Welcome to Michael's Article Collection

25 Festive Christmas Gift Wrap Ideas

Christmas is coming - soon it will be time to wrap holiday gifts! Do you want to do something different with your gift wrap this year? Here are twenty five festive holiday gift wrap ideas guaranteed to make your gifts look just as special as your holiday season! Many of these gift wrap ideas suggest adding ornaments to decorate your gifts. This can look pretty and be an added gift for the holid. . .

Craft Projects You Can Make Out Of Your Christmas Cards

Craft Projects You Can Make Out Of Your Christmas CardsIt is always a fun part of the holiday season giving and receiving Christmas cards. But what can you do with them after the holidays? It is often a shame simply to throw them out - they have beautiful holiday scenes and many of them now have sentimental value. Here are some craft projects to give a new life to your Christmas cards. Make a C. . .

Back to School; Time to Recharge

The back-to-school shopping is done. Brand new pencils, colored markers, and notebooks fill my daughter’s back pack. I’ve cleaned off the refrigerator in preparation for the new onslaught of pictures and class notices. School’s started. She is excited to be back amongst her friends. I find myself in the everyday routine of waking up in the dark, fixing breakfast and packing lunches. Even . . .

Demystifying Gift Cards

Buying a greeting card for the woman in your life can be a daunting task. I have seen more than one man with that deer in the headlights look on his face heading to the greeting card racks. Being the dominant creature that he is, he summons his strength and moves with cat-like prowess... only to find himself thumbing through card after card, toying with one card, then on and on through the othe. . .

Make Personalized Placemats With Kids

This is a great family craft because everyone can do it. Small children will have fun with it because often they are learning how to set the table, how to help out at mealtime. Everybody has their own chair at the dinner table (or the kitchen table in most houses...). Children can make placemats for the whole family, designing them with some of the materials to look similar in design so that. . .

8 Simple Ways to Defend Yourself Against Evil Doers Both ...

There once was a time when the only option people had when shopping was to either call in or snail mail in a catalog order form or to jump in the family car, fight through traffic, and wait in long checkout lines to complete the purchase.Well, nowadays there’s still a few major mail order catalogs floating around and we all still visit our local retail outlets, but time has also introduced the . . .

Your Cat The Hunter...

Many cat owners believe that their good little kitty would not even dream of going hunting.After all, their cat is loved and well fed. Why should their pet bother hunting down birds, mice and other wildlife? If a domestic cat has any access at all to the outside world then it will hunt, no doubt about it, it's all part of being a cat.Here are some of the myths and old wives tales about cats and. . .

American Women Really Don’t Like You

Any man who has dated Asian ladies who live in the United States, has witness the wrath, jealously and prejudice of American women towards Asian ladies. I know I have, as have many of my friends. The stereotypical has some merit: American women can’t compete against the Asians’ sexuality, American women feel threaten and some American women simply think Asians are stealing their men. These all . . .

What Burglars Know that You Should Know

Professional burglars concentrate on easy targets because they know their chances of success depend on their coming and going without being noticed. So what can you do as a homeowner to make sure you are not inviting someone into your home who doesn’t belong there?.“As silly as it sounds,” says Nigel Smithers, a retired police officer and the CEO of Watchdog Protection Industries, Inc., “the f. . .

Cooking With Your Kids Helps Develop Motor Skills for Pre...

Did you know that cooking with your kids is a natural way for them to develop motor skills? If you've never looked at cooking that way before, think again. There's a reason why kids have a universal love for cooking - just like for stacking blocks and banging!Cooking is especially good for preschoolers and here's how:1. Two year olds are developing large muscles in their arms: They will enj. . .

Why Asking For Help Makes Military Wives Stronger

There are two things I hate doing: the lawn and the trash. When counting down the days until homecoming, some women choose to track paydays, school days, or Mondays. Me? I always counted trash days. “Just 12 more times of taking out the trash,” I’d yell across the street to my neighbor as I rolled the can to the curb.And when the cruise (my husband’s first in 2001) was extended, not a neighbor . . .

Maintaining your Fish Bowls

Maintaining your fish bowl can be difficult sometimes. However, your fish bowl should be kept as hygienic as possible. Doing so should help prevent any health care problems for your fish. When you are cleaning your fish bowl, do it as quickly as possible, because it is dangerous for your fish to be out of its fish bowl. Only clean your fish bowl with a cleaner that is safe for your fish. Also, . . .

Tips on Hamster Breeding

Hamster breeding can sometimes be confusing for a hamster owner. Fortunately, there are only a few basic things you need to know before you start hamster breeding. It is best to breed female hamsters that are older than 4 months of age. Otherwise, the hamster may destroy its own litter. Also, do not touch the hamster babies. Otherwise your sent may get on them, and the mother hamster may not re. . .

Do's and Don'ts of Military Care Packages for Soldiers

Sending a care package to your loved one deployed overseas seems so easy, doesn't it? You just box up some cookies, attach a sweet card, and it's ready to go, right?If only it were that easy.Sending mail to ships/units overseas is tricky for many reasons (slow processing, mail limitations, etc.) but one of the most confounding is this: unless you've been deployed yourself, it's hard to know exa. . .

7 Tips for Burning the Perfect Candle

Tapers, columns, votives, containers, pillars and novelty - chances are you have at least one of these types of candles in your home. Surveys done by candle manufacturers suggest that 7 out of 10 U.S households use candles, 96% of which are purchased by women. The basics for candles are easy, just light them! However, if you want to get the most out of your candles and not watch your money go u. . .

Let Kissing Liven Up Your Meetings (and More Kissing Tips)

Every now and then a quarrel breaks out down at the barber shop, lines are drawn, challenges leveled and, with any luck, somebody walks out with very few blood stains. All over a seemingly innocent discussion: What is the greatest sport ever?Some say "football". Some say "baseball". Canadians say "hockey". The rest of the world says "soccer". (Actually, they say "football", too...but they . . .

How Optimism can Help – or Hurt – Your Marriage

Beth and Tom were happily married for over 25 years – no small feat in today’s world. At first, their friends could not understand how their marriage succeeded, due to numerous perceived shortcomings.However, closer scrutiny of their marriage revealed that it was their thinking patterns – the ways they explained and interpreted their partner’s behavior to themselves – that strengthened, rather . . .

Quilting Is For My Generation And Your Generation

Many people think of quilting as something a group of older women do by sitting in a circle and sewing until their fingers bled. Surely this still happens today, yet there are new and improved methods of quilting. And, believe it or not, this hobby is coming back. It has become easy to find and purchase quilting supplies such as quilting fabrics, quilting patterns, and even quilting machines. A. . .

The Fabric of Life...or...What Material Should I Use To M...

There are many different types of fabrics, and many different ideas and crafts to do with them. For example, say you were redoing your home. For your kitchen, you could use cotton to make beautiful crisp curtains to hang above your windows. For a bedroom and living room, you may want to try velour for that sophisticated look. Don't want to throw out Great-grandma's old raggedy chair? No problem. . .

Are you looking for Free Crochet Patterns?

If you are in the market for sewing patterns, crochet patterns or quilt patterns you can find them online! Did you know that there are many websites that not only instruct individuals on the techniques of sewing, in all its forms, but that help supply you with the supplies you need? Advice can be found online and so can free patterns!Are you interested in free cross-stitch patterns? How about f. . .

Want To Try Your Hand At Sewing...You'll Need Some Sewing...

These days, sewing patterns are widely available. Almost any department store or even some discount stores carry sewing supplies and some even carry sewing machines. As this hobby grows, the amount of available products grows as well. Once a necessity, sewing has become a hobby among young and old. And, in this age of the world wide web it is now easier then ever to sell hand made articles as w. . .

The Planning of a Bridal Shower!

Planning a bridal shower? Maybe a dear friend or even sister is getting married and you are in charge of planning the bridal shower? Bridal showers are customary and traditional. They aren't all about the bridal shower gifts though! They are a way to welcome new family members and celebrate a new beginning for the couple. But, they can also be fun if planned to be.Start with the bridal shower i. . .

Looking for Birthday Party Ideas? Here are some great id...

Having a memorable birthday party means coming up with some great birthday party ideas. If you are having a birthday party for your child or anyone who is a child at heart, you will want to plan it to be fun and exciting! Birthday parties are a great excuse to meet friends and family and enjoy a day of laughter and smiles. Having some basic plans for the day, will make in not only go smoothly, . . .

Here's What to expect at a Baby Shower

A baby shower is a great way to welcome a new child and congratulate the new mother. Many mothers appreciate the help in purchasing the items they will need for their new baby. Commonly, baby showers are given only to new mothers or mothers who have not had a child in a long while. This way, friends and family, can help give the family the things babies need.Baby showers are a tradition, but wh. . .

Late Night Adventures with Your Children

Vacations are fun ! Weekends with the family are nice. But, Late Night Adventures are "simply marvelous". If you really want to shine in your child's eyes on a more regular basis-- try some late night adventures with them.By late night I am talking about adventures that start from 10pm on. Shouldn't kids be in bed at that time? -- yesShouldn't parents keep structure? -- yesDon't parents n. . .

Top 20+ Reasons to Pay your Kid an Allowance

1. They can make mistakes under your guidance 2. They will learn how to save for the future 3. They will learn that money doesn’t “grow on trees” 4. They will appreciate what they have 5. They will learn to make choices and set priorities 6. They'll stop nagging you for money 7. There will be less friction in your household 8. They will learn healthy financial behaviors 9. They . . .

Slavery – It’s Economic in Today’s World

Slavery has taken a new dimension in our country. People are no longer owned and driven to perform tasks for no pay. Today, slavery is to our governments, with very little chance of ever breaking the financial bondage.On average, Americans now spend more time working to pay their taxes than they spend working to provide food, clothing, and shelter combined. According to the Tax Foundation, the . . .

Adoption: Laughter and Tears

If you ever walk through an orphanage, it will be an experience you’ll never forget. Witnessing children in poverty, children discarded, children stunted both physically and emotionally, will stir your heart beyond belief. And adopting a child is a joy as great as witnessing the first sharp intake of breath by your very own newborn infant. The suffering of orphans vary from country to country, . . .

Searching for Fabric Stores…and How To Find The Best One

In the day and age we live in there are craft stores everywhere, but what about fabric stores? Fabric stores are out there as well. Just a little harder to find! Stores like Joanne fabrics aren't as popular as the big craft stores, but they are there. In Joann fabric you will be able to find fabrics to meet all your needs. No need to find a special quilt fabric store. You may also find what you. . .

Some Information on Embroidery

Embroidery is the detail work for sewing. It is the small, intricate designs on fabric that make it so beautiful. A good eye and much talent produces a beautiful design whether it is on a pillow case, a table cloth, or even the cuff of a dress shirt. Whether it is machine embroidery or hand done, it adds an extra elegance to an item. Embroidery designs, while widely available in fabric stores, . . .

Here's How Cell Phones Make Your Life Easier...

Cell phones, the prepaid ones, are the great way to stay within your budget restraints. You will either make an adjustment to how many minutes the prepaid cellular covers, or discipline yourself to use less minutes. Purchasing prepaid cell phones is made very simple, regardless of what their credit situation is. You can purchase a prepaid cell phone without a credit card, without any contract, . . .

Puppy Development

Puppy development and growth is very exciting. After a puppy gets over its fear of its new surroundings, it will become very curious. People sometimes leave their puppy for a few minutes, come back and can't find it anywhere. If you can't find your puppy, remember to look under the furniture and in small corners. Also, don't leave small items that your puppy might choke on lying around. Puppy d. . .

7 Things To Teach Your Kids About Money

Did you know that many people retire broke? It's true. After a lifetime of hard work and having earned literally hundreds of thousands of dollars, they end up with nothing. So where did all their hard-earned cash go? The answer is, it passed right through their fingers. While schools are great at teaching algebra, calculus, and geometry... how many of us learned about the basics of personal fin. . .

Feeding the Hummingbirds

Early in May here in west central Wisconsin, I can count on seeing a Ruby Throated Hummingbird hovering in front of my kitchen window, flitting back and forth, as if to say, "there was a hummingbird feeder RIGHT HERE last year. Where is it?"And then I know it is time to put out hummingbird nectar. I feed a 3-to-1 mixture of water and sugar (3 cups of water and 1 cup of sugar brought to a boil a. . .

The Identity Theft Epidemic : What The “Experts” Aren’t T...

Picture yourself walking down the street, all alone. It's late at night. It's a bit brisk, and the wind is blowing through the tall buildings on both sides of you. Suddenly, from out of nowhere, someone runs by you, knocks you over, grabs your wallet, and takes off.It sounds like a scene from a movie, and there may come a time in the future where this type of person-to-person crime is only foun. . .

How to Grieve a Tragedy

Bad things happen to good people. Have you lost your job or are facing bankruptcy? Has a cherished relationship ended or you have gone through a divorce? Maybe you received diagnosis of a serious health problem. Or maybe you are mourning the loss of a loved one. Unfortunately, these painful events are part of life. If you have to endure such a tragedy, maybe you can find solace in your friends . . .

10 Free Gardening Products

One of the pleasurable spin-offs in organic gardening is finding alternative ways of coming up with the same, if not better, end result.....Household throwaways can be valuable to the alternate enthusiast. Here are ten recyclable ideas to make gardening a little less hard on the pocket!1. Hedge clippings: Instead of burning or direct composting, beg, borrow or even buy, if the quantity justifie. . .

No Problem!

"Thanks to Walt Disney's ""The Lion King"", children the world over know the Swahili expression ""Hakuna Matata"". It means ""No Problem"" and we grown-ups should use it more often.I used to come home and my wife would say, ""We have a crisis!"" I would immediately think that our daughter was in a hospital, the car broke down, or her mother was coming to stay with us. But it was usually just th. . .

How to Make Your Own Baby Food and Save a Fortune!

Baby in a highchair, mom in front with a small spoon and a jar of baby food. It looks like something right out of a parenting magazine, and it’s a scene that is played out several times a day in the majority of homes with small babies. Unfortunately, it’s also a powerful marketing image that can cost a family a great deal of money in the long run.The Convenience FactorMost parents would say the. . .

Reasons You Aren't Starting the Decision Making Process A...

Along with any tough decision comes reluctance, especially when that decision involves an actual process and might potentially involve emotional pain or anguish. Deciding whether or not to get a divorce or stay married can be a frightening time for most people, even if they know deep inside themselves that they have to actually make a decision, one way or another.People are reluctant to embark . . .

Dog Rescue: Is it Right for You?

Ever had a hankering for a certain breed of dog? Not an obsession, mind you – not the sort of longing that would send you rushing to a breeder, thousand-dollar-bill in your sweaty palm – but just a gentle appreciation for the virtues of the Poodle, Pug or Pyrenean Mastiff?Let’s say you have -- but you thought buying a purebred pup was a less-than-ideal use of your family’s resources. If that’s . . .

Pretty And Frugal Gift Wrap Ideas

Sometimes gift wrapping can be so expensive -- once you’ve bought the paper, tissue and the card you’ve spent just as much as you did on the gift. Here are some pretty and frugal gift wrap ideas to help you save more so you can spend more on your gifts and your loved ones. When saving money on gift wrapping materials the most important thing to keep in mind is your own needs -- and everyone’s n. . .

Reasons For Divorce; What Constitutes Viable Reasons For ...

According to the Center for Disease Control's National Vital Statistics Report of 2002, 50% of first marriages ended in divorce and 60% of remarriages end in divorce. But, the Center for Disease Control also found that 96% of Americans express a personal desire for marriage, and almost three-quarters of Americans believe marriage is a life long commitment. I imagine that there are somewhat simi. . .

How To Identify What The Question "Should I get a divorce...

Deciding about whether you should get a divorce or not is an agonizing experience to go through. If you are asking yourself "should I get a divorce?", you've been thinking about your relationship's state for a while or an isolated incident that occurred was so terrible, that you want to just chuck it all and start over with a new life!If you have been asking yourself "should I get a divorce?" f. . .

Marriage Problem; Is Your Marriage Problem Severe Enough ...

Having a marriage problem can be agonizing especially if you're trying to do all you can to make your marriage work. Depending on how your marriage was prior to thinking that you had a marriage problem, you could be in for a hurtful time if you don't take a step back and look at your marriage problem from a "helicopter" viewpoint. To do that, you're going to need to try to limit your emotional . . .

Extramarital Affair: Should You Get A Divorce Just Becaus...

Having to deal with an extramarital affair can be a life-changing event, regardless of whether you stay married or not. Inescapable feelings can come over both people that will never be forgotten by either of them. The person who actually had the extramarital affair can have feelings of guilt, loneliness, confusion and misdirection along with many other feelings. The 'partner' who did not have . . .

Dog Training Tips

Dog training requires simple persistence to be a successful and delightful experience for you and your dog. Here are 8 dog training tips to guide you along the way.1. Dog Training Tips - Get your dog's attentionBefore you can start training your dog you first need to get its attention. You can do this by talking to him and offering him a small treat.2. Dog Training Tips - Use the correct dog . . .

ThinkExist.com: Fourth of July Quotes

MADRID – For millions of Americans, this Fourth of July will be a time of celebration and remembrance of those passed or distanced by war. The annual commemoration of Independence Day has always been a bittersweet time for Americans who evoke the thoughts of Cordell Hull, "I am certain that, however great the hardships and the trials which loom ahead, our America will endure and the cause of h. . .

The Marriage Test

Love should not blind a couple to the realities of their legal status of husband and wife, for they are bound by an unwritten contract of marriage governed by the laws of the federal government, the state they live in and the decisions of the judiciary. Every bride and groom must learn that the state is at the altar with them. You would never sign a contract without reading it or seeking an at. . .

How to Make Blueprints on Fabric Using the Sun

If you’re looking for something fun and creative to do this summer, consider blueprinting, an alternative photographic process. But you won’t be creating an image for construction. Instead, you’ll learn how to use the sun to transform a design into a work of art on fabric. You may wish to design a scarf, t-shirt, or any other garment or fashion accessory. You can also make an art print to frame. . .