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Showing posts from June, 2020

4 TIPS FOR PLANNING A SUMMER FAMILY VACATION

  (Family Features) As stay-at-home orders ease, many families are eager to get out of the house and hit the road for a summer trip. However, vacation will most likely look different this year as families looking to get away may stay closer to home and take extra precautions. Make your summer travel plans safe and successful with these tips. Destination : Taking a road trip allows you to avoid crowded airports or public transportation hubs and bring your own food and groceries. A drivable destination is still a getaway, and driving typically offers more flexibility and requires less planning. Even if it's just a trip across the state instead of across the country, picking a destination within driving distance of your home is a chance to break away from everyday surroundings and routine. Cleanliness Clean accommodations are always important and may be even more so now. Many hotels and whole-home vacation rentals, which were pioneered by Vrbo nearly 25 years ago, have enhan...

COOKOUT CRAVINGS: APPEASE SUMMER APPETITES WITH GRILLED FARE

  (Family Features) The first thought that comes to mind when picturing grilling in the summer sun might be a perfectly cooked steak or a juicy burger, but no backyard barbecue is complete without the all-important sides and beverages that complete the meal. Whether you're pairing a main protein with separate side dishes or going all-in-one by combining tender chicken with veggies on skewers, the opportunities are endless for a crave-worthy cookout. Find more summer grilling recipes at Culinary.net . 5 Steps for Sizzling Steak A sizzling steak is a surefire sound of summer, and the flavors achieved from one that's perfectly grilled are hard to match. Before you fire up your grill, consider these five basics for cooking a chef-worthy steak: Prepare Your Cut Taste preferences (and prices) may differ among sirloins, ribeyes, T-bones and more, but the way you prepare steaks likely won't change much from cut to cut. You'll want to trim the thickness down to 1...

UPGRADE YOUR OUTDOOR LIVING SPACE

  (Family Features) Home improvement projects aren't limited to indoors. In fact, not only can upgrades to areas outside the house expand your livable space, they can also increase your home's value. Outdoor living projects account for almost one-third of renovation projects, according to a survey conducted by the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. The findings echo trends reported by the National Kitchen and Bath Association, which found 43% of respondents said they designed outdoor kitchens in the past year and 41% expected an increase in outdoor projects in the coming year. "Our clients are asking for entertaining areas, which can be anything from a fully engineered cabana or a new paver patio with a pergola," said Dave Garcia, owner of DPG Pavers and Design. "We love being creative with materials in our designs and installations. One of my personal favorites is an outdoor kitchen we wrapped in hardwood with a granite countertop. It has...

HOW TO FIND THE RIGHT MOWER FOR YOU

  (Family Features) Whether youā€™re a first-time homeowner or looking for an upgrade, deciding what lawn mower to purchase deserves careful consideration. Similar to day-to-day life, new technology over the last five years, specifically in the gas mower industry, is making it easier to maintain your lawn. If youā€™re in the market for a new mower, consider these tips to find the perfect tool to match your needs. Yard Size Looking at the size of your yard is the first step in determining the best mower for your needs. Walk-behind mowers work well for yards that are 1/2 acre or less, but for yards 1-3-acres or larger, a zero-turn rider (ZTR) or riding mower may be appropriate. Terrain A small, flat yard may only require a walk-behind mower. If your yard is sloped or hilly, you may prefer a self-propelled mower rather than one you have to push. A walk-behind mower with big back wheels is easier to maneuver across rough terrain. Riding mowers and ZTRs can handle varied terrain,...

PLAN AHEAD FOR PEAK TRAVEL SEASONS

  (Family Features) A family getaway is the perfect chance to unwind and reconnect with loved ones away from the distractions of daily life. However, peak travel times like Fourth of July weekend are some of the busiest times of the year, which can mean limited options. Booking travel early not only gives you more time to get excited leading up to your trip ā€“ it gives you more time to plan, helping take some of the stress out of family vacation. ā€œThe key is to book vacation homes before traffic peaks, so youā€™ll find the best selection for the amount you want to pay,ā€ said Melanie Fish, Vrbo family travel expert. ā€œThere are clear times when demand surges. Booking your stay before that surge ensures youā€™ll get that house with a pool right on the beach or that mountain cabin with enough beds for all the cousins.ā€ If youā€™re considering one of these high travel periods for a family trip in 2020, get ahead of the curve with these tips for advance booking dates from the travel e...

GET AWAY WITHOUT GOING AWAY

  5 family staycation ideas that wonā€™t break your budget (eLivingtoday.com) Family vacations are a great way to bond and take a step back from the hectic schedules that accompany everyday life, but sometimes time or money (or both) make planning an elaborate trip a non-starter. However, a staycation ā€“ a vacation you take right in your hometown (or nearby) ā€“ can be much less expensive and fit into nearly any amount of available time with the added bonus of skipping out on potentially stressful travel. Consider these staycation ideas to take advantage of your local areaā€™s attractions and prove you donā€™t have to go far to spend quality time together. Visit local landmarks. Just because itā€™s not a traditional vacation doesnā€™t mean you canā€™t pretend to be tourists. Start by visiting the places you recommend to friends and family from out of town or pick up a city guidebook to uncover hidden spots you may not even know exist. Make a plan to seek out historic sites, visit loca...

HERE'S A GREAT GARDENING TIP

SHOPPING FOR A WASHER AND DRYER