There’s still time to buy a calendar and one of my favorites this year is the Krispy Kreme 2018 Recipe Calendar! Such delicious recipes that you can make from Breakfast Sandwiches to ice cream sandwiches and cakes! Another great thing about this calendar is that there is over $110 in bonus coupons! I love the free donut coupons!
Find the calendar at your local Krispy Kreme before it’s gone!
Self Disclosure: I received a free calendar to facilitate this post.
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!
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Self Disclosure: I received a free sample to facilitate this post. The tips and images were also provided.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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, 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 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!
Insurance salesman Michael is on his daily commute home, which quickly becomes anything but routine. After being contacted by a mysterious stranger, Michael is forced to uncover the identity of a hidden passenger on the train before the last stop. As he works against the clock to solve the puzzle, he realizes a deadly plan is unfolding, and he is unwittingly caught up in a criminal conspiracy that carries life and death stakes for everyone on the train. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Arjun N. comments, “The acting and camerawork provide a tense feel to this movie, like many Hitchcock films. This is sure to please Liam Neeson fans.” See his full review below.
The Commuter
By Arjun N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16
The Commuter is a fun thriller, even if it does get a little too over-the-top for its own good. The acting and camerawork provide a tense feel to this movie, like many Hitchcock films. This is sure to please Liam Neeson fans.
The story follows insurance salesman Michael (Liam Neeson), who is caught in a criminal conspiracy on his daily commute. Michael meets the enigmatic Joanna (Vera Farmiga), who will give him a large sum of money if he finds a passenger with evidence against her. This must be done before a certain train stop. This leads to a frenetic chase to find the passenger, as elements of the conspiracy are revealed. Michael happens to be an ex-cop and will do anything to protect this passenger, but this comes with consequences.
Liam Neeson, as Michael, excellently presents his frantic need to find the passenger because every wrong move can result in an innocent passenger getting caught in the crossfire. He is spectacular in the fast-paced action and stunts. Vera Farmiga as Joanna, is my favorite character because of the intense threat and urgency she provides with her performance. It is also interesting to find out more about her conspiracy. Patrick Wilson, as Alex, is an incredible helper to Michael, but you can tell he has some secrets he’s not sharing. Jonathan Banks, as Walt, presents a friend to Michael who commutes with him every day, while also helping him out.
Jaume Collet-Sera wonderfully directs this film with a rapid pace and you feel you are a part of the train. My favorite scene is a one-shot fight scene on board the train, because of its impressive camera work. I also like how intense it is, due to the crowded environment. My only problem with this film is that, while the main story is extremely interesting, there are many over-the-top scenarios, which turn the movie into unintentional comedy. Also, some of the filming and editing feels rushed in places.
The message of the movie is that doing the right thing will never be easy, but could result in the lives of many being saved. Despite his good intentions, Michael is put into one risky situation after another and he always must risk his life. However, he saves many through his selfless acts. I give this film 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 10 to 18, because of its intense action and language. The movie releases in theaters on January 12, 2018, so check it out. Reviewed by Arjun N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16
Credit: KIDS FIRST!
First opened in Southern California in 1983, this year marks the 35th anniversary of Rubio’s Coastal Grill. To celebrate, Rubio’s will be throwing it back to the decade it all began, with the fish taco that started it all.
On January 25th, fish taco lovers and Rubio’s fans can head to any Rubio’s location for a special $5 Original Fish Taco Plate. A Rubio’s staple, the plate comes with two beer-battered Original Fish Tacos, pinto beans and chips. And, as an ode to shoulder pads, parachute pants, and sky-high hair, each restaurant will rock out to 80s music all day long.
While the menu has grown to include an expansive selection of grilled seafood over the years, the Original Fish Taco recipe has remained the same tried–and–true favorite since the doors first opened in 1983, and the company has sold more than 200 million to date.
I love Rubio’s and can’t wait to go buy a $5 Original Fish Taco Plate next week! See you there!
Self Disclosure: I received free meal vouchers to post but I really recommend Rubio’s! It is truly one of my favorite places! Images were provided.
