5 Gift Ideas for the Mom Who Seems to Have It All
5 Gift Ideas for the Mom Who Seems to Have It All by Frances Go Have you ever found yourself thinking, 'What do you get for a mom who already has everything?' It's a common challenge, but don't worry! There are plenty of ways to show her how much you care. Whether it's a heartfelt gesture, a personalized gift, or just spending quality time together, there's always something special you can do to make her day. We've compiled these gift ideas for you to try: Craft a Personalized PhotobookCompile cherished memories from recent family adventures or the past year into a stunning photo book, offering her a timeless keepsake she'll treasure forever. Pour Your Heart into Handwritten LettersExpress your deepest emotions and appreciation through heartfelt letters, letting her know just how much she means to you. Share stories of special moments you've shared and the impact she's had on your life. These personal touches will make your gift truly memorable. Gift of RelaxationEase her stress by giving the house a thorough tidy-up, allowing her to unwind without the worry of chores weighing on her mind. Consider adding small touches like fresh flowers or lighting her favourite scented candles to create a tranquil atmosphere she'll appreciate. It's these thoughtful gestures that show her just how much you care.Breakfast Fit for a QueenKickstart her day with a decadent breakfast served in the comfort of her own bed, a thoughtful gesture showcasing your culinary skills and love. Quality Time TogetherPlan a special outing with Mom, because no gift compares to the gift of time. Whether it's a scenic picnic or trying out a new hobby together, create unforgettable moments that'll stay with her forever.
How to Cope with Your Empty Nest
How to Cope with Your Empty Nest By Favour Jonah One minute, we hear the sound of children's laughter echoing through the halls, and then suddenly it fades into a lingering emptiness. A calm understanding sets in—our children are all grown up. Parenthood, once characterized by a hectic schedule of early weekend practices, school concerts, birthday parties, and field trips, shifts into a new period of tranquillity known as empty nesting. Empty nesting is defined as a period of transition when children are prepared to move out and start living independently. It could also mean an empty house without the children present. This may happen when they go to college, leave their parents' house, relocate to a different city or country, or begin a family. Suddenly, the home seems quieter, and there is a feeling of change as parents adjust to life without their children always around. For Danielle Miller, a Toronto-based mom who just went through the empty nest stage, the change was emotional and difficult. Reflecting on being a mother of two amazing boys, she acknowledges that her daily life was centred around her sons' schedules and activities. "When they departed for university, I found myself struggling with feelings of emptiness and doubt." Similar to Miller, a lot of parents experience strong emotions during this stage, which can make it challenging for them to cope. Over time, it impacts not only their self-relationship but also their relationships with others, particularly with their significant others. Tim Albert, a father of one, and his wife, Jules, residing in Mississauga, found it challenging to reconnect with each other after their child left the nest. "We were often unsure of what to do most times," he revealed. We reached out to Krista Huyer, a certified psychotherapist who focuses on supporting individuals, specifically women, in navigating healing and empowering themselves to enhance self-esteem, to learn more about empty nesting and how it impacts people, as well as coping mechanisms to adapt. Understanding Empty Nesting Huyer believes that empty nesting goes beyond a quiet house; it signifies a significant change in family dynamics that results in a sense of something being absent. “Nesting is such a natural human instinct for us to create a home, not just a home, but a safe space for the children,” she says. "When this home that we've created doesn't have what we had filled it with, that's going to feel unfamiliar for people, and perhaps create
10 Teen Slang Words You Need to Know Now
Teen Language Decoded: 10 Teen Slang Words You Need to Know Now By Favour Jonah Have you ever observed how every generation has its own unique way of communicating? It's a distinct code of words that characterizes their identity, commonly known as slang. The Evolution of Slang Once considered very cool, Millennials' slang is now preserved like old records in an archive. Just as we're starting to adjust, Gen Z arrives with a new set of words to communicate and connect with their peers. Making matters even more interesting, we now have Gen Alpha (children born from 2010 onwards), bringing their vocabulary to the table and keeping us engaged. Modern Teen Slang If you find yourself in a conversation with tweens or teens, you might feel completely lost. Sometimes, you may need to grab your phone and look up slang on Google to stay current with the conversation. But why not flip the script and be the parent who's not only informed but also speaks their language? With some help, you can effortlessly join those conversations like a pro—or even throw in a playful tease using their lingo! So, here's your updated teen slang cheat sheet for 2024. Bussin If something's "bussin," it's not just good – it's great! This positive term is all about describing something truly awesome and outstanding. Skibidi This word may sound mysterious, but people use it to sound cool rather than to convey a specific meaning. It often appears in a negative context to describe something bad or evil. Its origin traces back to the phrase "skibidi toilet," inspired by a viral video meme of a man’s head in a toilet. People frequently add phrases like "skibidi ohio rizz" or "skibidi ohio sigma rizz" to enhance its charm. Rizz To have "rizz," means to be good at flirting. It's not just about charisma; it's about effortlessly charming others with smooth pickup lines. A "rizzler" is someone who at flirting, a professional in flirting. Ate This is used to praise someone for doing something exceptional. It means someone did a great job. For example, "She ate and left no crumbs" means she did something amazing. Yes! "Left no crumbs" is another slang. People normally pair it with the word "Ate." Do it for the plot This phrase is all about seizing the moment and being the main character of every narrative. It's like saying, "Take control of your life and make the most of it." It's a motivational phrase to inspire people
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