Search Results for: blog make mine a mini

Your Genes Determine if You Like Cilantro

Your genes are responsible for a whole lot of things about you! Genes determine things like your eye color and your hair color. I guess is isn’t so surprising to learn that your genes determine if you like, or hate, certain foods. When it comes to cilantro, the gene that determines if you like it (or hate it) is connected to your sense of smell. Your biological mother, and biological father, each contributed to your genetic makeup. Genes get passed down from one generation to the next. This explains why you look like some of your ancestors, and why you … Continue reading →

What Makes a Marriage Work?

With so many marriages ending in divorce, it can leave you to wonder, “What makes a marriage work?” Now I am by no means an expert but I will very soon be celebrating 21 years of marriage, so hopefully I can provide at least some encouragement. Let me start off by saying this. I will never tell someone, “I have been happily married for 20 years.” That would be a lie. While there definitely has been more happiness than not, mixed in have been times where I wondered if we would make it. To pretend otherwise doesn’t really do any … Continue reading →

Determining Proper Fence Height

How high of a fence do you need on your property? Fence height is determined by how you plan on using your fence, as well as the style of fence you are choosing, since some styles have limitations on height. Here are some guidelines to help you determine how high your fence should go. Don’t forget to factor in the extra height that will be needed when your fence posts are installed in the ground. You Need to Enclose a Pool Regulations are pretty clear on the height and type of fence that is needed when you enclose a pool. … Continue reading →

The Trend Toward Co-Blogging and Blog Contributors

I first began blogging about two years ago. Up until that point I had not even read a blog. I began blogging to house my writing and share my thoughts. I never intended for blogging to become an important part of my life. I’m a wife with four kids and a business. That last thing I needed was another thing on my plate. However, soon blogging became a passion of mine. In my time on the blogosphere I noticed an interesting trend. Solo bloggers are starting to become group bloggers. The trend is not lost on me. I contribute to … Continue reading →

A Collection of Minis for Mom

My mom’s birthday is less than two weeks away and I am scrambling to create a homemade gift that won’t find its way to the back of a closet. At first I ruled out making another scrapbook for her because I seriously doubted there was a theme out there that I hadn’t already covered. Plus, my mom scrapbooks on her own, so I didn’t want to gift her with a memory book she could potentially make herself. I shared my dilemma with my sister-in-law and she came up with a fantastic solution. Knowing that 10 days is not nearly enough … Continue reading →

Make Mine a Mini

When you are looking for a quick and easy scrapbook gift to give a loved one, why not make it a mini. Don’t let their small size fool you; mini memory albums can be just as pretty or provocative as their full-sized counterparts, though they don’t take near as much time or money to create. My first foray into mini scrapbooking came when I inherited a detailed kit from a fellow scrapper who was cleaning out her craft closet. You can purchase the pre-packaged kits from scrapbook supply shops or craft stores, such as Hobby Lobby or Michaels. My kit … Continue reading →

A Study in Princesses: Belle and Jasmine

Continuing from last week is my study on the evolution of the Disney princesses, examining how they developed from one-dimensional fluff into dynamic characters, and detailing how far Disney still needs to go. It almost physically pains me to say anything against “Beauty and the Beast,” but I have to be honest. Belle is my childhood favorite and in many ways a superb heroine; an intelligent bookworm who doesn’t care what others think of her, she longs for adventure and shows enough discretion not to give in to the first man showing interest. However, I have to say that the … Continue reading →

Determining Where to Spend Your Money

We all know the importance of setting up a budget and sticking with it. We set aside a certain amount for food, clothing, shelter, etc. and we do our best not to go over those limits. There are times, though, when we need to allow ourselves to spend certain amounts of money in some areas, and less in others. Take, for instance, at the grocery store. My kids don’t care what brand of cold cereal I get, so I get the store brand. I do the same with milk, cheese, etc. But I have one little boy who has allergies, … Continue reading →

Coal Mining – It’s A Family Affair

The other night, I watched an interesting documentary about coal mining in Appalachia. My husband and I are always looking to find interesting and educational programs to watch online (we do not have television), and that was what we found interesting on that particular evening. One of the things that I found most interesting about the people that are mining coal today is that many of them are descended from other coal miners. Coal mining has changed a great deal since the days where all of the work was done by hand. The work is still very dangerous, and very … Continue reading →

Replace, Repair, or Make Do?

When a small item in your home breaks, it’s an easy enough thing to toss it out and buy a new one. But when something larger breaks down, you then have a decision to make. Is the item able to be repaired? Can you live without it or continue to use it in its current condition? Or is it time to get a new one? Sometimes the item isn’t really a need, but a want, and you really can live without it. Sometimes going through the hassle of a repair is more emotionally costly than financially expensive. Only you can … Continue reading →