Author: shesinfluential

CANADIAN TIRE #CTWISHANDWIN CONTEST + TWITTER PARTY!

By shesinfluential November 25, 2015

To celebrate the upcoming holidays, the folks at Canadian Tire are giving you a chance to wish and win ANYTHING in the Canadian Tire flyer! Canadian Tire will be giving away one prize per hour for 25 days! The contest begins on November 23^rd, 2015 and runs until December 17^th, 2015. You can enter once per day so start tweeting!

Join us to celebrate the holidays at the #CTWishAndWin Twitter Party.
Twitter Party Details:
Date: December 1st, 2015
Time: 8:00 p.m. E
Hashtag: #CTWishAndWin
Host: @CanadianTire
NO RSVP
Prizing: 10 x $100 @CanadianTire Gift Cards

Anyone can participate but only Canadians can win prizes, excluding those in the province of Quebec.

There are so many great prizes in the flyers – from power tools to Canadian Tire’s amazing new CANVAS Christmas collection!The CANVAS collection has everything you need to deck out your home in style for the holidays. There’s something for everyone in the flyer so enter now and get your holiday shopping done (or pick up a little something for yourself!) If you’re lost on what to get a friend or family member, Canadian Tire has created this handy guide on how the Foodie, the Do-it-Yourselfer, the Toy lover, the Auto enthusiast and the connoisseur of clean. Check it out here

Entering is easy!

Pick your prize – choose a product from the print or digital flyer

Snap a photo – take a photo of your product from the flyer or select one from the digital flyer

Tag it #CTWishandWIn – Share on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook.com/CanadianTire or share it from the digital flyer.

What am I wishing for this holiday season? I’m in love with this Louisiana Grill – I’ve been dreaming of the warmer seasons ever since winter hit so a day of barbecuing up something yummy would be the perfect way to ring in the Spring.

How perfect is this decorative wreath from the CANVAS collection?

Check out the rest of my wishlist here

What are you wishing for this Christmas? Let me know in the comments below! I can’t wait to see you at the #CTWishandWin Twitter Party and remember to tweet what YOU want for Christmas with the hashtag #CTWishandWin

Giving Lifestyle

#MirrorBall2015

By shesinfluential November 23, 2015

On Saturday, I got the pleasure of attending Mirror Ball and Mirror Ball After Dark.

Mirror Ball is in support of two wonderful foundations – FacingCancer.ca and Look Good Feel Better. For a woman diagnosed with cancer, fear and uncertainty becomes a constant companion. The ravages of cancer treatments are horrifying – it can leave a woman anxious, shocked, and insecure. Beauty Gives Back is a charitable initiative of the Canadian beauty industry. They use the tools of the trade to help women look good and feel better every day, through cosmetic and hair alternative workshops and a strong community.

Look Good Feel Better is a program that creates workshops to teach women and men how to deal with the visual effects of cancer and improving their self-esteem. They offer complimentary group, individual and self-help beauty sessions that create a sense of support, confidence, courage, and community. They offer a wide selection of virtual guides and tips – from picking the right wig for you to step by step makeup tutorials.

FacingCancer.ca is an online support system for those facing the disease. It’s designer to offer support, provide a cancer information network and cancer support resources and tools to help women and their loved ones manage the social and emotional effects of cancer

The night started off with an ultra-glam cocktail hour in the silent auction rooms. Delicious hors d’ouevres were passed around, from polenta fries to falafel bites to gazpacho soup. Hillberg & Berk sponsored a champagne flute game – purchase one glass of champagne for $100 and win a pair of their signature bauble earrings! You also were entered to win the 10,000 ring raffled off at the end of the night. Hudson’s Bay and Shopper’s Drug Mart sponsored a balloon pop. Purchase a ticket for $100, pop a balloon of a dress and automatically win a giftcard of $125 or more!

In the night’s auction were some absolutely jaw dropping prizes – the live auction offered up a brand new Ford Mustang, all inclusive trip to Amsterdam, and tickets to the Leafs and the Raptors in the best seat in the house! The silent auction offered more great prizes including Steam Whistle brewery tours, electronics, and every beauty product under the sun. The event is sponsored by Shoppers Drug Mart, Estee Lauder, Coty, Hudson’s Bay, Johnson & Johnson, Quadrant,Teva, TJX Canada, Hillberg & Berk.

During the dinner we heard from some of the fashion and beauty industry’s most influential. Singer Jully Black performed an assortment of her hits, and Sangita Patel and Matte Babel emceed. Executive Director of Beauty Gives Back Canada Sherry Abbott informed us on why it’s important to give back to such a phenomenal cause.

#MirrorBallAfterDark – the ultra chic Mirror Ball after party – was not one to miss. Some of the fun activation stations included a Moscato Slushie Bar sponsored by Barefoot Wine and a manicure and make-up station sponsored by Birchbox Canada. There were delicious hors d’ouevres being passed around too – I had more than one serving of truffle fries. Musical guests The Collective with Miles Raine had us dancing all night long with their groovy sax stylings.
Next year’s Mirror Ball will definitely not be one to miss! Be sure to donate at www.beautygivesback.ca

Lifestyle

Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes

By shesinfluential November 20, 2015

Let’s face it – I love a good Pumpkin Spice Latte. It’s sweet and creamy and is the perfect way to ring in the fall weather. There’s only one thing better than a warm drink – these uber-sweet cupcakes!

Via Canadian Living

Portion size12

Ingredients

Preparation
Line 12 large muffin cups with paper liners; set aside.

In large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cinnamon, ginger, salt, baking powder, baking soda and cloves. In separate bowl, whisk eggs; blend in pumpkin and oil. Pour over flour mixture; stir just until moistened. Spoon into prepared cups, filling to top; with wet spoon, flatten tops.

Bake in centre of 350°F (180°C) oven until cake tester inserted in centre comes out clean, about 20 minutes. Let cool on rack. (Make-ahead: Wrap individually in plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 24 hours. Or enclose in airtight container and freeze for up to 2 weeks.)

Additional information : Vanilla Butter Icing

1 cup (250 mL) butter, softened
5 cups (1.25 L) icing sugar
1/2 cup (125 mL) whipping cream
2 tsp (10 mL) vanilla

In bowl, beat butter until light; gradually beat in sugar and cream, making 3 additions of sugar and 2 of cream. Beat in vanilla. (Make-ahead: Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days; beat until smooth before using.)

Makes about 4 cups (1 L).

Lifestyle

She’s Influential’s FriYay Sipper

By shesinfluential November 20, 2015

It’s Friday! At the end of the week there is nothing better then sitting down and enjoying a nice cocktail with friends. But who has the time or energy to make a complicated cocktail? This is one of my go-to recipes to ring in the weekend. It’s easy, but you can’t taste it!

The White Owl Ginger & Lime Whisky is a clear whisky that tastes light and refreshing. It tastes more along the lines of a Vodka or Rum than it does a Whisky!

She’s Influential’s FriYay Sipper

1.5 oz of White Owl Ginger & Lime Whisky

3 oz Soda Water

A dash of coconut water

Fresh basil and peeled lemon.

Throw it all together for a light, refreshing taste! Pro tip: peel the lemon as garnish.

Holidays

#CTWickfest #WeAllPlay

By shesinfluential November 20, 2015

Every winter, we would freeze over a patch of land in our backyard, nail together some boards, break out some spotlights and step out onto our very own homemade rink. Figure skating was never really a draw to us – my siblings and cousins and I loved the fast-paced excitement of hockey and the team-work – bonding as a team (sometimes to beat our other siblings) really brought us closer as a family. Any mistakes on the ice were simply healed with a pat on the back and a mug of warm cider.

As someone growing up with a bevvy of brothers and a boatload of male friends, seeing a great event like Wickfest really warms my heart. I’ve played pond hockey my entire life and as much as I can’t really skate circles around the boys (I try my best though!) it’s great to have such a wonderful role model like Hayley Wickenheiser for me, and thousands of other hockey-loving girls, to look up to.

It’s such a male-dominated sport that having such an inspirational female player who is so highly regarded on the world stage to root on is incredibly refreshing! Hayley Wickenheiser has won five Olympic medals over the span of her career. That is only one of the highly impressive milestones in her career – it all started at age 15 when she was chosen for the Canadian Women’s National Team. She’s built up quite the impressive trophy cabinet since then. She has led the team to six gold and one silver medal at the international level, and earned four gold and one silver medal at the Olympic level.

And that’s exactly why Wickenheiser started WickFest! Wickfest is an annual hockey festival set up by Canadian hockey legend Hayley Wickenheiser and draws teams from across North America for seminars, workshops and a friendly tournament. The festival brings 1,500 young girls from across the country to celebrate the sport they love. This year, it takes place in Calgary, from November 26th – 29th.

Canadian Tire is the incredible sponsor – for the third year in a row they are supporting female athletes across the country follow their dreams!

Join us for the #WeAllPlay Twitter Party with Hayley and fellow Olympian Meaghan Mikkelson.

Twitter Party Details:
Date: November 25th, 2015
Time: 8:00 p.m. E
Hashtag: #WeAllPlay
Host: @CanadianTire
Guests: @Wick_22 and @Mikkelson12
NO RSVP
Prizing: 10 x $100 @CanadianTire Gift Cards

Meet you at the rink!

Giving

#MirrorBall2015

By shesinfluential November 19, 2015

This year’s Mirror Ball is slated to be one of the most glamorous events of the year – the black tie event brings together the biggest names in the Canadian fashion and beauty industries for an event that is not only glamorous, but gives back. The event is sponsored by Shoppers Drug Mart, Estee Lauder, Coty, Hudson’s Bay, Johnson & Johnson, Quadrant,Teva, TJX Canada, Hillberg & Berk.

LIVE ON PERISCOPE

Can’t make it to the event? We’re going to be LIVE at Mirror Ball and Mirror Ball After Party! Join us on Twitter, Instagram, and Periscope at @BGBCanada using the hashtag #MirrorBallAfterDark. We’ll be speaking with the most influential people in the fashion & beauty industry. We’ll also be giving viewers an exclusive eye into the coolest party of the year! Miles Raine and the Collective will be playing to keep you dancing all night, and visitors can enjoy booths from Birchbox, Barefoot Wine, Swarovski, and Hudson’s Bay.

How to join:

Download the free Periscope Apponto your smartphone
Sign in with your Twitter account or create an account
Touch the icon on the bottom far right of the screen (the three people icon)
Touch the search icon, top left of the screen
Type BeautyGivesBack
Follow! You’ll get a notification when we’re live or you can check by touching the TV icon on the bottom left of your home screen

Why Support #MirrorBall2015 ?

By supporting Mirror Ball, you support an incredibly movement and ensure that the Look Good Feel Better and FacingCancer.ca programs continue to be available to women who need them. You also support the creation of vital new avenues of support.

#MirrorBallAfterDark

The celebrations don’t end after Mirror Ball does – this year Mirror Ball is opening it’s doors for #MirrorBallAfterDark. #MirrorBallAfterDark is the most glamorous after party in town. Musical guests The Collective with Miles Raine will have you dancing and you’ll enjoy gourmet hors d’oeuvres, premium bar and gifting suites.

Mirror Ball After Dark is presented by a selection of premium sponsors – including Notable.Ca, Swarovksi, BirchBox, Barefoot Wine & Bubbly, FLOW Water, Toronto Life, and Hudson’s Bay.

Liberty Grand | 25 British Columbia Rd, Toronto
Doors Open | 10:00PM
Dress Code | Moonlight Glam

It’s not too late to get tickets! Visit mirror-ball.ca for more information.

Giving

Canadian Food Banks – #HungerCount2015

By shesinfluential November 17, 2015

On Tuesday, November 17th, the annual Hunger Counts report was released. HungerCount is the only comprehensive annual national report on hunger and food banks used in Canada.

In March 2015, 852,137 people received food from a food bank in Canada. More than one-third of those helped were children.

Food bank use in March was 1.3% higher compared to the same period in 2014 and 26% higher than in 2008, before the start of the global financial crisis. Half of the provinces experienced increases in food bank use in 2015. Hardest hit was Alberta, where unemployment increased by 10% between March 2014 and 2015 in the wake of the dropping price of oil. Three-quarters of food banks in this province reported an increase in use. Nationally, 54% of food banks reported an increase in the number of people requesting food assistance.

It has now been seven years since food bank use reached a low point of 675,735 individuals in March 2008. The need for food banks spiked drastically in 2009 and has hovered at record levels ever since.

Help share these statistics to raise awareness about hunger in Canada! Read more at https://www.foodbankscanada.ca/Hunger-in-Canada/HungerCount-2015.aspx

Watch the video here:

Lifestyle

Celebrating #Campbells85th with #WarholTO

By shesinfluential November 17, 2015

On Monday, November 16th, I had the pleasure of attending an exciting night with Campbell’s Soup and Andy Warhol: Revisited.

We were joined by Ana Dominguez, president of Campbell Company of Canada, who spoke to us about the exciting future of Campbells. Oncoming, the company will be launching a new website that will foster an open, two-way dialogue with it’s consumers. Campbell Canada is looking to expand its community by asking all Canadians to tell them what they think about the food Campbell makes and how they can make it better. President Ana Dominguez shared “Through this platform, we will engage in a meaningful dialogue with our consumers, and provide answers to their most pressing questions. This is a serious commitment. We will be open and honest about what goes in our food, how we make our food and the choices behind the ingredients we use.”

“Campbell’s – the iconic soup company – is a great example of what makes Ontario’s food processing sector so dynamic,” said Arthur Potts, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “They have a strong tradition of creating innovative products while maintaining long-lasting relationships with the farming community by sourcing fresh, locally grown product. I’m happy to congratulate Campbell Canada on 85 years of producing quality foods for Ontarian families to enjoy.”

Campbell’s is still located at its original address in Toronto, the company has grown from producing Campbell’s iconic vegetable condensed soup to producing over 225 different products and exporting to countries all over the world including the US, Australia, Hong Kong and the Philippines.

Ana told me “we’re proud to have been making great tasting, quality soups on Birmingham Street in west-end Toronto since 1930. A huge part of our success is the long standing relationships we have built with the people who grow our ingredients, and that includes generations of farmers in the farming communities surrounding Toronto.”

Campbell Canada is also focused on delivering on its global promise of delivering Real Food that Matters for Life’s Moments – which Dominguez says “represents the single most important cultural change we’ve implemented globally and at Campbell Canada specifically. We have committed to delivering products with no artificial colours and flavours, eliminating the use of high fructose corn syrup and making sure we provide a host of choices for consumers with different dietary needs.”

Did you know that 70% of Campbell’s ingredients come from local farmers within 300km of Toronto? The Healthy Request® line has been reinvented in response to today’s health conscious consumer who wants to know what’s in their food as well as what’s not in their food. Healthy Request boldly promises to never contain preservatives, ever.

In response to changing consumer tastes and demand for innovative new flavours, Campbell’s soups are constantly being revitalized and updated:

The Healthy Request® line has been reinvented in response to today’s health conscious consumer who wants to know what’s in their food as well as what’s not in their food. Healthy Request boldly promises to never contain preservatives, ever.

Recently launched Campbell’s® Soup Kits were developed for the adventurous soup lover – the individual who wants homemade soup but doesn’t want to spend hours making it. Campbell’s Soup Kits give them a head start – all they need to do is add a few simple ingredients, and in about an hour, they have a tasty homemade soup with no artificial flavours or colours.

Renowned art expert Robert Wainstein made a keynote address – letting is on the secrets behind Andy Warhol’s iconic Campbell’s Soup Cans and his time working with Warhol at the Whitney Museum of American Art. Did you know Andy Warhol ate soup every day?

If you’re interested in learning more, drop by the exhibit at 77 Bloor St W., and come face to face with some of Warhol’s most iconic works.

Giving

LAST CHANCE: Support #PMLotto

By shesinfluential November 16, 2015

It is your last chance to support the phenomenal work at the #PMLotto by purchasing a ticket for the Welcome Home Sweepstakes. Hurry! The draw ends on November 19th! These days, everyone knows someone, or has been personally struck by cancer. It is a horrendous disease, targeting anyone and everyone. The Princess Margaret Welcome Home Sweepstakes is raising support for the phenomenal research done at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre.

Wednesday, Nov 18^th – Final Deadline is Midnight Tomorrow

Thursday, Nov 19 – Final Deadline is Midnight Tonight

It is the Last Chance to win the 4.2 Million Oakville Showhome Designed By Brian Gluckstein

It’s just One Big Prize after Another

50/50 is over 3.3 Million and growing – winner takes half! Think of what you can buy with that!

Cash Calendars available until Midnight Thursday – $25,000 everyday in December with $100,000 Fridays! Cash calendars will be available even after Sweepstakes tickets sell out!

So Why Support the #PMLotto?

Why is not just a question. It’s our quest. At The Princess Margaret, we believe it is the most noble and necessary quest of all — to conquer cancer in our lifetime.Why drives everything we do. From Dr. Tak Mak’s discovery of the “Holy Grail of immunology,” the T-cell receptor, to leading the way in Personalized Cancer Medicine, why drives us every day.Pursuing why requires your support. Help us transform lives with breakthrough cancer research and new therapies.

The Princess Margaret Cancer Centre is one of the top 5 Cancer research centres in the world, and with your help they can continue to pursue ground breaking research

How can you support?

By ordering one of the Princess Margaret Welcome Home Sweepstakes Tickets you are not only supporting cancer research, but you are also entered to win one of many amazing prizes. There’s no time to wait so click here to head over to the site and order your tickets now. With your help, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre will continue to lead the way as one of the top five cancer research centers in the world. They can’t continue to do the invaluable work they do, in this fight against cancer, without your help. Visit their site, order your tickets, and together we will win this fight.

One of the beautiful prizes – A dreamy Kawartha cottage! Check out the rest of the amazing prizes here.

Fashion

#MirrorBallAfterDark – The Glammest Night of the Year

By shesinfluential November 16, 2015

Mirror Ball is this Saturday and I’ve been dreaming up what I’m going to wear for weeks!
This year’s Mirror Ball is set to be the event of the year – the big names of the fashion and beauty industry will all be in attendance at the glamorous gala, and the after party is stacked with big name sponsors (Swarovski and BirchBox to name a few) to guarantee the funnest after party around.

At the infamous Mirror Ball After Dark, musical guests The Collective with Miles Raine will have you dancing as you enjoy gourmet hors d’oeuvres, premium bar and gifting suites. Find out more about the event here: www.mirror-ball.ca

Not only is this event one of the glammest events around, but it’s supporting a wonderful cause. Mirror Ball is in support of Look Good Feel Better and FacingCancer.ca – two wonderful foundations that help women facing the Cancer Blues to feel the best they can.

Don’t have tickets? Lucky for you I’m giving away TWO TICKETS to this exclusive after party! Swing by my instagram page to enter – all you have to do is follow @Shes_Influential and @BeautyGivesBackCDA and let us know who you’d love to bring!

We acknowledge that this promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, or administered by or associated with Instagram. By entering, you are confirming that you are indeed 18+ years of age, release Instagram from any and all responsibility, and you are adhering to Instagram’s terms of use. Winner will be randomly chosen and announced 48 hours after giveaway ends. Contest open to Toronto-area residents only. Transportation and accommodation are not provided. Void where prohibited by law.