Bio:
Professional writer with 15 years' experience in newspaper, magazine and online writing. Mom of four; live in Maryland. Check out my blog at pajamasandcoffee.com!
Professional writer with 15 years' experience in newspaper, magazine and online writing. Mom of four; live in Maryland. Check out my blog at pajamasandcoffee.com!
Education/Experience:
BA Psychology, Western Maryland College 1991
BA Psychology, Western Maryland College 1991
Motto:
Well Behaved Women Seldom Make History
Well Behaved Women Seldom Make History
Affiliations:
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Showing Results 1 - 121 of 121
Trying to decide how your family will spend the 4th this year? Here are some fun ideas for ways to celebrate.
By mary mccarthy | Published 6/18/2009 | Read more »
Summer is here! After a rainy spring, people everywhere are looking forward to the lazy, hazy days of summer. Here are a few ideas to help you enjoy the warmest season.
By mary mccarthy | Published 6/9/2009 | Read more »
Do you want your home and your lifestyle to be more helpful to the environment? Here are some ways to make your life more green!
By mary mccarthy | Published 5/18/2009 | Read more »
Need some Father's Day ideas for the special grandfather in your life? Read more!
By mary mccarthy | Published 5/18/2009 | Read more »
Here are some thoughtful, special ways to wish Dad a Happy Father's Day without spending a lot of money!
By mary mccarthy | Published 5/6/2009 | Read more »
Win a one-of-a-kind-guitar and discover the flavor of 20 local Maryland wineries while enjoying music, food, and the beautiful meadow of Terrapin Nature Park overlooking the Chesapeake Bay.
By mary mccarthy | Published 5/6/2009 | Read more »
If you are concerned that your teenager may be exhibiting signs of an eating disorder, here are some books that could be helpful.
By mary mccarthy | Published 4/21/2009 | Read more »
As a mother of four kids ranging from 15 to 3, I believe I may have figured out how to spend the perfect Mother's Day! Here are some Mother's Day gift ideas, in the form of a letter to my children.
By mary mccarthy | Published 4/15/2009 | Read more »
Read about some great ways to create beautiful container gardens.
By mary mccarthy | Published 4/14/2009 | Read more »
It's called a "Staycation!" Instead of going away, spend the money at home on new ways to enjoy your own backyard. Here's how!
By mary mccarthy | Published 4/14/2009 | Read more »
Here are a bunch of unique, thoughtful, inexpensive ways to say 'thank you' to the special grandmothers in your life on Mother's Day.
By mary mccarthy | Published 4/14/2009 | Read more »
You can bet (get it?) the spa at Borgata Hotel Casino Spa in Atlantic City New Jersey is worth the visit.
By mary mccarthy | Published 4/14/2009 | Read more »
British rockers Def Leppard pour some sugar on their fans with a new tour to promote a much-anticipated new album.
By mary mccarthy | Published 4/14/2009 | Read more »
Finding a prom dress can be like locating a needle in a haystack. Here are some ways to start searching!
By mary mccarthy | Published 4/10/2009 | Read more »
Here are some easy, thoughtful, unique ways to say "I love you!" to a mother from a child.
By mary mccarthy | Published 4/10/2009 | Read more »
You don't have to spend a lot of money to wish your favorite mom a Happy Mother's Day!
By mary mccarthy | Published 4/9/2009 | Read more »
This laid-back, fun event takes place annually on Kent Island, near the Bay Bridge on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Here are all the details!
By mary mccarthy | Published 3/26/2009 | Read more »
Easter is primarily a religious holiday, but is generally celebrated as a major spring event. Here are some inspirational words for an inspirational holiday.
By mary mccarthy | Published 3/26/2009 | Read more »
Here are some ideas for food, crafts, and activities for the annual May 5 celebration of the Mexican holiday Cinco de Mayo.
By mary mccarthy | Published 3/26/2009 | Read more »
A magazine subscription is the perfect gift for the hard-to-buy-for teen. Here's how to tell the differences between the teen mags on the market.
By mary mccarthy | Published 3/24/2009 | Read more »
Looking for some tips for how to get through- and potentially even enjoy- a shopping trip with your teenager? Read on!
By mary mccarthy | Published 3/24/2009 | Read more »
If you know a special high school or college graduate this year, here are ten creative ideas for gifts for their memorable occasion.
By mary mccarthy | Published 3/20/2009 | Read more »
You've said it once, you've said a million times: Clean That Room!! Here's how to help teens get it done.
By mary mccarthy | Published 3/16/2009 | Read more »
This popular candy, made in the USA, isn't just for Easter baskets. Here are some unique peep ideas!
By mary mccarthy | Published 3/5/2009 | Read more »
Looking for some easy, inexpensive ways to make your Easter Egg Hunt the best one in town? Look no further!
By mary mccarthy | Published 3/4/2009 | Read more »
What type of TV mom are you? June Cleaver? Edith Bunker? Carol Brady? One of the Desperate Housewives? Here are some favorite TV moms!
By mary mccarthy | Published 2/27/2009 | Read more »
How can you create a memorable keepsake photograph of your teenager? Read on!
By mary mccarthy | Published 2/20/2009 | Read more »
Need some quick, easy Easter crafts? Look no further!
By mary mccarthy | Published 2/20/2009 | Read more »
In earlier generations, there were jocks, brains, punks, preps, and more. What are some of today's teen stereotypes?
By mary mccarthy | Published 2/20/2009 | Read more »
Kids of all ages will enjoy these simple, cute craft ideas for St. Patrick's Day.
By mary mccarthy | Published 2/3/2009 | Read more »
Here are some ideas for how to help de-stress your teen and put a grin on that oft-pouty mug of theirs!
By mary mccarthy | Published 2/3/2009 | Read more »
How to Manage a Celebration for Teenagers
By mary mccarthy | Published 1/27/2009 | Read more »
Need some help disciplining your teen? Here are some effective ways to keep the peace.. even in a house with a teenager!
By mary mccarthy | Published 1/21/2009 | Read more »
Creative, inexpensive ways to celebrate Valentine's Day with the teenager in your life.
By mary mccarthy | Published 1/21/2009 | Read more »
Although it's not always evident in the news, teen pregnancy rates are actually declining in the U.S.
By mary mccarthy | Published 1/21/2009 | Read more »
Wondering what teens are thinking-and doing- about sex? This is where it all comes to light.
By mary mccarthy | Published 1/21/2009 | Read more »
Here's a quick guide to healthy eating tips for teens, with additional resource information.
By mary mccarthy | Published 1/21/2009 | Read more »
We know Stephenie Meyer's Twilight series is the hottest book trend for teens. If they've already read them all, here's a look at four book series that are extremely popular for teenage girls.
By mary mccarthy | Published 1/21/2009 | Read more »
Looking for simple, thoughtful homemade Valentines to create? Here are some LOVE-ly ideas!
By mary mccarthy | Published 1/21/2009 | Read more »
Simple ideas for Valentine's Day gifts from the heart that are easy to create, but hard to forget.
By mary mccarthy | Published 1/21/2009 | Read more »
Parenting teenagers can be challenging and rewarding. Here's a look at the Systematic Training for Effective Parenting (STEP) book and program "Parenting Teenagers."
By mary mccarthy | Published 12/27/2008 | Read more »
Fun, cheap host/hostess gifts to say "thanks." Check out these simple, creative ideas.
By mary mccarthy | Published 12/27/2008 | Read more »
Forget gowns and makeup. Stay home, be cozy and have fun! Here are some creative ways to celebrate New Year's Eve at home.
By mary mccarthy | Published 12/7/2008 | Read more »
Looking for creative, inexpensive gifts for the family, friends and others on your holiday shopping list? Read on!
By mary mccarthy | Published 11/26/2008 | Read more »
Myspace is the largest internet social networking site. Is it appropriate for teens?
By mary mccarthy | Published 11/26/2008 | Read more »
Is it amazing or does it suck?
By mary mccarthy | Published 11/26/2008 | Read more »
Text messaging and your teenager: how it can help parents keep the lines of communication open with their teens.
By mary mccarthy | Published 11/24/2008 | Read more »
Parent-teen contracts can help take the drama and emotion out of interactions with teenagers. Here's how to get started.
By mary mccarthy | Published 11/24/2008 | Read more »
Teen driving safety is an important goal for all parents. Here are ten ways to keep teens safe on the road.
By mary mccarthy | Published 11/24/2008 | Read more »
Looking for safe, creative ideas for kids' Christmas gifts this year? Check out these great ideas.
By mary mccarthy | Published 11/19/2008 | Read more »
Company coming? Have a bunch of fun family Christmas movies on hand to entertain kids of all ages!
By mary mccarthy | Published 11/14/2008 | Read more »
Looking for Christmas gift ideas for teens? Here are some creative gifts for that sometimes-hard-to-please friend or family member- the teenager!
By mary mccarthy | Published 11/14/2008 | Read more »
Looking for creative, inexpensive Christmas gifts for the special grandparents in your life? Here are some ideas for presents they'll treasure forever.
By mary mccarthy | Published 11/14/2008 | Read more »
Forget dollar store Christmas gift bags. Here are some unusual, creative ideas for wrapping your family's holiday gifts this year.
By mary mccarthy | Published 11/14/2008 | Read more »
Need some creative, inexpensive Christmas gift ideas for teachers that will be remembered for years to come? Look no further.
By mary mccarthy | Published 11/10/2008 | Read more »
Looking for some creative, inexpensive Christmas craft ideas for kids? Check out these simple keepsake gift ideas kids can give to family and friends.
By mary mccarthy | Published 11/10/2008 | Read more »
Looking for some creative family Christmas photo ideas? Check out these clever ways to include a photograph with your holiday cards this year
By mary mccarthy | Published 11/10/2008 | Read more »
Looking for creative Christmas wreath ideas? Try something new this year and make your own decorative holiday wreath! Here are some ideas to get you started.
By mary mccarthy | Published 11/7/2008 | Read more »
Looking for fun, creative, inexpensive gift ideas for children? Search no more! Check out these clever presents.
By mary mccarthy | Published 11/7/2008 | Read more »
Inexpensive, Easy, Beautiful Christmas Holiday Mantel Ideas
By mary mccarthy | Published 11/7/2008 | Read more »
Martha Stewart's Thanksgiving recipes, crafts, and decorating ideas for a gorgeous Thanksgiving celebration
By mary mccarthy | Published 11/7/2008 | Read more »
Looking for creative ways to cook your Thanksgiving turkey? Search no more!
By mary mccarthy | Published 10/28/2008 | Read more »
Looking for creative Thanksgiving centerpieces? Here are 5 fun, simple ways to create your own homemade Thanksgiving centerpiece.
By mary mccarthy | Published 10/28/2008 | Read more »
Here are 10 ideas to make your adult Halloween party frighteningly fun for all the grown-ups who will be attending.
By mary mccarthy | Published 10/13/2008 | Read more »
Inexpensive, easy, creative Thanksgiving craft ideas for children to enjoy on this American holiday
By mary mccarthy | Published 10/13/2008 | Read more »
Ideas for scary, funny, classic or kids movies to show in the background of your Halloween party.
By mary mccarthy | Published 10/9/2008 | Read more »
Need a spooky Halloween quote? Here's a collection of Halloween Quotes, Sayings & Poems.
By mary mccarthy | Published 10/9/2008 | Read more »
This is a great summary of compilations and collections of music that will be perfect for your Halloween party.
By mary mccarthy | Published 10/9/2008 | Read more »
Here's a list of touching holiday films to enjoy with the whole family during your Thanksgiving celebration.
By mary mccarthy | Published 10/8/2008 | Read more »
Here are a few easy, clever ideas for scaring up some fun with the cocktails you serve at your adult Halloween party!
By mary mccarthy | Published 10/8/2008 | Read more »
Stuck without a costume at the last minute? Read on for some fantastic Halloween costume ideas!
By mary mccarthy | Published 10/6/2008 | Read more »
Adult Halloween parties are sweeping the nation. Here are some ideas for easy, creative Halloween treats to bring to your favorite Boo Bash.
By mary mccarthy | Published 10/3/2008 | Read more »
Everyone wants to win the costume contest at the Halloween party. Here are some ideas for coming as America's most fertile celebrity couple.
By mary mccarthy | Published 9/30/2008 | Read more »
Looking for the best haunted attractions to visit in America? Here they are- hot off the press!
By mary mccarthy | Published 9/29/2008 | Read more »
Fun, easy, cheap ways to create plenty of goodies for young trick-or-treaters at a kids Halloween party.
By mary mccarthy | Published 9/29/2008 | Read more »
Here are 5 easy projects for homemade children's Halloween crafts.
By mary mccarthy | Published 9/29/2008 | Read more »
Making a scarecrow is a fun, easy, inexpensive kids and whole families can enjoy together.
By mary mccarthy | Published 9/25/2008 | Read more »
Halloween is a frighteningly good time to promote your business. Here are some tips for scaring up some business.
By mary mccarthy | Published 9/23/2008 | Read more »
Hosting a Halloween trade show in your city or town draws hundreds of potential vendors, and thousands of potential tourists to your area.
By mary mccarthy | Published 9/18/2008 | Read more »
Forget beer- be creative this year with cocktail 'spirits' at your adult Halloween party. Here are 8 creeptastic drinks to serve at your party.
By mary mccarthy | Published 9/18/2008 | Read more »
Here are ten tips for creating a keepsake Halloween trick or treat bag.
By mary mccarthy | Published 9/16/2008 | Read more »
While kids have trick-or-treating to look forward to every year, more and more adults are celebrating Halloween by getting a sitter and attending Halloween parties for grown-ups only.
By mary mccarthy | Published 9/14/2008 | Read more »
If you are setting a spooky mood for your Halloween Boo Bash, you're going to want music in the background that your guests will enjoy. Here are ten great songs to download for your Halloween party.
By mary mccarthy | Published 9/8/2008 | Read more »
Oops! The Halloween party is tomorrow and you're not ready! Fear not. Here are some creative ideas to make it seem like you planned in advance for your Halloween costume!
By mary mccarthy | Published 8/28/2008 | Read more »
Ways to encourage children to keep their rooms from becoming the dreaded pigs' sty...
By mary mccarthy | Published 8/28/2008 | Read more »
Creating a better environment in the place where you spend time doing laundry makes great sense for your mental well-being!
By mary mccarthy | Published 8/28/2008 | Read more »
There are many Halloween websites, but how do you know which websites are best for all your tricks and treats?
By mary mccarthy | Published 8/20/2008 | Read more »
"Maryland is For Crabs" is a long-lost slogan for the state of Maryland, but its message still applies.
By mary mccarthy | Published 8/8/2008 | Read more »
Cape May, New Jersey is America's Oldest Seaside Resort and is home to over 600 Victorian homes and seaside cottages. Take a tour of this cozy oceanfront haven- from A to Z!
By mary mccarthy | Published 8/8/2008 | Read more »
One of America's favorite seaside spots is Ocean City, Maryland. Here are some things to enjoy in O.C.
By mary mccarthy | Published 8/8/2008 | Read more »
Packing is a pain. No two ways about it. Especially if you are packing up a bunch of kids (and, no doubt, your husband) and especially if you are going away for a week or more. Here are a few quick tips to minimize the frustration.
By mary mccarthy | Published 8/8/2008 | Read more »
Hands-on how-to for busy homeowners who have friends or family visiting and need to straighten up in a hurry
By mary mccarthy | Published 8/8/2008 | Read more »
So you want to buy an old house? Here are ten questions to ask before you take the plunge.
By mary mccarthy | Published 8/8/2008 | Read more »
So you're jumping into the money pit? Welcome! Here are some ways to appreciate your architectural grand dame.
By mary mccarthy | Published 8/8/2008 | Read more »
The season of spook is upon us- here are some great party ideas to scare up some fun on Halloween.
By mary mccarthy | Published 7/29/2008 | Read more »
You've bought the old house- now what do you do with it? Here are some different approaches to historic home improvement.
By mary mccarthy | Published 7/23/2008 | Read more »
Here are some ways to beat the dog days of summer.
By mary mccarthy | Published 7/14/2008 | Read more »
Pew study shows that U.S. moms prefer part-time work is ideal.
By mary mccarthy | Published 7/14/2008 | Read more »
No central air? No problem. Here are some ways to stay cool this summer!
By mary mccarthy | Published 7/14/2008 | Read more »
How to prepare for the kids' back-to-bus stop exodus in your home.
By mary mccarthy | Published 7/9/2008 | Read more »
Creative, inexpensive ways to refurbish your bathroom without costly, time-consuming renovation.
By mary mccarthy | Published 7/7/2008 | Read more »
Whether selling a home or welcoming friends and family, here are some ways to make your home beautiful when viewed from the road.
By mary mccarthy | Published 7/7/2008 | Read more »
What paint colors are appropriate for a late 19th century house...or even for a new house designed to look like a Victorian? Find out in this informative article.
By mary mccarthy | Published 6/25/2008 | Read more »
Moving out of your kitchen temporarily in order to renovate can be quite a challenge.Here are some tips for keeping your sanity while losing your dishwasher.
By mary mccarthy | Published 6/17/2008 | Read more »
Toddler temper tantrums: we've all seen the face-down flopping toddler at the grocery store: here's how to cope when YOUR kid is the flopper!
By mary mccarthy | Published 6/8/2008 | Read more »
Largest St. Patrick's Day Parade in Maryland; the 52nd Anniversary of the Baltimore St. Patrick Parade has entertainment for everyone.
By mary mccarthy | Published 1/27/2008 | Read more »
a quick fun look at the 65th Golden Globe 'announcement'
By mary mccarthy | Published 1/14/2008 | Read more »
Once you're a mother- do you ever get a good night's sleep??
By mary mccarthy | Published 1/12/2008 | Read more »
I chaperoned the middle school dance... and all I got was this lousy migraine.
By mary mccarthy | Published 1/12/2008 | Read more »
What happened? One minute she was a tween icon dream girl, the next, a teen mom seemingly following in the footsteps of troubled older sister Britney Spears.
By mary mccarthy | Published 1/12/2008 | Read more »
the funny thing about New Year's resolutions...
By mary mccarthy | Published 1/1/2008 | Read more »
A holiday family letter satire
By mary mccarthy | Published 11/26/2007 | Read more »
Learn from the Queen of Home how to create the perfect Christmas- decorating, recipes, crafts and more.
By mary mccarthy | Published 11/8/2007 | Read more »
Humor/satire piece about the moms on the playground who insist their kids are the smartest...
By mary mccarthy | Published 11/5/2007 | Read more »
Here are cheap, easy, creative ways to 'haunt' your house for a Halloween party or just for the trick-or-treaters!
By mary mccarthy | Published 10/8/2007 | Read more »
how men can be team players with their pregnant partners
By mary mccarthy | Published 9/20/2007 | Read more »
Humorous short story about growing bird family in front porch hanging flower basket
By mary mccarthy | Published 9/20/2007 | Read more »
review of tv series 'Weeds'
By mary mccarthy | Published 9/20/2007 | Read more »
Survival Tips for Hosting a Preteen Drama Queen Sleepover
By mary mccarthy | Published 7/18/2007 | Read more »
Making Yourself at Home in the Great Outdoors
By mary mccarthy | Published 7/18/2007 | Read more »
10 Activities, Decorations, Games and Fun Traditions to Celebrate Halloween
By mary mccarthy | Published 7/9/2007 | Read more »
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