Melanie Marten
Living in Somewhere, NJ
Total page views: 2,215,302
Published Content: 962
Fans: 214
On AC since: 10.09.06
Bio:
Melanie Marten is self-taught and self-employed. Besides freelance writing, she dabbles in website design and owns dozens of websites and blogs. Work is squeezed in between parenting two boys, homeschooling, feeding fish and, occasionally, sleep.
Melanie Marten is self-taught and self-employed. Besides freelance writing, she dabbles in website design and owns dozens of websites and blogs. Work is squeezed in between parenting two boys, homeschooling, feeding fish and, occasionally, sleep.
Education/Experience:
The School of Life
The School of Life
Motto:
The pen is only as mighty as the words.
The pen is only as mighty as the words.
Showing Results 1 - 200 of 962
"Am I saving enough money for emergencies?" If you are unsure, or feel that you have no extra money in case anything goes wrong, evaluate personal finances and tweak your budget to include more savings.
By Melanie Marten | Published 6/11/2009 | Read more »
Being single may be cost-effective in itself since you have to buy less at the grocery store every week. However, with the downturn in the economy frugal living for singles is becoming a hot topic
By Melanie Marten | Published 6/10/2009 | Read more »
Recycle old flower pots into an attractive fountain for your deck or patio. While one large pot or planter can make an attractive water garden, a trio of graduated flower pots can add visual interest and the delight of trickling water.
By Melanie Marten | Published 6/5/2009 | Read more »
Many homes make due with plastic or metal numbers nailed to the house or door for address identification. Rather than copy this boring trend, consider carving a wooden address sign for your home.
By Melanie Marten | Published 6/2/2009 | Read more »
Geocachers love a challenge when it comes to finding those hidden boxes and containers in the woods. One of the most popular types of geocache, due to its durability and intrinsic camouflage, is the ammo can.
By Melanie Marten | Published 5/28/2009 | Read more »
Hang-on fish tank filters are one of the most popular varieties of aquarium filtration. It is important to install a hang-on fish tank filter properly to ensure maximum efficacy and ease of care.
By Melanie Marten | Published 5/28/2009 | Read more »
When you change your living room decor there are many expenses. You can keep costs down by refurbishing items you already have. One such home decor craft project that can save money is repainting a lamp shade on a favorite light fixture.
By Melanie Marten | Published 5/27/2009 | Read more »
Ecommerce is a tricky game. The internet is full of competition for almost any product you can think of selling. There are dozens of methods of marketing, customer service, products, and web site design and development.
By Melanie Marten | Published 5/23/2009 | Read more »
Internet businesses lack one thing that made brick and mortar businesses more personal, individual, and potentially more successful. In the online world, there are no sincere looks eye to eye and no firm handshake to seal a deal.
By Melanie Marten | Published 5/19/2009 | Read more »
It is important to make and focus on goals no matter who you are. Single parents can help their child set goals in order to help Foster a sense of self responsibility and get everything that needs to get done completed.
By Melanie Marten | Published 4/13/2009 | Read more »
To reduce overhead and thus increase profits, many internet-based businesses look to free advertising online. Even if you have a large marketing budget, finding free traffic to your website or blog is a smart business decision.
By Melanie Marten | Published 4/13/2009 | Read more »
When your first fledgling child gets ready to leave the nest how will you cope? These tips to deal with the emotional aspects of your child leaving home can assist you in a smooth transition for both parties involved.
By Melanie Marten | Published 4/13/2009 | Read more »
There are many options when it comes to publishing articles online. The method of publication depends largely on what you one out of your article: recognition, to give information, or money.
By Melanie Marten | Published 4/13/2009 | Read more »
In the realm of internet marketing, article writing is of the utmost importance. In fact, online advertisers argue that article writing is the top method of getting targeted traffic, customers and clients, to your website or blog.
By Melanie Marten | Published 4/13/2009 | Read more »
Fresh organic compost helps your garden produce more healthy vegetables while maintaining an earth-friendly, organic lifestyle. Using a rotary compost tumbler can provide compost while saving materials and kitchen scraps from the landfills
By Melanie Marten | Published 4/1/2009 | Read more »
Fantasy books and movies are filled with dragons breathing fire at innocent villagers and stalwart knights. Whether you are a writer, role-playing gamer or a day-dreamer you need to find a way to stay safe around these pyrotechnic beasts.
By Melanie Marten | Published 4/1/2009 | Read more »
The best time of year for a busy flea market sale is Summer, but this season of outdoor recreation carries some trouble for vendors who must stand in the sun all day long.
By Melanie Marten | Published 4/1/2009 | Read more »
One unfortunate fact of being a vendor at an outdoor flea market is having to deal with thieves. Not only will some unscrupulous people tried to steal items from your table or booth, others will target the cash you have directly.
By Melanie Marten | Published 4/1/2009 | Read more »
Summer sun beckons families to the beach for fun and relaxation. Instead of buying expensive tote bags, consider sewing a beach bag tote from a towel. Not only will it be a perfect look to compliment your shore outfit, it is durable and fast-drying.
By Melanie Marten | Published 3/26/2009 | Read more »
Obesity levels are on the rise in the United States, and more companies are catering to the needs of plus size people. The market for car seatbelt extenders is growing as laws require proper restraint while driving and riding in automobiles.
By Melanie Marten | Published 3/26/2009 | Read more »
In quality fiction writing it is often important to tell what your character is thinking. The method you choose depends largely on the point of view of your story and the specific publication you are writing for.
By Melanie Marten | Published 3/26/2009 | Read more »
Creating fictional worlds can be one of the most enjoyable parts of writing. Done most often in fantasy and science fiction genres, it is also necessary in mainstream fiction.
By Melanie Marten | Published 3/26/2009 | Read more »
Families living in rural areas often enjoy keeping a small number of goats, sheep or pigs. They can build a small livestock shed and yard that is easy to maintain and quite sufficient for a few animals.
By Melanie Marten | Published 3/19/2009 | Read more »
Fountains and water gardens provide beauty and relaxation to a backyard scene. Instead of digging in ground ponds or purchasing pre-fabricated fountain basins that cost hundreds of dollars, consider building a wine barrel fountain for your garden.
By Melanie Marten | Published 3/19/2009 | Read more »
Kids love to play in both water and sand. Trips to the beach or playground can thrill them, but sometimes you just don't have the time or energy. Satisfy your kid's desire for creative play by building a sand and water play area in your own backyard.
By Melanie Marten | Published 3/13/2009 | Read more »
Skimming across a serene lake or rushing down a river in a kayak is a fabulous way to spend a summer day. Kayaking with small children is doable, but some strict kayak safety tips must be followed.
By Melanie Marten | Published 3/13/2009 | Read more »
Reef aquariums or salt water fish tanks, provide a beautiful accent to your home. Pre-printed backgrounds are available in both realistic picture style and solid black and blue colors.
By Melanie Marten | Published 3/13/2009 | Read more »
Ribbon and lace bows are popular craft accents for wreaths, floral arrangements and home decor accents. Make a sturdy wooden bow maker and learn the simple steps to use it for any size bow you need.
By Melanie Marten | Published 3/13/2009 | Read more »
Offering magic postcards that can be sent from your website with a few simple clicks is a great way to make money. With the popularity of fantasy and magical fiction and movies, magic themed postcards are rising in popularity.
By Melanie Marten | Published 3/13/2009 | Read more »
Under the lid of the recipe box sitting high on the shelf in your kitchen cupboard rests a treasure trove of heirloom meals and desserts. Such important treasures on display in your kitchen, why a settle for a boring wooden recipe box with no flair?
By Melanie Marten | Published 3/12/2009 | Read more »
Whether you are an avid rock and mineral collector, or you simply want to make something for your child to showcase their treasures in, a selection of simple materials and basic tools is all you need to make a simple rock collection display case.
By Melanie Marten | Published 3/12/2009 | Read more »
Beanbag toss games, also called corn hole, are popular backyard activities at barbecues and parties. Both children and adults enjoyed testing their skills tossing small beanbags and trying to get them into a hole in the beanbag toss game platform.
By Melanie Marten | Published 3/12/2009 | Read more »
Adding an outdoor water fountain to your backyard provides not only a lovely garden accent, but the lyrical sound of running water, a place for birds and wildlife to get a drink and may even increase property value.
By Melanie Marten | Published 3/12/2009 | Read more »
Wooden garden arches are lovely additions to your country backyard. The only problem with these wooden garden arches is their propensity for falling over if they are bumped or when the wind is high.
By Melanie Marten | Published 3/12/2009 | Read more »
When the cold winter winds blow outside, people indoors jack up the heat to a higher degree. While this may allay the chill seeping into the house, it also robs rooms of valuable humidity.
By Melanie Marten | Published 3/12/2009 | Read more »
When you first learned about adverbs in grade school, you probably practiced writing sentence such as, "Mary walked slowly." While this type of sentence gives information about how Mary walked, it has no place in writing professional-grade fiction.
By Melanie Marten | Published 2/24/2009 | Read more »
When you first leave your children with a babysitter it can be very nerve wracking. Before walking out the door on your way to a date or event, there are several important questions to ask your babysitter.
By Melanie Marten | Published 2/24/2009 | Read more »
There comes a time in every parent's life when their child thinks they are too old for a babysitter. Your initial reaction will probably be a combination or sorrow, fear and pride in their independent nature.
By Melanie Marten | Published 2/24/2009 | Read more »
When your children need babysitting care, you don't want to sacrifice quality for the sake of saving a few dollars. Even in these tough economic times, it is important to pay a babysitter as much as they are worth.
By Melanie Marten | Published 2/24/2009 | Read more »
When writing for the internet, it is of the utmost importance to make your articles easy to read. The majority of online browsers will not waste more than 10 seconds on your website, blog or article if it does not attach their attention.
By Melanie Marten | Published 2/24/2009 | Read more »
Whether you have just launched your new website or blog, or are selling through one of the established online venues for auctions or ecommerce, you must learn the best methods for internet marketing.
By Melanie Marten | Published 2/22/2009 | Read more »
When little Johnny comes home with a brand new word they learned, the last thing a parent wants to hear is profanity. However, all children come in contact with these swear or curse words, and most end up using them as a part of their vocabulary.
By Melanie Marten | Published 2/21/2009 | Read more »
What little girl would not love to dress up in homemade fairy costumes? Not only can these outfits help your young daughter expand her imagination through creative play, they are very simple to make with a few materials from the craft store.
By Melanie Marten | Published 2/19/2009 | Read more »
When the electricity fails during a winter storm, keeping warm becomes a real concern. Not only is it important for your family's comfort, but it can be a matter of life and death for the young, old, or infirm.
By Melanie Marten | Published 2/19/2009 | Read more »
Thousands of freelance writers, and other people looking to make some extra money turn to paying sites for article writing online. Writing articles, or web copy, can be an effective way of adding to your income.
By Melanie Marten | Published 2/19/2009 | Read more »
For single people struggling to make ends meet, the idea of paying for extravagant dates can push them right out of the relationship pool. However, lack of funds doesn't have to spell disaster for your social life.
By Melanie Marten | Published 2/19/2009 | Read more »
The world is a colorful place full of the people of all different races and colors. When children begin to notice these differences between themselves and the people around them, questions may arise.
By Melanie Marten | Published 2/17/2009 | Read more »
Do you want to learn how to generate more traffic to your site without paying for ads? Many website and blog owners look for free methods of traffic generation in order to reduce costs and increase profits. There are many ways to do this.
By Melanie Marten | Published 2/17/2009 | Read more »
The majority of advertising methods found on the internet not only cost a lot of money, but are most useful for businesses with a website. What do you do if your business does not have a website?
By Melanie Marten | Published 2/16/2009 | Read more »
A candlelit dinner is a standard romantic practice for Valentine's Day. The husband or boyfriend who arranges one for his sweetie will be sure to get appreciation for his efforts.
By Melanie Marten | Published 1/24/2009 | Read more »
Getting traffic to your blog is essential for small business growth and profit. Blog marketers know that an active, comment-rich blog attracts more subscribers and commenters more than one devoid of traffic.
By Melanie Marten | Published 1/21/2009 | Read more »
If shyness prevents you from leaving the house to meet new people at clubs and events, online socialization may help. Various methods exist to enrich your online social life, even if you are very shy or have social anxiety.
By Melanie Marten | Published 1/13/2009 | Read more »
Freelance writers can expand their online business by offering one of the most sought-after services: article re-writing. Re-written articles are used extensively by online business professionals and website owners for marketing purposes.
By Melanie Marten | Published 12/12/2008 | Read more »
Energy costs are skyrocketing, and people are searching for ways to stretch their budgets to cover heating and electricity in these winter months.
By Melanie Marten | Published 12/7/2008 | Read more »
Don't forget the smallest room in the house when decorating for the festive winter holidays. Bring a little cheer to the bathroom with these quick and easy Christmas decor tips.
By Melanie Marten | Published 12/7/2008 | Read more »
The inside of the house is decorated like a winter wonderland with ornaments, furnishings, and that special Christmas tree. Why not spread the Christmas cheer and decorate your car or family vehicle for the winter holiday as well?
By Melanie Marten | Published 12/7/2008 | Read more »
Every year, children press scrawled letters into your hand with instructions to send them to Santa right away. Besides promises to be good, and the wishes for a Merry Christmas, the bulk of the letter involves a list of toys and games they wish to get.
By Melanie Marten | Published 12/7/2008 | Read more »
Christmas caroling used to be a mainstay of the holiday season. Groups of merry-makers would bundle up and stroll door-to-door through the neighborhoods singing Christmas songs to the delight of all.
By Melanie Marten | Published 11/26/2008 | Read more »
Easily recognizable by the use of water, artfully designed sand and gravel, boulders, and architectural plants, Zen Garden designs to enter your backyard into a peaceful oasis. One of the most important elements is water.
By Melanie Marten | Published 10/21/2008 | Read more »
Freelance writers and content specialists are in danger of wearing out their fingers, hands, and wrists. To reduce the chances of conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, those who write articles on line may turn to speech recognition programs.
By Melanie Marten | Published 10/21/2008 | Read more »
Expand your search engine optimization business by offering services to those who need it most. Using search engine results to find potential clients can be effective.
By Melanie Marten | Published 10/21/2008 | Read more »
Search engines provide the majority of website traffic for Internet business professionals. You can make big profits providing this service to website owners.
By Melanie Marten | Published 10/20/2008 | Read more »
Providing child care in your home can be the perfect income opportunity for a stay at home Mom. The idea of being able to care for your own child while making money to care for others is very enticing.
By Melanie Marten | Published 9/22/2008 | Read more »
The internet provides the largest group of potential home buyers in the world. Why not incorporate free internet advertising into you home sale marketing plan?
By Melanie Marten | Published 9/22/2008 | Read more »
Asking an aquarium owner how to breed fancy guppies is a bit like asking one how to keep the fish wet. As long as you have a male and a female fancy guppy in your tank, breeding will take place.
By Melanie Marten | Published 9/22/2008 | Read more »
Myths and legends from many corners of the globe include tales of magical birds. Whether symbolic or inspired by actual creatures, these five mythological birds amaze and delight.
By Melanie Marten | Published 9/18/2008 | Read more »
It catches your eye every time you head out to the garage to start the car. You remember happy journeys on your 10-speed bicycle, and make plans to start biking again. But your busy life goes on, and your old bicycle collects dust.
By Melanie Marten | Published 9/7/2008 | Read more »
Whether you just like sharing your writing with others, or you are engaged in the ever-popular article marketing method, you need to figure out how to accomplish article submission.
By Melanie Marten | Published 9/7/2008 | Read more »
As scientist announce they are one step closer to developing a real life invisibility cloak, people begin imagining all the interesting things they could do if they could be invisible. Here is a quick rundown of the top ten things to do while wearing an invisibility cloak.
By Melanie Marten | Published 9/2/2008 | Read more »
The fitness industry is full of spandex-clad hot-bodies jumping, twisting, and dancing in an effort to make you thin. The problem is, if you are one of the people most in need of an aerobic workout, chances are this type of exercise is more discouraging than helpful.
By Melanie Marten | Published 9/2/2008 | Read more »
When someone gets the notion to look at home based online business ideas, they are usually not prepared for the sheer magnitude of advertised opportunities, 'secret' methods, and hard-sell come ons from companies and programs.
By Melanie Marten | Published 8/25/2008 | Read more »
Internet marketers realize the value of affiliate marketing articles. Not everyone understand how to maximize their effectiveness, however. Some people get it completely wrong.
By Melanie Marten | Published 8/22/2008 | Read more »
When you write a resume, your number one goal is to impress potential employers with your education, work experience, and skills. Flea market selling can be an asset to a job seeker.
By Melanie Marten | Published 8/21/2008 | Read more »
Most people who start a diet regimen understand the value in keeping track of the foods they eat. Not only does it help you calculate calories, fiber, and fat grams, it helps to keep you accountable for the choices you make.
By Melanie Marten | Published 8/11/2008 | Read more »
There are many reasons why people want to lose weight fast: last minute invitations to a party, an up-coming reunion, or just to catch the eye of someone. While losing weight fast is not recommended, you can shed the pounds in a short amount of time.
By Melanie Marten | Published 8/7/2008 | Read more »
Landscaping your yard can cost tens of thousands of dollars. It can also cost next to nothing.
By Melanie Marten | Published 8/3/2008 | Read more »
Blogging businesses can create profits through advertising sales and affiliate programs. Increase the power of your blog subscriber base by publishing ebooks that expand your niche topic and attract more readers.
By Melanie Marten | Published 7/21/2008 | Read more »
While some choose elegant brick or miniature wooden fencing to edge their flower gardens, landscape rocks are another attractive choice. Learn how to use various landscape rocks to accent your flowers and plants.
By Melanie Marten | Published 7/16/2008 | Read more »
Many gardeners prefer raised garden beds over traditional flat ones. They give many different explanations for their preference. However, are raised beds really better?
By Melanie Marten | Published 7/8/2008 | Read more »
Every home owner must have a hose. Most require several different hoses to properly maintain their yard and gardens. Length, material, purpose, and usability are the most important factors to consider when choosing garden hoses.
By Melanie Marten | Published 7/8/2008 | Read more »
No matter what type of website you own, the goal is most likely to get people to visit it. A website with traffic can form communities, make money, and increase your reputation online.
By Melanie Marten | Published 7/3/2008 | Read more »
Learning how to make money with your website is a vital part of joining the work-at-home demographic. Even if you simply want to cover your costs for domain name and hosting, there are several simple ways to monetize.
By Melanie Marten | Published 7/3/2008 | Read more »
A store-bought fish tank background is usually a solid blue or black, or has a shiny aquarium scene complete with plants and rock pictures. While this solution to aquarium decor works, some desire a less picturesque backdrop.
By Melanie Marten | Published 6/30/2008 | Read more »
If the idea of building and maintaining a website is daunting to you, don't give up your dream of starting an internet business. There are many options for making money online without a website.
By Melanie Marten | Published 6/12/2008 | Read more »
Nothing sparks a kid's imagination more than a giant cardboard box. The delivery of a large appliance or television sparks flights of fantasy. What can they make out of this cardboard box that is bigger than they are?
By Melanie Marten | Published 6/10/2008 | Read more »
Cross stitch projects can become unwieldy on your craft shelf or beside the living room chair. While there are craft baskets and tote bags, these can also by too bulky to store neatly.
By Melanie Marten | Published 6/10/2008 | Read more »
Backyard gold fish ponds are less appealing when they lay stagnant and still. While some choose fountains and sprayers to agitate the water surface and provide aesthetic appeal, others opt for a more natural waterfall affect.
By Melanie Marten | Published 6/10/2008 | Read more »
Using a live aquarium plant in your fish tank or home aquarium provide optimal natural habitat for your freshwater fish. These floating fish tank plants fulfill some very important needs.
By Melanie Marten | Published 6/10/2008 | Read more »
More important than displaying prices, guarantees, or web copy come ons, a beginning web design business needs a quality portfolio to attract customers. Building a web design portfolio can be a challenge when you have not done any work yet.
By Melanie Marten | Published 6/10/2008 | Read more »
The economy is crumbling, and things aren't supposed to get any better in the next year. While some argue the internet should be one of the first expenses to go when wallets thin, online resources can relieve financial stress.
By Melanie Marten | Published 6/4/2008 | Read more »
When one thinks of all natural bath and beauty products, visions of pretty flowers, fragrant herbs, and oils and creams come to mind. With all the interest in aromatherapy, these items do form the basis of most natural bath and beauty products.
By Melanie Marten | Published 5/12/2008 | Read more »
Makers of all natural bath and beauty products use oil for the base of many of their creations. Each oil is good for a different type of product.
By Melanie Marten | Published 5/12/2008 | Read more »
People who make all natural bath and beauty products need to know what types of flowers and herbs to use for different effects. Creating antiseptic skin washes is a great idea for those with problem skin and for wound care.
By Melanie Marten | Published 5/12/2008 | Read more »
Creating a private escape in your own backyard can help with stress and promote family together time. The backyard patio is a great place for gatherings, cookouts, or just a quiet moment or relaxation.
By Melanie Marten | Published 5/7/2008 | Read more »
Choosing to grow white and grey toned foliage plants in your garden is a matter of taste. Ideal for creating a soft, elegant feel amid brighter green foliage and colorful flowers, white and grey foliage plants are popular in natural style gardens.
By Melanie Marten | Published 5/7/2008 | Read more »
Decorating your outside wall with flower pots is an idea that is popular around the world. Neater than hanging plant baskets and vines, this flower pot shelf allows for increased garden decor while maintaining the maximum health of the plants.
By Melanie Marten | Published 5/7/2008 | Read more »
Breeding fancy guppies is the easiest way to get involved with tropical fish breeding. After all, guppies are the rabbits of the aquatic world. If you have a male and a female, you will have babies... and more babies... and even more.
By Melanie Marten | Published 5/7/2008 | Read more »
There are three main ways to start a new fish tank and get it ready for the introduction of fish. One, you set up the tank and just add the fish. Two, you do fishless cycling using liquid ammonia and time.
By Melanie Marten | Published 5/7/2008 | Read more »
Daylilies are one of the most popular perennial plants for the garden. Easy to grow and relatively hardy, they come in a wide variety of colors and styles to compliment every garden style.
By Melanie Marten | Published 5/7/2008 | Read more »
No one wants to come home from work to find their pet fish gasping on the hardwood. No one wants to wonder where their fish went and find them a month later dried to a husk behind the cabinet. So, how do you keep fish from jumping out of a fish tank?
By Melanie Marten | Published 4/28/2008 | Read more »
If you want to decorate your bathroom on a budget, consider shopping at the local flea market. Find stylish decor items that will make your bathroom an oasis without spending a lot of money.
By Melanie Marten | Published 4/28/2008 | Read more »
If you want to wear stylish name brand clothes, but cannot stand the super high prices, go shopping at the flea market. Flea market vendors are interested in bringing the hottest merchandise to the buying public.
By Melanie Marten | Published 4/28/2008 | Read more »
Did you know that you can shop for groceries at flea markets? Instead of filling up a cart at the local supermarket, head out to the weekend flea markets to save money on groceries.
By Melanie Marten | Published 4/28/2008 | Read more »
Artwork - paintings, drawings, or other canvassed art - at the flea market can be a profitable business decision if you research and follow through the right way. Many people look for artwork to hang on their walls and decorate their living space.
By Melanie Marten | Published 4/24/2008 | Read more »
Aquarium enthusiasts are always on the look out for high quality fish, aquarium plants, and decorations. The decorations are easy to order from any number of quality aquarium shops across the country.
By Melanie Marten | Published 4/24/2008 | Read more »
Freelance writing can be a lucrative business. However, many people just starting out with a writing career are intimidated by the whole process, or doubt their ability to make it professionally.
By Melanie Marten | Published 4/24/2008 | Read more »
E-commerce business owners seek out new ways to improve profitability constantly. If they do not, they risk loss of income and lowered customer opinions. Finding these ways to make more money from your e-commerce website can be difficult.
By Melanie Marten | Published 4/3/2008 | Read more »
Just the mention of urban micros brings a scowl to many a geocacher's face. However, other geocachers find them to be exciting challenges. These urban micro geocaches are exactly what they sound like: in the city or town, and tiny.
By Melanie Marten | Published 3/31/2008 | Read more »
For a quick and easy accent for country dining, you might like to craft these woven paper place mats. Made from paper twist in two different colors, these place mats can dress up a table for an event or for everyday.
By Melanie Marten | Published 3/31/2008 | Read more »
This wall hanging craft would look perfect in a country style house. Whether you choose to hang it in the living room or a girl's bedroom, this wall bow craft will add a touch of country charm.
By Melanie Marten | Published 3/30/2008 | Read more »
Multiplication often confuses third and fourth grade students. While teaching multiplication using repeated addition is standard, using arrays to teach multiplication provides visual learners with an easy to grasp helper.
By Melanie Marten | Published 3/30/2008 | Read more »
As fuel prices rise, the electricity bill follows closely behind. If you find yourself struggling to pay the electricity bill each month, or if you simply want to reduce your energy consumption, there are many tips that can help you.
By Melanie Marten | Published 3/27/2008 | Read more »
The popular gothic style is all about darkness, opulence and things associated with death and elegance. Rich fabrics, elaborate accessories and certain iconic figures are often seen in gothic style fashion.
By Melanie Marten | Published 3/17/2008 | Read more »
Plain cement patios are the norm for backyards everywhere. Less expensive than stone or tile, cement is easy to work with and provides a smooth, attractive finish. But what can you do if you want something more stylish that plain cement?
By Melanie Marten | Published 3/12/2008 | Read more »
Meandering through your country garden delights the mind and the senses. While dirt paths or paving furnishes a serviceable path, creating a country style flagstone path better suits the cozy atmosphere.
By Melanie Marten | Published 3/12/2008 | Read more »
They are cute. It is for a good cause. And they are storming your house. Every year, hordes of kids go door to door, selling everything from overpriced cookies to holiday wrapping paper.
By Melanie Marten | Published 3/11/2008 | Read more »
Many misguided website owners join forums or message boards and start posting their link in every topic they see. This activity will get them accused of Spam before the first day is through.
By Melanie Marten | Published 3/11/2008 | Read more »
Many kids play on organized sports teams such as soccer, football, and baseball. These sports teams provide both education in the game itself, teamwork training, and fitness and exercise.
By Melanie Marten | Published 3/11/2008 | Read more »
Homelessness is an unfortunate reality of the modern world. If you live anywhere near a city, chances are your children have seen homeless people. It is important to teach your children the truth about them.
By Melanie Marten | Published 3/11/2008 | Read more »
Many new parents like to send out unique birth announcement cards for their new baby. What better way to share your joy than by crafting a card in the style of a classic baby toy? Most parents have seen these multi-colored pastel toys.
By Melanie Marten | Published 3/11/2008 | Read more »
Many states require parents to write homeschool transcripts of their children's education. These transcripts are not only proof that your child is learning the appropriate subjects, they can be useful for college applications when your child is older.
By Melanie Marten | Published 3/11/2008 | Read more »
The four elements, as recognized by such intellectual greats as Plato and Aristotle, are earth, air, fire, and water. Ancient belief was that these four elements made up everything in the universe.
By Melanie Marten | Published 3/11/2008 | Read more »
T-shirts have entered the mainstream for fashion. There are t-shirts in plain colors, with humorous sayings or pictures, and ones that support causes, advertise events, or express political and religious views.
By Melanie Marten | Published 3/11/2008 | Read more »
Shopping the clearance sale racks in brick and mortar stores is a great way to save money on your favorite merchandise. But those clearance sale items can also make you big money at the flea market.
By Melanie Marten | Published 3/11/2008 | Read more »
Many beautiful spring and summer days are ruined by a quick burst of showers. Flea market vendors are particular susceptible to the adverse effects of these rain events. How do flea market vendors deal with rain?
By Melanie Marten | Published 3/9/2008 | Read more »
The homeschool community is growing every year. There is always a great demand for quality lesson plans and unit studies. If you are a homeschooling parent, or just a good researcher, you can make money selling homeschool lesson plans online.
By Melanie Marten | Published 3/8/2008 | Read more »
Paper craft are all the rage: scrap-booking, embelishments, wrapping paper and gift card creating have taken the crafting community by storm. Creating specialty paper crafts provide an outlet for creativity and a simply beautiful finished product.
By Melanie Marten | Published 3/8/2008 | Read more »
Even a small leak in a water pipe in your house can cause big damage and greatly increased water bills. If the leak is small enough, you do not have to call the plumber right away.
By Melanie Marten | Published 3/8/2008 | Read more »
If your bathroom sink faucet is old and leaks, or if it is just time to update with a new style, you need to change the faucet hardware. Home stores have wide selections of sink faucets in all shapes, sizes, and styles.
By Melanie Marten | Published 3/8/2008 | Read more »
Goldfish may not be exotic or unique, but they are still fabulous pets to have. While tropical fish require fussy care and expensive equipment, goldfish give colorful beauty with very little fuss.
By Melanie Marten | Published 3/8/2008 | Read more »
For schools, churches, sports teams, and events, custom printed products are hot. If you want to get in on the highly profitable business of selling custom printing, there are several things you must know.
By Melanie Marten | Published 3/7/2008 | Read more »
Many people purchase bird seed, cracked corn, peanuts, and suet to give to the birds and the beasts in their winter backyard. This practice lets you attract and watch these animals and birds close up and learn more about them.
By Melanie Marten | Published 3/7/2008 | Read more »
When family comes to visit during any holiday season, put away the big bar of soap and display pretty guest soaps instead. While these can be purchased, making them is more fun. Get together with the kids for an afternoon to create these holiday guest soaps.
By Melanie Marten | Published 3/7/2008 | Read more »
Many people and businesses love the look of live houseplants. Not only do they create a sense of comfortable home life, they provide filtration for the air we breathe. Many people, however, do not have green thumbs.
By Melanie Marten | Published 3/7/2008 | Read more »
Most young men want to make a good impression on their girlfriends' parents the first time they meet them. Of course, common courtesy, respect, and intelligent conversation can help, but first impressions are very important.
By Melanie Marten | Published 2/12/2008 | Read more »
Decorated jeans and denim jackets are stylish fashions for teens and adults alike. These pieces of clothing can cost a lot of money in fashion boutiques and department stores.
By Melanie Marten | Published 2/12/2008 | Read more »
Many yards and garden are taken over by dandelions, mullein, plantain, and other broad leaf weeds. Those gardeners who do not want to use poisons and chemicals to kill them may think they just have to live with them.
By Melanie Marten | Published 2/12/2008 | Read more »
Nothing says English Country Garden quite as much as a cascade of flowering plants growing out of a natural rock wall. You can easily recreate that look at home by following a few simple directions.
By Melanie Marten | Published 2/12/2008 | Read more »
Before a homeschool student can do a project or write a report about a unit study topic, he or she must understand it. One of the most popular ways of learning new materials is by reading it in books or on the internet.
By Melanie Marten | Published 2/4/2008 | Read more »
Teaching a child how to read for information is an important part of their education. This subject, called reading comprehension, has many aspects that should be covered.
By Melanie Marten | Published 2/4/2008 | Read more »
If you have fire ants in your yard, chances are they have already shown themselves to be a real pain. Not only do they have very painful bites, they can form extensive colonies and disturb your yard or garden.
By Melanie Marten | Published 2/4/2008 | Read more »
Most gardening books and experts can tell you how to make a raised garden bed, Start by chopping out your grass or sod and then digging the dirt up. Hard work! Can you make a raised bed for your vegetable or flower garden without digging?
By Melanie Marten | Published 2/4/2008 | Read more »
Forget take-out food and frozen dinners. You can make a complete meal that will satisfy the whole family without spending a lot of money. Stocking your pantry with basics that can be cooked in a wide variety of ways gives you more options for less money.
By Melanie Marten | Published 2/4/2008 | Read more »
Saving money and being frugal is a fine practice, but there are several common practices that border on the unethical. Some are, if not against the law, definitely against the rules and the mores of common decency.
By Melanie Marten | Published 2/1/2008 | Read more »
In these modern days of pampered children whose only responsibilities are homework and soccer practice, important life skills are often forgotten. Some parents consider them to be not age appropriate for their ten year old child.
By Melanie Marten | Published 2/1/2008 | Read more »
Elderly parents often complain about joint pain or muscle strain. Their sprightly walk may have slowed down to a shuffle and, after hearing the doctor's all-clear report, you wonder how to help them get active again.
By Melanie Marten | Published 2/1/2008 | Read more »
One of the cheapest and most entertaining toy ever created is the balloon. Kids of any age can have fun using balloons for a variety of activities. Balloons come in a wide variety of colors and sizes that lend themselves to certain activities.
By Melanie Marten | Published 2/1/2008 | Read more »
For those who enjoy working out or playing sports, but do not like putting chemical laden sports creams on their tired and aching muscles, this all natural sports rub is for you.
By Melanie Marten | Published 2/1/2008 | Read more »
When your husband or boyfriend other arrives home on Valentine's Day, why not welcome him to a night of romance by wearing something special to the door?
By Melanie Marten | Published 2/1/2008 | Read more »
Creating all natural bath and beauty products is more than just a hobby for many. These handmade products are arguably better for your skin and well-being than commercially prepared ones.
By Melanie Marten | Published 2/1/2008 | Read more »
Making all natural essential oil perfumes is a hobby that results in great scents to wear. It is easy to get started with making these perfumes and colognes.
By Melanie Marten | Published 2/1/2008 | Read more »
Barbs are a family of fish which are found in every continent except South America. They have long, torpedo-shaped bodies, no adipose fin, and often small barbels at the corners of the mouth.
By Melanie Marten | Published 2/1/2008 | Read more »
Die-hard aquarium enthusiasts are always on the look out for unique and interesting fish to keep. The elephant nose, Gnathonemus petersi, is an unusual fish with a very distinctive body shape.
By Melanie Marten | Published 2/1/2008 | Read more »
Into every aquarium a little disease must fall. At the first site of white spots, bloat, fungal growth, or rotting fins, the aquarium owner needs to act fast. The best thing to do is remove the affected fish to a hospital tank immediately.
By Melanie Marten | Published 2/1/2008 | Read more »
Have you ever started a home improvement project and found you needed a special tool to complete it? A trip to the hardware store lets you finish the job, but puts a dent in your bank account for a tool you may never use again.
By Melanie Marten | Published 2/1/2008 | Read more »
Designing your home aquarium is a lot like designing a garden. Since the fish tank will be looked at from the front, positioning aquatic plants correctly provides the best view.
By Melanie Marten | Published 2/1/2008 | Read more »
If you live in a community where young people joyride through the streets playing mailbox baseball, you have probably wasted quite a bit of money buying new mailboxes. Instead of replacing, teach the vandals a lesson and create a mailbox baseball proof mailbox.
By Melanie Marten | Published 2/1/2008 | Read more »
For the look of country without the home decor store price, why not make you own rag rug from recycled fabric scraps? Using simple materials and a homemade tool, you can create lovely rag rugs in any pattern you like.
By Melanie Marten | Published 2/1/2008 | Read more »
Spring is just around the corner, and it is time to get out your semi-precious gemstone beads and craft your spring jewelry wardrobe. Pastel tones are always fashionable for spring, and gemstone beads deliver lovely color and style.
By Melanie Marten | Published 2/1/2008 | Read more »
Dollar stores are hugely popular in the marketplace today. Almost every shopping mall has one. People love getting items cheap.
By Melanie Marten | Published 2/1/2008 | Read more »
Vendors struggling to come up with a new line of merchandise may consider selling houseplants at the flea market. No special licenses or permits are needed to sell houseplants in a small business venue.
By Melanie Marten | Published 2/1/2008 | Read more »
Learning how to put numbers in order and compare them in less than and great than guidelines is an important math skill. Creating a home school lesson plan about this concept can be fun and easy.
By Melanie Marten | Published 1/21/2008 | Read more »
If you enjoy meeting new people and want to start your own home business, becoming a senior citizen helper may be ideal. This business can be started by anyone with basic knowledge and kindness.
By Melanie Marten | Published 1/18/2008 | Read more »
Most coffee drinkers reach for the sugar or artificial sweetener when they are preparing their coffee. There are, however, other ways to sweeten your hot morning beverage. These five unusual methods can give your coffee break a bit of interest and delight.
By Melanie Marten | Published 1/16/2008 | Read more »
When studying natural disasters and landforms, information about earthquakes should be included. What better way to study the effects of earthquakes than creating one with a science experiment in your living room?
By Melanie Marten | Published 1/16/2008 | Read more »
If you love a big bold look of giant foliage in your garden, you will love the top five giant perennials listed in this article. They can replace trees and bushes in your landscaping design.
By Melanie Marten | Published 1/16/2008 | Read more »
Is it possible to bring the Amazon rain forest into your living room? Some fish tank enthusiasts do just that. With the proper aquarium decorations, plants, and fish species, your home aquarium can replicate an Amazon rain forest pond.
By Melanie Marten | Published 1/16/2008 | Read more »
Home aquarists divide fresh water tropical fish into seven broad groups. These groups are formed based on body shape, fin arrangement, mouth style, and other features.
By Melanie Marten | Published 1/16/2008 | Read more »
Plus size women often have a hard time finding accessories and jewelry in stores that either fit them or lay correctly on their body. Starting a beaded jewelry hobby is a great way to increase the size of your accessory collection.
By Melanie Marten | Published 1/16/2008 | Read more »
Giving a small picture of yourself to your parent or grandparent is a great idea, but giving it on a great photo easel is even better. Using simple materials, this picture easel can be used as a gift or for decoration.
By Melanie Marten | Published 1/16/2008 | Read more »
Flea market vendors interested in marketing their products to men have to learn how to attract men to their flea market table. Several things will attract almost any man: tools, sports, and sexy women.
By Melanie Marten | Published 1/16/2008 | Read more »
This pretty dove brings a message of love clamped in her beak. Fashioned from three large hearts cut from white paper and decorated with red and ink accents, it is perfect for Valentine's Day.
By Melanie Marten | Published 1/16/2008 | Read more »
Choosing a kid's magazine for your homeschooled child requires consideration of purpose. Do you want to educate, or simply entertain?
By Melanie Marten | Published 1/16/2008 | Read more »
Flea markets attract all sorts of people, but most of them are looking for a great deal. If you decide, as a flea market vendor, to target a particular niche of shopper, you must know what will attract them to your table.
By Melanie Marten | Published 1/16/2008 | Read more »
This seven strand twist beaded necklace is very beautiful and can be made to match any outfit. Made from many strands of tiny seed beads, the pattern is easy, but time consuming to complete.
By Melanie Marten | Published 1/16/2008 | Read more »
Beaded jewelry designers, especially those who wish to sell their jewelry in a story or online, must make the jewelry to length standards. These jewelry lengths are similar to those found in professionally designed costume and fine jewelry.
By Melanie Marten | Published 1/16/2008 | Read more »
Bead boards provide a simple way for beaded jewelry makers to organize their beading projects. These beading accessories are usually plastic trays covered with a fuzzy coating, or flocking.
By Melanie Marten | Published 1/16/2008 | Read more »
Kids love to read the messages on candy conversation hearts. What better way for a young girl to enjoy this Valentine's Day dreaming than by creating some heart candy jewelry to wear and enjoy?
By Melanie Marten | Published 1/9/2008 | Read more »
Children who wish to give a sweet treat to all their friends on Valentine's Day will enjoy making this candy flower treat. Inexpensive enough to make for an entire class, this craft is made from a lollipop and an assortment common craft materials paper.
By Melanie Marten | Published 1/9/2008 | Read more »
What better way to spread the love on Valentine's Day than displaying poetry and messages of affection on your refrigerator at home? This craft, though great for this romantic holiday, can be tweaked for other holiday or general usage as well.
By Melanie Marten | Published 1/9/2008 | Read more »
Whether you want a decoration for Valentine's Day, or just want a pretty garland for your daughter's bedroom, this butterfly heart garland delivers. Fashioned from pretty ribbon and construction paper, the garland is easy for children to create.
By Melanie Marten | Published 1/9/2008 | Read more »
This holiday kid's craft will not only engage your children in artistic creativity, it will help them create a lovely Valentine's Day decoration that doubles as a candy holder. Read this article to learn how to create this Valentine's Day candy heart basket.
By Melanie Marten | Published 1/9/2008 | Read more »
This Valentine's Day kid's craft is fun for children of any age to make. With some simple materials and just a few steps, you will create a holiday magnet that is great for decorating the home or giving as a gift to someone you love
By Melanie Marten | Published 1/9/2008 | Read more »
What better way to share the love on Valentine's Day than with a festive bag full of wishes? This is a great craft for kids to make for their friends, parents or a grandparent. The simple instructions below will help you create this Valentines' Day craft.
By Melanie Marten | Published 1/9/2008 | Read more »
The magic of the Christmas season is apparent most in children. Their eyes light up and sparkle when they see all the holidays lights and ornaments. Christmas is a time for children, and one for indulging our tastes.
By Melanie Marten | Published 1/8/2008 | Read more »
Web copy writers and online business marketers have a bevy of online tools that help them with writing articles. These tools research popular keywords, check keyword density in the finished article, and provide word counts.
By Melanie Marten | Published 1/8/2008 | Read more »
Flea market vendors sell a wide variety of both new and used merchandise. Used clothing is one of the more popular things to sell. You can make a lot of money selling used clothing at the flea market.
By Melanie Marten | Published 1/3/2008 | Read more »
Confession, some say, is good for the soul. But does it still work if the confession is given to a thousand faceless visitors to a website? These online confession boards are a far cry from a visit to a priest or psychologist.
By Melanie Marten | Published 12/17/2007 | Read more »
The primitive look of old fashioned country crafts is in style. Rag dolls are some of the most popular types of country crafts people make and display in their homes. But if you have no sewing skills, this craft may seen out of reach.
By Melanie Marten | Published 12/17/2007 | Read more »
Pre-teen or tween girls, especially those you do not see every day, are hard to buy Christmas presents for. Even though Christmas gift buying can be tricky, there are several things that you should NEVER buy for a pre-teen or tween girl.
By Melanie Marten | Published 12/17/2007 | Read more »
When winter snows fall and chilly winds blow, thoughts of cheery snowmen might fill your mind. If you want the look of this iconic winter chap without the frost-bitten nose and icy fingers, bring the snowman inside with this easy winter craft
By Melanie Marten | Published 12/17/2007 | Read more »
When decorating your Christmas tree this holiday season, there are many different types of ornaments you can choose. Classic glass balls, sparkling lights, country gingerbread shapes, and festive candy.
By Melanie Marten | Published 12/17/2007 | Read more »
Young children in elementary school often learn about life on the farm as one of their first unit studies. It is a good topic for homeschoolers to explore as well.
By Melanie Marten | Published 12/16/2007 | Read more »
Teaching young children about money and economics is an important part of every education. This homeschool unit study is designed for young children in kindergarten or first and second grades.
By Melanie Marten | Published 12/16/2007 | Read more »
One of the best ways to save money around the house is to find creative ways to reuse items that would normally go in the trash. It is also good for the environment. Tuna lovers accumulate a large number of those short, round tuna fish cans.
By Melanie Marten | Published 12/14/2007 | Read more »
Owning a gift basket business is a great way to make money. Using creativity to decide what to fill the baskets with can be great fun when you create different theme baskets.
By Melanie Marten | Published 12/14/2007 | Read more »
Sending out a business newsletter to an opt-in list is one of the best ways to market products or services online. Even though people must sign up for a newsletter to receive it, there are still people who will complain.
By Melanie Marten | Published 12/14/2007 | Read more »
Beneficial organic compost is prized by both flower and vegetable gardeners who want healthy, robust plants. Making your own compost is easy.
By Melanie Marten | Published 12/14/2007 | Read more »
Selling books at the flea market can be profitable if you know how to price and market them. Choosing the right books for the flea market is another important aspect.
By Melanie Marten | Published 12/14/2007 | Read more »
These vintage tassels can be made out of new beads, or beads from an old necklace or bracelet your grandmother once owned. They are not only a beautiful reminder of times past, but a great addition to your jewelry wardrobe.
By Melanie Marten | Published 12/14/2007 | Read more »
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