Heirlooms

Do you have family heirlooms? These hand painted dished are one of mine. This is a marvelous set for 12 with all the serving pieces. They were given to me years ago by my Great Aunt Irene. She was my Dad's Aunt. Click to see the dishes, they're sooooooo pretty. I always loved them. Very light mellon creamy background with colored flowers, and pretty gold and red boarder. I use to use them alot. My Aunt always said she liked to give things away when she was still living so she could see people enjoying things. Then a friend said it made him nervous when I used my good dishes and so they got put away. They weren't easy to get to-- to use; so it's been awhile since I've enjoyed them. A couple of years ago I got my first dining room set, which included a hutch. I'm thrilled to get to display my dishes. The last time Daddy came for Sunday dinner, I decided we use our nice china.

The cool Italian wine glasses I got Christmas before last from my Dear SIL, in our gift exchange. Look how beautifully they go with my dishes! We fixed a special meal, used our special china and had the special wine glasses. A good evening for sure.

The Marvel of Nature's Beauty

While not the best picture, look at the marvel of natures beauty. This is something we mortals simply can not come close to. One cold morning very recently I saw this between the 2 window panes over my kitchen sink; as I was pouring my morning coffee. Made me groan for how cold I knew it was to have this between the window panes; thinking about those poor homeless living outdoors (please check out The Bridge and Beyond), but at the same time I was in awe of the beauty. Sometimes the prettiest sites are right before our eyes...we just need to take time and look to enjoy it.

Butterflies

Long ago, I enjoyed cross stitching. I didn't photograph many of my projects; but found this one to share with you. My older brother had a wonderful butterfly collection when we were kids growing up. I made this for him years ago for Christmas. Technically, I think this is a month instead of a butterfly. I'll have to have him look at it and tell me. Just thought I'd share this with you, as a way to make us think of warmer weather.

Mirror Mirror on the Wall

Ok, I know I've already shown you my scarf; but I decided to mess around and see how people do a self portrait. I've tried just holding the camera out at arms length pointing it at myself and haven't managed to get a picture with the subject...be it a hat, or scarf, or me. So, decided to try the silly bathroom mirror.

Just Say NO

Just say NO. Say no to plastic bags, say no to paper bags. I know we all have canvas totes, sometimes at home on the door knobs, sometimes in our trunk, and sometimes even in the back seat, but we forget to carry them in with us. AND, how many do you carry. Here's a perfect solution. This bag of bags is little, light weight, and super easy to use. Easy to use, because you don't forget them. See the little green draw string bag? All these bags...all six of them fit into this little bag. The little bag easily sits right in your snack tray. I have one in my car, hubby has one in his. He can put the little bag of bags even in his pocket. I imagine most women could put the bag in their purses. I can't, I don't carry a large purse. They fold up, and roll up and easily fit with space left over in this little pouch. I've laid them out in various stages of being folded or rolled so you could see them. They are as big as a large paper bag and they do hold alot! They are strong. I think hubby might have one of my bags, cause I have two tan ones...hum, wonder what color I'm missing. lol I'll have to have him check his colors. Livesmart Bags. We ordered ours on line. When we ordered we ordered 5 or 6 sets so we had some as gift items and therefore we didn't pay postage.

I highly recommend these bags. I've not forgotten to use these once since we've purchased them, but I was constantly forgetting my canvas totes.

Go Green, say no to plastic and paper.

**errr this was a scheduled post, and since I wrote, I did forget once...just a short while ago. Had them in my pocket and stopped at Hobby Lobby for a few little items and totally forgot to use them. Geeeeeeeees that's irritating. Only a small plastic bag though, the smallest they make. It's hard to break habits; but let's keep trying.

Home Buyer Tax Credit

My parents first house pictured above was purchased with the benefit of The G.I. bill. A cozy little house with no frills; just the basics. Government programs have a history of helping first time homeowners to stimulate the economy. Lots of fond memories thanks to the program that allowed my folks to purchase their first home.

The good news is First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit has been extended and broadened. First time home buyer credit will help many young couples (or singles) as well as those wanting to move up. The extension allows for tax credits up to $8,000.00 for all first-time buyers who purchase a home on or after January 1, 2010 AND on or before April 30, 2010; (closing date deadline is June 30th).

Qualifying income limits have also been broaden to $125,000.00 from $75,000.00 for those filing single tax returns; and to $225,000.00 from $150,000.00 to married couples filing a joint return. Clearly this opens this benefit to more perspective buyers. Tax credits of $6,500.00 for current home owners wishing to move up are also available, with some restrictions about how long you've owned your current home.

Two most commonly asked questions are probably-- what's the difference between a tax credit and a tax deduction, and if the credit is up to $8,000.00 how do I know how much my credit will be?

• A tax credit reduces the amount of tax you owe, while a tax reduction lowers the income base you pay tax on. It's important you understand this difference.
• The credit is 10% of the purchase price of the home, up to $8,000.00.
  

A friend of our daughters did this instead of watching rent fly out the window. Had our daughter not been moving at the time, we would have suggested she do the same.

File IRS form 5405 with your Federal Tax Return to take advantage of this program, and happy house hunting.