Overwhelmed by online shopping? Comparison shop to avoid a meltdown
An overwhelming online inventory from countless stores has left shoppers wondering how to best sort through product details. Comparison shopping sites arose as the most popular solution to the dilemma of how to find the right product for the best price.

Tips to tackle the allergens hiding in your house
If sneezing, sniffling and coughing are frequent sounds in your house, don't worry, you're not alone in trying to find ways to stop them. An estimated 50 million people suffer from indoor and outdoor allergies in the United States, costing Americans nearly seven billion dollars annually, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). But removing the allergens from your house can have you feeling a lot better.

How to keep flu from thriving in your home
It's prime flu season, and each year we hear the same advice: get your flu shot, wash your hands frequently and cover your mouth when you sneeze. Flu particles can linger in the air and on the surfaces we touch day in and day out, from computer keyboards and TV remotes to the kitchen sink or refrigerator door handle. With flu top of mind this year, there has also been increased interest in the science behind how the flu virus lives, and history may hold the answers.

Get organized, save money, be happy
A disorganized home wastes time, and time is money. It can be frustrating if you're constantly misplacing items, throwing out spoiled food that went missing in the kitchen and paying surcharges for unpaid bills that got lost in the shuffle. But it's easy to put a little happiness back into your life if you just get organized.

How to pick the perfect book gift for Valentine's Day
Books are the perfect balance between personalized and universal, fun and intelligent. Your gift recipient doesn't have to be a book lover to love the book you give, as long as you put some thought into selecting just the right tome.

Living with ALS can be easier
While a diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig's disease, is extremely frightening for patients, there is ongoing research, new technology and medications to help make life easier.

Designs for a new decade
During unsettling economic times, people tend to get "back to basics" by cocooning more with their families, avoiding high-ticket expenditures and looking for ways to repurpose and re-use existing items. Next year's home decorating trends clearly reflect this comfort-focused and cost-conscious mentality by emphasizing soothing color palettes, natural materials, environmentally friendly products, and "old made new again" furnishings, wall murals and textiles.

Easy meals for under $10 get you back into fall routines
With the departure of summer barbecues and the approach of the busy holiday season, more than one family will rethink that familiar question ... "What's for dinner?"

Dreaming of spring? Keep warm weather, home improvements on your wish list
A harsh winter may have many Americans dreaming of daffodils, green grass and open windows welcoming in fresh air. How will you celebrate a day of warm weather that signifies spring has arrived?

Make your family's education as debt-free as possible
Whether you intend to send your child off to college or plan to pursue an academic or vocational path for yourself, reducing student debt load makes good financial sense, especially since the sticker shock of almost all kinds of post-secondary education can be daunting.

Dry mouth? Sensitive teeth? You are not alone
The flare-up of pain as you sip from your coffee cup might raise your eyebrow for just a moment, but then the pain disappears and you forget about it. Across the aisle, your coworker is filling his water bottle for the third time this morning, trying to keep his mouth wet enough to talk on the phone. These two oral health conditions might not bother a person enough to schedule an appointment with a dentist, but ignoring them could lead to much more serious issues.

How you can help a pet in need
Imagine waking up every morning wondering if you'll someday be able to find a home to call your own or how you'll find your next meal. For so many pets, not having enough food in their bellies or a safe home are harsh realities. Fortunately, there are simple ways pet lovers can be heroes in the lives of pets.

Power up your cleaning routine when seconds count
At one time or another, everyone has found herself racing around the house with an armful of cleaning supplies, scrambling to tidy up for unexpected guests. But the prospect of surprise visitors need not cause a full-scale panic. Use these practical tips for completing a vigorous, efficient cleaning routine when every minute matters.

Seek the best returns for your hard-earned savings
Savers will have to be a little more creative to earn a respectable return. In light of this, it is helpful to explore some strategies to help make your cash work harder.

Americans earn failing grade on diabetes
It's a disease so common it strikes every 20 seconds, yet Americans earn a failing grade when it comes to basic knowledge about diabetes, according to a recent Harris Interactive survey conducted on behalf of the American Diabetes Association.

Must-haves for 'green' moms
It's not enough anymore to just teach your kids to look both ways before crossing the street, pick up after themselves and play nicely together. Modern moms need to teach children lessons on how to help preserve the environment for years to come.

How ICE on your cell phone, iPhone or iPod can help save your life - and possibly someone else's
It keeps you in touch with friends, family and business contacts. It's a source of entertainment, whether you play games on it or surf the Web. But did you know your cell phone can help save your life or the lives of others in an emergency situation, even if you're in no condition to use it to call for help?

Show your holiday hospitality with a sleep-friendly guest room
With so much going on this season, the one thing you shouldn't have to worry about is your guest room. You want to feel confident that your company will have a comfortable and pleasant stay at your house.

A primer for parenting during pregnancy
(ARA) - Congratulations, you're pregnant! If you've been hoping for this wonderful event for a while, you may feel eager to begin being a parent. Or, if your pregnancy is a surprise, you may feel you need to make the most of the next nine months to prepare for the demands of parenthood. Fortunately, you don't have to wait to get started on the important work of being a parent.Your primary parenting task while pregnant will be to take care of yourself and your growing baby. Here are some tools and tips for parenting during pregnancy.

Visiting a senior? Keep the flu germs at bay
Schools with only a third of the students sitting in chairs, offices sending out notices to employees asking anyone with a fever or cough to please stay home, and hand sanitizer stations popping up everywhere; the signs are very visible this year that flu season has arrived.

Protect yourself from the H1N1 virus this flu season
(ARA) - While the words "swine flu" and "pandemic flu" are enough to scare adults and children, experts from Everest College's nursing programs explain what H1N1 is, and offer some advice for how to protect yourself and your children from it.

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.

Keep your PC protected with four easy steps
We rely on technology to perform so many tasks for us on a daily basis. However, we often forget to protect the health of our home PC.

Smell your way to an energetic or calming ambiance
With household chores, family gatherings, school events and work activities, life can get a little hectic this time of year. So, when you actually have time at home, you either want to unwind and relax or use the free moments to bolster more energy and finish the day's to-dos.

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:

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.

Switching schools midyear? More parents going virtual to ease transition
Every year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, roughly 2 million American families with children move - and their children switch schools. In addition, as more school options are becoming available to parents, a growing number of families who aren't moving their homes are nonetheless changing their children's schools midyear. Parents who do so are often seeking to give their child a "fresh start" for a variety of reasons: a student who's bored, or one who's not getting the individualized attention he needs. Student health or social issues can also be factors.

Farmers should make a skin check a priority
Farming has plenty of challenges, but probably one of the hazards that farmers worry about the least is the danger from working in the sun year-round. Even as they start preparing for the 2010 crop season, farmers should pay attention to the condition of their skin.

10 reasons to fall in love with potatoes
Want to do something good for your heart? Find new ways to increase your intake of potassium. This nutrient may help reduce the risk of high blood pressure and promote heart health. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration reports that diets containing foods that are a good source of potassium and that are low in sodium may help reduce the risk of high blood pressure and stroke.

Family cookbooks keep cooking memories alive
When Kathy Paul heard all the laughter coming from her kitchen during the Paul family reunion, she knew compiling a family cookbook was the perfect way to record such joyful moments.

Simple tips on how you can beat the flu this winter
Now that the flu season is well underway you want to protect your family and yourself as much as possible, especially when your children's classmates continue to miss school and your co-workers are still calling in sick.

Help your kids learn healthy habits for life
Teaching kids healthy habits can be tough. From learning how to apply sunscreen to knowing how often to bathe, kids need help from mom and dad on caring for their bodies - including their skin, hair and nails.

The best parenting advice of 2009
The past year had its share of new - and time-tested - ideas in the world of parenting. From the re-emergence of low-tech toys that challenge kids' imaginations, to realistic New Year's resolutions to learning not to compare your child's progress with that of his peers, parenting advice in 2009 took a decidedly practical turn.

Make sure your indoor air is healthy this spring
As soon as the temperatures warm up, you open up the doors and windows and let the "fresh" air in. You want to get rid of winter's stale, indoor air and replace it with the clean, outdoor air. You also go on a cleaning spree, vacuuming, dusting and getting rid of all the dust bunnies hiding under furniture. With a fresh, clean house, you assume you'll be breathing much easier. Think again. Air pollution is a very serious concern indoors.

Take control of your household budget in the new year
Sticking to a budget is one of the top resolutions Americans make after the holidays, but many people aren't sure how to start effectively managing their household finances. Wise credit card use is a key step toward achieving such a goal. Understanding a few important facts now will help you to avoid surprises and get back on track when holiday bills arrive in the New Year.

Wood is looking good this winter
With winter rapidly on its way, the government is asking you to think about cost-effective and environmentally responsible ways to heat your home. In fact, it is encouraging eco- and cost-conscious families to consider efficient wood stoves or inserts by offering a 30 percent tax credit, up to $1,500, for the purchase of a 75 percentefficient biomass-burning stove in 2009 and 2010.

Ladies who lunch with satisfaction
Active and busy women may find it difficult to create and choose healthy, low calorie lunches that are convenient yet still taste delicious. Stay on track throughout the day, even well after the lunch hour.

10 scary myths about the law
Did you know that you don't have to be legally drunk to be arrested for driving under the influence? That there are many ways to break a contract or that if you receive a ticket and there's an error on it, it's still valid? Not knowing the law in some of life's most common legal situations can lead to unexpected expenses, substantial penalties or could put yourself and others at risk.

The 2010 mobile technology roundup - your must-have items
Americans are more tech savvy than ever. And with the growing need for on-the-go technology comes some pretty unique inventions. Each year, the products are getting more high-tech, more portable, and in many cases, easier to use.

Bookmark your favorite road
Planes and trains may have their place in our society, but for the dedicated traveler there's still nothing like getting in your car and taking a trip along America's highways.

Resolve to get your debt under control
The bills are coming in, complete with due dates, minimum amounts due and debt dollars adding up. Sure, you had a great time over the holidays, but now it's time to figure out how you can prepare yourself to start the new year off right with your finances.

Keeping diabetes in check between doctor visits
Americans are taking a closer look at their own personal health and assessing changes they can make, as the topic of health care remains front and center. More and more, people are paying attention to the cost of prevention and care for chronic illnesses such as diabetes, as they have a high risk for health complications.

Cloth vs. disposable: Modern moms switching back to cloth
More modern moms are rediscovering the benefits of cloth diapers.

Actress Debi Mazar speaks out about her family's ordeal with bipolar depression
An estimated 8 million American adults may be affected by bipolar disorder, a complex mental illness in which people experience extreme mood swings from highs (bipolar mania) to lows (bipolar depression). Episodes of bipolar depression can include symptoms of prolonged periods of sadness, loss of interest in activities once enjoyed, and feelings of worthlessness. These symptoms can interfere with a person's ability to handle everyday tasks, such as those related to work or family life. Most people with bipolar disorder when ill or when symptomatic experience more depressive moods (lows) than elevated moods (highs).

Children with special needs face uncertain financial future
Many parents may be putting their children with disabilities at risk without even knowing it. Because families are so overwhelmed with the daily demands of childcare, they fail to plan for the financial future of their children. But many companies have developed programs and expertise to address this issue.

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.

Help available for people living with diabetes
It's a long drive out to the rural diabetes clinic where she makes her educational presentations, but Janie Burmester knows that the work she's doing can have a huge impact on people's lives. Burmester is one of about 15,000 Certified Diabetes Educators in the United States. CDEs are health professionals, certified by the National Certification Board of Diabetes Educators, who teach self-management techniques to patients diagnosed with diabetes.

Act now to prevent costly ice damage later
Ice dams may not be something the average homeowner has ever heard of, but they occur all too frequently during the winter months, resulting in costly damage. Left unaddressed, water seepage from ice dams can ruin ceilings, walls, attics and roofing.

Designing the perfect playroom on a shoestring budget
Playrooms are ideal spaces for encouraging children's creativity, providing them with the stimulation they crave and helping them create a connection with others. The great news is that you don't have to build an addition onto the house or set aside your family vacation fund to create a great playroom.

Home security means swine flu prevention too
The statistics are startling, the symptoms are unpleasant and the illness can be deadly. So what's the average person to do when it comes to preventing swine flu? Start at home.

Tech toys taking over youths' interests
It's chic to be a geek if you're a kid today. Technology has become the status quo for kids, something they expect to see incorporated across all facets of life: at school, home and especially at play.

Achieve your New Year's resolution and get out of debt
Year in and year out, getting out of debt consistently ranks among New Year's top 10 resolutions. If your household is like many American households struggling with the recession, or worse, unemployment, getting out of debt will be close to the top of your list again for 2010. Get your new year off to a great start by reducing and eliminating your debt.

Four easy 'sanity savers' for moms on the go
Whether it be to the grocery store, the doctor's office or a play date at the park, moms today are constantly on the go. Juggling the ever-changing needs of a child while out and about can be challenging, stressful and sometimes expensive. Here are some quick and easy "sanity savers" to help keep both mom and child happy while out and about.

TV or camera shopping? What you should know
There are many new and exciting advances in the world of consumer electronics, and when it comes to purchasing your newest gadget, wading through endless options can be daunting. Ask anyone who has gone on vacation with a sub-par camera or sat through a grainy or fuzzy movie or sporting event on their TV - there is nothing more frustrating than dealing with outdated or confusing technology.

Spring is around the corner, so keep healthy the remainder of winter
In many areas of the country, the snow and wintry conditions will linger into spring. And yes, the risk of contracting colds, especially those "change-of-season" colds, will arise. When cold weather hits, you prepare your house by checking the furnace and making sure your car has the proper fluids. "Winterization" applies to your car, your house and your body. To ward off those winter to springtime change-of-season sniffles, think back to what your mom told you - eat right, go to bed early and to stop touching everything.

Design and style tips offer a creative spin on an old wedding tradition
Put your own creative spin on the traditional wedding customs with a new take on the old and new, borrowed and blue symbols.

Get a jump start on growing food and flowers this spring with raised garden beds
The popularity of urban gardening has exploded over the past couple of years, due in part to increased awareness about food safety, the financial stresses of the economy and a growing desire to be eco-friendly.

Ideas to make dollars do double duty
Just as many of us have taken on extra work to make ends meet in this economy, everything we buy now must serve a dual purpose as well. It makes sense to spend your hard-earned dollars on items that not only do the job intended for them, but that also save you money in a variety of ways.

Home, safe home, with some simple updates
Ninety percent of homeowners plan to stay in their homes for as long as their health permits, according to "Kitchen and Bath Business" magazine. And, as the place that you spend a majority of your time, your home can play a big role in your health and happiness.

All about broth
Cooler weather and warm coats - it's the season when heartier, warmth-building fare arrives on American dinner tables. And heartier fare cries out for the rich flavorful versatility of broth!

Top baby names for 2009
In 2009, parents continued to embrace a mix of classic and contemporary names, as Parents.com's list of the best baby names reveals. And while the rest of the list was full of surprises, the top two names from 2008 maintained their hold.

Wholesome cooking at home
We all want to eat a nutritious diet that helps reduce the risk of chronic diseases and manage cholesterol levels. The same holds true for diabetics; in fact, many of the guidelines for a balanced diabetic diet are useful for anyone who wants to stick to a healthful diet.

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.

Simple lighting tips to welcome you home
It's that time of year when driving home at night can be very welcoming. How do some homes manage to look so inviting inside and out, while others seem to be suffering from the winter blahs?

Give house guests the gift of a 5-star hotel experience
Holidays, birthdays, graduations or even just weekend visits, you can expect house guests to pop in sometime this year. Whether visitors are spending just one night or an entire week in your home, the situation can be stressful for everyone involved. Never fear. You can do a few simple things long before your company arrives to ensure their stay is a comfortable one. In fact, they might even mistake your guest bedroom for a luxury hotel room.

Work from home? Improve productivity with these tips
If you're one of the millions of Americans who works from home, you understand the many challenges that come along with the freedom. From the basic temptations of the TV to the stresses of not letting your personal life pour into your workspace, it's often hard to maximize productivity.

The land of make-believe: Creating playful kids' rooms on a budget
Most parents can relate: Redecorating your child's room often turns out to be far more challenging than freshening up the decor in other areas of your home. After all, kids have their own personalities and tastes - and what you like might not mesh with their ideas of the world's coolest bedrooms. With a little planning and a lot of imagination, it's easy to create a playful space for kids that pops with color.

How to help your newborn 'sleep like a baby'
Whoever coined the phrase "sleeping like a baby" probably never had the frustrating task of trying to get an infant to fall - and stay - asleep. Most parents know good rest is as vital as good nutrition for the health of their newborns - even if they can only dream about getting a good night's sleep themselves.

Preparing for a domestic attack: What families can do today
With recent arrests in suspected domestic terrorism plots in Colorado and New York and almost daily news reports of international terrorism incidents, Americans need to remain vigilant and be prepared for the unknown. The good news is there are things we can do to be prepared and take responsibility for the safety and security of ourselves and our families.

How to decorate a child's room and love the results
Parents and children rarely have the same decorating tastes when the time comes to redo a child's room. But don't worry - with a few tricks, you can create a stylish bedroom that is fun and functional for your child.

Eat healthy - even while on the go
Busy schedules and holiday activities can keep you on the run, making it hard to eat healthy at this time of year. There are times when you miss a meal and over-indulge at a later hour, but with a little snack preparation, you can stay on schedule and on track with healthful eating habits.

Powerful advice for mothers: Help girls accept themselves through your example
Some of you are mothers; all of you had one. What did you learn about food, eating and weight from your own mother and what is your daughter learning from you? How and why do you eat the way you do and how can you prevent your daughter from repeating your mistakes? Mothers can become healthy examples of self-acceptance to their daughters.

Keep an eye on 'silent killers' in the golden years
Getting older is not easy, especially when it comes to making sure your body is healthy. Doctors probably have you watching your weight, your cholesterol and other health vitals in every effort to make sure you have a happy and full life. But there are conditions that many times do not get mentioned during visits to the doctor because they often don't exhibit any symptoms until it's too late. One such "silent killer" is an abdominal aortic aneurysm (also known as "AAA").

Retirees turn to a surprising source of cash in a crunch
A rising number of American households - nearly 45 percent - are "at risk" of not having enough money in retirement, according the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College. But some retirees have discovered a surprising source of supplemental retirement income: the cash value of their whole life insurance policies.

Five vital skills for kids and tips for teaching them
It's no surprise that mothers want the best for their children, but are they setting the bar too high when it comes to their own expectations of themselves as parents? One in three mothers admit to setting expectations for themselves as parents that are "unrealistic."

How to make today's smaller bathrooms live larger and work better
This is the decade of right-sizing. How much space does it really take to house the average American family of 2.61 people? Our definition of "enough space" is changing, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. The year 2008 saw the first annual decrease in average new-home size since 1994.

Soccer star moms line up against seasonal flu
Seasonal flu will face new opponents this year. Soccer legends and moms Mia Hamm and Brandi Chastain are teaming up with Women's Professional Soccer (WPS) to make seasonal flu vaccination a higher priority.

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.

New Year's resolution: slim down that fat cat or dog
To his owners, Moby, a 4-year-old Australian Shepherd, was a very healthy, spry dog, so when his veterinarian told them that beneath his thick, reddish-brown coat he had a weight problem, they were a bit shocked.

Simple steps to reduce pet dander and dust mite allergens in the home and classroom
Now that school is in full swing, children are spending less time on the playground and more time indoors with each other. With the constant interaction of classroom projects, gym class and story time, one important concern that is often overlooked is indoor allergens from pet dander and dust mites.

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.

How to help when family or friends fall ill - keep them connected
When you learn that a friend, family member, coworker or neighbor is seriously ill or recovering from injuries or surgery, do you wonder how you can best show your support? It depends upon the situation. Sometimes the best way to show your support is to just stay in touch, but other times, it's to provide help that your friend or loved one needs.

Reconnect with nature: Plan a trip to a national park
Considered "America's best idea," national parks provide travelers preserved views of natural wonder as far as the eye can see. An American invention, they give us a unique backyard vacation oasis where postcard views meet real, life-altering experiences. And, it's this beauty, exploration and enrichment, combined with the accessibility of national parks, that make them a popular vacation choice.

Is finding lasting love in college possible?
Just a few decades ago, women would boast about going to college simply to get an "MRS" degree, when they were less likely to pursue higher education and more likely to pursue married life. But today, with career aspirations of both women and men at an all-time high, the likelihood of coming away from a college education with a potential spouse is much less.

Got kids bored by winter? Get them cooking
What can you do to keep kids entertained indoors this winter? Cook with them. Engaging kids in planning and making family meals has a host of benefits - including having someone to help with the dishes.

Tips from a pro: Home baking for professional results
It's pretty easy to fall into a baking rut. There's the classic chocolate chip cookie, or maybe your kids have a home-baked favorite that you've made a thousand times. Once you get a recipe down, it sometimes feels easier to just go with what you know. But many bakers find that getting creative in the kitchen can be rewarding - literally.

The best time to rediscover a destination - 'shoulder season'
The first few months of the year when many Americans are spending time at home trying to recuperate from the hustle and bustle of the holidays may not seem like an ideal time for a vacation. However, this time known as "shoulder season" is a fantastic time for savvy travelers to find great deals on airfare, hotels and attractions while simultaneously experiencing top destinations in a whole new way.

Reaching beyond toothpaste: New survey, product reveal hope for oral health
Americans feel toothpaste could do more to remove bacteria, according to a recent survey. Similarly, only 52 percent feel that their current oral health care routine is very effective at removing bacteria.