Miller Law Office, PLLC - March 2022

Miller Law Office, PLLC - March 2022

March 2022

AaronMillerLaw.com 214.292.4225

Let the Good Times Roll MY LOVE OF NEW ORLEANS

This year, March 1 marks Fat Tuesday or Mardi Gras, the traditional last hurrah before Christians observe Lent. It’s a time to indulge in all of the “sins” you might otherwise give up for the next 40 days and is celebrated by a raucous, public party. While you can find similar celebrations in lots of places, no one does Mardi Gras bigger or better than people do in New Orleans. I’ve never been to a Mardi Gras celebration in New Orleans, but I do have a great love for the city that began about 25 years ago when Wendy and I honeymooned there. I had just finished my undergraduate degree, and we didn’t have a lot of money or time. I was on vacation from my job learning how to run a restaurant that was in North Carolina but moving to Texas. Wendy and I were traveling back to Raleigh and decided New Orleans would be a good place to stop and have the honeymoon. Wendy’s parents had a timeshare that we were able to trade for a place in the Garden District of New Orleans, and we loved it. Honestly, our version of a New Orleans vacation was a little nerdy, but we had a great time. We would ride to the French Quarter every day on the trolley. We hit up countless museums, The Cabildo (the Louisiana State Museum on Jackson Square), an apothecary museum, Louis Armstrong (or maybe it was Jazz) museum, a museum on Mardi Gras, and the U.S. Mint. We also attended a cooking class where they taught us how to make traditional New Orleans foods like pralines and rice and red beans. We bought the seasonings they had on sale, though we still have them 25 years later — so apparently, they weren’t our favorites. Even if those particular spices didn’t hit the spot, I am a huge fan of Cajun food. It started when I was about 12 and in the Boy Scouts. A kid moved up from Louisiana and joined our troop. During our winter campout, he made jambalaya, and even though he wasn’t in our patrol, he made extra and shared some with us. I thought it was the best thing I’d ever eaten, and it’s still up there — I’ve never had jambalaya that good since, and not for lack of trying. So, during our trip, and the several since then, I’ve made it a point to find good food. We visited Cafe Du Monde for beignets, had muffulettas at a local grocery store with a diner in the back, and ate lots of seafood and gumbo. One night, while we were dining on a balcony on Bourbon Street, a wedding processional went by below, with people strutting along and waving handkerchiefs. It was a good show and probably the closest I ever got to Mardi Gras.

Of course, we did spend some time visiting the bars and jazz clubs. We visited destinations like Pat O’Brien’s bar and saw the Preservation Hall Jazz Band play. I remember that it only cost $2 or $3 to request a song, but “When the Saints Go Marching In” cost $10 — I imagine because they got that request so often. Amazingly, we only saw one passed-out, drunk person during the entire trip. While it was years before the commercial, looking back the guy happened to look a little like Jake from State Farm hanging out in the gutter on Saturday morning. Although we spent most of our time in the French Quarter, we did sit through a timeshare pitch to earn a free (if you didn’t count our time) swamp tour. We went out on the boat and watched the guides feed the alligators. They fed them whole chickens, and the alligators really jumped far out of the water for it. I don’t know if I’d ever want to visit for Mardi Gras — as fun as it sounds, I’m not so sure about the crowds! But I love New Orleans, and I love to stop by when I can. With its unique culture, flavors, and nightlife, there’s no other place like it in the world, whether on Fat Tuesday or any other night of the year.

-Aaron Miller

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HOW TO ENTERTAIN KIDS DESPITE FATIGUE Running Low on Fuel?

After working all day, it can be tough to keep up with your kids. Sometimes, it can even feel like working a second job. While you still need to be physically and emotionally present, there are ways to exert less energy and still play with kids of all different ages. If your baby is under 1 year old, they are too young to play by themselves, but you can still play while not physically overdoing it. Resting on the floor with your baby and showing them some sensory toys or reading to them is both entertaining and educational. Another great option for your infant is to blow bubbles for them — they will love watching the bubbles float and dance through the air.

If your toddler is on the go and walking, they may require a little more to stay adequately entertained. Try sitting on the floor and singing nursery rhymes. You can also let your child explore objects in the room while you build upon their language by explaining what different items are. Since you’re sleepy, why not pretend your toddler’s stuffed animal is sleepy too? Have your child “put teddy to bed.” If you’re lucky, you may be able to get in a few moments of shut-eye too! If your child is 2–4 years old, they might love using their imagination! Try having a picnic with them in the living room (you can even invite their stuffed animals to join!). Playing doctor is also a fun option and opportunity to be lazy and sleepy if you get to play the part of the sickly patient. You may also get out the building blocks and create with them — this requires little physical exertion and is a great developmentally appropriate activity.

If your child is 4 years or older, they are likely very active. What about hosting an indoor obstacle course where you get to be the timer? All you have to do is gather a few items from around the house and use furniture and pillows to build a course. Think of incorporating activities such as having them crawl under the dining room table, walk across a blanket bridge, or hop over the pillow rocks. If you’re feeling artsy and would prefer to make something with your child,

you can even just sit down at the table and break out some homemade play dough.

The most important thing is to get creative and never feel guilty for needing to scale back a bit after having a long day. With these interactive ideas and tips, you will make it through the tough days and still feel like the super-parent you are!

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It’s not a joke — your makeup brushes can actually make you sick! While the task of cleaning each one individually sounds like a colossal waste of time, you might rethink the tedious task after you find out about the many gross things that can happen if you don’t. Keep in mind that this article is only meant to inform you about what can potentially happen; it’s not meant to freak you out! Regular brush cleanings are worth considering for the following reasons. Your makeup application may suffer. When traces of foundation, contour, and powder get caked up and stuck to the bristles of your makeup brushes, you’re likely to make a mess of your face. On top of that, makeup brushes can become weak and even break from lingering makeup residue, even your eyelash curler! If mascara accumulates on it, it can end up breaking your lashes. DANGER IN THE MAKEUP CASE What Happens if You Don’t Clean Your Makeup Brushes Regularly?

Dirty brushes can harm your skin. When your skin is exposed to dirty brushes filled with bacteria, it can become stressed out and congested, leading to collagen loss and premature wrinkles. So, yes, dirty makeup brushes can literally age you! Acne and pimples love bacteria, too, especially when you use wet makeup products such as foundation and creams. Bacteria thrives on the moisture, possibly leading to breakouts. Not washing your brushes may lead to infections and viruses. Bacteria and viruses can enter your body through the pores on your skin, allowing them to infect your system. It can lead to herpes, the flu, pink eye, or even a Staphylococcus infection! Hurry, rush and clean those makeup brushes — twice! It’s important to keep in mind that spot cleaning your makeup brushes here and there does not replace deep-cleaning, which should be done at least once a week to keep them safe for your face!

TAKE A BREAK

EASY MARCH MADNESS CHILI Inspired by MyRecipes.com

Cheer on your favorite team and chow down in minutes with this easy chili recipe!

Ingredients

Directions

• 2 lbs ground beef • 2 tbsp chili powder • 1 tbsp Creole seasoning • 1 tsp ground cumin • 2 16-oz cans diced tomatoes • 2 16-oz cans small red beans • 2 8-oz cans tomato sauce

1. In a deep pot, brown beef, stirring often. 2. Once beef is cooked, add chili powder, Creole seasoning, and cumin, cooking for 1 minute. 3. Stir in diced tomatoes, beans, and tomato sauce and bring the mixture to a boil. 4. After the mixture boils, reduce the heat to low and let chili simmer for 15 minutes. 5. Serve with toppings of choice, like cheese, sour cream, or chives.

Solution

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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

214.292.4225 www.AaronMillerLaw.com 1400 Preston Road, Suite 118 Plano, Texas 75093 INSIDE THIS ISSUE

1

Why Aaron Loves New Orleans

2

Interacting With Kids While Running on Empty

3

Makeup Brushes Can Make You Sick?!

Easy March Madness Chili

4

Get Healthy While Spring-Cleaning!

It’s More Than Just Tidying Up 4 Health Benefits of Spring-Cleaning

It prevents illnesses. Doorknobs, refrigerator handles, light switches, countertops, and remote controls are all things we touch many times a day. Cleaning anything that’s used often is one way to reduce the spread of germs. By keeping household surfaces clean, we help thwart the spread of viruses and illnesses. Spring-cleaning helps you breathe better. Spring often brings pollen that triggers allergies for many. But pollen isn’t the only thing to blame when people have difficulty breathing. When dust and pet dander build up in your home, your respiratory system is greatly affected too. Deep-cleaning your air filters and vents can make breathing effortless — and it’s truly amazing how this can improve your well-being. It keeps you more active. Off the couch and on your feet! Even just running the vacuum and clearing the clutter from the dining room table will get you up and moving, which is healthy for your heart and body.

Sunday, March 20, is the first day of spring — which means it’s time for some spring- cleaning. Did you know that cleaning is not just about tidying up a physical space?

It’s also about improving overall well-being. Here’s how organization and

cleanliness can help you in more ways than you might expect.

Spring-cleaning reduces stress and depression. Tidiness and mental health are actually connected. Studies have found that having a clean home is directly correlated to happiness and your ability to focus. Anxiety can spike when laundry is piling up, items are strewn everywhere, and papers get scattered on various surfaces within the home. Clearing the clutter is a great way to boost your mood and increase those feel-good hormones.

This spring season, putting some elbow grease into your cleaning will benefit you in more ways than one. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later!

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