Articles by

5 Reasons why your kids should have cell phones

Michelle Maffei — Sun, 24 Jun 2012 22:00:00 -0700

Your kiddo has come to you with wishes for a mobile phone of her very own, but is she ready for the responsibility? From safety to family bonding, check out the five reasons why kids should have cell phones.

Game sites your kids will love (but actually help them with math)

Michelle Maffei — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 11:32:00 -0700

Is asking your youngster to study math like asking him to eat Brussels sprouts? Then there's no need to let him in on the secret that he's actually learning with math games. From arithmetic to geometry to statistics, games that focus on mathematics take the fight out of learning by disguising it in fun puzzles, challenges, action and entertainment. From free games online to math games you can play on Facebook, discover 14 game sites your kids will love .

Vacuum extraction during delivery

Michelle Maffei — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 09:48:00 -0700

In the labor and delivery room, things don't always go as you plan. From lengthy labors to low levels of pain tolerance, each and every delivery can be different, even when you're not a first-time mother. Should your baby need a little help making his grand entrance into the world during a vaginal delivery, learn what, how and why your doctor may need to use vacuum extraction during delivery.

Online games for teens

Michelle Maffei — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 08:15:00 -0700

According to a study by the MacArthur Foundation, nearly 97 percent of kids ages 12 to 17 play video games, including online gaming. Between online games for kids and online games for adults, where can your teenager go to get their video game fix? From teen games by Nickelodeon to Facebook games, discover some safe, age-appropriate online games for teens.

Online arcade games for kids

Michelle Maffei — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 05:55:00 -0700

Summer screen time doesn't have to mean buying the latest game console or heading to the arcade and spending a lot of money. From the comfort of your computer, you and your youngsters can find safe, free online games for kids that won't cost you a dime. From classic arcade games to games featuring your child's favorite characters, check out these 12 sources for online arcade games for kids.

How to help your family feel safe after a break in

Michelle Maffei — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 11:51:00 -0700

After a home break in, the feelings of violation and fear can be overwhelming. So, how do you make your family feel safe in your own home when you've been robbed? From home security measures to seeking help for your loved ones, get tips on how to help your family feel safe after a break in.

How to speed up labor

Michelle Maffei — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 11:11:00 -0700

Now that it's go time, it seems that your bun in the oven is taking her sweet time making her grand entrance. But after nine long months, you're ready to get this show on the road! Already having contractions and want to speed up the time between the start of labor and delivery? Discover how to speed up labor, from assistance from your doctor to natural ways to speed up labor like good old-fashioned sex.

How to know if your child is a cyber bully

Michelle Maffei — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 10:53:00 -0700

You teach your child to stay safe with the technology he uses, but how do you know if your kiddo is abusing his high-tech freedom? With cell phones, the Internet and social media at his fingertips, your youngster may be engaging in aggressive behavior known as cyber bullying. From keeping an eye on his computer time to talking to your child about the legal consequences, here are some tips on how to know if your child is a cyber bully.

5 Best kids-free vacation ideas

Michelle Maffei — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 06:35:00 -0700

When you want to get away from it all -- including your kids -- then head for some kids-free fun. Although you won't find many hotels or resorts stateside that boast an adult-only guest list, many tropical destinations offer the mature ambiance you seek. From popular vacation packages aboard adult-only cruises to grown-up fun at all-inclusive couples resorts, discover the five best adults-only vacation ideas and start packing!

9 Top vacation deals for summer

Michelle Maffei — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 16:00:00 -0700

From coast to coast, travel deals that are waiting to be found can save you a bundle on your next summer vacation. Before you book your next hotel, car rental, cruise package or plane ticket, discover nine top vacation deals for summer that you can't afford to miss!

3 Top Southern vacation deals for summer

Michelle Maffei — Fri, 27 May 2011 12:32:00 -0700

Feast your deal-loving eyes on these three top Southern vacation deals for summer to save on the destinations you love, from Florida to Georgia to the entire South. From vacation packages to the Magic Kingdom to travel deals using your AAA membership, you'll save beaucoup bucks on the summer getaway you've been dreaming of.

3 Top West Coast vacation deals for summer

Michelle Maffei — Fri, 27 May 2011 12:49:00 -0700

Boost your spending cash for your next West Coast vacation with the best travel deals on the things you need for a hot summer vacation this year. From where to score last-minute deals on car rentals in Hawaii to stacking up the savings with vacation packages on Las Vegas hotels, you can't afford to miss these three top West Coast vacation deals for summer.

3 Top East Coast vacation deals for summer

Michelle Maffei — Fri, 27 May 2011 12:30:00 -0700

Hitting the road, air or sea this summer can cost you less when you know where to look for travel deals. From last-minute deals to off-peak vacation packages, discover the 3 top East Coast vacation deals for summer.

7 Best theme parks in California

Michelle Maffei — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 14:00:00 -0700

This summer, you won't want to miss the chance to hit some of the seven best theme parks in California for some fun in the sun. From sky-high roller coasters like Six Flags Magic Mountain's Goliath to good old-fashioned family fun at amusement parks like Disneyland, you can find the theme park that fits the fun you seek!

6 Eco-friendly landscaping tips

Michelle Maffei — Wed, 18 May 2011 10:30:00 -0700

Saving the environment can start in your own backyard when you discover how to landscape with an eco-friendly design that will go the distance with minimal maintenance. From synthetic turf to low-water plants, discover six eco-friendly landscaping tips to make your backyard a greener place.

5 Best cruises for teens

Michelle Maffei — Fri, 20 May 2011 17:00:00 -0700

With on-board entertainment and the ability to sightsee without hopping hotels, more families are opting for cruises for their family vacation. Modern cruise lines are family-focused, offering passengers of any age plenty to see and do, including families traveling with teenagers. Before you book your high-seas getaway, discover the five best cruises for teens, from cruise ships that feature teen clubs to cruises that offer teen-only excursions.

5 Best hotels for teens

Michelle Maffei — Mon, 23 May 2011 07:00:00 -0700

Family-friendly hotels may seem like your best bet when planning a family vacation, but when traveling with teens, giving them a little bit of freedom while balancing family time can take planning. While teens may not be adults just yet, they are not interested in kiddie activities. So before you book your next vacation, discover these five best hotels for teens that feature teen-centric amenities.

5 Spring backyard maintenance tips

Michelle Maffei — Thu, 12 May 2011 07:15:00 -0700

Was yard work the last thing on your mind this winter? Then bring spring cleaning outdoors and get your backyard in order! From lawn maintenance tips to spring cleaning tips for your garden, discover five spring backyard maintenance tips that will get your outdoor space ready for summer.

How to landscape for your region

Michelle Maffei — Tue, 03 May 2011 15:00:00 -0700

Before you pull on your gardening gloves and put your ideas for landscaping to work, you'll need to do a little research. According to the US Department of Agriculture, the country can be divided into several basic climatic regions, which means landscape design for your outdoor space is not a one-size-fits-all undertaking. From choosing drought-resistant plants for your soil to attracting the right birds and bugs, discover how to landscape for your region so your yard will thrive.

3 Common female sex problems

Michelle Maffei — Tue, 03 May 2011 16:00:00 -0700

According to a study by the Journal of the American Medical Association, sexual problems were reported in 43 percent of women surveyed -- which means you're not alone! From pain during intercourse due to vaginal dryness to difficulty achieving an orgasm, learn more about the three most common sex issues for women.