family fun

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) says that by following certain guidelines, an average driver can improve their fuel economy by around 10 percent. That might not seem like a big difference, but over time – and as road-trip season approaches – it can have a big effect on your wallet.
Continue Reading...

With the arrival of summer comes the smell of sizzling food on the grill, as it wafts from across the neighborhood, and backyard dining is once again the norm. According to the Health, Patio, & Barbecue Association, 7 out of 10 families in the U.S. own a grill, making it by far the most common outdoor cooking method. And there's no doubt that summer wouldn't be the same without one.
Continue Reading...

For nature lovers, many of the most memorable moments take place in the great outdoors, whether it's catching your first trout on a fly rod or summiting a peak. This is also where people often find the most solace, as time in nature can bring a sense of peace. Unless, of course, things go wrong.
Continue Reading...

Road trips always seem like a great idea, but when there are kids in tow, it's not always as free-wheeling as one may have imagined. There's likely to be fidgeting, potty breaks, and are-we-there-yets, punctuated by the occasional, but often brief, nap-induced silence. But, it needn't be so. While every road trip involves an inevitable speed bump or two, here are a few suggestions for a smooth ride to keep smiles and sanity intact.
Continue Reading...

Holiday traditions are not only a part of our respective regional celebrations, but they're also a distinctly integral thread woven through each of our families. Whether it's holiday cookie-making parties or Christmas Day sledding, Christmas Eve mass, or the lighting of the menorah, we are a diverse people rooted in traditions. While some of those traditions are deeply enmeshed in the spirituality of the season, others are about gathering, creating, and feasting our way into the new year. And still, others are just, well, we're not entirely sure what they're enmeshed in, but we're here for them.
Continue Reading...

As gentle spring breezes give way to summer's scorching temps, many without air conditioning in North Carolina will struggle to keep their homes cool. But all is not lost in the absence of central air. There are many simple, tried-and-true measures you can take to bring comfort back to the summer months.
Continue Reading...

Never has a vacation seemed more appealing than the present. On the heels of a pandemic that just won't quit, the country is currently reeling from the everyday impacts of inflation on transportation, housing, groceries, and more. For many, vacation plans have taken a backseat to the responsibility of more pressing financial matters. But, that needn't be the death knell for the unique family experiences and meaningful memories that only time spent away from it all can provide. Here are some budget-friendly options to get in on a little taste of the sweet life.
Continue Reading...

With summer, comes a welcome invitation for people in North Carolina to spend as much time as possible outside. Not only does nature replenish Vitamin D and support immunity; reduce anxiety and depression; lower blood pressure and reduce stress; increase serotonin and reinforce circadian cycles for better sleep; and improve focus, but it may also help reduce cancer risk by increasing anti-cancer proteins. "Being outdoors in nature can be healing and beneficial for the body and mind," says certified therapeutic recreational specialist Erica Price. "Whether at the beach, forest, or in a neighborhood park, nature offers a calming effect. And, when we combine nature with physical activity, it can help fight depression and anxiety."
Continue Reading...

The holiday season is upon us, meaning it's time to be jolly, gather with friends and family, and, hopefully, stay safe. But in addition to the things we're all wishing for, the holidays can bring some unwanted gifts in the form of accidents, damages, or injuries that might result in an insurance claim. So what are the most common holiday-related insurance claims and how can you avoid them? Read on to find out.
Continue Reading...

If you're a parent, you've probably heard of the summer slide: the idea that kids experience some amount of learning loss over the two or three months of summer break.
Continue Reading...

Many Americans struggle with depression or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) during the winter months. This year, it's been especially hard to stay mentally and physically healthy. When the pandemic has forced many of us to stay cooped up inside our houses, it just gets easier and easier to not get out of your pajamas or venture beyond your front door. But if you want to get back to a healthier lifestyle in the new year, getting outside is one great way to start improving your social life, physical health, and state of mind.
Continue Reading...

Not many of us will be sad to have 2020 behind us, and the good news is: It won't take much to make this year better than the last! The bad news? Many of us have abandoned our exercise routines, social engagements, and healthy habits just to cope with living through a global pandemic. As we launch into a new, and hopefully better year, here are 10 things you can do to get back on track.
Continue Reading...

If your child is approaching college-age, you might be thinking about planning some campus visits. These visits can provide very valuable information that just can't be gleaned from a website, brochure, or visit with a designated college representative. But how do you choose which colleges to visit? And how do you make sure those visits are worthwhile? Here are some tips to maximize your time and enjoyment on the campus visit circuit.
Continue Reading...

Like it or not, millions of students are accessing their education virtually this year, and around the country, schools are using different models, platforms, and approaches with varying results. Some students are thriving or getting by, others are struggling or becoming completely disengaged.
Continue Reading...

The holidays are fraught this year. We miss our families and we want to see them. Here are some things you can do to stay on the sane side of family gatherings during a global pandemic.
Continue Reading...

It's safe to say that, at this point, everyone around the globe is tired of the pandemic. So much so that there's now an official name for it: pandemic fatigue. Unfortunately, the end of this difficult episode unknown, which means we're going to have to live with the constraints of pandemic life and all of its negative impacts for much longer than we would like.
Continue Reading...

Taking care of elderly parents? Here's how to keep them safe and stay sane. Having the opportunity to spend time with and give back to your elderly parents can be an unexpected gift. But as rewarding as it is, it can also be exhausting, frustrating, and dispiriting at times. Here are some ways to stay sane and enjoy time with your loved ones while you still have them.
Continue Reading...

The season of ghosts, goblins, costumes and eating too much candy is here. Whether you're a Halloween enthusiast or just someone who loves fall, here are our top 5 home decorating tips, plus a few safety tips for the creepiest night of the year.
Continue Reading...

While the summer of COVID-19 continues, many Americans are looking for ways to get their recreation and vacation fixes without putting themselves at risk. Having a good old-fashioned day at the beach is a great option. Whether you're trying to minimize the risks of the virus or a jellyfish sting, make sure to follow these guidelines during your excursion to stay safe and protected.
Continue Reading...

Summer in North Carolina is almost here and, unfortunately, the global pandemic we've been faced with is still here too. While most of the country, and the world for that matter, are reopening, fears of a resurgence still linger, and we are faced with the unknown. Around the nation, everything from festivals to summer camps have been cancelled, vacation plans have changed, and we're all wondering if summer will even feel like summer at all.
Continue Reading...

Flying with young kids can be a breeze or a nightmare, and with many factors involved, it's nearly impossible to predict which kind of trip you're going to have. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to make a trip with young kids more relaxing.
Continue Reading...

Summer is coming, and with that, gardeners everywhere are pulling on their gloves, dusting off their shovels, purchasing seeds, and getting into the dirt. Whether you're an experienced gardener or a novice, knowing how to keep your garden properly watered is an important skill to develop. Here are some tips to improve your watering game.
Continue Reading...

With COVID-19 fresh on the mind and social distancing a new way of life, this summer may not be like any in recent history. But having more time at home means you can't tackle some of those projects you've been putting on the back burner for months, or even years. Here are some ideas for projects to embark on this summer.
Continue Reading...

So you want to plan a ski trip? Whether you're an advanced skier or just starting out, a ski vacation can be a wonderful way to relax, have fun, and spend hard-earned time off with family and friends. Getting all the details right might seem overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. Follow this guide to plan a hassle-free trip.
Continue Reading...

There's nothing more magical than seeing a child's eyes light up upon opening a special gift during the holidays. But not all toys are created equal: some can contribute to accidents, injuries, and even cause death in some cases. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, approximately 240,000 toy related injuries were treated in emergency rooms around the country. Here is what you need to know to choose safe and healthy toys for your kids.
Continue Reading...

It's exciting to pack up the whole family and make a journey to see close friends, visit a magical (or just warm) location, or spend time with extended family over the holidays. But traveling this time of year can also be especially exceptionally stressful. Here are some tips for making your holiday travel time more relaxed, enjoyable, or at least a little more tolerable:
Continue Reading...

How much do you know about your skin or skin overall, for that matter? November is National Healthy Skin Month, and a good time to set aside all the latest skincare fads and get some real information about your skin, what it does, and what truly is the best way to take care of it.
Continue Reading...

The weather has cooled in North Carolina, the leaves are falling, and summer tourists have headed home. Even though it's back-to-school time, fall is truly one of the best times to embark on a casual road trip, plan a weekend getaway, or take a family vacation. Here are some of the best places to see stunning fall foliage, take advantage of off-season deals, and find the best autumn adventures.
Continue Reading...

Outdoor grilling season in North Carolina is here, a time to relax on the deck and enjoy some ribs or a juicy burger cooked to perfection on the grill. But even the most experienced grill master should take safety precautions before firing up the grill. Make sure your outdoor entertaining goes according to plan by following these grilling safety tips.
Continue Reading...

Summer is here and families of all shapes and sizes are looking for affordable ways to relax, learn, adventure and enjoy the season with their loved ones. Here are our top five suggestions for a fun, flexible, family-friendly getaways.
Continue Reading...

Summer is the time when the outdoors beckon. Research shows that spending time in nature can positively impact mental health, stress levels, blood pressure, cholesterol and many other conditions. But not all of us live close to the great outdoors, and some of us wouldn't call ourselves "outdoorsy," even if we do. Don't fret. You can still get the benefits of being outdoors, even if you live in a city or don't enjoy hiking.
Continue Reading...

Camp, whether it's a day camp or sleepaway camp may offer parents a much needed break from kid-wrangling over the summer. Camp usually also becomes a wonderful experience for kids, too; but getting through that first day drop off can be challenging for both kids and parents. Here's how to make sure your journey to camp goes as smoothly as possible.
Continue Reading...

So you're thinking of buying a pool and imagining those lazy, hot summer days when you'll get to slip into the cool water, sunbathe, play with the kids, and invite friends and neighbors to share in your good fortune. But there's more to owning a pool than just the fun stuff. Make sure that it's truly something you want and are willing to put in the work to maintain. Here are a few things to consider before you "dive in" -no pun intended.
Continue Reading...

Think back to your best childhood summer. Was it action packed, or full of lazy days? Did you spend time with family, visit your grandma down South, or just run around the neighborhood with friends? Maybe your memories include helping your dad out at the office, working a summer job, or taking on a challenging internship. Keep those memories in mind and follow these guidelines to plan a summer your kids will remember forever.
Continue Reading...

We all know the benefits of participating in youth sports: they provide exercise, enjoyment, and a sense of belonging, while teaching valuable lessons about teamwork, disappointment and persistence, among other things. Nowadays, however, it's hard to ignore the research on concussions in youth sports, and the fact that participating can have potentially serious, long-term consequences. Here's what you need to know to make an informed decision.
Continue Reading...

Winter sports are all about making the most of the frigid temperatures. But because conditions can be so unpredictable, there are also some serious safety concerns that go along with being active outdoors this time of year. Here's how to stay safe and get the most out of your favorite winter sports from skiing and snowboarding to ice skating, hockey, sledding and snowshoeing.
Continue Reading...

Some people are all about finding the perfect gift, and others have come around to the idea that all of us have more than enough stuff. For some, a thoughtful gift to loved ones may be a sum of money, something that allows them to buy what they need instead of torturing them with a new sweater. And for large sums, there can be tax repercussions. So is it a good idea to give money as a gift? And what's the best way to do it? Here are few things to consider.
Continue Reading...

It's always harvest season somewhere, which means that nowadays it's possible to get many fruits and vegetables year-round. But that doesn't mean you should. Summer is still a special time for high quality, locally-grown fruits, veggies, meats and dairy products. Here's how to make the most out of summer's bounty.
Continue Reading...

Summer in North Carolina is the perfect time to get out there on your dirtbike or All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) and have some heart-pounding fun. But ATVs and dirt bikes can be deadly if not used properly. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, about 97,200 ATV-related injuries occurred in 2015; approximately 28 percent of those involved children under the age of 16.
Continue Reading...

There's an app for everything these days, but not all of them are worth downloading. Here are a few user favorites worthy of space on your device, that will help you to make the most of your summer plans.
Continue Reading...

Let's face it, many of us get motivated to exercise because we want to regulate or lose weight. It's looked at like a chore, rather than a pleasure in many cases. However, know that there are many other benefits to regular exercise may up the motivation levels.
Continue Reading...