Category: Family

Ever wonder how other people seem to capture adorable mommy and me photos? It doesn’t have to be a challenge to get great ‘gram-worthy pics with your littles. In fact, you don’t even need a camera! Just grab your phone and your mini-me, follow these tips and tricks, and say cheese.

Get outside

Believe it or not, a cloudy day provides the best lighting for photos. Indoor lighting can be harsh and as great as sunny days are, bright light can create unflattering shadows in your photos. As soon as the clouds roll out, hit the park, patio, or your own backyard and strike a pose.

Stabilize and protect your phone

No one likes a blurry photo. But it can be hard to ask your busy little one to hold still. A cute popsocket or keyring for your phone can help you hold steady and ace your selfie game. And while you’re at it, be sure your phone is protected with a durable case that’s kid-tested. Get some stylish new cases and accessories from Claire’s, Icing, Hudson’s Bay or any of the wireless service providers at Willowbrook.

Dress to impress

Planning to snap some selfies? Put on your cutest and coolest outfit and coordinate with your kiddo. Matching mommy and me ensembles are a fun and funky way to make some memories in your photos. Not into twinning? Look for matching colours and patterns, similar styles, or keep things simple with a clean shirt and crisp pair of jeans. Get matching clothes from Hudson’s Bay, Nordstrom Rack, H&M and more!

Take a lot of photos

No really, take a lot of photos. The more you take, the more choice you have to sort through your pics and save your faves. Don’t wait for the right pose or perfect moment—just start snapping and enjoy the moment and the results.

Capture the moment, enjoy the moment, have fun, and frame it!

Boo! What could be scarier than 2020, right? But just because it’s been a year of frights and scares, (Remember those killer hornets? No thanks!) doesn’t mean we need to sacrifice the spooky fun spirit of Halloween.

Okay, so trick-or-treating door to door may not be in your future this year but there’s still plenty of sugar on the menu. Not only does buying your own candy mean you can skip trick-or-treating, but it also means you can get exactly what you want, you don’t have to worry about allergies or safety, and you don’t have to settle for “fun size” mini bars. Isn’t a full-size chocolate more fun, anyway? There are tons of cute seasonal sweets at Purdys or Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory right now whether you want tiny pumpkins, carved up jack-o-lanterns, or your favourite assortment in some Instagram-worthy packaging—why pick just one?

Still getting dressed up? A black eyeliner from Sephora is all you need to create countless costume looks. Draw on cat whiskers, and leopard spots, a lightning bolt (you’re a wizard, Harry!) or turn your face into a skeleton with just one tool from your makeup bag. Choose a twistable eyeliner pencil for a smooth application, or a liquid liner pen to create fine lines and details. Plus we promise you’ll find a use for your black eyeliner the other 364 days of the year, too.

Can’t commit to some seasonal spooky makeup? Why not try a headband as a cute, simple, low-commitment way to celebrate? Or, swap out your regular mask for a themed one—bonus points for one that glows in the dark. And let’s not forget Fido. Keep your pooch warm and in the spooky mood with a Halloween themed puppy sweater. Available at Nordstrom Rack.

Not in the mood for a costume? How about decorating the house instead, and keeping everyone outside your bubble away with a sassy doormat? Some fun (and easy) decorating can have you in the spirit of Halloween in no time. Check out this doormat at Nordstrom Rack!

Even if Halloween looks a little different this year (like everything else has) we promise there’s tons of fun (and candy and chocolate) to be had.

We know, it’s hard to believe it’s almost Thanksgiving. But, here we are. So, why not take this opportunity to pause, reflect, and prepare for what’s ahead. And maybe to buy a new pair of stretchy pants this weekend.

Whether you’re hosting a meal with family, or laying low and staying in solo, you can liven up your space and get it ready for company with a few quick additions from Nordstrom Rack like fun Fall art, throw pillows, and let’s not forget fall scents like apples, cranberry, and cinnamon.

Creating the perfect Thanksgiving table? Stick with The Bay’s warm tones, deep reds, soft neutrals, and a hint of gold for a sweet space fit for the season and a colour palette you can’t go wrong with. Draw some inspiration from Mother Nature, the great outdoors, colourful leaves, and of course, turkeys.

Any Starbucks pumpkin spice lovers here? Us, too. The perfect sweet and spicy blend that beckons this time of year is the pinnacle of fall. But what if we told you it was only 4 ingredients and you can easily make it yourself to bake with, add to coffee and tea, and whatever else you cook up.

Simply mix 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon with ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg, ¼ teaspoon of ground ginger, and 1/8 teaspoon of ground cloves. Store your pumpkin spice blend in a container with a lid and keep it handy—you’re going to want to use it. To really make your house smell warm and sweet, just add a spoonful of the pumpkin pie spice blend to a pot of water. Bring it to a boil and then reduce to a simmer and enjoy the smell of fresh pumpkin pie, without the work or calories.

Need a hostess gift? Want to show some thanks and appreciation to a frontline worker? Just looking for something sweet? There’s no bad time for chocolate, especially chocolates that come in cute Thanksgiving packaging. In fact, we wouldn’t blame you if you picked up an extra box to treat yourself. Available at Purdys Chocolatier.

No matter how different 2020 may look, there are still so many things to be thankful for. So sit, sip, snack, enjoy, and of course, give thanks.