Dee Dee Smith
In addition to writing for Associated Content, Dee Dee (Ford) Smith writes quality web content at Suite101, EHow and various business websites. She has also held contracts with golf, sports memorabilia, health and travel publications. Along with writing, Dee Dee is the president of Smith Properties, a rental property management firm servicing the areas of Saginaw and Muskegon (Michigan).
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- Contributor since
- 4/1/2005
Education/Experience
Bachelor of Arts/Wilberforce UniversityInterests
Landlord, Rental Management, Travel, Golf, Cooking, Home Economics, Career Counseling, Higher Education, Natural Health Care and Home Improvement.Favorites
Displaying Results 1 - 196 (of 196) for Yahoo! Voices
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Tenants Schemes: Lies Tenants Tell to Get into Your PropertyOne common trick potential tenants use is to have a family member or friend pose as a present/former landlord or employer. Here are some things you can do to avoid becoming prey to this scheme.
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A Funny Valentine's Day Wedding StoryThroughout the process grandma kept volunteering to do things for me. She checked on the flowers (and ordered an arch while she was there). She also offered to oversee and supervise the caterers during the reception.
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Cookie Ideas for Football Viewing PartiesFor your next Super Bowl or team party, consider these cookie choices, toppings and decorations.
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Ten Steps to Easy Housekeeping and OrganizationNo matter the type of cleaning you are doing, organization will make your project a much more productive and enjoyable experience.
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Tips for Selling Your Elderly Parent's HomeAlthough my mom was able to keep up with the more obvious repairs, some other issues had gone unnoticed. We knew these concerns would hinder most buyers. Consequently we took the time to go through the home and address these concerns.
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Volunteer Opportunities in Muskegon, MichiganThroughout the Muskegon area, human service agencies, schools, community centers and churches utilize volunteers to aid in their work.
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Top Michigan Colleges for Older Adult StudentsAlthough Michigan offers a number of good colleges and universities, as a whole, most cater to the needs of traditional students.The following schools however, have created a friendly and comfortable environment for older adults.
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Swimming with DreadlocksIn addition to jumping in the pool, I like visiting the waterpark, and truly appreciate a good soak in a bubbling spa every now and then. To make these activities more enjoyable for me, I've developed hair care steps for both before and after water fun.
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Best Places to Walk in Muskegon, MichiganDeveloping a walking regimen can be somewhat challenging. This includes the challenge of finding time and a place to walk. The Muskegon community offers numerous convenient and picturesque walking trails and venues. -
Events Held in Muskegon During the Memorial Day WeekendMuskegon, along with its surrounding communities, will celebrate Memorial Day with various parades, festivals and ceremonial services.
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Adult Travel Snack RecipesTaking along a banana, orange, nuts or other treats is OK, but I like a little more variety. -
Local Chef Contests and Challenges in MichiganMy community and many other Michigan cities are planning Iron Chef and food challenge competitions. Most often these are fundraisers in which local chefs volunteer their time and talents to compete for bragging rights.
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Spring Themed Cook-Off PartiesWith spring upon us, it is about time for us to plan another cooking challenge. If you're interested in doing something similar, here are some ideas:
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Educational Summer Camps in Muskegon, MI 2011Potentially, camps can also help to improve a student's skill level thus giving them a head start for the upcoming school year..... Throughout the greater Muskegon area, non-profit and educational groups are planning various summer programs for youth. -
Book Gift Ideas for GraduatesHistorical books, biographies, novels and even reference materials can all be given as gifts. Some authors have even written books for, and published them at the perfect time for graduation.
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Adult Style Grilled Cheese SandwichesWith just a few additions or changes, you can make a grilled cheese sandwich that almost any adult will enjoy. For an appetizer or hors d'oeuvre, simply remove crust, cut in quarters and serve.
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Ways to Cook with Fruit PreservesPresently my cabinet holds an assortment of fruit preserves including apricot, orange marmalade, apple, and peach. In addition to spreading on toast, I use preserves in a number of unique ways. -
A Bag of Frozen Fruit: Delicious RecipesLiving in the state of Michigan, with frozen fruit I can enjoy my favorite fruits year round..... When preparing a dish, I simply grab the fruit that I need, reseal the bag and return it to the freezer.
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The Best Burger Joints in the Greater Muskegon AreaMuskegon and its surrounding communities offer a number of great burger joints. Some are more upscale while others provide a nostalgic drive-in dining experience.
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The Kitchen King Pro Manual Food ProcessorPer the infomercial, the Kitchen King Pro could be used to chop, slice and dice, as well as mix, whip and blend. Priced at less than $40, I thought it might be a worthwhile investment. -
New Restaurants in Muskegon, MichiganLocated on the shores of Lake Michigan, Muskegon is a popular tourist town. Recently, three new restaurants joined the Muskegon community. These restaurants offer a variety of great dishes, fun and entertainment. -
Get Well Recipes: Ideal Meals for Cold and Flu SeasonAt the onset of congestion, I often turn to one of my tried and true "cold resistant" recipes. These dishes are helpful in building my immune system, clearing congestion and just giving me that warm feeling all over.
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Top 5 Community Colleges in MichiganMichigan is home to numerous community colleges. In choosing the top 5, a number of factors were considered including location, educational programs, technology, tuition costs and sports/extracurricular activities.
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Michigan Gourmet Food ItemsMaking your dishes and baked goods stand out may be as simple as adding a few gourmet seasonings, mixes or dressings to your repertoire. These items are often easily found at your local farmer's market or specialty food store.
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Unique Menu Items at Well Known RestaurantsSeveral national restaurant franchises and fast food entities are adding interesting, and even odd items to their menus.
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Holiday Drinks for KidsSpice up your next Christmas gala with memorable non-alcoholic holiday drinks. These drinks can be enjoyed by kids as well as guests who don't consume alcohol. -
Kid-Friendly Holiday Drink Embellishments and GarnishmentsWith kids however, the embellishments can be nearly as appreciated, if not more appreciated than the drink itself. Following are a few simple ideas to add flair and flavor to your kid friendly holiday drink choices.
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Creating a Non-Traditional Thanksgiving MealIn deciding on a menu, consider what are your best dishes. You may also want to create a menu around a holiday related theme such as a multi-cultural celebration (that is foods from a variety of cultures) or the flavors and colors of the autumn season.
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Advice for First-Time LandlordsHaving been through this process only once, I am far from being an expert. Nonetheless, being so new at this, who better to help another first-time landlord than myself. Learn from both my experience and mistakes. -
Purpose & Uses for Baking MixesBaking mixes are made up of baking ingredients such as flour, baking powder, and shortening making it a quick and easy shortcut for making a number of baked goods.
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Easy to Make Fruit CobblerPeach cobblers were a favorite of my grandmother and sister who were both great cooks. They however labored hard to make this dish. Following is my quick, easy and tasty cobbler recipe. -
Sweet, Tangy and Spicy Cole Slaw RecipesCole slaw is a convenient and easy dish to pass at club meetings and other events. Instead of bringing one call slaw to pass, why not take three? How about sweet, tangy and spicy versions of this traditional salad?
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The Best Delivery Pizzerias and Sub Shops in Muskegon, MIWhen my family gets delivery food, it is most often when the extended family comes together for fun and fellowship. In this instance, the gathering is multi-generational with a number of picky eaters.
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Female Gifts for Under $10With a little thought and research, you'd be surprised how easy it is to find a meaningful, memorable and practical gift for less than $10.
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Cooking with Couscous and RisottoIf you are a fan of food and cooking shows you've probably heard of couscous and risotto. These are in truth your more fancy forms of pasta and rice, and are now available in easy to prepare mixes at most grocers. -
Five Minute Gourmet DessertsOver the years, I've discovered quick and easy ways to prepare tasty, gourmet style desserts. With just a few ingredients and lots of ingenuity, you too can impress family and friends with these delicious treats. -
Energizing and Healthy Breakfast Drink RecipesHow healthy can it be to begin every morning with lots of caffeine and sugar? Additionally, how much money could you save making your own breakfast drinks at home? Following are a few simple and healthy breakfast drink ideas. -
Exciting Summer SandwichesCold sandwiches are great on hot summer days, but can become boring and repetitive if eaten too often. With a little creativity and flair, you can create gourmet sandwiches your family will look forward to eating throughout the summer.
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Greek Inspired Pasta SaladThe traditional Greek salad was my inspiration for this dish. Serve as the main course over dark greens with warm pita bread, or along side a Greek style burger (topped with cucumbers, green peppers, sliced olives and feta cheese).
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Unique Flavors and Spices for Fried ChickenAlthough fried chicken is always tasty and scrumptious, as with any recipe, I'm constantly looking for ways to add a little flavor and creativity to a common dish. -
Cast Iron Skillet Pizza: Quick and Easy Chicago Style Pizza RecipeUsing a cast iron skillet you can make a delicious deep dish pizza. Follow these simple instructions for a wonderful meal.
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Hot Dog Bar: For a Casual EventFor more casual events such as birthday or sports viewing parties, the hot dog bar is ideal. Similar to a taco or salad bar, various items are made available to allow each individual to create their own version of the ever so popular hot dog.
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Recipe for Southern GreensBecause I do not eat pork, I've had to make several changes to my grandmother's recipe. In fact, I now make my southern greens with absolutely no meat or meat products at all. It is completely vegetarian but also wonderfully delicious. -
Recipe for Homemade Black Bean SoupI was introduced to black bean soup at a small deli in Detroit. My thought was that I'd never be able to make this at home but after experimenting (and trial and error), I've come up with a very delicious and healthy black bean soup recipe. -
The Pizza Stone: An Invaluable Kitchen ToolUsing a stone for frozen pizza makes it absolutely delicious. Pizza stones however can be used to prepare much more than just pizza. -
Simple and Quick Potato WrapsPotato wraps are great for either lunch or a quick snack. Top them with shredded cheese, jalapeno peppers, sour cream and salsa for a more southwestern taste. -
The South Bend Chocolate CafeTo our surprise the cafe is quite large and serves much more than just chocolate. Consequently, the owners have opted to divide the facility into five sections; a coffee shop, candy counter, kid's cafe, bakery and restaurant. -
Simple Skillet (Stove Top) Barbecue ChickenPrepare this simple and delicious barbecue chicken recipe in a skillet. Serve this tasty southern dish with a side of garlic mashed potatoes, green beans and corn bread.
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Actress and Comedian Kirstie Alley Announces New Reality ShowSurprisingly Kirstie Alley has turned to the television and public arena once again to assist her in overcoming the battle of the bulge.
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The Future of Minor League SportsAt a time in which families are finding it difficult to afford to attend professional (that is major league) sporting events, it appears as though many minor league franchises are folding. -
Questions to Ask Before Booking a HotelAlthough all of these steps are extremely important to making an educated hotel choice, there are several other questions one might ask the hotel staff before finalizing a reservation. -
Bear Creek's Creamy Wild Rice Soup MixThe creamy wild rice mix makes about seven to eight bowls of a delicious soup and takes only ten minutes to prepare.
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Recipe for a Spinach Macaroni and CheeseThis recipe can be used to entice your children to eat a little spinach, or, it can be served as a sophisticated variation of a typical mac and cheese dish. -
How to Use Leftover Soup to Make an Entirely Different DishSoup is great as a part of a wholesome meal, especially in the colder months. Use leftover soup in to make these simple dishes. -
An Exciting Weekend in Charlotte, North CarolinaThe city of Charlotte is possibly one of the most visited cities in North Carolina. It is home to the Charlotte Bobcats (NBA), Carolina Panthers (NFL), Lowe's Motor Speedway and is the future home of the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
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A Weekend in Chapel Hill, North CarolinaWith a plethora of attractions and activities, Chapel Hill is a great weekend getaway destination.
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Buying a Home in Foreclosure or Short SaleAll media reports point to this being a perfect time to purchase a home. An obvious reason is the number of homes in foreclosure, and the number of families pursuing short sales due to financial trouble.
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Products to Dress Up a Simple Chicken MealChicken is a favorite staple for many family dinners. Nonetheless, without a little creativity, chicken dinners can become dull and boring. -
Wedding Gift Ideas for Former In-LawsMy former brother-in-law is getting married and our entire family has been invited to the festivities. What do we get them for a gift? With much thought and consideration, I believe I've come up with some great gift ideas for former in-laws.
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The Best Wedding Advice I Ever ReceivedPrior to my wedding I was given some great advice. It's just too bad I didn't follow it.
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Foreign Exchange Students Allege Neglect and Abuse by Host FamiliesRecent accusations of abuse/neglect of foreign exchange students brought back many memories concerning my time spent as a Regional Director for an international exchange student program.
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Winter Wedding Venues in the Tri-Cities (Bay City, Saginaw, Midland) of MichiganThe city of Saginaw was recently featured on the reality show "Wedding Day". Located in Eastern Michigan, the city and surrounding area offer many places for a beautiful winter wedding.
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How to Make Your Own 100 Calorie Snack PacksTo save on cost one can quite easily make their own 100 calorie snack packs. Additionally, making your own packs ensures that you get the treats that you really enjoy.
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Adding Special Touches to a Michigan WeddingWith many families living in different states and communities, one way to personalize a wedding is to incorporate items representative of one's state, or the home state of the bride/groom.
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Unique Venues for Family ReunionsTraditionally family reunions are held in an outdoor park, hotel or community center. Nonetheless, with some creative thinking and planning, there are many unique spots in which to hold this special event.
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Simple Ways to Go Green: Easy Steps to Becoming Eco-FriendlyWith just a few minor changes to one's daily habits, anyone can become an environmentalist. -
Adding a Carport or Garage to an Existing HomeWhen purchasing our home over a decade ago, not having a garage seemed a minor issue. Over the last few winters, we have become desperate to find a solution to protect our vehicles from the Michigan winters. -
How to Select and Organize Ringtones for Your Mobile PhoneMany companies and websites are now offering programs that allow for unlimited downloads of ringtones. Having access to unlimited ringtones allows one to personalize a ringtone for a group or even individuals in one's address book. -
Summer Family Reunion Activities : Fun and Creative Ideas for EveryoneI've seen family reunions where the youngest guest is a baby, and the eldest member approaching one hundred. Consequently, planning activities to please everyone can be difficult. -
Alternatives to House PlantsLike me, many individuals do not do well with indoor plants. If you want the "organic feel" that household plants provide, but you have trouble keeping plants green and healthy, consider some of the following options. -
Healthy Super Bowl Party SnacksHow to have a wonderful Super Bowl Party and stay true to your New Year's resolution to lose weight or eat healthier. -
How to Become or Improve as an Internet WriterA close friend of mine asked me to provide advice to someone who is pursuing a career in internet writing. Consequently, I've written this article for her and am hopeful that it will also help many others.
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Healthy Alternatives to PancakesI've enjoyed pancakes since my childhood. Nonetheless, as I get older, I find it harder and harder to digest them. After eating I'd have a bloated and heavy feeling. With simple changes to the traditional pancake recipe, I can enjoy them once again.
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When to Keep Your Opinion to YourselfClearly there are boundaries when it comes to giving advice.
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The Second Economic Stimulus CheckEconomists recommend that each of us use the money to make purchases in an effort to stimulate the economy.... Following are several ways in which one can invest in the economy while also investing in themselves and their future. -
Crocheted or Knitted Gift Ideas for the HolidaysAlthough there are just a few weeks left before the holidays, don't fret because there are several items that both the novice and advanced artisan can still make.
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Choosing Fruits and VegetablesNot all fruits and vegetables are equal. Simply put, some offer much more bang for your buck so to speak.
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Review: Jack LaLanne's Power Juicer: ClassicSeveral times a week there is an infomercial on television promoting Jack LaLanne's line of power juicers. These juicers are said to transform fresh vegetables and fruit into juice in just seconds. Are the claims concerning these juicers true? -
Tips to Help with Being on Bed RestMany doctors prescribe bed rest for complicated pregnancies, injuries or recuperation from surgery. No matter the reason, prolonged bed rest can be quite difficult.
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Must Have Items for the Laundry RoomIn addition to your basic laundry staples, there are other products and tools you can purchase to help make your laundering experience more pleasant. These products will also extend the life of your fabrics, and make them cleaner, brighter, whiter and softer. -
What is a Dysfunctional Family?Talk show hosts like Dr. Phil and Steve Wilkos have made a career exposing and sometimes even exploiting so called dysfunctional families. Is this a new phenomenon or have dysfunctional families always been a part of society?
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School Policies Concerning Sports and Extracurricular ActivitiesShould students be allowed to participate in extra-curricular activities simultaneously, even if schedules conflict?
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All About Third Parties in America: Which "Minor" Political Party Do You Most Agree With?Most voters you talk with would affiliate themselves with either the Democratic or Republican parties. Possibly this is because many of them know very little about other political parties. Maybe it's time to take a closer look at these minority groups.
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Modern Crocheting ProjectsYoung crocheters may not be interested in some of the more traditional crocheting projects, but they may find some of these new ideas fun and cool to create. -
Top 6 Movies for Coaches and Their TeamsWhether you're coaching a football, track, chess, bowling or golf team, there are several movies that can be used to aid in your preparation and training.
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Take Up a New Hobby or SportNow that I'm older, I seem to have a little more confidence as well as patience to learn new things. I believe that this is the same for many as they mature. Thus, middle or retirement age is a great time to learn a new hobby or pick up a sport. Still not convinced? -
Pets for Children Who Can't Have a Furry FriendAlthough you may want a pet, your home or lifestyle may not be conducive to owning certain types of animals.... You may be able to get the same benefits from owning a pet other than your standard cat, dog or gerbil.
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Iron Supplements for WomenIron is an essential element for women whether they are of child bearing age or not. A deficiency in iron can lead to problems in thyroid function, hormone production and mental health ailments such as depression. -
Golf Attire for the Plus-Size Woman - What is Acceptable, What is Not AcceptableMost golf attire is made and designed for smaller women. I am a plus-size woman who is passionate about golfing; but I've had trouble finding suitable outfits to golf in.
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The Best Golf Courses at Casino ResortsBecause my husband and I are not into gaming, we would often overlook casino resorts as potential vacation spots. Nonetheless, we've found that casino resorts offer some of the best golfing opportunities. -
Senator Hillary Clinton: Why She Won't Get My VoteSenator Hillary Clinton has many opponents. Some may pettily not vote for her just because she's a woman.... Although I can't say that I disagree entirely with the above reasons for possibly not voting for her; my reasons are different.
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The Battle for the Democratic Candidacy Gets More IntenseArguments about the votes in Michigan and Florida, ugly and insidious comments about race and other petty bickering has turned something hopeful and promising into nasty and dirty politics all over again. -
How to Choose Quality CookwareYou can purchase an already put together set or build your own.
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The 2008 Presidential Campaign: All About the Independent and Third Party CandidatesIn the midst of all of the hype, an "independent" can't help but become frustrated with all of the emphasis upon partisanship and the two dominant parties. What about the independent and third party candidates considering throwing their name in the race for President? -
Wheat Germ: It's Uses and BenefitsWheat germ is a supplement high in both vitamin E and folic acid, and can be purchased at any health food store and can be found at some grocers.
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Improving Your Digestive SystemIt's common knowledge that everyone needs food to survive. But in order to be healthy, the nutrients from food need to first properly be absorbed, and then to travel and nourish the whole body.
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Valentine's Day Gift Ideas for the Special Lady in Your LifeShopping for a special gift for the lady in your life will take some thought and consideration. It's not about how much money you spend, but it's the sentiment and heart behind the gift.
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How to Unwind from the HolidaysHere are a few tips for unwinding after the holidays and getting back to a normal routine.
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Houseplants and Fungus GnatsThere are many websites out there promoting pesticides and miracle cures for this problem, but because I prefer to stick with natural products, I decided to use common sense to come up with a solution. -
Last Minute Ideas for a Wild and Wacky ChristmasCreate some excitement, fun and adventure this year. Your kids will thank you and it will be a Christmas they will never, ever forget. Here are a few ideas:
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Holiday Gift Ideas Using Your Food DehydratorMany cooks use their dehydrators to preserve meats, fruits and vegetables, and to dry herbs for seasonings. This holiday season, why not use your dehydrator to make homemade holiday gifts?
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Being Happy During the Holidays: A Guide to Defeating the Holiday BluesMany truly want to enjoy the holidays, but memories of the death of loved ones, loss relationships or even financial disappointments can loom during the season.
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Graying Gracefully: Beauty Tips for Gray HairDeciding to keep your gray hair can be a very liberating process. Nonetheless, there are some things you should do and changes you should make to adjust to your new hair color.
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10 Simple Steps to a Clean BathroomAnother option is to use a couple of cups of white vinegar or a couple of cups of lemon juice. Pour the white vinegar or lemon juice in the toilet tank. Let it sit about 30 minutes. Flush the toilet 2-3 times and follow with a pot of very hot water and flush again. -
Holiday Story IdeasThere are a host of subjects that one can write on pertaining to the holidays, and it's a very promising time for getting hits and visitors to your page or blog. People search the net for ideas on holiday decorations, recipes, travel and much more. -
Weekend Getaways Just a Few Hours from ChicagoSometimes getting away to somewhere fresh and new is just what you need. After a long weekend get away, you return home rested, refreshed and rejuvenated. -
Weekend Get Aways Just a Few Hours from ClevelandThere are so many places to visit and sites to see in Cleveland, but sometimes you just want to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Sometimes a change of scenery is just what you need. -
Weekend Get Aways Just a Few Hours from DetroitTaking off a Friday and/or Monday can make for a long weekend and a great opportunity to get away from it all. No need to go through the hassle of making airline reservations, or scheduling the rail, just hop in your car and head to one of these destinations. -
5 Steps to Achieving SuccessWhat does success look like to you? Each of us should have a different answer to that question...... The idea of the project is to help you determine whether you are headed for success or just spinning your wheels.
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Tips for Downsizing Your HomeNo matter the reason, downsizing one's home can be very difficult. Can you imagine trying to pack a 2500 square foot home into a 1200 square foot apartment?... Here are some tips for successful downsizing. -
County/State Fairs in the Mid-WestCounty and state fairs make wonderful stress-free, economical vacations. Although most fairs are held in July/early August, some fairs are held in late summer. -
Relocating a House:My young neighbor joked that the house moved about a 1/4 of a mile every hour. That wasn't so far off since the move began at 8 a.m. and ended a little after 4 p.m. in the afternoon. Again, the home only moved about 3.5 miles. -
The Best Golf Training Videos and DVDsThe most favorable way to learn to golf is through lessons from a pro. Nevertheless, these lessons can be quite expensive. One private lesson from a pro can cost as much as $50 for just an half hour, and a semi-private/group lesson $20 per half hour. -
9 Tips for Back to School ShoppingIf you have a home office, you should also do an inventory of your office supplies. Remember that the kids will need to use the computer for reports, etc. -
Student Exchange From an Insider's Perspective: Studying Abroad with a Host FamilyShe hopes that their experience in the United States, or their encounter with a fellow exchange student, might influence them to pursue peace instead of war. -
10 Easy Steps to Healthy Eating and Weight LossIf you're anything like me, you've probably wasted lots of money on weight loss drinks, programs and foods that you ate for a little while, but ended up throwing away later because they were, for lack of a better word - yucky. -
Brisk or Power Walking Vs. A Long StrollIs the greatest benefit gained from speed, distance or length of time walking? -
Why I Wear Dreadlocks?To this day, many wear dreadlocks because of their religious affiliations. Namely the Rastafarian religion. Others wear dreadlocks as a symbol of racial pride and strength. -
Unique Ideas for Memorable and Meaningful Sympathy GiftsMost people send the traditional card, sympathy bouquet or a planter. Although these are wonderful expressions of concern, the truth is that cards will be thrown away, flowers will wither and the plants themselves will eventually die. -
Small Master Bedrooms in Historical Homes: Turn a Small Bedroom into a Master SuiteWith a little creativity, you can give your older home's master bedroom a "suite" touch. -
Hotel Review: Spring Hill Suites in Downtown Memphis, TennesseeThe Spring Hill Suites in downtown Memphis is a great place to stay whether you are traveling for business or leisure. -
The Mini Trampoline: A Great Home WorkoutOne of the best investments I ever made in exercise equipment was purchasing my mini-trampoline..... You can do a variety of exercises on the mini-trampoline and add to the intensity by adding weights and/or added movements. -
Easy Summer Breakfast IdeasFollowing a good stretch, I always look forward to breakfast in the summer. You don't have to be a chef to incorporate summer in your breakfast(s). Here are some simple tips for freshening and livening up your breakfast with a "touch of summer". -
Tips for Brides Over 40: Wedding Ideas for the Sophisticated and Mature BrideSo you found your prince charming, or he found you when you were over 40. Well, you can still have your fairy-tale wedding, just one that is age appropriate. Here are ten tips for a more elegant, sophisticated and mature wedding. -
New Hotel in Downtown Grand Rapids:The JW Marriott in downtown Grand Rapids had plans to make the 19th floor - Female Only, when they opened this September. After negative comments from customers/potential patrons, they've changed their plans. -
Hotel Review: the Courtyard by Marriott in Flint, MichiganThe hotel is in an excellent location and offers wonderful amenities. -
Top Six Outdoor Wedding Venues on the Lakeshore in MichiganThe Lakeshore, Michigan is a fantastic spot for a destination wedding. Imagine beautiful Lake Michigan as the backdrop for your wedding photos. -
Michigan Faces Budget CrisisMichigan is one of only a few states who has a full-time legislature. -
Father's Day Gift Ideas - Give Dad a Gift He's Sure to AppreciateI've had some of my best laughs watching sitcoms in which dad gets a tie for Father's Day that lights up and/or plays music. Although dad will appreciate the thought behind any gift, with just a little advanced planning, you can give dad a gift he's sure to appreciate.
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Great Summer Movie Rentals for the TweensHere are eleven great movies that both you and your tweens will appreciate. They are educational, fun, adventurous, wholesome, inspiring and age appropriate. Most importantly, they are free of violence, sexually explicit material and grossness. -
Don't Know What to Write About? - Ideas and Tips to Help Get Your Creative Juices FlowingIn the summer I hope to head to the beach because one of our beaches has gone wireless. Isn't that great? You might want to check out places in your area where you can work and enjoy your environment. Here are some other tips/ideas to consider - -
Tips for Painting Your Home Exterior: Choosing the Right ColorWhile contemplating a fresh spring look for our home, my husband and I discovered that our trim is in need of a fresh coat of paint. Now the question is what color to paint the trim, and what color to paint the door and entrance area. -
Rosie's Gone from the View - Who Will Replace Her?So where does The View go from here? It is clear that Barbara Walters will probably not return to the show on a regular basis. So who will replace Rosie? Here are some candidates I think ABC should consider for the daytime spot (not in any particular order).
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Summer and Seasonal Jobs in the Greater Grand Rapids, Michigan AreaMany Michiganders hibernate for the winter and come out in the spring/summer to enjoy activities such as boating, fishing, skateboarding, golfing or just lying around on the beach.... Consequently there are many new/fresh job opportunities for the summer. -
Women Only: Check Out Indoor/Arena FootballArena football is something that we both enjoy and he doesn't have to put up with my whining about how cold it is, or how far the bathroom is, or asking him every 10 minutes or so "what down is this"? No, arena football has solved all of those problems. -
Strange Powdery Substance Found at Gerber HeadquartersJust a couple of hours ago, emergency crews arrived at Gerber Corporate Headquarters in Fremont, Michigan. -
A Guide to 2007 Charity Walks and RacesCharities depend upon walkers/runners to help raise funds for their organizations through charity walks and races. -
The Beauty Home Sauna IG290: My Own Personal Sauna for Only $200To our surprise we ran across some portable steam saunas.... In addition to the affordability of these saunas (they usually range from about $150-$400), they are portable and can be disassembled to store away in a closet or under a bed if needed. -
A Guide for Spring Cleaning...Thus, it's an indication that it's time for my annual spring cleaning. Here are some tips/strategies to use for indoor spring cleaning along with a few checklists. Enjoy, and happy spring cleaning. -
Grand Rapids IBL Team Signs the World's Tallest Basketball PlayerSun Ming Ming of China is stands 7' 9" tall and weighs close to 400 pounds. He will be the starting center for the Flight this season. The season begins on March 23. -
Living Through a Home Remodel - A Survival GuideSome remodels can take several months or even a year or so depending upon the extent of the project. Because my home is soon to be 100 years old, we've completed several remodels. Here are some suggestions for surviving a home remodel. -
Spruce Up Your Home With Signature Colors Brilliant Metal Finish PaintsThis product is wonderful for "sprucing up" or making something look new again. It can also add real flair to a room if you're brave enough to paint an entire room in this finish. -
Why is America so Obsessed with Celebrities?Recently the media has had a field day sneaking around trying to find out information about the death of and possible burial site of Anna Nicole Smith. Even more of interest has been who is the father of her five month old daughter Danielynn. -
Movie Amazing Grace Opening in Theaters This FridayWilberforce's passion was to open the eyes of the blind who did not see the error and evil of slavery. I being a graduate of Wilberforce University, an American university named in honor of William Wilberforce, hope that you'll take the time to go and see this movie. -
Michigan's Top High School Football Player Announces His School ChoiceJohnson is ranked #8 in the nation among high school football players, and was recently named to the Parade All-America High School Football Team. He is also the most sought after high school football player in all of Muskegon's history.
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Warning - Drug & Alcohol Abuse Can & Does Cause Heart Failure and Heart DiseaseA 46 year old relative is currently undergoing open heart surgery. Did years of smoking, alcohol and drug abuse bring about congestive heart failure? -
Important Things to Consider Before ProposingValentine's Day is quickly approaching and many are planning romantic and memorable proposals. Before you propose, or before you say "yes" to a proposal, please consider this "motherly" advice. -
Lawyers Becoming Congressmen: A New Phenomenon?Bloomberg recently reported that over 25% of the newly elected Congressmen are former members of the legal profession. The report stated that many Americans believe it to be a positive to have a lawyer in political office. -
Preventative and Natural Care During Cold/Flu SeasonsIn the cold/flu season you can get a flu shot, or an anti-viral to try and not get the virus, but want can we do in a natural sense? Here are some suggestions for items to keep in your medicine cabinet for preventive purposes and for battle should you get a virus. -
Setting New Year's Resolutions - Rethinking How it is DoneIt is said that the custom of making New Year's resolutions came about over 4,000 years ago and is derived from Babylonian culture..... Nevertheless, it is important to note that their resolutions were very different from ours. -
10 New Year's Resolutions for Telecommuters & Home-Based Business Owners2007 is headed our way. Here is a list of New Year's Resolutions for Telecommuters and home-based business owners to aid in a more successful and productive business year.
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Freelancers, Small Business Owners, Entrepreneurs - Did You Reach Your Financial Goal(s) This Year?As the end of the year is quickly approaching, most of us who are self-employed are preparing to gather together our business documents in anticipation of the tax season. As you approach the end of your financial year, let me share with you some encouraging thoughts.
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Remodeling a Small Bathroom on a Small Budget With Taste & ClassMy bathroom is 8' x 8' (no where near the size of most modern bathrooms), and trying to find fixtures that fit has been quite a challenge. For weeks I researched and pondered. Here are some ideas I came up with: -
Overcoming Irritable Bowel Syndrome -The doctor asked me to come into his office and he told me the diagnosis was "spastic colon" or "irritable bowel syndrome". I now consider myself to be free of IBS, have been for about 8 years. Here are some tips that helped me become cured.
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12 Ideas for Family Sharing/Giving During the HolidaysHere are 12 ideas to help to reshape your families thinking about the Holidays. These will be great "traditions" for your kids to pass on for generations to come. -
Soup - a Great Meal on a Cold DayHere are a few simple meal suggestions for this upcoming winter season. Note that everything I do is quick and easy. Although I enjoyed grandma's cooking, I just don't have the time to do everything from scratch. -
Celebrating the Holidays in the Tri-Cities (Saginaw, Bay City & Flint), MichiganGrowing up in the Tri-City area of Michigan (Saginaw, Bay City and Flint), I have fond memories of the holidays. Here are some wonderful places you can visit during the holidays. -
Two-Party Political System Threatens Real DemocracyIn fact, I'm not Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, or of the Natural Law or Green Party. No, instead I've decided to join the ranks of independent thinkers.... -
Doctor Shortage Expected in Michigan -Over the last year or so the media has been reporting an expected shortage of doctors in the State of Michigan. It is expected that within the next 10 years or so, Michigan will be short a few thousand doctors. -
A Short Story for the Executives at FordFor many years Ford has had abundance followed by years of famine. Then the cycle seems to repeat itself. So my advice to Ford executives, is to follow the advice that Joseph gave to Pharoah (Genesis 41: 34-36). -
Do You Know What Vitamins/Supplements You Should Be Taking?I've often been confused by all of the health products available today. What do I take? What do I need? Put in simple terms, I hope this short guide will help you begin to make sense of it all. -
An Editorial from a Daughter of a GM EmployeeAfter graduating from college, many of us quickly learned that it would take us years to get to the income of our parents and to attain their level of purchasing power. -
The Double JJ Resort in Western MichiganThis is a review of the Double JJ Resort in Michigan. The Double JJ is a western-themed resort offering activities such as golf, horseback riding, skiing and snow shoeing. In November of this year they plan to open an indoor waterpark. -
Caring for a Sick PetHere are some tips or advice I give to anyone caring for an ailing pet. -
Great Tips/Ideas for Spending Your Vacation at HomeWith gas prices rising as they are, and terrorism continuously being a concern, many are opting to bypass their vacations. Are you one of those people? Well, just maybe you can still have that vacation and not even leave home. -
More Than A Salad Dressing, Olive Oil, The Health And Medical BenefitsThis article gives many purposes and benefits for using olive oil in foods as well as for medicinal purposes. -
Sitcoms from the 1980's & 1990's - Where Are These Stars?There were really some wonderful shows in the 80's and 90's that we "teens & young adults" watched faithfully. Where are these stars now? -
Host Families Needed for Foreign Exchange StudentsI'm sure that you and your family are considering hosting because you want to be a part of making this world a better place. This is wonderful and admirable, but to make this a positive experience, do your homework first! -
Almond Milk versus Soy MilkAlthough it took me a while to adjust to soy milk, I must say that now I really like the taste and actually prefer it over cow's milk. So I was very hesitant to try almond milk.
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The Truth About Soy Milk - Is it Good or Bad for You?For many years I was convinced that I was doing a good thing for my body in drinking soy milk. That is until a couple of weeks ago when I was watching a health show which focused upon the dangers of soy. -
ChristianBook.comChristianBook.com offers a wide variety of products such as Christian books, music, teaching/study materials, movies and even gift items.
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For Women - Taking Care of YourselfWhat most of us were never taught and have failed to realize, is that we also need to be sure to take care of ourselves.
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Doing Business with Family & FriendsI can't tell you how many times I was "burnt" so to speak when I was not paid for a product or service.
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A Summer Ferry Ride From Muskegon to MilwaukeeTravel by ferry can be a fun yet economical traveling solution.
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The Continental Basketball Association (CBA)With NBA (National Basketball Association) game tickets now averaging about $60 a ticket for a half-way decent seat, it's no wonder a lot of families have given up on professional basketball games as a fun family outing.
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A Bachelor of Arts in Basket Weaving?Achieving a degree is an accomplishment no matter what field it is in because it shows that you are a finisher, a completer and not a quitter. -
How to Choose a Good Sports BraA woman's breasts must be well protected and supported during exercise, in both leisure activity and competitive sports.
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The Sundara Inn & Spa in Wisconsin Dells, WIThe Sundara Inn & Spa offers a vacation of relaxation, seclusion and a time for reflection and study/meditation.
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Born to Die -Consequently, we were born to die. Born to die in order that Christ might be resurrected in us.
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Opened Eyes"Delight yourself in the LORD and He will give you the desires of your heart (Ps. 37:4) -
How to Start Your Own E-zineDo you have a passion? How about gardening, knitting or cooking? Or do you have advice to share with others? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you are a perfect candidate to start an e-zine.
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Minimize or Even Stop Acute Sinus Infections -Since then I'm determined more than ever to arm myself with knowledge and learn to avoid foods and/or activities that may trigger or bring on sinus problems.
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National Kidney Foundation Walk: My Motivation for Getting & Staying in ShapeThe idea that I am training for something like this has me pumped and I am truly motivated to continue to workout and prepare myself in order that I might do well. -
The Lazy Days of SummerHere are a few tips or ideas I think would be great for your pre-teen or teen to do over the upcoming summer break.
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Unity Christian Music Festival: Three Days of Entertainment, Praise & WorshipDo you enjoy Christian contemporary music? If you do, think what it would be like to experience three days of entertainment, praise and worship with artists such as Steven Curtis Chapman, the Newsboys and/or Audio Adrenaline.
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The Health Risks Behind Antiperspirants and DeodorantsBefore I torture my armpits once again with a so-called "natural product", I thought I'd take some time and learn the truth about the health risks concerning antiperspirants and deodorants.
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A Former Vocational School Director's Take on Continuing EducationAs a former Vocational School Director, I am writing this article to arm you with the information you need to help you make an informed, educated decision before signing any vocational school contract.
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Christmas Shopping in the Lakeshore and Muskegon AreaThe Lakeshore is a great place to shop for Christmas! People from as far north as Ludington come to shop here. Most go to the Lakes Mall, but many come for the small, quaint gift shops that offer specialty items.
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My Favorite Independently Owned Restaurants in MuskegonWhen I'm traveling I like to try new restaurants but am usually hesitant to do so. So that you can try some new places when visiting my area, I want to share some of my favorite independently owned restaurants in my area.
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Immediate Relief from SinusitisNow the first defense for me in fighting sinus congestion is to drink lots of clear fluids. It seems to help a lot with the drainage. So I began immediately drinking my favorite - ½ fresh juice and ½ water. -
The FleshAre you doing all that God has asked you to do? If not, what or who is hindering you? Before you blame something, or somebody else - look in the mirror!
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Lake Michigan Beach VacationLove beaches? Well, the Lakeshore spans 170 miles. Why not take a week or so and visit all of the beachtowns? Here is a great travel plan for you. -
Finding Fulfullment as a Stay-At-Home WifeJust stay at home I thought? For many years I'd be back and forth, wanting to honor my husband's desires but struggling with my own self-esteem and security.
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Fame, Fortune & the Body of ChristMany mega churches have over 50,000 members, but how many of these members are true converts? How many of them have been transformed and changed by Jesus Christ?
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Offense & ComfortI must endure hardship, persecution, being lied on, talked about, slandered and even cheated. So what's a little offense or discomfort?
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The RemnantOh how easy it is to get comfortable inside the doors of the church. Oh how easy it is to get caught up in "church" and get sidetracked from your true calling. Some folks are doing some real "radical" things for Christ.