Take a look at our newsletter this month!
IzLegal Illustrated A Party ofThree
Have you ever had to keep a big secret that you really wanted to tell? This month, I finally get to reveal something to you all that Melissa and I have kept under very tight wraps for the past nine months. That’s right — we’re happy to announce the birth of our first child, Joseph Daniel Izquierdo! Joseph was born on Nov. 10, so he’s now a few months old. We already can’t imagine life without him, but that’s been true since the first night he was with us.
He showed up a little early, which led to a bit of excitement, as you can imagine. By the second day, he’d learned to hold his own pacifier, and every morning brings a new discovery. He grabs for his bottle and it just blows me away. He’s also sleeping well, for which we are eternally grateful. He is pretty noisy when he’s put to bed at first, but then it’s lights out until we wake him up for feeding. Melissa has been incredibly strong throughout this whole process, and she’s a fantastic mom. I can’t picture a better partner or a more loving one. Of course, Joseph entering our lives has led to a bit of a parenting conflict. Does he wear the Hurricanes bib or the FSU bib? Melissa stayed true to the Hurricanes, but in a moment of weakness, (according to Melissa) I defected to FSU and haven’t looked back. We’re still in negotiation on that one! As you can imagine, with a new baby, we had a pretty tame holiday season. My sister-in-law is also expecting soon, and we’re looking forward to having two boys so close in age in the family. In fact, her baby, Matthew, kicks when she holds Joseph! Starting the new year with a newborn baby is a wonderful thing, and I’m glad that I can finally share the news. It’s been a secret I’ve held for too long! I hope that your January is off to the same kind of start as mine is and that you hold your own family extra tight as we start 2018 fresh.
“Melissa has been incredibly strong throughout this whole process, and she’s a fantastic mom. I can’t picture a better partner or a more loving one.”
We’ve wanted kids for a while, but we weren’t sure it was going to happen. Then, right before we left for Scotland earlier this year, we got the news that Melissa was pregnant. It made that trip all the more special, but we didn’t want to say anything to the public until he’d been delivered healthy. It highlights the importance of having faith and of having a partner who you love and trust.
Joseph may have taken a while to enter our lives, but I can’t imagine a better time for him to be here.
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Get Your Kids to Eat Healthier Than Ever
Do your kids get enough nutrients in their diet? If they’re like most kids, the answer is probably no. You want your children to eat more vegetables and less processed junk, but that’s easier said than done. Getting the average kid to chow down on a serving of broccoli is a chore. Food manufacturers have built an entire industry around our kids’ penchant for sugary cereal and fast food. However, a diet of processed foods can lead to a host of problems, including hindered brain development and even behavioral issues. A study in the American Journal of Public Health found links between poor diet and the development of depression in kids and teens.
plain old veggies is unappealing, whether you’re 10 years old or 40. The solution is to think of vegetables as an ingredient rather than as a stand-alone dish. Take lasagna, for instance. You can easily modify this beloved Italian dish. Instead of using lasagna noodles, slice zucchini into thin, noodle-like strips and layer them as you would typical pasta. The same can be done for other pasta dishes. Zucchini noodles made with a spiralizer — also known as “zoodles” — make a mean substitute for spaghetti. Pair them with your favorite marinara sauce or toss them in a slightly less decadent, but still delicious, alfredo. Vegetables can also be incorporated into other foods your children already know and love. Did you know you can make brownies with avocado and black beans? Slipping in a few healthier ingredients
here and there can deliver the nutrients your kids need to power through a busy school week.
If you want to foster long-lasting healthy eating habits, the best thing you can do is offer your child some agency. For example, saying to your child, “You can have the cauliflower or the broccoli. It’s up to you!” empowers them to make their own decision based on their preferences. Psychologists and social scientists, including the famed Dr. Maria Montessori, argue that when kids feel in charge of a decision, they are more likely to embrace the ability to choose, even if it’s between two kinds of vegetables. Ultimately, as a parent, you are in control of your child’s diet. Help them explore new foods and foster a positive culinary environment. Your kids will develop a taste for healthy eating in no time!
So, how can you encourage your kids to eat healthier foods? One way is through presentation. A mound of
CASE STUDY INJURED BY GOLF CART
Result: $300,000 Settlement Facts: Our client was standing in front of her home when she was run over and seriously injured by a golf cart belonging to the community’s maintenance staff. The golf cart was being driven by a child after a member of the community’s maintenance staff left the keys in the ignition. Our client suffered multiple fractures and had to undergo surgery. We were able to move quickly in order to have the golf cart inspected and photographed. We discovered a warning sign that the keys were not to be left in the ignition while the cart
was unattended (although it is common practice to leave the keys in at all times). Prior to filing a lawsuit, we set the matter for mediation, where we were able to settle the case for six times what the insurance company initially offered.
$300,000
DISCLAIMER: The results are specific to the facts and legal circumstances of each of the clients’ cases and should not be used to form an expectation that the same results could be obtained for other clients in similar matters without reference to the specific factual and legal circumstances of each client’s case.
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Focused on You • www.izlegal.com
What Can an Attorney Do Before Your Case Is Filed?
You have a bad feeling. You know the cops are looking into your affairs, and although they haven’t filed any formal charges, you’re concerned it might be coming. But, since they haven’t filed charges, there’s nothing to fight yet. Right? Wrong! Hiring an attorney while the government is still snooping around and hasn’t acted is a fantastic idea. There’s a lot that an attorney can do to help you out in this situation. First and foremost, your lawyer will act as an insulating layer between you and the police during any interactions. Often, you know that you’re being investigated because the police want to interview you or get information from you in some other way. You know that it’s always a good idea to talk to the cops with a lawyer present, but it’s tough to do that if you haven’t already hired one. Your attorney will also keep an eye on the prosecutor and other people overseeing the case. They’ll know right away when any charges are filed, and they’ll have a plan in case that occurs. On
the flip side, just knowing that you’ve retained legal counsel will change the way the prosecutor and police act towards you. They’ll know that if they harass you, lie to you, or abuse their power in some other way, they could face legal consequences, including a lawsuit. Finally, your attorney will start building your defensive case immediately. They know how the system works, and they know what contingencies to plan for. If charges are filed and things start moving fast, you’ve already got a plan and resources in place. It’s the difference between a proactive and a reactive approach — and that is a big difference, indeed. Don’t wait, and don’t hesitate. As soon as you know the cops are hovering, get an attorney. It’s your legal right, and it just may save your bacon.
Laugh Out Loud
Pistachio Goji Berry Granola Want to spruce up your morning yogurt? Top it with this tasty granola. Even better, swap out the dairy for coconut yogurt and enjoy your vegan breakfast. Ingredients
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1 cup rolled oats
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1/3⅓ cup pistachios, chopped
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/4 cup coconut flakes
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1 tablespoon coconut oil
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1 teaspoon cinnamon
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3 tablespoons maple syrup
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1/3 cup goji berries
Instructions
1. Heat a large skillet over low heat. Add oats in a thin layer and toast for 1–2 minutes. Add coconut oil and salt, then stir. Continue toasting for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally. 2. Add maple syrup 1 tablespoon at a time; stir to coat.
3. Once oats are toasted, add pistachios, coconut flakes, and cinnamon. Cook slowly until pistachios and coconut flakes are toasted but not burned, about 5 minutes. 4. Remove from pan and stir in goji berries. 5. Let cool and enjoy as a snack or on top of your yogurt!
Recipe inspired by LoveAndLemons.com
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Focused on You • www.izlegal.com
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We’ve moved! Come see us at the new office!
2655 Le Jeune Road Suite 805 Coral Gables, FL 33134
INSIDE this issue
1
It’s a Boy!
2
Trick Your Kids Into Healthy Eating
Case Study
3
Lawyer Up Before Your Case Is Filed Start the Day Right With This Granola
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The Time Is Right for Nicaragua
ESCAPE TO NICARAGUA
The Country That Has Something for Everyone
After the hectic holiday season, many of us feel like we need another vacation just to unwind. Luckily, January and February are two of the best months to travel. Flight prices plummet and crowds thin out after the Christmas rush. If you’re looking to escape the dreary winter weather, there’s no better place to visit this season than Nicaragua, the “Central American country that has it all,” as Condé Nast Traveler puts it. Whether you’re looking to explore the rainforests surrounding the Río San Juan or get lost in the quirky-yet-beautiful architecture of Granada, there’s something for everyone in this tropical wonderland.
One must-see destination is the Cerro Negro volcano. Just a baby at 150 years old, it’s one of the most active volcanoes in the region. It only takes about an hour to scale its smoking, black gravel surface, and the verdant forests surrounding the peak are a sight to behold. Adventurous travelers can board down the side, reaching ludicrous speeds as they teeter and try not to fall. In fact, it’s almost impossible to travel anywhere in the country without seeing an “I boarded a volcano” T-shirt. If relaxing on a pearlescent beach is more your speed, take a short boat trip out to the Corn Islands. There, you can amble around the small towns bordering the shockingly blue Pacific, visit a number of laid-back seafood restaurants, get scuba certified for a fraction
of the price anywhere else in the world, or just read your book as you swing in a hammock by the waves.
You can also visit the gorgeous, alabaster Our Lady of Grace Cathedral in “new” Léon. The biggest church in all of Central America, this unique Baroque and neoclassicist structure was built in 1814. Visitors can climb onto its roof (as long as they don’t wear shoes) and bask in the view of surrounding volcanoes (including Cerro Negro). If you’re planning on heading to Nicaragua, it’s best to do it soon. Neighbor Costa Rica often overflows with tourists, and instead of wading through the crowds there, many travelers are catching on to what Nicaragua has to offer.
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Focused on You • www.izlegal.com
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