If there's any time you don't want one parent stuck in the kitchen preparing meals while the rest of the gang is off gallivanting, it's during these fun, warm weather months.The following are the keys to a couple of nights off... More >>

Planning around seasonal ingredients can be even more delicious and effective, since they are bursting with freshness and often on sale. Watermelon is a juicy summer case in point... More >>

Bottled tea drinks are overflowing market refrigerator cases. Profits are as high as waterfalls, too, since these are some of the most marked-up 'disposable income' products available. Stretch your summer budget by stirring up pitchers of antioxidant-filled green tea at home since using tea bags is much more economical than purchasing by the premixed bottle... More >>

Even already "10-second" recipes can be aided by fun, kid-style ingredients, and also show that "kid-friendly" can still mean healthful. And summer is the perfect, leisurely, activity-seeking time to embark on such adventures... More >>

Whether it's for "the environment" or your own personal environment, one of the best solutions this summer is to keep things cool by operating your oven as little as possible. But that doesn't mean you should just settle for recycled cold lunch fare for dinner... More >>

During summer, refreshment is key and the cooler your choices the better. However, beverages are often loaded with calories from added sweeteners. Easy homemade variations are packed with flavor and often cost less to prepare than the pricey competition. Some simply super sips that follow include a vitamin C-packed fresh citrus juice soda, a green tea-fresh herb cooler and a sugar-free root beer float with a surprise straw. More >>

When grilling is on the menu for Father's Day, many families report that Dad still prefers to be king of the cooks rather than get waited on hand and foot. If your father is such a nice guy that he still wants to grill the grub for the whole group, consider taking some of the heat off of him by offering to be his sous chef (second in command in the culinary world) and assemble some sassy sides. More >>

Plan brunch and you are apt to be dubbed "brilliant." Just calling the meal between breakfast and lunch a "brunch" seems to bestow an air of specialness and sophistication upon it. More >>

Remembering those who lost their lives in active duty is amplified even more on Memorial Day. Even after many years, however, those who are not removed for even a moment from those emotions are the impacted families. More >>

...Wouldn't it be fun then to target some of those all-time, hearty favorites, add our own special touches and give them to Mom as treats in the days leading up to Mother's Day... More >>