The holiday season is a time for celebration and cheer. It’s also a time when eating well and maintaining a balanced diet are sometimes thrown aside, making it harder to get the nutrients and other bioactives your body needs to stay at its best. While you should still focus on your total diet, supplements are a simple and convenient way to fill in dietary gaps during the holidays.

From the hors d’oeuvres to the main course and all the way through dessert, creating a full holiday menu doesn’t have to be hard with recipes like Spinach Christmas Tree Salad, Creamy Au Gratin Potatoes with Kale and Gruyere, and Cranberry Cheesecake.

Albion has had several newspapers during its existence. This week we’re featuring the The Albion Leader. This newspaper was founded in 1898 by William J. Gleason (formerly with the Albion Recorder), and was located at 105 W. Porter St. This weekly Saturday morning paper was in competition at the time with the Albion Mirror, the Albion Recorder, and the Albion Transcript. A yearly subscription cost one dollar.

The holiday season presents opportunities for celebrating with loved ones, and for many families, that includes their dogs and cats. However, holiday foods and decorations can pose health risks for pets and the hustle and bustle may be overwhelming. To help keep your pet safe amid the jolly chaos, consider these potential hazards.

Not all great things come in big packages, and home upgrades are an example of the truth in this wisdom. Unexpected, smaller spaces may not get the same attention as high-traffic areas like kitchens, bathrooms and living areas, but their impact can be just as powerful. Get inspired to make improvements to the lesser-used areas of your home with these tips.

Capturing the magic of the holidays often happens at the dinner table as loved ones toast the season with stunning meals worth celebrating. Roasted Chateaubriand with Red Wine Gravy and Lemon-Garlic Asparagus offers classic taste while Pepper-Crusted Prime Rib with Creamy Horseradish Sauce and Crushed Potatoes brings some zing to the kitchen. For seafood lovers, Crab Stuffed Lobster Tails with Dirty Rice provide a savory, succulent pairing.

Due to their small size and heavy usage, bathrooms can become messy, cluttered areas for many families. Consider these organization tips to make your bathroom a clean and functional space for every member of the family.

As we observe Veteran’s Day later this week, we are reminded of our World War II veterans who are nearly all gone now. My father, Frank Passic, Sr. (1919-1974) served as a Sergeant in the 524th Military Police Battalion, Company B during the War. The 524th was initially stationed in San Francisco and the West Coast in the early years of the War.

Upgrading your home design is an opportunity to tap into new color schemes. Knowing what shades are trendy and how different hues can work together for a cohesive design is an important step in creating an attractive design aesthetic. While you might turn to family or friends for inspiration for your next DIY project, another resource for collecting concepts and options to upgrade your space is the internet.

During the winter months, many sun seekers put beach and desert destinations at the top of their travel lists. Chasing the winter sun can be a rewarding vacation experience, made even better when you can enjoy homelike accommodations. If you’re considering a sunshine-filled escape this winter, consider these popular destinations.

The New Year holiday has its inherent dangers, such as drunk drivers on the road, or snow and ice storms and electrical failures. One particular New Year brought forth tragedies, as there were several persons killed in various auto accidents in nearby Jackson County during the New Year weekend of 1965.

Most get-togethers call for something spunky, delicious and easy to serve. Try this Apple Guacamole, which hits every mark and is sure to leave your guests wanting more.