(StatePoint) Now that warmer weather and summer are upon us, grilling season is here again and families are taking meals outside to enjoy the sunshine. While a traditional barbeque is always great, Americans are increasingly adding unique twists to their summer grilling routines.

(BPT) - The weather is warming up and summer is right around the corner. From holiday celebrations to road trips, family vacations to block parties, it’s the time of year for cookouts. Make all of your summer cuisine extraordinary no matter what the occasion with these five simple tips:

(BPT) - Individuals at risk for anaphylaxis – a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction – know the importance of having people around them who can help with allergen avoidance, such as bringing allergy-friendly food options to the company party or helping to shield from bees on the playground. Now, there is a new way to say “thank you” to the teacher, relative or co-worker who has made a difference in the life of an individual at risk for anaphylaxis. Sanofi US has launched a Severe Allergy Awareness Facebook page where individuals have a unique opportunity to create online awards via the “Celebrate Someone” app to recognize an unsung hero of allergy awareness.

(BPT) - Parents have never been more crunched for time. Balancing work demands with parental duties is complex – 56 percent of working moms and 50 percent of working dads say they find it very or somewhat difficult to balance these responsibilities, according to a 2013 report about modern parenthood from the Pew Research Center. But just because you’re time strapped doesn’t mean you need to stress when it comes time to host after-school activities or weekend gatherings with friends and family. With a few key strategies, even impromptu parties are a snap to pull together.

(BPT) - The air turns mild and warm, people gladly shed winter coats, and the days grow longer – everything about spring is lighter and brighter. Since the warmer months bring about many occasions to enjoy the best of backyard cookouts and boardwalk fare, the season’s more indulgently delicious offerings may cause us to consider departing from our wellness goals.

(BPT) - When the weather warms, there are plenty of fun outdoor activities to enjoy, which means there’s also a bounty of summer fare to eat. From the traditional to the intriguing, you never know what interesting food choices you may find while out and about. What better way to kick off summer than with a few fun activities that pair good times with the foods that define the season?

(BPT) - Summer is a time to switch out our wardrobes, exchange coats for swimsuits and boots for flip-flops. But if the winter months took a toll on your waistline you may not want to shed those extra layers. Lighten up for warmer summer days by making simple swaps and conscious diet decisions. 

(BPT) - Going out with co-workers or friends after work is a great way to relax, but when you host a happy hour at home, you have full control over the guest list, atmosphere, music and, most importantly, the menu. Use these simple tips to entertain your friends, and your home may just become the new happy hour hot spot.

(NAPSI)—Here’s cool news for when you want to make a nutritious meal fast: The Food and Drug Administration says there’s virtually no nutritional difference between fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables, explains Supermarket Guru Phil Lempert. A well-known food industry expert, Lempert holds the reputation as the premier forecaster of consumer behavior within the world of food. Lempert reports that frozen fruits and vegetables are typically harvested and flash frozen, leaving them more nutrient dense than their fresh fruit and vegetable counterparts, which can spend as much as half of their peak freshness period in distribution.

(BPT) - As the weather turns warmer, most of us are experiencing cabin fever, anxious to escape to the outdoors. But has the harsh winter weather put a damper on your outdoor spaces? Don’t fret. You can easily spruce up your exteriors with a few easy and inexpensive home improvement projects. Here are a few fast fixes that will have your home looking great without taking a huge hit on your wallet.

There’s a mystery embedded in the latest annual report by the Office of the Medical Examiner: More people died in Pima County in 2012 than in other recent years.

(NAPSI)—The nightmarish stranding of the Carnival Triumph may have deterred some potential cruisers, but so far the industry hasn’t seen enough dip in bookings to drop prices. However, savvy travelers who invest a little time and research can still save on their next cruise.

(NAPSI)—Here are four tips every grill owner should follow:

Find out what’s on the menu with two tasty special events in March – one of which helps support a worthy cause. 

(NAPSI)—Joan Creviston was an interior designer for 12 years before retinitis pigmentosa, a genetic eye disease that leads to tunnel vision and sometimes complete blindness, forced her to make a full-time career out of her longtime love: fitness instruction.

The Oscar season is customarily kicked off by the Academy president and a random star solemnly announcing the nominees in a drab ceremony. The Academy decided to shake up tradition this year, however, in one of the most cheerful Oscar mornings we’ve ever had. Seth MacFarlane, director of “Ted” and this year’s Oscar host, announced the nominees Thursday morning alongside the invaluable Emma Stone, who had the funniest bit at last year’s Oscar ceremony. MacFarlane and Stone made for an outstanding duo, engaging in playful banter about each of the categories. Even when one of their jokes didn’t quite hit the mark, MacFarlane and Stone still looked like they were having a genuine ball on stage. That’s more than can be said about Anne Hathaway and James Franco when they hosted the Oscars two years ago.

As January brings promises of health, fitness and enrichment opportunities for the New Year, residents age 55 and better of Oro Valley and Tucson are invited to attend a Wellness Extravaganza and Health Fair at Splendido, 13500 North Rancho Vistoso Boulevard, on Tuesday, Jan. 22.  There is no cost to attend, but space is limited and reservations are required for those wishing to participate. Interested guests should RSVP to 878-2630.

(StatePoint) Holiday cooking is no easy feat. Meals tend to be more time-consuming and complex to prepare than standard fare.

(NAPSI)—To the dismay of American History teachers everywhere, Americans remain largely ignorant when it comes to this country’s historical underpinnings.

(BPT) - It’s the most wonderful time of the year – but are you able to enjoy the holidays completely? The approaching holiday season means quality time with family, special deliveries in the mail and goodies that delight the taste buds. But it’s important to be prepared and stay healthy throughout the season so you can enjoy every festive moment.

(BPT) - Planning a large celebration can be challenging. From setting a date that works for everyone to creating a fun party atmosphere, there is a lot of work that goes into planning the perfect event. Regardless of who the party is for, there are some ways to ensure your big party comes off without a hitch.

Tohono Chul Park, a botanical garden nestled in Northwest Tucson, is recognized on a national level.

MOVIES