A New Journey Begins

by Stacey Kuhns

Henson, the Service Dog

Hi everyone. So this time I am not reviewing a restaurant or a hidden gem in San Diego or Los Angeles counties. I am going to take you on a journey with me as I experience it.

As many of you know from my prior guest blogs, I am disabled. I am still independent but as the years go by, it has become more difficult to perform some simple daily tasks. I have several medical specialists who monitor my care, but things seemed to be deteriorating and I live in pain 24/7. As you have seen from my prior blogs, I get out and do as much as I can and enjoy life as much as I can. I want to be happy and make memories. I want to experience life.

I also began to wonder if all the medications I take are really helping me as much as medical professionals think. I decided to take advantage of a referral from one of my specialists to explore acupuncture.

On the referral of a prior patient, I connected with David Stoeber, L.Ac. He is the owner of North County Wellness, located in San Marcos. David is a chronic pain specialist. He has been dealing with chronic pain patients for years and has a deep understanding of the diseases and holistic methods used to assist in alleviating pain.

We met and he spent time getting to know me, my symptoms and primary concerns, and took the time to answer all my questions. I have been going to him weekly and Anna Kaplan, has been amazing in following my acupuncture sessions with light touch massage. I have noticed a difference and I feel David and the staff at North County Wellness really know their stuff.

During one of the sessions, I was discussing the difficulties I have experience with the diseases I have. David suggested a service dog. That was like a bomb going off in my brain. A service dog? For me? A chronic pain patient? David said he had several patients with the same issues get service dogs and they were helped tremendously.

I began researching this because taking on a dog is a huge commitment for someone who has days where she is barely able to walk. I talked with professionals in the service dog community and made the decision to move forward with this.

I don't want to ramble on about this, but on May 1, I will be bringing home Henson. He and I will spend two years training for him to be certified as my service dog.

Meet Henson:

I am very excited to start on this journey with him. I believe he will be a great help to me physically and emotionally, and as an avid animal person, I know he will have a loving home always. Stay tuned for our escapades, beginning May 1, when eight week old Henson comes home with me.

Nine-Month-Old Coast Oak

Coast Oak turns nine months old and is cute as a button.

He has four teeth and loves to eat.  Coast is also display a tendency to be very verbal. 

Day at the Beach Southern California Life

San Diego County is known for our gorgeous beaches. With seventy miles of pristine coastline, year-around sunshine and mild temperatures, you can enjoy the surf and sand almost any day of the year.

The fresh air inherent to a beach outing is wonderful for kids of all ages.

Reasons a Parent Should Care About Fresh Air: 

1. Stronger bones and lower cancer risk: Today’s “indoor kids” don’t get enough sun and are becoming Vitamin D deficient, causing health risks.
2. Trimmer and more healthy kids: An hour of play a day is what doctors say is a basic tool in the effort to ward off childhood obesity and diabetes.
3. Improved eyesight: Recent studies find that kids who get outdoor time have less nearsightedness and need for eye glasses.
4. Less depression and hyperactivity: Outdoor time in natural setting (even tree-lined streets) soothes kids and lower their need for medications.
5. Longer attention spans: Children who stare at TV and video games all day have less patience and shorter attention spans.
6. Better at making friends: Children playing together outdoors relate directly with one another, create games together, choose sides and improve their “people” skills.
7. More creative: Outdoor kids are more likely to use their own imaginations, inventions and creativity while playing.
8. Less “acting out” at home and school: Getting kids away from TV violence and video games helps them see that violent behavior does not always solve problems.
9. Measurably better grades in school: The healthy bodies and minds that come with outdoor play are better able to do well in school.
10. A longer lifespan and healthier adult life: Doctors estimate that sedentary and obese children lose three to five years from their life expectancy.

BakeMaster 12 Cup Silicone Muffin and Cupcake Pan #BakeMaster12Cup #BakeMaster12Cup

Oma has been a big fan of baking utilizing silicone ever since she first tried silicone muffin cups. Therefore, I was thrilled to be asked to test the BakeMaster 12 Cup Silicone Muffin and Cupcake Pan. This economical baking aid quickly captured my baking heart. I love how the pan facilitates quick even baking and cooling.

I love the bright color of the pan and the fact that it will not rust and look ghastly. However, the best feature is how easily it is to remove the finished muffins/cupcakes. The only drawback is that this pan is slightly smaller than my old pan – Opa likes big muffins in his lunch.

Tip: the pan is a bit flimsy and makes me nervous regarding spillage – I simply put the pan on a cookie sheet to give it that extra support.

---

---

Product Description

---

---

• EXCELLENT QUALITY BakeMaster Silicone cupcake pans are made from high quality silicone with no plastic mixed and additional reinforcement between the cups add extra durability, long life and heat resistance of up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
  
• ALL PURPOSE USE BakeMaster muffin pans are made from FDA approved silicone, that is odor resistant, rust free and does not need any grease, unlike the metal pans. Silicone baking pans can be used for both baking, and freezing the food items.
• EASY TO CLEAN & STORE Unlike the tin pans, silicone pans create less mess and can be easily cleaned and reused. Because of their light weight nature and flexibility, silicone cupcakes pan can be easily stored and do not need a lot of space like metal pans.
• VARIETY OF FOOD & SNACKS BakeMaster non-stick silicone baking pan can be used for baking cupcakes, muffins, brownies, pastries, quiche, cup lasagna, puffs, chicken pot pie and many other food items depending on the moods and occasions.
• USE FOR ALL OCCASIONS Silicone mold are perfect for all occasions like parties, holidays, picnics, celebrations, pot lucks, or just to create a simple quick snack. BakeMaster silicone pans come in simple packing with a 100% Money back guarantee or replacement if this product does not meet your standards.

---

---

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe would be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Carlsbad Beach Sunset despite Heavy Cloud Cover

by Stacey Kuhns

My boyfriend and I headed to Carlsbad Beach after work on Sunday, April 03, 2016, to relax and watch the sunset. When we got there, the beach was pretty empty, but there was a heavy fog/cloud cover going.

Now I am not sure whose plan it is to have heavy fog every time I go down to the beach for the sunset, but I was a little disappointed, thinking I would not get to see any sunset. Boy, was I wrong. It was one of the most beautiful nights I spent down there in a while. Gorgeous sunset. Thought I would share a few of my favorite photos with you.

You can see the sun trying to peak out of the heavy cloud cover.

The sky was amazing as the sun went down. The clouds appeared to be as volatile as the ocean.

And then, the spectacular sunset.

Sturdy Metal Flag Stand + American Flag by GreenWeR #promotion

I love to fly the American Flag for special occasions. It is very satisfying to demonstrate our patriotic characteristic. However, it is a real hassle to maintain a regular flag pole.

This well-built and sturdy alternative comes with everything you need:

• 1 Metal Stand – 32x15 inches
• 1 American Flag – 12x18 inches
• 1 Rubber Stopper
• 1 Anti-Wind Clip
• 1 Instructions

The “h” bracket spike slides so easily into my lawn that I can do it myself. I love that this flag stand also works for my special occasion flags. I also really appreciate the three year warranty.

---

---

Product Description

---

---

Want to fly an American flag without using a flagpole, hanging it on your house, or set in a hard-to-reach flimsy bracket?

Need a weatherproof & windproof two-sided American flag & sturdy stand?

Get GreenWeR’s Complete Patriotic Garden Flag Stand Kit!

• • COMPLETE SET - Get a beautiful two-sided American flag and a 32-inch tall, sturdy wrought iron garden stake.
• • CLASSIC DESIGN - With the iconic flag removable, the stand has an "h" bracket spike for strength.
• • SPECIAL FEATURES - Rubber stopper & anti-wind clip keep flags steady on the stand even when windy.
• • HIGH-QUALITY MATERIAL - Unfadeable polyester flag & 8mm black wrought iron with a coated finish.
• • 3 YEAR WARRANTY - If not completely satisfied, please contact us to rectify the issue immediately.

---

---

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe would be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

1byone Belt-Drive 3-Speed Portable Stereo Turntable #Turntable

When Old Becomes New

 

I can still remember the joy of opening my Christmas Present and discovering Santa brought me my first turntable. Boy was I a happy little girl.  Therefore I was thrilled to be given the opportunity to review the 1byone Belt-Drive 3-Speed Portable Stereo Turntable; receiving the product for free.

The design and color of my new turntable are awesome. It comes in a portable wooden cabinet with PU Leather suitcase style and I have mine set-up as a table display in the back bedroom.

I also love that it plays 3 speeds - 33, 45, 78. It is also neat that it utilizes a 3.5mm line in port to connect your iPod, MP3, or other digital audio players.

However, the quality of the sound is a bit lacking. The turntable itself is a tad unsteady. Nevertheless, I am enjoying mine.

---

---

Product Description

---

---

Fashionable & Retro Style

The briefcase-styled turntable is a perfect combo of trendy elements and retro style with classical color series, making it an enticing choice for those who enjoy the music with the feeling of roaming through the time. While it is also a unique complement to your decoration.

Fully Functional

With RCA and headphone jack outputs / line in port (audio cable NOT INCLUDED), you can enjoy the music of vinyl records at your own speaker system and headphone with great sound. And it can also bring along with you the music of iPod, MP3 Player, mobile phones, etc at the turntable player, serving as a music player.

Unique & Delicate Design

With jack outputs and switch mounted on the side, it is easy to operation and play music conveniently. What's more, front-facing built-in speakers and tone arm with soft damping control add to its exquisiteness.

Satisfaction Guarantee

Here at 1byone, we stand by our products 100%. This turntable comes with a 12-month guarantee. If any issues arise, we will happily send a replacement on us. Satisfaction is our number one priority, at 1byone.

• Selectable 33 / 45 / 78 RPM speeds settings.
• Dynamic, balanced tone arm with soft damping control.
• Front-facing built-in stereo speakers provide great sound.
• With RCA and headphone jack outputs / line in port mounted on the side, easy to operation and support multiple music playback modes.
• Wooden cabinet with PU leather wrapping, the briefcase-styled turntable is lightweight, easy to store and transport.

---

---

Get Social with 1 by One

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Google +

Youtube

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe would be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."