Set yourself up for the perfect season of outdoor entertaining

As temperatures warm, many of us can't wait to get outside and rediscover the joys of our outdoor spaces. One of the best ways to ensure the enjoyment of your space all season long is with some spring cleaning and upkeep of your yard and outdoor living spaces. Read More

Why going gluten-free doesn't mean going grain-free

It's impossible to stroll the aisles in your local supermarket without seeing package after package labeled "gluten-free." But who really needs a gluten-free diet, and what does it mean to convert your daily diet to be gluten-free? Read More

Eight easy ways to organize - and maximize - a small bath

The bath serves a variety of uses, from a functional room to a serene sanctuary, a storage facility to a salon. And, whether you enjoy it yourself or share with the family, every bathroom is in need of one major thing - organization. To help keep your bath feeling more serene and less insane, follow these eight ideas to help improve your organization, maximize space and even add a bit of style. Read More

The evolution of accounting: new careers in the language of business

Numbers span all languages and cultures, creating what is known as the language of business: accounting. The earliest accounting records date back thousands of years to the use of an abacus, a rudimentary counting tool. As the workplace has progressed, so has the role of the accounting professional. This has been particularly evident in recent years; the integration of technology in accounting has created many specializations and job opportunities within the field - from forensic accounting to health care IT auditors. Read More

A tech refresh: Top reasons to buy a new PC

At 4 years old, your child is probably adorable. But your 4-year-old PC - not so much. If you find you have plenty of time to brew coffee, prepare your cup, drink it down and start on the next while still waiting for your PC to boot up in the morning, it may be time for a new computer. Read More

Select the right insurance for your home-based business

Home-based businesses are booming. About 36.6 million businesses operate from U.S. households, according to the Home Based Business Institute. And the Small Business Administration notes that 53 percent of all small businesses located in the U.S. are home-based, with those numbers expected to grow substantially in the near future. But before you start planning your home-based bakery, personal training studio or computer repair venture, there's one important thing to think about: the right insurance to protect your at-home enterprise. Read More

Solid retirement planning a must for Generations X and Y

When it comes to making plans for retirement years, today's younger workers are struggling to make heads or tails of all the resources and products available to them through work and personal investments. Such lack of financial acumen is a challenge for young adults who face a challenging job market as many continue to struggle paying back student loans and establishing both short and long term savings while balancing the needs of their growing families. Read More

Stylish stairs: Five can-do ideas that add personality

Stairs are no longer just a way to get from one floor to another. Realizing that staircases are quite often major focal points in their homes, homeowners are showing love to this once underappreciated space with a wide variety of creative and easy updates. Add personality and perk-up the daily climb in your home with these five do it yourself projects. Read More

Take control and mitigate mold growth in your home

Damp, dark areas of the home, such as an unfinished basement, can often be trouble spots for homeowners hoping to increase their living space. Left unfinished, these areas of the home can potentially suffer significant damage, be prone to flooding or develop mold. When it comes to home improvement, homeowners are wise to consider the affects of moisture and mold buildup and how they can be combated. Read More

Upcycling: Breathe new life into decor with a dash of DIY inspiration

If you've ever looked around your house and gotten the urge to purge, you might consider pausing and first thinking about how you could transform that old, damaged piece of furniture or outdated light fixture into a fresh-faced showpiece for your home. Read More

The surprising ingredient that makes favorite recipes tastier and healthier

Modern or current may not be the word that comes to mind when you think of cottage cheese, but this dairy case classic is experiencing a resurgence that is taking it beyond the diet plate to a starring role in how consumers eat today. Read More

Rare Disease Impact Report quantifies patient and caregiver challenges on journey to diagnosis and beyond

Getting a diagnosis is just the first of many challenges patients with rare diseases - and their caregivers - face. Read More

No need to buy new - a simple update will do

If you're like most homeowners, you have several furniture and decor pieces around the house that have seen better days. And while the natural response is to throw away outdated items and buy something new, even lackluster home objects deserve a second chance. You can easily transform your trash into treasure with a little creativity and some elbow grease. Read More

Five tips for lighter, brighter summer eating

Simple, fresh and delicious - that's summertime eating at its best. Less time in the kitchen means more time to enjoy the bright delicious flavors of just picked berries, peaches, greens and other vegetables. Follow these five tips for great summer meals. Read More

What every parent needs to know about keeping kids safe around medicine

Every year more than 67,000 children are treated in an emergency room for accidental medicine poisoning. That's one child every eight minutes. Even more surprising is that in 86 percent of serious cases seen in emergency rooms, the child got into medicine belonging to an adult. Read More

More beauty, less beast in your lawn and garden

A tale as old as time, true as it can be ... insects, weeds and poor fertilization are the beasts that take away from the beauty of plants and flowers in our lawns, gardens and even homes. To maintain a home and landscape your neighbors envy, interiors and exteriors should remain pest-free, and plants should be fed with the proper nutrients to stay healthy all-season-long Read More

One-of-a-kind ideas for an unforgettable wedding

Want to make your wedding moments one-of-a-kind? Here are some unique wedding ideas to inspire you. Read More

Easy cleaning tips for gameday hosting

That time of year is almost here - pro football championship Sunday. According to the National Chicken Council's 2012 Wing Report, the big game is the second biggest eating holiday after Thanksgiving. With the big game comes big prep and cleanup. Here are some must-know tips about cutting through the mess in just minutes. Read More

Weekend home improvement projects that add value and curb appeal

Weekend warriors rule as 2013 is proving to be the year that the do-it-yourself trend reaches full momentum. If you have a weekend to spare, you have plenty of time to make some home improvements that add value and curb appeal. The key is to choose projects that have a big impact, but only take a few days to complete. Read More

Tips for motorcycle riders: Hit the road and ride responsibly

Freedom. The open road. There's nothing quite like the big sky ahead of you and feeling the rumble of your motorcycle. It's motorcycle season across the United States and Canada. Warm weather accompanied by clear roads means it's time to seek adventure, even if that means ditching your car for your daily commute to and from work. But before heading out, motorcyclists should take heed, because in our automobile and truck-dominated society the odds are not on the side of motorcyclist. Consider this advice. Read More

Tips for a bigger tax refund

If you typically dread income tax time, remember this: Three out of four taxpayers receive a federal refund, and the average direct-deposited refund last year was $2,923. You have almost as many tax savings opportunities as last year, thanks to the fiscal cliff-averting tax changes passed in early January. In addition to extending the lower Bush-era income tax rates for nearly all taxpayers, the American Tax Relief Act made permanent or extended dozens of tax breaks. Read More

Save time and money with easy DIY auto maintenance tips

Vehicles are a big investment for families - usually the second highest valued item in a household after the home itself. While the purchase price for cars, trucks and SUVs keeps going up, the cost of maintenance is holding steady or even dropping for most vehicles. Better materials, sophisticated computers and other advances increase reliability and allow less frequent oil changes, tune-ups and other service. Read More

How to freshen up your spring cuisine

For food fanatics, spring is the perfect time of year to add fresh produce back into your recipes and meals. Using seasonal ingredients can really help capture and enhance the flavors of spring and bring your cuisine to life. Whether you're using first yields from your garden or visiting the farmers market as soon as it opens, there are plenty of ways to take advantage of the season. Read More

Get organized to help grow your business

Small businesses are always trying to find ways to get organized so employees can work more efficiently and save money in the process. With tax time just around the corner and projects opening and closing on a daily basis, taking your business organization standards to a new and improved level might seem like a huge undertaking. Read More

How to be the buyer every seller wants to deal with

If you're shopping for a home this spring and summer, chances are you'll face increased competition from other buyers. So how do you ensure you not only land the home of your dreams, but get the best possible price from the seller and the best possible mortgage deal from your lender? By becoming the buyer every homeowner wants to sell to - a financially stable, credit-worthy, pre-approved purchaser. Read More

Tech talk: Understanding 'the cloud' and what it can do for you

News headlines, commercials and chatter between colleagues - recently there has been a lot of hype around "the cloud," but the term can be complex and confusing. What exactly is the cloud, and furthermore, what does it mean for you and the way you use technology? Although the concept feels relatively new, it's simpler than you may think. Read More

A bright idea: Tips to save money, energy with LED light bulbs

With the U.S. incandescent phaseout wrapping up in January 2014, there are a lot of confusing messages in the lighting aisle using unfamiliar words like "lumens" and "kelvins." The solution is simple, instead of getting lost in the maze of bulb options, go for the one that will make your life easier and save you money. Read More

Dogged by pricey pet care? Cost-cutting tips for pet owners

These days, everyone is searching for ways to save money and stretch budgets. Consumer experts advise people to sniff out deeper discounts, saving opportunities and additional ways to cut costs. For pet owners, it can feel challenging to cut costs without compromising on care. Read More

Tips on how to use Craigslist safely and responsibly

Need a bike to start getting into shape? Looking for a new job? Interested in renting a condo for that long-desired trip? Every day, millions of Americans turn to Craigslist.org to buy and sell items, find jobs, meet other people or find a vacation property to rent. More than 60 million people use the website and view an estimated 100 million ads per month in the U.S. alone, according to the company. Read More

Three tips to save time spring cleaning

It's that time of year - throw the windows open and refresh your house with a good, deep clean. Americans spend nearly 70 hours cleaning their homes each year, according to a recent report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Get your time back with three easy tips to make the process fast and stress-free. Read More

Aging-in-place upgrades that look great and make sense

Do the words "aging in place" and "home improvement" conjure images of institutional-looking grab bars in bathrooms and overhead kitchen lights that could illuminate an airport runway? Here are a handful of aging-in-place upgrades that shout "fabulous" instead of "fogey." Read More

Advice for choosing a financial advisor

Saving for retirement is an essential task, but one that can be complex and demand a lot of attention. With the arrival of April - Financial Literacy Month - focusing on your existing saving strategies should be a priority. It's also an ideal time to talk to a financial professional who can help you shoulder the burden and explore other options to make your money work harder for your future. Read More

Summer garden glory without the weeding and watering

Summer can be tough on gardens. In what should be their glory days, many gardens suffer from neglect. Long weekends and summer vacations leave yards untended, while summer heat is an excuse for putting off chores. But it doesn't have to be that way. It's possible to have both a glorious well-maintained garden and time for fun in the sun by taking some smart gardening steps now. Read More

Digging soon? Call 811 first for safety's sake

With winter forgotten and spring in the air, many homeowners are packing away their snow boots and rolling up their sleeves to get started on long-awaited home improvement projects. Across the country, homeowners and professionals alike will plan landscaping and home-improvement projects this season that require digging. Read More

Five things to do before sending your child to camp wearing hearing aids

Summer is approaching and many parents will be sending their children off to camp. If your child wears hearing aids and is set to attend a summer camp for kids of all abilities, there are five things you can do to help your child get the most from his or her summer camp experience. Read More

The truth about losing weight: Separating facts from fiction (and magic pills)

Losing weight can dramatically improve your emotional and physical health, but it's often a slow process. Millions of American adults use dietary supplements to lose weight, choosing a range of products that claim to decrease appetite, block fat absorption or increase metabolism. But with hundreds of products on the market, how do you determine which one to choose? Read More

Organ donation: gift of a second chance at life

In 2012, there were more than 115,000 people in the U.S. awaiting an organ transplant - enough to overflow the country's largest football stadium. Each year, more than 28,000 Americans receive a donated organ, but sadly, more than 6,500 people die each year waiting for an organ. It is, however, a problem with a solution - one that depends a lot on education and selflessness. Are you registered as an organ donor? Here is what you need to know. Read More

On the move? Use these packing tips and tricks

While relocation may never be completely carefree, there are ways to ease the anxiety. A well-thought-out approach to boxing up belongings can help simplify the moving process and bring you one step closer to making your new house a home. Read More

Save money and do a world of good with reusable containers

Even as the country moves out of the great recession, many Americans are still in a money-saving mode - looking to conserve wherever possible. Read More

Preserving our planet: How to celebrate the environment every day

Greenhouse gases are at an all-time high. Although some gases are naturally present in the atmosphere, such as water vapor, ozone, methane, carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide, human activities have created a new set of greenhouse gases (GHG) that are negatively affecting the ozone layer. GHGs are making it easier for the sun's harmful UV rays to pass through, which has resulted in global warming. Read More

Traveling made simple: easy, convenient snacks to tag along on your next trip

With family vacation time nearly here, it's tempting to give in to "fast" food options on the road. But faster options usually leave a lot to be desired as far as nutrition goes, especially for little ones. Try these creative ways to spice up your family's snack routine and help you enjoy delicious and nutritious snacks on the go. Read More

Make your house look like a 'million dollar listing' for less

A new report reveals houses are selling faster and for more money, yet another indicator of a rebounding housing market. This will challenge sellers to sharpen their competitive edge as more homeowners, encouraged by promising indicators, put their house on the market. Josh Altman, one of the top 10 realtors in the country and star of Bravo's hit TV show "Million Dollar Listing: L.A.," shares three strategies for making houses more desirable to buyers. Read More

Protect your information during the tax-season identity theft boom

Tax season can be stressful, and each year people scramble to send in their tax returns, right down to the deadline. But for those who do a little preparation and avoid procrastinating, it can be significantly less tense. However, whether you're a last-minute rusher or an ahead-of-the-game planner, you need to take steps to protect your identity during tax time, or you could be facing the greatest stress of all. Read More

Think outside the fuse box: Unique energy-saving home improvements

When you've covered the basic and obvious ways to trim energy use at home, it's time to start thinking outside the fuse box. Here are three unique home improvements that can help make your house even more energy-efficient. Read More

Better romance to beat the seasonal blues

As spring struggles to break through in much of the country, many of us can't help being affected and feeling comfort food, sitcoms and even chocolate aren't enough to lift our mood. Relationship expert Ian Kerner, Ph.D, the author of five books on sex and relationships, including "Sex Recharge," shares how to beat the seasonal blues by getting back into bed. Read More

Whitewashed floors complement lively decorating trends

It's the season of sunshine and enjoying the great outdoors. Celebrate it with a style makeover for your home by tapping lively decorating trends and home decor ideas that will refresh and brighten your living space. Read More

Warm-weather entertaining made easy with expert tips and recipes

Warmer temperatures often mean a busier social calendar. So whether you're planning a meal to enjoy al fresco, or whipping up a sweet treat for a neighborhood block party, it's a great time of year to experiment in the kitchen. But when you're trying out a new recipe, do you hesitate when it calls for certain ingredients? Check out these expert tips to learn alternatives that taste great and are good for you too. Read More

Lawn care 101: Dig into spring with tips for a lush lawn

Having a well-kept lawn not only will keep you in your neighbors' good graces, it also adds value to your home. Lawn care doesn't need to be complicated, but sometimes it just needs to be done. Read More

Five must-haves for your new truck

With a brand new truck decorating your driveway, you've probably got plenty of ideas of how you're going to use it for towing a boat, transporting large and heavy loads and conquering rugged terrain. Or maybe you just want to feel powerful while driving it down the road. But before you get too comfortable, think about what could make your truck even better. What can you add that will help your truck last longer, handle more tasks and look even stronger? Read More

Five budget-friendly outdoor living space solutions

As summer approaches, you're probably dreaming of a luxurious outdoor retreat ideal for al fresco lunches, cookouts with friends or lazy afternoons spent sunbathing. While you also may be wondering if this project fits within your budget, it is possible to construct a completely customized outdoor oasis without breaking the bank. Read More

Pregnancy can be a beautiful thing

The big news that a baby is on the way is a time for celebration, excitement and planning. Many couples choose to keep this information quiet for the first couple of months, so they can celebrate the upcoming change in their life together. But sometimes, morning sickness for the mom-to-be can let the news out of the bag earlier than intended. Read More

Budgeting 101: How new graduates can conquer entry-level income challenges

How to support your friend in a split

When a marriage ends in divorce, it's not just the couple who is involved. Friends and family members are also part of the process and often play many different parts. Support can make a critical difference to your friend, but unfortunately, doesn't come with how-to manual. Read More

The 5 money habits that can help you find true wealth

When did money get so complicated? From spending and charity to saving and investing, it's hard to know exactly what to do with your finances. Cut through the confusion and consider five smart ways you can use your money to your advantage today. Read More

Salty snacks reduce stress

Stress affects everyone and can cause problems at work, home and with health. Researchers have found that stress is a leading cause of illness, affecting as much as 20 percent of the population. Economic factors, such as a recession, have also been shown to significantly increase population-wide stress levels. Read More

Staging on a shoestring: Tips from the pros for quick home sales

The real estate market is starting to show signs of improvement, which is welcome news for people wanting to sell their homes. This positive momentum alone isn't enough to close a deal, though - a homeowner must make their properties appealing to potential buyers so they stand out from the competition. The good news is it's easy to create an appealing atmosphere with a few staging tips and tricks from the experts. Read More

2013 tax season tips

Entice buyers into your home with aromatic scents

When a home smells good, it makes a favorable impression on visitors. This is exactly what home sellers want when they put their house on the market. Read More

Easy DIY cures for common concrete problems

As with other home maintenance tasks, making your own repairs to minor concrete damage yourself can prevent problems from becoming worse - and turning into something that requires costly replacement by professionals. Here are some concrete repair tasks that you can do yourself, and helpful tips for doing the jobs right. Read More

Sure-grow guidance for first-time gardeners

Most of us want that home-grown, healthy goodness that veggie and herb gardens provide, but sometimes it's hard to figure out just where to begin. Gardening can be easy if you start with these six simple steps. Read More

Backyard trends: Save money installing your own vinyl fence

If you want the maintenance-free benefits of a vinyl fence but are intimidated by the price tag, you're not alone. Many homeowners are initially surprised at the cost of a vinyl fence, particularly since the installation costs are generally as much as the materials. Recent trends show that more and more homeowners are saving money by installing their own vinyl fencing. Read More

Get your car road trip ready for spring

You may be dreaming about escaping on a vacation, but the sky-high costs of flights and cruises can quickly turn into a nightmare. If you're looking to take a break without breaking the bank, a good, old-fashioned road trip could be the way to escape. Aside from packing snacks and preparing the perfect playlist, there are a few things you should consider before venturing out on the open road. A few updates and precautions can help you avoid the wear and potential safety hazards a long trip can have on your vehicle. Read More

Protecting your paycheck - for today and tomorrow

People insure their homes, their cars and even their vacations without giving it a second thought. But many do not think about insuring their most important asset - their income - from a disability caused by illness or injury. And it's not just income during working years that is at risk. A disability can also put a serious dent in your ability to enjoy retirement. Read More

Experience an extraordinary life with diabetes

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately one in 10 Americans is living with diabetes and one in three adults could have diabetes by 2050. While every case requires an individual treatment plan, with the right attitude and management, people living with diabetes have an opportunity to overcome the challenges they face. Read More

Don't miss a beat this college basketball season

Don't let spring cleaning weigh you down: Here's how to spring forward

Tips for new Mother's Day and Father's Day traditions

Responsible ridership and safety are the first steps toward personal watercraft fun

One of the easiest and most fun ways to enjoy everything the water has to offer is on a personal watercraft (PWC). Personal watercrafts have taken great strides toward modernization; the PWCs of today are quiet, run on clean four-stroke technology engines, include significant safety features, are more stable, and are designed to accommodate up to three passengers. Read More

Quick tips for getting the most out of your smartphone camera

Today, the majority of adults have a mobile phone, and we're using it for far more things than simply making phone calls. According to a 2012 report from The Pew Research Center's Internet & American Life Project, of the 85 percent of American adults who own a cellphone, 85 percent use their cellphones to take photos. With a few tips and tricks, you'll be able to take amazing photos with your phone's camera and impress your friends. Read More

Food terms to help navigate the menu and the supermarket

When you're scanning a restaurant menu or walking the grocery store aisles, do you know what many of the food terms really mean? What designates "local," and what is the difference between organic and non-organic? Here is a helpful guide for staying in the know when it comes to what you eat. Read More

Fitness tips to get ready for summer fun

The sun is shining longer every day, telling you that it's time to get ready for vacations, activities with family and friends and of course, swimsuit season. To help you prepare, there are some simple fitness tips you can follow to look and feel good this summer season. Read More

Celebrate the grads in your life with financial gifts

Do you have a child in your life who will be graduating this spring? Whether it's from kindergarten or college, graduation marks the completion of one chapter in a young person's life and the start of a new adventure. Honor your grad's achievement by helping him or her save for the future with a digital U.S. Savings Bond. Read More

Cleaning the right way to remove allergens

When you're done with spring cleaning, you may assume you've eliminated any allergy triggers that were lurking in your home. But the truth is, if you don't clean the right way, you might be making the problem worse. To maximize your cleaning efforts and reduce allergens, consider these simple tips. Read More

What to do with all this stuff? Moving tips for newlyweds

Wedding day traditions vary ever so slightly from decade to decade based on music, fashion and cultural change. However, today's newlyweds have a distinct issue that their parents probably didn't face a quarter century ago - which sectional couch stays, and which one goes? Read More

Tips for making your spring cleaning a breeze

A long winter season can leave you and your family longing for outdoor activities. Before you head for some fresh air fun, you need to get your home in order for the spring and summer months ahead. Read More

Rattling down the highway? What those common car noises mean

"What is that rattling? Is it serious?" We all can get a little paranoid about a new sound our car is making. Those sounds can certainly be annoying, but what people don't realize is sometimes those sounds may be linked to something more serious. Read More

Staying at the top of your game

We feel our best when we do our best. At the top of our game is where we all want to be. This is as true in the workplace as it is on the basketball court. But to stay at the top of your game at work and in life, you need to stay primed - ready for that next big play. It requires staying alert; keeping your skills sharp; and hearing your best. That's right - hearing your best. Listening is one of the top skills employers look for in those being promoted. Read More

Educate yourself before starting the path to a new career

If you're looking to start a career - whether it's because you're just beginning your journey as a working adult or because you're ready for a change in life - you should know that the process is much larger than just getting a degree and looking for a job. Read More

Season's cleanings - tips to keep your home clean and clutter free

After a long winter, spring is finally in sight. Before the season is in full bloom and outdoor chores pile up, take advantage of spring showers to tackle the indoors first with easy home cleaning and organizing projects. To get your home in tip-top shape, start by breaking down your to-do list room by room, so you can create an easily achievable goal that will leave your house looking fabulous and you feeling refreshed. Read More

What to look for when buying a zero-turn mower

Ever wonder how those lawn-care guys get so much done in a day? They use zero-turn radius mowers that can significantly trim the time and effort involved in cutting grass. If you have a large yard to cut, a zero-turn mower can make your task quicker and easier. Read More

Easy Asian recipes for everyday and entertaining

Preparing a meal that will please everyone at the table is something that every host strives for. The vibrant flavors of Asian food are surprisingly easy to create at home - particularly when you have the right ingredients - and so versatile that they can be dressed up or down to fit any occasion. Read More

Chef-inspired tips for a cleaner, more efficient kitchen

If cleanliness is next to godliness - as the old adage goes - than a clean kitchen is simply a divine place to be. It's the room in your home that gets the most intense use, so keeping your kitchen clean can be a challenge. You can make kitchen cleanup a bit easier if you take your cleanliness cues from professional chefs. Read More

Keep your cool: Don't get stuck on the road this summer

Summer is the time for road trips, whether they cover thousands of miles across the country, or are "staycation" day trips. The most important component that makes your vehicle run is the engine. Your vehicle will last longer if you take care of the engine by following regularly scheduled maintenance as recommended by the manufacturer. Read More

Listen up: For better hearing, work with an audiologist

When it comes to startling health statistics, here are several you may not have heard: 36 million American have a hearing loss, yet only one out of every four people who could benefit from a hearing aid actually wears one. The first step for finding the right hearing aid is to see an audiologist. Read More

Backyard oasis planning made easy

Hooray for a holiday. You've got the day off, you've sent out the backyard barbecue invite and all your nearest and dearest are coming over to eat, drink and be merry. So, what's next? Whether you're a seasoned entertaining pro or a new host,here are some tips to make your backyard an oasis for a long holiday or any weekend. Read More

2013's hottest home trends and easy upgrades

The top home decor trends for 2013 are already emerging, and homeowners seeking a fresh look will find a lot to love. Not only can these looks be accomplished in minimal time - they're budget friendly and easy enough for DIYers to finish in a weekend or less. Read More

How to find the right vet for your pet

Pet owners have many responsibilities, and keeping your pet healthy with veterinary care is a significant one. To help make sure your pet receives high quality medical care, several veterinarians offer advice on how to find the right vet for your pet. Read More

Seven rules for keeping your job search on track

The economy is starting to turn around, but competition for open jobs remains fierce. For job hunters, the mental and financial stresses mount every day they remain unemployed. To keep job-search momentum high and attitudes positive, it's important to follow a few simple steps from the experts. Read More

Tips for optimizing small spaces

Being short on space doesn't mean you have to be short on style or efficiency. Even older small spaces can get an open, useful feel with the right design and decorating tactics. Here are a few ways you can optimize your small space. Read More

Dull, brittle locks? Follow the 4 expert rules for strong, beautiful hair

For years, women have been working at the ends of hair, rather than the foundation - the scalp. Now, it is time to start working at the right end of hair. Follow these top rules from the experts to get strong, beautiful hair. Read More

Add fresh grapes for great summer dishes

Grapes from California are in abundant supply throughout the summer which is welcome news for those seeking a healthy, refreshing snack. They're also a boon to the home cook: grapes provide bright color, a sweet-tart flavor, and a refreshing burst of juice to warm-weather dishes. Read More

Roof maintenance tips for every season

From intense heat to extreme snow, your roof protects your house from the elements all year long. When is the last time you checked to make sure your roof was in good shape? No matter what the seasons are like in your area, now is the time to begin preparation for extreme weather by giving your roof a second look. Read More

Deductions that could dramatically cut your tax bill

Low-maintenance exterior upgrades that add value and style to your home

Sunny days and clear skies are perfect for making exterior home improvements. Homeowners want to use their time and money wisely, so it's important to choose projects that are low-maintenance and have a good return on investment. Consider these top exterior projects that will increase your home's value and curb appeal. And, because they're low-maintenance, you'll get more time to enjoy the beauty of the season. Read More

Top tips for avoiding injury and strain while gardening

Fresh packets of seeds, the dirt between your fingers, and the smell of freshly churned earth - gardening season has officially begun. Whether you're a seasoned green thumb or a newbie to home planting, gardening is a great activity that provides both physical and mental health benefits. But one unwelcome part of taking up gardening as a hobby is the potential for strain and injury. Follow these tips and you'll get the most out of your garden and avoid hurting yourself. Read More

Tips for setting up your home theater viewing space

The home entertainment center concept has evolved dramatically over the past decade, from a single "tube" TV and a DVD player to full-blown, high-definition multi-media centers. The technology today offers a more immersive experience. And with a proper set up, you can enjoy the full potential of the pride and joy of your living room. Read More

Expert tips and affordable tricks for planning summer parties

Warm sun, fresh air, soft grass - the summer season is the perfect reason to plan a festive gathering with friends and family. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply spending time with the special people in your life, a few tips and tricks can help you plan a fun party without breaking the bank. Read More

Impromptu party planning: How to create great gatherings in 30 minutes or less

Parents have never been more crunched for time. Balancing work demands with parental duties is complex - 56 percent of working moms and 50 percent of working dads say they find it very or somewhat difficult to balance these responsibilities, according to a 2013 report about modern parenthood from the Pew Research Center. But just because you're time strapped doesn't mean you need to stress when it comes time to host after-school activities or weekend gatherings with friends and family. With a few key strategies, even impromptu parties are a snap to pull together. Read More

Your first resume - dos and don'ts

If you're heading out into the workforce for the first time, there's plenty of prep work to do. An employer's first impression of you could very well be your resume. Here are some tips that might help. Read More