Last Updated on May 11, 2026 by Daily News Staff

5 Tips for Gardening with Kids

(Feature Impact) Gardening is a simple way to bring families together while simultaneously teaching kids hands-on lessons about nature, responsibility and healthy living. Whether you have a backyard garden, a few containers on the patio or are looking for a starting point, getting your children involved in planting and caring for plants can spark curiosity and create lasting memories.

To get started, consider these family-friendly tips:

1. Start Small

Begin with a manageable project, such as a few containers, a small garden bed or a single planter box. This helps keep the experience fun rather than overwhelming and allows children to see progress quickly.

1. Let Kids Choose the Plants

Giving your children a say in what goes into the garden can help build excitement and a sense of ownership. Ask them to pick a few colorful fruits, vegetables or flowers that grow quickly, such as sunflowers, cherry tomatoes, mint, sugar snap peas or marigolds.

1. Give Them Their Own Space

Kids feel proud when they have something that’s their own. Consider assigning each child a small plot, container or row in the garden. Let them be responsible for watering, planting and checking on their plants.

1. Use Kid-Sized Tools

Little hands typically work best with tools designed just for them. Small watering cans, lightweight trowels and child-sized gloves help kids participate safely and comfortably.

1. Encourage Creativity

Gardens don’t have to be all work. Add some fun to the process by adding artistic touches. Projects such as decorating pots, painting plant markers or creating a fairy or butterfly garden can keep imaginations engaged as well.

From the first tiny sprout to the final harvest, find more family-friendly gardening advice at eLivingtoday.com.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

SOURCE:

eLivingtoday.com

Welcome to the Consumer Corner section of STM Daily News, your ultimate destination for savvy shopping and informed decision-making! Dive into a treasure trove of insights and reviews covering everything from the hottest toys that spark joy in your little ones to the latest electronic gadgets that simplify your life. Explore our comprehensive guides on stylish home furnishings, discover smart tips for buying a home or enhancing your living space with creative improvement ideas, and get the lowdown on the best cars through our detailed auto reviews. Whether you’re making a major purchase or simply seeking inspiration, the Consumer Corner is here to empower you every step of the way—unlock the keys to becoming a smarter consumer today!

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Last Updated on May 10, 2026 by Daily News Staff

Room-by-Room Tips for Clutter-Free Spaces

(Feature Impact) A well-organized home isn’t about perfection. It’s about creating systems that make everyday life easier. When everything has a place, it’s simpler to maintain and keep clutter from creeping back in.

Experts often recommend tackling organization one room at a time, sorting items into categories like keep, donate or discard before finding the right storage solutions. If your home could use a refresh, start small and work your way through each space with these organization tips.

Entryway

A dedicated “drop zone” ensures items used daily don’t end up scattered throughout the house. However, the entryway is also one of the easiest places for clutter to pile up. To keep it tidy:

• Install wall hooks for coats, bags and backpacks
• Use a small bench or basket for shoes
• Add a tray or bowl for keys, sunglasses and everyday essentials

Kitchen

One of the most-used rooms in nearly every home, kitchen organization is key to making daily routines smoother. To stay organized:

• Clear unnecessary items off countertops
• Group pantry items by category, such as snacks, baking supplies and canned goods
• Store rarely used appliances in cabinets or a pantry

Living Room

Living rooms often serve many purposes, from relaxing and entertaining to working or studying. The key is creating storage that blends seamlessly with your decor:

• Use decorative baskets for blankets, magazines and toys
• Choose furniture with hidden storage like ottomans or coffee tables
• Keep remotes and small electronics in a designated tray or organizer

Bedroom

Your bedroom should feel like a sanctuary. Too much clutter can make it harder to relax and unwind. To maintain order:

• Keep only essential items on nightstands
• Rotate seasonal clothing to free up closet space
• Use under-bed storage bins for extra linens or off-season clothes

Bathroom

Bathrooms often have limited space, so smart storage solutions are essential:

• Keep countertops clear except for frequently used products
• Separate backup supplies from daily-use items, which should be stored for quick access
• Use over-the-door organizers for towels or extra storage

Home Office

Whether you work remotely or simply manage household tasks, an organized office helps you stay focused. To improve productivity and reduce distractions:

• Digitize or recycle unnecessary paperwork
• Use desk trays and organizers for supplies
• Create labeled folders or a filing system for important documents

Storage Areas

Garages, basements and storage rooms can quickly become catch-all spaces. A little planning can make them much easier to manage:

• Label bins for seasonal decorations, tools or sports equipment
• Use shelving and wall storage to maximize vertical space
• Keep an inventory list for larger storage areas

With a little planning and the right habits, a well-organized home becomes easier to maintain. Find more ideas at eLivingtoday.com.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

SOURCE:

eLivingtoday.com

Welcome to the Consumer Corner section of STM Daily News, your ultimate destination for savvy shopping and informed decision-making! Dive into a treasure trove of insights and reviews covering everything from the hottest toys that spark joy in your little ones to the latest electronic gadgets that simplify your life. Explore our comprehensive guides on stylish home furnishings, discover smart tips for buying a home or enhancing your living space with creative improvement ideas, and get the lowdown on the best cars through our detailed auto reviews. Whether you’re making a major purchase or simply seeking inspiration, the Consumer Corner is here to empower you every step of the way—unlock the keys to becoming a smarter consumer today!

https://stmdailynews.com/category/consumer-corner

Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.

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Last Updated on May 9, 2026 by Daily News Staff

Stay Protected from Cyberattacks: Simple Safeguards to Reduce Cyber Intrusions and Real-World Losses

(Feature Impact) Connected homes are becoming the norm with millions of Americans relying on Wi-Fi networks, mobile apps and smart devices to manage everything from door locks to thermostats.

As convenience increases, so does exposure, and the experts at multiple-line insurance carrier Mercury Insurance are reminding homeowners that basic cybersecurity practices can help reduce both their digital and physical risks.

“Smart-home technology is incredibly useful, but it also expands the number of entry points into your home – not just digitally, but physically,” said Dustin Howard, head of info security at Mercury Insurance. “The good news is that many of the most effective protections are simple, proactive steps that homeowners can take today.”

Smart-home adoption continues to accelerate with recent studies showing roughly 70% of U.S. households now use at least one connected device. From video doorbells to smart garage doors, these tools provide visibility and control, but if not properly secured, they can also create vulnerabilities that bad actors may exploit.

Consider these cybersecurity best practices for connected homes:

• Secure your Wi-Fi network: Use strong, unique passwords – at least 14-16 characters with a mixture of letters, numbers and symbols – and enable WPA3 encryption when available to prevent unauthorized access. Also turn on your router’s built-in firewall and disable Wi-Fi protected setup.
• Update devices regularly: Firmware and software updates often include critical security patches that close known vulnerabilities. Turn on automatic updates for operating systems, applications, browsers and smart home devices such as thermostats and cameras. If devices are no longer able to update, it may be time to replace them to avoid compromising security.
• Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA): Adding a second layer of verification significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized account access. Enable MFA for email accounts, banking and financial apps, cloud storage and social media accounts, and use an authenticator app for confirmation rather than receiving a code via text or email.
• Segment your network: Consider placing smart-home devices, including televisions, security cameras and speakers, on a separate network from personal devices like laptops and phones. Also create a guest network for visitors to use to help further protect your main network.
• Change default settings: Many devices come with default usernames and passwords that are widely known and easily exploited. Change the defaults on your router as well as login credentials for any new devices, making admin accounts more difficult to target.
• Monitor device activity: Regularly review connected devices and remove any that are unfamiliar or no longer in use. If your router supports it, enable notifications for new device connections for real-time visibility.

“As homes become more connected, cybersecurity becomes a core part of overall home protection,” Howard said. “It’s not just about protecting your data – it’s about protecting your property, your privacy and your peace of mind.”

With smart-home technology expected to continue expanding, homeowners should treat cybersecurity as a routine part of home maintenance – just like checking smoke detectors or locking doors – to stay ahead of evolving risks.

For more information about protecting your home from cyberattacks, visit mercuryinsurance.com/resources.

Photos courtesy of Shutterstock

SOURCE:

Mercury Insurance

Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.

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