodbine Ave., Unit B400 in Markham, ON.

Happy Shopping!

It’s a Friday in Lent, and since I’m (sort of) a good Catholic, I’ll be going meat-free. Thank goodness for delicious Maple Glazed Salmon, which always turns out perfectly! I honestly think I’ve made this recipe over 100 times, and have never been disappointed with the results. It’s easy, quick and delicious! The perfect sides: roasted sweet potatoes and a baby green salad. YUM!

INGREDIENTS

1/4 cup maple syrup
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
pinch ground black pepper
1 pound salmon (fillets work best)

DIRECTIONS

In a small bowl, mix the maple syrup, soy sauce, garlic, and pepper.

Place salmon in a shallow glass baking dish, and coat with the maple syrup mixture. Cover the dish, and marinate salmon in the refrigerator 30 minutes, turning once.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven, and bake salmon uncovered 20 minutes, or until easily flaked with a fork. Serves 4.

It’s M&M Meat Shops’ Customer Appreciation Sale, where you can save an additional 10% on your total purchase, including sale items!

Now 10% off isn’t exactly savings galore, but if you’re planning on stocking up on their frozen goodies, the savings can certainly add up.

I love their individual bowls such as the Shrimp & Scallop bowl, as well as their wings and frozen vegetables. Looks like I’ll be making a stop this weekend!

It doesn’t take much to entice me to try out a new beauty line… of course, if you throw me a discount code and let me know they’re a Canadian company, I usually pay a bit more attention.

Enter Kuo Cosmetics, who are currently offering 40% off orders of $30 or more, with FREE shipping on orders over $100 ($5 flat shipping throughout Canada otherwise).

Who is Kuo?

Kuo Cosmetics is a Canadian online makeup retailer committed to providing our clientele with only the finest brands of makeup, hair care products, skin care products, and anti-aging products. As well as high-end brands of cosmetics, Kuo Cosmetics specializes in hard to find organic makeup and theatrical makeup for industry professionals. Our full selection of top-of-the-line cosmetics includes all the latest products from well-know and respected companies such as Classified Cosmetics, Alison Raffaele, Kryolan, 100% Pure and Hamadi Beauty, to name just a few.

I’ve bookmarked this site to browse through this evening – hoping to see some new products that peak my curiosity. TIP: unless you’re familiar with the brands listed on the left, use the drop down menu to “Shop by Category”.

To receive 40% off your purchase of $30 or more, enter coupon code Cupid2 at checkout. Offer valid until March 1st, 2010.

Click here to begin shopping at Kuo Cosmetics.

When was the last time you paid full price at Michael’s? If you can remember the occasion, shame on you – Michael’s has a coupon for 40% off one regular priced item almost every week! When I’m in the scrapbooking mood, I usually print off a bunch and make several visits (and annoy the heck out of my husband).

This week, they’ve released several bonus coupons, but as there are too many to upload, I’ve just presented you with the cream of the crop: Save 20% off your entire purchase on Saturday, February 20th, and another for 40% off one regular priced item from Feb 20th thru Feb 26th. To Redeem, simply click, print and present.

Okay, I had to look twice when I saw this land in my inbox… 40% off everything? Is it 10:00am yet? Gotta blow this pop stand for GAP pronto!

Vancouver stores (as always) are excluded from the dealio… are you still reading? Visit your nearest GAP now!

Click here for details, valid in Canadian stores only.

***EDIT*** Just returned from GAP… there are NO EXCEPTIONS to the sale! Woot! Woot! Even the Erin Mills Town Centre location was rammed at 10:06am… but I got some fabulous pieces for Ryder, and grabbed hubby some cool threads too!

Bookmark this one for your 3pm coffee break (or your 8:45am coffee break, whatev, you’re not on my clock).

Join the M&M’s Egg Hunt, where you can spend about 10 minutes playing on the computer! You must first register with the site, and then you’ll have the option to play timed 2-minute games (look for the “Play Now!” links, my fave is the “Memory” game – I kick ass!) or hunt for all 16 hidden eggs. Your time will not be wasted – at the end of a successful hunt, you’ll be rewarded with a Buy 1 Get 1 FREE coupon for M&Ms Chocolate Candies (383g)!

Remember that you can scroll up and down as well… and keep your peepers peeled for the colourful little eggs! Click here to join the hunt.

p.s. Give up? I’ve posted the locations of the eggs in the comments field. But don’t peek unless you have to :)

Mommies (and daddies), mark your calendars!

If you live in the Greater Toronto Area, you won’t want to miss the Woodbridge Mom 2 Mom sale.

What is a Mom 2 Mom Sale?

Children grow so quickly. Ever wonder what to do with all the “stuff”? Many of us have used things once or never at all. Many of us cringe at bringing home one more full price item. The Mom 2 Mom Sale can help. The sale is intended for Moms selling new and gently used children’s items to other Moms, hence the name, Mom 2 Mom Sale. Why continue to pay high prices for toys, clothing and equipment that you will not use for very long?

The sale is like a garage sale, but instead of visiting yards or driveways, over 70 Moms have come together for 1 day only, to sell their baby stuff to other Moms. This is a great opportunity to buy or sell from a fellow mom, hence the phrase: Mom 2 Mom!

Some of the items being sold at the sale:

Strollers * Baby carriers * Car Seats * Cribs * Brand Name Clothing * Shoes * Books * DVDs * Halloween Costumes * High chairs * Car seats * Playpens * Sandboxes & Bikes * other outdoor toys * Tables & chairs * Dolls * Cars & Trains * Play kitchens * Wagons * and so much more!

The sale takes place one day only, SATURDAY MAY 1ST, 2010: 9AM-1PM, inside Vellore Village Community Centre (Weston Rd, between Rutherford & Major Mac).

I’ve attended both the Mississauga and Brampton Mom 2 Mom sales, and there are TONS of new and gently used items for sale, all at great prices! My pics: wagons, books, DVDs and outdoor toys!

A $2 admission (ages 4 & up) is charged & donated to their charity partner ETA Vaughan (www.etavaughan.com). Arrive before 11am and enter for a chance to win a $50 Fortinos certificate.

For more info, join their email list at woodbridgemom2mom@yahoo.com