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February 2021
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Kelly Young-Silva Acting Out
COVID-19 and Your Heart Fun Ways to Celebrate Valentine's Day at Home
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Acting Coach and Producer Kelly Young-Silva Proves Determination and Perseverance Lead to Success Page 10 Photo by Zachary Dailey
What’s inside... 10 22 30 32
Acting Out Girl Power
Bringing Back Family Dinners Home is Where the Heart is
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COVID-19 and Your Heart
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A Shaky Start January has come and gone, and many of us were hoping for a much better year than last year! Unfortunately, the coronavirus is still rearing its ugly head, but perhaps there is some light at the end of the tunnel with the new vaccines that are becoming available. Like everyone else, I really hope this will all be over soon. Until then, I hope you and your family are staying safe. One thing we have to look forward to is spring. It will be here in just a few weeks! In This Issue Our feature this month is Kelly Young-Silva, acting coach, producer, host of The Kelly Talk Show and owner of Words in Motion Acting Studio in Villa Rica, Ga. In 2008, Kelly was newly divorced with three kids and no home to call her own when she took a leap of faith to open a studio to teach children how to act. Learn more about Kelly and how she proved determination and perseverance can lead to success on page 10. We all want our daughters to grow up to be strong, independent individuals who can hold their own in this world. Sandra Bolan shares some tips on empowering our daughters on page 22. Since the coronavirus, many of us are doing things differently – including the way we eat. With more people cooking at home or ordering takeout to eat at home, the family dinner is making a comeback. Learn how you can bring back meaningful family dinners on page 30. Speaking of COVID-19, we've included two informative articles for you this month about how to deal with coronavirus anxiety (page 35) and the effects of the coronavirus on your heart (page 36). What are your plans for Valentine's Day? Are you planning on staying home or going out on the town? The big day of love will probably be very different for many couples this year. On page 32, learn about all the unique and fun ways you can celebrate Valentine's Day in the comfort of your own home. If you're going through menopause, you've probably experienced some serious weight gain – particularly in your belly, hips and thighs. Learn what you can do to fight that stubborn fat on page 40. Since February is the month of love, we would love it if you would shop and do business with our community partners whose advertisements are included in this publication. It is through their partnership that we are able to give you our beautiful magazine for free each month! We appreciate your support of our community partners very much! Have a wonderful Valentine's Day! Much love!
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Photo by Zachary Dailey
Finding our voice. Knowing our value. Making a difference. TM
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. This magazine would not be possible without the inclusion of our advertisers. Please be sure to show your support by doing business with these VIP’s (very important partners) so we will be able to continue to share with you our stories about amazing West Georgia women! Please be sure to tell them we sent you!
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Get yours from our racks at Kroger, Publix, Smith Brothers Supply Company, Southern Home and Ranch Center, Food Depot (Maple Street) and the Tanner Health System Medical Pavilion in Carrollton; Piggly Wiggly in Bowdon Inspiring women wanted. and Tallapoosa; Thriftown in Bremen; Do you know an interesting woman Kroger in Cedartown; The Little Giant who should be on the cover of West Grocery in Sargent; Food Depot (Temple Ave.) in Newnan; Tanner Health Georgia Woman? Is there a special System's Villa Med and Villa West Office project or organization you would Buildings in Villa Rica; The Marathon like us to feature in our magazine? Let us know! Email your suggestions in New Georgia; Kroger on Fairburn to features@westgeorgiawoman.com. Road (Hospital Drive) in Douglasville; and WM Grocery in Roanoke and Share your special events. Wedowee, Al. We have them in larger Send your upcoming events to: quantities at Publix (Bullsborough Drive), calendar@westgeorgiawoman.com Lee-King and Thompson pharmacy in Newnan, the Apothecary Shoppe in Need to advertise? Email: Douglasville and the Vitamin Shoppe in Hiram, Publix at Mirror Lake, CVS in Sales@westgeorgiawoman.com Bowdon as well as hundreds of other Call 404.502.0251 retail locations and medical offices in 17 The views, opinions, positions or strat- cities covering eight counties in West Georgia and East Alabama. egies expressed by the contributing authors are theirs alone, and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, positions or strategies of Angel Media, LLC., West Georgia Woman magazine or any employee thereof.
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Volume 6 • Issue 4 February 2021
This publication is dedicated in loving memory of Tristan Alexander Brooks May 15, 1993 – September 17, 2015
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Acting Out
Kelly Young-Silva, left, with actress Chloe Frizzi on the set of the feature-length horror-thriller film, “Hunting Souls.� Chloe and her twin sister Sophia played "Baby Judith" on The Walking Dead from the age of 5 months to 5 years old. Article by Janet Flanigan Photos 10 by Zachary Dailey
Acting Coach and Producer Kelly Young-Silva Proves Determination and Perseverance Lead to Success
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ravery. Conviction. Strength. These personality traits often appear suddenly when people are exposed to extraordinary circumstances. Kelly Young-Silva discovered her own fortitude under dire circumstances when she and her three children became very close to being homeless after her divorce. With strength and perseverance, Kelly not only made it through those difficult times, she also opened a successful acting studio, Words in Motion, and has become a strong voice in the Atlanta dramatic arts scene.
Made for the Stage “I grew up in Douglasville and graduated from Lithia Springs High School,” says Kelly. “I was always very active in school plays and performed with the Cobb Children’s Theater whenever I could.” After high school, Kelly married young and had three children; Payne, 20, Darbi, 18, and Bradly, 17. She was a very busy young mother, but still found time to be involved in acting through her role as vice president of the Douglasville Community Theater. “It was there that I learned how to put on shows, direct and continue with my acting,” she shares. Through
her work, she passed along her love of performing to her children when they were growing up. Kelly was also passionately involved in trying to bring a performing arts center to Douglas County. “We are the only county in the West Georgia region that does not have a performing arts center,” she explains. “Unfortunately, that is still the case, but we keep hoping our county will see the benefits of a performing arts center.”
A Challenging Transition From the outside, Kelly’s life looked average – even happy. She had three beautiful children, a steady job as an office manager and her acting and theater work. But appearances can be deceiving. She was feeling overwhelmed and swallowed up by a very unhappy marriage. “I finally decided I had to take my life back, and that included leaving my marriage of 15 years,” she shares. “And when you have a big change in your life, it makes you reevaluate.” Kelly’s passion for the performance arts had never waned, and for years she had been thinking about the arts scene in her home county. She decided she would take that passion to make the performing arts
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a reality for others in her community. “I thought to myself, ‘I have three kids, so if I can’t up and move to someplace cool and important in the acting world, such as LA or NYC, I will begin my own quest,'" she relates. "I began thinking of a way to make it happen here at home.” Drawing on her love for performing as a child, she started musing about how to help children get started in acting. Before she could really begin to follow her dream, she encountered another devastating change in her life. After separating from her husband and struggling to meet the financial needs of her three children, Kelly suddenly found herself out of a job. “I had worked as an office manager for many years, and had that steady income," she says. "But the business owners decided to retire and close the office, so I lost my job.” After her long-time, steady job ended, she worked a variety of jobs including office work and cleaning houses, just trying to support her family. It was still difficult to find an affordable place to live. Initially, Kelly and her children moved in with her parents, but after a few months, her parents sold their house and moved out of her children’s school district. Wanting to keep continuity for her children at school, her next hurdle became finding a place for her and the children to live. In spite of these difficulties, Kelly began the process of opening her own acting studio. "I knew how much the arts helped me as a child, and I wanted to continue that tradition,” she explains.
Chasing Her Dream Kelly had a plan for how she would come up with enough money to get her studio off the ground. “I knew I had some tax refund money that would come to me from a couple years of tax returns, and I immediately filed," she says. "I was thrilled to find my refund was $15,000! That may not seem like a fortune to some, but to me it was the beginning of my dream. I knew that was not enough money to pay for an apartment and an acting studio, but I could choose one of the options. I decided it was time to go for my dream." In 2008, Kelly opened the studio. She chose the name Words in Motion for her business. “In life and in acting, words are just words until you have the physical act of making the words come true,” Kelly explains. In the beginning, Kelly says her friends and family thought she was crazy for chasing after her dream.
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“They saw me working all these jobs, raising the kids and trying to get the studio up and running,” she says. “They didn’t understand at the time, but now that I have been successful, they understand.” In addition to opening Words in Motion, Kelly set a goal of financial independence. “I knew from personal experience if I was an office manager, there would be a finite amount of money I could earn," she explains. "But if I owned my own business, the potential would be much greater and provide an opportunity to help my community as well.” Kelly was doing everything she could; working odd jobs, doing office work, cleaning and caregiving that amounted to 15-hour days. But she knew it was worth it. “I always say, 'What risk are you willing to take to make your dream come true?' I did anything I could, including community volunteering to promote the studio. I had to hustle to get my business going.” As she set about building her business, Kelly also needed to find a new place for her family to live after her parents moved. Her best friend’s father had suffered from a stroke several years earlier and was in need of a caregiver. "I took on the job and was able to move my family into his house,” she says. “After two years, one of
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his family members moved back into the home to care for him and he no longer needed my help.” This meant Kelly and her kids were once again in need of a place to live. She learned that an elderly woman in the same neighborhood was in need of a caregiver. Kelly and her kids were able to move in with the woman, while Kelly continued to patch together a variety of jobs while growing the studio. “She offered her basement for us to live in, so I continued my work as a caregiver,” says Kelly. “I was very appreciative, but it was really, really tough. The basement was not very big for a family of four. The kids were getting older, so it was very hard on them." Kelly didn't have a kitchen, and her landlady was sensitive to food odors and did not want Kelly preparing any food downstairs. So, they had to eat out and find a way to do it economically. "We spent three years living in that basement," she relates. "While I am grateful that we had a safe place to live, it was not easy. In addition to helping my landlady, I tried to make my kids’ lives as normal as possible.” This normalcy included driving her oldest son to high school in his former school district, so he could continue going to school with his friends.
“At that time, I had a van that was so old, if I were to drive back and forth to his school twice a day, the gas alone would have cost me $140 a week,” she exclaims. She worked her schedule around his school commute, often spending the day in her van to save precious gas money.
Words in Motion Kelly says first and foremost, the reason for creating Words in Motion was not to create little acting superstars, but to provide children who have an interest in acting the ability to learn the business. In addition, she wanted to have a positive influence on kids who were a little shy, different or creative and provide them with excellent life lessons. “The classes I offer help children – and since 2014, adults – to discover areas of strength that may have been previously untapped,” she says. “From my time as a child actor, I knew many of the kids who turn to acting may be a little different. Acting is a great way to help them discover themselves.” In the summer of 2008 before she opened her studio, Kelly held an acting camp to test the waters. “I had a wide variety of students with varying levels
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of skills and talents," she says. "We were developing our own play, but we had one big problem – we didn’t have a script to perform." Kelly didn't how she should proceed. “One of the camp’s students was a kind of quirky kid," she shares. "When one of the other campers mentioned this boy was actually a writer, he said he was, and agreed to write our play." The kid who could have been ostracized for being a little different ended up being the "savior" of the camp. Such moments are some of the wonderful things that can come from an acting school. Participants are often able to find skills and confidence they
never knew they had, in all areas of the performing arts. “I knew I could help make any child comfortable with himself or herself and help them become the hero of their own life,” Kelly explains. Fortunately for Words in Motion, the future of the film industry in Georgia has never been brighter. There is a huge variety of television shows, movies and music videos that are filmed and produced in Georgia, so the demand for local talent has grown exponentially. When a parent or student calls Words in Motion for information, Kelly first suggests the student (and parent, if the student is a child), come and observe
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a class. If they decide they want to participate, From 2013 to 2016, Words in Motion helped they are able to take a variety of group and private create Kidz Connect Atlanta, a program that helped classes that are oriented toward creating working students be seen by talent agents and casting actors. directors. “Our classes are geared toward working in the In 2016, acting students from Words in Motion Atlanta film industry and for working actors,” says developed the feature film, Endicott Falls, that Kelly. “Our training is to the industry standard.” tells a story involving time travel, making the right First-time students sign a three-month contract decisions and the consequences of those decisions. to take classes once a week. While the studio was In 2017, Words in Motion developed The Kids’ originally designed for child actors, Kelly began Show that was designed to offer acting students accepting adult students in 2014, due to increased the opportunity to work on studio sets with multiple demand. cameras and evaluate their work. Some of the classes Kelly offers include Training with Speed, Homeschooled and Training, Sketch Real Life Romance Comedy and Performance, Improv Class (18 years and older), Adult Scene Study, Stand Up Comedy “After being in a very difficult marriage for 15 (18 years and older), TV, Film and Performance (for years, I never dreamed of love in my future,” Kelly advanced, junior actors) and her summer acting admits. But that was a fantasy she just hadn’t camps. dreamed yet. After three months, Kelly completes an evaluation In 2016, she was producing a short film called on the actor’s aptitude and attitude toward the Always. On set, she met Director Diego Silva work. During classwork, the students learn how to Acevedo, a native of Colombia, who is a five-time analyze a script, behave truthfully as the character, Emmy-Southeast award winning director. learn to be flexible and directable as well as learning “We had a completely professional relationship on valuable auditioning techniques. They may then set," she says. "But I do remember one day, sitting begin one-on-one private instruction with Kelly, to across from him at the table, and our eyes kept hone their individual skills. catching. There was definitely a strong connection “I know many people want instant success, instant there." stardom," she says. "It just doesn’t work that way. It After production wrapped, Kelly asked Diego to can take years of intensive training before an actor help her with a project at Words in Motion, and the even signs with an agent." two began seeing each other. They were married in However, Kelly feels she can get an actor hitting 2017. truthful notes in about six months, if they have the “I really did not know that this kind of relationship right personal motivation. existed,” says Kelly. “Diego did not have any Once her students do get representation, many children, and I wanted him to have one with me. I have achieved their goal as working actors. “Our students have been on Nickelodeon, Disney, Lifetime and a wide variety of TV shows and movies shot in Atlanta," she says. "One of our students performed in the movie, Coming to America II, with Eddie Murphy. It is very rewarding to see our actors achieve their dreams." Kelly promises to help manage and guide her students as long as they need her. She has many students who drive a significant way from the Atlanta metro area and beyond to attend her classes. “I have a female adult student who drives from Augusta each week and back again after class. I see such commitment from many of my students,” she says. The Silva's wedding photo. L to R: Diego, Kelly, Payne, Darbi and Bradly.
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had severe morning sickness with all of my pregnancies, but the struggle was nothing compared with the joy of having a baby together." On Aug. 11, 2020, Kelly – already in her 40s – gave birth to their son, Oliver.
she exclaims. "We like to show people there are all kinds of dreams that can be achieved."
A Leap of Faith
Kelly has learned that great risk can bring big rewards. She went from a bad marriage Branching Out to living in a basement while caring for her three children. Professionally She gambled everything on herself to build a successful In addition to helping grow acting studio, practically on a their family, Diego is also wish and a prayer. She also took helping Kelly to reach further in Oliver Silva was born Aug. 11, 2020. a chance on love again and has Photo provided by Kelly Young-Silva. her professional career. a wonderful husband and a new “When I was younger, all I baby. Currently, she and Diego may be taking the wanted to do was act," she explains. "But as I got biggest leap of faith yet with their latest project, a older – and especially after having children of my own – I wanted to create ways for other kids to learn feature-length film called Hunting Souls, with a goal of a theatrical distribution. how to act and reach for their own dreams. This “We have both been risk-takers and developed desire is, of course, what led me to create Words in a lot of different projects separately, and together,” Motion. But Diego is helping me see even more for says Kelly. “Diego has won five Emmy-Southeast myself in the world of performing arts.” awards in a variety of industries including for Mundo Kelly and Diego came up with a new project that Hispanico television network, commercials and would let Kelly have an on-camera outlet while sports productions. We are both entrepreneurs at providing additional opportunities to promote the heart, and we know we have to be willing to go arts in Georgia. places others are not willing to go.” “In November 2019, we launched the Kelly Talk
Show as an extension of what I had been doing with Words in Motion,” she says. Kelly and Diego are the The Show Must Go On producers of the show, Diego directs the episodes The couple is self-producing Hunting Souls, and and Kelly is the on-air talent interviewing her guests. Diego is the screenwriter and director. They have The purpose of the talk show is to interview a wide variety of industry professionals who can help people who are interested in the arts. Kelly strives to help people understand what it takes to be successful in a variety of film industry careers, and many of her guests are from the film industry. She has interviewed working actors, writers, directors, casting agents and technical people illustrating the breadth and scope of opportunities in the film industry. “For example, one of our guests, Karen Cantley, started locally as an independent script supervisor, and she is now Oprah Kelly, on set during the filming of the Silva's self-produced feature film, Hunting Souls. Winfrey’s script supervisor,"
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risked their life savings, as well as some funding from family members, to create the film. It is a horrorthriller, ultimately highlighting a father’s love for his child and what he will risk to fight an evil entity threatening his son. On March 16, 2020, Hunting Souls was scheduled to begin principal photography, but on the day they were to begin, the entire industry shut down due to COVID-19. After nine long months, they finally began shooting the film in early December 2020. “We are working with some incredible people," Kelly says. "Cheryl Louden-Kubin, who cast Miami Vice, cast Hunting Souls for us." The couple is also excited to be working with Greg Solomon, who owns the well-known FX etc ..., a special effects makeup studio based in Carrollton, Ga. Greg has done special effects for numerous films, including Gremlins 2, Fight Club, Buffy the Vampire Slayer (TV), Avengers: Infinity War and Zombieland 2. Kelly explains that while producing this film is a huge personal financial commitment, it is a tiny drop in the bucket for what most feature films cost to produce. “A half-million-dollar budget is still small in the film industry, but it is a great learning opportunity,” says Kelly. “To help support Atlanta, we have decided to use SAG-AFTRA actors.” SAG-AFTRA is a combination of two American labor unions: Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. Both were formed in the 1930s, with a history of fighting for and securing protections for media artists. Their members came together to form SAG-AFTRA to protect those rights and extend them into the 21st century, according to SAG-AFTRA Atlanta. Smaller films can still be mighty, and quite a few low budget films have been huge hits. Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Clerks, Eraserhead, Supersize Me, Open Water and Napoleon Dynamite all found big-screen success with very small budgets. “We have confidence in our project, and besides our industry contacts in the United States, Diego hopes for distribution in Spain, Colombia and other countries," she exclaims. "We are very excited about the possibilities!”
Tough Act to Follow Kelly continues her commitment to Words in Motion and has between 60 to 100 enrolled students at a time. During the pandemic, she has been teaching her students online. She also resumed filming the Kelly Talk Show in September of last year.
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She is very involved with her older children in helping them with their own career goals. Her oldest son, Payne, is taking music engineering classes online with the LA Film Academy. Her daughter, Darbi, is interested in learning special effects makeup and has had the opportunity to spend some time shadowing Greg Solomon on set as he does the effects work for Hunting Souls. Her youngest son, Bradly, has shown an interest in singing and acting. But Kelly understands her children’s desire to be in the performing arts is a personal one, and each is responsible for their own path. Kelly says she really doesn't have much time for hobbies – her greatest happiness during her free time is just being with her family. She confesses she isn't able to watch many movies for pleasure, but when she does, she enjoys movies with Robin Wright, Robert De Niro, Tom Hanks and Mary Stuart Masterson. “My dream would be to work with some of these people,” she shares. Although she would love to work with these superstars one day, Kelly's bravery, determination and perseverance to pursue her dreams during some of the most challenging circumstances proves she is already a superstar in her own right. WGW
To learn more about Kelly Young-Silva, Words in Motion or the Kelly Talk Show, call 678.787.5441. Follow them on Facebook @WordsinMotionAtlantaActingClasses and @kellytalkshow or visit them at www.wmatlantaactingclasses.com and www.kellytalkshow.com. 21
Girl Power!
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Tips for Empowering our Daughters By Sandra Bolan
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ossy. Brash. Aggressive. Abrasive. Bitchy. At one time or another in the life of a female who dares to speak up for herself, she will no doubt hear these adjectives, and much worse, used to describe her. In a world ruled by social media, it’s more important than ever that girls grow up mentally strong and self-confident. The sad truth is that many studies show that a girl’s self-esteem peaks at age 9. Why is self-esteem so important? It’s how we think of ourselves – positively and negatively – and it influences our attitudes and behaviors throughout our lives. It’s the difference between having a “can do” attitude and never trying anything new for fear of ridicule and failure. Low self-esteem is a common factor in teenagers – and adults – who experiment with alcohol, drugs and other self destructive behaviors. Having a strong sense of self worth is imperative to making smart choices.
Monkey See, Monkey Do Most every little girl wants to grow up to be just like her mother. How many times has your daughter dug into your closet and come out looking like a
mini version of you? That is why it’s important for women to show their daughters that they love and accept them for themselves. This means no negative talk about your own appearance or intelligence. You have to demonstrate your own self-love.
Allow Her to Take Risks No one wants their children to get hurt – physically or emotionally. But for girls to become strong, you have to let them take risks and step out of their comfort zones. For example, even if they’re not particularly athletic, let them try playing sports. They don’t always have to be the best. Just doing it is good enough. This also means letting her try a variety of things – anything and everything that sparks the tiniest bit of interest in her. It may take quite a few activities for her to find her passion, but along the way, she has stepped out of her comfort zone and learned she could do anything she tried – because she tried.
Let Her Make Decisions Allow your daughter to make her own choices, even if you know they could go horribly wrong, with
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She may be cute, but she's also strong.
the exception of her health and safety, of course. Allow her to pick her own clothes, hairstyle, books and music. You can have confidence in raising her, you instilled good values and morals, so there is a good chance she will find like-minded friends and choose appropriate actions.
Don't Solve Her Problems Parents often want to swoop in and fix their kids’ screw ups. Don’t. Children need to learn coping and problem-solving skills, and they can’t if a parent always runs behind them fixing everything. You can tell your daughter why you disagree with her choices and it may or may not sway her decision, but you can’t dictate her every decision. This also means you need to be prepared for some disagreements. She needs to feel she has the freedom to stand up and be heard, not only by her parents, but by teachers, classmates, friends, boyfriends and future employers.
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Mind Your Words
A parent is more likely to tell a child how disappointed they are versus how proud they are. The opposite should take place. It’s not always obvious to a child that a parent is proud. And expressing pride doesn’t always need to be about the big stuff like winning games, recitals or good grades. Voicing your pride in the small stuff, such as playing with a sibling or cleaning her room without being asked goes a long way. Praise reinforces a child’s behavior. Ridiculing or making a child feel ashamed for making a mistake should be avoided. When discipline or criticism is needed, it should be about the behavior, not the person. For example, don’t say, “How stupid are you to do this or that?” or, "What is wrong with you?" Words hurt, and studies have shown that children who are psychologically or emotionally abused can be just as damaged as children who are physically abused, and those emotional scars continue long into adulthood. "It is important to be aware of the example we set for our children," says Dr. Lisa Firestone, a clinical psychologist and author. "What we say to them, about them and about ourselves will have a profound influence on how they view themselves. The more attuned we are to ourselves, the better able we are to react sensitively to our children. The healthier we are emotionally, the less likely we are to project our own negative experiences and self-critical thoughts onto our kids." When we are open and honest with our daughters, when we allow them the freedom to make decisions and speak up for themselves while giving them the love, kindness and respect they deserve, they will be more resilient and can move independently and confidently into the world. WGW
CARROLLTON/BREMEN/WEDOWEE villa rica
What is a Colonoscopy? A colonoscopy is a medical procedure that examines the large bowel. A colonoscopy can be used to look for colon polyps or bowel cancer and to help diagnose several GI disorders. Is a Colonoscopy painful? No. Our highly skilled providers and staff ensure that the patient is as comfortable as possible during the entire procedure. Who is a candidate for a Colonoscopy? People over the age of 50, a family history of colon cancer or patients who are experiencing any of the following symptoms: Diarrhea, constipation, bleeding and incontinence. How do I fInd out more information regarding colon screenings and treatments for GI disorders? Call our office at 770.214.2800 Visit us online
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Daily Fare With
e s o R f e h C
Photos by Zachary Dailey
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Chef Rose Isaacs is a native of Carroll County and lives in Carrollton with her husband Shawn and their son, Sebastian. She graduated from West Georgia Technical College in 2013 with a degree in Culinary Arts. After graduation, she began her career as a chef at the Carrollton Kroger Marketplace where she works in the bistro.
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Surprise your Valentine with a unique and edible rose bouquet this year.
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Lasagna Roses Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine basil, ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, and 1-1/2 cup mozzarella cheese and stir until combined. 1 package cooked lasagna noodles Set aside. 1 pound ground beef Heat olive oil in a large skillet and cook ground beef 1 tablespoon olive oil with onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt and pep1 onion, diced per until thoroughly cooked through and onions are translucent. 2 tablespoons garlic, minced Add 16-ounces of tomato sauce to the meat mixture 1 cup grated parmesan cheese and mix. 1 teaspoon salt To assemble, lay out a cooked lasagna noodle and ½ teaspoon pepper spread 2 to 3 tablespoons of the cheese mixture 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning over one side of the pasta in a thick, even layer. Spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of meat and sauce mixture 24-ounce can tomato pasta sauce, divided on top of cheese mixture. 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil Roll noodle in a spiral and place in prepared muffin 16-ounce package ricotta cheese tin, spiral side up. 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided Repeat for remaining noodles. Brush remainder of tomato sauce over the tops of all the lasagna roses and sprinkle 1/2 cup parmesan Preparation cheese. Bake for 30 minutes or until golden and crispy. Preheat oven to 375° and spray a muffin pan with non-stick spray. Serves 4.
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White Chocolate Strawberry Mousse
Ingredients 1/2 cup white chocolate chips 1/2 cup whole milk 1 cup heavy whipping cream 3 tablespoons powdered sugar 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 3/4 cup chopped strawberries 2 tablespoons sugar 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Preparation Place chocolate in a medium bowl. Heat milk until steaming and pour over chocolate. Let sit for 1 to 2 minutes, then stir until completely smooth. Allow to cool completely. In another medium bowl, whip heavy cream, powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Gently fold into cooled chocolate mixture. Pour into 4 small ramekins or other small tumblers and chill overnight. In a small bowl, mix together strawberries, sugar and lemon juice. Let the mixture macerate in the refrigerator overnight. To serve, spoon a small amount of the strawberry mixture over the mousse and garnish with a fresh strawberry, mint or shaved white chocolate curls. Serves 6. WGW
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Try changing up the fruit with raspberries, blueberries or even peaches.
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Womentality
Inspiring quotes by extraordinary women “We are weaned from our timidity, In the flush of love's light we dare be brave, And suddenly we see, that love costs all we are and will ever be. Yet it is only love which sets us free.” – Maya Angelou
“Love yourself enough to set boundaries. Your time and energy are precious. You get to choose how you use it. You teach people how to treat you by deciding what you will and won’t accept.” – Anna Taylor
“If you can learn to love yourself and all the flaws, you can love other people so much better. And that makes you so happy.” – Kristin Chenoweth
“Love’s greatest gift is its ability to make everything it touches sacred.” – Barbara de Angelis
“Don’t rely on someone else for your happiness and self-worth. Only you can be responsible for that. If you can’t love and respect yourself – no one else will be able to make that happen. Accept who you are – completely; the good and the bad – and make changes as YOU see fit – not because you think someone – Stacey Charter else wants you to be different.” 29
Bringing Back Family Dinners
By Sandra Bolan
R
olling through the drive-thru and eating in the car while you take one child to this activity and the other across town to some other group is what now constitutes the family meal. If you’re not eating in the car, then you’re likely standing over the kitchen sink, in front of the TV or computer not really paying attention to what you’re shoving in your mouth because you’re either doing it as fast as you can or focusing on something else. It’s time to bring back the family dinner. How many of you remember family dinners, likely on Sundays, where you all sat around the dinner table laughing and listening to stories about when your parents were kids, or telling everyone about the science experiment at school that went horribly
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wrong. You probably don't remember what you ate, but you likely can easily recall the feeling of family and togetherness. So why not continue that tradition with your own family? It doesn’t have to be an elaborate Sunday night feast. It can be as simple as a Taco Tuesday or Friday night pizza. The point is that you’re sitting down at the table, eating together.
But Everyone is Too Busy Between work, your kids’ extracurricular activities and homework, finding a time when you can all
be together is tough. When scheduling activities, consider taking one night off from going here, there and everywhere. If that can’t happen, then pick a night when everyone eats together after you’re all home from the extracurriculars. “Families that sit down together for dinner have a greater likelihood of being more involved with their children,” according to Dr. Beth Le Poire. Teens who eat with their families at least five times a week are less likely to do drugs, drink alcohol and smoke, according to a decade-long study by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse. The study also found kids are more confident, less stressed and have good grades. They also tend to be more inclined to confide in their parents. Another benefit of sitting down together for a family dinner is you’ll eat more healthy meals versus salt and sugar-laden fast food.
LEAVE A LASTING LEGACY
No Distractions Family dinners provide an opportunity to turn off the television, put the phone away and focus on the real-life people around you. Once everyone is at the table, they remain there until mealtime is complete. Don’t let your kids leave the table throughout dinner, unless it’s a must-do situation.
Get Kids Involved Getting an entire family to eat the same meal at the same time may have never actually occurred for your family because there’s one vegan, a carnivore, someone is on a juice cleanse and another who will only eat yellow foods – this week. When it comes to the family dinner menu, get everyone involved – from planning to shopping to cooking. In prepping, younger children
222 Cross Plains Road, Carrollton, GA 30116 770.834.6651 • www.oakmountain.us can mash potatoes, toss salads or sprinkle on the seasonings. The older kids can do some cooking and set the table. You can also let children have a turn at picking their favorite meal for the family dinner. Allowing children to contribute to the preparation of a meal gives them a sense of accomplishment and pride. Family Allowing children to contribute to the preparation of a meal dinners are meant to gives them a sense of not be a tortuous accomplishment and pride. event but a time to sit down and actually talk to each other. Who knows, you may find out you have more in common than you thought. WGW
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Home Heart IS WHERE THE
IS
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Fun Ways to Celebrate Valentine's Day at Home By Sandra Bolan
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alentine’s Day is perhaps the most stressful day on the calendar, eclipsing that big number birthday and Christmas. Roughly 9 million people expect a proposal and 53 percent of women claim they would dump their significant other if he forgets February 14. Some people like the traditional gifts – jewelry, chocolate, flowers and a fancy dinner out. But this year, many people will be staying home amid the still lingering coronavirus pandemic. Why not think outside the box?
Fanciful Feasts Dinner out may be the one thing you switch up this year. No one needs to contract COVID-19 to make the day memorable. Instead, grab takeout from your favorite restaurant and serve it on a candle-lit dining room table. Surprise your significant other with breakfast in bed or take a Zoom cooking class so you can prepare your partner’s favorite dish. Food and wine tasting tours are great, so why not do one at home? The dishes can be from a variety of ethnic eateries – so you can also travel the world, culinary style. Or, you can do a tasting with chocolates and cheeses. If your dream vacation was cancelled last year, have a destination date night at home. If you were headed to Paris or New York City for example, decorate a room in your home to look like a Parisian bistro or a hip New York neighborhood, then serve up local specialties. End the night with movies about, or set in, your destination.
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have to do is pick the photos, ticket stubs and other pieces of memorabilia, scan and drop on the pages. A lovely scrapbook with pages full of your memories as a couple will last long after the flowers have faded.
Have a Movie Marathon
Valentine's Day is on a Sunday this year, so this is a great time to plan an all-day movie marathon. Make a Memory Jar Build a fire, put on your coziest pajamas, make some Take small strips of paper and write down several delicious snacks and just veg-out while watching your tender moments and wonderful memories the two of favorite movies or television series together. you have had together as a couple. You don't have to be sappy and serious for all of Forget About it them. Write down funny or embarrassing things that have happened that only the two of you know about. Perhaps the most unique way to celebrate Once you've finished writing down your memories, Valentine’s Day is by ignoring it. place the strips in a jar, mix them up and take turns If you want to buy your partner flowers, do it reading them out loud to each other. You may be whenever the idea strikes you – even if it’s July 12. surprised when you learn which ones stand out the Same with chocolate and everything else people most for each of you. give each other on February 14. Small gestures all year long go a lot further than maxing out the credit card on something you feel Create a Scrapbook Together you need to buy or do just because every other Even if you’re not the scrapbooking type, you can couple is doing it. Remember that your love is not make one that looks amazing, thanks to websites measured in dollars – what matters most is having a like Shutterfly. They provide the layout, and all you happy, healthy and loving relationship. WGW
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Cutest Couple in West Georgia ay D s ’ e n i t n e l Va test! n o C o t o h P
Cutest Co a FREE uple Wins Co Photo uples Shoot!
Enter to win or vote for your favorite couple on Facebook @WestGaWoman
Winning co uple photo w ill included in a future is be sue of West Georg ia Woman Magazine!
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Photo by Zachary Dailey
t s e t u C s ' 2020 Couple! Christy and Sammon f r Tom Carrollton, om Ga. 34
Dealing with Coronavirus Anxiety By Sandra Bolan
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Get the Facts Facebook is not the place to get your COVID-19 facts. Instead, seek out reputable news sources. At the same time, don’t watch or read the news 24/7. Take breaks from any and all news coverage. Go for a walk, read a book – do something that gives you an escape. When you feel like everything is spiralling out of control, it’s important to find things you can manage, such as task-based activities like making the bed, doing the laundry or learning another skill or hobby.
o matter where you go, what you watch on TV, or who you talk to, there is no escaping a discussion about COVID-19. Almost a year has gone by, during which our lives have been turned upside down. For some, the damage is beyond salvageable – no job, no home, no hope. Anxiety levels are an at all-time high. Anxiety is a normal response to stressful situations. It typically causes difficulty in concentrating, irritability, anger or trouble sleeping. We all react to stressful situations differently, and that reaction depends on a number of factors: your background, support system, financial situation and your physical and mental health. A Kaiser Family Foundation survey revealed 53 percent of people they surveyed said pandemicrelated stress and worry has negatively impacted their lives. Depending on how you’re coping, you will either come through this relatively unscathed and with some new skills under your belt (hello Zoom school), or it may lead you into a spiral of sleep deprivation, inability to focus, poor mental and physical health as well as potential alcohol and drug abuse.
Exercise, eat healthy foods, spend some time outdoors and get enough sleep. Practice gratitude. Be grateful for what you do have. Try to be solutions-based. Channel your anxiety into something beneficial such as picking up groceries for neighbors, video chatting with the socially isolated or volunteering with an organization that helps those who are severely affected by the pandemic.
Minimize Stress
Seek Professional Help
The first thing you need to do is understand you can only control your own actions and reactions. You can’t force others to wear masks nor can you control large-scale gatherings or anything else that people do that goes against what most health experts advise. But you can control your reaction – let them do as they wish, and you do what you feel is best for you. No debates, no verbal altercations – just live and let live. Keep as many routines intact as possible. If working out is your stress release and you don’t want to return to the gym, workout at home. Continue doing the activities that remind you that your life is still going on in spite of the difficulties you're facing.
Anxiety is the most common mental health illness in the United States, with 40 million adults over the age of 18 suffering from it, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. If you are having difficulty coping with your anxiety, talk to a mental health professional who can help you create a plan to help manage your feelings. Feeling anxious and seeking out the assistance of a mental health professional is nothing to be ashamed of. We’re all suffering in one way or another. It’s important to acknowledge your emotions, understand them and reframe your mindset so you don’t dwell on the issues you find so distressing. Take comfort in knowing the pandemic will, one day, be a thing of the past. WGW
Self Care
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COVID-19 and
Your Heart Examining the Long-term Effects of the Coronavirus 36 By Sandra Bolan
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he general effects of COVID-19 are well documented – fatigue, shortness of breath, muscle pain and confusion. But, as more people recover from the infection, some are also showing signs of heart ailments – even if they’ve never had heart problems before.
Post-COVID Symptoms Some of the heart-related post-COVID symptoms can include increase in extreme shortness of breath with exertion, chest pain, ankle swelling and heart palpitations/irregular heartbeat. Some people can’t even lie down without experiencing shortness of breath. Others wake up in the middle of the night with shortness of breath. There can also be lightheadedness and dizziness, according to the American Heart Association. These symptoms have been discovered months after a person has recovered from COVID-19, but also in people who were asymptomatic. There are a few reasons, known to date, that can affect heart function in recovered patients. The first is systemic inflammatory response to the actual infection. Second, there was a direct viral infection to the heart, according to the Mayo Clinic. When the heart is directly affected by COVID-19, it can result in myocarditis, which is inflammation of the heart muscle. Some acute cases resolve on their own, while steroids and immunoglobulins have helped other patients. However, for some, myocarditis can lead to abnormal heart rhythms, chronic failure and a suddenly overly aggressive immune response, according to Scientific American.
Other Long-term Side Effects • Cardiomyopathy. This causes the heart to become enlarged. • Pericarditis. Swelling and irritation of the thin membrane surrounding the heart. • Tachycardia. Rapid heartbeat and palpitations. For some patients, they didn’t know of any preexisting heart conditions until they contracted the virus. People with no underlying heart issues have
subsequently been diagnosed with fulminant inflammation of the heart muscle, which can lead to heart rhythm disruptions and cardiac muscle damage. Another long-term effect uncovered involves blood clotting. Inflammation plays an important role in the body’s defense of an infection. However, fever and inflammation render the blood more susceptible to clotting, while simultaneously interfering with the body’s ability to dissolve clots. For previously healthy athletes, as well as very active people or weekend warriors who contracted the virus, it can be dangerous for them to return to their activities for anywhere between three and six months due to the risk of sudden death. As the virus continually evolves, so do the resulting effects on its survivors. And more studies are required to fully understand COVID-19's effects on the heart. Not everyone will experience lasting heart issues, but it's worth speaking to your primary care doctor if you have any questions or concerns. WGW
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Local Happenings
Due to our country's current health situation, please call or email the organizations included in our local events section to inquire about in-person meetings.
West Georgia Mental Health Professionals Wellness Meetup Group
This group meets the last Saturday of every month in Douglasville or Austell. For more information, contact Cheryl at theheartmatters@gmail.com or 678.754.5840. Learn more at www.heartmatterswellness.com.
Hope For The Journey This group meets the third Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the board room at the Tracy Stallings Community Center at 118 South White St. in Carrollton. These events are free to breast cancer survivors or those currently battling breast cancer. Learn more at www.hopeforthejourneywestga.org, email execdirector@hopeforthejourneywestga.org or call 770.214.1491.
Rare Pearls Mentoring and Leadership Program Rare Pearls mission is to enrich and empower the
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lives of young girls and women. This group meets the third Saturday of each month at Heritage Baptist Church in Douglasville, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. This program is open to all girls ages 7 to 17. For more information, call 770.947.8210, email rarepearls2015@gmail.com or visit the website at www.rarepearlsmentoringandleadership.org.
Nursing From The Heart Breastfeeding Support Group This group meets the third Monday of each month from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at 500 Old Bremen Road in Carrollton. These events are free to pregnant women and moms looking for breastfeeding support. Free weight checks for your baby will be available. Come and share your breastfeeding journey with us. Please check our website for meeting and event updates at www.nursingfromtheheart.com.
Gertrude's House Breast Cancer Support Group This group meets the third Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at Lithia Springs Family Chiropractic
at 1758 Lee Rd. in Lithia Springs. This group is open to all survivors, caregivers, supporters, friends, family and those fighting breast cancer. Visit their Facebook page @GertrudesHouse or email them at GertrudesHouse@yahoo.com.
Domestic Abuse Support Group There is Hope is a support group for women dealing with, or who have dealt with, domestic abuse. Through There is Hope, women will come together and share their personal journey, while listening to others share theirs as well. There will be guidance for help and resources available at each meeting. Meetings are free to the public. Group meetings are held at Tanner on Robinson, 115 Robinson Ave, Carrollton, Ga. every Thursday at 5:30 p.m. Contact hopefulone807@gmail.com for more information.
Survivors of Suicide Loss Support Groups Has your life been impacted by the loss of a friend or loved one to suicide? You are not alone. These groups offer peer support for anyone who has been affected by suicide loss. There is no cost to attend. Group meetings in Carrollton are the first and third Tuesday of each month from 7 to 9 p.m. at 306A Bradley Street. For more information, contact Ivey Rollins at iveyrollins@gmail.com or call 470.729.0909. Group meetings in Douglasville are the second Tuesday of each month from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church at 6167 Priestley Mill Rd., Room 226. For more information contact Terri Johnson at chose2live@aol.com or 770.765.2181.
Georgia PSC Approves Measures to Promote Broadband Investment Efforts to provide broadband in unserved areas of Georgia took another step forward following a Public Service Commission (PSC) decision that determines the fee paid by cable companies to attach wires and cable to electric membership cooperative (EMC) utility poles. During an administrative session Tuesday,
December 15, the Commission unanimously approved a motion requiring EMCs to lower the pole attachment rate for new attachments in areas of the state that are unserved by broadband to $1, per pole, per year, for six years. This financial incentive, called the One Buck Deal, will be given to any qualified broadband provider that will agree to deliver new high-speed internet service in an area that is determined to be “unserved” by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) Broadband Initiative Maps. The Commission also established a cost-based pole attachment rate in areas of the state that already have broadband service and for existing attachments in unserved areas. The Commission voted to support reasonable terms and conditions to attach to these poles along with enhancements to require faster repair of safety violations. Together, these measures will spur the expansion of broadband into rural areas through economic efficiency, certainty, and increased safety and reliability of attachments on EMC poles. “This decision by the PSC creates a pathway for cable companies, or any broadband provider, to actually expand their infrastructure and serve those unserved areas,” said Tim Martin, CEO of Carroll EMC. “It is important to note that pole attachment rates have historically been a business-to-business, negotiated agreement between a not-for-profit EMC and other privately-owned utilities. EMCs do not make profits from these attachments. They are a pass-thru cost based on real and substantial costs incurred by EMCs and their Members to own, maintain and accommodate third-party attachments on EMC poles.” To monitor the deployment progress, the PSC decision also requires EMCs to report the total number of attachments in served and unserved areas to the Commission every two years. Long before introducing the One Buck Deal, EMCs were pursuing solutions to help expand broadband to unserved homes and businesses. Systems in northern Georgia like Blue Ridge and Jasper, in southern areas like Sumter, or western areas like Heard and Carroll counties are developing EMC partnerships to expand broadband to rural Georgians. In June of 2020, Carroll EMC celebrated the announcement of a $20 million broadband project that is the result of an agreement between the cooperative and local broadband provider, SyncGlobal Telecom. The project, which was the result of a $12.5 million USDA ReConnect grant and matching funds provided by Carroll EMC and SyncGlobal Telecom, will serve more than 7,300 residents in previously unserved areas in West Georgia.
Carroll EMC is a Member-owned cooperative providing electricity to approximately 50,000 homes and businesses. The co-op serves Members in Carroll, Haralson, Heard, Paulding, Polk, Floyd and Troup counties. This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer. For more information visit the cooperative’s website at carrollemc.com or follow Carroll EMC on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest, Instagram and LinkedIn. Carroll EMC: Community Built. Community Builder.
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Fight
the Fat!
How to Lose Weight During Menopause 40Sandra Bolan By
Y
ou’re sweating, despite it being 20 degrees outside. You can’t sleep, and your bed sheets are soaking wet thanks to night sweats. Sex drive – what’s that? Cheery people really irk you, and your face is covered in acne, while a bunch of random hairs have sprouted on your chin overnight. To top it all off, you’ve realized the middle-age spread is not an old wives’ tale. It’s real. Welcome to menopause. Did you know women will spend roughly one-third of their lives in the throes of menopause, followed by post-menopause? That’s a lot of sleepless nights, sweaty armpits and times you have to lie down on the bed to zip up your jeans.
The Middle-age Spread No matter how healthy you think you are, you’re going to start gaining weight in the abdomen, thighs and hips thanks to hormone fluctuations. Your estrogen will be too high or too low. Either way, it results in fat storage. Without making any lifestyle changes, most menopausal women gain two to five pounds during “the change.”
Those few pounds don’t sound like much, but depending on your lifestyle, the amount of weight gained could lead to much bigger problems, including an increased risk of respiratory ailments, having a heart attack or stroke, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. The first thought when you start gaining weight, is to cut back on the calories and hit the gym harder. Sadly, for menopausal women, that’s only a shortterm solution that may result in long-term yo-yo dieting. Cutting calories also exacerbates muscle loss, which is what you don’t want to do because muscle burns more calories than fat when at rest. There are some popular diets that have proven to be helpful in slowing down weight gain and muscle loss. As with all restrictive diets, consult your primary care physician first, especially if you have medical conditions.
Keto (Ketogenic) Diet This is a low-carb, moderate-protein, high-fat diet that can help a person burn fat more efficiently. The reduction in carbs such as bread, pasta and potatoes puts the body into a state of ketosis,
February Is Heart Health Awareness Month Women Experience Almost Half Of All Heart Attack Deaths Know the symptoms and don’t wait to call 911 Shortness of breath Cold Sweats Lightheadedness Nausea, sweating, weakness or unexplained fatigue Chest discomfort – including pressure, pain, squeezing or fullness in the center of the chest lasting more than a few minutes Discomfort in the jaw, neck, back, stomach or one or both arms
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which is when your body doesn’t have enough carbs to burn for energy, so it burns fat instead.
Paleo (Paleolithic) Diet Also known as the hunter/gatherer’s diet, a paleo diet typically consists of lean meats, fish, fruit, nuts/seeds and veggies – everything you can find in the wild. There is no calorie counting. Some studies have shown people who follow a paleo lifestyle lose more belly fat than those on a calorie-restrictive diet.
Mediterranean Diet Many people with coronary issues are put on a Mediterranean diet as it has been shown to reduce cardiovascular disease risk factors. Foods you can eat are vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, nuts/seeds and olive oil. Dairy can also be consumed, but in moderation, while red meat is limited. All of these diets also don’t allow processed foods, sugar and soft drinks. Added sugars, which are contained in all processed foods, account for almost 300 calories a day in the average American diet, according to the Mayo Clinic.
An Alternative Plan If a strict meal plan is not for you but you’re willing to tweak your diet, consider these changes: • No added sugar and no processed foods. • Eat lots of protein. Protein keeps you full longer than carbs, it increases your metabolic rate (calories burned while at rest) and reduces muscles loss. • Dairy products. Dairy has also been shown to help lose fat and maintain muscle mass. • Consume more fiber. Fiber increases insulin
There's no getting around it. You have to exercise if you want to lose weight. sensitivity, reduces appetite – because you feel full – and it can aid in weight loss. • If you’re a tea drinker, try green tea. Its caffeine and EGCG (Epigallocatechin Gallate) may also help you burn fat.
Work Out There is no getting around it. You have to exercise. The two best workouts for menopausal women are resistance training and HiiT (high intensity interval, training). You need to do 75 minutes a week of vigorous training and strength train at least twice a week. Not only will you increase your metabolism and define those hidden muscles with strength and resistance training, you will also strengthen your bones, which is important as women get older and the risk for osteoporosis goes up.
Medication If you are on any medications for menopause, check their side effects. Some drugs designed to treat the symptoms of menopause may actually contribute to weight gain. While the middle-age spread and all the fun stuff that comes along with menopause may seem inevitable, you don’t have to accept it. There are many ways to combat weight gain so you can feel and look like your 40-year-old self again. WGW
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Kids Korner
By Jordan Coffman Photos by Zachary Dailey
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alentine's Day allows us to stop for a moment and focus our attention on the people we love the most. Spend some quality, one-on-one time with the little ones who are dear to your heart while making these quick and easy Valentine's Day crafts. Once the crafts are complete, give them to someone you all love!
Materials
Love Bug
1 paper towel tube Pink and red construction paper Googly eyes Small red pompom
Instructions
3 gold and 2 red pipe stems
Cut enough pink construction paper to wrap around the paper towel tube. Using the school glue stick, glue the construction paper to the tube. Cut two strips of red construction paper – long enough to wrap around the tube. Using the school glue stick, glue in place about two-inches from the top and bottom of the tube. Cut out two small wings from the red construction paper and glue to the back of the tube. Using the hot glue gun, glue googly eyes and pompom for the eyes and nose. Draw a mouth with the permanent marker. Cut the gold pipe stems in half and hot glue three halves on both sides of the tube for legs. Hot glue the two red pipe stems to the inside of the front of the tube for the antennae, and twist ends into desired shape.
Black permanent marker School glue stick Hot glue gun and glue sticks
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Heart Wreath
Materials
Red, pink and purple construction paper Scissors Stapler
Instructions Holding the construction paper horizontally, cut long, vertical strips of each color. Fold the strips into heart shapes and staple them into place. Staple the bottom of the small hearts to the tops of the small hearts to create a large heart-shaped wreath. To create the heart wreath in the photo, you need 22 small hearts. WGW
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