It seems like we just paid our 2008 taxes but you may have noticed that commercials reminding you about your tax returns and your tax forms have already started nagging you again. April 15 is closer than you may want to admit so perhaps you should get a jump on filing this year.



Before you go filling anything out, though, perhaps you should brush up on your tax law knowledge. Depending on where you live, you may have some strange laws with which you'll need to deal.

To make the tax season a little less stressful, we've tracked down some of the strangest tax laws across the country. From taxes on very specific candies in Illinois and taxed playing cards in Alabama to taxed "air" in Pennsylvania, you may not need to know these rules but they'll at least give you a little chuckle.

1. Chicago Taxes Your Amusement
If you've purchased a ticket to see a concert, paid to play golf, purchased admission to a carnival or done pretty much anything else fun in the city of Chicago this past year, you've probably contributed to the city's "Amusement Tax." But Chicago isn't the only place charging this kind of tax.

In fact, several states, including Massachusetts and Maryland, and cities, like New Orleans, impose this type of tax on fun local activities that require an admission fee. The only way to earn an exemption is to prove that your event supports a charity or not-for-profit organization.

2. Pennsylvania Taxes Air
In 2006, the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue concluded that sales from compressed air vending machines and vacuuming vending machines (the thing that blows up your tires at the gas station and the thing you use to vacuum your car at the gas station, respectively) are both subject to sales and use tax across the entire state.

While this isn't really a case of "the man" taxing the air you breathe, it does seem a bit extreme. Perhaps save yourself the extra pennies in the future and just use the air pump that you keep in the garage for your bike tires and basketballs - that's a reasonable alternative, right?

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Following in the footsteps of Art Basel Miami comes another exciting attraction: Limited Edition Experiences, a collection of temporary, pop-up stores and galleries created by some of the most innovative names in fashion and design.



The participating stores are selling special limited-edition merchandise for a limited time, attracting hipsters and style mavens from around the country. Limited Edition Experiences has transformed the 18-block neighborhood of Miami's Design District into a unique shopping experience that interestingly blends fashion, art, culture and design.

Participating designers include Proenza Schouler, Christian Dior Homme, Pharrell William's Billionaire Boys Club and Cynthia Rowley. Permanent retailers participating in the event include Marni, Tomas Maier, Y3 and the newly-opened Christian Louboutin. Several design showrooms are also putting on special exhibitions for the event. There's even a 14-foot former DHL truck which has been transformed Pimp-My-Ride style into a dressing room complete with lights, music and mirrors.

The temporary Gucci store recently unveiled its $540 Gucci Ronson sneaker, designed exclusively for Miami, as well as a collection of 18 limited-edition shoes. At F-Factory, another cool space where several brands have installed pop-up boutiques, shoppers can browse specialty goods from Duncan Quinn, Maison Martin Margiela, Stubbs + Wootton and Miami native Katherine Fleming. Fendi, debuting its exclusive needlepoint stitch kit, has also set up shop inside F-Factory. The multi-brand store will be open through December 24.

Stores are generally open between the hours of 11AM and 7PM daily through the holiday season, with the exception of December 20 when the shops will be closed. After the holidays, certain shops will remain open through April 2010. Even if you don't buy a single thing, just the creatively-designed shops themselves are a feast for the eyes.

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Ask any nutritionist about grocery shopping and they'll tell you one thing: stick to the outside aisles of the store. That's where you'll find the freshest foods, including fruits, veggies, fish and meat, that fuel your body with nutrients you need.



During the summer months, shopping at local farmer's markets can be a fun alternative to hitting the grocery store. As the old saying goes, variety is the spice of life, and variety is exactly what you'll find. Not only is the array of local and organic produce impressive to say the least, but the best farmer's markets also showcase everything from homemade breads, pies and preserves to farm-raised beef, artisan cheese, spices and fresh herbs.

Shopping at your local farmer's market has another benefit as well. You will discover local vendors and farms that celebrate natural foods and encourage sustainable agricultural practices. Many of these farms offer lectures, cooking classes and other interesting events, exposing the gourmand in you to a whole new world of culinary delights.

So without further ado, here's a look at some of the best farmer's market our country has to offer:

Union Square Greenmarket in New York, N.Y.
This market allows vendors within a 200-mile radius, so you'll find the best of the best from farms in rural Connecticut to the Garden State.

Portland Farmers Market in Portland, Ore.
Produce takes center stage here, but you'll also find excellent oysters, clams, wild salmon and buffalo.

Santa Monica Farmers' Market in Santa Monica, Calif.
Organic is the name of the game at this popular California market. Plus you'll often find chefs, authors and dieticians behind the booths dishing out free samples and free "live healthy" advice.

Coconut Grove Organic Farmers Market in Coconut Grove, Fla.
Health nuts and crunchy granola types flock to this Miami market offering every kind of produce imaginable plus a raw food salad bar, 40 fresh juices and creamy nut milks.

Green City Market in Chicago, Ill.
This year-round celebration of sustainable agriculture takes place on Wednesdays and Saturdays. You'll enjoy chef demonstrations and free samples galore.

Dane County Farmers' Market in Madison, Wis.
What's Wisconsin without the cheese? Meet and greet with the best cheesemakers and butchers at this year-round Saturday-only market. You'll also find great local produce and specialty goods such as candies, honey, syrups, pastas and more.

To find the best farmer's markets near you, check out Local Harvest.

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Glitzy nightlife, white sandy beaches, vibrant city streets lined with Art Deco buildings, scantily-clad bikini babes rollerblading down Ocean Drive ... there's no denying Miami has a vibe and culture all its own, attracting visitors from all over the globe.



From arts and culture to dining and nightlife, check out this quick guide to Miami's best attractions:

Best Gelato
Summertime in Miami means one thing for sure: it's hot enough to fry an egg on the sidewalk! So while you're strolling around the streets, stop in and cool off at Coco Gelato. This place serves up homemade Italian ice cream in more flavors than you can count and indulging in a scoop is Miami tradition.

Best Raw Food Restaurant
It's not uncommon to have dinner right next to a celebrity at this healthy hot spot. Everyone from Mariah Carey to Harrison Ford has been spotted here. With seating for just 90 people, Escopazzo is quaint, warm and intimate. Using only the finest organic ingredients, the menu is a celebrated journey of flavor and taste.

Be sure to check out the restaurant's legendary selection of entirely vegan raw food dishes. Delightfully healthy menu items such as lasagna made with organic tomatoes and cashew "ricotta" and a marinated Portobello with jicama "risotto" are favorites among the Hollywood crowd.

Best New Restaurant
Hailed for changing the face of Chinese cuisine in England, the brainchild of Hakkasan has brought his award-winning restaurant stateside. Miami is one lucky city to be home to Hakkasan's U.S. debut. Seductively lit dining alcoves and fabulously inventive Chinese dishes make this new addition to the Miami restaurant circuit a can't-miss spot.

Best Brunch Spot
You better be hungry when you arrive at The Biltmore for their famed Sunday Champagne Brunch. You'll be so overwhelmed by the mind-boggling array of foods, you'll need at least three plates full to fit everything you want to try. Omelets, sushi, salads, meats, pastas and caviar ... you name it, it's there. Just make sure you save room for the desserts. Fruit tarts, parfaits, cakes, a chocolate fondue fountain ... can we say food coma? Oh but it's so worth it.

Best Dance Club
Miami's most beautiful flock to Set, the sexy ultra-lounge where you can party the night away until the wee hours of the morning. There is always a superstar DJ spinning the latest tunes for Set's high-end clientele. Opulence abounds with partygoers dressed to the nines and an atmosphere outfitted in luxury. It can be annoyingly difficult to get in, so get there early or know someone at the door.

Best Poolside Bar
If you're ready to escape the craziness of South Beach, the poolside bar at the Mandarin Oriental is refreshingly low-key. Sit back, relax and look out over the infinity pool to views of the city skyline and the glint of the afternoon sun reflecting off the tranquil bay waters. Take a stroll up to the M Bar, with outdoor seating above the pool deck, and choose from the dizzying list of 250 different martinis. You'll be feeling good in no time.

Best Art Museum
The Frost Art Museum reopened its doors last November to much acclaim. The building itself is a site to be seen. Featuring a Chinese granite exterior, the 46,000 square foot concave-shaped space includes a towering atrium, a floating stairwell and more than 10,000 square feet of exhibition space. The summer exhibition schedule is quite impressive and the best part? Admission is free.

Best Designer Clothing Boutique
The Webster, now in its new South Beach location, highlights the best in men's and women's high-end clothing and accessories from fashion-forward labels such as Balenciaga, Marc Jacobs, Stella McCartney and Yves Saint Laurent. The endless racks are enough to make even the most die-hard shopper hungry for a snack. Well Webster shoppers are in luck: The store is also home to the newly-opened famous Parisian restaurant Caviar Kaspia.

Best Place to People Watch
Nothing beats people watching in South Beach. From the wildly eclectic to the just plain weird, you'll see it all on Ocean Drive. Grab a seat and a bite to eat on the patio at News Café, where Gianni Versace had his last meal, and get your camera ready. You'll find yourself there for hours.

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What's a proper July 4th celebration without some fireworks, BBQ and beer?

If you're planning to throw a July 4th Party for all of your friends, there are certain things that you will need. Do you have your list altogether or are you still wandering around trying to figure out what to do?

If you need ideas on how to throw America's favorite bash, Johanna Walsh, Eco-Event Planner of Twirl Management, has a few easy party-planning tips for a fun and colorful July 4th shindig:

1. What's 4th of July without a barbecue? For a cleaner way to grill your meats and veggies, propane and electric grills are a great option. If you can't give up that smoky taste that only a charcoal grill has, switch to lump coal instead of charcoal such as Cowboy Charcoal (available at your nearby Lowe's).

If you find yourself in need of a grill come July 4th, check out these selections all under $500.

2. Call on your guests to give back while they celebrate their independence. Ask your guests to bring in canned goods, blankets, children's toys or jackets to donate to your local charity. The USO accepts cash donations and you can purchase care packages to send over to our troops - build a festive donation collection box and see how many care packages you can sponsor!

3. One of our Founding Fathers, Ben Franklin said, "Beer is living proof that God loves us and wants to see us happy." Support your local economy by purchasing beer for your party at your local brewery. The Web site Beertown.org also allows you to search by state to find beers in your region.

And for all those other liquor needs you may have, search here for your local liquor stores.

4. Don't forget to decorate! FlagstoreUSA.com has all types of flags and decorations, all made in the USA by Annin & Co, one of America's oldest and most respected flag makers. Second-hand stores such as Goodwill and the Salvation Army often have an array of seasonal decorations that will save you some green on your red, white and blues.

You can also browse through your local party supply store for festive table clothes, napkins and more.

5. Fireworks! Fireworks.com is the go-to shop for your explosive holiday needs. Or check out your local fireworks supplier. If your town has restrictions on fireworks, sparklers are a great all ages fun on a stick! If any flame outside of the barbecue is prohibited, you can always add a firework video (like this one) to your e-mail invitations.

These are all great suggestions. But check out these other resources for the rest of your party needs:

More July 4th Planning:
- Booms with a View: Top 20 Fireworks Displays
- Best July 4th Parties

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Still scratching your head on deciding Dad's present for Father's Day? The following nifty gift suggestions should be of help.

Whether he's a foodie or a metro, there is a lot of luxe and fun gift options for Dads with great taste in food, drink and grooming.

Oenophile Dads:
Wine lovers will appreciate Captûre Wines' new inaugural release - a 2008 Sauvignon Blanc. Created by the previous winemaking team of Château Latour in Bordeaux, this Sonoma County mountaintop estate specializes in limited-production, ultra-premium artisan Bordeaux-style wines.

Alternatively, B. R. Cohn has a great 2006 Sonoma Valley Merlot and a new 2006 Olive Hill Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Port.

Metro Dads:
If Dad travels a lot for business, Kiehl's has a great new Men's travel kit that is packed with their famous Ultimate Brushless Shave Cream-White Eagle, Facial Fuel Energizing Face Wash, Amino Acid Shampoo, Facial Fuel No-Shine Moisturizing Lip Balm, and Ultimate Strength Hand Salve.

Givenchy's new highly concentrated GivenchyMan skin care line includes an Intensive Anti-Fatigue Eye Lift. It provides enough peptides and caffeine to banish dark circles, puffiness, and wrinkles. Available exclusively at Sephora.com.

For a more youthful visage, Clarins has a new ClarinsMen Line-Control Balm. Filled with Paracress, It's a rich yet non-greasy balm to help firm, sooth and reduce the appearance of of deep lines (available at Macy's).

Foodie Dads:
Dad's got a sweet tooth? Vosges Haut Chocolat has an amazing Beer + Chocolate gift set that contains scrumptious Caramel Marshmallows. They're also paired with a Rogue Chocolate Stout, filling your glass with its mellow oats, chocolate malts and hops.

You can find Vosges boutiques in Bergdorf Goodman in New York City, Neiman Marcus in Honolulu, Los Angeles and San Francisco, Zingermans in Ann Arbor Michigan and several other locations in Chicago, New York and Las Vegas. Or you can order your gift online.

If Dad likes to putz around the kitchen, get him a Stovetop Smoker from Sur La Table. He can smoke all kinds of fish, meat or veggies, tenderizing food to perfection. Made of heavy-gauge stainless steel, it comes with four kinds of wood chips and a recipe book.

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Mother's Day is only a couple weeks away, so to save you some shopping headaches and last minute panic, here are some gift and shopping ideas for you to consider. Even if you're a shopaholic, there are a few gems:

If Mom loves organic beauty, Vert Eco Boutique in Los Angeles is offering free shipping on all orders over $75 (both in-store and online). Shop for luxe brands like Josie Maran Cosmetics, Arcona, and L'Artisan Parfumeur. Custom gift baskets are available.

Is she a total jetsetter? Get her the TITAN X2 Flash Beauty Case accessory that she can take anywhere. It has all sorts of small pockets and you an simply slide it on top of any bag, trolley or carry on. Available at Mori Luggage in GA or Bloomingdales in New York City.

If Mom's a huge cook, Williams-Sonoma is having a great sale exclusive on the Calphalon Unison Nonstick Slide Griddle & Sear Grill Pan Set for only $99.95 (originally $300). That's sure to make her smile.

Urban Indigo in Oakland, California is offering an Urban Insider Card. Spend $100 at the store on a gift, and you get $10 off your next purchase. She might like the cute button bowl, the vintage milk glass, or the cute terrariums.

Most Moms have a huge sweet tooth, and Recchiuti Confections of SF has a new Mother's Day eight-piece Burnt Caramel truffle set. These feature special hand-illustrated images created just for her. Stop by their Ferry Building store or shop online.

Simply can't get out to shop? Try social gifting site Someone Spoil Me, where they will have tons of gift ideas for mommy dearest. They have edible cookie cards for $10. Don't forget to enter the code SPOILME at checkout for 20% off!

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Now this is something Fifi could get excited about. Eleven canines will be sporting specially designed frocks at Bark Is The New Black, the first pet apparel fashion show hosted by the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT).

The little models will strut on the runway with couture togs created by twenty designers enrolled in the Pet Product Design and Marketing Professional Development Program. Other pet accessories and pet lifestyle products will also be on display during the show. And, if you behave, both doggies and humans will receive 'doggy bags' at the end.

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Always modern and at least one step ahead of the international cosmetic world, shu uemura's new Spring makeup is exciting and sophisticated. The new Pink Collection is a fine case in point. The company uses patented Pink Hybrid Pigment technology to ensure pure and authentic pink shades. In the past, pinks were usually made by mixing red and white hues, but the shu uemura team came up with a mineral core matrix.

As a result, the colors are brighter, providing real high color fidelity. They are not garish and will work on all skin tones.

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If you're a fragrance fanatic, get your shopping mouse ready! Neiman Marcus is hosting an online trunk show of Guerlain's Exclusive Fragrance Collection. There's about 9 more days before this special event ends, so don't waste any time in snagging these rare perfumes from the comfort of your home.

Normally you can only get these in the U.S. Guerlain boutiques, so this is such a convenient way to stock up on your favorite fragrances, or try a new one.

Available collections include:

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The economy is still wheezing and gasping along, and brides everywhere are having massive headaches trying to meet their Big Day budgets. Where to find quality attire, accessories, favors, and gifts at affordable prices?

Can't afford that Vera Wang? Amy Kuschel, of San Francisco, California, has really elegant gowns that average $2,000 - $3,000. Brides visiting their SF salon can create fitted custom orders. If you're in a rush, their 'as-is' sample gowns are sold at reduced prices (some as low as $600). Call to check on current sales.

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We might give up fancy dinners to tighten the belt, but the national gourmet chocolate craze is going full-steam ahead. There are only a handful of local artisans who actually follow the bean-to-bar crafting tradition, and it shows.

Taste your way through the following brands as the chocolate experts hone their cacao skills:

Amano - The Rocky Mountain town of Orem, Utah, was chosen as this brand's factory locale. One of the highest-altitude chocolate manufacturers in the world, they believed the altitude and dry climate would have a beneficial effect on the product. They're right. Their Ocumare 70% bar is delicious.

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These days, giving back to the community is as easy as heading to your favorite day spa. While you're getting pampered to the max, think about all the karma points you can reap at the same time! Get inspired by these following altruistic spas - share your love for your community by volunteering or contributing to charities they're passionate about:

BellaPelle in San Francisco, Calif. is for animal lovers doing double duty as a spa with their art shows featuring local artists. As a bonus, 10% of sales goes to animal organizations such as Farm Sanctuary or SaveABunny.

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Everyone has their recession hook these days - recession-friendly dining options, recession sales, recession therapy ... it goes on and on, but one intrepid jewelry designer has a unique expression of these tough times. Emily Elizabeth Jewelry just launched a Recession Betty necklace, featuring a puffy, vintage brass, 14k gold-plated moneybag charm hanging off a delicately chunky rolo chain.

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