Back-to-School with Apple: The Ultimate Student Tech
Back-to-School with Apple: The Ultimate Student Tech by Arianne Granada As the back-to-school season approaches, students are once again faced with the challenge of finding the right tools to help them succeed. In today’s fast-paced world, students need technology that can keep up with their busy lives. Having a reliable, powerful, and portable device is now a necessity. Apple’s MacBook Air and iPad Air offer students the perfect blend of performance and portability. The MacBook Air: Your Everyday Companion Let’s face it, the demands of student life can be pretty intense. Between juggling classes, projects, and **maybe** even a part-time job, your teen needs a laptop that won’t just keep up—it needs to help them stay ahead. Apple has raised the bar once again, integrating the M3 chip into its newest MacBook Air. It’s faster than ever and can handle whatever your teen throws at it—late-night cramming, morning lectures, math homework, you name it. This laptop is all about balance—combining incredible performance with a design that’s so thin and light that your teen might forget it’s in their bag! But don’t worry, the Macbook Air is a lean, mean, fighting machine. With up to 18 hours of battery life, students can go from morning classes to late-night study sessions without worrying about hunting for an outlet in a nearby cafe. More than power, the MacBook Air easily fits right into your teen’s life. Need to quickly hop on Zoom? Its world-class camera and microphones have your teen covered. Working on a big group project? They can connect up to two external displays, so multitasking is a cinch. Plus, with four stunning colours to choose from, it’s not just a productivity tool—it’s a fashion statement! iPad Air: Flexibility at Its Finest For students who crave versatility and creativity in their tech, the iPad Air might just be their new best friend. It’s basically a digital notebook, sketchbook, and laptop all rolled into one. Whether they’re taking notes, sketching ideas, or chilling with a good book, the iPad Air adapts to whatever they need it to be. This new iPad definitely means business. With the Apple Pencil Pro, students can jot down notes, sketch out ideas, or mark up documents with ease. Add in the Magic Keyboard, and it transforms into a solid laptop alternative, complete with a trackpad and backlit keys. With its all-day battery life and super-fast 5G, students are ready to work, learn, and create, wherever they go. Apple’s Back-to-School
Gift Ideas for Moms Who Embrace Self-Care and Self-Love
Gift Ideas for Moms Who Embrace Self-Care and Self-Love by Frances Go Celebrate Mother's Day by spoiling the special women in your life with the gift of pampering. Explore our curated selection of luxurious skincare, hair care essentials, cozy sleeping kits, and rejuvenating spa getaways. Show her just how much she's cherished and appreciated with these thoughtful tokens of affection. Care BasketCraft a skin care and hair care treasure trove just for her, filled with goodies that reflect her unique style and cater to her skin's needs. Handpick her favourites or choose products highly recommended for her specific skin type. RecommendationsSkin Care: Hydrating Facial Mask by Dr. Jart, Advance Anti Aging Program by Vivier Hair Care: Lush Super Milk, Gisou Mini Honey Infused Hair Oil, The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density Ultimate Sleeping KitAn embodiment of care and comfort tailored to her. Picture her sinking into dreamland with the help of a delicate lavender bed spray, the gentle embrace of a weighted blanket, fresh, crisp sheets, a soft eye mask, and other sleep-enhancing delights. RecommendationsLavender Vanilla Bed Spray from Bath and Body Works, Dream Away Weighted Blanket, Aroma Diffuser with essential oils, Beji Bed Sheet Set, Sunrise Alarm Clock A Spa Getaway Crafted to sweep her into a realm of tranquillity and personal exploration, whether through an intimate overnight getaway or a tranquil day retreat. Provide her with the opportunity to envelop herself in the comforting embrace of nature, allowing her to seek solace and rediscover inner harmony. RecommendationsElmwood Spa Package, Scandinave Blue Mountain, Thermëa Spa Village
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
Door County Packs Fun for the Family
Door County Packs Fun for the Family by Rosalind Stefanac We’d never heard of Wisconsin’s Door County — a stretch of coastal towns on a peninsula between Lake Michigan and Green Bay. But after only a few days of hiking, biking and eating our way through this scenic spot in the Midwest, Door County has earned a top spot on our list of favourite family destinations in the U.S. Here are four reasons why we’ll be going back the very first chance we get. It's good for a week or a long weekendOnce you fly into Green Bay, driving the 70-mile stretch from the southern part of the peninsula to its northern tip takes a little more than an hour, but there are days of biking and hiking trails, beaches and bluffs to explore—along with shops, museums and good eats. The area has more than 300 miles of shoreline with limestone bluffs and beaches, along with five state and 19 county parks. Be sure to take your teens and tweens on a guided tour at Ridges Sanctuary in Bailey’s Harbor, Wisconsin’s oldest non-profit nature reserve. This relaxed two-hour tour really is suitable for all ages, and our engaging guide made sure we caught all of the fascinating nature elements along the way. Between June to October, you can apply to spend a week in the lighthouse on the property too! You can take a ride across Death’s DoorDoor County was named after the sometimes treacherous water passage that lies off the peninsulas’ tip where Lake Michigan and Green Bay meet, aptly named Porte Des Morts or Death’s Door. Provided the weather accommodates, take the 30-minute ferry to cross this scenic passage from Northport Pier to Washington Island, the largest of the County’s outlying islands. There you can take a dip at Schoolhouse Beach made up entirely of smooth, white pebbles. Or take a stroll through the fields of Fragrant Isle with more than 30,000 lavender plants. There is even a café and gift store with all kinds of lavender-infused products, including fragrant cookies and lattes. From here, take a short ferry ride to Rock Island to tour Pottawatomie Lighthouse, the oldest in Wisconsin. This pedestrian-only state park has 10 miles of hiking trails. It also has an impressive boathouse completed in 1929 that’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Just be sure to pack your drinks and snacks as few options are available on
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
Why you should make gifting for good your next holiday tradition
Why you should make gifting for good your next holiday tradition The holiday season is a time to reflect on the year behind us and also think ahead to new possibilities. As we consider what we’re grateful for, it can bring us joy to give back to others. The generosity of heart and opportunities to pay it forward are important parts of life, no matter what stage we’re in. Raising kind kids who want to make a difference in the world is a rewarding aspect of parenthood. One way to engage the family in giving back is to include the kids in choosing causes to support. Why not start a holiday wish list that goes beyond material things and inspires giving gifts that have the ability to change lives for children just like yours? Coming together in the holiday spirit and making a commitment to others can be the start of a feel-good tradition that is educational, grounding and even bonding – a win-win scenario! As parents of tweens and teens, we want the best for our kids, which extends to parents all around the world. Education is the most empowering and inspirational gift for children of all ages, but unfortunately, access to education isn’t always equal. Canadian charity, Children Believe, plays a part in the lives of more than 1.2 million children and youth worldwide. Each year, it releases a specially curated Believe Book with plenty of Gifts for Good Inspiration, starting at just $25. Each item is designed to help children and their families overcome barriers to education, something that not only changes their lives – but opens their world of opportunities, too. To inspire your family’s Gifts for Good choices, here are three examples that help children choose their own life path, dream fearlessly and be a voice for change: Empowering Girls From inspiring girls to pursue STEM education to helping young women become leaders within their communities, there are many ways sending a girl to school can have a big impact. Educated girls who are actively in the classroom invest 90 per cent of their income back into their children’s health, education, and communities. These girls are also three times less likely to marry before the age of 18 compared to girls with no education. Through curated workshops and resources, girls are equipped with the tools they need to succeed and change their world for the better. Life-changing Livestock Did you know that one of
Nurture Your Teens’ Digital Wellbeing on TikTok This School Year
Nurturing Your Teens' Digital Wellbeing on TikTok This School Year: Tips and Tricks from an Expert by Tracy Elizabeth As a former educator, a mother and TikTok's Head of Family Safety & Developmental Health, I know firsthand what it’s like to face the evolving challenges of raising children in today's media-saturated world. As a parent, I find real comfort in and take pride in being part of TikTok's infallible commitment to fostering a safer and more positive online environment for all families. At TikTok, my team and I are constantly working to implement evidence-based policies that prioritize the safety and positive development of the teens who use our platform. In our collaborations with trusted partners, such as the Digital Wellness Lab, the Technology Coalition and Thorn, we continually ask ourselves important questions: How can we protect teens while allowing their creativity to flourish unchecked? What tools can we provide to parents and caregivers to empower them in guiding their teens' digital experiences? How can we share our knowledge with parents and caregivers of teens to ensure they, too, feel confident about our platform? To that end, here are five things parents and caregivers can do to nurture their teen’s well-being on TikTok. Know the rules, use the tools Teens will be teens, and today’s teens tend to use social media. If you don’t already have a TikTok account, set one up and learn how to use it together. Our digital Guardian Guide gives parents and caregivers an overview of TikTok and the many tools and controls we’ve built into it to keep our community safe. Put the ‘talk’ in TikTok Adolescence is a time for exploration, and teens are naturally curious about different communities and connecting with a variety of topics. Rather than having them go it alone, be part of that exploration! Try hosting candid family conversations about the ways in which your teen engages online, including and beyond TikTok. This will help bolster their sense of digital citizenship and empower them to be mindful of their own safety on the internet. Pair up! Family Safety Mode links a parent's TikTok account to their teen's and makes it possible to guide their digital well-being. With Screen Time Management, parents and caregivers can limit how much time their teen can spend on the app each day. It also lets parents and caregivers limit who can send messages to their teen, turn direct messaging off altogether, and restrict the appearance of
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
How to Talk To Your Kids About Divorce
How to Talk To Your Kids About Divorce by Dr. Eri Nakagami, Ph.D., LCSW Talking to your kids about divorce is one of the most painful and difficult conversations you’ll face. When you know that you will be separating or divorcing, it’s important to talk to your kids before they hear it from someone else. Work with your spouse to decide how you will inform them. Plan what you will say to your children Collaborate with your spouse on when, how, and what you will tell your kids. Plan to tell them on a day that allows for some family time, like a weekend. Do not have this conversation just before school or bedtime or on a holiday or other special day. Consider using a mediator, therapist, or divorce coach if it’s difficult to collaborate with the other parent or the two of you aren’t able to agree on how you will have the conversation with your children to help you work out the details. Be united Talking to your children together may be hard, but it lets your kids know that you’re committed to working together as their parents. It’s also important that your children hear this news at the same time and directly from the parents, not from anyone else that may have heard it first. If your kids are of different ages, plan to share the basic information with all your kids together. Then, during a separate conversation, follow up with the older children. Once again, seek help from a professional if you cannot have this conversation together. Avoid blaming You may feel that you want your children to know the “truth” (i.e., “Mom had an affair,” or “Dad is leaving us.”) but avoid the temptation to assign blame or say whose “fault” this is. This will cause your children to feel caught in a loyalty bind which is not healthy for them. The “truth” is less important than providing the support and reassurance that your children need. Try to use the “we” word when you are explaining the decisions that have been made. Addressing the “why” It is not important nor appropriate that you provide specific details about why you are divorcing. However, your kids will want to know why this is happening and may press for information. Although you don’t want to share details of a personal nature, be prepared to give some type of general explanation without blame. Remember that these are grown-up problems
Unlocking Creativity: How Canvas Prints Can Inspire Your Child’s Artistic Side
Unlocking Creativity: How Canvas Prints Can Inspire Your Child's Artistic Side As parents, we all strive to nurture our children's creativity and encourage their artistic expression. But let's be real for a moment – sometimes that artwork can really stack up, and you can run out of ideas for putting it on display. So if you’ve got no more room on the front of your fridge, and you’re looking for a new way to showcase your kids’ masterpieces, maybe you could think about turning them into awesome canvas prints? Get ready to dive into the world of custom prints and discover how they can boost your child's artistic side and create unforgettable family moments too. Let's go! Why Canvas Prints? If you’re thinking of turning your children's artwork into wall art features, canvas prints should be at the top of your list. There are loads of wall art formats available these days, but canvas prints still stand out – for several reasons. Not only are they a fantastic choice creatively, they’re also incredibly budget-friendly. You might be surprised to learn that many discount printing companies offer canvas prints starting at less than $10. So you can showcase your child's art in a stunning professional way without breaking the bank. Second, prints on canvas are arguably the most versatile wall art format for any decor scheme. With their slim construction and borderless design, canvas prints blend seamlessly into any space. Whether your style is modern, traditional, or eclectic, these prints will complement your interior aesthetic. And canvas prints are available in a wide range of sizes, so you can choose the perfect size for your space. Canvas prints offer a fantastic opportunity to incorporate your child's artwork into your home decor. Imagine the joy of having a whole gallery wall filled with their colorful creations. It adds a personalized touch to your living space, making it truly unique and representative of your child's artistic journey. You can mix and match different prints, create themed arrangements, and renew the artworks occasionally to keep things fresh. A Fun Family Journey Turning artwork into canvas prints isn't just about the end result; it's about the journey as well. Involve your child in the process of selecting, scanning, or photographing their artwork to create the prints. Make it a fun family activity where you share stories and memories associated with each piece. This bonding experience creates lasting memories and strengthens the connection between you