Bio:
I live and write in California's Central Valley.
I live and write in California's Central Valley.
Education/Experience:
BA English + CA teaching credential & some MA work
BA English + CA teaching credential & some MA work
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Showing Results 1 - 162 of 162
Set a positive tone for your school year with this mix of original and traditional songs.
By msands | Published 8/18/2008 | Read more »
Preschool students learn math, science, art, literacy, and physical education skills while learning about one of their favorite topics: dinosaurs!
By msands | Published 8/14/2008 | Read more »
The Swimways Spring Pool 60" has many positive features including: easy set up, take down, and storage, a safe design, good quality materials, and kid appeal.
By msands | Published 7/25/2008 | Read more »
The Stockton Children's Museum features hands on activities to inspire the imaginations of young children.
By msands | Published 7/16/2008 | Read more »
The 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing will be here soon. For parents, watching the Olympics with their kids can be a wonderful opportunity to learn about sports, sportsmanship, and the world. These activities will get your children excited about moving and learning.
By msands | Published 5/6/2008 | Read more »
These sprinkler games will provide hours of cool summer fun for your kids.
By msands | Published 5/5/2008 | Read more »
These rainy day songs and rhymes are beloved by the children who know them. They also boost children's vocabularies, fine and large motor skills, and knowledge of weather.
By msands | Published 4/29/2008 | Read more »
Some of the United State's best chances at gold medals in Beijing for team sports will come from women's teams, most notably women's softball, women's water polo, and women's basketball.
By msands | Published 4/24/2008 | Read more »
Moms who love golfing will appreciate a gift basket on Mother's day filled with these golfing treasures.
By msands | Published 4/21/2008 | Read more »
Travelers to Yosemite, the High Sierras, or California's Gold Country will shouldn't miss Pie in the Sky Pizzeria's sky high pizza.
By msands | Published 4/18/2008 | Read more »
These six fan sites keep David Archuleta's biggest fans updated on the latest news, gossip, videos, and photos of David Archuleta.
By msands | Published 3/28/2008 | Read more »
David Archuleta shows incredible talent, but he may have peaked to early in his Idol journey.
By msands | Published 3/10/2008 | Read more »
Get your elementary students thinking big and writing big with these 100th day of school writing activities.
By msands | Published 2/18/2008 | Read more »
These 100th day of school activities get your elementary students to have fun counting while reading, giving to charity, and getting active.
By msands | Published 2/18/2008 | Read more »
These 100th day of school not only get your preschooler class counting, they get them reading, moving, and giving to charity.
By msands | Published 2/18/2008 | Read more »
Lent promises are in important and meaningful tradition in the Christian tradition. Children can learn a lot about their faith by making and keeping Lent promises.
By msands | Published 1/30/2008 | Read more »
While options for low-calorie snacks are not prevalent at fast food chains, there are a few options about 100 calories at popular chains including McDonald's, Starbucks and Baskin-Robbins.
By msands | Published 1/22/2008 | Read more »
Don't let the non-drinkers in your group feel left out this New Year's. Provide them with mocktails so good, the other partygoers will be asking for what they're drinking.
By msands | Published 12/31/2007 | Read more »
If you have a hard time dieting on the go, try these meals from popular fast food chains, all under 400 calories.
By msands | Published 12/20/2007 | Read more »
McDonalds, Starbucks, Jamba Juice and other popular fast food restaurants have plenty of low calorie breakfast options for dieters on the go.
By msands | Published 12/20/2007 | Read more »
Celebrity endorsements can drag candidates out of obscurity into the limelight. Here's the lowdown on who is endorsing whom in the 2008 election.
By msands | Published 12/12/2007 | Read more »
Instead of the traditional white elephant gifts, try exchanging gift cards at this year's holiday party.
By msands | Published 12/12/2007 | Read more »
Christmas trees and wreaths and other traditional symbols of Advent all have rich meanings.
By msands | Published 12/11/2007 | Read more »
A Jesse Tree is a small tree with ornaments that symbolize members of Jesus' family tree or passages that prophesy his coming. It is a traditional way to look forward to the birth of Jesus during Advent.
By msands | Published 12/11/2007 | Read more »
Your kids will look forward to helping others with this good deed jar. 24 ideas for good deeds that any child can do are also included.
By msands | Published 12/5/2007 | Read more »
These non-alcoholic mocktails are not only festive, they are also a healthy alternative for pregnant women.
By msands | Published 12/5/2007 | Read more »
Let the kids join the festivities with these festive mocktail recipes that are appealing to children of all ages.
By msands | Published 12/5/2007 | Read more »
Seven delicious mocktails for your designated drivers and other non-drinking guests.
By msands | Published 12/5/2007 | Read more »
These sites offer everything from classic, to modern, to vintage, to retro styles of Christmas clip art.
By msands | Published 12/3/2007 | Read more »
These 12 charming garland ideas will suit any type of Christmas tree.
By msands | Published 12/3/2007 | Read more »
Though Mel and Maks finished last night's finale with the highest score, Helio and Julianne's dazzling freestyle will likely launch them to the into first place with viewer votes.
By msands | Published 11/27/2007 | Read more »
Thanksgiving songs are hard to come by. Here are a few songs to sing with your children this Thanksgiving.
By msands | Published 11/26/2007 | Read more »
Babies don't have to miss out on the fun of Thanksgiving dinner. These nutritions and simple recipes use ingredients right from the table. All you need to bring is the bib.
By msands | Published 11/17/2007 | Read more »
You'll have zero complaints from your students with this lineup of zany Z day activities.
By msands | Published 11/16/2007 | Read more »
Yo-yo, yogurt, and yams make Y day especially fun.
By msands | Published 11/16/2007 | Read more »
X-rays and treasure hunts make X day extremely exciting for young learners.
By msands | Published 11/16/2007 | Read more »
Water, wolves, and giant webs make W day wonderful for young learners.
By msands | Published 11/14/2007 | Read more »
Even vegetables are fun on V day.
By msands | Published 11/14/2007 | Read more »
It doesn't take hours to throw an impressive New Year's Eve Party. Have an impressive spread of food and beverages available in just 60 minutes.
By msands | Published 11/13/2007 | Read more »
The universe is at the tips of these young learners fingertips as they learn about the letter U.
By msands | Published 11/13/2007 | Read more »
Turtles, treasure hunts, and tacos make T day terrific.
By msands | Published 11/13/2007 | Read more »
Surfing, scavenger hunts, and science projects make S day fun for young learners.
By msands | Published 11/13/2007 | Read more »
Pet rocks and rhyming games make R day lots of fun.
By msands | Published 11/13/2007 | Read more »
Quarters, questions, and quilts make Q day fun for young learners.
By msands | Published 11/13/2007 | Read more »
From pajama parties to palentology, P offeres plenty of fun for young learners.
By msands | Published 11/13/2007 | Read more »
Young learners will love the activities for O day, which include an Olympic Games and O-Themed Breakfast.
By msands | Published 11/13/2007 | Read more »
From nature walks to nothing at all, N day is full of fun.
By msands | Published 11/12/2007 | Read more »
Skip the fat but not the flavor with these party foods all of which can be prepared in a snap.
By msands | Published 11/12/2007 | Read more »
These fast and fun party foods are low on carbs and high on protein and flavor, but they are also so delicious your guests won't even notice.
By msands | Published 11/12/2007 | Read more »
Masks, mice, and marching make M day marvelous.
By msands | Published 11/11/2007 | Read more »
From lions to lizards to lollipops, your little ones will have a perfectly lovely L day.
By msands | Published 11/11/2007 | Read more »
Kites, kangaroos, and kittens make K day extra special for kids.
By msands | Published 11/11/2007 | Read more »
Jump ropes and homemade jam are just a few things that make J day great for young learners.
By msands | Published 11/10/2007 | Read more »
From insect hunts to making their own ice cream, I day is full of many incredible adventures.
By msands | Published 11/7/2007 | Read more »
Doing the hokey pokey and making crazy hats are just a few of the activities that make H day fun.
By msands | Published 11/7/2007 | Read more »
Grapes, gardens, and glue art make G day great!
By msands | Published 11/7/2007 | Read more »
Mac and cheese is on many college student's shelves. These simple tips make a standard box of mac and cheese special with added flavor and nutritional value.
By msands | Published 11/7/2007 | Read more »
Letter of the Day Lesson Plan for the Letter F - Perfect for Homeschool, Preschool, and Kindergarten
From fingerpaints to firetrucks, many fabulous adventures await young learners.
By msands | Published 11/7/2007 | Read more »
These excellent ideas introduce the concept of E through exercise, art, and song.
By msands | Published 11/6/2007 | Read more »
It's Dollars to Donuts that D day will be a delightful day for your young students.
By msands | Published 11/6/2007 | Read more »
Even picky eaters will find a spinach recipe they enjoy here.
By msands | Published 11/4/2007 | Read more »
The addition of simple ingredients such as chocolate, bourbon, and or nuts adds a wow factor to an already delicious Thanksgiving dessert.
By msands | Published 11/4/2007 | Read more »
Even during the rainy season, activities abound in Ocean Park, on the Long Beach Peninsula in Washington State.
By msands | Published 11/4/2007 | Read more »
From caterpillars to clay, C day holds plenty of adventures for young kids.
By msands | Published 10/26/2007 | Read more »
Phenomenon begins its search for America's next great mentalist on October 24th.
By msands | Published 10/24/2007 | Read more »
From bubbles to bumblebees, there are plenty of B adventures for young learners.
By msands | Published 10/22/2007 | Read more »
Rowlings outing of Albus Dumbledore may have been a disservice to the spirit of his character.
By msands | Published 10/22/2007 | Read more »
A quick guide to hotels, entertainment, and dining, along with driving driving directions for parents of Cal Poly SLO students.
By msands | Published 10/15/2007 | Read more »
These age-appropriate letter of the day activities are great for preschool, kindergarten, and homeschool.
By msands | Published 10/15/2007 | Read more »
This word list, containing over 600 words is a great starting point for teachers of preschool, kindergarten, and homeschool to begin planning their lessons for the school year.
By msands | Published 10/9/2007 | Read more »
In the same spirit that defined Season 1, the premier of Heroes Season 2 challenged the line between good and evil.
By msands | Published 10/1/2007 | Read more »
These easy tips will help you save and display your children's artwork.
By msands | Published 10/1/2007 | Read more »
Jennie Garth showed the class, style, and personality that wins championships on Dancing with the Stars.
By msands | Published 9/28/2007 | Read more »
These simple fall crafts celebrate the natural sights and smells of the fall season.
By msands | Published 9/27/2007 | Read more »
Fall's tastiest beverage, apple cider, gets even better with these simple recipes.
By msands | Published 9/26/2007 | Read more »
These five stragegies will help your child kick his or her TV habit--painlessly and without whining.
By msands | Published 9/26/2007 | Read more »
From knowing how to organize to knowing how to have fun in school, these seven habits help any high school student be a success.
By msands | Published 9/21/2007 | Read more »
Help you child understand the concept of reading with these visual learning activities.
By msands | Published 9/19/2007 | Read more »
High School students do better if their parents are involved with their education at home. Here's how to help your high school student with homework even if you you don't know the subject.
By msands | Published 9/18/2007 | Read more »
Packing for college can be an overwhelming task. This list of essential needs will help you get started so you don't forget anything.
By msands | Published 9/17/2007 | Read more »
The NBC his sitcom Heroes had a stunningly large number of major and minor characters die within the first season. Season 2 of Heroes will likely follow the same pattern of the first with numerous minor characters dying and a couple of major characters also dying.
By msands | Published 9/17/2007 | Read more »
Hands-on alphabet activities for toddlers through kindergartners that make learning fun.
By msands | Published 9/12/2007 | Read more »
These fun songs, rhymes, and fingerplay games teach kids to count while they are having fun.
By msands | Published 9/10/2007 | Read more »
The best gift anyone got my two-year-old was Leap Frog's Fridge Phonics Magnetic Letter Set. Before I even considered teaching him to recognize more letters than A, B, and C, he had the entire alphabet down.
By msands | Published 9/10/2007 | Read more »
Fall festivals abound in the greater Sacramento area.
By msands | Published 9/6/2007 | Read more »
Fall is always a festive time of the year in the San Francisco Bay Area, and 2007 is no different. From food festivals, to pumpkin festivals, to wine festivals, to craft fairs, there is a festival that each member of your family will enjoy.
By msands | Published 9/5/2007 | Read more »
The ideal time to visit Yosemite National Park is in the fall when the park is less crowded and most attractions are still open.
By msands | Published 9/4/2007 | Read more »
Highly successful high school students have one thing in common, parents that are still interested in their education.
By msands | Published 8/30/2007 | Read more »
Use everything from your toddler's favorite songs to his or her favorite character to organize your toddler's scrapbook.
By msands | Published 8/21/2007 | Read more »
These inexpensive crafts for children use materials from home and nature.
By msands | Published 8/20/2007 | Read more »
Make spelling homework fun with these simple ideas.
By msands | Published 8/17/2007 | Read more »
These virtually free projects make a day at the beach last for years.
By msands | Published 8/17/2007 | Read more »
Making a princess scrapbook is super simple. It's also a great way to chronicle this adorable phase of your daughter's life.
By msands | Published 8/17/2007 | Read more »
Establishing a routine is essential to help get your kids to school on time every day. The following five tips with ensure that your children are never late to school, ever.
By msands | Published 8/17/2007 | Read more »
JK Rowling used the Celtic Tree Calendar to determine the wand materials of her three main characters: Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley. What would your wand be made of?
By msands | Published 8/17/2007 | Read more »
A good workout doesn't need to take time away from your baby. Here's the best ways for a new mom to get a workout with baby right there.
By msands | Published 8/17/2007 | Read more »
These four strategies will help your toddler get all the exercise that he or she needs today.
By msands | Published 8/15/2007 | Read more »
10 journaling ideas to add life to the scrapbook pages you make for your toddler.
By msands | Published 8/14/2007 | Read more »
6 ways to entertain your baby without relying on the TV.
By msands | Published 8/13/2007 | Read more »
The essentials of a good trail mix plus several "recipes" to get you started.
By msands | Published 7/31/2007 | Read more »
These tips will help you save hundreds of dollars on great hotels using Hotwire.com.
By msands | Published 7/9/2007 | Read more »
Organize all of the recipes you have clipped from magazines, printed off the Internet, or received from friends in this easy to use binder.
By msands | Published 7/5/2007 | Read more »
Cooking like a chef will help you make your meal with minimal mistakes, save you time, and help you enjoy the process of cooking.
By msands | Published 6/29/2007 | Read more »
Even young toddlers are ready to learn about numbers. Make teaching them easy with these simple tips.
By msands | Published 6/29/2007 | Read more »
Fresh Strawberry Margarita, Bahama Mama, and Blue Bayou--even the names taste great!
By msands | Published 6/27/2007 | Read more »
The right atmosphere and the right food will make your reading of the final Harry Potter book a memorable experience.
By msands | Published 6/26/2007 | Read more »
If your running workout has gotten stale, use these tips to help you run faster, longer, and stronger.
By msands | Published 6/19/2007 | Read more »
The biggest questions facing Harry Potter fans right now is not "What will happen to Harry and his friends next?" The biggest question is "Where will I get my copy of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows?"
By msands | Published 6/18/2007 | Read more »
This 4th of July picnic features a 6 foot long sub sandwich and plenty of fun sides and desserts.
By msands | Published 6/15/2007 | Read more »
Your father will love having you grill up a tri-tip, hamburger, or steak for him this Father's Day.
By msands | Published 6/11/2007 | Read more »
These pool games are designed to be played in a backyard pool designed for young children. Each games promotes building important pre swimming skills.
By msands | Published 6/11/2007 | Read more »
These pool games will help your kids have a blast all summer while strengthening their swimming skills and confidence in the water.
By msands | Published 6/11/2007 | Read more »
While Southern California is the home to some of California's most popular beaches, their beaches are often crowded and commercialized. To visit some of California's most beautiful, and less crowded beaches, head north on Highway 1, California's scenic costal highway.
By msands | Published 6/6/2007 | Read more »
From the popular Chicago Style Hot Dog to the lesser known New Jersy Potato Dog, this article covers eight different variation on the classic hot dog.
By msands | Published 6/6/2007 | Read more »
A kid friendly backyard needs to be both safe and fun.
By msands | Published 6/4/2007 | Read more »
A day at the beach is often a highlight of the summer. These classic activities will help you plan the perfect beach day for your family.l
By msands | Published 6/4/2007 | Read more »
Sandwiches for picnics or just for lunch don't have to be boring. These tips for making great summer sandwiches will help make your summer meals extra special.
By msands | Published 6/4/2007 | Read more »
School's out and your kids are beginning to get bored. Here's a bunch of activities to keep your kids entertained in their own backyard.
By msands | Published 6/4/2007 | Read more »
If you love the hot dog with all the fixin's and garlic fries you get at the ballpark, you will love this simple summertime menu.
By msands | Published 5/31/2007 | Read more »
These tailgating recipes are simple to prepare and they taste fabulous.
By msands | Published 5/25/2007 | Read more »
Northern California boats numerous beautiful beaches. Three of the best kept beaches in Northern California are reviewed in this article.
By msands | Published 5/23/2007 | Read more »
Spend more time having fun and less time waiting in line with this guide to Disneyland and California Adventures.
By msands | Published 5/22/2007 | Read more »
Bottled water is not worth the high cost that consumers are increasingly paying for it.
By msands | Published 5/22/2007 | Read more »
These 100 calorie desserts are perfect for satisfying your summer sweet tooth.
By msands | Published 5/21/2007 | Read more »
The American Diabetes Association's new campaign, CheckUp America educates Americans about risk factors and prevention methods for type 2 diabetes and heart disease,
By msands | Published 5/18/2007 | Read more »
The bogging phenomenon has taken off so fast that understanding of the etiquette of blogging has fallen behind. Here are a 10 rules that hold true for nearly every blogging community.
By msands | Published 5/18/2007 | Read more »
These ten dos and dont's of the campground make the camping experience better for everyone involved.
By msands | Published 5/17/2007 | Read more »
This simple project uses material from around the home and is an ideal summer project for kids.
By msands | Published 5/16/2007 | Read more »
I live in Modesto, California which was just ranked last in the newest edition of "Cities Ranked and Rated" and I'm not leaving anytime soon. Here's why.
By msands | Published 5/16/2007 | Read more »
Even toddlers and preschooler can begin learning about money. Here's five activities to help them get started.
By msands | Published 5/16/2007 | Read more »
These three websites will help you find the most popular and highest paying keywords for your blog or website.
By msands | Published 5/16/2007 | Read more »
Columbia, California is California's best preserved gold rush town and a fascinating place to visit.
By msands | Published 5/11/2007 | Read more »
Scotts Creek Beach is a beautiful beach just north of Santa Cruz that is ideal for families, surfers, and photographers.
By msands | Published 5/11/2007 | Read more »
25 ways to fit mini-workouts into your day that take no time at all.
By msands | Published 5/11/2007 | Read more »
These ten shortcuts will significantly cut down on your kitchen clean up.
By msands | Published 5/11/2007 | Read more »
Playa Bonita means "beautiful beach" in Spanish, and it truly lives up to its name as Cozumel's most beautiful beach.
By msands | Published 5/11/2007 | Read more »
From Fantasyland to Frontierland, a complete guide to the best attractions that Disneyland has to offer for toddlers.
By msands | Published 5/4/2007 | Read more »
Ten strategies are outlined for learning a foreign language without any formal coursework.
By msands | Published 4/30/2007 | Read more »
Whether it is for a family vacation or a trip to grandma's house, use these ten tips to make sure you pack everything you need for your baby or toddler's trip.
By msands | Published 4/30/2007 | Read more »
These three homemade barbeque sauces will make your next outdoor barbeque a hit!
By msands | Published 4/30/2007 | Read more »
Some of California's most beautiful and popular beaches are located within the city limits of San Francisco.
By msands | Published 4/30/2007 | Read more »
With advance research and planning, it is possible to enjoy the full Disneyland and California Adventures experience without paying a small fortune.
By msands | Published 4/30/2007 | Read more »
Off the beaten path highlights include: best breakfast, best daytime activity, best evening activity, and best dinner.
By msands | Published 4/30/2007 | Read more »
Central California hosts several beaches that are the best on the West Coast in their own right. Includes reviews of Big Sur, Santa Cruz, Morro Bay, and Pismo Beach.
By msands | Published 4/30/2007 | Read more »
Several sites offer free music downloads for kids. Free Kid's Music, Kid's Music Web, and Mama Lisa's World each offer free downloads of children's music that are free, legal, and safe
By msands | Published 4/30/2007 | Read more »
From walking across the Golden Gate Bridge to taking advantage of free museum days, San Francisco offers many free activities for tourists.
By msands | Published 4/30/2007 | Read more »
Directions for making salt dough, peanut butter play dough, finger paints, and a child's smock. All use supplies found in the average home.
By msands | Published 4/24/2007 | Read more »
From zoos, to boats, to museums, there are many unique locations to have a wedding.
By msands | Published 4/24/2007 | Read more »
Six strategies for finding hidden deals and saving money in online shopping.
By msands | Published 4/24/2007 | Read more »
These ten tips help budget minded travelers save hundreds of dollars per trip.
By msands | Published 4/20/2007 | Read more »
Any wedding can be planned in six days.
By msands | Published 4/18/2007 | Read more »
Riding the cable cars is an exciting experience that every visitor to San Francisco should experience. Ten tips are included to help visitors get the most out of their cable car experience.
By msands | Published 4/18/2007 | Read more »
7 cell phone do's a don't with a short commentary on irresponsible cell phone use.
By msands | Published 4/18/2007 | Read more »
Paradise Valley All Natural Creamy Mash Potatoes are a tasty and simple shortcut to mashed potatoes.
By msands | Published 4/14/2007 | Read more »
High school graduates will appreciate these fun and practical gifts baskets as they prepare for the next big stage of life, whether it is moving into the dorms or finding a first apartment.
By msands | Published 4/14/2007 | Read more »
Four reality TV shows that are appropriate for whole family viewing are reviewed.
By msands | Published 4/6/2007 | Read more »
Advance planning and a little preparation will help you plan an Easter Tea Party that your child will never forget. The unforgettable part is a visit from the Easter Bunny himself!
By msands | Published 3/30/2007 | Read more »
Seven simple steps are outlined that will help you turn your business card into your most valuable marketing tool.
By msands | Published 3/28/2007 | Read more »
Santa Cruz, California appeals to visitors of all ages. Ten attraction from the Boardwalk to the numerous state parks and beaches are described in detail here.
By msands | Published 3/20/2007 | Read more »
California Adventures in the Disneyland resort has plenty of attraction, from rides to games, to keep toddlers entertained.
By msands | Published 5/10/2006 | Read more »
These ten tips for packing your suitcase are an adaptable set of guidelines that can be used on any type of vacation.
By msands | Published 4/6/2006 | Read more »
Online survey sites that promise payment for filling out surveys don't live up to their promises. Don't expect to make much money off of them when you sign up. Do expect them to make money off of selling your e-mail address.
By msands | Published 2/15/2006 | Read more »
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