Back-to-School Survival Kit
Back-to-School Survival Kit by Rachel Naud It's back-to-school time! Teens everywhere may be dreading the start of another year, but we've got some good news: it's easier than ever to make your teen's back-to-school experience enjoyable! Check out our list of essential items that will help make the transition into the new school year easier for both you and them. For Taking Notes Remember during university days and not wanting to write or jot notes in your textbooks so you could keep them pristine and sell them afterwards? Post-it® Notes are perfect for this job! They are handy for making study notes as well as jotting down quick ideas and tasks to help keep you organized. These Post-it® Super Sticky Notes have two times the sticking power compared to the original Post-it® Notes. They’ll not only stick to most flat surfaces but also come off easily and cleanly! And, of course, who doesn’t love the fun new colours they’ve launched this year? For Scratch-Free Dorm Rooms If you have a university student moving into a dorm, they’ll want to keep Scotch® Wall-Safe Tape on hand. In most dorms, you're not allowed to nail anything to the walls. This tape is ideal for displaying posters, photos, and more. As an added bonus, Scotch® Magic™ Tape is invisible, which makes it perfect for school projects, crafts, or simply mending torn pages! For Managing Finances Does your teen have expensive taste and you want to teach them how to effectively manage their money? Get them started with Hero Financials and teach them financial literacy. It’s a reliable tool that helps tweens and teens understand and manage money efficiently and effectively. Your kids don't need a new bank account! Just sign up at herofinancials.com, and you can load money on it and use a variety of features, including a budgeting tool, recurring allowances, and block lists, to help them budget for what matters most to them. It comes with a physical SideKick Mastercard, which can be used anywhere a prepaid Mastercard is accepted in-store or online. Hero has some incentives going on at the moment for new signups, so make sure to visit Hero Financials to check it out. For Easy Organization Want to teach your teen the art of time management? The Echo Show 15 has widgets that are Alexa-powered to help keep your teen on track with shared calendars, personal sticky notes, to-do lists, shopping lists, and assigned reminders. Not only that, but they
Back-to-School Top 5 Picks
Back-to-School Top 5 Picks by Rachel Naud It’s that time of year! Whether you have a middle school, high school, or university student in your house, every student will want some cool essentials to start the back-to-school season off right! For a Bright and Fun School Year It is hard not to shop at Staples Canada when it comes to back-to-school shopping since they offer many noteworthy products that are not only great for working and learning but are also very fun! With all the tools kids need to work and learn—notebooks, calculators, lunch bags and more—the bright colours make this Pep Rally line a favourite because, let's face it, if your kids love their tools, they will be more excited to learn. All of these items are available exclusively at Staples stores in Canada, or you can order them online at staples.ca! For Organizing Toiletries University students moving into dorms will need some cool bathroom essentials. Bed, Bath & Beyond has everything you need—whether you’re looking for storage solutions or fun décor. Their Simply Essential line has plush towels, flip-flops (a must for any dorm-dweller) and a tote to make storing and carrying their bathroom essentials easy. You can shop all these items at Bed, Bath & Beyond in-store or online and if you sign up for the Savings Pass, you can get 20% off while earning points towards future purchases! Also, if your child is moving to a different city, you can shop the app or store and use the Pack & Hold program and they’ll have the order ready to pick up near the campus! For that rewarding study rest The Endy Weighted Blanket is engineered to promote a sensation of calm and relaxation. This reduces feelings of anxiety, guaranteeing a good night’s rest. It features a balanced weight that distributes equal pressure across your body. This provides maximum comfort, movement minimization and deeper sleep. Weighing 15 lbs, this personal-sized blanket will envelop you like a warm, soothing hug. This is amazing for power naps and deep sleep, alike! For a fun, informative, and worry-free academic year If you’re worried about your teen’s exposure to the Internet, this Fire 7 Kids tablet’s web browser comes with built-in controls designed to help filter out inappropriate sites and let parents add or block specific websites at any time. Your teen can also send announcements and make voice and video calls over wifi to approved contacts with an Alexa-enabled device or app. For those
Virgin River’s Jenny Cooper on Juggling Motherhood with Acting
Virgin River's Jenny Cooper on Juggling Motherhood with Acting by Arianne Granada You might see her as a familiar face on television. Jenny Cooper has played prominent roles in crowd-favourite shows like Grey's Anatomy, Open Heart, 24, Law and Order True Crime: The Menedez Murders, Scandal, NCIS, and CSI: Miami. Currently, she is starring as Joey Barnes in the Netflix series Virgin River, which is based on the long-running series of novels by New York Times bestseller Robyn Carr. When she's not starring on Virgin River, Jenny Cooper is raising her three kids in Los Angeles with her husband. We had the chance to talk to Jenny about how she balances work and family life, and she gave us some pretty insightful tips for anyone else trying to figure out how to do it all. Tell us a bit about your character in Virgin River. Joey is Mel's older, protective sister who, when the series started, seemed like she had it all together and was there mostly to support Mel. But we have seen through subsequent seasons that she was hiding a lot from her sister, including the state of her marriage. Virgin River has tackled issues like postpartum depression, cancer, sexual assault, pregnancies at an older age, grief, and domestic violence that many women and parents could relate to. Do you think this openness and honesty to real-life situations contributed to the show’s success? It's so hard to say what contributes to any show's success or failure. In our case, it feels like it was the right show at the right time. There's so much unrest in the world right now, I think our audience wants to believe that a place like Virgin River actually exists, with people who are kind and generous towards one another. And it seems like the larger issues that are tackled in the show work in part because of the beautiful performances of the cast, because of the love people have for these characters, and, as you said, because many of us have experienced these kinds of challenges, so it's always inspiring to see someone work through a dark time and come out on the other side. Joey is Mel’s sister and go-to person for advice. What can you say about their sisterly love and how do you think they maintain their strong bond despite their distance? I think they have the kind of relationship where they are always at the forefront of each
5 Ways to Have Philly Fun With Your Teen
5 Ways to Have Philly Fun With Your Teen By Rosalind Stefanac If you’re looking for a walkable American city filled with history, fantastic food and fun, Philadelphia will not disappoint. With some of the most historic sites in U.S. history—and plenty of places to “hang”— Philly proved to be a perfect blend of learning and adventure for a recent weekend with my teenage son. Where to stay Stay downtown for easy walking access to a multitude of parks and free historic sites, such as the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall (where the U.S. Constitution was created), and the infamous Rocky (Balboa) steps and statue (more on that below). We loved the atmosphere at the iconic Notary Hotel, which is located in Philadelphia’s former city hall — a building that dates back to 1926—and features all the modern amenities, including a 24-hour gym and a fully stocked tuck shop for late-night snacking. It’s also a block away from the Reading Terminal Market, a food bazaar sure to please every appetite. What to eat You can’t not try a Philly cheesesteak in Philadelphia. We walked the aisles of the Reading Terminal Market to find these delicious sandwiches topped with thinly sliced steak, caramelized onion, and melted provolone cheese. With more than 80 other merchants there, we also filled up on soft pretzels, tacos, cannolis, cookies and donuts made fresh before our eyes. Open at 8 a.m., the market is a great place for breakfast too. For a memorable dinner, a Mexican-inspired feast at the funky Condesa was also a big hit with my teen (and me). What to do #1: Philly fun at Franklin Square As one of the city’s original open space squares, it centres around a 180-year-old fountain and classic carousel and hosts a variety of events throughout the year. While there we explored the Philadelphia Lantern Festival with more than 30 brilliant displays illuminated by tens of thousands of LED lights and plenty of cool photo ops.#2: Take a segway tour Philly offers some fantastic tours by foot, bike, bus and boat, but we opted to see the city’s most iconic spots via Segway with Philly Tour Hub. Following a brief training session, this mode of transport proved to be an exhilarating way to tour a variety of Philly neighbourhoods. If you’ve never ridden a Segway before, go for the shorter, 60-minute tour to avoid sore legs from all that balancing.#3: Channel the champ Burn off some steam by running
7 Ways to Combat Mental Health Problems in Teen Boys
7 Ways to Combat Mental Health Problems in Teen Boys by Arianne Granada Talking about mental health with teen boys may be especially tricky because of their age and the way their brains are developing—especially if they're in the middle of a growth spurt. Unlike girls, who tend to talk about their emotions and ask for help, boys are often uncomfortable with these types of conversations because society makes it seem emotionally risky to demonstrate vulnerability. As parents, it is important that we help our teen boys to speak up about mental health issues. We should encourage them to talk to a friend or family member about their feelings and emotional issues ranging from stress at home and school to depression or anxiety. We chatted with Cassandra Simms, a psychiatrist who specializes in an all-boys residential treatment program at Embark Behavioral Health based in Chandler, Arizona, about how to help young men navigate through life with self-awareness and confidence. #1 Unlearn the stigma Mental health is still pretty taboo. We’re getting better about it, but for a long time, there has been a stigma around it being something to be ashamed of. This is often transferred down to our boys in society; they think they're weak if they aren't tough and don’t express their feelings. So it's important that we, as adults, don't make them feel ashamed of their emotions. Allowing them to express themselves encourages mental health awareness and makes a big difference in the long run. Understanding their language Sometimes the kid you’re talking to is just going to be defiant, or they’re going to be resistant to saying anything or they just shut down. Regardless of how long it takes, make sure you let them know you still want to talk to them. They'll realize that pushing away isn't working, and that makes you gain their trust that you're not going to abandon them despite their behaviour. Make sure that you pass that first wall so you can make it to the other side. Using their words when they talk about mental health issues is important so that they know you listen rather than using something you learned from a textbook.I had a young patient who was a baseball player once who described depression as a water-logged ball. As we would talk about it, I would ask “How are you feeling, how’s that ball? Is it water-logged or not?" Because it gives you an idea of
What’s a Good First Car for Teens?
What's a Good First Car for Teens? by Arianne Granada One of the scariest moments for parents is when their teen gets their first car. The teen years are exciting, but they can also be worrisome for parents as teens are more prone to taking risks. Teens are likely to be more accident-prone due to inexperience, immaturity, and peer pressure. Because of this, many parents may find themselves hesitant or even afraid of letting their teens drive a car without adult supervision. These are natural reactions—but that doesn’t mean you have to surrender trusting them with their first car completely! Parents can help their teens avoid these pitfalls by providing a safe environment for them behind the wheel. If you're looking for a reliable good first car for your teen, we have a roundup of beginner-friendly cars and their remarkable features you and your teen will love. Mazda3 / Mazda3 Sport Cost: Starting from $23,281Why your teen will love it: If you're looking for a good first car that offers great bang for your buck, The Mazda3 or Mazda3 Sport is one of our top choices. It exemplifies Mazda’s premium design aesthetic and even won Canadian Car of the Year back in 2020 and 2021. You can get it with a manual transmission, giving young drivers a chance to still learn how to drive manual. DID YOU KNOW: Some studies show manual vehicles are less likely to be stolen—so it’s a natural deterrent for theft!Why you’ll love it: The Mazda3 is designed to keep your teen safe on the road. It has advanced safety features like Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Advanced Blind Spot Monitoring. This helps improve visibility and lets your teen know when there is danger nearby. 2022 Hyundai Elantra Cost: Starting from $20,553.35Why your teen will love it: Your teen will love it because it has a 2.0 Litre tank with great engine power, technology and fuel efficiency in an affordable price range.Why you will love it: If you are looking for a car with a decent price tag, also fuel savings and quality, the 2022 Hyundai Elantra is your car! It will not only offer you a smooth ride but also keep fuel consumption to a minimum. 2022 Mazda MX-5 Cost: Starting from $33,300Why your teen will love it: A custom Bose sound system for the Mazda MX-5 is the perfect way to make your teen's car their own. The headrest speakers and subwoofer allow them to experience the premium sound system to
5 Summertime Essentials
Our Top Picks: 5 Summertime Essentials by Rachel Naud How do you plan on spending your summer? Whether you’re staying close to home, exploring the great outdoors or hosting some summer barbecues, we have some items that will help you survive the year’s hottest season. Magic Mixies Magic CauldronIf you want to put the magic back into summer for your kids, the Magic Mixies Magic Cauldron is the perfect activity for them. It’s all about potion-making so your kids can take turns being magicians at family barbecues and backyard parties. Let your little star wow the crowd! The toy comes with a spell book, all the magic ingredients and a special wand to mix the potion and make a cute furry friend that comes out of a cloud of real mist — which will be an element of surprise for everyone! The Magic Mixie comes with different modes of play, reacts to your touch and responds to your wand. It even comes with 50+ sounds and reactions so your kids can play with magic over and over again!Beyond Burger Barbecue burger night is definitely a crowd favourite. Just in time for summer BBQ season, Beyond Meat has launched an even juicier version of its game-changing line called Beyond Burger. Available in grocery stores and restaurants across Canada, the Beyond Burger has the meat-like taste, flavour and texture of a real burger.Beyond Burger is made with simple, plant-based ingredients, containing no cholesterol, GMOs, soy or gluten, offering a tasty, better-for-you plant-based protein option perfect for your summer BBQ. It’s such an easy way to incorporate plant-based protein into barbecue night!Coleman CanadaIf you're hitting the great outdoors, you'll want to invest in some high-quality gear that will last and bring memories for years to come. When it comes to camping equipment, Coleman Canada is a camper’s go-to. They have everything you need to make the most out of summer—whether you’re camping, day-tripping or staycationing in the yard! They're definitely on top of our summertime essentials checklist.Sportflex Backpack Soft CoolerThe Sportflex Backpack Soft Cooler has a 4-way stretch pocket at the front to offer maximum storage and easy access to phones, keys and snacks. It comes with padded adjustable shoulder straps and breathable mesh for comfortable carrying. One of its best features is it's insulated to keep food and drinks cold for up to 24 hours.Contigo TumblersIt's important to stay hydrated throughout the day, which makes these re-fillable water bottles
8 Grad Gifts for Her
8 Grad Gifts for Her by Arianne Granada Graduation season is upon us, and just like you, we are on the lookout for the perfect graduation gift. To your daughter, this ceremony also commemorates her transition toward the next phase of her life. This special milestone encapsulates all your grad’s academic accomplishments in the last four years. Show some appreciation by giving your grad a thoughtful gift that will last a lifetime. We’ve rounded up eight unique graduation gifts that would make this milestone even more memorable. $5-$25: Books With summer break coming up, your teen is bound to have a lot of unstructured days—with most of her time spent outdoors. It still won’t hurt to give her something to do during her downtime. There is no better way to jumpstart a productive summer than by giving a book as a graduation gift for her. One of today’s bestsellers, The Hate U Give, is a page-turning fiction that sheds light on social issues such as racial injustice and police brutality. $25-$70: Personalized Gifts from Bed, Bath & Beyond Nothing beats a thoughtful gift that comes from the heart. What better way to commemorate your grad's milestone than with a personalized gift? From embroidered names to custom-made frames, go extra with these bespoke gifts from Bed Bath & Beyond. Personalized Graduation Teddy Bear ($47.99) This plush teddy bear is an ideal personalized gift for the high school or college graduate. You can have your graduate’s first name and/or class year embroidered in gold thread across the front of the teddy bear’s gown. "Class Of
Gifts for Dads and Grads
Top 6 Gifts for Dads and Grads by Rachel Naud It’s a time for celebration! With Father’s Day around the corner and graduations from high school and university approaching, many families will be shopping for that perfect way to gift to mark the occasion. Whether the graduate in your house has hit that milestone or you want to show Dad how much you love him we have some great gift ideas for you. Gifts for Dads eBay Refurbished Dads never want us to spend too much for Father’s Day, which is why shopping eBay Refurbished is so perfect! The program has a huge selection of premium brands that Dads love. He can choose from brands like Apple, Bose and Miele—but at a discounted price, which Dads really love! Plus, high quality is guaranteed with rigorous program standards, and all items are backed with 1 or 2-year warranties and eBay’s Money Back Guarantee, so there’s no sacrificing quality or peace of mind for savings. If your Dad is a tech guy, you can gift him a big-ticket item like this Apple iPad mini for a fraction of the cost. eBay Refurbished is so cool because they now have different condition grades — from Certified Refurbished to Excellent, Very Good and Good — so there are lots of options to fit any budget! Libman Upright Dustpan and Broom Set If you have a weekend warrior dad who loves to putter in the garage or workshop and keep his domain organized and clean, he’s going to appreciate this. The Libman Upright Dustpan and Broom Set has a built-in tilt that when opened, locks and leaves open—which means no leaning or bending for Dad. It’s a total back-saver! This is perfect for sweeping up sawdust, dirt and even grass clippings! It’s also a space saver with its built-in clips to keep the set together, which helps keep it all organized and handy! You can pick it up at Home Depot. Gifts for Grads Old Spice Reserve Collection If you have a graduate who is sweating the next phase in life, this Old Spice Red Reserve Collection will help guide them to the next phase in life with a boost of confidence. This premium collection — which comes in body wash and deodorant — comes in three new scents: Dynasty, Royalty and Sea Spray. The thing is: if you smell good you feel good, which is going to give you that boost in self-esteem. Old Spice has a great
John Catucci’s Big Food Bucket List
John Catucci's Big Food Bucket List By Leigh-Ann Brodber We show affection in different ways. Whether it’s through our actions, spending time with our loved ones, giving gifts, doing things for those we care about or even through our words. For John Catucci, his love language is food. From hosting shows like Food Network’s series You Gotta Eat Here! and the Big Food Bucket List to preparing meals in his own kitchen for his teens, expressing love through food comes naturally to him. What’s the best part about hosting a TV food series and how does it differ from doing comedy shows? It’s quite different. When you’re on stage, there’s an immediacy that exists between you and the audience compared to when you’re shooting a TV show. There are a lot of different hands that touch the show before it goes to air so something that might’ve worked at the moment doesn’t necessarily work on TV. I mean, sometimes I’ve eaten food on stage but not to this extent! I think one of the best parts of the show is meeting people. That’s one of the things I love to do. I love figuring out what makes them tick, how they got into this business and why. One of the main similarities between chefs and people that I’ve interviewed over the years is that food is their love language. To share food with people is everything and it was never about making millions of dollars but more about the relationship and forming a connection. Which episode would you say that you enjoyed the most? It’s hard to choose just one! There have been so many great experiences, but one of my favourites is when I visited a restaurant called La Palma. It’s an Italian restaurant in Toronto and Chef Craig Harding is an amazing chef. He makes dishes that his mom and grandma taught him. La Palma is known for its 100-layer lasagne and it’s massive. When I took a bite of it, it brought me back to when I was a kid and tasting my dad’s food that he’d make with love. We had to stop shooting because I started crying. It’s been like 14 years since my dad passed away and his love language was always food. He was an Italian immigrant who worked all the time and had three jobs which meant I only saw him on Sundays. But every Sunday, he would make