Month: June 2012

Summer health: stop frequent heartburn

(ARA) - Summer is here, which means it's time to pack your bags for vacation, dust off your beach umbrella and fire up the grill. Unfortunately many people will not only feel the summer heat outside with friends, but also inside their chest. Summer is ...

Exploring what makes your garden grow this summer

(ARA) - When school lets out for summer, exchange those flip flops for gardening shoes. Add a pair of gloves, good sun-block and get out into the garden. Teach kids why the garden is so green and plentiful. How does a plant grow? Show and demonstrate ...

The good health advice you can easily follow

(ARA) - Some things we're supposed to do for our health may seem obviously difficult to accomplish: eating less fast food no matter how yummy it tastes, fitting an hour of vigorous exercise into every day, or giving up bad habits like smoking. You may ...

Simple tips to avoid calling your house insurance

Have you ever accidentally left a candle burning unattended? Or left home without turning on the security system? You probably made a mental note to yourself to not do it again, but otherwise didn’t think much about it. But next time, you might not get so lucky. A simple “uh oh” could lead to thousands of …

Easy tips to curb car care costs

(ARA) - Did you know it's possible to save hundreds of dollars a year when it comes to automotive expenses? You can save money and keep your car running longer by doing a little research and by upgrading some of the car care products you already buy. ...

Heat up your summer work wardrobe

(ARA) - Your sweaters have made their way to the back of your closet and your scarves, hats and gloves have migrated to the top shelf. And now, as you rush to get out the door for work in the morning, you might feel less than enthusiastic as you take s...

Pass the glass and pair the wine

(ARA) - You've been picking up a bottle of wine along with all the rest of your groceries for years. But have you been doing it right? Ever wondered why certain wines taste so good with certain foods? You're not alone. The answers are as simple and com...

Home furnishings that will stand the test of time

(ARA) - Shopping for home furnishings and accessories can be a rewarding experience, but it can also drain your wallet. So when it's time to find just the right items to furnish or just brighten up your home, you want to get it right the first time, be...

Seven unusual tips for hurricane preparedness

(ARA) - With hurricane season underway, those in the South and East are encouraged to revisit their hurricane preparedness plans. While stocking up on essential items - like food and water - and making necessary fixes - like boarding windows - are auto...

Creating the perfect master suite retreat

(ARA) - The master bedroom is the ideal place to take refuge from reality - and when it comes to creating the perfect bedroom and bath, casual and comfortable retreats are more appealing than formal, model-home-like spaces. The right color palettes, fu...

The heat is on outside, keep cool inside

(ARA) - As summer heats up, air conditioning bills can rapidly rise. As homeowners feel the heat, many are looking for ways to save and stay cool. Many U.S. consumers strive to conserve energy at home. Forty-seven percent of Americans say they try to ...

Easy kitchen updates that won’t break the bank

(ARA) - It goes without saying that the kitchen is one of the hardest-working rooms in the home. For most, it's the heart of family life and usually the one room where everyone gathers together. With so much hustle and bustle, it's no wonder that the k...

Bedrooms and Bedding: Spruce up on a shoe string

Even with a bare-bones decorating budget, you can still give your home a fresh look. It just takes a bit of creativity and an open mind, according to Ginny Bean, publisher and founder of Ginny’s catalog and Ginnys.com. “One of the easiest and least expensive ways to spruce up your home is to subtract from what’s …

Family-friendly tips to save energy at home

(ARA) - Saving money and reducing your home's energy usage are a priority for many homeowners these days. Some energy-saving actions such as switching off lights when leaving a room and turning off the water while brushing your teeth or washing your ha...

Tabletop gardens are edible centerpieces

(ARA) - With spring arriving earlier this season, gardeners across the country are inspired to plant now. Daydreams of fresh produce used in delicious sauces, salads and stir fries have many drawing garden plot plans and even starting seeds for future ...