Lifestyle

2 days ago

Teen drug use remains low, but survey finds small rise in heroin and cocaine use

Teen use of alcohol, nicotine and marijuana remains at record lows, according to national survey results released Wednesday.

2 days ago

Maximalism is back in cocktails with bold colors and flavors

After years of minimalist, pared-back drinks, maximalism is back. Drinkers are looking for more than just a simple serve, and bartenders are dreaming up bold color palettes, layered flavors, oversize garnishes, theatrical glassware and playful twists on classic drinks.

3 days ago

Americans like artificial Christmas trees even though few are made in US and prices are up

Tariffs shone a twinkling light this year on fake Christmas trees — and the extent to which America depends on other countries for its plastic fir trees.

4 days ago

Older adults may struggle to learn a new language but classes are a worthwhile exercise

A large study published by the science journal Nature Aging in November suggests that speaking multiple languages protects against more rapid brain aging, and that the effect increases with the number of languages.

1 week ago

Experts share their top tips to save money this holiday season

From gifts to travel plans to grocery shopping, costs can pile up and become overwhelming, especially in a difficult economic environment. Holiday shopping can bring joy, but it's important to stick to a budget and avoid going into debt, said shopping expert Trae Bodge.

1 week ago

Office holiday parties can be dreadful for introverts and people with social anxiety

For many introverts, shy individuals and people with social anxiety, mingling at parties is often draining or arouses uncomfortable emotions. The internal debate about whether or not to attend large get-togethers can get especially intense during the holiday season, a time when many workplaces celebrate with cocktail hours, gift exchanges and other forms of organized fun.

2 weeks ago

If you want that tattoo erased it’s going to hurt and it’s going to cost you

Some tattoos simply have to go for one reason or many others. But the process of taking them off is longer, much more costly and ouch — extremely more painful than getting them put on, according to professionals in the industry.

2 weeks ago

Parents under pressure offer creative tips for moving Santa’s spy Elf on the Shelf

Elf on the Shelf, who turns 20 this year, has created lots of family memories, laughter and the occasional parental panic over where to move the elf next.

2 weeks ago

Don’t forget pets when preparing for winter’s cold. Here’s what experts recommend

As wintry weather settles in, it brings risks for pets as well as people. Pet owners can take steps to keep their animals warm and safe, including learning about the dangers of extreme temperatures, buying weather-resistant accessories, and stocking up on extra supplies in case of power outages or storms.

3 weeks ago

Can your dog eat Christmas dinner? The holiday foods pets can and can’t have

Spot & Tango reports on safe holiday foods for dogs, warning against harmful items and how to include pets in festive celebrations responsibly.

3 weeks ago

Why Cyber Monday could break spending records despite economic uncertainty

Deals promoted as some of the best of the holiday season are expected to keep people across the United States glued to their computers and smartphones as the post-Thanksgiving shopping marathon wraps up on Cyber Monday.

3 weeks ago

What’s open on Thanksgiving? Not much, as many stores rest — or prepare — ahead of Black Friday

With Thanksgiving and the formal launch of the holiday shopping season this week, Americans will again gather for Turkey Day meals before knocking off items on their Christmas gift lists.

3 weeks ago

Be ready to shine before guests arrive: 4 most common home maintenance mistakes to avoid this holiday season

Vectra Mechanical reports common home maintenance mistakes to avoid this winter, including HVAC checks, plumbing winterization, insulation, and electrical safety.

3 weeks ago

Stores keep prices down in a tough year for turkeys. Other Thanksgiving foods may cost more

The shrinking turkey population amid the ongoing bird flu outbreak is expected to cause wholesale turkey prices to rise 44% this year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Despite the increase, many stores are offering discounted or even free turkeys to soften the potential blow to Thanksgiving meal budgets.

4 weeks ago

These 6 kitchen tools can make or break your Thanksgiving dinner

It's the start of Thanksgiving week, the time when home cooks across America suddenly recognize the daunting task ahead. More than 90% of people in the U.S. celebrate the food-centric holiday and more than 1 in 4 attend meals that include more than 10 other people, according to the Pew Research Center.

4 weeks ago

Building an emergency fund can feel daunting, but these tips can help

Maybe your car broke down, your computer was stolen, or you had a surprise visit to urgent care. Emergencies are inevitable, but you can prepare to deal with them by building an emergency fund.

4 weeks ago

Preparing to study abroad requires knowing what might go wrong during and after the trip

Studying abroad can be challenging in unexpected ways. Experts say that's why students need to study up on not only safety precautions and cultural differences, but also the emotional shifts that may come with leaving home — and returning to it.

1 month ago

Be Well: Breaking down fiber, the next food fad

U.S. consumers who have had their fill of finding protein added to everything from cereal to ice cream are about to meet the next big food fad: fiber.

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4 hours ago in Entertainment

Pete Davidson and Elsie Hewitt welcome their ‘perfect angel girl’

Pete Davidson and Elsie Hewitt have announced the birth of their "perfect angel girl." They took to Instagram on Thursday to herald the Dec. 12 birth of Scottie Rose Hewitt Davidson, accompanied by several photos of the couple cradling and caring for their newborn.

21 hours ago in Entertainment

Romanian court sentences US rapper Wiz Khalifa to 9 months for drug possession

American rapper Wiz Khalifa was sentenced by a court in Romania on Thursday to nine months in jail for drug possession, more than a year after he took part in a music festival in the Eastern European country.

21 hours ago in Entertainment, Trending

Tennessee governor pardons country star Jelly Roll, who has sought redemption from criminal past

Tennessee's governor pardoned country star Jelly Roll on Thursday for his criminal past in the state, acknowledging the Nashville native's long road back from drugs and prison through soul-searching, songwriting and advocacy for second chances.

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4 hours ago in Entertainment

Pete Davidson and Elsie Hewitt welcome their ‘perfect angel girl’

Pete Davidson and Elsie Hewitt have announced the birth of their "perfect angel girl." They took to Instagram on Thursday to herald the Dec. 12 birth of Scottie Rose Hewitt Davidson, accompanied by several photos of the couple cradling and caring for their newborn.

21 hours ago in Entertainment

Romanian court sentences US rapper Wiz Khalifa to 9 months for drug possession

American rapper Wiz Khalifa was sentenced by a court in Romania on Thursday to nine months in jail for drug possession, more than a year after he took part in a music festival in the Eastern European country.

21 hours ago in Entertainment, Trending

Tennessee governor pardons country star Jelly Roll, who has sought redemption from criminal past

Tennessee's governor pardoned country star Jelly Roll on Thursday for his criminal past in the state, acknowledging the Nashville native's long road back from drugs and prison through soul-searching, songwriting and advocacy for second chances.