4 Must-Have Products to Elevate Your Spring
4 Must-Have Products to Elevate Your Spring As we head into spring — a season all about fresh starts and resetting our routines — many Canadians are looking for simple ways to make everyday life a little easier. Here are some smart solutions and products designed to save time, reduce stress, and help simplify your day-to-day this season. René Furterer Triphasic Active Length If you’ve found in midlife that your hair has quietly started betraying you, it’s not just in your head — your hair does change. It gets thinner and doesn’t grow like it used to, and a lot of it comes down to hormones. The answer is René Furterer, a premium haircare brand that’s focused on scalp health — and they’ve been the number one brand for hair loss in France for over 20 years. They have a new Triphasic Active Length line, and it’s all about helping your hair grow stronger and longer, with hair growth of +2.8 mm after 7 days*. The hero product is the Length Serum — it’s lightweight, non-greasy, and great for everyday use. It uses ingredients like propolis and caffeine to help support stronger hair — and you can start seeing results in about a month. If you stick with it for a few months, that’s where you really start to notice a difference. You can grab it at Shoppers Drug Mart or online at reneefuterer.com. *Clinical study conducted on 18 subjects over two months, with mask application three times a week and serum application once daily. 2.8mm hair length gain in 7 days (including natural growth).Breville Smart Oven Now that it’s spring and activities are starting back up, having mealtime with the whole family can sometimes be tricky. If you have teens that are always heading out the door, it’s good to stock up on their favourite snacks and food that they can quickly pull together on their own. The Breville Smart Oven Air Fry Convection Toaster Oven at Best Buy Canada is the perfect choice if you have teens who are starting to cook simple meals for themselves. It’s so easy to use and has versatile preset functions including air fry, slow cook, and frozen — and if you’re looking for inspiration, the Breville+ app has guided recipes as well as live and on-demand cooking classes! Plus it comes in a stylish Olive Tapenade colour! Best Buy Canada is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, and to mark
5 Creative Ways to Entertain Your Kids This March Break
5 Creative Ways to Entertain Your Kids This March Break March Break is here — and whether you’re heading away or staying close to home, keeping kids entertained all week can feel like a full-time job. If you haven’t planned the break yet, here are some creative staycation ideas, family game nights that actually bring everyone together, how to stream when you need some downtime — and even how to use this week as a chance to start teaching kids important money lessons in a fun, real-life way.Nintendo Switch 2 March Break is the ideal opportunity for some fun family game nights. The Nintendo Switch 2 is a great gaming system for the whole family, because it is home to so many incredible Mario titles that kids love, like Mario Kart World, Super Mario Galaxy, and Super Mario Galaxy 2. Have competitive family game nights in the living room by hosting Mario Kart World matches — this game provides fast-paced, unpredictable, and chaotic family-friendly competition. Plus, your kids’ favourite characters will be on the big screen this spring when The Super Mario Galaxy Movie hits theatres this April! There’s never been a better time to check out what the Nintendo Switch 2 has to offer! Check it out at nintendo.ca. Roku March Break is known to bring on some unpredictable weather, but this can have its perks — it makes for the perfect cozy night in with family movie night. Roku is simple to set up with the streaming experience built-in — ideal for living rooms, bedrooms or kids’ spaces. There’s no shortage of movies, shows, live channels and free content to watch, and picture and sound adjust automatically with Roku Smart Picture and Dolby Audio, so movies, sports, and animated shows look and sound great without tweaking settings. Some of the best features are voice search, Lost Remote Finder, and Continue Watching because it makes TV time easier and low-stress for families. Find out more at roku.com.The Chelsea Hotel Another fun way to occupy the kids — without the stress of airports or long road trips — is to enjoy a staycation. The Chelsea Hotel in downtown Toronto is offering what they’re calling a “Resort in the City” experience, including a $100 F&B credit, parking and a late checkout. Kids will love The Hive, the newly renovated family recreation hub, complete with an indoor pool and downtown Toronto's only waterslide. There’s also The Workshop for hands-on creative play, and The
8 Ways to Beat the Winter Blues
8 Ways to Beat the Winter Blues If winter is dragging you down, it might be time to bring some light back into your life. There are simple ways to beat the winter blues — whether it’s refreshing your home, escaping without going far, or and giving yourself something sunny to look forward to.Litter Genie Light Clumping Litter When it comes to winter blues, people often think about mood — but for many, it’s the day-to-day stuff inside the house that gets to them. Less fresh air, more time indoors, more smells, more mess… and if you have pets, it’s amplified. For cat parents especially, winter means litter boxes are working overtime — and when something smells, or feels dusty or heavy to deal with, it adds to that low-grade stress you’re already carrying. Cat owners will love Litter Genie Light Clumping Litter because it’s not only made from naturally-sourced Canadian bentonite clay for reliable odour control, but it’s 20% lighter than regular litter, meaning you get an easier lift and pour without sacrificing volume. It’s also 99% dust-free, which is huge in winter when homes are sealed up, and the air already feels heavy. Because it absorbs ammonia in minutes, it helps keep your home smelling fresh — which again, when you’re indoors all the time, makes a noticeable difference. When paired with Litter Genie pails, litter box and refills, cat parents can now have a complete system to simplify their litter routine and keep their home fresh. You can find Litter Genie Light Clumping Litter at Canadian Tire, PetSmart, and Amazon.ca.Reversa Radiance C Concentrate Winter can be hard on your skin, leaving it dull and dry, so you need a good Vitamin C serum to brighten up your skin and your day! The Radiance C Concentrate from Reversa is the perfect choice because it’s designed to give you that ideal glow. It’s a waterless, stable, 20% pure vitamin C treatment that delivers high-potency antioxidant protection against UV rays and pollution while visibly brightening dullness, fading the look of dark spots, and supporting firmer, smoother skin. It is enriched with vitamin E and hyaluronic acid for a light creamy feel and can be applied morning or night to damp skin to bring a little sunshine to your winter skincare routine! Find Reversa Radiance C Concentrate at reversa.ca.The Chelsea Hotel Winter can seem like it drags on – between the cold, snow, and ice,
4 Ways to Celebrate The Holidays at The Westin Harbour Castle in Toronto
4 Ways to Celebrate The Holidays at The Westin Harbour Castle in Toronto Looking for some fun ways to celebrate the holidays this season? The Westin Harbour Castle, Toronto has you covered for some cute and cozy activities. Whether you're going with your friends or bringing the whole family along, there is something everyone will be sure to enjoy. Wine & Wreath Workshop Unleash your creativity in this Wine & Wreath workshop at The Westin Harbour Castle, Toronto. Led by a florist partner; you will be sure to make some perfect holiday wreaths for your home. Enjoy a complimentary welcome drink while immersing yourself in a two-hour workshop. Receive an additional 20% discount for the Chartroom Bar & Lounge afterwards! Breakfast with Santa Bring the whole family to this jolly breakfast with Santa himself! This joyous occasion is available every Sunday in December leading up to Christmas! Enjoy a scrumptious breakfast in The Mizzen restaurant and let the kids meet with Santa. Fondue Experience This authentic fondue dining experience is in the Chartroom Bar & Lounge throughout the holiday! Come on down and unwind this Christmas break! Chow down on cheese or treat yourself with a sweet treat of chocolate fondue. The perfect way to spend a date night! Come Home for the Holidays at Savoury Run, don't walk to Westin Harbour Castle for your festive meal, at Savoury! Located in an intimate 10-person space, indulge yourself in the customised menus that are tailored to your booking and culinary tastes. Choose from family style or a buffet! Take a break from cooking this year and let Savoury cater the family.
What You Need to Know About Chronic Pain
Quieting the Noise: What You Need to Know About Chronic Pain September is Arthritis Awareness Month - a timely moment to talk about an issue affecting more Canadians than many realize: chronic pain. According to the Government of Canada’s Task Force on Chronic Pain, more than 7.6 million Canadians—1 in 5 people—live with chronic pain, with nearly half over the age of 45. For parents raising tweens and teens, that statistic hits close to home. Pain isn’t just a personal burden; it can seep into family life, draining energy and limiting the ability to be present during some of the most formative years of parenting. When Pain Becomes the Background Noise of Parenting For moms and dads navigating the “in between” stage – where kids are no longer little, but not quite grown – the demands are high. There are endless school events, carpools, extracurriculars, and late-night talks. But when arthritis or muscle pain joins the mix, it adds a constant background hum that’s hard to ignore. Parents often try to “push through” the discomfort, but that only means less patience, less presence, and less enjoyment in family life.Canadian Innovation Changing the Game Enter LivRelief™ Extra Strength Chronic Angry Pain Relief Cream, a Canadian-made, Health Canada–approved natural health product designed specifically for muscle and joint pain. Unlike typical creams that sit on the surface or rely on a hot/cold sensation, LivRelief uses patented Transdermal Technology to penetrate all three layers of the skin, delivering its active plant-based ingredients directly to the source of pain. Each product carries a Natural Product Number (NPN), confirming its safety, efficacy, and quality. Backed by research and developed with evidence-based standards, it’s more than temporary comfort—it’s lasting relief. Parents can feel confident reaching for something that works quickly (within 30 minutes), lasts up to 8 hours, and is NSAID-free, making it a safer choice for long-term, daily use. To help Canadians better understand the realities of chronic pain, LivRelief is working with Dr. Janet Pope, Professor of Medicine at Western University’s Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, and Division Head in Rheumatology at St. Joseph’s Health Centre. With over 500 peer-reviewed publications, Dr. Pope is recognized internationally as a leading authority on arthritis and chronic pain—further underscoring the credibility behind this Canadian innovation. Why It Matters for Parents in the InBetween Years Raising tweens and teens takes stamina—whether it’s cheering at hockey games, keeping up on family hikes, or holding space for late-night
8 Signs You May Be Low in Iron
8 Signs You May Be Low in Iron By Dr. Jennifer Zelovitzky, MDDid you know that February 13 was World Anemia Day? It often goes unnoticed as it’s overshadowed by the romantic celebrations of Valentine’s Day just a day later. Luckily, raising awareness about iron deficiency and anemia doesn't have an expiration date—so let’s talk iron. Iron is a vital mineral that helps fuel your body with oxygen. Without enough of it, you could experience adverse health effects like fatigue, weakened immunity, and organ damage over time. But knowing whether your iron levels are just right is not that simple: symptoms of iron deficiency are often subtle—you or your teen may be experiencing a deficiency without even knowing it. If left untreated, iron deficiency can worsen and lead to serious health issues. That’s why it’s crucial to be aware of the signs of iron deficiency early on to prevent any further complications. Being low in iron doesn’t automatically mean anemia, a condition in which the number of red blood cells is lower than normal. First, let’s define both: Iron deficiency occurs when your body doesn’t have enough iron stored. Iron is stored in a protein called ferritin, which is measured in the bloodstream. Iron deficiency anemia goes a step further: low iron results in fewer healthy red blood cells, which means less oxygen circulating through your body. While both conditions are serious, anemia requires more immediate medical attention because it directly affects your body's ability to deliver oxygen. The good news? There are ways to prevent and manage both iron deficiency and anemia, such as eating iron-rich foods, taking iron supplements, and staying ahead of the symptoms, which can help keep your levels in check and your body functioning at its best.Signs You May Have Low Iron Feeling drained? Dizzy? Dealing with brittle nails? These could all be red flags that your iron levels are low. Iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia are more common than you might think, especially among teens and women. If any of these sound familiar, it might be time to check your iron levels:Feeling tired all the time (even after a good night’s sleep) Dizziness or lightheadedness Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity Pale skin or dark circles under the eyes Brittle nails that break easily Hair thinning or shedding more than usual Cold hands and feet Frequent headachesWho’s Most at Risk for Low Iron? The body absorbs certain types of iron differently. Some
6 Reasons to Visit Mexico’s Marvellous Yucatán State
6 Reasons to Visit Mexico’s Marvellous Yucatán State By Rosalind Stefanac A recent trip to Yucatán State proved that there's so much more to Mexico than sandy beaches and ocean views. In fact, venturing inland on the southeastern Yucatán peninsula revealed so many historic gems, along with scenic retreats that offered a blissful escape from crowds and the hustle of everyday life. In planning your next adventure down south with your tween, teen or solo, here are six reasons to put Yucatán on your radar: Cenotes are so coolThese nature-made, deep-water wells (or sinkholes), surrounded by rock formations, date back thousands of years. They're filled with fresh water fed by rain and underground currents. Most of Mexico’s more than 6,000 cenotes can be found in the Yucatán peninsula. At the Zazil Tunich in Valladolid, you descend 20 metres down into a cavern to reach the cenote where you can swim in the refreshing waters (average temperature 75-degrees Fahrenheit). Here you can opt for a guided tour that includes a traditional Mayan purification ceremony. It’s magical! It’s Taco Tuesday every day! All that swimming in cenotes is sure to spark your appetite. Luckily Yucatán is home to some of the best tacos on the planet — at least in my opinion. Be sure to try the cochinita pibil (shredded pork shoulder or loin), a popular taco filling in the region. They usually serve it with lettuce, pickled red onion, tomatoes, avocado and habanero chilli. At the Kinich in Isamal, you can even watch the staff hand-roll fresh tortillas before your very eyes. It doesn’t get fresher than this. You can be one with nature (literally) At the high-end Oriundo Luxury Nature Villas, which opened this June in Valladolid, every detail in the guest rooms has been designed to harmonize with the surrounding jungle. Not only are the materials all natural but you’ll find trees growing throughout the indoor space, and plenty of windows overlooking the lush green foliage. If you’re on a tighter budget, the area has plenty of haciendas with accommodations surrounded by lovely outdoor spaces ideal for nature exploring. The architecture is awesome In Merida, Yucatán’s pedestrian-friendly capital city, you'll find colonial history evident in most of the colourful and lovingly restored mansions, many of which are open to tourists. I took a guided tour of the stunning El Minaret, which was built in 1908, and is also known as the watchtower of Merida’s centre. Aim to be there
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
3 Ways to Suit Up for Prom 2022
3 Ways to Suit Up for Prom 2022 By Arianne Mae GranadaRoll up your sleeves and put your dancing shoes on because prom is finally back! It is time to suit up for Prom 2022! (WARNING: Marvel reference ahead!) Still can’t have a sensation of the prom fever? Think of it this way: two years ago, Thanos snapped his fingers and took away the biggest events of your teen’s life — prom night, graduation day and spring break. And in a snap (pun intended!), they’ve all been brought back to life. That is their version of the blip. After 2 years of cancelled plans and dampened expectations, the long-awaited prom season is upon us once again. Prom can be a great opportunity to communicate and help you to connect with your teen. The highly anticipated celebration is set to be welcomed back with doubled excitement and 110 percent energy. Considered a huge milestone in every teen’s life, prom is definitely the special occasion they would invest their time and money on. Whether your teen is a first-time goer, a soon-to-be graduate throwing a “make-up prom,” or a hopeless romantic staging a promposal, it’s important that they put together the perfect ensemble to make it worth remembering. Along with failed dalgona coffee attempts and DIY haircuts, we’re leaving boring prom OOTDs behind in 2020. It’s time to suit up and welcome this year’s prom season with creativity and self-discovery. Whether you prefer an unconventional look over the usual prom dresses, or you want to put on a modern take on a traditional tuxedo, there are endless ways to style a basic suit and tie, and we are here to narrow down your options. For switching up a classicThe Slim-Fit Stretch Peak Lapel Tuxedo is a modern take on a fashion classic that will make anyone stand out at the prom venue. This tailored suit is available in a variety of sizes and is gender-neutral… because there are no rules when it comes to fashion! For a chill nightFor a more casual look, this Slim-Fit Stretch Suit is available in five different colours including grey, pink and light blue, delivering versatility and an instant confidence boost. For an instant upgradeTipTop.ca also offers a range of accessories from bowties to pocket squares in a variety of different colours so you can jazz up your look with a pop of colour. One thing the pandemic has taught teens and young adults alike —
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