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Summer concert season is here: tips to keep you rocking out |
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From local concerts in the park to multi-city touring music festivals like Lilith, the summer is full of outdoor, day-long concerts and events. But before you head out the door to begin your fun in the sun, there are a few things to consider to make sure you're prepared for a good time. |
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Back-to-basics home improvements can help lower taxes |
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While small things help, it's the big steps consumers take to improve their home's energy efficiency that truly make a difference. Here are a few things you can do to make your house more energy efficient this winter. |
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Easy crafts update your fall wardrobe and home fashions |
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As fall arrives, our world changes to a place decorated with vibrant colors and filled with the tastes and abundance of the harvest. And as the season changes, it's only natural that we crave some changes of our own. Whether you want to update your wardrobe with some new looks for the cooler weather, or warm up your home with some stylish new decor, it's good to know that you can make changes without breaking the bank. |
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Planning an outdoor adventure? Tips to stay safe and have fun |
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Outdoor adventures in domestic destinations can offer a plethora of entertainment and eye-catching attractions. Take advantage of some of the country's breathtaking natural beauty within driving distance and budget allocation. If you're considering an excursion to the great outdoors this summer, here's some advice to get you started, as well as keep your family safe, healthy and happy during your vacation. |
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Christmas cards and Christmas parties in July? |
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The first snowfall is months away, but you can still have Christmas in July. Not literally, of course, but the quirky tradition of having a holiday-themed party in the heat of July is a fun one that's easy to put together. And, even if you're not throwing a party, there are actually some things you can do now to start preparing for the real Christmas six months down the road. |
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Great dishes for a carefree, casual feast |
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Casual, laid back dining with family and friends is definitely a must for outdoor gatherings and what's more relaxed than a utensil-free feast? Think beyond burgers, and serve up some party favorites that work well without a fork and knife. Great tasting finger foods, like bruschetta, dips and quesadillas, can make backyard bashes easy, fun and flavorful. |
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Don't let hand pain derail fall fun |
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Autumn's approach means plenty of time outdoors prepping your landscape for winter's impending arrival, or partaking in seasonal fun like pumpkin carving or cookie baking. Hand injuries may be the last thing on your mind during this busy, happy season, but experts caution that many fall activities require repetitive motions that may lead to injury, or irritate existing conditions. You can take steps to prevent repetitive motion injuries. |
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Summer fun doesn't have to cost a fortune |
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Many American families will opt to save money this summer by foregoing a vacation at the beach, theme park or other destination. But deciding to stay home doesn't mean you have to give up summer fun altogether. You can have plenty of fun close to home - even right in your own backyard - with a modest cash investment and a little planning ahead. |
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Feathering your nest: top ways to add warmth to your home in the fall |
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Just as animals use the fall to prepare for winter, now's the perfect time to transform your home into a cozy nest where your family and friends will love to gather. Ginny Bean, publisher of Ginny's catalog, suggests the following simple decorating touches to add seasonal warmth. |
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Stay sun-safe each and every day |
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Everyone loves the sunshine, but too much of a good thing now could create major health problems for you later on. Because of the risk of skin cancer, you need to adopt sun-safe behaviors year-round, and avoid intentional exposure to natural sunlight and its harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. |
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Food and wine: How to create a perfect marriage |
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Weddings are one of life's most celebrated occasions. For brides- and grooms-to-be and their families, an incredible amount of creativity and planning is poured into this all-important day: from the wedding gown to the ceremony, from the invitations and flowers to the wedding cake itself. One of the most-remembered details is what guests are served, so the wedding menu should reflect the couple-to-be's unique style and personality. |
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How to make your house spectacularly haunted for one day |
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Most days, you probably want visitors to feel welcome and secure in your home. But one day a year, it's fun to scare the dickens out of them - so make the most of Halloween and all the good-natured frights that come along with the spookiest of holidays. |
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Want peace and joy in your home this Christmas? Start planning for it now |
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Legend has it that Santa Claus spends the whole year prepping for his big night. While you don't have to go to that extreme, you can still enjoy the benefits of planning for the holidays a few months in advance. Don't let waiting until the last minute interfere with your Christmas fun this year. Here are three areas where you can get a jump-start on the holiday. |
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Get your ghoul on in one of the top 10 Halloween costumes |
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The tradition of dressing up for Halloween comes from a Celtic superstition that used scary costumes to ward off evil spirits. Today, costumes are a way to show off your party spirit. The 31st falls on a Sunday; meaning kids of all ages have the whole weekend to get down in a fantastic get-up this year. Here are the 10 most popular costumes for adults. |
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The perfect energy-saving DIY home improvement project for fall |
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When it comes to do-it-yourself projects that will save money on energy costs, there are many new products on the market that make it possible to save hundreds of dollars over time, with just a few hours of easy installation. Few of these products come close to the long-term benefits of installing a radiant barrier in your attic. |
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Fall ceramic tile trends go bold and beautiful |
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Home renovation and building go on year-round, but as with any design statement, each season brings new looks and trends. This autumn's trends share a flare for boldness and innovation. Here are the hot trends to watch in ceramic tile this season. |
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It's not over yet: Tips for getting through the rest of hurricane season |
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Hurricanes can cause millions of dollars in damage and threaten lives in coastal states. Even inland states can feel the effects of a hurricane's power when people in coastal states who lose their homes to storms turn to their neighbors for aid. Fortunately, you can take steps to prepare your home to weather the rest of hurricane season. |
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Backyard grilling: Sliding into summer with savory sliders |
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The backyard barbecue grilling season is in full swing and hamburgers continue to reign supreme as one of America's favorite grilled foods. Whether you cook with gas or charcoal, nothing beats the flavor of a juicy burger right off the grill. And, whether you're into bold flavors or basic toppings, nothing tops off a burger better than a great glass of wine. |
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Surprising facts about staying hydrated in summer's heat |
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Record temperatures bring disturbing news reports of heat related deaths and the familiar calls to seek shade, limit outside work and drink large quantities of water. But experts caution water alone may not be sufficient and could actually increase your risk of severe heat related injuries. |
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Bored with water? Try a new and refreshing drink to cool off |
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The hot days of summer and even early fall can leave you parched for a refreshing drink. By cold brewing tea leaves, the resulting drink not only can quench thirst and eliminate grease from your system, but also retains the caffeine and tannic acid found in the tea leaves. |
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S'mores is the right activity for more than just camping |
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Americans have a love affair with that classic campfire treat, S'mores. The good news - S'mores are no longer reserved just for campfire cooking. Did you know you can enjoy the chocolate, marshmallow and graham cracker goodness every day, inside and out? |
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Expert advice on staying stylish and on-budget year-round |
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The changing weather shouldn't mean packing up your seasonal clothes or breaking the bank by shopping for completely new outfits you will wear for only a few months. Alison Deyette, nationally recognized lifestyle and personal style expert, explains how you can look and feel great by investing in classic items that will complement any wardrobe regardless of season, occasion and budget. |
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Hush the holiday rush |
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The holidays are joyous times but stressful too. There is so much to do in preparation that often it's easy to get caught up in the hoopla and miss out on the opportunity to actually enjoy friends and family and all that the holiday season brings. Here are tips for being proactive so that you can actually avoid the stress and enjoy the holiday season this year. |
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Hot wheels: The top five muscle cars of summer |
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Baseball, barbecue, pool parties - when you're tallying ways to celebrate summer, don't overlook one uniquely American invention that some devotees say is the epitome of summer fun - the muscle car.
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Tips to make indoor entertaining sizzle this summer |
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Sure, summer is suited to barbecues, picnics and all sorts of al fresco fun. But indoor entertaining has appeal during the warmer months as well. When temperatures turn too sultry to sit outside, or you just crave a more elegantly prepared meal shared with good friends and no mosquitoes, you'll be grateful for your kitchen and indoor entertainment spaces. |
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A cheap, fun summer vacation |
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Summer is almost here. Or hadn't you noticed? While you're a kid, or a student, the summer is impossible to miss: It's that big, wonderful block of time that doesn't involve homework or studying. Once you're out in the working world, though, the weeks all start to look very much the same and two month vacations are a thing of the past. You might even be tempted to ignore the rising temperatures out of a sense of sour grapes: Why have a summer at all, if summer is just like spring for at least 17 hours out of 24? Seize the season. |
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Considering air duct cleaning? Know what lies beyond the big hose |
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With cool weather approaching, you know your family will spend more time indoors and you want the air they breathe to be as healthful as possible. Duct cleaning is a good way to remove irritants from the air inside your home and can help your HVAC system function better for longer. But if you've ever had your ducts cleaned and wondered just what you paid for, you may be hesitant to go through the process again. |
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Sun is still sizzling ... warm-weather products to keep family fun going through fall |
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Kids are heading back to school, but that doesn't mean summer fun has ended: The season of burgers, back flips, roller coasters and rolling coastlines lasts well into October for most of the United States. While parents and kids across the nation enjoy the rest of the season, they should also stay prepared for sun exposure and bug bites. |
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Cozy up to redecorating and prepare your home for indoor entertaining |
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After months of sunshine, cookouts, beach-going and outdoor entertaining, it can be a little disappointing to realize the cool bite of fall is on its way. But warding off those cold-weather blues can be as simple as redecorating a room (or a few) to create a hideaway that you can enjoy until spring arrives. With a little time and creativity, you can create a fresh space that will outlast the dreary weather of the coming months. |
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Don't start a road trip without taking care of these 5 things |
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If you're planning to head out of town on a road trip this summer, you'll have to do more than just find someone to watch the house and bring in the mail. There are things you should do well in advance of your departure date to make sure your trip goes off without a hitch. |
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On the road: do-it-yourself moving tips |
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Millions of Americans take on the task of moving every year, whether it's for a job opportunity, to be closer to family, or to simply try out living in a new place. Whatever the reason for your move, you can make the task more pleasant by planning ahead and taking advantage of resources designed to make moving easier. |
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Bring back the summer memories and share them with your kids |
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Remember the summer days when you held a camping adventure under the stars in your own backyard, played board games with your parents or enjoyed an ice cream bar on a hot night? Do you remember learning to ride a bike through the neighborhood, waving to everyone sitting out on the front porch or working on their landscaping? Now that you have children of your own, summer is a great opportunity to repeat those memories and share them with your kids. |
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What you need to do to prepare for your fall camping trip |
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If you're used to only getting outdoors in the summer, you're in for a whole new experience with the crisp air, fresh scents and colorful leaves that come along with a shift in the season. Before you head out, take a look at this checklist to ensure you and your belongings remain warm and dry. |
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Early fall grass rejuvenation from summer wear and tear |
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As summer winds down, heat and drought may have left your grass a little tired. Soccer, picnics and chasing fireflies have likely taken a toll. Luckily, because of cooler temperatures and an increase in precipitation, fall is the best time for lawn rescue. |
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Protect your ride for best resale value |
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As inclement weather and uncontrollable conditions hit the roadways, it's essential not to let the environment wreak havoc on your car's resale value. It's hard enough avoiding flying debris and ravaged roads, let alone keeping the kids' muddy cleats off your leather seats. And while you might not hear praise for all of that hard work, it's important to keep you and your car's resistance to the elements top of mind during the peak car buying and selling season. |
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Are you throwing money out the (energy inefficient) window? |
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They frame your favorite view and are key to making your home comfortable in summer and winter, yet most people don't think about them until they stop working properly. But, if your windows aren't performing as well as they should, now is a great time to consider replacing them. |
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Gifts people love to open again and again |
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Looking for a gift for the person who has everything? Don't succumb to gift cards, baseball hats, and t-shirts. Instead, be creative and try a gift like a 1- to 12-month wine club gift or even wine-related accessory to round out your shopping, and the recipient will surely be impressed. |
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Choosing summer footwear that looks and feels great |
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While you're skipping through summer in your saucy sandals or padding through the sand in your favorite flip-flops, what toll will your seasonal footwear take on your hardworking feet? The foot health experts at the American Podiatric Medical Association offer some advice for taking care of your feet this summer. |
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Preparing your vehicle for the long haul |
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Warm sunny days mean vacations or weekend getaways, and many families take to the road with a camper in tow. Whether you are towing a camper, trailer or boat - regardless of the size - it means you will want to take steps to make sure the vehicle you are using for towing is ready for the haul. |
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Foot-friendly gifts can make the holidays relaxing and bright |
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Even the healthiest among us can wind up with sore, tired feet at the end of a long day leading up to the holidays. Gifts that make the feet feel good are sure to make the whole person connected to those feet feel pretty happy too. This season, consider giving a gift that soothes two of the most overlooked and underappreciated parts of the body. |
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Escape from winter's chill in your warm house |
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When the deep winter chill hits, the last thing you want to do is shiver inside your own house. But that frequently happens when drafty attics, fireplaces, leaky windows and open vents allow cold air to enter your house and have you hiding under blankets and heavier clothing. And not only are you shivering, you're probably spending a lot of money attempting to keep the temperature at a comfortable level. |
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Stock your car with a few essentials for summer trips |
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Summer is the perfect time to just go. Where you might need an excuse to get out in another season, there's no reason to hesitate launching a spontaneous day or weekend trip while you have nice weather on your side. |
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Amusement parks offer new thrills |
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In early fall, theme park thrill-seekers and amusement park aficionados prepare to flock en masse to these attractions across the country. While the big-name parks are always fun, don't overlook some equally exhilarating, but smaller, regional parks. You'll likely find smaller crowds and save on travel costs. |
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