#GoSeizetheSummer

Five Reasons We Chose to #GoSeizeTheSummer

September 13, 2013 By Lena

If you’ve been following along over the past few months, you’ll know that I accepted Travelocity.ca’s invitation to #GoSeizeTheSummer. In essence, I spent quality time with my family via mini-vacations at resorts across Ontario.

However, when I first chatted with my husband about joining the program, he brought up a very valid point: “We’re already both so busy. Do you really want to take on more work – especially a campaign that necessitates travelling with our family to resorts we’ve always wanted to visit? It’ll be tough,” he cautioned.

Of course, he was only joking. Because if there’s one thing I’ve got tattooed on my brain, it’s the infamous quote that Amy Foster of Disney Parks Consumer Insights shared at the 2012 Disney Social Media Moms Conference: “You only have 18 summers with your children.” The quote has been shared over and over again by almost every family blogger, and I rarely tire of seeing it. It’s an affirmation that life is too short; kids grow up too quickly, and soon my little boys will be (not-so-little) men.

Hence, any chance I get to spend time with them, especially in new and fun surroundings, is a chance worth taking. So yeah, we were on board :)

And without further ado, I present to you… Five Reasons We Chose to #GoSeizeTheSummer.

1. You only have 18 summers with your children. Right? This year was Ryder’s first official summer break. Soon, he’ll come to realize the significance of no school; the break for vacation that every student craves from the moment their classes become more about work and less about finger painting. And just as quickly, he may not think it’s “cool” to hang out with the parental unit, opting for weekends at the beach with his friends or worse, an afternoon spent hanging out at the mall, cruising for chicks. And I’m sure Reid will be right behind him.

So, an opportunity to seize the summer family-style was so welcome. And when I could do it at an amazing price thanks to Travelocity.ca’s summer travel promotions – which are available on a huge selection of resorts and hotels – did I really need another reason? (Er, technically, I have four more. Read on…)

2. Okay, speaking of Travelocity.ca – it’s simply one of my favourite ways to book family travel. In addition to the wide variety of properties to choose from and great prices, I love that they have a Free & Flexible Cancellation Policy. Sometimes – especially when you have kids – plans change! Travelocity.ca charges no hotel cancellation fee if you need to alter or cancel your stay. (However, hotel cancellation fees may be charged by hotel properties if you cancel outside their stated cancellation window.)…

JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa: Nature on Your Terms (Part II)

September 2, 2013 By Lena

One of the best things in life: reminiscing about a recent (or not-so-recent) vacation. A few days ago, I shared highlights from our stay at the JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa. Of course, there was so much to chat about that I decided to break up my review into two parts; the first showcased the resort and our room, and today, I’d love to give you a sense of the family-friendly aspects of the property.

But first, read: JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa: Nature on Your Terms.

Here’s Part II. And I’ll pick it up exactly where I left off…

After a simple dinner in our room – brought from home and kept cool in the kitchenette – we decided to venture out on a nature walk. After all, we were in God’s country, and while the boys would have happily opted for a return visit to the pool (the central pool is heated all year round!), we concurred that exploring the grounds was a much better way to round out an already fabulous day. Of course, the little guys were all for our plan – once they realized they could bring along some reading material and bugger off in their wagon.

We started at the front of the resort, where the grounds were lush, scenic and painstakingly maintained. There was an underlying feeling of tranquility and relaxation, which was perfect, given the location and surroundings. Large bumblebees buzzed gracefully between tall lavender bushes, and the sound of trickling water provided the most serene backdrop to an ideal summer evening.

…

JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa: Nature on Your Terms

August 29, 2013 By Lena

A few weeks ago, I casually mentioned that I was going up to Muskoka, Ontario for a few days.

“Camping?” one friend asked.
“Do you have a cottage there?” another inquired.
“Roughing it up north?” yet another assumed.

Er… not exactly…We were off to #GoSeizetheSummer with Travelocity.ca, and I was very much looking forward to my very first mini-vacation in cottage country. Just 2.5 hours north of Toronto, and located in the heart of the Muskoka Lakes region, the JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa combines luxury and adventure for the ultimate retreat. Named one of the ten best resort views by National Geographic, this Canadian resort boasts an array of indoor and outdoor activities year-round.

We are keen on planning a week-long, semi-local vacation for the summer of 2014, so it made perfect sense to take a jaunt up to the resort for a couple of days to test-drive the hotel, amenities and activities. Plus, I knew two friends who were vacationing at the property the following week, plus a host of other readers who have expressed interest in the resort, so I reasoned that my review would also help those planning their own upcoming vacations.

However, since we covered quite a lot in the two days we were there, I’ve decided to break up my review into two parts; today, I’ll chat about our first day right up to dinner, and tomorrow, I’ll conclude with our after-dinner activities, as well as our second day at the resort. Hence, sit back and be prepared to be taken to paradise… Ontario-style….

Go Seize the Summer: First Date 2.0

August 22, 2013 By Lena

For last few days, we’ve enjoyed the splendour and hospitality of the Niagara Falls Marriott Gateway on the Falls. As part of Travelocity.ca’s #GoSeizetheSummer campaign, we’ve been indulging in short family getaways, designed to make the most of our time together (and to capitalize on the fact that the boys are still young enough to want to “hang” with us).

And while I’ve got some amazing details to share of our time together this summer, I did want to touch on the most heartwarming part of our recent mini-vacay: the fact that the Marriott Gateway on the Falls has Milestones as their hotel restaurant… and offers the Milestones menu for in-room dining.

You see, just about eight years ago, I met my future husband for a blind date at Milestones. I’ll never forget that night – not as long as I live. With equal parts excitement and trepidation, I walked up to the restaurant on a chilly evening in October. Pulling open the heavy wooden door, I entered the foyer – looking first to the left, and then to the right.

And then I saw him. He was early (a good sign) and was casually sitting on a bench near the entrance. At first glance he appeared completely at ease, if not for his leg bouncing up and down – which was a dead giveaway he was as nervous as I was. As he rose and walked toward me, I let out a huge sigh…. and a single thought crossed my mind:

He looks normal enough. Thank f*ck.

So romantic, huh? That guy at Milestones and I went on to become best friends, lovers, and parents. Yet surprisingly, we never returned to the place where it all began. Hence, two nights ago, we both enthusiastically opted for dine-in at the Marriott, and proceeded to replicate our very first date. However, other than the scenery, there were two notable differences: one’s called Ryder, and the other is called Reid :)

We started with Milestones’ famous Hot Spinach and Artichoke Dip.

Then, since we’re a) on vacation and b) blissfully married so we have nobody to impress, we went for the creamiest, most carb-tastic pasta dishes: Italian Sausage Ravioli and Seafood Fettuccine….

A Brief Explanation of the Situation….

August 13, 2013 By Lena

This is my balcony at the JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa…

… and this is my view.

As such, I hope you’ll understand if I bugger off blogging today and simply enjoy the moment. Have a wonderful day friends! I’ll be back home tomorrow, but today – today is for remembering that sometimes, we all need to slow down.

We’re Off to Go Seize the Summer!

August 11, 2013 By Lena

Yes, friends… I hear Mother Nature calling… and she’s beckoning me to a luxury resort in the heart of the Muskoka Lakes. Twist my arm!

Last month, I told y’all about Travelocity.ca’s Go Seize the Summer Sale –

“Make this the best summer ever with the Go Seize the Summer Sale! Recreate memories of summer vacations past or create new memories. There are holiday ideas to suit a variety of interests and budgets. Explore the historical cities of Europe, enjoy the ocean breeze of the seaside, head to the outdoors for your next adventure, enjoy the sites of the Big City or discover more exotic destinations. There are vacations to please everyone in your family this summer.”

Well, I accepted Travelocity.ca’s challenge to #GoSeizetheSummer, and we’ll be embarking on a few family adventures – starting with the JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa. Our view over the next two days:

Booking through Travelocity.ca couldn’t have been easier! I love the flexibility, wide variety of properties to choose from, and most of all – the amazing prices! Follow my tweets and watch as we make the most of our summer vacation together. And if you’d like to participate in your own adventure, visit Travelocity.ca and enter code LENA10; the code is good for 10% off a prepaid GoodBuy Hotel booking of $200 or more. (Valid July 10 thru August 31, 2013.)…

Go Seize The Summer! Family Travel Here We Come!

July 12, 2013 By Lena

Friends, I’ve found a new way to raise my kids, spend time with them, and survive the preschool years… without strangling them.

It’s called Family Travel.

(Disclaimer: I do not actually strangle my kids, nor do I plan to in the near future. However, has the thought ever crossed my mind? Er….)

On our last family adventure to Walt Disney World in May, I discovered that while my boys are ~~jerks~~ less-than-angels at home, they always rise to the occasion and morph into wonderful travellers. In fact, they’re usually up for a good press trip, staycation or all-day excursion – and, I’m so pleased to be able to offer them opportunities to discover the world beyond their own backyard. With equal parts wonder and excitement, they help me pack for our vacation, make a list of cars they’d like to bring along, and always, always remind me to pack their swim trunks. Let’s just say that our family bonding begins even before we walk out the front door!

Now this is Ryder’s very first summer vacation (yep, wouldn’t it be nice to be 5 years old again!) and I want to make it one to remember. So, I’ve been doing my part to plan day trips, weekends away, and even looking into a short family vacation at the end of August, just before school resumes. In short, I want to ensure that we’re spending this precious time together, and making the most of the amazing local attractions and tourist stops that are just a short drive away. This year, we plan to #GoSeizetheSummer!

Hence, when I heard about Travelocity.ca’s Go Seize the Summer Sale, I was pretty much in seventh heaven –

Hello! Great deals on hotels and destinations, specifically geared toward family travel? My boys have already cracked open their suitcases, and are ready to take off!…