Holiday party in minutes: Three gourmet cheese plate pairings guaranteed to impress Whether you're gathering with friends, colleagues or family this holiday season, entertaining with appetizers is the perfect way to have fun without the stress of creating a multi-course meal. And when the question of what to serve arises and you need an easy-yet-impressive solution, cheese plates are an ideal way to bri...
Clean Water Act celebrates 40 years of water improvements The Clean Water Act was established 40 years ago with the goal of protecting waterways and ensuring homes and offices receive clean drinking water. As the legislation marks its 40th anniversary, water officials and water consumers alike are looking back on the accomplishments and planning for new ways to continue water q...
DIY Halloween costumes that won't spook your budget As the leaves turn, children of all ages begin their quest for this year's "it" Halloween costume. With many families continuing to feel the economic pinch, an average of 18.9 percent of consumers will make costumes instead of purchasing them this year. What to do if you're not an expert sewer or crafter? Here are some D...
Tips for elevating the traditional holiday meal If preparing the holiday feast falls upon you, the pressure is on to get it just right. Whether you're faithfully replicating treasured family recipes, or want to put a new creative spin on seasonal culinary customs, achieving success with the food you offer can define a happy holiday experience for all.
Halloween decor - more treat than trick While displaying ghosts and goblins is great for the kids and the standard for Halloween decor, how about getting into the spirit but with a bit more sophistication this year? If you are throwing a Halloween party for those adults who are kids at heart, a spooky holiday theme can still be part of the festivities, but wit...
Stress-free holiday gatherings Entertaining during the busy holiday season can vary from one extreme - like Halloween with grab-and-go snacks - to another - like Thanksgiving with a sit down formal dinner. And there's a good chance your family will be very busy hosting parties and gatherings well into 2013 with New Year's and the big football games.
Small improvements indicate Americans taking steps toward better credit When you're struggling with thousands of dollars of debt, saving a few bucks here or there may seem like a drop in the bucket. Yet in financial terms, those drops add up, and can ultimately create a more positive overall picture. That seems to be the case for the country, as evidenced by a recent report on credit scores ...
Green living project: Revamp your kitchen pantry to avoid waste and save money For a basic green living project with benefits to your wallet and the environment, consider revamping the kitchen pantry. The cupboard is the starting point for most kitchen activity and is more than just a storage space. Develop good buying habits and build a strong foundation and you can avoid the waste of food and mon...
Confidence is key when driving in winter weather Harsh winter conditions can have crippling effects for drivers in locations often affected by snowy and icy weather during the cold months. Hauling the kids to hockey practice or even a quick trip to the grocery store could prove to be a difficult task, especially if a vehicle is not ready for challenging conditions that...
Prevent winter fun from becoming a DUI Many Americans associate drinking and driving with New Year's Eve. But throughout the cold-weather months, from holiday season office parties through snowmobiling season in January and February, to St. Patrick's Day in March, there are ample opportunities for even cautious drivers to let their guard down when it comes dr...
