4 Places to Get Your Last-Minute Christmas Gifts
4 Places to Get Your Last-Minute Christmas Gifts by Rachel Naud This year, if you’re asking Santa for more time to get your shopping done, we’re here to help! We know between finishing up work, school concerts, holiday parties and decorating, finding time to shop can be impossible. But if the days have slipped away from you and you just realized you have more shopping items to pick up than days left before Christmas, we've got you covered with some last-minute gift ideas for everyone on your list! Children BelieveAs parents of teens, we always want to instill the value of giving back every holiday season. Sometimes this means dropping random gift cards in strangers’ mailboxes and sometimes this means researching different charities to give back to and deciding on one together. If you have a teen coming home from university, we're sure you're excited to get in the kitchen and cook for them and share a delicious and nutritious meal together. And while we may take this for granted, there are many children who go hungry. In fact, every 10 seconds a child loses their life to malnutrition — that’s over 3 million a year! That’s why, this year, it's a good idea to support Children Believe and its initiative to support children in communities that need it most by purchasing school meals. We also love this as a gift idea for that person who values helping others in need, as you can make a donation in their name! Canadians are very giving people and even despite the current economic climate, a survey conducted by Children Believe found that 3 in 4 Canadians would choose to actively purchase a gift to help others and make a difference. Check it out here.HomeSense This is the time of year when we’re often getting together for cocktail parties, dinners and parties. If you’ve ever hosted a holiday soiree, you know how much work it is, which is why it's nice to bring a gift to the hostess and host of the party to show my gratitude and appreciation. It's always fun to find gifts that are unique and that the hostess will love — and use! — long after everyone goes home for the night. The first place to go to find some amazing gifts is HomeSense because you can pick up some quality décor and entertaining essentials at amazing prices. And the best part? You don’t have to sacrifice
Huggies Sound of a Hug Nurtures Mom and Baby
Huggies has come up with an innovative idea that will save many parents from sleepless nights — Huggies Sound of a Hug.
Making Melodies and Memories in Music City
Making Melodies and Memories in Music City By Rosalind Stefanac Home to country legends and modern music mavens, Nashville is one of those eternally vibrant cities that will leave you singing, regardless of your musical tastes. Not only is Music City—as it’s known world-wide—the ultimate interactive music lesson for you and your teen, it’s filled with interesting landmarks, funky neighbourhoods to explore and delicious southern fare (bring on the fried chicken!). Here’s a look at why Nashville is a real treat for adults and teens alike. WHAT TO DO Nashville’s museums are among the best we’ve visited across North America. We started at the Country Museum Hall of Fame, a 350,000 square-foot mecca of artifacts and information related to country music displayed in exhibits that kept our attention throughout. For Swifties, the museum’s Taylor Swift Education Center has song-writing stations where you can draw inspiration from Taylor’s own process to write lyrics and create melodies. There is also a Taylor Swift replica tour bus where visitors get a behind-the-scenes look at life on the road, with audio and video clips of Taylor discussing her touring experiences. For another enlightening experience, check out the National Museum of African American Music where you and your teen can learn and listen to music spanning multiple decades and genres, from Duke Ellington to Kendrick Lamar and Beyoncé. Upon entering, we each got a wristband we could scan at various exhibits to create our own personalized music journey to download and review later. There are numerous interactive stations here where we tried instruments, recorded music and made beats. Video clips and tutorials explain the art of music production in an engaging way that teens will relate to. For a change of pace, try a workshop at Hatch Show Print, one of America’s oldest working letterpress poster shops. It has been operating since 1879 and creates show posters for major entertainers. We got a hands-on demonstration on the print-making process (they even mix their ink by hand), and made our own souvenir prints to take home. WHERE TO GO No visit to Nashville is complete without a visit to the Grand Ole Opry for a live performance. Started as a radio broadcast in 1925, the Opry is now an entertainment phenomenon featuring weekly performances by music legends and new artists alike. On top of seeing some amazing performers, we booked a behind-the-scenes tour for a chance to explore the backstage dressing rooms and “artist’s
9 Must-Have Back-to-School Essentials for Every Family
9 Must-Have Back-to-School Essentials for Every Family by Rachel Naud If there’s one thing everyone in the family wants this September, it’s to look and feel cool going into the new school year. Those starting fresh in a new school will want to make a great first impression, while others will want to impress their friends now that they’re reunited after a summer away! These suggestions are sure to make the grade for everyone in the family—from tots to teens! Keep Daycare Days ComfyWhile our littlest family members may not be hitting the halls this September, many babies and tots will be heading to daycare as the rest of the family goes back to work and school. You'll want to make sure they are also packed with all the supplies and essentials they’ll need while away from home. Huggies Skin Essential diapers are ideal for transitioning to daycare. They are Huggies’ newest product designed to protect against the top two causes of diaper rash—moisture and runny mess. They are crafted for baby’s sensitive skin, dermatologist-approved, and fragrance-free! You can find them at Loblaw banner stores like Shoppers Drug Mart and Real Canadian Superstore! Find Your Personal Style Trends may come and go, but one thing remains constant across generations—every tween and teen wants to express themselves by decorating their belongings to reflect their personal style. Fresh school supplies offer a perfect blank canvas for students to make their mark. Students will love StickerYou’s vinyl stickers for decorating everything from binders and lockers to water bottles and more!StickerYou offers trendy, unique designs that are durable, waterproof, and dishwasher-safe. Most importantly, they are sure to make a statement! Shop them in-store at Walmart Canada! Create a Fall Style Capsule One of the best parts about going back to school? Getting that new fall wardrobe! Today, it’s even more fun with SHEIN, which is launching an exciting pop-up activation at the CNE on August 29, August 31, September 1, and September 2. The CNE is often the last hurrah before school starts, making this a fun way for teens to prep for school and get excited for the year ahead! Adorned with a graffiti-inspired design in the signature "brat green" hue, the truck’s exterior will showcase SHEIN’s colourful, street-style aesthetic, complemented by splashes of hot pink.Whether your teen wants to get some new ‘fits or shop for cool items for their dorm, SHEIN has what they need to get back to cool this school
4 Tips to Suit up in Style for Prom This Spring
4 Tips to Suit up in Style for Prom This Spring Prom season is here, and for many teens, it’s a few weeks away. To help teens get ready for one of the biggest nights of their lives, Cynthia Florek, Creative Director at Tip Top goes over the latest prom fashion trends for 2024, and shares tips on how to find the perfect prom outfit! Prom season is here, and for many teens, it's just a few weeks away. To help teens get ready for one of the biggest nights of their lives, Cynthia Florek, Creative Director at Tip Top, goes over the latest prom fashion trends for 2024 and shares tips on how to find the perfect prom outfit! Here are four fashion trends and tips for Prom 2024: Captivating in ColourTrending prom suit hues, both fresh and reimagined, are all the rage this prom season and are sure to turn heads, including a beautiful light blue reminiscent of the 80s but with a fun and fresh feel. Must-Have MonochromaticNothing screams put-together like a monochromatic suit – matching your prom date is also a plus! Some trending colors from Tip Top for the perfect monochromatic look include rust, wheat, or seafoam. Sleek Hollywood StyleIs Hollywood-style your inspiration? A dapper and sleek black suit made an appearance in the 90s and on the red carpet. You can't go wrong with a classic black suit, but you can turn it up a notch with dazzling accessories or even opt for a Burgundy Jacquard Tuxedo to turn heads. Pairing Chic Patterns A fun 70s pattern is a sure and effortless way to add dimension to your look – pair a chic in-season floral-leaf tuxedo jacket or a timeless paisley bow tie and pocket square for a unique look. When it comes to prom attire, it's not all about the dresses. This season, there's a refreshing twist in the air as teens opt for standout suits that promise to steal the show. From sleek monochromatic ensembles to bold bursts of colour and patterns, the options are endless. Embracing this trend allows teenagers to make a statement on prom night, exuding confidence and style that will undoubtedly make for unforgettable memories. So, why should prom dresses get to have all the fun? It's time for suits to take center stage and give young adults the chance to express themselves in a whole new way. There’s also no need to break the bank to suit
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
5 Halloween Activities to Enjoy With Your Teen Around Toronto
5 Halloween Activities to Enjoy with Your Teen Around Toronto by Arianne Granada As October's crisp air settles in, it's time to kick off the spooky season. Don’t worry if your teen insists they're too grown-up for costumes and trick-or-treating—there are plenty of ways for your family to dive into the Halloween spirit together. These Halloween activities can make for awesome parent-teen date nights. So, if you're on the hunt for thrilling alternatives to the classic trick-or-treating, you're in for a treat. Here are 5 Halloween activities around Toronto and the GTA for you and your teen. Casa Loma: Legends of Horror Perfect for Teens and Fun Family Halloween Night Imagine stepping into history with a dash of the supernatural at Casa Loma's "Legends of Horror." This isn't your typical haunted house; it's an immersive theatrical wonderland. This October, Casa Loma will be transformed into an eerie playground. You and your teen can stroll through a 2km trail, winding through the castle's hidden tunnels and the darkest corners of the estate. During this hour-long adventure, you'll find yourselves immersed in meticulously designed sets in gardens and chambers, where characters come to life right before your eyes. The grand finale is a jaw-dropping 3D projection on the castle's exterior to make the story seamlessly blend in with the castle walls. Location: Casa Loma - 1 Austin Terrace, Toronto (Entrance at Walmer and Davenport) Dates: September 29 to October 31, 2023 Tickets: Get yours here Pumpkins After Dark in Milton Fun Family Halloween Night When it comes to family-friendly Halloween fun, Pumpkins After Dark in Milton is an absolute must-visit. Imagine over 10,000 hand-carved pumpkins illuminating your path as you walk through this mesmerizing outdoor experience. Located at Country Heritage Park in Milton, this event runs from September 23 to October 1, offering a perfect opportunity for a family outing to ignite that Halloween spirit in your teens and yourself. Location: Country Heritage Park, Milton Dates: September 23 to October 1, 2023 Tickets: Grab yours here Canada's Wonderland: Halloween Haunt Thrilling Parent-Teen Date Night If you're in search of a thrilling night out with your teen, Canada's Wonderland has just the ticket—literally. They transform the amusement park into a scream park during their annual Halloween Haunt, complete with seven spine-chilling mazes, terrifying scare zones, and hundreds of monstrous creatures lurking in the shadows. This year, don't miss the new additions: "Dark Ride," a maze set in an abandoned carnival attraction, and "Trick or Treat Street," a twisted Halloween street party. The entertainment
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