Articles written by Lisa Echtenkamp

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Creative Writing > Short Stories Short stories: Soul mates: 15 of 98
"Everyday" Just as she did everyday when the garage door opened, Leah felt the little butterflies awaken in her stomach. After a day home alone with the dogs, or out running the errands that kept their little piece of the world going, she always got antsy to see her husband when he arrived home from work. The dogs, Herb and G... More..
Food & Drink > Cuisine & Food (Other) Healthiest eating choices at Taco Bell: 1 of 6
With the eye on America's increasing waistline and decreasing time, more and more fast food restaurants are focusing on ways to provide both the convenience that so many busy families need, yet healthy options for food as well. Some marketing is a little on the deceptive side- a "Market Fresh" sandwich from Arby's, for exampl... More..
Creative Writing > Short Stories Short stories: Retribution: 9 of 34
She stood at the edge of the cliff, arms wrapped around her own thin frame, staring blankly out into the dark. After a moment, her gaze fell to the harsh rocks that met the ocean some 200 feet below, peering carefully into the obscurity, but the only thing she could see in the inky night was the white foam of the waves crashi... More..
Celebrations & Holidays > Wedding Planning Finger-food ideas for a wedding reception: 4 of 13
You know, picking the menu for your wedding doesn't have to be a chore. I personally had a blast selecting the food that we would share with our guests on this most special of occasions. And, think about it: you're selecting FOOD. Surely, they don't expect you to serve something that you haven't sampled yourself, do they? You... More..
Creative Writing > Short Stories Short stories: Shame: 26 of 42
"Gifts" The car pulled into a parking spot in the lot which she noticed was located behind the building, rather than in the front- she imagined this was a much-appreciated courtesy for the clientle. She found that she did indeed appreciate the owner's consideration in selecting a building with a back lot as opposed to a fron... More..
Travel > Travel Planning & Advice Travel budget: How to save money on vacation: 24 of 38
Research is to affordable travel what location is to prime real estate. With some advance preparations, you can ensure that your travels can have both the high quality and low prices that so many people desire, yet too rarely find within the same vacation.Travel dates: The greatest price factor when it comes to vacations is t... More..
Celebrations & Holidays > Wedding Party & Guests Bride tips: How to choose someone to walk you down the aisle who's not your father: 12 of 18
With so many wedding traditions coming up for revision in the last few decades, it is no surprise that the age-old "father giving away the bride" is also being revisited. And as far as archaic traditions go, this one certainly ranks right up there, as this custom originated because the daughter was considered the father's act... More..
Food & Drink > Baking Stocking up: What every baker's pantry needs: 10 of 15
Ever had a midnight jonesing for cookies, but didn't feel like changing out of the bunny slippers and ugly pj pants to go to the store? Well, luckily, by keeping just a few, cheap, long-lasting ingredients (with the exception of eggs) on hand as your starting line-up, you've got a good start on about 90% of the cookie recipes... More..
Celebrations & Holidays > Wedding Traditions & Themes Fall wedding theme ideas: 10 of 14
Summertime has always held a special significance for my husband and I; it's the time of year when we met and started dating, and held a lot of great memories for us; so when we were deciding to get married, it seemed a natural for us to get married during this time of year. And why not? Summer weddings are beautiful; think o... More..
Celebrations & Holidays > Wedding Budget Cheap wedding ideas: Tips for getting married in your own backyard: 16 of 22
There are many great reasons for getting married in your own backyard. Whether it is just a small ceremony, or you're on a budget, or the couple-to-be simply isn't religious, the backyard home wedding is a wonderful option for these festivities. But just because you aren't getting married someplace that's built for weddings, ... More..