Welcome to Michael's Article Collection

Wouldn't It Be Nice if TIME Grew on Trees?

The top two things that people seem to want more of are money and time. As a matter of fact, more money and more time are the top two issues people come to life coaches for (they also happen to be the top two excuses people use for not hiring a coach). It would be great if we had a money tree and a time tree in our backyard. That way if we ran out of either, we could just walk outside and plu. . .

Wedding Ceremony Music – Top Tips on Making Your Wedding ...

Music makes your wedding ceremony special. "If music be the food of love, play on!" ... so wrote William Shakespeare. Are you wondering how to make your wedding day stand out as a truly magical occasion? Live music may well provide the solution to your dilemma. Whether it's in the form of romantic melody, upbeat Swing Jazz or exotic world rhythms, the live musical experience adds a unique pres. . .

6 Christmas Shopping Tips You Must Know

There are a variety of opportunities for holiday shoppers, including stores, catalogs and the internet. Below are 6 Christmas Shopping tips that should:Christmas Shopping Tip #1: Shop EarlyIf you’re heading out to the mall this year, have your shopping list ready. It’s a good idea to shop early in the season because, if you wait too long, that perfect gift may already be under someone else’s tr. . .

How To Shop For Christmas Gifts

Okay. Christmas is coming, fast. It's time to panic. After all, you don't want to relive last Christmas Eve. There you were, at ten to five in the evening, standing in a large department store, with two gifts still to buy and a distinct shortage of cash. 'Never again!' you said at the time. Remember?Here is a rough guide on how to shop for Christmas gifts:1. Decide how much you can really affor. . .

The Many Faces of Santa

Santa Claus actually started out as a version of Poseidon, Greek god of the sea, known as Neptune by the Romans. Early Greek sailors feared him. He could bring terrible storms in the sea, or grant them safe journeys. Because he could save them from the angry waters, he because known as "giver of all good things". The Romans and Greeks held a festival on December 6 in his honor. Many countri. . .

Paternity Testing: To Be The Father Or Not To Be…

Before you can understand the importance of paternity testing, you must first understand the DNA element involved and why DNA is used to establish paternity. DNA is the pattern for your genetic makeup. Each and every person has a different pattern of DNA. However, persons belonging to certain ethnic backgrounds, certain races, or simply certain features, can have DNA that shows related characte. . .

Show That You Care With Car Magnets

How many opportunities can you get to do your part to help a worthy cause and still make your car look beautiful?Many groups now have been using car magnets as a fund raiser to help finance their causes. Most of them are awareness program to educate the people about their causes. They could b anything. Some causes are for peace, asking for the return of American troops to American soil, while s. . .

Environmental Issue: Wood Burning Fireplaces

Environmental Psychology considers two issues with wood burning fireplaces. What's important to you? Your home environment for emotional support or saving the environment? If you plan to move to a new home or to build a home, you may draw a line through a fireplace as a necessity. Although people love the warmth, comforting crackling sounds, aromas, and moving light a wood burning fire provides. . .

A Christmas History Lesson

The Twelve Days of Christmas is one of the most famous Christmas carols ever written. It has been sung for a great many years, and is known the world over. To most it is a delightful hymn, but it was originally created with a very serious intent. In England between the years of 1558 and 1829, it was illegal to practice Catholicism in public or private. It was essentially a crime to be Catho. . .

Top 2 Tips for Geting That Perfect Gift

So there you are, it’s that time again. It’s another occasion where you need get a gift for someone that already has everything. You know, like how many candles can I get her? Or how many times can I keep giving them a bottle of wine? We all have been there and beat our heads against the wall to try and figure out what do I give this time. Whether it’s the dreaded baby shower, or house warm. . .

What Gals Really Want For Christmas!

Okay, guys: listen up! I am here to tell you what women want for Christmas. You probably already know it, but you don’t understand it. What am I saying? Well, those little ads that have been mysteriously popping up on your dresser, on your workbench, or plastered to the windshield of your truck did not get there by accident. Somebody who wants you to pay close attention to what she really wants. . .

Mosquito Control: Options For Your Need

Mosquito control is an ongoing problem. Not only are they annoying creatures but they can also spread disease. You need to be able to find a way to control them at least in your area. But, it seems as if there is no easy way to do this. Mosquito control is something that many people, around the world, deal with every day. The question is, how do they do it? Options To Consider There are many op. . .

6 Great Online Christmas Shopping Tips

Christmas shopping is no longer confined to the local mall or an annual catalog that happens to find it‘s way into your mailbox. Thanks to advanced technology, there is literally a whole world of shopping at your fingertips. The internet has revolutionized the way people shop and, besides, what better way to do your Christmas shopping than from the comfort of your own home. No longer must we su. . .

Find Out More about Your Family Name, Launch a Website

On a whim one day, I thought I'd check to see if my lastname.com was available for purchase. It was so I snatched it up. Since then, I have been growing the site as I had the time, but now I've become more enthusiastic about it. http://www.fashbaugh.com has a unique purpose. People with the last name, Fashbaugh, have been dropping by the site and sharing their stories about their background. . .

Avoid Junk Telephone Calls By Preventing Your Number From...

When you call toll-free or pay-per-minute telephone numbers your telephone number is identified and recorded. Even when you call a business on their local telephone number, your phone number may be recorded. Often, your telephone number will be used for future sales calls from the company you called and will often be sold to other companies as well. Think you're okay because you have call ID bl. . .

Christmas Tree Selection Guide

Before you select the perfect Christmas tree, consider a little planning to make room for your special guest. Choose the best area in your room for the tree, which would include a spot that is close to an electrical outlet. When you plug in your lights, you won’t want a cord running along your floor, which could cause someone to trip and fall. There are so many things to think about when choosi. . .

Are Toys & Video Games The Right Christmas Gifts For Kids?

It’s the age of innocence when their eyes a little brighter and their smile are full of possibilities. Their minds are being shaped by everything around them and it’s important to make sure that those surroundings are positive and promote good character traits.The question is are toys and video games the right Christmas gift for kids? The simple answer - yes.Creative DevelopmentChildren love to. . .

Christmas Shopping: Bargains For You!

This Christmas season promises to be one filled with exceptional sales and across the board bargains for eager shoppers. With fuel prices running high, interest rates climbing, and consumer sentiment mixed, merchants know that they must slash prices in order to move merchandise. Let’s take a look at some of the types of sales certain to greet price conscious shoppers this holiday season.Early B. . .

Wedding Websites Save Brides & Grooms Time and Money

For the past few years, the Internet has served to assist many brides and grooms in planning their wedding day, finding wedding site locations and wedding vendors, but now more and more couples are seeking to publish their wedding details online, too. A wedding website is a great way for couples to express their personalities, share their stories, and eliminate a lot of time and money doing ext. . .

Leaving a Financial Legacy to Your Great Grandchildren

Children are Special... Especially when it comes to Life Insurance. Children are expected to be on the planet for a long time (0-100+ years, according to the new Mortality Tables.), so their life insurance rates are less expensive than an adult or even a teen! Once a child passes the age of 14, they fall into a different pricing category. It's logical. When is the last time you had one of your . . .

Planning for Your Financial Future

Two heads are better than one, so sit down with your spouse and plan out your financial future together. Prioritize your bills. By determining which bills to pay in which order, you'll get in the habit of making sure your essentials are always paid first.Be careful using credit. Sometimes a financial crisis will come not because of a layoff, but because you're overextended. Most people can affo. . .

The Honeymoon's Over Now What?

After your honeymoon, that’s it for luxurious vacations right? You’ve now got your mortgage to think about, car payments, utilities, saving for children if you plan to have them, insurance, credit card debt and then there’s everyday expenses like food. With all those expenses how could you ever think about a vacation again, well you can!TimesharesTimeshares are great places to spend your time. . . .

3 Ways to Cut Cost on Wedding Flowers

With all the things you’ll have to worry about paying for when it comes to your wedding, you won’t want to have to spend a lot of cash for slightly smaller things, like accents, decorations, and flower arrangements. Since most brides do want to have flowers at their weddings, and would prefer to purchase them at a reasonable price, here are some ways to save on wedding flowers that you may want. . .

The ABC’s of Marriage

A- Abandon selfishness B- Believe in each otherC- Call to check inD- Dream togetherE- Enjoy each others time togetherF- Figure out your financesG- Grace each other with your presence each dayH- Hold handsI- Invest time into your marriageJ- Joke aroundK- Keep memories alive by taking picturesL- Learn from one anotherM- Make time for alone timeN- Negativity should be avoided at all costsO- Open y. . .

How to Make a Budget

Starting out as a married couple often means going through some tight times. In this case, it may be a good idea to create a good budget that works. It is actually very simple to do, even simpler if you have a joint bank account.In fact, if you sit down to make a budget before the actual marriage preparations begin, you will likely succeed in lowering your wedding cost. More importantly, you wi. . .

Money and Marriage 101

Q. Is a prenuptial agreement necessary?A. Legally speaking, marriage splits your combined assets and liabilities right down the middle. Everything gets shared. Therefore, a prenuptial agreement is sometimes very necessary, particularly when a married man or woman has assets or liabilities that will greatly exceed that of his or her spouse. To make a decision that is right for the both of you, c. . .

Bringing Debts into a Marriage

Are you a credit card junkie? Credit card debt can often be a big, deep, dark secret for someone preparing for marriage. It’s an uncomfortable subject to talk about. Do you bring it up before or after he slips the engagement ring on your finger (or before you slip it onto hers)? Or do you wait until after all the marriage preparations are in place?If there are large differences in your assets a. . .

The "Disaster Dozen" Top Twelve Myths of Disaster Prepare...

"Blame is for God and small children." --Dustin Hoffman's character in "Papillon."Hurricane Katrina has given us yet another wake-up call. Do we pay attention now or hit the snooze button again? Pushing our way past the people intent on doing nothing but laying blame and playing armchair quarterback, we come to the bottom line conclusion that, "Yes, more could have been done." In other articles. . .

How To Cut Your Wedding Catering Bill Cost

Maybe you’ve got the details of the actual wedding ceremony worked out, but what about the reception? One of the major costs of the wedding reception will definitely be the food, so you’ll want to make sure you’ll have enough food for everyone without spending too much money. Here are some top ways to cut on your catering bill that will ensure that your guests enjoy your reception—and you save . . .

Unique Wedding Favors - How to Find Unique Wedding Favors...

Wedding favors have become an integral part of a wedding. And many brides, and couples, search for unique wedding favors which will make a statement and from which the guests will remember this wedding with fond memories.So when you’re planning your wedding, one of the decisions you’ll undoubtedly need to make is in the selection of wedding favors for your guests - and what better wedding favo. . .

Chinese Astrology

There are twelve Chinese year signs in the Chinese Zodiac. Unlike in our western astrology, in Chinese astrology each sign lasts for a year. Legend has it that as Buddha was about to depart the earth he summoned all the animals to say goodbye. Only twelve turned up so, to show his appreciation of their loyalty, he vowed that from then on each year would bear the name of one of the animals. Chin. . .

Are You Prepared?

Neighborhood PreparationNOW is the time to share this information with every neighbor and form a neighborhood group that can help each other. Anarchy and riots could break out and law enforcement agencies may be operating sporadically if at all as we have witnessed in New Orleans. Your first question may be: “What if I don’t know my neighbors?” Well, this would be an excellent way to get to k. . .

Throw a Great Baby Shower On a Budget

So you are in charge of throwing a baby shower. Whether it is for a friend or family member you want to make sure that your guest of honor has a great time and feels special. Here are some tips to ensure that you throw a spectacular party.Invitations: Talk with the guest of honor and discuss possible themes for the shower. If you are throwing a surprise shower, choose an appropriate theme. For . . .

Kid Chairs - Which One To Get?

If you've decided on a child size chair for your son, daughter or grandchild, how do you know which child chair your kid will like best?Several factors should go into making this decision. How old is your child, in which room will the chair be placed, the favorite activities of your child and the décor of your house should all be considered.For very young, one or two years old, or very small ch. . .

Designing a Fun Family Coat of Arms

Armorial bearings, or coats of arms, take us back to the glamour of the middle ages. In days of old, knights displayed heraldic devices on their horses' caparisons, their servants' liveries, and on their banners and shields. As war medals are awarded today, so coats' of arms and other heraldic devices could be awarded to knights for their service in battle. But the primary role of coats' of arm. . .

Top Ten Money Saving Wedding Tips

1. Plan your wedding ceremony and reception in the morning, on a Friday or Sunday night and consider the winter months for all these times and dates will be less expensive. 2. Try to keep your guest list minimal.3. Make your own veil. You’ll find that most craft stores sell how-to books and even supplies on designing your own veil, which can save you hundreds of dollars. 4. Shop online for your. . .

8 Common Family Tree Research Challenges…And Their Solutions

Every amateur genealogist is bound to hit a dead end every once in a while. Don’t lose hope. The information you’re looking for IS out there…it just might take a little more digging to find it. Here are some common problems – and their solutions -- that trip up many family tree researchers:1. Sorting out names.Names can get you into a muddle if several of your ancestors share a name. Names were. . .

Money Management with a New Spouse

When a person marries someone with children, there can be some unexpected implications. Marrying into a full-fledged family can be a difficult transition for all, emotionally and financially; therefore, having a money management plan is a necessary part of marriage preparation. As a married couple, children are your joint-responsibility even if they biologically belong to one spouse. Therefore,. . .

Shearling Coat Care

If your shearling coat or jacket gets wet, let them coat dry naturally. Don't place by a fire or other high heat source. Heat can dry out the natural oils in the hides.Do not wash your coat or jacket in a washing machine or put in a dryer. Most shearling coats are meant to be dry cleaned. When looking for a dry cleaner, make sure that they know how to properly clean them. The process must i. . .

How To Choose A Quality Cookware Set

If you are considering purchasing new cookware, you probably are wondering how to make the most sensible purchase and still get all the pieces and features you need. Price is always a major factor in deciding which cookware set is right for you. Choosing the perfect cookware set involves much more than color and the availability of nifty glass lids that you can see through. If you are a serious. . .

Scrapbooking For Genealogists: 3 Creative Ways To Preserv...

Whether you've spent several days, several years, or some time in between in trying to uncover your family's history, you’re no doubt looking for some creative ideas for preserving whatever it is that you’ve found. After all, computer printouts of a bunch of names are nice to have, but you won’t exactly be proud to pass that around at the next family reunion, would you? And think about this: wo. . .

Buying your First Home

Buying your first home can be exciting but there is a lot to know. Buying a home will depend on real estate laws and customs where you are located but there are basic steps that every first homebuyer needs to accomplish.Step 1- Your Finances Establishing credit is very important especially when you are looking to purchase a large investment like a house. Your credit reports reflects how you man. . .

Are You Financially Prepared to Have a Baby?

Perhaps you are a newly married couple doing some family planning, or you may have just discovered that you have a little “surprise” coming your way. Whether you are barely trying to get the hang of marriage and money management, or if you’re simply looking ahead to a future with a baby in it, a little financial planning will go a long way once your bundle of jubilation comes along. The US Depa. . .

Managing your Finances Once Married

It’s important to plan for your financial future beforehand so you have idea of what to expect. Once you get married, most newlyweds’ open a joint checking/saving accountsBelow is a list of 4 easy steps to take when determining your financial future.Step 1-Determine your net worthNet worth is the difference between assets and liabilities. Make a list to figure out your net worth, make a list of. . .

Becoming One Financially

When we think of marriage, most of us like to be romantic about it. Marriage brings images of engagement rings and a big white triple-layer cake. Nobody wants to talk about money management, prenuptials and other financial matters.However, statistics show that the top reason for divorce is disagreeing about money. Don’t get carried away by the sheer romance of getting married. Discuss your fina. . .

How To Tap The Power Of The World’s Most Important Geneal...

If you’ve spent any time at all researching your family tree, you probably already know just how valuable libraries can be in helping you get to the bottom of the riddle that is your family’s history. The problem, of course, is that finding the time to trek to the library that actually has the clues you need can be difficult, if not downright impossible.But the good news is this: you can most l. . .

How to Uncover Your Real Coat of Arms

Armorial bearings, or coats of arms, take us back to the glamour of the middle ages. In days of old, knights displayed heraldic devices on their horses' caparisons, their servants' liveries, and on their banners and shields. As war medals are awarded today, so coats' of arms and other heraldic devices could be awarded to knights for their service in battle. But the primary role of coats' of arm. . .

Fess Up! Are you a Spender or a Saver?

If you are in the middle of marriage preparations, you may want to consider talking about your financial plan before officially tying the knot. For example, if one of you has sizable assets, you may want to consider consulting a marriage lawyer to draft a prenuptial agreement for the both of you to sign.Are you planning on having a joint bank account? It’s not necessarily a bad idea, but a newl. . .

Unique Christmas Table Top Decorations For Parties

Christmas table decorations for those one of a kind Christmas parties are fun and easy to make. If you do plan on making your own Christmas table decorations, they can be time consuming and if you have a dozen or so tables to decorate, you need help!It depends on the type of Christmas party you will be hosting, the atmosphere you wish to provide and the style you want to showcase. If you’re hav. . .

New Baby Guide

First of all, CONGRATULATIONS! You’re having a new baby! Now, on to the serious stuff. You’re going to get yourself prepared for your new baby, mentally, physically and you will need to adjust your house and car for the new baby too! Mentally preparing for the new babyRemember this, women adjust to having a new baby faster than men; so, don’t expect husbands to start being all fatherly after th. . .