Taste the Season 2013 with Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake #Contest

Wine Lovers rejoice!
One of the must-do events in Niagara-on-the-Lake for November is quickly approaching - Taste the Season.

Celebrate the season's bounty with locally inspired VQA wine and food pairings at each of Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake's 27 member wineries.

Here is an example of what's to expect to delight your palate:

INNISKILLIN WINES
2011 Vidal Icewine
Inniskillin Icewine Corn Dogs with Chili Aioli

PILLITTERI ESTATES WINERY
2012 Pic’d White Wine

Vietnamese Inspired “Pho” Soup

JACKSON-TRIGGS NIAGARA ESTATE WINERY
2011 Grand Reserve Chardonnay 
Niagara Gold and Smoked Ontario Pork Quesadilla with Ancho Crème Fraiche, Sponge Toffee, Cilantro

SOUTHBROOK VINEYARDS
2010 Triomphe Cabernet Franc
Rice & Lamb Filled Grape Leaf (vegetarian option, Rice and Grape Filled Leaf)

JOSEPH’S ESTATE WINES
2011 Pinot Grigio
Key Lime Macaroons

STRATUS VINEYARDS
2012 Special Select Late Harvest Cabernet Franc 
Chèvre Panna Cotta with Raspberry, Poblano Salad

KONZELMANN ESTATE WINERY
2012 Cabernet Sauvignon 
Pulled Beef & Quebec Brie Slider 

STREWN WINERY
2007 Strewn Three 
Seasonal Nibbler Trio: Mushrooms with Muskoka Cranberry Sauce; Creamy French Onion & Goat Cheese Spread; House Spiced Beef with Horseradish Jelly

LAILEY VINEYARD
2011 Merlot 
Pork Short Ribs in a Chipotle Red Wine Reduction

SUNNYBROOK FARM ESTATE WINERY
2012 Chocolate Allure
Petite Chiffon Strawberry Cake

MARYNISSEN ESTATES WINERY
2011 Primary 
Shaved Beef Slider with Horseradish Aioli and Baby Arugula

TRIUS WINERY AT HILLEBRAND
Trius Brut
Smoked Bacon and Dark Chocolate Ice Cream Bar

Just reading through the amazing wine and food pairings alone is getting me enthusiastic for this appetizing event!

Taste the Season commences the first weekend of November and continues every weekend that month.
NOVEMBER 1-3, 8-10, 15-17, 22-24
11 AM TO 5 PM
Taste the Season Touring Pass is $44.25 per person (plus HST).

To learn more about it, visit: wineriesofniagaraonthelake.com/taste-the-season.

I've got two sets of 2 Taste the Season Passes (a value of $100 each set) to give away to my lovely readers!

To enter, visit Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake's Taste the Season Page and let me know which wine and food pairing at one of their 27 Wineries you're most interested in trying.
Additional ways to win via rafflecopter below.

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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What Does a La Roche-Posay Itch-Free Day Look Like? {Contest}

As a mother, one of the worst things to see and hear is your child in pain or suffering.
You will try whatever you can do to help but when it's just not working, it can be frustrating.
We'd much rather take that pain away, wouldn't we?

This was the case for my daughter's recent eczema flare-up this winter.
It was horrible!

She's four years old and has always had very mild cases of eczema since she was 12 months old.
Never did she have this type of flare-up that she had recently (as seen in the picture above) that lasted 2-3 weeks. This photo taken was actually the beginning and milder stage of the flare-up.
At first I thought she had an allergic reaction to something but after getting her checked, it was confirmed that it was eczema.

I tried creams, prescription creams (although I did not want that on her for too long), and even home remedies offered from family and friends. I did see some sign of improvement but it was on and off.
One day it would look like it was getting better and all of a sudden the bumps and redness come back in full force.
She didn't complain or seem to be in any discomfort but seeing it was painful enough for me.

In a previous post, I wrote about this issue my daughter had with eczema and introduced La Roche-
Posay's 100 Families Program, a program to follow families with children suffering from eczema and to provide them with the education necessary to better manage their eczema, as well as free Lipikar products.
The Lipikar product line is designed for dry and eczema-prone skin and is especially adapted for children and infants.

Once again, La Roche-Posay Canada wants to put children at the heart of their Itch Free Day contest on their Facebook page.

They are asking children suffering from dry skin and eczema to draw what an itch free day looks like.
La Roche-Posay Facebook fans will vote for their favorite drawing and a jury will then select the winning drawing among the top 10. The artist will win a selection of La Roche-Posay products and will see his or her drawing on a limited edition Lipikar Baume AP container, released in October 2013.

This is not meant to be competitive with the voting, but more of a fun "itch-free" initiative for little ones that are suffering with eczema with a bonus of potentially winning a prize.

The contest ends March 31st so get your little ones drawing and participating in the fun!

Wishing you and yours more happy itch-free memories! 

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Fisher Price: A Million Moments of Joy Launch & Contest

After a year of infertility treatments... a MOMent I will cherish for a lifetime.

As a mother, I have surely experienced many MOMents of Joy.

Some, perhaps, not so "joyous", but still something to cherish nonetheless.
That's the great thing about Parenthood. Every day is a new day... to learn something new about our child and about ourselves.

Wouldn't it be great to go to a place online where you can visually share via photographs these wonderful Moments of Joy, whatever they may be, with other parents just like you?

Fisher-Price is creating an online space (website) where moms can come and commiserate by looking through (and adding their own) photos of the good, the bad, and most importantly, the REAL moments of motherhood we all experience… They can have a laugh, a cry, and a sigh of relief knowing that we’re all there, together.

Starting this week and throughout the next couple of months, you can share your Million Moments of Joy by uploading a picture, video or text to enter the contest and be eligible to win one of eight weekly prize packs!

The value of each prize pack is approximately $200 and each prize pack consists of:

•     My Little Snugabunny™ Bouncer ($89.99 CAD)
•     Laugh & Learn™ Dance & Play Puppy ($59.99 CAD)
•     Ocean Wonders™ Aquarium ($54.99 CAD)

Head on over to Fisher Price online here and submit your Moment of Joy or just enjoy viewing the wonderful collection of those priceless MOMents of Joy submitted by other Parents.

Check out who made Moment of the Week. Look familiar?

**Disclaimer: I am participating in the Fisher Price Million Moments of Joy Campaign and am compensated for my participation. The opinions expressed are my very own.

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Bigger is Better: Playtex® Diaper Genie® Elite Sampling Opportunity

My husband likes to boast to those he knows that he has his Masters.  He said if he could, he would add M.Dc. on his business card. 

I have to say that I'm very proud and grateful that he is the one in this house that has the M.Dc. designation.

Let me clarify--> M.Dc. = Masters in Diaper Changing.

Ladies of babies, you know as well as I do that those cute, little bundles of joy that we love so much are not to be underestimated when it comes to their dirty diapers.  Those things are lethal! 

Seriously, try leaving one of those stinkers in a regular plastic bag & that smell will make itself known to all.

When I had my first child, one of the gifts I received during my baby shower was the original Diaper Genie.

It was all the rave during that time (it had just come out) and everyone I know was grabbing it.  I didn't see the big deal in them until after I had the baby and the diapers came pouring in (and I mean cats & dogs!).

Well, after a few years, the Diaper Genie® had a little work done to it and is literally bigger and better than it ever was!  Introducing the Playtex® Diaper Genie® Elite!  

Although I was very content with my current diaper pail, I tried this new system after graciously receiving one of my own to try and WOW!  SO much more better than the original design!  More space to carry the copious amount of diapers (and trust me in those first few months of life, that little one will going quite often!) and the fact that there is a foot pedal that takes away from having your hands anywhere near the diaper pail.

Isn't that fantastic? No bending, twisting, mess, having to shove your hands all the way down into the smelly diaper pail to make sure it gets into the bag well and isn't releasing any of it's scent.

Another innovative part of this pail: The double-clamp air-lock design that helps prevent odours from escaping.  It closes once you release the foot pedal!

I'm very impressed with this new ergonomic system (especially my Mr. M.Dc!) It makes disposing of the diaper so much more quicker and saves your diaper pail and your hands from getting any of the gunk or smell on it.  Well worth the investment and honestly a fabulous gift idea.

The Playtex® Diaper Genie® Elite is available in at major department stores across Canada & the Suggested Retail Price is $45.99.

To learn more about it you can visit Playtex at: www.playtexmommyville.ca.

On top of the Playtex® Diaper Genie® Elite, I also received one of their newest additions to the Diaper Genie® line, the Portable Diaper Bag Dispenser.

This is a wonderful item to have on hand when you're out with your little one.  It's a convenient and discrete diaper disposal system on the go!
It holds up to 25 opaque, lavender scented bags and helps seal diapers in baggies until a suitable disposal is found.








Plus it comes with a clip, so you can clip it anywhere you'd like.
It only retails for $4.99 -- amazing price I think for what it can do.  Another must-have!

Playtex is giving TEN of my lucky readers the opportunity to sample and try out the Playtex® Diaper Genie® Elite system in exchange for their honest opinion.

If you're interested in being one of the 10 to review the Playtex® Diaper Genie® Elite,
simply email me at: info@carolaucourant.com telling me why you're interested in participating.

If you're chosen, we will send you a Playtex® Diaper Genie® Elite right to your door!
All I need for you to do is try it out for a few days and write me back your review of the Playtex® Diaper Genie® Elite.
In exchange for this, you will also be entered to win a $50 Babies 'R' Us Gift Card! That's a 1 in 10 chance to win a Gift Card PLUS a free Diaper Genie? Pretty awesome, huh?

Will be selecting the 10 Reviewers very soon so apply today!
Good luck!
*Open to Canadian Residents only.


***Disclaimer: I received a full product sample and compensation for this review, however all opinions expressed are my very own.

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Nice & Toasty: Dempster's Delicious New Recipe & Tweet Bagel Contest

Waking up to the enticing scent of freshly-brewed coffee in the morning isn't complete without a perfectly toasted bagel.  And not just any, it definitely has to be my favourite kind, Dempster's. 

If you've already tried Dempster's Bagels, you know the difference. And you know there ain't no fooling around when trying to compare. Let's just say my husband learned the hard way when coming home one day from the grocery store with a brand other than Dempster's for me. *Doghouse*

Plain & Simple, bagel's that last & keep fresh way longer, retain it's pure taste and texture and taste absolutely delicious.  That's Dempster's.

Early this year, Dempster's unveiled a new bagel recipe and I had the pleasure of trying and let me just tell you, they did not disappoint.

If you love a fruity burst of flavor in the morning, you'll love the Blueberry Bagels!

Dempster's starts with premium, quality ingredients & flavours such as 100% Canadian wheat and real fruit and spices.  With a wide variety of flavours including; Plain, Sesame, 100% Whole Wheat, 12 Grain, Everything, Cinnamon Raisin and Blueberry.  

Honestly the perfect bagel for toasting, crispy on the outside, yet soft and fluffy inside. 

You can learn more about Dempster's flavours here.

I personally love my Plain Bagel best, toasted with lots of butter or my other favourite addition, Nutella! Yummy!

How do you usually take your bagel?

Here are some scrumptious Demspter's recipe inspirations that will be a sure hit in your home. Try them today!

• Apple Cheddar Bagel 
• Bagel with Turkey, Pear & Brie 
• Open Faced Breakfast Bagel 

For more inspirations and info, visit Dempster's online at: www.dempsters.ca.

You can also find them online for more news, recipes, contests, coupons & more at:

Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest.

Now, toasting just got tastier with my brand new KitchenAid Architect 4-Slice Bagel Toaster I graciously received from Dempster's.  New toasting technology just brought the deliciousness to a whole new level (and it's easy to use too! Although at first it looked a bit daunting.)

CONTEST CORNER

How would you like to WIN this awesome toaster + a Month's Worth of FREE Dempster's Bagels {ARV $200}?

Enter NOW for a chance to WIN*!

Dempster's will pick 5 lucky winners at random on August 29th, 2012.

1. Follow @Dempsters on Twitter

You must follow @Dempsters before you enter.

2. Next, tweet @Dempsters and tell them which flavour of #DempstersBagels is your fave! Your tweet must include the hashtag #DempstersBagels.

Multiple entries are OK! Each eligible tweet you make will count as an entry (maximum of 1 tweet per promotion day. See Official Rules for full details).

For example: @Dempsters cinnamon raisin #DempstersBagels are my fave flavour because they make the perfect sweet treat!

About this offer:

Contest ends on August 27th, 2012 at 11:59:59 AM (ET). We’ll pick one winner at random, and contact them by DM on Twitter on or before August 31st, 2012.

The Dempster’s® #Bagel Contest is intended for residents of Canada only who have reached the age of majority in the province/territory they live in at the time of entry (Quebec residents excluded). For full contest rules click here: http://bit.ly/NhqLsO

Good luck to all!

****

Disclosure: I am a member of the Maple Leaf Foods Connects program. I received compensation for my participation. However, all opinions and ideas shared on this blog are my very own.

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Voyage in Style with 7 A.M. Enfant + Diaper Bag Giveaway

After becoming a mother, the one thing that I promised myself I would not sacrifice was my individual style and fashion sense.
Am I ever glad that there are brands out there created by individuals that understand the "au courant" Mom and strive to create products that cater to our everyday needs as busy parents yet still continue to follow fashion trends.

One wonderful example would be French Designer, Rebecca Campora, who founded 7 A.M.® ENFANT, a wide selection of versatile, urban and stylish baby accessories combining good design, fashion and versatility.
Made of the finest materials and outstanding craftsmanship, 7 A.M.® Enfant’s contemporary concept brings together innovation, quality, form, function and unique looks.

Based in New York City, the exclusively vibrant cultural metropolis, the brand reflects the designer and founder’s largest dreams and inspirations: A cosmopolitan, eclectic, colorful, tasteful… cultured and enriching life.




Expecting our 2nd, I was thrilled to receive 7 A.M. Enfant's Voyage Diaper Bag in Black/Grey from their Voyage Collection.

At first glance, it didn't even look like a typical diaper bag.
It has a unisex & urban design that I love, on top of that, I was amazed at all the amazing features this bag had (you wouldn't think it looking at it from the outside!). Nor is the bag heavy and tough to carry around.
Check out all the fabulous features!

The Voyage Diaper Bag includes:
- 1 zippered bottle holder/Lunch Box
- 1 Pouch/Clutch
- 1 Changing Pad

Features:

• 7AM® exclusive, signature “Door System”. With it’s zippered front opening and large built-in, see-through mesh case, tees, onesies, socks, etc stay organized and easy to access.
• Roomy interior and spacious compartments – Shoulder strap and fastening system allowing the “Voyage” bag to attach to any stroller handlebars.
• Two large outside pockets
• One built-in zippered Case
• Inside mesh pockets for baby’s necessities
• One zippered personal pocket
• Two outside pockets for portable phone
• Quick grab handles
• Water repellent outer-shell and lining
• Cushioned changing pad
• See through case for wipes and baby cloths
• Key and matching pouch holder

This bag comes in 4 colours: Metallic-Silver, Metallic-Prussian-Blue, Black, Metallic-Gold.

Price of this bag starts at $98.00 USD and comes in Small and Large. The bag featured here on my blog is the smaller size (but still very spacious!)

Small: 15"W x 10.5"H x 8"D

Large: 17"W x 12"H x 9"D

I absolutely love the style of this diaper bag and I cannot wait to put it to greater use in a few weeks!
What's even more awesome about this diaper bag that my husband loves as well is that because of the unisex style, even he is able to carry it around without sacrificing his masculinity!
This we found a huge problem with all the previous diaper bags we owned in the past.

Looks great on men too! 

You need to hop onto their website at www.7amenfant.com and check out all their incredible products including diaper bags, baby carrier covers, foot muffs, hats, booties & more!
All guaranteed to satisfy your impeccable and customary style.
You can also visit them on Facebook for updates & more!

While you're on their website, you may just want to head back over here and let me know what you're top 3 colors or products & features are for a chance to win your very own Diaper Bag from 7 A.M.® Enfant!

*Please make sure to follow rafflecopter instructions carefully to be eligible.

**OPEN TO US & CANADA 

Giveaway ends July 29, 2012.

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Disclaimer: I received a sample product from 7 A.M. ENFANT to conduct the review; however the opinions expressed are my very own.

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Hide the Spinach! Olivieri Review & Giveaway

If there's one thing more difficult for me than getting my 3 year old to tidy her room at first request (or 2nd or 3rd... without a bribe), it's getting her to eat her veggies. 

Sadly, she has already decided that anything colourful or that may look like a vegetable is not going to the "party in her tummy."

This is the part of motherhood that requires you to think-outside-the-box and get all creative when preparing meals.  Lucky for me, I have a very ingenious way of thinking. But unfortunately, my daughter has inherited my investigative skills and can smell and see vegetables a mile away. Hiding food is near impossible, unless done well and of course, whatever it's hiding in, has to taste great.

Upon perusing the cheeses/deli and fresh food section at my local grocers, I came upon Olivieri's selection of pastas and sauces.  It instantly sparked my attention considering my family is big on pasta, especially my discriminating toddler, so I thought I'd give it a shot.

Was I a tad skeptical? Yes. The last time I purchased ready-to-prepare sauces and pasta, it tasted like the canned variety.  Not a fan at all. 

I know my little girl loves ravioli, so I picked up the Spinach and Cheese Ravioli and the Rosé Sauce (we love rosé).

It was quick and easy to make: Boil the pasta for 3-4 minutes in water, drain and add ready-made sauce, voila! And it tasted GOOD!

Ever since, this has been our choice for quick pasta dinners that tasted pure gourmet.

My Rosé Sauce was sold out so we tried Rustic Pomodoro this time & still just as good!  

I love that the pasta is fresh and made with all natural ingredients. This gives me peace of mind knowing my family is not consuming artificial preservatives and other junk.

And you know what's the best thing about this? My daughter is eating spinach and doesn't even notice. In fact, she absolutely loves Olivieri's Spinach & Cheese Ravioli - one of her faves!

"These can go to the party in my tummy!"

Doesn't that look appetizing? Wait until you smell it! 

And you know what's even more awesome? They also have their very own garlic bread too! Unfortunately my local grocers didn't have it, so I'm on the search! I love me some garlic bread.

I'd like to give you, my reader, an opportunity to try Olivieri products for yourself.  Believe me, this will be sure to satisfy even the most discerning of taste buds.

DINNER'S ON ME!

I'm giving away a pair of Olivieri coupons redeemable for FREE products so you can pick what you like and try it at home!

Just fill out entry form via rafflecopter and win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Disclosure: I am a member of the Maple Leaf Foods Connects program. I received an incentive for my participation. However, all opinions and ideas shared on this blog are my very own.

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Luxe Box adds some FLARE...

It's February. The month of Love and Luxe. And what colour best describes this month? Why Red of course!

I love the colour red - it's fiery, passionate, dramatic, vibrant!

So it was to my pleasant surprise to open my monthly Luxe Box to see a bright red box instead of the regular black box.

Loose Button is excited to announce that it is partnering up with

FLARE, Canada’s leading fashion magazine, to create a limited edition FLARE Luxe Box for the month of

February. This is the first collaboration between the two companies who are both on the cutting edge of

fashion and beauty for women across Canada.

I love this idea because it brings together two of the things I look forward to receiving every month in my mailbox - My Flare Magazine and my Luxe Box!

“I’m delighted to announce that FLARE and Loose Button have collaborated to craft something special for

the month of February–a limited edition FLARE Luxe Box filled with deluxe beauty samples and advice from

our editors,” said Lisa Tant, editor-in-chief of FLARE magazine. “Nothing says indulgence quite like a box of beauty products delivered straight to your door!”

And for those that enjoy a little (or a lot) of indulgence every now and then, you know how much I've already raved about the Luxe Box by Loose Button. Check out my very first review of this wonderful beauty box.

For a limited time with every new Luxe Box subscription, you receive a free 3-month subscription to Flare Magazine! I think this is a perfect time to jump on the Luxe Box bandwagon if you haven't yet! 

For $12/month, Loose Button ships 4-5 deluxe sized samples of beauty products to its members every

month. Members receive their products in a beautifully packaged and personalized Luxe Box. This delightful

surprise is a fun and exciting way to discover new products in the convenience of your own home without

having to invest in the full-sized versions.

Do you realize how convenient and genius this is?  I've discovered quite a few of my new favourite beauty products, including my new fall/winter scent, Prada Candy, from my Luxe Box. Products that I never would have tried nor purchased on it's own because I didn't want to invest so much money on a product that I wasn't sure I would even like (and could really not tell so well with the typical small samples).

Loved the products I received in my special February Flare Luxe Box and pretty sure I'm in LOVE with Morrocanoil and Benefit's Sun Beam (especially great for my pasty-white skin during the winter months).

My loyal readers, I would love to give you a chance to win a MARCH LUXE BOX! 

If you are curious about this wonderful and genius Beauty Box, a quick entry into my Luxe Box contest via rafflecopter and you're entered to win one of your own!

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Spot the Seal at Indigo to win!

A great contest is going on at the PTPA headquarters throughout the month of December and I know my readers would love to take part in it!
If you're a fan of Indigo Chapters like me, next time you're down there make sure to snap a pic of the PTPA winning seal and share on either the PTPA Facebook Page or Tweet a pic on Twitter with hashtag #spottheseal!
I haven't had a chance to head out there yet, but I will this week & I will make sure to share my Spot the Seal photo with everyone.
Amazing prizes to be won from Indigo! Go for it!
More info here.

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Keep Organized with Mabel's Labels Review & Giveaway

If there's one thing that that I am (being a type A personality), it is super organized!
After becoming a mom, I've learned how important proper organization really is. My daughter has tons of clothes and toys, and tends to carry them with her often on playdate's, trips to the playground, grocery store -- everywhere!
The one thing that I noticed was a big issue was when others had the same items as she had and hers would get lost in the bunch. Most times, she'd just end up losing it.
Before discovering Mabel's Labels, I attempted to "create" my very own version of label's -- scotch tape did the trick! I'd rip out pieces and write her name down on them to stick to important items and articles of clothing. Tacky, I know. Not only did it look bad, they didn't stick on very long.

I was happy to discover Mabel's Label's and jumped at the opportunity to join Mabel's Label's affiliate program. Recently, I reviewed their Classic Camp/School Pack (you can purchase this great combo pack here).

This included: 15 Sticky Labels, 8 Shoe Labels, 2 Bag Tags, 40 Iron-Ons or 50 Tag Mates™ (I chose the Tag Mate's). Also, you have a choice of colours. I, of course, had to go with the princess colours for my little princess.

A little more on these great label's (no, they're not just label's, people).
Features:

• Sticky Labels are dishwasher and microwave safe
• Iron-Ons and Tag Mates™ are washer and dryer safe
• Shoe Labels and Bag Tags are waterproof and UV resistant
• Satisfaction guaranteed
• And FREE standard shipping on all orders in Canada! (Where you come across free shipping anywhere these days?)

When I received my combo pack, they came in this adorable box (which I am definitely keeping to store little item's), some great info on the company & products and of course, my label's!

I immediately started with my Tag Mates on some of Ava's dresses/clothing item's. What I absolutely love about the Mabel's Label's Tag Mate's are that they are not only laundry safe and UV resistant but they peel and stick to clothing labels with no ironing or sewing required. How awesome is that? No "extra work" needed. And they look pretty.

I told Ava she can help by choosing some of her favourite play toy's to stick her label's on and help me stick. Here's her grocery bin with her custom label. Super cute! Her cousin (BFF) also has the same one and they play together often so I'm glad to know they won't mix up their toy's any longer.

Overall, I was very impressed with the quality of Mabel's Label's. They really help you get organized and also make boring old objects appear more vibrant and fun! Use them for anything & everything your heart desires - clothes, shoes, bags, books, canisters, tupperware, loot bags... go wild!

Check our their line up of Label's and Products HERE.

Now, for some more fun stuff! Mabel's Label's is offering my lovely readers the chance to win a pack of Colourful Sticky Labels!

**Open to Canadian Resident's Only (sorry!)**

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Contest: Win an LG Fashion Week VIP Package (GTA only)

Residents of the Greater Toronto Area can enter here for a chance to win a night at the Cosmopolitan Hotel Toronto, $1000 shopping spree with stylist Amy Lu, dinner at KiWe King West Restaurant, and passes to the final night of LG Fashion Week. 

I know I would LOVE to win this. This mama needs a new wardrobe! 

Please note that this contest is only open to residents of the Greater Toronto Area

Contest ends: October 12, 2011

http://peronimodafiles.com/peroni-lg-fashionweek/

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