Smart security steps give small-business owners peace of mind during summer travel season Summer is finally here, which means peak vacation season and employees out of the office. For those who own their own companies, however, taking vacations and disconnecting is never easy, as business continues as usual while owners are away. In fact, according to the 2013 ADT Safety Data Index, more than one-third of sm...
Tips and tricks for your next summer soiree (BPT) - Looking to throw an all-out summer soiree that is bound to be the talk of the neighborhood? Or maybe just an intimate barbecue with some of your friends? Don’t be afraid to explore new ideas for hosting your summer party, showing off your hosting skills to all your friends. Try some of the tips and tricks at a ...
Celebrate the dairy days of summer by keeping products cool and fresh (BPT) - Nothing says summer like dairy products from the number one dairy state, California. From scoops of cold, creamy ice cream to melted cheese atop juicy grilled burgers, dairy and summer menus go together like sweet corn and butter. But nothing spoils the summer fun like spoiled milk, which is why it’s important t...
One size doesn't fit all in reproductive health (BPT) - Every woman knows that in the world of fashion, there’s no such thing as “one size fits all.” Yet for decades, American women have seemingly accepted the “one size fits all” approach when it comes to dealing with reproductive health issues. This one-size approach has meant that each year, thousands of women unde...
Don't let pests invade outdoor spaces (BPT) - Most of us view lawns, porches, decks and gardens as extensions of our homes and look forward to enjoying these spaces during warm weather. Unfortunately, rising temperatures also bring invasive insects that can lay their claim to these spaces and cause hefty damage. New insect species make their way into the U...
Bright ideas to get your home guest ready (BPT) - Summer has arrived and vacation season is underway. With the kids home from school, and family and friends anxious to visit, you can expect the stress of getting your home ready to be in full swing. Here are a few helpful tips that will make you a successful host and give your guests a warm welcome. Create a co...
Modern day dad [Infographic] The dads of today are playing a more integral role in parenting than ever before. They’re involved in everything from keeping an eye on kids’ social media use to household chores, and a majority say that they have a different parenting style than their own fathers, according to a survey from P&G. Though they believe that parenting today is tougher than in the past, when it comes to the benefits of being a dad, a strong majority say that raising a child has made their marriage stronger.
Budget-friendly ways to refresh old outdoor spaces (BPT) - Indoors or outdoors, your home decor needs some TLC to look its best. Replacing worn or dated furniture or flooring inside your home is considered fairly easy. But when outdoor spaces start to appear shabby, do you decide to live with the tired look because you think freshening the space will be too time-consumi...
Gluten-free meals with 'wow' factor, from breakfast to dinner (BPT) - As awareness of gluten-free diets continues to grow, more people are searching for ways to make their menus delicious, creative and varied while still staying gluten-free. In the past, forgoing gluten was challenging at best and frustrating at worst, due to a lack of available ingredients and products. But that ...
Summer provides opportunities for savvy students and career seekers (BPT) - The summer educational break is no excuse to put academic or career ambitions on vacation. In fact, the traditionally slower months of summer are an ideal opportunity to assess academic and career goals, according to Joe Belliotti, president of Everest Institute-Dearborn in Michigan. Belliotti offers the fol...
Three ways to bring added entertainment to your outdoor experiences (BPT) - There’s a reason it’s called the “great” outdoors. Nothing can quite compare with the beauty and majesty of wild places. When summer rolls around, the urge to explore grows for many people, inspiring millions of travelers to camp, hike and tour the country’s natural wonders. Modern outdoor enthusiasts have disco...
How to avoid a big tax bill or fine-tune your refund (BPT) - Think back to your last income tax return. Did you owe Uncle Sam a lot of money, or did he give you a big refund? Whatever your situation, you can influence next year’s outcome by adjusting your payroll withholding. Remember the IRS Form W-4, Employee’s Withholding Allowance Certificate, your employer asked you...
