W. Pridgen

TW Pridgen is a freelance writer based in North Carolina.
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  • Choosing Cloth: A Reusable Diaper Primer
    Cloth diapers are an economical and Earth-friendly alternative to paper diapers, but they require planning and maintenance. Visit realdiaperassociation.org for resources and cost information referenced in video.
  • Get a Bold Smoky Night Look Using COVERGIRL's Blast Products
    Makeup products used: - COVERGIRL Smoky ShadowBlast eyeshadow in Silver Sky (color 805) - COVERGIRL LashBlast Fusion mascara in Very Black (color 860) - COVERGIRL ShineBlast lip gloss in Ignite (color 865)
  • COVERGIRL's Blast Products: Make a Fresh and Bold Face
    Products used: -CoverGirl Smoky ShadowBlast in color 820/Citrus Flair -CoverGirl LashBlast Fusion in color 860/Very Black -CoverGirl ShineBlast Lipgloss in color 850/Ablaze Helpful tips: -Apply shadow in very bright light: it's glittery and the look indoors may differ greatly from what it
  • Basic Laundry DOs and DON'Ts
    Doing laundry is about more than piling clothes into a machine, measuring out soap, and pulling a knob. Get cleaner clothes by doing basic prep work, using the right products, and using the washing machine correctly.
  • Preschool Birthday Card Craft: Tissue Paper Cake
    This slideshow shows images detailing how to make the writer's Tissue Paper Birthday Cake Card.
  • Preschooler Birthday Card Craft: How to Make a Tissue Paper Cake Card
    Here's a homemade card you can help your preschooler make that uses a medium that may be new to your them: tissue paper! The card has a birthday cake at bottom front and "Happy Birthday" written across the top.
  • Stain Removal On-The-Go: Fruit Juice Box
    Squeezing a juice box and poking the straw in at the same time is a sure recipe for a stained shirt. Fruit juices, especially those containing tannins (natural dye found in fruit skins) make obnoxious stains that need to be treated as they happen or they may permanently set. Rubbing them may make
  • One-Minute Review of COVERGIRL's Smoky ShadowBlast
    The products mentioned in this video are COVERGIRL's Smoky ShadowBlast in Citrus Flair (820) [the sole product sent to Tiffany for her honest review], COVERGIRL's Eye Enhancers in Tropical Fusion (205), and COVERGIRL's Professional All-in-One mascara in Brown. Use the powder shadow (the light gre
  • COVERGIRL's Smoky ShadowBlast Makes the Smoky Eye Possible with Just One Tool
    Traditionally, to get a smoky eye make-up effect you'd need to layer on multiple powder colors and then blend with sponges and brushes. COVERGIRL's new Smoky ShadowBlast makes it easier
  • Chinese Take-Out Inspired Prom Dinner
    For every 10 shrimp egg rolls you'll need: -1/2 head of napa cappage -2 cloves garlic -1 tsp ginger -2 large carrots -3 green/spring onions -1/2 lb shrimp (can sub chicken or pork) -1/2 c chicken broth -3 tbsp soy sauce -2 tbsp sesame oil -10 5"x5" egg roll wrappers -Oil for frying Ser
  • 2009 PMA Acceptance Speech: A/V Contributor of the Year
    Tiffany Pridgen speaks on being awarded the 2009 PMA A/V Contributor of the Year award.
  • How to Make a Romantic Valentine's Day Scavenger Hunt
    Looking for a sweet, low-cost activity for your love? Send him or her on a scavenger hunt on Valentine's Day morning leaving clues around your home. The prize is a trinket he or she can keep for years to come.
  • The Pregnant Freelancer: Battling the First Trimester Slump
    Pregnant freelance writers are fortunate to have flexible schedules. But, unlike their salaried peers they go unpaid when they need to take time off to deal with first trimester sickness. How to cope?
  • Easy Inexpensive Holiday Gift Ideas for Husbands
    Times are tight, so keep usefulness in mind when you shop for your husband's holiday gifts this year. Get him a gift he can appreciate every day.
  • How to Maximize Fertility to Achieve Conception
    Getting pregnant can be easy if your timing is excellent and you are able to recognize your fertility signs.
  • How to Host a Tea Tasting Event
    Don't like wine? Always feel like you're missing out when your friends attend wine-tasting parties? With fall settling in and making evenings cooler, why not consider a hot beverage instead?
  • Favorite Winter Meal: Homemade Tomato Soup
    Soups are easy and comforting, and if you make them from scratch you can control the sodium!
  • Finally, a Dishwasher Detergent that Works: Finish Powerball Tabs
    After trying every name-brand dishwasher detergent on the market, I've finally found one that dissolves completely and doesn't cause build-up like the liquids.
  • Seven Ways to Dispose of Fall Pumpkins
    Are you fretting over what to do with your leftover Halloween and Thanksgiving pumpkins? Here are some suggestions for disposing of your giant squash if you don't want them to go into general landfill waste.
  • How to Carve a Halloween Pumpkin
    If you don't want to spend money on pumpkin carving kits that come with special tools and templates, try this method instead. You'll need a handsaw, craft knife, utility knife, and permanent marker.
  • How to Roast Pumpkin Seeds
    Tiffany shows you how to clean and prepare the seeds you've removed from your Halloween and Thanksgiving pumpkins for snacking.
  • Observations About All About Beer's 2009 Fall World Beer Festival
    All About Beer Magazine hosts twice-yearly beer tasting events entitled World Beer Festival. I attended the afternoon event and can offer some insight to people going to the evening event starting at 6 PM.
  • How to Be a News Reporter for Halloween
    This video shows how women can dress up like a local television news reporter for Halloween. It discusses proper dress, accessories, props, hair, and makeup. All parts of this costume should be found in a typical home - no purchases required.
  • How to Make a Low-Class Pirate Halloween Costume
    Ever heard the saying "Too many chiefs, not enough indians"? Same holds true with pirates! Everyone dresses up like the pirate captain, but there are never any mateys! This video shows you how to dress up like a low-ranking deck hand who's been asked to swab the decks.
  • Are Birthday Party Centers Worth the Price?
    Kids' parties can be hugely stressful no matter the venue. Holding them at party centers may alleviate some worries, but often costs a hefty price. Here are some considerations to help your decision-making.
  • How to Train Your Cat to Use a Pet Door
    Litter box got your house stinky? Confine the funk to an isolated room by using a kitty door. Here's how to train your cats to use them.
  • How to Complete a Bathroom Renovation Walkthrough
    Bathrooms and kitchens sell houses, but if yours is a complete disaster, you'll need to devote considerable energy into planning smart upgrades. Here's how to get started.
  • Think You're Ready to Potty Train? You're Probably Not
    Parents are often too quick to potty train because others tell them they should have done it already. Really, it's up to the child. Here's how to tell if a child isn't capable yet.
  • Ten Ways to Increase Safety for Kids in the Yard
    People who live in wooded suburban, rural, or in other locations where large pieces of property are available have special considerations to take when making yards safe for kids.
  • Meat-Free Meals Meat-Eaters will Love
    Does the high cost of quality meat have you rethinking your menus? Here are some meatless meals that are economical and that have tastes that don't come in second place.
  • A Guide to Durham, North Carolina's Hot Spots
    Only have one day to spend in Durham? Here is a list of must-visit attractions to suit any potential whim.
  • Slow Cooker Beef and Barley Stew
    This hearty stew cooks on low for 7.5 hours and then high for the last 30 minutes. Ingredients: 2 lb lean stew beef; 1/2 quart beef stock; 8 oz baby carrots; 4 small or 2 large potatoes; 1 c frozen peas; 1/2 c pearl barley; vegetable oil; bay leaf; thyme; salt & pepper to taste Recipe is sho
  • Why You Should Avoid Hobby Club Magazine Traps
    Cooking Club of America, National Home Gardening Club, and others under the North American Media Group umbrella, offer perks for club memberships which are really nothing more than magazine subscriptions.
  • Ways to Get Rid of Odd Yarn Balls
    Have a few odd skeins of yarn that are too dissimilar to patch together, but aren't enough to make a big project on their own? Here are some ways to de-stash your yarn scraps.
  • Best of AC: Funny Halloween Costumes 2009
    Like your Halloween costumes to elicit giggles instead of shrieks? Check out these Associated Content articles for some how-to guides and lists of suggestions for fun adult costumes guaranteed to provide comic relief.
  • The Best Kid Halloween Costume Ideas from the Associated Content Library
    Here is a list of some of the best kids' Halloween costume content on AC as of September 2009.
  • How to Fix Sticky Locks
    If you spend too much time trying to unlock your house doors, your locks may be due for maintenance. Watch as Tiffany Pridgen troubleshoots a sticking doorknob lock and deadbolt. The locks are made more efficient by dismantling the units for a thorough oiling and removal of built-up dirt. For
  • White Bean and Corn Chowder Recipe
    This recipes uses dry white beans and sweet corn to make a thick, hearty chowder.
  • Book Review: Hot House Flower
    Hot House Flower and the 9 Plants of Desire is Margot Berwin's 2009 commercial fiction debut. The novel follows an advertising copywriter from New York, cunningly named Lila Nova, who is sent on a journey of exploration by a strange plant-lover.
  • Scary Berry Boo! Halloween Cupcakes
    Recipe yields 12 standard-size cupcakes. Double for two pans. To make strawberry syrup and pulp: simmer three cups of frozen strawberries over medium heat for 1/2 hour with 1/4 c sugar and 1 tbsp lemon juice. Cupcake ingredients: -1/2 stick unsalted butter -2 egg whites -1/4 c butter milk o
  • Book Review: Get a Hobby!
    Bored? Need something to do with your hands? Tina Barseghian's book Get a Hobby! details 101 ways to occupy yourself.
  • How to Propagate Hostas
    Fall is approaching and as hostas cease their photosynthesis and go dormant for the winter, gardeners can safely divide the clumps.
  • 1-2-3 Magic: Thomas W. Phelan's Child Discipline Technique
    Thomas W. Phelan's discipline technique helps the authority figure, the teacher or parent, refrain from negotiating with children who want to get their way. The method is simple to explain, but can be hard to follow-through.
  • So You Want to Be a Food Stamps Caseworker?
    So you want to be a food-stamps caseworker? You may have seen an advertisement for a local government position and think you fit the qualifications. Here is what the job entails.
  • Unsolicited Advice for the New Parent
    A mom offers ten warnings to expectant first-time parents who think they know it all.
  • How to Divide a Hosta Plant
    This video is a tutorial of how to divide hostas (also known as plantain lilies or Liliacae). Hostas should be divided when they are dormant. In cooler climates this should happen in the spring after the threat of frost has past. In milder climates, such as in the South and Southwest, hostas ca
  • Vocalpoint: A Review of Proctor & Gamble's Consumer Review Program
    Like trying new products for free? P&G's Vocalpoint program is geared towards women who do the bulk of their household shopping and who love to network.
  • The Food Stamps Application Process in Durham County, NC
    This article details the ins and outs of applying for Food and Nutrition Services in Durham County, North Carolina.
  • Responsible Disposal of Your Clutter
    Drowning in clutter? It's time to clean up! While it may be easiest to just pitch the items into the trash can, you don't need to go that far out of your way to find a better home for your stash.
  • Do it Yourself or Hire Someone?
    You may think that it will always be cheaper to "do it yourself" but that's not the case. Here's how to decide when to let someone else do the dirty work.
  • How to Convert a Recipe for Bread Machine Use
    If you're a bread machine owner who is feeling limited by the scant number of recipes printed in the accompanying booklet that was boxed with your appliance there's an easy way to open up your possibilities: think outside the box.
  • Halloween Candy Alternatives
    Think outside the candy bowl. Here are some candy alternatives that won't put frowns on your trick-or-treaters faces!
  • Unique Knit Baby Gifts
    Whether you have nine months to finish or a just few hours, there are loads of fantastic free patterns for baby items. These four gift ideas will wow any group of moms at a baby shower.
  • Quick and Easy Meal: Rice and Chicken Dinner
    Ingredients: -2 boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1/2" cubes -8-10 oz frozen broccoli florets -1 ½ c jasmine rice -1/4 c grated parmesan cheese -3 c water + 1 tbsp -2 tbsp vegetable oil -1 tbsp butter -1 tbsp olive oil -salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste Make a meal i
  • Basic Knitting: Video Tutorial
    Materials used in this video: -1 pair of aluminum US size 13 knitting needles -super-bulky yarn (shown is Lion's Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick) Knitting is no more than using two sticks to weave fabric by pulling yarn into loops repeatedly over multiple rows. Today I'm going to show you how to
  • How to Get Over Writer's Block
    Are you a fiction writer out of fresh ideas? Here are a few exercises to amp up your creative impulses.
  • How to Hem Pants Without a Sewing Machine
    Supplies needed: Bonding method - hem tape iron Hand sewn method - sharp needle straight pins thread This video is a tutorial on how to hem pants without a sewing machine. I'm certain that most people don't have sewing machines at home, and while it may be fairly inexpensive to let a
  • How to Straighten Coarse Hair with Heat Tools
    Today I'm going to show you how to straighten curly, coily and coarse hair types without chemical treatments. As you can see my own hair is very coily. It shrinks to about twenty-five percent of its actual length when it's dry, and so straghtening it presents a challenge. That's why a lot of peop
  • School Entry Immunization Requirements in North Carolina
    Children in North Carolina must receive a specific list of vaccinations before being allowed to enter public schools. This article details which shots they need, and how to find more information about immunization requirements.
  • How to Strip Paint from a Wood Chair Rail
    Wood chair rails look fantastic in rooms that have hardwood floors, but when they've been painted over, they often fade into the background. Here's how to restore them to their natural beauty.
  • Exercises to Tone the Gluteus Maximus
    Three exercises plus one bonus "stance" are shown in the video. 1) The squat: keep back as straight as possible, and legs spread just slightly wider than shoulder-width. The butt should feel clenched when done correctly. Repeat x10. 2) The sit: keeps arms/hands off knees and thighs while sitt
  • Learn How to Caulk a Sink
    Homeowners should regularly examine their caulk lines to ensure they are intact, and if they are not they should be proactive about replacing them. Caulking a sink is a fairly easy task and can be accomplished without a large time investment. Here's how.
  • How to Remove and Strip Away Old Caulk
    To properly prepare a surface for refinishing or to successfully repair an existing caulk job, it is wise to first strip the old caulk away. This is a simple chore and requires a minimum amount of tools.
  • Do-it-Yourself Guide: How to Replace a Doorknob
    Doorknobs are reliable household fixtures that rarely need replacing; however the need to upgrade to a more secure system or change to a different finish may require a homeowner to swap them out.
  • A Summary of the Top Five Consumer Ranked Weed Killers
    I went to froogle.com, a shopping search engine, to find the top five consumer-rated weed killers currently available for sale in the United States. Here is a summary of their features.
  • How to Host a Ingredient-Themed Competition Potluck
    Like watching "Iron Chef?" Love to cook? Plan your own themed ingredient competition and get your friends to bring out their best recipes.
  • Easy Salads for Your Labor Day Potluck
    Still hot out? Want a refreshing side dish to go with all those grilled burgers and hot dogs at your Labor Day gathering? Try one of these simple, cold salads and skip the heavy mayo dishes.
  • Mobile Vendors Pop Up at American Tobacco in Durham, North Carolina
    Carts in the Park is a brainchild of American Tobacco's Michael Goodmon. Vendors local to the Durham area park their carts, tents, and trucks in the drive in front of the Performing Arts Center every Thursday and sell their goods to the lunchtime throngs.
  • How to Transplant a Shrub
    Got a shrub you love planted in a location you don't? While it may seem counter intuitive, most shrubs are very tolerant to being transplanted and with a few simple tools you can put your shrub someplace that will really make you happy.
  • How to Care for Your Shrubs
    Shrubs give a lot of bang for the landscaping buck and are low-maintenance. A few simple chores will keep them lovely year after year.
  • How to Clean Plastic Mini-blinds
    Even with frequent dusting, miniature blinds can collect a lot of dirt and grime. This article will walk you through deep-cleaning plastic miniature blinds so that they take on a like-new appearance and save you the cost of replacing them prematurely.
  • Is There Any Truth to Old Wives Tales, Myths and Superstitions About Conceiving ?
    Growing up I was told that the last person you hold a grudge against when you're pregnant is who your child will resemble. If it's a person you don't particularly like, it'll definitely scare you into reconciliation!
  • How to Build Healthy Brown Bag Lunches for Your Kids
    Here are a few of my own child-friendly lunch ideas. They're easy to pack in reusable containers and will remain stable at room temperature.
  • Tips for Treating Eczema
    Eczema is one of those tricky-to-treat conditions where there's no known cure and the best treatment is preventing the flare-ups.
  • A Review of Hominy Grill in Charleston, South Carolina
    Rachel Ray featured Hominy Grill on an episode of her Food Network show $40 a Day. Is it worth the hype? This reviewer thinks it is.
  • A Review of Seewee Restaurant in Awendaw, South Carolina
    Seewee Restaurant is located in Awendaw, South Carolina at 4808 Highway 17 North. The service is fast and the food is served piping hot, but be choosy about your sides.
  • Shake Up Your Next Girl's Movie Night with These Five Flicks
    Here's my top five list of movies girlfriends love to watch together and some suggested accompaniments to enjoy. All five films are easily obtained through most video sellers and through online rental services like Netflix.
  • Why Early Ectopic Pregnancy Management is Important
    Because I chart, I knew exactly when my last pregnancy began, and also that there was something wrong with it. Early management of my ectopic pregnancy saved my tube and my future fertility.
  • Must-have Toys for Two-year-olds
    There are great toys out there with child development in mind that also withstand the test of time. Here are few must-haves for curious-minded tots whether they be boy or girl.
  • Two Family-friendly Historic Sites in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina
    Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina is a museum and military history site centered around the USS Yorktown. The Charles Pinckney National Historic Site preserves the farmhouse on Snee Farm.
  • Practical Tips for Cabin Camping
    Camping in cabins is a more comfortable alternative to tent camping, however it comes with many of the same hassles. Read ahead to see my tips on preparation.
  • Staying at the Mount Pleasant / Charleston KOA
    Camping with KOA is like having the convenience of a vacation rental without the price. Save your money for exploring sites and don't sink it on plushy motel rooms.
  • How to Take a Flattering Self-Portrait
    With the advent of digital cameras it's easier than ever for amateur photographers to take professional-looking images of themselves. Here's how.
  • How to Fold Jeans and Khakis
    1 - Lay pants backside down and then fold them thigh-to-thigh. 2 - Fold the cuffs up to the top of the pocket, make sure the side that doesn't have the crotch projection is a straight line. 3 - Make one last fold by bringing knees halfway between pocket and waistband.
  • How to Fold a T-Shirt
    1 - Turn the shirt onto its front. 2 - Fold the shirt up several inches at the bottom. Because your shirts are not all going to be the same length, it may take some trial and error to determine how much of a fold at the bottom you need. 3 - You want your pile of shirts to be the same width at
  • How to Make Festive Utensil Tubes for Your July 4th Cook-Out
    Materials for this project include empty paper towel rolls, patterned or construction paper, and clear tape.
  • Exploring Historic Sites in Durham, North Carolina
    This article summarizes features of Bennett Place, the Duke Homestead and Historic Stagville in Durham, North Carolina.
  • Baby Swimming Lessons in Durham, NC
    The Durham YMCA and the city Parks and Recreation Department offer baby/parent swim lessons at a total of four locations.
  • Adult Group Swimming Lesson Locations in Durham, NC
    This article summarizes information about three businesses or organizations that offer swim lessons to people ages 13 and older in Durham County for a fee.
  • Meal Planning for Destination Campers
    Many families spend most of their vacation budget on accommodations. Eliminating some of the travel expense by camping at a site near the destination and preparing most meals at the site allows for a family to get more fun for their money.
  • Soldiers and Surgeons: Living History at Durham's Bennett Place
    Durham's Bennett Place, a listing in the North Carolina Historic Site registry, is reliving history on June 13 and 14, 2009 with costumed volunteers.
  • A Review of Janet Evanovich's Visions of Sugar Plums
    This article briefly reviews the novella published between books eight and nine in the Stephanie Plum bounty hunter series.
  • Family-Friendly Open Spaces in the Durham, North Carolina City Center
    Three open spaces with plenty of seating to relax, people-watch and let kids rest between venues.
  • Dad's Shirt: A Handmade Father's Day Greeting Card
    This video is a walk-through of constructing a Father's Day card that resembles a t-shirt. Card piece dimensions: -2 rectangle sleeves measuring 1 1/2" x 2 5/16" each -1 rectangle front measuring 4 3/4" x 6" - cut a half-moon dip in the front for neckline -1 rectangle back/inside measuring 4 3
  • Local Yogurt: All-Natural Frozen Yogurt Shop Comes to Durham
    Local Yogurt serves fresh, natural, preservative-free frozen yogurt in a revolving flavor line-up out of their University Drive shop.
  • Sixteen Tips for Grocery Store Savings
    The article offers sixteen painless tips for reducing a family's weekly grocery expenses and offers cautions about promotion and coupon traps.
  • A Poor Experience with Finish Jet-Dry's Dishwasher Cleaner
    Although reviews for the the Finish Jet-Dry dishwasher cleaner have been raves, this writer experienced difficulty with the product packaging and still has a dirty dishwasher.
  • Public Lending Libraries Serving South Durham Residents
    A general overview of three Durham County Public Library branches easily accessible to residents living South of HWY 98 and the Durham Freeway.
  • A Review of Nora Robert's Tribute
    A review of the 2008 romance novel Tribute by Nora Roberts.
  • Community Colleges in the North Carolina Capital Area
    A summary of Durham Technical Community College, Wake Technical Community College, Vance-Granville Community College, and Central Carolina Community College.
  • Review of SC Johnson's Pledge Fabric Sweeper
    The new Pledge Fabric Sweeper is designed to pull pet hair from fabric surfaces in a disposable multi-use product. This article reviews the effectiveness and design.
  • The Anembryonic Pregnancy
    Blighted ovum (anembryonic pregnancy) may affect up to fifty percent of women who have recognized miscarriages. This article discusses the cause, diagnosis and treatment of the condition.
  • Applying for Food Stamps in North Carolina
    A general overview of the Food Stamps application process, eligibility requirements, and summary of case maintenance.
  • The Pitfalls of AmeriCorps*VISTA Participation
    VISTA can be a fantastic learning experience for future community leaders and more often than not, the VISTA experience is a positive one. However, there is a higher risk that the experienced professionals AmeriCorps needs to recruit will not complete their service term.
  • Four Great Books on Pregnancy and Conception
    Brief reviews on four books written for pregnant women: The Mother of All Pregnancy Books, What to Expect When You're Expecting, The Pregnancy Countdown Book, and The Mocha Manual to a Fabulous Pregnancy.
  • Could Your Painful Period Be Something More Insidious?
    Endometriosis is a condition of the lining of the uterus, the endometrium, growing in locations other than inside the uterus. Endometriosis is not easily diagnosed by an internal exam or simple blood test.
  • Discreetly Marketing Your Professional Abilities by Partnering with a Headhunter
    An overview of the outsourced recruitment industry and tips on how to promote your professional successes to attract relationships with headhunters.

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