House and Home Archives
VOCs — or "volatile organic compounds" — are harmful chemicals that are found in most interior and exterior paints. Home expert Lou Manfredini highlights safe, toxin-free options for your consideration.
Looking for a new paint color--try Mimosa. "It's invariably connected to warmth, sunshine and cheer — all the good things we're in dire need of right now."
Bally Total Fitness has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection for the second time in less than two years, hindered by debt and limited refinancing options amid the credit crunch.
The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan continue to take a toll on military marriages.
For the next three Wednesdays, going out to eat can help families in need in the Pikes Peak Region. Over 20 local restaurants have agreed to donated 10 percent of their daily sales on Wednesday December 3, 10 and 17 to the Gazette-El Pomar Empty Stocking Fund, a funding raising effort that contributes to 14 local charity organizations.
Free children's programs this Saturday: music, sing-a-longs, ornament making and a magic show.
The deadline to send packages priority mail to U.S. military troops for Christmas is approaching fast.
Local retailers report solid sales from the Black Friday weekend, and hope the spending continues through Christmas.
Lines form hours before the doors even open at a Springs non-profit. Northern Churches Care, which is working to keep families in their homes for Christmas, says their seeing a greater need for their help this year.
Today marks the online retail industry's ceremonial kickoff for the holiday shopping season.
A family of four found dead Friday in Aspen died of carbon monoxide poisoning. It's a grim reminder to be safe during the cold months when it comes to CO.
Holiday shoppers have a lot to be thankful for. Black Friday brought big bargains while gas prices hover around $1.40 in some parts of Colorado Springs. However, that doesn't necessarily mean shoppers are spending more.
If you're looking for a place to enjoy a free Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday, you have nearly a dozen choices.
As the financial crisis was gaining force, Americans cut back on their spending in October by the largest amount since the 2001 terrorist attacks.
Consumer advocates say if a toy fits inside the tube from a roll of toilet paper, it's too small for tiny tots.
Federal regulators say traces of the industrial chemical melamine have been detected in samples of top-selling U.S. infant formula. But the government insists the products are safe.
“Look everyone … I baked 25 varieties of cookies!”
“So what, I handwove the place mats for the table.”
Aren’t holidays relaxing?
72 cars, trucks and SUVs receive top designation for 2009.
Dozens of new cars and trucks, led by Ford and its Volvo subsidiary, have made the insurance industry's annual list of safest vehicles.
An annual video game report card is being unveiled to help parents choose games for their children as the holiday season nears.
Cooking is the leading cause of residential fires on Thanksgiving Day - nearly double the number on most other days, and the Colorado Springs Fire Department wants to make sure you stay safe this holiday season.
Businesses are cutting back on holiday parties, while hotels, restaurants, and resorts find creative ways to keep a reservation.
Some of this year's hottest toys are green. Many parents are looking for eco-friendly alternatives after last year's lead paint scares.
With a dreadful outlook for the holiday shopping season there are all sorts of deals to be had.
Many stores are already gearing up for the holiday shopping season, trying to lure customers anyway possible despite an economic downturn.
After years of punishing increases in the cost of energy, consumers are rejoicing these days at the sharp drop in prices at the pump. Not only that, but prices are dropping for clothing, transportation and housing, according to the government's latest report on consumer prices. With money tight, the price declines are a welcome relief.
Food banks and charities are confident that donations will stay up despite the gloomy economy.
Chrysler, Ford and GM say they'll give congressional Democrats a plan for rebuilding their industry in exchange for a bailout package.
Federal safety officials are announcing a recall of window blinds and shades after the strangling death of a young child and a close call for a second.
Most people are making an effort to be more environmentally aware. Here are some more tips to make your home eco-friendly.
The effort to provide the Big Three automakers with some financial help may be running out of road.
Colorado Springs Utilities is proposing an 18.9% increase in utilities for 2009.
As more companies and government agencies announce layoffs, job fairs and workshops will be held around the state on Thursday.
Layoffs, vanishing 401(k) retirement funds, soaring prices. It's a scary time, and people are looking for ways to save money. News First asked viewers to send ideas to koaa.com. Add your tips in the comment section below the story.
Chain will also promote adult meal combos with fewer than 650 calories.
For the millions of newly retired and nearly retired, the financial market collapse couldn’t have come at a worse time. Those who have watched their savings evaporate now face stark choices: either cut back spending or put off retirement — or both.
Electronic gifts might be high on anyone's shopping list, but is a bad economy forcing shoppers to look for cheaper, less safe products?
The Big Three automakers are set to make another pitch for financial help. Auto executives told a Senate panel yesterday and will tell a House committee today that if their companies fail, other businesses will also be pulled under, resulting in the loss of millions of jobs.
Meals may contain pieces of hard plastic, according to the company.
Study finds gut germ in 40 percent of grocery meats; CDC says not to worry.
The units pose a risk of fire or burns during the self-cleaning cycle if the door has been removed and reattached during installation or repairs.
A growing number of Americans, such as the Gentile family, are being forced to trade future comfort for immediate needs.
The legal age for gamblers has been 21 since legalized gambling began in Nevada. Now there are some who want the law changed.
Two of President-elect Barack Obama's top economic advisers say the U.S. needs a substantial economic stimulus package to avoid a deep recession.
Xcel Energy expects natural gas bills to remain relatively flat next month compared with last December but to increase significantly compared with this month, because of higher
expected use.
The Red Cross wants to send a million messages of thanks and cheer through the mail this holiday season to members of the U.S. military.
According to a new survey, "When Technology Fails," from the Pew Internet & American Life Project, many consumers find it difficult to set up devices, are frustrated when technology breaks down and often need help from someone else to fix the problem.
There is growing concern over airbag safety in used vehicles, and new warnings for motorists who might fall victim to unscrupulous auto repair shops that fail to replace used or damaged airbags.
Retail sales plunged by the largest amount on record in October as the financial crisis and the slumping economy caused consumers to sharply cut back on their spending.
AT&T unveiled a new DVR that expands the machine's capabilities. AT&T's new DVR works anywhere in the home from one location and can record four shows at once.
Tightening your budget doesn't have to mean cutting beauty and art out of your life. The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center is offering free admission this Saturday.
With just two weeks to go before Thanksgiving, Silver Key Senior Services needs 400 turkeys for food baskets for seniors in Colorado Springs.
Calendar sales will support Colorado Springs firefighting community events.
Sealing-up air leaks can be an inexpensive way to improve your home's efficiency and lower your heating bill. However, conservation experts with Colorado Springs Utilities say those leaks can sometimes be hard to find.
There's a website that encourages drivers to call when teens are driving carelessly.
The price of beer at your local watering hole is going up. The hike is due to a shortage of hops.
After spiking last year, recalls of toys or children's products because of lead paint or lead content are down sharply in 2008.
Looking to save money? Here's a great offer--free coffee this Friday. Click for details.
Financial strains force many to choose between paying bills or child care. "It is not about people making choices to drive a second car. For many low income people it is making a choice for food."
Tucked away in the woods of Purvis, Mississippi are row after row after row of travel trailers. You paid more than $2 billion for these trailers, and not one of them is being used.
If you're trying to beat those heating bills by starting up a warm fire in your fireplace, we have some essential safety tips for you.
A programs focusing on domestic violence brought together dozens of counselors, social workers, therapists and others to better understand the problem. Included among the topics, domestic violence in the military and the effect on children.
News First 5/30 spoke with a local mold expert, who offered insight on the warning signs and symptoms. He also tells how to get rid of toxic mold.
A story you'll only see on News First 5/30: two local families are forced out of their homes after toxic mold sickens their children.
There's a new website that will do your window shopping for you. Edgar Dworsky came up with the idea for Dealalerter after visiting similar travel sites.
Families are seeking ways to save money.
If you are concerned that you won't be able to afford your heating bill this winter, then now is the time to apply for help. The federal Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) is currently taking applications for the 2008-2009 home heating season.
We sometimes think the more plastic we have, the better to get through these tough times. But those cards could easily be damaging your credit and dragging you into deeper and deeper debt.
Preschoolers with a deployed mom or dad were more likely to show aggression than other young children in military families, finds a first-of-its-kind study.
Low-cal offering may take off as more people pack a lunch, analysts say.
In the world of television programming, sex sells — perhaps a little too well with young viewers, a new study suggests.
We use them everyday but are we paying too much for our phones?Today, most people are paying both for both a cell phone and a home phone. Why not give one of them up?
If you're concerned about letting your little ones eat all that candy they collected on Halloween, there's a way to get rid of it ... for money!
Japanese-made batteries power laptops from several computer companies.
You gotta shake it. You gotta move it. You gotta leave some of your inhibitions at the door. Part dance, part aerobics Zumba will whip you in to shape with it's mix of fast and slow rhythms and resistance training designed to tone and sculpt your body all while burning off fat.
It has been called the "no strings attached" holiday. No gifts to buy on Halloween, just a day of frightful fun.
Back away from the fries! You don't have to ruin your diet to survive the economic downturn.
Sorting out health officials' conflicting opinions on the chemical.
The bad news about money is taking its toll. There is a new survey out that finds Americans are feeling more stressed out.
A huge drop in consumer confidence is expected to mean big savings for holiday shoppers. But the holidays won't be as merry for people looking for seasonal employment.
For the past couple of years, the black Friday ads were leaked on the internet the week of Thanksgiving. This year, you can find some of them now!
The Nathanel Holmes House was built 198 years ago. It's a safe bet that it's never been this color before.
Tough times call for Tupperware? It's one of the many direct sales industries now seeing more interest as stay-at-home moms and working women look for side jobs to help boost the family check book.
The government is warning parents about some baby clothes that have been associated with a strange rash on children.
A Colorado Springs jewelry store opens its doors on a Sunday to take people's gold and turn it into cash.
Modified plant products could be on store shelves within a few years.
Halloween costume shopping is now a bit trickier for parents who are worried about flame retardants.
Shannon Trawick doesn't have the usual concerns a girl her age should have. She has to worry about overhead, inventory, marketing and copyright laws.
Salmon is one of the top seafood items on American menus. Most of it is farm-raised and Chile is a leading supplier.
If you have email, you've heard from them--companies that promise to make your debt go away and clean-up your credit report. Law enforcement is cracking-down on them.
High heating bills may prompt people to make dangerous choices that could lead to fire. Safety tips about alternative heating methods are included in this story.
Christmas may be months away, but you wouldn't be able to tell at most retailers. Stores are already decorated and discounting! It's all part of their efforts to lure back shoppers in the midst of the biggest economic downturn in decades.
Americans views on the economy's future are a mixed bag in the latest survey.
More than one million vehicles impacted. Complete list of models included in story.
As America ages, we need to make adjustments to our homes.
From hoarding food and bullets to learning how to sew, some Americans are preparing for even worse economic times.
Despite the recent, tough economic times restaurant sales remain high. Recent figures show Americans spent more than a $100 billion eating out, just in the past few months.
There is a new wrinkle in the cosmetic filler wars.
As the economy worsens, both Linens 'n Things and Mervyns announced Friday that all stores will close.
At least one death has been linked to the crib. The cribs were made in China.
