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December 2025
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THE GIFTS I REMEMBER Tales From Christmases Past
I’ve gotten some good Christmas presents over the years. Some were memorable, a few were a little weird, and at least one got yanked out of my hands mid-unwrapping. That one came from my mom. She had made custom pillows for me and my sister. One had a boat on it, and one had a train. I think we were living in Spokane then and had traveled to spend Christmas at my grandparents’ place in Colville. Somewhere along the way, all the gift tags fell off. So, when it came time to unwrap everything, my mom had to go by memory. I opened mine and saw the boat pillow. It looked cool, but she took one look, grabbed it right out of my hands, and swapped it with my sister’s. I think she realized the mistake as soon as she saw the red frill and just reacted. It turns out mine was the one with the train on it. I just remember the shock of having that thing ripped out of my hands mid-hug.
Of course, that’s not the only present I remember. There was a Styrofoam airplane I saw in a demo at a mall. A guy was throwing the plane, and it was basically doing loops. I was in the third or fourth grade at the time and thought it was one of the neatest things I’d ever seen. My dad surprised me with the plane later, and I loved it … for about two days until I destroyed it. I can’t remember if the wind caught it and it nosedived and snapped or the dog got hold of it. Either way, it didn’t last long. But it was still a great gift. Another favorite came a few years later. I’d been hoping for a model train set, and that year, I actually got one. We were in Mesa, Arizona, for Christmas with my grandparents, but I wasn’t allowed to set it up until we got home. That might have been torture at the time, but it was worth it. Once we got back, my dad and I built a table for it to sit on, and it lived in my room for years. I really only played with it for a couple of those years, but it stuck with me. What I loved (maybe even more than the trains themselves) was the idea of building something. I liked learning how people modeled scenery and used latex to make rock molds. I even tried to recreate the creek bed behind our house. I never got too far with it, but I kept thinking I might. These days, I enjoy giving gifts more than getting them. I even get a kick out of buying things for the dogs. Once they figure out what’s going on, they seem to love Christmas as much as anyone. I used to wait until Christmas Eve and wander the mall until I found something for everybody. Now, I’m not such a last-minute shopper, and Amazon has replaced the mall dash. It’s more convenient, sure, but harder to keep surprises under wraps when everyone in the house (except the dogs) knows the login. If I’ve learned one thing over the years, it’s that gifts don’t have to be expensive or perfect to be impactful. They just need to show you were paying attention. And whatever you buy, make sure the name tag stays on it.
-Aaron Miller
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Full Fridge, Happy Wallet Slash Your Grocery Bill in Half With These Helpful Hacks
Is your grocery bill eating up more of your budget than you planned? You’re not alone. Shoppers today are looking for smart savings in the aisles without missing out on their favorite meals. Thankfully, you can keep your cart and wallet full with six clever hacks. From buying your staples in bulk to skipping delivery, these tips will help slice your receipt in half without cutting out the good stuff. Shop in-store. These days, you can have groceries delivered right to your front door without ever leaving your couch, but the convenience will cost you. Whether you’re using Instacart, Amazon, or another third-party app, delivery fees, tips, and markups on certain products can add up quickly. Skip delivery and shop in-store instead. If you are tight on time or don’t want to be tempted by extras you spot on the shelves, curbside pickup is a much more affordable option. Many major grocery stores offer free or very cheap pickup options. Buy in bulk. If you go through specific items frequently or faster, buy them in bulk to save money. You can get the most out of this cost-saving strategy by stocking up on eight weeks’ worth of shelf-stable items when they are on sale, so you don’t have to wait out another price drop. Though the item may cost you
more at the register, you’ll save money overall, making each item cheaper than you would pay individually.
Download the apps. Most stores offer apps that provide exclusive discounts and even points toward rewards. These include digital-only coupons, loyalty programs, and chances to score free products. Along with the app for your favorite store, many third-party apps can help you compare prices or earn cashback or rewards for scanning your receipt. Don’t drink your dollars away. While you don’t have to eliminate your favorite drinks completely, smart swaps can help you save on beverages. Instead of buying containers of iced tea, buy a whole box of tea bags that can make multiple pitchers for the same price. Skip bottled water and invest in a filtered pitcher or bottle to get clean water straight from your tap. Making your own drinks at home or choosing water is less expensive and usually healthier. Clip coupons. Sometimes, you can’t beat a classic. Clipping coupons is still a great way to save on your grocery bill. You can flip through any weekly circulars you receive in the mail or look for coupons right in the aisles of your favorite store. The store’s app will also have digital coupons you can load onto your digital loyalty card or phone to scan at the register. Stick to your list. Go in with a plan. When you create your shopping list ahead of time, you’ll be less likely to grab items you don’t actually need. It’s also smart to shop with meal prep in mind, as it can save you money in the long run. Fill your list with ingredients to make multiple meals you can eat throughout the week. Make sure you have a snack or lunch before you head to the store, because it’s harder to focus on your list if your stomach is growling. You don’t have to sacrifice your go-to meals and favorite foods to save money on your grocery bill. Planning ahead, taking advantage of sales, and cutting out expensive delivery fees can keep your kitchen stocked and your wallet balanced.
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Your perfume can make a bold and aromatic statement when you enter the room, but why settle for one when you could create a signature scent all your own? Perfume layering is the art of mixing and matching fragrances to create something uniquely you. Whether you want to pair delicate florals with a hint of smokiness or re-create one of your favorite desserts with vanilla and strawberry aromas, the possibilities are endless. Get ready to spritz on the next level of self- expression with this spray-by-spray guide to make your fragrance stand out. Appreciate the power of pairs. Simplicity is key when mixing a new perfume potion. Focus on just two scents that will work well together. Generally, you should start with smells in the same family, vibe, or mood. Decide if you want to create something woody, floral, fresh, citrus, or sweet. If you’re unsure where to begin, vanilla, musk, and most citrus aromas are safe go-to’s for layering, bringing out subtle notes that can make a big impact. The more scents you add, the harder it is for any of these notes to shine, so stick to two. Layer like a pro. Start with heavier products, like lotion or oil, to create a good base for layering lighter sprays. Using thicker creams helps make your one-of-a-kind perfume last longer, giving you more mileage from your creation. If you only use spray perfumes, spritz on whichever has a stronger or richer smell first, then layer lighter scents. While a 1:1 ratio is an easy way to combine these products for scentful success, play around with it. Every time you try it out, add an extra spray of vanilla or a little extra musk until you find the perfect blend. WHIFF WIZARDRY Perfect Your Perfume Into a Signature Statement
Allow your skin to decide. Everyone’s body chemistry is different, and how a fragrance interacts with your skin might smell different from how it does on a sample paper or when sprayed into the air. Test combinations on your arm to see how your natural scent blends with your chosen fragrances. Give each layer time to settle into your skin before adding another layer.
Ingredients • 1/4 cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder, plus more for dusting CLASSIC ITALIAN TIRAMISU
• 1/2 cup white sugar • 1/4 tsp kosher salt
• 1 cup brewed espresso • 1 tbsp vanilla extract • 5 large egg yolks, cold
• 16 oz mascarpone cheese, chilled • 1 3/4 cups heavy cream, chilled • 28 hard ladyfinger cookies
Directions
1. In a bowl, whisk together cocoa powder, espresso, and vanilla and set aside. 2. In a mixer, beat egg yolks and sugar until pale and thick, about 5 minutes. 3. Add salt and mascarpone cheese, and continue to whip. 4. Add the chilled heavy cream and continue to whip until light and smooth. 5. Dunk each ladyfinger in the espresso mixture to absorb the liquid and line a 7x11-inch oval baking dish with the cookies. 6. Top the first layer of cookies with half the whipped mascarpone mixture and spread it into an even layer. Dust with cocoa powder. 7. Repeat for another layer and then finish by dusting with cocoa powder on top. 8. Cover with plastic wrap and chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
TAKE A BREAK
Inspired by WhatsGabyCooking.com
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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
Trains, Planes, and Christmas Surprises
2
Simple Ways to Cut Costs in the Aisles
3
Fragrance Layering Made Easy Classic Italian Tiramisu
4
The Body’s Natural Reset Button
DEEP BREATHING IS YOUR SCIENTIFIC SHORTCUT TO STRESS RELIEF INHALE THE FACTS
When you feel angry or stressed out, a few deep breaths can be more powerful than they seem. A deep inhale is like a reset button for your body, sending signals to your nervous system, slowing your heart rate, and quieting the mental storm. Deep breathing isn’t just hot air; it’s scientifically proven to be one of the simplest hacks for calming the mind and body. Inhale deeply, and let’s explore what happens internally when you breathe back to balance. Most of the time, you don’t think about breathing; your body naturally handles this task as you go about your day. But when you control your breath, you trigger a rest and digest mode that slows your heart rate and sends more blood to your gut to help digestion. The brain manages breathing and heart rate in the same parts of the brain, and they work together. With each breath you take, your lungs expand and the pressure on your heart and blood vessels shifts. This rhythm directly links how you breathe and how calm or alert you feel. The slower and more relaxed your breath is, the less your internal systems are gearing up for a battle.
minor physical pain, such as headaches or an upset stomach. Pain stresses your body out, so easing your aches will help your parasympathetic nervous system take the reins and focus on recovery rather than alertness. To get the full benefits from this mindfulness technique, sit upright and take a slow, deep inhale through your nose. Place one hand on your belly and one on your chest to
feel your rib cage expand and your belly rise as the lungs fill. Keep this up until you feel a wave of calm come over you. So, next time you’re feeling on edge, inhale and see why, sometimes, the simplest science is a breath of fresh air.
Deep breathing reduces stress and triggers your blood pressure and nervous system to relax. It doesn’t just change your mental state; it can also ease
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