Tips for sprucing up your wardrobe for the spring season
Even if you plan to welcome warm weather with a shopping trip to pick up a few of the season's trendy items, chances are you'll also be bringing some of last year's pieces out of storage and stowing your winter clothes away. To save yourself a shopping trip or two, properly clean clothes before you store them, and you'll be able to get several seasons of wear out of them. You'll also want to freshen clothes that have just come out of storage, even if you washed them before packing them away last year.

Easy ideas to make summer celebrations sparkle
Summer's here, kids are home, the weather is warm and everyone is looking to celebrate the season with a party. Summertime party experts encourage hosts to take a fresh approach to party planning by creating themes that turn ordinary get-togethers into fun events.

Amusement parks offer new thrills
In early fall, theme park thrill-seekers and amusement park aficionados prepare to flock en masse to these attractions across the country. While the big-name parks are always fun, don't overlook some equally exhilarating, but smaller, regional parks. You'll likely find smaller crowds and save on travel costs.

Parents: Tips for giving kids a DIY summer camp experience at home
Many American families may still be tightening their belts this summer, as the economy continues its slow climb out of recession. If your family has decided to save money by foregoing traditional summer camps, you can still give your kids a fun summer - by staging a do-it-yourself summer camp at home.

Spring into action: Get out and play ... the skin-safe way
Spring has sprung, bringing with it more daylight hours and warmer temperatures. The great outdoors once again welcomes those who hibernated from the brisk winter air. Running trails will flood with joggers, and playing fields will fill with eager athletes. Before rushing back into the sun's warm embrace, spring-lovers should take note: Without proper protection, skin may be at risk for overexposure from the sun, even though it may not feel like summer yet.

What you need to know to avoid - and treat - insect stings this summer
Stinging insects - they're as much a part of summer as pool parties and picnics. But beware, stings from insects - including honey bees, wasps, hornets, yellow jackets and fire ants - send more than half a million people each year to hospitals and cause at least 50 deaths, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI).

Relieving your child's spring allergies
Spring allergy season is in full bloom across the country, and some say it's the worst in years. For the 40 percent of American children with allergies, both outdoor and indoor triggers can spark an allergy attack during this time of year. Here is some expert advice on relieving your child's allergy symptoms.

Keep dogs healthy and happy this summer
When the warm summer months roll around, our dogs are just as eager as we are to get outside and enjoy the season. Whether he tells you by nudging his leash or staring at the door knob, one way or another, your pup knows it's time for some fun in the sun.

Five burger-building secrets to thrill grilling fans
You may switch things up with salmon or add variety with veggies, but when it comes right down to it, the burger is still king of summer grilling. Here are an expert's tips for creating gourmet burgers at home.

Backyard grilling: Sliding into summer with savory sliders
The backyard barbecue grilling season is in full swing and hamburgers continue to reign supreme as one of America's favorite grilled foods. Whether you cook with gas or charcoal, nothing beats the flavor of a juicy burger right off the grill. And, whether you're into bold flavors or basic toppings, nothing tops off a burger better than a great glass of wine.

Escape from winter's chill in your warm house
When the deep winter chill hits, the last thing you want to do is shiver inside your own house. But that frequently happens when drafty attics, fireplaces, leaky windows and open vents allow cold air to enter your house and have you hiding under blankets and heavier clothing. And not only are you shivering, you're probably spending a lot of money attempting to keep the temperature at a comfortable level.

Summer concert season is here: tips to keep you rocking out
From local concerts in the park to multi-city touring music festivals like Lilith, the summer is full of outdoor, day-long concerts and events. But before you head out the door to begin your fun in the sun, there are a few things to consider to make sure you're prepared for a good time.

Before you plan your next summer BBQ - find out how take it from drab to fab
While most of us can plan and host a summer barbecue with our eyes closed, it's easy to fall into a rut of whipping up the same old menu and breaking out the basic decorations. This year, learn how to put a modern twist on your summer fete.

S'mores is the right activity for more than just camping
Americans have a love affair with that classic campfire treat, S'mores. The good news - S'mores are no longer reserved just for campfire cooking. Did you know you can enjoy the chocolate, marshmallow and graham cracker goodness every day, inside and out?

Beat the heat: Tips for keeping your family safe and healthy this summer
The smell of the barbecue grill, the sounds of children playing and the feel of warm sun on the skin are all signs of summer. With increased outdoor activities, there also comes a list of precautions you should take to keep your family safe and healthy.

Great dishes for a carefree, casual feast
Casual, laid back dining with family and friends is definitely a must for outdoor gatherings and what's more relaxed than a utensil-free feast? Think beyond burgers, and serve up some party favorites that work well without a fork and knife. Great tasting finger foods, like bruschetta, dips and quesadillas, can make backyard bashes easy, fun and flavorful.

Potluck planning tips take the stress out of entertaining
Hosting a potluck dinner is a great way to ensure that all your guests will have something they enjoy, while taking the pressure off of you, the host or hostess, to prepare that perfect meal all by yourself. When your guests bring a dish with them, you can escape from a day spent in the kitchen and spend more time relaxing, preparing and actually enjoying the pleasure of entertaining.

Practice summer safety in your own backyard
If you don't have the extra time or cash to take a summer trip, fun for you and your family can be as close as your own backyard. Just be sure to play it safe. Before summer is in full swing, make sure your backyard is ready for the season's get-togethers and activities.

Preparing your vehicle for the long haul
Warm sunny days mean vacations or weekend getaways, and many families take to the road with a camper in tow. Whether you are towing a camper, trailer or boat - regardless of the size - it means you will want to take steps to make sure the vehicle you are using for towing is ready for the haul.

Gifts people love to open again and again
Looking for a gift for the person who has everything? Don't succumb to gift cards, baseball hats, and t-shirts. Instead, be creative and try a gift like a 1- to 12-month wine club gift or even wine-related accessory to round out your shopping, and the recipient will surely be impressed.

A cheap, fun summer vacation
Summer is almost here. Or hadn't you noticed? While you're a kid, or a student, the summer is impossible to miss: It's that big, wonderful block of time that doesn't involve homework or studying. Once you're out in the working world, though, the weeks all start to look very much the same and two month vacations are a thing of the past. You might even be tempted to ignore the rising temperatures out of a sense of sour grapes: Why have a summer at all, if summer is just like spring for at least 17 hours out of 24? Seize the season.

Christmas cards and Christmas parties in July?
The first snowfall is months away, but you can still have Christmas in July. Not literally, of course, but the quirky tradition of having a holiday-themed party in the heat of July is a fun one that's easy to put together. And, even if you're not throwing a party, there are actually some things you can do now to start preparing for the real Christmas six months down the road.

Lower summer cooling costs with a do-it-yourself project
When it comes to do-it-yourself projects that will save money on energy costs, many new products on the market make it possible to save hundreds of dollars over time, with just a few hours of easy installation. Few of these products come close to the long-term benefits of installing a radiant barrier in your attic.

Tips to make indoor entertaining sizzle this summer
Sure, summer is suited to barbecues, picnics and all sorts of al fresco fun. But indoor entertaining has appeal during the warmer months as well. When temperatures turn too sultry to sit outside, or you just crave a more elegantly prepared meal shared with good friends and no mosquitoes, you'll be grateful for your kitchen and indoor entertainment spaces.

Bring back the summer memories and share them with your kids
Remember the summer days when you held a camping adventure under the stars in your own backyard, played board games with your parents or enjoyed an ice cream bar on a hot night? Do you remember learning to ride a bike through the neighborhood, waving to everyone sitting out on the front porch or working on their landscaping? Now that you have children of your own, summer is a great opportunity to repeat those memories and share them with your kids.

Summer wardrobe basics that don't break the bank
The summer season is here and although you may be ready for warm weather and fun in the sun, your wardrobe is not. But many consumers are taking a step back after checking that bank statement. Lucky for you, great summer basics don't have to break your budget.

Surprising facts about staying hydrated in summer's heat
Record temperatures bring disturbing news reports of heat related deaths and the familiar calls to seek shade, limit outside work and drink large quantities of water. But experts caution water alone may not be sufficient and could actually increase your risk of severe heat related injuries.

Hot wheels: The top five muscle cars of summer
Baseball, barbecue, pool parties - when you're tallying ways to celebrate summer, don't overlook one uniquely American invention that some devotees say is the epitome of summer fun - the muscle car.

Summertime, and the cooking is easy
When the weather heats up, you're looking for ways to keep your cool. Incorporating new dishes that don't require a lot of heat to prepare and leave you feeling cool is a great way to survive the summer heat.

See baseball in the Midwest with cheap flights
With the warmer weather here, it's time to take in one of the annual rites of summer: Trips to see your favorite sports teams go on the road.

Fresh ways to savor sweet corn, all day long
It's a wonderful time of year. The birds are singing, flowers are blooming and the sweet corn crop is heading your way.

Bored with water? Try a new and refreshing drink to cool off
The hot days of summer and even early fall can leave you parched for a refreshing drink. By cold brewing tea leaves, the resulting drink not only can quench thirst and eliminate grease from your system, but also retains the caffeine and tannic acid found in the tea leaves.

Don't start a road trip without taking care of these 5 things
If you're planning to head out of town on a road trip this summer, you'll have to do more than just find someone to watch the house and bring in the mail. There are things you should do well in advance of your departure date to make sure your trip goes off without a hitch.

Stay sun-safe each and every day
Everyone loves the sunshine, but too much of a good thing now could create major health problems for you later on. Because of the risk of skin cancer, you need to adopt sun-safe behaviors year-round, and avoid intentional exposure to natural sunlight and its harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

Ten easy ways to use roses in the landscape
Somewhere between 5,000 and 3,000 years ago, a fellow hoping to impress his lady love was the first to give a rose as a symbol of love. Flash forward to today, and roses remain the enduring emblem of love and romance. Fortunately, however, modern breeding has made it easier than ever to add roses to your garden and landscaping.

Food and wine: How to create a perfect marriage
Weddings are one of life's most celebrated occasions. For brides- and grooms-to-be and their families, an incredible amount of creativity and planning is poured into this all-important day: from the wedding gown to the ceremony, from the invitations and flowers to the wedding cake itself. One of the most-remembered details is what guests are served, so the wedding menu should reflect the couple-to-be's unique style and personality.

Stock your car with a few essentials for summer trips
Summer is the perfect time to just go. Where you might need an excuse to get out in another season, there's no reason to hesitate launching a spontaneous day or weekend trip while you have nice weather on your side.

Bring the sunshine and backyard into your home this summer
Warm weather means it's an ideal time to redo or create a new outdoor living space that you can enjoy all summer. When designing your ideal backyard, add a new patio door to your plans to help bring the sunshine, fresh air and outdoor fun into your home.

Choosing summer footwear that looks and feels great
While you're skipping through summer in your saucy sandals or padding through the sand in your favorite flip-flops, what toll will your seasonal footwear take on your hardworking feet? The foot health experts at the American Podiatric Medical Association offer some advice for taking care of your feet this summer.

On the road: do-it-yourself moving tips
Millions of Americans take on the task of moving every year, whether it's for a job opportunity, to be closer to family, or to simply try out living in a new place. Whatever the reason for your move, you can make the task more pleasant by planning ahead and taking advantage of resources designed to make moving easier.

How to take pest control and prevention into your own hands
Warm weather welcomes more than just outdoor barbeques, summer vacation and vegetable gardens - it brings back the pests that like to annoy us. Insect problems are more than just irritating - they can potentially pose serious risks. If you're struggling to solve a pest problem in or around your home, and don't want to pay for someone to solve it for you, there are DIY solutions that are effective and affordable.

Planning an outdoor adventure? Tips to stay safe and have fun
Outdoor adventures in domestic destinations can offer a plethora of entertainment and eye-catching attractions. Take advantage of some of the country's breathtaking natural beauty within driving distance and budget allocation. If you're considering an excursion to the great outdoors this summer, here's some advice to get you started, as well as keep your family safe, healthy and happy during your vacation.

Don't let hand pain derail fall fun
Autumn's approach means plenty of time outdoors prepping your landscape for winter's impending arrival, or partaking in seasonal fun like pumpkin carving or cookie baking. Hand injuries may be the last thing on your mind during this busy, happy season, but experts caution that many fall activities require repetitive motions that may lead to injury, or irritate existing conditions. You can take steps to prevent repetitive motion injuries.

Summer fun doesn't have to cost a fortune
Many American families will opt to save money this summer by foregoing a vacation at the beach, theme park or other destination. But deciding to stay home doesn't mean you have to give up summer fun altogether. You can have plenty of fun close to home - even right in your own backyard - with a modest cash investment and a little planning ahead.

As the 2010 Census continues, it's still important to protect your identity
If you haven't already mailed in your 2010 U.S. Census form, you should expect a visit from a census taker very soon. The law mandates that everyone complete and return the forms, but you should know some things about protecting your identity during census time.

Summer dishes sweetened with Vidalia onions
It's Vidalia onion season and time to sweeten summer recipes. Summer salads, marinades, side dishes and grilled meats can all be given new dimension with the original sweet onion.