More Lifestyles category, Page 61

Although most women understand its importance, scheduling their annual mammogram is not something they anticipate in the way they might a relaxing massage or a soothing paraffin hand treatment. One area hospital is looking to change that. Women who make an appointment for the upcoming HealthPlex Imaging “Mamm & Glamm”...

Children ages 5 to 12 are invited to learn about the fascinating world of monarch butterflies as Westmoreland County Master Gardeners host a “Monarch Migration Celebration.” The free event will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 7 at Penn State Extension’s Donohoe Center, 214 Donohoe Road, Hempfield....

A warm, cozy rug can make a room look and feel more appealing on even the chilliest fall night. And the right rug can be a source of comfort year-round. “They’re also great in the summer, if you think about it, because your shoes are off, you’re in your shorts,...

It’s been the summer of the snake for one man. We met a couple of weeks ago, via a business transaction. We got to talking about shared interests, among them hiking. He roams the woods with his two dogs, at least one of which tops 100 pounds. The places he...

Short questions I’ve been asked of late (mostly by journalists) and proportionately short answers: Question: Is there a single most important thing parents should be teaching during their children’s preschool years? Answer: The most important thing parents should teach is proper manners. The second and third most important things are...

Dear Carolyn: My mother conceived both my brother and me using a sperm donor. This information was never kept from us, and my mother has spoken openly about it throughout our lives. My stepdad adopted us. Recently, I was discussing taking an ancestry test and my mother revealed to me...

Gardens can be really beautiful places, full of color and interest, that bring peace and joy to those who tend and visit them. But, gardens can also serve purposes far beyond their beauty. Gardens can foster and support pollinators and other insects, increase local biodiversity and provide food and shelter...

Classes begin shortly for students, but there is something worth studying before the first bell rings. Doing research on what to buy for back-to-school can help save money. According to the National Retail Federation, which follows and supports the retail industry, the average household is expected to spend $685 on...

Question: I was given a Philodedron scandens oxycardium. The original plant was around 20 years old, was divided, and I was given 1/3 of it. The plant is in a container and weighs about 150 lbs. It is outside on a screen in porch that gets the morning sun. It...

This fairy tale castle doesn’t come with a prince but it does include a singer from “The Voice.” Andrew Sevener, a finalist from “The Voice,” will be performing a free concert on the grounds of an iconic castle home in Kuna, Idaho. View this post on Instagram I’m getting married...

A Scottdale woman will continue her late son’s mission with this week’s opening of the Tajz-Mahal Makerspace in Connellsville’s Carnegie Free Library. Earlier this summer, Antonette Dues began fund raising for the nonprofit organization she has established in her son Tajz Dues’ memory: Tajz’s Hope Foundation. Dues, 28, died on...

There is no skimming for the 29 teams competing in Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s Battle of the Books. Teams of three to five people need to read — thoroughly — the list of books “assigned” each year. “The questions are really hard,” says Dan Hensley, the library’s adult programming coordinator....

There will be a new way to cool off at Sandcastle next summer. The West Homestead park announced it will next year debut Bombs Away, described as “a high altitude, looping free-fall body slide.” The park said the slide will take riders up more than six-stories. “Riders will enter the...

A new lunchbox is one of the more fun back-to-school purchases you can make, and a cool one can be a bright spot in your kid’s day. These days, there are loads of choices, some simple, some with lots of bells and whistles. “There are so many more options for...

Question: Some friends of ours who’ve read a couple of your books and attended one of your talks told us that they solved some major discipline problems with their 4-year-old just by using what they called alpha speech. They tried to explain it to us, but we’d like to get...

Dear Carolyn: My oldest son has informed me he is finished with family gatherings “like a circus” and only wants to visit my husband and me in the future. The “circus” consists of his two brothers, their wives and one granddaughter. The excuse is that he and his wife have...

You don’t have to be a James Bond villain to own a volcano. There’s patch of woods sitting atop an ancient volcanic outcrop in England that just might suit your needs. It’ll cost you about $60,000 to join the global ranks of volcano owners. The property is part of the...

A night of friendly competition is planned for Aug. 23 at the Lincoln Highway Experience in Unity. Starting at 6 p.m., the “Thinkin’ Lincoln Summer Classic” will feature fun individual and team competitions both outside and in the museum’s new addition. Individual games will include basketball, fold a pie box...

If mosquitoes, gnats, black flies and no-see-ums are driving you buggy, then consider cozying up to some lavender, marigolds or basil. Scientists question their overall effectiveness, but many fragrant ornamental flowers and herbs grown around the home have properties that can repel insects. Insect repellents are divided into two primary...

If you have no particular place to go on Aug. 9, pick up Mustang Sally in your Little Deuce Coupe and head for Ligonier for some fun, fun, fun at The Stroll. The 17th annual 1950s-themed car cruise and dance contest is set for 5-9 p.m. on the downtown Diamond...

The fall lineup of art classes for all ages and skill levels will begin in September at the Latrobe Art Center. Two new classes are designed to create more interest in art among middle to high school students. Instructor Sharon Coons was an art teacher for 30 years, says center...

Jean Slusser, president of PFLAG — Parents, Friends and Families of Lesbians and Gays — Greensburg welcomes anyone to the annual Pride in the Park Picnic. Slusser is a founding member of the group and of Westmoreland LGBTQ Interfaith Network, co-hosts of the picnic from 2-6 p.m. Aug. 18 at...