Hope Christmas Edition-Bold Issue by Hope the Magazine

Oh OhLet Us Come Come Us AdoreLet Him! Adore Him!

SPECIAL CHRISTMAS EDITION

The Bold Issue

Hope for the Hope for the Holidays Holidays

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Unwrap the gift of Hope

Favorite the Holiday Unwrap gift Memories of Hope Favorite Holiday Get Ready for Memories

the Season

Get ready for the Season Hope in the

Community

Hope in the Community

For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9 : 6 NIV

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TOY DRIVE 2021 We are always looking for ways to spread hope. This year we are delighted to introduce the "Hope Matters” initiative. Our first project is spreading hope in Jamaican communities. Deserving children in select communities will receive gifts with the hope of spreading Christmas cheer!

We need your support! There are two ways you can contribute. Monetary contributions that will be used to purchase gifts, can be sent via CashApp $HopetheMagazine. To contribute an unwrapped gift, please reach out to us via Instagram @hope.themagazine for more info. Let's band together as we find more ways to spread hope during our season!

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SEARCH WITHIN PUBLISHING Founder and Editor-in-Chief Sidonie Walsh Managing Editor Kishanie Whyte Designer Sidonie Walsh Contributing Writers Kenesha Allen Sutanya Allen-Nix Marsha-Gaye Miles Belinda Joseph Teri-Ann Petrekin Renata Powell Contributing Photographers TRG Photography (Front cover, back cover, pages - 4, 5, 8, 23-25, 27-29, 31-34, 58 Ganesha Photo- Pages 26 and 52 Advertisers Shalai's Delight Holt Portraits and Events Dulce Mangual (Starlink Realty) O.W.L Glow Publisher Search Within Publishing, LLC

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CONTENTS 12 FAVORITE CHRISTMAS MEMORIES Oh come let us adore Him! 24 GET READY FOR THE SEASON, BOLDLY! Confidence, glam and style 39 CHRISTMAS EATS AND TREATS Feature: Shalai Delight, Recipes 46 HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS Christmas Magic 54 WISH YOU WERE HERE Travel Tips 03 HOPE IN THE COMMUNITY Hope Matters Toy Drive EDITOR'S NOTE 08 Unwrap the Season of Hope 10 Hope got us Here!

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UNWRAP THE SEASON OF HOPE Editor-in-Chief, Sidonie Walsh

hristmas is my favorite time of the year!

The notion of Christmas and what it represents was engraved in my mind and spirit a long time ago. It always included the feelings of happiness, sharing, caring, believing, goodness, love, peace, hope, and togetherness. Togetherness, not only with my family but with the people in my community. People are more open and welcoming during the holidays, barriers are lowered, allowing for unity and solidarity. Hope is certainly on display; this is, after all, when we celebrate Jesus- the reason for our Hope! Together we can experience the spirit of Christmas– the miraculous, special holiday that fills our hearts with joy, goodness, and hope. For this "Bold" Christmas Issue, I want readers to be empowered to step out, and like our hopeful writers, advertisers, and contributors, bring their confidence and fierceness to the forefront. Stir up your gifting, celebrate Whose you are, and be thankful for being alive one more day. Bring your glam self, your best self, your bold self, and celebrate in our season - the season of hope.

Let's pull off the wrapper and see what’s inside! - Sidonie

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SPIRITED CONTRIBUTORS How do you stay bold and fierce?

“By reminding myself daily that I’m beautifully and wonderfully made and I’m a child of God.” Teri-Ann Petrekin Writer: “Different Shades of Me“

“I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Knowing who and whose I am makes me bold." Belinda Joseph Writer: "I got hands"

"Everyday is a new opportunity to be better than I was the day before. No failures no regrets, just lessons." Sutanya Allen Writer: "Happy Holidays"

"The belief to never accept anything less than the best!" Renata Powell Writer: “I love creating Christmas magic" "I stay Bold & Fierce because I was told I AM Bold & Courageous by my Creator & I was created in His Powerful image. So I remind myself daily of WHO I AM." Marsha-Gaye Miles Writer: “Happy Holidays in the Happy Hills”

“I carry myself with grace and poise because I am the daughter of a King.” Kenesha Allen Writer: "Travel Tips"

HOPE GOT US HERE! Managing Editor, Kishanie Whyte

e are on the edge of our seats, some of us are excited and many of us are nervous, how will this chapter end? What’s coming next?´

With a few weeks to go, you’re either thrilled that 2021 is almost over or you’re fixated on what you can do to end the year with a bang. This is where hope comes in Whomever you are and wherever you find yourself (physically and mentally) when that ball drops, I can almost certainly assure you that hope got you there. It’s the things you’ve been clinging to knowingly or unknowingly, and without it, quite simply, you wouldn’t be here. So since hope is literally our name it’s our mandate to stand with you, propel you forward, reach you in the valley and celebrate your victories. And we have just the issue to usher you through the season. The holiday issue! *cue Christmas carol* Christmas is a big deal at Hope We could not end the year without finding more ways yet to spread... hope. Our amazing team have put together a holiday issue that will bring joy to you with every turn of the

page. We have a collection of inspirational Christmas stories, yummy recipes, and bold women walking in purpose. We are also excited to share our hope initiative “Hope Matters” this is the first year and we are beyond excited about how this initiative will grow. Christmas is my favorite season and it fills me with joy and immense pleasure to use this medium to connect with our community of resilient and empowered women as we celebrate our Lord and savior, commune with our families, and look for hope in the everyday.

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FAVORITE CHRISTMAS MEMORIES

Oh, come let us adore Him!

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HIS PRESENCE IS THE PRESENT By: Sidonie Walsh

moved to the United States in my early teens, so my formative years were in Jamaica. Growing up, I can't pinpoint getting a Christmas gift, not saying for sure that I was never given one, but just something that wasn't remembered or truly important. Christmas was so awe-inspiring, palpable, and unlike anything I've ever experienced. It was a celebration for sure and everyone was in on it! Months before our teachers would have us practice every word of "Joy to the World" and "Silent Night."

"THE AIR RICH WITH THE FRAGRANT BLENDS OF SPICES FROM THE CHRISTMAS CAKES AND INTOXICATING SORREL DRINKS"

Everyone understood the assignment of getting ready for this grand affair- which included deep cleaning and sprucing up. The houses, fences, and gates got fresh coats of paint, sidewalks were whitewashed, house cleaned from top to bottom, as I hear the floor polisher bellowing loudly. Singsong tunes could be heard from the clanging hammers on the rooftops and just below rugs and curtains swayed on the clothesline. Fat cows and goats ran around anxiously, bumping into each other seemingly well aware that this would be their last Christmas. The air is rich with the fragrant blends of spices from the Christmas cakes and intoxicating Sorrel drinks. As neighbors began exchanging their creations for the season, different varieties of Christmas cakes from light brown to dark spread across my kitchen counter and just a measly bump and a tip of sorrel would leave me swirling all day. I remember one year finding a green bush by the side of my house, cutting a nice chunk and so proud to put it in a pan, add foil tinsel and enjoyed my table Christmas tree. Everything was so magical!

Times have certainly changed from that time when the true essence of Christmas was etched in my spirit. I find myself always looking to recreate that feeling, but seemingly going against the grain because many have not had the opportunity to experience the season’s majestic, yet simplistic beauty. Now Christmas is met with the need for more STUFF, meaningless busyness, and overlooking the real gift that is here to unite us all. In a time where so much has changed and life as we know it has been disrupted, let us see the good in the interruption and cling to the spirit of Christmas. You see, Christ’s presence is the present that brings those feelings that I reminisce. If we can block out distractions and strip away all the layers that have warped our minds and spirit, we can somehow be open and able to experience His presence that is so abounding, especially during this time. We get to partake of some of his spiritual fruits like love, peace, joy, kindness, and goodness. We get to bask in his essence of purpose, faithfulness, and hope.

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HAPPY HOLIDAYS IN THE HAPPY HILLS

By: Marsha- Gaye Miles 16

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It’s the night before Christmas, It’s Christmas Eve. We can hear, smell and feel the Christmas breeze. In Jamaica, it’s always summer, not autumn, winter or spring. Except for a special breeze that the Christmas season brings. An extra chill that comes down from those Happy Hills. Christmas morning for me is not like the one portrayed on T.V. We don’t sleep in late and wake to cups of hot chocolate. My Christmas begins with and will always remain About Jesus the Christ, the one hidden in the name. My family is from Gordon Town and as Christmas morning rolls around, We gather together promptly at six, for a special Christmas Morning Service. Gordon Town is a rural community nestled at the base of Blue Mountains, Whose valleys give way to the rich Hope River, Kingston’s main water fountain. Gordon town is definitely the place you want to be, to experience and feel the real Christmas breeze, One that climbs over those hills and sweeps through the pine trees, Caressing the rich river all before a kiss on your face it leaves. When we get to Gordon Town we are greeted by Miss Lou, The square is where you find this famous poet’s statue.

She welcomes us with one of her popular folk songs with band, “Dis long time gal me never see you! Come mek me hold your hand.” We could have gone to a closer church, kept it simple and just stayed down, but there is a special reason why we journey all the way to Gordon Town Could it be the Christmas carols and traditional hymns? Could it be the rich rivers and these Happy Hills? Those too, but still, there is an extra special thing That sums up the wonder this Magical morning brings. While we are in church service, downstairs in the church kitchen hall, there is another type of service being rendered for us all. Our church aunties are cooking up a storm, they are moving fast preparing the famous Gordon Town Church Christmas morning breakfast. Some items are prepared beforehand and brought from their homes, but some items have to be made fresh outside on the hot coals. The smells of fresh cocoa tea boiling and sweet cornmeal festivals frying Fresh blue mountain coffee brewing, amongst all the other dishes that are stewing.

SHE WELCOMES US WITH ONE OF HER POPULAR FOLK SONGS WITH BAND, “DIS LONG TIME GAL ME NEVER SEE YOU! COME MEK ME HOLD YOUR HAND.” 18

The benediction signals the end of service and our fast. Everyone rushes downstairs for the year’s best breakfast. I am already downstairs helping with setup, which comes with the perks of getting an extra cup. For making its grand appearance is a special cocoa tea The kind that cools with the oil on top, so drink carefully.

Ackee and saltfish, Christmas ham and chicken brown stew, Mackerel run down, boiled ground provisions a.k.a. “food” Festivals, Hardough bread and blue mountain coffee, freshly brewed. A variety of teas and fruit drinks complete this breakfast menu. The kitchen and downstairs hall leads to the beautiful back lawns. These Happy Hills embrace you, at your side the rich rivers grace you.

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The tables and chairs are setup and adorned, Under a sheet of tarpaulin to cover us all. We gather together as one big family of God to bless the meal and break bread on this Christmas dawn. It is the most glorious experience that I have found, to see the splendor of God’s handiwork all around. The grass is still wet with the fresh morning dew, the sun comes up over the hills to say “howdy-do”, The birds are chirping welcoming a brand new day And the river continues flowing along its merry way.

"MY CHRISTMAS IS A CHRISTMASS, A TRUE CELEBRATION OF THE LIFE OF CHRIST"

On this special day, we get to celebrate the birth of our Savior, the one who saved and redeemed us, restoring to us God’s favor We are children of God, a royal priesthood, queens and kings It’s a Magical Mass, God’s Kingdom has come to these Happy Hills. For some of our church sisters and brothers, Close Friends and family, visitors and others This may be the only meal they eat; We may be the only family they meet. That is why we do this Christmas morning breakfast, so everyone can say that they had a very merry Christmas. Their bodies well fed, their spirits are filled, Their souls restored in these Happy Hills. My Christmas is a Christ-mass, a true celebration Of the life of Christ, who left us a new instruction, We must love God, we must love each other, this new life to live. So Christmas begins with Christ and love on Christmas day we give. Now it’s time to depart at last, until the next Magical Mass. We bid farewell to these Happy Hills And wish you all the joy this season brings. Merry Christmas and God bless all of you! As I leave you with the words of Miss Lou, “Walk Good.” 19

Happy Holidays!! Love Sutanya

Love Sutanya

There is no place like family. That’s no typo. No matter where I am in the There is no place That’s typo.the Nomost. matter where I am in world,like it’sfamily. the people thatno matter

the world, it’s the people that matter the most. girls look always look to forward making gingerbread houses, the My girlsMy always forward makingtogingerbread houses, decorating Christmas tree,the andChristmas watching tree cheesy movies. Whether we’re in a decorating andholiday watching cheesy holiday movies. London hotel or a flat Idaho, these the things memories of. Whether we’re in ainLondon hotel,are or a flat in Idaho, theseare aremade the stuff It may seem like butlike we’re creating stories they memories aresomething made of.simple It maynow, seem something simplethat now, but tell their children. that they will tell their children. Christmas is we’re creating storieswill about joy, laughter and a whole lot of food. Christmas is about joy, laughter, and a whole lot of food.

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THE MAGIC OF THE MIRACLE. I WANT A CHRISTMAS THAT WHISPERS JESUS - ANN VOSKAMP

By: Renata Powell

No magic tricks or optical illusions but "miracles" that defy human understanding and the limits of science- because the God of all will give us what we need. Through the heavy burden of life, there is deliverance through salvation which was brought to us through Jesus Christ! I love Christmas! I love that there is an opportunity to acknowledge an amazing gift and an incredible story. It's a chance to give in to the "Magic of the Miracle" - God manifest in flesh. Christmas has become so commercialized. It's all about having stuff and gaining more stuff. Family and togetherness are secondary. Christmas has been turned into "x-mas" and focused on the make-believe. Jesus is tertiary, if meaningful at all. However, I thank God for praying Grandmothers and the Christian values instilled in me. I remember a time when money was tight and my family struggled. My parents sat my siblings and I down and told us there would not be enough money for many gifts. I still remember my brothers and I saying - "That's okay as long as we are together". Health, togetherness, and safety. Christmas has the true spark of magic with a ton of family love in the mix.

TOGETHERNESS

"How good and pleasant for God's people to live together in unity!" Psalms 133:1

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GET READY FOR THE SEASON...

ADVERT

BOLDLY

"I WILL DO A NEW THING IN YOU." Says the Lord 24

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Stay Grounded and Bloom 25

LIVE IT ~ BREATH IT ~ FEEL IT

HOPE MODEL: KENESHA ALLEN 26

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PROCESS ~ SMILE ~ KEEP ON

HOPE MODEL: HALLIE ANN PETREKIN 27

I am bold, but what does that mean? I walk past the mold, there’s no box I fit in. I am shaped by courage and carried by light, resources unlimited, resilience untapped. I am a woman! And that means I bear the load on my strong, broad back. Unscathed by your spears, flying high above your tongue, I walk in strides, thinking only of the work that needs me to get done.

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Confident because I am His true handiwork. 29

DIFFERENT SHADES OF ME By: Teri- Ann Petrekin

didn’t take my own advice in 2021- It was that year for me. The year of anxiety and worry. I couldn’t see the silver lining, I couldn’t see the rainbow. I was sad about life not going the way I intended. Coupled with guilt and fear, I lost myself. The Anxious Me I am a natural planner. I plan everything. I make goals; I accomplish them, I see, I want, I get. Easy, right? I purposefully make myself anxious so that I don’t expect the best. It’s a mind trick I play - but this year I found I couldn’t control it. Even when I wanted to hope for the best, I inflicted pain on myself. It was a damning cycle. I wanted to be Superwoman. I am used to being Superwoman. I am the humble, yet bold young adult. I found myself so lost in being perfect, I forgot to be the woman God made me. And that is how 2021 changed from being "that" year to being the year of growth.

The Selfish Me The guilt is consuming. I spent my entire 20's living for me. I was never that mother that sacrificed too much for her kids. It was always about me even though I told myself it was for them. The degrees, the promotion, the house, the car. Selfishly, it was for me. They were an accessory to the life I chose. I refused to be another statistical teen mother. I wanted a better life for my children. I asked myself a few weeks ago, “Why are you stressing?" Why are you putting yourself through this?” My children came to mind. I was doing this for them. But is it really for them or me? The selfish me wants it. The selfless mother in me wants it for them. The memories my children should forever keep are the small moments with their mother, not the picture of their mother sacrificing time to make everyone else happy. It should be about them, their goals, their future. But the balance is frightening, scary. A conflict I know millions of mothers struggle with every day. They are my "why". They are my reasons. And I shouldn’t feel guilty for wanting success for them and for me. This is our life. This is our future.

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"I AM LEARNING TO TAKE CARE OF MYSELF AND ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF THIS BEAUTIFUL LIFE." The Self-Care Me The statement, “I will sleep when I am dead” always resonated with me. I believed working hard was a requirement for success and happiness. Why sleep when I can hustle? Why sleep when I can be the best? To prove society wrong has been my priority for as long I can remember. Pleasing others was ingrained in my DNA. I felt this was the key to my joy. And it was, until it wasn’t. I got lost in the mix and the passion I once had was no longer there. I had to re-evaluate my life. I had to take a step back. I had to learn to let go of the guilt when I do what makes me happy. I am learning to take care of myself and enjoy every moment of this beautiful life. Yes, I will sleep when I am dead. But I can also sleep now. I can also smile now. I can take time to think about my purpose and what truly makes me happy. I can live in the now. I can free my mind from negative thoughts. I can control that.

HOPE THE MAGAZINE The Bold Me Risk. The four-letter word I am terrified of. I have always played it safe. I chose a safe career. I bought the safe house. I analyze everything and overthink every possibility. It’s a blessing and a curse to be this analytical and indecisive. The bold me wants happiness and endless possibilities, good or bad. The bold me wants to let go of worry, anxiety and guilt. The bold me wants passion, purpose, and peace. The bold me wants to live a life for myself, not live someone else’s purpose. The bold me wants a voice and wants to use it to influence, change, and inspire. There must be more for me. I know God has more planned for me. As I continue this journey of self-love and - care, I am continuing to delve into my purpose. This isn’t a guidebook of how I found myself. But a reminder that it’s okay to feel sad, to feel anxious. It’s okay to cry. It’s okay to feel unfulfilled. Questioning yourself and your choices is okay too. That’s when you know it’s time to grow. That’s when you know it’s time to be bold

Put on your game face, grab your support system and walk boldly towards the blessings God has for you! 34

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GAME FACE ON Make-up artist - Jordene Powell

TO CREATE THIS "SOFT GLAM" LOOK, JORDENE USED:

TO GET PARTY READY, JORDENE JAZZED IT UP WITH:

@faithfulllashes Peace@anastasiabeverlyhills Magic Touch Concealer 17 Cream Bronzer Chestnut @lysbeautyofficial Aim High Powder Highlighter Fearless @alamarcosmetics Coqueta Lip Liner @artistcouture Saucy Gal Lipstick @carolinaherrera Lip Vinyl 240 @guccibeauty Stylo À Sourcils Retractable Brow Pencil Noir @patricktabeauty Brow Lamination Gel Major Headlines Blush She’s Vibrant @patmcgrathreal Celestial Odyssey Palette @yslbeauty Nu Bare Look Tint 17

@patmcgrathreal Huetopian Dream Palette Earth Angel Gloss @yslbeauty NU Bare Look Skin Tint 17 @anastasiabeverlyhills Magic Touch Concealer 17 Cream Bronzer Chestnut @diorbeauty Cushion Powder Deep @lysbeautyofficial Higher Standard Blush Passion @alamarcosmetics Coqueta Lip Liner @doseofcolors Penny Lipstick

"I GOT HANDS"

"I Got Hands" By: Belinda Joseph

“Depression tried to fight me, but forgot I got these hands. Fear and worry tried to jump me, but forgot I got these hands. Fervent prayers of the righteous, do availeth much. Proper fasting and repentance pack that extra one-two punch. On my face, before His throne is where I stay, I do confess. I do my part as I’m commanded. God did say He’ll do the rest.”

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Q & A WITH MAKE-UP ARTIST, BELINDA JOSEPH

hat inspired these looks? Pieces of art inspire me. “It could be a painting, an accessory, or the way God paints the sky.” What is your process when beginning to create them? “I have to be in a clear and creative frame of mind when I’m creating art. Because essentially, that’s what I’m doing - creating art. The difference is, my face is my canvas. So, I’ll find some inspiration, put some music on and paint.”

Why is this important to you and how do you feel after these looks are completed? “It’s important to me because when you look good, you feel good and when you feel good, tend to put your best foot forward. Depending on how well I execute the vision dictates how I feel afterward. I’ll sometimes complete a whole look, wipe it all off and start over because I didn’t like how it turned out.”

These pictures translate the spirit of someone who is bold and fierce, what helps you keep your game face on? “I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Knowing who and whose I am is what makes me bold. God put me here on assignment. So I rest in Him and surrender to His grace and mercy to get me through anything. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)”

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CHRISTMAS EATS AND TREATS

OUR CHRISTMAS TABLE Warm hearts and satisfied tummies Christmas dishes that are oh so yummy! By: Kishanie Whyte

I'd venture to say that most of us excitedly anticipate the spread on the Christmas table. The sides, the main, the dessert! I'm a simple woman and will do just fine with honey glazed ham, curried goat, baked chicken, scalloped potatoes, and a salad [of course] and the Christmas season hasn’t really begun without Sorrel! With that said, Hope has put together a concise but very necessary list of recipes that will enhance your Christmas dining experience.

"DO MORE OF WHAT TASTE GOOD!" 40

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CHRISTMAS SPREAD

SORREL

HONEY GLAZED HAM

BARBECUE CHICKEN

SCALLOPED POTATOES

SALAD

RECIPES SORREL

HONEY GLAZED HAM

Ingredients 3 cups dried Sorrel (Hibiscus) 12 Allspice berries 12 Cloves 1/4 cup grated or crushed Ginger Brown Sugar White Rum (optional) Red Label Wine (optional) 6 cups of water

Ingredients 1 (5 lb) ready to eat Ham 1/4 cup cloves 1/4 cup dark syrup 2 cups honey 2/3 cup butter Canned Pineapples Maraschino cherries

Instructions Bring water, Sorrel, Cloves, Allspice, and Ginger to a boil for 15 minutes Remove from heat and let sit in an airtight container for 24 to 72 hours Strain liquid through mesh or cheesecloth, pressing to express a much of the liquid as possible (repeat as needed) Add brown sugar, Rum, and White Rum to taste

Instructions Preheat oven to 325 F Place Ham on a baking tray Score Ham and stud with cloves Heat syrup, honey, and butter Glaze Ham and bake for 1hr 15 mins Base Ham every 15 minutes Broil for last 4 minutes of baking

SCALLOPED POTATOES Ingredients Potatoes Onions Garlic Flour Milk/Heavy cream Veg broth Cheddar cheese Salt Pepper Garlic powder Onion Powder Thyme Parsley Gouda Cajun seasoning

Instructions Preheat oven to 350F Grate the cheese and peel potatoes and use a mandoline slicer to cut them into 1/8" Over medium-high heat melt butter in a saucepan, add the garlic and cook it for about 30 seconds. Add in the cream, salt, and some pepper. Let it warm. Stir occasionally and take it off the heat as it reaches a boil. Arrange half of the potatoes on the bottom of a greased baking dish Pour in half the cream mixture, and then add half of each cheese. Repeat the process for the second layer, finishing up with a layer of cheese on top. Bake, covered with foil, for 40 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 25-35 minutes . Let the potatoes sit for 5-10 minutes prior to serving.

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SHALAI'S DELIGHT Now taking orders for Wedding and Jamaican Fruit Cakes!

We Cater too!

Don't Delay!

Call or email today! (754) 715-0716 SHALAISDELIGHT@GMAIL.COM 43

Q&A FROM OWNER OF SHALAI'S DELIGHT

'm Shalai-wah Henry. I hail from Jamaica and absolutely love Jamaican cuisine. I studied Food and Nutrition in high school and went

on to a college degree in Home Economics. My dad always encouraged me to cook as we would compete for who could make the best curried goat. Christmas time was for my mom, she taught me how to bake from an early age. She would allow me to help her with everything from shopping to the end product and scraping out the bowl! Lol I have now taken my gifts seriously and will share them with people on a larger scale. I enjoy cooking, baking and decorating for myself and others.

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Q. What is your fondest holiday food memory? A. Baking cakes with my mom and fighting with my brother to eat the cake batter. Q. Which is your favorite meal to cook during the holidays? A. I enjoy doing a whole roasted chicken with all the Jamaican sides. Q. What inspired your love for food? A. My dad inspired me at first as he would say "come watch how people cook!" Then he would challenge me to prepare dishes every Sunday. I then choose home economics in high school and my love for cooking grew even more and this continued into college. Q. What are some of the ways that you share your love for food with others? A. I am always cooking and sharing with friends and family. Now, I share my dishes on social media platforms and I also share by way of sales to my customers. Q. What is your ultimate dream for this food journey? A. To own a restaurant, a food magazine and a cookbook.

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

IN THE MARKET FOR A NEW HOME?

Look no further! Call Dulce Mangual of Starlink Realty to help you on your way.

Serving all of Florida Mostly, SW Florida area Naples Ft. Myers Lehigh Acres Labelle

I LOVE CREATING CHRISTMAS MAGIC!

his year's theme is "Country Christmas" using Buffalo plaid print. Red and black, black and white and the red Christmas truck. Why Buffalo plaid? Well, I associate the

print with an image; it's a small, quaint, warm and a close knit community. I want to feel warm and cozy. I want a magical feeling. Magic for me feels like walking outside in the early morning and the cold brisk air hits you by surprise. You take it in and it wraps around you until you adjust to it and then feel the warmth seal in. I want to create THAT feeling. I'm always trying to capture the Christmas magic every year. When I am creating; I am looking for uniformity, so I can create an overall atmosphere using my theme. This year my parents are hosting Christmas. I want them to have their own theme that they can build on year after year. My parents have also done a lot of renovations on the house and I recall my sister stating that our parents' house (with the new siding) looks like a farm house. Though, it was not said as a compliment, I thought to myself that she may be on to something. Our father, particularly enjoys the country style and in thinking about this year's

"I'M ALWAYS TRYING TO CAPTURE THE CHRISTMAS MAGIC EVERY YEAR." 48

theme I wanted a warm decor to match the Christmas season. I searched briefly and "Eureka!" I came across "Buffalo plaid christmas decorations". I wanted to keep our expenses down so I looked at DIY projects that are unique and tied together grand and detailed items. One project I found was on YouTube. This YouTuber showed a DIY project of a Christmas sign in buffalo plaid and how to make the Buffalo plaid background. I of course repurposed old composite wood that we had from another project. It's a little rough but the idea and outcome are similar and you can tell that it was inspired by the DIY project found on YouTube. Buying inexpensive items at the dollar store and Ross has been helpful. I can spruce up individual items with decorative ribbons in Buffalo plaid. I've spruced up candelabras, centerpieces and laterns. Creating and bringing a vision together is very therapeutic. I have had the pleasure of completing some DIY projects with my father, (the Christmas fence) and the joy of seeing my family and love ones enjoy the Christmas decor and the feel of Christmas magic cannot be understated. I am thankful to Jesus for bringing salvation, for showing me the importance of family, and for the ability to do what I can with Christmas decorating each year. Merry CHRISTmas!

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BEFORE

AFTER

INSPIRATION

OUTCOME 49

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With your bold attitude, festive looks, and loads of inspiration, where will you go? Close the door behind you and venture to places that bring you great joy. Whether you are traveling by plane, train, or automobile, soak up the magic of each encounter and create memories that puts a smile on your face for years to come.

And if you're staying in at your beautifully decorated home, re-coup and make memories with your loved ones. Explore away in your mind on all the memorable occasions that brought on that smile. Whatever you do, remember all that the season brings and emerge making the most out of each moment. It's the season of hope - your season, so just walk in boldly and own it!

TRAVELING DURING THE HOLIDAYS? My name is Kenesha Allen. I’ve abeen a flight attendant for 21 years. Being a flight attendant has allowed me to do things I love and get paid while doing it

HERE ARE SOME TIPS TO GET YOU ON YOUR WAY!

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TIPS ON TRAVELING DURING THE HOLIDAYS. - Carefully read the rules and regulations for the airline. - Be on time and plan accordingly. - For domestic flights give yourself 2-3 hours. - International flights 3-4 hours Most airlines allow you to check-in and get your boarding pass 24 hrs before the flight. - If you’re connecting give yourself enough time to make your connecting flight. - Security lines are long so plan accordingly. - Be at the gate 10-15 minutes before your flight departs. - Take snacks if possible. - Be prepared, because stuff happens. - Relax, Breathe and Enjoy your flight.

WISH YOU WERE HERE... CHRISTMAS SEASON

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TWIRLING IN THE ROMANTIC MIST AT LAKE LOUISE, ALBERTA, CA

MARVELED BY GOD - BANFF, ALBERTA, CA 55

'WISH YOU WERE HERE' Moment from Hope Contributor, Sutanya Allen

Y.S. Falls, St. Elizabeth, JA

ictures are like memories captured. Every one tells a story. 2021 was a year of reflection. I lived in Jamaica for 12 years and did not realize how beautiful it was until I left. I miss people more than any place I’ve ever been, but until we meet again, I’ll enjoy the scenery in my backyard, which I often forget to appreciate. Happy Holidays!! It’s easy to miss the beauty in the everyday, when comparing it to yesterday.

Twin Falls, Idaho

HOPE THE MAGAZINE

Looking out at the beautiful LOOKING OUT AT views and enjoying the THE BEAUTIFUL VIEW AND ENJOYING THE EXOTIC exotic flowers and plants at FLOWERS AND PLANTS Strawberrry Hill Resort in AT STRAWBERRY HILL Kingston, HOTELJA. IN KINGSTON, JA.

Looking out at the beautiful

AS WE EMBARK UPON A NEW YEAR In all things give thanks! This year has certainly kept us on our toes, facing the whirlwinds and periodic aftermath of Covid. We found ourselves reconciling from 2020 trying to figure out the new normal. We had to decide if we would be crippled by fear or remember who and Whose we are, so that His purpose in our lives will be fulfilled

ne thing I know rang true is that people were tired of the bondage that Covid brought on. The bondage stretched from restrictions in our movements, to restrictions and sometimes conflicts in our minds. One statement that breath life is, "where there is a will; there is a way." So many of us picked up the pieces, pivoted and found creative routes to accomplish the plans that God has for us. As a result of pushing through the barriers, facing our fears and determined to not succumb to the many obstacles that surrounded us, we changed course by changing our perspective. Our new perspective is gratitude. The more we look for things to give thanks for, the more things we found. The more things we found the happier and calmer we felt. The happier and calmer we felt, the bolder we became. We've found the remedy for moving forward. And not just any old way, timidly and jumping at every sound that comes to distract and discourage us, but boldly. Our attitude of gratitude reminds us that even if something doesn't work out as we think it should, we will have hope and still give thanks because our Father works everything together for good for those who love him and called according to his purpose.

Let's take this determined spirit into 2022 and show up for the life that God envisioned for you. Give thanks in all things and find the good in yourself and others. Walk boldly knowing that you are on a mission for the King and you have him with you every step of the way.

"THE MORE WE LOOK FOR THINGS TO GIVE THANKS FOR, THE MORE THINGS WE FOUND."

Boldly Walking, ~Sidonie

HOPE THE MAGAZINE

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