FW Dec 2023

FRALEIGH’S A Family Affair

DECEMBER 2023

403 West End Blvd. | Winston-Salem, NC | (336) 283-9220 | Instagram: @fiddleandfigmarket Tuesday - Friday | 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

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Sunday & Monday | Closed The Mulberry Table is now available to rent 7 days a week! Book your holiday party today.

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© Novant Health, Inc. 2023 10/23 • GWS-1484861

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6-8 PM

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PUBLISHER Brooke Eagle Brooke@ForsythMags.com

W

EDITOR

ith December being the last month of the year, I always like to find a few moments to reflect. 2023 had its ups and downs, but I’m grateful that the highs significantly outweighed the lows. This was a big year of growth for me and I’m proud of the changes I’ve made since January.

Keela Johnson Keela@ForsythMags.com

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Tamara Bodford

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Robin Bralley

ADVERTISING

A few of my personal 2023 highlights: - Our most unique cover to date was published!

Advertising @ForsythMags.com

COVER PHOTOGRAPHER

I F Y O U D O I T, DO IT RIGHT

Jodie Brim Creative

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

- We had an incredible 2nd annual Women on the Move conference at WinMock FEBRUARY 2023

JEJ Photos Jodie Brim Creative Photo Artistry by Melinda Sail Off Photography *others credited throughout accordingly

GOLDMAN CENTER for Facial Plastic Surgery

- The first ever LKN Magazine Tour de Boutique event was a smashing success! (Save the date for April 27th 2024 to join us next year!)

CONTENT EDITORS Kim Beane Meghan Corbett

- Lots of wake surfing, a little snowboarding.

SENIOR STAFF WRITERS

- I learned how to do a bar muscle up! It’s a skill I’ve wanted to get for a very long time.

My ever-so-patient boyfriend worked with me countless hours to make this happen.

Martie Emory Carolyn Peterson

OTHER CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

- I had a long overdue beach trip with my two best friends since high school and it was unforgettable.

- Participated in my first-ever CrossFit competition with my friend, Annika.

- Daily dog walks became a non-negotiable, everyday habit (a game changer for my mental health!).

- The relationship between my mom and me is the best it’s ever been. We’ve finally cracked the code to manage being mother/daughter AND business partners.

- Celebrated one year of Washington Park CrossFit! I encourage you to take some time to reflect on your year. I heard once that it’s impossible to be grateful and anxious or sad at the same time; reflecting on the highs of the year is a perfect way to practice gratitude.

If you’ve been a Forsyth Woman reader for long, you know we always have an extensive holiday gift guide in our December issue!

This year is no different! Head to page 76 to find something for everyone on your list! And the best part? These gift ideas are all from LOCAL businesses!

“Your money speaks volumes. When you choose to shop local, you’re making a statement about the value of community and the power of local entrepreneurship.”

Oh, and BIG NEWS! Tickets are officially on sale for our 3rd Annual Women on the Move Conference!

This event has sold out fast every year and we expect this year to be no different.

Scan the QR code here to learn more about this year’s event and snag your ticket before they are gone!

From the entire team at Forsyth Mags, we’re wishing you and yours a joyful holiday season!

GRAPHIC DESIGN & PRODUCTION Stefanie Lyons

All my best,

WEB DESIGN/ MAINTENANCE

Brooke Eagle, @brooke__eagle Publisher

10 | ForsythWoman.com

tinyurl.com/ WOMC2024

Jane Burnette Karen Cooper Elisa Coppede Candice Deal Bethany Godwin Taryn Jerez Jean Marie Johnson Michael Johnson Tanner Johnson Katie Maxey Halleigh Milleson Debbie Lanier Debbie Linville Susan Schabacker Lauren Sephton Robin Shupe Renee Skudra Leslie Speas Megan Taylor Sheridan Watkins *others credited throughout accordingly

Next Wave Services

CONTACT ForsythWoman.com 888-892-3204

Forsyth Woman Disclaimer: Please note that the inclusion of stories and articles in Forsyth Woman magazine does not imply endorsement of products or people. The views of the authors are presented for information and entertainment only, and may not necessarily reflect the views of Forsyth Woman. Specifically, Forsyth Woman in no way endorses any claim associated with health and/or well being with respect to any particular person. We disclaim all warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. We will not be held responsible or liable, directly or indirectly, for any loss or damage that is caused or alleged to have been caused in connection with the use of, or reliance on, any content in this magazine. Forsyth Woman reserves the right to deny any advertisement or listing that does not meet Forsyth Woman standards. Submissions are welcome but unsolicited materials are not guaranteed to be returned. Forsyth Woman assumes no responsibility for information, products, services or statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. ©2005 by Forsyth Woman, Inc.

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SHOP LOCAL 336-766-7440 | FraleighsBoutiqueNC.com Monday-Friday 10am-5pm | Saturday 10am-4pm | 2626 Lewisville-Clemmons Rd. Clemmons, NC 27012

IN THIS ISSUE

48

12 | ForsythWoman.com

Navigating the Transition: A Guide to Etiquette When Changing Therapists

26

The Enneagram Thinking Types

28

5 Mindfulness Activités to Conquer Holiday Stress

44

COVER STORY Fraleigh’s Boutique: A Family Affair

48

Women on the Move

60

How Clean is your Hair?

74

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

80

12 Inspirational Quotes to Live by Month-to-Month

88

2023 Winston Under 40 Leadership Award Winners

94

54 92

22

46 34

20 December 2023 | 13

Keeping It Real THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS

by D R . D E B B I E L A N I E R

Love. It’s a word that’s largely overused and severely underdeveloped. We love HGTV. We love weekends. Yet, the ability to genuinely love people often gets lost in the shuffle. In far too many families, love is downright broken. Why? Many times, it’s because love was fragmented in the families before us. The very things we swore we’d never bring into our own families are the very things we end up passing along, aren’t they?

Broken love is a painful thing. It cuts deep. Its scars damage our ability to fully trust again. Most of us have experienced the heartache of someone walking out of our lives that couldn’t return the love we offered. Maybe it was a parent. Perhaps it was a spouse or another relationship that just couldn’t go the distance. We weren’t asking for much. We simply longed to be valued. We yearned to feel cherished. Yet, no matter what we did, no matter what we said, it didn’t change their response. They left without us.

I find myself reflecting on the effects of failed love this time of year. I ache for those who publicly smile yet privately loathe the holidays.

Did you know depression spikes to its highest in this season? How can this be? After all, it’s the most wonderful time of the year!

Perhaps it’s because the holidays have a way of scraping the scabs and exposing the wounds. We find ourselves bleeding all over again.

Therein lies the irony. Many people feel the most devastating effects of broken love in the very season that celebrates unrelenting, invincible love . . . the Love who came for us and still chooses to go the distance with us.

The magic of Christmas . . . we talk about it, yet all too often we completely miss it. The magic is this – Love came to our rescue. We didn’t have to chase Him. We didn’t have to impress Him. This love came because He couldn’t bear to live without us. He understands our deepest yearnings. He cherishes us like we’ve never been cherished. And get this! This Love came long before we even realized we needed rescuing.

I know, I know, this sounds like a pretty way to package Christmas.

Believe me when I tell you it’s the most real part of Christmas. This Love IS Christmas and His name is Jesus.

When I FINALLY allowed this relentless Love to take me in, it utterly and undeniably changed my life! He filled the empty places. He healed the broken places that had been bleeding far too long.

Sure, Christmas has a way of exposing the emptiness and magnifying the brokenness. Yet, it also offers us a much deeper reality. Christmas offers authentic love that refuses to walk away even when we do.

Let me warn you. It makes no sense so don’t bother trying to wrap your mind around it. You can’t! Jesus said, “My Father so loved YOU that He gave His all. He gave up His only son so that His Love could

rescue you!” (John 3:16) I told you it was crazy! Our finite minds can’t begin to comprehend this unconditional, measureless, ceaseless love from an Infinite God. But that’s just it! Even though He knew we could never understand, it didn’t stop Him from coming. What’s even crazier, even though He knew we could easily refuse this extravagant love, STILL it didn’t stop Him from coming.

It really doesn’t matter if you believe me or not. In fact, it doesn’t even matter if you believe in Jesus or not. Regardless of what you’ve said or done, NONE OF IT can change the reality that Love came for you. It’s simply a fact! The one thing you must decide is what to do with it. Will you choose to let His Love take you in? Will you decide to let Him fill you and heal you? Will you allow yourself to experience Love that will never walk away? Unconditional Love came for you! It’s time you enjoy the REAL magic of Christmas.

For comments or prayer, contact Dr. Lanier at PastorDebbie@HopeCommunityChurch.tv.

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The Nativity Scene

A HOLIDAY TR ADITION WE “THINK” WE KNOW

by D E B B I E L I N V I L L E

From candles glowing in windows to angel-topped evergreen trees, the stories behind various Christmastime customs are rich in history and steeped in Christian beliefs. One of the most treasured holiday traditions is the re-creation of the very first Christmas - the nativity scene. Saint Francis of Assisi is credited with designing the first nativity in Italy, 1223 AD in an effort to shift the emphasis of Christmas away from gift giving toward the worship of Christ.

This artistic representation of the birth of Jesus grew in popularity in Christian communities around the world and today, centuries later, nativities of all types and sizes are on display in homes, churches, stores, and any number of public and private places. Amid the flurry of ribbons and bows, shopping mall Santas, and all things exterior illumination, the simplicity of the nativity reminds us to slow down, reflect upon, and celebrate the ultimate gift of the season: the birth of Jesus.

Unlike many other holiday decorations, the nativity has a direct link to New Testament scripture. Two of the four gospels (Matthew and Luke) provide narratives regarding the birth of Jesus, but surprisingly, the details about the cast of characters around the swaddled baby in the manger are quite sparse. So, just how accurately do today’s nativities reflect the gospel events? As it turns out, biblical historians and nativity buffs agree that the scenes of today bear little resemblance to the day/night Jesus was born. Both the original Greek text and an understanding of the ancient Near East culture are needed to properly translate the events around the first Christmas (which was not December 25th…that date was later adopted by the Roman Emperor Constantine in the 4th century).

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Following is a closer look at the events, individuals, and animals most frequently associated with the manger scene through this “informed” lens. Separating conjecture from scripture is an interesting exercise in uncovering misinterpretation and misrepresentation.

BIBLICAL NATIVITY SCENE: Mary and Joseph made their way from Nazareth to Bethlehem an unspecified number of days prior to the birth of Jesus for the purpose of tax registration. Mary may have ridden to Bethlehem on a donkey, but there is no mention of this in the Bible.

When the couple reached their “hometown” of Bethlehem, the cultural hospitality practices of the day would normally have had relatives graciously open their homes to the couple or, as “royals” from the line of David, local townspeople would have been honored to do so.

The image of an innkeeper with a “no vacancy” sign posted on the door, turning Mary and Joseph away in their hour of need is often what we have in mind about the Christmas story, and it is easy to see how this idea came about. Scripture, however, supports a slightly disparate set of circumstances. The Greek phrase “no room in the inn” is composed of “topos” and “kataluma” and is translated “no space in the guest room.”

A guest room in a common house was a small, empty room which offered a place of safety and privacy for the night. Those who permanently resided in the home slept in the main part of the house just above the ground level animal pens. And it was common in Eastern society for the family to be accompanied by a few milk goats, a donkey,

and a cow as a way to protect their valuable assets from theft during the night. As such, there would have been a manger (aka feeding trough) in that room to keep the animals quiet in tight quarters until they could be returned outside to graze.

Scripture makes no mention of Jesus being born in a stable, but it does strongly suggest that Jesus was born in the lower portion of a common home as there was “no space in the guest room.” Thus, it seems that Mary and Joseph may have had to stay in the room where the animals stayed at night. With Westerners’ understanding that feeding troughs are found in the stalls of a stable/barn, the conclusion that Jesus was born in such an outdoor place is a reasonable one, although it is unfounded.

Additionally, scripture does not suggest that Mary gave birth on the evening of their arrival into town. The Bible states that while Mary was in Bethlehem, she gave birth to Jesus and that shepherds received word in the evening on the day of his birth (so it is easy to see how the leap to an evening birth developed). But while the Bible doesn’t provide the exact location or hour of day Jesus was born, scripture is very clear that Mary gave birth to Jesus, wrapped him in cloths, and placed him in a manger.

While many modern nativities reflect the presence of sheep, cattle, lambs, an ox and donkey around the baby Jesus, historians agree that any animals, as well as any men, that may have been present at the time of Jesus’ birth would have been ushered out. The ladies in the home (and perhaps a local midwife) would have been with Mary when she “brought forth her firstborn.”

And the angels? Luke 2 mentions an angel and a “heavenly host” appearing to the shepherds, but it does not support shepherds, an angel, or a unique star being at the location of the birth.

What about the wise men? The Bible specifically states that magi followed a star to locate and worship Jesus, but it does not specify how many wise men there were (we have assumed three because there were three gifts mentioned), how long it took to get there, if they rode camels or even how old Jesus was when they arrived. What is clear, however, is that when the magi eventually arrived, they found the holy family in a house and bowed down to worship Jesus.

While we may never know the exact facts and circumstances that Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus experienced at the time of Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem, the scriptural support for placing Mary and Joseph in an outdoor stable with baby Jesus in a straw filled manger, surrounded by barnyard animals, shepherds with their sheep, three wise men with their camels and gifts, a brilliant star and an angel is lacking. The good news, though, is that regardless of the accuracy portrayed in most present-day nativities, the center of the Christmas story remains the same: the celebration and adoration of the arrival of Jesus on that first holy night over 2000 years ago.

But what would a nativity be without this cast of characters that have become holiday tradition? Fortunately, personal aesthetics and artistic interpretation is not only permitted, but encouraged… whether assembling a few or many figurines, display what feels meaningful to you.

Joy to the world! The Lord is come.

December 2023 | 17

dis co v ering the orig ins

of Popular Holiday Traditions

by E L I S A W A L L A C E C O P P E D E

The holiday season holds countless traditions, with many celebrations based on religion, ethnicity, and cultural ties. Most of today’s modern Christmas traditions come from Victorian Era holiday traditions. However, other customs originate from other ancient cultures.

Curious to learn about today’s most popular traditions? Read on for the surprising origins of seven of our beloved holiday traditions!

HOLIDAY TRADITION ORIGIN #1: THE CHRISTMAS TREE

The true origin of the Christmas Tree is often debated. According to the Desert News article, “11 Holiday Traditions and Their Surprising Origins,” historians first credited Ancient Romans and Egyptians for bringing greenery into one’s home. Since winter months often brought death and famine, people brought plants into their homes to celebrate winter festivals with triumph of “life over death.” According to Medevalists. net, “the Baltic cities of Riga, Latvia, and Tallinn, Estonia, both claim they were home to the first official Christmas tree.” In cities like Riga, winter trees were decorated and brought into the town’s square for all to enjoy.

HOLIDAY TRADITION ORIGIN #2: FRUITCAKE

This often beloved or hated gift has ties to the Egyptian times. According to the Reader.com article, “5 Popular Holiday Traditions and Their Origins,” legends state Egyptians would leave fruitcakes on the tombs of their dead loved ones to pay homage to them. “In England, people would place fruitcake under their pillow to dream about their sweet, eventual loved one,” the article states, and many European countries banned the sweet treat during the 18th century due to its “sinfully rich flavor.” This may explain why today, fruitcake is often given as a gag gift to someone.

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HOLIDAY TRADITION #3: THE HANUKKAH GELT Known as a timeless tradition of Jewish culture, many of the earliest Jewish records express the importance of unique coinage, because its minting symbolized Jewish independence. According to the Reader.com article, “The coinage was an early symbol of prosperity, and when their use began to wane, coinage was still given to Jewish teachers in support of children’s education and their learning the Torah.” Today, Gelts are given to children as well, in support of their academics and studying Judaism.

HOLIDAY TRADITION #4: ELF ON A SHELF Love it or leave it, this Christmas tradition often keeps parents up to the wee hours of the night during the holiday season, attempting to find a new spot to leave the “elf.” According to the History.com article, “How 25 Christmas Traditions Got Their Start,” when author Carol Aebersold and her daughter, Chanda Bell, published the book Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition in 2005, the world caught Elf on the Shelf fever! Today, over 13 million “elves” have been adopted and hidden throughout homes across the world.

HOLIDAY TRADITION #5: GINGERBREAD HOUSES The English and Germans are credited with first developing the idea of baking and decorating a gingerbread house. According to the PBS.com article, “The History of Gingerbread,” specifically we can thank Queen Elizabeth I for first developing the idea to richly decorate a gingerbread cookie. “Queen Elizabeth I is credited with the idea of decorating cookies in this fashion, after she had some made to resemble the dignitaries visiting her court,” the article states. After the Brothers Grimm’s published, Hansel and Gretel, 16th century Germany began to bake “elaborate cookiewalled houses, decorated with foil in addition to gold leaf,” that “became associated with Christmas tradition.”

HOLIDAY TRADITION #6: KWANZAA CANDLES

The candles used throughout Kwanzaa have significant symbolic meaning. Many African Americans celebrate Kwanzaa from December 26 to January 1 as a secular festival paying homage to their cultural heritage and traditional values.

According to the Reader.com article, “5 Popular Holiday Traditions and Their Origins,” each candle has meaning. “Kwanzaa candles consist of red, black, and green candles,” and are lit from left to right. The three red candles represent the struggle for freedom for people of African heritage. This candle is followed by “one black candle which represents the color of the people.” Finally, on the right, “three green candles are lit which symbolize the rich and fertile land of Africa.”

HOLIDAY TRADITION #7: MISTLETOE

According to the Readers Digest article, “The Fascinating History Behind These 24 Christmas Symbols,” Norse mythology is why we must kiss if we happen to stand together with someone under the mistletoe. Legend has it that “Gods used mistletoe to resurrect Odin’s son Baldur from the dead.” This said, Baldur’s mother, Frigg, the goddess of love, “made the plant a symbol of love and vowed to kiss anyone who passed under it.” Today, the plant is tied to the holiday season because it blossoms even despite frigid weather.

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by L A U R E N S E P H T O N

Hi! I’m Lauren. I’m a freelance writer and a food blogger with a passion for food that tastes good and is good for you! Stay tuned each month to find everything from achievable dessert ideas to healthy, quick dinners that’ll happily feed the family.

Flaky Apple Hand Pies with Brown Sugar Glaze

Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes Total Time: 40 minutes

INGREDIENTS 2 Sheets Puff Pastry, vegan or regular, thawed 4-5 tbsp. Milk of choice 3 large Honeycrisp Apples, finely diced 1 tbsp. Flour 1 1/2 tsp. Vanilla Extract, or Vanilla Bean Powder 2 tsp. Ground Cinnamon 1/4 tsp. Ground Nutmeg Pinch of Salt 1/2 cup Powdered Sugar 2 tbsp. Brown Sugar

INSTRUCTIONS 1.

Preheat oven to 400F. Line a large baking pan with parchment paper.

2. In a saucepan over medium high heat, combine the diced apples, flour, 3 tablespoons milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Mix well.

3. Cover the saucepan with a lid to cook on medium heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples are juicy and tender. Remove from heat to cool.

4. Divide each thawed puff pastry sheet into 9 equal-sized rectangles, so you have a total of 18 rectangles.

5. Place half of the rectangles on the prepared pan.

6. Scoop 2-3 tablespoons of the apple filling into the center.

Use the remaining rectangles to sandwich in the fillings.

Seal together along the edges with a fork.

7. Brush with more oat milk or an egg wash.

8. Bake for 10-15 minutes, turning the pan halfway through baking, until flaky and golden brown.

9. To make the brown sugar glaze, combine the powdered sugar, brown sugar, remaining 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, and 1 tablespoon milk. Stir together until thick and smooth, adding more milk as needed.

10. Spoon the brown sugar glaze on top of the apple hand pies to enjoy!

20 | ForsythWoman.com

by TA R Y N J E R E Z

A monthly column that keeps its finger on the pulse of Forsyth’s artists and their inspiring stories!

Janice Weiss | Collage Artist This month’s featured artist, Janice Weiss, has taken her love of her city and its local surroundings and transformed it into unique pieces that create a one-of-a-kind version of some of Winston-Salem and North Carolina’s most memorable sights.

How would you describe your work?

It sounds a little simplistic, but as a collage artist, I tear paper and recreate beautiful spots around Winston Salem by putting those pieces of torn paper back together. For me, the fun of doing a collage is deciding which pictures to tear and use on the piece. I don’t want to be too literal and make it just like the actual spot I’m capturing. I want to choose colors, designs or patterns that give the piece interest and provide a bit of unexpectedness. I like to strategically place meaningful words within the collage, yet at other times I use random words that have no connection.

What influences your art most?

My eyes are drawn to places or things within our local area that are colorful and awe-inspiring. When I look around, there’s so much beauty at our doorstep, especially in nature. Specifically, I’m drawn to photographs of mountains with varying degrees of sunlight. In contrast, I also appreciate the beauty of man-made architecture, both modern and historical. Just like the view of a mountain, I love the big view of a cityscape with its familiar profile. Since most of my art is focused on places in Winston-Salem and the surrounding area, I must mention that this place is dear to my heart and it makes me smile to create art that showcases my home town.

How have you evolved, personally, as an artist?

I’ve always considered myself creative but didn’t begin identifying as an artist till Covid. Like many people, I felt off balance and a bit lost during that time. Between my husband and me, we lost 3 of our 4 parents during this time. I saw a counselor who suggested I find a distraction or something different to occupy my brain. Together, we decided on art and I enrolled in an in-person Sawtooth class. It’s hard to explain but the class unleashed a new (or simmering) love and I haven’t looked back. As I revisited this renewed love for creating and learning, I came to life. I started dreaming and scheming. I became brave and less fragile. And I’m doing things that I never thought I would ever do…like, having a business and being in a magazine!

How do you carve out time to be creative?

As a recently retired, yet ‘refired’ person I don’t struggle to find the time to be creative. I struggle finding the space to be creative! My husband and I live minimalistically and in a small house on a few acres of land. There is only one table in the house and it’s better known as the kitchen table. Thankfully, I have a somewhat understanding husband who tolerates my messes… up to a point!

What are you working on that excites you right now?

I created a community art collage for Art Crush, an event that happens downtown every third Friday of the month. I started the project while the Art Crush visitors added to it and I finished it. I’m excited about doing more interactive projects where others get to experience the fun of tearing paper and deciding what to include on the project. Their tiny voices came through in little pieces of paper and it truly was a collective masterpiece.

What is one piece of advice you’d like to share with fellow artists?

Creating art is not just creating a piece of art. It can be therapy, an important voice, a source of hope, the birth of a smile or a spark of creativity which becomes contagious for others.

If you are interested in learning more about Janice Weiss you can follow her on Instagram @outlandishly.unique as well as find her work online on Etsy at OutlandishlyUnique.etsy.com. You can also contact her directly for information regarding bookings and commissions at jimjanice@gmail.com.

22 | ForsythWoman.com

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Purpose Push: Are You Aligned?

Sheridan C. Watkins is a journalist and the owner of Perennial Peaces, a jewelry and gifts brand focused on transcending self-worth to all women. Her true work began after climbing out of a dark place with the help of God and therapy and her life mission is to provide tangible peace through her Divine gifts to help women heal and transform their life. Follow the mission on Instagram and Facebook: @perennialpeaces

by S H E R I D A N C . W AT K I N S

As we get ready for the New Year, we can experience a multitude of emotions, from excitement to anxiousness to being nonchalant.

I believe how we feel about the New Year, along with any other milestones, is an indicator of how aligned we are with our life’s purpose.

From what I’ve experienced and observed in others, the more you are aligned, the more you welcome what’s to come.

Alignment doesn’t mean everything in your journey is easy but it does mean you are equipped to get through it with the least resistance. This is because God is with you and pleased with your decision-making so He continues to bless you with the resources to continue shining your light. It’s a beautiful and almost magical, or supernatural, experience because you can look around and see an overflow of divine fruit. The Bible lists the benefits of being in alignment in Galatians 5:22-23, “the Holy Spirit produces this kind fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”

It’s wise to reflect on past events to make even wiser decisions as you strive to bring new desires and goals to fruition. The liberating thing about alignment is it is always accessible.

Think of yourself as a car, oftentimes we know we need an alignment because the steering wheel veers to the right or left as we’re driving.

Many of us, however, don’t take the car to the shop until there’s a different issue that needs immediate attention and as we’re getting the work done, most auto shops offer an alignment for free! We may not think much of the free add-on but a properly aligned vehicle has a smoother ride, optimal gas mileage, and extended tire life. That means you go further for longer when you are aligned. This is no different from us as humans and, in our case, God is the auto shop.

When you need an alignment, you can pull into His shop, hand Him the keys, and trust the professional. Psalms 55:22 says, “Give your burdens to the Lord, and He will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.”

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Realistically, surrendering looks like praying, studying the Word, and actually doing what it says.

Since we’re rolling with the car analogy, the Bible is your manual to function as purposed.

But, like a car manual, our Bible can remain unopened. Then, when we run into an issue, we’re perplexed on how to fix it but the answers have always been in the book. The manual, or the Bible, has thought of every problem that may arise and has a solution.

I don’t want us to go through life with hooptie dreams because we aren’t taking the time to read the manual! If you aren’t seeing the fruit

mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23 then you must evaluate your alignment. This ultimately influences the success of your business. Even if you put your best effort into separating business from personal, there will be crossover because the common denominator is you.

When you’re in alignment, work doesn’t feel like work and you can effortlessly flow from one task to the next without feeling exhausted, frustrated, or forced.

You have the tools and if you don’t feel it, meditate on 2 Peter 2-3. Let’s upgrade our lives by getting in alignment. I have faith in you.

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Navigating the Transition:

A GUIDE TO ETIQUETTE WHEN CHANGING THERAPISTS

by B E T H A N Y G O D W I N For years I’ve told clients, “Therapists are like salad dressings, there are limitless flavors. You might find one you don’t like, but that doesn’t have to mean therapy isn’t for you. It just means they’re not your flavor.” When it comes to therapists, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all and therapists aren’t well… robots, so finding the best fit can be a challenge.

IT TAKES TIME

When searching for a therapist, it’s natural to desire instant reassurance that you’ve made the right decision choosing your provider. To be fair, it is very normal to not feel instantly connected to your therapist on the first visit. They still may feel like a stranger to you, your first session is usually filled with a lot of information regurgitation. Multiple questions from them, discussing logistical information such as how to pay them, how to schedule appointments, what to do if you need to cancel, etc. Remember that trust takes time to build, which

SATISFACTION REQUIRES CONNECTION

When it comes to therapy satisfaction, the most important factor is how connected you feel to the therapist. All their training and knowledge are important, but none of it matters if you don’t feel connected to your therapist.

There are dozens of factors that make a therapist unique: age, race, ethnicity, gender, education, professional experience, personal experience, approach, etc. Evaluating the reasons behind your feelings will help you determine if it is a matter of the therapist adjusting your sessions or if a new provider is needed.

THE CONVERSATION

If it is a matter of the therapist’s approach, this can be very helpful to discuss with your provider. Do you feel like your therapist isn’t asking enough questions? Would you like to see more progress? Do you need goals in between sessions? Do you feel like each session does not connect to the previous sessions? These are all realistic scenarios, and helpful to share with your provider. If your therapist checks in with you about how therapy is going, it’s tempting, I know, to just say “It’s fine,” but if it’s not, this is a great opportunity to let them know what you’d like to do differently. If they don’t ask, starting the conversation with “I’ve been thinking about therapy and I feel like……” is a great way to open the dialogue up.

THE BREAKUP

If you feel that your current therapist isn’t a great fit for you, and what is making them not a great fit cannot be changed, I’d encourage you to share this with your therapist whether that is in session, by email or text. The thought of having this conversation may make you cringe if you are afraid to disappoint them or are concerned you may offend them. To give you a different perspective, from a therapist’s point of view…it can be helpful feedback to hear from a client what is not working for them in this professional relationship.

If you find yourself in this situation, just to send some encouragement your way….please remember that even experiences that aren’t great are helpful because they allow us to learn more about what we DO want going forward. With each experience you become a more informed client about what works for you and what doesn’t and I’m hopeful you will be able to find that match soon.

is essential for us to feel comfortable with someone. Especially if we are sharing such personal information and talking about hard things.

A couple of sessions in though, what if something still doesn’t feel right? This is when I encourage clients to dig a little deeper into those feelings and explore them. Can we tease apart if this is a feeling about therapy itself or the therapist? If you’ve never tried therapy before, it can feel very odd for a while.

Many clients have shared with me that they didn’t know what to expect, they were concerned they weren’t ‘doing it right,’ they were afraid of me judging them, or were questioning if I could even understand how they felt. These are all good things to talk about with your therapist, and this will help decipher if your feelings are about therapy itself or the therapist. Trust and rapport can grow from these questions.

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About the ENNEAGRAM Thinking Types

by L E S L I E S P E A S

In the third article in the Enneagram series, we will explore the Enneagram Thinking Types. As a reminder, the Enneagram is a tool to improve self-awareness as well as other elements of emotional intelligence. It is a study of the nine basic types of personality that

TYPE FIVE – THE INVESTIGATOR (AKA THE OBSERVER)

Fives are excellent thinkers and strategists. They want to know and understand everything to be self-sufficient and avoid looking foolish.

SUPERPOWER – Power of observation CORE FEAR – Of being helpless or incapable CORE DESIRE – To gain knowledge and avoid relying on others FIVES AT THEIR BEST • Self-sufficient • Analytical • Reflective • Wise and clever • Well-thought-out responses • Problem solvers FIVES AT THEIR WORST • Intellectually arrogant • Analysis paralysis • Stubborn • Distant/aloof • Critical of others • Unassertive • Negative • Withdrawn DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES • Get comfortable asking for help – Fives desire complete autonomy but should work on not being afraid to ask for support when needed.

• Step outside of your comfort zone – You can do this by saying yes to things that aren’t very comfortable for you (e.g., social events).

• Explore your emotions – Become more self-aware by challenging yourself to sit with your feelings and explore what you might be repressing.

explains why we behave the way we do and points to specific directions for growth.

The Thinking Types approach the world through their head with rational thought. They are as follows:

TYPE SIX – THE LOYALIST (AKA THE QUESTIONER)

Sixes are reliable, hard-working, loyal, and trustworthy. They want security so they focus on creating safety and structure.

SUPERPOWER – Spotting what could go wrong CORE FEAR – Being without support or guidance CORE DESIRE – To have security and safety SIXES AT THEIR BEST • Organized • Insightful • Anticipate and solve problems • Loyal • Prepared • Accurate • Likable • Helpful • Troubleshooters • Ethical SIXES AT THEIR WORST • Pre TSD – they have Pre TSD rather than Post Traumatic Stress Disorder • Worry a lot!

• Doubt themselves and others • Procrastinators (probably the worst of the types) • Have trouble relaxing • Suspicious • Hyper analysis at times • Paranoid • Defensive DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES • Own your power – Sixes tend to view life as a series of events that happen to them. You could work on learning to acknowledge and own the power that you have to impact outcomes.

• Work on building trust in your relationships – Learn to have more faith and trust in the people in your life.

• Develop healthy habits to release anxiety – Sixes spend a lot of time in their head, so it’s essential to practice habits that focus on your body like physical activity. In addition, Sixes can really benefit from mindfulness practice to release stress and anxiety.

• Realize that most of the things you worry about don’t come to pass.

TYPE SEVEN – THE ENTHUSIAST (AKA THE ADVENTURER)

Sevens are extroverted, optimistic, versatile, and spontaneous – the life of the party. They want to be happy and plan enjoyable activities and avoid suffering and pain.

SUPERPOWER – Joy and vision CORE FEAR – Being deprived and in pain CORE DESIRE – To be happy and have stimulating experiences SEVENS AT THEIR BEST • Inspiring • Optimistic • See possibilities • Enthusiastic and energetic • Fun • Spontaneous • Risk-taking • Charming • Curious • Confident SEVENS AT THEIR WORST • Impulsive • Rebellious • Superficial • Lack self-discipline • Scattered • Aversive to rules • Sometimes don’t do what they say they will do • Don’t listen DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES • Manage your impulsiveness – Practice the pause when you feel impulsive. Become a good judge of which impulses to act on and which ones not to.

• Prioritize and develop plans to help finish tasks and projects • Practice active listening – Instead of listening to others with the intent to reply, really listen!

Next month, we will conclude the series by taking a look at the Instinctive/Gut Types.

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b i F t o G

by K AT I E M A X E Y, M S , R D , I B C L C

You may have been told by a medical professional to eat more fiber, or you’ve heard it on the news and through social media. But you may not know what foods are high in fiber (that taste good!) or how much you should aim to consume a day. Most Americans do not consume enough, despite knowing fiber is good for their health.

Let’s start by talking through why fiber is important for each of us.

Fiber is a part of plant foods that our bodies cannot digest or absorb. It’s sometimes called “roughage.” Unlike other nutrients in foods such as fat, carbohydrates and protein, fiber cannot be broken down and digested by the body. It will pass through your stomach and intestines pretty much intact. If it cannot be absorbed, then why is it good for us? Because it’s not absorbed, it helps to lower blood cholesterol and lower blood glucose levels. Soluble fiber, which is the part of fiber that does dissolve in water, turns into a gel-like material as it goes through the intestinal tract. As it does this, it pulls the cholesterol and glucose from your body. The second type of fiber, which is called insoluble fiber, does not dissolve in water. This type of fiber helps to push the foods through the digestive system, producing stool; this fiber can help anyone having trouble with constipation or irregular stooling. Not only does fiber help us with lowering cholesterol and glucose, as well as helping us stay regular in the bathroom, it also helps us achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Foods with fiber tend to be more filling, which helps us consume more appropriate amounts of food.

On average, it is recommended that we eat around 25 grams of fiber a day. If you’ve never paid attention to the fiber in foods or how

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much you consume in one day, you should try tracking it for a day or two! Most people find it eye opening to see that they are only eating 10-15 grams of fiber at the most. You can find fiber on the nutrition label for all packaged foods. For fresh produce, you may have to look up how much fiber is in the serving you consumed. But I do have a warning! If you begin to increase your fiber intake, make sure you also increase your water or fluid intake! If you do not have enough fluids going into your body but you increase your fiber intake, it may have the opposite effect on your stooling! Fiber needs fluids to aid in the process of moving through the digestive system since it is not absorbed. So as you up your fiber, up your fluids as well!

Good sources of fiber: • Beans and lentils: Kidney beans, black beans, lima beans, edamame, chickpeas • Nuts & seeds: chia seeds, pistachios, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, most nuts • Whole grains : cereals (look for at least 3g per serving), whole wheat bread & pasta, oats, quinoa • Vegetables: dark leafy greens, split peas, broccoli, artichokes, brussels sprouts, kale • Fruits: avocados, pears, apples, blueberries, strawberries, raspberries These are just examples of foods with fiber but there are more than just this list! Pay attention to food labels and look into the produce you are choosing. Are there higher fiber options that you could switch out throughout the week?

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Staycation

Plan a Great

by K A R E N C O O P E R

Christmas is a magical time no matter where you decide to spend it. If you are accustomed to traveling every year for the holidays, it might be nice to switch things up and avoid the hustle and bustle, the traffic and delays and stay home this year. This Christmas, plan a wonderful winter staycation for you and your family. Set the stage for the perfect holiday where you can rest and recharge in your own home…but turn it up a notch. Here are some Christmas staycation ideas to get you in the holiday spirit and keep things festive while you stay right where you are.

for the Holidays

Plan a date for your staycation to start and set up your space in advance. Make sure your home is outfitted for maximum relaxation and fun. Clean up. Clean out your fridge. Do your laundry. Clean the bathrooms. Change the sheets. Don’t leave any chores undone. Then DECORATE! Stock the pantry and fridge. Make everything the way you want it. Enlist the help of your elves to assist with getting things exactly right for your staycation to begin.

Welcome to your holiday! Spend more time than usual in your pajamas. Linger over hot cocoa with more marshmallows than seems appropriate. Admire the decorations. Put on your favorite holiday music and free your mind of everything except being here now.

MAKE DIY CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS

Here are more ideas for your Christmas staycation:

SET UP THE FAMILY ROOM FOR INDOOR CAMPING

Build a bed of couch cushions or sleeping bags, build a fire or just tune in to “crackling fireplace” on TV. Serve a warm beverage and tell stories or reminisce about Christmases past.

READ A VACATION BOOK

Pick up something fun, maybe with a winter or holiday flair and breeze through it. It’s time for your brain to take a break. It works hard for you all year, and it deserves some rest.

If you and your family are crafty sorts and like creating things from scratch, make some DIY Christmas decorations. There are hundreds of ideas available on Pinterest and YouTube, and you don’t need many supplies to start with. Try cutting some paper snowflakes, stringing popcorn or marshmallows as decorative garlands, or go outside to find greenery and pinecones for a wreath.

FIND THE BEST CHRISTMAS LIGHTS NEARBY

There are probably some beautifully decorated homes close by or a larger festival of lights like the one held at Tanglewood Park each year. You might just drive around your neighborhood or venture out further to see a beautiful display of Christmas lights that will really get you in the spirit.

PREPARE A FANCY CHRISTMAS DINNER

What would Christmas be without some wonderful meals? There are so many possibilities. You might go the traditional route with a turkey or ham and all the fixings or make something different like lasagna and a fabulous salad. Maybe a giant, attention-grabbing charcuterie board on Christmas eve? Whatever you choose, make sure to have a few mouthwatering desserts prepared that everyone will love.

No matter how you spend your Christmas staycation, make sure to spend lots of quality time together doing things everyone will love and remember for many holidays to come.

PLAN A CHRISTMAS MOVIE MARATHON

It will surely become a family Christmas tradition. Make popcorn or serve Christmas cookies. Cozy up with blankets and lots of pillows.

Consider this list of holiday classics: • National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation • It’s a Wonderful Life • Home Alone • Home Alone 2: Lost in New York • Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas

• • • • •

Elf Miracle on 34th Street White Christmas A Christmas Story Die Hard

CHECK OUT THE CHRISTMAS MARKETS CLOSE TO HOME

You might have wonderfully festive Christmas markets in your own town that you haven’t yet visited. You’re likely to find a nice selection of Christmas food and warm drinks, handmade gifts, Christmas music and an overall joyful holiday vibe. As a plus, by choosing to buy gifts at a local Christmas market you are supporting local small businesses. This is a great way to give a special, unique gift to someone you love.

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Happy Holidays

from the Lyndhurst Family!

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PEOPLE OF PROMINENCE SERIES

by M I C H A E L J O H N S O N

Professor Alessandra Von Burg Alessandra Von Burg is Associate Professor in the Department of Communication at Wake Forest University. She is the co-founder of the Every Campus a Refuge (ECAR) chapter at Wake Forest University, residential programs for refugees and asylum seekers. Her research focuses on rhetorical theory, citizenship, mobility, noncitizens and nonplaces.

Where did you grow up?

In Sondrio, a small town in the north of Italy, at the bottom of the Alps, near the border with Switzerland. I also spent time in the nearby mountains, the Lake Como area, and Milan.

When did your inclinations for academia begin? What was the catalyst?

My grandma and many women in my family were schoolteachers and they instilled in me a passion for learning and exploring various subjects.

I attended a Language Lyceum with the plan to travel, learn foreign languages, and go to college. At the end of receiving my BA in Arizona, a professor suggested graduate school at the University of Pittsburgh. I was not convinced about teaching and the weather, but then I thought of my Grandma.

What brought you to Wake Forest and what have you come to love about the culture/dynamic there?

Wake had a job, first temporary and then tenure-track. I applied and I am still here. During orientation, I noticed many faculty members who had been here for years, so I asked them why. They said that the teacherscholar model meant a sincere commitment to excellence in and outside the class. People were supportive from the start, even when I developed courses that connected directly to the community.

One of your areas of expertise is “non-citizens, non places.” Can you elaborate?

Yes. In my research and in my teaching, I focus on migrants, refugees, those who often do not have the legal, political, social, or cultural rights that citizens, in the US, in Italy, or in other parts of Europe have.

An example of a nonplace may be a campsite at the outskirts of a city, where people live temporarily and without services, or a refugee camp, a detention center, or a prison. Nonplaces may include airports, as places for a short transition, but the nonplaces I study are usually where people reside because they have no other place to be/go, not by choice.

Give our readers insight into ECAR and how it serves the WFU community and beyond.

Every Campus a Refuge is a model based on what founder Dr. Diya Abdo calls “radical hospitality.” Universities have the expertise and resources to welcome refugees, as we already house, feed, and support students as they learn and grow.

We provide housing for refugees, and they come and teach students and faculty about their culture, they practice foreign languages with them, and share their skills. We support ECAR residents as they advance educationally and professionally, with the support of students as mentors and friends.

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Speak to a refugee crisis happening now that seems underpublicized/under-recognized.

A lot of people who work with refugees and migrants dislike the term “crisis” because migration is not about an emergency, but a momentary spike in numbers.

One example is the small island of Lampedusa, the southernmost place in Italy. I have been going there since 2017, conducted research by interviewing migrants, refugees, locals, as well as the organizations, from police to NGOs, that come to support the people who arrive there after being rescued in the Mediterranean Seawhich is the deadliest spot in the world, with countless unaccounted bodies.

What is happening with migration is not under-publicized. It is misrepresented, often having people believing that migrants are here to take people’s jobs and homes. They are not. This is why analyzing the message and studying rhetoric matters.

What has been your greatest victory in your work with the refugee population?

There are many moments of joy, victories every day, when together we may find a good home, get a backpack for school, share a laugh, or celebrate milestones like getting a job or US citizenship.

Who would you nominate as a person of prominence? Someone we should know more about. Please give us some details on what makes them special.

I nominate Terry Matthews, Volunteer Services Coordinator for the Winston-Salem Forsyth County School District. Terry worked for the YMCA before WSFCS and is a Winston-Salem State University alumna. Terry is an amazing community organizer, a caring and energetic leader who brings people together to bring out the best from anyone. Many have and are working with Terry because they see how much she cares about the equitable and inclusive access to education, as the force that allows all to be their best selves.

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The

BARN O n Country Club A N T I Q U E / V I N TA G E F U R N I T U R E & H O M E D E C O R

The

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The Barn on Country Club Home for the Holidays...

Bringing Christmas Past to your Present

by C A R O LY N S P E T E R S O N

No time of the year brings on thoughts of the past quite like Christmas; much of the magic of Christmas can be found in your decor, your tree and its decorations. Whether you grew up with glass ornaments, wooden nutcrackers, ceramic trees, finial tree toppers, bubble lights, or garland on the banister, pulling a vintage Christmas together is possible at The Barn on Country Club, in Winston-Salem, NC, with decorations of yesteryear to get your home ready for the holidays!

AN ECLECTIC COLLECTION At The Barn on Country Club, customers will find unique and ever-changing collections of high-quality furniture, as well as decor from all eras and design styles including farmhouse, modern farmhouse, mid-century modern, antique, shabby chic, modern, rustic, and hand-crafted live-edge table sets. But during the holiday season, The Barn on Country Club has a few extras!

“When decorating for the holidays, customers will find a little bit of everything including collectibles, farmhouse style decor, wreaths, ornaments, vintage ornaments, retro items, old books and games, and much more. If a customer is wanting to create a Christmas look from the past, they can easily walk through our three floors of unique finds and collectibles to create something special and not cookie cutter for their home. We are not a big box store with items that are mass produced; we are all about unique decor you don’t find everywhere,” said Renee Floyd, Owner of The Barn on Country Club.

The Barn on Country Club offers customers the opportunity to walk in and find things they remember while visiting their grandparents or things they may have had growing up.

“When we see customers find items they remember from their childhood, we enjoy it as much as they do. Those things are what gives a home the ‘magic’ of having items that make

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you smile when you think back to a simpler time. These items can be blended with your modern or new decor, not only during the holidays, but throughout the year. Just think about finding a vintage Coca-Cola bottle box and filling it with greenery, candles, and berries and using it as a tablescape! During the summer, you can use this same red and white Coca-Cola during the 4th of July and with napkins, utensils, for a cool focal point as a gathering,” Deb Gentry, Marketing Manager at The Barn on Country Club, commented.

HOLIDAY DECORATING MADE EASY Decorating for Christmas can be overwhelming, but Renee and Deb can help you find those special items and put them up to bring Christmas past to your home, all in one stop at The Barn on Country Club.

“Creating the cozy, comfortable, ‘Home for the Holidays’ feel, using items from The Barn on Country Club, along with pieces customers already have, is what we do best. We can also assist customers on a per customer basis with private decorating and shopping! We can assist with guidance on decorating and enlist help from Deb with using items from The Barn to create a vintage ‘Home for the Holidays’ feel,” commented Renee.

So if this is the year you want to bring a little bit of your past memories into your Christmas present, The Barn on Country Club can definitely help you find those items that bring back good memories and help make new Christmas memories with vintage items and decor.

The Barn on Country Club is located at 4886 Country Club Road, Winston-Salem, NC. Hours of operation: Sunday 1 PM- 5PM; Monday-closed; Tuesday-Saturday open 10 AM - 5 PM. For more information, visit https://thebarnoncountryclub.com or call 336.661.8400. Fees apply for private shopping and decorating services.

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4886 Country Club Road Winston-Salem | Closed Monday, Tuesday-Saturday 10am-6pm, Sunday 12-6pm

CHRONIC ILLNESS Learning to See Flowers During the Storm

by H A L L E I G H M I L L E S O N

On January 5, 2022, my life as I had previously known it was gone. After having my first colonoscopy at the age of 21, I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. As a junior in college, I sat in the recovery room speechless. Being diagnosed with Crohn’s was not on my mind when I walked into the doctor’s office the morning of my procedure.

I quickly knew that I was starting on a new, unknown journey, and I walked into it with the mantra of “one day at a time.” Now, over a year after being diagnosed, it is my desire to share uplifting advice that I have learned through coping with a chronic illness.

1. BE KIND TO YOURSELF When walking through a chronic illness, it is important to be kind to yourself, especially at the onset. After all, your body is working hard adjusting to this new disease. I have found that I can easily be disappointed in myself for various things such as being too tired to get my to-do list done, not exercising enough, and for how my physical appearance has changed. When these thoughts come in my mind, I have to step back and realize that I am doing the best that I can for how I am physically feeling.

I’ve grown to recognize the importance of rest each day. So, for me, that has looked like doing my schoolwork sitting down on the sofa with a comfy blanket. And when I feel the need to get moving, I’ve found that even a walk will suffice instead of a more intense form of exercise. It is important for me to understand that I am not “stuck” with my current weight forever, that my body is working hard, and some physical changes that I may notice are signs of being a chronic illness warrior.

2. HAVE A MINDSET OF ONE DAY AT A TIME I tell myself to “take one day at a time” multiple times a week. As an organized planner, I have a difficult time only focusing on the current day instead of looking into the future. However, I have found that as I feel different each day, I need to plan my day depending on how I feel. On days that I have more energy, I plan more things to get done on my to-do list. On days that I have less energy, I plan to take it easier and to prioritize rest when I can. The more you can focus on your current day, the less overwhelming it will feel to get through that day as you manage having a chronic illness.

3. LEARN TO SEE THE FLOWERS Even when you are walking through a rainstorm with a chronic illness, there are always flowers blooming around you. Some flowers that I have seen blooming around me are flowers of maturity, flowers of hope, and flowers of connections. As I have been living with Crohn’s disease, I have grown into a more mature, confident version of myself.

Being diagnosed at the age of 21 made me have to mature in a faster way as I had to navigate new medical terms, medications, symptoms, and a lifestyle of living with a chronic disease. I am thankful for how Crohn’s has allowed me to grow and mature into a confident adult woman.

Within this battle, I have seen myself persevere through challenging times. I have also experienced so much hope from my Crohn’s journey as I do not feel bad every day of my life. I do have good days where I have more energy and feel more like myself which is encouraging to me. Lastly, I have formed many new connections since having Crohn’s. I have amazing doctors, nurses, family, and friends that have come by my side to support me and encourage me. Having a community around me helps make the difficult days half as bad, and the good days twice as good.

If you are living with a chronic illness, my hope is that you will find this advice helpful while realizing that you truly are stronger than you know!

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Happy Holidays!

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The Christmas Potato Soup

by M E G A N TAY L O R

We all have special foods we eat only during the holidays. These meals, in some way, have a sentimental meaning and are beloved traditions. They may hold a family connection, seasonal flavor, cultural origin, or begin as a “new recipe we should try” and then end as a must-eat family favorite each Christmas season.That is exactly what happened to me and my family.

My family used to rotate hosting Christmas every year with other family members. A meal was always a part of the festivities, along with a gift exchange, a reading of the Christmas story, and games into the night. As for the meal, it was always planned weeks in advance. There were the traditional Christmas foods served: ham, turkey, Chick-fil-A chicken nuggets, a variety of vegetables, bread, punch, and dessert. But, every so often, new dishes would appear, one being a baked potato soup. Since this recipe graced our table, it has become a tradition that we can’t miss eating on Christmas Eve. This recipe was found and first made by my Nana. The soup tastes like a typical potato soup, but with a little extra pizzazz. It is a cheesy, gooey bowl of warmth and comfort, topped with your customary baked potato toppings. However, it is more than just a soup. Similar to watching only certain movies at Christmas or listening to certain songs, these special holiday foods bring back memories. When the first bite hits your mouth or its smell when cooking fills the air, you suddenly recall treasured moments of past Christmases. You are taken back to the time when you first tasted the dish, those who were around you, and the person who made it. After all, isn’t that what Christmas is all about?

Christmas is the time of the year for loved ones, coming together, reminiscing about the past, and creating new memories. And what better way to do that than with the power of food. For decades, food has been known as a way to bring people together. It is a source of fellowship and love. Having a beloved, special, once-a-year holiday dish is also a symbol of generosity and hospitality. While eating together, your loved ones develop a sense of belonging, communication, and acceptance - some of the main ingredients needed in a classic Christmas get-together.

Now that my Nana has passed, my family has continued to make the potato soup every Christmas Eve in her honor. The first year after she was gone, we couldn’t find the recipe, but after digging through some drawers, there it was, waiting to be made for another year. Holiday recipes are also a source of discussion and should be passed down from generation to generation. They are little reminders that the ones who have left us are still with us during the Christmas season.

Maybe the recipe for the Baked Potato Soup will make its way to your Christmas dinner. Trust me, it is delicious and mouth-watering!

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INGREDIENTS 4 cups baked and diced potatoes 2/3 cup butter 2/3 cup flour 2 Tablespoons minced onion 7 cups milk 8 oz. sour cream 1 1/4 cups grated cheese of choice (I use a combination of Velveeta and shredded cheddar cheese. Also, I add in more cheese based on taste.)

1/4 teaspoon pepper 12 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Bake, cool, peel, and dice the potatoes. Place in the bowl and set aside.

2. Melt the butter in a large saucepan. Then, mix in the flour. Add the onion. Slowly, add in the 7 cups of milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens to a medium white sauce. Add in the potatoes and cheese. Once combined, stir in the bacon, sour cream, and pepper. Heat until the cheese is melted. Serve with additional cheese, sour cream, and bacon on top.

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No Place Like Home Hopefully, this special season finds you and your family nestled all snug in your beds. As you take a break from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, look around your bedroom. Is it a place you can settle in for a nice long winter’s nap? Or is your room the last place you or anyone else in your house wants to be? If the latter is true for you, rest assured, you are not alone. Most people put their bedrooms last on Santa’s list.

Yes, when it is time to redesign a room or upgrade an area, it seems that folks want to work on almost every part of the house other than the bedroom first. The kitchen and family rooms are the most popular and used the most, so they are always done and redone before the bedrooms. Guests and visitors are told to “make themselves at home” upon entering every area in the house, except the bedrooms.

I have a friend whose guest bedroom gets so cluttered during the holiday season, she has resorted to putting a wreath on the door with a sign that reads “Don’t Open Until Christmas,” and she has given strict orders to her husband if anything happens to her, he is not to let people see how awful that bedroom looks.

Bedrooms should be private, restful nests where you can retreat at the end of the day. After all, you cannot really relax with a stack of books the size of your nightstand and a pile of rejected outfit options piled on your exercise bicycle staring back at you.

Recently, at the High Point Market, I was inspired by the new color and pattern introductions. Hopefully, our premium bedding lines featured in the photographs will inspire you to create a blissful, relaxing sanctuary for yourself or your guests.

It only takes one inspiration to help you realize your dream (I started my dream room with a fabulous bed by Hickory Chair).

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5

Mindfulness Activities to

Conquer Holiday Stress Breathing and Meditation Exercises:

by L E S L I E S P E A S

Exercise

How

Let’s face it, the holidays can be stressful.

One of the best ways to conquer that stress is to practice mindfulness.

Mindfulness is the practice of purposely focusing your attention on the present moment—and accepting it without judgment. Below are five mindfulness activities that can help you conquer stress during the holidays and any other time of year.

3 Conscious Breaths

Inhale quietly through your nose for four seconds Hold your breath for seven seconds Exhale completely through your mouth for eight seconds Repeat two more times

Progressive Relaxation

Get in a comfortable position; close your eyes Focus on your breath Tighten, then relax muscles throughout the body-beginning with the face, then the neck and shoulders, arms, etc., and ending with your feet

1. USE MINDFUL BREATHING AND MEDITATION

Visualization

Get comfortable and close your eyes Focus on your breath Relax tense muscles in your body Imagine yourself in a beautiful, safe place doing a relaxing, fun activity and stay there for a bit

Cook’s Hook-Up

Cross your left ankle over your right Extend both arms in front of you, hands back to back Cross right hand over left and wrist and clasp fingers together, interlocked Tuck clasped hands under and up, and rest them comfortably on your chest Inhale slowly through your nose with your tongue up in the mouth. Exhale through your mouth, tongue down Hold this pose, gently, and continue slow deep breathing for two plus minutes

Square Breathing

Breathe in deeply through your nose, until your lungs are totally full Hold your breath FULL, count to four or five slowly Exhale slowly out through your mouth, until your lungs are totally empty Hold EMPTY, count to four or five slowly Start again, repeating with a gentle, relaxing rhythm

Mindful breathing This is breathing done with mindfulness.

It engages the parasympathetic nervous system which calms you down. This keeps your stress hormones in check and quiets your busy mind.

Meditation Meditation is a form of mindfulness that typically begins with breathing which aims to train attention awareness. It typically involves sitting silently and paying attention to thoughts, sounds, and the sensations of breathing on parts of the body, bringing your attention back whenever the mind starts to wander.

2. MOVE MINDFULLY Mindfulness doesn’t always have to take place when we are sitting quietly. It can happen with movement!

Practicing mindfulness while you are walking in nature is a great activity. Notice the sounds and the sights around you. When your mind starts wandering, bring it back to the present moment and again focus on what you are seeing and hearing.

3. PRACTICE GRATITUDE Gratitude is an expression of appreciation for what one has. It has many benefits and actually changes our brain to be in a more mindful and relaxed state. You can practice gratitude by keeping a gratitude journal where you record at least three things a day that you are grateful for. In addition, writing a letter or sending an email or text to someone you appreciate is a great way to focus on gratitude. It will make them feel better – and will make you feel better too!

4. ACCEPT WHAT YOU CAN’T CHANGE Acceptance is at the heart of mindfulness - accept the present moment just as it is. Accept situations by talking to the necessary people, learning from mistakes, and moving on. In addition, it’s important to accept yourself. That includes your weaknesses, shortcomings, and things about you that you don’t like, as well as things you do.

5. PRACTICE SELF-CARE Take an active role in protecting your own well-being, pursuing happiness, and having the ability, tools, and resources to be resilient to stress. Doing something you enjoy every day, even if it’s just for a few minutes, is important. You don’t have to do all the things and be all things to all people. Take a little time to just be!

Happy Holidays!

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December 2023 | 45

Hustle & Heart LET’S REVIEW: 10 Tips from 2023 for a Wildly Passionate & Profitable Business This column is meant to serve as a resource for readers who seek inspiration and knowledge for building their own small business brands. Through actionable advice, find the encouragement to help you keep living your life with hustle and heart.

by TA R Y N J E R E Z , OF GOFORITCREATIVE.COM Let’s take some time to reflect on the last year together leveraging new branding strategies and working towards your business goals! This month we’re looking back at months of tips, tricks, and bites of knowledge from 2023’s Hustle & Heart as a reminder to be proud of what you’ve accomplished and excited for what you’re going to implement next in your business! Cheers to a great next year in business!

#1 LOOK AT YOUR BUSINESS FROM THE OUTSIDE IN. What if you stopped to see your business the way your customers do?

Interact with your brand the way an outsider would! Scroll your own website, follow yourself on social media, fill out your contact forms, go through your consultation or loyalty process. See how your messaging all fits together and the story and overall journey you’re taking potential customers on. What falls short? What opportunities do you see?

#2 TREAT EACH FAILURE AS A DATA SOURCE. Every negative piece of feedback, failed launch, poor sales metric - all of it can be a resource in building success. Perhaps it was the timing of your marketing or the actual offer itself that wasn’t aligned with what your clientele found valuable? Create a poll for your existing email list or social media story to help guide you next time. Locate the weak link to help give you the information you need to avoid it next time and implement better processes.

#3 SCHEDULE AN ANNUAL BRAND AUDIT Carve out one hour on your calendar with the goal of reviewing key marketing elements and content creation. This will help you cohesively see what your brand voice and messaging really looks like to your customer and begin to understand where there is the biggest opportunity to evolve. Review everywhere your existing messaging lives; your mission statement, social media, swipe files, brand bio, services guide and website copy.

for your impeccable attention to detail, your ability to juggle multiple tasks flawlessly, or you have a team so well versed on legal matters that the contracts you create are flawless. Define what you want to be known for, and then channel that energy into your content.

#7 STOP REINVENTING THE CONTENT WHEEL Don’t waste precious time creating content from scratch for social media posts, blogs, email marketing and more. What’s already working? What has been well received? Do you have previous social media captions you can reshare or flesh out into a long form content piece? Your audience won’t realize they are seeing repurposed content and it will not only save you time but help drive home the message.

#8 DELIVER A SPECIFIC CUSTOMER JOURNEY If you want to build trust and loyalty, the communication and quality of each interaction throughout your customer’s journey working with you matters. Focus on lead building, your sales strategy, customer experience and brand advocacy as you home in on the journey you’re creating.

#9 DIFFERENTIATE BETWEEN THE COMPETITION WITH A PERSONAL BRAND Working to overcome oversaturated markets and fighting to be seen? A lot of this is due to the constant visibility we have as consumers to businesses online.

Personal branding carves out a unique identity within your industry that others can’t duplicate. Why? Because it’s you. The things that make you special, relatable, human - this is where competitors may be failing to show up.

#10 HUSTLE & HEART CHALLENGE This month hit the pause button to look at everything you’ve accomplished in your business before moving on to the new year. Setting goals for 2024 is important but so is reflecting back on all the ones you’ve already checked off the list. Step into the new year proud of yourself and ready to conquer what’s next!

#4 BUILD A BRAND REPUTATION THAT INCLUDES COMFORT Think about the leather recliners in a movie theater; you don’t think twice about sitting for hours watching a film because you’re comfortable. How can you create a sense of comfort, familiarity and therefore consistency for your audience? Are you showing up to serve your customers with the same level of service and enthusiasm? Does your brand hold the same personality on and offline when customers interact with you?

Let go of the idea “How is this connection going to benefit my business or my bottomline?” and shift into finding your people. Maybe that new connection will lead to a new sales opportunity or maybe it won’t? Maybe that new connection ends up being the difference between feeling lonely in your business and finding a sounding board and confidant you’ve craved? A new friendship, cheerleader or lifelong colleague?

#6 DEFINE WHAT YOU WANT TO BE KNOWN FOR? Even if you offer multiple products or services there is something at the core that you want to shine brighter than anything else. Do you want to be known

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December 2023 | 47

A Family Affair

by D E B B I E L I N V I L L E photos by J O D I E B R I M C R E AT I V E

From the moment you enter, one of Fraleigh’s sales associates greets you with a smile and a warm welcome and it is clear... you are in the midst of someplace very special, familial even. While there are many reasons this much-loved Clemmons boutique has been successful for 42 years (and counting), the one that stands out above the rest is their mission to make sure customers are treated like family. Fraleigh’s has been a family owned and operated business from the very beginning. Owner Donna Merriman‘s childhood dream was to one day open a women’s boutique that boasted the best customer service, highest quality fashionable selections, and a “family feel” where satisfied customers kept coming back again and again. At age 15, with a worker’s permit in hand, Donna accepted a position at a local women’s shop and immediately knew this was her lifelong career pathway. Over the next several years she continued to work in various specialty stores catering to ladies and looked forward to the day when she would have her very own boutique. Her mother and best friend, Mary, had always been a stay-at-home mom, but was willing and eager to step out of that role to help Donna realize her dream. In August 1981, with the love and support of Mary Frances (Fra), Donna (Leigh) opened the doors of Fraleigh’s to the Clemmons community and this powerhouse mother-daughter duo quickly became a local fashion icon. Donna

As Ally shared, “We are known for our customer service, and we are committed to treating everyone like we want to be treated.

New customers receive a greeting and a quick lay of the land, and then are left to browse. If they want shopping suggestions, we will gladly point them in the right direction, but there is never a hard sales pitch. Our clothes, shoes, and accessories sell themselves.”

For customers who want a personalized shopping experience, the Fraleigh’s team are masterful at assessing a customer’s style and comfort zone to quickly pull together just the right pieces for any occasion - guaranteed to be most flattering! Donna chimed in, “If someone is open minded about what she can wear, she will not leave empty handed.”

“I’ve been shopping at Fraleigh’s since 1983. I can always find what I’m looking for whether it’s for a special occasion, day-to-day office, or play clothes.

They make me feel special and part of the family.”

- Jo A. Peay, Longstanding Customer Whether you’re looking for that perfect outfit for an upcoming special event or just need to accessorize what you already have, Fraleigh’s has you covered from head to toe. Each item of clothing, costume jewelry, shoes, bags, hats, and scarves are carefully hand-picked by Donna and Ally at market four times a year, as well as from trusted sales reps who routinely stop by the store with

and her mother collaborated side-by-side across the decades until Mary passed away in 2020. Today, Donna and her daughterin-law and boutique manager, Ally Merriman, work side by side, continuing the Fraleigh’s family tradition of offering impeccable personal service and exceptional apparel and accessories to women in the Clemmons area and beyond. Year after year, Fraleigh’s is recognized as a local favorite. In fact, just two months ago they were voted “Best of Women’s Apparel in Clemmons/ Lewisville,” and with so many clothes shopping options in the area, this achievement was one Donna and Ally were proud and honored to receive.

“Friends and family are the foundation of our success.

Whether you work or shop at Fraleigh’s, you are family.”

- Donna Merriman, Owner To the casual observer, it is abundantly clear from the moment you step inside the front door that the women who work there are not only highly knowledgeable about every item in the store, but they are a tight-knit group who enjoys one another and enjoys helping their customers. In addition to Donna and her mother (who was there approximately 40 years), there are many associates who have a lengthy tenure. Recently, three associates retired after working at Fraleigh’s for 25 years. Longevity in the workplace and high accolades from customers speak volumes about the commitment to provide a warm and friendly environment to work and shop.

their rolling racks of fabulous new items. Always on the lookout for what’s trending (and making certain to select timeless classics, too), they frequently shop with specific customers in mind. Ally stated, “It’s such fun to bring back new pieces we know our Fraleigh’s friends and family will absolutely love.” From fancy blue jeans to professional attire to mother-of-the-bride, Fraleigh’s has something for everyone!

“We make dressing up fun and treat our customers like royalty. Our raised ‘center stage’ is the perfect place for customers to test out a new outfit and get honest feedback from the Fraleigh’s team!”

- Ally Merriman While the personal attention and service is extraordinary, Fraleigh’s goes a step farther with their customer loyalty cards. For every $30.00 spent customers receive a stamp, and after 10 stamps they receive a $20.00 gift card to be used on a current or future purchase. In addition to the rewards program and fantastic ongoing deals, Fraleigh’s allows customers who are undecided to take the item with them on approval for 24-48 hours. As Donna remarked, “We have a mutual adoration and respect with our clients, and this is just another way to show them they are like family to us - no credit card or longstanding customer status required.” Another example of the lengths to which Donna and her team will go to take care of customers is creative problem solving when the unexpected happens. During the height of the global pandemic when customers could not come to Fraleigh’s, Ally suggested that Fraleigh’s go to the customers... via video on Facebook and Instagram.

This social media venture proved to be a phenomenal platform to keep the “virtual doors” open, and even after the customers began to come to the boutique once more, the demand for the videos continued.

Therefore, every Sunday – Friday, Ally stands behind the camera and records Donna (as the familiar and relatable face of Fraleigh’s) as she shares fabulous new arrivals, specials on wardrobe pieces, creative ways to put together seasonal outfits, etc., and keeps customers up to date with her family...a new grandchild, her

son’s upcoming wedding, and even introducing viewers to her entire family on a recent vacation at the beach. Her authenticity and transparency make local and long-distance shoppers feel like they are family, too! Suffice it to say that Fraleigh’s virtual shopping experience has exceeded Donna’s and Ally’s expectations and the continual uptick in sales has proved it a definite success. From coast to coast (and a flat shipping fee of only $8.00 whether you live down the street or in California), Fraleigh’s continues to expand their business one family member at a time!

Be sure to catch Fraleigh’s Boutique’s daily live videos on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube (every day except Saturday) — to keep up with specials and new arrivals.

Visit Fraleigh’s at 2626 Lewisville-Clemmons Road in Clemmons, 336766-7440, and follow them on Instagram @fraleighsboutique and at Fraleighsboutiquenc.com. Boutique hours are Monday through Friday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

How Massage Can Benefit Your Life & Longevity

by S U S A N B O Y O U N G B A I L E Y S C H A B A C K E R

Whether recovering from chronic pain, generalized anxiety, trauma, or stress, massage therapy can help you feel healthier and more beautiful. It can help you feel empowered, boost your self-esteem, and improve your body image and outlook on life.

POPULAR TYPES OF MASSAGE THERAPY

Swedish Massage is the most common type of massage and involves long strokes, kneading, and circular movements to help relax tense muscles, increase circulation, and promote overall relaxation.

Deep Tissue Massage targets deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. It treats chronic pain, reduces muscle tension, and improves mobility.

Trigger Point Therapy focuses on areas of tightness and pain in the body.

Pressure is applied to specific points that are thought to be responsible for pain, tension, and tightness.

Sports Massage is designed to help athletes prepare their bodies for peak performance, reduce fatigue, and improve flexibility. It is also used to treat injuries.

Shiatsu Massage is a Japanese massage technique that uses pressure from the fingertips to massage the body. It is used to promote relaxation, increase circulation, and reduce stress.

Hot Stone Massage uses heated stones to relax the body. The stones are strategically placed on the body to help relax muscles, reduce tension, and improve circulation.

Reflexology is based on the belief that areas of the feet, hands, and ears are connected to other parts of the body. Pressure is applied to these areas to promote relaxation, reduce pain, and improve overall health.

A HOST OF HEALTH BENEFITS

Massage therapy provides a wide range of health benefits, from reducing stress and tension to helping improve circulation and posture. Regular massage therapy can help improve your physical and emotional wellbeing, and help you live a healthier and happier life.

Massage therapy is safe and effective, yet non-invasive and natural. It can reduce muscle tension and pain, improve flexibility, and increase a person’s sense of self-awareness and self-confidence. It can improve sleep quality, reduce inflammation, improve cognitive function, and boost immunity.

As modern women who often juggle families and careers, we are often on the move with full plates. Sometimes we subconsciously or less mindfully put others’ needs before our own and compromise essentials like our health and well-being. In today’s hectic world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, stressed, and overworked.

Sometimes all this stress can go incognito as an invisible culprit that harms both our physical and mental health - but enter massage therapy which offers health and healing to women of all ages, demographics, and lifestyles to be, look, and feel their best.

Physical benefits are important, but massage therapy is equally beneficial for mental health. Massage therapy can help reduce feelings of depression and anxiety, as well as increase production of neurotransmitters, including serotonin, dopamine, oxytocin, and endorphins which enable positive, pleasurable feelings of happiness and euphoria.

The benefits of massage therapy are even thought to extend your lifespan since massage can lower risk of and prevent certain illnesses. Studies have shown that massage therapy can reduce blood pressure which, in turn, reduces the risk of heart disease. In addition, massage helps reduce cortisol levels which helps reduce the risk of certain types of cancer and even helps reduce the risk of stroke.

BEST CARRIER OILS FOR MASSAGE

Sweet Almond, Apricot Kernel, Grapeseed, Jojoba, Olive, Sunflower, Coconut, Avocado, Peach Kernel, and/ or Macadamia Nut Oil

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Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea) – known to help reduce stress and cortisol levels, regulate hormones, and promote relaxation Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) – known to balance hormones, reduce stress, combat fatigue, and improve mood Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) – known to help reduce stress, improve sleep, and balance hormones Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata) – known to help reduce stress and support the endocrine system Rose (Rosa damascena) – known to help relieve stress, regulate hormones, and boost mood Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) – known to help reduce stress, balance hormones, and regulate menstrual cycles Frankincense (Boswellia carterii) – known to help reduce stress and cortisol levels, balance hormones, and boost mood Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) – known to help reduce stress, balance hormones, and reduce fatigue

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Rosé Party at MEDALONI CELLARS

An Evening of Raising Money for Breast Cancer Screening

by K AT I E M A X E Y

Gather women who are motivated to bring awareness to early breast cancer screening and place them at a venue with twenty-two acres of rolling hills, food trucks, live music, a fashion show and then place a glass of rosé in their hands and you’ve got an event that’s sure to be a good time! That’s exactly what occurred in October for Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist’s Rosé Party for breast cancer awareness.

Not only was this event their largest, with 180 people attending, but it successfully raised over $12,000 for breast cancer screenings to be offered to underserved women in our area!

community, they surpassed their goal! In addition to Style Encore providing a fashion show during the event, there was also a silent auction where local businesses and radiology staff donated goods and services, with the proceeds going towards free mammograms. There was also a mammogram tree. If an individual donated $186, which is the cost of a mammogram, they were able to receive an ornament from the Mammogram tree signifying an entire mammogram donated. “It was an amazing evening, and it was great to see our community come together and show support for breast cancer awareness“ stated Brenda.

The RoséParty started several years ago with the first event taking place at a restaurant in Winston-Salem, raising around $600. As the years went on, the Rosé Party continued to grow, even through a pandemic, to get to where it is today. Through the determination and vision of 5 committee members, the support of Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Outpatient Imaging department, Medaloni Cellars, Forsyth Woman Magazine and Style Encore, this year’s donations will cover over 60 mammograms for women in the area who need early screening but do not have the insurance or funds to cover the costs.

It is recommended that women 40 years and older begin receiving annual mammograms to help with early detection. If someone is at higher risk of breast cancer, the age may be earlier. If you or someone you know needs to have a mammogram, you can call Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Outpatient Imaging department to get an appointment at 336-765-5722 or schedule online at wakehealth.edu/ mammogram. They have offices in Winston-Salem and Kernersville, and coming summer of 2024, there will be an office in Greensboro. Early detection saves lives. Schedule your annual mammogram soon!

Early breast cancer detection can radically change the outcome of a woman’s life and that is the goal of this committee. Catching breast cancer in a pea-sized form can save lives. Through funds raised, local clinics can offer free mammograms when they recognize someone needs one but is unable to pay. Clinics reach out to Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist’s outpatient imaging department to let them know they have someone that could benefit from these donations.

Brenda Bronk, Director of Center Operations at Wake Forest Baptist Outpatient Imaging, stated that she was amazed by the support from the community this year. Being the first year back in person since the pandemic, they had a goal of $7,500 and through the generous

54 | ForsythWoman.com

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Give the Gift of Clean Living: A Thoughtful Guide for the Beauty Junkie to the Foodie

by J A N E B U R N E T T E @ coachjaneb Show your love in the purest way possible—by gifting clean living essentials. While it takes a bit more effort to pick toxin-free presents, the impact is worth it. Let’s delve into the risks of harmful ingredients and then explore the perfect gifts for the Beauty Junkie, Home Decor Enthusiast, Foodie, and Chef.

The Hidden Dangers in Everyday Products When it comes to personal care items like lotions and makeup, as well as household cleaners, it’s crucial to scrutinize the ingredients. Many of these products contain substances that can be absorbed by our skin or harm the environment, posing long-term risks.

Your Skin: A Quick Study Our skin is more than just a protective barrier; it’s a sponge that absorbs substances almost instantly. Applying products with harmful ingredients can lead to a range of health issues, from skin irritation to hormonal imbalances and even cancer.

The Environmental Cost It’s not just about us; many personal care and household items can wreak havoc on the environment. Take microbeads, for example. These tiny plastic particles in exfoliating products can end up in rivers and lakes, posing a threat to aquatic life.

Other chemicals, like certain preservatives and fragrances, can also damage marine ecosystems.

Know Your Ingredients Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to avoiding harmful ingredients.

Keep an eye out for these common culprits: • Parabens: Common in skincare, linked to hormone disruption.

• Phthalates: Found in fragrances and nail polishes, associated with hormonal and reproductive issues.

• Sulfates: Used in foaming agents, can strip skin of natural oils and cause irritation.

• Formaldehyde: A known carcinogen found in some nail and hair products.

So, as you consider gifts for the special people in your life, why not choose something that’s not just luxurious but also clean and green? It’s a win-win for everyone, including Mother Earth. Ready to spoil your loved ones with gifts that are as thoughtful as they are toxin-free? Let’s dive into some curated picks for every personality in your life!

The Beauty Junkie We all have that go-to friend for all things beauty. For the lover of all things lotions and potions, here’s what to get them: Opt for products that are free from parabens, phthalates, sulfates, and formaldehyde. Bonus points for silicone-free!

• Credo Beauty: This online store has already vetted products for you, offering only clean options.

• Sephora: Look for brands sporting the “Clean” logo. The local Sephora staff can guide you in-store or find it on their website looking for the green leaf clean logo.

• Top Picks: Brands like Ilia, Kosas, Jane Iredale, Drunk Elephant, and Tata Harper are solid choices.

The Home Decor Enthusiast Their home is your sanctuary. Here’s how to add to the vibe: • Candles: Choose ones with cotton or wood wicks and fragrances from essential oils. Opt for soy, coconut, or beeswax bases.

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• •

Buy Local: Just Be, a store in downtown Winston-Salem, carries Golden Magnolia candles.

Organic Sheets: Bamboo or cotton organic sheets feel like a dream.

Check out Cozy Earth online - they frequently have sales.

The Foodie: These friends savor every bite and sip. Here’s what will impress them: • Wildgrain: A subscription for artisanal sourdough breads.

• Dry Farm Wines: Monthly wine picks that are low in sugar and additives, so you can enjoy them without the morning-after regret.

• Caviste: This Winston-Salem wine shop offers a wide range of biodynamic wines.

• Butcher Box: Get humanely raised, grass-fed, and wild-caught meats and seafood delivered.

• Trader Joe’s: Create a custom gift basket filled with GMO-free goodies like meats, cheeses, and fresh produce.

The Chef We’re totally obsessed with our friends who have a knack for cooking. It’s like their kitchen has a magnetic pull—everyone, especially the kids’ friends, are eager to indulge in their mouth-watering creations.

• Cooking Utensils: Help them say goodbye to those plastic spatulas and spoons with melted edges. Opt for wooden or silicone options that are both stylish and guilt-free. Check out Williams Sonoma, Trader Joe’s, or a local store, Southern Kitchen and Home, for some ideal choices.

• Upgrade Their Cookware: Help them phase out the scratched nonstick pans. Swap them out for ceramic, silicone, cast iron, or stainless steel alternatives. Brands like Le Creuset, Caraway and Our Place offer nice options that are as functional as they are beautiful!

Feel free to mix and match these ideas to create the perfect, clean-living gift for each of your loved ones!

For more of my favorites, scan the QR code!

A little about me: My name is Jane Burnette and I’m passionate about health and wellness.

As a holistic health coach, my mission is simple: guide clients to optimize their daily habits so their body’s natural healing processes can kick in. Rather than focus on diets or quick fixes, I teach sustainable strategies for nutrition, exercise, stress relief, and more.

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4.9/5.0 Stars - Review Score on Houzz December 2023 | 57

Making Dollars, Making $ense Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. Marzano Capital Group is an other business name of Independent Advisor Alliance, LLC. All investment advice is offered through Independent Advisor Alliance LLC, a registered investment advisor.

Independent Advisor Alliance is a separate entity from LPL Financial.

Nurturing Generational Wealth: Passing on More Than Money

BY STEVEN GALLO, CFP®, FINANCIAL ADVISOR

In the realm of affluent families, securing a financial legacy is a common objective. It’s not merely about transferring wealth; it’s about imparting values, an endeavor that comes with its own set of complexities. Drawing from my experience as a financial advisor, let’s explore this vital issue.

One concern commonly voiced by affluent parents and grandparents is ensuring that their wealth doesn’t erode the values they hold dear. There’s a delicate balance between presenting opportunities and sowing entitlement. Those who successfully navigate this balance invest time in educating their heirs about financial matters—money management, investments, and the responsibilities that accompany wealth.

Engaging them in family financial decisions and nurturing financial literacy can be an invaluable gift.

Unfortunately, money remains a taboo subject in many families. The absence of open dialogue about wealth, financial values, and intentions can lead to misunderstandings and disputes. Starting early and having transparent conversations within the family regarding wealth, values, and expectations is crucial. Encourage questions and active participation in these financial discussions.

Generational wealth brings about intricate tax and legal considerations. Without proper planning, a significant portion of your assets could find its way to the government instead of your intended heirs. An adept team of advisors can devise a comprehensive plan that minimizes tax implications and ensures the assets are distributed in alignment with your wishes. Regular reviews and updates to this plan as circumstances evolve are equally important. Given the complexity of generational wealth planning, seeking guidance from financial advisors and legal professionals specialized in this domain is prudent. They can design and implement a strategy tailored to your unique circumstances.

Generational wealth planning encompasses more than monetary assets—it’s about preserving your values, securing your family’s financial future, and leaving a meaningful legacy. By navigating the complexities and adopting these strategies, you can create a lasting impact that transcends your lifetime. Your generational wealth plan can serve as a pillar of strength and unity for your family, empowering them to flourish for generations to come.

58 | ForsythWoman.com

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336.397.4974 | StarboardAccounting.com December 2023 | 59

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STEFANIE LYONS Stefanie Lyons is the graphic designer for Forsyth Woman and Forsyth Family magazines.

She grew up in Winston-Salem, earned her bachelor’s degree from UNC-Chapel Hill and lived in Myrtle Beach for 10 years before moving to Pfafftown. Stefanie started her own graphic design business in 2009 and has worked with retail clients, real estate agents, local and national home builders, small businesses, and numerous publications. She and her husband, Ricky, just celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary. They welcomed daughter, Sydney, in 2008 and son, Connor, in 2012. In addition to graphic design, Stefanie is a fitness instructor at Forsyth Country Club and is an ACE certified personal trainer. She is also Les Mills certified in Grit and Body Pump. In her spare time, she enjoys working out, running, reading, being outdoors and spending time with her family and four rescue pets — dogs, Sonny and Scout, and cats, Nala and Niko. Stefanie also loves to try new things, especially if they are thrilling and adventurous like skydiving, ziplining through the mountains and taking on every roller coaster she can find!

JANE BURNETTE Jane Burnette is an integrative nutrition health coach with Health Coach Jane.

She has a degree from UNC Chapel Hill. “I am a holistic health coach with multiple certifications in all things related to health, nutrition and exercise,” said Jane. “In 2015, I received my first certification as an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition. I haven’t stopped taking classes since then and hope I never will! The areas I’m most passionate about are my trainings in Ayurveda, Polyvagal Theory, Female Hormone Optimization and Weight Loss, and most recently the Journey of Intrinsic Health. All of these have one thing in common; the body has the ability to heal itself if we allow it to do so.” Jane is focused on helping women age 40 and older, and she has helped many women truly feel and look their best through diet and lifestyle. She is the proud mom of three boys and enjoys strength training in her spare time.

CHRISTY SPENCER Christy Cox Spencer began her career with JKS Incorporated in 1989, gaining hands-on experience in every aspect of the business from working in the sign production department to customer service and accounting to eventually becoming Vice President in 2002. In 2019, she became the majority owner of the business and took over as president of the company. As part of the new executive structure, she moved the corporate offices back to downtown Winston-Salem and is focused on business to business opportunities that also allow for community involvement and growth. She considers herself a historic enthusiast with a love of aesthetics as well as a serial entrepreneur. She is the co-owner of the Winston Cup Museum and Robert Hall, a private event space in the Industry Hill neighborhood downtown. Christy is widely known in her community for her enthusiasm, passion for people and marketing expertise.

She serves on the Board of Advisors for the Women’s REACH Network, the Family Services Foundation Board and is a member of the Rotary of WinstonSalem. She is native to Winston-Salem and is proud to call the city her home.

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NATALIE SAHLOFF Natalie Sahloff is a Commercial Photographer and the owner of Sail Off Photography LLC. She is the current Vice Chair for Synergy Referral Group powered by Greater Winston-Salem, Inc. and is passionate to help businesses reach their goals by facilitating meaningful connections and elevating brand awareness with visual representation.

Natalie believes in working closely with clients, colleagues, and community members to understand their unique challenges and aspirations. She was recognized as a Top 3 Commercial Photographer in Winston-Salem, is a 2023 Under 40 Leadership Award Recipient and was recently inducted into Marquis Who’s Who of America. In her spare time, Natalie enjoys rock climbing, snowboarding and painting. “I’m grateful for the overwhelming support of the community, and to my husband, Chris and daughter, Audrey for their steadfast support and confidence in my vision,” she said.

TERRI ERICKSON Poet Terri Kirby Erickson, winner of the International Book Award for Poetry, the Joy Harjo Poetry Prize, Nautilus Silver Book Award and many other national and international awards, recently celebrated the October publication of her seventh collection of poetry, Night Talks: New & Selected Poems, published by Press 53 and featuring a cover painting by her uncle, acclaimed NC artist Stephen White.

Her poems have appeared in American Life in Poetry, Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), The SUN, The Writer’s Almanac and numerous other publications over nearly 20 years of her professional writing career. Terri enjoys reading, writing, watching PBS, traveling, bird watching, dark chocolate, making people laugh and spending time with family and friends. She is the mother of a much-loved daughter, has a wonderful son-in-law and two adorable grand-cats. A Winston-Salem native, she currently lives in Pfafftown with her husband of 32 years (Leonard) and his extensive collection of Loudmouth golf pants. You can find out more about Terri via her website, terrikirbyerickson.com or at Press53.com.

AMBER CALDWELL Amber Caldwell is a photographer and videographer with Jodie Brim Creative that states “by leveraging the power of stunning visuals and compelling messaging, we help you build your online reputation and attract the people who need your unique skills and expertise the most.” She has an associate’s degree in commercial photography from Randolph Community College. In her spare time, Amber enjoys hanging with her dogs, making music playlists and memorizing song lyrics, watching zombie movies and listening to true crime podcasts.

submit yourself or someone you know to be featured!

Tinyurl.com/ forsythwomanwom

December 2023 | 61

Why Each Of Us Needs A

MENTOR

by R E N E E S K U D R A

I am certain of this: angels are everywhere. In my son’s case, an absolute stranger from a non-profit agency came forward and purchased a laptop for him and went an extra step, securing contractual work as a copywriter for Nils as well. This was already good but it got better: she became a mentor – an experienced and trusted advisor who provided guidance, support and advice – at a time when the vocational terrain for my child was rocky and unpromising. Where he saw formidable challenges, she saw resplendent opportunities. Several years earlier another angel, in the form of a mentor, crossed his path on a visit to Blacksburg, Virginia, where we happened to be for the purpose of attending a Civil War Weekend at Virginia Tech. A former professor at that university and a subsequent owner of a publishing company, she encouraged my son to write a book about the American Civil War and saw it through to its eventual publication with her firm. Jane spent untold hours helping him to format the project, including looking at numerous drawings of Civil War events he had made, dating back to his days in elementary school. Her advice proved invaluable and she was nothing less than the visionary star by which he steered his literary ship until the book made print. When she came to pick us up at our hotel, I immediately noticed a bumper sticker on the front end of her car that said “You got this.” I took that as a direct message to my boy from her, a kind of prescience, although I can well imagine that normal people would have thought me crazy to think so.

I have been fortunate to have had terrific mentors in my own life and firmly believe that anyone can benefit by having one. Undeniably, there are numerous reasons why mentorship matters. In the best case scenario, the mentor serves as a role model, leading by example.

MENTORS SERVE TO TRANSFER KNOWLEDGE OR SKILLS TO THE MENTEE, IMPARTING VALUE AND GUIDING THE INDIVIDUAL TOWARD A PURPOSEFUL AND EMPOWERED LIFE. THE MENTOR EFFECTIVELY BECOMES A TRUSTED ALLY IN A RECIPROCAL RELATIONSHIP BUILT ON HONESTY, TRANSPARENCY AND RESPECT. A successful mentorship builds social and emotional support, confidence and resilience. The mentor can help to identify and achieve career goals, increase confidence and offer an objective perspective on challenges and opportunities, while assisting the mentee in staying motivated and focused on learning new skills and improving performance. At the same time, the mentor, while being someone who has your back, can provide feedback and constructive criticism without worrying whether that commentary might have a deleterious effect on its recipient.

A truly great mentor also teaches the importance of active listening, shares successes and failures from their own journey, and inspires a mentee to go beyond the comfort zone – as the proverbial saying goes – such that one’s “reach exceeds his grasp.” Another benefit not to be underestimated is a mentor’s possible networking connections in a potential mentee’s field of interest. I can think of one occasion where one of my mentors helped me to get a job as an administrative aide on Capitol Hill for a then-Senator named Joseph Biden. At the time, that felt like nothing short of divine intervention! Although mentors do not generally receive payment for their services, they

have the satisfaction of seeing their efforts make a mark upon the world vis-à-vis impressionable minds and spirits. I think back with special fondness to an early mentor of my own who encouraged me to pursue a writing career because he felt I had a gift.

On my birthday I came home to find a book from him on my doorstep: a copy of “Writer’s Digest” and a note appended to it which said “Send me your latest stories – I have plenty of time now to read them.” He was a published author himself, with many works to his credit, but he never said a single negative or disparaging word to me, instead always expressing faith in my capabilities. A boyfriend at the time however remarked reprovingly “Get a real job, the writing idea is really foolish.” When I shared the thought which had hurt me deeply with my mentor friend, he said very simply “Follow your own dreams, not someone else’s.” Very shortly thereafter I made a decision to part ways with my partner who clearly didn’t believe in my aspirations and the possible fulfillment of them, and began to write and publish in earnest – finally out of his dark trajectory of discouragement. Many years later I still send my articles and other creative outpourings to my time-honored mentor, now a famous Stanford university scientist, and feel emboldened by his words to “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams” and not to let anyone “steal your shine.”

Much wiser minds than mine have waxed enthusiastic about the value of having a mentor.

A FAMOUS ENGLISH PRIME MINISTER, BENJAMIN DISRAELI, SAID “THE GREATEST GOOD YOU CAN DO FOR ANOTHER (IS) NOT JUST SHARE YOUR RICHES BUT TO REVEAL TO HIM HIS OWN.” OPRAH WINFREY ECHOED THAT SENTIMENT WHEN SHE SAID “A MENTOR IS SOMEONE WHO ALLOWS YOU TO SEE THE HOPE INSIDE YOURSELF,” ACKNOWLEDGING MAYA ANGELOU, THE POET AND AUTHOR, WHO INSPIRED HER TO BECOME A MEDIA MOGUL AND USE HER PLATFORM FOR GOOD. There are mentors out there everywhere just waiting (and wanting) to be found, through serendipity or intention. Don’t pass up the chance to put someone’s wisdom in your driver’s seat and get your intellectual and emotional engines going. The mentor-mentee relationship is, as they say, a win-win situation for both.

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Home Decor Antiques Painted Furniture 7 Vendors restocking weekly!

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December 2023 | 63

5 AREAS

to Create Boundaries for a Joy Filled Holiday Season

by TA R Y N J E R E Z

The real Christmas Miracle a lot of us are looking for is a stress-free holiday season. It’s no mystery that the holidays can be a little overwhelming, and by the time December rolls in full force, levels of anxiety and stress are here. (As in last-minute online gift shopping for your hard-to-impress mother-in-law while burning the Christmas cookies for the kid’s teachers’ gifts stressful.)

What if this year was different?

What if you took charge of the month and created boundaries that not only pushed stress to the curb but let joy take the driver’s seat? The truth is, it’s more than possible. You just need a plan for the different areas of your life!

#1 BUDGET BOUNDARIES

December is on record as the highest spending month throughout the year due to winter holiday spending. According to Dave Ramsey, American consumers plan to spend an average of $997.79 on holiday purchases this year, which is down from previous years but still a large chunk of change. It can be easy to get overwhelmed with gift shopping, holiday meal plans, social excursions, and other holiday spending opportunities, so create boundaries around your budget for this month. Don’t compare to previous years or what other families may be spending and concentrate on your needs and what you consider “non-negotiables” and stick to it. Don’t allow overspending due to peer pressure that will cause added stress going into the new year.

#2 CALENDAR BOUNDARIES Time is always your hottest commodity and it goes so quickly! Look at your calendar for the next few weeks and think about what your top priorities are. Do you want some time to holiday shop by yourself or wrap presents as a family? Are you hoping to visit friends or see the Nutcracker downtown? Create boundaries around your calendar to protect your time and help it go towards the things that matter. Don’t overbook yourself by saying “yes” to every invitation that comes your way or commit to things this month that you don’t wholeheartedly want to do.

#3 FAMILY BOUNDARIES The holidays are a beautiful time for family gatherings and creating memories with loved ones, but that doesn’t mean the same thing to everyone. Schedule things in advance and don’t be afraid to set boundaries around times that are specific to family time. Will you attend the Christmas Eve service at church or volunteer one Saturday at the women’s shelter together? If you have older kids with social calendars of their own, have a family conversation about what dates or times are strictly for the family so you are all on the same page. Make any boundaries known with your extended family, particularly anyone who tends to get a mind of their own during the holidays, such as inlaws.

#4 WORK BOUNDARIES

Somehow your boss may start to show an uncanny resemblance to the Grinch come December! Laying out work boundaries can feel intimidating sometimes, but setting expectations and having honest conversations with your manager, coworkers, or employees can help take the overwhelm out of things. Request any vacation or personal time in advance when you can and let them know if you will be inaccessible during those days off. Work for yourself? Prioritize what needs to be completed to allow you to enjoy your holiday moments and perhaps take some things off your plate that can wait until later. Work will always be there, so don’t stress over the nonessential things and shift your concentration to the time of year that will be gone before you know it.

#5 HEALTH BOUNDARIES Remember that nobody has a crystal ball to your boundaries; you have to let them in on what they are. Your personal, physical, and mental health can be directly impacted by boundary setting and this time of year, acknowledging you have different needs is ok. Be honest about what you need physically and emotionally this month, and try to embrace transparency with these boundaries. If you need more space emotionally due to grief or sadness during the holidays, perhaps certain topics or situations are part of these. If you are physically tired and can’t push the way you used to, let others know you won’t participate in some things or need to approach them differently.

The song lyrics aren’t lying when they say, “it’s the most wonderful time of the year,” so give yourself every opportunity to see the joy that this month can bring! Soak it up by placing boundaries in these areas of your life to make your season truly magical.

64 | ForsythWoman.com

Flex your way towards healthy legs.

Free Vein Consultation December 7, 2023 It is the perfect time to use your flex dollars or remaining insurance benefits towards healthy, pain-free legs in the new year. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the leg symptoms below, Novant Health Vein Specialists can help get back to the life you love.

If you experience: • Swelling in your legs • Leg pain and discomfort • Tired or heavy legs • Bulging veins • Spider veins • Skin discoloration Schedule a free consultation today and be on your way to great looking legs for 2024.

RSVP to 336-306-8075 or go online to salemveins.com to register.

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December 2023 | 65

Shake Up The Fine Art of Cavalier Confidence

YOUR ROUTINES:

by J E A N M A R I E J O H N S O N

I’m not one to follow a recipe to a tee. Or, to a T, if you prefer. In my book, the specific combination of ingredients, measurements, temperature settings and cook times is simply someone’s idea of perfection – one I prefer to take with a grain of salt. After all, if recipes were culinary gospel, then others wouldn’t brag about how they added this, didn’t bother with that, and ended up with something even better.

I like the fact that I possess a cavalier confidence about cooking.

My husband will ask: “Did you get this from a recipe?”

The most candid reply: “Well, sort of.”

What I don’t like is that this insouciance fails to transfer to other areas of my life, which can sometimes feel like I’ve signed up for a self-imposed, perpetual bootcamp.

Ah, the dilemma of loving routine and becoming a prisoner of it! I finally decided to do something about it by considering why my approach to cooking works so well for me. With all due respect to the Ina Gartens, Martha Stewarts and others too fancy to be on my radar, I realized that my personalized approach allows me to: • • • •

eat the foods I love, just the way I like them dabble in experimentation and creativity eliminate boredom and redundancy and, not to be diminished: be the boss woman in my own kitchen

That reflection alone “empowered” me to keep going, to consider how I might shake things up and bring a bit more of that “cavalier confidence” to areas of my life where I’ve grounded myself in rigidity. What an exercise!

Here’s an example of a routine I’ve shaken up: I had held myself to a Monday/Wednesday morning time slot for my Pilates and Yoga workouts. That schedule was a holdover from the pre-COVID era when I worked out at a gym. It’s a pattern I continued to follow even though I didn’t need to as I have been working out at home (Thank you, YouTube!) for the last two years. I have reset “twice a week” to “two hours a week,” however I make that happen. This flexibility hasn’t loosened my commitment one iota. In fact, I often find myself doing three or four hours a week and enjoying it all the more.

Don’t get me wrong; when our routines continue to serve us well, we shouldn’t feel compelled to change them. But for those that begin to hamper more than help, some shaking up may be in order Here’s how: • Identify an activity that you are committed to – one that’s not enslaved to a routine. For me it was cooking. For you it might be housekeeping, yardwork, practicing the piano, or staying connected with your closest friends.

• Specify how this approach makes you feel, and how it benefits you. In other words, get clear about why a looser approach works. Maybe it’s because it keeps the resentment of having to do something at bay, or that you’re able to fit things in better, or that it’s more enjoyable to take action when the inspiration and the energy strike.

Now that you’re clear about what makes a more flexible approach work, shift gears: • Make a list of the key routines you’ve established.

There is no one-size-fits-all here; it’s your list. You know what to include.

• Evaluate how each routine benefits you or helps you achieve your goals. In other words, ask “Is this still working?” You may find that some routines are working just fine, and others cause you to pause.

For the latter...

• Home in on how these routines get in your way or stress you out. A routine shouldn’t feel like a straight jacket; it should serve you. Most can, with a little adjustment now and then.

• Practice a bit of cavalier confidence by making those little adjustments. During COVID, my friend and I worked out together on Mondays and Wednesdays. Then, life happened and we stopped. Now, with our “flexible routines” well-established, we’re thinking about getting together once a month, doing a workout, and then indulging in some “Coffee and...”

66 | ForsythWoman.com

THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, GIVE THE

GIFT OF HEALTH Schedule your mammogram and encourage your friends and family to as well.

Screening Mammography exams are available at TWO convenient locations in Winston-Salem & Kernersville.

Outpatient Imaging 336-546-1932 I WakeHealth.edu/mammogram

December 2023 | 67

A Moment’s Worth

by A N D R E W P A R K E R

You’ve likely heard the allegory of using a jar, rocks, pebbles, and sand as an example of how to prioritize the important things in life to maximize the amount of time you have for each. The rocks represent the most essential items; typically, these pertain to family members such as parents, children, siblings and the health or well-being of said people.

Pebbles represent things such as careers, jobs, sports, and school. The sand represents other, less significant things, such as a car, boat, and other material possessions.

If you grab a handful of each all at once and drop them into the jar, it all won’t fit, and many large rocks, your most cherished items, will fall to the side, never making it into the jar.

To maximize the items that will fit in the jar, you must start with the rocks. It makes sense as the rocks represent the most important things in life. If the sand or pebbles were placed before the rocks, fewer rocks would fit. Continue this pattern with the pebbles and, finally, the sand.

As sand is added, falling in between the gaps, it slowly fills up the jar to full capacity.

The point of this exercise is to help us realize how imperative it is to prioritize our most important things and how we intentionally spend our time. It also shows us how the little things command a substantial amount of space.

It’s good to revisit this exercise at different seasons in life. Important items may not change, though our focus probably does, and this can easily skew how we treat our priorities.

Retirement is a season with more time and flexibility to adjust how we fill the jar. There’s an opportunity to regain focus and agency over our daily lives, while still wanting to maximize the contents of the jar, the order, and the number of items that fit. Consider the contents in terms of time. We think we’d focus most of our time on the most important things, family and health. Most days, though, that’s not where our time is spent. Our time is largely spent on the pebbles and sand. In retirement, the pebbles and sand, in terms of time, can support the rocks, our most treasured things. Health, happiness, and family can fill the entire jar.

Retirement communities are focused on maximizing residents’ days. With the support of an entire community, residents spend more time doing the things they love without prior hassles of home maintenance, burdens of cooking and cleaning, and fears of isolation, safety, and health. Through group outings, entertainment, and dining services, the residents are supported in their goal to live life fully, maintain good health, and have fun.

Maintenance-free living, executive chef dining services, social and wellness programs - the list goes on.

Holiday seasons help us focus on the rocks. The team at Homestead Hills begins preparations for the holidays months in advance so Members can prioritize their rocks.

The team members’ expertise in providing high-end, stress-free holiday seasons for its Members derives from their guiding principle, People First, Always.

If the rocks in your jar that represent family, friends, health, and happiness, align with the social lifestyle, services, safety, and amenities offered at Homestead Hills, call the Lifestyle Advisors at (336) 770-2024 or visit their website at Homestead-Hills.com. They are ready to answer your questions and help you find the perfect retirement.

The PERFECT

RETIREMENT

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Where does YOUR Inner Strength come from?

Philippians 4:13 December 2023 | 69

9 1 9 B A C K YA R D B B Q

SMOKED SPIRAL HAM

by TA N N E R J O H N S O N

There’s nothing like a slow cooked ham when the holidays roll around.

This is a delicious recipe to feed a large crowd for a holiday party, a family gathering, or any occasion that you want to impress guests. Most of the spiral cut hams from the grocery store are pretty large so expect a lot of leftovers or have plenty of people to feed when you cook this!

With this recipe I typically cook on a pellet smoker, so I can set it and forget it while preparing the rest of the food for the perfect holiday meal.

But, you can also cook this on a low heat grill or even in your oven.

• What you’ll want to get at the store is a Bone-In Spiral Cut ham. Depending on how many mouths you have to feed or leftovers you want - pick the right size ham: estimate about ¾-1lb per person. They come fully cooked so all you’re doing in the smoker (or cooking device of your choice) is reheating it, getting some smoke on it (if using a smoker), adding an awesome blend of seasonings, and covering in a sweet sauce to really take it to the next level.

• Preheat cooker to 250° • Season ham all over with Spice and Tea Exchange® Cinnabar Smoke Spice Blend or if you can’t find this use your favorite pork seasoning/rub (think Sweet Heat seasoning that may have some cinnamon and brown sugar for the sweet and spices such as cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and/ or marjoram for example.) You could also make your own by combining a Cup of Brown Sugar, ½ tsp mustard

powder, ½ tsp cayenne pepper, ¼ tsp onion powder, 1 tsp paprika, and some cracked black pepper and salt to taste.

• Place your ham in the cooker on a pan and let cook for 3-4 hours, and you’ll want the middle of the thickest part of the ham to read 140° when done.

• Once your ham is temping around 130-135° it’s time to add the sauce.

• For the sauce I love using a mixture of Texas Pete Honey Mustard and honey.

Around 1.5 Cups of honey mustard and a few tablespoons of honey. If you’re not a big fan of honey/honey mustard you could also do a maple bourbon type of glaze.

• Glaze the sauce all over the ham with a brush, and turn your cooker up higher (broil for 2-3 minutes in an oven) or 400-500° degrees in a smoker for a few minutes to set the glaze.

• Pull the ham, let it rest 10 minutes before slicing. Slice a circle around the bone and it should easily fall apart, then slice through the ham along the seams which are the natural breaks (fat) in the ham.

For more recipes and demos, follow Tanner on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook @919backyardbbq

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the

Dogwood

The Holidays are coming...let the Dogwood Boutique dress you and The Dogwood dress your home.

Christmas Open House - Saturday Dec. 2, 9-5 Refreshments, Specials, Register for Prizes (with purchase) Special guest in the afternoon

THE DOGWOOD BOUTIQUE 110 Shallowford Village Court Lewisville, NC 27023 Thursday–Saturday 10-4 336.946.1290

THE DOGWOOD IN LEWISVILLE 6410 Shallowford Road Lewisville, NC 27023 Monday–Friday 10–5 Saturday 10-4

Women ’s Clothing * Children ’s clothing * Accessories Home Accessories * Gifts * Décor * Vintage * Antiques FOLLOW US @thedogwoodinlewisville

Voted Best Chicken Pie in the Triad!

Make your holiday dinner simple!

Enjoy quality time with your family and leave the cooking to us.

Along with our family size meals and sides, we also offer complete Christmas packages, including turkey and/or ham, 3 sides and a dessert, ready for you to pick up and bake.

Check out the holiday menus tab on our website or give us a call at 336.712.4636 for more details.

336-712-4636 | www.mysimplysouthern.com | 3570 C Clemmons Road | Clemmons, NC 27012 S T O R E F R O N T H O U R S : M O N - F R I 1 2 - 5 P M , S AT 1 2 - 4 P M

December 2023 | 71

Forsyth Music Stage Musical Alchemy: The Alek Ottaway Band’s Recipe for Success

by R O B I N S H U P E Hello, Forsyth Music Lovers. This new column in your favorite magazine is ready to explore the local music scene and on October 17th, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Outpatient Imaging, in collaboration with Forsyth Woman, Style Encore and Medaloni Cellars, presented Rosé@ Medaloni Cellars 3P Auction Fundraiser, where I met and listened to Alek Ottaway Band. As Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons sang in 1963 “Oh, what a night!!!”

The proceeds from this fundraiser supports the 3P Fund (Positive Pink Power Fund), a vital initiative started by Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Outpatient Imaging seven years ago.

The primary goal of the 3P Fund is to provide mammograms to women who, due to financial constraints, cannot afford this crucial screening. While health insurance typically covers preventive screenings, many women in our local community remain uninsured, causing them to delay these essential check-ups.

Back to the music scene. At this amazing event was everything I really needed to sustain and nourish me: MUSIC, food, wine, fashion, a silent auction and a lot of generous supporters.

Muscling their way into the Forsyth music scene, Alek Ottaway Band brought down the house with a stunning two-set experience that transported me back in time to pure talent. A five piece band with lead singer and acoustic guitarist Alek Ottaway being supported with his amazing team of captivating musical artists. With two lead guitarists, a bass, and last, but definitely not least, the percussion section!

Their country/folk/rock style is said to be pure country, by lead vocalist Alek Ottaway. But let me tell you, anyone that still enjoys the perfect harmonies of The Eagles or the blues folk music of John Mayer will be mesmerized by their raw talent. Call it country if it makes you feel better, Alek!

The two leads play dueling leads and shred the electric guitar the way it was meant to sound.

The bass is, as Megan Trainor would say, “all about that bass, no treble” and brings the rhythm section together along with the drummer, who is an amazing percussion artist and is, literally, the heartbeat of the band.

Be on the lookout for Alek and his band, but don’t let that name fool you , as I had to learn the hard way. He is also in Forsyth County and surrounding areas with other musicians, but this is the one band that you do not want to miss.

From my limited understanding of Alek Ottaway, he recently split with a band, and he is seeking gigs throughout Forsyth County and surrounding areas as a soloist, duets, and most impressive are the young legends he performs with in his band, Alek Ottaway Band. DO NOT MISS THIS BAND, FORSYTH COUNTY! Yes, I am shouting it to the rooftops! I love this band!

Go out! Listen and support live local music! Read in the magazine when I cover the bands performing at another event that we here at Forsyth Woman sponsor called “Fizz and Beats.”

All the rage is alcohol-free drinks, which I love by the way, and the zero alcohol drinks are the Fizz part of the event. The Beats part of the event are several local musical artists, and I can’t wait to report back to you Forsyth County.

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December 2023 | 73

How Clean is your Hair?

by C A N D I C E D E A L

How often do you wash your hair? Are you in the everyday camp, the once-a-week camp or somewhere in between? Some folks are highly fortunate to have thick hair that doesn’t get oily until five to seven days after a wash. Some folks are feeling oily at the end of a day and some of us might sweat so much during a workout that we might feel compelled to wash our hair twice a day!

If you wash your hair in the morning and then feel like you have an oily ‘do at the end of the day, then you simply didn’t wash your hair well enough! You should be using a good shampoo to start with – one that is not packed full of sulfates that make a shower full of suds. If you’re using a good quality shampoo, you should use a smaller amount of shampoo and work it into your roots. It may not suds up. This means, you need a second round to completely get the oil and product off the hair strands and off the scalp. Your second wash should be sudsier, and this is how you know your hair is actually clean.

Personally, I used to wash and style my hair every single day because I have fine hair and it is on the thinner side. My hair is long and the ends would look crimpy and down right frizzy the next morning. Silk pillowcases have really helped with the ends not looking crazy in the morning and when Covid hit and I started working from home, I decided to try to train my brain and my hair to extend the life of a wash. Silk pillowcases are good for your face, too - bonus! The dry shampoo that I used after a midday workout did come to my rescue and I would spritz it on the next day. This was a great tool to help me get over the addiction of that freshly washed and styled hair I was so used to. However, I pushed it to the limit and used the dry shampoo more than I should have. I started to notice that I would get a tiny bump on my scalp. Then I read the ingredients list of my Batiste Naturals dry shampoo that I thought was a life saver. It had some ingredients I really didn’t love. Like alcohol, which was drying my hair and scalp and two different forms of chloride, butane and fragrance. It was starting to clog up my hair follicles and that’s what caused the scalp bumps.

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Recently Batiste has been in a lawsuit claiming that their products contain benzene, a known carcinogen that causes cancer. Batiste settled and didn’t admit to the claims but it certainly makes you wonder. The FDA leaves it primarily up to the manufacturers of beauty products to ensure the safety of their products. The rules of safety in the beauty industry are slack at best.

While dry shampoo does help absorb the oil on the scalp and hair, how clean is your hair when you’re drenching it in alcohol, chloride and aluminum? Probably not as clean as you hoped!

So what options do we have in order to find a clean option? They do exist! And you can make your own. If you have dark hair, don’t worry, there are ingredients that won’t leave your hair gray.

First, try a double wash in the shower. This is going to extend the life of the wash without adding anything to your scalp or hair. If you want to make your own dry shampoo, start with a base of Kaolin clay. This is pretty inexpensive.

Arrowroot powder is readily available in grocery stores and can be mixed with the clay.

The clay and arrowroot are going to absorb the

oils. Baking soda can help with the cleaning and deodorizing. Finally in the powders, cocoa powder; use a little if you have light hair, use a generous amount if you have dark hair.

Essential oils of grapefruit, rosemary, lavender, and peppermint are all great options when we start looking at our hair and scalp health.

Grapefruit is cleansing and smells wonderful.

Rosemary keeps the hair follicles healthy and helps them with blood flow. Lavender is another powerhouse for all areas of the body and it has been shown to grow hair on mice.

Peppermint invigorates the scalp to bring fresh blood to the area by increasing circulation.

Home-made and a lot of natural versions on the market are not going to be in a spray so finding the best application can be tricky. I like to put my home-made concoction in a saltshaker. I sprinkle some onto a big fluffy make-up brush and then apply the brush through my part and sections of my hair. This helps me from overdoing it in any area – less is always more.

Then turn your head upside down and work the formula into your scalp with your fingers, giving yourself a nice massage! Voila! Brush through and you’re set to go with a healthy, good for you wash extension.

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2023

HOLIDAY gift GUIDE

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SHOP LOCAL

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WINDSOR JEWELERS 526 S. Stratford Road Winston-Salem, NC 27103 windsor-jewelers.com RO BERTO CO I N J EW E L RY Crafted with impeccable attention to detail, the ROBERTO COIN Venetian Princess Collection is more than just jewelry – it’s a work of art that speaks to the soul of every woman who values unique beauty. Celebrating the exquisite craftsmanship that Roberto Coin is renowned for, a gift from the Venetian Princess Collection is a symbol of elegance, love, and timeless style.

LOVEWELL BOUTIQUE 110 Oakwood Drive Winston-Salem, NC 27103 lovewellboutique.com STYLISH C LOTH I NG & GIFTS Stop by and let LoveWell Boutique help you pick out the perfect outfit or gift for this holiday season! Don’t want to get out in the hustle and bustle? Download their FREE LoveWell Boutique app and shop 24/7.

Use code FWHOLIDAY23 to receive 15% off your app purchase.

THE BOHO DEPOT 1214 Reynolda Road Winston-Salem, NC 27104 thebohodepot.com H A NDC R A FTED WH ISK EY LEATH ER BAC K PAC K Meet our new favorite bag! Hand-crafted with luxury cowhide, this bag only gets better with age. With the space for everyday essentials (including a laptop), this backpack will be your new go-to work, travel, hikes, festivals, and day-to-day living! This is the perfect gift for moms, music lovers, travel enthusiasts, boho bosses, and anyone with a touch of boho style. Need more gift ideas? The Boho Depot has groovy gifts for your style, spirit, and space.

LEWISVILLE LASER 6580 Shallowford Road #130 Lewisville, NC 27023 lewisvillelaser.com S KINC A R E Physician-grade skincare is the Christmas gift she’ll love all year long!!

Pamper her with award-winning products from SkinMedica and Alastin that deliver proven results. Or treat her to any of our products and services with a Lewisville Laser gift card! Need help choosing just the right combo? Let our team help you put together the perfect gift package when you stop by our office, or shop lewisvillelaser.com right from home.

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BOUTIQUE WELLNESS 848 W 5th St Suite 201 Winston-Salem, NC 27101 boutiquewellnessnc.com S KIN RES U RFAC I N G Buy 2 Sessions, Get 1 Free in December Save over $425

the aesthetic center

THE VISTA MED SPA 2901 Maplewood Avenue Winston-Salem, NC 27103 forsythplasticsurgery.com/thevista S KINC ARE You’ll feel the magic of the holidays at The VISTA MedSpa. Stop by and let us help you choose the perfect gift for the beauty lover on your list. Questions: our Cosmetic Concierges Danielle and Trish are available by phone: 336-765-8620 or by text: 336-443-6313.

LINDA WEAVER STUDIO 1921 Mizpah Church Road Rural Hall, NC 27045 portraitartist.com/weaver H A N D PA IN T E D POR TR A ITS Linda Weaver has received national acclaim for her enchanting portraits of children. Equally adept at painting adults, Linda is a master in a range of styles. A hand painted portrait is a gift that will be handed down for generations. For more information, contact Linda Weaver at 336-462-5016.

LAVIDA MASSAGE 6336 Clemmons Point Drive Clemmons, NC 27012 lavidamassageclemmonsnc.com M ASSAGE + SK INC A R E Pamper yourself and your loved ones by purchasing a LaVida Massage gift card today! LaVida offers a wide variety of services from massage therapy, facials, microneedling, and other exciting esthetic services. Treat yourself to a hot stone massage during the chilly winter months, or a Dermalogica AgeSmart facial to revitalize your skin! Nothing beats a great holiday gift like one that caters to your needs. Starting November 1st, with each $100 gift card purchase, receive a $25 bonus card good toward any service! Promotion runs until 12/31/2023. 336.766.0622

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KLIMS CARAMELS Lewisville, NC klimscaramels.com CARAMELS The holidays are coming up soon! If you’re looking for small and yummy gifts for your co-workers, employees, family and teachers these caramels are a perfect gift! The quality of ingredients is what makes a product special. Our products contain grass-fed butter, International award winning chocolate, organic and unrefined ingredients, local spirits and local organic coffee. We’ve added new caramel flavors this year; Habanero, Ginger and Cashew. We now have a decadent Caramel Sauce which can be used in coffee, over ice cream or for apple dipping. Have a caramel and enjoy the Moment! Purchase today at klimscaramels.com. Connect with us on Instagram @klimscaramels or come see us at Cobblestone Farmers Market.

MEG BROWN HOME FURNISHINGS 5491 US Highway 158 Bermuda Run, NC 27006 megbrown.com H OST E SS GIFT Since 2006, Meg Brown Home Furnishings has been a destination for quality furniture and on-trend home accents. Being locally owned and operated we have the opportunity to personally get to know our customers and recommend items that uniquely fit their style and home. As holiday parties ramp up, drop by our showroom in Bermuda Run for the perfect hostess gift. Candles, throws, art, trays, hand-crafted bowls and vases are just a few of our many gift options to explore. Find Meg Brown on social media @megbrownhome.

NOVANT HEALTH VEIN SPECIALISTS 3 Locations in Winston-Salem, Kernersville, and High Point salemveins.com

BEFOR E

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BOTOX Treat yourself or someone you love to less wrinkles and great photo memories this holiday season. Botox Cosmetic® can take away years in just a few seconds! Reduce wrinkles, frown lines, forehead lines and crows feet. Let our board-certified physician help you show off your confident side. Look photo ready and fabulous with Botox Cosmetic®. Call today. Gift certificates available. 336-306-8027

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HANNOUSH JEWELERS 302 S. Stratford Road Winston-Salem, NC 27103 hannoushnc.com LUXURY BAGS This holiday season give the gift of luxury that won’t break the bank. Hannoush Jewelers now offers a wide selection of gently loved luxury bags complete with certificates of authenticity. Pair it with her favorite jewelry and make her happy, shop Hannoush! Experience the Hannoush difference. Contact us at 336.721.0510.

HEALTHY MADE SIMPLE 1116 NC Hwy 801 North Advance, NC 27006 336-474-9004 hmsimple.com CH R I STMAS CO OK IE T R AYS Indulge in the joy of the holiday season with our delightful homemade Christmas cookie trays, available throughout December. These scrumptious treats are lovingly crafted to add a touch of sweetness to your celebrations.

And if you’re looking for thoughtful gifts, consider our gift certificates for Healthy Made Simple’s fresh meal delivery service, or our personalized training packages from our Simply Fit Training program. Give the gift of health and flavor this Christmas, and make special occasions truly memorable. Find more information & order online at www.hmsimple.com.

ORGANIZED JILL jill@organizedjill.com 336-705-1482 organizedjill.com OR GA NIZ ATION Ready to kick clutter to the curb? The team at Organized Jill Professional Home Organization brings together function and aesthetics to create systems for every room of your home. If you’ve been dreaming of organized closets, pantries, kitchens, playrooms, or even your whole home, we are here to help! With the holidays right around the corner, it’s time to give your home the refresh and reset it needs to start the New Year off on the right foot. Say goodbye to overwhelm & hello or fresh, organized spaces. 336-705-1482

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AERACURA SALON 101A Reynolda Village Winston-Salem, NC 27103 6265 Towncenter Drive Clemmons, NC 27103 aeracurasalon.com P R EBOXED GIFT S E TS Aveda Festive Favorites & Classics are here! Beautifully boxed limited edition stocking stuffers, teacher gifts and gifts for those close to your heart. Choose from any of our holiday inspirations including couture hair accessories, luxurious hand and body cremes, candles, and emollient rich hair treatments.

Gift certificates are always available too. Preboxed gift sets starting at $29

PRIMMS 1034 Burke Street Winston-Salem, NC 27101 primmsstyle.com PERF UME 80 MUZE PERFUME With top notes of bergamot, violet and green tea, middle notes of lily, leather and amberonic and base notes of sandalwood and amber, No. 17 is a light and playful scent that is perfect for everyday adventures. Shop online at primmsStyle.com and find them on social media @primmsStyle

WOOD AND THREAD BOUTIQUE 301 Brookstown Ave #500, Winston-Salem, NC 27101 woodandthreadboutique.com WH IMSIC A L TEES Stop by Wood & Thread Boutique located in downtown Winston Salem.

Whether you are shopping for your mom, sister or bestie we have just the right gift for you. Anything from cute whimsical tees and candles to glammed up Christmas dresses ,we’ve got it! Open Monday 11:00 to 4:00, Tuesday through Saturday 11:00 to 6:00 Find us on instagram @ woodandthreadboutique.

SALEM PLASTIC SURGERY 1345A Westgate Center Drive Winston-Salem, NC 27103 salemplasticsurgery.com SKINTR I N S I Q FAC I A L Give the gift of self care - A Skintrinsiq facial at Renewal Med Spa is one way to show your skin (or someone else) a little love. Extract impurities and deeply infuse customized skincare all while benefiting from red and blue light therapy. This all-in-one treatment has something to offer for all skin types and concerns, and will leave skin replenished, balanced and fortified. Call 336.768.8483 today to schedule!

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REVITALIZE MED SPA 2546 Somerset Center Drive Winston-Salem, NC 27103 revitalizemedspanc.com R ETINOL ACC ELER ATED C H EMIC AL PE E L Tis the season for renewal with our Retinol Accelerated Chemical Peel.

Whether your skin needs our Ultra Bright with Lactic Acid, our Power Clear for breakouts and scarring, or our Age Reversal peel for deep lines and wrinkles, our Retinol Accelerator will maximize cellular turnover for faster results.You will then drift away with a luxurious facial to soothe and rebalance, resulting in a beautiful renewed you. What better gift to give yourself or a loved one than the gift of beautiful skin. Special holiday price of $100. Contact Revitalize Med Spa at 336-300-8860

WINDSOR JEWELERS 526 S. Stratford Road Winston-Salem, NC 27103 windsor-jewelers.com GA BR I EL & CO. J EW E L RY A delicate arc of gold balls, a radiant mini-cluster of diamonds, a chain of perfect gold circles – this is how GABRIEL & CO. interprets Bujukan, the Balinese act of persuasion achieved by a subtle wink, a gentle touch, that one perfect word spoken in a whisper. Crafted with 14K or 18K gold, these bracelets combine sumptuous aesthetics with enduring durability, ensuring they will become a cherished piece in your collection.

LOUIE AND HONEY’S KITCHEN 401 West End Boulevard Winston-Salem, NC 27101 louieandhoneyskitchen.com A M ISH C INNAMO N RO LLS Louie and Honey’s infamous Amish Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect gift for neighbors, employees and friends this holiday season! $24 a box.Open 7 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Saturday. Find Louie and Honey’s Kitchen on social media @louieandhoneyskitchen.

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A/PERTURE 311 W 4th Street Winston-Salem, NC 27101 aperturecinema.com MOVIE GIFT C ARDS Let’s go to the MOVIES! Give the gift of cinema and you’re sure to make even the scroggiest in your friends and family circle smile. a/perture cinema offers gift cards, gift memberships, creative movie merchandise and Winston-Salem gear for all your gifting. A trip to the movies is all your loved one needs to “keep it reel!” plus you’ll be supporting the only art house cinema in the Piedmont Triad with your purchase.

RESTORATION MED SPA 250 Executive Park Blvd #105 Winston-Salem, NC 27103 restorationmedspa.com GI F T C ARDS Buy a Gift Card and Receive a Gift! Purchase any Restoration MedSpa Gift Card during the month of December and you’ll receive a gift for yourself! Join a friend in the salt room for a pampering salt experience or give a loved one the gift of services of their choice. Whatever they choose, they will know you care because Restoration MedSpa, a Nationally Recognized Top 250 Practice with top-notch providers, can bring back the natural beauty and balance to any face and body! Call 336.999.8295 today to reserve your gift!

PEAK OLIVE OIL 125 S Stratford Road Winston-Salem, NC 27104 peakoliveoil.com OLIVE OIL A great gift for the holidays or anytime of the year. Our olive oils and balsamic vinegars are perfect for hostess gifts, teacher gifts, stocking stuffers, your favorite foodie or those who just enjoy eating or who have everything! We offer an extensive list of high quality imported Italian white and dark aged balsamic vinegars, single varietal high polyphenol extra virgin olive oils and flavored olive oils for that perfect recipe. Come in and taste the difference. 336.722.9532 December 2023 | 83

FARRAGO 6301 Shallowford Road Lewisville, NC 27023 farragowsnc.com H A NDM A D E POTTE RY Unwrap the magic of the season with our curated Christmas gift guide featuring the best gifts ever, including exquisite handmade pottery by Mary Lin Gmach. Something for everyone! Farrago, Shallowford Road, Lewisville, 336.946.9128

HANNOUSH JEWELERS 302 S. Stratford Road Winston-Salem, NC 27103 hannoushnc.com DI AMO N DS Make sure your Holidays are full of KISSES by buying her DIAMONDS from Hannoush Jewelers! Shop Hannoush Jewelers this Christmas and find the perfect gift. We have many beautiful selections in store or we can customize the perfect piece for your loved one. Experience the Hannoush difference. Contact us at 336.721.0510.

REVITALIZE MED SPA 2546 Somerset Center Drive Winston-Salem, NC 27103 revitalizemedspanc.com BOTOX Give the gift of beauty to yourself or someone you love!

We are offering a special holiday price of 20 units of Botox for $200. So, come and get or give a gift of much needed relief of lines and wrinkles and go into the new year with a renewed sense of confidence. Contact Revitalize Med Spa at 336-300-8860 to schedule your appointment or give a gift. Gift cards available.

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REYNOLDA HOUSE 2250 Reynolda Road Winston-Salem, NC 27106 reynolda.org O RNAME NT New for the season, this Reynolda Boathouse ornament is one special blown glass bauble you will be excited to hang year after year. Designed by Charles Barton Keen in 1912, the Boathouse with its half-timbered gables and arched plank shutters falls in line with the Arts and Crafts style. Its porch functioned as a dock, projecting over the south bank of a sixteen-acre Lake Katharine.

SPA AT HIGHLAND OAKS 765 Highland Oaks Drive, Suite 150 Winston-Salem, NC 27103 highlandoaksspa.com GIFT C A R DS A Spa at Highland Oaks gift certificate, the perfect gift of all things Spa to help that special someone look and feel their best. Each personalized gift certificate can be used for facials, massage, Diamond Glow dermal infusion, Botox, dermal fillers, body contouring, PDO threads, QWO cellulite treatment or any other treatment we offer. It can also be used for medical grade skin care products as well as Latisse. Bring out that happy glow with a gift certificate to The Spa at Highland Oaks. 336.774.8520

TEDDY’S TACTICAL Clemmons, NC 27012 teddystactical.com PEPPER BALL LAUNCHER Live Safe! Give your loved ones the gift of self-protection this Holiday Season with a less lethal Byrna SD Pepper Ball Launcher from Teddy’s Tactical. The SD is the perfect gift for women, men, or anyone 18 years or older. No waiting period or permits needed. Legal in all 50 states. Comes in multiple colors and can be easily carried concealed. We are a local authorized dealer (Clemmons, NC) that provides free training and demos. Visit us at TeddysTactical.com or call 336.506.8822 for more info.

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Forsyth Culture Catcher

.. .

Forsyth County Chronicles: Uncovering the Rich Tapestry of Local Arts and Culture Seeing “Coco in Concert ‘’ with the Mexican National Orchestra, and watching Music Director & Conductor, Esin Aydingoz, in person was a transcendental experience for me, Esin, an emerging conductor and composer working in a wide range of genres, including animation, silent films, documentaries, TV series, video games and stage musicals was absolutely awesome. Originally from Turkey, Esin moved to the US to study at Berklee College of Music, where she recently served as the Assistant Chair of the Screen Scoring Department.

Esin was nominated by the Society of Composers & Lyricists for the prestigious David Raksin Award for Emerging Talent for scoring the feature film “Simchas and Sorrows” and her cello arrangement of Paint It Black, featured in Tim Burton’s Golden Globe-nominated Netflix series “Wednesday,” reached #1 on the Billboard Classical Charts, with over seventeen million Spotify plays.

Her latest documentary score for “Black Barbie” premiered at SXSW and her music for “The Monster of the Desert” and “Noor” both won multiple awards, including Best Score, on the indie film circuit.

Esin has conducted live-to-picture on tour with the Berklee Silent Film Orchestra, is the assistant music director of Disney’s a cappella singing sensation “DCappella” and has created arrangements for multiple Disney recordings and performances. Ms. Aydingoz’s arrangements have been performed by Grammy-Award winning artists such as Lalo Schifrin, Booker T. Jones, and 2003 Eurovision winner Sertab Erener.

AMP presents Disney Pixar’s Coco in Concert on Tour featuring a screening of the complete film with Oscar® and Grammy®-winning composer Michael Giacchino’s musical score performed by the 20-member Orquesta Folclórica Nacional de México, conducted by Esin Aydingoz. In addition to the original score by Giacchino, “Coco” also features the Oscar®-winning song “Remember Me” by Oscarwinning songwriters Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, and additional songs co-written by Germaine Franco and co-director and screenwriter Adrian Molina. For more information and tickets for the remaining upcoming performances follow this link… https://ampworldwide.com/artist/coco-in-concert-on-tour/.

Making the world a better place through experiencing various cultures speaks directly to me. As a Forsyth Woman columnist for the new column, Forsyth Culture Catcher, I appreciate and enjoy cultural diversity, watching cultural dance, and immersing myself into the foods and flavors of many cultures. Get out, Forsyth Woman readers and experience the diversity of the many cultural scenes in Forsyth county and surrounding areas where there is always something new to experience. Keep reading this column, monthly, for new experiences to immerse yourself in!

Culture Catcher, Robin Shupe

As a mentor for Sound Thinking NYC, board member for the Society of Composers and Lyricists, and an active leader of the Alliance for Women Film Composers, Esin is dedicated to making the world a better place through music.

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In a world where inspiration can often feel elusive, I’ve always turned to quotes to light my way. While my writing now demands more words than ever before, I’ve never stopped appreciating the power of these wise sayings.

12 Inspirational Quotes to live by month-to-month

by R O B I N S H U P E

As we embrace 2024, I urge you to consider a simple, yet transformative, piece of advice – step away from your devices and reconnect with the natural world. Not only will it rejuvenate your spirit, it will enrich your relationships with loved ones and deepen your understanding of environmental issues, as well.

For the coming year, I’ve curated 12 inspirational quotes, one for each month, to provide you with a steady source of motivation and guidance.

These words will be your compass as you navigate the months ahead.

january

september

“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” ~ C.S. Lewis

“If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else.” ~ Booker T. Washington

The beginning of the year is often a time for resolutions and new ambitions. C.S. Lewis reminds us that it’s never too late to chase our dreams and set new goals.

Helping others not only elevates them but also lifts our own spirits and brings a sense of purpose.

february

“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched – they must be felt with the heart.” ~ Helen Keller As Valentine’s Day approaches, Helen Keller’s words remind us to cherish the intangible treasures of life – love, kindness and empathy.

march

March: “In three words, I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: it goes on.” ~ Robert Frost No matter what challenges or setbacks we face, life continues to move forward. March, a time of renewal, teaches us the importance of resilience and adaptation.

april

“April hath put a spirit of youth in everything.” ~ William Shakespeare Approach life with a fresh perspective, and let your spirit rejuvenate like the spring season.

may

“The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” ~ Steve Jobs Follow your passions and find joy in your daily tasks.

june

october

“Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.” ~ F. Scott Fitzgerald With the changing colors of leaves and the arrival of autumn, October carries a message of transformation. Embrace change as an opportunity for renewal and growth.

november

“Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.” ~ William Arthur Ward As we celebrate Thanksgiving in November, William Arthur Ward reminds us of the power of gratitude. Cultivating a thankful heart can infuse every day with blessings and positivity.

december

“We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity, and its first chapter is New Year’s Day.” ~ Edith Lovejoy Pierce In December, we close the book on the year that has passed and open a new one. Edith Lovejoy Pierce’s quote encourages us to seize the opportunities that the new year brings, to write our own story and to create our own destiny.

“In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity.” ~ Albert Einstein

“Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.” ~ Albert Schweitzer

Inspirational quotes can serve as beacons of light throughout the year, guiding us through life’s twists and turns. By living by these 12 quotes in 2024, each matched with a corresponding month, you can find motivation, strength and purpose in every season.

Embrace the wisdom of these quotes as you navigate your journey through the year ahead.

Albert Schweitzer’s quote emphasizes that happiness should precede success, not the other way around.

keep inspired and be inspiring!

As summer arrives, Einstein’s words encourage us to view challenges as opportunities for growth.

july

august

“The future depends on what you do today.” ~ Mahatma Gandhi The height of summer in August should serve as a reminder that our actions today shape our future. Gandhi’s message calls us to be proactive and responsible in our choices.

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Messiah HANDEL’S

Tuesday, Dec 12 Wait Chapel, Wake Forest University

Enjoy this breathtaking baroque masterpiece with the Symphony Chorus and a stellar quartet of soloists including soprano Ashley Fabian— a perfect experience for the Christmastime season.

ENCHANTED WATERS Jan 6 & 7, 2024 Reynolds Auditorium Welcome the new year with a new work, cocommissioned by the Winston-Salem Symphony, for renowned saxophonist Joe Lovano. Also on this concert, Debussy’s ravishing La mer and the whirlwind rhythms of Ravel’s La valse.

Tickets and more:

wssymphony.org Experience Music in a New Way.

CHRIS & MIKE MORYKWAS

at Sandy Ridge

December 2023 | 89

Gifts for your Girls!

by M A R T I E E M O R Y You’ve been friends for 10-, 20-, or even 30-plus years, and shared many birthday and holiday celebrations together. But maybe this is the year your gift-giving needs a gentle, creative nudge! As the years pass and you realize having those lifelong friends is the best gift of all, there’s even more reason to commemorate the good times – and even the serious ones – with a gift that’s personal and heartfelt. See which of these ideas might be just right for your “inner circle” of girlfriends!

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Organize a movie night at your home for after the holidays – girls only, popcorn and movie candy, and the precious gift of non-stop laughter.

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Nothing tops a girls’ weekend away in the New Year – the perfect holiday gift from all of you to each other!

Think of visiting a nearby winery or a few days at the beach.

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Heated slippers – yes, they exist, and yes, they will thank you!

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If this is the year you’re all feeling a little crafty, choose a project and plan a December Saturday to enjoy some creative magic together. Make that your “gift” to each other – and you just may have found a new friend tradition!

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Buy a pretty journal for each friend, and pen something on the first page about where you first met each other and how much their friendship means to you.

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For friends who are animal lovers, donate to their favorite charity or rescue group in their honor. (Even better, adopt a new, furry friend!)

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Has your best friend gotten married or moved away for a new job? Put together a box of “remember when” notes – cards that each detail a fun, favorite memory you’ve shared – to open every week in her new home.

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Assemble a basket with a card that reads, “Being friends with you makes perfect sense” and include a gift of smell, taste, sight, and sound!

Framed photos of events you’ve shared together are always perfect keepsakes. Assemble an entire collage, or try this twist: Have a photo pillow made from the best shot of all of you from last Christmas

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Start a charm bracelet for each of you with a charm that represents a destination you’ve traveled to together over the years…and vow to keep adding adventures (and charms!).

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Let’s say your best girls are friends from high school or even before – think of a “retro” item from your earlier years together that could be a fun surprise gift: a piece of jewelry or a board game you grew up with. Talk about memories!

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Treat each other to a spa day – giving your friends and yourself some much-needed “me” time!

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This may be our new favorite gift idea: Instant cocktail kits for each friend’s favorite libation. Be sure to include cute cocktail napkins with the recipe mix!

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Order fun, personalized labels for a few bottles of your group’s favorite wine, or enroll your best girlfriends in a wine-of-themonth club. If you really want something to wrap for under their tree, we highly recommend shatter-proof wine glasses!

IT’S BEGINNING TO SOUND A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS...

CELEBRATIONS

Aly & Logan Brown 10.14.23 Photos by Bella Liz Photography

92 | ForsythWoman.com

CELEBRATIONS Congratulations to the 2023 Winston Under 40 Leadership Award Winners!

Photos by Sail Off Photography

Dr. Marquis Barnett, City of Winston-Salem Mark Batten, Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools Christy Bellis, The Go-To Winston-Salem Miriam Dineen, Mood Treatment Center Emily Dressler, Wake Forest University School of Medicine Jeff Fansler, City of Winston-Salem Christine Fariss, Hayden Design Tasmin Farzana, Hanesbrands Inc. Taryn Jerez, Go For It, Creative Tasha Kolbe, Reynolds American Dr. Kate Lambert, Spangler, Lambert & Lipp Pediatric Dentistry Love’ Lemon, 18 Springs Community Healing Center Dr. Allison Mathews, Wake Forest University

Left (Presenting the award) Mark Owens, President & CEO of Greater Winston-Salem, Inc. Right, Natalie Sahloff 94 | ForsythWoman.com

Nicole Moore, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Julia Powers, Hege Financial Group Myles Regier, Forsyth Tech Community College Natalie Sahloff, Sail Off Photography LLC Drew Siegrist, Linville Team Partners James Singletary, Winston-Salem Police Department Inge Smith, Verger Capital Management Dr. Tim Storhoff, Winston-Salem Symphony Jamarkus Swinson, Piedmont Federal Savings Bank Rolando Valle, Debbie’s Staffing Services, Inc Shatoria Whiteside, Read, Empower, and Distinguish (READ) and Forsyth Tech Kane Wilkerson, Parks Companies

Left (Presenting the award) Mark Owens, President & CEO of Greater Winston-Salem, Inc. Right, Taryn Jerez

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LOCAL EVENTS

NOW THRU DEC 11

SUBMIT EVENTS

96 | ForsythWoman.com

DEC

1

DEC

MONDAYS - CHARACTERS TAKE THE STAGE: MYTHICAL CREATURES

5:30-7:30PM

The Little Theatre of Winston-Salem For Students in grades 3-5. A fun introduction to the fundamental building blocks of drama (body, voice, mind and imagination). Using a variety of myths as a jumping-off point to spark and support the creative process, the characters will fly off the page as students participate in movement exercises, story reenactments, theatre games, improvisation, role-playing, music, dance and visual arts. Cost $225/person.

10TH ANNUAL TROUBADOURS’ CHRISTMAS CONCERT 7-9PM The Carolina Theatre Now in its 10th year, The Troubadours’ Christmas Concert is an eclectic celebration of the wonders of Christmastide. It’s made possible by area churches and local businesses.

The Concert is a fundraiser to benefit the work of Room at The Inn. Select Seats will be reserved for Concert Patrons and Sponsors. All other seats will be General Admission, on a first-come, first-served basis. Free parking is available at the Greene Street Parking Deck, across from the Theatre.

ARTISANS CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS

1-2

College Park Baptist Church

DEC

CHRISTMAS WRAPPED IN BRASS

12-7PM

Area crafters, makers and artists offer a variety of handmade items ready for everyone on your gift list! Triad Craft & Art Guild are hosts of this two-day annual event featuring dozens of vendors. Food trucks available both days.

3PM

1-2

Hanes Auditorium (Salem College), Robert E. Elberson Fine Arts Center on Dec 1st UNCG Auditorium, 408 Tate Street in Greensboro on December 2nd

DEC

CHRISTMAS TREASURES SALE

2

DEC

2

DEC

2

DEC

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The North Carolina Brass Band celebrates the Christmas season with a performance of holiday favorites! Christmas music in a variety of styles, a concert for folks of all ages. The NCBB will get you into the spirit of the holidays! Ring in the season with the festive sounds of brass!

Cost: $20/adult, $5/student. More information at ncbrassband.org.

8AM-12PM

Clemmons Moravian Church All gently used holiday related items including ornaments, lights and many other decorations. Proceeds will be donated to the Clemmons Food Pantry. Call 336.941.3062 to donate items.

CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE

9AM-5PM

The Dogwood Boutique & The Dogwood in Lewisville Both shops will host our Christmas Open House. Join us for refreshments and specials throughout both shops. Special guest appearance, too.

CHRISTMAS BY CANDLELIGHT AT KÖRNER’S FOLLY

5-9PM

Körner’s Folly Christmas by Candlelight, an exclusive evening event, is sure to spark a feeling of enchantment as spectacular Victorian-inspired decorations shine and the house glows from within.

Costumed guides from Kernersville Little Theater will be stationed throughout the house to receive company, as well to sing carols and read from Clement C. Moore’s poem, “A Visit from St. Nicholas.” Visitors will enjoy a self-guided tour of all 22 rooms in the house, filled from floor to ceiling with seasonal displays. Due to limited availability, tickets are nonrefundable and nontransferable for Candlelight tours.

THE NUTCRACKER PERFORMED BY NEW YORK BALLET FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES

3-5PM

The Andy Griffith Playhouse The classic story of Clara, a young girl on the brink of womanhood, whose dreams are both childlike and tinged with romance, comes to life. Surry Arts Council dance students perform with professional dancers in selected scenes in this popular, one-of-a-kind production.

Performed by New York Ballet for young audiences.

DEC

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DEC

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DEC

7

DEC

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DEC 7&9 DEC

COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL

Come join the whole community at the beautiful, historic WinMock barn to start off the advent season! We will have vendors selling community crafts and goods, some Christmas singers and musical performances, and a short kids’ program. In addition, we will have a food truck selling meals, a bounce house for children, a family photo area and some carnival games. All ages are welcome, and there is no cost for admission.

THE MARCH & THE BUS

James Blue’s The March, entered into the National Film Registry in 2008, is a moving and visually stunning documentary on the hope and camaraderie embodied by the March on Washington. In the acclaimed vérité documentary The Bus, American Society of Cinematographers Lifetime Achievement Award-winner filmmaker Haskell Wexler (Medium Cool) brings a sociological sample of the sea of humanity at the March into sharp focus, capturing the impressions of a diverse group of individuals as they travel to stand in the shadow of the Washington Monument to demand equality for African Americans.

FREE VEIN CONSULTATION

Novant Health Vein Specialists is holding a FREE vein consultation event. If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms – leg pain, swelling, varicose veins, heaviness, itching, burning sensations, restless leg syndrome, leg cramping, muscle spasms, skin discoloration or ulcerations, our expert providers are ready to help you diagnose the level of your vein health. RSVP today to secure your spot and take advantage of this incredible opportunity. salemveins.com/schedule-screening

FORSYTH WOMAN MAGAZINE HOSTS GIRLS’ NIGHT OUT

5PM-UNTIL

Mulberry Table (connected to Fiddle & Fig), 395 West End Boulevard in W-S Grab a friend, a neighbor, your sister, your mother, a co-worker and have a much-needed Girls’ Night Out! As always, each attendee receives four tickets for the fabulous prize board drawings!

A CHRISTMAS CAROL Reynolds Place Theatre

7:30-10PM DEC 7tH 2-4PM DEC 9TH

Ebenezer Scrooge is a miserable old man who loves money and hates Christmas. But one fateful Christmas Eve, Scrooge is visited by the Spirits of Christmas Past, Present and Future, who want to help him find kindness in his heart before it’s too late. A beloved Christmas classic adapted for the stage, A Christmas Carol is a holiday treat for the whole family to enjoy. ltofws.org/a-christmas-carol-89

ALAMANCE/BURLINGTON HOLIDAY CONCERT WITH THE GREENSBORO SYMPHONY

DEC

GREENSBORO HOLIDAY CONCERT

7PM

Celebrate the holiday season with the Greensboro Symphony Orchestra featuring Miss North Carolina 2023, Taylor Loyd, soprano, and beautiful holiday music with sing-alongs. Admission is free with the donation of non-perishable food items for the Salvation Army of Alamance County. Please, three of more and no expired items. For more information, please call 336.227.5529.

7PM

Westover Church Celebrate the holiday season with the Greensboro Symphony Orchestra featuring Miss North Carolina 2023, Taylor Loyd, soprano, and beautiful holiday music with sing-alongs at Westover Church in Greensboro! Admission is FREE with the donation of non-perishable food items for the benefit of the Greensboro Urban Ministry. Registration is required. greensborosymphony.org/event/greensboro-holiday-concert

HANDEL’S MESSIAH WITH THE WINSTON-SALEM SYMPHONY

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R.J. Reynolds Auditorium

DEC

IMMEDIATE FAMILY

7:30-9:30PM

Handel’s Messiah is one of the most celebrated oratorios of all time. The glorious “Hallelujah” chorus, tenderly expressive arias and the majestic choruses have been drawing crowds since the composition was premiered in 1742.

12

a/perture cinema

DEC

“ELF” IN CONCERT

15

12-4PM

Novant Health Vein Specialists, 2827 Lyndhurst Avenue, Suite 206 in W-S

8

DEC

6PM

a/perture cinema

Williams High School Auditorium in Burlington

9

5-7PM

WinMock at Kinderton

8PM

If you listen to 1970s pop music, you’ve undoubtedly heard these guys play, but do you know their names? This documentary highlights five talented men – Danny, Leland, Rus, Waddy and Steve – who shunned the spotlight for themselves yet enjoyed decades of success as session musicians on iconic tracks.

7:30PM

Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts Experience “Elf” on the big screen with the Greensboro Symphony as Buddy travels to New York this holiday season!

*Event details are subject to change. Please check event websites & social media pages for updates as the dates draw near.*

Conversation with Your BFF A friend of mine recently sent me a list of phrases that most of us would say are catch phrases; you know those comments people say when they aren’t sure what to say or how to address a topic. I mean, saying something is better than nothing, right? Maybe I had too much time on my hands, but I started taking each phrase and really thinking about what it means and if there really is any value in them. So can good advice come in the form of an off-the-cuff comment? I am so glad you asked!

‘Is There Ever Any Good Advice in Trite Catch Phrases?’

by R E B E C C A C O O P E R

YOU AREN’T STUCK, YOU ARE JUST AFRAID OF CHANGE

Getting mired down in life is easy.

Whether you’re in a bad personal relationship or a job you hate, are you stuck and have no way out? The answer is no, you aren’t stuck, but many times you would rather face the misery you know rather than move onto something new that might ask more of you. Change and getting unstuck only happens when you take a step in a different direction. It is your choice.

YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE GREAT TO START, BUT YOU HAVE TO START TO BE GREAT You might want to read that a few times to let it sink in. Sometimes we hold ourselves back from taking on a new adventure in life because we don’t think we are good enough to pull it off.

What if I’m not good enough for him or her? What if there is someone else who is a better candidate for the job I want?

I don’t measure up and am nowhere near being great at anything. If you stay in that mind set, you will never start anything in life. Shake it off!

NOTHING CHANGES IF NOTHING CHANGES This one will put you in a quandary if you think about it too much. Many times we are in situations that need to be changed in some way, but we stay and continue to complain how nothing is changing. Well, if you don’t make the change, nothing is going to change. Take a step out of where you are with a change in surroundings, jobs, or friends and see what happens.

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LOVE DIDN’T HURT YOU. SOMEONE WHO DOESN’T KNOW HOW TO LOVE HURT YOU.

I can’t tell you how many friends have called me, usually late at night, crying into their margarita saying, ‘Love hurts too much. I never want to be in love again.’ Once you sober up and dry your tears, you should think about that statement and realize that love didn’t do anything; someone who didn’t know how to love you hurt you. If you turn your back on love, you might miss some wonderful experiences.

Remember, not everyone is ‘the one’; some people come into our lives as blessings and some as lessons.

Knowing how to discern the two is when you begin to accept those that come along for you to love.

YOUR LIFE IS AS GOOD AS YOUR MINDSET Much of what we believe and how we choose to live takes form in our minds.

Your life will only be as good as your mindset. If you focus on the negatives in life, your life will be full of chaos and bad feelings. We’ve all known people battling life threatening diseases who are cheerful, taking each day at a time and finding the silver lining in the smallest of things. They have set their mind on living their best life and loving each day.

We’d all be better off if we also took on that perspective.

@youngcardinalws Monday Closed Tuesday - Sunday 8am - 3pm 424 4th Street NW, Winston-Salem

336-448-5188

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House Salad with Fried Hot Honey Chicken

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Strawberry and Raspberry Margarita Photos by Courtney Walls

Mon-Wed 4pm-9pm I Thur-Sat 11:30am-10pm I Closed Sunday

527 N L iberty Stre et Win s ton- S alem, NC 27 1 0 1

Farm Fresh Meets Sophisticated Dining TUESDAY Half Price Wine by the Glass WEDNESDAY Half price Whiskey & Bourbon THURSDAY $3 Off Martinis

321 WEST FOURTH STREET | WINSTON SALEM | 336.448.1714 | TUESDAY-THURSDAY 4pm-9pm | FRIDAY - SATURDAY 4pm-10pm | SUNDAY 4pm-9pm

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MAKE YOUR FINANCIAL FUTURE MERRY & BRIGHT

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Independent Advisor Alliance is a separate entity from LPL Financial.