Life

It's inevitable during the holiday season: Kids get bored. But the doldrums are just the thing for unleashing children's creativity. Give them a few ideas and supplies, and step out of the way.

Sheryl Ubelacker The Canadian Press TORONTO — So you’ve decided to take the plunge and make 2013 the year to sell your home.

WENCHI, Ethiopia - The kids in this volcano-rim village wear filthy, ragged clothes. They sleep beside cows and sheep in huts made of sticks and mud. They don't go to school. Yet they all can chant the English alphabet, and some can spell words.

NEW YORK, N.Y. - Shoes are coming out of the closet and landing under the Christmas tree. They're a top seller this holiday season — a big feat considering most years they don't even make gift lists.

The Canadian Press Sticky toffee pudding drenched in aromatic rum sauce and garnished with a Christmas tree-shaped ginger cookie is simple, festive and tastes totally decadent.

Dear Eric: Could you give me tips on cooking a turkey breast for Boxing Day. I would also like to try chestnut dressing. Mary Stokes Dear Mary: Boneless turkey breast roasts are convenient, cook fairly quickly and are easy to slice.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. - A 13-year-old girl's campaign to get Hasbro to make an Easy-Bake Oven that isn't purple or pink so it would appeal to her little brother is a fresh sign of movement in an old debate.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.

LITCHFIELD, Minn.

OTTAWA - RuthAnne Corley has been adding Barbie ornaments to her Christmas tree ever since 1993, when Barbie Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments were first produced as collector items. "Barbie really wasn't a toy I played with as a child.