Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

We’ve all played the game before. You know; the one where you discuss the improbable fate of being hooked up to an electric chair, and revealing what you last meal would be.

Fried chicken? Pizza? Macaroni and cheese? What comfort food would you turn to?

Myself? I’ve already made a list of the top 5 foods I’d request. (Don’t worry, I haven’t committed a heinous crime.)

1. A Croque Monsieur; a simple yet magical mix of ham, cheese and toasted bread. Served with a green salad.

2. A Club Sandwich; applewood smooked bacon and tender chunks of chicken breast layered between tangy mayo. (With fries, of course.)

3. A Smoked Meat on Rye; with just enough yellow mustard and a kosher pickle on the side.

4. A Miami Sandwich; my own creation (and an award-winning one to boot!) – I’d likely ask if I could make it myself.

5. A Fish Banh Mi; Vietnamese grilled catfish infused with turmeric and slow cooked with dill and green onion.

Notice a trend? YES, I love a good sandwich. In fact, I can say with confidence that the humble sandwich is my favourite kind of food in the entire world. And certainly, a worthy last meal if I was leaving said world. Bread, bread, bread. Carbs, carbs, carbs. Comfort, comfort, comfort.

So is it any real surprise that one of my favourite brands evah is Dempsters?

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. And, did you know that 1 slice of Dempsters WholeGrains bread contains this? ->>

(I know. I didn’t think Dempsters WholeGrains could get better either, until I saw the breakdown. And now I’m on cloud 9; because I know that the taste and texture that I love is also pretty awesome for me, too.)

When you visit Naturally Dempsters you’ll have access to a wealth of delicious recipes – including step-by-step video instructions from Dempster’s resident celebrity culinary genius Chef Bob Villeneuve. How about a 12 Grain Spinach-Strawberry and Goat Cheese Sandwich? Or an Asparagus Benedict?

Me – I’m partial to a Spinach and Leek Chicken Salad Sandwich. Yum!

(more…)

I know y’all are probably tired of me going on and on about how much I adore Orlando, Florida. Walt Disney World this; SeaWorld that. Oh, and in case you were wondering, I do have a few more reviews coming up. Stay tuned!

However, since I’m sensitive about detailing my amazing adventures without being able to spread the love around, I immediately jumped at the opportunity to give back to my readers – in the form of a 7-Day Dream Vacation to Orlando, Florida!

Here’s the scoop: my good friend Stephanie over at How to Survive Life in the Suburbs recently vacationed in Orlando, including a luxurious stay with Global Resort Homes. (You can read about her adventure here.) From unique town homes, luxurious condos to spacious vacation homes, Global Resort Homes has something to suit every style and budget. The best part: each home is in the center of everything, located in one of nine distinctive resort communities only minutes from the Walt Disney World Resort.

(more…)

Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

If you took a peek at my recent home office pictures – or what I like to call “The Before” – you’ll know that I’m in desperate need of a makeover. And while you all agree that I need a new chair (thanks for the horrified comments, ha!), I also drastically need to cut down on the clutter and disorganization. This weekend, I’m doing my best to De-Clutter and Prosper!

Click here to view my Staples De-Clutter and Prosper Home Office – BEFORE.

Of course, you know I’d never undertake such a  feat without spreading the love to my readers. So, while you all wait with baited breath for my big reveal (note: please do not wait with baited breath), I have the following giveaway to share!

Here’s the scoop: In addition to sponsoring my home office makeover, Staples Canada has been busy – they’ve joined the AIR MILES Reward Program as a national Sponsor. Now shoppers can earn AIR MILES reward miles on all their Staples purchases! To help cluttered Canadians spring clean their workspace, Staples and AIR MILES are offering my readers a chance to win a “Clear the Clutter” prize pack. Filled with items to organize your desk, it’s a prize valued at more than $500!

One lucky winner will receive:

$100 Staples Gift Card • 100 AIR MILES Bonus Miles • Assortment of Patterned Martha Stewart File Folders • Stack+Fit Martha Stewart Desk Accessories: Shagreen Drawer with Inbox and Organizer • Martha Stewart Large Shagreen Double File Pocket • Case File – Accordion File with Handle • Martha Stewart Home Office With Avery Dry-Erase Weekly Planner, Red and Grey • Belkin Conserve Valet – Smart USB Charging Station • Fellowes SmartSuites Monitor Riser Plus • Fellowes Powershred 69Cb 10-Sheet Cross-Cut Shredder

To enter, simply fill the form below with your qualifying entries. And, stay tuned for my pictures of my new home office! (more…)

NOTE: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

Raise your hand if you think this year is flying by much too quickly! I woke up this morning and realized that winter is almost behind us; spring is around the corner, and March Break is NEXT WEEK!

So, who’s got amazing plans? I must admit to being a little disorganized – this is actually the very first March Break in our household, and after doing a lot of travelling in the preceding months, did not really have it in me to plan a vacation. Still, with so many amazing events happening in and around the city, we’re actually booked every day next week! From indoor playgrounds to craft parties, matinee movies and more, Ryder’s “break” will involve me darting around like a mad woman. Splendid.

Of course, our first stop will be the grocery store, where I’ll load up on fresh fruit and snacks – including Ready-to-Eat Popcorn from Orville Redenbacher’s. My boys are addicted to the Sharp White Cheddar flavour; with a classic cheesy taste and a hint of butter, they’re a huge hit at snack time. (From Orville: Each tasty nugget is 30% larger and fluffier than the leading ready-to-eat savory popcorn. Diagnosis: Delicious.) They’re also great if you’re travelling, because sometimes you just don’t have a microwave handy – especially on road trips!

And so whether you’re about to pack the kids into the car for the drive down to Florida (gutsy!) or planning to spend the time in staycation mode like us, Orville has March Break covered. In order to occupy the family on the road, in the air or on the couch, they’ve offered my readers a variety of fun solutions to help answer age-old March Break questions like “Are we there yet?” and “Now what are we doing?”.

Worth $200, the Orville March Break Prize Pack contains fun distractions like kid-friendly travel games, DVDs and audio books, as well as board games the whole family can enjoy together. And of course, this prize pack has the snacks covered too, so Mom and Dad can just focus on the fun. Pop up some of Orville’s new Pop Up Bowl for the staycation or take Orville’s ready to eat gourmet flavours on the road.

Included:

- 2x Orville Redenbacher’s NEW Pop Up Bowl in Buttery flavour and 2x Orville Redenbacher’s NEW Pop Up Bowl Smart Pop!

- One (1) of each of Orville Redenbacher’s new ready to eat gourmet popping corn; Salty and Sweet Kettle corn, Dill Pickle, White Cheddar and Chipotle Whit Cheddar

- Three (3) colouring books and markers, a travel mug and water bottle, a back pack, three (3) family friendly DVDs and three (3) family friendly games (more…)

Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

Earlier this year, when thinking about goals for myself and my blog, I made a vow: I would do more “feel good” giveaways in 2013. That is, the chance to give back to my readers with prizes that aren’t necessarily attached to reviews; a few awesome things here and there “just because”.

I love when things fall into place.

You may remember the epic deal on UGG boots over at MTF Price Matters a few weeks ago. Listen to Lena readers were treated to an exclusive online coupon which took 25% off already discounted products – and let me tell you, stock went quickly. In fact, all but two sizes were sold out less than 24 hours later!

(UGG Classic Short Boots in Chocolate just became available in sizes 7 and 8, so act fast! Enter code “25OFFUGGS” at checkout to grab them for just $101.99 plus free shipping.)

From the popularity of this sale, I realized two things:

1. I have the most fabulous, fashion-conscious readers who also love a good deal.
2. MTF Price Matters has incredible promotions. Like, ridiculously good.

Now it could have all ended there, but then I received a call from MTF Price Matters, who wanted to say thank you to my readers for being awesome customers. And how are they saying “thank you”? Wait for it… I think there’s a feel good moment coming on…

By giving away this Nikon 1 J1 10.1 MP HD Digital Camera System with 10-30mm VR 1 Nikkor Lens, valued at $499.99!

“For your very mobile lifestyle comes a completely new imaging system with freedom to create and express as never before. Highly compact and portable, the Nikon 1 J1 goes everywhere you go. Moments from your amazing world are captured using a highly responsive autofocus and super fast shooting speed. In one touch you can work in Full HD (1080p) movie record mode. A camera so versatile you can even snap photos while recording movies. Unleash your creativity with Nikon 1—offering a balance of high performance, advanced features, portability and a newly designed interchangeable lens system. Infuse your world with photos from every moment and connect as never before.”

Now how’s that for giving back?

Simply enter the form below with your qualifying entries. Thank you to MTF Price Matters for sponsoring this giveaway, and good luck! (more…)

Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only. 

Ever since these products arrived on my doorstep, I’ve been like a kid in a candy shop. Or a woman in a makeup store. And that store would be The Body Shop, of course. Pretty, shiny things? Oooh… yes please.

Line them up. Arrange them like so. Marvel at their dewiness. Inhale their sweet scent. They’re just like little toys! And repeat…. Line them up. Arrange them like so….

Have you ever played with your makeup? The Body Shop’s new Yummy range of lip glosses is irresistible for collectors – especially those who like to covet beauty products. Style-queens will love the clean lines and simple design of the chic new packs. Each transparent lip gloss tube features a bold image of its fruity flavour and shows-off the gorgeous gloss colour within. You’ll want to own them all… just to say you own them all!

There are 11 super-glossy, mouth-watering shades to choose from, each with a succulent fruity flavour to lift your mood. Love seasonal fruits? Then slick on the Plum, Peach or Strawberry. Fancy something more exotic? Try the Mango, Lychee or Coconut. Looking for a refreshing hue? Have a sip of the Mint or Watermelon. Want to go wild? Mix them as you like! And if you hate sticky but love sweet, each super-shiny shade delivers a glaze of sheer colour that’s non-sticky and lightweight to wear. The new formula is enriched with vitamins E and B5 and Community Fair Trade organic virgin coconut oil. Perfect for a dewy spring look! Priced at $10, these juicy lip glosses are a treat for you and your friends.

I must admit that I’ve never been a fan of watermelon lip gloss – there’s just something about the synthetic fragrance that doesn’t do it for me. However, I am crushing on the new Yummy Watermelon! It’s so fresh and fragrant, it makes me think of summer barbecues. Ah, dreaming of warmer weather! (more…)

NOTE: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

Whew! It’s been quite a week - OPI and Nicole by OPI Week to be exact! Today is the last of FIVE full collections that I’ve featured on my blog. As always, if you love nail polish… and on-trend lacquers that are heavily-pigmented, super rich, long-lasting and chip-resistant… then you’re at the right place! Read on friends – here’s your chance to win OPI’s Oz The Great and Powerful for Spring/Summer 2013.

“OPI is very excited to take this fantastical journey with Disney,” explains Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director. “Inspired by the magic of Oz The Great and Powerful, this SoftShades collection captures the whimsy seen in the film.”

The new Liquid Sand nail lacquer – What Wizardry is This? – offers a never-before-seen look with a pebbled finish that lightly shimmers with fine glitter particles. With a mix of soft crème and warm glitter shades, the line is ideal for layering to create rich, complex looks.

Oz The Great and Powerful by OPI includes the following shades:

What Wizardry is This? – a textured, matte finish infused with reflective sparkle.
Lights of Emerald City – White confetti adds city girl flair and style to nails.
Don’t Burst My Bubble – Don’t wake me…I’m dreaming about puffy clouds of white.
When Monkeys Fly! – I’m simply bananas for this gold confetti.
Glints of Glinda – Only a good witch could turn beige from meek to chic.
Which is Witch? – Is this silver glitter with iridescent sparkle or the other way around?
I Theodora You – This adorable, sheer pink is bewitching on you.

I find the colours of this collection to be very harmonious and authentically perfect for layering. I’m not really a nude or neutral polish person, but the endless colour combinations brought about by the glitter and sparkle can make for an interesting application, indeed. (more…)

Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

OPI and Nicole by OPI Week continues on Listen to Lena! Today I’m featuring yet another new collection for Spring/Summer 2013, from the world’s most popular nail polish brands. And once again, you’ll have the chance to win the entire collection, too!

Now is anyone else heartbroken that Jelena (Justin + Selena) is officially over? I adored them as a couple! Ah well, I’m quite certain that someone as sweek and spunky as Selena will find her perfect match. In the meantime, that same personality is reflected in her Nicole for OPI collection – hence, if she can’t wear her heart on her sleeve, she can certainly wear it on her nails!

Bright glitter and confetti lacquers dominate the collection, which has a young, innocent, girl-next-door feel to it. (Likely the target consumer of the product.) The diverse range of hues and layering options offer endless possibilities for every occasion.

Nicole by OPI Selena Gomez collection includes the following shades:

Stars at Night – Star light, star bright…confetti-silver nails tonight!
Mi Fantasia – This purple-aqua glitter is the stuff dreams are made of.
Kissed at Midnight – This romantic gold glitter is perfect any time.
Confetti Fun – Nothing says “party!” like a shower of color.
Heavenly Angel – This iridescent confetti gives me wings.
Sweet Dreams – This violet-teal is a dream-come-true.
Inner Sparkle – Let this light pink glitter shine through!
Selena – This fresh, young peach will make your heart sing.
Hit the Lights – This not-so-mellow yellow has got stage presence.
Love Song – Fall head-over-heels for this true purple.
Naturally – Who wouldn’t want this pure pink dream?
Spring Break – The perfect hot pink for the perfect hot vacation!
Pretty in Plum – This picture-perfect purple is a genuine beauty.
Scarlett – This shimmery red-violet is leading lady lovely.

To tell the truth, I can’t think of a better namesake for her collection – the “Selena” shade personifies everything about the pop princess to a T. It’s fresh, dewy and screams teen idol. I adore this hue! I’m also a huge fan of Scarlett, the red-violet that’s a little bit dangerous – perhaps a little bit rock and roll. (more…)

NOTE: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

Do not adjust your computer monitors - it’s officially OPI and Nicole by OPI Week at Listen to Lena! I’ve teamed up with the world-famous Nail Polish empires to kick off 2013 with a BANG – by giving away FIVE entire collections. So you guessed it – there’s ANOTHER OPI giveaway up for grabs!

Today, feast your eyes on eight (8) limited edition shades hand selected by multiple Grammy Award winning recording artist Mariah Carey. These shades include four new OPI Liquid Sand lacquers featuring groundbreaking technology for a textured, matte finish infused with reflective sparkle.

What is Liquid Sand?

OPI Liquid Sand nail lacquer offers a never-before-seen look with a pebbled finish that lightly shimmers with fine glitter particles. Always worn without top coat, Liquid Sand lacquer gives nails a unique textured matte finish worthy of a superstar.

(Or perhaps worthy of a diva. As I type, Mariah’s stint on American Idol is playing in the background. Love the alpha female tension with Nicki Minaj!)

Mariah Carey by OPI includes the following shades:

A Butterfly Moment - This sophisticated and frosty tan nude has us all a-flutter
Sprung - Fall hopelessly in love with this shimmery copper
Pink Yet Lavender - This pink glitter with lavender shimmer has superstar shine!
Anti-bleak - This deep, creamy purple will lift your spirits
Stay the Night - Make it last in this matte black with red glints
Get Your Number - Wearing this matte blue with sparkles is a great call
Can’t Let Go - Hold onto this matte purple with dazzling sparkle
The Impossible - This matte fuchsia with star confetti will never give up

I’ll admit that I didn’t request samples for this collection because frankly, the words “textured” and “matte” terrifies me. I am very much a “shiny” and “sparkly” kind of gal! Reviews for the OPI Liquid Sand shades have been mostly positive, though – with many polish experts citing a wearable texture that is both unique and interesting on the nails. I’ll have to take their word for it! (more…)

Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

OPI and Nicole by OPI Week continues on Listen to Lena! Every day from Monday to Friday I’ll feature a new collection for Spring/Summer 2013, from the world’s most popular nail polish brands. And, you’ll have the chance to win the entire collection, too. (Isn’t life grand?)

Today, who can resist ABC’s award-winning comedy, Modern Family? The nail line features shades created to capture the show’s colourful personalities, from a classic taupe named after family patriarch Jay, to a sparkly pink hue fitting for toddler Lily.

“Modern Family is not only one of the funniest shows on television, it features a great ensemble cast of rich characters that inspired a range of shades, from pastel hues like sea foam green and periwinkle to brighter colors of cobalt and red-violet,” remarks Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, Nicole by OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director. “From studious Alex to bombshell Gloria, to classic (and neurotic) Claire, to flirty Haley, there are shades to represent each of these uniquely fabulous women – and everyone else in the blended family.”

I am completely crushing on EVERY shade in this collection:

Am I Making Myself Claire? - Make no mistake…I’m liking this lilac.
I Do De-Claire! - Let me just say how frosty cool this soft rose is!
She’s Lily Something - Pink, sparkly stars…so Daddies’ Little Girl-y!
A Like-Haley Story… - Typical teenagers (and their moms!) will love this not-so-typical fuchsia.
My Jay or the Highway! - This trendy taupe is inflexibly cool. Period.
Stand by Your Manny - Be loyal to this periwinkle blue.
Alex by the Books - Look smart in this seafoam green.
Haley Good Lookin’… - She’s cookin’ up plans for this pink super-glitter.
Basking in Gloria - This red-violet is the color of passion.
Luke of the Draw - Chances are you’ll love this gunmetal glitter.
A Phil’s Paradise - No fooling…this pewter is the real deal.
Candid Cameron - Call this teal just like you see it…gorgeous!
Back in My Gloria Days… - This voluptuous violet has still got it goin’ on!
What’s the Mitch-uation? - This cobalt blue demands an update.

Now I’m pretty sure me and Sofia Vergara are the same person, because Back in My Gloria Days… and Basking in Gloria are SO me. Love the red-violet! And Candid Cameron? HELLO! Have you ever seen a more beautiful teal? (more…)

Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

It’s been a looong time since I did any sort of giveaway bash or gift guide. Truth is, as much as I love product reviews, I find my connection to readers is stronger when I select the content for my blog on my own terms. Sometimes, that means talking about my son’s knack for photo bombing, and often, I rant about how good US shoppers have it.

But, I always make an exception. 

And, I can’t think of two better brands to make that exception for. Giveaway enthusiasts, rejoice – it’s officially OPI and Nicole by OPI Week at Listen to Lena! I’ve teamed up with the world-famous Nail Polish empires to kick off 2013 with a BANG – by giving away FIVE entire collections.

Love nail polish? Love on-trend lacquers that are heavily-pigmented and super rich, long-lasting and chip-resistant? Then you’re at the right place! Read on friends – here’s your chance to win OPI’s Euro Centrale Collection for Spring/Summer 2013.

“Classic meets contemporary with Euro Centrale by OPI for Spring/Summer 2013. Celebrating a region where history meets modern design, the collection’s twelve new nail lacquers offer a mixture of glamorous metallic hues; playful bright shades in periwinkle, aqua and pink; and creamy blues in indigo, midnight and aubergine.”

Euro Centrale by OPI includes the following shades:

Polka.com - Blue and violet are dancing partners in this glittery combo.
OPI…Eurso Euro - This deep blue cream is very continental.
Suzi’s Hungary AGAIN! - Thank goodness there are zero calories in this warm and yummy pink!
You’re Such a BudaPest - If I let you borrow this periwinkle-purple, will you go away?
Can’t Find My Czechbook - I hope you take credit, because I must have this aqua!
My Paprika is Hotter than Yours! – Get the extinguisher…this fiery red is sizzling!
Hands Off My Kielbasa! - Get your own…this bronzy tan is all mine!
OY–Another Polish Joke! - So this shimmery-gold walks into a bar…
A Woman’s Prague-ative - I’m changing this shimmery copper for…never mind!
Vant to Bite My Neck? - You know you want to…wear this deep eggplant.
I Saw…U Saw…We Saw…Warsaw - Be seen in this deep midnight blue.
My Vampire is Buff - Creamy, pale and nude…just how I like my vampires.

I had a chance to try out You’re Such a BudaPest, Hands Off My Kielbasa!, OY–Another Polish Joke! and Can’t Find My Czechbook. Now the truth is, my finger nails are dreadful thanks to OCD and a nail-biting habit I should have grown out of about 20 years ago. So, I’ve set the polishes aside for flip-flop and peep-toe weather this summer. But I am exceptionally excited for Can’t Find My Czechbook – I’ve been looking for creamy aqua shade for the longest time, and baby, this is IT. (more…)

Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

It’s the holidays, and I’ve been featuring some pretty awesome pieces from Sephora. Did you have a chance to check out the Disney Cinderella Collection, Sephora Collection Color Daze Blockbuster or Sephora by OPI Tinsel Town Collector’s Set? They’re all fabulous gifts for a girlfriend – or yourself! – this Christmas.

The good news? I’ve been able to introduce you to a few of my favourite special edition makeup collections. The not-so-good news? I’ve got a ton of additional makeup, just waiting to be reviewed. Chances are, I won’t be able to get to it before the holidays. And if you don’t believe me, perhaps you caught the picture I uploaded to my Facebook Fan Page last month…

Yup, it’s all there. And by now, you’re probably starting to think, What Gives, Lena?

You see, it’s not that I’m uninterested in the makeup generously provided by Sephora. Trust me, this stuff is spectacular. It’s just that I always request just a little bit extra… so I can share the love with a lucky reader! And since the holidays are the perfect time to #PayitForward… (more…)

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

It was a question that we weighed with much thought and consideration. It was a decision that we did not come to lightly; we spent many moments pondering, soliciting advice and listing the pros and cons.

“Should we bring a double stroller to Walt Disney World?”

To many, the answer would be glaringly obvious… YES! There’s so much walking to do, and with two toddlers, why take on the hassle of running after one – or two?

However, on the other hand, Ryder is a tall 4-year-old who hasn’t been in a stroller for almost two years now, so we questioned whether he would even cooperate and sit next to his little brother. Plus, aren’t double strollers bulky and awkward to travel with?

And then.. the heavens parted… and we were sent the Britax B-AGILE Double stroller to review. Or, as I like to call it – the Swagger Wagon 2.0.

Here’s Why it’s AWESOME:

- Quick-Fold with Automatic Chassis Lock
- Lightweight aluminum frame
- Less than 30.5 inches wide to fit through standard doorways
- Large under seat storage with access through front foot rest
- Two additional storage pockets behind seats
- Separate large canopies with ventilation windows
- Height adjustable handle
- CLICK & GO integrated adapter system
- No re-thread, adjustable, five-point harness and head pad
- Infinite seat recline positions
- Linked parking brake locks both rear wheels
- All-wheel suspension provides for a smooth ride
- Included: BRITAX CLICK & GO infant car seat receivers
- Appropriate from birth up to 50 lbs per seat
- MSRP (CAD) $499.99 (more…)

NOTE: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

One of my favourite fringe benefits of blogging is the opportunity to spread a little magic – especially during the holiday season. This year, I’m thrilled to partner with one of my favourite brands – MOTOROLA - to do just that.

(Shameless Plug: Did you know that last year, I was crowned MOTOROLA’s Social BLAZR? I’m a pretty big deal.)

This season, MOTOROLA reached out to me and asked if I wanted to participate in a feel-good giveaway for all my fabulous readers. How could I say no? So without further adieu, here’s the deal:

1. We know that many readers have yet to experience their very own Smartphone.
2. You can win one here. Win a MOTOROLA DEFY PRO (Rogers) or a MOTOROLA RAZR V (Bell).
3. Merry Christmas!

Now isn’t that a little MOTOROLA Magic?

MOTOROLA DEFY PRO

Mom is ready for whatever life throws her way. Just like the MOTOROLA DEFY PRO, she is impossibly strong and built tough. Whether she is all business by day or multitasking Mom by night, DEFY PRO will help her keep on top of what’s important.

Android-powered with a full QWERTY keyboard to send emails and text messages and a high capacity battery with Motorola’s Battery Manager, all Mom’s important information is kept front and center; she’ll never miss a beat. Best of all, DEFY PRO is certified for resistance against scratches, spills and dust with its flawless chrome finish and 2.7-inch Corning Gorilla Glass display, and just like Mom, has a simple and elegant look. No one said being a Mom was easy, but with a MOTOROLA DEFY PRO in her very capable hands, it might just help make it a bit easier. (MSRP: $249.00)

MOTOROLA RAZR V

Your son knows exactly what he wants: a MOTOROLA RAZR V. It’s remarkably thin design – just 8.4 mm – and DuPont Kevlar fiber, which gives an other-worldly sturdiness to the outer shell, and scratch-resistant screen that defends against bumps and bruises, means RAZR V can go wherever he does.

Life isn’t easy and Motorola RAZR V knows it. That’s why there’s SMARTACTIONS, an app that intelligently automates everyday tasks and suggests ways to personalize sons’ phone (and make life easier).

Powered by Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) with access to over 600,000 apps and games plus millions of books and thousands of movies and TV shows on Google Play. View everything on the high-res 4.3” ColourBoost display, which supports a wide range of more vibrant colours for greater detail and sharper, clearer images. You’ll also have access to hundreds of thousands of books, movies, apps and games in the Google Play store – many of them free. (MSRP: $399.95)

Now wouldn’t you just love to see one of these shiny new phones under the tree this year? Well, enter below to win! Please note: the DEFY PRO is on the Rogers network, while the RAZR V is exclusive to Bell.

Thank you MOTOROLA for helping to spread some magic this holiday season! (more…)

*Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only*

If you’re a longtime reader of Listen to Lena, you’ll know that I don’t often rave about products. Truth is, I’m hard to impress. After watching Titanic, I said it was “just okay”… and that guy walking on a tightrope across Niagara Falls? Meh. I could do that.

(I’m just being snarky, of course. Maybe.)

So I’m about to take a huge departure from my normal, composed, that-don’t-impress-me-much self… as I am 100% in love, madly raving, totally head over heels about CUTCO Knives.

The timeline of gushing:

“OMG where have you been all my life? I always thought knives were knives – and as long as you purchased a set of fair quality, you were good to go. Not true!” – Lena, 14 days ago

“These knives are so sharp, they could cut tension in the air.” – Lena, 10 days ago

“I can’t believe how much I enjoy prepping food now! Chopping vegetables and slicing raw meats used to be my least favourite tasks. The CUTCO knives actually have me wanting to cook from scratch!” – Lena, 8 days ago

“I have added CUTCO knives to my will. Because they’re so awesome, I need to make sure they go to the right person when I pass on. You’re welcome.” – Lena, yesterday

Okay, okay – let me reign myself in. It all started about a month ago, when I was sent a CUTCO All Knife Set with Tray to review. Now, I likely should have realized right away that this was an amazing set (based on the 5/5 rating for sharpness and quality plus glowing reviews), but remember, we’re talking about me – Ms.”Whatever”. So I truly had to try the knives out for myself before I could say I was blown away.

About the All Knife Set with Tray (retail $529)

Basic yet diverse. In this 5-piece set you’ll find a sampling of CUTCO’s straight- and Double-D edge knives in a convenient storage tray. This set includes:

2-3/4″ Paring Knife - Trimmer - Spatula Spreader - 7-5/8″ Petite Chef - 9″ Carver - Sharpener - FREE Prep Board - 5-Pc. Knife & Fork Tray

Did you notice the little (retail $529) that I tried to sneak in? Yeah, I knew you would. So I suppose I should start out by addressing the elephant in the room: Would I pay $529 for a set of kitchen knives?

Truthfully, one month ago, the answer would have been no. Because as I stated previously, I didn’t really believe there was a huge difference between knife sets, and since all retailers sell blocks for $150-$350, I thought that it was average value for an average product.

Now, I’m singing a different tune. I suppose the easiest way to put it is this: I would forgo purchasing a Michael Kors handbag to purchase this knife set. YES, I would find the money. I would budget it in. I would borrow from my credit line. I would cancel Christmas.

I warned you that I’d be raving, no? (more…)