Taking an Itemized Deduction for Job Expenses

There are various job-related expenses that can be taken as itemized deductions on Schedule A of your U.S. federal income tax return. While most of these deductions can only be taken to the extent that they exceed 2% of your adjusted gross income, if you have sufficient medical expenses, taxes, mortgage interest, charitable contributions, and

The Benefits of Extended Breastfeeding

We have all been told that breastfeeding is the best way to feed newborns, but what are the advantages to extended breastfeeding? How can continuing to breastfeed your baby as he becomes a toddler benefit both of you? Extended Breastfeeding is defined as nursing a child past the age of one year.  In the US,

The Origins of the Honeymoon Ritual

The Honeymoon originated before the wedding Miriam-Webster defines honeymoon as “a period of harmony immediately the following marriage“. However, in the beginning, the honeymoon existed long before the marriage ceremony came into being. The first recorded appearance of the term honeymoon came in 1546 – but the ritual goes back much further. In earliest days,

How Residential Rental Income is Taxed

How your residential rental income is taxed depends on the type of property you rent out, your personal use of the property, whether the property is considered a dwelling unit used as a home, and your participation in the rental activity. You may be able to claim all your rental expenses, even if you end

Adult Acne / Rosacea – Ways to Deal with Facial Redness and Blemishes

One great thing about passing through the teen years is leaving behind blackheads, zits, and pimples. Although the hormonal years between childhood and adulthood can be facially troublesome and can seem endless during the transitional phase, most individuals only deal with acne on a short term basis and then have relatively clear complexions. Some people,

Basic Self-Defense Tips for Women

By learning some of the basic principles of self-defense you can take control of your life and your safety whether you’re at home, in the parking lot of the mall, or in the clutches of an attacker. I was walking my dog recently on one of the many wooded trails near my house. The sun

Health Benefits of Grapes When Hunger Hits: Not Your Average Snack

Quick and easy; refreshing taste…and amazing health benefits? That’s right, grapes have it all. From heart disease to cancer, address your health concerns with the healthy properties of the fruit of the vine. Whether it’s hunger pangs or ravenous cravings, you know when it’s time for a snack. In our fast-paced world, lunches need to

Chess Strategy: How to Win From the Beginning

You know what all the pieces are and what they do. However, strategy plays a critical role in determining whether you win or lose. Here are the five Golden Rules of Opening Game chess, and if you really want to win more games more often, they’ll tell you everything you need to know! Remember, if

How to Make Chocolate Covered Coffee Beans

If you are a true “Coffee Connoisseur” then you love coffee prepared in any way, shape or form. A combination of coffee and chocolate is sure to give you goosebumps and have your mouth watering just thinking about it. A favourite treat among coffee lovers is chocolate covered coffee beans. You can buy these tasty

How to Grow and Care for African Violets

African Violets are lovely indoor plants that love sunshine, constant supply of water, occasional feeding, and semi-annual re-potting. They can easily be cultivated by the rank amateur gardener. A great way to cheer and brighten up a kitchen year-round is by growing African violets. Even a black-thumbed individual whose only gardening companion is the Grim