Archives for September 2019

Want a snack that isn’t Pumpkin Spice this Fall? Try Loacker Hazelnut Quadratini!

Hazelnut Quadratini from the #1 global wafer cookie and confection brand, Loacker

The weather in sunny So Cal may seem like summer but Fall is almost here and all the pumpkin spice muffins, lattes, and donuts are already out! But, maybe you would like a break from the Pumpkin flavor treats! I’m all for a pumpkin spice latte and a pumpkin scone but I was quite thrilled to have the opportunity to try something with a Hazelnut flavor! Made with 100% Italian hazelnuts from the Italian Alps, the Hazelnut Quadratini features delicious hazelnut flavor in a delectable cube-shaped snack. With four layers of the smoothest cream filling, held by five light, crispy wafers, it’s the ultimate fall snack with real hazelnut flavor.

I like that they are bite-size and have such flavor! These were even a hit with my teenage son who can be very particular even about those pumpkin flavors. They were basically a hit with my whole family and I love eating them with a cup of tea!

Find out more and where to purchase here.

I even found them at one of our local 7-11’s!

Self Disclosure: I received a free sample to facilitate this post. Images were also provided.

6 Ways to Get a Cheap Divorce

When it comes to getting a divorce, you might have visions of it being incredibly expensive. And, yes, you are right. Traditionally, divorce was extremely expensive. But living in this day and age means that you have options. Getting a divorce doesn’t have to be costly. Getting a divorce is emotionally difficult, the last thing you need is financial burdens, draining your pockets.

Here are 6 ways to get a cheap divorce.

  1. File for an uncontested divorce

If you can, aim for an uncontested divorce. An uncontested divorce means that you and your spouse agree to all the terms and conditions of the divorce. For example, you agree on how to split your assets and debts. If you have an uncontested divorce, you can also get a divorce without an attorney. Having an uncontested divorce is usually faster and cheaper than a contested divorce. You can go to this link to learn more about uncontested divorce.

A contested divorce usually requires a trial before a judge which is extremely costly. If you have a contested divorce, you will probably also need to hire a lawyer. Lawyers charge per hour, which can be extremely expensive. Therefore, if you can, keep things during your divorce amicable, so that you do not have to go to trial. If you don’t have children, your divorce procedure will be straightforward. You can also apply for a simplified divorce as well. You will need to meet a few requirements though to qualify for a simplified divorce. For example:

  • You will have to have no minor children under the age of 18.
  • Both spouses must want a divorce.
  • Neither spouse wants alimony
  • You and your spouse do not any property together
  • Neither spouse should be going through bankruptcy.

If you meet the following criteria you can obtain a simplified divorce, which will really save you money. The average cost of an uncontested divorce is about $300. Which is a massive difference in comparison to the average contested divorce which is about $15 000 per person. Another reason why an uncontested divorce will help you save money because you won’t need a lawyer to help you fill out any paperwork. You can even get your divorce papers online. Follow this website to learn more about quick and cheap divorce.

2.  Make a list of all your questions and keep communication with your lawyer low.

If you feel that your divorce might be a bit more complicated than you expected, and you might need a lawyer, make sure to make a list of everything that you want to ask them. If you do this, it will limit the amount of time that you will need with your lawyer. Therefore, saving you time, which in turn will save you money. You could also hire a lawyer only for certain parts of your case and not for the entire procedure. This is called “unbundled” legal services. Ask your lawyer if they will consider this. Try only contact your lawyer if there is a really serious problem. Some lawyers even charge for emails that are sent, or for call-out fees.

3. Compare prices

When it comes to getting a cheap divorce, you should also compare lawyer fees. You don’t have to go with the most expensive lawyer. If they are expensive, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they are the best. You can interview multiple lawyers. Ask what their costs are and make sure that there are no hidden costs. You could also ask a younger lawyer to help you. They might charge less. Even though they are less experienced, they will be obligated to ask a more experienced lawyer for help, if there is anything that they do not understand. Another option is to ask people you know of any affordable divorce lawyers in the area.

Go here to know more about prices for divorce costs.

4. Consider mediation

Mediation is a great way to save money during a divorce. Rather than going to trial, seek mediation. Mediation can be at most $2,000 a day, and most mediations, last no more than two days. Whereas going to trial can be much more expensive. So if you would like to get a cheap divorce, opt for mediation rather than going to trial.

5. Have a DIY divorce.

Another option is to do everything yourself. This will definitely make sure that your divorce will be cheap. When it comes to a DIY divorce, these are the steps that you will need to follow:

  • Find the court that will have jurisdiction over your case. You will have to prepare the divorce proceedings in the family court in the area where you and your spouse live. You and your spouse should have lived in your state for at least 6 months before you can file for a divorce.
  • Prepare your petition for divorce and pay the appropriate fees. You can get your divorce papers online, or at your local clerk’s office. Hand in or mail your documentation.
  • You have to let your spouse know that you will be filing for a divorce. You can do this by hiring a process server to hand-deliver the divorce decree to your spouse. They will need to sign the documentation.
  • Agree on the terms of the divorce with your spouse.
  • Prepare the final decree of divorce.
  • Schedule a final hearing to complete the divorce process. You can contact the clerk’s office to set up a date for your final hearing.

Therefore, it is possible to file for divorce on your own, but it can be complicated if you are unsure of what to do.

6. Get an online divorce

The cheapest and fastest way to get a divorce is to get an online divorce. There are many online divorce companies that offer amazing service throughout the entire divorce process. They can send you divorce papers within 24 hours and file your papers for you. They also have online support teams, who will be happy to answer any questions that you might have. An online divorce costs, on average, between $300 and $500. How’s that for savings? When it comes to choosing an online divorce company, go with a reputable company that has great reviews.

In Conclusion

There are many ways to save money and get a cheap divorce. If you follow these 6 steps, you can be sure that going through a divorce will not break the bank. Rather use the money that you save for a much needed holiday.

How to Style Convertible Bridesmaid Dresses

Convertible dresses are perfect for bridal parties that celebrate different shapes and sizes. This compromise between form and function allows brides to get the cohesive look they desire without forcing any bridesmaids to wear a style in which they’re uncomfortable.

With so many options to choose from, it can be hard to decide which style to wear. Here are a few fan-favorite ways to rock a convertible dress.

One Shoulder

According to the fashion experts at Azazie, one-shoulder dresses have made a comeback in the wedding industry in recent years. This elegant look is reminiscent of a Greek Goddess and provides some support while still looking fun and sexy. 

To invoke your inner Aphrodite, place both straps over your right shoulder. Adjust the fabric to ensure you get the frontal coverage you desire. Twist the straps together, pulling them toward the left side of your body. Once you reach your waistline, pull the ends of the straps around the respective sides of your body. Tie in the front and, you’re done!

For a fun twist on this look that adds an element of sophistication, try the one-shoulder knot. Start by putting your straps over one shoulder as before. Then, instead of twisting, tie the straps in a knot. If you’ve chosen your right shoulder, bring the right strap under your arm to the front and the left strap across your back and pull to the front. Cross under the bust line and have one of your fellow bridesmaids tie in the back.

Strapless

For bridesmaids who favor the strapless look, this convertible dress style is one of the easiest to wear. Start with both straps over the respective shoulders. Then, place the left strap over the right side of your chest and pull through the back. 

Repeat on the opposite side using the other strap. Cross the straps at the back, around the front, and to the back again to secure. It’s that easy.

Simple Straps

For a sultry, backless look that still provides support, create simple straps with your convertible dress. Place each strap over the corresponding shoulder and twist individually. 

Continue to twist each strap until the twisted portion reaches your shoulder blade. From there, wrap each strap under the corresponding arm and cross under the bustline for added support. Tie the straps on your lower back, using a pin to secure if needed.

Sleeves

Some women feel more comfortable with their shoulders covered. To do this with a convertible dress, place the straps over the corresponding shoulders. Make sure they are flat and wide for maximum coverage. Cross the straps in the back and bring them through to the front. Cross again at the front and secure at the back for simple-yet-elegant shoulder coverage.

You can adjust this look for cap sleeves by adding a simple twist in each strap at the armpit. Instead of a simple cross at the back, overlap the straps and pull back toward the original side to loop the straps through one another and add support. 

If you’re wearing a convertible dress, try a few styles to see what works for you. The style you choose might surprise you. Practice the style a few times so that you’re ready to go on the big day.




Tall Girl * Coming-Of-Age Story Dealing With Insecurity, Relationships, High School ++

Tall Girl is the 2019 Netflix original comedy about Jodi, the tallest girl in her school, who has never quite felt comfortable in her own statuesque skin. All of that changes when she falls for the handsome (and equally tall) foreign exchange student Stig who, of course, gets Jodi’s quirky, best, male friend Dunkleman and his hippie mom as a host family. As a result, Jodi gets embroiled in a surprising love triangle, which helps her realize she’s far more than her insecurities about her height have led her to believe. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Abigail Zoe L. comments, “Netflix’s new movie Tall Girl is a wonderful coming-of-age story that touched my heart. It is really a perfect teen movie, as it deals with insecurity, friendships, relationships, high school, bullying and finding the confidence to believe in oneself.” See her full review below.

Tall Girl
By Abigail Zoe Lewis, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

Netflix’s new movie Tall Girl is a wonderful coming-of-age story that touched my heart. It is really a perfect teen movie, as it deals with insecurity, friendships, relationships, high school, bullying and finding the confidence to believe in oneself.

What I particularly like about the film is that it has a great positive message that, even if you can’t change something about yourself, you should embrace your uniqueness since that is what makes you special. For instance, the main character Jodi, played by the amazingly multi-talented Ava Michelle, is very tall at 6 foot 1 inch, and has been bullied her whole life because of it.  Kids tease Jodi in school with comments like, “How’s the weather up there?,” which naturally hurts her feelings. However, one day, a tall and handsome foreign exchange student Stig (Luke Eisner) comes to her high school and takes an interest in Jodi. This relationship along with her best friend Dunkleman (Griffin Gluck) and her beauty queen sister Harper (Sabrina Carpenter) help Jodi find the confidence to believe in and truly accept herself.

My favorite scene is when Jodi and Stig sing the song “Stand Tall” together. It is an original song that Luke Eisner wrote with his band Viola about his father fighting cancer. The song incorporates perfectly into this movie with new lyrics by both Luke and Ava that they recorded in a bathroom. There is also a lot of humor in the movie. Specifically, Dunkleman is very funny and does impressions of Kevin Hart and other people.

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The talent is off the charts in this movie.  Luke Eisner is incredibly handsome and has the smoothness of a young George Clooney. His Swedish is authentic and I just can’t get his gorgeous voice out of my head now. Ava Michelle’s voice is wonderful too; together they harmonize on a couple of songs that I just love listening to. Ava is also a great pianist. I also found Griffin’s humor hysterical and, after interviewing him with other actors from the cast, I could immediately see that he has stellar improv chops. Sabrina Carpenter perfectly captures a high school beauty queen. I don’t think there’s anything that Sabrina Carpenter cannot do!

What sticks out in mind about this movie is that it is of the utmost importance to believe in yourself. The movie also reminds us to never trade your integrity by just hanging out with the popular crowd.

This film has several fantastic, timeless moral messages including “accepting and believing in yourself and don’t compromise your integrity.” It’s perfect for teen audiences. I believe both boys and girls will like this movie and I recommend it for ages 10 to 18 as there is some kissing in it. I give Tall Girl 4.5 out of 5 stars and can’t wait to see it again! It premieres on Netflix on September 13, 2019. Look for it.

Official trailer:

Catalina Island Museum Presents the Wrigley Centennial: An Island Jubilee and Offers Free Museum Admission on 9.21

Step back in time to 1919 and experience the Catalina Island Museum like never before during the Wrigley Centennial: An Island Jubilee on Saturday, September 21, 2019, beginning at 4 p.m. The Catalina Island Museum and Honorary Chairs Alison Wrigley-Rusack and Geoffrey Claflin Rusack invite you to a festive evening of entertainment, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, live and silent auctions, celebrating the 100-year anniversary of William Wrigley Jr.’s purchase of the Santa Catalina Island Company. The event is also a fundraiser for the museum allowing it to continue to provide world-class exhibitions and educational programs to the island and its visitors.
Master of Ceremonies and Celebrity Auctioneer Matt Rogers will lead the live auction of one-of-a-kind items including an original hand signed letter by William Wrigley Jr., a beautiful plein air painting of “Mrs. Wrigley’s Garden” by the late Brian Stewart along with an exceptional Pasadena tour package, plus unique experiences, exciting performances and exclusive vacations including a getaway to Napa via private jet with a hot air balloon ride, dinner and more.
Enjoy cocktails from a full hosted bar accompanied by 1919 inspired heavy hors d’oeuvres at the museum, directly inspired by an all-Catalina sourced dinner enjoyed by Mr. and Mrs. Wrigley during their first visit to the island. Continue the evening with lively entertainment including music by Impromptu, led by the musical stylings of acclaimed composer and pianist Michael Mortilla, featuring violinist Nicole Garcia, bassist Marquis Howell III and Alex Burke on the vibraphone. Witness thrilling knife throwing by the incomparable Jack Dagger, death-defying sword swallowing by the unkillable Jenny Lynne, the golden throated Janet Klein singing songs inspired by Catalina and the magic of Ron Lynch during a 1920s style Vaudeville show.
In addition to honoring the William Wrigley Jr. family, the museum’s celebration will also acknowledge other key families that have made an impact on the island’s development and success. Descendants of D.M. Renton, Otis Shepard, John Gabriel Beckman, the Banning brothers, David Blankenhorn, George Shatto, Zane Grey and others have been invited.  Throughout the evening, all guests will have the opportunity to share their favorite Catalina memory and/or connection to the island in a video booth provided by Bill Banning and Alison Armstrong of Story Bank Productions.
Prior to the Jubilee celebration, all are welcome to enjoy free admission to the Catalina Island Museum from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. as part of Smithsonian Magazine’s 14th Annual Museum Day. Experience the world-class art and exhibitions already on display at the museum including Wrigley’s Catalina commemorating William Wrigley Jr. and his contributions to the Island, The History of Catalina Island exploring an island rich in events and personalities, MacArthur “Genius” Fellowship Awardee Elizabeth Turk’s Tipping Point exhibition highlighting and exploring extinction, and Esther Williams: The Swimming Queen of the Silver Screen chronicling Williams’ dazzling life from athlete swimmer to movie stardom. 
Tickets to Wrigley Centennial: An Island Jubilee are currently on-sale at $225 a person. To purchase tickets and for more information on pricing, events, and current exhibitions, visit catalinamuseum.org.
Free admission to the museum is available by visiting smithsonianmag.com/museumday/venues/museum/catalina-island-museum/ and selecting “Get A Ticket.” Each Museum Day ticket provides free admission for two people on Saturday, September 21, 2019. Guests do not need to be attending the Jubilee to enjoy free admission.

Credit: Catalina Island Museum.

San Diego Restaurant Week, September 22-29, 2019

You love San Diego Restaurant Week for the chance to try new flavors and visit old favorites, all while enjoying unbeatable deals from top eateries throughout the county. This edible extravaganza has become a highly anticipated tradition in the community because it isn’t just about delicious food and drinks, it’s about creating satisfying moments for you to remember beyond the dinner plate. And what’s more satisfying than having things go YOUR WAY? This September, SDRW invites you to create your own flavor on Restaurant Week! Now you can enjoy more adventure at every restaurant during the tastiest week of the year with custom deals crafted by each participating restaurant. Enjoy the same price points you’ve come to love, but with unique offerings every place you go!
That means you can:

  • Taste more of San Diego with new fast causal restaurants, cafes and bakeries now participating.  
  • Save more with new deals that include drinks, appetizers and more pairings, in addition to the classic 3-course menu offerings.
  • Enjoy more opportunities to take advantage of the week from brunches to lunches and fancy dinners to quick winners.

Indulge in the same delicious deals with more adventure as San Diego Restaurant Week returns from Sunday, September 22nd through Sunday, September 29th, with over 180 participating restaurants throughout San Diego County offering exclusive Make-It-Your-Way menus with three-course prix-fixe dinner prices at $20, $30, $40, $50 or $60 per person and/or two-course prix-fixe lunch prices at $10, $15, $20 or $25 per person. It’s Your Week to Remember—make it your way!
To search participating restaurants, preview menus, and for more information visit SanDiegoRestaurantWeek.com or call 619.233.5008.

Credit: McFarlane Promotions, Inc.

Keep your dog fit with Pawscout!


Pawscout, The Smarter Pet Tag™, is the most advanced and connected pet accessory of its kind – with benefits and features designed for owners to build safe communities for their pet. 

I love my FitBit so I was quite excited to hear about this product for dogs! Pawscout will help keep your pup fit and it’s affordable too!

The first pet name-tags originated more than 200 years ago, and while some advancements have emerged in the form of microchips and GPS devices, nothing has elevated the tag beyond a simple tracking or identification device.

Pawscout is a smartphone-compatible and connected, beautiful but affordable, and most importantly, an easy and fun way for people to build a safe community for their pets. 

The tag tracks walk distances, and a live map means people can easily spot their pet in real-time as long as the pet is within a 300-foot range of anyone with the Pawscout App. For extra security, a virtual leash can be set to warn owners if Fido decides to scamper out of view. 

I like how it is simple to use and the app is pretty cool! You can even use the Pawscout map to discover or share local veterinarians, groomers, shelters, restaurants, stores or parks that welcome pets. Now, how cool is that?! There is also a Community Pet Finder. You can alert all users in the area as soon as your pet goes missing. Get notified when your pet comes within range of anyone with the Pawscout App.

I also like that you can create a full digital profile of your pet including photos, your contact info, vaccinations and behavioral or medical issues.

Sounds pretty cool, doesn’t it? Pawscout tags are available on www.pawscout.com, priced at $19.95 with no monthly fees. Much more affordable than the FitBit! The Pawscout App is available for download in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

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

#JPMABabySafetyMonth Baby Safety Tips from MAM

Baby Safety Month is here!  Sponsored annually by the Juvenile Products Manufacturer’s Association (JPMA), this month-long event increases consumer awareness of baby safety issues and the safe selection and use of baby products. For the past 40 years MAM’s top priority has been the development of products for the well-being, safety and health of babies that make life easier for parents and allow them to focus on the joy of family. MAM has partnered with top baby registry site GuGu Guru along with Crane USAThe Tot SquadMouse Loves PigLove to DreamBaby K’TanColgate Mattress and Evoz to help raise awareness of key things we can all do to protect our babies. For more information visit https://www.facebook.com/MAMbabyUSA/

Enter GuGu Guru’s Safety Month giveaway here: https://blog.guguguru.com/baby-safety-month-tips-and-giveaway/

Below are some recommendations from MAM and top baby registry site GuGu Guru to help raise awareness of key things we can all do to protect our babies.

Consider pacifier usage when placing baby down for sleep and remember that the pacifier may not be reinserted once baby falls asleep. Pacifier use is shown to reduce the risk of SIDS. MAM supports the AAP published guidelines for pacifier usage. Check them out here: http://bit.ly/AAPInfantSleepSafety

For more information about pacifiers and how they reduce the risk of SIDS, visit http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/116/5/1245

Cold Mist Humidifiers are a safe and natural way to thin baby’s mucus when congested and alleviate symptoms that may be preventing them from getting a good night’s rest, such as dry skin, bloody noses, sore throat, and dry cough. For more information from our friends @craneusa on Cool Mist Humidifiers visit www.crane-usa.com.

There are two main components to car seat safety according to our friends @thetotsquad: fitting the seat into your vehicle, and fitting your child into the seat. A correctly installed car seat should not move more than 1″ in any direction when testing tightness at the belt path. Always make sure you have the right seat for your child’s age and measurements and ensure the harness is tightened so that you cannot pinch the material over the child’s shoulders. For more information visit: www.thetotsquad.com.

Keep the wifi products in your nursery (baby monitor, sound machine, etc.) secure from web intruders with these three tips from our friends @myevoz:

1. Do NOT use wifi products that have default credentials.

2. Do NOT use wifi products that run extra programs, otherwise, know as “”backdoors”” 

3. Only use wifi products with secure encryption.

Lastly, be mindful of cords! Anything that plugs into an outlet should be placed at least 3 ft (0.9 m) away from your child.  For more information visit www.myevoz.com.

Always keep baby visible and kissable! Our friends @babyktan say that keeping your little one’s head at a kissable height when in the carrier means that you can monitor their airway (and snuggle – it’s a win-win!).  For more information visit www.babyktan.com.

Keep it clean and simple when setting up your crib. Here are a few tips for creating a safe sleep environment for baby from our friends @colgatemattress:

1. Remove anything with a soft surface from the crib, including stuffed animals and blankets. These items can block baby’s airway during sleep.

2. Provide a firm mattress with a fitted sheet.

3. Lay your baby on his or her back at bedtime and nap time.

For more information visit www.colgatekids.com

Stuffing is a choking hazard. Our friends @mouselovespig recommend to always double check the seams of soft toys to make sure that no stitches have popped loose.  For more information visit www.mouselovespig.com.

Remember the ABCs of Safe Sleep: Alone | Back | Crib. 

We recommend an easy-to-use swaddle, like Love To Dream’s Swaddle UP™, from birth so you don’t have to worry about baby breaking out of a swaddle blanket.  Choose a size according to baby’s weight, not age. Stop swaddling as soon as baby shows signs of rolling and transition to an arms-free sleep product, like the @lovetodreamUSA Swaddle UPTM 50/50 Transition Bag.”

For more information visit www.lovetodream.com.

About MAM – standard setting baby products

MAM combines technological innovation, medical function and contemporary design to develop superior baby care products that support a baby’s development from day one. Since MAM developed its first pacifier in Vienna in 1976, it has evolved to become a global authority on baby care product design and quality. Today MAM products are used by families in over 60 countries and on six continents. To find out more and view MAM’s baby care range of award-winning pacifiers, bottles, cups, teethers, oral care items, coordinating accessories and gift sets visitwww.mambaby.com.

Follow MAM

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Self Disclosure: Thank you, MAM, for this helpful information! Images were also provided.