No matter how much we love to cook and treasure the togetherness and excellent nutrition that it brings to our families, sometimes take-out chow is a reality of modern life. It doesn't have to be an all-or-nothing proposition, though. In the time you are waiting for the delivery to arrive, or in just seconds before you or a loved one goes out to pick it up, there are lots of healthful accompaniments you - and your kidlet helpers - can prepare that will add both homemade and healthful touches... More >>

Psssst, kids! Want an easy idea for what to give Mom for Mother's Day? Just hand her this printout with an "XOXO" written on it or a kiss mark from you in lipstick. Make these split-second meals during the week (with Dad's or other adult supervision if needed) and you'll be giving Mom a needed break, or, better yet, try to prepare 10-second meals like this every week. Or, psssst, Mom, if it's you here, you pass these off to your kids for a Mother's Day break!... More >>

...Eating out is among the top causes of personal debt. Most of us hunt for the best interest rates on our mortgages and we complain about the terrible price of gas the entire time we are pumping it... More >>

Why is it so hard to prepare meals?

1.   We try too hard and make it more complicated than it needs to be... More >>

* Cut the tops off of plastic milk jugs, poke holes in the bottom and use them to start seeds.

* Cut the bottom off and use as mini-greenhouses to cover plants... More >>

We've all heard about doing a thorough spring cleaning of our home to leave room for plenty of exciting new items. There's no reason to stop after you purge that closet, straighten that drawer or scour that bathtub. Set your sights on your pantry and refrigerator. Buildup there can usually rival any other spot in the house and you could find much more tasty items than lost change in a couch or a stray sock under a bed... More >>

These three-course economic weeknight menus (appetizers, entrees, and healthy desserts) include everything from falafel and white bean "meatballs" that are missing the meat, to salsa-topped canned salmon burgers, to a store-bought rotisserie chicken that gets a lift from gourmet homemade fruit sauce... More >>

Poo Free... Ahhh... I know that sounds strange doesn't it? This really isn't an article on what to do when constipated and I don't feel the urge to write on that subject at all. No, this has to do with shampoo... More >>

Most of us are experts at preparing budget-priced chicken, whether we boil, bake, grill, poach or lightly fry. Coming up with easy ways to utilize the mild-flavored poultry is about as versatile as a home cook can get. Leftovers are often eaten as is. That's fine, but... More >>

Public speaking, moving, starting a new job: These are often listed in polls among the most stressful things in life. Usually, not far behind is throwing a party. However, that anxiety is mostly misplaced. There are lots of quick and easy tricks you can tuck inside the sleeve of your party outfit... More >>