The Mom Crowd

When you start a home based business and you are the only employee, things can be simple.  When you look to expand, hire employees and build your business, this can get a bit confusing.  Good business owners know the importance of organization but they might not realize that streamlining duties like payroll services can save them time and give them confidence in their management skills.  Since the employee payroll process can often create the most distressing problems, it is important that you find the right program for your needs.

Finding the Right Program

You will want to find a payroll program that is not too expensive but gives you all the tools to manage all of your employees.  Payroll services like Intuit QuickBooks Payroll can give you both confidence and peace of mind.  The program is so easy to use that you will feel like a pro.  This program offers a one stop shop to completing all of your payroll needs in just a few easy steps. You can enter your employees hours, print checks or even use free direct deposit in just a few easy clicks of the keyboard.

This service should be a top choice because you can access everything for creating a streamlined payroll system from paying employees to paying federal and state payroll taxes.Another aspect to consider is having a program that will allow you to remotely pay employees.  If you are out of town on pay day, all you need to do is hit the computer for a few minutes, log hours and send payment to your employees almost instantly!  You can also pay yourself using this program so that you insure that you receive a salary too.

Payroll Taxes

Figuring out what payroll taxes you owe can be stressful and making errors can also be costly. Federal and State requirements are confusing and finding the answers you need can be frustrating.  The great thing with Intuit Quickbooks is that the program figures out everything for you!

It not only calculates what you owe but also reminds you when to pay it!  One of the biggest benefits is it also allows you to e-pay with just a couple clicks of the keyboard.  This will insure that you are paying the taxes you owe, when you owe it.  Small businesses cannot afford to get behind on payroll taxes.  The ease at which this program operates is also a bonus because it is so easy to use and is not a strain on your already busy schedule.  The program tracks, organizes and updates everything you need to be a success.

Nothing is more confusing than having to use multiple resources to manage your payroll.  This program lets you organize what you need to be successful.  Having a one stop, easy to use program will make you feel more confident and allow you to focus on other things in your business.  Running your own home business and balancing family life can be hard but knowing that you have the resources to meet payroll needs is one of the best things you could ever wish for besides a successful business!

Putting off annual exams and blood work puts your health and your children’s health at risk. Visits and checkups can prevent chronic and risky disease from spreading or worsening, and let unchecked, these types if illnesses can negatively affect the health of children, especially. You can become informed of any problems before they advance. Getting a simple checkup once a year for yourself and the kids is the easiest way to ensure that you stay healthy.

Getting Blood Work

Blood work can detect high cholesterol, mineral and vitamin deficiencies, infections and even heart-related conditions. A blood panel can also determine whether you may have diabetes. Getting yearly blood work is the only way to ensure that all of your numbers are where they should be. You can find discount blood work online to save money on this costly necessity for your health. Think back to your family and relatives – has there been any blood or immune-related illnesses that might be present in you or your kids? A simple checkup can reveal some answers.

Physical Exam

A physical exam is a good idea for patients of all ages, especially for kids thinking about joining sports. Making sure your body is in tip-top shape will allow you to avoid unwanted illness or injury. An exam usually tests your bones, vision and addresses other concerns you may have for your health. Dealing with kids around the clock certainly takes an emotional and mental toll on even the most fit and active mothers, but physical fatigue is just as common, and typically pushed to the back burner.

Preventative Shots

Vaccinations can make a world of difference in preventing health problems, and can prevent any number of sicknesses or illnesses with you or your kids. Most adults don’t need to worry about getting shots, but there are some that certain groups should always get, like young children, those working around young children, the elderly, and those with weak immune systems, to name a few groups. A flu vaccine is especially useful during flu season for the elderly and children.

Understanding Your Health

If you never go in to see the doctor, then you won’t know if any health problems crop up. A majority of serious health complications have no symptoms. This includes heart disease, high cholesterol and even STDs. A simple checkup can make a huge difference in your quality of life, and for the life of your kids. Oftentimes, children do not know or do not care if they are not feeling well, and could be potentially damaging their tired bodies and immune systems even more. The cost of preventative care is much lower than the cost to treat severe conditions that have been able to progress.

Saving Money

You can save money when you participate in simple checkups each year, and many families with health care don’t even have to pay more than a small deductible. There are specific tests needed for certain groups of people at different intervals. Most adults need a cholesterol screening every five years. Overweight or at-risk individuals may need them more often. Mammograms are recommended for women over 40 every two years. These simple check ups can save tons of money, time and stress if they are taken seriously.

Don’t put off your health checkups. Doing so can result in sickness that may be debilitating or costly to treat, and lifelong sicknesses for children left untreated. If you want to prevent disease and illness, then go to that one or two hour appointment once per year. Don’t risk your health – be active in staying healthy.

Bram Stoker had no idea what he was starting when he created the iconic Dracula. Before Dracula” was published, vampires were the stuff of nightmares and very real to certain European cultures. Afterwards, the terrifying creatures captured the imaginations of writers, filmmakers and the general Western populace.
  

The Shift from Tradition

“Nosferatu,” an early silent film released in 1922, was loosely based on Stoker’s “Dracula.” It is scary in a way that resonates with audiences even today, but the main character, Count Orlock, creates a sense of sympathy and sadness. For a long time, vampires were some combination of utterly terrifying and extremely sad. Then Anne Rice came along with “Interview with a Vampire” and changed everything.

At first, authors kept the inhuman traits intact while slowly romanticizing the vampires. As years go on, writers continually push vampires toward being extremely long-lived humans rather than monsters. Sure, the monstrous traits come out in certain situations, but there is usually a clear distinction between the “good” vampires and the “bad” ones. The “Twilight” series, the “Sookie Stackhouse” novels and “The Vampire Diaries” novels are responsible for the latest resurgence in vampire-mania.

Modern Vampires in Film and Television

If the “Twilight” books were popular, they barely compare to the popularity of their movie adaptations. “Twilight,” while meant for teenage audiences, appeals to adults too. The current vampire-themed television series are “True Blood” and “The Vampire Diaries.” “True Blood,” based on the “Sookie Stackhouse” books, is a very adult series. “The Vampire Diaries,” adapted from the books of the same name, is for teenagers, but it appeals to a wider audience like “Twilight” does.

To catch up on “True Blood,” HBOGo, HBO’s streaming service, has several seasons available, but you must have an active cable subscription to take advantage of it. To get the full series, you will have to rent or buy the seasons on DVD or Blu-ray. However, you can start streaming The Vampire Diaries on Netflix starting with season one. Some of the “Twilight” movies are also available on Netflix.

“Twilight” offers the mildest take on the new sexy vampires, but despite their popularity, many vampire fans find the lack of certain vampire traits unappealing. “True Blood” and “The Vampire Diaries” let the primal side of vampires shine through regularly, which appeals to fans of the more traditional, gory vampires typically associated with blood-sucking. Interestingly, both television series have high-budget film quality effects, the characters have more depth and the vampires appeal to men and women of all ages.

An average night of entertainment consists of watching television or movies, for most. While this is suitable for average nights, it is not very special. If you are looking for something more interesting to do, choose something that will create good memories and that the whole family can enjoy; consider seeing a theatrical performance.

The days of theater are not past but are alive and well. There are numerous shows across the globe every day and night attracting enthusiastic crowds. Here are a few tips for planning a night of theater.

Find a Show

Look online or in your local paper for future shows. In your paper, listings will probably be in the entertainment or arts/culture section. Online, search for your city and use keywords such as, “musicals,” or “live theater.”

One of the most popular shows right now is the musical Wicked. Wicked contains a few familiar characters from the Wizard of Oz but takes a much different and intriguing spin. It describes how the wicked witch of the west got her start and explores her early interactions with Glinda, the good witch of the north. This particular show is suitable for adults and children alike and has an amazing music score. Many people like it so much that they see it more than once.

Book Your Tickets Early

You should order your tickets early to get the best choices in seating. Some popular shows, such as Wicked, sell out quickly. To order your tickets online, search for your area. For example, if you are in Baltimore, just search for Wicked Baltimore tickets and several ticket broker sites will show up.

When you are placing your order, you will get to look at a seating chart. The best seats will be higher priced than other seats, but you can still get decent seats on a budget, if you buy them early enough.

Make a Night of it

Think about making the whole night special by dressing up and going out to dinner before the show. Take the kids to a place they love and watch their excitement grow as the evening progresses. The first time, you could even leave it as a surprise until you have arrived at the theater. If everyone enjoys it, you could even make this a family tradition monthly or around holidays or birthdays.

The best thing about a live performance is that it is much more active than television or a movie. Yes, you are still sitting and viewing as a passive participant, but the sounds of the orchestra, the sweat on the actor’s brow, the action taking place in the here in now right in front of you is unlike any other experience.

Another wonderful thing about the theater is every performance is different. You could go to see Wicked or another show several times and each time it would be unique.

Catching a live show will be an amazing experience for your children that they will never forget, especially if the show is something they want to see. Some little boys might not admit to wanting to see a show, but if you go see something they can get excited about it may peak their interest in music, art, and theater in a way TV never will.

Many people today make a habit of including regular physical exercise in their daily routine to keep their body fit and healthy. Although physical exercise is always an excellent use of time, you should also aim to include plenty of stimulating mental exercise in your daily life. You can easily incorporate mental workouts through a new hobby, from learning a new instrument to completing a craft project.

Embrace Your Musical Side When you pick up a musical instrument, you can tap into your innovative side and create your own music. However, before you can start impressing your family and forming your own band, you need to learn how to play. If starting a band seems like a fun idea to you, begin your training with basic piano lessons. Learning to play an instrument will give you an excellent outlet for your rhythmic soul after you leave your job each evening.

Manage Your Own Ecosystem For amateur scientists who enjoy nature and biology, a miniature ecosystem can provide excellent intellectual stimulation. Individuals who prefer the world of the ocean can start up their own saltwater fish tank, complete with stunning corals and playful fish. For those that prefer a desert climate, a terrarium housing toads and turtles makes an excellent choice. This hobby will require you to learn a little about your miniature ecosystem and how to keep your inhabitants alive.

Learn a New Language Even if you don’t intend to leave the country in the near future, learning a language can give you an electrifying experience. For added fun, choose a language from a country that you would love to visit someday. As you learn a country’s language, you can learn more about the culture of that nation. You can spice up this idea by learning how to cook native dishes for your friends and family.

Handcrafted Projects Making something new with your hands is a great way to stimulate your senses and your brain. You don’t have to buy a fancy sewing machine to make your own cool e-reader case. Just get a sewing needle, a few pieces of fabric, matching thread and your imagination to create a functional accessory for your daily life. Other fun crafting projects include making jewelry and pottery.

After getting home from work or putting your children to bed, don’t settle for a boring evening in front of the television. Instead, try out a new hobby to give your brain the exercise it needs to thrive.