Most Americans have hard water flowing through their plumbing, and it's taking a silent, but pricey toll on their water-using appliances and pipes.

"If you think you're not affected, think again: 85 percent of Americans have hard water," says Angie Hicks, founder of Angie's List, the nation's leading provider of consumer reviews on local contractors and service companies. "Water with a high mineral count is really hard on your appliances and can take years off their useful lives."

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As information increases about the devastation of Japan's earthquake and tsunami, our children will likely see disturbing news footage and have questions about this tragedy. Below are several suggestions on how to talk with children about this disaster and its impact.

These tips are provided by humanitarian organization World Vision. World Vision has worked in Japan for more than two decades and responded to the massive Kobe earthquake in 1995, and now has staff assisting in the relief efforts in Sendai.

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Whether you're a movie buff or a fashion aficionado, Hollywood's most buzzed about event is more enjoyable when you can gossip with friends over celebrity style and debate the list of nominees for best actor. However, hosting an Academy Award party requires more than your typical party fare, since paper plates and pre-made dip fail to capture the magic of star-studded evening.

On the other hand, tapping into emergency funds in the sake of honoring Tinsel Town's finest is a clear waste of money. Consider these red carpet-worthy ways to throw an unforgettable Oscar party on a budget:

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Despite the sluggish economy, e-commerce reported record sales last year with an anticipated double-digit growth in 2011. Fueled by new technology and an evolving social-media shopping sphere, commerce is almost unrecognizable to the common consumer. However, it spells good news for retailers who quickly adopt such changing sales and marketing strategies. With daily deals delivered via Twitter feeds and mobile-friendly sale sites, the retail industry is expanding in directions it would have been difficult to predict even five years ago.

Here are six retailer trends changing the way consumers shop in 2011.

1. Daily Deals

With the explosion of limited-time daily deals via group-buying (more than 23 million in the last year) and flash-sale sites like Gilt Group & Jetsetter.com, it's no surprise other retailers have adopted this successful sales strategy. In fact, online retailers like Target & Overstock now offer Deal-of-the-Day sales that bode well for their bottom line. Even Facebook and Amazon have added daily deal services.

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Mardi Gras celebrations are no longer limited to the Crescent City. You'll find beads, baubles and fine Cajun food everywhere from big-city civic centers to small-town backyards. Throw together some Second Line jazz, a few party hats, home-mixed Hurricanes and a crayfish boil and you've got your own celebration.

You could lay out plenty for a prime-time Mardi Gras party, but there are always a few tips and tricks to help reduce costs. Check out the following seven ways to save while enjoying Fat Tuesday.

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Tax season is upon us, and however much you dread completing your return this year, there's always solace to be had in the potential of a sweet reward: the refund.

The average tax refund in 2011 was over $2,900, according to CNNMoney. Receiving such a large check typically feels like free money, and the desire to spend it on a big-screen TV or perhaps a plane ticket to Vegas is often difficult to overcome. However, there's nothing "free" about your refund--it's still you're hard-earned money! To avoid wasting the potentially lucrative lump sum, consider these eight tips for spending your tax refund wisely.

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