Miller Law Office, PLLC - November 2021

Miller Law Office, PLLC - November 2021

November 2021

AaronMillerLaw.com 214.292.4225

The Smell of Freshly Baked Bread CELEBRATING MY GRANDFATHER’S RECIPE

It seems like we have a holiday for everything, and this Nov. 17 is Homemade Bread Day! Anytime I think of homemade bread, I think about Granddad. My mom’s dad was a baker, and some of my fondest memories of him include his bread. My grandfather grew up in the Great Depression and decided early on that only two jobs in the world would always be needed. He reasoned that everyone has to eat, and everyone is going to die, so he should either go into the food or funeral business. He picked food. He actually went to school to learn. Later, he moved his family up to Alaska before it was even a state, where he worked in a bakery for a long time (even working briefly with a man that turned out to be serial killer known as the “butcher baker,” but that’s a different story). When the pipeline was built in Alaska, it brought a ton of high-paying jobs, and always the adventurer, he switched jobs to help build it. Oddly enough (at least to me, since I have no experience with unions), he was a member of the Teamsters union as a baker and was in the same union when he worked on the pipeline. Even though his profession changed, he never stopped baking for the family. His specialty was white bread. That may sound dull, but it was anything but. Granddad loved white bread, but Granny would never let him eat it. At best, she would sometimes let him eat “wheat bread,” which was essentially the same thing except for a couple cups of white flour switched to wheat (but it still had plenty of white flour). Baking it for us gave him a good excuse to indulge a few times a year. Granny had a lot of rules about what Grandpa could and couldn’t eat because she was worried about his health — mainly what he couldn’t. So, when he would visit us or we would go visit them, we would hide a few candies around the house and show him so he could sneak them later. My dad and I would also smuggle him out of the house and try to get him some “illegal” foods. Granddad loved donuts more than just about anything in the world. I remember we took him for a trip to the store and stopped by a donut shop on the way home. The very best to him were powdered sugar donuts. He loved them, but when he ate them, they’d often crumble all over his shirt. When we got out of the car, before we went into the house, we looked him over head to toe and brushed off the powdered sugar and crumbs. Feeling proud of ourselves that we got it all, we went into the house. Granny always gave him a kiss when he came home, and as soon as she did, she knew right away that he’d been eating donuts. In a disgusted voice, Granny said, “Donuts. You’ve been eating donuts!” Granddad was caught. He wouldn’t outright lie to her but didn’t want to admit to breaking the rules! With a hangdog look on his face he said, “Who? Me?” We thought it was hilarious and laughed quite a bit, but Granny was not amused. We had to be extra careful after that.

When Granddad would bake his bread for us, he’d often make rolls in muffin tins and added food coloring. For Christmas, he’d split the dough in two and add red and green coloring to each dough ball. He’d take a bit from each colored dough ball, push the two colors together to form a new ball with two distinct colors and drop them into the muffin tin. They’d bake into really fun Christmas rolls. One year, he visited us for the Fourth of July and used red, white, and blue. Those rolls were the best I’ve ever had. For a long time, my family used to make the same bread recipe a few times a month. While we weren’t the professional bakers my Granddad was, most of the time, it turned out great. Every once in a while, though, we’d get what we called “lead bread.” Maybe we had old yeast or didn’t let it rise enough. Or maybe we overmixed the dough after proofing and before we put it into the bread pans, but when it happened, instead of a nice thick loaf, we’d end up with this denser-than-a-neutron-star bread about an inch high. It tasted surprisingly good despite the appearance, but let’s just say it didn’t make very good sandwiches. The best part of the homemade bread was taking it out of the oven. We’d make three big loaves to use throughout the week, and we had a smaller pan to make a small loaf that we would eat as soon as it cooled just enough when it came out of the oven. I think that’s what heaven will be like. Eating warm bread from the oven with a bit of butter on it. There’s nothing else quite like it! It’s been a while since I last made Granddad’s bread, so I think I’ll break out the recipe soon and give it a whirl. If you’d like a copy, call Scarlett, and we can get it to you. I’ll be glad to share the deliciousness my family has enjoyed for so many years.

AaronMillerLaw.com | 1 -Aaron Miller

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SAY GOODBYE TO DARK UNDER-EYE CIRCLES

With 3 Easy Tips

If you’re older than 30, you’re probably no stranger to dark under-eye circles. They can make you look worn down and older, and makeup can temporarily conceal but doesn’t solve the problem. Many people think dark under-eye circles are a sign of tiredness, but fatigue is only one of several causes. Other lifestyle factors like sun exposure, alcohol consumption, and smoking can play a role, as can some skin conditions. But the No. 1 factor that causes dark under-eye circles is one we can’t control: aging. You can’t help getting older, but you can mitigate some of the effects. Your dark circles will probably never go away entirely, but you can use these tips to minimize their appearance. Use prevention methods. To avoid getting or worsening dark circles, your best defenses are staying well hydrated and always wearing sunscreen. Dehydration can cause dull skin and sunken eyes, so be sure to drink lots of water. And since time in the sun can result in premature aging and discolored skin (not to mention skin cancer), always wear an SPF 30 or higher sunscreen to protect the delicate skin under your eyes. Try a cold compress. Placing something cold (but not frozen) under your eyes can cause the blood vessels to constrict, providing a temporary improvement in appearance. You can buy a cold compress, but at-home methods often involve a cold teaspoon, cucumber slice, or a wet washcloth. Since tea contains antioxidants that will stimulate your blood circulation, a cool tea bag is another popular option. Heat up two tea bags in warm water for five minutes, then chill them in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes. After that, just rest them gently on your eyes. Use retinol cream in your routine. Retinol helps to improve collagen deficiencies and plump up the skin, and some people have dramatic results with retinol cream. Over-the-counter options are available, but higher strengths require a prescription. Retinol makes your skin more sensitive to the sun, so only apply your

This past summer, celebrities went out of their way to tell us they don’t bathe very often. With the higher temperatures, it was an odd time to announce a casual relationship with soap, but that didn’t stop stars like Ashton Kutcher, Kristen Bell, and Jake Gyllenhaal. It got so bad that Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Jason Momoa released statements assuring us that they do shower daily. The anti-shower celebrities’ argument was that too much soap is bad for your skin. Bathing too often, they argued, was not just unnecessary but could also be unhealthy. The hullabaloo has since died down, but it’s worth asking: Do the celebs have a point? As it turns out, frequent showers are more of a cultural than health practice. For example, two-thirds of Americans shower every day, but only about half of Chinese people do. Meanwhile, almost 90% of Mexicans shower daily, and Brazilians average two showers per day. Climate, access to clean water, and cultural norms all play a role. But, according to dermatologists, the stars might be onto something. While there’s no consensus on how often you should shower, dermatologists agree that washing with soap every day is unnecessary for most people. Soap dries out the skin, often making it itchy, irritated, and more prone to infections and allergic reactions. Antibacterial soap can kill off good bacteria that helps our bodies, and some evidence even suggests that washing with soap too frequently can weaken the immune system. That said, dermatologists agree that some people should shower every day, including those who work out regularly, literally get dirty at their jobs, or work with harsh chemicals and odors. And anytime you start to smell, you should definitely lather up. If you want to reduce how often you shower, dermatologists agree you should wash your face, armpits, and groin area with soap daily. Then, when you do shower, wash with warm (not hot) water and a moisturizing soap and try to keep your shower under 10 minutes. It’s important to wash gently instead of scrub your skin hard, and you should pat (not rub) yourself dry and apply lotion after your shower. These tips will ensure you stay clean while also protecting your skin. In the end, it’s how you shower — and not how often — that likely matters most to your skin health. CELEBRITIES COME CLEAN They’re Not Washing Daily — Should You?

retinol cream at night. You don’t want to swap out dark circles with sunburn!

If these tips don’t reduce the appearance of your under-eye circles, it may be time to see a dermatologist. But most dark circles can be resolved at home with just a little TLC.

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FIDGET TOYS ARE HERE TO STAY But Are They Helpful?

Fidget spinners may be so 2017, but fidget toys (or “fidgets”) are here to stay. While fidget toys are relatively new, the idea of fidgeting isn’t. Clicking your pen, tapping your foot, twirling your hair, and biting your nails are just some examples of fidgeting that you might already engage in. So, why do we fidget — and is it a good or bad thing? Scientists don’t completely understand why people fidget, but many theories point to its potential effects on concentration. Proponents of this idea suggest that people tend to fidget when they are trying to concentrate on something that is either too boring or too challenging. Fidgeting while bored may help you keep your attention up, while fidgeting when overly challenged may help you focus and relax. One case study showed that students had a 10% increase in academic scores when using fidget toys as opposed to without. Even more impressive, students with ADHD showed a 27% increase in scores when allowed to fidget. Anecdotal evidence from both children and adults with ADHD supports the idea that fidgeting boosts attention and improves memory retention. TAKE A BREAK

One of the biggest complaints about fidgeting is that it can be distracting to

others. It’s important to know the time and place for your preferred fidget and to find alternatives that won’t be disruptive. No one wants to hear repeated

clicking noises (unless they’re the one doing the clicking), but fidget toys with joysticks, sliders, soft buttons, and other quiet options can be a big help.

Fidgeting can also be disruptive to the person fidgeting if you choose an overly complicated or visual toy. If you’re paying more attention to the fidget than whatever you’re trying to concentrate on, it’s time to put the toy away. This is why fidget spinners have been banned in so many schools and why most other fidget toys are very simple, quiet, and tactile-based. If you have a tendency to fidget in your daily life, a fidget toy might be right for you. There are many options available for purchase, and many people like to buy several to determine which works best for them. Who knows, one just might help you stay alert during that conference call!

EASY PUMPKIN BROWNIES Inspired by TheCookieRookie.com

Ingredients

• 6 oz cream cheese, softened • 3 tbsp sugar • 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice

• 1 box brownie mix, plus other ingredients listed on box

• 1/2 cup chocolate chips • 1/2 can pumpkin purée

Directions

1. Preheat the oven as directed on the brownie box, then make the brownie mix. Fold in chocolate chips. 2. In a medium bowl, combine pumpkin purée, cream cheese, sugar, and pumpkin pie spice. 3. Choose your pan as directed on the brownie box. Grease it if needed. 4. Pour half of the brownie mix into the pan and spread evenly. 5. Add the pumpkin mixture to the pan, evenly or in a pattern. Cover with the rest of the brownie mix and spread evenly. 6. Bake as directed on the brownie box, adding 10 minutes to account for the pumpkin. Test for doneness, and when your toothpick comes out clean, cool and enjoy!

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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

Aaron Celebrates Homemade Bread Day

2

Are Daily Showers Necessary?

Say Goodbye to Dark Under-Eye Circles

3

How to Make Fidgeting Work for You

Easy Pumpkin Brownies

4

Lowering Holiday Stress

HAVE A LOW-STRESS HOLIDAY 3 Tips for a Merrier Time

Don’t Expect Perfection The sooner you let go of the idea of a “perfect” holiday, the sooner you’ll be able to have a happy one. Face it: Something will go wrong. Whether it’s an overcooked dish, a child throwing a temper tantrum, or your uncle talking politics at the dinner table, nothing will ever go just how you planned. So, embrace the imperfections. Whether you’re celebrating this year with a group of two or 20, holidays can be a stressful time — but they don’t have to be. With these tips, your festivities may not be picture-perfect, but they will be a lot of fun.

The holidays are right around the corner, and while many people can’t wait to eat turkey and swap presents, others only see stress on the horizon. Especially for those hosting parties, between decorations, big dinners, excited kids, and visiting family, it can all feel overwhelming. If celebrations are happening at your house this year, here are three tips to lessen the strain and keep up the holiday cheer. Recharge First Ensure you’re rested and recharged before the holidays by taking time to relax, getting enough sleep, and engaging in activities that make you feel good. When you’re rushing to get everything done, it can be tempting to skip self-care routines, but that will cost you in the long run. Your daily exercise and other health activities keep you balanced and ready to face challenges head-on. Get Started Early Holidays always arrive faster than we expect, so begin preparing early. If shopping for presents is a pain point, don’t wait until the last minute. Decorate earlier than you need to — or better yet, get the kids to do it for you. There’s only so much cooking you can do ahead of time, but ensuring you have all of the equipment and nonperishable ingredients you need a few weeks in advance will reduce both your workload and anxiety.

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