Turning winter into something to look forward to, the Pocono Mountains region of northeastern Pennsylvania has created a Learn to Turn promotion that lets visitors save some money while learning to ski and snowboard. Learn to Turn invites midweek visitors to the 2,400-square-mile Pocono Mountains for three consecutive days of lift passes to any of the seven local ski areas, rental equipment and three group lessons when they book three nights accommodations at participating properties. ... [full story]

To flock or not to flock. Flock ... and bring the panache of antique flock back to the home.   FLOCKTO IT - Once only for aristocrats, Graham & Brown makes flocked wallpaper affordable for all. CNS Photo courtesy of Graham & Brown.    PIROUETTE - Soft horizontal fabric vanes attached to a single sheer backing allow for enhanced views to the outside and the beauty of fabric on the inside with Pirouette window shadings. CNS Photo courtesy ... [full story]

  Drywall finishing isn’t for everyone; it takes patience and practice to do it correctly. Following are general preparation techniques to a drywall taping project …  [full story]

Q: We have seven children (under 18 and living at home). We moved into my house because it had the most bedrooms (four), but we are still strapped for living space. My husband thinks we should renovate the basement, but that seems so '50s to me - having a "rec room" in the basement. Do you have any other suggestions? A: Race to your nearest bookstore to buy a copy of "Easy Home   WORLD DOWN ... [full story]

The second hardest job in today's work world is to be a good boss. The hardest job in today's work world is to work for a bad boss. This is the kind of thing that should drive senior executives and human resources people nuts. But does it? Not very often. Because we live in a world where the boss is, well, the boss, the decisions handed down come with some sort of preordained respect. Even ... [full story]

You spend more time in the office than any other place, so why not make changes to your workplace habits this coming year? Rod Kurtz, the senior editor of Inc.com, says workers tend to overlook office behaviors when making New Year's resolutions. Kurtz suggests these resolutions to improve your workplace lifestyle. - Fight the tyranny of the urgent. Be more productive by finishing small projects. Block off a period of time each day to take ... [full story]

Chevrolet knows it has something special in its new Malibu sedan, which is why it flew out a couple of experts from Detroit to give me a walk-around of the new model.   NEW MALIBU - There isn't one dominant feature that makes the new Chevy Malibu a keeper, but like a good recipe, all the ingredients work together for a memorable entree. CNS Photo courtesy of Chevrolet.  Malibu is up against some tough competition, including Toyota ... [full story]

"What got me into cheese? I guess you'd say, cheese got into me," says author Laura Werlin, with a chuckle.   THE MILKY WAY - There is a galaxy of delicious cheeses out there for entertaining. CNS Photo courtesy of Maren Caruso, from 'Laura Werlin's Cheese Essentials.'    SAY CHEESE - Laura Werlin, who won a James Beard Award for Best Cookbook in 2004 for 'The All-American Cheese and Wine Book,' visited San Diego recently for a class ... [full story]

Q: I'm celebrating my 71st birthday in February. My husband and I worked all of our lives and raised six wonderful kids. My husband died three years ago. During his lifetime we bought a large apartment complex to secure our retirement. It works. It was a strain at times, but today the rentals provide me with a large income. I am now considering remodeling my home, buying a new car, and/or taking a cruise. I ... [full story]

At this time of year you probably roll your eyes when you encounter all the catalogs squeezed into your mailbox. But there was a time when people eagerly awaited the arrival of the catalog that for many was a lifeline to the wider world of merchandise. That was, of course, the Sears, Roebuck and Co. catalog, vintage examples of which provide collectors with a fascinating view of the staples and trends of the past, from ... [full story]