RSS Feed

March, 2013

  1. Talking to the Taxman About Poetry

    March 12, 2013 by admin

    tax-clip-artIt’s tax time again.  We don’t mind paying our fair share of taxes, but we do mind being billed too much to have them prepared.

    We have a pretty simple financial situation, and it typically takes less than an hour for an accountant to prepare our taxes.  Last year, we found ourselves paying over 25% the value of our refund to a nationally branded tax preparer.  And that didn’t sit well with us.  This year, we set out to find a new, cheaper way to file our return.

    We realize that we could do our taxes ourselves.  We know that tax software is cheap, or even free.  We also realize that many people have great success independently preparing their returns.   In the past, we’ve made errors on our forms and we’ve found ourselves completely frustrated by the entire process when attempting to file everything on our own.  We don’t wish to revisit that situation.  We are much more comfortable having a professional complete our taxes.

    So we began our research on local accountants.  We checked internet reviews and we asked a few friends for their opinions.  When we narrowed our list down to four contenders, we made phone calls to inquire about their rates.   We were pleased to see that 3 of the four offered estimates that came in well below the price we had paid last year.

    We set up an appointment with the company that seemed the most friendly, and most straightforward, during our initial inquiry.  Beckett Tax and Accounting ending up doing a great job on our taxes.  They were quick, efficient, and put us at ease.  They were happy to talk to our Bluey and to offer him fun things to play with (Alligator vs. T-Rex go!) while the adults talked.  The whole process took less than an hour, and our refund was similar to last year’s filing.

    And the clincher– Beckett’s bill for their service?  It was about a third the cost of what the nationally known tax preparers charged!

    Take a minute to shop around and to make sure that you are getting the best deal from your tax preparer.  It is well worth your research time.  If you are in the Madison area, we recommend you try Beckett Tax and Accounting.

     

    Category Money and Finance | Tags: , | Comments Off on Talking to the Taxman About Poetry

  2. I Am The Eggman

    March 10, 2013 by admin

    Don’t throw out or recycle those egg cartons!  You have tons of fun and practical uses at your fingertips that will just go to waste if you chuck your old containers.

    IMG_1633Recently, our Bluey constructed a robot out of an egg carton and some random bits of a deconstructed remote control.  We learned that it can take an amazing bit of strength to cut through a cardboard egg carton.  We actually broke a pair of scissors on our first pass!  So we found the best solution was to let TR Mom and Dad cut off the sections, and then Bluey could use them as he saw fit.

    Follow this link for even more ideas:  http://www.talkingchild.com/craftsegg.aspx

    Did you know that an egg container makes a fabulous seed starter?    Now is the time to begin prepping for that garden!  You could also use an egg carton to sort your workspace nuts, bolts, and washers.  Or keep them to pack up Christmas ornaments.  See even more practical uses here:  http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/article/0,,20053007,00.html

    Keep those cartons!  We’d love to hear the ways you’ve found to use them in your home.

     

    Category Get Crafty! | Tags: ,, | Comments Off on I Am The Eggman

  3. Things We Don’t Need Anymore

    March 8, 2013 by admin

    Is it time to simplify your kitchen?

    Too many kitchen items are sold for “conveniences” and as “time savers,” but mostly what they do is create a further separation between you and your food.  If your goals include serving healthy and delicious meals, you need more time in the kitchen, not less.  And you need to be more hands on with your food.

    Consider selling, giving away, or up-cycling some of your gadgets:

    The Microwave:  We ditched our nuke oven almost ten years ago, and we haven’t looked back.  Whether you need to reheat left-overs, or make a meal, there’s nothing your microwave can do that you can’t accomplish as easily on the stove or in a standard oven.  Why deal with food that is Napalm hot in some sections and ice cold in other areas?  Or why eat those ‘instant’ meals that are filled with preservatives and other strange chemicals?  Lose the microwave!  You don’t need it.IMG_1613

    The Popcorn Popper:  Maybe you already tossed your old air popper in favor of the microwave, but you don’t need a special tool to make popcorn.  We use a small saucepan (with a lid!!) and cook our popcorn on the stovetop.  It only takes about two minutes, and you get the joy of watching the kernels explode.  We like to make bets on which corn kernel will go first.

    The Bread Machine: These were all the rage at one point, so one found its way into our kitchen.  But even our top-of-the-line bread machine was hard to clean, unreliable, and didn’t make nearly as good a loaf of bread as we could make by hand.  Making bread by hand is easy, fun, and fills the house with great smells.

    Lots of Little Tools:  Our drawers were bulging at one point with little hand held gadgets.  We tossed most of them and now we barely remember why we had them in the first place.  We owned a garlic press?  I guess so.  Now we use the side of a chef’s knife, or a small cheese grater.  The egg-separator?  In the time it took to dig it out of the drawer, you could crack and separate the eggs with your bare hands, and wash up afterwards.  The avocado slicer?  We use a knife now.

    Like clothing, anything in your kitchen that you haven’t used in a year should be recycled.  And any device that does only one task isn’t worth your time.  Simplify your kitchen and your life.

    Category Rambler Ramblings | Tags: ,, | Comments Off on Things We Don’t Need Anymore

  4. The Money Saving Picnic!

    March 6, 2013 by admin

    IMG_1608If a family adventure takes us far enough from home to require lunch while on the road, we usually pack a picnic.  Our family of four would need to spend around $15, at the very least, to eat lunch at a restaurant or fast food chain.  But our typical picnic basket costs only around $10 to stock AND we always have plenty of leftovers to take home.

    Here are the typical offerings that we pack into our sturdy cooler:

    • Taboulie – $2.25
    • Cheez-its – $2.00
    • Package of 6 grocery (not bakery)bagels – $1
    • Package of cream cheese – $1.25
    • A few apples or bananas (always some sort of fresh fruit offering) – $2
    • Container of mixed nuts from our bulk supplies – $.75
    • A sweet treat offering (like yogurt covered peanuts from the grocery’s bulk section) – $1.25
    • Jug of watered down juice – $.90

     

    We also pack the following supplies:  a small cutting board, a sharp knife, a butter knife, reusable forks and spoons, cloth napkins, reusable plates, reusable cups, and small, reusable containers to pass snack items.  We keep the food cold with one or two ice packs thrown into the cooler.

    IMG_1609We rarely have an issue finding a space to spread out our lunch while on an adventure. Most museums are used to school groups so they have plenty of tables and space set aside for snacking.  And when the weather is cooperative, it is beyond easy to find a suitable space outdoors to set up a picnic.  We leave our cooler in our car and one parent retrieves it when it is time to eat.  When we’re finished, we just pack it up and return the cooler to the car.

    It’s a simple, cheap and healthy way to have lunch on the road.  What’s in your pic-a-nic basket?

    Category Groceries & Meal Planning | Tags: ,, | Comments Off on The Money Saving Picnic!

  5. What do you want to be when you grow up?

    March 4, 2013 by admin

    IMG_0827

    Our Plum has always had a remarkable connection with animals.  She is drawn to all types of critters and they respond back to her with trust and love.  Ever since Plum was quite young, she has aspired to work directly with animals.  Our Plum would love to grow up to be a veterinarian.

    We TR parents take our children’s dreams seriously.  And we do what we can to help our children achieve each and every one of their goals.  We started discussing how we could help Plum discover if the path to becoming a veterinarian was one that she really wanted to pursue.

    IMG_0472Since our entire family enjoys the company of animals, we have no shortage of critters to care for within our home.  We also maintain numerous bird feeders in our backyard.  We love to get outdoors, and hike or walk, so wild animal encounters occur daily.  And we have plenty of books stacked on the shelves at home about animal care and animal facts, for anyone to peruse at will.  Since Plum has plenty of standard exposure animals, we really had to broaden our search in order to offer her a unique experience.

    Into the picture walked the amazing staff of the Village Animal Clinic, located in Oregon, WI.  After speaking with TRIMG_1653 Dad about our Plum’s career goals and her connection to animals, Dr. Mike and his staff welcomed our daughter into their practice.  They allow Plum to safely witness procedures and to be a part of their clinic’s daily activities.  Plum has seen everything from routine check-ups, to nail clippings, to minor surgery.

    Through the clinic’s cooperation with Darling Pet Rescue, Plum has also been able to work with rescued, homeless animals and to learn about their struggles.  She has a tremendous time at the Clinic, interacting with employees and customers.  Plum is getting real life, hands-on experience and witnessing every aspect of being a veterinarian.  Her future goal is more in focus and her confidence have grown tremendously.

    We encourage you to explore hands-on opportunities for your child.  You never know who will open a door for your kids if you don’t take the first step, which is to simply ask for help.  And the experiences that your children will gain, through the opportunities that you help set up, will stay with them for a lifetime.

    Category Parenting | Tags: ,, | 2 Comments

  6. To Infinity and Beyond!

    March 2, 2013 by admin

    IMG_1587

    We recently traveled to Sparta, WI to explore the Deke Slayton Memorial Museum and the Local History Room Museum.  Both of these museums are located in the same building.  Since neither museum is very large, we don’t recommend that you plan to make a day out of these particular visits.  Instead, consider wrapping a trip to the IMG_1586museums into a grander plan of bike riding and exploring the surroundings.

    The Deke Museum is on the 2nd floor of a historic building.  There is a small admission fee to enter for children over 5 years of age, and adults.  A lovely little gift shop is immediately off of the entrance area.  But its location was irksome as it drew in our children immediately, and we had to work a bit to refocus them on the actual museum.

    The entire Deke Museum’s exhibit space can’t be much more than 1,000 square feet.  But it is chock full of interesting facts, memorabilia, and antiques.   The rear of the floor is a children’s exploration area.  You will find Legos, puzzles, a Space Capsule to crawl inside, and space and flight suits for the kids to try on.  There is a wall of trivia for older kids.  And there are some freebies for you to take home, which include paper airplanes and bookmarks.

    Tip:  Remember to look up!  The exhibits utilize ceiling space, too!

    We can’t caution you enough about choosing to enter the LHR museum.  This museum, located on the first floor, offers IMG_1588free admission.  But you’ll end up “paying” through your interaction with the greeter.  He had to be one of the most overbearing individuals we have met in quite some time!  Yes, he was knowledgeable.  But he destroyed our time within the LHR museum by hounding us with facts, following our progression through the exhibits, and refusing to pick up on our social cues that we preferred to experience the museum on our own.  They offer a scavenger hunt for kids but our children were so off-put by the greeter, that they wanted nothing to do with the game.  You may luck out on your visit and not run into this particular individual; but you’ve been warned.

    We chose not to eat lunch in Sparta, though there are quite a few options (locally owned and chains) available if you want to stay in town.

    Category Jaunts | Tags: ,, | Comments Off on To Infinity and Beyond!

Newer Entries