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 OzarksOzark, 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 nightsWhile 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 everyoneEveryone 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 priceProm 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 fitParents, 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 ReviewTake 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 DayThere 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
5 Egg-cellent Ideas to Celebrate Easter with the Family
5 Egg-cellent Ideas for this Long Easter Weekend By Rachel Naud Want to have an egg-cellent Easter? Whether you’re hosting family and friends or just hanging with the fam, we have some ideas you and yours will surely want to hop to! Choco-licious Easter Treats Easter just isn't Easter without a chocolate bunny! Who doesn't love starting their day with a sweet treat? Lindt's chocolates are the perfect way to make your Easter celebrations even more magical and fun. Lindt's GOLD BUNNY is a must-have for any Easter basket or as a prize for the ultimate egg hunt champion. This charming chocolate bunny is sure to put a smile on the faces of everyone in your family. You can also use chocolate as décor for your Easter Brunch place settings and the Floral Edition of the Lindt GOLD BUNNY look stunning adorned with colourful flowers and accented with a red ribbon and gold bell! And, for an extra special touch, you can even visit select Lindt Chocolate Shops to customize your Lindt GOLD BUNNY’s with a name or special Easter greeting. Visit a Lindt Chocolate shop near you or shop online at lindt.ca for all of your Easter chocolate needs! Hoppy Treats for EveryoneWho says bunnies have to have all the fun at Easter? This year, let's throw some hippos into the mix with Healthy Hippo candy! This candy is not only delicious but it's also sweetened with Monk Fruit, making it a healthier choice for you and your family. This candy also won't stick to your mouth, so you can enjoy every bite without any funky aftertaste. Plus, Healthy Hippo candy doesn't contain sugar alcohol or stevia, which can sometimes upset your stomach. There’s also a flavour for everyone’s taste whether you like sweet, sour or even fizzy! Check them out at healthyhippo.ca Easter Gift Hunt Made EasyWhen it's time to hop into Easter gift shopping for the little ones in your family, the Toys R Us Easter Shop is where it's at! They've got all the fun gift ideas you need, from basket builders to outdoor toys that will keep them entertained all long weekend. Get ready for some outdoor fun in the sun with the Unicorn Horns Sidewalk Chalk or The Primo Foldable Scooter, complete with colourful LED light-up wheels. And for some indoor excitement, the Smashers Mega Light Up Surprise Egg by ZURU has over 25 surprises, including slime and fizz volcano explosions! Don't miss out on the
5 ways to make your Easter weekend more colourful
5 ways to make your Easter weekend more colourful This Easter weekend, planning for a fun and festive holiday is surely on the agenda for many a parent. While coming up with a new twist to Easter classics like the requisite egg hunt can be challenging—especially if you have a brood that looks forward to something different and/or exciting each year—going the route of ‘big and bold’ isn’t the only option when it comes to the day’s activities. Here, we present five creative and budget-friendly ideas that’ll help you pull off a fun-filled Easter weekend chock-full of colour your loved ones will appreciate. Colourful Egg HuntUpgrade your basic egg hunt by giving the colours extra meaning. Assign one colour to one team and make sure to do the colouring well before the start of the race so that your teams can bond once they’ve been designated their shade. When the competition starts, sit back and watch how colourful the team-based competition can be! Sweet TreatsAdd some sweets that taste as good as they look. With HopScotch the Bunny Cake from Baskin-Robbins, you can be sure your guests will smile when you call them to the table. The adorable bunny-shaped cake will be a fan favourite for family and friends of all ages with its charming design and customizable flavours. Paint NightTap into your artistic side with a paint night (or day) for the kids. Invite an artist via video or call in a favour from the artsy one among your friends who can offer you step-by-step instructions to create your own canvas. A fun and colourful activity, you’ll have the added bonus of sending everyone home with their own work of art. Aspiring adults looking to channel their inner van Gogh are equally welcomed to paint alongside their mini-mes. Family YES DayA family ‘YES day’ is key to blending quality time and limitless fun. Whether it’s an activity, meal request, or a trip outside, spend the day giving each family member one request to which all must say “yes”. Add to this the caveat that the request must include colour, be it an activity outdoors, food or clothing, and the creative and crazy ideas will be rolling in! Rainbow of FunPlay around with food colouring and turn simple meals and snacks into a rainbow of fun! From pancakes to muffins and colourful pasta, adding a little colour to jazz up the menu will go a
Snacks, smart tech, and sneaks: 3 springtime essentials for the warmer weather
Snacks, smart tech, and sneaks: 3 springtime essentials for the warmer weather With spring officially upon us, you’ll want to prep for the season with these must-haves to get you in gear for the coming months Spring has sprung, and that means venturing outdoors at long last to take in your daily dose of sunshine and the revival of assorted flora and fauna. It also means anticipating more quality time with friends, family, and family pets as we eventually shake off the cold to usher in the group gatherings. To mark the change of season, we’re sharing our top three essentials when it comes to swapping out your winter paraphernalia for something more suited to spring’s milder temperatures. From snacks to smart tech and sneaks, here’s how we’re getting kitted out for springtime. Picnic treats to pack Just in time for spring, Loacker—the Italian heritage brand known for its delicious wafer biscuits—has released a new line of peanut butter snacks. What with 90 percent of Canadians noting that they love PB, this is a welcome treat for families. The Peanut Butter Classic Wafer and Quadratini are the ultimate upgrade to peanut butter on toast, featuring an irresistible combination of crispy wafers and scrumptious peanut butter cream filling. Whenever you need your fix of PB, these are the perfect snack for lunches, on the go and more. Bonus: The Tortina is the ideal sweet treat to make your (or someone else’s) day. Two round wafers are filled with delicious peanut cream and dipped in chocolate to create a taste to savour again and again. Say bye-bye to backyard bugs We may all be looking forward to seeing longer days of sunlight, but one thing nobody looks forward to is mosquito season. It’s coming, whether we like it or not, but with a Thermacell E55 mosquito repeller creating a zone of protection for you and your family, it’s easy to get back to enjoying the great outdoors without constantly stressing over mozzie bites. This is the perfect accessory to keep those insects away while you lounge in your backyard, picnic at the park, or set up camp in the woods. The compact and portable E55 makes repelling mosquitoes as easy as the touch of a button without any messy sprays or scented products. Step into a springtime hike Warmer weather means exploring the great outdoors, aka a great opportunity to get moving outside! Fitness walking is more popular than ever and the benefits to
Fruitz Dating App: Say Goodbye to Boring Swipes
Fruitz Dating App: Say Goodbye to Boring Swipes by Arianne Granada Ready to dip your toes back into the dating pool? Looking to date as a single parent can be tough, but Fruitz offers a fun and playful approach to online dating. With Fruitz, you can let go of the pressure and enjoy the journey of finding your perfect match with a light-hearted and enjoyable experience. Gone are the days of swiping endlessly through dating apps, trying to decode vague bios and cheesy pickup lines. Fruitz has revolutionized the online dating game with its fruit-inspired approach. No, seriously—instead of the typical "looking for something serious" or those overused "just here for a good time" opening lines, you can choose a fruit to represent what you're looking for in a relationship. We had the opportunity to sit down with the creators of Fruitz to provide single parents with insights into today's online dating habits. What is Fruitz? Fruitz is a fun and fruit-inspired dating app with a clear goal: release inhibitions and clichés by giving users the freedom to express what they are looking for and save time. Fruitz CEO Julian Kabab explained, "The idea for Fruitz came from my very first experience with dating apps, which was a disaster. Empowering people to be honest with their intentions was our first mission. To do this, we created fruit metaphors to give people a playful way to communicate what they want, removing the fear of judgment for both men and women. At Fruitz, we believe in healthy relationships - whether they are forever or just one night." What makes Fruitz different from other dating apps is that users select a fruit to represent what they're looking for in a relationship:Cherry: To find your other half #TieTheKnot Grape: To share a glass of wine and maybe dine #NoOneNightStand Watermelon: To find fruits with benefits #NoSeedsAttached Peach: To dance in your sheets tonight #GoBananasIt's a fun and playful way to communicate intentions and make dating life more straightforward. How do I find my match? The user experience on Fruitz reflects its concept of being simple and effective. When people register, they pick the fruit that represents what they are looking for. Once two users swipe each other to the right, they form a match (or in Fruitz language–a smoothie!). Before the conversation starts, one of the two must choose an icebreaker: soft or spicy–the choice is up to the user. Once both have completed