Rita Oakleaf
I feel more inspired to write if I can help someone or make them laugh. I tend to be humorous in nearly everything I write, even if it s just a product review. You can visit my blog at ritasramblingreflections@blogspot.com.
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- Page Views
- 106,380
- Content
- 123
- Fans
- 117
- Contributor since
- 5/20/2007
Education/Experience
I have a Bachelor s degree in English/minor in writing from Bluffton University in Bluffton, Ohio.Interests
Spending time with loved ones, gardening, taking pictures, reading, cooking, decorating, helping others, laughing, etc.Motto
Do what you can, with what you have, wherever you are.Affiliations
My blog
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Displaying Results 1 - 123 (of 123) for All Content
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Adventures in Gardening: Part 8Saying goodbye to my first garden. It was fun while it lasted.
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Watch My Garden Grow: Part 4This is the final installment of the garden series. See fall decorations and more.
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A Free Coupon Ends Up Being More Than I Bargained ForA story about a lunch break gone wrong. But hey, it could have been worse.
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Zinni, the Pumpkin JumperI accidentally trained my cat to jump on pumpkins in my garden a few weeks ago. When I tapped on one, she jumped on it and I pet her. I then tapped on another. After a while, she was jumping on them herself and seemingly posing for pictures.
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A Pole in a Good Location: A Poem from a Unique PerspectiveA silly poem about how it must feel to be a well-placed telephone pole, covered in signs and rusty staples. -
When the Muse is SuppressedAn explanation for everyone who wonders why I don't publish more often.
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Ninjas and Kikkoman Soy Sauce: An Anniversary StoryRoses and wine? Nope. More like soy sauce and discussions of ninjas and tattoos. However strange it was, I'm guessing our anniverary was more normal than what they show on TV. -
So, I Guess I Have a Cat NowJust a little story about our new cat, Zinni, a stray we rescued. My husband thinks she’s ugly, but her sweet personality is growing on him. -
Adventures in Gardening: Part 7More chronicles of a novice gardener in Ohio. This is an update for weeks 11-13. -
Watch My Garden Grow: Part 3I was too busy to take pictures during Weeks 11 and 12, so this slideshow starts at Week 13. -
The Benefits of a Poor MemoryWhat? Benefits to being forgetful? Yes. All you people with perfect memories are going to be super jealous. -
How Did I Get so Many Page Views on One Article?The mystery of why one article received so many views has now been solved. -
Which Businesses Give Away Free Food, Gift Cards, Discounts and More for Your Birthday?Don't regret getting older...it means getting more free stuff for your birthday! Check out these awesome birthday freebies for food, clothes, shoes, and more. -
Why Meal Planning Doesn't Work for MeToo much food keeps getting wasted because I don't have a plan. I decided to try meal planning. I honestly gave it my best shot. This is why it didn't work out the best. -
Into the Good, Soft Mud: A PoemFeeling stressed? Maybe you need to think like a kid again. Or a small pig. -
Adventures in Gardening: Part 6More chronicles of a novice gardener. This update is for weeks nine and ten. Find out what died this week and what's doing well. -
Adventures in Gardening: Part 5The chronicles of a novice gardener continue. The garden is exploding with produce and flowers now, but problems with pests, weeds and dry weather continue. -
Watch My Garden Grow: Part 2This slideshow starts at Week 7. You can see the first six weeks of growth on my first garden slideshow.
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Giant Roosters, Pumpkin Abortions and a Yogurt DisasterWhat do giant roosters, pumpkin abortions, and blueberry yogurt have in common? Not much, but they are all featured in this ridiculous story.
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Adventures in Gardening: Part 4Another update on my first-time gardening journey. A lot has happened in two short weeks.
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See and Hear the Crazy-loud Frogs in My Backyard PondThe first frog is a Northern Green Frog and the second is a Gray Treefrog. This was in Northwest Ohio in June. Sorry for the shakiness at times...I was holding a flashlight and camera and trying not to fall in the pond.
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Adventures in Gardening: Part 3More chronicles of a novice gardener, including how to build a pea climber and tips on growing herbs.
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Watch My Garden GrowI will be adding to this slideshow as my garden grows, so check back to watch the progress.
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An Overdue Apology to the Lightning Bugs of My YouthThis is a poem apologizing for the cruel things I did to lightning bugs as a child.
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More Backyard Wildlife: Pictures of Various AmphibiansFrogs and toads are taking over at the "Oakleaf Nature Preserve," (a nickname for my Northwest Ohio yard with all kinds of critters). See Gray Treefrogs, tiny baby frogs, Northern Green Frogs, and the Eastern American Toad.
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Adventures in Gardening: Part 2More chronicles of a novice gardener. Read on to see if I killed anything yet.
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Top Five Things to Redeem the Word "Weiner"Anthony Weiner has managed to Further Denigrate the Word "Weiner." Maybe These Weiners (and Wieners) Will Help its Reputation.
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Adventures in Gardening: Part 1Chronicles of a novice gardener trying to figure out what the heck she's doing. Let's hope at least one thing survives.
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Waiting Out Another Tornado Warning (on a Toilet)"I'll admit it: being sucked up by a tornado, while sitting on a toilet, is not my ideal way to die. It's not that I have an ideal way to die, but I do know this is not it."
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Review of Thriftbooks.Com: A Book Lover's Dream Come TrueThis is a positive review of thriftbooks.com, a website for cheap, used books with free shipping to anywhere in the U.S. The sales from these books also help fund struggling libraries and literacy.
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Wind Damage in Northwest OhioPictures of wind damage on Monday, May 23, 2011.
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Welcome Back, Dear Friend: A PoemAfter weeks of rain, the sun came out. This is a short poem to express my happiness.
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Backyard Wildlife SlideshowSlideshow of my backyard wildlife, including nests from doves, ducks, and robins, as well as tadpoles, toads, and a hummingbird. See my related article for more details.
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Backyard Wildlife Getting Out of ControlHow am I supposed to get any yard work done when everything I want to do will disturb the wildlife around my house?
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Hunkering Down in Lowe's During a Tornado WarningMy firsthand experience dealing with a tornado warning while shopping at Lowe's. Serious and funny at the same time.
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Oh, What a NightA humorous story about trying to see the International Space Station and getting locked out of the house.
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What's The Deal? 4-29-11Promo codes for JCPenny, Kohl's, Aeropostale, Old Navy, Famous Footwear, Blockbuster Express and Bonsai Boy.
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Oops, I Did it AgainA humor article about going to the store hungry and its devastating effects.
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Are Tiny Giraffes Real, like the One on the DirecTV Ads?Sokoblovsky Farms offers Petite Lap Giraffes. If you want one, you better get in line!
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What's The Deal? 4-15-2011: Peebles, Kohl's, And Aeropostale PromotionsThis edition of "What's the Deal?" will help you save at Peebles, Kohl's and Aeropostale with various deals and promo codes.
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Shopping Guide: Top Places to Buy Umbrellas OnlineWhile searching for a new umbrella online, I came across so many cool designs and saved the links to refer to later. Why let all of these links go to waste? I might as share them in case you are looking to buy an umbrella too.
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Regret: A Not-So-Serious PoemA poem about falling asleep during a TV show. Dang, I should've just went to bed.
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Drinking Spiders: A New Fear to Add to My ListI thought I knew of all the ways to be afraid of spiders, but I recently realized another fear: the fear of drinking one. Life will never be the same.
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The Makeup Industry ConspiracyAre makeup companies up to something when it comes to their packaging? You decide.
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Rita's Recipes #4 - Cheesy Cornbread CasseroleLooking for an easy side dish? This one is fast and goes well with just about anything, especially soup.
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Work Off Your Can by Picking Up CansDon't pay a gym membership -- make money while working out. So what if people think you look homeless? This is a humorous story about picking up aluminum cans along our country road.
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Review of Naked Brand Juice Smoothie in "Blue Machine"With blueberries, blackberries, apples and bananas, Blue Machine Naked Juice is really good and good for you. Plus it has the added bonus of saying "Naked" in large print on the bottle.
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What's the Deal? 2-24-11: $1 Big Macs at McDonald'sThis edition of "What's the Deal" tells you how to get a $1 Big Mac at McDonald's.
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Another Crazy DreamAnother dream from my warped subconscious. This time I'm showering in my pajamas and discovering a strange new species in a nest outside my window. I blame the cold medicine --
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Review of Shore Lunch Tortilla Soup MixProduct review of Shore Lunch brand Tortilla Soup Mix and ways to alter it to make it even better.
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The Top 10 Most Annoying Things About ABC's "The Bachelor"See if you agree with what I deem to be the most annoying aspects of ABC's The Bachelor.
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The Most Adorable Valentine's Day Storefront EverEthel's Flower Shop in Urbana, Ohio created one of the best February storefront displays I think I've ever seen.
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A Valentine's Poem for My Love: My New MicrowaveWho says you can't write a love poem for your microwave?
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Watching ABC's Off the Map: A Great New Diet Plan?While watching larvae being pulled from pus-filled wounds, I realized that the new drama on ABC, Off the Map, might be a great new diet plan. At least I won't be eating bacon any time soon.
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What's the Deal? 2-9-11: Aeropostale, Fazoli's and DERMAdoctor PromotionsThis edition features deals on jeans, free spaghetti and savings on beauty products.
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At Last: A Love Poem for My HomeI'm sorting through old documents and finding some that I forgot I even wrote. I guess I might as well share them.
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Funny Microwave Registration CardWhile filling out a registration card for my new microwave, I saw this.
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My Backyard Birds in Northwest OhioPictures of birds that come to my feeder, including Cardinals, a Tufted Titmouse, Chickadees, Robins, Sparrows, Horned Larks, Juncos, Starlings and others.
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Movie Review of Secretariat (and the Humorous Story of My Unusual Reaction to It)"I hadn't even warmed up or stretched. I just started running through the house like an escaped zoo animal on crack. What was I thinking?!"
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A Junk Mail FirstWhile cleaning out my junk e-mail, I discovered a new type of junk mail. And no, it had nothing to do with body parts.
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A Strange Way to Cool Hot Soup QuicklyI recently figured out a new way to cool down scalding-hot soup without watering it down.
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A Clout 8 HaikuJust my dorky way of celebrating reaching Clout 8.
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When We Met Day: An Alternative to Valentine's DayMy husband and I celebrate Valentine's Day, but we also have our own special day called "When We Met Day," and today marks seven years. Warning: This is a little mushy. You know what? Don't even read it; it's embarrassing. Just move along...
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Movie Review of "Flipped," a Hidden GemMy review of the movie, "Flipped," a coming-of-age romantic comedy from the director of "Stand by Me."
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Kent Boyd Comes Home to Perform a Benefit Show February 19: Tickets on Sale January 8Set your alarm if you want tickets to see Kent Boyd at his hometown show to benefit the Performing Arts Center. Tickets go on sale tomorrow morning and only at Wapak and Botkins High Schools.
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Crazy DreamsJust a few of my crazy dreams, including a walking octopus and creepy wooden puppets.
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Charmin Bear Commercials Are DisturbingOh, those crazy bears in the Charmin toilet paper commercials. The newest one shows the bears using toilet paper as an aphrodisiac.
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My Pumpkin SnowmanWhen decorating for Christmas, I had to get rid of all the fall decorations. But the white pumpkins were still perfect. Surely there was a way to use them, right?
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How NOT to Make Banana MuffinsThis is not a recipe for banana muffins. This is just advice on how not to make them after I made a really bad batch yesterday
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Rita's Recipe #3: My Crazy OmeletA new concoction I just created that actually turned out well. Bonus: You can use some of those Arby's sauce packets you have squirreled away in the refrigerator. I know I'm not the only one with approximately 50 of those things and no use for them.
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Rita's Recipe #2: Mom's Chili SoupAnother easy, delicious and inexpensive soup recipe I learned from my mom. I don't know about where you are, but it's freezing here in Ohio. This will warm you right up.
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Holy Schnikes! I Won Something!My Acceptance Speech for Most Intriguing Yahoo!/AC Humor Writer for 2010.
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Rita's Recipes #1: Mom's Vegetable SoupThe first in my new series that will feature low-cost, easy-to-make recipes. I'm no Martha Stewart, but I have some staples up my sleeve. This recipe is so easy, even a caveman could do it!
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Culver's 2010 Turkey Trot Information (and How to Get Free Custard)Information on Culver's 2010 Turkey Trot, how to get a free frozen custard, when to eat out to give 10% to local food banks, and what foods are needed the most by food banks.
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Whatever Happened to Good-bye: Reflecting on Changing Phone Habits and PhrasesAn observation piece on our changing phone habits and phrases.
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Buyer's Guide: Some of the Best Reusable Autumn Decor on Etsy.ComMy picks for handmade, reusable autumn decor on Etsy.com, including a pumpkin made from a dryer vent hose and other one-of-a-kind ways to spruce up your house this fall.
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Stalker Baby (Humor)This is just a funny little story about getting harassed by a baby on the phone.
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Facebook Applications Share Private Information with Third PartiesWhat started out as a serious article about a Facebook app security breach ends up turning into a humor article involving monkeys and a high school experiment on STDs. Yes, folks, this is how my mind works.
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My Experience as a "Black-Eyed Pea": The Consequences of OriginalityA humorous article about the unexpected consequences of trying to dress up as something unique for Halloween.
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Amazing, Unique (and Expensive) Halloween Costumes on Etsy.ComLooking for a one-of-a-kind Halloween costume that will turn heads? Have money to burn? Well, here are some crazy ideas from Etsy.com that will definitely get you noticed.
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Tips and Tools for Efficient House-HuntingSearching for a new house can be extrememly frustrating. This is what I've learned during many months of looking for a house that will minimize the stress and help you find your perfect home.
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My Original Parody of Katy Perry's "I Kissed a Girl," Called "I Tickled Elmo": A New Song for Sesame StreetHey Sesame Street writers! I have an idea for you. You can still get Katy Perry on your show. You just need a new parody song. Don't worry, I have one ready to go.
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Funny "Ohio Grrls" Video: A Parody of Katy Perry's "California Gurls"Whether you're from Ohio or not, you have to appreciate the creativity in this "Ohio Grrls" parody video.
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Confessions of a Quirky EaterI'm starting to think I'm a little weird when it comes to my eating habits. Here are seven reasons why.
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A First-Hand Account of Kent Boyd's Homecoming in Botkins, OhioMy first-hand account of Kent Boyd's homecoming events in Botkins, Ohio, with links to 8 videos I took during the day. Includes a parade, a band, an inspirational speech from Kent, and Kent talking about rumors of him and Lauren dating.
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New Associated Content Profile Pages Coming SoonAssociated Content from Yahoo! will be launching a new look for contributor profiles soon. Get a sneak peak at the exciting changes to come.
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Dodge and PETA: My Retraction of a Recent ArticleI recently wrote an article about Dodge's "disappearing monkey" commercial and how funny their response was to PETA. After doing more reading and research, however, I have to admit that I was wrong.
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Dodge Responds to PETA with an Invisible MonkeyPETA writes an angry letter to Dodge for using a chimp in a commercial. See the cheeky way Dodge responded with an "invisible monkey."
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Picture of a scary monster made from abandoned action figure partsWhat do you do when you find several different action figure parts on the ground in your neighborhood? Make this, of course.
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Adventures in House-Hunting, Part 2: The Short SalePart 2 of my house-hunting saga, focusing on the torture that is a short sale. Basically, what has consumed my thoughts for the last three months.
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Adventures in House-Hunting, Part 1: Moving StoriesWho knew so many things could go wrong when moving? A hilarious look at my moving misfortunes.
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Botkins, Ohio supports Kent Boyd in So You Think You Can Dance: A SlideshowPhotos of all the creative support from Botkins, Ohio, where Kent Boyd, from So You Think You Can Dance, went to high school. I recently moved into an apartment here and quickly discovered that they love Kent! Signs are everywhere!
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The Cheapest Make-up RemoverWhen people think of make-up remover, they probably don't think of this product, but I've been using it for years. It's probably the cheapest thing you'll find to use.
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A Salvation Army Purse Comes with SurprisesA true story of finding hidden treasures in a purse at Salvation Army and my moral dilemma of whether to keep it.
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Purple Haiku: A Tribute to the 2007 Bluffton University Baseball TeamMy entry in AC's Purple Haiku Contest, a tribute to the 2007 Bluffton University baseball team.
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How to Get Rid of a Musty Car SmellIs your car smelly and you can't figure out why? Read this for ideas on what it might be and ways to get rid of the funk.
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Lightning Strikes Giant Jesus Statue on I-75, Sparks ControversyAfter lightning destroyed the giant "Touch-down Jesus" statue on I-75 in Monroe, OH, controversy over whether it was a sign from God and whether it should be rebuilt is going strong. Here are my (probably controversial) thoughts.
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How to Rent and Return Movies from RedboxAfter seeing too many people look confused in front of the Red Box Machines and taking way longer than necessary to return a movie while I waited behind them, I decided to write an easy-to-follow guide to help them understand the process.
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Fake Amber Alerts on Facebook and Twitter a ShameFalse Amber Alerts on social networking sites and in text messages show how quickly lies can spread and damages what would otherwise be an amazing network to bring children home.
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Police Offer McDonald's Coupons to Drivers Wearing SeatbeltsYou've probably heard of the seatbelt campaign "Click It or Ticket," but have you heard about the incentive of free McDonald's coupons for wearing your seatbelt?
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Best Breakfast Items to Grab on the RunSo you say you don't have time for breakfast even though you know it's the most important meal of the day? No more excuses! Here are some quick, easy and somewhat healthy breakfast ideas to grab as you're rushing out the door.
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An Open Letter to Anyone Selling a House On-line, from a Buyer's PerspectiveDon't scare away potential buyers! In this letter, I address sellers and give tips on how to list your house on-line, from the perspective of someone who's been looking for houses on-line for months.
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Google, the Hilarious Mind ReaderFollowing in the style of my college humor column, Rita's Ramblings, this is a humorous piece about Google's attempt at mind reading, with search suggestions like, "Why can't I own a Canadian?"
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The Day I Knew I was an AdultContinuing in the style of my college humor column, Rita's Ramblings, this is a humorous look at how taste in fashion can make you realize your age.
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Product Review: Gold Bond Ultimate Hand Sanitizer MoisturizerMy new favorite lotion: Gold Bond Ultimate Hand Sanitizer Moisturizer, an alcohol-free antibacterial lotion that gives you long-lasting softness.
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Movie Review: Love HappensA review of the new movie, Love Happens, with Jennifer Aniston and Aaron Eckhart.
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Review of Ordering Domino's Pizza On-lineWhy ordering from Domino's on-line is a pleasant experience.
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Creatively Reusing Empty Kleenex BoxesSix ways to reuse those Kleenex boxes that are too cute to toss.
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Creative Ways to Get Children to Eat: Make it a Game, Give Praise, Use Distractions and Other IdeasOne thing I never understood about kids is why they usually refuse to finish their food or why you have to tell them 50 times to keep eating. I mean, no one has to tell me to eat; if there's food around, chances are I'm digging in and heading up for seconds.
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Top 10 Homemade Mother's Day Gift Certificate IdeasCreative Homemade Gift Certificate Ideas to Help Mom this Mother's Day
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Benefits of Being a Man and Attending Bridal ShowsIs it weird for a man to attend a bridal show or should a bride just go with her maid of honor, sister or mom? Here's what I learned from my experiences.
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Product Review: Comet Bathroom CleanerA positive review of Comet Bathroom Cleaner
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Random Thoughts on Macaroni and CheeseContinuing in the style of my college humor column, Rita's Ramblings, this is a silly humor piece on macaroni and cheese.
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Freebies and Other Benefits of Subscribing to Local Business Mailings via E-mailDiscusses the benefits of giving out your e-mail to local businesses, including free food and movies.
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Product Review: Pledge Stainless Steel WipesStainless steel can look nice, but only if it stays shiny and clean. I recently discovered a product that will make it easy to keep it that way: Pledge Stainless Steel Wipes.
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Getting Free or Cheap Magazines Without a SubscriptionTips on how to read a variety of magazines for free, or almost free.
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Avoiding the PRS Sweepstakes ScamScams keep getting trickier. Find out how to avoid the Dream of a Lifetime Sweepstakes scam.
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Gourmet Dining's Beef Stir Fry: Easy and DeliciousIf you're looking for a delicious stir fry that you can make easily at home, you might want to try Gourmet Dining brand Beef Stir Fry. It is a complete skillet meal with beef, lo mein noodles, vegetables and gourmet teriyaki sauce.
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Removal of Wisdom Teeth: What to ExpectUsing my personal experience, I share what to expect when getting your wisdom teeth removed.
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Product Review: Neutrogena Sheer BodyTintWhy you should think twice before buying Neutrogena Sheer BodyTint: my experience with this product revealed one major flaw...you have to stay absolutely dry.
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How to Avoid Buying Junk at Garage SalesA few rules to follow to protect yourself from buying junk or wasting your money at garage sales.
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Why America Needs SiestasHow many hours of sleep did you get last night? Are you refreshed and ready to face the day, or would you much rather take a big fat nap? I think the majority of people would agree that more sleep would be nice.
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The Pros and Cons of the Decorative Towel SetA humorous perspective on why decorative towels are bad
