prepping

Ugh, taxes. It's not that I mind paying them (though I'd like to have some control over how they're used--but that's a whole other discussion), it's the massive hassle of filing quarterly estimates and my annual return.

For the past several years I've been a TurboTax user, not necessarily because it's the best option out there (more on that in a minute), but because it imports my records from the previous year--making the whole process just a little bit easier. In other words, I'm too lazy to change.

Right about now is … Read more

When it comes down to it, the actual content of rival tax prep applications is nearly identical. So fear not. TaxAct's significantly lower price point doesn't necessarily translate into shoddier tax return calculation. We got virtually the same result using the other major programs available. (Disclaimer: this result may not apply to every tax scenario.) What you do sacrifice in TaxAct are the glossy graphics and the extensive FAQ database. On the plus side, the service has added audit support and a new Answer Center, which offers a variety of straightforward help files that are easily searchable.

Because … Read more

Having a set of prep bowls handy can make dinner a lot easier--and the Stainless-Steel Prep Bowls from Lee Vally & Veritas come in a set of eight. Whether you're measuring out ingredients for each step of a recipe, just trying to get chopped vegetables off the cutting board or generally trying to be more organized, these prep bowls are convenient. They hold 5.5 ounces, which is more than enough room for garnishes, spice mixtures or anything else you need to get ready. If you aren't use to working with prep bowls while cooking, you may find … Read more

When it comes down to it, the actual content of rival tax prep apps is nearly identical. So fear not. TaxAct's significantly lower price point doesn't necessarily translate into shoddier tax return calculation. We got virtually the same result using TaxAct, Intuit's TurboTax, and H&R Block At Home (Disclaimer: this result may not apply to every tax scenario.) What you do sacrifice in TaxAct is the glossy graphics, the straightforward help files, and the extensive FAQs and audit support of the other two DIY apps apps.

Because of the striking similarity of the desktop and … Read more

Know what bugs me the most about the new year? The need to prepare and file yet another tax return.

I've been a TurboTax user for enough years that now I just stick with it out of habit--and hence my chief goal each January (OK, each early April) is to find the cheapest possible price.

For the moment, the best deal going comes from Fidelity Investments, which is offering 25 percent off all versions of TurboTax Online. Thankfully, you don't have to be a Fidelity customer to take advantage of it; just click Visitor Entry and you'll … Read more

Golden Eagle Flight Prep provides all the tools pilots need to plan a flight route. Offering a surprising amount of useful and specialized features, this is a great addition to any general aviation pilot's software collection.

The program's interface might seem intimidating to nonpilots, since it's peppered with aviation jargon, FAA abbreviations, and other flight-related specifics. However, the manual in the program's Help file clarifies most questions and proves that Golden Eagle Flight Prep is, in fact, a very user-friendly design. The program's primary function is flight itinerary planning, which is made simple as pointing … Read more

Cooking is an active sport; some might say a contact sport. No matter if you are nimble on your feet in the kitchen or if you steam your way through like you're inside of a pressure cooker, one thing for certain is that when a chef is in his or her element, time races by. For the hungry, this can only be a good thing, but for those who appreciate the elegant dance of the kitchen, having a helping hand can make things go a lot smoother.

The Speed Prep Chef with Three Blades brings versatility and efficiency to … Read more

Cutting boards are the low-tech workhorses of the kitchen. As well they should be--if you are repeatedly taking a knife to other kitchen gear, chances are it won't be lasting long in your kitchen (and you should probably seek help). In the case of the cutting board, it's a kitchen essential designed to take it. While they come in different types of materials, they all pretty much do the same thing; offer a consistent surface for cutting meats and vegetables. If a cutting board can do this simple task, it usually will suffice. However, it's nice when … Read more

To say having an extra hand in the kitchen is a benefit would be an understatement. The daily dinner preparation can, at the best of times, turn into a finely orchestrated ballet of twisting and turning (not to mention slicing and dicing) and dancing about the kitchen trying to make it all work just so. And it all starts with the prep work. Having uniformly cut vegetables not only enhances the appearance of dishes, it also helps the cooking process itself as everything cooks evenly. Even in the simple case of French fries, unevenly cut potatoes can lead to disastrous … Read more