Amy Michelle

The last time you hired a professional to perform a service for you, were you satisfied with the results?  How did you find them?  Would you hire them again? 
 
There are lots of ways to screen an individual or company.  Some are free, some come at a small cost, but it is SO worth the [...]

I’ve been talking about it forever and forever. I always hate getting sucked into introductory rates from the cable company and then finding myself with $75 bills for BASIC cable six months later. I want to kick myself because I hate how I watch too much TV anyway. (Oh, but how I love it).
I finally [...]

This fun project can take on whatever look you want. Whether it’s a marbled design or one of more solid color, kids will have a blast putting them together.
What you’ll need:

No-bake modeling clay (We recommend Crayola Model Magic Clay): Red, yellow, blue
Wooden skewers
Clear crafting lace

How to make it:

Pinch off small pieces of modeling clay, one [...]

Breaded chicken is a good bet for finicky eaters, and this variation, grilled and served on a skewer, makes it even more appealing to kids. Add your child’s favorite dipping sauce, and there might not be any left for the adults!

RECIPE INGREDIENTS:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, pounded 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick

Salt and pepper

24 [...]

Pinwheels are an age old craft that your Grandma will remember. Put together these pretty wind decorations and stick them in your garden.

What you’ll need:

Colored card stock or construction paper
Thumbtack or stick pin
Pencil with new eraser
White craft glue
Scissors
Sequins
Pattern

How to make it:

Print the pattern onto plain copy or printer paper.
Cut the square pattern out, cutting on [...]

Ingredients

4 (5-ounce) skinless chicken breast halves, trimmed of all visible fat and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
4 teaspoons crushed dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt, optional
1 teaspoon white pepper
4 small Idaho potatoes, peeled and cut into 3/4-inch cubes
Vegetable Stacks, recipe follows

Directions
Place the chicken cubes in a [...]

These games are perfect for 1st graders

Monkey Number Order
This elementary activity is great fun for all kids in the computer lab or at home! Kids practice putting numbers in order in 10 different levels. Level 1 includes numbers 1-10, level 2 includes 11-20, etc. Great game for students learning to count!

Time Travel: Learn to tell time!
This elementary activity [...]

No is a very simple word that trips me up ALL the time.  I have no idea why this is such a difficult word for me to say, but it is.
 
Recently, I found myself  (and Amy) working on a weekend project that I knew good and well was a dog, but suffered through it anyway [...]

I decided I could be a runner.  I have never been a runner–I actually hate to sweat.  Why–because I watched some dumb movie and thought I should try to do those things I think I can not do.  During the summertime, there is enough sunlight late in the day that I can put the kids [...]

Quick-to-make tacos are hard to beat for a weeknight dinner. This easy and flavorful Mexican recipe for chicken tacos offers a wholesome alternative to the packaged taco seasoning you find at the store.

RECIPE INGREDIENTS:

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1/2 cup minced onion

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 serrano chili, minced

1/2 cup tomato sauce

1 teaspoon cumin

1/2 teaspoon salt

3 1/2 cups [...]