Archives for 2020

California Based Organic Chef Crafted Food Brand Hak’s Launches New “Perfect Side Dish” Available at Costco and is great for the holidays!

Redefining home cooked meals, Hak’s believes everyone deserves a restaurant-quality food experience in their home without the time-consuming prep. Prepared by Chef, CEO and Founder Sharone Hakman, Hak’s products champion adventurous new flavors made from organic, sustainably sourced, and cruelty-free ingredients. Debuting this fall, Hak’s is excited to add another innovation to the portfolio of dynamic, chef crafted foods – Perfect Side Dishes.

A collection of organic chef-made, heat & eat side dishes, these fully cooked, family-sized side dishes are the ideal accompaniment to any dinner time meal. Made with clean, delicious, and quality ingredients, Hak’s Perfect Side Dishes are non-GMO, keto and paleo friendly, and sugar free. Now available in Costco’s throughout the Los Angeles region, consumers can get their hands on Hak’s Roasted Cauliflower with Chimichurri Sauce. With six servings per container, just pop in your microwave for 5 minutes, and this satisfying side dish is ready to serve.

I had the opportunity to try the Organic Rainbow Carrots with Maple Dijon Glaze and also the delicious Roasted Brussel Sprouts and I love how fresh they taste and how quick and easy they are to make. The Rainbow Carrots are definitely on my menu for this upcoming Thanksgiving!

Look for them at your local Costco!

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

Books of the month!

Looking for some new books for the kids to read this Fall? Here are a few of my favorites from Arbordale Publishing. What’s the Weather? is a great book to teach young children about the weather. We know that weather changes daily. Sometimes it can even change from one moment to another-like a sudden storm. Learning about weather and how to dress and prepare for it is an important skill to learn. I recommend for ages 3-7.

I love this next one because I love otters! River Otter’s Adventure is a fun story for ages 4-8. It’s about a young river otter who sneaks into a zoo, and she wonders if she should be more like some of the zoo animals she meets. This one is educational and a lot of fun!

This next one is perfect for ages 5-8. Animal Homes teaches young children about the different homes of different animals. Just like humans, animals use their homes for shelter and to raise their young. Animal Homes might be easy to see, or they may be hidden (camouflaged) for protection. Some animals are great builders and other animals borrow homes that other animals have made. I love how educational this book is!

This next one is a great way to teach young children about human and animal teeth, And That’s the Tooth delivers unique and fun facts about animal and human teeth through engaging riddles. With hints to help solve each riddle, children will be actively involved as they giggle, guess, and learn.

Find all of these and many more at Arbordale Publishing.

Self Disclosure: I received free copies of the above books and images were provided.

Teach Children about the Importance of Their Mental Health and the Health of Those Around Them!

Unraveling Rose by author Brian Wray

A cuddly stuffed rabbit named Rose helps families understand obsessive thoughts and behaviors in children

Rose is a stuffed bunny who loves having fun with the little boy she lives with, until she discovers a loose thread dangling from her arm, and it’s all she can think about. The story will help parents and teachers talk to children about what to do with obsessive thoughts, and shares a positive outcome for a complicated issue. As someone who works with children at my other job, I would highly recommend this book to parents of younger children. Find this book and many other great books here.

Self Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book and cover image was provided.

Tasha, Nov. 12th Pet of the Week!

Tasha #A649275 is our shelter’s prima ballerina! We call her that because she was born with two front paws in the first position! And we love her for it! Far from being focused solely on the dance, Tasha is people focused; she’s kind, gentle, warm in spirit and good-natured. She’s only 2 years old, so she has lots of time to trip the light fantastic with a partner! She’ll never leave your side. (To see this sweetheart onstage, visit https://tinyurl.com/y2ktsjg6.) Because the shelter is closed to the public, adoption appointments are conducted through appointment, so call 562-570-PETS or email PetAdopt@longbeach.gov  to meet Tasha. Ask for ID#A649275.

Fence Ideas for Your Front Yard

Thinking of adding front fencing to your home? Or maybe the winter storms beaten up your fences and you need a new one. This is the right time to begin looking at front yard fence ideas. Learn how to deal with construction-related problems and select a type of fencing that will give you the best results.

Decide on Your Style
Go Natural? You could try brush fencing; this can be labour intense to look after but it does give a nice natural feel to your property. Brick fencing can be a good study option however some homeowners don’t like the aesthetic of brick. A good neutral style is woven wire fencing, it is quick to install, low maintenance and is perfect for keeping pets and children safe in your yard

Do Your Homework
Do You Need a Permit? Plan ahead to prevent problems; be sure to check out the laws in your area. You may need to get a permit if you intend to build a front fence over 4 to 5 feet high (most backyard fencing usually requires permitting only if it goes over 6 feet.) Your regional building department will be able to help you with details such as what materials are acceptable and how close to your house you are allowed to install a fence

Approval from Your Building Association
As well, your Homeowners’ Association will have its own two cents to chip in about permissible materials, colors, and styles; get written HOA permission for your planned fence installation before you ever start the project. You should ask your fencing contractor to deliver examples for HOA approval.


One-Call Number
You have to to contact a local one-call number to evade excavation where utility lines are underground

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Clarify What You Need the Fence For
A fresh fence in front of your home might be a variety of reason. Decide precisely why you need to install the fencing so you can narrow down the best front yard fence ideas for the job, that could be;

Style and Curb Appeal
A attractive fence made out of ornate wrought iron, or white pickets could be just the right touch if you’re looking to increase up your home’s curb appeal. You need to think about matching the fencing to your house, that could be using a complementary color or a comparable style. For instance, think quaint split rail fence or dry-stone wall for a country cottage; bold aluminium fencing would suit a contemporary home. Pillars adjoining the gateway will give a regal look to a large and stately residence.


Privacy
The summer is when you’re most likely to be dry-stone out on your front lawn. Bamboo fencing can offer you privacy if that’s what you crave – the material is solid enough to hide your yard from passers-by, but won’t make you feel like you’re restricted. This practically priced option adds a summery feel to your home, allows circulation on hot summer days, and is easy to take down for storage in the fall.


Keeping Animals in or Out
To ensure smaller animals don’t escape or neighbourhood dogs from walking onto your prized green grass standard-height front fencing will generally suffice. Choose a solid design with no large openings. If your animals like to dig, add a concrete or wire footer to the bottom of your fence.


Support for Climbing Plants
There’s no place like home, especially if it’s fronted by a fence has wisteria or rambling roses. What is the ideal material for this purpose? Wait for it … chain link! Many aren’t a fan of chain link but it works extremely well as a support for flowers – or even vertical vegetables like runner beans, should you have limited garden space. Another great thing about chain link it, the moisture trapped by the plant won’t damage it unlinks wood.

Parenting a Disabled Child: 6 Tips Every Parent Should Know

Being a parent is hard work. Being a parent of a child with a disability can be especially challenging. Even if you don’t have a job other than being the primary caregiver for your child, that alone is often a 25 hour a day eight day a week type of job. There is just never enough time. Here are a few tips to keep in mind to help make life just a little bit easier:

  • Ask for help
  • Don’t neglect yourself
  • Choose your battles
  • Empathize
  • Watch out for bullying
  • Don’t forget about others

Ask for Help

Many parents of children with special needs feel uncomfortable asking for help for one reason or another. They may feel like their skills as a parent aren’t strong enough if they have to ask for help. They might think that nobody else is up to the challenge of helping with a disabled child. Whatever the reason, a parent of a disabled child should never feel like they can’t ask for help.

Friends and family know that you are facing a difficult situation, and most of the time, they would like to help. However, they are not sure exactly what they should do or how to go about offering help. Ask for specific assistance, and you will often find they are more than willing to pitch in.

Beyond your pool of friends and family, there are several programs out there available for disabled children and their families to help them get along. Enroll in as many assistance programs as you can early on. Even if you end up deciding that the program is not right for you, it is much easier to opt-out later on than it is to opt-in.

Don’t Neglect Yourself

Parents of children with disabilities often put everything into their child’s well-being and don’t pay any attention to their own needs. This is a terrible move that is likely to lead to the parent burning out. We all need to focus on ourselves from time to time in order to keep our sanity. Parents who don’t make room for themselves in their life may even grow to resent their child, which is the last thing they want.

Whether it is through help from friends and family, special programs, or simply sitting your kid in front of the television for an hour, find a way to get some time to treat yourself.

Choose Your Battles

Deciding when to push back with your kids and when to let them simply do their thing is a challenge that all parents face. This challenge is often amplified when your child has special needs. You can’t win every battle. Make sure to focus on the most important ones, such as the ones that affect their health and safety.

Empathize

Empathy is a tool that you will need to put into practice often. Children with disabilities often have the same needs as anyone else, just on a grander scale. Think about the rituals of routine that you may need in your life, to understand the much deeper need for routine in the life of your child.

Watch Out for Bullying

Children with disabilities are often targets for bullying, as they are more susceptible, for a variety of reasons. Make sure to keep an eye out for signs that your child is being bullied. Remember, at the same time, though, while they are more susceptible, just because your child has special needs doesn’t mean they are necessarily being bullied.

Don’t Forget About Others

The same as parents can get lost in the lives of their disabled child and forget to take care of themselves; they can forget about others. Friends, family, partners, and other non-disabled friends can get neglected. While it can be difficult to fit everyone in, make sure that everyone at least knows that you value them and that you try to get time with them when you can.

In the case of siblings of your disabled child, it is especially important to make sure they don’t miss out on parental love because all of your time is focused on your child who needs more attention. Find ways to be inclusive.

Identifying a Child With a Disability

For parents who are worried that their child may have a disability, it is important to get them examined early. Seizures and developmental delays need to be immediately addressed before they cause further complications. Delays can make things much more difficult for your child down the line.

The most important thing to remember for a parent of a disabled child is that you are not in this alone. There are always resources available to make raising a child with special needs more manageable and make the best life for both of you.

Celebrate Thanksgiving at Dana Point Harbor with Seasonal Specials and Events Through November

Dana Point Harbor Partners invites the community to celebrate Thanksgiving at the Harbor with shopping specials, dining, entertainment, and the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce’s 43rd annual Turkey Trot happening virtually Thanksgiving week. 

Dana Point Harbor features eclectic shops and entertainment for the whole family. Throughout the month of November, Still Life Ceramics will offer holiday classes and workshops for all skill levels, plus 10% off any class or workshop with the code Thanksgiving2020. Shop Black Friday deals November 27-29 at Killer Dana Surf Shop and receive discounts on surf and beach essentials including rash guards, sunglasses, clothes for men, women and children, and more. Spend $100 and receive a free original Killer Dana Arch logo tee. Take a whale watching excursion or fishing trip with Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching Thanksgiving week (closed on Thanksgiving Day) or gift a trip for a loved one with Dana Wharf’s 40% off fishing and whale watching gift card promotion.

Wind & Sea Restaurant will be serving a traditional Thanksgiving menu from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. including holiday favorites such as oven roasted turkey, stuffing, garlic mashed potatoes, gravy, pumpkin pie and more. Reservations will be accepted starting October 26. Starting at 7 a.m, The Brig will be open Thanksgiving Day serving a traditional Thanksgiving-style meal. Gemmell’s Restaurant will be open from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., serving a three-course dinner including choice of appetizer, entree and dessert available for dine-in or takeout.

“This year, we are thankful for the Dana Point Harbor community and pleased to offer a Thanksgiving destination for local and out of town visitors,” commented Bryon Ward of Dana Point Harbor Partners and President of Burnham Ward Properties. “Dana Point Harbor Partners is proud to sponsor this year’s virtual Turkey Trot, which will continue the tradition of bringing the community together to celebrate family and give thanks, even virtually from the comfort of our own home.” 

The 43rd annual virtual Turkey Trot, sponsored by Dana Point Harbor Partners, welcomes participants to run or walk a 5k, 10k, 15k or Kids 1-mile Gobble Wobble anytime and anywhere during Thanksgiving week. Registration includes a commemorative medal, t-shirt, and virtual goody bag packed with special offers from local businesses. Participants are encouraged to form teams and can time their race using the race event app. Runners can have their items delivered or picked up at a drive-thru packet pick-up in the Dana Point Harbor. For more information and to register visit www.TurkeyTrot.com. Online registration will remain open through November 13.

The newly renovated Dana Point Marina Inn is the perfect place for out of town and local visitors alike to experience Dana Point Harbor. Book a room for the whole family, including your furry friends, and soak in beautiful Harbor views and fall sunsets.

Dana Point Harbor Partners remains committed to the health and wellness of Harbor guests, employees, and the community. For more information on Harbor safety and Thanksgiving events visit DanaPointHarbor.com or connect on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.  

Credit: Dana Point Harbor Partners.

Why Subscription Boxes are the Perfect Self-Gifts

Subscription boxes are everywhere. Whatever you may want to arrive at your door regularly, you can find it. They are one of the most fun ways to shop online – there’s a reason they’re so popular! If you need a little self-care, then a subscription box could be the ideal way to go.


What Are Subscription Boxes?

Subscription boxes are online subscriptions that you sign up for that delivers regularly. This could be weekly, fortnightly, monthly, and so on. It’s like Netflix, except it brings you a material item. If you’re curious about trying one, then here are the reasons they make the perfect (and regular) self-gift.


The Surprise

One of the greatest things about subscription boxes is that sometimes you will be surprised by what they bring. There are some boxes where you won’t even know what’s coming! Whether you’re ordering food, a book, or a beauty product, sometimes, when you open it, you might find something you’d never have thought of buying before.


The Variety

There truly is no limit to the number of items you can buy as a subscription. This includes:

  • Food
  • Alcohol
  • Books
  • Skincare
  • Period items
  • Makeup

There is so much more! No matter who you are, there’s something for you. Whether you want a monthly cologne or even a new piece of clothing, you’ll find it! Make yourself smile by gifting yourself a regular present. 


The Savings

Often, subscription boxes send you items for a much lower price. This means you’ll save money overall! If you subscribe to a makeup box, for example, you’ll find that buying each product individually would have cost you a lot more than what you paid for. You’ll end up with a great collection of items without damaging your pockets!


The Self-Care

Everyone needs to indulge in self-care, and by subscribing to a monthly treat, you ensure that you are doing it regularly! Choose a pampering box or a book box so you are always reminded that you should relax and take a time out. If you find that you forget to take time to yourself, then a sub box is a great way of reminding you to switch off and enjoy your time.


You Don’t Have to Think About it

When ordering items online, you probably find yourself waiting near the door in deep anticipation of its arrival. With a subscription box, it’s easy to forget that it’s even arriving. This means you’ll have a little gift waiting for you, and you don’t even have to think about clicking on ‘checkout’ each time you want to treat yourself. It’s like receiving a surprise present!


You Deserve it

One of the main reasons for splashing on a subscription box is that you deserve it! The world is a busy place, and sometimes, all you need is a little treat that greets you at the end of the day to remind you that you are worth it.