Lifestyle & Trends - How To

Parents: Tips for giving kids a DIY after-school activity center at home

Many American families may still be tightening their belts, as the economy continues its slow climb out of recession. If your family has decided to save money by foregoing traditional after-school programs, you can bring the experience home. Read More

Tips for keeping your garden truly organic

The trend for gardening at home continues to grow - and people are taking a particular interest in raising their flowers and vegetables organically. With such prominent figures as Michelle Obama taking public initiatives in organic gardening, more and more products that cater to the trend are appearing. Read More

Americans wising up about credit cards, studies show

Americans seem to be learning their lesson when it comes to using credit cards wisely, two new studies indicate. The average American has fewer credit cards, is relying on them less, and is trying to pay down their debt - which, in many metropolitan areas, still exceeds the national average. Read More

Three secrets to creating your dream wedding

Wedding season is here and millions of couples are finalizing plans for their big day. But what many couples don't know is that there are easy ways to avoid stress while planning a wedding. <br/>By following these tips, you can focus on all that is special about your wedding and reception, and avoid the headaches that sometimes come along with them. Read More

Expert tips for brewing great-tasting coffee at home

Have you ever brewed a cup of coffee at home and wished it tasted as good as the cup you get from your favorite cafe? A lot of steps go into making the perfect cup of coffee, but they are all simple ones you can follow at home. Read More

New hope for old malls

There is new promise for the nation's malls. A fixture throughout America's cities and towns for decades, the conventional mall is in a state of decline. It is possible to rethink yesterday's malls with a creative vision that will return them to their prominent place in communities and realize lasting social, cultural and economic value. For example, just this summer, the former Santa Monica Place in Santa Monica, Calif., was transformed into a new center that, while operated like a mall, feels and functions like a part of the city. Read More

How to shop smart for your health and your wallet

With a dizzying array of choices in the supermarket, finding the best foods for your family can be a challenge, particularly in the dairy aisle. Every shopping trip is an opportunity to re-evaluate your family's grocery store habits and make changes for a happy wallet and a healthy body. Read More

Don't let your first road trip with friends turn into a nightmare

Have you been on your first road trip yet? If not, you may want to think about planning one soon. Summer is here, the weather is terrific and your first road trip is like a rite of passage, something you have to do at least once in your lifetime. Why not now? Read More

How to make growing your own vegetables as earth-friendly as possible

There was a time when it was the norm to go out in the yard and pull fresh vegetables up from the soil. At some point over the years, we moved from the goodness of home-grown vegetables toward processed foods and microwave dinners. Now consumers are becoming more aware of the financial value of growing their own vegetables, and how doing so can bolster the health of their families and of the earth. Read More

Five tips for cutting your kids' hair at home

Cutting your kid's hair at home is convenient and saves money. In fact, a majority of people say they are confident using a hair clipper in three haircuts or less, the same amount of time it takes for the clipper to pay for itself. Also, a family of four can easily save $500 annually when three or more family members cut their hair at home. Here are five simple tips from WAHL to use with your kids. Read More

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