(StatePoint) It’s the time of year for backyard bashes with friends and family. The best part about being the host? Creating relaxing summer vibes with great food and wine.

(StatePoint) Whether your plants could stand a little more sun, a tad more space to grow, or you just want to redesign your backyard, transplanting plants offers them a fresh start.

(StatePoint) From backyard barbecues to water balloon fights, our outdoor spaces are home to some of our favorite memories. With warmer temperatures finally here, and everyone itching to get outside, preparing, and maintaining your outdoor space is a must, but it’s not everyone’s favorite chore.

(StatePoint) Summer holidays often revolve around being together, but whether your family and friends are near or far, there are plenty of fun and unique ways to celebrate these holidays in-person or virtually. Here’s a little history on a few annual summer occasions, and ideas for amping up the festivities.

(StatePoint) New shoes can be a great way to update a wardrobe while staying motivated to remain on track with a wellness goal. From platform sneakers to slip-on styles with clean, classic graphics, a range of fresh footwear trends are all the rage. To stay on-trend, try these three tips and style ideas on for size.

(StatePoint) If you’re like many people, you’re more than ready to gather friends together. Whether you’re planning the bash of the century or just want to turn a run-of-the-mill afternoon into a bonified party, use these tips to make your outside gathering pop:

(StatePoint) Did you know that there are many sustainable tweaks you can make to the way you shop?

(StatePoint) An annual scholarship contest is once again helping creative teens pay their college expenses. Here’s what to know:

(StatePoint) Warm summer days are perfect for pool parties, cookouts, and bike rides. With the latest technology, there are endless ways to enhance this summer’s activities and celebrations.

(StatePoint) Vroom, vroom! There’s no doubt about it. Toy vehicles are fun to play with. They’re colorful, interactive and let kids imagine exciting worlds beyond the playroom. They can also be a great way for little ones to learn new things. Here are five ways to rev up the learning fun at home with toy vehicles:

(StatePoint) After more than two years of the pandemic, you’re probably eager to get out and explore the world. But as desire and demand for travel skyrockets, so do the prices to get there. Here are some great ways to maximize your savings, so you can make your dream vacation a reality:

(StatePoint) Starting a garden for the first time or expanding an existing plot is easier than you may think. With a little love and care, your green space will bloom and thrive.

(StatePoint) As the days grow long and the weather warms, you’re likely spending more time outdoors. Whether you’re taking a brisk walk around the neighborhood or competing in a triathlon, keep these five sunny season tips in mind:

(StatePoint) After two years of restrictions, summer road trips are top of mind for those looking to get out of town. With rising inflation showing no signs of braking, soaring automotive costs, including gas prices, repairs, rental cars and auto insurance, are threatening to put a damper on summer fun. This is why many consumers are preparing their budgets now to find ways to save.

(StatePoint) Hiking fast isn’t necessarily about clocking your best time or the bragging rights, it’s about experiencing more goodness with friends and family. More alpine lakes, more craggy peaks and more wildflowers. More high fives at the summit, more victory snacks and more unexpected patches of wild blueberries. If your bulky, heavy hiking gear is holding you back, consider trading it in for these lighter -- yet still rugged -- selections:

(StatePoint) Interviewing for your dream job? Going on a promising first date? Meeting your girlfriend’s parents? Here’s how to make a great first impression during all the most important moments:

(StatePoint) As most new parents quickly learn, babies are constantly examining their surroundings and taking in the world around them, especially during play time. That’s why it’s so important that you have toys on hand to help them meet their developmental milestones. Here are a few to consider:

(StatePoint) While television and video games are classic after school staples, there are better, more fun ways to keep kids busy in the afternoons. Here are five fun ideas to try:

(StatePoint) The spring camping season is here and it’s time to get ready. These five must-have items are not only compact, they’ll ensure you have fun and make the most of your trip:

(StatePoint) Celebrating a birthday or another special occasion? Check out these fun and engaging gift ideas that promote learning and creativity:

(StatePoint) No matter the length of a vacation, students often have some catching up to do upon their return to school. However, it doesn’t have to be this way. Check out these five spring break ideas that will keep young minds active and engaged, for a smooth transition back to the classroom.

(StatePoint) Falling short of your goals? In a period of stagnation? It may be time to spring clean your routine. Here are a few tips and ideas for getting more done with greater ease.

(StatePoint) If your family is like most, you have “junk” in your basement, garage or attic, such as sports cards, memorabilia and toys. Before you toss them out during spring cleaning, consider that the prices of sports cards, games and other ephemera are skyrocketing.

(StatePoint) Part of being a good environmental steward is passing on this wisdom to the next generation. Here are three hands-on ways parents and grandparents can teach children to protect the birds in their very own backyard.

(StatePoint) For many, the additional isolation and never-ending uncertainty of the past couple years has led to mental fatigue and burnout. Experts say that no matter your age, turning to play instead of social media can help you feel more like yourself again.

(StatePoint) A new research study looking at how debt affects daily lives reveals that the true cost of debt is more than making the minimum payments. Having debt can also be detrimental to mental and physical health, and impact life decisions.

(StatePoint) New research suggests that Americans are volunteering to give back to their communities and fight stress during uncertain times.

(StatePoint) If it’s time to jumpstart the resolutions you made at the beginning of the year, consider these five tools to make them more attainable:

(StatePoint) If you’re thinking about hitting the reboot button and giving your tech a refresh, here are a few tech gadgets and developments to look forward to this year, all of which can help you organize your life and better stick to your goals.

(StatePoint) In the era of the digital device, there’s no better time to tap into the power of the handwritten word.