Family News Articles

How to enjoy your 'staycation' this summer

Has today's economy forced you to reconsider your family's annual summer vacation? If the answer is yes, you're not alone. The good news is that you don't have to miss out on the fun just because you aren't leaving on a jet plane. Sometimes the most fun can be found right around the corner, or in your own backyard.

Published: 2009-06-19 00:00:00 read more...

Vacation rental homes: an affordable alternative to hotels

With consumers looking to stretch their travel dollar further in today's challenging economy, many are turning to vacation rental homes as an alternative to traditional hotels.

Published: 2009-06-19 00:00:00 read more...

Curb overeating during summer months

The grill is, perhaps, the main reason why many people gain weight during the summer. It's not just the grilled ribs, steaks, hot dogs and burgers, either. It's the potato and macaroni salads that we pile on the side, and the much-loved ambrosia recipes that wrap normally healthy fruits into a mountain of whipped cream. Here are some tips for enjoying all the food summer has to offer in a healthy way.

Published: 2009-06-17 00:00:00 read more...

Summer's freshest ideas to feed your kids well

Summertime brings out the best in family meals - fresh vegetables and fruit, fresh air dining and a fresh opportunity for parents to maintain their commitment to feeding their kids well.

Published: 2009-06-15 00:00:00 read more...

Capture precious baby memories at every milestone

As a proud new parent, you want to make sure that you capture every precious moment of your new baby's life. It's tempting to hit the nearest photography studio for a quick professional session, but in these tough times, that can be costly and time-consuming. For families on a budget, learning how to take great photography at home can be easy and fun.

Published: 2009-06-15 00:00:00 read more...

Closet clean out: Get your clothes in shape for summer

Given changing fashion trends and seasons, closets can be some of the most cluttered spaces in the home. Summer is the ideal time to get yours clean, organized and ready for the season.

Published: 2009-06-15 00:00:00 read more...

Leading expert says healthful aging depends on current daily habits

When it comes to healthful aging, a preventive approach is the key to success. By implementing some simple healthy habits today, we can achieve a healthier future. Some tips for healthful aging as part of an improved wellness plan.

Published: 2009-06-15 00:00:00 read more...

Riding escalators: A summer safety reminder

Summer means more time spent out and about. With activities ranging from swimming at the local pool to attending festivals, amusement parks and sporting events, people are visiting new places and entering new buildings. While outdoor safety may be top of mind for many this summer, indoor safety is equally important.

Published: 2009-06-15 00:00:00 read more...

Regular headaches? Get relief with natural remedies

What do millions of Americans have in common? Headaches. Most of us reach for over-the-counter remedies for headaches, but a growing number of Americans are seeking more natural options.

Published: 2009-06-12 00:00:00 read more...

Steps for safely mounting your flat-screen TV

Your new 46-inch flat-screen TV may be your pride and joy, but did you know it can also be a safety risk to something else precious in your life? Like other types of heavy furniture, improperly secured flat-screen TVs can tip over, crushing, injuring and even killing small children.

Published: 2009-06-11 00:00:00 read more...

Plan the perfect summer soiree

Summer is the perfect time to journey outdoors and mingle with family and friends. However, the stress of hosting summer get-togethers can sometimes be discouraging. This year, avoid a meltdown and make your next barbecue or block party a breeze.

Published: 2009-06-11 00:00:00 read more...

Beating the summer bummer of bug bites and bee stings

Ahhh, summer - July Fourth fireworks, family barbecues, ice cold watermelon, weekends at the beach . . . and bug bites. Or worse - bee, hornet and wasp stings. A summer mosquito bite or bee sting is almost inevitable and can be annoying to adult sufferers and traumatizing to the youngest members of the family. Here are some tips for dealing with summer bites and stings.

Published: 2009-06-10 00:00:00 read more...

Family fun provides teachable moments at a small cost

The change in seasons brings a change in family activities. With a little planning and a lot of fun, financial education can be packed into every weekend -- without spending a lot of money. Here are some ideas.

Published: 2009-06-08 00:00:00 read more...

The American dream still inspires, even as it evolves, study reveals

Shattered nest eggs, daunting unemployment rates and drastically depreciated home values -- the current financial crisis has no more power to kill the American dream, it seems, than did the Great Depression, the Dust Bowl or the two World Wars.

Published: 2009-06-05 00:00:00 read more...

Everyday wisdom for families of kids with diabetes

Parents are masters at juggling. But if you are a parent of a child with diabetes, you have to learn to juggle in a whole new way. When a child is diagnosed with a chronic disease like diabetes, everyday moments like finding a babysitter, taking a vacation or starting a school year become more of a challenge. Now there's a resource to help.

Published: 2009-06-04 00:00:00 read more...

Adding deck lights a simple way to enhance outdoor living

As summer rolls in and guests show up, the benefit of having outdoor living space for relaxing and entertaining becomes readily apparent. Homeowners love having extra space where they can hang out, and outdoor environments are a huge plus for those trying to sell or rent out a home.

Published: 2009-06-04 00:00:00 read more...

Please picky eaters with kid-friendly favorites

What's the best way to get picky eaters to enjoy good-for-you foods? Get kids involved in preparing meals and snacks. Experts agree that when children lend a hand (or two) in meal preparation, they are much more likely to eat what they're proud to have helped make.

Published: 2009-06-03 00:00:00 read more...

Time-saving tips for new moms on-the-go

Between naps, feedings and diaper changes -- new moms rarely have a moment free. Pulling it all together doesn't have to be overwhelming. Making some simple changes in your daily routine can mean extra time for enjoying your new baby.

Published: 2009-06-02 00:00:00 read more...

Top five tips to help manage your family's health

Managing health information, making appointments, keeping track of medications, and monitoring self-care recommendations are just a few of the routine tasks of today's family health advocate, a role often played by mom. Mayo Clinic suggests five tips for managing your family's health.

Published: 2009-06-02 00:00:00 read more...

Stay safe and enjoy the utility vehicle ride

Too often we see heart-rending headlines indicating children have been injured or killed in utility vehicle accidents because they were not buckled in when the accident occurred. These unfortunate accidents emphasize the need for enhanced education to keep operators of all ages safe when driving or riding utility vehicles.

Published: 2009-06-02 00:00:00 read more...

Helping kids stay strong during the summer months

Summer meals may taste great, but many also lack some of the essential nutrients kids need, especially when it comes to building and maintaining strong bones. The good news is some simple, easy-to-take steps can make a big difference when it comes to building strong bones.

Published: 2009-06-01 00:00:00 read more...

Wallet-friendly wardrobe tips

With the return of summer comes the return of brightly colored clothing and the classic little white t-shirt. Grass stains, dirt or barbecue spills often become part of these seasonal ensembles. To keep summertime wardrobe staples looking sunny all season, stop and listen to your clothes.

Published: 2009-06-01 00:00:00 read more...

Does your housecat need a behavioral housecall? Help is here

Cats have quirky personalities that make life interesting. More often than not, you'll find that your cat's entertaining antics leave you wondering, "What could she possibly be thinking?" You may never have all the answers, but one of the keys to living a more connected life with your cat starts with understanding.

Published: 2009-06-01 00:00:00 read more...

Four fun ways to capture life's memories

Throughout the ages, women have found ways to preserve their family histories and honor loved ones. From keeping a journal to creating a beautiful charm bracelet that captures special memories, here are four fun, tried-and-true ways to tell your story.

Published: 2009-05-27 00:00:00 read more...

Tips for moms to save time, money and energy

As a mom, you're always looking for ways to save time, money and energy to keep your house running smoothly. It's not always easy to find time in the day for all the things you need to do, from balancing the family budget to running errands to shuttling family members between activities.

Published: 2009-05-27 00:00:00 read more...

Online coupons yield the most value when you shop for big-ticket items

If you spend your online time chasing coupons you could easily find elsewhere - like grocery or health and beauty items regularly advertised in your local paper - you're not getting the most for your time.

Published: 2009-05-26 00:00:00 read more...

How you can recognize a woman who makes a difference in your community

Historically women are the shapers of home and family. But many women today extend their nurturing role to the entire community through activism and charity work that has a significant impact in the lives of individuals and society as a whole. Here is information about how you can get involved volunteering in your community and how you can recognize the important women volunteers in your life.

Published: 2009-05-22 00:00:00 read more...

Help make summer safe for your child

Summer vacation is a great time for students but a time of concern for parents because all the extra free time means more opportunity to get into trouble. Parents can help keep their children safe this summer by taking control over their children's lives.

Published: 2009-05-21 00:00:00 read more...

Good news for expectant or would-be moms with epilepsy

Mary Katherine Albritton had a normal childhood despite being diagnosed with epilepsy when she was 6 years old. Her parents worked to teach her about her condition, and she grew up to be a happy adult. But in 2005 she got a surprise -- she was pregnant. As an adult with epilepsy, she wondered about the risks to her and her fetus.

Published: 2009-05-20 00:00:00 read more...

Online coupons make it easy to save

Last year, Americans spent more than $130 billion while shopping online, a growth of more than 6 percent over the year before. It's no surprise that shoppers choose to use the Internet more and more: you can save time and money by checking reviews of products and finding the best deals.

Published: 2009-05-19 00:00:00 read more...

Keep an eye on your vision health this summer

If you've ever come in from a day sailing, picnicking or lying on the beach and your eyes felt tired, sore and gritty, you likely experienced ultraviolet radiation (UVR) overexposure. It's critical to protect your eyes from the sun's damaging rays to decrease your risk of developing serious vision issues such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration, the leading causes of blindness.

Published: 2009-05-19 00:00:00 read more...

8 ways to protect you and your family online

Browsing the Web is the single most popular activity on the PC -- with both the time people spend on the Web and the range of things they can do continuing to grow. With social networking sites, online shopping, and online banking becoming more common and convenient, the risk of fraud or identity theft continues to grow.

Published: 2009-05-19 00:00:00 read more...

Can't sleep? Eye-opening facts about common sleep myths

Are you tired of feeling tired? Are sleepless nights interfering with your days? If so, you may be one of the approximately 30 million Americans who suffer from chronic insomnia. In fact, according to a national survey, 54 percent of adults said they have experienced symptoms of insomnia at least a few times a week.

Published: 2009-05-19 00:00:00 read more...

Ordinary Americans make a difference in the lives of former foster children

Ordinary Americans are making a difference in the lives of young people aging out of foster care. Through support and donations, you can help former foster kids achieve their dream of going to college.

Published: 2009-05-18 00:00:00 read more...

Smart ways summer travelers can cut hotel costs

How does your family plan to save money on summer vacation this year? Driving rather than flying? Maybe carrying all the items you need instead of renting once arriving at your destination? These are all great ways to save! But how do you cut back on one of the biggest, yet totally necessary costs of travel - accommodations?

Published: 2009-05-15 00:00:00 read more...

Thwarting summer's little creepy-crawly - the tick

For sheer skin-crawling summer creepiness, few experiences beat a tick bite. But worse than the unpleasant surprise of discovering you've been bitten by a tick are the health risks that come with the bite.

Published: 2009-05-14 00:00:00 read more...

Hope campaign stimulates positive messages

If each person in America mailed just one positive note, or wrote the word "hope" on the back of one envelope before dropping it into the mail for a friend, relative, co-worker or acquaintance, more than 300 million positive messages would be arriving in mailboxes nationwide. That positive movement to reenergize the American spirit is called Hope Is In The Cards.

Published: 2009-05-11 00:00:00 read more...

New to coupon-clipping? Tips for getting the most out of coupons

On top of working extra hours, slashing expenses and worrying about the future, the recession has a lot of us doing something we never did before -- clipping coupons.

Published: 2009-05-06 00:00:00 read more...

Savvy tips for cutting insurance costs

With the Insurance Information Institute estimating a nationwide average of $764 for home insurance and $831 to insure a vehicle each year, you might be tempted to scale back. But you could pay a price later for your penny-pinching today.

Published: 2009-05-05 00:00:00 read more...

Want to pare down insurance costs? Things to consider before you cut

With the Insurance Information Institute estimating a nationwide average of $764 for home insurance and $831 to insure a vehicle each year, you might be tempted to scale back. But you could pay a price later for your penny-pinching today.

Published: 2009-05-05 00:00:00 read more...

Tasty summer dishes sizzle with sweet Vidalia onions

Maybe it was helping your grandma with her favorite summer recipe or shopping with your mom at the market when the first shipment of the season arrived. No matter the memory, Vidalia onions are as versatile and delicious today as they were back then. Here are some ideas for cooking with this tasty treat from a leading chef.

Published: 2009-05-05 00:00:00 read more...

Summer camp helps youth battle 'nature deficit disorder'

With a growing number of researchers reporting that millions of children suffer from a lack of outdoor exposure and play, summer break can increase parents' concerns about children spending beautiful days in front of the television, computer or gaming station.

Published: 2009-05-04 00:00:00 read more...

Birders clubs -- beyond the binoculars

Bird watching is one of the fastest-growing hobbies in the country. It's easy, inexpensive and relaxing. Best of all, wild birds are beautiful and fascinating to watch. They're also wonderful to listen to, and with more than 800 species in North America alone, there is something for everyone.

Published: 2009-05-04 00:00:00 read more...

Protect your pets from fleas and ticks

Summertime brings hot weather, camping trips, and, for pet owners, fleas and ticks. These small bugs aren't a small concern. Ticks are second only to mosquitoes as vectors of human diseases, and flea and tick populations are on the rise nationwide. Here's what you need to know to keep your pet and family safe.

Published: 2009-05-01 00:00:00 read more...

Five strategies to help you save on summer travel

After a long winter of hard work, inclement weather, schoolbooks and bad news on the economy, who couldn't use a break this summer? The recession probably has many American families reconsidering their summer vacation plans, but with some smart travel strategies, it is possible for the whole family to enjoy a budget-friendly summer getaway.

Published: 2009-04-30 00:00:00 read more...

Simplify your family budget

Times are tight and you've cut back on the luxuries your family once enjoyed but could live without. However, every family has expenses, so how do you save money on the products or services that are necessities?

Published: 2009-04-29 00:00:00 read more...

Save money on existing family expenses

Times are tight and you've cut back on the luxuries your family once enjoyed but could live without. However, every family has expenses, so how do you save money on the products or services that are necessities?

Published: 2009-04-29 00:00:00 read more...

Trail tips and locations for ATV fun

As the all-terrain vehicle riding season shifts into high gear, the sound of ATVs rolling over rocky hills and cruising down dirt paths is slowly building across the country.

Published: 2009-04-29 00:00:00 read more...

Easy solutions to clean up your digital life

Warm weather signals the time to get clutter under control. A time traditionally spent cleaning out nooks and crannies in the home, this season the trend is to organize your digital world, which as most of us know, can be a huge mess.

Published: 2009-04-28 00:00:00 read more...

Good News for Women with Epilepsy Who Are Pregnant or Want to Get Pregnant

Mary Katherine Albritton had a normal childhood despite being diagnosed with epilepsy when she was 6 years old. Her parents worked to teach her about her condition, and she grew up to be a happy adult. But in 2005 she got a surprise -- she was pregnant. As an adult with epilepsy, she wondered about the risks to her and her fetus.

Published: 2009-04-27 00:00:00 read more...

Five ideas for summer fun you can actually afford

More Americans will likely cut costs by staying home this summer and finding fun right in their own backyards or other close-to-home locales. While there are plenty of activities you can enjoy for free -- from a backyard campout to planting your own recession garden -- if you still have a small budget for summer fun, you'll want to get the most bang for your buck.

Published: 2009-04-27 00:00:00 read more...

A Healthy Home in 15 Minutes or Less

Staying healthy and preventing illness starts in the home. A clean and safe home can be a sanctuary for the entire family, from infants to adults. Here's what you need to know about making your home a healthy place for people of all ages.

Published: 2009-04-27 00:00:00 read more...

Five ideas for affordable summer fun

If you have a small budget for summer fun, you'll want to get the most bang for your buck. And there are plenty of activities you can enjoy for free in your own backyard or close to home.

Published: 2009-04-27 00:00:00 read more...

What's Old is New for Parents Looking to Save Money

Because raising a child in tough economic times can be expensive and financially challenging, many families are looking for ways to reduce their spending without having to sacrifice their family's well-being. This has resulted in a slew of families getting creative by making old items new again.

Published: 2009-04-27 00:00:00 read more...

Five Summer Splurges for Less than $10

Even if you, like many Americans, are staying close to home this summer, you don't have to miss out on warm-weather indulgences. Despite lingering financial concerns, simple summer splurges still abound.

Published: 2009-04-23 00:00:00 read more...

Temperatures Rising? Take Dinner Outdoors

Hot dogs, hamburgers and pork ribs aren't the healthiest eats in the bunch, especially if getting fit for the summertime is a priority. You won't have to compromise these good ol' grilling favorites at your next barbecue if lighter substitutions are made elsewhere. Here are some ideas from a professional chef.

Published: 2009-04-22 00:00:00 read more...

Natural Remedies Help Kids Breathe Easy

For millions of adults and children, warm weather means it's time to devote attention to nasal health. Just as you want to spend more time outside, the higher temperatures make greater attention to healthy breathing a must. Parents are rightfully concerned about their children's respiratory health and many are taking steps to help their children breathe easier this summer.

Published: 2009-04-21 00:00:00 read more...

Three Simple Tips for an Affordable Family Camping Trip

When faced with financial challenges like those posed by the recent economic downturn, American families tend to react to their decreased discretionary dollars by getting "back to basics." They pursue different leisure activities and ones that offer quality time that can bring them closer together -- like camping close to home.

Published: 2009-04-20 00:00:00 read more...

Summer Family Fun with Blueberries

Blueberries are the perfect grab 'n' go snack for active families, combining the best that nature has to offer: good nutrition and luscious flavor.

Published: 2009-04-16 00:00:00 read more...

Parents Can Take an Active Role in Helping Their Children with Asthma

As any parent of a young child will tell you, talking to your kids and getting them to listen is not an easy task. This challenge can be even more pronounced when you are a parent of a child with asthma, a condition that affects nearly one in 10 children in America, according to the National Center for Health Statistics.

Published: 2009-04-16 00:00:00 read more...

How to Help Kids 'Go Green'

Kids are increasingly aware of the issues impacting their environment, and are even more engaged and excited about making their world a greener place. Parents can involve their children in "going green" with a few simple steps, and show them how they, too, can make a big contribution to Mother Earth.

Published: 2009-04-16 00:00:00 read more...

Simple Ways Parents Can Nurture Kids' Self Esteem

Most parents know that self esteem is important for a child's academic, social and emotional success. However, when it comes to nurturing their child's self esteem it's easy for parents to feel a bit lost. A few simple and positive steps are all it takes to start your child on the path to confidence.

Published: 2009-04-14 00:00:00 read more...

Simple Ways to Scatter Joy This Mother's Day

It really is the thought that counts, especially when finding the perfect way to express your sincere appreciation for all that Mom does to give support, comfort, and joy year round. This Mother's Day, as people are looking for simple ways to show mom how much they care, it means that every gift and card has an even bigger job to do.

Published: 2009-04-13 00:00:00 read more...

Save Money with Sophisticated Sun Control

Do you ever wish you could create a more comfortable home environment while also having a positive impact on the environment? By providing shade to windows and patio doors, your interior temperatures can be significantly reduced. You'll use less fuel and save on cooling costs.

Published: 2009-04-07 00:00:00 read more...

Ronnie Nose Says 'Don't Blow It' This Season

What does a cartoon nose with red sneakers and year-round sniffles have to do with learning about nasal allergies? Well this nose, Ronnie Nose, is the star of "Don't Blow It," a new online health game that uses humor and animation to help teach people about nasal allergies.

Published: 2009-04-07 00:00:00 read more...

Pool Safety Measures Ensure Safe Summer Fun

People drive cars even though there are accidents every day. You simple take precautions and wear your seatbelt. The same goes for home pools. With proper safety measures in place, you and your family can enjoy endless hours of safe pool fun.

Published: 2009-04-03 00:00:00 read more...

Food Allergy Safety 101

With the number of children with life-threatening food allergies on the rise, practicing food allergy safety is more important than ever. From closely reading labels to understanding hidden allergens and food manufacturing processes, there is a lot that can be done to keep children free of allergic reactions.

Published: 2009-04-02 00:00:00 read more...

Camping Tips for Parents

Camping can help create lifelong memories for adults and children alike, which is one of the reasons it is the No. 1 outdoor activity in America. But before you pack up the tent and start the long drive, remember that proper preparation for a camping trip is important, especially when kids are involved.

Published: 2009-04-02 00:00:00 read more...

Easy Tips to Cut Dry Cleaning Bills and Still Look Great

In this economy, Americans are finding creative ways to save money on many modern conveniences. Why should you still be paying through the nose to have your clothes cared for and pressed by a professional?

Published: 2009-04-01 00:00:00 read more...

Living Wills Protect You at All Ages, Stages of Life

Discussing the end of life is not easy for most people. Yet most of us don't want to burden our loved ones and would prefer to see our wishes carried out. A living will can help ease the burden of difficult decisions.

Published: 2009-04-01 00:00:00 read more...

Don't Let the Recession Make You Gain Weight

Comfort food and fast-food sales are soaring -- chocolatier Cadbury's profits soared 30 percent in 2008, and McDonald's saw a 5 percent increase in U.S. sales this past January. Grocery store comfort foods like boxed macaroni and cheese and canned ham are also staging a comeback. Let's face it, the recession is not good for our health.

Published: 2009-04-01 00:00:00 read more...

It's Easier Than You Think: Tips for Building Healthier Habits

Between juggling work, family activities and household chores, taking the time to build healthier habits can be a seemingly daunting task for moms. But a new survey reveals that despite the fact that it takes just three to six weeks to form a new habit, the overwhelming majority of respondents think it takes six months or longer.

Published: 2009-04-01 00:00:00 read more...

Save money by keeping your clothes in great shape

In this economy, Americans are finding creative ways to get the most out of everything, and that includes their clothes. By maintaining your wardrobe in the right way, you can save money by making sure your favorite items stay beautiful and wearable for a long time.

Published: 2009-04-01 00:00:00 read more...

New poll shows Americans gaining weight amidst recession

Belts are tightening across the country as the recession lags on. As wallets get flatter, Americans are getting fatter according to one new study.

Published: 2009-04-01 00:00:00 read more...

Personal Health Records Put Consumers in Control

Busy parent Barb Kerecz relies on online health records to keep her family's medical records in order. More information, easier tracking and the potential to save money are all good reasons to see how personal health records can benefit you.

Published: 2009-03-31 00:00:00 read more...

Turn Ordinary Digital Photos into Lasting Memories

At this time of year, it seems people are taking more pictures than ever. Another school year is wrapping up -- there are graduations, proms and sporting events. And don't forget about summer holidays, family vacations, reunions and weddings. Without a doubt, the digital camera has made it easier than ever for anyone to capture hundreds -- even thousands -- of pictures of these cherished moments. But this modern marvel of technology has been both a blessing and a curse.

Published: 2009-03-31 00:00:00 read more...

Stumped for a Mother's Day Gift? Consider This

You know you can never really repay Mom for all she's done for you over the years, but Mother's Day is the one day a year you at least try to let her know how much she's appreciated. And although you know she'll be happy with whatever you give her, this year you want to do something truly memorable. Here are a few tips and suggestions to keep in mind.

Published: 2009-03-30 00:00:00 read more...

Raising Children With a Global Appreciation

Many parents today want their children to celebrate their heritage and to grow up with a natural appreciation for different cultures. But for an infant or toddler, how does a parent open the door to understanding how groups of people who are different, are also very much alike in many very important ways?

Published: 2009-03-27 00:00:00 read more...

How to raise children with a global appreciation

Many parents today want their children to celebrate their heritage and to grow up with a natural appreciation for different cultures. But for an infant or toddler, how does a parent open the door to understanding how groups of people who are different, are also very much alike in many very important ways?

Published: 2009-03-27 00:00:00 read more...

Potatoes Pack a Hearty Punch

It's no secret that heart disease remains the leading cause of death in America, where one in every three Americans is at high risk, according to the American Heart Association. Potassium, like that found in potatoes, may help lower diastolic blood pressure. So when you want to do something good for your heart, reach for potatoes.

Published: 2009-03-26 00:00:00 read more...

Living a Healthy Lifestyle on a Budget

Health and wellness is a privilege that everyone should be able to afford even in difficult economic times. With the right experience and know-how, anyone can make smart choices about healthy living while also being wallet wise.

Published: 2009-03-25 00:00:00 read more...

Fun and Learning with Kids in the Kitchen

It's fun, it's messy, and it means time with an adult -- no wonder most kids love to cook. Kitchen duty provides plenty of learning opportunities for kids too.

Published: 2009-03-25 00:00:00 read more...

After a Layoff: Evaluating Your Health Insurance Options

As the economy continues to struggle, an increasing number of people are faced with the unfortunate prospect of losing their job. One of the primary concerns facing the recently unemployed is the loss of health benefits. Here are your options and what you need to know if you are unemployed and need health insurance.

Published: 2009-03-25 00:00:00 read more...

Healthy Grocery Shopping on a Budget

American households are rediscovering the art of cooking at home. It's time to take a look at strategic grocery shopping and healthy meal preparation to better survive the recession and keep you and your family healthy in the process.

Published: 2009-03-23 00:00:00 read more...

Preventing Prescription Drug Abuse by Teens: Recognize and React

Every day, millions of Americans appropriately use prescription medicines to improve their health. But what happens when a teenager or child misuses these products? How can parents recognize and respond to the signs of potential prescription drug abuse?

Published: 2009-03-23 00:00:00 read more...

Three Ways to Save Money With Coupons

In this economy, people are looking to save money wherever they can. That means many are turning to an old favorite: coupons. There's no question that coupons can save shoppers serious money at check-out, but grocery coupons have come a long way since the days when they could only be found in the Sunday newspaper.

Published: 2009-03-23 00:00:00 read more...

Secrets for Living Well While Spending Less

The current economic climate has prompted many people to reexamine their spending habits. But you don't have to slash your budget dramatically. You can make minor adjustments to spend less and still live well.

Published: 2009-03-19 00:00:00 read more...

Smart Solutions for the Home

Between running the daily car pool, business meetings and planning family meals, it can be very difficult for today's busy mom to keep the home clean and organized. While moms do their best to survive today's fast-paced lifestyle, there are simple steps to get homes back in tip-top shape and revitalize living spaces.

Published: 2009-03-18 00:00:00 read more...

'Veg-ucate' Kids About Good Eating Habits this Spring

With spring blooming, green thumbs coming out of hibernation and gardens glowing in a few weeks, now is the perfect time to "veg-ucate" kids to like, and even want, veggies.

Published: 2009-03-17 00:00:00 read more...

Think You Can't Get Your Kids to Eat Their Veggies? Veg-ucate!

With spring blooming, green thumbs coming out of hibernation and gardens glowing in a few weeks, now is the perfect time to "veg-ucate" kids to like, and even want, veggies.

Published: 2009-03-17 00:00:00 read more...

Beef Producers and Consumers Share "Everyday Environmentalist" Practices

Mom is in charge of water conservation. Dad handles composting. The kids help make sure lights are off when they aren't needed. Is this life in many typical American homes these days? You bet, and it's a life shared by families across the country on America's beef farms and ranches.

Published: 2009-03-16 00:00:00 read more...

The Good Fat You Must Eat: The Benefits of DHA

You have probably heard that omega-3s are good for you, Surprisingly, despite all of the reported health benefits, the American population is not getting enough of this important nutrient. In fact, the U.S. has one of the lowest average intakes of the omega-3 DHA in the world, and children are particularly at risk.

Published: 2009-03-16 00:00:00 read more...

Suffering from 'White Coat Syndrome'? Medical Assistants Ease Patients' Minds

Your heart races, your palms sweat and your mouth feels dry. Why does a simple trip to the doctor's office stress you so much? Who do you turn to for help in easing the anxiety of a doctor's visit? It turns out, there's probably already someone working right there in your doctor's office who can help you feel more comfortable about your visit -- the medical assistant.

Published: 2009-03-16 00:00:00 read more...

Turn Off the TV, Turn on the Oven and Turn Down the Spending

With less money for the movies or a night on the town, families are nesting more at home. Don't let the tough economy keep your family from talking and laughing together -- get up, get creative and get baking cookies.

Published: 2009-03-12 00:00:00 read more...

Top Tips for Smart and Safe Travelers

You booked your trip and the excitement for your upcoming vacation increases as you count down the days before your travel adventure starts. But to help ensure your vacation becomes a travel delight and not a travel nightmare, there are some things you should consider prior to takeoff.

Published: 2009-03-12 00:00:00 read more...

How to Hit a Financial Planning Homerun

The crack of the bat. The roar of the crowd as you round the bases. While hitting a homerun in the big leagues is only the stuff of dreams for most of us, baseball can serve as a wonderful analogy for our quest for financial security. Here are some timeless financial tips.

Published: 2009-03-12 00:00:00 read more...

Organize Debt Consolidation Quickly and Easily

The downturn in the economy has been a wake-up call to many debt-heavy consumers. More than ever before Americans are examining their options for paying off debt faster, or lowering sky-high rates.

Published: 2009-03-11 00:00:00 read more...

Simple Ways to Reap the Rewards of Getting Back to Nature

Spring is just around the corner. Longer spring days signal the perfect time to get outdoors. How will you spend those extra hours of daylight?

Published: 2009-03-10 00:00:00 read more...

Teaching Kids Lessons Beyond Dollars and Cents

To say that money matters have been getting a lot of attention as of late is an understatement. It's hard to turn on the television, read a newspaper or surf the Web without the topic coming up in one form or another. While many of us have grown used to the constant chatter, it might not be the case for children.

Published: 2009-03-09 00:00:00 read more...

How to Keep Allergies from Ruining the Fun at Playdates

Playdates help youngsters learn socialization and cooperation skills, they're fun for kids and give mothers a chance to mingle and share advice. But what do you do if your child has allergies, or you're hosting a playdate with a young allergy sufferer as a guest? Here's some practical advice for keeping allergies from spoiling the fun.

Published: 2009-03-05 00:00:00 read more...

Save Money and Keep Teens Home by Creating a Teen Haven

With the prospect of unemployment and falling home values on many parents' minds, sending teens on a ski trip with friends, or funding mall excursions and meals out, are just not in the budget anymore. Parents may find it's a better investment -- both for their homes and for their teens' development -- to create a haven at home where teenagers can socialize for free.

Published: 2009-03-03 00:00:00 read more...

Clean, Green and Affordable Laundry

Laundry can take its toll -- on your wallet and on the environment. In fact, the average American family does almost seven loads of laundry per week! All that water, detergent, and electricity or gas adds up to a lot of excess, but adding a few simple steps to your laundry routine can significantly reduce your environmental impact and save you money.

Published: 2009-03-02 00:00:00 read more...

New Hope for Patients Affected by Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome, a Severe Form of Epilepsy

Chances are most people are familiar with the medical condition of epilepsy and the seizures that can be associated with the disorder. But many may not realize that epilepsy can range in severity, from mild to serious, and can be classified into syndromes, based on a number of factors, including the type of seizure a person experiences.

Published: 2009-03-02 00:00:00 read more...

Easy Tips for an Eco-kind, Budget-friendly Home

Going green is one trend that continues to grow, helping to keep our environment healthy. And in a tough economy, taking eco-friendly steps at home can also be a way to save some money. If you are interested in being more energy efficient and want to reduce waste at your house, you'll be happy to know it's easier than you think.

Published: 2009-03-02 00:00:00 read more...

Simple Solutions for Economy-driven Anxiety Over Home Security

In bad economic times, it's understandable for people to worry more about the security of their homes and families. Improving your home's security doesn't have to be an expensive job left to professionals. With a few simple and affordable do-it-yourself improvements, you can improve security and address your anxiety over possible risks to your home and family.

Published: 2009-02-26 00:00:00 read more...

Egress Window Well Systems Provide Safety and Peace of Mind

With families spending more time in basement living spaces safety is more important than ever before. A fire can spread throughout a home in as little as two minutes, so homeowners must be prepared. Egress Systems provide escape routes that even children can operate on their own.

Published: 2009-02-20 00:00:00 read more...

No Room for a Door? Slide it Aside the Wall

There are many places through most houses where doors that slide rather than swing can provide space saving advantages. But genuine pocket doors that slide inside of walls can't always be installed, due to obstacles such as room configurations. Here's the solution.

Published: 2009-02-20 00:00:00 read more...

How to Stay in Shape Like the First Family

The newly installed first family is young, vibrant and providing inspiration for millions of Americans to get active. What are some of the Obamas' favorite fitness activities and how can you stay in shape like the newest residents of the White House?

Published: 2009-02-18 00:00:00 read more...

Budget Travel Tips to Save Your Family Vacation this Year

Several surveys indicate many Americans still intend to take vacations in 2009 -- they'll just be smarter about planning the trip and how they spend their money. Here are a few simple tips on how families can make the most of their travel budget this year.

Published: 2009-02-12 00:00:00 read more...

New Moms Find that Being Green Won't Break the Bank

When Robin Tobin gave birth to a bouncing baby boy last year, she made two life-changing decisions: One, she would become a stay-at-home mom, reducing her family's income by half, and two, her family would strive to be more green. Tobin, like others, is part of a trend of new families that are tightening their belts without disparaging the planet in the process.

Published: 2009-02-12 00:00:00 read more...

The Secret to Romance? A Clean Bathroom, of Course!

Shared interests, compatibility, trust, passion -- all are important factors in a successful marriage. But if you really want to nurture your relationship, a new study shows it's important to synchronize your cleaning styles.

Published: 2009-02-11 00:00:00 read more...

Spice Up Your Meals with Latin Flavors

Most at-home chefs have five to 10 go-to recipes for the week, leaving them in a repetitive cooking rut. Whether you're a seasoned chef or just making your way around the kitchen, exploring different cuisines and experimenting with flavors can be simple and bring fresh life and authenticity to everyday meals. One tasty cuisine with readily available ingredients that is growing in popularity in the United States is Latin cuisine.

Published: 2009-02-10 00:00:00 read more...

Digital Upgrade Delay Means More Time to Tackle TV Accessories

Keeping up with the news is more important than ever when times are tough, and today many Americans turn to TV as their primary source of news. With Congress' recent decision to delay the switch to digital until June 12, Americans will have more time to upgrade to digital technology if they still have an analog set.

Published: 2009-02-09 00:00:00 read more...

Simple Steps to Achieve a Better Credit Score

Americans are dealing with the credit crunch by keeping cash on hand. In the process, however, the average consumer is paying 2.6 bills late every month. Here are simple tips for avoiding unnecessary late fees and maintaining a good credit score.

Published: 2009-02-09 00:00:00 read more...

Simple Ways to Nurture Your Child's Positive Body Image

With spring around the corner, kids, tweens and teens across the country will doff sweaters for tank tops and jeans for shorts. And as a parent, you may feel more conscious than ever of our society's preoccupation with body image and how it affects your child.

Published: 2009-02-09 00:00:00 read more...

Tour Guiding: A Fun Profession That Can Make a Difference

This past year brought record numbers of foreign visitors to the United States. Tour guides are usually the first person a tourist meets when they visit any country. It is not by chance that most countries train the brightest most articulate people to be their "ambassadors of goodwill" to visiting tourists.

Published: 2009-02-03 00:00:00 read more...

New Moms: Budget Benefits of Breastfeeding

New mothers are considering a relatively new factor in the bottle versus breast debate -- the economy. In fact, 88 percent of new moms are weighing the budget benefits of breastfeeding right alongside the health benefits, a recent survey shows.

Published: 2009-02-03 00:00:00 read more...

Bracing for Braces: Straight Talk on Teeth Straightening Options

If you or your friends had metal braces growing up, you might remember that they were sometimes difficult to deal with. Now it's time for your teen to have braces. Here are some tips and advice for creating the best braces experience for your child.

Published: 2009-02-02 00:00:00 read more...

Make Living Naturally Second Nature at Home

Many families are interested in adopting a more natural lifestyle, especially when they're met by life-changing moments, such as welcoming a new baby, adopting a pet, or buying a new home. Here are five tips to help families live more naturally.

Published: 2009-01-21 00:00:00 read more...

Sick-day Guidelines for Parents

Are you not always sure if your child's cough and sniffles warrant keeping him home from school? You're not alone. In fact, a new study shows that in the past year three out of four parents faced at least one situation in which they were not entirely sure whether or not to keep their child home from school when he or she had a cold. Here are some guidelines.

Published: 2009-01-21 00:00:00 read more...

Turn Your Backyard into a Sanctuary

Your backyard is your sanctuary. But you want to make it even better -- perhaps with a patio where your family can congregate, enjoy outdoor barbeques and entertain guests.

Published: 2009-01-15 00:00:00 read more...

Four Easy Tips to Live Harmoniously with Your Favorite Fur-ball

You play, laugh, snuggle and sleep together. In fact, you're best friends! But, just like their owners, pets have their quirks: chewing socks, begging, stealing food and some things they just can't help, like shedding hair everywhere.

Published: 2009-01-15 00:00:00 read more...

Take Note: Playing Piano Relieves Stress and Anyone Can Do It

Whether you just listen or actually play an instrument, music has very definite therapeutic value for a range of mental and physical health issues, a growing body of scientific evidence shows.

Published: 2009-01-13 00:00:00 read more...

Tips on Life and Love When Baby Makes Three

What happens to romance in a marriage when a baby arrives on the scene and (often) moves into the couple's bedroom, if not their bed? There's lots of tiptoeing around the subject, but couples are often left to find their own way back to the intimacy they once enjoyed. Here are a few tips on how couples can recapture their sense of intimacy.

Published: 2009-01-12 00:00:00 read more...

Dinnertime Pizzazz for Less than $10

With food costs rising and budgets tightening, it's time to get creative at mealtime. The trick is to do more with less, and there are many great options -- from smart recipes to great food products -- to help stretch the dollar and delight the appetite. Here are some expert tips on how to keep meal costs down.

Published: 2009-01-12 00:00:00 read more...

Managing your Cholesterol to Prevent Diabetes and Heart Disease

Want to lower your risk for type 2 diabetes and heart disease? Managing your cholesterol can help.

Published: 2009-01-09 00:00:00 read more...

Smarter Meal Choices for On-the-go Families

Between the hustle and bustle of routines and non-stop schedules that run until bedtime, it can be difficult to find the time for everyone in the family to eat together - let alone eat healthy options. Finding these options for an on-the-go lifestyle has always been a challenging task -- until now. Time-strapped parents can now find healthy, yet tasty meal and snack options for their children at the grocery store.

Published: 2009-01-09 00:00:00 read more...

Digital TV Transition Delayed Until June. Are You Prepared?

Are you a television junkie? Do you hold viewing parties for season premieres, award shows or season finales? On June 12, 2009, at 11:59 p.m., analog television will cease to exist -- but what does this mean for you?

Published: 2009-01-07 00:00:00 read more...

Be Smart With Your Shopping Cart

In these tough economic times, every little bit counts when making household budgets stretch. Though money may be tight, there are many simple ways to save by trimming your grocery bill.

Published: 2008-12-29 00:00:00 read more...

How to Make Your Long Distance Relationship Work

You finally met the person of your dreams. There's just one small problem -- you live hundreds of miles apart and neither of you is able or willing to move. You face the challenge of the "long distance relationship" -- a lifestyle choice for about 25 million people around the world.

Published: 2008-12-23 00:00:00 read more...

Why Savvy Consumers Know Their Score and More

Are your personal files favorable? Your credit report and FICO tell only part of the story. If you don't know what's in your files, it's time to find out.

Published: 2008-12-19 00:00:00 read more...

New Baby? Make a New Financial Strategy

When baby makes three, budgets sometimes fly out the door. We all know babies are not cheap and thinking about college tuition sends that figure significantly higher. If you haven't adjusted your financial strategy to accommodate the needs of your future heirs, there are some key considerations to keep your long-term financial security intact.

Published: 2008-12-18 00:00:00 read more...

Budget-friendly Tips for Feeding a Family

Think it's tough managing your grocery budget and making the most of family mealtime? Meet Kathryn Sansone, a mother of 10 who puts dinner on the table six nights a week. If anyone knows the value of stretching the dinner table dollar, it's the woman who sets a table for 12 almost every night of the week.

Published: 2008-12-18 00:00:00 read more...

A New Approach to the Family-oriented Wedding

A five-minute ceremony incorporated into any religious or civil wedding ceremony helps children embrace their new blended family.

Published: 2008-12-17 00:00:00 read more...

Celebrity Blunders, Bombs and Breakups - Americans Find Escape and Enjoyment in Entertainment News

Wall Street's rollercoaster ride, dwindling nest eggs, mortgage meltdowns, high gas prices and the impending recession -- 2008 was rough a year. While many Americans were relieved that their problems weren't front page news, they found escape in the public breakups, pesky paparazzi, wardrobe malfunctions, career-crushing blunders and other nuisances that plagued many big-name celebrities this past year.

Published: 2008-12-17 00:00:00 read more...

Start Spring Early with Indoor Gardening

Let's face it -- April can be gray and dreary month. You're more than ready for spring to begin, but Mother Nature is on a different schedule. But you can jump start the season of growth by bringing it inside.

Published: 2008-12-16 00:00:00 read more...

Five Ways to Make 50-Plus the Best Years of Your Life

You're getting older, it's true. But it's how you get older that matters. Being afraid of it is like being afraid of getting more channels on your TV: It can be a little disorienting at first (do I watch ESPN 1, ESPN 2 or ESPN 3?), but all the new choices offer a great opportunity for exploration.

Published: 2008-12-15 00:00:00 read more...

Picture a Year of Organized Photo Sharing

The year is filled with precious memories. Unfortunately, they often get stuck in digital cameras or memory cards for months. Photo-sharing Web sites have made it easy to organize and share photos, so you're saving memories, not clutter. Here's what you should know when you're looking for the right site for your needs.

Published: 2008-12-12 00:00:00 read more...

Steps for Second-dog Success

A second dog may be hard to resist for many pet parents, especially if having their first dog was a positive experience. However, many families underestimate the responsibility of caring for two dogs and the impact adding a new pet can have on a first dog.

Published: 2008-12-11 00:00:00 read more...

Infantry Museum Offers Pavers to Honor Contributions

The National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center is recognizing heros through commemorative pavers engraved with personal messages of gratitude to line a walkway connecting the museum and a parade field in Columbus, Ga.

Published: 2008-12-09 00:00:00 read more...

Tips to Bring Your PC Up to Speed

Your PC isn't very old, but it sure is slow - so slow that you would love to replace it with something new and speedy. But a new computer just isn't in the budget in this tough economy.

Published: 2008-12-09 00:00:00 read more...

Feed the Immune System for the Cold and Flu Season

Our immune systems are smart. The immune system, when exposed to new flu and cold viruses, learns to recognized and react to seasonal strains of the invaders. The system also remembers bugs it has seen before. But we're a mobile society -- each year, world travel brings new strains of germs and virus home, forcing the immune system to deal with new invaders it has never seen. This is why the Center for Disease Control makes yearly changes to the flu vaccine, hoping to predict which bugs will arrive in the U.S. on a seasonal basis.

Published: 2008-12-09 00:00:00 read more...

One Way You Can Still Protect Your Adult Children

Age may make you feel there is little you can do to shelter your adult children from life's hard knocks. But you can protect them from the emotional trauma of having to make life-and-death decisions on your behalf by having the difficult discussion about advanced care plans before the plans become urgent.

Published: 2008-12-05 00:00:00 read more...

Underfoot at the Playground -- Smart, Safe Choices

Ask any child about their favorite playground activities and they may mention the swings, slides, bars or various other playground games and equipment. What you are not likely to hear from anyone, though, is anything about the surface they play on. Yet it is the foundation of all safe play on the playground, and something parents need to pay close attention to as their kids trot off to swing, jump and play games.

Published: 2008-11-18 00:00:00 read more...

Hosting the Perfect Summer-savvy Picnic

Summer is the perfect time to bring together family and friends to enjoy the outdoors. Dust off the grill, lay out a fresh blanket and enjoy delicious food while soaking up the sun with the ones you love. Here are some tips for hoting the perfect summer party.

Published: 2008-06-02 00:00:00 read more...

Taking Back the Backyard

Summer is the time to get outside in the backyard and enjoy the weather, but it's also when mosquitoes appear. So, as you're setting the outdoor table, it's also time to consider how you're going to get rid of pesky, biting mosquitoes.

Published: 2008-05-30 00:00:00 read more...

Help your Dog through Fireworks and Frightful Forecasts

Summer has arrived and the Fourth of July is just around the corner. For families, that means more fun and festivities, but for pets it can become a stressful time due to increased sudden noise such as thunderstorms and fireworks. Here are tips for easing the stress.

Published: 2008-05-29 00:00:00 read more...

Gas Prices Hurting Summer Plans? Turn Your Backyard into a Fuel-free Vacation

If you are concerned about vacation plans being ruined this year because of economic concerns, don't sweat it. Take a summer vacation without leaving your own backyard!

Published: 2008-05-22 00:00:00 read more...

Play it Safe: Protect Kids' Eyes During Sports

Every year, more than 40,000 Americans go to the emergency room for sports-related eye injuries. Most of these injuries could be prevented by using appropriate protective eyewear and following a few safety tips.

Published: 2008-05-21 00:00:00 read more...

This is Not Your Grandfather's Funeral

The next time you attend a funeral, don't be surprised if it more closely resembles the last wedding you went to than the somber farewell you bid your grandfather 20 years ago.

Published: 2008-05-21 00:00:00 read more...

New Light for Outdoor Living Spaces

Americans will be spending a lot of their discretionary money updating their homes in 2008, and outdoor living will be an area of focus.

Published: 2008-05-20 00:00:00 read more...

Controlling Asthma a Challenge in Children

Asthma is the most common chronic childhood disease, affecting nearly 9 million children in the United States. Although it has serious health consequences, many parents don't know how to keep their child's asthma under control. In fact, in a recent study, less than 16 percent of children with asthma under the age of 5 were receiving optimal treatment.

Published: 2008-05-20 00:00:00 read more...

First Aid Strategies for Kids

Most of us remember the pain from our first tumble or accident as a child. We've all had our share of injuries and it's important to know how to take care of them. Small cuts and scrapes are often seen as an everyday part of childhood and growing up. Most cuts and minor injuries are treatable at home but the truth is that these minor cuts and scrapes can sometimes lead to more serious problems, if not taken care of properly.

Published: 2008-05-15 00:00:00 read more...

Help Your Teen Stay Safe During Graduation Celebrations and Summer Months

Parents can teach teens critical decision-making skills to help them make responsible choices -- including not drinking when underage.

Published: 2008-05-14 00:00:00 read more...

Looking for the Perfect Summer Travel Destination?

With budgets tight, it's predicted the hottest trend in travel this summer will be "staycations." While this trend may be bad news for overseas destinations, it's expected to be a boom for the hotels and attractions in tourist-friendly U.S. cities.

Published: 2008-05-14 00:00:00 read more...

A Great Way to Inspire Your Kids to Stay Active This Summer

Summer break will be here before you know it, and if you're like most parents, you're looking for something constructive for your kids to do. How about signing them up for a kung fu class?

Published: 2008-05-12 00:00:00 read more...

High-Tech Pet Innovations and the People Who Love Them

Technology has literally gone to the dogs . . . and cats. While humans revel in their smart phones, hi-speed Internet access and high-definition everything, their pets can also reap the rewards of living in a techno-savvy society. Here are three pet-related Internet innovations that just 10 years ago you probably wouldn't have believed would exist.

Published: 2008-05-12 00:00:00 read more...

Boomerang Vacationers Return to Familiar Fun Year after Year

It may be true that you "can't go home again" to recapture the comfort of a simpler time, but a growing number of Americans are enjoying the comforts of returning to familiar places when they vacation.

Published: 2008-05-09 00:00:00 read more...

Having a Mother with Osteoporosis Can Lead to Increased Risk for Spinal Fracture

May brings Mother's Day and National Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month. It is a time when we recognize Moms and when we also recognize the risks for osteoporosis, a bone-breaking disease that particularly affects women.

Published: 2008-05-09 00:00:00 read more...

The Secret to Getting a Good Night's Sleep

Do you often wake up feeling stiff and sore? How about with numbness and tingling in your arms and hands? Or with a tension headache? Here's a simple solution.

Published: 2008-05-08 00:00:00 read more...

Do a Great Thing for Your Country - Host an Exchange Student

Hosting an exchange student from a foreign country can be very rewarding. Here's a place to turn if you want to do it.

Published: 2008-05-08 00:00:00 read more...

A Money-saving Plan for the Summer Vacation Clan

Are you looking to embark on a summer family vacation that won't break the bank? Whether it's heading to an amusement park or road tripping across the country, there are simple ways to spend within your means by making informed, cost-conscious decisions while on the road.

Published: 2008-05-08 00:00:00 read more...

Five Ways to Keep Your Family Green

It seems everything is going "green" these days. The good news is that it's also easier than ever before for your family to reduce its eco-footprint to help the environment both inside and outside of your home. Let "earth friendly" be your family's new mantra by adopting a few simple, yet effective tips.

Published: 2008-05-07 00:00:00 read more...

How to Keep the Vacation Alive Long after You're Home

There's something about summer travel that makes you wish the vacation could last forever. While the vacation - and summer - can't go on forever, it is possible to keep the memories alive in your home throughout the year. Here are some ideas for preserving the memories and spirit of your summer vacation.

Published: 2008-05-07 00:00:00 read more...

Protect Yourself from Pool and Trampoline Dangers

Pool and trampoline accidents send many Americans to the emergency room every summer. Here are some tips on how to protect yourself and your family from these common warm-weather hazards.

Published: 2008-05-06 00:00:00 read more...

Safety Tips for Seemingly Secure Places

We all know important general safety tips like always locking your doors and taking walks during the daylight hours. Sometimes, though, you might think you're perfectly safe, but you really need be aware and take special safety precautions.

Published: 2008-05-05 00:00:00 read more...

Five Great American Yard Games of Summer

The yard game is the ultimate outdoor summer pastime. Here are five great American yard games that provide fun, challenging physical activity for all ages.

Published: 2008-05-02 00:00:00 read more...

Bring Your Patio to Life

Do you ever find yourself wishing you could use your deck or patio more often but find it to be useless because of the weather? Imagine turning your deck or patio into a usable outdoor living space where you can spend more time enjoying life no matter what the weather. An awning could be the answer.

Published: 2008-05-01 00:00:00 read more...

Stateside Vacation Spots Offer International Flavor, Flare

With many travelers wondering what kind of vacation their wallets can handle, stateside destinations that offer the look and feel of their global counterparts are an appealing alternative to dealing with unfavorable exchange rates. Here is a list of domestic destinations that offer international flare.

Published: 2008-04-30 00:00:00 read more...

Stateside Vacation Spots Offer International Flavor, Flair

With many travelers wondering what kind of vacation their wallets can handle, stateside destinations that offer the look and feel of their global counterparts are an appealing alternative to dealing with unfavorable exchange rates. Here is a list of domestic destinations that offer international flare.

Published: 2008-04-30 00:00:00 read more...

New Generation Decks are the Latest Trend in Outdoor Living

Thanks to the rising cost of oil, instead of traveling, many Americans will be investing in home improvement this summer. Here are some tips for those planning to build a deck.

Published: 2008-04-29 00:00:00 read more...

Hands-on Father's Day Projects for the Whole Family

With Father's Day quickly approaching, there's no better time for dads or granddads to encourage kids' interest in woodworking than to let youngsters pitch in on a kid-friendly project.

Published: 2008-04-28 00:00:00 read more...

Pool Safety Measures Ensure a Safe Summer

Most adults can recall many pleasurable hours spent swimming, splashing and playing in pools in their formative years. Parents want those same great memories for their children, but many have concerns that keep them from enjoying a pool in their own backyard. Here are some safety measures you can take to have a safe and fun time at the pool.

Published: 2008-04-25 00:00:00 read more...

Summer Home Security Tips

Of the over two million home break-ins every year most happen in July and August, when vacationing families leave their houses empty and vulnerable. Summer travel season has arrived, so before you hit the road, make sure to take simple steps to keep criminals out of your home.

Published: 2008-04-24 00:00:00 read more...

Insurance 101 for Pet Owners

What would happen if a 2-year-old stuck her hand in your dog's bowl at feeding time? How would he react if the neighbor kid jumped your fence and scared him? Here are some important tips for pet owners when purchasing insurance.

Published: 2008-04-23 00:00:00 read more...

Taking the Stress Out of Vet Visits

Spring is here and for many pet parents that means taking their family cats and dogs for their annual veterinary check-up to ensure they are in good health and prepared for the upcoming flea and tick season. As most people with pets have experienced, leaving home and going to the veterinarian can be stressful for both pets and pet parents due to many new sights, smells, sounds and sensations. By preparing your pet for their annual visit in advance and keeping them calm during the process, the experience can be made less stressful for all.

Published: 2008-04-23 00:00:00 read more...

Will Fifi Go on Vacation Too?

Summertime is a great time for a vacation, and if you're planning to take the family pet too, here are some things to consider.

Published: 2008-04-22 00:00:00 read more...

Tips for Purchasing the Perfect Play System

When school lets out and the weather gets warm, children everywhere look to their back yards for fun. Here are some tips to keep in mind when shopping for the perfect play system.

Published: 2008-04-18 00:00:00 read more...

'Staycationing' on the Rise: Consumers Look to Their Own Back Yards for Vacation Destinations

With gas prices reaching record highs across the country and air travel more aggravating than ever, a growing number of summer travelers won't be traveling as far for their vacations this year. The result: a growing interest in the "staycation" - long weekends or mini-breaks to destinations within 300 miles of home.

Published: 2008-04-18 00:00:00 read more...

Pledge to Make Time for Outdoor Play

Tag, jump-rope and swinging on the jungle gym used to be the staples of kids' afternoons and weekends. While the benefits of free play are well-documented, luring kids away from online gaming, instant messaging and TV is easier said than done. Here's what you need to know about the benefits of kids and free play.

Published: 2008-04-15 00:00:00 read more...

Getting Pregnant is Easy: Fertility Myths vs. Facts

Many misperceptions surround the subjects of conception and fertility. Time to set the record straight.

Published: 2008-04-14 00:00:00 read more...

A Once in a Lifetime Visit with Monet, Picasso and More

This summer, there is only one place to be to see works from the likes of Renoir, Degas, Monet, van Gogh, Dali, Picasso and Matisse. Don't book an airline ticket to Europe, this acclaimed exhibition will take place at the Utah Museum of Fine Arts.

Published: 2008-04-14 00:00:00 read more...

How to Make Spring Cleaning Quicker, Easier

Spring cleaning is one of those things that seem like a really good idea at the time - until you are up to your elbows in grime, surrounded by clutter, and wondering what ever compelled you to start such a gargantuan project in the first place! Here's the good news - it can be done. Here are some tips to help you get started with your spring cleaning.

Published: 2008-04-09 00:00:00 read more...

Reduce Germs to Stay Healthy Year Round

Germs are prevalent everywhere, from surfaces we touch, to the hands we shake, making us susceptible to sickness all year round. So how can we create a lifestyle that limits germs and helps keep us healthy? Here are some tips for the whole family.

Published: 2008-04-08 00:00:00 read more...

Tips to Make 'Back to Pool' Time Safe and Fun

Every parent knows summertime means fun time. With the warmer temperatures, it's time to unglue young eyes from the television, computer screen and video games. There's no better place for kids to get out and get active than in the pool. Here are some tips to make pool time not only fun, but a safe, learning experience.

Published: 2008-04-04 00:00:00 read more...

Petiquette for the Modern Pet Owner

For anyone that owns a pet, you know that they are part of the family. But even though they bring lots of joy, they can also cause a bit of strife. They make messes, shed an astounding amount of fur, can be expensive and simply make life a bit more hectic. Here are some etiquette tips for pet owners, also known as petiquette.

Published: 2008-04-04 00:00:00 read more...

How to Recognize Women Who Make a Difference

Women are no longer settling for a backseat at the nation's charitable and activist organizations. Today they are taking leadership roles in activism and founding their own outreach organizations, making a difference in the communities where we all live. Here's how to recognize the women who make a difference in your community and tips for you to get involved today.

Published: 2008-04-01 00:00:00 read more...

Planning a Summer Trip? Consider a National Park

National Park Week begins April 19. The weeklong celebration encourages Americans to recognize the diverse American history and vast natural resources that exist in the national parks. It is also an opportunity for Americans to become active participants in park conservation.

Published: 2008-04-01 00:00:00 read more...

What Music Means to Teens

Teenagers have always loved music, but a new study illustrates just how much. A recently published research study shows teens' strong commitment to music, more specifically, making music.

Published: 2008-03-27 00:00:00 read more...

Tips for Planning a Fun, Healthy Family Vacation

Living healthy is an important goal for many of us. Adults strive to implement healthy habits in their daily lives and parents try to pass these on to their children. It's no wonder then that health is becoming increasingly important in all aspects of life, including when planning a vacation. Here are some easy tips to help you plan a healthy and fun vacation today.

Published: 2008-03-25 00:00:00 read more...

Planning for a Healthy Retirement

For many baby boomers it seems like just yesterday they were grooving to the new sound of the Beatles, but this year the first wave of boomers turns 62 - making retirement just around the corner. Retirement can mean more time to spend with family and pursue a favorite hobby, but it also means an increased focus on health care needs. Here's what you need to know to help ensure a healthy life after retirement.

Published: 2008-03-24 00:00:00 read more...

Chocolate Milk + Exercise = A Winning Team

Chocolate milk has scored a valuable spot on and off the court. Studies suggest the unique mix of key nutrients in chocolate milk can help refuel and rehydrate your body after exercise, making it an ideal post-exercise choice.

Published: 2008-03-24 00:00:00 read more...

How to Get the Kids Excited About Your Upcoming Family Reunion

Summer will be here before you know it and since the kids are out of school, it's a popular time of year for family reunions. But, how do you get your child excited about visiting with relatives?

Published: 2008-03-24 00:00:00 read more...

Getting Outdoors With Your Toddler

As the weather warms and families come out to play, moms and dads often wonder how they can keep their toddler busy outdoors while spending quality time together. Just a few strategic playthings powered by children and their imaginations are all parents need to get outdoors with their toddler.

Published: 2008-03-18 00:00:00 read more...

Make House Cleaning Easier: Rent Tools

Pollen, grass clippings, beach sand and good old fashioned dirt - summer's cleaning challenges are many. It can be frustrating to clean things such as your siding, the deck, or embedded dirt in your carpet, but these chores do not need to be as time consuming as you might think.

Published: 2008-03-17 00:00:00 read more...

Hear Your Best and Look Great at the Same Time

Here are seven important reasons everyone should get their hearing checked according to Miss America Deidre Downs, spokesperson for the Better Hearing Institute.

Published: 2008-03-13 00:00:00 read more...

Ceramic Tile: A Beautiful Green Building Option

Today more homeowners want to know that the materials they are using to build or remodel are eco-friendly - so they're building and remodeling with ceramic tile. Tile is a very "green" material.

Published: 2008-03-13 00:00:00 read more...

A Helpful Guide for Divorcing Couples with Children

When a marriage falls apart, children are the innocent victims. Here's a guide for breaking the news to them and helping them adjust.

Published: 2008-03-13 00:00:00 read more...

Easter Baskets for Every Personality

With the onset of spring comes the Easter holiday and the celebration is not complete without the traditional treat-filled basket. For those looking for a unique twist to this holiday ritual, consider customizing the Easter baskets you give your loved ones.

Published: 2008-03-11 00:00:00 read more...

Traveling with Your Grandkids

Unless your grandkids are twins or same-age cousins, you should consider the challenges -- and pleasures -- that age differences create before planning that big trip with the grandkids.

Published: 2008-03-04 00:00:00 read more...

The Growing Popularity of Children's Decor

Children's room decor is all about personalization, through throw pillows, monograms and framed art. An expert inerior designer offers tips on how to use framed artwork to personalize your child's room decor.

Published: 2008-03-04 00:00:00 read more...

Over Scheduling: An American Epidemic

Over scheduling is a nationwide epidemic. Here are six ideas to help bring a feeling of meaning into a busy life.

Published: 2008-02-25 00:00:00 read more...

Do You Make the Grade when It Comes to the ABCs of Multivitamins?

While the majority of Americans believe they are very or somewhat knowledgeable about multivitamins (67 percent), many do not know which vitamins and minerals are essential for the body. Here's what you need to know.

Published: 2008-02-14 00:00:00 read more...

Tips for Teaching Kids to Go Green

Chances are if you ask your child what he thinks of the "green" movement, he'll surprise you with his knowledge of - and passion for - the topic. With the approach of Earth Day 2008 on April 22, many parents are wondering how they can nurture the budding environmentalist in their children. Here are some practical tips.

Published: 2008-02-08 00:00:00 read more...

Booming Beach Destinations

Where are beachgoers headed during the winter months? IHere's a look at some of the top destinations.

Published: 2008-02-04 00:00:00 read more...

Giving Back: It's All in the Family

With their hectic schedules, today's busy families often find it difficult to make community service a priority. However, giving back together can be a fulfilling family activity.

Published: 2008-01-30 00:00:00 read more...

Easy Tips for Creating an Awesome Game Day Party

No matter what the sport, it's tradition to get together with friends for some fun while watching the game. Although the competition is enough to keep everyone excited, there are some party tips that help ensure everyone is having fun.

Published: 2008-01-30 00:00:00 read more...

Lactose Intolerance or Milk Allergy?

Thirty to fifty million Americans suffer from lactose intolerance or a milk allergy, but how do you tell the difference? And what do you do about it?

Published: 2008-01-29 00:00:00 read more...

An Easy Way to Keep Germs at Bay in Your Bathroom

Here's an easy way to help rid your bathroom of some of its most commonly spread germs.

Published: 2008-01-28 00:00:00 read more...

Now Cake Lovers Can "Halve" Their Cake and Eat it Too

Cutting back on sugar doesn't mean you need to avoid all of your favorite treats. Now you can satisfy your sweet tooth with the help of the new sugar substitutes available today.

Published: 2008-01-18 00:00:00 read more...

The Perfect Treat for Your Sweetheart

Celebrating Valentine's Day with tempting chocolates, cookies and heart shaped cakes can be challenging on New Year's resolutions, but now you can satisfy your sweet tooth with a little less guilt.

Published: 2008-01-18 00:00:00 read more...

How to Get Rid of Dangerous Ants

Bold, biting, venom injecting, habitat invasive and just plain annoying, ants come in hundreds of varieties and are on the march across the United States. Fire ants are the worst. Keeping your family safe is important. Here is how you can treat your lawn and garden.

Published: 2008-01-15 00:00:00 read more...

Tackle Germs on Your Terms

Every parent knows one child's sniffles can spread to the whole family, leading to missed work and school days. But as important as helping reduce the spread of germs can be, mom's time is also precious. Here are five key steps to help save time and help protect your family.

Published: 2008-01-10 00:00:00 read more...

Pass Along the Clean Gene

Kids are not born with the "clean gene," but you can pass it along by teaching them fun ways to stay healthy during cold and flu season and all year long.

Published: 2008-01-09 00:00:00 read more...

Raise Your Glass to Green Tea

You've turned the calendar and it's back to business as usual, but after you've packed away the decorations you may realize you've packed on a few pounds and you're already breaking your goals for the year. One of the simplest changes you can make is just being aware of what's in the beverages you consume - the "think before you drink" rule. Sugary soft-drinks, cocktails, and those tasty lattes from your favorite cafe are often loaded with empty calories.

Published: 2008-01-08 00:00:00 read more...

Decorate Easter Eggs Naturally

Decorating eggs is a traditional craft often practiced to celebrate the Easter holiday by families and artisans around the world. Here are some tips on how to do it.

Published: 2008-01-07 00:00:00 read more...

2008 is the Year of the Frog

At first, scientists were unsure why the frogs were disappearing. A stream would be flourishing with frogs and other amphibians, and then just a few months later they were gone. As rates of amphibian decline rapidly increased, a crisis began to unfold. Why is this happening and what can you do to help?

Published: 2008-01-03 00:00:00 read more...

Life-Changing Magic Can Happen When You Get and Stay in Touch

Positive and life-changing things can happen when you are open to getting and staying in touch with people you've known. Just ask Brenda Stokes how this simple action enriched her life. Her story of love, separation and fate has inspired people across the country.

Published: 2007-12-28 00:00:00 read more...

The Quick and Easy Way to Connect with Old Friends

Ever stopped to wonder what life might have been like had you married your high school sweetheart or stayed in touch with the friends you had back then?

Published: 2007-12-28 00:00:00 read more...

What You Should Know about Photo Sharing Web Sites

Between Jimmy's first day of school, Sally's school pageant and the family vacation, it's easy to quickly fill your digital camera's memory card. Then your options are: either swap the full memory card for a new one, transfer the images to your home computer's hard drive, or - as an increasing number of amateur shutterbugs are doing - upload the images to a photo-sharing Web site. But how do you choose the photo-sharing site that's right for your needs? They aren't all created equal. Here's what you should know about photo-sharing Web sites to make sure you choose one that will work for you.

Published: 2007-12-21 00:00:00 read more...

Happy -- and Healthy -- New Year!

Every new year brings New Year's resolutions -- most of which are abandoned just a few weeks, and sometimes even days, into January! In 2008, skip resolutions that call for drastic measures. Instead, make a simple pledge that will be a cinch to keep.

Published: 2007-12-21 00:00:00 read more...

Tart Cherries - The Tiny Fruit with Huge Benefits

Cherries have pleased the palates of food lovers for centuries. Their ruby-red color and tangy taste won cherries a place on the tables of Roman conquerors, Greek citizens and Chinese noblemen. Ongoing research suggests the cherry not only offers great taste, but huge health benefits.

Published: 2007-12-19 00:00:00 read more...

Sleep Safety Secrets for Baby

Infants spend most of their first months asleep. Statistics show newborns and very young babies are most vulnerable to injury and death when they sleep. Despite a decline in the number of cases over the past 10 years, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is still the leading cause of infant deaths in the country, according to research published in the journal Pediatrics. Here's some guidelines to follow when putting your baby to bed.

Published: 2007-12-19 00:00:00 read more...

Resolve to Refresh Your Active Lifestyle in 2008

New Year's resolution time is here. Many of us focus on the new diet or exercise regimen that we promise ourselves we'll stick to … until the first business trip or unexpected family crisis throws our routine out the window. This year, instead of trying to fulfill an unrealistic New Years declaration, resolve to refresh your active lifestyle on your terms, doing activities that are fun and fit into your already busy schedule.

Published: 2007-12-18 00:00:00 read more...

Caring for a Loved One? Here's Where to Turn for the Help You Need

Members of the Sandwich Generation, those born between 1946 and 1964, face many of the same challenges -- simultaneously caring for and supporting their aging parents, children still living at home and in some cases their grandchildren as well. Here's a place they can turn for help meeting their challenges.

Published: 2007-12-14 00:00:00 read more...

Why Single Parents Should Consider a Family-Oriented Wedding When They Remarry

When a single parent remarries, here's how to make sure their children don't feel left out.

Published: 2007-12-14 00:00:00 read more...

Expert Ideas for Surprising Someone this Valentine's Day

Surprising someone on Valentine's Day is easy with the perfect cards and gifts for every special person on your list. Here are some ideas to get you started.

Published: 2007-12-13 00:00:00 read more...

Weekend Flavor in Weeknight Time: Think Sides!

Delivering a fulfilling and delicious dinner to the table in a short amount of time can be a challenge. You can ease the process by having a few quick and delicious side dish recipes on hand that can compliment any meat entree -- from chicken to meatloaf and everything in between.

Published: 2007-12-12 00:00:00 read more...

Turn Leftovers into a Feast

Whether you cook foods yourself, buy them ready-to-heat or ready-to-eat, it seems there are inevitably leftovers. The amounts might be substantial or miniscule, but there's always the question of how to use the bits and pieces creatively before they spoil. All-natural eggs, with their high-quality protein and amazing versatility, can come to the rescue. A number of easy-to-make egg dishes are ideally suited to using up those odds and ends of different foods.

Published: 2007-12-11 00:00:00 read more...

Americans Wake Up to the Power of Sleep

The quality and amount of sleep you get every night are crucial factors in determining whether your body and mind are functioning at their best. Here's how to make sure you're getting both.

Published: 2007-12-07 00:00:00 read more...

Decorate Eggs Naturally

Decorating eggs is a traditional craft practiced by families and artisans around the world. Here are some tips on how to do it.

Published: 2007-12-06 00:00:00 read more...

Keeping Safety on the Up-and-Up

Every day, 25 million people ride an estimated 35,000 escalators in the United States. With so many people using this form of transportation while traveling, working or shopping, it is important to remember the do's and don'ts of safely riding an escalator.

Published: 2007-12-05 00:00:00 read more...

Ten Surprising Things to Do at a Dude Ranch

There's good news for travelers who would like a taste of the dude ranch experience blended with a heaping serving of other vacation-type activities. Today's dude ranches cater to a diverse crowd - from families to couples to singles - with activities, attractions and services that travel far beyond the trail.

Published: 2007-11-30 00:00:00 read more...

Parents Rediscover Board Games as Gift of Choice

When it comes to gift buying for children, shoppers often find themselves faced with the difficult task of choosing between entertainment and educational value. Parents don't have to pick between the two when they decide to give a board game that can be both fun and educationally engaging.

Published: 2007-11-30 00:00:00 read more...

Tips for Safe Winter Snowmobiling and ATV Driving

Each year, more than 50 people drown in the United States and Canada when their snowmobiles or all-terrain vehicles plunge through thin ice. Most accidents, however, are entirely preventable if recreationalists follow safe, and smart, operating practices.

Published: 2007-11-30 00:00:00 read more...

10 Surprising Things to Do at a Dude Ranch

There's good news for travelers who would like a taste of the dude ranch experience blended with a heaping serving of other vacation-type activities. Today's dude ranches cater to a diverse crowd - from families to couples to singles - with activities, attractions and services that travel far beyond the trail.

Published: 2007-11-30 00:00:00 read more...

Parents Rediscover Board Games as Gift of Choice for Holidays and Beyond

When it comes to gift buying for children, shoppers often find themselves faced with the difficult task of choosing between entertainment and educational value. Parents don't have to pick between the two when they decide to give a board game that can be both fun and educationally engaging.

Published: 2007-11-30 00:00:00 read more...

Cooking with Kids Makes Fun, Nutritious Meals

When the kids are cooped up indoors, you don't have to go stir crazy. Instead, head for the kitchen and stir up something good to eat. Cooking together can be both educational and fun and often results in a tasty treat, too.

Published: 2007-11-30 00:00:00 read more...

Dude Ranches: A Green Vacation Choice for Your Family

As more people are becoming aware of environmental issues, vacationing green is a growing travel trend. Families are seeking vacation options that offer activities that respect the earth, and experiences that create cherished memories and a renewed connection to nature. Here's an option that is fun for the whole family and will increase their connection to nature.

Published: 2007-11-29 00:00:00 read more...

Retiring? Top Six Things to Consider Before You Leave Your Job

There's no better time than the start of the New Year to take a fresh look at our financial future -- including how we plan for retirement.

Published: 2007-11-29 00:00:00 read more...

Holiday Party Planning on a Budget

For many, throwing a party during the holidays -- when budgets are already stretched -- seems impossible. Good news -- your situation may not be as dire as you think.

Published: 2007-11-28 00:00:00 read more...

Family Friendly Resolutions for 2008

It's that time again. January 1, 2008 is right around the corner and that means New Year's resolutions will soon be a hot topic. For parents, New Year's resolutions aren't always just about themselves. Many parents choose to set goals the entire family can participate in during the new year.

Published: 2007-11-27 00:00:00 read more...

Why Hand Hygiene is So Important

Your New Year's resolution doesn't have to be a major challenge such as finding a new job or taking up running. Why not challenge yourself to something simple that can have a positive impact on your life: Wash your hands.

Published: 2007-11-26 00:00:00 read more...

How to Take Back Your Time through Color-coding

Busy families across the country can all agree on one thing - there is too much going on and never enough time to get it all done. Keeping track of a family's overcrowded schedule can require the skills of a master juggler and seasoned negotiator. Here's some tips to stay in charge and in control.

Published: 2007-11-21 00:00:00 read more...

Give to Save This Holiday Season

The holiday season is an exciting time -- people look forward to time off from school and work to see friends and family, and to indulge in the spirit of the season. Keep in mind that this time of year also offers wealth building opportunities that are frequently overlooked by the average consumer.

Published: 2007-11-21 00:00:00 read more...

Boosting Your Child's Brain Power: Do You Know What You Really Need to Know?

We all want to raise better children, setting our kids' feet on the path to success from the start. Unfortunately, these good intentions can make us easy marks for quick-fix pitches for everything from flashcards to smart-kid videos to electronic teaching gizmos. Do we need these things to give our children an advantage? According to child development researchers: probably not.

Published: 2007-11-21 00:00:00 read more...

Craving a Ski Escape? Check Out an Unexpected Spot - Sunny California

If you're heading west this winter to hit the slopes, you may be following many other ski bums who will be flying straight over the Rocky Mountains and landing in sunny California. Here's the top places.

Published: 2007-11-21 00:00:00 read more...

Make a New Year's Resolution to Take Back Your Time

Busy families across the country can all agree on one thing - there is too much going on and never enough time to get it all done. Keeping track of a family's overcrowded schedule can require the skills of a master juggler and seasoned negotiator.

Published: 2007-11-21 00:00:00 read more...

How to Take Back Your Time

Busy families across the country can all agree on one thing - there is too much going on and never enough time to get it all done. Keeping track of a family's overcrowded schedule can require the skills of a master juggler and seasoned negotiator.

Published: 2007-11-21 00:00:00 read more...

Tips to Live By in 2008: Stay Healthy for Tomorrow with a Heart-Healthy Lifestyle

"Diets" and "eating programs" aren't all that they're cracked up to be - but cracking open a handful of pistachios each day instead of reaching for fatty or sugary snacks could bring you closer to a heart-healthy lifestyle. Experts agree that the real key to healthy living is to strike a balance of eating right and exercising at least three to five times per week. With smart diet and nutrition habits, you may reduce your risk of many chronic diseases including heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and certain cancers, and increase your chances for a longer life.

Published: 2007-11-20 00:00:00 read more...

Comfort is Key when Winter Sickness Strikes

You make sure everyone has their flu shots, washes their hands frequently and gets plenty of rest. But winter illness can happen, even to families with the most germ-vigilant moms. When sickness strikes, comfort can be as important as cure.

Published: 2007-11-19 00:00:00 read more...

A Great Gift Idea for All You Last Minute Shoppers Out There

Looking for a holiday gift the entire family can enjoy? How about upgrading the family entertainment room! Start with these innovative ideas for putting that new HDTV on display.

Published: 2007-11-16 00:00:00 read more...

What HDTVs Have to Do with the Hottest Home Improvement Trend of 2008

Upgrading your family room to a family entertainment room is expected to be one of the hottest home improvement projects for 2008, and here's how to do it.

Published: 2007-11-16 00:00:00 read more...

Love Soars with High-Flying Valentine Gift Ideas

Love may be the ultimate thrill-ride, so is it any wonder that many lovers this year will be looking for Valentine's gifts to make their mate's heart race? Adventurous romantics can take to the skies with pulse-pounding, airborne gift options.

Published: 2007-11-13 00:00:00 read more...

Beating Bacteria in Your Tot's Sippy Cuppy

A toddler's world is a buffet of bacteria, even for children of vigilant parents. Yet parents may least suspect their tot's sippy cup as a source of harmful bacteria. Within minutes of filling her cup, dangerous bacteria can multiply inside that plastic cup, exposing your child to a variety of illnesses - some that could have serious long-term health implications.

Published: 2007-11-13 00:00:00 read more...

Brain Games Give Shoppers Something to Think About

With the holiday season here, the benefits of games should give shoppers something to think about.So which new board games offer the latest variety of brain-stimulating challenge and fun?

Published: 2007-11-13 00:00:00 read more...

Balloon Rides, Soaring, Skydiving - Exciting Holiday Gifts!

Having a hard time coming up with a great holiday gift idea for a friend or family member? How about something they'll be talking about for years -- a Soaring Adventures Flight Certificate good for either a hot air balloon ride, glider ride or tandem skydiving ride at any of over 200 locations nationwide.

Published: 2007-11-13 00:00:00 read more...

Make a Resolution to Teach Kids Money Management Skills

Resolutions are usually a New Year's tradition, but resolving to help a child develop good financial habits is a worthy commitment any time of the year. Here are some ideas on how to get the job done.

Published: 2007-11-13 00:00:00 read more...

Holiday Health Tips for Tots

You wash your hands with soap and hot water before filling a clean sippy cup with fresh milk for your child. If you think you've completely protected them from a food-borne illness, think again. Within minutes, dangerous bacteria can multiply inside that plastic cup, exposing your child to a variety of illnesses - some that could have serious long-term health implications.

Published: 2007-11-13 00:00:00 read more...

'Easy' New Year's Resolution: Boost Mental Health with Brain Games

Keeping a New Year's resolution can be difficult. So, this year, make an easy resolution that can improve your mental health. Play brain games.

Published: 2007-11-13 00:00:00 read more...

Need a Smart Gift? Try a Brain Game

With the holiday season here, the benefits of games should give shoppers something to think about.So which new board games offer the latest variety of brain-stimulating challenge and fun?

Published: 2007-11-13 00:00:00 read more...

Sippy Cup Safety

You wash your hands with soap and hot water before filling a clean sippy cup with fresh milk for your child. If you think you've completely protected them from a food-borne illness, think again. Within minutes, dangerous bacteria can multiply inside that plastic cup, exposing your child to a variety of illnesses - some that could have serious long-term health implications.

Published: 2007-11-13 00:00:00 read more...

Want to Boost Your Mental Health? Try Brain Games

Increasingly we hear that mental activity is a key component of overall health. Experts now believe that the mental exercise involved in some board games, such as word and strategy games, can make teens smarter, help adults stay sharper, and ward off degenerative diseases like Alzheimer's for seniors. Playing brain games can bring great mental health benefits.

Published: 2007-11-13 00:00:00 read more...

Four Steps to Grow a Strong Community

Successful communities are built, not born. What makes communities successful has changed dramatically over the past decade. Evidence shows that now, more than ever before, successful communities can be built. In other words, the characteristic assets of a successful community can be created, developed and encouraged.

Published: 2007-11-08 00:00:00 read more...

Make a Healthy New Year's Resolution … for Your Pet

A researcher at the University of Hertfordshire, England, has proven that pets and their owners often look, think and act alike. Unfortunately, that's not always a good thing; pets and humans can have similar weight problems.

Published: 2007-11-07 00:00:00 read more...

Make a Healthy New Year's Resolution for Your Pet

A researcher at the University of Hertfordshire, England, has proven that pets and their owners often look, think and act alike. Unfortunately, that's not always a good thing; pets and humans can have similar weight problems.

Published: 2007-11-07 00:00:00 read more...

Make a Healthy New Year's Resolution … for Your Pet

A researcher at the University of Hertfordshire, England, has proven that pets and their owners often look, think and act alike. Unfortunately, that's not always a good thing; pets and humans can have similar weight problems.

Published: 2007-11-07 00:00:00 read more...

How to Keep Your Pet Healthy

A researcher at the University of Hertfordshire, England, has proven that pets and their owners often look, think and act alike. Unfortunately, that's not always a good thing; pets and humans can have similar weight problems.

Published: 2007-11-07 00:00:00 read more...

Make Financial Fitness a New Year's Priority for the Entire Family

Financial goals like saving more money and reducing debt consistently make the list of most Americans' top New Year's resolutions. What do those who will successfully improve their finances in 2008 have in common? They will rely on a combination of tried-and-true financial practices and leading-edge technologies.

Published: 2007-11-05 00:00:00 read more...

Give the Gift of a Family Reunion this Holiday Season

Whether your family and friends live near or far, the holidays are the perfect opportunity to spend time with the people who mean the most to you. Here are some helpful tips for planning a successful and fun family holiday reunion.

Published: 2007-10-31 00:00:00 read more...

How Parents Can Ensure Their Kids' Future Bone Health

When it comes to bone health parents have the power to set their children on the road to long-term health, simply by increasing their calcium intake, experts say. And the years between 9 and 19 are a pivotal time for establishing healthy bones and teeth, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

Published: 2007-10-30 00:00:00 read more...

How to Fit a Hot Breakfast Into Your Weekday Routine

As the crisp fall mornings give way to the dim and frosty daybreaks of winter, cravings of comfort food for breakfast begin before braving the chilly commute to work or school. Unfortunately, many busy families fall prey to the myth that a hot breakfast is a luxury that can only be indulged on a leisurely weekend morning. But just because you don't have much extra time before heading out the door doesn't mean that a hot meal is beyond your reach!

Published: 2007-10-26 00:00:00 read more...

The Family That Plays Together Stays Together

Children are only children a very short time before they head out into their own lives, busy with friends, college, jobs and, eventually, their own families. Research shows that children who enjoy a strong family life become happier and more successful adults. One of the most effective ways to strengthen a family is to create a family fun night, an evening set aside each week when the family gathers to spend time together. According to Alvin Rosenfeld, M.D.

Published: 2007-10-26 00:00:00 read more...

Top Health Officials Urge Parents To Seek Vaccination For Their Children Throughout The Influenza Season

Each year, influenza and its related complications cause thousands of children to get sick, become hospitalized and miss school - and some even die. To help protect children from this serious disease, the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases' (NFID) Childhood Influenza Immunization Coalition (CIIC) is urging parents to schedule an influenza vaccination this fall and winter.

Published: 2007-10-25 00:00:00 read more...

Natural Weapons Help Fight the Cold and Flu War

Cold and flu season is here, but there are simple ways to minimize the fevers, coughs, body aches and misery associated with seasonal bugs. While modern medicine has not found the cure for these seasonal illnesses, many physicians are recommending alternative or traditional therapies to ease the worst symptoms. Here's what you need to know.

Published: 2007-10-25 00:00:00 read more...

Connecting with Your Neighbors is Easy

Remember when you were growing up and you knew everyone in your neighborhood? Your neighbors were your friends and functioned as an extended family. Sometime between then and now, neighborhoods lost the sense of community that used to make them so special. Even though the modern family leads a hectic life, there are ways to connect with your neighbors that are quick and easy. Here are some ideas.

Published: 2007-10-25 00:00:00 read more...

The Latest Travel Trend: Going Green

Winter travel season is in full swing and kids and parents look forward to days off from school and work. With more people becoming interested in environmental issues, green travel options are starting to be a popular choice. With a few simple steps, traveling green is easier than you think. Here's some ideas to try out.

Published: 2007-10-25 00:00:00 read more...

Green Travels: Environmentally Friendly Vacationing

Winter travel season is in full swing and kids and parents look forward to days off from school and work. With more people becoming interested in environmental issues, green travel options are starting to be a popular choice. With a few simple steps, traveling green is easier than you think. Here's some ideas to try out.

Published: 2007-10-25 00:00:00 read more...

What to Consider Before Buying a Vacation Property

Many people enjoy vacation properties because they promote spending quality time with friends and family and create cherished memories. If you are considering this investment, it's worth your time to consider your options to make sure you get the right property for you. Here's what you should think about.

Published: 2007-10-24 00:00:00 read more...

Tech Toys Will Be Hot This Year

Realizing that the Internet can enhance the way children play, toy makers launched a whole new category of products for all ages at the American International Toy Fair in New York City earlier this year. The toys all interact with the Internet and provide greater play value.

Published: 2007-10-23 00:00:00 read more...

Feng Shui for Kids Rooms

For years, people have been rearranging their furniture, re-painting their walls and removing clutter in the hopes of changing their life through Feng Shui. But what about the kids? Find balance in your child's life with these Feng Shui tips.

Published: 2007-10-18 00:00:00 read more...

Tips for Welcoming Holiday Guests with Special Needs

There's nothing quite like a house filled with family at the holidays. But if your family includes a diverse mix of guests - such as elderly parents, expecting mothers, or even a relative with an injury - you might have concerns about how to make them feel at home. However, it's easier than you think to make your home accessible to your whole family, thanks to a few simple fixes.

Published: 2007-10-18 00:00:00 read more...

Gifts for Guys: Luxury Equals Romance

When it comes to gifts, guys like a little romance just as much as the gals do. And for many men, nothing says "romance" like luxury - from their grooming items right down to their power tools.

Published: 2007-10-12 00:00:00 read more...

Give the Gift of Massage This Holiday Season

The most wonderful time of year is also the most stressful time of year for a lot of people, and the only way to relax may be to get a massage. But few people can afford a good massage every day, or can they? This holiday season, get yourself, or someone you care about, the gift of massage any time it's needed with a professional massager they can use at home.

Published: 2007-10-11 00:00:00 read more...

Understanding a Child's Virtual World

The advent of the Internet and wireless technology have made a greater impact on the way we relate to one another than any other factor in the past 20 years. The rapid evolution of these now-ubiquitous technologies presents a unique set of opportunities and challenges for today's families. These tools allow us simultaneously to become more connected with one another and become more isolated.

Published: 2007-10-11 00:00:00 read more...

Protect Your Dog and Family from Ticks This Fall

Spring and summer are often thought of as peak tick seasons, but fall is actually when adult ticks are most active. Here's why it's expected to be such a big problem this year and what to do about it.

Published: 2007-10-09 00:00:00 read more...

Tips from a Doctor on How to Survive the Cold and Flu Season

The cooler weather is here and we're all waiting for that first cold to hit. Or even worse, the flu. Cold and flu season can begin as early as October and usually ends sometime in April.

Published: 2007-10-08 00:00:00 read more...

Women Step Out of Support Roles, into the Lead in Community Activism

For generations it seemed millions of American women served only in supporting roles among the nation's charitable and activist organizations. Today more women are taking leadership roles in activism and are founding their own outreach organizations.

Published: 2007-10-08 00:00:00 read more...

How to Prevent Home Fires during the Holidays

Frosty weather, flickering candles and glittering decorations create holiday ambiance. They also account for thousands of personal tragedies each year. Home fires increase significantly between Thanksgiving and New Year's. Keep your home and family safe this holiday season.

Published: 2007-10-05 00:00:00 read more...

Fright and Delight This Halloween

Halloween is a season that brings jack-o-lanterns to front porches and spiders, super heroes and princesses to the streets. This year add to the ghoulish atmosphere with a few safe and healthy tricks that will make your book of spells the most popular on the block.

Published: 2007-10-04 00:00:00 read more...

Uninsured Americans Affect Everyone's Health Coverage

According to the United States Census, one out of seven, or 47 million Americans, do not have health insurance. Employer-based health insurance isn't a guarantee, the uninsured live sicker and die younger, and even those with insurance coverage pay the price of not having all Americans covered. Here's what you should know.

Published: 2007-10-02 00:00:00 read more...

Quick, Easy and Nutritious Game-day Recipes the Whole Gang Will Enjoy

Looking for simple and nutritious ways to prepare traditional game-day fare? There are some easy and nutritious alternatives to usual choices that your family is sure to love.

Published: 2007-10-02 00:00:00 read more...

Got Energy?

How will you find the energy to for exhausting morning car-pooling, after-school practices and weekend games now that summer is over? By pledging to commit to a healthier lifestyle. One of the greatest benefits of adopting better nutrition is increased energy. So say "buh-bye" once and for all to fast food and unhealthy snacks that zap energy, and "hello" to healthier living with these easy tips.

Published: 2007-09-27 00:00:00 read more...

Expert Tips for Getting Holiday Cards Out on Time and in Style

Here are 10 tips from American Greetings Christmas expert Heather Bentley for making the tradition of sending holiday cards an easy task that's still full of personality.

Published: 2007-09-21 00:00:00 read more...

The Holidays are Coming Fast; Do You Have Enough Games to Keep People Busy?

When hosting a holiday party, it is always a good idea to have a few games on hand for your guests to play. The non-adventurous will enjoy card games or board games. For everyone one else, offer an introduction to Ladder Golf, a game that has been steadily gaining in popularity.

Published: 2007-09-21 00:00:00 read more...

Popular Game Brings Families Together During the Holidays

When hosting a holiday party, it is always a good idea to have a few games on hand for your guests to play. The non-adventurous will enjoy card games or board games. For everyone one else, offer an introduction to Ladder Golf, a game that has been steadily gaining in popularity.

Published: 2007-09-21 00:00:00 read more...

Fun Activities that Will Bring Families Together in the New Year

The New Year is almost upon us and if you have kids, one of your resolutions will likely be to spend more time with them. But as winter approaches, that doesn't mean you should resolve to stay indoors.

Published: 2007-09-21 00:00:00 read more...

Buying Your Tot a Ride-on? Here's What to Look For

When it came time to buy our first riding toy, the choices for our parents and grandparents were few and simple - bike, trike or wagon. Today's parents, however, have a multitude of ride-on options to choose from. Finding the one that's right for their tot can seem an overwhelming task.

Published: 2007-09-18 00:00:00 read more...

Buying Your Tot a Ride-on for Christmas? Here's What to Look For

Remember that Christmas morning when you found your first set of wheels under the tree? For our parents and grandparents, the choices were few and simple - bike, trike or wagon. Today's parents, however, have a multitude of ride-on options to choose from. Finding the one that's right for their tot can seem an overwhelming task.

Published: 2007-09-18 00:00:00 read more...

Tips for Choosing the Perfect Active-Play Toy for Your Child

Just like the teen years, when children learn to drive, the toddler years bring their own special “motion emotion� for parents. Finding a high-quality, safe toy that also sparks the imagination and encourages active play becomes top of mind for parents.

Published: 2007-09-18 00:00:00 read more...

How to Comfort a Cranky Baby

If your baby wakes up in the middle of the night crying uncontrollably, and hugging, talking and singing a song doesn’t work, check to see if the baby needs a diaper change or is hungry; but what do you do if none of these tricks calm your baby?

Published: 2007-09-18 00:00:00 read more...

Don't Fumble the Food: Tips and Tools for Safe Tailgating

Tailgating season a good time to take a closer look at your food preparation and serving habits. When enjoying food outside with a group of people, be sure to follow the proper food safety techniques to keep your friends and family safe from food-borne illness.

Published: 2007-09-14 00:00:00 read more...

Flu is Leading Cause of Vaccine-Preventable Deaths for Kids; Moms Still Don’t Vaccinate

Ghouls and goblins are not the only things to be afraid of this Halloween; October is also the start of flu season. Influenza is the leading cause of vaccine-preventable deaths for children, but according to a recent survey more than 75 percent of moms are still not vaccinating their entire families against the flu.

Published: 2007-09-14 00:00:00 read more...

Don’t Fumble the Food: Tips and Tools for Safe Tailgating

Tailgating season a good time to take a closer look at your food preparation and serving habits. When enjoying food outside with a group of people, be sure to follow the proper food safety techniques to keep your friends and family safe from food-borne illness.

Published: 2007-09-14 00:00:00 read more...

Flu is Leading Cause of Vaccine-Preventable Deaths for Kids; Moms Still Don't Vaccinate

Ghouls and goblins are not the only things to be afraid of this Halloween; October is also the start of flu season. Influenza is the leading cause of vaccine-preventable deaths for children, but according to a recent survey more than 75 percent of moms are still not vaccinating their entire families against the flu.

Published: 2007-09-14 00:00:00 read more...

Ode to the Appetizer

Smart hosts know that a party's success depends on preparedness, planning … and awesome appetizers.

Published: 2007-09-12 00:00:00 read more...

Quick Appetizers Make Perfect Last Minute Parties

Many holiday gatherings are planned ahead of time, but some pop up at the last minute and still require preparation. For these, every host needs to know a few tasty appetizers you can throw together in less than 20 minutes.

Published: 2007-09-12 00:00:00 read more...

Making the Grade: Should it Pay?

The question of paying children for earning good grades has raged for years and is continuing this school year. For example, New York City officials announced this June that students can earn up to $500 with the city's new incentive program, which includes cash incentives for children who perform well on standardized tests. In homes across America parents are asking: "Should we pay our children for good grades?"

Published: 2007-09-10 00:00:00 read more...

Medications, Precaution Can Help Pets Survive Halloween Night

It was early November, and Dr. Gregory S. Hammer, a veterinarian in Dover, Del., was treating a miniature poodle that was very sick. So sick, in fact, that it was suffering seizures. After a detailed examination of the pet and a conversation with the owners, Dr. Hammer determined that the cause of the animal's problem was chocolate poisoning. Protect your dog this Halloween.

Published: 2007-09-05 00:00:00 read more...

Seafood Catching on for the Holidays

With the holiday season fast approaching, the predictable dishes of turkey and ham aren't far behind. How can you make your holiday meals and hors d'oeuvres stand out? Tilapia, a broadly appealing, mild-tasting white fish, is rapidly gaining in popularity across the country.

Published: 2007-09-05 00:00:00 read more...

Living History: Preserving Veterans’ Stories

“History is a guide to navigation in perilous times,� author David McCullough once wrote. George Santayana took a more cautionary view, warning that anyone who ignored the lessons of history would be “doomed to repeat it.� But for Minnesotan Ron Hagberg and Holly Hinkle of Alabama, history isn’t just a series of events far removed from their lives; it’s personal.

Published: 2007-09-05 00:00:00 read more...

Tilapia, the New Fish in Town

The next time you visit a restaurant or grocery store, you're likely to notice a new seafood addition. Tilapia, a broadly appealing, mild-tasting white fish, is rapidly gaining in popularity across the country.

Published: 2007-09-05 00:00:00 read more...

Living History: Preserving Veterans' Stories

"History is a guide to navigation in perilous times," author David McCullough once wrote. George Santayana took a more cautionary view, warning that anyone who ignored the lessons of history would be "doomed to repeat it." But for Minnesotan Ron Hagberg and Holly Hinkle of Alabama, history isn't just a series of events far removed from their lives; it's personal.

Published: 2007-09-05 00:00:00 read more...

Contain Clutter by Creating a Kids Playroom in a Snap

Do-it-yourself renovations are becoming more and more popular among home owners. Parents are upgrading and adding value to their home at every chance they get, but the kids are getting left behind. A playroom is a great way for parents to give a room back to their kids.

Published: 2007-08-31 00:00:00 read more...

Get a Head Start on Healthy After-School Living

While what children eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner are extremely important for a child's health, snacking also plays an important role. Developing healthy snacking habits early on may have more of an impact on a child's overall health than most people realize. Here are some tips to consider.

Published: 2007-08-31 00:00:00 read more...

Struggling and Stressed, Helpful Tips for the “Sandwich� Generation

It’s a term that’s all too familiar for the estimated 22 million Americans who live it everyday -- the “sandwich� generation. Literally “sandwiched� between two generations, many of them find themselves struggling to raise their kids, care for an aging loved one and lead their own lives, including holding down full-time jobs. Here are some tips to help this generation make life easier.

Published: 2007-08-30 00:00:00 read more...

Struggling and Stressed, Helpful Tips for the "Sandwich" Generation

It's a term that's all too familiar for the estimated 22 million Americans who live it everyday -- the "sandwich" generation. Literally "sandwiched" between two generations, many of them find themselves struggling to raise their kids, care for an aging loved one and lead their own lives, including holding down full-time jobs. Here are some tips to help this generation make life easier.

Published: 2007-08-30 00:00:00 read more...

How to Protect Your Children from Dangerous Infections

It's been five decades in the making and it's spreading faster than experts thought. With sports stars, celebrities and school children alike becoming infected, MRSA (methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus), which was nearly unheard of two year ago, is becoming a common term. Here's how to protect your family.

Published: 2007-08-24 00:00:00 read more...

Preventing MRSA From Infecting Your Child

It's been five decades in the making and it's spreading faster than experts thought. With sports stars, celebrities and school children alike becoming infected, MRSA (methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus), which was nearly unheard of two year ago, is becoming a common term. Here's how to protect your family.

Published: 2007-08-24 00:00:00 read more...

Vacation Planning: Think Beyond the Basics

Travelers often think of their vacation time as an opportunity to break the day-to-day pace that can leave us feeling uninspired. And yet, we often fail to think beyond the basics of our vacation -- accommodations and transportation -- ultimately overlooking the very activities that will leave a stamp on our memories for years to come. By thinking ahead, taking advantage of knowledgeable resources, and scheduling a few experiences before they arrive, travelers will often find their vacation a more fulfilling departure from the routine of every-day-life.

Published: 2007-08-22 00:00:00 read more...

Vacation Trends: Family Adventures on the Rise

Family travel has evolved significantly in recent years, as the idea of a family vacation was once simply piling into the car for a week at grandma's house. Today's families are traveling the world and enjoying experiences that may have been unheard of just years ago. From rock climbing to rafting, families now seek vacations with true elements of adventure.

Published: 2007-08-22 00:00:00 read more...

Adventure Travel Brings Fun and Families Together

Planning a family trip can be difficult because you want to find a way that everyone can have fun. Adventure travel is a popular option that has grown to become family-specific and offers a broad range of activities to suite everyone's tastes. So say goodbye to boring family vacations and try something different. No matter what you choose, your kids will not be short of stories to tell their friends.

Published: 2007-08-22 00:00:00 read more...

How to Make Your Next Family Vacation Truly Memorable

The idea of the family vacation is changing. Here's how.

Published: 2007-08-22 00:00:00 read more...

Family Travel Makes a Meaningful Holiday Gift

If you're trying to figure out a great gift for your family considering thinking beyond the latest gadget or today's hot toy and giving an experiential gift like a great a family vacation. The gift encourages families to spend time together and creates memories that will last forever.

Published: 2007-08-22 00:00:00 read more...

Protect Your Children From a Fire -- Even When They're Away at School

When it comes to safety, not all schools are the same. Regardless of a school's academic record or athletic victories, be sure to make a safe selection. You'll sleep better at night -- and so will your children -- knowing that they're adequately protected in case of fire.

Published: 2007-08-21 00:00:00 read more...

Protect Your Children From a Fire -- Even When They’re Away at School

When it comes to safety, not all schools are the same. Regardless of a school’s academic record or athletic victories, be sure to make a safe selection. You’ll sleep better at night -- and so will your children -- knowing that they’re adequately protected in case of fire.

Published: 2007-08-21 00:00:00 read more...

Pet Rescue Stories Teach Lessons of Hope and Determination

Being put out with the trash on a chilly night, thrown from a moving car or nearly shot for no longer wanting to hunt. Some pet rescue stories may seem too unbelievable to be real. Even more astonishing are the remarkable recoveries made by these extraordinary pets from such thoughtless acts of neglect. Thanks to the devotion of pet rescue organizations across the county, once abandoned pets are now rising above tragedy to do extraordinary things.

Published: 2007-08-15 00:00:00 read more...

Children Are Not Immune to Identity Theft

More than 60 percent of Americans say they know little about child identity theft and nearly half think the problem is not very common, even though Federal Trade Commission statistics indicate that the percentage of identity theft victims younger than 18 has virtually doubled in the past few years.

Published: 2007-08-08 00:00:00 read more...

Denim for the Real World

This fall, millions of kids will be returning to school, clad with new backpacks, lunch boxes and a school wardrobe including the latest in teenage-trendy jeans. With all the styles available for the younger set, it can be a challenge for parents to update their own denim wardrobe by finding a great fit that also flatters.

Published: 2007-08-06 00:00:00 read more...

Tales From the School Nurse: School Nurses Call for Classroom Cleaning Protocols

School nurses say more can be done in America's classrooms to help prevent the spread of illness, especially at the height of cold and flu season when more than half of school nurses, who were recently surveyed, send five or more sick children home each day. Here are some tips to help fight germs.

Published: 2007-08-06 00:00:00 read more...

Money-saving Tips for the Entire Family

Jonni McCoy is a leading expert on shopping and frugal living. She is the author of the acclaimed Miserly Moms, Frugal Families, and Miserly Meals and has established herself as a knowledgeable family budgeting expert. Here are some of her most useful tips.

Published: 2007-08-06 00:00:00 read more...

New Survey Reveals Moms Of Toddlers Desire More Information About Toddler Nutrition

A recent survey of 500 U.S. women with children between the ages of 9 months and 3 years, found that many moms of toddlers lack basic nutritional knowledge, such as the USDA recommended number of servings of fruits and vegetables per day and the amount of calories per day they should feed their toddlers.

Published: 2007-08-02 00:00:00 read more...

Gender’s Role when Heeding Health Warning Signs

We’re all familiar with the saying �A stitch in time saves nine� -- in other words, take care of a problem when it first comes up so it won’t become overwhelming later on. Here are some tips to help you care for your health.

Published: 2007-08-01 00:00:00 read more...

Surviving After a Suicide: A Day for Healing

Research shows that more than 60 percent of people in the United States will know someone who dies by suicide during the course of their lifetime and more than 20 percent will lose a family member. These startling statistics translate into hundreds of thousands of family members, friends, neighbors and co-workers -- "survivors" -- who will be left behind to cope with the loss. Here's how to deal with this emotional situation.

Published: 2007-08-01 00:00:00 read more...

Gender's Role when Heeding Health Warning Signs

We're all familiar with the saying "A stitch in time saves nine" -- in other words, take care of a problem when it first comes up so it won't become overwhelming later on. Here are some tips to help you care for your health.

Published: 2007-08-01 00:00:00 read more...

Choosing the Right Toys for Your Little 'Learning Machine'

You know your baby is amazing, but did you know he or she is a virtual learning machine? Babies, even the smallest newborns, spend every waking moment learning, research shows. And they learn best through play with age-appropriate toys and loving interaction with their caregivers.

Published: 2007-07-25 00:00:00 read more...

A Magical Holiday Gift Idea for the Kids

They are the loneliest gifts of the year. The guitar that sits in its case. The skis that remain stacked in the closet. Skill-based gifts seem like a great idea during the holiday season, but are often too challenging for children to learn and are pushed aside for the latest digital goodies. This does not mean parents should shy away from skill-building gifts, as they can be excellent developmental aids and a lot of fun for kids.

Published: 2007-07-25 00:00:00 read more...

Use Your Illusion: Playing with Magic Leads to Learning

A renewed interest in magic has led to a new generation of fans taking a "hands-on" approach to magic and practicing their craft with extensive new magic sets that offer much more than a simple pastime. Children are using magic to learn as well. Finding the right magic set for your kids is very important; there are a wide variety of sets available, ranging in skill level, quality and price.

Published: 2007-07-25 00:00:00 read more...

Right Toys Can Help Baby's Development

You know your baby is amazing, but did you know he or she is a virtual learning machine? Babies, even the smallest newborns, spend every waking moment learning, research shows. And they learn best through play with age-appropriate toys and loving interaction with their caregivers.

Published: 2007-07-25 00:00:00 read more...

Choosing the Right Toys for Your Little ‘Learning Machine’

You know your baby is amazing, but did you know he or she is a virtual learning machine? Babies, even the smallest newborns, spend every waking moment learning, research shows. And they learn best through play with age-appropriate toys and loving interaction with their caregivers.

Published: 2007-07-25 00:00:00 read more...

Where the Wild Things Hang Out

Remember when you were young and there was one house on the block where all the kids hung out? Every parent knows that giving kids a place to have fun with their friends is very important. Here's a way to quickly transform your basement into a fun place for your family.

Published: 2007-07-25 00:00:00 read more...

Calling All Pets and People: Show Us Your Special Moments Together!

A record number of people and their pets are experiencing the benefits of sharing time together. Beginning in August, cats, dogs and owners everywhere are invited to celebrate these special moments in the "Here's to The Goodlife" pet video contest sponsored by The Goodlife Recipe brand food and treats for cats and dogs.

Published: 2007-07-18 00:00:00 read more...

Calling and Texting During Math Class? No Way!

Now that it's time for your tweenager to head back to school for another year, you may be asked: "Mom, can I have a cell phone?" It's a question many parents dread. As kids get busier with their after-school activities and social lives, a cell phone is the best way to stay in touch.

Published: 2007-07-18 00:00:00 read more...

Concerned About the Negative Side Effects of Oral Pain Relievers?

Ever taken ibuprofen or some other oral pain medication for deep joint pain or a back or shoulder ache, but then been concerned about the potential side effects? A viable alternative is to use a unique topical Ibuprofen cream like Ibunex that is used directly on the site of the injury instead.

Published: 2007-07-17 00:00:00 read more...

Forget Filing -- Personal Health Records Can Organize Your Medical Information

One of the most important things a person can do is to keep an updated, accessible, and accurate record of their essential health information. Using a personal health record (PHR) can help simplify this process.Here's how they work.

Published: 2007-07-16 00:00:00 read more...

Does Summer Stress Make Your Tummy Tumble?

A recent survey of 500 female digestive upset sufferers found nearly one in five say they dread the summer season due to their episodic digestive upset, but there is something that can be done about it.

Published: 2007-07-13 00:00:00 read more...

The 24-7 Life of School Supplies

Just as work creeps into all aspects of adult life, a kid's school day is no longer just 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. From class to sports practice to hanging out with friends, kids move in a dozen different directions, and so do their school supplies. With today's fast-paced lifestyles, notebooks, binders and school products aren't confined to the classroom, and homework isn't always done sitting at the kitchen table. Here are some new school supplies helping students in their busy lives.

Published: 2007-07-13 00:00:00 read more...

Time-Saving, Back-to-School Tips for the Savvy Mom

Before you know it, the kids will be back in school and moms everywhere will be busy arranging car-pooling schedules, packing lunches and helping with math homework. All the chores can be overwhelming, but by cutting corners and following time-saving tips like these, moms everywhere can enjoy a little more time for themselves without sacrificing their routine or their health.

Published: 2007-07-12 00:00:00 read more...

Time-saving Tips for the Savvy Mom

With the school year in full swing, good old mom is busy arranging car-pooling schedules, packing lunches and helping with math homework. After-school activities and weekend baseball games can weigh heavily on a time-starved mom, but hope is not lost. With a few adjustments to the daily routine, moms everywhere can enjoy time for themselves while still maintaining a happy household.

Published: 2007-07-12 00:00:00 read more...

Send Your Kids Back To School with Pencils, Notebooks and Nutritious Meals and Snacks

Moms are often challenged when it comes to providing nutritious meals for their kids during the new routines and hectic schedules that come with back-to-school time. Here are some ideas that will make things easier on them.

Published: 2007-07-11 00:00:00 read more...

Send Your Kids to School with Pencils, Notebooks and Nutritious Meals and Snacks

Now that kids are settled back in school, moms can get excited about the increased structure in their childrens' lives, the numerous art projects that come home as gifts and about their lunchtime eating habits.

Published: 2007-07-11 00:00:00 read more...

Conquer School Year Clutter in Six Easy Steps

Clutter is inevitable, especially during the school year when a new batch of graded papers, permission slips and loot from classroom parties arrive on a daily basis. Here are six steps for minimizing school year clutter and getting organized.

Published: 2007-07-11 00:00:00 read more...

Consumers Crave Indie Flicks, Friends’ Reviews and At Home Movies

Are the days of the Hollywood blockbuster numbered? According to a nationwide Spout survey, yes. So where do film lovers go from here?

Published: 2007-07-10 00:00:00 read more...

Consumers Crave Indie Flicks, Friends' Reviews and At Home Movies

Are the days of the Hollywood blockbuster numbered? According to a nationwide Spout survey, yes. So where do film lovers go from here?

Published: 2007-07-10 00:00:00 read more...

Back to School Means New Environment, New Odors

If you have kids, from the time they're in the cradle to when they move into a college dorm and everywhere in between, they need help keeping their stuff clean. And when back to school season arrives, the backpack, sports duffle, locker and dorm room all take on smells of their own.

Published: 2007-07-09 00:00:00 read more...

Outdoor Living Spaces: Adding an Outdoor Room

One of the hottest trends among homeowners is to extend a home's living space to the outdoors. Many homeowners want a refuge from the hectic pace of daily life. Decks can provide a place to relax and enjoy the outdoor setting.

Published: 2007-07-06 00:00:00 read more...

Fall Bonding at the Grill

Sara Lee Chef and busy mother Jill Houk understands the importance of finding a simple and delicious dinner that involves the entire family. Her solution: the grill. Often solely associated with summer months, fall grilling allows families to capitalize on the time they have together creating an enjoyable and collaborative cooking experience.

Published: 2007-07-05 00:00:00 read more...

Back-to-School Bonding at the Grill

Sara Lee Chef and busy mother Jill Houk understands the importance of finding a simple and delicious dinner that involves the entire family. Her solution: the grill. Often solely associated with summer months, fall grilling allows families to capitalize on the time they have together creating an enjoyable and collaborative cooking experience.

Published: 2007-07-05 00:00:00 read more...

Options for Paying for College

Do you have a son or daughter heading for college this fall? Are they prepared for the costs and financing decisions when heading off to one of more than 4,200 colleges and universities in the United States? Every year, the federal government makes more than $81 billion available to help 10 million families and students finance a postsecondary education.

Published: 2007-06-29 00:00:00 read more...

How to Choose a Life Insurance Plan that’s Right for You

Term life and whole life. You may know they’re both types of life insurance, but when it comes time to buy a policy, will you know which one to purchase? To learn more, take this short quiz from SBLI USA Mutual Life Insurance Company.

Published: 2007-06-27 00:00:00 read more...

How to Choose a Life Insurance Plan that's Right for You

Term life and whole life. You may know they're both types of life insurance, but when it comes time to buy a policy, will you know which one to purchase? To learn more, take this short quiz from SBLI USA Mutual Life Insurance Company.

Published: 2007-06-27 00:00:00 read more...

Wild Bird Foods That Fit the Bill

People understand that certain birds like particular types of food, but what most don't know is that the food a bird prefers has a lot to do with its bill (also referred to as a bird's beak).

Published: 2007-06-27 00:00:00 read more...

Fire Ants Leave Pet Owners Fuming

When pet owners let Fido or Fluffy out into the safe confines of the backyard, too often they overlook the dangers that lurk in their lawn. But for the safety of their pets -- and family -- people should keep an eye out for fire ants, a petulant pest that presents a very real danger to their four-legged friends.

Published: 2007-06-26 00:00:00 read more...

Ready, Set, Go -- Adopt a Cat!

This summer bring home a cat from your local shelter and add a lovable companion to your family. Although cats are the most common household pets in the United States, the unfortunate reality is, millions of cats around the country are in desperate need of permanent homes. Adopting a pet is, of course, not something to take lightly and you should always first consider the financial costs and lifestyle impact before acting on impulse.

Published: 2007-06-26 00:00:00 read more...

Travel Tips For Families On The Go

Goodbye neighborhood. Hello paradise! Take advantage of the Labor Day weekend and fall travel discounts to take a family trip. According to a ModernMom.com survey of more than 500 moms, more than 83 percent say they want portable products to occupy their children during travel.

Published: 2007-06-25 00:00:00 read more...

Summer Travel Tips For Families On the Go

According to a ModernMom.com survey of more than 500 moms, more than 87 percent say they'll travel with their children this summer - despite high gas prices. Make the most of family travels with these fun and smart ideas.

Published: 2007-06-25 00:00:00 read more...

Five Tips for Helping Make Sure Your Kids Are Safer and Having Fun on Your Home Computer

Kids, computers and the Internet -- it can be a formula for fun and education or, if not wisely managed, a jungle of pitfalls and potentially dangerous situations for kids in the 21st century. It can take lots of dedication to effectively control your child's access to a home PC and the Internet. But for many busy parents the prospect of having to buy, install and maintain cybersafety filters and time management programs can be daunting.

Published: 2007-06-22 00:00:00 read more...

Time-saving Cooking Tips for Healthy and Delicious Meals

Our cooking habits have become rushed and as a result, our food and diets suffer. Whether it's quickly running to the nearest fast food restaurant or casually throwing something in the oven, dinner is now viewed as more of a chore than a time to catch up with family and enjoy a delicious meal. Here are some healthy and time-saving ideas to help you enjoy great food in less time than you think...

Published: 2007-06-22 00:00:00 read more...

Five Tips for Parents on Safe, Fun Internet Surfing

Kids, computers and the Internet -- it can be a formula for fun and education or, if not wisely managed, a jungle of pitfalls and potentially dangerous situations for kids in the 21st century. It can take lots of dedication to effectively control your child's access to a home PC and the Internet. But for many busy parents the prospect of having to buy, install and maintain cybersafety filters and time management programs can be daunting.

Published: 2007-06-22 00:00:00 read more...

Digital Scrapbooking: Less Time, Less Mess Turns Traditional Scrapbooking on Its Head

Even though the scrapbooks are lovely to look at, give and cherish, in reality, their ingredients can often take over an entire room, or worse, a whole house. That's why many traditional scrapbook enthusiasts have turned to a digital format. It's less expensive, invasive and the options for creating, storing and sharing are endless.

Published: 2007-06-18 00:00:00 read more...

Summer Camp: How to Handle Your Child's First Big Trip Away From Home

Ahhh, summer. The kids are out of school and you're thinking about what they are going to do while you and/or your spouse work. The busy schedule. The endless e-mails and buzzing of the blackberry. The kids are whining because they want to do something. The perfect solution: summer camp. So what do you consider to make your child's first official "away from home" camp experience easier on you and your child?

Published: 2007-06-15 00:00:00 read more...

Summer Camp: How to Handle Your Child’s First Big Trip Away From Home

Ahhh, summer. The kids are out of school and you’re thinking about what they are going to do while you and/or your spouse work. The busy schedule. The endless e-mails and buzzing of the blackberry. The kids are whining because they want to do something. The perfect solution: summer camp. So what do you consider to make your child’s first official “away from home� camp experience easier on you and your child?

Published: 2007-06-15 00:00:00 read more...

Coming Home to Stress-free Relaxation

When finally returning home at the end of the day, most of us want to enter an anxiety-free atmosphere in which the home becomes a retreat from the stresses of daily life. The living room is the perfect place to begin your home's transformation into a stress-free oasis.

Published: 2007-06-14 00:00:00 read more...

Sharpen Your Beverage IQ

One of the bigges challenges for parents is keeping their kids' good nutrition in check.Temptations abound from soda to various "ades," "cocktails" and "drinks" that look like nutritious fruit juice but aren't.

Published: 2007-06-13 00:00:00 read more...

Sharpen Your Beverage IQ This Summer

One of the biggest summer challenges for parents is keeping good nutrition in check. Lack of routine, road trips and hot summer days create the perfect storm for children to satisfy their thirst with a sugary beverage.

Published: 2007-06-13 00:00:00 read more...

Paws for Thought: Pet Products and Services Go Upscale

In 2006, pet owners spent $38.5 billion on their pets, according to the American Pet Manufacturers Association. The organization estimates that figure will approach $41 billion in 2007. High-end, luxury items and products account for a growing percentage of the total spent on pet products. Unless you're up on the hottest pet product trends -- like including high-end doggie dishes on your bridal registry -- you just can't call yourself a true pet aficionado.

Published: 2007-06-12 00:00:00 read more...

Don't Let Your Kids Get Hurt "Heeling"

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) stresses the importance of protective gear while engaging in a particularly new phenomenon … heeling. Heelys are shoes that have a wheel on the heel. These types of shoes fall into the category of inline skates which qualifies them as a sport, and carries warnings for their use including wearing protective gear such as wrist guards and helmets to avoid injuries.

Published: 2007-06-12 00:00:00 read more...

A Parent's New Favorite Pastime: Digital Pictures

Face it: parents love to document their children's lives so that they can share the images with friends and relatives all over the country. And, when you add digital photos to the mix, it's even easier to do.

Published: 2007-06-08 00:00:00 read more...

Laundry to Go: Tips for Packing Light

Whether your summer vacation takes you across the country or simply a few hours down the road, the Coin Laundry Association offers the following tips for packing light.

Published: 2007-06-07 00:00:00 read more...

Japanese Beetles Become Grubs, but that Isn't All

Every 1,000 Japanese Beetles swarming in your yard this summer means there can be 50-thousand grubs deposited in your yard by fall. Many people don't make the connection and believe the two problems are unrelated. Actually, the best way to eliminate Japanese Beetles is by attacking the grubs which is the weakest link in the Beetle's one year life cycle.

Published: 2007-06-07 00:00:00 read more...

What to Do When Your Loved One Needs Long Distance Care

You took that fantastic job offer in another state. Mom and dad were healthy and fine. As time passed, you were promoted and became successful. Dad passed away and mom is not doing well on her own. She's reached an age where daily assistance may be necessary and you're a 1,000 miles away. How do you manage this situation without picking up and moving your family or your mother?

Published: 2007-06-06 00:00:00 read more...

Baby Boomers are Embracing High Tech

Today's Baby Boomers are the first generation to grow up with television and contrary to popular opinion, recent studies show they are still the generation most likely to embrace new technology. In other words, Boomers are more likely than the younger generations to have a high definition television (HDTV), iPod, digital video recorders (DVRs) and subscription to satellite service.

Published: 2007-06-06 00:00:00 read more...

More Americans Search Online for Health Information

From time to time, people experience medical situations, but the symptoms may not always be serious enough to warrant a trip to the doctor, so where are people turning for information? According to the Pew Internet & American Life Project, eight million Americans search online for information regarding at least one health topic every day, and many are turning to MayoClinic.com.

Published: 2007-06-06 00:00:00 read more...

Probiotics: A Possible Solution for Tummy Troubles

Gastrointestinal issues are more common than most people think -- in fact, they wreak havoc on the lives of more than 65 million Americans each year. And a new survey indicates that women and children are often without relief.

Published: 2007-06-06 00:00:00 read more...

A Hobby that Reduces Stress, Exercises Your Brain and is Fun at Any Age

Looking for a hobby that's not only fun but great for your health? How about taking up music? According to studies conducted by NAMM, the trade association of the international music products industry, playing a musical instrument can increase memory, reduce stress, lower blood pressure, build confidence and result in greater academic success.

Published: 2007-06-05 00:00:00 read more...

This Grilling Season, Think Beyond Burgers and Brats

Football season is underway and for the next several months, the delicious smells of food cooked on the grill will be wafting in the air. But it won't just be burgers and brats you're smelling. These days, people are being more adventurous, traveling down their grocer's freezer aisles to find other options.

Published: 2007-05-30 00:00:00 read more...

Bike to Better Health This Summer

Bike riding is a favorite summer activity for young and old alike. From a quick trip down the block to a family outing at the park, a ride on a bike burns calories, helps heart health and, most importantly, is tons of fun! Here are some tips for getting the most out of your bike ride.

Published: 2007-05-21 00:00:00 read more...

Get Dad a Gift that Will Improve His Quality of Life

What are you going to get dad for Father's Day? According to Askmen.com, some of this year's most popular presents will be watches, sporting event tickets and razors. But why not dare to be different and get dear old dad something that can drastically improve his quality of life instead?

Published: 2007-05-17 00:00:00 read more...

Have Sores and Cracks on Your Hands and Feet that Won't Heal? Here's a Solution

An Oregon pharmacist develops cremes that can heal sores and cracks on the hands and feet. She did it as a labor of love for her father. Here's her story.

Published: 2007-05-17 00:00:00 read more...

Five Tips for Healthy Summer Vacations

The temptation to abandon healthy eating habits is especially strong during vacations, when we are diverted from our normal routines. Away from home and on the go, it's so easy to grab a candy bar from a vending machine or stop at a fast-food drive-thru for a burger and fries.

Published: 2007-05-15 00:00:00 read more...

Emergency Nurses Offer Water and Boating Safety Tips for Summer

The summer season is filled with many enjoyable activities, many of which take place in or around water. As people head to beaches and neighborhood swimming pools, or take recreational boating trips, water safety becomes increasingly important. Drowning remains the second leading cause of injury-related death among children ages one to 14, and in 2004, boating accidents caused a reported 3,363 injuries and 676 fatalities.

Published: 2007-05-15 00:00:00 read more...

Keep the Pet, Eliminate the Odor

There is nothing like the smell of wet dog in a hot car. For pet owners who love their pets, this is something that goes along with owning a dog who likes to swim, roll in puddles, or even just get wet from the rain. You just put up with it, right? You don't have to. There is a solution.

Published: 2007-05-14 00:00:00 read more...

Extend Outside Enjoyment with Retractable Awnings

Everyone wants to enjoy the beautiful weather that summer brings. But the warm sun and damaging rays sometimes force us to retreat inside, where we crank the costly air conditioning to stay cool. Consumers are looking for new ways to create an outdoor oasis so they can fully and safely enjoy the season.

Published: 2007-05-10 00:00:00 read more...

Keepsake Cookbooks: From Weddings to Reunions

Summer is the season for weddings, family reunions, graduation parties, garden parties and barbecues. For every such gathering, the one thing that is always present besides family and friends is the food. Many times, these occasions are special enough and deserve a family recipe cookbook.

Published: 2007-05-09 00:00:00 read more...

Creating a Virtual Art Gallery with Your Digital Camera Photos

Anyone older than 25 probably recalls the days when "preserving a memory" meant finding a way to store your photo prints and keep track of all the negatives. Preserving prints is now passé, thanks to the arrival of the digital camera and a myriad of ways to store digital images.

Published: 2007-05-08 00:00:00 read more...

Summer Vacation Ideas for Every Mood

As summer approaches we get the urge to travel. Whether you want to make the trek to your favorite tourist attraction, or go somewhere and try a new activity, summer is a great time to travel.

Published: 2007-05-07 00:00:00 read more...

How to Plan a Family Friendly Summer Vacation

Before you know it, another school year will be over and it'll be time to go on that long anticipated family trip. Whether you'll be going sightseeing, heading to a national park or theme park or visiting friends and family, you want the trip to be enjoyable, and that means taking the time to plan ahead.

Published: 2007-05-07 00:00:00 read more...

Safety is Always in Season

With the colder weather just around the corner, lots of shoppers are taking advantage of seasonal sales and flocking to the malls in search of a new, warmer wardrobe. Before you head out to a busy shopping center, it's a good idea to review some building transportation safety tips.

Published: 2007-05-04 00:00:00 read more...

Summer Vacation Time? Ohio's Amish Country Beckons Families

Summer is family vacation season. Soon the kids will be out of school and feeling the wanderlust inspired by warm weather. But families bored by the beach or tired of the theme parks can find themselves looking for something different.

Published: 2007-05-03 00:00:00 read more...

Make Every Day Mother's Day

Despite the obvious joys of being a new mom, it can also take its toll. Adjusting to motherhood can leave women feeling exhausted, stressed and frazzled. So how is it that celebrity moms always appear to be so well rested and pulled together?

Published: 2007-05-01 00:00:00 read more...

Why You Should Care About Fighting Fungus

You're vigilant about viruses. You know how to combat bacteria. But unless you've got itchy toes or a ring-shaped sore, chances are you don't give much thought to fungus. Yet a growing number of researchers are making the link between fungi and some common health complaints - from digestive difficulties and sinus problems to ringing in the ears.

Published: 2007-05-01 00:00:00 read more...

Indoor Waterpark Getaways Mean Year-Round Family Fun

Vacation weather forecast? Although there used to be a time when rain or cold could ruin a vacation, a new getaway concept is making a big splash with families no matter what the climate.

Published: 2007-05-01 00:00:00 read more...

Summer Stain Fighting Tips from Dr. Laundry

Summer adventures may bring smiles to kids' faces, but for parents they can mean laundry marathons. Grass stains, grease slicks, pink lemonade puddles, and ketchup smears can mean spending more time in the laundry room, and less time basking in the sunshine.

Published: 2007-05-01 00:00:00 read more...

How New Moms Can Pamper Themselves

Despite the obvious joys of being a new mom, it can also take its toll. Adjusting to motherhood can leave women feeling exhausted, stressed and frazzled. So how is it that celebrity moms always appear to be so well rested and pulled together?

Published: 2007-05-01 00:00:00 read more...

Summer Stain Solutions

Summer adventures may bring smiles to kids' faces, but for parents they can mean laundry marathons. Grass stains, grease slicks, pink lemonade puddles, and ketchup smears can mean spending more time in the laundry room, and less time basking in the sunshine.

Published: 2007-05-01 00:00:00 read more...

Stain Fighting Tips from Dr. Laundry

Fun adventures may bring smiles to kids' faces, but for parents they can mean laundry marathons. Grass stains, grease slicks, pink lemonade puddles, and ketchup smears can mean spending more time in the laundry room, and less time outdoors.

Published: 2007-05-01 00:00:00 read more...

As Outside Temperatures Cool, Take Family Vacations Indoors

Vacation weather forecast? Although there used to be a time when rain or cold could ruin a vacation, a new getaway concept is making a big splash with families no matter what the climate.

Published: 2007-05-01 00:00:00 read more...

How to Protect Your Dog and Family From Tick-Borne Disease

Playing outside with the family dog is a joy during the warm weather. Whether you're running in a park or just playing catch in your own backyard, dogs offer companionship and delight. But with tick-borne diseases on the rise, dog owners need to be vigilant about making sure an unnoticed tick doesn't make their furry family member sick.

Published: 2007-04-30 00:00:00 read more...

The Gift You Give Your Kids

A lot has changed through the years about the father-child relationship. Remember those old TV shows where Dad would call Junior into the study for a man-to-man-talk?

Published: 2007-04-26 00:00:00 read more...

The Father's Day Gift You Give Your Kids

A lot has changed through the years about the father-child relationship. Remember those old TV shows where Dad would call Junior into the study for a man-to-man-talk?

Published: 2007-04-26 00:00:00 read more...

World War II Veterans Connect Via Online Database

They call it six degrees of separation, but in this case, it was only two degrees. Jim O'Donnell came to work at the United States Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C., as he had for more than 10 years.

Published: 2007-04-25 00:00:00 read more...

How to Avoid the Emergency Room This Fourth of July

Hot dogs, barbecues and get-togethers are how many Americans will plan to enjoy Independence Day this year. But no one plans a trip to the emergency room for the holiday.

Published: 2007-04-25 00:00:00 read more...

Emergency Room Not Part of 4th of July Plans

Hot dogs, barbecues and get-togethers are how many Americans will plan to enjoy Independence Day this year. But no one plans a trip to the emergency room for the holiday.

Published: 2007-04-25 00:00:00 read more...

The New Dad: How the Role of Dad is Changing

What kind of a relationship do you have with your dad? Gone are the days of the traditional mentor relationship such as Ward Cleaver and his sons Wally and Beaver.

Published: 2007-04-25 00:00:00 read more...

Spring Fling on a Budget: Hitting the Best Beaches Before Summer Crowds and High Prices Take Over

As we bid farewell to winter, tropical hotspots bid adieu to the tourists looking to escape the chill. Low-occupancy makes spring one of the best times for the budget-minded vacationer to hit the beach.

Published: 2007-04-24 00:00:00 read more...

Add Blueberries to Homemade Dog Treats

Making treats for your "best friend" is a great idea! When you bake biscuits for your dog, you know the ingredients are all wholesome and nutritious. And a healthy diet is just as important for dogs as it is for humans.

Published: 2007-04-23 00:00:00 read more...

Hey Mom, Bad Cough? It Could be More Than You Think and Harm Your New Baby

When you bring a new baby home from the hospital, it seems everyone wants to stop by for a visit. While you may be concerned about your friends exposing the baby to germs, a new study confirms the infant's biggest threat of infection may be his or her closest family members.

Published: 2007-04-23 00:00:00 read more...

Add Blueberries to Homemade Treats for Fido

Making treats for your "best friend" is a great idea! When you bake biscuits for your dog, you know the ingredients are all wholesome and nutritious. And a healthy diet is just as important for dogs as it is for humans.

Published: 2007-04-23 00:00:00 read more...

Looking for a Way to Give Back?

Whether it's cooking a meal for the homeless or sprucing up a garden area, there are many ways to give back to those who are in need. But sometimes the hardest part about volunteering is finding the time and the right opportunity to get involved.

Published: 2007-04-20 00:00:00 read more...

Americans Divided When It Comes to Giving Back

Whether it's cooking a meal for the homeless or sprucing up a garden area, there are many ways to give back to those who are in need. But sometimes the hardest part about volunteering is finding the time and the right opportunity to get involved.

Published: 2007-04-20 00:00:00 read more...

Traveling with Grandchildren - An Adventure of a Lifetime

There are more than 70 million grandparents in the United States and many of them have a passion for travel, providing an incredible opportunity to share this love with the grandchildren. Traveling with grandkids offers a unique bonding activity that can't be experienced during a family get-together or a short visit.

Published: 2007-04-20 00:00:00 read more...

Rediscovering the Outdoors with Your Kids Starts in Your Own Backyard

With school almost out, summer is the perfect time to rediscover the outdoors. Experiencing nature's wonders firsthand -- admiring a garter snake slithering in the grass planting flowers in the yard or devouring strawberries picked fresh from the garden -- can prove as captivating as anything on the TV or video-game screen. So begin today to get your kids to celebrate and capture summer outside with our living planet.

Published: 2007-04-20 00:00:00 read more...

New Poll Finds Stay-at-Home Moms Should Receive Six-Figure Paycheck

If women ruled the world, stay-at-home moms would earn an annual salary equal to or more than $100,000. That's according to a new poll from Woman's Day magazine and AOL.com, which found that more than half (52 percent) of women would pay a stay-at-home mom this annual salary.

Published: 2007-04-19 00:00:00 read more...

How to Pick Out the Right Dress for Prom, a Wedding, or Any Other Special Occasion

Picking out a bridal dress -- while every girl's dream -- can be a stress-filled time. After all, it is THE big day and every bride wants to look fabulous. But for the bridesmaid, dresses can be nothing but fun.

Published: 2007-04-17 00:00:00 read more...

Five Tips to Keep Bugs Away from Your Family

Summertime, the old song goes, and the livin' is easy. From lounging by the lake to picnicking in the park, spending time outdoors with friends and family is what warm weather is all about.

Published: 2007-04-17 00:00:00 read more...

The Buzz on Keeping Insects at Bay

Summertime, the old song goes, and the livin' is easy. From lounging by the lake to picnicking in the park, spending time outdoors with friends and family is what warm weather is all about.

Published: 2007-04-17 00:00:00 read more...

A Mother's Love Finds Shelter From the Storm

While Hurricane Katrina raged outside Beth Moore's New Orleans home, another storm had been raging inside it.

Published: 2007-04-16 00:00:00 read more...

Give Your Dad Something Different for Father's Day: Paintball

With summer approaching everyone is looking forward to doing some of their favorite activities. Whether its softball, riding a bike or even gardening, summer is a time to get out of hibernation, work your body and have a little fun.

Published: 2007-04-11 00:00:00 read more...

Do You Know a Woman Who Has Made a Difference? Help Her Get the Recognition She Deserves

Thanks to Paula "P.K." Beville of Marietta, Ga., nursing home patients in her hometown are no longer feeling alone and forgotten -- they are living their dreams.

Published: 2007-04-11 00:00:00 read more...

Top Tips for Floral Arrangements on the Luckiest Wedding Day of the Year

The number seven is associated with luck and many couples across the country, including celebrities like Eva Longoria and Tony Parker, are taking advantage and planning to wed on the luckiest day of the year -- 07-07-07. Aside from choosing the right date, flowers are considered to be one of the most important elements of your wedding day.

Published: 2007-04-11 00:00:00 read more...

Paintball: The Fastest Growing Sport in America

With summer approaching everyone is looking forward to doing some of their favorite activities. Whether its softball, riding a bike or even gardening, summer is a time to get out of hibernation, work your body and have a little fun.

Published: 2007-04-11 00:00:00 read more...

Classic Fairytales Get a Modern Update

While little girls may still dream of being the classic fairytale "princess," today's modern women cast themselves as more exotic -- even mysterious -- characters, according to a new poll from Kelton Research.

Published: 2007-04-10 00:00:00 read more...

Preparing for Out of Town Wedding Guests

Weddings are an exciting and busy time for everyone. As the couple prepares to celebrate their bond, family and friends are preparing for the big day too. For out of town guests, traveling can be confusing, expensive and take a lot of time.

Published: 2007-04-10 00:00:00 read more...

How to Make Your Travel Dollars Go Further

Whether you're planning a family vacation or business trip in the near future, it pays to plan ahead; but when should you start shopping around for deals?

Published: 2007-04-10 00:00:00 read more...

Satisfy the Outdoor Dad with Great Father's Day Gift Ideas

Father's Day is all about dad. Finding the ultimate Father's Day gift takes time; you listen for subtle hints, peruse store after store and aisle after aisle until you finally settle on what you think is the perfect gift.

Published: 2007-04-10 00:00:00 read more...

Seasonal Cleaning Can Uncover Lost Treasures

Turn this year's annual spring cleaning chore into a profitable routine. Instead of fearing the mop and dust towel, make a game out of going through your things, cleaning out your closet and rearranging your furniture.

Published: 2007-04-09 00:00:00 read more...

Tips for Talking with Your Kids about Money

When high schoolers are asked where they've learned about managing money, overwhelming numbers of them say "at home." How good are the lessons at your house?

Published: 2007-04-09 00:00:00 read more...

Stocking Your Bar

Next to the kitchen, the home bar is where many guests are likely to congregate. Unfortunately, this area of the house tends to get overlooked because the idea of properly setting up a bar can be rather overwhelming for most people.

Published: 2007-04-09 00:00:00 read more...

Stocking your Home Bar: Tips on Selecting the Right Glasses and Supplies

Next to the kitchen, the home bar is where many guests are likely to congregate. Unfortunately, this area of the house tends to get overlooked because the idea of properly setting up a bar can be rather overwhelming for most people.

Published: 2007-04-09 00:00:00 read more...

Need Help Improving Your Relationships?

In every relationship, personal and professional, conflict is a given. From major struggles having to do with trust issues, to minor spats about where to go for dinner, it seems there's no way to avoid discord.

Published: 2007-04-04 00:00:00 read more...

This Summer Give the Gift of Better Photos

The spring and summer seasons bring Father's Day, student graduations and the wedding season, meaning many people are looking for the perfect gift for their loved ones.

Published: 2007-04-04 00:00:00 read more...

Simple Ways to Organize Your Photo Memories

A picture truly is worth a thousand words, so it's no surprise that at many special occasions we say "cheese" to a blur of flashes. But what happens then? If your pictures end up staying in the film container or on your camera's memory card, they don't do you much good.

Published: 2007-04-04 00:00:00 read more...

Your Money and Your Life: Heart Health Linked to Financial Health

Retirement planning requires a healthy amount of discipline and focus. You want to make sure you have enough money saved to maintain your lifestyle, but the truth is there's more to successful retirement than an oversized IRA.

Published: 2007-04-02 00:00:00 read more...

How to Choose the Perfect Bouquet for Mother's Day

Whether it's your grandmother, mother, wife or friend, flowers continue to remain one of the most popular gifts to give on Mother's Day. Make this her most memorable Mother's Day yet by giving her something that reflects her unique personality and style.

Published: 2007-04-02 00:00:00 read more...

Plan a Satisfying -- and Safe -- Summer of Pool Enjoyment

To ensure that all your summer memories are good ones, it's vital to be aware of the potential dangers of home swimming pools and take the appropriate safety measures.

Published: 2007-04-02 00:00:00 read more...

Give Mom the Gift of Youth this Mother's Day

Every year around this time, people wrack their brains, trying to come up with the perfect gift that will show mom how much they care.

Published: 2007-03-22 00:00:00 read more...

A Jewelry Guide for Every Type of Woman

Mother's Day is a time to remember everything your mom has done for you. She was there from when you spoke your first words to when you graduated from school. Through the happy and sad times she always smiled. And just as each memory of your mother is one of a kind, each mom is different. Get her something for Mother's Day that is as unique as she is.

Published: 2007-03-21 00:00:00 read more...

A Jewelry Guide for Every Type of Mom

Mother's Day is a time to remember everything your mom has done for you. She was there from when you spoke your first words to when you graduated from school. Through the happy and sad times she always smiled. And just as each memory of your mother is one of a kind, each mom is different. Get her something for Mother's Day that is as unique as she is.

Published: 2007-03-21 00:00:00 read more...

Mompreneurs Work to Balance Family and Careers

It's the universal question all mothers face -- corporate ladder or home with the kids? Is there a way to do both, to really have it all? As women, we take on so many different roles: wife, caregiver, sister, corporate executive, girlfriend ... Too often, we are so busy taking care of others, we forget to take care of ourselves.

Published: 2007-03-21 00:00:00 read more...

New Law Gives Many 2007 Home Buyers First-Ever Federal Tax Deduction for Mortgage Insurance Premiums

Home buyers have something new this spring to factor into their home financing calculations: A new federal tax deduction allows many qualified families to write-off premiums for private and government mortgage insurance on loans that close in 2007.

Published: 2007-03-20 00:00:00 read more...

Schools Battle Rise in Staph Infections

Kids will be kids, and are likely to have skin contact with other children and get minor cuts while playing at home and at school. Bacteria can be spread easily from person to person, and children are at greater risk of contracting staph infection. The words "staph infection" used to only be uttered in hospitals or healthcare facilities, but the increase in the number of recent cases reported in the general public are alarming. Educate and protect yourself and your family today with these tips.

Published: 2007-03-19 00:00:00 read more...

Staph Prevention Kit, Including DVD and Poster, Helps Schools Fight Rising Staph Infections

The words "staph infection" used to only be uttered in hospitals or healthcare facilities, but the increase in the number of recent cases reported in the general public are alarming. Bacteria can be spread easily from person to person, and children might be at the most risk. Parents and teachers alike need to learn prevention now.

Published: 2007-03-19 00:00:00 read more...

No-Cost MRSA Education Kit, Including DVD, Helps Schools Fight Rising Staph Infections

The words "staph infection" used to only be uttered in hospitals or healthcare facilities, but the increase in the number of recent cases reported in the general public are alarming. Bacteria can be spread easily from person to person, and children might be at the most risk. Parents and teachers alike need to learn prevention now.

Published: 2007-03-19 00:00:00 read more...

Wondering What to Give Mom? Why Not Wine?

The holidays are long over and your gift-buying duties are mostly done until the end of the year, right? Not so. Spring is the season of moms, dads and grads, and finding a creative, fun sophisticated gift can be just as challenging in the warmer months as it is in winter.

Published: 2007-03-15 00:00:00 read more...

Wondering What to Give Dad? Why Not Wine?

Spring is the season of moms, dads and grads, and finding a creative, fun sophisticated gift can be just as challenging in the warmer months as it is in winter.

Published: 2007-03-15 00:00:00 read more...

Technology that Opens Up Your Entertainment World

Shortly after good old Alex Bell first transmitted the human voice, people realized the entertainment value of new technology. In a historical blink of an eye, technology, ever evolving and improving, became an integral part of our leisure life.

Published: 2007-03-15 00:00:00 read more...

How to Become a Mother Without Losing Yourself

- If you're a mom-to-be, what would you like your friends and family to get you for Mother's Day? Most people would say a gift for the baby would be great, but according to the authors of the new book "Baby on Board: Becoming a Mother Without Losing Yourself - A Guide for Moms-to-Be" what they should be saying is "Get something nice for me!"

Published: 2007-03-15 00:00:00 read more...

Easter Basket Makeover -- Creative, Interactive Ideas for Kids of All Ages

Move over plastic grass and woven baskets. Easter baskets have undergone an extreme makeover thanks to creative parents looking for more interactive alternatives to the baskets of their youth.

Published: 2007-03-14 00:00:00 read more...

Effective Cleaning Tips to Help Lighten the Load

Keeping your house and your family clean can be easier than you think if you keep in mind a few quick -- but effective -- cleaning tips.

Published: 2007-03-14 00:00:00 read more...

Survey Finds Outdoor Activities and Fashion are Top of Mind this Season

After a winter of extreme weather, spring has sprung in many parts of the country, and the combination of warmer temperatures and longer days has gotten people thinking about how they will spend the coming months.

Published: 2007-03-13 00:00:00 read more...

Unique Gardening Gifts for the Mom with a Green Thumb

It's a dilemma many of us are faced with every year -- what to buy mom for Mother's Day. She's done so much for us throughout the years, so what can we possibly give that will show her just how much we appreciate her?

Published: 2007-03-13 00:00:00 read more...

Egg-cellent Easter Memories in the Making

Each year, Easter brings families together to celebrate and enjoy quality time with each other. In 2007, 90 percent of American families will decorate Easter eggs, according to a recent survey commissioned by PAAS, the egg decorating kit preferred by more than 83 percent of American families.

Published: 2007-03-13 00:00:00 read more...

How to Pamper the Woman in Your Life

Looking for ways to pamper the woman in your life that will make her eyes light up? How about getting her something she really needs . . . an excuse to take more time to relax and pamper herself. Whether that means lunch with the girls, a manicure, or some peaceful moments in front of the TV watching her favorite program.

Published: 2007-03-13 00:00:00 read more...

Unique Gardening Gifts for the Dad with a Green Thumb

It's a dilemma many of us are faced with every year -- what to buy dad for Father's Day. He's done so much for us throughout the years, so what can we possibly give that will show him just how much we appreciate him?

Published: 2007-03-13 00:00:00 read more...

Laundry Tips That Will Save You Time and Money

Along with summer's fun-in-the-sun picnics, swimming lessons, nature hikes and softball games comes the inevitable necessity -- more laundry. All those wet beach towels, dirty socks and grass-stained sports uniforms can make your washer and dryer work overtime.

Published: 2007-03-09 00:00:00 read more...

Honoring Mothers, Grandmothers, and the Women of the Future

Every three minutes, a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer. In fact, one in eight women are diagnosed with breast cancer every year according to the Komen for the Cure Foundation. Each diagnosis affects everyone in that person's life.

Published: 2007-03-09 00:00:00 read more...

Create Time for Fun in the Sun with Helpful Laundry Tips that Alleviate Hassle, Save Money

Published: 2007-03-09 00:00:00 read more...

Mother's Day Gifts Under $25

A trip to Tahiti? The Mediterranean? Mexico? You really can take your mom where she's never been before.

Published: 2007-03-09 00:00:00 read more...

Helpful Laundry Tips Save Money, Alleviate Hassle

If you think tax season is a burden, stop and think of what a load the winter months are for a washer and dryer!

Published: 2007-03-09 00:00:00 read more...

Enjoy the Outdoors While Protecting Your Family from Insects and Disease

According to the Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were 4,180 reported cases of West Nile Virus in the United States, with 149 being fatal in 2006. Because of the increased concern about disease spread by flying insects, it is important to find a way to protect yourself and your family.

Published: 2007-03-09 00:00:00 read more...

The Secret to Eternal Youth? Laughter

Ah, the whoopee cushion! Is there any more timeless example of simple, unsophisticated humor? The joy buzzer has its devotees. Fake dog poo has its fans, and some even prefer "X-ray Specs" or the ubiquitous rubber chicken. But the whoopee cushion occupies a special place of honor among icons of pop culture humor.

Published: 2007-03-08 00:00:00 read more...

How to Keep the Kids Entertained in the Car

For many families, summer travel means hours spent together in the car - an environment known for pitting brother against sister, parents against children. Keeping the kids entertained, and the back seat relatively chaos-free, can be a top priority for motoring parents. Here are some ideas for backseat entertaining.

Published: 2007-03-08 00:00:00 read more...

Comedy May Evolve, but the Whoopee Cushion is Forever

Ah, the whoopee cushion! Is there any more timeless example of simple, unsophisticated humor? The joy buzzer has its devotees. Fake dog poo has its fans, and some even prefer "X-ray Specs" or the ubiquitous rubber chicken. But the whoopee cushion occupies a special place of honor among icons of pop culture humor.

Published: 2007-03-08 00:00:00 read more...

For a Real Spring Break, College Kids Get Creative

Spring break season is here. Millions of college students will let off steam surrounded by surf, sand and sun, or by racing down the ski run for one last pass at the slopes. But many penny-pinching students are starting to look beyond the same old, same old for their next getaway.

Published: 2007-03-07 00:00:00 read more...

IRS Urges Taxpayers to E-file - It's Safe and Beneficial!

According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the number of electronically filed tax returns surpassed a record in 2006 when more than 73 million tax returns, almost 54 percent of all individual federal income tax returns, were e-filed.

Published: 2007-03-07 00:00:00 read more...

Options for Managing Menopause Naturally

Gone are the days when menopause was referred to quietly as "the change." Today, women are taking charge by managing their symptoms so they can feel like themselves again.

Published: 2007-03-05 00:00:00 read more...

The Straight Poop on Potty Training

You probably misted up when he took his first step. And you may have wept for joy the first time your tot said "I love you." But few toddler milestones are as longed-for or as life changing - for you and your child - as learning to use the potty.

Published: 2007-03-05 00:00:00 read more...

Having Trouble Potty Training Your Child? Give a Potty Party a Try

When one day you look back on the biggest challenge you faced as the parent of a young child, what do you think it will be? Getting your kids to sleep through the night, teaching them how to eat properly or potty training?

Published: 2007-03-05 00:00:00 read more...

It's Not Your Mother's Menopause

Gone are the days when menopause was referred to quietly as "the change." Today, women are taking charge by managing their symptoms so they can feel like themselves again.

Published: 2007-03-05 00:00:00 read more...

The Secret's Out: Potty Parties Are In!

When one day you look back on the biggest challenge you faced as the parent of a young child, what do you think it will be? Getting your kids to sleep through the night, teaching them how to eat properly or potty training?

Published: 2007-03-05 00:00:00 read more...

A Handy Guide for Do-It-Yourself Movers

As many as 17 million household moves take place each year in the U.S. If you are among the do-it-yourselfers, Penske Truck Rental offers step-by-step guidance at www.GoPenske.com.

Published: 2007-03-02 00:00:00 read more...

Safety is Key When Renting a Moving Truck

Moving anything can be a big job. And, driving the rental truck can look daunting at first.

Published: 2007-03-02 00:00:00 read more...

Safe Driving Tips for Do-It-Yourself Movers

Moving anything can be a big job. And, driving the rental truck can look daunting at first.

Published: 2007-03-02 00:00:00 read more...

How-to Create a Picture-Perfect Party Garden

When Debbie and Pete Rock of Chadds Ford, Pa., learned that they would be hosting this year's Rock family reunion they were thrilled. But with out-of-town relatives, big plans for a professional family photo and just four months to prepare, they are both a little nervous about how their yard and garden will look for the event.

Published: 2007-02-27 00:00:00 read more...

Fitting for Flattery: How to Get the Best Fit

A proper fit can make all the difference between looking sharp or simply disheveled. For petite and plus sizes, the challenge can be even greater. Some apparel designers simply do math, increasing or decreasing clothing measurements by a certain percentage without taking proper proportion into consideration.

Published: 2007-02-26 00:00:00 read more...

Preparing for Life's Uncertainties: A Wise Investment

The popularity of 401(k) plans continues to grow among employees, according to a recent survey, which announced a 5 percent increase in the number of plans reporting above 90 percent employee participation last year.

Published: 2007-02-22 00:00:00 read more...

Parents Score With Healthy Nutrition Tips for Kids

When it comes to kids and nutrition, there are three burning issues on every mom's mind -- keeping their kids active, feeding them nutritious meals that they like and making the most out of each day by finding smart shortcuts to get it all done.

Published: 2007-02-21 00:00:00 read more...

Moms Score an A on Their Nutrition Report Card

When it comes to kids and nutrition, there are three burning issues on every mom's mind -- keeping their kids active, feeding them nutritious meals that they like and making the most out of each day by finding smart shortcuts to get it all done.

Published: 2007-02-21 00:00:00 read more...

New On-Line Survey Quizzes Americans' Knowledge of Eye Care Topics

True or False: It is more important for adults to wear sunglasses than it is for children to wear sunglasses.

Published: 2007-02-20 00:00:00 read more...

Five Ways Windows Vista Will Boost Home Computing in 2007

In January 2007, Microsoft Corp. launched its new Windows Vista operating system for homes and businesses. I've had an opportunity to test Windows Vista and found that it offers a host of feature-rich improvements over the venerable Microsoft Windows XP operating system.

Published: 2007-02-19 00:00:00 read more...

Five Hot Home Computing Trends

For consumers who want to get the most value out of the latest technology, wading through the options can seem overwhelming. Here are five technology trends for real-life home computer users.

Published: 2007-02-19 00:00:00 read more...

How to Make Your Backyard Playground Safer

Now that spring is here, kids will be spending a lot more time outdoors, riding bikes, kicking the ball around, and if they have access to one, enjoying the backyard playground. They know what's good for them.

Published: 2007-02-14 00:00:00 read more...

Nationwide Campaign Celebrates the Benefits of Trees

With the launch of a 10-city nationwide campaign, the National Arbor Day Foundation and The Home Depot Foundation are helping people understand the importance of trees as the green infrastructure of our cities.

Published: 2007-02-13 00:00:00 read more...

New Split-Refund Option Helps Taxpayers Save

Personal spending is up -- conversely, personal saving is down. In fact, according to the most recent Commerce Department report, the savings rate for Fiscal Year 2006 was a staggering negative 1 percent. The translation: Americans spent more money than they earned -- borrowing against their savings to make purchases.

Published: 2007-02-09 00:00:00 read more...

Caring for Others Teaches Kids to Care for Themselves Too

In a modest neighborhood of tidy homes in western Ohio, a young teenager is busy shoveling a snow-covered driveway as an elderly woman watches in appreciation from her window.

Published: 2007-02-09 00:00:00 read more...

How Local Grocers are Making a Difference in their Communities

These days, too many children are growing up snacking on candy and cookies rather than foods that are good for them like fruits, vegetables and grains. But if America's grocery stores have anything to do with it, that's about to change!

Published: 2007-02-08 00:00:00 read more...

How Grocers are Helping Fight Childhood Obesity

These days, too many children are growing up snacking on candy and cookies rather than foods that are good for them like fruits, vegetables and grains. But if America's grocery stores have anything to do with it, that's about to change!

Published: 2007-02-08 00:00:00 read more...

Workers Can't Afford Disability's Steep Price Tag

With two out of three U.S. families now living paycheck-to-paycheck, loss of work is a terrifying threat to the livelihood of millions of Americans. Yet nearly 30 percent of American workers will experience an accident or illness sometime that keeps them out of work at least three months -- if not longer. And the number continues to increase.

Published: 2007-02-07 00:00:00 read more...

Island Vacation Spots for Adults and Families

Strip off the winter jacket, throw down the snow shovel and head south for the winter. Amid the most popular island destinations, travelers will find some are more suitable for adults, while others provide for a great family experience.

Published: 2007-02-06 00:00:00 read more...

Five Tips for a Romantic Evening at Home on Valentine's Day

With Valentine's Day nearly here, many couples will no doubt find themselves picking up a movie for a cozy evening in. So many choices, so many opportunities to make the wrong selection and spoil the most romantic evening of the year.

Published: 2007-02-06 00:00:00 read more...

Hispanics at Heightened Risk for High Cholesterol

Among people with high cholesterol, Hispanics are 36 percent less likely than non-Hispanic whites to have properly controlled cholesterol, which increases their risk for heart disease. Diseases of the heart and stroke are the leading cause of death for Latino/Hispanic Americans. There are a variety of ways to reduce the risk of heart disease.

Published: 2007-02-06 00:00:00 read more...

On Valentine's Day Treat Your Honey with Little Money

On February 14, 270 A.D. a priest named Valentine was beheaded for performing marriage ceremonies. It is doubtful that Valentine foresaw his misfortune evolving into an annual holiday that would lead to future generations agonizing over the perfect Valentine's Day gift.

Published: 2007-02-02 00:00:00 read more...

Give It Up for Moms

The hardest working woman in your life is mom. She juggles the demands of today's fast-paced world, keeping everyone's shoes tied, providing humor or advice in any situation and keeping the household running like clockwork. Show mom the gratitude she deserves this Mother's Day with unique and creative surprises.

Published: 2007-02-02 00:00:00 read more...

Cherries - How Can They Benefit You?

The tart cherry has a lot of fans of both its taste and amazing health benefits. Some of the best news in recent years about the tart cherry is its ability to support joint health and provide relief from sore muscles.

Published: 2007-01-30 00:00:00 read more...

February is National Cherry Month -- How Does It Benefit You?

February, the shortest month of the year, focuses the national spotlight on the tiny red fruit known as the cherry. Researchers believe the compounds that deliver the numerous health advantages of tart cherries may not come from a specific antioxidant, but from the synergistic effect of all of the natural compounds in tart cherries.

Published: 2007-01-30 00:00:00 read more...

Overcome Allowance Anxiety

A child's first allowance is a milestone for both parents and children. The allowance experience, an American tradition, provides an inexpensive way for parents to give children lifelong lessons in money management and to help them appreciate the value of a dollar.

Published: 2007-01-29 00:00:00 read more...

Give Kids a Bedroom To Grow On

Whether they're toddlers or pre-teens, kids of all ages are getting more involved in designing their own rooms. And while that's good news as far as creating a room their kids will like, moms are still faced with the difficult challenge of finding affordable furniture that works as their children grow and their styles change.

Published: 2007-01-29 00:00:00 read more...

Tips for Keeping Your Home and Your Family Safe from Fire

Home and family go hand-in-hand. Family memories revolve around things like baking cookies together and celebrating special occasions. You want to do everything possible to keep your home and family safe to create future memories. That's why taking precautions against home fires is so important.

Published: 2007-01-22 00:00:00 read more...

Over-the-Web Tax Returns - Are they Secure?

Most Americans view their tax return as a document that represents all things financial to them -- containing both personal and financial information for all household members. As the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) attempts to motivate Americans to electronically file their tax returns, the future can seem a little scary for the millions of taxpayers who have continued to prepare their tax returns manually.

Published: 2007-01-22 00:00:00 read more...

Are Seniors Eating Right?

Older adults have all heard what they should be eating each day. Three servings of fat-free or low-fat milk, cheese or yogurt. Three or more ounce-equivalents of whole-grain products. And abundant amounts of fruits and vegetables, striving for variety across all five vegetable subgroups. But how many people 50 years or older, are actually meeting those daily nutrition requirements?

Published: 2007-01-18 00:00:00 read more...

Recipe for Extra Cash: Publishing Your Own Cookbook

Euny Stoen has always enjoyed cooking. After deciding to create a cookbook for her family and friends, she gathered her favorite tried and true recipes. What started as a small project turned into a three cookbook series that she has not only given as gifts, but successfully sold in her community.

Published: 2007-01-18 00:00:00 read more...

How to Give the Perfect Valentine's Day Gift

Anyone who's opened a Valentine's gift box only to discover sweat socks or cookware - or who's given a gift that elicited "How … nice" - knows that gift giving is an art. But gift giving doesn't have to be a disappointment for the recipient or the giver as long as the purchaser follows the "four S's" - "simple, sweet, sentimental and sensitive."

Published: 2007-01-18 00:00:00 read more...

How to Give the Perfect Mother's Day Gift

Sure, she always says "It's the thought that counts." But does Mom really mean that after opening yet another pair of gift-wrapped sweat socks?

Published: 2007-01-18 00:00:00 read more...

How to Have a Healthy Vacation

It's the time of year when families and students think about spring break, and anyone in a cold climate wonders where to get warm and chase away the winter blues. Whether spring break or the annual family vacation, you don't want to get sick on your way there or during your stay.

Published: 2007-01-17 00:00:00 read more...

Giving Flowers this Valentine's Day? Read this First

Flowers and Valentine's Day are a cherished tradition, whether you're sending a dozen roses, an elaborate flower arrangement, or hand-delivering a bouquet of daisies. And, as if you needed additional reasons to send flowers this Valentine's Day, new research shows that the mere presence of flowers can change people's moods for the better.

Published: 2007-01-04 00:00:00 read more...

Need to Boost Your Mood? Try Flowers

Got the winter doldrums? Too much stress in your life? New research shows that the mere presence of flowers can change people's moods for the better.

Published: 2007-01-04 00:00:00 read more...

RVer's Guide to Storage

Now that winter has arrived, your recreational vehicle (RV) is likely sitting in a covered garage somewhere. Hopefully it's collecting dust, not serving as a winter home for some unwanted guests.

Published: 2007-01-03 00:00:00 read more...

RVer's Guide to Winter Storage

Now that winter has arrived, your recreational vehicle (RV) is likely sitting in a covered garage somewhere. Hopefully it's collecting dust, not serving as a winter home for some unwanted guests.

Published: 2007-01-03 00:00:00 read more...

Rest Easy the Next Time You Take to the Road

Now that winter has arrived, your recreational vehicle (RV) is likely sitting in a covered garage somewhere. Hopefully it's collecting dust, not serving as a winter home for some unwanted guests.

Published: 2007-01-03 00:00:00 read more...

Low Stress High Tech Buying

Technology is near the top of the list for most gift-givers and buyers this holiday season. But many consumers view buying a high-tech gift as one of the most stressful shopping experiences of the season.

Published: 2006-12-19 00:00:00 read more...

Make the Most of Your Mudroom

Does your mudroom have you heading straight for the door? With the hustle and bustle of daily life --school, work, extracurriculars --a mudroom can quickly accumulate unnecessary mess and clutter. Luckily, it's easy to keep your frustrations from piling up like the many pairs of shoes. Follow these easy tips and make the most out of your mudroom.

Published: 2006-12-15 00:00:00 read more...

Now Blended Families have a Symbol of their Love and Commitment

At least one-third of all new marriages in the U.S. involve divorced or widowed parents with children under 18 living in the home, according to the Stepfamily Association of America.

Published: 2006-12-13 00:00:00 read more...

Credit Card Debt Help

Ever hear of indentured servitude? It's a historical concept that means you're basically working for free to pay off some obligation. That's probably how you feel if you only make the minimum payments on your credit card.

Published: 2006-12-04 00:00:00 read more...

For Some Seniors, Raising Kids Can Help Raise Spirits

Are today's senior citizens healthier and wealthier than yesterday's? A recent study from the U.S. Census Bureau says yes. According to the report, "65+ in the United States: 2005," older Americans as a whole have never been in better shape economically or physically. But what about emotionally? Just because we age well, how well do we really feel deep down inside?

Published: 2006-12-04 00:00:00 read more...

Gift Cards: A Hot Ticket Item this Holiday Season

'Tis the season: Stores are stocked with the latest toys, clothes, electronics and just about anything else you can think of for the holidays. Yet the most popular gift this season won't even require a trip to the mall. A recent survey by Deloitte & Touche USA found that two-thirds of consumers surveyed plan to buy gift cards this year, making them the top gift purchase of the holiday season.

Published: 2006-12-01 00:00:00 read more...

Stress-Free Gift-Giving

The holidays are a time for family and friends to reconnect and a time when time-honored rituals are played out and enjoyed. Gift-giving is part of many traditions but can often cause a great deal of stress.

Published: 2006-11-30 00:00:00 read more...

Detox Your Way to a Healthier Body

Detoxifying is sure to be one of the buzzwords of 2007. The process of ridding your body of toxins ranging from alcohol and unhealthy food to environmental pollution has been gaining popularity and acceptance among people who want to live a healthier lifestyle as well as among medical practitioners. Detoxing can help individuals discover renewed energy and well-being thanks to a healthier body.

Published: 2006-11-28 00:00:00 read more...

Gift Cards: The Perfect One-Size-Fits-All Present

Shoppers reluctant to spend holiday green on trendy toys, got-to-get-it gizmos, and what-not-to-wear sweaters can instead choose the perfect-for-anyone present - a gift card. In fact, a recent survey found that 76 percent of respondents will consider giving a gift card this holiday season because it ensures the recipient will ultimately get what he or she wants.

Published: 2006-11-22 00:00:00 read more...

Tips to an Organized Office

Here's a statistic that will startle you into action. According to a recent Office Depot survey, the average business professional loses 90 hours a year -- or more than one full workweek -- due to disorganization.

Published: 2006-11-22 00:00:00 read more...

The Family Meal

The words "dinner's ready" have become a forgotten phrase in many households, one we seem to only hear around the holidays. Today's hectic lifestyles make it difficult to get everyone in the family to sit down together for dinner. Now, research is showing that eating together is a tradition worth making time for because the benefits far exceed simple nutrition.

Published: 2006-11-21 00:00:00 read more...

Gold and Silver Accents Add Sparkle to Your Holiday

With all the hubbub and spending that surrounds the holidays, the meaning of the season sometimes gets overshadowed. At heart, the holidays should be about gathering with friends and family, spending time together and letting loved ones know you care about them.

Published: 2006-11-21 00:00:00 read more...

Make Out of Town Wedding Guests Feel at Home

Weddings are a big occasion not only for the bride and groom, but for their friends and families as well. It is a great chance for people who don't see each other as often as they would like to reconnect.

Published: 2006-11-20 00:00:00 read more...

"Brush Up" on Smile Care to Prevent Colds

Everyone understands that good nutrition, physical activity and regular hand-washing are critical in maintaining a strong immune system. However, most people don't realize the role that oral hygiene plays in keeping people healthy.

Published: 2006-11-20 00:00:00 read more...

Boomers Take Resolutions off 'To Do' List and Put Them on 'Want To Do' List

People over 50 are changing the face of resolutions -- not just as they relate to New Year's vows, but as a commitment for life. A generation accustomed to tackling their goals and dreams and getting the most from life, this spirited group of adults is loud and proud that they have a lot more they plan to accomplish at this stage of life.

Published: 2006-11-20 00:00:00 read more...

Taking Care of Your Body is an Important Part of Preparation for Pregnancy and Motherhood

She knew that pregnancy and motherhood are physically challenging to any woman, so when Samantha, happily found herself pregnant for the first time at age 40, a lot of attention went into staying healthy, strong and flexible. The fact that she was a dancer and is currently a Pilates instructor definitely gave her a head start. Her goal was to gain a healthy amount of weight and stay as strong and as flexible as possible.

Published: 2006-11-20 00:00:00 read more...

Survey Reveals It's Not So Easy Being Jolly

How's this for a doozy of a job description: Must love children, even when they're crying and cranky. Must be jolly, even after spending 10 hours being poked, prodded, stepped on, wet on, sneezed on and coughed on.

Published: 2006-11-17 00:00:00 read more...

Shortcuts to Holiday Sanity

As the holidays loom, many of us are already lamenting our fate as we ponder the growing "to do" list and ask ourselves "Why didn't I get organized sooner?"

Published: 2006-11-16 00:00:00 read more...

The Great Pope John Paul II Still an Inspiration

This time of year many of us reflect on events over the last 12 months, take time to assess what we hope to accomplish, and ask how we'd like to grow as individuals in the New Year. Whether it be resolutions, or renewing our focus on the things that matter most, many of us will challenge ourselves to be better people by kicking bad habits, practicing good ones, or simply trying to be a better example to others.

Published: 2006-11-16 00:00:00 read more...

Happy (Well-Balanced) Holidays!

With holiday decorations appearing in stores as early as September, it's easy to get caught up in the festive frenzy and stress of holiday preparation. But Dr. David Whitehouse, of United Behavioral Health, a United Health Group company, says that with a few simple tips, you can keep your holiday experience happy, and the seasonal stresses at bay.

Published: 2006-11-16 00:00:00 read more...

Holidays: Relative Expectations

- It's the time of year when relatives you haven't seen all year converge on your house, or invite you to theirs. While you may expect brothers and sisters to resort to their old sibling rivalries and parents to tell their grown kids to put on their coats, there's one thing you may not expect: the realization that parents and grandparents are becoming less able to function physically and/or mentally in their daily lives.

Published: 2006-11-16 00:00:00 read more...

Relative Expectations: Caring for Older Family Members

The holiday season has passed. Family gatherings, guests from afar and the special times you shared together have taken their place among your most cherished memories. Post holiday however, you might continue to feel troubled by the realization that your parents, grandparents or other aging loved ones seemed less able to function physically and/or mentally in their daily lives.

Published: 2006-11-16 00:00:00 read more...

ATM Safety Tips

For many of us, the convenience of ATM transactions is essential. Without disrupting our busy schedules, we can now easily get cash from conveniently located machines.

Published: 2006-11-15 00:00:00 read more...

Five Ways to Stay Safe at the ATM

For many of us, the convenience of ATM transactions is essential. Without disrupting our busy schedules, we can now easily get cash from conveniently located machines.

Published: 2006-11-15 00:00:00 read more...

The National Christmas Tree -- Behind the Scenes

If you think putting up your Christmas tree is difficult, imagine what it would be like to decorate with 500 sets of twinkling lights, 125 lighted ornaments, each the size of a child's bicycle wheel, and a tree so tall it requires a mechanical lift to put the star on top.

Published: 2006-11-15 00:00:00 read more...

Internet Hazards That Could Harm Your Kids

According to a recent Pew Internet and American Life Project Research Study, 81 percent of parents believe teen-agers aren't careful when volunteering personal information online and 79 percent of teens agree.

Published: 2006-11-14 00:00:00 read more...

Understanding Social Networking

According to a recent Pew Internet and American Life Project Research Study, 81 percent of parents believe teen-agers aren't careful when volunteering personal information online and 79 percent of teens agree.

Published: 2006-11-14 00:00:00 read more...

The Healthiest Resolution Of All May Have Nothing To Do With Food Or Exercise

Nearly half of all Americans start the year off with a list of New Year's resolutions that take everything from their health to their wealth into account. According to a recent government survey, the three top resolutions included losing weight, paying off debt and finding a better job. But there's another resolution inching its way to the top of America's annual "to do" list: volunteering to help others.

Published: 2006-11-14 00:00:00 read more...

Tips for Teens to Prevent ID Theft = Internet Hazards That Could Harm Your Kids

According to a recent Pew Internet and American Life Project Research Study, 81 percent of parents believe teen-agers aren't careful when volunteering personal information online and 79 percent of teens agree.

Published: 2006-11-14 00:00:00 read more...

High Tech Catches the Ladies' Eyes

Holiday salesmen beware -- women are on the prowl for high-tech holiday gifts this year. The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) says that women influence 80 percent of consumer electronics purchases. From buying gadgets and goodies as gifts, to treating themselves to a trendy gizmo, women seem to be mastering the world of technology as fast as their male counterparts.

Published: 2006-11-10 00:00:00 read more...

How to Cook Safely

The kitchen can be a dangerous place, with sharp knives, busy cooks and family members running in and out. That's why the National Consumers League (NCL) is offering tips to keep consumers safe in the kitchen.

Published: 2006-11-09 00:00:00 read more...

Tips to Keep Cooks Out of Trouble

The kitchen can be a dangerous place, with sharp knives, busy cooks and family members running in and out. That's why the National Consumers League (NCL) is offering tips to keep consumers safe in the kitchen.

Published: 2006-11-09 00:00:00 read more...

High Definition: The New Frontier in Home Recording

This holiday season, high definition (HD) video is taking center stage. With HDTV sets now available for less than $1000 and HD programming widely offered by cable and satellite providers, many consumers are ready to take the plunge. Whether or not an HDTV set is on this year's wish list for your family, there's no denying that HD is here to stay.

Published: 2006-11-08 00:00:00 read more...

Parent Approved Holiday Gifts

This holiday, parents and grandparents have many new options on the shelves when they go shopping for gifts for their children. Today's kids and tweens are much more tuned-in to general trends, want what's cool, and not always as satisfied with conventional gifts.

Published: 2006-11-07 00:00:00 read more...

Enjoy a Stress-Free Home for the Holidays

The holidays are a perfect time to catch up with relatives or friends. According to AAA, more than half of the 37 million people who travel during the holidays in 2006 will stay with family or friends.

Published: 2006-11-06 00:00:00 read more...

How to Make a Lasting Impression with Last Minute Gifts for Your Child

When the ripped wrapping paper has been cleared off the floor and the last candy cane wrapper is in the trash what will your kids have left to show for their holidays this year? A new bicycle? Some CDs? A video game or two?

Published: 2006-11-06 00:00:00 read more...

What All Parents Should Have in Their Medicine Cabinets

If you haven't heard of MRSA (methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus), there is no doubt that it will become part of your vocabulary in the near future. MRSA is a type of staph bacteria that has grown resistant to common antibiotics; this includes the triple antibiotic ointments that parents have used to treat cuts and scrapes for years.

Published: 2006-11-03 00:00:00 read more...

Stop Staph from Infecting Your Family

If you haven't heard of MRSA (methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus), there is no doubt that it will become part of your vocabulary in the near future. MRSA is a type of staph bacteria that has grown resistant to common antibiotics; this includes the triple antibiotic ointments that parents have used to treat cuts and scrapes for years.

Published: 2006-11-03 00:00:00 read more...

Parent Alert! How to Protect Your Family from the Staph Epidemic

If you haven't heard of MRSA (methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus), there is no doubt that it will become part of your vocabulary in the near future. MRSA is a type of staph bacteria that has grown resistant to common antibiotics; this includes the triple antibiotic ointments that parents have used to treat cuts and scrapes for years.

Published: 2006-11-03 00:00:00 read more...

How Parents Protect Children From Staph Infections

If you haven't heard of MRSA (methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus), there is no doubt that it will become part of your vocabulary in the near future. MRSA is a type of staph bacteria that has grown resistant to common antibiotics; this includes the triple antibiotic ointments that parents have used to treat cuts and scrapes for years.

Published: 2006-11-03 00:00:00 read more...

Protecting Your Child from the New Super Bug

If you haven't heard of MRSA (methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus), there is no doubt that it will become part of your vocabulary in the near future. MRSA is a type of staph bacteria that has grown resistant to common antibiotics; this includes the triple antibiotic ointments that parents have used to treat cuts and scrapes for years.

Published: 2006-11-03 00:00:00 read more...

Parents Band Together to Fight Childhood Flu Deaths

Families Fighting Flu, Inc., established in 2004, is made up of families and healthcare practitioners who have experienced first-hand the death of a child to the flu or witnessed severe medical complications caused by the flu.

Published: 2006-11-02 00:00:00 read more...

How to Protect Your Child from the Flu

Families Fighting Flu, Inc., established in 2004, is made up of families and healthcare practitioners who have experienced first-hand the death of a child to the flu or witnessed severe medical complications caused by the flu.

Published: 2006-11-02 00:00:00 read more...

Parents Facing Enormous Loss Band Together to Fight Childhood Flu Deaths

Breanne was a healthy 15-month-old toddler with a beautiful smile and striking eyes. In the winter of 2003, she contracted influenza (commonly called "the flu"). Her fever rose to 101 degrees, then to 105 degrees, and quickly to 107 degrees. The virus attacked her young body and soon the little girl was overpowered by the flu. Breanne died in her mother's arms on December 23, 2003.

Published: 2006-11-02 00:00:00 read more...

All-natural Prevention and Remedy of Colds and Flu

The arrival of cold and flu season doesn't mean you have to choose between pharmaceutical drugs and the misery of colds or flu. With aromatherapy, you can use totally natural essential oils to relieve congestion, sore throats and other symptoms.

Published: 2006-11-02 00:00:00 read more...

Fighting Flu the Natural Way

The arrival of cold and flu season doesn't mean you have to choose between pharmaceutical drugs and the misery of colds or flu. With aromatherapy, you can use totally natural essential oils to relieve congestion, sore throats and other symptoms.

Published: 2006-11-02 00:00:00 read more...

New Magazine Gives Preschoolers a Healthy Start on Learning

"Goosey-Gog and Ducketty-Duck went for a walk and got stucketty-stuck." That sentence may sound silly to you, but read it to your preschoolers and it will be music to their ears.

Published: 2006-11-01 00:00:00 read more...

Give Your Favorite Preschooler a Holiday Gift that Will Last a Lifetime

A new magazine just for preschoolers and their parents is available just in time for the holidays. "Highlights High Five" features read-aloud stories, activities, and bright illustrations.

Published: 2006-11-01 00:00:00 read more...

New Magazine Gives Preschoolers a Good Start on Learning

"Goosey-Gog and Ducketty-Duck went for a walk and got stucketty-stuck." That sentence may sound silly to you, but read it to your preschoolers and it will be music to their ears.

Published: 2006-11-01 00:00:00 read more...

Give a Gift that Will Last a Lifetime

A new magazine just for preschoolers and their parents is available just in time for the holidays. 'Highlights High Five' features read-aloud stories, activities, and bright illustrations.

Published: 2006-11-01 00:00:00 read more...

Handmade Memories

As the calendar moves closer to the end of the year, gift lists are being made and checked twice. No matter who's on your gift list this season, the holidays are a time to show the special people in our lives that we appreciate them. Handmade gifts are a great way to add personality and charm that will be treasured long after the wrapping paper is thrown away.

Published: 2006-10-31 00:00:00 read more...

Handmade Holiday Ideas For Gifts and Décor

As the calendar moves closer to the end of the year, gift lists are being made and checked twice. No matter who's on your gift list this season, the holidays are a time to show the special people in our lives that we appreciate them. Handmade gifts are a great way to add personality and charm that will be treasured long after the wrapping paper is thrown away.

Published: 2006-10-31 00:00:00 read more...

Inspiration from a Man Who Inspired Millions

In today's world filled with conflict and uncertainty it can be hard to imagine how we as individuals can make a difference. More than a year after his death, Pope John Paul II continues to inspire and bring together people of all faith.

Published: 2006-10-30 00:00:00 read more...

Give Holiday Inspiration from a Man Who Inspired Millions

This holiday season, millions around the world will pause to reflect, rejoice and rekindle their spirits with the messages of joy and peace common to all holiday celebrations - from Christmas and Hanukkah to Kwanzaa and Diwali. In today's world filled with conflict and uncertainty it can be hard to imagine how we as individuals can make a difference. Inspiration and hope may be the most precious gifts we give or receive this year.

Published: 2006-10-30 00:00:00 read more...

Give an Experience to Leave a Lasting Impression

It's the single greatest stressor in a season full of stressful moments - finding the perfect gift for the person who simply has everything. Sometimes, the gift that makes the most lasting impression isn't something they can hold in their hands - it's an experience they'll never forget.

Published: 2006-10-27 00:00:00 read more...

Take Preventive Measures to Ward Off Colds, Flu

It's hard to stay healthy during the winter months. Everyone from your kids to your co-workers seems to be sniffling, coughing and sneezing. Not only is being sick unpleasant, the cost adds up fast - there's missed time from work or school, doctor's visits and medication. As the old saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, so take steps now to ward off winter illness.

Published: 2006-10-27 00:00:00 read more...

That’s the Ticket: How to Score Some Summer Fun at the Last Minute

Summer is in full swing and if you aren’t already in the middle of your “fun things to do this summer� list, you’re behind schedule. It may be too late to plan that Fourth of July trip to D.C. that you’ve been dreaming of, but there are plenty of fun things that don’t take a lot of pre-planning and notice. Thanks to the Internet, it’s now easier than ever to organize a fun outing, from taking in a sporting event to soaking up some music at a concert.

Published: 2006-10-27 00:00:00 read more...

The Ticket to Great Gift Ideas for Dads and Grads

Finding the perfect gift for the person who simply has everything is enough to drive you crazy. But sometimes, the gift that makes the most lasting impression isn't something they can hold in their hands - it's an experience they'll never forget.

Published: 2006-10-27 00:00:00 read more...

The Ticket to Great Gift Ideas

Finding the perfect gift for the person who simply has everything is enough to drive you crazy. But sometimes, the gift that makes the most lasting impression isn't something they can hold in their hands - it's an experience they'll never forget.

Published: 2006-10-27 00:00:00 read more...

Give an Experience to Leave a Lasting Impression on a Loved One

Finding the perfect gift for the person who simply has everything is enough to drive you crazy. But sometimes, the gift that makes the most lasting impression isn't something they can hold in their hands - it's an experience they'll never forget.

Published: 2006-10-27 00:00:00 read more...

That's the Ticket: How to Score Some Summer Fun at the Last Minute

Summer is in full swing and if you aren't already in the middle of your "fun things to do this summer" list, you're behind schedule. It may be too late to plan that Fourth of July trip to D.C. that you've been dreaming of, but there are plenty of fun things that don't take a lot of pre-planning and notice. Thanks to the Internet, it's now easier than ever to organize a fun outing, from taking in a sporting event to soaking up some music at a concert.

Published: 2006-10-27 00:00:00 read more...

Tips for Making the Most of Winter Travel

If being cooped up inside for days or weeks on end is giving you the urge to travel this winter, you're not alone. A change of scenery can be just the cure for cabin fever - whether you travel across the country or just to the next town over.

Published: 2006-10-25 00:00:00 read more...

Rediscovered Tableware Revives Family Memories

Merry Anderson knows that a set of dishes is more than something to grace the table at holidays - it can be a link to a family's history and heritage.

Published: 2006-10-24 00:00:00 read more...

Quest For Replacement China Awakens Family Memories

Merry Anderson knows that a set of dishes is more than something to grace the table on special occassions -- it can be a link to a family's history and heritage.

Published: 2006-10-24 00:00:00 read more...

Digital Photography Tips that Stick

Do you ever wonder how photographers capture such priceless moments? It's not as hard as you may think, especially in today's world of digital photography.

Published: 2006-10-24 00:00:00 read more...

"Grey's Anatomy" Star Encourages the Spirit of Giving through Cards That Count

For many, the holiday season is about giving back to others. But between holiday parties, decorating the house and shopping for friends and family, giving back may be easier said than done. In the spirit of giving gifts to others, Bounty Paper Towels is giving back to three deserving charities through Cards That Count, a free online e-greetings program that offers people an easy way to give back.

Published: 2006-10-23 00:00:00 read more...

Surviving Holiday Gift Giving

Holiday commercials, greeting cards and even sitcoms set the scene - and the expectation: Perfectly wrapped presents exchanged in the office or by a crackling fire. Not only does everyone receive a gift, but they always receive the perfect gift: Just what they always wanted.

Published: 2006-10-23 00:00:00 read more...

Join 'Grey's Anatomy' Star and Send Cards That Count

For many, the holiday season is about giving back to others. But between holiday parties, decorating the house and shopping for friends and family, giving back may be easier said than done. In the spirit of giving gifts to others, Bounty Paper Towels is giving back to three deserving charities through Cards That Count, a free online e-greetings program that offers people an easy way to give back.

Published: 2006-10-23 00:00:00 read more...

Holiday Stockings: A Tradition of Stuffing

As Americans flock to malls and shopping centers this season in search of gifts for their family and friends, they will face a common dilemma: how to stuff this year's stockings.

Published: 2006-10-20 00:00:00 read more...

Eight is Enough - Eight Easy Steps to Build Stronger Kids

Dropping the kids off at school, helping them with their math homework or having dinner ready on time are just a few of the everyday tasks that parents perform, and those are the easy ones.

Published: 2006-10-19 00:00:00 read more...

New Trend has Holiday Shoppers Playing Mind Games

Holiday shopping may require a thinking cap this year as the popularity of mind games - particularly word games - is soaring.

Published: 2006-10-19 00:00:00 read more...

What You Don't Know About Saving for Your Child's College Education

Paying for a college education trails only a home purchase as the largest expenditure a typical American family will make in a lifetime.

Published: 2006-10-19 00:00:00 read more...

Why It's So Important to Personalize Your Wedding

There are few events in your life that will leave as big of an impression as your wedding day. You'll never forget how loudly your heart appeared to be beating as you marched down the aisle, the look in the eyes of your significant other as you said your vows or how good that first kiss as man and wife felt.

Published: 2006-10-19 00:00:00 read more...

Your Baby: The Ultimate Learning Machine

When it comes to sheer power of absorption, no man-made information-gathering system can compete with nature's ultimate learning machine: the human baby. Research shows babies are better learns than we once thought.

Published: 2006-10-18 00:00:00 read more...

Holiday Shopping Tips for 'Procrastinating Parents'

Despite the fact that the holiday season appears to start earlier each year, consumers still can't seem to get a jump on their gift shopping. With an ever growing list of people to buy for, it can be a major ordeal when factoring in crowded mall parking lots, long lines at the cash register and excessive shipping and handling charges for online purchases.

Published: 2006-10-18 00:00:00 read more...

Tips for New Parents

It's never too early to learn. Research has shown that babies and toddlers are fast learners, and even start before they are born. From the very beginning they are eager to understand the world around them.

Published: 2006-10-18 00:00:00 read more...

Shoppers Turn to Gift Certificates to Say 'I Love You'

Holiday after holiday, shoppers are increasingly going online for their gift-buying needs, and Valentine's Day is no exception.

Published: 2006-10-17 00:00:00 read more...

Get All Your Holiday Shopping Done in One Place

The excitement of the holiday season is upon us. Festive music has begun playing on the radio, and holiday merchandise fills store shelves, but with the joy of the season also comes the stress. After all, there is a lot to do.

Published: 2006-10-17 00:00:00 read more...

Survey Says: Americans Go Online for Health Information

A growing number of people are using the Internet as a convenient and quick source of health information. According to the results of a recent poll, 89 percent of respondents have searched health topics online, and 79 percent of them cited convenience and time savings as key benefits.

Published: 2006-10-17 00:00:00 read more...

The Perfect Gifts for the Imperfect Man

OK, so you're in a relationship with the man of your dreams. He's handsome, charming, successful; you've never been happier. He's perfect….well…almost. There's just that one thing you wish was different…but how do you let him know that it's time for just one little change? Answer: You don't.

Published: 2006-10-16 00:00:00 read more...

From Ho-Hum to Ho-Ho-Ho; Helpful Hints for the Hard-to-Gift

Stumped? Perplexed? Puzzled? A million things to do and now it's time to pick just the right present for the perennially hard-to-gift. You know the ones. Sweet Aunt Betty who always remembers your birthday. The piano teacher with the patience of a saint who claps like crazy every time your young child plays "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star." And, of course, don't forget dear old Mr. Whitney, your faithful mail carrier.

Published: 2006-10-16 00:00:00 read more...

Entertaining Your Ghouls and Goblins at Halloween

It's Halloween, and no doubt moms and dads are busily searching the Internet for the perfect costumes, pumpkin carving techniques and party planning tips. More than text and photos, parents can now tap into the current online video trend to find everything from spooky costume fashion shows to roasted pumpkin soup cooking demonstrations.

Published: 2006-10-13 00:00:00 read more...

Your Money Matters: Buying First Home Need Not Be Overwhelming

Are you one of those people who considers life to be pretty good? You're thinking about getting married, have a good job, nice car and money to pay off the student loans. You have spare time to spend hangin' out with your friends.

Published: 2006-10-10 00:00:00 read more...

How to Have a Back-friendly Moving Experience

Moving is widely viewed as one of the most stressful things you can do. Add back strain from improperly lifting heavy boxes and furniture, and moving can become downright agonizing.

Published: 2006-10-06 00:00:00 read more...

Comforting Crockpot Meals Fit the Bill on Cold Nights

Winter is right around the corner, and nothing says comfort like coming in the door and smelling a delicious and nutritious dinner just a moment away.

Published: 2006-10-05 00:00:00 read more...

How to Make the Holidays More Meaningful for Your Family

Every year around this time, the kids start getting excited about the kickoff of the holiday season. First they'll get to celebrate Halloween by going door-to-door in costume gathering candy. Then before you know it, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza and New Years will be upon us.

Published: 2006-10-05 00:00:00 read more...

Comforting Crock Pot Meals Fit the Bill on Cold Nights

Winter is right around the corner, and nothing says comfort like coming in the door and smelling a delicious and nutritious dinner just a moment away.

Published: 2006-10-05 00:00:00 read more...

Personalized Gifts - When You Want to Be Remembered for What You Gave

When is a coffee cup more than a coffee cup or a t-shirt nice enough to be the perfect holiday gift? When they're custom made with personalization. Whether you're looking for a gift to make your dad chuckle or to warm your sister's heart, personalizing a gift with the recipient's name shows that you planned ahead and really thought about the gift.

Published: 2006-10-05 00:00:00 read more...

Creative Gifts for New Parents

Everyone loves shopping for babies - the clothes are so tiny and so adorable, the toys are fun and the array of accessories is mind-boggling. There's certainly no shortage of gift choices for new parents or parents-to-be.

Published: 2006-09-29 00:00:00 read more...

Quilting Grandmothers Discover They're Hip

Quilting, along with other traditional crafts such as knitting, is enjoying resurgence in popularity among a new generation. Experienced quilters with valuable knowledge to pass on are being sought out by those just discovering this time-honored art. At the same time, veteran quilters are adopting some of the more modern techniques favored by newcomers.

Published: 2006-09-29 00:00:00 read more...

Creative Holiday Gifts for New Parents

Everyone loves shopping for babies - the clothes are so tiny and so adorable, the toys are fun and the array of accessories is mind-boggling. There's certainly no shortage of choices for the new parents or parents-to-be on your gift list this holiday season.

Published: 2006-09-29 00:00:00 read more...

Fall: Fence Tune-up Time

Fall is the perfect time to inspect all fencing, gates and hardware around your property to ensure they are in good working condition. Gates that no longer close securely are probably the result of old rusty metal hinges and latches, or the gates have settled over time. These conditions can be dangerous or even deadly if ignored.

Published: 2006-09-29 00:00:00 read more...

Fence Tune-up Time

Now is a good time to inspect all fencing, gates and hardware around your property to ensure they are in good working condition. Gates that no longer close securely are probably the result of old rusty metal hinges and latches, or the gates have settled over time. These conditions can be dangerous or even deadly if ignored.

Published: 2006-09-29 00:00:00 read more...

A Hotel Can be the Next Best Thing to Home for the Holidays

The holidays are traditionally a time for friends and family who may not see each other often enough to gather for a few days of celebration. For many people, that means either traveling to visit relatives in other parts of the country, or hosting large get-togethers.

Published: 2006-09-28 00:00:00 read more...

A Hotel Can be the Next Best Thing to Home

While visiting family is always nice, staying with family can be stressful. Perhaps the house isn't big enough to hold another entire family, or maybe you just want to be able to retreat to your own space.

Published: 2006-09-28 00:00:00 read more...

Shopping for Cell Phones this Holiday Season? It Just Got Easier

Chances are you have a few people on your holiday list who would be thrilled to find a new cell phone among their gifts. From tweeners who are looking for their first cell phone to older teens who want a model with more bells and whistles to your spouse who's been hinting about wanting a cell phone/PDA combo, cell phones are a popular and appreciated gift.

Published: 2006-09-28 00:00:00 read more...

Earth Day Lives: Going Green is Still in Style

From cable shows on celebrities who obsess about recycling, to coalitions of Hollywood stars building solar-powered homes, it's still in style to be "green."

Published: 2006-09-28 00:00:00 read more...

On-the-Go Technology in Demand for the Holiday Season

'Tis the season for high-tech gifts, but what do you get for the person who already has the latest and greatest gadgets? If an iPod, MP3 player or new cell phone won't do, how about a device that allows them to enjoy high definition television on-the-go?

Published: 2006-09-27 00:00:00 read more...

Pamper Your Pet (or Your Favorite Pet Owner) this Holiday Season

Every holiday shopping list has them - those people who are impossible to buy for, either because you just don't know what they'd like or because they already have everything you can think of. If they're among the 63 percent of U.S. households that own pets, especially pets they love to pamper, you're in luck.

Published: 2006-09-27 00:00:00 read more...

On-the-Go Technology in Demand

Looking for a way to enjoy high definition television on-the-go? It may be easier than you think.

Published: 2006-09-27 00:00:00 read more...

In Fighting Obesity, Arm Kids with an Appetite for Change

Study after study confirms that children who are obese at a young age are more likely to remain obese into adolescence and adulthood, putting them at risk for numerous preventable diseases. Yet, when it comes to finding a solution to this mounting problem, we seem to be spinning our wheels.

Published: 2006-09-22 00:00:00 read more...

Life Insurance Tips for Today's Changing World

"I can't afford it" is no longer a good enough reason for not buying a life insurance plan. According to a 2006 Mutual Life Insurance Company survey, conducted by Harris Interactive, 73 percent of U.S. adults think life insurance costs too much.

Published: 2006-09-21 00:00:00 read more...

Tips for Choosing the Life Insurance Plan that's Right for You

"I can't afford it" is no longer a good enough reason for not buying a life insurance plan. According to a 2006 Mutual Life Insurance Company survey, conducted by Harris Interactive, 73 percent of U.S. adults think life insurance costs too much.

Published: 2006-09-21 00:00:00 read more...

Parents and Teachers: A Lesson in Building Partnerships

It's probably the most important relationship a child has outside the family and it begins anew every single year.

Published: 2006-09-20 00:00:00 read more...

Protect Your Property from Holiday Heists

The winter holiday season is traditionally a time of giving and receiving. Unfortunately, it can also be a season for increased theft and burglary.

Published: 2006-09-19 00:00:00 read more...

What to Get Your Best Friend for the Holidays

The holidays are almost upon us, and you've probably already made a list of the people you'll be presenting with gifts. The kids are easy. They'll be getting the latest toy, movie or videogame. Your Mom and Dad are down for an elegant picture frame; Grandma is getting a new sewing basket and your husband is getting that camera he has had his eyes on.

Published: 2006-09-15 00:00:00 read more...

Unsupervised Children at Greatest Risk During Afterschool Hours

Afterschool programs have been proven not only to decrease involvement in crime and reduce dropout rates, but also to benefit children by raising math and reading performance and improving school attendance.

Published: 2006-09-15 00:00:00 read more...

Show Mom How Much You Care

Having trouble coming up with the perfect gift for Mom? A gift that really makes an impact is one the recipient knows was chosen with love and care.

Published: 2006-09-15 00:00:00 read more...

Give the Gift of Fashion without Sacrificing Compassion

You probably already know what you're going to get your sweetheart for Valentine's Day, but what about your best friend? How about a gift that shows you care not only about her but the environment as well.

Published: 2006-09-15 00:00:00 read more...

NFL Players Visit Nation's Schools to Promote Importance of Afterschool Programs

How would you like to have a hand in making your son or daughter the most popular kid on campus? It could happen if their entry is selected as one of 32 winners in the JCPenney and the National Football League's (NFL) "Take a Player to School" sweepstakes.

Published: 2006-09-15 00:00:00 read more...

Holiday Banquet Basics

Gone are the days of scanning the barnyard for the fattest fowl on the farm. Nowadays, turkeys come frozen, thawed, pre-cooked, organic, smoked, fried, glazed, sliced and diced. Despite the luxuries today, the pressure's still on to plan ahead for a memorable, home-cooked holiday feast.

Published: 2006-09-13 00:00:00 read more...

Need a Pet Service? Your "Mouse" Can Help

There are more than 60 million pet dogs in the United States and nearly 70 million pet cats, according to the latest edition of the U.S. Pet Ownership and Demographics Sourcebook. The American Pet Products Manufacturers Association estimates that $38.4 billion will be spent on pets in the Unites States during 2006, a more than $2 billion increase over what was spent in 2005.

Published: 2006-09-12 00:00:00 read more...

New Options for Pet Owners and How to Find Them

There are more than 60 million pet dogs in the United States and nearly 70 million pet cats, according to the latest edition of the U.S. Pet Ownership and Demographics Sourcebook. The American Pet Products Manufacturers Association estimates that $38.4 billion will be spent on pets in the Unites States during 2006, a more than $2 billion increase over what was spent in 2005.

Published: 2006-09-12 00:00:00 read more...

Beyond Fine - Opening the Door to Conversation with Your Teen

'Fine," 'Nothing' - These popular one-word answers are common teenage responses when asked even the most basic questions by their parents. Many teens find it difficult to talk to adults and parents get frustrated trying to find meaningful answers to the questions 'How was school today?' or 'What are your plans for the weekend?'

Published: 2006-09-12 00:00:00 read more...

A Great Gift for the Little Ski Enthusiast in Your Life

The holiday season is upon us, and if you're looking for the perfect gift idea for a youngster who loves to ski, not to mention his or her parents, this classic line from the Wizard of Oz, "Lions, Tigers and Bears, Oh My" should serve as inspiration.

Published: 2006-09-11 00:00:00 read more...

How to Make Holiday Memories With Special Foods

Holidays give us an annual opportunity for bringing loved ones together. What better time is there to celebrate a tradition -- or start one?

Published: 2006-09-07 00:00:00 read more...

Moments Become Memories

You remember the moment. Close your eyes. The doorbell rings. Your mother signs for the mysterious package in the brown paper. Then she winks and smiles. It's a gingerbread house kit -- something you both put together each year and place on the mantel. You can't even remember a Christmas without the memory.

Published: 2006-09-07 00:00:00 read more...

Start a New Holiday Tradition - in Latin

Tradition takes center stage during the winter holidays. Families come together to enjoy dishes made from the same recipes their great-grandmothers used. Decorations handed down from generation to generation are displayed with loving care.

Published: 2006-09-07 00:00:00 read more...

A Sixpence of Magical Holiday Moments

You remember the moment. Close your eyes. The doorbell rings. Your mother signs for the mysterious package in the brown paper. Then she winks and smiles. It's a gingerbread house kit -- something you both put together each year and place on the mantel. You can't even remember a Christmas without the memory.

Published: 2006-09-07 00:00:00 read more...

Don't Be Scared - You Can Make a Halloween Costume

If the words "Mom, can you make my costume this year?" strike terror in your heart, never fear. You can make a great costume that your child will love even if you have little sewing experience (and even less time).

Published: 2006-09-05 00:00:00 read more...

Jack-o'-turnips: The Origins Behind Today's Halloween Traditions

Carved your turnips and rutabagas for Halloween yet? Believe it or not, when the celebration of Halloween originally began as a celebration of the Celtic New Year back around 700 B.C., pumpkins didn't exist in Europe.

Published: 2006-09-05 00:00:00 read more...

A Well-Stocked Freezer and Pantry Can Mean Better Nutrition for Seniors

For many older adults, getting to the grocery store is not as easy as it used to be.

Published: 2006-08-31 00:00:00 read more...

Say 'So Long' to Laundry with a Coin Laundry Drop-off Service

It's no secret that laundry is one of the most dreaded household chores. When your laundry basket is overflowing and time is short, take a load to the local laundromat for their laundry drop-off service.

Published: 2006-08-29 00:00:00 read more...

A Time-saving Secret Revealed

It's no secret that laundry is one of the most dreaded household chores. When your laundry basket is overflowing and time is short, take a load to the local laundromat for their laundry drop-off service.

Published: 2006-08-29 00:00:00 read more...

The Secret to a Happy Home May Lie with Your Cat

Cats are typically known for lounging around, sleeping and getting into mischief. They are also known to linger in the same place or give an intense stare that leaves many people thinking their cat is vying for their attention. But did you know these acts may actually be a sign of an ancient Chinese art that helps bring balance to the home?

Published: 2006-08-29 00:00:00 read more...

This Year, Forget the Fruit Basket

Every holiday season, many offices get buried under baskets of fruit, logo pens and other gift items. The corporate holiday gift is a mainstay of the business world, but gift-givers often have difficulty finding something that's unique, let alone socially responsible as well.

Published: 2006-08-23 00:00:00 read more...

Get into the Halloween Spirit

Halloween is one of the biggest decorating holidays of the year, second only to Christmas. According to the National Retail Federation, nearly 60 percent of people plan to purchase decorations and 47 percent expect to decorate their home or yard this year.

Published: 2006-08-18 00:00:00 read more...

Test Your Pop Culture Trivia Skills Online and Win Gold

Mark Burnett ("Survivor" and "The Apprentice") has teamed up with AOL.com to launch "Gold Rush" (www.aol.com/goldrush) - a first of its kind seven-week online reality game where over $2 million in gold is up for grabs.

Published: 2006-08-17 00:00:00 read more...

Turn Your Pop Culture Know-How into Gold

Beginning Sept, 13, Mark Burnett ("Survivor" and "The Apprentice") is teaming up with AOL.com to launch "Gold Rush" (www.aol.com/goldrush) - a first-of-its kind, seven-week interactive reality game where over $2 million in gold is up for grabs.

Published: 2006-08-17 00:00:00 read more...

Five Steps to a Nutritious Lunch

School bells are ringing across the country, as summer vacation comes to an end. Parents are gearing up for the challenging task of helping their children stay healthy in and out of the classroom. Obstacles abound. Pizza, hot dogs and fries often take center stage in school cafeterias.

Published: 2006-08-16 00:00:00 read more...

Halloween Craft for Your Front Door: Scare Up Halloween Fun with a Harvest Door Treatment

Halloween is the time of year when the home's front door becomes the focal point of festivities. Whether it's trick-or-treaters knocking, or family and friends stopping by for a visit, Halloween is the perfect time to create a unique and colorful front door decoration to delight your visitors.

Published: 2006-08-16 00:00:00 read more...

Dress Up Your Door with a Harvest Garland

Autumn is the time of year when the home's front door becomes the focal point of festivities. It is the perfect time to create a unique and colorful front door decoration to delight your visitors.

Published: 2006-08-16 00:00:00 read more...

Tips for Making 'BACK-TO-COOL' Memories with Your Kids

The long days of summer have slipped away. In their place, hectic school days have returned. For many families, sit-down dinners are being replaced with fast food en route to after-school activities. Evenings transform into a marathon of music lessons, cookie baking and team practices that keep you from spending quality time together.

Published: 2006-08-16 00:00:00 read more...

Tips for Making Holiday Memories with Your Kids

This is a busy time of year. For many families, sit-down dinners are being replaced with fast food en route to after-school activities. Evenings transform into a marathon of music lessons, cookie baking and team practices that keep you from spending quality time together.

Published: 2006-08-16 00:00:00 read more...

School Routine Should Make Room for Studying, Fun

Every parent knows that the first few weeks of school are both exhilarating and exasperating. Kids are excited to have new clothes and new school supplies and to be reunited with friends they may not have seen over the summer.

Published: 2006-08-11 00:00:00 read more...

Helping Teachers Help Kids: Parents Making a Difference

At the start of the school year, every parent wants to help his or her child's teacher, but how can busy moms and dads make a difference in the classroom?

Published: 2006-08-10 00:00:00 read more...

Parents Helping Teachers Have a C.O.O.L. Yule

At the start of the school year, every parent wants to help his or her child's teacher, but how can busy moms and dads make a difference in the classroom?

Published: 2006-08-10 00:00:00 read more...

Teaching Kids Good Habits with Healthy Food They'll Actually Enjoy

Every parent knows it can be a challenge to get their kids to eat healthy meals and snacks. After all, kids are surrounded by fast food restaurants and commercials touting sugary cereals. Even school cafeterias sell soda, and junk food.

Published: 2006-08-10 00:00:00 read more...

Slumber Parties are still Teens' Favorite Way to Connect

In an age when teens are texting instead of talking and know IM before knowing "who I am," it's good to know that girls still place a high priority on face-to-face fun with friends. According to a new survey, the slumber party, long the gold-standard of teen girl gatherings, still tops the list of teens' favorite activities.

Published: 2006-08-08 00:00:00 read more...

Three Simple Steps for Fall that'll Give You Great-Looking Grass Come Spring

As summer draws to a close, homeowners everywhere are looking forward to taking a break from lawn care. But before you put away your yard tools, take a weekend to give your lawn a jump start for next spring.

Published: 2006-08-07 00:00:00 read more...

Simple Steps for Fall that'll Give You Great-Looking Grass Come Spring

As summer draws to a close, homeowners everywhere are looking forward to taking a break from lawn care. But before you put away your yard tools, take a weekend to give your lawn a jump start for next spring.

Published: 2006-08-07 00:00:00 read more...

School Safety Tips from Emergency Nurses

As children head back to school, pedestrian and passenger safety become increasingly important. The start of classes means children will be riding the bus and walking to school regularly.

Published: 2006-08-07 00:00:00 read more...

Lessons in Laundry

It happens to all of us -- the day we realize we should have listened to our mothers. Some of us experience it at the dentist when we're told we should have been flossing daily to prevent cavities, others with failed tests, or cooking mishaps. But, for many of us we have our first "I should have listened to my mother" moment in the laundry room.

Published: 2006-07-31 00:00:00 read more...

Today's Yoga Mamas Replace Soccer Moms

Sharon Cole was part of a frazzled mothers-only phenomenon that has gradually evolved Soccer Moms into Yoga Mamas. Her frantic zap of mini-van motherhood has gradually changed to a calm Zen that embraces all-natural products and organic foods, matching an emerging lifestyle that focuses on a "whole life."

Published: 2006-07-26 00:00:00 read more...

Traveling with the Team? Some Helpful Hints

Even as families are enjoying the final weeks of summer vacation, middle school and high school sports teams are already back in training, getting ready for the fall season.

Published: 2006-07-26 00:00:00 read more...

New Jersey Doctor Making a Difference for Stroke Victims

He decided to go to medical school for the same reason as most of his peers - to make a difference and save lives. What sets Dr. Ron Benitez, 37, a neurosurgeon from New Jersey apart from the rest is his determination to go above and beyond to help stroke victims.

Published: 2006-07-25 00:00:00 read more...

Making a Difference for Stroke Victims

He decided to go to medical school for the same reason as most of his peers - to make a difference and save lives. What sets Dr. Ron Benitez, 37, a neurosurgeon from New Jersey apart from the rest is his determination to go above and beyond to help stroke victims.

Published: 2006-07-25 00:00:00 read more...

Teaching Safety is Important Year-Round

Shirts and shoes, tablets and pens - the back-to-school shopping list keeps growing. As families head to the mall to prepare for school days, it's important to keep safety in mind.

Published: 2006-07-21 00:00:00 read more...

Tuition Tips - and More

As you send your son or daughter off to college, you have a lot on your mind - will they be OK on their own, will they eat right, will they call? If you're like many parents, you're probably also wondering how you'll pay for the next four years.

Published: 2006-07-12 00:00:00 read more...

Parents: Help Ease the Pain of Freshman Year

Your entire career as parent has been spent trying to facilitate your child's progress and ease the discomfort of necessary change. Now your bundle of joy is a college freshman, facing one of the biggest transitions of his or her young life. And you're facing the financial challenges of helping them through their first year in college.

Published: 2006-07-11 00:00:00 read more...

What's in Your Back-to-School Survival Kit?

It's true that a mother's work is never done. From shuttling the kids everywhere from school to dance recitals to soccer practice to cooking, cleaning the house and load after load of laundry -- the list goes on and on. And now, the busiest time of the year for most moms is here again -- back-to-school time.

Published: 2006-07-11 00:00:00 read more...

Survival Tips for Parents of College-Bound Kids

You once savored that wonderful time of the year when your youngsters went back to school. Ah, the free time ... at last some emotional and financial relief from keeping the kids entertained throughout the summer! But now your bundle of joy is college-bound and you both face new, monumental challenges.

Published: 2006-07-11 00:00:00 read more...

Summertime Lemonade Life Lessons

This summer parents are finding clever ways to teach their kids valuable life lessons -- through lemonade. Instead of letting your kids waste away their summer vacations playing video games, encourage them to start up a small business by running a good old-fashioned lemonade stand.

Published: 2006-07-11 00:00:00 read more...

Sensible Burglary Prevention Measures Start with the Basics

Summer is busy season for burglars. According to FBI statistics, the greatest numbers of home burglaries occur in July, with August a close second. In 2004, for instance, burglars entered a house, apartment or condominium every 14.7 seconds, making off with valuables worth an average of $1,607 each time.

Published: 2006-07-07 00:00:00 read more...

Fresh Ideas for Fall Picnics

Crisp, sunny weather and dramatic fall colors beckon us outdoors for picnics this time of year. For some people, though, preparing a picnic can be daunting. Not anymore. Sandra Lee, the internationally acclaimed lifestyle expert, bestselling author and host of Semi-Homemade, offers tips for an easy, fun and satisfying picnic experience without all the work.

Published: 2006-07-07 00:00:00 read more...

Fresh Ideas for Summer Picnics

Warm, sunny weather beckons us outdoors for picnics. For some people, though, preparing a picnic can be daunting. Not anymore. Sandra Lee, the internationally acclaimed lifestyle expert, bestselling author and host of Semi-Homemade, offers tips for an easy, fun and satisfying picnic experience without all the work.

Published: 2006-07-07 00:00:00 read more...

Don't Let Your Move Stress You Out - Five Simple Steps to Make it Easier

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the weeks between early May and Labor Day weekend mark the busiest time of year to move. It's estimated that more than 21 million Americans will move this summer. Some moves will go smoother than others, and while there's no way to guarantee a problem-free experience, there are things you can do ahead of time to make the process easier.

Published: 2006-06-26 00:00:00 read more...

Don't Let Your Move Stress You Out - 5 Simple Steps to Make it Easier

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the weeks between early May and Labor Day weekend mark the busiest time of year to move. It's estimated that more than 21 million Americans will move this summer. Some moves will go smoother than others, and while there's no way to guarantee a problem-free experience, there are things you can do ahead of time to make the process easier.

Published: 2006-06-26 00:00:00 read more...

Outdoor Education Changes Teens From The Inside Out

What happens when a tough, uncommunicative teenager comes face to face with someone even tougher? Someone, say, like Mother Nature?

Published: 2006-06-22 00:00:00 read more...

Help for Those Having Trouble Affording Hearing Aid

31.5 million Americans are considered hard of hearing, and an effort is underway to provide those who can't afford them with access to hearing aids.

Published: 2006-06-21 00:00:00 read more...

Help for Those Having Trouble Affording Hearing Aids

31.5 million Americans are considered hard of hearing, and an effort is underway to provide those who can't afford them with access to hearing aids.

Published: 2006-06-21 00:00:00 read more...

New Generation of Camcorders Records Summer Memories Directly on DVD

From backyard barbecues and family reunions to graduations and weddings, summer is the season for making outdoor memories. But when autumn comes and the weather changes, those memories can start to fade. Instead of letting precious moments slip away, you can preserve them forever with a DVD camcorder, which combines the versatile capabilities of a camcorder with the unbeatable convenience of DVD media.

Published: 2006-06-09 00:00:00 read more...

Make Healthier Living a Team Game

Joe Montana is teaming up with his wife Jennifer, cardiologist James M. Rippe, MD, nutritionist Heidi Skolnik, MS, and fitness expert, Liz Neporent, MA, to bring you a new valuable book for staying heart-healthy: "Joe Montana's Family Playbook for Managing High Blood Pressure."

Published: 2006-06-09 00:00:00 read more...

New Generation of Camcorders Records Memories Directly on DVD

From weddings to graduations to new babies, memories fade, but videos of the occassion preserve the moment. Instead of letting precious moments slip away, you can preserve them forever with a DVD camcorder, which combines the versatile capabilities of a camcorder with the unbeatable convenience of DVD media.

Published: 2006-06-09 00:00:00 read more...

New Generation of Camcorders Records Holiday Memories Directly on DVD

From holiday celebrations and New Year's parties to birthdays and graduations, memories fade, but videos of the occasion preserve the moment. DVD camcorders, which combine the versatile capabilities of a camcorder with the unbeatable convenience of DVD media, are the perfect solution.

Published: 2006-06-09 00:00:00 read more...

Summertime and the Livin' is . . . Busy!

Traditionally, summertime is considered a more relaxing time. But as moms know well, as soon as they hear the words "schools out for summer," the livin' can be anything but easy. While kids take it easy throughout the summer, moms have to step up to the plate, dishing up meals and planning activities.

Published: 2006-06-08 00:00:00 read more...

How to Make Time for Family Fun

Moms know it can be difficult getting kids to sit down for a meal. With everyone's busy schedules, including all the after-school activities, meal times are often rushed and even skipped altogether, and many families have a hard time finding a few moments to spend together.

Published: 2006-06-08 00:00:00 read more...

Build Your Kids a Backyard Playground this Summer Without Spending a Fortune

Looking for something to do this summer that will not only be fun, but a great benefit for your family? How about building your kids a backyard playground set?

Published: 2006-06-06 00:00:00 read more...

Follow the Path to Financial Freedom

Retirement may still be a few years, or even decades away, but there's no time like the present to start planning for your future. However, not enough people are doing it.

Published: 2006-06-02 00:00:00 read more...

Survey Shows What Today's Woman Wants in a Relationship

Forget the mystic power of perfect pecs -- when a woman is looking for her guy, smart and funny beats a hot bod, hands down. Sure there are other pitfalls ahead, like married and/or gay men, unseemly body odor, cheap cologne, overly demanding sexual partners, witless first dates, and the timeless allure of the "bad boy." But at the end of the day, none of this matters because if George Clooney or Patrick Dempsey come a' knocking on her door…

Published: 2006-06-01 00:00:00 read more...

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Loving Care through the Generations

Mom, dad, kids and a dog named Spot. The typical nuclear family structure that was typically portrayed in television shows of the 1950s and 1960s is not the reality of today. Families are sewn together by many different threads, and one specific familial set-up - grandparents raising grandchildren - is one that is not only unique by definition, but also is susceptible to many unique challenges.

Published: 2006-05-26 00:00:00 read more...

Father's Day Survey Says: Hang the Neckties!

OK, your dad's big day is nearly here and maybe you and your family have finally gotten the message that neckties are no longer "one size fits all" when it comes to Father's Day gifts. But don't count on it. This year, 32 percent of all Father's Day gift-givers will be presenting their dads with clothing items. It's a sure bet a lot of those items of clothing will be - you guessed it - neckties.

Published: 2006-05-25 00:00:00 read more...

America's Top Health Concerns

If you suffer from high cholesterol, joint discomfort or low mood, you're not alone. Half of all Americans have high cholesterol levels (more than 200 mg/dL). Nearly 70 million Americans have joint problems, and most Americans will battle low mood at some point in their lives.

Published: 2006-05-24 00:00:00 read more...

Five Signs Dad Needs Tech Support This Father's Day

In a recent CompUSA Tech Insights survey, 83 percent of dads think other people have trouble setting up electronics, while only 35 percent acknowledge they need tech help themselves. With that in mind, you should think about giving Dad technology service this Father's Day, even if he doesn't want to admit he needs assistance.

Published: 2006-05-23 00:00:00 read more...

Gift Suggestions For The Dad Who Has Everything -- Except a Sense of Direction

Men might not ask for directions when they're lost, but they will give directions on what they want for Father's Day. High-tech gifts lead the list, and with summer vacation approaching, dads want technology to start the season off right.

Published: 2006-05-23 00:00:00 read more...

Nutrition Tips for Breastfeeding Moms

Celebrity moms seem to effortlessly bounce back to pre-baby weight immediately after giving birth. Here in the real world, however, real women know that battling the baby bulge is not so easy.

Published: 2006-05-19 00:00:00 read more...

Bedroom Fire Safety Tips Protect your Family

Every year more than 700 lives are lost and 5,000 people are injured in bedroom blazes, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Unprotected mattresses are not designed to help control the outbreak from open-flame fire sources such as candles, matches, and sparks from electrical outlets and lighters.

Published: 2006-05-18 00:00:00 read more...

Don't Stop Practicing During the Summer

There's something about summertime that makes us want to break old habits and settle into a more relaxed routine. But most music teachers will tell you that when it comes to practicing, think of it as a year-long activity. That's because knowledge and skills are forgotten when too much time lapses between practices. And often it is difficult to re-establish the motivation to get back into a routine after you've stopped for too long.

Published: 2006-05-18 00:00:00 read more...

Practice Makes Perfect

It's no secret that you have to practice in order to get better. Accomplished musicians devote a large portion of their day to improving their skills and training their muscles. But just putting in the time isn't good enough.

Published: 2006-05-18 00:00:00 read more...

100% Juice Healthiest Choice for Children

The juice aisle of the grocery store should be an easy trip for parents looking for healthy drinks for their children. However, shelved right alongside nutritious juices are various fruit "ades," "cocktails" and "drinks" that look healthy, but contain little juice and lots of added sugar.

Published: 2006-05-15 00:00:00 read more...

Make Healthy Choices for Your Kids at the Grocery Store

The juice aisle of the grocery store should be an easy trip for parents looking for healthy drinks for their children. However, shelved right alongside nutritious juices are various fruit "ades," "cocktails" and "drinks" that look healthy, but contain little juice and lots of added sugar.

Published: 2006-05-15 00:00:00 read more...

One Hundred Percent Juice Healthiest Choice for Children

The juice aisle of the grocery store should be an easy trip for parents looking for healthy drinks for their children. However, shelved right alongside nutritious juices are various fruit "ades," "cocktails" and "drinks" that look healthy, but contain little juice and lots of added sugar.

Published: 2006-05-15 00:00:00 read more...

Tips for Traveling with Kids this Summer

Summer family trips are a time-honored tradition. From a cross-country drive to visit the grandparents to a trip to a national park, for many folks, summer just wouldn't be complete without the annual vacation.

Published: 2006-05-12 00:00:00 read more...

Financial Planning for Young Families: Start Now

You're young, just married and dreaming big. First child. First home. Young families have much to plan for. Planning for financial security should be high on your to-do lists.

Published: 2006-05-10 00:00:00 read more...

Questions about Laundry? Help is Here

American households are washing about 400 loads of laundry a year. That's a lot of time in the laundry room. Doing laundry seems to get more complicated every year, with new fabrics, washing machines and additives. You aren't alone in your confusion; even your mom had questions about the best treatment of her family's wash.

Published: 2006-05-10 00:00:00 read more...

The Laundry Doctor is In

American households are washing about 400 loads of laundry a year. That's a lot of time in the laundry room. Doing laundry seems to get more complicated every year, with new fabrics, washing machines and additives. You aren't alone in your confusion; even your mom had questions about the best treatment of her family's wash.

Published: 2006-05-10 00:00:00 read more...

Texting With Your Teen

Teens are hard to keep up with, making a cell phone vital for both parents and their kids. Not just for talking, but for typing and sending text messages to stay in touch.

Published: 2006-05-05 00:00:00 read more...

Texting the Summer Away With Your Teen

It's summertime! School's out and teens are spending their days swimming, hanging out with friends and working at summer jobs. No longer spending much of their days at school, teens are harder to keep up with, making a cell phone vital for both parents and teens. Not just for talking, but for typing and sending text messages to stay in touch.

Published: 2006-05-05 00:00:00 read more...

Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones from Summer Sun Skin Damage

More than 1 million people will be diagnosed with skin cancer this year. That's more than all other cancers combined. According to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS), studies have shown that adopting a comprehensive sun protection program that includes monthly self-examinations and yearly screenings by a dermatologist can substantially lower skin cancer risk.

Published: 2006-05-05 00:00:00 read more...

Technology Makeover is the Hottest Gift for Mother's Day

Forget overpriced flowers and sentimental cards for Mother's Day. Moms want technology. According to The National Retail Federation, consumers will spend $700 million on electronics and computer-related accessories for their mothers this year.

Published: 2006-05-04 00:00:00 read more...

Father's Day Gift? Let Dad Build It Himself!

Some people live to shop. Others would rather spend a day in a dentist chair than a department store. But there is something they all have in common. It's that gnawing voice inside that says, "What if he doesn't like what I pick out?" That problem has just been solved. Now even people who shrivel at the idea of shopping can buy the perfect Father's Day gift with ease.

Published: 2006-05-04 00:00:00 read more...

Simplify Summer with Technology

Parents need all the help they can get to keep summer stress-free. One of the nation's leading technology resellers and retailers, has pinpointed tech-specific items that will give parents a break this summer.

Published: 2006-05-04 00:00:00 read more...

Online Service Helps Patients Control Healthcare Costs

The cost of healthcare in the United States has reached all-time highs. Individuals without health insurance coverage find themselves putting off a trip to the doctor to save money. Even consumers lucky enough to have health coverage are feeling the pinch.

Published: 2006-05-03 00:00:00 read more...

How to Take Control of Your Healthcare Costs

The cost of healthcare in the United States has reached all-time highs. Individuals without health insurance coverage find themselves putting off a trip to the doctor to save money. Even people lucky enough to have health coverage are feeling the pinch.

Published: 2006-05-03 00:00:00 read more...

Home Alone this Summer

Here comes summer and if you're the parent of a pre-teen, you can bet this question is coming, too: "Why can't I stay home by myself this summer?"

Published: 2006-05-01 00:00:00 read more...

Shortcuts Across Rail Tracks Take Lives

More than a half dozen people age 16 and under have been severely injured or died on the railroad tracks in the past week. Unfortunately, injuries like this happen every year about this time.

Published: 2006-04-28 00:00:00 read more...

Why You Should Never Take a Shortcut Across Train Tracks

More than a half dozen people age 16 and under have been severely injured or died on the railroad tracks in the past week. Unfortunately, injuries like this happen every year about this time.

Published: 2006-04-28 00:00:00 read more...

Throw a Blowout Birthday Party without Blowing the Budget

Americans spend more than $10 billion each year on birthday gifts alone according to Hallmark. That doesn't include the costs for birthday parties. Billions more are spent on parties, especially those for children.

Published: 2006-04-26 00:00:00 read more...

Suffer from Chronic Depression? New Treatment Offers Hope

Do you feel sad all the time? Have trouble concentrating and making decisions? Or experience feelings of guilt, worthlessness and helplessness that won't go away?

Published: 2006-04-26 00:00:00 read more...

Renewing the Mother-Child Bond

The bond between mother and child is one of the strongest in nature. Countless studies and centuries of research show that maternal influence has an indelible, far-reaching impact on a child's development.

Published: 2006-04-25 00:00:00 read more...

Gift Certificates Gain Popularity for Mother's Day

No other bond is quite like the one between mother and child, which may be why nearly 85 percent of all Americans plan to celebrate Mother's Day this year. In fact, surveys show that most of us consider Mother's Day to be the second most important gift-giving occasion of the year, behind the end-of-year holidays.

Published: 2006-04-25 00:00:00 read more...

Wonder What Mom's Really Thinking? Here's a Peek

Sure we all focus on the most important woman in our lives - Mom - on Mother's Day. But do we really know what Mom is thinking - about her own role as a mother, how celebrity moms are representing the maternal calling, or how well their own mothers did the hardest job in the world?

Published: 2006-04-24 00:00:00 read more...

What to Watch in Watches

He jogged for miles beside your bike when you were learning to ride. He was a one-man cheering section at all your games. This Father's Day, you want to thank Dad for all the special times you shared with a classic gift that he'll use and enjoy for years. A quality timepiece really is the gift that keeps on giving.

Published: 2006-04-24 00:00:00 read more...

Podcasting - Revolutionizing The Way We Live And Work

Want to learn how to make money on the stock market while driving to work? Or find out how to get into the college of your choice while roller blading? Or even hear about the latest trends in home decorating while preparing dinner?

Published: 2006-04-21 00:00:00 read more...

How Old Are You?

Baby boomers are a generation like no other. Socially conscious, revolutionary and taboo-shattering, these Americans continue to challenge the status quo, even as the first wave enters their "golden years." [The first Boomers turned 60 last January].

Published: 2006-04-13 00:00:00 read more...

Text Messaging: It's Not Just for Kids

For dads and kids looking for a new way to say "Happy Mother's Day" this year, take note that text messaging is growing in popularity, especially among moms. No longer just for kids, the first annual T9 Texting Outlook Survey found that 30 percent of moms send text messages from their cell phones.

Published: 2006-04-10 00:00:00 read more...

Why You Need a Personal Health Record

Now more than ever before individuals are taking a greater interest in their health and healthcare. Eating healthy, taking vitamins and herbal supplements, and exercising have become more commonplace, and often what was once left up to the doctor to decide is now being balanced by the desire to be more proactive.

Published: 2006-04-05 00:00:00 read more...

Is Life Fair for the Fairer Sex?

What's more important to women today? Love or marriage, money or happiness? If a woman wants to succeed in business, must her personal life suffer? What is the ideal age to marry? To become a mother? Why are some women saying "never"? These are just some of the questions on women's minds, today; and Lifetime, the leader in women's television, has launched a campaign to find the answers.

Published: 2006-04-03 00:00:00 read more...

How to Prepare for an Outdoor Adventure

Now that warmer temperatures are on the horizon, camping enthusiasts are starting to seriously think about planning their next outdoor adventure. Whether you'll be hiking in the mountains, roughing it in the desert or simply spending a weekend at the local campground, one thing's for sure, you'll be bringing along a lot of stuff.

Published: 2006-03-31 00:00:00 read more...

Grandparents as Parents

"Little J" is almost 6 years old and attends kindergarten. He is a bright, friendly, and active child, but underneath his outward demeanor is a child often afraid to be home with his mom and older brother.

Published: 2006-03-31 00:00:00 read more...

Safe Boating Equals Smart Boating

Summer is just around the corner and the country's 70 million recreational boaters are preparing to launch their boats and relax on the water with family and friends. The start of boating season is also the perfect time for boaters to review important safety tips to make their on-water adventures more enjoyable.

Published: 2006-03-30 00:00:00 read more...

A Guide to Gourmet-Inspiring Gifts

Holidays, bridal season, birthdays - whatever the occasion, there's no need to feel stumped about what to give friends or relatives who are celebrating special events. The popularity of online gift registries and the growing availability of professional-quality products leaves the guess work out of gift giving these days.

Published: 2006-03-30 00:00:00 read more...

Life After Foster Care

Published: 2006-03-28 00:00:00 read more...

It's Hard out There for Youth Aging Out of Foster Care

Spring is the time of the year when most 17 and 18 year olds begin to think about proms, high school graduations and entering college. Most teenagers have the emotional and financial support of family as they mark these milestones. Unfortunately, for youth in foster care these events are fraught with challenges and obstacles.

Published: 2006-03-28 00:00:00 read more...

The Real Adoption Story

Americans have varying views and beliefs about adoption, many formed by media coverage of adoption by celebrities or that rare case of birthparents fighting to overturn an adoptive placement. Articles in local newspapers lead some to think that the only way to adopt is to travel abroad rather than seeking a child from their public child welfare agency.

Published: 2006-03-24 00:00:00 read more...

Are You a Member of America's Most Exciting Church Choir?

Church music is a key element in helping people connect with their spirituality and faith. In fact, America's appetite for church music continues to grow as 56 percent of adults attend church services in a typical month - according to a recent Barna Group report. U.S. Gospel music sales have increased more than 80 percent in the last 10 years from $381 million to over $700 million.

Published: 2006-03-22 00:00:00 read more...

Nationally Televised Competition Seeks to Find America's Most Exciting Church Choir

Church music is a key element in helping people connect with their spirituality and faith. In fact, America's appetite for church music continues to grow as 56 percent of adults attend church services in a typical month - according to a recent Barna Group report. U.S. Gospel music sales have increased more than 80 percent in the last 10 years from $381 million to over $700 million.

Published: 2006-03-22 00:00:00 read more...

Star Athletes and Parents Agree: Youth Sports Are an Essential, Yet Underdeveloped Part of Growing Up

Soccer gold medalist Abby Wambach and baseball legend Cal Ripken, Jr. both remember their athletic roots and the benefits they derived from being active. Today, both are committed to supporting youth sports.

Published: 2006-03-22 00:00:00 read more...

How Youth Sports Help Kids Excel

From playing little league at the local ball field to hitting tennis balls at the park, youth sports are a great way for kids to be active and have fun at the same time. If they start early, they'll develop healthy habits that will benefit them for a lifetime.

Published: 2006-03-22 00:00:00 read more...

Nationally Televised Competition Seeks to Find America's Most Exciting Church Choir

Church music is a key element in helping people connect with their spirituality and faith. In fact, America's appetite for church music continues to grow as 56 percent of adults attend church services in a typical month - according to a recent Barna Group report. U.S. Gospel music sales have increased more than 80 percent in the last 10 years from $381 million to over $700 million.

Published: 2006-03-22 00:00:00 read more...

This Mother's Day Give Mom the Family -- To Go!

Mother's Day is a time to say "thank you" for all that Mom does throughout the year, but what is the best way to convey your appreciation? According to the National Retail Federation, last year consumers spent on average $104.63 on Mother's Day, more than half of which was spent on flowers.

Published: 2006-03-21 00:00:00 read more...

Scrapbooking for Beginners

You have photos stuffed in boxes, crammed into albums and a few stashed in the catch-all drawer. You keep telling yourself that someday you'll go through them and put them in a glorious scrapbook crafted to perfection. But between work, errands and fixing dinner you just never seem to have a chance to pull the scrapbook together.

Published: 2006-03-21 00:00:00 read more...

This Father's Day Give Dad Memories -- To Go!

How many ties, shirts or books have you given Dad for Father's Day that he still hasn't worn or read? This year show Dad how special he is to you by giving him something useful and unique.

Published: 2006-03-21 00:00:00 read more...

Treat Mom and Dad to the Best French Toast Fodder on Their Special Day

How to show Mom or Dad you care with a breakfast - it's the ongoing question faced by families trying to plan the perfect Mother's Day and Father's Day. Fortunately, a homemade and heartfelt breakfast of French toast offers a simple solution that pleases parents of all ages. How? Why? Three centuries of history paired with a few fresh recipe ideas provide the answer.

Published: 2006-03-21 00:00:00 read more...

Strong Relationship with Mom Key to Son's Success

You've probably heard about the importance of boys having a strong relationship with their fathers. In fact, the presence of a positive male role model in a young boy's life is practically indispensable. But equally important to any young boy's success in life is the quality of his relationship with his mother.

Published: 2006-03-17 00:00:00 read more...

Add Some New Fun to Your Easter Egg Traditions

Kids love decorating Easter eggs. Maybe because it's a family tradition, maybe because they get to draw and dip or maybe because the colors seem to magically appear before their eyes.

Published: 2006-03-15 00:00:00 read more...

Spring Cleaning - Coin Laundry Makes the Chore a Breeze

A nationwide laundry habits survey found that those who wash their laundry at home spend 50 percent more time on this tedious chore than those who visit a coin laundry. With the spring cleaning season upon us, it's time to lighten the load and take a trip to the local laundromat.

Published: 2006-03-07 00:00:00 read more...

Gift Ideas Mom Can Enjoy Long After the Big Day

It's the number one day for long distance calls, the busiest day for restaurant dining and according to the International Mass Retailers Association, it's second only to Christmas in gift giving. In fact, millions are spent each year in an effort to honor mom on her special day.

Published: 2006-03-07 00:00:00 read more...

Wash Away the Stress of the Laundry Day

A nationwide laundry habits survey found that those who wash their laundry at home spend 50 percent more time on this tedious chore than those who visit a coin laundry. With the spring cleaning season upon us, it's time to lighten the load and take a trip to the local laundromat.

Published: 2006-03-07 00:00:00 read more...

Hospital Specializes in Heart Transplants for the Tiniest Patients

After nine months of pregnancy, an adorable bundle of love becomes part of your life. Bringing your baby home from the hospital is a special day, as you look forward to watching this perfect little human being grow and learn. Imagine discovering a week or a month later that your child has developed a serious health problem and will need surgery. Whom do you trust with that tiny little body?

Published: 2006-03-06 00:00:00 read more...

Sharing Life: Organ Donation Makes a Difference

Many people are familiar with organ donation thanks to popular television shows like the medical dramas ER and Grey's Anatomy. In real life, the number of patients waiting for a life-saving organ transplant is staggering.

Published: 2006-03-06 00:00:00 read more...

Sharing the Road Safely

If it seems like bicycles are everywhere these days, it's not your imagination. More bicyclists hit the roads between May and September than any other time of the year, so it should come as no surprise that most accidents involving riders happen during the summer and fall.

Published: 2006-02-27 00:00:00 read more...

My Baby Won't Stop Crying! What's Wrong?

Rashes, colds and upset stomachs are common baby ailments. But the occurrence of one or more of these symptoms can signal a serious allergy. If unrecognized, these symptoms can make an infant miserable and malnourished.

Published: 2006-02-24 00:00:00 read more...

Eight Signs Your Baby Has a Milk Allergy

Rashes, colds and upset stomachs are common baby ailments. But the occurrence of one or more of these symptoms can signal a serious allergy. If unrecognized, these symptoms can make an infant miserable and malnourished.

Published: 2006-02-24 00:00:00 read more...

Why Your Kids Need to Experience Summer Camp

Summer will be here before you know it, and parents around the country are facing the same dilemma: What should we do to keep the kids busy this summer?

Published: 2006-02-22 00:00:00 read more...

How to Make a Difference in the Life of a Troubled Child

Perhaps he's a friend of your son or daughter. Or maybe she's a student in your classroom. It may even be true that the young person whose future you worry about is in fact your own child. Regardless of how you know a troubled child, the good news is there are many ways that you, as an adult, can help.

Published: 2006-02-20 00:00:00 read more...

From Gen X to the Sandwich Generation

You're rushing out of the office on a weeknight, hoping to get your daughter to soccer practice on time, cook dinner and help your other child with their homework. Just as you hit the road, your cell phone rings. It's the pharmacy telling you that the two prescriptions your father needs immediately are ready for pick up.

Published: 2006-02-16 00:00:00 read more...

Caring for Aging Parents Puts Boomers in a Bind

You're rushing out of the office on a weeknight, hoping to get your daughter to soccer practice on time, cook dinner and help your other child with their homework. Just as you hit the road, your cell phone rings. It's the pharmacy telling you that the two prescriptions your father needs immediately are ready for pick up.

Published: 2006-02-16 00:00:00 read more...

Why Workers with Disabilities are Often a Company's Best Asset

When you walk into a store and realize that one or more of the people working there has a disability, how does that make you feel? Business owners used to think coming across such an individual would make their customers uncomfortable, but a new study directed at consumers finds the opposite to be true.

Published: 2006-02-09 00:00:00 read more...

Home Lighting for Aging Eyes

We may get wiser as we get older, but we also have a harder time "seeing the light" - literally. At age 60, most people need four times more light to see as well as they did when they were 20. Fortunately, the lighting industry offers a wide range of design-friendly options to satisfy the needs of senior eyes.

Published: 2006-01-31 00:00:00 read more...

Kids' Crafts for Valentine's Day

On Valentine's Day, flowers are traded just like hugs and kisses. So, this year, have your child create a unique Valentine's Day arrangement for someone special. Flowers have the power to make us feel good and arranging them can also help children's creativity bloom.

Published: 2006-01-25 00:00:00 read more...

How Seniors Can Protect Themselves from One of the Fastest Growing Crimes in the Country

If you had to venture a guess, what would you think is the fastest growing crime affecting older Americans? Years ago, burglary and robbery topped the list. Today, it's identity theft.

Published: 2006-01-09 00:00:00 read more...

Tips for Safely Sharing a Bed with Baby

Of the many philosophical debates in the world of infant care, few are as combustible as whether or not parents should share a bed - co-sleep - with their babies.

Published: 2006-01-06 00:00:00 read more...

Technology Continues to Impact How We Talk to Our Teens

When I was a teenager, I can remember everyone passing notes to each other and making promises to "call you tonight." I can certainly still remember my parents yelling at me for spending too much time on the phone.

Published: 2005-12-01 00:00:00 read more...

A Holiday Gift You'll Wish Someone Had Bought for You

Every year around this time, people rack their brains trying to come up with the perfect gift for their family members. Shopping for the kids is easy. They are happy with whatever the latest hot toy may be; but the adults in the family are harder to shop for, so Dad ends up with another fishing lure; Mom gets another new sweater; Grandpa a new tie; and Grandma some new dishes.

Published: 2005-12-01 00:00:00 read more...

Parents: Make the "Shifts" for Your Family

What does a parent like you have in common with a world-famous scientist like Albert Einstein? Simply put, both you and Dr. Einstein are problem solvers. When Albert Einstein strived to unlock the secrets of the physical universe, he kept coming up with the same answers he knew were incomplete.

Published: 2005-11-30 00:00:00 read more...

Dress Your Gifts to Impress

Impress friends and family by ditching the wrapping paper for a more personalized gift presentation. Creative packaging can