Thursday, March 11, 2010
Tri-County News

Syndicated Features

Features brought to you by: ARA

Automotive    ( top )

Car care myths exposed


(ARA) - Knowledge may be power, but that's only the case if you put what you know into good use. Sure, it's a common phrase that can be used in many different situations, but when applying it to car care, weeding through the myths can result in financial savings and longer vehicle life.

Bridal    ( top )

Engaged? How to experience all the excitement of this special time


(ARA) - Congratulations - you're engaged! This is a special time, leading up to the big day that will change your lives forever. Don't wait for the nuptials to arrive, however, before you bask in the bliss. Savor every minute of your engagement experience.

Business And Careers    ( top )

Ten steps to turn your hobby into a small business


(ARA) - Given the state of the U.S. economy, you might assume that turning your hobby into a small business right now isn't the best idea. On the contrary, launching your own small business in a down economy can be a very smart move -- if you plan in advance and set yourself up for success from the start.

Community Cares    ( top )

How to help when family or friends fall ill - keep them connected


(ARA) - 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?

Education    ( top )

You can still get scholarships - here's how


(ARA) - A slow economy and dwindling resources for financial aid may have you worrying more than ever about funding your child's college education. But there are still scholarships available for those who pursue them and take the all-important step of applying long before the school year starts.

Family Living    ( top )

Easy ways for moms to save time and money


(ARA) - 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.

Fashion Beauty Fitness    ( top )

Help your flower girl be her best on your big day


(ARA) - Children can add so much to a wedding day - from the ring bearer toddling down the aisle carrying a pillow with precious cargo, to the flower girl who sweetly perfumes your path to the altar by dropping tender petals in her wake. As special as you feel on your wedding day, you'll want even your littlest helpers to share in the feeling and know that you appreciate them.

Food Recipes Entertaining    ( top )

Simple steps to help your heart stay healthy


(ARA) - Americans know what they need to do to keep their hearts healthy. But is their heart really in the effort? A new survey seems to indicate many of us aren't as diligent about making heart healthy choices as we know we should be.

Gift Ideas    ( top )

Overwhelmed by online shopping? Comparison shop to avoid a meltdown


(ARA) - The Internet made shopping easy by placing purchasing power at your fingertips. However, the sheer volume of merchandise available online complicated the shopping experience and made it difficult to find exactly what you're looking for.

Green Living    ( top )

Opening the window to federal remodeling tax credits


(ARA) - As warm weather approaches and the tax credit for energy efficient replacement windows is in full swing, now is the perfect time to consider upgrading your home with new windows to help save on cooling costs in those hot summer months, and to also save on heating costs when winter rolls around again. The tax credit for energy efficient replacement windows and doors, originally introduced in 2009 as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, is set to expire at the end of 2010, which makes this year the best time for homeowners to replace their windows and upgrade the look and feel of their home.

Health And Wellness    ( top )

Ten tips for living more sustainably in 2010


(ARA) - The beginning of a new year - and a new decade - is the time many people pledge to live differently. For many, that change means living a more sustainable lifestyle. Sustainability, once only a buzz word, is now fast becoming the way to live consciously.

Home Decorating    ( top )

When it comes to good lighting, the future is now


(ARA) - Imagine not having to change a light bulb for years. There are light-emitting diode (LED) products available in 2010 that will make frequent light bulb changes so 20th-century.

Home Improvement    ( top )

Expert tips for creating a beautiful landscape


(ARA) - 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.

Hot Topics    ( top )

Break through the top weight loss myths of 2010


(ARA) - It's not too late to resolve to live a healthier lifestyle in 2010. The road to sustainable weight loss can begin when you get rid of weight loss myths that might be standing in your way.

Kitchen Bed Bath    ( top )

Food safety: Protect your family's health this year


(ARA) - Exercising and dieting are excellent goals Americans set to stay healthy. But the best tip to keep the entire family healthy is by focusing on food safety in the kitchen.

Lawn And Garden    ( top )

Make your outdoor living spaces more beautiful and functional with proper lighting


(ARA) - As winter's cold winds fade into memory, we're all eager to get outside and enjoy warmer weather. But if poor lighting means your outdoor activities end when the sun goes down, it may be time to brighten up.

Money And Finance    ( top )

Prepaid cards could help balance state government budgets


(ARA) - Every state in the union is facing tough choices with respect to cutting spending to balance their budgets. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, states faced a total budget shortfall of $113.2 billion in 2009 and the forecast for 2010 is a total shortfall of $142.6 billion.

Pets    ( top )

Save money while loving and caring for your pet


(ARA) - Pets are members of our families. They are our best friends and love us devotedly.

Real Estate    ( top )

Buying a home: know the difference between mortgage life insurance and individual life insurance


(ARA) - For many new homeowners, it can be very confusing to decide whether you should buy an individual insurance policy from a reputable life insurance company to protect your new home from the unexpected, or if you should purchase a mortgage insurance policy through your lender.

Seasonal    ( top )

How to keep your fitness resolutions strong through the new year


(ARA) - 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.

Senior Living    ( top )

When an irregular heartbeat should send you to the doctor


(ARA) - You may chalk up that flutter in your chest to too much rich food, or think that your heart occasionally skips a beat in response to stress at work. For most people, such irregularities are harmless. But if your irregular heart rhythms are combined with a diagnosis of heart failure, they can be serious -- and ignoring them may make your condition worse.

Tech Talk And Innovation    ( top )

High performance technology makes the new generation of wood stoves greener than ever


(ARA) - Whenever a "Back to the Future"-type movie or commercial runs, it's always funny to see larger-than-life telephones, computers and even cars. These blast-from-the-past visual cues remind us of the technological advancements we enjoy every day. However, in the case of wood stoves, it's more difficult to actually see the high-tech evolution as it's hidden within the firebox.

Travel    ( top )

Finding small-town character in California


(ARA) - Even in California's two biggest, most famous cities, you can find small-town character. All you need to do is get a bit off of the typical tourist trail and in no time, you'll feel right at home. Of course, there are also real small towns in the state that have a distinct personality and are destinations in their own right.