The DaysAgo Digital Day Counter – now this is a product no Mommy should be without!

Last year, while introducing Ryder to solids, I had a mishmash of homemade baby food, jarred goodies, and of course, the dreaded baby cereal. The homemade food wasn’t really a problem to manage, as it was mostly frozen and required quick thawing and heating. The jarred food, on the other hand, was the bane of my existence. Ryder never seemed willing to finish an entire jar at one sitting, so I would have refrigerate the remainders for the following meal or day.

Then, of course, Mike would come along and open a new jar, only to realize after the fact that a partially enjoyed jar of banana puree was already in the fridge. Multiply this scenario with forgotten jars wedged behind a cantaloupe, a refusal to eat by a picky baby, and/or buffet-style sampling, and I would end up throwing the whole lot in the garbage, not sure which items had been opened more than 48 hours ago.

I suppose I don’t have to tell you we were thrilled when Ryder moved on to table food :)

However, had I known about DaysAgo Digital Day Counters at the time, my life would have been so much easier!

The DaysAgo Digital Day Counter is the first and only digital day counter that attaches to a variety of surfaces with a magnetic or suction backing and counts up to 99 days. It’s a simple gadget that is re-usable, versatile and helps save money. You can use it on food containers to let you know how many days ago you opened it, closed it, tried it, sauced it, grew it, etc. As for leftovers, it eliminates the doubt about when to throw it out.

The timer is a breeze to use! After opening the package, there is a removable clear plastic tab on the side of each DaysAgo unit. Pull the tab slowly and completely – this action will automatically engage the battery inside of the DaysAgo so that the unit will be ready to operate. Press and hold the button for five seconds to begin counting elapsed days. Reset by pressing and holding the button for five seconds. (If desired, you can also press the button once to view hours elapsed.)

And that’s it! The perfect way to keep track of perishable items, leftovers, fresh meats, bottled sauces and more! You’ll never have to ask “Does this smell funny?” again – rather than trusting your hazy memory, you can now have a cool little gadget keeping track of the important stuff for you. Like, you know, how to avoid food poisoning.

I tested this wonderful product through PTPA, and was thoroughly impressed with the simple features, slim design, and dependable output. It’s truly one of those products you can’t believe you ever lived without – and since receiving a 2-pack for review, I have purchased 4 more 2-packs in anticipation of refrigerated breastmilk/formula bottles, loads of leftovers, and the dreaded sampled jars of baby food. The battery lasts about 18 months and can be replaced – making it the kind of gizmo no home should be without.

DaysAgo Digital Day Counters come in three convenient formats:

Magnetic: Snaps to most metal surfaces; perfect for jar lids and refrigerators.
Suction: Sticks to most smooth surfaces; great for plastic and glass containers.
Band: Great for bottles, jars, and glass containers.

All are sold in packs of 2, available online or at a store near you. In Canada, you can find DaysAgo at Home Outfitters locations nationwide, and at the Safety Superstore.

Click here to visit the DaysAgo website.

Now tell me this – How many days has it been since you won a fabulous contest? This may be your lucky day!

double u products, maker of the DaysAgo Digital Day Counter, has generously offered three (3) Listen to Lena! readers the chance to win a 2-pack of Suction DaysAgo! To enter, simply tell us what you would attach the counter to… or suggest a cool, new way to use DaysAgo! (I’m thinking, “How Many Days Ago” did hubby toss his dirty socks in the corner of the bedroom… let’s just see how many days elapse before he places them in the clothes hamper!) I’ll draw for three winners on Sunday.

Thanks to double u products for sponsoring the giveaway, and good luck everybody!

Thanks to everyone who entered the Lena Loves… Say Please Lunchbox Love contest. I was looking through the “Lunchbox Love for Teens and Tweens” notes, and found the following sayings that I thought were just perfect:

“Sometimes parents make mistakes. I’m sorry.”
“Thanks for being honest.”
“You can tell me anything. I promise not to judge.”

Oh, how I wish I had received one of those cards when I was a teen!

As a reminder, up for grabs is Say Please Lunchbox Love for Kids (Volumes 1-4). Without further ado, the winner is zoiysiabean! Congratulations!

Zoiysiabean said: I have been my 4 yr olds teacher in “school” since he started when he was 18 months old. In August he starts VPK and it will be the first year that I will not be his teacher. I think these are a wonderful idea to keep him comforted throughout the day when I am not there to do it. I love the first volume with the simple I love you message along with the trivia fun fact about the crocodile! Something any 4 year old would love to learn about.

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 everybody who participated, and to Say Please!

Perhaps one of the most popular Parent Tested Parent Approved winners ever – the Shark Steam Pocket Mop – is finally on sale at Canadian Tire! Until Thursday, April 1st, you can grab the mop for just $114.99, which is $15 cheaper than it’s usual selling price of $129.99.

I’ve been patiently watching the price of this item for over 3 months now, and am happy to report that this is the first time I’ve seen it discounted. You know what that means – Lena’s visiting Canadian Tire later today!

What’s so great about the Shark Steam Pocket Mop?

- Safe to use on all sealed hard floor surfaces: hardwood, linoleum, tile, etc.
- Super heated steam sanitizes and leaves floors virtually dry
- Turns ordinary tap water into a power cleaning agent
- Ready to use in 30 seconds or less; no rinsing, wringing, or dirty water
- Natural mopping motion creates Steam On Demand, delivering steam when you want it, where you want it
- 180 degrees of swiveling action – easy to maneuver into tight spaces, against baseboards, and around furniture
- Generous 2-cup water tank capacity provides more than 25 minutes of cleaning time and refillable anytime
- Includes: 3 quick release mop heads, 3 all purpose cleaning pads, 1 steam duster, 1 carpet glider, and comes with 30′ (9 m) power cord

Check out this quick 2-minute infomercial:

The Shark Steam Pocket Mop was featured by PTPA on the Rachael Ray show, and since then, has become one of the most talked about products on our Facebook and Twitter page. I can’t tell you how many times we receive inquiries about the steam mop, and we’re also inundated with rave reviews from parents who have purchased the product! I am so excited about this sale, as I’m finally able to give into temptation (and still follow my stern mantra of never paying full price) and purchase the Shark. I’ve got porcelain tiles and hardwood floors just itching for a good cleaning :)

A bonus: Toronto4Kids is also offering you the chance to win one! Simply click here to enter the contest – to qualify, you’ll need to sign up for their mailing list and answer this simple question: “What lifestyle changes have you made to fully enjoy your weekends with your kids?”

I’ve entered… and crossed my fingers and toes!

FYI – The Shark Steam Pocket Mop is sold online and exclusively at Canadian Tire locations across Canada.

Have you ever received a sweet little love note? How about an encouraging text from a good friend? Or perhaps it’s just a kind compliment from a stranger on the street. There’s no denying it – a few kind words can make you feel like a million bucks.

The creators of Say Please instinctively realized that sometimes we forget to show appreciation for our loved ones, or simply can’t find the right words. With Lunchbox Love, their collection of heartfelt note cards, you’ll always be able to share your feelings in a playful way! The cards feature positive phrases on the front and fun facts and inspirational quotes on the back – to inspire and energize, encouraging love and laughter!

About the company:

Say Please was started by life-long friends and fellow moms Judi Willard and Mary Fuller, because they were tired of seeing products being peddled for kids and adults with messages like: “My favorite accessory is my dad’s credit card”, ‘‘Boys are stupid”, or “I’m a Biotch.”

Willard, a licensed psychotherapist, and Fuller, a journalist, were able to combine their talents to come up with upbeat phrases and sentiments that, quite simply, make people feel great.

Say Please graciously sent me assorted volumes of their Lunchbox Love for Kids, Teens & Tweens, and Those You Appreciate. Each set of “love”, conveniently shaped like credit cards, came packaged in a super handy (and adorable) card holder, complete with snap closure and colourful graphics.

I immediately tore into the Lunchbox Love for Kids, as I had heard wonderful feedback about their “100% Heartfelt, No Phoney Baloney” sayings. My favourite sayings included:

You’re always in my heart
You can tell me anything
I’m thinking about you right now
It’s okay to make mistakes – everyone does
I’m your biggest fan

And for fun facts? Did you know…

The average person laughs 15 times a day.
Honeybees have hair on their eyes.
The average bed has over 6 million dust mites.
The word silent contains exactly the same letters as the word listen.
Barbie’s full name is Barbie Millicent Roberts.

I simply can’t wait for Ryder to go off to school so I can pack these in his lunchbox! I think they’re a wonderfully sincere way of reminding your little ones how special they are, while making them the go-to person for sharing cool info tidbits! Included in each pack are two blank love cards, which you can personalize any way you’d like. Hmm… based on Ryder’s energetic persona, I can foresee “I love your wonderful spirit” and “Don’t forget to stop and take a breather” cards!

Shifting gears a bit, this past weekend was hard on me. I was dealing with the aches and pains of sciatica, a rebellious toddler, and overall complete lethargy. Mike stepped in like a champion and pretty much took Ryder off my hands, which allowed me to slip the following card on his pillow at night:

He was so surprised and touched to receive this small sentiment – proving that a few loving words go a very long way. The card came straight from the Lunchbox Love for Those You Appreciate pack – and I’ve already set aside other sayings for all the special people in my life. To my friends and family – look for a little love from me soon!

Each pack of 12 cards is very affordably priced at just $3.99. You can literally pick up every set available – and I encourage you to! You’ll love the quirky facts on the kid’s cards, inspirational quotes on the cards for teens/adults, and of course, all of the meaningful and positive messages. And Lunchbox Love for Kids is PTPA Award Winning! Our parent evaluators loved how their children not only received positive and uplifting encouragement, but became the center of attention when it came time to share the fun trivia!

Say Please products are available at Michael’s Craft Store, or you can purchase online. Shipping is only a few dollars per order, and you can enjoy FREE shipping when you order Lunchbox Love for Kids volumes 1-4 or 5-8. Click here to shop at Say Please.

And now it’s time for a fabulous giveaway!

Say Please has generously offered one Listen to Lena! reader the chance to win Lunchbox Love for Kids (Volumes 1-4)!

To enter, simply scroll through the samples (click to enlarge each one) and leave a comment to let us know what was your favourite saying or fun trivia fact! I’ll draw for a winner on Sunday. Thanks to Say Please for sponsoring the giveaway, and good luck everybody!

Sometimes, despite my best efforts, I’m simply not able to get in touch with a winner. When this happens, I re-draw from the previous entrants in order to award a prize.

And that’s just what I’ve had to do with the Lena Loves… Pampers with Dry Max giveaway.

(FYI – Winners must contact me within one (1) week of their name being announced to claim their prize. I’ll usually try to hunt you down after 3 days or so, but if no e-mail address is noted, sometimes I have to jump through hoops to find you!)

Everyone needs diapers! Up for grabs is a pack of the new Cruisers or Swaddlers with Dry Max, plus a Liz Lange diaper clutch.

The new winner is silverbullet71! Congratulations!

Silverbullet71 said: I would love to win some new and improved diapers because my 10 month old is really on the move these days! She’s been crawling, walking (while holding furniture) and climbing whenever she can! I’m exhausted just trying to keep up with her :)

Please send me an e-mail with your full name and contact details, as well as your diaper/size selection. Thanks to everybody who participated, and Pampers!

Since becoming the Social Media Mom for Parent Tested Parent Approved, I can honestly say that I’ve been introduced to some super cool products, met many wonderful parents, and have developed amazing relationships with owners and representatives of Award Winning products!

And how did all this come about? Simple – I registered to become a product tester with PTPA. One random exchange of products for my honest feedback, and the rest is history.

Now I can’t promise ya’ll employment with the company, but what I can promise is that when you sign up to become an evaluator, you’ll be eligible to receive fabulous products – for FREE and to KEEP – in exchange for providing detailed feedback about your experience with them.

Some of the PTPA Award Winning products that parents like you evaluated?

Pampers Cruisers with Dry Max
Halo Sleep Sack

Thanks to everyone who entered the Lena Loves… Pampers Cruisers with Dry Max giveaway. For my US readers – the diapers were released in stores TODAY! And for the Canadian readers with a Superstore near you, don’t forget to take advantage of this promotion!

As a reminder, up for grabs are two (2) prizes of a pack of the new Cruisers or Swaddlers with Dry Max, plus a Liz Lange diaper clutch.

Congratulations to Laura and Mami2jcn!

Laura wrote: I would love to win because I have a two year old and a newborn in diapers. Any extra FREE diapers are amazing! Especially if they will not leak through the night.

Mami2jcn wrote: What intrigues me is the fact that these diapers are 20% thinner yet can hold up for 12 hours!

Please send me an e-mail with your full name and contact details, as well as your diaper/size selection. Thanks to everybody who participated, and Pampers!

When I was first approached by PTPA to evaluate the new Pampers Cruisers with Dry Max, I jumped at the opportunity. First and foremost, I was excited because Ryder has been a Pampers baby since Day #1, and I had nothing but love for the brand. Secondly, I’m all for thinner, more absorbent diapers (who isn’t?) And last but not least – I had this special inkling that I would be part of a revolution of sorts; one of the first people to test the new and improved diapers, which would somehow make a huge impact on many lives.

I wasn’t far from the mark. The new Pampers Cruisers with Dry Max are spectacular! They have the soft, flexible grips of the standard Pampers Cruisers, and mimic your infant’s movements to a tee. And, of course, they just happen to be 20% thinner and a heck of a lot more absorbent – revolutionary!

Here’s a fun video I found on Pampers’ YouTube page:

Even the experts agree – Pampers Cruisers with Dry Max are a touchdown!

Now I hate shortcuts, so you can bet that I put these diapers to the test. Daily wear proved to be comparable to my current stash of Pampers Cruisers, with a little less diaper-induced waddle (thanks largely to the thinner design). So I focused on Ryder’s overnight experience. And I set up my own little test environment that was sure to push the limits of Dry Max.

First, I prepared my little guy for bed with his PJs and a fresh diaper. Then I rewarded a very happy Ryder with a sippy cup full of diluted juice just before bedtime (yes, he did brush his teeth afterwards – I’m not out to rot his little chompers). After about 9 oz of liquid goodness, I sang his favourite lullabies and wished him a good night, full of sweet dreams and lots of pee.

In the morning, I was happy to see that my faith in Pampers was legit – Ryder awoke fresh faced and content with – you guessed it – an extremely heavy diaper but no leaks. I was thrilled that the diapers came through for us. Pampers 4 Life!

Pampers Cruisers with Dry Max are PTPA Award Winning! Our parent evaluators (including myself) love that they are the thinnest diaper on the market able to deliver such stellar results. There was literally nothing negative to say about them – they rock!

The new Dry Max diapers launched in stores March 1st, so what are you waiting for? Thick, leaky diapers are sooo 2009!

Ready for a fab giveaway? Win Pampers here!

Pampers has generously offered two (2) Listen to Lena! readers the chance to win a pack of their new Cruisers or Swaddlers with Dry Max, plus a limited edition Liz Lange diaper clutch. The clutch retails for $50 and is 100% polyester with a genuine leather trim. Pretty nifty!

To enter, simply leave a comment to let us know what intrigues you about the new Dry Max diapers, or simply why you’d like to win! I’ll draw for a winner on Sunday. Thanks to Pampers for sponsoring the giveaway, and good luck everybody!

Did you notice that fresh feeling of excitement in the air? The bees are definitely buzzing – the PTPA Spring 2010 Winners have just been announced!

PTPA’s mission is to discover and appraise new products designed for children and families. We research new products and coordinate testing with parents. Award winning products are selected based on value, functionality, quality and appeal.

This season, some of our winners include:

Pampers Cruisers with Dry Max: Pampers Cruisers with Dry Max will feature a new look in March and will be 20% thinner and Pampers’ driest diaper ever.

DaysAgo Digital Day Counter:Beyond its functionality as a kitchen gadget and tool, the DaysAgo is unique in that it can be used in every room in your house! In the family room, track how long it’s been since you watered the plants or changed the filter in the fish tank. In the bathroom, track how long it’s been since you’ve taken your medication. Outside, track how many days it’s been since you fertilized the vegetable garden. The many unique uses of the DaysAgo make it a great gift for any busy household.

Whiplash: The Whiplash Scooter is a self-propelling, revolutionary new ride that is part scooter, part Wave board and totally fun. The Whiplash Scooter’s flexing deck and handlebar fuse together to provide riders with a cool, side to side, whip-like ride. Riders can self-propel the scooter so that their feet never touch the ground or ride it like a a traditional scooter.

Hooked on Phonics Learn to Read Pre-K to Second Grade: Designed in conjunction with leading educators, award-winning authors, teachers and parents, the new Hooked on Phonics Learn to Read Pre-K to Second Grade gives children the fundamentals to become confident readers. The instructional approach and techniques used in this program are based on research and address each stage of the child’s reading development.

The SodaStream System: Making carbonated water and soft drinks is so simple. Turn tap water into sparkling water in 3 seconds! Enjoy the convenience of home soda and protect the environment. No heavy bottles to carry, store at home or throw away. Fizz to your taste with our delicious syrups. Add the flavor of your choice and make your favorite drink.

Click here to view our full list of Spring Winners.

As always, I had the opportunity to evaluate an array of fabulous products – so stay tuned, you know there are some amazing giveaways on the horizon!

Thanks to everyone who entered the Lena Loves… Mabel’s LOL Sticky Labels giveaway. It was so refreshing to see the burst of Canadian pride – I can’t believe how many parents chose the maple leaf motif as their preferred design! Oh Canada!

As a reminder, up for grabs is a pack of 45 LOL Sticky Labels.

Just like our Classic Sticky Labels, our Label Out Loud Sticky Labels are fantastic for toys, bottles, dishes and more, providing that famous Mabel’s Labels durability in an exciting NEW look! LOL Sticky Labels are $21.00 for a pack of 45 labels. Dishwasher/microwave-safe and UV resistant.

Get stickin’… the winner is zarinashad! Congratulations!

Zarina, 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 to Mabel’s Labels!

As I mentioned before, due to the Gold Medal celebration on Sunday, I’m a little behind on my posts. But somehow, I don’t think Mabel’s Labels – a proudly Canadian company – will mind.

Did I really need to preface this post with “Lena Loves?” Who doesn’t love Mabel’s Labels? The coveted labels, used on everything from children’s shoes to toys to feeding utensils, are an absolute savior when it comes to the stuff kids lose (and they ALL lose stuff).

Now I know I’ve sung the praises of Mabel’s All-time Classic Labels before (and had a nifty giveaway to boot – did you miss it? Poops on you!), but move over ordinary… it’s time to LABEL OUT LOUD!

The new Label Out Loud (LOL) Sticky labels carry all the same benefits as the Classic labels; designed to deliver maximum durability, they’re dishwasher, microwave and UV-safe. But they also include a burst of bright colours, fonts and icons which will have your loot branded with style!

Mabel’s offers 20 motifs with complementary colour combinations to choose from, so you’re sure to have a perfectly personalized label for your wee one. The eye-catching colours and recognizable picture make it easy for pre-readers to easily identify their stash – I can certainly vouch that Ryder only reaches for the straw cup with his name emblazoned across it – even if I place an identical cup (sans label) next to it!

And here’s a word of warning disguised as a Woot!: these labels, as the name implies, are STICKY. Not so great if you have shaky hands and dream of re-positioning the label 14 times, but wonderful for the abuse they’ll surely be subjected to! Hot, soapy dishwasher water, microwave radiation, tosses and tumbles and even little chompers cannot pry apart these labels from their source. FANTASTIC!

Through PTPA, I had the wonderful opportunity to receive a set of LOL labels for Ryder, and we’re loving the cool factor they give to all his belongings. Of course, we chose the race car motif for our speedy little guy :)

Mabel’s LOL Sticky Labels are Parent Tested Parent Approved! Our parent evaluators loved that they encompass all the quality of the Classic Labels with bold new hues. They’re recognizable, definitely long-lasting, and a great way to keep track of your children’s belongings – at daycare, school, during play dates and excursions.

(On a related, funny note: when Ryder first starting holding his own bottle, I took him shopping with me and he was happily sipping away at some water. I then came across another mommy whose child also had an identical bottle full of water – and both our babies took one look at each other and threw their bottles on the floor in glee, effectively confusing us as to which one belonged to whom. Well, needless to say, I had to toss that one, because no amount of sterilizing would convince this germophobe mommy to potentially give my baby someone else’s bottle. Mabel’s LOL Sticky Labels would have prevented this!)

LOL Sticky Labels are just $21.00 for a pack of 45 labels, and if you live in Canada, standard shipping is always FREE. Click here to begin shopping at Mabel’s Labels.

Or… you can win a set here!

Mabel’s Labels has generously offered one Listen to Lena! reader the chance to win a pack of LOL Sticky Labels. To enter, simply visit their site and let us know which design motif you would choose for your little one. (Click “Customize and Order Here” to view all designs.) I’ll draw for a winner on Sunday.

Thanks to Mabel’s Labels for sponsoring the giveaway, and good luck everybody!

Thanks to everyone who entered the Lena Loves… Corel Software giveaway. Since posting the contest, I’ve edited about 15 videos of Ryder – even turning one into an Oscar-worthy short film, which I have entitled, “Ryder Waits for Daddy to Come Home.” It is inspired by Ryder’s daily routine of waiting by the front window at 6:00pm until he sees Mike’s car drive up. He then bangs furiously on the window screaming, “Dada! Dada!” Of course, the second Mike enters the doorway Ryder screams, “Hi!” – followed by clinging to me for dear life. You see, he likes the idea of Daddy coming home – he just doesn’t like the reality of sharing his Mommy time. Oh, it’s going to be fun when his little brother arrives.

Anyhoo, there are two lucky winners this week, as Corel is giving away a Digital Studio 2010 as well as a Painter Essentials 4. Let the fun begin!

The winner of the Digital Studio 2010 is Monica!

The winner of the Painter Essentials 4 is remarker/fcffollower!

Congratulations to you both! 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 to 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!