As busy as the school year is, it's still no time to let kids forget the importance of making a difference. There are plenty of simple ways to involve kids in the community when they're not in class.

Gas prices go up, gas prices go down, but up or down the per-gallon cost is still a lot more than most of us want to pay. It's likely to remain that way for the foreseeable future. There is, however, a silver lining or two in the stormy drama of gas prices, and you don't have to be a cockeyed optimist to find it.

Before you toss that vase you bought for a summer party or those gardening tools which are blocking space you will need for winter boots, remember that those unwanted items could bring in some extra cash for new fall and winter supplies. Turn what you accumulated over the summer months into a quick profit by holding a rummage sale.

Long gone are the days when friends and family wait for a birth announcement or phone call to alert them to the arrival of a new baby. Thanks to new technology, tech-savvy moms and dads are finding new ways to stay connected.

In the wake of airfare increases and rising gas prices, many Americans are seeking creative ways to fulfill their urge to travel. By choosing destinations that are close to home and accessible on one tank of gas, travelers can easily track their expenses while enjoying the travel experience.

That last school bell has rung and the kids are back home, enjoying all the pleasures that summer vacation offers. But there's got to be more to life than sleeping until noon and sipping lemonade by the pool. Here are some more ideas to make sure your kids stay happy and healthy this summer.

No matter where you choose to put your baby to sleep, safety and success must be your main concerns. Your decision will be easier if you know a few basic facts about infants' sleep habits, safe sleeping practices and bedding options.