How to make your cocktails the life of the party This time of year, homes across the country are bustling with friends and family celebrating the holidays with festive foods and drinks. Dairy products like butter, milk, cheese and cream are standard ingredients in celebratory dishes, but one area where dairy can play a starring role is often overlooked - the cocktail g...
Harmful sun exposure can happen at any time of year Protecting your skin from the sun is a 365 day-a-year job. Summer is officially over, but all the sun exposure from sunny days at a beach, playing outdoor sports or soaking up the rays may have damaged your skin, forming dark brown spots that make your skin look dull and lackluster. Even sun exposure during the winter mo...
Create a warm and stylish holiday wreath to welcome guests The front door is often the focal point of a house and the welcoming committee to guests as they enter your home. And as the attention-seeking centerpiece, it should always be looking its best. A great addition to any door is a beautiful wreath - either decorative or seasonal - to greet your guests and neighbors. Althoug...
Expectant parents: How to confidently prepare for your new bundle of joy You're pregnant. First, you're anxious and then suddenly you become overjoyed. Then you ask, "Now what?" It's typically the first question that excited parents-to-be utter after receiving the news of a positive pregnancy test. While it's true that babies lack instruction manuals, modern technology is giving parents acces...
Building isn't just for boys: Getting girls engaged in constructive playtime How many times have you walked into your child's classroom only to see the boys and girls separated into two different groups, playing with completely different toys? The boys are likely huddled around the building blocks, creating skyscrapers and forts, while the girls are busy painting and coloring.
Holiday meal preparation: Tips to coordinate the perfect feast Families everywhere anticipate the holiday season months in advance. If you have visions of delicious dishes and happy guests dancing in your head, you're certainly in the right spirit, but is your home ready to make that holiday daydream a reality? By prepping your home - and especially your kitchen - for the celebratio...
How to protect against identity theft at any life stage Identity thieves can strike at any stage of your life. However, the more you know, the better prepared you can be to take proactive steps to reduce your risk. For every milestone from graduation to marriage, from buying a new home to joining the military, or even becoming a new parent, identity theft poses a risk. Here's...
Give your identity a health checkup When it comes to your health, the old adage, "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure," still rings true. It's doubly valid when you're talking about the health of your digital and financial identity. Giving your identity a checkup is every bit as important as getting your annual physical and flu shot, or exercis...
Expert tips to prepare yourself and your home for the holidays As the temperature drops and the holiday season approaches, the pressure rises for those who will partake in the season's festivities. From holiday style to gifting, the list of holiday how-tos can seem overwhelming.
A road map to avoid common credit mistakes To err is human, but some mistakes - whether just dumb or well-intentioned - may seem like they can only be fixed through divine intervention. Common credit mistakes can make you feel that way. Staying alert and prepared can help you avoid some of the most-damaging credit mistakes.
Tips for stress-free travel Traveling is a wonderful opportunity to see the world, but it can come with stress that turns a vacation into an experience you quickly want to forget. Sticking to exhausting itineraries, eating an abundance of rich foods, and even planning a visit with family can turn an enjoyable vacation into a stressful experience. A...
Four costly car mistakes to avoid Car care is no longer defined by the season. Modern cars don't need special attention during the winter months with the exception of changing to winter tires depending on where you live. Instead, the reliability and life of your car depends on you following good maintenance practices. Avoiding these common car care mista...