All 50 articles written by Sallie Schaaf Borrink
Category: New Teacher Support (general)
The first days of school bring with them a wide range of emotions for new teachers. But there are ways to prepare for the first weeks and make the transition easier. more...
Book Review: Back to Basics: Explore a Practical Guide to Traditional Skills and Homesteading
Category: Green/Simple Living (general)
Increase self-sufficiency and learn to buy land, select an energy type, raise food, enjoy the harvest, practice new hand skills, and enjoy homemade fun and recreation. more...
Category: Personal Budgeting/Finance (general)
In the past, being called a tightwad was a term of derision. However, tightwad is a beautiful word to those who have learned tightwaddery from The Frugal Zealot. more...
Category: Campus Activities
Selecting the right Christian organization to join can mean a better college experience and many opportunities for growing in the faith while enjoying social outlets. more...
Category: Primary School (general)
A new school year offers opportunities for easy and interesting writing projects. Students will enjoy writing about September, autumn, the new school year, and apples. more...
Category: Campus Activities
Fraternity and sorority members participate in many secret rituals each year. During these ceremonies they fully enjoy their brotherhood and sisterhood. more...
Choosing Your Child's School: Important Aspects to Consider When Planning Student's Education
Category: Parenting Resources (general)
Whether it is preschool, elementary school, middle school or high school, there are an almost overwhelming number of options available to parents selecting a school. more...
What to Do in Traverse City, MI: Northern Michigan Resort Town Offers Wide Variety of Attractions i
Category: Michigan Travel
Located on Grand Traverse Bay, Traverse City offers Up North fun. This family-friendly town boasts great eating, attractions and plenty of water activities. more...
Category: NE U.S. Travel (general)
Lakes Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie and Superior and surrounding areas offer national parks, lighthouses, fishing, boating, shipwrecks, museums, hiking and camping. more...
Mackinac Spring and Summer Events: Michigan’s Mackinaw Area Offers Festivals, Parades, and History
Category: Michigan Travel
Mackinaw City, St. Ignace, and Mackinac Island offer a variety of family friendly activities each May, June, July, August and September. Here are four important events. more...
Cheap Travel Tips and Ideas: Find Free Activities for Inexpensive Fun While on Vacation
Category: Budget Vacations (general)
No matter where you go, there are ways to find low-cost and free activities. Here are eight tips for saving money and having fun without breaking the bank. more...
Lighthouse Bed and Breakfasts: Lodging Available in Lake Michigan, Huron and Superior Lights
Category: Michigan Travel
Spend a memorable overnight visit in a Michigan lighthouse. Opportunities vary from wonderfully romantic to volunteer work for lodging and can be for one night or weeks. more...
Choosing a New England Inn or B&B: Select the Perfect Lodging for Traveling in New England
Category: NE U.S. Travel (general)
New England abounds with charming inns and B&Bs. Carefully selecting one for a getaway or vacation will enhance the entire experience. Consider these important factors. more...
Summer Fun in Madison, Wisconsin: Enjoy A Variety Of Family Activities In The Dairy State's Capitol
Category: Wisconsin Travel
A beautiful state capitol building, exciting fireworks, a large farmer's market, shopping, restaurants, and a Big Ten University - Wisconsin's state capitol has it all! more...
Spring & Summer Writing Activities: Fun and Free Activities, Ideas and Creative Prompts for Children
Category: Kids Holiday Activities
Celebrate May and June and motivate young writers with writing ideas related to May Day, Mother's Day, Memorial Day, End of the School Year, Friends, and Summer Vacation more...
Benefits of Sorority Membership: Five Important Reasons to Join a Greek Sisterhood in College
Category: Campus Activities
The motivations for joining a sorority vary. But lifelong friendships, community service, networking, leadership development and social activities are key advantages. more...
Meijer Gardens Butterfly Exhibit: Tropical Butterfly Display Featured in Grand Rapids, Michigan
Category: Michigan Travel
The Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park brings in butterflies from around the world each spring. Enjoy watching them and participate in fun family activities. more...
Choosing a College Sorority: Important Aspects to Consider When Selecting a Sisterhood to Join
Category: Campus Activities
Choosing a sorority during recruitment can be overwhelming. But by carefully evaluating some key areas of each chapter, you can successfully find a sisterhood for life! more...
Guest Room Hospitality Tips: Simple Steps to Ensure Your Visitors Have a Restful Stay
Category: Entertaining (general)
Creating a haven for guests in your home is not complicated. By following a few simple guidelines, you can provide your friends with a lovely and gracious place to rest. more...
College Sorority Terms to Know: The Words and Phrases to Learn Before Greek Membership Recruitment
Category: Campus Activities
You don't have to say "It's all Greek to me!" Learn the terminology used by sorority sisters and the Panhellenic Council when discussing the membership selection process. more...
Childlessness at Christmas: Ministering to and Caring for Infertile Couples During the Holidays
Category: Protestantism (general)
The celebration of Christ's birth can be a hard and lonely time for couples struggling with infertility. There are ways to bless and encourage them during Advent. more...
Family Christmas Traditions: Simple and Meaningful Activities to Celebrate the Holiday Season
Category: Kids Holiday Activities
Christmas is the time for traditions. Whether it is an activity, food or way to give to others, if you are looking for a new tradition for your family this year, read on! more...
Simplify Christmas Gift Giving: Quick Christmas Present Ideas When Time is Short
Category: Family Finances (general)
Almost everyone finds themselves pressed for time during the holidays. Christmas gift giving can be simplified by following these easy solutions. more...
Family Thanksgiving Traditions: Special Ways to Celebrate the Holiday with Joy and Gratitude
Category: Kids Holiday Activities
Thanksgiving traditions can bring your family together in new ways and also help you reach out to those in need during this special time. more...
Category: Kids Holiday Activities
Holiday activities don't have to break the bank. Here are nine activities to help you celebrate with your child, using things you already have around the house! more...
An Honest Look at Becoming a Teacher: Negative Aspects of Teaching Not Often Considered
Category: New Teacher Support (general)
The field of education can be rewarding. But teaching is demanding, with negative aspects not always fully explored or understood by those considering it as a career. more...
Category: Personal Growth Books
Jackie Wellwood, a homeschooling mother of six, has written a informative gem of a book for those starting to think about simplifying and decluttering their lives. more...
Warm, Inspiring Books by Thomas Kinkade: Three Selections that Offer Hope, Joy, Simplicity and Peace
Category: Personal Growth Books
Although Thomas Kinkade is best known for his peaceful paintings, he is also a gifted writer, collaborating with his wife on topics such as marriage and parenting. more...
Category: Baking & Desserts (general)
Cinnamon Pecan Shortbread, Pecan Pie Muffins and Pecan Tartlets are easy to prepare snacks for pecan lovers to enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea or at the holidays. more...
Category: Primary School (general)
The first few days of school set the tone for the entire year. Here is a list of simple to prepare activities that work well on the first day or during the first week. more...
Category: Kids Holiday Activities
Summer is almost over. It's time for writing about August, back to school, setting goals, football, and Labor Day! Use these quick ideas for encouraging student writing. more...
Summer Holiday Writing Prompts: Fun and Free Activities, Ideas and Creative Projects for Children
Category: Kids Holiday Activities
Celebrate June, July and August with kids and motivate young writers with inexpensive writing ideas related to vacation, Father's Day, Fourth of July and Independence Day more...
Category: Michigan Travel
Grand Rapids, Michigan is home to several hands-on children's attractions including the John Ball Park Zoo, Frederik Meijer Gardens and Grand Rapids Children's Museum. more...
New Parent and Baby Help Tips: Simple Ideas and Thoughtful Ways to Encourage People with a Newborn
Category: Postpartum Health
Most parents find a new baby at least a little overwhelming. Here are some easy tips and often inexpensive ways to assist mom and dad as they adjust to their new life. more...
Best Time to Have a Baby: Choosing the Ideal Month, Season to Welcome a Child into the Family
Category: Family Planning
Deciding to have a baby is a big step. Consider these five factors to determine the best month to bring home a bundle of joy and enjoy pregnancy. more...
Kirtland's Warbler Bird Watching: Endangered Bird Nests in Northern Michigan Forests Each Spring
Category: Michigan Travel
One of the world's most elusive birds nests in the jack pines of the Lower Peninsula. Take a guided birdwatching tour and visit the Kirtland's Warbler Festival in May. more...
Charming Shipshewana, Indiana: Shipshewana and Middlebury Offer Amish and Modern Attractions
Category: Indiana Travel
Shipshewana and Middlebury, Indiana, offer a great look at America's heartland. This picturesque area features the best of Amish and contemporary travel destinations. more...
Calvin Coolidge Historic Site: Visit The Plymouth Notch, Vermont, Homestead Of The 30th President
Category: Vermont Travel
The only U.S. President from Vermont, Coolidge was a true Yankee - thrifty, principled and community-oriented. Explore the man and his family home in Plymouth Notch. more...
Summer Fun in Petoskey, Michigan: Northern Michigan Resort Town is a World Class Destination
Category: Michigan Travel
Petoskey, Michigan is the perfect summer vacation spot for families and couples with beautiful views, sparkling water, delicious food, charming lodging, and fun shopping. more...
Fall Foliage Travel in New England: A Memorable Autumn Vacation in the Northeast United States
Category: NE U.S. Travel (general)
Whether the destination is Vermont or Massachusetts, New Hampshire or Maine, Connecticut or Rhode Island, careful planning is key for enjoying the colors of the season. more...
Fun Spring Writing Project Ideas: Free and Simple Activities and Creative Prompts for Children
Category: Kids Holiday Activities
Celebrate the arrival of March and April and motivate young writers with writing ideas related to St. Patrick's Day, Spring, Easter and Baseball! more...
After College Sorority Recruitment: What Happens To New Greek Members After Bid Day?
Category: Campus Activities
After sorority recruitment ends, the fun really begins! From big sisters to initiation, here is what you can expect the first few weeks as a new member in your sisterhood more...
Joining a College Greek Sorority: Factors to Consider When Deciding if Going Greek is Right for You
Category: Campus Activities
While joining a sorority can be a great experience, there are aspects to consider such as cost, time, academics and personal issues. Read on to make the best decision! more...
Category: Campus Activities
Finding the right Greek sisterhood involves more than cute shoes! Be informed, research the chapters, and request references to greatly increase your chances of success. more...
Category: Campus Activities
Each fall, thousands of women eagerly anticipate joining a sorority at their college or university. Learn about this process formerly known as Rush and what it involves. more...
Christmas Activities for Children: Simple, Free Advent Fun and Holiday Writing Prompts for Kids
Category: Kids Holiday Activities
These simple holiday projects and writing prompts cover many aspects of the Christmas season and should only require items you already have around the house! more...
Keep Jesus the Focus of Christmas: Meaningful Ways to Celebrate the Birth of Christ during Advent
Category: Christian Parenting
Among the joy and business of the Christmas season, here are some simple and thoughtful ways to remember the birth of the Savior each day of the holiday. more...
Thanksgiving Ideas and Projects: Fun, Free and Simple Activities and Writing Prompts for Children
Category: Kids Holiday Activities
These enjoyable Thanksgiving activities will promote learning and writing skills and rely on materials you probably already have around your home. more...
Simple Holiday Meal Planning: Five Easy Steps for an Organized and Delightful Gathering
Category: Holiday Entertaining
Planning a satisfying and stress-free holiday gathering is easier than you might think! By implementing these five basic steps, you can savor the process and your guests. more...
Category: Educational Issues (general)
One overlooked way of helping a child succeed in school is focusing on the needs of the teacher. Helping a teacher and offering encouragement will make a difference! more...