Remember when you’d get a package or card in the mail as a child? The sense of excitement as you tore it open, wondering what was inside? Well, now you can recapture some of that thrill with monthly subscription boxes. From food and relaxation to pets and hobbies, there’s a box out there for everyone.

We rounded up some of the best box subscriptions to show the impressive range of goodies available. Read on for inspiration and, perhaps, a little gift-giving to yourself!

Food and Drink

Home Chef

Cooking at home is fun, but going to the grocery store can be such a chore sometimes. With Home Chef, you don’t have to worry about the hassle of gathering ingredients. This subscription box will deliver all the ingredients and instructions for two perfect meals to your doorstep every week! You can create and enjoy meals like crispy Dijon chicken, shrimp lo mein, butternut squash gnocchi and more. You don’t have to be a professional chef to make a delicious meal in the comfort of your own home. AAA members can get $110 off their first four boxes with promo code AAANE110.

Winc

If you’re looking for your new favorite wine, try Winc’s online quiz. It’s only a minute long, and it helps Winc determine your tastes, your palate and your preferences. With a Winc subscription, you’ll get four bottles a month delivered right to your door. You’ll be an at-home sommelier in no time! AAA members can save on their first order, plus free shipping to boot.

Bokksu

Have you ever wanted to expand your snacking palate? Bokksu delivers authentic Japanese candy and snack foods each month. Every box includes 20-25 selections of Japanese teas, candies, cakes, chips, mochi and other premium snacks. It also comes with a culture guide that will show you where in Japan your snacks come from and tell you about their story.

Simple Loose Leaf

You can never have enough tea. The Simple Loose Leaf subscription box delivers a curated, monthly selection of premium tea blends from around the world. You’ll also receive tasting notes about the origin of the teas, what their flavor notes are and how you can best brew and enjoy them.

Pet Box Subscriptions 

BarkBox

Get a box of fun surprises for your fur baby every month with a BarkBox Subscription. Every 30 days, your pooch will get two bags of healthy treats, two unique toys and a dental chew. They’ll never get bored! All items in BarkBoxes are made in the USA with locally-sourced materials free of wheat, corn and soy. If your toys/treats don’t work for any reason, let the company know; their Scout’s Honor Guarantee means they promise to replace or make the situation right every time. AAA members can get a free extra toy in every BarkBox when they sign up!

Chewy

Not ready to commit to a monthly subscription? Check out the Chewy Goody Box, which offers a huge variety of themed boxes for cats and dogs. Filled with handpicked treats, toys and other goodies, these boxes will be a delightful surprise for your furry friend. Plus, since it’s not a subscription, you can choose which box you want and know ahead of time what special treats they’ll contain! AAA members can save on Chewy products.

Self Care Subscription Boxes

TheraBox

Need some “me” time? TheraBox will remind you to kick up your feet and take some time for yourself every month. Each box includes items that will help you relax and unwind, like scented candles, luxury bath products, mindfulness activities, sleep masks and more. It’s a great excuse to give yourself some much-needed self care.

Allure Beauty Box

Most makeup lovers are always looking for new products to try. The Allure Beauty Box is box subscription that sends at least three full-size products, some mini items and a pocket-sized magazine filled with beauty tips and exclusive offers every month.

GQ’s Box

Don’t just get recommendations, get quality products delivered straight to you four times a year! GQ’s Best Stuff will send you seasonal boxes filled with just the right stuff to get the season started on the right foot. Boxes have featured products like body wash, skin and beard lotion, designer fragrances, sheet masks, sunglasses, water bottles and even clothes.

Just for Fun

Crated with Love

Are you out of date night ideas? Crated with Love is a date night in a box! Every month, you’ll receive a themed box filled with games, activities, recipes and even a playlist for your date. It’s a great way to make a date night in feel unique and fun.

Hunt A Killer

You can put your detective skills to the test with Hunt A Killer, an immersive game that makes you the main character of a murder mystery. With each box, you’ll receive new pieces of evidence, like a handwritten letter, a pamphlet for a national park, a notebook, an ID badge or something completely unexpected. Can you catch the killer? This set comes with every episode, so you won’t have to wait for the next box to continue unraveling the mystery.

Kids and Families

KiwiCo

Kids love to be creative, but sometimes it can be tough to think of new and exciting activities for them. KiwiCo is a subscription service that delivers enriching monthly activities featuring science and art. You can choose from a variety of interests and age groups to make sure your child is getting the box that’s right for them. KiwiCo offers boxes like the Panda Crate for ages 0-24 months, the Yummy Crate for young chefs, the Tinker Crate for budding engineers, the Doodle Crate for new artists and so much more. AAA members can save 40% off their first crate.

Raddish Kids

Raddish is a kids cooking subscription box that will send you three kid-friendly recipe cards and a new kitchen tool every month. The recipes will help teach cooking skills throughout different cultures and cuisines, and the special tools will help any young chef feel at home in the kitchen.

What do you think is the best monthly box subscription? Do you sign up for any that we talked about? Tell us about it in the comments.

If you want to get better at drawing, painting or dancing, you can probably sign up for a group class at your local community center. But did you know that some of those classes can even be considered types of art therapy and may be led by a certified art therapist?

So, what is art therapy, exactly? And what’s the difference between an art therapy session and a night out at your local paint-and-sip studio?

Melanie Wallace, an associate marriage and family therapist and art therapist in Beverly Hills, explains some of the benefits of art therapy and what you can expect at your first session.

What Is Art Therapy?

It’s all in the name: Art therapy is a blend of art-making and psychological therapy.

But an art therapy session isn’t quite like doodling at home. With art therapy, a licensed professional can help tap into your creative expression to process a recent loss, difficult transition or even deal with depression or anxiety symptoms. Wallace says that for some people, art therapy is an excellent alternative to talking through difficult experiences or feelings.

In art therapy, the creative process is as important as the creation itself. In other words, you don’t need any artistic skills. Just enjoy the process!

Types of Art Therapy

Most art therapy refers to sessions involving visual art – painting, drawing, and sculpting, for example.

If you prefer to express yourself in other ways, you might enjoy a different type of creative arts-based therapy, such as music therapy, dance or movement therapy, or poetry and expressive writing therapy.

Benefits of Art Therapy

Do you struggle to put words to what you’re thinking or feeling? Art therapy can help.

“Art gives us insight into the subconscious,” says Wallace. Expressing yourself through drawing, sketching or painting provides a path to work through stress, anger or sadness.

Research shows that art therapy can also help soothe depression, anxiety and even dementia. That’s probably because it offers a chance to socialize, tap into your creative skills and work through your thoughts and feelings along the way.

Art therapy offers important benefits to seniors experiencing memory loss or struggling with low self-esteem, Wallace says. It can also help with self-awareness and self-esteem, as well as emotional resilience, conflict resolution and social skills.

Who Is Art Therapy Good For?

Anyone can participate in an art therapy class or individual session, says Wallace. Art therapy can be particularly beneficial for:

• People who have tried talk therapy and crave something more creative.
• Folks who are artistically inclined.
• Anyone experiencing high stress levels.
• Seniors struggling with communication due to physical or cognitive decline.

Regardless of your age or reason for trying art therapy, seek out a licensed professional. Trained art therapists have completed graduate school coursework in the implementation of art therapy, says Wallace.

What Happens in an Art Therapy Session?

First, remember an art therapy session is not the same as an art class, though both can help lift your mood.  An art therapy session can include a variety of art techniques beyond drawing or sketching, such as collage-making, finger painting, sculpting, doodling or even creating shapes out of a crumpled pieces of paper.

A typical art therapy session proceeds in three stages:

1. Directive – The therapist offers you an art prompt such as, “what does sadness look like?” or “sketch the first thing you thought of when you woke up this morning.”
2. Creation – You take time to create your art. According to Wallace, it’s no problem if you don’t enjoy drawing. Some participants make collages with magazine cutouts or glue 3D sculptures with crumpled paper. “The sky’s the limit!” she says.
3. Discussion – Once your art is complete, the therapist will ask questions to help you open up about your art and what’s on your mind.

What to Expect in Group Art Therapy

Do you prefer the camaraderie of painting or drawing with a friend? Then a group art therapy session might be the perfect way to boost your mood, sharpen your mental processing and learn new creative skills.

People often work in pairs or trios during a group art therapy session. A group art piece might begin with everyone getting a piece of paper and drawing a quick scribble. Then, everyone passes the paper to the left and adds to the new drawing in front of them. The process continues until the therapist signals that it’s time to stop and discuss.

In another situation, Wallace says she might suggest that participants “draw a community.” After the group decides what community means to them (what should be included in the picture), everyone works together to sketch, draw or color on a large butcher paper.

Most art therapists provide the supplies for classes or individual sessions. But if you’d like to enjoy the benefits of artistic expression at home, Wallace recommends stocking up Copic sketch markers, Sakura Expressionist oil pastel set, Crayola colored pencils and Sketchbooks with perforated pages.

What’s your favorite creative expression? Share the artistic methods you use to unwind or keep your mind sharp in the comments below. 

If you drive a car, you probably also know that you need to change the oil every so often to keep things running smoothly. And as we’ve discussed, proper car maintenance begins with oil checks – give it a read for tips on when to know if it’s time for an oil change.

But how often should you be changing your oil? Is it something you can do yourself or do you need to pay someone else to do it? And what kind of oil and filter should you use? Here are the answers to these common questions.

How often should the oil be changed?

At one time, the hard-and-fast rule for oil changes was that you should change your oil every 3,000 miles or every three months. Although some people still adhere to this schedule, it’s really not necessary to change your oil that frequently. Engines and oil have advanced over the years, and many car makers recommend waiting 5,000 to 10,000 miles, or six to 12 months, between oil changes. Consult your owner’s manual for guidance.

Holding off on oil changes can add up to a nice yearly savings. If you drive 15,000 miles per year, for example, and follow the old adage of changing your oil every 3,000 miles, you’re looking at five oil changes a year. If you’re paying the average cost of $40 for an oil change (using conventional oil) at a garage, that’s $200 a year. However, if you drive 7,500 miles before changing the oil, that’s only two oil changes a year, costing you $80.

If you don’t drive very much or only for short distances, you might think you don’t need to worry about regular oil changes, but the opposite is true. If you don’t drive on a regular basis or if you go only a few miles at a time, the oil in your engine doesn’t heat up enough to efficiently burn off moisture. You’ll need to change it before you hit the mileage suggested between changes. For example, if your owner’s manual says you should change your oil every 8,000 miles, consider getting it done at 6,000 miles instead.

Should you change your own oil?

While it’s easy to find a professional at an AAA Approved Auto Repair Facility to do the job, another way to lower the cost of an oil change is to do it yourself. Changing the oil is one of the more basic, and easiest, automobile maintenance tasks. After you’ve done it a few times, you’ll not only save money on each change but you’ll save time waiting for your car to be done at the shop.

Changing your own oil

To change your car’s oil, you’ll need the following equipment:

• A wrench to remove the drain plug (consult your owner’s manual for what kind/size wrench).

• An oil filter wrench.

• An oil pan.

• A funnel.

• Latex or other strong gloves.

• Optional: Jack or ramps, depending on whether you can get under your car without them.

• Oil.

• Oil filter.

• Replacement plug.

The basic procedure for changing your oil is as follows:

1. Start with a warm engine. If your car has been sitting for a while, run the engine for a few minutes first. Raise the vehicle by driving onto a ramp or jacking the car up and safely supporting on jack stands. Block off the back tires so the car doesn’t roll and apply the parking brake and open the hood. 
2. Consult your owner’s manual to locate the drain plug under your car. Set an oil pan in place underneath. Wearing gloves, remove the plug and allow old oil to drain out. Tighten the drain plug to the proper specifications. (Some manufacturers recommend replacing drain plug gaskets with each oil change)
3. Find and replace the old oil filter. There are two types of filters: spin-on and cartridge. Using a suitable wrench or socket, remove the filter or canister and follow the filter directions for proper installation. Make sure the drip pan is ready to catch any leaks.
4. Locate the oil cap, usually at the top of the engine. Remove cap and use a funnel to add new oil of the proper grade to the manufacturer’s indicated volume. On a level surface, check oil level using the dipstick, or in some cases the onboard computer system.
5. Store old oil in a sealable plastic container.

Once you’ve added the oil, check the the level with the dipstick. You might notice the oil you’re adding isn’t dark like what’s on the dipstick, but instead more of an amber color. That could make you think your oil is dirty and should be changed immediately. Oil turns dark pretty quickly so the color isn’t a great indicator of its cleanliness. Sticking with the manufacturer’s recommended intervals for oil changes is the best way to be sure your oil is clean and doing its job.

As for the old oil, most auto parts retailers will accept used motor oil. Depending on where you live, your community may also have a hazardous waste disposal program you can utilize.

How much do you save changing your own oil?

So, is it cheaper to change your own oil? By doing this task yourself, you’ll save between $25 and $75 per oil change, depending on the type of oil and filter you use.

Which kind of oil and filter should you use?

At first glance, synthetic oil would seem to be the no-brainer choice because it lasts significantly longer than conventional oil. However, many vehicles do not require expensive synthetic oil. Check the owner’s manual or inside the oil cap on newer model cars to see the recommended oil weight. If you tend to drive short distances, push your vehicle (such as pulling a trailer) or live in an extreme climate, then synthetic would be the better choice to extend the life of your motor.

Read more about synthetic vs. conventional oil.

When choosing an oil filter, select one that is rated for the mileage interval you are following between oil changes. In other words, don’t use a cheap filter with expensive synthetic oil – the filter won’t last, and you will have wasted money using the higher-end oil. The cost difference between an economy filter and a better-quality one isn’t great, so it is worth spending a little more to get a filter that will last. Consult with the clerk at the auto parts store or check the filter manufacturer’s website for more detail about which filters will last longer, particularly if you’re aiming to go longer between oil changes.

Have more questions about how to change your own oil? Ask the Car Doctor. 

If you’re still not comfortable with the idea of changing your own oil and would rather a professional do the job, find a AAA Approved Auto Repair Facility near you. 

Picture it: you’ve just finished up your holiday dinner surrounded by friends and family. The low mumble of excited chatter makes its way through the room as the pot goes on for coffee. Maybe there’s a crackling fire nearby, too, filling the house with warmth. Then you hear it – the unmistakable crinkle of unfurling cellophane. The best part of the night is here. It’s time for holiday cookies!

Which cookie do you reach for first? Are you a dedicated chocolate chip lover, or do you wait all year for a buttery snowball or spritz? We introduced a bit of friendly competition to the holiday dessert table to find out.

Chocolate chip is the winner!

After three rounds of voting, chocolate chip knocked out the competition to claim the title of greatest holiday cookie (and some may say, contender for greatest of all time).

Many cookies crumbled along the way, but gingerbread held strong until the final swing, losing the bout with a final count of 43% to 57%.

Thank you for participating and Happy Holidays! Read on for recipes.

The Classics

Gingerbread

If there’s one cookie that signifies the holiday season, it’s the gingerbread man. With his little smile and adorable buttons, he’s a staple among cold-weather confections.

When it comes to the classic gingerbread man, there are two types of textures: soft-baked and crispy. Depending on how you roll out your dough (thin for crispy and thick for soft) you can customize the perfect consistency for your tastes. Plus – and this is arguably the best part – decorating gingerbread men once they’re done baking is an interactive and playful activity the whole family can enjoy. From icing to gumdrops, their final look is up to you.

Jam Thumbprints

A perfect little bite, jam thumbprint cookies feature the harmonious combination of a simple shortbread and the baker’s choice of jam or preserves. While we may think of them as a relatively modern cookie, they have a rich history originating in Sweden, where they are referred to as “hallongrotta,” meaning “raspberry cave.”

Whether you actually use your thumb to create these instantly recognizable cookies or use the bottom of a wooden spoon like Martha Stewart suggests, the result will be just as scrumptious.

Snowballs

Snowball cookies (or butterballs, in the Italian tradition) are simple but decadent little morsels made with butter, powdered sugar, flour and vanilla. You can add your choice of nuts like pecans or walnuts, but it’s not totally necessary.

Rugelach

A staple of Hanukkah, the tasty treats resemble miniature croissants, and they’re not too far off. This version of rugelach pastry from All Recipes involves flaky dough filled with a mixture of cinnamon, nuts and raisins that come together for a light and crispy rugelach perfect for dunking into a post-dinner hot coffee.

Bars

Magic Bars

There’s a reason magic bars are named as such; they are, without a doubt, magical. Why, you ask? First and foremost, they’re super easy to make, to the point where the ingredients are mixed together in one step and baked. Secondly, there’s something for everyone in a magic bar. Layers of graham crackers, coconut, chocolate chips and nuts sit atop a base layer of pure butter. Are you drooling yet?

Blondies

Blondies, the “blond” version of a brownie, have just as much star power as their chocolatey counterpart – and some may even say they’re better! While brownies are based in chocolate, a strong ingredient that doesn’t allow for much depth of flavor, blondies have a vanilla base, which lets other flavors shine like butterscotch, brown sugar and sometimes even white chocolate.

Cheesecake Bars

A whole cheesecake? That’s a lot. Teeny tiny bite size cheesecake bars, on the other hand? We’re piling up our plate! Something about the mini version of a bigger thing just makes them extra delectable, and that’s certainly the case with cheesecake bars.

Made with a graham cracker crumb crust and cream cheese-based filling just like its full-size edition, these little bars can be crafted with any flavor you’d like whether that’s blueberry, cherry, pumpkin or plain. Although the process can be a bit time consuming, the end result is always worth it.

Rainbow Cookies

The obligatory rainbow cookies (or bars) are old regulars when it comes to holiday desserts – and for good reason. Made with three layers of almond-flavored cake, the tricolor pattern comes from red and green food coloring. The yellow layer can either be colored with food coloring or left as is. Sandwiched between each cake layer is a thin coating of your choice of jam, then everything is covered with milk chocolate.

Novelty

Spritz

You may not be familiar with the name for these cookies, but you have probably seen and enjoyed them at many a holiday gathering. Usually identified by their bright colors, spritz cookies are buttery little marvels that take the shape of trees, flowers, snowflakes and leaves and taste like sugar cookies (but are so much better because, you know, they’re green and pink).

Candy Cane

If you’re not a candy cane fan now, these cookies are sure to make you one.

As opposed to a sticky candy cane with harsh peppermint flavor, these candy cane cookies take on the iconic look of the holiday candy with twisting red and white ribbons, but omit peppermint flavoring entirely; instead, the cookies are almond flavored. Of course, if peppermint is your jam, you’re more than welcome to add it in!

Melted Snowman Sugar Cookies

Cookies and marshmallows are a match made in dessert heaven, especially when it comes to melted snowman sugar cookies. While these cookies may look intricate and hard to make, they’re actually quite easy, and especially simple when using pre-made sugar cookie mix and icing like in this recipe from Betty Crocker.

Chocolate Reindeer Pretzels

The perfect mix of salty and sweet doesn’t exist — oh. We stand corrected. Chocolate reindeer pretzels are a treat after any fickle eater’s heart, as they combine the best of both worlds: the satisfying salty crunch of a pretzel with the sweet chewiness of a caramel Rolo candy. What’s better than that?

Chocolate

Toll House Chocolate Chip

The classic chocolate chip cookie. Need we say more?

Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

A cousin to jam thumbprint cookies, the peanut butter cup cookie has the same general idea, but instead of jam in the center, it’s an ooey-gooey peanut butter cup that sits in the center of peanut butter-flavored cookie dough.

Chocolate Peppermint Crinkles

A cakey cookie is great as it brings together the best of both worlds, the thick texture of cake with the crinkle effect that only comes with cookies. For these chocolate peppermint cookies, the two flavors harmoniously combine for the perfect holiday dessert. If you’d like to add a little pizzaz, sprinkle some roughly chopped candy cane over the top like in this recipe from Sift and Simmer.

Chocolate-Dipped Macaroons

Not to be confused with the French macaron, coconut macaroons are light, flavorful dollops of coconut dipped in melted chocolate. Simple perfection!

Tell us about your holiday baking traditions in the comments below.

Illustrations by Sarah Hopkins.

Everyone loves new car smell, but eventually it fades and the smell you’re left with might not be so appealing. Whether it’s from dropped food, a spilled drink, a pet accident or cigarette smoke, there are some odors even the best air fresheners can’t cover. Here’s how to get rid of smells in your car so you can once again take a breath without holding your nose.

Identify the Source

The first step in getting rid of a smell in your car is to find the source of the odor.

Look on the floor, under the seats and in the seams between the seatbacks and bottom cushions. Also check the glove box, door pockets and even underneath the floormats. Don’t forget to look up; the smell can sometimes be imbedded into the roof (headliner). Give your car a thorough once over and if you find something rotten, remove it from your car.

Some sources might not be visible to the eye. Feel around for moisture, which can cause mold and mildew. Let your nose do some of the work to identify the cause of the smell.

Time to Clean

Once you locate the source of the stink and remove it, then it’s time to clean. Clean spills immediately. The longer they go untreated, the harder they are to clean.

Start by vacuuming the floors, floor mats and fabric upholstery. If you have leather seats, then seek out a leather cleaner. Even if it was just goo from the bottom of someone’s shoe on one spot on the floor, the smell may have absorbed into other surfaces. Clean everything to make sure the smell is gone and, if possible, leave the windows down for a bit to let in fresh air.

Any time you clean the surfaces inside your car it’s smart to test the cleaning solution in a less visible spot before applying it to more conspicuous areas. Even the gentlest of cleaners could cause damage, so always do a spot test first.

Get more car cleaning tips.

How to Get Rid of Cigarette Smell

This is a smell that truly gets into everything. Even hard surfaces and the air vents collect the smell. If your car smells like cigarette smoke, then you’re going to need to wash it thoroughly, including hard plastics.

Cigarettes leave behind tar, which is sticky, coats everything and adds to the stink. To get rid of the smell, you need to get rid of the tar, too. A 50/50 solution of water and vinegar works well at breaking through the tar on hard surfaces and removing the smell from fabrics. You may even want to consider renting an ozone generator (often used in hotel rooms to eliminate odors).

How to Get Rid of Gasoline Smell

Spilled gasoline can really stink up your car. Even stepping in the stuff while fueling up can end up coating your shoes so you bring it inside where the smell lingers on carpet and floor mats.

Try making a solution of baking soda, vinegar and water in equal parts. Use an old rag to gently rub the mixture over the spill to soak up the stain and eliminate the smell. Make sure to properly dispose of any rags soaked with gasoline.

How to Get Rid of Pet Smells

It’s fun to take Fido along for the ride, but that can make your car smell. The easiest way to avoid the smell is to frequently vacuum up all that pet hair. The longer it sits, the stronger the smell will be and the longer it will take for it to dissipate from fabrics.

Treat urine stains with a trusted pet stain and odor remover, a 50/50 vinegar and water mix or a paste of baking soda and water.

How to Get Rid of Mildew Smell

The smell of mildew means that, at some point, your car interior got wet and never fully dried out. If you know the source of the moisture, maybe a spilled drink or a window left open in the rain, then you just need to get rid of the smell and residual moisture.

If you have no idea why it smells like mildew, feel around to see if you notice a damp spot, especially in the foot wells. A water leak isn’t something to ignore, so seek out a mechanic if the issue is ongoing.

Once the cause of the odor is identified, use a wet/dry vacuum to remove as much of the moisture as possible if things are still wet. Next, apply baking soda and let it sit for a few hours before giving it another good vacuum to pull out the smell. In severe cases, the carpet may need to be removed and cleaned and padding under the carpet replaced.

How to Get Rid of Vomit Smell

Car sickness happens. Clean it up right away. The sooner you get the worst of it out, the better. If it goes unnoticed, which is possible when it’s a pet rather than a person, then once again go to that 50/50 water and vinegar solution to remove the smell of vomit on both upholstery and carpet. Let it soak in to loosen the stain and then clean it away. Baking soda can further help remove any lingering smell from the surface.

An Ounce of Prevention

Once you have your car smelling fresh again, keep it clean to avoid any new unwanted smells. Consider a protective mat if you have pets or kids and use a car deodorizer. Something floral might make your car smell good, but a charcoal deodorizer eliminates bad smells rather than masking them and it helps remove any lingering odors, too.

If the cause of the odor is mechanical, you’ll need to have it fixed by a professional right away. Find the AAA Approved Auto Repair shop closest to you.

As a holiday all about gratitude, there seems like no better day than Thanksgiving to celebrate friendships old and new. Any excuse to get your chosen family together and share a meal is prime memory-making material. Here are a few Friendsgiving ideas to help you kick off the holiday season.

Schedule a Convenient Date

Scheduling your event before Thanksgiving generally works best.  Not only will your friends be excited for the first festivity of the season, but they may also already be in town for the holiday. Find out when everyone will still be in the area and pick a date accordingly. The weekend before Thanksgiving is one of the best times for your celebration, but you can even consider a mid-week meal.

Make the Turkey or Main Dish if You’re Hosting

Since Friendsgiving generally is held before Thanksgiving, no one will be tired of turkey just yet. If you’re hosting a traditional dinner, plan to make one. While the rest of the dishes typically arrive potluck-style, no one wants to be responsible for transporting a turkey in their car or – even more perilously – on public transportation.

As the host, it’s gracious to prepare the turkey or another main dish of your choosing. Setting a gorgeous bird or other homemade dish on the table ensures that there will be plenty of food to go around. As guests arrive, the table will fill up even more.

For the many Thanksgivings and Friendsgivings ahead, get yourself a good roasting pan. We recommend this All-Clad best-seller.

Ask Friends to Sign Up for a Potluck-Style Feast

While there are no rules for Friendsgiving, guests might be disappointed if there are ten versions of sweet potato pie but no stuffing on the table. Rather than assigning a specific dish to each person, distribute a spreadsheet via Google Docs or another file sharing service listing major categories such as appetizers, vegetable side dishes, grain side dishes and desserts. This allows your friends to see the gaps in the feast and specify the dishes they want to bring to round out the meal.

Prepare the Bar Area and Include Non-Alcoholic Options

Whether you opt to serve bottles of wine or cocktails, it’s a good Friendsgiving idea to have a variety of non-alcoholic options as well. Planning a mocktail that includes holiday flavors such as apple, cinnamon and cranberry ensures that everyone has a tasty drink in hand.

Designate a corner of the dining room or a section of kitchen counter as the bar area, and stock it with ice, glasses and bottle openers. You might even ask guests to bring a wine or spirit that pairs well with their potluck dish.

Create a Playlist

With the right tunes playing, your guests will fall into the holiday spirit in no time, plus every party needs a playlist.

Consider the preferences of your friends when choosing songs that will carry you from appetizers to dessert to lounging and chatting through the evening. Make sure to mix up genres and include enough variety to prevent your background music from becoming monotonous.

Express Gratitude in Creative Ways

While you certainly could go around the table and ask everyone to share what they’re grateful for, it’s possible to capture the spirit of the holiday in more creative ways.

Set out colorful calligraphy pens and allow friends to write their thoughts on a craft paper table runner or tablecloth. Alternately, you could ask them to share their wishes for the upcoming year. This kind of activity allows people to opt in or out as they feel comfortable.

Ask your guests to fill up a gratitude or memory jar and share the notes later in the day. Use this cute gratitude jar and notepad set, then give it away to the person with the best story.

Let Your Friends’ Talents Shine

There is no better time than Friendsgiving to let your loved ones know how much you appreciate their talents. If you have a friend who makes floral arrangements that would make anyone on Instagram swoon, ask them if they would like to create centerpieces. Your friend who just took an online course in calligraphy might be the perfect person to create place cards for the table. Wherever your guests’ strengths lie, think of ways to incorporate their talents in the holiday.

Incorporate some of these Friendsgiving ideas or use them as inspiration for your own creative spin on this popular gathering. and don’t forget to send all your friends home with to-go containers filled with leftovers!

Save on gifts for the holidays with AAA Discounts. 

When you look around your house, does it feel like you have too much stuff and no place to put it all? It’s hard to restore order in your kingdom once you feel like you’ve lost it, but if you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and tackle the chaos, there are plenty of home organization techniques and resources available to help.

While organization experts don’t all approach their work with the same methodology, they do agree that eliminating clutter leads to reduced stress and increased productivity. It can also save you money, because when you know where things are, you know your personal inventory and won’t buy more of what you don’t need.

Choose Joy

If you’ve worked with one of her certified consultants, tuned into her Youtube channel or watched her Netflix series, you already know that Japanese organizing consultant Marie Kondo, author of the best-selling “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up,” wants you to live your best life.

Kondo has even transformed the tedious chore of folding laundry into a meditative activity. And she urges that, as part of the purging ritual, you hold each belonging as you ask yourself whether it brings you joy. If the answer is no, then it’s time to say thank you and goodbye.

Her KonMari method for organizing and storing focuses on category rather than location. You start with one category at a time such as clothes or books. Gather every book from every room in the home and make one big pile so you can get honest about the true quantity.

Other home organization tips from Kondo include putting loose change into your wallet so it can be spent rather than in a drawer where it will be forgotten, selecting clear storage containers so no labels are needed and remembering that storing before sorting results in hoarding. Pretty bins and baskets disguise clutter without addressing the problem.

Less Is More

“Decluttering/purging is the process of editing your inventory piece by piece, deciding what is important to you and discarding the rest,” says Wendy Silberstein, founder of The Aesthetic Organizer in New York. According to Silberstein, home organization is most effective when working with your fully pared down inventory. Then, it’s a matter of categorizing and classifying inventory in a system that works for you.

When editing with her clients, Silberstein takes a more direct approach than Kondo to get it done. “We don’t spend as much time analyzing if an item ‘sparks joy.’ We ask whether it has been productive or useful in the last 12 months,” she explains.

There are three home organization tips that Silberstein has found to be especially effective. The One in One Out Rule, she says, is a very simple tip to grasp and it’s effective when respected. For each new item you bring into your home – a new pair of shoes, a new pair of jeans or a new toy for your child – one item must get donated or recycled.

Another tip she suggests is to embrace drawer organizers. Use them in your kitchen for cooking tools and cutlery, in your bathroom for makeup, your desk for supplies and even the junk drawer.  “Wherever you have a drawer with multiple items, separate them with drawer organizers,” she says. “Be sure to measure twice before purchasing.”

Her third tip is clear canisters. But, unlike Kondo, Silberstein says, “Label, label, label! Remove groceries such as cereals, snacks, grains and pasta from unsightly and bulky packaging and place in clear pop-top canisters for all family members to see. And label them!” she emphasizes.

Vertical Solutions

Home organization can be especially challenging for those living with children in apartments. San Francisco-based interior designer Lisa Rybak, founder of Complete Wonder Home Design, is also a home organization expert whose designs create order out of chaos.

Furniture with the right storage solutions – especially units that take advantage of unused vertical wall space – can help an apartment with toys everywhere become a tidy home.

“We bought a lot of new pieces with storage,” says Rybak of a client with that very living situation. “When everything has a place, it can be neatly put away. The child actually had more space in the new furniture unit than she did when she was taking over the apartment. It was an amazing transformation.” Now her clients have a place to eat dinner, open walkways throughout the apartment and the balcony can be enjoyed because it isn’t being used for storage.

The decision to move can also contribute to improved home organization, according to Rybak.  “With an organized pack, a more conscious effort is put forward to grouping like items before you move.”

Which of these home organizing tips is your favorite? Do you use any of the methods mentioned here? Tell us in the comments.

AAA provides homeowners insurance, guidance and more to protect your home and keep it running smoothly. Talk to an agent today or visit AAA.com/Insurance to get a quote.

Are you looking forward to retirement, but wondering what in the world you’re going to do with all that free time? Finding a hobby you love is one way to feel fulfilled after your working years. Hobbies can help you stay physically active, keep your mind sharp and connect you to new friends.

There are so many possibilities to choose from. You can finally get into the hobby you’ve been itching to do for years but never had time for, or check out an exciting activity that’s totally new to you.

Not sure where to start? Get your wheels turning with these eight hobbies to do in retirement.

Writing

Have you always dreamed of writing a book? There are tons of how-to guides that can help you finally get started on that novel, memoir, cookbook or children’s book idea you’ve been procrastinating on for years. You could even try blogging about interests or experiences.

And one of the great things about writing is that it’s portable. From the comfort of a cozy chair, your favorite coffee shop, your neighborhood park or even a hammock at the beach, you can take your hobby with you wherever you go and gather inspiration from your surroundings.

Gardening

Whether growing fresh veggies, transforming your backyard into a tranquil Zen garden or vying for a blue ribbon with your gorgeous roses, gardening is one of the hobbies to do in retirement that ticks a lot of boxes. It’s creative and inexpensive, promotes relaxation, physical exercise and connection with nature, and you can do it alone or with others. Plus, your friends will be more than happy to share your summertime bounty of tomatoes and zucchini.

The internet is full of resources and kits for first-time gardeners, like mini herb gardens, beginner tool kits, unique vegetable kits and bonsai starters.

Fitness or Sports

When deciding on hobbies to do in retirement that could help your overall wellness, the answer could lie in your morning workout or favorite sport.

If you love golf, basketball, softball or tennis, you could join a club or community league to make friends and have fun playing your favorite sport.

When it comes to staying physically active, there’s so much to choose from, from yoga to tai chi, to swimming or Zumba. Just remember to always ease into any new physical activity and consult with your physician to reduce the risk of injury.

Crafting

There’s something so satisfying – and therapeutic – about making things with your hands, especially after a career that involves sitting at a desk.

Whether you’re interested in woodworking, pottery, knitting, scrapbooking, water colors or jewelry making, there are endless ways to get in touch with your creative side and make items that are useful, beautiful or both. Design tiles for your new garden, knit scarves for your grandkids, sew blankets for people in need or build the perfect dining table.

You can also try learning something new with a kit that comes with instructions and all the materials you need, like this crochet kit.

Learn To Play an Instrument

Maybe you played piano when you were young but had to give it up, or you’ve always wanted to learn the guitar but never had time.

It’s never too late to learn a new instrument, and studies have found the process can improve your memory, boost concentration and reduce stress.

Sign up for one-on-one lessons, tune in to instructors on YouTube or check out a how-to guide for your instrument of choice. For a fun way to practice, make music with friends at a weekly jam session or join a community orchestra.

Dancing

Dancing is a wonderful way to meet new friends and stay active in your retirement. You can try swing dancing, waltz, contra, salsa or country line dancing; there are so many styles to choose from, you’re sure to find one that matches your physical ability and musical taste.

Look for free community dance lessons offered by your local civic association or recreation center, or build your confidence with formal lessons at a dance studio (spangly costumes not required!).

Travel

Whether you’re planning the ultimate cross-country road trip in an RV or want to sip wine at a Parisian cafe, with your newly flexible schedule, retirement is the perfect time to travel.

Let a AAA travel agent help you plan your next trip.

Photography

If you’ve always dreamed of getting into photography, there are plenty of affordable, entry-level digital cameras to start with. Try an online tutorial or enroll in a photography class to learn about all those funky manual camera settings and hone your craft.

Through taking photos, you can explore your city, engage with nature, document your travels and capture moments with your family. You’ll gain technical skills, develop your artistic side and create something special to share with others.

What are your favorite hobbies to do in retirement? Tell us in the comments below!

From relaxing on the sand with a drink and listening to the sound of the ocean, to building sandcastles and catching waves on your board, there’s nothing quite as lovely as a beach vacation. And if you love going to the beach, it makes sense to do so in the most sustainable and responsible way.

Helping take care of the ocean and beaches now will help ensure that future generations will also get the chance to have a beautiful beach vacation. Ideally, the beach you visit should be a better place because of your visit. Aim to be a part of the solution and not the problem.

Here are some things to try out as you plan your next beach vacay to make it more sustainable.

Be Mindful of What You Bring

Sunscreen is a must-have when you’re at the beach, but not all sunscreens are created equal when it comes to the health of the ocean. Chemical sunscreens cause damage to coral reefs and other wildlife. A better alternative is a mineral sunscreen, which will still protect you from the sun but will also help prevent damage to the marine ecosystem.

Chemical sunscreens have been banned in some places, including the U.S. Virgin Islands and Hawaii, to help preserve their coral reefs. Some beaches have reef-safe sunscreen available at the beach itself. Raw Elements USA, for example, makes a range of mineral sunscreen products, and they’ve installed dispensers for their reef-safe sunscreen at beaches in Rhode Island and Hawaii.

Every year, some eight million tons of plastic end up in the ocean. Help reduce plastic waste on your trip by bringing along non-plastic straws, travel mugs and water bottles. If you’re traveling with kids, pick non-plastic, biodegradable beach toys that are built to last, like LoveLotte’s Eco Beach Toys.

Invest in sustainable swimwear that’s made from recycled material and will stand up to the rigors of salt water, chlorine and the sun. Bromelia Swimwear is all about ethically producing high-quality swimsuits made from renewable materials. Founded by surfer Kelly Slater with a commitment to sustainability, Outerknown uses recycled materials to make many of its swimsuits, and they’ll recycle the suit for you when you’re done with it.

Plan Your Vacay the Sustainable Way

Transportation

If you’re flying to your destination, it makes the most sense in terms of emissions to go on one longer trip in a year than a handful of shorter trips, so try to bank those vacation days as best you can.

Some airlines are focused on sustainability, like Hawaiian Airlines, which has partnered with Conservation International for carbon offsets and is dedicated to flying efficiently to reduce carbon emissions on each flight. Delta Airlines is working towards net-zero emissions by 2050 and is reducing single-use plastics in the cabin.

Here are some questions to ask yourself on your beach vacation to help you rely less on gasoline-powered cars and reduce carbon emissions.

• If you’re going to drive, could you rent an electric car for your trip?
• Is there a way to get where you want to go by train?
• Is there public transportation that you can use?
• Is it a walkable destination?

Staying

There are other small decisions you can make that can add up to a big difference. At the hotel, ask for housekeeping not to come for a day or two to cut down on the water used to wash your sheets and towels. And choose a hotel that doesn’t use single-use toiletries. Over the past few years, Marriott Hotels and Hyatt Hotels have started using larger, pump-style bottles for things like shampoo, conditioner and body wash.  

Buying

As far as souvenirs go, it might be tempting to pick up something like a mass-produced t-shirt or cheap trinket, but instead, seek out something made by a local artisan. Not only will you be supporting a local business, but buying local also cuts down on carbon emissions. Be aware of the packaging; if it’s wrapped in plastic, maybe leave it on the shelf and pick up something else.

Eating

Dining out when you’re at the beach is the perfect time to get tasty, fresh seafood, but be mindful of what you’re eating. The Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch program rates seafood on how sustainable it is, with regional digital guides that will tell you the best choice to eat, as well as what to avoid. Take the time to ask your server where the fish is from to make the best decision.

Support Sustainably Minded Destinations

Carefully choose where you’re going and support the destinations that are working on sustainability practices. No place does everything perfectly for the planet, but some do more than others. Santa Monica, California, for example, recently achieved LEED Platinum City status, in recognition of its work on healthy green spaces, renewable energy and transportation options.

Destinations where nature takes center stage can help reinforce the importance of protecting the environment, like Little St. Simons Island off the coast of Georgia. The barrier island has seven miles of beaches, thousands of acres of marsh and upland filled with wildlife, and a 32-room resort with a conservation center and daily naturalist-led hikes. In South Carolina, the Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort has a nature center, restaurants that support sustainable agriculture and opportunities for guests to help with things like loggerhead sea turtle nest counts.

Check to see if the beach you’re visiting is part of a marine sanctuary. Many of these protected areas have visitor’s centers, which are often free and with activities for kids and adults, like the Monterey Bay Sanctuary Exploration Center in Santa Cruz, California, and the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center in Key West, Florida. You’ll come away with a greater understanding and appreciation of the unique ecosystem and how you can help protect it.

Practice “leave no trace” principles when you’re at the beach and don’t leave anything behind.  Or go above and beyond and take some time to collect any trash others may have left behind or that’s been washed up by the waves. It’s something you can do as a family, even making a game of it to see who can collect the most. You can also connect with a local organization for an official beach cleanup, during which you can learn more about the area you’re visiting, meet locals and feel more connected to your beach destination.

How do you plan to be more sustainable when visiting the beach this year? Tell us in the comments.

Learn how AAA Northeast is becoming more sustainable. Visit AAA.com/ESG to read about our environmental, social and governance initiatives and how we are progressing on these goals.

AAA’s sustainable travel series is written in partnership with Kind Traveler, a women-and-veteran-owned sustainable travel platform empowering travelers to make a positive impact in local communities, and contributing writer, Kristin Conard.

Consumers are expected to spend a record amount of money on school supplies this year, according to the National Retail Federation. The average family with children in elementary through high school plan to spend roughly $890 on back-to-school shopping. College students, meanwhile, will rack up north of $1,367 in expenses.

It’s no surprise. Factoring in inflation and a higher demand for electronic supplies, shoppers are expecting higher prices and preparing to pay for necessary supplies.

Needless to say, families could use any savings on back-to-school shopping that they can find. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to get discounts on everything from calculators and highlighters to backpacks and sneakers. Here are a few helpful tips on lowering your back-to-school shopping bill.

Take Inventory

School supply lists typically don’t change that much from year to year, so your child likely already has most of the things they need already. The only way to know for sure is to take stock. Do an inventory of all the school supplies you already have and are useable. Then cross those items off your shopping list so it only includes the items your child needs.

Do the same for new school clothing. A growing teenager may not fit into last year’s clothes, but younger children likely don’t need a full wardrobe swap. Go through their clothing to see what still fits, is in good condition and can last for another season.

Make a Shopping List

It’s easy to get caught up in the retail madness of back-to-school shopping and wind up buying things you child doesn’t need and won’t ever use. To help yourself stay focused and prevent overspending, make a list of the essential items before leaving your house.

Many schools send out a list of supplies students need. If this is the case with your child, make sure to wait until you have the list before compiling your own. This will also help ensure you only buy the things you need.

Buy Refurbished Electronics

As students get into high school, more expensive supplies are needed. Instead of spending big money on new items like computers and graphing calculators, try buying them used. Sites such as Amazon and Newegg sell refurbished electronics for a fraction of the price. You can also often go directly to the manufacturer. For instance, you can purchase a refurbished laptop from Apple for hundreds of dollars less than a new model.

Use College Discounts

The average cost of college in the United States is upwards of $36,436 per student per year, so if you’re a college student, you could use any cost savings you can get. A great place to start is by utilizing your college student status. Many major retailers, including Apple, Dell and Microsoft offer college students discounts on expensive electronics such as laptops, tablets, smartphones and calculators.

AAA Discounts also offers savings on technology brands, including Dell, HP, Samsung and Lenovo.

Compare Prices

Like with any other type of shopping, you want to do your homework when buying back-to-school goods to ensure you’re getting the best deal. It’s tempting to try to save time and energy by doing all your shopping at one or two stores. But you can often find cheaper prices for different items at competing stores.

Check to see if your preferred store offers price matching – many competing outlets will. This offers you the best of both worlds as you’ll get the lowest price without having to make multiple shopping trips.

Shop Thrifty

Some thrifty shopping techniques can add up to big savings by the time your child walks back into the classroom. For example, many back-to-school items, like pens, pencils and highlighters, can be purchased at dollar stores. On the other end of the spectrum, if you have more than one child, buying supplies in bulk from a wholesale outlet could save you some money.

When it comes to clothing, thrift stores, consignment shops and other secondhand outlets can be goldmines. Here, you’ll be able to find gently used items for just a fraction of the price.

Find out about AAA’s student lending options.

Once the rhythm of living a no-waste lifestyle at home becomes habitual, you have your go-to spots for refilling bulk items, stocking up, recycling and composting. But what about when you head out on the road?

A road trip is all about freedom and flexibility and having a zero-waste road trip requires some extra planning that you may not have had to do before. But don’t let a little bit of pre-trip legwork stop you. As the saying goes, if you fail to plan, you plan to fail.

Here’s what you’ll need to bring and think about for a successful zero-waste road trip.

Hydrate – and Caffeinate – With Reusable Containers

If you’re someone who needs their morning caffeine fix or a cup of tea to relax at the end of the day, bring along your own travel mug. Many gas stations, coffee shops and fast-food restaurants will fill up reusable containers. Make sure you know how many ounces it holds to be charged accordingly and bring a lid to prevent messes. Keep in mind that the in-room coffee machine at your hotel may use single-use coffee pods, so it’s better to be prepared.

If you’d rather not chance having your favorite hot drink on the road, coffee lovers can consider packing their own French press and pre-ground coffee and tea enthusiasts can bring enough of their favorite blend and ask for hot water at a gas station. This way, you’re not shelling out extra cash and you know you’re getting what you like. Put your coffee grounds and used tea leaves in a tightly sealed reusable container designated for compost.

While not everyone on the trip might want coffee or tea, everyone will need to stay hydrated, so bring a reusable water bottle for every traveler, pre-filled before you leave. And if you’re planning to do some shopping – whether it’s for groceries or souvenirs – pack your own easy to access reusable shopping bags. They also work well to help keep the car organized on your trip.

Plan to Use Less Plastic When Eating

Like having a good playlist, a road trip is nothing without good snacks. But you’ll find a lot of the places you might typically stop for quick and easy food, like gas stations or fast-food joints, use tons of single-use plastic packaging.

Bring your own reusable containers pre-packed with your favorite snacks, and if you run out, you’ll be set to refill them on the way at a farmer’s market or grocery store. If you’ve got the space or won’t have other options on the way, bring along the full container of your favorite, non-perishable snacks in the trunk and refill as needed.

Don’t forget cloth napkins to help keep you, your clothes and your car clean. And for scraps like apple cores or banana peels, a sealed compost style bin is a must so you can dump the refuse into your compost once you get home or when you see a public composting spot on your travels.

When going out for a sit-down meal, choose a place that uses non-plastic cutlery and dishes or bring your own. If you’re staying at a hotel or somewhere you can refrigerate leftovers, bring your resealable containers with you to the restaurant to prevent food waste and avoid having to deal with any take-out boxes.

If you’re planning to bring along your own perishable foods, pack a well-insulated cooler tightly with reusable ice packs. At hotels, you can nearly always top the cooler with ice as needed from the ice machine. If you’re camping, a big block of ice will thaw more slowly than ice cubes and smaller ice packs. You can also freeze water bottles, so you get a two-for-one benefit: cool food and drinkable water as the bottles thaw.

It’s also worth it to research any farmers markets you may be passing by; they’re great for checking out a local destination, learning more about the area and stocking up on fresh food.

Essential and Earth-Friendly

With all those containers being used and reused on your trip, you’ll need to be prepared to wash some dishes. Be sure to bring along some dish soap and reusable dishcloths for the job.

As for toiletries and other essentials, parcel out what you’ll need from your full-size versions at-home into smaller, earth-friendly, leakproof containers. While a lot of hotels are stocking their bathrooms with refillable shampoos, conditioners and other toiletries, it’s not guaranteed. Bringing your own this way is not only sustainable but helps to save on space and ensures you’ll have your favorite products on hand.  

Learn how AAA Northeast is becoming more sustainable. Visit AAA.com/ESG to read about our environmental, social and governance initiatives and how we are progressing on these goals.

AAA’s sustainable travel series is written in partnership with Kind Traveler, a women-and-veteran-owned public benefit corporation empowering travelers to make a positive impact in local communities, and contributing writer, Kristin Conard.

This article has been updated and republished from a previous version. 

It’s never the wrong time to start forming healthy habits. Establishing practices that are good for you can help you manage stress and improve your overall wellness and mood. Try incorporating some of these healthy daily habits into your routine and see what sticks.

Journaling

Whether it’s for helping to keep your life organized with lists and reminders or chronicling reflections about your day, many people find writing beneficial to mental health.

“Journaling can help you manage anxiety, reduce stress [and] cope with depression,” according to the University of Rochester Medical Center. “Journaling helps control your symptoms and improve your mood by helping you prioritize problems, fears and concerns; tracking any symptoms day-to-day so that you can recognize triggers and learn ways to better control them [and] providing an opportunity for positive self-talk and identifying negative thoughts and behaviors.”

All you need to start forming this healthy habit is a bit of time, a clean notebook and a writing utensil. Go for a quality journal to write in, like a Moleskine Classic Notebook or – if thoughts often come to you on nature walks or in the shower – a Rite in the Rain Weatherproof Notepad. A good pen, makes writing by hand feel even more cathartic.

Stay Hydrated

Water helps your body function at its best, but many struggle to drink enough.

The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine suggests a daily fluid intake (from water, other beverages and food) of 15 ½ cups for men and 11 ½ cups for women as a baseline, though this may need to be modified depending on activity level, environment and individual health needs.

To establish this healthy habit, the Mayo Clinic recommends drinking a glass of water with each meal and between meals, before, during and after exercise, and when you feel thirsty.

Drink from a reusable water bottle with markers for easy measuring and tracking, like the Venture Pal. If you’re really serious about your water drinking goal, splurge on a smart water bottle that tracks your water intake and glows to remind you to stay hydrated.

To flavor your water, try adding mint, slices of cucumber, lemon or your favorite fruits like pineapple and strawberries. If you simply can’t stomach that much water in one day, consider supplementing with other healthy beverages, like a cup of tea.

“It’s a myth that caffeinated beverages or those containing alcohol are dehydrating because they make you urinate,” according to Harvard Health Publishing. “They do, but over the course of the day, the water from these beverages still leads to a net positive contribution to total fluid consumption.”

Pro tip: You can also get water from certain foods, like salads and fruit.

Be Positive

Doing something you’re good at or enjoy is one of many routes to happiness. Hobbies like baking, crafting, gardening, tending to a collection and listening to music are all great ways to boost your mood.

Another way to stay positive is to focus on the good things in your life. Similar to the journaling method mentioned above, you can start an intentional gratitude journal. Listing the circumstances, people and things you’re thankful for can help you have a more optimistic attitude.

Sometimes we need an emotional pick-me-up. One way to feel better is with a book of affirmations. Some popular ones include “The Gratitude Daily Journal,” “Power Thoughts: 365 Daily Affirmations” and – if you’re struggling with feelings of anxiety or depression – “You’re Strong, Smart and You Got This“

An additional option is doing good deeds. Volunteering your time, donating to a good cause or simply doing something nice for someone else, can help improve your mood. Here’s a list of good deeds you can do from home.

For more ideas to amp up your positivity, check out these small ways to be happier.

Go Offline

Whether it’s for a set period every day or a block of time once a week, taking a break from screens and social media is a good habit to get into.

Take some time to unplug, defrag and do essentially any other beneficial activity. This is a good opportunity to nap, read, meditate, play a game or spend time with a pet.

Take time for a bit of self-care or head outside for some fresh air. You can do an outdoor workout or go on a walk, hike or bike ride. Less active tasks, like gardening or birdwatching are good, too.

Eat Well

One way to eat better is to meal plan. Meal planning saves time and money, and making food at home is almost always healthier than eating out because you can control the amount of salt, fat, etc. in your meals.

Get a meal planning calendar or two-column meal planner and grocery checklist, or try a meal planning app, like Paprika, PlateJoy, MealBoard, Mealime, MealPrepPro or Yummly.

Start by incorporating more fruits and vegetables – a mix of fresh and frozen to save money – into your diet. Try making more vegetarian meals, cutting back on dairy and avoiding processed foods.

It’s important to listen to your body; it may need more fuel throughout the day. Snacking between meals is okay when it’s done right. When you’re feeling peckish during the day, reach for healthy snacks.

Stay Active

The goal is to get in a little bit of activity every day. Try scheduling time to exercise when your schedule allows. Start a morning stretch routine or try a fitness routine you’ll actually enjoy, like yoga, or easy indoor or outdoor workouts.

Otherwise, attempt small bursts of activity throughout the day. Fit in a little bit of exercise anywhere you can, like loosening up with Pilates at your work desk, taking a walk on your lunch break or these every day activities that burn the most calories.

You can use health apps and wearable fitness trackers to make sure you’re meeting your goals.

Get More Sleep

One third of American adults are sleep deprived, according to the Sleep Foundation.

Occasionally missing out on sleep can negatively affect your mood and memory, while chronic sleep deprivation can have long-term effects on your overall health. Since there really isn’t a way to “catch up” on lost sleep, it’s best to get quality sleep when you can.

Try going to bed 30 minutes earlier than you normally do. Be mindful of what you eat and drink before heading to bed, avoiding alcohol, caffeine and heavy foods. Limit naps to 30 minutes or less – and don’t take them too late in the day. Avoid using electronics at least one hour before bed, as the blue light they emit could keep your mind active. Instead, try reading, writing in your journal or simply lying in the dark.

Make your journey into healthy habits easier by checking out our curated shopping list below.

Which healthy lifestyle habit is part of to your daily routine? Tell us in the comments.

College campuses are places for learning and growing, but they’re also the backdrop for innumerable photos and cherished memories. When you’re touring a college, looks aren’t everything – but they sure do matter. From stunning natural landscapes to amazing architecture, here are 12 of the most beautiful college campuses in the U.S.

Berry College

This college sure is sweet! Berry College in Mount Berry, Ga., is the largest contiguous college campus in the world. With all that space, you can fit a lot of beautiful sights. The castle-like Ford Campus features grand English Gothic style buildings and reflecting pools. Students can also explore the on-campus Lavender Mountain, home to the historical House o’ Dreams, Old Mill and Possum Trot School.

Bryn Mawr College

Bryn Mawr College, a women’s college in Bryn Mawr, Pa., is often considered one of the most beautiful college campuses in the country. The campus has been designated as an arboretum, and there are beautiful trees like Weeping Higan Cherry, Maidenhair and Star Magnolia throughout. Visitors can even pick up a tree tour brochure to help guide them through the college’s natural beauty. In addition to the trees, the buildings at Bryn Mawr feature Collegiate Gothic architecture, some dating back to the late 1800s.

The College of William & Mary

The College of William & Mary in Virginia is the second oldest college in the country, behind Harvard. Established in 1693, this historic college is home to the 1695 Sir Christopher Wren building (the oldest college building in the country), the picturesque Sunken Garden and the idyllic Lake Matoaka. William & Mary is also right next to Colonial Williamsburg, a gorgeous living history museum – and two lucky students get to live there each year.

Georgetown University

Nestled in the picturesque Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, D.C., Georgetown University overlooks the Potomac River. With a mix of Collegiate Gothic and Georgian styles, the architecture definitely makes the grade. Healy Hall, designed by the architects who built the Library of Congress, is a National Historic Landmark.

Kenyon College

Whether it’s sporting autumn leaves or beneath a blanket of crisp, white snow, Kenyon College in Ohio is one of the most beautiful college campuses in the country. Students and visitors alike will enjoy the 10-foot wide Middle Path, which runs through the length of the campus, framed by benches and towering sugar maples. Want to study? Head to Chalmers Library, a stately building filled with natural light.

Lewis & Clark College

Lewis & Clark College is right in the middle of nature, sitting atop Palatine Hill and right next to the Tryon Creek State Natural Area in Portland, Ore. This forested campus is a blend of old and new, with old manor buildings standing right alongside newer, environmentally friendly construction.

Mount Holyoke College

This women’s college in South Hadley, Mass., was founded in 1837 and is the oldest member of the Seven Sisters. The Mount Holyoke campus features a lush botanic garden and many historic red brick buildings, like Mary Lyon Hall. Students will enjoy the Mount Holyoke College Art Museum and the Village Commons.

Princeton University

You might have heard that Princeton is a pretty good school. But along with its academic rigor, it also offers a beautiful campus. This Ivy Leaguer in New Jersey features a variety of buildings in the Collegiate Gothic style, as well as some older buildings in the High Victorian Gothic and Romanesque Revival styles. The oldest building on campus, Nassau Hall, was constructed in 1756 and briefly served as the capitol of the United States in 1783.

Sewanee: The University of the South

Sewanee: The University of the South in Sewanee, Tenn., is filled with Collegiate Gothic style buildings constructed from local stone. The All Saints’ Chapel features massive stained glass windows, including a rose window inspired by Notre Dame (the French cathedral, not the college). Students will enjoy a campus filled with forests, lakes, trails and a burbling natural creek.

Stanford University

Stanford University in California is one of the largest college campuses in the country, and it’s also one of the most beautiful. Its architectural identity, filled with red-roofed Spanish Colonial buildings, purposefully separates it from the colleges and universities on the East Coast. One of the most notable Stanford landmarks is the Hoover Tower, which is a bell tower and the tallest building on campus.

SUNY Geneseo

This tiny public school in Western New York makes the list partially due to its natural beauty. The SUNY Geneseo campus sits on the edge of the picturesque Genesee Valley, and the views to the west are breathtaking at any time of day. However, Geneseo is most beautiful when it is bathed in its signature fiery sunsets over the valley. In addition to the lovely landscape, Geneseo has many attractive buildings, like the ivy-draped Welles Hall, the stately clock tower on Sturges Hall and even the sleek Integrated Science Facility.

The University of Washington

The University of Washington is one of the oldest universities on the West Coast. Nestled in the bustling city of Seattle, the University of Washington still feels a world away, featuring priceless views of Mount Rainier, cherry blossoms blooming in the quad and grand, Collegiate Gothic style academic buildings. Look familiar to some other colleges on the list? The same architects, Cope and Stewardson, designed many of the buildings at the University of Washington, Princeton University and Bryn Mawr College at the turn of the century.

Was your college beautiful or historic? Tell us about it in the comments below!

Need help with college funding? Let AAA help.

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Ice cream is one of the simple pleasures of summer. Vanilla or flavored, in a cup or a cone, with sprinkles or without – on a hot day, nothing cools you down and lifts you up like a frozen dessert.

And while it’s never too hard to get your hands on ice cream when a craving strikes, whether it’s from a favorite local shop or franchise, stocking up at the grocery store or answering the song of a neighborhood truck, you’ll have a lot of fun trying out these easy homemade ice cream recipes. No ice cream machine or special tools required!

When you make your own ice cream you can use the freshest ingredients of the season straight from the farmers market or get creative with whatever you have on hand. Best of all, you can have all the free samples your heart desires.

Easy Ice Cream Recipes

Since vanilla is used as a base for many other flavors, it’s the best place to start. Try this easy homemade ice cream from Taste of Home. If you want more of a frozen custard-style ice cream, go for an egg-based recipe, like this one by David Lebovitz. And if you can’t resist a good scoop of chocolate, well, we’re right there with you. When’s dessert?

If You Have an Ice Cream Machine

One of the most popular ice cream machines on the market is the 1- to 2-quart frozen yogurt, ice cream and sorbet makers by Cuisinart. It is affordable, fully automatic and super user-friendly. All you have to do is freeze the freezer bowl, add your ingredients and press a button to start the churning.

A good tip is to freeze the freezer bowl at least a day ahead. Some recipes or manuals may say that you only need several hours, but if you want to ensure that it’s cold enough to freeze your ice cream, the longer it stays in the freezer the better.

Before you make your own ice cream, avoid these five common mistakes.

Easy Homemade Ice Cream Without a Machine

No ice cream maker? No problem! If you want to dip your toe into ice cream making before diving in, there are plenty of methods you can try that won’t cost you much more than the ingredients.

 

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Mason Jar Ice Cream

The latest ice cream craze to hit the internet is Mason jar ice cream. The New York Times has a recipe for basic vanilla and a few other delicious-sounding flavors that come together in a literal shake, plus there’s the cool illustration above to help you along.

Food Processor

Not everyone has an ice cream maker in their kitchen, but a lot of people do have a food processor. Bring out the old slicer and dicer for something a bit sweeter and smoother. As explained here, making ice cream in a food processor starts with freezing your base in a zip-close bag, then blending to a smooth consistency.

Nice Cream

Keep out the food processor for nice cream – a healthier, vegan and dairy-free alternative to traditional ice cream. A one-ingredient marvel at its most basic, a frozen ripe banana is all you need to blend up the perfect treat. Add peanut butter or cocoa powder if you’d like. If not the star, a frozen banana is still used as the base for other fruit flavors like strawberry or mango, which also require a splash of regular or non-dairy milk to smooth it out.

Plastic Bag Method

Add all your ingredients to a small plastic bag, place it inside of larger plastic bag filled with ice and get shaking!

Granita

If a refreshing Italian ice or Del’s Lemonade is more your style, you’ll love granita. Whether made from coffee, lemon or fresh fruit puree, it’s an excellent palate cleanser after a meal. After freezing, simply scrape with a fork for a coarse icy texture that’s like a snow cone. The Kitchn has a great tutorial on how to make granita out of any fruit.

And that’s how easy homemade ice cream can be. Serve in a waffle cone, with a warm slice of your favorite pie or as a sundae with all your favorite toppings and a cherry on top.

Find all the things you’ll need to make ice cream at home below in our curated shopping list.

Have you ever tried to make your own ice cream? Tell us your favorite flavor in the comments.

Washing your car is not just needed to make your car look better as you drive down the road. Regular washing can help maintain the vehicle and keep its value, thus saving you money now and earning you more money later should you try to resell it.

That said, washing your car incorrectly can do more harm than good. We asked our experts how to properly wash a car. Here’s how to do it.

Start With a Clean Base

First, make sure to move your vehicle to a proper location before washing. Never wash a hot car. The vehicle should be cool to the touch and out of direct sunlight.

Start by getting rid of any debris on your car (underneath the wiper blades is a good place to start). Clean any bug, bird droppings and tree sap stains. To do so, use denatured alcohol or a bug and tar removal product.

You can then get the vehicle good and wet to wash off any accumulated dirt. Rinse off the entire car prior to handwashing. Since you have the hose out, rinse under the vehicle as well as inside the wheel openings to wash off any accumulated dirt.

PRO TIP: Get your bug and tar removal at NAPA Auto Parts, where AAA members receive 10% off.

How to Properly Wash a Car

Do not use household cleaners such as hand or dish soap. These products can strip off the car’s protective wax. Instead, use a dedicated car wash soap. These products are milder and specifically designed for use on automotive paint.

When washing your car, use the two-bucket method. One bucket will have the clean, soapy water, the other is where you’ll drop the dirty water. Using only a single bucket requires you to repeatedly dip the sponge into dirty water, thus putting dirt right back on the car you’re trying to clean. Not only is it counterproductive, but the dirt could also damage the paint.

When you’re ready to begin washing, do so from top to bottom, focusing on one section at a time. Use lots of water and rinse off each section of the car as you move along. This will prevent the car from air drying. (More on that below).

PRO TIP: Wash the wheels with a special wheel-washing brush with soft bristles for the tires. This brush will enable you to get in all the nooks and crannies.

Drying the Car

Do not forget to hand dry your car. Allowing it to air dry will leave behind streaks and water marks. To properly dry the car, use a chamois or fluffy microfiber cloth.

This is a good time to use a quick detailer spray wax or paint sealant. It doesn’t replace hand waxing to help protect the paint but it is a quick and easy step.

Cleaning the Windows

Once the car is dry, it is time to clean the windows. To do so, use a high-quality window cleaner. Spray the cleaner on the windows and wipe down with paper towels. Remember to open the windows to get the top area that slides up into the door. Once the windows are clean go over them with a microfiber cloth to remove any extra cleaner spray.

PRO TIP: Use a few-weeks-old black and white newspaper to clean your windows rather than paper towels for the least amount of streaks.   

Interior

Inside the car, wipe down all surfaces, dust the vents and clean the interior windows and steering wheel with a microfiber cloth. Be sure to use a cleaner that is made for car interiors, as harsh alcohol and ammonia-based sprays could cause damage. Professionals often recommend using a 50/50 solution of distilled white vinegar and water.

Cleaning seats properly depends on the type of material they are. Read our article on how to clean leather, vinyl and more. Then, vacuum and clean the mats and carpet. Don’t forget the crumbs in your center console and cup holders!

For more tips on how to properly wash a car on the inside, check out this advice on how to sanitize your vehicle and read up on how to get rid of unwanted smells.

Tell us you car wash tips and tricks in the comments below. 

This article has been updated and republished from a previous version. 

If you’ve been longing to sit on a beach in Mexico with the sun shining, mariachi band playing and taco in hand, we can help you get one step closer: by making tacos! (Our AAA travel advisors can help with the Mexico part.)

Here in the Northeast, many of us are used to the Tex-Mex version of the taco. Often packaged as a kit in the grocery store, it’s usually ground beef in a hard shell, topped with chopped lettuce, diced tomato and a dollop of sour cream. While it’s not a bad choice, it does stray from more authentic street tacos you might find in Mexico or California.

So, exactly how do you make the “best” taco? However you like it! Give these tips a try on your next taco night.

Tortillas

Soft corn or flour tortillas are the way to go. But steer clear of heating them up in a microwave. Simply lay your tortilla over your grill or the flame on your gas stove. Have an induction range? No problem. Heating the tortilla in a pan over medium heat for a couple minutes works just as well; just watch your fingers and flip with a pair of tongs.

Fillings

Street tacos have become increasingly popular over the past few years. The small shell is just big enough to fit in your hand and – the best part – it allows you to have multiple servings and types of tacos in one meal.

Even though you’re making tacos at home, that doesn’t mean you can’t have a full menu of options. Just like your favorite restaurant, you can mix it up with chorizo, short ribs, steak, grilled chicken, brisket or veggies. Try one or try them all! Go for mahi mahi, shrimp or fried scallops to keep it light.

When you want something a little more traditional, marinate skirt steak with the juice of one orange and one lime, cilantro, garlic, onions and a dash of soy sauce to make homemade carne asada. Sauté pork that you’ve marinated in lemon and pineapple juice and you’ve got tacos al pastor.

Toppings

Here’s where it really gets fun. When making tacos you have all the freedom in the world (or in your fridge) to add whatever toppings you like. You can stick with white onion, lettuce, tomato and sour cream, or you can get a little more adventurous. Jicama slaw, red cabbage, queso, chopped cilantro, grilled pineapple and fresh mango are are all possibilities to mix and match.

To add some tang and crunch to your taco, add pickled veggies, such as carrots, jalapenos or radishes. Red onions are especially quick and easy to pickle at home. If you want to be a bit more adventurous, try pickled nopales, aka cactus.

Sauces and Salsas

Homemade sauces and salsas are also great ways to personalize your tacos. They are easier to make than you think, and healthier.

Chop up a bundle of cilantro with white onion and fresh tomatoes for a quick pico de gallo. Want something with more of a kick? Try mango salsa. Just add fresh jalapenos to diced mango and bell peppers and top with a squeeze of lime and cilantro.

The Defined Dish’s Tomatillo-Avocado Salsa is the perfect combination of light and bright with a kick of spice. But don’t add too much. One big faux pas of making tacos is overstuffing or over saucing. No one wants salsa running down their arm.

Taco Presentation

It’s been said that you eat with your eyes first. Now that you have some tips on how to make the best tacos, you can start planning how you’d like to to present them.

Start off with a festive table runner and a set of small bowls to hold all your different toppings. When it comes to plating, make use of a taco stand for less mess. Colorful glasses will also make your tablescape pop.

Finally, every taco-loving kitchen needs a mortar and pestle for making homemade guacamole. You don’t even need to transfer it to another bowl!

Picturing yourself on that beach in Mexico yet? Tell us your taco tips in the comments.

Ah, spring! The time of life and renewal, sunshine and perfect weather. But for some, the spring is not so perfect. For many people, spring is also the time of runny noses and itchy eyes, crumpled tissues and crawling skin. Spring allergies are a bummer. You’re supposed to be out celebrating the change in weather, not huddled under a mountain of tissue boxes.

The main culprit of spring allergies is pollen, which wafts off of trees, plants, grasses – you name it. Spring allergy sufferers are basically trapped inside the reproductive cycle of plants. It’s not a pretty place to be. Although sometimes you can see yellow clumps or clouds of pollen, individual pollen motes are so tiny that they can only been seen under a microscope. Those little guys are causing you all that trouble? Outrageous.

Allergies caused by pollen often manifest with symptoms like a runny nose, watery and itchy eyes, sneezing, coughing, sore throat, postnasal drip and blocked sinuses, among others. Unlike the common cold, allergy symptoms won’t go away in a few days; they’ll stick around as long as they’ve got allergens to react to.

But how to beat spring allergies? The best way is to avoid allergens in the first place.

How to Avoid Allergens

Limit Time Outside

The outside is the domain of springtime, and also the domain of pollen. The pollen count is highest in the morning, so be extra cautious during that time.

Wear Some Gear

Avoid itchy and watery eyes by keeping pollen out of them entirely. If you wear glasses, they should protect your eyes from these allergens. If you don’t, get a pair of stylish sunglasses instead. (AAA members can save at LensCrafters.)

When you’re outside doing yardwork like mowing the lawn, wear a protective face mask. This will limit the amount of pollen that you breathe in.

Close the Windows

Yes, we all want to feel that lovely spring breeze, but this is a sacrifice you’re going to have to make if you want to beat spring allergies. If you want a breeze, turn on the AC, not a fan. Fans draw in air and allergens from outside.

Keep the House Clean

Your shoes and pet’s paws track dust, dirt and pollen inside. Make sure your floors are vacuumed – preferably use one with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter – and furniture is dusted so that no trace amounts linger. Many allergy sufferers take their shoes off when they enter the house to limit the amount of allergens they track in.

How to Beat Spring Allergies and Their Symptoms

It’s very difficult to avoid pollen forever, unless you’re living in a bubble or on top of a glacier. Here’s what you can do to save yourself from the sniffles.

Over-the-Counter Remedies

During springtime, drugstores are replete with antihistamines that can help alleviate or prevent the symptoms of allergies. You can get them as pills or, if you really need some relief, as nasal spray. Hit those allergens where it hurts: right in your nostrils.

Drink Apple Cider Vinegar

There are plenty of natural ways to alleviate some of your spring allergy symptoms. You can drink diluted organic apple cider vinegar, which is rich in potassium, to reduce a runny nose.

Clear Your Sinuses

You could also flush your sinuses with a neti pot – which is as soothing as it is completely disgusting. If you’ve never heard of a neti pot, it’s basically a teapot that you pour into one of your nostrils (while something unspeakable happens to the other nostril).

Another way to clear your sinuses is with steam, like the kind of steam you inhale during a hot shower. That same shower will also help rid you of any pollen that might be sticking to your skin or hair. A soothing vapor shower tablet can also help to enhance the benefits of the steam.

Eat and Drink the Stuffiness Away 

Make sure you stay hydrated! Flush your system with water and your, ahem, mucus will be thinner and easier to handle. Eating spicy foods will also help drain your mucus. So just pile on that hot sauce and tell all your friends it’s for health reasons.

Go to the Doctor

If none of these measures work for you, or if you have especially wicked allergies, go to the doctor. That’s what they’re there for! They can set you up with a prescription-strength antihistamine or offer other ways to beat spring allergies.

Do you suffer with spring allergies? Tell us how you deal with them in the comments below. 

Note: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.

This article has been updated and republished from a previous version. 

A dead battery can put a serious crimp in your plans for the day. You either need a jump-start from a friendly passerby or a call to AAA Roadside Assistance to get you back on the road. But there is a way to avoid that situation entirely. Rather than being surprised when your battery fails, practice good car battery maintenance.

When to Replace a Car Battery

The typical life of a battery in the Northeast is just under five years. If your car’s battery is more than 3 years old, have it professionally tested, and if it is 5 years old consider having it replaced.

Signs You Need a New Battery

Knowing when to replace a car battery begins with recognizing these signs.

• Your car has trouble starting or slow engine cranking.
• Your car can’t get going in cold weather or extreme heat. Cold weather especially can take a toll your battery.
• You need frequent jump-starts.
• Dashboard lights are flickering.
• Dim headlights.
• You notice a rotten egg smell.
• The battery case is disfigured.

Basic Car Battery Maintenance

Just like changing your oil and staying on top of tire care, you should check your battery as part of regular car maintenance. Add it to your checklist today and save yourself the headache of a dead battery later.

While some like to DIY certain car tasks, others are more comfortable leaving it to the pros. We recommend having AAA mobile Car Battery Service check the condition of your battery. A technician will come to you, wherever you are, and will even replace your battery if needed. AAA members get a minimum of $25 off every car battery purchase. You can’t beat that kind of convenience.

Still, it doesn’t hurt to know about what’s going on with your car’s battery. Here are some car battery basics to be aware of.

Safety First

Ever had a battery leak inside of a plastic flashlight and had to toss the whole thing? It’s not pretty. Battery acid is caustic, so it’s not something you want to get in your eyes or on your hands. Before you do any kind of car battery maintenance, put on protective eyewear and a sturdy pair of gloves.

Clean the Cables

Open the hood and take a look at your battery to see if there is any visible corrosion. It’s a sort of crusty, white coating that you’ll find around the battery terminals. This can be easily cleaned with a simple mix of 1 cup water with 1 tablespoon baking soda, along with a small wire brush.

Start by disconnecting the battery cables – negative first, then the positive cable. Once the cables are disconnected, use the water and baking soda solution to clean off any corrosion. You should also clean off the battery terminals to remove any signs of corrosion there, too. You can purchase a battery terminal cleaning tool to make the job easier.

Once the terminals are clean, there’s one more step you should complete to keep them in good condition. Coat them with a dedicated battery terminal spray, to prevent corrosion. Using grease can attract dirt, and that combination can cause the battery to discharge over time.

If you notice a buildup on the terminals, that’s your cue that it’s time to give them a good cleaning.

Check the Electrolytes

Once your battery is clean, remove the covers from the battery cells to expose the fill holes. The covers are different depending on the battery. Sometimes it’s a single piece of plastic you simply pry off. Other times each hole has its own cover that you twist off individually. Some low-maintenance batteries may not have filler caps at all, which means that this step is one you need to skip for your battery.

If your battery does have removable fill caps, you should be able to see down inside of your battery once you’ve taken them off. The fluid in there is an acid and water mixture, and it should come up just to the bottom edge of the holes. If it’s any lower, then you need to add clean, distilled water to the mix.

Be careful not to overfill. The mixture inside your battery is caustic. If it spills out it will burn your hands and can damage the paint on your car. Fill only to the bottom edge of the holes. If you overfill the battery, wash everything off with plenty of fresh water.

Check the Voltage

You can test the voltage with a tool called a voltmeter to get an idea about the condition of your battery, although a voltmeter won’t give you the full picture. AAA battery service technicians and AAA Approved Auto Repair Facilities have dedicated battery testing tools that are more thorough and show the overall condition of your battery. It’s a simple check and you can even ask to have it done when you’re getting an oil change or other repair work.

AAA Battery Replacement Service

AAA battery service professionals will test, clean or replace your battery on the spot. As part of AAA battery replacement, they will also make sure that your old battery is properly recycled.

Is battery maintenance on your car care checklist? Let us know in the comments.

This article has been updated and republished from a previous version.

No matter which team you root for, food is something all sports fans can agree on. From cheesy dips to stacked sandwiches and everything doused in Buffalo sauce, good game day snacks are a must. Here are some of our favorite recipes from around the web for football Sundays, game day parties and tailgating foods.

Fun Dips

It wouldn’t be a proper game day party without some dips on the table. From light salsa to rich queso, dips make chips – and football – better.

Taco queso dip (Serious Eats)

Buffalo chicken dip (Frank’s Red Hot)

Guacamole (Alton Brown/Food Network) & Three-Ingredient West Texas Roasted Salsa (Homesick Texan)

Touchdown Chili Recipes

Chili is one of the quintessential game day snacks to have on hand because it’s great for a crowd and so easy to customize. Spicy or mild, loaded with meat or totally meatless, you can use any one of the recipes below as a base to build upon. Serve with soft tortillas, crunchy tortilla chips or cornbread and set up a topping bar with a variety of shredded cheeses, sour cream, limes, diced onions and salsa for your guests to pile on.

Sunday chili (Pinch of Yum)

Veggie chili (The Pioneer Woman)

White chicken chili (Simply Recipes)

Get more chili-making tips and recipes. 

Game Day Nachos

When building the perfect nachos platter, it’s all about layering and choosing a sturdy chip, according to these rules of nacho making from the Bon Appetit test kitchen. To ensure your nachos don’t get soggy, remember to put the shredded cheese on first before adding the other ingredients and baking/broiling to melt.

Buffalo chicken nachos (The Girl Who Ate Everything)

Mexican street corn nachos (Simply Recipes)

If you want to go all out, take on the fully loaded black bean nachos with red and green salsa from Bon Appetit. Or for an easier version of a classic nachos platter that will save you some time, try macho nachos from the food blog I Wash You Dry.

Winning Wings

It’s a fact that mostly everyone loves to have wings when they’re watching the game. Billions of wings are consumed across the country during the Super Bowl alone. There’s just something about eating them that enhances the entire experience. You can’t beat classic Buffalo-style wings, but here are a few more flavors to try if you want to offer more options.

Crispy baked Parmesan chicken wings (Jo Cooks)

Grilled honey chipotle wings (Serious Eats)

One-pot sticky Asian chicken wings (Andrew Zimmern)

More Game Day Snack Recipes

Three more snacks to add to your repertoire. The football-shaped dessert dip is not only an adorable edible centerpiece but absolutely irresistible.

Philly cheesesteak sliders (Delish)

Mini deep-dish pizzas (Damn Delicious)

No-bake peanut butter touchdown dessert dip (Buzzfeed)

Tailgating Foods

Truthfully, all the snacks above are good tailgating food ideas, but the items you pack for your pre-game parking lot spread should be especially simple and portable. Here are some easy tailgating foods to bring to the stadium.

Braised beef brisket (Pioneer Woman) – Make, transport and reheat this recipe all in the same foil pan.

Ham and cheese tailgate sliders (Once Upon a Chef) – You could buy a hero/sub/grinder from the deli, or you can put a little love into it and make these simple sliders ahead of time.

Antipasto skewers (The Sweetest Occasion) – It’s like tortellini salad on a stick!

Looking for even more game day eats? AAA members can save on delicious snacks at Harry & David. 

What are some of your favorite game day snacks recipes? Tell us in the comments!

Whether you’re prepping food for game day or simply looking for a recipe to combat the cold, nothing satisfies quite like making homemade chili.

From meat-forward and bean-focused recipes to regionally inspired flavors, discover the different styles and check out our tips for making chili from scratch.

With special equipment like slow cookers and Instant Pots and tons of great recipes at your disposal, the world of chili is practically endless.

Chili con Carne

Chili con carne is Spanish for “chili with meat.” When making homemade chili, this is easily one of the most popular types, while still offering opportunities for customization.

Beef, pork and venison are all popular proteins for chili con carne. Ground options tend to be easier for most cooks – and cook faster – but cuts of chuck roast make for an especially hardy, stew-like dish.

Although this kind of chili demands meat, it also usually includes ingredients like garlic, onions and tomatoes. Beans are optional. When it comes to seasoning, chile peppers or chile powder are musts. Other spices like cumin, oregano and paprika are also common.

Check out this chili con carne recipe from Simply Recipes with coriander, oregano and thyme. For something a bit different, this Food Network recipe is made with beer and cocoa powder. Or try this ground beef chili con carne with a four-star rating on All Recipes, seasoned with cumin, cinnamon sticks and clove.

Chili Verde

Popular in southwestern states like Colorado and New Mexico, chili verde or “green chili” is made with ingredients like jalapenos, tomatillos and oregano, all of which help to give it its signature color.

Green chili often has meat, although it can be made vegetarian. Pork is commonly used to make chile verde, with cubes of pork loin or shoulder (also referred to as pork butt) being the most popular.

Leave yourself plenty of time to make this type of chili, because the pork needs to simmer for a few hours to become tender. Roasting or charring your tomatillos and peppers adds a smoky flavor and seasonings like cilantro, cumin and oregano give nice depth.

This chili recipe from Simply Recipes features jalapenos and green chiles (Anaheim or poblano), while this slow cooker version from the food blog The Salty Marshmallow takes out some of the hassle.

Vegetarian Chili

A vegetarian chili calls for plenty of beans. Black, kidney and pinto beans are all great options that bring protein and fiber. “Meaty” vegetables like mushrooms or eggplant along with meat substitutes like tofu or tempeh can be used to give the chili more body. Lentils can also help make your veggie chili more filling, like with the Minimalist Baker’s one-pot red lentil chili.

Use classic chili ingredients like garlic, onions and tomatoes and consider additions like soy sauce or Worcestershire (go for a vegetarian version if you don’t eat anchovies) to provide depth and savory flavor to your vegetarian chili. Or, go the route of celebrating vegetables by adding a mix of bell peppers, sweet potatoes or carrots.

This homemade vegetarian chili recipe by Cookie and Kate uses a mix of classic spices and two types of beans, while this variation from Allrecipes uses a meat substitute for authentic flavors and textures.

Texas Chili

An offshoot of chili con carne, since it typically contains meat, Texas-style chili is known for its lack of beans and tomatoes – although the latter is sometimes debated.

Texas chili is all about the meat and heat, focusing on the chile peppers, protein and seasoning. When making a Texas chili, it’s common to create a homemade paste from a combination of dried peppers.

This true Texas chili recipe, starring beef chuck and 2 ounces of dried chiles, is approachable, while this (no beans) Texas-style Classic Chili Con Carne from New York Times Cooking combines ancho chiles and bacon with your choice of beef chuck, buffalo or venison.

Black Bean Chili

Opposite of the Texas interpretation of chili, this type makes beans the star. Black beans are packed with nutrients like folate (vitamin B9), iron, magnesium and thiamine (vitamin B1), with just half a cup of these beans boasting 8 grams of protein and 7 grams of fiber.

Black bean chili can include some meat, though usually ground as to not take away from the texture of the beans, but there are plenty of vegan and vegetarian versions, too.

Keep things simple with an Instant Pot recipe for beef and black bean chili or vegetarian chili. This chili recipe pairs black beans with ground turkey. For meatless options, there’s this simple vegetarian black bean chili and a vegan, slow cooker black bean chili from Jessica in the Kitchen, which incorporates quinoa for even more protein.

White Chili

This pale chili features white cannellini or Great Northern beans. The addition of ground or shredded turkey or chicken is common, but white chili can also be vegetarian or vegan.

Though incorporating sour cream into the stew itself isn’t unheard of among other kinds of chili, some white chili recipes call for a splash of heavy (or whipping) cream as well. This addition gives white chili a nice, creamy flavor and texture and helps to keep the dish’s pale color.

Taste of Home’s creamy white chili recipe uses sour and heavy cream, while this easy white chili recipe’s only source of dairy is a cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese. This white chicken chili from the Chunky Chef has little pops of color thanks to the addition of corn kernels and fresh cilantro.

Lean Chili

Both chicken and turkey are great protein options if you’re looking for a healthier meat-based chili. Cubed, ground or shredded, lean proteins like these take well to seasoning.

Give your lean chili a Texas-inspired spin by cutting out the beans, or make it your own with your pick of peppers and chilies: ancho, bell, jalapeno, habanero, poblano, serrano, etc.

Keep things healthy by incorporating a few extra vegetables, like diced carrots and celery, and use low sodium broth and no-salt-added diced or crushed tomatoes so you can control the salt levels.

You can make a lean version of virtually any type of chili. Try the green paleo chicken Chili verde recipe by a Spicy Perspective, or go for a more traditional tasting healthy turkey chili from Ambitous Kitchen.

Garnishes and Sides

After making homemade chili, garnishing it with the perfect toppings can elevate the entire dish. Top your chili with shredded cheese, fresh avocado and/or a dollop of sour cream to help cool some of the spice. Fresh herbs, jalapeno slices and diced red onion are also tasty toppings.

Serve your chili along with a fresh side salad for extra veggies to round out the meal or opt for tortilla chips to add texture. Sliced cornbread is another great side, offering a nice balance of sweetness to the chili’s spice and heat.

You’ll want to have all the right tools and ingredients for making chili from scratch. Shop for everything you’ll need below.

Looking for more ways to stay cozy this winter? Check out these Instant Pot soup recipes, slow-cooker creations or balanced winter dishes.

Are you a pro at making homemade chili? Share your tips in the comments.