The Halloween pumpkin is a permanent fixture for celebrating one of the most charming holidays of the year. Whether selected for use in the tradition of carving jack-o’-lanterns or just as a decorative fall lantern, the Halloween pumpkin is a great way to embrace the season to the fullest. However, there is often missed opportunity when celebrators fail to recognize the joys of recycling or reusing their Halloween pumpkins. The following tips on how to reuse a Halloween pumpkin can help you make the most out of the season long after October 31st. 1. Host a Pumpkin Feast Eating a…
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Drowning is a leading cause of death for children ages 1-4, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. During the summer months, when water activities are more prevalent, drowning is more common, according to the National Safety Council. Extreme heat may increase incidents of cardiac arrest and an average of 33 drownings occur in the U.S. each day, one-third of which are fatal. To protect your loved ones when playing in and around water this summer, keep these tips from the American Heart Association in mind: Never swim alone. Children always need supervision, but even adults should swim…
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,…
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…
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,…
During the spring, your primary landscaping goal is to make your lawn healthy for summer. When summer rolls around, it’s time to keep your lawn looking good, despite the higher temperatures and less rainfall. With the right strategies, you can keep your lawn green and beautiful during the hot summer months for your family get-togethers, parties, and barbecues. Below, we’ll look at some of our favorite tips for summer lawn care to help you keep your grass looking great throughout the season. Water Deeply, Not More Frequently When the temperatures rise, it can be tempting to over-water your lawn. We…
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…
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,…
The last day at school is a long-awaited holiday for students. Here are some fun ways to celebrate the end of school. Take a Field Trip to the Next Class Some schools offer kids the opportunity to take part in what’s sometimes known as step-up day. This is the day of the year that students who are moving from one grade to the next can go to the classroom they’ll inhabit the next year. It’s possible to get a feel for both the room itself and the teacher who will likely be in charge of it. Have a Water Day…
When you are looking for the perfect wine to serve at your summer gathering, you might first turn to the usual suspects: rosé, chardonnay, and sparkling wines like prosecco. These are all great options for a dinner party or a weeknight glass, but you don’t have to be limited. The wines below are great for pairing with summer meals and are very refreshing. 1. Beaujolais A French Beaujolais is a fruity red wine that is similar to pinot noir in many ways, but is more affordable. Beaujolais comes from France, but its varietal, gamay noir, is grown around the world…