Family
Simple School Day Solutions
Make back-to-school shopping fun and easy
(Family Features) Picking out new clothes and shoes, and gathering notebooks, pens, pencils and other supplies is part of the annual back-to-school tradition, but there are other important tools to consider for the classroom – and beyond – when the school bells signal the start of a new year.
This year, make sure your students have everything needed to make the grade with must-haves like the latest tech, on-the-go snacks and tools for organizing and securing valuables, lunches and other supplies on-the-go.
Find these ideas, plus more ways to simplify back-to-school shopping, at eLivingtoday.com.
Reward Your Student with an Energizing Snack
Fuel up for homework time and after-school activities with a back-to-school snack hack like Sabra Snackers. The pre-portioned snacks make snack time easy by providing a single serving of creamy, delicious hummus served with pretzel crisps or chips. Containing 10 grams of protein (11% Daily Value), Smart Snackers are a perfect way to give your student an A+ treat that makes the grade both on flavor and convenience. After long days in the classroom, they’re an ideal way to reward all that hard work. Find more back-to-school snacking solutions and nutrition information at sabra.com.
Secure, Convenient, On-the-Go Valuables Storage
Built to provide premium protection for smartphones, cameras, keys, cash, jewelry and more, the Master Lock 5900D Portable Safe keeps items secure whether on or off campus. It features durable construction made to withstand everyday use and is water resistant, so students can lock up valuables using their own combination for keyless convenience. The cable can wrap tightly to the safe then be securely fixed around an object or used as a carrying handle. Shock-absorbing foam lines the storage area and an ear bud or charging cable access port offers on-the-go convenience. Find more information at MasterLock.com.
Pack Hassle-Free Lunches with an Eco-Friendly Lunchbox
Designed for variety and versatility at mealtime, the PlanetBox Rover Stainless Steel Lunchbox is an eco-friendly solution that makes packing school lunches easy. It has four main compartments and one spot that holds a treat plus two leak-proof containers for “wet” foods. It’s perfect for small portion sizes and keeps foods separated for picky eaters. Start by filling the larger, sandwich-sized compartment with the main dish then add fresh fruit, veggies and other snacks to the smaller compartments. This durable lunchbox is built to last, dishwasher safe and toxin-free (no lead, PVC, phthalates or BPA materials). Visit PlanetBox.com for more information.
Select a Stylish, Sturdy Mobile Organization Accessory
A reliable backpack is a must-have for every student. It’s not just a stylish accessory, but also a practical tool for carrying textbooks and school supplies. When choosing a backpack, look for features like padded shoulder straps, built-in organizational tools and multiple compartments – including padded ones for laptops or other electronic devices – to help distribute weight evenly and keep belongings organized. Additionally, select one that reflects your personal preferences. From classic designs to trendy patterns, there are nearly options available to suit students from kindergarten to college.
Enjoy a Seamless Audio Experience
Whether you’re listening to music during your commute, participating in online classes or working on multimedia projects, headphones are an essential school supply for many students in today’s digital age. To enhance your learning experience, choose headphones that provide noise cancellation, comfort, durability and superior sound quality. Over-ear headphones typically provide better sound isolation and are more comfortable for extended use, but in-ear headphones provide ultra-portable convenience. Decide which type best suits your needs best and choose a color or pattern that also reflects your personal style.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock (kids in classroom)
Photos courtesy of Unsplash (backpack, headphones)
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Sabra
Master Lock
Planet Box
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 December 18, 2025 by Daily News Staff
Keeping Pets Safe This Holiday Season: 5 Festive Safety Tips for Pet Owners
(Family Features) The holiday season brings sparkling lights, cherished traditions and joyful gatherings with the people and pets you love most. As you deck the halls and prepare for cozy celebrations, it’s important to remember some of the magic of the season can also pose risks for curious cats and dogs. To provide pet owners added peace of mind, consider these tips from the experts at VCA Animal Hospitals, a leader in veterinary care with more than 1,000 locations dedicated to positively impacting pets, people and the communities they serve, to keep the holidays merry – and safe – for everyone. Decorations and Festive Outfits From family photos to holiday cards, many pet owners love including their companions in the festivities. If you dress your pet for pictures, choose outfits that are comfortable, allow easy movement and don’t interfere with breathing or vision. Pets are naturally drawn to shiny and dangling decor, so opt for shatterproof ornaments and avoid using tinsel, which can cause serious internal issues if swallowed. Hang small or salt-dough ornaments high on the tree, out of paws’ reach, to help prevent choking. After opening gifts, promptly discard wrapping paper, string and ribbon; items that may seem fun to play with but can be dangerous if ingested.
Food and Drinks Holiday tables overflow with delicious treats, but many seasonal foods can be harmful to pets. Chocolate, grapes, raisins, xylitol-sweetened candies and leftover meat scraps may lead to serious illness. Politely remind guests not to slip your pet any treats, no matter how festive the occasion feels. Quickly pack away food when meals end to help reduce temptation. Alcoholic beverages should also be kept well out of reach. Pets absorb alcohol much faster than humans, and even small amounts can cause alcohol poisoning. Candles and Burns The glow of candles and warm fireplaces add comfort and charm this time of year, but open flames pose fire risks and burn hazards for pets. Keep pets at a safe distance from fireplaces, wood stoves and space heaters, as curiosity can bring them too close. Consider using battery-operated candles in place of traditional ones. If you use real candles, ensure they’re placed out of reach and never left unattended; even stepping away for a moment can increase the risk of accidents. Plants and Trees Holiday greenery brings beauty to your home, but some plants require extra caution around pets. While Christmas trees themselves are generally non-toxic, the water in the tree stand may contain mold, bacteria or fertilizers. Use a tree skirt or cover to prevent pets from drinking from it. Decorative plants like poinsettias, mistletoe, lilies, holly and amaryllis can cause gastrointestinal upset if nibbled on. Keep these seasonal favorites well out of reach, especially if you live with adventurous or plant-curious pets. Cold Weather Walking Winter walks can be refreshing for you and your dog, but shorter days and colder weather mean extra care is needed. Use a non-retractable leash during early morning or evening walks, and ensure both you and your pet wear high-visibility gear so drivers and others can easily spot you.
If you live in an area with snow or ice, monitor conditions closely and watch the wind chill. Dressing your dog in a warm sweater or jacket and offering booties for paw protection can help them stay comfortable and safe on frosty outings. By taking a few thoughtful precautions, you can help ensure your pets enjoy a safe, joyful holiday season right alongside the rest of the family. If you have questions about winter safety or your pet’s health, consult your veterinarian. For more tips to keep your pet safe this holiday season, and to find a location near you, visit vcaholiday.com. Photos courtesy of Shutterstock Keeping Pets Safe This Holiday Season: 5 Festive Safety Tips for Pet Owners
SOURCE: VCA Animal HospitalsThe fate of Lucky Supermarkets in SoCalLink: https://stmdailynews.com/the-fate-of-lucky-supermarkets-in-socal/
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Family
5 Tips to Pull Off Holiday Hosting
With stay-at-home holidays a thing of the past for many families, they’re now busy preparing for full-blown celebrations. The return of traditional festivities brings seemingly never-ending to-do lists and pressure to be the perfect host.
Last Updated on December 17, 2025 by Daily News Staff
(Family Features) With stay-at-home holidays a thing of the past for many families, they’re now busy preparing for full-blown celebrations. The return of traditional festivities brings seemingly never-ending to-do lists and pressure to be the perfect host.
From mastering a mouthwatering menu and donning your home with decadent decor to ensuring guests enjoy the evening to the fullest, hosting duties bring plenty of responsibilities. This year, though, you can avoid those anxious feelings with some preparation ahead of the big day.
To help pull off a sensational seasonal soiree, consider these tips from the entertaining experts at Sun-Maid to make the holidays brighter and more manageable so you can navigate the stresses of hosting.
Invite Others to Share Favorite Traditions
Especially with stay-at-home holidays in recent years, some friends and family members may have developed their own special traditions from new recipes and foods to seasonal games and activities. Inviting your guests to bring or share something that represents their favorite part of the holidays can help everyone feel welcome.
Take Time for Yourself
Remember to make time for yourself so you can enjoy the fruits of your labor right alongside guests. The busyness of this time of year can add stress but reflecting on the true meaning of the season and reveling in your favorite parts of the holidays can help you avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Add New Ingredients to Your Menu
While pairing this year’s turkey or ham with the classics provides comfort and calls to mind holiday memories of the past, cooking with new ingredients and adding fresh recipes to the menu can put a fun spin on the season and maybe even create your own traditions to carry forward.
For example, baking with an option like Sun-Maid Raisins provides a whole fruit option with zero grams of added sugars per 1/4-cup serving. They’re an easy, better-for-you substitution to reduce overall sugar intake without compromising flavor or texture when compared with dried cranberries, which contain 27 grams of added sugars per 1/4-cup serving. The natural sugars of raisins make them a versatile, useful addition to a wide variety of holiday-worthy dishes.
Hop On Hot Food Trends
One of this year’s most popular trends in the kitchen is food boards, a fun and easy way to elevate flavor while incorporating favorites like cured meats, cold cuts, cheese slices and cubes, dips, nuts and more. Plus, you can keep your board balanced with nutritious items like vegetables and fruit, such as raisins, which provide sweet flavor without the added sugars.
A Time for Truce
Gathering for the holidays is about coming together with loved ones, family, friends and neighbors – and pulling it off means catering to everyone’s needs and wants. It’s a time for compromises and truces. To help add a little extra spark this year, try incorporating a theme to the party or coordinate fun activities and games that can be enjoyed by all. For example, holiday-themed charades, a seasonal “name that tune” game and gift exchanges all give guests ways to get in on the excitement.
To find more holiday entertaining inspiration and recipe ideas, visit SunMaid.com/PullOffTheHolidays .
Photos courtesy of Getty Images
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Sun-Maid Raisins
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Food and Beverage
Unwrap the Holidays: Whataburger Launches 12 Days of Whatacheer With Daily App Deals
Celebrate the holidays with Whataburger’s 12 Days of Whatacheer! Discover daily in-app deals, exclusive to Rewards members, from December 12–23. Unwrap new menu favorites, BOGO offers, and festive savings—only on the Whataburger App.
12 Days of Whatacheer: Festive Deals for Rewards Members
How It Works
- Who: Whataburger Rewards members (sign up in the app if you’re not already!)
- When: December 12–23, with a new offer every day
- How: Open the Whataburger App, claim the day’s deal, and enjoy with your next order
Holiday-themed graphic reading ‘12 Days of WhataCheer’ on a red background with white dots. Below the text are images of Whataburger menu items: a Cinnamon Roll, Onion Rings, a Whataburger, a Whatafresher, a Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit, and a Strawberry Shake.
Why Join the Whataburger Rewards Fun?
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