Welcome to Michael's Article Collection

Priorities: Don't Dry Your Dishes

Do your dishes really need to be dried, or could you just let the water evaporate? If you spend just 5 minutes per meal drying dishes, that equals a quarter of an hour per day, or 91 hours each year.Imagine spending almost four days in a row standing at the sink drying dishes. No eating. No sleeping. No bathroom breaks. Just drying dishes for four days straight.Now imagine doing something . . .

Do You Know What To Do If Someone You Loved One Is In the...

If someone you know and love is in the hospital there are a few things you need to know especially if you are the Heath Care Agent or the surrogate that will be acting and making decisions for the patient. Keep a notebook and a pen available with you at all times. You will have many things going through your mind that you may need to keep track of and the notebook will be helpful. Much of thi. . .

Potty Training Battle of the Wills

Some children practically potty train themselves, while others struggle and resist against the potty. Potty training should never turn into the battle of the wills. If it does, both you and your child will loose. When dealing with strong-willed child, it's best to turn potty training into a game. Use the following suggestions to make potty training fun and exciting for you and your child:Musica. . .

Toilet Terrors and Other Potty Training Fears

Potty training fears, often called toilet terrors, are common among toddlers and small children. Look at things from your child’s perspective. He is giving up the security of a diaper for a big, cold thing with a giant hole that might swallow him. Up until this point, your child has been able to go in his diaper. He didn’t have to control himself until a potty was available. He could go anytime. . .

10 Ways to Make Toilet Training Fun & Exciting

Blue & Yellow Make Green - Put a few drops of blue food coloring in the toilet and show your child that the color turns green when he or she pees in the potty!Toilet Targets - Purchase or make toilet targets to teach your child to aim. Musical Potty Chair - Musical potty chairs, such as the Tinkle Toonz, play a tune when your child uses the potty!Potty training Doll - Anatomically correct drink. . .

Potty Training Techniques That Don't Work

Your attitude and actions have a huge impact on your child's potty training success. The following potty training techniques don't work and should never be done: Punishing your child for accidents Making your child wear soiled diapers or underwear Making your child sit on the potty for more than 5 to 10 minutes at a time Making your child "hold it" if he or she needs to go Making your child sit. . .

I Can't Weight (One Man's Diet)

From the book Spider’s Big CatchGary E. Andersonwww.abciowa.comLike many people, I've decided I need to take off a little weight from the holidays—the holidays of six years ago. But I've never dieted before, so being a conscientious kinda guy, I logged into my favorite web browser for some advice.I found 3,978,158,342 sites offering help with losing a few pounds. (In fact, I was so overwhelmed. . .

When Not To Begin Potty Training

Potty training can be a stressful experience for you and your child. It's best to start potty training when your child has an established daily routine and is not dealing with any additional stress. Potty training should be the only major change in your child's life. If your child is showing signs of potty training readiness, ask yourself if any of the following situations exist:New baby - Alth. . .

Prepare Your Child For Potty Training

When your child shows most of the signs of potty training readiness, you can start introducing him to the idea. Potty Training Books, Videos, & DVDs - Potty training books, videos, and DVDs provide a great opportunity to introduce the potty to your child. Read a book as a bedtime story or watch a video together. Your child will surely have questions and be delighted when he finds a potty chair . . .

Hints And Tips On Scrapbooking Baby’s “Firsts”

It is true to say that a lot of people begin to get the scrappin’ bug after their child/children are born and usually their first attempt at scrapbooking is making a baby album.Having a child is one of the most important events in our lives and baby’s first year is a busy, lively, ever changing journey of discovery. It is full of important milestones…No wonder then, as parents we want to captur. . .

True Love - Part 1

True Love! We all dream of being in love with that significant other, at some point in our lives. Is it better to have loved once than not to have loved at all? If this is really the case, then how do we actually find true love? How can a man or a woman really get to the core of the whole relationship game? What are the rules of such a game?More often than not, it is not uncommon to find that e. . .

Kids: Channeling Mania Towards Productivity

More and more kids these days are diagnosed ADD, ADHD, or Bipolar. There are biological reasons for this, and there are environmental elements which can soothe or aggravate the symptoms. It becomes increasingly easy to “react” to each mood swing rather than to develop a plan for different positions on the pendulum swing. Yet, preplanning is the best chance at teaching our children coping. . .

Potty Training At Daycare and Preschool

With 61% of children between the ages of birth and 6 years in daycare, it's important that parents work closely with their child's care professional while potty training. When you child is ready for potty training, the right potty training guidance and supplies can make all the difference. Be Sure Your Child Is Ready – Before you begin potty training, make sure your child is ready. Your child s. . .

7 Stages of Potty Training

There are seven stages of potty training. They begin with showing signs of potty training readiness and conclude with being able to use the toilet away from home. Signs of Readiness - The first stage of potty training begins when your child shows the following signs of potty training readiness: Expresses an interest in using the potty Irritated when diapers are wet Pull pants up and down by h. . .

Parenting Univeristy: Potty Training 101

When your child shows signs of potty training readiness, it's time to purchase some essential potty training items. There are many new products which can help to make potty training quick and easy for both you and your child. We have researched all of the latest and most effective potty training products. Here, you'll find a number of new potty training aids, such as the Tinkle Toonz musical po. . .

Potty Training After a Divorce or Separation

Many parents share custody of their children, which presents a unique problem when it comes to potty training. It’s best to discuss potty training and agree on a strategy before you start. Both parents need to be informed about potty training and have the necessary potty training aids. Potty Training Aids – To maintain consistency throughout the potty training process, it’s best if both parents. . .

Victoria's Secret DISCLOSED!

SHHHHHH, don't tell anybody, but, I know the secret.It all started with a simple shopping spree. I had decided to surprise my wife with a new purchase of special clothing essentials from every man's dreamiest of feminine wardrobe stores. Yes, it was Victoria's Secret. After spending a few hours there, I mean, a few minutes, something became very apparent to me. It was very obvious to anyone wit. . .

The Difference Between Wants & Needs

So you want to become wealthy? While there is no single road to getting there, it's a sure bet that one principle is in place for those who keep their wealth over a lifetime. Live beneath your means. Spend less than you make. Don't spend more than you can afford. It doesn't come any simpler than this. If you want to create wealth, you have to learn to do this. It doesn't matter if you make $10,. . .

How To Reduce Banking Fees

Nobody likes to pay banking fees, but if you aren't active in trying to reduce them, you are probably paying more in fees than you need to be. One of the most important actions to take in order to reduce the banking fees is to figure out exactly how you use your bank. Consider what your average balance will be and how low the balance may dip. Also consider the type of transactions you make and . . .

Pets. The Wild Kind.

Just because we moved out to the country a couple years back does NOT mean we want to run a farm. Tending to animals is just not how we want to spend our time. We don't want cows or sheep or chickens. We don't want hogs or ducks. We don't even want a dog or a cat to train. OK, so my wife says that she wants a cat, but that's only because she knows I won't have anything to do with it. I sus. . .

Turning Your Trash Into Cash

Junk. We all have some of it lying around the house. Whether it's boxed items cluttering the attic or everyday items that just don't fit with the room's decorating theme anymore, many of us have more than we need. At some point it all gets to be too much and in a fit of energy we decide that our place needs to be cleaned. Then the junk gets moved, typically to the nearest trash can. But wait. B. . .

How Two Quarelling Kids Helped Invent the Better Behavior...

When David was nine and Laura was twelve, the battles started. Prior to that, they got along great. Laura was always protective of her little brother, and he in turn, doted on her. Perhaps it was about needing space, asserting independence…whatever the reason, it drove my husband and I crazy. It would start over the tiniest of excuses. One minute the house would be quiet, and the next t. . .

Why We Laugh!

Why do we laugh? Is it a silly pun, riddles, amusing stories, anecdotes, funny one liners, silly quotes, hilarious jokes, dirty jokes, clean jokes, a commentary on world politics? Maybe it's the comic who jokes about his funny experiences as a child or the comic who amuses you with his raunchy x-rated humor. Or is it the slapstick of some up and coming comic who tickles your funny bone. Ma. . .

3 Major Divorce Parenting Mistakes And Learn How To Avoid...

What 3 major divorce parenting mistakes that surely lead to unhappy, unhealthy and unsuccessful children? Parents know these for your children seek.1. Failure To Act According To Child's Best InterestThis divorce parenting mistake stem from not knowing what exactly these interest are. Experts do agree on two factors that can be said to be the foundation for a child's true best interest: Mainta. . .

Whispers in the Wind: The Legend of Bonnie Sue

On any given day at MCAS Cherry Point, the wind is alive with the roar of jet engines. It is the sound, as proudly proclaimed by the air station welcome sign, of freedom. The stories of those who have defended this freedom are many; Cherry Point boasts a long legacy of heroes in dress blues. Yet, legend has it, years before the installation itself was commissioned, duty called here for another . . .

Semper Fidelis

The air was crisp that bright autumn day, not unlike the uniforms of the hundreds of Marines who had gathered to mark the passage of a sacred occasion. A sea of faces filled the outdoor stadium under the blue Carolina sky as Marines and their families were regaled with tales of their beloved Corps. A portrait of the past came alive as, one by one, battles were remembered, tales of heroism were . . .

Girl Talk - Boy Talk

Chas and Dave wrote a song about it and how right they were. Women just love to rabbit! Whether you calling it chatting, nattering, gassing or just plain talking, we're way ahead of the opposition in the vocal stakes. Not that I'm saying it's a reason for our men to dump us, as suggested by Chas and Dave, but I've no doubt there are times when they wish we'd put a sock in it.More often than not. . .

More than Mom and Dad

Love, love, love. It makes the world go round. It makes a family. So why does it seem the moment you have a baby, love, or at least your love life as you know it, goes right up in a cloud of baby powder? Let’s face it, you’re tired, you’re overwhelmed, and there’s a good chance you’re wearing baby spit-up on the shoulder of your blouse. Obstetrician and gynecologist, Laura Filojek McKain explai. . .

Managing Your Time In Your New Home Based Business

If you are just transitioning from working outside the home to working from home, your thoughts are probably spinning with all the things that you will get done now that you don’t have to waste all that time commuting, getting ready for work, etc. And then a few weeks into your new lifestyle, things just don’t seem to going along as smoothly as you had imagined! What the heck happened, anyway? . . .

7 Good Reasons for Playing With Your Cat

Playing reinforces the bond between you and your cat. Playing with your cat is the best possible way to build up a bond between the two of you. Do you want your cat to think of you as more than someone who is there to provide food, shelter and warmth? Then regular play sessions will go a long way to ensuring that your feline friend sees you as an object of his or her affections, that you are so. . .

Breastfeeding 101: Nursing Basics for New Moms

Making the choice to breastfeed your new baby is one of the most important and far-reaching decisions you will make as a new mother. Both the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend breastfeeding as the preferred method of infant nutrition for the first year of life. The current AAP breastfeeding policy states,"Human milk is uniquely superior for i. . .

Trust Starts with You

“I have a hard time trusting people.”“I never feel like I can trust my husband (or wife).”It is very common for me, in my work as a counselor, to hear the above statements. Trust issues abound in relationships. However, resolving trust issues is not about getting another person to be trustworthy. It’s about you become a trustworthy person with yourself and learning to trust yourself.BECOMING TR. . .

Organising your Wedding Stationery

Of all the things you need to do, buy and organize in preparation for your wedding, wedding stationery is something that must be planned ahead. After all, you need to let your guests know well in advance of your forthcoming big day. Your wedding invitation and accessories set the tone for your special day firmly establishing your style and taste. It is the first official message about your we. . .

How to Plan a Cheap Wedding

There’s no doubt about it, weddings can be expensive. The average cost of a wedding today is $20,000 – $25,000, and weddings are estimated to be a $25.3 billion industry. But don’t worry if your budget cannot stretch for the most expensive custom-made gown, elegant invitation cards, or the top photographer, it doesn’t mean that your wedding will be any less unique or special than anyone else’. . .

The Five Best Gifts to Give Your Family

When we think of giving gifts, we usually think of things to buy for people. Yet if you think back on gifts you’ve been given, it might not be the material gifts you received that are foremost in your mind – it might be the kind of gifts that deeply touched your heart and soul. It might be various ways, other than material things, that people expressed their love to you.There are five gifts of . . .

Cut Cupid Some Slack!

Valentine's Day! What a great idea to set aside a day for remembering those we love. It's even more than just remembering; it's romancing. But it is also a holiday that many dread. Because of the romantic tradition of this holiday, many hearts feel isolated, alone and left out. Many dread it so much, that they will not even venture out to a restaurant or movie on this day that seems to be set-a. . .

A Way To Really Lower The Price Of Gasoline

Every once in a while, someone starts a campaign to lower gasoline prices by urging everyone not to purchase any gas on a certain date. The chosen date is far enough in the future to allow for a massive e-mail and newscast campaign to spread the news far and wide throughout the land and get everyone geared up for the big day. The idea is that the resulting surplus of unsold gas would force di. . .

7 Ways To Improve Your Relationship

Good relationships don’t just happen. I’ve heard many of my clients state that, “If I have to work at it, then it’s not the right relationship.” This is not a true statement, any more than it’s true that you don’t have to work at good physical health through exercise, eating well, and stress reduction.I’ve discovered, in the 35 years that I’ve been counseling couples, 7 choices you can make th. . .

The Holiday Shopping Experience - Rewarding or Traumatic?

Picture this scenario! It’s December 24th, the day of Christmas Eve. On this day you should be relaxing, enjoying time with family and thinking of all the precious memories you have created throughout the year.No, wait! It’s the last day of shopping before Christmas and you haven’t even started to do your gift shopping. You get into your car and fight traffic all the way to the local mall, on. . .

The Positve Benefits of Dog Day Care

Dog day care programs benefit the dogs of owner’s who have busy lives and are not able to socialize and exercise their dogs. Owners benefit from a guilt free day of work or play and can come home to a calm, relaxed pet. Dog day care provides the best of both worlds for dogs and owners alike. Kelley Blackston Getting its start in California in 1987, dog day care has exploded to virtually every s. . .

Retirement – It's Sooner Than You Think!! (honestly)

Many people hear "retirement" and think— what? 401K? Roth vs. Traditional IRA? Stocks, bonds, mutual funds? Do they? Or do many people put money away according to the suggested amount and then simply hope that when retirement comes all will work out?One report I read estimated that 66 million Americans have put away a Whopping $0 towards retirement. Many people are still thinking there might be. . .

Back to School Care Packages!

I am crying tears of joy mixed with great sadness as my oldest daughter prepares for her freshman year of college at the University of Maryland in the fall. She has already told me I am to send care packages. So it was neat to receive a school sponsored offer in the mail "aiming for 100% participation" for the care packages they were selling! What could be more fun for her and easier for me tha. . .

A Wedding Shower Checklist

Bridal showers are one of many pre-wedding parties and are great fun. They are known as parties with a purpose. The purpose of a shower is to assist the couple in equipping their new home or for the bride to assemble a trousseau. Not only that, but they are a good excuse for the bride to get together with her friends and family to play hilarious games and to enjoy the food and wine.Did you kno. . .

Confessions of a Retread Wife

My name is Barbara and I am a proud Marine Corps wife. I am the granddaughter of a Korean War Veteran and the daughter of a military brat. Long before meeting my Marine Corps husband I had gypsy feet from my childhood spent with a father who, after growing up in the Navy, could never remain in one place too long. I coveted the stories of my father’s youth, growing up on military bases and se. . .

How To Make Cooling Neck Ties

Have you ever used a cooling necktie? If you have I bet two things surprised you. How they helped you keep cool and how much they cost. About $8 each. Ouch! This article shows you how to make your own, for just a few cents.Supplies you will need: 1 yd cotton fabric that is at least 42" wide and a maximum of 45". This will make 8 ties Wash the fabric before use. Water absorbing polymers these ar. . .

Book Excerpt: Give Me a Home Where the Dairy Cows Roam

When I reached the top of the driveway after getting off the school bus one April afternoon, I couldn't help but wonder why Dad was standing on the stepladder next to the tractor. I had never seen my father use a stepladder to fix a tractor. He didn't have to climb on anything to reach the engine. I also knew he wasn't filling the tractor with gasoline. The 460 Farmall was too far away from the. . .

News Release: Give Me a Home Where the Dairy Cows Roam

COLFAX, WISCONSIN — Did you know that since 1969, the United States has lost 85 percent of its dairy farms. And did you know that since 1969, Wisconsin has lost nearly 70 percent of its dairy farms?"I lived away from my hometown in west central Wisconsin for 15 years. When I returned in the mid 1990s, I expected to be living in a farming community again. Instead, I discovered that many of the s. . .

Camera Cell Phones -- More uses than you could have imagi...

I was shopping in the large superstore with my five-year-old daughter, perfectly unaware that in the next few minutes I would be living through every parent’s nightmare – in an instant my child would disappear from my side. She had been looking through the little dresses right beside me and, when I called her to go try one on, she was no where to be found. I loudly called out her name, trying t. . .

Feel Like a (Romantic) Kid Again

If the start of the school year makes you a little nostalgic about your own school days, why not take a little trip: back to your own childhood! Make a date with that special someone and act like children again. You'll soon see that this child-like fun can be just as romantic as a grown-up date (and a whole lot easier on the budget!)Buy some bubble gum. Have a bubble blowing contest. Buy your l. . .

Birthday Gift Baskets – The Ideal Gift For Everyone!

No matter how old we are, we enjoy being remembered on that special day of the year that celebrates the day we were born! Birthdays are a time to recognize special people in our lives with joyous celebration. It is a time-honored tradition to pay tribute the birthday gal or guy with a mouth-watering cake decorated with sugar-laden frosting sculptures and a candle representing every year of thei. . .