Susan Caplan McCarthy
Susan Caplan McCarthy is a writer, crafter, environmental educator, belly dancer, and solitary Eclectic Pagan. She is the Feature Writer for Suite101.com’s Kids Crafts and a Featured Contributor in Crafts on Yahoo!Voices. McCarthy has several nature activity eBooks for parents and teachers available for Kindle and Nook.
Since 1997 she has taught nature and art programs for children ages three-to-fourteen. As an environmental educator for Mass Audubon, she has created hundreds of lesson plans for day camp instructors and field trip leaders. Her hand knit and crocheted items are available for sale on her etsy shop, WeeCatCreations. She gives to the community by donating her time and talents as a belly dancer to over a dozen fundraisers each year. She also creates and presents dozens of hats, gloves, and blankets to a variety of charities each year.
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Since 1997 she has taught nature and art programs for children ages three-to-fourteen. As an environmental educator for Mass Audubon, she has created hundreds of lesson plans for day camp instructors and field trip leaders. Her hand knit and crocheted items are available for sale on her etsy shop, WeeCatCreations. She gives to the community by donating her time and talents as a belly dancer to over a dozen fundraisers each year. She also creates and presents dozens of hats, gloves, and blankets to a variety of charities each year.
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B.A. in English and Writing from Curry CollegeInterests
nature, belly dance, crochet, knitting, children s activities, health, dieting, fashion, etc., etc.Favorites
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Knit a Summer Shawl in a Couple of EveningsWhether you are looking for a lightweight shawl to wear during a summer day or a slightly warmer wrap to protect you against chilly evenings, one of these easy knitting patterns will fit your needs.
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Polar Bear Preschool ActivitiesYoung children love these big bears. Hands-on activities and games help convey facts about polar bears so preschoolers can more easily remember the information. -
Crocheted Flower JewelryAdapt this easy flower crochet pattern with different size crochet hooks and yarns to turn this posy into a necklace, bracelet, headband, and decorative pin. -
How to Make Scented Soaps that You Can Give as GiftsBirthdays, Mother’s Day, teacher gifts, and holidays can squeeze your budget. This soap recipe is easy to make and allows you to give beautiful gifts, whether or not you are crafty.
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How Kids Can Save the Planet While Having FunKids can learn that some of the same things they can do to help the environment can also help their family save money. -
Odd Holidays in the United StatesFamilies can brainstorm personalized and inexpensive ways to have fun during some odd holidays they probably didn't know existed.
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Lingerie Essentials: How to Build an Intimate Apparel WardrobeThe right bras and panties can make your clothing look better while giving you a confidence boost. Lingerie isn't just about frilly things but useful and stylish items that help you get dressed for any occassion.
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Ways New Pagans and Wiccans Can Deepen Their Connection to NatureFor the Pagan and Wiccan, time outdoors isn't just about recreation; but, re-creation. Nature is a part of their spiritual practice. Learn to find sacred meanings in common activities.
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How Teens Can Save Money Shopping for Clothing at Thrift StoresFor teens that love fashion but don't have much money, thrift stores offer opportunities to develop a personal style. As a bonus, they can help save the planet by reusing resources.
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How to Manage and Organize Your Wedding Guest List with a SpreadsheetThe organized bride can create a spreadsheet filled with information that will help with invitations, thank-you cards, and table seating arrangements.
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Bridal Shower Gift IdeasThese practical and edible wedding shower gift basket ideas provide a couple with the pantry basics that will fill their kitchen shelves with useful items.
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Make Invitations with Rubber StampsRubber stamps are an easy and fairly inexpensive way to make invitations. Incorporate computer-generated text or hand write in party details.
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Inexpensive Wedding Centerpiece IdeasCreate your own centerpieces when you start with glass jars or containers and then fill them to suit the season and the theme of your wedding.
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Wedding Guest Book AlternativesWhy just have guests sign their name in a book that will get hidden in a box when they can sign an item that will become a cherished keepsake for the bride and groom.
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Folded Paper Easter Egg Cozy PatternFold a few strips of paper, interlock them, and sit your decorated Easter egg in this bright ring. Use wood or plastic eggs if you want your display to last longer than a few minutes.
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Crochet a Miniature Easter BunnyEven if you are new to crochet, this small stuffed animal works up quickly. Tuck one into a jumbo plastic Easter egg as a surprise or hide in a basket of candy.
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Messy Mother’s Day ProjectsDads, engage your kids in some slightly messy projects that they’ll love creating and mom will adore receiving for Mother’s Day … especially if you clean up all signs of the kids’ crafting!
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The Bride's Guide to Wedding Weight LossA bride-to-be can plan out a course of reasonable weight loss by determining how many pounds she can possibly lose before her wedding.
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Questioning Negative Self TalkIs your self talk full of thinking mistakes? Learn how self-help gurus Byron Katie and Martha Beck encourage people to question their truth.
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Mindfulness and Emotional EatingMindfulness techniques allow one to notice the thoughts and emotions that are often numbed by an eating binge. Learn methods of calming one's thoughts.
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Fidget Your Way ThinAlthough you can't replace a regular exercise program with fidgeting, moving around more during the day can burn an extra 350 calories.
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Easter crafts for kids: Cute egg carton critters with a candy surpriseWhen you decorate eggs for Easter, save the cardboard egg cartons and transform them into an adorable chick, lamb, and rabbit that hide a sweet treat.
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Spring crafts for kids: Make umbrella, rainbow, and flower mobilesThis trio of kids’ crafts celebrates the spring season with three mobiles, umbrella, rainbow, and flower, that your kids can make one at a time or on a single craft-filled afternoon.
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Start an Art Class for Homeschooling Preteens and TeensFor preteens and teens that enjoy art, a studio class gives them the opportunity to explore new media, develop their skills, and engage their social skills.
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Science Experiments with PaperHere are over a half dozen experiments that allow kids to learn about air pressure and basic engineering all while working with paper.
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The Sacred Shapes of Belly DanceA Woman's Book of Power lists four basic forms called the sacred shapes of dance. Learn how each figure connects to different emotions and symbolic meanings.
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Try these easy St. Patrick’s Day crafts for kidsCreate a pot of gold, a shamrock bouquet, or a rainbow; all with inexpensive supplies you’ll find around the house: paper, glue, yarn, chenille stems, and scissors.
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Guiding Children Through NatureNature exploration with preschoolers and young children is more than answering kids’ questions. Parents and teachers can help children develop an appreciation for nature through play and activities.
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Crochet a Romantic Rose NecklaceCrochet this easy rose necklace in under an hour with just scraps of yarn. Create different color and yarn combinations so each necklace is unique.
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Decorate Home Office Supplies for PenniesAdd a stylish, geometric look to inexpensive, boring-looking notebooks, file folders, desk organizers and other office supplies with low-cost color coding labels.
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Prepare Your Child for Their First Day Camp ExperienceYoung children can be nervous going into a new environment. Try these tips to help ease your child into a day camp or recreational program this summer.
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Craft Button Bracelets During a Mother-Daughter AfternoonIs there a jar of buttons somewhere at home? Gather those buttons, some elastic, and thread and sew together one-of-a-kind bracelets that you and your daughter can wear.
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Flower Drying Techiques to Preserve Flowers from the Garden and Special OccassionsHold onto some of the enjoyment of seasonal and special occasion flowers with easy techniques that preserve flowers and foliage.
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Prepare Your Child for Their First Summer Camp ExperienceYoung children can be nervous going into a new environment. Try these tips to help ease your child into a day camp or recreational program this summer.
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Tiger Preschool Lesson PlanThese games and hands-on activities provide kids with facts about this big cat. Tiger preschool activities work with lessons on zoo animals and mammals.
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Make a Valentine's Day craft with kidsTake craft foam, a heart stencil, and some glue to create a fun, spinning mobile that kids can make within an hour.
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Put on a Play in a Day with HomeschoolersWithin hours, a homeschool group or class can create a play based on a historical event, a book, a scientific or natural event, or any other creative topic they want to illustrate.
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Crochet a Romantic Rosebud HeadbandCrochet this easy headband for an adult or a child; it makes a sweet fashion accessory for everyday wear or for a bride or flower girl.
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Crochet a Heart and Flowers NecklaceCrochet a puffy heart bauble and attach it to a crocheted chain decorated with simple flowers. Adapt this easy craft project to keep it girlishly sweet or turn it into a dramatic piece of statement jewelry.
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Make a Kissing Bird Valentine's Day CardThe recipient of this card can make the paper birds appear to kiss by moving part of the card’s design that is really a lever in disguise. Make one of the two pattern ideas for your sweetheart or child on Valentine’s Day.
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Eat less this holiday season and start your New Year weight loss nowYou don't have to give up holiday food favorites or start dreading your January diet. By making small changes now you can get started on the path to weight loss with small behavioral changes.
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Crochet and Felt a BowlCreate a sturdy and decorative bowl using wool yarn and basic crochet skills.
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Yes, You Can Knit or Crochet Last Minute Christmas Gifts that Look GreatYou had the best of intentions to create handmade holiday gifts this year but time is ticking down and you haven’t even bought your yarn. These ideas will allow you to knit or crochet a gift (or more) each night.
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Welcome the Winter Solstice with Outdoor Family ActivitiesHold a unique party this holiday season by celebrating the winter solstice outdoors in the evening. Adults can gather around an outdoor fire or join their kids at playing night games that test their senses while they play in the dark.
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Crochet a Christmas AngelUse this basic pattern to inspire a 12” Christmas angel that you can hang on a wall or sit on your mantle. Incorporate yarns of different textures to make your angel unique.
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Welcoming the Dark and the Light with Samhain and BeltaneSamhain represents both summer's end and the start of the Celtic year. This time of endings and beginnings is potent for magick-working. My transformative spellwork one year is something that you can adapt to your life.
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Crochet an Autumn Pumpkin Candy DishThis easy crochet pattern for a fall or Halloween pumpkin holds a secret stash of wrapped candy. You can adapt the pattern to make this a stuffed holiday decoration.
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Selecting Wedding FavorsAlthough wedding favors aren’t a necessity, they are a nicety. A wedding favor is a way to thank your guests for sharing in your special day. Give some thought to the item and its presentation.
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Asking a Friend to Act as Your Wedding OfficiantAlthough you need to check for your state’s requirements, asking a friend or family member to perform your wedding can add a personal touch to your ceremony.
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Defining Types of Cake IcingWhether you are watching one of those cake decorating shows on cable or you are heading to the bakery for a wedding cake testing, these definitions explain the ingredients and consistency of common icings.
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Determine Your Wedding StyleBefore you start focusing on the details, determining your wedding style will help guide you toward everything from a reception site to your bouquet.
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Edible Gifts for the Holidays that Kids and Parents Can Make TogetherWhether you give these treats as gifts, party favors, or you keep them for yourselves, kids will enjoy helping in the kitchen to prepare these edible gifts, homemade hot cocoa mix and candied orange peels, for the winter holidays.
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Cooking Colonial Food with Kids: Homemade Butter and CornbreadWhether it’s Thanksgiving or whether your children or students have been learning about the early settlers to America, these kids’ activities result in yummy food for the table.
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Create a fabulous and original Halloween costume on a budgetWhether or not you're a DIY crafty sort of person, you can pull together a creative Halloween costume that will impress your friends without breaking your bank account.
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Halloween Decorations to Knit or CrochetKnit or crochet these easy to make Halloween decorations that can be made in minutes. Adapt the simple, free pattern to create a pumpkin, monster, ghost, skull, or spider.
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Make Soap on a Rope – Easy Craft for Kids and AdultsSoapy sculptures are a fun arts and crafts project for kids and adults. As a bonus, when the craft is done it makes a great gift.
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Decorate a Halloween costume witch’s hatThose fancy witches' hats that you see in stores look cute but are expensive. A low-cost Halloween costume pointy black hat can be boring. Find the compromise with these DIY options.
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Family Word Games for the Thanksgiving Dinner TableAlong with the general conversation, mix in a few word games to entertain all ages gathered around your Thanksgiving table.
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Upcycle Old T-Shirts or Fabric into a Woven Trivet, Seat Pad, or RugOnce you learn the easy arts and crafts technique for wrapping fabrics around rope, you’ll be able to form oval and round shapes that turn recycled tee shirts into trivets, seat pads, rugs, even baskets.
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Create Successful Outdoor Classroom ExperiencesTeachers and homeschooling parents can incorporate outdoor exploration as part of their regular classroom studies. Connect nature to math, science, writing, and social studies lessons.
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Shake Thinkgs Up with a Belly Dance Fitness RoutineBelly dance makes a great low-impact exercise for women of all ages, sizes, and physical abilities. Once you learn some of the basic moves, you can create a fitness routine that will continue to challenge your body and mind.
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Labor Day activities for kids and their familiesKids can pretend to be reporters as they hold interviews that help them find out about the occupations of the people around them.
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Crochet a Meditation Mat with Symbolic ColorsBy using color symbolism in this easy-to-crochet mat, you can create a sacred space that you can take with you as you perform your meditation practice.
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Guide to Eco-Friendly FabricsFor crafters concerned about the health of both themselves (and those individuals for whom they sew) as well as the environment, look for these eco-friendly fabrics that avoid the use of harsh chemicals and pesticides.
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Guide to Eco-Friendly YarnsToday's options for yarn go far beyond wool, cotton, and acrylic. This guide covers some of the positive and negative aspects of working with animal, plant, and biosynthetic yarns.
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Turn One Crocheted Hat Pattern into More Than a Dozen Different LooksThis basic and easy-to-make crocheted hat pattern can be tweaked in over a dozen ways to create different looks, whether you wear the hats, give them as gifts, or sell them.
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Should You Hold a Yard Sale or an Estate Sale?Yard sale, garage sale, tag sale, and estate sale are terms that clue shoppers to what you will be selling. Use the correct term to get the type of buyers you want at your sale.
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Make Homemade Body Paint and Special Effects MakeupTurn homemade body paint into washable tattoos, masks, clown faces, and hand puppets. Add in some special effects for Halloween and school plays.
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Brain Teaser Games for Kids that Help Teach Problem Solving SkillsWhether you are a parent, a teacher, a babysitter, or anyone else who works with kids ages 8-to-12, these brain teasers will keep kids guessing until they discover the secret to the puzzle.
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Enjoy the End of Summer with Family ActivitiesLate summer and early fall are still perfect times to enjoy outdoor family activities. These ideas for inexpensive activities for kids and their parents can create great memories of the season.
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Geometric Art Projects for Kids, Teens, and AdultsUsing geometric shapes such as squares and triangles gives these art projects a sophisticated look. These are fun activities for kids while adults can create inexpensive art for their home.
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Eight Tips on Cutting Wedding CostsWeddings can cost more money than seems possible for an event that is over in a few hours. During your wedding planning stage start considering ways to cut wedding costs.
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Who to Invite to a Wedding; Creating a Wedding Guest ListAfter you get engaged, one of the first tasks you want to complete is creating a wedding guest list. The number of wedding guests determines where you can hold your wedding and how much it could cost.
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Nine Reasons Why Cleaning Your Attic Will Save You MoneyIf you can't remember the last time you cleaned the attic, then chances are you have a collection of items that you can turn into cash or use to save yourself from spending money.
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How to Sort Through Old Papers that Belong to a RelativeIf you are charged with the task of organizing paper files that belonged to a relative who is deceased or who recently moved to a nursing home, learn how to wisely eliminate paper clutter.
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Kids' Crafts to Do While on a Beach VacationCrafts done on vacation become mementos of your trip. A little planning (or a trip to the store) allows you and your kids to make seashell photo frames and sand castings.
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Clean and Organize an AtticWhether you are moving, converting an attic into living space, or de-cluttering, bringing order to an unorganized space is a matter of grouping items so you can find them.
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How to Organize the Most Cluttered Area in Your HomeWondering how to organize '˜it' '" the dreaded basement, attic, shed, or garage? Whether it is your home or a relative's house, learn how to organize even the worst mess.
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Find Your Fashion Style and Learn What to WearWhether you want to identify or clarify your personal style, turn to home decorating and design magazines '" not fashion clothing magazines '" to identify what you love.
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Three Decorating Ideas for BookshelvesWhether your bookshelves are new or old you can change their appearance within an afternoon by adding paint, fabric panels, or a paper backdrop.
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Easy to Make Wall Art that Costs Less Than Five DollarsGive a new look to a room with distinctive and personalized pictures and wall hangings that cost little more than the price of a frame and some time on the computer.
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How to Use House and Home Decorating and Design MagazinesReady to redo a room or a house but overwhelmed by all the ideas offered by interior design and decorating magazines? Follow these steps to maximize your idea gathering and planning time.
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Turn Your Clutter into a Collection You Can DisplayWhether you call them knickknacks, trinkets, or tchotchkes, the items you collect can fill your house with clutter. A few simple guidelines will help you to de-clutter and bring order to the collections in your home.
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Why and How to Choose a HobbyA hobby is more than a time-filler. A hobby can bring joy and meaning to your life. You can select a hobby that is active, relaxing, productive, meaningful, or any other quality that you are looking to bring into your life.
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Closet Cleaning for Creating a Functional WardrobeThe contents of closets should meet the needs of your life at the moment. Closet cleaning is about more than matching hangers and color-coordinating your shirts.
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Organize Your Bookshelves and Create a Personal Library You'll LoveDe-clutter your bookcase of those books that make you feel guilty for not pursing or continuing to engage in interests from years ago. You should love the books you own because they reflect who you are as well as your current interests.
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Fourth of July Fashions for WomenDon't just be in style when you can show some personal style this Fourth of July. Whether you're at the beach or a barbecue, go for a fashion style that will make you sparkle as spectacularly as the fireworks.
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Knitting and Crocheting for CharitiesKnitting or crocheting hats, gloves, blankets and other items for charitable organizations allows crafters to feel good about volunteering their skills while giving others handcrafted objects.
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Mirror Science Experiments for KidsMirror science projects for kids ages eight-to-twelve take them from mirror play to creating a kaleidoscope with inexpensive mirrors found at craft stores.
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Handmade Gift Ideas Using Quotes and SayingsMake gifts that incorporate quotes and sayings for thoughtful and personalized presents that won't cost you a lot of money.
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De-clutter Your Bathroom in Three StepsDe-cluttering your bathroom can save you money as you rediscover and reorganize first aid supplies, personal care items and cleaning supplies that you already own.
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Junk Drawer Organizing, Cleaning Out a Junk DrawerCluttered junk drawer? A few minutes cleaning can save you hours of hunting around for all those bits that you don't think go anywhere else.
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Make a Weaving Loom from a ChairA chair weaving loom is a fun project for both adults and children. Make a wall hanging, a placemat, or decorate an old chair using scraps of yarn.
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Organizing Children's Arts and Craft SuppliesFor families with kids who love crafts, keeping supplies organized can be a challenge. Set up craft materials so they are easy-to-find and they will be easy to put away - keeping down the disorganized clutter.
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Recycle, Reuse, and Re-gift MugsTurn those mugs that are cluttering your cabinets into planters, centerpieces, creativitiy kits, and snack jars. These ideas will get you thinking about the creative ways you can recycle and reuse mugs.
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Cleaning Out an Elderly Parent's HouseYou've taken on the task of cleaning your parents' house to make conditions more livable or because of a death or a move to a smaller apartment. Here are ideas for breaking down the seeming unmanageable task.
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Make a Father's Day clock and desk organizer or workshop organizerCombine recycled aluminum cans and clock works to make dad an organizer that's part sculpture with this easy Father's Day craft. He can set it on his desk or workbench to hold small objects such a push pins and screws.
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Memorial Day party decorationsHave inexpensive craft materials on hand to get guests (kids and adults) to bedeck your backyard barbecue with holiday party decorations. These red, white, and blue decorations for Memorial Day are more creative than manufactured party supplies.
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DIY Winter Wedding Centerpieces on a BudgetYes, you really can create wedding centerpieces for $10 - $25 each. Start with recycled jars or dollar store vases and fill with elements connected to your wedding theme.
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DIY Autumn Wedding Centerpieces on a BudgetYes, you really can create wedding centerpieces for $10 - $25 each. Start with recycled jars or dollar store vases and fill with elements connected to your wedding theme.
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DIY Summer Wedding Centerpieces on a BudgetYes, you really can create wedding centerpieces for $10 - $25 each. Start with recycled jars or dollar store vases and fill with elements connected to your wedding theme.
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DIY Spring Wedding Centerpieces on a BudgetYes, you really can create wedding centerpieces for $10 - $25 each. Start with recycled jars or dollar store vases and fill with elements connected to your wedding theme.
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Resources for Inexpensive DIY Wedding CraftsDIY doesn't always mean low-cost. So where can a bride go to find creative and inexpensive wedding crafts? The answer is to avoid focusing on wedding ideas alone.
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Activities for an Afterschool Nature ClubWhether you are the director of an afterschool program or a parent who wants to share a love and appreciation of nature, a kids' nature club can give children new experiences outdoors.
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How to Start a Homeschool Nature ClubParents of homeschooled children can create a nature club that will help encourage their children to explore nature while socializing with their peers.
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Knit or Crochet a Cute Young Girl's PurseWith scraps of yarn and a bit of time, you can whip up this simple purse either knitting or crocheting. By working two strands of yarn together each purse is a one of a kind item appreciated by many girls and women.
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Knitting Projects and Crochet Projects Using TrianglesBeginner and experienced individuals who knit or crochet can use triangles as the basis for a variety of fashionable accessories, from bangles and necklaces to headbands, purses, and shawls.
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Make a Traditional Wedding Bouquet with Artificial FlowersYou can save a lot of money by making your own bridal bouquet. Using artificial flowers allows you to create the bouquet when you have time, instead of waiting to the last minute, as with fresh flowers.
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Scrapbook an Alternative Wedding BouquetA bride can make and then carry on her wedding day a simple handmade book bearing memories and well wishes as an alternative to a traditional wedding bouquet.
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End of the School Year Teacher GiftA personalized book of poetry to which all students in a class contribute provides a teacher with a creative and thoughtful keepsake of classroom memories.
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Eggshell Mosaic Photo Frame for Mother's Day or Father's DayAdd pizzazz to a plain picture frame with painted eggshells set into a mosaic pattern. This is a simple gift appropriate for Mother's Day or Father's Day.
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Make an Origami Crane Wedding CenterpieceIn Japan, cranes are symbols of good health, long life, and prosperity. Share this symbolism in unique handmade wedding centerpieces for your reception.
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Sew Your Own Wedding VeilEven if your sewing skills are minimal you can save yourself a lot of money by creating a DIY wedding veil. This veil uses a headband worn in one of two ways.
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Make an Origami Crane Wedding BouquetThis non-traditional wedding bouquet made of paper cranes will have guests longing to see what you are holding as you walk up the aisle.
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Rustic Wildflower DIY Summer Wedding CenterpiecesIf a flower arrangement seems too fussy and formal for your casual wedding, this DIY log cabin-style planter adds a sweet country look to a pot of wildflowers.
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Poems that Even Non-Poets Can WriteHaiku, acrostics, diamante, cinquain '" even if these forms of poetry don't sound familiar, you'll learn that they are easy to write and allow you to add a personalized touch to many things when you want to say the right words.
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Rose Petal Jam is an Edible DIY Summer Wedding FavorRose petal jam is a delicately-flavored treat that is a DIY wedding favor guaranteed to impress wedding guests with your thoughtfulness.
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Three fun foam craft ideas for kidsKids can turn sheets of craft foam into a laced treasure pouch, a spinning wind twirler, or even a stamp for giving an old tee a new look. Material costs are low; something mom can appreciate when looking for projects the kids can do.
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Gifts for Coworkers that Cost Ten Dollars and UnderThese themed gifts are so inexpensive that you don't have to wait for birthdays or holidays to surprise someone with a present at any time of the year.
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How to make a windsock from a bandanaTry this fun craft for novelty bandanas. Even kids who can't sew can turn a bandana and some ribbon into a weather worthy windsock. The secret to this simple kids' craft project is washable fabric glue.
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How to Entertain Kids at a WeddingBe prepared with activities and goody bags for kids and teens who are guests at a wedding reception. The kids '" and their parents '" will appreciate this thoughtful gesture.
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Make a Wedding Vow Paper Blossom BouquetThis DIY wedding bouquet is composed of paper blossoms on which your wedding vows are printed. Use paper punches or hand cut the paper for personalized blossoms that speak of your love.
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Inexpensive Wedding Shower Favors and Baby Shower Favors to MakeIf you are holding a bridal shower or a baby shower you don't have to go broke on the party favors. Try one of these craft projects, even if you aren't crafty.
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Make a Bead and Charm Bracelet for the Mother of the Bride or GroomIf, as the bride or groom, you find the idea of presenting your mother(s) with a handmade gift that expresses your feelings is an appealing goal, this thoughtful DIY bracelet will capture happy moments in your lives.
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Super Easy Cupcake Pan Shaped SoapsWith a start from Ivory soap, adults and even kids can explore soap making while creating attractive bars molded in silicone cupcake and muffin pans.
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Preschool Activities Teaching the Differences Between Salamanders and LizardsAlthough salamanders and lizards look similar, one is an amphibian and the other a reptile. Teach preschoolers to recognize the differences.
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Create an Effective Flyer for Workshops, Fundraisers, and EventsAn effective flyer tells people what they need to know about an event so they can decide whether or not they want to attend. If people are clear on what they will get from an occasion, they will be happy to spend their time and money with you.
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Make a Lacy Scarf for Mom on a Coffee Can Knitting LoomIn less than two hours and for fewer than ten dollars you can make a lacy fashion scarf on a knitting loom constructed with recycled materials. This is a great gift for kids (even adult kids) to give mom on Mother's Day.
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Make an Edible Model of the EarthBite into one of these sweet cookie-like earth balls and you'll see a simple model of the crust, mantle, outer core, and inner core.
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How to Create Teaching Games that Help Children LearnOne secret to creating a game that engages students in learning is to adapt a familiar or classic game.
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Preschool Lesson Plan About Mother Birds and Baby BirdsThrough hands-on activities, children demonstrate how mother birds are adapted to protect their young in the nest.
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White Pine Lesson Plan for Elementary School StudentsHands-on activities show students some of the characteristics possessed by pine trees and how those adaptations help animals.
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Concepts Related to Self EsteemAlthough an individual may talk about having a low or healthy self esteem or even express an interest in building self esteem, what is this concept?
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Explore Fields with a Dozen Preschool and Kindergarten ActivitiesGames, explorations, and art activities help adults guide children through discovering the wonders in fields.
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How Small Steps Can Help You Reach Your GoalsIf you have goals that you never seem to complete, consider ways you can make the goal more manageable. Small steps lead you to successes that you follow up with other tiny goals.
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Shrew Preschool Lesson PlanShrews are small mammals that may live in your area. Children can learn what it's like to live and move around in underground tunnels with a few games.
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Pine Tree Lesson Plan for PreschoolersIf you have white pine trees in your area you can bring preschool children outside for this multi-sensory lesson plan that teaches children to identify this tree.
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Questioning Negative Thoughts and BeliefsIf obsessive, nagging thoughts are hampering your intuition and positive thinking, this technique from Shakti Gawain will help you eliminate inner conflict.
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How to Relax the Body in Preparation for MeditationIronically, you may feel too uptight to engage in meditation. A few suggestions from Shakti Gawain will show you how to release stress and learn to relax.
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Science Experiments for Kids that Let Them Test for Acids and BasesKids can learn to make a litmus-like paper that allows them to explore the pH of different liquids. Parents should assist and supervise in these activities for kids.
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Center of Gravity Experiments for KidsAlthough these experiments may seem like magic, these fun kids' activities show them about the center of gravity in objects.
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Make Chakra Bracelets for Healing and BalanceFocus on one or several of the seven chakras to balance physical systems and emotions. These simple bracelets act as a visual reminder of your intent.
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Make Slide Knot Leather Bracelets with BeadsHow do you make bracelets that fit? Use adjustable slide knots on this bracelet so you can alter the fit with little extra effort.
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Fun Vocabulary Word Game with Kids' NamesIs there really a fun vocabulary game that doesn't feel like a vocabulary lesson? Kids in grades three through five will have fun with a game that features their names.
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Diet Shake RecipesStart with a commercial diet shake and then include some no- or low-calorie ingredients that will improve the flavor of the shake and give you more variety.
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How to Wear Trendy Clothing After the Fashion Trend Has PassedWear it, toss it, or tuck it up in the attic, what should you do with trends of season(s) past? Follow these ideas for keeping items you love without looking like a victim of bad fashion.
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How to Survive Shopping for Clothes when You Hate ShoppingNot every woman loves the idea of spending hours at the mall looking for a new outfit. These tips can help you focus your time shopping while making the time somewhat less horrible.
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Buy Great Fitting Pants and JeansFrom work to casual to parties, pants can be worn for almost every activity.
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Look Sexy and Stylish in a Tee ShirtLearn how to pay attention to necklines, length, and fabric to get the most from this inexpensive fashion staple.
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How to Fit a Bra Beyond Band and Cup SizeThere's more to getting a great bra fit than learning your size. Learn the details to look for and discover bra perfection.
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Are You Wearing the Right Bra and Panties for Your Clothes?The following fit and styling tips for underwear will actually help make your clothing look and fit better.
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Odd Facts About the History of AlcoholThe next time you're at a bar and someone orders a mixed drink, offer up a bit of trivia about the history of these popular spirits.
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How to Use Your Calendar to Reach Your GoalsAsk yourself what you really want to accomplish in your life and then learn how to effectively schedule the activities so you gain a sense of accomplishment.
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Create More Effective Things to Do ListsIf your to do list seems never ending or you never seem to cross anything '" or the right things '" off your list, learn how thirty minutes of planning can make the difference.
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Make an Herb Kitchen Wreath for a Housewarming Gift or Bridal Shower GiftThis fragrant and functional wreath works dried herbs into a ring that is both useful and an attractive gift to give.
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Spa Gift Ideas You Can Make for WomenWhether the gift is for mom, a sister, or a friend, this spa basket will be a welcome and relaxing gift. Crochet a washcloth and pair it with homemade bath salts.
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Help Children Deal with ChangeAlthough change is sometimes thrust upon adults, children may find the transition between how things have been done and how they will be done unsettling.
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Shake Up and Vary Your Walking Routine for Added Health BenefitsWalking is a simple way to exercise, but you may lose some of the benefits '" and your incentive '" if you walk the same route at the same walking speed each day. Learn how to make your walk more interesting.
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How to Perform a House Blessing CeremonyIf you've just moved into a house or there has been illness, physical violence, or tragedy in the house you may want to go through blessing a house.
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How to Fast and Cleanse the Body and MindYou may choose to go on a fast for religious reasons or to cleanse your body and mind of toxins. Learn about three common types of fasts.
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Casting Stones - Fortune Telling with StonesDivination with stones is called lithomancy. Collect nine stones and drop them into a circle. Your interpretation can show trends leading toward the future.
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Ceromancy - Divination with Melted WaxTry this method of fortune telling in which you pour hot wax into water and then use the freeform shapes to spark your creative imagination and intuition.
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Why You Should Wear ShapewearThe new shapewear isn't just for plus size women. Shapewear will give you a smooth look under your clothing.
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Make a Handmade Greeting Card with a Haiku PoemCombine a brief haiku poem with a nature photograph to create a personalized greeting card appropriate as a birthday card or thank you card.
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Writing Plot that Shows a Character's TransformationTwo social scientists found that people transform their lives in seven stages. This path can also work in your novel or short story's plot.
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Are You Ready to Diet? Or, Why You Fail when You Try to Lose WeightIn her book, The Four Day Win, life coach Martha Beck explains how people transform their lives, which may be why so many diets fail.
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Cooperative Storytelling Elementary Lesson PlanThis storytelling activity encourages students to use their creativity by incorporating random story components to build their tale.
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Improve Social Skills at Parties and Other Social OccasionsReduce your anxiety at social gatherings by planning how to scope out a place when you arrive and learning to engage in small talk.
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How to Handle Feeling Overwhelmed by Social EventsIf social gatherings leave you feeling drained, a few guidelines will help you plan your social calendar so you don't feel tired doing things meant to be fun.
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Take a Factory Tour at Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream in Waterbury, VermontIf you happen to be in Vermont, this short and sweet tour gives you the history of this company, a view of the ice cream making process, and ends with a sweet treat.
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Review of VietGrill Vietnamese Cuisine in Canton, MassachusettsThis small restaurant offers freshly made Vietnamese food and a menu that clearly describes each dish for those unfamiliar with this region's offerings.
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Discover Your Strengths to Get the Most from Your LifeDo you find yourself asking the question, "What are my strengths?" But what exactly are strengths? Are they the things you do well, even if you don't like doing them?
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Photography Tips for Vacation PhotographersKids, teens, and adults can improve their photography skills by starting with a few tricks and guidelines. These hints will help a photographer improve the pictures they take of their vacation - making the time not just memorable but visually outstanding.
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Using Photography in Lessons with HomeschoolersTaking pictures of the classes, workshops, and events they attend can add to a homeschooler's portfolio of work while increasing a student's attentiveness.
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Simple Ideas for Crafts that Decorate at Home for the HolidaysTurn jellybeans, chocolate covered candies, candy corn, dried beans and other items into wreaths, garlands, centerpieces, and candle arrangements.
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How to Dress GothAlthough Goth attire suggests a particular lifestyle, this style of dress can also be incorporated into Halloween costumes and belly dance costumes.
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Can I Give Up Emotional Eating? Day 30I've learned that my month-long awareness experiment has involved a small sliver of the time and energy I need to give to intuitive eating.
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Can I Give Up Emotional Eating? Days 28 & 29There is no perfect time to start a diet, exercise plan, or healthy eating strategy. I have a cold, which has created its own series of challenges.
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Can I Give Up Emotional Eating? Day 27Here are more books on emotional eating, intuitive eating, and avoiding binge eating. Therapy might be faster, but books are cheaper!
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Can I Give Up Emotional Eating? Day 26Here are recommendations for books that guide emotional eaters through the process of conscious eating.
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Can I Stop Emotional Eating? Day 25Mindful eating involves paying attention to your body and noticing things like hunger, satiety, and how particular foods feel in your body. As an emotional eater, I'm learning these cues and how they are clues to a healthy diet.
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Can I Give Up Emotional Eating? Day 24Eating slowly and mindfully is a challenge as I zip from one activity to the next. Here I share tips for conscious eating.
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Can I Give Up Emotional Eating? Day 23Mindfulness is the process of paying attention to the present moment. For the individual learning to eat intuitively, an awareness of one's body and thoughts are essential.
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Can I Give Up Emotional Eating? Day 22I'm learning that it's best to have a plan to distract myself from overeating before I end up in the middle of an eating binge. Learn how you can create an inspiration box of self-soothing techniques.
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A Non-Scary Halloween Event in Sharon, MassachusettsFor over 25 years, the Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary in Sharon, MA has held its non-scary Halloween night hike the weekend before Halloween.
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Quick Fixes for when a Belly Dance Costume Bra Doesn't FitIf a belly dance bra doesn't fit perfectly you can compensate without changing your entire costume. However, a poorly fitted bra should never be used in performance.
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How to Change an Outfit in an Instant with Accessories and ClothingYou're on the move all day, going from one activity to the next but you wear the same clothing and fashion accessories throughout every activity. Learn how to change your look with a little forethought and some key accessories.
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Can I Give Up Emotional Eating? Day 21I'm learning that by becoming more aware of how different foods and drinks react in my body - and what my mind is saying while I'm eating - is as valuable, or more so, that trying to analyze the reasons behind my feelings.
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How Caffeine Leaves the Body ExhaustedExhausted even though your caffeine consumption has increased? That tired feeling could be adrenal burnout and coffee will make the situation worse.
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Can I Give Up Emotional Eating? Days 19 & 20Cutting my caffeine consumption in half has left me feeling exhausted, which has sent me on an eating binge.
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Can I Give Up Emotional Eating? Days 17 & 18Emotional eating lends itself to the obvious examination of emotions. However, sometimes it is necessary to look at the physical reason we eat what we eat.
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Can I Give Up Emotional Eating? Day 16I continue to look at reasons I use food for self-soothing. Do you share some of the reasons you use food to deal with your emotions?
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Can I Give Up Emotional Eating? Day 15Emotional eating is about self-soothing, an attempt to calm body and mind. However, the individual creates a vicious cycle of compulsive eating when the guilt for binge eating begins.
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Can I Give Up Emotional Eating? Day 14Along with the big changes '" eat what I want, slowly and consciously, when I'm hungry and stop when I'm satisfied '" is a dozen smaller, supporting behaviors toward a healthy diet.
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Can I Give Up Emotional Eating? Day 13Intuitive eating involves four simple guidelines that require paying attention to my body's needs. However, noticing what my body requires hasn't been a priority for most of my life, which is why I'm so overweight.
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Can I Give Up Emotional Eating? Day 12Although I'm aware of what I should be doing, progress seems to be a process of one step forward, three steps back. Trying to lead a healthier lifestyle involves a hefty dose of time management.
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Can I Give Up Emotional Eating? Days 10 & 11Giving up emotional eating is a process of self-discovery supported by action. A thought may start a craving, but it can also prevent you from putting the food in your mouth.
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How to Use a Store Bought Lingerie Bra in a Belly Dance CostumeAlthough using a lingerie bra in a belly dance costume is usually frowned on, learn how you can use this option and save a lot of money on costuming.
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How to Practice for an Improvisational Belly Dance PerformanceA strict choreography isn't a necessary part of a belly dance performance. Many dancers prefer the freedom of an improvised piece. However, this doesn't mean the dancer doesn't have to practice.
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What is the Difference Between Belly Dance Practice and Rehearsal?Whether you're a student or a more experienced belly dancer, developing a practice routine is different from preparing to perform in a show. Learn to incorporate both into your dance life.
