It’s just about time for me to unplug for the holidays, but I couldn’t leave without posting a little message to my friends online. This Christmas, may the holidays refresh your spirit and bring you new inspiration, and may the splendor of the season fill your heart with peace. Wishing you the joy of family, the happiness of friends, and the love of Christmas!

Today, I’m unofficially setting up an “Out of Office Alert”. Over the next several days I’ll be enjoying food, family and the festivities of the season – and hope you’ll be doing the same! I’ll be back later this week with some shop talk :)

Merry Christmas All!

♪ It’s the most wonderful time of the year ♫… The appearance of Special Edition beauty collections!

This holiday season, eBeauty.ca offers the perfect gift for a beauty-crazed gal on your shopping list: the eBeauty Holiday Beauty Bag. For just $25.00, it’s chock full of over $100 worth of goodies essential for pampering yourself, packaged in an oh-so-chic boudoir inspired makeup bag.

What’s inside:

Perricone MD Hypoallergenic Nourishing Moisturizer: A multitasking cream formulated with olive polyphenols and vitamin E tocotrienols to help soften wrinkles, repair the skin barrier and maintain its youthful suppleness. It also doubles as the perfect primer before applying makeup!

CARGO Lash Activator Mascara: A mascara formulated with marine algae extracts and a peptide-biotin complex to help promote lash vitality and reduce the loss of lashes without irritating the eyes.

Carol’s Daughter Monoi Repairing Hair Mask Packette: A moisturizing, repairing hair mask infused with rejuvenating Monoi Oil, a repairing Tahitian blend of the Tiare gardenia flower, and Coprah Coconut Oil. (more…)

It’s hard to believe that this is my fourth (4th) Christmas blogging on Listen to Lena! If you were here with me for the first, raise your hand if you feel old.

Yeah, me too.

Nevertheless, years ago I published “The 12 Recipes of Christmas”, which was a compilation of my favourite tried-and-true holiday recipes. The following year, I re-published the list, based on Google Analytic’s theory that only about 14 people would have seen it the first time around.

(Are the original 14 still reading? Sadly, my real-life friends aren’t inspired to comment on my blog anymore. Except @shaunamackenzie, whom I adore! Muah!)

Last year, I skipped posting the recipes, thinking that twice was enough. But the e-mails came through all season… “I need your Homemade Irish Cream Recipe, where can I find it?” and “Do you have your Eggnog Cheesecake recipe handy?”

This year, I’ve decided to just post them all together so it’s an entire page of holiday goodness. And if you don’t find anything you love here, be sure to visit Life Made Delicious for deliciously festive treats and homemade food gifts that will make the season brighter. I’ve got my eye on these Peppermint Crunch Cookies – they look delish!

So without further ado, here we go… The 12 Recipes of Christmas. (more…)

Since I don’t like to mince words, I’ll just come out and say it:

This is my favourite computer EVER.

Introducing the Dell Inspiron One 2320 All-in-One desktop computer. This is not the computer I blog from (though I should). It’s not the computer my husband works from (though he could). It is simply the computer the whole family loves, and when we use it, we enjoy it as a family. After reviewing it for just three weeks, it has officially earned the title of “Best Holiday Gift of 2011″ in my books. (more…)

I did it! I found the PERFECT gift for every hard-to-shop-for gal on your holiday list.

(Totally awesomesauce, I promise.)

It’s the Sephora by OPI Holiday Mini Blockbuster Set!

Now tell me this: which girl is going to refuse a collection of the hottest, trendiest and most sought-after nail colours around? None that I know! Even if she’s not the type to paint her fingernails, every self-respecting woman needs colour on her toes, right? Right. This collection offers a wide spectrum of shades that are longwearing, chip-resistant and as always, Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP), Toluene and Formaldehyde-free.

In other words: pure, unadulterated joy. (more…)

Dear Santa,

Great news! This Christmas eve, you can skip our house during your frenzied gift-giving spree. That’s right; we’re all good. You see, Christmas came early this year; the boys were treated to the “Cadillac” of presents (ha ha ha! pun intended) courtesy of Fisher-Price, and since they’ve been more than blessed with good health, a loving family and kick a** toys, please re-route their presents to someone less fortunate. We’ll be doing the same in appreciation of the kind gesture from Fisher-Price; the money we had set aside for Christmas presents will be used to help feed the hungry, and the boys will have to make do with one present… albeit one big, shiny, freaking awesome present.

Kind Regards,
Lena

p.s. However, if you happen to find a spare Danier winter coat in your sleigh – particularly style #192980026 – I won’t be offended if you shove it down the chimney. Is my husband reading this? Hint, hint.

Earlier this month, you may have seen me tweet out a photo of a great big box. Inside the box: The Fisher-Price Power Wheels Cadillac Escalade Ride-On. If F-P wanted to blow my mind, congratulations: mission accomplished. I am speechless.

(Well, not really – I don’t think it’s humanly possible for me to shut my mouth for more than 2 minutes. Perhaps blown away is a better description. I am blown away.)

Why it rocks:

The Toys ‘R’ Us Cadillac Escalade is loaded with luxury features! Premium sound system includes a real-working FM radio and sound boosting rear speakers. See-through windows, chrome wheels and grill and doors that really open and close add to real driving fun, with a battery charge indicator that lets kids know when it’s time for “refuel”! Drives two speeds forward (2.5 and 5 mph, max.) plus reverse on hard surfaces and grass with a high-speed lock-out for beginners and Power Lock Brake System.

Why it’s relevant:

Ryder has always been obsessed with cars. He collects them, races them, makes those little boy “brrrrr” sounds, and even has names for them: Yellow Mommy’s Car, Blue Mommy’s Car, Red Mommy’s Car, etc. I know, terribly creative. At last count, he has 88 Hot Wheels. (more…)

I suppose I could really expedite this post by saying “Eat This”. Perhaps… “It’s Scrumptious and Sinfully Good”.

Or, “It’s Made by President’s Choice”. Yes, I think that would convey the message quite effectively.

It’s pretty obvious that I don’t have to sell you on the fact that I LOVE PRESIDENT’S CHOICE. Anyone who’s ever read my reviews on PC products will attest that I may even be obsessed…

Of course, as soon as I hear the words “Holiday Insider’s Report”, I generally break out the stretchy pants.

My good friends at President’s Choice normally treat me to a sampling of their holiday goodies, and this year was no different. (Thank God. I mean really, If I’m ever taken off their press list I’d have seriously problems. For real. Does PC make anti-depressants?)

Anyhoo, always the innovator, PC kicked things up a notch this season and sent over a mini Christmas pantry full of holiday treats – (more…)

It’s that time of year again – time for Portable North Pole! If you’ve got a child, niece, nephew, grandchild – you name it – you simply must check it out.

Portable North Pole (PNP) is a free video message from Santa for kids (and adults). It brings the magic of Christmas to a computer near you! Users can have Santa say their child’s name, open a book with their child’s photo, trace the route from the North Pole to their child’s home and let them know what Santa will be putting under the tree at Christmas. All with a few mouse clicks!

The video is magnificent. Your children will honestly believe that Santa is talking directly to them, I promise. I raced through the process with Ryder’s details, and less than 5 minutes later I had a fun, personalized message from St. Nick himself - irrefutable evidence that there is a Santa Claus! I love that there are different messages tailored to children of all ages – even grownups – making it fun and relevant for everyone in your family.

Want to check out Ryder’s video? Click here – I promise, you’ll be inspired to create your own.

The best part? It’s completely FREE. You can have the message delivered directly to a recipient or to your own inbox for sharing. It’s definitely a must-do!

Click here to create a PNP message from Santa.

Note: The following giveaway is now CLOSED.

I COME BEARING GIFTS OF CHOCOLATE!!!

I’ll keep this short and sweet, because right about now you’re probably thinking “Chocolate? What? Where!”

Things are about to get VERY busy for Canadian families – between work and family, holiday shopping, parties, presents and more, I’d say we hardly have time to breathe. And it’s DECEMBER 1st peeps! In the home stretch to Christmas now!

Hershey wants to make the holiday season a little bit easier this year for one lucky Listen to Lena reader with the Holiday Wrapped and Ready Prize Pack. The Wrapped and Ready Prize Pack has all your favourite Hershey product for four distinct holiday occasions; Gifts, Candy Dish, Stocking Stuffers and Holiday Baking.

Valued at more than $150 the “Wrapped and Ready” prize pack includes: Pot of Gold, Festive coloured Hershey’s Kisses, Jolly Rancher’s Jolly Book, Hershey’s Holiday Eggies, Mini Reese Trees, Chipits and lots more… plus a decorative sleigh, stocking and oven mitts and delicious holiday themed baking recipes.

Love it! It truly covers the four distinct holiday occasions (though I would add #5: Binge on Chocolate).

WIN IT!!!

To enter, simply leave a comment telling us what your favourite Hershey product is and why. Need some help deciding? Check out the products on Hershey Canada’s website.

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

(1) Follow my blog, Listen to Lena
(2) “Like” Listen to Lena on Facebook
(3) Follow Listen to Lena on Twitter
(4) Tweet daily about this giveaway; Please use this Hershey Giveaway Tweet

I’ll draw for a winner on December 18th. Good luck!

Quickly now! Do you have a child? Children?

If you answered “yes”, stop reading. Because this post isn’t for you.

(Please do not stop reading. I’m just being dramatic.)

However, if you’re…

an aunty, uncle, godparent, friend
don’t have children yourself
and are wondering how the heck to shop for children this Christmas… read on, friends, read on.

I’ll be blunt: there are two types of child-free gift givers. Those who get it: folks that ask parents for gifting advice, look for suitably aged toys and clothing, and remember the correct spelling of the child’s name on the gift tag. (Or, give cash. With 00′s.)

And those that don’t.

These serial offenders purchase toys completely unsuitable for a child’s age – or tastes. (Because it’s fun to watch Ryder pine away for a toy he can’t play with until next year, obviously.) They buy clothing 4 sizes too big… so the child can “grow into it”. (Great news! Reid finally fits that matching t-shirt and shorts he received in Size 18 months. Slight problem: it’s November.) Or  - will gift clothing in a size too small. (Curiously, I’d rather get just one use out of an outfit than pack it away until 2015.)

For those gift givers that sorely need a little push in the right direction – or busy moms who are looking to make holiday shopping simple – I present to you: the Mattel Gift Finder. (more…)

This year, I’ve been slacking a bit with holiday posts (okay, I haven’t actually been slacking, just supremely busy and disorganized as always). But of course I had to take a moment to wish all of you Happy Holidays!

It’ll be such a special Christmas for us this year – not only is it Reid’s first, but Ryder has been brimming with anticipation at the thought of “Santa Closet” bringing him toys and chocolates. It’s 7:00am and he’s been up for at least an hour, shouting “Kiss-mas Today!” How wonderful!

I’ll be taking a bit of a blogging break – trying to catch up on some R&R (and, consequently, Y&R) over the next few days. For those Boxing Day deal seekers, I can offer the following:

For daily hot deals, check out Canadian Daily Deals. Justine already has tons of sweet promos listed – many of them available online – so you won’t even have to leave the comfort of your home.

For a listing (and links to) Boxing Day flyers, go to Red Flag Deals – you’ll have complete store flyers at your fingertips, all in one place.

For unique deals, include promo codes for small businesses and neat little bargains, visit Bargainmoose.

Now, for my annual Christmas picture… at the height of disorganization, I haven’t even taken one yet! But I promise to post a pic of the boys later tonight (I’m sure we’ll have tons of opportunities to grab them in all their Christmas splendor). However, I decided to take advantage of the fact that Ryder and I were the only ones up at 6:30am, and did what all moms would do – slapped a bow on his head, told him to stand beside the tree, and “Say Kiss-mas!”

(Can you believe he’s only 2.5 years old? He’ll be towering over me soon!)

I’ll be posting sporadically over the next week – but be sure to tune in on December 31st when I announce the winners of the Holiday Beauty Fest!

Until then, may beautiful moments and happy memories surround you with joy this Christmas. Wishing you good times, good cheer, and a Happy New Year!

 

the UrbanMoms Network.

For the last few weeks, I’ve been caught up in the holiday rush – putting up the tree, perfecting the menu for the Christmas feast and trying to find my boys the very perfect gifts (on sale, of course!). Between flipping through flyers, negotiating with family on who gets to give what, and hiding the gifts from very curious little peepers, I’m in full Santa mode.

Now I’ve always lived by the notion that it’s better to give than receive (ahem, contest winners will attest to that!) and really am in my element when shopping for others. So when UrbanMoms asked me what I’d buy for MYSELF this Christmas … I was stumped. You see, the adults in my family stopped exchanging gifts a long time ago (it’s all about the kiddies now), and my girlfriends and I get together an annual holiday brunch. So to tell the truth, I haven’t given my own Christmas wishes much thought.

Hence, I decided to write my own letter to Santa; and, to get in the mood, I sat cross legged on the floor, took in all the beautiful Christmas decorations, and over a steaming mug of peppermint hot chocolate, envisioned what I would just LOVE to see under the tree…

Dear Santa:

Long time no write! This year for Christmas, I promise not to ask for a furnace-mounted humidifier, a tricycle for Ryder, extra Corningware bowls – or all those other items I tend to give preference to instead of indulging in my own desires. Today, it’s all about me – so please listen up…

How about a Nirve Lahaina 26″ 3-Speed Women’s Cruiser Bicycle? Surely it can fit down the chimney – er, cancel that – but tell ya what; I’ll leave the back sliding door cracked open just a bit for you on Christmas Eve.  I love everything about this bike – from the California colours (sooo me!), quality design and construction, and the whole retro factor; I’ll be Queen of the Block! And, at only $459.99, it’s the best way to keep fit and/or enjoy a leisurely ride!

Now it’s been a long time since I rocked a handbag that didn’t have separate insulated compartments for baby bottles. Not that I don’t love my diaper bag; I’d just that sometimes, I’d rather sport a brand that 20-something single gals don’t raise their eyebrows at (“What the heck is Petunia Pickle Bottom? And why would you want to wear a bag that says that?” – It’s a DIAPER bag, sweetheart, and it cost a fortune so you can take your knockoff Prada and stick it!)

Okay I got off track. So I was saying, I would love a handbag that’s 100% for ME. And I’ve got my eye on Roots’ New Large Hobo – Prince; The New Large Hobo is made in Canada from 100% Italian leather. The main compartment includes a top zipper closure. The exterior has one zipper pocket, perfect for your cell phone or MP3 player! Inside you’ll find another zipper pocket and a two-compartment slip pocket.

Bel regalo! The handbag is $248, which is more than I’d spend on myself without a handy coupon code or gift card, but hey, this is my letter to Santa – and that’s what I’m asking you for, dude.

Finally, it wouldn’t be a special time of year if I didn’t ask for something special – and in limited edition – so please Santa, it would be most generous if you could please drop off these Sterling Rondell Huggie earrings from Coach. Perfect all year round – and for every outfit, occasion and mood – they’re only $98 so you won’t break the bank. And according to Coach, they have a beautiful shine, classic styling, and pair perfectly with the Rondell Pendant Necklace (hint, hint).

Well, I think that’s it! Three fabulous gifts for a gal who’s been (mostly) good this year. Can’t wait to see you, Santa – I’ll have a cup of cocoa ready, though the cookies are on a first come, first served basis.

What do YOU want for Christmas this year? Head on over to UrbanMoms.ca and enter for your chance to win $100 to spend at Old Navy! 

Who can say no to a mid-week mania sale? And, quite a few Stocking Stuffer Series-worthy deals!

Just peeked at the Zellers flyer and I’m liking what I see. Valid October 27th to 31st, here are some of sales that tickle my fancy:

Get Sorted 5-Drawer Cart (reg $39.99) or Underbed Storage Box w/ Wheels (reg $29.99) for just $9.99. We’re nearing the end of 2010 – don’t even think of welcoming 2011 surrounded by junk. Purge, de-clutter, and  GET SORTED. The 5-drawer cart is perfect for all those sundries that add up – new bottles of shampoo, body lotions, etc… or if you’re like me, the 8 Olay Body Washes purchased on sale from Walmart ($2.99 – $3.00 off coupons = FREE for me!)

Hot Wheels Cars (reg $1.34) for just $0.67. Ryder is ADDICTED to Hot Wheels. He has over 30 and still cries for more. He even has names for them – black car, orange car, red van, lello (read: yellow) car, and so on. We were out and about the other day when a salesperson leaned over and said, “That’s a really cool Porsche!” To which Ryder replied, “No Poosh, BLACK car.” Well, he certainly told him. At $0.67 each, I will be stuffing Ryder’s stocking until it bursts :)

T-FAL 9-Piece Non-Stick Cookware (reg $299.99) for just $79.99. Okay, that’s a savings of $220. Can you say housewarming present??? You even get a bonus spatula and spoon set. If you know someone who’s recently moved out on their own (college kids come to mind), this would be a great little set to encourage ‘em to cook at home. T-FAL frying pans are great – even heat distribution and a handy little indicator spot. It’s not Calphalon, but it will do. (I have a feeling this item will sell out quickly, so do pop by soon if you’re interested.)

Disney Sparkle Princess Dolls (reg $14.99) are 50% off – just $7.49 each. A wonderful stocking stuffer for the little princesses on your list. Feeling generous? Grab a few and donate to a toy drive. Needy children love Barbie dolls too! For under $10, you will be making a little girl’s wish come true. They also make a wonderful loot bag for girl’s birthday parties – you can spend $5 on a bag full of, ahem, crap – imagine the look on the little faces when you present them with a Disney Sparkle Princess!

Find your own dealios – click here to view the Zellers Mid-Week Mania flyer.

Only 4 days left until Christmas (which just happens to be my favourite time of year…)

BUT, that means that there’s only 5 days left until Boxing Day! Woot Woot!

Over the years, retailers have abandoned the one-day sale and now offer many of the same discounts in the days leading up to Christmas (and for several weeks after). FANTASTIC for last minute shoppers; not so great for organized people who wrapped up their shopping weeks ago. Thankfully, I have one foot firmly planted in both camps – I like to take advantage of great sales throughout the year, but I always set aside a few bucks for last minute Christmas bonanzas.

Hello friends!

I have designated this morning to get my last minute shopping completed, so I’ll be back later this afternoon (hopefully with everyone scratched off my list!)

The gifts I’m buying today are for the people who I had to put a lot of thought into their presents, and therefore could not just buy any old thing before. So to my family – if you receive a present from me, and your gift receipt has a date of December 16th, consider yourself lucky! Ha!

See you soon! Stay warm! xoxo