Show your pride for veterans and soldiers The conflicts overseas are ongoing, which means much of the American military are continuing to serve far from home. While support for the men and women in uniform has proven strong for the past several years, the forces who protect our country and their families waiting at home continuously deserve recognition of and support for their efforts now and in the years to come.

Seven tips to ensure a worry-free wedding day Many newlyweds overlook the fact that a marriage is a legal contract. While many couples often focus on the big day and all of the events surrounding the ceremony and reception, there are a number of legal steps that newlyweds must consider as part of the process.

Tips on how to keep your engine performing at its best In economic times like these, everyone needs to make the most of their investments, and your personal vehicle is one of the largest investments you'll ever make. Here are some expert tips for how to keep your engine performing at its best.

Give the gift of safety along with that fantastic flat screen Once the wrapping paper is off and the "oohs" and "aahs" are over, be sure to talk safety with the gratified recipient of a shiny, new flat screen. Flat screen TVs, like other types of heavy furniture, need to be properly secured for safety.

How to communicate well with your mechanic Despite advanced self-diagnosing technology, customers and auto repair shop operators still need to engage in good, old-fashioned communication, according to the experts at the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. Here's a quick run down of what you need to know and what you need to communicate in order to make the repair process go smoothly.

Expert tips to ensure your beauty efforts outlast the busiest days What woman doesn't dream of looking as fresh at the end of the day as she did when she looked in the mirror that morning, with perfect hair and makeup? Invariably, however, by the end of the day, hair goes flat, mascara smudges and manicures chip.

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.

Tips to reduce the sodium in your diet without losing the taste Heart failure, high blood pressure and many other common health conditions all have one thing in common - reducing the amount of sodium in your diet. But the problem is that salt is everywhere in foods, even if you personally don't add it to anything served. There are ways to reduce this ingredient so you can follow your doctor's orders.

What to do if you're a victim of cybercrime Nearly 10 million people in the United States were victims of identity fraud last year and, over the past two years alone, Americans have lost $8.5 billion to online con artists. When online criminals are so convincing, how do you avoid becoming a victim? And how do you know if you've already become a victim of a cybercrime and know where to go for help?

How to go from survive to thrive at work With a wide-spread recession and high jobless rates, it would be no surprise to find that many employed Americans are in "survivor mode" - doing what they can to make the most of the jobs and resources they have at hand.

Green living: Save energy on video games and home electronics In today's economy, consumers are looking to keep costs down and save on bills. Saving money can also save energy. Game consoles and home electronics consume a staggeringly high amount of energy, but there is something that can be done about it.

Prepare your vehicle for a hurricane evacuation Ana, Bill, Claudette - the first three Atlantic Ocean hurricanes of the season made headlines, but not to the extent of Katrina or Ike of recent years. And while these three hurricanes have come and gone, who knows if - or when - Grace or Henry might pay a visit to your town?

Kitchen and bath updates on a budget In addition to decking the halls of your home this holiday season, you can create a warm and inviting atmosphere for guests by updating high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms with simple and inexpensive home-improvement projects. With a few easy steps and just one basic tool, these projects can be done on a budget and make a big impact.

Wondering about nutritional supplements? How to choose Few people, including you, actually get all the nutrients they need from the food they eat - hence the major market for nutritional supplements. But how do you sift through the plethora of information out there to choose the right supplement from the thousands on the market? Here are some things to consider when evaluating a supplement.

Tips to tackle the allergens hiding in your house If sneezing, sniffling and coughing are frequent sounds in your house, don't worry, you're not alone in trying to find ways to stop them. An estimated 50 million people suffer from indoor and outdoor allergies in the United States, costing Americans nearly seven billion dollars annually, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). But removing the allergens from your house can have you feeling a lot better.

Put your off-road vehicle to work Off-road vehicles are fun for the trail, but they're also quite handy around the home. Side-by-side vehicles especially can help you save time and money on never-ending home and garden maintenance.

Clean, dry hands are your best defense this flu season Your best defense against swine flu and other viruses this flu season may well be the humble paper hand towel. Damp hands spread 1,000 times more germs than dry hands. It is therefore as important to dry your hands as it is to wash them carefully with soap and warm water. When away from home, a single-use paper towel ensures that hands can be completely dried and are virtually germ-free.

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?

Mission possible: Indulging affordably Taking care of life's necessities often means having less to spend on the things that make us feel good about ourselves. But when it comes to pampering yourself, the old "quality versus quantity" saying couldn't be more applicable. Luckily you don't have to spend a fortune to enjoy little luxuries that can have a big impact on your life.

'Tis the season for a safe holiday The holiday season is filled with endless celebrating, shopping and decorating. But during all the hustle and bustle, people often overlook simple safety precautions. Whether decorating a home inside and out with colorful lights, setting up holiday items in your office or stringing decorations in a dorm room, it is important to remember some important holiday safety tips.

Get the most out of your health care benefits In these tough economic times, everyone is looking to save more. While you may have already found ways to save on everyday household expenses, you may be overlooking important tools from your employer that can go a long way in helping you save and pay for health care needs.

New Year's resolution: Change the world a forkful at a time Do you have high ambitions for 2010 to get healthier, eat better and, oh yes, change the world, all at the same time? It's actually possible - if you resolve to eat Fair Trade certified foods at every opportunity. By choosing Fair Trade foods, you can help improve the lot of workers in developing countries ... one forkful at a time.

How to minimize winter's impact on your arthritis pain Coping with arthritis can be even more challenging when the weather turns cold, making joints feel even more stiff and painful. Here are some tips for staying active and managing your arthritis this winter.

Keep your holiday bright - and safe - with ID theft prevention tips Not everyone will be thinking of gift shopping, decorating and spreading good cheer this holiday season. Identity thieves will spend their time concocting new ways to steal and use your personal information.

Winter blues in your backyard? Attracting songbirds livens lackluster landscapes The backyard can seem barren and bleak when the leaves fall off the trees and the last blooming plant retires until spring. But there's an easy way to brighten your backyard and fill it with color and song this winter - charm songbirds looking for an easy, reliable food source.

Simplify your life with a little technology If you are like most people, every year the list of to-dos, appointments and demands grows bigger. Children's schedules, office appointments, scheduling conflicts can all be a little overwhelming at times. A little technology can go a long way in getting your life in order while saving time and minimizing stress.

Five basic steps to financial security in any economy Virtually everyone today is feeling the affect of the current economy; none of us is untouched by it. Here's the good news. If you can anticipate financial changes and develop a sound financial plan, you can protect yourself and your family today, and for many years to come.

Ways to give without dipping into your wallet More and more people are resolving to be more giving, and to share what they have with the less fortunate. The current economic climate, however, presents something of a challenge to people who want to give, but lack the budget to do so. Here are some creative ways to give that won't cost you cash.

The new normal of shopping: deals, deals and more deals If you haven't already changed your shopping habits and proudly added "deal finder" to your resume, you may be paying too much for the products you and your family need. Shopping isn't what it used to be. The new normal of shopping involves comparing prices, taking advantage of deals and knowing the tools and tricks of the trade that can help you save money.

Time for tires? Buying basics for tire shoppers It's one of the most important vehicle-related purchases you can make, yet a whopping 62 percent of women and nearly half of all men think it's difficult, according to a recent survey. What is this process that so many American car owners consider a hassle? Buying new tires.

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.

Explore new flavors in recipes this holiday Holiday tunes on the radio, mistletoe hanging in strategic locations and the scent of pine lingering in the air - it's the perfect time to get into the kitchen and discover some new cooking flavors that will keep your taste buds happy and give your house a warm, yummy smell.

Quick, easy and divine desserts to impress holiday guests The holidays are a time for gathering together with family and friends and enjoying delicious food. But when you are deciding what to serve or bring to your next celebration, don't feel that you have to toil away in the kitchen for hours or even break the budget to provide tasty treats for your guests.

Top tips for a healthy, happy dog No matter how many canine companions you have or what their ages are, every day is a new opportunity to make their lives happier and healthier. Keep a few simple tips in mind and you're sure to get four paws up.

For gorgeous grass next season, start with soil, end with seed Take care of some essential lawn chores this fall and you'll reap the rewards next spring - in the form of a lush, healthy, beautiful lawn. In fall, lawn grasses need to become especially strong as the weather cools. Give them some TLC now, and your lawn will reap the benefits over the winter and into next spring.

Unlock your pantry's potential with online meal planning tools The Internet is full of recommendations for inspirational meals, suggestions for planning dinners in advance, or tips on everything from organizing and sharing recipes to calculating ingredient quantities. Here are some places to get started, even if it's 5 p.m. and everyone's asking, "What's for dinner?"

Affordable family fun before it's back to school It's not too late for some family fun before the kids go back to school. Even though the economy is putting the brakes on many family vacations, getting away from it all doesn't necessarily involve a road trip. The perfect summer getaway can be as close as the backyard or neighborhood park.

Time- and money-saving tips for your 2009 tax return The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act makes early tax planning increasingly important. The number and complexity of the changes has prompted the IRS to release educational e-mails, videos, podcasts and other tools on a regular basis since the ARRA became law in February 2009. The ARRA's key provisions will benefit millions of wage earners, homeowners, college students and vehicle owners through new and expanded credits and deductions.

Add life and color to your winter landscape: Attract wild birds to your backyard Feeding wild birds is an easy way to add a splash of color and song to your outdoor living space this winter, plus help the birds thrive through the toughest season for them. Attracting birds to your backyard is as easy as setting out bird feeders filled with quality food.

Secrets to staying on budget this holiday shopping season Shoppers stayed focused during the back-to-school season by clipping coupons, seeking sales and sticking only to the items on their lists, according to the National Retail Federation. If you're looking to save money this holiday season, you'll likely follow the same trend.

A new you for the new year With the New Year just around the corner, could it be time for a new you? Have you been wearing the same outfits, in the same order? Has your hair and make-up regimen remained unchanged for the last decade? Reinventing your style can give you a new attitude and outlook. And with a few simple updates, you shouldn't have to worry about breaking your budget.

How to help your newborn 'sleep like a baby' Whoever coined the phrase "sleeping like a baby" probably never had the frustrating task of trying to get an infant to fall - and stay - asleep. Most parents know good rest is as vital as good nutrition for the health of their newborns - even if they can only dream about getting a good night's sleep themselves.

Drive safely this winter with expert cold-weather car care tips Rough winter weather increases your risk of being in a car accident by 36 percent, finds the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. But taking a few steps now can help minimize your risk.

Three reasons you need a last will No matter how young, healthy, wealthy or prepared for retirement you are, you can't predict what will happen in the future. But you can make your wishes for the future known, especially those that involve your family after your death.

Ten tips for better looking facial hair Facial hair is all about self-expression and personal style. In fact, 64 million men sport some type of facial hair. Tthe goatee is the most popular style among men younger than 69, with 25 million men sporting the look according to a Wahl survey. Here are some tips for keeping your facial hair looking its best.

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.

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.

Deter 'deer drama' this winter Deer do some of their worst damage to your garden, landscape, trees and shrubs in winter, when other food sources are hard to come by. Here's how to halt the "deer drama" in your backyard this winter.

The ABC's of baby boomer retirement planning If you are one of America's 78.2 million baby boomers, you are likely considering what ideal retirement will look like, and the steps required to achieve it. With the current economic downturn, many boomers are finding it necessary to revisit their initial retirement goals.

Car buying: Six slippery sales strategies Even with the success of the "Cash for Clunkers" program, the auto industry is limping through the recession and most car dealers are still in need of increased sales. It may be a buyer's market, but that's no reason to let your guard down in the showroom. Experienced salespeople have one goal in mind: to put you in a new car today. And it's their job to get as much profit out of every sale as possible.

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.

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.

This year, show your holiday feast who's boss You've decked the halls. Sent out the cards. Now it's time to plan for the annual family feast that just happens to be at your house this year. The mere thought can send most chief celebration officers (aka holiday-stressed moms) into a tizzy.

Winter is coming, is your vehicle ready? Now is the time to take the opportunity afforded by cooler weather to undo the wear and tear of last season's heat and stop-and-go traffic by preparing your vehicle for colder weather ahead.

Some like it cold: It's not too late to get your fall veggie garden growing If you haven't yet joined the "grow your own vegetables" craze, it's not too late to join in. You can produce a bounty of vitamin-rich veggies from plot (or pot) to plate this fall, plus you'll save a bundle by growing them yourself.

Time-saving tips for an enjoyable holiday The holiday season is a time to spend with friends and family, but is very often characterized by the need for a lot of multi-tasking. Smooth out your to-do list and make the most out of the holidays this year.

How to make your New Year's resolution last Failed New Year's resolutions are a dime a dozen. That promise to go to the gym every day dwindles to three days a week, then two days a week, before falling into "whenever I can make it" territory. Diet and weight loss resolutions are among the most common, year after year, which says a lot about what kind of results people are getting from the promises they make to themselves.

Tips to make holiday cookie baking go smoothly It is the season to be making cookies. Whether they're for your family, a cookie exchange, treats for the office or a gift, cookies of all shapes, sizes, and flavors are always a hit.

How to pick the perfect book gift this holiday season Books are the perfect balance between personalized and universal, fun and intelligent. Your gift recipient doesn't have to be a book lover to love the book you give, as long as you put some thought into selecting just the right tome.

The proper care and feeding of your fall lawn Most people view spring and summer as the peak time for lawn care, but it's fall that actually marks the beginning of your lawn's growing season. There are simple but crucial steps to take now to promote a strong, beautiful lawn through next season and beyond.

Back-to-school tips to keep your family safe online The end of summer means means kids are spending more time online prepping for the upcoming school year, finishing summer homework lists and reconnecting with summer friends. Likewise, cybercriminals are online targeting them through e-mail, IM and phishing scams, and even trying to make contact on social networking sites, blogs and chat rooms. What's a parent to do?

Immunity secret: balance is the key Now more than ever, Americans are taking personal responsibility for their health by practicing preventative health care, and one of the most proactive ways to stay healthy is by maintaining a healthy immune system. But did you know that your immune system functions optimally when it is balanced? That's right, balanced. Research shows that balancing - not just boosting or suppressing - is key to a strong immune system.

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.

Resolve tough holiday stains with expert tips According to a recent survey of 50 top parenting, style and entertaining bloggers, 94 percent plan to entertain this holiday season. Decorating the house with seasonal decor and linens is part of the holiday tradition for many families. However, more than 84 percent of hosts anticipate they'll have to throw away linens following the celebration. Here are some tips to help you fight holiday stains.

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.

Protect your family from PC-related injury Fall likely means you'll be putting in more hours at the office in front of a desktop, and your kids will deal with mountains of homework by firing up their laptops. That extra computer time could add up to some painful injuries for computer users of all ages. Here are some tips for healthful computer use.

Decor can help you wow your mate When it comes to impressing your mate, forget about diamonds and designer gifts. You're more likely to snag a date based on your decorating taste than with bling. A majority of men and women - 88 and 85 percent, respectively - would prefer to receive a room makeover over a pricey pair of diamond earrings or watch, according to a recent survey.

Liven up holiday cocktails with coffee 'Tis the season for holiday entertaining - the time of year when friends and family gather to indulge in good food, good times, laughter and holiday cheer. When it comes to celebrating with festive drinks, use your imagination in the kitchen and incorporate ingredients that your guests won't expect, like coffee.

How to add an hour to your day Whether it's hitting the snooze button, mindlessly surfing the Internet or even "watching and waiting" for the water to get hot enough in the shower, everyone wastes time throughout their day. Five minutes here or 10 minutes there - it all adds up. Be aware of common daily time wasters; and by eliminating some (or all), you'll be able to get much more out of your day.

Ideas to make dollars do double duty Just as many of us have taken on extra work to make ends meet in this economy, everything we buy now must serve a dual purpose as well. It makes sense to spend your hard-earned dollars on items that not only do the job intended for them, but that also save you money in a variety of ways.

Inoculate your home for winter wellness You scheduled flu shots for the entire family and stocked the cabinets with plenty of vitamin C and chicken soup. But what have you done to ensure the health of your actual home this winter?

Sealing in fall and winter can prevent need for spring repairs With cooler nights and shorter days, it's time to get on that fall home maintenance plan now. Winter is on the way, bringing falling temperatures and wet conditions that create a host of small problems that can add up to big costs by spring.

Tips for getting better customer service during the holidays Crowded stores, long lines, low inventory and cranky shoppers rushing to find that perfect holiday gift can often lead to a "perfect storm" of bad service. That's why many retailers are ensuring that they have service quality systems in place to avoid the typical holiday mishaps between shoppers and service staff.

Love panini? Top chef's tips for making grilled sandwiches at home Gourmet panini is still a hot trend and many people look to duplicate the bold flavors of restaurant-grilled sandwiches in the comfort of their own homes. While there are countless ways to create a warm delicious panino or grilled sandwich, natural cheese serves as the common thread throughout most recipes.

Back to school buying? Here's how to save money For students across the country, September marks the start of a new school year. And as every parent knows, that means shopping for back-to-school supplies. Here's how you can avoid unnecessary expenses and save money on important back-to-school gear.

Irresistible activities get parents and kids to play together Parent and kid time too often comes down to adults telling children to clean up, turn off the television and do their homework while kids do their best to ignore instructions. When it's time to "let kids just be kids," why not join them and be a kid again yourself?

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.

Shop smart and look fab with these fashion dos and don'ts Looking good this fall doesn't have to be difficult or expensive. Just consider these fashion tips from the pros to help develop a wardrobe that flatters your body's positives and minimizes the negatives.

5 ways to save money this holiday season Purchasing holiday gifts and hosting seasonal family gatherings around the dinner table can add up quickly. Saving money is a top priority for many families this year, and there are more ways than ever to save money during the holiday season.

Redesign the bedroom and teach teens valuable DIY skills The rainbow and kitten theme you picked for your daughter's room when she was a baby is now ruining her social life as a teen. And your son can't hold his head up among his teammates until you redo his room's pirate theme with something more appropriate for a teenage linebacker.

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.

Don't trash that banana peel - composting is an easy, eco-friendly alternative Recycling is certainly not a new concept. In fact, gardeners have been using one form of recycling - composting - for about as long as people have tilled the soil. Composting is a cost-effective, eco-friendly way to give your garden a boost.

Spruce up your holiday entertaining The upcoming holidays will not turn out the way Stephanie Andrews initially planned. The tight economy is forcing her to cancel her vacation to a sunny destination. But she's really not that disappointed. That's because Andrews is going to stay home and go all out decking the halls to create memories that she believes will end up being far more meaningful.

A veterinarian's top 10 tips for keeping pets healthy in winter Jack Frost is nipping at your pet's nose. Winter is here again, and cold weather can be uncomfortable and dangerous to your pet.

Learn the language of your health insurance plan How well do you understand your prescription health care plan? What everyone should know about their plan and how it affects their future.

Expert tips to take the stress out of holiday entertaining With the holidays quickly approaching, you can make a stress-free holiday meal with some handy tips from celebrity chef and expert entertainer Cat Cora, the first and only female Iron Chef on Food Network's Iron Chef America.

Top 10 tips for purchasing life insurance We all know getting life insurance is an important step in building a financial plan, and that it's easy to put off getting a policy because of uncertainty about life insurance and how it works. With these 10 expert tips, you'll be prepared to make the purchase that will protect you for life.

Choosing a career in the new economy Whether heading into the work force for the first time or perhaps being shuffled around by the economy, employees and future employees are evaluating and re-evaluating their career paths.

Are 3,000 mile oil changes really necessary? For years, drivers have been hearing about changing their motor oil every 3,000 miles, but times have changed, and the '3,000-mile mantra' may or may not apply to you and your car.

Make your home more inviting this season As families make their way indoors and begin closing up the windows, moms turn to smart and easy solutions for keeping our homes fresh, inviting and smelling great.

Savvy shoppers turn to creative handmade gifts The holiday season is fast approaching - a time when thoughts turn to families, friends, holiday get-togethers and gift-giving. For many consumers, remembering the special people in their lives is an important part of the holiday season, but they face the same dilemma every year when searching for "the perfect gift" - finding something that's meaningful and original, yet low in cost.

Half-ton truck owners now have a full-sized snowplow With more than 2.5 million half-ton pickups sold annually, these trucks are beloved for their versatility and durability. Whether they're being used to pull a trailer or haul a heavy load, half-ton pickups work hard and are fun to drive. And now, almost every half-ton pickup truck can also serve as an efficient, effective snow-clearing machine.

Tips for safe online holiday shopping The amount of online shopping has risen dramatically over the past decade. Online shopping this holiday season will continue the year-to-year growth that it has seen over recent years, growing from 37.6 percent of Americans shopping online in 2006 to 47.2 percent this year, according to research by pricegrabber.com. The American Bar Association offers some tips for staying safe while shopping online.

Simple lighting tips to dazzle holiday guests It's that time of year when driving around the neighborhood at night can seem almost magical. How do some homes manage to look so inviting inside and out during the holidays, while others seem to be suffering from the winter blahs?

Beware of online coupon scams The recession has been a period of ups and downs for many Americans. Unemployment is up, the stock market's down. Retail sales are down, but use of coupons - especially online coupons or coupon codes - is way up.

Riding escalators: A holiday safety reminder With autumn in full swing, families have already begun their holiday planning. While some will fight the long lines for holiday shopping sales, others will brave airport security and cross-country flights to be with loved ones.

Pro bono legal work makes a difference For one week at the end of October, law schools, law firms, bar associations and other legal groups from New York to New Orleans and Boston to Seattle will recognize work done by lawyers on behalf of the poor and underserved through the first national pro bono celebration.

Creative ways for your business to show personality No matter what your business, if you expect to make an impact, you've got to create and maintain a business personality. With communications changing at the speed of light, now is the time to get creative and go beyond just a logo on stationary.

Avoid common mistakes when the heat goes out The phrase "you don't appreciate what you have until it's gone" can apply to many things in life, but it's particularly relevant when the heat goes out on the coldest day of the year. In these situations, most homeowners will do practically anything to restore the indoor comfort level of their homes as quickly as possible. There are three common mistakes people tend to make when the air stops circulating at home.

Stay warm and healthy, keep heating bills down With the return of colder weather, you may be hesitant to turn on the furnace again - especially if you want to put off winter's high energy bills. And, as you start shutting the windows to keep out the cold, the quality of your home's indoor air can make it hard to keep the family healthy, especially when flu season kicks in and allergies act up. But whatever the weather, you have the power to control the world inside your home.

Keep your house fresh before, during and after the game Having friends over for a football party can create some interesting chaos in your house. Keeping everything clean - and smelling good - might be a challenge. Follow a simple game plan to keep your house fresh before, during and after the party.

How to cook like a TV chef The sauteed John Dory with fennel confit you had at that fancy restaurant may have been fabulous, but you think you could never recreate it at home, right? While cooking may be an art, it's not magic. With a few tips, the right tools and a few "insider" techniques, you can cook like the celebrity chefs you see on TV.

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.

Moms: save energy this holiday season As a mom, you understand how busy this time of year leading up to the holidays can be. Running around with school activities, working, planning parties, keeping the house and family organized and under control, squeezing in time to run the weekly errands and holiday shopping - it's not always easy.

Save on spending, not on cheer: ways to stretch your holiday dollars Americans will spend more than 3 percent less this year on holiday shopping, according to research by the National Retail Federation (NRF). Shoppers will also be looking for more sales and bargains, the NRF's survey suggests. If you're one of this season's more frugal shoppers, here are some tips for getting the out of your family's holiday shopping dollars.

First time homeowners: Clean house naturally with inexpensive improvements The excitement of making a home your own can dim the first time you open a cabinet door or look in the oven to realize not everyone shares the same commitment to good housekeeping. Tidying up your environment doesn't have to be a tough or expensive task. Moving into a new place is a great time to start fresh.

Act now to prevent costly ice damage later Ice dams may not be something the average homeowner has ever heard of, but they occur all too frequently during the winter months, resulting in costly damage. Left unaddressed, water seepage from ice dams can ruin ceilings, walls, attics and roofing.

How you can change the future of breast cancer One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. Other than skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women in the United States. Whether you've been affected by it personally, or one of your friends and family has been diagnosed, it seems everyone has a story to share due to the prevalence of this disease. There is hope.

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.

Candy crafts - a sweet way to spend family time With school in session, weekends become the best opportunity for quality time with your kids. Whether you're taking your family to the park or spending a day around the house, you can easily fill the time by planning several simple, budget-friendly, do-it-yourself activities. Ideal for indoor or outdoor time, these activities go a long way in creating memories without doing a number on your budget.

Leaf mulching and fertilizer: A back-saving, soil-enriching way to deal with fallen leaves This autumn, why not try working with Mother Nature by mulching fallen leaves instead of raking, bagging and condemning them to a landfill?

Power up your cleaning routine when seconds count At one time or another, everyone has found herself racing around the house with an armful of cleaning supplies, scrambling to tidy up for unexpected guests. But the prospect of surprise visitors need not cause a full-scale panic. Use these practical tips for completing a vigorous, efficient cleaning routine when every minute matters.

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.

What's lurking in your lunch? Tips for packing safer lunches You do everything you can think of to ensure your kids eat a healthful lunch. But do you also consider the safety of the food you pack in their lunch bags each day? Here's some expert advice on packing safe lunches.

Debunking common floor care misconceptions Whether it's the dog tracking in mud or the kids carrying in dirt and leaves, there are many ways floors can become dirty and unattractive. Unfortunately, for many people the process they use to clean their wood flooring might be doing more harm than good.

Weekend DIY projects mean lasting home improvements With the national median home price down double digits from the same time last year, it's no surprise that many homeowners are deciding to stay put. As a result, many are looking for ways they can improve their homes. Luckily, there are many do-it-yourself, cost-efficient home improvement projects that will do just that.

Laid off? What do you do now? When you first entered the workforce, you probably didn't anticipate the economy turning so sour. In fact, you've spent many years diligently promoting yourself up the career ladder and establishing a nice set of skills - only to find out your company can't afford to keep you around any longer. Now you can take those skills you've refined over the years and re-evaluate where you are in life.

Simple tips for elegant holiday hosting 'Tis the season to spend quality time gathered with family and friends at festive celebrations and holiday parties. However, don't let the stress of hosting a holiday party overwhelm you - it's easier than you think to plan an elegant celebration that is sure to impress friends, family and coworkers.

Confounded by cordless power tools? How to pick a winner When you use tools every day, you know the benefits of going cordless. But when it comes to finding the best, most powerful and technologically advanced cordless tools for the job, do you know what to look for?

Beauty basics to help you embrace autumn Fall is a time of transition. Not only do you need to prepare your skin for the cold months ahead, but it's time to transform your look from light and airy to soft and classic.

Nature's bounty inspires fall interiors The warm tones of the autumn harvest provide an inspiring palette for home decor by bringing seasonal beauty in from the fields. This transforms your indoor haven from one resonating light summer frivolity to something a little richer with more depth.

Savvy shopping tips for a stress-free holiday season 'Tis the season to be shopping. And, as holiday shopping lists continue to grow with family, friends, co-workers and even teachers to buy gifts for, it's important to be a smart shopper and not only stretch your dollars but also find quality gifts for everyone on your list.

Facing tighter budgets, more homeowners are rethinking remodeling With more Americans downsizing their household budgets, larger-scale renovation projects are out and frugal remodeling is in. And when it comes to saving money, experts say home improvement projects that increase energy efficiency are among the best investments to deliver paybacks -- now and in the future.

Become the ultimate cookie exchange host Cookie exchange parties are a holiday tradition that provides a fun-filled reason for friends and family to enjoy each other's company and fill up their holiday cookie trays.

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.

Snuggling up to a stove this winter? As the mercury drops and days get shorter, you may be snuggling up to a wood-burning stove to keep your tootsies toasty. With today's economy, alternative heat sources may become more popular as penny-pinchers try to minimize gas and electric bills.

Tips to help frugal motorists get the most from their vehicles The recession has made many people question their spending habits. Whether from necessity or choice, more Americans are making do with things they already own, instead of buying new. And when they do purchase, they look for value over flash.

How to redesign your home to suit your personality When guests enter your home, what they see is a reflection of who you are. What do you want that reflection to be? It's a seemingly simple question, but one that goes to the core of your personality. In order to redesign your home to reflect your real self, you have to know who that person is.

It's easier than ever to plow snow like a pro As more Americans stretch their budgets in hopes of accomplishing more with less, many owners of half-ton pickup trucks are purchasing a snowplow to handle their snow removal. Owners who want to put their pickup truck to good use are realizing the benefits of using it as a working, snow-clearing machine.

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.