Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

If you had to think about some of the most disrespected household items, what would they be? Dust rags? Your old wet mop? Perhaps the front door mat which takes countless abuse?

Meh. They’re all treated like gold in comparison to the toilet paper roll. After all, toilet paper is only good for one thing… you know… yeah, not high on the totem pole, is it?

And tell me – how do you store your extra rolls? Ours are haphazardly shoved into a side cupboard of our bathroom vanity. Often, the boys get to them (grrrr) and we have a sea of toilet paper on the bathroom floor (grrrr). Disrespect? Heck ya.

And so Cottonelle created the “Respect the Roll” program to change people’s point of view on toilet paper with new ways and reasons to respect the roll. From holders for their toothbrushes to stylish containers for cotton swabs, many people take great care when it comes to the look and feel of their bathroom – except when it comes to their toilet paper. By enlisting Jonathan Adler – an innovative and chic interior designer – Cottonelle brought back the bathroom classic with a modern take to help people store their stash with flair.

I’ll admit – when I first heard about the “Respect the Roll” campaign, I giggled. Honestly, I’d never given much thought to toilet paper!!! But here’s the scoop: the Jonathan Adler covers are incredibly affordable (only $2 a pop!) and after placing them in my powder room, I’ve had so many guests comment on how “cute” and “funky” they are.

Respect!

“When it comes to good design, I believe functionality is key,” Adler says. “These roll covers are a great solution for keeping that extra roll of Cottonelle Clean Care handy and makes it easy to respect the roll that respects you.” (more…)

It’s time to celebrate a meal we have all come to know and love: The Sandwich.

Whether it’s a BLT on white toast, a chicken wrap or a sloppy joe on a fresh bun, sandwiches have become a part of our food culture. They are loved for their accessibility, affordability, and portability, and better yet – they can be dressed up or dressed down. Today, Saturday, May 12th – let’s toast the sandwich as it turns 250 years old!

And who better to raise a glass crust in its honour than Dempster’s, Canada’s Bakery! Every loaf of Dempster’s bread is made with 100% Canadian wheat and baked fresh daily – making it the perfect base for a delicious, satisfying sandwich.

Curious about the very first sandwich? The sandwich is said to have originated more than two thousand years ago with various combinations of meats and cheeses placed on bread or in pastry. However, the modern concoction that we’ve come to know and love didn’t get its name until May 12, 1762. At the time, John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich, was on a winning streak while playing cards and refused to leave the game to eat (men, right?). He asked his valet to bring his dinner out between two pieces of bread (genius!) and ever since then, people all over the world have been stuffing things into rolls, baguettes, buns and loaves of bread.

Did you know?

- The sandwich is named after John Montague (1718-1792), the Fourth Earl of the town of Sandwich
- May 12th-19th is National British Sandwich week
- 94% of Canadians say they eat at least one sandwich each week
- The most popular sandwich fillings are bacon, turkey, and ham
- Sandwiches are the leading entrée on restaurant menus
- The Guinness Book of World Records for eating sandwiches is held by Peter Dowdeswell who ate 40 jam and butter sandwiches (each 6 inches X 3 inches) in 17 minutes, 53.9 seconds on October 17, 1977

We all know that I love a good sandwich (ahem, reigning Ultimate Sandwich Champion right here) and so I’m particularly excited to indulge in some fantastic finger grub in celebration this week. Be sure to stop by Dempster’s Facebook Page, where they’ll be featuring recipes, tips and fun sandwich facts all week! And, don’t forget to pick up a loaf of your favourite Dempster’s bread and make an epic sandwich of your own!

(I highly recommend my latest addiction – Dempster’s Smooth Multigrains Loaf. A soft, smooth texture – with the added benefits of 16 whole grains.)

WIN IT!!!

Dempster’s wants to make it easier for you to enjoy your own ultimate sandwich with three (3) Dempster’s Free Product Coupons, plus a $50 Visa Gift Card so you can go nuts with your toppings! To enter, simply fill the form below with your qualifying entries. Good luck every one!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A few months ago, a friend on Facebook – who also happens to be a Mortgage Specialist and a well-respected Financial Expert – posted the following status update:

Well, being from Mississauga, and always having a keen interest in what’s going on in the Canadian Real Estate Market, I checked out her recommendation and landed on Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Canada’s page. I was quite tickled pink to see that in addition to providing a plethora of real estate services (buying and selling, moving, closing, etc) they also offer design and decor advice, remodeling and landscaping tips, and examples of how to live green. In essence, they embody the brand whose namesake has personified a passion for the home since 1924. (Who hasn’t reached for a Better Homes and Gardens magazine while looking for decor or DIY inspiration?)

Anyhoo, I’ve been cruising their Facebook page for a few days now and I’ve found a nice mix of style tips, recipes, deck and patio inspiration… and more. Another reason to “Like” their page? Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Canada is launching the Make Your Home and Garden Even Better Sweepstakes! BHGREC is giving away a new iPhone 4S and 10 individual Home Depot Gift Cards worth $50 each!

In order to participate in the sweepstakes, you’ll need to sign up through the Facebook App. The Contest is available to Canadians only on Facebook from May 8th to May 30th (ends at 11:59pm).

Good luck everybody! After you’ve entered, check out this article from BHG Real Estate Canada’s website for Green Space: Great Tips For A Perfect Lawn. I’ve already sent it to my husband, who is always on the quest for the perfect golf green!

This post was sponsored by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Canada. The opinions on this blog are my own.

It’s no surprise that I’ve been waiting (impatiently) for the launch of SHOP.CA - the beginning of friendly, hassle-free online Shopping. But waiting for anything is never really much fun… unless you can make it interesting. I CAN.

One of the benefits of being SHOP.CA’s Official Shopaholic is having access to AMAZING giveaways for my readers… including THIS one:

Canadians, here’s your chance to WIN a Samsung 40″ 1080p LED HDTV valued at $849.99 – courtesy of SHOP.CA! 

Here’s the deal. You know that SHOP.CA is coming to Canada. And, you likely know that soon you’ll be treated to a revolutionary new way for Canadians to Shop online. But in plain English, SHOP.CA is all about sharing. It’s pretty simple: the more you share about products on SHOP.CA, the more SHOP.CA Rewards you earn. And what better way to find out about those products than through SHOP.CA’s Facebook Fan Page. Here, you’ll find:

- Hot offers, Facebook-only promos and updates on new retail partners
- See what other Canadians are loving on SHOP.CA and find your own inspiration
- Stay in-the-know on the latest trends and best products

(You can also stay in the loop by following SHOP.CA on Twitter.) (more…)

Note: The following giveaway is open to US/Canadian residents.

There are few products that symbolize your transition from #Tots2Toddlers as well as the umbrella stroller. It’s a badge of honour; it screams “Hurray! My kid is no longer breakable and I can toss the heavy travel system!”

Of course, you could go with a generic, flimsy stroller from your nearest big retailer, but ahem – good luck with that. Chances are, your bouncy, energetic toddler will have the thing warped, manhandled and will be using it to push dollies faster than you can say “Should have bought a Maclaren”.

And that brings me to the Maclaren Quest stroller, affectionately dubbed the “Cadillac of umbrella strollers”. Yes, it’s lightweight, employs an über-compact fold and is perfect for travel, but did you know:

RECLINE – The Quest features a 4-position seat recline plus extendable leg rest which makes the stroller suitable from birth all the way up to 55lbs.

SAFETY & DESIGN - The 5-point safety harness is snug and secures your child comfortably; the stroller manoeuvres like a dream and is equally easy to push a 1-year old or a 3-year old.

HOOD – Longer for extra coverage; it features a UV protective viewing window and reflective accents for night safety. The hood folds back freely and is very easily removed, if desired.

CONVENIENCE – The Quest is nice and narrow and folds super-compact (less than 10 inches high). Although it’s very lightweight (just 12 lbs) it feels very sturdy and the quality of craftsmanship is visible at every turn. (more…)

Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

Regular readers of Listen to Lena will remember my “Reno-Cation” of 2011, when I overhauled my home – making small changes with lasting effects. In addition to painting, redecorating and de-cluttering rooms, I was fortunate to be able to upgrade our kitchen faucet to a Delta Addison Single Handle Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet Featuring Touch2O Technology.

(I totally recommend that you click the link above to view the faucet in all its glory. To this day, it’s one of our VERY FAVOURITE products in the entire home.)

Of course, just as soon as the kitchen faucet was installed, I found myself wishing they made one for the bathroom as well. As a certified germophobe, I have a HUGE problem with touching taps, mangy hand towels, etc… even in my own home. Plus, with our recent transition from tots to hand washing toddlers, I constantly worry if the water temperature is too warm… if the kids will make a mess of the sink… and in Ryder’s case, if he’ll remember to turn off the faucet.

(Let’s just say I have super-hearing when it comes to running taps.)

So you can bet I was thrilled to pieces when Delta announced their new Lavatory Faucets with Touch2O.xt Technology:

“Almost immediately after we launched Touch2O Technology for the kitchen, we heard from consumers that they wanted a similar solution for the bathroom. Our designers and engineers ultimately landed on two options to help homeowners use water more intuitively – with less waste, less mess and more functionality.” – Anita Griffin, Marketing Brand Manager

The Delta lavatory faucets employ the same technology as their kitchen counterparts – touch on, touch off with ease! – PLUS an extra technology for an entirely hands-free experience. The technology enables the user to use the faucet in THREE different ways: utilizing the hands-free mode where the entire faucet acts as a sensor; utilizing the Touch2O tap functionality – tap anywhere on the spout or handle to turn the faucet on; or the faucet can be operated manually with the handle.

What does this mean to you? THREE times the convenience, water conservation, and in the case of toddlers – FUN! It’s a well-known fact that anytime we can offer up a giggle-moment to wee ones, they’re more likely to engage in mundane routines – in this case, tooth brushing and hand washing. Ryder simply loves activating the Touch2O Technology with a quick thump, and I have peace of mind knowing that the water temperature, flow and even duration (auto shut-off after a minute, baby!) is all within my control. (more…)

Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

I hope you’ve all been enjoying my #Tots2Toddlers giveaways! I’ve been featuring the products that my toddlers love – and the products that have helped make the transition (almost) seamless!

Next up – what’s not to love about the HP TouchSmart 320-1030 Desktop PC? I could ramble off the specifications – which you can find here – but since I don’t talk techie, I thought I’d break it down for you in a way even my toddlers can understand:

1) The HP Touchsmart features a large (20”) HD LED backlit diagonal widescreen, which is irresistible to children and doubles as an entertainment hub. My little guys enjoy many the YouTube video (sigh, in the form of Toopy and Binoo, not Katy Perry) on the computer, and I love that I can adjust the tilt, brightness and sound effortlessly. (more…)

Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

I don’t know about you, but I’m a HUGE fan of rewards programs. It’s obvious, isn’t it?

1. Go about spending as you normally would.
2. Collect rewards.
3. Treat yourself to a splendid little surprise.

Of course, sometimes my husband and I disagree on what the little “surprise” should be. #rollseyes

Anyhoo, it brings me great pleasure to share Shell’s 5 x 5,000 Contest with you. Shell is celebrating their role as the national sponsor of the New AIR MILES Cash program, which lets consumers decide how they want to redeem earned reward miles… including redeeming them for instant savings at Shell!

(My parents would be all over this one. They ALWAYS take their rewards in the form of gas savings, and it’s a well-known fact that Shell Nitrogen Enriched Gasolines help clean and protect your engine from performance-robbing gunk.)

Each week from March 21 to April 24, 2012, one entrant will be randomly selected to win 5,000 AIR MILES rewards miles (five winners in total). Um… hello! 5,000 AIR MILES can go a long way – booking a much needed vacation, pampering yourself, or fueling up for an epic summer road trip. The possibilities are endless.

All you have to do is visit Shell’s 5 x 5,000 Contest on Facebook, fill out a simple entry form and include your AIR MILES Reward Miles Collector Account Number.

(Hint: the answer to the skill-testing question can be found here.)

Then, sit back and cross your fingers – and perhaps start thinking of how to spend those rewards miles if you win! Good luck everybody :)

WIN IT!!!

One lucky Listen to Lena reader will win a Shell Prepaid MasterCard loaded with $50 of Shell Nitrogen Enriched Gasolines. To enter, simply fill the form below with your qualifying entries. Good luck every one!
(more…)

Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only. 

Almost everything in life has an in-between stage. Such as:

1. The horrid in-between stage while you’re growing out your hair. You know; when it barely grazes your shoulders, but it’s enough to make it kink out in 13 different directions.

2. The challenging in-between stage called the “tween” years – enough said.

3. The tough in-between stage when you’ve got about 40% remaining of a piece of chocolate cake. You told yourself you would only have a bite or two, but now you’ve finished just more than half. Do you polish it off, promising silently to take the stairs later? Or, do you summon your willpower and push it aside?

Thankfully, even diaper bags have an in-between stage: meet the Sashay Satchel from Petunia Pickle Bottom. It’s a happy median between carrying most of Babies R Us’ inventory on your shoulder, and the carefree time when all your children are potty, snack and spill-trained. Of course, that can be a rather long in-between stage, no?

To glide about in graceful nonchalance is to sashay, and to sashay is to know the newest revelation from Petunia Pickle Bottom- a satchel-style bag that delivers on its namesake. Moving effortlessly from satchel to backpack, and from diaper bag to handbag, the Sashay Satchel defines modern style.

Now that Ryder is potty trained and Reid never poops in public, I no longer feel the need to carry a traditional diaper bag. In fact, if I could ditch all of their toddler paraphernalia immediately, I would gladly do so. But the reality is, I still need extra compartments, hidden pockets and the large organizational capabilities that come with PPB bags. Because instead of toting baby bottles and wipes, I’m now carrying along water bottles, Polysporin and bandages, and copious amounts of snacking foods. And ahem, I prefer to do it in style.

So why am I so obsessed with Petunia Pickle Bottom? Think bold lines, daring colours and designer details. Fall in love with silk brocades, hand-woven tweeds and plush chenilles. Stay organized with spacious interiors, thoughtfully designed pockets and hands-free straps. This is PPB. (more…)

Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

If you’re wondering about the #Tots2Toddlers hashtag above, this month I’ll be featuring some of my favourite products that have helped me make the transition from a mama of babies… to a frenzied, erratic, disorganized and downright exhausted mama of toddlers. (I thought staying up all night with a newborn was bad. Ha! I’ll have that any day over playing referee and chasing naughty troublemakers!)

Did I mention that for each feature, I’ll also offer a kick a** giveaway? I never like to leave my readers hanging!

Now you all know that I’m an M&M Meat Shops junkie. And I’m not alone – Canadians LOVE the convenience of selecting from over 375 mouth watering goodies, specially fast frozen for optimal freshness and flavour. And, the majority of their dishes are ready to thaw-and-serve or heat-and-serve to make meal prep easier for you!

Since I love to cook, I must admit that I enjoy my time spent in the kitchen engaging in culinary adventures. But the truth is, ever since the boys entered their toddler years, it’s very rare that I have enough time to put together a meal that can be labelled haute cuisine.  Hence, with two little guys competing for my attention and my husband’s erratic schedule, sometimes life demands a quick and tasty meal. And for that, I’m happy to turn to M&M Meat Shops.

(One great thing about going from tots to toddlers? They eat whatever you do. No more baby gunk, hurray!)

Recently, we had a chance to try out M&M’s NEW Steam and Serve Entrées.

“The new steam and serve entrée collection features a selection of meal-in-a-bag solutions that slow steam in the microwave from frozen in just 10 minutes. The tasty ingredients are packed in a special polybag technology, to allow for the perfect venting of excess steam during heating.”

Pictured right – Triple Cheese Ravioli, which is generously stuffed with rich ricotta, romano and parmesan cheeses and smothered in a richly herbed homestyle marinara sauce that features vine-ripened California tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil and parmesan cheese.

Oh… yum. (more…)

Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

Avid readers of my blog will know that I am *slightly* paranoid about my toddlers getting proper nutrition. Remember my recent post about their breakfast #fail? Just one of the 124 things that keep me up at night – wondering what I can do to ensure they’re eating well – and eating right.

Lately, in addition to derailing all breakfast efforts, Reid has reached “picky eater status” for lunch and dinner too – following in the footsteps of his meal-hatin’ older brother. Now, meal refusal I can deal with (that’s what multi vitamins are for, right?) and food selectivity I can work around (4 slices of salami for dinner? Cool, that’s a lot of protein)… but this cyclical, maddening, “I love this food today but will hate it tomorrow”, “My toast tastes yucky because it’s cut the wrong shape”, “I want chocolate milk, oh wait now I want water, why does he get juice?”… I just cannot deal with.

Thank goodness I’m not alone: according to a new survey, moms are just as worried about their toddlers’ eating habits, with a whopping 41 per cent saying they are concerned about whether their toddler is getting the correct nutrients every day. And this concern isn’t surprising, given that one in three moms admit they struggle to get their toddlers to eat enough nutritious foods on a daily basis.

(I admit to just deciding on homemade chicken fingers and popcorn for the boys’ lunch today. Don’t judge.)

Looking for some insight into toddler nutrition? I love these secrets to success from the Kitchens of Real Life Canadian Moms:

Raise your hand if you totally disagree that only 30% of moms have served their kids French fries. There are a lot of closet DTMs (drive thru moms) in this survey! But I suppose the results do underscore one common theme: in an attempt to get our kids to eat a more balanced diet, we sometimes compromise and dole out the less healthier (and in the case of fries, more delicious) option. (more…)

Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

I’ve been a huge fan of Well.ca for years. For hard-to-find products (especially natural ones – they were the first to carry an enviable selection of Burt’s Bees products), items on sale or promotion, or even things you’d rather not shop for in person (sometimes, anonymity is your friend) – there’s Well.ca.

Apart from being Canada’s largest online health and beauty store, they also happen to offer FREE shipping on EVERY order for Canadians! So, I can order my eos Lip Balm for just $3.99, and have it ship to my door at no extra cost. #winning

Recently, Well.ca expanded their Baby & Kids section, adding a wide array of baby gear, healthy & safety and nursery products from top, trusted brands. In fact, they recently released their Top 10 Picks:

1. Belly Bandit Original Post Pregnancy Belly Wrap
2. Bumbo Baby Sitter
3. Crane Cool Mist Adorable Animal Humidifier
4. Jolly Jumper Bel Air Rocking Cradle – Oak
5. Jolly Jumper Snuggle Bag
6. Moby Wrap
7. Munchkin Auto Close Gate
8. My Brest Friend Deluxe Pillow
9. Phil & Teds Portable High Chair
10. Philips AVENT IQ Digital Bottle and Baby Food Warmer

You can find these and other amazing products on the site. Keep an eye out for sales and promotions, where you can maximize the savings and free shipping combo!

Click here to shop at Well.ca.

WIN IT!!!

One lucky Listen to Lena reader will win a Phil & Teds Portable High Chair from Well.ca, valued at $79.99! To enter, simply visit the website and find 2 (two) other baby products that you’re happy to see available on Well.ca.

You can also qualify for extra entries! Remember, you must leave a separate comment for each. You can:

(1) “Like” Listen to Lena on Facebook
(2) Follow Listen to Lena on Twitter
(3) “Like” Well.ca on Facebook
(4) Follow Well.ca on Twitter
(5) Share the Giveaway on your Facebook Profile or Page
(6) Tweet daily about this giveaway; Please use this Well.ca Giveaway Tweet.

I’ll draw for a winner on April 2, 2012. Good luck everybody!

Note: The following contest is open to Canadians only.

I’ve teamed up with a company I love, to host a fun little contest for my readers.

{SHOCKER!}

All joking aside, it’s certainly no surprise that I am a ShopCatch fangirl. It’s a terribly innovative app – and newly updated website – that allows you to geo-locate shopping deals and special offers from retailers and brands you love – where and when you need them. For example, if you’re looking for new shoes, Shopcatch will tell you which retailers near you have great sales, promos or coupons available for shoes. Consider ShopCatch your mobile sales flyer! In fact, one of the things I enjoy most about Shopcatch is its ability to find sales I didn’t even know about out. #dangerous #addictive

Now the truth is, although I find the app handy, I found myself accessing the website more often than not. In fact, a lot of customers who didn’t want to bother with smart phones, apps and such were doing the exact same thing. So ShopCatch obliged with an easier to use and navigate desktop version. Check it out!

Of course, ShopCatch can still be accessed through the app, and is now available on:

Blackberry: http://bit.ly/shopcatchbb
Android: http://bit.ly/shopcatchand
iPhone: http://bit.ly/shopcatchi

To celebrate how easy it is to save money, let’s have a little Twitter contest, shall we? (more…)

Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

I’m no stranger to wall decals. In fact, I *may* have an addiction.

Any why not? They are quite frankly the EASIEST way to give your room a burst of colour, a touch of personality or simply a fun, vibrant edge. I’ve been experimenting with wall art for years now, beginning with Ryder’s playroom and most recently, my guest bathroom.

I’m also no stranger to Oliver’s Labels. Still my go-to favourite for fashion forward labels (remember my Pucci-inspired name labels?), I was incredibly excited to learn that their NEW line of Room-eez Wall Decor is now available in Canada.

“Room-eez Name Decals are a fun and easy way of personalizing your child’s room. The name prints 26” wide and varies in height depending on your choice of font and the length of the name. Add a set of decorative graphics in your child’s favorite design theme to add even more personality.

Room-eez Name Decals are made from a specialized material that is strong enough to stick on the wall forever yet gentle enough to be repositioned or removed without causing any damage. Unlike the majority of wall graphics on the market, this advanced, high quality material is not vinyl and therefore doesn’t shrink, curl or stretch the way vinyl does.”

When Oliver’s asked me to review a set of name + graphic decals, I was tickled pink. I consider myself quite the wall decor connoisseur, and was eager to put them to the test.

Searching through the available graphics, I must admit that they aren’t exactly my preferred style – while the selection of colours and graphics is generous, all of the icons have a very juvenile feel. I’d like to see them mix it up with a few sophisticated designs, especially for older children, teens, and parents of wee ones who prefer a more streamlined/ modern approach to style. Say, a one-animal theme (like monkeys! I love monkeys!) with varying poses and sizes. (more…)

Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

This is a true story: A few weeks ago, I had plans on a Friday night. When my girlfriend called to confirm, I waffled a bit.

“What’s wrong?” she demanded.
“Oh nothing…” I answered.
“Well what’s the problem then? Pick you up at eight?”
“The truth is… I kinda want to stay home and put together this Little Tikes kitchen that arrived today…”

Okay, I know that I may have issues. But I also knew that my boys – who spend a lot of time engaging in pretend play – would be absolutely enthralled with the playset. I was really torn, but in the end I decided to be a good friend… and blow off my plans. After all, why party with girlfriends… when you can do THIS on a Friday night.

Now don’t be scared. Yes, when the good folks at Little Tikes sent us the Cookin’ Creations Kitchen to review, I didn’t exactly realize that it would arrive in about oh, a hundred pieces. Maybe more. The above picture was taken after an hour of work; the entire assembly took four (4) hours and sometimes required two people. But most of the time, I drank coffee and poured over the instructions while my husband manned the screwdriver. And so before we chat about the actual playset, I have this advice to offer: (more…)