Family

Family

The 24-7 Life of School Supplies

Just as work creeps into all aspects of adult life, a kid's school day is no longer just 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. From class to sports practice to hanging out with friends, kids move in a dozen different directions, and so do their school supplies. With today's fast-paced lifestyles, notebooks, binders and school products aren't confined to the classroom, and homework isn't always done sitting at the kitchen table. Here are some new school supplies helping students in their busy lives.

A Mother's Love Finds Shelter From the Storm

While Hurricane Katrina raged outside Beth Moore's New Orleans home, another storm had been raging inside it.

More Americans Search Online for Health Information

From time to time, people experience medical situations, but the symptoms may not always be serious enough to warrant a trip to the doctor, so where are people turning for information? According to the Pew Internet & American Life Project, eight million Americans search online for information regarding at least one health topic every day, and many are turning to MayoClinic.com.

Use Your Illusion: Playing with Magic Leads to Learning

A renewed interest in magic has led to a new generation of fans taking a "hands-on" approach to magic and practicing their craft with extensive new magic sets that offer much more than a simple pastime. Children are using magic to learn as well. Finding the right magic set for your kids is very important; there are a wide variety of sets available, ranging in skill level, quality and price.

How New Moms Can Pamper Themselves

Despite the obvious joys of being a new mom, it can also take its toll. Adjusting to motherhood can leave women feeling exhausted, stressed and frazzled. So how is it that celebrity moms always appear to be so well rested and pulled together?

Time-saving, Back-to-school Tips for the Savvy Mom

Before you know it, the kids will be back in school and moms everywhere will be busy arranging car-pooling schedules, packing lunches and helping with math homework. All the chores can be overwhelming, but by cutting corners and following time-saving tips like these, moms everywhere can enjoy a little more time for themselves without sacrificing their routine or their health.

A Hobby that Reduces Stress, Exercises Your Brain and is Fun at Any Age

Looking for a hobby that's not only fun but great for your health? How about taking up music? According to studies conducted by NAMM, the trade association of the international music products industry, playing a musical instrument can increase memory, reduce stress, lower blood pressure, build confidence and result in greater academic success.

Worried that Your Child Won't Get into Preschool?

When it comes time for your child to start preschool, most parents can't control their enthusiasm, but what do you do if the school turns you away because your son or daughter is not potty trained?

Long-Lost Friends Can Reconnect At High School Reunions, Even When The School Is

Ever wonder what happened to the girl you took to the sweetheart dance, the guy you always wished had asked you out or your childhood best friend? How about your high school's senior class president or the class clown? Whether it has been five years, fifty years or somewhere in between since you graduated, you can soon find out by attending a class reunion. But how are you going to find where all your former classmates are?

Digital Scrapbooking: Less Time, Less Mess Turns Traditional Scrapbooking on Its

Even though the scrapbooks are lovely to look at, give and cherish, in reality, their ingredients can often take over an entire room, or worse, a whole house. That's why many traditional scrapbook enthusiasts have turned to a digital format. It's less expensive, invasive and the options for creating, storing and sharing are endless.

What Role Should Local Grocery Stores Play in the Battle Against Childhood Obesi

These days, too many children are growing up snacking on candy and cookies rather than foods that are good for them like fruits, vegetables and grains. But if America's grocery stores have anything to do with it, that's about to change!

Find a Getaway in Your Own Backyard (and Beyond)

Road trip season is here. Have you decided where to go yet? If not, here's a place to turn for ideas.

Back to School Means New Environment, New Odors

If you have kids, from the time they're in the cradle to when they move into a college dorm and everywhere in between, they need help keeping their stuff clean. And when back to school season arrives, the backpack, sports duffle, locker and dorm room all take on smells of their own.

"Mom -- I'm Hungry!"

Kids get hungry after five minutes in the car. Moms or Dads who remember to pack little healthy snacks for their kids are less likely to incur the crying and moodiness that comes with hunger and boredom.

Keepsake Cookbooks: From Weddings to Reunions

Summer is the season for weddings, family reunions, graduation parties, garden parties and barbecues. For every such gathering, the one thing that is always present besides family and friends is the food. Many times, these occasions are special enough and deserve a family recipe cookbook.

Back-to-school Bonding at the Grill

Sara Lee Chef and busy mother Jill Houk understands the importance of finding a simple and delicious dinner that involves the entire family. Her solution: the grill. Often solely associated with summer months, fall grilling allows families to capitalize on the time they have together creating an enjoyable and collaborative cooking experience.

Where the Wild Things Hang Out

Remember when you were young and there was one house on the block where all the kids hung out? Every parent knows that giving kids a place to have fun with their friends is very important. Here's a way to quickly transform your basement into a fun place for your family.

For Seasonal Allergy Relief, Take Steps to Ensure Clean Indoor Air

This time of year, the flowers and trees are in bloom and a sweet fragrance wafts through the windows. But there's more than fragrance in the air -- the average home has 72 trillion allergens floating around inside.

Five Hot Home Computing Trends

For consumers who want to get the most value out of the latest technology, wading through the options can seem overwhelming. Here are five technology trends for real-life home computer users.

Summer Camp: How to Handle Your Child's First Big Trip Away From Home

Ahhh, summer. The kids are out of school and you're thinking about what they are going to do while you and/or your spouse work. The busy schedule. The endless e-mails and buzzing of the blackberry. The kids are whining because they want to do something. The perfect solution: summer camp. So what do you consider to make your child's first official "away from home" camp experience easier on you and your child?

Surviving After a Suicide: A Day for Healing

Research shows that more than 60 percent of people in the United States will know someone who dies by suicide during the course of their lifetime and more than 20 percent will lose a family member. These startling statistics translate into hundreds of thousands of family members, friends, neighbors and co-workers -- "survivors" -- who will be left behind to cope with the loss. Here's how to deal with this emotional situation.

Need Help with a Mortgage Loan? Try the Bank of Mom and Dad

News headlines continue to detail the struggles homeowners face keeping up with escalating adjustable rate mortgage payments, the collapse of subprime lenders and mounting home foreclosures nationwide.

Japanese Beetles Become Grubs, But That Isn't All

Every 1,000 Japanese Beetles swarming in your yard this summer means there can be 50-thousand grubs deposited in your yard by fall. Many people don't make the connection and believe the two problems are unrelated. Actually, the best way to eliminate Japanese Beetles is by attacking the grubs which is the weakest link in the Beetle's one year life cycle.

Laundry to Go: Tips for Packing Light

Whether your summer vacation takes you across the country or simply a few hours down the road, the Coin Laundry Association offers the following tips for packing light.

Wild Bird Foods That Fit the Bill

People understand that certain birds like particular types of food, but what most don't know is that the food a bird prefers has a lot to do with its bill (also referred to as a bird's beak).

Indoor Waterpark Getaways Mean Year-Round Family Fun

Vacation weather forecast? Although there used to be a time when rain or cold could ruin a vacation, a new getaway concept is making a big splash with families no matter what the climate.

Options for Paying for College

Do you have a son or daughter heading for college this fall? Are they prepared for the costs and financing decisions when heading off to one of more than 4,200 colleges and universities in the United States? Every year, the federal government makes more than $81 billion available to help 10 million families and students finance a postsecondary education.

Proactive Steps Prepare Parents and Students for Back to School

Going back to school can cause many emotions including anticipation, happiness, apprehension and exhaustion. But it's not just children who feel the stress and excitement of a new school year, parents do as well. With a little planning, the transition can go smoothly for the entire family. Here's some tips.

How to Keep the Kids Entertained in the Car

For many families, summer travel means hours spent together in the car - an environment known for pitting brother against sister, parents against children. Keeping the kids entertained, and the back seat relatively chaos-free, can be a top priority for motoring parents. Here are some ideas for backseat entertaining.

How to Protect Your Dog and Family From Tick-Borne Disease

Playing outside with the family dog is a joy during the warm weather. Whether you're running in a park or just playing catch in your own backyard, dogs offer companionship and delight. But with tick-borne diseases on the rise, dog owners need to be vigilant about making sure an unnoticed tick doesn't make their furry family member sick.

Tips for Back-to-school Technology Shopping

Remember when your biggest back-to-school shopping challenge was finding your elementary student the coolest pair of sneakers and trendy T-shirts? Today, shopping for school means making sure they have all the technology they'll need to make it through the school year.

Get Up, Get Out, Get Moving

Are your kids healthy and active or do they fit into the growing number of youngsters who are overweight? According to the federal government, obesity among American children is a major health concern.

Conquer School Year Clutter in Six Easy Steps

Clutter is inevitable, especially during the school year when a new batch of graded papers, permission slips and loot from classroom parties arrive on a daily basis. Here are six steps for minimizing school year clutter and getting organized.

Choosing the Right Toys for Your Little 'Learning Machine'

You know your baby is amazing, but did you know he or she is a virtual learning machine? Babies, even the smallest newborns, spend every waking moment learning, research shows. And they learn best through play with age-appropriate toys and loving interaction with their caregivers.

How to Plan a Family Friendly Summer Vacation

Before you know it, another school year will be over and it'll be time to go on that long anticipated family trip. Whether you'll be going sightseeing, heading to a national park or theme park or visiting friends and family, you want the trip to be enjoyable, and that means taking the time to plan ahead.

Destination Clubs: A New Trend in Luxury Vacationing

When dreaming of traveling, everyone has something different in mind. And when investing in a vacation or second home, you want to make sure you get what you want. For many, destination clubs are the answer because they provide the best of many worlds.

Summer Vacation Ideas for Every Mood

As summer approaches we get the urge to travel. Whether you want to make the trek to your favorite tourist attraction, or go somewhere and try a new activity, summer is a great time to travel.

Looking for a Way to Give Back?

Whether it's cooking a meal for the homeless or sprucing up a garden area, there are many ways to give back to those who are in need. But sometimes the hardest part about volunteering is finding the time and the right opportunity to get involved.

Five Tips for Parents on Safe, Fun Internet Surfing

Kids, computers and the Internet -- it can be a formula for fun and education or, if not wisely managed, a jungle of pitfalls and potentially dangerous situations for kids in the 21st century. It can take lots of dedication to effectively control your child's access to a home PC and the Internet. But for many busy parents the prospect of having to buy, install and maintain cybersafety filters and time management programs can be daunting.

Stain Fighting Tips from Dr. Laundry

Fun adventures may bring smiles to kids' faces, but for parents they can mean laundry marathons. Grass stains, grease slicks, pink lemonade puddles, and ketchup smears can mean spending more time in the laundry room, and less time outdoors.

Extend Outside Enjoyment with Retractable Awnings

Everyone wants to enjoy the beautiful weather that summer brings. But the warm sun and damaging rays sometimes force us to retreat inside, where we crank the costly air conditioning to stay cool. Consumers are looking for new ways to create an outdoor oasis so they can fully and safely enjoy the season.

Are You Ready to Change Your Life?

Feel like there is something missing from your life? Do you ever hear yourself saying, "If only I could 'blank' or my spouse or child would 'blank?'" then you may benefit from The Mountain Experience, a unique personal growth program that, over the course of five days, teaches people how to overcome the obstacles that are holding them back.

Is Your Child's School District Attracting the Top Substitute Teachers?

Another school year is about to get underway, and a lot of work is going on behind the scenes. One of the most important details administrators are dealing with is making sure they have an appropriate sized pool of qualified and prepared substitute teachers in place once classes get underway.

School Fundraising Made Easy

Fall is the season when leaves start to change and kids go back to school. We also see fundraisers surface for educational, athletic and arts programs that need financial support. Bake sales used to be the typical fundraiser. The popularity of them is easy to understand; helping out and sharing food build a sense of pride and unity. However, bake sales take a lot of effort and generate relatively small profits.

Don't Let Your Kids Get Hurt "Heeling"

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) stresses the importance of protective gear while engaging in a particularly new phenomenon … heeling. Heelys are shoes that have a wheel on the heel. These types of shoes fall into the category of inline skates which qualifies them as a sport, and carries warnings for their use including wearing protective gear such as wrist guards and helmets to avoid injuries.

A Parent's New Favorite Pastime: Digital Pictures

Face it: parents love to document their children's lives so that they can share the images with friends and relatives all over the country. And, when you add digital photos to the mix, it's even easier to do.

Distance Learning Options Changing the Face of Home Schooling

Parents who are concerned that budget constraints may be costing their kids a quality education are turning to home schooling. As in a traditional classroom, students ask and answer questions, participate in discussions, and take tests. But unlike a public or private school, virtual students have the advantage of completing their courses from home, allowing them the flexibility to work at their own pace.

Summer Travel Tips For Families On the Go

According to a ModernMom.com survey of more than 500 moms, more than 87 percent say they'll travel with their children this summer - despite high gas prices. Make the most of family travels with these fun and smart ideas.

New Direct-on-Disc Labeling System Simplifies DVD/CD Creation

If you haven't gotten in on the personal content revolution yet, now's the time to take the leap. Over the last few years, affordable DVD and CD recording technology has given us all the power to produce and distribute digital content.

What to Do When Your Loved One Needs Long Distance Care

You took that fantastic job offer in another state. Mom and dad were healthy and fine. As time passed, you were promoted and became successful. Dad passed away and mom is not doing well on her own. She's reached an age where daily assistance may be necessary and you're a 1,000 miles away. How do you manage this situation without picking up and moving your family or your mother?

Add Blueberries to Homemade Dog Treats

Making treats for your "best friend" is a great idea! When you bake biscuits for your dog, you know the ingredients are all wholesome and nutritious. And a healthy diet is just as important for dogs as it is for humans.

Baby Boomers are Embracing High Tech

Today's Baby Boomers are the first generation to grow up with television and contrary to popular opinion, recent studies show they are still the generation most likely to embrace new technology. In other words, Boomers are more likely than the younger generations to have a high definition television (HDTV), iPod, digital video recorders (DVRs) and subscription to satellite service.

Forget Filing -- Personal Health Records Can Organize Your Medical Information

One of the most important things a person can do is to keep an updated, accessible, and accurate record of their essential health information. Using a personal health record (PHR) can help simplify this process.Here's how they work.

Do a Great Thing for Your Community - Host a Foreign Exchange Student

The best way to experience another culture is by opening your heart and home to a young person from another country, and right now there is a huge need for host families.

New School Year Equals New Challenges

At the start of a new school year, students fret about things like who their lab partner will be, will they make honor roll and if they will have a date for the homecoming dance. While parents can't control every variable of their child's life, they can help them excel at responsible decision-making and dealing with peer pressure.

That's the Ticket: How to Score Some Summer Fun at the Last Minute

Summer is in full swing and if you aren't already in the middle of your "fun things to do this summer" list, you're behind schedule. It may be too late to plan that Fourth of July trip to D.C. that you've been dreaming of, but there are plenty of fun things that don't take a lot of pre-planning and notice. Thanks to the Internet, it's now easier than ever to organize a fun outing, from taking in a sporting event to soaking up some music at a concert.

Time-saving Cooking Tips for Healthy and Delicious Meals

Our cooking habits have become rushed and as a result, our food and diets suffer. Whether it's quickly running to the nearest fast food restaurant or casually throwing something in the oven, dinner is now viewed as more of a chore than a time to catch up with family and enjoy a delicious meal. Here are some healthy and time-saving ideas to help you enjoy great food in less time than you think,

Hey Mom, Bad Cough? It Could Be More Than You Think and Harm Your New Baby

When you bring a new baby home from the hospital, it seems everyone wants to stop by for a visit. While you may be concerned about your friends exposing the baby to germs, a new study confirms the infant's biggest threat of infection may be his or her closest family members.

The New Dad: How the Role of Dad is Changing

What kind of a relationship do you have with your dad? Gone are the days of the traditional mentor relationship such as Ward Cleaver and his sons Wally and Beaver.

Cornish Hens: Impress without the Stress This Summer Grilling Season

With the mercury on the rise, people are heading outside to prepare and enjoy their meals. In fact, according to the Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Assocation (HPBA) more than 17 million new barbecues were shipped in 2006, setting a record for new grill purchases. With a new grill comes a need for new recipes that are easy to prepare and will satisfy the entire family.

Does Summer Stress Make Your Tummy Tumble?

A recent survey of 500 female digestive upset sufferers found nearly one in five say they dread the summer season due to their episodic digestive upset, but there is something that can be done about it.

Have Sores and Cracks on Your Hands and Feet that Won't Heal? Here's a Solution

An Oregon pharmacist develops cremes that can heal sores and cracks on the hands and feet. She did it as a labor of love for her father. Here's her story.

Fire Ants Leave Pet Owners Fuming

When pet owners let Fido or Fluffy out into the safe confines of the backyard, too often they overlook the dangers that lurk in their lawn. But for the safety of their pets -- and family -- people should keep an eye out for fire ants, a petulant pest that presents a very real danger to their four-legged friends.

Don't 'Waste' Your Chance to Save the Environment and Some Money

How can you make your community more responsible for reducing waste and preventing global climate change? How can you help residents save money at the same time?

We All Have the Power to Grant a Wish

An estimated 100,000 children will be diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition in the next four years, according to a study conducted by the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the largest wish-granting organization in the world.

The Gift You Give Your Kids

A lot has changed through the years about the father-child relationship. Remember those old TV shows where Dad would call Junior into the study for a man-to-man-talk?

Staph Prevention Kit, Including DVD and Poster, Helps Schools Fight Rising Staph

The words "staph infection" used to only be uttered in hospitals or healthcare facilities, but the increase in the number of recent cases reported in the general public are alarming. Bacteria can be spread easily from person to person, and children might be at the most risk. Parents and teachers alike need to learn prevention now.

Sharpen Your Beverage IQ This Summer

One of the biggest summer challenges for parents is keeping good nutrition in check. Lack of routine, road trips and hot summer days create the perfect storm for children to satisfy their thirst with a sugary beverage.

Active Outdoor Play -- Are Kids Getting Enough?

According to the American Association of Obesity, today's youth are considered the most inactive generation in history. So what can you do to turn things around for your child? A good place to start is by showing your son or daughter that you're serious about improving the situation.

High Tech Decks: Gen X Homeowners Fuel a Trend

Pragmatic, practical and particular, Generation X homeowners want to spend their free time relaxing, not working. When it comes to home maintenance, less is definitely more.

Spring Fling on a Budget: Hitting the Best Beaches Before Summer Crowds and High

As we bid farewell to winter, tropical hotspots bid adieu to the tourists looking to escape the chill. Low-occupancy makes spring one of the best times for the budget-minded vacationer to hit the beach.

Online Social Networking Grows Up: Move Over Kids, The Boomers Are Coming

Social networking -- connecting with people and forming communities using Web sites and online tools -- used to be only for the young who meet new friends at sites like MySpace and Facebook.

Children Are Not Immune to Identity Theft

More than 60 percent of Americans say they know little about child identity theft and nearly half think the problem is not very common, even though Federal Trade Commission statistics indicate that the percentage of identity theft victims younger than 18 has virtually doubled in the past few years.

Gender's Role when Heeding Health Warning Signs

We're all familiar with the saying "A stitch in time saves nine" -- in other words, take care of a problem when it first comes up so it won't become overwhelming later on. Here are some tips to help you care for your health.

New Technologies Mean More Bang for Entertainment Bucks

Shortly after good old Alex Bell first transmitted the human voice, people realized the entertainment value of new technology. In a historical blink of an eye, technology, ever evolving and improving, became an integral part of our leisure life.

Calling All Pets and People: Show Us Your Special Moments Together!

A record number of people and their pets are experiencing the benefits of sharing time together. Beginning in August, cats, dogs and owners everywhere are invited to celebrate these special moments in the "Here's to The Goodlife" pet video contest sponsored by The Goodlife Recipe brand food and treats for cats and dogs.

Quest For Replacement China Awakens Family Memories

When Merry Anderson rediscovered six Mayflower plates in the back of a cupboard that had once belonged to her grandmother, the quest to find the rest of the set began. And she turned to the dish detectives for help.

Concerned About the Negative Side Effects of Oral Pain Relievers?

Ever taken ibuprofen or some other oral pain medication for deep joint pain or a back or shoulder ache, but then been concerned about the potential side effects? A viable alternative is to use a unique topical Ibuprofen cream like Ibunex that is used directly on the site of the injury instead.

Beat the Rush for the Top Ten School Supplies

Back-to-school season is here and whether your kids are first-timers or seasoned veterans, their school supply list is long. When shopping for school supplies, beating the crowds and finding the bargains can be a challenge. According to the National Retail Federation, last year Americans spent $17.6 billion on school supplies, with an average family spending approximately $527.

Emergency Nurses Offer Water and Boating Safety Tips for Summer

The summer season is filled with many enjoyable activities, many of which take place in or around water. As people head to beaches and neighborhood swimming pools, or take recreational boating trips, water safety becomes increasingly important. Drowning remains the second leading cause of injury-related death among children ages one to 14, and in 2004, boating accidents caused a reported 3,363 injuries and 676 fatalities.

Help Your Child Achieve School-Life Balance

Childhood today is more demanding than ever and parents are paying increased attention to how they can help balance their children's lives. With the start of a new school year approaching, Office Depot is offering parents a variety of tips and advice featuring organizational and time management solutions to help kids succeed in today's busy classroom and after-school environments.

New Poll Finds Stay-at-Home Moms Should Receive Six-Figure Paycheck

If women ruled the world, stay-at-home moms would earn an annual salary equal to or more than $100,000. That's according to a new poll from Woman's Day magazine and AOL.com, which found that more than half (52 percent) of women would pay a stay-at-home mom this annual salary.

Bringing Back the Family Dinner

While the kids enjoy summer fun, parents know that back-to-school season is just around the corner. With it will come the annual rush to get tots, tweens and teenagers ready to buckle down and hit the books for another year. However, amid the madness of daily routines lies a golden opportunity to rekindle one of America's most enduring and important traditions: the family dinner.

Fungus a Factor in Weight Battles

If you feel like you're losing the battle of the bulge no matter what you do, the problem may have less to do with what and how much you're eating than with what's living in the food and accumulating in the body for years: fungus.

Summer Vacation Time? Ohio's Amish Country Beckons Families

Summer is family vacation season. Soon the kids will be out of school and feeling the wanderlust inspired by warm weather. But families bored by the beach or tired of the theme parks can find themselves looking for something different.

How to Avoid the Emergency Room This Fourth of July

Hot dogs, barbecues and get-togethers are how many Americans will plan to enjoy Independence Day this year. But no one plans a trip to the emergency room for the holiday.

Innovative Ways to Stretch Educational Budgets

In all aspects of life, it takes a combination of traditional teaching and hands-on experience to learn new things. This is why field trips are so valuable for children. Problems with time and budgets can affect a group's ability to participate in field trips, but communities are stepping up to help kids continue learning.

Money-saving Tips for the Entire Family

Jonni McCoy is a leading expert on shopping and frugal living. She is the author of the acclaimed Miserly Moms, Frugal Families, and Miserly Meals and has established herself as a knowledgeable family budgeting expert. Here are some of her most useful tips.

Bike to Better Health This Summer

Bike riding is a favorite summer activity for young and old alike. From a quick trip down the block to a family outing at the park, a ride on a bike burns calories, helps heart health and, most importantly, is tons of fun! Here are some tips for getting the most out of your bike ride.

Probiotics: A Possible Solution for Tummy Troubles

Gastrointestinal issues are more common than most people think -- in fact, they wreak havoc on the lives of more than 65 million Americans each year. And a new survey indicates that women and children are often without relief.

Denim for the Real World

This fall, millions of kids will be returning to school, clad with new backpacks, lunch boxes and a school wardrobe including the latest in teenage-trendy jeans. With all the styles available for the younger set, it can be a challenge for parents to update their own denim wardrobe by finding a great fit that also flatters.

Rediscovering the Outdoors with Your Kids Starts in Your Own Backyard

With school almost out, summer is the perfect time to rediscover the outdoors. Experiencing nature's wonders firsthand -- admiring a garter snake slithering in the grass planting flowers in the yard or devouring strawberries picked fresh from the garden -- can prove as captivating as anything on the TV or video-game screen. So begin today to get your kids to celebrate and capture summer outside with our living planet.

Send Your Kids Back to School with Pencils, Notebooks and Nutritious Meals and S

Moms are often challenged when it comes to providing nutritious meals for their kids during the new routines and hectic schedules that come with back-to-school time. Here are some ideas that will make things easier on them.

Tales From the School Nurse: School Nurses Call for Classroom Cleaning Protocols

School nurses say more can be done in America's classrooms to help prevent the spread of illness, especially at the height of cold and flu season when more than half of school nurses, who were recently surveyed, send five or more sick children home each day. Here are some tips to help fight germs.

Coming Home to Stress-free Relaxation

When finally returning home at the end of the day, most of us want to enter an anxiety-free atmosphere in which the home becomes a retreat from the stresses of daily life. The living room is the perfect place to begin your home's transformation into a stress-free oasis.

Calling and Texting During Math Class? No Way!

Now that it's time for your tweenager to head back to school for another year, you may be asked: "Mom, can I have a cell phone?" It's a question many parents dread. As kids get busier with their after-school activities and social lives, a cell phone is the best way to stay in touch.

Five Tips to Keep Bugs Away from Your Family

Summertime, the old song goes, and the livin' is easy. From lounging by the lake to picnicking in the park, spending time outdoors with friends and family is what warm weather is all about.

New Survey Reveals Moms Of Toddlers Desire More Information About Toddler Nutrit

A recent survey of 500 U.S. women with children between the ages of 9 months and 3 years, found that many moms of toddlers lack basic nutritional knowledge, such as the USDA recommended number of servings of fruits and vegetables per day and the amount of calories per day they should feed their toddlers.

Keep the Pet, Eliminate the Odor

There is nothing like the smell of wet dog in a hot car. For pet owners who love their pets, this is something that goes along with owning a dog who likes to swim, roll in puddles, or even just get wet from the rain. You just put up with it, right? You don't have to. There is a solution.

Consumers Crave Indie Flicks, Friends' Reviews and At Home Movies

Are the days of the Hollywood blockbuster numbered? According to a nationwide Spout survey, yes. So where do film lovers go from here?

World War II Veterans Connect Via Online Database

They call it six degrees of separation, but in this case, it was only two degrees. Jim O'Donnell came to work at the United States Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C., as he had for more than 10 years.

Paws for Thought: Pet Products and Services Go Upscale

In 2006, pet owners spent $38.5 billion on their pets, according to the American Pet Manufacturers Association. The organization estimates that figure will approach $41 billion in 2007. High-end, luxury items and products account for a growing percentage of the total spent on pet products. Unless you're up on the hottest pet product trends -- like including high-end doggie dishes on your bridal registry -- you just can't call yourself a true pet aficionado.

Back to School Shouldn't Mean Back Indoors

Now that kids are going back to school, that doesn't mean they should trade in all their time outdoors for hours in front of the computer, TV or video games. The National Wildlife Federation (NWF) has launched a new program as an antidote for kids too wired to technology.

Ready, Set, Go -- Adopt a Cat!

This summer bring home a cat from your local shelter and add a lovable companion to your family. Although cats are the most common household pets in the United States, the unfortunate reality is, millions of cats around the country are in desperate need of permanent homes. Adopting a pet is, of course, not something to take lightly and you should always first consider the financial costs and lifestyle impact before acting on impulse.

Mompreneurs Work to Balance Family and Careers

It's the universal question all mothers face -- corporate ladder or home with the kids? Is there a way to do both, to really have it all? As women, we take on so many different roles: wife, caregiver, sister, corporate executive, girlfriend , Too often, we are so busy taking care of others, we forget to take care of ourselves.

Ten-Year-Old Girl Running for President

If someone were to ask you who is running for President in 2008, lots of names would pop into your head, but have you heard of Susie Flynn? She has a single issue platform: America needs to offer health insurance to the 9 million children in this country who don't have it.

How to Choose a Life Insurance Plan that's Right for You

Term life and whole life. You may know they're both types of life insurance, but when it comes time to buy a policy, will you know which one to purchase? To learn more, take this short quiz from SBLI USA Mutual Life Insurance Company.

Language Learning Can Create Success With Love, Work and Family

Whether it's finding the perfect job abroad, making a new friend, or even falling in love with someone from a foreign country, knowing how to communicate in the same language can open up new worlds for people. Here's an easy way to learn a new language.

The Family That Plays Together Stays Together

Children are only children a very short time before they head out into their own lives, busy with friends, college, jobs and, eventually, their own families. Research shows that children who enjoy a strong family life become happier and more successful adults. One of the most effective ways to strengthen a family is to create a family fun night, an evening set aside each week when the family gathers to spend time together. According to Alvin Rosenfeld, M.D.

As the Class of 2020 Heads to Kindergarten, Don't Forget to Start Saving for Col

While the cost of college has skyrocketed families are not saving enough. The good news though is that every little contribution helps and parents should know there are some simple steps they can take now to jumpstart their child's college savings for the future.

Send Your Kids to School with Pencils, Notebooks and Nutritious Meals and Snacks

Now that kids are settled back in school, moms can get excited about the increased structure in their childrens' lives, the numerous art projects that come home as gifts and about their lunchtime eating habits.

Struggling and Stressed, Helpful Tips for the "Sandwich" Generation

It's a term that's all too familiar for the estimated 22 million Americans who live it everyday -- the "sandwich" generation. Literally "sandwiched" between two generations, many of them find themselves struggling to raise their kids, care for an aging loved one and lead their own lives, including holding down full-time jobs. Here are some tips to help this generation make life easier.