Because I refuse to compromise on style or functionality: @BesideU_Canada Bags

I refuse to compromise. Why should I? 

I think I deserve both great style and superb functionality. 

The Fontana bag from the Beside U Canada Nutopia Leather Trim Travel Bag Collection gives me the quality and features I want without the need to compromise on style.

Perfect for all my work, play and travel needs.
The Fontana bag is loaded with security and convenience features making it perfect whether travelling, for use going to and from work, or just out and about. Like all the Beside U Canada products, you'll find both the inside and the outside of the Fontana bag has the same attention to detail and styling. 

• Available in 3 colour options. For me it's almost always classic black but the jester red and ocean blue options would add a great pop of colour. 
• Made from easy care and tear resistant Nylon that is lightweight and water resistant.
• Detachable strap makes carrying it crossbody or over the shoulder easy. 
• Zip-top closure keeps contents private and safe. An important security feature in my opinion.
• Convenient Outer Compartments make accessing frequently used items fast and easy. 
• Detachable Security Whistle and Keychain

•  The Fontana inner design and detailing includes a fun stripped fabric lining, several pockets to help keep all your items organized and easily accessible, a RFID guarded pocket, as well as separate sleeves for a laptop (13 inch) and a tablet. 

• RFID guarded pocket: Credit cards, bank cards, and even Canadian passports have RFID chips. The RFID guarded pocket helps protect your private information by blocking RFID signals from being unknowingly scanned. Another important safety and travel feature in my opinion. 

• Measuring 37 cm L x 31 cm H x 13 cm D making it well within the Personal Item size regulations of airlines.

The Fontana bag makes a great holiday gift. Whether for a snowbird senior, a career girl, a student, a travel enthusiast, a blogger, or someone who is like most of us are combination of all of these, a great bag is a must have. I suggest you trim your tree with something from the Forever Young Trim collection. I'm particularly fond of the Felix backpack and the Ottawa cross-body bag. Now until December 31st you can use my exclusive code (CTOL15) to get a 15% discount any Beside U Canada bag including the entire Forever Young Trim collection.

Image courtesy of Beside U Canada

You'll also find a few of my other favourite designs like the Kaylee, the Indianapolis and the Isabel are currently part of the Holiday Specials Collection and 25% off until the end of December. Use the CTOL15 discount code to get an additional 15% off the Holiday Specials Collection. Shipping is fast and free on orders over $99. making your holiday shopping easy and stress-free. 

Get social with Beside U Canada on twitter, and facebook. 

And take a take a look at both My Take and Thing 2's Take on the Beside U Canada Minneapolis Backpack and how it works for both Mother and Son. 

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about how with so many fabulous Beside U Canada bags one is never going to be enough!

Note: I received the Fontana bag from Beside U Canada free of charge for the purpose of this review and post. All opinions are my own. 

Letter from Cathy of Now to the Cathy of Then @Netflix_CA #Streamteam

Hindsight is 20-20.

In that case what would I tell my younger self about life and what it is to be a woman? What bits of wisdom and advice would I share with Cathy of the Then, and would she listen and take that advice? Probably not. Some things need to be experienced to understand and grow, and all those life experiences have made me into the person I am now. 

But if I was to write to the Cathy of the Then this is what I would share:

I Am Woman! Women are diverse and there is no single example of what a successful woman looks like, but instead many examples of diverse, strong, independent women and role models. Real women come in many shapes and sizes, with real issues, daily challenges, successes and strengths and weakness. I've listed some of my favourite series on Netflix that showcase some examples of strong female leads or characters. They are sure to at times make you think, laugh, cry, cheer, and redefine what being a women means. In my opinion as a woman it is my duty to teach my sons what a real woman looks like, and to share this message with younger women and support all my fellow women. Because in the words of Helen Reddy: If we have to we can face anything, we are strong, we are invincible, we are women. 

The Crown

Jessica Jones 

Gilmore Girls

• The Divide 
• Supergirl
• Bones
• Murdock Mysteries
• The Good Wife
• Offspring
• Drop Dead Diva

Don't stop there! Be sure to check out my What to Watch post and these documentaries about women. These are definitely worth watching! 

You can use the hashtag #streamteam to follow all the adventures of the Netflix Streamteam, and follow Netflix on twitter for all updates and info. 

Note: As a Netflix Streamteam member I receive special perks for #Streamteam participation, posts and sharing. All opinions are my own.

With 40+ Options @THEWORKSKANATA - Burger Lover's Paradise #Ottawa

The Works Gourmet Burger Bistro:

Burger Bliss Works for Me! 

I've been enjoying The Works burgers with my friends and family for more than a dozen years. It all started with a March Break lunch adventure with my Husband and the kids. Although my kids are taller, and have bigger appetites the fun atmosphere and constant demand for Oreo milkshakes that started on that first visit remains the same today.  

As soon as you enter the construction site themed restaurant, you notice the pun filled signage. The menu provides more pun and mischief in the burger names and description. Drinks are served in measuring cups, and onion rings are built into high-rise towers-of-tasty. 

The Works Menu is impressive with over 40+ burger options, 60+ toppings, 9 different gourmet patties, and 4 types of buns to choose from, The Works has something for everyone. A "side" from the gourmet burger options hand cut fries, sweet potato fries or spicy die-cut chips are the perfect "side"-kick for your burger. Get it ... side - side-kick ... I'm such a punny girl. You'll be thankful I've managed to control myself from sharing my a-bun-dance of  "buns" puns. Given the difficulty factor related to resisting cheeky and fresh comments about The Works buns, it's not surprising I'm bare-ly managing. Nonetheless, someone really should "patty" me on the back for this outstanding display of restraint. 

It's all about me (like duh!), so of course you'll want to know my burger of choice: 

• The Tom Green, formally known as the Sparty Cat - Notice the Bacon and Avocado with Beachhouse Sauce! I have only three words for this: So Friggin' Good!
• Son of a Beech, formally known as the MEC - Is fashionably dressed in sundried tomatoes, feta, avocado and Beachhouse Sauce. 
• Gotta Be KD Burger - I feel no explanation is needed here.

Savoury Sidekicks and Other Delicious Options ... 

• Tower-O-Rings - Thing 1 is the King of Rings. 
• Die Cut Chips - My side of choice. 
• Spicy Hand Cut Fries - A favourite of Hubby and Thing 2. 
• Sweet Potato Fries - Not gonna lie - these are good! 
• Oreo Milkshakes - They have been a big hit with my kids for years!

Gluten-Free Options ...

The Works offers a plethora of gluten-free options from bun to toppings, so you're sure to find something delicious that "works" for you.

Living Local: 
The Works is Canadian owned and operated. Over the years I've seen many examples of  The Works sourcing local, serving and promoting Canadian products, and being active members of the communities they're located in. This is not just something I like, it's something I actually look for when parting with my hard earned dollars. I will always opt to give my business to those brands and companies that aim to build relationships rather than a quick sale. You'll find a long list of charities and community events The Works has been, and continues to be involved with, including the local Ottawa locations supporting my school fund raising efforts on many occasions over the years. Burgers taste better when they're from businesses who care about and are involved in their communities. Maybe that's the secret ingredient that makes The Works burgers taste extra special. 

Because I love the colour green ... The recyclable bags and takeout containers are just another reason why I not only like The Works burgers, but also the way they do business. 

Burgers with Benefits Loyalty Program: A new loyalty program has just launched at The Works that is sure to whet your appetite. Click on the link above for more details. 

T'is the Season: Sure it's better to give than received but giving and receiving at the same time is better still. The Works Give a Gift - Get a Gift - Gift Card Promotion is an in-store only promotion that runs during the of November and December 2016. For more details visit The Works near you.

Get Social with The Works Kanata on facebook, twitter and instagram.

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about an a-bun-dance of burger options. 

Disclosure: I received Burgers for Two for the purposes of this post. All opinions are my own. 

Gift the Lampe - Feel the Ripple! The #LampeBergerCanada Ripple Effect @LampeBerger_CAN

Create Your Own Ripple Effect by Gifting Lampe Berger

You gift a Lampe Berger lamp: it purifies the air and destroys undesirable odours for the person receiving it, which improves their sleep, which improves their mood, which improves their work experience and overall feeling of well being. This results in an invitation to their house, where you breathe fresh air and diffused fragrance, which makes you happy and improves your mood, and so continues the ripple effect. All this because you were thoughtful enough to give the gift of fresh purified air and diffused fragrance in a beautiful lamp.

Oct 27th ... this year's first snow fall. We didn't even make it until Halloween, before we hit the cold weather lock down. The first snow is always a jarring reminder Christmas is around the corner. Only two months to get the holiday shopping done. And two months of stale air and odours trapped in our homes as a result of tightly closed windows and the cold weather lock down. Lampe Berger provides a single solution to both of these problems. 

No sprays, open flames or windows required with Lampe Berger's lamps. Instead a process called diffusion by catalyse purifies the air, eliminates undesirable odours and diffuses long last fragrance.

We should start a movement: Lampe Berger it Forward. Just think of it: All around waves of people paying the Lampe Berger positive feeling forward, and causing ripple after ripple of positive energy, purified air and feel good fragrance diffusion. And just in time for the holiday season Lampe Berger Canada has made the gift of purified fresh air easy with the beautiful new lamp designs, fragrances and gift sets. Looking for a special gift for that hard to buy for person, a colleague or a hostess gift? Gift sets like the Satin Lamp box set, which includes either a White or Red Catalytic Lamp and 180 ml bottle of Orange Cinnamon fragrance make it easy. This design is understated elegance perfect with any decor or for any room. It's the perfect pairing of form and function.

It's better to give than receive, but ... in this case the Lampe Berger ripple effect makes it a bit like having your cake and eating it too, and the perfect gift to give or receive. 

Gift the Lampe, Feel the Ripple! 

Get social with Lampe Berger Paris Canada on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about the ripple effect of gifting Lampe Berger.

Disclosure: I received product free of charge for the purpose of this post. All opinions are my own.

Mark Your Calenders! Netflix Original Series #TheCrown premieres Nov 4th @Netflix_CA #Streamteam

 The Crown

A new Netflix Original premieres November 4th, 2016, and it's GOOD!

I had the privilege of attending a Netflix Canada event where not only did I get to watch the first two episodes of The Crown, but also participate in a short Question and Answer session with Jarod Harris and Vanessa Kirby, who star in this exciting new Netflix Original series about Queen Elizabeth II. In the first episode we're introduced to a 25 year old and newlywed Princess Elizabeth, who overnight finds herself Queen of England with all the responsibilities the position and title come with. 

Jarod and Vanessa were delightful ...

Both Jarod Harris, who plays the role of King George VI (Queen Elizabeth II's father) and Vanessa Kirby who plays the role of Princess Margaret (Queen Elizabeth II's sister) had the crowd hanging on their every word as they shared personal stories and insights on everything from the costumes and preparing for their roles, to their personal favourite British Royal. Of course they talked about some of their favourite series they're streaming on Netflix these days. Next we moved on to a delicious meal and cocktails made with Earl Grey Infused Gin, followed by a screening of the first two episodes.

I'm hooked! 
Not surprising since this drama offers viewers stories of life, love and politics, beautiful settings, gorgeous fashion and jewels, and a glimpse of a bared royal bottom just to spice things up. This one is definitely going on my What To Watch List!

Below are the trailers to help tide you over until November 4th ...
At which point you'll need to hold court and determine who'll be sovereign ruler over the remote, and who will be knighted official royal (snack) taster. 

Require a bigger dose of Royal-themed binging? These are currently available on Netflix:

• The Queen
• The Royals
• Secrets of Great British Castles
• Man Who Killed King Richard III
• The Young Victoria
• Gunpowder, Treason & Plot

Remember to use the #streamteam hashtag to follow all the Netflix Streamteam adventures, and Netflix on twitter and facebook for updates and info.

Happy Streaming! 

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about The Crown. 

Note: As a Netflix Streamteam member I receive special perks for #Streamteam participation, posts and sharing. All opinions are my own.  

Word Association: Pre and Post Test Driving the #FordFlex @FordCanada

Driver Start Your Engine!

(Sorry, but it just had to be said)

First a little bit about me ...
A very long time ago my husband made the mistake of questioning something I did, and informed me he was in charge of all things mechanical. From that point on, in my mind almost everything became "mechanical". I have no desire to know or learn what each button or setting in the vehicle I drive does ... that's "mechanical" and therefore does not fall under my realm of responsibility. Although I'm fully capable of learning how to reset the time on the microwave after a power outage, or sync my phone to the Bluetooth in my van, I choose to remain non-"mechanical". As luck would have it, possessing the non-"mechanical" trait made me uniquely qualified to test drive the Ford Flex, because, if I can figure it out anyone can, and User Friendly makes for Friendly Users. 

A Pre-Test Drive Game of Word Association:

What does this manly-man "Built Ford Tough" truck have to offer me? And why should a smart, strong, independent, but non-"mechanical" girlie-girlie think twice before dismissing the Ford Flex? Turns out there were a lot more reasons than I thought. 

Here's what I discovered driving the Ford Flex, and few of my favourite features:
(If you're looking for a list of specs and auto-talk, I'm not your wo-man. I deal in impressions. (see link at end of post for all the spec-tacular info).

1) Voice Activated - Touch Screen Navigation System*:  This is one of my favourite features! I love that I didn't have to stop the vehicle or take my eyes off the road to use the navigation system. As a women who's spent years driving alone at night or with kids, it's always made me nervous stopping at the side of the road, or in an empty parking lot to set the GPS. I'm also a fan of the large touch screen display! It's very user-friendly, which is a must for "non-mechanicals" like me. 

2) SYNC3* and SYNC With MyFord: Again this was SO easy to use, and no reinforcements were called to sync my phone to the Flex's Bluetooth. My biggest issue was getting my evil offspring to "Back Away From the Display!" It was worse than the TV remote! By the end of the week we managed to seamlessly sync and un-sync an iPhone, Blackberry and Android phone. I'm also a fan of the in-console USB ports which allow for charging devices, while keeping them out of sight of potential thieves, or anyone who might be tempted to text and drive. 

3) Power Fold 3rd Row Seats*: This makes it so easy to stow and go with the push of a button. Although not officially listed as an entertainment option, in my opinion pushing the button and watching the seats stow and un-stow is very entertaining. I'm a bit embarrassed to share exactly how many times I pushed the buttons, but let's just say more than you can count on two hands. 

4) Climate Control with Heated and Cooled Front Seats*: I became an instant fan of this feature, since I test drove the Flex during a summer heat wave. Nothing worse than burning hot leather seats in the summer, and nothing better than cooled temperature controlled seats!  

5) BLIS* (Blind Spot Information System) with Cross Traffic Alert: I've driven a van for more than 15 years, and one of my biggest issues with a big vehicle is visibility and blind spots. This safety feature is fabulous, and although I have no statistics, I believe it must result in fewer collisions and save lives. Kudos to Ford for continuing to develop technologies like BLIS and second-row Outboard Inflatable Seat Belts. 

6) Multi-Panel Vista Roof*: If I'm honest I don't really give much thought to the evil offspring sitting behind me, but I must say the multiple sun roof option is rather wonderful. Clearly Ford and I differ on this matter, since the design and features in the Flex demonstrate they, unlike myself, have given much thought to the comfort of those in the second row.

Other note-worthy available* options ...

• Push Button Start*
• Active Park Assist*
• 2nd Row Refrigerated Console*
• Heated and Power Fold Mirrors*

(Note: * available options mentioned may have additional costs associated with them)

A Post-Test Drive Game of Word Association:

This experience reminded me not to make assumptions ... because we all know what happens when we do that. If asked "Have you driven a Ford lately?" I would answer Yes! and enjoyed even minute of it. 

For more information about the Ford Flex Specs, Options and Features please visit: http://www.ford.ca/crossovers/flex/ And be sure to check out Ford Canada on twitter and facebook. 

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about the Ford Flex.

Disclosure: I received the use of a 2016 Ford Flex from Ford Canada for the purposes of this post. All opinions are my own. I would like to thank the staff at Ford Canada (and Melissa) for making this such a pleasant experience. I found Ford to be not just user-friendly, but also service-friendly! 

New CEO (Candy Endowment Officer) effective Oct 31st @Netflix_CA #streamteam

Important Human Resource Announcement!

To Whom It May Concern: 

After many years as CTOL's CFO (Costume Fabrication Officer) Ms. Canton will be stepping down from this role to assume the position of CEO (Candy Endowment Officer) at CTOL effective October 31st. Please join us in thanking Ms. Canton for all her many years of devoted service in the position of CFO, and wish her luck in her new role. 

As the new CEO, Ms. Canton's duties will include (but are not limited to): managing the acquisition and distribution of all candies, treats and pumpkins, as well as quality control of all tricks and Jack-O-Lanterns. In addition Ms. Canton will take on the responsibility of synopsizing streaming options for October 31st deemed most advantageous for specific viewer market segments.

Appendix #1: Report on Streaming Options by Market Segment:

*Note: These streaming options are deemed appropriate for viewing during as well as pre and post the October 31st streaming period. 

Appendix #2: Recommended Viewing for CEO position:

Various studies found streaming some of Netflix recently added series listed below help to dramatically improved several key Adult CEO skill sets, resulting in enhanced overall professional development. 

• GLITCH

• Stranger Things
• Frequency 
• Grinder
• Jamaica Inn

Once again please join us in congratulating Ms. Canton on her new position, I know we can rely on everyone to fully supporting her streaming initiatives, thereby helping to ensure all have the happiest of Halloweens. 

Sincerely, 

CTOL HR Department 

Note: As a Netflix Streamteam member I receive special perks for #Streamteam participation, posts and sharing. All opinions are my own.