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T he M agic of M ovies WHY THEY STILL MATTER, EVEN WHEN LIFE CHANGES
MAY 2025
Movies have an incredible ability to impact our lives. It doesn’t matter if you’re watching a sci-fi movie that takes place in a distant galaxy or a romantic comedy grounded in reality; we can all find ways to identify with specific characters and learn from their experiences. While many of us view movies as entertainment and a way to distract ourselves from life’s stressors, they also provide many benefits to our lives. They can help you gain empathy for those different from you, give you an emotional connection that you may be missing in your life, and make you feel understood if you watch something that reflects a situation you’re currently facing. I love movies and never miss an opportunity to watch something new. Before I had my first child seven years ago, I tried to watch every single movie that came out. It didn’t matter what the movie was about, its genre, or which actors appeared in it. As long as it was a new movie hitting theaters, I would give it a shot. When my husband and I first started dating, we watched so many movies together that he started viewing them as a chore! Now that we have kids, my opportunities to watch new movies are few and far between. I don’t think I’ve seen a non-animated movie during the past seven years. Thankfully, animated movies usually provide something for kids and adults to enjoy, so I love them just as much as any other film. If I had to pick my favorite movies, I would probably say “Gone With the Wind,” “The Usual Suspects,” “Dirty Dancing,” “Sixteen Candles,” and “My Cousin Vinny.” Each of these movies generates different feelings, and I could go back and watch them at any point, still enjoying them as much as I did the first time. “My Cousin Vinny” is one of the few movies that makes me laugh so hard that I start to cry! “The Usual Suspects” was one of the most groundbreaking
movies, in my opinion. I saw it multiple times in theaters when it came out, and it had such a great twist.
One thing that I think we’ve lost regarding the movie-viewing experience is the magic of theaters. I became incredibly sad when theaters started to shut down during the pandemic. I wasn’t sure if they would reopen, and I imagined a future where my kids would never experience the theater. Even though many theaters reopened, they don’t have the same luster they used to. The cost of seeing a movie with your family is outrageous. It’s like $200 to take my kids to the movies and get them what they want from the concession stand. It prices many people out of the experience, which is disappointing. It used to be one of the most affordable family activities we had, and I have so many positive memories of going to the theater during my childhood. While movies can provide a lot of good in our lives, don’t automatically assume that actors and actresses are better informed than the rest of us. We form our opinions about politics and polarizing topics through our life experiences, and most celebrities live much more lavishly than the average person. There are better ways to shape your opinions about the world than following exactly what a celebrity says!
IT USED TO BE ONE OF THE MOST AFFORDABLE FAMILY ACTIVITIES WE HAD, AND I HAVE SO MANY POSITIVE MEMORIES OF GOING TO THE THEATER DURING MY CHILDHOOD.”
Try watching a new movie or one of your favorites this month. It’s a great way to close out a weekend or relax after a long day at work!
- Esther Vayman
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L ive L onger , L ive S marter BIOHACK YOUR WAY TO A HEALTHIER FUTURE
insight into what you need to fix and allow you to track your progress to ensure you’re making significant progress.
EXPERIMENT WITH EXTREME TEMPERATURES.
We all want to live long, healthy lives, but achieving this feat is not as easy as speaking it into existence. It requires intentional actions to extend a lifespan and keep illness and chronic conditions at bay. While diet and exercise play a vital role in our health, a new emerging trend is producing promising results. Biohacking utilizes biology, technology, and self-experimentation to optimize our bodies and minds. One unique aspect of biohacking is personalization. We all have different bodies, so we all need a customized program to maximize our health. To try biohacking, you must first reflect on your health and identify an area you want to improve. You then figure out how to fix that problem area by adjusting your diet, lifestyle, or exercise routine. Then, test your hypothesis, recording detailed results
from your efforts. Here are three forms of biohacking you can try using to boost your brain and body. GET YOUR BLOOD TESTED. Biohacking is all about making data-driven decisions about your health, but how can you make changes without knowing where your health stands? Blood tests provide
Spending time in a sauna is a great way to increase relaxation, improve heart health, reduce inflammation, and lower cholesterol. However, taking a cold shower or an ice bath could improve circulation, enhance your immune system, reduce inflammation, and more.
ADD BRAIN GAMES TO YOUR DAILY ROUTINE.
Your mind is just as important as your body for a long and healthy life. Playing brain games like sudoku, crossword puzzles, and Scrabble can help keep your mind sharp and focus fresh. Phone apps have made it easier than ever to enjoy new brain games! Though there’s a lot of trial and error involved, once you find what works for your body, you’ll never look back.
PROBATE ISN’T A DIY PROJECT
W hy Y ou N eed a L awyer
Many people question whether they need an attorney for their specific legal circumstances. They might have watched legal dramas and thought, “I could definitely represent myself and get the results I want.” However, these shows often downplay the importance of an attorney. It doesn’t matter if you’re dealing with a family law situation, criminal charges, or anything in between; you will benefit from hiring an attorney to represent you and fight for your rights. Even dealing with something that seems straightforward, like probate, can become complex to navigate once you get started. If your loved one had a will in place when they passed, you may think you can go to probate court and have everything taken care of within a few hours. However, probate can be a long, costly process, especially if you go in unequipped and unprepared. Even experiencing probate previously won’t help much, as each county adjudicates the probate of estates slightly differently. While all the
courts use the same forms, every judge has their own specific set of local rules that can be very hard to understand. Hiring an attorney who is familiar with the judge, the clerk, and the local county rules will make everything go much smoother. By hiring a probate attorney, you gain many benefits, making the experience much easier for everyone involved. Your attorney will be specialized in probate law, ensuring they understand the law and all necessary procedures. Many people who try to tackle probate independently often fail to complete forms correctly, leading to a longer process and higher costs. With a probate attorney, you won’t need to worry about this. They help you navigate the process, prepare and file forms when necessary, and communicate with any involved parties. Losing a loved one is never easy and it’s important to focus on grieving and cherishing the memories you shared. Navigating the legal process, especially
without a lawyer, can add unnecessary stress during this period. We are here to help make things easier for you, so you can focus on what matters most. If you ever have any questions or need support, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here for you.
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WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FLOWER?
Amanda D. Purple Iris Brooke
Natasha Peonies Grace Baby’s Breath Abby Daffodils Julia Tulips Abigayle Daffodils
“THIS IS A GREAT LAW FIRM. I WAS EXTREMELY HAPPY WITH HOW THINGS TURNED OUT AND I APPRECIATE ALL THE WORK THAT WENT INTO GETTING IT DONE.” RAVE REVI EWS
Sunflowers Madison Tulips Ashlyn Cherry Blossoms Jenny Ranunculus
A sparagus C ashew R ice P ilaf Inspired by AllRecipes.com Cashews and seasonal asparagus are the centerpiece of this delicious rice pilaf, which can be served
ingredients • 1/4 cup butter • 2 oz uncooked spaghetti, broken into bite-size pieces • 1/4 cup minced onion • 1/2 tsp minced garlic • 1 1/4 cups uncooked jasmine rice
BRAIN BREAK
• 2 1/4 cups
vegetable broth • Salt and pepper, to taste • 1/2 lb fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces • 1/2 cup cashew halves
directions 1. In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, melt butter. 2. Stir in spaghetti and cook until coated and lightly browned. 3. Stir in onion and garlic and cook for 2 minutes until tender. 4. Stir in rice and cook for 5 minutes. Add the broth and season with salt and pepper. 5. Bring mixture to a boil, cover, reduce heat, and cook for 20 minutes. 6. In a separate saucepan, cover asparagus with water and cook until tender. Drain water. 7. Mix asparagus and cashews into rice and serve warm.
as a side dish or a vegetarian entree.
BLOOM CINCO DERBY EMERALD GEMINI GRADUATION
LILY MEMORIAL MOTHER ROSES TEACHER VETERANS
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HOW MOVIES STILL TEACH, CONNECT, AND ENTERTAIN
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THE BIOHACKING REVOLUTION YOU CAN’T AFFORD TO IGNORE
REPRESENTING YOURSELF IN PROBATE COULD COST YOU MORE
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QUESTION AND ANSWERS
ASPARAGUS CASHEW RICE PILAF
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TRAVEL SWAPS THAT SAVE YOU THOUSANDS
D estination D upes T hat D eliver BIG DREAMS, SMALL BUDGET
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.
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