Bella Magazine - July 2015 issue

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July 2015 | Issue One Hundred Nine

Joey Coakley Beck Publisher & Owner

jbeck@beckmediagroup.com

Hayleigh Worgan Editorial Director

hworgan@beckmediagroup.com

Sara Coakley Office Manager

bella@beckmediagroup.com

•••

Cheryl Matthews Sales Director

cmatthews@beckmediagroup.com

Advertising Inquiries advertise@beckmediagroup.com bella@beckmediagroup.com (540) 904-6800

•••

Contributors Centra Health, Decca Knight, Member One Federal Credit Union, Lisa Turille, Hayleigh Worgan

Editorial Intern Hannah Bridges, Roanoke College Lani Maddox, James Madison University

Editorial Inquiries editorial@beckmediagroup.com

LLC

806 Wasena Avenue, Suite 101, Roanoke, VA 24015 540.904.6800 fax 540.904.6803

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Bella Magazine is the property of Beck Media Group LLC. It is a free publica on printed monthly and is distributed throughout Southwest and Central Virginia and beyond. The Publisher reserves the right to refuse ad space for any adver sement or editorial content the staff deems inappropriate for our readers. The concept and design of Bella Magazine, as well as the design, adver sements, art, photos and editorial content is property of Beck Media Group LLC and may not be copied or reprinted without wri en permission from the publisher. ©2006-2015 Beck Media Group LLC All Rights Reserved.

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july 2015

7

Bella Fashion

Wardrobe inspiration for all of your summer festivities.

29

9

Bella Girl

Mind • Body • Soul

A teenager’s dedication to softball teaches her valuable life lessons on and off the ield.

A guide to keeping your skin healthy this summer.

30

23

Happenings

From the Experts

We address a few common myths and give valuable information for those considering surgery.

The Top 5 reasons you should attend FloydFest this year.

27

Member One

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Money saving tips for a fun July 4th celebration!

our newest publication

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enjoy!!

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l a v i fe n o i h fas Written by y

Bella Fashion

New Moon Rising by Tumbleweeds Sunglasses www.fab.com

Lani M Maddox

Great additions to your wardrobe for the festival AND everyday life!

Leather Wrist Cuff www.etsy.com

Staring at your closet and wondering what’s missing? Check out our go-to summer fashion guide!

These pieces are perfect for those of you who will be attending FloydFest with us at the end of the month, but they are also great for simply taking in the sunshine with friends and family!

Free People Half Moon Tank www.freepeople.com

Black Gladiator Sandals www.footwearsouls.com

Blue Maxi Skirt www.thissillygirlslife.com

You can ind many similar items locally at some of our favorite stores like Punch Boutique and Vivendi— and remember, shopping local helps your community thrive AND saves a little money for you on shipping costs!

Happy summer! w w w. l o v e l y b e l l a . c o m

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Mind • Body • Soul

a healthy ow

Written by

Lisa Turille

Steps for keeping skin beautiful during the summer The most important piece of summer fashion isn’t something you wear. Beautiful and healthy skin is always attractive. With summer in full swing, it is important to take good care of the extra skin exposed during warmer months.

Regardless of your skin type, here are simple steps towards gorgeous summer skin: •

Morning cleanse. In the summer months, switch to a mild exfolia ng Vitamin C cleanser or one with gentle exfolia ng microbeads. This morning ritual promotes vibrant skin.

•

Skin moisturizing. Using a Vitamin C serum brightens skin, helps retain moisture and enhances UV protec on. Then apply a moisturizer.

•

Sunscreen. Your skin is too precious to skip this cri cal step. Make sunscreen applica on part of your morning rou ne. Find a sunscreen you love and apply daily by itself or under make-up. The nted sunscreens are fabulous.

•

Night-Ɵme care. Before bed, cleanse, tone and use a mul -purpose serum on the skin. Serums with pep des, ceramides and an oxidants rejuvenate the skin. Always apply moisturizer before bed.

•

The right nutriƟon. A diet of healthy, whole foods, including lots of fruits and vegetables, also aids in a be er and natural glow. Avoid processed and sugary

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foods. Drinking water—at least eight cups a day—also improves your skin, giving your body the necessary moisture to fuel your cells.

•

No tobacco products. Skin damage is another reason to quit smoking aside from the risk of lung cancer and heart disease. Limi ng exposure to second-hand smoke is also important for your skin.

•

Regular exercise. Increase your exercise, which boosts circula on and reduces stress, benefi ng both the body and skin.

•

Facial treatments. During summer months, anyone can benefit from a deep cleansing facial and an extreme moisture mask. These relaxing treatments give skin a healthy glow.

The blistering sun can be harsh on the skin, but taking a few careful precautions and making skin care an intentional part of your day will make a wonderful difference. Healthy skin is always in fashion.

{

Article courtesy of

Lisa Turille is a licensed aesthe cian with Centra Medical Group Healthy Skin Center in Lynchburg. The Healthy Skin Center offers a full line of skin care products and services, including chemical peels, facials, laser hair removal, microdermabrasion, waxing, manicures and pedicures. For more informa on or to make an appointment, call 434.200.4247 or visit CentraMedicalGroup/ Plas cSurgery.

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A Bella• Bride Mind Body • Soul

bri ter days ahead Sun facts to keep you & your family safe & healthy Written by Hayleigh Worgan

t

Those of you who have picked up our magazine before know that we encourage our readers to wear sunscreen and stay away from tanning beds so often that we might be starting to sound like your mother.

The truth is, we care about you. In addition to keeping your skin looking young and healthy, taking this advice may one day save your life.

Your risk for melanoma and other skin cancers increases each time you lay in the tanning bed or subject yourself to sun exposure. Applying sunscreen one time before your day on the beach or by the pool isn’t enough. Additionally, just because you are wearing sunscreen doesn’t mean you should leave large portions of your skin exposed to harmful rays.

With the help of The Skin Cancer Foundation (www.skincancer.org) and The Environmental Working Group (www.ewg.org), we want to share a few helpful facts with you so you can be prepared and safe during the sunny days ahead.

You know the old saying, “Too much of a good thing can be bad.” It de initely applies to sun exposure— regardless of the amount of sunscreen you apply. A higher SPF does not mean you can stay in the sun longer without reapplying sunscreen, and you should never use sunscreen as an excuse to prolong your time in the sun. Reapply every two hours, but also take breaks. If you can, play outside speci ically in the morning or the evening. You don’t have to avoid the sun altogether, but enjoy it in moderation.

Don’t rely on the sun for your daily dose of Vitamin D. Consider taking a supplement to make sure your levels are where they should be. Talk to your doctor to see if you are among the percentage of adults with a de iciency.

Avoid sunscreens, lip products, and skin lotions that contain Vitamin A. Pay close attention to the ingredients in the products you are using. On some labels, Vitamin A is also called retinyl palmitate, retinyl acetate, retinyl linoleate, and retinol.

European sunscreens provide better UVA protection because the FDA has not approved four UVA iltering ingredients that Europe uses in their sunscreens.

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Mind • Body • Soul

Examine your skin for new moles regularly. If you ind anything that is out of the ordinary, don’t put it off—go see your doctor. At the very least, you will be able to sleep better at night knowing that everything is ok.

Don’t be afraid of light sweaters, pants, or hats in the summer. Even shorts and t-shirts can help shield your skin from the sun’s UV rays, reducing risk by 27% (www.ewg.org). We love UPF 50+ scarves from Bloxsun (www.bloxsun.com) and UPF 50+ clothing from UV Skinz (www.uvskinz.com).

If you can’t ind shade, make it using a canopy or sheet tied between two trees. Use this spot for refuge between frisbee games or swimming. Five minutes of set up (or less) could help you prevent burning and long term sun damage.

Keep kids covered. Early life burns are worse, and it’s good to teach them sun responsibility at an early age. Stay in the shade with them if you can and apply sunscreen every two hours. Make a fun game by wearing big, loppy hats to protect both of you from the sun. They will look to you for the example, so show them that enjoying the sun responsibly is cool.

Choose a pair of sunglasses that block 99-100% of the sun’s UV rays. Check the packaging to make sure of this feature. We don’t often think about it, but without protection your eyes are vulnerable to a variety of diseases including cancers of the eye and eyelid.

This should go without saying, but avoid tanning and NEVER use UV tanning beds. A couple of weeks of tan skin is not worth the lifetime of consequences that follow.

Most importantly, know your body. Examine your skin head-to-toe on a regular basis, and visit the doctor for a professional skin exam every year. Make skin cancer prevention and early detection your number one priority—especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors. Your health is worth the minor inconvenience of a few sunscreen applications, checkups, and precautionary measures. Protecting yourself THIS summer can help you enjoy many more summers in the years to come—and isn’t that what we all want after all?

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a specific “good” that is shared and beneficial for all members of a given community

PREMIERE ISSUE • JULY 2015

Premiere Issue | July 2015

Joey Coakley Beck Publisher & Owner

jbeck@beckmediagroup.com

Hayleigh Worgan Editorial Director

hworgan@beckmediagroup.com

Sara Coakley Office Manager

commonngood@beckmediagroup.com

•••

Cheryl Matthews Sales Director

cmatthews@beckmediagroup.com

Advertising Inquiries advertise@beckmediagroup.com commongood@beckmediagroup.com

(540) 904-6800

•••

Contributors JD Sutphin, Hayleigh Worgan

Editorial Intern Lani Maddox, James Madison University

Editorial Inquiries editorial@beckmediagroup.com

It’s OK to Be Bitter Everything you need to know about (what should be) a kitchen staple

LLC

806 Wasena Avenue, Suite 101, Roanoke, VA 24015 540.904.6800 fax 540.904.6803 www.commongoodmagazine.com

Common Good Magazine is the property of Beck Media Group LLC. It is a free publica on printed monthly and is distributed throughout Southwest and Central Virginia and beyond. The Publisher reserves the right to refuse ad space for any adver sement or editorial content the staff deems inappropriate for our readers. The concept and design of Bella Magazine, as well as the design, adver sements, art, photos and editorial content is property of Beck Media Group LLC and may not be copied or reprinted without wri en from J Upermission LY 201 5 the publisher. ©2015 Beck Media Group LLC All Rights Reserved.

PRINTED IN THE USA

Wri en by Hayleigh Worgan

We are still experimenting to determine our favorite brand, but we do have a couple that we prefer so far: The first is Bittermilk. Founded by husband and wife team Joe and MariElena Raya, it is a line of cocktail mixers made for cocktail enthusiasts by bartenders with real ingredients. Our personal favorite is Bittermilk No. 2, Tom Collins with Elderflowers & Hops. The bright and refreshing taste feels perfect for relaxing by the pool on a Saturday afternoon. They are crafted and bottled by human hands in Charleston, South Carolina and you can find their products online at www.bittermilk.com. Check out their website for recipes, instructional videos and so much more!

S

Summer and cocktails go hand in hand. Whether you are relaxing at home or enjoying an evening on the town with your friends, you are doing yourself a great disservice if you are drinking classic cocktails like the Manhattan or the Old Fashioned without bitters.

Many of you are probably already familiar with bitters, but for those that aren’t, they can alter a beverage or dish in ways that will make you never want to go without them again.

Although they have recently experienced a resurgence in popularity, bitters have been around for centuries. Prior to becoming a well-known staple to any bar or kitchen, they were a medical treatment. According to www.bitters.com, “Seventeenth century pharmacist Richard Stoughton from London advertised his ‘Magnum Elixir Stomachicum’ as a suitable flavouring agent in Canadian wine or sherry that could also cure a hangover.” Shortly thereafter, bitters became more than an essential component to “the hair of the dog that bit you.” In fact, they became vital to many well-known cocktails.

Their popularity decreased greatly in the early 1900s, and today they are known only because of those who are passionate about their continued existence.

Bitters can be made with or without an alcoholic base. If they have one, it is similar to whisky or rum. The non-alcoholic bases have no taste of their own. In addition to being used in cocktails, they are also used to stimulate appetites, cure hiccups and hangovers, and in food recipes to add essential flavors.

You can learn more about the ingredients that are typically included in bitters, recipes that include them, their history and their uses at www.bitters.com.

We also love Crude Bitters. Don’t be fooled by the name—it is a reference to the rudimentary origins of bitters that included exotic roots, herbs, and spices aged in various liquids with beneficial (and unverified) claims attached to them. In truth, they are very careful to make sure their methods are not crude and that their ingredients are all natural. Their selection, preparation, maceration, bottling and labeling are done by hand in Raleigh, North Carolina. Our personal favorite selection from Crude Bitters is “Sycophant” Bitters. This flavor starts as a sweet, citrus taste and finishes with earth tones and vanilla bean. It pairs well with gin or bourbon. For more information on purchasing Crude Bitters, various recipes and to try them out for yourself, visit www.crudebitters.com.

JULY 2015

JULY 2015

e r o Mthan a

r e g r Bu Wri en by jd

sutphin

How memories change the way you experience food

The almighty burger.

Simple. Tasty. Satisfying. Where do we begin? There’s a version for every palate. Classic beef with lettuce, tomato and mayo? Inspired award-winners with lobster and crazy sauces?

No matter what burger makes you bonkers, to me they all exist for one reason: Happiness. And food definitely makes me happy.

You could say I’m a “foodie.” I have been known to drive pretty far distances for a specific fried chicken; or, spend a little too much time in the kitchen because I just love a great meal and am willing to endure the extra half hour running in my neighborhood of Grandin Village to burn those extra calories. But the reason I care about it so much is what’s important. Mine might not be groundbreaking, but it’s where I think most of the things you love comes from—your family.

I think of the smell of salmon cakes made by my grandmother (who I called in a very southernway, “Maw-Maw”), or the hug that came with any plate of food preJULY 2015

Greenwood Restaurant

pared by my mother that brings me back to an incredible childhood. One filled with such supportive, creative and passionate people that told me I could do anything if I worked hard enough and made sure it benefited others in the process. I worked for my dad as a kid and then as a teenager. If you have worked for any family member you know it creates quite a bit of stress and turmoil. Even in those occasional “trying times,” I think back to being at his house in Troutville and knowing that whether or not we had a great day in his antique store, a great way to end any day would be with the “homemade” cheeseburgers from Greenwood Restaurant on Route 11.

Their cheeseburgers were hand-pattied and cooked on a flat-top, diner style to absolute perfection. Served with a giant slice of onion, lettuce, tomato and thick Duke’s mayo, it was everything a classic burger should be. They were so good we would all order two of these monsters plus fries. I mean think about it, you’re already getting a giant cheeseburger, are you really watching your waistline at this point? If you’re going to order it, go all the way.

We sat ourselves as the sign recommended and were surrounded by the Greenwood Restaurant’s picturesque 1950’s décor—down to the stools at the bar, green and white color scheme, and toy train that would run through each dining room. We didn’t even ask for a menu. It was homemade cheeseburgers with everything on them, fries and Coca-Colas for everyone at the table.

The waitress would say: ”There’s a special tonight!” My dad: ”Not interested ma’am. We’re here for the burgers.” And honestly, something would magical would occur. I’ve seen Jerry Seinfeld talk about this magic. It’s the magic of sharing the same thing with someone. When you go for coffee with a friend, you’re BOTH getting coffee. No smoothie for you and cup of Joe for her. You’re going somewhere to share an experience that somehow connects you in a greater level to improve conversation, your relationship, maybe even your day because it can just bring you that simple happiness. Sharing something. Isn’t that what community is all about?

Great food is just that for me. It’s the love, it’s the memories, that

make great food sing. My memories of enjoying burgers with my family are ones I’ll hold onto forever. The same can be true for the remarkable foods you share with your friends and family. Take the time to share a meal with someone you care about—and no matter what you choose, the bond you share together will make it more than just another dish.

JD Sutphin President of Big Lick Entertainment Big Lick Entertainment’s mission to create events with a message and meaning is unmatched in Virginia. Whether producing a fundraiser, festival or concert, each date is a crafted partnership with the goal of enriching our area culturally and economically with drive, passion and creativity. www.BigLickEntertainment.com

JULY 2015

dress it up

Our favorite burger staples

There is nothing like a good hand-pattied burger

in the summer time. For many, the burger is just the beginning.

What makes it uniquely yours is what you add to it.

We take our burgers seriously, and that’s why we have made it our mission to present to you the best artisan condiments we can find. Here are a few of our favorites:

Mustard and Co. uses a process that ensures that the mustard seed is never subjected to heat, and thus preserves its spicy volatile oils. Fresh ground mustard and premium ingredients like organic extra virgin olive oil and a flavorful balsamic vinegar make Bryan and Justin’s mustards a unique addition to the perfect burger. www.mustardandco.com Bryan Mitchiner & Justin Hoffman of Mustard and Co.

Empire Mayonnaise is the first mayonnaise made exclusively with non-gmo oils and cage-free, pasture-raised eggs. This isn’t just your run-of-the-mill mayonnaise. With flavors like rosemary, red chili, bacon, and even ghost pepper, there is something for everyone. Don’t worry, classic mayo fans—they have an option for you as well! www.empiremayo.com Locally, you can purchase the most amazing pickles and relish from Meadowcroft Farm. They have a wide variety of pickles available including kosher dill, bread and butter, crispy sweet slices, and even cinnamon! If your taste palate leans more towards hot and spicy, they have you covered also.

If you grew up in the south like we did, you understand the importance of good southern “chow chow” or relish. It can make or break a dish. The chow chow and other relishes from Meadowcroft Farm may change the way you enjoy your burger forever—it has already become a staple in our refrigerator!

The best part about their products is that more than 50% of the produce included is raised on their farm and they oversee processing from start to finish. If you can’t make it out to their location in Swoope, Virginia, visit their website to view what they have to offer and place an order. www.meadowcroftfarm.com JULY 2015

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From the Experts

under the knife Clearing up a few myths surrounding plastic surgery Written by

Hayleigh Worgan

There is a lot of information available on plastic reconstructive and cosmetic surgery. However, as we all know, not everything you read on the internet is true. That’s why we decided to talk to the experts and set the record straight about a few myths you may have heard regarding these procedures. w w w. l o v e l y b e l l a . c o m

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From the Experts

Myth 1: You have to have a surgical procedure to remove excess fatty deposits from your body.

The Medi Spa at Ridgewood Hill offers a great alternative to surgery for those looking to remove a smaller amount of excess fat. Dr. Carol Wray explains, “Coolsculpting is a noninvasive procedure that freezes excess fatty deposits and eliminates up to 22% of the fat that is frozen. It is best used for patients that are in good shape but have that little extra bulge they would like to improve.”

Myth 2: You should shop around to get the lowest PRICE. Dr. Carol Wray The Medi Spa at Ridgewood Hill

Dr. Kurtis Moyer Carilion Clinic

Let’s be real here. This isn’t a cheap pair of shoes that you can wear once and discard when the heel breaks off. This is a commitment—and in some cases, could mean serious consequences to your health if you aren’t careful. That is why it is important to choose a doctor who is certi ied—preferably by the American Board of Medical Specialties. They govern and oversee, as a national organization, the independent boards of medical specialties—one of which is plastic surgery.

Dr. Kurtis Moyer, Chief of Plastic Surgery at Carilon Clinic, says, “If patients are seeking the best possible results, having a properly trained surgeon can really mean all the difference in achieving their desired goals. If a surgeon is listed on the American Board of Medical Specialties website as being board certi ied in plastic surgery as well as being up to date on their Maintenance of Certi ication, it means that they are current in all the latest advances in plastic surgery.”

It is important that you are in good hands and that you feel safe when embarking on this type of journey, and it never hurts to do your research. Visit www. certi icationmatters.org for more information on the American Board of Medical Specialties.

Myth 3: Your options are limited.

Just like you should research your provider, you should also research the procedure and speak openly with your doctor about your needs. “There are a lot of procedures out there and many ways to do any one thing,” says Dr. Keith Pitzer of Centra Medical Group, Plastic Surgery Center. “You determine what your goal is and what you want to get out of the procedure. Then, together, you and the surgeon can decide the best course. If you have a goal, we can tailor the surgery to help you meet that goal.”

There are no “one size its all” options—so don’t be afraid to ask questions and ind the best answer for YOU.

Myth 4: People who have had plastic surgery should feel like they have to hide it.

Dr. Keith Pitzer Centra Medical Group

Even before social media made it easier to draw attention to a celebrity for their choices regarding plastic reconstructive or cosmetic surgery, their before and after photos illed the covers of magazines and entertainment news broadcasts on every channel. The way we spoke about them for their decisions made it commonplace for us to talk about plastic surgery as though it were a taboo subject. Let’s all take a moment to consider what attaching a stigma to cosmetic procedures means for us as a society. We are all struggling to ind our place in this world and create or uphold an identity that makes us comfortable. This journey is different for everyone.

If people believe they have to keep these procedures a secret, then they may not get all of the information they need to have them done safely. They may continue to live with something that makes them physically uncomfortable. Plastic reconstructive and cosmetic surgeries are simply facts of life. No one should feel ashamed to ask for information that could help them make the best decision for their personal journey.

If you are considering plastic surgery, we urge you to research the procedure you want AND speak to one (or more) professionals to ind the provider that best its your needs. Start wherever you see it, but if you need a little help, check out this list of our local favorites:

Carilion Clinic Cosmetic Center, Roanoke (540) 853-0510 • www.carilionclinic.org/cosmetic-plastic-surgery Centra Medical Group Plastic Surgery Center, Lynchburg (434) 200-4246 • www.centramedicalgroup.com/plasticsurgery The Medi Spa at Ridgewood Hill, Salem (540) 444-4343 • www.plasticsurgeryinvirginia.com page 24 | bella magazine | july 2015

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{

Article ticle courtesy of

Join Member One here each month for more moneysaving ps, giveaways and all things awesome! Be sure to follow @SaveThisBuyThat on Twi er and check out our board “Save This Buy That” on Bella’s award-winning Pinterest page.

Wallet-Friendly July 4th Décor Pool parties, BBQs, and tropical beach vacations have of icial kicked off our summer season! In honor of one of our favorite holidays, July 4th, we’ve found the best budget-friendly recipes and DIY crafts to keep your wallet happy.

Red White & Berry Bites $0.17 per strawberry Strawberries Whipped topping Blueberries Hollow out the stem and cut off the tip of the strawberry. Scoop 1 tablespoon of whipped topping into each strawberry. Top each with blueberries. Repeat with all strawberries and serve chilled. Enjoy!

Flag Centerpiece $4.13 per centerpiece Apothecary jar Red kidney beans Northern beans Black beans

*

Add layer of red kidney beans. Top with layer of Northern beans. Repeat. Top with black beans to create ‘flag’ colors.

Love delicious recipes, DIY crafts, and fun money-saving tips? Give us a visit www.SaveThisBuyThat.com

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Bella Girl

Amber Ewers HOMETOWN

Roanoke, VA

EDUCATION Rising Senior at William Byrd High School in Vinton HER FAVORITE THINGS

Spending time with family and friends, being outdoors, making people laugh, and playing softball.

HER START

Photo by Shannon Sweeney with Sweeney and Sons Photography

meet amber

Amber joined the Angels softball team at the Vinton Recreational Club when she was eight years old. A year later, she began playing travel ball on a 12U team.

At age 11, she ran what would be the irst of ifty home runs. She is currently a starter on her high school varsity softball team, playing primarily irst base and pitching as needed. She also plays for the Virginia Scrappers 18U Elite travel ball team.

Her years of team experience have done more than helped her grow as a softball player—they have taught her to do her best, and accept her failures with her success.

“I put a lot of effort and time into softball,” she explains. “There are just going to be days that my best isn’t what I hoped for. I have learned to let those times go and learn from them.

There will be another ball to catch and another day to swing one out of the park.”

WHAT’S NEXT Amber still has another year of high school during which she will continue to play travel ball. She hopes to play in college and has a few favorite schools in mind. “I would love to play for Virginia Tech,” she says, then adds, “But I am open to any and all options!”

ADVICE “You never know how your words or actions affect someone else. Be kind to people and live each day to its fullest.

Don’t take your life and the people in it for granted.” w w w. l o v e l y b e l l a . c o m

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Happenings

FloydFe 14 Fire on the Mountain

FloydFest is a magical place.

There really is no disputing that fact. Once you’ve attended, your world changes. And, when it is all over, you ind yourself among the large group of people counting down the days until you can return.

You’ve seen the ads and maybe you’ve heard people talk about their experiences, but nothing compares to seeing everything the festival has to offer for yourself.

If you only take one vacation this year, consider making FloydFest your getaway. Here’s why:

The music. There are nine stages at the festival—and each one has a unique environment. Sit and enjoy a beer or sangria at the Pink Floyd Garden Stage. Dance and sing along at the Streamline Stage at Hill Holler.

Join new friends on the lawn in front of the Dreaming Creek Main Stage.

No matter what you choose, you are guaranteed to have an amazing time.

This year, Brandi Carlile, Grace Potter, and Emmylou Harris are just a few of the amazing scheduled artists. You can even create a custom schedule on the festival website before you leave so you don’t miss any of the performances you want to see!

The people. You know those awkward moments when you irst meet a new group of people at a festival or concert? They don’t exist at FloydFest.

People of all ages, ethnicities, and backgrounds lock to this event every year. When their feet (sometimes bare) touch the festival grounds, they all become friends sharing the same great experiences with one another.

The scenery. There is nothing like waking up in a tent or in a hammock

are available throughout the day. Also, Kleen Kanteen is partnering with FloydFest again this year to provide free and delicious cold water to festival goers.

The activities. It’s a great place for people of all ages, and that includes families. Kids will love the Children’s Universe where they can engage in a Taekwondo class, tetherball match, or debut an act during the kids’ Open Mike. Ongoing activities include a toddler playground, family-sized sandbox, rock stacking, a huge wooden play arc and so much more—visit their website for a complete list of activities for ALL ages.

The food. We fell in love with the food last year—there really is something for everyone. Indulge in deep-fried doughnuts, fries, locally-sourced burgers, and crepes. Or, recharge with (our personal favorite) fresh juices containing beets, carrots, ginger, and other fresh vegetables that your body will need to start the day. It’s hard to go hungry when you are surrounded by so many delicious choices!

There are so many reasons to attend FloydFest from July 22-26. Take it from us—we’ve been counting down the days since last year and we can’t wait to return.

For more information (or to purchase your ticket!!!) visit www.ϐloydfest.com. We’ll see you there!

surrounded by the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. However, this isn’t your average “camping” trip. Red Rooster coffee and other food vendors page 30 | bella magazine | july 2015

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