Ideas & Tips — Seasonal

Summer always seems to fly by far too quickly and this year has been no exception. However, the official first day of fall is less than two months away so we still have some time to savor the season! Here are our top tips for making the most of the coming weeks: Eat al fresco: In the rush of every day life it's nice to take a moment to savor the little things. Try drinking your morning coffee on the porch or eating dinner outside on the patio. Stainless steel products, like our sturdy drinking tumblers and bowls, are particularly great for outdoor...

There's nothing better than a bouquet of fresh flowers to brighten up your home, unless it's a bouquet of fresh flowers that you put together yourself. You don't have to be a professional florist to learn how to make your own beautiful arrangements. Here are some tips for beginners:  Build a foundation: Real Simple magazine recommends creating a "base" for your arrangement using foliage, such as ferns, leaves or baby's breath, that touches the lip of the base. Don't worry about making it perfectly even — a little asymmetry can be pleasing to the eye.  Don't stress: HGTV tells us...

As the seasons change, so does what we want out of a beer. Gone are the days of light, crisp lagers and wheaty hefeweizens — it's time for dark, heavy brews with seasonal ingredients and spices, perfect for drinking while warming your feet by the fireplace. Known as winter warmers, these beers have what it takes to stand up to the cold weather, namely, strong dark flavors and alcohol levels that are sure to keep you warm: Samuel Adams Old Fezziwig Ale, 5.9% ABV, Boston, MA: Named for the generous and hospitable business owner in A Christmas Carol, this beer is chock full of...

If you're like many Americans, chances are you're already starting to feel the first tremors of what will become the earthquake of holiday-season stress. With all the obligations, expenses and logistical struggles of the holiday season, it's no wonder that many people turn to alcohol to escape from all the pressure. However, if you want some healthier options that won't leave you hung over and vaguely ashamed the next day, try sipping some of these naturally relaxing beverages throughout the day: Cherry juice: This lip-puckeringly tart drink has been shown to increase the duration and quality of sleep, helping you rebuild your...

You've only just walked in the door at the annual family holiday gathering, and already two aunts and a grandma have flocked around you to offer cookies, cakes and snacks. So it begins. Eating sensibly during the holiday can feel like an uphill battle, with factors from the cold weather to pushy relatives threatening the hard-earned integrity of your waistline. According to the National Institutes of Health, the average American gains one to two pounds every year during the holidays, which may not seem like a lot on its own but can add up over a lifetime. Keep these tips...