“Preparing Your Puppy for his First Groom” I share five simple activities you can do to make grooming a positive experience for your puppy. Start by taking your puppy to a visit to the groomer before his appointment to let him explore. Other tips include bathing your puppy at home, subjecting the puppy to loud noises, properly brushing the puppy’s coat and playing with your puppy’s feet before his first nail trim. Word count: 720
“A Family that Plays Together, Stays Together: A Dozen Ways to Keep Fit with the Family”, I offer twelve ways to keep your family healthy and have fun. Choose from free events like exploring on foot or help out a good cause by participating in a stair climb fundraiser. The article includes a 169 word side bar with six fitness apps for a busy family. Word count: 656 words plus sidebar.
“The Mommy Blues: Five Ways to Recharge Your Spirit”, I encourage women to keep growing alongside their children. Whether you are a new mom or a seasoned pro, you can continue to learn, challenge yourself and follow your dreams, all while taking care of your family. My article includes input from two moms who set a great example of women fueling their own fires. Word count: 735
“Guidebook to the Past: How to Research your Family Tree” The article takes the reader step by step on how they can discover their own family history. With input from professional genealogist, Mary Hammer, I offer five tips for the beginning family history researcher. I have also included a helpful sidebar with important facts to ask about when interviewing your family. (A second sidebar option is available about heritage tours and vacations.) Word count: 764 words plus 174-word sidebar.
“A Dozen Ways to Exercise without Spending a Dime” This article offers the reader twelve ideas for exercise outside of the gym. I have also included an optional side bar which shows the number of calories burned for several free activities. Word count: 641 words with optional 160 word sidebar.
“Pass the Torch: How to Keep Your Family Stories Going for Generations” I share 10 activities that entertained our extended family. Play games like “What’s your Talent” or “Who Tells it Better”, scrapbook pictures from an extended family vacation, practice a tradition that has been in the family for generations or simply tell a story that happened to you when you were their age. It’s a great way to keep the conversation going and built a bridge between the generations. Word count: 709
“A Friend for Life – Is a Dog right for your Family?” I challenge readers to carefully consider six questions before making the decision to get a dog. I ask whether readers are able to commit their time and money, if the whole family is on board, what is their mess threshold and would they survive a trial period. Great for February – Responsible Pet Owners Month. Word count: 787 words.
“Send in the Reinforcements: How to Care for the Caregiver” I suggest 12 ways to help the caregiver tackle their new role. Examples include making home cooked meals, offering your expertise, keep them smiling, bringing awareness to their cause and help to fill the gap when their time as a caregiver is over. Great for National Caregiver’s Month in November. Word count: 833
“Beyond the Books: Twenty Things We Love about the Library” I share the many things that your local library has to offer. Library card holders can check out music, video and ebooks, listen to speakers and storytellers, take advantage of online memberships and business resources, use media like 3-D printers or scanners, take free classes or just find a quiet space to work. Word count: 852.
“Ten Mini Makeovers for the Budget Minded Mom” While you may not be able to afford the dream room you are planning, you can give your house a facelift without breaking the bank. My article offers you ten ways to freshen up your space. Simple ideas like cleaning up the clutter, giving the room a fresh coat of paint, bringing in more light, shopping second hand stores and replacing hardware will make a huge difference at a fraction of the cost of a full makeover. Word count: 625 words plus an optional 169 word sidebar.
“A Little Goes a Long Way – How to Refresh your Home on a Budget” offers ten ways to refresh, dress up, personalize and stretch your home decorating budget. My suggestions include personalizing with your collections, using copycat designs for a similar and less expensive look plus giving your home a facelift with new paint, frames, lights and items you would find in nature. Word count: 789 words.