Pollution is everywhere -- in the water and in the air, and combating harmful agents should be a top priority for families. “Parents should not have to worry about whether or not it is safe for their children to play in the nearest lake, river or shore,” said Pamela Crouch of Orange County Coastkeeper, an environmental protection nonprofit organization. Promote a healthy lifestyle by fighting pollution with simple changes to your daily routine. The result? A better quality of life for you, your family and your community.
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10 Outdoor Pathway Perennials
Once your garden beds are overflowing with plants and flowers, it may seem like you’ve hit a road block when you want to continue to put your green thumb to good use. Often-forgotten spots in your lush yard are pathways and entrance ways. Create a walkway like no other by sprucing it up with pathway perennials that can handle the foot traffic while complementing the landscape.
10 Best Alternatives to the Little Black Dress
For a night out on the town, it’s tempting to grab that little black dress out of the closet to strut your best stuff. "While a little black dress can be a great and versatile addition to your evening wear, it's not the end-all and be-all of dressing after dark," says Dianne Daniels, a Connecticut-based image consultant. Spruce up your style and your evening wear with colorful and stylish alternatives to the LBD.
9 Tips to Find Your Sport
When it comes to sports, the options are endless. From tennis and golf to running and cycling, there's something for almost everyone. But, how do you choose a sport that fits your personality? To help you figure this out, we asked a series of fitness and lifestyle experts. Here's what they told us.
Best Business Casual Looks for Men
A business casual day at the office or a conference isn't an invitation to let loose. Instead, it's an opportunity to show off your sense of casual style while maintaining a professional look. Don't let your fashion sense drift off when sporting business casual wear when the need to impress is still a priority. Keep your business casual wear trendy, yet professional with flattering colors, fabrics and sensible fashion designed for both work and play.
Activities to Keep Siblings From Fighting
Siblings are naturally going to bicker and battle on a regular basis, no matter how much you try to keep the peace. “It is unrealistic to expect siblings not to fight,” says Jamie Rishikof, a Massachusetts-based licensed psychologist specializing in child and adolescent therapy. “They are rivals because they are thrust into a situation of constant negotiation and sharing. They have to share mom, dad, the house, the TV and the car -- and not by choice.” Constant fighting, however, can put a real strain on relationships. The best parents can do is encourage sibling activities that promote teamwork, cooperation and respect.
11 Essential Ice Cream Treats
Ice cream has been a traditional dessert staple for decades, and why wouldn't it be? It's easy to eat, soft and sweet and a popular treat for any age. Over the years, ice cream desserts have evolved to include essentials, such as nutty toppings, yogurt spinoffs and fruity sorbets. With a few creative touches, you can mix and match your ice cream desserts to create the essential sweets to follow the main course.
11 Uplifting Leftover Ideas
After fixing a hearty meal to feed your family, it’s likely that you’re too full to think about leftovers. But leftover food can extend the tasty feast throughout the week with yummy, bite-size reminders of your scrumptious cooking. Get creative with what’s left on the stove with leftover dishes and treats that are perfect for healthy breakfasts, lunches and dinners.
Getting Kids Ready for when Divorced Parents Begin Dating
When a divorced parent begins dating, it can be an anxious time for children and parents alike. Children often question if they will be forgotten or if the parent will not have enough time for them while parents are struggling with a balance of taking care of their children’s needs and their own need to move on. “For children, parents' dating is a concrete and clear sign that their parents are not going to get back together. and it’s an adjustment realizing that they have to share their parent with another person,” said Dr. Tamar Chansky, a leading anxiety psychologist and author of “Freeing Yourself from Anxiety and Freeing Your Child From Anxiety.” Though as with any change there may be growing pains along the way, leave room for the possibility that this could be a good thing for all, said Chansky.
How to Encourage Siblings to Work Together With Chores
Siblings learning how to work together on daily chores can create family bonds that will last a lifetime. (Not to mention what that will do for your sanity!) Dividing chores fairly is a start. “Statistics suggest that over 50 percent of parents assign chores equally amongst their children, which also means that almost 50 percent do not, and so conflict about chores may be a critical issue in these families,” says Dr. Holly Parker, psychotherapist and associate professor of psychology at Harvard University. With creative strategies to get those mops moving and siblings working together, your household will soon be sparkling.
Shannon Philpott-Sanders 