Tap your inner adventurer in the Evergreen State More and more Americans are cutting back their vacation plans in an effort to combat the rising costs of travel. By cutting back, families are traveling across the United States, exploring the rich scenery and life of this country without spending a huge amount of money.

Dazzle your guests with holiday etiquette tips 101 You've spent the entire day cooking the perfect holiday feast. But it's an hour before your guests arrive, and you find yourself standing in front of the table, listening to a little nagging voice in your head.

Tips to manage credit card debt Loan consolidation has its ups and downs, but, if handled properly, can help a family afford to get out from under debt.

Tips for juggling the class room, family room and conference room As the slowed economy has fueled a very competitive job market, more and more adults are making the decision to go back to school to build upon their skills and obtain the knowledge required to strengthen their career prospects.

Tips to make job hunting easier Job hunting has gone from searching the classifieds to roaming online job boards and career search engines. But before you sit down in front of your computer, ask yourself some important questions and then be prepared to go social.

Must-haves for 'green' moms It's not enough anymore to just teach your kids to look both ways before crossing the street, pick up after themselves and play nicely together. Modern moms need to teach children lessons on how to help preserve the environment for years to come.

Start your federal tax return earlier to cash in on 2009 changes If you will owe federal taxes for 2009, you may still qualify for other tax breaks. Several ARRA provisions, like the Making Work Pay and First-time Homebuyers Credits, have received a lot of press, but taxpayers don't necessarily realize how much more is included in the stimulus package. Even if you don't normally file a return, there are refundable credits, like the earned income and additional child tax credits, which could make filing worthwhile this year.

Talk for a change to help end domestic violence In an age of social media and reality shows, it seems that people are more open than ever to discuss personal issues. Yet one important issue - domestic violence, which touches more than 70 percent of Americans, is often talked about behind closed doors or never discussed at all. Here's how you can break the silence.

Cats found to offer support to breast cancer patients Women facing breast cancer report that their cats rank among the most important of the many loyal, loving and understanding supporters they rely on to help them through their treatment. In fact, cats rank alongside parents and siblings as an important source of daily support, according to a recent survey.

Is it a cold or the flu? Here's how to tell "My body aches and my head is throbbing. Do I have the flu or is it just because I'm stressed or tired? Do I need a flu shot? Do I need the H1N1 vaccine, too?" Millions of Americans will be asking themselves these and more questions this fall and winter as news reports and health care providers continue to warn about seasonal influenza and novel H1N1 influenza, otherwise known as swine flu.

Are you making the right decision getting a payday loan? A payday loan can help someone through a one-time rough patch. But the amount that must be paid back can multiple fast, with interest rates so high it is impossible to keep up. With the current economy, more and more people are considering using these types of loans, but is it the right choice?

Looking for added health benefits at the dinner table? Take a global approach The United States is a country on the cutting edge of medical research. But often, when looking out for overall good health, it's smart to take cues from other cultures for ways to stay healthy and feel our best. Here are some ideas.

You can get it all done before the holidays ... even learning to play the piano A little smart scheduling and some stress-relieving techniques are really all you need in order to check off everything on your "to do" list this holiday season. In fact, you probably already know what you need to do. Sometimes, it just helps to have a reminder or two of how to use your time wisely.

Cremation jewelry: memories are made of this "Mom was my rock, and I couldn't imagine life without her. I had a hard time letting go." A single tear glistens in Angela Carlson's eye as she recalls the pain of losing her mother, Mary, to breast cancer last year. She wanted to learn more about cremation jewelry and if she could get something that was right for her and her mom's memory.

Teach your kids to express healthy emotions this holiday season Most parents will agree that a child's emotional well-being is just as important as their physical health. Kids who learn to communicate feelings have a better sense of self awareness. This benefits their relationships with parents and with their peers. How can you teach your child to manage both positive and negative moods in an emotionally intelligent manner? Here are some ideas for ways to get your kids to express what they are feeling in a healthy way.

Farmers should make a skin check a priority Farming has plenty of challenges, but probably one of the hazards that farmers worry about the least is the danger from working in the sun year-round. As the harvest concludes and winter sets in, farmers should pay attention to the condition of their skin.

Arm yourself against the flu With kids, husbands, schools, friends, communities and employers depending on moms for so much, it's more important than ever for moms to get vaccinated against seasonal flu this year.

Human tissue and evolving medicine save lives Amidst the constantly changing world of medicine, innovative research from some of the world's leading surgeons is finding new ways to use donated human tissue to treat a host of medical conditions.

Saying 'happy birthday' with a little creativity Parents can spend a small fortune to celebrate their little one's big day, but taking a more original -- and less costly -- approach can result in even more success. Here are some ideas for throwing a great children's party at an affordable price.

Beat economy-induced stress with massage therapists' secrets Whatever its source, prolonged stress can have serious health consequences. Take these tips from massage professionals to help relieve your stress.

Your credit matters: tips for staying on top of your credit Your credit matters when it comes to applying for a job or a loan, purchasing insurance or seeking an apartment to live in. If you don't know your credit score, or haven't maintained a good credit rating, you might be in for a few surprises.

Wood stoves great for winter heating Colder temperatures mean turning up the heat, which also can mean a bigger utility bill. But there are several things you can do to make sure your house is warm and cozy this winter season, without adding to your bill.

With multiple strains this year, don't be confused about flu prevention With the emergence of the 2009 H1N1 virus and the presence of annual seasonal flu, health experts are concerned that this flu season could be more confusing than ever for families. Recent studies point to misunderstandings about what families should do to help prevent the spread of these viruses.

Expecting? You may experience changes in vision A growing belly, nausea, food cravings and heightened sensitivity to smells are obvious symptoms of pregnancy. But many women don't realize their vision can change as well.

Need business cards? Hot trends you should know about before buying You might survive without your smart phone. You could possibly even sacrifice your laptop if you had to. But the one business tool you can't do without is decidedly low tech, and has been around since the 17th century. You just can't do business without your business cards.

Treat early and effectively: combating multiple sclerosis for the long haul Every hour of every day, someone is diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) and a common theme for these patients is the fact that they will never forget that moment. While MS is a chronic and disabling disease of the central nervous system, many people with MS continue with their normal daily lives -- working, spending time with friends and family and enjoying activities. For many, the key is to treat MS early and effectively in an effort to disrupt the disease and not their lives.

Four ways to liven up a drab kitchen When you have a big gathering at your house, no matter where you try to set up the food and beverages, the crowd inevitably ends up gathering in your kitchen. The problem is you may not be proud of the kitchen you have.

Americans overlooking health benefits at open enrollment Americans have been hearing more about health care and health insurance these days than ever. But, when it comes to understanding their own health benefits, many may be missing opportunities to take advantage of their options and even save money throughout the year. This is especially true at open enrollment - typically the only chance for millions of Americans who receive benefits through an employer to make changes to their health benefits plans for the coming year.

How you can help preserve a 100-year-old treasure In just seven years, the National Park Service will celebrate its 100th anniversary, and while the celebrations are starting out strong, the national parks are beginning to show their age. Threats of funding shortfalls, pollution, climate change, and encroaching development are competing with the parks' natural and historic wonders.

Students share hope, help for breaking the cycle of self-destructive behavior Whether they cut, restrict food intake or purge, young people who harm themselves can recover their health and happiness with support from friends and relatives.

Classroom fun for little ones at home As your older children board the bus to go back to school, it can be difficult for the younger ones. They're not only losing a play companion, but may feel they're missing out on an exciting new world. But never fear, there are plenty of ways you can bring the wonderment of the classroom into your house so your younger children won't feel left behind.

Get paid for your holiday purchases Online coupon and deal sites offer great savings opportunities . . . or the potential to waste your time and money if you patronize one that falls short of its promises. When you're winnowing winning Web sites from the herd of hollow-promise-pledging competitors, keep this advice in mind.

You say you want a resolution . . . here's one for healthier food habits All the gravy has been ladled. The cookies have crumbled. The red and green candies are on the clearance rack. That can only mean one thing: people all over the country are resolving to eat better, if not less often. The start of the New Year - and with it, a new decade - means that consumers are focusing on their resolutions to live a healthier lifestyle for themselves, their loved ones, and, for that matter, the planet.

Warm feet, warm hearts make for a cheery holiday season The holidays tend to bring out the best in people. It's this time of year that you find smiling volunteers collecting donations on street corners of nearly every city in America. Their charitable spirit allows those less fortunate to celebrate and share in the holiday cheer.

Fewer delinquent credit payments being made by Americans Recent headlines indicate that Americans are doing a better job in covering credit card payments as 2009 winds down.

10 scary myths about the law Did you know that you don't have to be legally drunk to be arrested for driving under the influence? That there are many ways to break a contract or that if you receive a ticket and there's an error on it, it's still valid? Not knowing the law in some of life's most common legal situations can lead to unexpected expenses, substantial penalties or could put yourself and others at risk.

Protect yourself from the H1N1 virus this flu season (ARA) - While the words "swine flu" and "pandemic flu" are enough to scare adults and children, experts from Everest College's nursing programs explain what H1N1 is, and offer some advice for how to protect yourself and your children from it.

Simple steps to a healthy and happy retirement Retired 80-year-olds can often have double the social interaction of their 50-year-old counterparts. This supports research that happiness increases with age because social interaction stimulates your brain to release "feel good" chemicals like norepinephrine, which leads to contentment. Here's how you can make the most and live out your golden years with a happy retirement.

Finding relationship refuge with a good night's sleep The hectic pace of day-to-day life shows few signs of slowing; however, the peaceful sanctuary couples are seeking may be closer than they think - in their own bedrooms. Here are some tips for getting a good night's sleep.

American energy security could come from trees You don't have to be an energy expert to realize the challenge ahead if the country is to reach President Obama's goal of reducing 50 percent of America's fossil fuel emissions by 2050. To do that will require several innovative approaches to generating fuel and electricity. One alternative is to use plant or tree materials, also known as biomass, as an energy source.

Enhance your enjoyment and savings this holiday season With the holidays around the corner, consumers are beginning to turn their attention toward the fun annual practices of shopping, wrapping, baking, decorating and getting together with friends and family. We all look forward to these traditions each season, and this year shoppers can actually make them even more entertaining and efficient.

Life insurance: security you can bank on The current high rate of unemployment is causing consumers to re-evaluate the importance of individual life insurance coverage, with many viewing it as an essential component of long-term financial security for their families and loved ones.

Help stop diabetes, one step at a time This fall, thousands of people nationwide will walk to help change the future of diabetes. Rain or shine, walkers will join together to stop this disease, which kills thousands of people annually.

Recognize the stars in your community and help raise funds for charity In every community, passionate people quietly work behind the scenes for worthy causes, often not receiving any pay or recognition. As the economy struggles, so do organizations and charities that work hard to help those in need. It is important for communities to recognize these shining stars - the people who work hard to improve the world around them or donate time and energy to benefit a special cause or charity.

Salt central to a healthy Mediterranean diet In the diet craze that has captured our attention over the last four decades, the one plan that stands out from the rest is the Mediterranean Diet. Since the Mediterranean embraces more than 20 countries, each with its own cuisine, the diet is really a fusion of the many foods consumed by the nations bordering the sea.

Your credit matters: understanding your APR You might find the acronym confusing, but the APR (annual percentage rate) on your credit card is a number you should be familiar with. It's important because it describes the cost of your credit balance on a yearly basis. A healthy understanding of what determines this rate can help improve your financial decisions.

Get out and play in Washington's winter wonderland Summer isn't the only season for outdoor fun. Winter brings cooler temperatures, glistening snow and plenty of opportunities for play.

Get your holiday shopping done quickly and easily Holiday shopping takes a lot of time. When you work all day, shuttle your children around from school to activities and have to squeeze in regular chores and errands at home, who knows when you'll find a few hours for a trip to the stores.

How to keep kids stylin' and sophisticated this holiday season (ARA) - American kids are learning from their parents this holiday season - about value, smart investing and getting the most for every dollar spent. Developing wise spending habits is a good thing for kids, but does it mean they have to sacrifice their sense of style as they attend school, extra-curricular activities and holiday happenings?

Diabetes on the rise among Hispanics Diabetes is becoming more and more prevalent in Hispanic populations in the United States, according to 2008 statistics from the National Institutes of Health.

Basketball legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar inspires fellow patients with chronic myeloid leukemia to take charge of their disease Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, one of the greatest basketball players of all time, known for his unblockable signature "skyhook" shot, was diagnosed late last year with a rare type of blood cancer known as Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia (Ph+ CML). Now, he is partnering with Novartis Oncology and has a message for fellow patients with Ph+ CML - work closely with your doctors and take all the necessary steps to actively manage your disease for the best possible outcomes.

Valuable art requires proper storage Have you ever wondered how artists transport - and perhaps more importantly - store their art? After all, the majority of art collections are comprised of "one-of-a-kind" pieces, which means, if one piece breaks or is inadvertently damaged (in transit or storage), on the opening day of the show, there is no "understudy" to take its place.

Have a good hair day every day - without paying the price Having a good hair day could mean spending money on salon appointments and several products to look as good as you did when you left the salon. But dermatologists say having healthy, beautiful hair doesn't have to break the bank.

Designing design careers in a recession The negative impact of the recession on the design industry is undeniable. Yet, there may be a silver lining, say industry experts, who assert that a recession may spark innovation, discourage waste, and encourage the use of less-expensive and more durable materials and gadgets - possibly made of common utensils and accessories.

Keeping America's information safe offers a secure career From shopping to working to banking, Americans are doing it all online. Consumers need their private information to be safe, but at the same time, they want the speed and convenience of instant transactions, all without giving it a second thought. Information security specialists are in the shadows, ensuring consumer and business data security worldwide.

How to avoid fake check scams You open your mail and to your surprise there is a check for $4,000 claiming you won a sweepstakes. Boy that money sure will come in handy right now. But wait, there's a catch. Here's what you need to know about fake check scams.