Christmas Gift Ideas for the 3 T’s: Toddlers, Tweens and Teens
Christmas Gift Ideas for the 3 T's: Toddlers, Tweens and Teens by Rachel Naud There are so many gift ideas on the market, it can be overwhelming choosing the right one for the 3 T's in your life – toddlers, tweens and teens! After all, you want to hit all the key elements to a fun toy for the littles — one that appeals to their sensory, creativity and development! And tweens and teens? Pick the wrong gift and cue the eye rolls! Parents need help navigating this tricky season of gift giving and we are here to help! For ToddlersWe love this toy, coming out of Moose Toys, because it combines everything I loved as a child – the comfort of a stuffed buddy with the scent of your favourite frozen treat! This toy is like magic! The Cookeez Makery comes with everything children need to mix and create a surprise frozen treat. First, they mix the ingredients. Then, using the dough mould and decorations, kids can make their own Freezy Cake. Next, pop it in the fridge and shut the door. In 20 seconds, kids will hear a "ding". It's time to open the fridge and meet a new friend. Wow! A shivering and deliciously scented plush toy that's interactive to play with. There are three deliciously scented friends to choose from, including Strawberry Unicake, Minty Polar Bear and Tiger Berry Ripple! This cool gift is undoubtedly going to be hot this season and you can grab it at most major toy retailers! And also, for the little ones who are a fan of Bluey – the adorable Blue Heeler, The Tile Town Bluey Heeler Home is a gift that will keep them engaged and entertained as they can build Bluey’s home! For TweensWhen choosing a gift for your child, you want something that they will not only like in that moment but something that will keep them engaged for years to come. This year, parents and gift-givers can find amazing gifts for kids at Staples Canada that they can feel good about giving. With the Staples Kids Learn + Play collection, Staples is giving parents gifting options that inspire young minds, spark curiosity and will keep them engaged far beyond the day they open the box. You can find gifts for kids of all ages from brands you love and trust, including LEGO, Crayola, Play-Doh and more. And if you can’t get to a Staples
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
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!
The Gift of Love: 9 Last-Minute Valentine Gifts for the Family
The Gift of Love: 9 Last-Minute Valentine Gifts for the Family Valentine's Day is a time to celebrate love, affection, and the special relationships we have with our loved ones. Whether you're spending it with your significant other, children, or the whole family, it's a day to show those closest to you just how much you care. Bring everyone together this Valentine's Day with thoughtful gifts that create lasting memories! From printable Valentine's Day cards to personalized presents and the classic heart-shaped chocolates, there's something for everyone. These Valentine gifts are not only thoughtful and memorable but also practical and fun, making them great for the whole family. Printable Valentine Cards Celebrate Valentine's Day with a personal touch by printing out custom cards for your loved ones. HP Printables offers a collection of Valentine's Day cards you can print, download, and share with your special someone. From traditional love notes to playful and fun designs, there's something for everyone in the collection. With the option to print at home, you can avoid the hassle and expense of buying cards from a store. Show your family and loved ones how much you care this Valentine's Day with a custom-made card from HP Printables or printables.hp.com. La Vie En Rose Valentine's CollectionThe special lady in your life will love La Vie en Rose's Valentine's Day selection, from lingerie to comfy pajamas. Valentine's Day is always a good time for some new lingerie, but you'll surely love these pajamas. They come in the softest peachy dream fabric you’ll ever feel. Shop all these items at your local La Vie En Rose. Yes I Am Eau de Parfum FragranceValentine's Day is a time to celebrate love and femininity, and what better way to do that than with the signature fragrance of an empowered woman? The Yes I Am Eau de Parfum Fragrance is the perfect gift for the strong, independent woman in your life. Whether she's your partner, mother, daughter, or friend, this fragrance will make her feel special and appreciated. Lindt ChocolatesIndulge in the perfect family treat this Valentine's Day with Lindt chocolates. Chocolate is synonymous with Valentine’s Day. Give a sweet tooth the gift of bliss this Valentine’s Day with a selection of chocolate from Lindt, everyone’s favourite chocolate! The LINDOR Amour Milk Chocolate Hearts Box, LINDOR Amour Milk Chocolate Hearts 3-pack, as well as the Amour TEDDY Milk Chocolate 5-pack, are great to give as individual candy grams for your kids
19 Gifts for Every Family Member: The Ultimate Gift Guide
19 Gifts for Every Family Member: The Ultimate Gift Guide By Arianne Granada Are you having trouble finding gifts for the whole family? We don't blame you. There are a lot of people in your life that deserve to get a gift this holiday season. While we're sure they'd all love an extra pair of socks or another shirt, it's also important to give them something they'll remember and enjoy for years to come. Here are some great choices: Tissot Bellissima Small LadyWhether your mom is an artist or a businesswoman, a classic watch will always be in style — and this one from Tissot is no exception. The Bellissima Small Lady features an elegant design with a timeless rose gold finish and a custom case back engraving for an extra personal touch. She’ll love its jewelry-like feel and versatility to wear with almost any outfit. Everlast Yoga Essential KitHave a sister that's new to yoga and wants to get fit? Maybe she's looking for a way to get in shape that's not expensive and time-consuming but offers benefits such as pain relief, reduced depression levels, and increased muscle mass? This Everlast Yoga Essential Kit might just be the perfect gift. The kit comes with three great tools: a cotton yoga strap; lightweight EVA foam bricks; and a non-slip mat with printed poses on it. The perfect gift for beginning yogis who want to build confidence in their practice as well as more advanced students who want something they can carry while travelling. Tissot Gentleman Powermatic Open HeartHave you ever wanted to pamper your Dad with a luxury gift? Well, we’ve got the perfect classic and timeless (pun intended!) gift for him. Featuring a contemporary open-heart design, the Tissot Gentleman Powermatic Open Heart is an elegant watch. Its strong curved horns create a harmonious continuation of the watch, ensuring pleasant wear around the wrist. It is a stunning piece that dad will treasure for years to come. Jack Black Refresh & Restore SetIf you have an athletic brother who's always on the go and needs to start taking care of their skin, give them the Jack Black Refresh & Restore set. With a body & hair cleanser, body lotion, and face cleanser, this set meets all his daily care needs. These best-selling formulas provide him with everything he needs to look good, smell good, and feel good all day long. Eilish Eau de Parfum 2-Piece Holiday Gift SetIf you have
Paula Jiven Explores Musicality in The Duality in Me
Paula Jiven Explores Musicality in The Duality in Me By Tanishq Desai Swedish rising pop sensation, Paula Jiven is kicking the doors down with her radiant creation of original pop music on her debut EP, The Duality In Me, out May 6th. Curating a sonic world that is truly her own, Paula steps out of one phase of life and into another by discovering her sound and sharing the creation process behind songs that she’s been writing since she was 13. Now, the singer/songwriter is ready to reveal her multidimensional musicality to the world with her dreamy pop synth moment. At the age of 13, you performed at Sweden’s Got Talent and got a Golden Buzzer from the judges. What was the build-up like from the moment a young Paula Jiven picked up a violin on SGT and getting a golden buzzer? “So yes I started playing violin at the age of three, and at that point, it was more so just something for fun. I had so much fun practicing how to play, and ooh I got better, but for many years it was just something that I did like how other kids played football. And I guess at some point it started becoming more of a form of an expression. I started singing as an art form, and by the time I was on Sweden’s Got Talent, I was writing my own songs but I was not ready to release them in any way." "It was so scary, even playing them for my own family. But I did that show because I wanted to get into the music industry and I wanted to be able to build some contacts. Get my name out there and that’s kind of what happened with that golden buzzer. I honestly blacked out when that happened, of course, I was so happy and excited like yeah we finally did that. But usually, on these artistic journeys, it’s not all about the moments, it’s about the build-up to it. When it happened I was just like okay good, that worked out, next step and I think we need to see more of that in the creative industry like I did that. ” Since then you have been very careful in selecting the writers and producers you work with on your music, is there a specific process that you apply when you pick collaborators for your projects? “Basically, I’ll do sessions. And
Actor Dan Payne’s Judgement-Free Philosophy on Parenting and Mental Health
Actor Dan Payne's Judgement-Free Philosophy on Parenting and Mental Health By Tanishq DesaiFrom John Tucker Must Die to Watchmen - Dan Payne has over 100 credits in the form of television features or indie films to his name. Apart from being a full-time husband, father and actor who actively advocates for mental health, the Mulligans heartthrob talks about his upcoming feature film, Corrective Measures, alongside Bruce Willis and Michael Rooker.Tell us about your new movie, Corrective Measures. “Well, it’s a big step up for me! I got to work with a couple of guys that I consider to be legends and icons — Bruce Willis and Michael Rooker — so I did a little happy dance the moment I found out that it was happening. And I also get to play a character that I’m not used to. He’s an ex-military vigilante, which is kind of far away from the loving-nature-doting-husband type of roles that I’ve played! This project is on a way bigger scale too. It’s Fox Tubi’s first original content release and I’m honoured that I get to be a part of it.” You play Walter Arthur Locke (aka Payback). Tell us about your character and what drew you to him? “So Corrective Measures is a graphic novel turned into a movie and Sean Patrick O'Reilly who directed, wrote and executive produced this did a magical job of making it a fun story and a great ride to be on. My character, Payback, is an ex-military guy, and some things happened to him that put him on a pretty strong vigilante path of revenge. But he ends up in one of the state-of-the-art hidden octane penitentiaries where all the main bad guys of the world get stuck. Now we’ll have to watch the movie to know if he ends up there on purpose but he’s got a pretty strong vendetta against criminals. When a radio magnetic pulse goes out over the world, it gives some people superpowers, kills the rest and some get mutated because of it. But this gives us a little good vs. evil because the good people put their powers to good use and the bad tend to go to evil, which eventually leads them all into this prison so you understand how it can get when there’s a bunch of superheroes and badasses put together. It can get messy.” Coming back to you working with some icons in this
5 Creative Ways To Spend Time With Mom For Mother’s Day
5 Creative Ways To Spend Time With Mom For Mother’s DayAlthough one day a year really isn’t enough to honour the person that gave birth to you and raised you, Mother’s Day is a great way to show mom how much you appreciate her. It turns out that finding the best gift for mom is easier than you think! Here are 5 ways to add some laughter, sweetness, and love to your Mother’s Day celebration. 1. Cook for Mom There truly is nothing like a home-cooked meal by mom and it is time to return the favour. Cook your mom her favourite meal, buy her favourite wine or cocktail and even have siblings or partners act as hostesses and waiters. Give her a 5-star dining experience at home, one she will never forget. 2. Play games to celebrate If food isn’t her thing, then why not liven up the party with some games to keep the crowd engaged and make cherished memories. Ideas like karaoke, mad libs, and bingo are always fun. We all know mom deserves a break from daily chores. You can create your own game like the “Give mom a break” game that you can create for the day. Let mom be the centre of attention by offering to do all household chores. This can be a wonderful way of showing gratitude while mom puts her feet up on her special day.3. Something sweet for momWho doesn’t love ice cream, especially from your favourite brand? Skip the flower store and head straight to dessert with the new Tall Stack Cake from Baskin-Robbins Canada. Customize with mom’s favourite cake and ice cream flavour topped with a special message to let her know how much she means to you.4. Watch a movie together A budget-friendly way to stay in and avoid crowds is to let Mom cuddle up on the couch in her pyjamas! Yes, we're talking about streaming a movie! We all know that the best Mother's Day gift is quality time, so make plans to catch up and then press play on the TV with some of her favourite movie treats. 5. Get pampered At some point on Mother's Day, mom may want some time alone or a chance for a little rest and relaxation. A few ideas include a 60-minute massage to help her unwind, or by bringing her to the hair salon and treating her to a cute new cut and blowout or taking her
5 TV Shows to Watch with Your Teens
5 TV Shows to Watch with Your Teens By Sophie Lim As your teens become more peer-oriented than parent-oriented, you may find opportunities to spend time with them are fleeting. That's why picking a show that you can sit down and watch together is a great way to get in some quality time without the pressure of those one-on-one conversations. This doesn't mean you can't talk, of course! Picking a topic you see on screen is a great way to segway into some eye-opening conversations. Looking for some suggestions? We've got 5 TV shows that you and your teen will love. Never Have I Ever(Netflix)- RomCom If you and your teens are fans of teen romantic comedies, “Never Have I Ever” can fulfill your taste. It is a story of a first-generation Indian-American teen girl, Devi, who’s dealing with the recent loss of her father and tries to look cool at school. Co-creator Mindy Kaling’s childhood inspired Devi’s character(Maitreyi Ramakrishnan). The episodes focus on how Devi navigates her issues about identity, friendship, school and romance entering her sophomore year. It would be better to watch with mature teens who can handle a little bit of sex talk as the show includes some. Stranger things(Netflix)- SF “Stranger Things” is a sci-fi drama that happens in ‘80s Indiana. If you are craving 80s nostalgia, the show will take you back to the 80s. The story is about a group of pre-teen friends who find an upside-down world, supernatural creatures and a secret government agency while trying to find one of their dear friends. It is interesting to see its authentic multi-genre style combined with grown-up, thriller, horror, and adventure tale genres. Better suited if you and your teen like scary and gory vibes a la Stephen King. His Dark Materials(Apple TV, Crave)- Fantasy HBO created an adaptation of a 20th popular fantasy trilogy, “His Dark Materials.” It is a fantasy story that follows the life of Lyra, an orphan in a parallel universe world, and is based on the imagination of a parallel world where all humans’ souls manifest as animal companions called daemons. Searching for a kidnapped friend, Lyra(Dafne Keen) discovers an alternative universe beyond the Northern lights and a mysterious phenomenon called Dust. Though some critics argue some significant pieces of the book plot are missing, it will offer outstanding visual elements and magical stories for fantasy lovers. Kim's Convenience(Netflix, Amazon prime)- Comedy Sometimes you just want to have a