Feature Stories, Magazine Writing, Sample Work

Ways to Display Photos on Your TV

Displaying photos around your home is often limiting when you have hundreds of pics you want to display. Instead of printing and framing one or two of your best shots, why not put them all display on your TV? Show off your vacation, school and family fun time photos by easily converting the files for expanded viewing.

Feature Stories, Magazine Writing, Sample Work

Expert Tips to Reduce Energy Consumption

The push to go green is a win-win for your household and the environment. By turning off the lights, unplugging electronics and recycling daily, you can make a big difference in your daily energy usage and help reduce pollution, not to mention the extra effort can save you money on utilities. With just a few minor tweaks to your daily routine, you may soon see how your habits to conserve energy can motivate others to do the same. Now is the time to go green and reduce your family's energy consumption.

Feature Stories, Magazine Writing, Sample Work

What a Baby Thinks

As your little one looks up at you and smiles brightly, it’s natural to wonder what is running through her mind. Is she happy? Is she learning? What prompts her to smile, think and communicate? Just as adults learn through experiences and communication, so do babies. Connecting and bonding with your baby entails paying attention to non-verbal cues and enhancing her learning so those smiles, cues and giggles continue well into adulthood. How does your baby communicate with you?

Feature Stories, Magazine Writing, Sample Work

14 Healthy and Out-of-the-Ordinary Salad Ingredients

If your mixed greens at lunchtime or dinner are beginning to become boring, it may be time to reinvent your favorite meal. Adding fresh veggies, dried fruits, nuts and seeds can offer a healthy punch to your lunch, along with more exciting flavor. “Healthy and interesting ingredients are all about color and texture,” says Sarah LaCasse, executive chef for Earthbound Farm in San Juan Bautista, California. “The happiest salads have variety, combining greens with a protein, something crunchy and something sweet.” Read on to learn about 14 healthy and unusual ingredients your can add to your salad for some diversity in both nutrition and flavor.

Newspaper Writing, Opinion, Sample Work

Faith: More Than Meets the Eye

When I began my teaching career a little more than a decade ago, I always found it amusing to run into my college students at the mall, department stores or even the grocery store. They seemed shocked to see me out and about and not sitting behind a desk grading papers or instructing in front of a class. One time in particular I even heard one of my students whisper to her friend: “She wears jeans?”

Feature Stories, Magazine Writing, Sample Work

Games for Busy Moms to Play With Tots

The toddler years are exciting for both parents and children. As he takes his first steps and utters his first words, your little one is collecting milestones left and right. Toddlers are famous for wanting to express their independence and opinions while generally lacking the abilities to do so, says Julie Temple Stan, editorial director of Hooked On Phonics. Don’t be fooled, though. “Your toddler is a little sponge ready to soak up all of the language-rich experiences you can dream up,” says Stan. “But, juggling the needs of a busy toddler, family and work can make finding time next to impossible.” It is possible, though, to develop your tyke’s mind while navigating through your routine as a busy mom with these daily games that can help the two of you bond and your child develop his mind and senses.

Feature Stories, Magazine Writing, Sample Work

5 Brunch Cocktails With Healthy Ingredients

Brunch offers the perfect opportunity to mix up healthy drink concoctions and celebrate the weekend with friends and. From nutrient-rich smoothies and organic teas to refreshing coolers and brunch classics, slide an umbrella into any of the brunch cocktails on the following slides, and you’ll be getting tons of healthy nutrients in your drink. All of the drinks can be enjoyed alcohol-free if desired.

Feature Stories, Magazine Writing, Sample Work

5 Toddler Sensory Games

Your toddler is at a key development phase in her life as she explores the five senses. She sees bright colors, feels the need to touch just about everything she can reach and is beginning to recognize distinct smells. One of the best ways to further her development is to embark on games that focus on the senses. From tasty trivia to touchy-feely games with fabrics, teach your child how to further recognize her senses while bonding with you.

Newspaper Writing, Opinion, Sample Work

Parenting Requires an Underlying Faith in All We Do

Published April 2014: The Messenger - Faith: A Fresh Take Parenting Requires an Underlying Faith in All We Do Recently, I came across an article that outlined a national survey of 1,200 parents, conducted by LifeWay Research that concluded that faith is not a significant part of parenting for many adults. Although I’m not a… Continue reading Parenting Requires an Underlying Faith in All We Do