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BIRTHDAYS, LEAVES, AND THANKSGIVING TRAVELS WHY NOVEMBER IS OUR FAVORITE MONTH
Florida’s seasons don’t change much. They go from hot to hotter, to rainy, and then to slightly cool. There are no fall leaves, “real” pumpkin patches, or apples to harvest into pie or cider. The fall also marks the start of the busy travel season when the roads get more crowded and the lines grow longer at all our favorite restaurants. With that said, November is perhaps our favorite month. It’s the time of year we celebrate our two children’s birthdays, Thanksgiving, and all the fantastic local fall festivals. But what makes autumn truly special is the spirit of the people and the charm they put on to transform this season into something incredible.
Our kids both have birthdays this month, and we usually do one party for both of them. However, with our son turning 9 and our daughter turning 8, they are starting to have their own ideas about what they want their parties to look like. We’ve split the celebrations up this year. My dad’s birthday is also at the beginning of the month, so it’s just a busy, fun time for family celebrations. And, before you know it, we’re replacing the Halloween decorations with Christmas lights. There are also so many wonderful community fall activities and events in the area to participate in, such as fall festivals, Halloween parties, and Thanksgiving parades. In Martin County, there’s the annual Treasure Coast Brew Fest on Nov. 2 at Stuart Memorial Park. This is one of the county’s longest-running beer festivals and includes plenty of family-friendly fun. Palm Beach County is home to the Ford Boca Pumpkin Patch Festival on Oct. 19 and 20 or the Downtown West Palm Beach Art Festival on Nov. 16. Near us in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach, there’s the Affair of the Arts event on Nov. 25 and 26, a great place to find holiday gifts. Fort Lauderdale offers an incredible boat show the weekend of Oct. 31 and has several fun Halloween events. Jupiter gets spooky this time of year with a Halloween Trunk or Treat on Oct. 26. As you can see, the festivities really kick into high gear during the fall months. Another special treat we look forward to every fall is pumpkin everything. Pumpkin lattes, pumpkin bread, and more — there’s no shortage of delicious options! Light a pumpkin candle from the Yankee Candle Store to fill your home with that cozy fall aroma. And don’t miss the pumpkin bread from Anna Bakes; it’s absolutely delicious. Just make sure that it is warmed to perfection for the ultimate indulgence!
Ruby & Russell enjoying the fall leaves in Helen, GA
The fall is a great time to get outside and soak in the season. There is so much we love about this time of year.
One of our favorite family traditions is watching the leaves change colors. Florida’s palms aren’t known for their vibrant fall displays, so we usually travel to northern Georgia’s Unicoi State Park with the kids the week of Thanksgiving. We will camp for a few days and enjoy the colorful piles of leaves on the ground and cooler weather. Some of our friends have even started to join us, forging their own new traditions. After leaf peeping, we head to Jacksonville to visit Chris’s sister and family for Thanksgiving dinner, a beloved holiday trip we’ve been taking for the last eight years.
We hope that you enjoy your fall this year, and really get into the spirit.
–Ashley and Christopher Bruce
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One of the first things you likely learned was the name of your home state, but what if everything you knew about your state’s namesake could have been different? Prepare for a journey through the quirky and bizarre world of almost-names for states! The early days of American statehood were filled with creative, peculiar, and downright odd suggestions. Let’s look into history and uncover the surprising stories behind the names that could have been. KENTUCKY Kentucky’s famous horse race was almost known as the Transylvania Derby, but it has nothing to do with vampires. In 1775, a businessman named Richard Henderson established the Transylvania Company and signed a treaty with the Cherokee tribe, securing land known as the Transylvania colony. However, Henderson’s treaty failed as Virginia had already claimed the land. Years later, in 1792, those living on Henderson’s attempted purchase broke away from Virginia to become Kentucky. Despite naming the state themselves, the residents couldn’t decide whether the state’s new name meant “prairie,” “land of tomorrow,” or “river of blood.” UTAH When Brigham Young, the leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (widely known as the Mormon church), moved the congregation west, they settled in the Salt Lake Basin. He petitioned Congress to create a new state for them and settled on Deseret, after a name in the Book of Mormon, one of their scriptural texts. The government declined the request until 1896, granting them statehood in a smaller area than they had originally hoped for. They still didn’t get their desired name, though; the government named the state Utah after the Ute tribe that called the area home. THE BIZARRE AND CREATIVE TITLES THAT NEARLY DEFINED OUR STATES NAMES THAT ALMOST WERE
How Florida Courts Determine Your Payments ALIMONY MADE SIMPLE
If you are in the process of a divorce in Florida, you may wonder how much you will receive in alimony. Alimony calculations in the state are based on several main factors, such as how much each spouse earns and their actual financial needs post-divorce. The laws are designed to strike a balance of fairness for both parties and set clear guidelines so no one is pushed beyond their means or left without resources. It’s essential to understand the three main limitations that impact alimony. To calculate alimony, the court will use a percentage of the higher-earning spouse’s income to reach a maximum payment amount. It is 35% of the difference between the payer’s and receiver’s incomes. The court can adjust those starting payments based on factors in the couple’s life, like how long they were married, their standard of living, their children, and their health. The amount awarded can’t exceed the actual financial need of the person receiving alimony payments. The court will look at how much money it would take for the recipient to cover the cost of living, education, and their ability to support themself. The laws also ensure the spouse who is paying alimony doesn’t end up with less income than the receiver. Alimony can’t exceed the other spouse’s ability to pay. It takes more than walking into court and stating you can’t afford it. The court will examine the income of the spouse paying and their after-divorce costs to find a number that benefits both parties. Understanding alimony calculations can feel daunting, but you don’t have to face it alone. We have created a handy alimony calculator on our website to help you get a sense of what your monthly payments may be. This tool can help eliminate some of the guesswork as you begin planning your next steps after divorce. Visit brucepa. com/divorce-info/florida-alimony-law-overview to try out the calculator and get a head start on your financial future.
NEVADA The name Humboldt almost became the name of the state of Nevada. It comes from explorer and naturalist Alexander von Humboldt, who helped popularize scientific exploration. Though he traveled thousands of miles across Central and South America, he never made it to the Western United States. So, when Nevada became a state in 1864, they used the Spanish word for “snow-covered” instead. History is full of “what ifs” and whimsical alternatives that could have shaped our country. These almost-names remind us of the rich tapestry of the past and the imagination that defines our nation.
Is your friend or client married to a controlling, manipulative, narcissistic husband?
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HOW TO RECLAIM YOUR LIFE FROM A NARCISSIST’S TOXIC HOLD REDISCOVER JOY TURN TO YOUR SUPPORT SYSTEM. It’s time to restore your healthy social connections. Try to reach out to your most trusted friends and family members. It can also be an excellent opportunity to form new friendships. Find the people who will be there for you to listen, offer advice, and have fun. This is the safety net of allies who will help you as you navigate a new normal and support you as you forge a brighter and happier future. FIND YOUR JOYS AND PASSIONS. To break free from a narcissist’s isolation tactics, you need to begin to build your own independent life. Start focusing on the things and activities that bring you joy and devote time to them. It can be simple. Maybe you can join a new book club or volunteer at the animal shelter once a month. Put extra emphasis on self-care by eating healthy, getting a full night’s rest, and staying physically active. FEEL YOUR EMOTIONS. When you have been in an abusive, manipulative relationship, it can be challenging to admit. You might feel shame, sadness, or maybe even lingering feelings of love, making it hard to understand how things could have turned out this way. Often, people who are with a narcissist hide their true feelings to avoid fights and other toxic behavior. Feel the emotions you need to feel. It’s important to have a safe person to talk to about these difficult emotions, like a friend or a counselor.
When you are married to a narcissist, it can feel like you are trapped in a web of toxic isolation. Narcissists thrive on making you feel alone, and your spouse or ex-spouse has likely already taken steps to separate you from your loved ones. By secluding you from your support system and the things in life that bring you joy, a narcissist wields a manipulative power that can make it difficult to see through their negativity. By reaching out to friends and prioritizing the activities that make you happy, you can break the cycle of isolation.
Breaking free of toxic relationships takes time, but you can find happiness again by reaching out to your social circle, prioritizing your passions, and allowing yourself to feel your emotions.
GREEK CHICKEN AND RICE
Have a Laugh!
Ingredients •
2 tbsp olive oil
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2 cups chicken broth
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1 onion, diced
1 (14-oz) can diced tomatoes
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
Juice of 1 lemon
1/2 cup feta cheese
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1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tsp dried thyme
Directions 1. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until softened. 2. Add chicken, oregano, and thyme and cook until the chicken is no longer pink, about 3–4 minutes. 3. Pour in chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and rice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is cooked through. 4. Stir in the lemon juice and feta cheese, then season with salt and pepper.
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How We Embrace Fall in Florida page 1
Discover the Fascinating ‘What-Ifs’ of State Names
What Factors Affect Your Post-Divorce Payments? page 2
Escaping the Narcissist’s Web
Greek Chicken and Rice page 3
Estate Planning Essentials for Young Adults page 4
FROM 18 ONWARD 3 ESSENTIAL LEGAL DOCUMENTS EVERY YOUNG ADULT SHOULD HAVE
FINANCIAL POWER OF ATTORNEY A financial power of attorney is another crucial component of a young adult’s estate plan. This document ensures someone can manage their bills and any financial affairs if they are ever physically incapacitated. Whether paying rent, managing bank accounts, or handling other financial matters, having a financial power of attorney provides peace of mind that these tasks will be taken care of without disruption. A SIMPLE WILL Finally, every young adult should have a simple will. While it might seem unnecessary for someone with few assets, a will is essential for ensuring their property is distributed according to their wishes. It also simplifies the process for loved ones during a difficult time, reducing potential disputes and confusion. A simple will can address the distribution of personal belongings,
Every person needs an estate plan, regardless of age or income level. It’s easy to think estate planning is only for the wealthy or older adults, but even young adults can benefit from having essential legal documents in place. Here are three critical estate planning documents every young adult should have and why they’re so important. HEALTH CARE POWER OF ATTORNEY One of the most important documents for any young adult is a health care power of attorney, also known as an advanced health care directive. This document allows a family member or another trusted individual to make health care decisions on behalf of the young adult if they become incapacitated. Without this legal document, parents and legal guardians will be barred from making health care decisions for them and will not be allowed to access their medical information. This can create complications during an already challenging time.
digital assets, and any other property, providing clarity and direction for those left behind.
Estate planning is not just for the wealthy or older adults; it’s also a crucial step for young adults. Taking these steps now can provide peace of mind and protect them and their loved ones in the future.
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