SpoonFullofJelly

I have been so busy for the past month that I had to neglect Maruki. Life for Mr. Mind and I have become crazy. We found a wonderful church and little did we know we would be involved in books, small groups, dinners and more. Don't get me wrong, we love it! It's that all my extra time was spent falling asleep on the couch. I have made a new friend that shares my love for Asian foods, gardening, and humor. We are already planning summer activities together with our husbands. She is making my transition to this state smooth, and comfortable. I hope I am bringing some joy to her! We both are looking for new jobs and trying to start a family. So what is next for me? Hopefully a new contract marketing position and/or a little bundle of joy. Stay tuned!

Taxes! Dreadful Taxes! Run!!!! No matter your stance on taxes and tax rates, the more you learn about them the more you can prepare yourself. Your purchases, salary and savings throughout the year make an impact on your tax return. If you don't want a refund, please ask your tax professional about your w-4. They will help you fill out the form with your family size, and incomes in consideration.This should be done January each year that a life change happens. Whats a life changing event? Marriage Birth of a Baby Death of a family member Purchase of a home, car or other large item Moving Home Lost of Job/Change of Career Children or Self going to College If you foresee any of these events in your future, get answers now. Do not wait until December 2013. Until Next Time, From Maruki

The weather outside is (still) frightful and the fire inside is delightful. I long for a warm and sandy place to be. Mr. Mind and I usually plan our summer vacations this time of the year. We completed our new budgets for 2013 and have placed down the ground work to live as comfortable as possible. We have the possibility of taking one trip this spring and one trip a month this summer. We were trying to decide rather to plan one large trip that costs no more than $500 and 3 smaller trips that costs no more than $100 each. Then again a trip overseas or to the beach is calling.  Have you considered what you will be doing for the summer? If so, have you considered the financial burden summer programs for children and family vacations would have on your wallet? The average sleep-away summer camp program for children cost $200 a week. Can you stomach the average $1600 cost for a summer vacation for a family of four? No matter your plan, please keep in mind the th...

We now have something to blame for years of constant fatigue, skin breakouts, and low iron count. Mr. Mind is allergic to gluten. For nearly 6 weeks, we have dodge gluten as much as possible. It has been harder than we thought because wheat is in everything. Sometimes we wonder why!  Salad dressing? really? Yes, its in some salad dressings. I've been on a whirlwind trying to learn how to make our favorite foods without gluten. I usually make homemade cookies, quick breads, pies, cakes and more. Sometimes I made these items on a weekly bases. Now, I'm trying to learn about the assortment of flours that we can combine to make tasty foods. Some of the flours I have never heard of before. We bought a few store bought baked goods and most are nasty and dry. I understand that gluten gives the product fluffiness, but does it actually give flavor? I tried some branded prepackaged foods and liked what I tasted. Enjoy Life is one of the first brands that we tasted....