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
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
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
4 Trendy Gift Ideas That’ll Impress Your Tweens and Teens
4 Trendy Gift Ideas That'll Impress Your Tweens and Teens by Rachel Naud Tweens and Teens can be hard to shop for with fads that come and go faster than those eye rolls they give you on the daily! This season, surprise them with everything they’ll love whether they’re fashionistas, sneakerheads, gamers or more! For the Gamer With the holiday season just around the corner, who else is looking forward to their annual family reunion? The Nintendo Switch system is a great way for the entire family to play together. The Nintendo Switch – Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Bundle is a perfect choice, featuring a Nintendo Switch with the fan-favourite game Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and a 3-Month Nintendo Switch Online Individual Membership. Fun fact: did you know that you can double your courses in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe? Well, you can with the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe - Booster Course Pass DLC! This downloadable content (available separately) adds a whopping 48 extra courses, including the crowd-favourite – Mute City. You can grab The Nintendo Switch - Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Bundle at most major retailers and nintendo.ca for $399.99 – a savings value of just under $90! You can download the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe - Booster Course Pass for $32.99. For the Athlete For the ultimate sneakerhead in your household, we have the hottest new shoe to add to their holiday wish list. Gift them the Curry 11 Future Curry from Under Armour and the Curry Brand. The UA Intellilknit makes it lightweight, comfortable, and breathable and the flow cushioning provides comfort that is super light, bouncy and has insane grip. And for those teens constantly on the move, the Under Armour Unstoppable ½ zip sweater is an ideal choice for a cool and cozy look. Its breathable and comfortable design makes it suitable for different occasions, whether your teen wants to work out or spend some time with friends. Check out both of these items at ua.ca. For the Trendsetter Winter is all about the accessories. ‘Tis the season to rock those stylish hats, gloves, and earmuffs, and Joe Fresh has the perfect holiday lineup. Not only are these accessories stylish, but they also double as fantastic gifts and stocking stuffers for the fashionista teen on your list. Joe Fresh offers a variety of on-trend styles: from the classic charm of pearl gloves and berets to the playful vibes of their lavender sequin gloves and beanie combo. And of
Why you should make gifting for good your next holiday tradition
Why you should make gifting for good your next holiday tradition The holiday season is a time to reflect on the year behind us and also think ahead to new possibilities. As we consider what we’re grateful for, it can bring us joy to give back to others. The generosity of heart and opportunities to pay it forward are important parts of life, no matter what stage we’re in. Raising kind kids who want to make a difference in the world is a rewarding aspect of parenthood. One way to engage the family in giving back is to include the kids in choosing causes to support. Why not start a holiday wish list that goes beyond material things and inspires giving gifts that have the ability to change lives for children just like yours? Coming together in the holiday spirit and making a commitment to others can be the start of a feel-good tradition that is educational, grounding and even bonding – a win-win scenario! As parents of tweens and teens, we want the best for our kids, which extends to parents all around the world. Education is the most empowering and inspirational gift for children of all ages, but unfortunately, access to education isn’t always equal. Canadian charity, Children Believe, plays a part in the lives of more than 1.2 million children and youth worldwide. Each year, it releases a specially curated Believe Book with plenty of Gifts for Good Inspiration, starting at just $25. Each item is designed to help children and their families overcome barriers to education, something that not only changes their lives – but opens their world of opportunities, too. To inspire your family’s Gifts for Good choices, here are three examples that help children choose their own life path, dream fearlessly and be a voice for change: Empowering Girls From inspiring girls to pursue STEM education to helping young women become leaders within their communities, there are many ways sending a girl to school can have a big impact. Educated girls who are actively in the classroom invest 90 per cent of their income back into their children’s health, education, and communities. These girls are also three times less likely to marry before the age of 18 compared to girls with no education. Through curated workshops and resources, girls are equipped with the tools they need to succeed and change their world for the better. Life-changing Livestock Did you know that one of
5 Reasons to Visit Croatia With Your Kids
5 Reasons to Visit Croatia With Your Kids By Rosalind Stefanac With a population of only four million, Croatia may be relatively tiny compared to other countries, but it packs a punch as a vacation destination. Situated in southeastern Europe, Croatia has gained popularity as a tourist hotspot for excellent reasons. Whether it's exploring Roman ruins, hiking alongside waterfalls, or plunging into its crystal-clear, azure sea, Croatia offers enough natural beauty and kid-friendly activities to keep the whole brood engaged. Our first visit to Croatia took place when my sons were little. Upon returning as teenagers, they relished the opportunity to do some exploring on their own while we savoured the breathtaking scenery. Here are some of the reasons why Croatia stands out as a top choice for family travel: Swimming in the Adriatic Sea Croatia boasts an extensive coastline along the stunning Adriatic Sea. This body of water is renowned for its calm currents and warm temperatures, making it an ideal destination for activities like swimming, snorkelling, paddleboarding, kayaking, and diving. Sailing is a popular pastime, or you can opt to rent a motorboat and explore the local islands yourself. We joined an all-day fishing boat excursion where the boys were able to jump off the rails and swim and snorkel at their leisure. The crew even prepared a fresh fish lunch using their catch of the day. While on the northern coast's island of Mali Losinj, you might even catch a glimpse of a dolphin or two. Just be sure to pack water shoes (or buy them there) as stone beaches are the norm throughout Croatia. Island hopping Although Croatia often touts itself as the "land of 1,000 islands," it actually boasts 1,244 islands, islets, and rock formations, of which 48 are inhabited, and one has a heart-shaped configuration (my personal favourite!). The island of Cres is the largest and well worth exploring, but be sure to add Kornati National Park to your list, too. This cluster of 89 uninhabited islands, islets, reefs (and cliffs) are perfect for exploring on a day trip. This is island hopping at its best. Hiking through waterfalls and mountains Croatia offers a multitude of hiking and biking trails of all levels. Near the capital city of Zagreb, you'll discover numerous marked hiking trails leading up to the Sljeme peak on Medvenica mountain, which stands at 1,035 meters above sea level. We also ventured to Krka National Park on the coast, renowned
Empower Yourself with AI Skills: A Quick Guide for Parents
Empower Yourself with AI Skills: A Quick Guide for Parents As we gear up for the back-to-school season, parents are often knee-deep in managing their teens' schedules and shopping for school supplies. But there's a whole new world of possibilities opening up, driven by technology like Generative AI, that many adults are eager to explore this fall. Studies also tell us that this learning can be incredibly rewarding, especially in Canada, where there's a growing AI skills gap, potentially leading to over $100,000 more per year. So how can adults build AI skills without spending years in college or university? The good news is that there are numerous quick, fun, and free courses available for people of all ages to acquire the most in-demand tech skills today. Leading tech companies like Amazon Web Services (AWS) are offering programs both directly to individuals and through colleges and employers. From composing music on a keyboard to programming tiny race cars using AI and Machine Learning skills—today’s tech is a lot easier to learn than you think! Here are some exciting examples and handy tips for parents looking to embark on this AI learning journey: Check out free programs that let you have fun while learning: AWS DeepComposer This program lets you create your own music while learning generative AI techniques. Whether you have a physical keyboard or prefer a virtual one, you can input melodies and harmonies and experiment with various musical styles like rock, pop, jazz, or classical. AWS DeepRacer This one is perfect for both beginners and experts. You get to program and race tiny autonomous vehicles, gaining valuable experience in advanced Machine Learning techniques. Plus, there are AWS DeepRacer leagues where you can compete for some exciting prizes and scholarships. AWS DeepLens Dive into the basics of machine learning using a wireless video camera. Using a technique called computer vision, you can build real-world projects that allow the camera to analyze and act on what it sees. All these programs offer a free trial or free tier, so you can easily kickstart your AI journey. Look for ‘micro credentials’ at your local college or online: These short courses are designed to quickly teach new skills or enhance existing ones and have become incredibly popular. Micro-credentials provide industry-recognized certifications, and a whopping 64% of employers value them as a clear indication of a job seeker's dedication to learning. AWS Skill Builder This platform offers quick and convenient access to over 600 free, on-demand digital