b april 2016
y p p a hspring
MIND • BODY • SOUL BEING MINDFUL • CULTURE SPOTLIGHTING LOCAL WOMEN
Ap ri l 2016 I s s ue O ne H und red E ighteen
“Comes happy spring, like a maiden fair, Quickly breathing the odorous air, With grass-green robes, and round her hair Apple and almond blooms, with care Twisted and twined in a circlet rare... And wherever she passes, morn or night, All the broad earth smiles a smile of delight.” ~J.J. Britton (1832–1913), Epithalamium
inside
COVER PHOTO BY
Joey Coakley Beck Publisher & Owner jbeck@beckmediagroup.com Hayleigh Worgan Editorial Director hworgan@beckmediagroup.com Sara Coakley Office Manager bella@beckmediagroup.com ••• Want to advertise in Bella? Email: bella@beckmediagroup.com or call (540) 904-6800 Let us get your business in front of the decision makers of Southwest & Central Virginia... WOMEN!! Advertising Inquiries advertise@beckmediagroup.com bella@beckmediagroup.com (540) 904-6800 ••• Contributors Oluwatoyosi Dada, MD of Centra Health, Gwendolyn Miller, Member One Federal Credit Union, Lynn Phelps, Hayleigh Worgan Editorial Interns Kathleen Duffy, Roanoke College Kathleen Legg, Roanoke College Editorial Inquiries editorial@beckmediagroup.com
LLC
P.O. Box 107 Roanoke, Virginia 24002 540.904.6800 fax 540.904.6803 Bella Magazine is the property of Beck Media Group LLC. It is a free publication printed monthly and is distributed throughout Southwest and Central Virginia and beyond. The Publisher reserves the right to refuse ad space for any advertisement or editorial content the staff deems inappropriate for our readers. The concept and design of Bella Magazine, as well as the design, advertisements, art, photos and editorial content is property of Beck Media Group LLC and may not be copied or reprinted without written permission from the publisher. ©2016 Beck Media Group LLC All Rights Reserved. PRINTED IN THE USA w w w. l o v e l y b e l l a . c o m
RABIAH KHWAJA GOHAR
bella loves
fashion forecast
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Our favorite earth-friendly and good-for-you finds!
Step into a fabulous new look!
for the cause page 9
save this buy that page 23
Buy a new pair of shoes and support Children’s Miracle Network.
A few great tips from Member One on how to use your smartphone to save money.
new beginnings page 11
Recharge and refocus on your goals for 2016.
meet melanie page 12
Learn about Dr. Almeder’s recently published collection of poetry called, “In Transit.”
giving back page 15
The Virginia Blue Ridge Affiliate of Susan G. Komen hosts Breastfest and Race for the Cure.
meet the makers page 17
shop local
lovelybella.com
living well page 26
Prolong the benefits of minimalism by making mindful purchasing decisions.
spring happenings page 29
Exhibits and performances that will inspire you this spring.
do-it-yourself
Support Susanna and other local farmers by visiting the farmers markets in our area.
find us:
Centra describes the signs and symptoms of asthma.
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Meet Susanna Thornton, third-generation farmer and owner of Thornfield Farm!
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women’s health page 25
Revamp your beauty and cleaning routines by creating your own products!
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fashion around the world Special guest writer, Italian shoe designer Maurizio Celin, shares his insight on spring fashion trends!
Ciao Bella! Hello from Europe! My name is Maurizio. I am a shoe designer and proud Italian. I design women’s fashion footwear for Consolidated Shoe Company in Lynchburg. With 20 years designing under my belt for multiple renown companies as diverse as Nine West and Sergio Rossi, I’m still soaking up styles, eyeing trends, and sketching non-stop. My team and I scour the streets of the world, from LA, New York, and Miami, to Paris, London, and Spain, to bring you the most innovative vogue styles each season. I love designing for the American woman. She is fierce and knows what she wants. She is determined, but understated in her strength; she’s a powerful woman. Each season, I’ll be highlighting new fashion trends in Bella from me to you: what to wear, what’s new, what’s all the rage, and more. So let’s talk fashion. Like our days, fashion is fast. It’s you, me, art, and all that surrounds us, everevolving. Walking, gallivanting, and running through the streets of Paris, the alleys of London, and the piazzas of Milan—textiles have become more complex and production more advanced. Right now, trends I’m seeing intertwine the sport world with haute couture to produce very flattering and comfortable shoes. As our schedules demand footwear to complement busy days, the newly blossomed season of spring fashion shines its face toward casual trends. A need for comfort shoes is being filled by a chic, relaxed aesthetic. Sneakers have never looked so elegant and heels have never been so comfortable. This season is made new by pain-free sophisticated pumps, lightweight space-age wedges using stretch materials for a flattering look, and flatform sandals providing height with optimal comfort. So make your fashion statement today. Mine is a pair of red corduroys, monk strap oxfords, and a chambray button down blazer, made complete with polka dot socks! Let your personality show and make your footwear work for you this season. Until summer, arrivederci! Maurizio
Maurizio Celin is a master craftsman, designing fashion footwear for Consolidated Shoe Company (MustHaveShoes), based in Lynchburg. With over 20 years’ experience, Maurizio’s visions come to life each season in CSC’s collections. www.MustHaveShoes.com w w w. l o v e l y b e l l a . c o m
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Shopping for a cause A pair of shoes that could help save the life of a child
If you’re looking for a fun way to celebrate spring and meet new friends, you don’t want to miss Heels for Healing on Friday, April 29 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Berglund Center in Roanoke! This annual women’s fundraiser for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals will feature a shoe raffle with gorgeous footwear from Yarid’s. Wine, heavy hors d’oeuvres, and a cash bar will be available. The event will also include a large silent and live auction. Tickets to Heels for Healing are $55 each, or $400 for a table of eight. Since its inception, the event has raised thousands of dollars and awareness for local nonprofit children’s hospitals. These funds help provide lifesaving medical equipment and services for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and Pediatric Units at Carilion Clinic Children’s Hospital in Roanoke. Each year, over 2,200 hospitalized children and 25,000 children visiting 17 speciality outpatient clinics benefit from the money raised by Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. This is possible because 100 percent of funds raised remain locally to enable the hospital to pivoted miracles of health and healing for babies and children in our communities. Every ticket, every pair of shoes, every donation—every single dollar makes a difference. In previous years, the event has been held during the day. The new hours this year may be more convenient for attendees to relax and enjoy the event—all while doing their part to help children in our community. For more information about this event and how to purchase tickets, visit www.carilionclinic.org/cmn .
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spring is here! Creating an environment for reflection Written by Lynn Phelps
Spring is the perfect time to reflect and recharge. The pastel soft pinks, creams, Tiffany blues and mint greens serve as ample inspiration for new beginnings. I adore them on everything—except me! Surrounding yourself with these colors, even in subtle ways, can help you get back on track for your 2016 goals. For example, my planner has pages in muted pastel colors, and each April I revisit them to see how much I have achieved in the first few months of the year. Sometimes I find that I am falling short, or that I have been side-tracked all winter. Either way, the calming colors somehow make me less anxious, and give me the chance to pause and reflect about the goals that I wanted to accomplish. I also use those moments to reevaluate my goals and make sure they are still important. This year, one of my goals is to cultivate and perfect my garden (to the best of my ability)! April showers are supposed to bring May flowers. Unfortunately, that doesn’t always happen at my house. I don’t exactly have a “green thumb.” However, that doesn’t prevent me from planning and asking for help. Planting flowers that take me back to another place in time is important because it creates a place where I can relax and gather my thoughts as the weather gets warmer. Heirloom seeds are wonderful and bring back memories of my grandmother’s home. Pine needle bushes and flowering shrubs remind me of my mother. Lavender is soothing, and roses smell glorious, while sunflowers add happiness. This year, I plan to add more bulbs that will bloom into memories of other people and places. In the end, my garden will become a place to pause and reflect. I like to carry that feeling over into my home. Spring cleaning has taken on an entirely new life in my house. Everything gets cleaned, organized, or replaced. At the end of the day, after a refreshing drive on a country road, it is nice to come home and be surrounded by a space that reflects the fresh and warm weather. With spring flowers in full bloom, a new outfit, and a fresh new attitude, it’s also a great time for spring photos. Some of my favorite places to photograph people are on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Wildflowers are abundant there, and it is also a great place for reflecting on the coming months. Happy spring! Lynn Phelps is a photographer, author, health and business coach in Southwest Virginia. You can see her work at www.lynnphelps.com.
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Meet Roanoke College Professor Dr. Melanie Almeder Interviewed by Kathleen Duffy Dr. Melanie Almeder is a professor at Roanoke College who participated in a program called, “Art by Bus”, which is sponsored by the City of Roanoke Arts Commission, Ride Solutions, and the Greater Roanoke Transit Authority. Dr. Almeder rode public transportation regularly over the course of a month in order to create a unique work of literature. She published a collection of poems that she created during her participation in this program entitled In Transit.
What do you want people to take away from these pieces?
“I guess the most important thing is that we live in this very diverse and dynamic landscape and that riding [the bus] can help us all participate more. It can also help us celebrate what’s beautiful about it and name what we would like to see grow. Poetry can do that and everyone can participate in that act. Poetry is not just an academically-owned process, but an opening to allow others to write.”
Do you think you have to understand poetry to appreciate it?
“I think that there are different modes of understanding and I think it’s important to stretch our minds to understand it so that we can praise the world. Many run from poetry because its difficult, but the difficulty pays off. It’s important to give poetry a chance and understanding comes in different forms. We can understand things emotionally, structurally, or musically. Any of those modes are valuable and I think it’s worth trying to understand.”
What do you see in the future for you? Any other works we should expect to see soon?
“I’m working on finishing a second book of poems and I’m also working on a website with one of my research students. The website is a tool kit for anyone that wants to run a writing group in a women’s halfway-house prison and rehab. Anyone in the nation who is working in a women’s prison will be able to download this tool kit, which contains exercises, ways to run the group, and how to print work. Lastly, I’m running a writing circle at the Trust House downtown to reach out to the homeless. I’m looking forward to publishing some of their writings soon.”
Any advice for other artists?
“I would say read, read, read, don’t quit writing, and never stop learning. Let the world and people teach you. Stay open and pay attention.” page 12
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Know a fabulous local woman who deserves to be in the spotlight? Let us know! bella@beckmediagroup.com
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Written by Gwendolyn Miller
giving back
The Virginia Blue Ridge Affiliate of Susan G. Komen raises money that will help women (and men!) in our region
Amid a sea of pink every spring, survivors, caregivers, friends, and family will all gather to run, walk, or sleep-in for Susan G. Komen’s Race for the Cure on Saturday, April 9 at the Rivers Edge Sports Complex in Roanoke. The Race for the Cure plays a vital role in helping fundraise for the Virginia Blue Ridge Affiliate of Susan G. Komen to fight against breast cancer in our local community. Participants like Debbie Baroch will be the first to tell you how important and rewarding Race for the Cure is to her and so many others. Debbie is a stage IV breast cancer survivor and loves seeing all the people in pink as the race starts and the Parade of Survivors at the end. “I love knowing that I played a part in raising money for education, programs, and research,” she explains. Her team has participated for the last four years, and last year they were very successful in their fundraising efforts. As an experienced attendee, her advice to first time Race for the Cure participants is to find something pink, wear a pair of good shoes, and plan to have a great time! And the weekend itself promises to be just that—a wonderful, memorable time for our community. It begins with a kick-off event, BreastFest, on Friday, April 8 from 5 to 9 p.m. This event will be free for race participants and $10 for the general public. Rutledge and Corey Hunley $ The Millionaires will perform for participants and supporters. Beer, food, and merchandise will be available for purchase. For more information, or to purchase tickets beforehand, visit www. komenvablueridge.org/breastfest. The next day will be filled with fun as well! The Race for the Cure is more than a 5K. Runners are welcome (and have the option to be timed), but so are those who wish to walk as a show of their support. There is even a sleep-in option for those who cannot attend. The site opens at 7 a.m. on Saturday, and there will be plenty of fun swag from sponsors available for participants before the race begins at 9 a.m. Visit www.komenvablueridge.org for more information on how you can participate in either or both of these events and how your donation can help women (and men!) in our community. w w w. l o v e l y b e l l a . c o m
Want to know what a difference your donation could make? Consider this:
* $250.00 could help provide a breast prosthesis * $100.00 could help provide one screening mammogram for someone without insurance * $50.00 could help provide co-pay assistance for someone struggling with the cost of their breast cancer treatment * $35.00 could help provide a two month supply of hormone therapy to treat breast cancer Gwendolyn Miller is a breast cancer survivor, photographer, and volunteer in Lynchburg, Va. She loves to travel, but is also passionate about giving back to her local community.
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Interested in learning more about organic certified farming and supporting local farmers? Join us on April 14 at 12:15 p.m. for our "Lunch & Learn" series! RSVP for more info to editorial@beckmediagroup.com
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MEET THE
MAKERS Susanna Thornton from Thornfield Farm offers healthy food options in our community Written by Hayleigh Worgan
Susanna Thornton is a third generation farmer on Thornfield Farm. It began as a hobby for her grandfather when he purchased the land in the 1960s. A full-time lawyer in Roanoke, he wanted a side project and a place to enjoy in his retirement. Her father took interest in farming as a young child, and it grew into his way of life as an adult. “Growing up, our lives revolved around the farm,” she recalls. “We tried to live and eat solely from the farm. We ran a dairy farm and had a large community vegetable garden. I had a very strong upbringing and sensation of what it means to live off the land and love this place in particular.” One of the details that makes Thornfield Farm stand out amongst many is that they are certified organic. Susanna explains, “Organic certification is a federal program that is specifically designed to help consumers know what is going into their food. Vegetables that are conventionally grown have no restrictions on the level of chemicals they contain. Organic certification puts a set of parameters on how you grow and what is put into the food. The program tries to ensure that every stage of the growing process is in accordance with healthy and sustainable practices. These are steps I would take regardless, because I am dedicated to supporting the health of this land and also of the food that we produce. It is a marker of our beliefs.” She goes on to say that organic certification does require a great deal of paperwork and financial investment. For her, the investment of time and money is worth it to be able to say, without question, how their food is grown. If you are ready to make the commitment to eating healthy and supporting local farmers, you can start by checking out the wide selection of produce offered from Thornfield Farm. They offer a farm share program to a limited number of people in the community. For a very reasonable fee, you can select your vegetables through their online store and pick up your order at one of their many pop-up farm stand locations from April through November. Farm share members also get access to field days, on-farm dinners, and farm camp for kids. It is an opportunity to become part of a community that has access to a holistic experience in what it is like to be part of the farm. Even if you are not ready to make the farm share commitment, you should still check out Thornfield Farm at their pop-up farm stands. One of Susanna’s regular farm stand locations is Sweet Donkey Coffee. She will be there every Thursday from 3-6pm from April 7 through the Thursday before Thanksgiving. “Last winter, when I started, I was working at their coffee shop trying to figure out where I was going to host the farm stand. The owners told me I could set up a tent on their lawn, and they have been nothing but helpful in facilitating a community farm stand experience. It creates a unique environment where people can come get a coffee and buy their groceries and vice versa. If my farm share members come to see me there, then they are also going to get a latte.” You can also find Thornfield Farm at the Grandin Village Community Market on Saturdays beginning April 30 and ending in November. Visit their website, www.thornfieldfarm.com, for additional pop-up shop locations and a list of local restaurants that serve their food!
Are you a maker? Know of one we should cover? Let us know! bella@beckmediagroup.com w w w. l o v e l y b e l l a . c o m
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visiting the farmers market
Everything you need in one convenient, beautiful location!
All photos this page courtesy Roanoke City Market
Spring is here! Everything is in bloom, and that means that farmers markets are blossoming also—filled with products from local farmers and artisans, and waiting for you! One of our favorite things about summer is the ample opportunity it presents to support small businesses and local families by purchasing the things they work so hard to produce. You can find everything you need in one visit including groceries, flowers, jewelry, soaps, lotions, and even woodworking! Starting your Saturday morning at a farmers market is not only relaxing, it is a great way to plan for the week ahead. For those who wish to eat healthier, you can purchase all of your groceries for the week fresh from vendors. Although some items may be a small amount more than you would pay in a grocery store, the truth is that your budget ends up evening out. Purchasing your items weekly helps eliminate extra that you end up throwing away before the end of the week. The set-
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ting of the farmers market does not allow you to be tempted to buy heavily processed sale items that are not only bad for you, but also encourage you to ignore fresh vegetables and meats you have purchased in favor of the easier packaged options. Two of our favorite markets are The Historic City Market in downtown Roanoke and The Forest Farmers Market. At The Historic City Market, you will find great gifts for both Mother’s Day and Father’s Day from local artisans. The city setting serves as an inspirational place to do your shopping, april 2016
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and you can make a day trip of it by supporting a local restaurant for lunch. Of course, the market is open year-round, but bustles with activity as the weather gets warmer. Go to www.downtownroanoke.org for more information on The Historic City Market and additional locations to visit. Also open throughout the year, The Forest Farmers Market, located in Forest, Virginia, is a great location to pick up everything you need for weekly meals. We especially love Idlewild’s pork chops. They pair well with sautÊed squash and zucchini, and we also enjoy them for a special weekend breakfast with eggs. Customers can also indulge themselves with a bottle of wine from Ramulose Ridge Vineyards, located in Moneta, Virginia. Visit www.forestfarmersmarket.com for an updated list of vendors and information throughout spring and summer. Stay tuned to our Facebook page and Instagram as the warm weather progresses for fun photos from our farmers market adventures!
Okay, so you bought fresh produce at the farmers market! Now what? Stay tuned to Facebook & our website for great Spring Farmers Market recipes!
All photos this page courtesy Forest Farmer Market page 20
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bella loves
In celebration of Earth month, we compiled a list of our favorite earthfriendly and good for you products! It is important that we be aware of how our purchases impact our personal environments and the world around us. Be mindful of every part that makes up the staples of your life, from your wardrobe and accessories to your personal care items and your pantry. We all have to start somewhere to do our part in taking care of the world we share! Splendid Spoon www.splendidspoon.com
Dr. Bronner Hand Sanitizer www.drbronner.com
Health-Ade Kombucha www.health-ade.com
Lumi Cold-Pressed Organic Juice www.lumijuice.com
Analog Wooden & Stone Watches www.analogwatchco.com
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Article courtesy of
Member One Money Saving Tips
3 ways your phone can save you money Is there anything our phones can’t do nowadays? Even what seems impossible is not so far-fetched anymore. There’s really no reason why our devices can’t help us save money also. Here are some of the ways you can easily save money using your phone:
Compare Competitors
One of the wonderful things about smartphones is the availability of endless apps. There’s an app for almost anything, and if there isn’t, there’s always trusty Google right on our phone. This helps us save money at the touch of a button by allowing us to compare prices between competitors. One of our favorite price-comparing apps is RedLaser, which lets you search for and scan product bar codes to find the competing prices in other stores. We also love GasBuddy. It is designed to show gas prices around you, allowing you to pick the cheapest station. GasBuddy also keeps updated coupons to help you save even more!
Personal Finance Management
More Spring savings tips? Visit: www.SaveThisBuyThat.
com
There are millions of apps that are centered around monitoring finances. We think everyone should start out with these three types of finance apps. The first one should be your bank’s mobile app. The Member One app, for example, allows you to make mobile check deposits and money transfers, and offers mobile balance alerts. Alongside your bank’s app, having one to help you plan budgets is essential. Goodbudget Budget Planner can help you strategize how much you want to spend on groceries, gas, entertainment, and much more. The last app we recommend is one that allows you to keep up with your credit score. One like Credit Karma, which enables you to check your score for free, will do just fine.
Shopper Specials and Coupons
With the majority of people owning smartphones, most companies have
Join Member One here each month for more money-saving developed apps that offer special savings. Starbucks and Walgreens provide tips, giveaways and all things awesome! Be sure to follow apps that customers can show at the register to rack up points for dis@SaveThisBuyThat on Twitter and check out our board counts and gift cards. Apps like RetailMeNot and LivingSocial provide the “Save This Buy That” on Bella’s award-winning Pinterest page. w w w. l o v e l y b e l l a . c o m
latest deals for shops, restaurants, and online stores. april 2016
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Article courtesy of
asthma
Recognizing the signs & symptoms Written by Oluwatoyosi Dada, MD Your child may have asthma, and you may not even know it. Complaints about shortness of breath after running, recurring incidents of infant “bronchitis,” colds that seem to last forever, sudden severe breathing difficulties that require emergency treatment— any one of these incidents could be the face of asthma. According to the Centers for Disease Control, nearly seven million children—one of every 10 children in a classroom—have asthma, a chronic inflammatory disease that causes the muscles surrounding the bronchial tubes in the lungs to contract more than they should, narrowing the air passages. When the lining of the air passages becomes inflamed and swollen, increased mucus production blocks the passage of air into the lungs. Asthma can hit every age group, but the greatest number of recent asthma cases has been among children. Up to 80 percent of children with asthma develop symptoms before they are five years old, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. The Centers for Disease Control reports more than half (59 percent) of children who had an asthma attack missed school because of asthma in 2008. That translates into 13 million missed school days annually, according to the American Asthma Foundation. Asthma is treatable and manageable. Keeping an eye on the symptoms and working with your child’s doctor to manage care are very important. Follow your child’s doctor’s recommendations for medications and activity levels. Many children have “hidden” or undiagnosed asthma, in which an attack can be triggered by a cold or allergen. Common allergens include dust mites, animal dander, cockroaches, pollen, smoke, air pollution, and molds. Other events that can trigger wheezing or asthma attacks include exercise, emotional outbursts, and certain foods. Risk factors can be genetic predispositions, allergies, history of RSV, rhinitis, or chronic eczema. Signs and symptoms of childhood asthma include:
Wheezing • Frequent coughing or respiratory infections • Coughing after running or crying • Recurrent night coughing • Chest tightness • Shortness of breath • Unexplained irritability • In infants, a rattily cough, rapid breathing, an excessive number of “pneumonias,” episodes of bronchitis, or “chest colds.” w w w. l o v e l y b e l l a . c o m
If your child is diagnosed with asthma, there are steps you can take to help prevent asthma attacks:
Keep your child away from smoking, which is an irritant. • Use allergen-proof covers on mattresses and pillows. To get rid of dust mites, wash bedding weekly in water above 130 degrees and keep indoor humidity below 50 percent, using a dehumidifier. • Keep dogs, cats and all other pets out of your child’s bedroom. • Remove carpets and rugs. • Dust and vacuum several times a week. • To reduce mold problems, fix all leaks and eliminate standing water (such as in planters). • Have your child tested for food allergies. • Make sure your child is properly clothed when outside—cold air can make it difficult for asthmatics to breathe; teach your child to put a hand in front of their mouth to warm the cold air. • Talk to your child’s teacher about the signs of asthma and your child’s emergency inhaler, if he or she has one. Ask teachers to seat your child way away from blackboards and chalk dust. • Ensure an asthma action plan is in place if your child has an asthma attack at school.
Currently there is no cure for asthma. Although asthma is a chronic illness, it should not be a progressively debilitating disease, says the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Approximately one-quarter of asthmatic children have their symptoms disappear as they grow older. Children who adhere to physician-directed management routines with proper medications can grow up to live healthy and productive lives. Oluwatoyosi Dada, MD, is a pediatric hospitalist at Centra Lynchburg General Hospital Pediatric Center. For more information about asthma or Centra Lynchburg General Hospital Pediatric Center, visit CentraHealth.com. april 2016
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Written by Hayleigh Worgan
the mindful minimalist
Cultivating habits to get more out of less On the surface, minimalism seems like it is only about getting rid of the things you do not need or use. Although that is the first step, it is only half of the process. Once all of the useless clutter that held you back is gone, it can be easy to slip back into old habits. Clearance sales, shopping sprees, holidays, and life in general sets us up to collect unnecessary objects. The key is to be ready to make conscious decisions about what you allow in your home at all times, and stick to disciplined routines when it comes to those items. Much like weight loss, saving for vacation, and developing a new skill—sticking to your newly acquired habits as a minimalist are important to getting the most out of the lifestyle. Here are a few things to keep in mind: Your first few trips to a shopping center will be the hardest, but they will also be defining moments. The classic white t-shirt for $5 is a great bargain, but don’t you already have three? You don’t need one to keep for when the others start to yellow. When that happens, then you can buy a new one. An inexpensive back-up for your go-to wardrobe pieces is a nice thought, but they do more than take up space. If you have a back-up piece, you are more likely to become a little lax in taking care of what you use on a regular basis. Buy quality pieces and treat them well. You will spend less in the long run, and your closet will not become crowded again. If you must buy an item, replace something you already own. Think about that rule as you contemplate your purchase. What will you replace? Has the item reached the end of its usefulness? Will it give you joy to part with it? Will what you are holding bring you as much, preferably more, joy than what is waiting for you at home? The more you are completely present while making these decisions, the less you will find yourself wanting to go shopping. There will just be better ways to occupy your time. Curbing your spending this way keeps your house clutter-free AND encourages you to be mindful with all of your purchases. This new mindset allows you to reallocate your budget to experiences that you may have been unable to afford previously. For example, that knitting class you’ve been putting off for years. Or, a weekend road trip with your best friend. Investing in memories over objects will help you make the most out of what you have and the people you love. The greatest thing about minimalism is that it eliminates many of the things that create anxiety and makes room for more—more opportunities, more love, and ultimately, more joy. Making these changes will impact everyone differently, but the one thing we will all have in common is a renewed sense of being completely present and aware in every moment. That alone has the potential to change your life for the better.
Hayleigh is a beginner minimalist who loves going anywhere she can hang her hammock. When she's not writing for and editing Bella, she enjoys trying new things in the community.
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spring happenings
Fill up your social calendar for the month of April! There are many opportunities to explore the arts and culture of the Roanoke Valley this month. Celebrate spring and new beginnings by attending any one (or all!) of the following:
Norman Rockwell (1894-1978) No Swimming, Cover of The Saturday Evening Post, June 4, 1921. Oil on canvas, 25 1/4 x 22 1/4 in. Norman Rockwell Museum Collections
“American Chronicles: The Art of Norman Rockwell” is on display at The Taubman Museum of Art from now until June 12, 2016. This stop marks the final opportunity to see this national traveling exhibition before it returns to the Rockwell Museum. The retrospective features more than 100 of Norman Rockwell’s most significant works created throughout his prolific 65-year career. “Norman Rockwell is one of the most iconic, celebrated artists of our time,” says Della Watkins, executive director of the Taubman Museum of Art. “His unique artistic legacy both reflected and profoundly influenced American perceptions and ideals. From the rise of the automobile to World War II and from the Freedom Movement to space exploration, Rockwell chronicled the most significant moments of the 20th Century.” The exhibition includes original paintings, illustrations, preliminary sketches, 323 covers from the Saturday Evening Post, color studies, detailed drawings, and images of Rockwell at work. The Taubman Museum of Art is located at 110 Salem Avenue SE. Museum hours are Wednesday through Saturday 10 a.m to 5 p.m. and Sunday 12 to 5 p.m. Additional hours include every First Friday and Third Thursday when the museum is open until 9 p.m. Tickets are free for Taubman Museum members, and tickets for other guests are available on their website, by calling 540-3425760, and at the Visitor Services Desk in the museum. Visit www.taubmanmuseum.org for additional information. Opera Roanoke will present Verdi’s La Traviata on Friday, April 8 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 10 at 3 p.m. in Shaftman Performance Hall at The Jefferson Center. This performance will conclude their 40th anniversary season. Amy Cofield Williamson, who has covered the lead role for famed soprano Renee Fleming, will star. With a cast including beloved baritone Levi Hernandez, Opera Roanoke’s 2015/2016 closes in a crescendo of passion with one of the greatest dramatic masterpieces in the operatic repertoire. Maestro Scott Williamson urges people to see La Traviata, because, “It is simply one of the great masterpieces of all time…it is a work of art every human being should encounter at least once, and preferably many times, in their life.” Cofield Williamson adds, “With Maestro Williamson directing and conducting, audiences are surely in for a treat. As director, he will bring so many additional layers to this beautiful and tragic story, and as a conductor, he and I will have the opportunity to make connections across the stage, bringing this music and story together in fresh and magical ways.” For tickets and additional information, visit www.operaroanoke.org. Conclude the month by participating in the 16th Annual Open Studios of Roanoke Tour on Saturday, April 30 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, May 1, from noon to 5 p.m. This unique experience allows participants to visit the homes and studios of thirty participating artists. Admission is free— simply follow the map for the self-guided tour and witness art as it is created. Media include sculpture, painting, drawing, collage, assemblage, photography, and ceramics. Go to www.openstudiosofroanoke.com for more information.
w w w. l o v e l y b e l l a . c o m
april 2016
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bella magazine
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page 29
do-it-yourself
101 Easy Homemade Products for your Skin, Health & Home Switching over to natural, homemade products can be a challenge. Even Pinterest can be an overwhelming place when you are looking for ways to replace everything in your medicine cabinet and under your sink. That’s why we were ecstatic when we stumbled upon Jan Berry’s blog, The Nerdy Farm Wife { www.thenerdyfarmwife.com }. Soon after, we discovered she had put some of her best recipes together in a book called, 101 Easy Homemade Products for your Skin, Health & Home. It contains DIY projects using commonly found herbs, flowers, and other plants that are easy for beginners to make and use. One of our favorites (that you won’t find in the book) is this simple recipe for Aloe Rose Skin Soother. Not only is it easy to make, it is a great remedy for those initial warm spring days when you spend a little too much time in the sun! You will need: 1 part aloe vera gel 1 part fresh rose petals
Photos courtesy of TheNerdyFarmWife.com
If you use 1/3 cup aloe vera gel, blend it with 1/3 cup petals. (She notes to make sure you are using 100% aloe vera gel—some have chemical preservatives.) Place the petals and aloe vera gel in a mini food processor and blend them thoroughly. After blending, strain pink aloe juice from the rose petal pieces through a mesh sieve. Store in a refrigerator.
For more tips and tricks to make this recipe really special, and ways to keep it fresh longer, visit www.thenerdyfarmwife.com. You should also pick up 101 Easy Homemade Products for your Skin, Health & Home—it is a great go-to guide for eliminating chemicals from all of your cleaning and personal hygiene products!
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bella magazine
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april 2016
w w w. l o v e l y b e l l a . c o m