Many people think of Memorial Day weekend as the unofficial beginning of summer or a time to reconnect with family and friends.  The intention of the holiday is to honor American soldiers who died while serving in the military. This year, most official parades and celebrations are canceled as are many private celebrations. Here are 7 ways you can observe Memorial Day this year while staying safe.

Now that spring is finally here and summer is on its way, many people want to spend time relishing the beauty Mother Nature has on display. Hiking is an easy way to introduce yourself to outdoor activities, and it doesn’t require a lot of special equipment or technical knowledge. Whether you’re a novice or an advanced hiker, here are 7 ways to make the most of your summer hikes.

When Americans think of breakfast around the kitchen table with their families, many immediately think of warm, fluffy pancakes, often served with melted butter and maple syrup. Maybe your family is a little unconventional, eating your pancakes with jam or fruit or other toppings. No matter how they are eaten, pancakes are as American as apple pie or baseball. In fact, Americans love pancakes so much, that we celebrate National Pancake Day twice each year, on February 25 and September 26. We are not alone in our love of pancakes; most cultures make some variation of them. So, for National Pancake Day, consider making one of these 7 international “pancakes” for your family.