For those not in the know, Lyle Lyle Crocodile started out as a character in a children’s book in the 1960s. The movie follows these same characters, The Primm family, Hector P. Valenti, star of stage and screen, and of course- Lyle, Lyle Crocodile!
My grandmother read me the original book when I was a child, and I’ve always loved it. I was so excited to share Lyle and the Primms with my kiddos.
Lyle doesn’t talk, but he is voiced through song by Shawn Mendes. The movie also stars Constance Wu and Javier Barden as Hector P. Valenti (and is a great singer and dancer).
The kids loved the story and songs. We all danced along in our seats. and I was informed it was “awesome and a good story” by the big kid, and “full of good music- tell the people on the internet to take their kids to see it” by the little kid. So there you go- a solid review from an 11-year-old boy, and a 7-year-old girl.
Thanks to Cait Wilker from Cait’s Corner for this informative guest post about House Hunting! Especially in California, pricing is starting to decrease and inventory is stabilizing.
Purchasing a home can be some of the most exciting moments of your adulthood but it can also be extremely stressful. Although there are a few details that might look different right now, the overall process of buying a home remains the same and figuring out the key steps can help you reach your goal and make your dream a reality with just a few things. Regardless of when you actually plan to buy a home, there are a few tips you need to look out for. On average, looking for the perfect home can take roughly a few months. You need about 2-4 months to find the right house and then add another month to close. The process can also take a while as well such as looking at your credit and financing options, finding a real estate agent and making offers to negotiate the right price.
Buying a home can be stressful during the best of times, and it might feel positively overwhelming during a pandemic. Although a few of the details may look different right now, the overall process of buying remains the same — and understanding the key steps can help you reach your goal and make your dream a reality.
Credit Score: One of the biggest tips to helping you house hunt is knowing what you can actually afford. Your credit score has a lot to do with this. A credit report is pulled from data from three major credit reporting agencies including Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. In this report, it shares both your FICO score and your Vantage score. The higher your credit score, the lower the interest rate you’ll receive. Generally speaking, a credit score of 720 or higher will get you a good interest rate on a conventional loan, but qualification criteria depends on the specific lender. For FHA loans, you can usually get approved with a credit score of 580 or higher. If you are unhappy with your score there are a few ways to impact your score including the type of credit, length of your credit history, total debit and payment history.
What Can You Afford: Once you are pre approved a lender will tell you the max amount you are able to borrow. Once you have a budget in mind, make a list of some of your must-have home features. Your price point will dictate the size , location and amenities of your future home. Below are a few ideas to keep in mind such as the type of home, preferred location, square footage, number of bathrooms and bedrooms and school district.
Location: Next to finding out what you can afford, location is the biggest thing first time homeowners look for. If you can’t find or afford a home in your ideal neighborhood you’ll want to look at one that fits your budget, your needs and your lifestyle. Remember, your home’s location cannot be changed so take time to really look at them and where you’ll be the happiest living for a few years.
Image: Brazilian Wood Depot
4. Protection: One way to keep your home, your loved ones including your kids and pets safe and protected is putting in a fence in your backyard. When looking at various fences, you want something that keeps you feeling secure, looks great with your home as well as its longevity. One company called Brazilian Wood Depot to help you make such a big decision. This business offers composite vs brazilian wood fences as well as wood options including Ipe or purplewood. There are so many ideas so it would be wise to talk to them to see what would work best with your audience.
5. Keep In Mind Needs Vs Wants: There’s a big difference between wants and needs, so create two different lists when searching for a home. For instance, a shorter commute may be a must-have, but smart home features are a nice-to-have. Practicality and functionality should always take priority over the bells and whistles!
As you begin your house hunting tours, keep these tips in mind, do your best to find one that fits the must wish list and also see what you can afford but don’t feel as if you need to purchase a home at the top of your budget. Again, you can always work on cosmetic items and go slow when making this house a home.
Thanks again to Cait for this post. All content in this post and any opinions are solely of the author.
Q-insights is another company where I do research groups, focus groups, and online surveys to earn extra money.
They have a lot of stuff in South Orange County, and less often San Diego County. This upcoming survey takes place virtually!
Currently, they are currently looking for participants to complete a 30-minute online survey. The incentive is $50 for completing the 30-minute survey.
If you are interested in participating, please fill out thesurvey here to see if you qualify.
Join Enfamil Family Beginnings® and get up to $400 in FREE gifts including coupons, formula samples, Belly Badges™, and more! (Available while supplies last!)
This is a great opportunity to try different formulas without breaking the bank.
If you are looking for other formula samples, check out this post about Kabrita. My kids loved this formula.
This offer is not mobile-friendly, so you’ll need to use a laptop/desktop.
Please feel free to share this post with anyone you know who might be expecting or adopting soon. The best part about these offers is that you will continue to receive coupons and discounts for baby and kids items for an extended period of time!
Q-insights is another company where I do research groups, focus groups, and online surveys to earn extra money.
They have a lot of stuff in South Orange County, and less often San Diego County. This upcoming survey takes place virtually!
They are currently looking for Females to participate in an upcoming In-Home Product Test for Feminine Hygiene Products.
Project requirements include using a test product and completing a 15-minute online after-use questionnaire. Compensation is $50 for completing the questionnaire.
If you are interested in participating, please fill out the survey here to see if you qualify.
Q-insights is another company where I do research groups, focus groups, and online surveys to earn extra money.
They have a lot of stuff in South Orange County, and less often San Diego County. Both of these upcoming studies take place virtually!
If you are interested in participating please fill out the links below. If you pre-qualify someone from Q-insights will call you to ask some additional qualifying questions.
Study 1- Beauty products. The study will run from Oct 17th-Oct 21st and you will be compensated $150.00 as a thank you for your time.
Study 2- Smart Speaker. The study will run from Oct 17th-Oct 21st and you will be compensated $150.00 as a thank you for your time.
Don’t have any idea what I am talking about? PinchMe! Join PINCHme and receive free samples that you can provide feedback on.
PinchMe is awesome! Once you are signed up, they will email you reminders when new samples are about to drop, and remind you when it’s time to leave feedback.
Answer a series of questions about your household and shopping habits in the Member Profile. PinchMe learns what you like and offer samples just for you.
Once you’ve had a chance to try the samples, complete a short feedback survey to tell PinchMe what you think of the samples.
I get PinchMe samples every month. Here is what arrived at the end of September for the September 2022 box. Fiona really dig the Delectables Squeeze up Cat Treats- It’s like a gravy Capri Sun for cats!
What are you waiting for? Sign up here and get on the free sample bandwagon! I’ve gotten all kinds of awesome sample/trial size items, as well as full-sized items to try out from PinchMe!
I love shopping at Kohl’s. They have great deals on clothes and home goods. Did you know they have a bussin’ toy department (at least according to my kids)?
If you are a Kohl’s Rewards Member, log on to your account and check your wallet for a $10 of $50 toy department coupon (exclusions apply)! They are valid through 10/31/2022 in case you have a birthday to shop for, or if you’re like me and you want to get a jump on your holiday shopping.
This October 1-31, kids 12 and under receive free admission at many arts, cultural, and science museums and historical sites in San Diego County.
For those of us with curious kids, this is perfect! Kids can get into over 40 museums in the San Diego area free with paying adults (all the info can be found here).
A full list can be found here. Oh, and as part of free October, Kids can get into the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo’s Safari Park free when accompanied by a paying adult! Other Kids go free attractions include: Legoland, Sea World, and the USS Midway!!
*Some museums charge fees for special exhibitions, programs or films. Some museums may limit offer use to once per month per guest. Purchase of a Balboa Park Explorer Pass does not qualify as a paid adult admission for the Kids Free in October program. Purchase of a Go San Diego Pass or card does not qualify as a paid adult admission for the Kids Free in October program at most museums; call museum(s) before visiting to enquire.
Earlier this week the kids and I went to a sneak preview of Lyle Lyle Crocodile.
The kids loved the story and songs. We all danced along in our seats. and I was informed it was “awesome and a good story” by the big kid, and “full of good music- tell the people on the internet to take their kids to see it” by the little kid. So there you go- a solid review from an 11-year-old boy, and a 7-year-old girl.
We made it through another week or work and school!
And finally- 
October is a great time to be a kid in San Diego!
Hewes Family Fun 