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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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wooden gifts

I Wood Want all of these Wooden Holiday Finds

GEAR, toys By December 11, 2014 Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 1 Comment

Wood Gifts

Wood isn’t only eco-frienly, but can be warm, masculine and full of longevity. We’ve rounded up a ton of wooden holiday finds gifts that just about anyone wood want. (See what we did there?!)

1. Hanukkah Dreidel Set (Pottery Barn Kids)$29
2. 5 Wood Guitar Pick Variety Pack (Etsy) $32.44
3.MacLean’s Kentucky Bourbon Smoking Chunks (Canadian Tire) $9.99
4. Greenleaf 8010, Garfield Dollhouse Kit (on sale!) (The Little Dollhouse Company)$239.99
5.Petit Collage Safari Animal Wooden Puzzle & Playset (Raspberry Kids)$44.99
6. Polar Bear Buri Ornament (Chapters Indigo) $9.50
7. Leaf & Fiber Large Disposable Platter 10/PK (Joanne Hudson)$12.99
8.Handmade Mens Wood Watch Made from Red Sandalwood. (Etsy) $103.12
9. Junior Lumberjack Blocks (Land of Nod) $89.00
10. Marley Liberate XL Over-Ear Sound Isolating Headphones (EM-FH033-MI) – Midnight (Future Shop) $149.99

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Redeem AIR MILES for Everyday Purchases

Archive By December 11, 2014 Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , No Comments

Redeeming AIR MILES for Everyday PurchasesThe reality is setting in. December has arrived and the holiday to-do list is longer than my children’s wishlist for Santa. (Which is saying something). I haven’t started to shop for gifts, haven’t chosen cookie recipes and my pantry is bare.

This year, our family has also undertaken the enormous task of chairing a Family Ball for 450 adults and kids to raise funds for mental health. The event is on December 7th, and I think a whole big bunch of my angst stems from having slightly too many things to do. But just as I was about to have a panic attack, my AIR MILES American Express Card fell out of my wallet and the inspiration hit me.

I have always been so wise in using both my AIR MILES Collector Card as well as my Amex AIR MILES Credit Card to get twice the miles on purchases, and now it’s time to be rewarded for my efforts. Let’s see just how many AIR MILES I can redeem and how much money I can save this year while purchasing the items I need to buy anyway…

AIR MILES Cash RedemptionI chose from one of my many list-making apps and came up with a cunning plan. Every 95 reward miles redeemed equates to $10 off of the bill at participating stores if you are an AIR MILES Cash Collector, so I will attempt to end up with the smallest credit card bills I’ve ever seen this coming January! My plan:

1. Redeem AIR MILES for eVouchers at Toys R’ Us toward Minecraft toys to use as silent auction donations that will appeal to kids at the Family Ball. While there, with the miles available for redemption, I’ll add a few stocking stuffers for my kids and find games for the cousins.

2. Redeem AIR MILES while filling up the gas tank at Shell before our family trip to Big White Ski Resort in mid-December. Actually, I’ll also add in a couple jugs of windshield wiper fluid while at the gas station to combat the dirt from snowy roads!

3. Make a quick visit to the movie theatre and coffee shop during next week’s soccer practice to redeem my AIR MILES for movie tickets for the teachers, coffee for the mail carrier and other eVouchers for both as part of another silent auction prize. DONE.

4. Groceries. I can never quite fathom how long the holiday list is. This year I am going to calmly analyze the recipe books and make sure I only have to do a big shop once. I will take into account the brownies-in-a-jar mix we are gifting to neighbours, extra hot chocolate for snow days and plastic containers to replace the ones whose lids have miraculously disappeared. My local store participates in AIR MILES Cash redemption… wouldn’t it be incredible if I did my whole holiday shop for $17?

5. After realizing that all of our children’s fever medications are expired, I need to head to the drugstore. Beginning a new year without a proper first aid kit is not a wise move. Not only will I redeem some AIR MILES Cash balance for the new medicine, but I may treat myself to some holiday makeup with a touch of glitter.

I’d love to hear how you make out – and especially which everyday spending you choose to tackle with your AIR MILES Cash over this busy holiday season!

Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Amex Bank of Canada. The views and opinions expressed in this blog, however, are purely my own.

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5 tips for maximizing your air miles

Five Tips for Maximizing your AIR MILES

Canada, International, ROAM By November 30, 2014 Tags: , , , , , , , , , , No Comments

The weather becomes crisp and you’ve finally finished filling out mounds of paperwork for kids’ activities and school. Photos are done, pumpkins composted and you sit down for a steaming cup of orange pekoe when it hits – you need a holiday. But with the bustle of December looming, a holiday will have to wait. Panic rises from somewhere in your belly that you haven’t exercised in a while and deep breaths don’t seem to impact a racing mind that is compiling to-do lists faster than a room full of monkeys can type.

Calm yourself. This year it will be different. You’ve got a secret weapon that constantly reminds you of travel to come. This holiday season my family is using our five tips for maximizing your AIR MILES so that we can get away together in 2015.

This year I plan to do my usual over-the-top holiday décor – three themed spruce trees, a minimum of 5 holiday squares and cookies at the ready and way too many vegetables at Christmas dinner. The light at the end of the tunnel for me is always travel, and the collection of AIR MILES for my family helps facilitate our trips – either by using our reward miles for flights, or helping the budget by getting cash redemptions at AIR MILES Cash Sponsors.

My mantra? More travel = more educational opportunities. More savings = less stress!

Maximize your AIR MILESWe have a few tricks for maximizing the AIR MILES we earn and I want to let our readers in on the secrets!

1. Check the fliers at your local grocery store that issues AIR MILES on purchases. Better yet? Get on their email list so that you always know when you can earn bonus miles on the items you have to buy.

2. Ensure your spouse and any other family member who wants to help the cause have a duplicate AIR MILES card in their wallet. Sponsors always ask if you are a Collector, so you won’t miss any chance to accumulate miles! Our whole family uses the same account for flexibility and ease.

3. Use an American Express AIR MILES Credit Card alongside your AIR MILES Collector Card at Sponsors to earn double the miles. Earning twice is always much more nice.

4. Use that same credit card to earn rewards miles on all of your everyday purchases. I use the American Express AIR MILES Reserve Card to earn one mile for every $10 I spend at AIR MILES Sponsors but I also earn one mile for every $10 spent at other eligible stand-alone grocery stores, gas stations, and drugstores in Canada and one mile for every $15 spent everywhere else.

5. The AIR MILES website is full of special offers and promotions. When you need to rent a car, do the things that keep every family afloat on a weekly basis, be sure to check the bonus offers, as you can accumulate hundreds of bonus AIR MILES by being a savvy shopper.

American Express is currently hosting their #MoreAIRMILES contest to let AIR MILES members answer the question, “What would you do with more AIR MILES?”. Once answered, you’re entered into a draw for a weekly prize. Invite a friend and each one who participates in the contest lands you an additional entry.

Remember: AIR MILES + Amex = MoreAirMiles and You + Daily Entries + Your Friends = More chances to win! Check out the contest here.

Are you ready to dream? To save? To eliminate holiday stress? I’d love to hear about the holiday that your family is working toward throughout this holiday season! Bon voyage!

This post was sponsored by Amex Bank of Canada. The views and opinions expressed in this blog, however, are purely my own.

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Best Gifts for Creative Play

GEAR, LIVE, play, toys By November 24, 2014 Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 2 Comments
Creative Gifts for Kids

Kids will be kids. And when we leave them to their own imaginations, their little brains grow and develop rapidly. We’ve searched high and low for some of the best gifts for creative play. You’ll probably want a video camera handy to capture their brilliance!

1. Children’s Bird Dress Up Wings $75.43
2. Le Toy Van Pretend Play Popsicles – Ice Lollies $ 43.90
3. Pottery Barn Kids Farmhouse Kitchen Collection $259 – $699
4. Djeco Screen Printing Workshop at Raspberry Kids $24.49
5. Dalmatian Vet Kit $22.99
6. Toysmith Shopping Cart $61.20
7. DUKTIG Toy cash register $19.99
8. CANCER FIGHTER SUPERHERO SET Comes with matching eye mask & powerbands. Price: $28.00
9. Sno Stompers – Pink $24.99
10. SKYLTA Children’s market stand $12.99

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All that Glitters – Gold Hostess Gifts

GEAR, style By November 19, 2014 Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , No Comments

Gold Hostess Gifts

If you’re looking to make a statement, gold always works. Our gold hostess gifts will be sure to knock her socks off.

1. Celebration Champagne Glasses from Chapters/Indigo $38.00 – Because holiday cocktails should never be dull!
2. MyKronoz ZeBracelet2 Smartwatch – Rose Gold 99$ – It tells time, streams music, allows you to answer calls and also displays text messages!
3. Metallic Gold Paper Straws from Etsy $5.81 – These make even a kale smoothie taste festive!
4. CoverGirl Outlast Stay Brilliant Nail Gloss – Golden Opportunity 230 -$4.99  Gold is the new red.
5. Classic Gold Ingot Swiss Army Knife $280 – Elegant and timeless.
6. Logitech Gold Tendrils Wireless Mouse – Heighten her desk to new levels.
7. Gold Stag Place Card Holder 14.95 – Can you imagine a holiday table adorned with these stately gems?
8. MAKE UP FOR EVER Metal Powder $28 – In the corner of the eye, or as all-over shadow, she could audition for a James Bond film.
9. 2014-2015 Kate Spade Large Planner Black Stripe $38.00 – She will never forget an appointment with this beauty!
10. Celebration Champagne Glasses from Chapters/Indigo $38.00

Gold Hostess Gifts for the Holidays

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Coming up Roses: Floral Gifts

GEAR, style By November 16, 2014 Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , No Comments

Floral Gifts

It may be the dead of winter with snow tumbling and frost biting your toes, but flowers should never be far away. We’ve found a few floral gifts that will make your spirit bloom.

1. April Cornell Tablecloth: $34 – $109 – From napkins to dresses, these designes say ‘romance’.
2. Peppermint Hand Cream from the awesome Chapters/Indigo buyers $12 – Willing to bet they won’t even throw away the packaging it’s so pretty.
3. Expression Floral Necklace: $18.75 – A great price for a statement necklace!
4. Redfish Kids Swing Dress: $54 – My ‘go-to’ dresses for little girls.
5. American Tourister Color Your World Luggage: $60 – I own this model and it’s my favourite carry-on. each time I travel to Disney!
6. Capri Wallpaper by Superfresco Easy: $40 – Refreshing a room by papering even just one wall will bring the garden inside.
7. Liberty of London Wiltshire Planner $60 – I simply couldn’t be grumpy with this agenda in my purse.
8. Denby Monsoon Plates $19.99 – These ceramics are stylish, durable and make me want to bake scones for the perfect teatime.
9. Lacey Purple Flower Bath Rug: $24.99 – It could be a bloom or a  hugefirework!
10. Party Ark Floral Bunting: 11.90 – The simplest of parties become festive when you hang bunting.

Best Floral Gifts

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