Hickory Living December 2020

Complimentary December 2020

AND THE WINNERS ARE... page 23

On the Cover

POLISHED From Head toToe Treating You with Care page 10

HAPPY

Holidays!

HICKORY LIVING • DECEMBER 2020

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HICKORY LIVING • DECEMBER 2020

Don’t Let

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BEFORE

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This technique involves placing a small catheter directly into the vein, followed by laser or radio frequency energy to the vein. In addition, injection therapy, ultrasound guided injection therapy, or ambulatory phlebectomy (removal of veins using micro hooks) may be required.

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828.322.8485 www.hickoryvein.com

Over 5,000 Legs Treated! Call today for Advanced Vein Care and Laser Solutions.

HICKORY LIVING • DECEMBER 2020

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contents

MacAdam Smith

DECEMBER 2020

Publisher mac@oasisluxuryhomes.com (484) 769-7445

FEATURES 10 • COVER STORY POLISHED From Head to Toe Treating You With Care

Kathy Wheeler Design & Advertising Sales kathylivingmagazine@gmail.com (828) 238-3224

BEST OF THE FOOTHILLS

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23 • Hickory Living’s Reader’s Choice Award Winners

IN THIS ISSUE 8 • Welcome To The December Issue

Sharon Simpson Advertising Director sharon@lncurrents.com (704) 677-9159

18 • Decorating Hacks For The Holidays 30 • Celebrate Like It’s 2020!

32 • 10 TIPS To Prevent Holiday Weight Gain

Linda B. Wilson Advertising Sales lindalivingmagazine@gmail.com (704) 657-0237

34 • Shop Local––Spend Local Enjoy All Things Local This Holiday Season

34 Hickory

LIVING 10225 Hickorywood Hill Ave., Unit A Huntersville, NC 28078 (484) 769-7445 HickoryLiving@gmail.com

www.HickoryLivingMagazine.com 4

HICKORY LIVING • DECEMBER 2020

37 • What’s Cooking?!

Old Fashion Fudge and Spiced Candied Pecans

Hickory Living reserves the right to deny any advertisement or listing. Submissions are welcome, but unsolicited materials are not guaranteed to be returned. Hickory Living assumes no responsibility or liability for the information, services, products, claims, statements, accuracy, or intended or unintended results of any advertiser, editorial contributors, company, professional corporation, business or service provider herein this publication. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher is prohibited.

Don Forrest Advertising Sales donlivingmagazine@gmail.com (828) 244-6538

contributors

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Kristie Darling • Kathy Wheeler Cheryl Grant

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY Shane Greene Photography

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HICKORY LIVING • DECEMBER 2020

The Law Office of Lyndon R. Helton and The Law Office of

Helton, Cody

Blair E. Cody, III have Merged.

& Associates, PLLC

AREAS OF PRACTICE: • Divorce • Personal Injury • Workers Compensation • Criminal Defense • Traffic Violations • Social Security Disability • DWIs • Wills & Estates • Child Custody and Support • Immigration

Pictured: Blair E. Cody, III (left) Lyndon R. Helton (right)

828-328-9966 827 Highland Ave. NE Hickory, NC (located near Lenoir-Rhyne University)

www.HeltonCody.com HICKORY LIVING • DECEMBER 2020

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Welcome to the

December Issue

By Kathy Wheeler

©iStockphoto.com | Sofiaworld

It’s no secret that I love every thing Christmas and this year is no exception. To me, it is truly the most wonderful time of the year, and I refuse to let COVID ruin my holiday! Just like everything else in the world, we’ll figure out a way to do what we need and want to do while keeping each other safe. We have some ideas in this issue to help you celebrate!

For some families, this holiday season will look no different than their previous Christmas or New Year’s, while others may be planning more intimate celebrations. It’s all about what you are comfortable with. However you decide to celebrate, you don’t have to miss out on staying in touch with your loved ones. The article on page 30 gives you ideas for a fun-filled virtual holiday celebration!

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HICKORY LIVING • DECEMBER 2020

I get the bulk of my decorating done in November, but then continue adding stuff throughout December. By the time Christmas rolls around, I’m dreading putting it all away! You will find some of my favorite holiday decorating hacks on page 15.

Also, there’s tips on preventing holiday weight gain and a tempting fudge recipe. I must warn you though, that fudge recipe is not part of any diet! Although a taste won’t hurt.

Shopping local has never been more important than this year. Spending your Christmas budget at local shops can boost our economy and keep our community thriving! The article on page 34 will further help you understand why it’s important.

Our cover story this month features Polished From Head to Toe, owned by Kabo Moua Williams. Kabo is genuinely a caring person and a smart business woman. You will enjoy being pampered with facials and skin treatments at her spa. And, if you want some gorgeous eye lashes for the holidays, make an appointment!

In this issue, we are announcing Hickory Living’s Best of The Foothills Winners–our reader’s choice awards.

Thank you to all of the fine businesses who participated and congratulations to all of our winners!

At Hickory Living magazine, we wish you a wonderful holiday season and a prosperous and happy New Year. Here’s to a better year in 2021! As always we appreciate you reading our magazine and hope you enjoy our holiday issue!

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HICKORY LIVING • DECEMBER 2020

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on the cover

POLISHED From Head toToe Treating You with Care

By Kristie Darling | Photos by Shane Greene Photography

Show me a savvy woman who has grown her own business from the ground up, and I’ll show you a company that serves its clients like family, employs top-quality staff to deliver exceptional products and services, and maintains a culture of relationships, community, and excellence. Companies like this thrive through word-of-mouth rave reviews that testify to their customers’ satisfaction. When I recently met with Kabo Moua Williams, owner of Polished From Head to Toe, I could tell she runs her business from a place of passion and conviction. “My vision was to create a luxury urban day spa in downtown Hickory,” she shared, “We don’t just offer excellent beauty services, we’re a team of women who want to inspire you to live confidently.”

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HICKORY LIVING • DECEMBER 2020

Indeed, I was impressed with what I saw, from the spa’s warm atmosphere and its clean, upscale setting, to the specialty menu of beauty services that are offered. As a Chamber member, Kabo is an Open & Safe participant— her COVID safety protocols are spot on. Polished From Head to Toe is the spa destination to discover the next time you need to refresh and reinvigorate. Your sense of wellbeing and personal confidence will thank you.

EVERYTHING BUT HAIR “We offer a variety of services that women today desire to create and maintain their beautiful good looks and their unique approach to the world.” At Polished, women of any age feel welcomed and often make friends with the women who serve them. It’s easy to relax in Kabo’s suite of treatment rooms in the Harris Arcade Building with its nostalgic second story view of the old Carolina Theatre.

Kabo hinted, “Some BIG plans are in the near future. We’ll be able to offer an even MORE amazing experience. Stay tuned for an update in Hickory Living soon.”

SERVICES YOU WILL LOVE With over a decade of experience in the medical field, most recently working for a plastic surgeon in the Mooresville area, Kabo knows first-hand what women want when they visit a day spa—what is important to them. “When I’m considering a new line of products or new service, I do my research, not just to ensure that products are effective and made with clean, healthy ingredients, but also that they’ll meet our clients’ expectations. Our new lash extensions, brow procedures, and skin care lines are our most popular requests.”

Photo:

On the cover Kabo Moua Williams, owner of Polished From Head to Toe, licensed esthetician and certified lash artist Opposite page Polished From Head to Toe offers a variety of esthetic and wellness services from skin care treatments, lash extensions and lash lifts to full body waxing, natural nails and massage.

Above • Give the gift of healthy skin this holiday season.

• Polished specialize in brow waxing and shaping.

IT’S ALL ABOUT EYES If our eyes are our windows to the world, then they are also windows into our personal world. “Women naturally feel younger and more beautiful when their eyes shine,” says esthetician Christy Yang, “They want lash extensions, lash lifting, and lash and brow tinting, plus we specialize in brow waxing, shaping, and lamination. We maintain a high standard on lash quality and the methods we employ.

Women love their fuller, thicker, longer lashes, and the look is amazing. Often, that’s all the makeup you need!

Our luxury lash extensions are soft and natural; they’re lightweight, giving a clean natural look, a long flirty look, or add fun curls to your lashes. A lash lift is like a perm for your lashes so you don’t have to try to make them curl when they don’t—they will! We can make your beautiful eyes pop!”

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Kabo always makes me look pretty,” says Jennifer White. “She’s dedicated and takes pride in her work. She took extra time to fix lashes I’d had done before. I haven’t found that kind of professionalism anywhere else. In fact, I’ve referred about 20 friends to Kabo, and I wouldn’t do that if I didn’t believe she’s the best out there!

TREAT YOUR SKIN RIGHT “We are skin care experts, and we take the science of skin care seriously,” Kabo explained. “When clients know how our hand-selected skin products work and the importance of consistent use, they’ll invest in these effective products and use them regularly, thus getting results. Just like working out, one or two applications doesn’t cut it…you have to keep it up.”

“We’re excited to add Pearl Seven, a paraben-free, crueltyfree clean line of cosmetics,” Kabo said, “to enhance every beautiful face.” Pearl Seven’s tag line says it all: You are altogether beautiful. Their collection features foundations and powders for every skin tone, and luminous colors for eyes, cheeks, and lips. Medical grade skin care lines like PCA Skin and Obagi address common conditions like dry skin, discoloration and dark spots, aging, sensitive skin, acne, protection, and prevention. Cosmetologist Jessica White says, “Our mothers told us the truth—take good care of your skin! We’ll assess your unique skin requirements and make sure our pure products continue the job our face treatments provide. We understand there’s a difference in treating ethnic skin—what works for you might not be right for me. We take that into consideration, pay attention, and customize your skin care plan.”

A GLOWING COMPLEXION Treatments that create a younger and more vibrant look are not extras, they are essentials. “Clients love the results from the Rezenerate NanoFacial,” Kabo shared. “It’s a cosmetic facial system focusing on product infusion. After her Rezenerate NanoFacial, Sheri from Charlotte said, “My skin feels amazing, plump, hydrated, and tight.” Rave reviews are common. Rezenerate works differently than microneedling. Rezenerate uses nanotechnology, doesn’t puncture the skin, or cause discomfort or redness. The result is smoother, younger, glowing skin.

Photos, above: • Want longer thicker lashes? Classic, Hybrid and Volume Lash Extensions available.

• Beauty, self-care & pampering. We have the perfect gifts for you!

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HICKORY LIVING • DECEMBER 2020

Customized and advanced facials for anti-aging, clarifying and detoxifying, chemical peels, manicures, and pedicures are offered with products that enhance the look you’re after. Polished is a clean, professional, and relaxing space for full body waxing, too. “Our culture here is like getting together with girlfriends,” Kabo said, “because you’ll get to know the women who treat you—they genuinely care about you. You can schedule several treatments together, from facials to massage. We make it easy and convenient.”

“I love this industry,” Kabo said with a smile. She’s a licensed esthetician, lash artist, and licensed nail technician.

She’s worked in a surgical setting and enjoys detailed work.

“We do everything with care and precision,” she continued.

“Our consultations will help you take the guesswork out of your skin care choices—we’ve done the research—and we’ll make sure you understand what to do to get your desired results.”

In this busy world, self-care is something we give to ourselves. This holiday season consider sharing the love with a gift card from Polished. A little pampering and self-care are especially welcomed gifts. When we feel good about how we look, it’s easier to be happy and confident.

I usually get customized, cooling facials for my particular skin, and I love how they make me look and feel,” Kelsey Sigmon says. “Plus, the lash extensions I get are beautiful—so many to choose from—they feel perfect. They solve your makeup problem—with extensions, you’ll look great without much of anything else!

So, if you’re in search of some of that, just call Kabo’s lovely spa. She will help you make an appointment, and you’ll be on your way to looking and feeling polished from head to toe!

POLISHED FROM HEAD TO TOE 221 1st Avenue NW, Suites 205 & 208 Hickory, NC 28601 828-838-0163

Photo, right:

Rezenerate Nanofacial is a non-invasive treatment that targets fine lines, uneven skin tone, and blemishes.

Wishing everyone a beautiful, bright and merry holiday season!

From the staff of POLISHED Not pictured: Candice Coleman, LMBT HICKORY LIVING •DECEMBER 2020

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HICKORY LIVING • DECEMBER 2020

Decorating Hacks for the Holidays

By Kathy Wheeler

©Photos by Kathy Wheeler

One of the most beloved traditions of the holiday season is decorating – hanging garland, wreaths, and decorating trees.

There are numerous items on the market to help you hang decorations without damaging woodwork, like suction cups and 3-M strips and hooks, but a quick trip to the hardware store and some ingenuity can make those tasks easier and work much better. I’ve come up with a few hacks that, once implemented, will save you time year after year and make the days you put up your beautiful decorations go much more smoothly.

Hanging Garland on Your Mantel Garland can get very heavy, especially if you add ornaments to it or use artificial greenery. I’ve found that mine is too heavy for 3-M hooks. Also, depending on the finish of your mantel, the hooks

might not stick very well. Short of hanging it from nails, what can you do?

the fishing line through one of the holes in the bracket and tie it to your garland.

If you are using artificial garland, you can leave these brackets attached when you store it away and use them again the following year. If your mantel is caulked where it meets the wall, this may not be a good option for you.

Hanging Wreaths on Windows Most mantels are attached to the fireplace facade or sheetrock with a small space between the mantel and the wall surface.

Corner brackets and fishing line may fix your problem. For my mantel, three, two-inch, 18-gauge steel angle brackets work the best. You will use one for each end of the garland and one for the center.

The long side of the bracket goes between the mantel and the wall and the short side lays flat on top of the mantel. Thread

When hanging wreaths on your windows, you want them to line up and hang at the same level. An easy way to do this is to use ribbon. Wrap a long piece of ribbon around the wreath and drop it over the top sash of your window. Close the window and adjust the length of ribbon to where you want the wreath to hang.

You can either sew a pocket into the two strands of ribbon to hold a piece of wood or dowel, or just tie a knot to keep the HICKORY LIVING • DECEMBER 2020

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The piece of wood keeps the ribbon from slipping through the window.

ribbon from slipping through. That keeps the wreath in place once the window is latched. Use the first wreath as a guide for measuring the other wreaths. Usually, first story wreaths will hang lower than the second story wreaths, so adjust accordingly. If you are using artificial wreaths, mark the tail of each ribbon indicating which room it goes in and next year the job gets easier!

Hiding Cords Are you hanging lighted wreaths? Sometimes nails are necessary to hide electrical cords. I use small ¾” to one-inch nails with a head on the top of window

and door moldings to guide cords along the edge of the molding. This prevents cords from hanging down the center of the windows and doors. The nails I use are so small that I leave them up all year, and I never make holes in the front of the molding. Also, try to match your cords with the paint color, using white cords for white trim and brown cords for stained, dark, or wooden surfaces.

Potting Artificial Trees To decorate your entrance and outdoors with artificial lighted trees, consider using your existing pots. By now, our potted plants from summer and fall are spent, so clean out the plants and leave the dirt!

Take your artificial trees to the hardware store (no tree stand needed) and buy PVC pipe that fits around the trunk of the trees. Cut the pipe two inches shorter than your pot and drive it into the dirt with a hammer. Pop the trunk of your artificial tree into the pipe, and that tree will stay upright the whole season. If you have any empty, small concrete urns,

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2

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1. PVC pipe • 2. Spray insulation foam

you can line them with a black plastic trash bag, place your artificial tree trunk in the center, and brace it so that it stays straight. Then spray foam insulation from a can around the trunk to fill the pot.

Once this hardens, the plastic will allow you to remove it from the pot. The foam stays with the tree trunk and you can use it every year in the concrete urn.

I hope these hacks help make your decorating easier. It may take a little longer to implement these tips this season, but these ideas will save you time each year you use them!

CARDWELL CHIROPRACTIC ASSOCIATES

Celebrating 30 Years!

Dr. Cardwell’s educational and clinical philosophy is based on Vitalism–the understanding and principles that all organisms in the universe are conscious self-developing, self-maintaining and self-healing.

The concept of Vitalism is foundational to the entire concepts of health and wellness in human beings. Our bodies work hard to express health, to maintain health and to recover from illness or conditions that threaten one’s health. Chiropractic is the foundation for Vitalism.

Dr. Cardwell has and will continue to practice pure Chiropractic. He has pledged to his community the “ Lasting Purpose”...one that imposes giving out of my own abundance unselfish, spiritual love, compassion and dedicated service to my fellow man.

Offering:

• Spinal Adjustments • Laser • Ultrasound • Acupunture • X-Rays

Thank you for allowing me to serve you for 30 years!

Hours: Mon, Tues, Thurs - 9am-5pm Closed from 12 - 1 Wed - 9am - 12pm

790 U.S. Hwy 70 SW • Hickory | www.cardwellchiro.com | (828) 323-1177 16

HICKORY LIVING • DECEMBER 2020

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HICKORY LIVING • DECEMBER 2020

Dear Santa, I want my body back! I have two adorable children, but I don't recognize my own body!

December Specials

$1,500 Off Mommy Makeovers $1,000 Off Breast Augmentation $1,500 Off Tummy Tuck Offer ends December 31, 2020.

Schedule Your Consult

Today!

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828.322.1498 74 8th Street SE, Suite 101 • Hickory www.vitalitysurgicalcenter.com Contracted with Most Major Insurance Companies

Dr. McCoy Moretz

Dr. Julie Edween Dr. David Rosenburg HICKORY LIVING • DECEMBER 2020

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HICKORY LIVING • DECEMBER 2020

HICKORY LIVING’S READER’S CHOICE AWARDS We want to thank all of the businesses who participated in the Best of The Foothills. You are the reason our community thrives! We appreciate what your business brings to our area. Also, we would like to thank our readers who shop local on a regular basis and who took the time to vote for their favorites!

the winners of the 2020 Best of The Foothills Are...

Best Interior Design

Best Auto Repair Services

Best Day Spa

Mike Johnson’s Hickory Toyota

Rock Barn Spa

Bumblebee Interiors, LLC

Best Auto Dealer

Best Hair Salon

Mike Johnson’s Hickory Toyota

Le Grande Salon & Day Spa

Best Landscaper/Lawn Service

Best Insurance Company

Best Women’s Boutique

Broome Associates

Aqua B Boutique

Best Breakfast

Best Dentist

Café Gouda

Growing Smiles Pediatric Dentistry

Best Sandwich Shop

Best Orthodontist

Hatch Sandwich Bar

Hamilton & Herring Orthodontics

Best Dinner Restaurant

Best Chiropractor

Backstreets Bar & Grill

Hilton Family Chiropractic Clinic

Best Golf Course

Best Veterinarian

Catawba Country Club

Viewmont Animal Hospital

Best Place for Cocktails/ Wine

Best Pet Groomer

Backstreets Bar & Grill

Best Fitness/Gym Burn Boot Camp Hickory

Best Medical Spa Vitality Anti-Aging Center

Best Weight Loss Center

Paw Tales Lodge & Day Spa

Best Law Firm Patrick, Harper & Dixon

Best Hardware Store Bethlehem Ace Hardware

Scenic View Landscapes

Best Plant Nursery Settlemyre Nursery

Best Real Estate Agency Realty Executives of Hickory

Best Consignment/Thrift Store Safe Harbor’s ReSource Warehouse

Best Wedding Venue The Crossing at Hollar Mill

Best Jewelry Store Oz’s Jewelers

Best Caterer Liazzo’s Catering

Best Cosmetic Surgery Center Piedmont Plastic Surgery & Dermatology

Best Home Builder Moss Marlow Building Co. Inc.

A Woman’s View ©iStockphoto.com | angelinast

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Scrapbooking with some of our Winners Congratulations and thank you for your gorgeous photos!

arehouse ReSource W ’s r o b r a re H Safe /Thrift Sto t n e m n g si n Best Co

Paw Tales Lodge & Day Spa Best Pet Groomer

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HICKORY LIVING • DECEMBER 2020

Broome Associates Best Insurance Company

linic Chiropractic C Hilton Family ctor Best Chiropra

©iStockphoto.com | Gwens Graphic Studio | cienpies

HICKORY LIVING • DECEMBER 2020

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Scrapbooking with some of our Winners Congratulations and thank you for your gorgeous photos!

c. uilding Co. In B w lo r a M Moss Builder Best Home

Piedmont Plastic Surgery & Dermat ology Best Cosmetic Su rgery Center

Broome Associate s Best Insurance C ompany

Rock Barn Spa Best Day Spa HICKORY LIVING • DECEMBER 2020

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HICKORY LIVING • DECEMBER 2020

Come in as a Guest...Leave as Family We are thankful to our customers for allowing us to pamper your amazing pets!

Grooming • Lodging • Doggie Daycare • Therapy

WINNER 2020

HickoryLIVING

We are honored that you voted us Best Pet Groomer.

Thank you!

Spa: Tues–Sat 7AM Until Lodge: 7 days a week • Daycare: Mon–Sat

(828) 327-7711

1575 25th Ave NE • Hickory www.PawTales.com HICKORY LIVING • DECEMBER 2020

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Celebrate Like it’s

2020!

EASY ICE-BREAKER—

Everyone shows the favorite gift they received and all guess who gave it and if the recipient is likely to exchange it or not?

By Kristie Darling

©iStockphoto.com | Vanessa Nunes

I’m telling myself the only thing missing over at my house this holiday season will be “over at my house!” I’m being positive, though, thinking if I don’t get every rug vacuumed and all the sinks scrubbed—not such a bad thing. Might free up some time, actually, for making my virtual holiday plans, ‘cause that’s what I’m doing this year!

A 2020 KIND OF MEMORY I’m starting out re-thinking “The Old Homeplace” to soon becoming our “New Holiday Party Studios.” This will be the year you won’t have to worry about taking all the perfect photos and videos when the festivities get underway—we will be photos and videos—that’s what Virtual is!

What’s a virtual party, you ask? Well, using video conferencing platforms, like Skype, Zoom, or WebEx, it’s like a meeting or on-line school EXCEPT it’s going to be party fun for family and friends! We’ll gather around our screens-of-many-kinds (think “hearth” only different) and sing, visit, share, laugh, catch-up, perhaps even eat and drink over the Internets!

GET READY NOW! First, remember it’s almost Hanukkah (December 10 through 19), Christmas—just three weeks out—and the really big blast, New Year’s Eve…you know the date! So, don’t waste a moment, jump in with your own ideas or peruse these creative ways you can go virtual with family and friends!

Think a bit about your family’s long-standing holiday traditions. Can you tweak some into a pre-planned, online experience? Decide what theme or activities you want to include…Christmas carol singing? Secret Santa? Sharing best hand-made holiday cards or poems? You’ll need to send e-invitations…you can use paperlesspost.com, greenvelope.com, evite.com, or Zoom’s and WebEx’s invitations. Let folks know who, what, when, where, why, and how. Tell them how to get ready—you might ask everyone to dress up—that fancy red dress, favorite Christmas tie, reindeer head band, or Christmas-inspired face painting!

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HICKORY LIVING • DECEMBER 2020

Here are some fun ideas:

SING-ALONG—Check out online Karaoke sites where everyone can sing their hearts out. Christmas carols and holiday soundtracks (who knows “Frozen”?) are most fun. karafun.com/apps.

HOLIDAYS ON DISPLAY—Show off your tree and special decorations—give a virtual tour of your house at its holiday finest! At night, take it outdoors to share your lights!

HOLIDAY SCAVENGER HUNT—This one is easy! Everyone must find things on the list and tell a story about them.

Craft a really fun/funny list and let everyone loose to go find all they can as fast as they can! Share your list ahead of time in email or via the screen sharing option on Zoom.

You might include such favorites as handmade/antique/contemporary/ silly Christmas ornaments? A bundt pan—extra points if there’s a cake to go with. A pet dressed for Christmas. A fruit cake, Christmas cookies?

Gifted underwear or horrible tie? Got a Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer?

A nativity donkey or angel? Trash bag full of wrapping paper? Let your imagination run wild! ©iStockphoto.com | Marianna Pashchuk

COOKIE FUN—Ask everyone to have sugar cookies and lots of icing colors set out.

While you and the kids get messy, chatting and catching up commence. Show off the masterpieces as you go. Schedule this on Christmas Eve so Santa and his reindeer can enjoy the spoils later that night.

SECRET SANTA, ANYONE? Plan your Secret Santa party ahead of time.

It’s less expensive than buying something for everyone because you’ll work together to set a spending limit on the gifts. A few weeks before your party, everyone is sent the name/mailing address of one person to make or buy a gift for. Ship presents so they arrive by party time.

On the big day, everyone takes a turn opening their gift in front of the camera—enjoy all the surprises and happy faces—then challenge them to figure out who their Secret Santa is. It’s a fun way to add a little bit of excitement into your celebration, and the kids will absolutely love this new tradition!

GAMES—Think of just about any fun game and put “Holiday Version” after it. BINGO, Holiday Version. Charades, Holiday Version.

See? It’s easy!

AND HERE’S…SANTA!—Think Santa could arrive while you’re Zooming? If someone you know has the right connections, Santa might joyously make an appearance at someone’s house to chat with all the kids—young and old!

A 2020 POTLUCK—Food is important this time of year, so remember that you can still eat as a family from a distance. For your remote potluck, ask each household to make their favorite meal and challenge everyone to showcase their plate and share a recipe with the rest of the family. Loved ones who live alone miss sharing mealtime in person with the ones they love most. They will get a kick out of sharing like this instead…it will fill everyone’s heart (and tummy) with love. Compile all the recipes into a family cookbook and email out for a New Year’s surprise.

If it’s all too much to handle…remember, phone calls or face time really haven’t gone out of style! It’s all about bringing those you love together.

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10 Tips To

Prevent

Holiday Weight Gain

By Cheryl Grant More than 60% of people gain weight during the holidays, and most don't loose those extra pounds when the festivities are over. Here are some tips to help keep the pounds off and still enjoy those holiday treats and parties.

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Drink plenty of water. Water will fill you up and keep you hydrated.

3

Exercise portion control. Eat everything you want, but in small portions. Use a smaller plate if possible and don't pile it up.

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Count the number of appetizers you eat. You may want to avoid them altogether and save your appetite for the main course.

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Don't eat after 7:00 p.m. You will have a better chance of burning off the calories if you avoid eating too late in the evening.

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Exercise a little more each day to burn the extra calories. Keep your regular exercise routine even during the holidays. Adding an extra 15 minute walk on the tread mill or an extra 15 minute workout can help ward off weight gain.

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Cut back on calories at other meals. Eat small, low calorie meals to offset the high-calorie holiday food.

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Send the leftovers home with your guests. If you are hosting the party, don't keep all the leftovers. Send plates of food home with your guests to prevent being tempted to eat what is left.

9 10 ŠIstockphoto.com | Maridav | Bellenixe

Don't arrive to the party hungry. Eat small meals throughout the day and a healthy snack before a party.

Keep alcohol in check. Opt for light beer instead of high calorie eggnog.

Enjoy the social aspect of the party more than the food, and don't linger by the food table!

Enjoy the Holidays!

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SHOP LOCAL—SPEND LOCAL

ENJOY ALL THINGS LOCAL THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

By Kristie Darling

Shop Local is a simple concept…you choose to purchase the things you need, the services you require, or the gifts you’ll be giving from local businesses. By doing so you support those who contribute to the growth and wellbeing of the place where you live, work, and play. Add in great customer service, a more unique selection or customized service, and why wouldn’t you shop local?

WHY IT MATTERS “Now, more than ever, especially over the holidays when we spend more than usual, it’s important to shop in your hometown. Our communities rely on this commerce,” says Lindsay Keisler, president and CEO of the Catawba County Chamber of Commerce. Lindsay has her finger on the pulse of business in our region. This season, she’s focused on recognizing that those smaller, locally owned, sometimes generations’ old, familyowned shops and services have been the backbone of our communities’ success and growth. “Small businesses like these are part of our character and culture—in our downtowns and throughout each small town and community,” she shared.

“Their customer base is usually within 40 miles—that’s you and me! Imagine if these places closed…it’s a future none of us wants to see happen.”

It’s well known that the holiday season’s increased shopping pays the rent and 34

HICKORY LIVING • DECEMBER 2020

supports hardworking families who own and work in these local enterprises.

“Nationally, about $70 for every $100 spent locally stays in the community. In turn, these dollars become wages and an increase in the local tax revenue. It supports vendors and suppliers, and even increases donations to our local charities and soccer teams,” Lindsay shared.

ping and curb-side pickup or shipping options for your safety and convenience.

Some will wrap your gift purchase if you ask. And many small shops, salons, and restaurants sell gift cards to make holiday giving extra safe and easy. They’ll go the extra mile so you’ll become—and remain—a loyal customer who spreads a good word about them.

The impact of COVID 19 has been especially difficult for the smaller stores.

“I don’t think Amazon will be closing down, but your favorite deli, dress shop, or hardware store might,” Lindsay said, “if we don’t support them. It’s hard to say how long some can stay in business without us, but it’s really easy to decide to shop there to make sure they do. I’m proud of all that’s being done to keep us safe—business owners have pivoted and shifted considerably in order to stay safe and remain open for us.”

SHOPPING THIS SEASON

LOCAL IS PERSONAL Think for a minute about the local businesses you do frequent. You possibly know the owner or manager, and more importantly, they know you. They can give you guidance on your purchases; you can ask questions or make special requests because of that relationship.

These days, many shops will have your purchase ready to pick up after you’ve phoned in your order. More and more local businesses now have online shop-

Most businesses are doing everything they can to keep their employees and customers safe and to ensure everyone feels comfortable shopping with them.

Courtney Coley, owner of Ella Blu in Union Square told me, “I’m hoping customers feel it’s important to shy away from huge crowds when they’re shopping, especially now. We’re making a point of keeping our store clean, promoting masks, and maintaining distancing so everyone feels safe and comfortable.

I’d hate to see things get worse because people are taking extra risks shopping in crowded stores.”

Let’s keep things local, safe, and friendly this year. Shop with your mask in person, order from local shops online or by phone—whatever works best for you.

Let’s enjoy this holiday season and the joy that comes with it. Support local everything and help all our local businesses thrive!

Shop Local for the holidays

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Shop Local for the holidays

Shop Local!

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HICKORY LIVING • DECEMBER 2020

What's Cooking?!

Old Fashion Fudge and Spiced Candied Pecans

The holidays are filled with beautiful decorations, opportunities to entertain, and wonderful food and desserts. Whether you are looking for a dessert to take to an event, or for a gift, these recipes are sure to please.

Old Fashion Fudge 36 squares

• 3 cups sugar • 2⁄3 cup cocoa • 1⁄8 teaspoon salt • 1 1⁄2 cups whole milk • 1⁄4 cup butter • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • 1 cup chopped walnuts

Directions

Line an 8" square pan with tin foil and coat the tin foil with butter.

In a large saucepan add sugar, cocoa, salt and milk. Stir using a wooden spoon. Stirring constantly, cook over medium heat until mixture comes to a full boil. Stop stirring and boil until it reaches 234º F with a candy thermometer.

©Olvas | iStock | Thinkstock ©Carrie Miller | iStock | Thinkstock

Spread into the 8" square pan and cool. Once set, cut into squares–6 across and 6 down.

Spiced Candied Pecans Makes: 3 cups

• 3 cups pecan halves • 1⁄4 cup butter, melted • 1 cup sugar • 1⁄4 cup water

Remove from heat and add butter, vanilla extract and walnuts. Let the butter melt without stirring until it cools to 110º F.

• 1 teaspoon salt

Using the wooden spoon, beat until fudge loses its gloss.

• 2 teaspoons cinnamon • 1⁄2 teaspoon cardamom • 1⁄2 teaspoon fresh grated nutmeg

Directions

Preheat oven to 350º F. Coat a large cookie sheet with butter.

In a large saucepan, melt butter and add water and sugar. Heat until sugar is dissolved. Stir in spices and add pecans. Stir until coated–about 3 minutes.

Spread coated pecans onto the prepared cookie sheet and bake in the oven for about 10 minutes or until pecans are golden brown. Take pan from the oven and let pecans cool completely. Separate and store in an air tight container.

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