| Holiday Cleaning Tips from 'Dr. Mom'
With
all the joys of the holiday season approaching, keeping your home in
top-notch shape can be quite a challenge with family, friends,
colleagues and unexpected visitors stopping by. Here's how to keep it
clean and germ free.
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| Delicious Butter Recipes Maximize Holiday Flavors
Editor Alert: Includes Recipes
At
holiday time, butter isn’t just something you spread on your bread.
Just a few ingredients can turn butter into a versatile sauce, perfect
for drizzling over vegetables and turkey. Flavored butters are ideal
for spreading on freshly baked bread and melting over mashed potatoes.
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| Tips for Welcoming Holiday Guests with Special Needs
There’s
nothing quite like a house filled with family at the holidays. But if
your family includes a diverse mix of guests – such as elderly parents,
expecting mothers, or even a relative with an injury – you might have
concerns about how to make them feel at home. However, it’s easier than
you think to make your home accessible to your whole family, thanks to
a few simple fixes.
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| Special Scents Make the Holidays Bright
Nothing
tugs at your emotions and memories quite like the Christmas season.
The wide-eyed anticipation on Christmas morning, the reverence of a
silent, holy night, the festive music of a bygone era, yummy treats to
share with friends, and the
smell of baking cookies, crackling fire, fresh pine needles and the
cool, crisp winter air. Of all those wonderful images -- you may be
surprised to know that nothing has a more direct impact on your
memories and emotions than your sense of smell.
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| How to Beat Holiday Travel Stress
The
holidays are one of the busiest times of the year for air travel. While
long lines, road-weary passengers and hard-to-find parking are
inevitable, here are few things you can do to make your trip less
stressful despite the endless crowds.
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| Lighter Holiday Baking with Palm Oil
Editor Alert: Includes Recipe
Holiday
entertaining without some scrumptious baked goods would be like Santa
sans beard. It makes sense to try to lighten your holiday meals and
many Americans are doing just that. But while it’s relatively easy to
trim fats by serving your family turkey breast instead of the leg, or
substituting skim milk for whole in your mashed potatoes, even the most
dedicated fat-cutter can be flumoxed by holiday baking.
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| Treat Yourself to Better Heart Health this Holiday Season
With
the holiday season just around the corner we can look forward to office
gatherings, family festivities and weekend getaways to fill the void of
a summer passed. While this month long merriment can be a great way to
break up the monotony of cold winter days, it can also disrupt eating
and exercise habits.
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| Make this Holiday Memorable by Giving a Timeless Gift
The
latest gadget, new clothes, dishes -- the list could go on forever. All
seem like great gifts at the moment, but do they really stand the test
of time? Technology is replaced with updated versions after six months
and styles change every two minutes. Instead of giving a present that
might be passé within months, give a memorable gift. Here are some
ideas.
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| Tis’ the Season to Enjoy the Holidays Stress-Free
Editor Alert: Includes Recipe in Sidebar
The
holidays can be a joyous time of year. But, as the social calendar gets
hectic, holiday menus are sorted, and shopping lists get started, it
sometimes becomes challenging to get through the holiday season
stress-free. In fact, according to an Opinion Research Survey, almost
half of all women suffer more stress during the holidays.
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| Give the Gift of Massage This Holiday Season
The
most wonderful time of year is also the most stressful time of year for
a lot of people, and the only way to relax may be to get a massage. But
few people can afford a good massage every day, or can they? This
holiday season, get yourself, or someone you care about, the gift of
massage any time it’s needed with a professional massager they can use
at home.
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| Don’t Get Stuck in the Kitchen – Exchange Cookies Instead
Editor Alert: Includes Recipe
Treat
your friends to a taste of your baking skills this holiday season with
a recipe that yields delicious cookies and lasting friendships. Host a
cookie exchange party. These festive swaps offer a time-saving way to
share an assortment of baked-from-scratch treats.
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| Deck the Halls Like a Pro
A
fun holiday activity that practically every family enjoys is the
tradition of decorating the house -- especially the Christmas tree!
Here are some ideas on how to get the task done.
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| How to Prevent Home Fires during the Holidays
Frosty
weather, flickering candles and glittering decorations create holiday
ambiance. They also account for thousands of personal tragedies each
year. Home fires increase significantly between Thanksgiving and New
Year’s. Keep your home and family safe this holiday season.
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| Shop Like a Pro This Holiday Season
Wish
you had your own personal shopper this holiday season? Take the guess
work out of gift giving with suggestions from Hillary Mendelsohn, noted
shopping authority and author of “The Purple Book.”
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| Making Coffeehouse-quality Java in Your Own Home
When
it comes to holiday entertaining, don’t overlook the impact of a great
cup of coffee. A top-notch cup of America’s favorite beverage can add
an unexpected and much appreciated quality touch to a festive gathering.
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| Wine Regions that Toast the Most from Coast-to-Coast
When
planning a trip to “wine country,” many think of California’s Napa
Valley first and foremost. But what would the reaction be if you told
your friends you were taking a trip to wine country -- in Arkansas,
Texas, or Indiana?
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| Holiday Gift Ideas for the History Buff on Your List
The
holidays are a great time to nurture the interests of the confirmed
history buff on your list, or to introduce someone to the excitement
and value of history. Here are some gift ideas for both the history
buff on your holiday list and anyone with whom you’d like to share the
joys of history:
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| The Perfect Gift for the Chef in Every Family
Editor Alert: Includes Recipe
From
Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve, food and gift giving accompany every
occasion. Finding the right gift for that special chef in your life can
be a challenge. A cookbook is a great gift, but how do you know which
one is right for them?
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| Quick Clean-Up Tips for Holiday Hostesses
Between
shopping, school pageants and holiday events, it’s easy for household
chores to fall off the “to do” list. With the hustle and bustle of the
busiest entertaining season upon us, there’s never much time to clean
the house before family and friends come to celebrate. According to
Paige Davis, former host of TLC’s popular “Trading Spaces,” keeping a
clean and guest-worthy home can be quick and easy, leaving plenty of
time to enjoy the festivities.
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| Five Low-tech Gift Ideas for Christmas 2007
If
you’re not techno-savvy, or not comfortable with the expense of
high-tech gifts, there is very good news: low-tech and “no-tech” gifts
can still fit every taste and budget, and they're often a welcome
change from more complicated gadgets.
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| The Secret for Making Holiday Travel Planning a Breeze
Planning
to travel this holiday season? The Internet puts a wealth of travel
information at your fingertips, but once you have all the information
in hand, it can be a real challenge to stay organized. Well, now you
can throw away that bulky manila folder filled with print-outs. There's
a better way to get teh job done.
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| Savoring the Holidays: Tropical Traditions, Tastes and Tips
Editor Alert: Includes recipes.
Whether
your family is celebrating the holidays on the coast of Atlanta or the
coast of Maui, one central value bonds families together during this
season – tradition. Regardless of locale, every family embraces annual
rituals in which they partake, whether it’s fighting over the wishbone
on the Thanksgiving turkey or strolling the neighborhood to view
holiday lights on Christmas Eve.
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| Scent Brings Guests Home for the Holidays
For
many of us, scent is an integral part of the holiday season. Aromas
awaken our senses, remind us of a favorite place or time, and reflect
our personal style. Here's how you can bring your favorite scents into
your home for the holidays.
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| Popular Game Brings Families Together During the Holidays
When
hosting a holiday party, it is always a good idea to have a few games
on hand for your guests to play. The non-adventurous will enjoy card
games or board games. For everyone one else, offer an introduction to
Ladder Golf, a game that has been steadily gaining in popularity.
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| Make the Most of Your Roasts and Other Hints for Safe Holiday Cooking
The
table is set, the fire is lit and music is playing. But when friends
and family are coming over for a holiday celebration, how do you make
sure the food you’re preparing, serving and storing is safe and
delicious? Experts say there are five easy steps you can follow to
prevent making common food safety mistakes when feeding a crowd.
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| Shamelessly Simple Holiday Party Tips
Modern
holiday entertaining puts the focus on spending time with your guests
and impressing them with your holiday spirit – not with your baking
skills or expensive tableware. Savvy holiday hostesses are no longer
ashamed to admit they use time-saving tricks like store-bought hors
d’oeuvres and disposable tableware.
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| The Secret to Healthful, Kid-Friendly Holiday Fare: Sweet Potatoes
Editor Alert: Includes Recipes
For
parents trying to keep kids on track to develop healthy eating habits,
the holidays can be as frustrating as that granddaddy of all bad eating
days, Halloween. To prepare healthful, festive holiday meals that will
also please a child's sweet tooth, turn to the sweet potato for
inspiration.
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| Christmas is in the Air
Traditions
are how we relive and share special childhood memories of Christmas,
like the aroma of your mom’s Christmas cookies in the oven, for
instance. Fortunately, you can recreate that memory even if you don’t
have time to bake yourself. Here's how to do it.
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| Tips for Choosing the Perfect Active-Play Toy for Your Child
Just
like the teen years, when children learn to drive, the toddler years
bring their own special “motion emotion” for parents. Finding a
high-quality, safe toy that also sparks the imagination and encourages
active play becomes top of mind for parents.
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| Tips for Tackling the Impromptu Holiday Party
‘Tis
the season to be jolly. As friends and family descend upon us, some
might say, ‘tis the season of unexpected guests and surprise
gatherings. A savvy host will have a few emergency supplies on hand and
a couple of holiday tricks up their sleeve to pull together a memorable
holiday party in a matter of minutes.
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| Holiday Etiquette: Simple Tips for a Perfect Gathering
You’ve
spent the entire day cooking the perfect holiday feast. But it’s an
hour before your guests arrive, and you find yourself standing in front
of the table, listening to a little nagging voice in your head. Does
the knife go on the left, fork on the right, or is it the other way
around? Is that centerpiece too tall? The answers to these questions
and other tips from an etiquette coach will help you dazzle your guests.
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| A Woman’s Guide to Staying Healthy through the Holidays
The
holidays are for celebrating faith, family and friends, but they can
also be extremely taxing. To successfully navigate from Thanksgiving
through the New Year, you have to maximize your time, health and
energy. With some forethought you can avoid common pitfalls that can
sap your energy and make for a less than joyous season.
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| Ordering Food this Holiday Season?
When
it comes to holiday food, people order from catalogs, gourmet Web sites
and television shopping channels, pick up prepared meals from the
supermarket and take advantage of home grocery delivery. Here are
safety tips on how to handle prepared foods.
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| How to Avoid the Holiday Headaches
For
many, the holiday season has become more about the mad-dash to a
frenzied mall to find the elusive perfect gift than spending time with
family and friends. Reduce stress this holiday season by following
these simple shopping suggestions.
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| Chocolate to the Rescue for Last-Minute Holiday Fêtes
Editor Alert: Includes Recipes
Ah,
the holidays, full of fun, friends and family and the unexpected, like
surprise guests and last-minute gifts. Spontaneous entertaining doesn’t
have to be stressful, however, if you rely on the tried and true appeal
of chocolate to save the day.
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| This Holiday Season, Give the Gift of Choice
As
the holiday season approaches, one can’t help but think of holiday
shopping, baking and entertaining. With all you have to get done, how
about trying a simpler method of finding the perfect gift for everyone
you know with an online visit to the source for gift cards,
www.giftcertificates.com.
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| Quick Appetizers Make Perfect Last Minute Parties
Editor Alert: Includes Recipes
Many
holiday gatherings are planned ahead of time, but some pop up at the
last minute and still require preparation. For these, every host needs
to know a few tasty appetizers you can throw together in less than 20
minutes.
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| Need a Financial Boost? Consider Seasonal Work
Seasonal
work is one of the most beneficial ways to pursue temporary employment.
According to an American Staffing Association survey, 69 percent of
respondents said that additional income was an important factor in
employees’ decision to pursue temporary or contract work.
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| Earn Extra Money Making Your Friends Beautiful This Holiday Season
The
holidays are a wonderful time of year that brings much anticipation.
But with all the fun also comes a pinched family budget. What if there
was a way to learn about holiday beauty trends while earning extra
holiday money? Here are the hottest trends for the season and how you
can take advantage.
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| Make Holiday Baking Extra Sweet This Season
Editor Alert: Includes Recipe
According
to a Baker’s Joy Homemade Holiday survey, more than 75 percent of
Americans are planning to bake more this year compared to years past.
Before you break out the sugar and cookie sheets, take a look at these
baking and storage tips.
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| How You Can Help End Poverty in America
Editor Alert: Includes Sidebar
Poverty
is a serious issue in our country. In fact, there are 36.5 million
Americans living in poverty, including 12.8 million children.
Shockingly, of all the industrialized nations, the United States has
the most people living in poverty.
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| Book-Buying Tips for Parents in a Post-Potter World
There
is hope on the holiday horizon for parents of brainy youngsters with
sophisticated reading tastes, even with a certain bespectacled boy
wizard's summer swan song. It’s arriving in the form of some classic
tales getting an updated – or, in some cases, post-dated – treatment.
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| Get Your Home Ready for Holiday Guests
Before
you know it, your home will be filled with out-of-town guests who are
visiting for the holidays. You may think you have plenty of time to
prepare, but don’t wait till the last minute to start cleaning the
house and decorating. Otherwise, you’re sure to be overwhelmed by all
the tasks you’ll need to do. Here are some tips on how to get started.
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| How to Spruce Up Your Home for the Holidays
As
the holidays approach, you may look around your home and see that
long-passed summer pool parties and more recent autumn entertaining
have taken their toll. With the arrival of crisp weather and the
beckoning of cozy indoor activities, it’s a perfect time to spruce up
for winter before the hustle and bustle of the season.
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| Unique Fashion Gifts Stand Out This Holiday Season
Clothing
is an extension of a person’s personality. It projects their tastes and
is an important part of making a first impression. Most likely, the
reindeer sweater from your aunt isn’t going to project the image you
want to portray. This holiday season, unique and fashionable clothing
is a hit.
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| Right Toys Can Help Baby’s Development
You
know your baby is amazing, but did you know he or she is a virtual
learning machine? Babies, even the smallest newborns, spend every
waking moment learning, research shows. And they learn best through
play with age-appropriate toys and loving interaction with their
caregivers.
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| A Magical Holiday Gift Idea for the Kids
They
are the loneliest gifts of the year. The guitar that sits in its case.
The skis that remain stacked in the closet. Skill-based gifts seem like
a great idea during the holiday season, but are often too challenging
for children to learn and are pushed aside for the latest digital
goodies. This does not mean parents should shy away from skill-building
gifts, as they can be excellent developmental aids and a lot of fun for
kids.
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| What to Give the Holiday Photographer on Your List
From
Baby’s first visit with Santa to the look on Grandpa’s face when he
unwraps the scarf Suzy made him or the birdhouse Bobby built, the
holidays are filled with moments to remember. Those who wield the
family camera are charged with more than just snapping a picture; they
are the preservers of family memories. Here are some camera buying and
image preserving tips.
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| Bring Out the Silver and Add Class to Your Holiday Party
Whatever
happened to the silver table service items you received for your
wedding? The silver bowls, platters, serviceware and flatware are
probably sitting in the china cabinet becoming tarnished because who
has time to polish silver? And no one actually uses them, do they?
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| The Ticket to Gift-Giving for the People Who Have Everything
Every
holiday list has at least one person on it that seems to have
everything. For these problem giftees, the answer may be to give them
something intangible but far more lasting than anything they can hold
in their hands. The ideal gift may be an experience, rather than an
object, an experience they’ll never forget.
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