“It is a great art,” wrote Henry David Thoreau, “to saunter.”

Although he wrote those words in 1841, they are just as relevant – if not more so – today. A good walk is a balm for the soul, a way to escape your thoughts and busy schedule for a bit while losing yourself in nature’s grandeur.

All the more better if there’s a beautiful view. So we’ve rounded up five Northeast rambles with scenic vistas that are just perfect for late summer and the upcoming foliage season. Lace up your walking shoes, blaze your own trail and discover all the beauty available to you right in your own backyard.

(Note: Due to the ever-changing nature of the COVID-19 crisis, please check official websites before visiting to check for restrictions or closures.)

Cliff Walk
Newport, R.I.

This 3.5-mile stunner – a National Recreation Trail – hugs the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, pairing seaside views on one side with Newport’s opulent mansions on the other. The route is mostly gentle, with rocks you must scramble over in spots and hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Along the way you’ll spy The Breakers, the most famous of Newport’s “cottages,” along with Marble House, Rosecliff and Rough Point, Doris Duke’s former family home.

Lake George
New York

Nestled in the Adirondack Mountains, Lake George is a bustling summer haven full of wineries, outdoor activities and, of course, plenty of fun along the water. But there’s plenty to do in the fall, too, as the area’s trails burst into color. Head to the Cat and Thomas Mountains Preserve in Bolton for family-friendly hikes with stunning views of Lake George from the top of either peak.

Kancamagus Highway
The White Mountains, N.H. 

The Kanc, as locals call it, weaves 34 miles through the White Mountain National Forest. Bonus: The aptly named scenic highway is renowned for its beautiful fall foliage, which peaks from late September through mid-October. The area around the highway is home to a plethora of hiking trails, picnic sites and scenic outlooks. You can grab a map at fs.usda.gov and take your pick of mild (or challenging) routes, including a handicap-accessible trail to Sabbaday Falls, one of the state’s most popular waterfalls with a 45-foot drop.

The Appalachian Trail

Many spots along the AT – Georgia’s Springer Mountain, the Presidential Range in New Hampshire and Mount Katahdin in Maine – seem to get all the glory. But we think some other sections of the 2,180-plus-mile hiking trail deserve love, too. The steep Harmon Hill Trail in Bennington, Vt., is aglow with foliage in the fall, while a wheelchair-friendly section in Falls Village, Conn., contains a 50-foot waterfall and the remains of a Civil War-era iron works.

 

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Mount Greylock
Adams, Mass.

Stately Mount Greylock, clocking in at 3,491 feet, is the highest point in the Bay State. It’s also located on the Appalachian Trail, so you may cross a few thru-hikers on your journey.  Several trails range from easy to difficult, although you can drive up to the summit if you’d like. Once there, take in the scenic views (one can see New York, Vermont, Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Hampshire on a clear day) before tucking into the Bascom Lodge for a rest, a tour of the gift shop, or a hearty soup-and-sandwich combo after your hike. Bonus: See if you can find the rock emblazoned with one of Thoreau’s quotes on the path to the summit. (The avid hiker scaled the peak in 1844, the year before he settled into a cabin on Walden Pond.)

Are you ready for the best salad ever?

Gone are the days of salads being seen solely as boring diet food. Salads can be tasty, filling and exciting – all while being healthy, too!

Upgrade your greens with these tips.

Base

Use a variety of lettuces and greens to get the best balance of flavors, textures and nutrition. The greener the better. Many dark, leafy greens contain vitamin A, vitamin C and calcium. Lettuces like iceberg and romaine don’t have as much flavor or nutritional value, but they do add a nice crunch.

Not all greens are the same when it comes to flavor. Greens like arugula and watercress are peppery while Swiss chard is earthy. Spinach tastes a little “green” but is relatively mild. Kale has a hearty leaf and tastes a little bitter, but baby kale will be a bit milder. Dandelion greens are nutty and a touch bitter, but anyone with a latex allergy should avoid this plant.

Give it Body

Bulk up your greens with plenty of veggies, fruits and other plants. Classic salad toppings like carrot, cucumber and tomato are popular, but there are plenty of other options to add colors, flavors and textures. Use what’s in season or fresh from your garden and get creative!

Flavors

Additions like bell pepper, onion and radish add pops of flavor and additional health benefits. Bell peppers are packed with vitamin C while onions and radishes are rich in other nutrients. Additional salad-friendly flavor bombs include briny olives and earthy beets.

Fruit can be another tasty addition. Dried fruits like cherries, cranberries and blueberries are sweet, tart and chewy. Fresh fruits like grapes, mandarin oranges and strawberries add a juicy burst of flavor.

Of course, fruits contain natural sugars, so you don’t want to go overboard. On the plus side, they also offer some health benefits. Berries are rich in antioxidants while fruits like apple, grapefruit and pineapple contain other vitamins and minerals.

Textures

The best salads have great texture. Ingredients like cabbage and celery add crunch. Though they don’t offer much in terms of flavor, both are low in calories. Crunchy additions like fresh broccoli and shredded brussels sprouts give salads a bit more character.

On the other end of the spectrum, there are superfoods like avocado and mushrooms. Avocado adds a creamy texture and healthy monounsaturated fatty acids. Mushrooms offer a soft, slightly chewy texture while boasting vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Mushrooms are also said to be probiotic and cancer-fighting.

Proteins

Adding a bit of protein to your salad can upgrade it from appetizer to full meal.

Plant-Based Protein

Eating less meat reduces the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, many cancers, obesity, stroke and type 2 diabetes, according to the American Heart Association. Try a plant-based protein like tofu or seitan.

Legumes

Legumes include beans and lentils. Beans like black, kidney and pinto are packed with protein and fiber. Beans like garbanzo/chickpeas can be roasted until crispy, making them a healthy alternative to croutons. Lentils come in different color varieties (like brown, green, red, etc.) that are high in protein and iron.

Animal Protein

Many animal products come with saturated fat and cholesterol. Use small portions of lean meat like grilled chicken, and seafood like tuna and salmon for omega-3 fatty acids. Add an egg to your salad for extra protein, but choose healthier preparations like hard/soft-boiled or poached.

Quinoa

Not only is quinoa high in protein and fiber and gluten-free, it’s one of the few plants that’s considered a complete protein. This means “it contains all nine essential amino acids that our bodies cannot make on their own,” according to the Harvard School of Public Health. The three varieties of quinoa (black, red and white) have slightly different flavor profiles, but quinoa is generally rather bland. Rise your quinoa before cooking it and consider using a broth/stock instead of water to make it more flavorful. A pinch of spice like onion or garlic powder doesn’t hurt either.

Go for Garnishes

Nuts

Nuts offer healthy fat, fiber and protein while being packed with vitamins and minerals. Lightly toasted almonds, hazelnuts, peanuts, pecans and walnuts are all great in salads. Use unsalted nuts and only add about a handful, since they are high calorie.

Seeds

Poppy, chia, flax, pumpkin and sunflower seeds offer good crunch and tons of health benefits like fiber and healthy fats. Similar to nuts, try to use raw, unsalted seeds to get the most out of them.

Herbs 

From mint to basil to cilantro, top your salad with fresh herbs to add in even more character and leafy green benefits.

Cheese

A sprinkle of cheese can add calcium, protein and extra flavor. Popular salad cheeses include blue, cheddar, feta, goat and mozzarella.

Dress to Impress

One of the unhealthiest parts of a salad can be the dressing. Store-bought dressings are often high in calories, fat and sugar while also containing artificial colors and sweeteners.

Make your own dressing with oil, your preferred vinegar (apple cider, balsamic, sherry, white, etc.) and a few herbs. Extra virgin olive oil is another super food and healthy fat that enhances salads.

If you can’t go without store-bought dressings, remember a vinaigrette is often healthier than dairy-based dressings like ranch. Regardless of which dressing you use, always measure out the correct serving size (2 tablespoons).

Types of Salads

Whether you’re throwing your favorite veggies into a bowl or following a recipe, the vast number of salads means there is something for everyone. Find your preferred salad by trying different kinds and making them your own.

Tossed and Composed Salads

Popular tossed salads include garden and Caesar. A garden/green salad is the iconic, simple salad you might find as a side at restaurants. Caesar salad features romaine lettuce, croutons, Parmesan and tangy dressing.

Composed salads include chef and Cobb. Chef salad is essentially a garden salad topped with hard-boiled egg and/or deli meat (ham, turkey, roast beef, etc.). Cobb salad includes a mix of lettuces with similar toppings to a chef salad, in addition to avocado and tomato.

If lettuce and/or leafy greens really aren’t your thing, consider salads with a base of slaw, broccoli or shredded brussels sprouts. Other less leafy and more vegetable-forward salads include Greek salad and Israeli salad. If you prefer fruit, consider a refreshing watermelon salad.

More of the Best Salads

Starchy or farinaceous salads are made with pasta, potatoes or grains like quinoa, farro, barley and rice. They often feature some chopped veggies and light dressing, but these carb-centered salads aren’t as healthy as their leafy counterparts.

Lastly are “bound” salads. Held together with a thicker dressing or mayonnaise, these include egg, tuna, chicken and seafood salads. While the mix of animal protein and heavier dressing does not make them the healthiest option, there is no denying that they are some of the best salads for special occasions.

What is your favorite type of salad? Tell us in the comments below.

Keeping up with physical activity helps to maintain muscle mass, increase bone density and improve balance, posture and flexibility – all important aspects of overall health, especially for older adults.

From improving the ability to perform daily tasks to increasing heart health and controlling arthritis pain to just feeling better, men and women ages 65 and over can gain health benefits from regular physical activity, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Activity doesn’t need to be strenuous to achieve health benefits. Pushups and burpees are great exercises you can do at home, but not everyone is able (or wants) to do high-intensity moves. Don’t risk injury; the more sedentary your lifestyle, the more gradually you should work up to the desired time and intensity of your workouts, starting with 5- to 10-minute intervals.

Try these senior workouts on your own time and in the comfort of your own home. Remember to stay hydrated, don’t forget to stretch, and always consult with a physician before beginning a new physical activity program.

Leg Extensions

Leg exercises maintain your flexibility and strength as you age. Leg extensions will help improve strength and balance, things you need when, say, standing up from a chair or climbing stairs. This exercises builds up your primary leg muscles, bottom and lower back.

1. Start in a seated position with your back straight.
2. Keep your legs hips-width apart as you gradually lift them. Be sure to avoid locking your knees.
3. Exhale and lower your legs back to starting position.

Arm Raises

Whether or not you use weights, repeatedly raising your arms or making a circular motion strengthens your upper body muscles. If you’re new to this motion, you may find your shoulders will be sore at first. This is a sign that you’re building muscle. Follow the recommended steps below for an effective upper-body workout.

1. Stand in an upright position with your feet hip-width apart.
2. Keep your hands at your sides with your arms straight. If you’re able, hold a dumbbell in each hand with your palms facing down.
3. Brace your core and keep your torso stationary. Keep your arms straight and raise them to a shoulder-level position until your arms are parallel to the floor.
4. Gradually lower your arms down until you reach the starting position.

Bridges

This is another senior workout that strengthens multiple muscle groups at once. When done correctly, your hamstring, glutes and abdominal muscles will be engaged. The motion will likely feel easier as you get stronger, so advanced users can add weight as a challenge.

1. Lie on your back with your knees bent, feet flat on the ground and arms straight at your sides with your palms facing down.
2. Pushing through your heels, squeeze your glutes and lift your hips off the floor until your body forms a straight line. Your upper back and shoulders should still be in contact with the ground.
3. Pause at the top before lowering back down to the starting position.

Lunges

Think of this leg toning move as an exaggerated walk. Lunges will help with stability on uneven surfaces, as well as balance and mobility. Strengthening your quadriceps is vital for basic movements like standing and walking, according to Elder Gym. Make sure you try this exercise first holding on to a chair with one hand before trying it unaided.

1. Stand with arms at sides or on the hips. Keep feet shoulder-width apart.
2. Step forward keeping your trunk vertical. Push back up to the starting position. Repeat with each leg 10 times.

Modified Planks

Planks are the perfect abdominal and core exercise for seniors. Since a standard plank position is difficult for most people, there are several variations you can do that target different parts of your core muscles.

1. Begin by placing your hands and knees on the ground.
2. Walk out your hands a few inches in front of you and lower onto your elbows. You should feel your core contract to help support you.
3. Hold for as long as you can, working up to 30 seconds to a minute. You can also use padding (towels, pillows) under your knees if they’re sensitive.

Overhead Press

The overhead press is a compound workout that engages your full body with a focus on your shoulders, upper back and arms, according to Elder Gym. You can do the exercises with both arms at the same time or one at a time. To avoid shoulder pain, perform the overhead press with a narrow grip so you don’t flare your elbows.

1. Starting with feet shoulder width apart, weights in hand at chest level, palms forward.
2. Raise arms overhead straight up and out together.
3. Lower arms to starting position and repeat 10 times.

Calf Raises

Engaging your lower leg muscles with calf exercises like calf raises will give you more power to step forward and make it easier to get up sloping surfaces or uneven terrain.

1. Start in a standing position using a chair to balance yourself if necessary.
2. Raise up on your toes as high as you comfortably can. Return to the starting position and repeat 10 times.

Chair Squats

Squatting is one of the most popular exercises you can do to strengthen your entire lower body. Rather than using equipment, the squat uses your weight and gravity as the resistance. If you’re new to the motion, start slow and ensure your form is correct to avoid any injury.

1. Stand in front of a chair with your feet as far apart as your hips.
2. Bend your knees while keeping your shoulders and chest upright.
3. Lower your bottom until you sit down.
4. Push your body back up to return to a standing position.

Inactivity increases with age; don’t fall into a sedentary lifestyle. If exercise moves are not your style, incorporate physical activities that you enjoy into your daily routine. Walking, gardening and yard work are all good low-impact workouts for seniors. Although you may not be able to move like you used to, just keep moving.

Tell us how you stay active. Share your senior workout tips in the comments below. 

There are few things the Northeast loves more than seafood – especially clams! From steamers to quahogs, this humble shellfish is a Northeast favorite, especially in summertime. Clam recipes are boundless – you can eat them on the half shell, fry them, steam them, cook them up in chowder or put them in dips. But good, fresh clams taste amazing no matter what you do to them. If you’re looking for a hearty clam dish to prepare for your friends and family, there’s plenty to choose from.

Clam Chowder

If there’s any clam recipe that represents the different food cultures of the Northeast, it’s clam chowder. Each part of the Northeast seems to have a different way of preparing this meal, though they’re all delicious. New England clam chowder is thick, with a creamy dairy base and a hearty texture. This classic New England clam chowder recipe also calls for potatoes, onions and bacon. Yum!

Rhode Island, however, has its own form of clam chowder without any milk or cream, resulting in a soup that looks a lot clearer than most other chowders. This Rhode Island clam chowder recipe specifies that the clams used should be quahogs, their official state shell.

New England isn’t the only place to find a bowl of clam chowder. New York has a couple different chowders of its own. Manhattan clam chowder adds more vegetables, specifically tomatoes, which make the chowder red. This particular Manhattan clam chowder recipe calls for 12 ounces of tomato juice, strained tomatoes or crushed tomatoes – and even a dash of hot sauce!

If you can’t decide which specific clam chowder recipe is for you, you might want to look into making Long Island clam chowder instead. Long Island clam chowder is more of a mix between Manhattan and New England chowder into a creamy pink dish. This Long Island clam chowder recipe mixes tomatoes and tomato paste with heavy cream.

Fried Clams

Fried clams are a great clam recipe to recreate a day at the beach, getting clams at the boardwalk and trying to avoid seagulls. This clam shack favorite is a must-have for any hungry Northeasterner. This recipe for fried clams, New England style uses corn flour and buttermilk to recreate the feeling of a summer at the shore. Just don’t forget the tartar sauce.

Baked Clams (aka Stuffies)

“Stuffies” as they are called in Rhode Island, are a staple at clam shacks and Italian restaurants across the region. Often prepared “oreganata” or with oregano, a stuffing made of breadcrumb, garlic, lemon juice and other seasonings is baked and served on the half shell. Some add the breadcrumb mixture on top of the whole clam while others chop up the clams and add them to the mix. Here’s how to make this super simple clam recipe at home or try clams casino, which adds bacon.

Steamed Clams

Sometimes some good, old-fashioned steamed clams are the best way to go. This recipe for steamed clams adds garlic butter for even more taste. It’s the perfect addition to any clambake or seafood platter – and it’s also a delicious dish on its own. Don’t be afraid to get a little messy while you’re eating them.

Clam Pizza

Clams? Put it on the pizza! One of the strangest clam recipes is clam pizza, but it’s also one of the most beloved. Just ask New Haven’s Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, whose signature dish, white clam pizza, is a local favorite. The clam pizza was created sometime in the 1960’s by Frank Pepe himself, and the pizzeria has been serving it to hungry customers ever since. Their constant line out the door says it all. If you want to make white clam pizza of your own, check out this New Haven-style recipe, which translates this restaurant dish into something you can make at home.

Clam Dip

You’re sure to become a favorite at parties with this clam recipe. Clam dip is perfect for appetizers and snacks, it’s an easy crowd pleaser and it’s usually a pretty simple recipe to follow. It might be the easiest dish on the list. Check out this clam dip recipe, which takes only a few minutes to prepare! You can serve it with crackers, chips, fresh vegetables or even fried clams.

Clam Cakes

A cousin of fried clams and a truly New England dish, a clam cake is a deep-fried ball of chopped clam. Who could say no to that? You can even dip clam cakes in your clam chowder. This Rhode Island clam cake recipe uses quahog clams, cornmeal and beer.

Have you ever made any of these clam recipes? What’s your favorite way to eat or prepare clams? Let us know in the comments below.

Young people have had the advantage of growing up on the internet, but what if you didn’t come of age in the era of social media? If you’re a person of a certain age, some of these sites may seem confusing, filled with invisible rules and brand-new forms of etiquette. But social media is a great tool for seniors. You can use it to reconnect with old friends, stay in contact with far-away family, meet new people and see lots of baby pictures. If you’re new to social media, check out this social media 101 guide to learn the basics and start sharing.

There are three main social media sites that we’re going to cover: Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. There are many other social media sites, but at time of writing these are the most accessible and popular with older users. Fortunately, a lot of these sites are very similar. Once you start using one, it’s easier to pick up the others.

Social Media 101: Facebook

Facebook is one of the most popular social media sites out there, with 2.6 billion monthly active users. That means a lot of people in your life are already Facebook users.

Facebook can be accessed through its website when you’re on your computer, but if you’re using a smartphone or tablet, it’s best to download the Facebook app through the App Store (for Apple/iOS products) or the Google Play Store (for Android/Non-Apple products).

Facebook is great for staying in contact with people you already know, or people you’ve previously lost touch with. You can post life updates and pictures, and you can comment on others’ posts. When you “friend” someone on Facebook, you can follow their posts and see updates on their lives, and they can do the same for you. If you want to send someone a private message, Facebook has a feature for that called “Messenger.”

Another great feature Facebook has is Groups, which are like online clubs for people who have similar interests. There are groups for everything from crochet, to barbecue to yo-yos. You can use the search bar to find the best groups for you.

Social Media 101: Instagram

Unlike Facebook and Twitter, Instagram is primarily an app that you connect to with your smartphone or tablet. You can download the app through the App Store (Apple/iOS) or the Google Play Store (Android/Non-Apple).

Instagram is all about pictures! Every post is an image or a video, accompanied by a short (or short-ish) caption.

Unlike Facebook, you don’t have to be mutual “friends” to follow someone’s account. You can follow celebrities, lifestyle influencers, photographers, artists and more. You can also follow your friend from around the block, or your niece. You can choose to make your account “private” so that only people who you allow to follow you can see your posts, or “public” so that anyone can see your posts.

Instagram is very reliant on what the internet calls “tags.” Tags are hashtagged phrases (represented by the # symbol) that allow users to search through content easily. For example, if a user wants people who are searching “skiing” to see their photo, they put “#skiing” in their caption. Browse the different tags to find posts and creators you like!

You can also tag another user by putting an @ symbol in front of their username, instead of a hashtag. For example, if you took a picture of Tony Hawk, you could add “@tonyhawk” in the caption. Depending on Tony Hawk’s personal settings, he’ll be notified that you tagged him. Facebook and Twitter also use tags this way, but Instagram seems particularly reliant on this system.

Social Media 101: Twitter

Twitter is less about connecting with old friends and more about making new connections. Like Facebook, Twitter can be accessed on a computer through its website. You can also access it on your tablet or smartphone through the Twitter app, which can be downloaded from the App Store (Apple/iOS) or the Google Play Store (Android/Non-Apple).

Although you can post pictures and videos on Twitter, it’s mostly text-based. One tweet is limited to 280 characters. On your Twitter, you can post your own tweets, or re-post tweets from others using Twitter’s “retweet” feature. When you retweet something, you enable it to be seen by a wider audience. You can also reply to tweets to add your thoughts.

On Twitter, you can follow your friends, but you can also follow celebrities, journalists, comedians, people in your industry, politicians and more. It’s a great way to engage with current events, or even just to crack some jokes. Like Instagram, you can set your page to “public” or “private.” It uses a very similar tagging system to Instagram, though people don’t add tags to most of their posts.

Social Media 101: Etiquette

With social media comes brand-new rules of etiquette, which new users might not be aware of. Here are some very basic rules to keep in mind.

• Do not steal content (especially without credit). If you find an interesting photo, poem or other work of art, do not copy it and post it as your own. Always link back to the original creator.

• Do not share fake or misleading news. Before you share an incendiary article, do your due diligence and Google (or Snopes) the topic to check if it’s factual.

• Treat others how you would like to be treated.

• Refrain from using all capital letters – it’s perceived as yelling.

• Refrain from ending all sentences with ellipses (aka “…”) – it’s perceived as passive aggressive.

Social Media 101: Safety

The internet can be a dangerous place sometimes, but if you keep your wits about you, you can help keep yourself and others safe. Here are some basic tips for staying safe on social media.

• Do not post pictures with sensitive information, like your driver’s license, your license plates, your address or other important documents.

• Do not post a picture of the outside of your house. Even if you blur out the address placard, it’s scarily easy for people online to find you. Don’t give them an actual visual of where you live.

• Make sure your location is set to “off” when posting on your mobile device to refrain from sharing your exact location.

• Refrain from posting that you’re on vacation if your house is empty. That can be a clue for local burglars to target an empty house. Wait until you get home to post your beach pics.

• Don’t engage with people who are violently argumentative, are harassing you or are being verbally abusive. Most websites have a function that allows you to block another user from viewing your content. Block them immediately.

• If an offer seems too good (or bad) to be true, it probably is. Don’t click on links offering free watches, free gift cards or winning lottery numbers. They either want to steal your money, your personal information or both.

• Do not engage with bots. “Bots” are robot accounts that are run by computers, but are masquerading as real people. If someone has a long string of random numbers in their username, a stock photo as their profile picture, and repetitive or nonsensical posts, they’re probably a bot. Many bots are harmless, but many also spread false information and scams.

• Be cautious, but don’t be frightened. As long as you use your common sense, it’s easy to stay safe online.

Are you going to start using social media? Or have you started using it already? Tell us about your experiences in the comments below!

Want to follow us after you set up your accounts? You can check us out on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram! See you there!

Your windshield might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of car maintenance. It can easily be taken for granted – not eliciting much concern until there’s already a problem.

This shouldn’t be the case. After all, your windshield does a lot more than simply protect you from the outside elements. It provides up to 30% of a vehicle’s structural strength. In a crash or rollover, the glass supports the roof, helps the airbags deploy and prevents passengers from being thrown from the vehicle. If a chip or a crack weakens your windshield, you’re compromising your safety.

But how do windshields become weakened and what can be done about it? Let’s take a look at some of the most common ways windshields get damaged – and their solutions.

Windshield Blades

The rubber component of windshield wipers wear down over time, exposing your windshield to the blade’s plastic. This hard surface constantly rubbing against your windshield can cause scratching and other damage. If you notice that your blades aren’t cleaning your windshield as effectively, they probably need to be replaced.

Dirt

Dirt might seem harmless and unable to cause much damage to a hard windshield. But even small amounts of dirt, dust and grime can cause window damage. They can get caught in your wipers or cleaning materials and cause scratches.

Dirt can also leave your windshield vulnerable to more serious damage. When debris hits a flat, clean window, the force of the impact is distributed. This makes it less likely for a crack to form. However, if it hits an uneven surface, it can cause cracking.

Ice

Getting ice off a car is usually a pain we try to complete as quickly as possible. However, improperly de-icing can be extremely damaging to car windows. Using a plastic scraper on your windshield will slowly degrade the glass surface. If you have to repeat this several times per year, it could cause a serious problem.

Remove snow and ice from your windshield carefully and without a hard scraper. Make sure to include to use your vehicle’s defroster, which will help clear the ice without using additional tools.

Improper Cleaning

Cleaning your windshield incorrectly can be just as bad as not cleaning it at all. Cleaning materials such as sponges and towels can catch small rocks and other debris that will scratch up the windshield as you clean.

Meanwhile, substances like glass cleaners and detergents are too harsh for the surface of your windshield. They can cause streaks, film buildup and damage to the tint.

Extreme Temperatures

Like many materials, glass contracts in cold temperatures. This can destabilize a windshield’s structural integrity. According to a study by the Motor Industry Research Association, windshield chips are 60% more likely to crack in temperatures under 32 degrees and 80% more likely when temperatures drop below 14 degrees.

Conversely, extreme heat can be just as damaging to windshield glass. Warm weather causes the glass to expand and destabilize, leading chips to spread into vertical cracks. The same MIRA study suggested heat distorts the shape of the glass, which can lead to cracking by itself.

Another concern is the effect drastic shifts in temperatures can have on windshields. These sudden and extreme fluctuations, such as using strong air conditioning in hot temperatures or pouring boiling water on a snow-covered windshield, can cause glass to crack without warning.

Wear and Tear

Unfortunately, some damage to your windshield is inevitable no matter how much effort you put into protecting it. Simply driving your car and exposing it to the elements causes wear and tear that can weaken the strength of the glass. Additionally, driving over a speed bump, pothole or other uneven terrain can cause a windshield to crack. The jarring force radiates through the car and puts additional pressure on the edges of any glass chips, leading to a crack.

Solutions

Keep It Clean

It’s important to keep your windshield as clean as possible. Dirt and debris can cause scratches that can lead to even larger problems.

If you’re cleaning your vehicle yourself, use designated auto glass cleaners along with a microfiber cloth. These super-soft towels are made with millions of microfiber strands that won’t damage your windshield’s surface. They also won’t leave behind any lint. Make sure to rotate the cloth so you’re always using a clean surface.

Slow Down

Debris will have more of an impact on your windshield the faster you drive. Make sure you’re always driving at a safe speed.

Speaking of debris, most of the dirt and rocks that hit your car will come from the vehicle in front of you. Make sure to keep a safe distance from other cars, particularly when driving on dirt, sand or dust-laden roads.

Check Your Windshield

Make it a habit to regularly inspect your windshield. If you see any chips, cracks, scratches or other damage, get it checked out right away, no matter how small. These seemingly insignificant problems can quickly turn into major damage that will cost significantly more to repair.

Additionally, if you notice your windshield blades are wearing down, get new ones. Wipers should be replaced about every six months.

Get more car safety tips. 

Calling all movie buffs! Test your 70’s movie knowledge.

Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your puzzle playing experience. Good luck!

Since our members are the root of everything we do, your feedback is important to us. Let us know if you run into any issues while playing, or share your ideas for future puzzles by emailing us

Feng shui basics can be applied to nearly every room of the home, from living and dining to working spaces.

The ancient Chinese philosophy of feng shui (literally translated to “wind” and “water” – elements associated with health and good fortune) aims to balance the energy, or “chi,” of a space to benefit the lives of those inhabiting it.

Although thousands of years old, feng shui’s core principle of creating harmony through the thoughtful arrangement of items is still valued and used by modern architects and interior designers.

Whether or not you follow the various intricacies of feng shui rules, using your living space in a more efficient way can undoubtedly make you feel more comfortable and productive. Those who organize according to the practice often find it helps create a happier and healthier home.

To feel the benefits of feng shui, there’s no need to completely remodel so that certain things align (or don’t). Rather than breaking out a compass, trying to balance the elements or starting demolition, here are a few feng shui basics you can try in your home.

Doors and Entryways

Start at the place where people and energy enter your home: the front door. Doorways represent opportunities, so they should be well-maintained. Keep your front door clean, with no chipping paint or scuffs. Fixing squeaky hinges and making sure hardware such as the doorknobs, lock and doorbell are working properly improves feng shui and functionality.

Feng shui rules also emphasize the importance of the entryway; it’s the first thing you see when you come home, after all. Your entryway should be well lit and uncluttered. You don’t want to be tripping over things as you’re walking through the door. Too much clutter can make it difficult to think clearly.

Feng shui says that energy could be moving through your home too quickly if the front and back entrances are aligned. A simple fix would be placing a patterned rug at the doorway to help slow the energy. A nice warm rug also helps an entryway feel more inviting.

Let in the Sunshine 

The ability to brighten your home with natural light is a sought-after trait — just listen to any one of the many home buying/selling shows on TV. Natural light is free, warm and uplifting. What’s more, not getting enough sunlight can sometimes affect your mood. To let in the most natural light, improve feng shui and your overall mood and health, make sure your windows are clean. Your home’s windows should also be dressed, preferably with soft and clean curtains or drapes.

Bedrooms

Feng shui rules for the bedroom can get a bit lengthy. Here are a few easy changes you can make to bring balance to your sleeping space.

• Your bedroom should feel comforting, like your personal oasis. When styling a bedroom, feng shui suggests cool/calm colors. Earth tones and other shades that occur in nature are all great options.

• To further encourage positive feelings, hang a piece of art you like across from your bed so that it’s one of the first things you see in the morning.

• Try to let natural light in during the day and make sure it’s dark at night. Darkness helps your body produce melatonin, a natural hormone that aids sleep, while sunlight will help you wake up.

• Finally – and this might be difficult for some – there should be no TV in the bedroom. A television disrupts the flow of energy in a bedroom and makes resting more difficult. “Its hard surface echoes light and noise,” says Open Spaces Feng Shui. “Its sharp corners reduce the soft feeling in the room.” Additionally, television can be distracting and too much artificial light right before bed can make it harder to fall asleep.

Kitchen

The kitchen is often called the heart of the home, and therefore, an important room for creating good feng shui.

Just like in the bedroom, go with natural colors in the kitchen. Yellow is said to be especially beneficial because it’s associated with good digestion.

Having live plants is another plus. Bringing greenery into the kitchen can be easily achieved in the form of fresh, home-grown herbs (which will help improve your cooking, too!)

Just like for the rest of your home, good lighting and a lack of clutter in the kitchen are some feng shui basics you should stick to. Layering the lighting with a mix of ceiling-mounted and hanging fixtures will help to balance the room’s light.

When it comes to cleaning and minimizing, kitchens can be tough because they often see a lot of traffic. Try not to overcrowd your countertops with kitchen gadgets and appliances. Using smart organization techniques can make it easier.

Trying to follow all the feng shui rules can be difficult; choose what works best for you to make your home an even more enjoyable place to be.

Have you tried feng shui in your home? Tell us about it in the comments. 

Are you financially prepared to handle an emergency?

Even a modest cushion can help protect you from the fallout of an unexpected bill, but 40% of Americans wouldn’t be able to cover a $400 emergency expense with cash, savings or a quickly paid credit card charge according to a Federal Reserve report.

It’s certainly easier to spend than it is to save. Try these practical steps to stop unnecessary spending and keep your finances growing, so your money is there when you need it.

Set a Realistic Budget

Without a clear picture of your finances, it can be difficult to know how much you have available to spend. Start by making a spreadsheet of current monthly expenses including housing, utilities, food, transportation and other essentials that apply to your lifestyle. Next, factor in your income from salary, business ventures and other sources. From here you can see just how much is available to spend on entertainment and occasional expenses such as gifts and vacations while still making a contribution to your savings.

Evaluate Email Offers Carefully

Every morning you are likely bombarded with email offers ranging from percentage discounts to free shipping from your favorite retailers. While you might not have been planning to buy new beachwear, it’s harder to resist when given a time-sensitive 30% offer code. Most of these offers continue to flow regularly, so you’re not really missing out on deep savings if you ignore them. Consider deleting these emails right away or setting up an inbox “offers” folder.  If you happen to need an item, you can sort by retailer to see if a special discount is still in effect.

Avoid Signing Up for Promotional Lists

When you enter contests such as giveaways or accept offers for free magazines, you often are signing up for promotional lists. This results in emails from companies you’ve never heard of plus an endless stream of catalogs, all tempting you to buy something you don’t need. Read the fine print before giving away your contact information and unsubscribe as necessary to reduce temptation.

Resist Social Pressure

The stylized images on Instagram suggest that everyone lives in the perfect home and keeps up with the latest design trends, but social media is a highlight reel. When you’re scrolling through these images all day, you might be tempted to splurge as well. Take social media with a grain of salt. Behind the scenes, the owners of that gorgeous new lighting fixture may be spending beyond their means. If you find that you still are tempted by your feeds, check in less frequently and curate the accounts you follow.

Organize Your Closet

When you shift the focus toward organization, you realize just how much you own. Instead of shopping for new clothes, take stock of what is already in your closet.  Mix and match in new ways, challenging yourself to create new outfits for work and weekend adventures. Donate whatever you won’t wear again. Check the donation guidelines of local nonprofits and organizations such as a Dress for Success, which provides women with the clothing needed for job interviews, among other tools to achieve economic independence.

Avoid Boredom Shopping

When you’re browsing to fill time, shopping carts can fill quickly, particularly online.  If you shop to while away the hours, think of other activities you could be doing instead like checking out a new Netflix series or reading that book your friend recommended.

Wait Out the Impulse

When faced with the strong impulse to buy a particular item, sometimes the only thing you can do is wait it out. Based on your budget, set a limit of $100, $50 or even $25 for larger purchases and stick to a waiting period of anywhere from three days to a week before buying. This allows you to make a conscious spending decision that considers your budget and financial goals.

Reign in Small Expenditures

If you tend to make lots of smaller purchases like snacks at the convenience store counter or adding on last-minute suggestions to your online order, you may need to resist a bit more. Reducing these small spontaneous buys can add up over time.

Make Restaurant Meals a Treat Rather Than a Habit

Consider reducing how many times per week you buy lunch or get meal delivery. This doesn’t mean you can’t splurge on a celebratory meal occasionally or enjoy your favorite takeout, but make sure you are doing so mindfully rather than simply out of habit.

Treat Yourself Well at Home

While cutting back on restaurant-made meals and online shopping might seem like a sacrifice, there are plenty of lower cost ways to indulge at home. Consider this an opportunity to learn how to cook your favorite dishes while picking up new culinary skills. Turn an underused space in your home into a meditation or yoga spot that helps you unwind after a long work week. At the end of the day, you can find ways to enjoy the activities you love with the added peace of mind that comes from greater financial security.

If you want to shift your spending habits in lasting ways, try small, attainable changes that you can apply today.

You’ll find a DeLorean time machine, plenty of hair gel and the best blockbusters in our ’80s crossword puzzle.

Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your puzzle playing experience. Good luck!

Since our members are the root of everything we do, your feedback is important to us. Let us know if you run into any issues while playing, or share your ideas for future puzzles by emailing us.

Feeling wanderlust after being housebound for the past three months? You’re not alone.  

Before you hit the road again, visit AAA.com/TravelCenter, a site packed with the latest travel regulations, a U.S. map outlining requirements by state, expert travel agent assistance, road trip resources and a new video safety series aimed at highlighting best travel practices during these unprecedented times. 

“Being there when travelers need us is why we do what we do. So we’re evolving our member travel resources to meet the changing needs of travelers. Our online travel center is one way we are doing that” said Cyndi Zesk, vice president of travel at AAA Northeast.  “While many of our agents continue to work remotely, the travel center lets you connect with them digitally as well as access travel news, videos and information.”  

Here, you’ll find the newly launched SmartDepart, a travel series of live and pre-recorded panel discussions with tourism industry leaders, as well as the latest new travel programs offered by AAA’s preferred travel partners. Upcoming topics include personal safety during travel, what to expect on a cruise, and new theme park regulations. Visitors to the site can also view prior discussions, including one on travel safety protocols and regulations.  

The site also houses a COVID-19 travel restrictions map, showing state requirements in real-time, and a directory of AAA travel agents who can help travelers plan their next excursion. And with domestic travel and road trips expected to surge post COVID-19, a section devoted to new road trip offerings will help members envision their dream vacations. 

The newest industry information – from current TSA rules to airlines’ various regulations – can be found at the AAA Travel Center as well, along with webinars from tour operators, cruise lines and various destinations, ready to spark future vacation ideas. 

For more info (and inspo!), visit AAA.com/TravelCenter. 

U.S. student debt is estimated at $1.6 trillion. How did student debt become so high?

Thirty years ago, the average cost of tuition and fees for a four-year public university was about $3,500, adjusted for inflation, according to a report by College Board. Today, that amount may not even cover the cost of a meal plan for one year.

Rising costs in tuition, fees, room and board force students – and their parents – to take out loans and put themselves in thousands of dollars in debt.

Here’s the lowdown on how the cost of higher education has increased over the decades and why it continues to rise.

U.S. Student Debt: Then 

The first federal student loan program, the Federal Perkins Loan Program, was enacted in 1958. It was set forth by the National Defense Education Act, which was meant to encourage students to pursue math and science degrees. Fast-forward to 1965, when the Higher Education Act authorized six federal funding programs, including the Pell Grant program.

In the 1987-1988 school year, the maximum Pell Grant award was $2,100. Compare that to the yearly average cost of attending a four-year public university (including tuition, fees, room and board): about $9,000. A student granted the maximum Pell Grant award amount would have to come up with $7,000 to cover the rest of the cost.

U.S. Student Debt: Now

According to the College Board, the average yearly tuition and fee price for full-time in-state students at public four-year colleges and universities is $21,950 in 2019-2020. The maximum federal Pell Grant award for the 2019-2020 school year is $6,195. That leaves $15,755 for a student awarded the maximum Pell Grant amount to cover.

Private universities are even more expensive, averaging at almost $50,000 for one year, and that’s if you live in-state.

The average amount of student loan debt is $32,731, according to EducationData.Org. That’s a far cry from the less than $10,000 someone that graduated 30 years ago might have owed.

Many young people credit student debt as the reason for putting off major life milestones, such as getting married, buying a home and having children. For example, according to a study by NerdWallet, graduates of the class of 2018 can expect to purchase their first home with a 20% down payment at age 36.

Why Is U.S. Student Debt So High?

There are a few reasons why the U.S. student debt might be so high. One is that there are more people taking out student loans. More people attend college every year: roughly 12 million were enrolled in 1988, versus nearly 20 million in 2020.

Another reason? People are taking longer to repay student loans.

Because the price of tuition is rising, and the way we afford to pay it doesn’t keep up, it may take 10-20 years to pay off student loans – if not longer.

Back in the 1980s, the average tuition was about 10% of the average American’s income. Assuming that a college graduate was able to land a job with an average income, it didn’t take nearly as long to pay off student loans as it does today.

The best-case scenario upon graduating is to get a job with a yearly salary that’s greater than the amount that’s owed. Unfortunately, that scenario isn’t always likely.

Why Has Tuition Become So Expensive?

Since the 2008 recession, state governments have cut spending on higher education. Public universities began to raise tuition in order to make up for the loss in revenue.

It’s hard to even imagine a number larger than $1.6 trillion, but with tuition continually increasing and state funding staying where it is, that number can only go one way – and that way is up.

Are you one of the millions of Americans with outstanding student loans? Tell us in the comments below! 

Check out our advice on staying on top of your student debt.

AAA can help you with the burden of paying for college. Learn more about AAA student lending products and services.

This post was originally published in 2018 and has been updated.

Whenever we’re looking to have fun, we usually try to balance the level of entertainment with the price tag in hopes of finding a sweet spot. Generally, the better the experience, the more it costs.

This way of thinking limits our possibilities. Price doesn’t need to determine how much fun we can have. There are countless ways to have fun that won’t cost you a cent. Whether it’s in the comfort of your own home, your community or even a national park, these 10 activities will keep you entertained while keeping money in your pocket.

Virtual Visits

Most attractions across the country have been closed to the public for months and will likely remain that way for the foreseeable future. The silver lining is that many cultural destinations have opened their (virtual) doors for free.

Through live streams and online showings, you can experience all these attractions have to offer right from the comfort of your home. Enjoy a performance from the Metropolitan Opera or watch the penguins at the Mystic Aquarium.

Play a Game

There’s never been a better time to crack open the toy closet and dust off some of those old board games. We promise they’ll be just as fun as you remember. Bring out a family favorite or teach your kids how to play one of the classics from your childhood.

But don’t stop there. With the help of services such as Zoom and FaceTime, you can play virtual games with friends and family members you can’t see in person. It’s a great way to reconnect with loved ones while having fun at the same time.

Utilize Your Local Library

Speaking of libraries, if you haven’t checked in with yours lately, stop in for visit if it’s open or head to their website. Libraries offer so much more than just books – although there’s nothing quite like digging into a great read – including movies, newspapers and magazines. Many also have access to databases like ancestry.com, allowing you to spend the day researching your family tree. You may be able to rent an item or access a service even if the building itself is closed.

Last but certainly not least, local libraries commonly host events and classes for people of all ages. See if these are offered online if they’re not currently being held in-person.

Volunteer

Filling your free time while also helping people in need makes this option twice as nice. (Not to mention that volunteering has been found to improve your mood.)

Donating your time doesn’t have to feel like a chore. If you think outside the box, you can find an opportunity that you find rewarding and fun. Research organizations that align with your interests. Animal lover? Volunteer to walk the dogs at your local shelter. Great chef? Lend your skills to a soup kitchen or homeless shelter. Or you could simply put together a home-cooked meal for a friend, family member or neighbor you know could use it.

Get Outside

It doesn’t cost a cent to walk out your front door. And there’s nothing like fresh air and sunshine to boost your mood. Have a family picnic or go for a sunset walk along the water.

And don’t think you have to go far. Your property may be more than enough to host, say, a backyard camp out. Be as creative as you can. Think about bringing activities you normally do in the house outdoors. Maybe it’s a movie night under the stars or a candlelit dinner.

Move

While you’re in the great outdoors, why not try seeing as much of it as possible? Going on a hike or bicycle ride is a great way to get some exercise (which has been proven to boost mood) and see sights you may not have noticed before.

Do a little research to find a local bike trail or path. There’s likely one closer than you think. And depending where you live, there could be an exceptional hiking trail nearby you’ve never conquered. If all else fails, you can always go for a walk around town or a leisurely bike ride around the neighborhood.

Learn a New Skill

Have you ever wanted to learn how to knit? Or juggle? Or pick up a useful career skill like excelling at Excel? There’s never been a better time to add some bullet points to your resume.

Even better is that many of these skills can be learned for free. YouTube alone has tutorials on just about everything (just make sure it’s from a reliable source.) But there are a host of other online resources such as SkillShare.com. You might also want to check with your local community college or other learning institutions to see what kind of free classes they offer.

De-Clutter

Cleaning and getting organized may not sound like your idea of a good time. But what if you could turn it into a moneymaking endeavor? Going through your old stuff will almost always result in finding things of value that you simply don’t use anymore (or never did). With the amount of marketplace apps available today, selling your stuff has never been easier.

Even if you don’t make money from cleaning your spaces, the task certainly will make your life easier. Getting organized can reduce stress and make you more efficient. Maybe this includes jobs like rearranging furniture or hanging that piece of art that you’ve been putting off. You might not be jumping at the chance to do some housework but your future self will be pleased.

Cook Something

When it comes to food, what’s on the plate is usually what we look forward to the most. But the actual act of cooking a meal can be just as much fun as chowing down on your meal – especially when you include others in the process.

Look around your house to see what ingredients you have available and plan your meal accordingly. Once you’re set on an idea, bring in guests to help. This is a great opportunity to get kids involved and have them learn about new foods, kitchen safety and measurements in a fun and interactive way.

You can make the activity extra special with a theme: Meatless Monday, Taco Tuesday, etc. Or maybe pretend you’re at your favorite restaurant and print menus with the different courses. 

Create Something

When it comes to creating something out of nothing, don’t stop at the kitchen. There’s never a bad time to be crafty.

Search your home for supplies. Maybe you have a bunch of art supplies, maybe you don’t. But you’d be surprised at just how creative you can get. Everyday household items can turn into your abode’s newest statement piece, like a humble garden house that transforms into a decorative wreath.

Maybe no other business model was in more desperate need of an overhaul than the process of buying a car. People almost universally loathe wandering lots, discussing options and financing, negotiating prices and filling out reams of paperwork. It can be enough to make people want to just ride Ubers permanently (which, as it turns out, is happening).

Fortunately, the modern world has caught up to the industry. There are now a number of new options and enhancements to car buying that make it easier, more efficient and, dare we say, enjoyable?

Buying Online

You can buy just about anything online these days, so why not cars? There are already numerous car-buying sites, including Carvana, Vroom and Shift. The business model for all these companies is generally the same. Each has an inventory of cars that buyers can search through on their website. Most online dealerships use newer-model used cars, although companies like NowCar offer new vehicles.

Once a user finds a car they like, they can purchase it at a fixed price and fill out all the paperwork in just a few minutes – all without leaving the house. You can even get the car delivered right to your driveway. (Although, if you’re using Carvana, you may want to visit them in-person just to be able to say that you purchased your car from a vending machine.)

Speaking of Carvana, the online dealer is the prime example of the shifting dynamics of the car-buying structure. According to the company, in 2018, Carvana was the fastest-growing automotive retailer in the U.S. by units. It sold 94,108 retail units over the course of the year, which represented a 113% increase in sales. “Carvana is ‘the new way to buy a car,’ giving car buyers a great selection of more than 15,000 vehicles, at a great price, with the great customer experience we’ve become known for,” said Ryan Keeton, chief brand officer and co-founder at Carvana. “More and more consumers are embracing the transparency, ease and convenience we offer.”

Online dealerships not only make the process of buying a car easier and more convenient, they make it much less expensive. By circumventing the brick-and-mortar dealership, companies also avoid all the overhead that comes with it. This savings is then passed down to the buyer.

It’s not just the car-buying that has moved online. Drivers can also pre-approved for a car loan through AAA without leaving their house.

Augmented Reality

As convenient as online shopping is, purchasing a car based solely on two-dimensional images is not the most comfortable idea. This is one of the main reasons the process of buying a car took so long to evolve. Yet many people, particularly younger buyers, still want to avoid a dealership. To solve this problem, car manufacturers are increasingly turning to augmented reality.

Augmented reality is a technology that virtually overlays images and information onto a physical environment. With this technology, consumers can use their smartphones or tablets to place a life-size, three-dimensional image of the prospective vehicle in their driveway.

Not only can buyers walk around it and open the doors, they can get inside. Augmented reality allows drivers to virtually sit inside the car to get a feel of what it would look like in real life. Jaguar Land Rover, for example, created a 360º view of the interior of its new car, the Velar.

Digital Showrooms

Even those who do dare venture out of their home and into a dealership can still experience digital technologies. Many now have in-store apps that let customers view and customize their car just as they would from their home computer. But luxury manufacturer Audi has taken it one step further with Audi City. Located in several major metro areas around the world, Audi City is an all-digital showroom. There are no tangible cars in-house. Instead, buyers view the vehicles on giant display screens. Customers can digitally configure any car to their liking and then get a realistic experience of driving it through the use of virtual reality.

The digital nature of this business model allows Audi to present its entire catalog of cars to consumers, including all trims, options and accessories. In total, there are tens of millions of permutations created with just the touch of a button. All-digital showrooms have the added benefit of taking up significantly less space than a traditional dealership. This helps increase consumer access by enabling dealerships to operate in more densely populated areas, such as large cities.

And it is not just manufacturers offering this technology to the public. Third-party companies are getting in on the fun as well. RelayCars, for example, has apps that provide a virtual look at nearly every make and model on the market.

Subscription Ownership

Cars are more expensive to own than ever before. It’s a large initial investment, then monthly payments, plus insurance and gas and maintenance, all for a product that loses value the minute it rolls of the lot. Unless you know that you will be driving that car for the long-haul, the traditional process of buying a car may not be for you.

That’s why companies are now offering drivers a new option – subscription service. Just like you would pay a monthly fee for your Netflix subscription, buyers can  pay a flat rate to drive a pre-owned car for a set period of time. Users simply log on to the app of their choice, such as Flexdrive, Fair and Borrow, pick the vehicle they want and how long they need it for, and then go pick it up. After that, they pay a weekly or monthly fee, which usually includes insurance, unlimited mileage and routine maintenance. When the subscription term is over, the driver simply returns the car. The traditional long-term commitment of car ownership is relinquished.

How do you feel about the process of buying a car? Are you fine with the traditional model or do you think it needs revamping? Let us know in the comments below!

Looking for a new car? Make sure to check out our reviews and Auto Buying Program first and learn about AAA’s financing and insurance rates!

Funk, soul, R&B, pop, rock and disco all carved out their place in the music world in the 1970s. Did your favorite band make it into our 70’s music crossword? Play now to find out.

Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your puzzle playing experience. Good luck!

Since our members are the root of everything we do, your feedback is important to us. Let us know if you run into any issues while playing, or share your ideas for future puzzles by emailing us.

At a time when the world needs some uplifting, Phil Keoghan is here to deliver. The host and producer of the Emmy Award-winning “The Amazing Race,” has a new show premiering on CBS in July that couldn’t be more timely.

“Tough as Nails” is a competition series that celebrates the hard-working Americans that keep this country running. The cast will include firefighters, farmers, construction workers and more who will compete in real life challenges that will take place in the real world – construction sites, oil fields, a fire academy, etc. Only one will be crowned the winner of “Tough as Nails.” 

The show, which Keoghan co-hosts and is an executive producer along with his wife Louise Keoghan, was created and filmed prior the pandemic. But now more than ever, many are recognizing the importance of these workers. 

Keoghan’s work has taken to all corners of the world. But his traveling began in earnest with road trips through his native New Zealand.

What was your first car?  

A 1977 Toyota Corolla SR Coupe which I paid $4,995 for. 

How did you acquire it?  

I bought it from a car yard in Christchurch, New Zealand when I was 18 and got my first job in television. 

What did you love most about it?  

It was red, looked aggressive and had an awesome sounding engine…the previous owner had drilled holes in the exhaust!  Sorry former neighbors. 

What didn’t you like about it?  

It had a structural alignment issue causing the car to do weird things over 70 miles an hour. 

What’s your best memory of it?  

A massive road trip around the South Island of New Zealand while playing Paul Simon’s new Graceland album and Bobby McFerrin’s song, “Don’t Worry Be Happy” over and over. 

What happened to the car? 

I sold it in a private sale. 

For more celebrity stories, visit AAA.com/MyFirstCar.

It’s no surprise that raising kids can be expensive.

“Middle-income, married-couple parents of a child born in 2015 may expect to spend $233,610 ($284,570 if projected inflation costs are factored in) for food, shelter and other necessities to raise a child through age 17,” according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. That’s before considering college costs. 

Sticking to a budget isn’t always easy but every little bit you can save now can benefit you later on. Here are seven tips that could help you save on activities, necessities and planning for your kids’ future. 

1. Childcare 

One of the biggest expenses associated with having kids is childcare. Not everyone can be a stay-at-home parent or have the opportunity to work from home. In these cases, childcare may be a necessity. 

First, look into whether your employer offers a childcare voucher. There are also government and local programs that could be worth looking into. 

Try swapping babysitting duty with family or friends. This way, you’ll rest assured knowing who’s watching your kids without having to spend a penny.  

Once the kids are in school, consider after-school activities. Things like art club, mathletes and other extracurriculars can be inclusive and free or possibly cheaper than other options. 

Sports can be worthwhile as well, but equipment can be expensive. Consider buying used equipment and/or limiting to one pay-to-play sport per child or season. Running around trying to make it to too many activities can be overwhelming for both kids and parents.

2. Birthdays, Holidays and Vacations

Toys typically go on sale in January, after the holidays. Consider stocking up on a few gifts for kids’ birthday parties throughout the year. Timeless gifts can even be saved until the next holiday season. 

You don’t have to go on a big, expensive vacation every holiday break, or even every year. Consider mixing in “staycations.” Go for quality over quantity. Genuine family time is priceless, and kids that are too young won’t remember elaborate trips. 

When it is time for a family vacation — whether it’s yearly or every other year — look for discounts, family packages and consider going off-season to save on cost.  

3. Food Planning

Takeout can be expensive. While homemade meals are almost always healthier because you can control what you put in, home cooked foods are cheaper too.  

Start with setting up a menu. Meal planning saves time later on; you won’t be searching through the cabinets wondering what to make. Plan at least a week in advance. Save money by using what you already have, which will also reduce food waste. 

Have a couple of go-to favorites, like taco Tuesdays. Some meals can be made in advance while gadgets like slow cookers and instant pots will do a majority of the work for you.

Have a budget and track your spending as you shop. Save by skipping pre-cut and prepared foods. Use weekly circulars from your grocery store to take advantage of sales, as well as coupons and apps. Don’t go overboard with snacks, only buy what you need and never go grocery shopping hungry. 

When you do dine out, save any leftovers. This way, you’re getting all of what you paid for. Leftovers make a good lunch or possibly dinner for the next day.

4. Invest in Reusables

The idea behind reusable products are to pay a little more upfront — compared to cheaper throw-away items — in order to save money in the long run. Reusable items are more sustainable and better made for this reason. 

Rather than using plastic baggies for kids’ snacks or school lunches, consider reusable bottles, containers and bento boxes. They are eco-friendly, come in fun colors and designs and are typically dishwasher safe.

Though clothing may not be a stereotypical reusable product, clothes do fit the bill. Young kids are always outgrowing clothes. Ask family and friends for hand-me-downs and consider buying certain items secondhand. A major exception would be car seats, which should be newer in order to meet safety regulations.

When it comes to buying new clothes, shop when there are sales. February and August are good months for purchasing kids’ clothes thanks to back-to-school sales. Also, consider investing in unisex clothes if you plan to have another baby or someone close to you is. 

5. Family Activities

Just like family vacations, not every outing has to be extravagant. Plenty of family and kids’ activities can be enjoyed in and around the house, with little to no cost at all. 

Home movie nights and family games — both digital and classic board games — are fun and affordable, sometimes free. Utilize your local library for everything from books and movies to classes and audiobooks.  

To get some fresh air, camp or picnic in your own back yard. For more physical activities, try family bike rides and games like hide and seek, tag and scavenger hunts. 

6. Be Green

Saving on utilities by turning off lights, only cooling/heating certain parts of the house and reducing water waste have become energy-saving no-brainers to most adults. Take some time to teach these skills to your kids, and then they’ll be helping you save too. 

Try gardening or planting with your kids. Teaching them how to nurture a living thing and/or giving them the job of watering your plants can teach responsibility. Growing some of your own food can lessen the amount of groceries you have to buy. 

When decluttering, donate or sell things you don’t need rather than throwing them away. Sell with a yard sale or through apps like eBay, LetGo and Facebook Marketplace to make a little money. Meanwhile, donating can show your kids the importance of giving, which you can later include during tax time.

7. Save for Their Future

Open a savings account in their name, preferably a high-interest savings account. Contribute to it as regularly as every other paycheck or annually on birthdays, depending on your financial situation. When it comes to saving, every penny really does count. 

Take some time to sit down and talk to your kids about money. Explain the value of it and the importance of saving. As kids get older, have them pay for things they want on their own, whether that means doing extra chores, babysitting or finding a part-time job.

Finally, when it comes to higher education — whether that means college, trade school or other training — look into every option for saving on costs. Consider scholarships, grants, online classes and community college. There’s also student lending.

With so many different expenses, it can be overwhelming to think about how to save money when you have kids. By planning ahead and saving smart, it’s a more obtainable goal than it may seem.

Do you have any other tips on ways to save when you have kids? Share them in the comments.

Discover the path to longevity. Reducing the likelihood of heart disease, obesity and anxiety, hiking can help increase your quality of life. The heart healthy and therapeutic activity of exploring nearby hiking trails is the perfect way to spend a weekend. Forget about your worries. It’s time to take a breather and slow down.

Note: Due to the ever-changing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, please see official websites before visiting to check for restrictions or closures.

The Top 5 Nearby Hiking Trails

Black Mountain Loop at Lake George

Length: 7 miles

Located in: Lake George, N.Y., 75 minutes north of Albany and four hours north of NYC

Highlights: The moderate hike up Black Mountain rewards with breathtaking views that overlook the northern portion of Lake George. To the south, mansions and resorts dot the shoreline, and to the north, there are spectacular views of Anthony’s Nose preserve and the rugged peaks of Tongue Mountain. Detour from the main path and venture off on one of the trails leading to the south or east, where three small ponds (Black Mountain, Lapland and Millman) rest within a mile of the summit. At the summit awaits one of the few remaining fire towers in the Adirondacks.

Don’t miss: Take a hot air balloon up over the water.

Gulf Hagas Trail

Length: 8 miles

Located in: Northeast Piscataquis, Maine, 3 1/2 hours north of Portland

Highlights: Considered the “Grand Canyon of the East,” the Gulf Hagas Trail rests in one of the most remote sections of the Appalachian Trail. With no bridge at the trail crossing point, travelers should be prepared to get wet at Pleasant River, which spans 150 feet wide. Along the trail, beautiful cascading waterfalls and deep, mesmerizing gorges are the main attractions. Watch your footing; the path can get a little wet. And be sure to visit Hermitage, a stunning old growth pine stand owned by the Nature Conservancy, or gaze at Screw Auger Falls.

Don’t miss: Bring a friend, a map and a plan. This trail, while beautiful, is extremely remote. Be careful and wear well-draining shoes for river crossings.

Pulpit Rock – Pinnacle Loop

Length: 9 miles

Located in: Albany, Pa., 90 minutes northwest of Philadelphia

Highlights: Out of the entire 230 miles of Appalachian Trail cutting through Pennsylvania, this 9-mile stretch offers two of the best views around Pulpit Rock and Pinnacle Rock. Moderate on the difficulty scale, this hike is fine for most adventurers and at the summit, seemingly endless views of Leigh valley make it well worth the trip. Travelers can expect sprawling views surrounding hills and patchwork of farmland. Beautiful year round, the view comes alive during the fall.

Don’t miss: The chance to get there early! This hike is popular and on busy weekend afternoons large crowds detract from the peaceful view.

Cliff Walk

Length: 3.5 miles

Located in: Newport, R.I., 45 minutes south of Providence

Highlights: The first National Recreational Trail in New England, this walk has history. It winds past the cliffs of Sheep Point Cove, showing off rocky shoreline, and travels the gilded age architecture of Newport’s Historic District. Along the way, wildflowers and birds add to the scenery. Further south, trailgoers scramble from rock to rock on a more natural and rugged path. So, be sure to wear the proper shoes.

Make sure you: Visit the Colonial architecture and the local museums. The White Horse Tavern, which is the oldest U.S. tavern still serving drinks, is also a neat spot to visit.

Lion’s Head to Bear Mountain

Length: 13 miles

Located in: Salisbury, Conn., 90 minutes north of Bridgeport and 75 minutes southeast of Albany

Highlights: Go for the hike, stay for the scenery. The quiet trek up Lion’s Head along the Appalachian Trail is a short (but difficult) hike with an amazing view. The highest peak in Connecticut, Bear Mountain overlooks a sprawling and breathtaking landscape. From the top of the summit, hikers can watch as sections of southern Connecticut fan out wide, with rolling Litchfield Hills. Due east, the Twin Lakes. And north, views of Massachusetts and the interspersed mountainsides, farmland, woodlands, and small towns.

Don’t miss: The 22-foot stone pyramid at the top of Bear Mountain and enjoy views of the Catskills.

There’s nothing better than a little one-on-one with nature or a quiet hike with family or friends. During autumn, these nearby hiking trails offer beautiful blazing color. Head off on a new adventure!

Need some motivation? Read about one AAA member’s ultimate hike along the Appalachian Trail. 

What are some of your favorite nearby hiking trails? Let us know in the comments below. And for more local outdoor exploration check out these walking and running trails. 

This post was originally published in 2018 and has been updated. 

AAA kick-started its roadside assistance service back in April 1915, when five motorcyclists working for the Automobile Club of St. Louis founded the “First Aid Corps.”

The group didn’t wait to be called. They drove through the city’s streets on Sundays looking for stranded motorists, making minor engine and tire repairs for free, for members and nonmembers alike. They helped 24 folks on that first Sunday and 171 by the end of the first month.

The service was wildly popular. The club was flooded with grateful letters, including one from Carl Simons, manager of the St. Louis branch of Studebaker Corp., after his inner tube was repaired by one of the mechanics.

“I don’t know who was the originator of this service idea, but it is the most splendid feature we can call to the attention of prospective (AAA) members,” wrote Simons. “And you may rest assured that every purchaser of a Studebaker car will be solicited by me personally to become a member of the St. Louis Automobile Club.”

Studebakers may not be around anymore, but the rest, as they say, is history.