The trend for gardening at home continues to grow - and people are taking a particular interest in raising their flowers and vegetables organically. With such prominent figures as Michelle Obama taking public initiatives in organic gardening, more and more products that cater to the trend are appearing.
Back-to-basics home improvements can help lower taxes
While small things help, it's the big steps consumers take to improve their home's energy efficiency that truly make a difference. Here are a few things you can do to make your house more energy efficient this winter.
The pleasures of summer -- its warm temperatures, its long days, its holidays and its bounty of fresh foods -- make it an infinitely lovable season. It's no wonder we look forward to it throughout the rest of the year. Many people plant fruits and vegetables in late spring, after the last danger of frost has passed, but the wait to harvest those treats can be long. Luckily, a bounty of fruit is ready at the start of summer, in the form of sweet Bing cherries.
If you've been diagnosed with diabetes - Type 2 diabetes in particular - you may have been told you need to make some significant lifestyle changes to maintain your health. Those changes can seem challenging, even for the most disciplined people.
Looking to eat better? Tried low-fat and reduced-sodium products, but they just don't taste the same? If you want to modify your diet without giving up the tastes you love, substituting natural ingredients, rather than modified versions of unhealthy ingredients, could do the trick.
Don't let your first road trip with friends turn into a nightmare
Have you been on your first road trip yet? If not, you may want to think about planning one soon. Summer is here, the weather is terrific and your first road trip is like a rite of passage, something you have to do at least once in your lifetime. Why not now?
Staying in touch with loved ones can be quite a chore if you rely mostly on phone calls and snail mail. If rising postage and long-distance costs are keeping you from connecting with family and friends, consider one of the many options available through the magic of digital communication. The only hard part of communicating digitally is deciding which connection best fits your circumstance. Check out these online options to meet your needs and use some or all of them for optimal communication.
Got a case of the financial jitters? You're not alone. A recent survey of 1,000 American adults by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and "Kiplinger's Personal Finance" magazine found that most Americans are still struggling with or worried about their finances.
How to make your outdoor living space as cool and comfortable as indoors
It is easy to enjoy your deck or patio when the weather is warm and pleasant, and memories of cold winters are driven far away. But when the temperatures soar, do you find yourself retreating indoors? Even through the dog days of summer, you can enjoy your outdoor living space by using outdoor versions of indoor comforts such as luxurious furnishings, decorative touches and even air conditioning.
How your spouse's bad driving record may affect you
If you've recently married the love of your life, congratulations! Love is a wonderful thing; but it can also come with surprises. Do you know what kind of driving record your new spouse has? If not, it would be a good idea to find out.
