HUshh Magazine Holiday 2020

Your Guide to the Holidays

Each year, Young-Williams Animal Center takes in more than 9,000 of our communities most vulnerable animals - stray, homeless, neglected, and abused pets in need of the love and companionship of humans who can care for them.

This Giving Tuesday, you can make a difference in the lives of these animals. You can help animals like Rosco and our “Friends” dogs: Chandler, Rachel, Ross and Monica.

When Rosco arrived at Young-Williams Animal Center, he appeared to be a healthy young dog who loved to run and play. Looking into his caring eyes, you never would have known his heart was struggling to keep him alive.

Rosco was diagnosed with Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) and was born with an extra aortic valve, restricting the amount of blood his heart can pump to the rest of his body. Over time, this had enlarged the left side of his heart, putting him dangerously close to heart failure. We immediately started Rosco on medication that would help his heart contract, keeping him from going into heart failure. Rosco’s

diagnosis was life threatening but with surgery, most dogs with PDA live a long, normal life.

Thanks to donors like you, we were able to provide the lifesaving surgery Rosco needed and he was adopted right before Thanksgiving. This year, Rosco wasn’t homeless on this special day, he was part of loving family where he might have even had his first taste of turkey.

volunteers poured their heart and soul into the rescued dogs to transform their lives.

After seeing the special bond between the dogs, our staff named them the “Friends” dogs after the popular TV show characters: Rachel, Monica, Chandler and Ross.

Your Giving Tuesday donation means more pets like Rosco are healthy enough to find their forever families. We could not fulfill our vision of a home for every pet, for pets like our “Friends” dogs, without compassionate people like you.

Earlier this year, we were also alerted to a family of dogs who were living outside year-round in semi-feral conditions. Our team responded to rescue the four dogs and brought them to our shelter for their first-ever health evaluation.

It truly takes a village to help animals like this, especially since the dogs had not interacted with people. From medication to socialization to enrichment activities, staff and

Without any prior human interaction or a loving home, the dogs had a lot to learn. That humans can be friendly. That it’s OK to accept affection and touch. That a collar is safe. That a leash means a walk. That other dogs can be your friend. That toys are for play.

Since the start of their journey, Monica, Chandler and Ross have been adopted. Rachel’s adoption is pending, and she will be in her forever home soon.

Stories like these are why we are so committed to finding a home for every pet. Every animal deserves the best chance for a loving forever home, and our programs, such as the Pet Resource Center, Spay/Neuter Solutions, foster care and veterinarian services, are essential to making that possible. To give visit www. biggiveknox.org/organizations/youngwilliams-animal-center

In recent times, we have heard it said that America has never experienced such unrest and been so divided in recent memory. It certainly seems that the United States of America are united in name only. There are many reasons for our broken nation ... devaluing life, collapse of the family, diminished values, moral decay, radical ideologies being taught in our school, uncivilized discourse, and the Church’s loss of influence. To be sure, our current crisis has come to us as a result of turning away from God and the principles He sets forth in His word, the very biblical principles upon which our nation was founded and which became the basis of our Constitution. But all is not lost! We can and must seek God in Jesus’ Name to accomplish His will for our nation. After all, it is in God that we trust. Our national history is replete with instances of God’s deliverance from evils of various kinds, from Civil and World Wars to natural disasters. The time is now to seek His face again, believing He will deliver us.

Written by: LowCountry Community Church

The above could not have been better written and eloquently describes my feelings. As a believer and follower of Jesus Christ I am heart broken for our Country but more so on how we must disappoint our Creator. As we draw close to celebrating the holiday season I pray that each of us may come to a better understanding of what this season is truly about and how blessed we are to live in a nation that was set apart over 200 years ago. For I believe we are One Nation Under God Indivisible with Liberty and Justice for All.

GRETA HARLESS

GRAHAM GRAPHIC

JOSHUA

CONTRIBUTING

BRENT

TERRY PATTERSON

alpyn beauty PlantGenius® Melt Moisturizer with Bakuchiol $60.00 | A whipped, anti-aging moisturizer with antioxidants, ceramides, and bakuchiol to fight wrinkles and tighten pores for beautifully hydrated, brighter skin. It also helps absorb excess oil and improves tone, texture, and firmness. It is designed for all skin types. Always formulated with no phenoxyethanol. www.sephora.com

Counter+ No. 1 Brightening Facial Oil $69.00 | Your daily radiance boost. This citrus-scented facial oil quickly absorbs and penetrates skin to awaken and replenish. Lightweight and silky smooth, our proprietary blend of oils is designed to help hydrate and improve the appearance of skin radiance. Omega-rich marula oil provides intense hydration, while antioxidant vitamin C helps brighten and even skin tone. www.beautycounter.com

Uplift Facial Massaging Beauty Roller $69.00 | The Nurse Jamie UpLift Massaging Beauty Roller is an innovative beauty tool for the face and body with a unique hexagon shape that holds 24 massaging stones to temporarily energize, enhance, revive and uplift your skin. The UpLift is a Celebrity favorite for it’s ease of use, portability and instant

Rodan +Fields Redefine AMP MD System $227.00 | Roll away fine lines + wrinkles. The AMP MD System uses our micro-exfoliating DermaRoller to improve absorption + accelerate the results of our skinrevitalizing Intensive Renewing Serum for more refined, smoother, firmer-looking skin. Typical Use: 3 times a week

Contact Miriam Blount-Beaty, Rodan +Fields Dermatologist, Knoxville, 202-249-7878 | greatskinbymimi@gmail.com

Look More Youthful and Refreshed this Holiday Season

by Big Leap

Dermal fillers are well-known—and wellloved—for their ability to smooth away wrinkles and reduce many common signs of aging. But these products can help you achieve so much more.

Vitality, energy, and vibrancy are all adjectives people associate with youth. With age, you may find yourself looking a bit more tired, even if you don’t feel that way. That’s because lost volume often contributes to lines, wrinkles, sagginess, and under-eye hollows (which create dark circles) and result in an overall downturned or fatigued appearance. A lack of volume in other areas of your body can also noticeably contribute to an aged appearance. Versatile enough to comprehensively improve these symptoms, dermal fillers can help you look bright-eyed and awake. Let’s take a look at some of the ways fillers can reawaken your features and add volume to some unexpected parts of your body:

• Under the eyes: Darkness and shadows beneath the eyes that are caused by your bone structure or poor lighting don’t go away on their own, no matter how much sleep you get. Injectable fillers are wonderful for adding volume beneath the eyes, reducing a “shadowed” effect and helping you appear more rested and awake. Soft hyaluronic acid-based fillers, create subtle results that look and feel like natural tissue.

• Backs of the hands: The backs of the hands often show age rather quickly, thanks in part to year-round sun exposure and the natural displacement of fat with age. To offset the appearance of veiny, aged hands, I recommend a dermal filler that uses very small calcium spheres suspended in a clear gel. It creates instantly appreciable results. Additionally, as the product metabolizes over time, the calcium spheres provide a support system upon which new

collagen can build, encouraging the growth of this important protein.

•Earlobes: Yes, even the earlobes can benefit from treatment with fillers, too. The aging process causes these to sag just like any other part of the body. This effect is especially noticeable in women (or men) who have worn heavy earrings throughout most of their lives. Sagging, elongated earlobes can be unattractive and age-revealing—but a few quick filler injections can perk them back up. I’m proud to offer a variety of filler injections to treat conditions besides typical facial lines and wrinkles. When artfully combined with one another, these products can often profoundly affect your look, bringing out natural radiance and taking years off your look.

Call the office of Be Well Anti-Aging & Weight Loss at (865) 288-7100 to set up your FREE consultation today to learn which products may be the perfect match for you.

Limited Edition: Mary Kay Mad About Masking Mask Pod Gift Set | $25, pk/4 single pods. These masks are packed with personality and pampering! Part NO. 138559

NEW! Limited Edition: Mary Kay Mini Blending Sponge Set | $12, pk/4. Designed for those hard-to-reach areas and they’re ohso-easy to fit in your makeup bag. Part NO 156075

WITH GIFTS THAT DELIGHT!

Men’s Hair and Body Wash Gift Set | $26, Shower the guys on your list with a pair of multitasking hair and body washes! Part NO 163069

Limited-Edition† Mary Kay® Hand Creams &Lip Balm Sets | $18, ea. For soft, smooth hands and mistletoe-ready lips, these delightful sets come boxed and ready to give. Part NOs 155871, 155870 & 155869

Sephora Favorites Mini Mistleglow Clean Highlight Set

$15.00 | A set of must-have, full- and deluxe-size clean highlighting products for the face and lips. This kit features a mix of highlighting products from Milk Makeup, Tower 28 Beauty, and FARSÀLI to achieve the perfect festive holiday glow. Great gift idea or keep it for yourself! www.SEPHORA.com Bath and Bodyworks’ Sweater Weather | Collect them all from 3-wick candles, to lotion, body spray and room fragrances, Sweater Weather is the perfect for those frosty days and your favorite knit. www. bathandbodyworks.com

HAND-PAINTED ORNAMENTS | $28.00, These adorable hand-painted ornaments and more custom gift and art work can be found at Me and Co Gift Shop 7240 Kingston Pike #116, Knoxville, TN 37919

CUSTOMIZABLE HOLIDAY TEA/HAND TOWELS | $Varies, Her Legacy Designs, helping you create custom-made home decor, T-shirt’s, personalized cutting boards, vinyl decals, and more. With a special love of gift-giving, the Holidays and family, we want to help make life more memorable! www. herlegacydesigns.com

shop

DR SEUSS INSPIRED STRIPED HAT | $60.00, This Knoxville Maker, Sweetpeatoad, Hand knits baby accessories like hats, sweaters and heirloom toys. I like to make and produce beautiful things using my own hands so this will be made just for you! Prep time varies. www. Sweetpeatoad.com

FART BLANKET

GIFT BOX - DUTCH OVEN KITS | $29.99, They’re a completely original and totally hilarious gift. Second, our blankets are actually nice! No joke! Our throw blankets are 100% microfiber fleece and BIG! 60” x 80”. As if a blanket for pooting on people wasn’t funny enough, you also get a Fart Recipe Card! Consider it a crash course in tactical tooting! Find them on Etsy @DutchOvenKits

BEARDHEAD BARBARIAN VAGABOND & KID VIKING $26.99-$29.99, All Collection products have beards attached by two buttons.

CHRISTMAS COFFEE COZY | $12.00, Nothing better than going out this winter with one of these adorable Buffalo Plaid Tree Coffee Cozies to add to your accessories. Fits all standard togo coffee cups & all Starbucks cups and their tumblers. Etsy @RobynsNestIL

KEYSMART CLEANKEY™ ANTIMICROBIAL HAND TOOL | $14.99, The CleanKey™ is the safe and easy way to help avoid germs. The stylus tip works on touchscreens and the ergonomic design makes it easy to open doors, press buttons and pull levers. With the CleanKey™ on your keychain you can reduce your point-of-contact area with contaminated surfaces and avoid unnecessary exposure to germs. GNC 11152 Parkside Dr, Knoxville, TN 37934

MICRO SPY TOOL | $23.50, Personal Protection in the Palm of your Hand. This tool is a simple yet very effective self defense tool created for former CIA agent, INCLUDES Free training video, Perfect for male and female, Take everywhere, Ideal for Real Estate agents, College students, Mall and store parking lots, Inconspicuous and easy to use. Available through Security & Safety Resources 865-214-7564

GREAT STOCKING STUFFERS

MADE BY WOMEN - FOR WOMEN To Help Inspire The Next Generation

SOCK FOR A CAUSE Through our partnership with AWAKE -Advocates for Women’s and Kid’s Equality, Febb’s Boutique directly promotes advocacy and representation for at-risk women and children. A portion of all proceeds from Febb’s Boutique will go to AWAKE to help support their work providing a voice for Women and Children in Tennessee. For more information on AWAKE go to www.awaketn.com

Febb’s Boutique is located in Niota, TN which is home to Fourth Generation Family Owned and Operated Cresent Sock Company, the Oldest Continually Operating Sock Mill in the United States. 527 East Willson St Niota, TN 37826

WeatherTech CupFone

CupFone is a mobile phone holder that sits conveniently in any vehicle’s cup-holder. Fully adjustable tilt and rotation allows you to easily see your favorite app like Navigation or Waze when on the road. $34.95 www.weathertech.com

Foxnovo Led iPhone Charger Cable

Flowing Light for iPhone 12/11 /11 Pro/XS/ XR/X/8/8 Plus/7/7 Plus/6/6 Plus/5s/Android (Blue),3.3 ft $14.99 www.amazon.com

*Purchases subject to credit approval. See Rewards Program Terms for details.

TIME TO PLAY!

BUCKSHOT 2.0 - $39.95 |Get stoked on your spokes! The Buckshot 2.0 from Outdoor Tech comes ready to rock with the necessary features to keep the melodies rolling while you’re cycling those rambling roads. Just pop this compact wireless speaker onto your handlebars with the built-in bike mount, and you’ll be in for an enjoyable, rhythmic ride. Mast General Store 402 S Gay St, Knoxville, TN 37902 www.mastgeneralstore.com

RIPMO by Ibis $2,999.00 |What if we took everybody’s favorite bike and made it a little slacker and little longer? Heck, what if we made it more progressive and coil compatible? And that’s exactly what we did for the Ripmo V2. Active ingredients include: 29” wheels, berm-defying cornering tendencies, and a love for long rides. Our custom tuned front and rear suspension feature extra light high speed com rebound damp er unparalleled trac allows the wheels to flut through terrain like a tro truck storming through a set of whoops. Harper’s Bike Shop 118 S Northshore Dr, Knoxville, www.harpersbikeshop.com

Garmin MK2 Descent Watch$1,499.99 | Air-integrated dive computer for you and your dive buddies. Measure your performance and track your stats above water. Features Garmin Pay™, music and notifications. Share and review dives in the Garmin Dive™ app. Ski/Scuba Center Inc. www.skiscuba.com

Descent™ T1 Transmitter - $399.99 | Enables you to monitor tank pressure, remaining air time and air consumption rate for multiple types of diving when you pair with a Descent dive computer. Monitor up to 5 tanks via SubWave™ sonar technology so you can dive with multiple tanks or see your buddy’s air levels1. Ski/Scuba Center Inc. www.skiscuba.com

Boardworks Raven - $1499.00 | A midsized touring and expedition board with a more manageable handling experience. The revolutionary bow and hull shape allows for extended glide and tracking performance equally well suited for calm or open water conditions. A dependable touring board for exploring your local waterways. River Sports Outfitters, 11808 S Northshore Dr. Knoxville, TN 37922

Astral Loyak M’s - $90.00 | A low volume, high performance shoe providing durability, superlative grip, and supreme comfort on water or land. The self-draining, Flex-Grip™outsole promotes excellent balance and ground feel. Indestructible, hydrophobic canvas uppers are securely held to your feet. Little River Trading Company 2408 E Lamar Alexander Pkwy, Maryville, TN 37804 www.littlerivertradingco.com

$18.97 | www.walmart.com

Many do, especially when first starting your fitness journey. This is why some have turned to a studio gym environment. Studio gyms specialize and structure a program to fit your lifestyle and desired results. There are also seems to be more accountability due to personalized time slots. With that you receive personal attention even in a class environment all with an intimate atmosphere which is less intimidating.

We are a private West Knox gym that encompasses general weight loss, sports nutrition, pre/post natal, competition prep & athletic performance along with overall healthy lifestyle.

A program is created for you to fit your individual needs and goals. Start your fitness journey with the tools for success.

Diucaps: The Next-Generation Weight-Loss Supplement

www.BeWellKnoxville.com

865-288-7100

10918 Kingston Pike Knoxville, TN 37934

Diucaps is an all-natural appetite suppressant that works safely and effectively to suppress food cravings, curb hunger, enhance mental focus, regulate mood and control nighttime eating and bingeing.

Tennessee Pre Rocky Top Orange 30 Serving $48.99

eddieshealthshoppe.com

Zhou Elder-Mune Gummies

Now: $13.99 on sale eddieshealthshoppe.com

Local Favorite: Tennessee Preworkout: A preworkout that tastes amazing, has highquality ingredients, and is locally made in east Tennessee?

Can’t go wrong! Extra props if you get the new Rocky Top Orange flavor. So. Good. And so perfect for Knoxville!

Elder-mune gummies give you what other elderberry gummies can't—one of the highest potencies of lab-tested Sambucus elderberry extract on the market, with 125mg per serving and a natural flavor that tastes great. Immune support for the entire family. Your whole crew will love taking elder-mune

Charlotte’s Web New CBD Gummies eddieshealthshoppe.com

The raspberry-flavored Sleep gummies are paired with melatonin for a natural aid to help get you more rest. The ginger-and-turmericflavored Recovery gummies are designed to help support exercise-related inflammation (which is personally a growing occurrence for those of us trying to get running again in the warmer weather). And the lemon-and-lime-flavored Calm gummies aim to help increase your focus and relax you. What’s more, the bundle includes fullsize bottles of each of the varieties, each packed with 60 squishy and delicious gummies.

How To Decorate Your Living Room For Christmas

Your living room is the heart of your home year. During the holidays, it feels even more special. It’s the perfect place for your family gatherings and it becomes the ideal spot for your Christmas tree. With all the focus on your living room, it’s a good idea to bring as much holiday cheer as you can to your space. Complete the look of your living room with these holiday decorating tips and ideas for your space.

Accent Your Space With Ornaments:

Christmas ornaments don’t have to be confined to your Christmas tree. Give your living room some extra holiday cheer by strategically placing ornaments throughout the room. Accent your Christmas tree’s ornaments by placing a few glass ball ornaments on your mantel mixed in with your garland. If you want to create a more elegant decor piece, take a few ball ornaments and place them in a glass vase. This will be a great accent piece for your mantel or tabletop. Christmas ornaments are a simple way to spread a little Christmas cheer in your home.

Local Crafter Spotlight

Handmade Wooden ornaments starting at $6 each. Shop local or ship your gift to anywhere in the US! www.herlegacydesigns.com - Follow her on Facebook! @ HerLegacyDesigns

Mix & Match Holiday Florals Complement your beautiful Christmas tree with floral arrangements that you place throughout the room. Add a touch of elegance to your tabletop with a decorative artificial poinsettia. Get creative with white and gold floral picks by placing them in glass vases. Use these as decor items for your mantel or tabletops. Bring a little holiday cheer into your living room with a variety of florals and greenery to accent your Christmas tree.

merrymaids.com

merrymaidsknoxville@merrymaids.net

Add A Winter Wonderland Touch It’s that wintry look that helps make the holidays so charming. All it takes are a few Christmas decorations to create that winter wonderland look in your room. Set the scene in your living room with a beautiful snow-frosted artificial Christmas tree. These trees bring the beauty of winter and that festive touch to your room. As you decorate your tree, use warm white lights to brighten up your tree. Finish it off with a few of your favorite white or silver shatterproof ornaments to enhance the look of your Christmas tree. Bring attention to your tabletops with decorations like an ice palace Santa figure. If you want to create that warm and comfortable atmosphere, place a few white or gray throw blankets on your furniture.

Knoxville & Surrounding Areas

865.690.7637

merrymaids.com

merrymaidsknoxville@merrymaids.net

Knoxville & Surrounding Areas

865.690.7637

$400.00 0FF*

*Your initial cleaning with MMA Loyalty Program Offer good through 12-31-20 at participating locations only.

merrymaids.com

merrymaidsknoxville@merrymaids.net

Knoxville & Surrounding Areas

865.690.7637

Get The Classic Christmas Look

Capture the magic of Christmas in your living room with a classic look. Complement your Christmas tree by bringing a traditional touch to your mantel using Canadian Pine garland. Complete the look of your mantel with a strand of your favorite lights and some stylish stockings. We adore the traditional colors and design of these red and green plaid stockings. Bring attention to your tabletops with one of our favorite Christmas decorations; Christmas gnomes! Designed with beautiful classic Christmas colors, these adorable gnomes will capture the attention of your guests. Finish off by creating that warm and cozy atmosphere in your living room using Christmas themed throw pillows or blankets.

Beautiful Views

GORGEOUS MOUNTAIN VIEWS! Come sit on the front porch and breath in the beauty before you. Wonderfully maintained 4BR 3.5BA home is eagerly waiting for its next owners. Two-car main level garage in addition to oversized one-car garage with plenty of extra storage. Full bath on every level, hardwood flooring throughout main with carpet in BRs and fully-finished basement. Irrigation system installed for maintaining the professionally landscaped lawn. Community amenities include swimming pool, tennis courts, playground, and walking track. Come see it today!

416 Kensington Drive | Morristown TN 37814 | MLS# 1133628 $449,900

A LOVELY HOME! First time on market!! 2 Additional acres available. Convenient to Corryton and Gibbs schools! This 4 bed 2 1/2 bath basement rancher, on 1 plus acre has been well maintained. Beautiful yard. Roof is 2 yrs old. There is a large master suite separated from the remaining 3 bedrooms. Relax on the screened in porch and enjoy this peaceful setting. Unfinished basement offers room to expand for added equity, or excellent storage. The 2 adjacent, build-able lots are also available for additional acreage.

7514 Gibbs Rd | Corryton, TN 37721

MLS#1131715 $295,000

Lots of Space

Loads of Character

BEAUTIFULLY MAINTAINED, home in Fountain Crest! Crown molding throughout, this 5 bedroom, 3 1/2 bath home is waiting for its next owners! Living space galore. Come relax in the beautiful sunroom inside, or outside around the sunken firepit, while grilling at the outdoor cooking area. Decking is maintenance free hardy plank for years of enjoyment. Back yard is completely fenced in with Leland cypress in front of the fencing. There are 2 HVAC units, 8 & 3 years old, roof was replaced around 2013, and newer windows. Ample storage building/garage has loft space for extra storage needs. While there are 4 bedrooms on the main level, the Master en suite (above oversized 2 car garage) has additional fireplace, sitting area, deck, and large walk-in closet!

7113 Castalie Lane | Knoxville, TN 37918 |

GREAT LOCATION! Nestled between Halls and Powell close to I-75, this open concept 3Bedroom /2.5 Bath boasts wood and tile flooring throughout main level with formal dining and eat-in kitchen areas. Walk-in pantry and oversized laundry room! Large master with en suite and versatile bonus room give you lots of room to spread out. Fenced backyard has perennial gardens including raspberry and blackberry bushes with woods for added privacy. Deck and paver patio with built in fire pit allow you to enjoy your backyard year round. Summer Hall is a family-friendly subdivision with fun community events such as ‘’drivein’’ movies, food trucks, rural-metro water wars, and cookouts. 2805 Porchswing Rd | Knoxville, TN 37938 | MLS#1135742 $289,900

MLS#1132460 $349,900

Privacy

Gifts you can enjoy the whole year through

7 ft. Stucco Grill Island with 4-Burner Gas Grill in Stainless Steel and Firepit | $5,080.42

The Cal Flame combo offers two great patio pieces in one set. The island comes standard with a 4 burner gas grill, stainless steel refrigerator, side burner, and access doors. The porcelain countertop with the durable Stony Creek Ameristone Stucco base and bottom trim matches your Home Resort design and style. The 55,000 BTU Stucco and Tile Dining Height Hexagon Gas Fire Pit with Log Set and Lava Rocks has a fully-open square fire box that will keep you warm on cool evenings. It features a tile countertop design of Tropical Giallo Tile, Ameristone Stony Creek base, fire log set and lava rocks. Both the grill and firepit use liquid propane. Home Depot

For the couple that loves to cook, enjoys intimate home gatherings and entertaining, our burnt cutting boards are the gift of the season. This cutting board is a festive and functional gift they'll love! It can also double as a cheese board for your best charcuterie presentation. Each cutting board can be personalized to your liking, we offer a variety of says, designs, personalizations and more. Visit us at www.herlegacydesigns. com - Follow her on Facebook! @ HerLegacyDesigns

12PCS Barbecue Grill Accessories with 15 Can Black Insulated Waterproof Cooler Bag | $32.99, The whole BBQ kit has everything you need to cook your delicate food, includes 1 spatula, 1 tongs, 1 barbecue fork, 1 multipurpose knife, 1 dinner fork, 1 serrated dinner knife, 1 multipurpose corkscrew, 1 cutting board, 1 grill glove, 2 salt/pepper shakers and a storage cooler bag. Amazon

Pellet Grill Sear Station | $73.98, Includes THREE 16.25” Long GrillGrates, GrateTool and User Guide. EVEN HEAT: No more hot spots or cold spots. GET KILLER SEAR MARKS ON YOUR PELLET GRILL: GrillGrates concentrate and amplify the heat of your pellet grill allowing you to actually grill and not bake on your pellet grill. NEVER RUSTS: Made from highly conductive hard anodized aluminum. GrillGrates.com

Hot Chocolate Bombs

o o o o o o o o

When you pour hot milk over these hot chocolate bombs, they melt and magically release the marshmallows and cocoa hiding inside.

What is a hot chocolate bomb?

Hot chocolate bombs or hot cocoa bombs are cute lil balls of chocolate that you put into a mug. When you pour hot milk into the mug, the chocolate melts and magically releases the marshmallows and cocoa hiding inside.

It’s super cute and fun and you can make SO many flavor variations! They are very easy to make, not to mention great gift ideas too!

How to make homemade hot chocolate bombs.

1. Melt your chocolate. Use the microwave to melt the chocolate melts or chocolate stirring in between until everything is smooth and pourable.

2. Fill the molds. Scoop some chocolate into the mold and use the back of a spoon or pastry brush to push the melted chocolate around the molds, making it thick enough along the sides and edges. Pop

the molds into the freezer for 5-10 minutes to set.

3. Remove the chocolate from the molds. Gently push the half spheres out of the silicone mold.

4. Melt the edges. Microwave a microwave safe plate for a minute, you want the plate to be just hot enough to melt the chocolate. Pick up the empty half of the chocolate bomb and place it on the warm plate for a couple of seconds, just until it melts.

5. Fill. Add 1 tablespoon hot cocoa powder and mini marshmallows (and any other add-ins you want) to half of the spheres. Pick up another half and melt the edge on the warm plate then push the two sides together to seal.

6. Decorate. Drizzle on some extra chocolate, decorate with crushed cookies, candy, or sprinkles!

If you don’t have a mold, wrap two eggs in saran wrap and dip them in the melted chocolate. Place on a plate

and let set. Dip them again (so the shell is slightly thick). They don’t end up completely round, but it still works. Then melt the edges, add the insides, and seal.

Which mold should I get for hot chocolate bombs?

The best mold for is a half sphere silicone mold. You can easily push the mold to pop the chocolate out. Silicone molds are fairly cheap and easy to use. The molds I use are 2 inches, but you can use up to 2.5 inches.

What chocolate can I use for hot chocolate bombs?

You can go the easy route and melt down chocolate chips, but you can also use candy melts which are easy to work with but don’t taste as good. There is also chocolate called couverture chocolate which is formulated to be easy to melt and set.

Ingredients

1 cup chocolate chips or melting chocolate wafers

4 tbsp hot cocoa mix

4 tbsp mini marshmallows half circle silicone mold & food safe gloves

Optional: paint brush, oreos, graham crackers, pumpkin spice, instant coffee

You can go wild with the hot chocolate flavors. Try these ones!

Oreo – place some crushed up oreos inside and on the outside for decoration.

S’mores – crush some graham crackers for inside the bomb and on top for decoration.

Peppermint – crush up some peppermint candies for inside the bomb and on top for decoration.

Pumpkin – put a teaspoon of pumpkin spice in with the hot chocolate mix and sprinkle some on top.

Coffee – add a teaspoon of instant coffee to the inside of the bomb. Dark chocolate sea salt – sprinkle on some flaky sea salt.

Tips:

Don’t overheat the chocolate! Take your time and microwave in 15 second intervals.

Make sure you have enough chocolate on the edges of your mold so the molds don’t break when you take them out. If you need to, add more chocolate to the edges then let set again.

Use food safe gloves while you’re assembling so you don’t accidentally melt the outsides or leave fingerprints on your hot chocolate bombs.

Keep your place cold or run your hands under cold water for a while, the heat of your hands will make the chocolate melt.

Be gentle when sealing the bombs together, don’t push too hard.

Use your (gloved) finger to gently rub along the seam where the two halves come together to smooth it out. To store the hot chocolate bombs, keep them in an air tight container in a cool spot in your kitchen or in the fridge

If you’re having problems with your spheres breaking or not releasing, here are even more tips!

Clean your mold. Use a paper towel and make sure the inside of your silicone mold is nice and shiny. If there’s lint it in it or any residue it will come out on your chocolate.

Use a (clean) paint brush, you’ll have a lot more control. Paint the inside of the mold generously, let set for 5 minutes in the fridge, then apply a second coat being sure to paint extra along the edges so they edges are reinforced.

Make sure you let the chocolate set long enough in the fridge. When the chocolate is set, it will be shiny and snappy and release easily from the molds.

Will it be chocolate-y enough?

Some of you are worried that there won’t be enough hot chocolate mix inside the hot chocolate bomb. The outside of the bomb melts down and adds a HUGE chocolate hit. You can also add hot chocolate instead of milk to melt your hot chocolate bomb if you want a double hot chocolate!

HOLIDAY CHEER

Holiday parties are starting to begin and our Holiday Cheermeister, Brent Williams, has created some delicious libations to enjoy!

Christmas Candy

2 ounces of captain Morgan spiced rum

2 ounces blueberry purée

1 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1/2 lemon

1 ounce simple syrup

Fill with sprite or soda

Served on ice in a 12 to 16oz glass

This concoction will be the “star” of your holiday party with it’s sweet & sour starburst-like flavor!

When you think rum drinks, you’re usually thinking tropical, frozen, and full of sugar. However, this blue delight is a slice of flavor in any weather without completely ruining the Keto diet.

The Captain Morgan along with the blueberry lends more of a warm spiced flavor to the smoothness of the blueberry. Most of you might gasp at the thought of adding vinegar to a beverage; however, just a touch of the apple cider vinegar along with the lemon allows an explosion of flavor without adding artificial flavoring or a ton of added sugar. Mix masters can vary the amounts of simple syrup and/or sprite vs soda to determine their own personal sweetness levels.

Brent Williams began bartending in February of 1996, by being classically trained at an ABC bartending school in Ft Lauderdale. My passion for the industry was indulged by working the nightclubs of Miami and the Martini Bars of South Beach while acting and for a few years teaching science in south Florida. During a job at 4 star steak and wine bar, my wine knowledge expanded immensely.

By the time I joined the excellent team at Surin of Thailand Sox years ago, the only thing out weighing my experience was my hubris. Thankfully with the help of the owners and Managment, I was able to discover “the secrets of ice” as well as new and unusual ingredients that revealed to me that there were incredible things still yet to learn. Once again I am a wide eyed child and I’m discovering new things everyday. My goals for the future in to find a course that continues to teach and inspire me and to unite 2 of my loves, teaching bartending (not to k-12 this time-adults only).

Caramel Apple

1.5 ounces of Sheepdog Peanut Butter Whiskey

1 tablespoon caramel syrup 4 ounces of apple juice dash of cinnamon *optional

Served warm in a coffee mug with a pinch of cinnamon as a floating garnish if desired.

As a sweet treat after diner or a relaxing end of day drink the toasty Caramel Apple is a great decaffeinated way to chase away the cold and end your day.

Even thought Sheep Dog is a Peanut Butter whiskey the taste lends itself more to a roasted toffee and blended with just a touch of the caramel syrup, it winks at the sweet tooth without adding a lot of sugar.

travel

SO. MUCH. CHRISTMAS.

What Makes Christmas at the Gaylord Opryland in Nashville So Special

By Ashley Houston

It’s Christmas season at Gaylord Opry which is one of my very favorite holiday traditions. If you’re making plans to travel to Nashville around Christmas or a local looking for things to do, one of the most sought after is celebrating Christmas at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Hotel. It is one of the most beautiful and magical moments you can experience. WE go EVERY single year. I scoured their website for detailed info paired with my local knowledge. I’m going to tell you everything you need to know to ensure your 1st (or 27th) visit exceeds your expectations and more!

A COUNTRY CHRISTMAS AT THE GAYLORD OPRYLAND

Gaylord Opryland’s “A Country Christmas” is a Nashville holiday tradition with ICE!, Tubing, holiday lights, musicals and more! Here’s a look at A Country Christmas by the numbers…

• 3 MILLION HOLIDAY LIGHTS

• 15,000 POINSETTIAS

• 15 MILES OF GREEN GARLAND

• 10 MILES OF HAND-TIED, RED RIBBON

• 48-FOOT-TALL CHRISTMAS TREE

• 2+ MILLION POUNDS OF ICE FOR ICE! ATTRACTION

• NEARLY 7,000 GIANT BLOCKS OF COLORED AND CLEAR ICE

• 40 ICE ARTISANS

OUTSIDE ICE!: TUBING, ICE SKATING, AND MORE!

We haven’t experienced this part yet but we have been dying to go. We always pass by when we see it walking into Ice! There is tubing down a 15 foot high, four lane tubing hill. Side note you must be minimum 42 inches tall to ride. There is also ice skating on a 9,000 square foot outdoor rink.

SWIMMING IN WINTER: SWINTER AT SOUNDWAVES!

Since Soundwaves indoor/outdoor water park has opened, it has amazing. It looks like an an oasis when you walk in and you can never run out of things to do. There are beautiful plants and garden-esque decor in the walls and designs. The temperature stays at 84 degrees year round and the glass roof helps you get your dose of votamin D even if you’re inside. My favorites are the lazy river and uptempo river but the waterpark also includes multiple slides and toddler-friendly play areas, and more! We have visited their amazing waterpark

twice now, once in the summer and then once during the fall, and it exceeded our exceptions and more! Both of our children (and the adults, too) had a great experience. Whether you’re into fast-paced thrilling rides, or just like to lounge down the lazy river and kick your feet up, there’s something made for everyone!

Also you can still visit the hotel without being a hotel guest. They have tons of convenient parking, depending on how much you want to spend. One of the most popular places to park when going to ICE! or just visiting the hotel for fun, is to park for FREE at the Opry Mills Mall in the parking lot (if you’re willing to walk a little!).

The main attraction where most guests enter to see the Christmas joy is the Delta Atrium and the Cascades Atrium. There are Christmas lights everywhere so there’s no way you can’t be in the Christmas spirit. Another fun thing to experience is the Delta Riverboat Christmas Cruise for a 15 minute tour of the quarter mile river in the Delta Atrium.

INSIDE THE HOTEL: GREENERY, DECOR, FOOD, AND MORE

Now for the biggest and probably best part of it all: the hotel. The Gaylord Opryland is a huge, gorgeous, and super fun hotel and resort that will be fun for the whole family. As stated on their website,

“Situated in the heart of Nashville, our luxury hotel allows you to hit all the high notes of Music City both in the area and under our roof. You can add on Soundwaves admission at a disocunted rate. The hotel is directly beside the Grand Ole Opry aso you can catch a show and take a shutte. The hotel has waterfalls and an oasis of luscious gardens in additon to a fullservice spa. What about restaurants? Well they have steak, Mexican, Italian and Japanese restaurants in addition to a frozen yogurt or gelato dessert.

OUTDOOR DECOR: LIGHTS, HORSE CARRIAGES, AND THE TRUE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS

When we come to see the lights we also venture outside for their outdoor nativity scene and to watch all the horse drawn carriage rides. Carriage rides are approximately 12 minutes in length.

events

NOVEMBER

LIGHT THE PARK HOSTED BY TOWN OF FARRAGUT, FARRAGUT PARKS & RECREATION AND VISIT FARRAGUT

November 24th, 2020 to January 1st, 2021 | 5:30pm-10:00pm FOUNDERS PARK AT CAMPBELL STATION

405 N. CAMPBELL STATION ROAD, KNOXVILLE, TN

Every evening at dusk from Nov. 24 through Jan. 1, thousands of lights come on at Founders Park at Campbell Station for the annual Light the Park event. Park restrooms will be open until 10 p.m. during the light display, except on Dec. 25. During Light the Park, a slate of socially-distant activities will be offered, including grab-and-go items and storybook trails. A calendar detailing events will be available closer to the event. Follow us on Facebook to stay tuned for more details!

2020 HALLS CHRISTMAS PARADE

December 12th, 2020 | 6:00pm-8:00pm

HALLS BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION

PMB 153 6923 MAYNARDVILLE PIKE, KNOXVILLE, TN 37918

The Halls Christmas Parade is happening this year on December 12th with the parade beginning at 6 PM, sponsored by the Halls Business & Professional Association!

This year we’re requesting a $10 donation for participants in the parade. 100% of the donations will go to Second Harvest Food Bank, and will be earmarked for Halls Community Schools! To learn more about participating in the parade, please contact the chairman of the Parade! Travis Woody, Food City (865) 9227525 or email 688smgr@foodcity.com.

DECEMBER

SMALL/LOCAL BUSINESS CHRISTMAS SHOPPING

EXTRAVAGANZA HOSTED BY JENNIFER’S BOWTIQUE

December 12th-13th 2020 10:00am-5:00pm

KNOXVILLE EXPO CENTER-EAST KNOXVILLE, TN 37912

Local businesses have been hit hard this year by COVID. Instead of shopping large companies that are doing just fine, come support people in your community. To allow more money to be spent with our vendors this event is FREE admission. Saturday December 12th from 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. and Sunday December 13th from 12 p.m.-5 p.m. Come finish up all your Christmas Shopping and check everyone off your list! Please share and invite your friends!

WREATHS DAY HOSTED BY WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA

LYONS VIEW VETERANS CEMETERY

December 19th 2020 12:00pm

TENNESSEE VETERANS CEMETERY

5901 LYONS VIEW PIKE, KNOXVILLE, TN 37919

Join us for 2020 Wreaths Day as we Remember, Honor, Teach. Following a brief ceremony we invite you place a wreath on the headstone of a Veteran, step back and say their name.

HOLIDAYS ON ICE

December 11th - Jan 3rd 2020

CIVIC COLISEUM 500 HOWARD BAKER JR. AVE. KNOXVILLE

Holidays on Ice will be moving to the Civic Coliseum for the 2020/21 season. We are excited to still be able to bring you some winter holiday fun and look forward to another great season! Whether with family, friends or on a date you’ll love skating in Downtown Knoxville on the same ice where the Ice Bears play hockey! Join us at Holidays on Ice to make memories that will last long after the holidays are over. Enjoy skating on a 180 ft rink while listening to music every night. There may even be a panda sighting by our Holidays on Ice Mascot, ‘Peppermint Panda’! The rink will be open December 11, 2020 through January 3, 2021. For the full schedule visit www. knoxvillesholidaysonice.com

Events information is accurate as of press time. Due to the pandemic, there may be changes or cancellations outside of our control. Please check with each events’ website for more information. To submit an event for future publications, contact us at info@hushh.club

Whether you’re planning a winter weekend get-away, a festive celebration with life-long friends, or creating new family traditions, you’ll find that "something special" in Downtown Knoxville this holiday season.

This festive time of the year transforms Downtown Knoxville into a sparkly, bright, and merry place with memory-making magic for adults and children alike. Of course, there's eating, drinking, window shopping, and gift buying, but there's also so much more!

Get lost on the Peppermint Trail, spot Santa's Scout Elves in storefront windows, ice skate with family, and explore holiday markets. Stroll through the brand new Peppermint Grove, enjoy lights and beautifully decorated storefronts decked out and dipped in peppermint, and sip on warm hot chocolates. In Downtown Knoxville, there's so much more!

This holiday season, we invite you to slow down to enjoy Downtown Knoxville.

Singer-songwriter and Emmy Award winning writer and host of the national PBS travel series Tennessee Valley Uncharted Erick Baker continues to reinvent how he does music. I’m not talking a new album, though if you have yet to listen to “Stay Awhile” I highly suggest you do immediately.

When the COVID virus outbreak hit our area hard and businesses restaurants, and other venues had to shut down, Erick as well as many other artists, suddenly found themselves without a place to play.

Not only were businesses being shutdown a reason he had to stay home,

Erick shared his story, “When I was 12 years old, I was told that my Dad only had a few months to live. He had contracted a virus that had developed into a heart disease known as Cardiomyopathy. He was in heart failure.

Miraculously, he was selected to be part of a drug trial for a new drug called Coreg. This drug and one determined doctor in Memphis, TN, saved his life. Dad turned 79 this month, and he still continues to fight today. Unfortunately, his disease has led to a number of additional health problems, which makes him very

vulnerable to complications of another virus known as COVID-19. I’ve felt so helpless, but staying home is one of the things that we can all do to help.”

With trying to keep his family safe, and his already scheduled tours and events in various states having to cancel, an opportunity came about that started him on his new path.

Through The Local Love Box, he partnered with other locals in his community to come together as one to bring a virtual concert straight to everyone’s living room. This first show

featured a live cooking show with Chef Jeffrey DeAlejandro of OliBea Old City and beer pairing commentary from Matthew Cummings of Pretentious Beer Co., then Erick gave his live concert, all to support local businesses and Second Harvest TN. Needless to say it was an instant hit, and “Noise in the Attic” was born.

Noise in the Attic became Erick’s weekly Thursday Night Live Concert on Facebook, available to any and everyone to watch.

“I hope this message finds you safe at home and healthy. I know the last few weeks have been very difficult, so I want to bring in a little light by playing some tunes! These shows have been my way to try and make the best of these crazy days and they have been such a blessing.”

Many other musicians and artists have had to find unique ways to reach their audiences, and virtual shows has helped them do just that. It has still been a struggle financially, but with support from his local community and his fans, Erick has found a way to keep his music going and help us find a way to take a break from the news and the stress and enjoy some musical medicine.

If you would like to support Erick, you can by donating to these online tip jars. Venmo: (https://venmo. com/ErickBaker), PayPal: (paypal. me/erickbakermusic), Cash App: $erickbakermusic

www.teespring.com/stores/erick-baker

The Ultimate Holiday Gift Wrap Roundup

BY EMILY HENDERSON

With the holidays right around the corner, I would imagine every single one of you have all your presents picked out for everyone and perfectly wrapped under the tree like me…. psych. If you are anything like me then this time of year seems to be one of the busiest times what with the parties, family gatherings, and traditions filling up the calendar. Not that I would have it any other way. So the last thing on your mind is surfing the web to find a little wrapspiration (get it, wrappinginspiration). And while I don’t personally endorse hand stamping 50 yards of paper to then wrap every single one of your presents with, I do love when someone goes a little bit out of the ordinary with their wrapping and puts a little bit of thought and personalization into it. And here are some fantastic examples to get those creative juices flowing.

We love them all so much, but actually attempting each one of them was not something we had time for (this year) although some of them are quite easy. So instead we decided to round up some of our favorites in a handful of different categories. Try one or them all- you can’t go wrong and I’m sure the person on the receiving end will be superappreciative!

FUN & PLAYFUL: KRAFT PAPER:

Hand drawn: DO IT YOURSELF:

MOODY & DRAMATIC: out of the box:

A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS (1965), HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS (1967), THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS (1993), NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION (1989), A CHRISTMAS STORY (1983), ELF (2003), RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER (1964), THE CHRISTMAS CHRONICLES (2018), HOME ALONE (1990), KLAUS (2019)