Nutritional tips for feeding even the pickiest tots
Moms and dads know that young kids need a solid nutritional foundation to grow up healthy and strong. But for many little kids, stubborn eating habits can stand in the way of a healthy meal. It can be tempting to give in to a tantrum and let your child eat whatever he or she wants. But nutrition experts and pediatricians agree that the right balance of nutrients, including calcium, protein, and certain vitamins, is critical for a healthy future.

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.

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.

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.

Gambling on college sports can have consequences
The NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament tips off March 18. And while the 64 qualifying teams hope to make the Final Four, the rest of the country will follow the tournament through brackets illegally completed on college campuses, in office buildings and in sports bars.

How to know if your insurer can keep its promise to your family
When you buy life insurance, you aren't just making a simple purchase like a cell phone or other retail item. Instead, you are buying into a promise. You are paying premiums to an insurance company in return for the promise by that insurance company that it will pay a death benefit to your beneficiary in the event something were to happen to you. Sometimes the coverage you purchase can last 30 years or longer.

How to shoot a great home video
Good news: You don't have to attend film school to shoot great home videos your friends and family will enjoy watching for years to come. If you want to attend school, or you have, you're one step ahead of the game. However, no matter what your experience level, the following tips from Brooks Institute will help you keep your video camera ready for action at all times.

Family fun on a budget - without leaving town
Spring is just around the corner. If you're like many American families, you're looking for new ways to have fun on a budget. Fortunately, there are more options than ever for the budget-conscious. From creating a movie theater at home to taking a day trip to a local attraction, there are affordable ways to find something fun for everyone.

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.

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?

Get back to healthy nutrition basics
Even the healthiest eaters have their weaknesses - those foods that make them "splurge," ignoring calorie counts and fat grams. It's an easy trap to fall into; we're surrounded every day by foods that taste good and inspire cravings.

Calling all moms: eliminate morning madness
Every mom knows that the only thing to expect in the morning is the unexpected. Between finding time for a shower, getting the kids' teeth brushed and keeping the dog from drinking out of the toilet, morning madness begins in the bathroom for many busy moms. Here are a few simple tips to minimize morning madness.

How to make the move home from college headache free
College students from L.A. to Philadelphia and all points in between will soon begin their annual moves back home. In fact, the U.S. Census Bureau estimates there are some 19 million students enrolled at more than 4,300 colleges and universities across the United States. Moving is never an easy task but there are some things you can do to make it a more enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Get rid of morning sickness and get back into pregnancy fitness
It is 2010 and for pregnant women, that means alcohol, cigarettes and sushi are among the many taboos, whereas yoga, Pilates and aerobic exercise are on the list of "to-dos." When it comes to pregnancy and fitness, studies advocate physical activity leads to a more pleasurable pregnancy, a healthier labor and delivery, an improved post-baby recovery and even a healthier newborn. So, why isn't every newly pregnant woman prepping her Pilates mat or tying her tennies?

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!

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.

High quality food doesn't necessarily come with a high price tag
In the current economic climate, budgets are tight and families are trying to make every penny count. A recent survey by the Midwest Dairy Council revealed that "more than half of consumers say price, not nutrition, is the most important factor when grocery shopping in this economic climate."

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:

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.

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.

Six ideas for getting your family budget in shape
Even though the American economy is showing some initial signs of improvement, unemployment is still high and many families are struggling. When your household cash flow slows and dwindles, it can feel overwhelming simply to keep up with necessary bills and payments. However, it's essential for your family's financial health - now and in the future - that you keep making all your payments. The best way to keep your finances in good shape and identify any shortcomings in advance is to develop a new, clearly laid out family budget.

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.

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.

How to get the most out of your high definition TV
If you recently bought a TV, chances are, it's an HDTV. Whether you know a lot about this technology or nothing at all, you have likely heard people raving about the lifelike detail of an HD picture. It's true: the future of television is high definition. The only problem is that many people who currently own HDTVs are not actually seeing shows in high definition. Are you one of them?

Fire sprinkler systems soon to be required in your new home
Fire sprinkler systems have been proven to save lives. National statistics show that having a fire sprinkler system in your home can actually double your chances of escaping a fire and minimizing property damage. Here's what you need to know about installing one in your home.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

Community support a big help for frustrated families with autism
A child's autism diagnosis often leaves parents overwhelmed. Reactions similar to the grieving process start - shock, denial and eventually acceptance - and during this process parents desperately seek answers to their many questions. But having community support can be a big help for families in need of answers.

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).

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.

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.

Avoid the dangers that come from the water in your home
People usually pay special attention to the water they drink in their home, but if you're like most people, that's where the concern comes to an end. But from washing your clothes, to bathing your family to leaving water for your pets, you may not be giving the water you drink the attention it deserves.

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.

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.

Simple updates and regular cleaning keeps homes healthy for people and pets
Family pets cherish the home environment - it's where they curl up on the living room floor, wait patiently for a treat in the kitchen, and patrol the halls making sure loved ones are safe and sound. Although pets are undeniably loveable, the animal dander and other allergens that accompany these furry friends can jeopardize the well-being of those in the home.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Easy ways for moms to save time and money
A mom is always walking a fine line between trying to provide her family with everything they need, while at the same time balancing a budget and saving money for the unexpected surprises life can throw at her.

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?

How to talk money with your spouse-to-be
Getting married generates no shortage of opportunities to have important conversations with your spouse-to-be. Maybe you can postpone or even dodge altogether some of those talks, but at least one potentially challenging conversation can actually help ensure your marital bliss down the road - the talk about finances.

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.

Gadgets for a healthier home and family
From MP3 players to e-books, technology is an integral part of the modern home. However, when we think of technology and how we use it on a daily basis, entertainment is top of mind, not health and wellness. Here are four household gadgets that will help make for a healthier home and family.

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.

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.

Eight IRA mistakes to avoid at tax time
Saving more for retirement is always a good idea, especially now. The good news is that many people can increase their saving potential simply by learning more about IRA dos and don'ts.

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.

Enjoy a frugal 'family night in' without sacrificing the fun
It is no secret that more and more families are making tough decisions when it comes to their entertainment options due to the rising costs of "going out." But this doesn't mean that there is no fun to be had.

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.

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.

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.

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").

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.

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.

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

Outdoor trips for the whole family to love
As your children grow older, it can be difficult finding fun family vacations for everyone to enjoy together. With a few suggestions, you can plan trips that are fun for the entire family.

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.