It’s Not All About Hearts!

What is the first thing you think of when you hear the word “February”? If you are like most people you think of hearts, cupid ...aka Valentine’s Day. But did you know that there are a lot of other “special days” in February?  

Here a few that you might not be aware of:

February 9th: “Read in the Bathtub Day” We hope you didn’t miss your opportunity to soak away your cares in a bubbly bath!

February 12th: “Extraterrestrial Culture Day” An officially acknowledged day     in New Mexico (Roswell), Extraterrestrial Culture Day celebrates extraterrestrial cultures, and our ( ? ) past, present and future relationships with extraterrestrial visitors. Did you get the kettle on and set the table for a guest, ET might just be popping round!

February 14th is of course “Valentine’s Day”, but did you know that it is also
“International Quirkyalone Day”? IQO’s site says that it is a celebration of romance, freedom & individuality whether you are single or partnered.

February 22nd: “President’s Day” It is a day that you are familiar with, but do you know why February 22nd was chosen. George Washington was born on this day. He died in 1799. In 1800, it began as a way to honor him. It became a federal holiday in 1879 when President Rutherford B. Hayes signed it into law.

February 22nd is also “Curling Is Cool Day”. This sport that looks like a fusion of bowling balls, ice-hockey and brooms began in Scotland in the 1500’s. 

February 23rd: “International Sword Swallowers Day” In celebration of this day more than 30 sword swallowers are expected to “drop swords” at Ripley’s Believe It or Not” Odditoriums worldwide on Saturday Feb. 23rd at 2:23:13. This unusual feat has been done for over 4,000 years!

February 24th: “National Chili Day” According to legend, Spanish priests called the first chili “the soup of the Devil” because they believed that chili peppers were an aphrodisiac.

 

Tax Break For Energy-Saving Improvements Is Back

If you installed new windows or doors or made other qualifying improvements in 2012, you may be eligible for a tax credit. Or, you can make improvements this year.

The fiscal cliff legislation, which Congress passed on New Year’s Day, revived the tax credit for energy-efficiency improvements for both 2012 and 2013. If you made any eligible improvements in 2012 -- after the credit expired -- dig up the receipts before you file your taxes for the year because you may get a tax break after all. These new rules should also be kept in mind when planning home improvements for 2013.

You can receive up to $500 in total tax credits for eligible home improvements you've made since 2006 (including a $200 limit for windows). If you claimed the full credit for home improvements since then, you won’t be able to take the break again.

If you are eligible, the tax break applies to 10% of the purchase price (not installation  costs) of certain insulation materials, energy-efficient windows, external doors and skylights, and metal roofs with pigmented coating or asphalt roofs with cooling granules that meet Energy Star requirements (see the Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star website for details).

You can count both materials and labor costs for certain central air conditioners, biomass stoves, electric heat pumps or electric heat pump water heaters that meet specific energy-efficient guidelines -- up to a maximum of $300 for each. You can count up to $150 for an eligible natural gas, propane or oil furnace or hot water boiler. (Adopted From http://money.msn.com/tax-tips/post.aspx?post=8cd88651-dc7f-485d-b8cf-a071239aa8dd)

 

Recipe Of The Month: Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

Makes 3….13 x 9 baking dishes

Ingredients:

• 1 chicken or use chicken breasts
• 1 lb. spaghetti
• 2 cups chopped bell pepper
• 2 cups chopped celery
• 2 cups chopped onion
• 1 lb. Velveeta Cheese
• 1 can Ro-tel tomatoes (don’t use mild)
• 1 pkg. frozen peas

Directions:

1. Cook chicken in 4 cups water, SAVE LIQUID, cool and debone
2. Cook spaghetti in broth from cooking chicken, add more water or chicken broth to make 6 cups
3. Saute bell peppers, celery and onions
4. Drain spaghetti SAVING LIQUID
5. To liquid add Velveeta cheese, stir until cheese is melted
6. Add Rol-Tel tomatoes peas and mix
7. Season with salt and pepper
8. At this point you may need to add more liquid if   mixture is too thick. AIf too thick it will be dry after baking because spaghetti will absorb much of the   liquid
9. Add spaghetti and chicken pieces
10. Pour mixture into greased baking dishes
11. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes to one hour. Do not cover.

Note: Use original or hot Ro-Tel tomatoes, not mild or there will be no flavor. If using skinned chicken breast  use some chicken broth or chicken cubes for more flavor.

This freezes well, but allow more time to bake if frozen.

This delicious recipe is from Pam Sanders.

Thank you, Pam!

 

 

Early Spring Jobs: In The Yard

Start winter cleanup of the lawn when the grass is no longer sopping wet and planting beds stop being a sea of mud. Rake your lawn to get rid of dead growth, stray leaves, twigs and winter debris and let light and air to the soil level, encouraging the grass to grow.

Re-seed bare or damaged patches of lawn. Scratch up the soil with a rake first. Mix a shovel of soil with a couple of scoops of grass seed and spread in the patch you're fixing. Rake level and keep well-watered until seeds germinate  and the new grass establishes.

• Transplant any existing shrubs you want to move before they begin to leaf out.
• Weeds start growing vigorously early, so when you spot them, go to it. Getting on top of the weeding now means a lot less work later. Weeds are easier to pull out while their roots are still shallow in early spring.
• Get your lawn mower checked and its blades sharpened if you didn't get the job done in late winter. Sharp blades cut better and leave your lawn grass healthier.

Early spring jobs: in the flower garden

• Don't be in a rush to remove winter mulch or to cut back evergreen plants such as lavender until temperatures are reliably warm.
• Freeze and thaw cycles over the winter may given some of your plants the heave-ho. Replant any perennials that the frost has heaved out of the ground as soon as you can.
• Cut back any remaining dead perennial foliage from last season (trimmings can go into the compost).
• Cut back ornamental grasses to about 10 inches from the ground.
• Remove winter protection of mounded earth from roses. Prune rose bushes before they start to leaf out.

Resist the urge to start digging in your garden flower beds too early. You can damage  the soil's structure. If you pick up a handful of soil, it should fall apart, not stick together like glue. When it's dry enough, you can start to dig beds and add compost or manure in preparation for planting.

Grass growth is vigorous in the early spring garden, so edge your flower beds with a sharp trench between them and the grass to keep it in bounds. Repeat this job a couple  of times through the season, or installing permanent edging goes a long way towards  having a lower maintenance flower garden. (Adopted from www.chiff.com/a/garden-spring-care.htm)

 

Job Skills That No Longer Impress Recruiters

In today's competitive job market, it is important to develop skills that will make your resume stand out. But some of the job skills that might have moved your resume to the top of the pile a few years ago might not be worth as much today. Which skills are on the verge of becoming so last year?
According to online salary database, PayScale.com, the skills on this list have seen the  biggest drop in market value over the last few years. "These skills are associated with jobs the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts to have slow to no growth over the next 10 years," says Katie Bardaro, Director of Analytics at PayScale.com. "Often, to be successful in your career, you need to have multiple skills to set yourself apart," says Bardaro.

If the skill that tops your resume is on this list, it may be wise to invest time in developing other skills related to your career and industry.

• Spanish - Spanish is the second most prominent language in the United States, after English. Additionally, over 35 million U.S. residents speak Spanish at home, according to census.gov. So why is this a dying job skill? Simply put, the commonality of Spanish makes it a resume dud. Furthermore, Spanish isn't a prominent language in business. If you would like to pad your resume with a language skill, consider learning Arabic, Japanese or Chinese.
• Software Installation and Upgrade - In these technology-driven times, most workers have a basic understanding of computers and software. In fact, most software installation happens at the push of a button or, more often, is automated. Upgrades are often as simple as clicking a link and restarting your computer, something that has become second nature to many workers.
• Legal Research - An abundance of underemployed law school grads makes this skill not as impressive as it used to  be.  If you want to compete with them, you may need to head back to law school yourself. 
• Handling Mortgage Loans - The collapse of the housing industry shook the faith of many and renters are on the rise. If this skill tops your resume, it might be wise to look for other ways to apply your knowledge of the mortgage loan business. (Adopted From http://career-services.monster.com)

 

Dictionary For Dogs

LEASH: A strap which attaches to your collar, enabling you to lead your person where you want him/her to go. 

DOG BED: any soft, clean surface, such as the white bedspread in the guest room or the newly upholstered couch in the living room. 

DROOL: Is what you do when your persons have food and you don't. To do this properly you must sit as close as you can and look sad and let the drool fall to the floor, or better yet, on their laps. 

BICYCLES: Two-wheeled exercise machines, invented for dogs to control body fat. To get maximum aerobic benefit, you must hide behind a bush and dash out, bark loudly and run alongside for a few yards; the person then swerves and falls into the bushes, and you prance away. 

DEAFNESS: This is a malady which affects dogs when their person wants them in and they want to stay out. Symptoms include staring blankly at the person, then running in the opposite direction, or lying down. 

THUNDER: This is a signal that the world is coming to an end. Humans remain amazingly calm during thunderstorms, so it is necessary to warn them of the danger by trembling uncontrollably, panting, rolling your eyes wildly, and following at their heels. 

BATH: This is a process by which the humans drench the floor, walls and themselves. You can help by shaking vigorously and frequently. 

BUMP: The best way to get your human's attention when they are drinking a fresh cup of coffee or tea. 

LOVE: Is a feeling of intense affection, given freely and without restriction. The best way you can show your love is to wag your tail. If you're lucky, a human will love you in return. (Adopted From www.shooterdog.com)

 

What Is My Home Worth?

Vitamins For The Mind! 3 Tips To Reduce Procrastination Today!

First and foremost, “just get started”. Don’t waste more time planning and thinking about the task. Usually, that’s just another way to avoid the task, while making yourself feel like your are actually doing something. Instead, get started on the task. Why? Because research shows that once we get started on a task, our perceptions of the task change. Sometimes we actually end up enjoying the task. At the very least, our perception of ourselves changes, and making even a little progress on our tasks boosts our well being which in turns fuels more motivation  to work.

Second, expect that when you face an unwanted or undesirable task that you'd rather put off, you'll have lots of negative emotions. My advice is, "suck it up!" Yes, it's a hard-nosed approach, but procrastinators need it. Don't "give in to feeling good" such that you focus on short-term mood repair. Keep your focus on long-term progress on your goal. You should not try to make yourself feel better. You should get to work. No one enjoys getting down to an unpleasant task at hand. Successful people understand that once they get started (ah, the first major tip above), they must face some negative emotions. Once they get through these, there's no looking back.

Finally, my third tip is "be honest with yourself." Too often procrastinators justify or rationalize their procrastination saying things like "I'll feel more like doing this tomorrow" or "I work better under pressure" or "This can wait." . . . No you won't, no you don't and no it can't. Stop the self-deception. Instead of trying to reduce the dissonance between your belief that you should be working and your behavior, not working, recognize these thoughts as "flags" that signal your desire to procrastinate and go back to Tips 1 and 2.

Procrastination is not a time-management problem. It's a complex problem involving personality, situations and motivation. When you're looking for quick tips to help, the three above are well-based in research and will definitely reduce your procrastination. Adopted from: www.psychologytodaycom/blog/don’t-delay

 

Unusual Penny Pinching Ideas

• You can make bar soap last 50% longer. When you buy your favorite soap, open both ends of the paper of each bar. Soap should dry for 30 days and it will last 50% longer while in use. As it is drying, place in the linen closet, dresser drawer, or wherever, it acts as a sachet.
• If you have a swiffer sweeper, used fabric softener dryer sheets can be put on it, to dust the floors through-out the house.
• Change brands of your laundry detergent frequently. Why?  It can build up in your clothes and cause them to dull. A  different detergent will wash out the last one.
• Saving on toilet paper is especially important if you have children. They tend to use far more than they should. Before placing a roll of toilet tissue on the holder, squish it flat. This controls the amount of toilet paper that comes off by stopping each time it comes around to the bent part. This saves a lot of tissue instead of the toilet paper free-rolling off the roll. Adopted from: www.PennyPinching-Grandma.com

 

Reel Partner Of The Month! - Auto Tire

AutoTire invites you inside for an informative look into the world of tires and automotive maintenance. Find out what makes tires more than just "Black & Round". Find out which tires offer the best combination of performance and safety for your car, light truck and driving needs.

Explore our web site and we think you will find valuable information and useful tips to aid you in your next tire purchase or automotive service repair.

At Auto Tire, we will quickly and expertly install  your tires & service your vehicle so you can get out the door on with your day!

Call 317 888-1880! (Be Sure To Ask About The "Reel Partners" Discount!)

 

Ask The Reel Team-When Is The Best Time to Sell Real Estate.

Timing can be everything when selling real estate. The real estate market is cyclical. There are long term cycles and short term cycles. For most home owners the long term cycle has little importance. People buy and sell their property when they need to. Often when they are relocating for a new job, or upsizing to a larger home to accommodate a growing family. But the short term cycle can have a greater influence on a sale.

The real estate market ebbs and flows throughout the year. Within this yearly flux there is a noticeable pattern. The market is more active at certain times of the year and selling a home at the peak times can help to ensure a quicker sale and a better price.

The yearly real estate cycle can be seen very well from data on internet searches for real estate terms. Google Trends shows this well with 3 years of search data. This pattern is described below.

The Yearly Real Estate Cycle - The short term cycle is influenced by the activities of both buyers and sellers and seasonal influences throughout the year. The market is most active in the spring and early summer. This is the   period when there are the most buyers looking for real estate and the most sellers have their properties on the market. But the activity begins well before the bulk of these transactions occur.

The New Year = Information Gathering - At the beginning of the year people are starting to think about their plans to buy or sell. At this stage they begin the information gathering phase. Sellers are researching the market to determine their asking price, and they are beginning to do last minute upgrades to the property. Buyers are looking at the market to determine their budget and see what types of properties are available in their price range. Buyers are often "tire kickers" at this stage and not willing to commit to a deal just yet.

Spring & Early Summer - At this time of year the market begins to become very active. Sellers have finished their renovations and upgrades and are placing their properties on the market. Buyers begin actively looking for real estate to purchase.  The activity at this stage becomes competitive. Buyers want to find their best opportunities before others do. This drives prices up. Spring and early summer is the best time of year to sell real estate... (Adopted From http://www.realestatesoldeasy.com/SellingRealEstate/When-to-Sell-Real-Estate.htm)

 

Reel Free Classifieds

$60 Pets 317-327-1397 They have over 100 pet option. Some highlights:

• Rodney (Hound Mix) is a spunky, fun boy! He is curious of his surroundings, but seems to enjoy people and other dogs. ID:A194889
• Sugar (Tabby - Gray) is a very affectionate girl that is very pretty.  She likes to give hugs and kisses. Sugar would make the perfect playful companion. ID:A193828
• Noah (German Shephard Mix) is a gentle, happy boy. He can be playful, but generally easy going. He's very loving, gives lots of kisses. ID:A194940
• January (Bombay Mix) a lap cat and would love a place next to you. Come and meet her.  It would be hard to find a nicer girl. ID:A189858

Reel Deals

• FREE 5 year old tri-color beagle to a good home. Neutered. All shots up todate. 317 504-6609
• CAMPER SHELL Red, for S-10 Short Bed, fit ‘99 Model, $99. 317-638-4143
• DISHWASHER GE, with new front panel. $75.00. Call 317-919-2176
• COFFEE TABLE Pine, Good condition. $25.00. 317-919-2176
• DRESSER Blonde, has 5 drawers, excellent condition. $45.00 Cash only. (317)858-1376
• DRESSER Ladies    Oak w/mirror, good condition. $75.00. Call 317-919-2176
• Lawn Mower Murry - 5hp Briggs Straton, just tuned new blade bag or mulch. Runs good. $80.00 317-519-3441
• REFRIGERATOR - 16.5 cu. ft., Magic Chef, Beige, Excellent Cond., $99. 317-638-4143 or 317-242-8385   

Charity Events

• Sat, March 9, 2013, 10:00 AM. Central  Indiana MDA Muscle Walk at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. A fundraising event for the Central Indiana Muscular Dystrophy Association. Free event (fundraising required). Info: See Web site to register your team and walk participants, or call 317-824-4800.
• Sat, March 9, 2013, 1:00 PM. Zoe's Strike Out Bowling Event at Stardust Bowl. A fundraising event to aid the Stem Cell/Bone Marrow Transplant Unit at Riley Hospital for Children. 1-4 PM. Pricing varies. zoesstrikeout2013.eventbrite.com/
• Thurs, April 25, 2013, 11:00 AM. 'Dining Out for Life' Charity Event in Indianapolis. When you dine at one of 40+ participating restaurants on Apr. 25, 25-100% of your bill will benefit The Damien Center, Indiana's largest and oldest HIV/AIDS service organization. Info: See Web site below or call 317-632-0123.www.diningoutforlife.com/indianapolis
• Sat, April 27, 2013, 9:30 AM.10th Annual Mutt Strut at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Take a lap around the IMS track with your pet to raise funds for the Humane Society of Indianapolis. Fashion show, canine training tips, K-9 demos, and more. 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM. Info: See Web site or call 317-872-5650. www.indymuttstrut.org/