Lifestyle & Trends - Hot Topics

Why the recession can be a good thing for those in debt

It's been a tough few years for most Americans, facing a constricting national - and world - economy, job losses, pay cuts and a tough employment market. It can certainly be difficult to see the good in those circumstances, but helpful things can come out of these challenging times. You don't need to be a Pollyanna, but taking a practical look at how the recession affects your personal finances can show that there are some positives. Read More

Don't let fugitive dust steal your health

No one likes dust - and it's everywhere, whether you live on a gravel road in the countryside or an urban environment. Dust accelerates wear on appliances, electronic equipment and vehicles, and it stunts the growth of your houseplants and gardens. But even more troubling is how dust may adversely affect your health, particularly if you already have breathing-related problems. Read More

Would your kids know what to do in the event of a road trip emergency?

When you set out on a family road trip, running into trouble is the last thing on your mind. Accidents can happen, however, so it's important that you have an emergency plan in place before you leave the driveway. Read More

Turn the 'getting there' into the best part of the trip

The next time you decide to go on a road trip, don't be in such a hurry to get to your destination. If you take the time to plan your trip - and plan it well - you are likely to find a lot of places worth checking out along the way. Read More

Teaching kids the rules of the road

Ask any parent who has been through it before and they'll tell you teenage drivers are overconfident. They are so excited about getting the privilege to drive; they often don't consider what can go wrong. Read More

Hot wheels: The top five muscle cars of summer

Baseball, barbecue, pool parties - when you're tallying ways to celebrate summer, don't overlook one uniquely American invention that some devotees say is the epitome of summer fun - the muscle car. <br/> Read More

Protect your college kid's laptop

A laptop has become an essential tool for college students. Parents have more choices than ever - and more opportunities to save - when purchasing a laptop for their college kids. But the cost of a new laptop goes far beyond the price tag on the computer - especially if a new laptop is stolen or damaged while a child is away at school. Instead of risking a costly replacement, parents can take several effective measures to ensure their student's laptop, and the valuable information stored on it, are well protected. Read More

Expert advice for starting a small business - even in this economy

Is it easier to climb Mount Everest than to start a small business in America today? More than 65 percent of Americans think so, according to a recent survey. Yet 70 percent also believe small businesses are more likely to turn around the economy than the federal government, reveals the survey by Wakefield Research conducted on behalf of e-commerce platform Alibaba.com. Read More

The renovation revelation: Top tile trends for today's renovations

When renovating your home for the long run, it makes sense to choose materials that offer outstanding design flexibility, affordability, durability and eco-friendliness. Ceramic tile continues to be a favorite choice of savvy designers, builders and homeowners seeking those qualities for home renovations. Read More

What you need to think about when considering a career change

In this time of economic uncertainty, people of all ages are considering career changes. People are forced to explore other career options because of layoffs. Others seek a new direction as they experience declining satisfaction with a job they once found exciting. Professionals who have made successful switches to different careers offer advice to help others do the same. Read More

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