Paradise Point San Diego

Paradise Point Resort San Diego

ROAM, USA By January 21, 2015 Tags: , , , , , , , No Comments

After many jogs while training for a Run Disney event, I finally figured it out – Paradise Point Resort in San Diego, California was named after the bird of paradise flower! Because they are everywhere. And I must be blind as a bat. This expansive resort on an island across from the Sea World is perfect for families.

Smore Kits Paradise PointParadise Point Resort is a private 44-acre island tucked away on gentle Mission Bay in San Diego. Resident turtles and ducks stroll right to your patio door and the beach around the perimeter of the property offers firepits that are ideal for the ‘S’more’ kit available at the resort store.

Poolside Paradise PointDirect access from the property to Sea World allows for an easy commute, but if you would rather stay on property there are plenty of marine life in the lagoons to satisfy.

Paradise Point RoomThe housekeeping staff has an epic sense of humour and one day when we returned to our room they had set up all of the Star Wars Lego in fighting stance on the bed. There were

Caveman Pizza Company delivers on-site via bicycle, and yet the kitchenettes in each room offer a fridge and microwave in order to appease snack-happy kids. The pools were full of life and ideal for little ones.

 

Disclosure: UrbanMommies was not compensated for this review.

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The Cromwell Hotel – Las Vegas

ROAM, USA By January 21, 2015 Tags: , , , , , , , , 1 Comment

En route home from the ROAR Retreat in Cost Rica, I did a wee stop in Las Vegas to save one flights (which was promptly negated by my trip to the outlet mall). Wanting to try a newer boutique hotel, I picked the Cromwell Hotel Las Vegas. It’s one of those warm, posh places with masculinity oozing from each view.

Cromwell Las Vegas CasinoCromwell Hallway

As with other intimate spaces, the bartender knows every name and the rich red drapery in the casino make you feel as if you’re being wrapped in a warm velvet blanket. Even The Cromwell Hotel hallways were symmetrically perfect and warm. Though I had only a few hours in Sin City, I did make it to my favourite Premium Outlet Mall. Ted Baker was beckoning, and my husband was texting with his sizes..

Though I had a phenomenally successful shopping trip, my carry-on bag wasn’t quite large enough to sustain the wardrobe additions. The Cromwell Hotel front desk manager and bellman called around the city until he found an inexpensive luggage store open until midnight only two blocks away. That is service!

The Cromwell Vegas Bathroom

The biggest ‘secret’ about the classy rooms, is that the mirror looking into the shower from the bed isn’t, well… really a mirror per say. Just a note in case you bring a friend into your suite…

Cromwell VegasCromwell Vegas Room

Although the shopping cut into my dining time (I wasn’t able to experience Giada) and Drai’s Nightclub was closed, I loved the hotel so much that I will make more time away from the stores on my next visit!

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Logitech Big Bang

GEAR, tech By January 20, 2015 Tags: , , , , , , , No Comments

Logitech Big BangMy normal week always consists of boats, rainstorms, kids sneaking off with (and dropping) my ipad to watch Stampylongnose, and a pair of eyeglasses getting scratched from being wedged into a huge purse. While coats can get wet and glasses can easily be replaced, it’s not always as economical to replace the sacred ipad Air. She is my new baby. And yes, she might have a name. I carry an android phone, an ipod touch, an iphone and an ipad. Two out of four of these things have cracked screens, all have overheated in the sun and three have been dropped in the snow during ski trips.

Logitech Big Bang

Logitech must know me well because one day I opened a package and it was the new Logitech Big Bang case for ipad air. In one of the most clever PR packages I have yet received, it came with marbles, a bath mitt and toy keys for a toddler. Double take! They were daring me to put the case to the test. And my kids and I obliged.

1. I left it on the deck of a catamaran during a downpour.

2. My kids knocked it off the kitchen counter.

3. We went to the beach and dropped it in the sand.

4. In my purse, keys scratch sunglasses and poke holes in the gorgeous leather wallet, but the ipad is fine. I am happy to report that my ipad is still perfect, and the case isn’t ever coming off. I wish Logitech could make a sunglass case..

Disclosure: UrbanMommies was provided a Big Bang case for testing purposes.

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What makes Emirates Airlines so family friendly for flying

International, ROAM By January 14, 2015 Tags: , , , No Comments

Leave the rainy, cold, damp weather behind! We’ve been told that Emirates is offering more than ever for families travelling with youngsters. They actually carried over two million children last year.

Though you should always bring a few things to keep the kids occupied on an airplane, Emirates offers extra special treats for the mini-fliers. Even before departure, complimentary baby strollers and changing tables are available within Emirates’ dedicated Terminal 3 in Toronto and there are play areas equipped toys within Emirates’ exclusive lounges. Priority boarding is provided to families with young children.

But it’s on board when the real fun starts. The dedicated children’s channels on the popular ice entertainment system brings an array of cartoons, interactive games, podcasts and CDs.

There are currently more than 60 children’s movies on ice, including the entire Harry Potter series, a whole section dedicated to Disney Classics, plus over 20 dedicated children’s television channels including CBeebies, Disney Junior, Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon. The young ones can also immerse themselves in hours of the very best music, such as One Direction, Justin Bieber and Katy Perry.

On board, young ones can meet AirBoe and Oggie, amongst the new cuddly monsters and explore activity-filled backpacks, all provided on a complimentary basis. Aircraft also carry kids’ favourite meals, as well as vegetarian options.

“We go to great lengths to entertain and occupy children with products and services that are constantly being updated and enhanced,” said Sheikh Majid Al Mualla, Emirates’ Divisional Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations, Centre. “ We know keeping the young ones happy is a key part of ensuring a smooth and enjoyable travelling experience for the whole family so investment in this area is very important.”

Emirates recognizes that loyalty is essential amongst its younger customers too so children even have their own frequent flyer program called Skysurfers. Miles can be exchanged for free flights, toys, books and entry to attractions in Dubai.

Children can also watch the Airshow channel to see a pilot’s view of take-off and landing.

Emirates Holidays, meanwhile, is well equipped to deal with families with specially-tailored packages. Many of the hotels available through Emirates Holidays offer kids’ and teens’ clubs.

Perks for kids travelling with Emirates:

  • Meals for children (two to 12 years) and babies are available
  • Exclusive children’s magazine called Fly With Me Monster – My Monster Magazine
  • Brightly coloured children’s headsets
  • Wide range of children’s movies, TV and interactive games on ice
  • Quiksilver wallets, travel journals, backpacks, cooler bags, storybooks and eye masks
  • Priority boarding and a complimentary stroller service at Dubai International airport
  • Children’s facilities in the airport lounges
  • Skysurfers membership with Emirates Skywards

*As per ticketing rules on emirates.com a child is defined as a passenger between 2-11 years of age.

 

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The Moment of Tooth

FAM, kids By January 14, 2015 Tags: , , , 1 Comment

The Moment of Tooth

The Moment of Tooth

Have you ever wondered how much money an average Canadian child receives from the Tooth Fairy? According to a new Visa Canada survey released today, Canadian children under the age of 13 receive an average of $2.80 per tooth and 62% are left at least a loonie under their pillow, while only one per cent of children can expect less than a dollar under their pillow, 20 per cent of Canadian children can expect to find $5 or more for one tooth. This means that a Canadian child can expect an average of $56 for a full set of baby teeth. South of the border, the American Tooth Fairy leaves 24% more, around $3.69 CAD per tooth.

Notable regional findings include:

  • Children in the Atlantic provinces receive a generous average of $3.46 per tooth
  • The Tooth Fairy is the least likely to pay Quebec a visit – 13 per cent of children receive no money for their lost teeth and of those who do, $2.06 is the average amount left per tooth.
  • Children in Ontario will receive an average of $3.21 per tooth
  • Alberta has an average of $3.12 per tooth
  • British Columbian children receive an average of $2.47 per tooth.
  • In the Prairies, 55 percent of children can expect to receive between $1 and $5 per tooth from the Tooth Fairy with a provincial average of $2.43 per tooth.

To help the Tooth Fairy tally an appropriate gift in return for that special lost tooth, Visa Canada has launched a free Tooth Fairy calculator which uses survey and demographic data to advise how much money the Tooth Fairy is leaving in comparable households.

“Every child looks forward to receiving a visit from the Tooth Fairy and is especially excited to find a financial present under their pillow,” said Michelle Michalak, Visa Canada’s Head of Financial Literacy. “Our Tooth Fairy calculator enables parents to learn what the Tooth Fairy is leaving children in similar households, and following the Tooth Fairy’s visit, parents can also take the opportunity to teach children how to save and wisely spend their earnings.”

The Tooth Fairy calculator is part of Visa’s ongoing mandate to promote financial literacy in Canada. Practical Money Skills is a free financial literacy program that helps Canadians understand the fundamentals of money management. The program features free online tools including various budget calculators, games, and information. To learn more please visit: www.practicalmoneyskills.ca.

 

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Fairmont Hamilton Princess Bermuda

International, ROAM By January 13, 2015 Tags: , , , , , , No Comments

I really need to keep track.  I think this may be my 12th Fairmont.  Not sure, but I know I love the brand and I’m always in for a treat. Highlight of the Fairmont Hamilton Princess Bermuda?  The bronze statue of the man loitering on the bench in the entryway.  I caught a very hip gentleman cozying up to him while talking on his mobile.  Isn’t it great to have an arm around you?

The freshly renovated rooms were pristine, as are all Fairmont properties.  There were baths in many rooms (highly appreciated for the kids) and 24 hr room service with a great kids’ menu. The new upgrades to technical amenities and wifi was perfect for savvy business people as well as our tech-crazy kids!

The new 1609 Bar and Restaurant, overlooking Hamilton Harbour is sleek and inviting. It is in fact Bermuda’s only open-air dining experience. I’m hoping that after their extensive renovation is completed, the famed grand piano will still be played during afternoon tea which will resume in April 2015.

Though you do not have direct access to a beach, the infinity pool and marina area are wonderful.  A 5 minute walk from the ferry and downtown Hamilton, there are chi-chi juice shops and bars (Harry’s) along the way.

The BMW bikes for loan make the experience even more worthwhile for families. Just don’t forget the Bermuda shorts and pink shirts.

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Beaches Resorts Turks and Caicos

Beaches Resort Turks and Caicos

International, ROAM By January 12, 2015 Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , 1 Comment

What do you get when you cross 100 professional bloggers with a perfectly organized conference in a luxurious resort with staff who love that you’re there? Many, many happy, relaxed hard-working people with huge smiles. At the Beaches Resorts Turks and Caicos in October for Social Media on the Sand, I participated in an instagram scavenger hunt called #BeachesGoSeek (which has subsequently been nominated for a prestigious social media award). Although my family was not with me to help, I was determined to complete the challenge with creativity.

Beaches Turks and Caicos is divided into four distinct villages each representing a theme – Caribbean, French, Italian and Key West. Not only did the scavenger hunt allow us to discover most nooks and crannies of the resort, but we experienced the helpfulness of the butlers who interrupted CEO Adam Stewart’s evening so that  I could snap a selfie, or the front desk staff who brought out the resort train for me and Stephanie Sassy Modern Mom on a day when it was not running. The staff loved every second and appreciated the buzz we were all creating for the resort. Though I did not win the scavenger hunt after a random draw of those of us who completed the full challenge, I couldn’t have been more thrilled with having participated and experienced the property to its fullest.

Instagrams below include many of the talented and kind women I have grown to love in the business including Colleen Padilla (challenge 48), Connie Peters (photo 11),  Vera Sweeney (photo 25), and many fabulous beloved characters from Sesame Street!

The Instagrams (in random order!):

 

I became 4 again today… #giddy #BeachesMoms @BeachesResorts

A photo posted by Jill Amery (@urbanmommies) on

 

All aboard! Her name is Choo Choo. Trains are girls apparently. @beachesresorts #BeachesMoms #beachesGoSeek pic 9

A photo posted by Jill Amery (@urbanmommies) on

 

 

My #tribe at @BeachesResorts! Love us @stephaniesavvysassymom and @modernmama xx #beachesGoSeek #BeachesMoms pic 11

A photo posted by Jill Amery (@urbanmommies) on

 

Don’t attack!!! It want me who stole all the toilet paper! @beaches resorts #beachesGoSeek #BeachesMoms pic 7

A photo posted by Jill Amery (@urbanmommies) on

 

 

The French Village pool has a swim up bar, a concept invented by @BeachesResorts #beachesGoSeek #BeachesMoms pic 14

A photo posted by Jill Amery (@urbanmommies) on

 

 

 

The slide at Pirates Island Waterpark @BeachesResorts #BeachesMoms #beachesGoSeek pic 15

A photo posted by Jill Amery (@urbanmommies) on

 

The slide at Pirates Island Waterpark @BeachesResorts #BeachesMoms #beachesGoSeek pic 15

A photo posted by Jill Amery (@urbanmommies) on

The @IslandRoutes tour desk at @BeachesResorts allows you to #LiveFunner #beachesGoSeek #BeachesMoms pic 46

A photo posted by Jill Amery (@urbanmommies) on

 

This is my wet. No makeup happy look. @LandsEnd @beachesresorts #beachesGoSeek #BeachesMoms pic 47

A photo posted by Jill Amery (@urbanmommies) on

 

Finally got into the ocean @BeachesResorts! #BeachesMoms #beachesGoSeek pic 23

A photo posted by Jill Amery (@urbanmommies) on

The staff at @BeachesResorts have unbelievable smiles! #beachesGoSeek #BeachesMoms pic 40

A photo posted by Jill Amery (@urbanmommies) on

 

This morning’s sunrise from atop the Italian Village @BeachesResorts #nofilter #BeachesMoms #beachesGoSeek pic 33

A photo posted by Jill Amery (@urbanmommies) on

The floors under my feet are art. @BeachesResort #beachesGoSeek #BeachesMoms pic 26

A photo posted by Jill Amery (@urbanmommies) on

 

The mussels at Barefoot by the Sea @BeachesResorts #BeachesMoms #beachesGoSeek #discoverydining pic 12

A photo posted by Jill Amery (@urbanmommies) on

Toes in the sand at @BeachesResorts! #FlipOutSandals #BeachesMoms #beachesGoSeek pic 2

A photo posted by Jill Amery (@urbanmommies) on

 

@SandalsResorts gives me energy and relaxation! #BeachesMoms #beachesGoSeek Challenge 5

A photo posted by Jill Amery (@urbanmommies) on

 

Can’t wait to try the Red Lane Spa at @BeachesResorts #BeachesMoms #beachesGoSeek challenge 6

A photo posted by Jill Amery (@urbanmommies) on

So this happened. @BeachesResorts staff are great sports!! #statues #beachesGoSeek #BeachesMoms challenge 16

A photo posted by Jill Amery (@urbanmommies) on

 

 

I am really really bad at Xbox. Wishing my boys were here. @beachesResorts #beachesGoSeek #BeachesMoms pic 29

A photo posted by Jill Amery (@urbanmommies) on

A row of flames in front of the Bayside Bar at Key West Village @BeachesResorts #beachesGoSeek #BeachesMoms pic 27

A photo posted by Jill Amery (@urbanmommies) on

 

Little DD is enjoying an ice cream milkshake at Bobby D’s @BeachesResorts #BeachesMoms #beachesGoSeek pic 8

A photo posted by Jill Amery (@urbanmommies) on

The stunning lobby of the French Village at @BeachesResorts #BeachesMoms #beachesGoSeek pic 22

A photo posted by Jill Amery (@urbanmommies) on

 

The fountains at @BeachesResorts are pretty breathtaking at night! #BeachesMoms #beachesGoSeek number 37

A photo posted by Jill Amery (@urbanmommies) on

 

Near the @BeachesResort sails with a few @BeachesSesame characters! #beachesGoSeek #BeachesMoms photo 4

A photo posted by Jill Amery (@urbanmommies) on

Checkmate. #Chess #BeachesMoms #beachesGoSeek @beachesresorts #LuxuryTravel

A photo posted by Jill Amery (@urbanmommies) on

 

Scuba diving is included at @BeachesResorts. #BeachesMoms #beachesGoSeek challenge 44

A photo posted by Jill Amery (@urbanmommies) on

 

@BeachesResorts sunset #TurksandCaicos #familytravel #BeachesMoms #beachesGoSeek Challenge 34

A photo posted by Jill Amery (@urbanmommies) on

 

Me and @stephaniesassymodernmom toasting @beachesresorts #beachesGoSeek #BeachesMoms. Challenge 38

A photo posted by Jill Amery (@urbanmommies) on

The towel art is still on the bed. Too nice to use! #BeachesGoSeek #BeachesMoms @beachesresorts Challenge 31

A photo posted by Jill Amery (@urbanmommies) on

 

The conch shell floral arrangement is catching my eye! #BeachesMoms #BeachesGoSeek @BeachesResorts Challenge 42

A photo posted by Jill Amery (@urbanmommies) on

 

Waking up in this room this morning inspires me to grin from ear to ear! #BeachesMoms

A photo posted by Jill Amery (@urbanmommies) on

 

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Snorkelling in Costa Rica

Snorkeling in Costa Rica

International, ROAM By January 12, 2015 Tags: , , , , , , , , , , No Comments

I’m a certified scuba diver, have done a bit of free-diving and have had my fair share of aquarium visits. But apart from Belize, I’ve never seen the likes of snorkeling in Costa Rica. About an hour by boat from the Westin Playa Conchal, I dove off the catamaran only to encounter sea life I’ve only seen from afar.

 

Starfish Costa Rica 2

 

 

Jill and Octopus

 

And then I touched a few things… (AAAGH!!!) To be able to say that you’ve held and octopus and pried its’ suction grip off of your hand is a bucket-list kind of thing. And the puffer fish. And the moray eel who stared and stared.

 

Pufferfish Costa Rica

 

Very. Highly. Recommended. All photos were taken by Des Miller of Stress-Free Baby, who is a master with the underwater equipment!

I traveled to Playa Conchal in September for the ROAR Retreat, when the effervescence in the ocean was prevalent. In the darkness, moving the water back and forth with my arms made it sparkle with ten thousand lights. Lifting out of the water, our bodies glowed in the night. Pixies? Fairies? Magic? Next time I vist it will be with the entire family so I can share the wonders of snorkeling in Costa Rica with them!

Moray Eel Costa RicaStarfish Costa Rica Snorkling

 

 

 

 

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Left Bank Restaurant Vancouver

Canada, ROAM By January 12, 2015 Tags: , , , , , No Comments

Left Bank Duck ConfitWe did this review in 2015, but unfortunately the Left Bank Vancouver is now closed! Sniff!!

Denman Street – the urban centre of cool in Vancouver. Rainbow flags, English Bay Beach and bike rentals for Stanley Park sightseeing contribute to the vibe. And now we are blessed with Left Bank. On the north end of Denman, veteran Vancouver restaurateur John Blakeley created the only restaurant blessed with an alley patio and spectacular, moderately priced French cuisine.

Left Bank Hors D'oeuvres

I ate a spicy albacore tuna cone and sticky pork rib with my cocktail. Perfection.

Left Bank Vancouver Dessert

Delicate salmon and desserts of a master, I savoured every bite and didn’t want to stop eating.

Left Bank Vancouver Menu

After the meal, I could have been wandering out into the Marais of Paris instead of a hot Vancouver evening. I would be back.

I came back a few days later, husband on my arm. He must try. We met a lovely theatre actress who comes weekly for the happy hour special. She felt at home and luxurious, as if in her native land across the ocean.

We shared plates, exchanged stories and could easily have been mistaken for old friends in a french bistro.

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