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Navigation II
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Bits & Pieces
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Current headlines from Content Infusion - Seasonal:
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- Back-to-School Style 101
This fall, lessons in fashion won't just come from the runway. Style cues will originate from a less likely place - the school hallway. Several impending style trends will impact everything from school supplies to apparel this back-to-school season.
- Reduce Germs to Stay Healthy Year Round
Germs are prevalent everywhere, from surfaces we touch, to the hands we shake, making us susceptible to sickness all year round. So how can we create a lifestyle that limits germs and helps keep us healthy? Here are some tips for the whole family.
- Plants with a Purpose
Thank a plant today. Silent and always "working," these green heroes toil tirelessly to purify our environment and improve our lives, naturally cleansing the very air we breathe. And since most of us spend 90 percent of our lives inside, pay special attention to your indoor plants. They provide truly amazing health benefits. Working 24/7, they filter the very air we breathe from common pollutants and continuously release oxygen and moisture in our homes and offices.
- Don't Let Summertime Stop Learning
Perhaps it's an idea carried from elementary school that leads us to believe that summer is a time when school and learning should be put on the back burner. The excitement of being outside, of course, can squash the desire to pursue educational activities, but do we have to choose physical exercise over exercising our brains?
- A Smooth Solution to Grumpiness over Greens
Sure, you know greens are good for you. But if you still avoid more mysterious greens like kale, bok choy and mustard greens because you just don't know how to prepare them so that they taste good, there's a simple solution: green smoothies.
- Secrets to a Successful Container Garden
Outdoor container gardening is an easy way to add splashes of color to all your outdoor spaces and regardless of your gardening experience or level of expertise, it's really as easy as 1-2-3.
- To Achieve the Perfect Pool Experience, Just Add Salt
For pool owners, achieving optimal water quality can be a time consuming and frustrating process. It usually involves a daily water test, which is accompanied by the use of chemicals to keep the water clean and clear. A better option might be salt chlorination.
- Summer Fun with Cherries
The beginning of the summer brings to mind bare feet in the grass, running through sprinklers and eating cherries with juice dripping down your chin. California Bing cherry season is short, so the time for delicious fun with cherries is now.
- Five Tips to Help You Gear Up for the Homebuying Season
Planning to buy a new home this summer? Here are some tips to make the process stress-free.
- Tips to Make 'Back to Pool' Time Safe and Fun
Every parent knows summertime means fun time. With the warmer temperatures, it's time to unglue young eyes from the television, computer screen and video games. There's no better place for kids to get out and get active than in the pool. Here are some tips to make pool time not only fun, but a safe, learning experience.
- Smart Tools for Your Summer Road Trip
Here are 5 tips that will prevent you from spending a good chunk of summer vacation stuck in traffic.
- Active Summer Days Call for a Good Night's Sleep
Professional athletes know that adequate sleep is as crucial to peak performance as any other aspect of training. Sleep not only provides physical rest for our bodies, but mental rest and renewal for our minds. Most people recognize the benefits of sleep, so why don't we make it a priority?
- Pool Safety Measures Ensure a Safe Summer
Most adults can recall many pleasurable hours spent swimming, splashing and playing in pools in their formative years. Parents want those same great memories for their children, but many have concerns that keep them from enjoying a pool in their own backyard. Here are some safety measures you can take to have a safe and fun time at the pool.
- Summer Beauty Starts with Protection
Whether you're attending a neighborhood cook-out or dolling up for a romantic evening under the stars, here's how to protect your skin before you head outdoors for summer fun.
- It's Annual Fence Fix-up Time
If you've watched home improvement shows that focus on "curb appeal," you know that a coat of paint or stain on a fence can make a huge difference in the attractiveness of your home. But visual appeal isn't the only reason to renovate your fence --a worn out enclosure can also put the safety of your home and family at risk.
- Maintain Your Landscaping the Easy Way
Whether you need to turn over the soil for a vegetable garden, create tidy rows for planting, carve out trails or clear away debris in the yard, here's how to get the job done fast.
- Taking Back the Backyard
Summer is the time to get outside in the backyard and enjoy the weather, but it's also when mosquitoes appear. So, as you're setting the outdoor table, it's also time to consider how you're going to get rid of pesky, biting mosquitoes.
- Scrambling for Quick Summer Meals?
Do summer schedules have you scrambling for quick, on-the-go meals? Here are some tasty and nutritious ideas.
- Cool Tips for Summer Entertaining
At the dawn of summer, people spend more time outdoors and start planning barbecues, pool parties and picnics. But as the mercury rises, thoughts turn to lazing in front of the air conditioner instead of being out in the searing, sticky heat. With a little creativity, you can entertain outdoors while keeping cool this summer.
- The Golden Rules of ATV Riding
Children who are too young to drive a car should not be operating an adult-sized ATV, but that doesn't mean they can't enjoy the sport.
- Homeowners Shift Spending from Gas Tank to Home
Declining home values coupled with high fuel costs are leading many to reconsider how they spent their money. Many homeowners now owe more than the current value of their house and cannot move until home values rebound. What does a homeowner do until then?
- Don't Let Ants March In
With backyard barbeques, pool parties and afternoon picnics come uninvited house guests - ants! One by one, trails of tiny black specks make their way into homes across the country, but knowing how they come in and how to keep them out can stop a pesky, pest-filled season.
- Breathe Easy this Allergy Season
For the millions of Americans who suffer from asthma and allergies, a dust-free home may be just what the doctor ordered. As allergy season approaches, it is a good time to put dusting on top of your cleaning checklist. Here are some tips for allergy-proofing your home.
- Five Great American Yard Games of Summer
The yard game is the ultimate outdoor summer pastime. Here are five great American yard games that provide fun, challenging physical activity for all ages.
- Opening Your Pool for the Season: What You Need to Know
Now that the warmer weather has finally returned, it's time to get out there and enjoy the pool. And getting it ready the right way can mean the difference between a summer of enjoyment and a summer of headaches!
- Make Fleas and Ticks Feel Like Unwelcome Guests in Your Home
When it comes to flea and tick control, a little precaution is preferable to a lot of fixing up afterward. Once these pesky critters have set up housekeeping on your pet or in your home, they can be a challenge to eliminate.
- Get Your Body Beach-ready with Portion Control
It's time to get your beach body back. Although rising food costs and the demands of everyday life can make it difficult to adopt a diet plan, these advance planning and portion control tips will ensure that a healthy meal or snack choice will be available whenever you need it.
- Global Climate Change May Spur Seasonal Sniffles
There is scientific evidence that higher levels of carbon dioxide are warming the atmosphere, which in turn may be increasing plant growth and the pollen that is known to trigger nasal allergy symptoms. Here's what to do about it.
- How to Maximize Your Enjoyment of Fresh Flowers
Warm weather is finally here, and there's nothing more beautiful than or as anticipated as the season's fresh flowers. Here are some tips you can use at home for arranging fresh flowers.
- Top 10 Tips for Summer Beauty
As summer arrives and temperatures rise, beauty routines become increasingly challenged by heat, humidity and other seasonal factors. Looking great during summer months isn't hard - it just requires smart preparation.
- Refreshing Summer Cocktail Ideas
When summer's heat is upon us and friends and family come together for backyard gatherings, you could serve the traditional iced tea and lemonade along with basic burgers and brats, or you could mix things up with some summer fusions.
- How to Protect Your Home from the Sun's Damaging Rays
Being indoors doesn't always guarantee protection from the sun's damaging effects. Here's how to make sure both you and your belongings will stay safe.
- Top Tips for a Healthy Lawn
Whether you're on the golf course or in your own backyard, spring and summer are all about enjoying the outdoors. The right tools and techniques will help turn your lawn into a golf course-quality green space all year long.
- Battling the Bird-Borne 'Bugs' of Summer
The return of songbirds and robins on the lawn - for many, these sights signal the arrival of the many joys of summer. The truth is, however, that the birds of summer really bug a lot of people - literally. Summer is also the season of West Nile Virus and more than 60 illnesses associated with birds and their droppings.
- Beyond the Barbecue: Ideas for Unique Summer Soirees
The warm weather is here and the summer party season is just getting started. This year, don't just throw another blasé barbecue or an average pool party for your friends and neighbors - here are four ideas for unique summer soirees that will make a splash.
- Get Your Summer C with California Peaches, Plums and Nectarines
We all know that fruit is good for you, but did you know that California peaches, plums and nectarines are good sources of vitamin C?
- Make Mushrooms Your Pick of the Season
In the kitchen, nothing beats the versatility of mushrooms; they work in everything from soups and salads to main dishes and appetizers and are easy to prepare.
- Dust off the Picnic Basket for Good Clean Fun
Nothing says summer quite like a picnic. What better way to enjoy the long leisurely days than with a meal outside with friends and family? But food storage issues can quickly turn a pleasant afternoon into a problematic situation. Warm weather can cause food spoilage and cross-contamination, but with proper care, the only worry you will have at your picnic is how to keep the ants away.
- Crafty Ways to Keep the Kids Busy This Summer
Keeping kids busy not only makes the summer special, it makes educational sense. Activities encourage imagination and exploration, while keeping kids' brains working and ready to learn during the next school year. Here are some ideas for activities and crafts to keep kids of all ages busy over the summer.
- How to Love Your Lawn Mower
As plant life begins to thrive all around us, the warmer weather is a reminder that it's time to get lawn equipment out of storage and back in working condition. But what do you do if you pull your lawn mower out, turn the key and nothing happens?
- Celebrate July 4th with Blueberry Cupcakes
Blueberries are most abundant and least expensive in mid-summer, making it an ideal time to get your fill of these little blue gems. Try these ideas for making quick, delicious desserts and snacks that are enjoyable any time.
- Will Fifi Go on Vacation Too?
Summertime is a great time for a vacation, and if you're planning to take the family pet too, here are some things to consider.
- Things to Know Before You Tow
Even with gas at $4 a gallon, many people will soon be hitching up their boats, trailers and RVs and hitting the road for summer vacations. Catching up on the latest safety features will help these weekend warriors get out on the open road quickly and safely.
- Natural Remedies for Summer Bumps and Bites
To most people, summer means fun in the sun, outdoor activities and vacations. But the flip side of summer is sunburn, overworked muscles and travel-related stress. Prepare for an active summer with a simple kit of natural aromatherapy solutions that can help protect you from summer's hidden hazards and recover if you've overdone it.
- How to Clean and Care for Outdoor Furniture
When spring rains rinse and refresh the outdoors, decks, patios and everything on them get a bath, too. But, once it's dry you see the remaining film that stays: dirt, bird droppings, sticky tree sap and buds, and whatever other debris that gets carried in the wind to land on your patio.
- Can Your Truck Take the Heat This Summer?
As the weather heats up, trucks and their owners take advantage of the sun and head outdoors to work and play. A little elbow grease, motivation and some innovation can make all the difference between making your truck look new again and driving an old beater.
- Gas Prices Hurting Summer Plans? Turn Your Backyard into a Fuel-free Vacation
If you are concerned about vacation plans being ruined this year because of economic concerns, don't sweat it. Take a summer vacation without leaving your own backyard!
- Green Your Home and Lower Your Cooling Bills
According to the EPA, the average house contributes twice as much to global warming as the average car. With hot summer weather just around the corner, now is the time to give your home a "check-up."
- Make the Most of Your Charcoal Grill
What's more American than firing up a pyramid of pillow-shaped charcoal briquettes in the backyard grill in anticipation of a lip-smacking, smoky-tasting summertime barbecue? Despite the current economy, there are some great tips so you can get the most out of your charcoal grill.
- Warming Up to Summer Fashions
During the steamy summer months, it seems to defy logic that wearing more clothing can actually help keep you cool. But stylish innovations in fabrics, and a few common sense tips, can help you beat the heat without feeling the burn.
- Warm Weather Decorating in Cool Hues
When the weather turns warm, we open our windows to let in the light and fresh air. But there are other ways to update living spaces to reflect the best of the summer season.
- The Sting of Summer -- Take a Bite Out of Mosquito Myths
You may want to rethink your summertime protection rituals as the OFF! PowerPad survey reveals several common mosquito myths.
- Fresh Ideas for Elegant Outdoor Entertaining
When it comes to having friends and family over for summer gatherings, our first thoughts often turn to late afternoon barbecues with sizzling burgers, plastic cups and paper plates. If that's your idea of outdoor entertaining, maybe it's time to get out of the house! Here's some ideas on how to use your good china to entertain in summer-friendly ways.
- A Winning Travel Strategy: Stay Off-Season Savvy
An effective way to stretch your travel dollars is to vacation during the off-season. Here are a few tips for making the most of this spring's shoulder-period.
- Farmer's Market Freshness All Year Long
Before heading out to your local farmer's market, consider the following tips from the Reynolds Kitchens to help you pick the best produce and keep it tasting just-picked fresh all year.
- Ride the Heat Wave for Beautiful Summer Gardens
The heat and humidity of a typical summer leave little ambition to do much, especially worry about the condition of the garden. But, every proud homeowner wants to have a landscape that is attractive, despite the heat.
- Don't Let Sun Exposure Make Scars Worse
You diligently apply sunscreen to protect your skin whenever you are outdoors. But did you know that the scrapes and cuts that can accompany outdoor activities require a little extra TLC to ensure the sun doesn't further damage injured skin?
- Summer Home Security Tips
Of the over two million home break-ins every year most happen in July and August, when vacationing families leave their houses empty and vulnerable. Summer travel season has arrived, so before you hit the road, make sure to take simple steps to keep criminals out of your home.
- Add Bold Florida Flavor and Nutrition to Your Next Barbeque
A lively backyard barbeque is the quintessential kick-off to warm-weather months, but it's not always the most nutritious way to celebrate. With the right mix of fresh and tasty ingredients, it's possible to create savory grilled specialties that will enliven guests' taste buds without derailing their efforts to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
- Organic Grilling Spices Up Outdoor Fare
Grilling isn't just for summer celebrations anymore. No matter what your culinary preferences -- from traditional mega-cookouts at the park to health-conscious quick meals--grilling has something delicious to offer for everyone.
Headlines last updated at Jul 20, 2008 10:47:39am.
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