Last week I shared with y’all the HIGH-larious video from the Executive Managing Director of Zellers… sans pants, of course. (I’m still chuckling at his striped boxer-briefs.) I just love that Zellers, rather than tiptoeing around the subject of their impending closure, is actively participating in its transition by reaching out to customers via social media. In fact, I can’t remember a time when I was more engaged by Zellers… I’m actually sad they won’t be around to put forth more crazily creative campaigns!

When the votes were in, customers had opted for a coupon offering $10 off when you spend $40 or more on winter boots. (Hurry! The coupon is valid until November 17th at midnight; you can print it here.)

This time around, meet Carol, a manager at Zellers Store #245 (keepin’ it alive!)…

More giggles! I’ve definitely worked with “Carols” over the course of my career – sweet, lovable, mom-jeans-wearing-40-somethings that you feel you can unload your troubles to. Let’s hope Carol lands on her feet – maybe at the unnamed American retailer? (more…)

I’m sure you’ve seen the HIGH-larious Zellers video making the rounds on your favourite blogs – you know, the one poking fun at its inevitable demise? Of course I wanted to share it with my readers as well. Now since it’s no secret that I have a love affair with the “huge American retailer that shall remain nameless”… I must say that I’m pleasantly surprised that Zellers has taken the high road. Much respect to them, actually.

Before I ramble on, here’s the video:

Quite the laugh, no? But beyond the chuckles, I love that Zellers, rather than avoiding the subject, is actively participating in its transition by reaching out to customers via social media. Too many times a company throws in the towel – especially when they know the clock is ticking – and forgets about their customers altogether. Yes, I assumed Zellers would be in this camp.

It’s actually quite awesome that they’re proving me wrong.

Here’s how you can make the most of their festive finale: Head on over to Zellers on Facebook. You’ll be able to do everything from setting the sale prices of merchandise to picking the in-store music playlist (I vote for Backstreet Boys on repeat!). Facebook fans will also have access to exclusive offers and deals – like the $15 off coupon I snagged last week :)

For real – this campaign is already more memorable than anything Zellers has offered to date. Such a shame we won’t get to see more… but I suppose that’s why its called “Going Out with a BANG!”

And, bonus points for incorporating wolves into the message. Bahaha!

Click here to visit Zellers on Facebook.

This post is sponsored by Zellers.

It seems like every single day, there’s a new reason to “Like” a page on Facebook.

Free shampoo. Free gum. (Another) free chance at winning an iPad 2… .

So it’s no surprise that many of us “Like” 100 pages or more on Facebook. My question: do you continue to “Like” someone’s page after you’ve collected the freebie – or do you quietly say thank you and hit unlike? Perhaps you hide them from your news feed? On the flip side, are you now a fan for life? Or… do you ignore the call of freebies altogether?

I’m curious how people handle the overflowing number of opportunities to swap a free product for a like. As for me… well, if the freebie is awesome enough, and I theoretically already like a company (with or without the official FB stamp of approval), I’m more likely to add them to my list of pages.

How about y’all? Does a Facebook freebie float your boat?

It’s been a long time, no? I don’t want to think I’ve forgotten about y’all!

So here’s the scoop – think I can get to 1,000 Facebook fans by the end of May? Let’s hope so… because if I do, I’ll just have to have a fan appreciation blog giveaway on June 1st. Here’s a hint: It begins with VISA and ends with $250. YES!!!

If you don’t yet “Like” me on Facebook, now would be a fabulous time to drop by and say hi! And, don’t forget to suggest my page to friends, peeps!

If you’re a new parent, chances are your little one is in Pampers. Chances are even better that you collect Gifts to Grow rewards points. And if you don’t, I have two words for you:

Tisk. Tisk.

It’s okay, I was once there too. After Ryder was born, I fecklessly through away several packages of diapers – noting the little bar code stickers inside but not giving them much thought. It was only after a night of complete baby-induced insomnia that I actually looked up what “Gifts to Grow” points were all about. Then I quickly did the math; Ryder was destined to be in diapers for at least two years (ahem, going on three) and therefore, there were ample points to collect over the years. And ample points mean ample rewards!

In the past year, I’ve redeemed points for a gift card, trio of baby books, building blocks and even taken my chances in a draw for a year’s worth of Pampers diapers and wipes. And now, I’m THIS CLOSE to grabbing the Radio Flyer Big Flyer! Ryder will have the coolest big wheel on the block!

This year, Pampers has teamed up with celebrity mom Bethenny Frankel to celebrate all the wonderful things parents do each day for their babies and families that make them real, Unsung Heroes! Recognizing parents for all their hard work and dedication to their family, Pampers is unveiling a new year of gifts, incentives and rewards from their Gifts to Grow catalog that families can earn by purchasing Pampers branded products.

“To kick off a new year of Gifts to Grow and celebrate parents everywhere, Pampers and Frankel launched a Facebook contest and other activities to award parents for all they do each and every day. Parents can now visit the Pampers Facebook page to nominate a friend, family member or even themselves to be recognized as a real “Unsung Hero”. Parents will also be able to receive special incentives and rewards from Gifts to Grow, as well as enter to win a signed diaper bag from Frankel.”

Here’s a quick video of Bethenny chatting about Unsung Heroes:

How can a SMILE help feed the needy? It’s simple!

Snack Pack, creators of the delicious puddings and juicy gels (I’m addicted to the Ice Cream Sandwich dessert pudding), has teamed up with Food Banks Canada for their Share a Smile campaign. Each and every day adults and children alike go hungry – and with the holidays around the corner, let’s make sure that everyone can look forward to Christmas dinner. Food Banks Canada would like to raise $20,000 in time for the holidays – and you can help!

Here’s how it works. “Like” Snack Pack Canada’s Facebook page, click the Smile tab, and a $1 donation will be made on your behalf to Food Banks Canada. You can also opt to Share a Smile and Snack Pack will make the donation on behalf of one of your Facebook friends.

Remember, the more often you smile, the more donations, ballots and points you’ll collect. Imagine, if you  - and all your friends – took just 10 seconds to smile every day, Food Banks Canada would reach their goal in no time. To entice you further, there are tons of weekly prizes to be won – just register for the contest and cross your fingers!

What makes me smile? Lately, it’s been Ryder’s interaction with Reid. He coos at him, brings him toys – even cautions him not to put wooden blocks in his mouth. He has finally (if not begrudgingly) accepted the role of big brother, and takes his newfound responsibility very seriously. In return, Reid saves his biggest smiles for him, and is constantly babbling, reaching out and interacting with his role model. I’m smiling just thinking about it :)

I am participating in the Snack Pack program by Mom Central on behalf of Conagra Foods Canada. I received a gift card as a thank you for my participation. The opinions on this blog are my own.

Don’t check for flying pigs. I really do have a fan page.

It occurred to me that I catch the most updates from my favourite blogs via my Facebook news feed, and thought, why don’t I post updates for my readers? Duh.

So I now have a Facebook fan page! Woot!

Be sure to “Like” me, because I know you do. Or maybe you like all the goodies I give away. Or maybe you like to laugh along with my random rants. Whatever the case, c’mon, show a girl some support!

Hmm… could Twitter be next? Not likely – but definitely eventually. In the meantime, I look forward to spreading my social media wings!

Love Multigrain Cheerios? Why not “Like” them on Facebook – when you do, you’ll receive a coupon for a FREE box of Multigrain Cheerios (265g or 390g size).

The offer is limited to 1 per household and you can only access the free coupon once you “Like” the page and go through the “fan offer” tab. Remember – you can always “dislike” them once your coupon arrives (muhahaha). The coupon is generated through save.ca, so make sure you’ve signed up for an account (also free, quick and painless). Enjoy!

Click here to grab your coupon for free Multigrain Cheerios.

Okay peeps, I know I should be blogging right now… I really want to… but you see, today is Fan Friday on PTPA’s Facebook Fan Page, and it’s hopping! We’re giving away loads of prizes on Monday, and today’s contest is easy to enter.

So I’ve been staring at the page in an OCD-like state, watching the numbers go up, responding to comments, and gleefully rubbing my hands together thinking of all the great prizes. So, essentially, I’m obsessed.

I’ve got a couple of neat sales to blog, and will be back while Ryder is napping this afternoon. Until then! xoxo

It was inevitable, wasn’t it? First Twitter, now the Facebook Fan Page. I am a Social Media Mom who sucks at updating her own social media.

On the plus side, since you’re reading this now – it means that you’ve taken the time to land on my blog. And that’s the most important thing, right? After all, it means nothing to be a “fan” if you aren’t fanatical about the object in question. So I’ve realized that my true fans are the ones who take the time to “listen” to me everyday. Thank you, ya’ll rock!

Therefore, from now on, I’ll just use my personal Facebook account to forward information from time to time about contests and great deals. (Disclaimer: my own profile sees marginally more action than the fan page.) Nevertheless, here’s an open invitation for you to add me on Facebook if you’d like to keep up with my updates. Please search under “Charlene Almeida” – the picture on the top left is my current profile photo (there are a few of us!)

(When adding me, please enter “Listen to Lena” in your message so I can distinguish you from creepy men age 25-34 who try to add me on a regular basis.)

And since you’re probably wondering – “Lena” is my nickname. Since I was a wee one, my mom has called me Charlena, and my bestie picked up on this in high school. Of course, since we’re all about efficiency, Charlena became just Lena (or Char to those who can’t be bothered with the extra syllable). However, I’ll respond to just about anything, including “Hey You.”

I normally check Facebook to look at nice pictures about once a day, so my aim is to also post blog-worthy news when the need arises. I’m also very much looking forward to meeting some of my readers! Until then, let’s be friends!

Just in time for the holidays – it’s Sleepy Moon’s BIG WINTER GIVEAWAY!

You already know how much I love Sleepy Moon jewelry and it’s ever-so-talented designer Zoe. She graciously donated some HAWT pieces for both the feature and my Blogiversary giveaway, which received rave reviews from the recipients!

And if you missed out, you won’t want to miss this contest!

From Sleepy Moon’s Facebook Fan Page:

5 PRIZES TO BE WON!!!

I am having my second giveaway on Facebook just in time for the holidays! This time it will be much better and way bigger! Last time I gave away only one prize but this time there are five special prizes and there will be more than one winner! Yup that’s right I said it MORE THAN ONE WINNER!

*Because I like to spoil my fans*

First place:
November earrings

Warm Buddy is running a fabulous contest on their Facebook Fan page that you should DEFINITELY enter!

Tell us why you need a Warm Buddy. The best stories will win a free Warm Buddy Body Wrap (pictured below). IT’S THAT EASY! Tell all your friends and fans. Contest ends October 30th, 2009. Winners will be notified through Facebook.

Of course, you’ll have to be a Facebook Fan to enter – but who isn’t a fan?! Their products are phenomenal! If you don’t believe me… take it from some of the Warm Buddy Body Wrap winners!

NIrwin said…
I love my warm buddy! It’s so soft and warm (or cold) and it’s a great size too. Not too big but not so tiny that you have to keep moving it around to spread the heat. The lavender sent is my favorite too – you can tell it’s real lavender and not that fake lavender smell. I’ll be sure to check out the online discount as I have a few people in mind that would love this as a gift. Thanks Warm Buddy!!!!

Kailin said…
YES HOLLER!!!! Best thing since sliced bread. I love this thing. My b/f stole it from me the first night I had it, then I made him “read” why I was so lucky to have a warm buddy. We share it because he loves it as well. The lavender scent is sooo soothing and the design is awesome. Thanks so much, I too literally use this buddy every night.

JenB said…
The Warm Buddy is amazing! Since winning, we’ve had some chilly nights so it has really come in handy keeping me warm, especially since my husband has been working the night shift. It’s a great product!

Margheret said…
Love, Love my warm buddy! After a long, exhausting day looking after my 2 yr old son,I can’t wait to “wind down” with a good book, in my bed, smelling of lavender and so comfortably warm thanks to my warm buddy. I now know what to buy a few ladies for Xmas.

Good luck everybody!

I am the world’s greatest procrastinator – I say “greatest” because I’m usually able to pull a few tricks and still come out smelling like roses. Sometimes I procrastinate because I’m busy, and sometimes, I’m just really lazy.