Monday, February 26, 2007

Buy on Sale

Every week check your favorite stores sale flyer. If you use an item a lot that is on sale, but you are not out of it,,,,,,,,BUY IT ANYWAY!!! Always buy your favorite (nonperishable) foods on sale. Stock up that pantry. Not only will you save by buying the items on sale, but you will save gas and time by making fewer trips to the store. Don't be afraid to use coupons for extra savings. Coupons can save you at least $5.00 a week easy.

Thursday, February 22, 2007

Natural (inexpensive) Recipies for Baby and Mom

Here are a three natural recipes to sooth baby and mom as well. My grandmother used these recipes on here children.

Natural Oil
You will need:
A container with a lid
1/2 Cup of Lavender Essential oil
12 drops of olive oil
5 drops Mandarin Essential Oil

Mix ingredients in container by shaking to blend oils.
The blend of Lavender and Mandarin is not only beneficial to the skin, but is relaxing and can calm a baby along with the massage given as you apply the oil.

Teething Gel
You will need:
Small container
1 Tablespoon vegetable oil or glycerin
1 drop of Clove Essential Oil
In a small bottle, mix the Clove Essential Oil with the vegetable oil and shake till well-blended. Rub on babies gums to sooth the pain of teething.

Baby Wipes
You will need:
A Container with a tight lid
High quality paper towels
1 cup of distilled water
1/2 cup of Aloe Vera Gel
20 drops of Lavender Essential oil
3 drops of Tea Tree Essential Oil
2 t vinegar

Put all ingredients in container, cover and shake to blend. Mix well.
Essential Oil is healing to the skin, the vinegar and Tea Tree will help to prevent diaper rash and it will help the wipes from becoming moldy.

Cut the paper towel roll in half and remove the center cardboard. Put 1/2 of the paper roll into a container and soak in the solution. More solution may be added if the roll seems dry. Start by removing a towel from the center of the roll. Refrigerate the remaining solution for later use.

Monday, February 5, 2007

Charitable Ddonation Tax Changes UpDate

Taking effect in 2007, the Pension Protection Act changes the tax laws for charitable donation. Under the new law, any tax payer wanting to claim their donation as a tax deduction must show a receipt from the charity, a canceled check, or credit card statement to prove their donation. As with most deductions, no tax deduction will be allowed if the taxpayer cannot provide any supporting documentation. Taxpayers will not need to mail in the receipts with their tax return, just make sure that you keep them with your copy of the return in the event that you should be so unlucky as to be audited by the IRS.

This new law modifies the rules for non-cash donations as well. Items donated, such as clothing, household goods, and cars, must be in good condition. However, the term 'good condition' has not been defined.

The Pension Protection Act permits taxpayers over 70.5 years of age to donate money to their favorite charity directly from IRA accounts. Since the distribution will not be included in taxable income, individuals will not be able to claim a tax deduction for the charitable contribution.