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Building a budget that works for you

Lifestyles

Metro Financial trends come and go, and it appears as though one approach to finance that industry professionals have long touted is having a moment. According to Debt.com, 86 percent of the more than 1,000 respondents who participated in the site’s annual budgeting survey admitted they budget their spending. That marks a roughly 16 percent increase since 2019. If budgeting is getting a star turn in individual financial planning, it’s well deserved. Budgeting can help people save money and achieve an assortment of financial goals, including paying down debt, financing tuition and ...

Velvet: A decor favorite now that never entirely went away

Lifestyles

By KIM COOK The Associated Press It was all over the fashion runways. Women’s Wear Daily raved about Armani dresses in this material. Harper’s Bazaar called it one of 2022’s biggest trends. At Britain’s film awards, celebrities partied in Louis Vuitton, Ralph Lauren and Gucci versions. It’s even found its way down to casual wear, in jeans, T-shirts and slouchy overshirts. Once the luxurious material of nobility, velvet’s now a fashion favorite at both the private-label and mass-market level. And as often happens, what rides high in fashion ends up doing the same in ...

Quick and easy dishes from all around the globe

Lifestyles

Family Features One of the best parts of traveling is trying the local cuisine, and that’s particularly true on an international scale. No matter where you go around the globe, however, there is one ingredient you’ll likely find is an integral part of many cultures and cuisines: rice. Grown on almost every continent, this staple ingredient is a large part of meals around the world, which means there are nearly endless varieties and recipes to try. However, you don’t need to go on vacation to try authentic-tasting international food; easy-to-make versions of popular dishes from ...

Winter is soup-making season

Lifestyles

Cold, crisp air nips outside and that can only mean one thing … It’s soup season. With winter here, it’s time to pull out the blankets, warm beverages and family favorite soups! I love making soups. There’s something satisfying about throwing various things in a pot, and out comes a bowl of deliciousness! I make most any soups, but cheeseburger soup is a definite favorite, especially with my 8-year-old grandson, Grant. Soup can be simple or extreme, but every spoonful must be delicious. Remember, soups are made great by using quality ingredients and ample time. A ...

Stalagmites from historic cave show the monsoon isn’t so reliable

Lifestyles

The Conversation In a remote cave in northeast India, rainwater has slowly dripped from the ceiling in the same spots for over 1,000 years. With each drop, minerals in the water accumulate on the floor below, slowly growing into calcium carbonate towers known as stalagmites. These stalagmites are more than geological wonders – like tree rings, their layers record the region’s rainfall history. They also carry a warning about the potential for catastrophic multiyear droughts in the future. By analyzing the geochemistry of these stalagmites in a new study published Sept. 19, ...

Native finds success as an author

Lifestyles

ALBUQUERQUE, NM — Carolyn Meyer, a Lewistown native, has found success as a writer of several books. Born in 1935, Meyer attended Lewistown High School. It was there she found her love for writing. Meyer credits one of her teachers for much of her success. “Most influential was Miss Frankenberry, who taught English,” Meyer said. “I called her the grammar dragon. She was fierce, but from her I got an excellent background in writing correctly. I already knew that I wanted to be a writer. I edited the Maroon and Steel (the school newspaper) and the Lore (yearbook) for the ...