Online Features
Seasonal
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No backyard? No problem - the new trend of yardless gardening
(BPT) - Backyard or back patio, it’s time to get planting, no matter where you live. The number of American households engaging in do-it-yourself lawn and garden activities rose by more than 3 million in recent years, the National Gardening Association’s National Garden 2012 Survey found. That can include you, even if y...
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Ease travel worries with three simple tips
(BPT) - Traveling has its fair share of challenges, from never-ending lines to unexpected layovers and uncomfortable flights. Fortunately, by incorporating just a few expert tips, traveling can be less stressful whether you are jetting off for business or pleasure.  New York City lifestyle expert, Justine Santaniello, ...
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Easy solutions to backyard problems so gardeners can focus on fun
(BPT) - For time-stretched gardeners who prefer to enjoy their backyards rather than work in them, several new products make outdoor living easier. Each offers a thoughtful solution to a common outdoor living problem, providing time-saving help to gardeners, gadget geeks and all who love to focus on fun outdoors.  * ...
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Protect yourself from summer's backyard pests
(BPT) - Warm weather is here for the next few months, and that means you’ll be spending more time outdoors with family and friends – and more time with summer pests. Mosquitoes, fire ants, bees, wasps and yellow jackets are some of summer’s worst bugs. And those pests can be more than a mere nuisance. In 2012, the Cent...
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Is it time for a financial checkup?
(BPT) - For most of us, checkups are a regular part of life. Dental visits, auto maintenance appointments and even glances in the bathroom mirror all help us catch potential problems and assure that all is – or will be – well. What’s true of teeth, engines and grooming is also true of finances: regular checkups are reco...
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Expert tips and affordable tricks for planning summer parties
(BPT) - Warm sun, fresh air, soft grass – the summer season is the perfect reason to plan a festive gathering with friends and family. Whether you’re celebrating a momentous occasion or simply spending time with the special people in your life, a few tips and tricks can help you plan a fun party without breaking the ban...
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Sure-grow guidance for first-time gardeners
(BPT) - Each year, thousands of first-timers will join the millions of seasoned gardeners who already know the satisfaction of picking a perfect tomato at its peak, serving up salads from greens just grown right outside the back door, or harvesting home-grown peppers and specialty herbs never even seen at the grocery st...
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Five fast fixes and tips for a summer-ready car
(BPT) - With summer just around the corner, it’s time to get your car in tip-top shape to withstand hot days and long road trips. Summer driving requires your car to run differently; some adjustments and inspections are important to ensure your vehicle lasts season to season. Follow these five fast fixes and inspections...
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Help your landscape defeat the heat and thrive this season
(BPT) - Most of us have heard the rhyme “April showers bring May flowers." While April has traditionally been a rainy period, giving way to the start of spring growth and colors, this coming season also could bring stifling heat that scorches landscapes or results in on-going water shortages. After more than two-thirds ...
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A celebrity chef's tips for scoring big with game-day partying
(BPT) - Whatever sports you like to watch – whether pro levels or big collegiate moments such as the NCAA Men's Final Four, NCAA Frozen Four or College World Series – they all have one important thing in common: watching with friends makes them even more fun. Hosting the perfect game-day viewing party is sure to score b...
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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...
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Five tech tools that can help you get into a new home faster
(BPT) - Just 10 years ago, homebuyers would have started the purchasing process with a phone call to mortgage broker or real estate agent, a drive through a desirable neighborhood and a perusal of the classifieds. In 2013, however, buying a house is a high-tech affair, with technology making it easier than ever to find ...
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