Meglena Ivanova's Blog, page 2

MOMENT TO SHARE WITH Heather S. Iversen-Merillat (H.s.i.Merillat)

Hi Heather, thank you for agreeing to participate in this interview.

1.      Tell me a little bit about yourself and your background?

My name is Heather S. Iversen-Merillat – pen name, H.s.i.Merillat.  I am a mother to four adults and grandmother of two toddlers. 

After raising my kids and seeing them off to their adulthood, I began my professional career in the world of commercial real estate. But when my grandchildren arrived my creativity took a giant leap forward and I tapped into a world that I had forgotten – a land of whimsey and song. I began to paint the images imprinted on my mind and have been in hyper-drive, ever since!

2. What can you tell us about your book?

“Frogilly Digilly Doo” started as a little counting ditty that I wrote when my grandson was born. I pictured a dance number of dancing frogs who sing a catchy tune. My mind lives in a musical world of soft colors where alliteration and rhyme are my thought language. In this strange landscape, the swamp came alive and “Frogilly Digilly Doo” was born.

3.      Give me an insight into your main character/s. What does he/she/they do that is so special? Will there be a sequel?

As I developed the illustrations, I began to see “Frogilly Digilly Doo” as something more. Each of my frogs were unique and I wanted to promote a concept that we are all created with our own set DNA. As the mom of a son who is neurodivergent and being on the spectrum myself, I understand what it’s like to be uncertain of how to fit into a very complex and often socially dynamic world.

In a world where kids are taught that they can be anything and anyone they want to be, I want to promote the idea that they are A-MAZING, just as they are. My goal is to encourage children that they can achieve anything they set their mind to, but that means they need to learn to be comfortable in their own skin. I want to challenge them to be their best selves, by learning to be kind, compassionate, brave and, most of all, happy with that kid in the mirror. Their DNA was knit together to make one fantastic and unique person. Dare to be incomparable! Nobody is you’er than you!

4.      What’s the most surprising thing you learned while writing your book?

In 2020, my granddaughter was born and the first set of poems that I wrote centered around The Dreamery, the place where whimsey and imagination come from, and daydreams are born. From there, The Whim Dreamery came into being. I began writing them for the grand kiddos, but I wished for a way to put them into a book format with pictures, to read them as bedtime stories. 

I soon found out that the publishing world isn’t as easy as submissions and rejections. After a ton of research, I decided to get the poems copyrighted and began my query process for an agent. Every professional writer’s group warned against vanity publishing and self-publishing. It was 2020 and financially, I wasn’t in a position to pay the cost for any type of self-publishing, even if I could. 

I wrote query after query to different agencies and got plenty of rejections! Poetry is a hard sell in any genre, and I wasn’t getting any traction. Finally, I found a small publishing house who had just gotten started and was looking for new authors. Unfortunately, the company closed a year into the process, just as we were getting ready to do the final formatting for my first book! I had already been working towards a deadline of getting it out by the end of the year, but everything was on hold. I quickly scrambled and grabbed a contact for a hybrid-publisher that I had made early in the process, back in 2020. 

My next series, The Swamp Swing, started as a poem as well and has since developed into several stories.  I am developing a whole series about the “Swamp of Digilly Doo”. My next book will be an ABC book which also has the “Frogilly Digilly Doo” concepts of ‘being you’.

You can find my book, “Frogilly Digilly Doo” on most of the online retailers:

Amazon.comBarnesandNoble.comGoodreads.comThriftbooks.comBooksamillion.comFind me on Www.WhimDreamery.com  

A Note about Book Angel:

“As a new author, I joined several Facebook groups as a way to connect with the children’s author community. But I quickly noticed that so many of the posts seemed to do little to actually support the authors in any meaningful way.  Many were just scammy and predatory!

Having learned that Amazon and other online retailers are driven by algorithms and clicks, I thought that the best way to help my fellow independent authors, was to try to get their books into circulation by donating them to various organizations in my area, leaving a review to boost their listing and pocket their proceeds of the sale.

Back in the day, when my children were young, I used my early childhood education to teach preschool. I know the value of a good story and reading to children. 

Presently, I volunteer at a women’s pregnancy resource center, working with young women in the Building Blocks program, in a mentorship role. Our goal is to support them through their pregnancy and into parenthood, by coaching them and teaching parenting and life skills. With these connections, I knew there were so many wonderful, child-centered organizations that would love to have new books for their kids’ programs.

I am excited to do this side venture and have been working on developing more contacts so that I can keep providing books to these groups. I am honestly hoping that this concept will spread and others will do it too. I certainly don’t intend to corner the market on spreading the love of reading to kids in all walks of life! I know that God will certainly bless anyone who decides to become a Book Angel too.”

It was a great privilege for me to get to interview Heather S. Iversen-Merillat, who has inspired me in many different ways. Thank you Heather!!! Good Luck with everything!

Why Children’s Books with Lessons Are Important

Children’s books with lessons are an important part of a child’s development. They teach children about the world around them, help them to develop their social and emotional skills, and encourage them to think critically.

Here are some of the benefits of reading children’s books with lessons:

They teach children about important life lessons. Children’s books with lessons can teach children about everything from sharing and caring to honesty and responsibility. These lessons can help children to develop into kind, compassionate, and responsible adults.

They help children to develop their social and emotional skills. Children’s books with lessons can help children to understand and manage their own emotions, as well as the emotions of others. They can also teach children about empathy, cooperation, and conflict resolution.

They encourage children to think critically. Children’s books with lessons can challenge children to think about the world in new and different ways.

They can also help children to develop their problem-solving skills.They make learning fun! Children’s books with lessons are a fun and engaging way for children to learn. When children are enjoying themselves, they are more likely to be motivated to learn.

Here are some tips for choosing children’s books with lessons:

Choose books that are appropriate for your child’s age and interests.

Read the book yourself first to make sure that you are comfortable with the content.

Talk to your child about the book after you have read it together.

Here are some of my favorite children’s books with lessons:

“The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle

“Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day” by Judith Viorst

“Corduroy” by Don Freeman

“The Paper Bag Princess” by Robert Munsch

“Little Tales with Big Lessons” by Meglena Ivanova

In addition to reading children’s books with lessons, there are other things you can do to help your child learn and grow:

Talk to your child about your own experiences.

Encourage your child to ask questions.

Help your child to solve problems.

Provide your child with opportunities to learn and explore.

By reading children’s books with lessons and engaging in other activities that promote learning and development, you can help your child to grow into a well-rounded and responsible individual.

I hope this post was helpful!

Thanksgiving Tale about Lily from “Little Tales with Big Lessons” and her little sister

I love to write short stories especially during the holidays and the tale below is one of my favorite to read to the kids (and cat) this Thanksgiving.

Lily and her little sister’s Thanksgiving

Lily, a bright-eyed six-years-old girl, was thrilled to spend the Thanksgiving holiday at her family friends cozy home. Her excitement was doubled by the fact that her little sister, Nora, was able to talk this Thanksgiving.

As the aroma of roasted turkey filled the air everyone was invited to the living room. Lily couldn’t wait to share the true essence of Thanksgiving with her little sister.

“Nora,” Lily whispered, her voice soft and gentle, “Thanksgiving is not just about delicious food and presents”.

Nora, her chubby cheeks dimpled with a smile, looked up at her big sister with wide, curious eyes.

“Thanksgiving is about being grateful for all the good things in our lives,” Lily explained, her voice filled with warmth. “We are grateful for our family and friends, for our home, for our health, and for all the blessings we have received.”

Nora’s eyes sparkled with understanding as Lily continued, “We show our gratitude by saying thank you to the people who make our lives special, by helping others in need, and by spreading kindness and love”.

After they played together for some time, Lily suggested, “Let’s play a game of gratitude. We can take turns saying things we are grateful for”. Nora found the idea wonderful as she started giggling and saying “Thank you – thank you – thank you…”.

Throughout the day, Lily gently reminded Nora of the true spirit of Thanksgiving. As they helped set the table, Lily said, “Thank you for helping me, Nora”. And after they washed their hands, Lily said, “Thank you for giving me the towel, Nora”.

As the two families gathered around the dining table for their Thanksgiving prayer, Lily held her hands together, her eyes closed slightly as she observed her little sister, who also held her tiny hands together like her. “Thank you, God, for our family and friends,” Lily whispered softly. “Thank you for our home and our health. Thank you for all the good things in our life”.

Nora, absorbing her big sister’s words and actions, began to express her own gratitude too. She clapped with her tiny hands and said, “Thank you, turkey, for being so yummy!” and then she added laughing “Thank you, apple pie, for making my tummy happy!”.

By the end of the day, Nora’s heart was overflowing with gratitude. She had learned that Thanksgiving was not just about a feast and festivities, but about the deep appreciation for the blessings in her life.

Lily smiled down at her little sister, her heart filled with pride. Nora had embraced the true essence of Thanksgiving, and her spirit of gratitude would forever brighten their lives.

The End!

I hope you enjoy it!

P. S. If you are looking for more stories with lessons for kids don’t forget to get your copy of “Little Tales with Big Lessons“. Reading these stories aloud is a perfect way to end a busy day of cooking and feasting and spending time outside in the last, lovely days before winter. I hope you will enjoy reading them!

#littletaleswithbiglessons #littletaleswithbiglessonsbymeglenaivanova #thanksgivingtale #thanksgiving #childrensbook #beinggrateful #turkey #gratitude #thankful #love #fall #family #turkey #christmas #thanksgivingdinner #grateful #happythanksgiving #food #holiday #turkeyday #blackfriday #thanks #blessed #holidays #instagood #gratitude #autumn #givethanks #friends #halloween #foodporn #thanksgivingday #thanksgivingdecor #thankyou #happythanksgivng #storyoftheday #foodie

MOMENT TO SHARE WITH Sasha Staneva

Hi everyone, I am so please to share with you Sasha Staneva‘s interview. She is amazing illustrator and a wonderful children’s book author. I had the good fortune of connecting and working with her on my new children’s book “Little Tales with Big Lessons“. Sasha was absolutely amazing in catching the ideas in my head and making them into stunning illustrations.

Hi Sasha, thank you for agreeing to participate in this interview.

1.      Tell me a little bit about yourself and your background?

I’m a creator at heart, and I never truly found my calling in the conventional paths that my parents and teachers suggested. I initially enrolled in a program for Trade Economics at the University of Economics in Varna, Bulgaria, and later transitioned to pursue a Master’s degree in Accounting.

However, everything changed when my daughter came into my life in 2018. I began to notice the profound impact that children’s books had on her. The sheer joy that lit up her face while listening to an engaging story made me realize that I wanted to create such experiences for young readers. So, my journey into the world of children’s books began.

Together, my daughter and I started to craft imaginative tales. With a lifelong passion for drawing, I found that it was the perfect medium to express these stories visually. I delved into the world of illustration, completing several online courses dedicated to illustrating children’s books and acquiring the necessary tools.

And so, my adventure as an author and illustrator of children’s books took flight.

2.      What have you written and what sparked the idea for your book? Who or what inspired you to create it?

“The Enchanted Christmas” was published in Bulgarian in 2022 and in English in 2023.

The story of my book actually came about quite serendipitously. I had just started my journey into illustration and was attempting to create a series of picture books that would help me practice drawing various seasons. I had already written the first two stories, featuring a young boy and his beloved puppy as the main characters.

When I reached the winter-themed story, I began to realize that there was an opportunity to make the narrative much larger, more enchanting, and genuinely captivating. It was during the process of writing this story that I sensed the potential for something magical and exciting. At that time, my daughter had a deep love for tales of wizards and enchantments, so it was only fitting that our book introduced “Rakshita the Demoness Le Duka”.

As I read the rough draft to my daughter, who was only three years old at the time, I observed her rapt attention and how each new sentence filled her with immense excitement. Surprisingly, I didn’t even need illustrations to captivate her interest – the story alone was enough to hold her attention. Realizing this, I knew that I had to bring this book to life. I embarked on extensive research, sought advice from various individuals, and, eventually, I succeeded.

3.      Give me an insight into your main character/s. What does he/she/they do that is so special? Will there be a sequel?

Of course! In “The Enchanted Christmas“, our main characters are Santa Claus and his loyal elves, along with a significant character, the sorceress Rakshita Demonía Le Duka. What makes them special is their unyielding dedication to spreading joy and kindness. Despite the challenges they face when they discover that the list of well-behaved children has dwindled to just five, they embark on a magical journey to uncover the source of the problem and restore the spirit of Christmas.

As the story unfolds, we’re excited to show that goodness and the holiday spirit always prevail in the end. This tale is a heartwarming reminder that even when faced with adversity, a little kindness can work wonders. And yes, there’s a sequel in the works, so stay tuned for more enchanting adventures in the world of “The Enchanted Christmas“. 

4.      What’s the most surprising thing you learned while writing your book?

The most surprising thing I learned while writing my book, “The Enchanted Christmas“, was the incredible power of imagination and the endless possibilities it offers. As I delved into the world of storytelling, I was amazed at how the creative process could lead to the birth of unique and enchanting characters, such as the sorceress Rakshita Demonía Le Duka, who plays a significant role in the story.

Another revelation was the genuine joy and wonder that children experience when they are immersed in a captivating story. Witnessing the genuine excitement in young readers as they explore the magical world of the book was both surprising and deeply gratifying.

Overall, writing this book taught me that there are no limits to the imagination and creativity, and the ability to inspire and captivate young minds is a gift beyond measure. It reinforced my passion for creating stories that bring happiness and wonder to children.

5.      Where can people buy and discover more about your work? 

People can discover more about me and my work on my Website – www.sashastanevaillustrations.com.

You can also follow our Facebook page for updates and insights into my creative process – „Весели истории за весели дечица – Саша Станева“ or Instagram – Sasha Staneva Illustrations.

If you’re interested in purchasing “The Enchanted Christmas” in English, you can find it on Amazon.

Thank you for your support and for being a part of my creative journey!

It was a great privilege for me to get to interview Sasha Staneva, who has inspired me in many different ways. Thank you Sasha!!! Good Luck with everything!

NEW Children’s book – Little Tales with Big Lessons

Dear friends, 

I’m so excited to share with you all that my new children’s book, “Little Tales with Big Lessons”, has been released on Amazon.

I would greatly appreciate your support in helping to spread the news!

 As a mother it is important that I raise my children, and for them to practice kindness. This book is awesome for that and brings awareness to situations they may encounter, and how to handle them! It also teaches them how to deal with anger in a healthy way; how to be confident in new and challenging situations; not to give up when things are not easy; how to learn from their own mistakes, so they know what’s right and what not; being honest to family and friends and how to be good community members. It offers children calming techniques and activities for how to navigate the emotional challenges they face throughout the day.

Book overview:

“Little Tales with Big Lessons” is an amazing collection of 4 short stories for kids. 

Why choose this book? 

You get 4 relatable stories about a young girl who faces different challenges and learns how to boost her confidence, courage, self-esteem and honesty.Fun and engaging writing style to make the stories’ message easy to understand.Stories that teach essential moral values, social skills and life lessons. Bonus – the book contains beautiful illustrations full of vibrant colors and fun and engaging activity pages at the end of the book.Great gift idea for kids any age.

Enjoy this beautiful collection of short stories for kids. 

P.S. If you enjoyed this book, please take a few moments to write a review of it. Your time and honest thoughts are greatly appreciated! Thank you!  

Nicole’s Pre-Kindergarten Journey (book)

Amazon Book: Nicole’s Pre-Kindergarten Journey

Author: Meglena Ivanova 

Illustrator: Francesca Bucci Vernizzi Miron

Price: $9.99

Summery: This easy to read and beautifully illustrated rhyming children’s book is the story of a sweet and adorable little girl named Nicole.

Nicole is going on a Pre-K journey and she is having so much fun with her preschool teachers, new friends, and all that the amazing world of the classroom can provide.

Follow her as she and her best friends learn about the alphabet letters, numbers, shapes, animals, plants, and so much more.

2021 Fun Dollar Tree Games, Arts and Crafts Ideas for Kids

Sometimes, all what kids need is a blank sheet of paper and some art materials to get their creativity flowing. Other times, they need a little inspiration to get started. Drawing, painting, sticking, creating and crafting are good for the brain and good for the soul! When you’re in need of your next refrigerator masterpiece, it’s time to break out some cool craft kits for kids — here you will find some of our favorite kid’s activities to keep kids busy for hours.

Kids love arts and crafts, experimenting with different colours and techniques – painting with paintbrushes, sponges and sometimes fingers!

The below art and craft ideas are perfect for parents and teachers to do at home or in the classroom and also can be find in your local Dollar Tree store for very minimal cost.

Help sharpen your preschooler’s problem-solving skills. Dozens of quick, fun, and creative learning activities encourage looking–and thinking–carefully.

Little Thinkers(R) have to compare, evaluate, and imagine. Those 32-page workbooks are combining skills and making learning fun! A few examples: Check the animal that does not belong in the group. Color all the squares red. Check the traffic light that tells you to stop. Color to finish the pattern. Thinking gets a world-class workout. Slip this workbook into backpack or tote as a super take-along for travel and appointments.

Another good set of books are…

StickerTivity Sticker by Number – Falala LaLa, Oh What Fun, Jolly Jingles, Chilly Giggles – 50 stickers. Those books keeps kids busy with all their favorite Christmas Characters. Sticker By Number book includes 50 stickers to complete the pictures. Stickers are numbered to easily find where they go. Fun puzzles and activities. Easy enough for very young children to enjoy.

My Favorite Sticker Book: Words/Animals/Numbers – Packed with games and puzzles, My Favorite Sticker Book: Words encourages children to become familiar with first words while improving their essential learning skills. The interactive activities use counting, color and word recognition, and matching games to engage a child s interest and make learning easy and enjoyable. Ages 3+.

Peppa Pig Family Picnic 24pc Spin Master Cardinal Shaped Silhouette Puzzle: puzzles help your child to develop hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, problem solving, shape recognition, memory, task completion and independent play. According to psychologists a child’s brain development is positively influenced when a child acts on or manipulates the world around him or her. Puzzles provide that key opportunity. Ages 5+ or 6+ depending on the puzzle.

Creative Hands Felt Games Assortment: Picture memory match games were one of my favorite games to play as a kid, so it was time to find one for my child! Creative Hands felt game boards are easy to travel with and to pull out pretty much everywhere! They are assorted among match game, tic tac toe, and checkers. Play at home, when traveling, in classrooms, and more. Ages 4+.

Creative Hands Assorted DIY Craft Sets: Let the kids get messy and have fun with these DIY crafting sets. Take the chance to make as many different things as you can and allow your imagination to be free. Sets are assorted among the 4 designs shown and can be used in classrooms, art studios, your home, kids camps, and more. Ages 5+.

Crafter’s Square Kits: Give your children some wonderful time to be spontaneous, and most imaginative selves. With adorable felt finger materials your little one can create whimsical worlds where they’re very best fictional characters can live and thrive. Each pack includes assortments that you can make entirely your own. The packs are great for schools, home use, fun projects, and more. Ages 3+.

Licensed Character On-the-Go Hidden Picture and Spot the Difference Sets: These Licensed Character On-the-Go Hidden Picture and Spot the Difference Sets are great for little problem solvers! Each 8.625×10.75-in. set comes assorted among Disney® Princesses and LOL Surprise! spot the difference sets including one mini marker and Disney® Mickey Mouse and Jurassic World® hidden picture sets including five mini markers. These activity books feature ten pages and have handles for carrying. Great for long car rides, doctor’s office waiting rooms, and restaurant entertainment! Ages 3+.

Licensed Holiday Travel Activity Packs: Keep the kids busy on your holiday road trip! These handy licensed activity packs include an activity book, crayons, and a sticker sheet. Also those activity packs are ideal for day care centers, school, care packages, and more. Ages 3+.

Suncatcher Paint Sets with Brushes: These DIY suncatchers are great for creating your own window decor! Designed to filter natural sunlight into a beautiful array of colors, these 5.625×4.75-in. suncatchers come assorted among shark, castle, race car, and dog pictures. Each kit includes one paintbrush, four paint colors (blue, yellow, red, and green), and a color inspiration sheet. Great for crafting at home, in school, and more! Ages 3+.

Crayola Paint Your Own Wooden Crafts: Paint and create! Adults and children will find this activity relaxing spending time together to create these fun paintable wooden crafts. Stimulate the creativity bug with these packs of paintable wooden crafts. Packs include 2 wooden pieces of the design, a paint brush, a 12-in. string, and 3 different paint colors. The optional designs are assorted among rainbows, unicorns, trains, and spaceships. Great for kids craft projects, hobbyists, and classroom art. Ages 4+.

What are your favorite local Dollar Tree quick games, arts and crafts?

How do I obtain an Apostille or Certificate of Authentication from the New York Department of State – here are the 5 steps to get it…

[image error]New York is composed of five boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island. You need to have any of the 5 on the birth certificate in order to obtain a new one.

How do I obtain an Apostille or Certificate of Authentication from the New York Department of State – here are the 5 steps to get it…

Have your document notarized
Have your document certified by the County Clerk where the Notary is qualified
Complete the Apostille/Certificate of Authentication Request Form
Submit documents to be apostilled/authenticated with a completed Apostille/Certificate of Authentication Request Form
Include applicable fees and mailing instructions as indicated on page 1 of this form – Apostille/Certificate of Authentication Request Form (DOS-1917-f (Rev. 07/17): https://www.dos.ny.gov/forms/licensing/en/1917-f.pdf

In more detail….

Go to OFFICE OF VITAL RECORDS 125 Worth Street, New York, NY 10013 – Room 133 


Office of Vital Records
Bureau of Vital Statistics
New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
125 Worth Street, Room 133, New York, NY 10013
Hours (excluding holidays) – Monday – Friday – 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. except corrections (9 a.m. – 3 p.m.)

Recommendation: Go in the mornings since the lines are shorter and you may be able to finish quicker.

Most likely you will need to wait on a line. When your turn comes you will add your information on a computer and when you are finished you will get a ticket with your name, a number and information about your case. On the application you will have to choose short or long birth certificate form.

The short form of the birth certificate can be used only in USA. The long form can be used outside of USA.

You will specify that you will need a letter of Exemplification that can be of birth or death record. You will also need to add your name and social security number. If the document you need is for your child you will need to add your child’s name and his/hers father’s name. Of the end you will have to pay for the service with a credit or debit card issued from a USA bank ($15 + $2.75 – per copy). After you get your ticket, you will need to go to room 133 (which is literally next door) and most likely wait on another line. At the counter you will need to show your ID in order to get your document/s.

On the letter of Exemplification the clerk will specify for what will be used the letter – birth or death, he/she will also add a certificate number with the year when the certificate was created, along with the name of the borough where the certificate was issued and the current date. The clerk will also sign at the bottom of the document.

Go to 60 Center Street, New York, NY (County Clerk Office)

The next step is to have your document/s certified by the County Clerk where the Notary is qualified. The building is located 2 min away from the Office of Vital Records. Take your birth certificate/s and the letter/s of exemplification and go to:

NEW YORK COUNTY COURT (MANHATTAN)
60 Centre St, Room 141, New York, NY 10007
Pearl Street entrance; special elevator to the basement. Bathrooms on 3rd & 4th floors are wheelchair accessible.
Phone: 646-386-3600 / Fax: 212-374-3326
Hours (excluding holidays) – Monday – Friday – 9 a.m. – 5:00 p.m

The County Clerk will certify your document/s by adding a 1 page document with his stamps and signature on it. It will cost you $3 per document which you will need to pay at the cashier (cash). The document will be very similar to the document below:[image error]

Go to 123 WilliamStreet, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10038   

Fill-out Apostille/Certificate of Authentication Request Form. You can download the form below or you can fill it out when you go to the Division of Licensing Services office at 123 William Street.[image error]

Location for Mailed Requests (No same day service at this location):

Division Licensing Services Apostille and Authentication
Unit P.O. Box 22001

Albany, NY 12201-2001

Location for In-Person Deliveries ONLY (No cash or credit cards accepted at this location. Check or money order required.)

Division of Licensing Services
123 WilliamStreet, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10038
Phone: (518) 474-4770
Hours (excluding holidays) – Monday – Friday – 8:45 a.m. – 3:30 p.m

Fees/Payment: (Checks/Money Orders must be payable to N.Y.S. Department of State) Number of documents: …….. x $10.00 per document = Total Due: …….

Apostille/Certificate of Authentication Request Form (DOS-1917-f (Rev. 07/17): https://www.dos.ny.gov/forms/licensing/en/1917-f.pdf

Recommendation: Go before 3:30 pm and you will get your Apostille/s the same day. If you go after 3:30 pm your documents will be ready the next business day.

With your check or money order, along with your birth certificate/s and the letter/s of exemplification you will submit your documents to be apostilled/authenticated with a completed Apostille/Certificate of Authentication Request Form. The Apostille will have a stamp and signature of the Special Deputy Secretary of State. All document will be put together and returned to you the same day (submitted before 3:30 pm) or the next business day (submitted after 3:30 pm).

For more information on Birth Certificates go here: https://www.health.ny.gov/vital_records/birth.htm

Happy almost-2018 . . .

Hi All, and Happy almost-2018!

[image error]Not much time left – sweet 2017 is running out of time. The end of each year is always a good time to look back at the year that was.

Short Retrospection of My year – 2017

2017 has been an incredible year for me with regards of my work and my family. 2017 passed in a rush of excitement, and I will miss it a lot. I started this year with goals I hoped to achieve, and I found myself surprised of how well things turned out.

If you follow me here or on Facebook, you probably noticed me not posting a lot the past a few months – not exactly what you’d expect from a blogger and author, and probably not what were my intentions at all.

Family Experience: “I became a mother, learned that I can love even more and felt joy like never before!”

[image error]I am happy to share that 3 months ago me and husband welcomed a beautiful baby girl to our lives and home, and she’s been stealing our hearts minute after each passing minute since! We are so thankful to have a healthy, beautiful daughter and a blessed delivery.

Some of my most precious memories in this life were made during the last few months with my family. Meeting and holding and feeding my new baby, seeing my husband with her, and then cousins meeting cousins … Hands down, the most incredible thing I’ve witnessed as a mother so far.

Thank you all for your love and support when we shared the news. Thank you to everyone who prayed for our family during my pregnancy. I’m so grateful to be surrounded by such caring readers, friends, and family. 

Eclipse2017 happens Monday — Aug. 21, 2017! Learn how to safely view, plus where and when to look…

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# Eclipse2017

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happens Monday — Aug. 21, 2017! Learn how to safely view, plus where and when to look… 

On Monday, August 21, 2017, all of North America will be treated to an eclipse of the sun. Anyone within the path of totality can see one of nature’s most awe-inspiring sights – a total solar eclipse.

This path, where the moon will completely cover the sun and the sun’s tenuous atmosphere – the corona – can be seen, will stretch from Lincoln Beach, Oregon to Charleston, South Carolina.

Observers outside this path will still see a partial solar eclipse where the moon covers part of the sun’s disk.

How Can You See It?

You never want to look directly at the sun without appropriate protection except during totality.  That could severely hurt your eyes.  However, there are many ways to safely view an eclipse of the sun including direct viewing – which requires some type of filtering device and indirect viewing where you project an image of the sun onto a screen. Both methods should produce clear images of the partial phase of an eclipse.  Click here for eclipse viewing techniques and safety.

When Can You See It, and how long will it last?

The timing of the total solar eclipse and its duration both depend on where you are inside the path of totality.

At most, the moon will completely cover the disk of the sun for 2 minutes and 40 seconds. That’s about how long totality will last for observers positioned anywhere along the center of the path of totality. As you move toward the edge of the path, the duration of totality will decrease. People standing at the very edge of the path may observe totality for only a few seconds.

The chart below lists the moment of mid-totality and the duration of totality for a handful of cities that lie close to the center of the path. Data from NASA.

Eclipse Begins
Totality Begins
Totality Ends
Eclipse Ends



Madras, OR
09:06 a.m.
10:19 a.m.
10:21 a.m.
11:41 a.m.
PDT


Idaho Falls, ID
10:15 a.m.
11:33 a.m.
11:34 a.m.
12:58 p.m.
MDT


Casper, WY
10:22 a.m.
11:42 a.m.
11:45 a.m.
01:09 p.m.
MDT


Lincoln, NE
11:37 a.m.
01:02 p.m.
01:04 p.m.
02:29 p.m.
CDT


Jefferson City, MO
11:46 a.m.
01:13 p.m.
01:15 p.m.
02:41 p.m.
CDT


Carbondale, IL
11:52 a.m.
01:20 p.m.
01:22 p.m.
02:47 p.m.
CDT


Paducah, KY
11:54 a.m.
01:22 p.m.
01:24 p.m.
02:49 p.m.
CDT


Nashville, TN
11:58 a.m.
01:27 p.m.
01:29 p.m.
02:54 p.m.
CDT


Clayton, GA
01:06 p.m.
02:35 p.m.
02:38 p.m.
04:01 p.m.
EDT


Columbia, SC
01:03 p.m.
02:41 p.m.
02:44 p.m.
04:06 p.m.
EDT

Because the shadow of the moon will move from west to east, totality will occur later in the day the farther east you travel. Use the NASA interactive eclipse map to find out exactly when totality will occur and how long it will last in the location where you plan to observe the eclipse. Just click on a spot on the map, and an informational box will appear with specific times.

Don’t have glasses? Here’s how you can still watch…

Solarfest 2017 will be here on Aug. 21. But experts are warning about watching it without  special glasses…

So for all of you freaking out that didn’t get glasses for the Eclipse – you don’t need it! Here is what you need to do and it costs close to nothing. Get a piece of glass and a candle. Light up the candle and on top of the flame, smoke the glass and you are good for the Eclipse! That’s it! You don’t need to spend $10, $20, $100 (don’t even know why, but some people did) and this will work just fine!

*** Just keep in mind that YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY NEGATIVE IMPACT YOU ENDURE (if any) if you decide to follow this method of the video!!!

Other sources to get more information about this amazing event are:

http://eclipse2017.nasa.gov 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_eclipse_of_August_21,_2017