Amy Francisco
This professional writer is a kindergartener's mom, a teenager's stepmom, an old guy's wife, sister of five Brady-Bunch-like siblings, and the daughter of Web-surfing, Harley-riding retirees.
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- 1,226,379
- Content
- 82
- Fans
- 35
- Contributor since
- 8/29/2006
Education/Experience
BJ, University of Texas at Austin, nearly 15 years of experience in communications and marketingInterests
Writing, editing, reading, parenting, travel, cooking, baking, reunion planning, gardening and getting pedicures
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Displaying Results 1 - 82 (of 82) for All Content
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Cranberry and Goat Cheese LogThis simple recipe replicates a delicious cranberry and goat cheese log sold during the holiday season at stores including Costco and Trader Joe's. Try it once and you won't be able to get enough!
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Professional Organizer Closet Cleaning IdeasFaced with an overflowing closet but don't know where to start? Follow these tips from professional organizers who know how to make the most out of the space where you display your duds.
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Breakfast Brunch Recipe: Banana Bread French ToastInspired by Austin's South Congress Cafe's carrot cake French toast, this sweet, flavorful twist on French toast will turn your ordinary breakfast or brunch into something special. -
Valentine Flowers: Blooms that Express LoveWho says you have to send roses on Valentine's Day? Choose flowers that express the type of love you have for your Valentine, whether its love from afar, platonic or familial love, enduring or just plain old love. -
Valentine Flowers: Meanings Behind Common BloomsRoses, carnations, tulips and lilies are common in Valentine flower bouquets. But have you ever wondered what message they send? Find out which ones express the shade of love you have for your Valentine. -
Best Dive Bars in Austin, TexasTake a tour of Austin's best dive bars, where Austin is keeping it weird, one beer, wine and setup at a time. -
Vegan Cookie Recipe: Oatmeal Banana CookiesHow to turn ripe bananas and oatmeal into delicious vegan (and gluten-free) cookies. -
Johnson City, Texas, Christmas LightsThe tiny hometown of President Lyndon B. Johnson knows how to put on a light display. From the Blanco County Courthouse to the Pedernales Electric Co-op, you'll be dazzled. -
Beachcomber's HaikuSeventeen syllables about strolling on the beach -
Texas Christmas HaikuJust a little holiday Haiku about the Lone Star State -
Top 10 Lines from Raising ArizonaOne fan's list of her favorite lines from the classic Coen brothers movie. -
Pine Cone Craft: Wax Fire StartersHow to make a pine cone craft you can give as a gift: festive wax pine cone fire starters that produce colorful flames. -
Outdoor Christmas Decoration: Homemade Garland TreeTurn your unused garden plant or floral ring supports into outdoor Christmas decorations. -
Cornbread Recipe by NancyWith only seven ingredients, this cornbread recipe is easy, quick and tasty. -
San Francisco Photos: The Ultimate TourFrom the Golden Gate to the Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39 to the financial district's Ferry Building and Chinatown, enjoy the tour. -
Tinnitus Treatment Through DietManaging your tinnitus, or chronic ear-ringing, begins with a healthy diet. The American Tinnitus Association and other tinnitus experts recommend avoiding certain foods and including others. Learn more about this approach to tinnitus treatment. -
Alcatraz Tour PhotosTake the ferry to Alcatraz Island in San Francisco and tour this beautifully landscaped former prison and fort. -
South Haven, MichiganVisit the beach and see July 4 fireworks in friendly South Haven, Mich.
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Haunted Baker Hotel PhotosTake a look around the grounds of the abandoned Baker Hotel in Mineral Wells, Texas.
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Walking with Dinosaurs Arena Show ReviewOne mom's review of the Walking With Dinosaurs Arena Spectacular, U.S. tour, from an overview of the show to details on the set, the dinosaurs, the scary factor and more. Should you take your child? Read on.
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Thanksgiving Turkey HaikuA Haiku poem for the Thanksgiving holiday
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Vegetarian Thanksgiving Recipe: Spinach and Artichoke DipHave a vegetarian Thanksgiving guest? Just like delicious dips? Try this yummy Thanksgiving recipe for spinach and artichoke dip. It's easy, quick and will be gobbled right up.
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Last Minute Halloween Costumes for KidsHow to make four last minute Halloween costumes for kids using items you already have lying around your house
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Easy Homemade Halloween Costume: Go Diego GoHow to make an easy and inexpensive Go Diego Go animal rescuer homemade Halloween costume
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Halloween Craft Idea: Spider Web Candy BasketThis Halloween craft idea - a spider web candy basket - is made with just yarn and glue. Try this easy, inexpensive and fun kid craft project this Halloween for spooktacular results.
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Crawfish Etoufee RecipeThis crawfish etoufee recipe is both easy (no roux required!) and fast, and it tastes even better as leftovers, if you can stand to leave any behind the first time.
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San Diego PicturesExplore the sights of Sunny San Diego, including the world-famous San Diego Zoo and Coronado Island.
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Michigan Sand DunesA look at the beautiful landscapes of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore near Empire, Michigan.
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Class Reunion Planning: How to Keep Financial RecordsAs soon as you have any class reunion money in your hands, you should consider opening a bank account. Pick up some tips on doing just that as well as for keeping good records of class reunion revenue and expenditures.Also published on:
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Class Reunion Planning Tips: How to Raise MoneyThe most common way to raise money for class reunions is selling admission tickets, but it is not the only way. Pick up some tips on selling tickets, and get some ideas for other kinds of fund-raisers.
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Lockhart Animal Shelter in Lockhart, Texas Needs Your Time and DonationsAustin-area animal lovers, find out how you can make a big difference in the lives of some Lockhart, Texas, dogs and cats.
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How to Make a Cute Reindeer Christmas Tree OrnamentInstructions for making a cute Rudolph the red nosed reindeer homemade Christmas ornament gift out of a light bulb.
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Pearl Harbor World War II RememberedThe story of the USS Kidd, a World War II destroyer, told using excerpts from one sailor's wartime journal.
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Swiffer Sweep+Vac: A Product ReviewA review of the Swiffer Sweep+Vac, a combination floor duster and vacuum.
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Cheap or Free White Elephant Gift Ideas: The Good, the Bad and the UglyThis white porcelain elephant could make an appropriate white elephant gift. But are there any rules to white elephant gifting? Here are some white elephant gift ideas that can only be described as the good, the bad and the ugly.
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Christmas Gift Catalogs: Recycle Clutter into CreativityIs your mailbox inundated with piles and piles of Christmas gift catalogs every holiday season? Here are some ways you might not have thought of to put those catalogs to good use.
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Class Reunion Planning: Estimating ExpensesTo create a budget for your class reunion, you'll need to first make a list of potential expenses that will be necessary to hold your event. These questions should help you do a thorough job of estimating class reunion expenses.
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Cranberry Nut Bread Recipe: A Tasty Homemade Gift for the HolidaysWith cranberries being so widely available at Thanksgiving and during the holiday season, and the fact that this cranberry nut bread is the perfect blend of tart and sweet, it always makes for an easy and well-received homemade gift.
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Class Reunion Planning: Locating ClassmatesYou can't have a class reunion without your classmates. Pick up some tips for locating the "missing" using the Web as well as some more traditional methods.
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Class Reunion Planning: Reunion CommitteeSo you've decided to plan your class reunion? Learn why it's the most aggravating job you'll ever love, and pick up some tips for creating a reliable reunion planning committee and holding that first meeting.
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Pumpkin Roll: A Holiday Dessert RecipeWarning: This pumpkin roll with cream cheese filling can be addictive, especially to uncles named Carl. If you share this pumpkin roll with others, they will expect you to make it for them every Thanksgiving.
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Handy Manny: Wilmer Valderrama's New Disney CartoonMove over, Bob the Builder. There's a new animated handyman in Preschool Town, and his name is "Handy Manny."
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Banana Bread Recipe: A Great Homemade GiftA fresh loaf of banana bread makes the perfect homemade gift for friends, family or co-workers.
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Punctuation Problems: How to Avoid Apostrophe Abuse and Quotation Mark QuandariesSome common punctuation mistakes and how to avoid them
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Zebra Butt Bookends: A Craft ProjectWhy should you spend your valuable time making zebra butt bookends? One, because they're cute. Two, because you have some plain bookends that need sprucing up. And three, because you can.
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More Baby Equipment to Add to Your Baby Gift RegistryRecommendations for multipurpose baby equipment to add to your baby gift registry that will grow with your child
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Ryan Phillipe Movie Filmed in Lockhart, Texas"Stop-Loss," starring Ryan Phillipe, is expected to hit theaters in 2007. But during summer 2006, Ryan Phillipe and the many trucks and trailers of the "Stop-Loss" cast and crew made life just a little more exciting for the small town of Lockhart, Texas.
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Baby Equipment to Add to Your Baby Gift RegistryRecommendations for baby equipment that you'll probably only use a short time but is still worth adding to your baby gift registry
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Confessions of an AC Content ProducerPerhaps you can relate or even pick up a few tips ... Do my confessions surprise you?
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Lockhart, Texas, Christmas EventsA guide to holiday events in Lockhart, Texas, including the annual lighted parade, A Dickens Christmas, and Christmas plays at two community theaters
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A Hill Country Christmas in Boerne, TexasA look at the events of Boerne's "A Hill Country Christmas," a multi-weekend holiday celebration that includes a Dickens Christmas, German Weihnachts Festival, Celebration on the Cibolo and an Old West Cowboy Christmas
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The Landmarks of Lockhart, TexasThe Barbecue Capital of Texas offers tourists more than just great grub. Lockhart is home to several historical landmarks that offer visitors a glimpse into Texas' past.
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Texas Hill Country Holiday EventsA weekend-by-weekend guide to help you plan your tour of the towns on the Texas Hill Country Regional Christmas Lighting Trail
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5 Sanity Savers for Moms to Save Time and Stay OrganizedAll moms need a little help now and then. Here are five products that can make life a little easier and a lot less stressful for busy moms.
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3 Uniquely Austin Ways to Enjoy the HolidaysIt may not snow very often during the holidays in Austin, Texas, but that doesn't mean the city doesn't know how to celebrate the holiday season. Texas' capital city is full of fun activities, year-round, and the holidays in Austin are no different.
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Johnson City, Texas' Free Holiday EventsJohnson City, a town of just 1,200 people in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, may be small in population. But during the holidays, Johnson City is big on yuletide cheer and even bigger on holiday light displays.
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Haunted Baker Hotel Looms Over Mineral Wells, TexasMeet a couple of the ghosts said to roam the abandoned Baker Hotel in Mineral Wells, Texas, and learn a little about this hotel's intriguing history.
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Review: Playskool Wheel Pals Triple Track Tower Toy-Car RacetrackWhy the Playskool Wheel Pals(TM) Triple Track Tower(TM) toy-car racetrack is a must-have toy for toddlers, especially those who love playing with cars
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Safe Halloween Activities in Austin, TexasIdeas for family-friendly, safe Halloween activities that are open to all Austinites
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Funny Group Halloween Costume IdeasTwo funny group Halloween costume ideas that center around a common theme but allow for flexibility and creativity with each individual's costume.
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11 Tips for a Successful Yard Sale11 tips for holding a profitable yard sale, including advice on pricing and merchandising your items
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Gift Ideas for Preteen BoysGift ideas for preteen boys that have the tweener seal of approval
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5 Gift Ideas for Toddlers Who Love CarsWith the new movie "Cars" in theaters since summer 2006, undoubtedly there are some toddlers who love cars on your holiday shopping list. Following are five ideas for gifts that are sure to please toddlers who love cars.
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A Holiday Gift Guide for Baseball FansScore a home run with the baseball fans on your holiday shopping list by surprising them with any of these unique baseball gifts.
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10 Texas Longhorns Merchandise Gift Ideas10 ideas for gifts of Texas Longhorns merchandise that are sure to please friends and family who love the University of Texas
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The Perfect Gift for Newlyweds' First ChristmasSix ideas for holiday-themed items that can be personalized with the newlyweds' last name or initials
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Gift Ideas for the ElderlySix useful gift ideas for the elderly people on your holiday shopping list
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Gift Ideas that Work for Stay-at-Home MothersIf you need ideas for holiday gifts that work for stay-at-home mothers, look no further.
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Gift Ideas for People Who Love Funny JunkShopping suggestions for the person on your holiday gift list who appreciates the tackiest things money can buy.
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Product Review: Playskool Toy CarWhile the Playskool Step Start Walk n' Ride works fine as an activity walker, it has a few design flaws that prevent it from being a toddler-friendly ride-on toy.
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Products with Xylitol as a Sweetener Harm DogsA recent report from the ASPCA Poison Control Center says that the number of dog poisonings caused by the ingestion of xylitol, a popular sugar substitute, is on the rise. Learn which products to watch out for and what to do if your dog ingests them.
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Planning Family Vacations with ToddlersWhen planning family vacations with toddlers, who thrive on routine and familiarity, figuring out which hotel amenities you need and what to pack (and what not to pack) can be big challenges. Here you'll find tips that can help.
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Why You Should Visit Traverse City, MichiganLooking for a new place for a beach vacation? Here are three reasons to consider this small city in the northwestern corner of Michigan.
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Guide to Halloween in Austin, TexasTips on the best places to shop for costumes and where to wear them to have a spooktacular Halloween in Austin.
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Guide to Michigan's Sleeping Bear DunesSleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Western Michigan. Find out why you should see this unspoiled section of Lake Michigan coastline.
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Top Ten Songs by the Dixie ChicksHate me if you want, but I love the Dixie Chicks. Natalie Maines along with sisters Martie Maguire and Emily Robison are an extremely talented trio. When it comes to music, the Dixie Chicks know how to make hits. Here are my top 10 picks.
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Top Ten Songs by the EaglesIf you're a desperado or have just spent time in Hotel California, you'll want to check out one witchy woman's picks for the top 10 Eagles' songs. It won't be wasted time, and you'll thank yourself in the long run.
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Top Barbecue Restaurants in Lockhart, TexasIf you visit Lockhart, "The Barbecue Capital of Texas," there's no question as to what you will eat. The tough choice is choosing just one of Lockhart's four barbecue restaurants. Read how one Lockhart local ranks the big four.
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Easy Halloween Costume for BabyA short shopping list and step-by-step instructions for creating a "wild" Halloween costume for your infant
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Top Mexican Food Restaurants in Lockhart, TexasLockhart, Texas, "The Barbecue Capital of Texas," isn't known for its Mexican food restaurants. That doesn't mean this small Texas town doesn't have some great places to try some tasty Tex-Mex. Read about one Lockhart local's top picks.
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Simon and Garfunkel: The History of Two Old FriendsYou love Simon and Garfunkel's music and have for years, but did you know they started out as a band called Tom and Jerry in the 1950s? Learn how this harmonizing duo got their start and how they became true American idols.
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What's that in the Toilet?You've heard of tunneling out before, but have you heard of tunneling in?