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While spring is a happy time for many, it’s understandable that those with seasonal allergies may hate the season. Warm weather brings about many allergens that can cause all sorts of annoying reactions. This leads many sufferers to prefer to stay indoors as much as possible. But it doesn’t have to be this way. There are many different things you can try to reduce your allergy symptoms so you can enjoy the weather and spend time outside with friends and family.

Know your triggers

It’s important to know exactly what triggers your allergic reactions. There may be one thing or many that cause you to have common symptoms. Mild allergies can get worse over time in some cases, so it’s always helpful to be prepared in case you suffer a severe reaction. Pollen, grass, pet dander and dust mites are common allergy triggers, and they tend to be more abundant during springtime.

Make simple changes

Pollen is higher on some days and in particular weather conditions. If you plan to spend time outdoors, check the pollen conditions in your area and plan accordingly. It may be wise to stay indoors on certain days, especially if it’s very windy. You can improve the air inside your home by using an air purifier with a heavy-duty filter system. There are plenty of options, many of which are designed specifically to remove common allergens from the air.

Seek treatment for severe reactions

Many people do well with over-the-counter allergy medications. However, if you find yourself avoiding outdoor activities due to your allergies, it may be time to seek medical help. Doctors who specialize in treating allergies can help you find the best options for your allergic reactions. They can perform tests that show exactly what you’re allergic to. Treatments for severe seasonal allergies may involve medications or other solutions.

Seasonal allergies are no fun, and they may make you hesitant to enjoy the beautiful spring weather. But there are many ways to lessen your symptoms through home remedies, staying aware of the conditions in your area and medical treatment for severe cases. Find the best way to manage your allergies so you don’t miss out on spending time outdoors with loved ones.

Breakfast time can be chaotic, especially if you have multiple people trying to get out of the house on time. Not everyone likes eating breakfast, but some people skip it simply because they don’t have time in the morning. If you enjoy eating breakfast, or if you like to make sure your kids get something in their bellies in the morning before school, these tricks may be able to help.

Use your freezer

Freezing certain breakfast foods makes for quick morning meals when you’re in a hurry. Pre-portioned smoothie packs are great for anyone who prefers something light. You can make up several packs with your favorite fruits and vegetables and blend them with your favorite milk, juice or other liquid. You can also make ahead breakfast sandwiches using English muffins, biscuits or bagels, and then adding eggs, bacon, sausage and cheese. Wrap them tightly with foil and put them into a freezer bag. They can be thawed and reheated or you can heat them from frozen in the oven.

Oats are healthy and versatile

Instant oatmeal is quick and easy, but it’s not always the healthiest option. Plus, it’s usually much cheaper to buy quick-cooking oats and then add your own flavorings or toppings. Overnight oats are a favorite of many oatmeal lovers, and they can be eaten hot or cold. You can also make baked oatmeal, portion it out and have it ready to reheat. The great thing about baked oatmeal is that it has a cakelike consistency but with less sugar.

For many people, eating breakfast is a needed step to get the day going. This is especially true for kids who are spending all day at school. But there may be little time in the morning to fix breakfast every day. Consider making some easy make-ahead breakfast options for yourself and the kids. Many are so simple that your kids can reheat or prepare them on their own. A little time spent on breakfast prep at the beginning of the week can make your mornings go much more smoothly.

Online grocery shopping has gained popularity in the past few years for several reasons. For a while, many people were avoiding going into stores, which meant ordering online for delivery or pickup was a good option. Buying groceries online can also help you save money since you aren’t picking up random items and you can see your total before you check out. But there are also some downsides to grocery shopping online. Consider the following if you’re on the fence when it comes to online grocery shopping.

A convenient time-saver

Shopping for your groceries online means you can compare prices. Many sites show the price per ounce or pound, which allows you to get the best deal for your money. Plus, with online shopping, you can compare different stores. Having groceries delivered to your home is a great timesaver too. Grocery pickup, while not as convenient as delivery, also saves a lot of time since you don’t have to go into crowded grocery stores.

May not please everyone

One of the main issues with ordering your groceries online is that someone else is picking out your food. This can be problematic with things like meat and produce. Plus, if they’re out of something you order, the store will likely provide a substitute. Sometimes those substitutes may be brands or sizes that you wouldn’t normally choose. Another downside of ordering groceries online for delivery or pickup is that some stores charge a fee for the service and the prices of some products could be higher than if you went inside the store and picked them out yourself.

Buying groceries is a regular task that everyone must do. Some people enjoy it while others look at it as a hassle. Ordering groceries online is convenient, but it’s not for everyone. You can save money by not buying impulse purchases, but you may pay extra fees and charges for the convenience. Those who are very picky about their groceries may not be happy with what the shopper chooses, especially when it comes to substitutions. If you’re thinking about online grocery shopping, you may consider trying a small order to see how it goes. It’s a great option for some, but certainly not the best for everyone.

There are many reasons to learn to cook more often at home. It saves money and allows you to know exactly what’s in your food. Plus, when you cook from home, you’re able to feed your family foods that they enjoy and that are usually healthier than takeout or delivery. Cooking can be time-consuming though, especially if you don’t prep ahead. But by taking some time at the beginning of the week or on the weekend before, you can do some basic prep that will make it easier to prepare meals throughout the week.

Have produce ready

Chopping vegetables for meals can take a lot of time. Most produce can be washed beforehand so it’s ready to eat or toss into your meals throughout the week. You can chop onions, peppers, and other hardy vegetables so they’re ready for meals. You can also wash, peel and chop many types of fruits, which makes it easy to grab them for snacks or a healthy dessert. Some fruits like berries don’t do well when washed ahead, but there are containers that are designed to keep these types of produce fresher for longer. These might be a good investment for those who are looking to save even more time.

Shop your kitchen and pantry

Go through your refrigerator, freezer and pantry to see what items you want or need to use up. Thaw meats for the week and plan on how to use them. Some meals, like baked pasta or casseroles, can be assembled a day or two ahead of time. You can also marinate meats the night before or in the morning so they’re flavorful and ready to cook for dinner.

Prep breakfasts

Mornings can be hectic, and it’s not always convenient to prepare breakfast every day. You can make some things ahead of schedule. Baked oatmeal, muffins and pancakes can all be made ahead of time, and they reheat well. You can also make egg/protein baked cups using eggs, bacon, sausage, cheese and your favorite vegetables. These bake up quickly in muffin tins, and they can be reheated in minutes in the microwave. Many of these foods also freeze well when stored properly.

A lot of people want to cook at home more for various reasons. However, with busy schedules, it can be hard to cook every day if you don’t have a plan. Spend a few hours on the weekend or beginning of the week prepping produce, planning breakfasts and thawing meats for the week. This not only makes it easier to cook dinners in the evening but can also help you eat healthier overall.

Early spring is the perfect time to begin planning your summer vacation. With the costs of many things rising, you may want to find ways to save money on your trip. Gas costs are up, and that leads to many other prices increasing, which can mean you might have to pay significantly more for your vacation this year. But if you plan ahead, and carefully consider your location and the activities you want to do, you can save money and still enjoy your family vacation.

Travel closer to home

With the cost of gas continuing to rise, you may benefit from choosing a travel destination closer to home if you plan on driving. Think of touristy areas that are less than 2-3 hours from your home. If you can’t think of anything, ask friends and family for nearby recommendations, or look online at travel websites to find attractions closer to home.

Ask for discounts

When you decide on a destination, you can benefit from booking your lodging early. Many hotels and rental agencies will offer discounts if you book early, though you may have to agree to certain restrictions like no cancellations. Also, be sure to ask if they offer discount tickets to local attractions. You can also sign up for discounts from restaurants and popular tourist destinations in the area, and they will often email you discount codes, especially if you buy tickets early.

Don’t overlook outdoor fun

Amusement parks and other expensive attractions can be fun but visiting them may take up most of your travel budget. State and national parks offer budget-friendly travel locations, and many provide plenty to do so you never have to leave the park. Camping onsite can also save money and you may be able to choose from tent camping or staying in a park cabin.

Family vacations make for lifetime memories, but as things get more expensive, you may be looking for ways to travel on a tighter budget. Planning is always important if you want to spend less on vacation. Book your lodging early and deal directly with the hotel or rental agency to find discounts on local attractions and to get the best price. Consider vacationing closer to home and look at parks and other outdoor attractions to save on your entire trip.

Recent events have led many people to think more about where their food comes from. Supply chain issues can create shortages in stores and may cause prices to rise. One of the best ways to feel more confident in your food supply is to grow some things on your own. Plus, it’s fun to grow fruits and vegetables, and you don’t have to have acreage to do it.

Go vertical

If you have a small yard or even just a small patio, think vertical when you’re planning what to grow. Many plants grow easily up a trellis or vertical growing structure. You can also plant strawberries, lettuces and tomatoes in hanging baskets. If you have a patio with a rail, there are even pots that are designed to fit over the rail, which is a great option for herbs and other smaller plants.

Prolific plants

When you’re gardening in a small space, you want plants that produce a lot in little time. Tomatoes and peppers tend to do well in containers, and they even come in patio varieties. You can use a large bucket or bin to grow potatoes, and in the right conditions, you can harvest pounds of them from one or two plants. If you’re unsure of which plants will work best for your area, consult your local garden center.

Create a strategy

When growing plants in small spaces, you may need to get creative. First and foremost, choose a sunny spot that’s easy to access so you can water your plants as needed. Succession planting works well with limited space since you can harvest different varieties of fruits and vegetables throughout the growing season. Understand your grow zone and research which plants grow best in your area.

Growing your own vegetables doesn’t require a lot of space. Know your growing zone and think about what vegetables you like to eat fresh during the growing season. Many plants do well in containers, and if you use all your available space, you can plant vertically to maximize your harvest. It’s very rewarding to grow your own produce, and it can give you peace of mind knowing you have more control over sourcing your own food.

A good laptop can last for years if you take care of it. But technology is not designed to hold up forever. Even with frequent updates, your laptop will eventually slow down and the systems on it will become obsolete. Depending on how you use your laptop, you may spend hours a day on it. Whether it’s for work or for everyday use, laptops will start to be inefficient, and they can crash frequently as they age. Even the highest quality laptops need to be upgraded at some point.

When to upgrade

You may notice that your laptop takes more time to boot up and the system may load slower than before. Other signs of an outdated device include frequent crashes, programs failing to load, and problems connecting to the internet or other devices on your network. In some cases, you can clean up your laptop to remove problematic programs and applications that you don’t use. This may extend the life of your laptop. But if you find that your laptop is no longer performing the functions you need in a timely manner, it’s probably time to get a new one.

Choosing a new model

You may feel comfortable with a particular style or brand of laptop, which can make you hesitant to upgrade to a new one. Learning the ins and outs of a new computer can take some time and can be frustrating, especially if you use your computer for work purposes and you need it to work efficiently straight out of the box. Read reviews and compare features when choosing your new device to be sure you’re getting your money’s worth. If you enjoy your current laptop, it may be as simple as upgrading to the latest version from that brand.

When you use your laptop daily, as many people do, you can easily notice when it starts to slow down, glitch or not load properly. Sometimes these issues can be fixed. But in many cases, you may need to upgrade to a new one. Using a new computer can come with a learning curve, and buying a new laptop can be expensive. But if your current one isn’t working and doesn’t meet your needs, it’s better to upgrade to one with the latest technology that is adequate for you.