What if I tell you there is a secret gem in Costa Mesa that serves fresh organic vegetables and juicy tender delicious meats and … AND it’s ALL YOU CAN EAT?!!!

That’s right! Silva’s Fresh Eatery is the place to go and feast! If you prefer à la carte , Silva’s also offers a Chef’s Kitchen Menu featuring Chef inspired items from traditional Brazilian appetizers, classic entrees to delectable desserts. For me, it’s all about the buffet because I love to sample a variety of food as much as possible.

Photos by AT Food and Travel

I love Silva’s Fresh Eatery + Churrascaria buffet for so many reasons! Friends, I’ll say it again, it’s ALL YOU CAN EAT!!! But what’s more important is the scratch cooking and the fresh organic and locally sourced ingredients in every dish. I am very particular these days about what I put into my body. At Silva’s, I can eat healthy and so very satisfied. It’s a great place for a quick bite but also for an intimate date night or a gathering for friends and family.

You can start at one end with farm fresh veggies – Organic Cauliflower – Turmeric Roasted & Caramelized, Organic Broccoli – Roasted with olive oil & lime, Ratatouille – Squash, Zucchini, Eggplant, Roma Tomato, Heirloom Baby Carrots – Roasted & glazed with fresh herbs, and Shredded Stewed Collard Greens. Making your way along you can then add a choice of whole grains and sides like Feijoada – Brazilian black bean stew with sausage, Feijão Jalo – Pinto beans prepared with onions and garlic, Biro-Biro Rice – Brazilian Fried Rice, Truffle Mac & Cheese Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Steamed Basmati Rice, and even a Roasted Medley of Organic Pee Wee Potatoes.

Did I mention the meats? Choose from Picanha – Culotte Style Top Sirloin, Garlic Picanha – Garlic & Fresh Herb Culotte Style Top Sirloin, Tri-Tip – Tender, Lean Sirloin, and Skirt Steak – Garlic & Fresh Herb Rubbed Beef. All the meats are freshly cooked so they are moist and tender! So delicious!

As you can see below it is very hard not to fill your plate. Don’t worry though you can always go back for more.

Love wine, draft beer and cocktails? Silva’s has got you covered! Choose from a wide variety of generous portioned drinks and with their Happy Hour from Tuesday – Thursday | 4:00pm – 7:00pm you can’t miss.

Lastly and hopefully, you saved room for dessert. I was expecting something on the small size and very simple. Wow, was I blown away when the delicious carrot cake and brownie arrived? Look how gorgeous the presentations are! But wait until you taste them!

Whatever the occasion, Silva’s is the place to go. If you haven’t been, go check it out. And let me know what your favorites are.

Find them at:

South Coast Metro
3672 S Bristol Street, Santa Ana, CA 92704
Phone: (855) 600-5500
Email: info@silvasfresheatery.com

The post Silva’s Fresh Eatery + Churrascaria Modernizes Brizilian Churrasco first appeared on Wendyfulworld.

Salt Creek Grille first opened its door at the Dana Point location in July 1996 aiming to serve its beloved community with freshest meats, poultry, fish and produce sourced responsibly. The fine-casual restaurant with a warm and welcoming culture keeps the patrons coming back because it’s where friends and family can come together to relax and enjoy a unique dining experience.

(Photos by AT Food and Travel)

To date, there are 5 locations in Dana Point (CA), El Segundo (CA), Valencia (CA), Princeton (NJ) and Rumson (NJ). This fall a new concept restaurant will be opening led by Corporate Executive Chef David Fuñe. So stay tuned.   

The media tasting was set up at the beautiful outdoor patio surrounded by lush greens and cool ocean breeze. We were greeted with a beautiful Veggies Cheese Charcuterie station. The weather couldn’t have been more perfect!

Salt Greek Grille houses an impressive list of wine, spirits and cocktails. We got to try a few cocktails that are perfect for summer, cool and refreshing!

Basil Greyhound – Stoli Vodka, Fresh Grapefruit Juice, Fresh Basil.

Cucumber Basil Cooler – Burnett’s Gin, St-Germain, Lemonade, Club Soda, Cucumber, Basil.

Are you a shrimp lover? Then don’t miss this Citrus-Glazed Jumbo Shrimp (Wood-Fired Shrimp, Baby Tomatoes, Citrus Segments, Kale, Garlic, Avocado Mousse, Roasted Fingerling Potatoes). It’s a little citrusy, a little creamy with a whole lot of freshness and deliciousness!

Garlic-Soy Steak & Mango Salad (Mesquite-Grilled Flat Iron Steak, Rice Noodles, Avocado, Cabbage, Cherry Tomatoes, Citrus-Ponzu Dressing). If you ask me, this is a complete meal in one plate. You have your protein, veggies, fruits and carb in a perfectly balanced savory and sweet sauce.

On the Happy Hour Menu is the Butcher’s Block Meatballs ( Mix of hand-cut prime beef, Heritage pork, Applewood smoked bacon rolled into meatballs, simmered with fresh mozzarella in a spicy San Marzano Tomato Sauce, served with grilled focaccia toast). I could definitely taste the different cut of meat instead of a mushy meatball like most others. I would come during Happy Hour just to make sure I could order this!

Watermelon is my FAVORTE summer fruit. And cucumber is my year-round favorite vegetable. Put them together with Arugula, Feta and drizzle with Lime Vinaigrette. My oh my, hello Watermelon Salad! I love you!

I’ve had a lot of Brussels Sprouts but no one cooked them as crispy and light as Salt Creek Grille. That’s why it’s called Crispy Brussels (Bourbon Caramel Glaze, Grain Mustard, Tavern Ham, Sunflower Seeds). The Tavern Ham, instead of bacon, gives it a different level of savory compliment.

Ahhh, Mac & Cheese; everyone’s comfort food. What makes the  Prosciutto Mac & Cheese (Ditalini Pasta, Caramelized Shallots, Applewood-Smoked Bacon, Four Cheese Mornay, Fresh Herbs, Prosciutto Gremolata) different is the pasta and prosciutto in addition to the four cheese, giving so much flavor!

Stumptini – Stumptown Cold Brew Coffee RumChata Liquerur, Kahlua Liqueur. This is a perfect dessert drink for the summer and to end our evening!

Whether it’s a date for two, a family gathering or a private/corporate event, Salt Creek Grille offers a selection of rooms and personalized event menus. Because when you’re here, they take care of you like family!

Salt Creek Grille
32802 Pacific Coast Highway
Dana Point, CA 92629
(949)661-7799

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Disclosure: No monetary compensation was received for this post. I was an invited guest to the restaurant to help facilitate this review. All opinions are my own.

Full Spectrum Hemp Oil for Humans and Pets, Grown on Kentucky Farms

Our pure essential oils are revolutionizing the way families manage their health. We harness nature’s most powerful elements and share these gifts through our global community of Wellness Advocates.

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Allen and I recently came to check out the new Spring menu. When I walked into the restaurant, It was like I had gone to a mountain lodge. For the next 2 hours, I felt like I was vacationing somewhere enjoying a relaxing time. And you know why? It was because the restaurant was established with that goal in mind. Founder of the restaurant, Chris, wanted the guest to come and enjoy life as much as a lazy dog by the camp fire. (To read more of the story how the name Lazy Dog came from, click here).

I had an good conversation with the General Manager, Mike. I was not only impressed with the food and service but also the culture at The Lazy Dog Restaurant. Mike told me he started as a server and worked his way to a GM. The company really value their employees and provide them with growth opportunities. It’s no wonder everyone working here is so happy and friendly!

(Photos by AT food And Travel)

We started with some refreshing drinks. I am a huge fan of  lemonade. I was so excited to see so many different lemonade drinks on the menu!

How pretty is this Jamaican Lemonade? Wait until you taste it! I loved that it was not overly sweet or tart. In another word, it was PERFECT!

A friend told me I had to get the Huckleberry Mule, so of course I obliged.

You like Ahi Poke Bowl? Well, try this Ahi Poke Jar. Tender pieces of sashimi grade ahi tuna (peanut vinaigrette, avocado, pickled cucumbers, wasabi dressing, wonton chips) is a perfect starter!

Street Corn ( lime, garlic, queso blanco, tajin, and cilantro) is another crowd pleaser. I could eat this whole plate by myself!

Our server highly recommended Cucumber Thyme Lemonade and it didn’t disappoint. You really can’t go wrong with any of them.

When Allen sees ‘BURGERS’ on a menu, he could not resist! He is such a burger lover but it has to be good though. He absolutely loved the BBQ Ranch Bacon Burger (grilled half-pound beef patty, smoked bacon, cheddar, chipotle ranch, lettuce, tomato, pickle, red onion). He chose Onion Rings instead of fries. They were big and crispy. So good!

I was intrigued by the Ginger Soy Salmon (sweet soy glaze, stir-fried vegetables, sesame seeds, green onions, steamed rice). To be honest, I was a little curious. One bite of it, I was all smiles. The fish was cooked perfectly, tender and moist. The vegetables were nice and snappy. I highly recommend it if you like seafood.

You want pizza? They’ve got it, too. We got the Tree Cheese (tomato sauce, Parmesan, Romano, mozzarella, basil) with pepperoni added. Who doesn’t like pizza?

There are many dessert selections and we could not pass on this Simms Family S’more (chocolate fudge, graham cracker crust,warm brownie, fire-roasted marshmallow). Can I just say this is what heaven tastes like?

If you are a regular patron, you know exactly how delicious the food and how friendly the services are! If you have not been or it’s been awhile since you’ve visited. It’s time to go treat yourself some good food and enjoy a resort relaxation without having to escape to the mountains! There are many locations through out California as well Colorado, Nevada and Texas. Find the location nearest you here.  Check out the Bar and Happy Hour menu as well. Let me know what your favorites are, will you?

Lazy Dog Restaurant – Orange
1623 West Katella Ave.
Orange, CA 92867
(714) 769-7020

Visit and like my FB page for more current event updates. Follow me on Twitter and Instagram.

Disclosure: No monetary compensation was received for this post. I was an invited guest to the restaurant to help facilitate this review. All opinions are my own.

The post Enjoy Life At The Lazy Dog Restaurant first appeared on Wendyfulworld.

How do you keep them ‘up’ when they can’t sit up right yet? Well, the clever folks at Hugaboo had the exact same thought and designed the Hugaboo Baby Seat to give our baby the support she needs as she learn to sit up on her own.

The Hugaboo gives our baby the freedom to comfortably observe her surroundings, develop sensory and motor skills, and spend quality time with the family. Plus, the Hugaboo has a unique leg and back support that keeps your little one from tipping forward or sliding out. The Hugaboo Baby Floor Seat can be used for babies as soon as they can support their own head, typically between the ages of 3 to 11 months. It’s made from 100% polyester fabric with polyester fiber fill, and a spot washable cover for easy clean up.  The Hugaboo is lightweight and the compact size allows for us to have our baby with us in any room! There are two toy attachments provide hours of entertainment that are perfect for floor time activities that develop sensory and motor skills.

As our baby learns to sit up on her own, it gives her an entirely new view of the world with Hugaboo – the exceptional baby floor seat designed for us and our little ones.

Hugaboo is offered in various colors and retailed at a range of affordable prices from $59.99-$69.99 at www.myhugaboo.com. Which one is your favorite?

Visit and like my FB page for more current event updates. Follow me on Twitter and Instagram.

Disclosure: No monetary compensation was received for this post. I was provided with the products to help facilitate this review. All opinions are my own.

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Mine keeps in touch with me periodically to make sure I stay on track and provides tips and guidance. And of course, when there is any new promotion going on, I am the first to know! I was so excited when the Ultra Clear DUO came out, I had to try them!

I have matured skin and occasionally I still experience break-outs. I also have very sensitive skin that flushes quite easily, so I was hopeful the Ultra Clear DUO might be able to help.

First I clean my face with a facial cleanser to rid of any dirt and makeup.

I lightly pat dry my face and then immediately apply the Calming Mask. This aromatic, medicated masked is infused with eucalyptus, sulfur, and purified clay designed to exfoliate, calm and hydrate inflamed skin caused by acne, aging, rosacea, and other medical conditions. When you first put it on, it warms slightly. After about 10 minutes (or until it’s dry), I then rinse it off with lukewarm water completely and pat dry. I absolutely love how smooth and silky my skin feels but not drying. I use it twice a week to diminish blemishes and congestion.

As part of my routine, I also use Skin Authority Brightening Serum. It contains naturally derived spot suppressors that work with oligopeptides and AHA exfoliators to help even out skin tone, fade spots and smooth texture for skin that is clearer and more luminous. It is lightweight and safe to use while pregnant or nursing.As a bonus, a full size of the Clarifying Beauty Infusion with Probiotics (retails $49.00) is included with the purchase of the Calming Mask. This product is excellent at treating acne, balancing the skin, and preventing breakouts. It’s also great at reducing pore size and calming down any inflammation in the skin. I add 2-3 drops to my moisturizer. You can also just apply directly on the skin as primer. I love how glowy and healthy my skin looks and feel. Make this Ultra Clear DUO part of your skin care routine. You even get FREE ground shipping within continental USA, simply use ‘FREESHIPPING’ in the Coupon Code at check-out. Give them a try and let me know how you like them!

Visit and like my FB page for more current event updates. Follow me on Twitter and Instagram.

Disclosure: No monetary compensation was received for this post. I was provided with the products to help facilitate this review. All opinions are my own.

The post Skin Authority Introduces Ultra Clear DUO first appeared on Wendyfulworld.

(Image source: http://extras.latimes.com/taste/)

(Photo by Allen Taylor Photography)

The opening night on Friday, September 1, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM is hosted by all the weekend’s hosts and co-hosts, serving highly selective collections of tastings, cocktails and wine offerings.

Saturday, September 2, Noon – 3:00 PM is FIELD TO FORK, featuring fresh tastes from L. A.’s best chefs focusing dishes using the freshest locally sourced ingredients.  This event is hosted by Amy Scattergood and co-host, Chef Sang Yoon. Check out some the offerings from 2014 below.

Saturday, September 2, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM is DINNER WITH A TWIST, featuring innovative tastes from the city’s best restaurants, plus fine wines, beers and, of course, handcrafted cocktails. This event is hosted by Jonathan Gold and Jenn Harris, co-hosts, Antonia Lofaso and Marco A. Ramos.

Below are some dishes I tried in 2014.

Don’t miss the SUNDAY BLOCK PARTY, September 3, Noon – 3:30 PM, hosted by Noelle Carter with co-host Sherry Yard.

No need to fire up your own grill when you get L.A.’s top chefs and mixologists doing all the work for you!

Sunday night, September 3, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM features FLAVORS OF LA, hosted by Jonathan Gold and Chef Gilberto Cetina Jr. Spend this evening exploring the rich and diverse culinary adventure L.A. has to offer.

This year you can take your experience at THE TASTE to the next level by upgrading to Green Room Access and receive:

• Convenient and free parking inside the Paramount Pictures gates (regular price for outside-the-lot parking is $13)
• Access to furnished lounge during the entire event
• Exclusive activities during each Saturday and Sunday events

For detail schedules of the events, parking info. and to purchase tickets, visit L.A. Times|The Taste.

L.A. Times | The Taste
Paramount Pictures Studios
5555 Melrose Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90038

The post LOS ANGELES TIMES | THE TASTE 2017 – LABOR DAY WEEKEND | SEP. 1 – 3 first appeared on Wendyfulworld.

I arrived just before 1:00 PM and the crew was busy setting up for the celebration full of kid’s activities, live performances, give-a-ways and so much more.

There were gold and red balloons and red lanterns everywhere. People started lining by the event tables.

You can spin a wheel to win prizes which included T-Shirts, candies and more. Of course there would be Fortune Cookies! Kids got to do crafts. There was a ballon artists making all sorts of fun animals, including roosters. I love the beautiful face paintings and so did the kids! Thanks to Teavana for the delicious drinks and Wetzel’s Pretzels. There were also plenty of Almond Cookies for all to enjoy.

The live performances included Stilt Circus, South Coast Martial Arts. The finale was the lion dance by Ane Thanh Lion Dancers! 4 hours went by so fast and we had tons of fun. I got to go shopping afterward and found quite a few bargains!

On behalf of Ontario Mills Mall and its entire staff, we wish everyone a very h=Healthy, Prosperous and Happy Lunar New Year!

The post Ontario Mills Mall Celebrates Year of The Golden Rooster first appeared on Wendyfulworld.

ONTARIO MILLS LIGHTS UP THE LUNAR NEW YEAR

California’s largest outlet and value retail shopping destination celebrates the Year of the Rooster with traditional performances, activities and giveaways on January 28

ONTARIO, CA (January 18, 2017) – Ontario Mills is hosting its own Spring Festival to commemorate the Lunar New Year. On Saturday, January 28, guests will be treated to sensational performances by cultural lion dancers, Kung Fu masters and towering stilt walkers in addition to fun activities and exclusive giveaways to ring in The Year of the Rooster.

As January 28 officially kicks off this year’s Lunar New Year, Ontario Mills joins in the celebration. Starting at 1:30 p.m. in Fashion Alley, guests will be treated to face painters, balloon artists, a themed photo booth and a special Teavana tea station with cookies, all available while supplies last.  The performances will begin at 1:30 p.m. with theatrical stilt performers, dressed in ceremonial costumes, walking and greeting guests. To follow, five professional Kung Fu martial artists will perform individual routines at 2:30 p.m. For the grand finale, the Ane Thanh Lion Dance Group will perform a traditional and honorary lion dance show with live drumming and cymbals at 3:30 p.m.

“From the diversity of the Inland Empire to the international guests hailing from over 80 different countries worldwide, we’re proud to host an event celebrating culture and custom,” said Lisa Restaino Morony, Director of Marketing at Ontario Mills. “As Ontario Mills has celebrated countless milestones this past year, we’re looking forward to what fortunes The Year of the Rooster will continue to bring.”

The festivities continue throughout the day with exclusive prizes from 1 p.m. through 4 p.m. Guests who spend $55 or more and present their receipts at the Lunar New Year informational table in Fashion Alley, will receive either a Lunar New Year tote or special hand-fan, while supplies last. Ontario Mills will also be distributing Lunar New Year Offer Guides featuring over 20 special retailer offers from January 27 through February 19.

For more information and further updates, visit http://www.ontariomills.com, and follow Ontario Mills on Facebook, on Twitter andInstagram.

About Ontario Mills

Ontario Mills, California’s largest outlet and value retail shopping destination, offers the ultimate shopping experience with more than 200 outlet and value retail stores, including Kate Spade New York, Michael Kors, Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH, Coach Factory Store, UNIQLO, Ulta Beauty, Tommy Bahama Outlet, Nordstrom Rack, H&M, Forever 21, J.Crew Factory, Tommy Hilfiger Company Store, Abercrombie & Fitch Outlet, Hollister Co. Outlet, Michael Kors, Tory Burch Outlet and Nike Factory Store. Shoppers can enjoy dining and entertainment venues such as Market Broiler, Rainforest Cafe, Dave & Buster’s, Blaze Pizza, Johnny Rockets, GameWorks, Improv Comedy Club & Dinner Theatre and AMC 30 Theatres.

For more information on Ontario Mills, please call (909) 484-8300, visit www.OntarioMills.com or follow Ontario Mills on Facebook at www.facebook.com/OntarioMills, Twitter at www.twitter.com/ShopOntario and Instagram at www.instagram.com/shopontario

 About The Mills^®, A Simon Company

The Mills^®, one of Simon Property Group’s five real estate platforms, offers a unique brand of shopping with a mix of popular name brand outlets, value retailers and full-price stores, plus family-oriented dining and entertainment concepts. The Mills’ are well located in major metropolitan markets and many are recognized as leading tourism destinations. Notable properties include Arundel Mills (Baltimore), Gurnee Mills (Chicago), Grapevine Mills (Dallas), Ontario Mills (Los Angeles), Opry Mills (Nashville), Potomac Mills (Washington, DC) and Sawgrass Mills (Ft. Lauderdale/Miami).

About Simon 

Simon is a global leader in retail real estate ownership, management and development and an S&P100 company (Simon Property Group, NYSE:SPG). Our industry-leading retail properties and investments across North America, Europe and Asia provide shopping experiences for millions of consumers every day and generate billions in annual retail sales. For more information, visit simon.com.

The post Celebrate Lunar New Year At Ontario Mills first appeared on Wendyfulworld.

(Photos by AT food And Travel)

To celebrate the New Year, Executive Chef, Victor Lopez, has created his special New Year’s Eve menu. Guests will enjoy a three-course dinner which showcases items like Carrot Ginger Soup, Bone In Ribeye, Lobster Risotto and Chocolate Mousse. A group of us had the honor of previewing everything. It was such a treat! We all loved the amazing food and the company.

Of course there will also be specialty cocktails, beer and wines. Course One is a choice of  Carrot Ginger Soup (ginger creme, petite greens, cream cheese croustade) or Duck Confit Salad (arugula, wild berry reduction, mandarin oranges, spiced walnuts, hard poached quail egg).
Course Two entree choices are Roasted Chicken (roasted carrots, couscous, brown butter sauce) Penne Pecorino (peas, truffle cream, whild mushrooms, shaved pecorino romano)Bone In Ribeye (peppercorn mushroom bordelaise, bacon fat sweet potato puree, sauteed red char, roasted garlic)Lobster Risotto (arborio rice, lobster broth, micro greens, parmigiana).Course three desserts choices are Chocolate Mousse (served with assorted macarons, fried churro, fresh strawberry)
Bordeaux Poached Pear & Baklava (served with vanilla bean ice cream, chocolate wafer, creme anglaise, caramel sauce, fresh mint).
By the way, there is a ‘hidden’ gem of a space in The Federal Bar’s basement that you will need a ‘secret password’ to enter. So while you are there, check it out.

Call 562-435-2000 for reservations if you haven’t already. Let’s ring in 2017 The Federal Bar way!

 
The Federal Bar Long Beach
Long Beach’s Premier Neighborhood Bar,
Restaurant & Event Venue
102 Pine Avenue
Long Beach, CA 90802

The post Ring in the New Year at The Federal Bar Long Beach With Live Music and Special NYE Menu first appeared on Wendyfulworld.

Habana’s prix fixe New Year’s Eve menu is $100/person and will offer two seatings for dinner service at 6pm and 8pm. Special menu items by Chef Miguel Quintero include Carne a la Guayaba (Dry aged Rib Eye, cebolla seca, boniato, guava cabernet reduction); Regalo del Mar (Alaskan Halibut, Flor de calabasa, papaya, Zucchini); Hacha De Lechon (Tomahawk, Heirloom Tomatoes, Watermelon Radish, Avocado); and Tres Chocolates (Espresso Sponge, Spiced Dark Chocolate, chocolate blanco, dulce de leche).

Allen and I got to preview the delicious cocktails and food a couple of weeks ago. Seriously, they are delicious!

(Photos by AT Food and Travel)

Mint Tomtillo Salsa with Sweet Potato, Plantain and Yuca Chips. 
Tostone Cargado (Mariscos, Cucumber relish, Chile Serrano, Mango Enchilado).
Papita Rellena (Kobe beef, Cranberries, capers, pinenuts, papaya).
La Palmita (Hearts of palm, citrus salad, Mojito emulsion).
Arroz Con Pollo (Fried Chicken, Saffron, Heirloom Carrots, peas).
Regalo del Mar (Alaskan Halibut, Flor de calabasa, papaya, Zucchini).
Miatake a la caja china (Smoked hen of the woods, Tamal Cubano, Pure De Tomate).
Carne a la Guayaba (Dry aged Rib Eye, cebolla seca, boniato, guava cabernet reduction).
Hacha De Lechon (Tomahawk, Heirloom Tomatoes, Watermelon Radish, Avocado).
Tres Chocolates (Espresso Sponge, Spiced Dark Chocolate, chocolate blanco, dulce de leche).Pastellito de guava (Guayaba, Mascarpone, tropical caviar, Blood Orange).

Habana will be open on New Year’s Even from 6:00 PM – 2:oo AM. The Lily Hernandez Band will play from 6:00PM-9:00PM and Madcat starting at 10:00PM. Call (714)556-0176 to make your reservation NOW!

I suggest you come with friends and family so you can order and share all these glorious food. Here is to a very Happy 2017 – Cheers!

Habana at The LAB
2930 Bristol St
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714)556-0176

The post Habana welcomes 2017 with Live Music, Rum Tastings, Cigar Rolling and a Champagne Toast first appeared on Wendyfulworld.