Upgrade your summer with an outdoor living do-it-yourself project Nothing says warm weather quite like backyard barbecues and pool parties. But if your outdoor living space doesn't quite make the grade, you might consider building a dream deck with your own two hands. Do-it-yourselfers not only save money in labor costs, but they also reap the pride and satisfaction of improving and ad...
Program collecting Mother's Day gifts for victims of domestic abuse reaches 27 states Katherine Gordon, an eighth grader at Canton Charter Academy in Canton, Mich., steps up to the large moving box adorned with a large purple heart. As she begins dumping an assortment of soaps and lotions into the box, her teacher, Charles Lindquist, watches on and marvels at her effort. "This is the third time Katherine...
Beware of the outdoors this summer Beware of the outdoors this summer
(ARA) - Heading out for an afternoon in the park and a good book? Few things beat whiling away the warm summer hours immersed in a spine-tingling mystery or engrossed in a heart-warming romance. And while enjoying the latest best-seller curled up in the sun like a sleeping cat is a gre...
Hot trends for spring home improvement projects Hot trends for spring home improvement projects
(ARA) - Warmer temperatures, green grass and increased daylight help shake off the winter blues and inspire home and yard improvements to spruce up your surroundings.
Whether you're remodeling to stay put, or putting your home on the market, consider home improvement an...
Best options for beating the bugs of cold and flu season Best options for beating the bugs of cold and flu season
(ARA) - Though it may have started off mild in many parts of the country, cold and flu season is now in full swing and staying healthy this time of year can be a challenge. For those suffering, identifying the type of illness - cold, flu, sinus infection, etc. - a...
Budget-friendly tips and tricks for easy entertaining Budget-friendly tips and tricks for easy entertaining
(ARA) - Whether entertaining throughout the season or inviting your closest friends and family over for an evening of fun, every host strives to impress their guests. But sometimes the stress and steep costs of shopping, cooking and entertaining can derail plans of b...
It's a colorful life inside your home The summer months are all about color. From flowers in bloom to vibrant beach towels and colorful dresses, summer brings with it a multitude of hues. As you look around, you might start to feel like your home is a little, well, blah. If so, just adding a little pop of color into your home can help.
The stinky truth about a common pest Warmer, longer days, flowers blooming, birds chirping and the onset of the garden season are all glorious signs that cold weather is behind us. And, while taking in the sights, sounds and smells of Mother Nature at work is refreshing, the good does bring a few, less-than-ideal issues - a major one being stink bugs. Unfor...
Go farther and play harder with your summer big kid toys The summer season is a great time to bring out the big kid toys. Out come the boats, lawn mowers, four wheelers, dirt bikes and all-terrain vehicles for plenty of fun and excitement all summer long. While summer doesn't have all the freezing, thawing or salt of colder months, which can cause a bit of havoc on equipment, ...
Tips to keep kids' minds as active as their bodies As the days get longer and warmer, families can look forward to more outdoor playtime, as well as the promise of road trips and vacations. While the warmer months are a time children look forward to all year, they can also mean interrupted schedules and decreased attention to studying. However, there are plenty of opport...