At Home With Valerie

  (Family Features) As the world faces multiple crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, families may have to adjust traditional trick-or-treating plans again this year. However, there are still ways to help make a difference and celebrate Halloween virtually. One way to add more meaning to Halloween is to Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund. Celebrating more than 70 years of fundraising, this annual tradition is America’s longest running youth engagement campaign and has raised more than $180 million to help support children’s health care, education, nutrition, safe water, emergency relief and more. Last year, the beloved program was launched as a virtual experience in an effort to celebrate Halloween responsibly while social distancing. This Halloween, it is evolving into a fully digital experience. Getting involved virtually can prove just as rewarding.  Funds raised will help support lifesaving work to distribute COVID-19 vaccines to co...

  (Family Features) Mornings are often the most important part of the day – they can make or break your mood and set the tone for all of your to-dos. To help combat the hecticness that can arrive when the sun comes up, consider these five tips for a stress-free start to the day. Fine-tune your fashion at night. Whether you are focused on getting yourself out the door or have kids who need to get to school, planning what to wear the night before can help save time. When the clock is ticking and you have somewhere to be, the fear of a missing shoe or misplaced accessory can throw everything off.  Express gratitude. Take a few moments after rising to jot down or be mindful of a few things you are grateful for, no matter how big or small. Starting the day in a positive state of mind can lift your mood and provide residual benefits throughout the day. Organize what leaves with you. Designate a place where everyone can stash the things they need to take when they leave the h...

  (Family Features) Whether your family counts a holiday vacation among your treasured traditions or you’re anticipating a holiday getaway for the first time, getting an early start on your planning can help ensure your trip is filled with good tidings and joy. Know what you want to spend. If you’re planning to open your wallet a little wider for this trip than you have in the past, you’re not alone. A survey by American Express Travel found more than 60% of travelers are planning to spend more on trips in 2021 since they missed out on travel in 2020. Setting your budget now can help you make choices about things like accommodations and activities while giving you some extra time to save. Working off a budget from the start can also help you take advantage of book now, pay later options that may give you added savings or incentives. Be conscious of high-demand destinations. Popular travel spots tend to fill up fast, so if you’re considering visiting a high-demand location, be a...

  (Family Features) The holidays, as well as birthdays and other celebrations, are often difficult for anyone who has experienced the death of a loved one, particularly during the first year of adjusting to life without them. The holiday season may result in a renewed sense of grief, especially as well-intentioned individuals are encouraging those who are grieving to participate in traditional festivities. While there can be joy in being together with family and friends, the holidays can also bring feelings of sadness, loss and emptiness. For those who find themselves struggling with grief during the holidays and other celebrations, consider these ideas from Remembering a Life, an online resource from the experts at the National Funeral Directors Association. Talk About Grief Grief isn’t a linear journey. Ignoring pain and emotions won’t make it go away. Don’t be afraid to talk about grief with others. Confiding in close family and friends can help a grieving person feel hea...

  (Family Features) Your body’s immune system protects against illness and infection, fighting off threats before you even know there’s a problem. Even though your immune system usually does its job automatically, you can give it a boost with habits that promote wellness and support immunity. Eat healthy fruits and vegetables. Although you may not be aware they contain flavonoids, these phytochemicals found in some fruits and veggies are a vital part of maintaining health. Flavonoids are found in colorful fruits and vegetables like cranberries and elderberries. When it comes to power foods, elderberries’ exceptional flavanol levels make them an immune system powerhouse. Especially important during cold and flu season, elderberries can also be enjoyed in a cup of warm tea for instant comfort.   Reduce stress with outdoor activity. Keeping physically fit provides numerous health benefits such as reducing stress by being one with nature through taking a walk outside. The su...

  (Family Features) Costumes and candy may be mainstays of Halloween, but decorating is a fun way to set the mood and add a little extra excitement in the weeks leading up to the holiday. These spooktacular ideas can help dial up the drama and delight for all ages. Pumpkins aplenty: A traditional glowing jack-o’-lantern may be one of Halloween’s most recognized icons, but pumpkins can be used in plenty of other fun ways. You can dress them up with glitter and ribbon for a more elegant look or group a series of pumpkins in varied shapes and colors for a seasonal centerpiece. You can even give a pumpkin a coat of chalkboard paint and count down the days until Halloween. Creepy kids’ crafts: Get little ghosts and goblins into the Halloween spirit with hand-made decorations that make your seasonal decor equal parts sweet and spooky. Fold a black piece of construction paper down the middle and trace a child’s hand and wrist, with the wrist extending over the folded edge. Cut along...