Nicole Beck

Featured Content (1 of 1)

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  Queen Anne's Lace

  7/25/2011

  A haiku about the flower Queen Anne's Lace
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  My Favorite Novel: Prodigal Summer by Barbara Kingsolver

  7/25/2011

  Prodigal Summer by Barbara Kingsolver is a gripping novel that taught me the importance of the world around me.
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  Whitman's Contributed Verse

  4/21/2011

  Discussion, analysis, and biographical information of Walt Whitman's famous poem "O Me! O Life!"
• Son

  4/19/2011

  Shakespearean sonnet about a son's love.
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  Purple Is

  6/25/2010

  Purple Haiku for the Yahoo Contest
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  What Bottles to Buy for Your Baby

  3/2/2010

  After using a variety of bottles, I have found that they are not all the same. And sometimes the priciest-or the cheapest-is not the best bet.
• Missouri State Parks in West St. Louis County

  3/1/2010

  West St. Louis County boasts two of Missouri's State Parks: Castlewood State Park and Dr. Edmund A. Babler State Park, both of which offer hiking, picnicking and other fun and free activities.
• 6 Unexpected Things About Bringing Home a Newborn

  2/19/2010

  Bringing home a newborn for the first time is possibly one of the scariest things you can possibly do in your life. From my experience, these are the top things I wasn't expecting or prepared for when bringing home a newborn.
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  White Summer Wedding Dresses for Under $800

  2/18/2010

  From the traditional David's Bridal retailer to the unique and custom sellers on Etsy, these five gowns are white and great for a summer wedding--they're also affordable!
• Field of Dreams: An Amazing Sports Movie

  2/4/2010

  A synopsis, cast discussion, and personal interpretation of the great sports movie Field of Dreams.
• Six Things People Rarely Tell You About Pregnancy

  2/1/2010

  Here, I share six things I learned during pregnancy that no one really warned me about.
• 
  Nothing Dies with Me

  1/13/2010

  A young man loses the love of his life.
• Saint Charles County Birthing Centers: Progress West or Barnes Jewish Saint Peters?

  1/13/2010

  Progress West Hospital and Barnes Jewish Saint Peters offer many similar services when it comes to their birthing centers, but each offer a different feel for birthing your child.
• River City Rascals: Enjoying a Summer Evening in O'Fallon, Missouri

  6/9/2009

  Instead of breaking the bank at a St. Louis Cardinals game, try the River City Rascals - a cheaper, more family-friendly baseball outing.
• Meaning Behind My Favorite Song, Stop This Train, by John Mayer

  2/10/2008

  "Stop This Train," a song from John Mayer's Continuum,is a song that speaks to a common theme in Mayer's songs: that messy place between adolescence and adulthood.
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  Organic Vegetable Gardening: Containers

  2/8/2008

  My experiences with growing tomatoes and peppers organically in containers last summer. Directions, ideas, and products to consider.
• Chocolate Cake Recipes: Chocolate Chip Fudge Cake

  2/3/2008

  An easy to create fudgy, chocolaty cake for any occasion.
• Chicken Breast Recipes: Chicken & Peppers Pasta

  2/2/2008

  Mixing chicken, peppers, onions, and pasta--this chicken breast recipe is sure to be a hit with family each night you choose it.
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  Spring Cleaning Checklist for Your House

  1/18/2008

  A room-by-room checklist for spring cleaning, including tips and products to use. Also three examples of different types of spring cleaning checklists included.
• Four Wedding Venues Near Saint Louis, Missouri

  12/17/2007

  Though most Saint Louis area brides immediately think downtown venue for receptions, West Saint Louis County and Saint Charles County offer beautiful venues that can be just as beautiful, less expensive, and more convenient.
• ACT / SAT Strategies for the Reading Section

  12/17/2007

  These general strategies for the reading section are a great start when preparing to take the ACT. Most are specifically applicable to the READING section of the ACT or the Critical Reading section of the SAT. These strategies are applicable to both tests.
• Lesson Plan: Understanding Memoir

  6/5/2007

  This lesson plan offers students a differentiated way of approaching understanding of the memoir form, a subgenre of the creative nonfiction genre.
• Multiple Intelligence Lesson Plan for High School English

  2/18/2007

  This is a multiple Intelligence Lesson Plan geared towards teaching the literary device of tone. Activities address all "types" of learning that are currently out there. Assignments address different intelligences and allow students choice.
• Meaning in Poetry: A Bloom's Lesson Plan

  2/18/2007

  Poetry is often a subject that makes students groan with disgust. This interactive and higher thinking approach presented in the Bloom's format may help get your students involved and thinking beyond how boring they think poetry is. Includes Assignment Idea
• Making Connections with the Bill of Rights: Lesson Plan for Middle School Social Studies

  2/18/2007

  This lesson plan can be used in any class that is teaching the Bill of Rights. This lesson helps bring the Bill of Rights into reality for middle school students. With scenarios that could happen to us today, it's all about connecting students to their government.
• Lesson Plan: An Introduction to Creative Nonfiction

  2/18/2007

  Creative Nonfiction is a complex, interesting genre that is gaining popularity while schools begin to add it to their Language Arts curriculum. This lesson plan, geared for upper level high school students, is a great way to introduce creative nonfiction in your classroom.
• Top Ten Books to Prepare You for College

  9/30/2006

  The following books are the top ten books to read to prepare you for the new learning processes and writing choices many of your college classes will ask you to make.
• 
  Enhancing Your Favorite Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe with Unique Ingredients

  9/26/2006

  Chocolate chip cookies are probably one of the easiest cookies to make and most popular to eat. But, sometimes plain old chocolate chip just seems a bit boring. Here are some great ways to add a zing to your favorite chocolate chip recipe!
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  Fall into St. Louis Dating: Autumn-Inspired Dates in St. Louis, Mo

  9/26/2006

  By September and October, St. Louis begins to cool off into beautiful days. Take advantage of St. Louis' best season by taking your special someone away from the hustle and bustle of downtown.
• Top Ten Songs by Alanis Morissette: Beyond Jagged Little Pill

  9/24/2006

  Alanis Morissette is probably best known for her album "Jagged Little Pill" Her following albums display some of Morissette's best work in lyrical and personal growth. Beyond "Jagged Little Pill," these are the top ten songs by Alanis Morissette.
• 
  How to Write Your Wedding Vows Part Three

  9/23/2006

  You've decided what anecdotes to keep and what jokes to throw away. You've made an attempt at organizing your ideas and now it's time to put them all together into unforgettable and loving vows fit for your spouse-to-be.
• Top Ten Songs by Jewel

  9/21/2006

  Jewel's songs are not for everyone. They have an attention to lyric and mood that only appeals to some. Still, her best songs are not those hits on the radio, but those on the rest of the album exploring human feeling and frailty in a beautiful way.
• The Top Ten Toys for Your Child: Infant-1 Year

  9/19/2006

  There are plenty of toys out there for infants. Some are simple and some are infinitely complicated. It may seem difficult to pick out the best toys that are going to entertain your baby and not hurt your wallet, but here's a guide to help.
• 
  How to Write Wedding Vows Part Two

  9/18/2006

  You've brainstormed lots of ideas about what to include in your wedding vows. You've got personal anecdotes, poetry, jokes, and emotional words you want to include. Now comes more hard work: choosing what to put in and choosing what to leave out.
• 
  How to Write Your Wedding Vows Part One

  9/18/2006

  The hardest part is the start, by following these brainstorming activities you'll be on your way to memorable and true-to-yourself vows.
• 
  Decorating for the Winter Holidays with CHEAP but PRETTY Decorations

  9/12/2006

  Between finding sales, utilizing hand-me-downs, and decorating with things you've already got laying around the house, you can find many inexpensive ways to decorate your home or apartment this holiday season.
• What to Do when Your Child Gets in Trouble at Daycare

  9/11/2006

  It takes rational thought, open communication and serious consideration to deal with issues at daycare: whether it's a one-time offense or a repeated problem.
• Historical Detour: The Daniel Boone Home in Defiance, Missouri

  9/11/2006

  35 miles west of St. Louis, you'll find Daniel Boone's Missouri home and an Early American village. With gorgeous scenery, authentic historical buildings and artifacts, visiting the Daniel Boone home is an enjoyable learning experience.
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  Showing Your Love is in the Small Things

  9/11/2006

  The small things to do to convey your feelings will be more memorable and my joyful, because they speak not just to the here and now, but to the long term of your love.
• 
  Historical Detours: A Day Trip to Fort Madison, Iowa

  9/9/2006

  Stopping at Fort Madison, you can take a tour of the reconstructed Fort Madison, you can take a walk on the banks of the Mississippi, and you can glance from afar parts of the Iowa State Penitentiary that were built back in 1839.
• 
  Why We Love to Blog: Blogging as Therapy

  9/8/2006

  Still, many bloggers overlook one simple portion of why they blog: for themselves. It may be for attention, sympathy or even help, but more so people are writing about experiences because it helps put those experiences into perspective.
• 
  Fall into Dating: Great Autumn-Inspired First Dates

  9/8/2006

  Choosing a unique and fun first date is virtually impossible. Use the weather, the scenery, and events in your area to your advantage to find unique and memorable first dates.
• Top Ten Qualities of People Who Live a Long Life

  9/8/2006

  What's the secret to a long, happy life? It's anyone's guess, but taking a small sample of people who have lived happy, productive lives into their eighties, they share similar qualities that may just be pieces to the puzzle of longevity.
• 
  Antique Airfield-A Pilot's Field of Dreams

  9/7/2006

  Antique Airfield is home to the Airpower Museum and the APM Library of Flight. All three join forces to preserve and enjoy the amazing history of aviation, focusing on the antique and classic age of airplanes.
• 
  Little Known History Detours: Mt. Olive, Illinois

  9/5/2006

  If you enjoy your history, follow the signs off I-55 toward the Mother Jones Monument, and you'll discover a fascinating learning experience hidden off old Route 66 in Central Illinois.
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  Helping Your Child Succeed in School: Building Writing Skills at Home

  9/5/2006

  Many parents want to help their children succeed at school, but many also don't know how. By using a little bit of your imagination, you can help your elementary-school-age child build important writing skills.
• What Do I Need to Know About Taking the Praxis Exam?

  6/22/2006

  Basic explanation of the Praxis Exams, who should take it, when, how to sign up and prepare, where to find resources about the Praxis.
• Dealing With Someone Else's Violent Child (Ages 3-7)

  3/22/2006

  Whether you're a daycare worker, a babysitter, or a teacher, strategy and analyzing the situation are important parts of helping the child learn suitable reactions that are not violent.
• Finding the Right Apartment for You

  3/10/2006

  When looking for an apartment, there are so many things to consider it is often overwhelming. By organizing your concerns, shopping around, and staying focused on what's best for you, you'll be able to find an affordable, safe and cozy apartment.
• Getting Your Children to Take Naps

  3/8/2006

  While some children sleep without much help or prodding, many young children don't want to take a nap. They will fight sleep no matter how exhausted they are. If this is your child, read through these tips to find out what method might work best.
• How Will the World Baseball Classic Affect Your Favorite Teams

  3/1/2006

  Whether or not you plan on following the World Baseball Classic, it is likely that your favorite team will be affected in Spring Training by this new baseball tournament.
• The World Baseball Classic: Is it Worth Watching?

  3/1/2006

  Starting 3/3/06-3/20/06 the World Baseball Classic goes beyond the Major Leagues, and includes the best players from 16 of the best baseball playing nations. Like the AllStar game, the WBC won't hold too much importance but it will be an enjoyable watch.
• A Guide to Getting Into Your First Apartment

  2/24/2006

  Many kids are staying with their parents longer! While moving out comes with freedom and independence, it also comes with a lot of surprises you may not be prepared for. Budgeting, organization and knowledge will help this transition be a smooth one.
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  How to Deal with the Baby of the Family

  2/13/2006

  Many children, in a search for sympathy, find a way to make themselves a victim of a silly situation. While it may seem harmless to indulge this behavior, the child will develop stronger socially if certain steps are made to curb this behavior.
• Getting Fired: How to Cope Professionally and Emotionally

  2/9/2006

  In today's ever-fluctuating job market and constantly changing company structure, getting fired at least once in your lifetime is almost a given. Knowing what to keep in mind as you finish up time at your job and go to the next phase in your life is key.
• A Guide to Writing Realistic Dialogue in Fiction

  2/3/2006

  Writing realistic dialogue in fiction can be a daunting task. However, by following a few simple excercises, you will find yourself writing better and better dialogue in your fiction.
• How to Fight Loneliness when Living Alone

  1/31/2006

  Living alone can be a lonely experience no matter how active your social life. Here are a few tips on how to feel less lonely while living by yourself. (Especially helpful for those who have recently moved by themselves).
• Tips on How to Nip Winter Blahs in the Bud

  1/24/2006

  By taking a few measures every day, beating the winter blahs is as easy as opening your blinds on a sunny day! However, nothing beats eating right and exercise in making you feel more energized and ready to take on those winter blahs.
• Best Online Job Search Engines and How to Use Them

  1/24/2006

  There are online job search engines out there claiming to get you a job fast and easy! First, you have to know how to use it, treat job hunting seriously, and not rely on online searches alone. Here are some tips for the best job search-engines online.
• 
  Engage Their Imagination: Great Toys for Children Under 8

  1/20/2006

  In today's age of video games, non-stop internet access and increasing "reality" television, it is important to give our children the tools to engage their imagination and creativity. Here are some great toys that do just that for different age groups.
• 
  What's a Cover Letter and Why Do I Need One?

  1/17/2006

  Not many employers ask for cover letters in newspaper ads, however it's almost always a good idea to send one. This article tells you why you should send a cover letter, what your cover letter should say and how to best highlight your unique skills.
• Small-Town College Life, There is Fun to Be Had

  1/11/2006

  If you're going to or plan on going to a college/university in a small town, you may think there won't be anything to do, but if you know where to look, you'll be able to find plenty of fun things to do in your spare time.
• 
  Missouri State Parks: Profile of Babler State Park

  1/10/2006

  Babler State Park is a welcomed relaxation away from the hustle and bustle of St. Louis. Enjoy hiking, camping or even just driving through and enjoying the scenery. With its rich history, Babler is a great place to visit.
• Gatlinburg, Tennessee: A Great Vacation for Couples Young and Old

  1/5/2006

  An affordable vacation with a sense of amusement, romance and adventure is in store when visiting Gatlinburg, Tennessee. From shopping, eating, and museums to hiking, horseback riding and breathtaking views, Gatlinburg has everything for every couple.
• A Bridesmaid's How-To on Maintaining a Friendship With the Bride

  12/28/2005

  You're the bridesmaid, and the bride - your close friend - is driving you crazy! If you're ready to call it quits, whether to the friendship or the wedding, read the following tips on how to get along with a crazy bride on her big day.
• How to Choose the Best Daycare for You and Your Child

  12/20/2005

  It is one of the hardest decisions to make when your children are young: where to enroll your children for daycare. The following are important aspects to consider when finding the right place to entrust with the care of your child.
• Analyzing John Keats' Poem This Living Hand, Now Warm and Capable

  12/14/2005

  In John Keats' poem "This living hand, now warm and capable" he is contemplating on the integral part of literature, the relationship between the writer and reader. This is the basis of literature's appeal: the grasping for expression and understanding.
• The Rapid Changes in Women's Roles from 1900 to 1920

  12/9/2005

  In the short span of twenty years, between 1900 and 1920, the roles of women changed dramatically in the United States. Women went from home-bound producers to wage-earning consumers to political and social reformers.
• Analyzing the Threads of Loss and Baseball in Don DeLillo's Underworld

  12/7/2005

  Baseball is a game of inches. Life, too, is about inches, moments between life, death. In Don DeLillo's Underworld DeLillo's fictionalized account of the 1951 play-off game serves as a link between past and present .
• Native Spiritualism vs. Evangelical Christianity in Southeast Alaska

  12/7/2005

  In Southeast Alaska many Native American groups have begun to face issues of contrasting culture. One of the central issues is the clash between traditional Native spiritualism and the influx of Evangelical and Pentecostal churches.
• George Corso's Poetry Echos the Kennedy Assassination

  12/5/2005

  The assassination of John F. Kennedy produced an enormous reaction both in 1963 and the decades that followed. Gregory Corso used poetry to express his reaction which echoed what many felt after that turn of events.