6 Shops to Explore in Montreal
6 Shops to Explore in Montreal One of my favourite ways to shop is by looking for items that feel special, thoughtful, and different from what you’ll find at home. Montréal has such an incredible maker community, and the gifts that come out of the city are often artisanal, sustainably produced, and designed to last — which is exactly what I look for when shopping for gifts. From beauty and home to food and accessories, it’s a great place for inspiration when you’re trying to move beyond last-minute, big-box gifts. Many of the local brands ship nationwide, which makes it easy to support Canadian businesses and check everyone off your list without leaving home — especially during the busy holiday season. And for those who value experiences over things, Montréal delivers too — with dining, wellness, and cultural attractions that can be bundled and gifted through Passeport MTL, creating truly memorable moments. Le Cartel For someone who needs fresh, unique pieces to update their wardrobe, Le Cartel is the best place to shop. A diverse selection of talented artists make their art accessible by blending it with fashion, resulting in stylish streetwear.A fashion partner of Osheaga Musical and Arts Festival since 2018, Le Cartel features bold colours and designs in a range of shirts, sweaters, pants, jackets, and accessories — including toques for the chilly Canadian winter months. Everything is silk-screened in Montreal, and the artists are celebrated for their creative work, making a shopping experience that helps the local art community thrive. Les Filles FattoushThe delicious taste of Syria is available in Montreal at Les Filles Fattoush. This women-owned business benefits more than just your tastebuds – it employs refugee Syrian women, offering them a way to transition into Canadian life while maintaining deep ties to their culture. The resulting food is authentic and steeped in history. You can browse the store at the Jean-Talon Market for spreads, spices, sauces, and desserts, or get a recipe book to try your hand at Syrian dishes. Purchase a ready-to-eat meal at the store, or order online to have it delivered to your door. Excellent food makes for great gifting. Domaine des 15 lotsYou can’t get much more Canadian than maple, which is Domaine des 15 lots’ specialty. They have a tasty assortment of maples syrups, but that’s not all: maple butter, maple cream fudge, maple syrup jelly, and pastries (made with maple sugar) is a glimpse into
Last-minute Gifts For This Busy Holiday Season
Last-minute Gifts For This Busy Holiday Season Looking for some amazing last-minute gifts this busy holiday season? We got you covered with these great finds that all your friends and family will LOVE. Quo Beauty Have a self-care enthusiast or hair care lover on your list? Run to your local Shopper's Drug Mart to get these must-have gifts. The Quo Beauty Mini Straightener 4 Piece Kit is the perfect gift for that gal who loves silky smooth hair. This bundle of cheer comes with a mini straightener, a set of sectioning clips, and a hairbrush. Ditch the regular old advent calendar and upgrade to the Quo Beauty 12 Days of Bath! Celebrate everyday by opening bubbles and bath fizzies. Get this gift for your favourite person or treat yourself with a tranquil escape this busy time of the year. Give the gift of hand-care heaven with the Quo Beauty Hand Cream Collection. This ultimate set comes with five different hand creams to keep that special someone’s hands feeling soft and smelling like a million bucks! For the man in your life, give him an upgrade to his daily routine with the Quo Beauty Men’s Grooming Kit. This set comes with everything to keep him looking snazzy this holiday season and everyday after: Nail Clippers, Nail Scissors, Tweezers, Facial Razor, and Comb. The Quo Beauty Men’s Manicure Set is another great gift that comes with all the essentials for a flawless manicure! At home or on the go, he can use this kit anywhere! Comes with Large Nail Clipper, Medium Nail Clipper, Diagonal Nail Clipper, Scissors, Nail File, Cuticle Trimmer, Nail Cleaner, Tweezers, and Blackhead Remover. Jack Black Suffering from dry lips this cold season? Treat yourself or a friend to the SuperHero Lip Balm Kit. The Moisture Therapy Lip Balm is an emollient balm, enriched with superior skin conditioners and antioxidants that soothes and relieves dry, chapped, irritated lips. It also offers SPF to keep the lips protected! Smell great throughout the year with Pit Boss Deodorant. This is the perfect gift that features long-lasting odor and wetness protection. The gentle antiperspirant and deodorant formula won’t irritate delicate underarm skin. The Black Reserve Body Spray is the one gift on every body spray lover’s list! A body spray with a deep, intriguing, and masculine scent that leaves you smelling like cardamom and red cedarwood; soothing lavender and bergamot; and distinctive coriander and patchouli. Combat that unwanted dry skin this winter with the Black Reserve
4 Ways to Celebrate The Holidays at The Westin Harbour Castle in Toronto
4 Ways to Celebrate The Holidays at The Westin Harbour Castle in Toronto Looking for some fun ways to celebrate the holidays this season? The Westin Harbour Castle, Toronto has you covered for some cute and cozy activities. Whether you're going with your friends or bringing the whole family along, there is something everyone will be sure to enjoy. Wine & Wreath Workshop Unleash your creativity in this Wine & Wreath workshop at The Westin Harbour Castle, Toronto. Led by a florist partner; you will be sure to make some perfect holiday wreaths for your home. Enjoy a complimentary welcome drink while immersing yourself in a two-hour workshop. Receive an additional 20% discount for the Chartroom Bar & Lounge afterwards! Breakfast with Santa Bring the whole family to this jolly breakfast with Santa himself! This joyous occasion is available every Sunday in December leading up to Christmas! Enjoy a scrumptious breakfast in The Mizzen restaurant and let the kids meet with Santa. Fondue Experience This authentic fondue dining experience is in the Chartroom Bar & Lounge throughout the holiday! Come on down and unwind this Christmas break! Chow down on cheese or treat yourself with a sweet treat of chocolate fondue. The perfect way to spend a date night! Come Home for the Holidays at Savoury Run, don't walk to Westin Harbour Castle for your festive meal, at Savoury! Located in an intimate 10-person space, indulge yourself in the customised menus that are tailored to your booking and culinary tastes. Choose from family style or a buffet! Take a break from cooking this year and let Savoury cater the family.
A Teen-Approved Miami Escape: Art, Action and FIFA Thrills
By Rosalind Stefanac If you’re hunting for a getaway that blends sunshine, culture, adrenaline and teen-approved fun, Miami is having its moment. Beyond its vibrant neighbourhoods and iconic beaches, the recently renovated Freedom Tower now houses a new FIFA-themed exhibition just in time for World Cup fever—and a definite score for families with soccer-obsessed kids like mine. And that’s just the beginning! Here are some suggestions for what to do with your teen in Miami, including notable food stops and family-friendly places to stay along the way. Kick off at the Freedom Tower’s FIFA exhibit Soccer fans will find themselves awe-struck by this museum-meets-experience dedicated to the history and impact of the world’s most popular sport. Teens and tweens can trace the sport from its origins to modern-day legends (including Lionel Messi, of course), interact with digital installations, and take in all the jerseys, trophies and artifacts from World Cup history. That the exhibit is housed in the Freedom Tower, which underwent a massive renovation and reopened for its centennial this year, is a big bonus. The Tower has long been a symbol of hope for Cuban refugees and immigrants who passed through its doors during the 1960s and ’70s. Inside, multimedia installations honour this history through moving photographs and audio recordings of Cuban families recounting their often-treacherous journeys to freedom. (Go early to avoid crowds and to give your teen enough time in the interactive zones. You’ll leave energized for a full day of exploring.) Explore Miami’s Most Colourful Neighbourhoods Photo by Miami Culinary Tours Once you’ve kicked things off downtown, head for some of Miami’s most interesting neighbourhoods beyond the beach. Wynwood Wynwood is the ultimate street-art playground—an open-air museum where massive murals by world-renowned graffiti and urban artists tower above indie boutiques, cafés and ice-cream shops. We tucked in for a delicious meal at Dunkaroo Jamaican Kitchen, where everything was made fresh and the vibe felt like we’d made a pit stop in the Caribbean itself. Little Haiti & Little Havana We also enjoyed exploring the vibrant neighbourhoods of Little Haiti and Little Havana. In the latter, we joined a walking tour with Miami Culinary Tours, led by our guide Mirka Roch Harris who wove engaging historical details into every food stop. Along the way, we sampled a delicious lineup of sweet and savoury bites—including an authentic Cuban sandwich I’m still dreaming about. We capped it off at Domino Park, a beloved Little Havana gathering spot where senior locals gather
The Ultimate Gift Guide For This Holiday Season
Holiday shopping doesn’t have to be stressful. This Ultimate Gift Guide rounds up fun, practical, and luxurious ideas that truly make people smile. From hot tech to cozy comforts, these are the kinds of gifts that actually get used — and loved. These picks, you’ll check off your list faster and feel good about every present you wrap.Gifts For Baby Run to HomeSense and discover an endless assortment of perfectly priced holiday gifts for every age—from toys and books, to baby essentials—all under one roof. You will be impressed of how you can curate your baby’s toys and accessories to be just as chic as you! Grab toys perfect for aiding baby in their fine motor skills, and some beautiful books to read them on those cozy, snowy nights over the holidays! Shop them at your local HomeSense store!Gifts For The KiddosBeauty trends aren’t just about makeup anymore! In fact, they have spilled into the world of Slime with Gui Gui, where slime gets a glow up! Brought to you by Moose Toys, Gui Gui is similar to a beauty routine. Kids will follow five easy steps to mix, glam and play with 13 collectible scented slimes in four stunning textures: Gloss, Clear, Butter and Cloud. Every kit comes with surprise charms and a mystery figurine, so no two slimes are ever the same. Gui Gui makes creative play feel like a beauty trend — with all the ASMR goodness tweens love. Like honestly, who needs skincare when your slime glows this good? If your kids love Bluey, they’re going to go wild for this — it’s the Let’s Play Chef Supermarket Playset from Moose Toys! It’s inspired by the popular “Kids” episode, and it totally brings Bluey’s world to life at home. Kids can put Bluey and Bingo on the working escalator — yes, it actually moves! They can shop the shelves, visit the rooftop café, and even hear 24 fun sound effects — including a supermarket intercom. It comes with exclusive Bluey and Bingo figures, over 15 accessories, and tons of stickers — so kids can customize and play their own Bluey adventures for hours. It’s interactive, it’s adorable, and it’s everything Bluey fans love about playtime!Tween and Teen Approved GiftsIf you want THE gift of the season, and want to score some major cool points with your tween or teen, the Nintendo Switch 2 is it. It launched earlier this year, and it
The Best New Products to Elevate Your Fall
The Best New Products to Elevate Your Fall Self-Care Routine By: Iris PenaAfter a hectic summer, your skin and hair deserve a reset. Luckily, these three products are here to bring your natural glow back just in time for fall. Featuring new breakthrough launches backed by clinical science, they promise visible results in age prevention, skin renewal, sun damage repair, and stronger hair.SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Interrupter Ultra Serum Now that summer is officially over, you may feel as though you have aged through all the crazy activities of soccer practices, playdates, and family road trips. Aging takes place when a process called glycation interferes with the network of collagen that connects our skin’s many layers. This promotes signs of aging and collagen loss. The process of glycation begins at age 20 and increases the older we get. You can fight off these unwanted glycation effects with the SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Interrupter Ultra Serum, launched on July 23rd ($198 CAD / 30ml). Apply this serum at night or in the morning before the first day of school, and let the advanced formula work its magic. It lifts your face and neck by up to 18%, reduces wrinkles by 27%, and strengthens collagen by up to 184% in all layers of your skin—giving you a youthful radiance to tackle the back-to-school craze with confidence.skinbetter science Even Intensive Skin Tone Correcting Serum Looking for a bright fall season? Get your hands on this bottle of sunshine! Patients are LOVING the skinbetter science Even Intensive Skin Tone Correcting Serum ($270 CAD / 50ml). In trials, 95% of patients reported their skin appeared less discoloured, and 98% said their skin appeared brighter. Featuring b.r.y.t.e.r™ biotechnology and tranexamic acid, this multi-modal formula targets stubborn pigmentation while correcting discolouration. In just 4 weeks, look and feel your best as your skin reveals a brighter, clearer complexion—perfect for enhancing your fall beauty. The fragrance-free, dye-free, and paraben-free formula makes it suitable for all skin types to experience transformative results. Klorane's New formula of Medicinal Quinine Fortifying Haircare Serum It is normal to go through stress during these seasonal transitions. Daily stress is the number 1 cause of hair loss. Thanks to Klorane Laboratories, the new formula of their Medicinal Quinine fortifying haircare serum (100 ml format at $64.50 CAD) slows down cortisol-induced hair loss and regains density. Get up to -67% hair loss in just 3 months. This fall favourite contains a fusion of caffeine Quinine to promote keratin
What You Need to Know About Chronic Pain
Quieting the Noise: What You Need to Know About Chronic Pain September is Arthritis Awareness Month - a timely moment to talk about an issue affecting more Canadians than many realize: chronic pain. According to the Government of Canada’s Task Force on Chronic Pain, more than 7.6 million Canadians—1 in 5 people—live with chronic pain, with nearly half over the age of 45. For parents raising tweens and teens, that statistic hits close to home. Pain isn’t just a personal burden; it can seep into family life, draining energy and limiting the ability to be present during some of the most formative years of parenting. When Pain Becomes the Background Noise of Parenting For moms and dads navigating the “in between” stage – where kids are no longer little, but not quite grown – the demands are high. There are endless school events, carpools, extracurriculars, and late-night talks. But when arthritis or muscle pain joins the mix, it adds a constant background hum that’s hard to ignore. Parents often try to “push through” the discomfort, but that only means less patience, less presence, and less enjoyment in family life.Canadian Innovation Changing the Game Enter LivRelief™ Extra Strength Chronic Angry Pain Relief Cream, a Canadian-made, Health Canada–approved natural health product designed specifically for muscle and joint pain. Unlike typical creams that sit on the surface or rely on a hot/cold sensation, LivRelief uses patented Transdermal Technology to penetrate all three layers of the skin, delivering its active plant-based ingredients directly to the source of pain. Each product carries a Natural Product Number (NPN), confirming its safety, efficacy, and quality. Backed by research and developed with evidence-based standards, it’s more than temporary comfort—it’s lasting relief. Parents can feel confident reaching for something that works quickly (within 30 minutes), lasts up to 8 hours, and is NSAID-free, making it a safer choice for long-term, daily use. To help Canadians better understand the realities of chronic pain, LivRelief is working with Dr. Janet Pope, Professor of Medicine at Western University’s Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, and Division Head in Rheumatology at St. Joseph’s Health Centre. With over 500 peer-reviewed publications, Dr. Pope is recognized internationally as a leading authority on arthritis and chronic pain—further underscoring the credibility behind this Canadian innovation. Why It Matters for Parents in the InBetween Years Raising tweens and teens takes stamina—whether it’s cheering at hockey games, keeping up on family hikes, or holding space for late-night
Is Post-Secondary Education Worth the Cost?
Is Post-Secondary Education Worth the Cost? By: Iris Peña In an era of rising tuition costs and an evolving economy, an essential question lingers: Is post-secondary education still worth the cost in Canada? The Canadian Scholarship Trust Foundation (CST) and Dr. Nathaniel Barr’s new report responds with a clear answer – post-secondary education provides strong benefits despite the burden of student debt. Peter Lewis, President and CEO of CST, shares his insight, findings from the research, and advice for parents — speaking both as an industry leader and as a parent himself.Career and Income Benefits of Higher Education An individual with higher education is more likely to earn a higher income throughout their lifetime and enjoy greater career stability. Research also shows that post-secondary education offers some protection against economic downturns. While it doesn’t guarantee security, it often acts as a buffer during challenging times.Health and Social Benefits of Higher Education Beyond financial benefits, higher education contributes to shaping critical aspects of life. “When you look at the body of evidence, you can see that having a higher education produces better health outcomes, produces longer lifespans, produces individuals who are more civically engaged,” Peter Lewis, President and CEO of CST, said. University graduates typically live up to eight years longer compared to those who didn’t finish high school. Although this isn’t universal, graduates are more likely to make healthier lifestyle choices, such as being less likely to smoke. From a social perspective, they are also more involved in their communities and more active in charitable giving.The Hidden Weight of Student Debt in Canada The average student debt for a university graduate is about $28,000 for a bachelor’s degree. For community college graduates, the average is closer to $15,000. This debt can heavily impact the start of adult life.Financial and Mental Health Strain “I would say that the most concerning trend we've seen is that sort of persistently, stubbornly high rate of debt for students who are graduating out of university at the moment,” Lewis explained. According to the report, high debt levels are tied to multiple concerns, including mental health challenges. The study refers to this as a “bandwidth tax,” which contributes to higher levels of anxiety and depression.Life Milestones Delayed Debt also forces many young adults to postpone important milestones. For instance:29% delay buying a home 20% delay starting a business 15% delay having childrenAnabelle Hsiao, a fourth-year computer science student, says she feels pressure to pursue a
6 Back-To-School Essentials For All Ages
6 Back-To-School Essentials For All Ages By: Iris Pena Summer is wrapping up and parents are scrambling to prepare for the back-to-school season. Whether you're sending your teen off to university or your little one to daycare — we got you covered with these must-have essentials for all ages. ASUS ROG Strix OLED MonitorThe ASUS ROG Strix OLED Monitor is the ultimate upgrade for your tech-savvy teen! With a wide range of connectivity options and compatibility that easily integrates with all their devices — they will love using this for tackling homework and fun gaming. Stop by any Best Buy Canada store or visit bestbuy.ca to pick up the ASUS ROG Strix OLED Monitor, along with all your back-t0-school essentials. Need some inspiration? Best Buy also has a back-to-school guide online to start the year with products sure to make the grade! Ninja Crispi Portable Air Fryer & Cooking SystemWill your teen be sharing a dorm kitchen with limited space? The Ninja Crispi Portable Air Fryer & Cooking System is the perfect cooking tool for them to bring along; an all-in-one system, designed to nest inside each other. All of the accessories are also dishwasher safe for easy clean up. From an air fryer pancake breakfast to frozen chicken fingers for dinner, the durable glassware can handle extreme temperature changes, fit for every meal! Check the Ninja Crispi off of your back to school checklist -- ninjakitchen.ca. Lodge Vest and Elba Jacket from Canada Goose Keep your teen warm and cozy this upcoming fall season with Canada Goose! This lightweight, windproof, and fully packable Lodge Vest features a drawcord at the hem to customize the fit. A perfect addition to your teen boy's cool outfits during those chilly walks to morning classes. For your teen girl, Canada Goose has a stylish option; a soft and ultra-light fabric Elba Jacket that features cinched cuffs, and a drawcord bubble. Shop online or in store at Canada Goose for a new back to school wardrobe. New La Vie En Rose BraThe new La Vie en Rose bra will have your teen girl stepping into the new school year with confidence and support. School activities require many movements. This lightly lined contour bra offers full-coverage with soft foam cups to keep her comfortable all school year long! Huggies Little Movers 360 Diaper PantsDrop your little one off at daycare with Huggies Little Movers 360 Diaper Pants. Effectively designed to keep
Miss Governor’s Drew Olivia Tillman: Inspiring Teens to Dream Big
Miss Governor’s Drew Olivia Tillman: Inspiring Teens to Dream Big By Iris PeñaDrew Olivia Tillman, a 19-year-old actress and singer, is inspiring young people to follow their dreams with confidence and authenticity. She has appeared in hit shows such as This Is Us (NBC), Mixed-ish (ABC), and FBI (CBS). Tillman now returns to Netflix’s sitcom Miss Governor in part two of season one. The series follows Mississippi's first Black lieutenant governor and her family. Tillman plays Lola Dunkerson, the daughter of newly elected Lieutenant Governor Antoinette Dunkerson (Terri J. Vaughn).Connecting With the CharacterBy playing Lola Dunkerson, Tillman gained insights that helped her grow both on and off screen. The role challenged her as an actress and revealed new layers of personal strength and awareness. Identity and public perception are two key themes Tillman explored through Lola. “It really taught me not everything is what people may think, and to just stay true to myself and know who I am,” Tillman shared. “I didn't want to lose myself in the public eye and lose myself in the commentary of what people think.” She admires Lola’s confidence and her ability to command attention. Tillman uses her character as inspiration to strengthen her own self-assurance. “Sometimes with me, I fall victim to imposter syndrome; feeling like what I get, maybe I don't deserve it or maybe I didn't work hard enough. I try to remember that what is for me is for me and what I worked hard for, I do deserve,” Tillman expressed.Breaking Out of Her Shell Lola’s role demands both strength and vulnerability. Instead of waiting for confidence to come, Tillman steps on set ready to break down walls. Filming brought many firsts—it was her first time working without her parents, her first time stepping into adulthood on set, and her first time building new professional relationships on her own. “Sometimes, I like to be the quiet person in the room taking it all in, but I had to get out of that and break out of my shell, so that I could play this character,” Tillman recalls. “I had to get close with my cast members and really feel the script, get into my vulnerable side with it, and not be afraid.”Creating an ImpactAt just nine years old, Tillman performed in Truth the Musical, a production celebrating Sojourner Truth’s life. It was her first chance to combine singing and acting. The audience’s response amazed her and