Bella Magazine - December 2016

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H O L I DAY G I F T G U I D E CHRISTMAS BREAKFAST WO M E N’S H EA LT H & M O R E

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Joey Coakley Beck Publisher & Owner jbeck@beckmediagroup.com Hayleigh Worgan Editorial Director hworgan@beckmediagroup.com Sara Coakley Office Manager bella@beckmediagroup.com ••• ADVERTISING Meredith MacKenzie Advertising Sales Representative meredith@beckmediagroup.com Advertising Inquiries advertise@beckmediagroup.com bella@beckmediagroup.com (540) 904-6800 ••• Contributors Nicole Brobston, Centra Health, Member One Federal Credit Union, Hayleigh Worgan Editorial Inquiries editorial@beckmediagroup.com Internship Inquiries editorial@beckmediagroup.com

extraordinary women page 7 Ruth Rau encourages open-ended play with handmade toys.

holiday gift guide pages 9-13

Support local businesses AND give the most memorable gifts!

holiday spending

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Tips to help you use those credit cards wisely.

meet the maker

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Introducing Lisa Gum from The Artful Sojourn.

mind.body.soul. pages 19-20

For those who need a helping hand in the midst of celebrations.

exploring minimalism The journey is just beginning.

bella girls d.i.y.

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A cute DIY Snowman everyone will love!

holiday breakfast LLC

P.O. Box 107 Roanoke, Virginia 24002 540.904.6800 fax 540.904.6803 Bella Magazine is the property of Beck Media Group LLC. It is a free publication printed monthly and is distributed throughout Southwest and Central Virginia and beyond. The Publisher reserves the right to refuse ad space for any advertisement or editorial content the staff deems inappropriate for our readers. The concept and design of Bella Magazine, as well as the design, advertisements, art, photos and editorial content is property of Beck Media Group LLC and may not be copied or reprinted without written permission from the publisher. ©2016 Beck Media Group LLC All Rights Reserved. PRINTED IN THE USA w w w. l o v e l y b e l l a . c o m

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The best memories begin around the table with those you love most.

holiday happenings

find us

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Local opportunities to celebrate the holiday season.

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Photos by Jillian Green Photography

extraordinary women A local toymaker spreads joy throughout the year

Ruth Rau, from Winchester, Virginia, has been sewing since she was a child. However, it wasn’t until she had children of her own that she realized exactly how her talents could be used to help other parents.

“I had my first son five and a half years ago,” she recalls. “When he was about 18 months old, he started to fall in love with little cars. We always had to have them with us.”

One night, during a girls’ night out at a sushi bar, Ruth went into her purse to retrieve her credit card and three little matchbox cars fell out on to the floor. She knew then that she had to find a solution and began making soft travel toys that were not only much easier to store, but also more open-ended.

“My little boys love being in charge of their own things,” she explains. “They love that feeling of control when it’s their toy and their bag. We do so much for them, and if we can give them things that they can do for themselves, it helps their confidence levels.”

“Open-ended” toys allow children to play without worrying about mastering a skill. The latter can be quite frustrating, and this type of toy encourages them to continue playing rather than give up.

Her online shop features toys for all ages up to older children and pre-teen years. The most recent addition is a “Learn to Embroidery” Cupcake Kit. Ultimately, she wants to provide a service for parents that encourages imagination, independence, and independent thought in their children. The goal is to tap in to those strengths despite stressful situations and less than ideal circumstances—whether it be in the car for vacation or in a doctor’s office waiting room.

“A friend of mine has a little girl who is having some chronic illness issues. She has to go to the doctor’s office a lot, and she once sent me a beautiful picture of her little girl playing with one of the toys I made in the waiting room,” Ruth says. “She was so pleased that even though they were stuck inside on a beautiful day, her daughter was excited to play with a toy that she could carry with them in a diaper bag.”

Ruth has several crafts shows coming up early this month, but you can also purchase her handmade toys online at www.handmadehappinessbyruth.com. Follow her on Facebook for more information on events, and be on the lookout for her final ship day before the holidays! Of course, these are gifts that are great for children yearround, especially those who go on road trips. Check them out and let us know what you think!

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Where can you find these gift ideas?

1) Julie Vos jewelry, Punch Boutique 2) Totes for every project, Wool Workshop 3) Precious hand-knit hats for your littles, Wool Workshop 4) S’Well water bottles in so many delicious patterns, found at Urban Gypsy & Yarid’s 5) Made in the Deep South cuffs, Yarid’s 6) Linda Richards fur ball hats, Yarid’s 7) Roanoke Places Mug, chocolatepaper w w w. l o v e l y b e l l a . c o m

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4 Where can you find these gift ideas?

1) Tory Burch Pom Pom backpack, Yarid’s 2) Classis UGGs, Bush-Flora Shoes & Yarid’s 3) Heirloom rugs and runners, Oriental Rug Gallery 4) Winter-ready fashions & accessories, Punch Boutique 5) Heather Moore Jewelry customized from the heart, Fink’s Jewelers 6) Gourmet truffles for your sweets, chocolatepaper

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More gift ideas all month long on our Facebook page & www.lovelybella.com december 2016

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Where can you find these gift ideas?

1) Roanoke Star Gift Basket, chocolatepaper 2) Heather Moore Jewelry, Fink’s Jewlers 3) Amazing Voluspa candles in so many wonderful scents, Urban Gypsy 4) Hand screen printed cotton totes, Wool Workshop 5) Fine oriental rugs in a wide array of patterns and sizes, Oriental Rug Gallery 6) Magnolia Home gray hall bench, Grand Home Furnishings 7) Cute lunch bags and snack sacks for your little (and big) ones, Wool Workshop 8) The Simplified Planner, Punch Boutique 9) Magnolia Home framed panel daybed, Grand Home Furnishings 10) Festive Hunter boots, Punch Boutique 11) Unique gift ideas and stocking stuffers, Urban Gypsy 12) Artisan olive oils and vinegars are perfect for the foodies on your gift giving list. Oliveto has so many varieties and flavors to choose from! w w w. l o v e l y b e l l a . c o m

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stay jolly by spending wisely Simple credit card tips for the holiday season

We know that your bank account can make a downturn this time of the year. There’s the gift buying, the parties, the food, the hosting, and the travel. It adds up quickly and your credit card is probably taking a hit.

A quick swipe of your plastic (or reading of the chip) and your balance goes up. Funny how that works, isn’t it? But did you know there are some benefits to using a credit card? Below are some tips for smart credit card use.

Keep your credit score in mind. Spending (responsibly) on a credit card actually helps your credit score. It’s one of the best ways to improve and establish good credit, but only if you make your payments on time and you pay down (or better yet, pay off) the balance each month. Make sure to also keep your credit utilization ratio—the amount you owe compared to your credit limit—in check. Keeping this ratio low will make you more appealing to future lenders.

Don’t chase after reward points. Credit card rewards can be a good way to maximize the value of every dollar by earning cash back, points, or miles that you can later redeem. But don’t fall into a trap of charging more to your credit card just to earn a certain reward, such as an airfare ticket or hotel stay.

You might end up paying more money in interest than the amount you’ll save with the reward.

Be strategic by consolidating debt. You can use one credit card as a strategy to consolidate debt by rolling old debts into a single new one. Just make sure the credit card you’re rolling balances into has a lower interest rate; otherwise, you’re throwing away even more money on interest payments. This can also be a helpful strategy when budgeting for the holidays. Consolidating to one credit card means you only have to keep track of one credit card bill each month.

Think of your safety. Credit cards can be a great way to protect yourself against fraud. Unlike a debit card, credit card purchases aren’t directly tied to your bank account, so fraudsters can’t drain your account if your card is stolen. Review your credit card provider’s fraud protection policy and take advantage of purchase alert features that notify you when your card has been used.

So go ahead and charge it (wisely, of course) and keep these tips in mind while spending this season.

Join Member One here each month for more money-saving tips and financial advice! Be sure to visit their website, www.memberonefcu.com, for more information on the products and services they offer. w w w. l o v e l y b e l l a . c o m

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Photos by Leah Seavers of Gaudium Photography and Olivia McLaughlin page 16

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MEET THE

MAKERS Meet Lisa Gum from The Artful Sojourn

Lisa Gum is the founder and designer of The Artful

Sojourn, a one-of-a-kind jewelry company based out of Lynchburg, Virginia. When it first began, the Artful Sojourn was a small company, but it has since flourished under the watchful eye of its founder.

Naming the company was a contemplative

exercise for Lisa, as she considered how she could use her passion for art to make a difference in the world.

By definition, a sojourn is a temporary stay somewhere or a short visit. Lisa knew that would play a key role in the name in addition to her values and beliefs. “I really

wanted to use my time here, my sojourn, to make a dif-

ference in the world,” she explains. Her creativity and artistic ability inspired the second half of the name, as her sojourn in this world is an artful one. Hence, The Artful Sojourn was born.

As for making a difference, that is something Lisa has been committed to since the begin-

ning. Some of the first jewelry she sold helped fundraise for a mission trip she wanted to take to

Germany four years ago. Today, The Artful Sojourn partners with the Big World Project, allowing

Lisa to donate 20% of her profits to help those in need through an organization that is close to her heart.

The company has existed in one form or another for the last four years, originally as a way

to fundraise for a mission trip to a now full-time job for Lisa, but she has been creating jewelry

since she was 15. She remembers making Christmas earrings in high school and manipulating wire into intricate shapes and designs.

Designing may be her passion, but Lisa’s favorite part of the business is the experience she

has with her customers. “That’s probably one of my favorite things ever with this company, espe-

cially going to shows and interacting with customers in person and hearing anyway that [my jew-

elry] impacts their lives,” she explains. “Being encouraged by their own stories is just so awesome.”

The Artful Sojourn will be participating in Liberty University’s Craft Fair on December 10.

However, if you can’t make it to the craft fair, you can purchase items locally from Urban Gypsy. Visit their website, www.theartfulsojourn.com for more information on the company, their products, and where to find them.

Are you a maker? Know of one we should cover?

Let us know!

Written by Nicole Brobston

bella@beckmediagroup.com

Nicole Brobston is an undergraduate student at Roanoke College set to graduate in May 2018. She is pursuing a dual degree in English Literature and Creative Writing with a minor in German. w w w. l o v e l y b e l l a . c o m

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mind . body . soul

the safety pin i’m wearing A commitment to myself and, just maybe, to you

stress & the holidays Avoiding the pitfalls that can ruin your festivities It’s the most wonderful time of the year—until you look at your to do list. For those of us struggling with anxiety or even just stress resulting from environmental pressures, it can be difficult to focus excess energy effectively.

Fortunately, there are ways to combat these feelings before they even start. Try a few of our favorite “life hacks” below to avoid a holiday frenzy meltdown.

Start a new diet.

Cookies, cakes, and pies are everywhere. It’s ok to indulge every now and then, but don’t let it become a habit. Listen to what your body needs. As the season changes and the day gets shorter, you may find yourself with less energy. It is easy to give in to the feeling of being overwhelmed when you are eating things that make you tired. Start your day off right with a smoothie or hard boiled eggs.

Make sure you are getting enough protein. Your body and your spirit will thank you.

Don’t be afraid to talk about your anxiety.

Whether it is a condition that has plagued your for years or your environment is creating stress in your life, let people know. The only way you can overcome it or use it effectively is by asking for help.

Forgive yourself.

You can’t make it to every party. We are all human, and ultimately someone will forget a gift for their hostess. Pinterest is great, but it doesn’t do the work for you (unfortunately), and sometimes you end up with a really great example of a “Pinterest fail.” These things happen to everyone, and people forget within a week at the most.

Instead of criticizing yourself, take a moment to remember all of the things you have accomplished.

Clear out the clutter.

Visual clutter can completely shut someone down. Take care of clutter in the form of mail and receipts as soon as they enter your home to avoid covering your precious counter space and tabletops with them. Also, decorating doesn’t have to be a priority. There is far too much to do already, and decorations can make your house feel much smaller. Stick to what makes you happy, not keeping up with your neighbors.

The holidays and stress often go hand-in-hand, but you don’t have to let it ruin the next month for you. Be proactive in your approach. The most important thing is not the height of your tree or finding the best dress, but instead finding the peace that lets you enjoy the magic of the season. w w w. l o v e l y b e l l a . c o m

There are a lot of opinions floating around on social media about the donning of a safety pin on one’s apparel. Some would agree that it is a visible sign that the person wearing it will help provide a safe place for people who identify as a member of the many targeted groups who have experienced hate crimes throughout history. Others have argued that it is something of a shield—an easy way for the wearer to escape any real action helping the same marginalized groups while still identifying themselves as one of the “good guys.”

I would like to respectfully address the latter. I understand the argument comes from a place of anger, and perhaps the writer’s own embarrassment.

Believe me when I say, I’m embarrassed also. I’m embarrassed that, despite my belief that those in the LGBTQ community should always enjoy the same rights and freedoms I occasionally take for granted, I let their recent victory in the Supreme Court make me lazy.

I’m ashamed that I took my extra money over the last few months and bought coffee or treats for myself while women in more conservative states feared that key resources like Planned Parenthood would disappear because of the life-saving, professional services they offer to some patients who choose not to carry their pregnancy to term for whatever reason.

I’m furious with myself for not engaging with those on social media who posted memes about gun control, subtly and not-so-subtly identifying Muslims as the problem behind the attacks we’ve experienced in recent months. Additionally, I’m horrified that pressing a “delete” button or demurring from the “sensitive” topic of immigration and violence against minorities was my choice approach for so long. It was such because I believed that we lived in a country where yes, fear has a voice, but compassion, kindness, and acceptance were so close to eradicating it.

I’m embarrassed, but not by my safety pin.

We are surrounded by distractions that let us fall into the monotony of modern life without considering the violence and discrimination befalling humans across this planet and across our nation. A tragedy occurs and we change our profile pictures to represent our sympathy, but by the following week things are back to normal unless you are directly affected by the tragedy. Nothing is ever going to change unless we realize that we have a responsibility, as humans, to stand up for one another. Even when it is uncomfortable. Even when our newsfeeds are filled with engagements, babies, and accomplishments.

If my safety pin tells you that I am a safe space, that is a wonderful thing. I will stand next to you, and I will give you a shoulder on which you can cry, lean, or use to climb up and achieve your dreams.

But that little silver trinket is not, nor will it ever be, a plea for recognition or a pat on the back.

It is a reminder that history in fact does repeat itself if we aren’t careful. The Emmett Tills and Matthew Shepards of this world are still out there suffering. And when I look at my wrist, I make a promise to them that I will never let myself get lazy again.

Written by Hayleigh Worgan

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mind . body . soul

protecting the people you love Lifting the stigma of mental illness

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We need to talk about something important. The holidays are a joyous time filled with family, love, and laughter. Unfortunately, this time of year does not mean happiness for everyone.

Many people around the world are suffering from acute/chronic psychiatric conditions including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. Perhaps as serious as the illness itself is the stigma that surrounds these conditions. Quite frankly, it’s frightening.

Often, victims are too afraid to tell their family and friends because they don’t know how they will react or if they will be outcasts. The reason they feel that way has less to do with their own limitations and more to do with a society where people treat mental illness like a myth, a bad outfit, or something highly contagious. The results of that type of thinking have proven to be deadly.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, suicide was the 10th leading cause of death in the United States in 2015. This is a battle we are fighting—let me rephrase—we should be fighting as a nation. Yet the fear of embarrassment, the inconvenience of tough conversations, and the lack of understanding is literally killing people.

So often, people talk in whispers about mental health and hospitalization. However, the family whose loved one was saved from the grips of their illness by a medical professional has the chance to spend another holiday knowing they are safe. The first priority should be getting healthy, and then regrouping as a community around that person to help pick up the pieces.

If you or someone you love are experiencing any of the following, you should contact a doctor immediately: significant changes in appetite and sleep patterns; irritability, anger, worry, agitation, and anxiety; loss of energy, inability to concentrate; social withdrawal, feelings of guilt and worthlessness, or recurring thoughts of death or suicide.

It is also important to understand that depression is not a normal part of growing older.

When sad events occur, it is appropriate to feel sadness or grief. However, if that feeling persists for a long time, you should consider seeking treatment.

There is a phenomenal Adult Psychiatric Unit located in the Centra Virginia Baptist Hospital in Lynchburg, Virginia. You can reach them at 424-200-4444 or visit www.centrahealth. com. If you are in an emotional crisis, you should call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255. You can even text them for confidential support. Visit www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org to learn more.

There is no shame in getting help when you need it, and some of the greatest heroes are the people who listen and take these things seriously. Do it for yourself, for the person you love, and most importantly for all the holidays you want to spend together.

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exploring minimalism The journey is really just beginning

Written by Hayleigh Worgan

This would be the appropriate time to say, “all good things must come to an end.” However, the end of this monthly column does not signify the end of my journey with minimalism, and it doesn’t have to mean the end of yours.

The basics of minimalism are simple. You don’t need a book to tell you that having less stuff means less clutter. We all know the feeling of metaphorical and physical weight being lifted from our shoulders when we drop off a bag of clothes at a thrift store. Living with less means that you can focus on things that really matter. It gives you more time for family and pursuing your passions. No matter where you are financially, it gives you permission to live your best life.

This column is ending, but I hope the following things stick with you:

Decreasing the items in your wardrobe will give you more time to get ready, workout, or prepare a healthy breakfast every morning. Ultimately, it will give you more time with your family and eliminate mountains of dirty clothes in your closet and throughout your home.

Keep surfaces bare and sinks empty. Deal with clutter as it happens. This includes washing and putting dishes away after each meal, filing or recycling mail as it enters your home, and finding a place for purchases the moment they enter your door. Giving these items a home on your coffee table, counter, or dining room table may be the most short term convenient option, but you will regret it in the long run.

And, speaking of purchases, decluttering your home is only the first step. As we celebrate the holiday season, remember that in order to stick to your new minimalist goals, everything that enters your home must replace something that already exists. By making this rule, you become a more conscious consumer. You will also likely become even more appreciative of the gifts you receive because they will always have a purpose instead of finding a home at the back of your closet.

Minimalism is also about taking back your schedule and making time for things that matter. It makes you aware of the amount of time you spend on social media, watching television, and clocking in to work. When you stop spending so much on decorations and sale items that will be meaningless by January, your finances will thank you—and you may be able to adjust your work habits accordingly.

Finally, make minimalism a family goal. Instead of forcing it, however, lead the way with your own habits. Show your family that, by decluttering and being a conscious consumer, you are happier. You have more money to put towards experiences instead of electronics or toys. Show them your awareness of how detrimental consumer distractions can be has increased your potential for joy because you can appreciate what you already own.

We spend so much of this life in pursuit of happiness. The question I want to leave you with is, what if it has been right under our noses all along?

“Live simply, so that others may simply live.”

- Mahatma Gandhi

Hayleigh is a beginner minimalist who loves going anywhere she can hang her hammock.

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bella girls

d.i.y.

Written by Nicole Brobston

An easy DIY Last Minute Gift: Snow Man Hot Chocolate

With the holidays comes the joy of gift-giving. Homemade, love-infused, quick gifts are always a welcome treasure in the busy season, especially those involving hot chocolate and peppermint. With this cute homemade jar and wonderfully creamy white peppermint hot chocolate, your twist on a holiday favorite is sure to have your friends and coworkers smiling!

Snowman

A Mason jar 3 buttons A strip of red fabric or ribbon A hot glue gun First, you will glue the buttons up the middle of the Mason jar. Once dry, tie the red fabric or ribbon around the mouth of the jar. This will create the illusion of a snowman once you add the dry hot chocolate ingredients.

White Peppermint Hot Chocolate 1 1/4 cups nonfat dry milk powder 6 tbsp sugar 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa 6 tbsp white chocolate chips 1/4 cup crushed candy cane or peppermint crumbs

This recipe makes approximately 8 cups and should fit snuggly in an average sized mason jar.

Mix the dry ingredients and pack into the jar in any order.

Include the following instructions with your gift: To make a serving of cocoa, heat 8 ounces milk or hot water. Stir in a heaping 1/4 cup of the mixture, shaking first to be sure you get some white chocolate chips and crushed candy in each serving.

Now you have an adorable, simple gift for your loved ones infused with holiday spirit and peppermint! If you only double the recipe you can make multiple jars to get you through the holiday season. Happy Holidays!

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Holiday

Breakfast The best memories begin around the table with those you love most

The holidays are all about creating a warm and welcoming environment for yourself and your loved ones. There is no better way to do just that than starting the day off with a comforting breakfast. Try one (or BOTH!) of our favorite delicious recipes for yourself and visit the websites we’ve included for more memorable holiday dishes!

Cheesy Tater Tot Breakfast Bake www.chewoutloud.com

4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled 1 pound ground breakfast sausage, no casings 2 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded, divided 2 cups whole milk 2 extra large eggs or 3 large eggs 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1/3 teaspoon onion powder pinch of table salt (1/8 teaspoon) 2 pounds frozen tater tots 3 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley for garnish In a very large skillet, cook sausage on medium high heat, breaking up the meat and browning it. Once cooked through, drain and layer onto the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking pan. Evenly sprinkle 2 cups of the cheese over cooked sausage.

In a large bowl, hand-whisk together the milk, eggs, pepper, onion powder, and salt. Once mixed, pour evenly over the cheese and sausage in baking dish. Layer top with frozen tater tots.

If not baking right away, cover tightly with foil and chill in fridge until the next morning.

When ready to bake, set oven to 350F with rack on lower middle position. Once oven reaches 350F, place casserole in oven for about 35 minutes. Top with additional 1/2 cup cheese, cooked/ crumbled bacon, and bake another 5-10 minutes or until sides are bubbling and top is golden brown. Garnish with chopped parsley, let rest at room temp 10 minutes, and serve. page 26

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Nutella Sticky Buns www.howsweeteats.com

For Buns: 2/3 cup whole milk 6 tablespoons sugar 2 teaspoons active dry yeast 2 large eggs 2 3/4 cup all purpose flour, pus extra for dusting 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened and cut into pieces For Nutella Carmel: 1/2 cup unsalted butter 1 cup loosely packed sugar 1 cup heavy cream 1/3 cup honey 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 cup Nutella 2/3 cup toasted sliced almonds For Filling: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted 1/2 cup loosely packed brown sugar 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon salt 2/3 cup Nutella Heat the milk in a saucepan over medium-low heat until just warm, around 105-110 degrees Fahrenheit. Stir in one tablespoon of the sugar. Sprinkle the yeast overtop and let sit until foamy, about five minutes. Once foamy, whisk in the eggs until smooth.

Place the flour and salt in the bowl of your electric stand mixer.

Slowly add the milk mixture and mix on low speed until combined.

Add the butter one piece at a time, beating until combined. Mix on medium-high speed for five minutes to knead the dough. It should be silky and smooth. Remove the dough and place it in an oiled bowl, then cover with plastic wrap. Let sit and double in size for one to two hours.

Right before the dough is ready, make the Nutella caramel. Add the butter to a saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the sugar, cream, honey, and salt. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer and cook for three to four minutes until glossy and smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Stir in the Nutella. Pour almost all of the mixture, reserving about 1/2 cup, in a 9x13 baking dish. Sprinkle the almonds on top. At this point, you can also drop some spoonfuls of Nutella right on top of the mixture.

Take the dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, about 18x12 inches or so. Bruch the melted butter all over the dough. Spread the Nutella all over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the outsides. Combine the sugar, cinnamon, and salt and sprinkle it overtop. Tightly roll the dough from one of the long ends into a long log. Slice into 1-inch rounds. Place the rounds on top of the almonds and caramel in the dish. Brush with melted butter and cover with plastic wrap. Let rise in a warm place for 30 to 45 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake the buns, uncovered for about 45-50 minutes, covering with foil if they start to brown too much. You want the bottom to be bubbling and the buns to be set. Remove from the oven and cover with the remaining Nutella caramel. Let sit for 15 to 20 minutes, then carefully invert the pan so the buns flip out and the caramel and almonds are on top. Serve immediately. w w w. l o v e l y b e l l a . c o m

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jingle juice holiday punch

Our new favorite adult beverage for holiday parties!

The hot chocolate is gone, the presents have been opened, and your guests are snacking on the remainder of your casseroles, cookies, and sweets.

There is no better time to break out this Jingle Juice Holiday Punch from Inspired by Charm! www.inspiredbycharm.com You will need: 1 bottle (750 ml) Whipped Vodka 1 bottle Pink Champagne or Sparkling Rose 1 2 liter bottle Cherry 7-up Cranberries for garnish, optional In a punch bowl or large pitcher filled with ice, combine all of the ingredients.

Stir well. Serve over ice and garnish with cranberries.

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december 2016

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bella magazine

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page 29

happenings Holiday

Priceless moments to share with the ones you love

Traditions are important, and it is never too late to start a new one with your family and friends. There are several very important events happening this holiday season that should be on your calendar if they are not already. And, who knows, you may run in to a Bella girl while you are there!

The Southwest Virginia Ballet will present The Nutcracker on Saturday, December 10 at 2 pm and 7 pm, and Sunday, December 11 at 3 pm at the Berglund Performing Arts Center. Adapted from “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King” by E.T.A. Hoffman, this holiday tradition features a cast of 150 performers that represent over 15 dance school from the Roanoke Valley and beyond with choreography by the incredibly talented Pedro Szalay. Join Clara and the Nutcracker Prince as they battle giant mice, dance with snowflakes, and journey to the Land of the Sweets where the Sugar Plum Fairy entertains them with exotic dances from around the world. Guests may also purchase tickets to Clara’s Tea Party at the Berglund Performing Arts Theatre on Sunday, December 13 at 1:30 pm. At this special pre-performance event, you will have the opportunity to meet Clara, The Nutcracker, and The Sugar Plum Fairy. Tea, cocoa, and treats will be served. For more information on this event and how to purchase tickets, go to www.svballet.org.

One of the most important gifts you can give yourself or a grieving family member during the holidays is time to remember those who cannot be with you. The Good Samaritan Hospice Love Light Tree has helped people in our community do just that since 1995.

You can purchase a “love light tag” in memory of a loved one for $10 or, for a donation of $25, individuals receive a 2016 porcelain ornament and a “love light tag.”

“Our love for someone does not die with them. It lives on in memories and day-to-day reminders of what life together meant. We work through grief by remembering, not by forgetting,” explains Good Samaritan Hospice CEO Sue Ranson.

At the beginning of the holiday season, Love Light Trees will be set up in Tanglewood Mall in Roanoke and New River Valley Mall in Christiansburg. They will be left on display at these locations throughout the months of November and December. Those who purchase “love light tags” will be able to choose the tree on which they would like their tag to be displayed. Thursday, December 15, is the deadline date to order Love Light ornaments to guarantee that they will be received in time for Christmas. Visit www.goodsamhospice.com for more information.

Make memories that will last a lifetime at Dickens of a Christmas in Downtown Roanoke! This event takes place on the first three Fridays in December.

Festivities will begin on December 2 with the City of Roanoke’s Christmas Tree Lighting at 6:15 pm. On December 9, the Christmas Parade will begin at 7 pm. Finally, on December 16, enjoy the Coca Cola Snow Zone and the RVSPCA Pet Costume Contest beginning at 6:30 pm.

This free, family-friendly event includes roasted chestnuts, carriage rides, and street performers throughout all three evenings. Visit www.downtownroanoke.org for more information. page 30

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bella magazine

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december 2016

w w w. l o v e l y b e l l a . c o m