If you are like most taxpayers, you may pay a small fortune to the IRS each year through income taxes. A heavy tax burden can be difficult for individuals and families to bear, and you understandably want to decrease this burden as much as possible so that you keep more of your hard-earned money in your own bank account. The good news is that there are numerous tax deductions available that can help you to save money on taxes. You may already be using common tax deductions, but learning more about hidden or commonly overlooked deductions can help you to…
You’ve probably heard a few anecdotal tips for keeping cut flowers looking beautiful, but could a weird trick like adding a penny or an aspirin to the vase really work? There are a few proven ideas for keeping homegrown and store-bought bouquets looking great. Preparation When a plant is cut, the stem absorbs air. This embolism or air pocket prevents water from being absorbed. That’s why it’s so important to cut the stems before arranging the bouquet. Remove at least one inch, and cut on an angle to increase the surface area and to prevent the bottom from resting directly…
I just got wind that someone volunteered my house to host Sunday’s Big Game. Thanks for the heads up guys! Now I got to quickly come up with a tasty menu that won’t break the bank. Our party may be BYOB, but I still have to fill my guests’ tummies which can get a bit costly. Not this year. While the AFC and NFC battle it out on the field, I plan on heading over to my grocery store to pick up supplies for these tasty touchdown-worthy eats. Broccoli Tots You’ll need: 2 cups of uncooked or frozen broccoli 1…
The holiday season comes with a lot of health drawbacks, including colds, the flu, slips and falls and packing on a few extra pounds. Avoid germs, injuries, and fend off the seasonal weight by following these tips for healthy holidays. Prevention The cold and the flu spread rapidly during the winter, making it important to regularly wash your hands and stay warm. There is also a higher risk of slip and fall accidents during the winter. Sprinkle salt along the walkways near your home to prevent falls and other related injuries from ice this winter. Be Mindful of What You…
The holidays are quickly approaching, and it’s time to start planning family events, parties, and all the things that make the holidays enjoyable this time of year. The holidays can become stressful if you don’t get a head start on all you need to do, which is why your holiday cleaning checklist is the most important list you’ll make all year aside from the one you’re compiling for Santa. You will want to do all you can to make sure your house or apartment is presentable for picky in laws who might criticize you if your cleanliness isn’t up to…
A cup of hot cocoa is a seasonal delight we all look forward to. Nothing beats coming in from the cold and warming up to a cup of hot chocolate. During the holiday season, sample the cocoa recipes below. Traditional Hot Cocoa Use this basic recipe as a starter for adding many variations of flavorings. Ingredients: 4 ounces sugar 2 ounces baking cocoa A pinch of salt 3 ounces hot water 32 ounces milk 3 drops vanilla extract Directions: 1) Mix cocoa, salt, and sugar together and place in a medium saucepan. Add the water. 2) Bring to a boil,…
After spending all that time cooking, the meal is enjoyed, but then there are the leftovers. That’s Ok! Thanksgiving dinner is the meal that keeps on giving. Some folks look forward to the leftover meals as much as the holiday meal. Here are some recipe suggestions you will enjoy. Loaded Turkey Stew Ingredients Chicken Broth Turkey Pieces Chopped Green Beans Chopped Carrots Real Bacon Bits Chopped White Potatoes Corn Kernels Parsnips Chopped Mushrooms Spring Onions Minced Garlic Italian Seasoning Salt Pepper Optional-Hot Peppers Directions 1) Pour chicken broth into a Dutch oven pot and place on a stovetop burner. 2)…
Holiday shopping can be a huge stressor. With online shopping becoming more and more popular, it’s no secret that we can save tons of time by browsing the online stores and having our gifts delivered right to our door. Unfortunately, there are still a few things that can go wrong. What do you do if it’s been a few weeks, your party is approaching and your package hasn’t arrived yet? It’s even scarier if you check the tracking and you see “delivered” as the status. If you are having gifts delivered this year, no matter how safe your neighborhood, you…
Turkey is the star dish on the Thanksgiving table, so it’s important to make sure its cooked to perfection. Also, if you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner and are worried about carving the turkey, below is an easy step-by-step guide on how to carve the bird. Carving Tools • A carving board • A cutting board • Chef’s knife or a slicing knife • Paper towels • A serving platter • A boning knife or any other long, flexible knife • Quality tongs Now that you have all the necessary hardware, here is everything you need to do to turn a whole…
With Halloween right around the corner, make your child’s lunch box pop with creepy critters and silly monsters. Here is a list of fantastic Halloween lunch ideas that are sure to make your little one squeal with delight. Grilled Ghosts This spooky spin on grilled cheese sandwiches is sure to be a lunchtime hit. Cut the bread into a ghost shape and toast, fry, or grill the sandwich as you would normally. Once it’s cooked, add a couple of peppercorn flakes for the eyes. Monster Mouth Take your child’s favorite apple and cut a wedge out of the side. Coat…