(NAPSI)—Shopping for a new baby should be fun and exciting. However, sometimes it can turn into a daunting experience. A targeted baby registry can alleviate the guesswork for friends and family, help you get just what you need and avoid unwanted or duplicate items. To get the most mileage out of your registry, “Do just as much homework as if you were paying the tab yourself,” says Sandra Gordon, one of the nation’s leading baby product experts and author of the new book “Save a Bundle: 50+ Ways to Save Big on Baby Gear.”

(StatePoint) With summer travel season upon us, families across the country are taking to the open road for family road trips. But while the destination always leads to excitement, oftentimes the long car ride can be a drag.

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(NewsUSA) - With over 80 million moms to shop for, Mother's Day is second only to Christmas when it comes to gift giving. So, besides giving a bouquet of flowers and box of chocolates this year, try getting mom the trending gifts and tech gadgets she'll love.

(NAPSI)—Sewing is more than just a quiet craft or pastime. What used to be considered grandma’s hobby has been transformed, putting the sewing industry back on the map and hotter than ever as one of the fastest-growing hobbies among the younger generation.

DreamWorks Animation has always strived to tell stories that can appeal to all ages. Their latest animated comedy, “The Croods,” will surely be enjoyed by anybody who is younger than 10. Unlike “Shrek” and “Kung-Fu Panda” though, it lacks the wit and innovation for older audiences. Compared to most Saturday morning cartoons, the film won’t passionately annoy parents that get dragged to the theater. But in an era where more and more adults are attending animated features without accompanying children, “The Croods” feels like a step backwards for DreamWorks.

(BPT) - New brides are transforming something old into something new. That’s according to the latest bridal tabletop trends.

(NewsUSA) - As spring blooms, it may be a great chance to escape with the family for an extended weekend getaway. Whether you're visiting relatives for the Easter holiday or taking advantage of the kids' break from school, spring travel is a great way to celebrate the start of warm weather. But depending on schedules and budgets, spring vacations aren't always very affordable. Save your money for fun events and shopping excursions, not logistics and hotels.

For older adults looking to sharpen their mental abilities, it might be time to log on to Facebook.

(BPT) - For generations, families have passed down home-spun remedies that can help loved ones feel that even during those sniffles and sneezes, they’re cared for. Having a bowl of grandma’s famous soup or your aunt’s special healing concoction can help your body heal and set your mind at ease. Recently, a group of Latina mom bloggers shared their families’ home remedies that bring comfort to loved ones.

(BPT) - Collecting relics isn’t a hobby just for Grandma and Grandpa any more. With the explosive popularity of TV shows centered around unearthing historic memorabilia and valuable pieces of Americana, searching for knickknacks and artifacts that make one-of-a-kind home decor is now a popular pastime for people of all ages. But how do you know the difference between what’s really treasure and what’s simply trash?

(BPT) - Few Americans are more time-strapped than parents. From the moment the alarm chimes, it can feel like a race to get through the day. From prepping for school or day care, to finalizing school projects and running to after-school activities, there’s hardly a moment to spare! And with career demands, the stress of being a busy parent can really set in and negatively affect the body in many ways.

Grandpa, Grandpa, Tommy told me there wasn’t any Santa Claus. He said it was just your Mommy and Daddy. Well, I asked, what do you think? No Grandpa, I want you to tell me.

(BPT) - Full of festive gatherings, this time of year brings us close to friends and family. But if you know someone suffering from hearing loss, it may be hard for you both to fully enjoy time together. You can help improve your loved one’s quality of life by addressing the problem with understanding and care. With a few simple steps, you can start the conversation and help find a solution.

With more than 25 years of teaching elementary students, Marana resident Margaret O’Connell has taken her love for children away from the classroom and transformed it into book form.

(BPT) - While holiday meals often take on a special significance because of the season, every meal is an opportunity to show those you care for what they mean to you. Instead of stressing about each meal throughout the holiday season (and all year long), why not create a few “go-to” meals that are not only special for those who will enjoy them, but are also no muss, no fuss for you – and simply delicious?

I can’t believe that Thanksgiving is right around the corner.  As I get older, I remember family traditions and how they are important to carry on.  When I was a child, we always went to Grandma Peggy’s the night before Thanksgiving.  She would make a feast with ham and turkey, mashed potatoes, scalloped corn, green-bean casserole, stuffing, and lots of homemade pies. It was enough for 40 people because that is how many crammed into her two-bedroom home in Southwest Minnesota.   

(BPT) - How many times has your child come home with news of a new penny drive or fundraiser happening at school or a place of worship? How often does this come with an explanation of who the cause or charity serves and how else your child can get involved? Often, children are eager to get involved with these fundraising efforts because there are reward incentives at the end, but parents can take this opportunity to discuss with children the real value of supporting nonprofit organizations.

Fall and Halloween are my favorite times of the year.  It brings back fond memories of family.  My aunt and grandma have made lasagna for years beginning in the fall.  I can remember trick or treating and stopping at grandma’s for a piece of lasagna and a popcorn ball.  I asked grandma where she ever got the recipe and she found it in the 1950s in the newspaper if you can believe it.  Our family thinks it is the best lasagna we have ever eaten.  

Confession: I’m a foodie if ever there was one. In my opinion, one of the very best perks of Sonoran desert living is the abundance of locally-owned restaurants that offer inspired menus rather than just the same old stuff served nationwide at a chain. It goes further than that, though. Beyond restaurants, we Tucsonans have access to fine artisan food and drink handcrafted right in our {greater} backyard. I keep my pantry stocked with local foodie finds not only to treat my family, but also so that when guests visit I can showcase a fraction of what the desert has to offer. There’s just something especially charming about taking an expected meal and infusing a little local flavor to make it extraordinary. Take your average, ordinary margarita, for example. Mixing in a bit of prickly pear syrup transforms that everyday cocktail into a regional delicacy. The seven sources for local, artisan foods I’m sharing today offer products you simply must try, at least once.

Thursday, Aug. 23, is National Sponge Cake Day.  Kind of crazy that they actually dedicated a day to sponge cake. Coming from a family of great cooks, my great grandma used to make a sponge cake that was amazing.  A good comparison would be the Twinkie.  

Of all the things I talk about with my clients, one of the quickest ways to throw ice water on the conversation is to bring up Long Term Care Insurance.  Many people feel long term care insurance is too expensive and they think their kids will care for them in their old age.  Some people also confuse the disability insurance they have through work with long term care insurance. Lastly, many people mistakenly think Medicare will pay for their long-term care expenses, which it doesn’t.  

July is National Ice Cream month, which is my favorite month.  I love ice cream.  I think there should be a section on the food pyramid exclusively for ice cream.  

Our Mom is ‘Superwoman’ and, she has no clue the magnitude of her own strength (making her qualities even more endearing) Life’s struggles have been much too plentiful from childhood on through.