I am a natural-born organizer but if I may be truthful... I only like to do the fun organizing now that I am an adult and busy and can’t stay up until 3 a.m. every night alphabetizing my cassette tapes and CDs. So until recently, I avoided organizing my files at all costs. Oh sure, once a year at tax time I would vow to finally get it all sorted the right way (you know, the “Martha Stewart Way”). This new system would last 3 minutes and I was back to just cramming everything into a file based on whatever month I received it. When I moved a few months ago (which always gives a fresh start to any area in need of organization in your life), I did some research online (you know, like searched Pinterest for hours) and found some … [Read more...]
Sears’ New Shop Your Way MasterCard Means You Can Earn Points Your Way
Today’s Girls Night Out Might Be Tomorrow’s Sears Washing Machine! ** Although this is a sponsored post, Blissfully Domestic writes about the things that interest us and new ideas we want to share with you - all the opinions expressed are my own.** As my kids have gotten older and more self-sufficient, I have truly discovered the importance of adult time, and especially time with girlfriends to catch up and yes, very important, have fun! As adults, it’s harder to make friends and more important than ever to have those friends who understand where you are coming from and where you are going to (or trying to go to). As important as time is with friends, in my house the budget is just as important. Like using coupons at the grocery store or making sure to cash in those extra … [Read more...]
Clean on the Cheap: New Uses for Dawn Dishwashing Liquid
Streamline your cleaning product arsenal by using plain old Dawn dish washing liquid as a multitasking cleanser--it does more than dishes! Floors and Carpets Merry Maids recommends using a drop of Dawn in water to clean ceramic tile and no-wax/linoleum floors. Note: don't use Dawn on wood laminate (Pergo) or hardwood floors--any residue may dull the finish and cause streaking. We've got some smart cookies on our Blissfully Domestic forum! Member Darla offers this tip for spot cleaning carpets: "Vinegar, water, and a little Dawn dish soap will do a remarkable job and it won't build up oil on your carpet (like some products) and collect more stains." Windows and Mirrors Clean your windows with this recipe from Merry Maids: mix 5 drops Dawn in 2 gallons warm … [Read more...]
Recession-Chic: Throwing a Fabulous, Yet Frugal Wedding for Next to Nothing
Sometimes, less is truly more. In these hard times, saving a few bucks is a necessity. What's a bride-to-be to do when money is already stretched thin? Recession-chic weddings, the trend of 2010, can be just as classic - but for a whole lot less! Elegance comes in many forms with or without money in hand. Here are a few tips to help you throw a fabulous, yet frugal wedding -- on a budget that's next to nil! The Trend of 2010: Learning How to Plan a Wedding on a Budget Frugal wedding tip #1: Repurpose a used or vintage gown. Sure, some dresses are outdated design and cut-wise. If you're a modern girl, you want the clean look without fuss; if you're more on the traditional side, you want that classic look to fit a little better. Solution? Re-purpose a consigned or vintage dress, which … [Read more...]
Is Private School Tuition Tax Deductible?
Parents who choose private school education for their children may wonder (especially around tax time!) if the costs can be deducted on federal or state taxes. While some states (most recently, Louisiana) do offer some school tuition tax relief for families enrolled in private schools, the federal government does not make private school tuition tax deductible for all children, but there may be options for those with special needs diagnoses. IRS Deductions and Private Education According to the Internal Revenue Service, a student with special needs who has been diagnosed by a qualified medical or behavioral specialist, whose diagnosis and condition requires an education that cannot be provided by the public school and that is not funded by the school district may qualify for a … [Read more...]
Tips for Raising Money SMART kids
Money, money, money Must be funny In the rich man's world Money, money, money Always sunny In the rich man's world Aha-ahaaa All the things I could do If I had a little money It's a rich man's world Yes, I admit I am an Abba fan! The ‘Money, Money, Money….” lyrics is something that I often have an urge to sing when my kids ask for the moon. But in all seriousness, I do recognize the importance of teaching my children about personal finances. They will, without a double, encounter a time in their life when they need to truly understand how to budget and the value of money. It’s never too early to teach our children about money and the importance of savings. I’ve narrowed it down to what I call ‘The Tree S Lesson’ – Save, Share and Spend! How to Save? … [Read more...]
