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 Hunt Upgrade 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 Treats Add 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 Night Tap 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 Day A 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 Fun Play 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
5 Products to Help You Beat the Winter Blues
5 Products to Help You Beat the Winter Blues By Rachel Naud This time of year can give you a serious case of the blahs. The fun holidays are over and the warm days of spring are still a ways away. But don’t worry, there are plenty of things you can do to beat those winter blues! Stay Fresh and Odour-Free For starters, why not switch up your personal care routine this winter and check out these natural deodorants from Hello? They smell amazing, coming in scents like Sparkling Peach and Lavender + Vanilla, but more importantly, they offer 24-hour odour protection without using aluminum, baking soda or parabens. You can easily pick them up at Shoppers Drug Mart, Rexall, or Amazon. Start Your Day Right And if you're trying to reduce your sugar intake and want to shake up your breakfast routine, you should definitely check out the Darbo brand of fruit spreads. They've just launched a spread with 80% fruit, which is one of the highest fruit contents you’ll find in the supermarket, meaning up to 50% less sugar than other jams. You can really taste the fruit, and it’s a great way to beat the winter blues because fruits are synonymous with sunshine and summer. You can easily pick it up at most independent grocers. Get Your Game On For families beating the winter blues by going away this March Break, the Nintendo Switch OLED Model is the perfect game system to take on the go. It has a 7-inch screen and is designed to go wherever you do, transforming from home console to portable system in a snap. Once you arrive at your destination, you can easily connect your Nintendo Switch to a TV and enjoy a wide variety of amazing games to play together with family and friends. And with March 10th known as “MAR10 Day,” a whole day dedicated to celebrating everyone’s favourite mustachioed hero, Mario, Nintendo is offering some great promotions starting this week, including a Nintendo Switch bundle that includes a system and your choice of a free Mario game download for $399 (a $79 saving!) and so many more great promotions on select games featuring Mario! You can learn more about all the promotions on Nintendo.ca. Relax and Recharge Of course, there’s nothing better than a little self-care to beat those winter blues. For all things pampering, you can always trust Dr. Teals. Their Lavender Epsom Salt and Foaming Bath set
6 Ways to Welcome Spring in the Florida Keys
6 Ways to Welcome Spring in the Florida Keys By Rosalind Stefanac When the temperatures dip across Canada, and you’re craving some reprieve from frostbite, put the Florida Keys on your sunshine list. In the U.S.A’s southernmost tip, the Keys are a string of tropical islands spanning across the Atlantic Ocean, Florida Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. The best part? On the scenic 182 km-long Overseas Highway, connected by 42 bridges, you can travel from Key Largo to Key West, stopping to explore all the unique regions along the way. Here are some key things to do in the Keys for you and your teen. Bike the Old ‘7 As spring blooms across Canada, there's no better time to head south and explore the Florida Keys. With comfortable temperatures averaging around 23-25 C, the Keys are ideal for outdoor exertion. Rent a bike (or walk) the Old Seven Mile Bridge, which was built more than a century ago as the centerpiece of the Key’s Over-Sea Railroad before being converted into a route for cars. Currently, the bridge is only for pedestrians and bikers and will take you to Pigeon Key, which used to house 400 railroad workers in the 1900s. It’s a fascinating story, given the harsh conditions of the day. Take a guided tour, or explore the area yourself, which includes a museum filled with fascinating artifacts. With no restaurants there, be sure to pack a picnic to enjoy by the waterfront before you head back. Explore the backcountry Head to Big Pine Key for some exercise — and adventure — on the water. As a long-time Lower Keys resident, naturalist guide, book author and professional photographer, Captain Bill Keogh of Big Pine Kayak Adventures and his team will lead you as you paddle your way through the Florida Key’s backcountry by kayak or via catamaran, pointing out all the interesting birds, fish and other wildlife along the way. Stay at Hawks Cay Resort Located in Marathon (in the Keys’ midpoint) Hawks Cay is a 60-acre family resort with 250 two- and three-bedroom villas, in addition to guest rooms. Kids can snorkel, kayak and paddleboard in the salt-water lagoon on-site or feed the fish at Hawks Cay Marina. There’s also an extensive game room, putting course, basketball and volleyball courts, and daily activities geared specifically to teens and tweens. Canadians who book a stay before the end of 2023 get 20% off their room rate too. Visit
5 Ways to Spend Family Day if You Have the Day Off
5 Ways to Spend Family Day if You Have the Day Off With the first—and often most challenging—month of the year now behind us, many of us now turn our heads toward a much-valued recess from our winter routine, Family Day. Indeed, Family Day (read: three-day weekend!), usually requires some creative ideas to keep the younger ones entertained over the long weekend. Whether you have toddlers, tweens, or teenagers, it can be challenging to find activities that kids of all ages and interests will enjoy together. In this endeavour, it helps to share some ideas. So here are five ways you could consider spending Family Day. 1. A museum for activities and exhibitions that cater to all ages If you reside in the GTA, for example, the ROM is planning a lineup of activities inspired by its current exhibition, Canadian Modern, and invites visitors to participate in design-focused activities that will educate on the ways we can reduce our impact on urban wildlife. For the older ones, a museum ticket will allow them to visit the permanent Natural History and Art & Culture collections including Ancient Egypt or Reptiles & Amphibians. 2. Ice cream tasting, ranking your favourite flavours If the family’s interests lie mostly in the food and snacks department, consider visiting a Baskin-Robbins location and choose the most appealing flavours to taste, and rank them from favourite to least. With 31 flavours to choose from in the dipping cabinets, including the must-try and fan-favourite for multiple years, Love Potion #31, it’s going to be quite the challenge! When you’ve selected the best ones, bring them home in a pre-pack to continue the enjoyment at home. 3. Outdoor activities to re-energize the whole family Whether you prefer tubing, skiing, snowshoeing, or ice skating — Canada has countless outdoor activities to choose from. Family-friendly activities like these make a great excuse to rest and relax, then treat yourself to a creamy hot chocolate. 4. Weekend getaway No need to go too far — Family Day Weekend is the perfect occasion to visit your own province. Consider taking a day trip to a nearby town you've never been to before, where you can check out a new restaurant, coffee shop, or museum. You can tailor your itinerary to the family’s interests. 5. Film festival, movie marathon If the weather isn’t in your favour during the Family Day weekend and you choose to stay home, consider curating a lineup of your family’s favourite flicks to
3 Laser Treatments to Help You Glow Up This Year
3 Laser Treatments to Help You Glow Up This Year By Rachel Naud Aging is weird. Sometimes, how we feel on the inside doesn't reflect back to us when we look in the mirror. While inside, I felt like a vibrant, youthful woman full of life and vigour, when I looked in the mirror, all I saw was tired-looking dull skin. As a woman in my 40s, I don't expect to look the same as I did when I was 23. But I also want to look ¸— and feel — the best I can at any age. It was perfect timing when I was invited to a media event at MC Beauty in Toronto to learn about the MOXI laser. Marie, the owner of the clinic, walked me and other writers through the process and showed us inspiring before-and-after images, while also displaying the fast and effective procedure on a live model. (Check out my full MOXI journey belowor click here). The MOXI laser was the second laser treatment by Sciton that I have tried and I wouldn't hesitate to go for a third. The results you get from laser treatments are unparalleled. Thanks to the MOXI treatment, my skin is brighter, smoother and rejuvenated. If you want to put your best face forward in 2023, you may want to check out these treatments for yourself. BBL HERO Laser Treatment Looking for a way to rejuvenate your skin and treat various skin conditions? You might want to consider Sciton's BBL HERO treatment. Sciton's BBL HERO uses BroadBand Light (BBL) technology to improve the appearance of the skin and treat various skin conditions. BBL HERO is considered the gold standard of light therapy. It's also known for being the most robust and powerful broadband light available. BBL HERO is suitable for anyone looking to improve the appearance of their skin and can treat a range of conditions including acne (active and associated discoloration), sun and age spots, freckles, cherry angiomas, rosacea, telangiectasia, uneven skin tone, general redness, and lax skin. It only requires minimal downtime. After treatment, you can simply put on a little tinted sunscreen to hide the redness and go about your day. BBL HERO is also a fast treatment, with the ability to treat an entire face in just four minutes. It is generally only necessary to undergo one or two treatments to see results, making it a convenient and effective option for improving the appearance
Bria Singleton as Bobbi Kristina in Whitney Houston Biopic
Hitting New Notes: Bria Danielle Singleton as Bobbi Kristina in Whitney Houston Biopic By Arianne Granada Growing up, Bria Singleton was a Whitney Houston fan — her music was a mainstay in the Singleton household. Today, in a full circle moment, the rising star and actress portrays Houston's daughter, Bobbi Kristina, in the biopic I Wanna Dance With Somebody. We sat down with Singleton, to talk about how the film honours Houston's legacy and the challenges and valuable lessons she learned along the way. On Being Bobbi Kristina Taking on the role of Bobbi Kristina in the Whitney Houston biopic was a new and significant challenge for Bria Singleton. "It was such an experience because this is like a job where I haven’t had a lot of auditions for a character based on a real person," says Singleton. "I’m portraying a real person so this was an entirely new thing and this is the biggest project I've ever done." Singleton approached the role with a unique perspective, determined to find the real Bobbi Kristina behind the cameras and avoid any negative portrayals in the media. She shared, "I researched a lot on Bobbi Kristina but I tried to steer clear of what everyone was wanting to portray of her in a negative light. I wanted to find the Bobbi Kristina that was behind the cameras and just try to search for that type of conflict to where I could just get something more authentic." In her search for a deeper understanding of Bobbi Kristina, Singleton says she also found similarities between herself and her character. "I’d say that Bobbi is a lot more patient, to be honest. I think we're both very patient, but we're also very understanding, always available to help anyone and just very supportive people." Her Full-Circle Moment as a Long-Time Whitney Fan Growing up, Bria Singleton was surrounded by Whitney Houston's music. "I've been a fan since birth. My mom raised us on her. She's one of those people who was always present, never in the background. My mom used to make us watch The Bodyguard when we were young, and she still does. We'd rewatch it sometimes and just listen to her music while going on a drive, on our way to school, and waking up to it. She was just always around." Playing Bobbi Kristina in the Whitney Houston biopic was a personal and enlightening experience for Singleton; it was a full-circle moment
10 Ways to Have a Very Techy Christmas
10 Ways to Have a Very Techy Christmas by Arianne Granada Know that feeling when you receive a shiny new gadget for Christmas, and you can't wait to play around with it? Yeah, that's what we'll be like on the 25th. So, whether it’s your teen who loves gaming, a friend who can never live without music, or even a grandparent that just wants to keep up with the trends—we got you covered! Acer 317 Chromebook A Chromebook is a great laptop for families who want a simple, yet powerful laptop to use at home or on the go. An intuitive interface is designed to work well for both children and adults. Acer 317 Chromebook is definitely designed for multiple users. Despite being lightweight, this device still packs enough processing power to stream music and shop online without any issues when you're out and about. Using it is as easy as it gets. With built-in Google apps like Gmail, YouTube, and Maps, you don't need to install anything else. Apple Watch SE If you're looking for the perfect gift for your fitness-crazy teen, it can be tricky. With so many options, it can be easy to become overwhelmed. Thankfully, there's one perfect gift: an Apple watch! The new generation of Apple Watch SE continues to deliver the core Apple Watch experience, all at a more affordable price. It includes health and safety features like Activity tracking, high and low heart rate notifications, Emergency SOS and all-new Crash Detection. Powered by watchOS 9, Apple Watch SE delivers more than ever before. Available in midnight, starlight or silver—or even pink!—this is sure to be their favourite Christmas present this year! Lenovo Duet 5 Now, this little gem is a great option for anyone who wants to share their favourite tablet games with their grandkids. Its touchscreen makes it a great way to play mobile games on a large screen. The effortless navigation also makes it easy to use. This ultra-thin model—with its 13.3’ lightweight display—also makes it easy to carry this laptop anywhere! Whether your grandparent wants to receive and view photos of their grandchildren or watch the news, this Lenovo laptop ensures a bright and clear image wherever they may be. iPhone 14 or iPhone 14 Plus Christmas is the perfect time to reward your hardworking teen. And we have the perfect gift idea: iPhone 14 Plus! Any teenager will be impressed with the features of this phone because it is the latest and greatest from
10 Self-Care Gifts for the Holidays
10 Self-Care Gifts for the Holidays By Arianne Granada Holiday season is a stressful time of year, especially if you’re running around trying to get everything done. With all the parties and dinners, it can be easy to neglect your own self-care. This holiday gift guide will also help make sure you don’t forget yourself while shopping for others! Aveeno Calm+Restore Nourishing Oat Cleanser The thing is, dry winter months can be a major stressor for your skin. That's why it's important to keep up with your skincare routine during the colder months—especially if you have sensitive skin. Infused with nourishing oat and calming feverfew, Aveeno® Calm+Restore Nourishing Oat Cleanser gently cleanses and hydrates to maintain the skin's moisture barrier. This product gently lifts out dirt and impurities, leaving skin feeling hydrated and healthy. The perfect gift for skin enthusiasts! Genestra Sleep Gummies The holiday season is a perfect time to bring your loved ones together. But all that travelling and visiting can also lead to some pretty bad jet lag and sleeping problems. So skip the jet lag altogether with these Genestra Sleep Gummies instead! Besides helping reset the body's sleep-wake cycle, these delicious gummies help you fall asleep faster and sleep longer. 24" Rx Matrix Hollow Roller Like you, your family and friends might sometimes find themselves feeling tense and stressed. It's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of a holiday season and neglect the body's needs. An effective foam roller can help relieve muscle tension, improve circulation, improve flexibility, and promote relaxation. Foam rollers are also great for getting a workout! Everlast's 24-inch Rx Matrix Hollow Roller penetrates deep into muscles for a relaxing massage. It is lightweight and portable, so you can transport it from home to the gym and when you're on the go. By combining a hollow core with a linear matrix design, it provides full-body relief for both large and small muscles. Jack Black's The Balm Squad The right lip balm is like a best friend—it’ll never fail you, and it will always be there to comfort you. This winter season, Jack Black's soothing Moisture Therapy Lip Balms SPF 25 make a great gift. In addition to providing long-lasting hydration and smooth lips all year-round, these award-winning flavours also protect lips from the sun. Remember to use them daily to maintain smooth lips throughout the colder months. Tom Ford Oud Wood Candle While you're stressing about what to get your loved ones this holiday season,
7 Ways to Jumpstart Your Holiday Shopping
7 Ways to Jumpstart Your Holiday Shopping by Rachel Naud No matter how much you love someone, finding the perfect gift is never easy. And when you're trying to get gifts for the whole family, it can seem downright impossible. Whether you're looking for a gift for your favourite kid or a stocking stuffer for your favourite adult, we've got you covered. Unique Gifts for Less The holidays can get expensive, which is why the first place to look for gifts is Giant Tiger. There, you can find unique gifts, like these fun light-up gnomes and mystery squishymallows, which are very popular right now. Alternatively, this great cocoa set would make a great stocking stuffer—and it's less than $20 each! It doesn’t matter who is on your list, you can find gifts that say more, for less at Giant Tiger or online at GiantTiger.com! Charcuterie Boarding School For the person on your list who likes to entertain and put together charcuterie boards, you can get them some pickled veggies to bring their board to the next level! Matt & Steves is a Canadian company that makes snacking social and fun with their pickled veggies and snacks! From their Extreme Pickle Spears that come in hot & spicy and garlic & dill to their baby dills, Asparagoos and Extreme Bean, there’s something delicious for everyone to enjoy! A Cheers-Worthy Holiday Celebration You might want to give these three brands to a mixologist or someone who enjoys a festive cocktail over the holiday season. Harveys Bristol Cream Sherry First up is Harveys Bristol Cream Sherry, which is perfect for having an after-dinner sipper because this cream cherry is full-bodied and rich with a mellow sweetness. Serve it chilled, over ice with a slice of orange or mix it in a cocktail. It makes for a fantastic gift for any wine lover with a sweet tooth because it goes perfectly with any sweet pastry! Stoli Vodka For the cocktail lover on your list, this Stoli Vodka, which has been around for 80 years, is made in Latvia and is a high-quality premium spirit. It's such a must-have spirit to have over the holidays and year-round because it has a perfectly smooth and consistent flavour. You can also use it for martinis or just add a splash of soda! Kentucky Owl Wiseman Bourbon Whiskey Surprise those whiskey lovers on your list with Kentucky Owl Wiseman Bourbon Whiskey. It’s new to Canada and has hints of maple, pecan and allspice to