NOVEMBER 2012
Many women are on an eternal quest to enhance their beauty, spending thousands of dollars each year on cosmetics or hair care products to emulate the pictures they see in leading beauty magazines. Read more...
North American women may want to take health advice from women in other areas of the world. As it turns out, international women may have the secrets to living longer and avoiding medical conditions. Read more...
It's 3 a.m. and you're staring at the ceiling unable to fall asleep. Or, you've drifted off restfully only to awaken and not be able to fall back asleep. Read more...
The baby boomer generation makes up an estimated 76 million people - roughly one-fourth of the U.S. population. Read more...
Many parents are busy these days juggling everything from work, carpools, soccer practice, and cooking dinner. But a hectic schedule doesn't have to mean poor food choices. Read more...
OCTOBER 2012
The master bedroom is the ideal place to take refuge from reality - and when it comes to creating the perfect bedroom and bath, casual and comfortable retreats are more appealing than formal, model-home-like spaces. Read more...
Does your home feel tired, worn or outdated? Do you walk into rooms and wish they looked more like the pictures in magazines? You're not alone. Read more...
As another school year rolls around with new wardrobes and flashy electronics, the war for healthy school lunches wages on. Read more...
SEPTEMBER 2012
More homeowners want their outdoor space to truly be an extension of their house and are taking steps to create an inviting area to relax, play and host guests. If you want to update your deck or patio for warm weather entertaining, you don't have to spend a lot of time or money. Read more...
The cooler weather presents an ideal time to think about outdoor renovations that would be uncomfortable under the blazing sun of the summertime. Some contractors even offer discounts during the "off" season on jobs that are routinely performed in warm weather. Read more...
In the months leading up to beach season, men and women tend to hit the gym hard in an effort to make their bodies look their best. But once those swimsuits have been packed away for winter, many of those same hardworking men and women abandon their efforts and allow themselves to pack on a few extra pounds. Read more...
AUGUST 2012
In our fast-paced and chaotic lives, we're always seeking ways to relax and de-stress from the day. For some, that means watching a favorite TV show, having a nice glass of wine, or even a massage at the spa, but we often forget about our homes and the impact of its design on relaxation. Read more...
Even the most experienced hostess may feel nervous about preparing her home for guests, but all it usually takes is straightening up a few key rooms to give guests a good impression. Read more...
Hosts and hostesses frequently fret over which foods to serve at their parties, and that includes dessert. But hosts won't need a professional pastry chef to serve some imaginative and impressive desserts. Read more...
Parents of students who prefer to bring their own lunches from home may be left wondering how they can create healthy lunches their kids will eat. Read more...
JULY 2012
The warm and fuzzy feeling that arises when helping others is what drives many to donate money or do good for others. Studies show that altruism may actually have profound physiological effects. Read more...
There are so many ways to give back. Simple acts of kindness are often the most valuable to those in need, and they are the easiest to perform. Read more...
Each year in the United States, millions of American children are hospitalized and must face the challenges of overcoming illness while staying in unfamiliar hospital environments. Read more...
"Children are the world's most valuable resource and its best hope for the future," said the late President John F. Kennedy. Ensuring our youth are well cared for is important, and giving special care to less-fortunate children is essential. Read more...
Sixty-year-old Ester Kurz does a lot of things, but taking prescribed medicine isn't one of them. Read more...
JUNE 2012
A good road trip can be the ultimate summer experience. With the open road ahead, life's troubles seem to melt and there's just the oneness of the driver and the road. Read more...
America’s most cherished scenic routes have been designated Scenic Byways and the Capital Region boasts no less than seven. On your next visit, follow one or more of these storied routes and embark on an unforgettable journey. Read more...
Summer revelers often take to the skies, rails and waves to embark on a vacation adventure. With the kids out of school and relaxed hours at the workplace, individuals and families generally find that summer is the ideal time to plan a getaway. Read more...
You don’t have to go far to find fun for the whole family. See a list of local events. Read more...
Eating well doesn't mean you have to deprive yourself and your family of delicious meals that everyone will enjoy. Read more...
MAY 2012
Now that the weather is warmer and you’ve finished most of your spring yard work, giving the interior of your home a fresh look for spring should be next on your list. Read more...
You repainted last year, replaced all the furniture in the fall and just finished recarpeting in that room that needed a little design TLC. But you still haven’t found that final touch to put your room transformation over the top. Read more...
Getting fit and losing weight are two of the most common goals people set for themselves each year. Read more...
Brunch turns an ordinary morning into a celebration of food, friends and fun. But the sweet breads, muffins and waffles often served can be problematic for anyone with gluten sensitivity. Read more...
SPRING 2012
Outdoor play is a highlight of childhood. Being able to run, jump and swing outside is an excellent form of exercise and a way for kids to interact with their friends. Read more...
Want to take your children or grandchildren somewhere to get some exercise and enjoy some fresh air? Here are some local parks offering the best playgrounds in the area. Read more...
Medical advancements have enabled people to live longer. Though everyone wants to live longer, some people outlive their ability to care for themselves. In such instances, family members must make a decision regarding how best to care for an elderly relative. Read more...
More than 11 years ago – ready to become a pet parent – I stepped into the local animal shelter and perused the cages to find a new companion animal. The shelter was filled to capacity, mostly with pit bulls and other large, abandoned dogs. In one cage I saw a mound of mismatched fur and realized I had found “the one.”Read more...
APRIL 2012
If the warmer temperatures, bright sunshine and greening of spring give you the urge to clean, you’re not alone. If you want to make spring cleaning easier, especially outdoor spring cleaning, a little planning will save lots of elbow grease. Read more...
Few things are anticipated more in spring than the arrival of new leaves on the trees and budding flowers in the garden. A landscape awash with fresh colors can brighten the spirit and make anyone want to head outdoors. Read more...
Patios are typically the go-to spot for warm weather outdoor meals. Whether hosting friends or simply enjoying a relaxing meal under the evening sky, homeowners tend to spend as much time as possible on the patio once the weather warms up. Read more...
As the weather continues to warm, you might be thinking about some of the home improvement projects you put on the back burner during the winter. Read more...
Many embrace the spring thanks to its warm weather and budding flowers and trees. Those with seasonal allergies, however, may not look so favorably on the new season. Read more...
MARCH 2012
A healthy lifestyle doesn't have to mean nibbling on bland fare. With strategic substitutions and smart snacking tips, you can still enjoy some favorite foods without compromising your nutritional goals. Read more...
In a society focused on youth, aging remains a fact of life. Thankfully, scientific advancements and product innovations make it easier than ever to diminish dreaded signs of aging. Read more...
With age comes the inevitable anxiety of mental decline. A common misconception is brain health is predetermined and can't be changed - it's the "you're stuck with what you got" notion. Read more...
Get moving and expand your social network by signing up for a local run/walk this spring. Read more...
FEBRUARY 2012
Does the bitter cold weather have you dreaming of warm days spent with friends and family in your backyard? Read more...
From warm woods and creative colors to memorable murals and tailored textures, interior designers and industry experts predict this year will offer a multitude of options for those interested in giving their homes a fresh look. Read more...
Staying indoors so much during the winter months can create clutter and mess around the house. Here are some tips and tricks for making your home spring-clean right now! Read more...
When the weekend arrives, going out to a local establishment to meet up with your friends to relax and enjoy your time off is a time-honored tradition. But going out involves a lot of planning and coordination. Read more...
JANUARY 2012
Parents are moving in with their adult children. College grads are coming home to Mom and Dad. Across America, the need for home design that supports multi-generational living is on the rise. Read more...
During the cool winter months, many people find themselves gravitating toward warming, rich foods. While those comfort foods warm you, body and soul, it’s no secret that many of them aren’t the healthiest foods you could eat. Read more...
It’s the room where you start and end your day, so it should be one of the most enjoyable places in your home. But, most of the time, your bathroom is not the relaxing retret. Read more...
Bathroom remodeling offers a 68.7 percent return on investment, according to a National Association of Realtors survey. Read more...
Tax time is a stressful time, even for the most prepared filer. And for the many people who aren’t perfectly prepared when the season rolls around, each commercial, ad or sign that mentions tax preparation can be a painful reminder that the daunting task still lies ahead.
Read more...