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If summer had a smell, these would be part of it

Lifestyles

When people think about summer, they often picture sunshine, swimming pools, vacations and backyard cookouts. But have you ever stopped to think about what summer smells like? For many older adults, the scents of summer can bring back memories more quickly than a photograph. A familiar smell has a unique way of transporting us to another time and place. One whiff of fresh-cut grass or charcoal from a backyard grill can suddenly bring back memories of childhood, family gatherings and care-free summer days. One of the most recognizable smells of summer is freshly cut grass. Many ...

HINTS FROM HELOISE: Flatten your chicken with cereal bags

Lifestyles

DEAR HELOISE: I’ve discovered a second use for empty cereal bags (that go inside boxes of cereal). I use them for flattening chicken breasts. They’re much more durable than waxed paper, not as slippery as plastic wrap, and more sanitary than just using a cutting board and a meat mallet. I pop the breast into the bag, pound away, and repeat. If I’ve trimmed any excess fat off the meat, it goes into the bag when I’m done, then into the trash. — Margie, Damascus, Oregon DEAR HELOISE: A small flannel jewelry cloth can come in handy at estate sales and garage sales. It helps ...

DEAR ANNIE: Running out of reassurances for worried mom

Lifestyles

DEAR ANNIE: I am an adult now with grown siblings, but it seems my mother’s anxiety is growing right along with us. My mother is an incredibly anxious person. I try to be empathetic, but she hasn’t seen a therapist in years, and she completely dismisses any logical or positive reassurances meant to comfort her. At this point, I am at a loss for what to do. Currently, her anxiety is hyperfocused on our upcoming summer family vacation. She is worried about everything: flying, hiking, driving, wildlife and fires. It feels like she actively seeks out things to worry about, operating ...

Valley native brings Shy Blossom to Youngstown

Ticket

South Florida band Shy Blossom first bloomed in the Mahoning Valley. Shy Blossom is led by Adriana McDonald, who spent the first 12 years of her life in Cortland, Lordstown and Garrettsville before her family moved south. The band will play its first Ohio date ever on July 5 at Westside ...