Netflix Logo

5 Reasons Why Netflix Is Crushing It Right Now {Plus a Giveaway!}

/86 Comments/in , , /by

As I have recently come to find out, there are many things to love about Netflix. So many, in fact, that I had to narrow down my list to the top 5 or run the risk of writing a 300 page novel.

1. Netflix Kids – We love the Netflix Kids option in our house because while my kids are old enough to turn on the TV and set up Netflix by themselves, I feel a lot better knowing that they are going to be selecting shows that are appropriate for their ages. Some favourites in our house are H2O Mermaid Adventures, LEGO Ninjago, LEGO Friends and Barbie: Life in the Dreamhouse. Also, once Fuller House is released I can promise you that my daughter will have it playing on a loop!

2. Documentaries – Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you have heard about the polarizing Netflix original documentary ‘Making a Murderer’, which follows the murder investigation of Steven Avery, who had recently been exonerated for a crime that he spent 18 years in jail for. Hopefully the popularity of this documentary will lead people to explore what else Netflix has to offer. I have already watched Happy, Forensic Files and Cosmos, and have Trophy Kids, I Am Ali and Best of TED Talks on tap!

3. Original Programming – What was once solely a streaming service has quickly turned into one of my favourite sources for television shows. In just the last year I have loved Daredevil, Bloodline, Narcos, The Last Kingdom, Jessica Jones and Wet Hot American Summer. That’s only 6 of the many shows that Netflix has produced and the list of shows for 2016, including Marvel’s Luke Cage, looks even more incredible!

4. Great TV Shows – Here is a short list of shows that my wife and I have binged watched on Netflix. Breaking Bad, Pretty Little Liars, How To Get Away With Murder, House of Lies, Dexter, Friday Night Lights, Suits and Gotham. Oh yeah, there’s also the cancelled shows they’ve revived such as The Killing and Arrested Development, which were both fantastic! You will literally never run out of great shows to watch on Netflix and it is definitely worth the investment!

5. Kung Fury – I’m not sure what to say about Kung Fury other than that it is a must watch for anyone who loved 80’s martial arts and police movies. The 30 minute short film is the closest thing you will experience to being on drugs without actually being on drugs and will blow your mind. Please go watch this, urgently!!

GIVEAWAY!

Now, who wants to win a 6 month Netflix membership so you can test out the service for yourself? Winning is easy, simply leave a comment below and let me know what your favourite television series of all-time is and I’ll pick a winner next week. Good Luck!!!

The Winner is #76, Hannah!

Random Netflix Winner

Playstation 4 Star Wars Bundle Giveaway

Put A Limited Edition Disney Infinity 3.0 : Star Wars™ 500GB PlayStation 4 Bundle Under The Tree This Year! {Giveaway}

/650 Comments/in , , /by

I’m sure you had to check that title a couple of times to ensure that you read it correctly. Well, it’s true! One lucky Canadian Dad reader is going to take home a Limited Edition Disney Infinity 3.0: Star Wars™ 500GB PlayStation®4 Bundle and I couldn’t be happier to be able to provide this gift!

I have been a gamer for as long as I can remember, spending many, many hours finishing levels, winning fictional sports championships and playing online against people from all around the world. You can imagine my excitement now that my 7 year old son wants to play video games with me. I thought it was going to be tough holding back while he learned the controls but when it comes to video games, kids seem to have a 6th sense. In no time at all he was crushing me in our favourite racing games and keeping me in check while we played our hockey games on PlayStation.

The amount of bonding we’ve done while playing PlayStation4 together is precisely the reason why I am so excited to be able to give the gift of gaming to one of your families! PlayStation Canada has a stacked lineup of great titles this holiday season at a selection of price points, from new releases, amazing franchise collections and more, so the lucky winner and their family will likely never be bored ever again!

GIVEAWAY RULES AND INFORMATION

Alright, let’s get down to it! Before you enter using the Rafflecopter form below, please carefully look over the giveaway rules and regulations document. This giveaway will run for 3 days and is open to residents of Canada, excluding Quebec. The Winner will be chosen at random via the Rafflecopter application. Winner will be contacted via email, will have 48 hours to respond and must answer a skill testing question to claim their prize. The prize is as follows:

PS4 Star Wars Bundle

Limited Edition Disney Infinity 3.0: Star Wars™ 500GB PlayStation®4 Bundle Bundle contains:

• Darth Vader inspired PlayStation®4 and DualShock®4 Wireless Controller
• Disney Infinity 3.0: Star Wars Edition Bundle Kit
• Rise Against the Empire Play Set Pack including Luke and Leia figures
• Rise Against the Empire Play Set Piece, Boba Fett
• A voucher containing four Star Wars Classics: Super Star Wars™, Star Wars™: Racer Revenge, Star Wars™: Jedi Starfighter, and Star Wars™ Bounty Hunter

MSRP: $469.96.
Fore more information on PlayStation, visit any of the following:

PlayStation Canada Website
PlayStation Canada’s Twitter
PlayStation Canada’s Facebook Page
PlayStation Canada’s Instagram

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I was compensated for my participation in this program.

#BestGiftsBestBuy

Best Holiday Gifts From Best Buy! {Plus Giveaway!}

/547 Comments/in , , /by

It should come as no surprise that Best Buy is first place I visit when I start to put together my wish list for Christmas each year. Between the video games, headphones and cameras, I could spend an entire day in one of their stores and never get bored. Knowing how much time I spend there, Best Buy has asked me to share my wish list with all of you and to find out what gifts you are drooling over this holiday season! So, here is my super amazing, ultra fantastical Christmas Wish List!

Call of Duty: Black Ops III

Call of Duty: Black Ops III

I have been playing and loving the Call of Duty series since the very first edition. In fact, I used to be the guy with the bluetooth earpiece that would be playing against other folks online and trash talking like there is no tomorrow! Unfortunately my skills have been in decline over the last few releases but I still love the campaign portion of the game and always leave it set to super easy!

Here is the link to Call of Duty: Black Ops III!!

***********************************************************************************************
Fujifilm Instax Mini 8 Instant Camera Kit

Fujifilm Instax Mini 8 Instant Camera Kit

We had the opportunity to play around with one of these cameras last summer and my children loved that the pictures came out right after they took them. In the age of digital, this blast from the past has grabbed my children’s attention and made its way onto their lists!

Check out the Fujifilm Instax Mini 8 Instant Camera Kit for yourself!
***********************************************************************************************

GoPro HERO4 Waterproof HD Sports & Helmet Camera GoPro HERO4 Waterproof HD Sports & Helmet Camera

A GoPro has been at the top of my list ever since I had the opportunity to see what it could do about a year ago. I can’t stop thinking about how cool it will be to attach it to my daughter’s bike or my son’s hockey helmet to get a glimpse of what life looks like through their eyes.

Here is the link for more information on the GoPro HERO4 and other GoPro products!
************************************************************************************************
Guitar Hero Live Bundle

Guitar Hero Live Bundle

Guitar Hero used to be one of my favourite games, so I was sad when they decided to take a little break. It’s more than just smashing on a guitar for a few minutes at a time because we like to involve the whole family with multiple guitars and singing along with all the songs. Furthermore, the song selection is out of this world!

Don’t believe me? Check it out for yourself over at Best Buy’s website!
************************************************************************************************
Disney Frozen Karaoke Machine with Lights

Disney Frozen Karaoke Machine with Lights

For those days where don’t feel like playing a guitar but also want to sing the entire soundtrack to Disney’s Frozen, there is this awesome Frozen themed karaoke machine that my daughter flipped out about upon entering Best Buy.

Ummm, what are you waiting for?? Go get this Frozen Karaoke Machine right now!
************************************************************************************************
Power Wheels Disney Frozen Jeep Wrangler

Power Wheels Disney Frozen Jeep Wrangler

While we are on the subject of both my daughter freaking out and Disney’s Frozen movie, I present to you something I would like to buy for her solely for the fact that I am jealous this wasn’t around when I was a kid. I’m sure if we put this under the tree on Christmas Day she would give me a ride, right??

I’m not going to lie, the Power Wheels Disney Frozen Jeep Wrangler isn’t cheap but think of the smiles and the new level of parental coolness!!
************************************************************************************************
Star Wars Darth Vader Cool Wall Toaster

Star Wars Darth Vader Cool Wall Toaster

Was this on my list before I went to Best Buy? The truth is no, it was not. Does that mean I can’t want to add a little bit more awesome into my life, especially on the heels of one of the biggest movie releases of all time? I think not! I’m not sure what else I can say about this product other than STAR WARS TOAST!!

Don’t pretend you don’t want a Star Wars Darth Vader Toaster in your life!
************************************************************************************************
Misfit Shine Fitness Tracker

Misfit Shine Fitness Tracker

This was the toughest decision on my list because I knew I wanted a fitness tracker but there are so many different brands out there all claiming to do the same thing. After reading reviews, comparing prices and experience one of them for myself, I think the Misfit Shine delivers the most bang for your buck and actually looks pretty stylish!

You can check out the Misfit Shine Fitness Tracker and other fitness trackers over at the Best Buy website or in store.
************************************************************************************************
Sphero BB-8 App-Enabled Droid

Sphero BB-8 App-Enabled Droid

A couple things about the Sphero BB-8 App-Enabled Droid. One, I want this for me and not for my children. I make no apologies for this. Two, I don’t want it just because it is the hottest toy of the year. It is the hottest toy of the year because so many grown men and women want it. So, people who are reading this, if you feel like sending me one of these, I am not going to complain…

Just look at this beautiful Sphero BB-8 Droid and tell me you don’t want it roaming around your home at all times!
************************************************************************************************

Giveaway!

I could truly run this list for another 50 items but these are the ones at the very top and things I thought you all would enjoy. To get you started on your way to some great gifts from Best Buy Canada, I am giving away a $200 Best Buy gift card! Giveaway is open to residents of Canada, excluding Quebec and will be emailed to the winner once confirmed. Good Luck!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I was compensated for my participation in the #BestGiftsBestBuy programs and used that money to buy my daughter the Frozen Karaoke Machine!

Kids Minions

Celebrate The Minions Blu-ray/DVD Release In Style! {Giveaway}

/87 Comments/in , , /by

As huge fans of the Despicable Me franchise, to say that my family was excited for the solo Minions movie would be a huge understatement. My kids spent weeks speaking in unintelligible Minions voices (think banana, banana) to the point where I thought I was going to have to take a course to learn a new language. Luckily this was just a phase and the kids have since returned to speaking English and the occasional French. As you can see from the pictures above, they were all in on Minions and have been anxiously awaiting their opportunity to see the movie again on Blu-ray/DVD.

Lucky for them, their wait ends on December 8th when the Minions Blu-ray and DVD hits store shelves everywhere in Canada! I want to say that I’ll be able to wait to give it to them in their Christmas stockings but we all know I’ll cave on the 8th and pop it in the first night! The Blu-ray Combo Pack and Digital HD also come with three all-new mini-movies which my kids are going to flip over. Just to get your kids a little more excited, here’s the first of the 3 mini movies included with the Combo Pack!

In case you haven’t seen Minions yet, here is a brief synopsis of the movie:

Since the dawn of time, Minions have served (and accidentally eliminated) history’s most despicable villains. After their latest explosive mistake leaves them without an evil leader, the Minions fall into a deep depression. With the tribe on the brink of collapse, three unlikely heroes–Kevin, Stuart, and Bob—embark on a journey to find a new big boss. When their quest leads them to their next potential master, Scarlet Overkill (Academy Award® winner Sandra Bullock), our three heroes must face their biggest challenge yet: saving all of Minionkind…from annihilation! The film is packed with many celebrity cameos including: Jon Hamm (Herb Overkill), Michael Keaton (Walter Nelson), Allison Janney (Madge Nelson) and Steve Coogan (Professor Flux) and is a must-see this Christmas season.

Giveaway

In case that wasn’t excitement enough for you, I have 5 Minions Prize Packs to giveaway! Each prize pack includes the Minions Blu-ray/DVD combo pack, Minions beanies, Sticker sheets and Luggage tags. The giveaway is open to residents of Canada, excluding Quebec. Good Luck and don’t forget to pick up your copy of the Minions Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack on December 8th!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. For any Minions out there reading this “djhdgsajhdg jhgsajhdg kjdhgsjdgaweiyur jfhgf gjfuyt”.

#TreatsForToys Baseball

Rice Krispies #TreatsForToys Giveaway!

/76 Comments/in , , /by

We all love Rice Krispies squares, right? That’s what I thought! I have been fortunate enough to work with Kellogg’s on their Rice Krispies #TreatsForToys initiative for a couple years now and have loved every minute of it. The concept is simple, you and your kids make a toy out of Rice Krispies treats, share it on the Treats For Toys website or on social media with the #TreatsForToys hashtag and Kellogg’s will give $20 to the Salvation Army so they can buy a real toy for a child in need.

My favourite part of the campaign so far has been the ability to involve my kids in every aspect of it. Making Rice Krispies treats doesn’t require any baking so the kids have been in the kitchen with me every step of the way and my son even helped choose and design our latest creation of the baseball and bat shown above. Once I explained to the kids that each one of our creations were going to help buy toys for less fortunate children, my kids didn’t want to stop making them. As my daughter so eloquently put it, “Let’s make one million toys!”. These are important lessons that the kids will carry with them as they grow and I love that we are having fun as a family while learning them.

If you’re looking for a fun way to give back this holiday season, I highly recommend involving your kids and sharing your own Rice Krispies creations with the world. If you need a little inspiration for your creations, you can always visit the Rice Krispies website and head to the Treats For Toys tab for some examples. It’s as easy as Make, Share, Give and you even get some sweet treats out of the deal!

Giveaway

To get you started with your creations, I am giving away a Treats For Toys Prize Pack which includes everything you’ll need to get going. This giveaway is open to residents of Canada, excluding Quebec.

Rice Krispies Prize Pack

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I was compensated for my participation in this program.

When I Grow Up

When I Grow Up I Want To Be…

/92 Comments/in , , , /by

Each year before the kids go off to their first day of school, we take the same picture of them out front of the house, as parents do. We ask them what they think they want to be when they grow up and we write it on the sign and snap the picture. The first couple years we got the standard responses of policewoman, doctor or firefighter, which are excellent choices by the way, but we noticed this past year that the kids are really starting to give the question some thought.

Instead of doctor, our daughter has narrowed down her field of choice to veterinarian, which, judging by the way she takes care of her stuffed animals, is an excellent choice. My son, on the other hand, has bounced between policeman and firefighter the last couple years but this year he too narrowed his choice down to working in forensics, just like daddy, as he put it.

While I realize there is a very good chance that my children will not work in these fields, I’m excited that they are already thinking about what it is they would like to do in the future. I spent a lot of time focusing on sports as a kid and then flaked out in high school, despite my parents encouragement to strive for more. So as I sit here still wondering what I want to do with the rest of my life, I’m hopeful that my kids will continue to dream big and not let anything get in their way. At their young ages there is truly nothing they can’t accomplish and I can’t wait to see what they do with their lives.

I mean, who knows, my daughter might still change her mind back to skateboarding princess, which would be absolutely rad! Plus, if she ever stumbles for career ideas, she can look no further than the Barbie collection she plays with almost every single day. Fun fact: Barbie has had over 155 different careers in her lifetime and although that makes her sound like a terrible employee, I can assure you it’s just because she never ever ages…

Giveaway

To celebrate the new Barbie “You Can Be Anything” campaign, I am giving away a very cool Barbie Prize Pack to one luck reader. Just enter as many options as you would like on the Rafflecopter form below and I’ll select a winner on the weekend! Giveaway is open to residents of Canada, excluding Quebec, and includes the Barbie™ Careers Eye Doctor Playset and two Barbie™ Fashionista dolls. Good Luck!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post, however I do think skateboard princess is the coolest job you could ever hope for!

SDM Flu Fighters

5 Ways To Avoid Getting The Flu This Season (Plus A Giveaway!)

/251 Comments/in , , /by

It’s cold and flu season, Hooray!!!! Nobody likes to be sick and no one likes to miss out on everything the holidays have to bring, so I have put together a quick list of things that you can do to avoid getting the flu this year. You’re welcome!

1. Follow Your Children Around With Disinfectant Wipes

That’s right, as long as you never let your child get dirty or touch anything, they can’t possibly get sick! The key is to follow them around with a package of disinfectant wipes (available at Shoppers Drug Mart) and clean their hands and face at every turn. It’s important to use the wipes even if they haven’t touched anything as there are still particles in the air that could cling to their hands and face!

2. Cover Your Mouth When You Sneeze

This lesson is one of the hardest for kids to wrap their heads around. In their minds, the proper way to sneeze is the exact moment when mom or dad are sitting next to them and least expecting it. In rare cases the sneeze will happen while you are playing airplane with their nose directly above your open mouth. When this happens, the best way to proceed is to gently land the plane and immediately hop in the shower for 3 hours.

3. Don’t Reuse Tissues!!!

I still have nightmares about watching my grandmother pull that dirty old tissue out of her pocket to use on my face and nose. Seriously though, how expensive is facial tissue that we even consider reusing it multiple times, let alone licking it first?! Think of the germs that are being spread with each use!! You know what? The thought of this is so gross that I actually need a moment to collect myself before moving on to the next item…

4. Wear a Medical Mask At All Times

This one is obvious and should be followed by everyone. With so many germs floating around out there, this is the only surefire way to keep from accidentally ingesting them. Worried about looking silly? Don’t! All you have to do is either find masks with cool images, like mine, or decorate them yourselves and voila! Welcome to Coolville!

5. Visit Shoppers Drug Mart And Get Your Flu Shot!

The easiest way to avoid getting the flu and ensuring that you don’t miss out this holiday season is to visit your local Shoppers Drug Mart and getting the flu shot. I mean, c’mon, who wants to walk around with a Mickey Mouse medical mask on all the time, am I right? What are you still reading this for? Scoop up your family, head to your local Shoppers Drug Mart and protect yourself against this year’s flu. Actually, wait and enter my giveaway first, THEN go get your flu shot!

Cold & Flu Prize Pack Giveaway!

SDM Cold and Flu Prize Pack

Because you are all so amazing, I am going to be giving away a Cold & Flu Prize Pack which includes a $100 gift card from Shoppers Drug Mart! This should get you through any sniffles you may come across during flu season and prevent you from having to reuse tissues… This giveaway is open to residents of Canada, excluding Quebec.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I was compensated for my participation in the #SDMFluFighters program but truly am haunted by the image of my grandmother reusing tissues.

Sport Chek

Win a $100 Sport Chek Gift Card!

/423 Comments/in , , /by

I’ve been talking a lot about getting back into my exercise routines lately and how Sport Chek has been helping me to achieve that goal. Now I want to help you get moving by giving away a $100 Sport Chek gift card! Just think of the possibilities! New running shoes maybe? How about a FitBit Charge? Tell you what, why don’t you just go to the Sport Chek website and dream for yourself?

In the meantime, please feel free to enter the giveaway below and I’ll choose a winner on October 28th. Sorry Quebec, as usual you are not eligible to win the prize. Good luck everyone!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Are We There Yet

Are We There Yet??

/1 Comment/in , , /by

You know, I used to think it was a myth. Something our parents joked about in the same way that they had walked to school barefoot and uphill, both ways, in the snow! After a summer of road tripping with the kids I can now confirm that, “Are We There Yet?”, is not only a real thing but it seems to be my children’s favourite question.

I’m never really sure how I’m supposed to answer this question in a way that stops it from being asked again so I decided to ask you, the reader, what you say to your kids when they inevitably spit it out. I have compiled your responses and this is what you came up with. For those of you with more thoughts on the subject, please feel free to leave them in the comments section!

I say “Yes, we’re there. We’ve been there for 10 minutes. See Grandma right there? Why are you still in the car?” ~ Gina

We did a lot of driving this summer. At one point I truthfully replied “we will be there in 14 hours”…the honesty didn’t go over super well. ~ Jennifer K

I find myself responding like Papa Smurf “Not far now” “Not to much farther” and then “It’s far, very far” ~ Chantal

When you and your brother were little..we would say 3 hours! Seemed to work for you guys..lol ~ My Mom…

We like to put on the gps and they can see the arrival time therefore it has quieted the are there yet questions ~ Teresa

“We literally just left the house fourteen seconds ago.” ~Lori Anne

“No.” ~ Jennifer P

I want to thank everyone who took the time to contribute an answer to my conundrum. I will likely slip back into my smart alec ways but it’s good to know that there are other options out there!

In an effort to ease the stress of the never ending “Are We There Yet” chant, I wanted to give you the opportunity to have your vehicle’s gas, maintenance and insurance all paid for a full year by entering the Schick “Drive Free For A Year” contest!! All you need to do to enter is click on the previously mentioned link, follow the easy steps and Schick could be paying your gas, insurance and depreciation for a whole year! You can also visit the @FreeYourSkinCA Twitter handle for more specials and details about the contest. *Drops Mic*

Disclosure: I was compensated for my participation in the Drive Free program.

Quaker The Recital Giveaway

Win A Quaker Prize Pack Including $250 In Gift Cards!

/164 Comments/in , , /by

To celebrate my participation in Quaker’s campaign for their “The Recital” video, they are letting me give away this amazing prize pack to one lucky reader! This campaign has been really eye opening for me in that it has got me thinking about how easy it is to fall into a routine with our kids. Don’t get me wrong, routines are great and all but I think we still need to step outside the box every now and then to show our kids that it is okay to take risks.

I hope you enjoy this giveaway, picture above, and also take a minute to watch and share The Recital video again. I really love the new trend of emotional marketing, especially when it involves dads! This giveaway is not open to residents of Quebec and I’ll select a winner on September 24th.

a Rafflecopter giveaway