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Life

  1. Left: Betsy Burnham suggests decorating with items that reveal something about your personality, like books.

    How to make your home inviting to a date

    Could a few changes to your living space help you land the perfect mate? Good decorating can't guarantee happy romance. But if a new date finds your home appealing, he or she is more likely to spend time there -- which means spending time with you. And if your home expresses your personality, you and your date can discover more quickly whether you're compatible.

  1. Carolyn Hax: Trust comes from asking questions

    Dear Carolyn: I'm a 20-year-old female college student. My last ex-boyfriend of five months was abusive: emotionally, mentally and even physically. After a particularly ugly incident, I dumped him. About a week later, I got into another relationship with a wonderful man who has been my close friend for six years (we are now two months into a relationship).

  2. Valentine's Day will test her 3 dates

    QUESTION: I've been dating three men, but none of them is exactly what I want. One is bossy. One is lovely. One is just plain sexy. I'm not sure that any of these relationships is going to lead to marriage, which is my goal. I've decided I'm going to dump them all after Valentine's Day if I don't get a present. Am I doing the right thing?

Travel

  •  Eric Seals / DFP

    You Haven't Lived Here Until . . . You go to Michigan's most romantic places

    This Valentine’s Day, try something beyond the typical restaurants, winery tours and bed-and-breakfasts. Michigan is home to numerous unique spots that are just perfect for spending time with your special someone. Whether you’re the earthy-crunchy type or a Nicholas Sparks fan, you’ll find somewhere lovely to go.

    • 7:21 AM, Feb. 12, 2012
  • Elaine Mashburn, 29, and Mark Mezta, 28, got married on Coronado Central Beach. Photos by ELLEN CREAGER/DETROIT FREE PRESS

    San Diego's inspirational vistas make it grand for a simple wedding

    The bride wore silk and sandals. The groom wore a tie and sneakers. The 20 guests stood. The music was the ocean. And in 15 minutes, it was all over. Married.

    • 1:00 AM, Feb. 12, 2012
  • Amtrak website is about African-American train travel

    Website: www.myblackjourney.com Lowdown: Amtrak's trip planning site is geared to African-American train travel. This month it features a photo story about how trains were crucial to the migration of millions of African Americans from the South to the North between 1910 and 1930.

    • 1:54 PM, Feb. 11, 2012
  • Ellen Creager: Airport security not so secure for stolen iPad

    One in 12 airline passengers now uses a tablet or e-reader when they fly, according to a new study by DePaul University researchers. Nearly 30% of all technology used by passengers on flights are iPads, Kindles, Nooks and other tablets.

    • 1:52 PM, Feb. 11, 2012
  • Use a Recreation Passport to get to state park scenes like Tahquamenon Falls, photographed unfrozen on Feb. 5. ELLEN CREAGER/Detroit Free Press

    Michigan's Recreation Passport is a great deal

    Here's an amazing sight: a totally unfrozen Tahquamenon Falls in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. This photo, shot last week at the Upper Falls near Paradise, looks like spring, not mid-February.

    • 1:49 PM, Feb. 11, 2012
  • The biggest carriers at Metro Airport

    Everybody knows that Delta Air Lines is Detroit Metro's biggest carrier. But who's next? We got Metro Airport officials to run the numbers for us. Preliminary data show that in 2011, Delta carried a whopping 80% of the traffic at Metro, while the newly combined Southwest-AirTran replaced Spirit in second place. Here's the list: 1. Delta (80%) 2. Southwest-AirTran (5.2%)

    • 1:49 PM, Feb. 11, 2012
  • Travel with the D to Jordan

    Ingrid Murphy, second from left, of Macomb Township took the D to Jordan's Petra ruins in November via camel. With her are her husband, Joe Murphy, right; her niece, Mary Kathryne Abdallah, and Abdallah's husband, Eyad Abdallah. The Abdallahs live in Kuwait.

    • 1:54 PM, Feb. 11, 2012
  • How to say I do

    Marriage licenses

    • 1:50 PM, Feb. 11, 2012
  • Health

  • Barry and Janet Callahan of Troy prepare to feed 8-month-old Bethany, who was born 12 weeks early. Photos by ANDRE J. JACKSON/Detroit Free Press

    Feeding tubes help kids flourish, but parents pay emotional price

    Alex Callahan was born 13 weeks prematurely and had so many complications, including an aversion to food, that he spent the first three years of his life on a feeding tube. His sister, Bethany, was born 12 weeks early. She is now 8 months old and she also has a feeding tube in her abdomen.

    • 12:44 AM, Feb. 12, 2012
  • Hugo Campos, with an altered X-ray of his chest, is at the forefront of a movement that seeks to harness data so patients can learn more about their bodies. LAURA A ODA/Oakland Tribune/MCT

    Defibrillator patient wants his data from manufacturer

    Hugo Campos has a small computer buried in his chest to help keep him alive. But he has no idea what it says about his faulty heart. All the raw data it collects, especially any erratic rhythms it controls with shocks, goes directly to the manufacturer. Later, some of it gets sent to his doctor. But Campos had to step onto a national stage in his fight to see the data his body produces.

    • Feb. 12, 2012
  • HEALTH AND WELLNESS EVENTS

    TODAY Alcoholics Anonymous: Open meeting in main dining room. 7-8 p.m. tonight & Feb. 19. Chelsea Community Hospital, White Oak Center, 775 S. Main, Chelsea. 734-475-6051. MONDAY

    • Feb. 12, 2012
  • Studies show that most cases of oral HPV can be traced to oral sex, which, researchers say, might prompt more parents of boys to have their sons vaccinated. The HPV vaccine has been touted as helping prevent cervical cancer. SHARON GEKOSKI-KIMMEL/Philadelphia Inquirer/MCT

    70% of oral cancers now traced to HPV virus

    An estimated 7% of American teens and adults carry the human papilloma virus in their mouths, an infection that puts them at heightened risk of developing cancer of the mouth and throat, researchers say.

    • Feb. 12, 2012
  • Girl's male identification worries grandmother

    DEAR ISADORA: My granddaughter at 7 refuses to wear dresses or do anything she calls "girly." She has always chosen to play with boys and boys' things and even insists on being called a male version of her name. Is she gay? Can it really be so clear at this age?

    • Feb. 12, 2012
  • Drizzle chocolate over fruit for a healthier Valentine's offering. ROSS HAILEY/MCT

    How to be smart about Valentine's Day treats

    Along with flowers and jewelry, sugar is a go-to gift for Valentine's Day. Whether you're giving candy to a sweetheart or indulging your own sweet tooth, follow these tips from registered dietitian Karen Ansel, a spokeswoman for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics:

    • Feb. 12, 2012
  • Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette WILLIAM ARCHIE/Detroit Free Press

    Michigan to take lead in lawsuits against birth control mandate

    Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette said the state will take a lead effort in lawsuits against the Obama administration's mandate that most employers must include birth control coverage in their health plans.

    • 9:19 AM, Feb. 10, 2012
  • New rules call for simpler-to-understand group health insurance benefits, costs

    The new rules, which start Sept. 23, aim to eliminate confusing and technical language in policies “the size of a small phone book,” said Marilyn Tavenner, acting administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, in announcing the changes today.

    • 12:34 PM, Feb. 9, 2012
  • Food

  • Shrimp and lobster pasta with sherry and tomato cream sauce photographed in the Detroit Free Press studio in Detroit, Mich. Wednesday, February 8, 2012. SUSAN TUSA\Detroit Free Press

    Lobster and Shrimp Pasta with Sherry Tomato Cream

    Serves: 2 (generously) / Preparation time: 15 minutes / Total time: 45 minutes 4 ounces favorite dried short pasta, such as penne 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 2 lobster tails (about 5 ounces each) in shells 6 large shrimp in shells 1 shallot, peeled, chopped 2 cloves garlic, peeled, chopped 1/4 pound sliced mushrooms

    • Feb. 12, 2012
  • SUNDAY SUPPER: Nothing says lovin' like a rich, creamy lobster pasta

    If you haven't thought about a special meal for your sweetie on Valentine's Day -- don't forget that it's Tuesday -- nothing says lovin' like a terrific home-cooked meal. Set the menu, set the table and set the mood.

    • Feb. 12, 2012
  •  SUSAN TUSA/Detroit Free Press

    HEART SMART: How to make a perfect pancake

    It's one of mankind's oldest forms of bread -- the pancake. Also known as flapjacks, griddle cakes and hotcakes, the versatility of pancakes makes them a welcome menu item anytime. But if your pancakes are less than perfect, here are some tips. When combining the dry ingredients, use a sifter or whisk to break up clumps.

    • 12:04 AM, Feb. 12, 2012
  • Double chocolate pancakes with greek yogurt and strawberries photographed in the Detroit Free Press studio in Detroit, Mich. Wednesday, February 8, 2012. SUSAN TUSA\Detroit Free Press

    Double Chocolate Pancakes with Vanilla Yogurt and Strawberries

    Serves: 6 (3 pancakes each) / Preparation time: 10 minutes / Total time: 35 minutes 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 cup white whole-wheat flour 6 tablespoons sugar 3 tablespoons cocoa powder 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 egg 3/4 cup skim milk 1 cup low-fat Greek-style vanilla yogurt, divided

    • Feb. 12, 2012
  • Above: Truffles coated in nuts, cocoa powder and chocolate. Photos by JESSICA J. TREVINO/Detroit Free Press

    A chocolatey Valentine's Day can be good for you

    On Tuesday, Valentine's Day, make a date with -- what else? -- chocolate. During Valentine's week, Americans are expected to buy more than 58 million pounds of chocolate candy. And more than 36 million heart-shaped boxes of chocolate will be sold, according to the National Confectioners Association.

    • 1:52 AM, Feb. 9, 2012
  • Seafood au gratin: Warm and creamy, au gratin is perfect for a cold winter night. AP Photo/Matthew Mead

    Rich seafood dish adds cozy note to Valentine's Day dinner table

    Warm and creamy, seafood au gratin is perfect for a cold winter night. What better way to say "I love you" than with a little indulgence of seafood and cream?

    • 1:27 AM, Feb. 9, 2012
  • Valentines chocolate treats
Chocolate cherry cupcakes
Photos taken in the Studio.
Monday, February 6. JESSICA J.TREVINO/Detroit Free Press

    Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes with Vanilla Bean Frosting

    Recipe and preparation.

    • 12:36 AM, Feb. 9, 2012
  • Truffles coated in nuts, cocoa powder, and chocolate. JESSICA J.TREVINO/Detroit Free Press

    Dark Chocolate Truffles

    How to make truffles.

    • 12:46 AM, Feb. 9, 2012
  • Shopping

  • JC Penney's attempt to win back shoppers still lacking

    The other night, I was tempted to do what I haven't done in ages -- buy something from JC Penney. I was in the store to check out JCP's new retail strategy that went into effect earlier this month when the store did away with the things that excite shoppers most: sales.

    • 1:28 PM, Feb. 11, 2012
  •  Nordstrom

    Georgea Kovanis: Give a gift that will tickle your special someone's fancy -- even if that means you

    Valentine's Day is Tuesday, and there is plenty of time to shop for something special for your someone special -- whether that be the man in your life, your mom, your sister, your BFF, me. And while you're at it, don't forget to get a little something for yourself. If you don't think you're worthy of a little treat, why should anyone else?

    • 12:54 PM, Feb. 11, 2012
  •  GEORGEA KOVANIS/Detroit Free Press

    Bath salt bags have a vintage look

    These vintage linen bath salt bags make perfect gift bags -- check out the one from J.L. Hudson's. Love it!

    • 1:26 PM, Feb. 11, 2012
  •  Burberry.com

    Consider this splurging on this Burberry nightie

    A cami and a pair of boxers are fine for sleeping, but they won't make you feel pretty. Which is where this nightie from Burberry comes in. It's cool gray, lined with silk, has ruching on the sides and a sweetheart neckline. You're worth the splurge, pretty girl! $425 at www.burberry.com

    • 1:29 PM, Feb. 11, 2012
  •  Nordstrom

    As seen in stores: Keep skin moist, firm with Time to Revitalize cream by Ahava

    PRODUCT: Time to Revitalize Extreme Day Cream by Ahava. THE PITCH: Use this to keep your skin moist and firm. THE PRICE: $68. For stores: www.ahava.com

    • 1:27 PM, Feb. 11, 2012
  •  Nordstrom.com

    Indulgences: Consider splurging on classic red patent leather stilettos from Manolo Blahnik

    Few things are as powerfully seductive as a beautiful red pump. As we enter the season of seduction -- Valentine's Day is just around the corner -- you may want to splurge on these classic red patent leather pointy toe stilettos from Manolo Blahnik.

    • 11:56 AM, Feb. 4, 2012
  •  Target.com

    Wooden jewelry, plus Jason Wu at Target

    If you're headed to Target for today's debut of the Jason Wu collection, don't overlook these wooden rings. They're not part of the Wu collection, but since Target will be a hot spot this weekend, why not check out all the fashionable finds?

    • 11:55 AM, Feb. 4, 2012
  • Blake Lively, Jason Wu and Chloe Moretz at the Target launch party last month. THEO WARGO/GETTY IMAGES FOR TARGET

    Set your alarm; Jason Wu arrives at Target

    The brand new limited-edition Jason Wu for Target collection is scheduled to hit stores and www.target.com Sunday, and if history holds, you're going to want to shop first thing. When Target teamed with Missoni last year, demand was so enormous it overloaded and crashed the Target website. Stores sold out almost instantly.

    • Feb. 4, 2012
  • Relationships

  • Carolyn Hax: Good advice gets punished

    Dear Carolyn: I was asked for relationship advice by a friend of my girlfriend. I gave what I thought was good advice, which led to said friend breaking up with her boyfriend. Rightly so, he was cheating.

    • 1:47 PM, Feb. 11, 2012
  • Carolyn Hax: Don't worry about labels; heal the hurt

    Hi, Carolyn! What is the distinction between being not very talented at parenting and being actually emotionally abusive? I'm in the process of making sense of my childhood, but I don't want to be unfair to anyone with my labels. -- Bad Parenting or Emotional Abuse?

    • 1:26 AM, Feb. 11, 2012
  • Carolyn Hax: He says he's changed; she doesn't have to reconcile

    Hi, Carolyn: After years of reading your chats, knowing that wanting things to work didn't make it so, I finally ended my tumultuous five-year relationship six months ago. I have felt great since then!

    • Feb. 9, 2012
  • Arguing can be good for your marriage

    When Bob Gubrud heard about a survey saying that arguing with your spouse at least once a week makes for stronger, longer marriages, he quipped sarcastically, "That must mean that our marriage is fantastic, because sometimes we have one a day."

    • Feb. 8, 2012
  • Carolyn Hax: Acknowledge mother-in-law's painful anniversary

    Hi, Carolyn: My father-in-law died seven years ago yesterday. My mother-in-law called my husband first thing this morning, upset because she had not heard from him. I suspect no one called her. My husband said he didn't even realize yesterday was the day, and if he did, he would have been hesitant to call her for fear of upsetting her.

    • 7:28 PM, Feb. 7, 2012
  • Carolyn Hax: Parent struggles with letting go

    Dear Carolyn: How should I stay connected to kids who are off at college, without being a helicopter parent?

    • 9:39 PM, Feb. 6, 2012
  • Carolyn Hax: College student frets over sisters' awful situation

    Dear Carolyn: I'm in college now, but I have two sisters who are still living at home with my father and stepmother. My mom died a few years ago after a long, drawn-out battle with cancer. This was extremely hard on my sisters, who were only 7 years old at the time.

    • 1:24 AM, Feb. 6, 2012
  • Carolyn Hax: Nosy coworker is getting on her nerves

    Hello, Carolyn: I have a coworker in her 30s who is married, looking for a house in the suburbs, planning to have a baby, etc., and she is constantly asking me inappropriate questions. I am in my 30s, but am not married, and I live alone in the city. While I would obviously want to find love, I am intellectually and socially fulfilled.

    • 11:56 AM, Feb. 4, 2012
    1. Carolyn Hax: She wants to tell new pals 'I'm no angel'

      Dear Carolyn: After several years of really bad behavior (drinking too much, sleeping with several married men and general promiscuity, dabbling in drug use and generally not being a good person), about six months ago, I finally managed to stop all of...

        Feb. 2, 2012
    2. Carolyn Hax: Boyfriend kept e-mail to himself

      Hi, Carolyn: I've been with my boyfriend for a year and a half, we live together, it's a supportive, affectionate relationship....

        Feb. 4, 2012
    3. Healthy eating, exercise will save lives -- if only we'd pay attention

      Something wasn't quite right. Linda DeSmet was gaining weight. She couldn't figure out why. Then she started getting short of breath with the slightest bit of exertion. "If I walked a short distance, I had a hard time breathing," recalls DeSmet of Grosse ...

        1:15 AM, Feb. 5, 2012
    4. Carolyn Hax: He says he's changed; she doesn't have to reconcile

      Hi, Carolyn: After years of reading your chats, knowing that wanting things to work didn't make it so, I finally ended my tumultuous five-year relationship six months ago. I have felt great since then!...

        Feb. 9, 2012
    5. Should Bumbo baby seat be recalled again?

      A coalition of consumer groups this week called on the Consumer Product Safety Commission to again recall a hugely popular baby seat and to have the manufacturer redesign it to make it safer....

        2:47 PM, Feb. 10, 2012
    6. Carolyn Hax: Don't worry about labels; heal the hurt

      Hi, Carolyn! What is the distinction between being not very talented at parenting and being actually emotionally abusive? I'm in the process of making sense of my childhood, but I don't want to be unfair to anyone with my labels. -- Bad Parenting or...

        1:26 AM, Feb. 11, 2012
    7. Award for Naomi Long Madgett's life's work is poetic justice

      Naomi Long Madgett didn't choose her life's work. It chose her. The fact is, she deliberately dodged teaching and never planned to become a publisher. Since childhood, she just wanted to write poetry....

        12:43 AM, Feb. 12, 2012
    8. Model works as man and woman

      On a chilly winter afternoon, Andrej Pejic settles into a Manhattan cafe with a cup of Earl Grey tea, sitting gracefully, long legs crossed. The blue-eyed fashion model gazes out a window, unaware that almost every man sitting at surrounding tables is...

        1:42 PM, Feb. 11, 2012
    9. SUNDAY SUPPER: Nothing says lovin' like a rich, creamy lobster pasta

      If you haven't thought about a special meal for your sweetie on Valentine's Day -- don't forget that it's Tuesday -- nothing says lovin' like a terrific home-cooked meal. Set the menu, set the table and set the mood....

        Feb. 12, 2012
    10. Lobster and Shrimp Pasta with Sherry Tomato Cream

      Serves: 2 (generously) / Preparation time: 15 minutes / Total time: 45 minutes 4 ounces favorite dried short pasta, such as penne 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 2 lobster tails (about 5 ounces each) in shells 6 large shrimp in shells 1 shallot, peeled,...

        Feb. 12, 2012
    11. San Diego's inspirational vistas make it grand for a simple wedding

      The bride wore silk and sandals. The groom wore a tie and sneakers. The 20 guests stood. The music was the ocean. And in 15 minutes, it was all over. Married....

        1:00 AM, Feb. 12, 2012
    12. Defibrillator patient wants his data from manufacturer

      Hugo Campos has a small computer buried in his chest to help keep him alive. But he has no idea what it says about his faulty heart. All the raw data it collects, especially any erratic rhythms it controls with shocks, goes directly to the manufacturer....

        Feb. 12, 2012
    13. Feeding tubes help kids flourish, but parents pay emotional price

      Alex Callahan was born 13 weeks prematurely and had so many complications, including an aversion to food, that he spent the first three years of his life on a feeding tube. His sister, Bethany, was born 12 weeks early. She is now 8 months old and she...

        12:44 AM, Feb. 12, 2012
    14. 70% of oral cancers now traced to HPV virus

      An estimated 7% of American teens and adults carry the human papilloma virus in their mouths, an infection that puts them at heightened risk of developing cancer of the mouth and throat, researchers say....

        Feb. 12, 2012
    15. Girl's male identification worries grandmother

      DEAR ISADORA: My granddaughter at 7 refuses to wear dresses or do anything she calls "girly." She has always chosen to play with boys and boys' things and even insists on being called a male version of her name. Is she gay? Can it really be so clear at...

        Feb. 12, 2012
    16. JC Penney's attempt to win back shoppers still lacking

      The other night, I was tempted to do what I haven't done in ages -- buy something from JC Penney. I was in the store to check out JCP's new retail strategy that went into effect earlier this month when the store did away with the things that excite...

        1:28 PM, Feb. 11, 2012
    17. Carolyn Hax: Good advice gets punished

      Dear Carolyn: I was asked for relationship advice by a friend of my girlfriend. I gave what I thought was good advice, which led to said friend breaking up with her boyfriend. Rightly so, he was cheating....

        1:47 PM, Feb. 11, 2012
    18. How to make your home inviting to a date

      Could a few changes to your living space help you land the perfect mate? Good decorating can't guarantee happy romance. But if a new date finds your home appealing, he or she is more likely to spend time there -- which means spending time with you. And...

        1:40 AM, Feb. 13, 2012
    19. Carolyn Hax: Trust comes from asking questions

      Dear Carolyn: I'm a 20-year-old female college student. My last ex-boyfriend of five months was abusive: emotionally, mentally and even physically. After a particularly ugly incident, I dumped him. About a week later, I got into another relationship with ...

        Feb. 13, 2012
    20. Valentine's Day will test her 3 dates

      QUESTION: I've been dating three men, but none of them is exactly what I want. One is bossy. One is lovely. One is just plain sexy. I'm not sure that any of these relationships is going to lead to marriage, which is my goal. I've decided I'm going to...

        Feb. 13, 2012

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