Financial considerations beyond the 'fiscal cliff' (BPT) - With the agreement reached at the eleventh hour of 2012 to avert components of the so-called “fiscal cliff,” nearly all taxpayers will be affected in some way. With that in mind, there are still many things you can do this year to prepare for potential additional tax changes and to take control of your financia...
Rare Disease Day is February 28 [Infographic] Millions of Americans will join others around the world this month in observing Rare Disease Day (February 28). They hope to help draw attention to rare diseases and the unique challenges faced by the nearly 30 million Americans affected by them. Because of the rarity of their conditions, patients are often challenged to find information, knowledgeable doctors and support for their condition. One such disease is Cryopyrin-Associated Periodic Syndromes (CAPS) – a serious, lifelong autoinflamm...
How to recharge your resolutions (BPT) - Many find that the new year is a time to wipe the slate clean. In fact, 45 percent of Americans made New Year’s resolutions, according to the Journal of Clinical Psychology from the University of Scranton. But while it is easy to make resolutions, the hard part is actually following through with them. By the first few weeks of the new year, nearly two-thirds of Americans who made resolutions will have already broken them the journal also states. Avoid becoming a failed resolution st...
Today's dream home utilizes modern technology for increased functionality (BPT) - The number of improving housing markets expanded for a sixth consecutive month in January 2013 according to the National Association of Home Builders/First American. With this positive sign, it’s an interesting time for homeowners to consider investing in high-tech home upgrades that not only increase their home...
Pellet stoves are awesome [Infographic] Pellet stoves are good for your wallet and good for the environment. Fueled by biomass pellets, free-standing or insert pellet stoves are the cleanest solid-fuel burning residential heating appliance available.
Reinvent dinner in minutes with common pantry staples (BPT) - Busy families face the dinnertime challenge every day. Not only do they need to find a nutritious meal the entire family will enjoy, but they need to do so in a limited amount of time. With a few tricks, it’s easy to get out of the dinner rut and score big with tasty, wholesome meals that use pantry staples in c...
Chef-inspired tips for a cleaner, more efficient kitchen (BPT) - If cleanliness is next to godliness – as the old adage goes – than a clean kitchen is simply a divine place to be. It’s the room in your home that gets the most intense use, so keeping your kitchen clean can be a challenge. You can make kitchen cleanup a bit easier if you take your cleanliness cues from professi...
The surprising ingredient that makes favorite recipes tastier and healthier (BPT) - Modern or current may not be the word that comes to mind when you think of cottage cheese but this dairy case classic is experiencing a resurgence that is taking it beyond the diet plate to a starring role in how consumers eat today. Low-fat cottage cheese is high in protein, low in calories and fat and minimal...
Preventing medication fraud and abuse starts at home (BPT) - Prescription drug abuse has reached epidemic proportions across the United States. More than 6 million Americans abuse prescription drugs and much of the abuse begins at home, according to a national survey on drug use and health. In fact, more than 70 percent of those who illegally use prescription pain relieve...
Sacred valleys, mysterious mountains: Peru tours capture the magic of the country There are some destinations that blend spellbinding scenery, a sense of exotic remoteness and a touch of ancient mystery, creating an irresistible appeal to travelers. Perhaps the best example of that unique combination is Machu Picchu. The mist-shrouded “Lost City of the Incas,” hidden in the Andean mountain jungle, to...
Get your car road trip ready for spring (BPT) - You may be dreaming about escaping on a vacation, but the sky-high costs of flights and cruises can quickly turn into a nightmare. If you’re looking to take a break without breaking the bank, a good, old-fashioned road trip could be the way to escape. Aside from packing snacks and preparing the perfect playlist,...
Spring car shopping? Take care of financing first (BPT) - Auto shows dotting the country paired with rising temperatures leave many people longing for a new car or truck. But purchasing a new vehicle is a complex process – one that doesn’t start with finding the right car, but with making sure your finances are in order. It’s important to plan ahead so there are no sur...
