The Sporting Life

Leafs. Raptors. Blue Jays. Argos. Buffalo Bills. UFC Fan Expo. Indy. Memorial Cup. Tennis. Soccer.
Is this an episode of SportsCentre?
No, these are just some of the events I've won tickets to.

I have an open mind when it comes to contests. Since this is free entertainment, it has exposed me to events that I otherwise would never have attended.

Girls: Not only will this increase your own sporting knowledge, but all of the guys at work will be extra nice to you when you hook them up with tickets!

Aryka's Advice: Who needs online dating? If you're searching for that special someone enter some contests because you never know who you'll end up meeting!

Show and Tell

Living in the GTA, it's definitely a hub for the largest trade shows in Canada. There is literally an event for just about anything you can imagine. Green Living, Baking & Sweets, Beer, Wine & Spirit, Clothing and Travel are just a few of the shows that I attended throughout the year. I even took a stroll through the Sportsmen's show (yes, I was a minority and still know nothing abut hunting). Ticket prices usually range from $10-$40 but I win my way there. There are plenty of free samples so events with chocolate and fruity beverages were at the top of my list (bubblegum vodka = delish!)

My dad and his new bff at the Subaru booth  

Aryka's Advice: These events are a great opportunity to see a significant amount of vendors in a short period of time. However, keep your eyes on the prize! Many booths feature giveaways. I got myself a nifty Black & Decker drill from the Canada Blooms show.

CanadaCool

Jay Manuel promoting his Attitude line

As another Fashion Week in Toronto approached, I knew I had to step up my game. What's better than sitting front row? Getting sponsor passes which provide access to every show in an evening. One was from a blog win and the other involved searching for MasterCard reps on the streets of Toronto in the rain (I'm hardcore. It was worth it)

The men behind Greta Constantine

I was fortunate enough to attend the opening and closing nights of Spring/Summer 2012 with the theme being "CanadaCool". Not entirely sure about it's meaning but I certainly felt cool being there. 

Aryka's Advice: Don't forget the swag! At notable events, many companies offer freebies. I was thrilled to get a Holt Renfrew candle! And 4 boxes of cereal.

I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!

"We’re looking for Canada’s savviest saver. Are you an extreme couponer? Has your family discovered the secret to stretching every dollar? Share your story and tips and you might be on the show!"

After reading this on the Marilyn Denis Show website, I knew I had to write about my contesting experience. I was excited to receive an email from a producer the very next morning. They wanted to feature me on the show! 

With an 8am call time, I thought the show would be taped and later broadcast across Canada. No, it is completely LIVE. I did not eat or drink all morning. 

My clip can be viewed here: http://www.marilyn.ca/Finance/segments.aspx/Daily/October2011/10_17_2011/SaveMoney2

Aryka's Advice: Couponing is another great way to save on your personal expenses! 

TIFF!

As a lifetime resident of the GTA, I had never attended one of the hottest events of the year...the Toronto International Film Festival! Obviously, I decided to win my way there. I won tickets for 3 screenings; including a gala premiere. I also won a SKYY Vodka TIFF gift basket.

Due to TIFF's numerous sponsors, social media is a great way to find contests. I started back in August by simply searching "free TIFF tickets" on the internet.

Aryka's Advice: Blogs are a great way to find freebies. Many sponsors give prizes to bloggers in order to increase their audience.

Two of everything, but no I'm not a Gemini

Karen is an ultimate Rick Mercer fan

After a last minute contest win through CBC Live on Twitter, my friend and I had the opportunity to attend the Gemini Awards in Toronto. This is an annual event which celebrates television broadcasting in Canada (aka our version of the Emmy's).



We hobnobbed with the celebs and watched the entire show. Who wouldn't want to see Brandon Walsh in all his glory?!?!

He let me hold his Gemini!

Personally, I was thrilled to meet James Duthie.
Yes, I've bought his book. Twice.

Aryka's Advice: Embrace your inner paparazzi. You know you want to take that picture which proves you were there.

Lovestruck

I came across a contest from a notable Canadian wedding magazine that asked you to write about a "lovestruck" moment in order to win a Vera Wang prize pack.

Am I married? No
Was I engaged? No
Did I have a boyfriend? No
Who won? ME

Even I was a bit shocked at winning as many of the other submissions were quite heartwarming with couples who had been married for years!
What exactly did I write? Well, you'll have to find that one yourself through some internet creeping....

Aryka's Advice: As long as you have a true story, enter ANYTHING!

Divine Intervention: Cuban Style

This was my most bittersweet win as I still remember seeing I had 2 voice mails. The first was from my mom saying my Grandpa's health was not going to improve and I had to get to the hospital. The second was from 24 Hours newspaper telling me I had won a trip to Cuba. Divine intervention? Perhaps!

At the time, the paper had a 24 Trips in 24 Days promotion. Entries were daily and you had to know which was the destination of the day.

Out of the kindness of my heart, I deferred traveling until the following year. Why? So my brother could turn legal drinking age (rules and regulations of the contest) and accompany me. I called it a high school graduation present. Even though he took a leisurely 5 years to finish.

Aryka's Advice: Contest codes can be easily found online through contest forums. Red Flag Deals is a good resource!

* Ellis Hall was a legend! February 14, 1914 - October 8, 2010*

Front Row!

London. Milan. Paris. New York. Toronto?

Yes, Toronto also has its own Fashion Week and it's actually quite impressive! 

My friend and I were fortunate enough to sit front row for the Line Knitwear show through a MasterCard Twitter contest. Trendy wannabe fashionistas emerged from their winter hibernation which left me feeling quite inadequate in my black and white ensemble. But I'll never say no to an event featuring a red carpet! Even if it's only a 10x10 square. 


Aryka's Advice: Sponsors often have many giveaways leading up to an event. If there is something you want to attend, be sure to find out its corporate partners and follow them through social media!

I'm smart and now I have a phone.

The random winnings continued in 2011. I'm not ashamed to say that I did spend one Friday night at a Disney Live show. However, my current phone was embarrassing and I began a mission to win one.
This was my first contest which involved being judged against written material.

My winning entry:

Winning the Nokia N8 would be an epic improvement as I unfortunately have to carry around a phone that is so mid 2000’s. It definitely ruins an otherwise fabulous outfit when I have to reluctantly take it out and answer a call. 

It would be brilliant to rock the Nokia N8 so I could: 
1. Feel like the latest romance junkie when I use the Love App to give me hot romance ideas!
2. Embrace my inner Jane Austen and write some classic poetry with the help of Love Poems.
3. Spread love and joy through blowing kisses to the masses with the assistance of Kiss & Tell
4. Give a shout out to my global friends with the fring app and/or contact the Grams at the retirement home and hear about her latest Bingo event.
5. Not have a panic attack at 3am when I realize through True Caller that it’s my teenage brother who’s had too much to drink and needs a taxi (aka me) to pick him up.
6. Go all Martha Stewart and have a fully colour coordinated calendar schedule that makes me look ultra popular.


http://www.hipurbangirl.com/2011/02/valentines-day-contest-with-nokia-n8.html

Aryka's Advice: For all of you contest creepers, try to be funny and use product knowledge to stand out against the competition.