Author Lauren

How to Support Your Pet’s Health During Summer As a pet parent, you know your pet’s needs are continually evolving. That’s true during different stages of growth and even as the seasons change. Part of supporting your pet throughout the year is understanding the specific risks that come with changing weather and special seasonal events. Supporting pets this summer can be easier with these tips: Summer Health Concerns It may be an exciting time of year for humans with all the extra activities, seasonal celebrations and travel, but those summer pastimes can add up to a whole lot of stress…

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Burgers, brats, steak, chicken, pork chops and all the flavors of fresh meat get all the love on the grill, but a well-rounded meal calls for sides and veggies. Before you plan your next backyard barbecue, incorporate tasty vegetables – peppers, asparagus, onions, tomatoes, zucchini and more – for an all-out blitz of fresh-grilled flavor. Consider these simple steps to properly grill your crispy veggies: 1. Light the grill. Step one, of course, is to prep a hot grill. For the best cooking experience, you’ll want medium-high heat or even high heat for quick, direct grilling. By lighting the grill…

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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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A smooth, fruity smoothie provides a delicious way to start your morning strong, add much-needed afternoon energy or cap off a successful day as a better-for-you dessert. The next time you crave a tasty treat, turn to this Tropical Boba Smoothie for a little sip of paradise. Thicker than traditional boba tea, this tropical-inspired solution features a creamy blend of pineapple, mango, strawberries and coconut served over shiny black boba pearls. With a splash of milk and dollop of plain Greek yogurt, it also boasts the benefits of dairy that are fundamental to good nutrition. In fact, a balanced diet…

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Serve Up a Summertime Spread Few things complement warm weather like a summer spread with everyone’s favorite foods. From fresh appetizers and classics like grilled hot dogs to skewered sides and sweet, sugary desserts, these summertime recipes are sure to bring friends, family and neighbors running to get in on the action. Up Your Grilling Game with Beloved Toppings Hot dogs and brats are summer favorites for a reason: the delicious (and personalized) add-ons. Make sure your spread fits everyone’s taste buds with an assortment of tasty toppings like these: • Ketchup • Mustard • Relish • Hot sauce •…

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If you’re among those looking for ways to clean your home while also going green, it may be easier than you think. Consider these easy and affordable solutions to help you live more environmentally friendly. You may be surprised to find you already have many of these household products on hand. Baking soda: A natural, safe, effective and gentle solution, baking soda can serve multiple home cleaning needs. Make a paste of three parts baking soda to one part water. Rub onto silver with a clean cloth or sponge. Rinse thoroughly and dry for shining serving or decor pieces. Additionally,…

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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 1/2-1 inch for proper cooking, and setting the meat out ahead of time allows it to warm to room temperature before hitting the grill. Placing a…

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You can almost feel spring in the air, and with the warmer weather comes delicious, delectable foods. From casseroles to fresh fruits and wholesome vegetables, a change of season offers something to look forward to for nearly every foodie. A spring dish that is sure to impress is this Cheesy Asparagus Tart. It has melty cheese, cooked asparagus and an under layer of puff pastry baked to golden brown perfection. Start by cooking your asparagus on the stove top in 5 cups of water for 5-8 minutes. Then soak it in an ice bath until cooled. Transfer to a mixing…

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National Fitness Day is a great opportunity to celebrate fitness and encourage people to adopt a healthier lifestyle. Working out helps manage your weight, improves your mood, and helps strengthen your bones and muscles to do everyday activities. Here are some fun exercises you can do to celebrate: Group Fitness Class: Join a group fitness class with friends or family members. It could be a dance class, yoga class, or any other form of group exercise. Hiking: Hiking is a great way to get outdoors and enjoy nature while getting a good workout. Find a local hiking trail and explore…

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If St. Patrick’s Day inspires feelings of hearth and home rather than leprechauns and green beer, you can celebrate tradition with warm, filling meals that harken back to Irish heritage. Soups and stews are certain to conjure up some nostalgia while soft, delicious cake is a perfect way to honor tradition regardless of your ancestry. This Irish Sláinte Stew offers a warm welcome to guests with your own way of toasting to the holiday – Sláinte is “cheers” in Gaelic. This hearty meal is perfect for a crowd with traditional stew meat slow-cooked in a Dutch oven with beef broth,…

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