T'was the Night Before Xmas, Streaming All Through the House @Netflix_CA #streamteam #Netflixmas

T'was the Night Before Christmas...

T'was the night before Christmas and all through the house, 

Not a creature was whining, not even my spouse!

The popcorn was popped, in bowls ready to share,

In hopes that Saint Mom would make sure portions were fair.

The children were nestled all smug in their heads,

but thoughts on the show that I've picked would best go unsaid.

And Thing 1 in his onesie, and Thing 2 all into an app,

Had just settled in for a Netflix-ing marathon with plenty of snacks.

When what appeared on our TV stopped all the chatter,

I sprang from the couch to grab the snack platter.

Away to the kitchen I flew like "The Flash",

Even threw in the best from my own secret stash.

The food and the drinks all ready to go.

Now just had to pick from all the Holiday shows.

When what to my wondering eyes should appear, 

The Search for Santa Paws, and holiday cheer.

With puppies so cute, so lively and quick,

I knew in a moment they could help Saint Nick.

All fluffy and golden, they all looked the same,

But he whistled, and shouted so happy they came!

Then onto the The Kranks whose spirit needs fixin',

Then add The Nightmare Before Christmas to our streaming mixin'.

Shhh! Please Stop talking! or take it out to the hall,

I'm trying to listen, BE QUIET you all!

We had hours of fun and family holiday cheer, 

Streaming movies on Netflix about Christmas, puppies and Santa's Reindeers.

Such a long list of Holidays Favourites you'll find,

Perfect for kids of all ages to relax and unwind. 

As if that wasn't already more than good fun, 

Six-Month Netflix Canada subscriptions can also be won.

Two lucky readers will start the New Year off right,

So enter to win, and win you just might.


This Giveaway is for one Six-Month Netflix Canada subscription.
Two prizes are available to be won by two unique winners.
Open to residents of Canada, 18+ years of age
Good Luck!
Entry-Form

From my house to yours Happy Holiday Wishes,

I even hope for you someone else does the dishes.
May your season be filled with joy and delight, 
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a Good Night!

Follow the Netflix streamteam's adventures in streaming on social media using the hashtag 
#Streamteam and Netflix Canada on twitter, and facebook.

Note: As a member of the Netflix Streamteam I receive Netflix and a streaming device free of charge for the purpose of writing my Netflix posts and reviews. All opinions are my own. 

Calm Before The Storm @TayRiverMediSpa Pre-Holiday Season #SpaDay

Wouldn't you love a chance to relax and chill before the winter cold comes and the holiday rush begins? 

Tay River Reflections MediSpa and AQUA (image via Tay River site)

Maybe take a hike on a beautiful trail, relax in outdoor hot tubs, or enjoy a tea and conversation with a good friend in a lounge overlooking beautiful scenery. 

Walking Trails (image via Tay River Reflections site )

Sounds good doesn't it! A little calm before the storm of the holiday rush. That's exactly what an AQUA pass allows you to do at the Tay River Reflections Medispa. 

That and access to their Train N Transform Fitness Centre.  

Or if you're looking for the full pampered treatment be sure to include one of the many spa treatments and services offered as well.  

I did some thinking out loud about my Spa Day and all a Tay River Reflections experience has to offer. I think you'll be surprised at the range of services and treatments available, including but not limited to what I like to call the "space pod". 

So in the spirit of giving, I'm giving myself permission to indulge in a "Pre-Holiday Season" Spa Day with my friend Dawn from Duelling Designs. We'll spend the day at Tay River Reflections attempting to clear the mental clutter before the serious business of holiday planning begins. 

You can find Tay River Reflections on twitter and facebook as well.

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about clearing the mental clutter and a spa day.

Note: I received 2 passes to the Tay River Reflections MediSpa AQUA for the purposes of this post. All opinions are my own and reflect my personal experience with the brand or product.

Stars On Ice scores a perfect 10! #JergensOnIce @JergensCanada

This is the 25th Anniversary of Stars On Ice, and the performance did not disappoint! 

#JergensOnIce

Being a mother of teen boys sometimes I need some girl time, and for a second year in a row I was delighted to have Lindsey and her friends accept my invitation to see Stars On Ice. And this year Lindsey has agreed to do a small guest post and share her experience with my readers! 

"Wow! what an amazing experience! The skaters were magnificent. 

My favourite part was definitely Tessa and Scott's second performance. It was so fun and entertaining and caught my attention fast. The performance had a ton of extremely cool moves like when Tessa flipped over in Scott's arms and landed perfectly. 

The whole show was outstanding and great for the 25th anniversary. I hope I get to see the stars perform again, they were so breathtaking."

Jergens Canada wants to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Stars On Ice, and help one lucky reader look like a star with a giveaway of some of their most popular products!

The prize is an incredible collection of items perfect to make your skin glow and you inner beauty shine all summer long. I personally love the Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer.

Image via Jergens Canada #JergensOnIce

For more information about Jergens Canada and their products follow them on facebook and twitter.

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about #JergensOnIce.

Note: I received tickets for the Stars On Ice performance and a selection of Jergens product. All opinions are my own. 

A-U-M ... #GetYourZenOn at @TayRiverMediSpa

Ever Feel Like You Just Need to Get Your Zen On?

I have to admit the last couple of weeks have been hectic, filled with appointments, obligations, unexpected car breakdowns, and life. The snow is gone and the sun is out and all I want to do is block out all the busy life stuff and have a day to relax and do what I refer to as "Getting My Zen On".

On my recent visit to Tay River Reflections MediSpa, I found it to be a perfect location to rejuvenate with some pampering and relaxation. 

A-U-M ... 
Feel the stress and tension leave your mind and body as you enjoy the warm water of the hot tubs.

A-U-M ...
There goes more stress and tension as you become one with nature on the Tay River Trails .

Image and sense of Zen via Tay River Reflections

I think you get the picture.

A perfect place to #GetYourZenOn

Tay River Reflections MediSpa & AQUA thinks we should all have a chance to recharge in a Zen-like atmosphere, and they have been kind enough to offer one lucky Ontario reader and guest a chance to spend a day enjoying their walking trails, AQUA and fitness facilities. 

You can find Tay River Reflections MediSpa & AQUA on twitter and facebook.

And should you find yourself visiting Perth, Ontario, be sure to check out the Perth Chamber of Commerce Calendar of Events and the Perth Visitors Guide.

Yep, just me Cathy thinking about Getting My Zen On...A-U-M.

Note: I was not compensated for this post. It's purpose was merely to share this opportunity with my readers. All opinions are my own. 

Refurbished - Benefits of New Without "New Premium" w/ @refurbio #tech

We all know the minute we drive a new car off the lot it depreciates. A few metres of mileage takes it from new to used. Not because it isn't working or under warranty, but because a new car like many things comes with what I like to call a "new premium". That premium often means the buyer is getting the latest model or specific features or colours they want. Sometimes this makes sense, but sometimes buying used or refurbished and letting someone else pay the "new premium" for you is the answer. 

"Refurbished computers and electronic products are restored to function as new products and they have no noticeable working conditions relative to new products. They may however have minor scratches and blemishes. A refurbished computer is one that cannot be sold as new, as it has been previously leased to corporate customers, used as display product or returned for a range of reasons." via refurb.io

As with buying a used car, buying a refurbished computer means someone else has paid the "new premium" on that computer. Over the years we have bought several refurbished laptops and desktops. My in-house IT team (Engineer Hubby &  two tech-savvy teens) are quick to weigh the pros and cons of new versus refurbished, but finding refurbished items has been a bit hit and miss, and we mostly just happened upon them. There is a new site called refurb.io that specializes in refurbished electronics. This makes finding and comparing their refurbished products fast and easy. They carry top brands like Dell, HP, IBM and Lenovo, and additional products are being added all the time. They are ISO 9001 Certified, a Microsoft Authorized Gold Certified Partner and Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher. 

Image via refurb.io (as of March 20, 2015 7:30 pm est) Inventory and price subject to change.

Your refurb.io shopping experience is made easy and convenient with available shipping to all provinces and territories, a free one year warranty on the products they sell. (see site for specific warranty details) and both credit card and PayPal payment options.  

Choosing the electronics that are right for you, whether new or refurbished requires answering a few basic questions or what I like to call:
My 5 before you buy questions:

• What is the budget, and expectations for product life? How much do you have to spend and how long does it need to last you?
• What will you be using the product for? For example in the case of a computer is it for school projects, email, social media, streaming videos, gaming or all of the above? 
• Where will you be using it? At home, school, work, travelling, at Starbucks, or a combination of these? Answering this question will help to determine how portable it must be, as well as the ideal weight and size of the device. It will also help to determine what if any accessories are appropriate.
• Who is going to be using it? Is it just for you, or to be shared with family, and more specifically kids? If it is to be portable and used by kids then durability becomes important. Some of the business oriented laptops lines may offer more durability as they are made to withstand the wear and tear of travel. 
• Environmental Impact and Footprint: One additional but important point and thing to consider when buying electronics is the environmental advantages to buying refurbished and to properly recycling electronics. Having the newest and shiniest has to be weighed against the impact this has on the environment. Opting for a refurbished computer helps to reduce the impact and the amount of electronic waste that needs to be processed, or worse ends up unprocessed in landfills. 

Once you have answered these questions you're in a good position to start your search. Be sure to check out reviews of products you're interested in. This is a worthwhile time investment, since reviews often reveal hints why a particular product may or may not be a good fit for you.

To help you on your way and as a bonus budget booster
refurb.io is offering a 10% discount on laptops until April 3oth, 2015
(use the code LAUNCH10)

For updates and more information about refurb.io be sure to follow refurb.io on facebook and refurb.io on twitter.

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about refurb.io.

Note: I was compensated for this post and an honest review of this site as I experienced it. All opinions are my own and reflect my personal experience with the brand and product. 

GET SMART: Sleuthing for best #Apps to #WorkSmarter @MicrosoftStore

As a blogger there is some expectation of consistency in my social media sharing and blog posts. Two things stay constant: 1.) I have to meet the commitments I've made whether to businesses or brands in the way of reviews, or readers in the way of regular posts. 2.) There are only 24 hours in a day and 7 days in a week. Life doesn't stop because I'm not at home at my laptop. My commitments don't change because I'm on vacation, at a conference, or have to carpool my kids. I still have to work, do reviews, publish and share posts, pictures, and observations with my readers and social media followers.

Given these constants, how do I work SMARTER and different to better meet these commitments? How do I work from anywhere to allow myself the freedom to travel and use those spare minutes between carpooling or life's other commitments most efficiently? What tools or Apps can help me meet my SMART goals, find better balance and get more satisfaction in my personal and professional life.

Some of you may have read my post about SELF being my word for 2015, and that I'm working hard to set SMART goals for both my personal life and my blog. To that end I am on the case to GET SMART and sleuth out the best productivity Apps and tools to meet my goals, manage my time and find some balance between my personal and my social SELF. 

I invite you to follow along on my fact finding mission. I'll be posting regularly about what Apps I find that make me app-y, and please share your favourites with me in the comments section. There are so many Apps I can't possibly find all the good ones, and I would love to learn more about the ones you have found.

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about Apps and tools to #WorkSmarter.

Note: I was not compensated for this post in any way. The purpose of this post is merely to share information and a chance to win with my readers. All opinions are my own.

New Year & New Approach to New Years Resolutions: Making Connections & Meaningful Communication

New Year, New Approach to New Years Resolutions. 

December 31st,

As you try to fit into a dress that doesn't fit and figure what to wear to the New Years Eve Party, you're probably thinking about how fast 2014 went by and about 2015.

Maybe you're thinking how it will be different, or how you will be different; and exercise, lose a few pounds, get more sleep, de-clutter and organize your work, house, life.

I know I do this every year and have varying degrees of regret and guilt that I haven't achieved more in the past 12 months. I vow this year will be better and I will exercise, lose weight, clean the house, cook from scratch, get more sleep. Same old resolutions every year.

So this year I'm thinking of taking a different approach; instead of the same old resolutions I'm going to try something new. 

I'm going to commit to using my voice for good, and try to communicate in a meaningful way at least once a day.

• It might to write a letter or card to someone I know would appreciate it.
• Or a share on social media for someone who can use a helping hand. 
• It might be sharing a picture of something beautiful I see just because it's beautiful and will make someone smile. 
• Maybe it's to lend a stranger with car trouble my phone to call for help. 

Maybe by switching my motivation for why I am doing something I will see a change in the end result. I certainly don't know if this will work, but I do know what I have been doing in the past isn't working.

I'm going to combine "communication" activities with my goals to exercise, lose weight, organize etc.

I could walk to mail the letter, or take a picture. I could organize and de-clutter items to donate to a cause I'm sharing about on social media. I could do something nice for someone else, which makes me feel good and motivated to keep going and get off my behind and achieve some of my resolutions. 

This whole thing started when a friend offered to sponsor this giveaway. We are twitter friends and although I have never met him in person, I consider him to be a truly great friend. He made this offer to support my blog. Who does stuff like that?! Well if he can do this, why not me. This gesture motivated me to do something similar and give to someone else, and guess what?

WOW giving feels good! 

Since my cell phone is one of the major ways in which I communicate, a giveaway for a phone seems like a perfect way to start the new year.

HTC Desire 320 Specs 

So my question to you is: If you win this HTC Desire 320 phone how are you going to use it and your voice for good in 2015? 

Giveaway is for a Telus Prepaid HTC Desire 320. The giveaway is open to Canada and runs from December 9th -  January 1st, 2015. Good Luck! 

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about 2015.

Note: I have not be compensated monetarily for this post. However the enormous compensation in terms of support from the friend who sponsored this giveaway is priceless. It is through his generosity I am able to provide my readers with a chance to win. 

Staying Hydrated with @BritaCA The #Gift That Keeps On Giving - #BetterBringYourBrita

Brita: For a happy, healthy and hydrated holiday season.

The holiday season is here and we're busier than ever, shopping, baking, and visiting! 

We're so busy we often skip meals, and forget to drink enough water to keep us healthy and hydrated. To make sure you stay hydrated this holiday season you better bring your Brita!

H2O: 2 Hydrogen + 1 Oxygen atoms = Water 

One small molecule essential to life.

Water has a multitude of functions and responsibilities both in our bodies and the environment. So not surprizingly the health benefits of staying hydrated and drinking enough water are many. 

Water & Wellness

"Amount of water a grown person should drink daily - usually 8-12 240 ml/(8oz) glasses"

Did I mention we are busy? So convenience is a priority. But convenience with a complete disregard for our Earth is not acceptable. Clearly there must be a way to have the convenience of hydration without adding millions of  plastic bottles to landfills. 

My demands of products I buy either for myself or others are as follows:

Convenience.

Adherence to the principles of: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.

Good price point, and value.

WAIT ... I'm not done! 

I also want the functional to be fashionable!

I love that Brita has pitchers and bottles in a plethora of colours, sizes and styles to suit everyone's hydration management plan for the holiday and all year long.

In my opinion they make fantastic gifts and truly are gifts that keep on giving! 

The bottles and filters make perfect stocking stuffers! Grab a pitcher for the college or university students in your life, or as a house warming gift for a first apartment or home. The 18 cup capacity dispenser sits on the counter top and is perfect for a cottage or chalet owner.

Both Brita bottles and pitchers are convenient, easy to use and come in a variety of price points. Brita's bottles and pitchers are BPA free, and the bottles are dishwasher safe (top rack). You'll find the pitchers available in multiple shapes and styles ranging from 5 - 10 cups capacity.

Using refillable bottles drastically reduces the number of disposable bottles going into landfills. Also, you can opt to participate in BRITA'S Filter For Good - Recycle Your Brita Filters Program. 

Each Brita you gift to someone is a gift of better health, for that person and our earth. 

Be sure to follow Brita Canada on Facebook and Brita Canada on Twitter for all their updates and news! Brita Canada - Where to Buy

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about staying hydrated this busy holiday season.

Note: I receive Brita product for the purpose of a review. All opinions are my own and reflect my personal experience with the brand and product.

Let The Grinch Have Roast Beast I'm Having @BostonPizza #UltimateHolidayFeast #PrixFixe

Boston Pizza's #UltimateHolidayFeast

Black Friday today, CyberMonday to follow,

You're all shopped out, and your stomach is hollow. 

The crazy countdown to December 25th has begun,

You feel like The Grinch and have stopped being fun.

But what's the point without time for the ones on your list,

Without family and friends the true meaning is missed.

The Whos down in Whoville understood this and knew,

and lucky for us Boston Pizza does too!  

They created a menu to help spread some good cheer, 

With our family and friends that we all hold so dear.

So while The Grinch has his Roast Beast! 

Boston Pizza has "The Ultimate Holiday Feast"! 

Their Holiday Menu Prix Fixe is a three course meal for one price, starting at $24.99.

Prix Fixe: 3 courses for 1 fixed price! 

There is the threesome I picked especially for me,

The Prix Fixe makes your meal what YOU want it to be!

With options like these you're sure to have a perfect meal,

With a price starting at just $24.99, it makes a great deal!

It's easy as pie to give these nom noms as a gift!

Buy a Gift Card in store or online, it just takes a jiff!

If  "sharing is caring" is the motto to your life,

Share a BP Appetizer Platter with a friend or your wife! 

Mark it down on the calendar and be sure to remember,

the Holiday Menu is only here till the 28th of December. 

Follow Boston Pizza on Facebook and Boston Pizza on Twitter  for all their news and updates.
Click here to find a Boston Pizza Location near you.

Yep, Just me Cathy thinking out loud about Boston Pizza's Holiday Menu.

Note: I was compensated for this post. All opinions are my own and reflect my personal experience with the brand and the product.

Power Here There & Everywhere @LifesaverPower III Portable Battery Charger #Review

Count them ... take your time, I'll wait. 

5 Devices aka Minimum number I take to a conference.

That is right 5 devices.

The average day at a conference is 12 hours long.

The average battery life for my devices is not!

A portable source of power for my devices would be a lifesaver.

Literally The Lifesaver III is the portable power source for my devices!

If I am going on a road trip, or vacation and bringing the teens and Hubby you will need to multiple that number by at least 4 with the tablets, PSVita, PSP, Ipods, cell phones, and bluetooth speakers, not to mention the GPS.

There are only so many outlets in my van or in an airport, and only so much teenage boy whining I can handle ... and the one way to keep teens quiet and contented on long trips is to have their various devices charged. The Lifesaver III dual ports does not share output Amps; it has 2.4 Amps on one and 1.5 Amps on the other for a total of 3.9 Amps output. 

I think you get the picture (well only if camera battery is charged). Having a fast and easy charging option is not a luxury it is a necessity. I can say with certainty my experience at BlissDomCA this year was greatly improved by being able to charge my phone as I participated in workshops, sessions, and listened to speakers. 

Some of the things I liked about The Lifesaver III:

• Can fully charge a smartphone in under an hour.
• Has 2 USB portals, so I can charge more than one device at a time.
• Has capacity to charge several of my devices before needed to be recharged.
• It will stay charged for up to 3 months when not in use.
• Compact and easy to use.
• Good price point.
• Makes a perfect gift.

I would like it if The Lifesaver III came in other colours like The Lifesaver II.

The people at Everik International Inc, the makers of The Lifesaver III have been kind enough to give my readers a chance to win a The Lifesaver III of their own! Why not visit Everik International Inc on Facebook  or Lifesaver Power on Twitter say thanks for the giveaway and tell them  Cathy from Cathy Thinking Out Loud sent you! This giveaway is open to Canadian residents 18+ years (excluding Quebec) and  runs from Oct 17th - Nov 14th. 

 

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about portable power!

Note: I received a Lifesaver III for the purpose of this review. All opinions are my own and reflect my personal experience with this product and brand.