Welcome to Michael's Article Collection

How To Find a Lost Cat

Losing your cat is a worrying experience, use these 'How to find a lost cat' steps, and try to stay calm. Remember that most lost cats have not run away from home, we all know about cats and curiosity. The first place you will want to search for your lost cat is right inside your home. It may seem obvious but make sure that your cat is not shut in a room, less obvious check washing machines, c. . .

Humming Birds Make Wonderful Pets

Humming birds are wonderful birds that are smart, playful, and easy to take care. Many new bird owners are surprised by the intelligence that many birds show. They are also very playful. Make sure you do research on all of the different types of birds. Some types of humming birds are more expensive and require more care than do others. Fortunately, most humming birds require only a little care.. . .

Providing The Best Care For Your Goldfish

Goldfish care is critical for the health of your goldfish. Unfortunately, goldfish are very vulnerable to disease, with young goldfish even more so. Many new goldfish owners have watched their goldfish die in their fish tanks or aquariums only days or even hours after purchasing a goldfish. Fortunately, there are a few simple steps you can take to preserve the health of your goldfish. First, do. . .

Life As A Juggling Woman

When we moved 6000 miles away from our families 22 years ago, I certainly never imagined I would be working in the business my grandfather established way back when. Way back when ... there was no internet, no low cost international telephone service, no email, and no digital photography. My children are grown up now, and I theoretically COULD leave the house and find outside employment, but I . . .

Unilateral Disarmament - The First Step to Improving Comm...

Many times, we are so conditioned in how we speak that we do not realize whether or not we are effectively communicating with our teens. This is especially true when they upset us.To ensure that you are fostering an environment that will encourage your teenager to talk to you, as opposed to fearing you, the first step is to evaluate your communication style. How you express yourself and what yo. . .

WAHM Resources for You

If you are a Work at Home Mom WAHM you have made a very important decision to stay at home with your family. I applaud you for that decision, but I know it can be a financial and emotional sacrifice to stay at home. I have been staying at home with my child for almost a year now, and I have found several ways to improve my family's finances and help me feel that I am contributing to my family. . .

Growing Great Asparagus

I went out to feed the birds this morning - the temperature was comfortably above freezing, and a downy woodpecker was telegraphing his territorial rights on the nearest utility pole. I realized it was time to feed the asparagus.If you love fresh, succulent spears of asparagus but rankle at the price you pay for them (and the quality you get) at the grocery store, consider growing your own. Un. . .

Nail Biting Basics

Nail biting in all its various forms is problematic behavior beset by peculiarity and contradiction. Technically speaking, the correct word for nail biting is ANONYCHOPHAGIA.Nail biting typically begins between the ages of five and 10 and is common among children as well as adults. As many as one in three Americans bite their nails.One of the more noteworthy and generally surprising things abou. . .

Farm To Market Days

Summer may begin in June but, for many parts of the country, gardens don’t reach their peak until August. Modern grocery stores manage to keep us satisfied with produce year round, but there is nothing like the flavor of farm fresh tomatoes, peaches, or sweet corn. And there is nothing like the experience of buying from local growers who are proud of their wares.The first farmers’ markets sta. . .

The First Thing On Your To Do List

Make out your Advance Directives. It is better to plan in advance then to rely on fantasies of how we think others would react to making decisions for us. Others may make decisions that may be in their own best interest not yours. Unplanned events sometimes occur in our lives that may take away the opportunity for us to make our own decisions. Why burden others with expense and timely legal. . .

How to take Great Photos of Your Pet

We all love our animals. They do such funny, adorable, and cute things. But somehow when that camera comes out they run and hide or they just seem to always be pointed away from the camera when you push the button. Well here are some tips to help you have a better chance at getting great photos of your pet.1. Don’t wake your pet out of deep sleep and attempt to coerce him into performing for th. . .

Monitoring Your Teens for Drug Use Without Appearing to b...

Even if your teenagers do not use drugs, you still need to keep an eye on them. It is much better to realize that things could change, and anticipate that your teen COULD become a user. Essentially, it is not wise to make assumptions about topics such as drug use. Also, having been a high school teacher afforded me the opportunity to witness peer pressure, and how even good kids could be convi. . .

Bluegrass Music - Alive and well in the Appalachians

One of the Appalachian Mountain region's greatest contributions to the world is Bluegrass music. Born in hills and hollows, Bluegrass is simply mountain folk music with heavy Celtic influences. Today, you can hear the sweet harmonies of Bluegrass instruments and smooth vocals throughout the United States, and indeed the world. Bluegrass festivals abound, featuring performers from all over th. . .

Girl Next Door

When you think about the girl next door, usually it brings pleasant thoughts. She is a lady we have seen around, exchanged greetings and smiles – walked away feeling good. The part about feeling good has a lot to do with the calm atmosphere and the casual meeting. There was no crowd, no expectations of trying to be picked up, and you were not concerned about being rejected. Instead, it was you . . .

Develop Your Child's Critical Thinking Skills

1. Encourage Questions. Don't answer every question, instead ask what do they think. Asking questions stimulates conversation between you and your child. 2. Don't Criticize. Criticism invites low self-esteem. Children feel that they have failed or disappointed their parents when they are criticized. Find alternate ways of correcting the problem. A child will likely shut down communication if th. . .

Beating Middle of the Night Stress

What do you do when you wake up in the middle of the night and cannot go back to sleep? Do you lie there tossing, stretch, panic, and feel your heart thumping? Do you notice your own shallow breathing? Do you try futilely to follow the random speeding thoughts that race through your mind? Back in 1991 I met an elderly man in the grocery store. He must have been around 87. Approaching my cart. . .

Man Gold Rings, No Compromises

Man Gold Ring: Until recently it was thought that men were not serious about selecting men's gold rings and other men's jewelry. This has changed now as kaisilver has created the world's best collection of high end custom made man gold rings. All the man rings at kaisilver have been designed after intense research of the life style and habits of modern men. No efforts have been spared in makin. . .

Book Excerpt from *Cream of the Crop* -- The Experiment

The Experimentfrom *Cream of the Crop* (trade paperback; 188 pages; Sept. 2005; ISBN 1591138205; http://ruralroute2.com)I stood back and looked at the door of the round, white, wooden granary. The granary was almost full of soybeans, but I knew Dad had put plywood in front of the door so that when the door was open, the soybeans wouldn't spill out. The question was—to get the soybeans, could I . . .

Book Excerpt from *Cream of the Crop* -- "She'll Be Comin...

"She'll Be Coming 'Round the Cornfield"from *Cream of the Crop* (trade paperback; 188 pages; Sept. 2005; ISBN 1591138205; http://ruralroute2.com)A week ago the sky had clouded over and it had rained hard throughout one entire night. Dad had stopped picking corn for a couple of days to let the cornfield dry out. When he started picking corn again, instead of warm and sunny as it had been only a . . .

Are Today’s Families too Modern for Family Traditions?

Family traditions are as old as the family itself. They represent a comforting routine that many of us look forward to year after year. But in the age of scheduling conflicts and commercialism have families become too modern for family traditions?Luckily, the answer is no.A recent survey of more than 200 parents showed that family traditions are still an important part of the holidays. In all, . . .

Book Excerpt from *Cream of the Crop* -- The Mysterious R...

The Mysterious Red Coatfrom *Cream of the Crop* (trade paperback; 188 pages; Sept. 2005; ISBN 1591138205; http://ruralroute2.com)Only one piece of clothing remained in the closet. I lifted the hanger off the bar and struggled to hold up the weight of the heavy coat. The red wool coat had been hanging in the closet in the small hallway between the kitchen and the bathroom for as long as I could . . .

How to Get Free Money to Save for Your Child's College Ed...

Did you know that a college educated person will earn 2.5 times more over a lifetime than someone without a post secondary education? College educated people are more likely to keep their jobs when times are tough and are more likely to be working than those without a post secondary education. Now getting an education can be expensive. One year in a Canadian degree program such as an arts . . .

Baby Shower - Baby Word Making Game

Supplies: You can make your own cards or download free printable cards at Moms Break. Both are described below.You can make your own cards by cutting playing-card-sized rectangles out of heavy weight craft paper and then writing letters and numbers on each card. Decorate the cards with baby shower stickers. Or get free baby shower cards for this game at Moms Break baby shower free printables. A. . .

Want Your Children To Love Books - Go See A Movie!

Reading a book from which a movie is made is almost always a richer experience than simply watching the movie. The experience of savoring the words on the page and allowing yourself to be taken on a journey inspired by the author is sublime. As the author paints a picture with words, your imagination fills in the blanks until the voices of the characters and the images of the settings resonate . . .

80's Theme Party Ideas For a Sensational Celebration

Ah... the 80s. Big hair and all, it's a decade we won't forget. Celebrate the punk 80s with a theme party sure to please all your guests. Here are a few ideas to help you get started.You can create your own invitations by drawing 50th birthday theme such as "50" or over-the-hill gag themes.InvitationsYou can also create your own invitations by drawing 80's themes such as sunglasses, punk sty. . .

50th Birthday Party Ideas For a Sensational Celebration

Is a 50th birthday party coming up and you're at a loss for ideas? Here are a few tips and ideas to help you get started.You can create your own invitations by drawing 50th birthday theme such as "50" or over-the-hill gag themes.A great themed 50th birthday party is 60's memorabilia. Have beanbag chairs handy for a groovy gathering. Share old stories about the guest of honor.Be sure to includ. . .

High School Graduation Party Ideas For Easy Party Planning

It's not too early to start planning for the graduate's big day. Here are a few ideas to help you get started.Give out fun 2006 sunglasses for all the kids to wear, and a crown for the special graduateInvitationsCreate your own invitations by drawing graduation themes such as diplomas and graduation caps. You can roll the invitation to look like a diploma.Games & ActivitiesKids love to get to. . .

Serious Birth Disorders And Baby Issues

When you’re pregnant, you worry about every little thing that could go wrong. Thankfully, most babies are born healthy. There are, however, some serious birth disorders that you should be aware of, in the unlikely event that your baby is affected.· Spina Bifida – This is a condition where the backbone, which protects the spinal cord, does not close properly during prenatal development. This con. . .

‘THE TRIANGLE’ Takes A Plunge Into Reality

The long awaited and much-touted mini-series, The Triangle, made it’s debut on the Sci-Fi cable channel recently. As a person who has studied the paranormal for most of his life, I always watch these kinds of fictional entertainment projects based on unexplained events with a slightly more critical eye then the average viewer or sci-fi fan might. Unlike other Sci-Fi projects that attempted to r. . .

Give The Gift Of Language For The Holidays

Here's an idea for a unique holiday gift - a language course. There are lots of introductory language products that are inexpensive, educational and fun without being too 'academic' (let's face it, who wants to be 'academic' during the holidays?) They would make a great gift for a student or language enthusiast, or even for someone taking a trip in the near future. You can buy books, book and a. . .

13 Things Every First Aid Kit Should Have

Everyone should have a home first aid kit ready to go in case an emergency should arise. If you have small children, being prepared with an up-to-date first aid kit becomes even more important. Keeping a first aid kit within easy reach will provide you with considerable peace of mind. Here’s a handy checklist of the items that your first aid kit should, at a minimum, contain:1. An Antiseptic (s. . .

Do You Need Rental Insurance?

Many renters don’t stop to think about what happens if there is a fire, someone breaks in and steals their new TV or stereo, or a visitor slips and falls on their property. The sad truth is; you will be responsible! While your landlord has insurance that covers the actual building, that coverage does not include your personal property or liability for injuries which occur in the space you rent . . .

Two Can Live More Cheaply Than One ~ Consider a Roommate

If living expenses are eating up your budget, one of the most popular solutions is to find one or more roommates to share them. Rent for a multiple-bedroom apartment is usually not significantly higher than that of a single bedroom or studio unit. So actually, with a roommate to share the expenses, you’re able to live much more cheaply. There are many places where you can find people who are al. . .

10 Ways To Sneak Some Extra Fruits And Vegetables In Your...

We all know by now that we should be eating at least five servings of fruits and vegetables each day. But knowing and doing are two different things, aren’t they? Sometimes it is just not easy to get them all in there. We are constantly tempted to fill up on convenience and junk food. If your family is anything like mine, they’d much rather fill up on a bag of chips or a bowl of rice or pasta i. . .

How to Pack for the Movers

You’ve chosen a new home, selected a mover, and now comes the task of packing for the move. There are 3 important things you should remember that will save you a lot of time and frustration later:• Collect all the materials (boxes, tape, paper) you’ll need to pack.• Don’t put packing off until the last minute.• Stay organized!Here’s a list of the materials you’ll need to pack efficiently:• Pape. . .

A Wedding Planning Mini Guide

If you are considering marriage, this little wedding plan guide might be useful for you. There are lots of paid information and tips online on how to plan a successful wedding. This however, is a free wedding planning guide that is not comprehensive, but can at least give you some tips on how to approach the wedding planning issues. I guess you already have lots of thoughts and visions of ho. . .

Apartment Locators or Apartment Database Sites – Which Is...

When you do a search on a Search Engine for "apartments" you are going to come across two types of Website resources; apartment locator sites and apartment database sites. Which is the best for you? Well, that depends on what your needs and circumstances dictate. It also has a great deal to do with your privacy comfort level.The Apartment Locator Site:If you are relocating to an area of the cou. . .

You’re Retired, Now What?

For years you’ve lived in that sprawling house where you raised your children . . . it’s home. But now you don’t need all the space and the upkeep is becoming more difficult every year. You now have to consider things that weren’t issues before. When you were younger, you never thought about how many times a day you went up and down the stairs. You didn’t mind having the bedroom upstairs and th. . .

Gift Baskets: The Gift You Can Give Again and Again

As the physical distance between family and friends has increased over the years, more people are turning to the internet as their source of gift giving. You can find the perfect gift ideas in the comfort of your own home conveniently order it and have it packaged and delivered to the front door of the recipient. If you are creative and want to build it yourself, this can be fun and relaxing as. . .

The Money Tree

All my life I have heard people wish they had a money tree growing in the back yard when they were in a bad financial situation, but in reality most people do have a money tree! The money tree is their brains, and how they can use their knowledge and experiences to increase their wealth.In an analogy I compared the money tree to an actual live growing tree, it first starts with a seedling, or i. . .

What Your Kid Really Wants For Christmas

The day is long gone that all any kid really wants for Christmas is their two front teeth! Chances are that high on the list will be a new cell phone, a PS2, iPod Nano or one of the many competing MP3 players, a digital camera, or indeed the latest clutch of computer games. The choice of gifts seems to grow each year, with even a three dimensional pool table making an appearance this year! For . . .

Top 5 Things Your Mother Never Told You about Giving Gifts

If your mom's like mine, she probably gave you lots of advice on what to do about mostly everything, including giving gifts. But sometimes what your mother didn't tell you about giving gifts is what matters most.1. Like, for instance, did your mother ever tell you not to give women appliances as gifts? Mine didn't. In fact, I distinctly remember the year she gave Aunt Maxinne a toaster for h. . .

Real Estate Home Prices to Cool in 2006 - Soft Landing Pr...

The five-year boom in existing and new housing sales in many U.S. housing markets is expected to cool in 2006 but final results should still be second best in history, according to projections by top industry economists. National average home price appreciation is also expected to slow from an unsustainable rate of 12.7% this year to about 5.0% next year.Existing home sales, increasing 4.8% thi. . .

Make Money This Holiday Season Instead of Just Spending It

What if you could make more money than you spend this holiday season? Sounds like a pretty good idea, you say? If you'd like to be on the making money end during the holidays, now is the time to start preparing. Below I'm going to give you several money-making ideas. Pick the one or two that interest you the most and have fun!SANTA LETTERSMaking a child feel special during the holidays is somet. . .

How to Have a Happy Christmas

1. Forget PerfectDon't tie yourself in knots trying to have a Christmas like you see on the pages of a magazine. These are stage managed by a team of people and shot in August. You have a real house and a real family living in it, not a stage set full of models who only have to look good for a photograph. Real families argue and burn the gravy - so don't try and live up to a media image you hav. . .

Christmas Decorating That Will Make Your Holidays Special

If you are like the majority of people, you do not have a lot of time during the holidays to make special decorations. You can make your holiday decorating quick and easy and create a festive atmosphere in your home without spending a lot of time and money, leaving you more time to enjoy the holiday season with your family. Here are some holiday decorating tips that are free and inexpensive tha. . .

How To Buy Your First Home!

Avoid the 10 Most Common, Painful, Frustrating Mistakes First-Time Home Buyers Make.Buying a residence can be a hair raising experience. You will experience a roller coaster of emotions while finding the right place, securing the loan, closing and finally moving in. For most of us, the first time home purchase is the largest investment we’ve ever considered. The emotions of purchasing something. . .

Sticking to a Gift Budget at Christmastime

The Christmas season is upon us, and with it one of the most difficult times to stick on a budget. It’s so easy to go overboard on gifts for those you love. There’s always some cute, cheap item that is just perfect, but when you find things like that over and over, they really add up. It’s no fun being on a tight budget at this time of year. You wish you could give your kids the gifts they want. . .

How to Find the Perfect Gift

You know the feeling.As you place a meticulously wrapped gift on a table filled with other presents, you can’t help but second-guess your choice. “Will they really like it? Did I spend enough on it? I wonder what’s inside that one…”The reason we give gifts—whether for weddings, birthdays, retirements, or holidays—is beside the point. The best gifts are those that let the recipient know you had . . .

Some True Blue Aussie Christmas Traditions

Christmas would have to be my favorite time of the year.I remember my white Christmases in Europe as a little girl. There was the smell of cinnamon, nutmeg and gingerbread biscuits, and my parents drinking eggnog as we decorated our tree. Snow glistened outside and groups of children with their lanterns alight could be heard singing Christmas Carols as they moved from house to house in exchang. . .