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The Bledsoe Firm JustFamilyLaw.com | 949.363.5551 JULY | 2023
FIND YOUR SWEET SPOT THE BEST WORK-LIFE BALANCE FOR SUMMER
Schedule outings with your kids.
Summer is officially underway! Many of us look forward to this time of year because the kids are on break from school, providing us with more opportunities to participate in their favorite activities. Unfortunately, we adults aren’t quite as lucky as our kids. We don’t get an extended break from work to celebrate the season, making this time of year a bit trickier. Not only do we need to figure out childcare and meal options for our kids, but we also want to spend as much time with them as possible. There’s a finite number of summer vacations, so taking advantage of them every year is important. The best way to make that a reality and ensure you spend lots of time with your kids is to cultivate a strong work-life balance. Creating a robust work-life balance is easier said than done and will require effort. Everyone with a solid work-life balance had to develop strategies to make it possible. Even I’ve had to change my ways and try to carve out more personal time in my everyday life. Below, you’ll find a few methods to reclaim your life from work and create more time to spend with those who matter most to you. Unplug from your devices. Our phones are always with us, and occasionally, they provide us with good news, but that’s not usually the case. How many times have you opened a work email while not at work? Did it make you feel more productive, or did it just add to your stress? More often than not, the texts and emails you receive from work can wait until you’re back on the clock. When you return home from work for the day, silence your phone, turn off your computer, and keep all devices away for the rest of the night. You’ll have a much easier time talking and connecting with your loved ones.
Many parents think they just need to tell their kids they’ll do something, which will be
enough to make it happen, but that’s rarely the case. You should get into the practice of scheduling activities and adding them to your calendar. Nothing is more disappointing to a kid than hearing that they’re going to the zoo
on a certain day and the plans being changed at the last minute. Adding the items to your calendar will ensure no meetings get scheduled that day, and you’ll have an easier time sticking to your word. Use your vacation days. A recent survey from the Pew Research Center found that only 48% of Americans use all of their vacation days each year. Some people don’t use them because they worry they’ll fall behind in their work, while others are more concerned about missing out on something at the workplace. Put your worries and fears aside and take time off. You have it for a reason and deserve to use it. Most businesses don’t let you roll over your vacation time, so it’s gone if you don’t take advantage of it. Even if you don’t have anything specific planned, take a day to spend with your kids at the park or the movies. It will make their day, and you’ll be much happier than if you went to work. Stop worrying about perfection. Do you consider yourself a perfectionist? Are you spending extra time on your projects, ensuring they’re as perfect as possible? If so, it’s time to stop. Spending extra time to make little tweaks here and there to each project is likely hurting more than helping. It’s nearly impossible to make things perfect, but you can make them excellent in much less time. Start aiming for excellence instead of perfection. Your children only have 18 summers before they leave the nest and enter adulthood. Don’t waste them at work. Reset your priorities, and try to create a better work-life balance. You and your family will appreciate the change. —John Bledsoe
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JustFamilyLaw.com | 949.363.5551
A NIGHT TO REMEMBER
Create the Perfect Stargazing Experience
Find the ideal spot. Those who live in rural areas without much light pollution won’t have to go far to see the stars, but everyone else should do a little planning. Scope out a location away from city lights that has an unobstructed view of the sky, and make sure it’s legal for you to go there. You’ll also need a place to set up blankets or chairs for a comfortable and relaxed experience. Bring essential supplies. Don’t ruin the perfect evening by being unprepared! After so much planning, the last thing you want is to be run off by a chilly breeze or some pesky mosquitoes. The summer night in an open space may be cooler than expected, so bring a sweater or jacket. Ensure your clothing and seating are comfortable, and don’t forget bug spray. It’s also wise to pack some snacks and plenty of water. Further, you can step up your game by bringing binoculars or a star map.
Many children are fascinated by the mystery and beauty of outer space, but most tend to lose their reverence as they get older. That doesn’t have to be the case! A night of stargazing is the perfect way to spend a romantic evening or have a fun time with your family. But creating the ideal experience isn’t always as simple as stepping outside and looking up. Here are some tips to make the most of an astrological adventure. Pick the right night. All nighttime skies are not created equal. Would-be stargazers must consider the weather and cloud cover. Further, the light from the moon tends to wash out the dimmer sparkle of distant stars, and it’s best to go during or immediately before or after a new moon phase. It can all be complicated, so make it easier with a stargazing forecasting site like GoodToStargaze.com. It will provide all the technical details and a simple “yes” or “no” verdict about the evening’s stargazing suitability.
But remember to take all your goodies home with you. Leave nothing behind so the next amateur astrologists can enjoy their experience as much as you did.
WHEN DIVORCE SEEMS INEVITABLE
The Path Toward Clarity With Discernment Counseling
Filing for divorce in California is a significant life decision, as every aspect of your life will change after divorce. For most couples, divorce is also an emotional and mental struggle, which makes it a difficult decision. Every couple wants to know they’re making the right choice before taking the next step. Uncertainty about divorce in California is widespread, but couples can get help determining the best course of action through discernment counseling. When you begin to question the longevity of your relationship, there is a lot of emotional turmoil. You may worry about the impact of divorce on your children, friends, or financial future. You may also wonder if your relationship problems are temporary and will subside over time. Discernment counseling helps answer these common questions
counseling is not focused on making a recommendation but rather on helping the couple reach their own conclusion. Some of the options include ending the relationship immediately or imposing a three-to-six month waiting period or term of separation, where both partners agree to work on specific aspects of the relationship. Discernment counseling can be right for a wide range of couples and personalities. Even individuals that don’t gravitate toward other forms of therapy or counseling can find discernment counseling helpful because of its collaborative approach. Based on experience as a California divorce lawyer, discernment counseling is beneficial for couples that have tried a period of separation and rekindled their relationship or spouses that have considered filing for divorce in California for a year or more. It’s also a great option when one spouse wants a divorce, and the other is hesitant since
and concerns. A therapist will first learn about the couple and then ask questions to determine their relationship's status, health, and longevity.
you’ll break down the issues plaguing the relationship together to find a solution.
The purpose of discernment counseling is straightforward and specific. Through a series of questions, the therapist helps couples discuss the options for their
Another expert who can assist with the decisions of a California divorce is an Orange County divorce lawyer. We’re just a call away if you need assistance or guidance.
relationship and the best path forward. Discernment
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W ord S earch Barbecue Concert
DO I NEED A PRENUP?
Fishing Fourth Independence Larkspur
Park Pool Shade Stargazing Travel Vacation
GRILLED STEAK SALAD WITH PEACHES
4 Reasons Why You Might You might play around with the idea of getting a prenuptial agreement in the weeks leading up to your marriage. They may not be the most romantic thing you’ve ever contemplated, but prenuptial agreements could be the key to protecting yourself and your spouse in a divorce. There are a few different reasons why a couple should get a prenup. You have considerable assets. This is the classic reason people get prenups, but it’s wise, as high net-worth divorces are some of the most difficult and contentious to handle. With a prenup in place, there’s no question of what will happen to the property. It’s already settled, and you can move on to figuring out what will happen with the children, a provision you can’t put into prenuptial agreements. It’s your second marriage. Blending a family creates inheritance issues. If one of you passes, you might want to ensure your children get a specific property. Or you might want to ensure your spouse is taken care of and all your assets don’t go exclusively to your children. Whatever you want, it’s a good idea to have it in writing before the marriage. Again, this creates safety and security for you both. One or both of you plan on taking out student loans. Student loans are one of the biggest and most burdensome debts, second only to a mortgage. That debt can end up divided in a divorce, especially if one spouse works while the other goes to school. It can also end up divided if any loan money goes toward living expenses. If you want to make sure each of you walks away with only your student debt, no more and no less, a prenup is the way to do it. One or both of you own a business. Nobody wants their ex wrapped up running a business they built from the ground up, but that’s precisely what can happen in some divorces. The problem is so bad that many partnerships or shareholder agreements demand a prenup from everyone with an ownership share in the business.
Inspired by Delish.com
INGREDIENTS
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1 lb skirt steak, fat trimmed 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar 1 clove garlic, minced 1 tbsp light brown sugar
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1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 large lemon, juiced 6 cups baby arugula
2 ripe peaches, thinly sliced 1/3 cup crumbled blue cheese or feta
1 tbsp vegetable oil
Kosher salt Black pepper
DIRECTIONS
1. In a large resealable plastic bag or baking dish, combine steak, vinegar, garlic, and brown sugar. Marinate 20 minutes at room temperature. 2. Remove steak from marinade, coat with vegetable oil, and season generously with salt and pepper. 3. On a grill or pan set to high heat, cook steak until desired doneness. Rest 5–10 minutes, then thinly slice against the grain. 4. In a small bowl, whisk olive oil and lemon juice to make dressing. Season with salt and pepper. 5. In a large serving bowl, add arugula, peaches, blue cheese or feta, and steak. Drizzle with dressing and gently toss.
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Inside
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The Secret to Summer Bliss
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How to Stargaze Like a Pro What Is Discernment Counseling?
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4 Compelling Reasons to Consider a Prenup Grilled Steak Salad With Peaches
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Summer Fun Without the Burn
DON'T GET BURNED!
PROTECT YOUR SKIN WITH THESE SIMPLE TIPS yardwork) for early morning or late afternoon. If you are planning to spend some time outside within this time frame, it's best to do so in the shade. You can also use the shadow rule: If your shadow is shorter than you are, the sun's rays are strong enough to damage your skin, so it's time to find shade. Pick the right outfits. If possible, choose darker-colored, long-sleeved shirts and pants made with tightly woven fabrics like canvas or synthetic materials such as nylon. Then, protect your face, neck, and ears with a wide-brimmed hat and cover your eyes with 99% to 100% UV-absorbent sunglasses. These types of clothing and accessories block more of the sun's rays from ever reaching your skin and minimize your risk of a severe sunburn.
Summer is in full swing, which means the sun's rays are shining bright for most of the country. In fact, the average UV index, or the intensity of ultraviolet light, across the U.S. is 7 or above on a scale of 13. To put that into perspective, a UV index of 3 is strong enough to damage the skin. However, just because the UV index is high doesn't mean you have to hide inside — you just need to practice a bit of safety when you’re outdoors! To protect you and your family during the hottest months of the year, here are three ways to keep your skin sunburn-free. Use sunscreen whenever you're outside — even when it's cloudy. Many think sunscreen is only necessary at the beach or near a pool. However, the
sun's harmful rays will always reach your skin, no matter what you're doing outside. Also, remember that while clouds may look like they're blocking the sun, UV rays easily penetrate them and water like an ocean, lake, or pool. That's why sunscreen is essential whenever you're outside, even for just 20 minutes on a cloudy day. Choose a broad-spectrum sunblock that is at least 30 SPF and protects against both UVA and UVB radiation. Reapply every two hours, and if you’re swimming or playing in the water, reapply every hour! Choose your outside time wisely. The sun's rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., so your skin is much more susceptible to damage during this period. If you can, save outdoor tasks (like
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