(ARA) – Traditions help keep people connected through the years for generations. A special experience or gift-giving ritual often creates the foundation for celebrating the holidays. But what happens when those traditions no longer work? Circumstances, budgets and tastes change, requiring a fresh look at new ways to celebrate the holiday season. Shaking up holiday [...]

This video is so great. I love how it is “semi-homemade”.  During the holidays who has time to do everything from scratch?  I know with work and family, I love having simple and quick recipes.  It seems like every time I throw a party I make these labor-intensive recipes that put me behind on schedule. [...]

(ARA) – The holidays are the perfect time to reconnect and mingle with family and friends. However, the stress of hosting holiday get-togethers can sometimes be discouraging. This year, avoid a festivity fiasco by keeping in mind the following five preparation tips: 1. Turn kitchen chatters into hostess helpers: The day before your party, dig [...]

(ARA) – As holiday decor springs up and seasonal tunes begin to flood the airwaves, it’s time to embrace the most wonderful time of the year. If you didn’t line up on Black Friday, and decking the halls is something you typically save for the last-minute, not to worry. Lifestyle expert, celebrity stylist and television [...]

(ARA) – Whether it’s for the holidays or another big occasion, hosting people in your home can be both gratifying and stressful. It can be especially tricky when you’re entertaining out of town guests for days at a time. By planning ahead, you can avoid some of the common pitfalls that can cause a gathering [...]

(ARA) – Celebrating with friends and family over the holidays can lead to one too many glasses of eggnog and slices of pumpkin pie. But just because the holidays include decadent indulgences, it doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the celebrations and treats you love. There is a way to dive into the holidays with [...]

(ARA) – From cocktail parties to New Year’s bashes, ’tis the season for endless celebrations with friends, family and food – and lots of it. Facing multiple parties packed with those indulgent holiday goodies can be a challenge to anyone’s weight loss goals. But with the right strategy, you’ll be celebrating even after the party [...]

(ARA) – Whether you are planning a trip over the holidays or looking ahead to the spring or summer for a family vacation, realize that identity theft can happen wherever you are and also where you’re not. More than 9 million Americans have their identities stolen each year, according to the Federal Trade Commission. When [...]

(ARA) – Holiday traditions may vary from home to home, but one of the most cherished sites each year is universal. The holiday tablescape: the place where all the luscious treats of the season await all the special people in your lives. Close your eyes for a moment and remember walking into the dining room [...]

(ARA) – The holidays are about seasonal traditions and making merry with family and friends, but sometimes it can be overwhelming to have so many events to attend and to-do lists to complete. In fact, more than 80 percent of Americans find the holiday season to be “somewhat” or “very” stressful, according to an About.com [...]