Tax Day Freebies 2016 #TaxDayFreebies

Here are some tax-day freebies! Enjoy!

By the way, are your taxes done? Who does them at your  house?

I used to do my own before I was married, then Aron took them over and does them quite well. Even though we get money back on federal for being breeders, he still procrastinates doing the taxes. It's kind of a pain, and I don't blame him. It's nice to lead an uncomplicated life so the taxes are pretty simple.

Those poor rich folks and their complicated taxes ;-)

So, yeah, our taxes have not even been started. We've been busy with this:

Your Kid Should be Fundraising #JudgyMom

Yes, fundraising can be a pain. Check out my article about the 10 benefits of it, though, please, over at Calgary's Child. 

I run the risk of getting tomatoes thrown at me here, but I think you are doing your kid a disservice by letting them get out of doing it at least once a year, by not even sending them to ONE HOUSE or asking ONE RELATIVE or friend. Yes, I help mine out by posting on Facebook, but they also have to pound the pavement and ASK and get rejected. It's good for someday when they have to ask for money for a charity walk they are doing or ask for money for a mutual friend in need. I used to say kids should do it 100% themselves but I'm an enabler and I also like to help raise money for causes, so sue me. Who cares if we are doing it TOGETHER as a team? Certainly not the charity.

Sure, every family has to do what's right for them and not over-extend, but we have to teach our kids about doing things for a GREATER REASON THAN FOR OURSELVES. This recent Scout flower fundraiser my teen did results in my kid getting ZERO MONEY ... but his troop needs tents desperately so he did it anyway. The goal for each kid in the troop was $250 and he surpassed that with just a little bit of effort built into his homeschooling, refereeing, co-op homework, socializing, soccer practices and games, helping me out, mowing and a zillion other things he has going on.

And yes, it's a pain for his dad and I to ride his case about doing it when we also have jobs and lives and four other kids and carpooling and sports practices to get people to and games to get to and remodeling our kitchen so we can move off this racetrack they call a street. 

Yes, it sucked going around putting fliers on doors about our Christmas tree pick-up service then going to pick them up during Christmas break. No, I didn't really have time to whip up those boxed brownie and cake mixes for the bake sale ... so I'm going to go all "life coach" on you and say: I don't want to hear your excuses! It costs you nothing to stand on the sidewalk while your kid knocks on a door, that's all I know for sure.

I remember getting a letter from my brother-in-law because he was going on a mission trip to build houses in another country. He needed money and sent that letter to all his friends and family. The other night I ran into a teacher from our local Catholic school and she had to raise money for a 60-mile, 3-day walk she does every year in Texas and it's for charity. She raises it for breast cancer research and says some won't donate because of the Komen/Planned Parenthood link ... so you know she is facing rejection when she asks yet she does it anyway year after year!

I'm not saying your kid has to win awards here, but at least send him up the block to 5 houses and call it good. If all 5 neighbors say no, at least a shot was given. He can say he tried instead of shrugging and saying, "Oh well, who cares?"

And, yes, send your kid to my house. I will always buy something if I can!

What do you think?

Urban Vibes: 5 Steps to Plan Your Outdoor Boozy Brunch

As the sun shines a bit brighter and the weather feels a little warmer, the hibernating New Yorker (or Kansas Citian!) is more than ready to embrace these spring urban vibes. And one of the best ways to ditch those lingering winter blues is to host a rooftop boozy brunch. Need an excuse to flirt with that recently hired, striking single man outside of the office? Or maybe you just want to enjoy the sunshine with your closest friends. Skip the dinner party or late-night post-bar bash — when the city temps heat up, a brunch is the best way for urbanites to celebrate.

The Ambiance

Outdoor space will offer the most carefree and friendly environment, especially if you can take your brunch to the rooftop or even on the patio. You'll also need a table for the food, along with seating for lounging. From kitchen table chairs to beach chairs, it's all about getting cozy. For a touch of chic, decorate the space with floral arrangements in vases or pots. Floral accents along with strung twinkle lights are the easiest way to enhance alfresco aesthetics and really create a scene. If you're in the mood, choose a theme for your brunch, such as nautical, black and white or urban luau (which really equates to wearing a lei over whatever killer outfit you have on).

The Booze

Once you've captured the setting, the assorted alcohols is next to address (remember, priorities). The Ketel One Vodka Bloody Mary is essential for any discerning urbanite who brunches. Ingredients include Ketel One Vodka and its Bloody Mary Base (which consists of tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, salt, horseradish, black pepper and fresh lemon juice). After you mix and shake this concoction, garnish with celery, olives, lemon wedges or bacon. And, of course, no brunch is boozy enough without mimosas, sangria and a galvanized tin full of ice, craft beers and bottled water for a smidgeon of hydration. Oh, and BYOC: Bring Your Own Coffee.

The Starters

If your Sunday brunch squad is likely to head straight to the cocktails, you'll want to have a few brunchy appetizers on hand (as guests drinking on an empty stomach may transform a happy host into an unhappy host). Fruit salad (or kabobs!) are great bites that aren't only healthy, but colorfully aesthetic. For a little more substance, go for lemon poppy seed muffins, all the fixings for bagels and lox, deviled eggs and creamy, cool herb yogurt dip served with cut-up veggies.

The Fare

When you're feeding a gang, you don't have to fear the casserole. The New York Times Cooking offers a variety of elegant casserole recipes for brunching that will impress the palate of all your guests. The Buttery Breakfast Casserole (buttery as in toasted croissants, yum) is a caramelized combination of browned sausage, sage and melted Gruyère cheese. Does "herb-infused savory bread pudding" wake up your taste buds? The Green Strata with Goat Cheese and Herbs recipe by food columnist Melissa Clark is a delicious dish blended with ingredients like braising greens, baby kale, bread cubes and goat cheese topped with eggs.

The Baked Goods

If your guests ask what they can bring, the dessert category is where they can contribute — because even the best hostess (or host) can't play the perfect party planner, bartender, chef and baker, right? Plus, encourage this brunch to be an opportunity and special occasion where your friends can finally try out that to-die-for Pinterest recipe. Don't be afraid to unapologetically extend some sweetened brunch ideas, either. Sticky buns, pancakes, donuts, french toast, biscuits and scones with any type of fancy twist, preferably homemade, are all welcome.

Runs/Walks in Kansas City Noah's Crown Town 5K April 23, 2016

Before I was the homeschooling writer mom of 5, I used to love to walk all the time as a stress reliever and to stay in shape. I'd take my lunch break at work and head to Broadmoor Park in Mission, KS to fit in as many laps as I could handle. 

Walking is something you can do as a parent anytime, but now that my youngest is 6 and my oldest is 14, it's a lot easier for me to fit in time for my own fitness. Over the winter I walked some at the gym on the treadmill and track. Now I can walk the neighborhood or the field at the school by my house. I'm not a jogger or a runner yet ... special equipment needed for my upper lady parts ... but might be someday! For now I walk in my OOFOS sandals because they are the most comfy thing I have ever worn and work perfectly for summertime. I also walk in my special tennis shoes I got at Elite Feet in Leawood (please and thank you mention me and I get a $10 credit if you make a purchase!)

Because I love walking so much, AND the fact that all walks/runs I post benefit a charity, I'll be posting upcoming walk/runs in Kansas City as I find them. This does not mean I'll be participating in all of them, so don't show up expecting me to sign copies of my Tater Tot Casserole Cookbook or anything. I MIGHT or MIGHT NOT be there, depending on household funds at the time, Mr. Kerrie's travel situation, my sanity level, etc. Enjoy the race info, and go out and find some in your town!

What: Noah's Crown Town 5K

When: Saturday, April 23, 2016 at 7:30 a.m.

Where: Corporate Woods, 9401 Indian Creek Parkway, Overland Park, KS

Contact: Ryan Zimmerman, 913-669-6656, ryanzchat@gmail.com

Noah’s Bandage Project

Noah’s Bandage Project has two goals – 1) to help provide cool and fun bandages to kids that need them, and 2) to help raise funds for pediatric cancer research.

As a cancer patient, Noah Wilson soon discovered that a bandage is a pretty significant thing. Often times, kids are allowed to hold onto a bandage during uncomfortable procedures, and when they are all done, they get to put the bandage on as a final sign of completion. Once the bandage is on, it means they are through – for the time being.

Also, Noah realized that hospital gowns all tend to look the same, and when the chemotherapy makes you lose you hair, even the kids start to look the same. But the bandages you are wearing, those are the cool things that you wear that lets you stand out. The plain old brown bandages get the job done, but they aren’t fun! Noah quickly recognized that the kids that are going through what he is going through, could really use all the fun they can get.

That is where Noah’s Bandage Project comes in. He thought, ‘Why don’t we ask if people would make donations so that hospitals could have more cool and fun bandages for more kids?’ So, driven by his new task, Noah created his first sign, got his first tub for collecting bandages, and got to work. Little did he know how big this idea would become.

Through Noah’s efforts, his bandage project has helped hospital administrators see the need and importance of increasing their supply of these cool and fun bandages for kids. He’s already helped to provide thousands of bandages to hospitals that were in short supply. These bandages have also been given to families to take home, free of charge!  He also realized that these bandages could go to places other than hospitals as well, and has helped provide bandages to many organizations that support kids. With numerous TV, newspaper, magazine, and online interviews and mentions of Noah’s Bandage Project, his simple, yet pure hearted message of wanting to help kids like him have a little more fun in their lives has reached farther than any initially thought was possible. Noah also learned that when it comes to funding cancer research for kids, there is very little support.  In fact, only 4% of our national cancer research budget goes to kids…4%!!  So, Noah wanted to help in this area too, and takes money that is donated to his project and turns it into grants for pediatric cancer research.

Would you like to help put a smile on a child’s face? Whether you know a child suffering from cancer or not, we would welcome you to make a donation today and join the mission to bring some smiles to some much deserving children.

Fun facts: my uncle used to coach track at a high school in Lee's Summit for many years, my dad walks daily, and my 11-year-old daughter is now doing track for the Holy Cross Hornets!

Check the link (above after WHAT) for more info!

P.S. I get my info from the fabulous KC Running Company website.

On a personal note, here's my walking story for National Walking Day a couple of years ago with an update.

When you're all done, you'll be hungry! Grab a copy of my Tater Tot Casserole Cookbook and whip up a batch of happiness for dinner!

Lost in the Feminine Products Aisle & Picking Out a Backsplash

Welcome to Oversharing Wednesday.

Just kidding. It's regular Wednesday and I need no reason to overshare.

It was such a relief to read up on ADD and find out that my being overwhelmed in stores is part of the deal. I have always HATED shopping ... even when I weighed 100 pounds and clothing was easy to find and fit, I hated the choices. I love grocery shopping at Aldi and try to avoid those sections at the beginning and end where they cram 17,000 different, new, limited-time-only products all together. My brain feels like it's on fire when I have so many choices and I get pissy or shut down.

I took this picture of my local feminine products aisle when I was standing there preparing for my monthly situation. I do this EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. (the standing there looking like a zombie)*

You would think I would write down the one that worked for me but I never do and I would lose that piece of paper anyway. Perhaps a tattoo of my pad choice is in order. On the back of my hand.

So are we talking wings or no wings? Short, medium or long? The pad that holds a trickle or the pad that holds a gallon?

All have their merits.

Here's the super overshare part. Pssst! Some women, after having a ton of kids or simply when getting older, have to also do the Skipper of the pad world DAILY. Yeah, I said that. Regular pads are the Barbies and the tiny pads are the little sister pads, the Skippers. Enjoy your new terminology.

Why am I telling you all this? Because this past week my long-suffering husband and I have been looking for BACKSPLASH (needs a new word; I'll have to work on that one ... something like KITCHEN CATCHER because it catches all the popping grease and spaghetti sauce) tile.

Gotta love the 57 trillion choices!

We went to a SMALL place to look for our housing update needs and still ... he brought a sample of what our wall looks like painted and a sample of the wood of the cabinets and a sample of the granite countertop and I have come to the conclusions that:

1. My eyes do not process color like the rest of the world.
2. Feel sorry for me because I was born without the gene that helps match things to other things. I recently realized my meager closet is basically black and white with some gray ... a couple of colorful, easy-to-wash dresses that all go with basic black shoes round it all out.

This is a few years old and now I have fewer shoes and more black outfits. I'm one of those psychos who could wear the same exact thing every day so I don't have to worry about getting dressed and matching.

*Warning: please do not speak to me about the Diva Cup. It's not going to happen. And tampons are also not happening. And they can leak so you also need the tampon's wing-man (pun intended), the mini pad. I personally like to slap on the appropriate pad and go live my life and I'm probably not going to change anytime soon.

I would like to apologize to any male who stumbled upon this post and had no idea that THIS STRUGGLE IS REAL!

Here's a post from 2012 when we were stripping 76 layers of wallpaper in the kitchen we are now overhauling so we can sell the house.

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