Lisa Loves to Write

Are You Pinterested?

2012-02-05T14:26:00.003-06:00

Recently I joined Pinterest. I was hesitant to join another site which would take my time but I am pleasantly surprised! Actually Pinterest helps me organize the variety of finds I run across while online. I use bookmarks religiously but Pinterest is better yet because it is more organized than I ever keep my bookmarks.

Here is a link to Pinterest. If you would like to follow my page click on the link on the right sidebar.

Happy Pinning!

Alzheimers Disease - Finding the Right Doctor and Treatment 01/26 by Alzheimers Hope Radio | Blog Talk Radio

2012-01-26T11:32:00.000-06:00

Alzheimers Disease - Finding the Right Doctor and Treatment 01/26 by Alzheimers Hope Radio | Blog Talk Radio

Come, have a listen!

Small Stones - WAZZUB

2012-01-12T22:04:00.003-06:00

Today's Small Stones is about WAZZUB!

I just learned about this unique program called WAZZUB What I get from it is that this is a way to share the profit of this company without spending a dime! You make money by referring members to your link. Here is mine: WAZZUB

Here is what it says when you get in to the site:
"WAZZUB is in pre-launch until April 9, 2012. The more users that join our network through your personal link the more your $FACTOR will grow. Each new member 5 generations deep let your $FACTOR grow by 1. After launch we will pay 50% of WAZZUB's profits to our pre-launch members every month.

We simply divide the earnings through the total amount of $FACTORs of all members. Let us say for June the rate per $FACTOR is US$1.00 and your personal $FACTOR is 3905. That means we will pay you 3905 x 1.00 = US$3905.00!

IMPORTANT: WAZZUB STAYS FREE FOREVER! YOU NEVER HAVE TO PAY US A SINGLE DOLLAR!"

I figure I am not out any money and if they want to send me a bonus then who am I to worry...

Small Stones - Tabatha's Salon Takeover

2012-01-11T13:18:00.002-06:00

Today's Small Stones is about Tabatha's Salon Takeover show on Bravo.

With an insomniac night I watched Chopped and then turned to Tabatha's Salon Takeover of which I watched two shows in a row! It is interesting and disgusting to see how people let their businesses go to dirt because of lack of organization and leadership! If a person is really invested financially and professionally in their own salon I cannot imagine why they would let it go.

I do understand about how things happen in life to affect decision making. And I do have some empathy for people who are finding their own way in the business world. One thought that consistently comes to mind is that perhaps when a person is a professional in one respect, such as a stylist, that does not automatically make them an expert in management.

I like how Tabatha can go into a business and shape it up properly. I do know, from my own management experience, that if I had approached workers in the way she suggests it would not have gone quite as smoothly. When you are dealing with labor laws and people who are quick to call an attorney and sue a company you have to mind your p's and q's. A revolt is not a pretty experience!

Small Stones - Zumba

2012-01-09T22:34:00.002-06:00

Tonight's Small Stones is Zumba. This is my second post today since I didn't get one done yesterday.

In an effort to get my daughter and I more active I decided to try Zumba class. I had heard about this class from the instructor in a newsletter I get. This class is held in Omaha on Monday and Wednesday nights. The one on Monday is normal Zumba and the one for Wednesday is new and is going to be Zumba Gold for seniors. Zumba Gold involves the use of a chair in the exercise. I think I could have used that one tonight! My left leg gives me fits and showed up true to form tonight. I was rather proud of myself for attending. Jodi did well, she paced about the same as me. So, all in all it was good. The instructor is top notch!

Small Stones - Working From Home

2012-01-09T12:49:00.002-06:00

Today's Small Stones is about Working From Home. I have a lot of people ask me about working from home so I am going to share some information which may be helpful.

I am a day behind in Small Stones, so I will make sure and write two times today to catch up! ;)

I suppose you could call me a work from home expert of sorts, although I never touted myself as such. It is just that I have been doing work from home since 2006 and always had a side interest before then. When I was working full-time I was often the one people would come to for resource information. It must be my calling. So...I might as well where the hat! And I do not look good in hats!

While I was still working full-time I created, as a hobby, a group called the Tri-Write-Club. It is still live online. I haven't added or taken away from it in quite sometime because group members went on and became successful writers or lost interest. It was a rather awesome group! The name came from living in the Raleigh/Chapel Hill/Durham North Carolina triangle area but it expended across the country!

Once I figured out that I could navigate through html I gained more confidence. And when I say I figured it out, it was not without cheat sheets. No way! I should have said this sooner: I am a self-taught student of the computer. There have never been any formal lessons. I started when in college trying and succeeding with data entry for statistics. I was clueless but passed! I also was blessed with a professor who let me use her laptop to work on my term paper.

I just sort of faked it in order to get work and learned from job duties. Eventually I got my own computer and became more adept at navigation. I remember taking a temp job as a receptionist and the company thought I knew how to use a word program on the computer. I did not but that didn't stop me from trying. It was funny to me as I had no idea how to open a word document, but I did and accomplished what I set out to do!

When it came to the point that I had to find alternative work, due to health issues, I came a work from home position from a company mentioned in a newspaper article my sister showed me. I checked into it and got qualified. Once I was established I took the required company classes and was working with them in about a month's time. My job was to take orders from people who saw ads on TV and wanted to buy items. I liked the job as I could work from home and in my comfy clothes. I didn't always like some of the calls, especially due to the nature of them but the good over weighed the bad. At first when I took the job I was paid by call time only but the laws caused the company to pay us all minimum wage. That was so much better! Eventually the stress of calls caused me to make some changes.

I hooked up with some freelance writing jobs which made it possible to give up the telephone agent position. I wrote articles for online presence. Most of the articles required some research online about certain products. I had a time frame from acceptance to delivery of the jobs. Making deadlines was not a problem if I didn't get too overzealous, which I did at first. I grabbed work from a job list with dear that there would not be enough work. Once I was able to realize my limits I was able to accept what jobs I could get. It also helped to sign up with more than one freelance company.

My health got worse and I had to cut way back on jobs. For a while I did nothing, recuperating from surgery. Then my friend Linda got me on with her as a freelance writer for a jewelry company. It was just the right fit and pace. Eventually it slowed down. I now work as a ghostwriter for books. It is not the best paying at this point but it does keep me busy at my own pace. There is plenty to keep me busy but I do have to pace myself.

I am always open to talking about working from home jobs. I am particularly excited about affiliate marketing and video emailing. Just let me know what you would like to know.

Small Stones - Portabella Mushrooms

2012-01-08T01:29:00.004-06:00

Today's Small Stones is about Portabella mushrooms and what I did with them.

After my daughter tried and loved a portabella mushroom burger (no meat) I decided to try this at home. I was successful and it was a hit! Today I decided to make it again but to try some seasonings, since mushrooms are not all that strong in taste. I found a Mediterranean seasoning blend and used it to pan grill the mushrooms. Since I know you are dying to know how I did this I will try to explain.

I took a large, non-stick skillet and put just a little drizzle of olive oil and heated at about medium heat and added about 2 tablespoons of chopped garlic. I took 2 portabella mushroom caps and placed them in the pan. While they were getting all warmed up I cut the bottoms off about a pound of asparagus and placed them on either side of the mushrooms. I them just turned both the mushrooms and asparagus a few times until I was satisfied they would still have body (not mush) and a little crunch. I sprinkled the Mediterranean seasoning on everything about 5 minutes before I turned the heat off.

Oh, I took 2 whole grain flat breads and put them on top of everything for the last 5 minutes or so of cooking. This got this steamed and ready for the plating. I then took a handful of salad greens and lay them on the flat bread and drizzled a stream of balsamic vinaigrette over the greens. I sprinkled about a tablespoon of Parmesan cheese over this. Then I place a mushroom cap on this on each plate. The asparagus was placed on the plate as the side. One day I will actually take a picture! These were a hit! Key to buying portabella caps is to get them by the pound and take off the stems in the store, unless you really plan to use them. They are no more costly than ground beef and quite good!

Small Stones - Talk Fusion

2012-01-06T23:20:00.002-06:00

Today's Small Stones is about a program I just signed onto today called Talk Fusion With this program people can set up video emails or go all the way to several video functions. It can be done just for personal or expended to a full business.

I have worked from home for quite some time. Due to health issues I have to pace myself. I have been doing freelance writing but it can be hit and miss for jobs. Since I am working on another book it takes a lot of time but doesn't pay me a dime until it sells. In the meantime I need something consistent to supplement my income. This is one of the factors for deciding to sign up for Talk Fusion Click on my link and learn more. I would love welcome people to my team. Also here is a link for people who are hearing impaired and prefer sign language. It is a wide open opportunity for the deaf community!

Small Stones - BlogTalkRadio

2012-01-05T22:58:00.003-06:00

Today's Small Stones is BlogTalkRadio show preparations and presentations.

Every week I co-host a BlogTalkRadio show on Thursday nights at 5:30 p.m. CST. It it for the Alzheimer's Hope radio show. Allen Golden and I are partners in the health interest of Alzheimer's Disease and other health issues. My Dad had Alzheimer's but actually died from cancer. Allen had gained a lot of knowledge about Alzheimer's Disease and decided to write a book. He has a degree as an educator. I helped him complete this project. So now we do this BlogTalkRadio show about Alzheimer's Disease. We are trying to reach others who are dealing with this disease.

This weeks show was about People Who We Have Known, focusing on famous people who have had Alzheimer's. Some are still with us and most have gone before. We don't hear that much about people who are with us having this disease. I think there are those who do but it is not easily shared. For some it is a matter of privacy and others it is a matter of them growing older and not a lot of focus placed on them. And I am sure there are other reasons, as well.

The preparation for a show is very involved. We have to read through a lot of information to cover even a small piece of time. Tonight we allowed for a 2 hour show, which ended at about 1 1/2 hours more or less. I found video clips and purchased MP3's of the performers who we recognized. The cost wasn't to bad via Amazon but it can add up if not careful. I did not use all of the recordings but may use them in the future. After tonight, I think we will cut back to shorter shows. It is tiring and when we see no listeners it is frustrating. I estimate about 20 hours of prep time for this 2 hour show. We had a caregiver's show recently which had 1 listener. It was a call-in show and nobody called in. Nobody ever has.

Maybe I am not promoting the show enough. I start early and get the information out there. I don't want to bombard people with the information. I use Twitter, Facebook, and email to subscribers. Anyway, there is a lot to be shared about Alzheimer's disease and I believe we have a lot to offer. Perhaps sometime this will take off.

Small Stones - Pampering

2012-01-04T20:53:00.003-06:00

Today's Small Stones post is about Pampering, specifically mani-pedi's.

My daughter and I used a Groupon to get a ManiPedi at Studio 4:13 after Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." KJV We had gotten a pedicure and facial before from a Groupon and this was different in that we had both the hands and feet done and not a facial.

I did not realize that when I showed up I would get both hands and feet done. It was fine with me as both needed attention. As a diabetic, foot care is very important to me. It takes skilled hands to take care of my feet. I have a hard time with self care of my tootsies due to the pain of arthritis and fibromyalgia. The lady, Hattie O'Brien (maybe related to my mom's side), was very nice and professional. She had a clean station and what I really was pleased with is that there wasn't that strong smell of chemicals. In fact, there was no smell! This is a big plus!

I picked out a wine colored polish and now have matching nails! I didn't get far before I botched up some of them but that is ok. You can barely notice. That was the only thing I wish was there was a speed dryer. That is not what caused me to have mine botched. It was because I picked at mine instead of having her work on the speck of polish I found on my ragged skin edges.

For the pedicure I soaked my feet in a massaging warm foot bath. I didn't like the way the bottoms of my feet felt on the massage grate so I adjusted them. I should have asked her for a towel. It is likely something to do with my dry skin and sensitivity. The chair I sat is was a massage chair but I didn't realize it until the control fell on the floor. I do recall that Hattie told me that I had a massage but I thought she meant a foot massage coming! LOL I did get a foot massage and it was lovely! I also got my nails tended to and polished! I feel like a new woman! WOO HOO!

Small Stones - Detox

2012-01-03T22:55:00.002-06:00

I am on a five day kidney detox in order to attack the kidney stones which are acting up. This is my second round on the kidneys and I am determined to knock those pests out of the parking lots they have taken residence in aka my kidneys. It seems that the type of stones I have are calcium stones. The good news is that they have less jagged edges. Just imagine what it would be like to have them!

The detox consists of drinking morning flush drinks of lemon, lime and cayenne with distilled water. I add agave nectar or stevia to make it taste like lemonade with a kick . I also take several doses of special kidney/bladder formula and detox tonic. At the same time I take echinacea plus which acts as an antibiotic. Dietary changes are limits to a light diet of fruits and salads on days one and five and broths, soups, potassium broth, and juices. It is actually a pleasant diet. No doubt I will be seeking something chewy when it is over. The tonics are not the most pleasant tasting so I put them in a shot glass with grape juice and down a shot of the tonic followed by a juice chaser. The best thing to get through something yucky is to do it quickly.

Needless to say, I spend a lot of time in the potty but that is a good thing. All the bad is trying to leave my kidneys, allowing for me to have a healthier body. I would rather do this than have lithotripsy, which I have had done a couple of times. Anything I can do, within reason, to avoid surgery and procedures I am going to try.

I used a special deal from a massage clinic today. It was for a detox massage. This consisted of my being enveloped in a blanket like device. Then I laid on a table while the heat was sent through channels in the blanket. Perspiration in this infared sauna was plentiful. The lady stayed nearby and monitored my condition. I believed that with the combination of fibromyalgia and doing a kidney detox I would benefit greatly. This type of sauna is supposed to benefit people with fibromyalgia. I believe it helped me.

After the sauna I was administered a 30 minute massage. It was heavenly. The masseuse was very masterful as she was able to provide the pressure needed to help release toxins from my body. What an experience! I do wish I had signed up for an hour massage just because I would have liked leg and feet work. I was quite pleased, regardless!

So this is what it is like to have a sauna and massage along with detox.

Small Stones - Crunchy Munchee Salad

2012-01-02T13:45:00.004-06:00

Today's Small Stones observation was Crunchy Munchee Salad which I ordered for lunch at McFoster's Natural Kind Cafe.

This is one of my favorite restaurants, by the way.

The Crunchy Salad consists of "Greens, with shredded Napa and red cabbage, avocado, Snap-A-Crisp Baked Peas, jicama, celery, marinated daikon radish, cucumber, organic broccoli sprouts, and whole wheat croutons." I had the half size which was huge and made me wonder what the large looked like! I ordered a miso salad dressing which contains "vegenaise and organic white miso, lime juice, sesame oil, tamari, ginger and garlic." I really like this dressing and am going to try and replicate it.

To describe the experience of eating this salad I would have to start with the whole layout of this dish. The individual ingredients were carefully displayed so that you cold view the artist's palette of colors. The arrangement alone caused my taste buds to become excited with anticipation of the beautiful feast!

I started out sampling sections of the salad and then decided to mix things up. Either way, it was a winner! The miso salad dressing brought out the flavor of each ingredient as it was not overpowering. A gentle topping for the not always gentle ingredients. The crunchiness was obvious to my palate and I must say that my mouth did a happy dance! Cool, crispy, tantalizing is my best description of this sexy salad. Delectable and delightful indeed!

Small Stones - Garlic

2012-01-01T21:24:00.006-06:00

This is my first post for the Small Stones, Writing Our Way Home blog.

What I recognized today is garlic. I was cooking and began by noticing the parchment paper like jacket, snuggled around each clove of garlic. Garlic is pretty, in my eyes. Each bulb is unique and powerful. Garlic is rather benign until you remove the outer skin and activate the cloves for use. Even without cutting into the tender cloves there is a certain power in garlic. What I did was cut the cloves of a whole bulb in half and put in a potassium broth pot. I find a certain comfort as the scent of garlic overtakes the air and sends comfort to my nose...to my body. Yes, it is a garlic overdrive which I so carefully orchestrated.

Why I Write

2011-12-04T21:53:00.002-06:00

When asking myself why I write it is actually pretty simple to answer. I write because I must! Writing has always been my favorite form of expression and to not write would be cheating myself.

I was prompted to post on the Bed, Body & Beyond Blog to explain why I write. I was introduced to this blog by my friend Wendy. The blog has to do with many components of life. One of the pieces is disability. One thing that health challenges have not taken away is my thoughts and expressions. Some days I get a block and may not be quick to work the brain, but the main thing is perseverance.

I write very little on my blogs as I have been busy with other writing projects. This is something I need to do more often. This "assignment" has been good for me. Thanks Wendy!

Art Is for All Seasons But Winter Is an Awesome Time to Create!

2010-11-05T23:03:00.000-05:00

As an artist I like to create in various ways. Whether I am writing, designing a project, doing handwork and etc, I find that the flair is there. It is a life of it's own. Winter is prime time for creating. When closed up indoors it helps to open up the senses and create like crazy! 

November is NANOWRIMO time! This stands for National Novel Writers Month. It started November 1 and ends at the end of November. Last year I worked in this but didn't finish. Let's see if this year I do better.

Spelling and Grammar Checker

2010-03-09T23:08:00.002-06:00

I use this tool when I am needing to quick check my spelling and grammar. As one who has had struggles with English yet has written a lot, I find the need to check myself. Here is the tool I use and I hope it helps others. SpellChecker

Artists Will Love This One! I Know I Do

2010-03-08T08:26:00.002-06:00

I was clicking on an ad in my sister's blog and found this awesome website. This is a website for a company that buys art collections of famous artists. When you click on an artist's name you get to see pictures. When you click on the picture itself, you get a full page view. Some don't pull up the entire view but several do.  I love art and to see works up close is a delight. Here is the link: Newport Art There is also a biography on the artists. Very interesting.

I hope you enjoy this as much as I do. Have fun!

Birds, Blooms, Wallpapers, Nature's Bountful Beauty

2010-03-03T17:16:00.002-06:00

 
As seen on Birds & Blooms 

As one of many who love the wonders of nature I belong to an email newsletter for Birds and Blooms. They have the nicest, most helpful information about attracting birds and butterflies. I just added a butterfly wallpaper from their site. Be sure to check them out.

Most people who know me know that I have a weakness for butterflies. They are free to roam about natures garden. If you love them as much as I do, be sure to check out the website.

Birds & Blooms

Dedication to Pets, The Rainbow Bridge, Love of Four Legged Family Members, More

2010-02-25T10:41:00.002-06:00

We lost our beloved Sampson yesterday. You can read about it on  Sampson's Blog His blog will stay active and focus on pets. We think Sampson would like that. 

Here is picture of sweet Sampson. I had been crocheting a baby blanket and he asked me to pose him with it. Such a sweet, handsome boy.

We decided to let Sampson go naturally unless it became evident that pain would be unbearable. He decided that the master bed would be his place to go. I lay with him and comforted him along with some soft music Tony selected and we waited for Jodi to get home. Soon after she arrived and kissed him goodbye, he left. This  told me that he wanted his family to be with him. He has been taken to the local animal shelter where his remains will be cremated. We will have a service for him when the time is right.

Last night Tony felt something jump up on the bed, just like Sampson did when he was here. It likely was him letting us know that he was okay and not far away. I put off going to bed until late as I knew it would be hard. Sampson had been sleeping on my chest and I missed his purr as he lay there resting. At one point I thought I heard a meow but it was an ambulance from a distance. I finally fell asleep, I think from exhaustion and for that I am grateful.

Jodi took all of Sampson's cat food and supplies with her to my sister's house where they will be used or distributed. She and her family have two cats and two dogs. They are Tigre, Shaft, Targe' and Pepper. Here is their pic. 

Our pets are truly our friends as they look out for us. They ask little in return and take all of our hearts if we are lucky. 

Thank God for Sampson and that now he gets his reward for being a true, loyal friend. We miss him but know he is better now.

Think Spring Let's Have Some Fun!

2010-02-23T10:48:00.001-06:00

Let's have some fun! Spring is just around the bend but let's jump start it! Here is a link to click but when you do you have to click your mouse on the black screen and see what happens. Have fun! Here goes: Think Spring Link

Get Your Group On! Coupons Which Are More Than Your Average Deal

2010-02-19T14:10:00.003-06:00

Groupon is a deal-of-the-day website that is localized to major markets in the United States. The way it works is that you go to the Groupon site and sign up for free. The only time you pay for anything is when you order a "Groupon." This is usually for events or meals  or lessons or memberships and more awesome deals things in between. These are not your normal coupons as you get more for your money. An example is one of the recent promos for $30. worth of food at a restaurant for $15.

These deals are available at most major cities and there is always the option of requesting to get your Groupon locally. 

By the way. Sign up on my Groupon Link and get me some palm scratch. Thanks, Lisa

New Site is Up and Running - Make Money for Making Calls

2010-02-16T13:20:00.001-06:00

Dial4dough Free membership

Free members can dial to our client advertisers and listen to 2 - 5 minute live, or recorded advertisements and receive from $1.00 to $1.50 per ad.  There is no payment required to join this program.

Members must spend at least $20.00 of each $100 received for dialing with our advertisers to continue receiving numbers to be called.

Here is my link to get started: Dial4Dough 

Chicken Chili for The Healthy Soul - New Recipe for Nutritious Eating

2010-02-14T22:58:00.000-06:00

Check out my Chicken Chili as posted on my Lisa Loves to Be Healthy Blog and ENJOY!

Getting Diabetes Under Control - Win the Battle

2010-02-06T13:31:00.003-06:00

Winning a war which has been around for centuries seems pretty overwhelming. This is how many of us who have been diagnosed with diabetes feel. Overwhelmed. If you let it overwhelm you, it is going to happen. For me, that is how I have felt ever since I was diagnosed about two years ago. Fortunately, I have not felt overwhelmed as much on the forefront, mostly in the underlying current.

Underlying currents are deep and can pull you down. When we see others who have been pulled down and suffered greatly, this takes a toll on our nerves. I know that whenever I get a burning, sore right foot I am fearful of amputation. Then there is the number game with blood sugar readings going up and down. Sometimes it feels like you are playing one of those mole whacking games in an arcade. Only thing is...this arcade is our life.
 
So what are choices? Play mole whacker? Give up? Take action? I'll take "take action" for $1 million Alex. That is correct! Although you can't put a price on health, it is definitely worth more than a cool million to beat diabetes.

Define "beat" diabetes...Well, now that just means to get it under control. Wars all have fronts. I think that the best front for diabetes is one equipped with heavy artillery.
 
Ways to meet this challenge:

    * Check blood sugar daily, follow guidelines from your doctor. I use an Accu-Chek Aviva meter and love it. I am pleased with the customer service. They aren't paying me to say this. I just like to say what I like. It does not require cleaning, other than wiping it off, because the metallic sensors are in contact with the meter, instead of blood.

    * Keep all medical appointments and contact the doctor if there are abnormal readings on a consistent basis. Write down all medications, records of readings and take to the doctor. I keep a list of all medications, the strengths, dosages and what they are for. This stays in my purse. If am emergency, it is all there. I also have on the same paper all diagnoses.

    * Medication must be taken as prescribed. Otherwise, well you know, you will become very sick. Taking meds is not a sign of weakness. It is a way of taking a stronghold on diabetes. 

    * Eat all meals as recommended. I have started a special Type II diabetes plan, and am in week one. I am keeping track of recipes which I favor. Also I'm trying to create new dishes. I will let you know when I have a good one.

    * Exercise as tolerated. Not everybody is going to be an Olympic champion. I have other medical issues which keep me off my feet. This is not a problem. I just chair exercise and do lots of stretches. Water exercise is also great, as you can use those foam supports. 

    * Stimulate the brain. The internet can be great for social networking but getting out and socializing helps. Playing board games with family and friends, cards, puzzles, and other brain stimulators keep the cognitive juices cooking. Reading, writing, working with numbers, mentoring others all help. Let creativity flow. Artists and craft enthusiasts benefit from the release which comes with creation.

    * Emotional support is vital for proper diabetes care. When the emotions are elevated to a negative stress level, blood sugar reacts. Counseling, stress management, healthy outlets such as watching funny or sad movies, all help.  

    * Spiritual supports such as prayer, meditation, worship, inspirational reading-all help to refresh our minds and touch our souls. 

So there you have it. Record, Refresh, Release, Regroup, all play a part in managing diabetes.

Be good to yourself.

Rent Reimbursement, Property Tax Credit, Mobile Home Owner Application for Reduced Tax Rate, Special Assessment Credit Claim and More

2010-02-04T15:57:00.000-06:00

Several states offer rent reimbursement, property tax credit and more for people on low income, disability, senior citizens and more. There are also credits for helping the environment, historical preservation, and several other incentives. Many people are not aware that there is money available.

As an Iowan I was able to find help for family and friends. Check the link I have for Iowans to see what there is . Other states may have help available. Checking your state website for programs is easy. Go to http://www.(your state).gov and search in the tax section. You can also use the search window to check availability. Another resource is the state human services website.

I did a test for this information for New Jersey, since I have a friend who lives there. After a little digging I hit pay dirt! I found "How to Apply for a Property Tax Reimbursement" and am sure there may be other programs.

One more state, since it is my neighboring "sister" state, is Nebraska. I found that the state Health and Human Services department was a good resource. This tells me that some states help in a pinch and others help after the fact. And some do both. The conclusion is that help is available.

You can even use the Swidget I put on the bottom on my page. Do some searching plus make money in the process. Here is the link: SwagBucks. (Sign up and I make some pocket money too).