Thoughtful DIY Neighbor Gifts

Thoughtful DIY Neighbor Gifts BY LAUREN SEPHTON

It’s safe to say that many people are going through something that they don’t necessarily want to talk about, which gives you ample opportunities to bring a little extra joy into their life. Whether you know someone who is experiencing a tough time, loneliness, or you simply want to show a little kindness, keep in mind that the most thoughtful gifts are ones that come from the heart, a good listening ear, and don’t need to break the bank.

Oven Mitt Baking Gift Set

Fill the insert of an oven mitt with a pack of cookie or brownie mix, then wrap together with a bow for a little added touch in presenting a simply delicious gift. If you have extra time, bake a fresh batch of cookies to replace the store-bought mix.

Popcorn & Movie Night Kit

If you know the type of movies your neighbor enjoys, consider giving them a DVD with a bag of homemade popcorn mix. If you’re unsure of their movie genre favorites, then simply replace the DVD with an Amazon or Apple gift card to purchase their own movie.

POPCORN MIX IDEAS:

• M&Ms, Pretzels, Dried Cranberries, and Honey Roasted Peanuts • Almonds, Chili Powder, and Grated Parmesan Cheese

• Mini-Marshmallows, Semisweet Chocolate

Chips, Graham Cracker Bites • Toasted Coconut Flakes, Nutmeg, Dried

Banana Chips, and a pinch of Salt • Dried Cherries, Roasted Cashews, and Dark

Chocolate Chips

Flowers with Encouraging Notes

As we approach the Spring season, give a gift that will continue to bloom along with a note with encouraging words, the story behind the first time you both met, or a few sentences showing how much you appreciate their friendship. Homemade Hot Chocolate in a Mug

Try out this super easy-to-make hot chocolate mix that beats the store-bought any day! It’s creamy, rich, and sure to bring a smile to your neighbor’s face. Either store the homemade mix in a small sealable bag to be placed into a new coffee mug, or store in a glass Mason jar with lid for a simple gift that lasts 2-3 weeks in the pantry. For the recipe, whisk together 2/3 cup dry nonfat or whole milk powder, 1/3 cup powdered sugar, 1/3 cup cocoa powder, 1/3 cup white chocolate chips (or finely chopped), and a pinch of salt. Working in batches, pulse the ingredients in a food processor until finely ground. Add mini-marshmallows for a little extra sweetness.

To make a single serving of hot chocolate, whisk together 1/3 cup mix with 1 cup hot milk.

A Brunch to Flip Over!

While you may not be able to invite your neighbors over for a homemade breakfast, you can give them a memorable meal with a DIY pancake gift set. Simply combine pancake mix, maple syrup, and a whisk together in a clear plastic bag or cellophane wrap, then finish with a ribbon.

Morning Coffee Gift

If you have a few extra moments, try bringing your neighbor a cup of warm coffee from a local coffee shop with a little baked treat, as you catch up for a bit. Otherwise, give them a gift that will keep them energized throughout the week, as you combine a bag of ground coffee, disposable coffee cups, chocolate Pirouline cookies, and a small jar of honey in a gift basket.

Your Favorite Local Products

Bring a smile to more than just your neighbor, as you shop from local businesses in your community. From freshly baked goods to takeout to skincare products, consider adding a little note with 1-2 sentences as to why you are filled with joy to share one of your favorite products with them. From simple notes of encouragement to scrumptious DIY kits, remember that there is always an opportunity to make a positive impact in someone’s life.

FORSYTH FAMILY DENTAL We are open with strict COVID-19

FOR YOUR FAMILY! safety protocols in place.

We are always accepting

Forsyth Family Dental is a general dental practice located at 116 new patients! Jonestown Road in Winston-Salem, comprised of four dentists: Dr. Charlotte C. Broughton, Dr. Jeffrey M. Gallisdorfer, Dr. Elizabeth D. Corbin, and Dr. Sarah E. Simpson. The practice has five full-time hygienists, one Jeffrey M. Gallisdorfer, DDS part-time hygienist, and one fill-in hygienist. The practice also has six full-time assistants and three front-desk staff. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Forsyth Family Charlotte C. Broughton, DDS Dental has had a student employee helping to screen patients prior to entering the office.Elizabeth D. Corbin, DDS

SERVICES OFFERED BY FORSYTH FAMILY DENTAL Sarah E. Simpson, DMD

Those who come to Forsyth Family Dental are offered a wide range of preventive services, including cleanings, fluoride treatments, and sealants. Forsyth Family Dental also performs highly important oral cancer screenings at each cleaning appointment. 116 Jonestown Road For patients in need of restorative services, Forsyth Family Dental offers tooth-colored fillings, crowns, Winston-Salem, NC 27104 veneers, bridges to replace missing teeth, implant crowns and bridges, removable partial dentures, and (336) 768.7495 full dentures. The practice also offers home whitening treatments and, in some situations, in-office bleaching. The dental staff at Forsyth Family Dental follows the forsythfamilydentalnc.com American Dental Association’s (ADA) recommendations that most people need to visit a dentist at least twice a year, while others may need more frequent visits. Forsyth Family Dental and the ADA also recommend brushing at least twice daily, flossing daily, and perhaps rinsing with Forsyth FamilY Dental Ad 3.676x10 Aug 9_FINAL.indd 1 8/9/20 12:28 PM 8/9/20 12:28 PM a mouth rinse.

“If you fall into the category of not having seen a dentist for some time, we would be happy to see you,” Dr. Broughton said. “If it has been less than a year, you

could likely schedule a routine cleaning with the hygienist and a check by the dentist. If it has been more than 12 months, you might want to schedule a longer appointment with the dentist.”

“And, of course, if you are in pain, please schedule an appointment with the dentist right away,” Dr. Broughton noted. “When it comes to keeping your smile healthy, every person is a unique individual, with a unique smile and unique needs.”

The dentists and hygienists at Forsyth Family Dental are fully aware that some people do not go to the dentist as often as they should because of anxiety. To help patients feel at ease, the Forsyth Family

Dental staff likes to get to know patients to help make them feel like family. However, if patients are still anxious, a mild anti-anxiety medication can be prescribed, or nitrous oxide can be used to calm peoples’ nerves.

DENTAL CARE FOR CHILDREN

For young family members, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentists recommends being seen by age one for an initial exam. This is generally a “Happy Visit,” where the child is introduced to the dental environment, and the parents are instructed on the proper oral care of their child.

“Although this is the recommendation, we at Forsyth Family Dental do not see children until the age of three or four, purely because we feel it’s the role of the pediatric dentists to see very young children,” Dr. Broughton explained. “We see many children, but there are times when a pediatric dentist is needed to complete treatment on more anxious children, or children with more complex treatment needs. There are many good pediatric dentists in the Winston-Salem area, and we’re always happy to make a recommendation.”

WHAT ABOUT THE EFFECTIVENESS OF ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSHES?

“The answer is as unique as each patient. For most people, yes, an electric toothbrush is helpful for reasons such as encouraging you to brush for a full two minutes, focusing on a quarter of the mouth at a time, brushing gently enough to protect your gum tissue, and more,” Dr. Broughton replied. “But for some people, an electric toothbrush may be too cumbersome and difficult to get used to.”

“And studies show that when used properly, a manual toothbrush can be just as effective as an electric toothbrush,” she added. “You do not have to purchase the most expensive electric brush, but you want to make sure it is one that is approved by the American Dental Association.”

PANDEMIC PROTOCOL

In terms of COVID-19 precautions, dental offices already were performing many of the protocols that are now recommended. “We also have added another layer of coverage in our personal protective equipment as well as extra sanitization throughout the day,” Dr. Broughton disclosed.

Dr. Broughton said that additional safety measures that Forsyth Family Dental has implemented include prescreening every patient, installing plexiglass barriers, adding more air filters, wearing protective face shields and jackets, and limiting the number of people in the waiting room.

“Patients have been very receptive and appreciative of the guidelines that we have put in place. And they have been very willing to do their part to keep everyone safe,” she emphasized. “Our patients are our family, and we want to be here for them.”

PATIENTS ARE OUR FAMILY

“We welcome the opportunity to care for all family members with a variety of treatment needs, from cleanings and routine preventive care, to more cosmetic work, including fillings, crowns, bridges, dentures, and implant-supported restorations,” Dr. Broughton

said. “We appreciate our patients’ trust in us and will work very hard to provide the type of dental care each and every patient deserves.”

“While most of our patients are from Winston-Salem and the surrounding areas, we do have a number of patients who come from other parts of the state and even other states,” Dr. Broughton continued. “We are comforted that our patients feel like they are treated like family. Our patients leave with a new self-confidence, especially when we have completed larger treatment plans.” For existing patients, Forsyth Family Dental is always available after hours, on weekends, and over holidays in case of emergencies.

While serving the needs of its existing patient base, Forsyth Family Dental is accepting new patients as well. When contemplating someone to help guide the health of your and your family’s teeth—be sure to consider the team at Forsyth Family Dental.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 336-768-7495, e-mail officemanager@broughtondds.com, or visit forsythfamilydentalnc.com.