Monday

Toronto Festival of Beer is BACK!!



Two of my favourite times of the year are the Christmas Holidays and Beerfest! Yes, Beerfest! If you've been living under a rock - it's the summer party of the year! The Toronto Beer Festival will be held again at the BandShell Park at Exhibition Place in Toronto July 24-26th, 2015. Every year that I have attended, it gets bigger and more diverse; with over 300 brands representing. With the popularity of craft beers, BBQing and musical entertainment all packed into 3 fun-filled days in July- what better way to spend a summer weekend?  Trust me - you don't want to miss out. Beerfest is a hot ticket and ALWAYs sells out!


Looking for a holiday gift for someone who already has everything? Why not gift them a BeerFest ticket? With just a few "clicks" - you'll have just marked one more gift off your holiday shopping list.

Want a Little more incentive to buy your BeerFest tickets early?
Use code "Click" to receive $5 OFF your ticket purchase for the Festival of Beer.  BUY TICKETS


Tickets are on sale now and lucky for you- the cool folks at Toronto Festival of Beer have given me the opportunity to give you a chance to get your hands on tickets early. I'm giving away 2 pairs of tickets to the Toronto Beer Festival. ENTER to WIN today! Good Luck. For more information: Toronto Festival of Beer

a Rafflecopter giveaway





Wednesday

2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe Drive – Prince Edward County



Just a few weeks ago, I was invited by Cadillac Canada to experience the 2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe in the picturesque Prince Edward County along Lake Ontario which is approximately 2 hours from Toronto. I had the opportunity to stay at the newly renovated Drake Devonshire Prince Edward County to enjoy an immersive experience of Cadillac and lifestyle.

ATS Coupe in Prince Edward County

The perception of Cadillac has definitely changed from a vehicle that used to be more geared to an older demographic, to a young professional demographic. Fast forward to today and Cadillac is totally different and has elevated the brand. Cadillac has an emphasis on the dynamic design and has a fun to drive performance with lots of new technology. Cadillac is one of the first to have 4G/LTE WiFi. That in itself is a game changer and major innovation. WiFi in the car #FTW!

Why do I like the Cadillac ATS Coupe? 3 reasons: 1. Technology 2. Safety 3. Lifestyle

The ATS, as mentioned, has WiFi that can enable up to 7 devices to connect. It also has Wireless Charging. Charge your phone without fiddling and wrestling with wires or plugs, amazing right? Also the full - colour and reconfigurable Head-Up Display. Receive text message alerts and turn by turn direction by viewing straight ahead with your driving view. No distracted driving here! That's a good thing.

HUD - Heads Up Display Technology-Lane Assist button

Heads Up Display is a great feature.


The other benefits are the Safety features of ATS Coupe.  The Lane Keep Assist, Lane Change Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control and automatic safety belt tightening are just a few of the cool features of the ATS Coupe. The ATS Coupe also has the OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics. The car notifies you when you need to fill air in your tires or how full your gas tank is. This can be viewed on your smartphone too by using the OnStar RemoteLink mobile App. Did you know you can even start your car from the App? You can start your car in Toronto if you were physically in Russia with your smartphone. How cool is that?

OnStar Service

Encompassing all the Technology and Safety features is the attention to details and comfort of the ATS Coupe. It's definitely a car that attracts attention - from the front trademark grill design, to the sexy interior finish. From a finger swipe of the dash to the comfort of the steering wheel(sport mode), it felt good and powerful to be behind the wheel of an ATS Coupe. The car is luxurious and quiet with the various driving modes.

Swipe and touch screen on ATS Coupe dashboard

On that note, here is a fun commercial that encapsulates the forward direction and momentum that Cadillac is gaining by understanding their consumer.



I consider myself an "average-knowledge" person of cars. I've driven many vehicles and this is one of the  top vehicles specifically in the technology and saftey sense for me. For more info: Cadillac Canada

2015 ATS Coupe




The Campaign to End Junkface.



There is a disturbing epidemic concerning hygiene ethics happening in Canada Right now. First of all, have you ever encountered the word Junkface? Let's make this simple…it's when you use the same bar of soap to wash your man parts, package, below the belt, junk whatever you like to call it and use it to clean your face too (you get the picture!?) According to an Ipsos Reid Survey with 1,400 respondents; 72% of canadian guys have…. Junkface!!


Why is it gross to have Junkface, you ask? Washing your junk area and your face with the same bar of soap just leads to cross contamination…(just use your imagination!!) Does your girlfriend, wife or partner know of this Junkface problem? They would definitely be grossed out! Only 38% of Canadian women would consider not marrying a guy with Junkface let alone kiss one. I want to help bring awareness to this stigma and end Junkface for your sake. Stop using a single soap bar to clean yourself. Man up! Start using a face wash like Neutrogena® MEN® Face Wash.

Thanks to Neutrogena® MEN®, they've given me the opportunity to help one of you end Junkface. Enter the contest for FREE to WIN a #StopJunkface Kit that includes Neutrogena® MEN® Face Wash. Good Luck! For more info: #Stopjunkface

TWEET: @clickflickca I want to help end Junkface with Neutrogena MEN Face Wash. #StopJunkFace


a Rafflecopter giveaway


SPECIAL OFFER
CLICK and SAVE $1.50 OFF the Neutrogena MEN Face Wash

Disclosure: I received compensation for this post. However, all opinions expressed are 100% my own



Friday

What is value to you?



What is value to you? Is it monetary? Is it a standard of living? For everyone the perception of "value" is different. Value isn't a monetary thing all the time. It can be something that adds richness or meaning to your life. I just wanted to share this video because it speaks volumes and puts the importance of how we as a society need to be more giving and sharing. I see so many people who take and don't give back. Give to others with no expectations. Surround yourself with positive people and good things will happen. The relationships you build with this understanding will help you grow and build a support system. It's also important to know your own self worth. Do not sell yourself short in life. Everyone has influence and can make a difference. Even you reading this can make our world a better place. Do something good today! Your inner conscious and mind will thank you. :-)

Wednesday

Samsung takes on the NBA

**Updated June 27th: Andrew Wiggins was selected 1st Overall in 2014 NBA Draft by Cleveland Cavaliers.**

Last month I was invited to an exclusive event with Samsung Canada and a couple of NBA Pros. I had the opportunity to meet Tristan Thompson and Anthony Bennett. I was able to join both players on the court in a skills competition at HoopDome.  These 2 NBA Pros are both from Brampton, Ontario. Anthony Bennett was actually the #1 NBA 2013 Draft pick last year. The 2014 NBA Draft commences tomorrow and it is expected that another Canadian Andrew Wiggins will be drafted first overall. That is quite the achievement for NBA Canada

Tristan Thompson doing a selfie with a Samsung Galaxy Note 3
I met with Tristan and Anthony prior to the skills competition, I must admit basketball players take the best selfies because they've got the long reach as seen in the above photo. The event was held in conjunction with the NEW release of the Samsung Galaxy S5. I had the opportunity to check out the Galaxy S5 and was pleased with the smartphone. The key feature that impressed me with the Samsung Galaxy S5 is the camera. It has a function that allows you to have a photo in focus and the background blurred. It's an option that creates depth of field which I find lacking in other smartphones. It also has a very fast camera. With my Galaxy Note 3, I have to wait a bit to see the photo process; with the Galaxy S5 it's almost instant capture with no lag. I wish they could have that camera option on the Galaxy Note 3. The other cool and distinguishable feature of the Samsung Galaxy S5 is the Heart Rate Monitor and sensor on the back of the phone. Place your finger on the sensor and it will read your heart rate. I thought that was a unique option on a smartphone I haven't seen before. Cool phone!

Samsung Galaxy S5
Overall, it was a unique event to showcase the Samsung Galaxy S5 to a younger and active demographic. Very cool to meet two Canadian NBA players in a relaxed environment in Toronto. Thanks to Samsung and NBA Canada for a fun evening! I'm hoping Anthony Wiggins is selected first overall in the NBA 2014 Draft! Good Luck!

Tristan and Anthony signing autographs.

Friday

WIN tickets to Chaka Khan - Toronto Jazz Festival


The Summer comes alive when the TD Toronto Jazz Festival comes to Toronto. Are you a Jazz and music lover looking for a great way to spend an afternoon or evening? Join the many events at the Toronto Jazz Festival being held June 19 - 28th. Various venues and restaurants during the Jazz Festival will be hosting numerous renowned artist such as Melissa Etheridge, Deborah Cox, Earth Wind & Fire and Chaka Khan just to name a few. So come out and explore our city; enjoy the sweet sounds and serenades because the festival will get you grooving and shaking your ass.



To get the buzz going, the TD Toronto Jazz Festival has given me the opportunity to give out a pair of tickets to the Chaka Khan Opening Night party being held at the Kool Haus.

Tweet To WIN!

@clickflickca  I want to JAZZ it up with @ChakaKhan and @TorontoJazzFest torontojazz.com #TOJazzFest2014






Thursday

REDUCE. REUSE. RECYCLE your Electronics


Did you know that most e-waste (electronic waste) ends up in landfills, as opposed to being properly recycled? E-waste contains hazardous chemicals and these chemicals could spread out from landfills and into our groundwater and streams. According to http://www.recycleyourelectronics.ca, "Waste electronics ("e-waste") are the fastest growing segment in an already increase of solid waste stream- and upwards of 90% of their component parts can be recycled, as they contain some the most valuable elements mined and refined in the modern world."

Some examples of e-waste are:

Computers

Televisions

Printing devices

Telephones

Camera and video players




After watching this video,  I realized that I have lots of old electronics lying around my house. The purpose of this blog post is to bring awareness to reduce, reuse, and recycle your electronic devices. I'm sure you're asking, "Why do all of this?" Well, there are a few reasons.

One person's junk can be someone else's treasure. For example, your old computer can be reused for its parts to create a new working computer or device. It also helps to divert obsolete items from going into the landfill to take up more space and waste. Recycling your electronics also gives opportunity for people to earn a living by creating jobs. A perfect example can be shown in the video below.




So if you have any old or obsolete electronics, you can sell or donate them. Or, you can use the free service provided by http://www.recycleyourelectronics.ca and enter your postal code to find the closest depot.

Thanks to @ecycleOntario I'll be giving away a $50 VISA Gift Card. All you have to do is send me a tweet (at @clickflickca) and tell me what electronic device(s) you would recycle or discard using the hashtag #BreakUpWithYourStuff.

Good Luck, and happy purging!




Wednesday

Father's Day with JOEY Restaurants


Until tomorrow, enter for a chance to WIN one of FIVE $200 gift cards for a complete JOEY experience for your dad - with special treatment from Johnnie Walker himself. 

To Enter: Post a message using the hashtag #JOEYDad and tell @JOEYRestaurants your favourite memory with your Dad via Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Another bonus.. if you purchase a $100 e-card until Father's Day, JOEY will add a bonus $10 e-card just for you. Winners for the JOEY contest will be announced June 13th. Good Luck to everyone.

So take your dad to JOEY Restaurants for Father's Day and enjoy the great food and atmosphere. Stay tune for another giveaway with @clickflickca as the fun continues this summer with JOEY Restaurants.

Joey Don Mills | Joey Markville | Joey Don Mills | Joey Eaton Centre

To order personalized JOEY e-cards instantly: JOEY E-CARDS




Friday

Party with Iceberg Vodka at the Chase Toronto


The First Official Partio is here! Sip, Flip and Chip your Iceberg. On June 12th I've partnered with Iceberg Vodka to host a launch party at The Chase Toronto: Fish & Oyster in Toronto. It will be a great evening to enjoy some Canadian Vodka made using Icebergs from Newfoundland. Cool, right? We'll have some tunes, bartenders flairing it up, and enjoy the company with cocktails and Oysters!

I would like to invite you and a friend to join in this Exclusive Partio at the Chase. To ENTER for 2 passes, just tweet me:

I want to party with @clickflickca and Iceberg Vodka at  #IcebergPartio


I will select a WINNER on Tuesday June 10th, 2014. Good Luck!

*This is a Private Event Hosted by Iceberg Vodka.

Thursday

Floorplay Socks Father's Day Giveaway

If you remember, I had mentioned  Floorplay Socks before in this post. Floorplay Socks is a local business I like to support because of the customer service they provide, knowledge of different styles, unique socks available, and because they're nice family-owned business. They carry various brands such as Cole & Parker, Richer Poorer, Sock It To Me and much more including Mens/Womens socks and underwear.

NBA socks of NBA greats.
If you're a kicks collector who needs that special or unique look to go with your Jordans or Air Force Ones, look no further. Limited quantities available. Get them while you can! They even have Dennis Rodman socks. Socks are made by Stance Socks.

Full collection of Kid's socks

Sock It To Me brand socks.
As I mentioned, one of the reasons I like Floorplay is because of the unique brands and collections of socks they carry. Make sure to check the Good Luck Sock brand.
Various colourful selections for kids.

More than just socks! It's Richer Poorer underwear too!
Floorplay Socks is opening a NEW location at 2585 Yonge Street. It's an area with a lot of cool businesses, like my friend's at Evoke Salon and Off The Cuff. In celebration of the upcoming Grand Opening, which coincides with Father's Day, I'm giving away a Father's Day Gift Pack with 6 pairs of Richer Poorer socks! Good Luck and visit the NEW Floorplay location soon. Congrats to Floorplay on their 2nd retail location! :-)

New location of Floorplay

Bright and colourful

Finishing touches. It will be open before Father's Day!
Floorplay Socks website: Floorplay Socks

Floorplay address: NEW: 2585 Yonge Street and 762 Queen Street West

WIN A 6 Pack of Richer Poorer Socks. ENTER FOR FREE!
6 pack variety prize can consist of Men's or Women's socks.

Copy and Paste and Tweet for additional entry:
@clickflickca I want to WIN @richer_poorer socks from @floorplaysocks #FloorPlaySocks


Friday

An Evening with Courvoisier Cognac and Loding

Courvoisier VS

Recently I had the opportunity to host an exclusive Courvoisier Tasting at Loding Shoes & Shirts in Yorkville Toronto. Before Courvoisier reached out to me to plan this event, I had never tried Courvoisier, or Cognac in general. I was more of a beer and whiskey kind of guy.

Mike McLean, Courvoisier brand ambassador and mixologist, gave our group an exclusive, guided tasting of Courvoisier's Cognac selections. I probably would have drank Cognac neat or with a single cube, based on my previous experience with scotch and whiskies. I'm now aware of the flexibility to drink a Courvoisier Cognac in a mix drink, like the one sampled that evening -  the "Off the Cuff." The Off the Cuff mix drink consisted of Cognac, Galliano liqueur and Ginger Beer, garnished with a mint sprig. Guys, if you want to look fancy and sophisticated, order this at the bar next time. It might not be called Off the Cuff but you get the idea.

Pass the Courvoisier

Sharp styling at Loding Shoes & Shirts

I invited some friends to enjoy an evening to learn more about Cognac with Courvoisier, in the perfect setting of Loding Shoes & Shirts. The ambiance at Loding, as well as the style of clothing available is elegant. The classic staples like dress shirts, ties and shoes available at Loding are available in the elegant setting with leather chairs and sofas, in the pristine Yorkville.
Mike McLean explaining the aging of Cognac
Off The Cuff drink.

Thanks to Mike McLean for demonstrating the flexibility and use of Courvoisier Cognac.

Cognac and Conversation

Enjoying Off the Cuff mix

#CourvoisierTO was a great success. Big thanks to the team at Loding and Courvoisier for making this a great evening possible.

Loding specializes in shoes.

Make sure to visit Loding Shoes & Shirts for the quality that is known around the world. I only found after the grand opening that Loding has over 60 locations around the world. Word on the street is that they will be opening a 2nd location downtown, so you heard it here first. You can read more about Loding Shirts & Shoes here.

Fashion over function.

Relaxed atmosphere at Loding Shirts & Shoes



Cheese and Meat board from Cheese Boutique

The cheese and charcuterie were provided by Cheese Boutique.

Men's selection at Loding
Courvoisier Cognac

Thanks to Courvoisier Cognac and Loding Shoes & Shirts for a great experience. Thanks to Best Of Toronto for taking the pictures provided in this post. Which Courvoisier Cognac is your favourite?
Courvoisier VS | Courvoisier VSOP | Courvoisier C | Courvoisier XO


For more info on Courvoisier: Courvoisier

For more info on Loding Shirts & Shoes: Loding

Preview of the NEW Sharp AQUOS Quattron+ TVs


When I think of televisions, I've always thought of Sony, Samsung and LG. I would never have thought of SHARP AQUOS TVs, probably because I've been living under a rock in terms of television technology. I'm sure all the mentioned TV brands are great TVs that excel in certain features, such as "Smart TVs", but seeing SHARP AQUOS firsthand is quite an experience. I recently was invited to check out the latest large-screen TVs from SHARP AQUOS and I was impressed, to say the least! It is hard to visualize the image quality through a blogpost but the clarity and definition on screen was amazing,  especially in the Quattron and Quattron+ televisions.

Sharp Remote has Netflix button. Cool.
I was able to view the whole SHARP line of TVs: SHARP HD TV, Quattron, Quattron+ and 4K TV. It's important to note that the smallest size TV in the line is 60". SHARP believes that to experience a true viewing experience is to watch on the large screen format similar to movie theatre and letterbox design.

7.5 feet from couch to tv. Perfect for small condos or small spaces.


You will not find anything less than 60" in the new line of TVs from SHARP. If you're a condo owner or live in a small place and this doesn't sound good for you, don't fret. Most people don't realize that new technologies (Quattron-more on this in a moment) mean you don't have to sit as far away from your TV as you used to. Remember when your parents said,"Don't watch to close to the TV because it will ruin your eyes." Well throw that idea out because it doesn't matter how close you are to the television with the Quattron TVs.

Aquos has artistic screensavers to make TV part of overall Interior design.

Traditonal HD LED TVs have RGB-which stands for Red, Green and Blue, with Quattron it adds a 4th pixel of Yellow, which gives more depth into the display image. This Quattron technology is exclusive and proprietary technology to SHARP AQUOS only. No other TV manufacture has this technology. To take the image quality even higher SHARP has a Quattron + which in lamens terms means that every pixel in RGB and Yellow is halfed for a higher definition image. The top of the line is the 4K TV but due lack of available tv content, 4K has yet to hit mainstream appeal. Therefore the highest is the Quattron+ with 4K upgradability. Best of both worlds.

Smart Central is the dashboard for Aquos TVs

Besides the quality of image on the Quattron or higher TVs from SHARP AQUOS, I really like how you can split screen the TV experience. Imagine the left side with a TV show and right side of screen you can surf the web at the same time. This would be perfect for those that watch a show like American Idol where they ask you to send your votes in. The other feature I enjoy is the Remote Access for TV support called Aquos Advantage. You can give access to SHARP AQUOS support to control your TV settings remotely which is another cool feature but highly unused feature because the TVs are that good they never need any servicing!


Aquos Advantage is remote access. Free service with TV purchase.

Overall, I think the SHARP AQUOS line of TVs look like great quality TVs. Technology for viewing has increased and provide a better picture so it's easier to watch a big screen in a small space. To find out more on the specific SHARP AQUOS TVs check here: http://www.sharp.ca


Here is a video I made of SHARP AQUOS Quattron TV up close on my smartphone. This video doesn't do justice to the actual image quality on the TV, but you can get an idea.



Wednesday

The Art of Marketing Conference in Toronto




The Art of Marketing Conference is coming to Toronto on May 28, 2014. Tickets are expected to sell out for this event again. This conference is geared for the marketing professional or anyone that has a general interest in productivity, sales, customer service relating to Marketing.  In a rapid changing environment with technology and social media, adding value becomes extremely important to communicating your product or service. Learn and feel inspired by some of the leaders in Marketing. Listen to their stories, get motivated and inspired to lead in your own field of business.

Esteemed Speakers:

Malcom Gladwell: Author of 5 New York Times bestsellers, TIME's 100 Most Influential People.

Marc Ecko: Founder & Chief Creative Officer of Marc Ecko Enterprise & Author

Denise Lee Yohn: Brand Building expert & author, What Great Brands Do

Matthew Dixon: Bestselling Author, The Challenger Sale & Executive Director at CEB.

Scott Stratten: Best Selling Author of UnMarketing, The Book Of Business Awesome (and UnAwesome) & QR Codes Kill Kittens.

Info on the Conference:


Date: Wednesday May 28th, 2014

Venue: Metro Toronto Convention Centre

Time: 9am - 5pm


To get a SPECIAL OFFER on purchase of tickets use code "BLOG26"
Save $50 per pass, PLUS SAVE an additional $50 per pass if you buy 3 or more! REGISTER

For more info: The Art Of Leadership

Twitter: @TheArtOf

Hashtag: #TheArtOf


Disclosure: I received compensation for this post. However, all opinions expressed are 100% my own. 

Google Tech Hub Demo Day



Watch LIVE demos from Google for Entrepeneurs Tech Hub Demo Day. Always great to learn from others and generate great ideas or solutions just from watching this live feed. Enjoy!

Friday

10,000 Followers on Twitter!


I've been on Twitter for about 4 years now and have thoroughly enjoyed using this social media tool to communicate, learn, spread social good and meet many new friends like you reading this post!

I recently hit over 10,000 followers and I want to celebrate! It is not an easy thing to build an audience and trust of followers. Over the 4 year period I have been on this platform, I've organized over 40 Tweetups at restaurants, have the privilege to work with numerous brands, begun working as a social media consultant and even started a business -  all because of Twitter! The opportunities continue to grow and I look forward to continue to sharing everything I learn as well as listening to you.

I'll be the first to admit I tweet a lot, but, it's content that is viable and hopefully important to you - my followers, it is updates that keep you abreast on things that happen in my life  and all around Toronto. I enjoying meeting everyone online as well as at events, because we really do have a vibrant and talented social media community here in Toronto.  I hope you continue to follow me on Twitter and if you're new- well, I hope to bring some value to you and your Twitter experience!

On that note, I wish that I could celebrate with all of you but that would be difficult! As most of you know, I do so many contest and giveaways, so I thought I'd stay the course. If you send me any tweet with #clickflick you will be eligible to WIN a $50 Certificate to Rosewater located in Toronto. I'll pick a random winner on Monday.

Good luck and thank you for tweeting, listening and engaging with me on Twitter!

Tuesday

Toronto's Festival of Beer - Spring Sessions


Do you have the Winter Blues? Are you fed up with the snow? It's still very cold in Toronto but, why wait until the weather gets warm to CELEBRATE! Organizers of Toronto's Festival of Beer are introducing Spring Sessions! Spring Sessions is exactly like the popular Beer Festival held every summer in Toronto. Torontonians loves their wobbly pops! Spring Sessions is being held at Evergreen Brick Works this upcoming weekend! The kind folks at the BeerFest have given me a pair  of tickets to giveaway for the Friday Session of Spring Sessions.

ENTER to WIN a pair of Friday Session tickets just tweet me at @clickflickca and tell me why you want to go! Don't forget to add #BeerMe to the tweet! I will select a WINNER tomorrow (Wednesday) evening at 6pm. This contest is open to Toronto/GTA residents only.

Here are some of the beer vendors at this years Spring Sessions:


There will be a FREE shuttle buses from Broadview Station for both nights of Spring Sessions. There is also an indoor and outdoor component to the event. Heaters will be onsite to keep you warm outside. Tickets are priced at $30, which includes 5 Sampling Tokens and a Festive Mug to keep. Purchase tickets below:

Spring Session Tickets: BUY TICKETS

DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE!!!