Sophie Woman's Magazine Dec 2009

Volume 5 - Issue 10 December 2009

Sophie Wo ma n ’s M a ga z ine

In This Issue:

•Christmas Memories •Birth of a Business •The Hero •Unwrap The Gifts

Free Take One

Alice Bishopric, M.D.

Robert Goins, M.D.

Brandon Locklear, M.D.

Steve Merta, M.D.

Ryan Richardson, M.D. Meredith Watson, M.D.

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Jill Lafone Gibbs Homemaker Enjoys photography, painting, and football Patient of Meredith Watson, M.D. Mother of four sons: Jordan – 18, Gavin – 9, Corben – 7 Not pictured: Brandon – 16 and Baby Madden All delivered at Frye Regional Medical Center

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Maternity Services

Message From The

By Judy Smith

HEART

It really does seem this year has flown by and I know we all say that every year. Most of the time, we get through summer vacations and the stores start putting out Christmas items to be sold and we complain that it’s too soon and yet two weeks before Thanksgiving we are panicking about how we are going to get it all done.

That is the same way it is with publishing Sophie Woman’s Magazine. It goes to press and immediately, I feel like I am behind on the next issue. Just like at Christmas, I have to stop and remind myself what is important. For Christmas, it is not the decorations, the parties nor the many gifts we receive. It is about the one gift we received over two thousand years ago. A gift of love like no other and if we except it, it is an everlasting gift. Jesus came to this earth so that we could go to Heaven. He became man so that we could become Heavenly bodies. But like any other gift, if you don’t accept it, it’s of no value to you. That is the most important thing about Christmas.

For Sophie Woman’s Magazine, the most important thing is you. This publication is in hope that you will be a better person because of it. What gives me the right to even say that? I tend to think a lot of people feel the same way I do and that is that I always want to be better tomorrow than I am today. Is that crazy? Everyone around me deserves a better “me” that I am most of the time.

Don’t we all want a better tomorrow? It can’t happen without us and it can’t happen if we don’t aspire to grow in that direction. Most importantly, it can’t happen on its own.

It takes God and it takes others that He puts in out paths.

Please take the time to read some of the things written by others just like you. Maybe they have something that inspires you to do something you have never done before.

Something might motivate you to stop procrastinating on something you keep putting off…it could just be to tell someone how special they are to you.

Our readers are special, our contributing writers are special, our distributors are special and our advertisers are special. Please thank all these people for what they do.

Take time to thank the business where you pick up Sophie and please shop with the local vendors. Let’s support each other. I am thankful for you and I pray you have a Blessed Merry Christmas!

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www.thekitchenconnection-nc.com Sophie Woman’s Magazine • Dec 2009 • Page 3

Contents Message From The Heart.....................................................Pg 3 Dinner Diva..........................................................................Pg 5 Treasure Investigator............................................................Pg 6 Mandy’s Misadventures.......................................................Pg 7 Birth of A Business..............................................................Pg 8 Christmas Memories............................................................Pg 9 Fly Lady.............................................................................Pg 11 Girlfriends In God..............................................................Pg 15 Book Talk...........................................................................Pg 16 Ask The Coach...................................................................Pg 17 Bride of the Month.............................................................Pg 18 The Front Porch..................................................................Pg 21 Budget The Broccoli..........................................................Pg 30 Unwrap Your Gifts.............................................................Pg 33

Sophie Woman’s Magazine, LLC. 3354 16th Ave SE, Box 1 Conover NC, 28613

Editor: Judy Smith Sales: Judy Smith, Sherry Sigmon, Debbie Benge Distribution: Richard Smith Production & Design Manager: Scott Hansley

Final Advertising Deadline For The Next Issue:

December 10

th

How to place an ad: Call our office at (828) 466-0122 and leave a message.

One of our sales representatives will return your call as soon as possible. You may also fax material to (828) 466-0124. We reserve the right to refuse to run any ad we deem to be controversial or in bad taste.

Thanks To Our Distributors Mt. View Visions of You Fool Lion Hannah’s BBQ Akito’s Posh Salon Community Video Hwy 64/70 Hickory Chamber of Commerce El Paso’s Max’ Mexican Rest.

Sub Station II Nakama Bottom Dollar Wallpaper & Blinds Fashion Nails Atlanta Bread Tony’s Pizza Thai Orchid

Dashing Diva Deborah’s Gifts Dot’s Buffalo Wild Wings YMCA Hickory Jason’s Deli CVCC Main Campus CVCC South Campus Bennett’s BBQ Thai Lanna Harbor Inn Catawba Valley Medical Nagano El Paso’s Newton Conover Drum’s Prime Time Video Charlie’s Cafe Lovely Nails

Newton Little Pigs BBQ Diannes Dairy Center Reflections Salon Geppettos First Citizens Bank Callahan’s Artist’s Cafe Zander’s Coffeehouse The Perfect Workout China Wok Honey’s Government Building China Express Italy Grill Panda Wok Downtown Hickory Post Office BBQ Groucho’s Deli

Old Hickory Tap Room Hong Kong Cafe Julia Rush Fine Gifts Taste Full Bean’s Dad’s Place La Bella Donna LeGrande Salon Frye Hospital Vitality Spa YMCA Sandy Ridge Rd Captain’s Galley Poncho Villa Sub Station II L/R Blvd Hickory Scruples Hair Kobe’s Ye Wei Guan

For a complete listing please go to www.sophiewomansmagazine.com

Please visit these and all our participating businesses.

Sophie - The Woman’s Magazine LLC is published monthly. The articles published in Sophie do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. All articles are intended for informational purposes only, and none should serve as a substitute for doctor’s advice and orders. Advertisers are solely responsible for the content and validity of information published within their ads and are not necessarily endorsed by the publisher. Deceptive or misleading advertising is not knowingly accepted by the publisher. Advertising is accepted with the understanding that all liability for copyright violations is the sole responsibility of the advertiser. All material submitted for publication is considered to be the sole property of the advertiser.

Page 4• Dec 2009 • Sophie Woman’s Magazine

The C-Word

By Leanne Ely CNC

(Cooking)

Have You Seen Our Photos At Shutterbuggerz.com?

Do you know “someone” who is deathly afraid of the kitchen because of the C-Word? Yes I’m talking about Cooking, capital C! You can easily identify these folks; they’re the ones with an aversion to... Sometimes they’ll abruptly change the subject and talk about photography or bird watching when the subject of feeding your family is brought up.

And then there are those who have a vague notion of what cooking may or may not be. Those folks are a little more obscure and hard to nail down. In the spirit of David Letterman’s Top Ten List, I’ve made my own: The Top Ten Reasons Why You’re Confused About Cooking: 1. You think you know how to cook because you know the difference between the microwave and DVD player.

2. You think a wok is something you take your dog on.

3. You think folding egg whites has something to do with laundry.

4. The words, “Just add water” makes you nervous that the “recipe” will be too hard.

5. You have two definitions for a happy meal; one involves the drive thru, the other is when your mom does the cooking.

6. Your reservations about cooking translate to reservations made at restaurants.

7. The contents of your refrigerator’s crisper became Junior’s science fair project.

8. When your smoke alarm goes off, the kids ask, “What’s for dinner??

9. The local drive-thru sends you a Christmas card every year.

10. The neighbors are beginning to think you have a “thing” for the pizza guy!

The c-word, cooking, is very definitely a life skill that everyone needs to learn, like it or not. And my job is to help you to the place of liking it. It really is fun and satisfying to see ingredients magically transformed into something edible that the whole family praises you for! And the best part? It’s really not that hard. Seriously.

Cooking is applying heat to raw ingredients and getting in its place a darn good meal that any cook would be happy to claim as his or her own. Cooking is what happens when just a little chopping, a little boiling, simmering or sautéing take place. If you can operate a stove top and safely wield a knife you can make cooking happen yourself.

A couple of things to help you get there: 1) assemble your mis en place (in French this means literally “putting in place”. In the kitchen it means getting everything out that you’ll need; all ingredients and equipment to make what you’re cooking happen) 2) clean up as you go (make a sink full of hot soapy water to dump everything except knives during prep time). 3) read and reread your recipe so you know what you’re doing ahead of time; no surprises.

Cooking is simple. The only requirements to getting started are the ones I just gave you. And not to be repetitive, but it must be said again, if you read the directions and follow them, you’re just about guaranteed a foolproof meal.

Remember, cooking isn’t brain surgery and not even as complicated as removing a tricky splinter. Try your hand on a few easy recipes and watch how the craft of cooking will liberate your family finances and help everyone eat a whole lot healthier. To your health!

shutterbuggerz

The

Treasure Investigator

Question #1 From Lori

Question #3 from Anna

I have a pair of large vases ( 13” high and 21” around) showing a hunting party in the country side. One of the vases has been repaired. I did not notice it when I bought them at auction a couple years ago. It must have been repaired by a professional. Does it take away from the value to know they are not perfect?

Is there any way to detect if a piece of porcelain has been repaired quickly?

I inherited a 45 piece set of these brown and cream dishes from my Grandmother. She told me my Great-Grandmother would buy a dish a week from the traveling dish man when she was just married. It is marked semi-porcelain, Wedgwood, Celia and England (some have it and some do not). Some of the pieces are bright and have a gold edge and others are a very light brown.

Can you tell me anything about them?

Answer Your vases are beautiful and probably from about 1890 to 1920.

Condition is one of the key items that will demand a high price but it is not the only thing. A good repair by a professional will help keep value and sometimes increase value. I good trick to check porcelain for repairs is to carry a U-V light and shine it on an item to check for glue lines. Your vases would probably sell at auction for $100-$150 for the pair. With no repair they might sell for as much as $300 for the pair.

Question #2 From Mary Are plastic dolls that were played with from the 60’s worth anything? I have my Pebbles and BamBam dolls from when I was a little girl. I know the clothes are original but I don’t have all the bones and blanket that they came with.

Answer Toys from the 50’s and 60’s are hot items. As the baby boomers age they seem to purchase what made them happy when they were kids. It is always best to have “original” items; box, clothes, and accessories. I’ve seen original boxes go for 10x what the item that was in the box sold for. The Pebbles and BamBam dolls are from the mid 60’s and looks to be in good condition. At a good toy auction they would probably sell for $100 to $150 for the pair. If you had all the original items, they would probably sell for over $500 for the pair.

Answer You have a set of Wedgwood semi-porcelain Celia pattern dishes.

Your dish pattern was made from 1880 to about 1910. It was made in brown, blue, red, and gray. These dishes were the “good everyday dishes” for the working class. Porcelain was expensive and was not practical to use everyday because it broke. Semiporcelain was stronger and cheaper. Most ladies of the house purchased a small set and bought additional pieces as their family grew. Catalogs offered everything from covered dishes to cups.

The pattern had a gold band around it but it is very difficult to find them with it intact. Items can be purchased from time to time on Ebay auctions for $20 to $50.

Inquires of general interest will be answered in this column as space permits. Estimate of what items will sell for are based on current auction prices and do not reflect an appraisal. Please send questions with a jpeg format image file that is clear, no larger than 550 pixels.

Be sure to measure the item, note condition and any marks, and tell me as much as you can about what you know about the items past.

Please send to: ckfaganauction@gmail.com Please title: Treasure Investigator Cathy Fagan, Personal Property Appraiser and NC Auctioneer #8908

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(828)-446-7139 Page 6• Dec 2009 • Sophie Woman’s Magazine

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’s y d an

M

Misadventures

Gift Tricks

by Mandy Thomas

This Christmas is going to be a fun and also trying one. It would seem that Savannah has discovered the true meaning of commercials, which seems to be “Hey kids, even though you hate Playdough, ask your parents to get you this Playdough ice cream maker!!!” I don’t know if it’s just me, but it seems like advertisements around Christmas time are louder and much more demanding.

All of this commercialism has resulted in me getting requests for dolls, dress up sets, and, oddly enough, pipe cleaner. I know that television ads are nothing new; it’s just that this is our first year of truly experiencing it.

For the first two Christmases of Savannah’s life we sailed blissfully through the aisles of department stores, throwing a toy here and a pair of shoes there into the buggy while Savannah watched with vague interest.

Then, come Christmas morning, like a cheerful amnesiac she would rip open the paper and squeal with genuine surprise at the very items she saw us purchase. Chris and I were very smug about how easy it was to Christmas shop for Savannah.

And then there was last year.

We lived in a small city that we had recently relocated to, and while we knew many people from our church, and had used a few babysitters before, we felt confident that we could take Savannah shopping with us. So, we loaded her up and trekked to Toys R Us. We went through the store, picking up the toys that Savannah pointed to and sticking them in the buggy to be purchased or put back later.

I remember at one point running into someone from our church

who asked us how we were doing.

“Oh just wonderful!” I said, smiling conspiratorially at Chris before adding, “I just love this age! We can Christmas shop for her and she won’t even remember what we bought!”

After getting home and putting Savannah to bed, we wrapped her gifts and set them under the tree.

The next morning, Savannah and I were going about our normal morning routine when she asked, “Mama, where is my doll?”

Surprised she remembered, I asked, coyly, “What doll?”

“You know, the one I got last night!”

I mumbled some random excuse and we went on through the day, me thinking that surely by tomorrow she would forget.

But come the next day, she was asking about the carriage we purchased her. The day after that the book she picked out.

On the upside, she was thrilled to find her “lost toys” on Christmas morning under the tree, but the surprise was ruined.

So, this year, I’m going to have to find a babysitter.

Let’s talk about whether Essure is right for you.

Call our office today 828-264-5464.

Sophie Woman’s Magazine • Dec 2009 • Page 7

Welcome To A New You

The

Birth

The year was 1980, and I was in high school. I got into All services performed by Lisa Caporossi, M.D. and Shannon Hawkins, RN, Laser Specialist

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the work program, and was allowed to leave school early to get a job. My first job was at a factory. It was very simple, take one piece, insert a spring and a chain, lay another piece on top, mash a pedal with my foot, and wha la, it was a switch. It sounded really easy, looked really easy, but it proved to be a bit of a problem. After 4 weeks, the supervisor took me a side, and with a smile on her face, she began to shape my future. Her words ring in my ears even now, “you are a great person, everybody loves you, but you need to find a job where you get paid to talk.”

Now most people would have taken that advice to heart, but I was barely 17, and I was not ready to listen.

There were several more mill and factory jobs in my future, funny thing, they all ended the same. (Ok, I am seeing a pattern emerge) One day I was searching the paper, and there was an ad for an outside salesperson at a local radio station. I had grown up listening to that station, so I applied immediately, and landed the job.

For the first time in my life, I understood what it meant to “get paid to talk”. I was in a whole new world, one where just the tone of your voice could make or break a contract.

I had finally found my nitch, and I began to pray and ask GOD to lead me where HE wanted me to be. From radio ads to newspaper ads, computers, cell phones, and jewelry, and an occasional goat from my farm; my life has been full of adventure.

In 2000, I went to work for a bread company; this was my most challenging job. When I was approached about managing the bread store, I was not sure about giving up my “on the road sales” days. But after prayer, and talking it over with my husband, the steady, pre-determined pay check, with benefits, would be a blessing. After accepting the store manager position, I was told that if the store did not show a profit in 6 mths, it was shutting down. (Note to self, always get the details before excepting job) I was told that the store was in Lenoir, and in a bad location, but he felt like I could handle myself. (That’s what men say to a girl that has a dress size over 16) I went and looked at the store, and then I prayed- a lot! “Surely, this is not what you have for me. LORD, I want your will, but only if it fits my plan.” (Oh no, I did not just say that) So, I took on the store manager position, and in less than 6 mths, we were showing profit, and in a year we were booming. I was thrilled when our sales hit in the top 5 stores in the region. The owner of the building even had to add on to the store.

I learned a lot working for the bread company. I learned that if you have a good product, offer it at a fair price, and prove yourself trustworthy, then you have a business. My fourth year working there, I had to have

Of A

Business

a hysterectomy. I was out 4 weeks and then right back to work. I was so happy to be back. One year to the day later while at work I started to hemorrhage. I rushed to my doctor, who said I needed a second surgery immediately. After getting a second opinion, I had (wait for it….) a second hysterectomy. That’s right; I should be in the Guinness book of world records. I was out 8 weeks with the second operation because I had to have reconstructive surgery. I came back to work, and this time it was different. I can’t explain it. After 5 years with the company, change was in the air, and so I left, knowing that I had done my best.

The next couple of years, my husband and I would face the most difficult time of our life. I should have suspected something when I felt the LORD tell me to “write it down, write it all down”. We both found ourselves out of work, both our vehicles were repossessed, our house was going in foreclosure, and we were struggling to keep our electricity on. But it was during this most tumultuous time, that our GOD proved himself over and over again. The banks took, and GOD restored. Please let me take a moment to say that most of this was our fault. We were over extended; we were living the American dream.

We spent because we had, we bought things we didn’t need, never thinking about tomorrow. We had signed on the dotted line too many times. But GOD saw to it that we never went hungry, and we never lost our home. We did not do without. We learned the value of a dollar; we learned we could live without the TV, phones, internet, and the stuff I like to call FLUFF. GOD took us back to the basics, and we started over. GOD placed people in our lives that encouraged us, prayed for us, and gave to us out of their need.

Let me just give a couple of examples in hopes of encouraging someone today. One time we were out of bread, cheese, ham, little things. We had no money to go get it but someone gave us a $50.00 grocery card they had. Another time we had paid our tithes on Sunday, knowing full well that our insurance would be cancelled the next day. A woman walked up to me five minutes after I dropped it in the offering plate, and said, “GOD told me Saturday to give you this check today.” It was our insurance payment! Then there was the time that they were coming back to turn our electricity off, and I went to the mailbox, and the cash to pay it was in an envelope!

These, and many more, are the miracles that have happened in our lives.

So, let me bring you up to the year, 2007. My husband Larry has been in the recycling business, on and off, for 30 years. He was in prayer one night, asking GOD what he should do, and he came in and said, “HE told me to do what I know to do.” So he went back to recycling. Larry picked up 3 businesses, and he was off running. I got a job at a staffing...(continued on pg 10)

Christmas

Memories

HOLIDAYS IN HICKORY? Lots of friends and family - but not a lot of space?

Don’t stress where everyone will sleep, let us help you!

By Phyllis Esler I grew up in Michigan and looking back I am glad to be away from the cold and the snow. But also in looking back at Christmases as a child I remember that Michigan was a magical place where we never doubted that we would have a white Christmas.

We looked forward, always, to the first snowfall (usually sometime in October), which was generally followed by a week long “Indian summer,” then followed by more snow that generally lasted until Easter.

But Christmas was amazing to me. I was born during the Great War, a pre-baby boomer, if you will, when rationing was in and sugar was not readily available, candy was scarce and so was money. But my parents always made the day special. There were always toys and lights on the tree, even though there were black curtains over all the windows and no one decorated the outside of their homes, and every year I would expect to receive pajamas and a new coat, both hand made by my mother.

My mother made dolls, and I received dolls every year. My father worked in a factory that made airplane parts and I remember my brother receiving a child-sized airplane that he could sit in and peddle. There were only the two of us then, I was eleven when my sister was born followed by my youngest brother a couple of years later.

I never realized the struggle that must have gone on every year to provide us with that little day of joy and excitement, grandparents visited, aunts and uncles came, and much later the cousins. Or we would travel to grandparents homes and eat and eat…My grandmother was raised by Pennsylvania Dutch parents so we had “seven sweets and seven sours,” apple pie was always served with cheddar cheese, and the abundance of the gifts under the Christmas tree made us tremble with excitement.

My brother, now in his 60’s, still decorates his tree (in Florida) with bubble lights. They have always fascinated him, and even though they are hard to find, he manages.

In the sixth grade, I made a pipe cleaner angel for a school contest.

She had a silver glass ornament head and my mother painted the face onto it. She had cardboard wings covered with tin foil and dressed in left over scraps of white wedding dress material. I won first prize with that angel and she carefully is removed from her special cardboard box every year and still perches upon one of our Christmas trees. (We have several trees at the Bed & Breakfast and my son, in his forties now, always looks for that angel.)

The economy has hit our country fairly hard this year and people, once more, are struggling with Christmas. True, we are not making diapers out of feed sacks with built in ties (because there was no metal for safety pins during the war), but the American people have always had an amazing talent for inventiveness at Christmas time particularly. The important thing to remember about this Christmas is that it is not the lack of expensive gifts under the tree that will make it special, but the love that surrounds the gift that is given that makes it memorable.

And maybe it’s the memories that we carry away from the time that December brings that is the greatest gift of all.

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Phyllis Esler is the manager of Thistle House Bed & Breakfast, in Granite Falls, NC, which is a magical place at Christmas where every eve on the roof is lighted, where giant wreathes hang at the peaks, there is a Christmas tree in every room and a nativity on the front lawn that has become a major attraction in Granite Falls. They also welcome visitors for tours and do the best they are able to make Christmas a memory for the community.

Sophie Woman’s Magazine • Dec 2009 • Page 9

(Birth of a Business Continued) ...service as a receptionist, and was blessed to work with Christian ladies in the office. We spoke of the goodness of GOD daily. Because of what my husband and I had just come out of, I was able to identify with the people coming in the office. A lot of them were ready to give up, did not know what to do, and did not see an end to the pain. I truly believe that GOD placed me there for such a time as that. I was there for 14 months and was laid off. During my time there I learned a lot of skills on the computer and the phone. I knew that GOD was just training me for the next step, so I began to pray and seek GOD’s face for the direction in which HE would lead me. While praying, I began to realize that through the jobs in my life, I had been equipped with knowledge, and know it was time to put it to work. After a time, I went to my husband, and I told him we needed to join forces. He knew the recycling end, and I knew the sales and office end. So we needed to bind together.

The birth date of L & S RECYCLING was September 2, 2009.

We are very excited about offering Morganton and the surrounding area an alternative to what they now have. I will be contacting businesses about any recyclables that they have. We will offer free consultation, dependable pick up, and a detailed statement with payout around the first of each month. In a time when companies are struggling, I am sure that money coming in, instead of going out will be welcomed. We currently have 2 businesses’ that we pay $300.00-$500.00 monthly.

That is money back into their companies.

While running this business, Larry and I hope to “Make a Difference.”

That’s our motto. By sharing encouragement, and hope, through GOD’s love, we want to “Make a Difference”.

Hometown Holiday Showcase Newton is the Heart of Catawba County and, this year, the heart of the holidays will be at the Newton-Conover Auditorium during the Hometown Holiday Showcase. Free and open to the public, the Showcase will feature beautifully decorated trees and other festive décor, holiday-themed children’s art work, and a large selection of gifts and decorations to buy.

A tickets-only gala will be held on Sunday, November 22 at 4 p.m.

Highlighting the gala will be the unveiling of the Auditorium’s Holiday themed decorations including trees, wreaths and a nativity village.

A holiday-themed children’s art contest will be sponsored by the Auditorium as part of the festival. There will be refreshments, musical entertainment and advance sales of gifts and decorations. Tickets are $15 each and may be purchased at the door or in advance by calling 828.464.8100 weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. All proceeds will help fund programs of the NewArt School.

A highlight of the gala will be the announcement of the winning student art from each grade and presentations of certificates of recognition to the winners. Entries must have a holiday theme and be rendered on a sheet of 8.5x11” paper matted on black construction paper. Entries must be delivered to the Newton-Conover Auditorium, 60 West Sixth Street in Newton, by Friday, November 13, at 4 p.m. Applications are available upon delivery, or on the Auditorium’s website, newtonconoverauditorium.org . Come welcome the holidays with your friends and neighbors at the Hometown Holiday Showcase in the Heart of Catawba County!

Yo u r G i f t D e s t i n a t i o n 2111 Catawba Valley Blvd SE Hickory NC 28602 828-328-5599 Personal Care, Vera Bradley, Home Decor, Baby, Gourmet Food, & Many More Unique Gifts

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Christmas Wrapping Makes Us

by The FlyLady, Marla Cilley

A

S T NU

re you like the old woman who lived in a shoe, except you have so much wrapping paper that you don’t know what to do! Wrapping paper is expensive and it takes over our craft room, extra bedroom or the dining room table when that time of year rolls around. It’s here!

Many years ago my mother bought a huge roll of red Christmas paper. I can still see this hideous print in my head. I think she wrapped presents with it for ten years. After she died there was still some of it left! I was never so happy as to discard that paper.

I will never forget my stepfather opening a gift with his pocket knife so we could save the paper. It would take him what seemed like hours to open a present. Then he would gently fold it up. We all hated it. That is what happens when you are raised by someone who went through the great depression.

They save everything: Ribbons, rubber bands, aluminum foil and plastic grocery bags. Have you ever seen a rubber band ball larger than a softball?

Some things are not worth saving.

Having huge stashes of holiday paper and ribbons makes it hard on us to make a decision. We also put off messing with wrapping because there is so much mess! Then we make a bigger mess for ourselves because we put ourselves into the time crunch!

We have to get a handle on our holiday wrapping! It starts with decluttering what we have. You know those little pieces you have saved for those small presents that you never buy and those tiny strips of ribbon that are never long enough to go around anything. Let’s get out our wrapping paper stash and pare it down.

About ten years ago I came up with a theme for my Christmas wrapping.

After being so tired of looking a busy gift wrapping for so many years; I decided to keep it simple! At first I used brown paper sacks and took them apart to wrap our presents. That got old when you would have to piece the paper sacks together to fix a large box. That is when I found a roll of craft paper in the shipping section of Monstor-Mart. With craft paper, all I needed was ribbon and gift tags.

I love wired ribbon! You can make a bow easily; it’s just like tying your shoes. I do one bow on top of another. It takes about ten feet of ribbon to obtain a gorgeous fluffy bow. Now don’t get all bent out of shape over how much wired ribbon I use. It can be reused because it is so long! For the gift tags you can use last year’s Christmas cards. Just cut the cover off and write the name on the back. I bought a stamp to put “To: and From:” on the card.

I color code my presents by whose home they are going to. My daughterin-law loves silver ribbon. Their presents get wrapped with silver and our grand children’s gifts get wrapped in Santa Ribbon or Red. Kelly likes gold!

The gifts I take to the office get purple ribbons. See how simple this can be!

If you just think about it now and keep it simple Set up a place for you to wrap presents. Put a marker, scissors or cutter, your paper, tape, gift tags and ribbons in this area. My area is right beside our extra bedroom closet. I keep the rolls of paper in an old suit bag along with an old tote bag that holds the ribbon and tools. They just hang in the closet, out of the way till I need them!

Stay on top of your wrapping. As a gift comes into your home wrap it, tag it and put it away until time to put the tree up. If you need a place to hide presents from inquiring minds; that is what your stored luggage is for! They even give us a lock. Just be sure and write down where you hide things in your Holiday Control Journal. It won’t be very funny when you find those lost presents as you are packing for your summer vacation.

For more help getting rid of your CHAOS; check out her website and join her free mentoring group at www.FlyLady.net or her book, Sink Reflections published by Bantam and her New York Times Best Selling book, Body Clutter published by Fireside. Copyright 2007 Marla Cilley Used by permission in this publication.

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• Pam Burton • Salma Vang • June Der Yang 221 1st Ave NW, Suite 202 Hickory, NC 28601 Sophie Woman’s Magazine • Dec 2009 • Page 11

Truth & Beauty

by Teresa Pope, Esthetician

Q. My mom says if I squeeze a pimple it will leave a scar. I think it will make it go away faster. Who is right, me or my mom?

A

. You both are! Sort of. Pushing on the blemish may expel the contents of the comedone(the formal term for whiteheads and blackheads) but now it has become a red, irritated, inamed monster. That is because in trying to pop it, you pushed the debris and bacteria deeper into the skin. So the next time you get ready to perform bathroom surgery, remember this. The life cycle of a pimple is only 3-4 days, however, that time doubles when you have irritated the blemish. Not to mention you can get permanent scaring for popping a deep pimple. If you must operate, than please, sterilize the blemish, use gentle pressure with cotton balls, (never use finger tips or fingernails) Anything that doesn’t come out easily, should be left alone. Bathroom operations can be successful and make the pimple go away faster, but if not done correctly, may cause a scar.

Your best option is to receive monthly facials to deep clean, exfoliate, and receive an acne fighting masque. Your esthetician also has a machine that can zap your zits, killing the bacteria that causes them. This is the safest way to get rid of acne.

Please submit questions to Teresa Pope @ A Caring Touch, 1626 Tate Blvd. S.E. Hickory, NC 28601

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by Julia Rush

S

Skills

ince I taught school in the early Sixties, I have learned (and believed) that the “top dog” of the business is the ultimate role model for all of his/ her employees. In those three years I taught under three incredibly good principals who were supportive of their teachers, communicated with the students and worked with the parents. Sadly, times have changed, but my reference points are these three principals from 45 years ago. That is where I began to learn how to lead.

One day when I had reached the end of my rope with a very sassy and disrespectful 7th grade girl, I blurted “shut up” to her. (I’d actually never told anyone to “shut up” until then.) At that very moment, the principal walked past my open door. I figured I should go out in the hall and “take my medicine”. His reply to me was, “sometimes it makes you feel good doesn’t it?” I walked back into the classroom chuckling and with a smile on my face when the kids were expecting me to look like I had been punished.

It was at that point that I learned that treating employees with kindness and compassion was far more important than holding a stick over their heads and exercising power and control.

Having a kind and supportive workplace is good for everyone! And it is so easy…if you aren’t trying to exert control. For years I have encouraged my staff to give suggestions to me on things to buy for the store, things to NOT buy, ways to display the merchandise, colors to paint the walls, new ways to use the computer and the Internet and anything else that they can think of.

The old expression “two heads are better than one” is really true; and 6 heads are certainly better than just mine.

But it also takes a lot of self-confidence as a leader to ask for help and suggestions. A leader has to be willing to admit that they might not have all the answers! And I learned many years ago that I don’t have all the answers…that simply requires too much energy!

I also exercise the prerogative of NOT following through on their suggestions if I have a good reason. But I am always willing to listen…in fact I sometimes have to beg them to give me their ideas! Ultimately, as the leader, I have the choice of putting their ideas in place or not.

It is also very easy to find a way to compliment someone who is working for you. It’s easy to ask about their families and to follow-up if someone is sick. Fortunately, in my store, we still hug each other without fear of a lawsuit and that hug will often sustain us through a difficult day. I bring them each a small gift whenever I have the opportunity. I thank them whenever it is appropriate for doing such a good job and I let them know I couldn’t do my job without them and how much I appreciate them.

Most importantly, I am genuine in my compliments because they deserve to hear this. I truly believe that you can set a standard for your employees, give them something that is attainable, and when they achieve it … PRAISE THEM. Our lives are so busy today that many times we forget to stop and comment about the little things. It makes so much difference in the atmosphere of a group working together.

Maybe you’re doing some of these things with your staff. Or maybe you think that it won’t work for whatever reason. But if you haven’t tried it, don’t knock it! I’ve been doing it for 30 years and have brought a lot of smiles to faces and built a lot of self-esteem in those who might otherwise have never had it.

Being a warm-hearted, kind and thoughtful leader may be the difference in your being a failure or running a successful business. “Thanks, you’re doing a good job” can be magical words.

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Just Because You’re Mine Sharon Jaynes Today’s Truth

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV).

Friend To Friend

Anabel Gillham was a woman who loved God, but had trouble accepting that God could love her. Sure, she knew the Bible verses that talked of God’s unconditional love for her, and yet she knew herself, and doubted a God who knew her innermost thoughts would approve or her.

The root of her problem was how she saw God and how she believed God saw her. She knew what kind of God He was. She read, Exodus 34:6, “Then the LORD passed by in front of him [Moses] and proclaimed, ‘The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in loving kindness and truth...”, but she believed she had to earn that love.

She believed she had to be good enough to deserve it. Then God used a very special person to help Annabel understand the depths of God’s love for her her second child, Mason David Gillham, who was profoundly retarded. Let’s let Anabel tell you her story.

Mace could sing one song with great gusto, just one: “Jesus Loves Me.” He would throw his head back and hold on to the first “Yes” in the chorus just as long as he could, and then he would get tickled and almost fall out of his chair. I can still hear him giggle when I think back on those days that seem so distant and so far away. How poignant that memory is to me.

I never doubted for a moment that Jesus loved that profoundly retarded little boy. It didn’t matter that he would never sit with the kids in the back of the church and on a certain special night walk down the aisle, take the pastor by the hand, and invite Jesus into his heart. It was entirely irrelevant that he could not quote a single verse of Scripture, that he would never go to high school, or that he would never be a dad. I knew that Jesus loved Mason.

What I could not comprehend, what I could not accept, was that Jesus could love Mason’s mother, Anabel. You see, I believed that in order for a person to accept me, to love me, I had to perform for him. My standard for getting love was performance-based, so I “performed” constantly, perfectly. In fact, I did not allow anyone to see me when I was not performing perfectly. I never had any close friends because I was convinced that if a person ever really got to know me, she wouldn’t like me.

I carried this belief into my relationship with God, and as I began to study the Bible, I found, to my horror, that He knew my every thought, let alone everything I said or did (Psalm 139:1-4). I was standing “bare and wide open to the all-seeing eyes of our living God” (Hebrews 4:13), TLB. What did that mean to me? That meant that He really knew me, that He saw me when I wasn’t performing well. Based on what I perceived as my responsibility to perform in order to receive acceptance, I concluded without a doubt that He could not possibly love me, that He could never like what He saw.

Mace could never have performed for our love, or for anyone’s love, but oh, how we loved him. His condition deteriorated to such a degree - and so rapidly - that we had to institutionalize him when he was very young, so we enrolled him in the Enid State School for Mentally Handicapped Children.

We drove regularly the 120 miles to see him, but on this particular weekend, he was at home for a visit. He had been with us since Thursday evening, and it was now Saturday afternoon. As soon as the dinner dishes were done, I would gather his things together and take him back to his house. I had done this many times before - and it was never easy - but today God had something

in mind that would change my life forever.

As I was washing the dishes, Mason was sitting in his chair watching me, or at least he was looking at me. That’s when it began. My emotions were spinning, my stomach started tumbling, and the familiar sickening thoughts of just a little while, I’m going to start packing Mason’s toys and his clothes, and take him away again. I can’t do that. I simply cannot do it. I stopped washing the dishes and got down on my knees in front of Mace. I took his dirty little hands in mine and tried so desperately to reach him.

“Mason, I love you. I love you. If only you could understand how much I love you.”

He just stared. He couldn’t understand; he didn’t comprehend. I stood up and started on the dishes again, but that didn’t last long. This sense of urgency almost a panic - came over me, and once more I dried my hands and knelt in front of my precious little boy.

“My dear Mason, if only you could say to me, ‘I love you, Mother.’ I need that, Mace.”

Nothing.

I stood up to the sink again. More dishes, more washing, more crying - and thoughts, foreign to my way of thinking, began filtering into my conscious awareness. I believe God spoke to me that day, and this is what He said: “Anabel, you don’t look at your son and turn away in disgust because he’s sitting there with saliva drooling out of his mouth; you don’t shake your head, repulsed because he has dinner all over his shirt or because he’s sitting in a dirty, smelly diaper when he ought to be able to take care of himself. Anabel, you don’t reject Mason because all of the dreams you had for him have been destroyed. You don’t reject him because he doesn’t perform for you. You love him, Anabel, just because he is yours. Mason doesn’t willfully reject your love, but you willfully reject Mine. I love you, Anabel, not because you’re neat or attractive, or because you do things well, not because you perform for Me but just because you’re Mine.” (Anabel Gillham, The Confident Woman: Knowing Who Your Are in Christ, (Eugene, Oregon: Harvest House Publishers, 1993), 26-29) Hearing Anabel’s story transformed my thinking about God’s love for me.

For years, I lived as though I had to be “good enough” for God to love me.

I understood that salvation was a gift of grace - a free gift from God that I did not earn - but somewhere I began believing the lie that I had to perform properly to keep the gift. I feared if I was not good enough, He would take it back. But that is a lie.

I am enough...because Jesus lives in me and the Holy Spirit works through me. And friend, so are you.

Let’s Pray

Dear Heavenly Father, I thank You for loving me just the way I am. I thank You that I don’t have to earn Your love, but receive it as a free gift that You lavish on me! And God, I thank You that nothing can separate me from Your love.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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Sophie Woman’s Magazine • Dec 2009 • Page 15

BookTalk CATAWBA COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM

DECEMBER 2009

Moravian customs, history explored Dec. 3

North Carolina author Karen Cecil Smith will speak on her picture book, Old Salem Christmas 1840 on Dec. 3 at Catawba County Library in Newton.

The 4 p.m. appearance is free and open to the public. All ages are welcome. Books will be offered for purchase and signing.

Deftly written by Smith and fully illustrated by Bebe Phipps, An Old Salem Christmas, 1840 is the story of a young girl who attends a Moravian Lovefeast at Christmas that year. The girl attends a candlelight service and afterwards savors a sweet bun and a cup of milky coffee.

A Protestant sect that originated in Central Europe, the Moravians had their own distinctive traditions which Smith has faithfully portrayed, making the book a highly

recommended picture book for young readers and a welcome addition to school and community library collections.

Joining the author will be Rev. Adam Spaugh and Valerie Westmoreland of New Hope Moravian Church in Startown. They will appear in traditional clothing to share home-made refreshments and discuss the Old World customs of their community.

Food for Fines to waive fees, help needy Your local libraries are kicking off December and the holidays with “Food For Fines” Amnesty Week – a special break for library customers with overdue fines and a gift for area food pantries.

“Food for Fines” allows Catawba County Library and Hickory Public Library customers to pay their fines with food staples. Bring in one non-perishable food item for each dollar in fines, anytime from Monday, Nov. 30 to Sunday, Dec. 6. The collected food will then be given to both the Greater Hickory and Eastern Catawba cooperative Christian ministries for distribution to needy families.

Fines will be waived on any overdue materials that are returned during this week only. No matter how long ago the materials were due, this is the chance to return them and make them available to other patrons. Donated food may not be used to pay for lost or damaged items.

It is hoped that library customers will respond even more enthusiastically than they have in the past, bringing back books and materials so others can enjoy them, and filling the food pantries to help many in need.

Page 16• Dec 2009 • Sophie Woman’s Magazine

Cooperative Christian Ministries suggests the following food items: canned meats, oatmeal and other cereals, grits, 2-pound bags of flour or cornmeal, spaghetti, macaroni and cheese, dried beans and Jell-O.

Merry time for kids, youth

Several holiday-oriented events are slated at the library this month.

“If you Give Your Kid a Cookie” will involve stories and cookie decorating for elementary-aged children at 4:30 p.m. Dec. 4 in Newton. On Dec. 15, kids are invited to “Stranger in the Woods,” a nature program in involving stories and a winter craft again at 4:30 p.m. in Newton.

Jewelry Beading will be offered at 3:30 p.m. Dec. 10 in Maiden while St. Stephens will host a holiday party for all ages from 3:30-5 p.m.

Dec. 18.

Teens will enjoy a craft time at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 8 at St. Stephens and a game night at 3:30 p.m.

Dec. 18 at Newton. Check page 2 for a complete roster.

Ask The Coach: The High Cost of

Complacency

by Jody Williams

When driving past a local church, the sign in the front caught my attention.

It read, “Visitors welcome, members expected.” I’m not sure what the pastor was trying to say, but to me it spoke of one of the main reasons businesses have a hard time retaining clients and churches have problems keeping members – complacency.

Once someone purchases our product or service, or in the case of the church, becomes a member, there is a tendency to stop paying them much attention. A prospect that is converted is more exciting than a customer buying from us again. However, the best, most cost effective way to grow your business is to concentrate on your current clients. It is 8 times more expensive to attract a new client than it is to get a current customer to buy again. Yet, we are all seduced by the hunt for a new prospect or the opportunity to steal a customer from one of our competitors. I teach my clients to invest 50% of their marketing budget on current customer retention and growth activities and 50% on finding new clients.

A recent study by Harvard Business School found that the number one reason customers stop doing business with their current provider is due to perceived indifference. Another way to say this is that the customers feel that the business doesn’t care about them. Think about that. The top reason your customers stop doing business with you is because they think you don’t care about them. The survey results showed that 68% of the time when a customer moved their business it was due to complacency whereas price was only 14%.

Most business owners would tell you, “My competition is stealing business with lower prices.” The truth is, your customers are walking out the door because you aren’t paying them enough attention.

The good news is this is a problem that can be easy to fix. It is time to really get to know your customers. You can start by building a database of information about your most loyal customers. The type of information you would want to obtain would include name, address, phone number, email address, names of spouse and children, birthdates and anniversary, favorite activities, sports teams, hobbies, places to eat, favorite vacation spots, types of books and movies they enjoy, etc. With this information you can really get to know your clients and begin to show extra attention to them.

For example, if you know that one of your top clients has their anniversary coming up and their favorite food is Italian, you could send them to dinner and a movie. If they have kids you could even arrange for a baby-sister. This is a relatively inexpensive thing to do but would make a huge impression on your client. This type of attention would ensure that they would not get the feeling you don’t care about them and almost guarantee additional business in the future. Especially, if no one else is doing anything similar.

There are numerous ideas like this that are easy to do, not expensive, and will make a huge impact on your customer relationships. The more you know about your customers, the better you are able to customize your services and create memorable experiences for them. This will lead to business relationships that are safe from competitive pricing attempts and allow you to retain your clients for a lifetime.

Do something special for your top customers this week and think about ways to let them know you care. Remember, even “members” should not be expected to stay with you if you aren’t doing something to make them feel special.

Jody Williams, MBA Action Business Coaching 828-466-2279

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Signature Chefs Auction A Success!

Conover, NC, October 28, 2009 — The March of Dimes and Hickory’s leading chefs, restaurants and caterers combined efforts for the benefit of mothers and babies on October 8, 2009, during the Third Annual Signature Chefs Auction at Rock Barn Golf & Spa. The event paid tribute to the culinary excellence of chefs, restaurants and caterers in the Foothills Area who presented their signature dishes. In addition to tasting the unique specialties of participating chefs, guests enjoyed silent and live auctions.

With the generosity of over 250 guests, the Signature Chefs Auction was able to surpass its financial goal by raising approximately $43,000 that will help the March of Dimes continue to fund vital research, education, community services and advocacy programs. The March of Dimes NC Foothills Division would like to thank everyone who attended the Signature Chefs Auction and those who volunteered their time to work at the event.

The room was filled with caring, compassionate people who supported the work of the March of Dimes, but there were a few special guests who joined the March of Dimes in their efforts to raise funds last week. The March of Dimes honored Dr. Joel Miller for his contributions to the health and well-being of women, babies and families in Catawba County. Dr. Miller has practiced obstetrics and gynecology for 35 years and is still practicing at Catawba Women’s Center. He has seen incredible advancements in his field, but knows that there are still improvements to be made as we progress toward the day when all babies are born healthy.

To remind everyone at the event that not every family experiences a perfect, on-time birth, the March of Dimes was honored to introduce Ryan and Sherri Nawrocki of Statesville. Ryan and Sherri’s little girl, Amber, was born at 27 weeks, weighing one pound, eight ounces. She was only 13 inches long. Amber’s lungs were under-developed. So, she remained on a ventilator for a little over a month. She was then on a CPAP for two weeks and placed on a regular nasal canula. She stayed on oxygen until she was 10 months old. Amber remained in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for three and a half months. When she finally went home with her parents, she weighed five pounds, five ounces and was still on oxygen and a heart monitor. “We are very fortunate that Amber did not have any major complications from being born prematurely. She just needed to grow, and her lungs needed to get stronger,” said Ryan Nawrocki. He added, “We know first-hand how important the work of the March of Dimes is.” Amber is now a vibrant four-year-old who enjoys life and keeps her parents busy.

Another special guest at the event was Anthony Johnson, former March of Dimes ambassador child from Newton. Anthony Johnson was born in 1972 with Congenital Birth Defects. He endured more in the first weeks and months of his life than many of us do in a lifetime. He traveled to Chapel Hill for heart surgery when he was just seven days old. At 21 months he had one leg amputated and the other leg removed at 22 months of age.

Anthony served as the March of Dimes Poster Child in 1975. His mother, Linda, held a key role in the local efforts of the March of Dimes. She served as Chairman of the Catawba County Mother’s March and worked on other committees and events for ten years. Anthony continued to need surgeries as an adolescent. Many of the procedures that enabled him to continue to Page 18• Dec 2009 • Sophie Woman’s Magazine

progress were developed as the result of research funded by the March of Dimes. A graduate of Newton Conover High School and CVCC, Anthony has spent his life giving back to the Catawba County Community. He is currently running for Newton City Council.

Congratulations are extended to Mathew Miller at Bistro 127 for receiving the People’s Choice Award for the third year in a row and to Josh Wagoner at Rock Barn Golf and Spa who accepted the Judge’s Choice Award for their exceptional cuisine. The other outstanding establishments who participated in the Signature Chefs Auction include 1859 Café, Bruce’s Fabulous Foods, Darlene’s Catering and Special Events, How Sweet It Is, Market on Main, Mosteller Mansion, Olive Garden, Table 220, The Pecan Tree Inn of Hickory and Pinecrest Retirement Community.

The March of Dimes was also pleased to recognize area designers during the event. Interior designers, specialty stores and florists from in the Hickory area donated their time, talents and resources to add a touch of elegance and excitement to the event’s décor. The winner of the People’s Choice award for Best Centerpiece was Rhonda Hull of Rhonda Hull Interiors, and Donna Price with Bumblebee Interiors was awarded the Judge’s Choice Award.

Other exceptional businesses that participated include MSC Designs, The Elegant Bride, The Freckled Frog, and Whitfield’s Event Planning, Flowers & Gifts.

As the Signature Chefs Auction came to a close, guests played the “Heads or Tails” game to determine the winner of an exquisite diamond and white gold necklace designed and donated by R. Gregory Jewelers in Statesville.

The necklace, shaped as a key, is symbolically called “The Key of Hope,” which fits nicely with the March of Dimes mission and the Foundation’s hope for the day when all babies are born healthy.

The Signature Chefs Auction would not have been possible without the support of its generous sponsors. Event sponsors included Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC, Catawba Women’s Center, CommScope, Dixon Hughes, Frye Regional Medical Center, GDS Republic Services, Snyder Paper, Sophie, The Woman’s Magazine, Pepsi, The Best of Beers, Rock Barn Golf & Spa.

Ambassador Child, Amber Nawrocki, enjoys her new Mustang and puppy, both live auction items from the Signature Chefs Auction on October 8th.

Sophie’s Bride Of The Month Congratulations To Our November Winner

Ashley Noble Ashley will receive prize packages from Cindy Williams/Wedding Planner and Dr. Elizabeth Beadle of Healing for Life Chiropractor..

Ashley will be entered in the Sophie Bride of the Year contest and eligible to win fabulous prizes from our 30 participating local vendors.

To enter, simply send a picture along with a short story about why you should be chosen to win. We will post the stories online and announce the winners each month on our website and in our magazine.

Send your submission to: bride@sophiewomansmagazine.com

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Josh’s

Rock & Roll

Through Your Holiday List

On Union Square Want to be part of an exciting casual dining experience? Look no further than Josh’s on Union Square. Chef Josh will prepare some of your most favorite traditional southern comfort dishes, with twist of course, which will make it one of your most unique dinning experiences. Come enjoy the soft tones of our dinning area along with historical pictures of day’s gone by. Not to forget there’s plenty of southern hospitality to go around. Come and be a part of the best of both culinary delights, fine dinning and comfort food with an exciting casual dinning atmosphere at a value for all.

“Come As You Are”

Chef JPhillips

(Statepoint) - This year it will be particularly easy to rock around the Christmas tree. You should have no excuses when it comes to finding perfect presents for those on your list who have been known to enjoy the odd head-banging or air-guitar session. A slew of classic rock and roll-themed gifts are hitting store shelves in a broad range of prices: * Beatlemania Lives: It’s the 40th anniversary of the break-up of the Beatles and it’s a huge season for gifts showcasing the twentieth century’s most-famous band. You can go large with a box set that features digitally-re-mastered versions of all their albums, along with a DVD documentary about their production. Or you can pick and choose albums as stocking-stuffers. And for the techno-minded Beatle fan, there’s the much-anticipated release of the “Beatles: Rock Band,” an interactive video game in which players perform with the band on many of their biggest hits. * Find Elvis: The king can rock-on under the tree thanks to a fun new book, entitled “Where’s Elvis? and many others...” by Daniel Lalic.

It’s an affordable gift for your favorite hip-shaker. This rollicking seek-and-find picture book follows the king of rock, along with other iconic celebrities like Tom Cruise and Marilyn Monroe, “Where’s Waldo”-style around some famous Presley-themed backdrops. It showcases Elvis-sightings at Graceland, a jailhouse rock party and even a Las Vegas Elvis impersonators convention. It makes for an amusing stocking-stuffer, available at any online or local bookseller. * Peace, Man: Woodstock was three days of peace, love and music that turned into four decades of albums, videos and song downloads.

Now the film that set the standard for rock-and-roll documentary has been re-released in a DVD box set that includes previously-unseen performances from legendary bands Creedence Clearwater Revival and the Grateful Dead, as well additional footage featuring artists like the Who and Joe Cocker. Your gift recipient will have to supply his or her own fringed leather jacket, however! * The Answer Is Blowing ‘Round The Tree: When you’ve firmly established yourself as the world’s most-legendary songwriter, what do you do for an encore? In the case of Bob Dylan, you record your first-ever Christmas album, “Christmas in the Heart,” on which the legendary songsmith offers his take on 15 Christmas classics. * Name That Rocker: Any rock fan worth his air guitar knows a thing or two about music history. What better way to flex that rocking memory muscle than to compete in a music trivia board game? Following 50 years of musical history, “Rock and Roll Triviologies” will finally decide who really knows his stuff when it comes to rock and roll.

Whatever your budget and musical taste, there is a variety of rockthemed gift ideas that can keep those on your list rocking well into the new year.

Page 20• Dec 2009 • Sophie Woman’s Magazine

Front Porch

The

By Judy Smith

Have you been to the stores shopping for Christmas yet? How come so many people are already so grumpy? I love Christmas and I love the sights and sounds of Christmas. They could play “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer” most of the year and I would still sing along. The excitement of the unknown as well as the time honored traditions embraces my soul! Well, I do have to confess that I could do without the fruit cake. That is a time honored tradition that has gone on way too long. I am sure I have had the same fruitcake re-gifted to me three or four times. Can someone tell me why fruitcakes don’t mold?

I expect you probably have a few traditions you could do without but all in all, unless you are Scrooge, Christmas is a fun time of the year. We are the ones that put the pressure on ourselves that robs our joy of the season. Every year we think we have to top the year before and then we are in that old trap of commercialism. I have to admit that I am a pretty easy catch. I want all the gifts I give to be opened with amazement and awe. “This is the best Christmas present ever...how did you know?” dripping from their lips with looks of adoration at the gift but mostly at the gift giver. Don’t you want the same thing?

You want what I want. That in the years to come, your loved ones will look back at the fond memories. One thing we all need to remember and that is; it is not usually the gifts that are remembered. Yea, there will be a few of those special gifts that we will never forget but more times than not it will be a memory wrapped in love. WE will remember the sacrifice or the special effort or the fun. Do you know something that is a fond memory for me? The fruit! I did not say fruitcake...I said fruit. In my family when I was young, fruit was a very special treat at Christmas. It is funny how I remember always wanting to know when my parents were going to buy the fruit, the apples, grapefruits, oranges, tangelos, but most of all the pears. We never knew when they bought them but we always had our own stocking filled with fruit....except the pears. For some strange reason, you had to specifically ask for a pear.

Then Mom or Dad would go to their darkened bedroom (they worked third shift and slept during the days), fish under their bed till they found a long box.

Out of that box would come what looked like a special ornament wrapped in newspaper so it wouldn’t get broke. Gently handing one of these special mysterious treasures to me, I so vividly remember, gently removing the multiple layers of old newspaper....to find...a ....Pear! Why on earth did they wrap pears in old newspaper, in an old box, in the dark?

I did finally figure it all out. I was told it was so the pear would stay fresh longer, would ripen better, and would make it so much sweeter. Hog wash is what I have to say about that. The real reason was because it was my dad’s favorite fruit so if you didn’t ask that just meant more for him! See what fond memories we have? I bet you have a fruit story. OK, if not fruit, maybe a fruitcake story. Why do fruitcakes never get hard as bricks? At least then there would be a use for them. Then instead of the gingerbread house we could have the fruitcake house!

With all joking aside, let me say I am not ashamed of the real reason for Christmas. All of us received a gift wrapped in swaddling cloths. Not an ordinary gift but the gift of a King. Jesus is what Christmas is all about. My Christmas wish for you is that you and your family enjoy all the sights and sounds of Christmas as well as your family traditions. Most of all, my wish is that you know and celebrate Jesus! Merry Christmas P.S...please don’t send me a fruitcake!

Sophie Woman’s Magazine • Dec 2009 • Page 21

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Don’t Feed The MONSTER

By Nancy Adams

Remember that little orange monster in the commercial that they

call the hunger monster? They go on to describe a way to beat that hunger monster. Well, there are other monsters in our lives like the little red monster called procrastination. I say he’s a red monster because he stops you from doing something just like a red stop sign.

Perhaps it’s time to squelch that little red monster. Most of the time we procrastinate because of our thinking process. Let’s say you have a project coming up that you know you are putting off. You think “It’s too hard. I don’t have all the materials. I have to depend on my coworker to start. I don’t like to do it. It’s no fun. What if I fail?”

All these negative thoughts are feeding the red monster and he loves it. He comes off as being a sweet little monster by saying things like “It’s OK, you don’t have to do it now. You have plenty of time and it’s not that important. There are more fun things to do and let’s do them now!” Oh, he’s very convincing.

Nonetheless, he’s very troublesome. Procrastination can make us do a poor job. It can make us late and make us lose money. That little red monster can make us give money to companies that we don’t want to. Ever know anyone who put off mailing in their cell phone rebate?

The cell phone company profits because they know many people will procrastinate sending in the form. Procrastination can be infuriating and I say it’s time to deactivate the red monster.

When you make list of “To-do’s”, rank them in priorities. Do the most important one first, even if it is the hardest. When you start with the most difficult, the rest seem like cake. It will make your day feel so much more productive! Making a to-do list is a good start, but

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*Label a large envelope “Receipts” and put in a place where you’ll remember where it is. Put all receipts in here. *Print out a December calendar and write all your events in it. Post it where all family can view. *Schedule a day to do crafts like making cards with the family. *Make a list of what you want to cook this holiday season. *Schedule your shopping and your cooking days. These are important tasks and deserve a date so you’re not trying to squeeze them in somewhere. *Make a gift list with ideas and budget amounts for each person. *Sort through your decorations and donate what you don’t like. Label plastic storage boxes for your decorations. *Start a holiday notebook with ideas, recipes, gifts, invitations, etc.

This will help you in years to come. *Try something new this year like taking a day trip somewhere fun to look at holiday lights. Or volunteer your time. *Jot down ideas for your New Years resolutions. January will be here before we know it!

Whether it’s a holiday task or something else you have to do, you can beat that little red monster. You will reward yourself with great benefits when you don’t reward him. The best way to tackle procrastination is to do something and do it now! Happy Holidays, and God speed to you all.

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make sure you are actually scheduling time to do things. Take your tasks and break them down into smaller steps and include the materials you will need to complete them.

If you’ve been putting off your holiday tasks, it’s not too late to start now. Here are a few pointers:

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Unwrap Your Gifts Your presence is the real present.

By Nicole Greer, PPCC

My favorite holiday treat is anticipation. Anticipation is the es-

sence of the holidays. It’s sweet and savory. I joyfully participate in the daily ritual of changing the numbers on my holiday countdown calendar, I shop and plan for the morning when the gifts I have carefully chosen will be received with squeals of delight. I envision my shopping prowess celebrated with the cries of family and friends who stand in awe of the perfect present.

But then, reality hits. The vast array of options at the mall, the endless Internet sites, and in the aisles of Wal-Mart creates doubt. I question every decision I make.

What is the right gift to give? Will they like it? Is it the right color? Is it the right size? What should I do?

I could take the easy way out…buy gift cards for everyone. Or I could take the high road and donate to a charity in my loved one’s name. Or I could do something authentic and deeply real…

I can unwrap my gifts this month and devise a plan to provide joy to others and more importantly, finally find fulfillment in 2010. The gifts I refer to are not under the tree, in my stocking, or from the gift exchange at the last holiday party I attended. The gifts I am referring to are part of my essence; namely my birthright talents.

You see each of us is a gift to the world. On the day we were born, each of us was celebrated. And like the Mary in the Christmas story, our mother’s held us and treasured all the events of our arrival in their

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hearts. Mary knew and our mother’s knew that the baby they were cradling in their arms was a treasure. This treasure was ordained by a higher power with distinct gifts.

It’s time to unwrap our gifts and give them generously to the world. In The Message by Eugene Peterson, he translates an ancient command into a directive that outlines our responsibilities perfectly.

Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don’t be impressed with yourself. Don’t compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best with your own life.

So, what waits beneath your shiny exterior bound up by a ribbon with a bow? What is waiting to be discovered, played with, and celebrated? You must find out.

I invite you to do an exercise from my Path workshop. Unwrap your potential this year by sending out a New Year’s letter to loved ones asking to help you identify your giftedness. Explain that you have decided to give generously in 2010 in a real and authentic way.

You need to know what people consider valuable about you. Assure your recipients that this is not self-indulgent. Often, we move through life unaware of our gifts because they manifest so naturally. When you show up in others lives, what is the real present? Encourage them to give you a detailed experience of how they personally received joy from you. Ask for specific identification of your skills, capacity, and talents.

Our gifts are our innate ‘talents’. Few people are aware of their talents.

We take them for granted. They flow from us with a thought. We are completely unaware of their value. Pay attention. Be alert, alive and awake to your gifts. When someone compliments us or squeals in delight when they receive our gift, let’s celebrate our presence and their receipt of our perfect present!

Nicole Greer, PPCC is a professional life and business coach.

Vibrant Coaching and Workshop Leader for The Lydia Group, LLC, a collaboration of individuals focused on work, life and spiritual growth, Nicole views her role as a conduit to release all that you want to achieve. Join me on the PATH to move forward with authenticity, skill and confidence. www.thevibrantcoach.com/nicole@thevibrantcoach.com/www.thelydiagroup.com

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Sweet

Holiday Gifts (Family Features) Admit it - a lot of you are already thinking about holiday shopping. I know I am! This year I think I’ll spend a little less time in the stores and a little more time in the kitchen, baking up some sweet holiday gifts.

I’ve picked some recipes that make large amounts, so I’ll have plenty to give away. Holiday Peppermint Bark couldn’t be easier to make - it only has two ingredients. The pretty red and white candies will look very festive in a holiday tin lined with red or green tissue paper or in a glass jar with a holiday ribbon tied around it.

I love making this fudge, too. It can be made with semi-sweet chocolate, milk chocolate or butterscotch morsels. I like to make a batch of each, then mix and match the flavors in a goodie bag or holiday box.

For an extra special presentation, put each piece in a little paper candy cup with holiday designs on it.

These tasty treats can be fun for the whole family to make together. Attach a recipe card to each gift - that way your friends will know how to bake up some holiday cheer, too.

For more sweet gift giving ideas, visit www.VeryBestBaking.com.

Holiday Peppermint Bark (Makes 1 pound of candy)

LINE baking sheet with wax paper.

MICROWAVE morsels in medium, uncovered, microwave-safe bowl on MEDIUM-HIGH (70%) power for 1 minute; STIR. Morsels may retain some of their original shape. If necessary, microwave at additional 10- to 15-second intervals, stirring just until morsels are melted.

PLACE peppermint candies in heavy-duty plastic bag. Crush candies using rolling pin or other heavy object. While holding strainer over melted morsels, pour crushed candy into strainer. Shake to release all small candy pieces; reserve larger candy pieces. Stir morsel-peppermint mixture.

SPREAD mixture to desired thickness on prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle with reserved candy pieces; press in lightly. Let stand for about 1 hour or until firm. Break into pieces. Store in airtight container at room temperature.

2 cups (12-ounce package) NestlÈ Toll House Premier White Morsels 24 hard peppermint candies, unwrapped

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“Should I Convert to a Roth-IRA?”

Sweeping U.S. Tax Law Changes for Roth-IRA beginning Jan1, 2010 favor doing a Roth-IRA Conversion in 2010 to get additional tax-free income that can stretch your retirement money further.

David Hudson is a Certified Estate Planner, and a Registered Financial Consultant. He is the President of Master’s Estate and Financial Services. He has served the Catawba Valley area for over twenty-four years.

Q. Isn’t there a limit on who, or the amount you can convert, to Tax-Free Income?

A. There are NO RESTRICTIONS on the amount you can convert in 2010.

Q. I have heard there is an extra-conversion tax you have to pay up front?

A. Contrary to what you’ve heard, it is NOT EXTRA. This money will be taxed someday. You can convert and pay the taxes due today or don’t convert and pay the taxes in the future.

Q. But I don’t have that extra money lying around right now...

A. Because of the special advantages for converting to 2010, you can skip payments for up to *2 1/2 years. And only pay 1/2 the amount in two payments.

Q. What happens if income tax rates go up?

A. If you think your personal tax rates are going to go up (and there may be good reason for that) it is best to convert now while taxes are at their lowest in years.

Q. But I still have to pay taxes on Social Security benefits. I really hate that.

A. Changing to a Roth-IRA can actually reduce or eliminate paying taxes on Social Security Benefits altogether!

Q. What about the required minimum distributions.

Do I still have to take those?

A. When you convert to a Roth-IRA you no longer have to take forced withdrawals. And can leave them to accumulate for interest that can be income tax-free.

Q. Fact is, I really don’t need additional income from those withdrawals.

A. Then you’re in luck. You can use the Roth-IRA to grow a large cash reserve (using the extra tax free interest or earnings) to pass on to your spouse, children and grandchildren 100% income TAX free for generations which will provide for their retirement. Or you can use the money yourself to pay for any unexpected catastrophic event such as nursing home costs, etc.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more about the advantages of Roth-IRA Conversions and how they may benefit you.

For a free private, consultation call: David Hudson,CEP,RFC Master’s Estate and Financial Services 260 1st Ave. NW Suite 208 Hickory, N.C. Phone: (828) 322-6554 www.mastersestate.com email: estatecoach@yahoo.com Page 26• Nov 2009 • Sophie Woman’s Magazine

Budgeting The

Broccoli

Of Your Financial Life

By: David Hudson, CEP, RFC Here we go again, tackling a subject that’s as popular as a diet book at a pizza buffet. Who in their right mind wants to read about budgeting? There are people that read such articles and books, but aren’t they the people drowning in red ink? That may be the case, but for once in your life listen to your mother! Eat your vegetables! Broccoli may not taste as good as chocolate pie now, but it’ll make you better later. Here are the financial vegetables that will soon guide you from being a 98 pound weakling to being Charles Atlas, or Charlene Atlas for our readers.

First, understand the pain of budgeting today is much less than the pain of deficiency later.

Budgeting is simply living by a financial road map that only allows us to use the money we make. The transition from buzzing down the credit super highway to the back roads of reality can be painful, but not nearly as painful as the reality of that super highway’s dead end.

People on those highways too often are the next people in line to be laid off, are the ones that wake up one morning realizing how painful retirement is with a mountain of debt and only a social security check to pay with. No individual or nation can live on credit forever. Pay back must to come, and when it does it’s a nightmare.

Secondly, the key to living on a budget is learning to be satisfied. A wise person once said, “being happy isn’t having what you want, it’s wanting what you have“. That person was not my teenage son. America’s marketing industry will spend billions of dollars yearly to convince, us we don’t have enough. As Americans we have an amazing appetite for just a little more. Those making $ 50,000 per year would be happy if they could make $ 60,000. Those making $90,000 would be happy if only they could make $ 100,000. If that is true, why is it that the people making $60,000 or $ 100,000 per year are still wanting more? Someone, somewhere is enjoying life with the same amount or less money than you are making. Learn to be that person.

Thirdly, if you need help, ask for it. Some people are naturally good with money and others are a train wreck waiting to happen. Don’t be afraid or ashamed to ask for help. After twenty-four years of dealing with financial matters something still amazes me. It’s amazing how a person of modest income can achieve a comfortable retirement, while others with large incomes accumulate little. I’m sure the difference is the financial roads they chose to follow.

There are some excellent non-profit financial counseling services available that are funded by agencies like the United Way. Seek them out and ask for the help you need. They are good at what they do, and they are there to help.

Finally, if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. The only real failure in life is the person that quits trying. Don’t be that person. If you have tried living on a budget in the past and it hasn’t worked out, go back at it with a new determination to succeed. Your future may depend on it. � David Hudson is the founder and President of Master’s Estate and Financial Services in Hickory, NC. He has served the Catawba Valley Area for over twentyfour years. In 2001, David completed all requirements and was awarded the designation of Certified Estate Planner by the National Institute of Certified Estate Planners. In 2005, he was awarded the designation of Registered Financial Consultant by the International Association of Registered Financial Consultants. David’s three greatest assets are his honesty, his empathy for people, and his varied experience. As a speaker he is both fun and informative to listen to.

Don’t Invite Burglars In

By Lisa Forte State Farm® Agent Imagine coming home to find that someone has broken into your home and stolen valuable items and ransacked your personal possessions. The feeling of devastation can be overwhelming for victims of burglary. It’s a crime we are all vulnerable to, whether we live in a city or rural area, have a high or low income, live in a house or in an apartment or condominium.

According to the FBI, a burglary happens every 15 seconds in the United States. It’s a serious crime. The problem is many of us, through our own carelessness, make it easier for burglars to carry out their work. A few simple steps can make your home a harder target for burglars.

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• Lock all outside doors before you leave or go to bed.

• Lock all windows.

• Leave a few lights on when you are not home.

• Keep all garage doors closed and locked.

• Don’t allow daily deliveries, like newspapers and mail, to pile up when you’re out of town .Ask a friend or neighbor to pick them up for you or arrange to have deliveries stopped until you return.

• When you’re on vacation, arrange to have someone take care of your yard.

Other things to consider • Contact a locksmith for advice on pick resistant locks for your doors, sliding glass doors and windows.

• Don’t leave keys under flower pots, doormats or other “secret” hiding places - burglars know them all.

• Keep a detailed inventory of all your personal possessions. Include a description of the item, date of purchase, original value and any serial numbers. Creating a video can be helpful.

Be a good neighbor. If you notice anything suspicious in your neighborhood, contact the police immediately.

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Sophie Woman’s Magazine • Dec 2009 • Page 27

Get Creative When Hiding Gifts from Family

Kids, and even some adults, are never more curious than they are during the holiday season. Many kids will search the house far and wide in an effort to learn what presents await them come the big day. For parents new to the game of hiding gifts from relentless, present-hunting youngsters, the following hiding spots could ensure the surprise is still intact when kids wake up and rush downstairs to open their gifts. * Place gifts in brown bags from the supermarket and hide them in the back of the closet or under the bed. * Hide gifts in the attic or basement and cover them with blankets so inquiring minds won’t see them. * Stash gifts in suitcases. Kids will likely walk right past the luggage. * Place gifts on a high shelf in the back of your storage closet, out of eyesight and concealed by clothes so kids aren’t encouraged to climb and go searching while no one is around. * Store gift under the kitchen sink or in the laundry room. * Place small gifts inside old purses, bags or briefcases. The purse, bag or briefcase can then be hung in a closet or guest bedroom that is not used every day. * Stash presents in the china cabinets. Kids most likely aren’t allowed in there anyway so they’ll never find their gifts. * If all else fails, store your gifts at work or stash them at a neighbor’s home.

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Holiday Jokes Why did Santa’s helper see the doctor?

Because he had a low elf esteem!

What did the elf say was the first step in using a Christmas computer?

“First, YULE LOGon”!

Why did the elf put his bed into the fireplace?

He wanted to sleep like a log!

What’s the first thing elves learn in school?

The “elf”-abet!

Who sings “Blue Christmas” and makes toy guitars?

Elfis!

How do elves greet each other?

“Small world, isn’t it?”

Santa rides in a sleigh. What do elves ride in?

Mini vans!

What would a reindeer do if it lost its tail?

She’d go to a re-tail shop for a new one!

Why is Prancer always wet?

Because he’s a rain-deer!

Why does Scrooge love all of the reindeer?

Because every buck is dear to him!

Which of Santa’s reindeer has bad manners?

Rude-olph!

How do you get into Donner’s house?

You ring the deer-bell!

Did Rudolph go to a regular school?

No, he was elf-taught!

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What did the big candle say to the little candle?

I’m going out tonight!

What do you give a train driver for Christmas?

Platform shoes!

Sophie Woman’s Magazine • Dec 2009 • Page 29

the

HERO

Submitted by: Jesica Price

In olden times, the times the lives of men were not punctuated by cell phones or texting; a time where no one cared about the size of the next guy’s SUV this was a time your vehicle was also your companion. Often it was a donkey, a small camel or a horse. Many more simply walked wherever they roamed. Indeed these were much simpler days to live within but the peoples of this age had their own chaos to battle.

Many were impoverished. Many were sick and even more were enslaved. During these simple yet difficult times the law was enforced by various cruel and selfcentered men. By greedy men who fashioned the law to their own wicked desires. The people felt powerless. Fear struck the hearts of many, so much so they were afraid to resist.

They needed a leader; someone strong and courageous to pull them together and break free from despair. Many years later that leader was born. A man; who like many of these people was born into poverty. From the beginning of his life until he was a young man he had little and asked for nothing yet there was something special about him. He captivated the minds of all he met. Even wise men offered him their respect. In the years to come he would prove to be a real man’s man. He was an advocate for justice, a defender of the poor and a friend to the outcast.

Many began to hate this “rogue” speaker but many adored him and followed this unofficial leader this newcomer who spoke of great things. There were also those who considered this man unusual and were confounded by the things he did and said.

Even through all the attacks on his character and actions, he remained strong and steadfast in all his dealings. With nothing but the clothes on his back, the shoes on his feet and his faithful companions he traveled for miles and miles reaching out and teaching many new ways to deal with the oppressions and conflicts they faced. He stirred up much anger with cruel leaders and lawmakers everywhere he went, yet he fearlessly continued to champion his cause. This

Page 30• Dec 2009 • Sophie Woman’s Magazine

was a brave man to stare in the face of such opposition and yet he did not waver not even once. “Weak” was not in his vocabulary. He never boasted about himself.

Yet his crusade ended with his death, or so they thought.

A cruel death ordered with no crimes charged against him but by the decision of an angry mob of uninformed people of his own nationality he was beaten, tormented and finally killed. Even in his last moments filled wit physical pain, agony, and his heart filled with despair there was no anger in him. He voiced his forgiveness to them before dying.

What a courageous man; a man with valor and honor.

But what would become of his followers? Once again he would defy all imaginations, all reason, and all rationality.

Three days after his death his tomb was found empty.

Shortly, thereafter, he showed himself to friends and loved ones. He spent some time with them before he told them he must leave once again. They were sad but he left them with words of hope and encouragement. “I am going to prepare a place for you so that where I am you may be also tell the world about what you have seen and share this good news!”

With that the most amazing thing happened. His feet left the dusty earth and his whole body lifted from the ground!

He rose higher into the sky until the clouds shrouded him from view of the watching people. This tale has been passed on from generation to generation.

But here is the secret. This is no fairy tale and even though this man was truly legendary; this is not a legend. It is true. This man was and is alive. This man still stirs the hearts of those who love him worldwide. He is a leader to all those who follow him. This man is my hero. This man is Jesus Christ. The savior of all those living in Christ.

This is the end but you can find out more about this timeless Hero in the Holy Bible!

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