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THE SLG ADVISOR
AUG 2025
I used to make fun of golf. It seemed slow, boring, and way too buttoned-up. In my mind, it was a hobby for khaki-wearing country clubbers who didn’t want to break a sweat. I saw no value in the game, so I didn't take it seriously when my son, Jake, started playing. But what began as a reluctant “yes” to spend time with my son has become something bigger than I ever expected. It’s a source of personal growth, mental clarity, and unexpected wisdom. Now, after a couple of seasons, I realize that golf has taught me more about life than I ever thought a little white ball and 18 holes (sometimes nine if I’m playing for fun with my wife, Liz) could. MENTAL TOUGHNESS MATTERS MORE THAN SKILL. Golf looks simple, but it’s a mental game. It demands presence. No matter how terrible it was, you can’t dwell on the last shot. If you let it rattle you, it snowballs. One bad swing becomes a bad hole, and then a terrible round. That kind of spiral isn’t exclusive to golf, either. Mistakes will happen, and how we respond matters more than what went wrong. Golf taught me to let go of the last shot and focus on the next one. You stand Turns Out, Golf Isn’t Just for Khaki-Wearing Country Clubbers
over your ball, reset, and swing again. The same is true in life. FRUSTRATION IS USELESS, AND PATIENCE IS POWER. I’ve learned that golf punishes frustration and rewards patience. When I rush, fume, and mutter to myself after a bad drive, things don’t get better — instead, they get worse. But when I breathe, take my time, and stay calm, my game improves, I can enjoy myself more, and think more clearly. Off the course, I’ve caught myself bringing that same mindset into tough meetings, traffic jams, or parenting moments. Patience, presence, and perspective help every single time. GRATITUDE COMES WITH STILLNESS. Before golf, I thought I understood nature. I love hiking and being outdoors. But when I hike, I move with purpose. It’s exercise and motion, and golf slows me down. You spend three, four, even five hours outside, walking through the trees, feeling the breeze, and soaking in the sunshine. Between shots, there’s nothing to do but look around, listen, and breathe. And in some ways, that quiet helps me reflect on what I’m grateful for. I’ve found myself more thankful on the course and in everyday moments with those who matter most. OPEN MINDS LIVE FULLER LIVES. I used to scoff at golfers and write them off. The sport, culture, and vibe just weren’t for me. But I was wrong, and learning that lesson changed me.
Now, when I look at something I’ve always dismissed, whether it’s a dish on a menu I’ve avoided, or a genre of music I’ve never explored, I think, “Remember golf?” That little nudge to stay open-minded has made me more adventurous, curious, and alive. TIME TOGETHER IS THE REAL PRIZE. Yes, golf has taught me lessons about patience, discipline, and growth. But the greatest gift has been connection. I’ve gained so much time with my son, Jake, and my wife, Liz, who eventually picked up the game, too. Now, we sneak in weekend rounds as empty nesters. Sometimes, the kids join. It’s become a family tradition. So, if you’re like I was, skeptical, stubborn, and convinced golf isn’t for you, I’ll say this: You don’t have to be good; you just have to be open. Golf might surprise you or teach you something! And if you ever want to play a round, I’ll meet you at the first tee. Just don’t expect me to keep it out of the woods.
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BEFORE YOU SETTLE IN
10-Minute Safety Tips for Your Airbnb Stay
CHECK SAFETY DETECTORS Take some time to find the smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Confirm that they’re present and test them to make sure they work properly. At home, we take these safeguards for granted, but not every rental is as prepared as it should be. MOMENTS THAT MATTER This short safety check takes less than 10 minutes but could save you from a ruined trip or an injury that makes things much worse. Being proactive is key, especially if children are involved. And if something does go wrong, don’t hesitate to act. If you’ve been injured at an Airbnb anywhere in the country, we can help. Give us a call and let us know what happened — we’re here to listen and support you.
Booking an Airbnb can be a fun and flexible way to travel, but before you kick off your shoes, pour a cocktail, and dive into vacation mode, it’s smart to take 10 minutes to assess your temporary home’s safety, especially if you’re traveling with kids. SURVEY THE STRUCTURE Start by walking around the exterior and interior of the property. Look closely at any handrails, especially on porches or staircases. Loose or wobbly handrails are a major fall hazard. If there’s decking, check for signs of rot or splintering. These can be dangerous, especially for barefoot kids or pets. Next, check any stairs for uneven heights. If a step is higher or lower than the others, make a mental note. Knowing it’s there helps prevent stumbles and falls. CHECK POOL AND RUG SAFETY If your Airbnb has a pool and you’re traveling with children, confirm that the area is securely fenced. An unfenced pool is a serious safety concern, even if you don't plan to swim. Ensure all rugs lie flat and don’t bunch up or slide easily. A rug that won’t stay put can be a tripping hazard for kids and adults. TEST IMPORTANT UTILITIES It’s easy to assume everything works just fine, but it’s worth testing the stove, oven, or any appliance you plan to use. If there’s a gas fireplace, turn it on and off to make sure it’s functioning safely. A malfunctioning utility can lead to injury or even more serious emergencies, and it’s better to know now than later.
REVIEW OF THE MONTH
“The team handling my case showed extreme professionalism, attentiveness, diligence, and empathy. They gave me updates along the way, including next steps needed to be taken on their end. While I hope they won’t need it, I will be recommending this place to my friends and family if they ever get into a situation such as mine.” –Stefanie
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Fun and Practical ChatGPT Prompts Anyone Can Use NOT JUST FOR TECHIES
Following the Chat GPT trend from our “Not Just For Techies” article, this recipe is brought to you exclusively by AI! Prompt: “I’ve been eating a lot of meat in my diet recently. Give me a recipe for dinner without meat that my whole family (even the kids) will enjoy." INGREDIENTS • 1 lb ziti or penne pasta • 1 tbsp olive oil • 1 zucchini, finely diced • 1 bell pepper, finely diced • 1 cup baby spinach, chopped CHEESY BAKED ZITI WITH HIDDEN VEGGIES
NETFLIX INDECISION KILLER Prompt: “Give me a list of five hidden-gem movies or shows on Netflix for adults that are funny, uplifting, and under two hours.” BIRTHDAY TOAST COACH Prompt: “Help me write a short, heartfelt, and funny toast for my friend’s 50th birthday. This is someone I’ve known since childhood.” BOOK CLUB LIFE SAVER Prompt: “Summarize the book (insert title) in a conversational way and give me three good talking points for book club.” BACK-TO-SCHOOL GAME PLAN Prompt: “Give me a checklist for getting my kids (and myself) ready for back-to-school season, including organization tips and morning routine ideas.” ROMANTIC RESET Prompt: “Give me five creative date night ideas I can do with my partner at home that don’t feel boring or repetitive.” PERSONALIZED GIFT FINDER Prompt: “Give me thoughtful gift ideas for a 70-year-old dad who says he doesn’t need anything but loves family, history, and being outdoors.” MINDFUL MORNING STARTER Prompt: “Help me create a short five- minute morning routine that helps me feel calm, focused, and ready for the day ahead.”
ChatGPT is here, evolving fast, and becoming more powerful every day. From creating outlines and brainstorming to planning trips or solving problems, there are endless fun and helpful ways to use it … and we’re just scratching the surface! Here at Spada Law, we’ve been using it to help with many things around the office. Here are 11 fun and practical ways (prompts included) to incorporate it into your routine and to lend you a helping hand here and there. VACATION PLANNER Prompt: “Plan a 3-day weekend getaway within three hours of Boston with outdoor activities, great food, and a mix of relaxing and adventurous options.” PEDIATRICIAN HELPER Prompt: “Give me a list of important questions I should ask my child’s doctor at their next checkup appointment. Age of child is: _____” KID CONVERSATION BOOSTER Prompt: “Give me five fun and meaningful questions to ask my kids at dinner that will get them talking about their day.” FAMILY DINNER HERO Prompt: “Give me three easy, healthy dinner recipes I can make for my family in under 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.”
• 2 cups marinara sauce • 1/2 cup ricotta cheese • 1 tsp garlic powder • Salt and pepper to taste • 1 cup shredded mozzarella • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 375 F. 2. Cook the pasta according to package, drain, and set aside. 3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté zucchini and bell pepper for 4–5 minutes until tender. Stir in spinach and cook until wilted. 4. In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta, marinara sauce, ricotta, sautéed veggies, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. 5. Transfer to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan on top. 6. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes until bubbly and golden. 7. Let cool slightly and serve.
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INSIDE
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What 18 Holes Can Teach You About Life Your Airbnb Safety Checklist Review of the Month 11 Ways to Use ChatGPT You’ll Love Cheesy Baked Ziti With Hidden Veggies Host the Perfect Late-Summer Bash Before Fall Rolls In
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Your Guide to the Ultimate End-of-Summer Party
ARRANGE THEMED DECOR Choose a theme to tie your party together. A tropical luau, garden party, or rustic picnic theme can guide your decorations, attire suggestions, and menu choices. Incorporate elements like themed tableware, centerpieces, and signage to reinforce the vibe you’re opting for. CHOOSE ENGAGING ACTIVITIES Plan interactive games or activities to entertain guests. Popular lawn games like cornhole, bocce ball, or a ring toss are crowd-pleasers. Or, you can get creative and set up a photo booth with fun props — those always promise a fun time. Remember, hosting a late-summer party is a great way to celebrate the last few months of the season. With thoughtful planning, your party will be a hit!
As summer winds down, there's still time to host a memorable late-summer gathering that captures the season's warmth and joy. Here's how to plan an unforgettable party any guest would enjoy! EMBRACE THE GOLDEN HOUR Schedule your party in the late afternoon so your guests can enjoy the sunset and cooler evening temperatures. Enhance the party vibe with lanterns, string lights, or candles to create a cozy atmosphere as daylight fades. SERVE REFRESHING BEVERAGES Set up a self-serve drink station featuring a variety of options to cater to all guests. Include a signature cocktail, such as a fruit-infused sangria or a sparkling mocktail, citrus-infused water,
and sodas and juices. This approach keeps guests hydrated and adds a festive touch. PICK A SEASONAL MENU Opt for a menu that highlights all things summer. Grilled vegetables, fresh salads, and light proteins like chicken or fish are great choices. For dessert, try a build- your-own ice cream sundae bar or fruit skewers with yogurt dip. FEATURE A CURATED PLAYLIST Music sets the tone for any gathering. Create a playlist that starts with mellow tunes during dinner and transitions to more upbeat tracks as the evening progresses. This progression keeps the energy lively and encourages dancing or sing-alongs — the best way to entertain guests.
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