The social media platform is filled with easy recipe hacks that can change the way you cook — for the better. What’s one thing you’ve recently learned that forever changed the way you do an everyday task? For me, it was that an egg and some chili crisp could transform packaged ramen into an actual...

Casseroles have long been a favorite for family meals and gatherings because one-pan dishes are easy to make, a dream to portion and can feed a crowd. Lasagna is a particular favorite because who doesn’t love the magical marriage of cheese, pasta and tomatoes? Add that it can be composed ahead of time, taking some...

The holidays are filled with joy, cheer, family, friends, parties and lots of food. Good, right? But they’re also filled with stress and exhaustion, some of which can be attributed to the brainwork involved in deciding on the perfect gift for each individual on your list. These local artisans produce and sell one-of-a-kind gifts that...

It’s not unusual for the Ball family home in Peosta, Iowa, to be Ground Zero for a flurry of activity — shuttling kids between sporting events, running errands and juggling an assortment of overlapping schedules. But despite the busyness from one day to the next, Abby Ball wouldn’t have it any other way. She and...

Am I the only one who feels like 2022 flew by? With the New Year around the corner, this is an ideal time to catch up and plan ahead — specifically when it comes to organization of your life documents. Within a 365-day period, the majority of us have experienced one, if not multiple, life-altering...

Elevated heights, neutral hues and eye-catching embellishments are making appearances in footwear, accessories and ready-to-wear items this season. As a result, fashion lovers will have the freedom to update their wardrobe by selecting a few key pieces without feeling the need to overhaul their entire closets. Nichole Duck, senior women’s buyer for shoe retailer Rack...

With travel returning to normal, there’s a renewed interest in seeing the world, but you don’t have to go far to bring the beautiful details of faraway destinations into your home’s spaces. With this in mind, celebrity interior designer Taniya Nayak has identified the top design trends for 2023, all with an eye to how...

From decorating with buffalo check to styling classic tartan, plaid is an incredibly versatile pattern with a rich history. While plaid often is associated with fall and winter, you know I believe this pattern looks great all year long. I’ve previously written about my love for plaid, from Scottish tartans to the bold and beautiful...

Tis the season for fun and festivities, which means more party attire, kids’ toys and decorations coming into the home. Family organizing expert Jessica Litman, CEO and founder of The Organized Mama, shares her tips to keep your space clean and under control during the holidays. Clear the countertops “When the party invitations, gift lists...

Tis the season for gatherings galore. Whether you’re an all-star entertainer or a first-time host, having the right tools will set you up for success — meaning you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time with loved ones. Here are a few must-haves to add to your holiday shopping list: For classy...

Are you hosting a holiday party and looking for a simple way to impress your guests? Here are a few steps for building an eye-catching and mouth-watering charcuterie board that will add color, flavor and variety to your holiday table. 1. Grab a platter or surface to display your charcuterie. Anything will work, even a...

Is it too early to think about holiday leftovers? How about a different kind of turkey sandwich: A quesadilla? It’s a turkey-and-cheese-filled tortilla. They’re pan-fried and served with coleslaw. You can make them with leftover turkey or chicken, or buy roasted turkey breast at the supermarket deli. You can use this recipe for any type...

Christmas always was a special time in the Goodman household. Decorating the Christmas tree; folding down page corners of the annual Sears catalog advertising the latest toys; staying up late to watch Perry Como’s Christmas special; hosting Christmas Eve gatherings of aunts, uncles and cousins, complete with a full spread of food; and music —...

Our schedules this time of year naturally are full with holiday celebrations. Plus, we have extra duties, like shopping, baking, wrapping and decorating. We don’t have to do some of these events or tasks, but I want to. Even though it’s a lot of work, I enjoy a decorated house with our memory tree (ornaments...

As we head into the holiday season, we think of all the wonderful times we will have with family, the traditions we’ve always celebrated and the events that will keep us busy. For families with a newborn, the upcoming holidays might feel overwhelming and a little bit nerve-wracking. If this is you or someone you...

The holidays should be filled with joy and magic. But the older we get, the more it seems the magic is running out. Christmas is the time to make dreams and wishes come true. However, we often are so busy helping others achieve their dreams that we neglect our own. As adults, we carry a...

“Give a person a gift and they’ll be a happy for a day. Teach him or her to hack and he or she will be happy for eternity.” — Unknown The holidays can be a stressful time, what with being forced into small rooms with relatives you see twice per year, carbo-loading on fruitcake and...

I am not a shopper; however, this time of year, I find myself in the shopping mood. My shopping sprees are not for me. Instead, I enjoy purchasing gifts to give. My goal is to offer unique gifts that keep on giving throughout the year. These gifts are great for anyone, especially those hard-to-buy-for friends...

Hearing “home for the holidays” often conjures memories of family vacations, family dinners and other family activities. However, when you have family that is no longer at home, the holidays might not seem as “Hallmark” as they once did. Holidays can be hard when families are grieving, and the time of year does not make...

My husband and I love to watch the show, “Alone,” a competition series where participants try to survive isolated and with limited resources in the wilderness. It’s evident that one of the biggest challenges of being alone for many days, weeks, or even months is the lost connections with family and friends. They choose their...

Slathering sauces or seasonings over a chicken or turkey before roasting might produce a beautiful bird, but it can deliver lackluster flavor. That’s why we prefer to season a them under the skin. Sliding spices and aromatic seasonings under the skin boosts flavor by putting the ingredients in direct contact with the meat. The skin...

Here’s a different take on chili. It’s made with black beans instead of kidney beans. These give a lighter texture to the chili and are perfect for a vegetarian meal. The broccoli in this recipe is cut into small pieces that absorb the flavor of the tomato-based sauce. This chili tastes great the second day,...

It’s football season, and there’s only one thing to make game day a bigger win: Delicious game day food. Looking to add some kick to kick-off? Take flavor and heat off the bench and put them into the game with these recipes: Classic Buffalo Chicken Wings Ingredients 1/3 cup butter, melted½ cup cayenne pepper hot...

Downsizing. Every person at every age has an instinctive reaction to what organizing and downsizing means. Where and how to start, personal impact, as well as possible ramifications from others are all scenarios buzzing around our heads when contemplating a project. For some, the idea of making any decisions halts action. I believe this reaction...

I love to walk home store shop floors early in the mornings before anyone else has arrived. It inspires me. As I walked a floor recently, I was awestruck by the one thing that tied each room together: Fall foliage. Florals are always fantastic, but this season, I felt as though I was seeing them...

Prepping windows for cold, gusty weather is essential no matter your home’s age, but what exactly needs to be done? Read on for the ultimate breakdown of how to seal windows and protect your home from the winter chill. Step 1 Test for air leaks. Any style of window could have small air leaks that...

Stumped for holiday gifts for kids? Brighten the season for little ones by checking out these gift ideas: Unique experiences One-of-a-kind experiences can expand a child’s worldview and help create lifelong memories. There are numerous ideas to consider that will appeal to a broad range of interests. For a sports enthusiast, consider a one-on-one outing...

Kerri Pomarolli wanted to be an actress. To put it more accurately, she wanted to be a famous actress. “I got my degree in musical theater and knew that Los Angeles — not New York — was the route that I wanted to take,” said the Michigan native who recently relocated to Sacramento, Calif., after...

Are you struggling to find thoughtful gifts for everyone as you make your holiday shopping list? Well, it’s time to get personal. By giving a personalized gift, the recipient will feel special knowing it was created and picked just for them. Here are a few customized gift ideas that they’re sure to love that won’t...

As you make your way to holiday gatherings this season, be sure to show your hosts gratitude for opening their homes to you. There are many thoughtful ways to thank a holiday host, but the best gestures are those that include personalized touches to leave an impression on the recipient. For example, don’t just bring...

Football season is in full gear, which means many of you already have grabbed some parking lot space, popped the trunk, lit the grill and pulled something cold from the cooler while tailgating. Everyone knows the old-guard options of how to fill that cooler: Bud Light, Miller Lite, Modelo and, of course, welcome to the...

As a single woman, daughter, mother, friend, small business owner, new nonprofit executive and career minded creative heart, the delicate balance of expertly co-mingling many of the hats within a single week, if not, day can be interesting. I wanted to highlight some of the challenges and successes I have experienced in building a life...

Health experts say that establishing and maintaining family traditions can boost overall well-being and vitality, especially as we age. “As children become adults and move out of the house or away, the family traditions that bind us can sometimes get lost in the process,” said Aparna Abburi, president of Medicare and CareAllies with Cigna, which...

When it comes to decorating, there is no wrong time for anything. It all comes down to personal comfort, taste and needs — ultimately what brings you joy. That being said, decorating for a holiday too early can sometimes draw unwanted glares from the neighbors. While it’s far from time to start throwing up those...

Even when they are tasty, creamy pasta sauces can be unappealingly heavy. A few bites and you’re done. Luckily, a lighter solution lies in peak season for sweet corn, with a high starch content that can create a creamy sauce without having to resort to using cream. Just pull out the blender. We developed this...

Are you here for work or pleasure? What kind of question is this? Who thought of this phrase? Was this a cover-up to make, “do you want to be here, or do you have to be” more appealing? How do we cultivate our outlook and achieve work for pleasure? By being organized, of course. Women...

Liz Garcia, of Monticello, Iowa, led a busy life with her husband, Matt, even before they had children. “It was very busy,” said Garcia, 33, who is a corporate sales rep for a book publisher. “We would be on the go at work and do a lot of outside activities with friends and family. On...

Mind racing? Feeling sweaty? Heart beating fast? Pacing back and forth? Feeling like something bad will happen, even if everything appears OK? If this sounds like you, you could be one of the millions of people who suffer from an anxiety disorder. Women especially have been prone to anxiety due to never-ending to-do lists, running...

After one month of being pet owners, our 10-month- and 3-month-old puppies, Oskee and Simba, have reminded us of the importance of discipline. It has been 13 years since we had a puppy and 23 years since we had a baby. During these last decades, I have had the privilege and flexibility to create and...

Since 2018, Her magazine and BizTimes.biz have selected four women from a pool of nominations who represent the best of the past, present and future in local leadership, community involvement and volunteer efforts, and making a difference in the tri-states and beyond. It is never an easy task, as the number of deserving nominees always...

Age: 68. Location: Dubuque. Title and organization: Director of Strategic Partnerships, City of Dubuque. Number of years with organization: 25 years. Education: Graduated with a degree in history from Clarke University in Dubuque in 1976. Attended Institute for American Universities, Aix-en-Provence, France, 1974-1975. Career highlights: Iowa Democratic Party Voter Identification Program, 1978. Elementary school enrichment...

Age: 70. Location: Platteville, Wis. Title and organization: President, Inspiring Community, Inc. Number of years with organization: Inspiring Community, Inc. originated informally in 2013 and applied for 501(c)(3) status in 2017. Education and career background: Bachelor of science in economics, Missouri University of Science and Technology; master of business administration, Drury University; doctoral work in...

Age: 49. Location: Dubuque. Title and organization: Household manager, the Chandlee family. Number of years with organization: 22. Education and career background: Bachelor’s degree in teaching in Spanish, University of Northern Iowa. Community outreach and volunteering: Approximately 22. Family: Husband Chad; son Alec; daughters Ana, Leah and Maren. How did you get involved with your...

Age: 25. Location: Dubuque. Title and organization: Employee Benefits Consultant, Cottingham & Butler. Number of years with organization: Three. Education and career background: Bachelor of arts degree in business, marketing and public relations, Loras College, 2019; hired full-time at Cottingham & Butler after completing second summer sales internship. Now now an Employee Benefit Consultant focused...

Do you remember when your friends and family sliced up a watermelon on a summer day? Do you remember shucking sweet corn with your brothers and sisters on the front porch? Or how about grilling hamburgers and hot dogs outside? Did you pick strawberries, gooseberries or blueberries on a Saturday morning? Did you ever pick...

The COVID-19 pandemic led many women to confidently embrace their silver hair, not only as a practical move, but as a stylish statement. With elegant stars like Helen Mirren and Andie MacDowell proving that gray is glamorous, (and younger stars even dyeing their hair gray to get in on the trend) you might be feeling...

In our fast-paced, technology driven world, we have successfully taught ourselves how to be unfocused. In other words, we are not as focused on our thoughts and tasks because of numerous distractions and poor habits. Many of these distractions we purposely turn on and activate, even though they create more interruptions and chaos. As I...

Organization is about mindset. Either you think it, or you don’t. The action of living an organized lifestyle ties into our ongoing, daily thought process. Here’s the beauty: Organization is a learned skill. A huge component is wanting to incorporate organization into our daily routine to improve our life experience. Acknowledging our desire allows us...

Are you looking to avoid harsh chemicals in the place where you prepare and eat food? Hoping to green your clean? Here are three natural hacks for keeping a healthy and tidy kitchen: 1. Ditch the paper towels. Whether you’re quickly wiping up a spill or doing a deep clean, it’s easy to forget that the...

In the last few years, more Americans have gotten hooked on the rich, mouth-watering flavors and bold spices of South Asian cuisine. Research has shown an increase in searches for Indian cuisine, making it the second most searched for food on Instagram. Creating delicious Indian foods at home is possible for anyone, regardless of culinary...

A new concept has captured the attention of people looking for a healthier relationship with alcohol, but who don’t feel like abstinence is right for them. Mindful drinking is about awareness and being fully present in your choice of alcohol use. It is about changing the conversation with yourself with the goal of having a...

When it comes to diets, there’s a variety to choose from in this day and age. From the South Beach diet of the 1990s to the Atkins diet of the 2000s, there’s always a new nutritional space to explore. The official Her Hacks Spousetm took on the auspices of the keto diet in the past...

Orange, almonds and honey flavor chicken cutlets for this quick dinner. Boneless, skinless chicken cutlets, available in most supermarkets, are about ½-inch thick. They cook in just 4 to 5 minutes. A colorful side dish of zucchini strips and grape tomatoes tossed in olive oil and garlic completes the meal. Helpful hints • You can...

Mindful eating doesn’t have to be restrictive, and you don’t have to give up your favorite foods. “Simply incorporating more foods that are crafted with integrity and align with your values into your day-to-day eating can go a long way toward helping you feel your best,” said Kara Lydon, a registered dietitian nutritionist. As an...

Crumbl Cookies Location: Warren Plaza, 3500 Dodge St., No. 202. Hours: 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 8 a.m.-midnight Friday-Saturday. Closed Sunday. Phone: 563-231-2198 Online: crumblcookies.com Aricka Hilton has a sweet spot for cookies. And it’s a good thing, too. On March 25, she and husband Michael opened Crumbl Cookies in Dubuque’s Warren Plaza, 3500 Dodge St.,...

As fall and winter become more visible on the horizon, getting together with family and close friends over a delicious bowl of soup might be just the prescription to ease us in to the cooler days ahead. “Even though we have all become accustomed to spending more time at home, the winter months seem to...

The love of food and the entrepreneurial spirit is embedded in Danielle Stoll’s DNA. “My grandparents opened the Moracco Supper Club (in Dubuque) in the ’60s,” she said. “Then, my aunt took it over, and now, my cousin. So, it’s still in the family.” Stoll, 45, who opened Nothing Bundt Cakes in Dubuque in December...

Here’s a Cobb salad with a tropical twist. Ripe juicy mangoes are at the height of their season, added along with shrimp sauteed with coconut to make a refreshing summer salad with a hint of the tropics. Cut the mango into cubes for the salad. Here is a quick way to do that: Slice off...

One of the best ways to build flavor is layering, or using one ingredient in two ways or at different stages of cooking. Using the zest of a lemon in cake batter, for instance, while using the juice in a citrusy glaze. It’s a technique relied on often in the book “COOKish,” which limits recipes...

For a fast and easy warm-weather salad on a hot summer day, it doesn’t get better than watermelon feta. This salad has so few ingredients, you want each to be the best it can be. The sweeter the watermelon, the more amazing the salad. You can use large, baby, red or yellow watermelons. Seedless watermelons...

A summery fruit salad and spicy pork tenderloin might not seem the most natural pairing — until you consider the precedents of pork chops with apple sauce and Italian prosciutto with melon. The truth is, cooks have been pairing sweet fruits and savory meats for centuries. And there’s something about the subtle inherent sweetness of...

Back from a trip to Chile, where I was introduced to several delicious quinoa salads, it was a surprise to learn there are hundreds of different types of quinoas. The most common ones are white, red and black. With these flavors in mind, I created a quick vegetarian salad for a summer dinner. Quinoa is...

I like to keep bought, cooked shrimp in my freezer. It is readily available in the freezer case at the market. They can easily be turned into a great meal with very little effort. Here I added them to a spicy sauce made with mayonnaise and horseradish. Adding some blueberries and red bell pepper cubes...

As the last days of summer vacation are wrapping up, parents start to check off their back-to-school to-do lists, ensuring children are ready for their first day. In addition to backpacks and classroom supplies, new shoes often are at the top of the shopping list to accommodate growing feet. According to Chris Otto, athletics merchandiser...

Kids’ feet grow and change quickly, which means you’ll likely be shoe shopping this back-to-school season. As you head to the store, consider these tips and insights from the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Find the right fit: “Your child’s feet can grow up to two sizes in six months, so you need...

It’s back-to-school time. As you send the kids off to school, you should consider joining them for your joy, health and well-being. We live in a time of unlimited learning opportunities, and earning a degree through formal education is only one way to achieve the benefits of lifelong learning. One of the joys of being...

I was demoted to Group B reading group in fifth grade. This reduction in rank was a tragic event for me. I always had been an honors student. In first grade, I was in an honors math program. I could leave the regular math class to attend a special counting class. I was in the...

One of my biggest passions in life is to help caregivers learn new skills. When I ask them what kinds of new skills or perspectives they would like to learn, the answer usually is the same: They want to learn more about being the best caregiver they can be. They want this out of devotion...

When my father was 72, he was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia, a condition that can cause Parkinsons-like symptoms and hallucinations, in addition to symptoms experienced by those with dementia. Although my father had been experiencing these symptoms for some time, the diagnosis was difficult for me and my family to process. On one hand,...

For Jakyra Bryant, a calling to educate almost seems as though it was her destiny in life. A Chicago native, her mother worked for City Year of Chicago, a nonprofit organization that connects students with community service opportunities to help them rise to their full potential. “I remember her tutoring students and going on field...

Back to school. This phrase for many means getting colored pens to write notes, a fresh and clean backpack for your supplies or getting new shoes just because it’s a new school year. As another year approaches, students and teachers are eagerly awaiting to get the ball rolling. But with every new year, there are...

We are approaching the 2022-2023 school year. The tradition of back-to-school looks different each year as we continuously adapt to our ever-changing world. When I recall going back to school in my younger years, the simplicity of getting a new pair of tennis shoes, a couple of new outfits and selecting my bookbag style was...

As summer nights shorten and the school year approaches, you might be looking for ways to reduce the stress and costs of back-to-school preparations and ease into a new routine. Thankfully, there are suggestions for an easy and affordable return to classes. School supplies Start by separating and categorizing students’ supplies lists and compare to...

Are you a part of an organization, company or group that encourages women in leadership? Are you self-employed, a newly appointed executive director or a CEO? Are you adventuring into new journeys, business relationships and education? There is value in updating your look to depict your journey in the professional world. The first time I...

Interviewing for your dream job? Going on a promising first date? Meeting your significant other’s parents? Here’s how to make a great first impression during all the most important moments: 1. Be on time. To arrive at your destination calm, collected and without breaking a sweat, give yourself more than enough time for travel. Take...

I recently made four summertime soups. One of them was chilled, but each, in its way, was unforgettable. We’ll start with Beet-Fennel-Ginger Soup, and along with beets, fennel and ginger it also is made with cabbage and vegetable stock. ”That’s borsch,” said a colleague. “You just made borsch in March.” ”It’s not borsch,” I said....

FENNIMORE, Wis. — When Eliora Klar walked into classes for the electrical power distribution program at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College, she didn’t see anyone else who looked like her. “There are no girls in the program,” she said. “I didn’t know what I was walking into, but it’s been really enjoyable, and everyone has been...

What motivates and excites you? In a world where we are overwhelmed with things to do, what is your method to accomplish tasks, especially when your tasks are not enjoyable? Do you fall into the category of having half-finished projects, with hopes to start something new and with the supplies you’ve already purchased? Why do...

Women represent the majority of entrepreneurs today. In 2020, women started 2,000 small businesses nationwide, and of those, 64% were founded by women from diverse backgrounds, according to Fundera statistics. While this trend is encouraging, a recent study conducted by the Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center, Penn State University and Fair Pay Workplace shows that pay, ownership...

Noelle Chesney leads a life fueled by her passions. “I have always loved animals,” Chesney said. “If I hadn’t gone into music, I think I would have done something with research.” Originally from Texas, Chesney has spent most of her life as an artist. Getting a degree in vocal performance, she spent her time performing...

A recent survey reveals that the mental health of American moms is going largely unattended, with many living under a near-constant state of stress and few seeking support to ease the burden. The research, commissioned by MDLIVE, an Evernorth company and leading provider of virtual care services in the United States, finds that 33% of...

In our ever-changing world of wellness, there is an alarming and increasing number of individuals who live as amputees. While this might reflect lives saved through modern medicine, it creates a need for lifelong changes and support for those who are amputees. There are an estimated three million amputees in the United States. An average...

From an early age, Amy Scheller relished the thrill of working as a team. Growing up in Phoenix and later Illinois, Scheller played in a range of sports, from softball to basketball. While studying at Aurora (Ill.) University, she continued her passion for teamwork by playing Division III softball, basketball, soccer and tennis. That love...

For many area women working in emergency medical services departments, the job was a calling they always wanted to answer. “I always kind of knew I wanted to be in emergency services,” said Dani Balk, a critical care paramedic with Paramount Ambulance. “Every day offers a different challenge, and we get to make a positive...

As this month’s theme focuses on women in leadership, I wanted to acknowledge and express gratitude for the leadership exhibited by those who show their leadership through caregiving. At first glance, our caregiving role seems built in. Women especially often hear they are the nurturing gender, the caregivers for families when they are growing. They...

Sauny Tucker never envisioned herself as the type who would one day lead a company. But she believes that is the plight of many women who find themselves in leadership positions. “We don’t always believe we’ve earned our place in the conversation,” she said. “We don’t always feel as though what we have to offer...

Carolyn Rauen has a fondness for photography and nature, specifically when it comes to national parks. Those passions provided a much-needed outlet during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic for Rauen, who works as an occupational therapist at UnityPoint Health-Finley Hospital in Dubuque. “At that time, all that I was treating at work was COVID...

When has imposter syndrome crept up on your doorstep and barged through your front door? An “imposter” is a person who pretends to be someone else to deceive others, especially for fraudulent gain. A “syndrome” is a characteristic combination of opinions, emotions or behavior. “Imposter syndrome” is our inability to believe that we deserve what...

Do you have a high school senior planning for upcoming photos? If you do, lets take a walk through tips and tricks to assure a fun and enjoyable day of photography, makeup, hair and clothing options. How do I select clothing for my high school senior portraits? As someone on the opposite side of the...

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: 1. Replenish fluids. It’s easy to become dehydrated when you’re active. Replenish your fluids by drinking plenty of...

If I told you that I could write a prescription for you that would positively impact everything in your life, would you take it? It would improve your health, creativity, sleep, relationships, increase mood, lower blood pressure and stress, increase your energy levels, boost your brain power, promote a healthy heart, promote positive emotional growth...

If you’re taking a stroll in downtown Dubuque, it doesn’t take long for bold splashes of color to capture the wandering eye. Love it or hate it, street art has emerged as a popular form of public expression, taking the once-blank canvases of city buildings and transforming them into large-scale works of art. The Dubuque...

For tri-state residents, the prime season for outdoor fun has arrived. The area is home to all manner of opportunities to get outdoors, with dozens of county and state parks offering opportunities for hiking, biking, paddling, camping and other activities. Those opportunities include some of the area’s most well-known natural areas, such as Mines of...

Vacations are a time for adventures, relaxation and capturing every moment so that you can relive the excitement after the trip is over. I have captured holiday memories with pictures, videos and journals through the years. Not all of these memory souvenirs were created with today’s high-tech options. Homemade scrapbooks were created in vintage, self-adhesive...

Whether you love to dig in dirt or simply admire the work of those who do, an opportunity to view the fruits of that labor, as well as learn a few tricks of the trade, are planned this month. Presented in conjunction with the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Master Gardeners and Dubuque County...

With warmer weather here, it’s time to deal with the associated household hassles of the season. Here are three hacks that will help you create a healthy, comfortable home during the months ahead: Beat the heat Beyond having your HVAC unit serviced and changing your air filter regularly, you can beat the heat at home...

We are nearly through 2022, and so many of us are ready for a vacation. The idea of vacation means something different to everyone. Vacations can range from a home staycation or a quick, overnight visit to someone’s home or a local attraction. You might have a camper, a plan to relax at your reserved...

It’s a treat to savor wild salmon at this time of year. The season started May 1 and runs through August. Here’s a new and easy way to cook salmon: Place salmon cubes on skewers and grill or broil them. Zucchini and cherry tomatoes also are included in the kabobs. I like to place them...

Hannah Gasper was born with a traveler’s heart. So, it’s a bit of an irony that the 24-year-old Dubuque native doesn’t credit abundant trips in her youth as part of what stoked that fire. “My family was always busy with the sports we were involved in as kids,” Gasper said. “So, I didn’t grow up...

My family didn’t travel much when I was a kid, but when we did, my parents jumped through hoops to cut costs. On a trip to Disney World, for example, our family of six switched hotels. Every. Night. My mom worked for a hotel chain and could get one free night per property. Did my...