The smell of the grill, the sultry heat of a summer evening, fireworks lighting up the night— the 4th of July means summer is in full swing.

The tradition of celebrating the 4th of July goes back to the very beginning of the United States, though it wasn’t officially marked as a federal holiday until 1870. Back in the early days, red and blue paper was expensive and hard to come by so George Washington and his troops started using decorative greenery to mark the occasion.  

“It’s a nice day outside.  Why are you in here?”

You must have said it a thousand times, yet your kids are glued to their TV, video games and cell phones. Technology may be a part of modern life, but that doesn’t mean you have to let a perfectly good day go to waste. Here are some fun (and inexpensive) ways to unplug your kids this summer:

Have you ever watched a great movie or television show and been so wrapped up in it that you went to the Internet to find out more? Maybe you watched ‘Behind the Scenes’ videos or read about the personal lives of the cast. With that in mind, let’s take a behind the scenes look at some of Hollywood’s greatest holiday stories.

Every household should have a good system in place to manage important documents. Organizing now could save hours of anxious searching later. Here are some tips to help you get that stack of papers in order.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could toss extra pounds we've gained over the holidays in the trash along with the Thanksgiving turkey carcass? If only we could take off the weight as easily as we can take down the decorations!

The easiest way to lose weight after the holidays is to avoid putting it on in the first place. “Easy??!!” you ask. “But—but--pumpkin pie! Grandma's fudge! And Mom's wonderful lumpy mashed potatoes!!!” So how can you have your cakes (and pies, and other treats) and eat them too?

November 11th is Veterans Day, a day to honor and give thanks to all those who are serving and have served in the US Armed Forces. Are you looking for some ideas on how to ensure the veterans in your community know that we deeply appreciate the sacrifices they have made to keep our country free?

Stand and cheer! Many towns organize parades or other events for Veterans Day. Here is some information you should know:

Has your day got you tied up in knots? Do you feel a frustrated scream building up inside you to the point you’re ready to burst? Does every little thing in your environment set your teeth on edge? If so, it’s a good indication you might be under a bit of stress.

The good news is that you’re not alone, and there are tons of great ways to help relieve stress. In fact, one of the best ways might also be the easiest. Take a good old-fashioned walk. 

No matter what fitness program you choose: if your feet aren't happy, you’re not likely to continue exercising for very long. The footwear you choose can also affect more than just your feet. Back problems and joint ailments often stem from inadequate shoes.

It can be overwhelming shopping for athletic shoes—there are countless choices, and it can be quite expensive. Here are some things to consider when you're deciding what to purchase: