How-To Guides

Whether it’s their first or senior year, spring break is a thrilling time for students. This week-long break promises adventure and much-needed relaxation and is the perfect opportunity to make memorable connections. However, as a parent, you naturally have concerns about your student's safety and well-being while traveling.  The most common worries revolve around ensuring their safety in unfamiliar places, maintaining good health, and encouraging a sense of responsibility in all actions. Equipping your college students with the right tools, knowledge, and mindset is critical in empowering them to make the best choices. To support them in preparing for a safe and enjoyable spring break, finding the perfect gifts and offering the best advice you can is critical.  Understanding Spring Break Essentials Whether your student will be lounging poolside or hiking mountains, there are a few necessities every traveler should have, including: Reliable drinkware: The right drinkware ensures your student stays hydrated throughout the day. Look for insulated tumblers to keep drinks cold in the heat or lightweight water bottles that won't weigh them down. First aid kit: Having a small first aid kit comes in handy for accidents or injuries. Fill it with basics like bandages, pain relievers, hand sanitizer, and antiseptic wipes. Foldup backpack: A foldup backpack is ideal for day trips — it's light, compact, and fits easily in a suitcase or beach bag. Waterproof phone case: A waterproof phone case is necessary for water activities. Portable charger: With long days out, a portable charger will keep your student's devices powered and connected. While these are just a few items, encourage them to pack according to their specific destination and activities. While packing light is key, it's important not to skimp on essentials.  The Importance of Staying Hydrated Travel days sometimes mean long walks to refill water bottles or do not allow time for pit stops. To minimize this issue, send your student off with a drinkware option that keeps their beverages cold for hours. Inadequate hydration can lead to fatigue, headaches, and dizziness, spoiling a day of fun. This is especially problematic in hot climates. It’s crucial to provide your kids with drinkware that's easy to carry and use on the go. Fortunately, tumblers are designed for life on the move. They have features like spill-proof lids, insulation for hot or cold drinks, and durable materials, so they can withstand any adventure. Choosing the Right Accommodations No matter where your kids plan to travel, choosing a safe and reputable place to sleep is a top priority. Aside from a clean, comfortable bed, you want them to stay somewhere with secure premises, reputable staff, and a prime location.  As they look for lodging, encourage them to read reviews to get an idea of the experience they can expect, and encourage them to choose lodging with security features like round-the-clock front desk service. Ensure they pay attention to any mentions of safety concerns or negative experiences with staff. It's also important to choose a location close to popular attractions but still in a safe area.  Travel Safety Tips While traveling is an exhilarating experience, encourage your kids to approach their fun with caution. Staying safe while traveling often comes down to common sense, like staying in groups, especially at night or in unfamiliar areas. Another golden rule is to be aware of one’s surroundings. Talk to your kids about keeping an eye on their belongings, being wary of new acquaintances, and trusting their gut if something doesn't feel right.  In these situations, having a reliable water bottle with a secure lid can also be a safeguard. It ensures they stay hydrated and helps them keep their drink close and safe from spills — or worse, tampering — during outings. The less breakable drinkware they take on the road, the better you'll feel knowing they're prepared with safe and practical tools.  Sun Protection Essentials While many people are angling for that sun-kissed glow, the sun can be as harsh as it is warm, making sun protection an absolute must. Ensuring your kids are well-equipped is also critical to prevent heatstroke. Here's what they'll need: Sunglasses to protect their eyes; Protective clothing to shield their skin; Sunscreen for all exposed areas. Remind them that prolonged exposure to the sun can lead to dehydration, so it's a smart move to ensure they use a reusable water bottle to replenish fluids. Likewise, advise them to take time out of the sun to give their bodies a chance to cool down. Smart Partying Strategies Responsible drinking tops the list of smart partying strategies for students who choose to enjoy the nightlife. As a parent, encourage your college students to know and respect their limits. Advise them to eat before and while they are drinking to help mitigate the effects of alcohol and alternate alcoholic drinks with water to stay hydrated. Another critical aspect of safe partying is the buddy system. Urge your kids and their friends to stick with one another throughout the night to ensure everyone ends the night as safely as they started it. With this, remind them not to accept drinks from strangers. Additionally, ensure they have drink and barware with sealed lidded options on hand to help prevent drink tampering. Keeping in Touch Staying connected through regular communication with your college student is not just a courtesy but a safety measure. Set regular check-in times with your kids. Encourage them to share accommodation and trip details so you know where they'll be and how to reach them. For added safety, share your contact info with travel companions and hosts. This way, they can reach out or guide assistance your way in case of any unexpected situations. Handling Emergencies No one likes to think about emergencies while planning a trip but being prepared can help mitigate these risks. Common travel mishaps, such as lost passports or medical issues, can disrupt even the most meticulously planned trips. Taking time to familiarize your family with the steps to report and replace a lost passport and knowing how to access medical care in a foreign country are essential preparatory steps. Equally important is knowing local emergency numbers and the assurance that comes with having comprehensive travel insurance. These measures ensure that should your kids face an emergency, they're not left scrambling for information or financial assistance. Safe Transportation Methods Heading out to new places usually means figuring out how to get around with transport you're not used to. Encourage your kids to choose well-known taxi services or trusted public transport to avoid risks. For those who prefer driving, the importance of staying sober behind the wheel cannot be overstated. If your student is of drinking age, remind them to use a designated driver or ride-sharing to ensure safe returns home. By preparing ahead of time, they can safely and happily explore new places, meet new people, and have a great and relaxing spring break.

As the wintry season slowly fades and spring begins to show itself, there's nothing better than stepping outside to enjoy the fresh air and warm sun. As the season of renewal begins, it sets a perfect backdrop and offers plenty of reasons to host an outdoor gathering. Whether it's a homegating party or a kickback with family and friends, the warmer weather and longer days make hosting an outdoor party during the spring an excellent idea. These gatherings make the best of the beautiful weather and create a more relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. The open space allows for more room to socialize, making it easier to strike up conversations and get everyone involved in the fun. Moreover, leaning into spring-themed decor and activities takes your occasions one step further, transforming them into immersive experiences that fully capture the season's essence.  If you're looking for specific ideas, inspiration, or tips on preparing for your big event, we've got you covered. Below are some ideas to help you plan and host a successful spring party. Use Fresh Flowers Fresh flowers can transform any occasion into something magical. Plus, spring is a peak season for various flowers such as daffodils, tulips, and hyacinths. With their vivid colors and sweet scents, these flowers can add beauty and fragrance to your event. You can also choose to buy local and in-season, which can benefit your local ecosystems. By selecting flowers in their natural blooming period, you’re contributing to the sustainability of local flower farms as well as:  Prioritizing sustainable growing practices; Preserving biodiversity through native flowers that will attract pollinators; Saving water with native plants that thrive in the local climate and require less water than exotic species. As for floral arrangements, you have no lack of options. You can also use mason jars or repurposed bottles as vases, which adds a personal touch and reduces waste. For an easy, elegant touch, add a few sprigs of greenery and tie a ribbon around the jars.  Serve Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Springtime brings the arrival of various fruits and vegetables. Embracing these fresh picks enhances the taste and nutritional value of your spring dishes and aligns with sustainable and health-conscious eating.  Strawberries, rhubarb, and apricots offer sweet and tangy notes perfect for desserts and salads, while asparagus, artichokes, and radishes provide earthy flavors ideal for savory dishes. Incorporating these into your menu allows you to explore tasty, farm-to-table dishes. Go the extra mile by getting ingredients from your farmer's market or a community-supported agriculture program. This will support small-scale farming and connect you with your community. Get Creative With Cocktails and Mocktails  Spring gatherings are the perfect opportunity to showcase creative cocktails and mocktails. Offering a selection of non-alcoholic beverages caters to the "sober curious" movement and ensures all guests enjoy the season's flavors, regardless of their drinking preferences.  A delightful choice for springtime sipping is the "Lemon Lavender Gin Rickey." This cocktail blends gin, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and honey, creating a perfect balance of flavors. It's topped off with seltzer water for that effervescent kick. Garnish with a sprig of lavender and a wedge of lemon. For those preferring a non-alcoholic version, simply replace the gin with additional seltzer water. Another flavorful option is the "Cucumber Basil Lime Cooler."  To make it, muddle cucumber and basil leaves, add lime juice, simple syrup, and gin, then top with tonic water. The mocktail adaptation can forego the gin in favor of extra tonic water. Upcycle Decorations and Place Settings Upcycling your party decorations and place settings elevates the ambiance and champions environmental sustainability. For example, old glass jars can be transformed into vases or candle holders, while vintage fabrics can find new purposes as eclectic napkins or table runners. However, one unique challenge of upcycling is ensuring cohesion in your design. To overcome this, choose a color scheme or theme that ties your pieces together, such as pastel hues for a soft, springtime feel or bold florals for a more vibrant feel.  Get Creative With Drinkware Spring parties deserve fun drinkware. Get creative and use tumblers, vintage glasses, clean jam jars, water bottles, teacups, mugs, or cups — the options are limitless. Mismatched vessels can spark conversation and add personality to your gathering. Each piece holds a story, like a keepsake from a trip or a thrift store find. You could even ask guests to bring their favorite or one-of-a-kind drinkware to add a touch of their personality. When using plastic or disposable cups, consider using biodegradable and compostable options from materials like bamboo or cornstarch. Prepare for Unpredictable Weather It's no secret that springtime brings April showers to make way for May flowers. Preparing for unpredictable weather is essential for confidently hosting your event. One actionable tip is to have a contingency plan. This could mean having a canopy or tent ready in case of rain or blankets and portable heaters on standby should the temperature drop. Additionally, flexible seating arrangements, such as waterproof cushions or chairs that can easily be moved under cover, allow for quick adjustments. Take Sun Exposure Into Account The sun significantly influences temperature and visibility, necessitating careful planning and consideration.  The unique challenge here is predicting and managing the sun's movements throughout the event. Arrange your gathering space wisely for the ideal balance of sun and shade. Seat guests where they can enjoy the warmth without glare or overheating. Use umbrellas or a canopy for shade and to keep everyone comfortable.  Embrace Pastels Pastel colors are popular during spring because their light, airy qualities mirror the fresh blossoms and clear skies. For a playful touch, consider adding pastels to your outdoor gathering, including table settings, decorations, or a pastel dress code. And, while pastels are calming, adding striking colors is fun, too. Picture a pastel tablecloth with bright yellow napkins or soft pink peonies with vibrant green foliage. These bold elements complement pastels and reflect the colorful essence of spring. Keep Allergy Medicine On-Hand Everyone loves being outside in spring, but then there's the not-so-fun part — seasonal allergies. As a thoughtful host, keeping allergy medicine on hand ensures all your guests can fully enjoy the gathering without discomfort. Having a variety of over-the-counter allergy medications available can alleviate symptoms for those who may have forgotten to take theirs or didn't anticipate the pollen count. It's a simple yet highly appreciated way to accommodate everyone's needs. Prepare Spring-Themed Activities Once you've sorted out the details, prepare fun spring-themed activities and games for your event, such as: Classic lawn games: Games like bocce ball blend friendly competition and physical activity.  Scavenger hunts: Hide items related to the season around your yard or a park area and give out clues. It's a fantastic way to get people interacting and moving.  Crafting stations: These can be a big hit, especially for gatherings that include families. Set up a table where guests can paint pots and plant spring flowers to take home.  Remember to keep other backyard essentials on deck, like coolers, snacks at each station, and sunscreen and bug spray for everyone to use.  As you can see, there's no limit to creating the atmosphere and activities for the perfect spring outdoor gathering. By following these tips, you'll be sure to host an unforgettable event that celebrates the season and the people you love.

  Spring invites you to shake off the winter chill and embrace the warmth, so hosting a spring-themed get-together is an easy yes. There are many ideas to explore when choosing a theme, like a casual backyard brunch or a relaxed evening under the trees.  Springtime is a great occasion to host a variety of events. Not only are there traditional holidays like Easter, but there are also plenty of other occasions that call for a spring-themed celebration. Here are our top 10 picks for spring-themed parties. 1. Garden Brunch A garden brunch is a lovely way to celebrate life's special moments, including bridal or baby showers that desire a refined and relaxed atmosphere.  Decor-wise, focus on elements that complement the natural surroundings. Floral centerpieces and pastel-colored tablecloths add elegance, while outdoor seating arrangements encourage a communal vibe. Transitioning into the evening, hanging lanterns can magically transform the space, inviting guests to linger and enjoy. On the culinary front, aim for selections that are universally appealing yet simple to enjoy outdoors. Quiches, fruit salads, pastries, and tea sandwiches are easy crowd-pleasers. Coolers and jugs brimming with mimosas, iced tea, and lemonade can also provide refreshment on this sunny day. To round off the experience, integrate activities that resonate with the outdoor theme, such as lawn games like croquet or bocce ball. 2. Flower-Themed Party A flower-themed party is fitting for those who enjoy the abundance of flora and fauna that arrives with spring. This theme is the perfect excuse to decorate with nature's most colorful creations for events like bridal showers, engagement parties, or family gatherings.  Turn your home or venue into a floral wonderland with fresh flowers, garlands, and flower-shaped balloons. Complement these natural elements with tables covered in floral-patterned tablecloths and tableware, to add texture and depth to the visual experience. You can also host a flower-arranging workshop or teach people to make flower crowns. Another great way to tie in the theme is to incorporate flowers into the menu. Edible flower salads, flower-shaped cookies, and floral-infused cocktails or mocktails are delicious and visually appealing. 3. Crafting Party You can draw inspiration from nature and host a crafting party with friends or co-workers. This theme is perfect for birthdays or team-building events.  You can prepare your space for crafting by laying down butcher paper on tables to protect the surface and encourage guests to doodle. You can offer a few different crafts like painting, pottery, or personalizing tote bags.  Finger foods, mini sandwiches, and easy-to-eat snacks are ideal for this event. For a sweet touch, include a DIY dessert station for decorating cupcakes or cookies. As for beverages, think of colorful cocktails or mocktails that can tie into the creative theme. 4. Taco Party A taco party brings the zesty flavors of Mexican cuisine right into your backyard or dining room. This theme is terrific for any occasion, from birthday celebrations to more laid-back family reunions. Embrace the bold and lively Mexican culture with your decor. Think bright tablecloths, vibrant paper flowers, and colorful papel picado banners.  You can set up a taco bar with colorful serving dishes and chalkboard signs to label the ingredients. You can offer meat and vegetarian fillings, as well as fresh toppings and salsas.  Spice up the event with some salsa dancing or a mariachi playlist to set the mood. A playful touch is introduced with a piñata filled with treats, while a DIY margarita or sangria station elevates the celebration. For those preferring non-alcoholic options, traditional Mexican beverages like horchata or agua fresca offer refreshing alternatives. 5. Potluck Potlucks shine as an ideal choice for spring celebrations due to their inherently communal nature, making them perfect for community meetings or office parties. A simple setup with table runners, candles, and flowers can create a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. While food is the main attraction, guests should be encouraged to bring other items, such as special drinks, unique condiments, or themed plateware. Other activities might include a recipe swap or designating a "best dish" award through a voting system. 6. Fondue Party Fondue night is great for cozy get-togethers, featuring a soft ambiance with gentle lighting, comfy seating, and a touch of elegance with cloth napkins and candles. Spring’s mild weather and extended daylight hours make this a good backdrop for enjoying fondue with friends.  When getting ready to host a fondue party, consider serving cheese fondue with bread, veggies, and pre-cooked meats, and chocolate fondue for dessert. You can also add drinks like wine, champagne, or mocktail spritzers. 7. Classic Picnic A picnic is a timeless classic that combines simple al fresco pleasures with great company. Picnics offer a relaxed setting for family reunions or romantic dates. All you need is a checkered blanket, comfortable cushions for seating, and a few umbrellas or a makeshift canopy. Play games like frisbee or badminton, or try a nature scavenger hunt or a hike. Finger foods like mini sandwiches, wraps, cheese platters, and pastries are great ideas to bring on a picnic. Pack plenty of water, lemonade, or iced tea to keep everyone hydrated. 8. Outdoor Movie Night An outdoor movie night brings the nostalgia of drive-in theaters to your backyard. It's perfect for birthday parties or spring evenings with friends. Set up a cushy viewing area with blankets, bean bags, and padded lawn chairs. String lights, lanterns, or candles can create an inviting ambiance. Elevate the menu with gourmet flavors or a build-your-own popcorn bar. Hot dogs, nachos, and candy are solid additions. Encourage guests to bring their favorite tumblers, mugs, or cups to reduce waste and add a personal touch.  In addition to watching the movie, create a thematic experience by choosing films that match a specific genre or director and decorating accordingly. A pre-movie trivia game can also be a fun way to engage guests. 9. Bonfire There are plenty of good reasons to have your next gathering outdoors, but a bonfire is a favorite. Since the bonfire is the main attraction, additional decor can be minimal. Consider comfortable seating arrangements with blankets and cushions for added coziness. S'mores are a given bonfire staple. But bring along grilled skewers, hot dogs, and fresh veggies to cook over the fire for a rustic dining experience. As for beverages, Arnold palmers or various juices in a trusty tumbler offer the perfect complement.  Beyond roasting foods, sharing stories, singing songs, or playing acoustic music can enrich the bonfire experience. To get more interactive, consider setting up lawn games, like cornhole, or go old school with a flashlight scavenger hunt. 10. Volunteer Community Get-Together Whether it's a neighborhood cleanup or community garden project, volunteer events foster a sense of friendship and purpose among participants. While the main activity will be volunteer work, consider incorporating a speaker or workshop related to the cause. For this type of event, focus less on decor and more on functionality and branding for the cause. Use banners, signs, and wearables, like T-shirts or hats, to unify the group and promote the event's purpose. Keep the food simple with sandwiches, fruit, protein bars, and plenty of sports drinks and water. With these ideas, you can elevate any outdoor gathering and make it your own. So gather your friends, family, and co-workers and enjoy springtime in the great outdoors.

Discover fun outdoor winter activities for all ages. Get tips on how to prepare, what to do, staying warm with hot drinks, and finding the best insulated gear.

Struggling to fall asleep? Check out our top 10 foods to help you sleep better, including tryptophan-rich turkey and melatonin-packed cherries. Sweet dreams!

Discover ideas for creating a magical fall outdoor wedding. From autumn decor to cozy attire, find tips for an unforgettable wedding day.

Discover ideas for creating a magical fall outdoor wedding. From autumn decor to cozy attire, find tips for an unforgettable wedding day.

Transform your backyard into an outdoor movie theater. Learn how to make an unforgettable experience with the right refreshments and more.

Warm up this fall with some easy autumn-inspired drink recipes. From pumpkin spice to apple cinnamon, learn how to make cocktails with fall flavors.

Discover ideas for creating a magical fall outdoor wedding. From autumn decor to cozy attire, find tips for an unforgettable wedding day.

Looking for the perfect gift for a college student? Find ideas for thoughtful and practical gift ideas for a college boy or girl that will make their day.

Say goodbye to restless nights with these 5 simple and effective night time routines for adults. Fall asleep faster and wake up feeling refreshed!