When it comes to having friends and family over for summer gatherings, our first thoughts often turn to late afternoon barbecues with sizzling burgers, plastic cups and paper plates. If that's your idea of outdoor entertaining, maybe it's time to get out of the house! Here's some ideas on how to use your good china to entertain in summer-friendly ways.

The return of songbirds and robins on the lawn - for many, these sights signal the arrival of the many joys of summer. The truth is, however, that the birds of summer really bug a lot of people - literally. Summer is also the season of West Nile Virus and more than 60 illnesses associated with birds and their droppings.

Now that the warmer weather has finally returned, it's time to get out there and enjoy the pool. And getting it ready the right way can mean the difference between a summer of enjoyment and a summer of headaches!

Planning to buy a new home this summer? Here are some tips to make the process stress-free.

The beginning of the summer brings to mind bare feet in the grass, running through sprinklers and eating cherries with juice dripping down your chin. California Bing cherry season is short, so the time for delicious fun with cherries is now.

Declining home values coupled with high fuel costs are leading many to reconsider how they spent their money. Many homeowners now owe more than the current value of their house and cannot move until home values rebound. What does a homeowner do until then?

For the millions of Americans who suffer from asthma and allergies, a dust-free home may be just what the doctor ordered. As allergy season approaches, it is a good time to put dusting on top of your cleaning checklist. Here are some tips for allergy-proofing your home.