Start the new year with a healthy approach to eating
If you're overweight and have been fighting a losing battle to manage your weight, perhaps you need to change your approach to weight loss and practice something called "mindful eating." Being a mindful eater means being aware of, consciously choosing and enjoying what you're eating.

Shopping strategies help ring in the new year
Now that the holidays are over, it's time to take stock of your New Year's resolutions. With the challenging economy, resolving to improve your money management skills in the new year might be at the top of your list.

It's not just a gift ... it's an adventure
Throughout history, movies and literature, romance and adventure go hand in hand. The gift of adventure might just be the right fit for a hard-to-buy-for sweetheart this Valentine's Day.

Winter cooking: Don't give up the grill
Winter is becoming the new grilling season, according to the NPD Group's 23rd annual Eating Patterns in America report. So if you find yourself looking wistfully at the patio and dreaming about grilling without having to stand in the cold, an indoor grill is your best bet.

Tips for staying safe through the winter season
The best way to face down winter and all its challenges is to think ahead and be prepared. A few simple solutions will make winter much safer - and more enjoyable - for you and any guests you might invite over.

Choosing a laptop for that person on the move
Laptops and netbooks are not just for college students anymore. They make the perfect gift for the busy person who is always on the go. But how do you know which laptop or netbook is best suited for your loved one? With so many options available, it is important to know the different features of each computer, as well as how the owner will be using it.

Beat the 'winter bulge' by making smart nutritional decisions
The winter temptations of hot chocolate, mashed potatoes, warm pumpkin pie and other enticing treats can launch you into a comfort zone. But they can also make your New Year's getting-in-shape resolutions harder to achieve. This year, get ahead of the "winter bulge" by making smart, healthy and nutritional decisions.

Liven up cocktails with coffee
Getting good friends together for some good food, good times and laughter is a lot of fun during the winter months. When it comes to celebrating with drinks, use your imagination in the kitchen and incorporate ingredients that your guests won't expect, like coffee.

Show her how much you love her this Valentine's Day
With Feb. 14th fast approaching, it's time to think about how you're going to express your undying affection to your Valentine. There are of course the usual suspects: a greeting card, a heart-shaped box of candy or a dozen roses. When it comes to selecting the Valentine's Day gift that makes the perfect statement, you really can't go wrong with flowers.

Convenient comfort foods warm the winter months
When old man winter just won't seem to go away soon enough, one of the best ways to fight off the chill is with savory, hearty meals that can warm the body and soul. Known as classic comfort foods, these homemade favorites can satisfy even the heartiest of appetites.

Don't let your house take a beating this winter
No matter what part of the country you live in, the winter months can be downright abusive on your home. From frozen Minnesotans dropping heaps of water-logged clothing on the floor after digging out of five feet of snow, to tanned Floridians grinding gritty sand into their carpeting, every home takes a beating in the winter. As harsh as we can be on our most expensive investment, there are a variety of easy and inexpensive precautions that will greatly diminish the amount of winter wear and tear imposed on our homes.

Will you be fiscally fit in 2010?
How is your financial health? If you're not sure where to begin in assessing your fiscal well-being, here's a brief checklist you can review to generate some good ideas.

Keep it simple on Valentine's Day: Host a fun dinner with friends or family
Valentine's Day is no longer just a romantic day that is reserved only for lovers - it has grown to include friends and family with widespread celebrations. Try a role reversal with either friends or family members and give the usual cook a well-deserved break. Small and thoughtful acts can have a large impact this holiday.

Is it a cold or the flu? Here's how to tell
"My body aches and my head is throbbing. Do I have the flu or is it just because I'm stressed or tired? Do I need a flu shot? Do I need the H1N1 vaccine, too?" Millions of Americans will be asking themselves these and more questions this winter as news reports and health care providers continue to warn about seasonal influenza and novel H1N1 influenza, otherwise known as swine flu.

Expert tips for creating a beautiful landscape
It may be cold outside, but homeowners are already dreaming of creating beautiful garden settings around their homes come spring. Landscaping success doesn't have to be hit or miss, and if it has been for you, it may be time to call in a professional landscape designer.

Easy home improvement stops flu virus
Frequent hand washing, covering your mouth when you cough and avoiding others who are ill - you probably already know the basics of protecting your health during cold and flu season. But you may not be aware of the important role proper humidity in the home and workplace plays in preventing the transmission of viruses.

Get ready to hit the powder this ski season
Skiers and snowboarders are an enthusiastic bunch. Even during last year's recession, more than 57 million people hit the slopes during the 2008-2009 season, according to the National Ski Association. And with record snowfall recorded throughout North America and the Winter Olympics starting in mid February, this season is slated to be even bigger.

Decode the SAT and ACT tests and prep for success
Get good grades, graduate high school, go to your dream college - sounds simple, right? It can be, as long as research and preparation are paired with your hard work and ambition. One of the key ways college admissions staff determines how you stack up to other college-bound hopefuls are standardized test scores, namely the SAT test and the ACT test, along with the other elements of your application package. Those who score highest on the SAT and ACT tests have a distinct advantage amid tough competition to enter the nation's top colleges and universities. It makes sense to do your homework on the SAT test and the ACT test and learn how to ace them.

New garden superstars blend charm and practicality
From hardy hybrids to stylish, smart gardens, spring 2010 promises exciting new plants and products for garden lovers everywhere.

Tips for starting and maintaining a fitness program
Let's face it - if New Year resolutions actually worked, we wouldn't be making the same ones year after year, and largely, we do. In fact, more than 40 percent of the population makes resolutions, and on a grand scale, the top 10 resolutions are the same from year to year, with two of them consistently involving exercise and getting fit. Here are some tips for creating an effective plan for a healthy lifestyle change.

Wine is a gift of flavor, knowledge
Is there a person on your Valentine's Day gift list who has always wanted to become a little more cultured about wine? Perhaps he or she has attended several wine tasting events to sample different styles - just to pique his or her interest even more.

Warm weather relaxing or playing in the snow? Tips for planning your winter travels
The winter months offer the perfect excuse to plan a fabulous getaway, and you don't have to travel far to find something that fits your vacation expectations.

The new love rules: Even love letters have gone digital
For centuries, people have expressed their words of love and affection through love letters, a meaningful tradition that continues to this day. Though much has changed since the days of Shakespearean sonnets, love letters are still a personal and inexpensive way to show someone special you care this Valentine's Day.

It's easier than ever to plow snow like a pro
As more Americans stretch their budgets in hopes of accomplishing more with less, many owners of half-ton pickup trucks are purchasing a snowplow to handle their snow removal. Owners who want to put their pickup truck to good use are realizing the benefits of using it as a working, snow-clearing machine.

Top 5 spring allergy mistakes to avoid this season
Do you sneeze and wheeze all spring long? If so, you may be making common mistakes that keep you from preventing spring allergies. The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) alerts allergy sufferers to avoid these five common mistakes.

Finding a gift that fits
When shopping for gifts this holiday season, remember the phrases "less is more," and "quality over quantity." With clothing and apparel the most popular holiday gifts from year to year, it's important in this economy to be a smart shopper.

Stop, look and listen your way into stress-free entertaining
Don't look now, but your family is descending upon your house for a visit. Have no fear. Entertaining at home can be as easy as pie if you remember what your mother taught you when crossing the street: Stop. Look. And listen. The same lesson applies to entertaining.

A vacation home away from home
Getting away during the spring months is popular for many families, especially families with children in school looking for a break from the spring semester. Visiting relatives, traveling from one sightseeing opportunity to another and cramming the whole crew into a hotel room with tight sleeping quarters and one bathroom is all par for the course, right? Well, it doesn't have to be if you rent a vacation home instead.

How to make the perfect Valentine's Day jewelry gift even better
One year it's a cuff bracelet, another year it's a cocktail ring - every February, jewelry marketers cleverly position a certain piece as the "must-have" item for Valentine's Day. But many women will want something unique this year. Here's how to find it.

Preparing your car for the big chill
A few minutes in the garage before the bitter cold hits could help prevent a more time-consuming and unpleasant experience during the winter. Cold weather will only make existing problems worse, according to the experts at the nonprofit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). It's a good idea to read the owner's manual and follow the manufacturer's recommended service schedules. Here are some additional tips.

Simply sensational homemade soups
No matter what the season, people frequently turn to a comforting bowl of soup for lunch or dinner. What surprises many is how easy it can be to make sensational homemade soups. Whether serving soup as part of an entertaining menu or an easy weeknight meal, making soup from scratch does not have to require hours in the kitchen.

E-cards - the green alternative
The old drill was you headed to the store to purchase a card just a few days before your friend's birthday, Mother's Day, a wedding anniversary or Valentine's Day. Today, with no time left to spare, the lure of E-cards is beginning to change the way we reach out to one another.

Allergy season: How to get relief
As the winter snow melts, the long-awaited sun seems to shine a little longer and that's when the buds-to-blossom routine begins. For many allergy sufferers, however, the beauty of spring means running immediately to the nearest drugstore to pick up a few extra boxes of tissues and maybe a box of antihistamines.

Five baby shower must-haves for the new mom
On average, eight babies are born every minute in the United States. It's only a matter of time before you are invited to the next baby shower. While most shower attendees will opt for the typical (and often costly) shower gift like a trendy baby outfit or rattle, why not arm a new mom with the elements she'll appreciate most when baby arrives? Here is a list of less-than-expected but affordable gift ideas for the new parents in your life:

Explore new flavors in recipes
Winter is the perfect time to get into the kitchen and discover some new cooking flavors that will keep your taste buds happy and give your house a warm, yummy smell.

The lean protein that can help you fulfill forgotten resolutions to eat better
The new year is well under way - do you remember your resolution to live a balanced lifestyle in 2010? Are you making progress toward that goal? Or has the resolution drifted away as the calendar pages turned? It's not too late to get a fresh start at keeping that promise to yourself.

Stay warm, stay safe when using supplemental heat sources
To reduce home heating costs every winter, Americans turn to supplemental heat sources like gas fireplaces, wood stoves and kerosene heaters. While these heat sources can help reduce energy bills and keep homes warmer, experts say users should be aware of - and take steps to mitigate - potential fire and carbon monoxide risks.

Break-ups, hook-ups and outbursts! Oh my! Wonderwall captures another year in the life of a celebrity
Now that 2010 is in full swing, we can look back on 2009 and see it for what it was: one of the biggest years in entertainment news. The celebrity-watchers at Wonderwall.com remind Americans that there are too many shocking, laugh-out-loud and memorable Hollywood moments to ignore. Here's a look at some of the top celebrity stories of 2009.

What's in a name? A great gift idea, that's what
Ah, the monogram - is there any more definitive statement of personalization and ownership - not to mention class - than the artistic rendering of one's name or initials on a gift? Truly, a monogram can elevate the most mundane gift to a sublime level of personalization.

Fast beauty hints for today's time-pressed moms
With today's hectic lifestyles, time is often hard to come by. As many of us try to juggle multiple responsibilities, the thing that often gets the least attention is our beauty regimen. For women who want to look and feel their best this holiday season, here are a few time-saving tips.

Pregnant women need to prioritize flu protection this flu season
Pregnant women have a lot on their to-do list, but rarely does it seem that flu protection is part of their prenatal health plan. This year, the flu presents an added threat to pregnant women and their newborns because of the new H1N1 (swine) flu virus. And the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and women's health experts have identified pregnant women as a priority group for seasonal and H1N1 flu vaccination.

Resolve to be regular: New years tips to get your digestive system 'back on tract'
If you haven't been kind to your body over the holidays, you'll definitely feel it by the start of the new year. Activities like jetting cross-country to see friends and family, overdoing it on eggnog, and generally being a couch potato can cause digestive discomfort. If you wake up on January 1st feeling bloated, constipated, or crampy, rest assured you are not alone.

How to keep your fitness resolutions strong through the new year
Some of the most popular resolutions with each new year are to get fit, get in shape and lose weight. Though plenty of people jump into new programs in pursuit of those goals, many aren't able stay fit, in shape and keep the weight off.

Get out and play in Washington's winter wonderland
Summer isn't the only season for outdoor fun. Winter brings cooler temperatures, glistening snow and plenty of opportunities for play.

Home security must-haves for a safe winter
With winter weather in full force, millions of Americans are cranking up the heater and throwing logs on the fire. But with all that heat comes an increased fire risk.

Give gifts from the heart this Valentine's Day
Everyone knows the standard Valentine's Day gifts: flowers and chocolates. But if you really want to express what's in your heart, think a little harder about what you're going to give.

Great gifts and deals for Valentine's Day - save on flowers, chocolate and more
Finding the perfect Valentine's Day gift doesn't have to be hard, and if you know where to look, you can take advantage of some fabulous deals.

Drive safely this winter with expert cold-weather car care tips
Rough winter weather increases your risk of being in a car accident by 36 percent, finds the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. But taking a few steps now can help minimize your risk.