Businesses capture additional opportunities with frozen yogurt There’s nothing like a cool, refreshing and healthy treat to chase away the summer heat or the winter dreariness, no matter if you’re 80 or 8. And it’s rare for a person to turn down a delicious snack when celebrating a birthday. Frozen yogurt is a popular treat for all ages and celebrations in life, which could explain...
Californians lead the way - again - in trend toward 'greener' backyards (BPT) - From implementing stricter standards for vehicle emissions to creating a state-level agency to administer stewardship of the environment, Californians have always been at the forefront of the green movement. That commitment to the environment even extends to local backyards, where California homeowners are turni...
Solid retirement planning a must for Generations X and Y (BPT) - When it comes to making plans for retirement years , today’s younger workers are struggling to make heads or tails of all the resources and products available to them through work and personal investments. Younger professionals who fit into the Gen X and Gen Y categories also are not taking advantage of financi...
Make your house look like a 'million dollar listing' for less (BPT) - A new report reveals houses are selling faster and for more money, yet another indicator of a rebounding housing market. According to the National Association of Realtors, full-year sales of previously owned homes increased by 9 percent in 2012 over the previous year. Plus, home prices jumped up 12.3 percent, th...
How to host a healthier happy hour (BPT) - Going out with co-workers or friends after work is a great way to relax, but when you host a happy hour at home, you have full control over the guest list, atmosphere, music and, most importantly, the menu. Use these simple tips to entertain your friends, and your home may just become the new happy hour hot spot...
Extend your car's longevity with these spring cleaning tips (BPT) - The open road lies in front of millions of drivers who are ready to lower the windows and feel the warm breeze. Nothing curbs the excitement of a spring drive more than car issues that could have been avoided by simple maintenance to combat the lasting effects of driving through winter. Many people consider spr...
From metropolis to countryside, the top 5 things to see on a China tour Defining China succinctly is a difficult, if not impossible, task. Perhaps that’s what travelers love so much about it: a trip to China can be virtually anything you want it be. The country’s incredible range of landscapes, from rice paddies to river gorges, and cultures, from ultra-modern to fiercely traditional, ensur...
Tips for optimizing small spaces (BPT) - The trend toward smaller, more efficient homes is still in full swing, with new home builders offering floor plans that lower square footage while amping up usability. If your home is older, however, or you live in an apartment, your smaller space may just feel ... well, small. Being short on space doesn’t mean...
Traveling made simple: easy, convenient snacks to tag along on your next trip (BPT) - With family vacation time nearly here and plans for road trips underway, it’s tempting to give in to quick, unhealthy solutions while packing snacks for the road. Here are some creative ways to revitalize your family’s snack routine and help you enjoy delicious and nutritious snacks on the go. Crunch time Crun...
Expecting dinner guests? Tips for managing different diets (BPT) - With food allergies and gluten intolerance on the rise, it takes more than seating flexibility and a vegetarian option to host a successful dinner party these days. Hosts today need to be able to accommodate a variety of dietary needs, from providing kosher foods to gluten and nut-free items. “For many people, ...
Snacking on the go: perfectly portioned snacks made simple and stylish (BPT) - In today’s busy world, snacking on the go is a fact of life. However, delicious and balanced snacks don’t need to be boring; or become bruised and forgotten items at the bottom of your purse. Here are some creative ways to spice up your snack routine and help you savor perfectly portioned and portable snacks to ...
Bridal trends transform grandma's china from vintage to vogue (BPT) - New brides are transforming something old into something new. That’s according to the latest bridal tabletop trends. While in recent years brides have been registering for casual dinnerware, lately industry experts are seeing brides returning to fine china. Sales indicate they’re opting for porcelain and bone c...
