Today’s the day, a fun time of year for kids and adults. And if you love candy, especially chocolate, Halloween is an excuse to have some around and even eat a few pieces. However, it’s a day when things can go wrong, so keep these safety precautions in mind. Trick-or-treaters... Read more →

It’s that time of year again. Decorations are coming out and goblins, ghosts, and an array of other characters will soon be skulking down streets in most American neighborhoods. Halloween spending in 2024 is expected to reach $11.6 billion, according to a survey conducted for the National Retail Federation. Other... Read more →

These days, October is the beginning of the holiday shopping season. Make your list and start comparing prices. You may find prices in October that are as good as Black Friday deals. And, you won’t need to worry as much that the store will be out of what you’re looking... Read more →

It’s so much fun in the fall to go to Chelan, Washington, and visit with my high school classmates. Lake Chelan is so beautiful. And new, since I lived there, are wineries, a fantastic diversification to the famous apple industry of Central Washington. My sister and I, both graduates of... Read more →

Like many people, I’m beginning to notice signs of summer fading and fall approaching. Unfortunately. I’m not a fan of winter. September marks the end of summer. Sales are already underway for Labor Day. September is a great month to shop, meaning you don't have to wait until Black Friday... Read more →

August marks the beginning of the end of summer, as well as a new school year for many people. Because of that, it may not seem like a good time for shopping anything other than pencils, notebooks, and backpacks. However, August has much more than back to school deals and... Read more →

As with most holidays, you’ll find worthwhile deals around July Fourth. Sales have already begun, so start comparing prices. As always, you’ll avoid “marked way up and marked way down” if you check out prices. July Fourth sales usually continue until about a week after the holiday. Here are some items that are likely to be marked down: Read more →

It seems today that writing about extreme heat is strange. This weekend, I was so cold when I did yard work here in the Seattle area that I wore my extra-sweater-and-leggings outfit I wear for winter gardening. And, although everyone is warning about not to avoid heat exhaustion and even death, I’m going to write about it, too. Read more →

Memorial Day is a day to honor Americans who have died in service to their country. Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Many Americans attend parades and visit cemeteries to place flowers on the graves of loved ones. Barbecues and trips also are popular. Read more →

It’s important to protect your skin from the sun by using sunscreen and by taking other protections such as wearing a wide-brimmed hat and long sleeves. Sunscreen protects your skin against radiation from sun rays called ultraviolet A and B. UVB rays are the ones that mostly cause sunburn, while UVA rays mainly cause aging skin. Read more →