Be Bella

Ladonna Armstrong

October 6, 2020

Publisher’s Letter From Your Fearless Leader

“If ever there is a tomorrow when we’re not together, there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we’re apart, I’ll always be with you.”

A. A. Milne

It is Fall Y’all! The air is crisp and the leaves are beginning to change. The colorful pallet across the earth sparks vibes of creativity and stirs my soul. Inspiration appears in the pumpkins adorning doorways and leaves gently falling from the trees. This month’s issue is all about creativity.

We have been joyfully getting creative with ideas as we mold and grow our Bella. After all “The Change” in last month’s issue, we are deepening our roots to prepare for our future growth. These are exciting times!

Bella Magazine has been a tradition in the Aiken community for decades as it sought to bring the community together through local history, arts, culture, humor, stories, projects, events, engagements, and valuable information useful to those who live near us. With the world continually growing and changing, and with all of the negative messages that seem to press on all of us daily, the Bella Magazine team has resolved to focus increasingly on helping people find the positive lining in even the hardest of times.

Our goal is to be your resource for health, fitness, friendships, relationships, events, and more, as we struggle and celebrate together. We are focusing on how we can all collectively be better — Be Bella.

We are excited to add many new creative voices to Bella this month. Heading up our online content is our new Digital Director Julie Keating. She is the Cruise Director on the Love Boat of relationship advice. Find her article “An Impossible Mission: Getting a Narcissist to Chase You” online, along with many others chock full of creative ways to evaluate your relationships.

For a creative way of getting outside for some health and wellness, walk through the labyrinth at Hopelands Gardens here in Aiken. We welcome new writer Julie A. Starr to the Bella family. Find out more about labyrinths in her article “Finding Peace and Harmony on the Labyrinth.” I happened upon a labyrinth on an out of town excursion and found myself feeling like a little girl again as I journeyed in and back out again. I have learned to celebrate my youthful moments and cherish the memories.

You must take a peek at another new writer, Zach McCabe of All.Equal.Parts, as he gets creative with mixology in our new Lux Libations column. The Apple Bondage is a delicious sipping concoction that warms your insides and feels like drinking autumn. Look for weekly articles online from Zach as he stretches the boundaries of mixology.

More creative changes will be implemented in the coming months! Online content, new writers, YouTube channel, and podcasting — OH MY! We, collectively, promise to remain eternally positive, to believe in you when you might not believe in yourself, and to let you know that we are always and forever in this together. Bella Magazine wants to be your inspiration to transform and transcend difficult life circumstances to be the healthiest you possible. If you are ready to Be Bella, please join our attempt to be the best we can possibly be. #bebetterbebella

Ladonna Armstrong

Publisher of Aiken Bella Magazine.

Ladonna Armstrong

Publisher of Aiken Bella Magazine.

In the know

Scotch Cocktails | Lux Libations

At least 2020 is behind us. It’s hard to imagine a more absurd year than we just had. Usually around this time I like to sit around and reflect on the happenings of the last 12 months, but let’s not spend too much time thinking about all that nonsense, unless you were really into binge watching Netflix or working from home in your PJs for months on end. Let’s look forward together. The first part of 2021 may still be hard, but at least there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Rather than getting upset about missing out on big holiday gatherings, Super Bowl parties, and other

Let’s Talk: New Beginnings

Life is full of unusual changes and journeys that affect people in different ways. I like to think of life’s voyages as seasons that change with various weather patterns, bringing new beginnings or a brand new start. Just as spring brings new plants, flowers, and beautiful scenery. Then fall brings colorful leaves, bare trees, and a little breeze in the air. Let’s take a closer look at some ways to turn a new leaf. Many people wait until a New Year to make a new beginning or set a new resolution, but new beginnings can start at any time and can be as simple as a new hairstyle or as

New Year Superstitions

Do not put out the new calendar before New Year’s Day Open the door at midnight New Year’s Eve so the old year can go out Get rid of any old regrets or revenge or debts Wear something red on New Year’s Day for good luck and happiness Give some of your good clothing to the poor Forgive everyone for everything FacebookTweetPin

Intention Setting for 2021

After a year of twists and turns, many people are eagerly seeking ways to influence 2021 positively. Instead of following strict rules or forcing well-meaning goals, intention setting may be the encouraging answer you seek. At its most basic definition, an intention is an “aim or plan.” Where resolutions are often rigid rules, intentions are softer guidelines. Being intentional with your day means showing up in the present moment. It means allowing the day to unfold and knowing that, even if speed bumps occur, they won’t rock you out of your boat — your overall intention can still hold true. Medically speaking, intention is “the healing process of a wound.”