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The Bledsoe Firm JustFamilyLaw.com | 949.363.5551 AUGUST | 2025
WORK, REST, REPEAT
BUILD A BETTER RHYTHM THIS AUGUST
Did you know that, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Americans put in an average of 1,811 work hours a year? That’s more than people in Italy (1,694), the U.K. (1,532), Switzerland (1,529), France (1,511), Sweden (1,440), and Germany (1,341). To put that into perspective, we work about seven more weeks every year than the average worker in Switzerland — that’s a lot! Today, we live in a culture that celebrates being busy. From the “rise and grind” mentality to the glorification of hustle culture, we’re constantly being told that success comes from nonstop work. We push hard, challenge our limits, and pride ourselves on how much we can cram into a day. And while working hard has its place, burnout is real. This month gives us the perfect opportunity to talk about that balance. Aug. 5 is National Work Like a Dog Day and highlights those who grind and go the extra mile. But not long after, we get two reminders to slow down: National Lazy Day on Aug. 10 and National Relaxation Day on Aug. 15. Most of us were raised to believe that hard work is the key to success, and in many ways, it is. But we weren’t really taught how to rest — not real rest, the kind that refuels your energy and resets your mental clarity. Rest tends to come with guilt or is seen as a luxury, something you earn after grinding yourself into the ground. But here’s the thing: Rest isn’t a reward. It’s part of the process. When you give yourself permission to slow down, you’re not being lazy. You’re doing maintenance. Think of it like charging your phone —
you wouldn’t let your battery hit 1% and expect it to keep functioning at full capacity.
WHAT DOES WORK-LIFE BALANCE ACTUALLY LOOK LIKE? Work-life balance doesn’t mean splitting your time 50/50 every single day. It’s more about making intentional choices and deciding when it’s time to lean in and when it’s time to lean back.
Here are a few ways to find and maintain a healthy balance:
• Set boundaries: When the workday ends, actually let it end. Close the laptop. Mute the notifications. You’re not on-call 24/7.
• Schedule downtime like you would a meeting: If it’s on the calendar, you’re more likely to protect that time. Whether it’s a nap, walk, or movie night, treat it like it matters — because it does. • Take your vacation days: You’ve earned them. Don’t let them sit unused. A change of scenery and pace can work wonders for your energy and mindset. • Do more of what fills your cup: Maybe this means exercise, time with family, reading, gardening, or just doing absolutely nothing. You don’t need to justify what helps you reset. • Check in with yourself: If you’re constantly overwhelmed, irritable, or exhausted, it’s a sign. Listen to it and adjust as needed! So, this August, go ahead and work like a dog if the moment calls for it. Show up, give your best, be proud of your drive. But also embrace National Lazy Day and National Relaxation Day. It’s okay to kick back and enjoy the little things in life because at the end of the day, balance is what keeps you going — not the constant hustle or burnout, but the rhythm between work and rest and effort and ease. You deserve both! —John Bledsoe
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JustFamilyLaw.com | 949.363.5551
DO YOU NEED A DIVORCE LAWYER IF EVERYTHING’S AGREED UPON?
HERE’S THE TRUTH
If you and your spouse have reached an amicable agreement on the terms of your divorce, that’s a significant accomplishment. Many couples go through lengthy disputes to get to that point, so if you’re already aligned on how to divide property, handle support, and manage parenting arrangements (if applicable), you’re ahead of the curve. But even if everything seems straightforward, you might still be wondering: Do I really need a divorce lawyer if we agree on everything? The answer depends on your specific circumstances, but in most cases, it’s still a good idea to consult with a lawyer.
unclear language in your agreement can lead to confusion, delays, or legal issues down the road, and nobody wants that!
A divorce attorney can help you by:
Reviewing your paperwork and agreement to ensure it complies with state laws and is fair to both parties. Identifying potential red flags or issues you may have missed, such as tax implications, division of retirement accounts, or future parenting conflicts. Ensuring all legal documents are correctly completed and submitted , which helps avoid unnecessary complications and delays in the court process. Advising you on your rights , so you fully understand what you’re agreeing to and aren’t unintentionally giving up something important.
While it might be tempting to skip legal help entirely to save money, investing in professional guidance up front can prevent costly mistakes or disputes later on. When it comes down to it, agreeing on everything is an excellent start. But having our legal professionals ensure those agreements are properly documented and enforceable is the smart next step.
Here’s why.
Divorce is a legal process with long-term consequences. While it may feel like signing off on mutual decisions, the court requires everything to be documented accurately and filed properly. Even minor oversights in paperwork or
When your head hits the pillow, are you counting sheep but not catching any z’s? It’s time to hit snooze on nights of tossing and turning and wake up refreshed with a better sleep routine! Getting the proper amount of rest every night is crucial to living a healthy life and can even help prevent mental health issues like depression and anxiety. A sweet slumber starts with the proper routine. Here’s the dreamy plan to wake up feeling your best. BEDTIME BOUNDARIES Consistency and bedtime boundaries can help your body and mind get into a regular rhythm to reach REM sleep. Try to go to bed around the same time every night to train yourself to get sleepy regularly. It doesn’t matter what time you choose as long as you stick as close to your sleep schedule as possible. You should also select a time before bed when you consistently turn off your phone, computer, and other devices. The blue light from electronics makes your mind think it’s daytime and can distract you from dreaming. Pillow Talk Prep for Your Best Rest Yet
RELAX, REWIND, REST You can use many tools to help relax and unwind from the day and prevent intrusive thoughts and tension from keeping you up at night. Listening to gentle music before entering the bedroom can put you in a sleepy state of mind. Journaling or writing a to-do list before it’s time to nod off can remove lingering stresses or racing thoughts. Try meditation or yoga to ease your muscles, focus your mind, and eliminate anxious feelings. DINE RIGHT, SLEEP TIGHT Though a late-night snack or a delayed dinner might seem harmless, it can make drifting off difficult. Your digestive system takes time and energy to break down food, which can keep you awake if you eat too late. Eat light, healthy suppers so your stomach can take a snooze with you, and avoid eating anything several hours before you plan to hit the hay.
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W ord S earch
Divorced but Still a Team
Beer
Family
Leo
Lunchbox
BUILD A PARENTING PLAN THAT WORKS
Mustard
Peridot
Poppy
Sisters
Going through a divorce is difficult, especially when kids are involved. One of the most important things you’ll do post-divorce is create a parenting plan that helps provide structure, stability, and a sense of normalcy for your children. But a good parenting plan doesn’t just work for the kids — it should work for everyone involved.
Twins
Vacation
Watermelon
Zucchini
So, how do you build a plan that’s fair and focused on what’s best for your family? Start with the basics, then fine-tune from there.
Inspired by ThePioneerWoman.com
PUT THE KIDS FIRST It sounds obvious, but it’s worth repeating: Your children’s well-being should be at the center of every decision. That means considering their school schedules, extracurriculars, friendships, routines, and emotional needs. A parenting plan that truly supports your kids will make transitions smoother and reduce conflict between parents. GET SPECIFIC General plans can leave room for confusion, and that’s where arguments start. Be as detailed as possible. Outline the regular weekly schedule, weekends, holidays, birthdays, and school breaks. Decide who’s picking up, dropping off, and when. The more clarity you have upfront, the fewer surprises you’ll deal with later. PLAN FOR COMMUNICATION Co-parenting works best when both sides know how to communicate. Decide how you’ll share updates about your child’s education, health, and activities. Will you use texts, email, or possibly a co-parenting app? Set expectations early to keep everyone on the same page and avoid miscommunication. STAY FLEXIBLE Life changes often, and your parenting plan may need to change too. Someone might get a new job, move, or deal with unexpected challenges. The best plans leave room for flexibility while still honoring the agreement. Build in regular “check-ins” to review how things are going and adjust if needed. PUT IT IN WRITING Even if you and your ex are on good terms, get everything in writing and file it with the court. A formal parenting plan protects both parents and provides a clear path forward if disagreements come up down the line.
Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars
INGREDIENTS •
1 pt strawberry ice cream
•
1 5.25-oz package crispy sugar cookies 1 0.8-oz package freeze- dried strawberries
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1/4 cup strawberry preserves 1 pt vanilla ice cream
•
•
DIRECTIONS
1. Stir strawberry ice cream in a large bowl until spreadable. Fold in preserves until evenly streaked throughout. 2. Stir vanilla ice cream in a separate large bowl until spreadable. 3. Spoon 1 1/2 tbsp of the strawberry mixture into the bottom of 8 (1/3-cup) popsicle molds. Spoon 1 1/2 tbsp of the vanilla mixture on top of the strawberry mixture into the molds. Repeat, alternating the 2 mixtures, until each mold is full. 4. Place sticks into the popsicles and freeze until solid, 4–6 hours. 5. In a large zip-lock bag, crush sugar cookies with a rolling pin until pieces are rice-size; pour into a shallow dish. 6. Repeat with freeze-dried strawberries and stir the pieces together. 7. Run the ice cream molds under warm water to release popsicles from molds. 8. Coat bars evenly with cookie mixture. 9. Eat immediately or place on a cookie sheet and freeze.
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JustFamilyLaw.com 949.363.5551
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JustFamilyLaw.com | 949.363.5551
23101 Lake Center Drive • Suite 310 Lake Forest, CA 92630
Inside
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Work Hard, Rest Well
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Even Peaceful Divorces Deserve Legal Peace of Mind
Your Guide to Dreamy Sleep Habits
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Tips for a Stress-Free Parenting Plan
Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars
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The Natural Way to Fight Off Summer Bugs (No Harsh Sprays Needed!)
How to Use Plants and Scents to Repel Insects NATURE VS. NATURE
USE NATURAL AROMAS Many bugs have super-sensitive noses, and certain scents repel them. Essential oils like citronella, eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint, and lemongrass are natural bug repellents. You can make your own spray by mixing a few drops of any of these
There’s nothing quite like summer. Backyard barbecues, evening hikes, and late-night stargazing. All of it is magical — until bugs crash the party. Mosquitoes, gnats, and ticks don’t need an invite, and before you know it, you’re scratching your ankles and swatting at the air. But you don’t have to douse yourself in strong sprays and chemicals to keep them away. Here are five natural ways to repel bugs this summer — no chemicals required. CHOOSE LOOSE CLOTHING Believe it or not, your outfit can make a big difference. Light-colored, loose-fitting clothing is less attractive to mosquitoes and helps prevent them from biting through fabric. Covering up exposed skin is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself. It’s specifically helpful to wear long sleeves and pants at dusk and dawn, when bugs are most active.
an easy, low-effort way to keep them off your picnic table.
WATCH YOUR SCENTS Surprisingly, it’s not
just about what repels bugs — it’s also about avoiding what attracts
them. Fragranced lotions, perfumes, and even certain soaps can lure bugs to you. In summer, it’s smart to go unscented when heading outdoors.
scents with water and a carrier oil (like witch hazel or coconut oil), then spritzing it on your skin or clothes. Just make sure you’re cautious with essential oils around pets and kids. SMOKE THEM OUT Burning herbs like sage or rosemary in your campfire or fire pit not only smells amazing but also helps keep mosquitoes and gnats at bay. Bugs hate the smoke from these plants, and it’s
KEEP YOUR SPACE CLEAN If you have standing water on your property, it’s a mosquito’s favorite breeding ground. Make sure you dump water from flower pots, birdbaths, or kiddie pools regularly. And if you’re entertaining outside, clean up food scraps and trash — flies and ants will sniff that out fast.
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