Unless you’re rich Uncle Pennybags, spending $600 on car repairs is a tough pill to swallow.

Unfortunately, that’s the going rate for the average car repair bill today, according to new AAA research. What’s more, an estimated 30 percent of Americans are unable to pay the average car repair bill without going into debt, the survey found.

Here are a few ways to make paying for unexpected car repairs a little easier, courtesy of AAA experts.

Shop Smart

Your driving costs include a lot more than your monthly car payment. They include money spent on fuel, registration fees, insurance premiums and, yes, upkeep. It costs on average $8,500 to own and operate a vehicle in the U.S., according to the AAA 2016 Your Driving Costs study. Consider the total cost of vehicle ownership when shopping for a new vehicle.

Save Up

Even well-maintained cars break down. Just ask the 32 million motorists AAA provided roadside assistance to in 2016. It helps to anticipate an unanticipated mechanical or electrical failure. AAA recommends drivers put aside at least $50 a month to help cover future car troubles. “If anything, that rainy day fund will take the sting out of an unexpected repair bill,” said John Paul, AAA’s Car Doctor.

Reputable Repairs

Sometimes little problems become big ones. After a while, squeaky brakes can become grinding brakes and a frayed timing belt can snap. Problems like these often result in drivers broken down on the side of the road. “Little problems aren’t going to fix themselves,” Paul said. “The key is to find a high-quality repair shop that will examine the entire car a couple of times per year during a routine service like an oil change.” Of course, drivers who want their vehicle to last should follow the service schedule in the owners manual, Paul added.

To find a trusted repair facility near you, go to AAA.com/AAR.

Ever think your pet might be allergic to you? While that may be a rare scenario, it’s increasingly clear that cats and dogs, like their human companions, can have allergies.

Cornell University’s Baker Institute for Animal Health classifies potential pet allergies into three categories: atopic dermatitis caused by pollen, dust, mold and other natural irritants; food allergies triggered by meat, dairy, eggs and other foods; and respiratory allergies mainly found in cats.

The institute says the signs for pet allergies include excessive itching, sneezing, tears, rashes, gastrointestinal issues and, in cats, a form of asthma.

If your furry friends exhibit any of these symptoms, take them to your veterinarian for evaluation and testing. Once an allergy is determined, you can help your pet by avoiding the allergen, changing its diet or using medication prescribed by your veterinarian to have her back to full health in no time.

Visit AAA.com/PetInsurance to find out how you can save up to 90% on vet bills. 

For a long time, Iceland had been on my travel bucket list. When I finally made it there, it surprised me how accessible it is from the East Coast.

While the island country is close to the Arctic Circle, it’s not as remote as it seems. I took a direct flight from Boston and arrived in Reykjavik in less time than it takes me to fly to California.

Whether you’re in the country for just a few days or a longer stretch of time, guided tours are a popular option, especially for first-time visitors. Like most people, I was based in the capital city, Reykjavik, and headed out for daytrips to some of the country’s most dramatic sites, including spectacular hot springs, glaciers, lava fields, volcanoes and waterfalls.

The Blue Lagoon and the Golden Circle route are usually at the top of visitors’ itineraries, including mine. I was especially excited to soak in the Blue Lagoon after hearing about it from friends. Many people visit between September and April to chase after the northern lights, but that wasn’t my goal on this trip.

Iceland Sights Ignite the Soul

Reykjavik

Reykjavik has a population of about 120,000. While that’s relatively small as far as capitals go, it seems large when you consider that Iceland’s total population hovers around 340,000. The cosmopolitan city is easily walkable.

Look into purchasing a Reykjavik City Card, which gives you access to a great selection of museums and galleries, unlimited bus travel, and access to the city’s thermal-fed public swimming pools. I visited one of the city pools and it was fun to mingle with locals whose daily swims and soaks are part of their routine schedule.

A visit to the Hallgrimskirkja church is a must. You won’t need directions to find it; its tall tower can be spied from almost anywhere in the city. Make sure to go to the top of the tower for amazing views.

Blue Lagoon

As far back as the 12th century, Iceland discovered that its abundance of geothermal pools was a both a luxury and a benefit. Visitors today can enjoy a variety of deliciously hot public swimming pools and natural springs. The most famous is the Blue Lagoon, which is located in a lava field about 45 minutes from Reykjavik. The water temperature fluctuates between 98 and 104 degrees.

Visiting the Blue Lagoon can be an all-day affair if you choose. I only wish I had the time. I was there for a few hours, though; enough time to soak in the enormous hot spring, apply a silica mud mask to my face, and get a smoothie at the Lagoon Bar without ever getting out of the water. It was blissful.

Golden Circle

The 200-mile-long Golden Circle drive includes three of Iceland’s best-known attractions: Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir geyser and Gullfoss waterfall. Many outfitters offer the immensely popular daytrip as an excursion, which is how I visited the sites in one day.

Thingvellir National Park is the site of Iceland’s ancient parliament, which dates to 930 and met there until 1798. It is also where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. The plates are slowly separating from each other, creating deep fissures in the ground.

Next up is Haukadalur, a geothermal area that’s home to the famous geysers Geysir and Strokkur. Wait around long enough and you’ll be rewarded with Strokkur shooting water up to 100 feet up in the air.

The last stop on the Golden Circle is Gullfoss, where the Hvita River roars down three separate drops before continuing south. On a sunny day, you might just glimpse a rainbow, like I did.

Visitors often come away from Iceland vowing to return – as did I. It’s a place I want to share with friends and family. So even though you may check it off your bucket list, Iceland might just become a destination you’ll want to experience again and again.

Even the most reliable cars depreciate over time. Here are three parts to keep an eye on as your car ages.

Water Pump

This part circulates coolant throughout the engine to prevent overheating. It’s a moving part, so it’s prone to wear and tear; in this case, leaky seals, bad bearings
and issues with the belt that drives it. Coolant leaks underneath the engine bay and loud clicking, grinding or howling noises from the front end could indicate
a water pump problem. “A quality technician will look for water pump issues during a routine service like an oil change or tire rotation, but check for leaks when you can in between trips to the shop,” said AAA’s Car Doctor John Paul.

Find a AAA Auto Approved Facility near you at AAA.com/AAR. 

Transmission

The transmission is one of the most expensive parts of a vehicle. It can fail due to years of hard driving, improper towing or fluid leaks that aren’t addressed.
Extend its life by replacing the transmission fluid based on the manufacturer’s recommendations. Do not overfill the system and try not to let it run low, both of which could cause serious problems, Paul said.

Brake Lines

Like the transmission, brake line repairs can be catastrophically expensive. Brake lines rust with age, especially when they come into contact with road salt
and other de-icers. Keep the undercarriage clean to help slow brake line decay, Paul said.

When it comes to car care, a watchful eye and a little bit of upkeep are a winning combination.

For more car care tips, go to AAA.com/CarCareCorner.

A daily walk is a simple, healthy habit. According to the Mayo Clinic, regular brisk walking helps prevent heart disease and high blood pressure, maintains a healthy weight and strengthens bones and muscles. Here are some ways to boost the benefits of your stroll.

Warm up and cool down

While walking is a low-impact exercise, it’s best to start off slowly before setting your workout pace. Leave five minutes to decrease your pace and cool down before you finish.

Walk, don’t run, to the hills

If you have a hilly neighborhood, use the inclines to your advantage. Walking uphill will increase the intensity of your walk and give your leg muscles an extra workout.

Take a hike

Find walking paths or hiking trails near you. You don’t need to summit the closest mountain, but a trek through the woods will add variation and nature to your routine.

Bring a buddy

Exercising with a friend not only makes the experience more enjoyable, it also increases your motivation. And if you’re going for that hike, it’s best to have a partner with you.

Any new exercise routines should be approached with caution. Consider your physical limitations and always consult your doctors.

Daily playtime is vital to your dog’s physical and mental health. Get creative with your backyard games this spring and try some of these suggestions from Kurgo, a pet travel, toy and outdoor products company. AAA members save up to 20% on Kurgo products. 

Flyball

Flyball is actually a competitive team sport for dogs. To teach the sport’s basic skills, place a small hurdle in front of your pup and call him, rewarding him if he jumps the hurdle. Add additional hurdles and throw your dog a ball. Reward him when he jumps the hurdles and returns the toy.

Run the Bases

Set up four bases like a baseball diamond and run them to show your dog how it’s done. To start, reward your pooch each time she touches a base, but save a big reward for when she runs them all and makes it home!

Basketball

That’s right, your hound can play hoops! Set up a basket then have your dog pick up a toy and drop it in to earn a treat. Start with the hoop close to the ground and slowly raise it to up the challenge.

Visit AAA.com/PetInsurance to find out how you can save up to 90% on vet bills. 

Having been to almost every state in the USA – I’ll get to you one day, North Dakota – it dawned on me that I’d never been to Hawaii. Pop culture had conditioned me to think of the 50th state as a paradise where women wore hula skirts, men wore Hawaiian shirts, and tourists wore leis. Of course, you can’t believe everything you see on TV. And so, I set out to visit Hawaii to discover it was everything I’d thought it would be – and more.

Hawaii

Known as the Big Island, Hawaii boasts a lot of surf – and a lot of turf. In the Kona district on the west coast, there are plenty of oceanside resorts and surf schools. And speaking of turf, it’s still being made on the southeastern part of the island: Cooling lava from Kilauea’s eruptions have added about 500 acres of new land along the coast since the 1980s. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, home to Kilauea, is one of the island’s main draws. I stayed at Volcano House – a historic lodge with a view of the crater on which it resides – and drove down to see the Thurston Lava Tube and the vast black lava fields on the scenic Chain of Craters Road.

A lengthy hike from the end of the road brings you to the popular viewing area of Kamokuna, where hot lava meets cool ocean water with a magnificent plume of steam (best seen at dusk).

Oahu

Almost everyone flying to Hawaii lands in the capital of Honolulu. Many tourists stay in Waikiki Beach, a touristy area of hotels, restaurants, bars and – yes – leis, hula girl shows and resort-hosted luaus. But there are impressive places away from the commercialized strip.

Basing myself at the Surfjack, a hip, retro hotel, I discovered cuisine beyond poi and kalua pork: family-style whole snapper dinners at Mahina & Suns, savory potato beignets in the Pig and the Lady, and local favorite loco moco at Home Bar & Grill. On a drive up to the North Shore I learned that the 7-Elevens have better-than-average road snacks, from pork shumai to steamed manapua buns.

Kauai

Going to the lush island of Kauai, aptly nicknamed the Garden Isle, you feel like you’ve been there before. That’s because you probably have through movies. Non-CGI scenes in “Avatar” were filmed at the island’s lush Keahua Arboretum. A helicopter ride can take you  down Manawaiopuna Falls, just like the characters in “Jurassic Park.”

In the mood for more adventurous exploration? You can hike the 11-mile Kalalau Trail, which goes along the Napali Coast from Ke’e Beach to Kalalau Beach. If you want to kick your feet up on the southern shore, head to Koloa Zipline, featuring the longest zip lines on the island. Pedaling more your style? Try the Ke Ala Hele Makalae, the 17-mile “path that goes by the coast” on the island’s eastern shore.

Maui

Known as the Valley Isle, Maui is like a storybook Hawaiian experience, with its beautiful beaches, waterfalls and dudes in Hawaiian shirts (known on the islands as
Aloha shirts). Start your fairy tale at sunrise with the panoramic view atop Haleakala Mountain, where the sun appears to come up above the clouds. However, be warned; you’ll need a reservation with the National Park Service to secure a spot for sunrise.

Once the day has begun, there’s plenty to do: You can windsurf or take a kiteboarding lesson in Kanaha Beach Park – or simply bask at the beach. If you’re in the mood for a scenic, winding drive, the Hana Highway has spectacular views of the coastline and a few waterfalls. You can also go paragliding, where you’ll be treated to a bird’s-eye view of the Pacific Ocean. I dare say, you won’t find that in North Dakota.

FIND & BOOK A HOTEL IN HAWAII 

For a healthy snack, try blending up one of these satisfying smoothies.

Green: Pineapple green smoothie

This lean, green healthy snack packs in nutrients and flavor. EatingWell.com created this smoothie with almond milk, pineapple, banana, chia seeds, Greek yogurt and baby spinach. The result – a tasty drink full of essentials like protein and fiber.

Fruity: Strawberry mango spring smoothie

A sweet treat with a simple recipe made by Rodale’s Organic Life. All this smoothie requires are strawberries, mango chunks, a banana and some coconut milk. Be sure to slice and freeze the banana beforehand to get the perfect blend.

Indulgent: Fudgy chocolate peanut butter smoothie

Smoothies can be decadent too, and this recipe from AverieCooks.com will satisfy your sweet tooth. Featuring peanut butter, frozen banana, vanilla almond milk, cocoa powder and vanilla extract, this smoothie is decadent without the normal after-dessert guilt.

Find more quick and healthy recipes at AAA.com/FoodForAll.

Top photo: Freepik.com

If you’re feeling nostalgic, try these “grown-up” versions of childhood foods and feel like a kid again!

Gourmet grilled cheese

Betty Crocker ups the grilled cheese game with this beer-battered recipe. Hickory-smoked bacon, provolone and cheddar cheese, and an ale-based batter reinvent a childhood staple for grown-up taste buds. For a sophisticated twist, try adding thinly sliced Granny Smith apples.

Classy Cajun mac and cheese

For a fresh take on this classic, check out the All Things Mac and Cheese website. If the name wasn’t enough, maybe adding shrimp will persuade you. Cajun shrimp mac and cheese is a gooey mix of shrimp, Cajun seasoning, cheddar and pepper jack cheeses, cavatappi pasta and panko breadcrumbs.

Chic chicken tenders

Delish.com serves up a chicken tender recipe that will transport you to a Caribbean beach: baked coconut tenders with strawberry-mango salsa. This upscale take on chicken fingers uses coconut flakes and panko breadcrumbs for added crunch, with a refreshing strawberry, mango and hot pepper jelly salsa on the side.

Hungry for more? Check out AAA.com/FoodForAll for more tasty inspiration.

Top photo: svariophoto

Four years ago, Shelby Fix, The Car Coach 2.0, lost a friend in a car crash that involved texting while driving.

“It really hit home,” said Shelby, the daughter of The Car Coach Lauren Fix, a nationally recognized automotive expert.

Because April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, Your AAA caught up with Shelby, who has become the go-to girl for teens to get car care and automotive safety advice. Here are a few of her suggestions for staying focused behind the wheel.

No photo shoots

Using Snapchat and Facebook Live while driving has become a thing, even though – like texting and talking on the phone – it’s incredibly dangerous and puts everyone on the road at risk, Shelby said. The simple solution is don’t do it.

Pause conversations

Put chats on hold before you drive by sending a text or putting your phone on Do Not Disturb. “Put [your phone] somewhere you won’t be tempted to respond to texts or read alerts,” Shelby said.

Turn down the volume

Even Shelby jams out to music occasionally, but try not to get so into a song that you’re taking your focus off the road. If you have passengers, keep chitchat to a minimum. Talking to passengers is a factor in many car crashes.

Speak your mind

Never hesitate to tell somebody to keep their hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road, Shelby said. “Don’t let anybody put you in a situation that you don’t want to be in. Driving is a privilege. You have a responsibility to drive by the rules for the safety of yourself and others,” she said.

For more teen driving tips and resources, visit TeenDriving.AAA.com.  

More than 36 million people practiced yoga in 2016, according to a Yoga Alliance and Yoga Journal study. If you’d like to become one of them, we’ve put together a primer with the help of Andrew Tanner, chief ambassador for Yoga Alliance. His No. 1 piece of advice?  “Look for a studio near you, particularly one where you can take a private lesson,” he said. “It’s a great way to get feedback.”

Gentle

These classes move slowly, and incorporate lots of breath work and props. Tanner recommends beginners start with gentle classes, which usually have names like Restorative, Hatha or Yin yoga.

Flow

This is vigorous yoga, flowing from pose to pose with few rest periods in between, sometimes practiced in heated rooms. Look for names like Vinyasa, Ashtanga or Prana flow classes.

Alignment-Oriented

In Iyengar and Forrest yoga classes, poses are held for longer periods with an emphasis on proper alignment. Teachers often incorporate props like belts, blankets and blocks.

Hot

Hot yoga is done in a room heated to over 88 degrees. It’s generally good for people with muscle tightness, Tanner said. There’s also Bikram yoga, which involves 26 postures and takes place in a 102-degree room. (Bring a towel and lots of water!)

Fitness

Yoga Fit classes, which place more emphasis on poses that strengthen, fall into this category. They usually don’t use Sanskrit terms or chanting, either – it’s much more of a physical exercise, Tanner said.

Spiritual

These classes focus on breathing and mantras, and often involve spiritual and philosophical elements. Look for Hatha, Kundalini and Sivananda styles.

It’s time to pop that cover off your motorcycle and prepare it for the open road. When you do, consider these helpful tips from the technicians at Honda Powersports.

DO

Take your time and be thorough. Inspect the body for rust, look for leaky fuel lines and clean the battery terminals with a wire brush.

DON’T

Never start the motor without checking the fluid levels. If you drained the radiator, refill the system. If you forgot to add fuel stabilizer, drain the gas and start the season with fresh fuel.

DO

Even if you changed the oil before putting the bike away, change it again. Moisture and corrosive byproducts can form during storage.

DON’T

Don’t forget to grease the drive chain and make sure it has enough slack. Check that foot pegs and stands pivot properly.

DO

When adding air to the tires, measure the treads and make sure there are no cracks in the sidewall.

DON’T

Resist the urge to drive off before checking the brakes. Inspect brake pad thickness and apply brake cleaner on both sides of the brake discs.

Learn more about how to get coverage for your Motorcycle at AAA.com/Motorcycle.

Spring is here! In the Northeast, many of us just can’t wait to get our hands in the dirt and play in the garden. Whether you’re the kind of gardener who starts with seeds or you just dabble in the occasional potted plant, we’ve got great gardening resources to help you cultivate your green thumb this spring.

Websites

One of my best virtual gardening friends is www.gardeners.com, the website for the Vermont-based Gardener’s Supply Company. The site is packed with tons of articles about organic gardening, controlling pests naturally, composting and planning a garden. Have a burning question? Just enter it on the site and someone will get back to you with an answer, usually within 24 hours.

Connecticut-based White Flower Farm (www.whiteflowerfarm.com) is another great resource. Sign up for a free catalog and you’ll be tempted year-round. The site sells and gives advice on perennials, annuals, flowering shrubs – including more than 40 varieties of hydrangeas – roses, bulbs and vegetables.

Apps

Is there a beautiful tree in your neighborhood that you’d love to see on your lawn, but you don’t know what kind it is? Leafsnap will help. Just take a picture of a tree’s leaves, bark or flowers, and the app will identify it. The free app focuses on tree varieties in the Northeastern U.S. and Canada, and is available for the iPhone and iPad.

Want to record your garden’s growth for posterity? The Life app (free for the iPhone and iPad) is a journal where you can record everything about your garden, from when you first planted seedlings to when you last fertilized those beefsteak tomatoes.

Love good food and good music? Nashville, one of the South’s most exciting cities, has an abundance of both – and plenty more, making it a great choice for a fun-filled weekend destination.

It also has a surprising amount of star power, as Taylor Swift, Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood, and Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban all have homes here. You’ll see them out and about with little fanfare, especially in the local restaurants and bars.

They go to places like Rolf & Daughters, a restaurant in the trendy Germantown neighborhood serving rustic Italian fare. There’s also Husk from famed Charleston chef Sean Brock for modern Southern, and Pinewood Social has not only a great weekend brunch but a small bowling alley. Merchant’s is a fun, bustling spot in the middle of everything on Broadway, and right across the street is Jack’s Bar-B Que for when you need a barbecue fix.

Nashville is known as Music City for a reason – if you hit Broadway you can catch live music every night of the week. Pop in and out of the honkytonks, where you can have a beer and watch up-and-coming talent in places like Robert’s Western World. And you can’t leave town without visiting the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, where you can take a tour of the famed Studio B where Elvis, Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson have recorded.

There are plenty of hotels if you want to be near the action, including the Sheraton Grand Nashville Downtown, an-atrium style hotel with chic, contemporary interiors, and the AAA Five Diamond Rated Hermitage Hotel, a Nashville classic that opened in 1910 and has hosted country music icons like Patsy Cline and Johnny Cash. Have a steak dinner in its AAA Four Diamond Rated Capitol Grille and an old-fashioned cocktail in the clubby Oak Bar.

FIND & BOOK A HOTEL IN NASHVILLE, TENN.

AAA estimates pothole damage costs U.S. drivers $3 billion in vehicle repairs each year. Minimize their effect on your car and learn how to bounce back after you hit one with this advice from AAA’s Car Doctor John Paul.

Slow your Roll

The best way to avoid a pothole is to swerve around it, but that’s not always an option. If you’re going to strike one, slow down and release the brake right before making impact. This should help lift the vehicle’s nose out of harm’s way.

Slowing down and having tires with good treads and the right amount of air pressure should help, but if a tire blows out, don’t panic. Reduce your speed by slowly lifting your foot off the accelerator. Turn on your hazard lights and, when you can, pull over to the side of the road. Don’t get out of the car until it’s safe to do so.

What’s the damage?

If your tire is still intact, but the impact felt or sounded bad, look for the following on the wheels and undercarriage.

• Bubbles on the sidewall of the tires.

• Bent rims.

• A leaky oil or transmission fluid pan.

• Broken exhaust or catalytic converter brackets.

• Damaged tie rods, control arms and ball joints.

Any of these would require a repair. There may also be damage to your shocks or struts and your wheels could have been knocked out of alignment. If you think your car was damaged, have it inspected by a certified automotive technician, Paul said.

If you’re looking for a destination to put on your 2017 wish list, consider Ireland. Researching your ancestry, discovering the country’s rich history – who doesn’t love castles? – and taking in the legendary landscapes are just a few reasons to visit. And there are numerous ways to experience the country, from an escorted tour to a customized, private trip or perhaps a self-drive vacation. Here are some of Ireland’s most popular regions.

Dublin

The capital is known for its historic attractions, including Dublin Castle, Trinity College – home of the beautiful Book of Kells – and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Follow in the footsteps of writers and poets like James Joyce and Seamus Heaney while on a literary pub crawl, and don’t miss a visit to the Guinness Brewery, where you can learn about the famous stout and even enjoy a free sample.

The Southwest

County Kerry, especially around Killarney, features some of the country’s most lush scenery with mountains, crystal-clear lakes and verdant valleys. Explore the rugged coastline of the nearby Dingle Peninsula and visit the foodie town of Kinsale in County Cork, where you can dine on local seafood, oysters and wild salmon, then head to a cozy pub to catch some traditional Irish music.

The West

If you’re a fan of “The Quiet Man,” you likely know it was filmed in County Mayo, where tours of the film’s locations are available. Mayo is also home to one of Ireland’s top hotels, Ashford Castle, which features a billiards room, afternoon tea and activities like fishing, falconry and archery. In nearby County Clare, have your camera ready for a visit to the 702-foot-high Cliffs of Moher.

FIND & BOOK A HOTEL IN IRELAND

For more information or to book your trip, contact your local AAA travel counselor or visit AAA.com/Travel.

Top photo: The 702-foot-high Cliffs of Moher are located on Ireland’s western shore (Photo: Mustang_79 / iStock / Thinkstock)

Minor projects create major value inside your home. A coat of paint, a weekend DIY project or a quick visit from a professional can make a difference in your dojo.

To up your home’s value and appeal, check out these easy home projects. Consider seeking professional services and advice for the best possible results.

Update upward

Popcorn ceilings, which contained asbestos years ago, have long gone out of style. If your home is older, have a professional check for asbestos, and scrape off this bumpy finish for a cleaner, sleeker look. DIY Network has detailed instructions on their website.

Zap inefficiencies

A professional energy audit will assess your home’s energy use, locate places where energy is wasted and offer solutions. The Department of Energy says you can save 5 to 30 percent on your energy bill by making improvements recommended by an energy auditor.

Bathroom bling

Bathroom fixes provide big returns. Updating lighting fixtures, faucets and cabinet hardware will boost your home’s appeal. Consider switching out your showerhead for one with the Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense label to save water, energy and money.

A panel effort

While most wood paneling is out-of-date, there’s no need to take it down. Simply add a coat of paint to give old boards a fresh look. Check out these tips on painting wood paneling from HGTV.

Places of reflection

Closet doors are practical but plain. To dress them up, consider adding body-length mirrors and using baseboard trim or molding to build frames. Painting the trim to match the door will make the mirrors look built-in.

These are ideas only, not instructions. Before attempting any project, conduct your own thorough research. Follow all local regulations, gain the proper permits and take safety precautions.

Keeping your little loved ones safe when you drive is a year-round responsibility. Having a high-quality car seat will help ensure that happens. Here’s some advice from AAA Northeast car seat expert Karen Blackburn.

Choose the right seat

You should get a seat that fits your child and your car. Check the manufacturer’s height and weight restrictions before you buy and don’t be afraid to return a car seat that cannot be installed in your vehicle correctly.

Check the recall list

Many popular and recommended brands have recalls. Make sure the specific model you buy does not have any safety defects.

Study the owner’s manual

Read the instructions and check the manufacturer’s website for installation videos, or have yours installed by a certified car seat technician.

For a list of car seat checks near you, go to www.safekids.org/events.

To search for car seat recalls, go to www.safercar.gov.

Let sleeping dogs lie − but let them lie in comfort and style.

By upcycling some unwanted items, you can create classy new sleeping quarters for Fido and Fluffy for next to nothing. Here are a few ideas to build a better bed for your furry friend.

The luxurious luggage apartment

Turn a vintage hardcover suitcase into a chic pet condo. Remove the suitcase top, line the inside and add a cushion or pad to make it cozy. Add furniture legs to complete the look. Perfect for cats and small dogs.

Create your own luggage pet bed with this step-by-step guide from The Stir. 

The four-poster

This upcycle is a simple flip – just find an old table and turn it upside down! You’ve got a four-poster bed for your four-footed friend. You may have to pick up some extra wood to build up the sides before you fill it with bedding materials. Give it a fresh coat of paint or even add a canopy to treat your pet to a royal bedchamber.

Check out this how-to by All Created. 

The bedsider

Convert an old end table, nightstand or bedside table into a cozy cove. Remove the door to the nightstand’s cabinet and take out any shelves. Throw in some bedding and your pet will have a pad to himself right next to your bedside.

Learn how to make it with these instructions from DIY Network. 

You can upcycle almost anything into new sleeping quarters for your pet. Convert drawers, picnic baskets, wood pallets and more into comfy couches. Add fresh paint and fabrics to suit your home’s, and your pet’s, style.

Visit AAA.com/PetInsurance to find out how you can save up to 90% on vet bills. 

You may have seen them around town: Children, teens, even adults wandering around, only periodically looking up from their smartphones. They’re probably playing one of the hottest games of the app era: Pokemon Go.

Q. What in the world is it?

A. Pokemon Go (iOS, Android) is an augmented-reality game released in July 2016 by Niantic and The Pokemon Company. Players (known as trainers in Pokemon) try to catch different Pokemon characters as they walk around their surroundings by catching them with a Poke Ball. Once they’re caught, players store them in a Pokedex (a virtual file folder). Players try to evolve their characters into stronger versions by collecting goodies and experience. There are more than 150 characters in all. Some are based on animals, some on various folk tales, and some are just straight-up fictional creatures. You might have heard of Pikachu – he’s the franchise’s most popular character.

Pokemon Go caused quite a stir when it was first released. This video taken in Central Park in the summer of 2016 shows a crowd rushing to “catch” one of the game’s characters with their phones.

Q. Why do I see so many kids playing in certain locations?

A. Certain places – usually with some historical or cultural significance – are designated as PokeStops and gyms. Players can stock up on Poke Balls and other goodies at PokeStops, and battle other Pokemon and gain experience points at gyms.

Q. I vaguely recall Pokemon being around in the ’90s. Am I right?

A. Yup! Pokemon started out in Japan 1996 as a video game then quickly morphed into an uber-popular card trading game. It’s been around since then with various video game and television series.