Friday, May 4, 2012

12 Days of FIERCE Moms #5: Get her a signature cocktail

OK this... this has GOT to be one of my most favourite gift ideas for the woman who has EVERYTHING! You know... the hard-to-shop-for friend in your life who is just too damn difficult to please EVEN though you took her to a screening of a stupid Robert Pattinson movie despite your personal disgust with the Twilight movies?

Ahem.

That girl.

Mother's Day gifts are freakin tough to find, especially something with MEANING that is creative, unique and TOTALLY all about her.

So let me share this tidbit of awesomeness! For Big Daddy's birthday last week, I commissioned THE Cocktail Deeva (if you don't know her, you SHOULD!) to design a drink for my main squeeze.

Big Daddy
She asked what he liked to drink (beer, of course), asked what cocktails he enjoyed and came up with the Beer Daddy Collins

Light Beer (I used Sol)
Lime Vodka
Squeeze of lemon juice
Splash of Grenadine

Voi-freakin-LA!

I served this drink to my handsome hubby and felt preeeeeeeetty damn clever about coming up with such a cool gift idea.

So my fellow FIERCE women, send the Cocktail Deeva a tweet, email or Facebook message, commission her to design a cocktail for the FIERCE Mom in YOUR life, her fee is between $50-75 (she's totally worth it!!), serve the signature drink with the recipe in a card with "Designed by the Cocktail Deeva especially for YOU!" and look like a freakin' HERO!


OK. Maybe not quite THAT dramatic. But you get what I mean. Oh. and while you're at it, support Dee in her mission to raise money to save the boobies!










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Wednesday, May 2, 2012

12 Days of FIERCE Moms #4: Don't Sweat the Small Stuff for Moms!


When I published MOM Magazine, our tagline was "Life as a MOM doesn't mean life as a WOMAN has to end!" There are some days I miss the Mom industry (not many) because I knew MOM made a difference but I know that there are other moms out there fighting the good fight and one of those moms is none other than Kristine Carlson.

Kristine Carlson
I met Kristine on Twitter and quickly figured out who she was. She co-wrote the "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff" book series with her late husband Richard Carlson. This book has been in my life for the past 12 years so imagine my JOY when I found Kristine in real life (kind of). To connect and engage with someone who has truly made a difference in the lives of others is so beyond words of gratitude I can't even begin to gush enough about how much I adore her.

THEN! To find out she had just finalized her "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff for Moms" book... well! Colour me Merlot!

This book is the guide we've all been waiting for. I couldn't BE more in love with this book had I written it myself (of course mine would have been far more raunchy and inappropriate but had similar messages). Anyway the point is that Kristine has given you a GIFT. Buy this book for yourself, for your friends, for any woman in your life at any stage of motherhood.

And because I'm feeling generous (maybe it's the wine talking here) I think I'll give a copy of the book away to one lucky winner in our "Celebrate Your FIERCE Mom" Contest. Simply enter below. It's a lone prize and not connected with our prize baskets but this is where you enter.










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We're giving away over $900 in PRIZES!!!

Heh hem. Are you ready? Is the suspense KILLING YOU!? As you know we have some preeeeeetty amazing businesses who are participating in this promotion but what you DON'T know is what they are giving you!

And so... oh did you know I take bribes? Like wine-related bribes... OK OK I'm gonna tell you!!

Basket #1 includes an ACME Meat Market is giving away a $50 gift certificate so that you can enjoy steak and eggs IN bed served by your other half. *shrugs* I can't promise what you're gonna get for dessert :D PLUS Vogue Organics is giving away Fresh Pineapple Body Cream (valued at $35) PLUS you get a 30 minute massage from Therapeutic Body Concepts (valued at $45) PLUS enjoy a private lesson with one of LUX Beauty Boutique's Star Makeup Artists including a strip lash application and glass of bubbly (approx. $75 value ) Total Prize value of $205

Basket #2 includes a Hot Stone Massage from Heritage Valley Physio Therapy (value $85), PLUS a certificate for a 1 1/2 hour private lesson with one of LUX Beauty Boutique's Star Makeup Artists including a strip lash application and glass of bubbly PLUS a $50 gift certificate from Famoso Pizza Total Prize value approx. $210

Basket #3 A full set of Silk or Synthetic Lash Extensions from Lash Affair (valued up to $150) PLUS you get a 30 minute massage from Therapeutic Body Concepts (valued at $45) Total prize value $195


The Grand Prize... the one you have all been waiting for...


The Empower Me Spa Package from NVEInstitue in Edmonton! This three-hour blissful escape from reality includes NVEInstitute's Signature Aloe-Therapy Exfoliation treatment along with a personalized aromatic detoxification body wrap PLUS a 30-minute express facial AND a one hour detoxification body massage. 
This package is valued at $300!

Can I get a HELL YAH!!? So keep watching our ENGAGE blog for our latest updates! Prizes will be awarded May 12!







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12 Days of FIERCE Moms #3: Five Ways to Indulge Yourself

1. What mom doesn't like to lose herself in a movie?!
Shop online at Cineplex.com from May 2nd - 6th, buy a select DVD, Blu-ray or Digital Download and receive 500 SCENE® points*. PLUS if you spend $25 or more you’ll also get a FREE movie voucher AND free shipping.  Choose from movies like Crazy, Stupid Love (I looooooved this movie!!!!! Ryan Goseling, shirtless... YUM!), the critically-acclaimed and Oscar-winning The Descendants (um, hello! George!!), or something a little darker like the Girl With the Dragon Tattoo (never saw it but heard good things). There are more to choose from but it's definitely a win-win gift!



PLUS: Join us Saturday, May 12 at the NEW VIP Windermere Theatre in Edmonton for a screening of The Five-Year Engagement starring Jason Segal and Emily Blunt. We'll be meeting at the VIP Lounge at 5 p.m. then enjoying Jason in all his comedic glory! It's a chance to do something FOR YOU! Bring a friend, bring your mom, come by yourself! This is an 18+ event. Click here to RSVP.

2. You had me at Fondue!
The Melting Pot has a Mother's Day feast fit for a QUEEN! Sunday, May 13, 11am-10pm $120.00 per couple ($75 per couple lunch option also available until 4pm). Click here for complete details.

FIRST COURSE
Cranberry Cheddar Cheese Fondue

SECOND COURSE
Spring Salad

THIRD COURSE
Mother's Day Entree
Cold-Water Lobster Tail, Red Pepper-Pesto New York Strip, Orange-Tamarind Shrimp, Avocado-Lemon Chicken, Citrus-marinated Pork Tenderloin and Wild Mushroom Sacchetti.

FOURTH COURSE
Blueberry Lavender White Chocolate Fondue

3. Get Pampered at The Red Piano
One of West Edmonton Mall's "must try" culinary experiences, The Red Piano, is hosting a Mother's Day Three-course Brunch complete with a pampering package! It's only $24.95/pp and includes a $10 gift certificate to Rain Salon & Spa, a FREE Jugo Juice Smoothie, complimentary tickets to a LIVE Dueling Piano show PLUS a rose for mom. To make a reservation for our Mother's Day Brunch you can reach us by phone at 780.486.7722, email or visit them online.

Now whether you go with a group of moms or have your kids treat you OR you take your mom, this is one helluva good deal! Stilleto-stamped & FIERCE Approved!

4. Lash out! 
Book yourself into Lash Affair and join the Lash Addicted like me! I love lash extensions because when I wake up I look even more FIERCE than I usually do! No fuss, no muss, no mascara application, just get up and go! This is a beauty indulgence for you, your BFF or the "tough to shop for" mom in your life!

Individual lash extensions come in a wide variety of lengths and thicknesses. Any look can be created from girl-next door, to ultra-glam-diva lashes (and everything in between). Lash Affair's experienced technicians apply extensions one by one by isolating each of your natural lashes, and applying an extension with medical-grade adhesive formulated specifically for use around the eye area. 
The application is painless, and most women fall asleep! Individual lash extensions promote a healthy shed cycle for your natural lashes and cause no damage to natural lashes. 
Results last around 6 weeks, but can last indefinitely if proper fills appointments are maintained.
Do it. Book the appointment. You won't be disappointed!

5. Take a day trip to the local gardening centres!
It's that time of year when we start planning our gardens so why not indulge in a short day trip to check out all of the local gems! Some of our local faves include Ellerslie Gifts & Garden which has a fantastic little bistro to indulge in a light lunch or snack. It just opened for the season and is open Daily 9am - 8pm except for Statutory Holidays (10am - 6pm). Easy to get to from the Anthony Henday too! 10330 Ellerslie Rd SW.

Another south west gem is the Dunvegan Gardens. Don't judge them by their website. This little treasure has some wonderful plants, fantastic service and is only 10 minutes from the Lessard exit on the Henday. Head a little further west to Carvel General Store just 10 minutes west of Stony Plain and you will be surprised at the cool trinkets, decor and "OMG I gotta HAVE that" finds you will see!

The daytrip possibilities are endless but it's another great way to spend some alone time or indulge in a mother/daughter day.









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12 Days of FIERCE Moms #2 Support a good cause

Get your best girlfriend or bring your teenage daughter to LUX Beauty Boutique's 2nd annual "Beauty and the Pleats" fundraiser on Sunday, May 6.

When: Sunday May 6 (10am-12 p.m., 12-2 p.m., 2-4 p.m.)
Where: LUX Beauty Boutique, 12531-102 ave (High Street) Edmonton
Why: In support of Suit Yourself
Cost: $10 Tickets include goodies, draws, treats from Duchess Bakery and a sparkling beverage. All proceeds go to Suit Yourself. Click here for tickets

Me and LUX stARTISTE
Jenn B. after my fantastical
makeup session (I love
her!!!)
It's the perfect "me time" without creating any scheduling conflicts for the actual "Mother's Day" weekend PLUS you will learn makeup and skincare tips from the LUX experts (I was there last week and loooooooved Jenn B., the "Star-tiste" who enhanced my natural beeeeautyful looks with her magical palate of colours and brushes!) and you will have the opportunity to bid on 60 LUX Beauty baskets!

The purpose of "Beauty and the Pleats" is to raises funds and collect donations for the Edmonton-based charitable organization Suit Yourself. LUX's first year was wildly successful, raising $3000 and countless beauty items for Suit Yourself!

Tickets are ONLY $10 with all proceeds going to Suit Yourself, and the beauty of this event is that it is done in three 2-hour sessions so you don't have to hang around for hours to see if you win your basket(s) of choice!
10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
12 p.m. - 2 p.m.
2 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Each session has identical baskets for auction so there isn't a session with "better" baskets to choose from. 

Enjoy Duchess Bakery macaroons and sparkling drinks while the LUX ladies show you the latest make-up tips to get you stunning for spring. Goodies & giveaways will be up for grabs.

PLUS Clear your cosmetic clutter for a good cause

Do you have a stash of beauty samples and unused toiletries taking up precious bathroom space? Bring a bundle of unused everyday essentials to our event and recieve $10 off your next purchase at LUX.



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Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Contest Rules


1. ELIGIBILITY: Youarefierce Sweepstakes (the “Sweepstakes”) is open only to legal residents of the Alberta, Canada over the age of 18 with access to the Internet at all times during the Sweepstakes and subsequent prize-award period unless otherwise specified by Youarefierce. All employees of Youarefierce. (“Sponsor”), all associated agencies and each of their sales representatives, distributors, or agents (all of the foregoing, together with Sponsor, collectively referred to as “Sweepstakes Entities”), and their immediate family members (spouse, parent, child, sibling and their respective spouses) and those living in the same household of each (whether related or not), are ineligible to participate in the Sweepstakes. All applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations apply. Void where prohibited or restricted by law. Entry in the Sweepstakes constitutes your full and unconditional acceptance of these Official Rules. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. A PURCHASE WILL NOT IMPROVE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING.

2. SWEEPSTAKES ENTRY INSTRUCTIONS: During the Sweepstakes Period, you may submit an entry form online. Limit One (1) Online Entry per person, per e-mail address, and per household during the Sweepstakes Period via Online Entry, regardless of whether a person has more than one address or more than one person uses the same address.

3. PUBLICITY: As a condition of entry into the Sweepstakes, except where prohibited by law, each entrant and each winner by accepting a prizegrants to Sponsor and its affiliates, legal representatives, assigns and licensees, all right, title and interest in to publicize, broadcast, display and/or otherwise use the Sweepstakes entrant’s name, city, state, and biographical material (collectively, “Licensed Rights”) in any media now or hereafter known throughout the world in perpetuity for advertising and publicity purposes, without additional review, compensation, permission or approval of the winner. Where necessary, the Prize winner will be required to execute and return an Affidavit of Eligibility/Liability and Publicity Release within twenty four (24) hours of attempted notification or the winner may be disqualified and an alternate winner selected. Prize winner must be available for promotional display and presentation or will forfeit prize to next winning entrant.

4. SELECTION OF SWEEPSTAKES WINNERS/ODDS: The potential Prize winners will be selected in a random drawing to be held after May 12, 2012, 1 a.m. (UTC). Winners will be selected from entries received during the Sweepstakes Period. Odds of winning will depend on the number of eligible entries received during the Sweepstakes Period. The potential winners will be notified via email to the email address submitted with the potential winner’s entry within twenty four (24) hours after the drawing. The drawing will be conducted by Sponsor, the judge of the Sweepstakes, whose decisions on all matters relating to the Sweepstakes shall be final and binding. In the event that a potential winner is disqualified for any reason, Sponsor may, in its sole discretion, award the applicable prize to an alternate winner selected at random. Any return of prize notification or prize email as undeliverable will result in forfeiture of any prize and an alternate winner may, at Sponsor's discretion, be randomly selected.

5. GENERAL RULES: By entering or participating in the Sweepstakes, participants agree to be bound by these Official Rules, and by the decisions of Sponsor, which are final and binding in all respects. Sweepstakes Entities are not responsible for: (1) any incorrect or inaccurate information or technical failures of any kind, (2) unauthorized human intervention in any part of the entry process or the Sweepstakes; or (3) any other computer, network, technical, human or other error, problem or malfunction that may occur in connection with the administration of the Sweepstakes, the processing of entries, or the selection or notification of winners. Further, if, for any reason, the Sweepstakes is not capable of running as planned for reasons outside the control of the Sponsor which, in the sole opinion of Sponsor, may corrupt or affect the administration, security, fairness, integrity or proper conduct of the Sweepstakes (or portion thereof), Sponsor reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend the Sweepstakes (or portion thereof). Sponsor also reserves the right at its sole discretion to disqualify the Entry of any individual found to be (a) tampering or attempting to tamper with the entry process or the operation of the Sweepstakes or any website operated by the Sweepstakes Entities; (b) using any robotic, macro, automatic, programmed or like entry methods, which will void all such entries; (c) violating these Official Rules or the terms of service, conditions of use, and/or general rules of any Sponsor property or service; or (d) acting in an unsportsmanlike or disruptive manner, or with intent to annoy, abuse, threaten, or harass any other person. Sweepstakes Entities are not responsible for claims, injuries, losses or damages of any kind resulting, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, from the awarding, delivery, acceptance, use, misuse, possession, loss or misdirection of the prize; participation in this Sweepstakes or in any activity or travel related thereto or from any interaction with, or downloading of, computer Sweepstakes information.

6. PARTICIPANT OBLIGATIONS: By participating in the Sweepstakes, you agree to be bound by these Official Rules and the decisions of Sponsor. By accepting the prize, the winner agrees to release and hold Youarefierce and affiliates harmless from and against any and all losses, damages, rights, claims, actions and liabilities of any kind in connection with the Sweepstakes or receipt or redemption of the prize. The winner assumes all liability for any injury, death, or damage caused, or allegedly caused, by participating in the Sweepstakes or use or redemption of the prize.

7. PERSONAL INFORMATION: The personal information collected through the Sweepstakes is subject to PunchTab’s Privacy Policy, located at http://www.punchtab.com/privacy. By entering the Sweepstakes, you agree to the use of your personal information as described in the above Privacy Policy.

8. SPONSOR: Youarefierce

12 Days of FIERCE Moms #1: Five Ways to Enjoy Mother's Day WITHOUT the family

Is it so bad to want to be alone on Mother's Day? Here are five ways to make yourself the priority - at least one day a year.

Does this scenario sound familiar? Right before Mother's Day weekend, your husband or in-laws announce, with glee, they have a big surprise for you for Mother's Day morning: a great brunch at the fancy local hotel. Imagine, they say, a big buffet filled with fabulous fruit, fresh salmon, flaky croissants and more, in a beautiful room, with no time table. They think it sounds like a dream, but it's your biggest nightmare.

You hear this and envision this: your kids loading up on three kinds of sugar cereal, you chasing your toddler throughout the gigantic room, the baby who can't sit leisurely at the table for hours on end, your kid growing restless and cranky as you stand on line at the omelet-made-to order station. Yes, it will be your day, but will it be a dream or nightmare?

That, mom, is up to you. As a mom, you exert your power all year long, making key decisions about your family's schedule. This Mother's Day, do the same, and empower yourself to make the day you deserve the day you really want.

Don't Feel Guilty
It's natural to feel guilty or worried about telling your family you want to be alone on Mother's Day, says Diane Lang, a Positive Living Expert, Educator and author of "Creating Balance and Finding Happiness." "Moms need to realize this time is important to refuel and re-energize," she says emphasizing that a happy mom equals happy children. Plus, taking care of yourself is a great lesson for kids to see first-hand. At heart, many moms know this is true, but in the rush of the everyday, it's hard to remember. Mother's Day is one day to pause and actually do it.

Just Book It
Let's face it, if you're around the house, your kids will find you. Guarantee alone time by making an appointment on a day (or time period) when you know you have child care coverage - whether that's Mother's Day or another day without mandatory family commitments. If beauty or relaxation time is what you long for, book a pedicure, massage, facial or makeover. If you've been meaning to start a new fitness routine, make an appointment to tour and try a new gym or schedule a session with a personal trainer. Want something simpler? Consider going on a morning bike ride alone and meeting up with your family for lunch, wandering around the latest exhibit at a favorite art museum, or curling up with a new book (or your Kindle) at a cozy coffee shop. The point is to block off the time - ahead of time.

Alert Your Significant Other
Have a heart-to-heart with your husband or partner to convey you want some 'Me Time' on Mother's Day and describe the role he will play while you take it. Many partners may even be grateful or relieved to discover something you really want to do that day; it takes a bit of the pressure of them to have to guess (and saves you from any generic gifts!).



Schedule the Weekend to Fit Your Needs
Parents consistently struggle with how to spend their time, says Patricia O'Laughlin, a psychotherapist who works with many moms in the Los Angeles, Ca. Silver Lake community. If plans with your mom or your mother-in-law are an obligation, plan the weekend around your scheduled time away. Arrange one big pot-lucky event and invite everyone. Another option? Give the people you want (or need) to celebrate with choices that work around your schedule, "Would you rather do dinner Friday or breakfast on Saturday?"

Make One Meal Your Ideal
Moms can't escape reality completely. Family meals are often hectic. But planning ahead and picking the right restaurant, food or setting can make it more enjoyable (unless you hire a babysitter). Your family may have special plans for one meal, be it making you breakfast in bed, brunch with the extended family, or a backyard dinner barbeque. But get involved in planning another meal so it's how and where you want it (even if it's spent alone, a date with your spouse, or catching up with a bff). The point is to be honest, plan ahead and manage your time - you do this every other day, so why not do so to make this Mother's Day the one you really want?



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