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OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2023
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DON’T BE AN EASY TARGET PROACTIVE MEASURES TO SAFEGUARD YOUR PROPERTY AND BELONGINGS
Keep your home’s exterior well-lit. If it’s not Christmas time, our homes are usually not lit up at night. The problem is that most criminals feel safer in an entirely
It’s difficult to think your house could be susceptible to burglary. You work hard to pay your mortgage, and all your prized belongings are in your home. So, stay one step ahead of criminals lurking in your area looking to make some fast cash. Whether you’re going on vacation or want to keep your estate secure year-round, here are a few ways to ensure your home stays off a burglar’s hit list. Don’t leave trash cans out while on vacation. One habit most never question is how you take your garbage cans out. We all do it without a second thought! But if you’re going on vacation, leaving your garbage cans by the curb can be a major indicator you haven’t been home for days. While law-abiding citizens never consider this, it’s a significant factor robbers keep an eye out for. Be sure to roll those trash cans back in before you head to the airport! Don’t post your itinerary online. With social media, we all want to show we’re on a bucket-list trip. Except, this is just another way you’re advertising your home will be empty for robbers. Even if your account is private, a friend can tell a friend, and before you know it, your television, jewelry, computer, and other belongings will be gone. Keep your travel off social media until you’ve officially returned home. Don’t leave the packaging of expensive items outside. Even if you plan to stay home for the foreseeable future, you should still be careful about what you leave outside. For example, when you purchase a new television or appliance, the box and other packaging may be too large to throw in the recycling bin. But if you leave the box outside, a burglar might consider your home a worthy target. Instead, cut up those boxes to fit them inside the bin as best you can.
dark area. Without any lights to spot
them, robbers take the opportunity of a dark night to sneak into
your home without being seen. An easy fix is to keep your home’s exterior well-lit. Purchase outdoor lighting to brighten your home and driveway to ward off any nocturnal activities. Add surveillance outside your home. Just the presence of cameras outside your home can keep criminals off your property. Surveillance can also help keep an eye on your home when you’re not there, so if a break-in does happen, you have footage to track down the perpetrator. Doorbell cameras are also effective for keeping packages safe from fast-acting thieves. When it comes to knocking at your door, these cameras can help you feel safer at night or when your kids are home alone. Using these tips can help prevent your home from being targeted and your belongings stolen. My essential advice here is it’s always better to take preventive measures rather than deal with the aftermath. By thinking like a criminal, you can keep your home and family safe!
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The Shocking Truth Behind Sherri’s Kidnapping Revealed
Sherri Papini vanished out of thin air in November 2016. The day she went missing, her husband, Keith Papini, came home expecting to see his wife and kids but found the residence eerily empty. Keith called the children’s day care to ask when his wife picked them up, but they informed him she never did. While the kids were safe, Sherri was missing. Three weeks passed before Sherri was finally found alone on a freeway nearly 146 miles from her home on Thanksgiving Day. She was cut and bruised, her long hair chopped short, and her back branded with a Bible verse. When the police questioned Sherri, she was hesitant and frightened. She claimed two Hispanic women abducted her, took her to an unknown location, chained her up, and tortured her before planning to traffic her. The story horrified the community and made many Hispanic women fear wrongful persecution.
If you’re feeling ambitious, add a second vacuum pass before the baking soda and use a mixture of baking soda, salt, and water to lift stains. Let the concoction sit on the stain for 30 minutes, then wipe it away. Your Kitchen Backsplash — You probably wipe down your counters regularly, but have you deep-cleaned your backsplash? If not, it’s probably coated with years of grease and food particles. Start with a quick soap and water rinse to get rid of the ick. Then, use a mixture of lemon juice, vinegar, and baking soda in a 1:1:2 ratio to dissolve the grease. Sponges are excellent for scrubbing tile surfaces, and you can tackle the grout with a toothbrush. Your Basement Drain (Or Any Unused Drain) — If you have a basement or garage with a drain in the floor or even a seldom-used guest bathroom shower drain, you should take a few minutes every month to pour a bucket of water into it. This will keep your drain from drying out and prevent nasty sewage odors and pests. Your Throw Pillows — Remove the covers from your throw pillows monthly and toss them in the wash to keep them from becoming smelly or discolored. Every other month, you should also wash the inside of the pillow in your washing machine or by hand, depending on its material. If you have down-filled or highly decorated pillows, take them to the dry cleaner for a refresh. later, in 2020, the authorities used genetic DNA technology to track down the man, Sherri’s ex-boyfriend, James Reyes. This was when Sherri’s tale began to fall apart. Reyes was questioned by police, who exposed the truth about Sherri’s vanishing act. He revealed that Sherri told him her husband, Keith, was abusing her, and she needed his help to escape. She convinced him to brand her, but all her other injuries were self-inflicted. Reyes had no idea about Sherri’s fabricated story involving two Hispanic kidnappers. At first, Sherri stuck with her story when questioned again but eventually admitted it was all a hoax. In 2023, Sherri Papini was charged with false statements and mail fraud and sentenced to 18 months in prison for her long- winded lies that wasted police resources and federal financial assistance. Her story resulted in numerous innocent Hispanic women being wrongly questioned by authorities. But now, these women can rest easy knowing the case is finally closed.
At the time, male DNA was found on Sherri’s clothing, despite her insistence no men were involved in her kidnapping. Years
4 ITEMS IN YOUR HOME THAT NEED MORE MAINTENANCE THAN YOU THINK
If you wash your sheets more than once or twice a month, you already have better bedroom hygiene than 60% of Americans. But according to experts, even weekly washing isn’t enough! To get a completely hygienic night’s sleep, you should clean your mattresses every six months. Who knew? Here’s how to do it, along with tips for maintaining three other household items you’ve probably overlooked. Your Mattress — You can use dozens of methods and products to clean your mattress, but the old-fashioned way only requires two things: baking soda and a vacuum cleaner. After you’ve stripped your sheets, peel back your mattress protector and dust your entire mattress with baking soda. Wait 10 minutes, then vacuum the powder up!
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In the U.S., 21 million people report having at least one major depressive episode, while 17.3 million adults live with major depressive disorders. SMALL JOYS, BIG DIFFERENCE: OVERCOMING DEPRESSION When someone feels depressed, there isn’t much anyone can do to help them. However, someone suffering from depression can do a few things to help ease their symptoms. No. 1: Be gentle with yourself. When you feel depressed, you’re not going to accomplish the same number of tasks or be as productive as you usually would — and that’s okay! Be open and accepting of your current state, and take pride in your progress that day, no matter how small. No. 2: Take a walk — literally! Research shows that for some people, even a little bit of exercise (like a short walk) not only reduces their current symptoms but can also prevent future depressive episodes. Even if you can only walk around the block, it will still help your mind and body. No. 3: Do things YOU enjoy. The fatigue that depression brings can feel more powerful than your desire to enjoy your hobbies. Push back against this as much as possible and do something enjoyable, even if it seems minor. This will boost your mood and motivate you to continue engaging in activities.
THE BEST CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES
“Houston & Alexander Law Firm is by far the best in Chattanooga! If you need criminal defense or personal injury, I highly recommend them to have in your corner! I’d also like to mention paralegal Chaiden Durham is the most friendliest, nicest, sweetest person! The whole staff is just absolutely wonderful. Don’t hesitate to call this office!” –Gary What Our Clients Are Saying
Ingredients
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour • 1 teaspoon baking soda • 1 teaspoon salt • 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • 2 large eggs • 2 cups (12-oz package) semi-sweet chocolate chips
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 375 F. 2. Combine flour, baking soda, and salt in a small bowl. 3. Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract in a large bowl until creamy. 4. Add eggs, one at a time, beating until blended. 5. Gradually beat in flour mixture.
6. Stir in chocolate chips. 7. Arrange dough in rounded teaspoonfuls on ungreased baking sheets. 8. Bake 8–10 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; move to wire racks to cool completely.
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE Expert Advice on Preventing Break‑Ins and Burglaries The Troubling Saga of Sherri Papini’s Disappearance Dust and Grime Hideaways: Home Cleaning Checklist Walking Toward Happiness: Depression’s Antidote The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies Testimonial Tummy Talks: Nourishing a Healthy Gut PAGE 1 PAGE 2 PAGE 2 PAGE 3 PAGE 3 PAGE 3 PAGE 4
5 FOODS FOR A HEALTHY DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
Yogurt Yogurt is an amazing source of probiotics, beneficial bacteria that support and balance your gut flora to prevent harmful bacteria from taking over. As a general tip, look for yogurt labeled “live cultures” for a tasty treat full of probiotics! Whole Grains Because whole grains, such as brown rice, quinoa, and whole wheat, are high in fiber, they promote optimal digestion and, in turn, a thriving gut. Fibrous foods also act as prebiotics, which facilitate the growth of beneficial bacteria. Berries Blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, and raspberries are not only high in fiber but also rich in antioxidants that help reduce inflammation all over the body. The fiber-antioxidant combination works wonders for gut health!
Sauerkraut Some people love sauerkraut, and others aren’t very fond of the fermented cabbage dish. However, those who can get past the acquired taste will find that sauerkraut is abundant in probiotics, as the fermentation
Gut health goes beyond your stomach — it plays a vital role in your overall well- being! Research shows that about 39 trillion bacteria live in your large intestine. Collectively, all of these bacteria make up your gut microbiome, which helps keep you healthy. A balanced gut also promotes proper digestion, nutrient absorption, immune function, and mental health. For a healthy gut and body, start incorporating these five food types into your daily diet.
process encourages the growth of beneficial bacteria to aid digestion.
Tempeh Tempeh is a plant-based protein made from an Indonesian fermented soybean product. Because tempeh is fermented, it is a probiotic, but because it is made from soybeans, it is also a prebiotic, making it a powerhouse for creating beneficial gut bacteria. Incorporating these gut-friendly suggestions into your daily diet is a rewarding and delicious way to improve your gut health and, in turn, the health of your entire body. Remember, it all starts in the belly!
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