My Content: Hubs, Answers, and Forums
4Ten Things to Know Before Taking the Grandchildren on a Camping Trip
Your camping agenda may need some adjusting when bringing along the grandchildren. Be prepared - to enjoy!
4A Camping Curriculum for Kids
Family camping provides the ultimate in teachable moments for children. All areas of the curriculum are covered.
7The History of Marshmallows and How to Make Them at Home
Marshmallows have their start with the ancient Egyptians and have evolved a lot over the years to what we know and love today. It is easy and delicious to make your own marshmallows at home.
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Pros and Cons of a New Diet Plan - The Digest Diet Can Work for You!
The Digest Diet, by Readers Digest Editor-in-Chief Liz Vaccariello, is a 21-day diet that encourages eating healthy foods in unique combinations, with emphasis on foods that have proven to be "fat-burners."
16Top 5 Tips for Planning a Family Camping Vacation
Camping as a family can be a blast. Here are my top five tips for planning a family camping vacation.
18Camping in the Southeast United States - My Top Six Spots
Camping in the Southeast United States offers a variety of experiences, from the beach to mountains. Here are six favorites.
15Alphabet Activities for Preschool and Kindergarten Children
Alphamania: An Alphabet Resource for Teachers and Parents is an electronic book that allows teachers and parents of two to six-year-old children to explore the world around them in a fun and exciting way using the alphabet.
14Veggie Ovation for Sauerkraut (Fermented Cabbage)
Sauerkraut (fermented cabbage) is good for you. Find out all about this wonder food here.
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Review: The Learning Channel (TLC) Special - Extreme Cheapskates
The TLC TV special - Extreme Cheapskates - highlights several individuals who use unusual measures to save money. Here's what I learned from the show.
12Top Ten Weight Loss Secrets
Losing weight is HARD. Here are my top ten tips to help with weight loss.
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Gloves or Mittens - How do you keep your hands warm in winter?
If it's not cold where you are now, it's likely to be soon (unless you're in one of those yummy year-round warm climates). It's sometimes a challenge to keep warm when it's cold outside. Jacket - check. Hat or ear warmers - check. Scarf - check. However, it's an age-old question. Gloves or mittens to keep your hands warm?
14How We Solved Our Dog's Arthritis Problem
Our eight-year-old, overweight Australian Shepherd seems to be having more difficulty than usual moving around lately. Could it be arthritis? Would a joint supplement for dogs help? Find out here!
7Balloons - Delight or Danger?
Balloons are so bright and colorful. They bring joy to children and adults alike. However, there is a darker side to using balloons. Learn about it here.
10Our Llama Drama
Looking for something a little different to do on your visit to the Smoky Mountains? Smoky Mountain Llama Treks may be just what you need. It's a hike and animal encounter all in one!
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Review of Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Show in Pigeon Forge, TN
If you're in the Pigeon Forge, TN, area consider visiting the Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud. It's a foot-stompin', stomach-fillin' good time!
8The Messiah - What's the deal with standing for the Hallelujah Chorus?
At a recent performance of Handel's Messiah, my friend urged me to stand with her when the Hallelujah Chorus was played. I complied but didn't know why. I decided to look into the matter further.
14Benefits of Being in the Marching Band
As a high school band parent, I have read about and observed firsthand that there are numerous benefits to being a part of the high school band.
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Gift Ideas Using Photographs
There are hundreds of ways to use photos for personalized gift-giving for all ages and all special occasions. Create some yourself or order through a reputable company.
12Is the cost of Weight Watchers worth it?
I have tried various diets over the years and have found that Weight Watchers allowed me to eat what I wanted (in moderation), is healthy and relatively cost-effective.
2Etiquette for Your High School Class Reunion
Should I or shouldn't I go to my high school class reunion? Tough decision but I recommend that you go. Read these tips to ensure a great time.
7Barns of Appalachia - The Cantilever
The unique cantilever barn is characteristic of the Southern Highlands area of the United States, particularly in Tennessee. There are some similarities to the German forebay barn.
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Parents' Guide to the First Day of School
You've done all you can to purchase supplies and prepare your children for the first day of school. What did you forget? You forgot to prepare yourself emotionally for the first day of school and it's hitting you right now!
30Inspirational Quotes to Brighten Your Day
Who doesn't need an inspiring quote to brighten the day? I certainly do. Since January 2011, I've been clipping positive quotes and posting them in my workspace. Here are my favorites.
3Fun Outdoor Attractions near Pigeon Forge, TN
There are so many things to do in the Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, area that it can be hard to choose what to do. If the weather is nice outside, here are some suggestions for outdoor activities.
8Favorite Indoor Attractions in the Pigeon Forge Area
There are so many things to do in the Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, area. There quite a few indoor attractions if the weather doesn't permit doing the outdoor ones. Here are my favorites.
0A Family-Friendly Vacation in Panama City, Florida
Panama City Beach, Florida, has become "the" place for high school and college spring breakers. However, if you plan your vacation at the right time, you can miss all the hoo-ha and the teenagers and have a wonderful family-friendly vacation.
6St. Andrews State Park in Panama City, Florida
St. Andrews State Park in Panama City Beach, Florida is a beautiful destination for a family-friendly vacation with a myriad of things to do.
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Birding - A Bird Bath to Remember
There are many birds who bathe in the dust to clean themselves. The "dirty birds" find a sandy or dusty surface like a dried up mud puddle. Then the birds lean down and throw the dirt over their backs with their wings and shake vigorously.
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Kindergarten - 10 Reasons to Send Your Child
There has always been much debate on whether or not to send children to kindergarten. Ten benefits to going to kindergarten to consider are listed here.
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Farm Animals - Tennessee Fainting Goats
Tennessee Fainting Goats' distinct feature is observed when the goats are surprised or startled. They will stiffen and sometimes fall over. They are bred as pets, for lean meat or herd protection.
7Birding - The Great Blue Heron
If you live in the United States, you've probably seen Great Blue Herons. They are hard to miss. With more than a six foot wingspan and over three feet tall, these herons are the largest and most widespread heron.
7The Museum of Appalachia in Tennessee
The Museum of Appalachia in Clinton, Tennessee is a one-of-a-kind exhibit that preserves all things Appalachian. It has been a popular vacation spot for years, with a variety of memorabilia and activities that appeal to all ages.
0Camping in the Smokies - Elkmont
Elkmont Campground in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a great place to camp. It's location on Little River and close proximity to the attractions in the nearby towns make it convenient, as well.
2After School Programs - Boys and Girls Clubs of America
Looking for after school care or a summer program for your child? Check out the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. You'll be glad you did.
8Visit the Great Smoky Mountains
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, one day's drive from more than two-thirds of the population of the Eastern United States, is a great place with tons of things to do. Part of its appeal lies in the fact that there is no entrance fee as in other national parks.
14Smoky Mountains - Metcalf Bottoms
Most people don't know about the Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There's a lot more than picnicking available here.
7Money Saving Ideas for Family Fun
Money-saving ideas for family fun are endless. There are many ways to save money on fun things to do for all ages.
12Winter Weather - Snow Words
I never knew there were so many different kinds of snow. Snow is apparently not just snow. Learn more here.
4How to Have a Successful Parent-Teacher Conference
As a former elementary school teacher and assistant principal, I had a lot of training in how to prepare for a parent-teacher conference. As a parent, nobody told me anything. I drew on my experiences in education to help parents make the most of a parent-teacher conference.
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Homemade Gift Baskets
Ever have a person who's hard to buy gifts for? I think we all have one or more of those in our lives. You, too, can make easy gift baskets that are fun to assemble and a treat for those who receive them.
6Visit Boone, North Carolina
Looking to vacation in North Carolina? Try the high country area - specifically, Boone, North Carolina. There are many neat things to do for all ages.
14Saving Money at Home - How to Make Homemade Laundry Soap
With only four ingredients you can easily make your own laundry soap at home for pennies and it lasts for months! Here's how.
4Beetle Mania - Synchronous Fireflies of the Smoky Mountains
The Great Smoky Mountains synchronous fireflies (lightning bugs) are beetles that flash on and off in unison during about the first two weeks of June each year. Of the fourteen species of fireflies in the Smokies, the photinus carolinus is the only one with harmonic rhythmic flashing light patterns.
3Camping in the Smokies- Cades Cove
Camping in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park at Cades Cove is a wonderful experience. There are a myriad of things to do, including: hiking, auto touring, horseback riding, picnicking, ranger programs, hayrides and just relaxing.
13Cherokee, North Carolina - Smoky Mountain Travel
Just on the North Carolina side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park lies the small town of Cherokee. Learn about the history of the Cherokee Indian and of the people of early Appalachia.
2Yard Sale Basics - How to Plan for Success
Making money by selling your stuff at a yard sale can be a profitable business. Planning in advance ensures success.
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My Favorite Mystery Writers
Mysteries and suspense novels are my soap operas. They provide an escape from the reality of life. Here are some of my favorite mystery and suspense writers.
7Camping in a Tent - Things You Need to Know
We love tent camping. It would have been nice, however, to know some important things before we got started on this fun adventure. Here are my top "need to know" tips before you go.
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How to Save Money at the Grocery Store - Tips and Tricks
With some careful pre-planning, even grocery shopping on a budget can be easy.
