At Home With Valerie

(Family Features) When you see frost on the windows in the morning, feel the crunch of leaves underfoot and hear the roar of fire in the fireplace, old man winter has returned. While you often hear about cold-weather fashion and beauty essentials, there is some maintenance your home needs too. Give your sanctuary some love with these five steps from the home safety experts at Kidde. Clean Your Oven Ranges and cooktops are involved in 62% of home fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Stovetops and ranges, in particular, caused 87% of home fire deaths. Particularly in the winter when comfort foods are prominent, it’s necessary to clean your oven and stovetop to remove grease and fat, which can ignite. Always keep towels and oven mitts away from hot appliances. Keep a Kitchen Fire Extinguisher Ready Research from the National Fire Protection Association shows about half of all home fires start in the kitchen, so it’s important t...

(Family Features) Reading plays an obvious role in academic performance, but it’s also an essential life skill. Literacy and effective communication go hand-in-hand, and inspiring a child to embrace reading and writing can help open a world of opportunity. Celebrate the importance of literacy and help the children in your life develop a love of reading with these ideas: Make literacy a gift they’ll treasure. Few kids remember what toys they received or when, but many have special memories of the books they read as children. Whether you gift a book that’s a classic childhood favorite, a story that held special meaning for you or even a book dedicated to today’s popular characters, encouraging reading is a gift that can keep giving for a lifetime. Do business where literacy is a priority. You can show your support for literacy by conducting business with retailers who not only support the cause, but also offer opportunities for the community to get involved. For example, The UP...

(Family Features) Many families look to the new year as a time to reset their eating habits and focus on making healthier choices. However, adults aren’t the only ones who could use a menu refresh as children may also need to focus on healthier food choices. A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed children consume an unhealthy amount of added sugar every day. Researchers found nearly all of the toddlers in their study ate an average of 7 teaspoons of added sugar daily – the equivalent of a candy bar. Additionally, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics , excess sugar consumption can lead to an increased risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes. “Small children have small stomachs,” said Courtney Hines, a nutritionist for KinderCare Learning Centers, which care for more than 165,000 children around the country every day. “You want them to fill up on nutrient-dense foods, not empty calories in the form of added sugar. When children consume lots of ...

(Family Features) The health community has long praised the benefits of vitamins and nutrients derived from natural sources. For those looking to improve their health or take preventative measures, these 10 natural super foods can be incorporated into your daily diet to help support your health: Green Tea – Armed with a special type of antioxidants called polyphenols, green tea can decrease plaque formed in the arteries and can fight prostate cancer. Rosemary – Studies have shown this powerful spice can reduce the risk of stroke, as well as protect against Alzheimer’s disease. Almonds – Full of plant sterols and amino acids, almonds can help lower high cholesterol and promote muscle growth. These handheld treats are also rich in vitamin E, which can protect skin from sun damage. Fatty Fish – Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fatty fish such as salmon, flounder and sardines can lower the risk of heart disease. Bananas – This easy, portable snack is loaded with essential pot...

(Family Features) While there’s plenty to be said for taking the proverbial road less traveled, fellow tourists can provide a wealth of knowledge to help shape a vacation filled with lifelong memories. Whether you expect your travel plans for 2020 to take you near or far, having a pulse on how and where others enjoy spending their travel time may help narrow down your options. Start planning your next getaway armed with the findings of a trend report compiled by vacation rental app and website Vrbo, especially when it comes to selecting a destination and your accommodations. Unique Accommodations Traditional vacation home favorites like beach houses, cabins and condos still reign supreme, but adventurous American travelers are staying in some unusual options. In fact, 71% of millennial travelers said they would consider staying at a non-traditional vacation rental. In addition to barns, castles and treehouses, properties on wheels and properties that float join the ranks of u...

(Family Features) While many people who make New Year's resolutions drop them within a couple weeks or months, pulling those newly received tech device gifts out of the packaging and putting them to good use may be just the help you need to keep your resolutions on track. Learn how to get the most out of your tech with these tips from the experts at Amazon. Prioritize Personal Goals The most common resolutions are centered around getting healthy or simply living life to its fullest. If you need help staying motivated and keeping your health goals on track, you may be able to rely on Echo, Fire TV or Kindle devices and a voice service like Alexa as partners in your personal health journey: Inspire you in the kitchen. Get some extra help or healthy recipe inspiration in the kitchen - just ask for "healthy recipes" - or catch on-demand episodes of food and cooking TV shows, and when you see a recipe you like, just ask to save it. You can also access live and on-d...

(Family Features) For many, traveling offers an opportunity to disconnect from the everyday and experience new places and cultures. With the beginning of a new decade, it is the perfect time to start deciding your next travel adventures. When booking your future destinations, consider these spots and tips recommended by travel expert and Bank of America ambassador, Lee Abbamonte, the youngest American to visit every country plus the North and South Poles. England, Germany, Scotland, Azerbaijan and more While technically more than one place, these locations have one thing in common: Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Euro 2020. The international soccer event marks the first time the games will be held across the continent in 12 host cities. “The year is a big one for sports,” Abbamonte said. “From sporting events in Europe to Japan, it is a fun year for travel and to enjoy once-in-a-lifetime experiences.” Australia From its deserts to tropical beaches, Austra...