Anticipating a houseful of kids home from school on Spring Break?

This past Wednesday (Feb. 13) marked the beginning of Lent, the 40-day period before Easter, when Christians would abstain from meat and dairy products in remembrance of Jesus’ 40 days of fasting before launching his ministry.

“I can sum up the Jodi Arias trial in one word: Boring! What’s worse is that they’re trying to make it scandalous (and making a lame attempt at making her seem like a victim) by talking about sex and religion, which only makes it more boring. Watch ‘Criminal Minds’ instead. It has better plot lines and better-looking people.”

An undercover investigator for Mercy for Animals notes that nothing could prepare him for what he saw during a ten-week undercover investigation in a pig factory farm.

WAITSFIELD, Vt. (AP) — Nearly 30 years ago, a handful of enterprising Vermonters realized they could do more with milk than just sell it. And with a little help from the state, they became pioneers in what quickly blossomed into the now behemoth artisanal cheese movement.

Mesa police are warning the public to be on the lookout for “hooded bandits” who are robbing stores and restaurants in East Mesa.

DENVER — Southwest Ice Cream Specialties of McKinney, Texas, is voluntarily recalling some of its Dulce de Leche ice cream containers because they may contain praline pecan ice cream, which has wheat, soy and pecans that could cause problems for people allergic to those ingredients.

"Promised Land" offers an experience that's alternately amusing and frustrating, full of impassioned earnestness as well as saggy sections.

WASHINGTON — Efforts to save the nation from going over a year-end "fiscal cliff" were in disarray as lawmakers fled the Capitol for their Christmas break. "God only knows" how a deal can be reached now, House Speaker John Boehner declared.

When it comes to food, "recooked" isn't generally a term met with much affection. The dairy world, however, gives us a fine exception in ricotta cheese.

Everyone knows - or at least every Jew knows - the story of Hanukkah's origins, the story of how just a tiny amount of oil miraculously burned for eight days. And they know that, in the spirit of that story, Hanukkah is celebrated in part by eating foods fried in oil, such as latkes and doughnuts.

Let's not panic. We all know that Twinkies, Ding Dongs, Wonder bread and the rest of Hostess Brands' oddly everlasting foods aren't going away any time soon, even if the food culture that created them is gasping its last.

The holiday season is upon us. Over the next few weeks, schedules will be filled with shopping, holiday parties, relatives, plenty of food and spirits and obligations. Socializing during the holidays can be stressful and challenging for some people, especially if your friends and family are not as health-conscious as you. The abundance of holiday treats and homemade goodies can be hard to resist. Fortunately, there’s plenty you can do to avoid holiday weight gain.

Insulin resistance, Type 2 diabetes and obesity (diabesity) are global epidemics that continue to rise and come with major health consequences. Type 2 diabetes is commonly associated with poor diet and inactivity. However, there is now evidence of autoimmunity in Type 2 diabetes.

The world-famous Osmond Brothers are coming to Arizona -- bringing their 50-year tradition of entertainment and their passion for giving.

Are you constantly struggling to reach or maintain healthy weight? Do you experience cravings for specific foods? What about unexplained joint pain, skin problems or headaches? If so, the cause is highly probably related to the food(s) you’re eating.

People have differing opinions over the ethics of the nation’s food choices.

A large hay fire near Warner and Hawes roads could be out as soon as Wednesday night, but continued to cause smoke and haze in Gilbert and Mesa. That has sparked a large number of calls from concerned citizens to the communication centers in both cities, according to a Gilbert spokesperson.

Did you know that every three minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer? Do you think breast cancer affects women only? Think again. Men are not exempt from breast cancer. Many breast cancers are fueled by estrogen, a hormone produced in fat tissue. Although there are numerous reasons why women predominantly experience estrogen dominance (use of birth control, menopause and pregnancy), both men and women are increasingly affected by estrogen dominance.

Caketini (2270 E. Williams Field Road, No. 114, Gilbert [480] 786-3500). Scottsdale has its Sprinkles, Gilbert has Caketini — a cute shop run by a family that’s been baking for generations. Sweet lovers will find gourmet cakes, truffles and massive, prettily decorated cupcakes. $

More than 300 million people worldwide experience severe or debilitating headaches. Migraines alone affect 9 percent of the U.S. population and cost $1 billion a year in direct medical expenses. The incidence of individuals who suffer migraine headaches has increased by 50 percent within the last 20 years with 75 percent of migraine sufferers being women.

Mountain Pointe High School drama teacher Kim Bonagofski can now make her own curtain call after being named Fulton Homes’ Teacher of the Week.’ Bonagofski teaches basic and upper-level drama classes as well as stage craft and film studies classes. Bonagofski, a wife and mother of two, was nominated for the honor by student Brianna Manheim.