Okay, let’s just get straight to the point: It’s sunny outside.

IT’S FINALLY SUNNY OUTSIDE! 

Yes, it’s beginning to look a lot like summer. And if there’s one product that is synonymous with summer, it’s Hawaiian Tropic. A few days ago, I posted an exclusive sampling opportunity for Hawaiian Tropic’s Silk Hydration Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30.

Why it’s awesome:

The Silk Hydration Sunscreen incorporates UVA and UVB sun protection with hydrating ribbons infused with silk protein and shea butter. And on top of Hawaiian Tropic’s trusted formula, you’ll also receive 12-hour moisture, a silky, luxurious feel and waterproof protection. Did I forget to mention the signature coconut fragrance? Smells like summer!

For those who were lucky enough to grab a sample, enjoy! I’m sure you’ll love it as much as I do. And for those who missed out, fear not… it’s a #HawaiianTropicCA Twitter Party!

We’ve got TONS of amazing gift baskets to give away, including Visa Gift Cards ($$$!) and Hawaiian Tropic Summer Kick Off Kits! The kits are worth approximately $75 and include:

Sarong - Hat - Hawaiian Tropic Towel - 2 Silk Hydration Sunscreen Lotions (SPF 30 & SPF 50) - 1 Silk Hydration After Sun Moisturizer - 2 Island Radiance Self Tanning Lotion (Medium and Medium Dark).  (more…)

Since we had SO much fun during our last Twitter Party for The Client List, we thought we’d do it all over again!

This Sunday, April 21st at 10:00pm ET, join us for #TheClientList Twitter Party. We’ll once again be live tweeting during the wildly popular second season – and if you’re a fan of the show, or would love to see what all the hype’s about – c’mon and stop by!

ALL Canadians are welcome to tweet with us – just be sure to RSVP and that all of your tweets include both @lifetimetvca and #theclientlist in order to be eligible for prizes.

Speaking of prizes, we’re giving away some AMAZING ones this time around!

- 3 x $25.00 Amazon.ca Gift Cards
- 2 x $50.00 Amazon.ca Gift Cards
- 1 x $100.00 Grand Prize Amazon.ca Gift Card

If you’re following along on Tweet Grid and wish to solely follow the party, be sure to enter “#theclientlist @lifetimetvca” as your search string.

Not sure what channel Lifetime is on? Click here to view Lifetime’s helpful channel guide.

About the Show:

“The sweet yet seductive Riley Parks is back with a new season and new secrets in The Client List, starring and executive produced by Golden Globe-nominee Jennifer Love Hewitt. Following last season’s cliffhanger finale, more drama and new threats await Riley Parks (Jennifer Love Hewitt) in the equally steamy second season of The Client List. After being deserted by her husband and left alone in financial despair, the Texas single mother of two accepts a larger role at The Rub, the seemingly traditional spa that offers clients on the list special “extras,” adding further obstacles to her already difficult double life. But it’s the sudden return of her estranged husband Kyle (Brian Hallisay) that proves to be especially challenging for Riley as her feelings for brother-in-law Evan (Colin Egglesfield) finally come to a boil. Caught with her back against the wall, trust becomes an overwhelming issue for Riley as everyone, including those closest to her, seem to be hiding something.”

Don’t forget to RSVP to be eligible for prizes… click here!

It’s no secret that my family has been bitten by the travel bug. We’ve had the awesome opportunity to participate in many family adventures – so much so that we’ve started planning for our first bona fide vacation for the end of 2013.

(My, how far I’ve come since the first time I discussed family travel – where I was literally freaking out at the prospect! I guess it goes to show you that time spent together with your family always overshadows all the little worries.)

It’s also no secret that family travel is expensive.

Often, just the thought of the time, expenses and amount of planning involved can prevent families from taking a much-needed vacation. It’s tragic! Especially when you consider that there are resources available to help every family save for and select the perfect vacation.

Well, if you’re planning on getting away, great news! The TD Affordable Family Travel Guide provides simple tips and budgeting tactics that allow you to plan a great family vacation, without breaking the bank.

The first step to budgeting for family travel? Join us for the #TDFamilyTravel Twitter Party on Thursday April 25th from 9 to 10 pm EST. We’ll chat about your best advice for planning budget-friendly family travel and get tips from TD Canada Trust on how to budget, save and stretch your travel dollar further. (more…)

There are so many ways I could introduce this Twitter Party – you know, talk about my addiction to Bounty Paper Towels; how they’ve helped us out of mess after mess… and why it’s so important to have them on hand for every little disaster.

But really, what it comes down to is this: Who wants to win a ONE-YEAR supply of Bounty? Um yeah, that would be EVERYONE!!

Here’s the scoop. Food Network Canada’s newest original competition series, Donut Showdown, premieres on Tuesday, April 2nd at 10pm ET/PT. And, Bounty happens to be the title sponsor!

(I can totally see that. Jelly donuts, cream puffs and chocolate cruellers? Recipe for a mess, for sure!)

“Hosted by international food television personality Danny Boome (from The Chew and Recipe Rehab), Donut Showdown features an all-star judges panel, who will decide which fried dessert will make the cut. The judges are Food Network Canada chef David Rocco, culinary expert Maggie McKeown of Recipe to Riches and popular Toronto restauranteur Zane Caplansky. Each episode starts with three competitors who will be asked to create a fried treat using bizarre and top-secret ingredients. At the end of each week, only one will prevail and will walk away with a $10,000 prize.”

Join us as we TWEET LIVE with Bounty during the show, chatting up all the thrills and spills. (I recommend having a light snack on hand – there’ll be a lot of donut talk, so you may get a case of the late-night munchies!)

DATE and TIME: Tuesday, April 2nd at 10:00pm ET
HASHTAG: #BountyShowdown
MODERATORS: @Listen2Lena – @FeistyFrugal – @Jen_Banks – @ParentClub – @SassyModernMom

Of course, you know we have some AMAZING prizing up for grabs – we’ll be giving away 5 x 6-months supply of Bounty, and 3 x 1-year supply of Bounty. Now raise your hand if you just got ridiculously excited about that – congratulations, you must be a Mom! (more…)

Canadians, if you love Lifetime TV Canada, and you love Twitter Parties, this one’s for you.

This Sunday, March 10th at 10:00pm ET, join us for #TheClientList Twitter Party. We’ll be live tweeting during the premiere of the widely anticipated second season – and if you’re a fan of the show, or would love to see what all the hype’s about – we would love for you to join us.

About the Show:

“The sweet yet seductive Riley Parks is back with a new season and new secrets in The Client List, starring and executive produced by Golden Globe-nominee Jennifer Love Hewitt. Following last season’s cliffhanger finale, more drama and new threats await Riley Parks (Jennifer Love Hewitt) in the equally steamy second season of The Client List. After being deserted by her husband and left alone in financial despair, the Texas single mother of two accepts a larger role at The Rub, the seemingly traditional spa that offers clients on the list special “extras,” adding further obstacles to her already difficult double life. But it’s the sudden return of her estranged husband Kyle (Brian Hallisay) that proves to be especially challenging for Riley as her feelings for brother-in-law Evan (Colin Egglesfield) finally come to a boil. Caught with her back against the wall, trust becomes an overwhelming issue for Riley as everyone, including those closest to her, seem to be hiding something.”

Although the show centers around Riley, we tend to wait for Evan to appear -

If you’re not a regular viewer of the show, don’t fear! Here’s your chance to get caught up – you can watch The Client List Season One Marathon beginning at 12:00pm ET on Lifetime TV Canada. A whole day of drama, intrigue, ethical debates, sexual tension and um, Colin Egglesfield? Yes please!

Then, join us and @LifetimeTVCA for a fun Twitter Party! ALL Canadians are welcome to tweet with us – just be sure to follow @LifetimeTVCA and RSVP below to be eligible for prizes.

(Click here to view the Lifetime TV Canada channel guide to find a service provider in your area.) (more…)

If you caught my “I Always Feel Better in Florida” post below, you’ll know that I’m a huge fan of citrus fruits and juices. They’re a great addition to a nutritious diet, helping you #FeelBetterFL through cold and flu season.

Looking for healthy ways to start the year off right? Join us on Tuesday, January 22nd for a @FeelBetterFL Twitter Party! We’ll be sharing ideas and recipes that are sure to help you feel your best during winter and throughout the year. Here’s what you need to know:

DATE and TIME: Tuesday, January 22nd at 8:00pm ET
HASHTAG: #FeelBetterFL

HOST: @FeelBetterFL
MODERATORS: @Listen2Lena – @NuggleMama – @SassyModernMom – @TeacherMomofTwo

Prizing is available to Canadians only. (more…)

Have you noticed a theme to my recent posts? Holiday this, holiday that. And since I’m a Christmas junkie (cue the Jingle Bells and mistletoe) it’s just my favourite time of year to spread good will and cheer. So, consider yourself warned – lots of Ho Ho Ho! talk on the way.

And amidst the hustle and bustle of the season, there’s just something magical that happens around this time -

Canadians are kind. We help neighbours string up their Christmas lights, volunteer to wrap gifts for the elderly and bake festive cookies for co-workers.

Canadians are generous. We donate to charitable causes, collect non-perishable items for food drives and distribute a mountain of toys at local hospitals.

Canadians are jolly. We celebrate with family and friends, turn up our favourite Christmas carols and sneak a kiss (or two) under the mistletoe.

Now you may be thinking – “Lena is viewing Christmas through rose-coloured shades! What about the cranky last minute shoppers, rampant materialism and dissipation of the true meaning of the holiday?”

True. But that’s the wonderful thing about each holiday season – every year, it’s another chance to get it right. It’s another chance to make amends, do something special, empty your pockets for a good cause and see the world through the eyes of a child. It’s another chance to pay it forward.

This Christmas, I’m so pleased to join Butterball Canada in hosting a #PayitForward Holiday Twitter Party. On Wednesday, November 28th at 8:00pm EST, we’ll be chatting about all the ways you keep the holiday spirit alive and your best tips for spreading joy this season. To celebrate, we’ll be giving away six $50 Butterball Gift Certificates.

And you’ll have the chance to pay it forward.

For those lucky six individuals, you’ll also receive an additional $50 Butterball Gift Certificate to gift to anyone you please. Whether it be a co-worker with many mouths to feed; a friendly neighbour who always helps out; a local food bank or even someone in your family, here’s your chance to pay it forward with Butterball. (more…)

It looks like even Edward and Bella are riding the latest craze of social soirées – to celebrate the release of The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2 on November 12th, eOne is hosting a Twitter Party!

(Side note: I fully admit to reading the entire collection over 5 days. Ryder was just a few months old and I was hardly sleeping anyways, so I decided to forego slumber altogether and was pulled into the twirrific world of vampires and werewolves. Who says a 30-year-old woman can’t enjoy teen fiction? It’s the best kind!)

This epic 2 hour Twitter event will coincide with the World Premiere and red carpet live stream from Los Angeles via live-stream on Yahoo Movies.

Twitter party guests will provide red carpet commentary and answer questions (Twilight trivia, etc.) to win prizes – including autographed posters, DVDs, Prize packs and a private screening of The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2 for the winner and up to 20 of their friends. (Wowzers – would LOVE this!)

Party Details

Date: Monday, November 12, 2012
Time: 8:30pm to 10:30pm EST
Hashtag: #BD2Party
Host: @eOneFilms
Co-hosts: @ETCanada, @TributeMag, @MuchMusic, @HelloCanada, @UrbanMomsCa
Social Partners: @mychaos, @shedoesthecity, @Listen2Lena, @amotherworld and @simplystacienet

RSVP here and hope to see you at the party! Team Edward!

Be honest. Do you love winter?

Do you love the snow, sleet and slush? How about changing into the ol’ winter tires, layering the kids with cold weather clothing, and ripping open your heating bill?

Yeah, it’s not Canada’s most desirable block of time. However, it does have some redeeming features – ice skating, the Winter Carnival, cozying up in a ski chalet… or near a warm, glowing fireplace. (Oh, and that little holiday known as Christmas. Hello!) And as Canadians, we really must embrace the season that is synonymous with our merry culture. I say, bring it on!

SHOP.CA wants to make sure we’re all thinking #WarmThoughts and getting winter-ready with a Twitter Party! There will be tons of chat about what you do to keep comfortable in the cold, tips and tricks for beating the elements, and of course, amazing prizes!

DATE: Thursday, November 1st
TIME: 8:00pm – 9:00pm EST
PARTY HASHTAG: #WarmThoughts

Hosted By:
@SHOPdotCA

Moderated By:
@Listen2Lena – @SassyModernMom – @FeistyFrugal –  @MyChaos - @SimplyStacieNet

Prizing is available to Canadians only. RSVP below for your chance to win, and see you on Thursday! (more…)

Over the course of my blogging tenure, I’ve had the opportunity to work with many incredible brands. From beauty to baby gear; technology to toys… I’ve developed meaningful relationships with companies I adore.

Leading the way? Maple Leaf Foods.

There’s just something so intrinsically rewarding about partnering with a company that recognizes the social imprint of bloggers – and places value on their collective influence. You already know that I have a keen relationship with Maple Leaf Foods – they were my official sponsor for BlogHer’12, and we’ve twartied together a time or two – but did you know that my family is addicted to their products? Not one day goes by that we don’t enjoy Maple Leaf Natural Selections deli meats; a chewy, dense Dempsters bagel; or (my favourite) Olivieri Three Cheese Tortellini with their to-die-for rosé sauce. There’s just always a delicious meal waiting for us thanks to their amazing suite of brands.

So really, it’s a win-win situation.

Tomorrow night, they’re doing something a little different. Remember when I said that they place value on the influence of bloggers? Well, they’re proving it – in a very BIG way – by giving away a $1000 sponsorship to ANY blogging conference the winner chooses.

Of course, the Twitter Party is open to all! There will be a ton of amazing prizes (including the Free Product Coupons we all love) and we’ll be hosting both bloggers and readers alike. So come tweet with us! It promises to be an EPIC party. And for one blogger… your 2013 is about to change… #Squee!

RSVP below for your chance to win, and see you tomorrow! (more…)

Me and Reid (with his Nemo-inspired top, of course!)

Last week, I did something that I haven’t done since my 16th birthday - I threw a party at a movie theatre.

(In case you were wondering, in 1994 we saw Naked Gun 33 1/3. Yes, I am that old.)

This time around, my guest list was *slightly* longer; I advertised the event via social media vs. passing notes in Science class; the movie was in 3D, something that required red and blue glasses 20 years ago; and the biggest distinction – we had the awesome opportunity to munch on delicious (and highly addictive) Goldfish Pretzels!

(Okay, perhaps the biggest distinction is that I no longer wear doc martens and a mood ring.)

Nevertheless, I had the pleasure of joining my amazing readers, friends and family for an exclusive screening of Finding Nemo in 3D.

The theatre was buzzing with adorable children of all ages, ready to spend the night with their favourite clownfish and Goldfish! Yummy snacks, a free movie and time with family and friends – yes, it was pretty awesome!

I wanted to thank everyone who took time out of their busy weeknight to spend an evening with us. And, special thanks to Goldfish Pretzels for making it happen! I’ve received so many kind e-mails and tweets from attendees who didn’t realize just how delicious the snacks really were – think they’re great now? Try dipping them in melted cheese! (#sogood)

In case you missed the event, fear not! Please join us for a #GoldfishMoments Twitter Party on Tuesday, October 2nd at 8pm EST. It’s no secret that Goldfish crackers have been known to unleash smiles (and stop the tears!), often saving the day by satisfying a snack attack and helping parents create special moments with their kids.  We call these our #GoldfishMoments – and we’ll be chatting about YOUR Goldfish Moments at the Twitter Party.

(We may also have a few AMAZING prizes up our sleeves – trust me, you won’t want to miss this one!) (more…)

It’s just about that time of year. The kids have returned to school; the crisp fall weather is around the corner, and the domestic goddess in you starts to stretch her long limbs, ready for to take on the world. Or rather, the kitchen.

Thanksgiving dinner. Halloween parties. Holiday baking. Christmas cookie exchanges. Oh my!

Chances are, you’ll be spending a fair time in the ol’ kitchen over the next few months. So take a look at your small appliances. Will they get the job done – or are you done with them?

SHOP.CA believes that every domestic diva should have the very best tools to stay on top of her trade. And with brands like Delonghi,  Kitchen Aid, Keurig, and Breville – all at great prices plus FREE shipping – you’ll be churning out haute cuisine faster than you can say “Martha Stewart who?”

But even seasoned chefs lust after certain small appliances – the perfect waffle maker, the most powerful hand blender – the list goes on and on. What are some of your #KitchenKravings?

Join SHOP.CA for the #KitchenKravings Twitter Party on Thursday, September 20th from 9-10pm EST. We’ll chat about your favourite kitchen gadgets, the ones you krave, and we’ll be giving away some of the SHOP.CA’s most sought-after small appliances! YES, just like all SHOP.CA Twitter Parties, the prizes will be EPIC!

DATE: Thursday, September 20th
TIME: 9:00pm – 10:00pm EST
PARTY HASHTAG: #KitchenKravings (more…)

Whether you’re a BBQ Master or a novice griller, summer is the perfect time get together with family and friends to Feed Your Traditions. My family has exactly one tradition – passed on from generation to generation – and that is: The women prep and the men cook.

(Honestly, I am okay with this. I actually have little interest in standing next to open flames in the middle of a heat wave, thank you. Would MUCH rather observe as I chop veggies from my nice, air conditioned kitchen.)

Do you have summertime traditions? Betcha one or two of them involve grilling your favourite meats and veggies from time-honoured family recipes. Chicken Souvlaki. Piri Piri Drumsticks. Korean Short Ribs. Hot Sicilian Sausage. Grandpa’s Famous Ribs. And of course, a guaranteed people pleaser: Hot Dogs!

Care to share some of your own memories? Or perhaps you’re looking for BBQ tips and tricks to elevate you to grilling guru. Join @Schneiders for a #BBQTraditions Twitter Party next Tuesday, July 31st at 8pm EST. We’ll be joined by BBQ Master Extraordinaire Ted Reader, who’ll be ready to dish out advice and answer your – pun intended – BURNING questions!

(more…)

The launch of SHOP.CA is just around the corner! To celebrate the beginning of friendly, hassle-free online Shopping, we’re throwing a Twitter Party!

Join us for a fun night where we’ll chat about your favourite online Shopping tips, learn more about the amazing brands that you’ll find on SHOP.CA, and get excited for what promises to be a Canadian Shopping Revolution!

WHEN: Thursday, May 10th from 8:30 – 10:00pm EST.

WHO: All are invited to party, but prizing is open to Canadians only.

HOSTS: Join @SHOPdotCA, @Listen2Lena, @FeistyFrugal, @MyChaos, @SassyModernMom and @SimplyStacieNet using the hashtag #SHOPdotCA

PRIZES: Over $2000 in Prizing, including a Samsung 40″ 1080p LED HDTV, 5 x $100 SHOP.CA Gift Cards and Luxury SHOP.CA Gift Baskets featuring brands such as Clinique, SoyaBoutique, Artsy Pear, Lise Watier and more!

Don’t forget to RSVP for your chance to win a fabulous prize! Then, mark your calendars, and we’ll see you on Thursday night!

Even though summer – ergo, short shorts weather – is still a few months away, we’ve got smooth, supple skin on our minds, and want to turn you on to the NEW Schick Hydro Silk Razor!

Why it’s AWESOME:

The 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!

Join us for a super fun Twitter Party, where we’ll chat about your favourite shaving tips, those pesky shaving myths, and how to get those gams super smooth!

WHEN: Wednesday, February 15th from 8:30 – 10:00pm EST.

WHO: All are invited to party, but prizing is open to Canadians only.

HOSTS: Join @Listen2Lena, @MyChaos, @SassyModernMom and @TeacherMomofTwo using the hashtag #HydroSilkCanada

PRIZES: Over $500 in Prizing, including Hydro Silk Spa Gift Sets, $75 Visa Gift Cards and Hydro Silk Razors!

Don’t forget to RSVP below for your chance to win a fabulous prize! Then, mark your calendars, and we’ll see you on Wednesday night!

*Please be sure to enter your Twitter Handle “@yourTwitterhandle” in the Link/Blog Title field, and your Twitter URL “www.twitter.com/yourtwitterhandle” in the Link Field*