Three Things to Add to Your #Clearwater Itinerary #Florida #travel @VSPC

I discovered three new things to do when visiting Clearwater. I can't believe after visiting Clearwater so many times this was the first time visiting all of these! 

I have been to the Clearwater/St Pete area at least 25 times, including a trip this past March. I'm shocked that in all that time I have never been to: 

• the Clearwater Marine Aquarium
• the Dali Museum
• Frenchy's Rockaway Grill

Three very different experiences perfect for all ages. I suggest combining a visit to the Aquarium with Frenchy's for lunch since they are located quite near to each other. 

Clearwater Marine Aquarium:
The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a hospital for injured marine life, but their goal is more than that. At the Clearwater Marine Aquarium they also strive to educate and encourage preservation and conservation of marine life and their habitats. FYI Parents: Their programs include kids educational activities and camps.

Interesting Fact: You may not realize that the movie Dolphin Tale is based on a true story, and that Winter was sent to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium in the hopes of saving her life and rehabilitating her. Winter and her closest friend Hope, also a rescued dolphin live permanently at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. As part of the cost of admission to the Aquarium you can take a trolley or boat ride over to a secondary location where you can enjoy Winter's Dolphin Tale Adventure. You will find loads of information about Winter, her prosthetic tail, and props from the Dolphin Tale movie sets. 

Image courtesy of Clearwater Marine Museum

Image courtesy of Clearwater Marine Museum

Frenchy's Rockaway Grill:

Reasons to go to Frenchy's Rockaway Grill: 1) Fun lively atmosphere, 2) location location location, it's right on the beach with a fantastic view, 3) great food and service. The view of Clearwater Beach makes it the perfect destination for lunch, but the delicious food and great service is why I'll be returning many many times in the future to Frenchy's.

Interesting Fact: Frenchy's has their own seafood company making daily deliveries to each of the Frenchy's locations, so you're guaranteed the seafood is always fresh. So fresh that they're known for their grouper dishes, and I can personally attest to the fact the Grouper sandwich is indeed delicious! I highly recommend it! My Mom enjoyed the She Crab Soup and her Shrimp Scampi which came with a very tasty Coleslaw (I may have stolen a bite or two). For those who like a non seafood option my Dad and Thing 1 both very much enjoyed their Burger and Chili-Dog served with chips. We all left totally satisfied with out meals and the experience, and I think that is key; it felt like an experience rather than just a meal. As I was leaving I caught a glimpse of the Seafood Ceviche which looked delicious, and it will definitely be the first thing I order on my next visit!

FYI: Frenchy's has several locations.

The Dali Museum and the Dali and Disney Exhibit:

I wasn't really sure what to expect, but The Dali Museum is well worth the visit. I was pleasantly surprised and how much I enjoyed it. Besides the permanent collection which includes an amazing collection of Dali's work in a unique building that is an art piece in itself, there is a magical garden, a children's education center, a cafe and a wonderful gift shop. Gallery public tours and audio guides are free with admission.

I had the pleasure of seeing the Dali and Disney: Architects if Imagination Exhibit. It was interesting to see how their lives overlapped, and how they influenced each other's work. Interesting Fact: Both Dali and Disney were on the cover of Time Magazine. 
FYI Parents: The Dali has an interactive education center for the children visiting the museum. 

I can think of nothing but positive things to say about the Dali Museum; the staff is friendly and knowledgeable, it's very well run and organized, and I'll definitely be recommending "The Dali" to my friends and family.

Well that's my take on three great options to add to your To Do list on your next visit to the Clearwater-St Pete Area. Looking for a few more ideas? Check out my post on things to do in the Clearwater-St Pete area and be sure to take a look at the Visit St Pete Clearwater website for all sorts of information on events, links and ideas for your next trip to the St Pete-Clearwater area.

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about 3 new things I tried on my visit to Clearwater - St Pete Florida this spring.

Note: I received admission to the Clearwater Aquarium, The Dali Museum and a meal at Frenchy's Rockaway Grill for the purpose of this post. All opinions and recommendations are my own and reflect my personal experience. 

The Wait: Realizing My Entire Life Could Change in a Matter of 10 Minutes

There are many important and defining moments over a life time. Moments when something shifts or changes, and we know nothing will ever be the same.

A recent appointment and a ten minute wait had me reflecting on all the other women who have sat like me waiting to hear whether their entire life would change in a matter of 10 minutes.

It's unusual for me to discuss my age, my health or mammograms on social media or my blog. I'm a very private person so tend to "think out loud" in more general terms than personal specifics. When I stray from this policy is when I keep mulling over something and feel like "thinking out loud" about it is somehow more important than my desire for privacy. 

Recently I had a mammogram appointment. It was nothing to be alarmed about since it's standard at my age. Although I would never call it a barrel of laughs, it involves more discomfort than actual pain. The staff were thoughtful, friendly and knowledgeable. The appointment was quick lasting about 15 minutes, and digital imaging means results are quick.  

I was also told since it was my first mammogram it's not unusual to get a call back to help establish a baseline for what is normal for me, and if that was the case I should hear within a few days. So when the call came a few days later stating they would like to make an appointment to take a few more images I thought nothing of it. 

I arrived at my second appointment, although not looking forward to it (remember it's no barrel of laughs) pretty indifferent. I've never had any serious health issues or illnesses. So far so good. When the time came for the mammogram I was told they would only be taking images of one breast and they needed some magnified images, which would be taken to the radiologist while I waited to see if any further images or action was required. 

So knowing it was only one breast specifically and I would wait while the radiologist reviewed the images made me less indifferent. For the first time I began to think about what if something was wrong. I had not mentally prepared for the possibility of such news. We finished with the imaging, and sat to wait. 

In that 10 minutes my entire life could change. How many women like me have sat here alone waiting to hear if their worlds would be turned upside down. I have several friends who have survived breast cancer. They must have been here at one point, nervous but reassuring themselves it was nothing. I started to wonder how they felt in the 10 minute space of time just before everything changed. Were they nervous like I was. Were they playing multiple hypothetical scenarios in their head like I did? 

If they asked for a biopsy would it hurt? I'm a total suck, and don't like pain. Would I be able to handle chemo and treatment? Would treatment work? How would my family deal with this? My youngest is in his last year of high school, preparing for university. My husband was away for work. Would I wait till he got home to tell him? Would I be able to do that? Surely I would need someone to talk to.

All these thoughts and so many more running through my mind. 

I'm one of the lucky ones. My 10 minutes resulted in no life changing news. All appeared to be normal and fine. As I breathe a sigh of relief for myself I can't stop thinking about all those whose 10 minute wait ends differently. How scared and totally unprepared they must have felt, since how can one ever really be prepared for receiving the news that "we found something" after a mammogram. 

I have no solution, or advice or comforting thing to say. This experience has provided me no insight into how one might prepare or cope with a different outcome than the one I had. I can't say I know how you feel, because I don't. But in those 10 minutes as I sat there alone, before results determine if my world would change or stay the same, I felt two things; an overwhelming sense of connection and solidarity with others who have faced those 10 minutes of uncertainty, and incredible sadness for those whose 10 minutes ended in bad rather than good news. 

Yep, just me thinking out loud about how one's life can change in the matter of 10 minutes. 

Ode to My @BesideU_Canada Backpack #RFIDguarded #TravelPlayWork

Ode to BESIDE-U Canada Minneapolis backpack ...

Comes in three different colours, 
and has pockets a many.
It combines style and function, 
and storage plenty.

It's both sturdy and strong, 
but still feather light.
Perfect to transport my stuff, 
on a road trip or flight.

Both a RFID guarded pocket and.
spots for a laptop and tablet.
To protect my personal information,
and all of my gadgets.

The features included have 
exceeded all expectations. 
Design that suits Mother and son, 
and appeals across generations.

In less than a month I will be attending my sixth conference, and the Beside U Canada Minneapolis Backpack is perfect to pack up all my conference essentials. It easily fits and keeps organized: my wallet, laptop, tablet, phone, notepads, and all the other gadgets and accessories. One Bag, fulfilling all my needs! The only way to improve on this would be to add the Alyssa Wallet and the Carli Crossover Bag which can be used in combination with the backpack or separately when only few essentials like a wallet, phone and room key are required. Together they create a mobile organizational system perfect for commutes to work, travel, a conference or daily life.

Mom's favourite features:

• I like the simple design that incorporates lots of compartments without looking busy.
• I like that this design of this backpack is great for either myself or the men in my family. No need for a closet full of backpacks.
• It's has a strong light-weight water-resistant nylon exterior.
• I love all the pockets and compartments, including two large exterior pockets each with a smaller zipped compartment on the pocket flaps, that make staying organized easy.
• Separate interior sleeves to protect a laptop (up to 15 inches) and a tablet. Finally somewhere to put my tablet!
• Interior RFID guarded zipped pocket large enough to fit a wallet, to protect against identity theft and blocks RFID signals from being unknowingly scanned. 
• Padded adjustable straps and top carrying handles.
• Logo keychain.

It took me a while to finally decide on a bag from the Beside U Canada website because there were so many great products and bags to choose from. Personally, I think combining this backpack with a small crossover bag allows for flexibility and mores it from an excellent accessory to a "system" perfect for travel, play or work. 

It's easy to see why this is the perfect backpack to organize all my conference essentials and gadgets, but it turns out the Minneapolis backpack is perfect not just for Mom, but also for son. No sooner had this backpack arrived before Thing 2 grabbed it for his trip to Spain. Take 2 from Thing 2 - Have Backpack Will Travel - to Spain. 

Take a minute to read my friend Aeryn Lynne at Geek with Style post. She does a great job of explaining RFID and why RFID guarded pockets are important to protect your private information.
Beside U Canada: on Twitter, on Facebook 

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about #TravelPlayWork and my Beside U Canada backpack.

Note: I received a Beside U Canada Minneapolis backpack free of charge for the purpose of this review. All opinions are my own.  

LEGO of My #Bionicle! @Netflix_CA #StreamTeam

Thing 1 started building Lego sets using the picture instructions or "map" as he called them long before he could read. 

I swear it seems like I gave birth to Thing 1 with a piece of LEGO in his hand. Fifteen years ago, LEGO released a line called "Bionicle" and for the next decade it became part of Thing 1's and therefore my daily life and focus. 

Over a 10 year period we would accumulate a VERY large collection of Bionicle LEGO sets, books, 4 movies, Nintendo DS games, Nintendo Gamecube games, posters... 

Doesn't every parent spend hours making shields and swords to complete their kid's LEGO Knight costume? Hmm ... Thing 1 insisted they all do.

Well it had been many years since I watched my son build a Bionicle until this arrived ...

My normally generous and loving son flat out refused to let his younger cousins have this. In fact he has been asking for it, well more like threatening to steal it and run for days now. Today I finally gave in and let him have it. 

Exciting News! You can now stream a new Netflix Original series called Bionicle: The Journey to One (season 1). The series which is a retelling of the original Bionicle story, follows LEGO's re-release of it's Bionicle line. Our resident Bionicle Expert gives the Bionicle series 2 thumbs up.

But that's not all! For all you LEGO fans Netflix has a great collection of other LEGO movies and series including another Netflix Original series LEGO Friends: The Power of Friendship (season 1).

Be sure to check out these other LEGO titles currently available to stream on Netflix:

• LEGO: Batman the Movie
• LEGO: DC Comics Super Heroes - MISSION BLUE
• LEGO: Marvel - Maximum Overload
• LEGO: The Adventures of Clutch Powers
• LEGO: Lego City
• LEGO: Elves
• LEGO: Ninjago - Masters of Spinjitzu (3 seasons)
• LEGO: Ninjago - King of the Shadows
• LEGO: Legends of Chima (2 seasons)

You can follow along on all the StreamTeam adventures using the #Streamteam hashtag. And for Netflix Canada updates follow along on twitter.

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about Lego.

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

Tips and Ways to Save at a #ThemePark #Florida #Travel #FamilyTravel

Taking the Family to a Theme Park is Expensive, 

So Here's Some Tips to Save and Stretch Your Dollars.

• Theme Park Tickets: Check your loyalty cards and points, and check on-line for coupons and upgrades for the parks you want to visit. Many loyalty points can be used to purchase or reduce the cost of theme park tickets. CAA/AAA offers discounts on many attractions and theme parks. Park websites and tourism boards like Visit Orlando often have coupons, discounts and are great resources for theme park savings and information. Additional savings can often be found through hotel and theme park tickets packages.
• If the hotel or resort offers free shuttle services to the parks you can save on the parking fee by using this option.
• Make sure to make full use of Fast Passes or any extended park privileges you're entitled to.
• Use a single backpack to pack for the day at the theme park. One bag is easier to manage when going on rides, attractions, and to take turns carrying it. 

• Some theme park guest services have kids emergency information tags, but a much faster way is to use free airline luggage tags completed with emergency contact and resort information as wrist bands or attached to belt loops. 

• Save by purchasing dollar store rain ponchos for everyone in the family. You can often get them with the kids favourite characters on them as well. At the theme parks a cheap rain poncho will cost you $5 or more per poncho. Besides the regular afternoon showers in Florida, rain ponchos are great to keep dry or protect your backpack at sea animal shows or rides with splashing water.
• Buying beverages for a family at $4 a bottle really adds up quickly. Save by bringing Reusable Water Bottles or buying your first beverages with a screw top lids and refilling them throughout the day from a fountain rather than purchasing drinks. Pack single serve flavour crystals if plain water isn't your thing. Plus bonus less garbage and recycling. 
• At Universal Parks you can purchase a full day meal plan which is good value, and CAA/AAA members can get a 10% discount on other food and beverage purchases.
• Consider a Character Meal at Disney, the cost isn't much higher than other meal options at the park, but the experience is worth the extra expense. Be sure to book this in advance.
• Speaking from experience finding a bandage at a theme park can be more challenging than you think. Do yourself a favour and pack a small First-Aid/Emergency Kit: including: hair elastic (it has many uses), shoe laces (can also be used as a belt), sewing kit, eyeglass repair kit (tiny screwdriver comes in handy), safety pin, ziptie, twist tie, bag clip, tweezers, wipes and first-aid items (bandages, Gravol, Tylenol, etc) 
• Pack a few small ziploc bags to protect cell phone and wallet on water rides. 
• Disney has free wi-fi which makes standing in long lines for rides or attractions so much easier. To keep your device charge for a long day at the theme park be sure to pack a portable battery charger. 
• You can save on Disney Items buy purchasing pins, t-shirts, autograph books and pens at a dollar store or stores like Walmart or Target, and limit your on-site park splurges to a few really special memory making items. 
• Many places offer a CAA/AAA discount. At Universal Parks you can get a 10% discount on merchandise by showing your membership card. 
• For a feel of Disney without the expense visit Downtown Disney and spend the afternoon having a great meal, shopping and visiting the Lego store (and get a free LEGO VIP card). 

Happy Travels and Enjoy Your Day at the Theme Park!

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about a day at the theme park.

This Week's #What2Watch Recommendation: #SPY #movie #W2WW @Netflix_CA

What to Watch

No need to keep this one top secret or undercover! 

As you know "What's Good to Watch?" is a common question amongst my friends and family, and the reason I share movie and show recommendations on Cathy Thinking Out Loud every Wednesday (aka #W2WW). This week's recommendation is a comedy with one of my favourite actors Melissa McCarthy called Spy. This movie currently streaming on Netflix Canada has an R rating so it's not for the kiddies. 

Spy is filled with the typical slapstick comedy we have come to love and expect from Melissa McCarthy as she fumbles her way into and out of impossible situations.

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about what to watch.

Note: I have not been compensated for this post, and my #W2WW, What to Watch posts are simply something I like to share with my readers. They are not specifically connected to Netflix, or my involvement with the Netflix Streamteam.

Throwback Thursday #TBT #Nintendo #Gameboy Advance Spiderman Light circa 2002

#TBT

Throwback Thursday

Spiderman Clip-On Gameboy Advance Light

(before the days of backlit screens, there were clip-on lights for Gameboys)

circa 2002

This light provided my evil kiddies with a light source to secretly play their Gameboys under the covers late into the night. It took me a while to catch on to this trick, I guess my spidey-senses weren't as advanced as they are now.

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about kids, games and spidey senses.