October - November - December 2019 by CIRCA Magazine

CIRCA

OCTOBER

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NOVEMBER

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DECEMBER 2019

FA L L I N T O F U N I N T H E F O R E S T • H O L I DAY H O M E P R E P • A T OA S T T O ROA S T I N G • S M A RT S H O P P I N G • P O R K B E L LY B U R N T E N D S H A L L OW E E N A N D C H R I S T M A S I N B E AU F O RT • S TAG I N G F O R T H E S E A S O N • A O N E - T WO B A K I N G P U N C H • H O L I DAY D E C O R AT I N G Q & A A L I T T L E H O L I DAY D I Y • H O M E R E M E D I E S F O R C O L D A N D F L U S E A S O N • H O L I DAY D E C O R AT I N G M I S TA K E S • A N D M O R E

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A WORD FROM THE PUBLISHER

What did autumn say to summer? Make like a tree and leave! As I sat down to write this letter, I recalled how much fun I had including corny autumnal puns last year – so my apologies, but here we go again! I thought this pun was a good one to start with, as we have waved goodbye to summer and happily embraced fall. Yes, fall has arrived and ushered in crisp air, fall fairs, and beautiful color everywhere – leafing us all feeling refreshed after a long, hot summer. Orange you glad it’s here? I know I am! And in the blink of an eye, the holidays will be upon us too. And we’re here to help make sure that this season is your best one yet. This is a wonderful time of year – it’s a time for cooking inspiration, a time for decorating motivation, a time for memory making, and a time for tradition celebrating. For that cooking inspiration, don’t worry … we’ve got you covered. Check out “A Toast To Roasting,” “From Sweet To Savory – Sweet Potato And Acorn Squash Hash,” “Pork Belly Burnt Ends,” and “A One-Two Holiday Baking Punch” for ideas, tips, and recipes that will keep your friends’ and family’s tummies full, happy, and healthy all season long. For that decoration motivation, “Hey Y’all, It’s Fall!” answers common autumn decorating questions, while “Holiday Decorating Mistakes” is about … well, mistakes, but also how you can avoid making them this year. Tap into your crafty side and give the Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas projects described in “A Little Holiday DIY” a try – your holiday décor will thank you. Make some memories and establish some traditions this fall. Take a jaunt to the coast for an escape to Historic Beaufort, as highlighted in two “Driveable Destinations” this issue … one that might give you some Halloween goosebumps, and another that will thrust you into the spirit of the Christmas season. Or hop on over to our featured “Hidden Gem” for a uniquely fun family experience. And fill your fall calendar with the many can’tmiss events outlined in “Fall Into Fun In The Forest.” Of course, there is much more on the following pages – from fall plantings for winter beauty, to home remedies that will help relieve cold and flu symptoms, to smart holiday shopping tips and tricks, to suggestions for staging your home to sell it during the holiday season, to dry eye developments and advancements, and so much more. This issue is ready and waiting to help you fall for the season. As I wrap up, I just want to leaf you with my best wishes for a fantastic fall and a happy holiday season. And as always, please visit our many amazing advertisers who help make it possible for us to bring you this wonderful information … and be sure to tell them you found them in CIRCA! And a special thank you goes out to Chad and Rachel Lynam of Vintage Market Days of the Triangle (vintagemarketdays.com/market/nc-triangle) for the stunning image gracing our cover that shows how pumpkins help make autumn the most gourd-geous season of the year!

O C TO B E R • N OV E M B E R • D EC E M B E R 2019 6

Fall Into Fun In The Forest

Hey Y'all, It's Fall! – Fall Decorating Q&A To Help You Celebrate The Season

Driveable Destination – Beaufort's Old Burying Ground And Ghost Walk

Pork Belly Burnt Ends – Smoky And Sweet Autumn Treats

14 Fall For Winter Beauty In The Garden 16

Holiday Home Prep – Home Spaces To Clean Now Before The Holidays (And Guests) Arrive

Good Reads

A Toast To Roasting

Kidney Stones – Symptoms, Treatment, Prevention, And Relief

A Little Holiday DIY

Steeped In Tradition – The Wake Forest Community Christmas Dinner

38 Driveable Destination – Happy Holidays From Historic Beaufort 40 A One-Two Holiday Baking Punch 42 Teeth Talk – Dental Questions Patients Fear Asking 44

Staging For The Season – 5 Tips For Staging Your Home To Sell During The Holidays

All About Hair Extensions – From Drab To Fab In An Instant

Home Remedies For Cold And Flu Symptoms

PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Kent Lower CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Allison Caudle Abbott Amy Pierce Joe Pino Jill Bright Rhonda Benvie Plummer Bill Crabtree Dolores Riggins Mauranda Dalziel GoHealth Urgent Care Jennifer Smart Style House Designs David Greenwell Dr. Edmond Suh Holly Hopkins UNC Healthcare Suzanne Lucey Amy Vulgamott Tina Mast Dr. Samantha McPherson WakeMed Thomas Walters Stacey Moritz Brad Wynn Todd Nelson CONTACT INFORMATION BallPointe Publishing & Design, LLC P.O. Box 1182 Wake Forest, NC 27588 919.453.2555 • info@circamagazine.com circamagazine.com

50 A Brewpub's Place In The Community

ADVERTISING SALES 919.453.2555 • info@circamagazine.com

Dry Eye Developments – New Advancements And Treatments Will Let You Ditch The Drops

MANAGERS Kent Lower & Mitch Lower

Intermittent Fasting

Hidden Gem – Cloud Chamber For The Trees And Sky

Smart Shopping – Keep Your Spending Under Budget This Holiday Season

From Sweet To Savory – Sweet Potato And Acorn Squash Hash

7 Tips For Preparing Your Marketing For 2020

Holiday Decorating Mistakes ... And How To Avoid Them

Our Heritage Revisited – The Great War: The Silver Bugle At Wake Forest

Printed by RR Donnelly Nick Honeycutt 919.569.1872 • nhoneycutt@theodavis.com Front Cover Photo Courtesy of Vintage Market Days of the Triangle vintagemarketdays.com/market/nc-triangle/

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CIRCA Magazine is published quarterly by BallPointe Publishing & Design, LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or transmitted without the written permission of the publisher. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained within; however, BallPointe Publishing & Design assumes no liability for accuracy or omissions.

FALL INTO

FUN IN

THE FOREST BY BILL CRABTREE

ooking for family fun to wrap up 2019? The Town of Wake Forest has an exciting lineup of free community events and affordable entertainment options scheduled through the end of the year. With no details to plan, supplies to purchase, or messes to clean up, Town events and programs make it easy to meet your neighbors, make new friends, and support your community. Whether you’re looking to connect with nature or enjoy your favorite holiday tunes, be sure to save these dates and get ready to enjoy a fun-filled fall in the Forest!

ANGELINA BALLERINA: THE MUSICAL Vital Theatre will present “Angelina Ballerina: The Musical” on Friday, October 4 at 11:00 AM and 6:30 PM at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, located at 405 S. Brooks Street. Tickets are $10 for the 11:00 AM show and $12 for the 6:30 PM performance. Angelina and her friends Alice, Gracie, AZ, Viki, and even their teacher, Ms. Mimi, are all aflutter because a special guest is coming to visit Camembert Academy. Angelina and her friends will perform all types of dance, including hip-hop, modern dance, the Irish jig, and of course, ballet, and they are excited to show off their skills to their famous visitor. Angelina is the most excited of all, but will she get the starring moment she hopes for? Based on the CG-animated series, “Angelina Ballerina: The Next Steps,” “Angelina Ballerina: The Musical” is a family-friendly show that will have the entire audience dancing in the aisles. For more information, visit wakeforestrencen.org.

WAKE FOREST DANCE FESTIVAL For the third consecutive year, families, dance enthusiasts, and the public will celebrate dance and music during the Wake Forest Dance Festival (WFDF). This year’s event will take place Saturday, October 5 at E. Carroll Joyner Park, located at 701 Harris Road. Free and open to the public, the 2019 festival will bring a day of dance to the Triangle in a spectacular outdoor setting. WFDF showcases a diversity of dance genres, including classical ballet, modern, contemporary, jazz, and world dance, performed by international, national, and regional professional dancers, as well as local rising advanced dance performers. For complete details, visit wakeforestdancefestival.org. 6

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HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR The Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department will sponsor its annual “Halloween Spooktacular” on Thursday, October 24 from 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM at the Joyner Park Community Center at 701 Harris Road. This year’s festivities will include a costume contest, face painting, cupcake walk, pumpkin patch, and a variety of other ghostly games and activities. Free pumpkins will be given away (while supplies last). The best costumes will be featured on the Town’s social media pages, so get creative! This event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “Halloween.”

ROCKIN’ THE FOREST Assembling some of the top musical acts in our area, Rockin’ the Forest offers audiences a chance to discover first-rate performers in a variety of musical genres. On October 11, the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre welcomes Hip Pocket, followed by The Catalinas on November 8, and Steve Owens and Summertime on December 28. Future Rockin’ the Forest concerts are scheduled on January 17 (The Legacy Motown Review), February 28 (Jim Quick & Coastline), and March 27 (The Magnificents). Advance tickets are $15, but you can save $15 by purchasing the six-concert package for $75. For more information, visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “Rockin.”

CHRISTMAS IN WAKE FOREST Wake Forest truly comes alive during the Christmas season, so we’ve assembled the complete list of holiday happenings guaranteed to put you in the Christmas spirit. For more information on any of the following holiday events, visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “Christmas in Wake Forest.” Lighting of Wake Forest Experience the wonder and magic of the holiday season at the annual “Lighting of Wake Forest” on Friday, December 6. Sponsored by Traditions and presented by Wake Forest Downtown, Inc., the tree lighting will take place in Centennial Plaza – the gateway to the Wake Forest Town Hall. The festivities will get underway at 6:00 PM with the lighting of the Town’s 30-foot-tall Christmas tree, followed by Santa Claus’ exciting arrival aboard a Wake Forest fire truck. The event will also include

December 2019

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Downtown Holiday Open House Visit historic downtown Wake Forest and experience a hearty dose of holiday cheer during the Downtown Merchant’s Holiday Open House on Saturday, December 7. Sponsored by Wake Forest Downtown Inc., the event begins at 10:00 AM and will include special offers and complimentary refreshments at participating shops and restaurants, live entertainment, and fun-filled activities for kids and families. A variety of special events and activities will also be offered throughout the day at no cost, including “Pictures with Santa.” Wake Forest Holiday Artisans Market The Wake Forest Holiday Artisans Market is set for Saturday, December 7 from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM inside the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre. ARTS Wake Forest and the Wake Forest Farmers Market are pleased to present the annual holiday market featuring handmade items in a wide range of prices.

colorful floats, area high school marching bands, local businesses, churches, schools, and civic groups, and, of course, Santa Claus! Sponsored by PowerSecure and presented by Wake Forest Downtown, Inc., the parade takes place Saturday, December 14 at 1:00 PM, rain or shine.

the Housetop to the poignant Silent Night, songs of fun, faith, and hope are presented by the finest musicians and singers steeped in the traditions of America’s genre. Tickets are $25 plus tax. For more information, visit wakeforestrencen.org.

Christmas Jubilee Concert: Live From Nashville – Merry Country Christmas Celebrate the joy of the holiday season at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre during the Christmas Jubilee Concert: Live from Nashville – Merry Country Christmas on Saturday, December 14 at 7:00 PM and Sunday, December 15 at 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM. It’s a merry country Christmas indeed, when all your favorite carols are presented in authentic Nashville country style with dazzling guitars and fiddles, along with soaring harmonies. The joy of Christmas comes to you in this delightful production of toe-tapping, heartfelt music. From the fun of Old Saint Nick to the profoundly moving Oh Come all Ye Faithful, and from the playful Up on

Always be the first to know about Town of Wake Forest announcements, programs, and special events by signing up for ENotifier at wakeforestnc.gov/enotifier.aspx, downloading the Town of Wake Forest app at wakeforestnc.gov/app.aspx, visiting the town’s website at wakeforestnc.gov, or following the town on social media at TownofWakeForest. 

Cratchit Family Christmas Bright Star Theatre will present “Cratchit Family Christmas” on Sunday, December 8 at 3:00 PM at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre. Sponsored by the United Arts Council of Raleigh & Wake County, the program is free and open to everyone. We know what happened during the Christmas that Old Ebeneezer Scrooge was visited by three spirits, but what about the next Christmas? With heartwarming excitement, we find out how the Cratchit family has fared in the year that has passed since old Scrooge learned the true meaning of the season. This tale is sure to delight young and old alike. Wake Forest Christmas Parade Celebrate the holiday season at Wake Forest’s largest community event. Widely considered one of our area’s most popular holiday spectacles, Wake Forest’s annual Christmas parade features over 100 entries, including

CIRCA Magazine

STAY CONNECTED!

Bill Crabtree is communications and public affairs director for the Town of Wake Forest. He may be reached at bcrabtree@wakeforestnc.gov. Anna Bolton is the Marketing & Business Relations Specialist for the Town of Wake Forest. To learn more about promotional opportunities and event sponsorships, contact Anna at 919-610-4916 or abolton@wakeforestnc.gov.

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performances by local choirs, a children’s craft activity, complimentary “Pictures with Santa” in the Town Hall lobby, and free hot cocoa and cookies while supplies last.

incorporate into your décor with pillows and throws; – Crème de Peache: A soft peach tone that compliments many bold colors; – Eden Green: More of an emerald rich green to add throughout your room with accent pillows or wall décor. Another huge home décor trend for the season is adding natural elements to your spaces. Natural elements such as stone, copper, metal, wood, and granite help bring a sense of serenity and peace to a home. The combination of such metals and stone creates a custom feel and helps to make your space feel more unique.

BY STYLE HOUSE DESIGNS

HEY Y'ALL

IT’S FALL! FALL DECORATING Q&A TO HELP YOU CELEBRATE THE SEASON

f you ever wished you could ask an interior designer his or her top decorating tips for fall, you’re in luck! Following are some of the top Q & As that we have received for the upcoming season.

Q: What are the top home trends for the fall 2019 season? A: Color, color, and color. Did we say color? Adding pops of color throughout your home creates a happy, inviting atmosphere that you will be sure to love. A few of the best hues for the fall season, according to Pantone’s 2019 predictions, include: – Chili Pepper Red: A beautiful red color that pops in any room, whether you are painting an accent wall or want to add some spice to a bathroom or your kitchen; – Biking Red: A more adventurous tint, which you can easily 8

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Q: What are a few inexpensive ways to spruce up the inside of my home for fall? A: Adding just a few autumn pieces to your home can add a fabulously festive feel that will surely bring smiles to the faces of your family as well as your guests. Here are a few tips for bringing fall into your home and easily incorporating it into your existing décor (remember that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to achieve this; including just a few of the following options can perfectly transform your interior rooms into inviting autumn spaces). – Replace greenery in your home with fall foliage such as branches, wheat stalks, hay, and other accents that will warm up your space. – Swap your traditional candles with ones in a fun pop of color, such as a bright orange or dark green for a seasonal feel. – Toss a few new pillows and a throw to your couch. You can incorporate burlap along with mixing patterns such as plaid or striped pillows together to spice things up. Q: What can I add to create a welcoming fall front porch? A: Again, you don’t need many items to create a warm, autumn feel to this part of your house … just a few of these will look great and create a space that invites friends and family to your home. – Wood signs are all the rage right now. Whether it says “Welcome” or “Welcome Fall,” a wood sign looks great when placed next to a bench or near the front door. – Change up the typical orange pumpkins or add to your orange favorites a variety of shapes and colors of other pumpkins and gourds. For a bit of extra glam, spray paint them in such colors as gold or silver, or top with a festive ribbon. – Add some vibrant fall plants such as mums to your porch. These are beautiful when placed in different natural element containers such as metal and wood. – Add a colorful mat to your front door, or layer the front door with two mats, one larger than the other. – Change out your outdoor rocking chair or bench pillows with a few new ones in the colors that match your new colorful fall porch.

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Q: What are some easy ways to decorate an eye-catching place setting for the season? A: Fall is also a great time to invite your friends and neighbors over for dinner and share in the excitement of the season. Take advantage of this opportunity and be as creative as you want with your table setting. The following suggestions will definitely make an impression on your guests. – Change out your placemats to a textured material such as jute or burlap, or layer two placemats on top of each other for a fun setting. – Layer two decorative plates to add a colorful appeal to your table. Add place cards for your guests by writing their names on small pumpkins or add frames with a festive fall cardstock displaying their names.

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We hope these fun, easy, and inexpensive fall decorating tips will add tons of joy to your life for this special season!  This article was written by the interior design team at Style House Designs. There are two teams of design professionals (Jennifer McCoy and Becky Hill, and Melissa McCaskill and Janet O’Furey) who would love to help restyle your home to a home you love. You can contact them by reaching out on the website, stylehousedesigns.net or visiting their Facebook page. Style House Designs also has a gorgeous home décor/furniture/and gifts store, which is located at 317 E. Roosevelt Avenue in Wake Forest.

Come visit us in historic downtown Wake Forest or learn more at collegeatsoutheastern.com. /collegeSE

’tis the season

in WAKE FOREST

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Lighting of Wake Forest Festival Street Celebration

E. Owen Avenue

Wake Forest Town Hall

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Downtown Holiday Open House

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WF Holiday Artisans Market

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Cratchit Family Christmas

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Brunch with Santa

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Wake Forest Christmas Parade Downtown Wake Forest

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Live from Nashville Merry Country Christmas

7 7 8 8

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Downtown Business District

Renaissance Centre

Joyner Park Community Center

Renaissance Centre

wakeforestnc.gov search “Christmas in Wake Forest”

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DRIVEABLE DESTINATION

BEAUFORT'S OLD BURYING GROUND AND GHOST WALK BY JENNIFER SMART

When I moved to North Carolina more than 20 years ago, it seemed everyone was talking about the Old Burying Ground at Beaufort. They waxed eloquent about the British officer who was buried, not lying down, but standing up. Their hearts ached for the young girl whose body was stored in a barrel of rum after she died at sea. And who could forget the sailors who froze to death in the wreck of the Crissie Wright in January

for children. Find out more at pctourco.com/beaufort-ghost-walk/. The Old Burying Ground is a stop on the Ghost Walk, but also a top tourist draw as a stand-alone site. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this is the cemetery with the “Standing Soldier” and “Girl in the Barrel.” Historians believe the graveyard was first established to bury the dead after an Indian massacre in 1711, and a 1992 archaeological survey identified the presence of many unmarked graves which originally would have had shell, brick, or

1886, or the yellow fever victim dug up by vandals, only to van-

So where do the goosebumps begin? Try the Beaufort Ghost Walk, one of the town’s most popular attractions. A pirate guide will lead you down the winding streets while spinning supernatural tales of ghost ships and haunted houses. This experience mixes fact with folklore, is extensively researched, and consistently scores high marks on TripAdvisor where it holds a Certificate of Excellence for its bone-chilling, heart-pounding thrills. But don’t worry, it’s not too scary! The tour is family-friendly. It’s also Instagram-ready. Yes, please take photographs! Guests are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance, arrive early, and dress for the outdoors. The walk will last slightly more than an hour, demand is high, and often several are scheduled per night. Tickets cost $15.95 for adults and $5.95 10

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io ar Chef M

’s,

ark and spooky stories are one of Beaufort’s specialties. Perhaps that’s not surprising. For more than 300 years, the town has built quite a backlog of Indian massacres, pirate invasions, lost husbands, heartbroken lovers, seafaring heroes, and Civil War blockade runners. If you enjoy exploring twisted tales, please consider an October trip to this important North Carolina community. You won’t be disappointed! (For Christmas in Beaufort, see this issue’s December destination on page 38.)

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wooden slabs as headstones. The cemetery contains roughly 200 gravesites from the pre-Civil War era. Prepare for your visit by downloading an online map or listening to the free smartphone audio tour available at beauforthistoricsite.org/old-burying-ground/. ...drawing out your vision

If you prefer an expert narrative delivered in person, docents offer on-site guided tours with tickets available for purchase at the Beaufort Historic Site and Visitor Center, a complex of nine buildings that includes the Carteret County Courthouse, the Old Jail, and an original doctor’s office and apothecary shop. All are staffed by costumed interpreters and filled with period furnishings. It’s a nice place to stop if you plan to spend a full day in Beaufort.

Religious Facilities Educational Campuses Commercial / Retail Athletic Facilities Industrial Manufacturing

For those who like to walk, the town’s 12-block historic district includes some of the region’s most beautiful examples of Queen Anne, Greek Revival, and Gothic Revival architecture. And if you’re in search of pirate lore, the nearby North Carolina Maritime Museum is packed with artifacts and relics, including those recovered from the undersea wreck of Blackbeard’s infamous vessel, the Queen Anne’s Revenge. So head to the coast this Halloween – when it’s October in Beaufort, there’s always something to see!  Jennifer Smart is assistant director at the Wake Forest Historical Museum. You can visit the website at www.wakeforestmuseum.org. Photo courtesy of the Beaufort Historic Site (beauforthistoricsite.org).

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designdevelopment.com

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RALEIGH NC

PORK BELLY BURNT ENDS – Pork belly slab – 1/4 cup sweet seasoning – 1/2 cup sweet barbecue sauce – 1/4 cup brown sugar – 1/4 cup honey – 1/4 pound butter – 1/4 cup apple juice

BY JOE PINO

PORK BELLY BURNT ENDS

SMOKY AND SWEET AUTUMN TREATS

Cut pork belly into 1" pieces. Apply sweet seasonings, making sure all sides are coated evenly. Put chunks on a rack and place in the smoker (for gas grills, use the indirect cooking process described below). Cook at 275 degrees for approximately two hours, or until tender. Remove pieces from the rack and place in a pan. Add butter, brown sugar, honey, and apple juice. Cover and cook for another 11/2 hours. Move burnt ends into a clean pan and add the sweet barbecue sauce, tossing to coat. Return to the smoker/grill for 10-20 minutes to thicken the sauce. To cook on a gas grill, add smoke by using wood chips, pellets, or a pellet tube. Light one or two burners to achieve a temperature of 275 degrees and place the meat over the unlit burner(s).  Joe Pino is the owner of GrillBillies Barbecue, with two area locations: 10012 Capital Blvd. in Wake Forest (919-977-0106) and 36 N. Pine St. in Wendell (919-366-5252). Visit www.grillbilliesbarbecue.com.

f you fancy yourself a grilling guru, you’ve probably heard of brisket burnt ends. These sweet nuggets of joy are cut from the point muscle on a whole brisket. There is no way to eat just one, and once you’ve started, it’s hard to stop. But since brisket is a time-consuming and challenging cut of meat to cook, it isn’t often that you can enjoy these delicious morsels. Well, to fill the void, try pork belly burnt ends. Now, some of you may say “Pork belly, yuck!” But hold on … pork belly is simply uncured/unsmoked bacon. Even though they are easier to make than brisket and take a lot less time to cook, pork bellies are by no means inferior or a poor second. They are absolutely delicious and anyone can make them, even those with limited smoking/ grilling experience. You do not have to own a smoker to achieve great results – the process can be done on your gas grill as well (see instructions at the end of this article). So this fall, give pork belly burnt ends a whirl as an adder to other smoked or grilled meats you plan to serve. They also make a perfectly appetizing tailgating treat or a mouthwatering holiday snack – guaranteed, your guests will love them. When purchasing pork belly, keep in mind that sizes will vary, but one approximately 15" X 12" will be plenty for appetizers at a good size gathering. 12

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FALL FOR WINTER

BEAUTY IN THE GARDEN

BY TINA MAST

In gardening, spring is splendid, summertime is fine, and fall glows – but what about winter? You can still enjoy beautiful and interesting plants in winter, some with fabulous flowers, and fall is the time to find them in garden centers. Check this list of hotties for the upcoming cold which includes annuals, perennials, shrubs, and even trees to make your landscape pop in the chilly seasons. Plant them now to help them get well established before the cold sets in. Hellebore, Lenten Rose (Helleborus spp.) – Hands down, this is one of my absolute favorite winter flowers with its dazzling and beguiling array of forms and colors. These long-lived perennials feature divided, fan-shaped evergreen leaves and 1"-3" wide flowers in varying colors, usually white, pink, pale yellow, mauve, pale green, light peach, and burgundy. Some are double-form with fluffy, manylayered blossoms. They can be flecked, streaked, or blotched with burgundy markings, or present other variations like lovely ruffled nectaries around the center. One of the best ways to enjoy them is to cut the blooms just at the top of the stem and float them in a pretty ceramic bowl or similar. Bloom time is long, usually mid-February to mid-April. Grows to about 1½'. Plant in partial to full shade.

evergreens that have red berries like holly and nandina for winter arrangements. They grow to 5' to 8' forming into the shape of a big, fat teardrop. Plant in full sun. Camellia (Camellia japonica) – Nothing short of the most beautiful rose or peony will rival the beauty of a camellia. They are the queens of the winter garden (and there are also fall-blooming species, so if your autumn garden needs a little TLC, this is your answer). Stunning, perfectly formed flowers, up to 3"-4" wide, adorn large evergreen shrubs in colors such as coral, red, white, salmon, and many types of pink. To enjoy the flowers indoors, float the blooms in bowls or shallow pans (fabulous with Lenten rose and golden paperbush). Plant in part sun to light shade. They grow to 6'-10', depending on variety.

Golden Paperbush (Edgeworthia chrysantha) – Golden paperbush is a large deciduous, multi-stemmed shrub with attractive feather-like blue-green leaves resembling plumage. After the leaves drop in fall, silvery flower buds stud the branch tips for a nice ornamental effect. In February, those buds will open to clusters of bright yellow flowers similar in look to lantana, but with a deep, persistent fragrance of honey and sweet peas that drifts many feet from the plant. Plant in part sun to light shade. Golden paperbush likes moist, but not boggy, soil. However, I have found established plants to be fairly tolerant of dry spells. It grows to 6'-8' tall and wide. ‘Gold Mops’ Falsecypress (Chamaecyparis pisifera ‘Filifera Aurea,’ ‘Gold Mops’) – A handsome evergreen conifer with drooping, golden branchlets that glow in the winter landscape, ‘Gold Mops’ are great with blue-toned junipers and burgundy foliaged plants such as loropetalum, and are wonderful to cut with other 14

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Pansy/Viola – For colorful flowers, pansies and violas are THE plants for wintertime. No other plant will come close for vivid, showy blooms that last from fall through winter and all the way into early summer. The sheer variety of colors and color combinations is unbelievable with something for everyone. Deer will eat them ... oh, yes, they will. If that’s a problem for you, buy masonry ladders from the hardware store and arch them over the plants, then secure deer netting over that. You’ll hardly see them from a distance. Or, try repellents. Plant in early fall in full to part sun, and dose with fertilizer at planting and in early spring. They grow to 6"-8" tall. Snapdragons – My second choice for cool-season flower power, also annuals, snapdragons have a tall, upright habit and look well placed behind pansies, dwarf golden sweet grass, liriope, and other short-statured plants. Bright flower spikes in pink, orange, white, cherry red, and fluorescent yellow shine brightly in the landscape. For those who like to plant for pollinators, bees are fond of them, too. You’ll get two good seasons of color, fall and spring, if you plant them in early fall. In winter, they may hunker down, but spring will see them bouncing back (especially with a boost of fertilizer) and bursting with blooms. Plant in sun to part sun. Height varies, but generally they grow 18"-24" or up to 3' tall for larger varieties. Winter Daphne (Daphne odora) – Deliciously fragrant clusters of purple and white flowers (or all white) in February to March will freshen the air with a deep scent of Froot Loops cereal if you plant winter daphne – think apricot, apple, and lemon fragrances mingling together, strong enough to smell from several yards away. Plant in part shade to shade with well-drained soil. Facilitate drainage by planting the top of the root ball higher than the soil line and building up soil around it to form a berm. Winter Daphne grows 4'-6'. Winter Jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum) – Profuse sprays of lemon-yellow winter flowers open over time on warmer winter days on these deciduous shrubs. With their draped habit, they look good spilling over a wall or raised planter. In winter, the stems remain green for a pleasing look in the winter landscape. Tough and durable, you can plant winter jasmine on banks and in areas with poor soil. This jasmine grows to 3' to 4'. Plant in sun. Corneliancherry Dogwood (Cornus mas) – A charming little woodland tree that is perfect for planting along the edges of a tree line or in front of the house where it won’t take over the world, the Corneliancherry Dogwood’s puffs of dainty yellow flowers glow along the branches in February when little else is blooming. The ‘Spring Glow’ variety is a good choice for our area. Plant in part sun to light shade. This dogwood grows to 20' to 25'.  Tina Mast is communications director for Homewood Nursery & Garden Center in Raleigh and can be reached at 919-847-0117 or info@homewoodnursery.com. For more information, visit www.homewoodnursery.com.

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discard orphaned lids and containers – doing so now will pay off big time when you are trying to pack up holiday feast leftovers. – COAT CLOSET/LIVING AREA STORAGE. Picture your beautifully decorated holiday setting strewn with guests’ electronic gadgets, keys, handbags, diaper/baby bags, coats, jackets, shoes, and so forth. Now, go make plenty of storage space available, including empty hooks and hangers, where guests can neatly stow all the stuff they will likely carry with them into your home. – GUEST BED/BATHROOMS. There is a pretty good chance these seldom-used spaces have not been deep cleaned in quite a while and/or have been used for overflow storage. Knock these cleaning tasks off your list sooner rather than later so you can spend more time in a few weeks focusing on the fun stuff, like decorating and menu planning.

BY TODD NELSON

HOLIDAY HOME

PREP

HOME SPACES TO CLEAN NOW, BEFORE THE HOLIDAYS (AND GUESTS) ARRIVE

– DECORATION STORAGE. Speaking of holiday decorations, how long has it been since you’ve given your supply a good sort, purge, and dusting? Take out and buff up the items you intend to use this year, and – as with all long-term storage areas in the home – if you haven’t used something in the last year or two, it’s time to think about moving it along.  Todd Nelson is the owner of MaidPro of the Triangle. Call 919-8719996 or visit www.maidpro.com/raleigh-north.

ith just a few weekends to go before the holiday season kicks in, here’s a list of home storage spaces you might want to clean and purge now (especially if you’ll be entertaining or hosting house guests).

– PANTRY. At least once a year, it’s a good idea to sort through stored canned and dried foodstuffs, discarding anything that is past expiration or best-by consumption dates. Finding new homes for pantry foods can free up plenty of space for stowing holiday feast ingredients and keeping food-prep areas as clear as possible. – FRIDGE AND FREEZER. Holiday feast cleanup is much easier when you have plenty of space for storing leftovers in the fridge and freezer. Here you will also likely find items that are past their safe-to-consume dates. Especially with frozen foods, you might be surprised at how short the safe storage guidelines really are. – DISH AND FOOD-CONTAINER STORAGE. Chances are, at least a few of your holiday guests will offer to pitch in either with serving or cleaning up the feast; make things easy for them by ensuring that storage spaces for dishes, glasses, platters, serving utensils, silverware, napkins, and so forth are well organized and easy to access. And take a few short minutes now to assess your food-storage container inventory and sort, neatly stack, and 16

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Your children. Your family. Your health. Your well-being. Your transitions. Your place.

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GOOD

READS

BY SUZANNE LUCEY

all is here, and the chilly weather it brought with it provides the perfect opportunity for cuddling up under a snuggly blanket or in front of a cozy fire, with a cup of hot cocoa or spiced cider (or maybe even a good glass of wine) in one hand, and an amazing book in the other. There are many great reads on the horizon to include on your autumnal must-read list (these also make the perfect holiday gift if you’re looking for ideas!). Whether for the littlest reader in your life, your favorite teen bookworm, or you simply want to spoil yourself, you won’t want to miss out on these great titles that are perfect for a lazy Sunday fall afternoon or a crisp, cool, autumn evening.

CHILDREN’S PICTURE BOOKS Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire: The Illustrated Version by J.K. Rowling and illustrated by Jim Kay (Available October 8) Ok, so not technically picture books, but littles (and no-so-littles) will surely appreciate the gorgeous artwork that accompanies the original Harry Potter stories. And now the fourth illustrated book in the beloved series – that took two years to make – can finally be added to their libraries. This beautiful masterpiece that is illustrated in stunning full color by award-winning artist Jim Kay will delight first-time readers as well as long-time fans. Kay’s illustrations and the tiny details he incorporates into each piece create a magical experience for the reader and are sure to inspire a new generation of Harry Potter fans – and this one is no exception. Good Night Little Blue Truck by Alice Shertle (Available October 15) Blue from the adored Little Blue Truck series is back and sleepy! As summarized by publisher Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, “A storm is brewing and Little Blue Truck and his good friend Toad are hurrying home for bed. But who can sleep with all that racket? It’s not long before other friends show up seeking safety from the storm. Thunder and lightning sure can be scary, but it’s easy to be brave together. When the clouds roll on and the sky is clear, it’s all aboard for a bedtime ride!” Good Night Little Blue Truck is a sweet reminder that weathering a storm is easier with the kindness of friends. 18

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Sulwe by Lupita Nyong’o (Available October 15) This must-have gorgeous picture book by Academy Award-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o brings a sense of who we are in this world and why we are all different and beautiful. As described by publisher Simon and Schuster, “Sulwe has skin the color of midnight. She is darker than everyone in her family. She is darker than anyone in her school. Sulwe just wants to be beautiful and bright, just like her mother and sister. Then a magical journey in the night sky opens her eyes and changes everything. In this stunning debut picture book, Nyong’o creates a whimsical and heartwarming story to inspire children to see their own beauty.”

YOUNG ADULTS What the Dog Knows-Young Readers Edition by Cat Warren (Available October 8) NC State professor Cat Warren has revised her New York Times bestseller for young readers who are entranced by everything dog. If you’ve ever wanted to get into your pup’s head, then this book is for you! According to her website www.catwarren.com, this fun and uplifting adaptation of What the Dog Knows “still contains the science and history of scent detection dogs, but instead focuses on Solo, the German shepherd puppy who grew up to search for the missing and the dead. What the Dog Knows shows how love and loyalty can bring out the best in a dog – and his human.” Allies by Alan Gratz (Available October 15) A perpetual winner – even with those who don’t like to read – bestselling author Alan Gratz brings amazing historical fiction about how brutally life-altering war and its ripple effects can be on a level that is appropriate for kids. Written from multiple points of view (i.e. American, French, British, Canadian, etc.), the actionpacked Allies intensely covers one single day in history – D-Day. Call Down the Hawk by Maggie Steifvater (Available November 5) As soon as you start reading it, you will be swept away by Call Down the Hawk, the much-anticipated first novel in The Dreamer Trilogy by

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#1 New York Times bestselling author Maggi Steifvater. This follow-up to her incredibly popular The Raven Cycle series is widely described as “a mesmerizing story of dreams and desires, death and destiny.”

ADULT Solid State: The Story of “Abbey Road” and the End of the Beatles by Kenneth Womack (Available October 15) This non-fiction work is a must-read and the perfect stocking stuffer for any Beatles fan. Womack, an acclaimed Beatles scholar, shares all the inside scoop you could possibly want about both the personalities and the technology involved in the last studio recordings and the “end” of the Beatles. This fascinating and elucidating testament to the group’s creativity and their producer’s originality takes you on such a journey that you’ll find you can’t put it down. The Wicked Redhead by Beatriz Williams (Available December 10) Set in New York City during the Jazz Age, The Wicked Redhead is about – you guessed it – a red-headed woman who is going through a divorce in 1998 and discovers a picture of a woman from 75 years ago who looks eerily like her. Fast-paced with thrilling plot twists, this novel by New York Times bestselling author Williams is a fun escapist novel you won’t want to miss. The Moonshiner’s Daughter by Donna Everhart (Available December 31) Set in North Carolina in 1960, The Moonshiner’s Daughter is full of grit and authenticity. For generations, moonshine has been running through the blood of Jessie Sasser’s family – and she wants to escape it. She wants to know what happened to her mother on the day she died, and why her father refuses to talk about. As she plots to ruin the stills, secrets unfold and her loyalty makes it hard for her to escape the demons which also run through her. Big Lies in A Small Town by Diane Chamberlain (Available January 14, 2020, with an appearance by Chamberlain at Page 158 Books on January 15) While this book isn’t available for awhile, I wanted to go ahead and get it on your reading radar now. Morgan Christopher takes the fall for a crime she did not commit and is serving a three-year stint in a North Carolina prison. Desperate to be released, she agrees to restore a mural in a small sleepy southern town that is shrouded in secrets. What she finds under the layers of grime is a painting that tells the story of madness, violence, and conspiracy – and perhaps even clues to the 1940s disappearance of the original mural painter. Chamberlain writes with such a keen eye for detail and this book will take you on a literary ride full of twists and turns.  Suzanne Lucey and her husband Dave own Page 158 Books, located at 415 S. Brooks St. in Wake Forest. She may be reached at 919-435-1843 or visit www.page158books.com.

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After roasting your larger veggies for a few minutes, add your aromatics like celery, onions, garlic, and any other veggies you may be using, sautéing them for a few minutes, stirring often. If you are turning veggies into a soup or stew, you’ll now want to add liquid to deglaze your pan and pull up all the yummy flavors. You can use wine or your cooking broth to deglaze. One of my favorite cool weather dishes is a roasted root vegetable soup. My combo of choice is potatoes, onions, carrots, butternut squash, and parsnips, with plenty of garlic and rosemary. Simply peel and cut your veggies in chunks, toss them with salt and pepper, and sauté in a very hot pan or roast in the oven at about 425 for about 10 minutes. Then reduce the temperature, add your favorite vegetable stock, and cook until the vegetables are tender. Any leftovers will make a fantastic pot pie or are perfect for serving over your favorite pasta.

BY STACEY MORITZ

A TOAST TO ROASTING

t long last, we’ve reached my very favorite time of year. The heat has finally dissipated, the kids are back into their routines, and I am eager to get my fall on in the kitchen. The cooler weather just demands a little simmering on the stove and something warm and wonderful coming out of the oven. I adore fall and the upcoming holiday season for so many reasons – but one of my favorites is exploring all the amazing hearty vegetables that are available during the cooler months. Not only do they boost the nutritional content of your dish, they also bring flavor and texture to it. And the color they add to the dinner plate makes any meal feel more special. While potatoes are probably the first to come to mind, there are so many yummy squashes and root vegetables that you can add to many of your mainstay dishes to enhance them. And don’t forget fresh herbs! They are available year-round and there is nothing like adding a handful of rosemary or fresh thyme for the perfect finishing touch. I am a huge fan of roasting. Just like when you are roasting your favorite meat, starting at a high heat sears in natural juices and creates a delicious crust – it’s this process that provides the most flavor in the dish. Whether roasting in the oven or pan searing them for just a few minutes, it is worth the extra step. Lightly salt and pepper your veggies before you begin and make sure your pan and oil are hot. 20

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While root vegetables lend themselves so well to roasting because it brings out their natural sweetness, there are lots of other yummy options in the produce aisle that are perfect for this process and creating amazing sides dishes for your autumn or holiday table. Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, and beets are all great options. With just the toss of a few ingredients, most will roast quickly and can complement a variety of main dishes. A little olive oil, garlic, and lemon tossed with broccoli can be cooked in about 10 minutes and is delicious when served alongside roast chicken. Brussels sprouts are delicious when sautéed in a bit of olive oil and then lightly glazed with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar and honey. Cauliflower roasted in olive oil and roasted about 15 minutes is perfect with a sprinkle of parmesan as they come out of the oven. Roasted veggies are also delicious mixed in seasonal salads. You are only limited by your imagination. Fall entrée salads are a great way to use those extra veggies you have already roasted and are also a tasty way to enjoy leftover roast chicken or any other meat you may have on hand. A couple of my favorites are kale with warm roasted root veggies, sprinkled with pecans and dried cherries and arugula with roasted beets and butternut squash topped with a bit of goat cheese. Both are made even more delicious on a cool autumn evening or served on a holiday table when drizzled with a warm honey balsamic dressing. Whatever your favorite fall foods may be, I highly encourage you to work some magic with your veggies. Your palate and your tummy will thank you!  Stacey Moritz is the owner of The Lemon Tree Cafe, located at 113 S. White Street in Downtown Wake Forest (919-521-5806), offering freshly prepared salads, pastas, soups, and take-away fare. The Lemon Tree Cafe serves breakfast and lunch Monday - Friday, 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM and Saturdays 7:30 AM - 3:00 PM.

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– Pain that spreads to the lower abdomen; – Painful urination; – Severe pain in the side and back; – Nausea and vomiting; – Fever and chills.

WHAT ARE MY TREATMENT OPTIONS? If you have a stone that is causing pain, you should see a urologist. A stone that is not causing symptoms can potentially be watched (or followed by your doctor) instead of treated, depending on size. If a stone is less than 5 mm, there is a 90 percent chance it will pass without surgical intervention. Alpha-blockers may also be used to help stones pass.

KIDNEY STONES SYMPTOMS, TREATMENT, PREVENTION, AND RELIEF

ere in North Carolina, we’re part of the “stone belt,” where there is a higher incidence of stone disease than elsewhere in the country. While the causes are not fully known, diet, environment, geographic location, and family history may play a role in the formation of kidney stones – stones comprised of tiny crystals that form inside the kidney. These solid masses may form one at a time or several may form all at once.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS? Kidney stones may initially cause no symptoms. The stones begin as small crystals in the urine that grow over time. The signs and symptoms of kidney stones when they start to pass are very acute. The pain usually starts in your back, and it can radiate or migrate around to your side. Other symptoms may include: 22

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There are several surgical options and treatments for kidney stones, including minimally invasive treatments. – Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (SWL): Sound waves are used to break up the stone into smaller pieces, making it easier to pass. SWL is one of the most frequently used procedures for eliminating kidney stones; – Ureteroscopy: Surgery done without incisions; a urologist uses a fiber-optic instrument (ureteroscope) to locate the stone in the urinary tract and trap it; – Percutaneous Nephrostolithotom: For treatment of larger stones that cannot be removed using Shock Wave Lithotripsy or Ureteroscopy.

PREVENTING KIDNEY STONES Dehydration is a key risk factor for stones. You can prevent kidney stones by drinking lots of water and limiting the amount of salt (sodium) in your diet.

DID YOU KNOW? – Up to 12% of the population has kidney stones. – Once you’ve had them, there’s a 50% chance of recurrence. – Calcium oxalate is the most common stone found. – Other stones associated with infections and diseases include uric acid, struvite, calcium phosphate, and cystine.  WakeMed is the only health system in the Triangle to offer immediate help for kidney stones. The Kidney Stone Center at WakeMed is a 24-hour phone hotline available for those who think they might be passing a stone. With one call to the “Stone Phone” at 919-350ROCK (7625), patients can get the relief and treatment they need from an expert team, potentially avoiding a lengthy, costly trip to the emergency department. By providing immediate access to care, the Kidney Stone Center means patients don’t have to wait in pain for extended amounts of time. Depending on a patient’s history of kidney stones and symptoms, the Kidney Stone Center can call in prescriptions, arrange same-day appointments with board-certified urologists with WakeMed Physician Practices – Urology (five locations) and admit patients to the hospital directly for treatment. To learn more, visit wakemed.org/kidney-stone-center.

December 2019

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A LITTLE

HOLIDAY

DIY

kid doesn’t like to pick up sticks?). Once you’ve gathered all your materials, spread out the fabric, then unroll the toilet paper eight to 10 times and wrap it back around the roll. This will allow the pumpkin to have a rounder shape. Place the roll in the center of the fabric and begin to cover it with the material. Do so by lifting a corner and sticking it in the center of the roll. Then push the fabric down with a pencil, continuing until the roll is covered by the fabric. Push your stick into the center and tie the green ribbon around it. For a little extra security, add a little drop of hot glue to the bottom of the stick. You’re already done! This little DIY decorating adornment is so quick and easy, so fun to do, and so cute and festive.

Continuing on with our autumn DIY theme, this next little craft will carry you from the start of fall right on through Thanksgiving – however, you can really make this for any time of the year and for any season or holiday. Local dollar stores are packed with all kinds of goodies for making affordable décor – and that’s exactly where I’ll start with this craft. Begin with conjuring up your favorite seasonal word – “Thankful,” “Gather,” “Blessed,” “Harvest,” and “Fall” are good choices for the autumn season. Once you’ve made your selection, pop into your neighborhood dollar store and pick up the number of frames in various shapes and sizes that equals the number of letters in your chosen word. Stop by your BY DOLORES RIGGINS favorite craft store, grab some pretty scrapbook paper in different seasonal patterns, several pieces of cardstock that will coordinate BY STACEY MORITZ with your paper, and a pack of letter stencils (don’t feel like you The long, hot summer has come to an end and that means it’s need to stick with just one font – mix and match the font styles for time to start thinking about the upcoming holidays. Fall is added whimsy and personality to your design if you so choose). Once you’ve finished gathering your project items, begin this task here and Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas will soon by measuring and cutting the scrapbook paper to fit the frames. be upon us. Now is the time to start thinking about some Trace and cut out the letters in your chosen seasonal word, then glue the letters to the decorative paper. Simply place the pieces in fun, simple, family-oriented projects to make the season that each of the frames for a beautiful, personalized holiday decoration much more special. that is perfect for displaying on the mantel, sofa table, etc.

hen we think of fall, our thoughts naturally turn to pumpkins – and they are the perfect addition to your decorating. Fabric pumpkins are all the rage this season and you can find them everywhere. There are also many quick and easy DIY versions that will get you into the spirit of the season – and save you a few decorating dollars! A favorite of mine is the toilet paper pumpkin. Sounds funny, doesn’t it? Believe me, it’s absolutely adorable – and these are so simple to create that you’ll probably want to make more than one. All you need is a mega roll of toilet paper (of course), an 18-inch square piece of fabric (fat quarters are the perfect size and can be found at craft and fabric stores), green ribbon, a pencil, and a few good sturdy sticks, cut or broken into three or four-inch pieces (send the little ones outside to gather these – after all, what 24

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Following quickly on the heels of Thanksgiving comes Christmas. There are so many great ideas for DIY decorating this time of year that it’s hard to choose just one. But somehow, I managed to do so … this last project is a quick, fun, and versatile one that will surely put you in the Christmas spirit – and the best part about it is that you can create it with your own style.

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To kick off this DIY design, simply find an old frame. It can be any size, but when choosing the frame, it’s important to keep in mind where you would like to hang it. Breathe new life into that old frame with a fresh coat of spray paint or acrylic or chalk paint. After the paint has dried, let the fun begin – you can make this as simple or as fancy as you want. For a simpler look, tie pretty ribbon of varying lengths to three, four, or five colorful Christmas balls. Flip the frame over and use masking or painter’s tape to mark where the ornaments will go. Double check to make sure you have them where you want them before permanently attaching with hot glue or thumbtacks. Adhere a premade bow (or take your DIY talents to the next level and make your own with festive Christmas ribbon) by hot gluing it onto the front of the frame. Within minutes you’ve designed a unique and cheerful craft to complement your Christmas décor. For a completely different way to transform that ordinary frame into a joyful Christmas decoration, gather inexpensive holiday greenery, pinecones, berries, and ribbon. Then starting in an upper corner, hot glue several pieces of greenery across and down. Add one or two more to each side, covering about a third to half of the frame in both directions. Attach a few pinecones or berries to the greenery. Top it off with a festive bow adhered at the corner and you’ve created a natural, beautiful holiday adornment. To hang your beautifully upcycled frame on a wall, attach a large picture hanger to the back or use an 8" to 12" ribbon by looping it through the frame opening and tying it at the top, stabilizing with an adhesive or hot glue. Should you choose to use your creation on the front door, the ribbon loops nicely over a wreath hook. The fall season is a time of crisp and cool weather, nature’s beautiful colors, and all things pumpkin – it’s also the ideal time to tap into your creative juices. And even though your fall calendar is quickly filling up, be sure to set aside some time to craft these clever cuties that are perfect for adding seasonal cheer to your home. Go ahead and fill your mug with some apple cider, settle by the fireplace, and get crafting – ‘tis the season to DIY!  Dolores Riggins is the co-owner of Southern Suds & Gifts, featuring over 35 craftsmen and artists, located at 213 S. White Street in Downtown Wake Forest (www.facebook.com/SouthernSudsAndGifts).

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INTERMITTENT

FASTING FASTING CAN HAVE HEALTH BENEFITS ... BUT ONLY WHEN YOU EMPHASIZE WHAT YOU'RE EATING, ALONGSIDE WHEN YOU'RE EATING

Most of today’s trendy diets have a lot of rules about what you can eat. Whole 30 restricts sugar, alcohol, grains, legumes, soy, and dairy; Keto says no to carbs and limits protein. But intermittent fasting doesn’t dictate what you should be eating at all – only when to eat. With intermittent fasting, you fluctuate between periods of eating and fasting. This might mean eating during an eight-hour window then fasting for the other 16 hours of the day, fasting one full day a week, or

limiting food intake to 500 calories per fasting period.

“

ut nothing in these diets suggests what to eat,” says Robert Hutchins, MD, MPH, an internal medicine doctor with UNC Health Care. “Other diets say, ‘You should be eating X, Y, and Z.’ Instead, intermittent fasting says, ‘Eat whatever you want, but it should be at certain times or limited to a certain number of calories.’” How does intermittent fasting actually work, and is it healthy? Dr. Hutchins explains.

THE SCIENCE BEHIND IT “One of the major keys to understanding fasting, to understanding really any diet, is understanding the role insulin plays,” Dr. Hutchins says. Insulin, the hormone that regulates blood sugar, is made in the pancreas and released in the bloodstream in response to eating. Once released, insulin causes the body to store energy as fat. “Insulin makes fat, so the more insulin made, the more fat you store,” he says. During intermittent fasting, the periods when you are not eating give the body time to lower insulin levels, which reverses the fatstoring process. “When insulin levels drop, the process goes in reverse and you lose fat.” 26

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Two other hormones, ghrelin and leptin, are also at work. Ghrelin is the hunger hormone and tells you when you’re hungry. “Some data suggest that intermittent fasting can decrease ghrelin,” Dr. Hutchins says. “There’s also some data that says there’s an increase in leptin, which is the satiety hormone. That’s the one that says, ‘Hey, I’m full.’” With more leptin and less ghrelin, people will feel fuller faster and hungry less often, which could translate to fewer calories consumed and, as a result, weight loss.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF INTERMITTENT FASTING Besides losing weight, people who fast may experience improved heart and brain functions because of reduced insulin. “Think of your insulin level as the first domino in the wholebody cascade of what can happen with intermittent fasting,” Dr. Hutchins says. “If you have high insulin levels, that can lead to obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and elevated triglycerides. Those things together are called metabolic syndrome, which increases risk for cardiovascular disease. So, if your insulin level decreases, you will probably lose weight, and your cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure will improve.” The drop in cholesterol can also decrease the inflammation caused by metabolic syndrome, namely plaque buildup in the arteries and overall cardiovascular inflammation. “As a result of these improvements, people can also reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease,” he adds. This process can happen even in the absence of weight loss, and Dr. Hutchins notes that it’s not specific to intermittent fasting. “Some people can intermittently fast and be on a strict regimen, but if they eat a bunch of junk on the days they can eat, the diet won’t have an effect on heart health,” he says. “This effect is probably more specific to what they’re eating than to when they’re eating.” When it comes to the brain, Dr. Hutchins says that some data has

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shown that lower insulin levels can also reduce dysfunction in a person’s brain cells, called neurons, which could possibly decrease the risk of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. “If there’s less neuronal dysfunction, that could possibly lead to less risk of those conditions,” Dr. Hutchins says. “But this is still only theoretical. Risk of Alzheimer’s, for example, has been shown to be significantly higher in people who have metabolic syndrome.”

SHOULD YOU TRY IT? Although intermittent fasting might bring health benefits, Dr. Hutchins emphasizes that whether you see results in weight loss or overall health comes down to nutrition. “Based on the data I have looked at, I can’t say that intermittent fasting is more successful than other diets that aren’t on a fasting pattern,” he says. “The problem I have found with intermittent fasting is that people can stick with the fasting, but when they start a period where they are eating again, they end up eating a lot of junk and processed food instead of healthy food.” Ultimately, Dr. Hutchins says the best diet is the one that works best for you. He says there’s no perfect candidate for intermittent fasting, but if you want to try the diet, find a fasting schedule that fits in with your lifestyle. For example, if fasting one full day is

too hard, try eating for eight hours and fasting for 16 instead. Always, the main emphasis of your diet should be on what you’re eating. “The bottom line is you have to be eating real food, not processed stuff,” Dr. Hutchins says. “I’d recommend eating a lowercarbohydrate diet, limiting both sweets and starches, because those are the things that cause your insulin level to rise most. It’s also important during periods of fasting that you remain hydrated. “When people fast, they aren’t fasting from water,” he says. “You have to stay well-hydrated.” Like any other diet, people should also take medications into consideration when altering their eating habits. For example, people on blood pressure medicine or medication that lowers their blood sugar should avoid fasting, as periods of not eating could cause blood sugar levels to drop too low, resulting in hypoglycemia, a serious complication of low blood sugar levels. Talk to your doctor about the diet that is best for you, and before you try any kind of fasting.  Need a referral to a dietitian? Ask your doctor, or find one near you at findadoc.unchealthcare.org. Robert Hutchins, MD, MPH, practices at Chapel Hill Internal Medicine and The Carolina Clinic.

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of fairy tales and medieval times. But in fact, the approximately 12-foot round building that is constructed of stone, wood, and turf with a single door is the creation of British artist Chris Drury. Once you venture inside (and after the few minutes it will take for your eyes to adjust to the darkness), you’ll discover you are in an oversized camera obscura – meaning the pinhole camera on the roof projects an inverted image of the sky, clouds, and trees on the Chamber’s floor, turning one’s perspective upside down. Described by Drury, the Cloud Chamber, “partly built under ground, beneath some large trees on a wooded slope in the grounds of the North Carolina Museum of Art, is the first in a series commissioned for the Museum’s outdoor sculpture trail … The work has a 14' interior diameter and is built of dry stone with a notched octagon domed log roof which is turfed on the outside. Inside, the walls and floor are rendered in white cement and via an aperture in the ceiling, the image of the surrounding trees are projected across the walls and floor upside down. The trees have the look of roots hanging inside the dark underground chamber.” He also stated that “The idea is that from the outside, it is an object that blends with its surroundings; but when you go inside and your eyes adjust to the dark, the image of sky and trees appears on the walls and floor. This is really a strange, meditative experience. It is a bit like being under the ground where the sky

HIDDEN

GEM

CLOUD CHAMBER FOR THE TREES AND SKY Fall and its cool sweater weather provide the perfect opportunity for getting outside and exploring the many treasures that bless our neck of the woods. If you find yourself having a free weekend afternoon this autumn, you won’t want to miss one such treasure that makes our area unique – this issue’s

hidden gem, the Cloud Chamber for the Trees and Sky. ocated under an immense canopy of trees behind the North Carolina Museum of Art (NCMA, located at 2110 Blue Ridge Road in Raleigh) – the largest museum campus in America – awaits what many say resembles a “hobbit house” and conjures images

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is revealed. I like this idea of an altered dream image, which turns reality on its head.” KNOW BEFORE YOU GO – The Cloud Chamber for the Trees and Sky is located in the NCMA’s 164-acre Ann and Jim Goodnight Museum Park. To reach the Chamber, park in the nearby lot, then stroll down the trail into the field, cross the stream, and continue into the woods until you descend upon the dome-shaped building. If you happen to get lost, simply look for it on the park map, available online or in print from the Information Desk. – The best time to visit the Chamber is on a bright, sunny afternoon. If you’re seeking images of the leaves and branches, then the summer months are the best time to visit. For cloud images, it’s best to go on a windy, partly cloudy autumn or winter day (especially after the leaves have fallen). – The Museum Park is open daily, including holidays, from dawn to dusk. Admission to the Park is free.  To learn more about the artist, find educational activity ideas for the little science lover in your life to do while visiting the Chamber, and to watch a time lapse video, visit learn.ncartmuseum.org/ artwork/cloud-chamber-for-the-trees-and-sky. To learn more about the North Carolina Museum of Art, visit ncartmuseum.org.

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These two typically sweet autumnal items can be combined into a delicious and savory side dish that I call sweet potato and acorn squash hash. This tasty dish is perfect for any cool weather meal or holiday feast. I usually pair it with slow-smoked baby back ribs, but it would certainly be great with chicken or wild striped bass as well. For this culinary creation, all you need are a few ingredients, including sweet potatoes and acorn squash (obviously) and a few drops each of honey and maple syrup. I never said all sweet is a bad thing! SWEET POTATO AND ACORN SQUASH HASH – 1 large sweet potato, cooked, peeled, and diced – 1 acorn squash, cooked, peeled, and diced – 1 large shallot – 3 ounces pancetta – 2 ounces goat cheese – 1 teaspoon honey – 1 teaspoon maple syrup – 2 fresh sage leaves – 1 3-inch sprig of fresh thyme leaves – Salt and pepper to taste

BY DAVID GREENWELL

FROM SWEET TO

SAVORY SWEET POTATO AND ACORN SQUASH HASH

Sweet potatoes are probably one of the most common ingredients in our local autumn repertoire and we see them all over this time of year in their usual forms: candied or caked with sugar, cinnamon, and butter, even sometimes

as fries or tots … but always sweet, buttery, and delicious.

corn squash is another seasonal item that’s readily available now. But what to do with it? Aside from decorating a kitchen or dining table bowl in the fall – bake it with butter, cinnamon, and sugar … sweet, buttery, and delicious if you will.

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First, bake off the sweet potatoes and acorn squash (the acorn squash can be microwaved for time savings). Cook them both with the skin on and then leave them to cool. After cooling, peel off the skins and dice the flesh (there are also seeds to scoop from the middle of the squash). Next, dice the pancetta into small cubes. Cut the shallot into slices. Set aside a few of the nicest slices to become shallot rings and dice the rest. Sliver up one large sage leaf and strip about a teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves off the stems. Cook the pancetta until browned and crispy in a skillet. Drain off the grease and set the crispy pancetta aside. Add half the pancetta fat back to the pan and heat to medium-high. Dredge the shallot rings through a bit of milk then salt and flour, and fry until crispy and browned. Set aside. Using the rest of the fat, sauté the diced shallot for a minute or so, and then add the diced squash and sweet potatoes, and salt and pepper to taste. Toss this all gently until everything is sizzling hot, then stir in the goat cheese, half the crispy pancetta, maple syrup, and honey. Plate as you like and top with more crispy pancetta and a few of the shallot rings. Garnish with a sage leaf if you like.  David Greenwell is the owner of The Forks Cafeteria, offering classic Southern fare for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as catering. The Forks Cafeteria is located at 339 S. Brooks Street in Wake Forest. Visit www.theforkscafeteria.com for their daily menu and to inquire about catering services.

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BY RHONDA BENVIE PLUMMER

HOLIDAY

DECO RA TING

MISTAKES

add a beautiful bow and/or additional floral to a generic wreath – or better yet, make your own. And keep in mind that wreaths can be so much more than the traditional ring of green pine. Why not buy or make one made of woven bare branches, vibrant berries, or scented pinecones, and accent it with a beautiful bow or ribbon that matches your décor? Shop at local shops and area florists

AND HOW TO AVOID MAKING THEM

he holiday season is quickly approaching, and decorating for it is an annual project that most people look forward to. It means it’s almost time to head up to the attic and break out the twinkling lights, dust off the boxes of decorations, and transform your home into a very merry space. But with all this excitement, you may not be aware that you are guilty of making some holiday decorating mistakes in and around your home. But I’m here to let you know that with just a few tweaks, you can make your holiday home the talk of the neighborhood – in a good way! Following are some holiday decorating missteps you may have made in the past, and simple solutions to ensure you avoid making them from here on out. GENERIC DECORATIONS We all find ourselves going to big box stores to purchase holiday decorations. The problem is that everyone is buying the same decorations. For a more personal look, try dressing up storebought decorations and making them your own. For instance, 34

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for holiday items that are unique and won’t be adorning the homes and yards of everyone on the street. RED AND GREEN EVERYWHERE Red and green are certainly the traditional Christmas colors, but that doesn’t mean you have to stick with the norm – this is especially true if you find red and green clash with your everyday décor. It is okay to bring in colors that enhance the tones of your home. Go vibrant if you so choose – after all, Christmas is jolly, merry, and bright. Or incorporate winter whites for a simple and elegant atmosphere. Gorgeous metallics of gold, silver, and copper can add to the shine of the season while making your home more cohesive. EMPTY MANTEL Having an empty mantel or one too cluttered with holiday cards and mismatched trinkets of no particular theme does not do this focal point of the room any justice. Instead, try decorating it with garland, ornaments, stockings, and candlesticks, adding dimension with layers. Don’t forget to add height. For instance, if you have a mirror above your fireplace, hang a wreath from it for a fun and festive look. Or replace the everyday artwork above your mantel with a whimsical Christmas printable in a large statement frame. WRONG TREE PLACEMENT AND SCALE Undoubtedly, the Christmas tree is the star of the show … it should be placed where it can be enjoyed and admired. You may need to move some furniture out of the room to give it the place of honor. The size of the tree is just as important. If you have 10' ceilings, then a 7' tree will look lost. A 9' tree would fit the space much better. Be sure to consider the height of your tree topper when determining the height of your tree. The diameter of the tree should fit the overall size of the room. If a smaller room, then the tree should be smaller in diameter. Measure your space to make sure you get the perfect size tree. Fill the space and when

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in doubt, lean toward the bigger size. ONE ROOM DECORATING Do you only decorate the family room? Christmas cheer should be spread throughout every part of your home – in moderation. Set a bright red poinsettia on the kitchen counter for a splash of color, place a holiday runner topped with festive dishes on the table, or drape Christmas dish towels for a pop of seasonal cheer. A candle on the back of the toilet or holiday scented soap by the sink in the powder room is welcoming. Add a few touches on the nightstand in the bedroom or swap out the throw pillows with festive ones and toss a holiday blanket over the edge of the bed. Change out some of your regular artwork in the hallway with holiday art or décor. OVER-THE-TOP OUTDOOR DECOR Have you ever gone by a house that has so many yard decorations, especially the inflatables, that you can’t see one thing over the other? Too much of a good thing isn’t always good when it comes to decorating your outdoor space for the holidays. Be tasteful with the lights and decorate certain areas instead of every inch of the yard. Make what you do in those areas really pop and make a statement. Your neighbors – and your electric bill – will thank you. This holiday, simplify and update your decorations. Enjoy shopping for new items at local specialty shops. Or tap into your inner DIY designer and create something new (have your loved ones help for a new family tradition). No matter how you decide to decorate, be sure to have fun and remember to enjoy the sparkle of the season.  Rhonda Benvie Plummer is the owner of Help Me Rhonda Interiors, 1600 Heritage Commerce Court, Suite 103 in Wake Forest and Open Door Furniture & Accents, a furniture and accessories store also in Wake Forest. Visit www.helpmerhondainteriors.com or www.opendoorfurnitureandaccents.com, or call 919-263-9054.

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STEEPED IN

TRADITION THE WAKE FOREST COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS DINNER BY JILL BRIGHT AND JENNIFER SMART

raditions are not born – they are made by customs, stories, and the legends who pass them on, year after year. One such tradition is the Town of Wake Forest’s Community Christmas Dinner, a time-honored custom that is steeped in decades of tradition.

hand-drawn Christmas scenes on the program covers; watching Jennifer Smart’s historical slideshow of all past award winners; and Carolyn Coordes joyfully giving away of dozens of door prizes. A special recognition will be given to longtime resident Shirley Wooten, who has attended all but one of these celebrations.

First held in 1947 as a way to show appreciation and give a warm welcome home to the town’s returning World War II veterans, the volunteers of the Wake Forest Garden Club and The Civic Club planned a community feast, just in time to ring in the holiday season. They hoped this gathering would bring families peace through a memorable evening in the town’s rustic Community House on Owen Avenue. Club members brought in armloads of live greenery for garlands and table decorations; homemade ornaments to trim a large cedar Christmas tree; and a buffet of turkey and dressing and an array of vegetables, homemade breads, and desserts. When the doors opened to extend grace and hospitality, it welcomed and reunited approximately 140 friends and neighbors. This simple inaugural event – filled with the warm spirit of community joy, giving, and friendship – was such a huge success that the residents and civic organizations of Wake Forest decided to do it again and again … and again. And so this tradition began.

This event is organized entirely by a hard-working volunteer steering committee representing seven of the towns leading civic organizations. They are: General James Moore Chapter, DAR (Carolyn Coordes, Connie Nourse); Wake Forest Woman’s Club (Martha Loftin); Wake Forest Historical Association (Durward Matheny

This long-standing celebration has been held on the first Monday of December every year since 1947, with the 72nd annual Wake Forest Community Christmas Dinner planned for December 2 at 6:30 PM, at The Forks Cafeteria, located at 339 Brooks Street. This kickoff to the holiday follows tradition with a delicious meal (this year’s menu will feature fried chicken, roast beef, veggies, and a dessert bar); a brief program and a special musical performance by local citizens and musicians; the announcement of the Organization of The Year, the Citizen of The Year, and The Peggy Allen Lifetime Achievement Award; and concluding with everyone singing a few of the season’s most beautiful Christmas carols. Other entertainment will include the viewing of each table’s different holiday-oriented centerpieces or floral displays (provided by members of the Community Council and local businesses); Shirley Matheny’s meticulously designed, 36

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and Beverly Whisnant); Wake Forest Rotary Club (Joe Paulonis); Wake Forest Purple Heart Foundation (Greg Harrington and Mandy Duguid); Wake Forest Historical Museum (Jill Bright and Jennifer Smart); and the Community Council. Everyone is welcome to attend this event, which sells out quickly. Tickets are $15 (to cover your meal) and can be bought from members of the steering committee, Greg Harrington (ticket chairperson), at The Forks Cafeteria, the Wake Forest Chamber of Commerce, or the Wake Forest Historical Museum before November 25. Please make checks out to The Wake Forest Purple Heart Foundation, the host club for this year. Christmas memories of holiday cheer, camaraderie, and the sharing of peace and joy touch us all – and this is the reason this strong, old-fashioned Wake Forest tradition has, and hopefully will, continue for years to come.  Jill Bright is with Bright Funeral Home, located at 405 S. Main Street in Wake Forest. Bright Funeral Home serves the Wake Forest, Rolesville, Youngsville, Franklinton, Falls, Bay Leaf, Loiusburg, Raleigh, and surrounding areas. For more information about Bright Funeral Home, call 919-556-5811 or visit www.brightfunerals.com. Jennifer Smart is assistant director at the Wake Forest Historical Museum. You can visit the website at www.wakeforestmuseum.org.

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BY JENNIFER SMART

DRIVEABLE

DESTINATION HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM HISTORIC BEAUFORT If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking for a postcard-pretty place to celebrate the

vessels launches from Morehead City at 5:30 PM and arrives in Beaufort at 6:15 PM. A panel of judges will evaluate the entries for excellence and creativity and present prizes to the winners at an Awards Party held immediately afterward at the Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center across the street from the North Carolina Maritime Museum. Attendance is free, but to register a boat for entry, please call the Maritime Museum at 252-728-1638.

The weekend following the big boat parade, Beaufort offers up a spectacular double-whammy centered on the townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 12-block historic district. The fun begins on Saturday, December 14th with

holidays, the Town of Beaufort has everything but the snow! For two weekends in December, this coastal community will serve up a smorgasbord of seasonal tours, shopping excursions, artisanal crafts, boats, treats, lights, and history that make it a super-fantastic driveable destination.

T 38

he winter calendar kicks off on Saturday, December 7th with the Crystal Coast Christmas Flotilla, in which a twinkling electric light parade takes to the water on virtually anything that floats. The caravan of boats, yachts, kayaks, and commercial

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a festive shopping extravaganza known as the annual Beaufort Holiday Art Walk. This event runs from 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM and includes a variety of open houses, art receptions, craft exhibitions, and gallery showcases. All participating proprietors are located in the immediate downtown area and Art Walk maps will be made available. When evening falls and the Art Walk ends, the Historic Beaufort Candlelight Homes Tour begins. With music provided by carolers from local churches, this extremely popular holiday tradition gives visitors the chance to celebrate the season on a double-decker bus that makes regular stops at privately-owned historic homes, all gorgeously decorated with trees, wreaths, garlands, and more. From 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM, a preselected slate of homeowners will graciously open their doors to visitors. This is a unique way to experience the brightness and warmth of a coastal North Carolina Christmas. The tour typically

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includes several inns, bed and breakfast establishments, and churches, and tourgoers come away with a new understanding of how these properties have contributed to a rich local history that spans the decades from the early-1700s through the present day. This event starts at the Beaufort Historic Site at 130 Turner Street, tickets are priced at $20 each, and maps will be distributed. For more information on the Historic Beaufort Candlelight Homes Tour, call 252-728-5225 or visit beauforthistoricsite.org/tickets. Again, this one is not to be missed! Together with the Crystal Coast Christmas Flotilla and Beaufort Holiday Art Walk, it’s all the more proof that December in Beaufort is definitely the place to be.  Jennifer Smart is assistant director at the Wake Forest Historical Museum. You can visit the website at www.wakeforestmuseum.org. Photo courtesy of the Beaufort Historic Site (beauforthistoricsite.org).

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best friend. This little gem can be a sweet treat and an amazing savory snack too. It was such a surprise to me when I started my job that the chef here also used what I have always considered “my” go-to pastry dough recipe. He uses it as the base dough for his much beloved and heavilyordered appetizer collection of savory pinwheels. In my world, this pastry dough was the base of my “Tea-Time Teasers,” a recipe passed down to me from my grandma. After all my years making Christmas treats with this dough, I never once thought of using it to make something savory. Well, color me surprised! Trust me, once you try this dough, you will be hooked on its ease of preparation and how quickly it comes together. It is made with simple ingredients that you may already have on-hand, and you can make a big batch and portion it out to store in the freezer for later use. There are so many different uses for this dough! Be creative and let your culinary imagination carry you away. But let me introduce you to two treats – Tea-Time Teasers and Chili-Chorizo Pinwheels – that will have you on everyone’s invite list this holiday season.

BY HOLLY HOPKINS

A ONE-TWO

HOLIDAY BAKING PUNCH Pumpkin spice is in the air. Halloween and harvest decorations have been popping up in the stores for a little while now. And many stores are already covered in Christmas lights and extension cords. All of this can only mean one thing – it’s almost time for the upcoming holiday bonanza season! And, even more exciting, it means it’s time to plan for all the baked goodies to share at all the fun and amazing

parties you will be invited to over the next couple of months. o that end, I have a “one-two punch” for you. That’s right … one recipe that can be easily tweaked for two very different holiday treats! Let me introduce you to my easy pastry dough … it’s simple, versatile, and is sure to become your new baking

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BASIC PASTRY DOUGH – 8 ounces cream cheese, softened – 2/3 cups butter, softened – 2 cups all purpose flour – 1½ teaspoons baking powder – 1 teaspoon salt Beat together cream cheese and butter in a mixer until thoroughly combined and completely smooth. Add the flour, baking powder, and salt. Beat well until dough comes together. Wrap dough in plastic. Place in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to get firm for rolling. Batch can easily be doubled and frozen. Simply separate into appropriate size portions, wrap in plastic wrap, and store in freezer container. Best if used within three months. CHILI-CHORIZO PINWHEELS Chorizo Filling – 1 pound Mexican chorizo sausage – 1 medium onion, finely diced – 2 tablespoons masa Flour (or substitute 2 tablespoons of regular flour ... it will work, but masa tastes better) – 1 cup shredded cheddar or quesadilla cheese (can be found at most grocery stores) In a skillet over medium high heat, add chorizo and onions and cook until the chorizo crumbles and the onion is translucent (about 8 minutes). Add masa flour and cook until it thickens. Let cool. To assemble, form the dough into a rough rectangle. You will want to try to retain this shape while rolling out. Roll out the dough to about 1/4" thickness, maintaining the rectangular shape. Spread

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the chorizo filling in a single layer over the dough, leaving about a ½ inch of space on all sides. Roll the dough from a long side (to make the log longer and thinner, not shorter and fatter). Put dough, seam side down, on a sheet pan and place in the freezer until firm, about one hour. Slice into 1/2" slices (they will be a bit of an oblong shape) and place on a parchment-lined sheet pan. Bake in a 350-degree oven for about 20 minutes or until golden brown. Serve with chipotle raspberry dipping sauce. Raspberry Chipotle Dipping Sauce – 12 ounces frozen raspberries – 1 tablespoon chipotle puree – ½ cup sugar Puree raspberry, chipotle, and sugar together. Strain to remove the seeds. Serve the sauce on the side. TEA-TIME TEASERS For this recipe, you will need small tartlet tins (can be found at specialty shops or online retailers). Just think bite-size when you are selecting the size to buy.

Place the ball of dough in the bottom middle of the tin. Dip your thumb into the dish of flour, then use your thumb to push the dough ball down in the middle, forming an indent. From there, slowly start pushing the dough all along the bottom and up the sides of the tin, until it reaches just above the top of the rim. You want the dough to form as thin a crust as possible, but not leak when baked (it is a fine balance). Place a small dollop of the pecan filling into the tartlet. It will expand when baked, so don’t overfill or you will have a gooey mess. Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 5-7 minutes or until filling is set and crust is browned. Let cool for a few minutes before removing from the tin. They do pop out somewhat easily (most of the time). You can use a toothpick to loosen the edges when needed, but usually they pop out if you hold them upside-down and squeeze lightly on the sides of the tin. By testing this first one (or two if you like), you can gauge the level of thickness of your pastry

crust, the amount of filling, and the height of the sides. After your test tartlets are baked, you can adjust the size dough ball you need for the remainder of the batch. Shape all the dough balls and place them in all the tins, then start forming them from there. Feel free to reuse the tartlet tins without washing until you have used up all your dough. Once you have finished making all the tartlets, wash your tins thoroughly (they will get baked on goo – I promise). Soak them in hot, soapy water for a bit, then wash. Pro tip: I recommend placing them upside down on a baking sheet and popping into the oven for a few minutes to help evaporate all the water and make sure they are completely dry before storing them.  Holly Hopkins has spent many years working in and with food, starting off cooking at her Grandma's elbow. Now, she is thrilled to be combining her passions for high quality food and superior customer service at Chef Mario’s. For more information, visit www.chefmario.com.

Pecan Filling – 1 egg, beaten with a fork – ¾ cup brown sugar – ¼ teaspoon salt – 1 tablespoon melted butter – ½ teaspoon vanilla – ¾ cup finely chopped pecans Add all the ingredients into the bowl with the beaten egg and mix until incorporated. Have a small dish of flour handy for filling the tins with the dough. It will help with pushing the dough down into the shape of the tin. Be sure to oil or spray the tins before you start filling them. Scoop out a roughly teaspoon-size portion of the chilled pastry dough and roll it into a small ball between your palms. I would start with one or two “test tartlets” first to make sure you have the appropriate size ball of dough for the size and shape of your tin.

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TEETH TALK

DENTAL QUESTIONS PATIENTS FEAR ASKING BY DR. EDMOND SUH

isiting the dentist doesn’t typically rate high on many people’s list of favorite things to do, but oral hygiene and routine dental check-ups are essential to overall health. One of the fears patients have is that they’ll never again have a nice smile, but that’s the greatest reward of most dentists – taking a patient who wants to hide his or her smile on the journey to being proud of it. Q: If I have neglected my teeth for a long time, what will the dentist think? A: Embarrassment and fear of procedural pain can prevent people from seeking dental treatment for years. This can result in patients experiencing painful situations such as a tooth breaking or falling out, intense toothaches, or advanced gum disease from the lack of preventive care. Your teeth might be bad now, but by not seeing a dentist, they likely will get worse. Problems may be able to be reversed with treatment, and your dentist can help you prevent future problems. If you haven’t had a routine exam in the last six months, call and schedule your appointment today. Practices utilizing the latest in dental technology should offer you a great experience without pain. Your smile is worth it!

chemotherapy. Protect yourself by discussing any concerns with your dentist. Q: Why are my teeth sensitive? A: Patients with sensitive teeth may feel pain when they consume items that are hot or cold, sweet, or acidic. Generally, this is caused by thinned tooth enamel which doesn’t protect the tooth pulp or dentin inside from exposure to extreme temperatures. This can result from receding gums, grinding teeth when sleeping, whitening of the teeth, chips or fractures, fillings, and orthodontics. Talk to your dentist about specifics to help ease the sensitivity. Q: Why do baby teeth matter if they are going to fall out? A: Baby teeth matter because they pave the way for adult teeth.

Q: What is good oral hygiene? A: Good oral hygiene begins with maintaining an oral care routine of brushing and flossing twice a day using dental products that contain fluoride. To help ensure a healthy mouth, you should follow a balanced diet and limit snacks that are high in sugar, avoid tobacco products, and visit the dentist regularly. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that adult patients visit a dentist once or twice per year to have their teeth professionally cleaned and identify any potential problems early. Preventive check-ups are the best way to stay on top of your dental health. Technological advances like laser cavity-detection systems can help identify and treat issues in their earliest stages. Digital X-rays provide instant images and reduce the amount of radiation exposure to patients by 80 percent. Some conditions such as diabetes or reflux/heartburn can also affect your dental health, as can certain medications and types of 42

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Children can develop their first cavities by the age of two. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends booking your child’s first dental visit once they have their first tooth, or at the latest, by their first birthday. Building healthy dental habits in children can have a long-lasting impact on their adult teeth. Q: How important is fluoride? A: Enamel, the hard coating layer of your teeth, is mostly made up of minerals that can soften and decay when exposed to daily acids and bacteria. Using fluorinated dental products like toothpaste and mouthwash, along with fluoride treatments, can help strengthen the enamel on your teeth. Additionally, fluoride helps fight cavities. Q: I have missing teeth – what are my options? A: Dental implants are one of the best ways to replace missing or weakened teeth. Most adult patients are good candidates for implants as they can prevent the remaining

teeth from moving or loosening as a result of the treatment. Implants are permanent and appear natural, serving as a good alternative to dentures. Q: What can I do to improve the appearance of my teeth? A: Advances in cosmetic dental technology give patients multiple alternatives to show off their pearly whites. Porcelain technology is the metal-free esthetic treatment that provides strength for many years. For those who complain that their teeth are not white enough, there are multiple options to treat patients with varying degrees of tooth darkness and stain … your dentist can help you find the best option for you. 

919-556-6200

Dr. Edmond Suh, DDS is with Supremia Dentistry, located at 1711 S. Main Street in Wake Forest. He is an international lecturer on contemporary dental techniques. At Supremia Dentistry, expect something different as they welcome you to their patient family. Call 919-556-6200 to learn more or schedule an appointment. You can also visit www.supremiadentistry.com.

Schedule your appointment or request a complimentary consultation today! 1711 South Main Street Wake Forest www.supremiadentistry.com CIRCA Magazine

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Here are five tips for staging your home to sell during the holidays. 1. REMOVE PERSONAL ITEMS. This is great advice when you’re selling your home, no matter the time of year. Keeping a few items on display can help with that warm and cozy feel of the home … and let’s face it, people buy and sell based on their emotions. So keeping just a few times on display is a great idea; however, when it comes to full walls of family photos and bookcases with numerous family heirlooms, go ahead and pack those away. Also, doing so means there’s less to pack when the time comes. 2. REFRAIN FROM DISPLAYING KNICK-KNACKS. When a potential buyer comes into your home, they need to see themselves and their family in the home. By removing knick-knacks from shelving, countertops, and other spaces, you are able to continue the de-personalization throughout the home, as well as open up the space, allowing the prospective buyers to envision their items in the home. Also, through the eyes of the camera (we all know the online pictures of your home are super important to its marketability), the entire space will look much larger with less stuff throughout as well. 3. ADD IN A BIT OF OUTDOOR DÉCOR. As I just mentioned, removing items like knick-knacks to de-clutter your space is important to the selling process. Therefore, keep the seasonal and

BY ALLISON CAUDLE ABBOTT

STAGING FOR THE

Medicare plans to fit your needs

5 TIPS FOR STAGING YOUR HOME TO SELL DURING THE HOLIDAYS

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SEASON You’ve decided to sell your home, but just realized that the holiday season is quickly approaching. You’re probably wondering if you can still decorate for fall. Do you love decorating for Halloween but don’t want to scare off buyers? What about Christmas – can you still enjoy the spirit of the season

while selling your home? hen it comes to staging your home in preparation for it to be listed during the holiday season, it’s important to have just the right amount of décor for potential buyers who visit. You certainly don’t have to forgo all the fun and festive fall decorations, and yes, you can still deck the halls to a degree during your favorite holiday season. 44

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Leslie S. McMillan (919) 271-6898

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holiday décor inside your home minimal and neutral (a few well-placed items here and there for a little holiday cheer is still okay, though) … and instead, have fun staging and decorating your porch and decks! A warm and inviting porch is a great way to add in curb appeal, and a decorated back deck can highlight that it’s a great place to relax and unwind after a long day. 4. KEEP IT FRESH AND UP-TO-DATE. When adding holiday décor to a home that is on the market, it’s important that such décor is fresh and up-to-date. Keep the items that have been handed down for years and years packed up (remember, less to pack later) and either purchase a few new pieces, or work with a real estate agent or stager who has items on hand. For example, if you celebrate Christmas, you can still have a Christmas tree (I recommend a skinny tree when selling, to help make the room look and feel spacious). But rather than adorning it with ornaments from your childhood, try sticking to all gold balls and white lights, if that matches the rest of your home’s decorating scheme. No matter what, keep it neutral. 5. KEEP IT CLEAN. Be sure to keep all areas (inside and out) clean at all times. You have one time to make a first impression, so make sure it’s a good one! For the front porch and decks, spray the areas down if needed. And inside, keep all areas dusted, vacuumed, mopped, and clean of clutter. Selling your home is a stressful time – but don’t let that stress keep you from enjoying this wonderful time of year. By keeping these staging tips in mind, it is possible to enjoy a fabulous fall and a happy holiday season while selling your home.  Allison Caudle Abbott is the owner and broker-in-charge of Southern Lux Living, serving buyers and sellers throughout the Triangle. She may be reached at 919-3956186 or visit www.southernluxliving.com.

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may feel a little daunting – so why not give removable bangs a try, so you can remove them when you want? Or maybe you just long for that luxurious, voluminous hair you see whipping about on shampoo commercials. Whatever your mane desire or needs may be, hair extensions can be a simple and accessible solution. They aren’t just for young, fashionable women seeking Rapunzel hair – no, hair extensions are for anyone and everyone looking for options for their locks. These beauties give us options. There’s no need to wait for a bad haircut to grow out or resign yourself to lifeless hair just because that’s what you were born with. Your look is something you can control, and it’s absolutely liberating. I’m not just talking about adding length and volume here – hair extensions are becoming increasingly popular for altering hair color, adding texture, and even masking damaged hair. I’m sure you’ve seen the tabloids that are filled with shocking pictures and horror stories by celebs whose extensions have damaged their hair. Well I’m here to tell you that hair extensions are totally safe – as long as they are installed and maintained properly. Be sure to talk with your stylist if you’re considering them, and see if they are a good option for you. BY AMY VULGAMOTT

There are various techniques available today that can help you

ALL ABOUT

HAIR

EXTENSIONS

GO FROM DRAB TO FAB IN AN INSTANT

s it hard for you to grow out your natural hair? Did you chop off your hair recently, only to find you’re missing your long locks again? Is your hair thinning with age, or shredding due to weight loss or a major life transition? Do you suffer from balding or patchy hair? Want to experiment with your short style? Perhaps you are seeking a one-time hair transformation for that upcoming holiday party. Maybe you want to sample a new style before committing. Considering temporary highlights or lowlights, or possibly a fun splash of color to ring in the New Year? How about bangs? These little guys pack a punch when it comes to transforming a look, but getting them 46

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achieve your extension goals. Tape-in, clipin, beading, and micro bonding are several such popular options. Not all salons offer all methods, so check with your stylist to see which versions she / he offers. Depending on which route you choose, you can plump mid-lengths and ends; add length at the front and sides of your style; thicken fine hair; achieve longer, fuller hair from a mid-length base; fill the gaps in your hair without placing any unnecessary stress to thinning strands; re-introduce hair to exposed scalp areas without any noticeable bonds or attachments; and add a streak of color to tap into your whimsical side.

you can ensure that the results will be what you want.

today that they are now being mentioned in the same breath as more traditional hair care products and tools.

Hair extensions have been around for quite a while – but over the years, the industry has seen lots of changes, including a wider acceptance of hair extensions as normal, and as a popular method for increasing the length, volume, and “wow-factor” of hair. People are now unabashedly sharing their extension stories … so much so, that the mystique that used to surround hair extensions has all but vanished, and the phenomenom is so much more commonplace

Full, voluminous hair will always be in style. But while many of us weren’t blessed with silky, flowing locks full of mermaid-y waves, the many extension products and techniques available today are helping women – and men – achieve the hair of their dreams.  Amy Vulgamott is with New Vision Salon, located at 1318 S. Main Street in Wake Forest. She may be reached at 717-880-4349.

EXTENSIONS 101 – How many strands of hair do I need for a full head? The average head of hair takes between five and six packs (100 – 120 strands). However, depending on the length of your hair, as well as its thickness, this can vary. – What color should I choose? Hair extensions are available in many colors in a variety of shades and levels. With human hair extensions, you can also color the hair to a level of your choice. – How do I care for my extensions? Use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner. Try not to expose the bonds to chlorinated water or other harsh ingredients. – What can I do with my extensions once they are in? Basically anything you would do with your own hair – from curling to blow-drying, to flat-ironing and styling. Just remember to always take extra good care of your hair and hair extensions. – Can I brush my hair with my extensions in place? Yes! I recommend using a hair extension brush – this will help ensure proper care and maintenance of the hair. When brushing, hold the hair at the roots and brush from the tips, working up. – Can I dye my hair extensions? Yes, you can dye them – if you must color your extensions, use only a semi- or demipermanent hair color. Never lift color, only deposit it. Be sure to keep it within two shades of the hair’s original color. And always perform a strand test first, so

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HOME

REMEDIES FOR COLD AND FLU SYMPTOMS

old and flu season is upon us, and each year, millions of children and adults in the U.S. fall ill this time of year. While it’s important to seek medical attention for severe or protracted symptoms, there are also several things you can do at home to alleviate symptoms, prevent the illness from worsening, and even help the infection resolve faster. Here are some simple suggestions that can help you and your family feel better this cold and flu season. 1. Take an over-the-counter fever reducer. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and Ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) are effective in treating headaches and body aches that patients often experience from colds and the flu. In addition, these medicines also help to reduce fever, which is important because the higher your temperature is, the faster water evaporates from your skin surface, leading to dehydration. Please remember that pregnant women, patients with underlying medical conditions, patients with certain medication allergies, and caretakers of infants should consult a healthcare professional to make sure they’re giving the correct medication in the correct dose.

do get sick, their symptoms are more likely to last longer than if they were well-rested. This cold and flu season, make sure you get at least seven hours of sleep each night. And if you do get a cold or the flu, rest as much as possible throughout the day to help your body recover faster. 4. Use grocery store ingredients to treat your cough. Believe it or not, common grocery store items can help alleviate a cough just as well (if not better!) than pharmaceutical cough suppressants. Honey has been shown to be as effective as over-thecounter cough suppressants. One of the reasons it works is because of its viscosity, so we recommend eating it straight off the

2. Drink plenty of fluids. Since viruses can cause vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and excessive mucus production, all of which can lead to significant fluid losses, it’s important to replenish these losses by staying hydrated while you’re sick. Especially if you’re experiencing vomiting or diarrhea, drinking slow sips of electrolyte-rich fluid (such as Pedialyte or Gatorade) can not only prevent dehydration, but can also help to replace the electrolytes you’ve lost. It’s important to note that if you go more than eight hours without urinating, or if you have a headache, dizziness, weakness, incessant vomiting, or dark urine, you should seek immediate medical attention, since these symptoms can indicate severe dehydration. 3. Get lots of rest. Your body’s immune system needs plenty of sleep in order to function properly. People who are sleepdeprived are more likely to become ill when they’re exposed to viruses such as influenza or the common cold. And, if they 48

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spoon instead of adding it to your tea in order to get the maximum benefit. (Just remember that honey is not recommended for children under one year of age.) Chocolate is another tasty grocery store ingredient that’s an effective cough suppressant. Cocoa contains theobromine, a compound that suppresses coughs more effectively than codeine, a mild narcotic that’s often in prescription-strength cough suppressants. Menthol lozenges are another effective cough treatment, since menthol is a mild anesthetic that numbs your cough reflex. 5. Eat chicken noodle soup. Recent scientific studies have proven what our moms and grandmas have known for years: chicken noodle soup is effective in relieving symptoms from the common cold! Patients who eat chicken noodle soup while they’re under the weather typically have less severe cold symptoms, and sometimes even a shorter duration of infection. Chicken noodle soup works for several reasons. First, the steam from the broth alleviates congestion in your sinuses and chest. Second, the soup contains well-balanced nutrition, including carbohydrates, vegetables, hydration, and protein. And third, chicken contains cysteine, an amino acid that helps break down mucus quickly.  Novant Health-GoHealth Urgent Care, a joint venture partnership between GoHealth and Novant Health, currently has 12 centers in Winton-Salem and Charlotte, with more North Carolina centers to follow. For more health and wellness tips, visit gohealthuc.com/library/nc.

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of a place that you get to have an intimate viewpoint. It becomes a community within a community. Of course, with a brewpub, there must be great beer as the foundation. But the days of being successful just because you are local are over. Bringing people together – in this case to eat and drink – helps give this enterprise a leg up over others.

BY BRAD WYNN

A BREWPUB'S

PLACE IN THE COMMUNITY

Beer is something many of us enjoy. It might be because it tastes great, or maybe it’s because there are so many styles and flavors that you will probably find something pleasing

Having been in this business for more than 23 years, I have a view on what’s important cultivated over time. My job is made easier because of the passion and diverse personalities that are attracted to this industry. Some of us are downright eclectic, but I digress. We have decided to take a trip down a road less travelled. We like going to work. There is a chance that has something to do with a bar located on the premise, but I’ll leave that for you to decide. What makes a workplace like this so interesting is that there are always new problems to be addressed and new decisions to be made. No two days are the same. Friends and family are always close by and we meet new friends each day. While there is definite joy in creating a great pint of beer, bringing people together is the greatest reward.  Brad Wynn is general manager, brewmaster, and part owner of Norse Brewing Company, 203 Brooks Street in Wake Forest (opening this fall). For more information, visit www.norsebrewingco.com or follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

to the palate … or maybe there is much more. The people involved, the spaces they create, and the effects they have on our community may be more important than the beer itself. Stay with me on this. Let’s think about three aspects in which we interact with our neighborhoods. Breweries bring local benefits such as hiring within the community, keeping money

in the community, and creating successful small business. rewpubs succeed at high rates in part because they give friends and family a great place to gather. They give you the opportunity to take a walk or short ride to a place where you will probably know some, if not all, there. They are also taverns that encourage discussion between individuals who have local interests and concerns. They hire your friends and family, which helps ensure that your hard-earned dollars stay at home. They invest in people, local goods and services, and local charities. Brewpubs are founded on the ideals of enhancing our community and creating a communal environment that may be as important as the beer and food itself.

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These gathering places create convivial spaces to congregate while allowing you to get to know the people and personalities that make the brewery click. You become an integral part in the success 50

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dition, so they evaporate too quickly? Just like with most things in the world today, new technology has enabled doctors to diagnosis dry eye much more precisely. We can now differentiate between various types of dry eye and tailor your treatment plan accordingly. For instance, a special infrared camera can provide us with a wealth of information that was previously not visible during standard examination. We can now clearly see the structure of the small oil producing glands in your eyelids, measure the thickness of the oil layer in your tears, observe the stability of your tear film, and monitor how effectively you blink. Blinking is essential for activating the small oil producing glands in your eyelids and spreading those oils smoothly across the eye’s surface. Your blink rate naturally drops when you use a computer or a digital device. Compound that with poor quality blinking and the oils in your eyelids can become thickened, causing the quality of your tears to degrade dramatically. This results in fluctuating vision and red, irritated eyes. Understanding the condition of the glands and the quality of your oil layer is critical when determining your dry eye treatment.

BY DR. SAMANTHA K. McPHERSON

DRY EYE DEVELOPMENTS

NEW ADVANCEMENTS AND TREATMENTS WILL LET YOU DITCH THE DROPS

o your eyes often feel tired, scratchy, or burn? Do they seem to water excessively? Does your vision seem to blur on a whim? If so, you may be one of the estimated 20.7 million people in the United States who suffer from chronic dry eye. Dry eye symptoms can be very frustrating, especially for those who have tried a variety of over-the-counter or prescription eye drops and are still suffering from the irritation and blurred vision caused by dry eye. While it is true that there is no cure for dry eye, there are many treatment options and diagnostic tools that people may not yet be familiar with. Do you have dry eyes because you don’t have enough tears (aqueous deficient dry eye)? Or is it because of evaporative dry eye, meaning that you may have enough tears, but they are in poor con52

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Eye drops have been the standard in dry eye management for years. For many people, switching from an over-the-counter eye drop to a prescription version that addresses the inflammation associated with dry eye is enough to get them feeling and seeing better. But for many others, more is needed to end their dry-eye suffering. Fortunately, today, there are options that treat dry eye in non-traditional ways. One such way is LipiFlow – a revolutionary, quick, and painless procedure that eliminates any obstructions present in the oil producing gland. Simply clearing the glands of poor-quality oils helps them to function more effectively, providing significant relief to those who have been experiencing dry eye symptoms. This one time, in-office treatment takes less than 15 minutes, and there is no downtime afterwards, so you can get back to your daily routine in no time at all. Another advancement is Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatment. IPL, a light-based technology that is commonly used in dermatology to treat rosacea and other skin inflammatory conditions, is increasing in popularity as a treatment for dry eye. During the procedure, a strategic level of light pulses is administered to penetrate the skin under the eye and targets the root cause of the inflammation. As the IPL treatment improves your overall skin appearance, your eyelid inflammation is reduced, and the function of your oil glands will subsequently improve. These procedures are effective, gentle, safe, and also have no downtime afterwards. If you do not produce enough tears, tear duct plugs will help to keep your tears from leaving your eye too quickly. Tears leave the eye via the tear ducts – and by partially blocking them with either silicone or collagen plugs, your tears will stay on the surface of your eye for a longer period of time. Insertion of these plugs is a very straightforward, painless procedure that can be done quickly in-office.

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Persistent defects in the cornea – the front surface of the eye – are common in those with dry eye. These imperfections cause chronic irritation, blurred vision, and are often very challenging to heal with eye drops alone. Fortunately, therapeutic tissues can be placed on the ocular surface, just like a bandage to cover a cut on the skin. These tissues contain natural, therapeutic healing factors that can promote quality healing and lessen inflammation in a very short period. Autologous blood serum drops are eyedrops that are made from your own blood. Yes, you read that right, eyedrops made from blood! I know this treatment sounds a bit crazy, but your blood serum is full of nutrients and therapeutic factors that can help your eyes to heal. This is not a new treatment for dry eye; however, cost and the difficulties associated with getting the drops previously made this an unviable option for most people. Fortunately, though, both cost and access barriers have been lessened, thanks to new technologies – so the use of autologous blood serum drops for dry eye treatment is expected to increase. Many people discontinue contact lens wear due to discomfort caused by dry eye. However, scleral lenses are a special type of contact lens that can provide excellent vision and help to provide comfort for those suffering from it. This is due to the unique way that they sit on the eye’s surface. Rather than draping directly on top of the front surface of the eye like a soft contact lens, the scleral lens only rests on the white part – and there is a buffer of saline between the contact lens and the front surface of the eye. It is as though your eyes are taking a “bath” in moisture while the contact lenses are in. Last, but not least, take a holistic approach to dry eye – what is happening in your body can impact what is happening in your eyes. Conditions such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjogren’s Syndrome can all cause dry eye. If there is any suspicion that those conditions might be present, it is important to rule them out as potential causes. Also, many medications can cause dry eye, so if finding alternative treatments is an option, those shouldn’t be overlooked. Normal body changes come with aging … however, you do not have to merely accept dry eye symptoms as a typical part of getting older (or contact lens wear). There are many new technologies, advancements, and options that can improve eye comfort. So if you are one of those 20.7 million dry eye sufferers I mentioned earlier, and have found that treatments in the past have left you disappointed, don’t give up! Discuss your symptoms and concerns with your eye doctor who will be your best resource for determining if you are a good candidate for any of these new treatment options.  Samantha K. McPherson, OD, FAAO, is the founder of Dry Eye Center of NC, a subspecialty clinic of McPherson Family Eye Care, located at 3150 Rogers Road, Suite 110 in Wake Forest. For more information, visit mcphersonfamilyeyecare.com/specialty-clinics/dryeye-clinic or call 919-263-9163.

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BY THOMAS WALTERS

SMART SHOPPING

situation and be realistic about how much money you can afford to spend. Start saving early and remember to set funds aside for upcoming expenses and travel plans (and don’t forget to have an emergency fund). Lastly, you should set price limits per gift to help you stay on track. Plan to spend a certain dollar amount for each friend, child, or family member on your list and do your best to stick to it.

KEEP YOUR SPENDING UNDER BUDGET THIS HOLIDAY SEASON If you’re like many shoppers, the idea of spending a great deal of money on gifts during the holiday season is stressful. Thankfully, there are many ways to help you stay within your budget while searching for the perfect gifts — and it starts with setting a budget and sticking to it. Whether you’re shopping for a few close friends or your extended family, consider these tips to help you stay within your holiday gift budget and get through the season without burning a hole in your pocket. SET A BUDGET AND GIFT PRICE LIMITS To stick to a budget, you need to create one first. Not sure where to begin? Look back at your holiday gift purchases from last year to help you recollect whom you shopped for and what kinds of gifts you purchased. This can help you create a base for this year’s budget and gift list. You’ll also want to consider your current financial 54

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START EARLY AND SPACE OUT PURCHASES By brainstorming and shopping for gifts early, you will have more time to research deals and pay a fair price. Keep in mind that prices typically increase during the holiday season based on a low supply and high demand – so shopping early can be especially important when it comes to gifts that are predicted to be popular for the holidays. When you shop early and space out purchases, you can also avoid spending a large chunk of money at one time, making it easier to stick to your budget and get ahead on your gift list. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF FREE SHIPPING Many major and even some local retailers may offer free shipping around the holidays. For large or hard-to-find gifts, consider researching them online and take advantage of free shipping promotions when available — not only is this a great way to save a drive to the store, but you can shop from the convenience of your home and avoid the holiday shopping rush. Just be sure to plan accordingly and remember to order online items well in advance of the holiday. This can help you ensure that they will arrive on time. GET CREATIVE WITH DIY GIFTS Homemade gifts can wow your recipients, so if your budget is small this year, consider getting crafty and make do-it-yourself gifts. If you’re not typically someone who crafts or makes homemade presents, it could be a great way to learn new skills or discover hobbies. Baking a batch of homemade cookies or knitting a soft blanket or hat are a couple of DIY options that can show recipients you care. These kinds of presents, while in addition to being thoughtful, may also help you keep a little more money in your bank account. GIVE A SHARED GIFT If the number of people on your shopping list is overwhelming, giving a gift that an entire group can share may help. This is a great way to ensure everyone receives a gift and feels included without breaking the bank. For example, treat an entire family on your shopping list to a movie or dinner at their favorite restaurant, rather than giving individual gifts. You could also suggest a gift exchange among your group of friends and propose a price limit – that way, everyone receives a present and is comfortable with a set budget. The holidays are meant to bring joy, not an overwhelming feeling of stress due to an expensive list of presents. By staying within a budget and focusing on thoughtful gifts, you can enjoy a happy, healthy holiday that doesn’t break the bank. Thomas Walters is the owner of Walters Insurance Agency, located at 3207 Rogers Road, Suite 100 in Wake Forest. Call 919-554-0267 or 919-848-8015 or email ThomasWalters@allstate.com to learn more about how to manage your money, including your retirement and savings, and protect your assets from life’s uncertainties.

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MARKETING 7 TIPS FOR PREPARING YOUR

FOR 2020

BY MAURANDA DALZIEL

020 is just around the corner! Can you believe it? If you’re a business owner, it’s time to start thinking about what that means for your company and marketing plan. Have you started goal planning for the new year?

Goal planning is exciting because it sets our mind to where we want to end up. Once we know where we want to end up, we need to know how we’re going to get there – that’s when we need to dig into a strong marketing plan. STEP 1: Whether you’re working with a marketing firm or you’re handling it yourself, taking a look at your systems and how they sync up with your goals is a great first step. Ensuring that you have strong systems in place to help support your goals is crucial. This could include computer systems, platforms, etc. STEP 2: Who is helping you reach your goals? Staffing and who you position yourself with is also extremely important when you are looking ahead to 2020. This could mean people on payroll, as well as those vendors with whom you align yourself and your business. Furthermore, and just as important, is making sure that your “tribe” of people you surround yourself with (other business owners, friends, family, mentors, etc.) are all in full support of you and your goals. Sharing your goals with those closest to you helps keep you accountable as well and allows those in your corner to cheer for you. If you keep your goals close to your chest, so to speak, others can’t help you celebrate when you hit those goals. STEP 3: Find a way to track milestones towards your goals. This will be different for many different styles of business, and is very important. Celebrating successes is important to keep your momentum going, as well as your mindset strong. 56

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STEP 4: What have your past 12 months looked like? Look at the past 12 months – from where has your business come? How can you get stronger in the already strong areas, and how can you get stronger in the weak areas? In what areas could you be picking up business that you haven’t been? And how will you accomplish this? STEP 5: Once you have a handle on the last 12 months, it’s time to look ahead. Knowing that digital marketing allows for a wide and

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extensive reach which also allows the ability to get granular with a target audience, I suggest tying this type of marketing into your plan if you haven’t already. A strong social media marketing plan is a great place to start. STEP 6: Get social. What does your social media presence look like? Are you well connected through at least two social media platforms where your target audience is? Are you posting consistently and with intention for engagement? By utilizing social media, you are showcasing your business in a more neutral ground, allowing people to get to know you and your products and services better. You’re also able to showcase who you and your team are. By building that trust with your target demographic and audience, you are building a relationship. Once someone knows you, likes you, and feels like they trust you, the connection is made, and that moment is when a purchase is more likely to happen. STEP 7: Plan for change. This is a big one for all businesses – no matter which shape or size. Change is a good thing … just don’t allow it to be an excuse for not getting something done. If your marketing plan needs to change due to promotional events, a large community event that is planned, new hires, new business structure, new vendor partnerships, etc. – great! However, be sure not to fall into the trap of not marketing yourself just because you’re too busy or have too much going on. That’s when a great relationship with a vendor who can bring leverage to your business can be beneficial.

Visit the Wake Forest Historical Museum for an Old-Fashioned Christmas

Properly marketing yourself and your business consistently and over time will allow for less ebbs and flows of businesses. It also allows the community, your target demographic, and the public to feel confidence in your brand.  Mauranda Dalziel is the founder and CEO of Gather Group & Co., a full service marketing firm located in Wake Forest. She may be reached at 919-446-5511 or gathergroupco.com.

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OUR HERITAGE REVISITED THE GREAT WAR: THE SILVER BUGLE AT WAKE FOREST BY AMY PIERCE “Our Heritage” is reprinting and updating earlier articles as a way of introducing a ballooning newcomer population to Wake Forest history and culture.

nlike during the Civil War, most colleges were able to remain open during World War I, largely due to the declaration of President Woodrow Wilson that “undergraduate students in colleges should continue in them, for awhile at least, in order to equip themselves better for future service.” The declaration was a great relief to administrators of colleges and technical schools and spurred President William Louis Poteat to write an article, “College Training in War Time,” published in the July 1917 Bulletin of Wake Forest College. It closed with these words: “The time of all times is here. No shirk! No slacker! No slouch poking about for an easy berth! Make the most of yourself for the bereft and needy world. Get ready for the widest and finest service, civil, military, naval, and of the country which is worthy of your best. To college, young man, young woman! This is your bit.” Even with the government’s encouragement for students to remain in school, financial considerations for Wake Forest were great, as many students had already joined up. Of those remaining, ministerial students paid no tuition. On December 17, 1917, the faculty did not receive a monthly check. As the new year came on, it seemed apparent that more students would be leaving college, and so President Wilson initiated the Student Army Training Corps (SATC), a forerunner of the ROTC program, enabling students to continue their education while being trained on campus for possible military service. Schools were saved from closing once again, but there were some who believed that the College’s participation 58 58

in the SATC program would be a violation of the separation of church and state. To resolve the conflict and to keep the College from a quite-likely closing, the Trustees accepted President Wilson’s plan, but with the stipulation that “this department shall not be permanent, but shall be abolished on the termination of the war.” Thus was initiated a period when days began and ended at Wake Forest College with not the sound of the college bell, but that of the bugle, and Reveille and Taps became the tunes of the times. “There were some … who saw the significance of it all.” One of these was Mrs. John F. Lanneau (wife of the school’s Applied Mathematics and Astronomy professor) who, looking back, said in “The Silver Bugle at Wake Forest,” a February 8, 1919 article in The Biblical Recorder, “Why did the silvery tones of the bugle sound over Wake Forest College campus? Why? Because, and we say it proudly, our young men, the very flower of our boyhood, heard their country’s call ‘To Arms,’ and obeyed … Now the dear old college bell rings out loud and sweet, calling our sons to peaceful arts. But whenever we think or speak of the silvery bugle at Wake Forest, let there be a note of pride and almost a touch of reverence in our voices, for that bugle meant our soldier boys, God bless them!”  Amy Pierce lives in Wake Forest’s Mill Village, where she is a writer, minister, and spiritual counselor. She can be reached at 919-554-2711 or visit www.authenticself.us.