by Robin Fiedler Need a workout partner? A personal trainer?  Motivation from a celebrity or fitness guru? If you work out at home, finding a workout DVD that does all of those things is not easy. Workout DVDs come and go. Each year a few new ones become the next exercise fad and then fade Continue Reading

The other day my older son went to a potluck party at a friend's home.  His assignment was to bring beverages (non-alcoholic--these kids are still in high school.) The next morning, a plate of gourmet chocolate-covered pretzels was sitting on the kitchen table. When I asked where those came from, he said that since everyone Continue Reading

Perhaps you've planned a spectacular night out in a big city, complete with a hotel stay and a big champagne-and-confetti party to see in the New Year.  Maybe you'll celebrate with the one you love in a more quiet setting. Or maybe you'll enjoy time with family and friends, good food, good company and a Continue Reading

by Robin Fiedler "Happy New Year" means getting in shape, losing weight, and living healthier just a week after holiday shoppers were driving around the mall parking lot looking for the closest parking space. Still, the most popular exercise for 108 million Americans is walking, according to the Sporting Goods Manufacturing Association (SGMA). Listed by Continue Reading

by Robin Fiedler How old is your brain? There are no plastic surgeons to make your brain look more youthful and rejuvenated, but some claim you can decrease brain age. The brain fitness craze has spawned brain games, or brain gyms, for brain exercises through cognitive and memory training activities. The trend has gotten hotter Continue Reading

One day last week, my mom called to chat.  During her call, she mentioned that she had run out of good stuff to read.  I teased her about being "bookless," as Rain Man called it. My mom and I are alike in that respect (as well as many others.)  Neither one of us likes to Continue Reading

Until late last summer, we were using the finished part of our basement as a home office.  It was great to have a space to keep computer-programming books, financial records, extra toner for the printer, and Cub Scout files. Then we needed to convert that room into a temporary guest room for nearly four months.  Continue Reading

by Robin Fiedler Online sales had all-around positive growth for the November 2009 Christmas-shopping season, but when it came to increased traffic on the Internet for US websites, sales-incentives websites and coupon websites won big, coming in first and third. The incentives websites had a 76% increase in traffic for new "unique visitors" while coupon Continue Reading

by Robin Fiedler Start adding up the dollar value of all those gift-card balances, and take advantage of year-end clearance sales. The last shopping week of the year is the best time to redeem gift cards while stores promote inventory clearance sales. The week after Christmas is a great time to buy next year's Christmas Continue Reading

by Robin Fiedler Typically, it's losing weight, but surveys regarding Americans' top New Year's resolutions for 2010 involve finances as well. It seems all the stress and anxiety of a thinner wallet during a recession has made our top resolutions twofold to literally and figuratively tighten our belts. The economic downturn brought to light our Continue Reading