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May 2025
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Mom’s button jar was just another example of her practicality. It was also part of her philosophy that everyone should know how to take care of themselves. A Family Stitched Together LESSONS FROM A BUTTON JAR
How much thought do you give to the lowly button? Probably not much, even though they are the tiny fasteners that keep our pants up and our shirts closed. In honor of Hurray for Buttons Day on May 9, I’m giving some much-needed attention to the small things that keep us all from becoming accidental fashion disasters. When I was growing up, a missing button wasn’t a big deal in my house. That’s because my mom kept a jar filled with them in every shape, size, and color. If something lost a button, you didn’t panic; you went to the jar and started digging. Mom’s button jar was just another example of her practicality. It was also part of her philosophy that everyone should know how to take care of themselves. She made sure I knew how to cook a few meals and also taught me how to sew a button.
they were banned during the 14th century for being too flashy. Whether or not it’s true, I also read that Napoleon had buttons sewn onto his soldiers’ jacket sleeves to keep them from wiping their noses on their
uniforms. And in the Victorian era, women collected buttons like charms, often as a way to remember a loved one or a specific event. I guess it was like a scrapbook but made entirely of shirt fasteners. Somehow, I don’t think my mom’s button jar was quite that sentimental. For all their history, buttons still serve the same purpose today they did hundreds of years ago — they hold things together. Whether it’s a button on an expensive suitcoat or a spare from my mom’s jar, they’ve always been a practical solution to life’s little wardrobe malfunctions. I don’t replace many buttons today, but I still know how to sew. And I still can’t throw away an old dress shirt without cutting off the buttons first. You never know when you might need them. Maybe that’s just a habit or proof my mom’s lessons have stuck with me. At any rate, happy Hurray for Buttons Day. It’s a silly holiday but also a great reminder that sometimes, the smallest things make all the difference.
Sewing is somewhat of a tradition in my family. My mom and sister both made clothes when I was growing up. Mom even made some of my school clothes, which I remember not exactly appreciating at the time. My sister went on to turn sewing into a business, and she inherited our mom’s button jar — naturally. I also have some old puppets my mom sewed together lying around here somewhere. The sewing gene must run deep because my daughters picked it up, too. My oldest was big into theater and used to sew her own costumes, and my youngest is a little fashionista who has made clothes to match a style she couldn’t pull off the shelf. Somewhere along the way, I became the only family member who was not handy with the sewing machine. But I could still reattach a button or stitch up some ripped pants if l had to. At one point or another, we’ve all relied on buttons, and apparently, people have been using them in one form or another for thousands of years. There’s even some strange button history, like how
-Aaron Miller
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DIET DECEIVERS
Shockingly Sneaky High- Calorie Snacks
For most health-conscious Americans, counting calories is the go- to method for keeping their bodies and eating habits in check. Unfortunately, even the strictest dieters may be defeating their goals without realizing it. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, moderately active males aged 31–45 need to consume 2,600 calories daily to maintain proper weight and health. In contrast, moderately active females in the same age group need 2,000. Moderately active older adults need 2,400 and 1,800, respectively. Although these amounts seem to offer considerable wiggle room at first glance, you may be shocked to learn how quickly calories add up — even when your diet consists of “healthy” options.
Have you been planning, saving, and dreaming about the perfect getaway only to realize your bucket list destination comes with a bucketload of expenses? Don’t put away that passport yet! Some of the most talked about travel locales today are destination dupes — places offering all the charm, culture, and excitement of big-name hot spots without the sky-high price tag. Let’s get packing with these wallet-friendly wonders that let you travel big! Liverpool for London London is one of the most popular cities for tourists, and it doesn’t come cheap. But, if you have your heart set on experiencing British history, a tasty pint, and great places to explore on foot, Liverpool is quickly becoming a beloved alternative to the country’s capital. Highly walkable, minus the chaos of London’s hustle and bustle, Liverpool offers so much to see and a truly British experience. Not only does it have entertainment and charm, it’s the birthplace of The Beatles. Though you will miss out on Buckingham Palace, you can experience rock royalty at the famous Cavern Club, where some of Britain’s greatest rock bands performed. Kraków for Rome Though Poland may seem worlds apart from Italy, Kraków has the same fairytale charm and old-school style as Rome. Unlike Rome, Kraków has more breathing room and a far more laid-back atmosphere. If the history of Rome calls to you, you’ll find many historical sites in the city to explore, including the Wawel Castle. And foodies can enjoy a wide variety of cuisines, from traditional Polish to Middle Eastern dishes. Budapest for Barcelona Barcelona tops many people’s list of must-see cities, making the summers incredibly busy and expensive. If you want an architectural treat with a fascinating history akin to Spain’s central city, you can head to Hungary. Budapest is the country’s largest city and features buildings representing many eras of design, from art nouveau to baroque. You’ll also find a history museum for everyone in your family, from the House of Terror to the Museum of Fine Art. Destination Dupes That Deliver Big Dreams, Small Budget
Glaring truths about ‘good’ foods. First, let’s avoid the misconception that calories are the end-all,
be-all of a successful diet plan. Sure, you could keep your weight down by
eating nothing but 2,600 calories of Oreos every day, but your body would miss out on much-needed protein. For a healthy way to provide your body with this essential nutrient, reach for chickpeas instead — but keep in mind that a single 1-cup serving on top of a salad packs nearly 300 calories. To put that into perspective, that’s the caloric equivalent of pouring an order
of McDonald’s small fries and a packet of barbecue sauce on your leafy lunch. Here’s another not-so-fun fact: One cup of guacamole has about the same calories as a McDouble burger! Drinks you should ditch. Thirsty? No problem — just swallow 10 teaspoons of sugar! Sounds preposterous, right? Well, that’s how much sugar you consume every time you drink a 12-ounce regular Coke, which also has more than 140 calories. Other drinks you may think are “healthy choices” really aren’t. Even though electrolyte drinks like Gatorade might seem like a great option after a workout, several brands are high in sugar, sodium, and other chemicals. A better choice? Coconut water, which naturally has electrolytes! Fruit juices are another tricky one. They may tout vitamins but are sugary and high in acid. You’re better off eating the actual fruit.
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STEP BY STEP
Help Your Kids Fall in Love With Hiking
Getting your kids outdoors to enjoy nature is a goal worth pursuing, but smartphones, video games, and social media have made it far more challenging in recent years. We celebrated Earth Day on April 22, and a nature walk is a great way to keep the appreciation for nature going. Planning games, creative projects, and other challenges to engage them during your hike can get kids involved from the start. Choose a trail that isn’t too difficult, and allow your children to wander and explore. If your children have a creative flair, encourage them to collect dried leaves, pieces of bark, seed pods, sticks, and other items to use in a collage. For adventurous kids, you can draft an age-appropriate list for a scavenger hunt to keep them from growing bored on the walk. You can include different insects native to your area, specific colors of leaves, and types of flowers, and you can even have them keep an ear out for different bird calls.
photos of their leaves or other parts. Additionally, the Arbor Day Foundation offers an online step- by-step guide at ArborDay.org for identifying a tree by its leaves. Keep the learning going by having your kids record their distance based on trail signs or a map app on their phones and calculate their average
speed. You could also invite your youngsters to become cartographers, tracing the trail and surroundings on paper, including landmarks, rivers,
and lakes. Older kids can add topographical information using their phones or an altitude app such as Altimeter or My Altitude.
Hiking is a fantastic activity to help your kids appreciate the outdoors rather than their phone screens, but being in nature takes energy. Remember to pack snacks and a water bottle before you leave, or pack a favorite picnic meal to savor the rewards of exploring the outdoors!
Challenge your kids to make a list of all the plants or animals they can identify while they walk. Apps like Leafsnap help you identify plants using
Slow Cooker Shredded Beef Lettuce Cups
Inspired by TasteOfHome.com
Ingredients
• 1 boneless beef chuck roast (about 2 lbs) • 3 medium carrots, peeled, chopped • 2 medium sweet red peppers, chopped • 1 medium onion, chopped • 1 8-oz can unsweetened crushed pineapple, undrained
• 1/2 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce • 2 tbsp packed brown sugar • 2 tbsp white vinegar • 1 garlic clove, minced • 1/2 tsp pepper • 3 tbsp cornstarch • 3 tbsp water • 24 lettuce leaves for serving
1. In 4- or 5-quart slow cooker, combine roast, carrots, peppers, and onion. 2. In small bowl, stir together the next 6 ingredients; pour over roast. 3. Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours. Remove roast, let cool slightly, then shred. 4. Skim fat from cooking juices, then transfer juices and vegetables to a small saucepan; bring to a boil over high heat. 5. In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and water, stir mixture into juices, and cook 3–4 minutes until sauce is thickened. 6. Return beef, sauce, and vegetables to slow cooker; cook for 10–15 minutes. 7. Serve beef in lettuce leaves. 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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From Button Jars to Family Threads
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Hidden Hazards to Your Health Travel Swaps That Save You Thousands Tips for Engaging Your Kids in a Nature Hike Slow Cooker Shredded Beef Lettuce Cups
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Secrets to a Stress-Free Family Picnic
DITCH THE STRESS, EMBRACE THE FUN SPRING FAMILY PICNICS MADE EASY
When was the last time you gathered the family, threw down a blanket, and enjoyed a meal together in the warm sun? A picnic is the perfect springtime activity, but the planning and food prep can make it seem like more hassle than it’s worth. The truth is, however, that picnics don’t have to be complicated. Here are four tips for planning easy family picnics. Pick the perfect picnic spot. When choosing a location for your picnic, think about how your family would like to spend the day. A park with open fields and playground equipment keeps kids entertained between bites, but a park isn’t the only option. The beach, a local lake, or a mountain picnic area are all fantastic for a family picnic. Just remember bug spray and sunscreen and find a shady spot on hot days. Don’t overthink the menu. Picnics are all about the food, but that doesn’t mean you have to fuss over the menu. Keep things simple, and choose items that can withstand time outside the cooler. Easy-to-eat options like sandwiches, fruit, and
finger foods are tasty and quick to prepare. Add variety with veggies and hummus or cheese and crackers.
For an extra treat, grab premade cookies or brownies. Lemonade, juice, and fruit-infused water are refreshing options and keep everyone hydrated without the caffeine. Bring an insulated cooler for drinks and food, and don’t forget wet wipes for easy cleanup. Create a cozy, kid-friendly setup. The picnic blanket is a great start, but you can take things up a notch with a few extras. Plush blankets, throw pillows, and lawn chairs offer comfortable sitting and lounging options. Pack entertainment as well; outdoor games, like Frisbee and ring toss, and a portable speaker to add to the fun. Don’t forget — it’s about family! Family outings shouldn’t be stressful; the best ones are sometimes the simplest. Instead of worrying about perfect details, focus on spending time together outdoors, relaxing, and enjoying good food and even better company.
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