Kansas City, Kansas (NAPSI) - More than 95 percent of Americans have cooked outdoors in the past year and 80 percent of U.S. households have an outdoor barbecue, grill or smoker, according to the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association.

Riverside, California (NAPSI) - Americans’ snacking is on the rise, with snacks making up about half of all eating occasions, according to a recent report from the Hartman Group. The good news is that snacking can be part of a healthy eating plan, as snacks can provide energy between meals and supply essential nutrients.

Riverside, California (NAPSI) - Here’s a tip for your next picnic: Don’t hold the mayonnaise. In addition to having a great taste, this popular condiment is a health-friendly product you can bring to just about any event.

Seattle, Washington (NAPSI) - For an increasing number of Americans, the outside is what’s in. That is, outdoor spaces are becoming an extension of the home, like a warm-weather living room, complete with comfortable furniture, sun protection and perhaps even curtains or a fire pit, making an ideal outdoor oasis to pass the evenings and enjoy the warm weather.

Colorado Springs, Colorado (NAPSI) - Three hours spent scrubbing my deck and driveway and 10 minutes scrubbing the inside of a trash can.

Colorado Springs, Colorado (NAPSI) - Whether at picnics, barbecues, brunches, special occasions or no occasion at all, family and friends will flip for these Pineapple Upside Down Biscuits. What may make them even more popular is that they’re gluten-free, something many people appreciate for their health and comfort.

Minneapolis, Minnesota (NAPSI) - Portable generators are readily available from many retailers and home centers, they’re familiar to users and thus easy to operate, and they store easily in a shed or garage. However, automatic standby generators offer many advantages over portables during a power outage. Here are the top six: