A warm cup of hot cocoa is just the thing to ward off winter’s chill. Served steaming in a warm mug, it’s perfect to accompany a crackling fire, as a wind-down from a day at work, or for refreshment during a weekend card game. The classic cocoa is a winner every time, but these suggestions will take it to the next level. --Add sprinkles of cinnamon and nutmeg and a dollop of vanilla. Not only will this complement the chocolate flavor of the cocoa, but it will give the cocoa

After the festive season is over and before spring arrives, many people feel down. Maybe it's the cold weather or shortened daylight hours. Those things can lead to very bad moods and a profound lack of optimism about the future. However, there are some things you can to help improve your chances of staying upbeat. 1) Stay active It is easy to stop getting as much exercise in winter, as the weather is not really suitable for many outdoor sports or active pursuits. However, do

As the days shorten and the memories of sunny driving fade, it’s time to get your car ready for the tests and trials of winter. Here’s what to do to ensure your vehicle stays safe and trouble-free in the cold months to come. 1) Wiper Blades In a heavy winter, your windshield wiper blades will come in for a lot of punishment. Make sure they’re not worn down and haven’t gotten split by the harsh heat of a dry summer. Test them by pouring water onto your windshield and then turn

(BPT) - Few areas of the country are immune to natural disasters or severe weather. Whether you live in a hurricane zone or face icy winters, it is important to prepare your home and family to weather the storm and know the potential health and safety risks that may arise in emergency situations. Beyond inconvenience, widespread and long-term power outages resulting from storms raise a much more serious concern: carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. While the poisonous gas can co

(BPT) - As winter approaches, many cities in the U.S. have already started to experience the winter chill with temperatures below freezing and snow fall. But cold weather isn’t exclusively a northern phenomenon as the majority of the country experiences extreme temperatures at some point during the winter months. Remember in January 2014 when all 50 states logged below-freezing temperatures on the same day? Cold weather can wreak havoc on your home and your comfort if