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Entertain your guests with style

Family Features It’s never too early to plan ahead, especially when you are expecting guests in your home. Your family and friends know and might love your style, but it can be important to spice things up now and again to impress your visitors. Factors such as lights, music and food can affect your guests experience in your home. To remain stylish and keep your party going, consider these tips for fun and festive home entertaining. Back to basics Staying organized is key while entertaining guests in your home. Try to plan out every detail before the big event, which can allow ...

Top 5 smartphone features you just can’t live without

StatePoint Smartphones are our lifeline — we use them to connect us to just about everything and everyone in our world. Americans check their phones an average of 344 times a day — once every four minutes — according to a 2022 Review.org survey. But when was the last time you upgraded your phone? If it’s been more than two years, you may be missing out on some of the latest tech upgrades. Here are five must-have features to consider when shopping for a new smartphone: • Battery Life: When it comes to battery life, you may not realize what you’ve been missing out on until ...

Create an oasis

Dreaming of summer in the backyard or on the patio? By KIM COOK The Associated Press A relaxing retreat just steps from the back door? Count us all in. Outdoor home spaces serve a lot of functions, but Soothing Refuge is one that designers say is in high demand. Aromatic plantings. Romantic arbors. A meandering path. A yoga platform. Pergola daybeds. Prefab saunas. Plunge Pools. An outdoor shower. And comfortable furniture that can stand up to the weather. “The outdoor living trend has been building for the last decade, but it got a major bump during the pandemic, “ said Dan ...

New exhibit explores Mexica lunar goddess’s significance

By MARÍA TERESA HERNÁNDEZ The Associated Press MEXICO CITY — A new exhibit hosted by Museum of Templo Mayor in Mexico City marks the 45th anniversary of the discovery of a monolith depicting Coyolxauhqui, the Mexica lunar goddess. The finding was a milestone for Mexican archaeology, as it shed light on Mexica civilization before the Spanish conquest. “Coyolxauhqui: The star, the goddess, the discovery” displays more than 150 archaeological objects focused on the mythology, symbolism and scientific research around this deity (whose name is pronounced Koy-ol-shauw-kee). The ...

Hawaii mulls fees for ecotourism crush

HONOLULU (AP) — Repairing coral reefs after boats run aground. Shielding native forest trees from a killer fungus outbreak. Patrolling waters for swimmers harassing dolphins and turtles. Taking care of Hawaii’s unique natural environment takes time, people and money. Now Hawaii wants tourists to help pay for it, especially because growing numbers are traveling to the islands to enjoy the beauty of its outdoors — including some lured by dramatic vistas they’ve seen on social media. “All I want to do, honestly, is to make travelers accountable and have the capacity to help ...

Warmer weather means picnicking … with pizza?

Good day to you from the kitchen! Warmer weather calls for picnic foods made easy. Today let’s make pizza! Not all pizza is served hot so I’m sharing 3 appetizers for your summer picnicking. Roasted Veggie Pizzas (Makes 2) 3 (8oz pkgs crescent rolls 1 1/2 cups sour cream 12 oz cream cheese 1.5 tsp dried dill 1/2 tsp garlic salt 1.5 pkgs dry ranch dressing Pint of cherry tomatoes cut in half Cubed butternut squash 1.5-2 cups crumbled feta cheese Press crescent rolls onto 2 jelly roll pans or round pizza pans. Bake according to pkg directions. Cool. Slice ...