400 Life December 2022

JEWELRY BY SELIN

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Jewelry by Selin

Sayat and Selin Dedeoglu, owners of Jewelry by Seln, are celebrating one year in business in Dawson County, just north of the Forsyth County line.

to choose from.

The perfect way to make this holiday season special

Story by Jennifer Colosimo | Photos by Vicki Alsup Photography

The holidays are for gifting — let’s just be real. But when those gifts are something meaningful, well that’s the secret behind the magic of the sea son. Whether it’s a religious nudge, a family tradition or something else, we often put a little more thought into what our loved ones open up come this time of year.

The husband-and-wife duo behind Jewelry by Selin helps us understand why, and (maybe) takes some of the pressure off with easy gift ideas from the heart.

“I always tell my clients that when they are trying to decide on the pieces that they are purchasing for their loved

Edvina trys on a pair of earrings at Jewelry by Selin. Gold is making a comeback and the local jeweler has penty of piec es

ones, they may not have any special meaning tied to them at that moment,” explained Selin Dedeoglu, co-owner of the year-old jewelry boutique in Dawsonville.

“But that meaning gets load ed as soon as it’s opened. The holidays are times already filled with peace, hope and generosity, so those positive emotions carry over into the gift, making it something spe cial instantly.”

Selin knows this first-hand. She still has a small collection of jewelry that she received as a young child on the day of her Christening.

Of course, those pieces of jewelry held no sentimental value when they were bought, but because they were bought just for her, for such a special day, they’re now full of sweet emotions.

She still treasures the small gold pendant, a delicate cross and a custom, gold ID bracelet, each gifted by a different, spe cial person in her life at the time.

They’re the most meaningful pieces for her, still today, because they were the only jewelry she owned for a very long time, and they remind her of family.

Perhaps that’s why Selin’s favorite jewelry traditions are ones that remind us of special moments or of time with fami ly, of home.

They’re things that can be kept forever, can be passed down to the next generation or treasured as a family heir loom.

To her, those are the things that have the most meaning. Right now, her favorite piece is a ring with her son’s name on it.

The cross, anchor and heart she still has from that collec tion of Christening gifts repre sent faith, hope and love. All are meaningful things that bring comfort and joy when she thinks about them, wears them or finds them to hold.

When it comes to the holi days, Sayat and Selin celebrate these few weeks in a unique way. Traditionally, Armenians celebrate New Year’s Day before they nod to Christmas. They exchange gifts for New Year’s Day, and then celebrate with family on their Christmas in January.

It’s a day that means lots of time soaking up family, mixing generations together and cele brating with delectable choco late treats and fine drinks.

Children receive gifts from their elders — small gifts from the host, newborn baby trinkets like gold coins or gold crosses are pinned to babies’ holiday outfits, etc. It’s a long day, but one filled with joy, ensuring everyone ends the celebration with full hearts.

“The holidays are special because it’s a time when we all share the same values at the very same moments,” said Selin, nodding to the many dif ferent cultures and traditions surrounding them.

“Everyone is in the same kind of mood, inspired by hope, love and goodness. Investing in jewelry, especially during the holidays, makes those moments unforgettable, so I love helping our clients think through the perfect gift for their loved ones, and decide what piece they’ll want to remember this year with.”

Lucky for us, this year, there

Selin still leans toward classic trends that have stood the test of time including tennis bracelets or baubled ban gles. This year, lab diamonds have made a big entrance, and for couples who are interested in that, Sayat and Selin can help them design the perfect look.

I always tell my clients that when they are trying to decide on the pieces ... for their loved ones, they may not have any special meaning tied to them at that moment, but that meaning gets loaded as soon as it’s opened.

- Selin Dedeoglu, co-owner of Jewelry by Selin

are a lot of fun trends to choose from. Yellow gold is reliving its moment, and layered necklaces are a modern, trendy option. Initial necklaces make a great custom present.

Other charms and pendants like paper clips, coins and more are popular this year, as well.

Of course, Selin still leans toward classic trends that have stood the test of time (read: diamonds). That could be diamond hoop earrings, diamond studs, tennis bracelets or baubled bangles. This year, lab diamonds have made a big entrance, and for couples who are interested in that, Sayat and Selin can help them design the perfect look.

Jewelry by Selin also has a little something extra to celebrate this sea son, as their 1-year anniversary is underway!

The family-owned and operated shop is committed to excellent customer ser vice and outstanding quality, which has quickly made them the preferred neigh borhood go-to for custom pieces, local and international jewelry lines and more.

They’ve helped many clients trans form their family heirlooms into gor geous modern pieces that can continue to make their way through the genera tions for years to come.

They’ve worked with brides to create bespoke wedding-day looks and they carry both classic and exotic jewelry lines within their counters. They’re easy to work with, friendly and creative — a one-of-a-kind jeweler for Dawsonville and the surrounding area.

Plus, this holiday season they’re offering special seasonal discounts for shoppers to find the perfect gift. So whether it’s simple and silver, trendy and gold, or shiny and classic, any gift bought from the heart is the grand ges ture… and that’s absolutely unforgetta ble. — Sponsored content

As an attorney I often hear about people who want to handle matters on their own.

This is especially trou blesome when a parent says that they can handle a personal injury claim for their own children.

When a parent releases a claim for a child, that child’s claim is complete ly extinguished.

Normally, when a claim is significant, a child can wait to bring their own claim within two years after their 18th birthday, with the exception of claims for medical malpractice and claims against certain governmental entities.

Parents normally carry claims for chil dren’s medical expenses, and other expenses relating to an accident. These claims can  be affected by government programs like Medicaid and other payback rules.

Some paybacks are mandated under law, while others can be avoided under the right circumstances.

When a parent handles the claim with out legal counsel, there are additional rules they should be aware of including rules governing court approval and the court appointment of a conservator.

A conservator reports to the Probate Court on the reasonableness of the settle ment in light of the minor’s injuries and expenses.

A conservator’s fees normally are paid from the proceeds of a settlement.

When a settlement is less than $25,000 after fees, expenses and liens, a conserva tor is not necessary. If the settlement is more than $25,000, then a conservator must be appointed by the Probate Court.

Clearly, the idea of handling a donor’s

claim appears straight forward, often times it is more likely necessary to have a lawyer assist a family in the resolution of a minors claim.

I hope no one is faced with settling a claim for an injured child. It is important to take necessary steps to protect a childs interests.

Steven Leibel is a well-respected personal injury lawyer in Cumming and Dahlonega. He has consistently been recognized as a GA SuperLawyer in Personal Injury; rated 10 by AVVO, and he is considered “preeminent by his peers, as an Martindale AV rated attor ney.”

— Sponsored content

Steven Leibel

What now?

Surviving the emotional effects of a layoff

By Sudie Crouch | Health & wellness columnist

Going through a layoff can be a traumatic and stressful experience.

Believe me, I know.

There are a lot of thoughts and emotions to process and it can throw you into a panic mode where your fight-orflight instincts kick in.

Being aware of how you’re reacting and ultimately responding can help you stay grounded and help you less en the stress as you look for your next opportunity.

One of the first things that comes to mind is how the reactionary process to a layoff is very much like the griev ing process. There’s anger, disbelief, trying to rationalize what happened, and a lot of guilt involved as well. All of

those are normal and expected.

There’s also the grief for what could have been – often, we have plans for advancement with our employer and a layoff takes those plans away, and makes us have to shift gears in many ways.

It’s absolutely OK to cry and to even be angry. That is part of the healing process in grief — the acceptance of all of the emotions — and it can help you as you work through this.

Your routine and structure are now dramatically differ ent, and it can be difficult to find your bearings when those routines are off balance. Sticking to as much of a routine can really be helpful.

The structure it brings to your day can be beneficial, espe cially in those moments where other things feel so foreign. Plus, any time we experience things that are outside of our control, having something we can manage and be in control of can help us focus and keep moving forward.

Having a solid support system in place can be crucial, espe cially emotionally. One of the first things my co-workers did following the layoff was re-group so we could support one another. Even though we worked virtually, we still collaborat ed daily with our work and were able to connect on a personal level too.

Part of our re-group also included sharing jobs we came across and being a source to help re-work our resumes and offer references as we job searched.

Reaching out to friends and family members can be another source of support. Being honest and letting them know your situation can maybe help expand your net in your job search too. Being laid off can feel so isolating at times, so having that connection can definitely be a source of moral and emotional support.

Don’t forget the importance of self-care during this time. One of my first thoughts was that I needed to cancel a standing hair appointment.

I decided against it and went because I knew that would keep me feeling confident and professional for upcoming interviews, and I needed it on a personal level as well.

It may not be a visit to the salon, but maybe it’s getting a massage help with stress, even taking a yoga class, or whatever it is that helps you find some moments of joy and a break from life stressors. Practicing self-care reminds you that you are important too.

The most important thing that was shared with me — by not only my career coach but my former supervisor — was that the layoff had nothing to do with anything I had done.

This can be one of the toughest pieces to process, especially when we tie a lot of our self-value and worth to our jobs.

It may be hard to remember at times, especially when the job search seems unfruitful, but know that your skills, talents, and experience are still immensely important and you have a lot to offer to the right company.

Job Seeker Awareness

There are a lot of job scams going around now unfortunately. Make sure that you thoroughly research companies and the organizations (especially the websites for who is in Human Resources or Peoples teams) before you send any personal and private information (like Social Security numbers, bank information, etc).

A lot of multi-level marketing opportunities also post ‘jobs’ on Indeed or LinkedIn. Be mindful of those as well. If they ask for an investment, odds are it’s not a full-time salaried position.

It’s a stressful time and separating the real jobs from the notso-real can make it worse; by being aware of some of the things to look for ahead of time can help you avoid making those missteps.

An article from Indeed.com, which can be found by entering bit.ly/3UqBSqj, can also help give you some pointers on how to identify if it’s a job scam or not.

If you’re concerned you may experience a layoff in the future, being proactive can help alleviate some of this stress.

Freshening up your resume or CV and seeing what skills employers are hiring for can help you have a bit of control and be prepared a bit.

Sudie Crouch is a health & wellness coach, helping clients create healthy, attainable changes using positive psychology and cognitive behavior approaches.

Your routine and structure are now dramatically different, and it can be difficult to find your bearings when those routines are off balance. Sticking to as much of a routine can really be helpful.

Reflecting Back on the Year

Why it matters. Two ways to make it more fun.

December is traditionally the time when we reflect back on the year. This enables us to acknowledge and honor what we’ve been through, take stock of what we’ve learned, and apply those lessons to the year ahead.

My family has a special annual tradition we’ve been doing for a number of years: we make a little time capsule each January that we fill throughout the year and then open together around the holidays. Nothing fancy — it’s just a clean Pringles can we decorate, label, and fill with little mementos like tick et stubs, printed programs, menus from new favorite restaurants, funny notes we’ve left for each other, wallet-sized school photos, etc.

This year’s time capsule ought to be interesting. We had a col lege graduation. We attended two weddings. We traveled out of state to several new places for the first time in a few years. I start ed writing this monthly column.

My daughter had a great report card. My son set a new personal record in pole vaulting. There are also two hospital ID bracelets in the time capsule this year, reminding us that sometimes we have to take the bitter with the sweet.

When we’re in the thick of the holiday season muddling through a seemingly never-ending to-do list, we can sometimes forget to pause and reflect on the previous year and appreciate how far we’ve come. The beauty of an annual time capsule is that it forces us to gather those reminders throughout the year and intentionally reflect and celebrate it at year end.

The same is true for anything you want to track and measure or reflect upon.

As someone who loves to read, tracking my reading each year always brings me joy and motivates me to reach my reading goals. It’s like a time capsule of books.

I love looking back on what I’ve read every December to remember what I loved and what I didn’t love. This year I discov ered a new (to me) author quite by accident and I found myself reading everything she has ever written.

There are countless ways to track your reading. It can be as

simple as a paper notebook, or as high-tech as a digi tal spreadsheet or app. Some people like to use a social platform like Goodreads to not only log their reading, but write reviews, follow favorite authors, and get reading recommendations from friends.

I use a very simple, free app on my phone called Reading List. I like that I can scan a book’s barcode to quickly add it to my personal reading log and it automatically displays an image of the book cover to jog my memory when I look back on my list. I also like that it’s not a social app, but I can choose to share a book with someone via text or a social media platform if I want.

If you are a Forsyth County Public Library (FCPL) cardholder, another option for tracking your reading is to create custom book lists in your FCPL account online. Keep track of books you want to read, your favorite books of all time, favorite books you read this year, or any list of your choosing.

There’s even a function that allows you to email your custom book lists which includes the book covers and links to each item in the FCPL catalog. Log in to your account at forsythpl.org, then go to the “My Lists” section in the sidebar to create or access a custom list. Our friendly Librarians will be happy to help you if you need assistance.

There is a saying that “energy flows where attention goes,” so if you take the time to track what you’ve read over the course of a year, you’re more likely to achieve your reading goals.

If you’re not already tracking your reading, I encourage you to start so you can reflect back on your list next year and see how much you’ve accomplished and remind yourself what books you loved so you can read similar titles in the future.

If you already track your reading, I’d love to know your favor ite book of 2022. I’m compiling a list of 2022 favorites to share with Library patrons and staff. Visit https://bit.ly/ FavoriteBooks2022, to tell me in a brief Google form your favor ite book this year and I’ll share the results next month.

COUNTY

Cumming Library, 585 Dahlonega Street, Cumming, GA 30040 | Sharon Forks Library, 2820 Old Atlanta Rd, Cumming, GA 30041 | Post Road Library, 5010 Post Rd, Cumming, GA 30040 | Hampton Park Library, 5345 Settingdown Rd, Cumming, GA 30041

Nothing says “Christmas” like building a gingerbread house. There are many ways to make it your own, and everyone, no matter the age, can enjoy the process.

INGREDIENTS

For gingerbread: 3 cups all-purpose flour

¼ teaspoon baking soda

2 teaspoons ground ginger 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon ½ teaspoon ground allspice ¼ teaspoon salt

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature ¾ cup packed brown sugar

1 egg ½ cup molasses

1 tablespoon water

For royal icing: 3 tablespoons meringue powder 4 cups powdered sugar 5 tablespoons water

For decorating: Assorted candies, sprinkles, cookies

Homemade Gingerbread Houses

DIRECTIONS

Beat butter and brown sugar until smooth and creamy, about two minutes. Beat in the egg, molasses and water; scrape the sides of the bowl halfway through mixing to make sure all ingredients are incorporated.

Add first 6 ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing on low until combined. The cookie dough will be thick. Divide dough in half, flatten into discs and wrap each half in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 2 hours.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Remove each disc from the refrigerator and roll out between 2 pieces of parchment paper with a rolling pin to about ¼ inch thick ness.

Using gingerbread house cookie cutters (available online on websites like Amazon) or a template (find these online to print and cut out), cut out the pieces for the house. Use any extra dough to re-roll and cut out shapes for extra decorations.

Place pieces on cookie sheet, about 3 inches apart. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until edges

are lightly browned. Let pieces cool on a flat surface before you begin constructing your house.

FOR ICING:

Beat meringue powder, pow dered sugar and water together until icing forms peaks, about 7 to 10 minutes. Check consistency of icing and add more water if it’s too thick or more sugar if too thin. Place icing in a piping bag for easy applica tion. For decorating, add food dye to icing to tint as desired.

FOR DECORATING:

Use royal icing to attach gingerbread pieces together. If needed, use cans or other items for support while icing dries.

Once the pieces are firmly attached to one another, use extra icing to decorate the house and to affix candies and other decorations to the gingerbread house.

- Recipe by Erica Jones