12 Days of Giveaways: Day 11 with Ferrero Rocher

Forget the diamonds, this gal wants the Gold this Christmas.

If Christmas had a chocolate mascot, Ferrero Rocher would be it.  Not only the perfect gift or stocking-stuffer for anyone on your list, but they are so pretty that they make for superb decor pieces especially for the Holidays where Gold is prominent.

Place them on each dinner plate for a nice little treat or create a nice centrepiece for everyone to admire and indulge in.

I have been a Ferrero Rocher fan for the longest time now. It's hard not to resist -- a whole hazelnut with smooth chocolatey cream inside a wafer shell, covered in milk chocolate and hazelnut pieces.

You take a bite and you are instantly transported to a bonbon nirvana.

I usually like to purchase the small Ferrero Rocher Gift Boxes (complete with Gold ribbon atop) and place on my guests dinner plates as a bonbonniere. I also place them all around my Christmas Tree for the kids to find and pick out on Christmas day or traditionally on Noche Buena ("The Good Night"), when we usually celebrate on December 24th.

They are absolutely adorable and come with 2 packs of 3 Ferrero Rocher Chocolates.

Perfect Stocking Stuffers!

Who would you share a "Golden Moment" with?

Did you know right now on Ferrero Rocher Canada's Facebook Page, you can "Hint" to your friends that you want some Ferrero Rocher in their HINT HINT Contest and can instantly win thousands of delicious prizes? For you and your friend! Ends December 18th so Hint away!

To learn more about Ferrero Rocher and if you're already on Facebook, make sure to visit them at www.facebook.com/FerreroRocherCanada.

For Day 11 of 12 Days of Giveaways, I am giving my readers the gift of Gold with a delicious and lovely Ferrero Rocher Prize Pack.

To enter, leave me a comment below telling me Who you would have a Ferrero Rocher Golden Moment with and why this Holiday Season.

*Additional entries via rafflecopter.

Contest is open to Canadian Residents only.

Ends 12/12.

Bonne chance!

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12 Days of Giveaways: Day 10 with Clarins

Too make makeup? A lady can never have enough good makeup.

And that lady would be moi.

I have always been one of those little girls with scrapes on my knees, running around racing with the boys in my neighbourhood yet always scrupulously watching every single detail while my mom applied her makeup. I was so fascinated.

When I got my first little makeup set to wear and keep as a tween, I was thrilled!

As I grew up, I would experiment with different makeup looks (according to what looked good on me and what was trendy at the time) and as the years flew by I learned what a world of a difference good, quality makeup did for not only your appearance but your skin.

I was taught not to cover your natural beauty and features with makeup, but to enhance it. And that was the best advice anyone has ever given me when it came to makeup.

Clarins came into my world a few years ago when I began using their body creams and then gradually merged into their beauty line.

I couldn't live without my Clarins Gloss Prodige Lip Gloss now (well I can but you get the idea) -- I take it with me everywhere! I also LOVE the smooth feeling of their lipsticks and how beautiful the colours are.

The Joli Rouge Lipstick in Hot Pink is a current favourite!

Here are my 2013 Favourites!

If you are looking to treat yourself this Christmas or for that discerning beauty habitué on your list, you will find the perfect gift with Clarins.

To learn more about their luxurious products, visit: www.clarins.ca.

Courtesy of Clarins Canada, one of you my lucky readers will win all that you see above in my favourites! 

Prize includes:

Rouge Prodige and Joli Rouge Lipsticks ($27), Blush Prodige Illuminating Cheek Colour in Lovely Rose (beautiful for all skin shades!), Eye Quartet Mineral Palette in Graphite ($42), Blush Prodige Illuminating Cheek Colour ($32), Body Lift Cellulite Smoother ($65). Wow!

To enter, leave me a comment below telling me which Product featured here you are most excited to try and why.

Open to Canadian Residents only.

Ends 12/12.

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12 Days of Giveaways: Day 8 with Kernels Extraordinary Popcorn

You will surely "pop someone's world" with the gift of healthy and delicious snacking with Kernels!

One of my family favourite places to stop off at every single time we head over to our local mall is Kernels. We all choose our own favourite flavour popcorn (they have an amazing line-up of yummy flavours!) and my daughter enjoys choosing one of their adorable popcorn containers for keeps.

My favourite flavour is Double Butter and Thai Sweet Chili. My daughter prefers the good ol' fashioned plain buttersalt and Super Kid and my husband loves Jalepeno Jack and Whalin' White Cheddar!

What's your favourite flavour? Click on 'Bags' on this link here to check them out!

They always come up with new flavours too which is great!

This Holiday season they have a Holiday Flavour which is a mixture of Creamy Caramel and Red Raspberry - yum! Also makes for a great visual centrepiece for holiday parties! Throw them in clear vases for everyone to snack on and with the great combo of festive colours, it would match perfectly for your holiday decor!

I always love receiving gift cards especially when it comes to food and snacks especially having little ones because whenever the hunger pang strikes, it's good to have them handy!

Courtesy of Kernels, one of you will win a $50 Kernels Gift Card!
That's a lot of pop-o-licious goodness!

To enter, simply leave me a comment below telling me What your favourite Kernels Flavour is!

Open to Canadian Residents only.
Ends 12/12.

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12 Days of Giveaways: Day 7 with Telus and the Samsung Galaxy S4™ Mini

"Mom, I need a new phone!" 

"Dad, can I finally get my own phone?"

"I'm the only one that doesn't have an awesome phoooooone!" 

Sound familiar parents?

Whether you're a parent of a teen that has "hinted" plenty times that they wish for a new smartphone under the tree this year or just in the market for a new phone that won't break the bank, you must consider the Samsung Galaxy S4™ Mini. 

With its 8MP camera and compact design, beautiful and responsive display, and all the bells and whistles that the mini’s big brother the GALAXY S4 is known for, this would surely make the perfect gift! 

I am attached to my Smartphone! It's like a part of me. Organization, social media, keeping in touch with loved ones, taking pictures (and tons of it!), listening to music, reading, checking emails, everything! 

In this day and age, I feel it's a necessity to have one (Yes teens, thank me now!).

Features:

• Compact design – The GALAXY S4 mini’s slim design makes it perfect to take with you anywhere, anytime.
• Premium experience – This device offers the same flagship experience as the GS4, including an 8MP camera, Group Play and Samsung Link.
• Powerful performance – The S4 mini packs a punch with a 1.7 GHz Dual Core Processor and the Android Jellybean 4.2.2 operating system.

One of my biggest issues with smartphone these days is the grip and how big they are for little hands (like mine). Without my case on it, it would probably be kaput by now.

This is one fantastic thing about the new Samsung Galaxy S4™ Mini. Even though it's more compact than it's "big brother", it doesn't compromise on it's features and what it can offer.

Sweet & Petite... with a powerful punch! Much like me. 

The Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini available at Telus for $0 on a two-year term or $400 outright.

To learn more about the awesome Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini, click here.

And for newbies that are still getting comfortable with their phones and have a ton of questions or worrying parents that are concerned about the online safety of their children (you just never know in this digital age!), I absolutely love Telus' unique Services: Telus Learning Centre and TELUS WISE®.

Learning Centre sessions are great for tweens/teens or those just starting out with their first smartphone.

Telus' specialized Learning Specialist can give them a tailored one-on-one tutorial on how to use the phone so they are 100% comfortable using their new device – it’s great for parents too!

They offer one-on-one or group sessions according to what you feel is best or most comfortable for you.

Sessions range from 15 to 45 minutes depending on your learning style and what you would like to learn.

I really wish they offered this when I got my first smartphone. I was so confused! And didn't utilize all the great features I had after many months of owning it.

TELUS WISE® is a great program for tweens and teens! Recently launched by Telus which is peace of mind for parents that are getting their kids on their first smartphone – it’s all about smartphone and Internet safety and how to teach kids to have a clean digital footprint.

You can learn more about TELUS WISE® here. And psst... this service is a PTPA winner!

Courtesy of the wonderful folks at Telus, one of you will win a new Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini!

To enter, simply leave me a comment below telling me who in your family would LOVE this phone and why!

Contest is open to Canadian Residents only.

Ends 12/12.

Good luck!

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12 Days of Giveaways: Day 6 with Little Passports

If you're looking for a unique gift idea that keeps on giving for the children, let me introduce you to Little Passports.

When I initially discovered this monthly subscription, I was instantly captivated.

Anything to do with culture is of huge interest to me. But what about your child? How can you teach your child to love and learn in an enjoyable and fascinating way? Kids get bored so easily -- we all know that.

Little Passports nailed it on the head with their subscription packages where they follow Sam and Sofia on their exciting adventures around the USA and/or the world. 

It helps them to inspire a love and understanding of the world as they learn about geography, history, culture, and language in a fun and memorable way. How can you not love this? Brilliant!

They offer two subscriptions: World Edition and USA Edition (perhaps a Canadian Edition next?)

Your child's first month’s Explorer Kit arrives in a suitcase and contains everything your child needs to get started: a letter from Sam and Sofia, a map, a passport, stickers, access to online games and more. Country specific packages filled with fun souvenirs, letters, stickers, photos, activity sheets and more arrive every month thereafter.

My daughter really loves that she has 2 friends that travel the world and send her cool things from each country every month. She looks forward to their packages/letters and stamping off her passport and finding the place on the map! For example, her last package, her friends just visited Japan so she received a letter and some origami among other fun stuff! So cool! Even I was into it! 

On a side note: Origami is NOT as easy as it looks.

Little Passports is truly your child's ticket to an exciting global adventure... in the comfort of home!

Perhaps one day when they're older, they will take you along with them on their real travelling adventures around the world!

To learn more about Little Passports, visit them at www.littlepassports.com.

For Day 6 of CAC's 12 of Giveaways, I am gifting a 3 Month Subscription to two winners!

To enter, leave me a comment below telling me Where in the World does your child want to travel to and why.

Contest is open to Canada and US Residents.

Ends 12/12.

Good luck!

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12 Days of Giveaways: Day 5 with Tim Hortons

Any Coffee Lovers here?

Asks the lady drinking coffee at 11:21 P.M.

It's a rule in this house that mommy is not awake nor ready to engage in any sort of conversation that involves whining, complaining, hankering or anything rational... until I have had my coffee.
Can anybody else here relate?

It's no question that there's one brand of coffee that smells, taste, comforts like home... and it's Canada's #1 coffee -- Tim Hortons.
Every time I come back on Canadian Grounds after being on vacation, admittedly one of the first things I usually gravitate to is buying a cup of Tims coffee.
"Double-double, please."
When I pay a visit to family or friends, we usually stop off and grab a bunch of Tims Coffees, Tea and timbits to bring.
"Double-double for me, please!"
Before heading out for errands, I almost always pull into a Tim Hortons Drive-Thru.
"Can I get a double-double... and a white chocolate macadamia nut cookie please?"

Whether as a stocking stuffer (gift card) or as a gift including some coffee, a lovely mug, gift cards, etc., -- giving the gift of Tim Hortons this Holiday Season will surely be welcomed with open arms.

Courtesy of the wonderful folks at Tim Hortons, one of you will win the most amazing Tim Hortons Prize Pack (an over $100 value!).

The Prize Pack includes:

• Tim Hortons Partnership Blend Coffee
• Limited edition holiday mug
• Candy Cane Hot Chocolate
• Single Serve Coffee
• Tassimo Coffee
• A can of fine grind coffee
• Red travel mug
• Limited edition holiday ornaments
• $25 Tim Card

Wow! Do I wish I could win my own contests! :)

To enter, leave me a comment below telling me Why you LOVE Tim Hortons.

Contest is open to Canadian Residents only.

Ends 12/12.

Good luck!

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12 Days of Giveaways: Day 4 with Annabelle Cosmetics and Marcelle

Canadian Winters can be harsh! Especially on your skin.

I am a beauty lover and enjoy applying make-up but the ingredients in them have to be compatible to my skin and it's needs. 

This is what I love about Annabelle Cosmetics and Marcelle. They are a Canadian Brand that understands the Canadian Beauty Lovers essentials.

Make-up comes a dime a dozen, but it's not very often you find products that not only look good on, but also priced well for the more budget-friendly beauty lover. 

They have come out with some amazing products this year and have featured my absolute 2013 favourites in the CAC Gift Guide.

TwistUps ($9.95 - now $7.95!)
Dare to be colourful with this easy retractable lipstick + lipliner in one. No sharpener required! Formula enriched with nourishing natural ingredients such as Omega 3 + 6 and Shea Butter. Definitvely a new way to wear lipstick. Try one of these easy-to-wear stunning shades. Paraben-Free. Perfume-Free.
Available in 24 shades!

I LOVE the colours, especially the vibrant pinks and sexy reds. Very pretty on every skin tone!

Biggy Bronzer ($11.95 - now $9.95!)
Bigger size! Get sun-kissed radiant skin in seconds! This powder contains 3 perfectly coordinated shades and a soft texture in harmonies of bronze and gold to create a natural summertime glow. All the glow you want without the damaging effects of the sun. Paraben-Free. Perfume-Free. Gluten-Free. Hypo-allergenic and dermatologist tested.

If you're like me, pale as a ghost especially during the Winter months, this product is heaven-sent!

Retractable Eyeliners ($9.95/each - now $7.95!)
Retractable pencil with integrated sharpener. Rich, intense colours and creamy texture that glides easily.
Waterproff and long-lasting formula. Opthalmologist Tested. Waterproof. 12h wear!
A must-have for a decadent dose of resistant colour!

I love the way this eyeliner glides onto my eyes and the colours are very pretty! One of my favourite eyeliners!

Marcelle DD Cream ($26.95)
Beyond BB Cream, DD defense daytime Cream with SPF 25 is a cream colored all-in-one that not only corrects but also protects your skin from external aggressions.

Courtesy of Annabelle Cosmetics and Marcelle, you can win a lovely Beauty Prize Pack which consists of these CAC favourites featured!

To enter, leave a comment below telling me which of these products you are most excited to try and why below.
Additional entries in rafflecopter.

Contest open to Canadian Residents only.
Ends 12/12.

Good luck!

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12 Days of Giveaways: Day 2 with Nando's

When you get a taste of something absolutely delicious, the essence and aroma of that dish leaves an imprint and makes you craving more.

This was the case the first time I tried Nando's famous Portuguese, flame-grilled, butterfly-cut PERi-PERi chicken. It's just chicken you say? No, my friends, it's not just chicken. It's peri-licious chicken that you will fall head over tail-feathers for.

Nando's chickens are sourced locally in Canada, butterfly-cut and trimmed of excess fat before being marinated for 24 hours so that the flavour goes right through to the bone.  This is what makes Nando’s so tender and flavourful.  All of their chicken is made fresh to order so when you place your order, we flame-grill, baste it first with their delicious Lemon and Herb marinade, and then add your choice of heat from Lemon and Herb, Medium, Hot and Extra Hot PERi-PERi sauce.  Once the chicken has been browned to a golden perfection, it is ready to plate and brought right to your table.

Okay, I don't know about you but I am starving!

I love me some heat in my food, so I love my Nando's Peri-Peri chicken with either medium sauce or my favourite, the garlic sauce (lemon and herb). It adds such a unique yet appetizing piquancy, coupled with the natural juices flowing from the perfectly cooked and marinated chicken. Pair it with your choice of side (I usually grab either the Peri-Peri Fries or Potato Wedges, Garlic Mashed Potatoes or Spiced Rice). 

If you're not really into spicy food, you can go with the lemon and herb (garlic) sauce or none at all (the chicken is good by itself!).

They sell their variety of Peri-Peri sauces in major grocery stores and they are a great addition to your kitchen to zest up your meals!

This holiday season, give them something they can surely use and appreciate -- Gift Cards are now available at Nando's restaurants across Canada! They are fully reloadable and can be purchased at any amount you like!

It's the PERi-fect gift!

To learn more about Nando's, visit them at www.nandos.ca.

They're also social! Find them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Courtesy of Nando's, win the PERi-fect gift with this amazing Nando's Gift set which consists of Peri-Peri Sauces, a lovely apron, a Coffee Table Book about the history of Peri-Peri including delicious recipes and a voucher for a full Family Meal (an over $50 value!)

To win, leave a comment below telling me which Nando's Sauce you love most or think you'd love -- Are you more Garlic, Medium or Hot Sauce?

Contest open to Canadian Residents only.

Ends December 12th, 2013.

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Big Hugs Make the Perfect Gift Plus Big Hugs Elmo #Giveaway

Someone once said to me that "a hug is the universal medicine" and I couldn't agree more.
Do you remember all the times, good and bad, in your life where you received a warm and genuine embrace from someone? The feeling of receiving a hug during a time you need it most is indescribable. It's something that is only felt deep within the heart.

One of the things I teach my children every time they see someone they care about feeling sad or when they want to show their love is to give them a great big hug.
My daughter is old enough to understand the effects and meaning behind hugs, however my son is too young to fully grasp the meaning but not young enough to truly feel the effects. There's no age limit for that.
He knows how good hugs from mommy, daddy, his sister or grandparents feel when he's fallen down and hurt himself or when he takes his wobbly steps as he learns to walk and gets happy praises and big hugs in celebration.

I'm now slowly compiling my holiday gift list for all the special people in my life and there is no doubt in my mind that Big Hugs Elmo would make one of those special little people on that list VERY happy this year.

On top of being a PTPA Winner, Big Hugs Elmo has also gained the stamp of approval in my family!

My son is currently still teething and he gets bouts of tearful episodes (poor baby!) and I noticed how much more calm he gets when Elmo is around him.

He absolutely adores his furry friend and not only for his comforting embrace but because of all the amazing and fun features included!

There are so many ways to play with Sesame Street Big Hugs Elmo! When you give Elmo a great big hug, he'll hug back, say fun phrases or sing a sweet song about hugs! Press Elmo's left foot and he will invite little ones to join in on 1 of 4 imagination activities. There are 50+ animated sounds and phrases like, "Elmo loves getting hugs from you," 

"Let's pretend we're rabbits! Boing, boing, boing," and "Move to the beat!" When children lay Big Hugs Elmo down in a flat position, he'll become sleepy, sing a lullaby and make sleeping sound effects. 

I have to admit that Elmo's sweet lullaby has even put me to sleep a couple of times. So sweet! 

Features: 

• Hug Elmo and he'll move his arms to hug back 
• Pretend with Elmo: There are 4 fun imagination scenarios: astronauts, rabbits, frogs & horses 
• Dance with Elmo: Move Elmo around - he really responds 
• Sing along with Big Hugs Elmo: Plays 3 fun songs 
• Nap time: Lay Elmo down to hear a sweet lullaby and sleeping sound effects

This past Halloween, Big Hugs Elmo even tagged along as Talan's "Partner in Cuteness-Crime". :)

To learn more about Big Hugs Elmo, visit: www.hasbro.com/playskool/en_CA/sesamestreet/bighugselmo/

If you're on Social Media, PTPA is currently hosting a fun 'Spot the Seal with Hasbro' Contest that offers you many chances to win some seriously amazing prizes including Big Hugs Elmo and many other PTPA-winning Hasbro Products!
For more information, visit: ptpa.com/2013/10/10/spot-seal-hasbro/.

Thanks to Hasbro, as a BHE Brand Ambassador, one of my lucky readers will have the opportunity to win another Big Hugs Elmo of their own this month {ARV $69.99}

1) Leave me a comment below telling  me what your favourite feature is on the Big Hugs Elmo

2) Enter via rafflecopter below for additional entries

The contest will close and a winner will be selected at random on November 17, 2013.

Open to US and Canada (excluding Quebec).

Good luck!

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Disclosure: I am participating in the Hasbro Big Hugs Elmo Blogger Campaign by PTPA Media and received product and compensation as a thank you for participating. The opinions expressed on this blog are my very own.

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The Perfect Gift for a Canadian Dad: Tim Hortons Father's Day #Giveaway

I can't think of another name echoed frequently from the mouth of my husband than Tim... Hortons.
There is something so very comforting about a warm cup of Tim Hortons Coffee (or tea) that every Canadian can agree with.

I made gift buying for Dad a little easier this year with my Father's Day Gift Guide, and one of the Top 10 on this list was none other than a gift card from Tim Hortons.

My good friends at Tim Hortons appreciates and honours all the sacrifices and love from our Fathers and is offering one of my readers the opportunity to treat DAD to some Tims Love!

The Prize Pack includes: A bag of Tim Hortons' New Partnership Blend Coffee, a Stainless Steel Thermos Travel Mug, and a $25 Tim Card.

 1) Leave a comment telling me what you're thankful to your Dad for. (mandatory)
2) Enter via rafflecopter below for additional chances to win

Open to Canadian Residents only.

Good luck!

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A Tea-lightful Mother's Day #Giveaway with DAVIDsTEA

Mom will surely be "tea-lighted" when she opens her gift this year to find this adorable DAVIDsTEA Bubble Teapot and the vibrant pink illuminating from the fabulous new Spring Collection box.

Form, meet  function.
The DAVIDsTEA Bubble Teapot {ARV $19.50} comes in different designs including a plain white or black that are super adorable but I personally am loving these dainty designs (as seen above). It has a fitted infuser with 0.3mm holes that will keep smaller leaves from sifting through while giving larger leaves room to expand. When your tea is steeped, just lift the infuser out of the teapot so it doesn’t get too strong. It makes the perfect pot every time, and looks darn good while doing it. What more could you ask for? Microwave and dishwasher safe. (capacity: 24oz/700ml)

And if that wasn't enough, The Spring Collection {ARV $25.50} will be sure to whisk mom away in the comfort of her own home with five exotic teas.
First, let super-fruity Pom Tango take you away to the fruit markets of India. Next, take a trip to Argentina with an energizing hit of Honeydew Maté. For an island escape, rich and creamy Coconut Oolong is the perfect taste of paradise. And refreshing, mango-spiked Daydreamer will take you straight to the beaches of Thailand. But if you really want to party, try some Copabanana. Trust me – it’s the hottest tea north of Havana. (25g of each tea)

The wonderful folks at DAVIDsTEA are giving away a fabulous Mother's Day Combo with a DAVIDsTEA Bubble Teapot (*Design/colour dependent on availability) and The Spring Collection {TRV $45} to a lucky CAC Reader!
To enter the contest, simply enter via rafflecopter below.

Contest ends May 10th, 2013.
*Open to Canadian Residents only.

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