April 2012 Keep-It-Together Checklist

At last, spring has sprung, which means it’s finally time to dust off your patio furniture and spend time outdoors. Must-have ingredients: clean cloth, mild soap, a garden hose, and a little elbow grease will have your plastic, wicker, wrought-iron, teak, or aluminum furniture sparkling in no time.

Review your taxes to ensure you haven’t overlooked any available deductions, including prescribed weight-loss programs and moving expenses.

Take advantage of spring sales, which can save you up to 25 percent on raincoats.

If your family is spending spring break away from home, use this guide to efficiently pack for your vacation.

If springtime sniffles have left you sneezing and wheezing, there are a variety of remedies that will help alleviate the pesky symptoms. Start by changing the furnace filter to help rid the air in your home of allergens. Then use this guide to determine whether a Neti Pot, a natural histamine blocker, a corticosteroid, or immunotherapy will help you feel as good as new.

Turn yesterday’s hard-boiled egg breakfast into an array of delicious treats for today.

Turn an empty, unused fireplace into a beautiful area of your living room with these clever decorating tips.

Make it a springtime resolution to go green and tackle household chores with all-natural cleaners.

Grooming and beautifying takes time, but it needn't blow your budget. It can (quite literally) pay to keep loyalty programs, special events, samples, and even smartphone apps in mind when shopping everywhere from drugstores and department stores to flash sales, specialty stores, and TV sales. Armed with a little know-how, you may even score some freebies along the way.

Use these simple tips to help rest easy, despite spring allergies.

Teach kids about nutrition and spend quality time together as a family.

Consult this guide before you toss old clothes and household items. Your forgotten belongings could earn you extra cash while helping someone in need.

It’s no surprise that the space under the sink bears the messiest load in the home. It’s unavoidable: Clutter accumulates. Armed with some inspiration and a few clever products, it’s easy to turn that space into a fully-functioning storage area. Organize pots and pans, cooking supplies, or recycling bins under the sink and utilize much needed space in your kitchen. If your bathroom cabinet is in need of a makeover, create a clutter-free space for either cleaning supplies or cosmetics and toiletries.

Thinking about going green? Give yourself a refresher on what you should and should not toss in the recycling bin.

The secrets to making a gourmet dinner in 15 minutes or less.

Simple tips for brightening someone’s day. So easy, so worth it.

Whether you’re completely redecorating or simply prepping the house for weekend visitors, a few easy upgrades can transform the space into a cozy sanctuary. Embrace those doable decorating tricks like creating a comfy bed topped with pillows, adding visual interest with patterns and rich colors, and remembering to pay attention to the floor will help you get the most bang for your buck.

Use these tips to take advantage of spring’s bounty at your local farmer’s market.

It’s always important to apply SPF, but the warmer weather brings a higher UV index. Use this guide to choose the right sunscreen.

Mother’s day sneak up on you this year? Treat mom to one of these unique gifts on her special day.