Take the Stairs
If you're tired of waiting for the elevator at work, take the stairs – and cut your cholesterol.
The University of Ulster at Jordanstown in the United Kingdom enrolled 22 women in a study to evaluate the effects of short periods of exercise on overall health. One group made no changes in their lifestyles, while the other stopped using the elevator and started taking the stairs.
Using a rather long staircase -- 199 stairs -- the study group started with one ascent a day, and at the end of seven weeks was going up the stairs six or seven times each day.
At the end of the seven-week study, the control group's health hadn't changed. But the study group had lower overall cholesterol, a higher HDL (good cholesterol) level and could climb the stairs with lower oxygen consumption and a slower heart rate.
Friday, February 8, 2008
Improving Your Car's Fuel Efficiency: Part 2
Purchasing a Vehicle
When showing for a car, people need to decide between purchasing a new or used vehicle. But what people should really focus on is the average miles per gallon a vehicle gets, whether it is old or new. A car or truck that gets high gas mileage will save thousands of dollars in fuel bills over the lifetime of a vehicle compared to a vehicle with low gas mileage. This vehicle will also reduce pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. As you may now realize, there are many opportunities to reduce your car's fuel economy. So take some time to explore which ones work for you and you will soon be saving money and reducing wear on your vehicle. Just say no to "gas guzzlers"
you'll be better off,car and wallet too.
When showing for a car, people need to decide between purchasing a new or used vehicle. But what people should really focus on is the average miles per gallon a vehicle gets, whether it is old or new. A car or truck that gets high gas mileage will save thousands of dollars in fuel bills over the lifetime of a vehicle compared to a vehicle with low gas mileage. This vehicle will also reduce pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. As you may now realize, there are many opportunities to reduce your car's fuel economy. So take some time to explore which ones work for you and you will soon be saving money and reducing wear on your vehicle. Just say no to "gas guzzlers"
you'll be better off,car and wallet too.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Improving Your Car's Fuel Efficiency: Part 1
Maintaining Your Vehicle
There was a recent study that says a majority of the vehicles on the road today are riding on under-inflated tires. Not only do under-inflated tires reduce fuel economy, but they also wear quicker and can make it more difficult to handle your vehicle. One of the easiest things you can do to improve your car's fuel economy is to make sure your tires are properly inflated. If you are unsure of the proper tire pressure for your vehicle, consult the owner's manual. Also, if you have them, remove snow tires during good weather seasons. These deep-tread tires reduce fuel economy. Changing your car's oil on a regular basis will also help improve fuel economy by increasing the life of the engine. Clean oil reduces wear caused by friction between moving parts and also removes dirt and grime from the engine. A clean air filter will also improve fuel economy and protect your engine. A properly tuned engine will also help lower fuel costs. Consult the maintenance schedule in your owner's manual for tune-ups and you will help your car save fuel and run better. It's also a good idea to buy gas from a high-volume station. Since its tanks are refilled often, there is less chance of the fuel having impurities such as water or rust. In addition, don't waste money on premium fuel if your vehicle doesn't need it.
There was a recent study that says a majority of the vehicles on the road today are riding on under-inflated tires. Not only do under-inflated tires reduce fuel economy, but they also wear quicker and can make it more difficult to handle your vehicle. One of the easiest things you can do to improve your car's fuel economy is to make sure your tires are properly inflated. If you are unsure of the proper tire pressure for your vehicle, consult the owner's manual. Also, if you have them, remove snow tires during good weather seasons. These deep-tread tires reduce fuel economy. Changing your car's oil on a regular basis will also help improve fuel economy by increasing the life of the engine. Clean oil reduces wear caused by friction between moving parts and also removes dirt and grime from the engine. A clean air filter will also improve fuel economy and protect your engine. A properly tuned engine will also help lower fuel costs. Consult the maintenance schedule in your owner's manual for tune-ups and you will help your car save fuel and run better. It's also a good idea to buy gas from a high-volume station. Since its tanks are refilled often, there is less chance of the fuel having impurities such as water or rust. In addition, don't waste money on premium fuel if your vehicle doesn't need it.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Meatless Meals
If you go to the market and have noticed that meat has become pricier than ever,(I know I have) Here is a quick tip for you and your budget. Try to have 2-3 times a week, a meatless meal. Eating a dinner consisting of just vegetables is extremely budget friendly, as well as very healthy. I have listed below a meatless recipe that is cheap, delicious,and simple to make. I also like it because it uses a vegetable people usually seem to skip over,eggplant-bon appetite!
Eggplant Gratin
Good olive oil, for frying
3/4 pound eggplant, unpeeled, sliced 1/2-inch thick
1/4 cup ricotta cheese
1 extra-large egg
1/4 cup half-and-half
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup good bottled marinara sauce
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Heat about 1/8-inch of olive oil in a very large frying pan over medium heat. When the oil is almost smoking, add several slices of eggplant and cook, turning once, until they are evenly browned on both sides and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Be careful, it splatters! Transfer the cooked eggplant slices to paper towels to drain. Add more oil, heat, and add more eggplant until all the slices are cooked.
Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix together the ricotta, egg, half-and-half, 1/4 cup of the Parmesan, 1/8 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper.
In each of 2 individual gratin dishes, place a layer of eggplant slices, then sprinkle with Parmesan, salt and pepper and spoon 1/2 of the marinara sauce. Next, add a second layer of eggplant, more salt and pepper, half the ricotta mixture, and finally 1 tablespoon of grated Parmesan on top.
Place the gratins on a baking sheet and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the custard sets and the top is browned. Serve warm. ll usually skip over: eggplant- bon appetite!Give me courage to face anything, to endure everything--with you by my side.
-courtesy of www.foodnetwork.com
Eggplant Gratin
Good olive oil, for frying
3/4 pound eggplant, unpeeled, sliced 1/2-inch thick
1/4 cup ricotta cheese
1 extra-large egg
1/4 cup half-and-half
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup good bottled marinara sauce
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Heat about 1/8-inch of olive oil in a very large frying pan over medium heat. When the oil is almost smoking, add several slices of eggplant and cook, turning once, until they are evenly browned on both sides and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Be careful, it splatters! Transfer the cooked eggplant slices to paper towels to drain. Add more oil, heat, and add more eggplant until all the slices are cooked.
Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix together the ricotta, egg, half-and-half, 1/4 cup of the Parmesan, 1/8 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper.
In each of 2 individual gratin dishes, place a layer of eggplant slices, then sprinkle with Parmesan, salt and pepper and spoon 1/2 of the marinara sauce. Next, add a second layer of eggplant, more salt and pepper, half the ricotta mixture, and finally 1 tablespoon of grated Parmesan on top.
Place the gratins on a baking sheet and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the custard sets and the top is browned. Serve warm. ll usually skip over: eggplant- bon appetite!Give me courage to face anything, to endure everything--with you by my side.
-courtesy of www.foodnetwork.com
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Best Part Of Waking Up
Morning Romance
Try this very early in the morning ( around 5:30 am) to surprise your sweetheart. Wake and tell them
to hurry and come out of the house. On the lawn have a blanket thrown out with little scented candles, fruits, cheese, coffee, croissants and muffins, and have breakfast on the front lawn watching the sunrise. It is so beautiful, romantic and totally unexpected- no doubt your face will be covered in smooches!
Try this very early in the morning ( around 5:30 am) to surprise your sweetheart. Wake and tell them
to hurry and come out of the house. On the lawn have a blanket thrown out with little scented candles, fruits, cheese, coffee, croissants and muffins, and have breakfast on the front lawn watching the sunrise. It is so beautiful, romantic and totally unexpected- no doubt your face will be covered in smooches!
You Did What With Your Thoothbrush?!!
Wait! Don't throw out that ratty old toothbrush! Here are some great ways to reuse old toothbrushes:
Scrub the corners of your shower, tiles and sliding door.
Clean your keyboard.
Clean your nails after gardening.
Clean small spaces in your car that you can't get to.
Save it to clean off your cheese grater next time you use it.
Ah, yes, and let's not forget this gem ... Clean dog poop off your shoe.
You can use thoothbrushes for painting and all types of crafting projects also
Obviously, you may want to keep separate toothbrushes for some of these tasks.
Scrub the corners of your shower, tiles and sliding door.
Clean your keyboard.
Clean your nails after gardening.
Clean small spaces in your car that you can't get to.
Save it to clean off your cheese grater next time you use it.
Ah, yes, and let's not forget this gem ... Clean dog poop off your shoe.
You can use thoothbrushes for painting and all types of crafting projects also
Obviously, you may want to keep separate toothbrushes for some of these tasks.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Read This 1st Tax Filers!!
Here are the 13 most overlooked tax deductions- making mistakes can and does cost us taxpayers millions a year- do not be one of them losing out on good $$$
State Sales Tax
1.Although all taxpayers have a shot at this write-off, it makes sense primarily for those who live in states that do not impose an income tax. You must choose between deducting state income taxes or state sales taxes. For most citizens of income-tax states, the income-tax deduction is a better deal.
2. $250 Educators' Expenses
Teachers and their aides can deduct up to $250 they spent in 2007 for books and classroom supplies. If you qualify, put your deduction on line 23 of the Form 1040. You get this deduction regardless of whether you itemize. ax. You must choose between deducting state income taxes or state sales taxes. For most citizens of income-tax states, the income-tax deduction is a better deal.
3. College Tuition
You may qualify to deduct up to $4,000 you paid in college tuition in 2007 for yourself, your spouse or a dependent. This break can pay off if your income is too high to qualify to claim the Hope or Lifetime Learning credit.
4. Student Loan Interest ... Paid by Mom or Dad
Until recently, if parents paid back a student loan incurred by their children, no one got a tax break. To get a deduction, the law held that you had to be both liable for the debt and actually pay it yourself. But now there's an exception. If Mom and Dad pay back the loan, IRS treats it as though they gave the money to their child, who then paid the debt. So, a child who's not claimed as a dependent can qualify to deduct up to $2,500 of the loan.
5. Out-of-Pocket Charitable Contributions
It's hard to overlook the big charitable gifts you made during the year, by check or payroll deduction. But little things add up, too, and you can write off out-of-pocket costs you incur while doing good works. Ingredients for casseroles you regularly prepare for a nonprofit organization's soup kitchen, for example, or the cost of stamps you buy for your school's fundraiser count as a charitable contribution.
6. Jury Pay Paid to Employer
Some employers continue to pay employees' full salary while they are doing their civic duty but ask that they turn over their jury fees to the corporate treasury. The only problem is that the IRS demands that you report those fees as taxable income. You've always had a right to deduct the amount, so you weren't taxed on money that simply passed through your hands. But now tax forms include a line dedicated to this deduction.
7. Military Reservists' Travel Expenses
If you are a member of the National Guard or military reserve, you may deserve a deduction for travel expenses to drills or meetings. To qualify, you must travel more than 100 miles and be away from home overnight. If you qualify, you can deduct the cost of lodging and half the cost of your meals, plus 48.5 cents a mile (and any parking or toll fees) for driving your own car. You get this deduction regardless of whether you itemize.
8. Child-Care Credit
It's easy to overlook the child-care credit if you pay your child-care bills through a reimbursement account at work. The child-care credit applies to no more than $6,000 (for two or more children) of qualifying expenses. And, the law allows you to run up to $5K of such expenses through a tax-favored reimbursement account at work. So, if you run the maximum $5K through a plan at work, but spend more for work-related child care, you can claim the credit on that extra $1K. That would cut your tax bill by at least $200.
9. Estate Tax on Income in Respect of a Decedent
This sounds complicated, but it can save you a lot of money if you inherited an IRA from someone whose estate was big enough to be subject to the federal estate tax. Basically, you get an income-tax deduction for the amount of estate tax paid on the IRA balance.
10. State Tax You Paid Last Spring
Did you owe tax when you filed your 2006 state tax return in the spring of 2007? Then remember to include that amount with your state-tax deduction on your 2007 return, along with state income taxes withheld from your paychecks or paid via quarterly estimated payments. withdraw the money from the IRA and pay tax on it, you also get to deduct a proportional amount of the estate tax paid. If you withdraw $50,000 in one year, for example, you get to claim a $22,500 itemized deduction on Schedule A.
11. Refinancing Points
When you buy a house, you get to deduct points paid to get your mortgage in one fell swoop. When you refinance a mortgage, though, you have to deduct the points over the life of the loan. That means 1/30th a year if it's a 30 year mortgage -- that's $33 a year for each $1,000 of points you paid. Not much, maybe, but don't throw it away.
12. Reinvested Dividends
This isn't really a deduction, but it is a subtraction that can save you money ... and this is a break that many miss.If, like most investors, you have mutual fund dividends automatically invested in extra shares, remember that each reinvestment increases your "tax basis" in the fund. That, in turn, reduces the taxable capital gain (or increases the tax-saving loss) when you redeem shares. Forgetting to include the reinvested dividends in your basis means overpaying your tax.get to deduct points paid to get your mortgage in one fell swoop. When you refinance a mortgage, though, you have to deduct the points over the life of the loan. That means 1/30th a year if it's a 30 year mortgage -- that's $33 a year for each $1,000 of points you paid. Not much, maybe, but don't throw it away.
13. Jury Pay Paid to Employer
Some employers continue to pay employees' full salary while they are doing their civic duty but ask that they turn over their jury fees to the corporate treasury. The only problem is that the IRS demands that you report those fees as taxable income. You've always had a right to deduct the amount, so you weren't taxed on money that simply passed through your hands. But now tax forms include a line dedicated to this deduction.
State Sales Tax
1.Although all taxpayers have a shot at this write-off, it makes sense primarily for those who live in states that do not impose an income tax. You must choose between deducting state income taxes or state sales taxes. For most citizens of income-tax states, the income-tax deduction is a better deal.
2. $250 Educators' Expenses
Teachers and their aides can deduct up to $250 they spent in 2007 for books and classroom supplies. If you qualify, put your deduction on line 23 of the Form 1040. You get this deduction regardless of whether you itemize. ax. You must choose between deducting state income taxes or state sales taxes. For most citizens of income-tax states, the income-tax deduction is a better deal.
3. College Tuition
You may qualify to deduct up to $4,000 you paid in college tuition in 2007 for yourself, your spouse or a dependent. This break can pay off if your income is too high to qualify to claim the Hope or Lifetime Learning credit.
4. Student Loan Interest ... Paid by Mom or Dad
Until recently, if parents paid back a student loan incurred by their children, no one got a tax break. To get a deduction, the law held that you had to be both liable for the debt and actually pay it yourself. But now there's an exception. If Mom and Dad pay back the loan, IRS treats it as though they gave the money to their child, who then paid the debt. So, a child who's not claimed as a dependent can qualify to deduct up to $2,500 of the loan.
5. Out-of-Pocket Charitable Contributions
It's hard to overlook the big charitable gifts you made during the year, by check or payroll deduction. But little things add up, too, and you can write off out-of-pocket costs you incur while doing good works. Ingredients for casseroles you regularly prepare for a nonprofit organization's soup kitchen, for example, or the cost of stamps you buy for your school's fundraiser count as a charitable contribution.
6. Jury Pay Paid to Employer
Some employers continue to pay employees' full salary while they are doing their civic duty but ask that they turn over their jury fees to the corporate treasury. The only problem is that the IRS demands that you report those fees as taxable income. You've always had a right to deduct the amount, so you weren't taxed on money that simply passed through your hands. But now tax forms include a line dedicated to this deduction.
7. Military Reservists' Travel Expenses
If you are a member of the National Guard or military reserve, you may deserve a deduction for travel expenses to drills or meetings. To qualify, you must travel more than 100 miles and be away from home overnight. If you qualify, you can deduct the cost of lodging and half the cost of your meals, plus 48.5 cents a mile (and any parking or toll fees) for driving your own car. You get this deduction regardless of whether you itemize.
8. Child-Care Credit
It's easy to overlook the child-care credit if you pay your child-care bills through a reimbursement account at work. The child-care credit applies to no more than $6,000 (for two or more children) of qualifying expenses. And, the law allows you to run up to $5K of such expenses through a tax-favored reimbursement account at work. So, if you run the maximum $5K through a plan at work, but spend more for work-related child care, you can claim the credit on that extra $1K. That would cut your tax bill by at least $200.
9. Estate Tax on Income in Respect of a Decedent
This sounds complicated, but it can save you a lot of money if you inherited an IRA from someone whose estate was big enough to be subject to the federal estate tax. Basically, you get an income-tax deduction for the amount of estate tax paid on the IRA balance.
10. State Tax You Paid Last Spring
Did you owe tax when you filed your 2006 state tax return in the spring of 2007? Then remember to include that amount with your state-tax deduction on your 2007 return, along with state income taxes withheld from your paychecks or paid via quarterly estimated payments. withdraw the money from the IRA and pay tax on it, you also get to deduct a proportional amount of the estate tax paid. If you withdraw $50,000 in one year, for example, you get to claim a $22,500 itemized deduction on Schedule A.
11. Refinancing Points
When you buy a house, you get to deduct points paid to get your mortgage in one fell swoop. When you refinance a mortgage, though, you have to deduct the points over the life of the loan. That means 1/30th a year if it's a 30 year mortgage -- that's $33 a year for each $1,000 of points you paid. Not much, maybe, but don't throw it away.
12. Reinvested Dividends
This isn't really a deduction, but it is a subtraction that can save you money ... and this is a break that many miss.If, like most investors, you have mutual fund dividends automatically invested in extra shares, remember that each reinvestment increases your "tax basis" in the fund. That, in turn, reduces the taxable capital gain (or increases the tax-saving loss) when you redeem shares. Forgetting to include the reinvested dividends in your basis means overpaying your tax.get to deduct points paid to get your mortgage in one fell swoop. When you refinance a mortgage, though, you have to deduct the points over the life of the loan. That means 1/30th a year if it's a 30 year mortgage -- that's $33 a year for each $1,000 of points you paid. Not much, maybe, but don't throw it away.
13. Jury Pay Paid to Employer
Some employers continue to pay employees' full salary while they are doing their civic duty but ask that they turn over their jury fees to the corporate treasury. The only problem is that the IRS demands that you report those fees as taxable income. You've always had a right to deduct the amount, so you weren't taxed on money that simply passed through your hands. But now tax forms include a line dedicated to this deduction.
Fancy Table For Less
Here are some easy and thrifty ways to impress your guests at the holiday table.
Make your own placemats simply and easily. Use pinking shears to cut sheets of fabric to size - approximately 12"x 17" works well. Create a simple pattern by stitching a ribbon to the placemat.
For matching napkin rings, simply tie a length of the same ribbon around your napkin.
This tip is simple and fun for anyone who has these few items- you can also make a whole bunch of these sets using different colors, impress company every time!
Make your own placemats simply and easily. Use pinking shears to cut sheets of fabric to size - approximately 12"x 17" works well. Create a simple pattern by stitching a ribbon to the placemat.
For matching napkin rings, simply tie a length of the same ribbon around your napkin.
This tip is simple and fun for anyone who has these few items- you can also make a whole bunch of these sets using different colors, impress company every time!
Wipe Out Whiteflies
Whiteflies are small, triangular, white-bodied insects that love to take up residence on houseplants. They are an annoyance to plant owners and can cause the leaves of your plants to yellow and drop off.
Here are some control measures:
Use yellow sticky traps.
Use soap spray at five to ten day intervals.
Alcohol spray: 4 parts water to 3 parts rubbing alcohol. Add a squirt of liquid soap.
Remove and destroy all leaves that are more than 50% damaged.
Here are some control measures:
Use yellow sticky traps.
Use soap spray at five to ten day intervals.
Alcohol spray: 4 parts water to 3 parts rubbing alcohol. Add a squirt of liquid soap.
Remove and destroy all leaves that are more than 50% damaged.
Find The Treasure
Here is a fun exciting game to play to keep romance fresh and exciting. When he comes home he finds a treasure map that you made for him. Then, he goes on a hunt throughout the house, and at the end, you are waiting for him with a room full of candles, roses and chocolate-covered strawberries. It is a silly little game, but it is fun to play.
You can change up this game in many ways with locations,hints,clues and the surprise ending.
That's why I like this game it never has to become boring for you two and both can play.
You can change up this game in many ways with locations,hints,clues and the surprise ending.
That's why I like this game it never has to become boring for you two and both can play.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Meadow Of Wildflowers
Plant a Wildflower Meadow
Wildflower Meadow Fiction: To create a beautiful wildflower meadow, just buy one of those pretty shaker cans of wildflower seeds, spread them over your lawn, and stop mowing. Wildflower Meadow Fact: Although a wildflower meadow is easier to create than a flowerbed, you will need to prepare the soil by tilling thoroughly, and encourage your meadow by watering regularly. Here are some basics to help you establish your wildflower meadow:
Every wildflower mix should contain some meadow grasses. These grasses add texture and help stabilize the soil.
The label on your mix should list every species contained in the mix. Try to find a good mix for your region.
Try to rid the meadow of weeds before planting. Weeds are the most common reason for the failure of a wildflower meadow.
Solarization usually does a good job of ridding the soil of weeds.
Till and prepare the soil as you would for any seedbed, then apply the seeds at twice the rate recommended on the package. To facilitate even spreading, mix seeds with equal portions of clean river sand.
Keep the seedlings moist and weed diligently.
Cut to 6 inches high in late winter to prevent invasion by woody plants and to help disperse flower and grass seeds.
Sow annual seeds yearly, since they seldom reseed themselves as expected. After the second year the perennial seeds will begin to come into their own, and annual seeding may not be necessary.
Wildflower Meadow Fiction: To create a beautiful wildflower meadow, just buy one of those pretty shaker cans of wildflower seeds, spread them over your lawn, and stop mowing. Wildflower Meadow Fact: Although a wildflower meadow is easier to create than a flowerbed, you will need to prepare the soil by tilling thoroughly, and encourage your meadow by watering regularly. Here are some basics to help you establish your wildflower meadow:
Every wildflower mix should contain some meadow grasses. These grasses add texture and help stabilize the soil.
The label on your mix should list every species contained in the mix. Try to find a good mix for your region.
Try to rid the meadow of weeds before planting. Weeds are the most common reason for the failure of a wildflower meadow.
Solarization usually does a good job of ridding the soil of weeds.
Till and prepare the soil as you would for any seedbed, then apply the seeds at twice the rate recommended on the package. To facilitate even spreading, mix seeds with equal portions of clean river sand.
Keep the seedlings moist and weed diligently.
Cut to 6 inches high in late winter to prevent invasion by woody plants and to help disperse flower and grass seeds.
Sow annual seeds yearly, since they seldom reseed themselves as expected. After the second year the perennial seeds will begin to come into their own, and annual seeding may not be necessary.
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