How to Sweeten and Slim Down With Maple Syrup

Maple syrup may only be tree sap, but it is packed with minerals to help regulate the output of insulin to prevent blood sugar spikes that lead to energy crashes, excess belly fat and increased risk of type 2 diabetes.

Another reason to love maple syrup: it is a great source of zinc which helps your cells to shorten the duration of the common cold. The best results come from grade b syrup, which is also cheaper than grade a. So, the next time you are at the supermarket pick up a large bottle of grade b maple syrup. Below is a guide to help put more syrup into your diet.

Butternut Squash Soup:

Bring 2 cups chicken broth and 1/2 pound of butternut squash, cubed to a boil. Simmer for 20 minutes. Let cool; puree in blender. Return to pot. Stir in 1 tablespoon maple syrup and a dash of cayenne.

Whip Cream:

Whip 1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup Mascapone cheese and 2 tablespoons maple syrup until thick and creamy. Serve over mixed berries.

Salad Dressing:

Combine 1/4 cup each maple syrup and apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons whole grain mustard, 1/2 cup olive oil, salt and pepper to taste. Serve over any salad mixture.

Roasted Vegetables:

Maple syrup is great on winter veggies. Toss 1/2 pound each acorn squash and parsnips, cubed; 2 tablespoons oil and 1 teaspoon thyme on a sheet pan. Cover; roast in 375 degree oven for 40 minutes. Uncover; roast an additional; 30 minutes. Top with almonds for an even healthier dish.

How to Ways to Get an Energy Boost Through The Day

From the moment you wake up, one of your first thoughts is, when can I take a nap. Trying to make it through the day is on of the hardest things to do in life. Below is a list of energy boosting ideas to help you overcome those down points in your day.

Morning:

Giving your scalp a massage helps stimulate millions of nerve endings in your skin. This increase the brain's production of endorphins and other energizing neurotransmitters. Press the bristles of your hairbrush on your scalp and make several strokes from your hairline to the base of your neck. Then make small circles over your entire scalp. Alternate these methods for 90 seconds.

Midday:

The pancreas slows down during the midday causing blood sugar swings in your body. Just 2 tablespoons of peanut butter can help reduce the sudden rundown feeling.

Evening:

The aroma in grapefruit can trigger energizing brain activity that can last for up to two hours. This is a great after work energy booster. It will not keep you up all night. It will just give you enough energy to spend some time with your family before bed. Simply zest some grapefruit rind into a bowl and inhale the scent.

How to Ten Tax Topics for Taxpayers with Tots and Teens

While starting my family taxes this year, I discovered a list the IRS has about children. Here is a list of reasons for deductions from your children. Hope this helps.

1. Step 1

   Dependents In most cases, a child can be claimed as a dependent in the year they were born. For more information see IRS Publication 501, Exemptions, Standard Deduction, and Filing Information.

2. Step 2

   Child Tax Credit You may be able to take this credit on your tax return for each of your children under age 17. If you do not benefit from the full amount of the Child Tax Credit, you may be eligible for the Additional Child Tax Credit. The Additional Child Tax Credit is a refundable credit and may give you a refund even if you do not owe any tax. For more information see IRS Publication 972, Child Tax Credit.

3. Step 3

   Child and Dependent Care Credit You may be able to claim the credit if you pay someone to care for your child under age 13 so that you can work or look for work. For more information see IRS Publication 503, Child and Dependent Care Expenses.

4. Step 4

   Earned Income Tax Credit The EITC is a benefit for certain people who work and have earned income from wages, self-employment or farming. EITC reduces the amount of tax you owe and may also give you a refund. For more information see IRS Publication 596, Earned Income Credit

5. Step 5

   Adoption Credit You may be able to take a tax credit for qualifying expenses paid to adopt an eligible child. For more information see the instructions for IRS Form 8839, Qualified Adoption Expenses.

6. Step 6

   Children with Earned Income If your child has income earned from working they may be required to file a tax return. For more information see IRS Publication 501.

7. Step 7

   Children with Investment Income Under certain circumstances a child's investment income may be taxed at the parent's tax rate. For more information see IRS Publication 929, Tax Rules for Children and Dependents.

8. Step 8

   Coverdell Education Savings Account This savings account is used to pay qualified educational expenses at an eligible educational institution. Contributions are not deductible, however, qualified distributions generally are tax-free. For more information see IRS Publication 970, Tax Benefits for Education.

9. Step 9

   Higher Education Credits Education Tax credits can help offset the costs of education. The American Opportunity and the Lifetime Learning Credit are education credits that reduce your federal income tax dollar-for-dollar, unlike a deduction, which reduces your taxable income. For more information see IRS Publication 970.

10. Step 10

    Student Loan Interest You may be able to deduct interest you pay on a qualified student loan. The deduction is claimed as an adjustment to income so you do not need to itemize your deductions. For more information see IRS Publication 970.

Things You'll Need:

• tax form
• these topics can be found on IRS.gov
• or by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).