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!

Here’s the scoop: Visit www.loveyourlentils.ca, where notable chefs across Canada have submitted their best dishes featuring the famed legume. Then, simply vote for your favourite (you can do this once per day!) and you’ll be entered to win this faboosh prize:

“On Saturday, August 4th, Food Day Canada, one very lucky voter and guest will join Chef Michael Smith for a culinary adventure on and off Prince Edward Island as he sets sail with a bag of lentils and a boatful of local farmers, fishers, distillers and culinary artisans. Gather a bounty of special ingredients with him from his favourite farms, distilleries and oyster beds. Then join him as he prepares a feast of unique local ingredients paired with the world’s best lentils and celebrates his personal Food Day Canada!”

What’s Included: Flight/transportation to Prince Edward Island for August 4th, 2012; 2 nights accommodation (August 3rd/4th) at the luxurious Inn at Bay Fortune; and $500 spending money for the trip.

Holy Hannah! At this point I’m weeping that I’ll be in New York that weekend, drat! Would trade NY cabs for PEI crabs any day. And a chance to hang with Chef Michael Smith? I used to watch “Inn Chef” while in university; while I was trying to wrap my head around Statistics 101, he’d be in the background sautéing scallops in brown butter. Today, while I can barely recall the ins and outs of hypothesis testing, I do know how to sear the perfect scallop. Translation: Best peripheral education EVER.

So what are you waiting for? #LoveLentils and Vote for Your Favourite Today!

In the meantime, if you’ve got long weekend BBQ on the brain, why not try this Lentil Burger, submitted by Chef Rémi Cousyn of Saskatchewan:

2 cups du Puy lentils
3 large onions, finely chopped
3 ½ tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 tbsp ground cumin
1 tbsp ground coriander
1 tbsp herbes de Provence
2 tbsp cornstarch
1/3 cup olive oil, for frying

DIRECTIONS 

Cook lentils until tender in boiling salted water, about 20 minutes.

Sauté the onions in the olive oil on medium heat until lightly brown, add the garlic, spices and herbs and sauté for 3 more minutes.

Process the lentils in a food processor until a medium meal is obtained. Add the lentils to the onions and cook for 3 or 4 minutes on medium heat. Transfer the lentil mix to a bowl and add the cornstarch. Mix thoroughly. The mix will get slightly sticky.

Shape into patties (12 to 16 depending on size). Fry the patties with olive oil in a cast iron pan as needed or freeze for future use.

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

I used to believe that miracles were the work of a divine authority; that prayer, sacrifice and perseverance would somehow set in motion an event contrary to the laws of nature.

And while I still believe in divine intervention, I also believe that miracles can be manufactured by people just like you and me.  I believe in that certain individuals – namely, the doctors at The Hospital For Sick Children – have the skill, knowledge and passion to give hope, ignite faith, and change lives.

A few weeks ago, I shared The Story of Ryder, and let you all know that I had joined MiracleMoms – a group of influential, passionate, and motivated women eager to tell the stories of families who use, or have used the services of the Children’s Miracle Network or Children’s Miracle Hospitals. Since our local Children’s Miracle Hospital happens to be SickKids, I thought the program would be a splendid fit.

Today, I want to introduce you to Madison – the sweet, special little girl picture right. In May 2005, Madison was on a walk with her kindergarten class when she passed out and was taken to hospital. She returned home for the weekend, but was brought to her paediatrician for tests and x-rays the following Monday and Tuesday. The x-ray revealed that Madison’s heart was enlarged so she was transferred to The Hospital for Sick Children.

There her family received the devastating news that Madison was battling a terminal disease called pulmonary hypertension. In this condition, there is increased pressure in the pulmonary artery which connects the right side of the heart to the lungs. The increased pressure makes the right side of the heart get bigger because it’s working harder to pump the blood which can lead to heart failure. Doctors estimated her lifespan would be three to five years with the possibility of a future heart or lung transplant.

Madison was fortunate to have a good drug therapy plan allowing her lungs to improve and avoid a transplant as long as possible. In June 2008, a flolan tube was inserted which delivers medicine directly to her heart every three to five minutes. She was admitted to SickKids and her family was trained to change the medication and line so that Madison could receive her treatment at home.

Since beginning her treatment with flolan, Madison has surpassed her medical team’s expectations. Despite being admitted for infections in September 2010 and October 2011, she has adapted to her treatment quite well. She is a very social 13-year-old who enjoys swimming, the outdoors and animals – in fact, she hopes to begin breeding snakes in the near future!

Madison’s future is unpredictable, but for now she continues to seize every opportunity she can, something she learned through all her experience at SickKids.

In speaking with Madison’s mom about the MiracleMoms program, she indicated something which resonated with me: “Don’t make Madison the charity.” And I instantly realized that although Children’s Miracle Network families have used the services and hospitals, they’re not looking for pity or signs of condolence. In fact, it’s quite the opposite; the families are strong, dedicated to their child’s recovery and have placed their trust in miracle workers. They are sharing their story to ensure that all children have the opportunity to receive the same standard of care and healing.

And so since I believe in the miracles manufactured within the walls of SickKids, here is my personal declaration… my goal:

I am going to try and raise $500.00 for the MiracleMoms Program for The Hospital for Sick Children. I am asking my readers to help me, to join my team, to help me raise $500.00 by following the link to my personal #MiracleMoms Donation Page and making a donation now.

All contributions will benefit Sick Kids Foundation through Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Donations of $20 or more will receive tax receipt.

Thank you so much to everyone who donates, shares this page, or helps spread the word about Children’s Miracle Network. I’ll be back at the end of the month with some more information – and inspiration.

I am part of the MiracleMoms program and receive compensation for my participation in this program. All thoughts and opinions reflected in this post are my own.

Note: The following giveaway is open to US and Canadian residents.

Today I have a splendid guest blogger, Sarah Deveau from Money Smart Mom. Sarah is the author of two financial guides – Sink or Swim: Get Your Degree Without Drowning in Debt and Money Smart Mom: Financially Fit Parenting.

In addition to being a prolific freelance writer (her work has been published in Today’s Parent, Parents Canada, Style at Home as well as most major Canadian daily newspapers) Sarah has contributed to dozens of parenting websites and blogs across Canada. She also appears regularly on radio and television shows such as Breakfast Television.

With summer break just around the corner, she has offered to share her best tips for a frugal Disneyland or Disney World vacation – one of the hotspots for summer travel. Take it away Sarah!

Tips for a Frugal Disneyland or Disney World Vacation

As the author of Money Smart Mom: Financially Fit Parenting, people sometimes get the impression that I abhor spending money, and never have any fun. That couldn’t be further from the truth! I like spending money as much as the next person – but only when it’s being spent on something I value and when I feel I’m getting the most bang for my buck.

My childhood didn’t include a Disney trip, so it’s no surprise I leapt at the chance to take my oldest when WestJet had a killer seat sale a few years back. Since then we’ve also visited Disney World, sourcing out the more exciting adventures at the best price.

Here are my top tips for saving money on a Disney trip without sacrificing any of the fun.

• If you’re headed to the Disneyland Resort of Southern California, stay off park. There are dozens of affordable hotels immediately outside the park gates, and some have fantastic low rates that include breakfast.

• If the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida is your destination, stay on park. The headache of a car rental or long, busy bus rides will quickly sour your fun if you stay off park. With more than 24 on park hotels to choose from, there are plenty in every price range.

• At Disney World, think twice about buying the Disney Dining Plan. Everyone in your family must be on the plan for each day of your trip. If you have light eaters, don’t want to take a lot of time out from your visit to eat at sit down restaurants, or want to save by buying groceries at a nearby supermarket, the Dining Plan can end up costing you far more than you would have normally spent.

• Book off season – not only will the parks be more peaceful, but certain experiences (like character meals) see a price hike during busy season.

• Speaking of character meals, choose breakfasts over lunch or dinner when possible. They’re often cheaper, and in some cases you’ll get early access to the park and be in a better position to get to the popular rides before those at the gate.

• Buy your park passes online – it’s cheaper than buying them at the gate.

• Stock your room with non-perishable staples from nearby grocery stores and always bring plenty of food into the park with you. The prices on park are high, and frankly, the food isn’t great, so indulging in fast food on park will hurt your wallet and your waistline without being “worth it” calorically or financially.

• Check your receipts – some food establishments will have a coupon for the major souvenir shops on their receipt. The Main Street Bakery receipt always includes a 20% coupon for most of the top Disney park souvenir shops if you shop before noon.

• Bring your own water bottles – you can fill them with ice water for free at most restaurants.

• If you have kids under five, bring your own stroller.

• Pack princess dresses or pirate costumes if your kids plan on having a character meal or makeover – they’ll want to wear them, and you might be tempted to buy a costly costume on site if you’re not prepared with one from home.

• If you’re within a day or two’s drive, consider driving and camping instead of renting a hotel room. Disney World’s Fort Wilderness campground is an incredible facility with plenty of space for the kids to run around and have fun, and significantly less expensive than other on park accommodations.

Finally, don’t discount the help of a good travel agent. Certain travel agents specialize in Disney vacations, and can advise you on the best time to go and where to stay, and can usually match any online price you can find yourself. Their expertise can be invaluable, especially for those families on a tight budget.

Are you planning a vacation to Disneyland or Disney World this year? Be sure to bookmark Sarah’s post and check back before you travel!

WIN IT!!!

One lucky reader will win a $50 Gift Card to The Disney Store! To enter, simply fill the form below with your qualifying entries. Good luck every one!

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… But, don’t wait much longer, K?

Today is the LAST DAY of Old Navy Canada’s Kids & Baby Sale. Now I did pop by at the beginning of the sale to grab a few summer essentials for Ryder (Reid, bless his heart, has more than enough hand-me-downs to make do. One of the benefits of having a shopaholic mother, I suppose; there’s always enough stuff to go ’round).

Halfway through the sale, I was quite annoyed to see an announcement declaring “Further Reductions on Kids & Baby!” I quickly calculated how much more I would have saved had I waited – alas, the $8 difference didn’t inspire me to schlep into the store to have my receipt adjusted.

But this morning, being the last day of the sale, I decided to jump online to see if there were further last-minute savings to be had. Success! When you shop online and use code ONSAVE15, plus the further reductions, you can make out like a bandit! Start the car!

Now to be fair, sizing is limited and you do have to pick through to find what you’re looking for. But if you’ve got some extra time on your hands, and growing kids that you can buy for one-size-up at ridiculous prices, now’s the time. Here are a few of cheapest Best Bets:

Toddler Boys (6m – 5T)
Golf Shirts – just $4.69 after discount.
Regular Fit Jeans – just $7.65 after discount.
Muscle Tees – just $3.40 after discount.
Solid Heel Flip Flops – just $2.11 after discount.
Drawstring Jersey Shorts – just $3.74 after discount.
Micro Performance Fleece Pullovers – just $3.37 after discount.
Fireman Raincoats – just $14.44 after discount.

Toddler Girls (6m – 5T)
Jersey Tanks – just $3.40 after discount.
Shoulder Tie Empire Dresses – just $5.10 after discount.
Flutter or Ruffle Sleeve Graphic Tees – just $5.10 after discount.
Printed Full Length Leggings – just $5.07 after discount.
Gladiator Jelly Sandals – just $5.58 after discount.
Jersey Pocket Shorts – just $3.40 after discount.
Cross-Back and Halter Swimsuits – just $6.80 after discount.

Of course, older boys and girls styles are on sale too, but since I have little experience shopping for big kids, you’ll have to navigate on your own :)

Click here to visit Old Navy Canada.

A girlfriend sent me this oldie-but-goodie link last night and I couldn’t help but re-post. What’s your Smurf Name? When I type in my full legal name, I’m Brainy Smurf… but when I type in my moniker, I’m Dopey Smurf. Hmm, perhaps a little of both?

Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

If you had to think about some of the most disrespected household items, what would they be? Dust rags? Your old wet mop? Perhaps the front door mat which takes countless abuse?

Meh. They’re all treated like gold in comparison to the toilet paper roll. After all, toilet paper is only good for one thing… you know… yeah, not high on the totem pole, is it?

And tell me – how do you store your extra rolls? Ours are haphazardly shoved into a side cupboard of our bathroom vanity. Often, the boys get to them (grrrr) and we have a sea of toilet paper on the bathroom floor (grrrr). Disrespect? Heck ya.

And so Cottonelle created the “Respect the Roll” program to change people’s point of view on toilet paper with new ways and reasons to respect the roll. From holders for their toothbrushes to stylish containers for cotton swabs, many people take great care when it comes to the look and feel of their bathroom – except when it comes to their toilet paper. By enlisting Jonathan Adler – an innovative and chic interior designer – Cottonelle brought back the bathroom classic with a modern take to help people store their stash with flair.

I’ll admit – when I first heard about the “Respect the Roll” campaign, I giggled. Honestly, I’d never given much thought to toilet paper!!! But here’s the scoop: the Jonathan Adler covers are incredibly affordable (only $2 a pop!) and after placing them in my powder room, I’ve had so many guests comment on how “cute” and “funky” they are.

Respect!

“When it comes to good design, I believe functionality is key,” Adler says. “These roll covers are a great solution for keeping that extra roll of Cottonelle Clean Care handy and makes it easy to respect the roll that respects you.”

WIN IT!!!

One lucky Listen to Lena reader will win a “Cottonelle Bathroom Essentials Package” so you can spruce up your bathroom décor. Valued at over $150.00 this package includes:

- Jonathan Adler on Happy Chic Colors book
- Jonathan Adler Cottonelle roll covers
- Cottonelle toilet paper
- Jonathan Adler soap pump
- Jonathan Adler lacquer tumbler
- Reversible bath towels
- Rain shower head

To enter, simply fill the form below with your qualifying entries. Good luck every one!

This post has been sponsored by Cottonelle. The opinions on this blog are my own. 

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On Saturday, my whole family had the chance to “Discover the Hidden Zoo” – a media preview with the Toronto Zoo. Since most press events require me leaving the boys behind, they were tickled pink to join me at the coolest place on earth for kids of all ages. Needless to say, they had a blast.

Needless to say, I was pooped. Almost comatose, actually.

I didn’t take a lot of pictures, because let’s face it, you’ve all seen someone’s zoo shots of a hippo lying in the water. (Oooh, look, a motionless hippo!) But here are the photos I did take:

There are four boys in this photograph, assuming the white rhinoceros in the background is male.

Too pretty not to share. I'd be proud of those feathers, too.

Sometimes, the animals aren't the stars of the show.

These two need a room. Or, to not have 700 people gawking at them.

Over 5000 animals and he wanted to take a picture with the car. #boys

Closest I've ever come to this fickle feline. Fabulous.

Pausing to refuel. That is Ryder's happy face. I know.

The VIP Experience: up close and personal with a young camel.

So what is the “Hidden Zoo?” Essentially, seeing what the animals do is just the icing on the cake. There is an incredible amount of research, habitat and horticultural initiatives, green programs and partnerships that keep the Toronto Zoo at the forefront of animal conservation. For example, did you know the Toronto Zoo is the only Canadian zoo with a reproductive physiologist on staff?

How you can help -

Me and my Mini-Me.

Zoo Admission
Admission into the Toronto Zoo supports the many conservation initiatives that the Toronto Zoo leads including Adopt-A-Pond Wetland Conservation Programme, Species Survival Programs, Animal Health and Nutrition and much more! Also, parking fees help feed one of over 5,000 animals!

Membership – Become A Member
The best way to throw yourself into the Zoo experience is to join our family. As Zoo members, you and your own family will enjoy year round access to more than 5,000 animals and 237 hectares of adventure. Not to mention the thrill of helping protect wildlife. Member benefits include free admission to the Toronto Zoo for one full year, free Zoomobile rides (seasonal operation),10% discount in Toronto Zoo gift shops, invitation to exhibit previews and member exclusive events, discount admission to participating AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums in North America – just to name a few.

Adopt An Animal
Do you have a favourite Zoo animal? Why not adopt it? Your animal will still live here, but you’ll go home knowing you’re supporting the Zoo. Adoption fees help us take good care of the animals, protect endangered species, and pursue on-going conservation efforts.

Wild Walk – Start Your Wild Walk!
You belong in the Zoo on the Wild Walk! You can step onto the Wild Walk in unique ways: Remember a loved one or commemorate a birthday, graduation or anniversary. Whatever the occasion, a Wild Walk brick or plaque makes a perfect, and unique, gift. Your generous contribution to the Wild Walk program goes toward the conservation efforts in place for all our wonderful animals at Toronto Zoo. So go ahead… pick a special occasion (or person), then make a dedication and a difference today.

Click here to visit the Toronto Zoo… and then visit the Toronto Zoo. 

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 :)

It’s time to celebrate a meal we have all come to know and love: The Sandwich.

Whether it’s a BLT on white toast, a chicken wrap or a sloppy joe on a fresh bun, sandwiches have become a part of our food culture. They are loved for their accessibility, affordability, and portability, and better yet – they can be dressed up or dressed down. Today, Saturday, May 12th – let’s toast the sandwich as it turns 250 years old!

And who better to raise a glass crust in its honour than Dempster’s, Canada’s Bakery! 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.

Curious about the very first sandwich? The sandwich is said to have originated more than two thousand years ago with various combinations of meats and cheeses placed on bread or in pastry. However, the modern concoction that we’ve come to know and love didn’t get its name until May 12, 1762. At the time, John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich, was on a winning streak while playing cards and refused to leave the game to eat (men, right?). He asked his valet to bring his dinner out between two pieces of bread (genius!) and ever since then, people all over the world have been stuffing things into rolls, baguettes, buns and loaves of bread.

Did you know?

- The sandwich is named after John Montague (1718-1792), the Fourth Earl of the town of Sandwich
- May 12th-19th is National British Sandwich week
- 94% of Canadians say they eat at least one sandwich each week
- The most popular sandwich fillings are bacon, turkey, and ham
- Sandwiches are the leading entrée on restaurant menus
- The Guinness Book of World Records for eating sandwiches is held by Peter Dowdeswell who ate 40 jam and butter sandwiches (each 6 inches X 3 inches) in 17 minutes, 53.9 seconds on October 17, 1977

We all know that I love a good sandwich (ahem, reigning Ultimate Sandwich Champion right here) and so I’m particularly excited to indulge in some fantastic finger grub in celebration this week. Be sure to stop by Dempster’s Facebook Page, where they’ll be featuring recipes, tips and fun sandwich facts all week! And, don’t forget to pick up a loaf of your favourite Dempster’s bread and make an epic sandwich of your own!

(I highly recommend my latest addiction – Dempster’s Smooth Multigrains Loaf. A soft, smooth texture – with the added benefits of 16 whole grains.)

WIN IT!!!

Dempster’s wants to make it easier for you to enjoy your own ultimate sandwich with three (3) Dempster’s Free Product Coupons, plus a $50 Visa Gift Card so you can go nuts with your toppings! To enter, simply fill the form below with your qualifying entries. Good luck every one!

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Two nights ago, I made an epic BBQ and lasagna mash-up: I combined leftover grilled chorizo sausage with my traditional meat lasagna recipe. Expecting to plate the 8th wonder of the world – and HOT DAMN was it ever good – I was incredibly surprised to realize that the star of show was actually the pasta portion – the lasagna sheets!

Say What?!

Hand on heart, it’s true. I was trying out Olivieri’s NEW Lasagna Sheets, which are packaged fresh, oven ready and made with natural pasta ingredients. But truthfully, I just threw them into the recipe, wrongfully assuming that they were the least prevalent component. But with just one taste, I was swooning.

The smooth texture. The most delectable flavour. And just the right degree of “bite” – al dente perfection. Of course, my über flavourful sauce and gooey cheese may have complemented the pasta just a tad, but make no mistake – I will NEVER buy dried lasagna sheets again. Pasta god, thou name is Olivieri.

The pasta is packaged with six (6) fresh sheets – I recommend that you cut two in half if you’re using a standard 9×13″ pan and would like four perfect lasagna layers. And if you’d like to make your own BBQ and lasagna mash-up, here’s the recipe!

Meat Lasagna with Chorizo and Attitude

1 pound lean ground beef
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 links barbecued chorizo sausage, casings removed and crumbled
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 (29 ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 (29 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

In a large pot over medium heat, brown ground beef, onion and garlic; drain fat if desired.

Add the crumbled chorizo sausage - also known as the "attitude".

Mix in basil, oregano, brown sugar, salt, diced tomatoes and crushed tomatoes. Simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.

While the sauce is simmering away, it's a good time to grate the cheese.

Halving two of the Olivieri lasagna sheets will help fill up a 9x13" dish.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Add a little bit of sauce to the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish to prevent pasta from sticking. Layer 1/4 of the lasagna sheets, cover with sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese.

Repeat with remaining sheets, sauce and cheese. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top, if desired.

Bake in the preheated oven 30 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Serves 8.

Nom nom nom. Enjoy!