Years ago, a recipe for a Seven Layer Mexican Dip fell into my hot little hands.

Sweet! One of the most delicious dips known to mankind, and now I could make it all on my own. I scanned the recipe, excited for my next informal shindig, where I was certain it would be a crowd pleaser. As I looked through the directions, I noticed an asterisk at the very end:

*Be sure to use Maggi Chili Sauce. It’s the best tasting sauce out there, great for this recipe.

Hmm. Since I was not familiar with Maggi products, I decided to go on and give it a try. And I concurred; it really was the best chili sauce I had ever had. Not too spicy, and with just the right twang, the appetizer went on to be a hit (of course I knew it would) and I became a fan of Maggi Taste of Asia Chili Sauce for life.

Since then, I’ve enjoyed several Maggi products, including their Vegetable Soup Mix, Premium Oyster Sauce and Season Up! Spices.

And now… Maggi introduces their NEW So Juicy!

So Juicy is a whole new way of cooking that creates delicious, juicy chicken every time – no mess and no stress! It includes the special “Flavour Lock” cooking bag that seals in the flavour and lets chicken simmer in its own juice.

That’s all! Minimal preparation and cleanup, and maximum flavour. I’ll admit that I’m normally hesitant to put plastic in the oven, but something tells me that Maggi has this down to a science. Has anyone tried Maggi So Juicy? I’d love to hear your feedback. So Juicy is available in Mixed Herbs, Garlic and Rotisserie seasonings.

Well, now that we’ve made it so easy…. with So Juicy… so, how would you like to win $2,000? (more…)

Last week, I received an invitation from Sleep Country Canada which had me whooping for joy.

“On Saturday April 13, 2013, Oprah Winfrey is coming to Copps Coliseum in Hamilton, Ontario and I am hoping you will be able to join me as a VIP guest at the event in appreciation for all your support of Sleep Country over the past years. Sleep Country is the title sponsor of the Event and it would be great to have you there too.

Your ticket includes backstage VIP access before the event to personally meet Oprah with me and have your picture taken with her, plus a front row seat to “An Evening with Oprah”.”

ZOMG!!!

Okay, for those of you who aren’t aware, April 13th is my 35th birthday. I am spending my 35th birthday hanging out with Oprah backstage. Am I dreaming?? What do I say? What do I wear?

Before I lapse into full-on gushing mode, YOU TOO can join me… Sleep Country Canada has a smashing contest going on right now! There is one (1) grand prize available to be won, consisting of two (2) VIP tickets to a private “meet and greet” with Oprah in Hamilton on April 13, 2013; two (2) front row tickets to An Evening with Oprah; one Tempur-Pedic Cloud Supreme Breeze queen mattress set, and a $1,500 CDN cheque to cover travel and accommodation (Approximate Retail Value: $7,385 CDN).

Second Prizes: There are two (2) second place prizes available to be won, each consisting of two (2) VIP tickets to a private “meet and greet” with Oprah, two (2) front row tickets to An Evening with Oprah and a $1,500 cheque to cover travel and accommodation (Approximate Retail Value: $3,500 CDN each).

Third Prizes: There are forty (40) third place prizes available to be won, each consisting of two (2) lower bowl tickets to An Evening with Oprah in Hamilton, Ontario on April 13, 2013, with an Approximate Retail Value of $500 CDN each.

The contest runs until April 4th. What are you waiting for? Come hang with Oprah, Christine Magee and the ol’ Birthday Girl next month! Click here to Spend an Evening with Oprah.

Friends, I’ve fallen off the wagon.

A once staunch anti-carb activist, I banned scrumptious foods like bagels, breadsticks, potatoes and pastries from my diet. For the most part, I survived… but I was just a shell of my former self. Barely recognizable; I was moody, depressed, and flat out craving the sweet comfort of delicious, soft, chewy bread.

And with just one bite of a Dempster’s Everything Bagel, lightly buttered and oh-so satisfying… I was off the wagon for good. I shall no longer deny myself the luxury of a dense, flavourful bagel! (I’m much happier now. Truly, I’m eating a toasted bagel as I type this. Sooo good.)

Hence, when the husband and I were craving an impromptu late afternoon snack yesterday, I decided to improvise with a few simple ingredients I had on hand – and created my soon-to-be-famous Loaded Bruschetta Bagels.

Honestly, this tasty appetizer doesn’t even require a recipe. Just grab a few staples -

Dempster’s Original Bagels, a clove of garlic, two Roma tomatoes (seeded and diced), 1 teaspoon fresh basil (finely chopped), a tablespoon of olive oil, a splash of balsamic vinegar, and salt and pepper to taste. Oh, and I finish with a fine grating of Parmesan cheese.

Mix the diced tomato with the basil, olive oil, balsamic vinegar and salt and pepper. Set aside. Lightly toast one bagel – if you’ve got a super fancy KitchenAid toaster like I do, even better (thanks Dempster’s!). (more…)

Congratulations to the winner of the Love Your Lentils contest – so lucky! How AWESOME will it be to spend two whole days with Chef Michael Smith in PEI?

Now even though the contest is over, fear not – you can still get your lentils fix from www.lentils.ca. It’s the official Canadian lentils website, and you’ll find a ton of great information, nutrition facts, recipes etc. And be sure to check out the “Cooking with Chef Michael Smith” section – here you’ll find some of Michael’s favourite recipes, how to make a simple lentil puree and the wide variety of dishes that it can be sneaked into, an overview of lentil types, nutritional characteristics, cooking tips, dried vs. canned – and more.

Speaking of, I had the amazing opportunity to interview Chef Smith! Here’s our Q&A!

Love your Lentils
Lena Almeida Q&A with Chef Michael Smith

Q: Yellow, red, green and black – there are so many types of lentils! For those new to the legume, which kind would you recommend starting with, and why?

A: All lentils are easy to cook with but I recommend green lentils because they are the most commonly found.

Q: Canned or dry, which lentils to you prefer to cook with?

A: I prefer dry lentils mainly because they are so easy to cook.

Q: One popular trick parents often employ is to “hide” healthy foods. What’s your favourite way to hide lentils?

A: I can’t decide whether I prefer my Sneaky Lentil Biscuits or my Sneaky Lentil Tomato Meat Sauce for pasta or lasagna.

Q: You only have room in your shopping cart for dried lentils and four (4) other ingredients. What do you include for an east and tasty meal?

A: Try 2 onions browned in 2 Tbsp butter with 1 tsp nutmeg for flavour then topped with a can of drained rinsed lentils and an entire pound of baby spinach wilted in, awesome!

Q: Dessert time! How would you incorporate lentils – which are often used in savoury dishes – in a sweet treat?

A: Check out my Chocolate Chip cookies!

Hope you enjoyed my little interview :) Don’t forget I’m giving away TWO of Chef Michael Smith’s Kitchen cookbooks! Giveaway ends July 6th – good luck everyone!

This post is sponsored by Canadian Lentils. The opinions on this blog are my own. And, I happen to #LoveLentils.

… because honestly, there are things I simply MUST share with you.

In my last post Love Your Lentils! (Why? Because They’re Delish!) I revealed many reasons why I’m in love with the tiny legumes – including their taste, versatility, and of course, nutritional profile. (Just 100 grams of green lentils packs in a whole day’s worth of the fibre and 50% of your daily iron needs. #yesplease)

Today, I’m back to share 10 eyebrow-raising facts about Canadian Lentils. Trust me, you totally didn’t see this one coming.

Facts on Canadian Lentils

1. There are 8.5 grams of fibre and 7 grams of protein in just half a cup of cooked Canadian lentils.
2. Canadian Lentils are an excellent source of folate and iron, and a good source of selenium and zinc.
3. The most common types of lentils grown in Canada are green and red. Also grown in Canada are black Beluga and French Green or Du Puy lentils.
4. Canada produces 67 per cent of the world’s lentil supply. (!!!)
5. In 2011, over 2.55 million acres of lentils were planted in Canada by over 5,000 lentil growers.
6. Canada is the world’s leading exporter of lentils, exporting a total value of $872,956,572 in lentils in 2011.
7. Canada only begun growing lentils in 1970, meaning it is a relatively new crop to Canada.
8. Saskatchewan is the largest lentil growing province, accounting for 95 per cent of total Canadian production.
9. India is the biggest importer of Canadian lentils.
10. Lentil growing originated from the wild lentils that still grow in Turkey and other Middle Eastern countries.

Okay, raise your hand if you previously knew that Canada produces 2/3 of the world’s lentils. Like WTH?! How is it possible that we’ve been quietly farming and exporting these nutrient-packed flavour bubbles – to the tune of over $872 million annually – without some great fan fare or hoopla?

Time to change that. (more…)

Okay, I’m fully aware that lentils aren’t the most sexy topic of conversation. And, that I could spend an equal amount of effort saying “Love Your Body!” or “Love Your Life!” or “Love Ryan Gosling!” … but the truth is, you should love your lentils. In fact, they’re what top chefs and epicureans refer to as a “Hidden Healthy Superstar”. 

Did You Know?

Just 100 grams of green lentils packs in a whole day’s worth of the fibre, 50% of your daily iron needs and have more potassium than a large banana.

Out of all plant-based foods, lentils contain the most folate.

Their exceptionally low glycemic index (low GI) values and resistant starch content make them suitable for a diabetic diet.

Lentils are naturally gluten-free, making them a delicious staple in a gluten-free kitchen.

They are high in complex carbohydrates, while low in fat and calories.

And… they’re delish! A staple in so many Middle Eastern, Indian and Mediterranean cuisines, lentils are progressively making a transition from side dish to star attraction. But don’t take my word for it – Chef Michael Smith, one of Canada’s most celebrated chefs (The Inn Chef, Chef at Home, Chef at Large and Chef Abroad) wants you to #LoveLentils too – and you can win BIG! (more…)

Okay party people here’s the scoop. If you’ve got:

1. A love for all things chocolate
2. A desire to win a slew of electronic gadgets
3. A webcam, smartphone or any way to record yourself…

Then you simply MUST check out this contest. From our friends at Werther’s, makers of the BEST CANDY EVER, introducing their new Caramel Chocolates. Created from the finest ingredients and a recipe crafted with European tradition, Werther’s Original Caramel Chocolates are deliciously smooth and creamy – a treasure worthy of being wrapped in gold (and unwrapped from said gold at an alarmingly quick rate).

But what’s in it for you – besides nirvana-like chocolatey goodness? How about a Grand Prize which includes:

- One Sony 8GB bloggie Touch Full HD camcorder
- One Sony 16GB Full HD Camcorder with Projector
- One 16GB Sony Tablet
- One Sony VAIO S Series Notebook
- One Sony BRAVIA TV

There will also be SIXTEEN Weekly Prizes available to be won, each consisting of two Sony 8GB bloggie Touch Full HD camcorders.

Simply grab a bag of the new Caramel Chocolates, record yourself discovering the sweet goodness and share your reaction with everyone else! Visit www.werthersshareyourreaction.ca for more details.

Here I am, sharing both my reaction and the obvious fact that I am *slightly* addicted to chocolate:

Want in on the fun? If you PROMISE to share your own reaction by uploading a quick video of yourself trying the chocolate caramels, Wether’s will send ten (10) of my readers their own product to try out. Interested? E-mail me with your contact deets and we’ll send them your way!

And now off to finish the rest :)

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.

There’s no use denying it – Zellers is leaving us. In just a few short months, the stores will be gutted and re-branded to a “huge American retailer that shall remain nameless”… oh sod it, Target is coming to Canada (as if you don’t already know).

A few weeks ago, I shared the Zellers Memory Showcase Facebook tab. Simply submit a fond memory at Zellers, and if it’s one of the lucky anecdotes brought to life EMD-style, you’ll also receive a $250 Zellers gift card.

Here’s just one of the hilarious videos from the re-enactment gallery -  who hasn’t trembled at the thought of being locked in a changing room? (Though girlfriend in the video is ug-ly… probably best to have left her in.)

Don’t forget to check out the other videos featured on the tab – they’re quite the chuckle. And while you’re there, be sure to grab the coupon for $10 off $40 or more on Women’s, Men’s and Kid’s apparel, sleepwear and accessories!

Zellers, it’s been real. Thanks for the many memories!

This post is sponsored by Zellers. All opinions are my own.

Thought the HIGH-larious videos from Zellers were over? Nope! And I, for one, am happy to see the chuckles roll on!

Once again, rather than avoid the subject, the company is actively participating in its transition by reaching out to customers via social media. This time, the Executive Managing Director of Zellers is back, and he’s reenacting Canada’s fondest, funniest and most fantastic Zellers memories.

I too have a fond Zellers memory: about two years ago, while attending my first (and last) “Moonlight Madness“, a little boy came up to me and tugged on the sleeve of my jacket. Glancing down, I put on my most pleasant face and said “Hello!” in a sing-song voice. He leaned in really close and said “These people are cra-zy” and did the twirly thing with his finger around the side of his head. I laughed, but when I looked around, realized that we truly were surrounded by crazies; people piling their carts full of pillows, grabbing canned peas like we were in a war-torn country, and elbowing each other for under-the-bed organizers. (One lady had eight – how many beds could she possibly have?) I had a good giggle with this strange 6 year old and remembered to stay far away from shopaholic shame.

Do you have a fond memory involving Zellers? Share your story in the Zellers Memory Showcase tab on their Facebook page. If it’s one of the lucky anecdotes brought to life EMD-style, you’ll also receive a $250 Zellers gift card!

Good luck – and while you’re there, be sure to grab the coupon for $10 off $40 or more on Women’s, Men’s and Kid’s apparel, sleepwear and accessories!

To adequately appreciate the tone of this post, I’d like you all to hum Lionel Riche’s “Hello” in your heads.

(Hello! Is it me you’re looking for?…)

Alas, no other tune fits the bill when describing my relationship with white bread. I MISS white bread.

Long considered the more delicious alternative, in recent years it has received a bad rap from the health- and carb-conscious. In fact, I’ve actually been on the receiving end of a nasty glare while reaching for white bread at the supermarket. Apparently I failed to yield in front the grain police; the woman continued to stare as she loaded up her cart with 12 Grains, Whole Grains, Multigrain, etc, etc. (I’m thinking she was more of an Ancient Grains kind of gal, but I digress.)

The fact is, I realize that whole grains are a healthier alternative. But some things just taste better with white bread. French toast. Croutons. Stuffing. Grilled cheese. Oh my! It is irreplaceable as an ingredient in preparing some of my most beloved comfort foods. And you simply CANNOT create culinary blasphemy by having a whole grain grilled cheese. Or maybe you can – mine will just taste much, much more divine.

The good news? Dempster’s White Bread is made with enriched wheat flour, and the taste and texture is loved by families across Canada (including my own). Given the choice, my husband would only buy Dempster’s White Bread – he’s a huge fan of PB&J, and according to him, PB&J is definitely a while bread thing. And while I tend to agree, I limit my intake – I am generally guilted into consuming whole grains most of the time (still humming Hello? … I want to tell you so much… I love you). (more…)

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…)

Now THIS is going to be a blast.

Some of the greatest perks of being a blogger is working with fabulous women who engage moms (Mom Central Canada), working with brands whom I trust and have trusted for eons (LEGO DUPLO), and participating in blog tours that are fun and help foster creativity with my little ones.

Oh, and when the swag makes their little jaws drop to the floor. (Thanks LEGO!)

Now before you get all “pshaw, that’s SO great for you” – there is DEFINITELY something in it for you too. Here’s what you need to know:

LEGO DUPLO has partnered with Today’s Parent for one of their LARGEST and MOST EXCITING campaigns ever. Each day, from February 27th through April 10th, LEGO DUPLO will be sharing one new way to play. Canadian moms: just check the Today’s Parent website each weekday to see a new “play challenge” that you can tackle with your little ones.

The awesome part: Moms will also be able to submit their own “play challenge” for the chance to win a trip for four to LEGOLAND Parks (Florida or California) and have their play idea featured in the calendar! The last five days of the 30 Days of Play Challenge will feature mom-generated ideas – it could be one of yours!

So if you’ve got some DUPLO on hand (chances are you do), have a few minutes to get creative with your children (which is much for fun than doing the dishes anyways), then submit your idea for a chance to win the ultimate family getaway! I’ll be participating in the challenges on frequent basis, but as the boys are still quite young, let’s just say that their creations will be a loose interpretation of the challenge, and will most likely require a little help from me :) (more…)

File this one under “Things I’d rather not share with you because it lessens my chances of winning however because I’m a beautiful person have decided to let you know all about it but don’t tell me if you win or I’ll hate you and myself forever”. (#reallyhopeyouwin #notreally)

It’s the Nissan Innovation Challenge! Simply tell Nissan – in 140 characters or less – what innovation means to you and how it’s affected your life – whether it’s Design, Environment, Safety, Technology or Lifestyle. You could WIN the Nissan of your choice (I swear I’m not making this up) plus help create the next Nissan commercial.

There are three phases of the contest:

Phase 1 – Fans will be asked to create a post in 140 characters or less and post it on the contest page.

Phase 2 – Nissan will select and ask those who created awesome posts to create a brief video that embodies their post. The videos will be reviewed and the top 5 will be flown to TO to pitch their ideas to a panel of judges.

Phase 3 – The finalists’ videos will be judged by the community and a panel of industry experts and a winner will be selected. That winner will receive a Nissan vehicle of their choice (not including the GT-R or NV) and have their idea brought to life in a Nissan commercial. (more…)

This year, I’m already a hero!

(Thanks to Toshiba, of course – and the sweet 55″-Passive-3D-1080p-with-LED-backlighting-and-3D-Blu-ray-player they dropped off at my home. Wait, do I sound like Ralphie in a Christmas story?)

You too can recognize the heroes in your life:

“Toshiba’s Nominate a Hero contest invites you to pay it forward by nominating a hero in your life who has helped you in a memorable way. By submitting your story and a photo, you will have the opportunity to select from 3 available prize packs that your hero could potentially win if they are selected as one of the top three winners. As a bonus, you will also receive a Toshiba Tablet if your hero is selected as one of three winners. Check the Toshiba Canada Facebook Page for more details.” (more…)