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
11 Must-Have Summer Essentials for the Ultimate Outdoor Adventure
11 Must-Have Summer Essentials for the Ultimate Outdoor Adventure by InBetween Magazine Whether you’re travelling, camping, cottaging or staying close to home, one thing is always certain—summer is short! To make the most out of the season, we rounded up some of our favourite products to get you through the year’s hottest season. For a Buzz-Free CampingSummer is short, and if you want to make the most of the season outdoors, whether it's camping, cottaging, or simply enjoying your backyard or patio, there's one thing you definitely don't want: mosquitos! That's why whenever you spend time outside this summer, it's always a good idea to have a Thermacell nearby. Thermacell provides powerful mosquito protection that keeps those pesky insects away before they have a chance to bite you. No need for deet or messy lotions or sprays! You'll absolutely love the new Thermacell Mosquito Repeller & Glow Light E-Series Rechargeable EL55. It not only emits a gentle glow, perfect for those cozy patio nights, but it also provides reliable mosquito protection. Plus, the built-in rechargeable battery lasts up to nine hours! You can easily find it at Canadian Tire. To Stay Cool and CleanWe all want to look and feel our best this summer, and that includes the men in our lives. These Schick razors not only give them a smooth shave to put their best face forward but also inspire them to explore new activities and embrace the season! However, it's disheartening to learn from a recent survey conducted by Schick that 8 in 10 Canadian men have missed out on pursuing their passions, with two-thirds attributing it to a lack of financial resources. To make it easier for men to experience their personal interests, Schick has launched the Schick Pursue Your Passions Contest this summer. With a chance to win one of four $5,000 cash prizes each week in June, men can finally embrace their passions. For more details, head over to Schick's Instagram page at @schickcanada, and you can find these fantastic razors at Walmart and Shoppers Drug Mart. For Teen-Friendly Summer GatheringsIf you find yourself with a teen son and your home is always a revolving door of friends and activities during the summer, you know the challenge of feeding a large crowd quickly and affordably. Luckily, there are delicious options like cauliflower crust pizza, the new buffalo chicken poutine, or the Fixed-Rate Pizza that cater to everyone's tastes because everyone
10 Strategies for Keeping Kids Off Screens This Summer
10 Strategies for Keeping Kids Off Screens This Summer by Katherine Johnson Martinko Summer is the best time to give kids a digital reset. You’re out of the regular routine and there are numerous ways to keep busy without relying on devices. What follows is a rough plan for helping your family have a screen-free summer. By the time fall rolls around, your kid will be recharged and ready to cope with the digital deluge that school brings. Talk About Screens Talk to your kid about why it’s important to reduce screen time and what you hope the entire family will gain from the experience. They don’t have to like it or agree. Just be transparent and consistent in your approach, and acknowledge that boredom can be a powerfully creative state. Confiscate the Devices “Out of sight, out of mind,” as the saying goes. If you make devices temporarily inaccessible, kids will be more inclined to find other activities. Much of the allure of handheld devices lies in their accessibility and the ease of distraction. When that option disappears, it opens the door to other creative endeavours. Sign Up for Activities See if there are sports camps, art classes, or music lessons offered in your community. Having an activity that gets kids out of the house each day goes a long way toward filling time and fueling enthusiasm, especially if friends join. Prioritize Outdoor Time Send your child outside every day. It doesn’t matter what they do, whether it’s reading or art, lying in a hammock, visiting a skate park or BMX track, meeting friends for basketball or soccer, practicing on a trampoline or pogo stick, or going for bike rides; the point is to normalize being outside. Use a tracker like those created by 1000 Hours Outside as motivation. Engage in Microadventures The concept of microadventures is delightful—doing outdoorsy things between 5 p.m. and 9 a.m. Often, we wait for bigger chunks of time to plan things like hikes, camping, and stargazing, but then they never happen. If we can squeeze in these activities during the week, they help us feel refreshed. Take your kid on some microadventures this summer. Put Them to Work Assigning household chores keeps kids busy and reduces parental workload. Put them to work doing dishes, laundry, and vacuuming. Outdoors, let them handle weeding, watering, and cutting grass. Older kids can tackle jobs like repainting, cleaning gutters, and washing windows. Get Them Cooking Cooking is a fundamental skill that everyone should
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
Spencer MacPherson on ghosts and growing pains in Paramount+’s new teen drama, School Spirits
Spencer MacPherson on ghosts and growing pains in Paramount+’s new teen drama, School Spirits by Angelyn Kwek Landing the bad boy character in a high school drama might be the breakout role for many a young actor, but Spencer MacPherson isn’t your run-of-the-mill rookie. The 25-year-old has been in front of the camera from a tender age, starring in shows that run the gamut from young adult dramas and comedies such as Reign and Degrassi Next Generation to emotionally heavier and grittier titles including American Gothic, Northern Rescue and American Gods. Indeed, that would be why his steely blue eyes look so familiar — odds are you’ve caught the young lad on your TV screen at one point or another, seeing as MacPherson has been on the scene since he was 14. No stranger to the entertainment industry, it’s only natural the Toronto native is now conquering the streaming platforms for his next big project, starring as ‘Xavier Baxter’ on Paramount+’s latest mystery drama School Spirits. Acting alongside an ensemble cast comprised of Peyton List, Kristian Flores, Milo Manheim, Kiara Pichardo, Sarah Yarkin, Nick Pugliese, and Rainbow Wedell, the show follows ‘Maddie’ (portrayed by List) who is stuck in the afterlife with a group of other students and decides to investigate how she disappeared. Despite the familiar trappings of high school as the backdrop of the series, the show is more nuanced and layered than your typical teen drama. With creators Megan Trinrud and Nate Trinrud at the helm, elements across drama, comedy, mystery, and the supernatural are woven into an intriguing narrative that casts a new light on high school life and being a teenager. In a similar vein, ‘Xavier’ isn’t just the bad boy but also boyfriend to ‘Maddie’, who has to confront his own demons—as well as being a suspect in her disappearance—as the series progresses to reveal that there’s more than meets the eye to his character. Without spoiling the plot (much), we got talking with MacPherson on playing a ghostly ‘bad boy’, his personal experiences at high school, and what it means to tackle stereotypes and be your most authentic self. School Spirits is described as a young adult drama-mystery series with a supernatural twist. What are some of the themes the show explores when it comes to being a teenager and navigating high school? The feeling of being unseen and unheard is something I know I felt as a highschooler and a common feeling at
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 ‘7As 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 backcountryHead 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 ResortLocated 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 Tips for Guiding Your Child’s Social Media Use
The Social Media Battle: Examining Its Impact and Helping Our Youth Use Responsibly By Brandy Browne There is no denying that online platforms have boomed in recent years. In fact, The Mayo Clinic (2022) reports that an estimated 45 per cent of teens ages 13-17 are online “almost constantly”, with social media platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and/or Snapchat being the most popular. Social media play a huge role in influencing our youth — both positively as well as negatively, regardless of whether we use it extensively or not. For example, social media platforms are places where teens can connect with others, and in many cases, find valuable support systems that might be harder to find in person. Teens with chronic illnesses might find online support groups with other teens fighting the same battle. It is also home to a plethora of opportunities to connect with others with similar interests in hobbies, music, television, sports, etc. On the flip side, it can be damaging at times. Teens often report that social media use is the reason for losing sleep at night and getting distracted from class, homework, or chores. The Mayo Clinic also reports that teens who spend more than three hours per day on social media may have a heightened risk of developing mental health problems. The issue for teens (and let’s face it, adults as well) is that social media portrays a highlight reel for so many. It’s so easy to look at another person’s Facebook story and think they have it all together, but the reality is that we’re much more comfortable posting our joys for others to share than our sorrows. 5 Tips for Guiding Your Child’s Social Media Use We want to ensure our youth use social media responsibly, as well as make sure it improves their lives, not makes them worse. Here are some tips to help you get started. Start a conversation Social media is a powerful tool, so you should make sure your teen knows how to use it responsibly. Set the expectation that it should not interfere with school or responsibilities. It’s also a good idea to set limits on social media use at night (i.e. no electronics after a certain time of the evening) in order to maintain good sleeping habits. Monitor your teen’s social media accounts This one is controversial. I want to give my eleven-year-old child some privacy, but as her parent, I have a responsibility to keep her safe. Keeping
4 Fun Winter Advent Calendar Ideas for the Family
4 Fun Winter Advent Calendar Ideas for the Family by Rachel Naud The cold, dreary days of winter may be coming soon, but that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop! Here are some ideas for your family's winter advent calendar that will keep you and yours entertained! Guides for Managing Finances With the holidays coming up—and the cost of everything going up—now is a good time to have a talk with your teen about finances. Have a teen that is at that age where they don’t have a job but seems to have expensive taste? Teach them about financial literacy and how to manage their money! The SideKick Mastercard from Hero Financials is a reliable tool that helps tweens and teens understand and manage money efficiently and effectively. No need to set your kids up with a new bank account, you just sign up at herofinancials.com and you can load money on it and use the budgeting tool to divide the money between pre-created categories: general, living expenses, eating out, travel, shopping, and fun which will help your kids budget for what is most important to them. There’s actually a cash-back promotion on the site right now (sign up for Hero's annual plan and get $50 cash back plus a free upgrade after your first load!), which is super cool and the card can be used anywhere a prepaid Mastercard is accepted–in-store or online. Hot Meals for Cozy Nights Is there anything better than cooking a delicious, hot meal on a cold, snowy night? Here’s an idea: get your teen involved and celebrate Pizza Fridays! It's so easy to make, and when you use good-quality ingredients, it makes for a great pizza! To make the sauce, use Mutti tomatoes—it’s fresh just like a summer tomato, even though outside the snow may be flying! Made with 100% Italian tomatoes, this sauce makes for a simple, yet absolutely delicious meal. Fun fact! Some tomatoes are better for certain recipes and to pick the best one for your recipe, Mutti has come up with a handy guide to bring your recipe to the next level—check it out on muttipolpa.ca. Games for Game Nights When the weather turns cold, don’t you just like to heat up the competition with a family game night? Your family will absolutely love the Nintendo Switch OLED Model because it has a 7-inch screen and the colours and graphics are even more vibrant. With the Mario Kart 8
The College Tour is About to Make Your Life a Whole Lot Easier
The College Tour is About to Make Your Life a Whole Lot Easier By Samantha Jonas-Hain As a mom of high schoolers, I know how stressful the college search can be. Aside from the emotional aspect (let’s face it, it’s hard to come to terms with the fact that bedtime stories and snuggles are things of the past), there is so much of this next chapter that is unknown. How can we as parents make sure that our kids are making informed, well-thought-out choices about college, and setting themselves up for success? Fortunately, The College Tour has come to the rescue! It is a groundbreaking TV series that travels to colleges and universities, bringing the story of each school to life through the lens of its students. The show streams on Amazon Prime and all episodes are available for free on their website. The College Tour is leveling the playing field by enabling students from all over the world to check out schools without having to spend the time or money to travel there. The show has filmed at over 80 colleges and universities so far, but really, when it comes to The College Tour, the TV show is just the beginning. The College Tour website is a comprehensive tool for parents, students, and educators to gather information that will help students make smart decisions based off of what’s truly best for them. They offer free classes for international students, first-generation students, majors, and a core class that breaks down the four pillars to look for in a school, in addition to digital series, like Ask Admissions, blogs, and more. With so much information, available for free, here are some tips on how to get the most out of The College Tour. Go broad Don’t just watch episodes of The College Tour about schools already on your radar, use this as an opportunity to expand your universe. There are so many incredible schools out there that might be an even better fit, you just don’t know it yet. The show allows you to explore regions, and campuses that otherwise were inaccessible. Take the classes Online classes are not just useful to students, but also to parents who want to learn more about today's college landscape. The first-generation class is especially useful for parents who didn’t attend college, giving them tools to help their children in their search. Let them do the asking for you The College Tour has multiple digital series where