RSS Email

Your Child’s First Camera: An Inspirational Mini-Guide for Gifting Your Budding Shutterbug

Even two-year-old toddlers love posing in front of the camera! But when they grow up a bit and begin to grab your digital camera or smartphone for snapping photos, it surely means that it’s time to buy them their own camera. Now that some digital cameras are specifically designed for kids, they are available in nominal prices so that you don’t have to think twice before buying one for your child.

Digital cameras are priced as low as kids’ toys or video games. That’s why selecting one according to your child’s age isn’t a problem. However, what matters is how you consider the specific features of each digital camera while finalizing your purchase decision. For instance, just like buying toys for your child, it’s important to purchase a camera that doesn’t include small batteries or parts which can be easily removed or swallowed by children. Besides this, a child may unknowingly drop the camera.

So, make sure you purchase a digital camera and camcorder battery chargers that rank higher in terms of sturdiness, functionality, and price. If you’re confused as to which camera to select as a gift for your child, below are a few cameras that deserve your look:

Fisher-Price Kid Tough See Yourself Camera

Built to withstand rough handling, this cute camera comes in pink, blue, and black. Its built-in memory stores more than 1000 photos. Offering kid-friendly functions, it lets your child take stunning shots even from a distance. However, it’s crucial to teach your child how to hold the camera still so that they can avoid taking blurry photos.

The Fisher-Price is ideal for three-year-olds. Thus, even if your little one drops it off multiple times, it’s extremely sturdy case will hardly show any scratches.

VTech Kidizoom Camera

Designed for tiny hands, VTech Kidizoom’s dual grips enable children to hold the camera firmly. The camera has memory storage of up to a thousand photos. If your child loves to record a video, they can do so easily because this camera also includes an inbuilt video card. Interestingly, this camera includes built-in frames so that your child can easily beautify their photos further by selecting a desired photo frame.

As if this wasn’t enough, it also includes the “games” feature that enables kids to capture photos and then solve picture puzzles with these photos.

Having 1.3 megapixels and digital zoom, its quick shutter speed lets your child take multiple photos in a few seconds. If photos are taken in natural light, the picture quality is worth seeing.

Playskool Showcam 2-in-1 Digital Camera & Projector

Want to surprise your child with something that’s not just a camera? If your child showcases their graphic designing skills at this early age, it means that they expect some extraordinary features in a camera you’re going to buy for them. Gift them all the happiness in one device by selecting Playskool Showcam!

This camera offers more than 50 animations your child can add to their photos and then project them in front of the entire family. Since kids love experimenting with the projector, they’ll enjoy taking photos and projecting them. However, to ensure that they get the perfect picture quality, teach them some of the basics of outdoor photography. If done the right way, they’ll actually learn to be creative while using their Playskool Showcam.

Crayola 5.1 MP Camera

This digital camera offers something others don’t: the built-in flash. Providing a stunning picture quality even for indoor photos, Crayola makes its mark by providing large handles so that it’s easier for your child to hold it tightly while capturing their best shot. Moreover, it’s sturdy design is quite hardy against any spills or tumbles.

Besides this, its 5.1 megapixels prove that your child will be able to take better photos right from the beginning. However, you’ll be required to buy additional memory for this camera so that your child can take as many photos as they wish to.

The Bottom Line

If your child has the inner photographer in them, a digital camera can be the best gift you can give to them. That’s because learning to use the different features of a digital camera and using a battery charger just takes a day. And when they have a collection of photos to show off to others, you’ll feel proud of their creative skills! Nevertheless, all this is achievable if you’re able to choose your child’s first camera by considering even the nitty-gritty details.

John Stowe is an amateur photographer based in Leeds UK. He got the digital photography bug back in the early 2000’s and has since had many different models of cameras. He loves to share his ideas and thoughts online for others to read.




Keeping The Kids Occupied During Travels: Everything Moms Need To Take In The Car

When traveling in the car, it can be a challenge for parents to keep their kids entertained. After all, if you are making a long journey, it can feel like the time can drag for little ones. And if you are busy concentrating on driving, you can not always keep them occupied. Therefore, to ensure journeys aren’t terrible with the kids, here is everything moms need to take in the car to keep the kids occupied during travels.In the Car with Kids

A good book

As you may know, reading is a great way to kill some time. Therefore, to keep your kids occupied on long car journeys, you should bring along some books in the car. They can read the books, and it might keep them occupied for a little while. You could even get them to read the books out loud for a while. For one thing, it can enhance their speaking and reading skills. But also it will be a challenge to them, so it will ensure they don’t get bored quickly. And if visual books are not your kid’s thing, you could consider bringing along some audio books. You can play these in the car, and it will keep your children busy during the travels.

A child’s tablet

You should also consider getting your child a tablet which they can use for long journeys. In fact, for a lot of families, they don’t get anywhere without a handy tablet which can keep their kid’s busy! You should make sure there are plenty of games on there which they can play during the journey. And ensure there is a case on the tablet so that it can’t get broken during the car travels. After all, one sharp corner could end up causing the tablet to smash on the floor! You can find out about the best kids tablet by looking online on review sites. Or you could even consider a handheld gaming device which would be a fun item to use in the car!

A CD of songs for kids

Singing is always a fun way to make time go quickly during a long car travel! After all, you are bound to have done it once when you were younger. Therefore, to ensure your kids don’t get bored during the journey, you could bring a fun CD full of songs that your kids can sing along to. You might want to opt for a CD full of Disney classics, or you could even choose a CD of nursery rhymes if your kid is younger. It will be fun for all the family to sing along to during the long journey!

A list of games to play

You could also research some games your kids could play in the car. For example, you might want to take some snap cards that the kids could play in the back. Or you might want to play a game of I Spy as a family to kill some time. There are plenty of fun games you can hunt down for the car journey if you look online.

And remember to bring a teddy and blanket for your kids. After all, sleeping is the best way to kill some of that time from that long journey. Therefore, getting them cozy will ensure they slip into a slumber before long.

 




How to Host a Home Casino Night

Looking for a fresh way to host a party? Try planning a casino or poker night at home for your friends. Whether you plan to play for real money or not, you can plan a memorable night that blends the allure of the casino with socialization.

Casino Night at Home

Here are a few ways to up the ante on your casino night plans:

Consider a Theme

Ramp up the memorability of your casino night with an additional theme. You could go with a 1920s Speakeasy theme or even pick your favorite Vegas hotel and try to channel the décor and atmosphere. Make sure your friends get the theme memo and show up looking the part.

Make it Fancy

Channel the glitz and glamour of an actual Las Vegas casino by having your guests dress the part. Have guests wear formal attire and class up the table action.Suit and Tie

Ban the Kids

Or include them. Decide which style of casino night you want to host – adult only, or kid friendly, and then run with it. If you have other adult friends who would love to come but childcare is an issue, consider setting up an activity area for kids in a different part of the house with a sitter on hand.

Hire Help

You can opt to create all of the games yourself, or you can call in an event planning company that already had casino night props on hand. Consider hiring wait staff and a bartender, too.

Have Food

Remember that the main aim of your casino night is socialization so treat it like any other party. You must have food for your guests! Stick with appetizer fare, like this hot ham sandwich appetizer, or pick fun recipes that align with your theme. You can never go wrong with cocktail party food, like shrimp and cheese.

Offer Drinks

Alcohol goes right along with the gambling theme and takes the party up a level. You don’t have to offer an open bar, but make sure you have beer and wine on hand. Check out these fun casino-themed drinks on Pinterest.Party Drinks

Add a Raffle

Find something fun to raffle off to the party attendees. Give attendees a chance to win more tickets at the casino games, too. Since you aren’t planning to profit from the event itself, give attendees a ticket just for showing up. Award the prize after the party has had plenty of time to get going.

You don’t have to go to Vegas to have some gambling fun. Having people over to socialize in a casino theme is a lot of fun and gives you an excuse to throw a party. If you plan it right, your casino night will be the talk of your social circle long after it has ended.




Make More Memories with Frugal Yet Fabulous Family Trips

Family trips create memories that last a lifetime and with a little procrastination and planning, you could be enjoying a fabulous family vacation at a cost-effective price. Whether you’re traveling abroad or you’re planning a road trip around the US, below you’ll find some handy tips that will help you to keep your spending to a minimum.

Reduce Your Overnight Stays

If you are going to be traveling from place to place during your vacation, try to make the travel arrangements during the night. Sleepover trains or night flights are great for getting you to your next destination whilst also reducing the number of nights that you’ll have to pay for a hotel.

Take All of the Freebies You Can Get

Many hotels offer some great freebies when you stay in them, including shampoos, conditioners and soaps. Be sure to use them while you’re there and don’t forget to pack them into your suitcase for your next holiday as these aren’t just free but they’re often the perfect size for traveling. This is great if you’re traveling light or you’re just taking hand luggage with you.

Look for the Best Deals Around

Planning a trip may seem like a lot of hassle but with a little bit of research you could save yourself a fortune. There are some great websites available (e.g. Groupon) that will help you to find discounted holidays and trips so be sure to check these out before you book your vacation. And, once you’ve found your dream hotel, look around for other deals before you pay for it. Tapping the hotel into Google should bring up any exclusive deals that may be available, and you may be surprised at just how much you can save!

It’s also worth looking at credit card reward schemes when paying for your trip as you may be able to score some freebies by building up points. For example, there are a number of Chase transfer partners available when you get a Chase credit card, including air miles with British Airways and hotel stays with Marriott.

Shop Like a Local

To get the most out of your trip, you’ll want to visit all of the local sights and tourist attractions. And the best way to save money when you’re doing this is to shop around like a local. Check out the local newspapers and magazines to see if there are any special deals going and don’t forget to search online for any coupon codes too. You may find that booking in advance through certain websites will be cheaper than paying for a ticket at the restaurant / attraction on the day.

You may also find that local attractions, museums and monuments offer free entry one day a week or month, so it’s always worth looking to see if this is the case before you book anything. Research your trip beforehand so you know where you’re planning on going and then head to the site’s website to see if there are any free or discounted entries on certain days. You can then plan your trip before you go so you can be at this location when the price is cheaper!

Opt for Different Flight Paths

When you’re flying to a destination, you may be able to save a lot of money if you don’t take a direct flight. Even though this might seem like a lot of hassle it’s often a great way of cutting down the cost of your flights and you could tie in the flight with a stopover in another city that you’ve been wanting to explore. Allowing yourself a 24-hour stopover in this location will take the stress out of having to change flights and will give the kids chance to catch up on their sleep before you head out again. This is often a much better way of traveling as it breaks down the journey, especially if you have young children.

Booking a round-trip ticket with one airline may seem like the easier option but don’t be afraid to book with two different airlines as this could save you even more money. Flying out with one airline and back with another won’t make any difference to your journey but can often be a great way of securing cheap flights in both directions. Apps like Skyscanner will show you the cheapest possible routes with different airlines as well as stopovers so you can make sure you’re getting the best price for your flights.

George Jackson jokingly called himself a nomad yet it’s actually not too far from the truth. He regularly explores new corners of the world with his wife and their two kids. He shares his travel stories and top trip tips around the net.




How To Balance Work And Play When You Homeschool Your Kids

Being a Mom is a tough job at the best of times. Not only are you a primary caregiver, but you’re also a taxi driver, a nurse, a banker, a cook, a clothing stylist and the number one cuddler. It can be tough. Then, when you add the idea of homeschooling into the mix, you become their primary educator too.How To Balance Work And Play When You Homeschool Your Kids

As a busy Mom, you want to make sure that all of your lives are balanced. Not only are you trying to ensure that their education is varied, enriching and rewarding, but you want them to have fun being a kid too. It can be hard, but you actually can balance work and play when you’re a homeschooling family.

Have A Rough ScheduleHow To Balance Work And Play When You Homeschool Your Kids

It’s not always easy to have a set, dedicated schedule when you homeschool. Sometimes, you don’t even want one. But, you can allow yourself to find the perfect balance when you have a rough idea of when you’re doing what. It can also help you to make sure that their education is as varied as possible. Maybe it will work best for you to schedule in set times per week for play. This way, you can keep the education as free and flexible as possible, but know that a lot of playtime is allocated for too.

Be AdventurousHow To Balance Work And Play When You Homeschool Your Kids

It can get a little tiresome if you’re in your home a lot of the time. To add a little variety to your school day, and ensure you’re getting play ticked off, it can help to schedule in weekend trips, if you’re free time and bank balance allows it. You can head across the country, get out and learn. Your little ones can also have a fun and educational experience that enriches them in different ways to being at home.

Have A Goodie BoxHow To Balance Work And Play When You Homeschool Your Kids

You can have a lot of control over playtime when you have set activities allocated for it. Yes, you want your children to have fun at playtime, but it needs to be balanced. So, why not create a goodie box that’s specifically for playtime. Fill it with toys and games, like drawing and cornhole (and add cool cornhole skins), that your children will love, but will also ensure that their education is balanced out. You could even reserve it for the end of the day, or use it as a reward when your children have finished a quiz or done well after a tough lesson.

Connect With OthersHow To Balance Work And Play When You Homeschool Your Kids

As a homeschooling family, you can often feel alone. But, the homeschooling community to so big and inclusive, there’s really no need. Connect with other homeschooling Moms and families to share ideas and experiences. You might find that something another family does would work really well for you too.

Listen To Your InstinctHow To Balance Work And Play When You Homeschool Your Kids

Most importantly of all, do what feels right for you. You’ve chosen to homeschool your children for all of the right reasons, so you will know what suits you all. Listen to instinct and go with your gut. If you’re new to homeschooling, it might feel easier to follow other paths, but you’ll soon figure out what feels right for your family. Allow as much play as you feel necessary and work with what helps them to learn best and you’ll never go wrong.




Things To Consider When Choosing Wedding Flowers

Getting married is definitely one of the most important moments in the life of the couple. However, this event needs to be properly planned. There are various things that will have to be considered and many things can go wrong. When referring to flower delivery though, the biggest problem that couples have to deal with is choosing what to buy. There are countless options available so what will be the best for your wedding? Do you want fresh flowers, or perhaps artificial flowers, a mixture of both? You will surely look for inspiration on the internet but before you do that, think about the following vital aspects.

Flower budget

You should never be ashamed in the event the budget is small. The florist is going to offer various suggestions based on how much money you have available. He will make sure that the flowers for wedding chosen are based on your personal wishes and available money

Wedding Party Size

This is going to have a huge impact on how many flowers you will need. It does influence the budget and the eventual arrangement. When you invite just friends and family, there is a good possibility you will not need many flowers. However, if the event is large, you will most likely need more flowers than what you initially thought.

Wedding Location

You want to check different floral arrangement patterns that are available at the ceremony’s location. The wedding venue location will surely dictate what is possible and what is not possible. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
-If you’re having your ceremony at a park or other natural setting, stick with low-maintenance flowers like daisies or roses.
-If you’re having your reception at a hotel or Cottage Wedding Venue like  bluebirdtexas.com, choose flowers that will look good in a vase on a desk or sideboard.
-If you’re getting married at home, go for something organic and wild, like bee balm or forget-me-nots.

Color scheme will have a drastic effect on what flowers should be considered and what flowers should be avoided. You want to experiment with various different flowers with different colors so that you can find a perfect combination you can easily use to obtain the effect you were looking for.

Wedding Mood

Wedding flowers have to reflect wedding style and color while also setting mood. You want to think about the message you want to send out and the mood that should be dominant in the whole event.

Season

Obviously, based on season, some flowers will be available while others will be really hard to find. If the flowers are out of season, you will need to spend a lot more money on them so you may want to look for some alternatives. However, make sure that you take subjectivity into account. If the bride or the groom wants a specific flower that is out of season, you can get it. Alternatively, if the budget really does not allow this, go for silk arrangements.

Fragrance

You always need to think about how the flowers will add to the entire event through the fragrance they have. In some cases this will not be of interest, as when the event is held outdoors. However, in some cases it is vital, as when the wedding is held indoors in a small area. At the same time, the fragrance has to be really enjoyable for all that will attend, of course.




Craving Quality Time? These Weekend Trips Promise Fun For All The Family

Image from Pixabay

A weekend away is an excellent chance to spend time with the family. Weekends are for bonding, yet so often we spend the time doing our own things. Going away will bring your family together and create some fantastic quality time. Kids aren’t always keen on the idea of going away. Their games and friends are right at home, and it can be hard to tear them away! Picking a place with plenty to keep the kids amused will make sure they enjoy themselves too. Here are just a few options you could consider next time you go away.

IMG_3904

Image from Wikimedia

FAIRBANKS, ALASKA

We’re starting the list with a festive option. Sulphur Springs is sure to get you into the Christmas spirit if you visit now. Things are going on that you and the kids are sure to enjoy. Start your trip at the Ice Alaska world ice carving championships. Ice sculptors from all over the world come to compete in this incredible competition. The park is complete with an ice slide and frozen train rides! You could even sign up for a family ice sculpting class! The Christmas fun doesn’t end there, either. Timing your trip well could see you witnessing the annual dog sledding race, dubbed ‘the most difficult dog sled race in the world’! Show your kids some sights they won’t forget in a hurry with a visit to Fairbanks this winter.

GALVESTON ISLAND, TEXAS

Galveston Island is a barrier island that offers fun activities for everybody to enjoy. You can get festive here too by visiting during the world-famous Dickens Festival from December 2nd – December 4th. Don’t worry if you can’t make that, though. There’s plenty more to keep you amused. Sites like this guide to Galveston Island can give you an overview of what’s available and where to find it! Keep the kids amused with a trip to Schlitterbahn waterpark. You could sign them up for a day of extreme water sports. You could even book a ride on a helicopter with Galveston helicopters! Turn the trip educational with a visit to Galveston Children’s Museum. This list doesn’t even skim the surface of what there is to do. Do a little research and see the options!

blanchard_springs_ii

Image from Wikimedia

SULPHUR SPRINGS, ARKANSAS

A trip to Sulphur Springs will open your children to a natural world they’ve never seen. The caves in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains are an amazing sight. They’ll amaze the whole family. Visit the Old Spanish Treasure Cave to hunt for crystals and fossils. Spend the weekend exploring these spectacular caves. This trip promises to be both educational and entertaining, which sounds like the perfect weekend with the kids! An official tour of the caves will allow you and your children to learn more about the caves as you walk through them. It’s worth paying for this addition so that you can get the most of your experience! Your kids are sure to enjoy the chance to learn about such an amazing natural spectacle firsthand.




The Kid Friendly Festive Paper Wreath

wreath

When I was a kid, one of my top favorite things about the holidays was getting to make crafts in school. Maybe the most fun holiday craft to make in class and at least as popular as the handprint turkey was the paper Christmas wreath! Making a paper Christmas wreath is your child’s crafting rite of passage. What are Christmas decorations without a paper wreath?!

The Paper Christmas Wreath Pt. 1

Materials Needed:

 Scrapbook paper, green, maroon, gold

Cardboard cake circle

Buttons, red and white

Ribbon

Tape

Tacky glue

Packet of glue sticks

Rubber gloves, optional

Directions:

Step 1: Fold sheets of scrapbook paper into cones. Tape. For smaller cones, cut the paper in half using your scissors.

Step 2: Using the red buttons for the wreath’s berries, have your children superglue the buttons to the paper cones. If you’re worried about them super gluing their fingers and hands together, make them wear gloves!

Step 3: Hot glue the tips of the larger cones around the perimeter of the cake circle. This step will need to be completed by you, mom, so that the kiddies don’t burn their little fingers!

Step 4: Continue gluing the cones to the cake circle. Remember, the larger cones should be glued on the outside of the circle, with the medium to small cones glued towards the inside.

Step 5: Tie the ribbon at the top of the wreath. TA-DA! Your kids have made their own paper wreath! Let’s continue learning about more ways to spin the classic paper wreath design with more Christmas crafts for kids!

 

The Paper Christmas Wreath Pt. 2

Materials Needed:

Construction paper, dark green, light green and red

Elmer’s Glue

Pencil

Glitter, red and green

Ribbon

Scissors

Directions:

Step 1: Have your child trace their hand 20 times on the construction paper — 10 times on the dark green paper, and 10 on the light green construction paper.

Step 2: Cut out the handprints. Using the Elmer’s Glue, draw squiggles on the handprints. Sprinkle with green glitter. Set aside and let dry.

Step 3: Draw small circles on the red construction paper. Cut out. Cover in glue and sprinkle with glitter. Set aside and let dry.

Step 4: Layer the hands at the palms in a circle and glue together. Glue the red circles on the hands in groups of three. Set aside and let dry.

Step 5: Tie a ribbon at the top of the wreath for hanging.

 

The Paper Christmas Wreath Pt. 3

Materials Needed:

Paper plate

Pom-poms, red

Green acrylic paint

Paint brush

Elmer’s Glue

Glitter, green

Ribbon

Pencil

Scissors

Pie plate

Directions:

Step 1: Trace a circle in the middle of the paper plate with your pencil and cut it out with your scissors. Put aside. The part of the paper plate you will be using for this project is the waved edge of the plate.

Step 2: Paint the plate green. To create a more interesting composition, you can paint each indentation or rise in the plate a different shade of green. Set aside and let dry.

Step 3: Trace curlicues and tendrils along the dried plate with the glue. Sprinkle with green glitter. Upend on the plate on the pie plate to remove excess glitter. Set aside and let dry.

Step 4: Glue the red pom-pom in groups of three on the wreath to mimic holly berries. Set aside and dry.

Step 5: Tie the top of the paper wreath with a ribbon for hanging the wreath and hang on your door, above the fireplace or on your children’s doors!

There’s no better way to get in the Christmas spirit than by crafting with your kids!

 

 




Five Tips for Choosing a Bridesmaid’s Dress

Collectively, the bridesmaids are the second most important group of females at any wedding ceremony. As much as the world revolves around the bride, there is a fair and sometimes unfair share of attraction that is enjoyed by the bridesmaids. Yes, unfair sometimes, because, the bridesmaids’ status as being unmarried singles sends the level of attention and attraction sky-rocketing. Well, we wouldn’t give too many glances to the bride, apart from the legal and allowed ‘oh, she’s pretty’. You take your compliments too far, and you get a growling look from the new man in charge.

So, most of the attention is on the bride, while the bridesmaids also get some. They are pretty and most times single. How do we pick dresses for them that would just be perfect? Here are some factors, we could look at.

Have an Inspiration Board

The first thing you need to do is search. Then, create what we like to call an Inspiration Board. Save pictures from magazines and catalogs and paste them on your inspiration board. Similarly, you need to have an online Inspiration Board, where you can save images you get online. Start off by doing some research. Visit wedding sites, where you can browse thousands of gowns, bookmark your favorites, save them, and share them with your friends. The reason you’re sharing with friends is so that you can discuss them and get their opinions. Then find stores in your area that make such dresses. You could schedule a visit to go check their showroom and see what they have in stock.

Style

Can we throw style out the window? The style matters a whole lot. The style must be in tune with progressive and forward thinking mentalities. You can’t be having a wedding in 2016 and your bridesmaid is wearing clothes from the eighties. The style needs to be fresh, trendy and fair to look upon. This is one aspect we must never get it wrong. We actually suggest that you hold a meeting with the bridesmaid and deliberate on what style should be adopted. Yes, it’s a serious business. Treat is as such.

Wedding theme

Some weddings are themed. A wedding or party ‘theme’, is simply a certain style choice for your day that you then reflect in your choice of invitations, dress code, decorations, music, and all. You might choose something like a particular subject as a theme, (maybe football, butterflies or chocolate), or a color theme, (like pink, black and white or rainbow colors for example), a wedding theme will create a unique style and mood for your celebrations and the choice of theme is entirely up to you. If you have a theme for your wedding or intend to have one, then your bridesmaids’ dresses shouldn’t be far from the general idea. It is important that their dresses go in line with the general theme. Here, you also have to be very careful, you don’t want your bridesmaids looking like a clown. They should rock the theme in a beautiful but subtle manner.

Dress fittings

When picking the dress for the bridesmaids, the fittings are highly essential. You must make sure that the dresses are perfect for them. Here, there is an important balance to make. The balance should be between what the bridesmaids are comfortable with and what you would love her to wear. The dress fitting is also a function of the maids’ tastes too. It wouldn’t be so good to force someone to wear a body hugging gown when the person is much more comfortable with loose fitting clothes. The balance needs to be made and it needs to be made in love and friendly reasoning.

Budget

Yes, we can’t just give you all these wonderful tips without telling you to be watchful about your purse and how you spend. It is important to always work with a budget. The truth is that in most weddings, the bridesmaids pay for their dresses, but, it is necessary that when it comes to price, you need to try to be considerate of your friend’s pocket. If you feel your wedding might be a financial burden for your bridesmaids, just emphasize your search on dresses that are more affordable. Another thing that could be done is to select a color and a style and let them just pick up their own clothes.

There are several online stores where you can pick affordable and beautiful bridesmaid dresses such as azazie.com. This is a favorite because you can order some sample dresses and try at home before making your final order.




The Pros And Cons Of Hiring A Divorce Attorney

Getting a divorce is undoubtedly one of the most stressful events in anybody’s life. Not only are you admitting to a failure of a relationship, but you are also entering a new chapter in your life that is very different from your previous one. A divorce would affect your assets and finances, children, domicile, even your pets. Many couples who have decided to get divorced often moan about the high costs of divorce. Most the expenses actually go toward paying attorney fees, so what if a couple decides to go at it by themselves? There are definitely both advantages and disadvantages of getting divorced with or without the help of a divorce attorney.

Representing Yourself In A Divorce Court

There have been instances where a couple who has called it quits successfully navigated their divorce procedures without a hitch by themselves. This is certainly doable, but only if the couple still gets along with each other and the decision to get a divorce is mutual. Couples who have no children or very little assets to split are usually more likely to be successful to get divorced without professional help from a divorce lawyer. This is certainly the much cheaper option. There have been cases where couples simply bought a divorce kit on the internet and successfully divorced for less than $ 100. However, there might be additional fees such as the cost of parenting education classes. This is the best case briefs scenario that usually only applies to extremely simple divorce cases among couples who mutually agree to the divorce. If you suspect that your divorce might turn acrimonious, it is highly recommended to seek the legal guidance of a divorce attorney.

Getting Divorced With Attorney’s Assistance

Most divorce cases actually happen with the help of divorce lawyers because most couples have at least some points of contentions regarding the divorce. Choosing to represent yourself in a complex divorce case without a divorce attorney could actually end up costing you more money, especially if your spouse has a more competent lawyer. Getting a divorce with a lawyer on average costs around $ 15,500 with about $ 12,800 for attorney fees. If there were more than one issue to be settled in court, the average cost is about $19,600, with around $ 15,800 for attorney fees. Couples who successfully settled everything outside the divorce court paid around $ 14,400, with $ 12,200 for attorney fees. Attorney fees can differ significantly due to several factors such as fee structure (flat fee vs. hourly fee, contested vs. uncontested divorce), location (city lawyers are usually more expensive than those in the countryside), experience (the more experienced the divorce lawyer is, the higher the hourly rate).

Other Factors To Consider When Getting Divorced With Attorney’s Help

The nature of your divorce would also influence how much you will end up paying attorney fees in the end. For example, if it is an acrimonious divorce full of disagreements on many things, the attorney would have to spend more time and effort handling the case. Thus, you should expect to pay some extra fees.