Monday, March 27, 2017

FHE - Movie Night!

I really feel sorry for today's kids.  They were never exposed to our beloved Jiminy Cricket teaching about safety - and common sense.

Enjoy.


Saturday, March 25, 2017

Debt Update - 3-24-2017

Debt total for February:  18,916.15
Debt total for March:  16,257.44
Debt paid:  2658.71

I had refunds on both Federal and State tax returns that have paid off the Care Credit card (medical bills), I am now on track to pay off my next credit card within the next few months.

Progress!


Monday, March 20, 2017

FHE - U.S. History

With all of the books and movies made regarding historical events and people in the United States of America, there is no collection that compares with the U.S. National Archives.



Interested in learning the real history behind our nation, our customs, our laws, our leaders and our citizens?  Search the archives here.


Saturday, March 18, 2017

Trying My Hand At Crock Pot Cooking

I'm not the best cook in the world, so I thought I'd try out a recipe book on the Crock Pot that's been on my kitchen counter gathering dust.  LOL.  It didn't work out that great, but then again, I probably messed up somewhere in the instructions.


I found this book at Costco and thought I'd give it a try.  

My first attempt:


Chicken and Noodles.

Easy, you say?  I still managed to mess it up, too much salt and garlic powder.  Yep.


Getting started...


With the ingredients all in.

As I stated, I messed up on the amount of salt and garlic powder, but I also put the noodles in at the beginning, rather than waiting until the first 6 of 8 hours had passed.

This meant it was a salty, garlic - y mush with chicken.

It was edible for the next few days, so I did eat most of the leftovers.

Maybe I just need to find something simpler.  LOL.



Monday, March 13, 2017

Learning About The World Around Us - France

I love Sophia from My Great Challenge on YouTube.  She also has a blog where she posts all kinds of details of subjects that interest her - books, makeup, decor and organization to name a few.

In 2016, her family took a trip to France where Sophia was born and raised.  Given her knowledge of the French history and culture, this is definitely a series to watch.  She does a fantastic job of explaining to those like me who have never set foot in France.  I just wish I knew the language!


Saturday, March 11, 2017

BYU Finance Class

If you haven't become familiar with the BYU Finance Class that is available on YouTube, Brother (Dr.) Sudweeks is providing an updated version of his classes on YouTube now!




The online link to where the textbook and other materials can be found:  BYU Personal Finance Class


Free Tax Help

If you live in the United States, April 15th is approaching.  There are some online sites that can offer help with getting your taxes done.

The one caveat I will say with this; if you have a situation where you feel you will need professional help, seek it.  Get in touch with the IRS directly, or go through a CPA either privately or through a professional tax service.  Usually I use TurboTax and file myself, however when my husband passed away, I had a CPA handle my taxes for that year, and I highly recommend anyone else in that situation to do the same.

That said, there is free tax help from the IRS.

Here is a basic link:  Free Tax Help

You can also file your federal taxes for free via the IRS:  Free File

For Low Income taxpayers, they have some information at this link:  Low Income Taxpayer Clinics






For the State of Arizona (where I live), the Arizona Department of Revenue offers this site for free and paid tax services:



Saturday, March 4, 2017

Spring Break

This week is Spring Break for me, so that means less away from the house, but more work around the house!

Needless to say, based on my kitchen, I have A LOT of work on my hands!


The Use of Space Within Your Home

I love this series.