Consumer Corner
Summer Organization Made Easy: 5 creative ways to simplify a busy summer
Last Updated on August 9, 2025 by Daily News Staff
Summer Organization
(Family Features) Schedules filling up with events and celebrations, vacation planning in full effect and mile-high to-do lists can only mean one thing: summer is in full swing. While summer brings plenty of fun, it can also lead to feeling disorganized and overwhelmed without the structure of the school year. Keep stress at bay and bring a sense of order to your summer adventures with these simple, creative hacks from EXPO. Streamline the Kitchen When family members are coming and going throughout the day, the kitchen and pantry quickly become high-traffic zones. Between breakfasts on the go, afternoon snack raids and (hopefully) a few sit-down dinners, organizing your refrigerator, cabinets and pantry can bring calm to the chaos. Label bins, jot notes on pantry or refrigerator doors and create a snack inventory so everyone knows what’s available and nothing goes to waste. Keep Up with Every Activity Summer gets hectic fast – with sports practices, parties, camps, dinners and weekend trips all piling on, it’s tough to keep track of everything. Hang a whiteboard calendar in a high-traffic spot like the kitchen or mudroom and use EXPO Wet Erase Markers for clean, color-coded scheduling everyone can follow. Their fine tips make it easy to write detailed notes while the no-smudge ink stays put – perfect for busy areas where schedules can be seen all day long. The writing won’t budge until you wipe it off with water, keeping summer plans visible, organized and stress-free. Create a Packing List for Road Trips If you’re planning a summer getaway, avoid the last-minute scramble by writing out a packing checklist on a whiteboard, window or mirror. Keep essentials sorted by category – clothes, toiletries, travel documents – and encourage family members to check off what they’ve packed.
Organize the Party to Add Personality When it comes to summer birthdays, backyard barbecues or holiday gatherings, a little prep goes a long way in keeping things stress-free. Use EXPO Wet Erase Markers to create welcome signs or menus directly on windows, label wine glasses for easy drink tracking or jot down to-do lists on glass surfaces to stay on top of hosting tasks. With bold, water-removable ink that adheres to glass, windows and more, it’s easy to create festive, colorful details that are mess-free – a perfect way to stay organized while adding flair to any celebration. Keep Your To-Do’s in Check From yardwork to grocery runs, summer still comes with its fair share of tasks. Stay ahead of the hustle by creating organized, visual to-do lists on surfaces like whiteboards, windows, mirrors or glass cabinet doors. Jot down priorities and divide them by timeframe or person – think “today,” “this week” or by name. Keeping lists visible in the right spots can help everyone stay on track and free up more time for sun and fun. Take control of your summer and find more solutions for staying organized at expomarkers.com. Discover more from Daily News
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Automotive
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CVT Transmissions Explained: Model Years to Avoid, Reliability Issues, and Maintenance TipsLink: https://stmdailynews.com/?p=39958
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home improvement
What Professional Locksmiths Say Homeowners Get Wrong About Security
You have locks on your doors and windows, and you make sure they’re secure before you leave the house or head to bed each night. You may even have a security system with an alarm or cameras to protect your home. Some locksmiths say that may not be enough. Consider these small changes you can make to deter thieves from your home.
What Professional Locksmiths Say Homeowners Get Wrong About Security
(Family Features) You have locks on your doors and windows, and you make sure they’re secure before you leave the house or head to bed each night. You may even have a security system with an alarm or cameras to protect your home. Some locksmiths say that may not be enough. Bryan McCabe, director of locksmith operations with KeyMe Locksmiths, the nation’s leading provider of local locksmith services and No. 1 provider of key duplication kiosks, said homeowners should be mindful of common security vulnerabilities, many of which go unnoticed until it’s too late. A thief who wants to gain access to your home may do so by any means possible, including breaking windows or kicking in doors. However, those methods are loud and may attract attention. Instead, thieves will look to find the easiest house to enter. Consider these small changes you can make to deter thieves from your home.Close the Garage
Leaving your garage door open may seem harmless, but it can signal easy access to thieves. An open garage suggests relaxed security habits and can make burglars assume doors or windows might also be unlocked. Keeping it closed is a simple step that instantly makes your home more secure.
Make Your Home Look Lived-In
Burglars often target homes that appear empty. Dark houses – especially after nightfall – can stand out as easy opportunities. Leaving a light or two on helps create the impression someone is home. If you want to level up, use light timers or smart bulbs to automatically turn lights on and off, even when you’re away.
Keep Your Home Visible from the Street
Thieves prefer to work unnoticed. Overgrown trees, tall bushes, or dense landscaping near entrances can provide cover for someone trying to break in. Trimming greenery and maintaining clear sightlines from the street makes your home less appealing and more exposed – exactly what burglars want to avoid.
Upgrade Entry Points to Improve Security
Some relatively minor updates can make a big impact toward protecting your home. Start by assessing all home entry points, including secondary points like sliding doors, garage entries and basement doors. In addition to checking door frames, homeowners should examine strike plates, hinge security and whether existing locks are outdated.
Add Eyes to Your Front Door with a Doorbell Camera
Doorbell cameras are an affordable way to boost your home’s security. Visible cameras can stop many would-be thieves as they don’t want to be seen or recorded. Beyond deterrence, doorbell cameras let you see who’s at your door, receive alerts and check on your home anytime, whether you’re home or away.
Install Smart Locks for Control and Peace of Mind
Smart locks are another smart investment in home safety. They allow you to track who enters your home and when by assigning unique access codes. You can even lock (or unlock) the door remotely from your phone. With the ability to monitor, control and limit access, smart locks offer convenience and security. A local locksmith can help you choose the right option and handle installation, making the upgrade simple and stress-free.
Connecting customers with professional locksmiths in their area, KeyMe Locksmiths provides comprehensive home security and lockout services – from key replacement to lock installation or repair – with more than 7,500 kiosks nationwide. These self-service machines utilize advanced technology for fast, accurate and “one-stop-shop” key copying, including home and office keys, car keys and fobs, mailboxes, padlocks and RFID access cards.
Find more advice to help protect your home and belongings, and a locksmith or kiosk near you, by visiting key.me.
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 January 10, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Understanding Thread Counts
(Family Features) Many companies use thread count to make their sheets more appealing and luxurious, but a bigger number doesn’t always mean a good buy. Before you reach into your wallet, consider these truths about thread counts.
A thread count is a scientific term with strict federal standards on how the threads are counted. Simply put, it measures the number of threads woven together per square inch, counted lengthwise and widthwise. A 400-thread count sheet will have 200 threads lengthwise and 200 widthwise.
When a sheet has a count of 150, it is considered a muslin fabric, which isn’t all that soft to the touch. Any count of 180 or above is considered high quality, but anything beyond 400 is likely to only signify a higher price tag.
However, a sheet with a thread count of 200 can be softer to the touch than one with a 400 thread count. The quality of sheets depends not only on the thread count, but on the quality of fibers within those threads as well. Many stores and manufacturers tout Egyptian cotton as the best because of its long, strong fibers, which are more durable than most other cottons. Another high-quality cotton type is pima, also known for its extra-long fibers.
When shopping for new sheets, make sure you are looking at both the thread count and the quality. Look for a count between 200-400 and make sure the fabric quality is high to ensure you get the best bang for your buck, as well as a comfortable night’s sleep.
Find more tips for selecting linens and other home goods at eLivingtoday.com.
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