| How to Fit a Hot Breakfast Into Your Weekday Routine
As
the crisp fall mornings give way to the dim and frosty daybreaks of
winter, cravings of comfort food for breakfast begin before braving the
chilly commute to work or school. Unfortunately, many busy families
fall prey to the myth that a hot breakfast is a luxury that can only be
indulged on a leisurely weekend morning. But just because you don’t
have much extra time before heading out the door doesn’t mean that a
hot meal is beyond your reach!
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| How to Create Your Dream Fireplace
A
fireplace is a focal point in a home. Not only is it a visually
appealing central gathering place, but it provides a backdrop for
cherished memories. From family portraits to opening presents during
the holidays, there is an emotional connection to fireplaces. If you
are contemplating adding a fireplace to your home, there’s no need to
feel overwhelmed by the process. Here's everything you need to know.
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| How to Pay Less at the Pump
With
gasoline prices still hovering near $3 per gallon in many areas of the
country, you may be wishing you could afford a hybrid. The good news
is, you can probably increase your fuel efficiency and reduce fuel
costs right now – without shelling out thousands more for a hybrid car
or waiting a few more years until automakers produce cheaper, more
plentiful hybrids.
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| Get Serious about Influenza Vaccination
Many
people might be surprised that influenza season can last into the
spring, but it’s true. In fact, over the last 30 years, the influenza
season has peaked in February or later, some years even as late as May.
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| Practical Tips for Traveling Green
Winter
travel season is in full swing and kids and parents look forward to
days off from school and work. With more people becoming interested in
environmental issues, green travel options are starting to be a popular
choice. With a few simple steps, traveling green is easier than you
think. Here's some ideas to try out.
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| Nourish Your Skin This Winter to Fight Wrinkles
Winter
is the toughest time of year on your skin. Don’t just sit back and take
the abuse! There are some simple things you can do to give your skin a
fighting chance against the elements.
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| What to Consider Before Buying a Vacation Property
Many
people enjoy vacation properties because they promote spending quality
time with friends and family and create cherished memories. If you are
considering this investment, it’s worth your time to consider your
options to make sure you get the right property for you. Here's what
you should think about.
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| From Stodgy to Stunning: Makeovers for Inherited Furniture
Inherited
furniture can be a blessing or a burden. How do you decide if inherited
furnishings have “good bones” and are worth revitalizing with fresh
fabrics and custom details? Here is some advice on how to make the most
of inherited furniture.
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| Feast on the Flavors of the Season
Sure
spring and summer get the credit for being the seasons of bountiful
fresh produce. But don’t discount the plentiful harvest of pleasurable,
fresh fare that accompanies autumn and the holiday season.
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| Darn Those Deer!
Fall
and winter mark the beginning of the worst seasons for deer damage to
your landscapes. Deer will eat just about anything in the winter --
their food supply is low and they can’t be choosy.
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| Your House Isn’t All You Should Winterize – Don’t Forget to Protect Your Skin Too
Have
you started the process of getting your household winterized? If not,
you’re running out of time. Soon the snow will start falling in
Northern climates and cool, dry weather will be predominant in the
South. Now is the time to dig out those winter clothes, seal up leaky
doors and windows and start moisturizing your skin.
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| Basic Guidelines to Ice-free Roads and Walkways
The
workhorse of winter road maintenance, the mineral form of sodium
chloride, better known as “rock salt,” is commonly used by local and
state transportation agencies responsible for keeping roadways safe and
passable during winter months. Here's how to keep your roads and
walkways safe from dangerous snow and ice.
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| Winter Tips for Staying Warm and Comfy at Home
Winter
brings lower temperatures and higher energy bills, as well as hectic
schedules and guests coming to your home for holiday gatherings.
Luckily, there are easy ways you can eliminate some household stresses
to make the season more comfortable and enjoyable.
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| Proper Fireplace Care Ensures Warm and Safe Heating
As
the temperatures drop, there’s nothing like coming home and warming up
in front of a toasty fire. Indeed, more than one-third of Americans use
fireplaces, wood stoves and other fuel-fired appliances as primary heat
sources in their homes, according to the United States Fire
Administration. However, heating is the leading cause of winter fires.
Each year, more than a half million winter fires cause $3 billion in
property loss, 1,900 deaths and nearly 8,000 injuries. Here's what you
need to do to stay safe.
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| How to Defend Your Home Against Winter Allergens
The
Centers for Disease Control reports roughly 50 million Americans suffer
from indoor or outdoor allergies. People may experience allergies
throughout the year, but symptoms can worsen when the weather changes
and temperatures drop. As we begin to spend more time indoors, it’s
important to be proactive in preventing indoor allergens from taking
over your home. Here's what you need to do.
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| Seven Tips to Slash Soaring Home Heating Bills
Consumers
will likely pay record prices to heat their homes this winter, up an
average of 10.5 percent from last winter, says NEADA, a group of state
energy aid officials. Now is the time to give your home a “check-up.”
Here are seven tips from the Comfort Institute to make your home an
energy sipper instead of a gas guzzler.
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| Winter Health Tips for Pets
Dr.
Margaret Eastman wasn’t born at the North Pole. She was attracted to
life in the town of North Pole, Ala. (located near Fairbanks), in part
by her love of dog sledding. While studying veterinary medicine in
Wisconsin in the early 1990s, she saw her first dog sled race and she
was hooked.
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| How to Choose an Effective Ice-Melt Product
Few
things match the dreariness of waking up at the crack of dawn on a
wintry day to shovel and plow your driveway and walkways. But, while
shoveling might never become your winter activity of choice, keeping
outdoor surfaces free of ice build-up doesn’t have to be a
back-breaking chore. Here’s what you should know about selecting an
effective ice-melt product to help you face even the fiercest snow
storms.
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| How to Exercise Safely This Winter
A
lot of people put their exercise regimens on hold during the long,
winter months because they don’t think it’ll be safe to do the things
they like to do. But there is no need to stay cooped up inside all
season long. Just be sure to put on some warm clothes and insulated
footwear with traction before venturing out.
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| Wood: A Renewable, Efficient, Clean Energy Source
With
colder temperatures on the way, many people are considering more
efficient and more economic ways to heat their homes. The roller
coaster of energy prices combined with the strain on the planet’s
energy sources and the increased pollution can leave you feeling cold.
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| How to Turn Your Favorite Room into a Luxurious Place to Spend the Winter
The
arrival of winter usually means you have to abandon your favorite room
in the house because it’s about to get very cold in there. But the
three season porch, your home spa or a lower level exercise room would
all be viable year round if you could just heat them. Here's a quick
and cost-effective way to do it.
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