Day: December 11, 2013

The holidays are going to the dogs. More than 60 percent of owners include their pets in holiday cards or give them a gift, according to petfinder.com. Furthermore, 80 percent of pets participate in holiday celebrations.

The majority of this year’s key tax law changes were the result of two acts – the Affordable Care Act of 2010, also known as Obamacare, and the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012. The easiest way to navigate all the tax law changes and determine if you qualify for hundreds of tax benefits, is to use an online or mobile tax preparation solution.

The garage door’s role in the home has changed dramatically over the last 30 years and most people don’t realize it. Consider this: garage door openers have been installed in 35 million homes across the United States, making them one of the most widely used appliances. In fact, more than 70 percent of today’s homeowners use their attached garage as their main entrance to their home.

From hearty appetizers to decadent desserts, food is often the “star of the show” when it comes to holiday entertaining. Whether you’re creating a favorite meal for loved ones, or planning to host a large gathering, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with all of the planning and prep. Try these tricks culinary experts use to cook holiday meals guaranteed to impress.

“Eco-chic” clothing has become a hot fashion trend in recent years – and for good reason. These fashion-forward styles help us look fabulous while doing something fabulous for the environment. For example, eco-friendly clothes and accessories made with recycled plastics now are available in a wider range of styles than ever before, so it’s become easier to put together amazing outfits while closing the recycling loop.

Household chores are a never-ending reality of life. In fact, on average women spend more than two hours a day on household activities, which include housework and cooking, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Time Use Survey. Yet, keeping up with kids, pets and a hectic schedule make it seem like there’s still always something to clean. Tackle your home’s dirtiest rooms with these quick tips to make chores easier and more effective so you can have a tidy, sparkling home in no time.

For most places, winter undoubtedly means chilly temperatures, less sunlight and – inevitably – dry, tight or flaky skin. This season, follow these easy tips to break the cycle of dull winter skin by revamping beauty routines that will ensure radiant skin is always in the forecast.

If you own a small business, every dollar matters – especially when it comes to taxes. Whether your business is a partnership or corporation, Uncle Sam offers some sizeable deductions to lower your liability, allowing you to put those dollars toward capital and employees.

Recent catastrophes like the crash of Asiana Airlines Flight 214 in San Francisco and the Boston Marathon bombings have highlighted the extraordinary work of emergency departments and their indispensable role in health care.

Now that frigid temperatures and stormy days have come back in earnest, it’s time for car owners to think seriously about the road conditions ahead and take the simple but important steps to ensure safe winter travel this year.

Not that long ago, finding a diesel car or truck – a truck with fewer than 18 wheels, anyway – on an American highway was about as rare as an icy road in July. Not so today. The era of dirty, smelly and noisy diesel vehicles has gone the way of the 8-track tape player, clearing a path for high-profile and increasingly popular diesel sedans, SUVs and pickup trucks.