Guest Blogger: Tasha Killian, USU Extension Assistant Professor

​I love decorating! There is something exciting to me about making your place your own through décor. Buying new pieces, creating different styles, and finding things that fit into what you want in your space is a lot of fun, but can also end up costing a lot. If you are like me and you don’t have a lot of extra cash to purchase some of the items you’d like, it can be a challenge to find things to fit your style and your budget. Luckily, there is a solution, so you do not have to live with bare walls! That solution is doing it yourself. 

Guest Contributor: Callie Ward, USU Extension Assistant Professor

​We are so lucky to have five National Parks in Utah! Some states don’t even have one! Our National Parks include Zions, Capital Reef, Canyonlands, Arches, and my personal favorite, Bryce Canyon. These parks offer millions of acres of historic structures, cultural artifacts, towering hoodoos, and endless skies. Our federal public lands and waters (we can’t forget about Lake Powell aka Glen Canyon National Recreation Area) belong to all Americans and are waiting for you to explore them! 

GUEST CONTRIBUTOR: CHRISTINA PAY

We may all be feeling the need for a summer vacation or getaway right now. If you can’t get away for a camping trip, you can do the next closest thing by looking out your own back door. Turning your backyard into your own personal camp ground is fun, easy and inexpensive.  Taste of Home magazine has the following tips for planning a mini-getaway for your backyard camping adventure.

GUEST CONTRIBUTOR: ANDREA SCHMUTZ, USU EXTENSION ASSISTANT PROFESSOR

I love the fact that Pioneer Day (a state holiday in Utah) falls in the same month as the 4th of July. The two holidays encourage us to celebrate heritage - of our country and of our state. They remind us of sacrifices made by courageous people who lived difficult lives. Traditionally, Pioneer Day commemorates the arrival of the first group of Mormon pioneers to the Salt Lake Valley in 1847.  However, the holiday is an opportunity to honor the many different pioneers who contributed to the wonderful state and country in which we live. Regardless of your faith, this July 24 take a moment to enjoy some family time with these budget friendly activities inspired by the pioneers.​

GUEST CONTRIBUTOR: KATHY RIGGS, USU EXTENSION PROFESSOR