Anxiety is a real and serious disorder. In fact, it’s the most common mental health disorder in the United States and can affect just about anyone – from the young to the old. 

It has numerous symptoms, which may include:

• Excessive worrying
• Difficulty sleeping
• Tiredness/Fatigue
• Trouble concentrating
• Increased irritability
• Elevated heart rate and/or palpitations
• Sweating
• Shaking
• Tense muscles
• Chest Pain
• Shortness of breath
• Feelings of doom or terror

With symptoms that are so varied, it’s essential that you be able to recognize and then remember that there are some things that you can do to ease anxiety.

• Stay in the Present: Often, people experience anxiety because they are worried about future events or things they cannot control. But instead of worrying about “what’s going to happen,” it’s important to stay in the moment. When you remain grounded in the present, you can take a realistic look at how you are doing currently and not become distracted by possibilities in the future. 
• Check Your Thoughts: Do you find that you are plagued by negative thoughts? Are you constantly thinking about the worst possible scenarios? Do you know if any of your negative thoughts are actually true? Most likely, they are not – and in most cases, worst-case scenarios don’t happen. Take the time to recognize how you’re feeling, but give yourself the positive pep talk you would give to others if they asked for help. For example, when going for a job interview, say to yourself, “Yes, I’m nervous about this interview, but I have a great resume, and I’m prepared to answer any questions they may have for me.”
• Breathe: You may think it’s silly, but deep breathing can help ease your anxiety. And, while some experts will suggest specific breathing techniques to help with anxiety, the most important thing to do is to take deep breaths in and out. But if you do want some assistance, there are some fantastic apps that can help with breathing and meditation.
• Talk With a Friend: You probably have friends or family call you when they are feeling anxious, so why don’t you do the same? Talking it out with someone can help bring that “voice of reason” perspective to how you’re feeling and make you feel better about what’s going on in your life.
• Take a Walk: Yes, taking a simple walk can help ease anxiety. You can use the time to gain control of your thoughts and feelings, do some breathing, or check your thoughts. A walk can be the distraction you need to ground yourself in the present.
• Write It Down: Grab a pen and some paper or a notebook and write down why you are feeling anxious at the moment – and then some possible scenarios. Writing can help ground you and lessen your anxiety when you see it all on paper.
• Just Say No: Are there people, places, or things that seem to make you anxious? Have you ever thought about saying no to those things? By saying no, you can help establish boundaries and not put yourself into situations where your anxiety may be triggered.
• Laugh Out Loud: You know that laughter can help turn around a bad day and it can also help lessen your anxiety. Find a funny movie to watch, reach out to a funny friend, or listen to a comedic podcast. You might be surprised by how much better you feel when you have a good, ol’ belly laugh.
• Practice Meditation: While breathing was mentioned as a means of lessening the symptoms of anxiety, meditation is another thing that can help. Check out meditation apps if you don’t regularly practice so that you can learn some simple ways to bring it into your life.
• Talk With a Therapist: Of course, speaking with a therapist is always recommended if you suffer from anxiety. They can help you with exercises or medication that can alleviate your symptoms.

There are many different ways to ease anxiety if you suffer from it. When you can recognize your symptoms, you may be able to use one of these techniques to help lessen your anxiousness.

Are you stuck in a rut? Maybe a smidge jealous of your friend who is always up for trying something new or looking for her next adventure? Has life become a little predictable with the same routine day after day?

Then it’s time to change things up! It’s time to try something new! In fact, it’s time to try a whole bunch of new things! 

Challenge yourself to spend the next 30 days doing something new each and every day! And here are 30 days of ideas – in case you get stuck!

• Day 1: Try a vegan recipe today. 
  • Feasting at Home has gathered 40 different vegan dinners for you to try! 
• Day 2: Engage in a new form of exercise today. 
  • Always do yoga? Try going for a bike ride. If cardio is your go-to, then why not pick up some weights?
• Day 3: Drink more water today. 
  • If you’ve gotten out of the habit of drinking water, today is the day to bring it back. 
• Day 4: Start a vacation savings account. 
  • If you’re dreaming of some time away – maybe someplace exotic – then start saving for it!
• Day 5: Speak with three new people today. 
  • A simple hello to a stranger counts!
• Day 6: Get up 15 minutes early today. 
  • Use the time to prepare for your day or read – or whatever you like!
• Day 7: Find a new hobby. 
  • Whatever it may be – from knitting to gaming to geocaching – just give a new hobby a whirl!
• Day 8: Learn to meditate. 
  • There are apps that can help
• Day 9: Spend the day smiling more. 
  • Smiling is contagious – so you just might make it a better day for everyone. 
• Day 10: Create a mantra or affirmation for yourself. 
  • Use it as a means to pick yourself up when you experience a setback.
• Day 11: Spend the entire day WITHOUT social media. 
  • Yes, delete those apps for the day and see how much time you get back in your day.
• Day 12: Declutter one area in your home that you’ve been putting off. 
  • Whether it’s a closet or the junk drawer – get that clutter under control.
• Day 13: Eat at a new restaurant. 
  • Is there someplace you’ve been wanting to try? Today’s the day!
• Day 14: Create a budget. 
  • You’ve probably thought about doing this, but have you done it yet?
• Day 15: Learn a foreign language.
  • Even a few basic phrases can go a long way to help you establish a connection with someone. 
• Day 16: Start a gratitude journal. 
  • It’s a great way to see the big and small things you are thankful for!
• Day 17: Have a game night. 
  • Grab a board game and gather family or friends around the table to play a game and share some laughs.
• Day 18: Explore someplace new. 
  • You don’t have to travel far – just find someplace new to explore. A park, museum, or hiking trail are all great options.
• Day 19: Volunteer. 
  • Find an organization that could use some help and give of your time or talents.
• Day 20: Go the entire day without complaining. 
• Day 21: Read a book. 
  • Whether you like fiction or a good autobiography, carve out some time to read.
• Day 22: Go see live music. 
• Day 23: Get a massage. 
  • A little pampering is good for everyone!
• Day 24: Rearrange the furniture in one room in your apartment. 
  • You might be surprised by how much you like it!
• Day 25: Send a friend or family member a letter letting them know how much they’re appreciated.
• Day 26: Buy lunch for a stranger.
• Day 27: Don’t watch television today. 
  • Keep it turned off for 24 hours. 
• Day 28: Watch a classic movie this evening. 
• Day 29: Head to bed 30 minutes earlier than normal and listen to a sleep meditation.
• Day 30: Attend a community event. 
  • It can be anything from a festival to a play to a high school athletic event.

Trying something new can open the door to other new experiences! Use these 30 ideas to get you started! 

Did you make a promise to yourself that 2021 was going to be the year you get organized? Have you made it happen yet? No?

It’s okay! It’s not too late! You still have plenty of time left in 2021 to accomplish this goal. 

But it’s going to take some work!

If you’re ready to give it a go – here are some tips – starting with A and ending with Z – that might help!

• Assign: Take a look around your place. Do you have a lot of things scattered around? Maybe not even in the right room? Then it’s time to assign your things – at a minimum – to a room. But if you can, think about specific places where you would actually like to see your things go. It will make the organization process much easier.
• Boxes: When it comes to sorting things, especially if you’re using the  “Keep, Donate, Trash” system, then it’s handy to have some boxes that will make this simpler. It’s also good to have boxes around for seasonal things that can be stored and pulled out only when needed.
• Clear the Clutter: Have your countertops, kitchen table, coffee table – and who knows what else – all been overtaken by miscellaneous items that don’t belong there? Then it’s time to clear the clutter. 
• Drawers: When was the last time you sorted through the drawers in your home – especially your sock and underwear drawer – which just seem to get fuller by the day? Dedicate some time to organizing your drawers – and throw away those holey socks!
• Entryway: Your entryway can quickly become cluttered as it’s often the place where you drop your shoes, backpacks, keys, and whatever else you’ve been carrying around for the day. Get creative with this space and design an entryway that’s functional and clutter-free.
• File: Do you have a stack of papers a mile high? Then it’s time to file away the important ones, shred the ones not needed, and recycle anything that you don’t want and doesn’t contain personal information.
• Give Away: Your home only has a finite amount of space, and if you have collected more than your fair share of things, it might be time to give some things away. Think about what you truly need and start the process of paring down. You might even learn that minimalism is your thing!
• Hang It Up: Do you have clothes everywhere? On the floor? On your bed? In the washing machine and dryer? Make it a point to hang them up (or put them in drawers) immediately. Establishing good habits is a part of staying organized.
• Important: It’s time to keep only the things that are truly important to you! Ask yourself, “Is this important to me?” as you go through things – especially things that have been stored away.
• Junk Drawer: Everyone has one! Take the time to get it under control (a silverware caddy can be really useful) so that it’s a functioning drawer – where you can actually find things.
• K.I.S.S.: Make sure whatever you set up for organizing things adheres to K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple, Stupid) – so that you’ll stick with it.
• Labels: If you’ll be storing things away, make sure you label the boxes and containers, so you know what’s inside.
• Maintain: Work hard to maintain your organization. Maintenance is the key to success.
• No: Sometimes you just need to say, “No.” Your kids probably don’t need new toys, and you don’t need new shoes. Practice the art of saying no.
• Organize: There are lots of different ways to organize – so find what works for you.
• Purge: Yes, get rid of things that are broken, damaged, and unrepairable. Purging is part of the process.
• Quick: Keep it quick. Spend 10-15 minutes organizing a space and then stop. You don’t want it to become a dreaded chore.
• Risers: In your pantry or frig, you may have deep shelves that make it hard to see things in the back. Get risers to put things on so you know what you have.
• Storage: Storage is crucial – especially in children’s rooms. Think about getting baskets that they can easily put things into.
• Tipping Point: Remember what the tipping point was that made you decide you needed to get things organized – and don’t let it get to that point again!
• Under the Sink: Under the sinks in your home (bathrooms and kitchen) are notorious places for a mess. Spend some time making them functional.
• Vertical: If you’re running out of storage – go vertical. Can you go higher? Can you add hooks or shelves above that will give you more space?
• Wait: Before making any more purchases – wait. Wait 72 hours for small purchases and even longer for big-ticket items.
• Xamen (Examine): Examine everything – including your budget. You don’t want your need for organization to cost you big money.
• Year: If you haven’t used it in a year, do you really need it?
  Ziploc Bags: Ziploc bags are great for storing small things – and you can write on them with a Sharpie.

Now’s the time to get organized! Use this A to Z guide to help you and tackle your home one room at a time!

Do you love a good podcast? And are you a fan of food and cooking? Then you’re going to want to check out this list of some great podcasts that are all about food!

From dining out to improving your own home cooking skills, these podcasts cover a wide variety of subjects related to a subject that everyone enjoys…FOOD!

• Doughboys: The podcast about chain restaurants. Comedians Mike Mitchell and Nick Wiger review fast food/sit-down chains and generally argue about food/everything.
• Milk Street Radio: Milk Street Radio travels the world to discover how food and cooking are changing lives and cultures, from $13,500 melons in Japan and computer-generated cookie recipes to the home cooking of Ina Garten and Egyptian fast food in Berlin.
• Home Cooking: From Samin Nosrat (chef and author of the cookbook Salt Fat Acid Heat) and Hrishikesh Hirway (creator and host of the podcast Song Exploder), Home Cooking is a mini-series to help you figure out what to cook—and keep you company—during the quarantine. If you need help or just want some creative inspiration for your kitchen, we’ve got you covered.
• Gravy: Gravy shares stories of the changing American South through the foods we eat. Gravy showcases a South that is constantly evolving, accommodating new immigrants, adopting new traditions, and lovingly maintaining old ones. It uses food as a means to explore all of that, to dig into lesser-known corners of the region, complicate stereotypes, document new dynamics, and give voice to the unsung folk who grow, cook, and serve our daily meals.
• Burnt Toast: Food intersects with our lives in more ways than we think. Food52’s Burnt Toast podcast chases those stories to give listeners the perfect pieces of snackable dinner-party fodder—all inside of a commute’s time. In each episode, host Michael Harlan Turkell explores a different aspect of food culture and community, highlighting the often-surprising past informing what we eat every day, and meeting some of the people shaping food’s present and future.
• A Taste of the Past: Linda Pelaccio, a culinary historian, takes a weekly journey through the history of food on A Taste of the Past. Tune in for interviews with authors, scholars and culinary chroniclers who discuss food culture from ancient Mesopotamia and Rome to the grazing tables and deli counters of today. Each week Linda explores the lively link between food cultures of the present and past.
• Gastropod: Food with a side of science and history. Every other week, co-hosts Cynthia Graber and Nicola Twilley serve up a brand new episode exploring the hidden history and surprising science behind a different food- or farming-related topic, from aquaculture to ancient feasts, from cutlery to chile peppers, and from microbes to Malbec. We interview experts, visit labs, fields, and archaeological digs, and generally have lots of fun while discovering new ways to think about and understand the world through food.
• The Sporkful: We obsess about food to learn more about people. The Sporkful isn’t for foodies, it’s for eaters. Hosted by Dan Pashman of Cooking Channel’s You’re Eating It Wrong and the book Eat More Better.
• Proof: We tell the weird and surprising and funny backstories around food and drink. The tales we haven’t all heard yet, the ones that have been lost, the under-told. This is not a recipe show. And this is not a show about celebrity chefs or what they like to eat. Proof goes beyond recipes and cooking to investigate the foods we love (tiki drinks) and don’t love (the grain bowl); ask the big questions (where do food cravings come from?); and uncover the hidden backstories that feed your food-obsessed brain.

The next time you need something to listen to – maybe while you’re preparing dinner – check out these food podcasts. You can have a laugh, improve your cooking skills, or find a new restaurant to check out.

(*All podcast descriptions from Apple Podcasts)

“What is the difference between an obstacle and an opportunity? Our attitude toward it. Every opportunity has a difficulty, and every difficulty has an opportunity.” – J. Sidlow Baxter

“The only place where your dreams become impossible is in your own thinking,” – Robert H Shuller

“The greatest discovery of all time is that a person can change his future by merely changing his attitude.” – Oprah Winfrey

When you read these quotes, what came to mind? Did you notice their positive nature? They’re all meant to make you see the positive side of things. 

And if you’re working on projecting more positivity, here are a few ideas that might help you do just that!

• Remember It Starts With You: Have you heard the saying, “Nothing and no one can make you happy until you are happy with yourself.”? When it comes to being happy, this is true. And when it comes to acting in a positive manner – it’s extra true. You can’t rely on material things or other people to help you do this. You need to undertake this yourself and keep this at the forefront of your mind – even when dealing with difficult things or people.
• Keep Negative Thoughts at Bay: Have you ever found yourself bogged down with negative thoughts? Doubting yourself? Maybe a little angry? When these thoughts crop up in your life, see what you can do to keep them at bay. Can you give yourself a pep talk? Meditate? Look for solutions? When you can minimize negative thoughts, you make more room for positive ones.
• Use Positive Words: Yes, your language can help. Use positive words more often, and you will project positivity – and people will notice. 
• Smile: Smiling is such a simple way to project positivity – plus, it has lots of benefits. Additionally, when you smile, you’ll see more people around you smiling. (Yes, it may just be contagious!)
• Practice Gratitude Daily: Do you spend a little time each day thinking about what you’re grateful for? If not, you should. Spend a few moments thinking about the big – or little – things you are grateful for throughout your day. You might even write them down – or spend a moment sharing them at dinner.
• Sprinkle Compliments: You’ve seen the saying, “Sprinkle compliments like they’re confetti.” And this is such a great way to project positivity – because you not only make yourself feel good but others, too. Sharing a few kind words with friends, family, and co-workers will make everyone smile.
• Live in the Now: Do you spend time reliving the past? Or worrying about the future? When you dedicate time to one or both of those things, you’re not living in the moment. Try to “live in the now” so that you can be fully present.
• Be Generous: In what ways can you be generous? Sure, it can be money, but it doesn’t have to be that. It could be time, energy, expertise – you name it! Think about others who can benefit from what you have to share – and give it freely.
• Create a Mantra: There will be times when you won’t feel so positive – and that’s okay. But, if you have a mantra that you can say to yourself during those times, you may be able to turn things around quicker. Spend some time thinking of a mantra that will work for you.
• Seek Out Others Who Share Positivity: Surround yourself with people who are also positive. This will help you – and in turn, you will help them. Positivity attracts positivity – so it might not be as hard as you think.

If you want to help yourself and those around you, projecting positivity is the way to go! You’ll be amazed at how good you feel – and how good you make others feel. 

Do you know approximately how much of the human body is made of water? The answer is about 60%. 

And water is essential for your cells, tissues, and organs to function properly. 

This is why staying hydrated is so important – because it has so many consequences for your health.

Of course, hydration becomes a popular topic in the summer when the temperatures rise, but it’s something to be aware of all year long – and here are a few of the reasons why.

• Water lubricates your joints: Cartilage, which can be found in your joints – such as your knees – is composed mostly of water (about 80%). If you are dehydrated – especially for long periods of time – it can lead to joint pain.
• Your body needs water to create mucus and saliva: If you suffer from dry mouth, dry eyes, or don’t produce much mucus, you know what this can be a problem. Dry mouth has been known to lead to cavities after a prolonged period of time, and dry eyes can become irritated and affect your vision.
• Water improves your physical performance: There’s a reason that it’s recommended that you drink water before, during, and after exercise – and that’s because, without it, you can experience fatigue, the inability to regulate your body temperature, and decreased motivation. And this is even more important during the summer months when the temperatures are high.
• Water affects your brain function and energy levels: Have you ever felt tired or experienced “brain fog” – even though you were well-rested? Studies have shown that hydration – even mild hydration – can negatively affect your brain function, leaving you to feel tired and not as sharp.
• Water may help prevent headaches: Researchers have seen a correlation between headaches and some migraines and dehydration. In fact, dehydration is one of the most common symptoms – so staying hydrated may help you lessen the frequency of headaches. 
• Water is essential for the health of your skin: When you’re dehydrated, your skin can suffer. It may become dry, flaky, or wrinkly. Stay hydrated to avoid these things and help prevent premature aging of your skin.
• Water helps your digestive system: It may not be enough to say that water helps your digestive system – it’s crucial for it! Without enough water, you can experience digestive problems such as constipation and an acidic stomach – which can lead to heartburn, acid reflux, and ulcers.
• Water assists in regulating your blood pressure: Yes, without proper hydration, your blood can thicken – which in turn can cause your blood pressure to rise.
• Water aids in preventing kidney damage: Your kidneys help to regulate the fluids in your body, and without enough water, you can develop kidney stones and other kidney-related issues.

So, while you now know a few of the reasons it’s important to stay hydrated – how do you go about doing it? 

• Don’t wait until you think you’re dehydrated to drink water. Sip water all day long – especially when the weather is hot. Carry a reusable water bottle with you, so you always have water on hand.
• If plain water just doesn’t appeal to you, you add some flavor with fresh fruit or a bit of fruit juice.
• Eat foods that contain water. This is often fruits and vegetables (watermelon, cantaloupe, peaches, pineapple, cucumbers, celery, zucchini, and leafy greens).
• If it’s too hot outside, stay indoors – especially during peak sun hours.

Staying hydrated is essential to keep your body functioning correctly. This summer, make sure you’re getting enough water to keep yourself healthy and feeling good!

Do you change how you cook in the summer? Do you tend to hit the farmers’ market and pick up fresh local fruits and vegetables? Do you put the recipes for heavier casseroles away and look for lighter fare? Do you tend to put more things on the grill or barbecue more?

Lots of people change it up – and the grills tend to get a good workout during the summer months.

If you love grilling and barbecuing, then take a look at a couple of great books that might provide you with a few more tips and tricks.

• How to Grill: The Complete Illustrated Book of Barbecue Techniques by Steven Raichlen
  • A full-color, photograph-by-photograph, step-by-step technique book, How to Grill gets to the core of the grilling experience by showing and telling exactly how it’s done. With more than 1,000 full-color photographs, How to Grill shows 100 techniques, from how to set up a three-tiered fire to how to grill a prime rib, a porterhouse, a pork tenderloin, or a chicken breast. There are techniques for smoking ribs, cooking the perfect burger, rotissering a whole chicken, barbecuing a fish; for grilling pizza, shellfish, vegetables, tofu, fruit, and s’mores. Bringing the techniques to life are over 100 all-new recipes—Beef Ribs with Chinese Spices, Grilled Side of Salmon with Mustard Glaze, Prosciutto-Wrapped, Rosemary-Grilled Scallops—and hundreds of inside tips.
• How to Grill Everything: Simple Recipes for Great Flame-Cooked Food by Mark Bittman
  • Here’s how to grill absolutely everything—from the perfect steak to cedar-plank salmon to pizza—explained in Mark Bittman’s trademark simple, straightforward style. Featuring 1,000 recipes and variations, plus Bittman’s practical advice on all the grilling basics, this book is an exploration of the grill’s nearly endless possibilities. Recipes cover every part of the meal, including appetizers, seafood, meat and poultry, vegetables (including vegetarian mains), and even desserts. Plenty of quick, high-heat recipes will get dinner on the table in short order (Spanish-Style Garlic Shrimp, Green Chile Cheeseburgers); low and slow “project” recipes (Texas-Style Smoked Brisket, Pulled Pork with Lexington BBQ Sauce) are ideal for leisurely weekend cookouts. You’ll also find unexpected grilled treats like avocado, watermelon, or pound cake, and innovative surprises—like cooking meat loaf or from-scratch Rosemary Olive Oil Bread on the grill—to get the most out of every fire.
• Master of the Grill: Foolproof Recipes, Top-Rated Gadgets, Gear & Ingredients Plus Clever Test Kitchen Tips & Fascinating Science by America’s Test Kitchen
  • Part field guide to grilling and barbecuing and part cookbook, Master of the Grill features a wide variety of kitchen-tested recipes for meat, poultry, seafood, vegetables, pizza, and more. These are the recipes everyone should know how to make— the juiciest burgers, barbecue chicken that’s moist not tough, tender grill-smoked pork ribs, the greatest steak (and grilled potatoes to serve alongside). Regional specialties are included, too—learn how to make Cowboy Steaks, Alabama BBQ Chicken, and Kansas City Sticky Ribs. Colorful photography captures the beauty of the recipes and step-by-step shots guide you through everything you need to know. A section on grilling essentials covers the pros and cons of gas and charcoal grills and which might be right for you, as well as the tools you’ll use with them— such as grill brushes, tongs, vegetable baskets, and wood chips and chunks.
• American Barbecue Sauces: Marinades, Ribs, and More from the South and Beyond by Greg Mrvich
  • Every barbecue master knows―the secret’s in the sauce. American Barbecue Sauces is packed with savory recipes for bastes, glazes, mops, wet and dry rubs, marinades, condiments―and of course, sauces―from all over the United States. Fire up the grill!
  • From Central Texas to Chicago, and Memphis to the Southwest and beyond, get to know America’s barbecue belt with these explosively flavorful sauces and seasonings. Complete with classic favorites, creative concoctions, and a list of online resources that offer even more mouthwatering recipes, this book has everything you need to take your taste buds on a delicious road trip across the country.
  • This saucy book includes:
    • Barbecue basics―Discover details about American barbecue, including the big four BBQ regions, the five mother sauces, lesser-known BBQ styles, and more.
    • Marinades, mops, and more―Explore other ways to heat up your barbecue game, with recipes like Cowboy Coffee Beef Rub, Basic Poultry Brine, and Old-Fashioned Glaze.
    • Essential equipment―Convenient lists for stocking your kitchen include pantry items, necessary tools like basting brushes, and nice-to-haves like disposable gloves.
  • Make your cookout really cook with tasty barbecue sauce recipes from the heart of America. Let’s get cooking!

No matter what you like to throw on the grill, summer is the ideal time to do it! And you can up your grilling game this summer when you try a few of the recipes or tips from these books.

(*Book descriptions courtesy of Amazon.com)

School’s out! And that means it’s time to make sure your kids have plenty to do so you’re not always hearing, “I’m bored.” 

Schedules can go a long way to help you reduce hearing those dreaded words. You can schedule time for chores, snacks, reading, quiet time, and more! 

One thing you may want to add to the list is…craft time! 

Crafting is great for letting the kids get creative, and it’s perfect for those days when it’s not-so-sunny, and they can’t head outdoors. (You can also take crafting outside when you do have a sunny day! No need to stay inside!)

Here are some crafts you can plan for this summer – so you’re prepared when you need an activity.

• Tin Can Wind Chime: Start saving those tin cans (and ask your friends and family to save, also) so that the kids can make tin can wind chimes. They will have fun decorating them and putting their own personal touch on this project. And then you can hang them on your patio or balcony – or even in your child’s room.
• Pool Noodle Fishing Game: How about a craft that then turns into a game the kids can play? It’s a 2-for-1! This Pool Noodle Fishing Game will have everyone creating cute little fish (with googly eyes), and then they’ll have hours of fun “catching” their newly made fish. (FYI – Most dollar stores have pool noodles available during the summer months – so check there if you don’t have one!)
• Tie-Dye Pillowcase: Kids love a project that they’re going to get to use, and this Tie-Dye Pillowcase is one such project. Yes, the dye can get a bit messy, but gloves will help, and kids will love twisting those rubber bands to create cool patterns.
• Fridge Critters: Do you have children who are obsessed with animals? If yes, this craft project will be right up their alley. You have the instructions to create five different critters using clothespins – and they’ll look so cute on the fridge!
• Painted Washer Necklace: This is a cute craft if you have kids who want to make something for their friends. You can buy a large package of washers on Amazon, and then your children can spend hours decorating them with acrylic craft paint (or nail polish). You can use a single washer or layer together different sizes to create some beautiful necklaces.
• Pasta Necklace: If you have small children who want to create a project that they can wear, then Pasta Necklaces are the answer. They’ll love stringing together the pasta, and it’s sure to bring out their inner designer!
• Homemade Kaleidoscope: Did you have a kaleidoscope as a child? And did you just love it? All of those interesting patterns that it would create as you twisted it were just the best. This project allows your child to make their very own – and it’s a cool science lesson, too.
• Sock Puppets: Let the kids make these Sock Puppets, and then give them time to create a little show for you. You can even record their show to send to family far away!
• Paper Plate Frisbee: Do you have some paper plates, markers, and packing tape? Then you’ve got everything you need to make a frisbee! And this is another project that the kids can play with when they’re done making it.
• Scented Rainbow Bubbles: How about making some bubbles that smell awesome? These bubbles are scented with essential oils, and the kids can have fun playing with the scents and colors.

This summer, when you have a schedule in place and some fun activities planned – like these crafts – you’ll, hopefully, avoid hearing, “I’m bored.” 

Amazon seems to have it all! From clothes to food to automotive, you can find anything you need on Amazon. 

If you’re shopping for things for your home – look no further! Amazon has hundreds of thousands of items. Of course, it can get a bit overwhelming as you start searching. 

But, no worries! Here are a few of the most popular products for your home and kitchen on Amazon!

• Beckham Hotel Collection Gel Pillow: Over 87,000 people have reviewed this pillow, and it has a 4.5-star rating – and with that many positive reviews – you know it’s got to be good. You get two pillows for the price – and they’re allergy-friendly. Additionally, they can easily be washed – when you need to.
• Instant Pot Duo Mini: The Instant Pot has been a very popular kitchen gadget for the last few years, but the big Instant Pot can take up a lot of space in your cabinets. Thankfully, there’s the Instant Pot Duo Mini, and it has a 4.7-star rating. It can be used as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, saute, yogurt maker, and warmer – making it super versatile! 
• Lifewit Large Capacity Clothes Storage Bags: Do you have a closet that’s a bit out of control? Are you looking for a way to store those winter clothes that you’re no longer wearing? Then you might want to try these clothes storage bags from Lifewit. They have a rating of 4.6 stars, and the dimensions are: 23.62 x 16.93 x 13.78 inches. They also come in three colors – black, gray, and blue. 
• Chesapeake Bay Candles: If you want to bring the spa experience to your home with some candles, you have lots of choices. But this candle set from Chesapeake Bay will bring you three different scents that are sure to make your home smell fantastic. They have a 4.5-star rating and over 30,000 reviews – and would also make for a great gift.
• Chef’s Path Airtight Food Storage Container Set: Want to make your pantry or cupboards more organized? One of the easiest ways to do it is to buy some storage containers for some of your bulk items, such as coffee, sugar, and flour. This 14-piece set from Chef’s Path can definitely get you started. You’ll receive several different sizes – and some labels and a marker so you can label everything clearly.
• Cuisinart Deluxe Electric Can Opener: Still have a manual can opener and want to upgrade to electric? Then grab this one from Cuisinart! It’s got a 4.7-star rating and comes in four different colors.
• Mueller Premium Electric Kettle: Do your kids love hot chocolate? Or are you a fan of hot tea? Then you need an electric kettle in your life! With 4.8 stars, this one made by Mueller will have your water boiling in no time at all.
• Bissell Featherweight Stick Lightweight Bagless Vacuum: If you’ve got to vacuum, it should be as painless as possible. This vacuum from Bissell is so lightweight that it will feel like you’re practically pushing air! 
• Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls: Every kitchen needs a great set of mixing bowls in various sizes. These stainless steel ones will do the trick, and they nest together for easy storage.
• Everlasting Comfort Cool Mist Humidifier: Does the air in your apartment seem kind of dry? Then this humidifier will help. It comes in two colors and has an essential oil tray – in case you want to add a few drops of your favorite scent.

Do you need any of these products for your home? If so, take a look, read the reviews, and make an informed decision – because these are some of the most popular products for your home and kitchen on Amazon at the moment.

Several years ago, wine was all the rage, and people spent lots of time learning about the different varieties and what they should expect from them. Nowadays, while wine is still popular, beer has also joined the ranks.

Craft breweries are popping up left and right, and your local grocery store has probably greatly increased your choices. But do you know the style of beer you like? 

Here are a few notes on some of the basic beer styles you may encounter. Perhaps, it will help you figure out what you like – and save you from buying something that you don’t.

• Lagers: Lagers are a relatively new style of beer, and they have a unique fermentation process. They ferment at a low temperature for a long time and rely on “bottom-fermenting” yeasts. These yeasts rest at the bottom of the beer tank during the process. Lagers are extremely popular in the Netherlands, Germany, and Czechia – where you’ll find plenty of them on the menu at your local pubs and cafes.
• German Bocks: Bocks date all the way back to medieval times and, while it is a type of lager, it usually spends extra time in cold storage to help smooth out the flavor. It is dark in color and has a strong flavor of malt, and is usually not overly hoppy.
• Brown Ales: If you like a beer that often has hints of caramel, chocolate, nuts, or citrus, then you are most likely a fan of brown ales. They do vary in flavor depending on the malts used and where they are brewed, but they are definitely worth a try.
• Pale Ales: Pale ales often have a gorgeous copper color and a fruity scent to them, and they’re a traditional English style of beer. If you ever attend a beer pairing, you may find that pales ales are often served with spicy foods as they can handle the heat.
• India Pale Ales: If you took a pale ale and added some extra hops – which gives it its distinctive bitter flavor – then you’d have an India Pale Ale. IPAs have exploded in popularity here in the United States, and brewers do lots of experimenting with flavors and tastes here.
• Porters: If you see an extremely dark beer – almost black in color – it’s probably a porter. Porter is also a type of ale – which is made with roasted malt. Porters can range from fruity to dry – so you may have to try a few to find one that you like. 
• Stouts: And if it’s not a porter, it could definitely be a stout. This is another roasted ale – which often has a bitter coffee flavor. That flavor comes from unroasted malted barley that is added to the wort. (Wort is the sweet infusion of ground malt or other grain before fermentation, used to produce beer and distilled malt liquors.) Guinness is the world’s most famous stout. 
• Wheat Beers: This is a lighter style of beer that usually has a hazy appearance to it and is often flavored with spices or citrus. Hefeweizen is a popular style of wheat beer you might try.
• Pilsners: Pilsners are extremely hoppy lagers, and they often have a dry, slightly bitter flavor to them. They are light in color and have a crisp finish – making them a popular beer during the summer months.
• Sour Ales: Sour ales are made from wild yeasts and are usually tart – often with a fruit or spice flavor. 

The next time you head to a brewery, if they offer a flight of beers, take the opportunity to try something new! Maybe you’ll find you like a new beer style from this list!