Brauns Law - November 2019

404-418-8244 November 2019 WWW.BRAUNSLAW.COM 3175 SATELLITE BOULEVARD, SUITE 330, DULUTH, GEORGIA 30096

THANKSGIVING 2.0 The Recipe for the Perfect Thanksgiving

There are few things more traditional than Thanksgiving. All across America, families gather to celebrate with turkey, pie, and football. Personally, that’s my recipe for a perfect Thanksgiving. Of course, I’m not totally against shaking up the holiday. In fact, I’ve heard of some pretty unique ways some people celebrate Thanksgiving. The image of a “perfect” Thanksgiving always involves long tables packed with every uncle, cousin, and stepsister. The trouble is that even the most functional families have drama when you stuff everyone in the same room while a handful of family members slave over the stove. What’s wrong with spending the day with your immediate family instead? I’ve heard about couples enjoying a romantic dinner with each other or cooking up a cozy meal with their spouse and kids. Hey, some restaurants are open on Turkey Day, so there’s always the option to let someone else do the cooking. In the end, you may be even more grateful for those you hold dear. Don’t get me wrong, I actually like my in- laws, but this does sound pretty nice. ‘Just Us’ Thanksgiving

Friendsgiving. The name might be calling back to an episode of “Friends,” a Bailey’s Irish Cream marketing campaign, or even a Twitter hashtag. Whatever the origin, it’s a pretty solid idea, especially if you live far away from the rest of your family. “Who else always ends up having the ‘Whose house should we eat at?’ debate?” There’s a lot of pressure to get together with the family in November and again in December, but plenty of people can only afford to make one big trip over the holidays. If you fall in that category, organizing a Friendsgiving is a much better alternative than spending Thanksgiving alone. Some people even do both, scheduling a Friendsgiving the weekend before or after their family Thanksgiving. Who else always ends up having the “Whose house should we eat at?” debate? Some years, I’d rather skip houses and jet off to a hotel room instead. I think a lot of families aren’t taking full advantage of Thanksgiving. Almost everyone has a few days off work at the same time. Why not bring the family Destination Thanksgiving

together on neutral territory for a much- needed vacation? If you’re bringing the full crew, rent an Airbnb for everyone and have fun experimenting with Thanksgiving recipes that fit your new surroundings. Alternately, turning Thanksgiving into a family trip with your spouse and kids is a great way to completely avoid political discussions and family tension. If anyone calls to ask where you are, just explain that you planned your trip months ago, then take another sip of your piña colada and show your kids how to make a turkey- shaped sandcastle. What it really comes down to is that there’s no wrong way to celebrate Thanksgiving; if you’re spending time with the people you love, you’re doing it right. -David Brauns

Friendsgiving

This is framed like another millennial trend, but gathering with friends rather than family has been a Thanksgiving option for decades. That said, in the last few years, the rising popularity has given it a name:

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Teach a Lesson About Voting This Election Day! Your Vote Matters, and, Someday, Your Kid’s Will Too!

The 2020 presidential election is heating up, but Election Day 2019 still requires citizens’ voices to decide the fate of their cities, counties, states, and judgeships. As the U.S. enjoys a relatively quiet election day on Tuesday, Nov. 5, use the opportunity to teach your children about their civic duty and the power of voting. For the Young Kiddos There’s no reason why children can’t be involved in local elections. Let your kids tag along to the voting area, and ask for help from city workers and local representatives to answer your kids’ questions. You can even set up your own family election by holding a vote over what to have for dinner or where the next family vacation should be located. If you’re looking for bedtime books to feed their curiosity, try out fun reads like “O, Say Can You See? America’s Symbols, Landmarks, and Inspiring Words” by Sheila Keenan. Various websites, like KidsVotingUSA.org, also have ample resources for educators and families. For New Voters Turning 18 comes with the newfound responsibility of voting for our country’s leaders, and, for new voters, the system,

Don’t Forget About You! Voting is a right and privilege that comes with U.S. citizenship. Don’t miss your opportunity to have your voice heard. Learn more about your local election by visiting Ballotpedia.org or contacting your municipality, and be sure to register to vote if you haven’t already. Remember, your kids learn by watching what you do, not just by listening to what you say. Inspire them to get involved and, when the time comes, exercise their right to vote!

ballots, and restrictions can be confusing. Start by walking your teen through the registration process, which can be done in person at your municipality’s office or online at USA.gov or Vote.org. Next, talk with your teen about what’s at stake in the upcoming election. Be careful not to seed your language with opinions so your teen can develop their own view. Direct them to resources like Ballotpedia.org, where they can find information, practice voting, and see local sample ballots. And, of course, when Election Day rolls around, celebrate their first vote!

Testimonials DON’T JUST TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT

“Best attorney ever. He has helped me three different times. I did not worry about anything; he did it all. Also, the girls at the front desk are super helpful and nice.“ –Mayra Morales

“Great office to work with. You are treated like family by the staff of Brauns Law. They show they truly care about you as a person, not just a number. Helpful staff willing to answer all your questions and give you guidance during the stressful time after an accident. I highly recommend Brauns Law if you need an accident attorney.“ –Tiffany Milburn

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There’s an App for What?! Do you know what apps are on your child’s phone? Do you know what those apps do? Do you know whether or not they’re able to talk to strangers using those apps? or ask and answer questions. The anonymous nature of the app can expose kids to cyber bullying, sexual content, and violent threats. Is Your Child Using Dangerous Apps?

Over 40% of students in fourth through eighth grade have talked to strangers online, according to a survey conducted by the Center for Cyber Safety and Education. Parents try to protect their kids, but technology brings unknown dangers straight to their phones. Here are some dangerous apps your child might have on their phone right now. Calculator Vault When downloaded, the app’s icon looks like an ordinary calculator app. When opened, it functions like a calculator. But after a user inputs a passcode, it unlocks to reveal hidden pictures, text messages, videos, contacts, and more. Many kids and teens are using similar hidden vault apps to hide inappropriate content from their parents.

Other dangerous messenger apps: IMVU, Ask.fm, Kik, and Whisper

MeetMe If you think your child is too young to have any interest in dating apps, think again. Dating social media apps like MeetMe have become extremely popular among young users. The app connects people based on location and encourages them to meet in person. MeetMe is rated 17-plus, but like most dating apps, there’s no way to verify age. Kids and teens can easily create fake accounts and connect with strangers nearby.

Other common dating apps: Skout, Bumble, Grindr, Badoo, and Hot or Not

Other popular vault apps: HIP, KeepSafe, and SA

If you see an unfamiliar app on your child’s phone or tablet, the best way to determine what it’s for is to look up the app in the app store. You can read the description of the app, age rating, and reviews from other users. If you think the app is inappropriate, don’t hesitate to make your child delete it. Your child will likely protest, but their safety is always the priority.

Tellonym Remember who you told your kids never to talk to strangers? Tellonym throws that lesson out the window. Called “the most honest place on the internet,” this anonymous messenger app is popular among middle school and high school kids who use it to chat with others,

WORD SEARCH November

PALEO STUFFING Thanksgiving isn’t a hard holiday for those who eat paleo. Almost all of the savory staples were paleo before it was cool. Stuffing is a notable exception, but this recipe’s got you covered.

Ingredients • 2 tbsp ghee or avocado oil • 3 cups onion, diced • 2 cups celery, diced • 1 cup mushroom, diced • 1 cup apple, cored and diced • 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped

• 1/4 cup flat-leaf parsley, chopped • 3 tsp poultry seasoning • 1/2 tsp salt • 1/2 tsp black pepper • 2 cups almond flour • 3 eggs, beaten

Directions 1. Heat an oven to 350 F.

APPLES PIE

CROPS THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY FALL

SCARECROW CHILLY SWEATER

2. In a large cast-iron skillet, heat ghee or avocado oil over medium heat. 3. Add onion, celery, mushrooms, apple, cranberries, parsley, seasoning, salt, and pepper to pan. Sauté for 7 minutes. 4. Remove from heat. Stir in almond flour. Once mixed well, stir in eggs. Transfer to oven and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour. 5. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

PUMPKIN HARVEST

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A New Tradition?

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Teaching Kids the Power of Voting

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What Some of Our Clients Are Saying

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3 Apps Parents Need to Know About

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Paleo Stuffing

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Have You Tried ‘Fire Cider’?

will help ward off illness, you’re unconsciously following in the footsteps of that ancient practice.

Fire cider is a specific type of oxymel, made by adding plants and spices like garlic, peppers, turmeric, ginger, and onions to a base of one part honey and one part vinegar. Nourish Shaki reports that Rosemary Gladstar, the “Godmother of American Herbalism” and founder of the California School of Herbal Studies, coined the term for “a panacea-like folk remedy specifically used for building immunity and aiding during flu season.” Now that cold weather is officially upon us, fire cider is the perfect addition to your holistic repertoire. The Wondersmith, an herbalist and artist based in the Pacific Northwest, mixes up a version of fire cider to aid digestion and reduce inflammation that she says is “equally at home mixed into a zesty salad dressing, stirred into roasted vegetables, drizzled over hearty meats, or added to rich stews.” The floral take on tradition includes nasturtium flowers and greens, goldenrod flowers, grated ginger, grated turmeric, bee pollen, apple cider vinegar, and honey, all infused in a cool, dark place for a month, then supplemented with orange slices a week before straining. The finished result, The Wondersmith says, can be drizzled over food or taken alone as a tonic. To read the full recipe and learn how to add a bottle of fire cider to your pantry, visit TheWondersmith.com/Blog/2019-oxymel .

HAVE YOU TRIED ‘FIRE CIDER’?

What This Zesty Oxymel Can Do for Your Health

“Fire cider” might sound suspiciously like the base of a craft cocktail, but, in fact, it’s a spicy, warming version of oxymel, the classic vinegar- honey mixture that herbalists have used to treat ailments and improve health since ancient times. According to Nourish Shakti, oxymel — literally translated as “acid honey” — dates back to ancient Greece and Persia. It was used to treat all kinds of problems, including indigestion, fevers, and sore throats. Today, when you stir raw honey into your tea with the belief it

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