Take precautions in the heat – lifesaving tips »

(BPT) - From tornadoes and floods to hail and lightning storms, the United States experiences a broad array of extreme weather. Fatalities do occur, but many people are surprised to learn that the weather event that causes the greatest number of deaths is heat.

According to…

Ask your doctor about these important topics on life-threatening allergies »

(BPT) - The start of a new school year can be fraught with anxiety for children and parents alike. New school, new friends, new dynamics. And for children living with life-threatening allergies, that anxiety can be even more pointed as they - and their parents…

How to use your home’s equity to your advantage »

(BPT) - Your most valuable asset is around you all the time. It's above you, it's below you and in many cases you don't realize how much it can do for you.

According to the Urban Institute in Washington, D.C., 'Americans have a staggering amount of…

5 steps to a smart home »

(BPT) - When it comes to technology, smarter is better. There are smart watches, smart televisions and just about everyone has a smartphone.

So what about a smart home?

Smart thermostats and lighting timers represent the first steps toward smart home technology for many homeowners, but in…

Seedless watermelons: The taste of summer »

(BPT) - For many people, seedless watermelons are a symbol of summer. Crisp and refreshing, this beloved red and green striped fruit represents a true slice of Americana.

So it may be a surprise to learn this summertime classic hasn't been around very long. Until the…

Seeking a small business loan? What you should know »

(BPT) - Small businesses still struggle to obtain credit; nearly half of those who applied for credit in 2016 didn't get all the funding they sought, and 17 percent of those who didn't apply for financing skipped it because they didn't think they could get…

Looking for a new doctor? Start with a D.O. »

(BPT) - Your yearly physical, a nagging injury that won't go away, a sick child: There are plenty of reasons to go to the doctor, but when you do, do you know what type of doctor you're seeing?

The common answer most people offer is that…

4 surprising health benefits of cherries – this summer’s superfruit »

(BPT) - Have you ever said no to a cherry? Probably not. This summertime treat is simply delicious. And if you're looking for another reason to indulge, you'll be pleased to know that cherries are surprisingly good for you. Recent research indicates that this summer's…

Your backyard canvas: 3 ways to create an outdoor living area as unique as you are »

(BPT) - It's amazing to contemplate that all the famous paintings in history - from da Vinci's Mona Lisa to van Gogh's Starry Night - are essentially formed from three primary colors. Artists skillfully combine red, yellow and blue to formulate an infinite range of…

3 steps to a more secure home »

(BPT) - More than 75 percent of Americans are concerned about the security of their home, yet few think about door hardware when it comes to added protection.

In fact, out of those who have ever purchased a new lockset or deadbolt, only 19 percent have…

5 ways to create big luxury in a small master bathroom »

(BPT) - If you're thinking about remodeling your small bathroom, you may know that studies show updating a bathroom of any size can increase the value of a home. However, there's a statistic from a Houzz survey you might not…

Looking for an alternative to college? Pursue a well-paying trade career instead »

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5 tire safety tips for your next road trip »

(BPT) - Summer travel is off to a hot start, and with historically low gas prices and declining car rental rates across the country, Americans are opting for road travel to reach their summer destinations. Whether driving to a beach vacation, visiting family or exploring…

Tips to turn the kitchen sink into a beautiful, functional focal point »

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Managing the Unpredictability of Multiple Sclerosis in the Heat »

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Tips to prepare your budget before buying a home »

(BPT) - It's virtually impossible to know what size home you can afford if you aren't fully aware of how much money you are earning and how much you are spending each month.

Start with your income: How much do you bring home after taxes and…

Finding success in direct sales »

(BPT) - What's better than being your own boss, setting your own hours, determining your own salary and having an office wherever you happen to be? It's a Utopian idea that is reality for tens of thousands of people working independently in direct sales worldwide.…

4 eating trends that are reshaping breakfast, the most important meal of the day »

(BPT) - Moms across the country agree: breakfast really is the most important meal of the day. And, while some of the best breakfast foods will always be eternal, like pancakes and eggs, there is a significantly wider range of food choices and flavors for…

How not to look your age »

(BPT) - Want to look a little younger but not quite ready for cosmetic surgery? Who doesn't.

There are more facial rejuvenation treatments to choose from today than ever before. Injectable fillers and neuromodulators like BOTOX can help soften wrinkles, peels can improve skin tone and…

Easy ways to lighten up your cookout »

(BPT) - The mouthwatering taste of grilled foods, the indulgence of rich desserts and the joy of entertaining with family and friends - a cookout is always a crowd-pleaser, no matter the time of year.

The food and fun make for a memorable time, but sometimes…

Higher education, higher expense: Budgeting tips for college students and their parents »

(BPT) - (BPT) - Sponsored ad content by Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance, Inc.

High school graduation should be a time of celebration. But for a lot of families, it can also be a source of stress. College is a big step into the future for any…

5 hot trends for the home »

(BPT) - Home safety is one of the top priorities of homeowners and renters alike. Your home should be a place to relax, play and enjoy spending time with family and friends.

Here are a few of the latest trends in home security so that you…

The ABCs of back-to-school budgeting »

(BPT) - It's natural to pack all you can into those few precious summer months, but inevitably they're gone before you know it. As summer vacations, sleepovers and outdoor grilling come to a close, it's time to start thinking about going back to school.

You may…

Breathe easier this summer: An expert shares advice on how to manage asthma during the hotter months »

(BPT) - Summer is here, and while many spend their summer vacation outdoors swimming, playing sports and enjoying the sunshine, for those who have asthma, it can be a worrisome season.

While springtime is often the time people think about asthma triggers, summer weather can also…

5 ways to keep your cottage comfortable this summer »

(BPT) - Although it's officially summer, the fluctuations in temperatures, sporadic downpours and tornado-inciting weather would make you think otherwise. While many of us take the opportunity to hit the beach, lake or ranch during the summer for some rest and relaxation, cottage home improvements…

7 simple steps to a sensational summer cheese plate »

(BPT) - From backyard barbecues to sophisticated soirees, summer is sure to pack your social calendar. Whether you're hosting the party or want to help out the host, there's one favorite food option that everyone will adore: a cheese plate.

This classic plate offers something for…

Transform your home in a weekend with these DIY projects »

(BPT) - Summertime isn't just for vacations or weekends at the cabin. Summer weekends - with longer days - are ideal opportunities for quick and inexpensive DIY projects that make a big statement around the home.

The average American homeowner spent nearly $3,000 on home improvements…

How to perfectly light a bathroom for beauty, function and safety »

(BPT) - Good lighting is important throughout a home, and each room has different lighting needs. Kitchens require overhead and task lighting, while bedrooms and dining rooms can benefit from variable illumination. However, no room in the house requires more layers and nuances of lighting…

This simple test can set you on the road to a lifetime of better health »

(BPT) - Here's a sobering statistic for you: 20 percent of all deaths in the United States can be attributed to poor lifestyle factors and behavioral choices. It's difficult to swallow, but fortunately new research also finds that those who take the time to establish…

6 tips to make the most of your visit to the zoo »

(BPT) - Children can't help but be drawn to animals, so a visit to the zoo is always a winning and memorable choice for a summer outing. Introducing children to animals of all kinds, especially endangered species, will help foster a lifelong appreciation of them.…

Beat the heat: Tips to stay healthy and hydrated »

(BPT) - Americans love summertime and with good reason. It is the best time for outdoor fun and travel with family. Many people enjoy outdoor activities such as bicycling, kayaking and hiking, and kids are more active with sports.

One thing to keep in mind when…

5 ways to maximize your conference room and increase meeting creativity »

(BPT) - The average person spends about 35-50 percent of their time at work in conference rooms. Long, inefficient meetings can be creativity, productivity and workplace morale killers. But meetings don't have to feel like a drag. To cultivate positive workplace culture, it's crucial to…

3 things to consider when choosing chocolate »

(BPT) - Few things are better in life than unwrapping and biting into a piece of silky smooth chocolate. With so many options in the candy aisle, it's important to know not only where your favorite treat originates, but how it impacts the environment and…

5 reasons to make your summer road trip a flight instead »

(BPT) - Summer break is an American institution, and that midyear break is often best enjoyed through travel. This year is no different; in fact, many experts expect this year's summer travel season to be among the busiest ever. That is particularly true when it…

Upcoming home improvement? How to navigate big purchases and make wise decisions »

(BPT) - Are you planning an upcoming home improvement? If so, you are not alone.

Higher-than-average renovation spending is expected in 2017, according to a leading consumer magazine, with more than half of homeowners planning to spend money on home improvements throughout the year.

From upgrading appliances…

Allergens and indoor air quality: 4 steps to a healthier home »

(BPT) - When at home, you're probably relaxing, playing with the kids or tackling chores. What you aren't likely doing is thinking about the air you're breathing. Unfortunately, the reality is poor indoor air quality in residential spaces is a major problem.

The Jul 10 2017 / No Comment / Read More »

Do these 5 things for a stress-free summer adventure »

(BPT) - The beloved summer season tends to come and go too fast, so there's no time to waste when planning a summer trip with friends or family. Whether it's a bike ride, hiking for the day or a family vacation at the beach, you'll…

6 ways to stay cool when entertaining »

(BPT) - When the temperature rises, hosts need to stay as cool as can be when entertaining friends and family. The secret is planning ahead to deliver easy ambiance, crowd-pleasing food and plenty of fun. Start with versatile foods that can both stand alone and…

Latest deck trend: ‘Monster’ size, mega-luxury »

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Use a rack to haul your gear during a summer road trip »

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