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Cathy Woolridge - Features Reporter
Contact Cathy via e-mail
Call Cathy at 816-271-8563.
Be kind to the earth
by Cathy Woolridge
Monday, Dec. 29, 2008

Freelance writer and author Jodi Helmer knows that choosing a green lifestyle can seem overwhelming for many people. Deciding where to start and even how to start can make a person see green rather than live green.
But Ms. Helmer says going green isn’t that difficult, and she hopes to illustrate that in her new book, “The Green Year.” The book, Ms. Helmer’s first, was released on Dec. 2 and takes a calendar-like approach to becoming more eco-friendly. Each day features easy and inexpensive tips. For example, turn to Aug. 18 and you’ll read how adding tennis balls to your dryer helps speed up drying time.
The News-Press recently chatted with Ms. Helmer, who lives in Charlotte, N.C.

I resolve to ...
by Cathy Woolridge
Sunday, Dec. 28, 2008

New Year’s resolutions — you make them and then you break them. It’s an annual tradition for many of us.
“I resolve to (fill in the blank)” is a phrase that gets a workout as a new year dawns. Even the U.S. government gets into the act, with a list of the most popular resolutions on its Web site at www.usa.gov.
Of course, along with that list of popular resolutions (to lose weight is the No. 1), there are tips for keeping them. Making New Year’s resolutions is the easy part. Keeping them ... well, we all know that good intentions often get lost in the hustle and bustle of living in the real world.

Ho-ho healthy
by Cathy Woolridge
Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2008

Dear Santa,
I’m really sorry, but there won’t be any no-bake, sugar or chocolate chip cookies waiting for you at my house this year. No brownies, candy or homemade cinnamon rolls, either.
Yeah, I know, that doesn’t jingle your bell. But before you put me on the naughty list, let me explain my decision.

Silver screen songs
by Cathy Woolridge
Friday, Dec. 19, 2008

When you’re listening to the band IT perform “The Juice,” don’t be surprised if you have a flashback to a movie you’ve seen before.

Sweet sensation
by Cathy Woolridge
Friday, Dec. 19, 2008

Alexis Bremer of St. Joseph will make about 1,000 of her chocolate-covered cherry cookies before Christmas. It only took 12 tiny ones for her to be declared the winner of the 2008 News-Press Holiday Candy Recipe Contest.
Of course, she had to make a dozen more for the photo.

Holiday candy contest recipes
by Cathy Woolridge
Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2008

Holiday candy contest recipes

Sweet sensation
by Cathy Woolridge
Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2008

Alexis Bremer of St. Joseph will make about 1,000 of her chocolate-covered cherry cook­ies before Christmas. It only took 12 tiny ones for her to be declared the winner of the 2008 News-Press Holiday Candy Recipe Contest. Of course, she had to make a dozen more for the photo. “I just made 120 of these bad boys,” she says, handing over a red box filled with her winning entry. “I have a Christmas party at work.”

The stockings were hung ...
by Cathy Woolridge
Monday, Dec. 15, 2008

‘Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. The stockings were hung by the chimney with care...
Oh, bummer, don’t have a chimney in your home?
Well, you can still recreate the quaintness of that classic holiday poem. All you have to do is hang those Christmas stockings with care some other way. And there are a variety of options.

Pawing the perfect present
by Cathy Woolridge
Sunday, Dec. 14, 2008

You’ve made your Christmas list and checked it twice. There are presents for all the people in your life, so now it’s time to wrap up a little something for your pets.
Since many pet owners consider their animals members of the family, it’s only natural that they would want to include them in holiday celebrations. In fact, the American Pet Products Association says that 20 million people (almost half of all dog and cat owners) spend at least $210 million for holiday gifts for Fido and Fluffy.
But what’s the perfect gift for your pet?

Ho-ho holidays
by Cathy Woolridge
Sunday, Dec. 7, 2008

It’s no secret that the Lake of the Ozarks is a warm-weather favorite for many. There’s golf, getting out on the water and outlet shopping.
But the central Ozarks area really shines during the holiday season. You can still golf, get out on the water and shop, but you also can celebrate the season Ozark style.