.@TeddyOutReady: February 2017

Tuesday, February 28, 2017

Pre App Offers Huge Help in Organizing Your Gatherings #tech

 photo Pre App Sample

We know that there is an app for almost everything. From time to time new app comes up to the market and you realize that cannot live without it. As soon as you start thinking you have everything you may need, the technology brings you a new app, new convenient & easy way to do things in your life. Some apps are just for fun while other can make a difference and help a lot. Over the years I tried different apps and recently I had a chance to try new app ready to launch called Pre, new way to connect and communicate with people about the location. For meetings, friends' gatherings, sports events or family schedules, Pre helps to find out when everyone is coming to designated spot and where the person is now.

The app is easy to use, just set your destination and share with everyone who needs to attend it: family, friends or co-workers. Coordinate the outing with other people using Pre messages and know where they are now and when they show up. I like that I can tell people that I am already on the designated spot and can share some tips about parking and how to get to the area. Plus I worry less when I know were my friends or family members now and that they are coming safe very soon. You can also check if your friends are back home safe from the meeting what means less stress for everyone. You can also share your location by sending your friends a quick Pre telling them where you are now. Tell your loved ones that you are on the way. The app shows on the map and approximate time needed to get to the final spot when they send you Pre, so you do not need to know when uncle comes or where is grandma with kids. If you share that you're going somewhere, location will be shared until you arrive.

Pre App Map PreApp Trip

The app has various emoji and pictures to choose for your profile, you can also share with friends a picture from your current location.

When two people want to meet that's pretty easy to coordinate, but when more than two, then Pre comes really helpful. Check it out, Pre is now exclusively available in Canada on iOS and very soon will be launched for Android users.

Let's go out in style with Pre App!

Pre App Gathering Screen

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Monday, February 20, 2017

Scooby-Doo! Shaggy’s Showdown DVD - Live Life Like a Cowboy

There is no time to get bored with Scooby-Doo and The Gang.  Every story brings lots of fun, smiles and admiration for the team work. Scooby-Doo, Shaggy and their friends ready to solve mysteries and face difficult situations they encounter together. Scooby-Doo! Shaggy’s Showdown is the all-new, original film from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, available this February. Cowboys and cowgirls of all ages won’t want to miss this brand new, western-themed mystery in which Scooby-Doo and his friends visit a dude ranch that’s haunted by ghastly outlaw Dapper Jack Rogers. It’s the Scooby-Doo! gang like you’ve never seen before, riding horses and living like cowboys on a real western ranch.

Scooby-Doo Shaggys Showdown

It’s high action and spirited adventure when the Mystery Inc. gang visits the Crazy Q Dude Ranch, located in Sorghum City, an abandoned cowboy town–turned–tourist attraction. While visiting his cousin Tawny, Shaggy and his pals discover that the Crazy Q Dude Ranch, owned by Tawny’s family, is tormented by a ghostly cowboy named Dapper Jack Rogers, an ancestor who bears a striking resemblance to Shaggy!  The gang soon learns that Dapper Jack’s ghostly apparition has frightened most of the visitors from the ranch and nearby Sorghum City, forcing many businesses in the area to close.

Shaggy Scooby Doo

Without any tourists, the Crazy Q Dude Ranch, which has been struggling, is sure to close its doors. Unless Tawny raises enough money for the next mortgage payment, the family business will be sold. Determined to save his cousin’s ranch, Shaggy puts the Mystery Inc. gang on the case, and together they set out to solve the mystery behind Dapper Jack’s haunting. It’s an unforgettable adventure set in the Wild West, filled with rodeos, barn dances and non-stop cowboy high-jinks!

You can see how Scooby-Doo makes friends with ranch animals and learns how to become a real cowdog, I say. He learns how to ride horses and not only that, also take care of them. You can find interesting things about a ranch and cowboys life just in one movie. The Crazy Q Dude Ranch has real adventures to experience. There is also lots of funny moments in the movie especially with Scooby-Doo, Shaggy and the scary ghost. We liked a pretty cool Buddy G performance during The Rodeo show.  


Overall, Scooby-Doo! Shaggy’s Showdown was nice movie to watch, very funny and enjoyable for the whole family. Scooby-Doo! Shaggy’s Showdown is also available on DVD and Digital HD via purchase from digital retailers.

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Friday, February 17, 2017

Beauty and the Beast Exhibit at Casa Loma, #BeOurGuestTO This Family Day Weekend

Beauty And The Beast Casa Loma

If you are planning Family Day weekend, there are lots of activities in Toronto and around the GTA. With the abundance of choices I highly recommend to visit famous Toronto castle Casa Loma. Only this weekend, Walt Disney Studios Canada invites fans of the tale as old as time to be our guest at Casa Loma for a very special look at the exquisite costumes from Disney’s upcoming film, "Beauty and the Beast."

Gaston

From Friday, February 17th through Monday, February 20th, guests to the Castle will have the exclusive opportunity to see nine costumes from the film, as well as participate in themed activities and view special performances over the course of the weekend.  The fun-filled interactive experience and exhibit hits Toronto in advance of the March 17th release of the film, a live-action adaptation of Disney’s animated classic.  The film brings to life one of the most beloved tales ever told in a stunning, cinematic event directed by Bill Condon, with an extraordinary ensemble cast, including: Emma Watson, Dan Stevens, Luke Evans, Kevin Kline, Josh Gad, Ewan McGregor, Stanley Tucci, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Audra McDonald, Ian McKellen and Emma Thompson.

Costumes Casa Loma Beauty and The Beast

Casa Loma is the only location in Canada where fans can see the costumes, many of which were used in the production of the film and include Belle, Gaston, LeFou and more. All were designed by Academy Award-winning costume designer, Jacqueline Durran. Guests will also see a replica of the iconic rose and bell jar.  Among the activities being offered are arts and crafts, face painting and story time, plus performances by ballroom dancers and an aerialist.

Bella Cosume Beauty and The Beast

  Access to the costume exhibit and participation in the activities is free with the price of admission to Casa Loma, which will be offered at a special discounted rate only for Family Day weekend, February 17th – 20th.

costumes Gaston Beauty and the Beast

Guests who use the promo code “Be Our Guest” at the box office will receive a 20% discount on their ticket purchase. You can say or even sing "Be Our Guest", both welcome.

Casa Loma Rose

I had a chance to visit the exhibit and it is an amazing experience. Being in the real castle with live music,  delicious food, tours and performances is incredible. Visitors can see the costumes from the movie, watch set ups and animated characters in the castle. Plus roses, beautiful roses are almost everywhere around you. Though the exhibit is open on Family Day weekend only and offers lots of activities for families with kids, everyone who loves "Beauty and the Beast" story, should visit Casa Loma this weekend and take advantage of this unique opportunity. We are lucky to be in Toronto to see this beauty and enjoy the exhibit.    

Casa Loma Roses Casa Loma Treats

For more information on the exhibit and activities, or to purchase tickets, go to CasaLoma.ca. "Beauty and the Beast" will hit the big screen on March 17, 2017!  

Casa Loma Beauty and The Beast Roses
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Thursday, February 16, 2017

Big Little Lies - The Story About Family Stories

We are often amazed to see celebrities with their children, who look exactly like them, aren’t we? It’s just fascinating and amazing! Not only are celeb daughters lucky enough to win the genetic lottery, some of them are practically their mothers' doppelgängers. We have Meryl Streep & Mamie Gummer, Lisa Bonet & Zoë Kravitz, Goldie Hawn & Kate Hudson. But we’re not going to talk about them now. I’m talking about Reese Witherspoon and her daughter/mini-me Ava Phillipe.

Similar

This week, Reese brought her daughter, Ava, as a special guest to the Los Angeles premiere of her upcoming HBO miniseries Big Little Lies. With them looking so alike, it’s hard to tell who’s who! You just can’t deny that good looks run in the family, though. When asked about her daughter being her look-alike, Reese said, "Trust me, we see a little bit, but it's not the way people talk about it because we're so different and it's just sweet, you know, we're really close."

Big Little Lies airs on HBO with the pilot episode written by David E. Kelley. It is a comedy-drama miniseries based on the book of the same name by Liane Moriarty. I bet readers are excited to watch this come alive on TV.

The critics praise the author's ability successfully combine comedy and drama in one piece. We are looking forward to watch the book adaptation on TV.  The story is for families and about families.
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Tuesday, February 14, 2017

Ballerina Movie Advance Screening Passes Giveaway (CAN) #animation

Félicie, an 11 year old orphan, has one passion: dancing. Her greatest dream is to become a ballet dancer of the Paris Opera Garnier.

In order to achieve this dream, Felicie and her best friend Victor set up an incredible plan to escape from their orphanage to go to Paris! Paris, and its Eiffel Tower under construction, its brand new avenues designed by the Baron Hausmann, and the big scaffolding under which the Statue of Liberty is ready to be shipped to New York.
Ballerina
As she is willing to do anything to make it, Félicie will have to take the identity of her rival Camille to integrate the dancing school, to undergo intensive training to master gracefulness and ballet technique, and to endure the stress of the Opera’s auditions. With her mentor Odette and Victor by her side, Félicie will have to fight like she never did, to surpass herself, and to learn from her mistakes. But nothing is too hard to achieve one’s dream.

Starring Elle Fanning, Dane DeHaan, Maddie Ziegler and Carly Rae Jepsen, the movie Ballerina is coming to Canada this spring. This amazing animation children film is such a wonderful story about friendship, love, dreams and what you have to do to make them happen.


We are happy to give an opportunity to see the movie before it hits the big screen. Thanks to eOneFilms we are giving away advance screening passes to Ballerina movie taking place on Saturday, February 25 at 10 am (local time) in the following Canadian cities:

Toronto
Cineplex Cinemas Yorkdale
3401 Dufferin St, North York,
ON M6A 2T9.

Vancouver
Cineplex Cinemas Metropolis
4700 Kingsway, Burnaby,
BC V5H 4M1

Calgary
Cineplex Odeon Westhills Cinemas
165 Stewart Green SW
Calgary, AB T3H 3C8

Edmonton
Cineplex Odeon North Edmonton Cinemas
14231 137 Ave NW
Edmonton, AB T5L 5E8

Winnipeg
Cineplex Odeon McGillivray and VIP
2190 McGillivray Blvd
Winnipeg, MB R3Y 1S6

Ottawa
Cineplex Cinemas Ottawa
3090 Carling Ave, Nepean
ON K2B 7K2

Halifax
Scotiabank Theatre Halifax
Bayer's Lake Business Park
190 Chain Lake Dr
Halifax, NS B3S 1C5

The giveaway is open to Canadian residents who can attend the select screening & ends February 22, 2017. The movie is officially out March 3d, 2017.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Wednesday, February 8, 2017

Beaver Tails Offer Delicious Canadian Treats All Year Round

Beaver Tails Toronto Store

Beaver Tails is the iconic Canadian maker of delicious pastries. We always treat ourselves with beaver tails, bites and other goodies when visit Toronto Zoo, Canada’s  Wonderland or festivals and events across Ontario. Beaver Tails trucks are always ready to provide unique and popular pastries to the customers. We never had a chance to visit Beaver Tails store until this winter. This year we decides to spend some time at Harbourfront, skating at Natrel rink, enjoy sunny weather and try delicious tails in the store located at 145 Queens Quay West, Toronto.

Beaver Tails Menu

Though it was Sunday afternoon, the store was packed with customers. We had a chance to snag a table near the window and enjoy beautiful views along with delicious food.  We ordered a tail with maple flavoured spread, a poutine, beaver bites, hot chocolate, beaver bites and Moozoo smoothie. After skating even ice-cream and gelato are welcome. Though a poutine did not impress me much, everything else was amazingly delicious. The pastries reminded me old grandma treats. I like the option to customize your selection, add extra spread, cinnamon sugar, sprinkles, syrup or banana slices.

Beaver Tails Bites Beaver Tails Poutine Beaver Tails Order

Beaver Tails’s fried dough, which became extremely popular across Canada, is now available in US,  Japan, South Korea and Dubai. Company's family recipe is still the unbeatable favorite for almost 40 years. We are always teasing kids that they are eating beaver tails, but not to be scared, the treats are only resemble the tail of a beaver made of whole wheat. Cooked on high quality canola oil, Beaver Tails pastries are served hot. The only thing I noticed that when we visit a store we eat more of treats than when we usually buy from the kiosk. Plus Moozoo smoothies are our new favorites, made of organic orange or natural lemonade.

Teddy at Beaver Tails store Beaver Tails Decor Inside Beaver Tails Harbourfront

While a waterfront patio is closed for winter, we are looking forward to visiting the store when the weather will be warmer. This location at Waterfront has lots to offer, and if you haven’t visited it yet, highly recommend. Deliciously friendly & so much to do & see around!   

Beaver Tails Pastry store Beaver Tails instagram
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Friday, February 3, 2017

Track Your Water Intake Smart Way With Hidrate Spark 2.0

Hidtrate Spark

We all know that drinking water is good for our health. How much do we really need to drink every day? Doctors say that from six to eight cups, but how easy to remember and count them with our hectic lifestyle? I would never have thought how little water I am drinking until I tried  Hidrate Spark 2.0 smart water bottle. I drink lots of liquids like coffe, tea and juice during the day but when it comes to water I just do not remember that.


What makes Hidrate Spark 2.0 smart that it tracks your water intake. The water bottle comes with special app and records how much water you consumed. The Hidrate Spark 2.0 app sets the desirable amount you have to drink based on your weight, gender, lifestyle and season. If you exercise you definitely need to take more water, during summer we all need to drink more to avoid dehydration. Hidrate Spark 2.0 has all the information in one app. It is also designed to give you some historical data on how you doing with your water, if you drink enough or not.

Hidrate Spark 2

First days when I started using Hidrate Spark 2.0 bottle, I realized that I drink one- two cups a day and sometimes even less. When I see the results in numbers, I understand that my intake is pretty low. So let the journey begin; now I have a great companion to track the amounts I take. Hidrate Spark 2.0 bottle glows as a reminder to take a sip throughout the day. Our kid likes when the bottle glows and tells me about that, mom is always busy and sticks to the computer screen.  I prefer alerts coming through the app, they are better fit my browsing life, and they are funny by the way.

Hidrate Spark 2.0 app syncs Fitbit & Apple Watch & major digital devices (check the full list here). I installed the app on my iPhone and it works great, it connects to the bottle via Bluetooth.

Hidrate Spark smart bottle Hidrate

Hidrate Spark 2.0 bottle has pretty interesting design. It looks like it covered with diamond shaped facets and has nice ergonomic grip for better handling along with a holder attached to it. There is also an indicator how much water you can fill the bottle up to. Using Hidrate Spark 2.0 you can locate your bottle, in case you lost it or forgot somewhere, the app saves the last location it synced with the bottle. I like that Hidrate Spark 2.0 offers bottles in various colors, I have chosen teal and there are also pink, purple and black right now on their website.

Overall, I am quite happy with my bottle, it offers very simple solution to being healthy just by tracking your water intake. I think  Hidrate Spark 2.0 would be useful for everyone,  no matter if you exercise regularly or trying to be healthier this year, everything starts with water.  
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