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March 2025
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A Trip to Remember Not So Close Encounters of the Manatee Kind
March is known for many things — March Madness, St. Patrick’s Day, and the arrival of spring. But I bet you didn’t know it’s also when we celebrate Manatee Appreciation Day. Yes, there’s an actual holiday for that, but why not? Manatees are fascinating creatures. They’re mammals that live in the water but breathe air. They’re also herbivores that live on seagrass and play a significant role in maintaining balance in aquatic ecosystems. And while they’re known for being docile and slow, they can actually swim up to 20 mph. I apologize for the science lesson, but I have a connection to these gentle “sea cows,” and seeing Manatee Appreciation Day on the calendar brought back fun memories. Fairly recently, while on a trip to visit my daughter Kaitlin in Florida, I had the chance to see manatees up close — or at least that was the plan. Now, most Florida trips involve visiting Disney parks,
but we’ve seen them all over the years. Kaitlin also works for Disney, so spending the day at Epcot or Magic Kingdom isn’t exactly a break for her. This time, we decided to do something different and visited a state park to see manatees in the wild. This Florida state park attracts manatees during the winter because it sits along a major river not too far from the ocean and has a secluded area with warm water that these mammals love. On the right day, hundreds of manatees hang out in the water. But on some days, you won’t see a single one. We saw about a dozen on this trip by looking down from a pathway built along the edge of the water. It was a lot of fun, and we thought maybe we could make things a bit more exciting by getting out on the water for an up- close look at the odd creatures. My wife and I had recently taken kayak lessons, so it seemed natural to use the opportunity to test our skills. We rented two kayaks, and the three of us ventured out into the manatee haven. As we paddled the calm waters, we scanned the area closely, thinking we’d see at least a few coming to the surface to get some air. After a while, my wife, Kaitlin, and I had just about given up when we finally saw something move nearby. We steered our kayaks and carefully paddled a bit closer to get a better look — here comes our big wildlife moment! Our excitement quickly faded once we got close enough to see what we were actually looking at. Instead of a manatee, it was a tracking bobber floating in the water. Apparently, researchers are tracking some of the manatees in the area, and while we didn’t see the manatees themselves out on the kayaks, we saw plenty of their tracking devices. It wasn’t quite the awe-inspiring nature show we’d hoped for, but it was still a great trip and a fantastic experience spent with family.
-Aaron Miller
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Spring-Clean Like a Pro REFRESH, REORGANIZE, REVIVE
It won’t be long before winter is in our rearview mirror, and we can start enjoying the warmth, sunshine, and blossoming flowers that come with spring. This is a time for renewal for many people as they return to some of their favorite outdoor activities after spending most of the winter indoors. Along with our personal renewal, we should also take some time to reevaluate our living spaces, determine if we want to make any layout changes, and conduct deep-cleaning before we open our doors and windows to welcome in the spring season. You’re probably already familiar with spring-cleaning, and now is the perfect time to get started. While keeping your house spotless throughout the year can be beneficial, many Americans find this impossible; it’s hard to find time to deep-clean our homes regularly. It’s even more challenging if you have kids who leave messes around the house. Thankfully, taking your spring-cleaning efforts seriously will be enough to keep your home clean for several months.
clean under them properly. You should also clean under any rugs. If you want to be extra thorough, sprinkle baking soda on top of your pillows and mattress for a few hours, then vacuum it up to refresh your bed and furniture. If the mattress is older, it may be better to steam-clean it. If you don’t have a steam cleaner, you can use white vinegar instead. Just be sure to let the mattress dry before covering it with sheets.
Here are some spring-cleaning hacks to boost your cleaning efficiency while making your home pristine.
The Kitchen Outside the bathroom, the kitchen is likely the dirtiest room in your house. Even if you try wiping down the table, cleaning the dishes, and putting away small appliances after every meal, your kitchen might still need extra help. Since this is spring-cleaning, it’s time to go a little deeper. Unplug your larger appliances and scoot them away from their regular location. Sweep up the dust, crumbs, and other debris. Then, sweep and wipe down the floor with a wet cloth. Depending on the level of grime, you may have to use hot water and dish soap to make the area spotless. This is also a good time to clean other often-ignored kitchen areas, starting with the microwave. If you regularly use your microwave to reheat leftovers, it’s time to clean up the splatter. Place a bowl of water in the microwave and turn it on for 2–5 minutes. This will steam up the microwave, making wiping away food scraps and gunk much easier. Also, wipe down the tops of kitchen cabinets and the refrigerator. The Living Room/Bedroom Just like you did with the appliances in the kitchen, it’s time to move some of your bigger furniture in the bedrooms and living rooms so you can
The Bathroom This is probably the room you dread the most, but if you give your bathroom a deep-cleaning now and maintain it throughout the year, it will be less of a chore in the future. While you’ll probably start with the toilet, sink, and shower, don’t forget about the vent covers in the bathroom. Most people dust their covers, but you should also wash them at least once a year. Simply pop them off and scrub them down in a sink with soap and warm water. If you have mildew and mold in your grout, use a toothbrush and a bleach-based cleaner to make a real difference. Spring-cleaning doesn’t have to be a stressful or daunting event every year. With an efficient and thorough cleaning this year, maintaining that cleanliness throughout the next 12 months will be much easier, and spring-cleaning next year will be a snap.
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INDULGE WITHOUT THE GUILT
Simple Ways to Make Your Favorites More Nutritious
When we were children, our parents served us many dishes that filled our bellies and hearts with warm, positive feelings. Many of us hold on to these nostalgic recipes, cooking them whenever we need a pick-me-up, but many have realized those classic comfort foods aren’t as healthy as they could be.
carbs? Then, swap out your standard spaghetti noodles for spaghetti squash. Mashed cauliflower can replace mashed potatoes, Greek yogurt can stand in for sour cream, and whole wheat crust and low-fat cheese can replace traditional crust and full-fat cheese on pizza. The options are endless! Add more vegetables and whole grains to the recipe. Our favorite comfort foods can be full of simple carbs and fat (which is why they taste so good!), but adding healthier ingredients can balance the carb-fest. Whole grains are a way to get more fiber, B vitamins, iron, and magnesium into your diet, and adding vegetables also increases fiber and vitamins. For example, sauté onions, mushrooms, and zucchini and add those to your spaghetti sauce — or even to your favorite mac and cheese! Finding the right additions might take some creative thinking, but once you do, you’ll never look back! Cut back on the salt. Salt is a staple ingredient in many comfort foods, but it can contribute to high blood pressure and increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. Limit how much salt you include in your dish, and use low-sodium or salt- free ingredients when possible. If it feels like you’re taking the flavor out of your dish, use spices and herbs to replace the salt.
If you’re trying to eat healthier, you may think you have to cut way back on comfort foods, but that’s not the case. You simply have
to find ways to make them more nutritious. Here are three ideas to get you started.
Swap out ingredients. One of the best ways to make your favorite comfort food healthier is to swap out less nutritious ingredients for healthier options. Do you love eating pasta but don’t want to overindulge on
Homemade Shamrock Shakes
Inspired by TheKitchn.com
Ingredients Milkshake • 1 pint vanilla ice cream • 2/3 cup whole milk
Toppings • Whipped cream • Green sprinkles • 2 maraschino cherries
• 1/2 tsp peppermint extract • 8 drops liquid or 4 drops gel green food coloring
1. Put 2 tall drinking glasses into the freezer to chill. 2. Allow ice cream to slightly soften for 10–15 minutes. 3. In a blender, add milk, peppermint extract, green food coloring, and softened vanilla ice cream. 4. Blend on lowest setting and work up to medium speed for 1 minute or until smooth and pourable. 5. Pour evenly into frosted glasses, and top with garnish of your choice. Serve immediately. Directions
TAKE A BREAK
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214.292.4225 www.AaronMillerLaw.com 1400 Preston Road, Suite 118 Plano, Texas 75093
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
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A Florida Getaway, Manatees Included
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Make Your Home Bloom This Spring
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Enjoy Your Favorite Comfort Foods While Eating Healthier Homemade Shamrock Shakes The Effects of Getting Outdoors on Our Mental Health
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Many of us neglect our mental health because we’ve desensitized ourselves to stress, instead teaching ourselves to “white knuckle” through the day. However, if you knew a better way to manage your stress, you could loosen the reigns more, right? Well, when was the last time you spent some time outside? Whether it’s going on a hike, tending to your garden, or riding a bike, research reveals the positive effects on your mental health of spending time outdoors. Improved Overall Mood Everyone occasionally falls into a “funk.” And while it’s normal to experience that mood at times, it shouldn’t be a constant feeling. A 2010 study revealed that exercising in nature for just five minutes improved self-esteem and overall mood. Experiencing nature often makes people feel grounded and more connected to the Earth, leading to feelings of happiness and a sense of purpose. A separate study revealed that participants who went on nature walks had increased positive emotions after the walk. Positive Brain Stimulation When you spend time outdoors, taking in the sunlight and fresh air, your body releases the feel-good hormone serotonin in return. Many antidepressant medications work by inhibiting reabsorption of this key neurotransmitter. Additionally, sunlight activates melatonin release, which helps regulate our internal clock. The more sunlight we get each day, the more our bodies know when it’s time to go to bed. Enhanced Focus and Attention Whether at home or in the office, our brains can go a mile a minute, focusing on everything except the task at hand. While you’re supposed to be working on a PowerPoint presentation, your brain thinks about Getting Outside Can Help You Feel Better Wood You Be-Leaf It?!
the new tire you need and the pile of dirty dishes in the sink. A 2020 study found that spending time in nature can calm the mind, allowing for enhanced focus. Further studies on outdoor play settings stated that children with ADHD were calmer after playing in green spaces than in other settings.
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