My ma has had a rough year. Health issues, weight loss, it’s been a struggle, not only because of the physiological manifestations of her illness but the psychological effects of it too. She’s nuts to begin with and over the last few months, she’s only become crazier. You will never meet a person more afraid of death. It’s like her opening line, whenever someone asks her how she’s feeling, her first and only response is: I don’t want to die. For my mother though, it’s not the unknown that she’s afraid of. Rather it’s because I’m finally old enough for her to take advantage of, to stick her hand out and demand things, and she’d miss the opportunity to boast to her friends about whatever it is to boast about, to show off about whatever it is she wants to show off. Appreciating life doesn’t have to be profound.

Things are better now though. On top of all the drugs she takes for her kidney transplant and stroke prevention and whatever else is wrong with her, part of it was also, um, delayed menopause. In other words, save your sympathy for my father. He is living with this every day.

Anyway, to take her mind off her own drama, I asked her to come with me to the IT Lounge last Saturday. How did it go? Exactly how you’d imagine it would go when a Chinese person hits up a gifting suite. She behaved as though it was her last meal on earth. I should have videoed the experience.

Even without video though, we’re sharing it with one of you. You’ll get what the celebrities were given – a long list of items below including clothing, makeup, skin care, an eReader, and more. Please enter quickly before the Squawking Chicken claims it for herself!

Check below the product descriptions for entry instructions.

FILA (1-800-900-3452)
The world’s elite Italian sports brand will take over an entire suite at the IT Lounge to showcase their hot new apparel for him and her from their fall 2010 collection. The grand prize will include footwear and apparel from Fila's Fall '10 collection for men and women, so you can get the look celebrities will be taking home.

ANDREA PROFESSIONALS (www.andreahairremoval.com)
For over 30 years, Andrea Professionals has been known for its salon heritage and professional-quality hair-removal products. Andrea Professionals waxes, depilatories and bleaches appeal to women who demand easy-to-use and efficient at home hair removal solutions. Andrea Professionals guarantees exceptional results for all hair types. The grand prize will include a six month supply of products from Andrea Professionals to test for yourself, this festival will be smooth sailing with the full Andrea Professionals suite of products!

ARDELL LASHES (www.ardelllashes.com)
A favourite of make-up artists and Hollywood A-listers, Ardell lashes are no longer reserved for Hollywood theyve become part of many womens morning routine. Ardell Lashes are made of 100% natural hair, making them feather-light and comfortable for all-day wear. For natural or glamorous looks, Ardell offers a variety of styles for all eye shapes. The grand prize will include a year supply of Ardells top-selling Fashion Lashes and adhesive to pump up your glamour all year long!

BAKER STREET (www.bakerstreet.ca)
Baker Street has something spectacular and sweet for everyoneincluding the celebrities who visit the 2010 IT Lounge. As a grand prize winner, you can take home some sweet treats too including Baker Streets delicious mini apple pies!

DAGMAR (www.dagmarjewellery.ca)
Dagmar House of Jewellery is an exclusive and affordable collection of semi-precious couture jewellery with a contemporary yet vintage-infused flare. Designed in Mumbai, each piece is handcrafted using 22K gold plating and high quality semi-precious stones such as rubies, sapphires, turquoise, fresh water pearls and onyx. With this grand prize, you will win a special custom piece for yourself!

DIANE LAI (www.dianelai.com)
Making its debut at the IT Lounge, Diane Lai for soft skin has been formulated with all-natural ingredients. Perfect for infants, toddlers and anyone with highly sensitive skin, Diane Lai soothes skin irritations and rejuvenates your skins natural ability to protect against the elements. You'll take home products from Diane Lai's new line the perfect addition to your Fall/ Winter beauty routine!

ESPRIT (www.esprit.com)
International youthful lifestyle brand Esprit offers smart, affordable luxury that brings fresh, modern style to life. At the IT Lounge, Esprit will be showcasing its womens and mens collection ranges for Fall 2010, themed Urban Goddess and City Lights. The grand prize will include a beautiful, sophisticated time piece in brushed nickel or stainless steel and whimsically colourful umbrella.

FIJI WATER (www.fijiwater.ca)
Hollywoods favourite water, FIJI Water is bottled at the source in Viti Levu (Fiji islands) and is known for its soft mouthfeel and its iconic square bottle. The first carbon-negative product in its industry, FIJI Water is committed to reducing its environmental impact and preserving the planet for future generations. Grand price winners will take home 5 full cases of Fiji.

GOODY (www.goody.com)
The most widely recognized manufacturer of hair accessories and styling tools in the world, Goody offers an inspiring range of hair accessories and innovative styling tools to help women express their hairstyle any way they want. Grand prize winners will get the full Goody Simple Styles collection and accessories to complete any look this Fall!

KOBO (www.kobobooks.com)
The grand prize winner will take home their own Kobo eReader. Designed for book lovers, the Kobo eReader reads like print on paper. E Ink technology and adjustable font sizes make reading easy on everyone's eyes. As a bonus, the Kobo eReader comes pre-loaded with 100 free all-time classics.

MOROCCANOIL (www.moroccanoil.com)
Moroccanoilthe originator and leading manufacturer of professional argan oil hair productshas a cult-like celebrity following that includes Salma Hayek, Cindy Crawford, Scarlett Johansson and Jennifer Lopez! The proprietary blend is rich in vitamins that fortify the hair, including A, E and F (Omega 6). The argan oil used in their products is harvested in the Souss-Massa region of Morocco. The grand prize will include the Moroccanoil Treatment (100ml), Hydrating Styling Cream (300ml) and Luminous Hairspray (300ml).

RW&CO. (www.rw-co.com)
This ones for the ladies! The RW&CO. Red Carpet Dressing Suite will be a fashion hotspot at the IT Lounge. You can look like the stars with the help of RW&CO and your $50 gift certificate!
SHARPIE (www.sharpieuncapped.com)
What if the passion of Sharpie came in a Pen? It does! Now there is no limit to what you can say. The no bleed Sharpie Pen. Sharpie celebrates bold impression makers and their undying passion for self-expression by showcasing our newest products the Sharpie Stainless Steel Marker, Sharpie Pen, and latest colour offerings of Sharpie Fine and Twin Tip Markers. Uncap whats inside! Now you'll never be left without a pen when someone needs your autograph. The grand prize will include limited edition pens from Sharpie, created in support of Artists for Peace and Justice.

STILA (www.stilacosmetics.com)
Stila Cosmetics innovative, multi-tasking formulas, eco-friendly packaging, and fashion-forward colours have cemented its place on the must-have lists of top beauty editors around the world. The grand prize will include a supply of Stila's latest items for lips, eyes and skin from their Fall 2010 line and even some limited-edition products!

To enter for a chance to win, email [email protected] with “IT Lounge 2010” as the title before midnight Pacific on Friday, September 24, 2010. One (1) prize is available and has an estimated value of $2000 CAD. Enter maximum once per day until the contest close date. Click here for full rules. Good Luck!