Lifestyle features from around the web

4 reasons to plan now for holiday spending

Forbright Bank reports that planning ahead for holiday spending helps take advantage of discounts, save money, avoid overspending, and reduce financial stress.
Holiday shoppers are turning to AI. Can retailers deliver?
Kase reports holiday shoppers increasingly use AI for gift selection, prompting retailers to adapt inventory and fulfillment strategies for 2026 demands.
How to stay fresh while camping
AXE reports tips for staying fresh while camping, emphasizing hygiene essentials and fresh clothes to combat odor.
How to protect your engagement ring at destination proposals
Jewelers Mutual Group reports that nearly 1 in 5 proposals occur during travel, highlighting the importance of protecting engagement rings during destination proposals.
Armpit discoloration and darkening: Causes and solutions
Dove Men + Care reports that underarm darkening can be caused by friction, irritation, and product ingredients. 
Stress sweat: Why it peaks when summer ends
AXE reports that as summer ends, stress sweat replaces heat sweat, triggering stronger odors due to routine changes. 
Why clothing sizes still don't mean the same thing from one brand to another
Felina reports that online clothing sizes vary significantly by brand, making it essential to consult size charts, as there's no universal measurement.

The At-Home Peel That Gives You 'Professional Facial' Results in 2 Simple Steps

(NewsUSA) - If the thought of a chemical peel conjures images of red, flaky downtime, RoC Skincare is here to rewrite the narrative. The brand’s new Line Smoothing 2-Step Peel Pads bring the power …

Cuffing season is coming. Here’s how to know if your match is actually real.

PeopleFinders reports that as cuffing season begins, dating app users must be cautious of romance scams, adding the importance of verifying matches to protect your identity and heart.

AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD
Saint Paul, Capitol Region Watershed District to break ground on McMurray Athletic Fields Park and stormwater improvements
The City of Saint Paul and Capitol Region Watershed District (CRWD) will break ground on Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026, on a renovation project at McMurray Athletic Fields, including upgraded athletic …
Minnesota winters with strong el Niño systems are on average five degrees warmer with the Twin Cities receiving 13 fewer inches of snow than during winters without el Niño systems. Previous el Niño winters like that of 2023-2024 shattered high temperature records across the winter and spring.
What a ‘Super El Nino’ means for Minnesota
In August, the National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center predicted a greater than 90% chance of a very strong el Niño event during the Northern Hemisphere fall and winter 2026-27. …
The Glenwood-Inglewood Company in 1910. The Glenwood and Inglewood springs were on adjacent property and ran as separate water companies until about 1896. Minnesota Historical Society.
DO DRINK THE WATER
Before a new house is completed today in the Twin Cities, the utilities (sewer, water, natural gas, electricity, etc.) are already in place. The owners take it for granted that their new home will …
Minnesota Utility Customer Advocate marks 10 years, hundreds of millions of dollars saved
June marks 10 years since the launch of the Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota (CUB), an independent nonprofit that advocates for the state’s utility consumers. Focused on lowering home energy …
Fish die off at Como Lake likely due to low oxygen in water
Capitol Region Watershed District shared the following on June 4, 2026 regarding the large fish die-off that occurred in Como Lake this week: "Como Lake recently had a fish die-off that is …
More Lifestyle coverage
How Discord and Gaming Help Friends Stay Connected Across Distance

How Discord and Gaming Help Friends Stay Connected Across Distance

(NewsUSA) - September marks the beginning of a new school year, and for many students, it also marks the first time they will live away from home. College students are packing up, heading to campuses …

Apple retired the 8GB Mac because of AI. 16 months later, AI brought it back

SmartScout reports Apple made 16GB standard in all Macs before launching the $599 MacBook Neo, which now drives 24.1% of their Amazon laptop revenue.

September is Tobacco Free Parks and Beaches Education Month

By Lacoadia Burkes, Acting Bureau Chief, Tobacco Free Florida   (NAPSI)—As summer temperatures start to break, it’s a good time to focus on how important it is to keep our Florida beaches …

5 Tips for Networking on LinkedIn

(NAPSI)—“Networking” has a reputation of being more intimidating than it needs to. Who do you reach out to? What do you say? How do you make a new professional connection without feeling …

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Kia and its Dealers Expand Community Giving Nationwide

(Feature Impact) Kia announced its fifth annual "Accelerate the Good" dealer match program, which supports St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Survey: Many Americans pulled away from religion, then declined to pay for its replacement

Practical Enlightenment reports that a recent survey found 57% of Americans have pulled away from organized religion, yet 63% spent nothing on spiritual practices.

Americans own more clothes than ever. Here's how to store them correctly.

Closets by Design reports that Americans buy an average of 53 new garments yearly, leading to an increase in textile waste. 

The Best Lifestyle News

Helping Parents Help Their Kids In School

The school your children returned to this fall doesn’t have to be the school they return to next fall—it can be a much better fit for them.

(NAPSI)—Here’s news about education many parents may be glad to learn: More than 1.5 million students are heading back to school this fall with the help of a private educational choice program, a …

The Bell Rings. Is Your Child Ready?

Dr. James Anderson Sponsored by Collegium Pharmaceutical, Inc. (NAPSI)— Back-to-school is an incredibly important moment to get ADHD treatment right. Every August, I watch the same thing happen. A …

3 in 4 US shoppers blame tariffs for shortages they personally encounter

inFlow Inventory reports that a survey reveals 73% of U.S. shoppers blame tariffs for personal shortages, while only 22% cite them for overall shortages. 
AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD
Shelter with a Cause: Meet St. Paul Airbnb hosts on mission to end homelessness
When Roger and Vicki Henry started renting out the third floor of their Victorian home in 2018, business picked up quickly. Their first two bookings in 2018 went smoothly and a third was already in …
Denton Bruening is an agronomist with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.
How to safely apply backyard chemicals to protect Minnesota waters
Every spring, Minnesotans step outside to perform the same ritual: rake the lawn, plan the garden, and grab a bag of fertilizer to help the yard wake up from winter. What most people don’t realize …
The Midway Spirit Community Garden is at 1341-1383 W Taylor Ave. (Photo submitted)
Growth beyond the garden
Midway Green Spirit Community Garden (1341-1383 W Taylor Ave) has been around for 24 years. There are about 50 current gardeners, some who’ve been there since the beginning, holding memories of …
Accessory Dwelling Units can be located within the structure of the main house, including converted basements or attics; attached (additions or conversions of attached garages; or detached, free-standing backyard structures, detached garage conversions, same-level additions to the garage, or above-garage units. This ADU was carved from an unfinished attic space in a Golden Valley home.
ADUs offer multi-generational living
An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) can provide flexible and affordable housing options. They can be used to keep aging family members close, but in their own space. Or, the homeowner can downsize and …
Sid Triantafilou of Greco Linden Hills Painting paints houses in residential neighborhoods, including East Isles, near Lake of the Isles. (Photo by Lulu Jaeckel)
Homeowners experiment with paint colors, say local painters
Whale gray, dry sage and french press are some of the popular names of interior paint colors right now at Benjamin Moore, a paint company. Sid Triantafilou, a local painter and owner of Greco Linden …
Everyday Stories

Report: Lab-grown diamonds reach 51% of new engagement rings in 2026

BriteCo reports over half of newly appraised engagement rings feature lab-grown diamonds, with median prices for these rings significantly lower than natural ones.

Unwrapping Holiday Shopping: What 44 Billion Emails Reveal About When Consumers Really Buy

Unwrapping Holiday Shopping: What 44 Billion Emails Reveal About When Consumers Really Buy

(NewsUSA) - Analysis of more than 44 billion emails and 83 million text messages uncovers surprising patterns in when holiday shoppers buy, and what brings them backBlack Friday and Cyber Monday …

How to Plan and Prepay for a Funeral

(Feature Impact) Planning for the future often means making thoughtful decisions that bring clarity, reduce uncertainty and ease the burden on those you love. Taking the time to plan a funeral or memorial service is one of the most meaningful ways to provide that kind of support.

From the drive-thru to the digital model: How decades of store redesigns changed the way people shop and eat

Sevan Multi-Site Solutions reports how decades of store redesigns, like drive-thrus and self-checkouts, transformed shopping habits, often unnoticed by consumers.

Is your skin care truly clean? A data-backed checklist

Ogee reports on consumers' demand for clean skincare, adding that a checklist can guide shoppers to verify product transparency, ingredient safety, and third-party certifications for informed purchases.

How sleep, stress, and your skin are connected

Ogee reports that skin health is influenced by sleep and stress, emphasizing the need for consistent habits to improve recovery and appearance.

Why do I sweat more than others in hot weather?

AXE reports that sweating varies among individuals due to genetics, environment, activity level, stress, and hormonal changes, offering tips for management.

Grocery stores are a free-market success story

The Dispatch reports grocery stores operate on slim profit margins of 1%-3%, driven by competition and consumer behavior, amidst rising food prices.

How money matters can affect your relationship

Current reports that money significantly impacts relationships, especially among Gen Z, with 78% believing salary influences love prospects.

The rise of agent-to-agent commerce: When AI starts shopping for AI
Shopware reports on the rise of agent-to-agent commerce, where AI agents make purchases directly, reshaping online shopping and reducing human involvement.
The 10 fastest-growing US Instagram accounts of August 2026
Net Influencer reports the fastest-growing US Instagram accounts of August 2026, led by Sadie Sink, with Dolly Parton's memorial surge in second place.
Finding the best skin care routine for acne-prone skin
Dove reports on an effective skin care routine for acne-prone skin, emphasizing gentle cleansing, hydration, and the importance of consistency and suitable products.
Companion robots are embodied AI's first real market
OlloBot reports companion robots, like Fuzozo, are gaining popularity as a new market for embodied AI, providing companionship without pet ownership challenges.
How to get the sweat smell out of your clothes
Degree Deodorant reports that sweat odor clings to clothes due to bacteria buildup. To remove it, pre-soak with vinegar, use baking soda, and wash with cold water.
The Best stories for your family

How to control sweat on your wedding day

Degree Deodorant reports that on wedding days, stress and heat sweat can be managed with the right antiperspirant. 

New York Fashion Week has become the biggest creator activation of the fall
Net Influencer reports that New York Fashion Week has evolved into a major creator activation event, with agencies sending numerous influencers to engage with brands and attend exclusive parties, rather than just runway shows.
Should you shave before or after a shower?
AXE reports that shaving after a shower is generally better for most men, as warm water softens hair and reduces irritation, leading to a smoother shave.
A Mirror on America
A Mirror on America
(John M. Bridgeland) - On September 11, America marks the 25th anniversary of the day 19 terrorists hijacked four airliners and turned them into weapons against our country. It was among the darkest …
Bring Hotel Luxury Home with Better Bedding
Bring Hotel Luxury Home with Better Bedding
(NewsUSA) - A great night's sleep doesn't always require a luxury hotel reservation. Increasingly, homeowners are discovering that one of the simplest ways to create a more comfortable sleep …
Forever to For Sale: The Resilient Flooring Benefits for Short- and Long-Term Homeowners
(Feature Impact) Whether you just closed on your forever home or decided to stay put with a low-interest loan and renovate, choosing the right flooring often pays off. Flooring is a foundation homeowners count on every day in their homes and often a key factor for potential buyers.
When Do Travelers Trust a Travel Advisor Instead of AI?
(Feature Impact) Travelers are more likely to trust a travel advisor over AI when the trip becomes complicated, expensive or likely to change, according to new research.