Month: June 2012
(ARA) - Early summer marks the beginning of the California grape season. These bite-size treats are the perfect snack - crisp, sweet and only 90 calories per 3/4 cup serving. Grapes are also very juicy, making them a welcome source of hydration as outd...
(ARA) - You can't avoid it: Summer activities mean bites, bumps, burns and bruises. Make sure you're ready by stocking up on these medicine-cabinet basics: Over-the-counter pain relievers Summer is the time when people are breaking out golf clubs, gar...
Looking for a fun, kid-friendly activity to help your family appreciate the outdoors? Backyard birding is a great way to get the kids outside and learning more about the beautiful birds in your area. Here are a few helpful backyard birding tips to get ...
(ARA) - Most deck owners know that one of the keys to keeping their decks looking good is staining it every few years. However, while deck staining is a process that most homeowners are capable of doing themselves, finding the time to do it can be diff...
(ARA) - As Americans fire up their grills and the smell of charcoal pervades the blistering summer air, cheeseburgers claim the spot as the paramount menu item from coast to coast. Since the cheeseburger's epic debut in the 1930s, the summertime sta...
(ARA) - If your photos seem too bright, cluttered or ordinary, you can take simple steps to avoid these and other common photography mistakes. "Photographers know it takes a good eye, practice and patience to make the most out of every moment," says B...
(ARA) - Remodeling projects have increased in popularity over the past few years as homeowners have decided to improve on what they have, rather than take a risk in the real estate market. Whether you're hoping to sell your home or create a more enjoya...
Does it ever feel as if your house has shrunk? Mine has definitely got smaller in recent years. I suppose this has something to do with the fact that my babies aren’t babies anymore, and that our puppy Max is now a fully-grown black Labrador. We moved into our three-bed semi in south-west London five years …
(ARA) - Swimsuit ready? Not for long. Gaining the weight you lost preparing for summer is so easy, you're likely to do it without trying. If you don't stop the eating patterns that unintentionally cause weight gain, you'll never be successful losing bo...
(ARA) - Walking on the beach, frolicking in the surf, participating in sports, strolling through a theme park while on vacation - your feet will carry you through a lot of fun this summer. But can paying attention to them help you avoid the most common...
(ARA) - Hot and dry weather provides reason enough to think about simple ways to save water while still enjoying beautiful yards and gardens. You may even find that your efforts to be water smart may improve the health and appearance of your plants. D...
(ARA) - Last year's summer temperatures broke records in many areas of the country. Depending on where you live, this summer could be shaping up to be a scorcher for you. As temperatures climb, many of us retreat indoors, leaving our outdoor living spa...
(ARA) - Ants, though often small, are the biggest pests of the summer for homeowners. They can enter homes through tiny cracks, looking for water and food - mainly sweets, meats or greasy foods - in the kitchen or pantry area. Ants may also be forced i...
(ARA) - Termites live to eat. Their hunger causes $5 billion worth of damage each year in the U.S., damage most homeowner's insurance doesn't cover. In fact, a colony can devour a foot of 2-by-4 wood in only six months. And since termites are masters a...
(ARA) - Warm weather and outdoor entertaining go hand in hand. Sit back and relax this summer with family, friends and great food at your next backyard barbecue. No matter who or how many guests, you'll want to create a memorable gathering that keeps p...
(ARA) - Water is one of the most important and precious natural resources necessary for garden and lawn health. Now that planting is in full swing, getting plants established while using water wisely is essential for a successful growing season. With ...
(ARA) - Summer is a great time for a road trip. With kids out of school and longer hours of daylight, many families will head out on the highway to a variety of summer vacation destinations. For many, night-time driving will be an unavoidable necessity...
Summer itself is the perfect excuse to throw a party - no holidays required. All you need are the right festive ingredients to make sure that your friends show up and that everyone has a great time. So, whether you want to have an impromptu gathering i...
(ARA) - From neighborhood picnics to kids' play time, summer means outside time. Much of that activity occurs during longer daylight hours, but darkness is also a great time to enjoy warm-weather days. How can you create an environment that extends the...
(ARA) - When the weather warms and the heat arrives, it seems everyone has a reason to smile. Whether you prefer to cool off with a dip in the pool or with a tall cool drink in the shade, we all have ways to beat the heat. But what about your dog? Pets...