Around the Home

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(ARA) – The new school year is upon us and with it comes hectic schedules and harried mornings that make weekdays a mad dash. With school lunches to make, snacks to prepare and evening meals to plan, getting out the door on time can be a challenge. Having the house in order and a few things made ahead of time can be a huge convenience that means a world of difference in those time-crunched minutes.

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(ARA) - Warm weather has arrived and Americans are planning to shake out the rugs and wash the windows for the unofficial tradition of spring cleaning ... or are they?

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Many of us are trying to live more sustainable lifestyles by wasting less, recycling more, and purchasing products made with recycled materials. What about our kids at school? Does back-to-school shopping - which doesn’t really end when the kids are back to school - offer an opportunity to teach our kids a thing or two about sustainability?

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(NewsUSA) - Ahhh ? the sounds of the outdoors. They bring such welcome tones, like wind chimes and laughter from children playing games. However, the buzzing sound of stinging insects is perhaps one of the most unwelcome sounds. For some, this noise evokes fear about being stung, but bees, wasps, yellowjackets and hornets can cause more than just pain. Stinging insects send more than 500,000 people to the hospital annually.

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(ARA) - Comfortable spaces don’t need to be constrained by four walls, and an outdoor entertaining area can quickly become the most important “room” of your home. You aren’t alone if your porch or patio looks outdated and drab. Weather conditions can be tough on outdoor areas, but with a few simple updates, you can create a perfect outdoor space in no time.

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(ARA) - Does maintaining a lush, healthy and green lawn to enjoy with friends and family seem daunting? It's often a task that is easier said than done for homeowners. But take heart, a simple watering routine can help grass thrive.

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(ARA) - For many American gardeners, 2012 has not been a kind year. Most of the Midwest is dealing with one of the worst droughts on record. And while the Midwest is bearing the brunt of the drought this year, other parts of the country have also been hit hard in recent years, and climate change may be making matters worse. Since a drought can strike any year, anywhere, it makes sense to come up with a sustainable plan for helping your garden survive through the driest summers.

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(ARA) - As fall approaches, the daylight hours are dwindling, kids are headed back to school, and the lazy days of summer will soon be long forgotten. As you establish new routines, it seems like there are 10 additional tasks to handle each day, and cleaning, while one of the most important things on your to-do list, often falls to the bottom due to lack of time.

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(ARA) - In today's environmentally conscious times, it seems we're surrounded by the need to shop, act and live "green." Some of our choices are easy and small, while others can be big and costly. But one thing is for sure - each choice can make a significant difference.

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(ARA) - We spend hours in the kitchen socializing, keeping the family organized, and, of course, cooking and eating. As the center of the home's activities, the kitchen should be as fun as it is functional. With just a few supplies and a free weekend, you can cook up a whole new look for your kitchen.

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(ARA) - Remodeling projects have increased in popularity over the past few years as homeowners have decided to improve on what they have, rather than take a risk in the real estate market. Whether you're hoping to sell your home or create a more enjoyable living space, tackle home improvement projects that make a big impact and add value.