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August 2023
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Coupons, Spare Buttons, and Floor Pickles Mom’s Many Penny-Pinching Habits
Aug. 14 kicks off National Bargain Hunting Week, but my mom treated it like a year-round celebration. Dad used to say she squeezed her pennies tight enough to make Abraham Lincoln scream. If there was a way to save money, no matter how ridiculous, she was on top of it. She got it from my grandmother, who was a product of the Great Depression. Granny saved everything, including aluminum foil. She’d wash it and use it again. I don’t remember Mom ever going that far, but she did pick up her mother’s habit of rinsing sandwich bags and turning them inside out to dry to reuse again later. You also never knew what would be inside any given refrigerated plastic container. The cottage cheese tub could be cottage cheese, last night’s taco meat, or three-day-old soup. She would right on it with a grease pencil what it was, but sometimes that was old and you never really knew for sure what is in it. It was always a surprise!
we lost a button from a shirt, she’d dump out the entire thing and dig through to find the closest-matching option. When she passed, my sister inherited them and still uses them herself. Of course, Mom was a coupon addict. We didn’t have a newspaper subscription, but my job was to feed $1.50 (and later $2.00!) into the newspaper machine every Sunday after church. In the weeks when the paper had double coupons, she felt like she’d hit the jackpot. Mom had a little index card holder she used to store her coupons, and shopping was a big production. She would review the sale ads, check them against her coupons, and use the results to determine what we’d eat that week. We always had to visit three or four stores on the weekend to ensure we got the best deals. I don’t think buying everything in one place occurred to me until I was an adult. Early in their marriage, Dad made fun of Mom for her obsessive coupon clipping. He rolled his eyes and considered it a waste of time. But Mom stockpiled all the money she saved from her coupons until she could buy Dad a pair of boots he’d wanted for a long time. That finally made him a believer — though he always jokingly complained that one shoe was just a bit too tight.
Mom also made most of my clothes until I was in seventh or eighth grade. The rest of my wardrobe usually came from the Salvation Army, which we affectionately called Sally’s. My kids now go to resale shops because retro clothes are cool, but I had no choice. Mom also had a giant jar full of buttons — I’m unsure where they came from. But anytime
The apex of Mom’s frugality probably came when someone dropped a jar of brand new pickles on the floor. The glass shattered, but Mom insisted on saving the pickles inside. We tried eating them, but they seemed a bit gritty and crunchy. After concluding there may have been some glass in the pickles, she finally agreed to throw them out. I can’t say I’ve picked up many of my mother’s or grandmother’s habits. I often try to save loose buttons but throw them out before they’re used. But I’ll admit there is a certain thrill to finding a bargain on something you want or need. Mom was trying to care for us as best she could all those years, but she probably also didn’t mind the rush.
-Aaron Miller
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WHY OUTDOOR MOVEMENT IS BETTER Where You Exercise Matters
GET YOUR BRICK ON ‘LEGO Masters’ Will Please All Ages
Most of us fondly remember letting our imaginations run wild with
LEGO blocks as a kid. But it turns out some people never outgrow that fun. A community of high-level adult LEGO builders can
We all know exercise is good for our physical and mental health. But whether we’re going on a jog through nature or clocking minutes on a treadmill, it’s all the same — right? A recent study suggests there may be a crucial difference. There is mounting evidence that where you exercise matters. A small study from the University of Victoria recently researched the benefits of “green exercise,” or that performed in nature. The authors of the 2023 paper found that physical activity in natural surroundings had benefits beyond those generally associated with movement. Study participants who went on 15-minute walks outside saw improvements in memory and concentration more significantly than when they performed the same exercise indoors. Neuroscientists behind the research can only guess why these results occurred. Some experts believe being out in nature helps us relax and quiet our brains. Additional research also demonstrates that people generally find outdoor exercise less physically taxing than indoor varieties — even when the outdoor exercise is quite strenuous. These findings confirm something you may have already expected to be true. You probably feel better after a bike ride through the park than spending the same time on a stationary bike in your basement. Exercise on gym equipment can also be tedious, and many people spend the bulk of their time staring at the clock, counting down the minutes until they’re finished. We’re less likely to have that problem outside. Unsurprisingly, doctors argue that any physical activity is better than none. Using gym equipment will provide far more benefits than sitting on your couch. But when you have the option to exercise outdoors, you should take it. Just remember that all outdoor exercise is not created equal. The Washington Post reports that outdoor activity in urban areas surrounded by concrete does not appear to have the same benefits as exercise in quieter, greener places. Fortunately, it doesn’t take much to see an impact. From a mental health perspective, 15 minutes of green exercise at a time seems to be ideal. So, get out as much as you can. And when you’re stuck inside due to weather or other circumstances, continue to make the most of it with as much exercise as possible.
construct astounding creations. And in the
competition show “LEGO Masters,” they compete spectacularly to determine who is the best of the best.
“LEGO Masters” follows a format similar to most reality competition shows. Teams of two compete every week in a new challenge. The team that does the worst
goes home, while the others advance closer to the title of LEGO Master. Jamie Berard and Amy Corbett, two “master builders” who design kits for LEGO, judge the contestants. Meanwhile, actor and comedian Will Arnett covers hosting duties. Contestants have access to 3 million LEGO in the studio. (Fun fact: “LEGO” is the plural of “LEGO.”) But while they have every size and shape they could ever want, the challenges are no cakewalk. The builders must create structures that move, incorporate water, or hold enormous weight. Amy and Jamie give tips while the builders work and judge the teams on creativity, function, and storytelling. Unsurprisingly, at least one team disappoints most weeks, but many builds are incredibly impressive. You’ll be shocked to learn how much is possible with six-studded bricks! Arnett is a great host who is equally impressed with the contestants’ abilities and willing to inject some levity into the proceedings. His comedic bits keep the show moving, and he’s passionate about the different builds. He also has a destructive streak. Several challenges include builders creating masterpieces for Arnett to blow up, sledgehammer, or try to break with weights. Kids, in particular, will enjoy seeing the pieces go flying. “LEGO Masters” will entertain kids, teens, and adults with laughs, competition, and some education. However, there may be one downside to watching with your children: They might ask you to buy a lot more LEGO. But that, too, presents a new opportunity to bond and spend time together as a family. Even if you don’t win any prizes, making your own creations can be just as fun as watching the pros. As Will Arnett regularly instructs contestants, “Get your brick on!”
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Reduce Pre-Flight Wait With TSA PreCheck DON’T REMOVE YOUR SHOES
When you arrive at the airport, you likely feel resigned to the hassle of waiting in a long security line and taking off your shoes. But did you know there’s an elite flight club full of people who don’t need to go through that routine? They have that privilege because TSA PreCheck has confirmed they aren’t a security threat. Best of all, the program is inexpensive and easy to join.
A TSA PreCheck registration, however, won’t let you waltz straight from the parking lot to your plane. Members must still walk through a metal detector and allow the TSA to X-ray carry-on items. But people with TSA PreCheck can bypass the full body scan or pat down. They also keep their shoes and belts on while leaving laptops and appropriately sized liquids in their carry-on bags. Finally, PreCheck passengers have a designated security line where, in March 2021, TSA reported the average wait was only 5 minutes. The vast majority of airlines and airports operating in the U.S. accept TSA PreCheck, and you can apply with an online application. You must finish registration and submit fingerprints at an in-person enrollment center, but most appointments take about 10 minutes. Five years of enrollment costs $78. At that price, even those who only book one round-trip flight a year might decide to avoid the typical security hassle. Further, many credit cards will reimburse the cost. TSA PreCheck isn’t the only method on the market. Nexus is another domestic security program, and Global Entry allows expedited processing through customs and immigration when returning to the U.S. on international flights. Which service best meets your needs depends on your travel habits. But if you fly regularly, these programs are almost certainly worth your time and money. Don’t get left behind — consider enrolling before your next trip!
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) began the TSA PreCheck program in 2013 to improve
frequent flyers’ experience. TSA performs an enhanced security screening on applicants and issues those who pass muster a Known Traveler Number (KTN) that entitles them to fewer security checks at the airport.
TAKE A BREAK
GRILLED HALIBUT WITH ROASTED RED PEPPER SAUCE Inspired by FoodAndWine.com
Ingredients
• 1 16-oz jar roasted red bell peppers, drained • 5 garlic cloves • 1 tbsp sherry vinegar • 2 tsp honey
• 1 tsp kosher salt • 1/4 tsp black pepper • 1/2 cup olive oil • 4 6-oz skin-on halibut fillets
Directions
1. In a food processor or blender, mix bell peppers, garlic, vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Transfer sauce to a bowl; whisk in oil. 2. Into a large plastic zipper bag, pour 1 cup of sauce; add halibut fillets and seal bag; turn to coat fillets. Let marinate in refrigerator for 20 minutes. Reserve remaining sauce for serving. 3. Preheat a grill to medium-high (400–450 F). Remove halibut from marinade; scrape off excess. 4. On oiled grill grates, arrange fillets and grill, covered, until fish flakes easily, 4–5 minutes per side. 5. Transfer fillets to serving plates or a large platter. Drizzle with reserved sauce. Serve alongside preferred veggies and crusty bread.
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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
1
My Mom’s Perpetual Quest for a Deal
2
Become a Kid Again With ‘LEGO Masters’
Are You Exercising in the Right Place?
3
Travel Like a Pro With TSA PreCheck
Grilled Halibut With Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
4
End Summer on a High Note
SUMMER ISN’T OVER YET! 3 Memorable Ways to Close the Season
As much as many of us wish we could have an endless summer, all good things must come to an end. But why let the season close with a whimper when you can go out with a bang? Strive for a memorable last few days of the season with one of these family-friendly ideas. Take a family road trip. What says “summer” more than piling in the car and driving somewhere? You don’t necessarily have to go far. A new town a few hours away can still be an adventure. Check out a local state park or nearby museum you’ve always meant to visit and let your
You could help your kids build a sandcastle, rent a kayak or paddleboat, or try water skiing. You might even surf or snorkel.
Have a late night. Bedtime routines are about to make a return for school kids, much to their possible dismay, but you can indulge them with one last hurrah. Plan a special late night the family can enjoy together. You might go to a drive-in theater or host a movie marathon at home with plenty of popcorn. Camping on your lawn will also allow staying up late together doing something exciting. No tent? No problem — build a pillow fort in the living room instead!
children enjoy the novelty of sleeping in a hotel room or camper. Even a weekend away will feel like an occasion and stick out in everyone’s memories. Spend a day on the water. Enjoying the water is one of the summer’s greatest pleasures, so make the most of it one last time. Depending on where you live, you might incorporate this idea into your road trip. Head to the nearest beach, lake, or river and pack in as much summer fun as possible with a favorite summer activity or something new!
Summer only comes once a year, so don’t let its final days go to waste. A special celebration to mark the season’s end will leave you with lasting memories and even more reasons to look forward to next year.
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