Not sure where to start with that holiday shopping list? You’ve come to the right place!
Our annual Holiday Gift Guide is an overview of unique gift ideas, all found in local stores.
So you’ll not only feel good about what’s under the tree, but you’ll also know your purchase helped support the local economy.
Photos by Ashlee Glenn
I personally believe that if we think of our founding fathers, obviously George Washington would be on the highest pedestal—but I firmly believe that if, given the opportunity, he would reach down, take Patrick Henry’s hand, and pull him up on that same pedestal. I really do,” said Patrick Henry Jolly, the fifth-great grandson of Virginia statesman and revolutionary, Patrick Henry.
Patrick Henry’s home, Red Hill, sprawls over 1,000 acres, straddling Charlotte and Campbell counties. From the house at the top of a hill, one can see down over the fields to where the Staunton River flows. The land is owned by the Patrick Henry Memorial Foundation, which works to preserve Henry’s third and final Virginia home and keep the legacy of Red Hill alive.
The Revolutionary orator, lawyer, and politician from Virginia became most famous for his “Liberty or Death” speech, uttering seven words that remain on the tongues of almost every United States citizen today. While other figures like Thomas Jefferson and George Washington might be more prominent in the public mind, Patrick Henry was also a founding father.
Many visitors to Red Hill might have met or seen Jolly giving a tour, or reciting Henry’s most famous speech at the organization’s annual July 4 event. For 35 years now, Henry’s fifth great-grandson has been working with Red Hill and helping to educate others about his forefather, the place he lived, and the people who lived there with him.
Growing up, Jolly always knew he was descended from Patrick Henry through his mother. They even had a family heirloom: the now-famous ivory letter opener Henry held when he made that famous speech and, in the spirit of the Roman senator Cato, declared: “Give me liberty, or give me death!”
“I’ve heard people say it has more significance to the American Revolution than the Liberty Bell,” Jolly said of the letter opener. To him as a child, he said it just looked like “an ivory popsicle stick.”
Jolly always felt proud seeing Henry’s portrait in school history books, and hearing his name mentioned—but not until his late 20’s did he really start learning about his forefather.
“It was in the late 1980s that I was asked, in Ohio, to do a talk about Patrick Henry for a DAR group,” Jolly said. “I agreed, and as I began to prepare, I realized I didn’t know that much, which is a little bit embarrassing.”
Jolly first visited Red Hill as a high school senior with his mother, and he instantly fell in love with the place. It was as though something in him remembered it.
More visits to Red Hill followed over the ensuing years, and by the late 1990s, Jolly was more involved with Red Hill as an organization. He played the violin, taking up the instrument Henry played; he met with school groups and led tours whenever he was in town; and finally, he started dressing in period costume to read Henry’s “Give me liberty, or give me death” speech on Independence Day.
The original property was comprised of 3,000 acres, said Hope Marstin, executive director of Red Hill. It was always in the hands of descendants, up until 1944, when one of Henry’s great granddaughters died and Red Hill was not passed on. Concerned citizens banded together to save it, since Patrick Henry himself was buried there. Thus, the foundation was born.
“It started out, the place was kind of in ruins when his great-granddaughter died, and the Foundation formed to save it, and just started restoring and preserving everything slowly until [we got] where we are now,” Marstin said.
Over the last few years with renewed vigor, Red Hill continued its mission to restore humanity to the enslaved people who also called Red Hill home—67 of them who are known.
Jolly and Red Hill have been actively working to tell an honest and complete history of the estate and Patrick Henry.
“I just think Red Hill… they’re committed to telling the complete, truthful story of Red Hill, and slavery is part of that story. This is Patrick Henry’s Red Hill, and Patrick Henry’s Red Hill included 67 enslaved individuals,” Jolly said.
When asked what his favorite part of Red Hill is, Jolly will say it’s the house, and its stunning views down to the river. The most special place, however, is another question altogether and, for him, the most special place at Red Hill is the Quarter Place cemetery.
One day in 2019, Jolly wrote down all the names of enslaved people recorded in an inventory of Henry’s possessions—listed along with articles of furniture, instruments, and other items—walked down to the Quarter Place cemetery alone, and read each name aloud among the 147 total graves. Not all those buried there are known.
Jesse. John. Peg. Critty, who is believed to have been the cook. Maria, Eliza, Violet. Bob and Peter; Polly and Betty. The list goes on. To this day, Jolly reads the names off as he leads lantern tours down to the Quarter Place cemetery.
“To me, these people need to be celebrated,” Jolly said. “Patrick Henry wrestled with the concept of slavery, as many founders may have. He knew that it was wrong, but at the end of the day, he was a slave owner. He owned other human beings, 67 of them here at Red Hill… what I can do, personally and as part of Red Hill, is to celebrate their lives. To honor their lives.”
Multiple descendants have been identified through the genealogical research conducted at Red Hill, Marstin said, both out of state and “around the corner.” Red Hill recently had its third annual event honoring and remembering the enslaved people who lived at and operated Red Hill, and descendants were invited.
“We had always—well, for decades—done genealogy on Patrick Henry’s descendants, but now, working the other side of it with the enslaved descendants, it’s a nice way to bring those two groups together, to just talk about the past, and make that connection,” Marstin said.
Red Hill’s top priority is education, Marstin said, and this includes working in and with schools around the area, especially elementary grade classes.
Three of Jolly’s main takeaways he hopes to impart on visitors are the character of Patrick Henry; his significance to history and legacy in the modern day; and the beauty of Red Hill as a home and land.
“One takeaway would be Patrick Henry’s character, and his modesty. Another one would be his importance, not only in Virginia history, but in American history,” Jolly said.
The property of Red Hill—the final home of the three Henry owned over the course of his life with the other two, Pine Slash and Scotchtown, located in Hanover County—is also special. Its rolling fields, wooded areas, stretch of river, and cemeteries all contribute to a serene home. The house itself is modest, not a Monticello or Mount Vernon mansion, Jolly said. That is fitting, he said, because that was Patrick Henry.
“When he called this one of the ‘garden spots of the world,’ it still is,” Jolly said.
Photos by Ashlee Glen
Approaching Edloe Glades is a transportation back in time.
Your feet pad softly along the grass while Antebellum-era boxwoods on either side guide your journey—their scent bringing to mind long, leisurely summers in a pre-war South. As the intricate gardens usher you along, you get your first glimpse of the 19th-century Federal-style home. Lace-like cast iron railings direct your gaze upward to the second-story entrance, an imperial staircase leading the way.
The entrance is where the historical accuracy ends, however. A keen eye will notice variations in the brick along the front facade, the first indication that the historic manor home has had a journey of its own.
“The house has burned twice,” explained Chloe Cubbage, owner of Edloe Glades along with her husband Doug. “It was fully rebuilt by the Earley family in the 1950s.”
The center footprint is original to the home; it’s one room deep and faces directly north and south so the winds cool the home in the summer and the sun warms in the winter. But after enduring the two fires, little remains beyond that of the original home. Expansions and extensions were made when the Earleys took ownership, including additional wings off the east and west side of the home, rounding out the square footage of the four-bedroom, five-bath home to just over 4,500 square feet.
Walking through the front door, sweeping 11-foot ceilings, built-up crown molding, and lavish floral wallpaper greet you to your left. The home has an impressive eight fireplaces, six of which—including the fireplace in the front room—feature ornamental mantles of imported marble from New Orleans. A gilded mirror is anchored atop the mantle.
“We literally wrote the mirror into the contract,” Chloe said, describing the process of buying the 1826 home back in 2020. “Lillian Earley owned this home before us and she was an eclectic collector. She brought so many beautiful pieces from the French Quarter [in New Orleans].”
In the front living room alone, evidence of Earley’s varying tastes can be found in every corner, from the cornice window surrounds that she sourced from a French chateau to the hand-painted grand piano, another piece Chloe ensured stayed with the home.
“The Earley family owned a cotton farm in Arizona, which is where they would spend their winters,” Chloe said. “Lillian would arrive here in March for Easter and leave right after Thanksgiving.”
There are marked similarities between the Earleys and the Cubbages, almost as if Edloe Glades itself has a type. Just as the Earleys only spent half of their year at Edloe Glades, the Cubbages also split their time.
“This was a pandemic purchase,” Chloe explained, as they purchased the home in 2020 just as the COVID pandemic took hold. “At the time, Doug worked for the Virginia DOT. We were living in Richmond and, once the pandemic hit, they transitioned their office to partially remote. Doug had lived in Lynchburg once upon a time and was always traveling outside of the city to be in the mountains so we thought, ‘why not find a house there?’ Doug wanted outdoor space, I wanted a space for a horse. When we found this place, we knew it was the one.”
Chloe resides at Edloe Glades almost full time, with Doug still shuffling in between the Amherst county home and their Richmond home. Eventually, the two will remain at Edloe Glades full time.
Chloe isn’t your typical Southern estate owner, just as Lillian Earley didn’t seem to be. A North Carolina native, Chloe’s days are full, spiriting from one task to another, sleeves rolled up and farm shoes on. An avid thrifter and collector, Chloe has furnished the entire home from Facebook Marketplace and thrift store finds—the entire decor budget totalling just $10,000. When she’s not decorating her home or the home of clients via her interior design business, Hive Interiors, she’s tending to the myriad animals they have on the property. Guineas, goats, ducks, chickens, pigs, rabbits, birds, cows, horses, and one sassy llama pepper the 16-acre property. The Cubbages started taking in animals in 2021 when neighboring farms and animal owners had animals they could no longer care for or were too old to be productive on a working farm. In 2022, Liberty Meadows Farm Sanctuary officially became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. They work with animal controls around Virginia and take in owner-surrenders.
Chloe’s interior design aesthetic reflects her personality—passionately curious, creative, and whimsical with a down-to-earth air that invites anyone and everyone (four-legged friends included) in.
“I knew I wanted to play in each space and I actively tried to make things look different than what you would see in a beige catalog page,” she said. “This house has given me so much flexibility to play. The downstairs and the library are much more my natural aesthetic—plaid, velvet, deep greens, rich wood.”
The house is still in flux, the Cubbages taking their time to meticulously work their way through renovations and interior upgrades. Chloe attributes the house’s own impermanence—its two fires and subsequent renovations—to the flexibility she’s had in designing a space she and Doug will love for years to come.
“We don’t want to add chic modern finishes,” said Chloe. “Part of that means living in flux with terrible carpet or not having the budget to finish the stairs just yet.”
The work the Cubbages are doing—creating an animal sanctuary, designing a space that welcomes everyone, and forging their own aesthetic path in a pre-war plantation home—is a reminder that change can be beautiful and that writing a new story within a well-loved and -lived in space is perhaps what the future of a historic home is all about.
Photos by Ashlee Glen
Everyone knows the “Happy Birthday” song played at parties and sung right before the birthday boy or girl blows out the candles on the cake. Lynchburg local Jamie Trent transforms the idea of the classic birthday song when he creates a new song for his daughter’s birthday every year.
Since she turned one, Kardigan’s father has written her a song and played it over a slideshow of photos for her birthday. The songs feature lyrics about her and her life. Trent’s wife came up with the idea and suggested it to Trent as an original way to capture memories.
Trent has been a musician his whole life. His father and other relatives sang at church, he played in high school bands, and he even performed as a way to help pay his way through college after he served in the military.
About ten years ago, Trent took his music in a new direction—one of healing. He started volunteering with SongwritingWith:Soldiers, a nonprofit that connects veterans and songwriters, where he would partner with wounded veterans and those who suffered from PTSD to write songs as a way to process their experiences.
“Music is such a powerful tool. You don’t have to be famous or make money from it,” Trent said. “It grips at those emotional heart strings, whether it’s a happy song or a sad song. It can take you places you never thought you could go.”
After finishing eight songs for Kardigan, Trent has a process laid out. He jots down notes throughout the year on everything from milestones to little moments in Kardigan’s life. When he sees something that catches his eye, he might snap a picture of it to put in the slideshow that accompanies the song.
By the time her next birthday rolls around, he has about 50 ideas. However, he condenses them into a single song, often cutting 90 percent of the list.
“As she gets older, it’s becoming more demanding. She’s expecting these songs now,” Trent said. “She’s very in tune with it. In a couple months, she’ll start saying, ‘Dad, what’s up with my song? You started taking any pictures, you got any ideas, what’s the title gonna be?’”
For the past few years, Trent has collaborated with Arlis Albritton, a professional songwriter based in Nashville. Together, they keep the songs fresh and stop them from being redundant.
To kick off the songwriting process, he tends to start with a title or bigger picture of what he wants the song to look like.
“I’m a very good title and idea guy. [Albritton is] a very good rhythm and chorus guy,” Trent said. “I start with the idea, then bring the music in afterwards. You know what—I say that now, but it could be the exact opposite the next time. I don’t fight it. It’s whatever comes naturally.”
Though he originally had other artists sing the first few songs, Trent now sings all the songs he writes for Kardigan.
Through trial and error, Trent has discovered what type of songs his daughter likes the most. He avoids writing sappy ballads, since Kardigan better appreciates a fun, upbeat song where the chorus is something the listener can sing along to. He describes most of the songs as upbeat with a country flair.
According to Trent, music “puts a sparkle” in his daughter’s eyes.
It’s hard for Trent to pick a favorite song. Each song is better than the last, because as Kardigan grows, so do the songs.
Due to the emotion behind it, Year to Remember was one of the most rewarding songs for Trent to write. Trent wrote it during the lockdowns of 2020. That year, he and his family grew closer together and realized they didn’t need the outside world as much as they needed each other.
One of the lyrics Trent is most proud of writing is one that references when Kardigan hit the head pastor at their church with a water balloon. Though it happened years ago, Kardigan still remembers the lyric and what happened.
“It’s moments like that when it’s like, man, she is gonna remember these songs,” Trent said. “At nine years old, she’s thinking back to five years old about [that verse] in the song. I feel like [they resonate] with her, and that’s the goal.”
At the heart of it all, Trent wants to show his daughter how much he and his wife love her.
“I want her to know how deeply we love her.
She’s adopted, so … I would never want her to think that she isn’t massively loved … that she wasn’t loved to the moon and back. That’s first and foremost,” he said.
Trent hopes that other parents find their own way to capture life’s special moments, whether it
be through songs, scrapbooking, or eating together at the dinner table. To put it in perspective,
Trent references Kenny Chesney’s song Don’t Blink because he knows others don’t want to blink and miss out on life’s special moments.
“We only have so many Sundays, so many weeks left in our kids’ lives until they’re out the door,” Trent said. “That time is precious, and these songs are a constant reminder of that for me.”
What does it mean to give back? For some, giving back means supporting one of the hundreds of nonprofits and faith organizations in our area who are the boots on the ground, serving our community day after day. For others, giving back means rolling up their sleeves and doing the work themselves. Each year, we have the privilege of honoring the latter—the businesses making a big impact outside of their day-to-day responsibilities and giving back to our community in tangible and sometimes unexpected ways.
Dawson Ford Garbee & Co., Realtors®
Founded: 1905
Number of Employees: 40
How has your business recently impacted the community?
Most recently, our company has started a podcast to provide a platform for nonprofits and those alike. We provide, weekly, a media space for these groups to engage with the community, and to let people know all about their mission and needs. The podcast is called “Community Love”. People are excited and we are booked six months out.
Why does your business prioritize giving back?
Our company is over 118 years old. It is because of our community and the people who live here, we have been allowed to service folks in their real estate needs for over a century in south-central Virginia. It only makes sense to give back to those who have allowed us to make that happen, and to invest in this community that we hold so dear.
Founded: 2013
Number of Employees: 3 with 1 full-time and 2 part-time
How has your business recently impacted the community?
We help local charities and Volunteer Fire Departments raise funds through numerous raffles each year. The raffles are an excellent way for the groups to raise much-needed funds to carry on their charitable and life-saving work. A few examples include college scholarships, youth sports gear, and First-Responder gear and equipment.
Why does your business prioritize giving back?
When you are in a position to help someone, it isn’t just a nice thing to do, it’s the right thing to do. We strive to give back to the community by helping others including many charities and Volunteer Fire Departments.
Founded: 2014
Number of Employees: 310
How has your business recently impacted the community?
Our VTO (volunteer time off) Program allows for employees to volunteer up to 4 hours per calendar year on company time at a charity of their choice. We also highlight one non-profit per month to educate our teams on our local resources, as well as to make them aware of opportunities where their VTO can be used. Isaiah House 117, Parkview Community Mission, The Center of Excellence for Polytrauma, YWCA’s Domestic Violence Program, and the Blue Ridge Pregnancy Center have all benefited from our team members’ generosity and/or time this year.
Why does your business prioritize giving back?
Excellence, Professionalism, Integrity, Compassion, and Teamwork are the values we live by inside and outside the walls of our organization. Our business takes pride in contributing to the well-being of our patients and our community. By engaging directly with local residents and charities, we better understand the needs and concerns of the communities we serve. We’re here to help people…attain better health for a better life!
Family Entertainment Center
Founded: Skateland was founded in 1969 it became FunQuest in 1991
Number of Employees: 25
How has your business recently impacted the community?
Our business has been here in our community for 55 years. Jim and Cindy Anderson who owned this facility previously poured into the kids, the schools and the businesses in this community. When Mason Drew started running the business, we kept that same focus. Every year we donate over 15,000 free passes to our local schools, we have given grants for schools through the Roller Skating Foundation to experience our STEM program for free. We donate to nonprofits and sponsor sports teams in our area.
Why does your business prioritize giving back?
Our mark in the community speaks to who we are as a business. We truly aim to provide good family fun to the people in Lynchburg and surrounding counties. Our hope is that our small locally owned business would be missed if we were gone, mostly because of the way we have poured into and loved on our community to make it better.
Founded: Patrick Henry’s National Memorial Foundation was founded in 1944.
Number of Employees: 14 employees (6 part-time and 8 full-time).
How has your business recently impacted the community?
There are many ways Red Hill has impacted the community. One being our recent addition of Red Hill Rediscovered. It is a hybrid virtual and in-person lecture series geared towards an older audience. It is aimed to tell the history of Patrick Henry, Red Hill and his connection through people and places you know through history.
Why does your business prioritize giving back?
Red Hill prioritizes giving back through education, culture and providing a park like setting for people to enjoy. It’s our mission to reach the younger and older audience who have a passion for history and Patrick Henry. Red Hill aims to provide accurate information by telling the whole truth about its history, Patrick Henry, and the enslaved. Red Hill outreach efforts are on a national and local level to include Appomattox, Campbell, Charlotte, Danville, Halifax, Lynchburg city and Pittsylvania counties.
Founded: 1963
Number of Employees: 14
How has your business recently impacted the community?
We foster cats at our clinic for the Bedford Humane Society and Harmony Rescue. We also sponsor multiple schools and businesses in the area (JF, Brookville, Timberlake Christian, the Jamerson YMCA, local rescues and shelters, and multiple others). Dr. Pearson has gone into elementary and secondary schools to talk about veterinary medicine to students. We have had over 15 high school and college student volunteers come and shadow regularly at our clinic to learn more about veterinary medicine, as well as veterinary students on rotation from Virginia Tech.
Why does your business prioritize giving back?
As a locally owned and operated clinic, we strongly believe in supporting our local community. We believe it is crucial to pour into our community because when Lynchburg is strong, we are all strong. Our clinic is one of the oldest in the area and we are proud of its history as it has remained locally owned and operated while other clinics have begun being owned by corporate companies located elsewhere. We also believe in investing in the future of veterinary medicine by encouraging the public to learn about its importance and educating the next generation of veterinarians
as well!
By Izzi Diaz Young
As the holiday season approaches, gifts are being shipped around the world and wrapping paper is being purchased. However, when it comes to packaging said gifts, there are many ways to both fail and succeed at the task. It’s a tale as old as time: the annual huff and puff of gift wrapping that comes around, when both creatives and non creatives alike make it a mission to wrap their gift to the best of their ability, or at least, better than their other family members.
But, whether it’s your first gift or last gift on the wrapping list, frustration starts to surface when a bow won’t sit right atop the present, or sorrow begins to sink in when the scissors cut a piece of paper too short—these feelings of animosity are all too familiar within the gift-giving months.
So, what could possibly make this experience easier? The answer is more often than not, incredibly ambiguous. Some may argue that a certain type of ribbon is the difference between a perfect or imperfect gift, some believe it’s all in the type of paper—but thankfully, this year,
we don’t have to wonder.
We caught up with Alex Wood at The Farm Basket to eliminate these questions, and instead, give some crystal-clear insight into gift wrapping so that presents of all shapes and sizes will look flawless underneath the tree. Read on for her best advice when it comes to gift presentations this year and beyond.
Be prepared. When starting the wrapping process, there are many materials needed to have on standby to ensure the gift on the table turns out ideal. Wood advised to make certain that all supplies are at the ready to kick off the operation.
“A variety of box sizes, colorful wrapping paper, bows, tissue, tape and scissors should be on hand, as well as a clear flat surface to work with,” she noted.
She recommends thick wrapping paper, as it won’t show creases or tear as easily. “Measure your paper with the box you are using, and make sure your scissors are sharp,” she advised.
Nix the paper. Let’s be real: measuring, cutting, and calculating may certainly not be a person’s strong suit, so ditch the paper and instead, go buy a bag!
“Sometimes it can be difficult to use traditional wrapping paper because either the package is too large or the shape is too tricky,” Wood expressed. “Gift bags are a quick and easy way to get the job done, pretty tissue and a bow will finish the gift.”
Stick to cellophane. Most times, when opting for an easier way to bundle a present, one might default to a gift bag. Although this method takes some of the pain out of packaging, the type of bag acquired is incredibly important in this process. Some are more likely to break or tear than others, which is why Wood suggested the solution: cellophane.
“Cellophane bags are a great substitute for a traditional gift bag,” Wood noted, as these particular casings are large and work beautifully when wrapping more than one item within the bag. “Gather the items you wish to wrap together and either place the largest item on the bottom of the cello, or place everything in a pretty basket and then put the basket in the cello.”
She also reminded cellophane users to give the bag a “facelift” by smoothing out any wrinkles. She said to do this by placing tape on the problem areas and lifting the tape upwards.
“Then, use a pretty bow to gather the sides together, and cut the top above the bow.” For secretive gift giving, Wood also mentioned, “If you want the gift to be a surprise, you can line the cello with tissue!”
Let the experts step in. Sometimes, there comes a point where enough is enough, and one must accept that gift packaging is just not their calling. This is when it’s time to pass the reins off to the professionals—thankfully, some of those professionals live right here in the city of Lynchburg!
Wood shared that The Farm Basket will be hosting their own bow-tying lesson during its annual wreath making celebration in December! Details will be announced on their website, thefarmbasket.com, as well as over on their Instagram at @farmbasket.
Gift wrapping is much easier said than done, so don’t let it get you down this holiday season.
Whether these presents are underneath a tree or handed directly to someone special, stick to the above-mentioned simple tricks and tips to guarantee all of your presents will look immaculate,
no matter how big or small they may be.
Whether decluttering and organizing your home are on your New Year’s resolution list or not, it is undeniable that tackling these tasks can dramatically improve your outlook on and quality of life. For many of us, however, it can be hard to know where to start, how to avoid burnout, and how to maintain results. Lauren Malone, professional organizer and owner of Optimistic Organizing, understands these obstacles and has made it her mission to help people overcome them. Malone’s business, which she started in early 2020, was borne of a lifelong talent for—and interest in—organizing.
“Organizing has always been a passion of mine,” she said. “I’ve always enjoyed organizing in my own home and helping friends and family. As I saw others creating businesses and being able to put that skill out in the community, it really struck a chord for me. I saw an opportunity to help more people with something that comes easily to me.”
Malone offers free consultations for prospective clients, and she also helped Lynchburg Living compile a list of eight tips to help our readers approach organization with not only an informed plan, but also with optimism.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help
If the mere thought of organizing unnerves you, consider reaching out for help, either from a professional like Malone or from a friend.
“I think a lot of people feel stuck and overwhelmed,” noted Malone. “They may feel like they just cannot seem to get a hold of their space. I want to be able to come into someone’s space and immediately let them know that they don’t need to apologize or feel hopeless. I want to empower people and let them know that they’re not alone.”
Optimistic Organizing offers a wide range of services including decluttering, downsizing, unpacking, and organization of individual spaces or throughout the home. Clients can decide whether they want to work with Malone or have her complete tasks independently.
If you would prefer to reach out to a friend for help, Malone recommends doing a swap.
“If you’re not able to hire a professional, consider swapping with a friend,” she said.” Say, ‘I’ll come help you with your closet, and then you can come help me with mine!’ If you both have kids, the kids can play together while you work!”
Try to keep a positive mindset
For most of us, decluttering and organization are fairly intense undertakings that can stir up tough emotions like guilt and shame. It is no easy feat to overcome these feelings, but being intentional about celebrating small victories, listening to music, audiobooks, or podcasts while you work, and embracing the inevitability of imperfection can help. The goal, as Malone puts it, is to achieve
“a hopeful and confident outlook on life and organization.”
Establish what brings you joy and what weighs you down
Speaking of emotions, it is vital to sit with them when decluttering to figure out which possessions truly enrich your life and which possessions are kept only out of a sense of obligation or emotional attachment.
“Some people can get really emotionally attached to items, especially items that belonged to family members or that were given to them as gifts,” remarked Malone. “Sometimes they get so attached to those items that they continue to fill their space to the point that they don’t have room for things that truly bring them joy. When you walk into a room, you should be able to see things that make you happy.”
Remember that there is value in space
Of course, when you walk into a room, you should also be able to have space to breathe and function. When you strive for a balance between stuff and space, you are much more likely to appreciate the things you own and to find your home harmonious.
“I like to remind my clients that there is value in having space to breathe and move in,” Malone noted. “A lot of people think that acquiring more things is going to help them, but often it can really hold them back.”
Start with the space that causes you the most stress
Starting with the space that vexes you the most will likely provide you with a confidence boost and a sense of accomplishment that will make smaller tasks that much easier to complete.
“I ask people which space is driving them the craziest,” said Malone. “A lot of times it’s the kitchen because the kitchen is the hub of a home. Sometimes, though, I might think we need to tackle a certain space first but the client wants to prioritize a different space first. Whatever is going to bring them the most relief and the best sense of accomplishment is where we start.”
When in doubt, start with storage
If you are overwhelmed by the state of the majority of your home, Malone recommends starting with your storage spaces.
“If you’re dealing with an excessive amount of clutter throughout your home, start with storage rooms so you can start with a space that likely contains items that aren’t being used regularly and should theoretically be easier to get rid of,” she remarked. “Remember to keep tabs on things that you put away in storage and make sure that you’re only doing this with things that you will actually use later. Items that aren’t serving you outside a box won’t serve you any better packed away in a box.”
Once you commit to organizing a particular space, don’t leave it until it’s done
One of the most important—and most challenging—parts of decluttering is committing to a single task and seeing it through to completion before moving on to a different task. Stepping away from one space to put even a single item elsewhere will almost inevitably lead to further deviation from your original goal.
“My recommendation for most people is to focus on one room or one space,” noted Malone. “Do not let yourself leave that space. A lot of times people will pull an item out and say, ‘Oh, this goes in my basement,’ and then they will walk down to the basement. Then, suddenly, they are in the basement working on something else, and then they are in the kitchen making a snack. I recommend having a bag or basket for items that don’t belong in the particular space you’re organizing. Put the items in that container, and then once you’ve finished that particular space, you can put those items where they go.”
Use the S-P-A-C-E strategy
Lastly, Malone recommends using the “S-P-A-C-E” strategy, which was created by organization expert and author Julie Morgenstern. After emptying and cleaning a space, take the following steps:
S: Sort the items into categories.
P: Purge any items that you don’t need or that don’t belong in that space.
A: Assign homes to items.
C: Contain the items. For this step, Malone stresses the importance of labels, saying: “A big complaint I get from a lot of people is along the lines of, ‘I know how to stay organized, but the rest of my family doesn’t keep it that way!’ Labeling things goes a long way because it is human nature to put things where you know they are supposed to go.”
E: Evaluate each space at least once a year to maintain results.
For more information about Optimistic Organizing, visit www.optimisticorganizing.com.
The holiday season is upon us and with that comes joyous gatherings with family and friends. These reunions are (hopefully!) accompanied by a delightful abundance of festive treats and traditional dishes we look forward to all year long. However, the indulgent nature of holiday feasting can sometimes leave us feeling guilty about our food choices. Fear not! This year, let’s embark on a journey to create a healthier holiday dinner table without sacrificing flavor or tradition. With a few clever and delicious swaps, you can transform your favorite holiday dishes into nourishing alternatives, ensuring that your celebrations are not only bountiful but also health conscious. Get ready to savor the season guilt-free and embrace these smart and wholesome changes that will keep both your taste buds and well-being satisfied throughout the holidays and beyond.
Mashed Potatoes
Try This Instead: Mashed Cauliflower
Replace the starchy potatoes with creamy mashed cauliflower for a lower-carb and nutrient-rich alternative.
Traditional Stuffing
Try This Instead:
Quinoa or Brown Rice Stuffing
Substitute the traditional bread stuffing with quinoa or brown rice, adding more fiber and essential nutrients to your holiday meal.
Candied Yams
Try This Instead:
Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Skip the sugary marshmallow-topped yams and opt for roasted sweet potatoes, which are naturally sweet and loaded with vitamins and minerals.
Sour Cream Dip
Try This Instead: Greek Yogurt Dip
Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt in your favorite dips to reduce calories and increase protein intake.
Chips and Dip
Try This Instead:
Vegetable Crudité with Hummus
Offer colorful vegetable crudité paired with a flavorful hummus dip as a healthier alternative to calorie-laden chips and high-fat dips.
Sugary Desserts
Try This Instead: Fruit Platter
Create a festive fruit platter with a variety of seasonal fruits, providing a refreshing and naturally sweet conclusion to your meal.
White Rolls
Try This Instead: Whole Grain Rolls
Opt for whole grain rolls over white rolls to boost fiber content and support better digestion.
Fried Turkey
Try This Instead:
Baked or Grilled Poultry
Choose baked or grilled turkey or chicken instead of fried versions to reduce saturated fat and calorie intake.
Green Bean Casserole
Try This Instead:
Green Bean Almondine
Prepare green beans with toasted almonds and a drizzle of olive oil for a healthier version without the creamy sauce and fried onions.
Sugary Fruit Sauces
Try This Instead: Berry Compote
Make a delicious berry compote using fresh or frozen berries as a naturally sweet topping for a protein and antioxidant packed frozen yogurt dessert, eliminating the need for sugary fruit sauces.
Healthy Snacks
For guests and hosts alike, it is nice to discover healthy bites sprinkled across the dinner table and throughout areas of the home where people are mingling. Set up a bowl of Castelvetrano olives marinated in olive oil, lemon zest, and thyme. These olives are rich in nourishing fats and offer a mild, buttery taste that can win over even the most steadfast olive skeptics. Pro tip, you can readily find these olives pitted, eliminating the need to spit out pits and ensuring a smooth social experience.
Other lighter eats for your holiday spread could include:
Cucumber Bites: You can’t have just one of these slices of cucumber topped with whipped cottage cheese, fresh herbs, and a sprinkle of paprika. Cottage cheese is definitely having its moment but for those who don’t like the texture, throwing it in the food processor for a minute or two will give you a smooth, creamy, whipped consistency that will fool anyone. It’s velvety, loaded with protein and the perfect vehicle for herbs and spices. Finish with flaky sea salt and watch them disappear!
Avocado Deviled Eggs: Enjoy halved hard-boiled eggs filled with a mixture of mashed avocado, lime juice, and a dash of hot sauce.
Roasted Chickpeas: Treat yourself to the satisfying crunch of crispy roasted chickpeas, seasoned with your choice of favorite spices. We like a combo of cumin and thyme!
Nuts and Dried Fruits: Try a balanced combination of unsalted nuts like almonds, walnuts, and pistachios along with dried fruits like apricots, dates, and cranberries.
Recipes by A La Cocktail / Photos by Ashlee Glenn
‘Tis the season for every type of indulgence—from decadent desserts and rich, cozy side dishes to sipping a cocktail or two (or three) by the fire. Whether you’re sober, sober curious, or simply trying to cut back on the booze as you head into the new year, we have a handful of delicious and festive mocktails that you can whip up in no time. Thanks to our pals at A La Cocktail, these recipes may be missing alcohol, but they’re certainly not skimping on flavor.
INGREDIENTS
0.5 oz chocolate sauce
0.5 oz maple syrup
3 oz milk
2 oz espresso (chilled)
1/4 tsp peppermint extract(or more depending on preference)
Rim
Chocolate syrup
Crushed candy canes
METHOD
To decorate the rim, dip a martini glass into chocolate syrup followed by crush candy canes. Rim your glass and chill in the freezer while you make the mocktail. Add chocolate sauce, maple syrup, espresso, milk, and peppermint extract to a shaker. Add ice and shake. Strain into chilled martini glass and enjoy!
INGREDIENTS
1 tbsp diced pears
2 oz pear juice
1 oz fresh lemon juice
1 sprig of rosemary
0.5 oz maple syrup
3 tbsp egg whites
Note: Diced pear cups in juice works great for both the tbsp of pears and for the pear juice!
METHOD
Muddle lemon juice, rosemary, and pears in the bottom of a shaker. Add pear juice, maple syrup, egg whites. Add ice and shake. Strain into a coupe glass, garnish with rosemary and enjoy!
INGREDIENTS
1 oz lime juice
0.75 oz agave
3 oz coconut milk
.25 oz orange juice
Rim
Coconut flakes
1 tbsp vanilla icing
METHOD
To make the rim, dip martini glass into vanilla icing and then into coconut flakes, chill in the freezer while you make the mocktail. Add lime juice, agave, coconut milk, and orange juice to a shaker. Shake with ice and strain into a chilled glass with a coconut rim. Garnish with cranberries.
INGREDIENTS
2 oz pineapple juice
2 oz green Hawaiian punch
Sprite
Sherbet (optional but so fun and festive)
METHOD
Add sherbet to a glass while you make your mocktail. Combine pineapple juice and green Hawaiian punch into a cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake and then pour into glass with sherbet. Top with Sprite to taste. Stir the cocktail and add festive sprinkles on top and enjoy!
As the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, many of us find ourselves making promises to transform our lives. These resolutions, often made with fervent determination, hold the promise of a fresh start and a brighter future. However, sustaining these goals throughout the year can be a daunting task. In this guide, we’ll explore effective strategies for not only crafting meaningful resolutions but also ensuring they become lasting habits.
1. Reflect on the Past Year
Before setting new goals, take a moment to reflect on the past year. What achievements made you proud? Where did you fall short? This reflection provides valuable insights into areas of your life that may need attention.
2. Set Specific, Attainable Goals
Vague resolutions like “get in shape” or “save more money” can be overwhelming. Instead, break them down into specific, actionable steps. For instance, “exercise three times a week” or “put aside 10% of my income.”
3. Prioritize and Focus
While it’s tempting to tackle numerous goals at once, spreading yourself too thin can lead to burnout. Prioritize your resolutions and tackle them one at a time, giving each the attention it deserves.
4. Make Your Goals S.M.A.R.T.
Ensure your resolutions are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This framework provides a clear roadmap and increases the likelihood of success.
1. Create a Plan and Track Progress
Develop a detailed plan outlining how you’ll achieve your goals. Break it down into smaller milestones and track your progress regularly.
This provides a sense of accomplishment and keeps you motivated.
2. Embrace Accountability
Share your resolutions with a trusted friend or family member who can offer support and hold you accountable. Regular check-ins provide encouragement and help maintain focus.
3. Adaptability is Key
Life is unpredictable, and circumstances change. Be flexible and open to adjusting your goals if needed. It’s better to adapt than to abandon them altogether.
4. Practice Self-compassion
Understand that setbacks are a natural part of any journey. Be kind to yourself and use setbacks as opportunities for learning and growth, rather than reasons to give up.
5. Incorporate Resolutions into Daily Life
Integrate your goals into your daily routine. For example, if your resolution is to read more, set aside a specific time each day for reading. Consistency is the cornerstone of habit formation.
1. Visualize Success
Imagine yourself accomplishing your goals. Visualizing success can reinforce your commitment and provide a powerful source of motivation.
2. Celebrate Achievements, Big or Small
Recognize and celebrate your progress, no matter how minor it may seem. Acknowledging your accomplishments boosts confidence and reinforces positive behavior.
3. Seek Inspiration
Surround yourself with sources of inspiration. Whether it’s books, podcasts, or motivational speakers, exposure to positive messages can rekindle your determination.
4. Join a Community
Connecting with like-minded individuals can provide a support system and a sense of belonging. Whether online or in person, a community can offer encouragement and camaraderie.
To ensure your resolutions stick, it’s crucial to establish reinforcing practices that help solidify your commitment. Consider implementing the following strategies:
1. Daily Affirmations
Start each day with positive affirmations related to your resolutions. Affirmations serve as powerful reminders of your goals and can help maintain a positive mindset.
2. Visual Reminders
Place visual cues in prominent locations. Whether it’s a vision board, sticky notes on your mirror, or a screensaver on your devices, these reminders keep your goals at the forefront of your mind.
3. Regular Reflection
Take time each week to reflect on your progress. Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small, and identify areas where you may need to adjust your approach.
4. Journaling
Maintain a journal dedicated to your resolutions. Documenting your journey provides clarity and serves as a tangible record of your growth.
5. Reward Yourself
Establish a system of rewards for reaching milestones. Treat yourself to something special or engage in an activity you enjoy. This positive reinforcement reinforces your commitment.
It’s important to acknowledge that setbacks are an inevitable part of any transformative journey. Instead of viewing them as failures, see them as opportunities for growth. Consider these approaches:
1. Learn from Setbacks
Analyze what led to the setback and extract valuable lessons. Use this knowledge to adjust your strategy and move forward with renewed determination.
2. Practice Resilience
Resilience is the ability to bounce back from challenges. Cultivate this quality by focusing on your accomplishments and remembering that setbacks do not define your overall progress.
3. Seek Support
Lean on your support system during challenging times.
Share your experiences, and allow others to provide encouragement and guidance.
4. Adjust, Don’t Abandon
If a particular goal proves consistently challenging, consider modifying it rather than abandoning it entirely. Adaptability is a key factor in long-term success.
Remember that the purpose of resolutions is not just to achieve specific outcomes, but to embark on a journey of personal growth and positive change. As you progress, you may find your aspirations evolving. Embrace this transformation and remain open to new opportunities and insights.
Embarking on New Year’s resolutions is a commendable endeavor. By carefully crafting meaningful goals, maintaining focus, and staying adaptable, you can transform your resolutions into lasting habits. Remember, it’s not about perfection, but progress. With determination and the right strategies, you can make the coming year a testament to your growth and resilience. Cheers to a year of positive change!