Three Generations Track Their Things with @MYNT_tracker #Ad #TechForLife

You have a choice. You can MYNT it now ... 

or choose not to and look forward to the sting of future face palms because you didn't. 

Disclosure: I received product from Slightech - MYNT for the purposes of this post and review. 

All opinions are my own and reflect my personal experience with the brand and product.

I may not be an expert on technology, but I'm pretty good at figuring out how to use various technologies to work for me, and as tools for life. That's exactly why I was interested in the MYNT tracker. However if you're the techie-type you can get all the specs on the Slightech site. The MYNT in combination with the free MYNT app is a multi-function Bluetooth tracker and item locator, that puts an end to questions like "Where is my _____? It could be your keys, phone, wallet, purse, camera, designer sunglasses, or some other item you value. And since you can pair up to 8 MYNTs to a single device, you'll be able to track all the "things" important to you. 

No need to give up style for function. The award winning design comes in 4 colour options (blue, black, gold, silver) and is small enough to fit in your wallet, adhered to a remote or phone using the adhesive pads provided, or you can use the key-ring lanyard to attach it to your keys.

Included with the MYNT Package: 1 spare battery, 2 adhesive pads, and a key-ring lanyard. The price point is great starting as low as $19.99 US for a single MYNT. 

Or purchase one the various multi-pack options for additional savings, and free waterproof sleeve. 

You have your MYNT, so now what?

• Once you have your MYNT you are ready to install the free MYNT app and register with your email, name, user name, and create a password. Download from iTunes AppStore/iOS  Download from Google Play/Android
• Remove the tab separating the battery from the MYNT. 
• Pair your MYNT to your phone, and start tracking.

What the MYNT can do for you ...

• Within the MYNT range (up to 50 meters) you can locate the item you have attached the tracker to by pressing the item icon on your phone. 
• You can reverse track your phone but pressing the button on the MYNT.
• Even if your MYNT is out of range it can still help you locate your valuables. The app can give you the coordinates of the last location recorded, that will not only give you a place to start, but also significantly narrow the size of the search area.
• If your "Thing" goes beyond the preset distance range an audio notification/alarm will sound and alert you. The MYNT can be personalized for time, duration, and the distance range at which the alarm triggers. 
• You have the option to set notification-free zones within set wi-fi areas, so that the entire office is not notified should you leave to use the restroom. This feature is also handy to ensure notifications do not wake your teething baby that has finally fallen asleep. 
• The MYNT in-app map can help you to answer the age old question; "Where did I park the car?" by recording the location of your car, and later leading you back to that location. 
• If your MYNT goes out of range, but others with the MYNT app are in range and connect with it, your app will send you notification of its last know location. 
• Lastly, the MYNT is a programmable multi-tasker that can be can be used as a remote for your camera shutter, for your music, and even to forward the slides during a slide presentation.

Remember the sting of the face palm? 

I could have avoided many a face palm over the years had the MYNT been available to me. But it's not just me, the same goes for my parents and my kids. One tracker, three generations, each using it in different ways to make life just a bit easier. 

Sanity-Saving Personalization ...

• I'll admit that both Thing 1 and I were happy to be able to personalize the separation notifications. An audio notification each time he left the room resulting in his phone being separated from his keys gets old pretty quickly. Being able to set the range distance for notifications at home or work is a great feature.

A tool in my parenting toolbox ...

• The notifications we might find annoying now, would have been sanity-saving 20 years ago, when my two boys were toddlers. Notification when one of them had moved out of a preset area or zone would have been fantastic, and one more tool in my parenting tool box.   
• For my sister, who has 2 kids, a pool in the backyard, a cottage and a new puppy, a couple of MYNT trackers can help give her some peace of mind, by adding another layer of safety into the chaos of everyday life and parenting.
• The Public Restroom Dilemma: Your boys are too old to go with you into the women's restroom, but too young to go into the men's restroom on their own. I know for a fact I am not alone when I tell stories about looking more than a little unhinged while standing outside the men's public restroom yelling through the door at my kids. Definitely awkward for both me and the men trying to actually use the restroom. Having a two-way audio signal can help to eliminate that awkward public restroom dilemma. Same goes for change rooms dilemmas.
• MYNT trackers are handy tools when the kids are in the yard playing, at the park, a splash pad, or pool, theme park, and at the mall or shopping. 
• IDEA: add a MYNT to the storage pouch of your child's asthma puffer, medication, or Epipen. 

Thing 2 would have benefited from a MYNT ...

• In Spain when he forgot the $100 charging cord to his MacBook Pro at the hotel.
• In the Madrid airport when he accidentally left his MacBook Pro under his chair, only realizing as he went to board his flight. Luckily his laptop had been turned in. Not so lucky was that fact he had to go to a separate terminal and back through security to retrieve the laptop. As a result he missed his flight from Madrid to Philadelphia, and the his connecting flight from Philadelphia to Ottawa. This could have been avoided with a MYNT tracker.
• When his $100 backpack with his $100 calculator was stolen while in the University restroom the night before his Calculus exam. And of course he needed the calculator for that exam. 
• When his $700 leather jacket went missing from a club mandatory coat check. Not only would it have helped to locate it when staff couldn't, the MYNT community might have been able to help locate it after the club staff gave it to the wrong person.
• Now that he has moved into his own apartment, finding his keys is crucial. (Yes, it makes a great gift for the students in your life)
• A MYNT would have been handy when Thing 1 "misplaced" his tablet somewhere in his room for a month and counting ...

A MYNT would have been very useful ...

• When I forgot my purse with all of our passports, my wallet with all my credit cards, driver's licence, and $1000 US cash in a McD's in Savanna Georgia, but only realized it in Jacksonville Florida. An alarm/notification that my purse and I had been separated beyond the set distance would have saved a great deal of time, stress and frustration.
• When my snowbird parents were 2 hours into their 2400 km drive of a 3-month trip before they realized my father had forgot his wallet.
• When my mother-in-law is at a cash paying for purchases and her sister who suffers from some dementia wanders off. With a MYNT she would not only be notified of her sister moving beyond a preset distance, but it could also help to locate her. The result is reduced stress during outings, increasing her sister's safety, and a happier experience for both of them.

So if you think about it the MYNT tracker is actually a happiness tracker ... 

By helping to reduce frustration, stress, and cost of replacing misplaced, lost, forgotten or stolen items, it increases one's happiness and overall feeling of well-being.

Things I liked ...

I love the design and having colour options. I liked how easy it was to set up and use. I like the price point and having multi-pack options. I like that I can track both the MYNT and my phone. I like that I can link up to 8 MYNT trackers to my phone. I like that I can use it to find my car.

One more thought out loud ...

The one change I would make to the MYNT tracker is having the ability to adjust the volume. It would increase its function and value if the notifications volume could be adjusted louder in crowded environments, or when in a purse, under a couch cushion, or in Thing 1's bedroom, or adjust down or put into silent mode in situations such as during a meeting, sleeping, or at the theatre.

I would definitely recommend the MYNT tracker. In my opinion its functions and price point make it a worthwhile investment and a perfect gift for all ages.

Yep , just me Cathy thinking out loud about #TrackingMyThings

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.

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! 

Good Clean Fun from @Cetaphil_CA #CetaphilBabyBathtime

He's a big baby!

My baby is 20 years old, but he still loves the Cetaphil Baby Line. 

It makes skin soft as a baby's bottom ... 

No doubt that's TMI, none the less it's true. Confession: since I already use and trust the Cetaphil brand I didn't actually read the ingredients in the baby line products before I tried them. It wasn't until after trying and loving them that I took a closer look. It has Calendula to "calm and sooth" skin, as well as Vitamin B5, Vitamin E, Sunflower, Sweet Almond and Jojoba Oil to protect, heal and hydrate skin. What it doesn't have is colourants, parabens, or mineral oils. 

Keeping baby healthy and happy ...

I wish these products had been available when my babies were actually babies. As a new parent I struggled with many of the same things parents do today, and searched for products, routines and ways to keep my babies healthy and happy. Canadian parenting expert Kelly Bourne has great tips for parents about bathtime, including the perfect bath water temperature and dealing with cradle cap.

Fast forward 20 years ...
I still try to find products and ways to keep my babies and my whole family healthy and happy. So why am I writing about Cepaphil's Baby line of products with when I have grown kids? Well, it's because I suspected the new Cetaphil's Baby line might be a perfect compliment to the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser we all use, and being specially formulated to be gentle for babies, surely it would be gentle enough for my sensitive skin, and I was right. 

I'm in love ...
In particular I love the Ultra Moisturizing Wash and the Daily Lotion. Honestly! I've found many soaps and body washes I've tried left my skin red or irritated, but these left my skin feeling hydrated and soft like a baby's ... you get the idea.

A family affair ... 
The Cetaphil family of products have become a "my family" thing, and while I understand these particular products were formulated for babies I welcome any product that helps me to deal with product overload in my small bathroom. Making room 3 or 4 products per family member is a daily challenge, and one of the reasons I'm excited about the Cetaphil Baby line. It's always exciting when I can buy a single product or products that suit all of our needs. 

Join Cetaphil Canada Parents Club for tips, coupons and offers specific to parents. 

You can also follow Cetaphil Canada on twitter and facebook.

  

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

Note: I received a Cetaphil Baby products free of charge for the purpose of this review and post. All opinions are my own and reflect my personal experience with the product and brand.

Images courtesy of Cetaphil Canada unless otherwise indicated.

A #BuyProduct @DoveCanada Style+Care Frizz-Proof Cream Serum #Haircare

Buy Product of Cathy Thinking Out Loud:

I'm Thinking Out Loud About What Products to Buy

Dove Style+Care Frizz-Proof Cream Serum 

Growing up my Mom had a term: It is buy-like or look-like. Meaning is it nice enough to actually buy or just nice to look at. Deciding if a product is worth spending your hard earn cash on can be challenging, and I'd like to help by sharing my product experiences with you.

Why it's a Buy Product:

Dove Style+Care Frizz-Proof Cream Serum (under $5) is definitely a #BuyProduct in my opinion. I can't remember a time when I could wash my hair and just run a brush through it, without fighting tangles and knots, even after using generous amounts of conditioner. It isn't just a problem of the ouch factor, my hair ends up breaking and damaged from brushing through the tangles. In an effort to put an end to this "hair-endous" situation I purchased this Dove product for 2 reasons: I'd purchased Dove's Mens Hair products and my kids and Hubby seemed to like them, and the price. Not really knowing what I was looking for or needed, I wasn't willing to invest a small fortune in high-end products while I figured it out. The $3.74 I paid for this serum seemed like a pretty low risk place to start my quest for hair happiness. 

WOW! It worked like a charm!

• This serum worked wonders on hair manageability whether applied to wet or dry hair.
• Cream formula is easy to work through hair.
• Made styling my hair so much easier!
• Almost completely ended my issues with tangles and knots. In the past I struggled with my brush pulling and sticking to my hair, but with this product I can easily brush through my hair without pulling or breakage. 
• Easy to use dispenser.
• It doesn't weigh down my hair or impact volume.
• It goes on smooth with a natural look, without appearing like I have product in my hair. 
• Gives my hair a smooth, shiny look and reduces the look of frizziness. 
• Can't beat the price point. 
• It even smells nice. 

Note: If this came in a foam format making it easier to control the amount and distribution of product, and still worked as well, I'd be over the moon. 

If you have feedback, or know a product you really like, please share. I always feel better shelling out my hard earned cash on a product if I know others have tried it, and were happy with their experience and purchase. 

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about "buy-products" and products worth buying.

Note: I have not been compensated in any way for this post. The purpose of this post is merely to share with my readers my personal experience with these products. All opinions are my own.

My #BuyProduct Recomendation: #SoftLipsCube 5-in-1 Lip Care

Buy-Products of Cathy Thinking Out Loud

My Recommendations on What Products to Buy

Soft Lips Cube 5-in-1 Lip Care

Growing up my Mom had a term: It is buy-like or look-like. Meaning is it nice enough to actually buy or just nice to look at. Deciding if a product is worth spending your hard earn cash on can be challenging, and I'd like to help by sharing my product experiences with you. 

Why it's a Buy-Product:

Softlips Cube 5-in-1 Lip Care: Peach-Mango (around $5) Softlips Cube is a Buy-Product.

Beyond the Balm: What are the 5's in 1 cube? Hydrates, Replenishes, Smooths, Protects, Adds Shine.

Well I'm not sure about replenishes, but it does seem to hydrate nicely, and has SPF 15 to protect, and indeed adds shine.

• I like the look of the design, size and format ... what can I say ... it's cute.
• Small and compact so perfect to throw in your purse, pocket or backpack.
• The format offers a larger surface than a twist-up style, which allows for easy application, and seems less likely to break a twist-up balm.
• I like that it has SPF 15 sun protection. 
• It goes on nicely and leave my lips feeling soft and looking smooth.
• I like that I get some shine without being a full on gloss.
• I doesn't feel heavy or sticky. 
• The Peach-Mango cube I have smells nice, but isn't strong or overwhelming. 
• Over all I think at around $5 it's good value, and I would buy it again.

Note: It would have been nice if I could have found more product information on the Canadian site. Most of the product information I found was on the US Softlips site. My confidence in a brand is influenced by how user-friendly their site is to access information about the product and the brand. 

You can find Softlips Canada on Facebook 

If you have feedback, or know a product you really like, please share. I always feel better shelling out my hard earned cash on a product if I know others have tried it, and were happy with their experience and purchase. 

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about "buy-products" and products worth buying.

Note: I have not been compensated in any way for this post. The purpose of this post is merely to share with my readers my personal experience with these products. All opinions are my own.