West Georgia Woman Magazine 2022 Holiday Issue

West Georgia

Finding our voice. Knowing our value. Making a difference.

West Georgia Woman is a voice for and about the women who live and work in West Georgia.

Our mission is to engage, inspire, and cultivate a cohesive community for all women in West Georgia by sharing our hopes, our dreams and our lives.

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Saving Some Green This

Gift giving during hard times Christmas

As gas prices, grocery bills, personal care prices and overall costs in general continue to fluctuate, it’s likely inflation is wreaking havoc with your gift-giving ideas. An estimated 40% of households will change the way they shop for gifts this year, according to a Bankrate survey – some might buy fewer items, others will look for more inexpensive brands or shop more sales, and a smaller group is likely to check out more DIY options. A few even said they’ll try to give mostly secondhand gifts, either from their own closets or thrift stores.

Some items have actually continued to come down in price, including some cell phone brands and computer hardware. Calculators have, too, although those are not sought-after gifts for many people – you never know, though!

Stocks often make a strong but not always immediately exciting gift, as the stock market traditionally rises if you’re looking at the long game. Index funds offer the most security, but individual companies might make the gift more personal. We recommend contacting Director of Operations Jennifer Sauls with Milestone Investment Management (page 40). Call 770.830.0063 or email jennifer@yourfinancialfamily.com.

Don’t let the tightening of your budget belt hinder your holiday generosity. Instead, find ways to whittle your list of gift recipients and think creatively to find gifts that offer the best value. And the word of the season is COMMUNICATE! Talk with your loved ones about your ideas, and you might be surprised how quickly they jump on board. And remember, supply chain issues still plague the retail industry, so have more than one gift option in mind to ensure you can find something on the list for everyone.

Stick to a Theme

When you have a large family or friend group, consider a theme for each segment of the group –

and it’s perfectly acceptable to pick that theme based on a big sale you find, within reason. For example, decide that all the kids are getting a stuffed animal, and wait for a sale on stuffed animals. Buy a different one for each child that matches their preferences. If a girl’s favorite color is pink, go for something in that color range, or if a boy absolutely loves dogs, pick one of those for him.

This works with grown-ups, too. Maybe you find funny T-shirts that reflect their personalities. Or, buy a variety of scented hand soaps, candles and body wash, then make baskets for each of the ladies in the group. All the men could get a nice toiletry bag or a decoration for their man cave, for example, or possibly an ornament featuring one of their favorite pastimes.

A theme could also cross all the lines and appeal to everyone. Perhaps you pick a book for each person that is age-appropriate, or maybe you make a movie basket for each person that includes a DVD, popcorn with a special bowl, candy and 3-D glasses if appropriate.

Agree to a Limit

Get your family on board and set a limit on either the number of presents you’ll buy, or the amount you’ll spend. Young children likely prefer more presents to open, while older kids probably want a couple of more expensive items, often technology related.

You might decide as a family to give gifts only to the children, and have the adults bring a dish for Christmas dinner instead as a gift of love to share. This spreads the cost of dinner around while making sure the children still have a magical holiday.

Donate Instead

If there’s a charity that’s meaningful to you, or has a special meaning to someone in your family, decide together to make a donation in your family’s name to charity. This lets you set an exact budget – if you can only afford $200 in gifts this year, for example, and you know that’s not enough to buy everyone on

Client Gifts

Inflation hasn’t just hit your personal wallet. If you own a small business, you are likely still reeling from the huge price increases without the ability to raise your own prices to cover the gap.

Although you might have given clients holiday gifts in the past, this might be the year to end that tradition. Just like with family and friends, it’s often better to show people you remember them in a meaningful, yet affordable, way, instead of giving them inexpensive and unimpressive gifts that might just end up in the junk bin.

Many of the ideas of shortening personal lists translate over to business, such as giving gifts the more personal touch by making homemade treats.

It’s very likely your clients interact with each other outside of their relationship with you, so know they are going to talk and compare notes. If you can’t give gifts to all of them, it’s best to give gifts to none, and be upfront about it.

Keep in mind that if you’re going to be increasing their cost of doing business with you to help offset inflation costs, it might send the wrong message to give expensive gifts to everyone – they might wonder why you don’t simplify your gift giving to keep their costs low. Let them know you’re being a good steward of the money they spend with you by changing your gift-giving policy.

Start early to get ahead of the season, which helps ensure they know you remember them and appreciate them without setting the expectation of a gift. Perhaps mail a nice card saying how the clients and their support are your gift all year. Adding a handwritten note to each one adds a personal touch.

When you mail the card, include deals, discounts or coupons just for your clients if appropriate. This could be directly from you and your business, such as a free upgrade for the service you offer, or deals you’ve negotiated with other clients – for example, get a free holiday-flavored coffee at a local coffee shop between certain dates when they bring your card in. Another idea would be a “12 Days of Christmas” type of promotional event, where you can spotlight your clients’ businesses on your social media page for the first 12 days of December – it’s fine to spotlight more than one a day, but make sure no are competitors highlighted back-toback.

If you have the funds to purchase one or two nice gifts, even just large holiday baskets of fancy chocolates or something similar, consider a contest or drawing for your clients. Ask them to submit photos of their favorite holiday decoration, or simply put all their names in a bowl and draw one. Do this on a social media live stream for extra exposure for your clients – and you!

your list something they would like, give that amount to the charity. List all of the names of the people you want to include on the donor list, and know you’re doing something incredibly good for the community while you focus on spending time and building memories with the people you love.

Share the charities you chose in a fun way by having each person wrap the name of the charity in a festive box and place it under the tree. Take turns opening the boxes and trying to guess who chose each charity, making sure to talk about why that charity is meaningful.

Keep Your List Tight

Start by making a list of everyone you gave gifts to last year, and compare it to who gave you gifts. If you gave more than you received, those are easy people to cross off the list – add those people to your holiday card list instead.

Prioritize the list by marking the people you feel you must give a gift to, usually the people you are closest to such as your children, grandchildren or a close friend. Then mark the next group as people you would really like to give gifts to, but are a lower priority. This might include siblings, parents, cousins or friends you see often but aren’t your “fr-amily.” In addition to a holiday card, perhaps bake a batch of cookies for each of those people if feasible, or offer a free service if you think they have a need, such as a night of babysitting or help with yard work for a day.

Mark the remaining people as your Level 3, where gifts aren’t expected any time of year. Think coworkers, neighbors and extended family. If you feel you must recognize them somehow, maybe buy a bulk bag of holiday candy and make cute goody bags for this group.

Once you have your list finalized, keep that communication open. If you exchanged gifts with someone last year but they fall in your Level 2 category, reach out to them and tell them you’d prefer not to do gifts this year, but you hope to spend quality time with them instead. You don’t have to explain why you want to make the change –chances are they are happy to shorten their own list as well.

But prepare yourself in advance for some of them to give you a holiday gift – you have no obligation to reciprocate since you were upfront early on, so just accept the gift gratefully knowing they were giving it with no expectation of anything in return.

And isn’t that what the holiday should be about, anyway? WGW

Paw-sitively Perfect Pet Parenting

Celebrating the holidays with your pets

Fun, family, friends … and fur babies! Are you the person that shows photos of your cat to your co-workers? Or posts videos of your dog yawning that get a million views? You are our people.

Your pets give you love and support all year, so during this time of thankfulness and giving, find ways to include your pets. They can’t exactly write letters to Santa Paws, but there are many ways to make this holiday season the most wond-fur-ful time of the year for you and your pets.

• Photos. With matching pajamas all the rage, let your pets join in! Get them photo ready with matching outfits or adorable pet headbands, such as reindeer antlers or a Santa hat. Is your dog or cat not the cooperative type? Maybe a festive collar is all she can tolerate, and that still helps her fit into your holiday family photo. Wearing them out a bit before the photo could make your pets more cooperative. Take your dog outside for a long walk, and give your cat a frisky playtime to help burn off excess energy before the photo shoot. In addition to a photo with the whole family, make some cute pet portraits. Sit them in front of the tree and snap a few shots with your phone. Keep some treats handy to hold their attention for at least a few seconds, but remember that sometimes the outtakes are more precious than the staged shots.

• Light Displays. Pets might not care about the lights quite as much as you do, but they

do enjoy seeing new sites and meeting new people. Find a nearby light display that allows pets to enter, and read the rules before you go. Often, they require all pets to be on a leash, for example. You might find the best light shows closer to home. Take a walk with your pet around sunset to see what houses in your neighborhood, or a nearby neighborhood, might be competing to outdo the Griswalds this year. If your pet loves to ride in the car, take a drive to enjoy the lights while she enjoys an unexpected car ride that ends somewhere besides the vet.

• Gifts. Pets might not understand it’s Christmas, but they’ll pick up on your excitement and will want to be part of the fun. You know what items your pet likes most – it could be squeaky toys, fluffy toys, a new blanket, a soft bed, special treats, a collar or even a new brush for a pet who loves to be groomed. Plan ahead and order a subscription box, asking that the first one be delivered before Christmas. Your pet can start looking forward to new gifts each month as the next installment is delivered.

• Safety. Your pets might get overly excited with all the holiday shenanigans going on, so think about them as you celebrate. Try LED candles instead of real flames, for example –not only might your pets get burned with real candles, but they might knock them over. Talk to your guests about house safety rules, such as keeping exterior doors closed so the pets

don’t go outside unattended. If they seem too nervous with a house full of people, help them escape to a quiet bedroom to relax for a while.

No matter how adorable your pet looks when she begs, go easy on giving her people food, and

Santa SocialSanta SocialX

Make your list and check it twice because Santa Claus is coming to Indulge Salon & Day Spa! Professional photos with Santa, make smores with the whole family and enjoy seasonal music at your favorite local spa, Monday, Nov 21, 4-7 p.m.

Reservations are required. Please call 770-8389095 to book your time spot!

Toys for Tots will also be there, accepting new and unwrapped gift donations for local families in need.

ask your guests to do the same. Some human food is toxic to pets, and too much of any food she isn’t used to can cause digestive issues. Keeping some extra treats handy for her might help keep her away from the table so you can enjoy your own tasty treats in peace. WGW

Black FridayBlack Friday gift Certificate Salegift Certificate Sale

Friday, November 25, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Buy more, save more. The only day of the year when Gift certificates are on sale!

Buy $250 = Get $50 free

Buy $500 = Get $100 Free Buy $750 = Get $250 Free Purchase online, in-store, or over the phone

18th Annual Holiday Sale18th Annual Holiday Sale

December 2-3

Enjoy 20% off all retail items, and enter our raffle to win huge prizes.

On December 2, shop from local vendors from Carrollton and receive swag bags with purchase.

1019 Rome Street- Carrollton, Ga 770-838-9095, Indulgedayspa.net

On December 3, attend our hand-cut silhouette event by former Disney Artist, Edward Casey. By appointment only. Call for more info.

Year

Christmas Crafts

Not just for kids anymore

Remember those red and green paper chains you made as a kid? Whether they decked the halls as garland on a staircase or around the family tree, you had a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment to see your hard work put on display.

Holiday crafts aren’t just for kids. Pinterest and TikTok might make us believe that crafting requires expensive materials and an overwhelming number of supplies. However, you can think simpler, stick to basic supplies you might have on hand, and still elevate that paper chain into elegant, Instagram-worthy grown-up crafts.

Oversized Paper Garland

To create a dramatic grand entryway, dress up your foyer, doorway or staircase with an oversized paper garland of holly leaves and 3-D berries. The basic supplies are 11x14 paper in a couple of shades of green, red paper, glue and chenille stems.

Fold a piece of green paper

in half lengthwise, then draw a holly leaf template (think pointy ends all the way to the open edge of the paper). You should get one leaf per piece of paper – try to use as much of the paper as you can for the largest leaves. Fold all the green paper in half lengthwise, then use the template to cut out holly leaves. The crease in the middle gives the leaves some dimension when you open them. Make the berries by going back to your paper chain roots. Cut lengthwise strips of the red paper about an inch wide. Make one into a circle, and glue the ends together. Repeat the circles and fan them out around each other, then glue all the ends together at the top to create a globe shape.

To attach all this together, you have a couple of options. You can glue pieces to each other, overlapping them to give them a more realistic look. Or, find some butcher paper and roll it into a tube, then glue the leaves to the butcher paper. That is sometimes easier to attach to your staircase or doorway with chenille stems. Glue the holly berries on at intervals for added drama and dimension.

Photo: Dollarstorecrafts.com

Paper Swirl Candy

Festive swirl candy, which folds back and forth over itself again and again, is a quintessential picture of the holidays. Design a similar look with your favorite Christmas designs using paper, string and a few beads.

This works best with card stock. It can also work with basic construction paper or thick wrapping paper, but consider gluing two colors or designs back to back to create a thicker piece with the added visual interest of a variated look.

Cut the paper into 1- to 2-inch strips, either across the short side or long side of the page. Thread a needle with embroidery floss or a thin ribbon, and tie the bottom with a large knot. Thread a bead onto it, then push the needle through the paper about an inch from one end. Add two beads, then loop the paper over itself without creasing the paper and push the needle through. Continue adding beads and bending the paper back and forth to create the candy shape. Tie off the top, then make a loop with the thread or ribbon to make the ornament easier to hang.

If you don’t have beads, make your own. This simple process turns out gorgeous cardboard beads

you really have to see to believe. Cut some thin cardboard into long triangles –think about the size of a cereal box (in fact, that cardboard is perfect for this craft!). The wide end should be about 3/4 inch wide, and the point should be about 1/8 inch wide. Place the wide end on a chopstick, then wrap the cardboard around and around until you reach the small end. Use hot glue or white glue to secure the end, holding it firmly until it adheres. When it’s dry, paint the beads if desired, then begin threading them for your swirl candy decorations.

Wood Slice Ornaments

These quick and easy rustic ornaments work well hung on a tree, inside a picture frame or even used

Photo: Mzuribeads flickr.

CLOTHING

off the natural wood beauty. Choose white with black lettering for an elegant look, or skip the letters and do a red circle filled with green polka dots. Other simple designs to paint on the slices include a green Christmas tree with a yellow star or a red Santa hat – basically a red triangle with a white ball at the top and a white line at the bottom.

Some slices come pre-drilled with a hole for ribbon, but if yours are not, use a medium-sized drill bit to create a hole about a half inch from the top of the slice. Thread ribbon or twine through the hole and tie it together to make the hanger.

Paper Bag Snowflakes

Have paper lunchbags or grocery bags on hand? That and some glue give you the biggest, fluffiest

snowflakes imaginable! Use brown paper bags for a more rustic or country feel, or go with white bags to give you a more winter wonderland look.

Use 8 bags per snowflake. Lay the first one flat, and draw a bead of hot glue from the top to the bottom directly down the middle. Draw another line of hot glue along the bottom edge, from edge to edge. Place the second bag on top of the first and press down to seal. Repeat until you have a stack of all 8 bags glued together.

Cut your design in the bags. Notch some triangles, snip off the corners and cut a few half circles or zigzags along the sides and top.

While it’s laying flat, add the glue again in the center lengthwise and across the bottom of the top bag, then open the snowflake by pulling the other end around until both ends meet. Press them together to help the glue adhere. Admire your incredible creation that looks so much harder to make than it truly is, and hang as desired.

Cheer Spreading to All

Pick the right holiday songs to keep the season joyful

As the holidays draw near, thoughts often turn toward gifts, warm cider drinks, light displays and family time around the fire. You might even find yourself humming a nifty little tune – yes, it’s time for Christmas carols again. You hear them on the radio, in stores, in restaurants and sometimes just walking down the street. Music helps makes the Christmas season feel magical and full of joy.

Whether you are a business owner who wants to play holiday songs or you’re wanting to grab some friends and go caroling around your neighborhood, now is a good time to think about which songs you want to select to share with the people around you.

Maintaining strong social relations sometimes means making some compromises. While people tend to agree that everyone should just get along, it’s not always that simple. Everyone’s background is different, which means their ideas of what is proper is different as well – it’s human nature to make that determination while seeing the world through your own lens, filtered by your past experiences.

The holidays should be a time of joy and caring, even with people who don’t think or believe the same way you do. Our differences make us stronger, but they sometimes put a kink in the plans of holiday cheer. There’s no possible way to cater to every belief among the people you know, but when you’re planning to host a diverse group for a holiday party where you’ll be playing music or spreading cheer through public musical performances, choose your songs strategically to reflect the crowd you plan to entertain. Keep the songs joyful and merry, but play to the crowd who will be attending to ensure the entire group has a good time.

By the same token, don’t necessarily assume because someone doesn’t celebrate Christmas in a religious way that they don’t enjoy carols that sing about the birth of Jesus. Many people grew up singing those songs, which remind them of their childhood and times with family.

A good rule to consider is if you aren’t sure of the holiday songs preference of the people you’re entertaining, stick to the ones you like best that don’t

have an overly religious theme. If you’re a business owner or hosting a holiday party, and you feel like it’s not really Christmas if you don’t play songs like Silent Night or Hark the Herald Angels Sing, maybe choose instrumental versions as a compromise. But if you’re performing at church or with a crowd you know well, the song selection opens to any that bring you and the listeners joy or peace.

As an idea for a performance to elevate it regardless of the songs you choose, try learning sign language for one or more of the songs. In addition to being visually stunning in many cases, it adds a level of inclusion to people who might be hard of hearing or deaf.

If you prefer to stay away from overly religious themes, try these traditional secular carols:

Holly Jolly Christmas

Frosty the Snowman

Jolly Old Saint Nicholas

Jingle Bells

Jingle Bell Rock

Sleigh Ride

Up on the Housetop

We Wish You a Merry Christmas Twelve Days of Christmas

Let It Snow

Santa Claus is Coming to Town

The Christmas Song

There are a few more modern songs, or ones that have been made popular by vocal artists over the past few decades:

I’ll Be Home for Christmas

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas Please Come Home for Christmas Run Rudolph Run Silver Bells

All I Want for Christmas is You Winter Wonderland White Christmas

Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree WGW

CARROLLTON

Lights sparkling on the downtown square. Concerts and carols. The aroma of freshly baked treats in the air. A warm cup of cocoa in your hands. The perfect gift found in a unique shop. A wave and heartfelt season’s greetings from a neighbor - or a stranger - passing by on the sidewalk. Raising a glass of good cheer with friends. ‘Tis the season to celebrate Christmas in Carrollton.

Christmas in carrollton chorus concert December 9-10 December 13

Wind Ensemble Christmas Concert

CHRISTMAS WITH THE Carrollton Jazz Orchestra

15

Check out our calendar of events and more at carrolltonga.com

crowd. This recipe can also be made with red apples. And the leftover filling from the cherry tomato bites works fantastic as a dip of its own. Happy Holidays! – Chef Rose

Candy Cane Martini

Holiday Fare Chef Rose

Holiday traditions don’t get any more memorable than the food you eat and the people you make the food with.

For me, the holidays always mean good food and happy times in the kitchen with my mother.

This year, I've shared two delicious holiday cocktails and two appetizers with you.

The candy cane martini is a great minty cocktail for a party or to sip by the fireplace, and the apple hot toddy is warm and comforting – perfect for a cold winter day.

My prosciutto wrapped pears are a great mix of salty and sweet that is sure to please any holiday

Candy Cane Martini

Ingredients

1 cup half and half

8 ounces cream soda

4 ounces whipped cream vodka

4 teaspoons simple syrup 2 to 4 drops peppermint extract

For garnish:

4 teaspoons simple syrup

2 candy canes, crushed

Preparation

Lightly coat rims of martini glass in simple syrup then dip into crushed candy canes. Set aside.

Stir together half and half, cream soda, vodka, simple syrup and peppermint extract in a pitcher.

Pour mix into prepared martini glasses.

To make a a mocktail, omit vodka and increase cream soda to 12 ounces.

Serves 4.

Chef Rose and food photos by Zachary Dailey

Apple Hot Toddy

Ingredients

5 ounces apple cider

1 teaspoon honey

2 ounces whiskey

Lemon wedge, for garnish

Cinnamon stick, for garnish

Preparation

Heat apple cider in a small saucepan until bubbles just begin to form.

While apple cider heats, place honey and whiskey in the bottom of a mug.

Pour heated apple cider over honey and whiskey and stir well.

Garnish with lemon and cinnamon stick.

Serves 1.

Remember to drink responsibly.

Prosciutto Wrapped Pears

Ingredients

2 red pears

8 slices prosciutto

1/2 cup baby arugula

4 tablespoons pomegranate arils

1/2 teaspoon olive oil

Black pepper

Preparation

Wash and dry pears, then slice them into 1/2-inch wedges (about 6 to 8 slices per pear).

Cut away any pieces of the core from the slices.

Prosciutto Wrapped Pears

Apple Hot Toddy

In a small dish, toss the arugula and pomegranate with olive oil and pepper.

Cut each slice of prosciutto in half longways and lay them flat on a cutting board or plate.

Lay a pear slice and a small bunch of the arugula mixture on top of one slice of prosciutto.

Carefully wrap the prosciutto around the arugula salad, just tight enough so that the salad doesn't easily fall out.

Repeat until they're all wrapped. Lay on a small serving platter.

Sprinkle with extra pepper and pomegranate arils if desired.

Serves 4.

Cherry Tomato Bites

Ingredients

2 pints cherry tomatoes

8 ounces of cream cheese, softened

4 to 6 bacon strips, cooked and chopped fine

1/4 cup green onion

1/4 cup minced parsley

1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Preparation

Cut a thin slice off the top of each tomato.

Scoop out and discard pulp.

If tomatoes do not sit evenly, cut a very thin sliver off the bottom of the tomato just to allow it to stand on the plate.

Combine cream cheese, bacon, onion, parsley and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl and mix well.

To fill, add mixture to a piping bag or zip top bag and fill each tomato.

Serves 6 to 8. WGW

Cherry Tomato Bites

Most people have, or remember their parents having, a fabric tree skirt. This might be simple, made of felt and be small enough to barely cover the tree stand, but many are more elaborate. Some are large enough for all the presents to sit on under and around the tree, and some are homemade in a quilting style. They could be glittery or portray a holiday scene.

Instead of buying a special skirt, people might think creatively and grab a white faux fur blanket to wrap around the tree base. That still gives the look of a tree skirt without the need to store an extra decoration the rest of the year. While the options for fabric skirts are nearly endless, the style this year is moving more toward a solid covering for the base of your tree.

Tree Collars

Household Items

Tree Skirt Options

Transform your tree base from an eyesore to a showpiece

When you’re looking for a tree skirt alternative but prefer to keep the price tag low, look around your house for options. A large plant basket might be big enough to put the base of the tree in, if it’s tall enough to reach the lower branches of the tree and cover the trunk. The bottom of the basket should be wide enough to hold the tree stand as well. A wire basket can work if you fill it with fake snow to hide the trunk and stand inside. Instead of a basket, try an old crate to add nostalgia to your tree showpiece.

For a solid base designed specifically to fit a Christmas tree, find a tree collar that fits your décor and space. These are often simple pieces of plastic or metal that fit around the tree stand to form a solid barrier between the gifts and the stand, and hide the eyesore at the base of the tree. They often come in two pieces that you snap together to form a circle, making them easier to store the rest of the year.

Tree collars range from simple red plastic to more elaborate hammered steel or rattan designs. Some include lights inside to give a glow to the bottom of your tree, or you can choose one that showcases words or a scene. Many have personalization options as well, if you’d like to add your name.

Square wooden tree collars give your tree more of a planted look, as if you just brought it in from your garden outside. These often run a bit on the pricier side and are not collapsible, so they take up a good bit of storage space when not in use, but they give you the option of changing the look each year by painting, sanding, staining or leaving them outside to weather for a different look.

Cardboard boxes make excellent skirt alternatives. Leave the top of the box open, and wrap it like a present – if you can see the inside of the box through the tree, wrap the inside as well. This could be solid wrapping paper that matches your holiday color scheme, or it could be the same snowman wrapping paper you’re using for the kids’ gifts to give a cohesive look. Add stripes of ribbon to the box for added decoration. With a live tree that you plan to water, line the bottom of the box with a garbage bag or other plastic to keep any drips from soaking through the cardboard into the floor below.

While they make galvanized options specifically for tree bases, an old galvanized bucket works well when you’re going for a rustic theme this Christmas. Pack some fake snow in the top of the bucket for a little more holiday flair. To add to the rustic look, wrap burlap ribbon around the top and bottom of the bucket. Like the baskets, this bucket must be large enough to hold the tree stand inside.

Hear us out on this one: try a round trash can. Some are pretty fancy on their own, but these look incredible if you cover them with wrapping paper, burlap or ribbon.

Let your creativity be your guide designing the ideal look to complete your home’s holiday transformation. WGW

Festive Fashion

The hottest trends in holiday outfits

On trend and high fashion this holiday season, this Queen of Sparkles Christmas Tree Queen sweater in vibrant pink will be the perfect pairing for your holiday party. The luxurious pull-on bellbottom faux leather pant gives this look a little edge and a high-end feel.

A much more difficult question to answer than what gifts to buy everyone on your list is what outfits should you wear to take full advantage of the holiday season. While the age-old adage is form vs. function, this year’s balance seems to reflect the more fun the better. West Georgia Woman has teamed up with Sweet Pea’s Boutique to help you find that perfect balance while staying completely on trend this winter. It’s important to remember that it’s not all about one piece –Sweet Pea's Owner

Sidra McWhorter gives item pairing ideas as well as how to dress up your look with just the right accessories, helping you feel pulled together while making it look effortless.

Photos by Zachary Dailey

Bling is the thing this year in footwear. It is so reminiscent of the 80s and 90s but in a fun, updated and elevated way. Short, sparkly boots from Matisse and rhinestone encrusted sandals from Dolce Vita are definitely a must have for your holiday wardrobe. And don't forget a fun handbag like this textured rhinestone Christmas Tree Chanel-inspired bag from Lissie Lerch.

Disco isn't dead and neither is gift giving. Sweet Pea's has the perfect gift for every woman in your life. Freyrs sunglasses with their high-end look are a great value this Christmas season. Soft, buttery leather HOBO handbags are every woman's dream gift. Looking for a gift of comfort? Grab this beautiful hand-woven knit poncho for the perfect, cozy gift. And don't forget Sweet Pea's offers free gift wrap and delivery.

Cheers to you, Queen! Sweet Pea's is all about women empowerment, and this cable knit sweater says it all. Their expert stylists are ready to inspire you with the best gifts in the West Georgia area. Let them help you knock out your Christmas list. They have gifts for all the women in your world.

Sweet Pea's has one of the largest selections of HOBO handbags for you to choose from (left), including a variety of Lauren wallets, Sheila totes and Charlotte shoulder bags. Need some fun updates on your Christmas decor? Check out their Chick-Fil-A-inspired blown glass Cody Foster ornaments (above). You, too, can have the Lord's chicken hanging on your tree. WGW

Cheers to a fantastic Christmas season from the girls at Sweet Pea's! They love to have fun and enjoy a great party, and they know you like to have fun, too. Come snag one of these Packed Party drink cups. The snowman actually holds an entire bottle of wine, and the snow globe says, "Snow Much Fun" and is surrounded by glitter.

Fueled by Passion

Photos by Zachary Dailey

Road trips are a quintessential part of life in America. When many of us think of road trips, we think of the excitement of reconnecting with family, seeing new sites and hours of bonding with the people we travel with. Traveling by car gives you the ability to step off the beaten path and enjoy spectacular views you would never see from a plane. You have freedom to set your own schedule, and even change it as you go until you reach your destination.

The holidays make the ideal time to hit the road, either to visit family or enjoy a holiday vacation getaway. About 100 million Americans traveled by car at least 50 miles from home last year, estimates AAA, and they expect numbers this year to be even higher.

Mark Foster, who has served as the general manager of Auto Gallery Chevrolet Buick GMC in LaGrange for the past year, has fond memories of his first road trip. “One of my most memorable ones was my first road trip as licensed driver,” he says. “I made a wrong turn, and my grandfather would not let me turn around. He said, ‘You'll eventually get there, so let's figure it out.’ And we did.”

He’s carried on the road trip tradition with his family, and not just over the holidays. “My family

and I took a road trip to Scottsdale, Ariz., not too long ago to deliver a car to my sister-in-law. My kids thoroughly enjoyed seeing different parts of the country. We saw some Texans street race through Houston, and my kids still talk about it. They got to see sections of I-10 with the massive oil well farms – things you just don’t think about ever seeing in person. Road trips make those memories possible.”

Mark says he still sees people enjoying road trips all over the country, from the Northeast to the Midwest, so he believes people are still enjoying the magic found in long car trips. He also has an idea on how to make road trips better. “The faster the car, the more fun the road trip, in my opinion,” he laughs.

Mark became a well-known and well-respected member of the community while building his career at Walker Cadillac in Carrollton, Ga., where he worked for more than 18 years before moving to the Auto Gallery dealership. He attributes much of his success to skills he learned while working there.

“I learned how to be kind and empathetic to people, how to be an effective listener, how to work with challenging tasks, how to order the right kinds of cars, how to price cars aggressively and how to make customers want to do business with us,” he

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relates. “And while I know I can’t sell everybody a car, I sure do want to.”

He says the decision to move on from Walker Cadillac was incredibly hard, and a true leap of faith. “It was a God thing,” he says. “I don’t know if God has ever given you instructions, but if you don’t listen, he can make life difficult. I remember vividly the day when he sent me the message that it was time to move on. After 18 ½ years, it was a very difficult decision to move on from everything I’d worked so hard for my whole life. All I ever wanted to do was to be a part of a successful auto dealership. But He had other plans and wanted me to go tell my story and live my testimony.”

Mark decided at an early age that he wanted to work with cars in some way. His first thought was to go into the medical field, but he quickly decided the auto industry was a better fit. “I couldn’t spell 'anesthesiologist,' so I came up with a new career path,” he jokingly remembers. “I decided I wanted to be an anesthesiologist in 4th grade, but by 6th grade, I realized I couldn’t even spell it. But I love cars and I love people, and the process is a lot of fun for me. I feel at home in this industry – it fuels my passion. I didn’t get where I am alone. There are so many people to thank, including the Walker family for giving me this opportunity, Todd Rupp

for investing in me at an early age, my many friends and loyal customers who have given me a chance to earn their business.”

The automotive sales industry hit some unexpected obstacles through the Covid pandemic, including a lack of inventory due to supply chain issues. Yet it was during this difficult time that Mark made the leap to be the general manager of a new dealership. “Who starts a dealership post-Covid? Talk about a challenge – we had no customer base, no name recognition, no nothing. It was like starting a brand new point, which is a completely new dealership.

“We are the fastest growing Chevrolet Buick GMC dealership in the state – I say that humorously because the retail side was shut down when we bought it a year ago,” Mark laughs. “The owner closed it when Covid hit. But we have a beautiful new facility and we’re blessed with inventory when so many others have none.”

As the 9th dealership in the Auto Gallery Group, they were given a large allocation from General Motors, and some of that is still coming in. Mark says he’s tackled the challenge of basically starting from the ground up by focusing on having the right people in the right positions and being willing to change those people or those positions quickly.

“The owner has given me full autonomy to run the business the way I know how to: not charging over MSRP for new cars, letting me take care of customers,” he shares. “We believe the customers can buy a car from anywhere – we want them to want to buy from us.”

shopping by the time they get to us. For them to buy from us tells me we did a better job at earning their business than our competition did.”

Taking care of others isn’t just for the Christmas season in Mark’s eyes. He sees every person he reaches through his business as a blessing. “Our mission is to strive for excellence in everything we do, whether the customer is buying a windshield wiper blade, spending time in our lounge while their car is being serviced, or buying a car, we guarantee they’ll enjoy their experience,” he says. “We have a group of employees who have created a prayer group to pray for our customers and their family members. I want to make a difference in people’s lives. If selling a car and making a profit is the byproduct, then I’ve been successful.”

"

It’s easy to take advantage of someone when they buy a car. It’s more difficult to be honest, compassionate and kind. I can sell you one car, but I’d rather sell you 100."

Mark explains they’ve been getting ready for the holiday season because a surprising number of people give cars as Christmas gifts. An estimated 50,000 people will receive cars as gifts in the U.S. this year. “We just ordered more big red bows, as a matter of fact,” he says. “This is our second Christmas in LaGrange, and we ran out of bows last year, so we’re making sure we order more this year. We love it because we get to be a part of that experience. They bring the car back in afterward so we can teach the new owner about the vehicle and pair their phone. Positivity radiates from the family because of the incredible response to their gift during the Christmas season.”

Even though his dealership is in LaGrange, Mark still lives in Carrollton. His kids go to Central Elementary School, where his wife teaches. “I don’t mind the drive to work – I just throw on something from Audible on the way and it feels like I’m there in no time. It’s cliché to say I love living here because of the people, because there are good people everywhere, but it’s definitely the people I know, like those who serve with nonprofits or show up to Rotary on Wednesday mornings. It’s the fact we can find that balance between maintaining fast growth and remaining a rural community that makes West Georgia worth enjoying.”

He says he’s been overwhelmed with how he’s been welcomed in LaGrange. The dealership has reached people outside the area as well, including Columbus and Auburn. “We hear from those people how much they appreciate us making this an easy process for them,” he relates. “I know they’ve been

Mark mentions that people also like to give pre-paid maintenance as a gift, which works like gift certificates for services like oil changes and tire rotations.

“People love to get car-related gifts. A car is a passionprovoking object, so if you can help someone enjoy their prized possession more, that's a good gift. Cars are more than just transportation to many people.”

He is grateful this holiday season for the support he’s received in his new venture. “I’ve been very blessed by a loyal customer base and new customers the same. It’s easy to take advantage of someone when they buy a car. It’s more difficult to be honest, compassionate and kind. I can sell you one car, but I’d rather sell you 100.” WGW

Learn more about Auto Gallery Chevrolet Buick GMC on the website at www.autogallerychevybuickgmc.com or visit them in person at 1415 Lafayette Pkwy in LaGrange

Sweat the Small Stuff

Giving back in small ways to make a big difference

The hustle and bustle of the season, combined with your already busy schedule of work, family, social activities and other obligations, means giving back and volunteering might end up on the back burner.

With social distancing almost a thing of the past, and economic times feeling a little uncertain, keeping the spirit of giving alive this holiday season is more important than ever.

It doesn’t have to be on Christmas day – a variety of options exist that can fill your soul and those of the people you serve throughout the holiday season.

Volunteering around the holidays is popular, and many organizations that traditionally solicit holiday volunteers fill up all their slots right away. That’s a fantastic problem to have, even though it means you might be put on a waitlist. An upside to it is that you get to think creatively on how you and your

the first couple of weeks of December. Teachers and school staff have been worn thin during the pandemic, and many are still struggling to get their classrooms back to a semblance of normalcy. A small gesture like a snack basket could make their day brighter as they try to keep hundreds of students focused until the holiday break.

Donate Blood

Donated blood is needed year-round, and the country has hit critically low levels several times

in the past few years. Giving your blood is giving the gift of life to someone else. While this volunteer opportunity doesn’t let you see the faces of the people you help, your whole family (ages 16 and older) can participate and know that you’ve made a difference in a stranger’s life –and the lives of their families.

Make Blankets

Countless organizations have an ongoing need for blankets, including animal shelters, domestic violence shelters, homeless shelters, nursing homes and churches. Other groups, including many organizations that specifically serve children, need blankets for the kids. In addition to offering warmth in colder weather, a blanket feels like a warm hug, offering a sense of security to people and pets in tough situations.

If you’re donating used blankets, make sure they are clean and in good shape – not threadbare or full of holes. If you’re making blankets, consider simple no-sew blankets that even the kids can help with. If you love to sew, try sewing two different fabrics together to make a reversible blanket. Most throw

blankets have a minimum size of 4 by 6 feet, but if you’re making blankets for children or animal shelters, they can be smaller.

Give Your Time

Many volunteer opportunities require nothing but your time: no buying things, no cooking things and no making things. Time is often our most precious commodity, and there’s no better donation than that of your time. Think creatively to find places that may not advertise a need, but have the need nonetheless.

For example, many after school programs, particularly those serving underprivileged children, can use help tutoring those children after school, or reading to them. If you have a child, grandchild,

niece or nephew in elementary school, volunteer to read to their class.

Some animal shelters have reading programs as well, where volunteers read one-on-one with animals to help the sometimes traumatized pets acclimate to seeing new people. Shelters need help walking dogs and petting the cats, too.

through the situation. Organizations that often need toiletries include churches who help people in need, food banks (who often distribute toiletries when they see a need), homeless shelters, mental health facilities and domestic violence shelters.

For domestic violence shelters, consider donating unused makeup, hair styling supplies and baby/child

Cops, Kids and Christmas Shopping Program Creates Positive Interaction with Children and Law Enforcement

The Carrollton Tony Jackson Garrett Lodge #35 of the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) is an organization that consists of full-time employed and retired members of local and state law enforcement. The lodge also consists of associate members who support the FOP's mission.

The FOP is the world's largest organization of sworn law enforcement personnel, with more than 330,000 members in more than 2,200 lodges. The Tony Jackson Garrett Lodge #35 was chartered on April 24, 1975, and was named for a Carrollton police officer who was killed in the line of duty.

The FOP is very active with helping local special needs children and adults, underprivileged children and children who have been affected by crimes – either as victims or witnesses. The lodge also supports FOP members, members of public safety, the Special Olympics, the Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS), as well as numerous other local groups and civic organizations.

Cops, Kids and Christmas

This year's "Cops, Kids and Christmas" event will be held in December for special needs children, kids who have been affected by crimes and the underprivileged.

On the day of the event, the kids meet the officers they will be shopping with in Carrollton. Santa Claus drops in, listens to the children's Christmas wishes and takes photos with them. After time with Santa, the kids climb into police cars with the officers and are encouraged to play with the patrol car P.A. system, lights and sirens on the way to shop.

Once the cops and kids arrive at the store, breakfast is provided for the children. After breakfast, the children go with their police officer partner to shop for their gifts. They are given, on average, $200 to $250 for Christmas shopping and are encouraged to purchase whatever they would like within the budget.

"Some of the kids select items they need, such as clothing or personal items," says Lt. Dan Keever, first vice president of the FOP. "Some of them purchase gifts for their siblings and parents. It touches your heart to see these children – some of whom have so little – think about others before thinking of themselves."

Lt. Keever says this event means so much more than just a nice thing the FOP does for the community. "Cops, Kids and Christmas" gives children positive interaction with law enforcement and helps to plant the seed that the children can count on the police when they need them.

Donations of any amount and gift cards to Target or Walmart are gratefully accepted. To help kids in Carroll County receive Christmas gifts through this program, call Eddie LeBlanc at 770.318.5618 or you can mail your donation to Barry Carroll Foundation F.O.P. Lodge 35,

Inc., P.O. Box 1949, Carrollton, Ga., 30112.

If you make a $100 donation to the Cops, Kids and Christmas program, the FOP will match $100.

Wednesday Night BINGO

Another fun and exciting way you can support the FOP's charitable programs is to attend its weekly BINGO night every Wednesday at Venue 1625, located at 1625 Bankhead Highway in Carrollton.

Compete each week for a chance to win up to $1,500 during the electronic and paper BINGO, participate in a 50/50 raffle with several prizes and enjoy refreshments at the concession stand. The doors open at 6 p.m. and the first ball is called at 7 p.m.

All proceeds from BINGO go directly to the FOP and their charitable programs.

Chris Cromer Memorial Golf Tournament

This annual tournament is in memory of Cpl. Chris Cromer who died of cancer in 2000. This event will benefit the charity efforts of the FOP while keeping an officer's heritage alive.

The annual golf tournament is scheduled for Nov. 14 and Nov. 21, 2022. Lunch will be from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Shotgun start is at 12:30 p.m. Registration for an individual golfer is $125. A foursome is $500, which includes lunch, green fees and a personal golf cart. Compete for trophies for first, second and third place, closest to the pin and the longest drive. Registrations and sponsorships are still available. Mail checks to Barry Carroll Foundation F.O.P. Lodge 35, Inc., P.O. Box 1949, Carrollton, Ga., 30112.

Anyone who donates $300 or more to the FOP through the end of 2022 will receive two tickets to the FOP Sponsor Appreciation Dinner, an annual event for law enforcement and the community on March 4, 2023, at Venue 1625 in Carrollton. Tickets include dinner and a performance by Christian Country singer, Shellem Cline. In addition to having five #1 hits in Christian Country music, Cline has received multiple awards and accolades for his music, including being named Songwriter of the Year in 2014. He is known for his song, Blue Jeans and Biscuits, which received the Christian Country Song of the Year in 2017.

For more information about the FOP and its charitable programs, call Eddie LeBlanc at 770.318.5618 or email Eddie@cmbrentals.com or eleblanc@carrollton-ga.gov.

The Barry Carroll Foundation F.O.P. Lodge 35, Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c)(3), and all donations are tax deductible. Follow the FOP at www.facebook.com/carrolltonfop.

Holiday decoration trends include old designs becoming new again

This is the year of bringing everyone back together for the holidays – hopefully no more virtual Christmas celebrations! If you are hosting family and friends, keep an eye on the current trends to keep your tree and other decorations welcoming, cozy and full of love. These decorations aren’t meant to replace your treasured family heirlooms and the pieces that bring back happy memories, but if you’re in need of some inspiration for an upgrade to keep up with the latest décor, these ideas can keep you right on track.

Colors

Neutral tones are showing up in droves this year. Some people are opting for all white decorations for a fresh, clean, wintery look. This could mean snow-flocked trees, white or clear ornaments, white lights and accompanying figures or houses, such as a Santa wearing all white, polar bears, or monochromatic gingerbread houses. Set off the white with some natural tones, such as wood and mint green.

If white’s not your thing, think about pastels. Lavender, light pink and moss green top the trend of colors this year, giving the holiday a soft, gentle feel. Powder blue is popular as well. Pair these with white lights and silver accents. These pastels stretch further than just ornaments – it’s easy to find pastelcolored trees as well.

Metallics

If muted colors don't excite you, opt for a more powerful look full of bling. Metallics are all the rage this year, from sparkling silver and gold – often mixed together – to shiny green and red metal. Pair these with rhinestone-covered decorations, including rhinestone garland, for a spectacular look. To soften the look a bit, go for a rose gold or frosted metallics, which pair well with neutrals and pastels.

Nostalgia

Many people are bringing back the past through decoration this year. Look for the oldies but goodies to have a comeback, such as bottlebrush trees in a variety of sizes and ceramic tabletop trees that light up. Add to this retro look with nutcrackers and vintage shaped glass ornaments.

If you’re the crafty type, crochet some decorations as well, including angels and bells, or even garland. Not to be overlooked, reclaimed wood offers a variety of inspiration for crafters, including painting signs, creating a tray for Santa’s cookies and wall art with a variety of holiday phrases.

Red and green top the list of nostalgic colors, bringing images of the iconic red pickup truck with the tree in the back or simple greenery wreaths with bright red bows. Snow globes are making a

comeback, which you can purchase or make on your own in a mason jar. Giant multicolored lights help top off the nostalgic feel.

Lights

LEDs have changed the way people think about lights. This Christmas, find ways to maximize your lights using various types of LEDs. Light strips are easy to install temporarily (or permanently), and many connect to wi-fi giving you the ability to change the color or program a pattern. Some even change to dance with the music you play. You can find strings of LEDs to wrap around your tree, or tiny ones to push into jars. If you’re going with a natural theme, find branches already lit with white LEDs to place in vases around the room.

For outdoors, try glittering LED fairy orbs or programmable nets that light up in different shapes. These can be used as nets over bushes or as a curtain of lights along the side of your house. You can program basic color changes, but some offer the ability to design shapes in the colors, such as an outline of Santa’s face or a stocking – kind of like a giant Lite Brite.

Whatever light display or color option you choose, stay true to yourself and what you love. The holidays are all about joy, so bring yourself a little joy this season by sharing a bit about who you are through your decorations.

WGW

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“Happiness: Becoming the adult I wish I had known when I was a child.”

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