Tag a #NetflixNewbie & you both might win 3-mth subscription #Ad

Want to know what's more fun than watching Netflix? 

The chance for me to #shareNetflixlove with you. 

As a member of the Netflix Streamteam I partnered with Netflix 

for this giveaway to #shareNetflixlove with my readers. 

I'm excited to #shareNetflixlove with a giveaway! You can #shareNetflixlove and introduce someone to your love of Netflix too! Nominate/tag a Netflix Newbie friend on twitter and both of you could win a 3-month Netflix Canada subscription! Just follow the 3 easy steps below.

For a chance to win a 3-month Netflix subscription for you & a Netflix Newbie friend:

1)  follow me on twitter.

2) share on your twitter account the tweet below adding the twitter handle of a Netflix Newbie (someone you know who doesn't currently have Netflix). 

3) This is important: Once you have finished tweeting, come back here and in the comments section leave me a comment with a link to your tweet, and daily tweet date the link is for (June __, 2017). 

Tweet: "Hey @CantonCathy Netflix newbie _____ and I want to win a 3-mth Netflix subscription #shareNetflixlove https://t.co/qx5ygviRBE "

Please Note:

• The goal is to share Netflix love with those who have yet to experience it, so the person nominated or tagged must be a Netflix Newbie and not currently subscribing to Netflix. 
• You can share the tweet above and tag someone once a day. 
• All nomination tweets and comments with tweet links must be completed by June 30th, 2017 at 12:00/noon EST. 
• This giveaway is open to Canada (excluding Quebec) 18+ years of age. 
• The winner will be picked at random from all the qualifying entries. 

Good Luck! 

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about have much fun it is to #shareNetflixlove.

Ruggedized USB Cable from @NexTekEnergy keeps #BTS teens charged up, ready to learn! #BTSTech

My kids are teens so that means we are what one would call a "plugged in family" with lots of devices and cells phone that "need" to be charged. For me they need to be charged so I can contact my kids for convenience and in an emergency. My kids definition of "need" is slightly different. They want to contact their friends, play a game, watch a You Tube video, and surf the web. Apparently the surfing is required for school research. Hey, Khan Academy started on You Tube so we am I to judge.

So as we prepare for back to school, and keeping in mind our "needs" being able to locate a cable to charge our devices is important to all of us. Here's the thing about teens ... they are not great at keeping these cables in an easy to locate place, and they aren't exactly gentle on ... well anything. Here's the thing about Moms ... they don't have either an endless budget to replace said items, or endless patience with lost and broken items.

With wi-fi at the high school more and more of the teachers are having students utilize their own devices in class, so my kids' phones and devices need to be charged and ready to go each morning. I added the NEXTEK Energy's Ruggedized Cable with braided sleeve to our back to school list and think it might be the perfect solution for both Mom and teens.  The price point makes it affordable enough to own a few, the nylon fabric braided sleeve makes it durable and it provides quick device charging. I like that the colour options make it easy to identify which cable belongs to whom. 

Another back to school must is a portable battery charger. All the "research for school" means my kids' phone battery power barely lasts the school day. Be sure to read Cathy Thinking Out Loud's Review of the Pocket Booster 4200 by NEXTEK Energy. 

For more information about all their products be sure to check out the NEXTEK Energy website and follow NEXTEK Energy on Facebook  or NEXTEK Energy on Twitter 

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about getting ready for back to school.

Note: I received a Nextek Energy Ruggedized USB Cable for the purpose of this review. All opinions are my own and reflect my personal experience with this product. 

EXTRA! EXTRA! #BPTurns50 Aug 12th @BostonPizza turns the BIG 5-0! #Giveaway CAN 08/29

♪ ♫ "We are family, I got all my sisters with me. 

We are family, Get up ev'rybody and sing! 

Ev'ryone can see we're together, As we walk in by. 

Fly! and we fly just like birds of a feather, I won't tell no lie.

All! all the people around us they say, Can they be that close.

Just let me state for the record, We're giving love in a family dose." ♪♫

My siblings and I have been known to regularly channel our Sister Sledge and belt out our rendition of ♫ "We Are Family". We are all about traditions and celebrating life's important events. This is not to say we're stuck in a timewarp, we are dynamic, ever changing and evolving. We add new traditions and retire old ones, always remembering where we came from and how far we have come. 

More times than not our family traditions involve food and maybe a rewriting of the lyrics of a few of our favourite songs to fit the mood or an event, and it is that which our fondest memories are made of. As I approach my 29th birthday for the 22nd time, I realize Boston Pizza has played a part in many of those celebrations and memories over the years. On August 12th Boston Pizza is celebrating 50 years of being part of Canadians' lives and traditions, and like my family they have grown and evolved adding new menu items, and retiring others, all the while maintaining a tradition of value and service. 

It feels like they are part of the family, whether meeting my childhood friend with our kids for dinner (Oakville), or where the family gets together when I am in town for a visit - yep up to 18 of us (Oakville). Maybe it is one of the several times a year my parents and I meet at the halfway point for a quick lunch and a visit, because our schedules won't allow for a multi-day visit and the 6 hour drive each way (Kingston). It is where we go for lunch after bowling (Ottawa), where I met Sarah's (Journeys of the Zoo) kids for the first time (Barrhaven), and where my family goes for dinner (Kanata).

Cheers! Boston Pizza!

Happy 50th Anniversary!

#BPTurns50

Join in the celebration including $5 Individual Size Pizzas on August 12th, and coupons for additional discounts. Don't forget to try the Anniversary menu items available until Aug 17th, 2014.

What's an anniversary celebration without a party? 

You can enter to win one of 50! yes you heard me correctly ... I said 50 Pizza Parties for you and 29 of your favourite people! (valued at $2500) You can find #BPPizzaParty details at BPPizzaParty.com

No doubt about it 1964 is an excellent year! If I wasn't turning 29 again this year I would pick that year to be born! Be sure to check out some highlights of Boston Pizza's 50 year history at Boston Pizza's big 5-0 via Strategy . While reading I noticed the quote below and although I don't see my name specifically mentioned, I'm pretty sure it's about me, my humour and my quirky personality, since we all know I'm a celeb that should be endorsed. At least that's how I interpret it ... Yep just me thinking out loud again.  

"Its survival amongst its competition (it has a market share of 3.7% in the full-service category), is in large part due to tapping humour and building a quirky personality with celeb endorsements and unique product offerings."  

So like that wasn't enough to celebrate ... you can also enter to win 1 of 4 $20 Boston Pizza gift cards to help you start your own Boston Pizza tradition and celebrate Boston Pizza turning 50! 
Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about turning 50! 

Note: I was not compensated for this post. I have a great relationship with Boston Pizza and so pleased they have generously sponsored this giveaway for my readers. All opinions are my own and reflect my personal experience with this brand.

@NEXTEKEnergy Illuminating USB Cable - Perfect #travel companion to ensure you power through #TSA enhanced security measures.

You might remember Cathy Thinking Out Loud's Review of the Pocket Booster 4200 by NEXTEK Energy. I loved the convenience of having portable power where and when I wanted it, whether it be on my Florida vacation, at We Day or at the BConnected Conference. With the TSA's recent announcements about enhanced security measures, having a way to quickly charge your devices and check the charging status is no longer just a convenience, it is quickly becoming a necessity.

I've got the power at BConnected 

NEXTEK Energy Pocket Booster 4200

At the beginning of this month TSA (U.S. Transportation Security Administration) implemented new enhanced security measures for electronics. "Electronic devices are already screened daily, but now, security officers might ask that you power up your devices, including cell phones. Powerless devices will not be permitted onboard the aircraft, so it's important to have them charged prior going through security." via The TSA Blog

These enhanced measures affect direct flights to the U.S. from certain overseas airports. Although Canada is not considered "overseas" and these security measures do not affect flights out of Canada to the United States, they are surely a sign of changes and the direction of airport security in the future. 

Canada is set to implement new enhanced security measures of its own, that will target electronic devices, and may require passengers to power on their devices in order for them to be allowed on an aircraft. via Radio Canada Report - New Security Measures Coming to Airports - July 8, 2014

Links for more information about the enhanced security measures:

CBC News - World - TSA Tightens Security (July 6, 2014)

BBC News - World - US enhanced security checks target electronics (July 8, 2014)

The timing couldn't be better for the release of the NEXTEK Energy's Illuminating USB Cable with a "build-in LED  indicator which provides quick visual feedback on charging status", makes finding your phone easy in the dark and comes in 5 fun colours. (Available in micro USB and Apple Lightning)

Personally I love the LED feature, and how the PISEN* for Galaxy and the Illuminating cable charge my phone at lightning speed. I also appreciate the "teen-proof" orange colour. No longer will my kids be able to say they thought it was theirs.

The Illuminating USB Cable is a perfect travel companion for your Pocket Booster, 

for power on go, wherever you go.

For more information about the Illuminating USB Cable and all the NEXTEK Energy products be sure to check out their website NEXTEK Energy.com or follow NEXTEK Energy on Facebook  or NEXTEK Energy on Twitter  

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about NEXTEK Energy Illuminating USB Cables and TSA's new enhanced security measures.

Note: I receive an Illuminating USB Cable free of charge for the purpose of this review. All opinions are my own, and a true reflection of my experience with this product.

PROTECT THE NOGGIN! #Skateboarding Safety Gear, Lessons & Park Etiquette @TopSkateShop

House Rules: 

PROTECT THE NOGGIN AT ALL COSTS!

• No Helmet - No skateboarding, No helmet - No cycling, No helmet - No snowboarding.
• We wear helmets to model behaviour and so kids can never say: but you don't wear a helmet.
• We invest in proper fitting certified helmets and safely equipment specific to the sport. We do not 
   try to make helmets multi-task.
• No earbuds in while skateboarding or cycling on the street. You need to be aware of your 
   surroundings and what is happening around you. It really does not matter who is at fault, you will 
   not win a fight with a moving vehicle.

SAFETY & PROTECTIVE GEAR:
Like most sports skateboarding involves some risk, but there are ways in which you can minimize the risks of injury. Basic sport specific certified safety equipment that fits properly is the easiest way to reduce the risk of injury. 

Helmets: Helmets protect your child's head from cuts, concussions, and brain injury. I can think of no better equipment investment. You would not use a hockey helmet to cycle in, and neither should you use a bicycle helmet to skateboard, skate or snowboard in. Each helmet is designed for a specific sport and the speed and type of impact most plausible for that sport. Concrete is different than snow or ice. Remember helmets only work if they are properly fitted and worn in the way intended. Once you have a good helmet, next is pads.

Elbow Pads: Kids fall skateboarding, especially when they first start. Elbow pads not only help to reduce scraps and bruises, they also help to prevent very painful breaks in or around the elbow. (Mandatory in most indoor skateparks)

Knee Pads: Just like elbow pads, knee pads help to reduce or prevent scraps, bruising, and breaks to the knee area. A pair of knee pads for skateboarding are completely smooth allowing a skater to safely slide out of a vert trick. It also protects those $60 jeans you just invested in. (Mandatory in most indoor skateparks)

Wrist Guards: Wrist guards help to protect from wrist injuries from falling, especially for new skaters. As a skater's skills progress the wrist guards may interfere with the ability to do certain tricks.

The kid in the blue t-shirt is mine.

LESSONS & INSTRUCTION:
Skateboarding is a sport, and a challenging one at that. 
Please read my Skateboard Manual post for more information about buying a skateboard.
What appears to be simple tricks take hours of practice to master. Lessons teach your child how to do tricks safely and at the level they are ready for. They are give in a controlled environment where your child can learn the steps involved in a trick and how to fall or "bail" safety to avoid injury. 

I often get asked "How can your watch you son doing those dangerous skateboard tricks? Aren't you worried?" My answer is yes and no. Yes I am always concerned about my kids being injured, and let's face it broken bones are no fun. Mostly my answer is no, because I have invested the in the proper safety equipment, he has taken lessons for years, and he has put in thousands of hours of practice to improve his skill which decreases his risk of injury. 

My son did not start out dropping into 13 foot ramps, or sliding down a rail over 8 stairs. These are not beginner tricks, and the likelihood of him being able to do these injury free without mastering more basic skills is very low. The lessons and instruction have given him the confidence to take calculated risks. It is no different than a gymnast or figure skater.

I cannot stress enough the benefits of lessons for your child. Your child will learn faster, in an environment where safety equipment is required. They will learn at their own pace the right way to do tricks. Instructors teach, demonstrate and observe your child's progress. They can spot your child dropping into a ramp, point out what they are doing right or wrong, and tell them if they are ready to move to more challenging tricks. Each success reduces frustration, builds confidence, encourages your child to practice, get better and stick with it.

Lessons prepare your child for when he or she does go to a busy unsupervised skatepark by helping them understand the rules and etiquette, which helps to keep all skaters injury free. They might even run into one of the instructors at the skatepark, and it is always nice to see a familiar face.

My son has taken may lessons and attended many camps including the ones at McNabb Recreation Centre & Skatepark offered by Top of the World Skate Shop Camps and the City of Ottawa, and they come highly recommended in my books. I asked Eric Dionne, a 22 year skateboarding veteran, Top's Skate Team Manager, buyer and part owner of Top of the World Skate Shop 

What to expect at one of their skate camps?
"Our partnership with the City of Ottawa skateboard camp is over 1o years strong now. Camps are based out of McNabb Skate Park, and we offer 7 different weeks of programming. The camps are week long programs for ages 6-15 years of age, and are offered at both the beginner and the advanced levels. All instructors are local skateboarders that can teach anything from how to push correctly to hitting your first handrail. A few instructors are bi-lingual so instruction can be offered in French as well as English."

Eric can you tell us why you think it is important for kids to have proper equipment and lessons when they are starting out skateboarding.
"All campers are required to wear a helmet, elbow and knee pads. One of the more important aspects of our camps is to promote the longevity of the sport through safety and the proper use of protective gear. All our trained staff teaches skate park etiquette and how to skate in a busy crowd or skate park. One of the biggest factors in preventing injury is to know your surroundings at all time and how to react to different situations."

For more information about the McNabb Skate Park City of Ottawa/Top of the World skate camps visit Top of the World - McNabb Skate Camp Information. Note: you can register your child for McNabb Skate Camp in person at the McNabb Community Centre located at 180 Percy, Ottawa 613-564-1070. As well there is a GIRLS ONLY session on Thursday evenings! 

SKATEPARK ETIQUETTE: NOTE TO PARENTS
Okay here comes the part where some parents and adults need some "schoolin" and need to respect the skaters. Thinking out loud about this may not make me any friends but I strongly believe it needs to be said. You set the tone and example for your kids. The number of adults I have seen with a total lack of respect and regard for skater's safety is shocking! A skatepark is not a play ground or climbing structure. It is not a place to let your kids run around then blame the skater when your kid AND the skater gets injured. The definition of sport is: "an activity involving physical exertion and skill that is govern by a set of rules and customs and often engaged in competitively." via The Free Dictionary  The rules include a basic code of conduct which apply to us parents as well.

You probably wouldn't let your child go to play in the middle of a baseball diamond or a tennis court during a practise or a game, because it is dangerous and quite frankly rude. I can't understand why so many parents think it is okay for toddlers to run around or ride their bike with training wheels through a skateboard park. 

I know it is not all or even most parents, but if you see this please speak up. Better a nasty glare from an annoyed parent than a serious injury. Skateboarding is a FAST sport, and stopping or turning to avoid a child is challenging. If an un-helmeted toddler collides with a skater and hits the concrete ground they are going to be seriously injured, and most likely the skater trying to avoid them will be hurt as well. 

I am not suggesting young kids aren't allowed to use the skateparks, my son has been skateboarding since he was 6 years old. I am suggesting lessons, proper equipment, and a clear understanding of code of conduct and skatepark etiquette is required. A skatepark is a place to practice and improve your skills. Anyone making an honest effort to do so has a right to be there. I have NEVER had my child even at 6 years old, told or treated like he was not welcome at a skatepark. In fact many of the more experienced skaters regularly took the time to help him learn and land new tricks. 

There the rant is over, but I think it is important to say. I know I would have trouble sleeping at night if my own or someone's child was injured because I was smug and somehow thought I was above the rules. So to make for that little rant Top of the World has been nice enough to provide me with a Helmet and set of Pads for a giveaway.

Top of the World Skate Shop on Facebook   Top of the World Skate Shop on Twitter

FYI: McNabb Skate Park is only open May – Aug. You can help to support these programs and ensure they are available for years to come by donating to the fundraising effort to build a permanent outdoor skate park to accompany the seasonal indoor park at Top of the World 1 Square Foot McNabb Skatepark Fundraising Campaign or at Top of the World at 158 Rideau St. Ottawa.

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about skateboarding safety equipment, lessons and park etiquette.

With @NexTekEnergy for #Vacation #Travel #Emergency in a Snap... I've Got The Power!

A few weeks back I saw a tweet flash by on my twitter feed, and I said to myself @NexTekEnergy. What is this .... I've never see these guys before. Being a tech-challenged tech-lover I had to investigate. Off I went and found NexTek Energy is a Canadian company out of British Columbia that designs and distributes portable battery chargers. GREAT! I could definitely use one of those for myself and my kids! The kids are always saying "my phone died". It  would be great if they could actually use their phone to contact me in an emergency or for MY convenience BEFORE their phone battery dies. A battery charger would solve that problem.

ON THE PLANE! 

BConnected Conference

March and April were busy months and I had the privilege to test the NexTek Energy Pocket Booster 4200 on 3 distinct and different occasions: A trip to Florida, National We Day 2014, and BConnected a 2 day blogging conference. In each case, I was using my phone to take pictures for Cathy Thinking Out Loud  The long days made a portable battery charger essential, and the Pocket Booster 4200 was perfect for all three occasions.

The end of March gave me my first opportunity to try the Pocket Booster 4200 on a trip to Florida. I passed the time on the 2 flights and stopovers playing Suduko puzzles on my Note 3. In both directions at the beginning of my second flight my phone battery was low and in need of a charge. Out came the PB 4200 and I was back in the game, so to speak. It was also great on the marathon shopping days with my Mom, and we used it more than once to charge both our phones. 
I had it with me for the very full day of activities picture taking, and social media sharing during National We Day 2014. Almost everyone there was searching for a place to charge their phones during the day. It was great to know "I've got the Power" where and when I needed it. 

Lastly, I attended BConnected Conference a conference on blogging, and clearly social media was a big part of that. I needed my phone for sharing and taking pictures during each of the 9 hour days. With the volume of pictures and sharing done in those hours, there was no way my phone battery would last. Once again PB4200 was fast and easy and I was charging while I continued to share. 

These are only a few ways in which a Pocket Booster comes in handy, and each person has their own reasons for needing a portable way to charge their devices whether it be for convenience or in an emergency. I think this are a perfect gift, for my Snow Bird parents on the long drive to Florida, for my many teen nieces and nephews, for my siblings with small kids so they are never caught mid-movie on car rides or when waiting for an older siblings skating lesson to end. 

It makes a perfect Mother's Day or Father's Day gift too....hint hint!

The design is stylish, the build quality is outstanding, and the price point is great. 

For those of you, like my son, who need the specs: (Cue: Charlie Brown teacher ... wah wah wah for me) here are some details:

• available in 5 colours
• aluminium alloy body
• dimensions (mm): 96 (L) x 47 (W) x 24 (H) 
• weight (net): 150g
• 4200mAh battery capacity
• Lithium battery cell for fast charging
• comes with a specially designed USB charging cable, compatible with most USB devices.
• USB Input & Output rating: DC5.0V, 1000mA max

NexTek Energy has been kind enough to give my readers an opportunity to win a Pocket Booster 4200 just in time for Father's Day! Good Luck!

For more information about the Pocket Booster 4200, and all the NexTek Energy products be sure to check out their website at NexTek Energy.com, and NexTek Energy Facebook Page.

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about the NexTekEnergy Pocket Booster 4200.

Note: I received a NexTekEnergy Pocket Booster 4200 free of charge for the purposes of this review. All opinions are my own, and true reflections of my experience with this product.

Excited to attend Stars on Ice Apr 27th #Ottawa & #JergensStarsonIce @JergensCanada

I'm so excited to be attending Stars on Ice  April 27th, 2014 at the Ottawa Canadian Tire Centre. 

My friend, her daughter, and myself will have the pleasure of watching Kurt Browning and Joannie Rochette perform, along with Sochi Olympic medallists Patrick Chan, Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir. This will be my first time attending a live skating performance, and I would like to thank Jergens Canada for this very exciting opportunity.

It has been a long winter, and let me just say I really could use a bit of colour now that Spring has finally sprung. As one of the sponsors of Stars on Ice, Jergens Canada has also been kind enough to provide me with a basket of their skincare products including one of my favourites Natural Glow and their new BB Body Cream for one lucky reader. 

Good Luck! 

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about Stars on Ice.

Note: I received tickets to the Investors Group Stars on Ice, and a basket of Jergens skincare Products. As well I received a basket of Jergens Products to use for a giveaway for my readers. All opinions are my own.

Bean there, Done that, Not like this @Beanitos Bean Chips Review

Sometimes in life Less is More. 

With Beanitos Bean Chips you get Less AND More. 

Beanitos Have less fat and sodium, are Gluten Free, Non-GMO, are Low Glycemic, and at the same time provide 6 times more fibre, and protein per serving than many other snack options available.

As a Mom with a busy family schedule, 

I'm always looking for great products to help me make quick and easy meals and snacks such as

 "Minute to Din(ner) It" Nachos. 

I simply spread Beanitos Restaurant Style Chips onto a plate, add my favourite shredded cheese, and salsa sauce. Microwave for 1 minute, top with sour cream and shredded lettuce, and dinner is served. For more protein add cooked chicken or Taco seasoned cooked ground turkey.

Here is another quick meal idea - Tex Mex Soup: 
Take your favourite chicken or vegetable stock, add a cup of cooked rice, a cup of cubed cooked chicken, and a cup of salsa sauce. Heat and serve with Beanitos chips on the side instead of crackers for added Tex Mex flavour.

Beanitos has been kind enough to offer my readers a chance to win a Case (6 Bags) of their delicious bean chips. Good Luck!

Contest Details: Open to USA and Canada (including Quebec) Age 18+. Contest runs from March 10, 2014 until March 31, 2014. 

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about Beanitos.

Disclosure: I received this product free of cost for the purpose of this review, and have not been compensated in any other way. All opinions are my own.  

FACES OF MOVEMBER POST ON FATEKEEP IS A MUST SEE!

It's November again and Movember Canada fundraisers and participants are busy trying to raise awareness and funds for men's health issues.
 Not surprisingly, our friends at Fatekeep are involved, since Fatekeep is all about social good and giving back. 

(image via Fatekeep.com)

Here are some awesome #FacesOfMovember! Why not support their efforts by donating to their campaigns.

MoSista Lisa http://ca.movember.com/mospace/519968

MoBro Chris: http://ca.movember.com/mospace/2837097

MoBro Marty: http://ca.movember.com/mospace/1533620

MoBro Nick: http://ca.movember.com/mospace/2263872/

If that wasn't enough Fatekeep is having a giveaway to support their efforts!

Fatekeep Blog #FacesOfMovember

I'm Cathy thinking out loud about Movember

Note: I have not been compensated in any way for this post. All opinions are completely my own.