When the workweek seems everlasting, and the drudgery of the day-to-day feels unbearable, traveling to a new destination can be a welcomed reprieve. On a budget – but over stay-cations? Here are some economical destinations for 2012 travel.

1. Stay Local with Budget Bus Travel to Northeastern USA. This may seem like an unlikely choice, given the expense… Read more…

In case it slipped by you, here’s an FYI: the first week of March was National Chocolate Chip Cookie Week! One of the world’s most cherished desserts, the beloved chocolate chip cookie has become almost as American as the proverbial apple pie. In 1930, Ruth Wakefield, known as the “inventor of the chocolate chip cookie,” created this delightful… Read more…

Patience and Planning: Before you start decorating, design a plan

Whether you buy or rent your first place, decorating is an essential component in making it feel like your home. You may need to paint, furnish, or completely start over from scratch — but if you aren’t one hundred percent sure of what look you want to achieve, you may… Read more…

The concept of a pillow can be dated as far back as primeval times, when a simple headrest was made of bundled grass, wood or even stone. In his book, “Really Useful: The Origins of Everyday Things,” Joel Levy records about its use being widely restricted, available only to the privileged and wealthy. The early Chinese were responsible… Read more…

2010 comforted us with cool blues and tranquil turquoises…and 2011 encouraged us with sweet pinks and honeysuckles…

But 2012 promises a whole new vibe — as Pantone announces “Tangerine Tango” as its Color of the Year! A reddish orange, this spicy color inspires us to get creative this year in energizing our living spaces.

There are many sources of inspiration… Read more…

After you’ve prepared large quantities of food for holiday celebrations, and the family can’t look at the same main course again, it’s time to get creative with your leftovers! Here are some tasty recipes for the nights (or afternoons, or mornings!) after the big celebration.

Easy Turkey Soup

Ingredients:

• 2 – 3 tablespoons olive

… Read more…

There’s no denying that the holiday season can easily derail any healthy eating plan. Between office Christmas parties, cookie swaps, and all those mail order gifts of sausages, chocolates, and cheeses, eating well seems about as impossible as Santa visiting every home on Christmas Eve.

Choosing not to indulge in sweet holiday treats just fuels the fire for an unhealthy… Read more…