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February 2022 Soto’s Chronicles
R. DeDe Soto
Protecting your most valuable asset — your family
Need Extra Luck? Eat These 5 Chinese New Year Dishes for Good Fortune!
FROM THE DESK OF
DeDe Soto
If you need some extra luck this year, why not eat something delicious and lucky at the same time? Chinese New Year is a fascinating holiday layered with tradition and meaning, and the dishes are also very intentional about bringing good fortune to families for the upcoming year.
Here are five dishes you can use to boost your good luck, and if you don’t want to cook, you can support your local Chinese restaurants!
No. 1: Dumplings With a history of 1,800 years, dumplings are a staple food in Northern China and also a quintessential dish in various Chinese festivals, especially during Chinese New Year. In fact, the Chinese name for dumplings (jiaozi) means the changing of years. In China, this savory steamed dish is a symbol of wealth, since it’s in the shape of an ancient Chinese gold ingot. Different fillings have different meanings, too! Celery filling means a hardworking attitude will lead to a wealthy life. Leek filling means you’ll have everlasting affluence, and cabbage filling means you’ll have over a hundred different ways of making your fortune. No. 2: Fish Fish is an indispensable dish during Chinese New Year. The Chinese pronunciation of fish is “yu,” which means surplus and fortune. Different kinds of fish have different meanings, as well — eating a Chinese mud carp will bring good luck and blessings, while eating catfish means you’ll live a rich life overall. Interestingly, there are particular methods to eat fish on Chinese New Year. First, you can’t turn over your fish after you’ve finished eating it on one side — it’s considered unlucky. To show respect, the head of the fish
Happy February
With so much celebrating this month with Presidents Day and Valentine’s Day its often referred to as the month of love. There are so many ways to express your love. How do you express your love? What is your favorite way to celebrate Valentine’s Day? Is it cooking in or going out? Dessert or favorite cocktail? Or is it something very adventurous? Well, I have lots of favorites, but of course I cannot think of a better way to express your love than to leave a loving legacy as an expression of love to your most precious asset, your family. Let us organize your life and make sure your estate plan is an expression of your love.
Until next time, Many Blessings,
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also needs to be pointed toward elders or distinguished guests. Lastly, in Southern China, some people will only eat the middle part of the fish on the eve of the new year, then finish off the head and tail on the next day to symbolize completeness. No. 3: Longevity Noodle You might know that eating noodles on Chinese New Year means you’ll live a long life, but did you know that there’s a longevity noodle dish made with one single, continuous noodle? Eating it from beginning to end without breaking it is considered powerful good luck! No. 4: Glutinous Rice Balls This food is lucky during both the Lantern Festival and Chinese New Year, which is good news because it’s also delicious! Smooth, sticky rice balls are stuffed with sweet paste (usually red bean), brown sugar, or fruits and nuts and prepared by boiling until tender and sticky. Their round shape represents completeness and family reunion. No. 5: Spring Rolls Because these crispy rolls are often filled with fresh vegetables or springtime ingredients, people commonly enjoy them during the Spring Festival, but they can be enjoyed during Chinese New Year, as well. They represent wealth, treasure, and making a fresh start.
Although these are not dishes, lucky Chinese numbers include 3, 5, and 8. The Chinese word for “3” sounds like the same word for “to live” or “life” and refers to the three significant events of life (birth, marriage, death). Five can be associated with the five elements in Chinese philosophy (earth, wood, fire, water, metal) and is historically associated with the emperor of China. Eight is an auspicious number that sounds like the Chinese word “to prosper” and is exceptionally lucky. If you can incorporate these numbers into your meal (eight side dishes, three entrees, and five desserts) then you’re in for an extraordinary year! Good luck, and we hope you enjoy some of these delicious dishes.
3 REASONS THE CONSTITUTION EXISTS The Value of the Constitution
The Erie Canal Within the Articles of Confederation, each state managed the territory that lies within their state lines. George Washington wanted to use the Erie Canal as a form of transportation but couldn’t because the canal was in New York territory. He needed permission from New York in order to use the canal. But with the development of the Constitution, the Erie
Within the Articles of Confederation, Congress didn’t have the power to enforce laws and was only allowed to collect funds from each state. State governments held the majority, which made the federal government weaker. This led to states fighting over territory, war pensions, and taxation, all of which could potentially destroy the country.
These issues led to the Constitutional Convention of 1787, which helped create the Constitution that we have today. You might be surprised to learn that a body of water — and other concerns — helped draft the document.
Canal was managed by the federal government. Washington could then use the canal as a form of transportation into the rest of the continent. No Judiciary or Executive Branch There was only one branch for Congress, and each state had one vote in order to get laws passed. If Congress wanted to pass any laws, they needed 9 out of 13 states in order to approve it. Requiring this high majority made it difficult to pass any legislation. The
Separate State Currencies Unlike today, the Confederation Period didn’t have a common currency. The federal government and the states had separate money. This separation made trade between states and other countries extremely difficult. Due to different
Constitution divided the government into branches and gave certain powers to each branch, known as checks and balances.
currencies, Congress couldn’t print out money for the entire country to use. Fortunately, the Constitution established a common currency for all states and also allowed Congress to coin money and regulate its value.
The first attempt at a constitution — the Articles of Confederation — failed, but with some adjustments and ratifications, the Constitutional Convention created the document we still use today.
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Don’t Dread Tax Season Get Your Biggest Refund in 2022
donate large amounts to charitable organizations, it’s worth the time to determine if itemizing will get you a larger refund.
Above-the-Line Deductions If your biggest refund comes via the standard deduction, you can still claim additional tax money back. With “above-the-line deductions,” you don’t have to itemize. If you contribute to a health savings account (HSA) or individual retirement account (IRA), you might be eligible for an additional deduction. People who pay student loan interest, teachers who purchase school supplies, or individuals who pay alimony can also claim these costs above the line. Earned Income Tax Credit People with low to moderate incomes can claim the earned income tax credit (EITC), but about 1 in 5 eligible taxpayers fail to do so every year. Some taxpayers don’t realize they qualify; others (mistakenly) decide not to file taxes because their income is below the IRS’ filing threshold. Whether you’re eligible for the EITC will depend on your income and household size, but those who qualify can reduce the amount of taxes they pay by $500–$6,000 and receive a larger refund check. This year, don’t leave any money on the table. You earned it, so it should go in your wallet. But taxes can be tricky. If your situation is complicated or you don’t know where to start with filing, see a tax expert.
No one likes tax season, but the 75% of taxpayers who receive refunds every year appreciate the extra cash. However, many people inadvertently overpay their taxes and lose out on money they’re legally owed. Don’t let that happen to you — make sure you get your maximum refund by paying attention to the following factors. Itemization One of the most crucial decisions you’ll make when filing your taxes is taking the standard deduction or choosing to itemize deductions. Due to recent tax reforms, more people should take the standard deduction than in previous years — TurboTax and the IRS estimate that about 90% of taxpayers will get more money back by choosing the standard deduction. But if you have hefty state or local taxes, pay large amounts of mortgage interest, or Take a Break!
Chocolate Pecan Fondue
Inspired by TasteOfHome.com
Ingredients
• 1/2 cup half-and-half cream • 2 tbsp honey • 9 oz semisweet chocolate, broken into pieces • 1/4 cup pecans, finely chopped
• 1 tsp vanilla extract • Fresh fruit of your choice • Shortbread cookies • Large marshmallows
Directions
1. In a sturdy saucepan over low heat, combine cream and honey. Stir until mixed thoroughly and heat until warm. 2. Add in chocolate, stirring until melted. 3. Stir in pecans and vanilla. 4. Transfer to a fondue pot or a slow cooker to keep warm. 5. Serve with fruit, cookies, and marshmallows of your choice.
Beads Chocolate
History Lunar Pink Presidents
Sweetheart Tiger Valentine Violet
Festival Football
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE From the Desk of Dede Soto PAGE 1 Get a Lucky Boost With Lucky Foods PAGE 1 How the Erie Canal Helped Form the Constitution PAGE 2 How to Get Your Biggest Tax Refund PAGE 3 Take a Break PAGE 3 Chocolate Pecan Fondue PAGE 3 Health Benefits of Being in Love PAGE 4
The Power of Love LOVE REALLY CAN BE A DRUG
known as the bonding hormone, blends with dopamine and reduces stress. We all know that stress can lead to a number of health complications, so the less stress, the better! New research has found that just being around someone you love can act as a natural pain reliever. Research has also determined that married people complain less about headaches and back pain. When your mind is happy, your immune system is stronger, making you less prone to getting a cold or stomach bug. Some research has even shown that happily married couples live longer than those who are not happily married. The hormone vasopressin helps to control your blood pressure. Being in love releases vasopressin into your body, keeping your blood pressure at a healthy level. Both your heart and lungs are also impacted by the love you have for another. If you aren’t in love, you can still reap the benefits through a strong and healthy social support system. When you have friends who bring you joy and happiness, even just a hug may help to release positive hormones and keep your health on track. Take time to invest in positive relationships to keep your heart and body healthy and happy, both literally and figuratively.
It’s crazy to think that being head over heels, madly in love with someone can benefit your body in the same way that broccoli can, but it’s true! Science has proven that being in love comes with myriad health benefits. Fewer colds and natural pain control? Yes, please! Love triggers the “feel good” hormone, dopamine. When you first fall in love — and the butterflies are flying uncontrollably — dopamine is at very high levels, and mentally, you’re happy, healthy, and positive. As the relationship matures, oxytocin, also
So, what are you waiting for? Let the love flow!
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