While you're busy relaxing by the pool, don’t forget that it’s also time for some back-to-school shopping. A little planning can reduce the stress of starting a new school year and enable you to take advantage of back-to-school sales.

Whether you're a seasoned pro at buying school supplies or preparing to send your child to preschool for the first time, rest assured that a few straightforward strategies can make filling that backpack a breeze.

Plan your back-to-school shopping early. Staying informed about potential sales on items your child may need is essential. Here are some steps to help you get started:

1. Make a List: Write down all the items required for school.
2. Focus on the Best Stores: Identify stores that offer the best selections and prices for these items.
3. Collect Sale Notices: Gather sale notices and listings from these stores.
4. Schedule Your Visits: Plan your shopping trips around the stores' sales periods.

Don't forget to note each store’s sales dates in your calendar and watch for price drops at stores known for good discounts, even for harder-to-find items. Consider purchasing them even if they’re not on sale to avoid the back-to-school rush.

Scour for coupons. You probably have access to more coupons than you realize. They can come in various forms, such as direct mail, email promotions, and newspaper inserts. It's important to be diligent in searching for these valuable discounts.

Sell what you don’t need before buying. Check around your house for unused items that can be sold. This will give you some extra cash to help with your back-to-school shopping.

Transitioning from the laid-back days of summer to the routine of classroom learning can be a struggle. Yet, with careful planning and these handy tips, back-to-school shopping can be stress-free.

Swimming is not only a fantastic form of exercise that engages various muscle groups, but it also provides a wonderful opportunity for families to bond and create lasting memories. There's nothing quite like spending a leisurely afternoon together, reveling in the joy of the water and each other's company.

However, it's crucial to remember that swimming can pose risks without proper safety measures. Stay vigilant and prioritize everyone's safety during water activities.

Ensure the safety of yourself and your loved ones around water with these tips:

Don’t Swim Alone. Remember to only swim when a lifeguard is on duty. They supervise swimmers and keep a close watch on the water for safety issues or changing conditions.

Stay Within Designated Swim Areas. Most swim areas establish specific times for swimming and utilize flags to mark designated swimming areas. It's essential to adhere to these boundaries and never swim outside of them.

Check The Weather And Water Condition. Before taking a dip, it's crucial to check the water temperature and weather conditions. If the water temperature is chilly, consider wearing a wetsuit and limiting your time in the water. Avoid swimming in the rain.

Keep Your Eyes On The Children. When a young child is swimming, it's important for a parent to stay close (within arm's reach of the child) and avoid distractions.

Don’t Drink Alcohol. Alcohol impairs judgment, affecting balance and coordination. Avoid drinking during water activities for safety.

Learn CPR. As a parent or other adult supervising children, it's crucial to know CPR for both children and adults. Obtain and keep your CPR certification up to date through organizations like the American Red Cross or local hospitals.

Adhering to these water safety guidelines can help guarantee an enjoyable and secure swimming experience for everyone.

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.