Stopping the drain: Innovative technology helps conserve water throughout the house »

(BPT) - Four hundred gallons - that's how much water the average American home uses in a day, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Is it any wonder? You turn on the tap to get a drink and run the water until it feels cool,…

Increase your home’s curb appeal and value with simple outdoor improvements »

(BPT) - First impressions happen at the curb. A good first impression raises the value of your home and pride in home ownership. If you are considering listing your home, it's important that its curb appeal entices potential buyers to come inside and see more.…

Beat the heat and save some green with these warm weather energy saving ideas »

(BPT) - There are plenty of reasons to be excited that winter is finally over. Among them: no more slick roads, heavy jackets, freezing temperatures or dry skin. Spring's arrival also means an end to those expensive heating bills you paid all season. But just…

Bathroom organization styles that work smarter – not harder »

(BPT) - Hairdryers, toothbrushes, combs, hair brushes and picks. Shaving utensils, makeup, styling products and perfumes. The collection of grooming and beauty tools cluttering the bathroom vanity can quickly overwhelm everything, making the space unusable for guests and creating difficulty in finding the tools you…

6 steps to control your blood pressure »

(BPT) - A routine doctor's appointment often involves a health professional checking your blood pressure. The screening is not painful or stressful and typically takes less than a minute to measure. However, the results of this simple test may identify a condition that, when managed,…

Go green with eco-friendly outdoor living spaces »

(BPT) - Warmer weather means days spent in the backyard with barbecues, pool parties and neighborhood gatherings. This year, create a more satisfying and sustainable outdoor living space that you'll feel extra good about by going 'green.' With some expert advice, it's easier than you…

Guilt-free desserts to please the whole family »

(BPT) - Dinner is over and your family is craving something sweet to end the meal. There are plenty of delicious options to satisfy even the biggest sweet tooth while keeping your family's balanced diet in check. Best of all, these desserts can be made…

Turn your home into a smart home with these simple technology upgrades »

(BPT) - Homes are more technically advanced than ever before, providing homeowners with sophisticated sound systems, high-tech security capabilities and interactive entertainment systems. The good news is that you don't have to be a techie to turn your home into a smart home.

Not only is…

5 simple tips to prepare your home for flood season »

(BPT) - After a winter of frigid temperatures and record snowfalls, the nation now faces the spring thaw and long, rainy months. Flood season is officially here - is your home ready for it?

Floods are the most common natural disaster in the United States. Over…

Is your child eating kid-friendly foods that support overall health and wellness? »

(BPT) - It's 3 in the morning and your child is awake complaining of aches and pains. You take his temperature, give him some water, and sit with him to encourage rest. Parents commonly experience long nights like these, and it can be tormenting when…

Picking the right camp for your kids »

(BPT) - As the classic Gershwin song lyrics go, 'summertime and the livin' is easy' isn't always the case if you're a parent trying to determine what to do with your kids when the final school bell rings. More than 10 million kids from coast…

Education insight: 5 tips for conquering college later in life »

(BPT) - Today's college students are breaking the stereotypical mold. Older students are no longer intimidated to conquer college later in life, and many colleges see students in their 20s studying alongside students in their 30s, 40s - even 60s! If it's been a long…

Stay cool by going green this summer »

(BPT) - If the thought of a scorching summer without adequate cooling sounds tough, think about the strain an overworked air conditioner unit places on both your household budget and the environment. Around two-thirds of all American homes have an air conditioner unit, amounting to…

Children’s health concern: Every minute poison control answers a call about young kids getting into medicine »

(BPT) - Most parents and grandparents know that keeping medicine out of children's hands is important. But every minute a poison control center answers a call about a young child getting into medicine, and every 8 minutes a child goes to the emergency room for…

5 tips for fighting grime: The squeaky-clean truth about the dish pit and commercial dishwashers »

(BPT) - Numerous pieces of equipment are required for busy restaurant kitchens to run smoothly, and one of the hardest-working machines in any kitchen is the commercial dishwasher. Critical to both restaurant flow and sanitation, this piece of restaurant equipment can make or break the…

New tech devices make the perfect gift for your grad »

(BPT) - Years of hard work have all led to this moment; your loved one is graduating. This is a special time in his or her life. It marks an end to past successes and the doorway to new challenges and opportunities. As you celebrate…

These tech-related gifts will help college graduates start their careers in style »

(BPT) - Graduation is right around the corner. If someone in your life is graduating from college and about to embark on their first career, you're probably searching for the perfect gift to celebrate their educational accomplishments and to get them started on the right…

The places you’ll go: Tips for female graduates on how to lean in to your career »

(BPT) - More females are graduating from college than ever before, but does gender still play a role in career success? Does the so-called glass ceiling still exist? The truth is females face unique considerations when it comes to growing and navigating a career.

Rachel Thomas,…

Five ways to celebrate the return of the sun »

(BPT) - With warm weather in sight, it's time to celebrate the return of sun, travel and outdoor parties. Whether taking a break from the workday to enjoy the park or hosting an event for friends, there are many ways to bask in the warmth.

Lunch…

Have a delicious baking recipe? Share it with the world »

(BPT) - Think your family's favorite breakfast recipe is a winner? Enter it now in the 47th Pillsbury Bake-Off(R) Contest for the chance to win $1 million and other prizes.

In 2013, Antoinette Leal of Ridgefield, Conn., won third prize at the contest for her Cherry…

Composite or wood? Myth-busting facts to know before you decide on a deck »

(BPT) - As temperatures warm across the country, many homeowners will begin thinking about home improvement. Adding a deck or replacing an old one is a popular project in spring and summer - one that provides outdoor entertaining space and enhances home value. If you're…

Kick-start kids’ summer with shoe-shopping tips for parents »

(BPT) - When it comes to the health of your children, you do everything you can to help them grow up healthy and strong. You get them vaccinated, take them to the dentist and optometrist, and you do your best to ensure they eat a…

Outdoor kitchen? Second-floor laundry? How to easily achieve summer’s hottest home improvements »

(BPT) - Whether you're staying in place or planning to take advantage of an improving real estate market to sell your home, spring and summer are upgrade seasons. From adding a bathroom to creating an outdoor kitchen, certain improvements pay off for both homeowners who…

Try tasty simple swaps to lighten up your menu »

(BPT) - When it comes to diet and health, small changes can lead to big rewards. Replacing less healthy ingredients in your favorite recipes with ingredients that are lower in calories and packed with nutrients (and flavor) make it easy for you to stay on…

Healthy housekeeping tips offer a fresh approach to spring cleaning »

(BPT) - After the long and cold winter experienced across the United States, families will be tackling spring cleaning with a passion this year. But for more than 40 million Americans living with allergies and 25 million with asthma, housekeeping comes with extra concerns and…

Parents: Put the brakes on kids’ summer ‘brain drain’ »

(BPT) - Parents and kids alike sigh with relief at the end of another successful school year. Yet years of studies show that summer 'brain drain' is a very real phenomenon, and where kids are intellectually at the end of one school year isn't always…

Greener grilling: Good for you and for Mother Nature, too »

(BPT) - You already know grilling is a healthful, flavorful and fun way to cook while enjoying the great outdoors. But did you know it can also be a 'green' activity?

By choosing earth-friendly fuel options, better ingredients and sustainably sourced seasonings, you can…

Modern technology rescues backyard pool-time fun »

(BPT) - Technology has made the world a very different place than it was just one, five or 10 years ago. Film cameras, handwritten letters and portable CD players, all have been replaced by newer, more efficient inventions.

These advancements have improved so many facets…

The new time to have fun and bond with your family: breakfast »

(BPT) - Families are always looking for new ways to celebrate and spend time together. Why not start your weekend off on the right foot with a little family time in the kitchen over a delicious hot breakfast?

Cooking in the kitchen is a great activity…

Got a great wedding theme? Tips for carrying it throughout your big day »

(BPT) - What does the concept of a wedding theme mean to you? Do you think it's just about the colors you choose for your bouquet and bridesmaid gowns? Or do you think of it as something grander - your personalized stamp that should shine…

To-do list 2.0: How high-tech is making household chores easier than ever »

(BPT) - Each week, the average person spends between 10 and 20 hours doing yard work and other tasks around the home, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. While necessary, these routine tasks don't exactly fit neatly into today's busy, on-the-go lifestyles, which is…

Serve your country and explore the world simultaneously »

(BPT) - It's no secret that world travel is one of the most exciting perks enjoyed by men and women in America's Navy. With more than 100 ports of call around the globe and bases in multiple time zones, there's a great chance you'll see…

Umbrella insurance: Are you adequately covered? »

(BPT) - If you have auto insurance, you probably think you have all the coverage you need for yourself, your spouse and your teenage drivers. Likewise, your homeowners insurance will take care of repair costs in case the pipes burst or there's a fire. But…

How to protect yourself from uninsured drivers »

(BPT) - Though most states require drivers to have car insurance, there are still motorists who take their chances and drive without coverage or with insufficient coverage. Nationwide, an estimated 14 percent of drivers are uninsured, and, in a handful of states, that figure tops…

Clever tips and tricks to save on auto insurance »

(BPT) - Car insurance can take a bite out of your budget. On average, consumers shelled out nearly $800 for auto insurance for each vehicle in 2011, according to a recent report from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. In some states, the annual cost…

Deck staining secrets for success »

(BPT) - After one of the toughest winters on record, your backyard deck may be looking worse for wear. And spring showers will just bring more potential damage to unprotected wood. Water is your deck's worst enemy. It causes ugly and expensive cracking and splitting.

Luckily,…

Master suite upgrades: the secret to a speedier home sale »

(BPT) - All signs point to a hearty real estate market this summer. Experts say more inventory will be available and buyers will have an easier time getting mortgages, all of which means more competition among sellers.

If you plan to put your home on the…

A sure-footed way to choose new flooring »

(BPT) - When spring-cleaning uncovers a worn floor it may be time to consider purchasing a new one, especially if you're selling your home in the near future. A new floor, like refreshed paint and updated fixtures, makes a home more enjoyable to live in…

Pamper your feet, now, in preparation for sandal season »

(BPT) - With spring break plans in place and summer just around the corner - sandal season is finally here. It's time to put foot care on your immediate to-do list so your feet will be up to the task of showing off your newest…

Mowers, chain saws and high-ethanol gas: safety tips for consumers »

(BPT) - With warm weather on the way, many Americans will be heading outdoors. Whether you're beautifying your landscape with a lawn mower and hedge trimmer or using a chain saw to clear space for that deck you've always dreamed of, it's important to take…