Jo Burns
Jo is a freelance writer who enjoys writing articles about life s most pleasurable experiences; travel, spiritual growth, creative endeavors and celebrating special moments with friends and family. She is the author of several short works of fiction and is completing her second novel.
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- Page Views
- 394,987
- Content
- 72
- Fans
- 71
- Contributor since
- 3/11/2010
Education/Experience
Jo holds a Master of Fine Arts degree in Creative Writing. She has worked as a certified massage therapist, an educator and, most recently, as a full-time freelance writer.Interests
Literature, creative writing, cooking, crafts, pets, home improvement, gardening, natural health and travel.Affiliations
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Displaying Results 1 - 72 (of 72) for All Content
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Santa Knows BestOne Mom's story about being too broke to buy her young daughter the one thing she wanted for Christmas, a Cabbage Patch DollAlso published on: -
The World Needs DreamersA letter to the child self about the importance of dreaming.
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Living Fully on a Retirement BudgetTips to help retirees enjoy the holidays on a budget and prepare for tax season. -
Spice Up Your Thanksgiving LeftoversA tasty recipe for Thanksgiving leftovers with a surprising ingredient everyone will love. -
How Natural Remedies Helped Me Quit SmokingAfter decades of smoking addiction and dozens of false starts, I was finally able to kick the habit with the help of two natural allies. -
Kid-friendly Thanksgiving appetizer recipesKids enjoy snacking on appetizers during special occasions too. Try these kid-friendly recipes for healthy food that's fun to eat. -
Tips for light and fluffy pancakesThis article includes helpful tips for cooking pancakes and two delicious recipes that kids and grownups will love. -
The Dog Days of Summer and Other Canine MythsSome of the fun, misguided and downright dangerous myths about dogs exposed. -
Uncle Boo, Bakersfield and Biscuits and GravyFamily food traditions don't always need to be complicated. Here's a sentimental look at one family tradition and an easy recipe for biscuits and gravy. -
Potato Salad Redux:Ideas for updating your favorite potato salad recipe. -
Cast Iron CookingTips for cooking with a cast-iron skillet. -
Grilling Side DishesTips for making a complete meal on your outdoor grill. -
Tips for Shih Tzu Grooming at HomeTips for grooming your Shih tzu at home even if you have no expereince with dog grooming. -
Paso Robles Children’s Museum in CaliforniaNot everyone knows about the Paso Robles Children's Museum, but they should. -
Putting Up: Preserving More Than Just Food with Home CanningA personal story about one family's legacy of home food preservation and how those traditions are being passed to the new generation. -
Preserving Summer’s Bounty: Tomato and Peach Salsa with HabaneroMaking salsa is one way to use large amounts of tomatoes. This recipe for tomato and peach salsa with habanero is sweet and spicy and deliciously easy to make. -
Feeling 28 Percent Better About the Country's FutureA personal response to the recent Gallup poll on the satisfaction level of Americans.
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Shoo! How to Keep Neighborhood Cats Out of Your Flower GardenWhen the neighborhood cats decide to use your flower bed as a litter box it's unpleasant, unsanitary and destructive. Follow the tips in this article to drive the unwelcome kitties from your yard without harming them, your pocketbook or the environment.
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Summer Cookouts Are Better with RosemaryIdeas for using the humble and common rosemary plant to enhance your summertime outdoor cooking.
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Peach Season -- Time for Peach Cobbler Cake!Tips for choosing and using fresh peaches in season and a recipe for an unusually delicious peach cake.
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How I (May Have) Bought a Dog from a Puppy MillThe personal story of a woman's first forray into the world of pure-bred dogs, and helpful tips for finding a reputable dog breeder.
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My Weekly Fitness Routine -- a Baby Boomer's Watery WorkoutIf you've ever thought about joining a water exercise class this article explains just what goes on and how it can help you look and feel better, not matter what fitness level you're starting at.
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Why Should I Eat a Fiddlehead Fern?Arugula, ramps and fiddleheads -- what attracts us to these wild foods? Sure, they're tasty but so are a lot of other vegetables that are cheaper and easier to buy. Our interest in seasonal foods may be deeper than we think.
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The Art of Poaching FishAll the basics for perfectly poached fish and a recipe for poached cod Vera-Cruz-style.
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Homemade Meatloaf for DogsA healthy dogfood recipe for an everyday meal supplement or an occasional treat.
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Spring cleaning your porch and entrywayTips for spring cleaning your front porch and entrance way.
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What to Do If Your Dog Gets AttackedThe dos and don'ts of protecting your dog if it gets attacked by an aggresive dog.
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Disaster Preparedness for Your PetsTips to keep your pets safe during an emergency.
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Homemade Chicken Jerky Dog TreatsHow to make safe, wholesome chicken jerky dog treats at home.
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Should You Adopt a Shih Tzu with Dry Eye?Shih tzus are especially prone to Keratoconjnctivitis sicca, but should that stop you from adopting one? Here's one dog owner's story about caring for a dog with this potentially debilitating eye disease.
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Not Your Grandmother’s Pickled EggsRecipes for delicious pickled eggs made with a modern twist.
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Baby Boomers: Making Ends Meet With a BudgetThe personal perspective of a baby boomer living on a budget.
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Brunch at Home? Make an Omelet Station!How to set up an omelet station and serve omelets to a crowd at your holiday brunch.
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Taco Tuesday at Home – Cheaper and Healthier!Ideas for serving tacos at home that are less expensive, healthier and more delicious than those at your favorite taco chain restaurant
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The Hair of the DogUseful tips for living with a Labrador Retriever that sheds year round. How to decrease the amount of hair lost and groom your Lab for best results.
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Dry Farming: What is it and Why Should We Care?An explanation of dry farming, how it's used for growing wine grapes and its benefits.
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Help Your Family, Budget, and Environment by Wasting Less FoodTons of food are wasted in the U.S. each year. Learn what you can do to reduce food waste, save money, serve the hungry in your community and help the environment.
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Healthy Appetizers for a Super Bowl PartyDelicious Super Bowl treats that won't undo your healthy eating plan.
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Appetizers for a Super Bowl PartyDelicious appetizers for your Super Bowl party that are fun to make and easy to eat.Also published on:
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Grandchildren in the Kitchen: Sharing Family HistoryDon't shoo the grandkids out of the way when you're cooking! Having your grandchildren in the kitchen is a chance to bond over family traditions and favorite recipes.
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Cleaning Up After Your Dog:Improper disposal of dog waste can be a direct hazard to your health. Learn why cleaning up after your pet isn't just the polite thing to do -- it's the right thing to do.
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Tips for Planning a Budget-Friendly Oscar PartyThrow a fabulous Oscar party without spending like a celebrity.
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Travel Tips from a Tech-Savvy GrandmaPlanning a trip is part of the fun. You can learn about your destination and plan the best vacation by researching and booking travel plans online.
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Wheat-Free DessertsWheat-free desserts don't have to be heavy and dull. Armed with the right information and a willingness to bake outside the box, you can learn to make delicious wheat-free desserts for special occasions or every day meals.
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Best Gifts in a Jar for Holiday GivingGifts in a jar are in ideal holiday gift for teachers and coworkers or as hostess gifts. Almost any recipe can be adapted for a gift in a jar, but two special recipes stand out as two of the best choices for a thoughtful gift.
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Getting Started in Rally Obedience with a Toy DogThe basics on Rally Obedience; what it is, how you do it and why it's a good activity for you and your toy dog.
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Cooking With Wine This Holiday SeasonA guide to using wine as a cooking ingredient with your favorite holiday dishes, including a recipe for wine gravy that you can adapt for any meal.
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Louise Erdrich: A Unique American VoiceA biographical history and discussion of Louise Erdrich's short stories.
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Margaret Atwood: A Novelist with PerspectiveA brief look at the life and works of Canadian novelist Margaret Atwood.
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Quote Roundup: California Voters on the 2012 ElectionThoughts on who will be the Republican presidential candidate from a small sampling of California residents.
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Savory Garbanzo Bean SaladThe recipe for a savory bean salad and how it got a spot on one family's Thanksgiving table.
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Best Toppings for Healthy Yogurt ParfaitsSix healthy and delicious toppings to sprinkle and drizzle on a yogurt parfait.
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Top Five Tips for Buying DartsAn explanation of the different materials and styles of darts and recommendations for selecting the best set for your game.
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How Much Does a Political Candidate's Personal Narrative Mean, Really?A first-person look at the value of a candidate's personal narrative.
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Who Wrote Shakespeare’s Plays?A beginner's guide to the centuries-old debate about whether or not William Shakespeare authored the plays that bear his name.Also published on:
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Samhain and Beltane: Pagan Festivals of LightThe traditions and history behind two of the four great Celtic fire festivals.
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Samhain and Beltane: Celebrating the Cross-Quarter DaysA brief exploration of the ancient Celtic fire festivals of Samhain and Beltane and suggestions for celebrating these holy days in your own life.
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When Politicians Get PhysicalA look at some of the most memorable moments of physical aggression between political rivals in America.
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Ring Around the MoonA first-person vignette about a woman who goes walking late each night. Is it the witches in her almond grove or the sad memories in her heart that drive her to keep moving? Good thing she has the ring around the moon to keep her company.
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Fall Food and Wine Menu IdeasA recipe for the perfect fall dinner and suggested wine pairings.
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ChangesAn autumnal poem celebrating the resilience of children.
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How to Make a Fall Wreath with ChildrenInstructions for making an affordable and festive fall wreath that the whole family can help with.
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Grass Seeds and Moon PhasesInstructions for growing a lush lawn by following ancient lunar gardening techniques.
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How to Remove Pet Odors from CarpetTips for removing pet stains and odors from your carpet.
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Make Use of Your Vintage Ironing BoardTips for displaying a vintage ironing board in your home.
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How to Find a Rental in Your Target NeighborhoodTips for finding rental properties in the neighborhood where you want to live.
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Homemade Honey FacialsA list of homemade facial recipes featuring honey
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Autumn Vegetables - the Magic of SoupTurn one basic and delicious potato soup recipe into a variety of soups by using the seasonal ingredients you have on hand. Ideas for using apples, squash, fresh herbs and beer for hardy cool-season dinners.
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Apple SeasonA traditional, scary ghost story for adults with crisp, desciptive writing and a strong sense of place. Share this at your Halloween party or enjoy it all by yourself - if you dare.
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Couscous Recipes: Basic and Tasty Ways to Use CouscousCouscous preparation is simple and quick, but it adds an exotic element to any dish. Recipes using couscous include basic preparation, a delicious anytime-dinner and hardy side dish.
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Fall Equinox Rituals and TraditionsExplanation of the astronomical and spiritual importance of the fall equinox. A suggestion for personal ritual to bring you in harmony with the season.
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Easy Oktoberfest Recipes for the FamilyOktoberfest recipes featuring authentic foods and flavors. Easy and delicious Oktoberfest recipes you can prepare in large or small quantities.