Even in the height of summer, the quality of fruits and vegetables can vary. To ensure you're choosing the freshest, ripest, and most flavorful options, consider buying locally-grown produce, sample before buying when possible, and engage all your senses while shopping.

Do you want to get your hands on the best summer produce in your area? Take notes of the following tips!

Give it a sniff. Fresh, ripe, and not overly chilled fruits and vegetables should smell exactly like what they are. Corn, tomatoes, pineapples, stone fruits, and berries are perfect for the smell test. If the fragrance is faint, the flavor might be as well.

Squeeze gently. When choosing sweet, juicy fruits like melons, pineapples, peaches, plums, and tomatoes, consider their weight and give them a gentle squeeze to check for ripeness. For melons, examine the area where they touched the ground – a lighter spot suggests less ripeness, while a very yellow spot may indicate the produce is over-ripe.

Look for fine fuzz. Cucumbers, zucchini, summer squash, peaches, and some beans and okra may have a faint fuzz when fresh. The absence of fuzz isn't necessarily a bad sign, but fine fuzz generally indicates freshness.

Check the cut and torn parts. The condition of the roots, stems, and any cut or torn parts of the produce can indicate its freshness. Fresh tears or cuts suggest the produce is fresher, while dry or discolored stems, along with yellow or brown leaf edges and withered or dull skins, often mean the produce is older.

Remember, you hold the power when shopping for produce. Sensible choices are important to ensure you get the best quality. By being mindful of your choices, you can enjoy better-tasting and more nutritious summer fruits and vegetables. You're in control of your shopping experience!

While basking in the sun's rays can be a joy, extreme heat can be life-threatening, especially for those with chronic health conditions.

Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and severe, a stark reminder of the escalating impact of climate change. The question is, how can we swiftly and effectively shield ourselves and our loved ones from this summer's scorching heat?

Here are some essential tips to help you beat the heat when temperatures skyrocket:

Stay hydrated. Avoid caffeine and stay well-hydrated. Pick isotonic sports drinks to replenish lost salts, sugars, and fluids.

Wear loose clothing in light colors. Stick to lighter colors that do not absorb the sun's heat. Select synthetic fabrics designed to wick away sweat, or opt for light, loose-fitting cotton.

Prepare a cold compress. Fill a cotton sock with rice, tie it with twine, and freeze it for two hours before bedtime. Then place it between the sheets to stay cool during hot nights.

Eat light meals. Avoid consuming heavy meals or foods high in fat, which can strain your digestive system and leave you lethargic. Instead, eat fresh foods with a high water content.

Limit physical activity. Switch to activities that won't cause overheating, such as swimming. Opt for indoor workouts in air-conditioned spaces or exercise during the coolest times of the day, like early morning or evening.

Eat something spicy. Capsaicin in hot chili peppers makes you sweat more easily, and as your sweat evaporates, it helps lower your body temperature.

When the mercury rises, our health and comfort can be at risk. But fear not, for you have the power to stay cool and safe in a heatwave. By following these tips, you can confidently face the summer heat.

Still haven't nailed down your summer vacation plans? Still scouring the internet for the best deals? No need to stress, you're in control. There's still time to craft a quick summer getaway with friends and family.

With mid-summer already here, if you're envisioning secluded beach retreats or vibrant city escapes, it's time to act. Delaying booking your summer vacation until the last minute can result in rapidly accumulating costs. Travel expenses are already substantial, and procrastination in planning only adds to the expense.

Remember to stay flexible with your travel dates. If you've procrastinated on planning your summer vacation, you might not be able to get your ideal dates. Being open to different travel dates and departure locations can potentially save you money. Opting for midweek flights instead of weekends, for example, could lead to cheaper airfare overall.

It's well known that accommodations within major cities are typically more expensive. To save money, consider booking a place to stay outside of the city. You don't have to travel far - even staying within a half-hour radius can provide convenient access to tourist destinations while saving on hotel and dining costs.

Make the most of your credit card benefits for your last-minute summer getaway. When booking accommodations, take advantage of exclusive offers and perks available through your credit card. If you use your credit card during your trip, you can earn more reward points and possibly qualify for room upgrades.

With these ingenious hacks, you can effortlessly conquer your last-minute plans and indulge in all the summer activities at a fraction of the cost.

The 4th of July is a day filled with diverse activities, from parades and fireworks to picnics and family gatherings, fostering a sense of unity and celebration. Have you already tried every possible fun activity for the 4th of July? This list is sure to give you some new ideas!

Opt for a Beach Cookout. For a memorable experience this year, pack a cooler, head to the beach, and relish the sunset while grilling burgers over a beachside bonfire.

Go Hiking. You don't have to venture far to immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes this country has to offer. Round up your loved ones and choose a hiking trail suitable for everyone's abilities.

Create a Patriotic Playlist. Though our national anthem can be challenging to sing, it shouldn't stop you from curating a spirited playlist. Include classics from the great American songbook as well as tunes that evoke a sense of American pride.

Dress Up Your Pets. Get your furry friend involved in the festivities! Wrap a colorful bandana around your dog's neck or attach a stylish bow to its collar for a party-ready ensemble.

Dive into American History. Kick off your day by delving into a few pages of a book on American history. Explore biographies of iconic figures. You can also find a wealth of informative children's books at the library to enjoy with your little ones.

Remember that the 4th of July is a day that not only celebrates the birth of a nation but also serves as a reminder of the values and ideals upon which the United States was founded, and honors the sacrifices made by those who fought for American independence.

Whether you refer to them as gym shoes, sports shoes, or sneakers, the proper athletic footwear can do wonders for your performance and significantly reduce the risk of injuries. Imagine the boost in your game, the agility, and the confidence that comes with the right pair of shoes.

Key Considerations for Selecting the Right Athletic Footwear

As athletes, you are the ones who truly understand the demands of your sport. Whether it's running, basketball, volleyball, hiking, or tennis, your performance can be greatly enhanced with the right footwear.

With a wide range of brands available, the responsibility of choosing the right shoe lies in your hands. However, many individuals need help to determine the proper fit accurately, making it challenging to find the perfect shoe.

When shopping for shoes, consider the sport you'll be playing and the surface you'll be on. Whether it's grass, turf, or a court, the nature of the activity and the surface will determine the type of shoe and support you need to ensure safe participation. For instance, if you plan to walk or hike on a gravel trail, you'll require a different shoe than one suitable for a gym workout.

Fit is crucial when buying athletic shoes. You can do this by conducting the wiggle test - make sure there's enough room for all your toes to move freely inside the shoe. Also, pinch the shoe to see where your big toe sits. A properly fitting shoe should leave about a thumb-sized space between your big toe and the end of the shoe.

Additionally, ensure your heel is secured inside the shoe and does not slip when walking.

Don't rush when making your final decision to buy. Take your time. All these careful considerations will ultimately ensure your comfort and satisfaction.

In a lot of areas, summer arrives with warm weather, clear blue skies, and abundant sunshine. With children out of school for their break, the summer season presents countless opportunities for families to engage in various outdoor activities and stay active.

How can parents encourage their children to stay physically active during the summer? Here are some helpful ideas to try:

Go to the park. Parks provide a range of activities for children of all age groups, making them an excellent choice for family outings. Kayaking, paddle boarding, swimming, and frisbee golf are just some of the activities that local parks offer to encourage families to stay active together.

Play in the water. During hot summer days, there are many ways to have fun with water, such as water balloons, water guns, sprinklers, or even a basic garden hose. You can even invent games where participants try to stay dry or activate sprinklers, challenging kids to leap over or dash through them.

Take a walk. Summer is a great time to explore the streets of your neighborhood on foot. If you're looking for adventure, consider taking an evening stroll along the beach or a nearby nature reserve.

Bouncing on a trampoline is a fantastic exercise, whether you buy an affordable bounce house at a garage sale or invest in a large trampoline. To keep things interesting and avoid monotony from the repetitive up-and-down movement, you can incorporate games on the trampoline.

Make the most of your summer family time by prioritizing your health and fitness. Participating in exercise activities together is a great way to achieve this goal. Not only will you improve your physical well-being, but you'll also bond and create lasting memories.