Watch the video: https://lifeminute.tv/home-and-family/video/wedding-trends-2026-interactive-experiences-personalization-and-josh-cellars-custom-wine-labels

Wedding season is all about making the celebration feel personal, and in 2026, couples are embracing unique twists on tradition with meaningful, authentic details. From curated menus that tell their love story to custom décor, fashion, and favors that reflect who the couple is, or even how they met - personalization is at the heart of today's weddings.

Also, custom everything; custom linens, fashion, and favors. One of my favorite wine brands, Josh Cellars, which I always have on hand for all my parties, has a custom label program where you can personalize a signature bottle. Go online joshcellars.com/custom-labels to upload any photo you want, add a personalized message, and then stick the custom label on the bottle. It’s super simple and a thoughtful idea to use as party favors for weddings, showers, and bach parties or even asking someone to be part of the wedding party.

Beyond personalization, couples are also transforming receptions into interactive experiences that keep guests engaged throughout the celebration. Popular ideas include build-your-own bouquet bars, live painters capturing the festivities in real time, espresso martini stations, and chef-led food experiences such as made-to-order pasta or sushi rolling stations. Rather than traditional sit-down dinners, today's weddings are focused on creating memorable moments guests can actively participate in.

No matter how you celebrate, the biggest trend of 2026 is making your wedding feel uniquely yours while creating unforgettable memories for everyone who shares in the day.

Watch the video: https://lifeminute.tv/home-and-family/video/back-school-organization-hacks-and-meal-prep-tips-busy-families-hefty-press-close-bags

Back-to-school season can feel like a daily juggling act for parents. From early mornings to packed afternoons, there's always something to prep, pack, or clean up. The good news? A few simple, real-life hacks can make a big difference. When you build a routine that works, you save time, simplify the day, and create a little more peace of mind for the whole family.

That's where Hefty® Press to Close Bags come in. They come in a variety of sizes to help tackle just about every part of your family's routine.

I'm especially loving the new Hefty® Zoo Pals™ Sandwich and Snack Bags! They put a fun twist on everyday lunches for kids while bringing a little nostalgia for parents with classic characters we know and love—like Curly the Pig and Fritz the Frog. Talk about a fun blast from the past!

And while Zoo Pals™ make lunchtime more fun, Hefty® has a full lineup of Press to Close Bags that can help keep families organized all school year long. Here are a few of my family's favorites—and some simple ways I use them to stay ahead during the week.

I use the storage gallon bags to portion leftovers, prep snacks, and keep food fresh and ready to grab for lunches, after-school snacks, or busy afternoons on the go. They're also great for organizing bigger items around the house like art supplies, activity kits, or an extra change of clothes.

Meanwhile, storage quart bags are perfect for keeping smaller essentials organized, like markers, pens, headphones, charging cables, or other school supplies.

And speaking of staying ahead, the Hefty® XL Sandwich Bags are perfect for busy families with after-school activities. They're great for packing larger snack mixes to help keep kids fueled up before soccer practice, dance class, or wherever the evening takes you.

And don't forget about the Hefty® Press to Close Freezer line! The freezer gallon bags are the perfect size for meal prep, storing larger portions, organizing ingredients, and keeping leftovers fresh throughout the week. They make it easy to keep everything organized and ready to grab without needing multiple containers.

I also love using the Press to Close Freezer Quart Bags for one of my favorite lunch hacks. Simply soak a sponge or damp paper towel, seal it inside the bag, and freeze it overnight. It works as an ice pack to help keep lunches cool, and once it melts, it doubles as a handy cleanup wipe. Plus, the Press to Close seal helps keep everything secure, giving me one less thing to worry about during busy mornings.

Another one of my favorite ways to stay ahead during the week is freezer meal prep. Use Hefty® Press to Close Freezer Gallon Bags to make "dump meals" by adding all your slow cooker ingredients into one bag, sealing it, and freezing it ahead of time. Then, just move the meal from the freezer to the refrigerator the night before so it can thaw safely. When dinner time rolls around, simply pour everything into the slow cooker and you're done—no extra prep and very little cleanup.

The expandable Stand & Fill Bottom makes it easy to load ingredients while keeping the bag upright during prep. It also helps the bags stand neatly in the refrigerator or freezer, making meal organization even easier.

Back-to-school routines come with a lot of moving parts—from meals and school supplies to everyday cleanup. But a little planning, a few smart shortcuts, and the right products can help everything run more smoothly.

You can find Hefty® Press to Close Storage Bags—including the new Zoo Pals™ line—at Walmart, Amazon, and Target.

Here's to a school year that's a little more organized, a little less stressful, and a whole lot more fun.

Watch the video: https://lifeminute.tv/home-and-family/video/summer-entertaining-made-easy-four-essentials-bbqs-watch-parties-and-backyard-gatherings

Summer entertaining season is officially here, and whether you're planning a backyard BBQ, hosting a game-day watch party, or gathering friends for a casual get-together, a few smart essentials can make all the difference. LifeMinute's Editor-in-Chief Joann Butler shares four of her favorite summer hosting hacks to help make entertaining easier, more enjoyable, and stress-free.

Simplify party planning
When it comes to entertaining, Butler says she can't imagine hosting without Shipt. "They're my one-stop shop for everything I need with same-day delivery," she says. This summer, Shipt is making party prep even easier with its new Shipt Kits—curated themed bundles packed with entertaining essentials.

Whether you're gearing up for a soccer watch party, firing up the grill with a BBQ Kit, or setting up a crowd-pleasing Sandwich Station complete with toppings and fixings, the kits take the guesswork out of planning. Simply add a kit to your cart and have everything delivered the same day.

Even better, through July 5, shoppers can get 50% off a Shipt annual membership ($49, regularly $99), along with seasonal savings including buy one, get one 35% off ice cream, 10% off summer travel essentials, and a special Spend $45, Save $15 offer. Visit Shipt.com or the Shipt app for details.

Stay energized
Summer schedules can be nonstop, which is why Butler keeps V8 Energy Zero Sugar on hand. The new line from the iconic V8 brand delivers a boost with 80 milligrams of caffeine sourced from black and green tea, while containing zero sugar and only five calories per can. Available flavors include Cherry Lime, Strawberry Lemonade, Blueberry Raspberry, and a limited-edition Yuzu Lemon flavor for summer.

Select varieties also contain potassium and magnesium electrolytes, making them a refreshing option for busy days, road trips, and summer activities. Look for V8 Energy Zero Sugar at retailers nationwide and follow @V8Energy on Instagram and TikTok for updates.

Freshen up your watch party space
Every soccer fan has their World Cup ritual, but while lucky jerseys may stay unwashed until the tournament ends, your home doesn't have to. Think about all the fabrics guests interact with during a watch party—from throw blankets and decorative pillows to couch cushions and linens.

That's where Downy Intense Pureza comes in. This bold, fruity fabric softener scent is designed to leave fabrics smelling fresh and feeling soft, helping create a more inviting atmosphere for guests. Whether the game is calm or comes down to the final seconds, your space will stay fresh throughout the action. Priced at $3.97 and up, available at retailers nationwide.

Keep bugs away
Nothing can derail a summer gathering faster than unwanted insects. To help keep flying pests under control, Butler recommends Zevo Flying Insect Traps. Ideal for kitchens, pantries, garages, and other high-traffic areas, the plug-in traps use blue and UV light technology to attract and trap common flying insects, including house flies, fruit flies, and gnats.

The traps provide continuous 24/7 protection and work discreetly in the background, allowing hosts to focus on their guests instead of chasing bugs around the house. Zevo Flying Insect Traps are available at Amazon, Target, Lowe's, Walmart, Home Depot, and other major retailers. Starter kits begin at $19.99.

With these simple hosting essentials, you'll spend less time stressing over the details and more time enjoying everything summer entertaining has to offer.

Watch the video: https://lifeminute.tv/home-and-family/video/national-day-joy-highlights-challenges-and-rewards-caring-aging-parents-and-children

For millions of Americans every day is a balancing act, managing careers raising kids and caring for aging parents simultaneously. This month, one company wants to celebrate the joy that can be found in that journey. Comfort Keepers, a leading provider of in-home care for seniors and adults in need of assistance, is celebrating their eighth annual “National Day of Joy” June 24. It takes place each year on the last Wednesday of June and was established to encourage and inspire individuals to find joy in the everyday moments.

This year’s National Day of Joy comes with new research, a survey of 2000 Americans in what’s known as the “sandwich generation” adults who are simultaneously raising children and caring for aging parents with 96% saying family is the most important thing in their lives. They are carrying significant responsibility while helping their loved ones age safely, comfortably, and with dignity.

The survey set out to explore not just the struggles of caregiving but the joy that comes with it as well with 92% saying it brings both joy and emotional strain, yet 73% wouldn’t choose to take on less responsibility. For families, joy is rarely about grand gestures. It's found in simple conversations, sharing meals, helping with daily routines, laughing together, and being present for one another.

Family caregivers are doing extraordinary work, but greater access to respite care and in-home support could create a healthier balance for the entire family with 69% saying they need more support when caring for an aging parent, and 85% agree that it would make a meaningful, positive difference. In-home care and respite care can help caregivers protect their own health, give them time to recharge, maintain careers, care for children, and preserve their own well-being, while continuing to care for others.

This is where Comfort Keepers can help. Focus isn't just on managing the challenges that come with aging, it's about celebrating the meaningful moments that connect generations, helping older adults stay engaged, independent, and connected to the people and experiences that bring them joy.

For more information or to participate go to comfortkeepers.com/dayofjoy and share your Day of Joy activity on social media using #NationalDayofJoy.

Watch the video: https://lifeminute.tv/home-and-family/video/game-day-essentials-your-soccer-viewing-party

Summer is one of the busiest times of year for gatherings, whether it's family cookouts, neighborhood get-togethers, or watching big sporting events with friends. While those moments are a lot of fun, the planning side can sometimes feel overwhelming.

One thing that can help is looking for ways to simplify the shopping process. That’s where Shipt, same-day delivery, can step in. They just launched Shipt Kits, which are curated bundles built around different entertaining occasions. The idea is to take some of the guesswork out of planning by grouping together items people often need for parties and gatherings.

Instead of starting with a blank shopping list, hosts can browse themed collections and quickly add to their cart with just one click. It's designed to help cut down on forgotten items and those last-minute trips to the store, giving people more time to focus on their guests and enjoy the event itself.

With one of the year's biggest international soccer tournaments getting underway this week, they have several kits to help with hosting needs including a limited-time “Match of the Week” kit.

Each week, the “Match of the Week” kit, will celebrate select highly anticipated soccer match-ups with themed snacks of the teams on the pitch. With curated assortments of snacks, sandwich fixings, appetizers, drinks, grilling essentials, and hosting must-haves, the kits are designed to simplify every stage of entertaining. From setup to cleanup, Shipt is really showing up as the ultimate “12th man” for soccer fans to transform home into the ultimate stadium experience.

They also have other fun themed kits from fan food and game-day grill out, to the sandwich station kit with all the toppings and fixings.

All kits are now available on shipt.com and in the Shipt app for same-day delivery.

And it gets even better. To celebrate the season, Shipt is offering half off its annual membership now through July 5: customers can sign up for an annual membership for $49 (regularly $99) and unlock exclusive savings, member perks, and personalized shopping features.

Watch the video: https://lifeminute.tv/home-and-family/video/hot-summer-deals-80-tech-travel-and-home-essentials

Summer shopping season is here, and AliExpress has launched its Summer Sale with up to 80% off across travel, tech, wellness, outdoor, and home essentials.

And this year there's a real reason to pay attention to something called Brand+, which is AliExpress' dedicated channel for official, authenticated products from recognized global brands. Free shipping and free returns on qualified items, real brand names, competitive prices.

Savings can stack even further with tiered coupons based on cart total — from $3 off $15 up to $100 off $650 in addition to the sale prices of up to 80% off. So if you're bundling — say, travel gear plus a couple of tech picks — those savings compound fast. And because you're shopping Brand+, you're not trading quality for price. That's the combination that makes this sale worth paying attention to.

Tech highlights include Edifier Bluetooth speaker at about $113 and Edifier wireless headphones around $58, both Brand+ certified. A Logitech keyboard is available for about $92, ideal for upgrading a home office setup. Logitech is one of those brands people already trust, so Brand+ authentication here is just added confidence.

For home upgrades, an ILIFE robot vacuum is available for about $127, down from nearly $478, offering a major discount and a practical automation boost for busy households.

Travel deals include a three-piece luggage set for under $40, covering a carry-on, tote, and toiletry bag, plus a portable coffee maker for about $19, ideal for trips and camping.

Wellness and sports picks include a Lenovo massage gun for under $25, pickleball paddles at $48, and a Head tennis backpack for $43, designed for active summer lifestyles.

Also featured is the Nikola Jokić 361° signature basketball shoe at around $175. Jokic recently won his fourth MVP, so his profile has never been higher, and his signature line with 361° — a sportswear brand that's made serious inroads in the NBA. This is exactly the kind of globally recognized athlete product that Brand+ is built for. You're getting the real thing, authenticated, from a brand with real NBA credibility.

The sale runs through June 10 at AliExpress.com. Early shopping is encouraged since coupons are first-come, first-served and inventory moves quickly. And think in bundles — the more you stack, the more those coupons work in your favor.

Watch the video: https://lifeminute.tv/home-and-family/video/mothers-day-gift-ideas-bring-joy

If you’re looking for fun, thoughtful ways to celebrate Mom this Mother’s Day, lifestyle expert and LifeMinute’s editor-in-chief, Joann Butler has you covered. Here are a few easy, feel-good gift ideas she’s loving right now:

Start with a little self-care—always a win. Olay’s Super Serum Body Wash and matching Body Lotion make a great duo. Formulated with advanced skincare ingredients and super serum technology, to visibly firm, even, and brighten skin for all skin types. Ingredients like niacinamide, beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), collagen peptides, and vitamins C and E help deliver real results—right in the shower.

For best results, apply lotion while skin is still damp to lock in moisture. The Super Serum Body Lotion does exactly that, leaving skin soft, hydrated, and glowing—and the scent is a bonus. You can find the body wash for $12.99 and lotion $14.99 at your favorite retailer and online at olay.com.

If you’re planning breakfast in bed or baking something sweet, add a little extra love with Reynolds Wrap’s new Hearts Fun Foil. The embossed heart design turns everyday wrapping into something special—perfect for gifting homemade treats or dressing up leftovers. It’s a simple touch that makes the moment feel more meaningful. Available at stores like Walmart, Target, and Amazon.

And for the nostalgic mom, especially fans of The Brady Bunch, check out Happiness Included: Jan Brady and Beyond by Eve Plumb. The book shares behind-the-scenes stories from her time on the show, along with personal reflections from her life and career. Signed copies are available at Greenlight Bookstore. You can also browse her charming collection of gifts, artwork, and even coffee at PlumbGoods—perfect for unique, creative finds (especially for dog lovers).

Whether you go with pampering essentials, a heartfelt homemade moment, or a touch of nostalgia, these ideas are all about making Mom feel appreciated—and bringing a little extra joy to her day.

Watch the video: https://lifeminute.tv/home-and-family/video/country-stars-avery-anna-and-hannah-mcfarland-come-clean-stagecoach

Three days. One desert. Unforgettable moments.

This is the Stagecoach Festival—the largest country music festival in the world—where the music is loud, the dust flies, and the memories run deep.

This year, Arm & Hammer Laundry showed up like never before as the exclusive sponsor of the Half-Pint Hootenanny—partnering with ACM Best New Female Artist, Avery Anna, as well as singer/songwriter Hannah McFarland for meet and greets —inviting families, fans, and even performers to come as they are and come clean with Arm & Hammer Deep Clean.

For more than 175 years, Arm & Hammer has stood for trusted, powerful clean. Today, it’s the #1 liquid laundry brand in America—washing more loads across the U.S. than any other—proving that when life gets messy, they’ve got you.

At the heart of the festival, the Half-Pint Hootenanny brought that promise to life—with a one-of-a-kind, family-friendly space where kids and parents could create, play, and connect without holding back. Embracing the mantra that mess isn’t a problem—it’s part of the fun.

From paint-splattered crafts to dusty dance floors, Arm & Hammer Deep Clean Detergent kept families focused on what matters most—the moments. With more than 70 performances across three days, there was no shortage of ways to get a little dirty and have a whole lot of fun.