If you’ve read my previous posts on Bento Sushi, you’ll know that I’ve been indulging in their products on a weekly basis for YEARS now… in fact, no supermarket stop is complete without a tray of their famous “Handcrafted Sushi. Ready to Roll.”

In addition to their fresh, delicious, and always convenient creations, I love that Bento places a keen emphasis on creativity – coupled with quality. In fact, one clear example of their continued appreciation for ingenuity was their recent Bento Iron Chef Competition -

“1,100 Chefs from across Canada showcased their talents and creativity, ultimately leading to one Chef, being crowned the Iron Chef Champion. The competition required supreme skill, exact precision, and flawless execution.”

I tend to swing to extremes – either I do something extraordinarily well, or fail miserably at it. In fact, I often wish I was Jennifer Lopez and could get paid for excelling at mediocrity (how can someone be a mediocre singer-actress-designer-producer-dancer-perfumer and still warrant that kind of paycheck? Oh yeah, she’s hot).

Focus, Lena.

Anyhoo, one of the things I royally reek at is getting a healthy, balanced breakfast from the boys’ plate to their mouths. Like, I fail at this EVERY morning. In all fairness, they don’t put up too much of a fuss at lunch and dinner; there’s just something about the 8:00 a.m. meal which has them pushing the food away in frustration, irritation and downright hostility.

I like breakfast. In fact, it’s probably the meal I look forward to most!

Think about it – it’s the only meal where it’s socially acceptable to have something sweet or savoury – or a glorious combination of the two. They even invented a hall pass for gorging on pastries and little cakes – it’s called “Continental Breakfast”. And every fitness enthusiast will preach the importance of protein in the morning – bacon IS a great source of protein, right? Right.

So what the heck is their deal? I am at a loss. Ryder and Reid will push aside cereal and take about one bite of scrambled eggs (sometime two). Muffins will be tossed on the floor and don’t even get me started on oatmeal… the gagging begins the second they see the pot of water boiling on the stove. Toast? Used as Jedi swords.

(They even discard bacon. Seriously! They cannot be my sons.)

In fact is, the only thing they will eat willingly – in large quantities – is fruit. A bowl of strawberries, sliced banana and apple, and a few blueberries for good measure. THIS is my “Plan B” every morning… which is slowly starting to turn into Plan A, since I’m just about done wasting perfectly good food, and my waistline can’t afford the whole “waste not want not” phenomena, if you know what I mean.

Fruit they will eat. Even veggies – thinly sliced raw green pepper, cucumber and grape tomatoes make repeat appearances at the breakfast table for the boys. (Ryder asked for an onion the other day, and after insisting it’s not a good food to eat raw, I called his bluff and handed him a slice. He ate it and asked for a second. Who IS this little person?) (more…)

I’m going to let you in on a little secret.

(I’ve always wanted to say that. Of course, I always thought it would be followed by earth-shattering news, and while Fisher-Price coupons are HUGE, I don’t want anyone sitting at the edge of their seat in anticipation. It’s just a silly phrase, I promise. Sounds pretty mysterious though, no?)

Here it is. We are just a few short months away from JAS-fest.

Confused? I’ll spell it out. Before we know it, July, August and September (JAS) will be here. And they happen to be the three months with the MOST births and birthdays in the entire year. Get ready for birth announcements, baby shower invitations and a slew of kids parties that will keep your social calendar hoppin’ and your children on a three-month sugar high.

(Unless the birthday kid’s parents aren’t serving sugar at the party. Skip those parties.)

So how do you make it through JAS-fest without losing your mind (and money)? Three words:

START. SHOPPING. NOW.

Honestly, it’s the best way to prepare. Look through flyers, clip coupons, find awesome sales and grab those prezzies at a great price now, to be gifted later. It’ll take much stress out of the busy birthday season, and you’ll avoid rushed day-before (or day-of!) purchases where you’ll likely pay full price or worse, end up grabbing the first overpriced item you see – thereby compensating for your lack of planning with an extravagant purchase.

Need some inspiration to get you started? Fisher-Price to the rescue! (more…)

If you live in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) you’re in luck – serious style can be yours at seriously amazing prices. Yes, I’m writing about Urban Barn again, but I love the stuff, k?

Last week, I popped into the Urban Barn clearance outlet in Scarborough (430 Progress Avenue). We don’t usually venture out east, but we had about a million errands to run that spanned the entire city, so decided to pop in for a quick look.

Two words: SHOPPING MECCA.

The clearance outlet is advertised as “Massive Savings… Small Imperfections” – but in addition to slightly damaged merchandise, you can also grab absolutely perfect stock that has been moved from their regular stores for final clearance at the outlet.

At the store, we did see a few drool-worthy pieces that had a small nick or two, but I just couldn’t live with the imperfections :(  Alas, I’m the type of person who would rather spend full price and then go over the merchandise with a fine-toothed comb to make sure it’s flawless (yes, I’m one of THOSE customers).

Anyhoo, I’m happy to say that I scored a few items at ridiculously low prices. First, while I wasn’t necessarily looking for a new duvet set, I couldn’t resist this simple, modern pattern called “LAUREN”.

REGULAR PRICE: $190 for King Set
AFTER MARKDOWNS: $27.99
SAVINGS: 85% 

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Okay, so this is my first Nail of the Day (NOTD)… ever.

With good reason! My nails suck – they’re stubby, have massive cuticles and haven’t seen a manicurist in oh… let’s say two years. Maybe three.

(My fault, of course – I never seem to make time for the small things. Need to change that this year.)

Anyhoo, I happened to be sporting “Thanks a Windmillion” from OPI’s Holland Collection when I came across the photo on the right – a beautiful sea-green saree complemented with ultra romantic pink detailing. And then, of course, I remembered the Deborah Lippmann “Some Enchanted Evening” nail lacquer I had included in my Topbox review from earlier today. (more…)

If you’ve been on the fence about the new trend in beauty – monthly subscriptions for deluxe samples delivered right to your door – you’re not alone. Last year I profiled Luxe Box, one of the pioneering companies of this service in Canada – and my review was met with mixed feedback. While many of y’all loved the element of surprise, and the ability to try products you wouldn’t normally have access to (without paying full price, that is), just as many readers were concerned about the lack of relevance and fit, and the absence of consistency from month to month. Since I was only given the opportunity to review one box – which was admittedly a “deluxe” version that subscribers wouldn’t necessarily receive – I had no basis for comparison to comment on fit or consistency. I’ll admit it – it was a #reviewfail

So when the makers of Topbox approached me to review their service, I was quite insistent that I would need to receive a minimum of two regular boxes – at a 3-month interval – to adequately appraise the quality and consistency of their products. The company had absolutely no problem with that, which is not only a testimony to their confidence in the service, but the realization that regularly impressing customers is the cornerstone of their business.

My first Topbox for review was November 2011 – which included a Cake Velveteen Hand Creme (full size), Deborah Lippman “Some Enchanted Evening” Nail Lacquer (full size), Dr. Brandt Time Arrest Eye Serum and Stila Lip Glaze in Raspberry, all packaged in a reusable cardboard cylinder (LOVE the reduced packaging. I have no use for all the frills; it’s about the beauty, not the beautiful container!).

My first reaction to the contents was “Now THIS I can use!” I don’t have to tell you that I’ve been a long-time fan of Cake products, and any time I can get my hands on Deborah Lippman nail lacquer – which normally retails for $20 a pop – let’s just say I do a happy dance. Plus, I adore the mini Stila Lip Glaze; the mini tube is the perfect size for popping in a purse or pocket. And finally, Dr. Brandt… HELLO! The eye serum retails for $85.00, so what better way to put it to the test before doing major damage to my wallet?

The November 2011 had an average retail value of $69.00 – not bad for a $10 monthly service fee! Overall I was thoroughly impressed and can truly say that I’ve used EVERY product in the Topbox. I couldn’t wait to receive the next one!  (more…)

I must admit that I’m a little nervous about the boys growing up. Apart from the obvious: money spent on looking “cool”, talking back and arguing with mommy mom, and the arguments over bedtime/curfew/mall-rat behaviour/etc…. I’m petrified at keeping up with all the STUFF they’ll be into. Hot Wheels? I can dig that. Virtual games, Surf One Longboards and “I Am T-Pain” microphones? YIKES.

However, never one to bury my head in the sand, I am always curious about what tweens and teens consider “hot” today. Enter BunkiMunki – a safe, meaningful virtual world aimed at providing kids with the motivation to become positive thinkers and ultimately, confident and well-rounded young adults. (I’ll take this over a T-Pain mic any day.)

I became interested in BunkiMunki after seeing buzz from fellow parents on Facebook – many seemed to be thrilled with the plush toys, wearable keys and of course, the online world of BunkiMunki. And who gives better advice than fellow parents?

“Kids can join BunkiMunki for free and immediately have fun by customizing their own alias in the likeness of BunkiMunki, the brand character. They can create their own home space with realistic décor to suit their own individual style and personality. With activities like journal writing, music creation, earning badges, and playing games, kids will be rewarded with Bunki Bucks, a virtual currency that can be spent at The Emporium, a virtual store. The website offers a Premium Membership allowing kids unlimited access to all social media features including B-Mail, Chat, Friends and much more.”

Since the boys are too young to fully appreciate the world of BunkiMunki, feel free to link over to My Organized Chaos, where Tammi’s daughter had a blast touring the website. (Like what you see? Save 50% off your membership with code L2LFE12.)

I love the positive and empowering message – and can only hope that as my boys grow, they’ll gravitate to toys and entertainment that encompass both. Of course, they’ll have a lot of guidance from mommy :)

To learn more about BunkiMunki, visit their website, Facebook Page, or you can follow them on Twitter.

Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

I’m no stranger to wall decals. In fact, I *may* have an addiction.

Any why not? They are quite frankly the EASIEST way to give your room a burst of colour, a touch of personality or simply a fun, vibrant edge. I’ve been experimenting with wall art for years now, beginning with Ryder’s playroom and most recently, my guest bathroom.

I’m also no stranger to Oliver’s Labels. Still my go-to favourite for fashion forward labels (remember my Pucci-inspired name labels?), I was incredibly excited to learn that their NEW line of Room-eez Wall Decor is now available in Canada.

“Room-eez Name Decals are a fun and easy way of personalizing your child’s room. The name prints 26” wide and varies in height depending on your choice of font and the length of the name. Add a set of decorative graphics in your child’s favorite design theme to add even more personality.

Room-eez Name Decals are made from a specialized material that is strong enough to stick on the wall forever yet gentle enough to be repositioned or removed without causing any damage. Unlike the majority of wall graphics on the market, this advanced, high quality material is not vinyl and therefore doesn’t shrink, curl or stretch the way vinyl does.”

When Oliver’s asked me to review a set of name + graphic decals, I was tickled pink. I consider myself quite the wall decor connoisseur, and was eager to put them to the test.

Searching through the available graphics, I must admit that they aren’t exactly my preferred style – while the selection of colours and graphics is generous, all of the icons have a very juvenile feel. I’d like to see them mix it up with a few sophisticated designs, especially for older children, teens, and parents of wee ones who prefer a more streamlined/ modern approach to style. Say, a one-animal theme (like monkeys! I love monkeys!) with varying poses and sizes. (more…)

I just want to put the following on record: when I was contacted by the makers of  Zax’s Kids Bruise Cream to review the treatment cream, it was a NO-BRAINER. Ryder, at just shy of 4 years old, is one helluva an active kid. We can’t figure out if he just has a zest for life… or is moonlighting as a stunt double while we’re asleep.

And oh yeah, he’s got a few bruises.

I’m always skeptical to apply “ointments” or “treatments” that aren’t strictly necessary, but in this case, I was willing to make an exception. It helps that favourable reviews of the bruise cream were popping up on my favourite blogs – check out these testimonials from My Organized Chaos and Toronto Teacher Mom.

The Product

Zax’s Kid’s Bruise Cream is the first only natural Cream that has been approved by Health Canada to treat bruising in children (ages 2 – 11 years old)! It is pharmacist-developed, Canadian made, and works quickly and effectively with the body’s natural healing system to help speed healing of bruises. Our KIDs version of our famous Bruise Cream uses the same 10% Arnica Oil as the active ingredient along with Witch Hazel (menthol-free).

Why It Works

Zax’s Kid’s Bruise Cream contains sesquiterpene lactones, which may assist in healing of bruises by decreasing swelling, speeding blood reabsorption and decreasing pain. The addition of Witch Hazel contains tannins that give it astringent properties; it eases bruising by tightening stretched veins and restoring blood vessel tone.

Upon receiving the bruise cream, I was pleased with the compact size (perfectly for toting in a purse – or a back pocket). Not so impressive: the lack of a safety seal. I’m generally paranoid about using a product that doesn’t include some sort of tamper-proof device. When it’s a product I need to use on my children, that paranoia quadruples. (more…)

When Ryder was a wee one, I had little knowledge about the toys he would eventually come to love. After all, I spent most of my time trying to prevent him from putting batteries in his mouth (yes, he could pry open every remote control cover known to mankind), and therefore was just happy with him gumming normal, FDA-approved toys.

But seasoned parents knew better.

“Is he into Thomas and Friends yet?” they’d ask.
“Not yet…” I’d respond with hesitation.
“Oh, he will be!” they’d cry with jubilation, rubbing their hands together in delight.

I later learned that their joy was not related to the prospect of my son having an enriching experience with toys, but rather that I too would be sent straight to the poor house trying to afford the extensive collection of trains, tracks and paraphernalia.

(True story: the first time I laid eyes on the $249 deluxe train table, I yanked Ryder so quickly in the other direction, he may have caught air time.) (more…)

I wanted to send out a HUGE thank you to everyone who participated in the the Schick Hydro Silk Razor testing program. A razor was sent out to 50 awesome readers, and the ladies took the time to shave their legs – in the winter, gasp! – in order to put the razor to the test.

Now y’all know that I’ve been singing the praises of the razor, and why not?

Schick says: Schick Hydro Silk hydrates skin like no other razor can. This uniquely designed razor goes beyond an incredibly close shave to actually care for your skin. With Water-Activated Moisturizing Serum & 5 Curve-Sensing blades with skin guards to help protect skin from irritation, the Hydro Silk razor leaves skin feeling silky smooth! And it’s preferred over the leading 5 blade razor.

Lena says: Shaving with the NEW Schick Hydro Silk razor was likely the BEST shaving experience I’ve ever had. Two hours later, my skin is silky smooth and incredibly soft. The razor lives up to its claim of giving back moisture, because my all-too-frequent alligator skin is currently in check. LOVE this razor!

But don’t take our word for it – here’s just a sample of reader feedback:

Of course, it’s not all roses – some readers did have the following concerns:

- “The razor itself is rather large and bulky.”
- “Experienced clumping of the serum near the top of the razor that had to be wiped off.”
- “I wish the product had a plastic “cap” to cover the blade when not in use and for travel.”

I am happy to share all of the feedback – good and not-so-good – with Schick. Overall, the majority of the testers gave the razor two thumbs WAY up. Curious to see what they said? All of the reader feedback can be found in the comments section of this post. If you’ve tried the razor yourself and would love to weigh in, I encourage you to leave your own testimonial!

Spring is just around the corner and I’m very much looking forward to breaking out my smooth, silky legs courtesy of the new Schick Hydro Silk razor. Be sure to like Schick Hydro Silk Canada on Facebook – you’ll gain exclusive access to the latest news, tips and tricks for keeping skin smooth, and incredible coupons!

And drumroll please… congratulations to Karina R., winner of the $100 Visa Gift Card!

It’s been a pleasure shaving, reviewing and partying with y’all… Viva la Schick Hydro Silk!

Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

This is a true story: A few weeks ago, I had plans on a Friday night. When my girlfriend called to confirm, I waffled a bit.

“What’s wrong?” she demanded.
“Oh nothing…” I answered.
“Well what’s the problem then? Pick you up at eight?”
“The truth is… I kinda want to stay home and put together this Little Tikes kitchen that arrived today…”

Okay, I know that I may have issues. But I also knew that my boys – who spend a lot of time engaging in pretend play – would be absolutely enthralled with the playset. I was really torn, but in the end I decided to be a good friend… and blow off my plans. After all, why party with girlfriends… when you can do THIS on a Friday night.

Now don’t be scared. Yes, when the good folks at Little Tikes sent us the Cookin’ Creations Kitchen to review, I didn’t exactly realize that it would arrive in about oh, a hundred pieces. Maybe more. The above picture was taken after an hour of work; the entire assembly took four (4) hours and sometimes required two people. But most of the time, I drank coffee and poured over the instructions while my husband manned the screwdriver. And so before we chat about the actual playset, I have this advice to offer: (more…)

Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

I don’t think there’s a single person out there who doesn’t believe that natural is better.

(Unless you work for the petroleum industry, of course, in which case – rock on with those chemicals, dude – just keep them away from me… and my skin.)

This post is rather timely: although Toronto has been spared from much of Old Man Winter’s wrath, the weather network is calling for about 10cm of the white stuff tomorrow (insert sad face). And while snow really looks pretty from a window when you’re snuggled by the fireplace, outside, the elements can wreak havoc on your skin.

Dry, cracked skin. Brittle nails. Chapped lips. Flaky, red patches. Oh my!

Of course, if our skin is vulnerable to frigid weather, imagine what it can do to the soft, sensitive skin of a baby! Thank goodness we have access to high quality products which nourish and protect, including Weleda’s Calendula Baby Care. I’ve had a chance to dabble in a few of the products, which include all-natural ingredients that are compatible with the skin’s natural lipid layer, helping to maintain the skin’s protective barrier and prevent skin from reacting. In short, let’s just say that I. Am. Impressed.

But fist, why Calendula?

“Calendula is known for aiding the healing process of small wounds, red, inflamed skin and skin infections. As a natural antiseptic, calendula is renowned for soothing irritated skin. The flowers blossom under warm sunlight. This vitality is captured in our formulas, wrapping your little one in a layer of warmth and protection.”

(Trust me, this isn’t just any old calendula. The medicinal plant is grown biodynamically in the Weleda’s own gardens in Schwäbisch Gmünd, Germany! So let’s just say they have a handle on the quality of the ingredients.)

I’ve been using Weleda’s NEW Calendula Weather Protection Cream for the last few days, and I’m quite loving everything about the formula. The 100% natural product shields skin from the damage caused by exposure to outdoor elements such as wind, cold and rain, and since it contains pure beeswax, it protects skin while allowing it to breathe, unlike products which contain petroleum-based ingredients like mineral oils. (more…)

What would a weekend be without a trip to Walmart?

(Technically, it would be a weekend pre-kids. And it would be a pretty freakin’ spectacular weekend. But alas…)

Y’all must be familiar now with my Equal Sweetener “missions” – this time, it was to scope out Equal Sucralose Sweetener in the yellow canister at Walmart, and then cook with it. Since Equal Sucralose Sweetener can be substituted for sugar 1:1 in recipes, it’s a great option for those who require dietary modifications or are looking for an alternative to sugar.

Walmart at 10:00am on a Sunday morning was quite divine, I must say. With a handful of customers and the absence of bumper carts, I was in my shopping element. Although I toted the family along, the kids seem to annoy me less when the store isn’t as busy. Plus, I had taken the time to review the online flyer, so I was feeling pretty good about some great deals going on.

Here’s a depressing revelation: within seconds of entering the store, we loaded up the cart with “necessities” – diapers for Reid and cereal for the rest of us. And just like that, we had already spent $50. WAAAA! When I was in my 20′s, it would take a loaded hand buggy for me to spend $50 at Walmart. Kids are a siphon on your finances.

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Conventional wisdom tells me that my readers must read – at the very least – the first few lines of any blog post. With that in mind, I’ll get straight to the point:

If you live in the Greater Toronto Area and are looking for a nutritious, delicious and convenient meal program, you simply MUST try Personal Gourmet by Rose Reisman.

Still reading? Here’s the scoop. I’ve tried meal delivery plans before, and have been very pleased with the results. The food was yummy and I couldn’t beat the convenience. Not so convenient: the lack of flexibility. Because some nights, I wanted to cook my own healthy, low fat meal – but since the meal was already there, I’d be throwing away food (and money) if I opted for a home-cooked option. And so I plugged on, limited to what arrived on my doorstep every morning.

That’s why Personal Gourmet by Rose Reisman is different, and SO awesome. In addition to a a fresh food delivery service, she also offers a frozen gourmet option. And if you just thought, “Ew! Frozen? Why would I have frozen meals delivered?” – read on, friends, because this is definitely NOT conventional freezer food.

But first, who’s Rose Reisman?

“Rose Reisman is Canada’s go-to nutrition and wellness expert. She is an Adjunct Professor in the Faculty of Health at York University, a Registered Nutritionist, and author of 17 best-selling books on nutrition and healthy cooking. She is a regular guest expert on Breakfast Television, Cityline, Canada AM, 680 News and the National Post. Reisman is also the executive director of Glow Fresh Grill and owner of Rose Reisman Catering and Personal Gourmet.” (more…)