JANUARY 2022
New Year New You! A SUPPLEMENT OF
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JANUARY 2022
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DIRECTOR OF REVENUE Leah Nelson GENERAL MANAGER Norman Baggs ADVERTISING SALES Bernadette Mastracchio
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Trent Mitchell Megan Lewis CREATIVE SERVICES
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Chelsea Sunshine, Graphic Design Claudette Keeley, Ad Design April Seymour, Pre-press/Ad Design HOME MAGAZINE, A DIVISION OF The Times Gainesville, GA A Metro Market Media Inc. property
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THE RISE OF THE MICROWEDDING
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SLOW COOKING WITH MORE FLAVOR
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FOODS TO KEEP YOUR AFTERNOON ENERGY
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NEW YEAR'S DAY FAMILY ACTIVITIES
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HEALTHY RESOLUTIONS
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR
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NEW YEAR NEW YOU
THE RISE OF THE
Microwedding T
he effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have been far-reaching. People from all walks of life have had to confront the pandemic and the changes it wrought, and many of those changes could have some staying power. Wedding industry experts note that one of the more noticeable and potentially long-lasting effects of the pandemic has been the rise of microweddings. The 2020 Real Weddings Study (COVID-19 Edition) found that 58 percent of couples who planned to get married in 2020 ended up reducing their guest list by a significant percentage. The average reduction was 41 percent, and some suspect small ceremonies may be the new normal in the years ahead. Microweddings Microweddings are not necessarily a new trend, as couples have always had the option of getting married with only a small number of family and friends in attendance. However, microweddings could be an emerging trend, and cost may have a lot to do with that. The Wedding Planner Institute notes that microweddings cost anywhere from $1,600 to $10,000, though the group notes that most microweddings fall somewhere in the middle of that range. A 2020 survey from TD Ameritrade found that 47 percent of respondents felt that cost of living was the biggest threat to their financial security and long-term investments. Engaged couples confronting the well-documented post-pandemic increase in cost of living, including an unprecedented rise in housing costs, could see expensive weddings as luxuries they simply can’t afford. Microweddings could be viewed as a cost-effective way to combat the rising cost of living that still allows couples to share their big day with their closest friends and family members. The WPI has urged wedding planners to offer microwedding packages to capitalize on this emerging trend. Data from The Wedding Report indicated that the
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total number of weddings would rise to 2.77 million in 2021, an increase of roughly 650,000 over the yearly average. Even if only a fraction of couples who tie the knot in 2022 opt for a microwedding, a preexisting microwedding package can help wedding planners secure their business. Couples who opt for microweddings may do so to save money, but also to avoid the effort and save the time required to plan more lavish affairs. Such couples may be especially excited to work with wedding planners who can plan their weddings regardless of how small the affair may be. What goes into a microwedding Nothing should be off the table when planning a microwedding. The fewer the people who will be there, the more freedom planners and couples may have. The WPI notes that microweddings afford planners and couples the chance to get personal in ways that may not be possible when organizing larger affairs. Planners can focus on small details and allow couples to make their ceremonies and receptions as personal as they would like. Couples who prefer microweddings tend to emphasize minimalism, so keeping things simple is something to keep in mind when planning microweddings. Microweddings are an emerging trend that make for a realistic option for couples and the people they hire to help them plan their big day. H
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TASTE OF HOME
FOODS THAT WILL PUSH YOU PAST THE POST-LUNCH SLUMP
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unch is a welcome respite in the middle of the day. Lunch is coveted because it provides a break from work and a chance to sit down and refuel the body until dinnertime. Feelings of fatigue after eating a ‘hearty’ lunch are not uncommon. Kim Yawitz, LD, a registered dietitian/nutritionist in Missouri, says it’s natural to get a little tired in the afternoon due to circadian rhythms and the release of melatonin between the hours of 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. But choosing the wrong foods at lunchtime may exacerbate afternoon fatigue, compromise an individual’s ability to concentrate and even result in hunger pangs. According to nutrition experts, certain food combinations at lunch can satisfy cravings and keep anyone energized through the commute home. • Grain bowls: Complex carbohydrates tend to be high in energizing B vitamins and whole grains will keep you feeling fuller longer due to their high fiber content. Look for complex, protein-rich grains, such as quinoa, farro or brown rice. Balance the grain with plenty of vegetables.
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OUr StaFF iS hErE tO SErvE yOU! FRONT ROW- Mara Lucas, 2ND ROW- Alesha Godoy, Cierra Pedraza, Elisha Kinsey, Ashleigh Smith, Ashley McCain, 3RD ROW- Jack Davidson, Heather Couch, Blake Southerland, Missy Gregory, Garland Wilkes
Full Service Pharmacy Unique Gifts Embroidery Monogramming Packaged Prescriptions THE TIM ES
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• Salads with nuts: Salads are a go-to healthy lunch provided they’re not covered with fatty dressings or cheeses. Add chopped nuts to salads for added texture, protein and nutrition to fill you up and provide energy. • Smoothies: Smoothies aren’t just breakfast fare. They’re delicious and nutritious any time of the day. You can add high-protein items, including plant-based protein powders or ground chickpeas and kale, to smoothies for an additional energy boost. • Crackers and hummus: Purchase whole-grain crackers or ones made from almond flour for added nutrition and pair them with a healthy hummus dip. Hummus usually is made with chickpeas, garlic, tahini (ground sesame seed paste), and olive oil. It provides healthy protein and fat sources to keep you satiated. • Overnight oats: Create a lunchtime or snack parfait using an overnight oats recipe. According to the Food Network, overnight oats are made by mixing old fashioned oats, milk (dairy or nut milk), yogurt, and other addins and letting the ingredients sit and thicken for at least five hours or even overnight. Change the flavor profile by experimenting with nuts (or nut butters), fruits and spices. This nutrient-dense meal will provide plenty of energy without bogging you down. When dining out for lunch, fill up on vegetables, whole grains and lean protein, such as a quality white fish like wild cod. Starchy, cheesy and fast foods can contribute to fatigue that compromises afternoon productivity. H
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Check out our new health magazine HEALTHY HALL in the January 26 Edition of The Times!
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NEW YEAR NEW YOU
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Resolutions
INSPIRED BY TRENDING HEALTH TOPICS
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mproving personal health is a popular New Year’s resolution. A 2020 Finder survey found that an estimated 188 million Americans planned to make resolutions to carry them into 2021. Similar numbers of people likely will put personal goals on the calendar this year. Those focused on health and wellness may consider these trending topics.
Collagen supplementation Collagen is a family of proteins that serves as the structural component of most connective tissues in the body. Collagen production wanes as people age, but it also can drop quickly due to excess sun exposure, smoking, lack of exercise, and excess alcohol consumption, according to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Many people are interested in maintaining adequate levels of collagen, which is vital to giving skin a youthful appearance and helps to maintain healthy joints. According to Google Trends, online searches for collagen have increased steadily since 2014. Collagen has become a top-selling supplement to improve hair, skin and nails. Though human studies that prove collagen supplementation efficacy are lacking, some randomized controlled trials have found that collagen supplements improve skin elasticity and joint mobility and reduce joint pain. Collagen supplements are thought to be safe, but people should discuss supplementation with a doctor first. Fermented foods More research is showing a connection between digestive tract (gut) health and immunity, and people concerned with boosting their immune systems are paying attention. Research published in the journal Cell in 2014 indicated the immune system has evolved to maintain a symbiotic relationship with microbiota in the gut. Accordingly, when operating optimally, this immune system-microbiota alliance allows the induction of protective responses to pathogens. Naturally fermented foods may help strengthen the gut microbiome by supplying it with healthy probiotics, according to Dr. David S. Ludwig, a professor of nutrition at the T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Some pickles, Korean kimchi, sauerkraut, and other foods can be beneficial. Consumers should look for product labels that say ‘naturally fermented,’ which use live organisms for the fermenting process. CBD and hemp products Even though medical marijuana and recreational marijuana use is now legal in many parts of the country, CBD is widely being harnessed. Cannabidiol oil is a chemical found in marijuana and hemp plants. CBD doesn’t contain THC, the psychoactive ingredient found in marijuana that produces a high, advises the Mayo Clinic. CBD has been studied as a treatment for a wide range of conditions like Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and anxiety. The only CBD product currently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is prescription Epidiolex for epilepsy. Since hemp oil is high in essential fatty acids, it may produce anti-inflammatory effects and improve brain function. It is widely used in beauty products like skin creams as well. Always speak to a doctor before using CBD and related products. Getting healthier is a common theme of New Year’s resolutions. Various health trends could affect what people resolve to do in the year ahead. H
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TASTE OF HOME
HOW TO GET MORE FLAVOR WHEN
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low cooking is a popular way to prepare hearty meals. Slowly cooked stews can make for the perfect meal on cold winter days. In addition to helping craft meals that stick to your ribs, slow cookers fill a home with enticing aromas all day long, and that can make everyone hungrier and more eager to try the finished product by dinnertime. Slow cooking aromas wafting through the air heighten anticipation, and cooks can exceed expectations by employing a few strategies to increase flavor. • Let fat do the flavoring. Fatty cuts of meat fare best in slow cookers, as the excess fat ensures the meat won’t dry out. The thought of flavoring with fat may not appeal to everyone, and those who prefer lean cuts will likely have to shorten the cooking time and add more liquid than the recipe calls for to ensure the meat doesn’t dry out before it makes it to the dinner table. • Brown the meat. Slow cooking experts tout the importance of browning meat prior to placing it in the slow cooker. According to AllRecipes.com, searing meat with a little oil in a hot skillet will help the meat develop more complex flavors. Ground meats also should always be browned before slow cooking, as this prevents the meat from clumping up and can ensure the finished product is
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not excessively greasy. • Avoid overfilling the cooker. Foods cook differently when the cooker is too full. In such instances, the dish may end up tasting more like steamed food than simmered food. That’s especially so when too much liquid has been placed in the cooker. In such instances, steam hits the lid of the cooker and creates condensation, which then drips back into the pot. That can make everything inside more soggy and less tender. The owner’s manual of the slow cooker may recommend how much to fill it, but it’s generally best to fill the cooker somewhere between halfway and two-thirds of its capacity. • Cut ingredients evenly. Uniformity of flavor is a goal when slow cooking, as slow cooked meals tend to be served when hosting a crowd and cooks will want everyone’s meal to boast the same amount of flavor. One way to ensure that is to make sure ingredients are cut evenly. Evenly cut carrots and potatoes will finish cooking at the same time, ensuring everyone’s meal will benefit from the same flavor profile. Slow cooking is simple, but veteran slow cookers know that a few simple tricks can make meals that much more flavorful. H
Did your favorite business win in the Best of Hall?
Be sure to pick up the February 26 edition of The Times to find out!
January 2022 | HOME | 11
NEW YEAR NEW YOU
FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES FOR
New Year's Day P
eople spend so much time planning New Year’s Eve revelry that they may not consider that they have another day on the holiday calendar to enjoy after the clock strikes 12. New Year’s Day activities may differ significantly from the countdowns and parties of the night before, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be equally enjoyable. Chances are children are home from school for holiday breaks, meaning New Year’s Day activities should probably be family-friendly. Check out these family-friendly ways to spend New Year’s Day. • Catch (or play) a football game. New Year’s Day and football go hand in hand, and families can likely find a game on television to enjoy together. Of course, it’s also fun to burn off a few New Year’s Eve calories by playing a game of football in the backyard on January 1. • Host a New Year’s Day meal. Give people plenty of time to recover from last nights’s antics by inviting neighbors or friends and their children over for a brunch, late lunch or early dinner. Potlucks are great for these occasions because no one will likely want to cook for a crowd. • Enjoy a movie marathon. Spend the day in comfortable clothes and make a new family tradition. Select one movie for each family member to watch and then cue up the streaming service or dust off that DVD player. Use holiday mugs for hot cocoa and dig into any leftovers from holiday dinners. If a marathon at home isn’t up your alley, check out the showings at a nearby theater and enjoy an afternoon at the cinema. • Take a hike. Enjoy the cold weather up close and personal with a hike in the brisk air. State parks or nearby nature preserves may not be busy on January 1, making them an even more relaxing respite. • Tackle an organizational project. Get the whole family together and take on a project that has been pushed aside, such as organizing the garage or cleaning out the refrigerator. • Volunteer with a local charity. Give back to the community and start off the new year on a positive note by volunteering as a family. New Year’s Day presents an ideal opportunity to spend time together as a family. H
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new year
New You expo
January 14, 2022 The Chair Factory
908 Grove Street • Gainesville, GA 30501
9:00 AM – NOON For more information or to become a vendor please email Megan Lewis at mlewis@gainesvilltimes.com or call 770-535-6371
JANUARY 2022
CALENDAR OF EVENTS On January 1 each year, we resolve to put ourselves on track to achieve goals that eluded us the year before. Whether with wealth, weight, or dealing with the day to day, we’ve all got something to work towards.
each Saturday from January 15-February 26. Participants who complete and send in their form for each of the 7 week in be entered to win a Grand Prize of $1000.
The Healthy Lifestyle Challenge is a 7-week journeyto better health, in a quest to be the best YOU ever,The Challenge form will be featured
Help kick of your New Year New You Challenge at our January 14 Expo 9-12 at the Chair Factory!
1/4/2022 Hand-Building Bebop! taught by Josh Green 6:30pm Quinlan Visual Arts Center 514 GREEN ST NE, QUINLAN VISUAL ARTS CENTE Gainesville 1/5/2022 Potter's Wheel Waltz! taught by Joshua Green 6:30pm Quinlan Visual Arts Center 514 GREEN ST NE, QUINLAN VISUAL ARTS CENTE Gainesville 1/7/2022 Vessels: Beyond Form and Function taught by Josh Green 6:30pm Quinlan Visual Arts Center 514 GREEN ST NE, QUINLAN VISUAL ARTS CENTE Gainesville 1/8/2022 Georgia Cross Stitchers 10:00am Hall County Library Systen, Gainesville Branch 127 Main St NW Gainesville 1/8/2022 Raku after Sunset taught by Josh Green
7:00pm Quinlan Visual Arts Center 514 GREEN ST NE, QUINLAN VISUAL ARTS CENTE Gainesville 1/8/2022 Speed Wheeling taught by Josh Green 2:00pm Quinlan Visual Arts Center 514 GREEN ST NE, QUINLAN VISUAL ARTS CENTE Gainesville 1/11/2022 Introduction to Computers 10:00am Hall County Library System, Gainesville Branch 127 Main St NW Gainesville 1/13/2022 Introduction to Writing and Illustrating a children's book 1:00pm Quinlan Visual Arts Center 514 GREEN ST NE, QUINLAN VISUAL ARTS CENTE Gainesville
1/15/2022 Drawing Animals with Sheila Jarkins 1:00pm Quinlan Visual Arts Center 514 GREEN ST NE Gainesville 1/15/2022 The Gainesville Lacers make Bobbin Lace 10:00am Hall County Library System, Gainesville Branch 127 Main St NW Gainesville 1/22/2022 Greeting Card Workshop 10:00am Hall County Library System, Gainesville Branch 127 Main St NW Gainesville 1/24/2022 Coloring for Adults at the Library 10:00am Hall County Library System, Gainesville Branch 127 Main St NW Gainesville
1/14/2022 New Year New You 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM EST The Chair Factory 908 Grove Street Gainesville, GA 30501
Visit gainesvilletimes.com/calendar to post your event. 14 | HOME | January 2022
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