5 Creative Ways to Entertain Your Kids This March Break
5 Creative Ways to Entertain Your Kids This March Break March Break is here — and whether you’re heading away or staying close to home, keeping kids entertained all week can feel like a full-time job. If you haven’t planned the break yet, here are some creative staycation ideas, family game nights that actually bring everyone together, how to stream when you need some downtime — and even how to use this week as a chance to start teaching kids important money lessons in a fun, real-life way.Nintendo Switch 2 March Break is the ideal opportunity for some fun family game nights. The Nintendo Switch 2 is a great gaming system for the whole family, because it is home to so many incredible Mario titles that kids love, like Mario Kart World, Super Mario Galaxy, and Super Mario Galaxy 2. Have competitive family game nights in the living room by hosting Mario Kart World matches — this game provides fast-paced, unpredictable, and chaotic family-friendly competition. Plus, your kids’ favourite characters will be on the big screen this spring when The Super Mario Galaxy Movie hits theatres this April! There’s never been a better time to check out what the Nintendo Switch 2 has to offer! Check it out at nintendo.ca. Roku March Break is known to bring on some unpredictable weather, but this can have its perks — it makes for the perfect cozy night in with family movie night. Roku is simple to set up with the streaming experience built-in — ideal for living rooms, bedrooms or kids’ spaces. There’s no shortage of movies, shows, live channels and free content to watch, and picture and sound adjust automatically with Roku Smart Picture and Dolby Audio, so movies, sports, and animated shows look and sound great without tweaking settings. Some of the best features are voice search, Lost Remote Finder, and Continue Watching because it makes TV time easier and low-stress for families. Find out more at roku.com.The Chelsea Hotel Another fun way to occupy the kids — without the stress of airports or long road trips — is to enjoy a staycation. The Chelsea Hotel in downtown Toronto is offering what they’re calling a “Resort in the City” experience, including a $100 F&B credit, parking and a late checkout. Kids will love The Hive, the newly renovated family recreation hub, complete with an indoor pool and downtown Toronto's only waterslide. There’s also The Workshop for hands-on creative play, and The
8 Ways to Beat the Winter Blues
8 Ways to Beat the Winter Blues If winter is dragging you down, it might be time to bring some light back into your life. There are simple ways to beat the winter blues — whether it’s refreshing your home, escaping without going far, or and giving yourself something sunny to look forward to.Litter Genie Light Clumping Litter When it comes to winter blues, people often think about mood — but for many, it’s the day-to-day stuff inside the house that gets to them. Less fresh air, more time indoors, more smells, more mess… and if you have pets, it’s amplified. For cat parents especially, winter means litter boxes are working overtime — and when something smells, or feels dusty or heavy to deal with, it adds to that low-grade stress you’re already carrying. Cat owners will love Litter Genie Light Clumping Litter because it’s not only made from naturally-sourced Canadian bentonite clay for reliable odour control, but it’s 20% lighter than regular litter, meaning you get an easier lift and pour without sacrificing volume. It’s also 99% dust-free, which is huge in winter when homes are sealed up, and the air already feels heavy. Because it absorbs ammonia in minutes, it helps keep your home smelling fresh — which again, when you’re indoors all the time, makes a noticeable difference. When paired with Litter Genie pails, litter box and refills, cat parents can now have a complete system to simplify their litter routine and keep their home fresh. You can find Litter Genie Light Clumping Litter at Canadian Tire, PetSmart, and Amazon.ca.Reversa Radiance C Concentrate Winter can be hard on your skin, leaving it dull and dry, so you need a good Vitamin C serum to brighten up your skin and your day! The Radiance C Concentrate from Reversa is the perfect choice because it’s designed to give you that ideal glow. It’s a waterless, stable, 20% pure vitamin C treatment that delivers high-potency antioxidant protection against UV rays and pollution while visibly brightening dullness, fading the look of dark spots, and supporting firmer, smoother skin. It is enriched with vitamin E and hyaluronic acid for a light creamy feel and can be applied morning or night to damp skin to bring a little sunshine to your winter skincare routine! Find Reversa Radiance C Concentrate at reversa.ca.The Chelsea Hotel Winter can seem like it drags on – between the cold, snow, and ice,
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