Archive for Family

Education Pays!

Education Pays!

May 14, 2012 No Comments

Recently, a renowned national economist noted that while the labor market is improving, high school dropouts aren’t seeing it. For dropouts over 25, the unemployment rate is 13 percent. Meanwhile, it’s just 8.5 percent for high school grads and 4.2 percent for persons with a college degree (Associates degree or higher). Even worse, labor force participation ...

Decorate Using Battery Operated Candles!

Decorate Using Battery Operated Candles!

May 2, 2012 No Comments

In the past few years, battery-operated lights, particularly candles, have become an even better decorating alternative with the introduction of LED technology. The flexibility offered by battery operated LED candles even far surpasses that of first generation of battery candles with their screw-in “Christmas light” bulbs. Probably the best feature is one of safety. LED ...

Outdoor Living – Patio & Lighting Ambiance

Outdoor Living – Patio & Lighting Ambiance

April 17, 2012 No Comments

As gas prices continue to rise, many folks I talk to are considering home improvement projects focused on their backyard. In fact, this trend is growing nationwide and is referred to in some circles as “outdoor living.” I was recently at a Spring Home & Garden Show that highlighted a large number of landscapes and ...

Backyard & Outdoor Living: Furniture

Backyard & Outdoor Living: Furniture

April 13, 2012 No Comments

Let me tell you about a company from Spring, Texas … Terra Bound Solutions. I came across their website as I was cruising the internet looking for some backyard furniture that was a bit more stylish than I have now. I’ve always enjoyed relaxing in Adirondack chairs, especially when we are at a cabin in ...

Custom Home Squeezes in a Bit More Garage Space

Custom Home Squeezes in a Bit More Garage Space

April 6, 2012 No Comments

(Guest Post by Todd Hallett, AIA, President of TK Design & Architecture) Everybody loves a little extra Garage space. Custom home clients are requesting anywhere from three to six car Garages on a fairly regular basis. Having this many spaces can create challenges however; the extra spaces must look great, function properly and fit on ...

Spring Lawn and Landscape Tips

Spring Lawn and Landscape Tips

April 2, 2012 No Comments

(Family Features) A beautiful landscape doesn’t happen on its own. You can help your lawn, trees and shrubs get off to a healthy growing season. “Trees and shrubs add tremendous appeal to our urban home environments, but to thrive, particularly out of their natural world, they require regular care with added nutrients and protection against ...

Getting Old

Getting Old

March 19, 2012 No Comments

(Thanks to Olga Quinn) Mom and I have been looking into ADT South Franklin for her house because I worry about her being out there all alone. I really wish I didn’t have to but since dad died I worry about her being lonely and really jus not safe out there – I keep trying ...

Summertime & Backyard Pools

Summertime & Backyard Pools

March 13, 2012 No Comments

While it’s March and still cold in the Midwest, thoughts of summertime are easy to come by, wishing for warm, sunny days. Sometimes I think of childhood memories … neighborhood friends getting together to spend a hot July afternoon and a seemingly endless day swimming, diving, jumping and playing Marco Polo until dinnertime. Fast forward ...

Create Fun Family Traditions with Technology

Create Fun Family Traditions with Technology

March 5, 2012 No Comments

(Family Features) When you hear the word “geek,” visions of someone overly intellectual and socially awkward may come to mind. Add the title “dad” to that geek and the picture becomes a middle-aged man wearing black socks with sandals and a pocket protector. But a survey titled “Confessions of a Geek Dad,” conducted by Answers ...

Easter is Right Around the Corner!

Easter is Right Around the Corner!

March 2, 2012 No Comments

Today I began looking for possible Easter gifts for the kids. Of course, the first thing I did was do a Google search for “gourmet” Easter Gifts in hopes of finding something a little more creative than simply picking up plastic baskets and candy at the local supermarket. Out of the 3 million plus results, ...

Folks are Great

Folks are Great

January 16, 2012 No Comments

(Guest post written by Derick Burks) My folks are the greatest people in the world but you know, I’m all about living a larger life than the one they live. I don’t know why I say such things but they just live out there on the farm and their life is so…slow. They don’t really ...

Panel-Ready Refrigerators and So Much More!

Panel-Ready Refrigerators and So Much More!

January 4, 2012 No Comments

Okay, this post is something that comes out of the “believe-it-or-not” file … well, sort of at least. At Quick Home Tips and MyHomeCoupons.com, we are always trying to find the best ideas for our readers. I did a search today on “Home & Garden becoming popular” and only got 744 MILLION results! What was ...

Are You a Nurse? Save Money on Nursing Scrubs!

Are You a Nurse? Save Money on Nursing Scrubs!

December 24, 2011 No Comments

Here at Quick Home Tips, we are trying to save families money on everything related to their home. By natural extension, this also means we hope to save you money on items related to other activities that can affect your home. Of course, your job is one of these! The other day, while doing a ...

Green Carpet Cleaning

Green Carpet Cleaning

December 15, 2011 1 Comment

Today, I spent time researching carpet cleaning chemicals, specifically looking for “green” alternatives that are not harmful to the environment and safe for children and pets. My search results included The Steam Team in Austin, Texas (http://www.thesteamteam.com/). Interestingly, right under their “Carpet Cleaning” menu item was a menu item labeled “Green Services.” Clicking through to ...

This Place is Going to the Birds!

This Place is Going to the Birds!

December 15, 2011 No Comments

As the weather turns colder here in Michigan, our family loves to watch a wide variety of birds as they visit our bird feeder located about ten feet outside of our family room. From the brilliant red of a male cardinal — who always seems to be with his mate — to the quick “touch ...

Flowers & My Anniversary

Flowers & My Anniversary

December 15, 2011 No Comments

Recently, my husband and I celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary. We agreed not to do anything special other than go out to a nice dinner. When I awoke that morning, my husband had left me a single, white Calla lily flower stem, with some greens and Baby’s Breath, tied with a ribbon and a card ...

Nature’s Centerpiece

Nature’s Centerpiece

December 12, 2011 No Comments

Nature — God’s creation — can serve as a phenomenal inspiration for centerpieces.   Nature’s Centerpiece – This beautiful display can be made in about 30-45 minutes. The greens will last 6 to 8 weeks and carnations will last 3 to 4 weeks, with proper watering. It makes a simple, elegant addition to any table, ...

Festive Candy Cane Centerpiece

Festive Candy Cane Centerpiece

December 12, 2011 No Comments

Candy canes have long been synonymous with Christmas. From About.com, the origin of the candy cane goes back over 350 years, when candy-makers both professional and amateur were making hard sugar sticks. The original candy was straight and completely white in color. Around the seventeenth century, European-Christians began to adopt the use of Christmas trees ...

Quick Tips — Centerpieces

Quick Tips — Centerpieces

December 12, 2011 3 Comments

The following three “Quick Tips” will help anyone who is making their own festive centerpiece. When working with fresh greens, tree sap from the fresh greens can make your hands “sticky” which is just plain annoying. To easily remove sap, apply some Crisco to your hands. The fat from the Crisco will easily dissolve the ...

Christmas Holiday Centerpieces

Christmas Holiday Centerpieces

December 12, 2011 No Comments

Christmas brings with it decorating ideas that can make the holiday special. This can be especially true with centerpieces that can highlight the numerous opportunities to share holiday meals and receptions.   Christmas Candle Centerpiece – This beautiful display can be made in about 40-50 minutes and will last 6 to 8 weeks, with proper ...

Our Baby Boy

Our Baby Boy

December 9, 2011 No Comments

(This is a guest post from Doris Dillon.) My whole life changed when my son was born. Before he was born I always told myself I wouldn’t be one of those overprotective dads, but as soon as I saw his precious face I knew that would be impossible. I knew my single friends would probably make fun ...

Simple Tips For Busy Families

Simple Tips For Busy Families

November 10, 2011 No Comments

(Family Features) Zipping around from one family activity to the next can be fun, but it requires a plan in order to juggle the busy schedule. “Like so many parents, it can be a challenge to keep my active family organized, especially on the go,” says Olympic gold medal figure skater and mom of two ...

Household Budgeting: To Save Or To Spend?

Household Budgeting: To Save Or To Spend?

October 13, 2011 No Comments

(Family Features) From big-ticket purchases to basic household items, people from all economic backgrounds are prioritizing their shopping lists to spend wisely on items worth the investment. It is not surprising that when buying items for you or your family, it can be difficult to decide where to adjust your household budget. Personal finance expert, ...

How Can College Students Avoid Credit Hassles?

How Can College Students Avoid Credit Hassles?

August 25, 2011 No Comments

According to Gabe Albarian, author of Financial Swagger,  as hundreds of thousands of parents send their kids off to college in the coming months, many of them will be wondering if it marks the last time their children will be living under their roofs. According to a study conducted by Twentysomething Inc., a consultant firm specializing ...