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
Top 5 Tips for a Smooth Back-to-School Transition
Top 5 Tips for a Smooth Back-to-School Transition by Rachel Naud No matter what age your child is, there is one universal fact when it comes to back to school—every student wants to look and feel their best for the new school year! If your child wants to get back to COOL, we have some suggestions sure to make the grade. Smart Shopping at Walmart Canada We all know back-to-school season can get expensive, which is why we always turn to Walmart Canada for their back-to-school essentials. Here, you can find everything you need in one convenient location, with a wide variety of options and budget-friendly prices. If your teen is embarking on their academic journey, these items have consistently been part of our shopping list. Essentials like Post-its and Scotch Brand products have come in handy over the years. Scotch Magic Tape can be a lifesaver when unexpected accidents happen like your pet dog getting hold of your teen’s homework! Post-it Super Sticky Notes—on the other hand—are versatile for flagging textbook pages or leaving notes around the house. Add a bit of excitement to your back-to-school preparations with the Noted by Post-it collection. It's like a treasure trove of cool designs and accessories, where you can create a unique and curated vibe. What's even better is that these items can really set the stage for a successful school year! Back-to-School Stylish Essentials Whether you have a tween or a teen, one thing is for certain–everyone wants to look and feel good for back to school. Many students have found Under Armour backpacks to be a reliable choice throughout their school years. These backpacks are not only stylish but also built to handle heavy textbooks and gym gear, making them a practical choice for parents. Their Hustle Sport Backpack is water-resistant and has a durable bottom. It also has a laptop sleeve, which is perfect for going to and from class. New shoes are also a must for back-to-school and these Unisex SlipSpeed Mesh Training Shoes have a pretty cool convertible heel thing going on! It's a game-changer, allowing you to easily switch from training to recovery mode. No need to lug around an extra pair of shoes, which is a total win, especially for students with early morning or after-school practices. Also, why not grab a treat for yourself too? The Under Armour Essential Oversized Crew fleece sweatshirt offers a super cozy and soft fit. Its oversized design
3 reasons why your teen should spend less time on social media
3 reasons why your teen should spend less time on social media by Isabel Tennant Social media seems to be an unstoppable force these days. Children and teenagers of all ages often have access to a wide range of online content. While there are many good aspects to this relatively new phenomenon, it's important for a parent or caregiver to be aware of the potential risks. Children’s brains undergo critical changes during their adolescent years, and their experiences during this time play a major role in shaping them as they become adults. With the impacts of social media just beginning to be understood, here are three reasons why you shouldn’t feel bad about limiting your teenager’s social media usage. Self-esteem It's tough to find an unfiltered and genuine image online. Photos posted on social media are often edited to enhance beauty, presenting a distorted reality to teenagers. For them, this presents a challenging juxtaposition between how they truly look and how they think they should look. Obsessing over perceived flaws and seeking validation through likes and followers can negatively impact their self-esteem. This often leads to mental health issues such as anxiety, body dysmorphia, and eating disorders in teenagers. Research suggests that teens don’t have to cut out social media use entirely to start feeling more positive about themselves. In fact, one study found that reducing consumption by just 50% brought about major improvements in the teenage participants’ self-esteem. Other healthy ways to boost your teen’s self-esteem include encouraging them to spend time working on their hobbies and meeting up with their friends away from screens. It’s a good idea to give your teenager plenty of positive reminders about their personal achievements and attributes to help them focus on what makes them special as a person. Access to age-inappropriate content Online content is difficult to monitor, and teenagers can easily stumble upon inappropriate videos and websites. Content creators have even been known to hide explicit and disturbing content amidst seemingly innocent videos. Because of this, it's important for parents to know how to keep their children safe online. One way to limit the risks of your child seeing things that may distress or confuse them is to set parental controls. Yes, your teenager wants the freedom to use social media as their friends are doing, but balancing their desire for freedom with a safe online environment is crucial. It’s important to keep communication with your teenager open and ensure they feel
Explore the ‘Natural State’ of Arkansas
Explore the ‘Natural State’ of Arkansas By Rosalind Stefanac With its lush forests, natural springs and ideal mountain biking/hiking terrain, Arkansas is one of those gems in the southern United States that’s still untapped, especially for Canadians. Aptly dubbed the “Natural State,” it features the perfect backdrop for a medley of outdoor activities to keep teens and tweens entertained. Plus, with some of the coolest art exhibits, hotels, restaurants and retail therapy, staying indoors won’t be dissuaded either! Here’s why Arkansas should be on your radar when planning your next family vacation to the U.S. The Ozarks Ozark, the popular TV crime series themed around a family of drug smugglers, may have put this region of the U.S. in the spotlight of late, but in reality, the Ozarks in Arkansas provide a serene setting for hiking, biking, swimming and boating. In Eureka Springs, we took advantage of more than 25 miles of trails in Lake Leatherwood City Park for a guided hike, followed by a canoe ride on the 85-acre, cold spring-fed lake formed by hand-cut, native limestone dams. We loved seeing all the diverse lake wildlife up close, including herons, wild turkeys, bald eagles and catfish. Cabins and campsites are available for rent here too. For mountain biking and hiking enthusiasts, there is Coler Mountain Bike Preserve in Bentonville. With 300 acres of beautifully maintained trails (and amenities), it’s open until 11 pm and free for daily visits. Try your hand at scaling The Rise, then take a break at the open-air Airship café for a healthy smoothie or ice cream. Haunted nights While in Eureka Springs, dare to stay at least one night in the Crescent Hotel & Spa, which provides stellar views of the Ozark mountains. Built in 1886, it has been beautifully updated while retaining its historic charm—but is also purported to be one of the country’s most haunted hotels. We took a tour that ended in the spooky basement and heard chilling tales about the hotel’s earlier iteration as a medical institute providing questionable cancer treatments. Kids will enjoy staff stories of many ghost sightings throughout the hotel over the years. Cool art exhibits Arkansas has a rich art scene with mostly free exhibits geared to all ages. We started outdoors in the capital city of Little Rock at the Vogel Schwartz Sculpture Garden, which features 90 works of art set against landscapes in Riverfront Park on the banks of the Arkansas River. The
Mother’s Day 2023: Spoil Mom with these 9 Unforgettable Gifts
Mother's Day 2023: Spoil Mom with these 9 Unforgettable Gifts by InBetween Magazine Let's face it: moms have superpowers. They're the unsung heroes who juggle a million things at once, and somehow, they still manage to keep everything running smoothly. With Mother's Day just around the corner, it's time to recognize their extraordinary efforts and make them feel like the superstars they are. To help you achieve favourite child status (we won't tell your siblings!), we've compiled a list of nine unique and thoughtful gifts that'll have your mom raving for days. Lego Wildflower Bouquet: Unconventional Blooms Swap the traditional bouquet with a playful twist! Gift your mom with the Lego Wildflower Bouquet set, a delightful blend of nature and creativity. This building set includes eight different species of wildflowers, offering endless customization with 939 pieces and 16 adjustable stems. And unlike any other traditional blooms, this lasting masterpiece won't ever wilt. Shop your blooms here. Kinka Izakaya Experience: Foodie Bliss for Mom Whisk your mom away on a culinary adventure at Kinka Izakaya. With their limited-time Mother's Day menu from May 12th-14th, she can indulge in mouth-watering dishes like Beef Shabu Salad and Salmon Oshizushi, and satisfy her sweet tooth with Matcha Tiramisu. To top it off, Kinka Izakaya offers a gift card promotion: get 15% off in-store gift card purchases of $50 or more from May 1st-14th. Your mom will enjoy exceptional service, delectable food, and a beautiful ambiance, making this Mother's Day one she won't forget. Click here to avail your discount. Dans un Jardin Mother's Day Gift Set: Luxurious Pampering Help mom unwind and indulge with the Dans un Jardin Mother's Day Gift Set, all packaged in a beautiful ivory organza bag. Featuring a Hibiscus shower gel and body cream, a Cranberry handmade soap, and an exfoliating washcloth, this luxurious ensemble is a spa day waiting to happen—right in the comfort of your own home. The Hibiscus body cream, made with 95% natural ingredients, will leave her skin feeling soft and delicately scented, while the shower gel offers a refreshing blend of citrus and floral aromas. The artisan soap boasts a gourmet, fruity scent and glycerin for hydration and protection. Order your set here. Skechers Hands-Free Slip-ins™: The Ultimate Mom Shoes Upgrade mom's wardrobe with the stylish and functional Skechers Hands-Free Slip-ins. These shoes feature an exclusive Heel Pillow, Stretch Fit, and Touchless Fit design for effortless comfort. The Air-Cooled Memory Foam cushioned insole will make her feel like she's walking on
Prom 2023: 3 Tips to Suit Up Your Teen for the Big Night
Prom 2023: 3 Tips to Suit Up Your Teen for the Big Night Prom season is here, and the quest for the ultimate suit is well underway! Now it’s time to dust off some old-school promo photos and reminisce on the good ole’ days. This milestone can be thrilling for parents and teens alike. But between organizing day-of details, finding a corsage, and securing the perfect look, prom planning can often be stressful. Thankfully, Tip Top is the one-stop shop for all your teen’s prom needs. This makes it easier for prom-goers (and their parents!) by offering an extensive selection of suit styles and colours at unbeatable prices. Something for everyone Everyone deserves to shine at their prom. Whether it’s a bold pink suit, a solid bowtie that matches their date’s look, or a pair of fun “Class of 2023” socks, Tip Top’s wide range of options guarantees a look to suit anyone’s unique flair. Great picks for a great price Prom shopping doesn’t have to break the bank. In fact, Tip Top's premium suits are not only more affordable than rentals but also allow shoppers to keep (and re-wear) these stylish ensembles. Plus, with bundles like “buy the jacket get the pants for free,” prom shopping has never been more accessible. The perfect fit Parents, we've all learned from previous prom seasons that a flawlessly tailored suit remains timeless. Tip Top’s in-store tailoring service ensures that prom-goers are guaranteed to leave feeling happy and comfortable with their custom fit, poised to revel in the unforgettable evening. Not to mention, they will now be prepared for future events where they can flaunt their distinctive style. Prom shopping doesn’t have to be stressful. Tip Top is helping to make this shopping season as seamless as possible with many different styles, sizes, and looks, all at affordable prices. Embrace this opportunity to bond with your teen and create lasting memories as you embark on the quest for the perfect outfit!
Jordyn Curet on Her Recipe to Success in Pursuing Her Passions
Jordyn Curet on Her Recipe to Success in Pursuing Her Passions By Arianne Granada In a world where most teens are struggling to find their footing as they come of age, Jordyn Curet has already carved out her path in life by establishing herself as a talented actor and singer. Despite being only all of 14 years old, she’s making waves in the entertainment industry and is racking up a growing list of impressive credits under her belt. Her talent has taken her to the big screen with roles in various TV shows and movies, including Disney series Bizaardvark to the acclaimed film Marriage Story, alongside Hollywood A-listers Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver. Her most recent portrayal as Shamiah in the ABC sitcom Home Economics has further propelled her career, garnering her widespread recognition for her exceptional acting chops where she plays daughter to Caitlin McGee’s Sarah and Sasheer Zamata’s Denise, as the couple struggles to make ends meet in their family. Catching up with the young star in our recent interview, Curet lets us in on her journey in the industry thus far, her love for music and acting, and her aspirations for the future. Tell us about how you started out in the industry. I actually started acting when I was only 18 months old! At first, I did some simple print work modelling for clothing brands like GAP and Skechers. But it wasn't until I was around seven years old that I really got into acting. My mom waited until I expressed interest in it, and once I started, I realized it was something I was truly passionate about. It all started with musical theatre, which I fell in love with when I was around six. I just thought acting was so cool and fun, so I kept at it. I booked my first Target commercial and that led to more commercial gigs. And then came my big break — I landed a role on Bizaardvark with Olivia Rodrigo, who was an amazing co-star. That experience really helped launch my career with Disney, and I've been working with them ever since. I've gotten to work on some really fun stuff, and one of my favourite experiences was getting a big screen role in Marriage Story with Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver. You’ve been in Home Economics since 2021, playing Shamiah. Can you give us some insight into what she’s like? Shamiah is a really sweet girl who values
3 Products to Spring Clean Your Self-Care Routine
3 Products to Spring Clean Your Self-Care Routine By Arianne Granada Do you feel it? That warm, fresh breeze that signals the peak of spring? There's nothing quite like soaking up the sun and taking in the stunning greenery all around. Bees are buzzing, birds are chirping, and flowers are blooming—which means it's also time for allergy season! As we spend more time outdoors and are exposed to environmental stressors like pollen and UV rays, it's crucial to keep ourselves in tip-top shape. With spring comes unique challenges, and it can be tough to prioritize our own self-care amidst the hustle and bustle. That's why we've curated the ultimate spring self-care guide for you. This features tips and products to help busy parents like you feel refreshed and rejuvenated this season. Don't worry, we won't make you do any crazy yoga poses or run a marathon (unless that's your thing, of course!). So, grab a cup of tea and get ready to indulge in some well-deserved *me time*. Spruce up your oral care If you're looking to up your oral health game this spring, Listerine Cool Mint Mouthwash is a must-have. Not only does it provide longer-lasting fresh breath, but it also reaches parts of your mouth that you miss when brushing and flossing. It's a powerful weapon that's been shown to kill up to 99.9% of germs that cause bad breath, plaque buildup, and gingivitis. Plus, it's been proven to destroy 5x more plaque above the gumline than flossing alone. So, if you want to give your mouth the ultimate spring clean, add Listerine Cool Mint Mouthwash to your routine. Trust us, your teeth and gums will thank you for it! Revitalize your skin Spring's not all fun and games. It can also bring environmental stressors that can take a toll on your skin. Lontreau's Game Changer Global Antioxidant Serum can help you step up your spring self-care game by offering broad-spectrum protection against free radicals, infrared rays, and blue light. This lightweight serum packs a punch with its 9 types of antioxidants that help energize and hydrate your skin at the cellular level, thanks to its key ingredients: BVE and REX. BVE is a 100% animal-free collagen technology that restores elastin in your skin and stimulates collagen production. This results in firmer, more youthful-looking skin. Meanwhile, REX is a biomimetic ingredient that acts like a second skin, protecting your cells from urban pollution and blue light. It's like a superhero
5 reasons to bring your teen to The Office Experience
5 reasons to bring your teen to The Office Experience by Angelyn Kwek In the immortal words of Michael Scott: “Oh my God, it's happening! Everybody, stay calm. Stay f**king calm!” That’s right, The Office Experience has landed in Toronto. Following its successful staging in Chicago and Washington D.C, the widely-acclaimed sitcom brings its immersive fan experience to our shores where you can make like a Dunder Mifflin employee and re-live your favourite moments from the show. Between its iconic one-liners and pride of place in pop culture, everyone from Boomers to Gen Z can certainly relate despite the series having ended its run over a decade ago. In fact, the enduring hilarity of the show is such that we couldn’t resist a visit ourselves. So we moseyed on down to Yorkdale mall, dutifully scrawled our names on our complementary staff badges, and became employees for the day at Scranton’s most renowned paper company. It’s from personal experience when we say you’ll want to bring your teen (and other assorted household members) to The Office Experience to level up family sitcom night. We give you five reasons why you ought to go ASAP as possible: The Memory Lane You start off reminiscing the finest displays of tomfoolery this century has ever seen, courtesy of Jim Halpert. See the original props and costumes right after stepping foot into Scranton Business Park, from the infamous ‘Stapler in Jello’ to a display case dedicated to achievement certifications—Creed’s fancy plaque declaring him a genuine survivor of the 1960s, anyone?—and the all-important Dundie Awards. Facilities Review Take a minute (or ten) at Dwight’s Caffeine Corner before entering the Dunder Mifflin office where the entire set has been recreated, right down to the industrial grey carpeting. Try your hand at being a receptionist at Pam’s desk, or gun straight for branch manager by claiming Michael’s seat so you can issue orders while waving around your ‘World’s Best Boss’ mug. And if you’re invested in WUPHF.com, be sure to pop into Ryan’s closet. Picture Day There are photo ops aplenty, with a handful of designated spots where you can commemorate iconic scenes with your picture taken by the pros. You’ll be given a card with a handy QR code to capture your re-imagining of Kevin’s Chili Spill, the Office Olympics, and even your dance moves as you shimmy down the aisle at Jim and Pam’s wedding ceremony. After which you can revisit your antics whenever you like and download them