A Fantastic Father's Day!

Throughout the year, events or holidays may cause stress about finding the "perfect gift". Myself? I see it as an opportunity to win contests! There were recently numerous Father's Day promotions and I was certain that I would win one! 

To start, I found out that CityLine had an upcoming episode for Father's Day via Twitter. Interested audience members had to write about their Dad's in order to win tickets. Anyone that has met my "Papa", aka Kenji, knows that he is epic so it was easy to write a short submission. Not surprisingly, my entry was selected and we had a great time attending the taping! We also left with numerous freebies including items from the limited edition Champion brand for Old Spice, Nivea products and Denver Hayes merchandise! 

Additionally, a local hotel had a giveaway to write why your Dad is the biggest golf fanatic. A free round of golf for two was the prize. My entry was simple and honest. 

"My dad loves golf. However, he loves his children more! He gave up his sporting passion in order to save money so my brother and I could play in organized sports".

Yes, I won. 

Aryka's Advice: Use special occasions throughout the year as an opportunity to win exciting contests and create memorable experiences! 

I'm a cheap date

I'm not a relationship expert, but I am a savvy saver. Whether you've broken my heart or we've had a memorable encounter, I will use the story for contest submission purposes (without too many identifying details of course!)

Recently, I've been able to create thoughtful dates through contest wins.

First, ask questions. What are his interests? Is there someone he idolized growing up? Or perhaps a trendy locale that he's always wanted to visit?

Over the past couple of weeks, I've gone to a documentary screening, dined at great restaurants, laughed at comedians, listened to talented musicians and visited a brewery (all for free!)

I guarantee he'll be impressed!

Aryka's Advice: Once you have a few ideas, Google is your friend! Find out what are the upcoming events in your city because I assure you there are contests associated with them!

Night at the Museum

Every Friday night until June 22nd, the ROM in Toronto has a unique experience for those 19+. The museum is transformed into a party with music, drinks and dancing! The galleries are open until 9:30pm while the event continues until 11pm. With only a $9 cover charge, it's definitely an inexpensive night out for the young professional on a budget! ROM bucks can be purchased and used towards beverages or food from local vendors ($1 = $1 ROM buck). For the single folks, where else can you chat up girls in 4-inch heels and short dresses posing with dinosaur skeletons? If you're attached, it's a perfect date night! 

Aryka's Advice: I was lucky enough to win VIP tickets which allowed me to skip the line. However, Friday Night Live @ ROM starts at 6pm so get there early or you may have to wait awhile! 

May the odds be ever in your favour....FREE MOVIES!

Team Jacob

If you happen to live in a major Canadian city, then you must know about the wonder that is advanced movie screenings! There are a lot of contest skeptics, but the odds are in your favour...it's an entire theatre of winners! Almost all films are screened in advance to show critics and generate publicity. From my experience, movies are generally on weeknights or Saturday mornings. You can easily win tickets to at least one movie every single week! Plus, even a bad movie seems decent when it's free!

Aryka's Advice: For those in the GTA, this is the most comprehensive website in Toronto that lists contests for free screenings!

http://www.iheartmoviesto.com/movie-contests/movie-contests/

VIP Mother's Day Experience!

Private photo opp with the camels! 

I haven't been to the Toronto Zoo since elementary school so I was thrilled to win a VIP experience courtesy of Today's Parent magazine! I received zoo admission for 4, complimentary parking, a private Zoomobile tour of the Zoo and a free luncheon! 

I was even given a swag bag (A notebook made from recycled paper products and elephant poo? That's incredible!)

The white lions are the newest attraction and now I can't wait to see the pandas which are coming in 2013!

Although I had to deal with the embarrassment of being asked if I was a young mother, it was worth it!

Aryka's Advice: Always read the rules and regulations. I didn't need to be a mother to win a VIP Mother's Day Experience at the Toronto Zoo!

Top 10 Event

After another contest win, I recently had the opportunity to attend a fantastic event in Toronto. The premise: "10 celebrated people. 10 minutes each on stage. 10 things you should know before you die". Considering I'm changing careers and searching for a new job, I figured I could use some guidance! I was thrilled to hear the experiences of such a diverse group of people including David Miller, Hana Gartner and Melissa Fung.

I had box seats and tickets to the exclusive VIP After  Party! 

David discussed his work with initiatives benefiting youth in the city, Hana spoke about embracing the present moment and Melissa talked about the importance of forgiveness after being kidnapped in Afghanistan.

Each of the speakers clearly had a love and passion for what they do which I found particularly inspirational!

More information can be found here: http://toptenevent.com/

Aryka's Advice: One of the speakers, Jully Black, had an outstanding quote that I thought I would share: "Are you living or are you existing?

Gala-vanting

I can't resist a good party...particularly if it's labeled "Gala of the Year" and "Best Dressed" from the National Post. I was thrilled to recently attend the Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario’s (POGO) Gala After Party at the Liberty Grand. POGO works to ensure Ontario's children have access to state-of-the-art diagnosis and treatment. 
This year's theme was "Inspire" and I was certainly inspired by the incredible designer dresses and Christian Louboutin's I spotted on attendees. 
More importantly, $600,000 was raised! 

Aryka's Advice: Go DJ, that's my DJ. Contests are a fantastic networking opportunity! Whether it's Toronto glitterati, fashion bloggers or the DJ your friend has her eyes on....

Hola!

I have to admit, I haven't fully utilized the call-in radio contests. But when I heard that Q107 was having a promotion on Thursdays of giving away a trip EVERY HOUR, I knew I had to get in on this. It was an instant win for a trip for 2 to an all-inclusive 5-star resort in Manzanillo, Mexico. You just had to be caller 1007. Easy, right? It actually was. I won on the first day of the promotion! Better still, the departure date I ended up choosing was actually an 8-night trip. Wonderful.

Aryka's Advice: Make a list of times that all of your local radio stations are having giveaways. Redial. Redial. Redial.

I'm Gonna Be A Supermodel

In creeping the internet in search of Toronto Fashion Week tickets, I came across an open casting call for Sunny Fong's new line VAWKKIN which targets the young fashion forward female. Sunny was a former winner of Project Runway Canada and had previously launched his VAWK line.

I submitted a picture and wrote how I personified a VAWKKIN woman. After demonstrating my "walk" in person I was selected! I attended 2 runway boot camps with Canada's top plus-size model Liis Windischmann and Ben Barry of the Ben Barry Agency.

On the day of the show, I received the full model treatment with professional hair, make-up and even a personal dresser! Fortunately, I did not have a Carrie Bradshaw moment. Although I still don't know how to smile with me eyes.

The full video can be seen here: VAWK - MASTERCARD FASHION WEEK FALL 2012 COLLECTIONS

Aryka's Advice: In life, there is a reason you are presented with opportunities. Go outside of your comfort zone and OWN it!

Spread the Joy!

As my contesting has gained more notoriety with my friends and family, they too have dabbled in entering! By this I mean they ask me where to find contests posted, enter for a week and then stop. However, my mom was fortunate to have a big win courtesy of NEWSTALK 1010. 
The prize consisted of a stay at the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel, dinner for 2 at Il Fornello, limo transportation, 2 VIP tickets to the Gala Performance of War Horse and 2 tickets to the exclusive Gala Party after the show. 

If you ever have an opportunity to attend a party hosted by the Mirvish family, say yes! It's outstanding!

Aryka's Advice: Encourage others to enter contests. If they win, they might take you!

The Lonely Hearts Club

I had already set myself up for Valentine's Day and was double-booked with Raptors tickets and an advanced screening of Titantic 3D (contest wins of course). When I heard about the Lonely Hearts Club on the John Tory radio show, I was intrigued. I wrote a lil story and didn't think much about it.

John Tory and some very excited ladies!

One day, I saw my phone ringing during a meeting and just knew it had to be regarding a contest. It was John Tory, live and on-air, inviting me to the dinner. He also just happened to be summarizing part of my submission. Thankfully, I'm not the typical listening demographic and I'm quite certain no one in my social media world heard it.

I ended up attending and it was a lovely evening! I met a diverse group of women including a lawyer, dentist, chef, doctor and real estate agent.
I brought the youthful hip factor.

Aryka's Advice:  Even negative experiences can be turned into contest wins!

Prize Box!

Have you invited me to a birthday? Bridal shower? Baby shower? Wedding?  

Well, sorry to tell you but chances are that I've won your gift. 

I'm not a hoarder but I won A LOT of stuff in 2011. 

Do I need Justin Bieber's cd? Yes, maybe I kept that one. 

However, I certainly don't require 15 bottles of OPI Kardashian Kolors nail polish 

(great win by the way).

The prize box is constantly being replenished and is just another example of how contests can save you money! 

Aryka's Advice: If there is still an item in your prize box after 6 months, donate it! 

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*