Lifestyle features from around the web

How to enjoy Halloween without the debt hangover

Accredited Debt Relief reports Halloween spending averages $115.14 per person. To avoid debt, set a budget for the holiday season and prioritize spending wisely.
People who donate blood or platelets with the Red Cross during November will receive a free A1C test.
You Could Have Prediabetes Without Knowing It
(NAPSI)—Throughout November, National Diabetes Awareness Month, the American Red Cross is offering free A1C testing to blood and platelet donors, letting individuals learn more about their health …
You can help protect yourself and your family from the flu this Thanksgiving.
Gathering for Thanksgiving? Help Keep Flu Off the Guest List
(NAPSI)—With 74% of Americans planning to gather with family and friends for Thanksgiving this year, according to Pew Research Center, there’s one important step to take before getting together: …
Hyphenate, keep, combine: What couples are doing with their last names now
AnyWho reports that fall is the most popular wedding season, prompting couples to rethink last name traditions. 
6 tips for smart couponing
Achieve reports six smart couponing tips to save money, including tracking purchases, stacking deals, using digital coupons, joining loyalty programs, requesting manufacturer coupons, and knowing store policies.
4 Ways to Preserve Veterans' Stories for Future Generations
(Feature Impact) Family stories, photographs, letters and memories all have a place in the broader story of humanity, but if they aren't recorded and preserved, they can fade over time. Consider these ways to help the veterans in your life preserve their stories and leave their mark on history.
When should you order holiday gifts? Why early planning pays off
Compartés reports suggest ordering holiday gifts early to avoid shipping delays and sold-out items.

The At-Home Peel That Gives You 'Professional Facial' Results in 2 Simple Steps

(NewsUSA) - If the thought of a chemical peel conjures images of red, flaky downtime, RoC Skincare is here to rewrite the narrative. The brand’s new Line Smoothing 2-Step Peel Pads bring the power …

Cuffing season is coming. Here’s how to know if your match is actually real.

PeopleFinders reports that as cuffing season begins, dating app users must be cautious of romance scams, adding the importance of verifying matches to protect your identity and heart.

AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD
The latest on MN data centers: Pine Island and Hermantown
Data centers are top of mind for Minnesotans, and two proposed projects from Google continue to cause controversy: the Pine Island data center and the Hermantown data center. Just this month, Google …
Domino’s delayed at Blair and Snelling
Plans to convert the former Hamline Cleaners building into a Domino’s Pizza takeout restaurant continue to be questioned by the St. Paul Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA). The BZA Sept. 28, 2026 laid …
Bike shops across the Twin Cities have taken different approaches to fixing E-bikes. Some stores refuse to work on them, while others like Watt Cycleworks solely focus on them. Even Watt refuses to work on some brands, however. “It’s truly just too much of a hassle to find these parts that might be specific to this brand […]. It’s easier to say no,” said Bill Findling, founder of Watt Cycleworks.
The true cost of cheap E-bikes
How well do you know your E-bike? How well do you know your kid’s? Each week, Minnesotans walk into bike stores seeking repairs on their E-Bikes unsure of exactly what they are riding. Details …
Saint Paul, Capitol Region Watershed District to break ground on McMurray Athletic Fields Park and stormwater improvements
The City of Saint Paul and Capitol Region Watershed District (CRWD) will break ground on Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026, on a renovation project at McMurray Athletic Fields, including upgraded athletic …
Minnesota winters with strong el Niño systems are on average five degrees warmer with the Twin Cities receiving 13 fewer inches of snow than during winters without el Niño systems. Previous el Niño winters like that of 2023-2024 shattered high temperature records across the winter and spring.
What a ‘Super El Nino’ means for Minnesota
In August, the National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center predicted a greater than 90% chance of a very strong el Niño event during the Northern Hemisphere fall and winter 2026-27. …
Everyday Stories

What shoppers actually haul home on Black Friday: 10 years of local delivery data

Lugg reports that Black Friday sees a surge in sofa pickups, with store visits peaking and moves deferred. 

5 tips for sensitive underarms

Dove reports five tips for sensitive underarms: cleanse daily, moisturize, use a gentle razor, choose the right antiperspirant, and wear breathable fabrics.

How to train your ads before Black Friday so you actually like what you buy

Vibe reports on shaping ads before Black Friday, emphasizing the impact of spaced repetition and deliberate shopping to enhance satisfaction with purchases.

How to reduce posterior sweat: A guide to staying fresh and dry

AXE reports that butt sweat is normal and can be managed through hygiene, breathable fabrics, and proper habits to stay fresh and confident.

Help With School Costs

Many families may be glad to learn of a new federal program that will help parents support schools.

(NAPSI)—There may be good news for many parents struggling to afford tutoring, special education services or a school that better meets their child’s needs: Help could be on the way. What’s …

Best deodorant for teen boys: What works and why

AXE reports that choosing the right deodorant for teen boys involves understanding body odor causes during puberty and selecting suitable products based on individual needs.

More Lifestyle coverage

Americans own more clothes than ever. Here's how to store them correctly.

Closets by Design reports that Americans buy an average of 53 new garments yearly, leading to an increase in textile waste. 

3 steps to decking the halls without wrecking your budget

Ally Financial reports that many Americans plan to spend around $1,000 during the holidays. To manage costs, list expenses, trim spending, and save diligently.

6 Black Friday tips for getting the best deals

Freedom Debt Relief reports key tips for Black Friday shopping to maximize savings and avoid debt: make a list, set a budget, track prices, and seek early deals.

Black Friday deals 2026: How to stay on budget

Achieve reports Black Friday 2026 falls on Nov. 27. To stay on budget, set a spending limit, compare prices, and track spending. 

What to look for in a fresh deodorant scent that lasts

Degree Deodorant reports choosing a fresh, lasting deodorant involves considering fragrance, odor control, and skin comfort. 
AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD
The most expensive pipe you own is the one you’ve never seen
Most St. Paul homeowners can tell you where their water heater is. Almost none can tell you where their sewer lateral runs, and it’s the single most expensive piece of plumbing they own. Here’s …
Trading gray for green: How cities can welcome nature back
Five tiny eyes stared up at me as I peered into the cup. The bee, more specifically, a rusty patched bumble bee, was beginning to stir as she warmed up. I had been out collecting various insects …
Shelter with a Cause: Meet St. Paul Airbnb hosts on mission to end homelessness
When Roger and Vicki Henry started renting out the third floor of their Victorian home in 2018, business picked up quickly. Their first two bookings in 2018 went smoothly and a third was already in …
Denton Bruening is an agronomist with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.
How to safely apply backyard chemicals to protect Minnesota waters
Every spring, Minnesotans step outside to perform the same ritual: rake the lawn, plan the garden, and grab a bag of fertilizer to help the yard wake up from winter. What most people don’t realize …
The Midway Spirit Community Garden is at 1341-1383 W Taylor Ave. (Photo submitted)
Growth beyond the garden
Midway Green Spirit Community Garden (1341-1383 W Taylor Ave) has been around for 24 years. There are about 50 current gardeners, some who’ve been there since the beginning, holding memories of …
The Best Lifestyle News

Helping Parents Help Their Kids In School

The school your children returned to this fall doesn’t have to be the school they return to next fall—it can be a much better fit for them.

(NAPSI)—Here’s news about education many parents may be glad to learn: More than 1.5 million students are heading back to school this fall with the help of a private educational choice program, a …

The Bell Rings. Is Your Child Ready?

Dr. James Anderson Sponsored by Collegium Pharmaceutical, Inc. (NAPSI)— Back-to-school is an incredibly important moment to get ADHD treatment right. Every August, I watch the same thing happen. A …

Managing the sweat down there: A guide to staying fresh and dry

AXE reports that groin sweat is common due to numerous sweat glands and tight clothing. Tips for staying dry include wearing breathable fabrics, regular cleaning, and using moisture-absorbing powder.
How Advent calendars became one of the holiday season's biggest gift trends
Compartés reports that Advent calendars have evolved from chocolate boxes to diverse options like wine and skincare, appealing to both adults and children as trending gifts.
Survey: The loyalty program benefits people value most
The Points Guy reports on a survey revealing that loyalty program users value simple rewards like cash back, free flights, and upgrades most across various categories.
Bar soap vs. body wash: Which is better for your skin?
Dove Men + Care reports that neither bar soap nor body wash is inherently better for skin; it's the ingredients and personal response that matter. 
For 50 years, gay rodeos have celebrated ‘rodeo without expectations’
The Daily Yonder reports on 50 years of gay rodeos, emphasizing inclusivity and equal competition for all genders, celebrating community and personal achievement.
What to look for in a deodorant for an active lifestyle
Degree Deodorant reports on choosing deodorants for active lifestyles, advising to prioritize odor or wetness management based on personal needs and activity level.
The Best stories for your family

Acne on your back and chest: What causes it and how to clear it

Dove Men + Care reports on managing body acne caused by sweat and friction. Key tips include choosing breathable clothing, gentle cleansing, and using appropriate treatments.

Sudden changes in body odor: Causes, fixes and when to pay attention
AXE reports that sudden changes in body odor can stem from factors like diet, stress, hygiene, and lifestyle changes, often requiring simple adjustments.
What makes a deodorant last all day
Degree Deodorant reports that deodorant effectiveness varies based on formula, application habits, and sweat levels, with antiperspirants specifically reducing sweat.
Artists Andy Warhol, left, and Jean-Michel Basquiat collaborated on over 100 works between 1983 and 1985.
AI may quickly generate ideas, but working with people leads to more creative ones
A recent experiment found that people working with ChatGPT generated fewer unique ideas than those who collaborated with other humans.
The foods that cause body odor, and what to eat instead
Dove Men + Care reports that body odor can be influenced by diet, with garlic, onions, and alcohol being key factors.
Forgot your deodorant? Here's how to quickly freshen up
AXE reports tips for freshening up when you forget deodorant: wash underarms, change shirts, and apply deodorant later.
How to stop deodorant clumps
AXE reports how to avoid deodorant clumps, advising on proper application, product type, and cleaning methods to prevent residue on skin and clothes.