Archive for February 4th, 2008
I just stumbled over a virtual plethora of write offs for those of you who are making a career out of writing. If you have been freelancing for any time you probably know a few tricks, but have you thought of everything?
1. Memberships to local attractions (museums, parks, aquariums). If you are using your trips for writing research then be sure to write-off the expense (that includes mileage and meals).
2. Trips to visit family. Figure out a way to use the experience in your writing and deduct your mileage.
3. Conferences and seminars. Even if they aren’t specifically about writing you can use them IN your writing.
In essence, I can deduct all or a portion of just about anything that I do – as long as it is relevant to my writing.
For every deduction I can find that is one less dollar that the government will get. And the more of my money I can keep the happier I am going to be!
February 4th, 2008
It’s great to find ways to save money and avoiding eating out is always top on my list of suggestions. But with ballgames, church gatherings, and other events crowding the schedule it can be hard avoiding the local restaurants. The good news is that you CAN eat out and still save some money. You just have to plan wisely.
1. Captain D’s – It is more than just a great little seafood place. This is the prefect stop for those Thursdays when you don’t have the time or the energy to cook at home. Get 2 free Kid’s meals with any adult entrees purchase at regular price, dine in only. Always check with your local chain to be sure this is the arrangement it has.
2. Applebee’s – This family restaurant has a great selection for the adults and you can get a kid’s meal for just .99 (Tuesday and Thursday) with the purchase of an adult meal.
3. Denny’s - when you have a hunger for a great breakfast meal then this is the perfect stop. Kids eat free with the purchase of an adult meal from 4 - 10 pm.
4. IHOP - another great breakfast location, although the entrees are just as appealing. Kids 12 & under can eat free on Monday through Thursday with the purchase of an adult meal (but only from 3 pm until 9 pm).
5. Chick-Fil-A - the place that encourages you to eat more chicken now offers a great deal for people with kids. On Tuesdays you can get a free kid’s 4 pack with the purchase of any adult combo.
6. Ruby Tuesday - this is a place that offers enough variety to meet all the needs your family might have. On Wednesday nights (from 5pm - 9pm) kids eat free with the purchase of an adult meal.
Not every restaurant in a chain participates in the programs that are mentioned, so you should always contact your location to find out the guidelines. Also, you can check with your regional restaurants to see what specials they might offer.
February 4th, 2008
Weight has always been an issue in my life and in my home growing up. Today it is one of the first subjects discussed even though we only see each other about once a year. What diet or program we might currently be on and what we are eating or not eating.
After the birth of my second child I tried everything I could think of to lose weight. I bought (and actually did) a small library of exercise videos. I cut my fat and calories. Nothing happened. Then I found a Christian Program that helped me view food in a whole new light. I quit dieting and quit weighing and the weight seemed to pour off.
My last pregnancy brought the weight back in spades! Now it’s a fight between doing what I know to do and doing what I’m going to do – which seems to be a recurring theme through out much of my life.
My issue is not with calories or fat grams. My issue is with the heart. It has idolized food over all other things. It would treasure the times alone with food (when the family would be someone where else and it could eat the meal with no one to disturb it). It didn’t want to share food with any one for any reason.
I have started retraining my heart to love what is right above the food. I am breaking the habit of selfishness by making moments to share with others, by making food a time together so that the people become more important than the food.
Like any bad habit that we form over many years, breaking the food habit is not easy or over night. Every morning I am declaring out loud (and with enthusiasm) that the weight is gone and the habit broken. I am following up the words with regular exercise and by giving away eating alone.
With a positive attitude, the right mind set, and action, you can have, be or do what ever you desire!
February 4th, 2008
