(ARA) – Summer is the perfect time to journey outdoors and mingle with family and friends. However, the stress of hosting summer get-togethers can sometimes be discouraging. This year, avoid a meltdown and make your next barbecue or block party a breeze by keeping in mind the following party preparation tips: 
1. Some barbecue fanatics spend [...]

Tags: block parties, party tips, soirees, summer party, summer soiree

(ARA) – According to the American Psychological Association, eight out of 10 people polled in October said that the economy is a significant cause of stress, up from 66 percent polled six months earlier. The main causes for stress and worry for both men and women were money, the economy, job stability, housing costs and [...]

Tags: cards, HOPE, hope campaign, HOPE is in the Cards, stress

By Marty Meltz
“Up” (my 0-10 quality rating: 10) 
(animation) 
Director: Peter Docter, with co-director Bob Peterson 
Screenplay: Bob Peterson 
Voices: Ed Asner, Christopher Plummer, Delroy Lindo, Bob Peterson 
Time: 1 hr., 36 min. 
Rating: PG (perilous action)
A masterpiece of adult-level art and craft of animated films, not to say a wonderfully refreshing plot quality exploring seriously the trials and tribulations of [...]

Tags: Disney, Disney Pixar's Up, movie reviews, Pixar, Up

(ARA) – Economic uncertainty has many families skipping expensive vacations and opting for so-called “staycations” in their own backyards. They’re cooking, camping and enjoying outdoor activities right at home, making their lawns the perfect spot for an oasis of fun and relaxation.
Because people are spending more time around their homes, there is a renewed emphasis [...]

Tags: landscapes, lawns, outdoor living

(ARA) – Downsizing. Difficult. Depression. Dread. These are a lot of “D” words. But “D” words seem appropriate — even reflective — of the grade many of us might give our financial and mental states right now.
Corporate downsizing and increased unemployment can take a heavy toll on everyone. And the impact is more than economic. [...]

Tags: Thrivent Builds, Thrivent Financial, volunteering, volunteers

(ARA) – There’s an old saying that learning from the past can help you prepare for the future. This doesn’t just apply to your own past mistakes, but also means taking in the lessons of those that came before you. Whether you’re an adult or you’re in seventh grade, reading about mythology and the classics [...]

Tags: Aeneid, Classical Considerations -- Useful Wisdom from Greece and Rome, reading, The Epic of Gilgamesh, Vergil, When in Rome

(ARA) – With spring around the corner, kids, tweens and teens across the country will doff sweaters for tank tops and jeans for shorts. And as a parent, you may feel more conscious than ever of our society’s preoccupation with body image and how it affects your child.
Just as concerning as the rise in childhood [...]

Tags: body image, children, positive body image, self esteem

A tight economy means most American homeowners are keeping close watch on their budgets, cutting spending on frivolities and extras.
For this reason, many folks have opted to put large-scale projects, such as kitchen and bathroom remodels, on the back burner for the time being. But, they haven’t completely stopped updating their homes. Homeowners are still [...]

Tags: budgeting, budgets, frugal, frugal economy, smart homes

Feeling stressed over the economy? More and more Americans are turning to a millennia-old technique for relieving stress — music. Whether you just listen or actually play an instrument, music has very definite therapeutic value for a range of mental and physical health issues, a growing body of scientific evidence shows.
From relieving depression in adults [...]

Tags: piano, playing piano, relieving stress, stress

In this economy, people are looking to save money wherever they can. That means many are turning to an old favorite: coupons. There’s no question that coupons can save shoppers serious money at check-out, but grocery coupons have come a long way since the days when they could only be found in the Sunday newspaper.
Today’s [...]

Tags: coupons, money saving tips, save money