Archives for January 23, 2018

Fun Beauty Tips from Sally Hansen

Looking for a fun beauty tip? I love this one from Sally Hansen! I also love the shade of Plum Euphoria! I received a sample and it’s my new to-go to shade for the season!

Step 1: Start by painting the area surrounding the moon with a striping brush dipped in Sally Hansen Color Therapy in Plum Euphoria (launching in January 2018)
Step 2: Then draw a line horizontally across the middle of the nail
Step 3: Paint the tips of the nail with a curved line
Step 4: Apply one coat of the Sally Hansen Color Therapy Top Coat
Step 5: Final
Sally Hansen Color Therapy Nail Color ($8.99)
The patented argan oil formula fuses intensive nourishment and instant moisture for healthy looking nails.Up to 10 days of fade-proof, chip-resistant wear.

Self Disclosure: I received a free sample to facilitate this post. The tips and images were also provided. 

5 Things That May Indicate That You Are In Need of a Family Law Attorney

In the current internet age, everyone seems to have turned into an expert do-it-yourselfer. Whether the project is a home renovation, custody battle, or a divorce, there seems to be a website that tells you exactly how to tackle it without professional help. That might be a great approach for some things, but it shouldn’t be the case when it comes to family law.

Whatever the specific need is, all family law cases are notoriously tricky. Of course, you could go ahead and represent yourself pro se. But trying to shoulder the burden of such cases can lead you to unforeseen complications that may lead you to regret your decision in the end.  There are times when determination and grit are just not enough.

That’s why it is important to get the help of an experienced family law attorney like those at deanhineslawyer.com. But apart from getting the right team behind you, it’s also vital to know when to contact them. With that in mind, here are 5 things that will tell you when you need to get a family law attorney:

  1. If you Foresee a Custody Fight

Having children changes a lot of aspects of your life. This is especially true when it comes to divorce, as taking your kids into consideration will change how you approach a divorce. Unfortunately, the stakes become much higher when a divorce or separation case involves children.

That means partners usually change their mind, making such cases even more complicated. For instance, a partner who had previously agreed to share custody may have a sudden change of heart. Maybe they are trying to convince the court that you can’t be trusted with the kids overnight.

Such circumstances usually lead to a bitter custody fight. If you foresee this happening in your case, it might be time to start looking for a competent family law attorney to have on your side.

  1. When your Case Crosses Jurisdictions

If you and your ex are living in different states – or even different countries – then it might be time for you to get a lawyer to represent your interests. Of course, you shouldn’t stop trying to learn all you can that can help your efforts.

For instance, take time to look up the various laws that can impact your case – especially if it’s in another country. But nothing beats having experienced counsel to take the lead in inter-jurisdictional cases.

  1. If you Share Assets

Most spouses have a significant nest egg stowed away in assets. This could be in the form of a marital home or even a jointly-owned business. A messy divorce can make such a situation quite complicated. Your best bet is to get a family lawyer early on to help you divide these assets fairly.

  1. When the Circumstances Change

During the course of a family law case, certain circumstances can change dramatically. For example, either you or your ex could be moving in with a significant other, relocating, or even remarrying. In that case, it’s best to hire a good attorney to handle the nitty-gritty that such change will represent.

  1. If Your Ex Has One

If your ex has already secured the services of an attorney, then it may be time for you to get one too. The last thing you should have to deal with is regret that your case didn’t turn out the way you wanted it to – just because your ex hired a lawyer and you didn’t.

Sydney is Pet of the Week!

Sydney, 3 years old, may be so named because she’s about the size of Australia. This affectionate big girl is a beautiful calico female who was surrendered to the shelter with her sister. He sis was pulled by spcaLA next door, so she’s left alone wondering whether she’ll ever get a home. She may possibly be good in a home with another cat, but her new humans must be strict about her diet! Meet Sydney at the Companion Animal Village at 7700 East Spring St., (562) 570-PETS. Ask for ID#A602173.

(This rescue encouraged by the usual suspects.)

Credit: Courtesy of the Companion Animal Village.

Paddington 2 – Hilarilous and Charming. Wonderful for Families

Paddington is happily settled with the Brown family in Windsor Gardens, where he has become a popular member of the community, spreading joy and marmalade wherever he goes. While searching for the perfect present for his beloved Aunt Lucy’s 100th birthday, Paddington spots a unique pop-up book in Mr. Gruber’s antique shop, and embarks upon a series of odd jobs to buy it. But when the book is stolen, it’s up to Paddington and the Browns to unmask the thief. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Gerry O. comments, “This sequel to the hit family film, Paddington delivers in all the right places and truly lives up to its predecessor and even surpasses the 2014 film in many ways.” Benjamin P. adds, “Paddington 2 is a warm fuzzy blanket of a film. Its title character is a symbol of kindness in a world that needs more of it. He never gives up and always believes in the best in those around him.” Jolleen M. wraps it up with, “This film is hilarious and made me cry a cry of joy and also of sadness, multiple times. It is amazing to watch live characters bond with an imaginary, animated bear. Even though there’s not actually a bear there, you can feel the love within the family.” See their full reviews below.

 

Paddington 2

By Benjamin P, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 12

Paddington 2 seamlessly blends heart and comedy for a truly charming family film. This sequel revisits the title character, a precocious young bear living in London as part of the Brown family. As the movie opens, Aunt Lucy is celebrating her birthday in darkest Peru and Paddington is struggling to find a suitable gift to send to her. He settles on a pop-up book of London at a local antique shop and takes on a series of sometimes hilarious odd jobs to pay for it. One night, the book is stolen. Paddington is accused of the theft and sent to prison, but the real culprit is Phoenix Buchanan, a narcissistic actor who craves the spotlight and wants to use the book’s value to fund his one-man-show. Paddington sets out to clear his name, while the Browns try to prove that Phoenix is the real criminal.

 

Interview with Sally Hawkins & Hugh Bonneville

 

 

 

Interview with Hugh Grant

 

Paddington 2 is a warm fuzzy blanket of a film. Its title character is a symbol of kindness in a world that needs more of it. He never gives up and always believes in the best in those around him. I love coming back to Paddington’s London and being reacquainted with the Brown family and their quirks. The cheerful tone of this film radiates throughout. The lesson of Paddington 2 is be kind to others, always, and its timing could not be better.

 

Paddington 2 surpasses the first Paddington film in many ways. It brings back endearing characters and everything you love about them, while introducing memorable new ones as well. I love how, once again the modern take on the widely loved story of Paddington Bear stays true to the character while still telling an original story.

 

Hugh Grant is very good as Phoenix Buchanan. Grant embodies Phoenix’s charisma and sly humor. It is nice to see an actor typically known for romantic comedies go to a more villainous place to play this sinister has-been actor who will do anything to be famous again. Grant’s top moments are his most bizarre. Be sure to stay for the credits for one of his best.

 

My favorite character in this film is Knuckles McGinty, the prison chef played by Brendan Gleeson. Gleeson subtly and comically shows us the intensity and warmth of his character. Knuckles’s anger and pessimism is a nice foil to Paddington’s constant glowing positivity. Gleeson also illustrates how Paddington brings out the softer sides of those around him.

 

I recommend this film to ages 4 to 15 and adults will love its positive attitude. I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars for putting a smile on my face and recreating the magic of the original and then some. It opens nationwide in theaters on January 12, 2018 so be sure to check it out.

 

Paddington 2
By Gerry O., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 15

This sequel to the hit family film, Paddington delivers in all the right places and truly lives up to its predecessor and even surpasses the 2014 film in many ways. Paddington 2, like the first one, is definitely a family film filled with many morals and messages, generally surrounded by unique jokes and fun adventures. To add conflict to the story, there are some dramatic scenes, but the film manages to always stay kid-friendly.

 

The movie picks up sometime after the first film. Paddington the bear still lives happily with the Brown family in London. By now, he has a daily routine and has become friendly with the whole neighborhood. In a few days, his aunt will have her 100th birthday. Paddington decides to get her a perfect present. Little does Paddington know that the present he has chosen actually contains a big secret and gets stolen. Paddington is blamed for the theft and sent to jail. Now two conflicts emerge, Paddington must fit in prison and the Brown family must figure out how to get him out of jail.

 

Paddington’s realism really stands out. He clearly still contains character-like features with big brown eyes and heavenly fluffy fur, but he essentially fits-in properly with his surroundings. Not only does the special effects’ team deserve credit for this, but the actors deserve double kudos for performing so realistically with a character that doesn’t really exist. Adding a superstar as Hugh Grant also brings the film to a completely new level of goodness.

 

Rare for a sequel, the story stays original and separate from the last film while still maintaining the good parts of the previous story. The humor becomes almost slapstick at times, and other times it’s purely situational and always results in a laugh. Paddington as a character really pulls at the heartstrings of the audience, both because of a well-written script and a bear who’s designed to be adorable in every way.

My favorite scene starts when Paddington gets into jail. He, of course, does not fit in as a well-mannered, kind bear. After proving his skill at making marmalade sandwiches for everyone, the prison stops looking like the one in Shawshank Redemption and begins to look like a cute bed and breakfast you’d pay to stay at. This really shows a large amount of irony due to the fact that many gruff convicts become well-mannered and kind. This scene not only demonstrates the power of the humor in Paddington 2, but truly brings up all of the main characteristics of Paddington as a character.

 

I recommend this film for ages 7 to 18. Surprisingly, in the audience, there were more adults laughing than kids, while the kids were simply fixed on the realism and adventures of Paddington. I give this film 5 out of 5 stars for being an outstanding family film that truly outdoes its predecessor and leaves you wanting more. It opens nationwide in theaters on January 12, 2018 so, be sure to check it out.

 

Paddington 2

By Jolleen M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

 

Red carpet interviews

 

Interview with Simon Farnaby

 

 

This film is hilarious and made me cry a cry of joy and also of sadness, multiple times. It is amazing to watch live characters bond with an imaginary, animated bear. Even though there’s not actually a bear there, you can feel the love within the family.

The film starts off with a little flash back showing how Paddington was saved from falling off the waterfall when he was a cub, by Uncle Pastuzo and Aunt Lucy. They adopted him and raised him as if he was their own son. Then it returns to present time. Paddington wants to get the perfect gift for Aunt Lucy on her 100th Birthday and decides on a present, but it is expensive. He works hard to earn enough money to buy the gift. One night while he is walking past the store where the gift is, a thief breaks into the store and steals it. Paddington chases after the burglar, but when the police arrive they assume that he is the thief. Paddington is sentenced to 10 years in prison even though he didn’t commit the crime. His family tries to prove his innocence, but they don’t have much evidence.

 

Paddington  (Ben Whishaw) is supposed to be a young bear. Ben Wishaw, who does his voice, doesn’t sound like a young bear to me. He sounds more like a polite and proper man.  Even though he doesn’t sound young, his voice matches Paddington’s personality, particularly because Paddington is very polite, kind and sweet.

 

The animation for this film is very realistic. Paddington interacts with objects that aren’t animated, which makes him seem like he is actually there. Paddington looks very realistic with very detailed fur, eyes and feet.  My favorite part of this film are all of the jokes throughout it. They are so funny and sarcastic. The whole audience was laughing together. Everyone understood the jokes, adults and children both, which is always great.

 

The moral of this story is to be kind and positive, so that life will be kind and positive to you. Throughout all the hardships that Paddington goes through, he stays positive, remains kind and eventually everything becomes right in the end. Paddington 2 is such an amazing film to watch with your whole family. I give it 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 3 to 18, as well as adults. It opens in theaters nationwide on January 12, 2018 so, go check it out.

 

Credit: KIDS FIRST!

 

The Not-Its! Rock Torrance’s Armstrong Theater on February 11th!

The Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation presents an all-ages rock show featuring Seattle-based The Not-Its! on Sunday, February 11 at 2 pm.The highly interactive dance party will be held at the James R. Armstrong Theater, and tickets ($10 to $20) are available now online
 
For more than eight years now, The Not-Its! have rocked kids and families with their uptempo albums and live concerts. These high-jumping performers give children their first “rock show” experience. With six acclaimed and award-winning albums, this high-jumping quintet  has risen to become one of the top touring bands in the nation’s “kindie rock” movement. They’re currently writing and recording new songs for their seventh album to be released later this year.
 
The Not-Its! are hailed by USA Today for their “smart, catchy children’s music.”  Time Out New York recommends their “90s power-punk sound with lush, four-part pop harmonies that will take parents back to their show-going days.”
 
The Not-Its! may be the nation’s best-dressed kids’ band, sporting skinny pink ties and fluffy pink tutus that appeal to kids’ discerning fashion sense. Their high-energy stage performances bring audiences on their feet and jumping around with delight. Lead singer Sarah Shannon is well known for her work with the ’90s rock group Velocity Girl. Drummer Michael Welke played with Harvey Danger, and band mates Danny Adamson, Tom Baisden, Jennie Helman can all boast of past lives as touring rock stars. The Not-Its! are part of a creative collaborative group known as the Seattle Kindiependent (along with Caspar Babypants and Recess Monkey), making Puget Sound “Ground Zero for cool kids’ music” (MSN.com).  In addition to this rare So Cal show, the band will also perform in Washington, DC, and New York City this winter. 

Learn more about The Not-Its! at www.wearethenot-its.com
Check out hilarious Not-Its! music videos here:  http://www.wearethenot-its.com/videos/
Credit: Sugar Mountain PR.