Six tips for taking the best family portraits As the holidays approach, many families are planning annual portraits for personalized cards and gifts to loved ones. But this can be a complex planning ordeal for even the most organized person. In addition to coordinating schedules and what everyone should wear, it's just as important to focus on the best photography tips, tools and techniques to make the most of your family portrait.
Holiday shopping strategies: Save time, save money The festive spirit of the holidays comes in all forms. From parties and traditional holiday outings, to elaborate family gatherings, there is a lot to celebrate. But, in truth, it takes a lot of work to make an unforgettable holiday. One of the biggest tasks on everyone's to-do list is shopping for gifts, which can be bo...
Youth sports safety - 5 tips to help protect your little athlete Cringing at bumps, falls, trips and nudges is a common response among parents of young athletes. Seventy-two percent of parents of children ages 6 to 17 report that they are highly concerned about their child experiencing a head injury on the sports field, according to a recent survey conducted by NMI Research and DSM Nu...
Getting away from home for the holidays Holiday travel can be rewarding on many levels, from the enjoyment of being with those you love in a great destination to the pleasure of letting someone else cook holiday meals and clean up after guests. Whether you're a single person looking to celebrate the holidays with friends, a family gathering members together fr...
How to take the hassle out of holiday travel While everyone else eagerly anticipates the upcoming holidays, you're feeling like a Grinch because you're stuck organizing the family's travel plans. Whether you're heading over the river, through the woods or completely across the pond, the hassles of holiday travel can make anyone become a Scrooge. But before you utte...
Holiday safety tips for older drivers Trips to visit family and friends, nighttime drives to midnight Mass or to look at Christmas lights, emergency runs to the grocery store - driving is as much a part of the holiday season as gift wrap and Christmas carols. No matter where you live in the country, driving during the holidays presents some unique challenges...
Tips on saving energy at home this winter It's that time of year again when homeowners brace themselves for low temperatures ... and high heating bills. According to the Alliance to Save Energy, a nonprofit group that promotes energy efficiency, the average U.S. household will spend nearly $1,000 on home heating this winter. If you're concerned about the impact ...
From patch to table: the many uses of a pumpkin While pumpkins are most often associated with holiday pies, don't underestimate this favorite of the squash and gourd family. Not only is the mighty pumpkin delicious, but it is also quite the multi-tasker.
Tried-and-true come together with new in creative holiday traditions Every holiday season is built upon family traditions of years past. Whether it's enjoying holiday baking with friends or shopping with loved ones for gifts, traditions define the season. While honoring the past, traditions also open us to the opportunity to create new family observances, along with some great memories.
Holiday entertaining made easy The holidays are just around the corner, which means family and friends will soon get together at your home to celebrate. Whether you're hosting large or intimate gatherings, having a game plan in place well in advance of your event is essential. With a few simple steps, you can jumpstart holiday entertaining - and incre...
Governments prep for another snowmageddon While American drivers enjoyed a relatively mild winter last season, this time around the Farmers' Almanac is predicting a heavier than average snowfall for much of the country and adequate preparation for snow removal will be key to avoiding catastrophe.
A holiday tech gift idea for your favorite TV watcher If someone on your gift list this year loves to watch TV and wants to see all the top-rated shows for free - there's a gift out there that can grant them their wish and won't break the bank. It's a razor thin, indoor, high-tech HDTV antenna that pulls in all TV broadcast signals within 25 miles and makes them available i...
