Marilisa Sachteleben

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Cheap Homemade Memorial Day Party Fun for Toddler to Grandparent Holiday party planning's easy dealing with one age group. Planning for young and old is more challenging. Here's a patriotic M...

Patriotic Foods, Red-White-and-Blue Recipes for Memorial Day Parties I love party planning, particularly cheap, homemade ones. I'm not much for generic or c...

Tightwad Mom's Cheap Airline Travel, Car Rental Money-Savers As a tightwad mom of four, I know about budget travel. Here are cheap travel tips to save money on airline and rental cars.

Diet Plan, Food Choices that Helped Me Lose 70 Pounds I can't believe it. I've only got 30 pounds left to lose to hit my 100-pound weight loss goal. I'm also developing new healthy...

You Lost Weight, Now Lose Fat Blues: Diet Depression At 100 pounds overweight, I thought dropping pounds would make me happier. At 70 pounds gone, I feel better. Thin isn't a magic...

Free Memorial Day Lesson Plans: Hands-On Cross-Curricular Lessons for Upper Elementary websites with free lesson plans for literature, math, social studies, history and scien...

Summer Grilling Guide for Vegetarians and Vegans: Meatless, Dairy-Free Recipes Spring and summer signal grilling seasons at our house. But what grill offerings can th...

How to Make a Floral American Flag for Memorial Day Pattern for a patriotic garden.

Best War History Movies for Memorial Day Memorial Day, the last Monday in May was designated to remember our beloved dead and especially to honor those killed in war or in the line of duty. Not sure how to co...

Free Printable 4th of July or Memorial Day Greeting Cards find all sorts of Memorial Day cards and images with these free printable websites!

How I Save 50 Percent (or More!) on Groceries I don't brag very often, but when I do, it's about how I save money. Our four kids have each thanked and praised us for raising them to know the value of a dollar. And...

Free Printable Baby Shower Games, Decorations, Invitations, Cards Hosting a baby shower, baptism or christening party? Then you know costs can easily get...

Natural Weight Loss Supplements, Fat Burners I put on 100 pounds after losing two babies and taking an antidepressent. I started dieting 18 months ago, but got serious about it six months ago. I counted calories...

Cheap, Homemade, Green Spring Cleaning Tips As days get longer and snow melts, my thoughts turn to spring cleaning: out with the old-man-winter accumulation and in with sunshine and spring-green-clean! Here are...

Mental Health: How Being an Empath Can Ruin Relationships 14 years ago, I discovered I'm empath. I always known that I felt others pain, but it was good to know that intense sensitivity...

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  Patriotic Foods, Red-White-and-Blue Recipes for Memorial Day Parties

  5/20/2013

  I love party planning, particularly cheap, homemade ones. I'm not much for generic or commercial. Themed food improvs are my magnum opus. For Memorial Day, how about diy patriotic foods and red-white-and-blue recipes? Here's an appetizer to dessert menu.
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  Cheap Homemade Memorial Day Party Fun for Toddler to Grandparent

  5/20/2013

  Holiday party planning's easy dealing with one age group. Planning for young and old is more challenging. Here's a patriotic Memorial Day party--games, food, parade, activities, crafts--everyone from toddlers to senior will love.
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  Detroit Red Wings Super (Duper) Fan Defines Grand Obsession

  5/20/2013

  Lions and Tigers and Red Wings, oh my! There's an unspoken code (related to state citizenship) that Michiganders must fan those Detroit entities. I look to my superfan friend Jim Sommerfeldt for Red Wings lore. We chatted about his grand obsession
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  Using Food to Teach: Edible Learning Activities to Reinforce Content

  5/17/2013

  Special education, Montessori and adult education training frames my teaching. Every lesson I plan includes hands-on applications. Students see, touch, taste and smell content. Food is a good multi-sensory delivery method. I call it edible learning.
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  Parenting Tips--Hows Dads Help Prevent Mom Burnout

  5/17/2013

  Let's talk mom burnout. It's a dark, depression that can incapacitate. We parents, particularly mothers, often hide mom depression from kids, spouse, friends, family, ourselves. We're terrified lest anyone see and think we're the rotten parents.
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  Theatre Stage Management: Why Minimalist, Actor-Directed Plays Work

  5/16/2013

  I've acted in several plays, worked behind the scenes and directed student productions. I watched a lot of theatre, too. I've observed two schools of thought about stage management: actor-directed and traditional. Here's rationale for actor-directed.
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  Parent Discipline Tips for Sassy Attitude, Smart-Mouth Kids,

  5/15/2013

  My oldest child was the poster child for strong willed. All my kids have smart mouths and sassy attitudes.Got sassypants children? Here are attitude taming tips from a 25-year mom of four.
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  Plus-Size Fashion: From Faux-Pas to Fabulous

  5/15/2013

  I've been wearing plus-size clothes since 2004. I was depressed, short of money and didn't care how I looked. Treating depression, I found, meant taking pride in my attire, whatever the size. Here's how to take fat-clothes fashion from faux-pas to fab.
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  Free Printable Memorial Day Worksheets, Crafts, Games

  5/15/2013

  Memorial Day, celebrated the last Monday in May, isn't just the first summer holiday. As Remembrance Day, we honor veterans and those lost in U.S. wars. It's also Decoration Day. Here are free printable Memorial Day lesson plans, worksheets, crafts, games
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  Educational, Vintage Memorial Day Student Pageant and Party

  5/15/2013

  Memorial Day has several names. Remembrance Day, Decoration Day. We honor military and deceased loved ones. Teachers and homeschoolers, here's an educational Memorial Day pageat planner with U.S. history tie-ins, patriotic themes and a vintage flavor.
• What to Do in Detroit This Weekend: May 17-19, 2013

  5/15/2013

  Forecasts promise warm weather with some thunderstorms this weekend, May 17-19, for Detroit. But don't let thunder and lightning stop you from having fun.
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  Writer Burnout First Aid: Words of Prevention Equal Pages of Cure

  5/15/2013

  I've been writing since I was old enough to form letters. I've taught English and creative writing. I've freelanced professionally. Of all writing occupational hazards, writer's block is the most challenging. A word of prevention is worth a page of cure.
• Cincinnati Police Chief James Craig Is Detroit's New Top Cop

  5/14/2013

  Detroit will soon have a new police chief. Cincinnati Police Chief James Craig will take over. Assistant Chief Chester Logan has been filling in temporarily as chief of police since former Chief Ralph Godbee Jr. stepped down amid scandal.
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  Thinking Outside the Box to Help Detroit's Homeless

  5/14/2013

  Homelessness and poverty are glaring problems in Detroit. Homeless Action Network Detroit (HAND), 19,213 people have no place to call home. One forward-thinking student developed a novel way to warm street-sleepers. She's not the only one thinking outside
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  Tightwad Mom's Cheap Airline Travel, Car Rental Money-Savers

  5/14/2013

  As a tightwad mom of four, I know about budget travel. Here are cheap travel tips to save money on airline and rental cars.
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  Project Pinstripes Dresses Detroit Students for Success

  5/13/2013

  Everyone's talking academic success in Detroit, it seems. One group, Minority Males for Higher Education, is thinking success at the wardrobe level, with its Project Pinstripes business suit giveaway program.
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  My Most Epic Parenting Fails Mothering Young Girls

  5/13/2013

  We mom-bloggers happily share our parenting successes; the failures, not so much. Positivity is good, but readers don't want to hear only triumphs. Acknowledging failure keeps it real and balanced.here are my epic fails specifically parenting daughters.
• Google-Friendly Ad Revenue Sites to Earn Money Blogging

  5/12/2013

  I don't fully understand why ad revenue earns money. But it's the sweet spot of online freelancing. Since 2008, blog ads have supplemented my income--$200-$800 a month. Here are free Google-approved ad sites to monetize blogging.
• Debt-Free, Solvent, Unemployed: Earning Sustainable Income Online

  5/11/2013

  When I tell people I'm an unemployed Michigan teacher, they show no surprise. But when I tell them I manage a family of six debt-free with no government assistance, they do. My husband works a traditional job with benefits and I freelance and blog.
• What to Do in Detroit This Weekend: May 10-12, 2013

  5/8/2013

  Mother's Day weekend in Detroit promises partly sunny, cooler weather. Here's a lineup of Motor City entertainment for your May 10-12 activities.
• Quit People-Pleasing, Take Care of Yourself, Heal Relationships

  5/8/2013
• Health Problems I Lost After Losing Weight

  5/7/2013

  I've lost 71 of 100 pounds gained. I didn't crash-diet, but did cut out a lot: fat, transfat, sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, cholesterol, sodium, carbohydrates, starch and meat. Happily, losing weight lost health problems too.
• Quit Letting People Take Advantage of You, Manipulate You

  5/7/2013

  I've always let people take advantage of me. I've been embarrassingly easy to manipulate.To heal, I'm getting out of the passenger seat and taking over the wheel of my life. This heals relationships and depression.
• Perk Up Your Work Space (and Mood) Easy and Cheap

  5/6/2013

  The best and worst part of being a WAHM (work at home mom) is being home. As my son quipped, "You don't work at home. You live at work." Wherever you work, environment impacts attitude toward job. Here are easy, cheap, DIY ways to perk up your work space.
• Low Calorie, Low-Fat Superfood Entree Recipes, Cheap and Easy

  5/6/2013

  I'm dieting to lose 100 pounds. I'm down 71 pounds. Along the way, I've created and tweaked recipes to cut calories and fat and add superfoods (fruit, vegetables, lean meat, alternative protein). Here are cheap, quick, homemade low-cal, low-fat entrees
• Family Glue Recipes: Habits that Cement Relationships

  5/5/2013

  In 25 parenting my best memories center on simple family activities. They had little to do with money and all to do with love They're the glue that binds and helps us survive crisis and pull together in strife. Life gets busier daily. So learn these habit
• Dad-Inspired, Kid-Friendly Mother's Day Party, Homemade and Cheap

  5/5/2013

  As a 25-year mom of four, I've been the guest of honor at many kid-inspired Mother's Day parties. Our children learned to throw a budget, homemade bash from me and my husband. Dads, here are my husband's tips for planning Mother's Day wives will love.
• Free Printable May Day, Labor History, Union Organizing Lesson Plans

  5/5/2013

  March 25, 1911 lost 146 workers in the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire. April 28 is Workers Memorial Day, May 1, May Day, is International Worker's Day. May 4 was Chicago's Haymarket riot. Here are free printable labor union history lesson plans.
• Detroit Public Schools Emergency Manager Roberts to Step Down

  5/3/2013

  Detroit Public Schools has been under emergency financial management for four years, first under Robert Bobb, then Roy Roberts. DPS was $300 million in debt. Roberts is stepping down as emergency manager. DPS still owes $76M and will get a new EM.
• Detroit Emergency Manager Orr Faces Deposition, Lawsuit

  5/3/2013

  Kevyn Orr, Detroit's new state-appointed emergency manager, faces deposition. Union activist and long-time opponent of emergency management Robert Davis filed a lawsuit saying the process by which Orr was selected violated Michigan's Open Meetings Act.
• Living Al-Anon Slogans: Take Care of Yourself, Do What's Best for You

  5/2/2013

  Anxiety and I go back a long way. Fear has been a constant companion. Panic attacks ruled me and fight-or-flight characterized my behavior. Thanks to 12-step recovery groups like Al-Anon, I use past tense. I am learning to take care of myself.
• Stop Overdoing It: Work Smart, Relax, Feel Better

  5/2/2013

  I'm a recovering workaholic. Since childhood, I've been an obsessive-compulsive, Type A over-achiever. This hurts me, emotionally, mentally, spiritually and physically. So I'm practicing ways to work smarter, not harder. Ironically, I accomplish more this
• New Initiative for Detroit Public Schools: What Will It Mean?

  5/2/2013

  Detroit Public Schools announced a groundbreaking initiative that will have broad-spectrum impacts for residents when fully implemented. "Neighborhood-Centered, Quality Schools" aims to partner community and schools and buildings into neighborhood hubs.
• Step Out of the Job Hunting Market; Think Divergent Employment

  5/2/2013

  I've found the way to be solvent in this quicksand economy isn't job hunting, college or even work a traditional job. Survival requires proactive, divergent thinking.
• Chase Grants $1.5M for Southwest Detroit School Programs

  5/1/2013

  The Associated Press says JPMorgan Chase has announced that it will grant $1.5 million to Detroit nonprofits that provide services to low-income students at three schools in Southwest Detroit.
• What to Do in Detroit This Weekend: May 3-5, 2013

  5/1/2013

  A warm, springy weekend is in store for Detroit. Taylor Swift is sold out at Ford Field, but here's a lineup of other activities for families and Detroiters this Friday-Sunday, May 3-5.
• Detroit Mayoral Race Called Two-Man Contest: Is Race an Issue?

  5/1/2013

  Detroit has an 82-percent black population and hasn't had a white mayor in 44 years. Detroit's mayoral race has been plagued with "rivalries and racial rifts." Two contenders are tied for first place: one black and one white. Is the election about race?
• You Lost Weight, Now Lose Fat Blues: Diet Depression

  4/30/2013

  At 100 pounds overweight, I thought dropping pounds would make me happier. At 70 pounds gone, I feel better. Thin isn't a magic mood panacea. Along with weight, I have to lose fat blues. Here are "happy pills" to salve diet burnout and depression.
• How to Remove Wallpaper: Easy, Cheap, Green

  4/30/2013

  In 2000, my husband and I bought a 100+ year-old home. In its long, colorful history, interior walls sported a plethora of coverings--paint, spackle, and wallpaper. Here are tricks to remove wallpaper, treat walls, from 13 years of DIY home fix-ups.
• Secrets to Top-Performing Detroit Schools' Success

  4/30/2013

  Excellent Schools Detroit has an ambitious mission: to make Detroit the first major U.S. city with a 90-percent graduation rate. The coalition released a report (the first of its kind) using MEAP (Michigan Educational Assessment Program) scores.
• Ryan Gosling to Film in Detroit: How Do Film Tax Credits Impact Michigan?

  4/26/2013

  Disney's "Oz: The Great and Powerful" premiered in March in Detroit, where it was made. To attract film companies to choose the Great Lakes State, Michigan offers subsidies and tax credits for made-in-state productions.
• Detroit Mayoral Campaigns Heat Up; Bing Starts Re-Election Process

  4/26/2013

  As the deadline for entering Detroit's race for mayor looms May 14, 2013, several contenders have thrown their hats in the ring. Incumbent Mayor Dave Bing hasn't said whether he'll run for re-election. On Friday, he did pull petitions to run a mayoral
• Diet Plan, Food Choices that Helped Me Lose 70 Pounds

  4/25/2013

  I can't believe it. I've only got 30 pounds left to lose to hit my 100-pound weight loss goal. I'm also developing new healthy eating habits. Here's the menu I followed to lose the first 70 pounds. I eat six small meals daily, totaling 1,350 calories.
• Recipes, Food Swaps to Make Diet Eating Plans Palatable

  4/25/2013

  I've lost 70 pounds and have 30 left to get back to goal weight. To reduce, I've completed changed how I eat. Some dietary changes were easy and others weren't. Here's are tweaks, substitutes and recipes to make hard-to-swallow diet foods more palatable.
• Donations Keep Detroit Parks Scheduled for Closure Open

  4/25/2013

  When a deal fell through for the state to take over Belle Isle in February, Detroit Mayor Dave Bing said 51 parks would not open in spring. Mayor Bing announced Wednesday that thanks to donations from businesses, parks will remain open.
• Detroit May See Shipping Container Community Center, Hotel

  4/25/2013

  Detroit gets a lot of negative publicity. One positive about living with a fair amount of urban decay? There are fewer barriers and more space to experiment. One Detroit group is pursuing a new, rather divergent idea: shipping container buildings.
• High Energy, Low-Calorie, Vitamin-Rich Taste-Good Diet Snacks

  4/25/2013

  I'm in the home stretch in to lose 100 pounds. With 30 pounds left, I've gotten my eating down to a system. Here are filling, satisfying, low-calorie, high protein treats to tame sweet cravings and help avoid temptation.
• Free (or Cheap) Mood Lifters, Stress Busters, Pick-Me-Ups

  4/25/2013

  Depression. It's everywhere I look. Medicated or not, more people seem to getting less satisfaction from life. Here are free (or cheap) mood lifters and stress busters.
• What to Do in Detroit This Weekend: April 26-28, 2013

  4/24/2013

  This April 26-28 weekend, forecasts as of publication say temperatures should be in the 60s with little to no chance of precipitation. Get out of the house this weekend and take in one of these fun activities around metro Detroit.
• MEAP Scores Show Failing Detroit Schools Are Charter Academies

  4/24/2013

  Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder called state and national education systems "broken." The governor is trying to sell a reduced-price school plan, which looks curiously like a voucher system. Detroit MEAP test scores show charter academies aren't value schools.
• 2013 Grand River Flood, Cold Snap Could Derail Michigan Crops

  4/24/2013

  Spring 2013 made Michigan history with record west-side rain and flooding. Grand Rapids, Mich., lived up to her name as the Grand River rapids that bisect the city crested at over 22 feet (4 feet above flood stage) Sunday, April 22, says NewsChannel 3.
• West Michigan's Grand River Runneth Over, After Years of Drought

  4/24/2013

  Spring, 2013 may be game-changer for West Michigan. Rain is deluging our parched region, particularly along the Grand River, from Grand Rapids to her mouth in Grand Haven, Mich. The National Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration says to expect more rain
• Downtown Detroit's Diverse Housing Options

  4/23/2013

  Any large urban center is defined by diversity of its population: culture, socioeconomic background, interests, and needs. No city cuts such a wide swath as Detroit. Case in point: living spaces. There's something for everyone in the Motor City.
• Diet Foods I'll Never Eat After Losing Weight

  4/23/2013

  I'm on a mission to lose 100 pounds. So far, I've shaved off 70 pounds Some diet switches are easier than others to make. Here's a list of common hard-to-swallow (pun intended) diet foods with more palatable alternatives for maintenance dieting.
• Antidepressant Food Swaps to Beat Depression, Boost Mood

  4/20/2013

  I struggled with postpartum depression with all my children. Then I lost two stillborn babies and spiraled into major mood problems. I took the antidepressant Paxil which caused weight gain. I've since lost 68 pounds now treat depression naturally.
• What to Do in Detroit This Weekend: April 19-21, 2013

  4/18/2013

  As Michigan's thermometer inches up, we're seeing signs of spring everywhere. Earth Day is nearly upon us. Looking for fun activities in and around metro Detroit this April 19-21, 2013, weekend? There's something for everyone and every age!
• Severe Weather Barrels Down on Detroit Area Thursday

  4/18/2013

  April showers are bringing more than May flowers to the Detroit area. A trifecta of thunderstorms, lightning and flooding is barreling down on the metro area. The National Weather Service warns of possible tornadoes and 1-inch diameter hail.
• Cheap, Personalized Bridal Shower Crafts for Wedding Gifts

  4/11/2013

  I just threw a bridal shower for my daughter. I wanted to make gifts personal and meaningful by involving guests. At the shower we had guests write notes to the bride and groom on household items give as wedding gifts. Here are shower crafts for brides.
• Free Printable Baby Shower Games, Decorations, Invitations, Cards

  4/11/2013

  Hosting a baby shower, baptism or christening party? Then you know costs can easily get out of hand. Why not save money using free online printables? Print baby shower games, crafts, decorations, banners, invitations, cards and thank-you notes.
• Free Printable Brown Bear, Brown Bear Games, Crafts, Worksheets

  4/11/2013

  "Brown Bear, Brown Bear, what do you see?" Bill Martin and Eric Carle teach colors, animals. patterns, math and friendship in this tale and "Polar Bear, Polar Bear." Here are free printable games, coloring pages, crafts, worksheets, felt board patterns
• Free Printable Wedding Shower Games, Bachelorette Party Games

  4/11/2013

  Bridal showers are a blast to the throw, but party planning is expensive. Why not save money with free printable wedding shower games? Print bride and groom quizzes, bingo, trivia, memory, puzzles, advice and word games. Hosting a bachelorette party for t
• What to Do in Detroit This Weekend: April 12-14, 2013

  4/11/2013

  Spring has sprung in Detroit and signs of it are cropping up everywhere. It's still pretty chilly, but never fear. Here's a list of Motor City fun and entertainment to warm you!
• Free Poetry Writing Prompts, Poem Games, Activities

  4/7/2013

  April is National Poetry Month and NaPoWriMo (National Poetry Writer Month). And what better time than spring? Here are poem writing prompts, verse starters and word games to call forth your inner bard! Perfect for English creative writing teachers.
• Teaching Special Needs Kids Appropriate Online Social Skills

  4/7/2013

  Teaching kids appropriate social skills isn't easy, particularly for special needs kids. Emotional or cognitive impairment, autism, Asperger syndrome pose more problems. Social networks like Facebook are difficult. Here are parenting tips.
• Banish Winter Blahs or (at Least) Balance Blues and Bliss

  4/7/2013

  The calendar says "spring." Days are longer. Birds twitter, shoots peek up from melting snow and the sun shines happily. So why do I feel blue? Here are reasons, plus spirit-lifters to beat depression or at least balance winter blahs with springtime bliss
• What to Do in Detroit This Weekend: April 5-7, 2013

  4/3/2013

  Could it be? Spring finally remembered Michigan? It's been a long, cold winter in Detroit, and we're ready for sunshine! Schools are starting or finishing spring break. If you'll be spending the April 5-7 weekend in Motown, here's an event lineup.
• Detroit's David Whitney Building to Finally See Resurrection

  4/2/2013

  After more than a decade, Detroit's famed David Whitney Building, is finally getting her long-awaited face lift. The Detroit Free Press says a development team Whitney Partners LLC was able to gather the $82 million needed to start converting the Whitney.
• Billionaire Dan Gilbert Steadily Buying Up Detroit Buildings

  4/2/2013

  Dan Gilbert of Quicken Loans is fast becoming downtown Detroit's prime mover and shaker. In March, Forbes ranked Gilbert No. 384 on its "World's Billionaires" list -- a 470-slot jump from last year. And Gilbert is spending his money in the Motor City.
• Priorities for Detroit Emergency Manager Kevyn Orr

  4/2/2013

  Kevyn Orr, Detroit's new state-appointed emergency manager, began his 18-month tenure late in March, says Click on Detroit. What are the priorities of a state controller in such a large city?
• Detroit EM Spends $5M on Consultants; City Gets $8M Donation

  4/2/2013

  Detroit's newly hired emergency financial manager, Kevyn Orr, began work contracting $5 million worth of consultation on ways to balance city books. Meanwhile, local businesses chipped in to buy Detroit new public safety vehicles.
• Detroit Mayor, City Council Still Paid Under Emergency Manager

  4/2/2013

  There's a new boss in Motown. In an unprecedented move a few weeks ago, Gov. Rick Snyder appointed an emergency manager for Detroit. In a financially struggling city, what should a state controller's first priority be?
• Sharpton Group Sues Against Michigan Emergency Management

  4/2/2013

  A group led by civil rights leader Rev. Al Sharpton has filed a lawsuit against Public Act 436 (the new EM law), saying it violates the Voter Rights Act, reports Click on Detroit.
• Detroit-Area School Suicide Highlights Gun Control Debate

  4/1/2013

  Tragedy struck at a metro Detroit school in late March. ABC Action News 7 WXYZ reports that a eighth-grade boy brought a handgun to Davidson Middle School in Southgate, Michigan, and shot himself. Legislation would ban Glocks like the gun used.
• Tips for Dealing with Cyberbullies, Bullying Behavior

  3/31/2013

  Recently, I was the victim of cyberbullying via Facebook. It was traumatizing. I was embarrassed that at 48, I let a person get to me like that. But some good came out of the experience. I learned several valuable lessons about dealing with online bullies
• Free Printable Holi Festival of Colors Crafts, Worksheets

  3/30/2013

  Holi is India's Hindu Festival of Colors. It's celebrated on the full moon, called Phalgun Purnima or Pooranmash. Indians celebrate by tossing colored chalk. Here are free printable crafts, greeting cards and worksheets to help kids understand Holi.
• Spring 2013 Festivals and Fairs in Detroit

  3/29/2013

  Say "spring," and what leaps to mind? In Michigan, picnics, flowers, parades, and festivals -- a chance to sweep out winter blues with the last, dingy snow! Here are must-not-miss spring 2013 festivals in and around Detroit.
• Off-the-Beaten-Path Parks in Metro Detroit

  3/29/2013

  Looking for spring frolics in metro Detroit? Why not check out an area park? Mayor Dave Bing announced the closing of 51 parks in February, reports the Detroit Free Press, but there are still plenty of outdoor venues to enjoy.
• What to Do in Detroit This Weekend: March 29-31, 2013

  3/28/2013

  Spring is poking her head out of the ground with crocuses and daffodils. As we enter this Easter weekend, March 29-31, 2013, here are events in metro Detroit for everyone to enjoy.
• Cheap, Homemade, Safe Easter Egg Dyeing, Recycled Decorations

  3/28/2013

  Waited till the last minute to buy Easter egg dyeing kits for the kids? Never fear--super DIY mom is here! Here are homemade Easter egg decorations from on-hand, recycled materials. Best of all--they're cheaper and safer than store-bought egg kits.
• Free Printable Easter Egg Patterns, Psanky Stencils

  3/28/2013

  Easter egg coloring is an art form of its own. There are traditional Easter patterns, but one style defines the art: Ukrainian psanky eggs. Here are free online patterns, printables, egg dyeing patterns, easter egg stencils and psanky stencils.
• How Detroit's Historic Black Bottom Neighborhood Got Its Name

  3/27/2013

  Detroit's Black Bottom neighborhood has faded into history as a specific burb. Many of the buildings are gone. But the legacy it left Motown is felt everywhere. So how did this iconic area get it's name? Probably not in the way you might think.
• Five of Downtown Detroit's Best Baseball Bars

  3/27/2013

  For baseball fans, downtown Detroit means Tigers! When heading out after the game or looking for a place to catch it on TV, which sports bars do locals pick?
• Poem Party, Writer Workshops for April National Poetry Month

  3/21/2013

  March 21 is World Poetry Day and April is National Poetry Month in the U.S. Teachers and homeschoolers, why not helps kids access their inner bard with a poem party and creative writers' workshop? This can be done in any grade from preschool to college.
• Free Printable Preschool Board Games, Learning Activities

  3/21/2013

  As a certified special needs teacher for CI (cognitively impaired) students, I write interactive lesson plans. Hands-on, multisensory games make content relevant, approachable and understandable for preschool kids. Here are free printable preschool games.
• Free Printable Preschool Story Starters, Picture Cue Writing Prompts

  3/21/2013

  March 21 is World Poetry Day and April is National Poetry Month in the U.S. Teachers, why not celebrate in school by hosting creative writer workshops with students? Here are free printable preschool story starters and picture cue writing prompts.
• Facebook, Social Media Impairs Real-Life Communication

  3/21/2013

  Facebook and social networking are bubbles. They occupy a lot of time and airspace for many people. A spectrum of users interact instantly and globally. We don't know what all the impacts will be. digital interaction impairs face-to-face.
• What to Do in Detroit This Weekend: March 22-24, 2013

  3/21/2013

  It's still brisk and cold in Detroit as we kick off spring. But never fear, there's plenty of fun and excitement in the Motor City this March 22-24, 2013, weekend. Here's what not to miss!
• What to Do Around Detroit This Weekend: March 15-17, 2013

  3/15/2013

  As we count down to spring in Michigan, the thermometer is inching up, and crocuses are showing their heads. As Old Man Winter takes his leave, here are fun activities for this March 15-17, 2013, weekend in Detroit.
• Detroit Protesters Plan Freeway Slow-Downs in Response to EM

  3/15/2013

  It's been tense in Detroit recently. To express frustration and draw attention to state-appointed emergency management, planned traffic jams were organized in the city this week.
• How I Save 50 Percent (or More!) on Groceries

  3/14/2013

  I don't brag very often, but when I do, it's about how I save money. Our four kids have each thanked and praised us for raising them to know the value of a dollar. And saving begins in basic purchases--groceries and food. Here's how I save 50-80 percent.
• Michigan Gov. Snyder Appoints Kevyn Orr Detroit Emergency Manager

  3/14/2013

  On Thursday, March 14, Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder made a historic appointment. The state's largest city, Detroit, will be placed under emergency management. The Detroit Free Press says the governor will name attorney Kevyn Orr emergency manager.
• Papal Conclave Lessons, Printables, Activities for Kids

  3/14/2013

  The Vatican College of Cardinals begins it papal conclave at the Sistine Chapel to elect a successor to Pope Benedict XVI. Benedict resigned due to ill health last month, says L'Osservatore Romano. Here are activities to teach kids.
• Detroit-Area Teachers Sue Over Union Contract

  3/13/2013

  Three teachers in Detroit-area Taylor, Mich., are suing Taylor School District, Taylor Federation of Teachers, and the Board of Education over a union contract. The Mackinac Center says it violates Michigan's right-to-work law that takes effect March 28.
• Michigan GOP Challenges Detroit Schools Over Right-to-Work

  3/13/2013

  Detroit-area school officials were taken to task by state Republicans about contracts approved just prior to the date Michigan's right-to-work law takes effect. Democrats want Gov. Rick Snyder and the GOP to back off collective bargaining.
• How Fat People Are Bullied, Shamed

  3/12/2013

  "Fat" is one the most common words in the English language. It's used mostly-negatively to describe, ridicule, shame, preach and value-judge. Being overweight myself, it seems fat people get more than their share of bullying.
• Drugfree Coping Tips for Menopause Hot Flashes, Night Sweats

  3/12/2013

  Surviving menopause isn't for sissies. Next to menstruation and childbirth, it's the most life-altering event women experience. Hot flashes, night sweats, confusion, heart palpitations, anxiety, depression--here are drugfree coping strategies.
• Natural Weight Loss Supplements, Fat Burners

  3/12/2013

  I put on 100 pounds after losing two babies and taking an antidepressent. I started dieting 18 months ago, but got serious about it six months ago. I counted calories and weeded out junk food. I tried herbal supplements that have boosted weight loss.
• Detroit Family Homeless Shelters, Rescue Missions, Transitional Housing

  3/12/2013
• Rapid Rehousing, Homelessness Prevention Programs in Detroit

  3/12/2013

  Many Detroiters struggle with homelessness. Just how big is the problem? Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries says 18,000 people won't have a place to sleep tonight. As worthy as emergency shelters are, they're only temporary. Prevention is the key.
• Free Printable Oceanography, Sea Creatures Worksheets

  3/12/2013

  Animal habitats and earth biomes are popular subjects in school curriculum. Oceans are a favorite biome with kids. If you're studying oceanography or marine biology in school, here are free printable lesson plans and science worksheets.
• Adult Homeless Shelters, Rescue Missions, Warming Centers in Detroit

  3/12/2013

  According to Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries, over 18,000 people are homeless in Detroit. 30 percent of that number are chronically homeless
• Diet Tips: Chronicle Weight Loss in Pictures

  3/12/2013

  I don't like having my picture taken. I've never found a friend in the camera. Since I put on 100 pounds, I'm particularly photo-shy. In dieting, though, I find that seeing pictures of myself motivates me to lose weight and keep it off.
• Mental Health: How Being an Empath Can Ruin Relationships

  3/12/2013

  14 years ago, I discovered I'm empath. I always known that I felt others pain, but it was good to know that intense sensitivity has a name. Watching others hurt hurst me. Knowing I'm an empath explains my interpersonal problems. It can ruin relationships.
• Former Detroit Mayor Kilpatrick Found Guilty of Corruption, Racketeering

  3/11/2013

  Decisions were handed down in former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick's racketeering and extortion trial. Then-city contractor Bobby Ferguson and Kilpatrick's father, Bernard Kilpatrick were tried, too.
• Detroit Mayor Passes on Hosting 2024 Olympics

  3/11/2013

  Citing financial hardship, Detroit Mayor Dave Bing said he will pass on a bid to host the 2024 Olympics in the Motor City, reports ABC Action 7 WXYZ.
• Children Key to Challenge of Michigan's Same-Sex Marriage Ban

  3/11/2013

  A Michigan federal court is embroiled in the legalities of a state ban on same-sex marriage. At the heart of that debate are three children -- Ryanne, Jacob, and Nolan -- and their lesbian parents, April DeBoer and Jayne Rowse, who want to adopt them.
• Diet-Friendly, Vegetarian Rice Recipes

  3/9/2013

  As a Catholic mom, I fast during lent and on Fridays by serving and eating meatless meals. I'm also dieting and have had success eating vegetarian. Here are rice recipes that observe Islamic halal, non-kitniyot Jewish kosher and ahimsa.
• Easy, Healthy, Cheap WIC Foods Recipes

  3/9/2013

  When our four kids were young, we qualified for WIC (Woman, Infants and Children) food coupons. Here are recipes using basic WIC foods: eggs, juice, milk, peanut butter, cheese, cereal, tuna, bread, fruit and vegetables. Great for food stamps recipients.
• Metro Detroit's Most Traditional, Authentic Irish Pubs

  3/7/2013

  For many, St. Patrick's Day in means drinking green beer, eating corned beef, and sporting emerald-colored shamrocks and leprechauns. If you're looking a traditional St. Paddy's experience in metro Detroit, check out the authentically Irish pubs.
• Free Printable James Bond 007 Skyfall Coloring Pages

  3/7/2013

  "Skyfall" is the 23rd James Bond 007 film. It aired in 2012 for the 50th anniversary. Daniel Craig portrays Ian Fleming's debonaire UK MI-6 espionage agent. For 007 spy fans, here are free printable James Bond Skyfall coloring pages.
• Detroit Mayor Bing Won't Appeal Emergency Manager

  3/7/2013

  Detroit officials plan to file an appeal against emergency management. Mayor Dave Bing said Wednesday that he won't support the council's appeal.
• Detroit City Council to Appeal Emergency Manager

  3/7/2013

  Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder announced recently that he plans to appoint an emergency manager for Detroit's $327 million deficit and $14 billion debt. Detroit Mayor Dave Bing won't appeal emergency management, but City Council filed an appeal for Tuesday.
• What to Do Around Detroit This Weekend: March 8-10, 2013

  3/6/2013

  I wish I could promise you warmer weather for the Detroit metro area this second weekend of March. We're still shivering and snow-covered, but I can promise you a hot lineup of activities to entertain you this weekend, March 8-10, 2013.
• Shared Spaces, Gazelle Businesses Regrow Detroit

  3/6/2013

  Most Detroiters probably didn't need the recent state report to tell them that their city is in fiscal trouble. But an economic spring is sprouting new life in the urban wasteland. Locals are regrowing Detroit in shared spaces and gazelle businesses.
• Concerns About Detroit's Plans for Emergency Manager

  3/5/2013

  Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder will appoint an emergency manager for Detroit. City officials have 10 days to appeal, but most agree that emergency management is a done deal. Gov. Snyder outlined his expectations for the EM, but there are concerns.
• Detroit-Area School Closures Due to Camo-Dressed Visitor

  3/5/2013

  School was closed Tuesday at L'Anse Creuse High School in Detroit-area Harrison, Michigan. A man entered wearing camouflage, reports the Detroit Free Press.
• How Crash Diets Damage Psychological Health

  3/5/2013

  One of the biggest diet mistakes is food deprivation. That sounds like an oxymoron. Obviously, to lose weight, I have to cut back. But the key is where and how much. Excessive deprivation is dangerous, physically, psychologically, emotionally and socially
• Romney Touted for Detroit Emergency Manager Takeover

  3/4/2013

  Detroit is $327 million in deficit and owes $14 billion. Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder was advised by a state treasury review to appoint an emergency manager. Suggestions have been made for former presidential candidate Mitt Romney for takeover.
• Living with Active Addiction: Staying Healthy Amid Chaos

  3/4/2013

  Living with addiction in any form-- alcohol, religious, rage, money, sex, overeating, smoking--is miserable. I've played codependent to many. I'm working to recover from them. Here's what to expect in codependent recovery.
• Living with Active Addiction: Understanding Addict Behavior

  3/4/2013

  I've lived with addicts all my life and been codependent to many forms of addiction. I've made every mistake in the book (and invented some). I'm working a program of recovery from codependent behavior. This is what I've learned.
• Natural Pain Relief, Anti-Inflammatory Supplements, Muscle Relaxers

  3/2/2013

  I've struggled with chronic pain all my life. I've had congenital hip dysplasia, scoliosis, spina bifida, bursitis, tendinitis and carpal tunnel syndrome. Steroids and NSAIDs don't work. I use natural pain relievers, muscle relaxers and anti-inflammatory.
• Cheap, Homemade, Green Spring Cleaning Tips

  3/2/2013

  As days get longer and snow melts, my thoughts turn to spring cleaning: out with the old-man-winter accumulation and in with sunshine and spring-green-clean! Here are easy, cheap, homemade spring cleaning tips and earth-friendly tool swaps.
• Michigan Gov. Snyder to Appoint Detroit Emergency Manager

  3/1/2013

  Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder said that Detroit is in trouble and will appoint an emergency manager to balance the city's budget, says the Detroit Free Press.
• Best Winter Weekend Escapes in Metro Detroit

  3/1/2013

  Michigan is known by one of two nicknames, depending on season: water or winter wonderland. Looking for a snowbound getaway in Michigan's largest city of Detroit? Why not try one of these metro-area winter weekend escapes?
• What to Do Around Detroit This Weekend: March 1-3, 2013

  2/28/2013

  Winter got a late start in Detroit this 2012-2013 season. It's still battering Motown with cold and snow going into March. But here's a hot lineup of fun to warm your March 1-3, 2013, weekend.
• Detroit-Area Students Suspended for 'Harlem Shake' Video

  2/27/2013

  At least 30 high school students at Milford High School in a metro Detroit suburb were suspended for making an inappropriate "Harlem Shake" dance video. At the same time, the AAP has warned against using school suspension as discipline.
• NAACP Speaks Out Against Detroit Emergency Manager

  2/27/2013

  A state report came out earlier this month placing Detroit in financial crisis. The report suggested that an emergency manager may be needed for Michigan's financially beleaguered largest city. The Detroit Branch NAACP spoke out against state takeover.
• Detroit City Council Conclave Debates State Finance Review

  2/26/2013

  Earlier in February, a Michigan state financial report gave Detroit city officials failing grades in budget management. The state is considering takeover of Detroit finances by emergency manager. The City Council met privately on the report.
• Natural Antidepressants, Anti-Anxiety Supplements

  2/25/2013

  I've always struggled with panic attacks, anxiety, depression, PMS (premenstrual syndrome) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. I took antidepressants but felt disoriented and numb. I weaned myself and now use natural supplements.
• What to Do in Detroit This Weekend: Feb. 22-24

  2/21/2013

  Winter is blasting the Motor City with cold temps and freezing rain. But never fear -- despite the chill, there's a lot of hot entertainment and fun in Detroit. Here's a list of must-do activities for this weekend, February 22-24.
• 5 Repurposed Uses for Valentines--Art Projects, Crafts, Gifts

  2/20/2013

  Little Miss took her neatly-labeled valentines to school and arrived home with reciprocal Valentine cards from friends. So now, what to do with these prized missives? Here are five cheap, homemade recycled ways to use kids valentines.
• Double Duty Bridal Shower Decorations, Prizes, Wedding Gifts

  2/20/2013

  I've said before that I'm a party gal. I love planning festivities with a low-cost, repurposed, recycled, homemade Here are cheap, double-duty party prizes and bridal shower prizes and wedding party gifts for receptions or showers. Reuse decorations.
• How I Save $1,500 a Year on Family Personal Care Products

  2/20/2013

  Do girls or boys cost more for hygiene and personal care? I've got two of each and they are evenly matched. Each has product preferences. I bought what they liked, but did it cheaply. I saved $1,500 a year on personal care products for a family of six.
• Sharpton Rep Weighs In on Flint Hospital Discrimination Case

  2/19/2013

  "I just was really dumbfounded." Those were nurse Tonya Battle's words when learning she couldn't care for a white baby at Hurley Medical Center's neonatal unit in Flint, Michigan.
• Attachment Parenting: Bonding with Your Newborn

  2/19/2013

  The idea of attachment parenting is bantered around frequently. Speaking as a 25-year attachment parent, it's much more than talking the talk. We didn't do it perfectly, but we did walk the walk. Here's how, starting with your newborn baby.
• State Financial Review Finds Cash Emergency in Detroit

  2/19/2013

  Michigan State Treasurer Andy Dillon and his financial review team released a report on Detroit's fiscal situation at a press conference in Cadillac Square on Tuesday.
• Attachment Parenting Tips: Bond with Baby in Utero

  2/19/2013

  "Attachment parenting" is an in-vogue meme right now. My husband and I were attachment parents before there was a name for it. It a huge, invasive, often-overwhelming, lifetime committment and one I wouldn't have missed for the world.
• Attachment Parenting School Age Kids and Tweens

  2/19/2013

  When people speak of attachment parenting, they're usually referring to young kids. But the commitment to this type of parenting carries over to older kids too. Speaking 25-year attachment mom, here's how it works with school age kids and tweens.
• Attachment Parenting: Bonding with Your Preschool Toddler

  2/19/2013

  The "attachment parenting" catch phrase has infiltrated common parlance. Speaking as a 25-year attachment parent, I think the term is misunderstood. It's not part-time; it's a lifelong, all-invasive commitment. Here's how to parent toddler preschoolers.
• First Person: How I Protect My Family from Chemicals in Everyday Products

  2/19/2013

  United Nations-sponsored research released Tuesday links man-made chemicals in everyday products to increased birth deformities, hormonal cancers and psychiatric diseases. Here's how I protect my family from chemicals in everyday products.
• Look Thinner: Break Fat Posture Habits

  2/16/2013

  I'm about halfway through my goal to lose 100 pounds. Looking at pictures of myself, I can see why I sometimes look 50 pounds heavier. I have fat posture. Just like certain things make me look younger or older, some habits make me look thinner or fatter.
• Free Printable Presidents Day Worksheets, Activities

  2/15/2013

  Presidents Day is celebrated the third Monday in February. It commemorates the lives to two great Americans: George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Here are free printable worksheets, lesson plans, crafts, games and coloring pages.
• WWII Detroit Black History: War Work Fomented 1943 Race Riots

  2/15/2013

  A pivotal event in Detroit history marks its 70th anniversary. There won't be celebrations, but there may be eulogies. It's the 1943 race riots. Ironically, the conflagration was torched by things U.S. history would deem positive: jobs and victory in WWII
• What to Do in Detroit This Weekend: Feb. 15-17

  2/14/2013

  Looking for fun and entertainment in Detroit this chilly Valentine's Day 2013 weekend? The Motor City has a (really) diverse assortment of activities for kids, families, and adults on February 15-17.
• Nazi Sign Prompts Look at Run-Down Detroit Packard Plant

  2/14/2013

  In February, a German slogan appeared in graffiti across the walkway of Detroit's derelict Packard plant on East Grand. Packard has a long history of notoriety in Detroit.
• Meadow Brook Hall, Detroit's Period Romance

  2/13/2013

  When I first drove up the curving, gas-lit drive to Meadow Brook Hall in Rochester Hills, Michigan, outside Detroit, I felt I'd been transported back to Regency England. Looking for a romantic interlude amid the bustle of contemporary life?
• New Windows Spotted in Detroit's Derelict Michigan Central Station

  2/12/2013

  Driving by the historic, derelict Michigan Central Station, you might see signs of life -- small, but possibly significant. Two windows appear to have been installed in the top floor of the crumbling 18-story, nearly centenarian structure.
• Black History in Detroit: Sojourner Truth Housing Project Riots

  2/12/2013

  Picture Detroit in 1942. 700,000 people are working round the clock to keep factories churning out war machines. This earns Detroit the distinction "arsenal of democracy." But it comes at a high cost as the Sojourner Truth Housing Project riots showed.
• Diet Foods I'll Keep Eating After I Lose Weight

  2/12/2013

  I've been dieting to lose 100 pounds gained after a stint on antidepressants. It's a long, tedious battle and I'm about half way there. After I get all the weight off, there are some diet foods I'll never touch again. Other foods I'm going to keep eating.
• Intimate, Romantic Restaurants in Metro Detroit

  2/11/2013

  Detroit serves up romance in a big way on Valentine's Day. Bistros, cafes, and five-star establishments will be outdoing themselves in celebrating the day of love. Looking for an intimate dining experience? Try these downtown and metro Detroit venues.
• Cybersafe: Why Teachers, Students, and Social Networking Don't Mix

  2/11/2013

  As technology advances, kids are being exposed to increasing amounts of digital interaction. Speaking as a teacher and parent, I'm concerned about adults and specifically teachers communicating with students via text message and social sites.
• Should Parents Add Kids' Friends on Facebook?

  2/11/2013

  Facebook and social networks are bubbles whose ramifications on relationships have yet to be defined. What's appropriate and what's not?
• Detroit Suburb Residents Give Rat Bounty Big Thumbs Down

  2/11/2013

  To stem a rat problem in metro Detroit, St. Clair Shores, a suburb of the city, proposed a $5 per-rat-kill bounty. A flood of negative feedback from locals caused the city to nix the plan. Here's a Q-and-A on rats in the city, how residents are responding
• Best Pre-K-Grade 2 Kids' Books for Black History Month

  2/10/2013

  February celebrates Black History Month in U.S. history. As a teacher and homeschooler, I've designed and taught African American history throughout the curriculum. Here's pre-grade 2 recommended reading for Black History Month with free printable lessons
• An Apology for Little Black Sambo

  2/10/2013

  I have a confession to make. As a child, my oldest daughter's favorite book was Helen Bannerman's "Little Black Sambo." I didn't know some people found it racist and offensive. This is an apology (in the defense sense of the word) for Little Black Sambo.
• What to Do This Weekend in Detroit: Feb. 9-10, 2013

  2/7/2013

  Winter is starting to take Michigan seriously, and Detroit is finally seeing snow this second weekend in February. Activities for the February 8-10 weekend include a mix of indoor and outdoor. Here are recommended stops for your Motown visit.
• Best Detroit Chicken Wing Takeouts

  2/5/2013

  Bar-B-Que foods have always been a popular American menu offering. In the past few years, BBQ and buffalo-style chicken wings have gotten a cult following. The south is known for BBQ, but for the best northern hot wings, Detroit is the place to go.
• 3 Happening Detroit Neighborhoods for 2013

  2/5/2013

  Detroit gets its fair share of negative press. But all is not lost in Motown, not by a long shot. Detroit is making a comeback that may usher in a new golden age. Here are pocket neighborhoods and development opportunities in Detroit.
• WWII Detroit: America's 'Arsenal of Democracy'

  2/5/2013

  Prior to the United States' entrance into World War II, President Franklin Roosevelt challenged the nation to become the world's "arsenal of democracy."
• Activities for Bored, Snowbound Kids: Winter Games Festival

  2/4/2013

  As a Michigan mom of four and former homeschooler, I know firsthand how winter doldrums affect kids. We kept our children busy outdoors as much as possible. Cooped up kids get cranky. Here are winter fun activities to warm their spirits. Host a snow fest.
• Why Parents Should Stop Being so Patient, Tolerant

  2/4/2013

  I'm going to admit something that won't sound nice. I'm purposely being less patient with my family. Here's why. Too much parent (or spouse) tongue-biting, ironically, comes back to bite! Here's are tips on when to express anger and do it effectively.
• Detroit to Lose 51 Parks - Impact on Residents

  2/4/2013

  Detroit's City Council nixed a plan to lease Belle Isle to the State of Michigan last week. In response, Mayor Dave Bing announced plans to close 51 area parks, cut maintenance at others, and greatly reduce recreation center budgets overall.
• Edgy, Sensual Love Songs for Valentine's Day

  2/3/2013

  Valentine's Day is devoted to romance; what better way to initiate a romantic mood than with music? Here's a playlist of edgy, sensual music to warm the soul and ignite passion. These love songs and arias come from an array of genres.
• Host a Coed Bridal Shower; Gender Neutral Party for Guys and Gals

  2/3/2013

  I'm a party girl! I've organized kids' parties, receptions, open houses, theme parties and showers. Currently, I'm hosting a different kind of event: a coed shower. No, you don't bathe together; it's a gender-neutral bridal shower with guy and gal guests.
• Homemade Valentine Treat Recipes, DIY Heart-Shaped Cupcakes, Cookies

  2/2/2013

  Well, your child did it again. She volunteered you to make three dozen cupcakes (pink, heart-shaped, with sprinkles, please) for her class Valentine's Day party--tomorrow! Here are super-fast, last-minute, homemade, heart-shaped valentine treat recipes
• Celebrate (or Just Survive) Valentine's Day when You're Single

  2/2/2013

  Valentine's Day is fine for happy, committed couples. But Valentine's Day can be miserable if you're single or in a dissolving relationship. How do you celebrate (or just survive) a day devoted to romantic love when you're not in a romance?
• Louisiana Cajun Menu--Courtbouillon, Gumbo, Jambalaya, Etouffee

  2/2/2013

  Our daughter moved to Lafayette, Louisiana from Michigan. We'd never traveled in the southern U.S. It was a treat to sample local Cajun and New Orleans creole dishes. Here's a northerner's version of catfish courtboullion, jambalaya and etouffee.
• Menopause Premenstrual Syndrome: Menstrual Cycle Dilemma

  2/2/2013

  Jokes are made about menopause and premenstrual syndrome. Any woman whose experienced either knows they're no laughing matter, especially menopausal PMS. Thought no periods meant no PMS. Alas, no. PMS symptoms can actually be worse in menopause.
• Dealing with Sad Feelings when Kids Elope

  2/2/2013

  Our oldest daughter is getting married. The bride and her fiancé live down south and we live in Michigan. They're planning a destination wedding. We're pleased their tying the knot, but disappointed not to be part of it. Here are coping tips for elopments
• What to Do This Weekend in Detroit: Feb. 1-3, 2013

  1/31/2013

  It's going to be a busy first weekend of February in Detroit. From the kickoff of Black History Month to Groundhog Day to Super Bowl 2013, there's a lot to do, see, and learn in the Motor City. Here are top picks.
• Free Printable Mardi Gras Masks

  1/30/2013

  Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, is a Catholic Christian celebration. Around the world, Mardi Gras is also called "carnival." New Orleans hosts huge Mardi Gras costume parties and parades. Here are free printable Mardi Gras masks to accent any ensemble.
• Free Printable Caves Lessons, Paleontology, Bats, Fossils, Deserts

  1/30/2013

  Caves are one of nature's most alluring geological landforms. Teachers and homeschool families, if you are planning a unit on paleontology, bats, fossils, geology, spelunking or earth science, here are free printable activities.
• Detroit Scottish Meat Pie Links Michigan's UP and LP

  1/29/2013

  We know the Mighty Mac Bridge connects Michigan's Upper Peninsula (UP) with the lower part of the state. But there's another link-up: the UP's pasties and a favorite Scottish food found in the lower peninsula called forfar bridies.
• Detroit Heard MLK Jr.'s 'I Have a Dream' Speech First

  1/29/2013

  Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. left many significant marks on U.S. history. One was his "I Have a Dream" speech, given at the March on Washington on August 28, 1963. Detroiters heard it first at two months earlier.
• 5 Detroit Areas That Take You Back in Time and Place

  1/28/2013

  Say sightseeing in Detroit, and what comes to mind? Comerica Park, Joe Louis Arena, Henry Ford Museum, and Greenfield Village -- these are signature Detroit places. But there are areas in the Motor City that feel nothing like Detroit.
• Free Printable Animal Habitat Lesson Plans

  1/26/2013

  Here are free printable science lesson plans on animal habitats.
• Low Calorie, Hunger Satisfying Foods to Fill You Up

  1/25/2013

  I'm halfway through my goal to lose 100 pounds. One of my biggest diet struggles is constantly feeling hungry when I cut calories. Now that I've lost some, it's easier to fill up. Here are low-calorie, feel-full foods to satisfy hunger and aid weight loss
• Coping with Night Work, Third Shift Exhaustion

  1/25/2013

  In 25 years of marriage, my husband has worked nights half that time. Third shift workers face added stressors to those who work during the day. Working nights affects safety, emotional and mental health and relationships. Here are tips for third shifters
• Activities for Bored, Winterbound Kids: Crafts-travaganza Party

  1/25/2013

  Winter is finally getting serious in our area. Kids are loving the big snow drifts! But below-zero wind chills force some parents to keep kids in the house. Looking for cheap, indoor activities for bored kids? How about a crafts-travaganza party?
• Organizing Ford Motor Company: Black Detroit Autoworkers, Communism, Cadillac Square

  1/24/2013

  For the last 100ish years, the word "communism" has held negative connotations. In 1930s Detroit, being a Communist wasn't considered a bad thing, though -- at least not for 60,000 black American autoworkers.
• What to Do in Detroit This Weekend: Jan. 25-27, 2013

  1/24/2013

  Winter has finally gotten in gear in Michigan this fourth weekend of 2013. But snow and plummeting temperatures aren't slowing things down in Detroit. The January 25-27, 2013, weekend is jam-packed with activities for kids, families, and adults.
• What's New in 2013 for Detroit Microbreweries, Craft Beers

  1/23/2013

  When microbreweries and craft breweries hit the scene in the early 1990s, Michigan led the pack. Detroit also has a flourishing beer culture. Here are 2013 brewing trends in the Motor City and its environs.
• Activities for Bored, Winterbound Kids: Throw a Book Party

  1/22/2013

  If your weather's anything like mine this winter, there's a lot of cold, but little snow. For kids, winter's no fun without snow. When it's too cold to play, kids' attention turns to mischief. Head bored kids off with cheap, free activities: a story party
• Easy DIY Job Saves Us $800 a Year: Cheap Kids Haircuts at Home

  1/22/2013

  As a mom of four, I look for ways to trim costs. Do-it-yourself is a great way to save. But homemade options that require big time investments don't save--time is money, too. Here's one easy DIY job that saved us $800 a year: cheap kids haircuts at home.
• Best Restaurant Soups in Metro Detroit

  1/22/2013

  While we haven't seen much snow this winter in Detroit, it's been cold. And what better way to warm up than with a bowl of soup? Soup at many restaurants is the ho-hum side to the main entree. Here are best outside-the-can soups at Detroit restaurants.
• Free Printable Astronomy Lessons, Astrology Activities

  1/22/2013

  The Detroit Science Center which closed in 2011 and has since reopened in late in 2012, has many interactive, educational programs, including some geared to astronomy at the Dassault Systemes Planetarium.
• Gun Rights, Prolife Christianity Don't Go Hand in Hand

  1/21/2013

  Gun rights divides people like no other. Even Christians are polarized on gun control--a Biblical oxymoron. As a Catholic convert and prolifer, let me state categorically that any Christian who calls himself pro-life should advocate gun control.
• Free Printable Robotics, Physics Activities

  1/20/2013

  Robotics and technology are popular themes in elementary and middle school science classes. Some schools have robotics labs where kids create inventions. If your school doesn't have that or if you're homeschooling, here are free printable robotics lessons
• Free Printable Dinosaurs Alive Lesson Plans, Coloring Pages

  1/19/2013

  Dinosaurs Alive is an exciting interactive exhibit on paleontology at the Detroit Children's Museum (now the Michigan Science Center). Here are free printable lesson plans for teachers, homeschool families and kids from Dinosaurs Alive.
• Starch, Grain, Bread Food Swaps to Cut Calories, Lose Weight

  1/19/2013

  In my first year dieting, I didn't lose much. I cut calories but was still hungry. My problem was bread; its filling but highly caloric. I won't cut grains completely--my strategy is to "tweak." Here are bread, starch and grain switches to lose weight.
• Protein, Meat Food Swaps to Cut Calories

  1/19/2013

  I started dieting 18 months ago. I wanted to lose weight and develop healthier eating habits. For awhile, I ate a vegan-vegetarian diet. I've since tweaked my protein intake to include healthier meats. These protein and meat swaps cut 1,000 calories daily
• Watch How You Eat, Not Just What to Lose Weight

  1/19/2013
• 7 Reasons Kids and Guns in the Home Don't Mix

  1/18/2013

  Gun control is a hot-button topic of debate. Setting aside the rhetoric of gun rights, let's look at firearms practically. Parents need to think very carefully about keeping guns in the home. Here are seven reasons not to have firearms when you have kids.
• Fruit, Vegetable Switches to Cut Calories, Lose Weight

  1/18/2013

  Fruits and vegetables aren't created equal. Some impact weight loss more than others. In dieting, I want the most nutritional bang for my caloric investment. I also need satisfying food. Here are fruit/vegetable food swaps to cut calories.
• Dairy Food Swaps to Lower Cholesterol, Cut Calories

  1/18/2013

  I started dieting 18 months ago. Along with losing weight, I needed to lower my LDL-low-density lipoprotein, "bad" cholesterol. Here are food switches that reduced LDL cholesterol and helped me lose weight. These food swaps cut 500-1,000 calories daily.
• Free Printable Pagan Imbolc Activities, Wiccan Sabbat Crafts

  1/18/2013

  Much is known about Christian and national holidays. Many Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Sikh and Hindu celebrations are familiar. The holidays that are least known (and ironcially some of the oldest) are pagan or wiccan. Here are free printable Wiccan crafts,
• What to Do in Detroit This Weekend: Jan. 18-20, 2013

  1/17/2013

  There's still not much snow in the Metro Detroit area this third weekend in January, but that doesn't mean you don't want hot entertainment to warm you up! Here's a list of must-do activities in the Motor City for this weekend, January 18-20.
• Detroit Gun Opponents to Protest Proposed Walmart

  1/16/2013

  Gun control has been a hotly contested issue in Michigan for some time now. Gov. Rick Snyder rejected a bill to loosen concealed weapons limitations. Rainbow PUSH Detroit is holding a "Guns Out & Jobs In" vigil in Southfield to protest a proposed Walmart.
• How to Work at Home with Sick Kids

  1/14/2013

  Vacation is over, everyone's back to school, you can finally get caught up on work and bingo--a child gets sick. Flu season 2012-2013 is shaping up nasty. How do you work with sick kids? Let this multitasker mom and homeschool parent of 4 help.
• Diet Dangers--Things to Avoid to Lose Weight

  1/13/2013

  Dieting is one of the most challenging behavior modification acts to perform.