my happy blog

Anna Nicole Smith is a prime example of a fact: It’s often later than you think. In her case, she probably did not realize that she would not live to the age of 40. She probably did not attach great importance to having an updated will or estate plan.

However, the latter stage of life is simply not the best time to plan. The best time to engage in estate planning is when you are young and healthy. Then as age sets in, or as life circumstances change, the plan should then be updated.

Anna Nicole Smith’s death, and her estate “plan,” provides instructive lessons for all of us concerning our own estate plans:

Lesson 1: You never know when…

This is self-evident. Barring the autopsy report concluding that her death was a result of suicide, it is doubtful that Smith knew that she would never see her 40th birthday.

This highlights the fact that the best time to engage in estate and financial planning is when we are healthy. Yet, it’s very easy to wait — and to simply not think about it until we have to. But we never really know when that crisis will occur.

Remember: Planning for the future does not make it happen any sooner, or later.

Lesson 2: Keep it current.

Smith’s will shows that it was prepared before two major events in her life: Before the death of her son, Daniel, and before the birth of her daughter, Dannielynn. But her 2001 will made no provision for Dannielynn.

In fact, Smith’s will apparently disinherits any future children, arguably including Dannielynn. The first Article of the will provides that “I have intentionally omitted to provide for my spouse and other heirs, including future spouses and children and other descendents now living and those hereafter born or adopted…”

Little did Smith realize in July 2001, when she executed her will

(1) that her son Daniel would predecease her (he died in late 2006),

(2) that she would give birth to a daughter Dannielynn,

(3) that she would not survive her daughter, and

(4) that the United States Supreme Court would ultimately revive her claim to her late husband’s estate, estimated in the amount of $474 million.

Again, the lesson: Keep your estate plan current.

Lesson 3: An outdated estate plan will have unintended consequences.

Given the language in her will, including the clauses specifically omitting gifts to those not named in the will, it is possible that daughter Dannielynn will not receive any part of Smith’s estate. However, on the other hand, it is also possible (but not certain) that Dannielynn’s rights to the estate might be established through California’s “Pretermission Statute” [Probate Code Section 21620].

It is highly unlikely that Smith truly wanted to disinherit her future daughter when she prepared her will. Unfortunately, however, disinheritance is one possible outcome given the wording of her will. If nothing else, the unnecessary ambiguity almost guarantees extended litigation.

Failing to plan your estate in a timely manner almost guarantees unintended consequences.

Lesson 4: How about your child’s guardian?

One major purpose for having a will is to nominate a guardian for your children. Smith nominated a guardian for Daniel, but of course did not nominate a guardian for her daughter Dannielynn.

Given the fact that paternity will probably be established (from a bevy of potential dads, I might add), the lack of a named guardian will probably not be a problem in Dannielynn’s case.

However, even if your estate is not worth $474 million — and few are — it is still worthwhile to have a will. Most of us will still need to identify a guardian for our children.

And who knows what else life has in store for you? Again, keep it current.

You can meet your financial and estate planning goals! A licensed attorney, financial planner and owner of the San Gabriel Valley financial planning firm Stratton Financial and Estate Planning, Larry D. Stratton is in a position to coach and advise you, and to help you plan for your future. He is also the senior associate at the law firm of Hausman & Sosa, LLP, located in Tarzana, California. He also blogs on estate and financial planning issues at Planner’s Thoughts.

Larry Stratton is a member of the Financial Planning Association, and speaks on estate and financial planning topics in Southern California.

Let’s face it, when applying for a web design job, you always want to give to show your best foot forward. It is that simple. Show the best of your skills by showing the best of you works. I have once experienced being turned down by not having an online portfolio. I have a portfolio on my flash drive that I brought in the interview but lacking of an online portfolio won’t cut it.

Freelance Web Design

If you want to be a freelance web designer, it should be you’re number one goal to set up a rock solid web design portfolio. No one’s gonna gamble their money to know how good (or bad) you are at web design. They WANT PROOF. So before you win a client, they already did their research and most of the time, the quality of your work reflected from your portfolio is the best way to win a client.

How To Build Up A Web Portfolio

Now that we know the importance of web design portfolio in this business, lets talk about how we can build your own portfolio.

By all means, join contests – This is by far the best way to build your portfolio. You earn while you learn and build up your sample works. Web design and Webmaster forums conduct such competitions, take the time to participate.

Do Free Web Design For Friends – If you have friends that needs a web site design, even if its free, do it. But only take a handful, you can always expect friends to abuse free stuff from you, decide only a number of web design works that you will accept and keep in mind your true goal – to build a portfolio.

Free Themes – Learn to design blogs and submit it to free wordpress blog themes sites. WordPress.org lets you upload your own theme and be used by many people. The more people using your theme, the more you know that you have a great design. And a great design is always a great addition to your portfolio.

Setting Up A Site

Now that you have a portfolio, there are two things you can do with it. Either showcase it and host it in a free hosting. Or paid hosting, your own site and domain. My personal suggestion would be buying your own hosting and domain. Why? This is business, so treat it like one. Invest on a domain and hosting, it is the most professional way to go and brand your site.

The author’s web site Snoob’s Web Design Blog aims to teach people about web design and building an online web design portfolio.

One of the most important tasks your Web site must accomplish is communicating your message to site visitors. Be sure the time, energy and funds you’re spending produce design that assists in that communication.

Can Your Site Be Read Easily by All Visitors?

Readability is a fairly big topic and covers typefaces, capitalization, thickness of letters, colors and more. It is an important topic to keep in mind when designing your Web site. And it’s not just about visually impaired visitors. The decisions you make regarding any of these factors can affect how readable your site is to anyone.

Don’t make it difficult for visitors to read text on pages by adding dark colors or busy illustrations in the background. Patterned and even solid color backgrounds can reduce readability and obscure content on your Web site because they can reduce the contrast needed for our eyes to discern letter forms.

Stressing the Reader

Normally, when we read, we do so by recognizing words through the shapes made by letter combinations. When you reduce readability, you make readers work harder. They can’t read as fast because they have to look at each letter. It can get quite frustrating to attempt to read long passages of text through busy backgrounds or low contrast. Just try reading dark green type on a red background or yellow type on a light blue background. Or any words set against a background image that has words in it.

When backgrounds and the type on them are in colors that are close in value, not only does the contrast go away, but you can inadvertently introduce a visual effect that makes the type look like it’s vibrating.

Give Your Site Visitors a Break

Years ago, I participated in a university study of computer screen readability and the results were clear:

• Black type on a white background was the easiest to read.
• Dark type on a light background was more readable than light type on dark backgrounds.
• Sufficient contrast between type and background was required for readability.
• Background images reduced readability. The more complex and darker the background, the more difficult it became to read the text in the foreground.

So, take a look at your site. Do you have backgrounds set to colors that reduce readability? Do you have images placed behind important text? Do you have type set in colors that don’t show up well?

If you answered yes to any of those questions, what can you change that might improve the readability and, therefore, usability of your Web site.

• Can you lighten backgrounds or darken text, or both, to increase contrast?
• Can you remove images from behind text?
• If you must have a patterned background, can you make it very light like a watermark and arrange it so that large unpatterned sections are behind the blocks of text?

If something is hard to use it doesn’t get used very much.

Would you like more leading edge tips and tools for effective graphic design, Web site development and search engine optimization, brand marketing and communication? Then learn more about small business marketing and advertising at pinscreative.com.

Read our Flourish Newsletter or subscribe to the Ballyhoo Blog for more information and tips on marketing, graphic design and Website development.

Your handbag style is unique and original. It’s like a finger print; it belongs to you and only you and is distinct to your exact characteristics. Oh sure, the other woman has the same exact handbag, but it doesn’t accessories the same on her and it doesn’t say about her, what it says about you! This article takes a fun and chocolate approach to personality types and the handbags that match. You may say to yourself, “I don’t know what my type is or even know which handbag is best for me.” Well, read on my sister in Handbag-dom, you’re sure to come away with a fundamental knowledge of how, not only to choose the right handbag for you, but how to assess your personality type to get the bag that exclaims – THIS IS ME!

Given that each woman is beautifully unique, here are some great suggestions on different types of handbags for the different types of personalities represented, and the statements they make… Happy Learning!

Strong, Smart, No-Nonsense, Professional Woman

A classic tote, like one from Kate Spade, a Burberry leather bag, or the Neptune bag with flap enclosure and rolled handless.

Personable, Friendly, Open Demeanor

A casual but classy look, like the Chloe Gina evening bag in nude washed leather.

A Woman with a Fun and Flirty Spirit

To show off your fun side, choose something bold, cute, or colorful; like the Juicy Couture velour dreamer tote in pink and chocolate, or the Paul Smith Polka Dot Clutch.

A Woman Who is Prepared for Anything

Go with a sleek, stylish bag with plenty of pockets and spaces to organize your essentials, like the Gucci Brit Medium shoulderbag in black suede, a large slouchy Marc Jacobs shoulderbag, or Brynne Corseted handbag.

In Tune to the Latest Fashion Trends?

Sport a large, urban-inspired bag, like a Tokidoki Zucca Handbag.

A Woman with a Sense of Classic Style

For this category, incorporate classic handbag looks with details like embossed leather and silver accents that make the handbag. The Anya Hindmarch’s Carker Patent Leather Tote or the Sydney braided leather bag.

A Woman Who Prides Herself on Her Creativity

A handbag like the Fendi printed large Palazzo bag with double shoulder straps that add interest and flair without overwhelming, is ideal for the female artisan.

A Woman Who is Known for Her Ability to Work Well Under Pressure

To show off your clear, cool, head, go with looks that offer practical function as well as stylishness, such as: the DKNY Quilted Nylon Messenger in black, or the Marc Jacobs Quilted Cord Maggie with chain handle.

What Handbag Size Conveys

Size really does matter! Some women carry a uniquely small purse, which probably contains little more than a lipgloss and a credit card. This type of handbag; dainty and under the arm says, “I am a globe-trotter. When I travel I don’t need anything more than my credit card.” (A girl should always be ready!)

However, today’s hottest handbags are enormous! Hummer-like, with loads of embellishments, grommets and rings…very rock and roll. A tribute to Jane Birken who always carried her life in her bag. Hermes created a bag specifically for her and that bag’s revival was THE bag to have. This kind of large bag acquires the rock and roll attitude that says, “‘I’m every woman, it’s all in me!”.

The Color of Your Handbag

Let’s talk about color. Bright colored handbags and accessories are often designed for young girls, but many women love color as well. Here’s a nugget of wisdom on handbag color choices: If you love color, go with color … but definitely think about what the color does for you. If you don’t look great in red, but love the color and are crazy about beet red bag – go for it! But choose a handbag with a small strap, so you’re not wearing the color next to your skin. A colorful bag can make an outfit, but too much can be too much. Follow the rule the makeup artists use – do the eyes or the lips, but don’t do both. Doing so can cheapen the effect.

Happy Handbag Shopping!

Jenise’s passion for finding great deals on designer handbag fashions lead to the creation of Easy Handbag Deals, http://www.easyhandbagdeals.com, the largest search facility for finding the latest bargains on designer handbags, purses, totes, shoulder bags, wallets and more! Inventory is updated daily. Check out her fashion blogs for buying tips and information at http://jeniseyvonne-beautyandfashion.blogspot.com and http://jeniseyvonne.wordpress.com

How can a Letter From Santa make a difference to your child?

We all have our own personal memories of Christmas as children. Presents, turkey dinners, real Christmas trees, snow. The list is endless. But one memory that never leaves most of us, is the thought of Santa coming on his sleigh, pulled by his reindeer’s, late into the night when all children are asleep, delivering those long awaited presents!

I, for one, still get a buzz from the Santa story. Watching a Santa DVD at Christmas with my young children brings all those old feelings of excitement to the fore. I see the same look of belief and anticipation of what is about to come in their faces as I used to feel at their age. This is why I would not miss sending a letter to them from Santa every year.

My kids love it! They tell all their friends about ‘Santa’ sending them a letter. It makes them feel important and special. (what a small price to pay).

Surprise your children with a letter from Santa. By sending a letter from Santa you’ll make this Christmas a magical experience for your child. Just think back to when marriage were a child and try to remember the excitement of getting something in the post, imagine if that something was a letter from Santa Claus himself, in his handwriting, stating exactly why you were good this year and what you wanted for Christmas.

You could send a Letter from Santa to Your Entire clothing no matter what the age. Your family members are sure to appreciate a special custom made letter from Santa himself!

Santa can personalize details specific to your child including: your child’s name, gender, age, hometown, accomplishment, present, and best friend’s name. You’ll also find that by receiving this personalised letter from Santa, they can’t wait to “be nice to their sibling” or “clean up their toys” or “take care of their pet” when Santa asks. So, it also makes your life better on the run up to Christmas!

To find out more about ‘A letter from Santa’ visit http://christmasvillage.blogspot.com

The arrival of the bikini, more than sixty years ago, gave a completely different look and orientation to the fashion world. Though taken with a shock initially, its exciting and sexy look didn’t allow the fashion buffs to keep their attention at bay for long. It succeeded comprehensively to win over the heart of those who wanted to give their body a raunchy look

Hence, the designers didn’t leave any stone unturned to cater to the needs of the adventurous swimmers.Hopefully, the following texts may help bikini lovers to select a suitable jewelry for them.

THE MOST CLASSIC

String Bikini: It is nothing but a classic combination of small pieces of fabric and strings. The tops have two pieces of strings with one on each end. The bottoms are made of two small fabric attached-at-the-groin triangles. These pieces are connected to strings which run around the waistline.

THE MODEST ONES

Tankini: Called by many as a cosmetics bikini, it consists of a common bikini bottom and a tank top. The tankini covers everything from under the armpits to the navel.

Maternity Tankini: It is especially designed for pregnant ladies. The lower part of the tank top is cut into two halves which makes the naval visible

Sports Bikini: Used by beach volleyball players only and some other athletes.

THE MOST OVERT ONES

Sling Bikini: Also known as “slingshot”, it is, more or less, only a bottom bikini. It is attached to strings or straps which go upwards to join near the neck. In the process, they cover the breasts. Definitely, it is clear that the straps don’t hang around the waistline.

Microkini: This variation, regarded by many as next to nudity, uses a piece of cloth that is capable to cover genitals only. It is attached to an elongated strip that is suspended around the waistline.

THE EXTREMES

Pubkini: It is the extreme form of microkini. Mostly used by adult cinema actresses and dancers. It has the least use of fabric.

Monokini: A bikini without its top is called monokini. It is used mostly while sunbathing. But darers try it often in swimming pools.

Here is more to keep yourself abreast on womens beachwear

Read more of my posts in my blog Exploring Fashion

The fear of being turned down at shoes very first sight, only because of the formal outfits one sports, though unwillingly, at the date table, may soon get a sweet farewell.

The newly designed bi-functional dress will ensure that the tight schedule will not take any toll of one’s sweet evenings. Interestingly, it is a brainchild of famous networking site; DatingDirect.com

Much to the amazement, they have named it: “Work to Flirt dress.” As the name suggests, it is set to bring an end to the post-work hazardous run towards home to wear the sexy outfits suitable for dating.

Rather, some simple steps like : revealing the hidden buttons or tying extra strings to it will give it a much sensuous and different look.

This fashion innovation has provided enough relief to the working women, who are reluctant to go perfumes a date in formals. They are right too because a suitable and exciting dress can do wonders on the date tables.

A survey conducted by DatingDirect.com cites that more than 33% singles admitted to avoid their dates because they did not find their official apparel suitable for the dates.

A prospective dater, when it comes evening, can change her work dress into a fashionable and sexy apparel. She needs to do only things like opening up a reversible belt which will give a short split skirt.

Adding to it, this dress may provide some glimpses of the back of the wearer too. Wonderfully, it is claimed to be one of the best versions of two-in-one’s of any kind.

Also you can see a lot of fashion apparel here too.

To read more of my blogs, please click on ExploringFashion.