Brauns Law's online newsletter for December 2017
404-418-8244 December 2017 WWW.BRAUNSLAW.COM 3175 SATELLITE BOULEVARD, SUITE 330, DULUTH, GEORGIA 30096
Scale and Service Brauns Law Goes Big in 2018
The new year is fast approaching, and there’s something about the fresh slate of January 1 that inspires us to start fresh. I know a lot of people use New Year’s resolutions to improve their health, and that’s my plan for 2018. This year, I’m going to get a head start on losing all the holiday weight and getting back into shape. Maybe now that I’ve announced it in the newsletter, I’ll actually follow through. In addition to personal resolutions, the new year is a great opportunity to focus on professional goals, something we’re doing here at Brauns Law. 2018 is going to be all about scale and service, which we’ve already made our primary focus by moving into a brand-new office space.
Over the course of my career, I’ve learned that every personal injury case boils down to two components that matter most — compensation and customer service. When someone has been hurt in an accident, compensation can help them recover. After everything they’ve been through, they deserve to be treated well while seeking that compensation. Our mission is to help every client receive the compensation they deserve, but there are many moving parts we have no control over. However, we do have complete control over the service a client receives when working on a case with us. During every case, big or small, we strive to make sure that our service is top-of-the-line. Going to court for a personal injury case is stressful enough. I don’t believe your attorney should be another source of stress and friction during the process. Here’s to a great 2018! -David Brauns
“Going to court for a personal injury case is stressful enough. I don’t believe your attorney should be another source of stress and friction during the process.”
Our last move was just over a year and a half ago, but in that brief time, the office grew rapidly — both in terms of the size of our team and in the amount of new clients. We set out to find somewhere we could be comfortable for years to come. Don’t worry; you don’t have to learn a new address. We’re staying in the same building, on the
same exact fl oor. We’ve just moved into a much bigger space, upgrading from 1,900 to 5,000 square feet! This gives us room to grow, with space for up to 19 more people on our team. We plan on being here for a while. Soon, Google will come take pictures and create a virtual tour so people can see the new office online. Until then, check out the photos we’ve taken of the office during the move on our Facebook page at facebook.com/BraunsLaw.
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Around the world, people welcome their newest neighbors with special gifts. Russia is often credited with starting this housewarming tradition. Dignitaries would visit nearby villages to deliver salt and bread to townspeople. The salt was symbolic of living a life full of flavor, while the bread was so no one would go hungry. Other cultures have their own housewarming customs. In Italy, a broom is bequeathed to new inhabitants to sweep away any lingering evil spirits. Another common gift is a candle, which signifies always having light. Meanwhile, the French make a day of it by inviting new neighbors over for a “l’aperitif,” an afternoon snack of cheese and meat. Indians also extend a hospitable welcome, inviting new neighbors to join them for lunch or dinner. These neighbors also receive a gift for their new home. People often lament a time when “everyone knew their neighbors,” and while some nostalgia is better left to memory (lava lamps, for example), a neighborly connection is worth pursuing. If you’ve never met yours, or if you just noticed the new family moving in next door, it’s time to extend a friendly hand. This holiday season, go above and beyond by putting together a gift basket for your neighbors inspired by some of the aforementioned traditions. Here are a few themes to try. Cleanliness Is Next to Godliness There’s nothing worse than unpacking and realizing you tossed out all of your cleaning tools. Draw on Italian sensibility and put Gift Basket! GIVE A DIY HOUSEWARMING
together a household supply basket. Fill this basket with items like all-purpose cleaner, furniture spray, antibacterial wipes, sponges, and automatic air fresheners. Flavors of Life Everyone needs the basics when they are settling into a new home. Put together a basket with these ingredients for a savory start: gourmet salt, a bread mix, olive oil and vinegar, a mixed herb set, and a bottle of wine to make unpacking a bit more enjoyable. Warmth for Winter’s Chill You can also provide heartwarming gifts to brighten a new home. This theme might include seasonal candles, scented plug- ins, a decorative string of lights, and glow-in-the-dark stars for the kids’ room. Once you’ve chosen a theme, gather the materials to prepare your basket, including a decorative bow and matching tissue paper. Then, stop by and introduce yourself and share your thoughtful, creative gift. You’re sure to impress!
DON’T JUST TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT
Testimonials
“I had the most pleasant experience with everyone in the office. They really do care about you and your recovery.” –April “The staff at Brauns Law helped me get through a very trying time following my accident. They followed up with me after appointments and called to see how I was doing. I appreciate David Braun and his staff’s work on my behalf.” –Brenda
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TAKE TO THE SKIES Atlanta is home to the busiest airport in the world, and between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, it gets even busier! If you’re going to catch a flight this holiday season, here are a few tips to help make the journey easier. Experts recommend that you arrive at the airport at least two hours before your flight, but around the holidays, you should give yourself an extra hour on top of that. During the holidays, all the inexperienced flyers come out. Already slow security lines come to a complete stop as families struggle to remove their shoes, fish electronics out of carry-ons, and throw away oversized liquids. Avoid the mad dash through the airport and show up early instead. 3 Tips for Flying Safely This Holiday Season Make Plans to Arrive 3 Hours Before Your Flight
personnel, which can hold up the security line and force you to rewrap everything later. If you aren’t able to do a last-minute wrap job at your destination, consider using gift bags instead of wrapping paper.
Wear Your Seatbelt When Seated
Even if the captain turns off the fasten seatbelt light, it is wise to remain buckled whenever you’re in your seat. Unexpected air turbulence injures many passengers every year. Often, these passengers were in their seats but not using the seatbelt. Air turbulence is unpredictable, and the captain usually won’t be able to turn on the seatbelt light until after the plane has been shaken. No matter how prepared you are, fl ying during the holidays always comes with some degree of stress. When you hit a rough patch, remember to take a deep breath and keep your cool. What matters most is arriving safely to see your family.
Don’t Wrap Gifts Before You Pack Them in Your Luggage
This applies to checked luggage as well as carry-on bags. There’s a good chance presents will be unwrapped and inspected by security
Happy travels!
WORD SEARCH December
Easy Holiday Party CHEESE FONDUE Scrambling to find something for the holiday potluck? This fondue is sure to impress!
Directions 1. In a large bowl, whisk together wine and cornstarch. 2. Chop cheese slices into small, uniform pieces. 3. Rub clove of garlic all over the sides and bottom of a heavy- bottomed pot, then discard. Ingredients • ¾ cup dry white wine • 1 tablespoon cornstarch • 1 (8-ounce) package sliced Swiss cheese • 1 clove garlic
• Salt to taste • Foods to dip (apple slices, bread cubes, roasted vegetables, etc.)
some cheese and slowly whisk. When nearly smooth, add more cheese and whisk gently. Repeat until all cheese is melted. If mixture seems too thick, add 1 tablespoon wine. 5. Season with salt and serve immediately. Keep pot on low heat to keep the fondue dippable.
BOOTS DRIFT FISHING FLAKES FLURRIES FUN HOCKEY ICY PLAY
PLOW SALT SAND SCRAPER SCULPTURE SHOVEL SKATING SKIING SLIDING
SLIPPERY SNOWBALL SNOWBLOWER SNOWMAN SNOWMOBILE STORM WHITE
4. Heat wine mixture over
medium-low heat in the pot until thick and bubbling. Add
(Recipe inspired by PinchofYum.com.)
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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
404-418-8244 | WWW.BRAUNSLAW.COM 3175 SATELLITE BOULEVARD, SUITE 330 DULUTH, GEORGIA 30096
Page 1
What’s Your New Year’s Resolution?
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Give a DIY Housewarming Gift Basket!
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Client Testimonials
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Should You Wrap the Presents in Your Luggage?
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Easy Holiday Party Cheese Fondue
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Christmas Trees Are German?
THE UNCLEAR ORIGIN OF CHRISTMAS TREES When you brought home this year’s Christmas tree, you and the family most likely spent an evening decorating it with lights, store-bought and homemade ornaments, a star or an angel topper, and maybe even tinsel. If you’re more traditional, you may have even included a popcorn string. But have you ever wondered why we started decorating our Christmas trees in the first place? While the origins of the Christmas tree are uncertain, we’ve used the evergreen fir to celebrate winter festivals, both pagan and Christian, for thousands of years. The tree has represented many things, including the winter solstice, Saturnalia, and everlasting life with God. During the 1500s in Germany, people brought full pine trees, called paradise trees, into their homes to celebrate the Name Day of Adam and Eve on Dec. 24. The families decorated the tree with apples and gingerbread. Before long, glassmakers began crafting small ornaments to hang on the trees. In Victorian times, trees were even decorated with candles! Over time, paradise trees evolved into Christmas trees. In the 18th and 19th centuries, when many Germans immigrated to the United States, they brought the tradition with them. However, the practice of decorating a pine tree with apples didn’t quite catch on.
Then, In the winter of 1841, Queen Victoria of England requested a Christmas tree at Windsor Castle for her husband, Prince Albert, who was of German
descent. The Queen thought the tree would be a nice gesture, and the London News published a story about the royal Christmas tree in 1848. The tradition quickly spread throughout Europe and North America.
When Christmas trees first rose to prominence in the United States, they were often decorated with homemade ornaments, while many German-Americans continued to use apples, nuts, and marzipan cookies. Popcorn joined later, dyed bright colors and interlaced with berries and
nuts. Electricity brought lights, making it possible
for Christmas trees to glow for days on end. And with that, Christmas trees quickly became an American tradition.
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