CoreLogic (NYSE: CLGX), a leading provider of information, analytics and business services, today released its November Home Price Index (HPI) which shows that home prices in the U.S. declined for the fourth month in a row.

In Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, home prices, including distressed sales, declined by -4.51 percent in November 2010 compared to November 2009. Excluding distressed transactions, year-over-year HPI for November is -2.86 percent.

According to the CoreLogic HPI, national home prices, including distressed sales, declined by 5.07 percent in November 2010 compared to November 2009 and declined by 3.35 percent* in October 2010 compared to October 2009.

Excluding distressed sales, year-over-year prices declined by 2.21 percent in November 2010 compared to November 2009 and declined by 2.24* in October 2010 compared to October 2009. Distressed sales include short sales and real estate owned (REO) transactions.

National Highlights as of November 2010

Including distressed sales, the five states with the highest appreciation were: Maine (+8.58 percent), North Dakota (+4.41 percent), Wyoming (+3.67 percent), New York (+2.07 percent) and Vermont (+1.78 percent).

Including distressed sales, the five states with the greatest depreciation were: Idaho (-13.56 percent), Alabama (-11.18 percent), Arizona (-10.38 percent), Oregon (-9.26 percent) and Mississippi (-8.37 percent).

Excluding distressed sales, the five states with the highest appreciation were: Wyoming (+6.47 percent), North Dakota (+4.91 percent), Maine (+4.46 percent), New York (+3.96 percent), and District of Columbia (+3.54 percent).

Excluding distressed sales, the five states with the greatest depreciation were: Idaho (-10.42 percent), Alabama (-7.82 percent), Arizona (-7.81 percent), Nevada (-6.13 percent) and Washington (-6.05 percent).

Including distressed transactions, the peak-to-current change in the national HPI (from April 2006 to November 2010) was -30 percent. Excluding distressed transactions, the peak-to-current change in the HPI for the same period was -21.7 percent.

"We're continuing to see the influence of seasonal declines that typically depress home prices during the latter part of the year, but the fact that the rate of decline increased for November is indicative of the uphill battle we're facing with the housing recovery," said Mark Fleming, chief economist for CoreLogic.

Full-month November 2010 national, state-level and top CBSA-level data can be found at http://www.corelogic.com/About-Us/ResearchTrends/Home-Price-Index.aspx.

*October 2010 data, including distressed sales, was revised from a decline of 3.93 percent to a decline of 3.35 percent. October 2010 data, excluding distressed sales, was revised from a decline of 1.5 percent to a decline of 2.24 percent. Revisions with public records data are standard, and to ensure accuracy, CoreLogic incorporates the newly released public data to provide updated results.

(ARA) - College students from L.A. to Philadelphia and all points in between will soon begin their annual moves back home. In fact, the U.S. Census Bureau estimates there are some 19 million students enrolled at more than 4,300 colleges and universities across the United States. Moving is never an easy task but there are some things you can do to make it a more enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

The experts at Penske Truck Rental, armed with more than 40 years of experience in helping people move, offer a few tips to help make your move home from college go a bit more smoothly:

* Don't put it off until the last moment. Springtime and graduation weeks are peak moving times for both students and families living near or around campus. Renting a moving truck will allow you to move all of your things in one easy go, so reserve one before they're all rented out - at least two weeks in advance of your move. Once you've reserved, it's guaranteed that a truck will be there for you. For most students, a 12- or 16-foot truck is a perfect fit for all they can store in a college residence or small off-campus apartment. If you can, try to move on a weekday - weekends are always the busiest moving days.

* Pack smart. Bring home only what you need. Consider donating any remaining items to charities. Load your heaviest items on the truck first. Boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, moving blankets and hand trucks are also essential to keeping your belongings safer and making your move easier.

* Think safety. To avoid injury, always bend your knees and lift with your legs. Also, don't text or talk on your cell phone while driving. While stopped for breaks, park in highly visible, well-lit areas and always lock all doors. If you're using a moving truck, remember that it is taller, wider and heavier than cars or SUVs. So, drive a bit slower and take extra care when making turns, driving under overhangs or near low tree branches. Penske offers 24/7/365 emergency roadside assistance in case you have a problem.

* Make it fun. Keep a positive attitude during the move - play music, plan a fun dinner for after all the work is done and don't let frustration get to you. Some moving trucks, like those from Penske have CD players, radios, air conditioning and cell-phone outlet chargers - make sure you've got all the things necessary for a comfortable, enjoyable ride.

* Go green. You might be able to save on costs and be kinder to the environment by moving together with someone from your area. Check with your residence life office on campus to help find someone to share the ride. Some truck rental companies participate in the Environmental Protection Agency's SmartWay program, which is devoted to saving fuel, money and the environment. Penske earned the program's highest possible rating.

* Keep the essentials with you. With most belongings packed tightly away, create a travel bag for moving day to keep important paperwork, credit cards, identification, change of clothes, drinks and snacks close at hand. More moving tips and even additional discounts through AAA can be found at www.PenskeTruckRental.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - Ever since she was a little girl, Amanda Davis dreamed of one day having her grandmother's cherished wedding china as her very own.

"As a child, I always loved listening to stories about past family gatherings as Mamo took each piece of her china out of the hutch so carefully," says Davis. "I can remember thinking about how this same china had been used for numerous family gatherings and feeling a sense of connection to my grandfather, who died before I was born, through the china that I knew he had used with my grandmother on similar family occasions."

Davis had no idea her grandmother, Bettie Guillion, shared a similar dream. Guillion knew her granddaughter loved her china, and planned to pass along her precious heirlooms when Davis grew up and set her own big date.  But there was one problem -- missing pieces. Guillion received the set for her own wedding in the early 1940s and while she had managed to keep most of her beloved collection through the decades, somewhere along the way, the cups and saucers disappeared. Guillion's daughter, Linda Bohannon, thought it would be impossible to replace them.

"My mother picked her china out of the Sears and Roebuck catalog more than 60 years ago, so we knew there was just no way we'd ever find it," says Bohannon. "The only thing she could remember about her china was that it was made by Homer Laughlin. That didn't seem like much to go on, so at that point I just hoped we could find some nice cream colored pieces Amanda could use with the set."

Bohannon heard about Replacements, Ltd., known as the world's largest supplier of old and new china, crystal, silver and collectibles. When she visited the company's Web site, Bohannon found a list of china made by Homer Laughlin and noticed photographs of most patterns. She started clicking away and was almost speechless when she came across an image that looked very familiar.

"I called my mother up and asked her, does your china have little pink and yellow roses on it, and could the pattern name be 'Countess'?" Bohannon remembers. "That was it; that was her china! I was completely flabbergasted. It never entered my mind that we would be able to find the exact pattern. My mother was absolutely thrilled!"

Davis isn't alone in creating wedding registries for family treasures. Many brides are choosing to complete china, crystal and flatware sets lovingly handed down from mother to daughter to granddaughter. Unfortunately, if the patterns are especially old there is a good chance that the manufacturer no longer produces the pieces, making it nearly impossible to track down at most department stores.

"We're one of the few places brides inheriting heirloom patterns can turn to for help because of our huge, diverse inventory of discontinued patterns, some more than 100 years old," says Traci Hart, Replacements' director of customer service. "Nearly 80 percent of our bridal registry sales are generated from discontinued and heirloom patterns. What's more, we've put together a group of associates to specifically handle all registry requests. Because these folks are really familiar with our bridal customers, we can offer more personalized attention. It's almost like having your own personal shopper."

Brides like Davis, who don't know their pattern name, are in luck. The company also offers a free pattern identification service. Replacements' research team receives nearly 3,000 requests weekly from people who don't know the name or manufacturer of their patterns.

"I cannot tell you how much it meant to me to receive this piece of family history," Davis says. "I can already picture myself as a mother and grandmother pulling this same china out of my own hutch as I tell stories of my grandmother. I hope that in the future they will feel the same sense of family history and pride and that I will one day be able to pass it on to my own granddaughter. To know that it will be used in future generations of my family in the same way it was used in past generations is an amazing gift." You can learn more about Replacements' bridal registry and free pattern identification service at Replacements.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - Going glam and being green don't need to be mutually exclusive, especially when it comes to decorating your home. Makers of furniture and home decor items have started incorporating environmentally friendly practices and materials into their products, allowing consumers to have greener households without compromising their personal style.

It's possible to incorporate greener choices in almost all home decor projects. Because so many companies are recognizing that their customers want eco-friendly products, it's possible to find green products at all price ranges. Even the highest-end design firms now source items like couches made from sustainable wood and organic fabrics - but you can also find them at retail stores, too.

Home accessories are a quick and easy place to start if you're just looking to add some small revitalizing touches to your rooms. Pillows made from antique linen grain sacks that were once common in Europe add rustic-chic texture without being uncomfortable. To add a pop of color to your couch, drape it with a throw made from a natural material and eco-friendly dyes. To add a touch of social consciousness, choose from a multitude of throws made by indigenous communities in developing countries, like luxurious alpaca blankets from Peru or mohair from Swaziland.

Decorative bowls made from reclaimed wood add a touch of natural beauty, as do driftwood or Manzanita branches. Be cautious about adding some natural touches, though - coral, for instance, is often harvested in ways that are unsustainable and threatening to natural environments.

Don't count out wall decor as a way to express your eco savvy, either. More and more paint companies are trotting out low-VOC (volatile organic compound) paints that are safer to breathe. But if you want to add extra dimension to your walls and make a bolder statement, add wall murals printed on earth-friendly canvas. Sites like MuralsYourWay.com bring beautiful nature scenes right into your home. Not only are their canvas murals made of an ecologically friendly fabric material, there are over 5,000 options to choose from. You can choose everything from a jungle scene to the Mona Lisa or you can print a photo of your own on their fabric wallpaper.

Greening your furniture can be done in multiple ways. If you're ready to buy new pieces, consult an interior designer, who can weed out items that don't match your standards. But you can re-use and recycle when it comes to furniture, too - just make sure you revitalize first. Consider re-upholstering items like dining chairs with exotic fabrics that are hand-made or antique. Suzanis, brightly-colored Central Asian textiles in graphic patterns make a great statement fabric, as do boldly embroidered Otomi textiles from Mexico. Ask a designer to help seek them out, or check out exotic import shops - sometimes you can find large examples of these textiles that can be repurposed on your furniture.

You can also add new life to pieces already in your home by painting them in one, or a coordinated couple, of the year's color trends. For 2010, turquoise promises to be big, as do coral, cobalt blue and eucalyptus green - all colors inspired by natural materials.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - Valentine's Day is no longer just a romantic day that is reserved only for lovers - it has grown to include friends and family with widespread celebrations. Try a role reversal with either friends or family members and give the usual cook a well-deserved break. Small and thoughtful acts can have a large impact this holiday.

People's lives are crazier than ever with having to juggle work, children and personal relationships. "I feel that the most valuable thing we can do for those we love is to do something a little out of the ordinary such as a Valentine's Day family dinner," says Andrea Alexander, academic director for The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of Austin. "It does not have to be an expensive or time-consuming event but rather, a moment to share thoughts, feelings, smiles and laughter."

According to Alexander, the Valentine's Day dinner does not have to be any more difficult than any other meal; just add creativity and a lively atmosphere. A fun menu idea is to purchase individual pizza crusts and an array of fresh toppings such as red, yellow or green bell peppers; halved cherry tomatoes and olives; diced sweet onions, pepperoni or shredded chicken breast; and don't forget the pizza sauce and mozzarella cheese. "Let each friend or family member assemble their own pizza and then have a tasting party to experience each of the pizzas," says Alexander.

If you are looking to "wow" the crowd and prepare a more formal dinner, then you might want to incorporate beef. Filets are always a palate pleaser, but if you are looking for more cost-effective and just as tasty cuts, then rib-eyes or New York strips can be your staples. Instead of beef, pork tenderloins are also a healthy and tasty cut of meat and easy to prepare. Simply cook in the oven on a roasting rack or sheet pan for 15 minutes at 500 degrees and then let rest for 15 minutes. The tenderloin will come out perfect every time. As a side dish, halve a few pounds of red new potatoes, boil until fork tender and coat them in a mixture of horseradish and basil pesto for a zesty taste.

Chocolate is a nice finish to any meal and is always a welcome Valentine's Day treat. "Interactive desserts are great because they are always fun and can bring a smile to the faces of everyone involved," says Alexander. "Try an ice cream sundae bar with lots of fun Valentine's Day-inspired toppings such as heart-shaped chocolates, Red Hots candy and red and pink sprinkles, all on top of scoops of red raspberry ice cream." For a more romantic touch, try the iconic strawberries dipped in dark chocolate.

Whatever you choose to do this Valentine's Day, keep your plans simple and heartfelt with a special dinner for friends and family as a terrific option to celebrate this day of love.

To learn more about The Art Institutes schools, visit www.artinstitutes.edu/nz.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - Economists predict the worst of the recession is over, but the housing market still has a way to go to complete recovery. It pays to think positively and improve your home, both to boost its value as the market recovers, and to enhance its livability for your family now.

Improving your home is usually a good investment, as long as you focus on improvements that offer high return on your dollar. Renovated kitchens and baths increase a home's value, as does a great deck or patio. Finishing the basement remains a good way to improve value and livability while also expanding square footage. Think of it as double the return on investment - not only are you creating an appealing space in your home, you're actually making the home bigger for potential buyers who want maximum living space.

Finishing a basement is a favorite technique of home flippers - investors who purchase distressed properties for a low price, renovate them and sell for a profit. While flipping may not be in your future, you can still borrow a page from the flipper's handbook and finish your basement to improve your home's value.

One hit home improvement TV show bought a home in Hamden, Conn. to flip. The 1,200 square foot Cape Cod-style home, built in 1950 had fallen into major disrepair. While extensive interior and exterior renovations could give the home curb appeal and entice buyers, the flippers knew that finishing the basement would be a fast, cost-effective way to add living space and square footage in a neighborhood where they were competing with homes that offered more updates.

Many unfinished basements are dark, damp and don't provide homeowners any enjoyment of the space other than use for storage. The flippers used the Owens Corning Basement Finishing System to quickly finish this basement, giving it a new life with light and usable space. Where normal drywall construction could have taken several weeks and blown the flippers' renovation schedule, using the Basement Finishing System allowed them to finish the basement in just two weeks.

The renovation added 500 square feet of finished living space to the small home, and ensured potential buyers found a bright, inviting space when they toured during the open house. Finishing a basement is also a great way to improve the healthfulness of a home. A dark, damp basement that could have been a breeding ground for mold and mildew associated with respiratory disorders instead became a dry, bright and tidy showpiece area of the home.

While you might not have your own full-time construction crew like a home flipper, or the spotlight of a national TV show, when it comes to finishing a basement you don't need to. Professional installers can finish a basement in about two weeks using the Owens Corning Basement Finishing System. The system features built-in thermal and acoustic benefits, and the walls are durable, resisting dents and stains. It easily turns a cold concrete basement (that might deter potential buyers) into a warm, comfortable space that can be used for bedrooms, baths, office space or family rooms. Finishing the basement quickly not only ensures you have an attractive space to show buyers at a time when market competition is fierce, it also affords you faster enjoyment of your current space now.

Visit www.basementfinishingsystem.com to learn more.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - At one time or another, everyone has found herself racing around the house with an armful of cleaning supplies, scrambling to tidy up for unexpected guests. But the prospect of surprise visitors need not cause a full-scale panic.

Cleaning and organizing expert Donna Smallin offers practical tips for completing a vigorous, efficient cleaning routine when every minute matters.

* First things first. To make a great first impression, start with the entryway and then follow the path your guests will take. Think entryway, living area and bathroom. This is no time to reorganize your sock drawer. If you can, close doors or pronounce the upstairs or other section of the house off limits to guests, and you've cut your cleaning job in half.

* Conquer clutter. An uncluttered entryway is warm and inviting. Do a quick lap around your entryway and living area with a laundry basket and/or trash can, tossing junk mail and collecting out-of-place items to be organized later.

* Speed-dust at eye level. Microfiber picks up dirt like nobody's business. Grab a microfiber cleaner for a quick "dust-busting" of your bookshelves, lamp shades and coffee tables.

* Vacuum just the high-traffic areas. When you want to impress guests, nothing freshens up a room like clean carpet and rugs, and an ergonomically designed vacuum can make spontaneous carpet cleaning easier.

"I'm loving the PROlite Multi Cyclonic vacuum from BISSELL, which offers all the power of a full-sized upright unit, but in a sleek, lightweight design that makes it easier to use, lift and move from room to room," Smallin says.

* Speed clean mirrors. In the bath room, lightly wet a microfiber cloth and squeeze it dry to clean mirrors and glass surfaces.

* Give furniture a facelift. Take just two minutes to fluff sofa cushions and pillows to breathe a little freshness into your living room.

* Make countertops sparkle. Spritz kitchen and bathroom counters with a freshly scented all-purpose cleaner and quickly wipe away spots, crumbs and everyday grime.

* Rally the troops. When time is of the essence, divide and conquer. While one family member is vacuuming, a younger one can follow behind, wiping down baseboards. Or while one is taking out the garbage, the other can load the dishwasher. One way to motivate family members for these situations is to instigate a regular power cleaning competition. Make a game of timing how long it takes to tackle key cleaning chores, and you'll have your own family SWAT team ready to go when guests are on their way.

* Prepare for future speed-cleaning sprees. Speed cleaning is even easier when you're prepared, so get your supplies in order now. Keep a caddy of cleaning products ready to go, and you can save precious seconds when guests are en route. You may even want to stash cleaning supplies in spaces around your home so you can tidy up on the fly. Small cleaning supplies can easily be hidden behind the TV, behind books on bookshelves, in drawers, or even under your sofa.

Master this fast and furious cleaning routine and you'll always be ready to take on last-minute houseguests. You may even have time to give yourself a manicure before they arrive.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - When you look out your window, what do you see: the cool gray steel of high-rise buildings ... or vast, open expanses of green land? You don't have to stick to an interior style that mimics your surroundings; especially if it doesn't suit your taste.

Whether you live in a penthouse or a farmhouse, you can create rooms that make you feel as if you're a city-dweller as soon as you step inside.

Open floor plan

The first step to thinking like an urbanite is coming up with creative ways to make small spaces appear larger. An open floor plan is a great way to achieve this. Take a look at your main living areas to determine where improvements can take place.

Is there a room that is being under-utilized? Consider removing a dividing wall to connect it with the adjoining space. Do you have narrow doorways between rooms? Expand these openings and remove doors, creating wider passageways. Is there untouched wall space? Take a cue from new glass-exterior loft spaces, like Werner Aisslinger's LoftCube, and add more windows on exterior walls, or even create window-like openings between rooms to join spaces and create a sense of community.

"Contemporary urban design is all about connectivity," says Judy Riley, vice president of design at  Moen Incorporated. "In today's modern home, we want to connect with our family, our surroundings and the outside world. To achieve this, we are knocking down walls and breaking the barriers built by earlier generations."

If you don't have the time - or budget - for more construction-intense projects, there are steps you can take to create the illusion of larger rooms. Choose smaller furniture and position it in a way that leaves as much floor space open as possible. Forgo large, heavy curtains and go for more airy fabrics or light-emitting shades to create a sense of illumination and openness. Choose lighter colors in a similar palette for your furniture, walls and floors.

Modern elements

To take your place from dreary and dated to city chic, incorporate contemporary elements into your decor. Start by adding some standout modern pieces in each room, then build your home's look around those unique items.

The kitchen and the bathroom are arguably the two most-used rooms in the house, seen by family members and guests alike. Let fashion and function go hand-in-hand with well-placed modern decor that serves a purpose in your home.

In the kitchen, the sink is the hub of all activity, used for everything from prepping dinner to filling your morning coffee pot or water bottle. To make a statement at your sink, add a faucet with geometric styling, like the 90-degree pullout kitchen faucet from Moen. With clean, contemporary styling, this single-handle faucet features an ergonomically designed pullout wand with multiple spray options, including stream, rinse and pause. The 90-degree pullout kitchen faucet is available in LifeShine Classic Stainless and Chrome finishes, to coordinate with contemporary kitchen fixtures and appliances. Because of its clean, single-handle design, the faucet pairs well with solid surface countertops and undermount sink styles.

In large living spaces, re-think traditional furniture and give it a modern twist. Instead of the everyday lumpy, space-hogging recliner, try a contemporary lounge chair. Rather than massive entertainment centers and bookshelves, try a hanging storage center that adds color and light to your room without taking up precious floor space. Or, try bookshelves that are built into the wall - housed between studs or simply on wall-mounted shelving units that allow for use of the floor space beneath.

Clean spaces

Your average city-dweller doesn't have the time or the space to accumulate home-cluttering extras. "The city is full of noise and disorder," Riley says. "Modern urban home design calls for a separation from the busyness of the outside world."

To mimic this minimalist approach in your own home, consider the number of extra gadgets that clutter your kitchen. For instance, do you really need a handheld blender, a countertop blender, a margarita maker and smoothie maker? When was the last time you used your fondue pot, quesadilla maker, juicer or waffle iron? Could you make do without some of these items, clearing precious countertop and cabinet space? If so, log on to freecycle.org and give the unused items away to someone who may actually use them.

Once you've removed what you don't need, you can create the attention and openness that your modern decor deserves. Treat your home as an art gallery, where the spotlight is on a small number of contemporary statement pieces, not scattered among an over-abundance of objects.

You don't have to pack up and move to the city to evoke an urban feeling in your home decor.  Think open, modern and sleek, and you can create a metropolitan vibe, no matter how far from the city you choose to live. For more information about the 90-degree kitchen collection from Moen, visit moen.com or call (800) BUY-MOEN (800 289-6636).

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - With all the bending, lifting and stretching involved, gardening can be a fun and effective workout - if you know how to make the most of it.

Stacy Walters, registered kinesiotherapist, fitness director and creator of the Fit to Garden program, provides tips on how to turn a day of lawn and garden care into a day of healthy exercise.

Gardening warm-up
Like any other workout activity, gardening requires a warm-up to prepare the heart, muscles and joints. Begin with five to 10 minutes of stretching the legs, ankles, arms, shoulders and wrists as well as light aerobic activity to help reduce the risk of injury and decrease soreness.

Proper technique
Time spent in the garden can be relaxing, and it's important to make sure you're in a comfortable position when planting or weeding. To keep from getting stiff, try alternating between squatting, kneeling on a pad and sitting on a stool. Remember to keep your work close to you and tighten your abdominal muscles to protect your back when you reach and move.

Garden workout
When lifting heavy bags of soil or mulch, remember to keep your feet shoulder-width apart, tighten your abdominal muscles and bend at the hips and knees, not at the waist. This activity helps strengthen the upper body and the abdominal muscles.

Mulching is an important step when gardening and an excellent way to help conserve water in your garden, prevent weeds and keep your outdoor spaces looking neat. Scotts NatureScapes Advanced is a color-enhanced mulch made of natural forest products that comes in a variety of colors and textures to maintain moisture and create a groomed landscape all year long. 

To mulch efficiently, use a wheelbarrow and stand close to your work when shoveling. Scoop and lift the mulch with a shovel while keeping stomach muscles tight and avoid twisting the spine.

Raking is another way to build upper body strength, but make sure to vary your movement during the task. If you've been raking right to left, change direction and alternate arm and hand positions so one arm isn't doing most of the work. When you're finished, use the proper bending and lifting technique to move the product of your labor.

Gardening cool down
Following a garden workout, be sure to cool down. Stretching the hips, hamstrings, back, neck and shoulders will help balance muscle groups that may have been overused and decrease post-gardening soreness.

In addition to the physical health benefits of working in a garden, multiple studies have shown the mental and emotional benefits of creating and working in green spaces. Gardens have a calming effect and can help relieve stress, improve attention skills and reduce feelings of anger, fear and aggression.

For more information on garden workouts, visit Scotts.com or OutdoorLivingWithStacy.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - When temperatures drop and the days grow shorter, you know that comfort food season has arrived. And nothing is more heartwarming than bringing family and friends together for a traditional winter meal, evoking feelings of warmth and nostalgia.

Look no further than your cupboard for simple meal solutions to create hearty and budget-friendly meals for your family any day of the week. On one of those chilly winter days, nothing hits the spot more than the taste of a savory casserole or a piping hot bowl of soup.

Here are a few easy tips for making meals matter for your loved ones:

Give your leftovers a makeover

This season, chances are your fridge will be stocked with food and your home filled with family and friends. Instead of tossing them away, give your leftovers a makeover - your family will never know chicken they had for dinner yesterday is on the menu tonight.

* Add ready-made broth or stock to leftovers: Poultry that has been left in the fridge can sometimes become dry and bland. Enhance your dishes with rich flavors by adding a ready-made broth or stock to add moisture that may have been lost. For example, chicken broth such as College Inn adds a delicious farm-fresh flavor of vegetables like onions and carrots, and a perfect blend of garlic and other spices like thyme, coriander, and rosemary to your meals. Incorporate your leftovers into delicious, creative dishes such as Chicken Tortilla Soup, Santa Fe Chipotle Beef Stew or Southwest Chicken Chili. These recipes and more can be found online at www.collegeinn.com/recipes.aspx.

* Freeze it. Prolong the shelf life of your leftovers by freezing them. Most meals that have been frozen will last for a few months. Plus, it's already prepared and ready to eat - just thaw and reheat. Freezing meals saves you time and money, and is always a great solution to feed your kids healthy meals when you can't make it home in time for dinner.

Making family meals matter

Busy families don't always have the time to stop and think about what's for dinner, and are often eating on-the-go. However, the importance of bringing everyone to the dinner table to laugh, listen and share stories has a significant impact on families and their kids.

According to the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University (CASA), kids who eat dinner with their family regularly tend to:

* Eat healthier foods, and less junk.
* Get better grades.
* Engage in fewer risky behaviors, including taking drugs, drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes.
* Develop stronger connections with their parents.
* Be less depressed.
* Build larger vocabularies.
* Have fewer eating disorders.
* Feel that their parents are proud of them.

Easy tips to make meals matter

* Schedule regular meal times: Regular meal times provide stability to families with hectic schedules; stay consistent and schedule meal time at the same time every day.

* Create family theme nights: Create a family fun jar. Write all your ideas for themes for family night on strips of paper and put them in a large mason jar. Take turns randomly selecting a theme for the evening.

* Keep dinner time light and fun: Avoid any conversations bound to cause an argument as well as questions that can be answered, "Yes" or "No." For example: "Did you learn anything at school today?" "Did you go to soccer practice?" Instead focus on open ended statements and questions such as "Teach us something you learned today that you don't think we know," or "What would you like to invent?"

* Unplug: By unplugging your family from the digital world, you are opening up the lines of healthy communication again. Eating dinner together is the best way to reconnect with the family and show your kids that they are your No. 1 priority. So turn it all off - televisions, cell phones, video games and computers.

* Involve your kids in meal planning and cooking: Spend time with your kids on the weekend planning and preparing next week's meals. This makes them feel involved and an important member of the family. Along with the joy of spending quality time with your kids, you are also teaching them valuable life skills through cooking such as math, vocabulary and reading, learning how to make healthy choices, as well as how to listen and follow directions. For more helpful family meal ideas and recipes this season, visit  www.collegeinn.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent