The Last Hurrahs of 2025

These are the count down days of 2025. Are you ready? On my part, I am going to host some classes and collaborate with a local business on an event. I’m also sharing some ideas that might lift your spirits. Merrily we go.

Lemon Peel Preserves: Take-A Jar Home

Where: Chez Michelle, 430 N. Greensboro St. #221

When: Dec 10, 4-5:30 PM

Cost: $20 (includes jar of lemon preserves and recipes that you take home with you).

Use the QR code below or pay in cash upon arrival.

Registration: Text 919-406-4858 to let me know you are planning to attend.

Join a small class on making preserved lemons! Learn how to pack lemons in mason jars to ferment them so that they produce a tangy and citrusy flavor. There are so many ways you can add preserved lemons to food and drink: cocktails or mocktails, meat dishes, dips and dressings. Lemons and other citrus fruits are wonderfully aromatic additions to use during winter. They lighten and brighten heavy dishes and add a salty, acidic taste to both everyday and holiday dishes.

Plus lemons are good for you. Lemons provide special health benefits due to their polyphenols, which help prevent kidney stones, detoxify the tissues, improve the skin, and actually can help lower cholesterol. Preserved lemons contain both peel and fruit, amping up the whole foods benefit.

Michelle will provide jars, recipes, and all the accoutrements. We’ll use organic lemons, kosher salt, and peppercorns. As a teaser, learn how to make an awesome holiday cocktail (mocktail version also provided) using your preserved lemons such as a gin martini or a cranberry cocktail. Other recipes include preserved lemons in a chicken with tomatoes dish, with pasta, and on fingerling potatoes.

We’ll enjoy refreshing drinks and snacks as we prepare our lemons!

QR Code will direct you to the Square account for my practice. You will be able to fill in your name and email address and complete payment. Any purchases will be followed up with a personal email to confirm receipt.

Ear Reflexology Mini-Treatment @ Oasis Botanical Lounge

Where: Oasis Botanical Lounge in Carr Mill Mall, Carrboro (200 N. Greensboro St)

When: Friday, December 5, 4-7 PM

Cost: Donations only

Registration is Not Required. Drop by anytime between 4 and 7 pm.

Michelle will be providing auricular/ear treatments at Carr Mill mall at the wonderfully bohemian Oasis lounge. Come imbibe in a coffee, tea, or kava and relax in one of the plush armchairs while you receive an auricular massage, and ear seeds. A brief interview will be conducted and seeds will be placed to address your specific health issue. Treatment time is 15-20 minutes. Donations are accepted via QR code or cash.

December 5, 4-7 PM

Eco-Friendly and Community Advocacy Thoughts for the Season

I have been inspired by you, my clents, for so many years. Many of you have such wonderful suggestions and ideas on how to eat better, live more fully, and create a cozy and loving environment that lends itself to self care. In that same spirit, I am sharing some of my own ideas for holiday gift giving, as well a few suggestions on how we can support out communities during the holidays.

Holiday Gift Giving

Books are a treasured resource. They take us places without even having to leave our couch. It’s so important to occasionally remember to visit a local bookstore, whether big or small, and help maintain the legacy of good writing, critical thinking, and the wildest imagination possible!!

This year I plan to give books. Hope to get ones that are interesting, but just the purchase of a book helps support an author and an industry that is in need of some resuscitation. The holidays provides an opportunity to support book stores, whether you purchase an actual book for someone, or a gift card. Barnes & Noble has a wonderful array of books, toys, memorabilia like Harry Potter galore, and a coffee shop as well. I also love their selection of moleskin journals in all styles and colors. Smaller, local bookstores need our love too… just sayin’

Gift Certificates for Acupuncture & Reflexology

Of course I want to advocate for my own practice. Consider gifting someone you like or love the gift of healing. I am offering discounted gift certificates of $85 that includes an initial consult and treatment for first time patients. I’m also offering $45 gift certs for auricular treatments as well. Hands-on therapy is one of the best ways to unwind, go on an inner retreat, and dive deeper to the source. Email michelle@chacupuncture.com to let me know which certificate you’d like, or use the QR code above to purchase now.

Community Events

Attend a lovely holiday card making event on Saturday, November 22. This is being held at Margaret Lane Gallery in Hillsborough, and you can drop in anytime between 10 am and 4 pm. All card making supplies included. The fee is as low as $1.50 for one card, or pay a discounted fee for making up to a dozen cards of $20 or thereabouts. No stress to pay per card, an offering will do. A great way to support a local art gallery and personalize your holiday cards in your own style. Visit margaretlanegallery.com for more info.

Attend the Holiday Craft Market at the Arts Center in Carrboro on December 14th between 11 and 5. There will be over 60 vendors so that you can purchase your last minute holiday gifts, ro something for yourself (I always buy something just for me every year at Xmas), along with music, food, and activities. All handmade items from clothing, fiber art, jewelry, lamps, photography, and so much more. One of my clients is an excellent knitter and will be a vendor. No admission fee, drop by anytime during the event.