They’re always there to share a story over milk and freshly baked cookies. They link us to our heritage and family history. And they can even be an affordable childcare option. They are grandparents – and their roles in our lives are invaluable. National Grandparents Day, observed on the first Sunday after Labor Day, honors […]

Everyone knows that living a healthier, more active lifestyle is important. Not only does it benefit the body, but the mind and spirit as well. Of course, acting on what we know to be true is often easier said than done. From images of all-you-can eat dinner portions from your local restaurant to celebrities touting […]

If you’ve just purchased new stainless steel kitchen appliances, you’re probably still admiring them and how well they outshine their predecessors. You know, the basic honeymoon phase of the relationship.  But no honeymoon lasts forever, and that certainly applies to your new appliances. What changes?  Before long, you’re going to notice fingerprints, no matter how […]

If you mosquitoes inside and outside your home, you spend at least part of your day in varying degrees of misery. And while misery may love company, this time it would greatly prefer a way to get rid of the mosquitoes.  Especially since there’s more than itchy skin at stake, as mosquitoes are also carriers […]

It’s funny. Last night, I was sitting on my deck and mostly enjoying the soft breeze and balmy temperatures that often accompany mid-July here in Northern Virginia.  But like a bucket of cold water on a burning flame, the spell was broken when my eye took notice of our stainless steel gas grill, and mostly […]

Chances are that when you think of outdoor grilling, you think of “Dad” slinging the burgers and franks while making small talk with family and friends, and all while keeping a watchful eye on the little ones. At least that’s the stereotype.  And, like most such stereotypes from the days of Ozzie & Harriet and […]

The issue of indoor air quality is so vital to our nation’s health, that National Clean Air Month is now observed every year between Mother’s Day and Father’s Day.  Which means that observances all across the country are going on as this blog is being published. There are two primary ways you improve the quality […]

They’re the people you love unconditionally. The ones you share the good times with, and those you turn to for support during the bad. They’re your family. As a nation, we’ve been celebrating this most cherished of institutions during National Family Month – the five weeks between Mother’s Day and Father’s Day – since 1998. […]

All-purpose cleaners are a great way to clean a variety of surfaces in your home. But when it comes to cleaning your computer, TV, and portable devices, their very delicate screens and components require a bit more care. While household electronics often come with a hefty price tag, cleaning them doesn’t have to. Yes, you […]

Just like food and shelter, sleep is a basic life necessity.  In fact, many of us often don’t realize just how important sleep is until we don’t get enough.  When that happens, you may feel run down, unable to focus, or irritable the next day. Or maybe just plain ol’ physically run down and not […]