4 Tips to Suit up in Style for Prom This Spring
4 Tips to Suit up in Style for Prom This Spring Prom season is here, and for many teens, it’s a few weeks away. To help teens get ready for one of the biggest nights of their lives, Cynthia Florek, Creative Director at Tip Top goes over the latest prom fashion trends for 2024, and shares tips on how to find the perfect prom outfit! Prom season is here, and for many teens, it's just a few weeks away. To help teens get ready for one of the biggest nights of their lives, Cynthia Florek, Creative Director at Tip Top, goes over the latest prom fashion trends for 2024 and shares tips on how to find the perfect prom outfit! Here are four fashion trends and tips for Prom 2024: Captivating in ColourTrending prom suit hues, both fresh and reimagined, are all the rage this prom season and are sure to turn heads, including a beautiful light blue reminiscent of the 80s but with a fun and fresh feel. Must-Have MonochromaticNothing screams put-together like a monochromatic suit – matching your prom date is also a plus! Some trending colors from Tip Top for the perfect monochromatic look include rust, wheat, or seafoam. Sleek Hollywood StyleIs Hollywood-style your inspiration? A dapper and sleek black suit made an appearance in the 90s and on the red carpet. You can't go wrong with a classic black suit, but you can turn it up a notch with dazzling accessories or even opt for a Burgundy Jacquard Tuxedo to turn heads. Pairing Chic Patterns A fun 70s pattern is a sure and effortless way to add dimension to your look – pair a chic in-season floral-leaf tuxedo jacket or a timeless paisley bow tie and pocket square for a unique look. When it comes to prom attire, it's not all about the dresses. This season, there's a refreshing twist in the air as teens opt for standout suits that promise to steal the show. From sleek monochromatic ensembles to bold bursts of colour and patterns, the options are endless. Embracing this trend allows teenagers to make a statement on prom night, exuding confidence and style that will undoubtedly make for unforgettable memories. So, why should prom dresses get to have all the fun? It's time for suits to take center stage and give young adults the chance to express themselves in a whole new way. There’s also no need to break the bank to suit
Door County Packs Fun for the Family
Door County Packs Fun for the Family by Rosalind Stefanac We’d never heard of Wisconsin’s Door County — a stretch of coastal towns on a peninsula between Lake Michigan and Green Bay. But after only a few days of hiking, biking and eating our way through this scenic spot in the Midwest, Door County has earned a top spot on our list of favourite family destinations in the U.S. Here are four reasons why we’ll be going back the very first chance we get. It's good for a week or a long weekendOnce you fly into Green Bay, driving the 70-mile stretch from the southern part of the peninsula to its northern tip takes a little more than an hour, but there are days of biking and hiking trails, beaches and bluffs to explore—along with shops, museums and good eats. The area has more than 300 miles of shoreline with limestone bluffs and beaches, along with five state and 19 county parks. Be sure to take your teens and tweens on a guided tour at Ridges Sanctuary in Bailey’s Harbor, Wisconsin’s oldest non-profit nature reserve. This relaxed two-hour tour really is suitable for all ages, and our engaging guide made sure we caught all of the fascinating nature elements along the way. Between June to October, you can apply to spend a week in the lighthouse on the property too! You can take a ride across Death’s DoorDoor County was named after the sometimes treacherous water passage that lies off the peninsulas’ tip where Lake Michigan and Green Bay meet, aptly named Porte Des Morts or Death’s Door. Provided the weather accommodates, take the 30-minute ferry to cross this scenic passage from Northport Pier to Washington Island, the largest of the County’s outlying islands. There you can take a dip at Schoolhouse Beach made up entirely of smooth, white pebbles. Or take a stroll through the fields of Fragrant Isle with more than 30,000 lavender plants. There is even a café and gift store with all kinds of lavender-infused products, including fragrant cookies and lattes. From here, take a short ferry ride to Rock Island to tour Pottawatomie Lighthouse, the oldest in Wisconsin. This pedestrian-only state park has 10 miles of hiking trails. It also has an impressive boathouse completed in 1929 that’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Just be sure to pack your drinks and snacks as few options are available on
Orlando for Teens and Tweens
Orlando for Teens and Tweens: Where to sleep, shop and play for a memorable adventure By Catalina Margulis From outlet malls with your tween’s favourite labels to the latest Disney World rides that even your jaded teen will love, Orlando is a family favourite for kids of all ages. Where to Play With four kids ranging from 7 to 15, it’s hard enough getting everyone to agree on the same pizza to order on a Sunday night, never mind travelling together. But this mama be damned if she was going to let democrazy get in the way of ticking off Disney World on her family vacation bucket list. Here’s how I kept everyone happy. Disney World Number one on our list, hello, was obviously Disney World. But turns out I had little to fear because there are plenty of new rides geared toward teens that will have even the most experienced 15-year-old guffawing with the pure joy of being hurtled 360 degrees through the dark on one of the largest fully enclosed coasters in the world that is Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. Another must for your new driver is the new Tron Lightcycle/Run, where they can ride their very own Lightcylce on this roller coaster track, which is one of the fastest at any Disney park in the world. Younger ones will love Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, a 4D experience that has you scurrying through the kitchens of Paris. If they’re not averse to creepy-crawly things, It’s Tough To Be A Bug is an immersive 3D film and live show that offers real-life thrills. Moana fans will want to check out the new water attraction that walks kids through the water experience. It’s located right next to the Finding Nemo-themed ride (both to be found at Epcot). Here, your youngest can take a trip under the sea to visit Nemo and friends. For your little princess, a visit to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Magic Kingdom is a must, where she’ll be treated to her very own princess makeover, with a costume, hair, makeup, and tote bag to go. The ultimate souvenir? Star Wars fans can assemble their custom robot at the Droid Depot, like my tween twins did. Parents, download the Disney Genie App to access Lightning Lane fast passes and dining reservations to make the most of your day. And be sure to stick around for the fireworks shows on any given night. They’re spectacular, indeed! The Magic Kingdom
Valentine’s Day 2024: 10 Last-Minute Gifts to Make the Day Special
Valentine's Day 2024: 10 Last-Minute Gifts to Make the Day Special by Arianne Granada With Valentine's Day only a week away, it's time to start thinking about how to make the occasion truly special. Whether you're planning a romantic evening with your significant other or gathering with friends to celebrate Galentine's Day, finding the perfect gift can set the tone for a memorable experience. Dive into our selection of luxurious treats designed to indulge and delight, ensuring that this Valentine's Day is one to remember. At-Home Spa ExperienceAre you on the hunt for the perfect Valentine's Day gift? Look no further than SOJA&CO's Valentine’s Day Gift Set: Touch of Romance. Inside this beautifully curated set, you'll discover everything needed to create a blissful atmosphere and pamper yourself or your loved one. Featuring a luxurious Candle White Musk + Praline 8 oz, invigorating Bubble bath Eucalyptus Mint & Rosemary, and stylish Matches "I burn for you", this set promises to elevate any romantic evening. Treat yourself or someone special to the ultimate Valentine's Day indulgence with SOJA&CO's Touch of Romance Gift Set. Order here. Love at First SipAdd a dash of love to your kitchen this Valentine's Day with Hamilton Beach. Surround yourself with the warmth of metallic red kitchen appliances from Amazon Canada, including the Hamilton Beach® Wave-Action® Blender. With its robust 700-watt motor and patented Wave-Action® System, this blender becomes your trusty sidekick in creating silky smooth concoctions, from dreamy frozen cocktails to velvety shakes. Create the perfect Valentine's drink (like this Strawberry Banana Smoothie!) effortlessly, with just the press of a button. Order here. A Touch of LuxuryThis Valentine's Day, indulge in the enchanting scent of L’Evidence by Yves Rocher. This lets you add a touch of luxury to any romantic celebration. With its captivating blend of upcycled peach and ethically sourced Patchouli, L’Evidence is more than just a perfume—it's a symbol of love and sustainability. Whether you're gifting it to a loved one or indulging in a little self-care, L’Evidence is the perfect way to show you care this Valentine's Day. Make this February 14th memorable — order here. Salon-Quality Waxing At HomeEmbrace the joy of salon-style pampering from the comfort of home with the Sliick™ by Salon Perfect® Microwave Melting Cup. This innovative tool makes waxing a breeze, heating beads in minutes for professional results without the spa price tag. Complete with durable silicone applicators and Acai Berry scented Hard Wax Beads, it promises
Empower Your Teen: 6 Strategies for a Successful School Year
Empower Your Teen: 6 Strategies for a Successful School Year by Jennifer Gershberg Ask any college professor how their students are doing, and I guarantee you’ll hear some entertaining – and anxiety-provoking - stories. It's a revelation for parents that despite the increasing challenges of college admission, students nowadays are less equipped in terms of competencies, mental health, and time management. I've dedicated the past eight years as a professor at the University of Maryland’s Smith School of Business, teaching the core Business Law course to 400 students each year. I have watched and listened to my students’ experiences and have concluded that student success ultimately requires a village. Most of the work, of course, is up to the students. But this post will focus on what parents can do to help optimize their kids’ success in college and beyond. You should know that I am also the parent of three teens, so I fully understand the challenges associated with raising them! Let's dive into a few key objectives with this article. First, I’ll describe the college landscape today and will identify challenges that your child may face once they get to college. There are things that we can all do to help prepare our kids before they get to college – even for the high school kids who are getting all A’s. It's a common scenario – I frequently come across bright students who aced all their classes in rigorous high schools but still find themselves grappling with some prevalent issues once they transition to college. Once I have described what my colleagues and I are seeing, I will give you some ideas on ways you can help support them. So what is happening in college today? To be blunt, students’ anxiety is spiking and their academic performance is sharply declining. It’s interesting and a bit surprising because college has become so hard to get into, so you would think that the students are all doing great – but quite the opposite is happening. My colleagues and I, across universities, agree that students tend to be more anxious, less focused, and less tolerant of ambiguity than even a few years ago. The research is consistent with our observations: studies report that 60% of college students today have a mental health diagnosis, 1/3 have an anxiety disorder, and 8/10 Gen Z’ers admit that social media distracts them from school and studying. I think these findings
5 Ways to Financially Recover from Post-Holiday Spending
5 Ways to Financially Recover from Post-Holiday Spending By Sarjae Irving How much did you plan on spending this holiday season? How much did you actually spend? Did you know that close to one-quarter of the Canadian population overspend during the holidays? A recent report from Madeinca.ca shared that Canadians were most likely to overspend by up to $100, with 27% of consumers falling into this group. 19% of consumers overspend between $101 and $200 while 16% of people overspend by $401-$500. Surprisingly, many Canadians go over the budget they set for themselves by $1,000 with 7% of consumers in this category. We connected with Shannon Kennedy, from Consolidated Credit Union, an expert in personal finance and a champion for financial literacy. Kennedy provided an engaging discussion about holiday spending and financial management. INBETWEEN: How much do Canadians typically overspend at Christmas? Kennedy: On average, Canadians typically spend between $1,400-$1,600 on gifts, travel, food and experiences over the holidays. While budgeting is personal, and the amounts spent and allotted by each individual vary, we can certainly see how these amounts impact Canadians and their finances. INBETWEEN: When January rolls around, the bills come in. How can Canadians stay on budget or create a budget to get back on the financial track? Kennedy: It can certainly be overwhelming to examine your finances following the holidays, and perhaps some overspending, here are some steps that Canadians can take to help get their finances back on track following the holidays: Contact your local bank or credit union and speak to a financial expert. This can help you create a customized debt repayment plan. Working with a financial expert is free and will help you see things from a different lens than you may have – plus, they are experts for a reason, they’ll have tons of knowledge to share with you. Set realistic financial goals. I always say that budgeting and debt repayment is like a diet: if you’re too restrictive, or set unrealistic financial goals, you’re likely to fail. Establish SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound) goals to make your plan more achievable, and bite-sized so it’s not so overwhelming. Prioritize essential expenses and distinguish between essential and non-essential expenses. Prioritize necessities like housing, utilities, groceries, gas, and debt repayments. See if there are other areas (such as eating out, online shopping or subscriptions) where you can cut back – even if the cutback is only temporary. Track your
Crave Original NESTING Brings Laughter and Love Just in Time for the Holidays
Crave Original NESTING Brings Laughter and Love Just in Time for the Holidays by Sarjae Irving A new Toronto-based series, NESTING, is set to be released on Crave on December 22, just in time for the holidays! The series was inspired by the stars and creators, Anna Hardwick and Rosa Labordé, and their personal story. NESTING is an eight-part, short-form, provocative, funny, and unflinching web series that explores fertility, friendship, the housing crisis in Toronto, and a mysterious little thing called love. According to Hardwick and Labordé, the name NESTING is derived from the desire to fertilize, as birds do in a nest. “It’s everything, the desire for a home, a family, and just feeling safe,” Labordé says in an interview with InBetween Magazine. In the series, the two had no house, no partner, and no baby. On the bright side, they have each other! Hardwick & Labordé, who are actual friends and not just on screen, display their connection in the search for a community in Toronto. “Both of us are from the Ottawa region, so the search for a community in Toronto is really big for us and also amazingly is what the show is all about, an extension of creating community” Comedic Quest for Family and Home In each episode, they clumsily and comically set out on a hunt for a baby daddy to fertilize their drying-up eggs, all while searching for affordable housing to nest in, so they can co-parent in their version of a family. Throughout each episode, Labordé idolizes the concept of a “Tiny House” movement, which highlights some of the differences between the two. When asked about this concept, Labordé said, “Today, we have a housing crisis that is so acute that I wish people would acknowledge that it’s problematic and is making people’s lives challenging.” As an alternative solution, Labordé believes that tiny houses would be great. Slowly and surprisingly throughout the series, Hardwick & Labordé’s platonic friendship begins to feel romantic. Hardwick and Labordé both have traits that support the other. Hardwick is a fashion stylist who loves clothes and is an extrovert — the risk-taker in the friendship. Labordé is a poet and often more reserved. However, she has bad financial management. With all things considered, the two hold each other accountable and grounded. NESTING is intended to suit a wide target audience within and outside of Toronto, anyone who craves love, friendship, and family. Emmy
8 Santa-Approved Last-Minute Christmas Gifts
8 Santa-Approved Last-Minute Christmas Gifts By Sarjae Irving Christmas is around the corner and you thought you had everything under control. However, you somehow lost a few weeks to school functions, work parties, neighbourhood get-togethers, cookie swaps, and other holiday events, and now you're in full-on panic mode. You need gifts. And fast. If you think you need a good old-fashioned Christmas miracle to pull it all off, don’t worry we are here to help. LG StanbyME Rollable Smart Touch Screen Dads are some of the hardest people to shop for, but most dads love a tech gift. The LG StanbyME Rollable Smart Touch Screen is not only great for Dad but for the entire family. It’s rollable, allowing you to move it from one room to another due to its wireless design — you can use it to watch movies, do a workout, follow a recipe and more! The screen is fully adjustable, you can tilt and rotate it to your preference and the LG StanbyME also plays well with your other devices and can connect via NFC, AirPlay or through USB or HDMI ports. It has an easy-to-use touch screen which is great for opening apps, pausing videos and more! When the screen is out of reach, a handy remote lets you stay in control from the comfort of your seat. Additionally, it will last up to three hours on a single charge. You can pick this up at lg.ca Cineplex Holiday Gift Bundle The Cineplex Holiday Gift Bundle is an excellent gift to give. If you spend $50 CAD or more on a Cineplex Gift Card, you get a holiday gift bundle for free, which has up to $60 CAD in movie extras including free admission, free popcorn, and movie ticket upgrades! Pick it up at any Cineplex location or at cineplex.com Green & Black’s premium organic chocolate For stuffing stockings, chocolate is a must! Green & Black's premium organic chocolate has a new smooth line, just in time for the holiday season. The line bridges the gap between dark and milk chocolate and includes Plain and Mint 50% Cocoa flavours, boasting a five on the intensity scale, which is a perfect stepping stone for chocolate lovers interested in transitioning to higher percentages of cocoa, while still experiencing mid-range intensity and sweetness. The entire Green & Black line has so many delicious flavours you’ll be snacking throughout this festive season. These can also make great hosting
Navigating the Holidays After Divorce: 3 Steps to a Fresh Start
Navigating the Holidays After Divorce: 3 Steps to a Fresh Start by Sarjae Irving While Christmas is often filled with joy, love and family celebrations, it can get complicated when navigating a new divorce. Every Hallmark movie might idealize the holidays as a picture-perfect season but the reality is separation is a part of many Canadians’ lives. Still, this doesn’t mean you still can’t have an amazing Christmas with your family — it’s just that the transition from shared household to divided festivities requires proper planning to ensure a positive experience for all involved. Here’s how. Be Proactive The first tip on navigating the holidays is to take a proactive approach and create a schedule, says Dr. Vinita Puri a Toronto-based registered Social Worker, Accredited Family Mediator, Coach and Consultant with expertise in educational training and group facilitation. “Preparation and mutual respect is key when creating an effective co-parenting schedule, especially around the time of the holidays,” she says. The schedule could include sharing the actual holiday, for instance, one parent gets the child on Christmas Eve and the other on Christmas Day or alternating the holidays each year. Another tip is to practice self-care. “You’re also trying to navigate loss, pain, and grief. Self-care is extremely important when going through divorce and even more so stressful around the time of the holidays,” says Dr. Puri, who also encourages newly divorced parents to set expectations. “This way, the child/children are aware and understand that this is the new reality,” she says.“It may be difficult, but these steps can be taken to ease the transition, along with surrounding yourself with loved ones and creating new traditions.” Plan to attend or not The concept of honour and shame may be a cultural factor that newly divorced parents take into consideration when it pertains to invitations to holiday events that involve both parents. In essence, there is still a lot of stigma and shame around divorce in many communities. “If divorced parents are a part of the same circle where people accept that divorce is normal and that people may no longer be compatible, the divorce should not be a hindering factor of whether to attend a holiday event,” says Dr. Puri. She further emphasized that once the divorced parents themselves are willing and able to control their emotions, she would encourage both parents to attend and/or continue to host holiday gatherings. Practice Self-Care When trying to navigate the holidays as a newly
Top 6 Gifts for Everyone On Your List
Top 6 Gifts for Everyone On Your List by Rachel Naud It’s here! It’s the busiest time of the year and to make it easier for you, we’ve hand-selected a list *and checked it twice!* of amazing gift ideas for everyone on your list from toddlers and tweens to teens and more! la Vie en Rose For those cozy moments by the fire or during meaningful gatherings with loved ones, la Vie en Rose has the perfect gift – luxurious and comfortable PJs. They come gift-ready and beautifully wrapped in a variety of prints and fabrics. There's nothing better than wrapping yourself in a brand-new cozy robe, and with more than 30 options to choose from, you can find the perfect one at your local la Vie en Rose. Paw Patrol Lookout Tower When it comes to snagging the season’s hottest toys, Toys R Us has got you covered with an amazing selection and fantastic deals. Whether you're on the hunt for Play-Doh, Hasbro games, or more, you can score up to 40% off on select brands. Plus, the store will price-match everything in the Toy Book until December 24th. One of Toys R Us' top picks is the Paw Patrol Lookout Tower. This tower is a dream for any Paw Patrol fan, complete with two Chase action figures and one police rescue cruiser—everything they need for a high-speed rescue mission. For an extra dose of excitement, bring the kids to the store for demos of top toys like this one. They're welcome to test the toys out for themselves. Grab it in-store or online at toysrus.ca Schick Hydro Sensitive Razor Everyone wants to look and feel their best, especially over the holidays. These grooming gifts from Schick are great for everyone in the house, including men and women! The men can get the Schick Hydro Sensitive because this razor is designed to pamper and care for your face, with cushioning gel pools and Skin Guards on every blade to protect against irritation while crafting your look. The 7 gel pools are enriched with aloe and Pro-Vitamin B5 to soothe and hydrate your skin for maximum comfort. The women can get the Schick Hydro Silk set because the curve-sensing blades give a close shave with a heavier, premium metal handle for grip and precision. The set also includes two refills and 3 of the Schick Hydro Silk Touch-Up razors. You can grab both of these sets at major retailers