Keeping kids busy not only makes the summer special, it makes educational sense. Activities encourage imagination and exploration, while keeping kids' brains working and ready to learn during the next school year. Here are some ideas for activities and crafts to keep kids of all ages busy over the summer.

When spring rains rinse and refresh the outdoors, decks, patios and everything on them get a bath, too. But, once it's dry you see the remaining film that stays: dirt, bird droppings, sticky tree sap and buds, and whatever other debris that gets carried in the wind to land on your patio.

Halloween falls on a Friday this year, which makes it a perfect celebration for both children and adults who don't have to work on Saturday.

Being indoors doesn't always guarantee protection from the sun's damaging effects. Here's how to make sure both you and your belongings will stay safe.

In the kitchen, nothing beats the versatility of mushrooms; they work in everything from soups and salads to main dishes and appetizers and are easy to prepare.

At the dawn of summer, people spend more time outdoors and start planning barbecues, pool parties and picnics. But as the mercury rises, thoughts turn to lazing in front of the air conditioner instead of being out in the searing, sticky heat. With a little creativity, you can entertain outdoors while keeping cool this summer.

As summer arrives and temperatures rise, beauty routines become increasingly challenged by heat, humidity and other seasonal factors. Looking great during summer months isn't hard - it just requires smart preparation.