Colorado Springs, Colorado (NAPSI) - Kitchens are becoming more than just a place to cook: According to the Research Institute for Cooking and Kitchen Intelligence, most families spend an average of 175 hours in the kitchen every month cooking, entertaining, working and spending time together.

El Paso, Texas (NAPSI) - School days can mean back-to-back expenses for many families. From purchasing school supplies and new shoes to backpacks and haircuts, parents can be pressed for money and time but you don’t have to be among them. It can help to heed these ideas:

Phoenix, Arizona (NAPSI) - When it’s time to have your home’s heating and cooling ducts cleaned, it’s important to do your homework and avoid scam artists.

Yuma, Arizona (NAPSI) - Here’s heartening news: A smart salad can become even more heart healthy and delicious when you add potatoes.

Phoenix, Arizona (NAPSI) - Hot under the collar? Here are six simple steps to help reduce your electric bills and keep your home cool during the summer.

Riverside, California (NAPSI) - The best gift you can give yourself this holiday season is to start your plan well in advance. Although reminders about holiday shopping seem to arrive earlier each year, the lack of an actual plan can mean little gets done until the last few stressful weeks.

El Paso, Texas (NAPSI) - Need a secret weapon against food boredom? Looking for a simple, foolproof ingredient to add an element of surprise to your next meal?