Tax Holidays – Just Another Way to Rip Off the Customer?

How to Save Money on Back-to-School Supplies - Photo by Andres Nieto Porres

One of my friends is a coupon queen. She's the type of person who will go to a check-out loaded with items and armed with the best deals. I swear I think sometimes she walks away from stores with lots of stuff while clerks scratch their heads because the store seems to owe her money. She knows how to save cash...but that takes lots of research and good timing.

As our state's annual tax holiday was approaching in early August one year, I asked this friend if she would be shopping for back-to-school supplies on those days. She simply made a face and said that she would be shopping at another time. That caused me to take a closer look at tax holiday deals with a bit more caution.

Perhaps the lawmakers created tax holidays with good intentions. Many folks on a tight budget have already spent tax refunds by the time school is ready to start while others face severe cutbacks with job loss or loss of unemployment benefits. Each year the public schools in our area publish a list of must-haves for each grade. I have three children in school. You are not alone if you feel those financial pains.

Back-to-school Tax Exempt Days - Photo by Marlith

Some states and even some local areas may declare tax-free days in which people can purchase certain school supplies without paying sales tax. Many times, these tax-exempt items include clothes, paper, notebooks, writing utensils, art supplies, sports equipment, computers, and more, but do these tax-free days really save the consumer money?

Many businesses also look forward to tax holidays. They know that customers may come in droves to purchase back-to-school supplies during that time. Some companies may increase prices just in time for those tax-free days. If the demand is going up, they seem to think that perhaps this would be a good time to increase resulting profits. The customer is often unaware of this increase, assuming that prices have simply gone up from the previous year. Do your summer homework. Research prices about three or four weeks before the tax holiday. Compare them to those during the tax holiday. It might be an eye-opening experience.

Items eligible for the tax holiday typically must be purchased on those days in order to qualify. Some of the higher ticket items in particular suddenly are in short demand on tax holidays. The solution? Research your state's requirements and see if layaway items qualify. If the store offers a layaway option, you can beat the crowd and have that item available with some pre-planning. Ensure that you understand all of the requirements for a layaway option – fees might be more than the tax. You might be able to purchase items online, but again check to ensure that online items qualify for the tax holiday and that you aren't getting burned with shipping fees.

If you are willing to spend some extra time shopping for clothes and sports equipment in particular, you may find cheaper deals by going green. Some friends might be more than willing to give you clothes their kids have outgrown for a very low price or perhaps even for free. Consignment and thrift shops may offer excellent deals, but the selection often dwindles quickly during the back-to-school tax holiday season. Check all used items to ensure that zippers zip, snaps snap, and that they are in good condition if you are going that route. You might be surprised at how many people donate broken, soiled, and stained items or items in severe disrepair for others to buy.

Save Money Shopping for School Supplies - Photo by Maurice07

Take a realistic look at exactly how much you are saving with a sales tax holiday. Is it worth fighting the crowds and taking the chance of having to return for supplies that were missing? The items covered during the tax exempt days are only a portion of costs you will likely incur when preparing for the school year. Most lists for my kids include things like hand sanitizer, paper towels, plastic bags, and other items not included for exemptions. You are unlikely to find many great deals on this type of item unless you are a smart shopper and perhaps a coupon queen like my friend.

Perhaps some of these tips may help shoppers to be a bit more savvy when looking for back-to-school items. Saving money is a necessity for many people, and back-to-school shopping can take a big bite out of the budget. Don't let a sales tax holiday take a bigger bite than necessary.

Readers may also wish to see:

• How to Find Money-Saving Tips for Fun Summer Activities
• Free Books and So Much More at the Local Library
• Great Low Cost Gift Ideas for Friends and Family Members

Find more of Katrena's articles at the Wildflower Bouquets site map.

Katrena's Indoor Scavenger Hunt #7: United States Patriotic Theme

Scavenger Hunt Clues with American Theme

This free scavenger hunt encourages players to learn more about America, a fitting theme for this 4th of July! It includes ten questions and answers, clues for hiding, and prizes. This game may be played by several players. Some questions are harder than others, and some questions may have multiple correct answers. Feel free to ask for more details if you wish to challenge players. For example, ask for the name/author of the National Anthem or ask if the players know the capitals of the states they named. Some of the links below have extra learning opportunities as well.

Directions:

1. Print the list of questions, clues, and prizes (click on the images below and choose file-print on most computers).
2. Cut out the clues and prizes.
3. Hide each clue in the designated area.
4. Read each question to participants and provide hints if needed.
5. When questions are answered correctly, identify the area where players should look for the next clue.
6. Give each player a prize for completing the hunt.
7. Have fun!

Answers:

Click here to see the words for the Pledge of Allegiance today and in the past.
The three colors on the American flag are: red, white, blue
There are 50 states in the United States.
Click here to find a list of states and capitals.
Click here to find lyrics and the tune for the National Anthem of the United States.
Click here for a list of Presidents of the United States.
The branches of the U.S. military are: Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, Navy

Suggestions for hiding clues (modify/update the list as needed):

1. Hallway
2. Front door
3. Bedroom
4. Bathroom
5. Under a rug
6. Kitchen
7. Living room
8. Bookshelf
9. Under a chair
10. On a window sill

Questions for Katrena's Patriotic Indoor Scavenger Hunt #7

Clues for Katrena's Patriotic Scavenger Hunt #7

Prizes for Katrena's United States Themed Scavenger Hunt #7

Browse more of Katrena's scavenger hunts, printables, and articles at the Wildflower Bouquets site map.

Notes of Encouragement for End of Grade Testing

Notes of Encouragement for EOG Testing

As the end of the school year approaches, many children prepare for end of grade testing. The EOGs, as many call them, may elicit fear of failure for many kids. Can they bubble what they have learned on an answer sheet?

Giving a child encouraging words can be a great gift. Taking the time to write a personal note can mean so much to a child. Approaching an evaluation with a positive attitude can go a long way toward helping a child to feel more relaxed.

These free printable notes of encouragement are specifically related to EOG testing. They are small, colorful, and can easily be tucked into a backpack, lunch box, or desk as a surprise to let a little one know that you are thinking of him or her on End of Grade testing days.

Directions:

1. Click on the image below to enlarge.
2. Choose file - print.

Printable Notes of Encouragement for EOG

Find more free printables, scavenger hunts, and articles at Katrena's Wildflower Bouquet site map.

Quick & Easy Fun Flaming Tongues of Fire Pentecost Craft

Fun and Inexpensive Tongues of Fire Craft © Katrena

Pentecost brings with it images of tongues of fire. A fun way to bring that image to life is to make tongues of fire that can dance, swirl, and float!

This craft project is very inexpensive – the supplies I bought at a Dollar Tree could make 12 for $5.00. These "tongues" are versatile and might also be used with a dance ministry or drama, and they are easily customized for children of different sizes and abilities. The kids can develop teamwork skills as they make the craft. With very few supplies, there is little clean up time and almost no mess.


Supplies for Tongues of Fire Craft

• Streamers (I bought 2-packs of red, orange, yellow)
• Bracelets (I bought 6-packs in the party favor section)
• Stapler with staples
• Scissors (optional – we simply tore ours to the desired length)

Interactive Ways to Encourage Children in Church © Katrena

Directions for Making Tongues of Fire Craft

1. Roll out red streamer and cut or tear to the desired length (32-inches worked well for my kids – you might want to go a little shorter for preschoolers)
2. Repeat two more times (total of 3 separate red strips)
3. Roll out orange streamer on top of the red strips and cut or tear the same length
4. Roll out yellow streamer on top of the red/orange strips and cut or tear the same length
5. Stack the three layers together (total of 9 strips together)
6. Fold the edge of the 9 strips together over the edge of the bracelet and staple 2-3 times

That's it. Encourage the children to use their imagination as they move their tongues of fire and their bodies. Add some Pentecost music and you'll quickly have flaming tongues that the kids can enjoy as they learn about the Bible in a fresh and new way!

Find more inexpensive crafts, printables, scavenger hunts, and more at Katrena's Wildflower Bouquets site map.

Katrena's Scavenger Hunt #1 for Teachers

Scavenger Hunt for Teachers by Katrena

So, you're a teacher looking for a quick and fun indoor activity for your students? I've got you covered with this fast and super simple scavenger hunt.

I have designed two sets of clues for this hunt. The first set has the answers to the riddles and would be well suited to the younger kids who cannot yet read. Of course, you can still have the younger ones guess - you'll just have the answer if you get stumped! The second set has blanks so that the kids can guess the rhyming word before beginning to search. Each set has a printable graphic and I've included the tables of clues at the bottom as well.

This scavenger hunt has ten clues. If you have more or less than ten children in the class, you might want to pair the kids or have them work together in groups to solve and find the clues.

Preparation while the kids are out of the room:

1. Print the desired clues - click on the image and click on file-print.
2. Cut out the clues and hide all but clue #1, placing #2 in the answer for #1, #3 in the answer for #2, etc.
3. Print certificates and customize each with a child's name.

When the kids return, explain your rules for the hunt and begin by reading the first clue (or having the first child/group to read the first clue). Hide the last clue near the ceiling – you might want to tell everyone not to say anything until everyone sees that last clue. Then surprise the kids by presenting them with their very own scavenger hunt certificate!

Scroll to the bottom of this article to find the comment box. See more of Katrena's scavenger hunts, printables, and tips at the Wildflower Bouquets site map. Happy hunting!

Free Scavenger Hunt for Young Kids with Rhyming Clues by Katrena

Free Treasure Hunt for Teachers with Rhyming Clues by Katrena

Scavenger Hunt Rewards for a Job Well Done by Katrena Certificate Graphic from Art Explosion 300,000

CLUE #1 You have two hands, You have two feet. The first clue is under Somebody's seat!	CLUE #2 Ears help you hear, Eyes help you look. Find your next clue Near a favorite book.
CLUE #3 Some people live in an apartment, Other people live in a house. Find this clue near The teacher's computer mouse.	CLUE #4 Cats say meow, Cows say moo. The next clue is on the bottom of somebody's shoe.
CLUE #5 Do you see rain, clouds, Sunshine or maybe snow? Discover the next clue Close to the window.	CLUE #6 Touch your nose, Touch the floor. Search for the next clue Near the door.
CLUE #7 A monkey swings and climbs, A duck swims and flies. The next clue is hiding Near the art supplies.	CLUE #8 A story that teaches a lesson May be called a fable. Who can find the next clue Under a table?
CLUE #9 Don't get frustrated! Don't get grumpy! Just search for the next clue Near someone's cubby.	CLUE #10 Do you eat from a plate? Do you drink from a cup? Don't look down for the next clue... Simply look up!

CLUE #1 You have two hands, You have two feet. The first clue is under Somebody's ____!	CLUE #2 Ears help you hear, Eyes help you look. Find your next clue Near a favorite ____.
CLUE #3 Some people live in an apartment, Other people live in a house. Find this clue near The teacher's computer _____.	CLUE #4 Cats say meow, Cows say moo. The next clue is on the bottom of somebody's ____.
CLUE #5 Do you see rain, clouds, Sunshine or maybe snow? Discover the next clue Close to the ______.	CLUE #6 Touch your nose, Touch the floor. Search for the next clue Near the ____.
CLUE #7 A monkey swings and climbs, A duck swims and flies. The next clue is hiding Near the art ________.	CLUE #8 A story that teaches a lesson May be called a fable. Who can find the next clue Under a _____?
CLUE #9 Don't get frustrated! Don't get grumpy! Just search for the next clue Near someone's ______.	CLUE #10 Do you eat from a plate? Do you drink from a cup? Don't look down for the next clue... Simply look ___!

How to Make a Piñata With a Splash of Bright Colors

How to Make Easter Pinata © Katrena

When my 11-year-old daughter announced that her homework assignment for Spanish class was to make an Easter-themed pinata, I'll admit I was a bit apprehensive. Although I like crafts, this one was for a grade, and I certainly didn't want to steer my child in the wrong direction! My daughter wanted her pinata to look like a striped Easter egg, so we learned how to do this project together.

We rather rapidly learned what does not work. I would not suggest mixing rice flour and water for your bonding agent. Regular wheat-based flour might work, but rice flour does not have adhesive qualities like wheat-based flour. Our plan B had much better results as we tried plain old white school glue mixed with a little water. Frankly, I didn't measure, I just squirted about four tablespoons of glue and added a little bit of water. We covered the bowl of glue/water mixture each day and did not have any problems with the mixture drying or evaporating. We just stirred the mixture with a plastic spoon before starting each day.

If you are going to make a pinata, plan to work on it for several days. I banned my two younger daughters from touching the project and surrendered to a messy kitchen for a week, but we all survived and my 11-year-old was the proud creator of a colorful egg-shaped pinata at the end.

Supplies for Making Pinata © Katrena

Supplies

• Balloon
• Yarn
• Hanger
• Large bowl
• Large trash bag
• Newspapers
• Long container
• White school glue
• Water
• Colored tissue paper
• Scotch tape
• Scissors
• Packing tape
• Hole punch
• Toys, candy, etc. for filling the pinata

Steps for Making Pinata © Katrena

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Blow up the balloon to the desired size and tie a knot to keep the air in the balloon.
2. Tie the yarn on the balloon's knot, then create a loop in the yarn and tie again.
3. Hang the yarn loop over the hanger and suspend the balloon over your work surface.
4. Cover the bowl with the trash bag and place under the balloon.
5. Line your work surface with newspaper - this project can get a bit messy.
6. Mix glue and water in the long container.
7. Tear the newspaper into strips and submerge each into the glue/water mixture.
8. Place the wet newspaper strips onto the balloon in a criss-cross fashion, making sure to leave about three inches at the top of the balloon uncovered. (See photo below.)
9. Let the first layer dry - it will take hours for each layer to air dry completely.
10. Repeat the layering process until you have about three to eight layers.
11. Cut the colored tissue paper in half and then fold in half lengthwise.
12. Create a quick "fringe" look by cutting the tissue paper, starting at the open edge and leaving the top two inches with the folded side uncut. (See photo below.)
13. Use scotch tape or glue to place the tissue paper onto the newspaper covered balloon, starting at the bottom, ensuring that you cannot see the newspaper.
14. Continue to layer the tissue paper in whatever color pattern you wish.
15. Remove the pinata from the hanger.
16. Pop the balloon and remove the balloon from the pinata.
17. Reinforce the top layer with clear packing tape.
18. Use the hole punch to make two holes, each one about two inches from the top, ensuring they are directly across from each other.
19. Tie a piece of yarn through each hole, creating a hanger. (See photo below.)
20. Fill the pinata with toys, candy, etc.

Find printables, scavenger hunts, and more kid-friendly activities at Katrena's Wildflower Bouquets web site map. Readers may also enjoy my Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt with clues.

Directions for Placing Newspaper on Pinata © Katrena

How to Make Colorful Pinata © Katrena

How to Make Hanger for Pinata © Katrena