Lifestyle & Trends - Family Living

Want peace and joy in your home this Christmas? Start planning for it now

Legend has it that Santa Claus spends the whole year prepping for his big night. While you don't have to go to that extreme, you can still enjoy the benefits of planning for the holidays a few months in advance. Don't let waiting until the last minute interfere with your Christmas fun this year. Here are three areas where you can get a jump-start on the holiday.

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Overwhelmed by debt? Know your options

If you find yourself in a financial hole you can't get out of, it's important to know you have options. Being in debt can cause people to continue to make payments that they can't afford or can barely afford without much hope of ever eliminating the debt. If you find yourself in this position, there are a few routes you can pursue to free yourself from overwhelming debt.

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Smart moves: Five tips that will make moving to college a snap

As summer winds down, college freshmen - and sophomores, juniors and seniors - are gearing up to move onto campus. Whether you're moving to college for the first time or the third, you'll find there are ways to make your move smarter and, believe it or not, more enjoyable.

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Avoid 'lost' signs by tagging your cat

You've seen the posters decorating mailboxes, telephone poles and trees in your neighborhood. The picture of a cat - usually curled up in the sun or giving a curious look to the camera - with "LOST" in bold, capital letters and a contact number underneath. Sadly, less than 5 percent of lost cats make it home. Whether your cat stays inside or roams the outdoors, tagging is the best way to keep him safe.

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Ten tips on how to be a good neighbor - and avoid lawsuits

Treating your neighbor as you would like to be treated is wisdom that is thousands of years old. And it may be more important than ever in today's litigious society where a growing number of Americans - nearly 80 percent - live side-by-side in urban and suburban areas, in many cases separated only by a wall.

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Expecting? How to look your best

It's no secret that pregnancy does not always bring out one's inner glamour girl. As your waistline and bust balloon, it's easy to lose all sense of fashion and hide in baggy sweats, oversized button downs, or even your husband's jeans. Here's expert advice on maintaining your sense of style while waiting for your bundle of joy.

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Create lasting memories with a personal and visual memorial

From the Egyptian pyramids to the Vietnam Veterans Wall in Washington, D.C., the emotional importance of memorialization transcends history and cultures, and it satisfies a basic human need to remember and to be remembered.

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Summer 'staycations' remain popular as recovery approaches

Have you heard about the new trend in family vacations? With the economy in rough shape, more and more families are opting to "vacation at home" to make the most of their budget. The savings really add up, since the cost of family vacations can be quite high. Airfare remains expensive, and while taking the car instead will save money, gas isn't cheap. And spending a day or two traveling each way dramatically cuts into everyone's time, to say nothing of its effect on attitude. Hotels are pricey, eating out for a week costs more than a month of groceries and tourist attractions like theme parks can put a real dent in the wallet. Instead, many savvy families are choosing a "staycation" to save money, or to put the money they do spend toward something of more lasting value.

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Tips for planning a last-minute family vacation

Whether it's the sudden need to get away or the last chance to escape before the kids head back to school, many families find themselves in a position to book a last-minute vacation. With the fluctuating economy wreaking havoc on the airline and hotel industries, there is now a greater chance of finding availability and bargains for savvy researchers.

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Creative fundraising helps to keep schools strong

Times are tough, as every parent is keenly aware. But while everyone knows how the economy is affecting household budgets, families with school-age kids are feeling an extra crunch that is being put on their children's schools.

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