Tax Help for the Homeless

 
   It can be SO difficult to get help that applies when everyone helping you has zero experience in dealing with your unique situation. Worry not, friend, I’ve got you covered on how to file truly and honestly exactly as you are, without all the paperwork you probably don’t have!

I’m not gonna let ya struggle like I did. Hell I ain’t even gonna make ya do a whole lotta reading!
Here’s the resource I used, and below it, a video on how I used it.

TaxSlayer Simply Free - File a Free Federal and State Tax Return!

Feel free to ask any questions you may have here or in the comments on the video!

Distressing Post Apocalyptic Clothing for Cosplay and LARP

   

 There are many ways to distress clothing for post apocalyptic cosplay.  In this blog,  I'm going to give you a quick run down of common techniques, and share my favorite secret technique for getting that well worn, dystopian look.  Many of these tips have come from across the web, the last one is my own personal discovery.

    Distressing with Bleach

Using a spray bottle,  and a 50/50 mixture of bleach and water, randomly spritz different areas gently from above, and from the side. Typically, sweat will bleach out clothing over time, so, pay further attention to areas such as the neckline and armpits of any shirts, and backs of knees on pants. Allow bleach to set for at LEAST one hour. Wash thoroughly with detergent and water before proceeding.

    Distressing with Blades

 

A serrated blade, dragged forcefully sideways across fabric can create wear and tear quickly. Again, randomly choose areas for distressing, and scrape away! This part is fun if you're using clothing left behind by one of your exes, because you can express built up aggression! Using any sharp object or knife,  stab holes into the fabric. Larger slices can be resewn to give a long-owned look.

     Distressing with Blood

No Human Sacrifice Required! Fake blood is easy to make on your own. Karo Corn Syrup, water, and red food coloring make a fairly realistic blend, while store bought fake blood, or even paints could also be used. Just remember, dried blood is a dark color, not bright red!

     Distressing with Dyes

 

Personally, my favorite products with which to dye and age clothing (as well as other materials) are Antiquing Solutions by Tsukineko. Many other methods can be used in place of these products, such as any brown and red brown ink or dye, coffee, and even tea!  Spray bottles are a great method to apply dyes but dipping bottom corners and various places directly into dyes is also a great idea and gives a truly swamped look.

     Distressing with Acid

 

While I'm sure others have probably stumbled across their own unique ways to distress with acids, I accidentally discovered my favorite method/step in distressing post apocalyptic clothing items while fixing my toilet! I used Liquid Lightning Drain Cleaner, containing sulfuric acid. It is INCREDIBLY important to wear gloves, and keep it on the clothing you are trying to distress ONLY, it will eat holes in anything you drip even a drop on. Small amounts have big effects with this method, so use sparingly! Dipping a fork into a small amount of the substance can yield minor drips perfect for this. I have yet to try a spray bottle with this substance, however. Although listed last, this would ideally be step one. It is also important only to wash this substance off in either a bathtub, sink, or yard, because you definitely do not want any residue from it lingering in your clothes washer and dryer!

Happy hunting, see you in the Fall!

Social Media Networks Explained

     Are you confused by all these different social media sites, and how each one is used? Not sure which new network is right for you? Fret not, social padwan, we've got you covered with some helpful descriptions of the most popular social media sites, and what it'll take to make it on each one. (Nevermind the fact that I'm blogging because I've obviously failed, ok, the insight is 100% still valid!)
     Facebook: Your Grandmother's Social Media Network
     You are familiar with this one. Look up your friends, add them, and begin interacting immediately! No special gimmicks required.  It doesn't matter what you're into, there are at least a bazillion groups full of other people to talk to about it with. (Just remember though, your grandmother is watching).
     Snapchat: An Excuse To See Bewbs, with Filters
     Now I realize that many people probably use it in many ways, but the whole 'photo disappears 5 seconds after you've sent it's thing makes this the safest way to send your nudes. If you like to flaunt it, or just want to see your friends makes, this might be the app for you. How to schmooze your friends into sending you naughty pics once you've downloaded it tho, is up to you.
     This app is ALSO great if you've ever fantasized about being a dog, rabbit or deer, or if you have a thing for flower crowns and such. This network pairs well with cappuccino.

Twitter: Fighting With The Famous
     Do you live to argue? Do you often wish you give people a piece of your mind? Are you in a dependant relationship with your phone, and want to take out your aggression in famous people? Then Twitter for you, just may be a dream come true. If you're mildly funny, or extremely bored, this app might offer you a home on the web.

     Instagram: Pictures Mostly (with a side of T&A)
      This is a slightly more personal, or professional place, depending on how you use it, and it seems like a pretty even split. Whether you're posting pictures of your baby, or pictures of your latest products, the chances of people reading your text lowers dramatically. While that might make for a nicer atmosphere overall, with less fighting or trolls than you might find on Facebook, people might be mildly annoyed by memes here unless it's your original content. There are plenty of places for memes, this just doesn't seem to be one of them. Your half naked selfie, however? Practically belongs here amidst all of the other wannabe Instagram models.
     Tumblr: We Get It, You're Popular
     Honestly, I'm still stumped by this one. Done people have a lot of reblogs and 'notes' (likes and comments) and others, like myself, post only to hear crickets. If you happen to figure out how to actually engage with others in a way more substantial than spectatorship, let me know.
     Pinterest: Its More Like a Search Engine
     But for people that are too stubborn to use actual search engines. Like Tumblr, I haven't quite nailed putting myself out there on this app just yet. I've experienced more success than I have with Tumblr, however. Apparently, nobody wants to see anything less than a catalog quality photo here, and it's mostly for perfect shiny people. No poor resolution party pics to be found here, folks, it's all business. While you'll find a plethora of interesting project how-to's, whether or not you'll actually be able to pull them off, is another story entirely.
 

     These are the social media networks I've tried, some however recently. If you have comments about any of these, or some I may have left out, feel free to enrich my (and others') lives with your wisdom. I hope you found this mildly humorous, and maybe a little helpful even.

How I started a business without an ID or a bank account

   

     For whatever reason that you find yourself without an ID, don't lose hope! I started an online store with no ID, after having traveled across the country for most of my adult life. I had nothing left with my name on it, but I STILL managed, and I'm about to tell you exactly how I did it.

     Firstly, be who you're saying you are. This isn't some hack for scammers. You actually have to own your identity for this.

     Find ANY address that you have permission to get mail at. Drop ins work. Shelters work. Your friend's house, anywhere.

     Sign up for a Netspend MasterCard card online. You'll need your social security number for this, but you won't have to physically have your card. You'll just need to remember your ss number.
     Once you get your netspend card, you can open online accounts that require card information, like etsy, or a blog payment account. I realize that etsy is not the only way this could be of benefit. You won't need to have any money to open the netspend account either.
     After a few months, if you manage to make and receive money with whatever your hustle is into your netspend card, they'll upgrade you to an all access bank account.

     This is perfect for transferring money, accepting funds online, and it has your name on it, so places with lower security will take it as a form of ID of sorts when compiled with other things.
     
       That's IT. It was simple (although it did take me a while to discover how easy it was). I managed to do it while on the road. I could NOT have gotten anywhere had I not figured out this simple life hack. My life is exponentially better and I'm able to make money online now. Best of luck!

I'm now living as a somewhat successful artist with my children in Florida.the road was long, and it got hard towards the end. But I found a way to change my life for the better.