rd.com Blog: The Lineup

8 Insider Secrets to E-filing Your Tax Returns

Steven Meyerson — Tue Mar 16 14:42:00 EDT 2010

E-filing is in. According to the IRS, 31 million of the 132 million taxpayers who filed last year chose to e-file, which was a 19.3 percent increase over 2008. That percentage will undoubtedly increase again this year. But what if it’s your first time e-filing? Why should you do it? Where should you start?

Here are eight beginners’ tips and insider secrets that will ease e-file anxieties and get you started:

Plus: 5 Helpful Tips for Tax Time

1. Have all documents ready

It may sound simple, but first and foremost, be sure to have all documents in front of you and double check that you are using a W2 form – not your last pay stub.

2. The IRS is Not Your Enemy

The IRS Free File home page is the best place to start. Everything you need to know is right there, and it’s not trying to rip you off or turn a profit. The IRS says about 70 percent of taxpayers can file for free using its Free File program, so go ahead and check it out!

3. Don’t Worry About the Math

By e-filing, the software takes care of errors that are easily made while filing manually. The numbers are populated so you don’t have to worry about calculating them yourself.

4. Keep it ALL Online

When you’re filing your taxes online, don’t give up if you hit a roadblock! You can use sites like JustAnswer, which has verified tax experts on call 24/7 to get your questions answered. Tax questions begin at $15 and take as little as a few minutes to get answered – a good resource for extremely busy or last-minute filers!

5. Get Your Return Money Earlier

The simple truth is that if you e-file earlier and opt for direct deposit, you’ll get your money earlier. The closer you file your return to the looming April 15 due date, the longer it takes to get your refund. On average, e-filed returns will come several days sooner than mailed returns and opting for direct deposit should also speed things up. Besides, you’re not the only one procrastinating, so if you wait until the very last minute, the software vendor you’re using may crash. That will cause one headache you don’t want to deal with.

Plus: 13 Things Your Tax Accountant Won't Tell You

6. Yes, it’s Secure

It can be a bit unnerving to submit your personal information over the web. While using a third party web site or downloadable software, you can easily check to see if the service uses security encryption by looking for a security logo. Two of the most common services are Verisign and TRUSTe. If the site or service has either of these logos, you can trust it’s secure and e-file away!

7. Fixing a Mistake

If you've made an error and already e-filed your return, you must file an amended return on paper to handle the corrections. Don’t panic, and don’t go online hoping to make a quick change and resubmit your form.

8. Checking it Twice

There are a couple precautions you should take before you finish. First, compare this year's information with your return from last year to be sure that you haven't missed anything. Second, print the return – maybe two copies to be on the safe side. Third, write down the e-file web page you used, as well as your login name and password on the printed return. Last but not least, put a copy of everything in a safe place.

Plus:

13 Secrets to Stop Wasting Cash Now

13 Secrets to Saving Money Using Online Coupons

Steven Meyerson is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Expert on JustAnswer. He has a masters degree in taxation and over 29 years of experience working with individuals and small businesses.

5 Cool Smart-Home Tech Features

Janice Lieberman — Mon Mar 15 15:38:00 EDT 2010

Remember the Jetsons and their automated home of the future, where household chores were easily tackled with a simple push of a button or the turn of a dial? Well, folks, the future is here. So-called “smart-homes” can rig up just about anything in your house…for a price. Sound appealing? Here are just some of the features currently available to consumers of smart-home technology, and my thoughts on this growing phenomenon:

1. You can now control your security system from your iPhone.

2. Lights can be turned on and off with a touch of a button on a remote device.

3. You can set up cameras at your home and monitor what is happening from your cell phone.

4. Thermostats can be raised or lowered remotely.

5. Window shades can be open or shut hands free.

Cool, right? But before you plunk down the cash to have your house rewired, consider this: once you have the tech in your home you need to pay a monthly monitoring fee, so you need to commit to using these features if you think it's worth the investment. For me, I'm still living in the past and will probably hold off before controlling my home with a touch of the dial.

Spring Ahead with 5 Simple Recipes for Cold Treats

Meredith Kennedy — Wed Mar 10 15:52:00 EST 2010

Warm weather is right around the corner, and with spring fever comes the craving for cold treats. Iced coffee, frozen yogurt-you name it, I want it. But just because it's getting warmer doesn't mean you have to empty your wallet and expand your waistline. Here are five easy, cold treats you can make without breaking the bank or your belt.

1.   Iced Coffee

For many, caffeine is a staple to start the day. However, the last thing I want on a sunny day is a hot, piping cup of coffee. Before shelling out extra dough for the refreshing iced cup of joe you need to quench your thirst and boost your energy, try making your own.

o   At night, brew coffee as you normally would and let it cool to room temperature
o   Put the fresh pot of coffee directly in your refrigerator, or transfer it to a glass pitcher to chill overnight (depending on the type of coffee maker you have)
o   In the morning, just pour yourself a glass of the chilled coffee, add ice cubes, and go!

2.   Iced Tea

Similar to coffee, I love a cup of tea as a pick-me-up in the late afternoon. Even better, is a tall, ice-cold glass of iced tea sweetened with a squeeze of lemon.

o   To prepare, boil four to six cups of water
o   Transfer boiling water into a glass pitcher (not plastic!)
o   Add three to four tea bags of your choice and let steep
o   Once tea has cooled, remove tea bags, and put the pitcher in the refrigerator to chill for a few hours
o   Add ice to glass and a squeeze of lemon when ready to serve

© iStockphoto/Thinkstock

3.   Frozen Yogurt

I'm an ice cream lover, especially when it's warm out. Unfortunately, I can only stomach so many scoops in sugar cones before my sun dresses don't fit anymore. Instead, transform the yogurt you would normally eat in the morning into an icy dessert.

o   Take your favorite yogurt flavors and put each container in the freezer for at least three hours
o   For an extra nutritional boost, mix in your favorite berries into the yogurt before putting in the freezer
o   Serve with you favorite fro-yo topping

4.   Frozen Hot Chocolate

In the wintertime, there's nothing like cuddling by the fire with a frothy cup of hot chocolate. During the warmer months, it's more about the sweet and slushy drinks. As long as you've got a blender, you can save big by making your own blended beverages.

o   Combine your favorite cocoa mix, milk and ice in a blender.
o   Blend until slushy
o   Slurp with a straw!

5.   Flavored Ice Cubes

Ever find yourself drinking your favorite beverage without ice to avoid watered down flavor? Finally, you'll never have to sacrifice the chill factor for taste.

o   Fill an ice cube tray with some of your favorite juices
o   Freeze for at least 3 hours
o   Whenever you want some lemonade, simply add one of your "lemonade cubes" to keep it cold and tasting sweet.

Plus:

5 Healthy Snacks for 100 Calories

10 Reasons to Smile Today

Meaghan Cameron — Wed Mar 10 15:50:00 EST 2010

The website 1000awesomethings.com reminds us of the simple pleasures that can be found everywhere. A few favorites:

1. Watching cream go into coffee

2. Letting the waves bury your feet at the beach

3. Learning a new keyboard shortcut

4. Looking at the clock and seeing that it’s 12:34

5. Figuring out the plot twist just before they reveal it

6. Tossing garbage in the trash can from far away

7. Sitting on your freshly made bed and admiring your work after cleaning your room

8. When your windshield wipers match the beat of the song you’re listening to

9. When a cop finally passes you after driving behind you for a while

10. Setting the new high score on a video game

Read more awesome things that happen every day.

5 Simple Steps to Clearing Out the Clutter in Your Life

Gail Blanke — Thu Feb 25 09:36:00 EST 2010

1. Fuel the urge to purge.

Imagine how good you’re going to feel when you get rid of all the physical and mental debris that’s been clogging up the arteries of your life - from dried up tubes of Crazy Glue to your teenager’s old tricycle to that drawer in the kitchen (you know that drawer) to that relationship that depresses you. Create a vision of yourself stepping into a clearing, free of the “life plaque” that’s been holding you back. See yourself as unstoppable.

2. Get a grip on the rules and tools.

The “rules of disengagement” are simple. One: if it (the thing, belief, conviction, memory, even the person) makes you feel bad about yourself, let it go. Two: if you find yourself agonizing over whether something should stay or go whether it be a too-tight sweater or a too-small view of yourself – it’s gotta go. The tools are simple, too. All you need are three sturdy garbage bags – one labeled “trash,” one labeled, “donations,” and one labeled, “Sell.” Easy, right? And remember, what might no longer be your cup of tea could hit the spot for someone else. Re-cycle!

3. Start Small!

Start with a single drawer or shelf and spend maybe fifteen minutes, tops. When you’re finished tossing and tidying, stand back and admire your handiwork. You’ll feel a surge of energy. Don’t be surprised if you can’t resist tackling the whole closet or cupboard - or room, for that matter. Ask somebody to come and admire your work.

4. Make it a party.

Invite some pals over for a “throw out fifty things evening.” Put on some music, get out the wine. Ask someone to write down what you’re throwing out so you definitely make it to fifty. Listen to the suggestions other people make about what should stay or go. Especially, what should go. Their suggestions might seem ruthless at first, but they’ll probably be right on the money.

5. Don’t be afraid.

This is your life we’re talking about. The only one you have for sure. You don’t have time, energy or room for physical or psychic waste. Hey, one woman went home and threw out the guy she’d been living with for 11 years. She asked if she still needed to throw out forty-nine more things. I said, “That’ll do it for this week, but next week you’ll have to get cracking again.” So what about you? I’m not kidding about fifty.

Plus: 10 Ways to Improve Your Life

Gail Blanke, author, Throw Out Fifty Things; Clear the Clutter; Find Your Life, motivational speaker, executive and life coach, www.throwoutfiftythings.com. You can buy her book here.

3 Ways to Try Fasting and 5 Reasons Why You Should

Meaghan Cameron — Mon Feb 22 10:32:00 EST 2010

A collection of 19 weight loss secrets we can learn from countries around the world was the subject of a weight loss story in the February 2010 issue of Reader's Digest. One recommendation came from Indonesia, where Muslims practice periodic fasting. Although experts don't recommend fasting for weight control, fasting in moderation can break patterns of mindless eating, one expert said.

1. The Warrior Diet Way: Ori Hofmekler, author of The Warrior Diet, emphasizes a period of undereating with a window of eating until satisfaction. This undereating time period is a maximum of 16-18 hours. During this time a person eats only low glycemic index fruits, such as berries, and fresh, uncooked vegetables. Some light proteins can be eaten as well such as hard boiled eggs or yogurt. Essentially, a person consumes one main meal per day with small snacks. For example, if a person ends his main meal at 8 p.m., he would not eat a large meal again until after 1 p.m. the next day.

2. The Eat Stop Eat Way: With this diet a person chooses to eat significantly less on 1-2 days per week while eating normally the other days. In this critique of both diets, the author suggests that this is a more natural way of eating for some people and less uncomfortable than the Warrior Diet way. A few days of calorie restriction result in a weekly deficit in calories without the constant deprivation of a daily low-calorie diet. Learn more about Eat Stop Eat.

3. Periodic Fasting: Try one day a month. You don't have to follow a specific plan. Periodic fasting can be undertaken at your own leisure. The message is simple: If you are not hungry, don't eat.

Why Try Fasting?
1. Eating small meals frequently has not been proven to increase metabolism. This is a myth.

2. You can achieve the results of calorie restriction but you will be more satisfied with a larger meal. Following one of the above plans or eating every other day to greater satisfaction can be easier than a constant state of deprivation.

3. Fasting has been shown to increase lifespan in certain animals and can reduce risk factors for common diseases. See this article from The Los Angeles Times on some of the benefits of fasting and this ScienceDaily.com article on a possible reduction in cancer risk .

4. Feeling hungry can make you happy. Read this interesting article from MSNB.com about how hunger can be a positive mood changer.

5. Intermittent, periodic or alternate-day fasting are all cheaper than carting food around wherever you go.

If eating more frequent meals does not work for you and you are constantly hungry, intermittent fasting could be the option for you. Hey, it's no stranger than the lemon juice, maple syrup and hot sauce combination of The Master Cleanse! Of course, please consult your physician before trying any diet and listen to your body.

3 Delicious Recipes for Oatmeal

Liz Kennedy — Fri Feb 19 06:52:00 EST 2010

There is nothing like a bowl of oatmeal in the morning to give you the energy to start your day. If I had to choose one breakfast to eat for the rest of my life, oatmeal would be it because the mix-ins and toppings are endless (Bacon would be a close second... but let's not even go there).

Oatmeal contains lots of fiber, which will keep you fuller, longer and has also been found to reduce cholesterol. While instant oatmeal packets are nutritious and convenient, they usually contain extra sugar and sodium. My suggestion instead is to go with old-fashioned oats -- they're quick and you can add your own toppings to make a signature oatmeal breakfast.

Here are three easy recipes to get you hooked on this healthy and hearty food.

1. PB&J Oatmeal
Who doesn't love a good peanut butter and jelly sandwich? This oatmeal recipe is the next best thing, I promise!

Ingredients:
1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
1 cup water or milk (I use milk for the extra calcium and creaminess)
1 tablespoon peanut butter
1 tablespoon jelly or jam
Optional:
Pinch of salt
Drizzle of honey

Directions:
Combine oats and liquid in microwaveable bowl. Microwave for 2-3 minutes, stir and add more liquid if necessary. Then, while oats are still hot, stir in peanut butter and jelly. Add a drizzle of honey on top for extra sweetness.

Watch: 4 Ways to Feel More Energized in the AM

2. Banana Bread Oatmeal
Just like Grandma used to make... but in a healthier form. If this doesn't warm you up, I don't know what will.

Ingredients:
1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
1 cup water or milk (I use milk for the extra calcium and creaminess)
3/4 tablespoon brown sugar
1 large, ripe banana mashed
Sprinkle of ground cinnamon
Sprinkle of ground nutmeg
Optional:
Pinch of salt
Low-fat vanilla yogurt
Pecan halves
Banana slices

Directions:
Combine oats, liquid, and spices in microwaveable bowl. Microwave for 2-3 minutes, stir and add more liquid if necessary. Then, while oats are still hot, stir in mashed banana. Top with a dollop of low-fat vanilla yogurt, banana slices, pecans, and extra spices if desired.

Plus: Oatmeal-Peanut Butter Trail Bars Recipe

3. Strawberry-Vanilla Oatmeal

This light and fruity oatmeal is served cold and perfect for any day of the week, but is especially delicious in the summer months when the weather is hot and strawberries are ripe. This oatmeal should be made the night before so the oats have time to soak up the yogurt.

Ingredients:
1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
1/2 cup low-fat vanilla yogurt (use Greek yogurt for extra thickness and protein)
1/4 cup strawberries (or your choice of fruit)
Optional:
Pinch of salt
Sprinkle of cinnamon
Chopped nuts

Directions:
Mix oats, yogurt, and fruit in bowl then cover and refrigerate overnight. Serve cold with as sprinkle of cinnamon and chopped nuts if desired. Note: If this oatmeal is too thick for you, add some extra milk to it in the morning.

Plus:

Extraordinary Uses for Oatmeal

8 Dietary Downfalls and Solutions

What Does a Serving Size Look Like?

5 Thoughts on Cold Weather Gear

Janice Lieberman — Tue Feb 16 14:29:00 EST 2010

With the winter Olympics underway, I wondered how the athletes stay warm. And, even more importantly, how do “we” stay warm when the thermometer dips? I recently visited the lab where Thinsulate is tested to learn about the technology. I also asked some buddies to try a jacket with Thinsulate and double team it with the latest layering technology called “Under Armour.” Here’s are my 5 thoughts on cold weather gear.

1. Under Armour works by using a dual layer of fabric. The inside hates water and the outside loves it, pulling sweat off your body and trapping the warm air against your skin.

2. Thinsulate uses tiny fibers to trap your own body heat so that little can escape thus keeping you warm.

3. I put on a jacket the ski team will wear around the Olympic village. It contains Thinsulate. I entered a chamber that was minus 12 degrees Fahrenheit. Guess what? I was warm.

4. I asked my walking buddies to double team their usual workout by wearing a jacket with Thinsulate and Under Armour underneath. They said they were warmer and more comfortable than with what they usually wore.

5. Cold weather gear doesn’t have to be bulky to be effective.

3 Green Facts About the 2010 Vancouver Olympics

Carly Ippolito — Fri Feb 12 07:43:00 EST 2010

As everyone is gearing up for the Olympics, my excitement lies in knowing that this year’s games are the first to think green from start to finish! Meaning, from the time the Vancouver Organizing Committee began planning for construction to the end of the 2010 events and even the legacy left after the games are long over, they kept sustainability in mind. Below are just a few examples of how VANOC is doing their part to create a carbon neutral winter games.

1. Sustainable Venues

VANOC employed LEED green building principles in the 2010 Olympic venues such as the Richmond Olympic Oval, where they set a goal to reach LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) “Silver” certification.

Recapturing waste heat, rainwater capture and reuse, and wood waste reuse are just a few more environmentally responsible techniques integrated in the development of the structures. The team also focused on the future of the sites and how the community can utilize them in the years following the games.

2. Involving Local Residents and Game Attendees

The increase in transportation that will develop during the two weeks is a huge concern of the city. The objective is to promote pollution awareness for local residents and those traveling to the game. The city is providing more public transit and pushing carpooling options to cut down on emissions. The venues are also making it easy to reduce, reuse and recycle by displaying signage on all waste bins. If you’re traveling to the games, visit offsetters.ca to calculate your carbon footprint and learn how to offset your carbon emissions.

3. Educating for the Future

VANOC has invited partners, sponsors and spectators to participate in its Carbon Management Program to offset the carbon emissions created during the games. The team did their best to start off carbon neutral, but unfortunately, some things could not be avoided during the development process. The hope is that it will increase awareness in what we’re doing to our planet and teach folks what they can do to make a difference.

Check out more stories at www.vancouver2010.com/sustainability.

10 Things You Need to Know About Buying and Cleaning Pots and Pans

Janice Lieberman — Mon Feb 08 16:25:00 EST 2010

I recently stopped by to see Jack Bishop one of the hosts at the fabulous TV show “America’s Test Kitchen” to get the 101 on pots and pans.

1. The first thing you need to know is what materials are best at conducting heat evenly.

2. A cast iron pot does it best but foods can be reactive with the metal. So while it is inexpensive it may not be the best for all types of cooking. Jack likes it for searing meats. It is heavy though so expect a good workout.

3. You can buy an enamel pot, which is pricey but acts the same way as the cast iron and is easier to clean. Jack recommends it for stews, soups even pasta. He likes it because it can also go into the oven and then right to the dinner table. Downside? It is even heavier than the cast iron.

4. Stainless steel pots are probably the cheapest. Jack doesn’t have much use for them at all. He says they are too lightweight and do not conduct heat well.

5. His favorite? Clad pans. They contain 3 layers of metal, are easy to clean, and conduct heat beautifully.

6. Non-stick pans are probably the most popular. We love to use less fat and have an easy time with clean up. Jack likes them for select cooking such as eggs or fish. The problem is the surface scratches easily and once that happens you need to toss your pan.

7. Stainless or clad pots with lots of gooky grime can easily be cleaned up by adding water to the pot and putting it on the stove. The particles will start to loosen and all you have to do is wipe it around.

8. For a real mess on the back of a pan that would take hours of elbow grease? How about taking the pan to the garage or an open space and spraying oven cleaner? Use rubber gloves and wipe clean!

9. An old cast iron pot that has rusted can be cleaned in seconds. Take oil and spread on the pot. Heat the oil and add kosher salt. Take a paper towel and make a paste with the oil and salt. The rust comes right up. Don’t use much water on the cast iron. Once clean, rub the pot with clean oil and put away

10. Never put pots and pans in the dishwasher. They will scratch and not last.

5 Finds After Using Eyelash-Enhancing Drugs

Janice Lieberman — Mon Feb 08 10:58:00 EST 2010

You’ve no doubt seen the ads with Brooke Shields touting Latisse a new eyelash-enhancing drug advertised. And maybe you have seen some others that you can buy over the counter. We wondered if they worked. So for a recent story at the Today show 3 of us tried 3 different brands to see if we would have luxurious lashes. Here’s what we found:

1. Latisse by far was the winner. A prescription only drug that must be used for several months every night yielded fantastic results. The drug to be used for lashes was found by accident when Glaucoma patients used it and found their lashes to grow fuller and darker. There are potential side effects: burning and retinal discoloration. My friend Shane used the product and had no problems. The downside? An expensive habit at $120 a month. Once you stop using it, your lashes, will eventually go back to their natural state.

2. Neulash did well. It is a product that can be purchased at high-end department stores or online. You need to use it nightly for 3 months at $150 a pop. My friend Janet used Neulash and loved it. Friends commented and thought she was wearing false eyelashes when she attend a wedding recently.

3. Rapidlash was the least expensive product at $50 for a 1-2 month supply. It also needs to be applied nightly over a clean eyelid. I got to try Rapidlash and saw slight results. My producer Andrea used it as well and had a great experience. The company recommends using it for 4-6 weeks for the best results.

4. Dr. Robert Bernstein a hair restoration specialist says the over-the-counter products work by “conditioning” the lashes making them “appear” lusher. He says it like using conditioner on your hair; the follicles may be coated and look healthier and thicker. Bernstein says Latisse in fact does work because it is changing the molecular structure of the hair cells.

5. So with Latisse the winner is it worth $120 a month? The company says you might be able to get away with using it every other day after you have reached your goal. So that brings it down to $60 a month. Hmm is it worth giving up your daily latte in exchange for thicker lashes? Shane is not sure.

4 Eco-Friendly Options for Your Super Bowl Party

Carly Ippolito — Wed Feb 03 14:51:00 EST 2010

Americans love the Super Bowl, plain and simple. We love getting together with our friends and family, stuffing our faces and watching the big game. Below are some ideas to be a little more environmentally responsible this Sunday.

1. Look for Green Paper Products

When you’re at the store this week looking for all those disposable items to make your clean up easier, please check out the eco-friendly options available to you. Paper plates come in several varieties these days, made out of everything from recycled paper to sugar cane. Some can even be thrown into your compost when you’re done. Napkins and paper towels made from recycled materials are also widely available. Take a closer look and you’ll be amazed at what’s out there.

2. Buy Plastic Products with the Environment in Mind

While we all love using plastic baggies for prepped veggies to make clean-up a breeze, we are now able use them more responsibly. Ziploc now makes Ziploc Evolve, plastic bags made from 25% less plastic than before and are manufactured using wind energy. A better option, however, is to use Tupperware to store any prepped foods. These can be washed and reused instead of ending up in a landfill. Also, if you’re buying pre-made items from the store that might come in plastic containers, check out the number inside those three little arrows. If it’s a one or two, go ahead and buy it since those are the most commonly excepted types of plastics for recycling. If it’s a five, try and avoid it or find a similar product in a glass jar. Number five plastics are not widely accepted at recycle centers, you can, however, add them to your Tupperware collection. Call your local waste collectors to find out what types of plastics are recyclable in your area.

3. Use Non-Plastic Utensils

If you insist on not using your own silverware, shop letsgogreen.biz to find biodegradable forks, knives, spoons, toothpicks, you name it! They have products made from plant starch, bamboo and even sustainable birch wood that won’t give you splinters as you shovel that delicious chili into your mouth.

4. Shop Organic

Look for organic food products as you’re checking off your shopping list. Buy local products, too, if they’re available. Buying local means the products had a shorter distance to travel from the farmer or manufacturer, therefore, less pollution was given off during transport.

6 Ways to See Green This Valentine’s Day

Carly Ippolito — Tue Feb 02 10:06:00 EST 2010

Valentine’s Day: lots of folks love it while others cannot stand the fact that this holiday exists on our calendar. Either way, if you’re a man and you hate it, you’ll still fall victim to that lovely lady you’ll be sharing the day with, so here are some tips on how to keep it eco-friendly… The following goes for you too ladies!

1. Buy Her Antique Jewelry

If you’re thinking of buying your sweetheart a pretty new necklace or earrings this February 14th, why not take a look around your local antique store first. This is a great way to reuse, reduce and recycle, as long as the piece fits her style. She’ll love the thoughtfulness and will be grateful that she’s with a guy who cares about something greater than himself.

2. Purchase Cards Made with Recycled Paper

Hallmark finally got on board with the rest of us, well, sort of. Look for their Shoebox line of funny greetings, those are made with 20% recycled content. The rest of their Valentine’s Day cards are hit or miss. If you prefer creating your own greeting cards, go ahead and buy cardstock made from recycled content. Or better yet, skip the cards altogether and read each other something from your heart, no paper necessary.

Shop these links for green card making products:

http://www.kandcompany.com/shop/pc/viewCategories.asp?idCategory=741

http://www.kandcompany.com/shop/pc/viewContent.asp?idpage=93

http://www.creatively-green.com

3. Wrap Wisely or Get Creative

Unless you already own paper to wrap that antique necklace, make sure you buy recycled gift wrap. Hallmark carries a small selection in their stores. Look for paper printed with soy based inks as well. Check out eartheasy.com/shop/gifts for ideas. Or, better yet, make a statement and wrap your gift in newspaper with a pretty red or pink bow (or raffia), which are both fully recyclable. Toss the paper back in with the others you’ll be bringing to the curb and you can reuse the bow for next time!

4. Take an Eco-Getaway

If you’re planning a romantic getaway, try making it an eco-friendly one while you’re at it. And remember, if it’s a short distance, either drive or take the train, no planes!

Search www.travelocity.com/TravelForGood for a list of environmentally responsible hotels.

5. Choose a Sustainable Restaurant

Visit dinegreen.com to check out certified sustainable restaurants in your area. If nothing pops up close by and you have your heart set on a romantic night out, make sure to go local and not chain. This will support your local economy and allow you to enjoy that authentic Italian place you keep meaning to try.

6. Opt for a Romantic Night In

If you prefer to avoid the long waits for a table on Valentine’s Day, you and your honey can prepare a special dinner for two right in your own backyard – or kitchen, rather. And you won’t have any of those horrible non-biodegradable to-go containers filling up your trash the following day either. Be sure to use organic, local ingredients, if possible (including the wine you’ll be drinking, check out the local varieties at your liquor store). Set up a picnic on your living room floor, get dressed up, surround yourself with candlelight (this will also serve as a barrier between your dog’s nose and your plate), put on your favorite tunes and enjoy… each other!

7 Things You Should Know About Recalls

Janice Lieberman — Mon Feb 01 15:28:00 EST 2010

In light of the huge Toyota recall we got thinking…how do you find out if there is a recall on a product you own that doesn’t get that kind of media attention? Here are 7 ways to find out:

1. Register you email address with the CPSC’s site at: www.recalls.gov. You will receive an alert when something is recalled.

2. Fill out warranty cards. If a manufacturer has your information they can contact you via email or standard mail

3. Use your loyalty cards. Some supermarkets will alert its loyal customers when a product has been taken off store shelves.

4. Find out the resolution: What is the company offering to remedy the problem. Is it a refund? A replacement piece? A store credit?

5. Document your correspondence. Make sure to keep a record of who you contacted and a receipt if you have sent in the item.

6. If you suspect a problem with a product…you need to report it to the CPSC and or the manufacturer. The manufacturer must contact the government within 24-hours. The manufacturer has 3 days to pull products from store shelves and issue a recall. You can call the CPSC at: 1-800—638-2772 to report a problem.

7. Be careful buying used baby products at garage sales. You wont know if a product has been recalled unless you check the model numbers. You can ask the seller to hold the product until you run a check

10 Ways To Get The Best Customer Service

Janice Lieberman — Mon Feb 01 15:25:00 EST 2010

1. Push the "up" button: If the clerk is not helping you find an item or get a refund or whatever your problem is.ask for the supervisor. This can be done in person or over the phone. Ask for someone with the power to help you go beyond the stated rules.

2. Be nice: No one wants an obnoxious person screaming and ranting for good service. Be friendly and polite and ask for what you want.

3. Be clear: whether it is in an email or in person.state what it is you would like. Do you think you deserve a discount? Come up with a reasonable amount. Would you like your order rushed…ask for the quickest way, do you think you are entitled to a refund? State your case.

4. Don't make a scene: If you have a problem as the clerk or the manager to speak to you privately. No one wants to be embarrassed in front of a crowd. At the airport? Step to the side of the counter to complain and then tell the agent what it is you are looking for.

5. Make friends: When you shop at a store make sure to know the clerks. When you want special attention they will remember you. My friend has a salesperson that puts away items she would like in her size that is on sale and then calls her. That's because she made friends and showed the salesperson what she likes.

6. You have to ask or you don't get. It never hurts to ask for something…a discount? A look in the stockroom for your size or at one of the retailers other stores…you might as well ask.

7. Loyalty pays off. If you shop at a supermarket all the time or gas station or whatever…tell the manager that you are a loyal customer and would like some "special" consideration.

8. If you get no help, ask for the name of a supervisor and tell the clerk that you will be writing a letter complaining about the poor customer service.

9. If the service really stinks. Don't shop there and tell your friends. Bad business should not be supported.

10. Be reasonable: Don't ask for a huge discount if it is not warranted, don’t ask for a refund if the product has been used or was purchased a year ago. You will get the best attention when you are fair about what you are requesting.

8 Things to Find Out Before Committing to a College

Lynn F Jacobs & Jeremy S Hyman — Mon Jan 25 12:03:00 EST 2010

Often we find that students -- and their parents -- tend to focus on bells and whistles when making their college selections. They fixate on things like the looks of the campus, the size of the library, the honors and study-abroad programs, even the quality of the football team. Hey, these are all fine and good. But we urge you to think also about some things that, while often overlooked, constitute the bread and butter of your college education. Before you decide, here are 8 things you might not have thought to consider:

1. The number of requirements. These vary widely from school to school. And while it might look very impressive to see a long list of required courses, it’s not so great to find yourself mired in courses that don’t interest you, while you’re unable to take electives in areas that do.

2. How flexible those requirements are. Schools that require specific courses, with no substitutions allowed, can really put you in a bind if you’d rather take more advanced courses -- or need to take more remedial courses -- to fulfill that requirement. So check to see that the school allows a choice of levels to satisfy the various requirements.

3. Whether you can get into the classes. In the past few years, college enrollments have risen significantly but faculty sizes often haven’t grown commensurately. This can make for yards-long wait lists for some classes, and shortages in first-year classes for students who didn’t register at the earliest possible date.

4-Star Tip. If you’re considering a state university in an economically-distressed state (Florida, Michigan, Arizona, and California come to mind), be especially sure to ask how difficult it is to get into popular courses before sending in your acceptance.

Bonus Tip. Try to get to as early a summer orientation session as you can. Like the airlines, colleges have a first-come, first-served system, so when the places are filled up, they’re filled up.

4. The availability of the major you want to take. Don’t assume that the college you are considering offers every possible major. Especially if you have a very specialized major in mind, it’s critical to check the list of majors at the college (the University of Minnesota, for example, offers 171 majors; nearby Carleton College, 47).

5. Whether – and how often – graduate students teach their own courses. At many state universities, and even at some private universities, a significant number of instructors are graduate students. It’s important to know how much of your instruction, especially in the first years of college, will be pawned off on them.

Extra Pointer. Graduate students at universities are often compared to residents at teaching hospitals. But the analogy is misleading. Residents are full-fledged doctors who have completed their medical degrees; graduate students are not professors and have not completed their academic degree.

5-Star Tip. If you find, especially at a research university, that grad students do teach their own courses, try to find out if there’s some minimum standard – say, a Master’s degree or two-years of teaching experience – that they have to complete before taking on their own courses. The University of California and the University of Texas, for example, require completion of all the course requirements for the Ph.D.

6. The student/faculty ratio. If you attend a school with 5-10 students per faculty member, you’re likely to get a lot of individual attention from the faculty. A range of 11-15 to 1 is quite common at better state schools, and equates to large intro courses, but upper-division courses of a manageable size. At 16-20 to 1, you shouldn’t be expecting much of a chance to view your professor from closer than 10 feet. Over 20 to , you’re probably at a university in such deep doo-doo that even a stimulus package won’t be of much help.

7. The percentage of students who graduate. If you go to a school with a graduation rate over 80 percent, that’s great. A rate of 60-80 percent is quite normal. But under 60 percent should raise some eyebrows. And while you’re looking at graduation rates, check out the average time to degree. Seven years might be more than you’re bargaining for.

8. The availability of first year experience (FYE) courses or freshman seminars (FSs). These show that the university really cares about helping entering students acclimate to the big U. Which is a nice touch.

So how do you find all this out? Check out the college guides and rankings and the college Web sites themselves. Ask admissions officers, students at the schools, and recent graduates. Send E-mail to appropriate college officials and maybe even faculty. All of this information will help you make the best possible choice and get the most out of your college experience.

7 Surprising Truths About Acupuncture

Lisa Schneider — Fri Jan 22 14:41:00 EST 2010

Even though it’s been around for thousands of years, acupuncture can have a “new age” feel to it that doesn’t seem to jive with modern medicine. The truth: according to the World Health Organization, controlled trials show that it’s been proven effective for a wide variety of treatments:

1. Acupuncture can relieve daily symptoms such as allergic rhinitis (including hay fever), headaches, rheumatoid arthritis and sciatica.

2. Acupuncture can help heal sports injuries such as sore knees, tennis elbow, lower back pain and sprains.

3. Acupuncture is an effective alternative to drugs for the treatment of depression, drug and alcohol addiction, and other addictive behaviors such as smoking and overeating.

4. Acupuncture can relieve adverse reactions to radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy.

5. Acupuncture can enhance the chances of becoming pregnant when used with other reproductive techniques – and can also help reduce morning sickness.

According to Tina Kellen Matthews, a licensed acupuncturist, the treatment is also effective for:

6. Stress reduction and better sleep

7. Strengthening and supporting the immune system

5 Ways To Save Money On Shipping Costs

Janice Lieberman — Fri Jan 15 15:49:00 EST 2010

Ariel Kostiner and Larry Cohen, co-owners of Shipping HQ in Amherst, NY offer these tips:

1. Compare Prices: Many people have no idea what it costs to ship a package. The fact is there are so many different rates for every carrier. There are many factors that play into the rate structure, including shipping volume, competition, and the shipper’s overhead costs. Go online and compare shipping company websites. You will be surprised at how they rates can vary.

2. Do It Online: You can create shipping labels on line for all the major carriers. You will need to pay by credit card or leave your card on file them. Unless you are shipping high volumes, you will pay a little more for this convenience. Remember that if you have picked up, there is an additional cost.

©2010 Jupiterimages Corporation

3. Drop It Off To Save Money: That will save you $3-$6 instead of having a driver pick it up.

4. Ship To A Business If You Can: Many people don’t realize that it is significantly less expensive to ship to a business than to a residence. It can be as much as 30% cheaper to ship to a business. Instead of sending a package to your Aunt in Des Moines…send it to her office.

5. Shipping Internationally? Need to ship to Japan? Africa? Europe? This can be confusing and expensive. You need to do your research by calling around. Rates vary from country to country. Certain carriers have cheaper rates for different countries.

4 Easy Reads About Going Green

Carly Ippolito — Thu Jan 14 09:32:00 EST 2010

It’s a new year, a new you, perhaps you made a resolution to “Go Green” this year. Below are four books full of information and astonishing facts to get you started on a bright new future for our world. Read, enjoy, learn, become inspired and start spreading the word with your family and friends!

1. The Lazy Environmentalist: Your Guide to Easy, Stylish, Green Living by Josh Dorfman

From birth to death, this book has helpful, simple, ideas about going green for every aspect of your life.

2. Go Green, Live Rich: 50 Simple Ways to Save the Earth and Get Rich Trying by David Bach

David Bach has shown women and couples how to “be smart and finish rich” and now he’s demonstrating how the eco-minded can do the same.

3. Green Chic: Saving the Earth in Style by Christie Matheson

Filled with super chic, simple ideas and jaw-dropping facts, reading this will help you live fabulously green.

4. The Lorax by Dr. Seuss

It’s hard to convert every adult out there to be more environmentally responsible, so why not start showing our children the “green” light so they can get off on the right foot? This eco-conscious children’s book was one of my favorites when I was a kid and still holds a spot on my bookshelf today.

5 Free Ways to Stay Young

Jackie Silver — Tue Jan 12 09:56:00 EST 2010

There are plenty of things you can do to start aging backwards that won't cost an arm and a leg. In fact, they're free.

1) Exercise is the fountain of youth. Here's a trick I use to motivate myself: I'll go online and look at beautiful clothes or workout sites where people with beautifully healthy bodies are exercising and that reminds me that in order to keep Aging Backwards, I have to get moving. If they can do it, so can I.

2) Sleep is free - take advantage of that. When we sleep, our bodies produce hormones that keep us healthy and youthful. Why pay for hormones when you can get them for free?

3) Water. Recent studies have debunked the 8 x 8 (eight, eight-ounce glasses) water myth, but I don't think anyone can argue that pure, fresh water is good for us. It is possible to drink too much water, so pacing yourself and listening to your body is the best advice.

4) Laughter. Can laughing help keep you younger and fight heart disease? According to researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine it can. A study done by cardiologists there revealed that "people with heart disease responded less humorously to everyday life situations," according to lead researcher Dr. Michael Miller. He added, "The recommendation for a healthy heart may one day be exercise, eat right and laugh a few times a day."

5) Meditation. "Mindfulness meditation programs improve mood and health," said David Creswell, a UCLA psychologist and lead researcher in a study published in Psychosomatic Medicine.

5 Things Warranty Companies Don't Want You To Know

Janice Lieberman — Mon Jan 11 08:08:00 EST 2010

If you are getting ready for Superbowl and plan on buying a flat screen TV or any other appliance for that matter...pushy salespeople may pressure you to buy an extended warranty. That where they make the bulk of their money. You may not want an extended warranty at all. If you do here are 5 tips Steve Abernathy the CEO of SquareTrade and online warranty company reveals:

5 Things Retailers Don't Tell You About Extended Warranties

1. Don’t rush your decision:

You spent a long time researching your item and finding the best price so don’t feel pressured or rushed to buy a warranty by a pushy sales person at checkout. You generally have at least 30 days after item purchase. Don't hesitate to ask for pricing and details.

2. You have a choice:

Most shoppers don't know there are lower priced warranty options sold separate from the electronics retailer. Online options usually cost half the price of big retailers, with longer coverage and allowing you up to 90 days to buy.

3. A good warranty covers at least 3 years from date of purchase:

Many warranties offered by retailers only last 2 years. Look for coverage that lasts 3 to 4 or more years to protect the useful life of your electronics.

4. Consumer experts advise never pay more than 20% of an item's price for a warranty:

Big box stores are usually the most expensive warranty, often priced 20% to over 30% of the item value. Specialized warranty service SquareTrade charges 10% to 15% of the item price for most electronics.

5. Know what happens when you need it:

Service details are often overlooked and poorly explained by the store. A few things to look for: Does the service spell out or guarantee how quick they will fix your item? If your item can’t be fixed, do you get a refurbished item or a full refund? Who pays for shipping to repair centers? Can you pay extra to cover damage from drops and spills for portable items like laptops or camcorders?

7 Ways To Prevent Your Computer From Slowing Down

Janice Lieberman — Tue Jan 05 18:13:00 EST 2010

My friend and computer consultant Neil Rothman hears it all. I asked him why my computer is sooo slow.

"Most people that I've run into who complain of slowness on their computer, usually have some sort of spyware installed on their computer. Spyware is bad because it uses the resources of your computer doing things from malicious activities like recording your user names and passwords, to annoying things like bombarding you with popups."

Rothman's 7 tips for preventing problems:

- Try to stick to mainstream websites and use your common sense. Going to the gambling website on the 40th page of Google because it says "Free $200 for the first 1000 users" is likely to end in $200 of computer repair fees for you.

- As Internet Explorer is still the most used browser in the world, it is the most targeted as well. Use a free alternative like Firefox, Opera, Google Chrome and Safari.

- Don't ever install anything on your computer, unless it is from a trusted source. When in question, Google it first, install later.

- Keep your OS up to date, which includes setting up auto updates from Windows.

- Get one of your techy friends to help you change your DNS server to use openDNS (www.opendns.com) instead of your ISPs own offering. OpenDNS actively fights drive by malware attacks and will show known malicias sites as simply not found.

- Have a firewall installed. Some good free ones are Outpost Firewall Free, Comodo Internet Security, or Online Armor Free.

- Have up to date anti-virus programs running. Some good free ones are Microsoft Security Essentials, Avira AntiVir Personal Edition, AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition.

3 Ways to Be More Hopeful in 2010

Gail Blanke — Mon Jan 04 14:54:00 EST 2010

I don’t have to tell you, hope is a rare commodity in the world today. Its opposite, despair, seems to have gained the upper hand.

Yet everything good starts with hope. This country was founded on hope; it has endured because of hope; our greatest leaders in every sector are those who give us hope.

With hope everything is possible. Hope breeds optimism and positive energy; positive energy breeds the kind of resolve that causes heroic effort. Heroic effort creates results - even miracles.

Many of us are tired of feeling beaten down, tired of being right about how wrong it is, tired of the mindset that relentlessly demands to know, "How bad could it get?" We’re ready to ask that all-important question: "How good could I make it"?

Of course, it’s hard. If it weren’t hard, we’d already have done it. But as it turns out, this is exactly the right time – not a moment too soon or a moment too late – to give a wink and a nod to hope as we cross the threshold into a new year. Here are just a few thoughts to give a little spring to that first step:

1. Tap into the power of positive expectations. When we expect good things to happen, they do. When we expect good people to show up, they do. When you expect good news, it comes.
And that holds true whether you're going for a job interview, pitching a new idea or meeting that guy from eHarmony. If you walk in with a "this is gonna be great; you're gonna love what I'm selling; hey, maybe we can work some magic together" attitude, you can change the outcome from skeptical to sold. Sure, hard stuff, bad stuff happens, but in the end, we get pretty much what we expect from people – and from life. Expect the best.

2. You deserve it to be good, not bad. This is the perfect time of year to remember how good you are; that you really are worthy of the best things happening; not the worst. To prove it to yourself do what our family does every New Year's. We take a look back at our "defining moments" from the year before: those times when we pulled it out of the fire, when we said "yes" when "no" would have been easier, when we fell down and got back up – or when we just kept going. You'll find you've got the energy and optimism you need to move forward.

3. Don’t wait! You’ll love this story: A woman recently wrote a blog on throwoutfiftythings.com where she described how she'd been traveling in the southwest and had driven past a lovely, old church. In front of the church was a sign that read: "If you've been waiting for a sign, this is it." It hit her straight in the heart. She couldn't wait to get back home and start doing all the things she'd put off while she was waiting for "things to get better," of for "light at the end of the tunnel" or yes, for the "sign" to get herself out of the stands and back onto the field.

Maybe you've been waiting for a sign, too. If you have, this is it. It's a brand new year and anything is possible…with hope.

4 Ways to Insure Your Home For Flood Damage

Janice Lieberman — Wed Dec 23 07:36:00 EST 2009

Did you know that people living in one of the 13 million homes in special zones across the country have a 26 percent chance of being flooded during their 30 year mortgage – compared to only a 10 percent chance of fire? And just as scary, most homeowners don’t know that their insurance policies do not include coverage for flooding.

Here’s what you can do to understand your risk of a flood in or near your home and how you can protect yourself:

Be in the Know: The average costs for floods in 2008 amounted to an average of $28,000 per homeowner – which would have to be paid out of pocket for those lacking flood insurance. Through the National Flood Insurance program (administered by FEMA), flood insurance is available at an average cost of $550 a year – or $119 a year if you live in a lower risk area. A much smaller expense than if you’re be uninsured for flood damage.

Act now: Most flood insurance policies take 30 days to become effective – so it’s a mistake to wait till the waters are rising to obtain a policy.

Find out how flooding could affect your household: FEMA has interactive tools that enable people to calculate the likely cost for damages based on various levels of flooding in their homes – it’s at http://www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/flash/flood_my_house_external.swf

Assess Risk: There’s also a Risk Tool that demonstrates the causes and impacts of floods due to various factors – it’s at http://www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/pages/flooding_flood_risks/flood_scenarios.jsp

6 Fitness Trends for 2010

Lisa Schneider — Mon Dec 21 13:16:00 EST 2009

Both The American Council on Exercise and The American College of Sports Medicine have released their lists of the top fitness trends for 2010. In addition to what should be a given, like properly educated and experienced fitness pros, and perennials, like weight training (love it or hate it, it’s here to stay), here are 6 of our favorites:

1. Cost-effective workouts

This includes everything from in-home workouts with inexpensive, portable equipment and dvd’s to small-group training that includes many of the benefits of personal training sessions at a fraction of the cost.

At-home workout tips from celebrity trainer Kathy Kaehler

2. Time-efficient workouts

Shorter, higher-intensity workouts will be more appealing to those with busy schedules (um, all of us?). These include boot-camp style workouts, circuit training, and sprint drills/interval training – all of which combine strength and endurance activities and burn plenty of calories.

Laugh it off with 10 Hilarious Weight Loss Jokes

3. Functional and sports-specific training

Training to actually do something – whether it’s hoist your luggage into the overhead compartment, keep up with a couple of kids, improve your tennis serve, or strengthen your legs to protect knees when skiing – will appeal to goal-driven individuals who want a sense of accomplishment beyond completing the workout itself.

Power up with these great ideas for healthy eating

4. Specialty and fusion exercise classes

The popularity of dance-based classes such as zumba and fusion classes such as yogalates (yoga and pilates) will continue to thrive, as people enjoy switching up their exercise routines and doing something fun and new.

Meet the man behind Zumba

5. Core training

Not just for “great abs,” core training emphasizes strengthening the entire midsection - abdomen and back, pelvis and hips - to provide proper support for the spine and stability to the entire body, making you more able to meet the demands of daily living as well as increasing sports performance.

Find out 13 Things You Never Knew About Your Weight

6. Exergaming

Fitness-based video games, such as the Wii Fit and EA Sports Active, are experiencing healthy sales. Reviews are mixed, with some saying they provide a very mild workout compared to their real-life counterparts and others totally hooked. Either way, expect these to be taken to the next level and incorporated at a fitness club near you soon.

Whatever you do for fitness in 2010, make sure you do something regularly to stay healthy!