Southern Holiday Life 2016 HOLIDAY

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holiday 2016

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE HOLIDAY 2016 72

Holiday Specials Legacy with Love & Thanks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Christmas on the Funky Junk Trail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Soon to be Christmas Classics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Recipes

Score Big at Your Next Tailgate Party . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Don’t Forget the Gratitude . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Christmas Dinner in Dixie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Christmas Cocktails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Butterscotch Brownies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81 New Year’s Eve Upcycle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

Crafts/How To Back to Basics with Dixie Belle Paint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Christmas Countdown: ReInventing the Advent Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 A Word About Christmas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 Christmas Cut Out Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

Southern All the Way 51

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Upcoming Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82 Where in the South is that? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Southern Brand Favorites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Now Say Yes to the Dress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93 Advertiser’s Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

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L E T T E R

“At Thanksgiving, I always start at the top of my list and say I’m grateful for friends, family and good health. Then I get more superficial... like being thankful for my Louboutins..”

Take a minute, heck take a lot of time and think for a bit what you have to be thankful for this holiday season! It doesn’t matter if its the big things or the Louboutins like Christie Brinkley… What’s important is that you have gratitude… Now go out and show it to the world!

Not your possessions, but your thankfulness! That’s when the blessings really start to show!

Let go of the anger and the bitterness that may be keeping you up at night. Forgive, let go, love them anyway… Your anger and bitterness only hurts you. That person you have

— Christie Brinkley

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it for, probably doesn’t even know it… And if they do, do they care and does it matter?

Do yourself and be thankful no matter how much or little you think you may have. Always remember that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure!

And for the record “my Louboutins” I am thankful for is rediscovering my love of music on vinyl and seeing Prince in concert!

Enjoy Life!

Kelly

C O V E R

Congratulations to

Jim Preece and Anthony Hinshaw, owners of Table Talk in Senoia, GA.. Their Christmas scene was chosen our second annual Christmas Cover Contest. Table Talk was transformed into a Christmas Wonderland in early October and has been in the spirit ever since. The winning scene was chosen by our panel for the simplicity of the red birds on a snow covered tree.

Shops along the Funky Junk Trail were asked to participate in the contest and five stores accepted the challenge. While all the entries were worthy of the cover, we could only choose one winner. To see the other entries, turn to pages 51-59 for the complete “Christmas on the Funky Junk Trail” story.

Photographer Andy Petty and Editor Kelly Caldwell hit the road in early October to capture the essence of Christmas along the Funky Junk Trail.

GENERAL MANAGER

EDITOR

ADVERTISING MANAGER

FOOD EDITOR

Leisel Caldwell

Kelly Caldwell

Lavoy Caldwell

Shea Goldstein

holidaylifeads@gmail.com

news@lakewedoweelife.com

ads@lakewedoweelife.com

southernholidaylife@gmail.com

256.357.4557 | 877.959. LAKE (5253) | 104 West Broad Street | Wedowee, Alabama w w w . S o u t h e r n H o l i d a y L i f e . c o m

S outhern Holiday Life 11

is published annually by parent company Caldwell Sales Inc. which also produces Lake Wedowee Life and Friday Night Life magazines. All content in the publication is protected by United State copyright law and many not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed or otherwise published without the prior written permission of Caldwell Sales Inc. © 2008-2016 Caldwell Sales Inc.

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BACK TO BASICS with Dixie Belle Paint

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The Dixie Belle Paint Company has a full line of products to make your furniture makeovers easy peasy. If you are intimidated to get started, don’t be, we’re getting back to the basics of furniture painting with Dixie Belle.

First, let’s talk about the paint. Dixie Belle paint will adhere to any surface. It is most commonly used to paint furniture, but may be used on glass, metal, fabric, & more.

Getting started…

There really is no prep work! No need to sand or prime. Simply wipe the piece off to remove dust or dirt. If the piece If you are is particularly dirty, clean it with Dixie Belle intimidated White Lightening. This is especially important if to get started, you are painting kitchen don’t be! We’re cabinets to remove any grease residue. getting back

A Little Goes A Long Way…

to the basics of furniture painting with Dixie Belle Paint!

When choosing the size jar of Dixie Belle, remember, a little goes a long way! On average an 8 oz jar will cover an average size piece of furniture such as a chair, dresser, coffee table, or 2 end tables.

Remember Less is More Let’s paint! Give your Dixie Belle jar a little shake to make sure it is mixed well. When painting with Dixie Belle, you’ll want to use a damp paintbrush. One common mistake is dunking the paintbrush down into the paint. Let’s compare it to swimming…you don’t want to dive in, you just want to dip your toe in the water! Less is more. So, just tap the paintbrush to the paint.

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Patience Pays Off Dixie Belle paint is somewhat thick, so using thinner coats will keep you from seeing brush strokes or getting drips, and will allow the paint to dry faster. Two coats aren’t always necessary, especially when using darker colors, but don’t be alarmed if your first coat doesn’t cover completely. If needed, your second coat will give you great coverage. Dixie Belle paint dries quickly, so you don’t have to wait long to add a second coat. Typically, when you finish your first coat, where you started is already dry, so you can move right on to the second coat. However, you may pull up some of the paint when you add a second coat if you haven’t allowed the first coat to dry completely. Dixie Belle Paint will cure to a hard finish. For added protection you may add Dixie Belle’s Clear Coat, Gator Hide, or Wax.

Easy Peasy Painting!

It doesn’t get any easier than that! Follow these simple steps using Dixie Belle Mineral Paint and take your furniture from drab to fab.

Suzanne Fulford is the owner of Dixie Belle Paint Company which produces quality paint products and accessories. The company is based in Florida and sells paint all over the world.

To learn more, visit the website at www.dixiebellepaint.com.

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Score Big at Your Next Gameday Party

Thanksgiving is a time to be with family and celebrate what we are thankful for in life. But once the turkey and dressing and pumpkin pie has been eaten, it is time for college football! The Thanksgiving week games aren’t just any old football games; they are the biggest of the biggest rivalry games! All the games with the most bragging rights are up for grabs. Hopefully you are amongst friends and not enemies at dinner.

There is so much cooking to do for the big Thanksgiving meal that the last thing you want to do is spend tons of time making snack foods for watching all the football games. I find that finger foods work best for football watching parties. It is super easy to make and everyone loves it!

I took them to a tailgate party early in the season and everyone raved about them! You can’t beat easy and delicious tailgating recipes.

For our tailgate this year we are serving Turkey Sandwiches (using leftover holiday turkey), Dillicious Spread, Tupelo Toast Snacker Crackers, BLT Dip and a Pineapple Garlic Onion Cheese Ball. All of the food can be prepared in less than 30 minutes and there is NO BAKING required!! You can even make the dips, crackers and cheese ball before Thanksgiving.

It will all keep several days in the fridge.

All of the seasoning mixes are made from Southern Continued on Page 19

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Tupelo Toast Snacker Crackers 1 box (4 sleeves) saltine crackers 1-1/2 cups canola oil 1 package Southern Sisters Gourmet Tupelo Toast Snacker Crackers mix Mix contents of package with 1-1/2 cups canola oil in a bowl. Gently pour over crackers, being sure that all crackers are coated with mixture.

Mix gently so as not to break crackers. Cover. Stir every 10 minutes for about one hour. Ready to eat in 8 hours. No cooking required!

Pineapple Garlic Onion Cheese Ball 1 can (13-oz) crushed pineapple 2 (8-oz) bars cream cheese softened 1 package Southern Sisters Gourmet Pineapple Garlic Onion mix Drain pineapple. Mix ingredients from large bag with softened cream cheese. Add drained pineapple. Mix well. Refrigerate at least one hour in order to harden enough to form a ball or log. Remove from refrigerator , wet hands, and shape into a cheese ball or cheese log. Roll in contents of smaller bag. Serve with crackers.

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BLT Dip 1 cup mayonnaise 1 cup sour cream 1 package Southern Sisters Gourmet BLT dip mix Mix large package of blend with sour cream and mayonnaise.

Chill for at least one hour before serving. Sprinkle with contents of smaller bag. Serve with vegetables, crackers and chips.

Dill-icious 12 ounces softened cream cheese 2 Tbsp milk 1 package Southern Sisters Gourment Dill-icious mix Mix together all ingredients.

Chill for two hours. Serve with chips and crackers.

Sisters Gourmet. They are DELCIOUS! I took them to a tailgate party early in the season and everyone raved about them! You can’t beat easy and delicious tailgating recipes. Southern Sisters Gourmet is a Southern Brand Favorite and you can learn more from the sisters by visiting their website, www.southernsistersgourmet. com. They also make great holiday gifts.

To finish off your Rivalry Week tailgate, buy some football themed plates and napkins from your local party supply store. Even if your team doesn’t win, your tailgate will be a winner!

Stephanie Parker created her blog Plain Chicken as a way to keep track of her recipes for family and friends.

It has turned into a scrapbook of culinary adventures and what happens every day in her kitchen.

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Where in the South is that?

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A. Columbus, GA B. Fruithurst, AL C. Dahlonega, GA D. Nashville, TN E. Atlanta, GA F. Atlanta, GA G. Chattanooga, TN H. Carrollton, GA I. Atlanta, GA

J. Palmetto, GA K. Madison, GA L. Charleston, SC M. Atlanta, GA N. Atlanta, GA O. Carrollton, GA P. Charleston, SC Q. Augusta, GA

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Andy Petty always takes his camera when traveling through the South.

Can you guess where he visited this issue?

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Don’t Forget the Gratitude We are about to celebrate a holiday that’s all about giving thanks for what we have. I love Thanksgiving. It’s my favorite holiday. It has all of the good elements of Christmas, without the hassles of Christmas. On Thanksgiving you can generally relax, (except for the cooks) watch football, enjoy a meal with family and friends, and deliberately pause and give thanks to the Lord for your blessings. Thanksgiving is more about the concept of giving thanks and less about the things. That is why I love Thanksgiving.

Well, if we think about gratitude only once a year, we overlook the immense power of practicing it daily.

“Feeling My self-esteem is enhanced when I feel appreciated. gratitude Appreciation helps and not motivate me to continue to behave positively towards expressing other family members it is like and friends. Showing appreciation to your family wrapping can strengthen your family’s a present bond with one another.

Knowing that gratitude and not comes with so many giving it.” benefits, why do we struggle to express it? And, if it’s William so easy, why don’t we do it more often? When it Arthur Ward comes to family, I think we take them for granted and just assume they don’t need a show of gratitude. This oversight can have huge consequences. It is well worth the effort to be mindful of the little things someone does for you.

Gratitude does make a difference but showing your gratitude doesn’t require big gestures, just heartfelt ones. Few things stick in our minds like those moments when we learn that people appreciate our efforts.

When we make the effort to adopt gratitude year-round, the results can prove astonishing. I promise that when you make the effort to make gratitude a central part of how you think and act, you won’t be disappointed with the results.

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Andy Petty photo of a tablescape at The Nest in Carrollton, Georgia

Here are four suggestions to help get you out of your gratitude rut.

• Keep a gratitude journal or list, where you actively write down exactly what you’re grateful for each day. This requires only a moment and it helps you cultivate a habit of gratitude. When we’re caught up in our day-today routine, we easily overlook the people and things we appreciate. A daily reminder can give us a much needed happiness boost while also putting us in the gratitude mindset. So count those blessings everyday.

• Write thank you notes. A simple but genuine thank you or a handwritten note of appreciation can mean the world to someone. Whether in response to a gift or kind act, or simply as a show of gratitude for someone being in your life. Acknowledge how others have helped you.

• Pray. Expressing thanks during your prayers is another way to cultivate gratitude. Have you ever prayed a prayer to just thank God for what you have and not asked for anything in that prayer? Give it a try.

• Listen. Part of expressing gratitude means also hearing what the other person has to say.

Now, with all that off of my chest let me just say it’s time to start preparations for the big day! It’s just around the corner folks! We all have Thanksgiving recipes that are never to be messed with, but every now and then, we love the idea of pushing tradition aside for something new or a little different. Sides and desserts are a great way to do that, because, let’s be real, sometimes they could use an upgrade.

Pumpkin Streusel Muffins with Cream Cheese Filling — Streusel Topping — 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1/4 cup light sugar (packed) 1/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats or quick oats 1/8 teaspoon salt 4 tablespoons butter, at firm room temperature Mix everything together until evenly crumbly.

— Filling — 1 8-ounce package cream cheese, at room temperature 1/4 cup sugar 1/2 teaspoon vanilla flavoring Mix until combined. Refrigerate the filling while you make the batter.

— Muffins — 1 cup pumpkin pureé 2 large eggs 1/2 cup brown sugar 3 tablespoons vegetable oil 1/4 cup boiled cider (Apple cider boiled down into a syrup. Really yummy) 1/2 teaspoon salt 1-1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/3 cup milk 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Mix first 10 ingredients together with electric mixer until well combined. Slowly add the flour and mix well.

Lightly spray cupcake liners with cooking spray and place in a muffin pan.

Scoop 2 tablespoons of batter into each of the muffin cups being sure to spread and cover the bottom of the cup. Then scoop 1 tablespoon cream cheese filling into each cup followed by another 2 tablespoons of batter. Finally, top each cup with the streusel topping. The muffin cups will be quite full.

Bake the muffins for 18 to 20 minutes.

Remove the muffins from the oven and cool completely on wire rack.

Note: Use a tablespoon cookie scoop for faster measuring. If you do not have one you must add this friend to your collection of favorite utensils.

My favorite vanilla flavoring to use is a white vanilla flavoring made by Rawleigh. This is the only vanilla I use and has to be ordered online.

Bacon Deviled Eggs 6 eggs 1/2 teaspoon spicy mustard 1/2 tablespoon yellow mustard 1/4 cup mayonnaise + 1 tablespoon 1/8 teaspoon pepper 1/8 teaspoon salt 3 slices of cooked bacon Paprika (optional)

Place eggs in a pot and cover with water sprinkled with salt. Bring water to a rolling boil and boil for 8-9 minutes. Run cold water over eggs until cool enough to touch then drain water. Carefully remove shells from eggs and rinse. Cut eggs in half lengthwise and gently scoop yolks into small size bowl.

Add mayonnaise, mustards, and spices to yolks and mash well with fork. Spoon or pipe mixture into egg white halves. Sprinkle with paprika and top with pieces of bacon.

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Sausage, Apple and Cranberry Stuffing 2 1/2 cups cubed whole wheat bread 2 3/4 cups cubed white bread 1 pound ground turkey sausage 1 medium onion chopped 1 cup chopped celery 5 teaspoons minced fresh sage 1-1/2 Tablespoons fresh rosemary 1 sprig fresh thyme 1 Granny Smith apple, cored and chopped 3/4 cup dried cranberries 1/3 cup minced fresh parsley 1 cup chicken stock 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted 1 egg, lightly beaten

Preheat oven to 350*F Spread the bread cubes on a large baking sheet, making sure to not overlap.

Bake until evenly toasted.

Place bread crumbs in a large bowl and set aside.

In a skillet, cook the sausage and onions over medium heat, until cooked through.

Add celery, sage, rosemary, and thyme.

Cook together for 2 more minutes.

Add sausage mixture to bread.

Add egg, apples, cranberries, and parsley and mix with a spoon.

Add chicken stock and melted butter, and gently mix.

Pour into a lightly greased 9x13 casserole dish and bake 1 hour.

Stir after 30 minutes then finish baking.

Remove and serve immediately. **This dish is best if served immediately. If there are leftovers reheat in the oven and not the microwave. I like to use kitchen shears to chopped the herbs.

Creamed Peas 1/4 cup butter 1/4 cup all purpose flour 2 cups milk 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon pepper 1-12 oz bag frozen sweet peas

In a medium pot, melt butter. Whisk in flour until smooth.

Add milk and cook over medium heat, whisking often, until smooth and thickened. Stir in salt and peas, cooking over medium heat until peas are heated through. Adjust seasonings to taste.

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Thankful Rolls 1 bag frozen Rhodes Yeast Rolls dough or your favorite yeast roll recipe Write your message on a piece of paper and wrap it in a rectangle of non-stick aluminum foil. Place it in between two dough balls from your regular dough recipe or Rhodes Yeast Rolls (as I did) place in muffin tin sprayed with cooking spray and then let your dough rise. Bake your rolls as you normally would according to your recipe directions.

Pass around and read in the middle of dinner...like a fortune cookie. It’s a fun way to liven up the conversation and to remember why you are celebrating Thanksgiving.

Whipped Honey Cinnamon Pumpkin Butter 1 stick unsalted butter, at room temperature (if using salted butter do not add the dash of salt) 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg Dash of salt 3 tablespoons pumpkin puree 2 tablespoons honey 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract Using an electric mixer beat the butter until light and fluffy. Add the cinnamon and pumpkin puree. Beat until well combined.

Continue beating, gradually adding the remaining ingredients and beat until thick and fluffy, about 2 minutes.

Store in the fridge in an airtight container. Bring to room temperature before using. Use on hot rolls, French toast, pancakes or toast.

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Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes with Pecan Streusel and Marshmallow Drizzle 4 sweet potatoes — Creamy Sweet Potato Filling — 1/4 cup brown sugar 1 tablespoons milk 1 tablespoons butter, melted 2 oz. cream cheese, softened 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup 1/2 teaspoon vanilla 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg Pinch of Pepper — Pecan Streusel — 3 tablespoons flour 3 tablespoons brown sugar 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon salt 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, chilled and diced 1/2 cup pecans, chopped 6 bacon slices, cooked and crumbled (optional) — Marshmallow Drizzle — 1 cup marshmallow fluff 1 teaspoon milk

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Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a baking tray with non-stick foil.

Wash the the sweet potatoes and prick the skin of each potato several times with a fork. Drizzle potatoes with coconut oil or olive oil and rub on all sides then season with salt. Place the potatoes on prepared baking tray and bake 1 hour 10 minutes or until fully cooked.

While the potatoes are baking, prepare the Streusel by mixing the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon and salt together in a large bowl.

Cut in butter until crumbly. Stir in pecans. If you choose to add the bacon add it now. Store in the refrigerator until ready to use.

When potatoes are done, remove from oven and let cool 10 minutes or so. When cool enough to handle, evenly cut off the top halves off the potatoes. Scoop out the insides of each potatoes (being careful not to scoop right up to the skin so the potatoes will keep their shape) then place potato filling in a food processor or mixer.

Add all of the filling ingredients and process/mix until smooth.

Evenly scoop filling into the 8 potato halves and smooth.

Top with Streusel and bake for 12-15 minutes.

Place the marshmallow fluff in a medium bowl and microwave for 20-30 seconds. Add milk and stir until creamy. When ready to serve, top each sweet potato with marshmallow cream.

Note: For quicker baking I used the sweet potatoes pre-wrapped in plastic and cooked in the microwave for 6-7 minutes. Turning them over after 3 minutes then finished cooking them.

Cheesy Zucchini Long Grain Rice 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 cup long-grain white rice 2 cans chicken broth 2 tablespoons butter 1 medium zucchini, grated 1-1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder salt and pepper, to taste splash of milk, as needed Heat the olive oil in a medium sauce pan over medium heat.

Add the rice and stir to coat. Toast the rice, stirring often, just until it starts to turn golden.

Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a boil, turn heat to low, and cover.

Cook covered for 15 - 20 minutes or until most of the liquid is absorbed. Keep an eye on it.

Remove from the heat and add the butter, grated zucchini, cheese, and garlic powder. Stir until well incorporated. Cover and let sit for 5 minutes.

Stir again and add salt and pepper to taste. If the rice is too thick add a little whole milk until you get the texture you like.

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Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Milkshake 2-3 cups vanilla bean ice cream 1/3 cup milk 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin spice or 3 tablespoons Pumpkin Spice Coffee Creamer 2 oz. Cream Cheese Whipped cream and cinnamon (optional) Add ice cream, milk, cream cheese, pumpkin spice or creamer in blender and blend until smooth. Pour into glass and top with whipped cream and cinnamon if desired. Note: You can also add about 1/3 cup of leftover pumpkin pie instead of the pumpkin spice for a Pumpkin Pie Milkshake.

Editor’s Note: If you hate all things Pumpkin as much as I do, leave the pumpkin spice alone!!! Substitute it with 3 Tablespoons of Caramel Sauce and a dash of sea salt...

Drizzle the whipped cream with more caramel... #Trust!

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Pecan Pie Bread Pudding 1 (16 oz) loaf day old French bread 2 cups milk ½ cup half and half 1 cup heavy whipping cream 4 eggs, lightly beaten 1 cup granulated sugar 1 Tablespoon vanilla ⅛ teaspoon salt ½ cup butter, softened 1 cup packed brown sugar 1 cup pecan, chopped Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Cube bread and place in a large bowl.

In another bowl, whisk eggs, milk, heavy whipping cream, half & half, sugar, salt, and vanilla. Pour over bread. Carefully fold to coat all bread pieces. Allow to sit 5 to 10 minutes.

In a small bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, and pecans with a fork.

Pour half of the bread mixture into an 8x8 inch dish sprayed with cooking spray.

Top with half of the pecan mixture.

Spoon remaining bread mixture over the pecan mixture. Pan will be really full.

Top with remaining pecan mixture.

Place pan on a cookie sheet with an edge to catch mixture that may boil over. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 to 55 minutes. Center will be slightly wiggly, but will set when cool. If you see the topping getting too dark, cover the pudding with foil about 35 minutes in.

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Creamy Cranberry Trifle Cranberry Layer 16 oz fresh or frozen cranberries 1 ½ cups water 1 cup sugar 1 cinnamon stick Custard Layer 1⅓ cups sugar 3 tablespoons cornstarch ¼ teaspoon salt 4 ½ cups milk 9 egg yolks 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 1 tablespoon butter (Running short of time? You can substitute white chocolate, cheesecake or vanilla instant pudding for the custard layer.)

Cake 1 loaf (16 oz) frozen pound cake, cut into 1” cubes Cranberry Layer Combine all cranberry layer ingredients in a saucepan.

Bring to a boil, reduce heat and cook uncovered about 10 minutes. Cool completely. Discard cinnamon stick.

Custard Combine sugar, cornstarch and salt in a large saucepan.

Whisk in milk. Stir over medium-high heat until mixture reaches a boil, let boil 2 minutes stirring constantly.

Whisk egg yolks in a small bowl. Slowly add 1 cup of the hot milk mixture to the eggs while whisking. Return the mixture to the sauce pan and stir over medium heat until thick and bubbly. Let boil 2 minutes.

Cool in the saucepan for 15-20 minutes stirring occasionally. Pour into a large bowl and place plastic wrap on the surface. Refrigerate until completely cooled.

Assemble Place half of the cake cubes on the bottom of a trifle bowl. Top with half of the cranberry mixture and half of the custard. Repeat layers.

Top with whipped cream, orange peel shavings and cranberries if desired.

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Pear Crumb Pie 1-9 inch Ritz pie crust or roll out pie crust dough or homemade pie crust 8 pears, peeled, cored, and sliced 1/3 cup sugar 1 tablespoon cornstarch 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg 1/8 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup cold butter 1 cup flour 1/2 cup brown sugar Place unbaked pie crust inside glass pie plate.

In a large bowl, gently mix all other ingredients together. Spread into pie crust.

In a medium bowl, blend cold butter, flour, and brown sugar with a pastry blender until you have coarse crumbs.

Sprinkle topping over pears. Bake at 425 for 15 minutes.

Place a sheet of foil over pie and bake an additional 15 minutes or until pears are soft. Allow pie to completely cool before slicing and serving.

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Legacy: With Love and Thanks There’s just something about the holidays. They make me nostalgic. They make me smile. They make me slow down — in a sped-up kind of way.

It feels like clockwork. The Alabama heat finally starts to fade. The colors change.

Leaves fall. And then it’s here quicker than I’d planned, and it never lasts long enough.

Thanksgiving leaves me counting my blessings.

Christmas leaves me joyful.

Each new year leaves me contemplating what’s next.

It seems to me that the holidays in many ways are about our legacy — the ones that have been passed down to us and the one we want to leave behind.

I have inherited a very large legacy. When I stop to think about it, it can start to overwhelm me.

From my grandmothers who made a lot out of a little, and my grandfathers who – while serious – never failed to find joy in the moments they got to spend with their families.

From my parents, I’ve gotten even more. I’ve found a love of service – even though that could look different in any given month or year. By being thankful for what they had been given, and knowing beyond a shadow of a doubt that they needed to give something back to others, they have changed the course of my life.

I’ve watched my dad, David, complete a 140 mile bike ride to raise money for Camp SmileA-Mile. With a bad back, it was never easy. But it was something he believed in, and for many years, succeeded in taking part in. When it was no longer physically 40

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possible, he’s continued as the encourager of others.

And he turned to new ways to make a difference.

Done is never actually done, at least in my family.

My mom, Sarah, went through a health scare more than a decade ago. She found What legacy herself asking “What if I didn’t have this insurance?” and she have you been didn’t quite like the answer left? But even she got. So she started from the ground up, and built one more, what of the coolest local funds I legacy will have ever seen. Today, the DCH Breast Cancer Fund you leave? has raised more than $1.2 million. And it goes right back into the community that has taken care of our family for the last 30+ years.

While those are the easy examples to use, as the holidays approach, I’m more mindful of the way we choose to live. Is it really just about us? Or are we actively living like it’s about something more?

To do lists can get long, and schedules can get overwhelming. But living a life of thanksgiving – of being truly thankful for what you have… I think I’ve come to view it as a life of service. And surely that is a legacy. I know it’s my legacy, and it’s one I love even when it can seem hard to live up to.

What legacy have you been left? But even more, what legacy will you leave?

Jessie Patterson Jones is an adjunct instructor for the University of Alabama Department of Journalism and the daughter of retired UA gymnastics coaches Sarah and David Patterson.

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Southern Brand Favorites

Southern Brand Favorites is our way of introducing readers to incredible entrepreneurs and products made right here in the South.

The criteria to be a Southern Brand Favorite is simple. We have to love the product, it has to be made in the South, and be available for purchase in the Southern Holiday Life market area.

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Aunt Bee’z Delicious Desserts Made in Alabama www.AuntBeezDeliciousDesserts.com It all started back in the hills.....

My mother grew up on a small farm on the side of a steep hill; way, way back in the Appalachian Mountains. She was the youngest of nine kids. They didn’t have much, but, as Mama was quick to say, they always had good food! She learned to cook using plain ingredients, things that were common to farm life.

Mama liked to cook and she particularly liked to bake. I was raised with an endless stream of home-made cookies, cakes, puddings and, of course, pies. Dinner always included dessert and if anyone ever said they didn’t want dessert (gasp!), Mama would remind them that life was short .... “too short not to eat pie!”

Our Southern Brand Favorite product from Aunt Bee’z Delicious Desserts…

Mama’s Chocolate Pie Mix Enjoy a rich, chocolate pie with almost no work. Simply add milk and cook until thick and creamy. Pour into a baked pie shell, chill and top with lots of whipped cream!

Aunt Sissy’s Butterscotch Pie Mix Enjoy a rich, buttery, creamy pie. Simply add milk and a little butter and cook until thick and creamy. Pour into a baked pie shell and chill.

Just a little side note: Mama and Sissy knew how to stay in their lane. Mama never fixed the butterscotch pie and Aunt Sissy never fixed a chocolate pie.

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Jennifer’s Kitchen

Made in Alabama www.FromJennifersKitchen.com Jennifer’s Kitchen was founded in 1998 in just that, her kitchen...

One Christmas almost two decades ago, Jennifer Lee decided to gift her dad with something special - a handmade jar of his grandmother’s Cranberry Conserve. Delighted by the delicious surprise, Jennifer’s mother asked her to make a batch of pepper jelly.

That led to jars that the professional turned stayat-home mother gifted to her friends, who told their friends who told their friends and so on until the demand for her recipes outgrew her kitchen.

Today, Jennifer’s Kitchen American-made pepper jellies remain farmer’s market fresh, although they are shipped and distributed to foodies nationwide, sharing the heart of her kitchen in every jar. Here is a favorite recipe for your next holiday party.

Our Southern Brand Favorite product from Jennifer’s Kitchen…

Holiday Pepper Jelly Pecans and cranberries bring the taste of the holidays to this mild pepper jelly.

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Southern Sisters Gourmet

Made in Mississippi www.SouthernSistersGourmet.com

Shopping Guide

Aunt Bee’z

Southern Holiday Shop in Wedowee, AL

Dixie Belle Paint Company Birds of a Feather in Oxford, AL

Southern Holiday Shop in Wedowee, AL Junk Mama’s General Store in Fayetteville, GA Online at www.DixieBellePaint.com

Mississippi Miracle Clay

Southern Holiday Shop in Wedowee, AL Online at www.MississippiMiracleClay.com

Mugs & Mixes

Southern Holiday Shop in Wedowee, AL Junk Mama’s General Store in Fayetteville, GA Online at www.MugsandMixes.com

Southern Sister’s Gourmet

Southern Holiday Shop in Wedowee, AL Junk Mama’s General Store in Fayetteville, GA The Nest in Carrollton, GA Online at www.SouthernSistersGourmet.com

Jennifer’s Kitchen Pepper Jelly

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OnlineHOLIDAY at www.FromJennifersKitchen.com SOUTHERN LIFE

Kay and Claire, owners of Southern Sisters Gourmet want you to know... “It is our desire to provide you, our clients, with the best in culinary experiences. When you try our products everyone will think that you are the gracious gourmet cook!

Our Southern Brand Favorite product from Southern Sister’s Gourmet…

Pineapple Glazed Pork Loin Blend The Pineapple-Glazed Pork Loin blend is a perfect addition for any occasion from an informal family meal to an elegant dinner party. It’s so easy too. Serve with carrots and potatoes if you choose.

From your pantry: 1 1/4 - 1 1/2 pounds pork loin, 1 can pineapple rings (8.5 oz) Directions: Trim excess fat from pork. Place loin on rack in baking pan. Drain pineapple and reserve 1/3 cup juice in a small saucepan. Mix juice with dry ingredients in package. Bring to a boil, stirring. Brush pork loin with a portion of the glaze. Bake uncovered for about 1 hour and 15 minutes at 350 degrees. Brush with glaze several times during baking process. Turn pork loin once and brush underside. When finished baking, let stand for 5 minutes. Slice meat across grain. Arrange pineapple around meat if desired.

Add potatoes and veggies to serve if desired.

For information on other dips and mixes from the “Sisters” see page 16.

Dixie Belle Paint Company

Made in Florida www.DixieBellePaint.com

Dixie Belle Paint started as a vision for Suzanne Fulford. Suzanne tells us “it was born out of a passion for refurbishing the old furniture and antique items that have been in my family for generations – everything from Memaw’s favorite rocking chair to Pop Pop’s old tool box. Because of a wonderful team of folks and of course, my family I was pushed to pursue my dream in creating the best darn chalk mineral paint on either side of the Mason-Dixon!”

Dixie Belle Paint opened in 2014, and has seen tremendous growth.

Now in 2016 they have more than a 100 products and over 600 retail locations across the world.

Our Southern Brand Favorite product from Dixie Belle Paint…

Sea Spray The best chalky paint additive to create a chippy, textured, and weathered look!

Sea Spray makes a thrift store find into a Funky Junk Treasure!

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Mississippi Miracle Clay

Developed in Mississippi /Manufactured in Texas www.MississippiMiracleClay.com Glenda, a natural health enthusiast since the 1970’s (when being natural was a little more controversial than today), began her own journey into discovering clays while trying to find relief for her terminally ill husband’s burns and irritation caused from radiation treatments. During her clay research, she became impressed with all the uses of clay. Being a beautiful southern woman, she always took good care of her skin and began using the different clays for facial masks. She became quite a well-studied expert on the uses and types of clays. She was a strong advocate of using clays for healing and skin care.

Glenda Boren-Paschal, her son, Cliff Boren, and daughter, Suzanne Boren-Davis, started Mississippi Miracle Clay based on southern simplicity and tradition in 2008.

The family business continues in memory of our Mom, Glenda (1944-2014).

The funniest, most loving mother and brightest star in our lives.

Our Southern Brand Favorite product from Mississippi Miracle Clay...

Muscle and Joint Mineral Rub The all natural muscle and joint rub is great for tired, sore and painful muscles and joints. Massage into joint and muscles to allow the synergistic blend of penetrating essential oils and Magnesium Bentonite Clay soak deep into the tissues to relieve and relax sore muscles, joints and bones.

Mugs and Mixes

Designed in Alabama – Mixes made in Mississippi www.MugsandMixes.com Southern Sisters Gourmet and Southern Holiday Life have teamed up to offer unique and reasonably priced gifts. They are putting their talents together of creative designs and gourmet foods.

Leisel said, “We are not sure of our company name just yet but our first product line is available to purchase this holiday season. We are really excited because they are the perfect gift for so many people in your life.

Our Southern Brand Favorite product from Southern Sisters Gourmet and us…

Mugs and Mixes Mugs and Mixes is a unique gift line offering the cutest mugs with flavorful and easy to prepare mixes that you can make right in the mug. Most mixes only need 1 to 2 ingredients and a microwave to cook. Each mix bag includes enough for 2 servings.

Mug Colors: Red, Green, White Speckle and Blue Speckle Mixes: Fruit Crumble, M&M Cookie, Turtle Brownie, Tomato Basil Soup, Ginger Scallion Egg Drop Soup, Amaretto Cocoa, Apple Cider, Caramel Coffee, and Fruity Winter Warmer.

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Christmas on the Funky Junk Trail We are always on the hunt for new stores to include on the Funky Junk Trail. We kicked off our Christmas shopping season with a Funky Junk Trail road trip and it put us right square in that wonderful, festive holiday frame of mind.

The Funky Junk Trail embraces originality and, of course, the thrill of the hunt! Southern Holiday Life is proud to include the following stores on the trail. Each one embodies the spirit of the trail, and all are a unique and eclectic mix of old and new. You can be sure that none of them are your grandmother’s antique store!

Happy hunting and be sure to share your treasures from the trail on social media!

Use the hashtag #funkyjunktrail so we can all celebrate your finds!

Southern Holiday Shop Table Talk of Willowdale Wehadkee Trade Days Junk Mama’s General Store Feathers & Twigs The Nest Birds of a Feather Two Guys & a Girl Attic to Antiques

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Table Talk of Senoia 53 Main Street; Senoia, GA 770-599-9700 Sun-Mon 11-4; Tues-Fri 10-5; Sat 10-6 When given the task to decorate a Christmas scene in October, Table Talk brought its “A GAME.” The entire store was flipped to Christmas Wonderland. The scene we chose to photograph for their contest entry was the “Red Bird Tree.” It’s a white tree with cardinals decorating its branches. Breathtaking to say the least! According to a quick search of the internet, the cardinal is special to the holiday season.

“Christened the Christmas bird for its spectacular red color, the cardinal has become a symbol of the beauty and warmth of the holiday season. A glimpse of this brilliant bird brings cheer, hope and inspiration on a gray, wintry day. As nature’s reminder for us to focus on our faith, the cardinal’s scarlet plumage represents the blood of Christ shed for the redemption of mankind.”

The scene is complete with an inviting chair and whimsical dachshund pillow.

Table Talk is known for its sense of humor and that doesn’t go away with the holiday season. Filled with unique Christmas gifts with a healthy dose of sarcasm, Table Talk is great stop on the Funky Junk Trail. Table Talk carries national brands Archipelago, Caldrea, MIK Wright, Naked Bee and Swan Creek Candle Company as well as regional favorites Savannah Bee Company and Candace and Kids Soap Company.

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Birds of a Feather 502 Main Street; Oxford, AL 256-403-2991 Tues-Sat 9-5 Birds of a Feather was inspired by Christmas Under the Big Top when submitting its contest entry. Circus themed decorations adorned the Christmas tree with striped pennant banners and whimsical ornaments. The Vintage Santa Claus completed the look. ­ charming little shop located on A Main Street in Historic Downtown Oxford, Birds of A Feather is the epitome of the Funky Junk Trail.

Owner Lisa Scott is always on the hunt to bring treasures back to her customers. She specializes in Vintage, Antiques, Restorations, Architectural Salvage & Unique Gifts. The inventory for Birds of a Feather changes frequently, so you never know what treasures await you.

Scott also carries handmade greeting cards as well as Southern Brand Favorite Dixie Belle Paint Company products.

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Junk Mama’s General Store 125 Fisher Ave, Fayetteville, GA 770-461-4607, Mon-Sat 10-5 Junk Mama’s General Store embraced the Funky Junk Trail when decorating for the Christmas Cover Contest! For a their theme the Mamas went retro Christmas complete with a vintage 1960s aluminum tree with a lighted color wheel...

It was borrowed from Bell Benua. They completed the look with vintage toys on the mantel as well as a retro Santa Claus coming from the fireplace. Santa’s sleigh was filled with vintage toys and games as well.

Junk Mama’s is a unique boutique of hidden treasures old and new. They have a mishmash of whimsy, recycled stuff, antiques, vintage and re-invented treasures. It is a great place for the DIY person. The mama’s added embroidered state tea towels this year in addition to Southern Brand Favorites Dixie Belle Paint and Southern Sisters Gourmet Dips and Mixes.

Check them out on Instagram, Facebook or their website www.JunkMamasGeneralStore.com. Junk Mama’s also offers craft classes on occasion featuring the Dixie Belle Paint Products.

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Wehadkee Trade Days 66276 Highway 22, Rock Mills, AL 1st & 3rd Saturdays, 7-1 This is the place “where the real pickers shop”!

Approximately 40 vendors gather in the old Wehadkee Yarn Mills building showing and selling their wares. The old mill is a treasure all its own.

You can’t miss it when traveling on Hwy 22 West from Roanoke, Ala. toward the Georgia Line. It is the big red brick building sitting on the banks of the rocky Wehadkee Creek. The mill is one of the oldest mills still standing in the southeast.

In 2004 the mill finally closed its doors to making yarn. Bill Head who was raised in Rock Mills, Ala. bought the mill in 2005. He gave a new life and purpose by establishing Wehadkee Trade Days in part of the old mill. Today, Wehadkee Trade Days is managed by Matt Browning and his family. They have done an exceptional job of bringing the Wehadkee Trade Day family together. All the vendors are very friendly and helpful and there is a large array of “stuff” to discover from primitives, farm tools, glass ware and kitchenware to art, woodworking and of course funky junk. There is ample parking and an easy pull up for loading your purchases. They say “It pays to be early for the best picks and the hot biscuits”.

Christmas on the Funky Junk Trail

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The Nest 121 Bradley Street, Carrollton, GA 770-838-7933 Tues-Fri 10 -5:30, Sat 10-3 When it comes to gifts, The Nest has a wide variety. We have beautiful and inspiring items from Natural Life, man cave decor for the special guys in your family, chalk paint for that special DIYer in your life. The Nest also features locally made wooden signs, perfect for expressing your love and thankfulness for your family and many blessings. And as always, we have the best selection of antique and vintage furniture and home decor, unique finds melding past memories with present style.

The Nest is proud to offer fabulous grained wooden cutting boards and serving trays, great to give and great to keep!

Made from locally grown trees by local artisan Teddy Howard, each is uniquely different and showstopping beautiful--truly works of art for use and display in your kitchen and dining rooms.

Petal Pushers, a permanent botanical vendor, is now located upstairs at The Nest. Local businessman Danny Barnett creates floral masterpieces to be the perfect addition to your home decor and special occasions. Choose from seasonal and festive wreaths, centerpieces, and arrangements sure to dazzle and delight!

The Nest also carries local jewelry vendors and their prettiest wares. Among them is Southern Strung which has unique, handmade jewelry featured in many boutiques throughout the Southeast. Don’t miss out on these lovely pieces and showing your southern pride in the most stylish of ways. Be sure to stop in and see the many gorgeous necklaces, bracelets and earrings The Nest has to offer.

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Southern Holiday Shop 104 West Broad Street, Wedowee, AL 256-357-4557 Thurs, Fri & Sat 10-5 Southern Holiday Life created the Funky Junk Trail in 2013 to let readers know about unique shopping adventures within easy driving distance for our audience. Well, in 2014 we stepped up our game and opened Southern Holiday Shop as an extension of the magazine and to really know what our retail advertisers experience.

We have evolved in our two years of operation and will continue to do so. This year we take pride in our Southern Made room. Everything in it is Made in the South right down to the candlesticks that are for sale! We love all things Southern from our facial masks to our chalk mineral paint! And, we can’t forget our extensive collection of Southern made food products! We have salsa and pepper jelly from Alabama, cookies and dip mixes from Mississippi and popcorn all the way from Virginia, all of which are highly addictive and absolutely delicious!

At the Southern Holiday Shop we also carry the best Lake Wedowee T-shirts around as well as other Lake themed merchandise.

Southern Holiday Shop is also proud to promote Southern artists Deborah Elliott and her daughter Jenny Ballentine as well as Jane Ann Flemming and Julie Brock.

In addition to the Southern Made room, Southern Holiday Shop also carries boutique clothing in regular and plus sizes.

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Feathers & Twigs 506 Maple Street; Carrollton, GA 770-214-9191 Mon-Fri 10:30 -5:30; Sat 10:30-4:30 Feathers and Twigs is a treasure trove just waiting for our fellow Funky Junkers. The store features lots of antiques and vintage pieces as well as original artwork

by Charlotte Scarce. They have recently updated furniture ready for forever homes as well as funky retro pieces waiting for the right owner. Cindy Safier prides herself in curating her store to appeal to all ages. For the do-it-yourself crafter, Feathers and Twigs also carries Miss Mustard Seed line of milk paint. Safier’s daughter Hannah is responsible for reviving outdated furniture in the store and swears by Miss Mustard Seed.

Safier’s mom Eris (also known as Granny) also works in the store Thursday through Saturday and is known for bringing in treats for the customers.

(You can find her recipe for Butterscotch Brownies on Page 81 of this issue). Feathers and Twigs also carries Uncommon Scents Candles with funky names like Clean Undies, Happy Camper and Sand in My Shorts.

The Candle Company is based in Georgia.

Feather’s and Twigs also carries Redbeard Brand which specializes in handcrafted luxury beer soap which they call Brew Bars. Cindy’s relatives started the company in 2013 in Georgia, but relocated to Kentucky in 2015. Be sure to find Feathers and Twigs on facebook to see more of what they have to offer.

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Two Guys and a Girl, Attics to Antiques 3355 Highway 431, Roanoke, AL 334-863-5865 Wed 8-noon; Thurs-Sat 10-4 A hometown small shop that offers a variety of antique treasures including, but certainly not limited to, vintage glassware, McCoy and Hull pottery, collectibles, small furniture, lamps, vintage keepsakes, and so much more.

Frank Fetner, Mike Fisher and Beverly Hill are collectors from way back and when they opened the shop they decided to declutter their collections to make room for more treasures. Well the discards are worth the trip to Roanoke for sure! You never know what you may find... vinyl records, metal signs and more await your visit!

Other vendors bring unique items to the shop as well! Fetner even has a private collection of Santa Claus figurines that he sometimes displays.

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Amanda Henderson uses her blog, www.CultivateCreate.blogspot.com, to share with the world her DIY endeavors, home projects and her journey to get healthy.

Christmas Countdown: Reinventing the Advent Calendar For the past few years, I’ve upheld the tradition of the Advent Calendar for my two daughters. With the intention of reminding them of the true spirit of the season, I fill the Advent calendar with, of course, small treats, but also with reminders of what Christmas is all about. Those reminders include things like taking a treat to a neighbor, doing something kind for a friend, reading scripture, taking treats to the local firehouse, or buying Christmas gifts for a needy family. The Advent Calendar makes things exciting in anticipation of Christmas day when we celebrate Christ’s birth, and also helps to remind us to take the focus off of ourselves and “getting” and puts that focus on others and “giving.” It helps to remind us of what happened in Bethlehem on that night so long ago.

Reinventing the Advent Calendar: Each year, I try to put a different twist on our Advent calendar; I’ve used treat bags, muslin bags tied to an antique ladder, and craft paper bags clipped onto picture wire in a large frame. I try to let the aesthetic of our calendar flow well with our decor, so it’s like and extension of our Christmas decorations. It’s a fun way to get creative with everyday items to make something extra special for loved ones.

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Ideas for Items to include: Individually wrapped candy Holiday themed pencils or erasers Stickers Small notepads Some days include things to do, such as driving around to look at Christmas lights, donating toys to charity, family movie night, reading the Christmas story, making a popcorn garland, making paper snowflakes, visiting a family member, etc.

Have fun creating your own personalized Advent calendar. Maybe it will be a tradition you’ll want to keep.

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Shea Goldstein is the food editor for Southern Holiday Life. She is a self-proclaimed Southern Belle who’s thinking about what’s for dinner while eating lunch. She began her blog in 2010 as a way to document her recipes for her children and family members as well as share her food and culinary experiences with others.

Christmas Dinner in Dixie If there’s one very special dinner during the holidays, it’s definitely Christmas dinner in my book.

For me, I think it’s a combination of the family gathering together, the kids’ anticipation and, of course, the food. It’s a cozy time of year, and around this table is where the best memories are made.

I’m usually a casual girl, but sometimes I think it’s important to get a little dressed up, make the table look pretty and enjoy the holiday with a little style.

Here are some fantastic recipes to help you build an elegant Christmas dinner for family and friends, or heck, just stay in your flannels if that’s how you enjoy your holiday!

Jamaican Jerk Rack of Veal with Honey Cayenne Roux The first recipe I want to share with you is a rack of veal, and I’m going to teach you how to make your rack look this elegant using the technique called “frenching”. Don’t be intimidated; it’s easy – time consuming – but easy. I promise.

First, rinse and pat your rack dry.

You start by using sharp kitchen shears and have a good serrated knife handy. Begin at the left side, cutting in between bones cutting up to the main meat and stop. Continue on both sides of the bones, and cutting with the shears in the middle to take the hunk of meat off, thereby exposing the bones. Continue all the way down the rack, trimming any excess.

I used a Jerk seasoning on this, and I made a cayenne roux, which was off the charts delicious.

—Veal — 1 rack of Veal (about 6 lbs.)

4 tbsps. Jamaican Jerk seasoning Olive oil —Honey Cayenne Roux— 1 stick salted butter 1 tbsp all purpose flour 1/4 cup chicken broth 1 tbsp honey 2 tsp cayenne pepper 1 tsp salt

Veal: Combine Jerk seasoning and enough olive oil to make a paste.

Rub entire rack of veal, place into a large zip lock bag and refrigerate overnight.

Preheat oven to 450 degrees and let the rack come to room temperature.

Cook for 10 minutes, then reduce heat to 325 and cook for 35-45 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 145 for medium rare, 160 for medium, or 170 for well done.

Roux: Melt butter over medium heat.

Add flour and whisk until slightly thickened; reduce heat to medium low and add the rest of ingredients, whisking to incorporate.

Remove from heat and serve over veal chops.

Jalapeno Popper Bites with Hot Cranberry Sauce — Dough — 1 1/2 cups warm water 2 tsp instant yeast 3 1/2 cups all purpose flour (I used Bob’s Red Mill Artisan Bread Flour) 1 tsp salt 1/4 cup olive oil + more for coating the dough

— Jalapeno Filling — 2-3 large fresh jalapeno peppers, diced (remove seeds and ribs if you don’t like heat) 4 oz cream cheese, at room temperature 1 tsp seasoned salt Sea salt and parsley, for topping

— Cranberry Hot Sauce — 1/4 cup cranberry sauce (canned, I used some leftover from Thanksgiving) 3 tbsp Tabasco hot sauce 1/2 stick salted butter Combine the warm water and yeast and let proof for 10 minutes; until foamy.

Add the flour and salt to the bowl of your stand mixer and mix on low a few seconds to combine.

Turn the mixer on low again and slowly pour in the water/yeast mixture, followed by the olive oil. If after a minute or two it doesn’t start to form into a ball and pull away from the side of the bowl add more flour, a tablespoon at a time until it does.

Drizzle some olive oil over the dough, toss it in the bowl with your hand to coat and cover with a dish towel and let sit for 30 minutes.

Remove half of the dough (this would

Candy Cane Crunch Blondies

make roughly two pizzas) and wrap the other half loosely with plastic wrap or put in a covered bowl and refrigerate.

Preheat oven to 375.

Combine the cream cheese, jalapenos and salt in a bowl.

To make bites, pinch off a piece of dough about the size of a large gumball.

Flatten the dough with your hands to make a disc, and spoon a little bit of jalapeno filling in the center.

Carefully bring the sides of the dough around the filling together, pressing with

your fingers, to enclose the filling to make a ball. No filling should be visible.

Continue with the rest of the dough and filling, placing them on a foil lined baking sheet.

Bake for about 10-12 minutes, until slightly golden brown. Sprinkle with sea salt and dried parsley.

To make the dipping sauce, put butter in a sauce pan over medium heat.

When it starts to melt, add the cranberry sauce and Tabasco, reduce heat to low and stir until it starts to bubble a little; remove from heat and cover.

1 stick butter, melted 1 cup brown sugar 1 large egg 1 teaspoon vanilla or 1/2 teaspoon almond extract Pinch salt 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 bag Hershey Candy Cane Kisses Butter an 8×8 pan Mix melted butter with brown sugar – beat until smooth.

Beat in egg and then vanilla.

Add salt, stir in flour.

Spread a thin layer on bottom of pan.

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Dot with Hershey Kisses (I used about 10) Pour the rest of the dough over the kisses (it is thick, you can just dot it).

Bake for 25 minutes, or until starting to brown and done in the middle.

Butternut Squash Soup — Soup — 2 butternut squash, sliced in half vertically 1 onion, halved 2 garlic cloves Olive oil 4 fresh Rosemary sprigs 1/4 cup whole cream — Grilled Cheese Croutons — Rye bread slices Salted butter Muenster cheese slices Soup Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

Place the squash, onion and garlic cloves on a foil lined baking sheet. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Roast for 45 minutes to an hour, until the squash is tender, but removing the onion and garlic after 15 minutes.

Pulse the squash, onion, garlic cloves and rosemary sprigs in a food processor until smooth.

Put soup ingredients in a dutch oven and bring to a slow boil over medium high heat. Reduce to low and cover.

Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.

Grilled Cheese Croutons Butter one side of each bread slice, add a cheese slice to each and top with another buttered bread slice.

Grill over medium heat in a saute pan 2 minutes on each side, until cheese is melted and bread is nice and brown. But into small squares.

Serve soup with grilled cheese croutons and swirl soup with whole cream.

Courtesy dixiechikcooks.com.

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Company Rice 1/2 cup butter or margarine 1 large onion 3/4 cup shredded Cheddar Cheese (I use a blend of cheeses – Cheddar, Jack, whatever I have in the fridge) 1-3/4 cup long grain rice 1 can of mushrooms (4 ounces) drained (or fresh mushrooms sliced) 2 (10-1/2 ounce) cans of beef consommé or beef broth 1 cup sliced almonds Instructions Melt butter in skillet, add onions and sauté until tender but not browned. Combine onion, cheese, rice, mushrooms, consommé, and almonds in a 4-5 quart casserole. Mix well. Cover and bake at 325 degrees for 1 hour. Remove cover and bake 15 minutes longer. Makes about 12 servings.

Courtesy carolynshomework.com

Linguine with Roasted Garlic Sauce Fresh Basil 1⁄3 Cup Head Of Garlic 1 Ricotta Cheese 1 1⁄4 Cups Linguine 3⁄4 Pound Black Pepper Kosher Salt Extra Virgin Olive Oil 3 Tablespoons Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

Place the garlic in the preheated oven and roast until very tender and golden, about [25-30 minutes].

Fill a large pot 2/3 high with water and cover. Place over high heat. Proceed with next step as water comes to a boil.

Once water is boiling, add 1 tablespoon of salt and stir in the linguine. Cook until tender but with a slight bite, about [10-11 minutes], or according to the package instructions.

Once you drain the pasta, drizzle it with a bit of olive oil to prevent it from sticking while it waits for the sauce to be prepared. You can do this right in the colander. Just be sure to toss it so the olive oil is coated evenly.

Once garlic is finished roasting, let it sit for 5 minutes until it’s easier to handle.

Once the garlic head is cool enough to handle, squeeze the garlic cloves out of the skin.

After you’ve strained the pasta, place the pot back over medium heat. Add olive oil and warm.

Add the ricotta cheese and fresh basil to the garlic and stir until sauce is smooth. Add the linguine and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine well, then remove from heat.

Transfer the linguine with roasted garlic sauce to a serving bowl or dinner plates. Serve warm!

Courtesy dixiechikcooks.com and cookingplanit.com

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Shea Goldstein is the food editor for Southern Holiday Life. She is a self-proclaimed Southern Belle who’s thinking about what’s for dinner while eating lunch. She began her blog in 2010 as a way to document her recipes for her children and family members as well as share her food and culinary experiences with others.

Christmas Cocktails ‘Tis the season to be merry!

There’s no better way than enjoying a fun holiday drink while enjoying good food and good company.

Take a break from Christmas shopping, wrapping and chaos and kick your jolliness into full gear while impressing your holiday guests with these festive and colorful cocktails.

Holly Berry Spritzer 1 airplane bottle silver rum 1 can Dasani sparkling water; berry flavor 1/3 cup cranberries 2 tablespoons sugar 4 sprigs rosemary In a bowl, place cranberries and top with sugar. Mash cranberries.

Place two spoonfuls of cranberries and sugar into the glasses.

Top cranberries with half mini bottle of rum. Half into each glass. Top with half can of DASANI berry into each glass.

Place rosemary sprigs into the glasses. Refrigerate until ready to serve. The longer you chill the less bubbly it will be. Recommend 30 minutes to an hour tops.

Courtesy mooshujenne.com

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Hot Buttered Rum —Batter— 1/2 c. (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened 3/4 c. brown sugar 1/4 to 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon 1/8 to 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg pinch ground cloves small pinch salt —Drink— 2 heaping T. Hot Buttered Rum batter 2 oz. dark or dark spiced rum 6 oz. boiling water whipped cream {optional} ground cinnamon or nutmeg for sprinkling {optional} —Batter— Place butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in a small bowl. Mash together with the back of a spoon or a fork until well combined.

Use immediately to prepare mugs of Hot Buttered Rum, or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

—Drink— Place Hot Buttered Rum batter in a mug.

Add rum and boiling water. Stir until butter mixture is melted and fully dissolved.

Top with whipped cream and a sprinkling of ground cinnamon or nutmeg, if desired.

Courtesy thekitchenismyplayground.com

Sparkling Cosmopolitan 1/2 tsp. granulated sugar {or more to taste} 1 tsp. Grand Marnier 1 tsp. fresh lime juice 1 T. cranberry juice, chilled sparkling wine or champagne, chilled fresh cranberries and/or lime slices for garnish {optional} Place sugar, Grand Marnier, lime juice, and cranberry juice in a champagne flute or white wine glass. Stir until sugar is dissolved.

Top with 4 to 6 ounces sparkling wine. Garnish with fresh cranberries and/or lime slices, if desired.

Courtesy thekitchenismyplayground.com SOUTHERN HOLIDAY LIFE

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Mulled Red Wine 2 Bottles of Dry Red Wine 1 Cup Sugar 3 Cinnamon Sticks 4 Whole Cloves 2 Star Anise Sliced Oranges In a crockpot, pour two bottles of Pinot Noir wine Place the wine on low, and mix in the sugar and stir occasionally until dissolved.

In a cheesecloth, add whole cloves, star anise. Add sliced oranges and whole cinnamon sticks.

Let cook for about 2-4 hours until warm.

Then remove the spices and orange slices.

Set out additional orange slices and cinnamon sticks so your guests can garnish their drinks!

Courtesy quirkyinspired.com

Cranberry Lime Sparkletini Ingredients: 1 part cranberry juice 2 parts Ginger Ale 1 part vodka 1 lime, sliced Directions: Pour juice, ginger ale and vodka in an ice filled glass.

Add a squeeze of lime and garnish with lime slices.

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The best part about Christmas movies is that they truly are a gift that keeps on giving. I feel excited every year to unbox the beautiful treasures we store away 11 months out of the year. I can never bring myself to watch a Christmas themed movie in the middle of summer, for it just doesn’t feel right. That’s why when December rolls around, the digital downloads of all my favorites are dusted off for non-stop screen time. Every year there is something to discover or re-discover. This time I’d like to introduce you to two new Christmas themed movies, and also revisit what has become my new favorite from this decade.

Whether you’re permanently parked at the Hallmark Channel, or TBS’s 24-Hr broadcast of “A Christmas Story,” we just can’t get enough of Christmas themed movies.

Soon to be Christmas Classics

by Andy Petty

Andy Petty is a true movie lover, on a lifelong mission to see any and all films in no particular order and to know all things related to creating a motion picture that can change your life.

Krampus (2015) Krampus is a European Christmas figure that has been known for centuries. He’s a halfgoat and half-demon that, unlike his opposite Saint Nicholas for rewarding good children, he punishes children for being bad.

Here in the United States, we’ve only begun to hear about him and all of the traditions our friends across the pond have celebrated annually.

According to Wikipedia, there are carnivals and festivals where people dress up for what’s called Krampus Night and the European’s since the 1800’s even exchange greeting cards amongst one another with a Krampus theme. It was only a matter of time until he made his big-screen debut. The movie centers around a dysfunctional family that has lost the true meaning of Christmas. Except young Max, that is. He still believes in the traditions that the family once upheld and will stop at nothing to bring the family closer through the holidays, by even writing a letter to Santa. However, the dysfunctions only worsen when the relatives arrive causing his anger to escalate by denouncing Christmas and ripping up his letter to Santa.

That in turn summons Krampus and his evil minions of snowmen, killer toys and vicious gingerbread men!

It sounds silly when you read that, I know, but director Michael Dougherty (Director of 2007’s Trick ‘r Treat), has crafted a film that is a throwback of sorts to the classic 80’s films we know and love today. Think “Gremlins” meets “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.” It’s got the nutty family that is less than fortunate coming to town (Randy Quaid from Christmas Vacation comes to mind).

Then the style of horror that, although frighteningly …cont. on page 78 scary, is suitable for family viewing SOUTHERN HOLIDAY LIFE

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…cont. from page 77

(much like Gremlins). It even has the Christmas Vacation cutaways of them opening the calendar box to show what day of the week it is. I think all of that was done to give the audience a nostalgic feel while introducing a new horror icon. This was one of my favorite movies of all of 2015, so please, check this out this season for a frightfully fun time.

Arthur Christmas (2011) It’s always fun to imagine what the North Pole actually looks like on Christmas Eve. Is Santa and his team of elves working up to the last minute or after hundreds of years of practice, have they got it down to a science? Well, for the modern day imagination, Aardman Studios, the people who brought us Wallace & Gromit and Chicken Run, have created a modern day classic worthy of an annual viewing.

Arthur is the youngest of a long line of Santa’s. However, his role isn’t delivering the presents, but answering the letters mailed to the North Pole from around the world. Arthur’s older brother, Steve, is more in line to be the next Santa, due to his militarized approach with delivering gifts on Christmas. Arthur and Steve’s dad is still the current Santa, but he doesn’t want to retire just yet, causing the two brothers to disagree with one another. There is also Grandsanta, who hates retirement but also doesn’t like this new technology that has changed the way things were. The family is all at

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odds with one another, and things get really crazy when Arthur discovers a present was accidentally not delivered to a child he personally responded to. Hold on to your Santa hat because Arthur, a person who suffers from the constant fear of something bad happening to him, has embarked on a secret mission with Grandsanta and an elf called Bryony to return a gift before sunrise. It’s one night you won’t forget!

The Night Before (2015) Three buddies that have been friends since childhood have one thing in common this Christmas Eve - tickets to an exclusive party called The Nutcracker Ball.

It all started when Ethan (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) lost both his parents to a car accident right before Christmas in 2001.

His best friends Isaac and Chris (Seth Rogen & Anthony Mackie) decide the best thing to do for him on Christmas Eve is to plan a fun evening out in New York City. By the end of the inaugural fun and shenanigan-filled evening, they have an encounter with a girl who has just left what she called The Nutcracker Ball. She tells them of this amazing party so exclusive that you need a ticket to enter. Desperately wanting to get a ticket to this party, the guys search every Christmas Eve, retracing their steps in hopes of discovering its location.

However, life changes and people grow up. Isaac is married and about to have a baby, while Chris has become a pro athlete and famous to boot. Ethan is a struggling songwriter, stuck in a dead-end job and lost his girlfriend because he wouldn’t

commit. As Christmas fate would have it, Ethan finds 3 tickets to the famously exclusive party in a coat pocket at his dead-end job and that’s when “The Night Before”, begins!

Think “The Hangover” meets “Home Alone 2: Lost In New York” in this R-rated comedy. Just because they have the tickets, doesn’t mean everything will go as planned.

Comedy and chaos ensue complete with a bandit who models herself after the bad guys from Christmas movies, Miley Cyrus and a Red Bull branded Hummer limousine in a chase scene. A movie that on the surface has the usual Seth Rogen gags, but the film’s message about growing up and accepting the next phase of your life is very clear.

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B Y

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f r o m

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T w i g s

Butterscotch Brownies 2 cups flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt 1 - 11oz. package of butterscotch morsels 1 stick butter 2 cups of firmly packed light brown sugar 4 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla flavoring 1 cup chopped pecans Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside.

Place morsels and butter in a large glass bowl in the microwave for 2 minutes. Stir until the mixture is melted and smooth. Add brown sugar, vanilla and eggs. Blend in the flour mixture, adding pecans last.

Spread into a greased metal pan (15x10 or 2 metal 11x7). DO NOT USE GLASS PANS. Bake for 30 minutes.

The brownies will rise and fall, making them chewy. When completely cool, cut into squares.

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UPCOMING EVENTS

Check out the following events that are happening in our area this Holiday season.

For additional information and new event postings visit http://www.southernholidaylife.com/upcoming-events.

Saturday, November 5

Friday, November 11

Thursday, November 17

Wehadkee Trade Days

Holiday Open House at Tabletalk Senoia

The Broadway Boys

— Rock Mills, AL 7 am to 1 pm

Monday, November 7

53 Main St # A, Senoia, GA 5 pm – 8 pm

Shop The Tracks Spirit of Thanksgiving

Friday-Saturday, November 11-12

— Opelika, AL

Bottling Plant Event Center 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm

Thursday, November 10

Bowdon By Candlelight — Bowdon, GA Downtown Bowdon 5:30 pm

Thursday, November 10

Thankful Thursday at Blush Boutique — Bremen, GA

10% of sales go to Haralson County Ministries and extended shopping hours!

521 Pacific Ave, Bremen, GA 6 pm - 9 pm

Holiday Open House at Junk Mama’s General Store —Fayettville, GA

125 Fisher Ave, Fayetteville, GA 10 am to 5 pm

Saturday, November12

Holiday Open House at the Southern Holiday Shop —Wedowee, AL

104 W Broad St Wedowee, AL 10 am to 5 pm

Saturday, November 12

Holiday Open House at The Nest —Carrollton

Thursday-Saturday, November 10-12

121 Bradley St, Carrollton, GA 10 am to close

Holiday Open House at H&M Drugs

Tuesday, November 15

— Wedowee, AL

17216 Hwy 431, Wedowee, AL Please note: Times posted are relevant to the area where the event is taking place.

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Oxford Community Chorus — Oxford, AL

Oxford Performing Arts Center 7:00 pm Free Admission

— Oxford, AL

Oxford Performing Arts Center 7:00 PM ($15, $20, and $25)

Thursday, November 17

Main Street Meet & Greet Bowdon —Bowdon, GA

RSVP at Bowdon Station 7 pm

Friday, November 18

Candlelight Holiday Sip & Shop Downtown LaGrange, GA 5 pm to 9pm

Friday-Saturday, November 18-19

Open House at Birds of A Feather — Oxford, AL

502 Main St, Oxford, AL 10 am - until closing

Friday-Saturday, November 18-19

Christmas Open House — Oxford, AL

Shops in Historic Downtown Oxford 10 am – until closing

Saturday, November 19

Holiday Carriage Rides —LaGrange GA

Downtown LaGrange, GA 1 pm to 5 pm

Saturday, November 19

Wehadkee Trade Days — Rock Mills, AL 7 am to 1 pm

Sunday, November 20

Holiday Open House — LaGrange, GA

Shops of Downtown LaGrange, 1 pm to 5pm

Sunday, November 20

Holiday Carriage Rides — LaGrange, GA

Thursday, December 1

Pints and Pretties Shopping and Dining —Oxford, AL

Shops in Historic Downtown Oxford, 10 am

Thursday, December 1

Holiday Carriage Rides — LaGrange, GA Downtown LaGrange, GA 5 pm to 9 pm

Thursday – Saturday, December 1-3

Downtown LaGrange, GA Sunday 2 pm to 5 pm

Rocky Brook Rocket Reindeer Express

Friday, November 25

—Opelika, AL

Laid Back Friday Shopping at the Southern Holiday Shop —Wedowee, AL

104 W Broad St, Wedowee, AL 10 am - 5 pm

Saturday, November 26

Shop Small Saturday Shop local – shop small business!

Monday, November 28

Home For The Holidays: The Ten Tenors —Opelika

Opelika Center for Performing Arts 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm

Monkey Park in Opelika - 5-8 p.m

Friday, December 2

What’s Going On – the Marvin Gay Experience Featuring Brian Owens —Oxford, AL

Oxford Performing Arts Center 7:30 PM ($15, $20, and $25)

Friday, December 2

Ho! Ho! Ho! Hike!

—Opelika, AL

Kreher Preserve & Nature Center, 10 am

Friday, December 2

Holiday Carriage Rides — LaGrange, GA Downtown LaGrange, GA 5 pm to 9 pm

Friday - Saturday, December 2-3

Holiday Open House at Blush Boutique —Bremen, GA

521 Pacific Ave, Bremen, GA 10 am – 6 pm

Saturday, December 3

Senoia By Candlelight —Senoia, GA

Downtown Senoia, GA – 4 pm to 8 pm

Saturday, December 3

Santa at the Square — LaGrange, GA Downtown LaGrange, GA 1 pm to 4 pm

Saturday, December 3

Holiday Carriage Rides — LaGrange, GA Downtown LaGrange, GA 1 pm to 5 pm

Saturday, December 3

Wehadkee Trade Days — Rock Mills, AL 7 am to 1 pm

Sunday, December 4

Holiday Carriage Rides — LaGrange, GA Downtown LaGrange, GA 2 pm to 5 pm

Wednesday - Sunday, December 7-11

Victorian Front Porch Christmas Tour —Opelika, AL

Historic District of Opelika, AL

Do you have an Open House, Event or Special Sale that needs to be promoted in Alabama or Georgia?

Give Southern Holiday Life a call or send us an email to HolidayLifeAds@gmail.com .

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…cont. from page 83

Thursday, December 8

Friday, December 9

Saturday, December 10

Auburn Christmas Parade

Christmas in Railroad Town

Opelika Christmas Parade

—Auburn, AL

—Opelika, AL

—Opelika, AL

Thursday, December 8

Friday, December 9

Saturday, December 10

Oxford Christmas Parade

Holiday Carriage Rides

Santa at the Square

—Oxford, AL

—LaGrange, GA

Downtown Auburn, AL 5 pm

Historic Main Street, Oxford, AL 6 pm

Downtown Opelika, AL 6 pm to 9 pm

Downtown LaGrange 5 pm to 9 pm

Downtown Opelika, AL 10 am

—LaGrange, GA Downtown LaGrange 1 pm to 4 pm

Saturday, December 10

Thursday, December 8

Saturday, December 10

Holiday Carriage Rides

Xmas on Ivory

Holiday Carriage Rides

Oxford, AL

—LaGrange, GA

—LaGrange, GA

Downtown LaGrange, GA 5 pm to 9 pm

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Oxford Performing Arts Center 7 pm Free Admission

Downtown LaGrange 1 pm to 5 pm

Saturday-Sunday, December 10-11

Friday, Dec 16th

Sunday, December 18

Christmas with Voices of the South

Holiday Carriage Rides

—Oxford, AL

—LaGrange, GA

10 am to 4 pm

Oxford Performing Arts Center 7:30 PM Free Admission

Sunday, December 11

Friday, Dec 16th

Thursday, December 22

Xmas on Ivory Oxford

Holiday Carriage Rides

Holiday Carriage Rides

—LaGrange, GA

—LaGrange, GA

Saturday, December 17

Friday, December 23

Santa at the Square

Holiday Carriage Rides

Loveliest Village Christmas Tour Auburn, AL

Oxford Performing Arts Center 2 pm Free Admission

Sunday, December 11

Holiday Carriage Rides —LaGrange, GA Downtown LaGrange 2 pm to 5 pm

Thursday, Dec 15th

Comfort and Joy with Jim Brickman —Oxford, AL

Oxford Performing Arts Center 7 pm ($19, $29, and $39)

Thursday, Dec 15th

Holiday Carriage Rides —LaGrange, GA Downtown LaGrange 5 pm to 9 pm

Downtown LaGrange 5 pm to 9 pm

—LaGrange, GA

Downtown LaGrange, GA 1 pm to 4 pm

Saturday, December 17

Downtown LaGrange 2 pm to 5 pm

Downtown LaGrange 5 pm to 9 pm

—LaGrange, GA Downtown LaGrange 5 pm to 9 pm

Holiday Carriage Rides

Saturday, December 24

—LaGrange, GA

—LaGrange, GA

Saturday, December 17

Saturday, December 24

Wehadkee Trade Days

Holiday Carriage Rides

Rock Mills, AL

—LaGrange, GA

Downtown LaGrange 1 pm to 5 pm

7 am to 1 pm

Santa at the Square Downtown LaGrange 1 pm to 4 pm

Downtown LaGrange 5 pm to 9 pm

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B Y

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B I T T I N G E R

www.artsyvava.blogspot.com

Virginia Bittinger is a true blue Southern Belle, junkaholic, artist, and creator of cool and lovely things. She gets excited and makes stuff, paints stuff, and recycles stuff. A former textile designer, Virginia is now a vendor on the Funk Junk Trail at Junk Mama’s General Store in Fayetteville, Georgia. There she also teaches art classes and holds Dixie Belle Paint workshops. Virginia is the author of the blog ArtsyVaVa.

A Word About Christmas

There are certain words that come to mind when thinking about Christmas… joy, peace, noel… just to name a few. What better way to spell out these words than with Scrabble tiles?

This DIY project is quick and easy, and will add an adorable touch to your holiday décor.

This simple, sweet project will give you a high point value when it comes to holiday decorating!

What You Need Scrabble Tiles Scrabble Trays Red & Green Paint Miniature Reindeer Wooden Tree Cutouts Paintbrush Glue Barn Red & Kudzu from Dixie Belle are the perfect colors for this project, but any type of paint will do. Paint the Scrabble trays red.

While the trays are drying, paint the trees green. Once all the paint is dry, glue the trees onto one end of the tray.

Spell out words that relate to Christmas, and glue them onto the trays.

Glue the reindeer onto the tray.

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G O L D S T E I N

w w w . d i x i e c h i k c o o k s . c o m

Shea Goldstein is the food editor for Southern Holiday Life. She is a self-proclaimed Southern Belle who’s thinking about what’s for dinner while eating lunch. She began her blog in 2010 as a way to document her recipes for her children and family members as well as share her food and culinary experiences with others.

New Year’s Eve UpCycle Using Christmas Leftovers

Are you ready for New Year’s Eve? If you don’t have a plan yet, I have an idea for you.

Invite some friends over and tell them to bring a dish made with at least one leftover item... Embrace your creativity and of course I am giving you a few ideas to help you out!

Here’s my spread made completely (almost) out of holiday leftovers. Why let all that good food sit in the fridge and go bad? Transform it!

Use what you already have and brainstorm. I took leftover crowder peas and made a fabulous hummus. Christmas Ham and deviled it; then I managed to make another snack with leftover chicken... Throw in some olives, fancy cheeses and some Champagne and you have a fantastic

tapas night to set the tone for ringing in the New Year!

My top picks for a bubbly New Year, try the following: Solletico Prosecco $15 Nonvintage Piccini Prosecco DOC Vino Spumante Extra Dry $16 Krug NV Champagne $150 (for when you want to splurge).

Side Note: You don’t have to wait for New Year’s to make this work... It could also be a party idea for after Thanksgiving football gatherings! HELLO SEC CHAMPIONSHIP!!!)

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Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Mushrooms 1 cup leftover chicken 1/2 cup mayonnaise 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1 lb. portabello mushroom caps Bread crumbs Flat leaf Italian parsley Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Pulse everything from chicken to parmesan cheese in food processor.

Stuff each mushroom cap with chicken filling and top with breadcrumbs.

Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, until slightly brown.

Garnish with parsley.

Crowder Pea Bacon Hummus 2 cups leftover peas or beans ½ lb. bacon, cooked and chopped or crushed 1 tsp cumin 1/2 lemon, juiced 1 tsp garlic powder 1 tsp coriander 1 tsp salt, more to taste 2 tbsp tahini 1/4 cup olive oil, or more based on texture Combine everything in a food processor, add more olive oil, lemon and salt, as needed.

Serve either dip with crackers or pick up a veggie tray!

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Deviled Ham Dip Ingredients: 2 cups mayo 2 tbsp cream cheese, at room temperature 1 tbsp mustard 3 hard boiled eggs, chopped 3 cups leftover ham, chopped ½ yellow onion, diced 2 scallions, chopped Salt and pepper, to taste Instructions: Combine all ingredients and serve with crackers or pita bread.

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B Y

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L L O Y D

Nancy and her daughter Connie Hannah own Simple Elegance Bridal and Formalwear in Bowdon, GA.

You’ve Said Yes to the Ring...

Now Say Yes to The Dress

Bridal gown shopping should be fun and exciting and it can be, if you do some preparation ahead of time. So here are some ideas, from a bridal salon owner to you a bride to be on how to prepare for your bridal appointment and what to expect when you get there.

Most brides have a certain style and look in mind. They also, have pictures of what they definitely want. This is very helpful, for us to get an idea of the dress of your dreams. Each individual shop carries certain designers, so please be aware that we may not have the designer of the dress in your picture, but we can definitely find a very similar style and look. Just give us a chance to show you what we have and allow us to use our 10 years of experience to help you find the dress of your dreams.

so many at a time.

Please Please Please make an appointment! We always welcome walk ins and are willing to accommodate you, but it can stress you and us out. We are stressed because we want you to have the best experience ever, and you are stressed because you do not feel that we are showing you enough attention. If, we have other appointments going on, it does make it very challenging. Plus we have a small shop and can only handle

This is a biggie!!! Only bring who you need. Because more is not always better! Sometimes it’s just more. We have had too many brides become extremely stressed about the opinions from the peanut gallery. We know you may

Morgan Waldrop Photography If you are looking for an intimate experience avoid most Saturdays. Weekdays are usually less busy and we can spend more time with you.

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think you cherish the opinions of your bridesmaids, aunts, cousins, your second mama and her best friend Hilda, but too much is too much. Remember your opinion trumps them all, so only bring those who are your best supporters!

Always think about your Budget! This is what you would like to spend on your bridal gown. This is the question that will be on your registration form. We only ask this so that we can guide you to the gowns in our shop that are in budget. We realize that everyone has a price that works best for them and we respect this. We want you to find the dress of your dreams but if you have a budget of $300 and you try on a dress that is $1,000, and you fall in love with it! And then when you have to go back to find a dress in your range no other dress comes close to it and you get stressed out again... It’s kind of like buying a house... Don’t go look at a mansion when a three bedroom, two bath house is what you can afford!

Our shop treasures every person who walks through our doors. We are here to make your experience personal and exciting! We see a lot of nervous brides, but just know that we are here to help! With a little help from each other - be sure to tell us what you have in mind and we will use our expertise to fid the dress of your DREAMS! When you arrive at our shop, you will be asked to fill out a registration form. This form gives us a starting point - your contact info, your wedding date, your budget, etc. We will also, be able to write down any styles of gowns and accessories you are interested in. Then the FUN begins, you can look through

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all of our gowns and choose the ones you want to try on.

A few tips to make your selection easier •

Be open to different styles! Keep your options and your mind open and you may just surprise yourself.

•

Also, be aware, that bridal gown sizes are not the same as your everyday size! You usually have to go up one to two sizes. IT is just a number!

You will look amazing in the right dress, in the right size with the right alterations.

•

Our sample gowns are usually size 10 and up, but we have been doing this for a very long time and we can fit the dress to you in a such a way that you will know exactly how it will look on you in your size.

•

Trust your instincts! It may be hard when your friends don’t approve of the dress you love, but when a bride knows what she wants, she has to trust herself. It’s OK to love the first dress! This happens all the time.

When you put the dress on and it feels right and it looks perfect - and - You DO NOT WANT TO TAKE IT OFF! Then you have found the DRESS!

Finally, say yes and stop shopping! When you have found the dress you love, you can take it off, you have cried and the ones with you love it, then don’t look anymore!

You will only become more confused! Now you can focus on other plans for the wedding or just relax and know that you will look beautiful on your wedding day!

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A D V E R T I S E R S ’ Affordable Tire 61 All Smiles Dental 76 Anderson’s Bistro 16 Auburn Opelika Tourism 2 Aunt Bee’z 75 Bank of Wedowee 41 Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, Frank Goolsby 80 Birds of a Feather 59 Blush Boutique 37 Bonner Heating and Air 21 Bowdon Animal Clinic 70 Bowdon Main Street 71 Bowdon Station 71 Chad Lee, Attorney at Law 39 Charles Thompson Construction 21 Cheaha Realty 26 Corner One 64 Cultivate Create 26 Dari Delite 27 Dixie Belle Paint 4 Dixie Chik Cooks 65

D I R E C T O R Y

Dr. Michael Edwards, 34 EHC Pharmacy 65 Emergency Medical Transport 37 Feathers and Twigs 57 First Bank 88 First Capital Insurance 21 First State Bank 19 Fort McClellan 64 GLL Marine 79 Goodie Box Company 10 H& M Drugs 14, 91 Halls Propane 43 Happy Trails Restaurant 91 Hunter Bend Realty 76 Jennifer’s Kitchen 8 John Tinney, Attorney at Law 79 Jon Boys Restaurant 39 Junk Mama’s General Store 59 Kake Savvy 93 LaGrange Downtown 78 Lake Wedowee Auto Parts 64

Lake Wedowee Body Shop 80 Lakeside Marina 26 Lineville Clinic 60 Main Street Animal Hospital 34 Main Street Coffee House 43 Mainstreet Food Mart 65, 70 Meadows Farm Equipment 20 Megan Miller Yates, Attorney at Law 88 Mississippi Miracle Clay 85 Mugs and Mixes 87 Newman’s Accounting Service 27 Norton’s Floor Covering 42 Oxford Main Street 25 Perryland Foods 38 PlainChicken.com 79 Raging Bull Steaks and Wings 70 Randolph County Appliance 33 Randolph County Sheriffs Dept.

96 RE/MAX Lakefront Linda and Grady Stone 39

RE/MAX Lakefront Lesia Williams Waldrep 70 Rice Pavilion 94 Roanoke City Schools 38 Rock Stand Kwik Mart 96 RSVP 95 Russell Do It Center 42 Save the Date 95 Share your Story 92 Simple Elegance 95 SmallTown Bank 100 Southern Holiday Life 96 Southern Holiday Shop 50, 97 Southern Home Comfort 87 Southern Sisters Gourmet 87 Southern Union State Community College 27, 64 Speed and Sport Marine 80 State Farm Insurance, Ken Seiffert 33 Statefarm Insurance, Mike Coleman 38 Steele Chiropractic 42

Steve Morris, Attorney at Law 60 Superior Gas 76 Superior Pest Control 20 Tabletalk of Willow Dale 57 Tallapoosa River Electric Coop.

20 Tanner Health System 5 The CheckerBerry Shoppe 70 The Nest 55 Tim Coe, Wedowee Mayor 65 Traylor Retirement Community 84 Tri-County Insurance 88 Two Guys and a Girl 97 Walker Cadillac 9 Waste Solutions 61 Wedowee Building Supplies 60 Wedowee Lake and Lands 61 Wedowee Marine 3, 15 Wehadkee Trade Days 55 WM Grocery 75, 99

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Christmas Cut Out Box Scissors, tape and a little bit of patience are all you need to complete this craft.

It also makes a great template if you have scrap cardstock collecting dust.

Make a bunch and put some candy inside for a sweet surprise this Christmas season!

Cut out the box and fold on the dotted lines. You will want to secure with tape!

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Merry Christmas from all of us at Southern Holiday Life!

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