Holiday Shopping Tips

The two goals for Christmas shopping: 1. get all the items on your list and 2. save money. Sometimes it may feel like you cannot get the items on your family's wish lists without spending more than you can afford. But it is definitely possible to get the items you want without breaking the bank. Here are some great holiday shopping tips.

Amazon Lightning Deals

Amazon offers new deals on a variety of items every day. The trick to getting the best value is to check it often and be aware of the items you need and when the deal begins. Once the deal begins the item could sell out at any time. You definitely don't want to wait to add the item to your cart and purchase it.

If you miss the deal on the item you want, you may still have a chance to get the item at the Lightning Deal price if you get on the waitlist. It is possible that someone has added the item to their cart and then ends up not purchasing it. If you are next on the waitlist you may be the one who snags that item! Amazon.com

Amazon

Besides the Lightning Deals, Amazon is just a great way to purchase the items on your shopping list anyway. Amazon sellers change the prices of their items often, usually to match the prices offered by other retailers. But make sure you work quickly. You never know if the item will sell out, or how long the low price will last. If you see an amazing price on something on your list, don't wait, buy it! Amazon.com

Groupon

Groupon is a fantastic way to save on those gifts that you can't necessarily purchase at a store.  Groupon offers deals on events and activities, deals for kids, deals on travel, automotive deals, etc. All you need to do is set up an account, look for the deals available on their site, and start saving money! They also even have a page devoted to coupons you can use to shop online that can also help you save money when you are buying your Christmas gifts. Go to Groupon.com.

Price Match at Walmart

Sometimes the prices at the store just cannot be beat, even by online sellers. When this is the case it is of course better to get it at the store. If the item you are looking for is sold out at the original store where it is sold, you can take the ad to a Walmart and if they carry the item in their store, they will match the sale price of the item! For a complete understanding of their price match policy you can visit http://corporate.walmart.com/ad-match-guarantee.

A few other tips:

It is a good idea to add the regular price of the items you want to purchase to your shopping list. That way when you see a sale price you will know just how good that sale price is. Many times ads can make you think that you are getting a good price when really you may only be saving a dollar or two from the original price of an item.

Make your shopping list as soon as you can. The sooner you have the list the sooner you can be watching for good deals. Then you can get the best prices as they become available and you are not stuck shopping on Christmas Eve or missing shipping deadlines when shopping online.

It can take a little bit of extra time to ensure you get good deals and save money when buying the items on your Christmas list, but with that little bit of extra effort, you can help make the holidays a happy time for you both you and your family.

Fun Holiday Family Activities in Ogden

There are a lot of fun family activities coming up in the Ogden area for the holidays. It is shaping up to be quite the holiday season here! We hope you have time to check out some of these activities and enjoy time with your loved ones.

On Saturday, November 23rd, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Peery's Egyptian Theater in Ogden, there will be a performance of "Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical" Direct from Broadway Film starring David Hasselhoff. The cost for general admission is  $12 for adults, $9 for student/teacher/senior/military, and $7 for children under 12. Go here for more information.

Beginning on Wednesday, November 27th, from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm is the Christmas Tree Jubilee in Ogden. This is a free event for everyone! There will be Christmas Trees to purchase and free live entertainment. Go here for more information.
Also at the Peery's Egyptian Theater in Ogden, on Friday, November 29th, there will be a Ryan Shupe & The RubberBand Christmas Concert from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. The cost for reserved seating in advance is: $18 for adults and $15 for students/senior/military/teacher/child (w/ID). The cost day-of will be $23 for adults and $20 for students/senior/teacher/child. More information can be found here.

photo from ogdencity.com

The Holiday Electric Parade in Ogden begins at 5:30 pm of November 30th. The parade will go south on Washington Boulevard starting from 22nd Street to 28th Street. And at the end of the parade (about 6:30 pm), Santa will turn on the lights of the Christmas Village at the Municipal Gardens! Go here for more information.

And on November 30, at 7:30 pm there will be a screening of the 1947 classic, Miracle on 34th Street at the Peery's Egyptian Theater in Ogden. Cost is $6 for general admission, or $5 with a food donation. More information can be found here.

Also on November 30, the Ziegfeld Theatre on Washington Boulevard will be presenting "Twas The Night Before Christmas." 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. Prices are $15 for adult, and $12 for children/students. more information can be found here.

Protecting Your Most Important Asset

The holidays are fast approaching. Naturally, people shift their focus away from conflict, and
narrow in on their family and loved ones during this time of the year. The same shift occurs
in the legal field as potential clients think less about litigation and more about the people who
are most important to them. For that reason, I am focusing this article on protecting those
most important assets in our lives, our loved ones.

When I ask people if they have an estate plan, most people ask me what an estate plan is. "Is
that like... a trust or a will?" Together with not knowing what exactly an estate plan is, most
people I speak with do not think they need a plan until they are old and rich. Let me clarify
what an estate plan is and who should really have an estate plan.

An estate plan consists of several documents which protect different parts of your overall
estate. For example, most basic estate plans will include a trust, a pour-over will, a power of
attorney, and a health care directive. Generally speaking, a trust will protect your property, a
will protects your children, a power of attorney assists you, and a health care directive ensures
your health care needs are cared for properly in the event you are unable to speak for yourself.
I think we can all agree that our most important assets are our children. If you have
minor children, you need an estate plan. As mentioned above,
a will provides for who will care for them and how your children
will be cared for in the event both you and your spouse pass
away. I understand that the thought is almost unthinkable, but imagine if the unthinkable
occurs, and you have left no direction for who should care for your children and how they
should be cared for?

A will can provide for who will take care of your children in the event you and your spouse
are no longer around to do so. Your trust can create trusts with rules to ensure that any assets
and insurance money you leave to provide financially for your children are used properly
to meet your children's needs. By creating an estate plan you can avoid placing your relatives
or close friends in a position where they have to fight over your children.
Your will gives the Court direction on how and who you wanted to care for your children,
so that the Court, which knows little about your children or your relatives,
is not forced to simply make a decision about the custody of your children.
 If, for example, you trust the care and up bringing to one relative who is really good
with children, but would prefer your other relative who is a CPA to
 handle your children's finances, you can do that. Your preference will
be strongly considered by the Court in determining who cares for your
children if you are no longer able. If you do not leave direction, then
your relatives are left to petition the court and argue over who should
be the caregiver of your children. Why would you ever allow someone
 else to decide who cares for your children?

So as we approach the holiday season, consider creating an estate plan to ensure that your most
important assets, your children, are protected in the event the unthinkable occurs.

10 Great Tips for Overall Wellness

Many people may feel overwhelmed by the changes they may need to make to their lifestyle in order to feel healthy. But most people do not need to make drastic changes for them to feel better and to achieve overall wellness. Here are 10 simple tips for overall wellness.

Eat healthy

This is probably nothing new, but just about everyone needs to be reminded to make healthy food choices. A good way to make sure that you are getting enough fruits and vegetables is to fill up half of your plate with them at each meal. That way the meat and bread portion of the meal will only take up a quarter of the plate each and you will eat less of the higher calorie foods and more fruits and 

veggies.

Of course it is also important for you to avoid eating foods high in sodium and saturated fat. Staying away from fast foods, most prepared frozen foods, and many packaged processed foods is a good way for you to avoid the foods you should not eat.

Eat often

Most people think that the more often they eat, the more likely they are to not lose weight, and probably gain a few pounds. But eating about every three hours will actually help your metabolism. Eating three meals and two snacks per day can help keep your body in a good rhythm and help ensure that you do not binge on extra calories at dinner or by eating a late night snack.

Don't eat too fast

During those three meals and two snacks per day it is important to eat slowly. Shoveling the food into your mouth can cause you to overeat and give you indigestion. As you eat, you can think about how your food tastes and concentrate on chewing to help slow down your pace. It can also help to listen to slow music while you eat. Studies have shown that people who listen to slow music take only about three bites per minute compared to the average four bites per minute for people who are not listening to any music.

Exercise

 An essential part of overall wellness is a healthy body. It is important for you to get at least 30 minutes of exercise at least five days a week. The trick to being able to exercise regularly is for you to choose something you like to do. Walking, running, swimming, yoga, Pilates, exercise classes, dance classes, basketball, other sports teams, and using exercise machines at the gym are all great options for exercise. Exercise not only helps your body be healthier, but it can also help you reduce stress.

Flexibility

Along with exercise being an important part of overall wellness, so is flexibility. And just because someone is fit does not mean they are also flexible.  It is important for you to include stretching with your exercise. Flexibility can help decrease injuries during physical activity, it can also help a person have less back, neck, and shoulder pain. Yoga is a great way to increase flexibility and can be an excellent stress reducer as well.

Checkups

It is important for you to have a checkup with your doctor at least once a year. As you age, there are certain tests that need to be done even if you are feeling fine, in order to keep you healthy. Talk to your doctor to find out what screenings and tests you should have done so that you can catch a problem early and stay healthy.

Visit your dentist

Going to your dentist is another important check up you should have at least once a year if not every six months. If bacteria is able to build up in your mouth it can get into your blood stream and contribute to problems such as hypertension and diabetes. Getting a cleaning and x-rays can keep your mouth healthy and help ensure that you can keep your teeth strong and clean. 

Sleep

Sleep is an essential part of overall wellness. Everyone can attest to the fact that when they have had a bad night's sleep the day generally does not go very well. And if a person continues to not get enough sleep their overall health can deteriorate. A lack of the proper amount of sleep can lead a person to think less clearly and perform tasks at a less than desirable level.

Falling asleep can be hard for some people. Creating a bedtime routine can be helpful. This way  your body knows that it is time to go to sleep. Having the room completely dark can also be helpful. And turning off the television and any other electronics an hour before bedtime can assist you in winding down more easily; so can reading a book or taking a bath. Many people find that using earplugs or a white noise machine can help them relax and stay asleep once they fall asleep. 

Friends

Having good friends is an important part of overall health. Everyone needs someone they can talk to, who they can go to when they need help, and someone they can have fun with. Studies have shown that people who have good friends are happier people. Friends can be a great source of comfort during times of sorrow, as well as an excellent source of joy and fun. And you don't need to have a lot of friends. One or two good friends can be plenty.

Reduce stress

Everybody has many stressors in their life. But to achieve overall wellness, it is essential that you are able to handle that stress in a positive way so that it does not bring you down. There are many ways for you to remove stress; exercise and stretching are great ways for you to let out some of your built up anxiety and stress and they can help relax your muscles. Spending time by yourself relaxing can be a great stress reliever. Or you might enjoy spending time with a friend or family member seeing a movie, going out to eat, shopping, or attending a sporting event or a play or musical. The activity doesn't really matter as long as the end result of relieving stress is achieved.

Though it may seem overwhelming at first, ensuring your overall wellness can easily be attained through simple changes to your lifestyle. Pick one thing to work on, such as making healthier food choices or reducing stress, and work on that for awhile. Once you make your healthy choices a regular habit you will be ready to work on another aspect of your overall health and pretty soon you will be feeling great!

Helping Your Child Cope With Divorce

Divorce can be a great next step for a couple when staying married is no longer an option. Following divorce, both people in the marriage can move on with their lives and discover who they are and what they really want. It can be a new beginning.

But when there are children involved in the divorce things can be a little bit more complicated. Here are five ways that parents can help their children cope with divorce.

Tell them you love them

It is essential when parents are getting divorced for them to reassure their children often that they love them. They can also explain that though their parents will no longer be married and may not love each other anymore, they will never stop loving them. Parents can also tell their children how important they are to them and that they want them to be happy.

Discuss changes together

Many things may be changing for the children when their parents are getting divorced. They may be moving, changing schools, having to make new friends, being watched over by new people, and seeing one parent less than they may be used to seeing them. It is a good idea for parents to take the time to sit down with their children and discuss the changes that will be happening and why. This way there will be less surprises for the children to deal with. Even if the changes are hard, at least they will be aware of them and can do more to prepare themselves.

Tell the truth

It is important for each parent to tell their children the truth about why they are getting divorced. Parents can tailor the explanation to the age of the child. Something simple, such as, "we don't get along anymore" can be a sufficient explanation for younger children who do not need a long-winded explanation. 

Older children may want a more detailed explanation. It is ok to tell older children a more detailed version of the reason their parents are getting divorced. But parents should remember not to talk negatively about their ex-spouse in the process. Explaining the facts is enough even if the child wants to talk about it more than once.

Let them talk

Children will have a lot of thoughts and feelings about their parents getting divorced. Parents should allow their children to talk to them about what is going on and about how they are feeling about all of it. During these conversations the job of the parents is mainly just to listen. If it seems like the child needs advice or help and asks for it then the parent can offer some advice.

 

Maintain structure

As much as possible, it is best to maintain structure for the children during and soon after a divorce. Children should have the same bedtime routines and bed time. They should also have the same meal times and if they are participating in any activities such as sports or lessons, they should continue to participate in them. This way the child will feel like some of their world is maintaining stability even though much is changing.

Delicious Autumn Recipes

Autumn is a great time to try some delicious new recipes. Here are some we think you might enjoy.

For Dinner

Taco Soup

1lb. ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped fine
1 can green chiles, undrained
1 can corn, undrained
1 16 oz. can kidney beans, undrained
1 16 oz. can tomato sauce
1 can Rotel tomatoes, original flavor
1 pkg. taco seasoning

Garnishes:
shredded cheese
cilantro
avocado, diced
corn chips (we like chili cheese Fritos)
sour cream
sliced olives

Brown beef with onions until cooked through.  Drain fat.  In a large pot, combine beef and onion mixture with the tomato sauce, kidney beans, corn, tomatoes, taco seasoning, and green chiles.  Simmer, covered, for about 15 minutes and garnish as desired. 

recipe source: http://myrecipeboxx.blogspot.com/2009/12/taco-soup.html

Sweet Pumpkin Cornbread



¼ cup butter, melted
1/3 cup sugar
1 tbsp. honey
1 egg
¼ tsp. baking soda
¼ cup buttermilk
¼ cup pumpkin puree
¼ tsp. salt
½ cup yellow cornmeal
½ cups flour

Preheat oven to 350º. In a bowl, combine butter, sugar, and honey. Whisk in egg, baking soda, buttermilk, then pumpkin. Stir in remaining ingredients, making sure to mix minimally as to not create a tough cornbread. Grease an 8x8 baking pan and bake for 25 minutes. A toothpick should come out clean. Top with honey and serve.

Serve along side Taco Soup

(recipe source: http://www.examiner.com/article/sweet-pumpkin-cornbread) 

And for Dessert

Pumpkin Cookies with Caramel Frosting

Cookies:

1 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 cup canned pumpkin
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon cloves
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ginger
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups all-purpose flour

Frosting:

3 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 cup confectioners’ sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
Pinch of salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugars. Add eggs and vanilla and mix well. Stir in pumpkin. In a medium bowl, sift together the baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, ginger, salt and flour. Add to pumpkin mixture and mix well.  Drop by heaping tablespoons onto a lightly greased cookie sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes.

To make frosting: In a medium saucepan, combine butter, cream, and brown sugar over medium heat.  Cook, stirring occasionally, until mixture just begins to boil; remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Cool then stir in confectioner’s sugar.  Spread frosting over cooled cookies.

 

recipe source: http://www.letsdishrecipes.com/2010/10/pumpkin-cookies-with-carmel-frosting.html#.UU-M-eLnbPw

 

Fun Fall Activity Ideas for the whole family

Go on a Hike

Going on a hike in the fall is a great way to enjoy the cooler autumn weather and see the changing leaves up close.  There are many different trails in Ogden and even a family with little children can enjoy a short hike to see the red, orange, and yellow leaves and enjoy a view of the Ogden valley. On the hike, younger kids might enjoy collecting the colorful leaves. Here is a great link for more information on Ogden hiking trails http://www.utah.com/ogden/hiking_trails.htm.

Visit a Pumpkin Patch

Visiting a pumpkin patch can be such a fun tradition for the whole family to do each autumn. No matter what age your children (or grandchildren) are, there will be something for them to enjoy at a pumpkin patch. You will usually find at least one corn maze, a hay ride to pick your own pumpkin, a courtyard with activities such as pig races, slides, and a bonfire, and even a haunted house.

Rake Leaves

The best way to make work not seem like work is to turn it into a fun activity. And while raking leaves can be time consuming and labor intensive, having the kids help you can turn it into a fun fall family activity! Many young kids love to help out with yard work when they have their own tools.  You can purchase small plastic rakes at Wal-Mart or Target and the kids can help to make a leaf pile perfect for jumping in.

Make Caramel Apples

Yum! Caramel apples are delicious and very simple to make. There are many caramel apple recipes available online. Many of these recipes require only apples, sticks, caramel candies, and milk.  And there are many options to add to a regular caramel apple such as melted white or milk chocolate, crushed cookies, or even sprinkles.

Carve Pumpkins

Carving pumpkins is a lot of fun. There are many different designs to choose from. You can choose  to carve a simple smile faced pumpkin free hand or get really elaborate and print off a pumpkin carving template that you find online to carve a very intricate design. Of course this activity is safest for older children and adults. But the little ones can help scoop out the inside of the pumpkin and enjoy the finish product.

Throw a Halloween Party

If you are really ambitious, throwing a Halloween party can be a lot of fun. The party can be geared toward children, families, or you could throw one for adults only. There are so many fun Halloween activities for parties such as bobbing for apples, donuts on a string, pin the face on the pumpkin, and a Halloween themed piñata.  There are also a lot of creative ideas for Halloween party food available online (think green, orange, and red food!) to help make the party extra special.