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Ten Ideas for Fun Times at Home

(ARA) - “There is nothing like staying home for real comfort.” -- Jane Austen Life isn’t always easy to navigate. Work, school, activities, people, and other things can at times pull family members apart rather than bring them together. Too often, we feel as if everyone is traveling on a different road. But we don’t necessarily have to change our road maps radically in order to find family time. . .

Don’t Hibernate! Some Ideas for Family Winter Outdoor Fun

(ARA) - This winter season don’t let your family hibernate inside. Why not put all that fresh snow to good use? Bundle everyone up and participate in some fun activities the whole family will enjoy. There are all kinds of ways for kids and parents to enjoy the outdoors together in the winter. Along with the typical winter sports, there are also games and creative projects that children really e. . .

Wedding Reception Tips for Brides on a Budget

(ARA) - The reception is traditionally one of the most expensive aspects of a wedding. However, by combining personal creativity and ingenuity -- the foundation of lifestylist Sandra Lee’s Semi-Homemade(R) philosophy -- with inexpensive, ready-made items available at discount retailers, brides-to-be and cash-strapped parents can host a beautiful wedding reception without blowing through the ent. . .

Kick Off a Stress-Free School Year

(ARA) - For many children, the first day of school doesn’t just mean new teachers and new friends -- it can also be a source of anxiety with homework and tests just around the corner. Fortunately, starting the year off right can help minimize a child’s stress levels throughout the year. “Parents can ease back-to-school anxiety and make a smooth transition from summer to school by starting a rou. . .

Trick or Treat –- Planning the Ultimate Halloween Party

(ARA) – What better way to celebrate the night of fright than to throw a Halloween party? Whether you’re expecting mini-goblins and ghosts or thinking of hosting adult Elvira’s and Frankenstein’s, decorations, frightful food and ghoulish activities will set the right tone for a Spook-Fest fit for even the most menacing vampires. The first step in planning your Halloween bash is to determine the. . .

How to make a family time capsule

Making a family time capsule can be a great activity to involve all the family. Time capsules can include all sorts of things… so fill it up with photos, trinkets and treasures and store it for years or even save it for a future generation!Making a family time capsule is quite simple. You need a container to be your capsule – choose one that is water proof, air tight and preferably fire proof a. . .

Caring for yourself and thus your during treatment for breast cancer

Battling Cancer is a tough time in anyone’s life. Perhaps the toughest. And it can have a huge impact on your family. That’s why we’ve decided to write this article on how to care for yourself during radiation for Breast Cancer.It very important to properly care for yourself during radiation for breast cancer. Keep in mind that after radiation you could feel fatigued for up to six weeks. Sleep . . .

Susan Dunn, The EQ Coach

Spring is coming … Easter is coming. I think of my Mom’s potato salad, dying eggs with my children, the years our bird dog spent all Easter morning ‘pointing’ the eggs we’d hidden Al fresco brunches with fresh strawberry crepes which later gave way to dining rooms formalities of lamb roast with mint jelly, and fresh asparagus, then evolving back to ham, potato salad and deviled eggs, like my Mo. . .

Have Bananas Lost Their Mojo?

Though their sexy shape may resemble a "GoldMember," modern-day bananas simply aren't shagadellic. According to Belgian and French scientists, bananas may become extinct within the next 10 years due to their lack of genetic diversity, which makes them prone to attacks by diseases.There are two primary fungal diseases attacking banana plantation, Panama disease and black Sigatoka. Biotechnology . . .

Is Your Dog Fat?

Obesity is one of the greatest health concerns facing dogs. You can and should do something about it. Overweight dogs may live shorter and less healthy lives and your enjoyment of their unconditional love and companionship may be shortened because of it. Extra pounds place an excess burden on bones and joints and can make arthritis problems worse. Overweight dogs are less able to exercise and . . .

Selecting the Right Gifts for Dad Has Never Been Easier

By William MathisHas your hunt for father's day gifts ever collapsed into feelings of resignation that dad will just have to make do with one of the tried and true items from previous years? Does finding the right gift for dad seem to take too much time and effort?Selecting just the right gift is an important way to say you care, and it’s not so difficult as it might appear.Some people give up . . .

Holiday Baking Tips: Dessert won't be humble pie anymore

Dessert won't be humble pie anymore(NC)—As the holiday season arrives, our menus are sure to include tasty treats and yummy desserts, including traditional and new, anything-but-humble pie flavours. Pies are a favourite way to end a meal and they've been part of our culture for a long time. Did you know... the early Romans probably made the first pies, a humble pastry stuffed primarily with mea. . .

Sharing parenting responsibilities

So you’re a new parent? Congratulations! But have you thought about all the extra responsibility you’ve just taken on? Welcome to the world of parenting responsibilities.Your life has just changed, and it’s not about to go back to the way it was. The best thing you can do is to adjust quickly to your new lifestyle. A good way to help this process is to share parenting responsibilities evenly be. . .

Great Audio Gift Ideas -- Big Sound, Small Price Tags

(ARA) – It’s that time of year again. Time to go shopping for holiday gifts, and this year, the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) expects an estimated 78-percent of Americans to purchase electronics. Kate Connors, resident audio expert at Cambridge SoundWorks, believes audio products are going to be big this year. “Prices are coming down and there are a lot of affordable gifts worth consid. . .

The Art of Gift Giving

(ARA) – Fall is a time of year when people do a lot of entertaining, and if you’re invited to a get-together, it’s always good etiquette to bring along a gift. “A gift serves as a token of your appreciation for the invite, and it is a special way to celebrate family and friendships, to capture a treasured memory and make people smile,” says Dale Spalding, senior buyer of decorative accessories . . .

‘Tis the Season for Toys: America’s Pop Culture Looks Toward Japan

(ARA) – The hustle and bustle of the holiday season has officially arrived. As Jack Frost begins to nip at your nose, you may find yourself overwhelmed by the variety of toys available for your little ones. In perusing toy shelves during holiday shopping this season, you’ll be sure to notice the popularity of Japanese influence in American kids’ brands continues to dominate. Go to the movies, w. . .

Ideas for Adult Screams this Halloween

(ARA) - Even though trick-or-treating may be out of the question for most adults, Halloween doesn’t have to be a holiday just for the kids. In fact, it’s a perfect time to recapture the excitement of youth by either dressing-up or just getting together to have fun with the guys and ghouls. Fortunately, you don’t have to be a professional party planner to host a devilishly clever Halloween party. . .

Social Security Disability FAQ

Social Security Disability FAQWHAT ARE SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS?Social Security Disability is a benefit received from the Social Security Administration by disabled workers and in some cases their dependents, similar to those received by retired workers.WHO QUALIFIES?To receive benefits under the Social Security Disability program, you must have a physical or mental health problem (o. . .

Dessert Tips:Enjoy these pie possibilities

Enjoy these pie possibilities(NC)—There may not be a better dessert than a mouth-watering slice of pie fresh from the oven. But serving your pie with a dollop of whipped cream, or "a la mode" with a cool scoop of vanilla ice cream can dress up this treat. Add a dash more creativity and a humble pie becomes a true work of art that will have your family and friends coming back for seconds."You ca. . .

Creative Costume Ideas for Kids

(ARA) - Halloween is one of my favorite holidays. I love the outdoor decorations and I enjoy seeing the creative and clever costumes our neighbors dream up for their children -- everything from superheroes and pop divas to cartoon and fairy tale characters, animals and even insects. One thing I’ve noticed is you don’t have to be a magician or an artist to make an imaginative costume, even at th. . .

It’s Never Too Early -- or Too Late -- to Save for College

(ARA) - On Parent’s Day, July 27, children everywhere will thank their moms and dads for all they’ve done for them over the years. Every parent wants to give their children the best in life; for many parents, part of this equation is planning for their children’s college education. “It is never too early to start planning how you’ll help your child pay for college,” says Jane Ann Schiltz, vice . . .

Toolboxes Make Versatile Holiday Gifts

(ARA) - If you’re looking for a practical, useful gift that will be appreciated by just about everyone on your gift list this holiday season, look no further than your local hardware store. Toolboxes make a great gift, whether you’re buying something for a college student or your favorite “gear head.” Toolboxes come in all sizes, can be made of metal or plastic, and can be plain or fancy. Choos. . .

Giving Great Gifts the Easy Way

(ARA) - Here is a hint: she probably doesn’t want a blender. When it comes to finding the perfect gift for your mother, sister, friend, aunt, daughter, wife or business associates where does one look? You want to dazzle her, melt her heart and give her something she will treasure. We all want to give memorable gifts -- but where do we find them? The answer to finding the perfect gift may also c. . .

Teach Your Little One Latin

(ARA) – If your child is still in diapers, and just now beginning to communicate, now is the time to introduce him or her to a foreign language. That may sound ridiculous, but there are numerous studies to back up the recommendation. Kids are like sponges, so it should come as no surprise that even before they’re talking in sentences, with a little repetition, they’re able to learn and remember. . .

One of This Year's Hottest Holiday Gifts

(ARA) - When your friends and family gather around the tree on Christmas morning to see what “Santa” brought them, you don’t have to be there in person to enjoy the looks on everyone’s faces. Get them a camera phone equipped with Multimedia Messaging (MMS) and they’ll be able to send you an instant message of thanks. “Whether your loved ones live in the next town or on the other side of the cou. . .

Give the Gift that Keeps on Giving

(ARA) - Thanks to the Internet, and a nonprofit Web site called VolunteerMatch, finding an organization in need of volunteer help has never been easier. VolunteerMatch is dedicated to bringing community service organizations and volunteers together. The simplicity of the VolunteerMatch service has already helped more than 25,000 nonprofits post nearly 30,000 volunteer opportunities online. As a. . .

Home for the Holidays

ARA) - The holiday season is a time to step back from daily routines, reflect and spend time with loved ones. This year, take time to truly feel the holiday spirit by gathering family and friends together to decorate the home for holiday festivities. Try these 10 special yet simple activities to be enjoyed with loved ones: * Fill your home with the warm, beautiful light of candles. During the h. . .

Gathering with Extended Family for the Holidays Doesn’t Have to be Painful

(ARA) - Aunt Edna is upset because Cousin Billy is bringing his new girlfriend, and she doesn’t think she should have to buy her a gift. Sue and Harry’s family can only come on the Saturday before the holiday, and Aunt Judy insists that everything be home cooked. Considering the obstacles and opinions, why will Americans mob the airports and highways this holiday season, as they do every year, . . .

Home Fire Sprinklers and Smoke Alarms -- A Life-saving Combination

(ARA) – How safe is your family? How safe is your home? Every year on average, more than 3,000 people needlessly die in fires that take place where we feel safest: our homes. At the same time, hundreds of thousands of valuable residential properties are destroyed by fire. Are you sure your family is protected if fire strikes? The nonprofit Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition (HFSC) wants to make sure. . .

Coins Safe Alternative to Halloween Candy

(ARA) - Many grown-ups are turning to candy-less treats for the ghouls, ghosts and goblins knocking on their door. With growing concerns about the tampering of candy, not to mention the nutritional detriments of traditional Halloween treats, more and more grown-ups are giving coins to little ghouls and goblins. Generally considered to have been first made in the regions of Lydia and Ionia -- no. . .

Santa’s Bag Overflows with Woodworking Projects

Shopping Tips from the Industry’s Leading Retailer of Top Quality Woodworking Supplies, Materials and Tools (ARA) - Wondering what to place under the tree this year for family and friends? If you’re like many people, the choice may be a woodworking project. Woodworking is an appealing hobby for people of all ages -- and for both individuals and families. “As a result, many folks will see Santa’. . .

World’s Largest Photo Collage Unveiled

(ARA) – The next Olympic Games are less than a year away, but records are already being set in the host city: Athens, Greece. Recently, a mural displaying “The World’s Biggest Smile” was unveiled in Syntagma Square, in the heart of the capital city. The 16,609 photos that make up the giant collage have secured Kodak, a long standing sponsor of the Olympic Games, a new Guinness World Record for . . .

Christmas Music Continues to Inspire, Soothe, Reflect a Season

(ARA) - Whether it’s in a majestic cathedral, a school auditorium or a shopping mall, there’s nothing like a familiar Christmas melody to put a person in the holiday spirit. It’s amazing how the familiar strains of “Silent Night” or “Joy to the World” create feelings of joy, hope and peace. Why does Christmas music evoke such strong emotions? Music educators and Bible scholars at Northwestern C. . .

Pet Pampering Popular with Animal Lovers

(ARA) - When people need pampering, they’ve long retreated to their favorite spas, treated themselves to special gifts and savored their favorite foods. With increasing frequency, more and more pets are enjoying the same kinds of tender loving care. In a recent survey by the American Animal Hospital Association, a majority of pet owners said they had cooked special meals for their pets, given t. . .

Americans are Turning to Traditional Gifts for Holiday Season

(ARA) - With daily lives run by cell phones, e-mails, and “personal digital assistants,” it’s no wonder Americans feel such a strong desire to reconnect with family, friends, and tradition during the holiday season. And what better way to reconnect than by giving traditional gifts with a handcrafted, personal touch? Teddy bears have always been a welcomed site on Christmas morning, especially a. . .

Family Fire Safety

(ARA) - Do your kids know what to do in the event of a fire? Do they know who to call or what to say? How much have you taught them about fire safety? According to the United States Fire Administration, more than 80 percent of fire deaths occur in residences and cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires and fire injuries! To keep your family protected, it is the responsibility of every . . .

Wisconsin Offers Unique Valentine's Gift Ideas

(ARA) - From an indoor water park or romantic spa weekend to gift baskets of distinctive wines and microbrews, Wisconsin offers plenty of great -- and unexpected -- gift ideas. Wisconsin Outdoor Attractions Is your hard-to-buy-for person a lover of the great outdoors? Consider gift certificates or passes that deliver some of the best activities in Wisconsin. People who enjoy nature will appreci. . .

Add Some Light To Your Life With Candles

Candles first served as the main source of light for early civilization. They have made many changes through the years. The candles of today are not the same candles from hundreds of years ago.Before the introduction of wicks, early Egyptians lit their reed torches by soaking them in molten tallow, which is fat from sheep or cattle. Romans later developed wick candles which they dipped into t. . .

Puppy Love

Everybody loves puppies. Who can resist those cute little faces and wet noses? Puppies can be a lot of fun, but they also come with a lot of added responsibility.More than five million puppies are born every year in the United States. In fact, one in every three families owns one or more dogs. A female dog carries her puppies for a term of approximately 60 days before they are born. Puppie. . .

Train Your Dog With Respect

Proper training of your dog should begin when he is a puppy. The first four months of a dog’s life are very important in the training of your dog. This is when they learn behaviors that they will practice in the future.Socializing your dog is one of the most important things you can do to influence your dog’s future behavior. As soon as you bring your new puppy home, you should start letting. . .

Priorities: Don't Dry Your Dishes

By David Leonhardt Do your dishes really need to be dried, or could you just let the water evaporate? If you spend just 5 minutes per meal drying dishes, that equals a quarter of an hour per day, or 91 hours each year.Imagine spending almost four days in a row standing at the sink drying dishes. No eating. No sleeping. No bathroom breaks. Just drying dishes for four days straight.Now imagi. . .

"Divorce Decision: Things To Consider When Making A Decision About Divorce"

When making a divorce decision, there are quite a few things that you should consider. Too often people find themselves unable to clearly identify what they need to think about when making a divorce decision which leads to further indecision and frustration. When making a serious divorce decision, having an open mind and listing the things that will figure into your decision about divorce, will. . .

Backpacks and Bullies. Is Your Child Prepared?

As the flurry of Back to School activities subside, parents are left to ponder more pressing issues than notebooks, backpacks, and sneakers.Will my child succeed this year? Will his academic and social growth meet my hopes and expectations? Have I done everything I can to make this possible?If you haven't prepared your child for the school bully, not only could your dreams and aspirations end i. . .

A Minute Can Turn into Hours for the Child of a Work-at-Home Mom

In theory, working at home is an ideal situation. But in reality, it's difficult to balance the needs of your family with the needs of your clients.Phones, fax machines and e-mails have no common courtesy, nor does your client really care about your personal situation. You are simply a means to an end consisting of a telephone number, an e-mail address and a 1099 at the end of the year. For the. . .

How Two Quarelling Kids Helped Invent the Better Behavior Wheel

When David was nine and Laura was twelve, the battles started. Prior to that, they got along great. Laura was always protective of her little brother, and he in turn, doted on her. Perhaps it was about needing space, asserting independence…whatever the reason, it drove my husband and I crazy. It would start over the tiniest of excuses. One minute the house would be quiet, and the next they'd be. . .

Reclaiming Holiday Joy: One Family’s Heartwarming Story

(ARA) - Two years ago, the Peterson family cancelled Christmas. There was little to celebrate. Their son Brian was sitting in a detention center. After nearly four years of troublesome behavior, Brian’s last brush with the law brought his family to the boiling point. Something had to be done. The Petersons believed they had little to celebrate and put all their energy into finding a solution fo. . .

A Grandparents Getaway to New York City

(ARA) – More and more grandparents are taking to the road with their grandchildren, representing one of the travel industry’s fastest growing trends: grandtravel. According to a 2003 survey by YPB&R, a travel marketing firm, about one in three grandparents has partaken in grandtravel, defined as grandparents vacationing with their grandchildren but without the parents. Grandtravel allows grandp. . .

Last Minute Gifts to Rescue Your Mind and Wallet

(ARA) - For most people, the holidays are a wonderful, exciting season devoted to friends, family and festivities. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa, exchanging gifts is an eagerly anticipated part of holiday celebrations. However, this same holiday tradition can also be completely nerve-racking, with crowded malls and the stress of finding the right gifts for the right . . .

The ABCs of Buying Luxury Watches

(ARA) - While a watch’s main function is to tell time, more and more of today’s timepieces offer extra benefits -- some serve as two-way radios, have built-in computers, or even monitor your position on earth using GPS. But while watches as a whole have increased in their utility, some go beyond the trendy bells and whistles and offer something more -- timepieces that are built for life. Better. . .

How to Enjoy Your Own Party: Tips for Effortless Entertaining

(ARA) - There's nothing worse than throwing a party for your friends and not having time to enjoy it. No host wants to be stuck in the kitchen juggling last minute dinner details while everyone else is having fun. But how do you manage to get everything done and still be able to participate in the festivities? How about a few tricks of the trade from a professional chef to assist in the plannin. . .

"Divorce Advice: Getting Divorce Advice From the Right Source"

Getting the right type of divorce advice depends on what type of divorce advice you want and what you want to use it for. When looking for advice about divorce, it is smart to clearly define what you are seeking the advice for so you can be sure to look in the right places.Seems simple enough right? Yes, but...lots of people who are deciding about divorce and seeking divorce advice lump the cat. . .

Give a Gift that Shows You Care

(ARA) – There’s no need to run yourself ragged at the mall searching for that perfect gift for a friend or loved one. Why not give them the gift of health and well being: a fitness center membership. According to the Surgeon General's Report on Physical Activity and Health, those who exercise regularly reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, obesity, osteoarthritis and. . .

Be the Difference to a Child Who Needs You Most: Volunteer

(ARA) - Before becoming a judge on a television court show, I served as a juvenile court judge in Atlanta. I dealt with many types of cases -- some were terrible accounts of crime and assault, while others were petty offenses. But the cases that dealt with horrifying accounts of abuse and neglect were some of the most difficult and memorable cases I heard during my time on the juvenile court be. . .

Triumphing Over Tantrums

Before you had kids you probably witnessed an out of control child having a temper tantrum at the store. More than likely you thought or said, "If that was my child, I would ______". Well now here you are with children of your own dealing with these exact situations. Temper tantrums are a normal part of life with toddlers and preschoolers. Almost all young children have tantrums occasionally. I. . .

Nourishing Your Network

It takes less effort to keep an existing customer than to gain a new customer. This is Business 101. Corporations focus on acquisition, but they must also focus on customer service and retention in order to be successful. So why don’t people apply this philosophy to their personal network? For some people the word “networking” conjures up events where people pass out business cards indiscrimina. . .

Grooms Get Personal With Their Rings

(ARA) - With this ring, or maybe that ring, grooms have more choices than ever before. Once upon a time the plain gold band was the only choice for a man’s wedding ring. While brides-to-be deliberated over filigree, gem stones and other detailing, grooms simply told the jeweler their finger size and went on their way. But times have changed. Today grooms have a host of options, from intricately. . .

How To Stop Your Cat Scratching Your Furniture - Forever!

Your cat scratching at your furniture can not only leave you out of pocket but also very frustrated and annoyed at your cat for being such a bad little kitty. Cats need to scratch, it is something that cats instinctively do, not as you may think, in order to sharpen their claws, but to remove the old layers of their nails.Do not punish your cat for scratching, or for anything you see as bad ca. . .

Pastime’s Popularity is Growing By Leaps and Bounds

(ARA) - Some of the most popular pastimes in America today involve intricate detail, precision and patience. What’s the reason for the surge in sewing, scrapbooking and cross-stitching? These days, Americans are eager to stay home for security, togetherness and some good, old-fashioned entertainment. Handiwork is soothing and satisfying. And in a complex world where few daily projects reach com. . .

Why You Need a Guardianship for Your Minor Children

(ARA) - Planning for the future sometimes means contemplating some sad thoughts. If you and your spouse were to die in a car accident tomorrow, what would happen to your children? If you don’t have a will in place, you may not like the answer. “It’s not something we like to think about, but it’s absolutely necessary for everyone with minor children to draft a will and name a guardian within the. . .

Thrift Shopping Do's and Dont's

Value Village/Savers Thrift Stores present their top tips for finding bargains among the racks.(PRWEB) April 10, 2004--Whether you’ve never been inside a thrift store before, or are a seasoned hunter of bargains, Savers/Value Village stores have provided the following tips to make your thrift shopping experiences fun and successful! DO'SDo stay open-minded! Thrift stores provide that ultimate t. . .

Breastfeeding - Handling Criticism

Feelings about how to parent seem to shift with every generation. A new way of parenting, sometimes called attachment parenting, has emerged and it challenges many of the rigid teachings of our mother's generation. Although breastfeeding is on the rise now, women are still dealing with the repercussions of previous generations. Not too long ago mainstream women did not breastfeed at all and the. . .

Host and Hostess gifts made easy

(NC)—As the holidays draw near, many people will be receiving invitations from family, friends and neighbours to get together for some holiday cheer. Proper etiquette is to bring a little something for the host or hostess. The holiday gift team at Canadian Tire has a few suggestions on how to pick a special something for the gracious host. • Often people bring a bottle of wine. Why not compleme. . .

Holiday tree trends: Choose a new theme to decorate your tree

Choose a new theme to decorate your tree (NC)—Trimming the tree is an activity that captures the holiday spirit and reflects personal style. The decorating team at Canadian Tire suggests these new ways to dress up your holiday tree. Pick an entirely new theme or incorporate fresh touches to complement an existing look.Top tree decorating trendsWhen considering a theme to complement your home dé. . .

Can cats and dogs live together as friends?

Can cats and dogs live together without constantly being at war? It seems that they very often can.We often hear people claim to be a "cat person" or a "dog person", but browsing through the various pet forums it appears that there are many of us that equally like both cats and dogs.My son has a beautiful Border Collie who was the only pet of the house until she was five years old. Then three . . .

Make a Valentine for Mom: Digital Cameras Make it Easy for Kids to Preserve Memories

(ARA) - Digital photography is fast emerging as a popular family-friendly hobby. A recent survey of 1,500 parents and children conducted by Harris Interactive found that almost nine in 10 kids are enthusiastic about engaging in projects with their parents that involve technology, such as using digital photos to create greeting cards. Children are fascinated by photography. They won’t settle for. . .

"Divorce Reasons; What Constitutes A Viable Reason For Thinking About Or Wanting A Divorce?"

According to the Center for Disease Control's National Vital Statistics Report of 2002, 50% of first marriages ended in divorce and 60% of remarriages end in divorce. But, the Center for Disease Control also found that 96% of Americans express a personal desire for marriage, and almost three-quarters of Americans believe marriage is a life long commitment. I imagine that there are somewhat simi. . .

Stop! Don't give your cat that Chocolate...

"Where's the harm? My cat seems to enjoy chocolate and it's only a small piece."Just because certain foods, such as chocolate, are enjoyed by ushumans and are perfectly safe for us, it does not mean they are suitable forcats. Chocolate contains chemicals which rarely cause problems for humans,but for cats and other domestic pets, these chemicals can, in rare cases, be deadly. One problem is tha. . .

Pack n' Ship Tips for the Holiday Season

(NC)—The fun and frenzy of holiday shopping doesn't end at the mall – you still have to get the packages to friends, family and business associates in time for the holidays, and in one piece."Taking an extra moment to carefully package items correctly saves everyone money in the long run and lessens some of the holiday stress," says Barbara Foster, a packing trainer for Mail Boxes Etc. (MBE) wh. . .

Holiday Gift Guide for People Who Enjoy “Must See TV”

(ARA) – Hard to believe this is going to be the last holiday season that Rachel, Ross, Chandler, Monica, Phoebe, and Joey gather around the Christmas tree and Hanukkah Menorah to share memories. NBC’s Friends is coming to an end after a 10 year run on the network. The show about love, life and lattes doesn’t wrap up until after the all-important May television ratings book, but if you know some. . .

Gift Ideas for Families

(ARA) - Video games, scooters, new gadgets and the hottest new toys -- the holiday shopping list can go on and on and cost quite a bit of money, and choosing gifts can be very stressful and time consuming. Why not simplify your shopping by selecting a single gift that the entire family can enjoy? Buying one gift eliminates the anxiety of trying to find exactly the right toy or the correct size . . .

Innovative Gifts Make Driving Fun, Safe

(ARA) - Let’s face it -- Americans spend a lot of time in their cars -- commuting to work, carpooling to school and sporting events, family trips. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the average American drives about 10,100 miles a year. Why not make that road time more pleasant and convenient? AutoSport helps motorists put the fun back into driving with a wide variety of unique. . .

Snowmobiling Becoming a Family Affair

ARA) - There are over 4 million snowmobilers in the United States and Canada, and studies show that snowmobiling has become a family activity. A survey by the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association (ISMA) shows that 95 percent of snowmobile enthusiasts consider it a family sport. “Snowmobiling is a wonderful way for families to share an active, outdoor lifestyle in the winter, spend. . .

Holiday Entertaining Made Easy

(ARA) – Every year around this time, the number-one complaint people make is that there isn’t enough time to get everything done. You have to put up the lights, decorate your tree, shop for gifts, and send out cards. As if those tasks weren’t stressful enough, a lot of people also decide to add holiday entertaining to the list. There’s no getting around the fact that putting on a holiday party . . .

Don't Let Rising Cost of Tuition Put Your Family in a Bind

(ARA) - The rising cost of tuition has put many families in a bind. A survey conducted by the National Association of State Universities and Land Grant Colleges found that tuition at public institutions increased in 37 of the states that responded. In Arizona, California and New York all surveyed schools reported in-state tuition increases of at least 20 percent. Tuition at the State University. . .

Gifts with a Purpose

(ARA) - Your holidays will sparkle even brighter when you give a gift that helps make children’s wishes come true. This year, Things Remembered offers a collectible holiday ornament, musical snow globe and star keepsake box -- all benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Make-A-Wish gifts became a tradition at Things Remembered in 1998 when one critically ill child, Elysia, wished to give her fam. . .

Hey Parents, Stop Before You Shop: Here’s How to Avoid Holiday Teen Gift Faux Pas

(ARA) - As the holidays go by year after year, trendy gifts come and go. A few years ago we witnessed the truly engaging battery-operated, wall-mounted singing fish. Rewind to the decade prior and we find the puzzling Rubik’s Cube, as well as a dozen theory books on how to solve it. But holiday seasons throughout time have shared one common truth. It’s a constant struggle to find that perfect g. . .

How to Paint Your Cat

Why paint your cat? After all cats are beautiful creatures if you want to appreciate the appearance of a feline, you look at the cat not at a painting.Some of the reasons that you may want to paint your cat are:To capture your pet at a particular age, in a particular pose, in a particular place. To have a permanent reminder of your companion when she has moved on to feline afterlife. To give a. . .

More Newlyweds Beginning their Lives Together in Close Proximity to Family

(ARA) There used to be a time when newlyweds raced away from their hometowns shortly after getting married, eager to begin a new life on their own; but that is no longer the case. According to recent survey findings, people are beginning to realize the lure of new places and faces doesn’t compare to the benefits of staying closer to family. “The advantages of living near our family have a lot t. . .

Build Your Kids a Backyard Playground Without Spending a Fortune

Build Your Kids a Backyard Playground Without Spending a Fortune(ARA) - The next time your kids come home from a friend’s house and beg you for a backyard playground of their own, surprise them with an answer they’re not expecting. Say yes. You’ll be doing them a big favor. Research has found that playgrounds are essential not only to a child’s physical strength, but mental well-being. They hel. . .

Kids Dish about the True Meaning of Christmas, Moms’ Roles in Pulling the Holidays Together and H...

(ARA) - Decorating, cooking, cleaning and more. When it comes to preparing for a picture perfect holiday season, there is one holiday elf that’s busy at work -- Mom. According to the KidzEyes Holiday Wish List and Habits survey, 64 percent of kids say that their moms bear the brunt of responsibility for making sure the Christmas season is bright versus a mere 1 percent who say dad does his fair. . .