Author Lauren

Summer often brings vacations and road trips, which can put extra stress on your vehicle and one of its most important safety components: the tires. Higher pavement temperatures combined with normal wear and tear – plus added traffic volume due to summer travel – can contribute to potential safety hazards. Before you head out this summer, consider these tips from the tire experts at your neighborhood Discount Tire to stay safe on the road. 1. Check Tire Pressure Regularly Low tire pressure can lead to poor handling and gas mileage as well as excessive wear and overloading. Before any long…

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Make Summer Travel with Pets Enjoyable and Seamless For pet owners, cats and dogs are part of the family, which means when it’s time to head out of town this summer, the four-legged friends get to come along, too. In fact, a survey conducted by Motel 6 revealed that of 2,000 Americans with summer leisure plans, the vast majority of those traveling with pets this summer (90%) are bringing their dog, and more than a quarter (31%) are bringing their cat. While traveling with pets can be a handful, Motel 6 and its Chief Pet Officer, Garfield, fresh off his…

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There’s nothing like the warm, gooey goodness of a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie, and today, we’re celebrating National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day in the sweetest way possible! The Perfect Recipe Here’s a quick and easy recipe to whip up a batch of these classic treats: Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened 1 cup white sugar 1 cup packed brown sugar 2 large eggs 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 3 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 2 teaspoons hot water 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional) Instructions: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).…

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Summer is the time to get outside and remember the importance of outdoor activities that can be enjoyed as a family. Encouraging children at an early age to participate in outdoor exploration can help foster lifelong skills. For example, research published in the “International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health” found associations between nature exposure and improved cognitive function, brain activity, blood pressure, mental health, physical activity and sleep. What’s more, kids who play and take part in outdoor adventures learn skills like problem solving, according to the American Academy of Pediatricians. However, for many families with little ones,…

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It’s National Ice Cream Day, a celebration dedicated to one of the most beloved treats known to humankind. Whether you’re a fan of classic flavors or crave the avant-garde, this blog post is here to guide you on how to make the most out of this delicious occasion. Get ready to embark on a journey of flavor and fun! Make Your Own Ice Cream One of the most rewarding ways to celebrate National Ice Cream Day is by making your very own ice cream. Unleash your creativity and experiment with various flavors, mix-ins, and toppings. Start by choosing a base…

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Long Island boasts a variety of local farms offering fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as Pick-Your-Own fields. These farms are perfect for family outings and provide an excellent way to enjoy fresh produce straight from the source. Remember to wear comfortable footwear, hats, and sunscreen for a safe and enjoyable experience. Pick-Your-Own hours may differ from regular farm hours, so it’s advisable to check the farm’s website or call ahead for detailed information. Windy Acres Farm Address: 3810 Middle Country Rd., Calverton, NY Contact: (631) 727-4554 Seasonal Offerings: Strawberries, Blueberries, Blackberries, Raspberries, Peaches, Apples, Pumpkins Hours: Daily 9am-5pm Website:windyacresfarmstand.com…

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Put delicious desserts back on the menu all summer long with savory favorites that don’t call for wasting sunny days in the kitchen. Single-serve solutions are perfect for sharing with guests, whether you’re hosting a pool party or calling over loved ones for a backyard barbecue. This Peanut Butter Cookie Banana Pudding can be prepped first thing in the morning and refrigerated until it’s time for a treat. Portioned in 1/4-pint canning jars (or small, kid-proof cups to avoid a mess) for individual servings, you can simply break them out when the dessert bell dings and top them with whipped…

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10 Tips to Make Your Air Conditioner More Energy Efficient and Sustainable Updating your HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) system to cool your home in a smart and sustainable way involves several steps that not only improve energy efficiency but also reduce environmental impact. Consider these tips from the heating and cooling experts at Carrier to help make your cooling system more eco-friendly: 1. Upgrade to an Energy-Efficient HVAC System. If your HVAC system is outdated, consider replacing it with a more energy-efficient model. Look for systems with an Energy Star or high SEER2 (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) rating,…

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After a full day at the park or swimming pool, summer fun calls for some refueling. All that sun is sure to exhaust busy families, leaving little time for complicated snacks. Skip the long ingredients lists and leave confusing cooking instructions behind. Instead, treat your loved ones to this Roasted Sweet potato Mango Salsa, an easy-to-prepare solution for those busy afternoons. The natural sweetness of cubed sweet potatoes (no added sugar required) and mango collide with the delightful crunch of diced bell peppers, onion and jalapeno. Combined with fresh-squeezed orange, lemon and lime juices, it’s equal parts flavor and refreshment…

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Summertime means a lot of grilling. So why not try this yummy grilled dessert alongside your favorite grilled entrée? Grilled Banana Pound Cake Kabobs 1 loaf (10 ¾ ounces) frozen pound cake, thawed and cubed 2 large bananas, cut into 1-inch slices 1/4 cup butter, melted 2 tablespoons brown sugar 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon Toppings of your choice https://youtu.be/3hPGnjLSa3Q Alternately thread cake and bananas on metal skewers or soaked wooden skewers. In small bowl, mix butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract and cinnamon. Brush mixture over kabobs. Place kabobs on greased grill rack. Grill kabobs over medium…

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