Nectarine Blueberry Cornmeal Shortcakes Topped with Candied Pecans

Nothing says summer like berry shortcakes! This traditional treat has been around for centuries, though, so it might just be time for an update. If you’re looking for a new dessert to try this summer that isn’t high on calories, try this new twist on the old classic.

Cooking and summer just don’t mix. The idea of heating up the kitchen when it’s already 80˚ out is enough to deter even the most avid cooker. There’s a reason why barbecues and al fresco dining, are popular this time of year. But that doesn’t mean you have to give up home-cooked meals from June to August. Rather than taking it to the grill, throw together a slow-cooked meal. This mouth-watering chicken recipe makes a fantastic entree, or pulls apart for soups and sandwiches.

A crafting space is a wonderful addition to any home for a family that loves art projects. Fortunately, this is an activity that doesn’t require you to hire a contractor. It’s possible to create a working area just about anywhere. It is important, however, to look for an area that is temperature controlled and easily cleaned -- an office, bedroom, or unused closet are perfect candidates.

A backyard garden is a great way to get kids interested in the outdoors, and it’s also one of the easiest ways to improve the value of your home. Gardening beds will produce fruits, vegetables, and herbs you can use throughout the year. Fortunately, creating these beds is a job that can easily be completed over a single weekend.

Whether you’re planning a family trip or you’re dropping the kids off, camping is an American summer tradition. For some, camping is a cause for celebration; there’s nothing like relaxing by the creek. For others, the idea of being one with nature simply doesn’t appeal.

The Albany Business Review reports that The Sage Colleges will begin to offer business administration courses at the Hudson Valley Community College's TEC-SMART campus in Malta. Beginning in September 2015, the first two courses, Management of Change and Innovation and Human Resource Management, will be held in Malta and can be applied toward an MBA at Sage.

One of the best things about living in our area is the ability to experience a real county fair.  While there are plenty of traveling carnivals that visit cities all over America, a county fair is more than just rides and midway games. It’s a week of contests, competitions, shows, and demonstrations that can bring a community together. The Saratoga County Fair opens on Tuesday, July 21 and runs through Sunday, July 26. The fairgrounds are open from 9:00 am until midnight each day. These are our five favorites to look for when you visit the fair.

The short days, snow, and cold of Winter are mere memories; the rains and winds of Spring are over. Summer is the time for outside activities, soaking up sunlight's secret sauce (Vitamin D), and getting in shape.

The entry to a warm home begins with a welcoming front porch. We've gathered together some quick and easy ways to brighten up this area of your home so that it says WELCOME in a big way. Any of these ideas, of course, could easily be used on your backyard patio, too.

Beat the heat AND the monotony with our favorite recipes.

Summer is in full swing, and the weather is heating up. Whether it’s a 4th of July party, you’ve finally finished redoing the back patio, or the girls are simply lounging poolside, everyone’s looking for a reason to celebrate outdoors. Nothing beats an icy adult beverage during times like these. After so many barbecues and alfresco parties, however, the same-old drinks start to get a little stale. While margaritas and sangria will always rule supreme as the alcoholic drinks of summer, these classic, refreshing cocktails will give your party a fun twist.