Author Archives: Kari VanNoy

Easy Orange Rolls

Posted on by January 15, 2012

Easy Orange Rolls

 

1 Package Rhoads Frozen Rolls

 

For the orange topping:

1 lb. box powdered sugar

zest from 1 orange

Juice from 1 orange (as needed)

1/2 t. orange oil ( I prefer Boyajian brand, or orange extract)

 

Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray (ie: Pam). Arrange the frozen rolls on the baking sheet. I can usually fit about 20-24 rolls to a sheet. Cover with a light dish towel and allow them to rise for 5 hours.

Preheat oven to 350. Take the towel off the sheet of rolls and bake in the oven for 18-20 minutes (Approximately. Rolls are done when they reach internal temperature of 180 degrees).

While rolls are baking, make the orange topping:

1) Zest the orange and set aside.

2) Juice the orange and set aside.

3) Sift the powdered sugar into a medium bowl.

4) Add a little orange juice at a time until it is a glaze consistancy.

5) Add the orange zest and orange oil.

6) Taste and make sure it is delicious!

7) Glaze the rolls while still warm.

 

 

Chef’s Note:

My grandma made homemade orange rolls from scratch! They were delicious, but sometimes I am pressed for time.

This easy orange roll recipe still packs a flavorful punch and is perfect for a large party. I get lots of compliments.

One friend said, “Wow, this tastes like an orange Krispy Kreme donut!”

No, my friend, these are BETTER!

 

Holiday Bruschetta

Posted on by December 16, 2011

Holiday Bruschetta

 

1 c. chopped fresh basil (measure whole)

1 t. salt

1/2 c. olive oil

6 medium tomatoes, diced

2-3 cloves garlic, minced

1 T. dried oregano (optional)

 

Mix everything in a bowl and let sit 3-6 hours or overnight. The longer it sits, the better the flavor. Serve it on sliced french bread with fresh grated parmesan cheese.

Also great served over pasta, chicken or shrimp.

 

 

Chef’s Note:

This is the perfect holiday appetizer. It is easy to put together quickly (a bonus for this time of year!) and only calls for a few ingredients. The red and green colors in this dish are classic for the holidays.

Use this recipe as a potluck appetizer and enjoy the compliments!

 

Business Year End Review Strategies

Posted on by December 7, 2011

The Power of Gratitude…
Why a “Grateful Year In Review” will get you ready to Look Ahead 

This is the best time of the year, and the most hectic time of year for most small business owners. It is easy to fall into the anxiety and rush of the season.

But when you pause to reflect on what you are thankful for, it can put you in a positive mood; And isn’t that the greatest way to end the year?

“Gratitude bestows reverence, allowing us to encounter everyday epiphanies, those transcendent moments of awe that change forever how we experience life and the world.” –Sarah Ban Breathnach, inspirational author

One tradition we have at our business, is to take time to list all of the major (and some of the minor) accomplishments for the entire year. We write them all down and schedule an entire morning to review them with everyone in our office. It becomes an energetic time to share and reminisce about the year! And if I left anything off of the lengthy list, someone is sure to let me know. We love to celebrate how far we have come and reward those who have done an outstanding job.

This “meeting” gets us in the frame of gratitude for all who have helped to move the business forward, and becomes a time of recognition (which everyone loves).

We also take time to recognize the feedback we receive from our clients and how those suggestions have made us a better company.

It is amazing to see this “Year in Review” and spend the time to show our employees our appreciation.

Here’s a few questions to ask yourself that will put you in that grateful perspective, and get you ready to think about your direction for 2012:

1) Who has made a difference in your life this year? What did they do? Have you thanked them for it? (It’s not too late to send a card of thanks!)

2) What has created the biggest impact on your business this year? Was it an event, an employee, a new marketing strategy? Who has helped you to implement and create positive change in your business?

3) What are some of your unique talents and gifts? What are some talents of your employees? What outstanding trait could you recognize for each employee?

4) Name five new things you learned this year related to the business. Is something working well…not working…does something need to change? Write them down and use this as a starting point for the new year.

Take a look at how far YOU have come this year, and use this to remind yourself to be grateful and positive. Then let us know what you are grateful about!

Advantages of Linking your Business to your Living Trust

Posted on by October 13, 2011 
3-13-advantages-of-linking-business-to-living-trust
Have you given thought to what would happen to your business if
something happened to you?

Would it continue on, or would it be sold by your heirs?

Linking your business to your Revocable Living Trust will allow
the flexibility of choosing what you want to happen with your
company.

As a business owner, your stock or membership interest is subject
to probate if it is held in your name personally.

The probate process takes anywhere from a required minimum of 4
months up to 2 years. I have even seen probate drawn out to a
lengthy 16 years due to arguments.

Would your business be worth anything after going through that?

If your business is like most, it would be better to sell or
transfer the company immediately so as not to lose clients or
contracts.

It’s easy to accomplish this with a revocable living trust. When
you establish a living trust, set it up to own your business
stock or company membership interest (rather than you owning it
personally).

This is the first step to keeping your business out of the
probate process. Here are the main advantages to linking your
business to your trust:

•	Avoid Probate
•	Avoid arguments (Last Will & Testament contests)
•	Transfer your interest to your heirs quickly
•	Continue with Business as usual or sell business with no probate court intervention

Four Steps to Safeguard Your Business Remember these basic steps
to ensure your business is linked to your trust:

1. Prepare Certificates—Issue your membership interest or stock
in the name of your trust, with you as trustee. For example: The
Celebrity Trust, John Doe, Trustee. Cancel the original
certificates previously owned by you and replace them with the
new certificates.

2. Update Ledgers—For an LLC, the schedule of membership interest
should reflect that your interest is held by you as trustee of
your trust. For a corporation, the corporate stock transfer
ledger would show your shares are held by you as trustee.

3. Update Trust Schedule – List your membership interest or stock
certificate shares on your trust schedule under the headings of
Corporations  or  Limited Liability Companies. If your schedule
doesn’t have one of these subheads, then add it. Place your trust
schedule behind the trust agreement itself.

4. Prepare Company Resolutions – Record your resolution of this
transfer to trust in your company records, with the correct
resolution document and place it in your Minute Book. It is
important to take ALL the appropriate steps to correctly link
your business to your trust, so consult your attorney or minutes
professional about getting it done right.

Need to link your Living Trust with your company? We'll do it for
you. Call us at 480-344-1870. http://www.JustAMinuteLLC.com

Aubrey’s Pumpkin Cookies

Posted on by October 3, 2011

For Cookies:

2 cups butter, softened

2 cups granulated sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

2 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

2 eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla

1 15-ounce can pumpkin

4 cups all-purpose flour

 

For Frosting:

1/2 cup butter

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/4 cup milk

1 teaspoon vanilla

2-3/4 cups powdered sugar

Ground cinnamon (optional)

 

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a large bowl, beat 2 cups butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add granulated sugar, baking power, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Beat until combined, scraping bowl occasionally. Add eggs and 2 teaspoons vanilla; beat until combined. Beat in pumpkin. Beat in as much of the flour as you can with the mixer. Using a wooden spoon, stir in any remaining flour.

2. Drop dough by heaping teaspoons 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until tops are set. Transfer cookies to a wire rack; let cool.

3. To make the frosting: in a small saucepan heat 1/2 cup butter and brown sugar until melted and smooth. Transfer to a medium bowl. Stir in milk and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Beat in powdered sugar until smooth. Spread frosting on cookies. If desired, sprinkle with additional cinnamon.

Makes about 60 cookies.

Inspiration from a Cough Drop?

Posted on by September 14, 2011 
Well, they say you can find inspiration anywhere, right?
But this is just what I needed at a time when I needed it!

I was having some allergy-like symptoms and I knew that
I needed to be at my best this week because I had a webinar
to present on Wednesday and a full week of client appointments.

So I got myself a little extra vitamin C. Have you ever
tried these Halls Defense Vitamin C drops?

Well, when I opened one, I found a nice surprise: some positive
affirmations printed right on the outside of the wrapper!
Sayings like:

“You can do it and you know it.”
“Nothing you can’t handle.”
“Go for it.”
“Power through!”
“Tough is your middle name.”
and “Buckle down and push forth!”

I got a little chuckle out of that, but it
really made an impression. And, you might laugh,
but I kept every one of those little wrappers!

It made me think of the video of Jessica that we had on our blog once before.
If you haven’t seen it yet, be sure to watch it.

In the mean time, be amazing today!

Please share a comment below on how you have been inspired lately.

Until Next Time,

Kari VanNoy
President, Just A Minute LLC

Company Minutes: Do LLCs Really Need to File Them?

Posted on by September 7, 2011

Company Minute BookCompany Minutes: Do LLCs Really Need To File Them?
Or Five Reasons to Keep your Company Minutes (for an LLC)

Many LLC owners wonder if they really need to document company minutes. The answer is an unresounding YES. While the company minutes do not need to be filed with any state or federal entity, they should be kept with the Minute Book of the Company. Let me explain a little of what I mean, and why company minutes are crucial to an LLC and the members/managers of an LLC.

With the increase in popularity of LLCs, there has been some confusion as to what paperwork and filings are absolutely required. With a Corporation, the law requires an Annual Meeting of the Stockholders, and an Annual Meeting of the Directors. With an LLC, the law has no such requirements for an Annual Meeting. And many states do not require an Annual Report to be filed. (see the list of requirements by state here)

However, there are several reasons why it is in your best interests to keep up with your Company Minutes and Annual Meetings for your Limited Liability Company.

1) To protect your Limited Liability Status – when you show you are keeping your business a distinct and separate entity from yourself, you maintain that veil of protection. Every business should maintain regular meetings and keep minutes to have a record of their activities. In addition to having your Articles of Organization, you must have your Operating Agreement and 12 other important documents to show you are running your business like a business, and not just an alter ego of yourself.

2) To be prepared in case of an IRS Audit – company minutes give proof of business purpose behind each decision and business purchase, which in turn could save you a lot of headache and cost (small business audits usually produce between $7,000.00 – $14,000.00 for the IRS). It is much easier to have these documents ready, rather than scramble to get them together at the last minute. A highly organized and documented company also prevents a long drawn out audit.

3) To be prepared in case of a lawsuit – the first thing an opposing attorney will ask for during a lawsuit is the company minutes. Of course they want to prove that your LLC is not a real business, therefore opening up the gates to go after your personal assets as well. While company minutes may not prevent a lawsuit against your business, they could prevent a lawsuit against you personally.

4) To be ready to Sell your business – the company minutes will show to your buyer all important and relevant information about the company: such as, any leases that the buyer will be assuming, any employment contracts, or other agreements such as distribution agreements, etc. When you have your minutes in order, your business is in a better position to sell in a more timely fashion.

5) To have solid documentation of business decisions – company minutes allow you to note the reasons behind making critical decisions, which can head off controversy and dissension in your company in the future.

So, keep up your Annual Meetings and document your important business decisions to protect your limited liability status and have solid documentation in the event of a lawsuit or IRS audit. Having your company records will also allow you to be prepared for selling your business if that’s what you decide to do. And, it’s even good reading when you want to review your business actions over the years.

For more information on Company Minutes, visit www.justaminutellc.com

Tax Free Shopping Days in August

Posted on by August 3, 2011

iStock_000011863582SmallMark your calendars! Select Local governments are offering TAX FREE shopping days in August.

Check the list below to see if your state qualifies.

Sorry, Arizona, we are not on the list!

Eligible items include school supplies and some include computers and computer software.

Alabama
Eligible Items: Clothing (up to $100), computers (up to $750), school supplies (up to $50), books (up to $30).
Dates: August 5-7

Arkansas
Eligible Items: Clothing (up to $100 per item), accessories (up to $50 per item), items normally sold as school supplies.
Dates: August 6-7

Connecticut
Eligible items: Clothing and footwear (up to $300).
Dates: August 21-27

Florida
Eligible Items: Clothing (up to $75 per item), accessories (up to $75 per item), footwear (up to $75 per item), school supplies (up to $15 per item).
Dates: August 12-14

Iowa
Eligible items: Clothing and footwear (up to $100 per item).
Dates: August 5-6

Louisiana
Eligible Items: Items not used for business purposes (up to $2,500 per item).
Dates: August 6-7

Maryland
Eligible Items: Clothing and footwear (up to $100 per item).
Dates: August 14-20

Mississippi
Eligible items: Clothing and footwear (up to $100 per item).
Dates: July 29-30

Missouri (check your city, only some cities participate)
Eligible items: Clothing (up to $100 per item), school supplies (up to $50 per item), computer software (up to $350 per item), computers (up to $3,500 per item).
Dates: August 5-7

New Mexico
Eligible items: Clothing and footwear (up to $100 per item), school supplies (up to $15 per item), computers (up to $1,000 per item), computer equipment (up to $500 per item).
Dates: August 5-7

North Carolina
Eligible items: Clothing and footwear (up to $100 per item), school supplies (up to $100 per item), sports and recreation equipment (up to $50 per item), computers (up to $3,500 per item), computer equipment (up to $250 per item).
Dates: August 5-7

Oklahoma
Eligible items: Clothing and footwear (up to $100 per item).
Dates: August 5-7

South Carolina
Eligible items: Clothing, school supplies, computers (no limit).
Dates: August 5-7

Tennessee
Eligible items: Clothing (up to $100 per item), school supplies (up to $100 per item), computers (up to $1,500).
Dates: August 5-7

Texas
Eligible items: Clothing and footwear (up to $100 per item), school supplies (up to $100 per item).
Dates: August 19-21

Virginia
Eligible items: Clothing and footwear (up to $100 per item), school supplies (up to $20 per item).
Dates: August 5-7

For more informattion visit: http://www.taxadmin.org/fta/rate/sales_holiday.html