b august 2016
MIND • BODY • SOUL MEET THE MAKERS SUMMER FINDS & MORE
s s e l d n e r e m m u s
Au gu s t 2 016
I s s ue One H undred Twe nt y -Two
Joey Coakley Beck Publisher & Owner jbeck@beckmediagroup.com Hayleigh Worgan Editorial Director hworgan@beckmediagroup.com Sara Coakley Office Manager bella@beckmediagroup.com •••
inside
taking care of your skin page 7
Advice from the professionals at Aveda
back to normal page 9
Thoughts on Breast Reconstruction Surgery
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!!
feel like a woman again
Debra Germann Advertising Sales Representative dgermann@beckmediagroup.com
giving back
Advertising Inquiries advertise@beckmediagroup.com bella@beckmediagroup.com (540) 904-6800 ••• Contributors Tim Habla, Emily McCaul, Member One Federal Credit Union, Ginger Rail, Stacy Shrader, Henry Wilson, MD of Centra Health, Hayleigh Worgan 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
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An important conversation about gynecological health
extraordinary women page 12 page 15
A local farmer and the importance of local agriculture Making a difference at Jefferson Center
meet the maker page 16
Meet Brigitte Rau of Brigit True Organics
buying your first home page 18
Helpful Tips from Member One
get fit • stay safe page 21
Safety lessons for women from C.R.T.
exploring minimalism page 22
Keep the clutter out of your home
veganville page 25
A monthly look into the life of our favorite vegan
bella eats page 27
Grown up ice cream sandwiches
a better diet page 29
Tips for eating clean from Gwyneth Paltrow
bella loves page 30
Essential products for summer
lovelybella.com a u g u s t bellamagazine 2016 | bella
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Skin care is an important investment that you cannot afford to ignore. If you are still using over-the-counter products from drug stores, you run the risk of exposing yourself the harmful chemicals and not getting the nutrients that your skin needs to be healthy. Chelsea Thompson from Aveda sat down with us to explain why their new line of retail and spa products are perfect for clients that are ready to take better care of their skin.
Tell us about the new line, Tulasara.
Skin Care and balance Getting on the right track to better skin health
Written by Hayleigh Worgan
This word means “moving towards balance.� You are either moving towards it or away from it, and Tulasara is all about moving towards it. The first thing we are going to be launching is an awakening ritual kit. It is completely different than what you are going to see from anything else on the market right now. You start off with a dry brush that is designed to be used on clean, dry skin with no product. The purpose is to sweep and move it over the skin to help with cellular turnover and increase circulation. After you work your neck and face, you take four pumps of our oleation oil. It helps balance and hydrate the skin. This is a 100% naturally-derived product. You dry brush, put this on for four minutes, and then cleanse. All skin types can use it because they are using it before the cleanser. It leaves your skin feeling balanced and comfortably clean. We also have some new plant technology and very highly potent treatment products. The first thing is Firm. This is for the guest that wants to lift, tone, and tighten the skin. Next, we have Bright. This is for someone concerned with hyper-pigmentation, discoloration of the skin, or freckling. We use a lot of ayurvedic blends that help break up and make that spot less visible. It helps protect the dermal layer so it can defend from future damage. The last one is Calm, and it is designed for someone that has sensitive, aggravated, and inflamed skin. It helps bring everything back down to neutral.
How do these products compliment spa services?
You’ll have product to use at home to follow up with the services you get here. For example, we have nine new balancing aromas. These aromas are 100% naturally-derived organic essential oils that are designed to help balance your skin type and your nature. We will be incorporating these aromas into spa services, products, and on the hair floor. We can also do aroma sensory journeys before the start of your service to help you determine what is right for you.
What new products are available for spa services?
We are bringing out a new facial peel. It does not leave your skin red, irritated, or compromised. It is designed for all skin types and can be done once per week. We recommend a series of four at a time. We will also have a new cleanser. It is customized with aroma and designed by a therapist for all skin types. Additionally, we have a new cooling mask. This product gives an automatic anti-inflammatory response on the skin. It takes the burn and the red out right away. It is all customized and layered with raw essential oil. For more information on these products, to purchase them, or to book a service and begin your journey towards skin care balance, visit Salon Del Sol on Franklin Road in Roanoke. You can also go to their website, www.sdssalon.com or call 540-387-1900. w w w. l o v e l y b e l l a . c o m
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getting back to normal Breast reconstruction surgery Written by Henry B. Wilson, MD, FACS
Article courtesy of
Henry B. Wilson, MD, FACS, is a surgeon at Centra Medical Group Plastic Surgery Center in Lynchburg. For more information, visit CentraMedicalGroup. com/PlasticSurgery or call 434.200.4350. Dr. Wilson’s research, the first of its kind for breast reconstruction surgery, was recently published in the International Open Access Journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. The full study is available at www.PRSGlobalOpen.com. w w w. l o v e l y b e l l a . c o m
Some scars take longer to heal. After a lengthy battle with breast cancer, many women are left with the emotional aftermath of a mastectomy. The hardest parts—the initial shock, surgery and chemotherapy—are over, but the physical and emotional healing takes time. Memories are never erased, but breast reconstruction surgery at least allows a woman to look in the mirror each day without a glaring reminder of the painful ordeal. Most of the time the biggest part of the reconstruction can be done at the time of mastectomy—neatly sidestepping months of living without a breast. According to national statistics, half of women who undergo a full mastectomy never see a breast reconstruction surgeon. Some women are not candidates for the procedure, but many can benefit from the surgery, retrieving a sense of normalcy and realizing a self-esteem boost. Breast cancer doesn’t just attack cells, it penetrates at an emotional level, particularly when a mastectomy—on one or both sides—is part of the treatment plan. With such a significant part of the body removed, it is not surprising that many patients express body image worries. An excellent surgeon’s number one priority is a safe procedure that allows a woman to put a painful experience out of mind. Patients want an opportunity to put breast cancer in the back of their mind, instead of reliving a difficult time when stepping out of the shower each day. Equally important, they want assurance of a safe and effective procedure. Over the last year, our surgery team has pioneered safe “notouch” breast reconstruction techniques, which have radically reduced infection rates. National trends show a 2.5 to 24 percent infection rate despite best practices. Infection is the leading cause of failed reconstruction surgery, dealing another blow to an emotionally drained cancer survivor at an already vulnerable time. Women facing an infection after surgery are fearful of starting over with reconstruction, putting them through another procedure with added cost and time. “No-touch” surgical techniques, developed in the 1890s, are widely used when implanting orthopaedic, urologic and plastic surgical prosthetic devices. They have not previously been used in breast reconstruction. The “no-touch” techniques involve using sterile transparent drapes, a self-retaining retractor and small hooks to limit the exposed skin during the procedure. When applied to breast reconstruction surgery, these techniques have shown promise in dramatically reducing infection rates. In our recent series, “no-touch” techniques reduced infection-related reconstructive failure rates from 12% to zero over a one year period. The new techniques only add five to 10 minutes to each breast surgery and give women a safer reconstruction. There is no cosmetic price to pay, either—the techniques apply equally to reconstruction following nipple-sparing mastectomies, the “gold standard” for cosmetic breast reconstruction. A mastectomy is not just a major life event, but a substantial emotional loss. It is easily compared to losing a limb. Many survivors go through life constantly reminded of a difficult fight with cancer. Breast reconstruction surgery isn’t for every woman, but for many, the safe procedure allows them to get back something lost, increase their selfesteem and put cancer in the rearview mirror. august 2016
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stop
suffering in silence
Written by Hayleigh Worgan
An open discussion about vaginal health
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Perhaps it isn’t the first choice of conversation when you meet up with your girlfriends, mother, or your sister, but it is important. There are options out there to treat and prevent vaginal discomfort that often accompanies aging or illness, and they are not the old wives’ tales whispered over coffee so as not offend anyone. A real, safe, and easy solution exists. However, to find it, you first have to talk about the problem. We live in a world where it is ok to discuss erectile dysfunction and treatment options for men, but many women still feel some sort of stigma attached to talking about gynecologic health. If you are living with vaginal discomfort resulting from pelvic floor disorders (PFDs), breast cancer, or hormonal changes, you are not alone. There is no reason that you should remain silent and continue to suffer. The longer you wait to see a doctor, the more valuable weeks, months, and even years you will sacrifice. There is a better way, and it begins with understanding that you have no reason to be ashamed and seeking treatment. At Blue Ridge Urogynecology, Dr. James Daucher and his staff want to help you get back to your living your life and feel like a woman again. They use a procedure called MonaLisa Touch to deliver gentle laser energy to the vaginal tissue. It stimulates a healing response in the vaginal canal. The procedure is virtually painless, and is similar to your annual exam. It requires three treatments over the course of 18 weeks, but each one only takes about five minutes. Many patients have reported that they experience relief right way. Most experience it by the second treatment. For Melissa Zimmerman, Practice Manager at Blue Ridge Urogynecology, the choice to undergo the procedure was easy. “As a premenopausal woman who is bound and determined to go through the process without HRT due to a family history of breast cancer, I figured I might as well avail myself of the newest treatment in my own backyard,” she explains, “I work hard to maintain my physical fitness, eat right, and care about my appearance. In short, I won’t age without a fight.” “I have a great marriage and enjoy an active sex life, which is another thing I did not want to be robbed of as I entered my 50’s and became menopausal,” she adds. “Vaginal atrophy and dryness happen to all of us as our estrogen declines and I want to be proactive in that respect as well.” “The procedure lasted less than ten minutes. It was painless and produced great results. I worked out the day after and then rode and showed my horse from Thursday on, so there was literally no down time.” For many women, the option to have this procedure is a priceless reassurance that life can return to what it was before events like breast cancer, PFDs, or menopause. If you are interested in learning more about MonaLisa Touch, please visit www.blueridgeurogynecology. com. Also, join them for their open house on Friday, September 2 from 4-7pm, where they will be serving light appetizers and refreshments. We’ll see you there!
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Photos courtesy Four Corners Farm page 12
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extraordinary
women
Carolyn Reilly of Four Corners Farm
Written by Emily McCaul
Carolyn Reilly is changing the way Roanoke eats. In addition to the many hats she wears as a wife, daughter, and mother of four, Carolyn continues to seek out healthy, natural living practices for the area, raising awareness through her roles as marketer, farmer, and outreach personnel at Four Corners Farm. Established in 2008 in Rocky Mount, Virginia, the family-farm continues to run today, fueled by the authentic passion and hard work exhibited by Carolyn and her family: four helpful children, two supportive parents, and a loving husband. Together, the team works to supply organic, pure food to the local area, restore the environment through recycling, and host community-building events for locals and travelers alike. Tell me a little bit about Four Corners
Farm. What are some of your specific day-to-day tasks and responsibilities?
I usually get out on the farm every day and see some of the animals. We also do our own chicken processing, which is kind of a dirty slash clean job. There’s a process involved—that’s weekly. Daily, we have four children, so we’re busy taking care of our kids. We homeschool, I cook a lot, and I’m [also] a community organizer for the Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League. That’s something that has become my side-work of community involvement, especially in regards to the proposed Mountain Valley Pipeline, because it’s threatening our farm. I think another aspect of farm work is communicating with people who support local agriculture, the importance of continuing that support, and communicating with those who are at risk; corporations are taking land from them for financial gain. That’s become an extra role that I did not anticipate having as a farmer, living in a rural area, but it’s almost as if the rural community tends to be threatened more by these corporate land-grabbers. Our third or fourth season here in Virginia, we received a letter from a gas corporation saying, ‘We would like to talk to you about putting a pipe through your farm.’ We didn’t know what that meant or if it was a natural gas pipe; honestly, we just didn’t have an understanding. We were really into the local food movement and sustainability, non-GMO’s—we had been solely involved with those aspects of educating the public. It became a natural bridge for me with environmental concerns regarding our farm, as well as the whole community. It has taken some of the skills I’ve had from my past, marketing, sales, and working on the farm, to community concerns and raising awarenes—it’s been fun. We’ve done protests, and my kids have been really involved. They’ve learned a lot about protecting the environment, and really, it’s for them. All of this is for their future, for them to have a home and a land that we can pass on that’s healthy, free from methane, leaks, and devastation.
What is it like working with family?
Working with family, honestly, is such a gift—to be able to have our own schedule that we can create. However, certainly, we are often ruled by nature and the animals. That’s a part of working with nature; we have to cooperate too, even when nature doesn’t always cooperate with us.That makes the type of farming that we do harder in certain ways, because all our pigs are not lined up in rows, on concrete pads—in prison cells essentially. They’re not locked up. Ours roam free, in a fence, and occasionally they get out which is stressful. We just had this happen the other day, so it’s very emotional. We were missing quite a few pigs, and they fortunately returned; they came home. Through that process we realized just how valuFor more info about able it what we’re doing, because it’s everything for us. It’s our livelihood; it’s who we are. We put our Carolyn and Four hearts into all of it. Corners Farm, visit All of life has hardships and downsides, but we really are so fortunate and consider it a gift to www.fourcorners be doing what we’re doing in this time when local food and concern for the environment is coming to a farm.com peak. Emily McCaul is a second-year, multimedia journalism and creative writing double major at Virginia Tech. Her goal is to impact the world of media, construct enticing, innovative content for readers, and build relationships within the community while gaining more experience doing what she loves. w w w. l o v e l y b e l l a . c o m
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giving back Written by Hayleigh Worgan
Volunteering & helping Jefferson Center grow!
Jefferson Center is one of our valley’s greatest treasures. Their 2016-2017 season will kick off with The StealDrivers on September 8, and feature big names throughout the subsequent months including Lalah Hathaway on November 10 and Loretta Lynn on November 18. Additional artists like Dianne Reeves (March 3) and SFJAZZ Collective (April 13) will keep the momentum going in 2017. On March 24, former Music Lab student Judi Jackson will return as a paid performer. Their lineup is important, but what goes on behind the scenes is equally so. The dedicated volunteers and patrons of Jefferson Center are what keeps the doors open and the artists coming. There aren’t enough words to express the gratitude that the entire community feels for their hours and donations. One of the best ways to gain insight into the unique opportunities this venue offers to everyone in our community is to talk with volunteers about their experiences. Aleksandra Vekic has volunteered with Jefferson Center for the last four years. Her passion for jazz and vintage clothing combined with her natural talent for helping others makes her a wonderful addition to their team. “I collect old jazz records and I’m a huge music fan,” says Aleksandra. “It’s beautiful that we have a venue like the Jefferson Center in Roanoke. It is a great place that hosts artists like grammy-nominated Lalah Hathaway, Gregory Porter, and Robert Glasper. When you volunteer for them, you also have the opportunity to see these beautiful shows and experience the music live.” “The Music Lab is just as wonderful as their jazz series. Kids like 14-year-old Jayna Brown, who went from singing on the same stage as Lalah Hathaway and Snarky Puppy to the stage of America’s Got Talent remind you how amazing these experiences are for their artistic journey,” she adds. “I am so impressed by these kids, some as young as five, who participate in dance recitals and memories all the choreography. It is a privilege to watch their talent come full circle.” Jefferson Center is a nonprofit organization, so any time or money you can give to help it continue doing the amazing things it does for Southwest Virginia will be greatly appreciated. Your donations are not only helping them bring phenomenal artists to the stage, they are also helping educate the next generation of artistic talent right here in Roanoke. For more information on how you can be part of the volunteer team, where to send donations, and the upcoming season, visit www.jeffcenter.org.
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MEET THE
MAKERS Written Stacy Shrader
Brigit True Organics’ body care that’s as good for the Earth as it is for your skin
Organic skin products were scarce in the early 2000s. However, even then, Brigitte Rau had a vision of these becoming the new age of skin care. In 2001, Rau created Brigit True Organics (BOT), based in Charlottesville, Virginia. Through this venture, she creates and sells natural body care containing organic olive oil for sensitive skin. Brigitte, co-owner and founding partner of BOT, understood that not many products were helping the global community with ingredient impact. With this in mind, she stood by creating products that didn’t leave a “footprint” on our planet. All of her skin care products are 100 percent natural and 7499 percent organic. They are great for your skin, and great for the environment too! Even the packaging is green and sustainable to pair with the products. “As the formulator, my primary goal has always been to find the purest materials and highest quality organic ingredients available,” says Brigitte. “We have followed organic practices since we began in 2001, and are grateful for our loyal customers who appreciate our commitment to quality and purity standards.” The company offers body lotion, soap, lip balm, skin balm, baby product, and even laundry and cleaning supplies. All of these are now USDA National Organic Program certified. These products can be used for any skin type since they are gentle enough for the most sensitive skin. “We are recognized as one of the very few true organic body care producers,” explains Brigitte. The ultimate goal of Brigit True Organics is to create a skin care line that can be worn by every skin and can produce little waste for the environment. This means that BOT’s philosophy goes beyond the life of their products. By supporting sustainable agriculture and green production methods, they join a growing movement of people and companies committed to putting Earth first. Brigit True Organics’ products can be found at www.brigittrueorganics.com.
Are you a maker? Know of one we should cover? Let us know! bella@beckmediagroup.com
Stacy Shrader is an undergraduate student at Virginia Tech pursuing a dual degree in public relations and management. She dreams to one day take over the male-dominated sports communication world with her feminist style and passion. w w w. l o v e l y b e l l a . c o m
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ready for your first home? Check out these tips from Member One first!
You’re sick of your noisy, upstairs neighbors. You’re tired of paying rent and getting no return on your investment. You’re ready for a backyard to let the dog run around in. All of these signs point to the same thing—you’re finally ready to buy a home. Now what? Here are a few tips from Member One Federal Credit Union to get you ready for home ownership:
Research mortgage types and decide which you want. There are several mortgage types—fixed rate, adjustable rate, FHA, jumbo, USDA, etc. Scan the Internet to see what each type offers and will work for best for you. Most lenders, including Member One, have mortgage calculators on their websites to give you an idea of what your monthly payment would be. Research a lender. Take your time, ask for recommendations, and do your due diligence. A good lender will take into account your entire financial situation, and might have connections in the area for other elements of the home-buying process, such as realtors and insurance professionals.
Know your credit score. Your credit score is crucial when lenders decide whether or not to approve you for a loan. Check your credit report first to make sure everything is in order. It’s best to fix any credit issues upfront rather than later when you want to put in an offer.
Get pre-approved. It will make your life so much easier if you know what you can afford before you even start looking. From a seller’s point of view, it also makes your offer look more attractive. Scout out where you want to live and what you want in a home. Make sure you have a good idea of where you want to live and what you’re looking for prior to starting your search. Have a list of must-haves and deal breakers—it will certainly help your realtor in finding the right home for you. Find a realtor. As with your lender, research realtors. A good realtor will do a lot of the legwork for you by narrowing down homes in your desired neighborhood and price range. Article courtesy of page 18
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Do your homework, and you’ll be surprised how easy it can be to find—and fund—your first home! Join Member One here each month for money-saving tips and helpful advice. Go to www.memberonefcu.com for additional information on the services they offer to our community.
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safety lessons for women Trust Your Instinct!
Written by Tim Habla
Too often we have heard from some women who’ve been attacked that they felt “something just wasn’t right,” just before the incident happened. We have a “gut” instinct for a reason and 99.9% of the time, going against it is bad form.
If you get that feeling, do not ignore it!
Some women say they DID ignore the tingly sensation because they didn’t want to be seen as being “paranoid,” and yes, in some cases, were afraid of being seen as “unkind.” Unkind? Your safety and well-being are more important. Be prepared to respond to that feeling. First, keep your keys in your hands. Whether you are walking to your car, work, or apartment, have your keys in your hand before you approach the door. This allows quicker access through the door and avoids the major distraction of fumbling for keys. Holding those keys between your fingers and punching someone with them can distract them long enough for you to get away.
Small things we should all do, but rarely do.
Wherever you are, a small powerful flashlight is one of the most important things you can have. Even with something as innocent as a power outage, think of all the places you’ll be on any given day that have no outside windows to let in light…hallways, stairs, elevators. A flashlight will always allow you to find your way to a safer place. A whistle or other noisemaker is your friend. Attach a small whistle onto your keychain. Do NOT be afraid to use it to attract attention. Instead of yelling, “HELP” when something goes wrong, yell “FIRE!”
Don’t look like a victim.
Victims of violent crimes like a mugging or robbery are often what we call, “Targets of Opportunity.” They call attention to themselves by either being oblivious to their surroundings (defenseless) or by looking helpless (unable to defend themselves). Walk down a street with your head up and looking around. Don’t hug either side of the sidewalk…especially not the inside where you have to pass close to doorways.
Stay off your phone and DO NOT text.
Tempting, I know, but not only does that mean you aren’t paying attention, it also means both of your hands are occupied. This makes you even more vulnerable.
Don’t be clueless.
Live in the world in which you are walking. Pay attention to your surroundings. Has that person been behind you for a while? Are you in an empty parking lot, but there is someone sitting in a car right next to yours? Awareness equals prevention.
Being a woman does not entitle someone to attack you, but you can be prepared and keep yourself safe. For more information or to sign up for one of our Women’s Self-Defense classes go to our website, www.CounterResponseTactical.com, or find us on Facebook at CoreTactical.
Tim Habla served on multiple combat tours and as a drill sergeant during his twelve years of service with the U.S. Army. He has experience as a personal protection specialist, and focuses on one-second threat elimination of multiple attackers.
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exploring minimalism
Own less to create a better world for everyone Written by Hayleigh Worgan
We’ve said it before, but it is important enough to reiterate: minimalism and mindfulness go hand in hand. Each item in your house creates a ripple effect on your life and the lives of those it touches (even after it leaves your home). As you progress further into the minimalist lifestyle, you will find yourself on a path that makes you consider two things:
The first is consumption. It may not be obvious in the beginning. You’ll notice yourself putting things back on the shelf that you know will not be worth the money you spend on them. You’ll ask yourself what a sale item in your hand will replace and if its lifespan will be longer than the item you will discard. Even in the grocery store, after decluttering your kitchen, boxes of processed food will no longer look as convenient and familiar as they once did. Slowly, but surely, you will begin to think about the origins of the products you are buying, the conditions in which they were made, and the pockets of the large corporations you are filling by purchasing them. At that moment, your entire shopping experience will change—allowing you to spend most of your time on the edges of a grocery store or at the farmers market. The idea is simple. For years, you’ve heard whispers about quality over quantity. And, maybe for the first time, it finally makes sense. Even when you buy the more expensive item that will last longer than the cheaper version, you are still saving money because you do not feel the need to buy two so you can get one free. The second thing you will consider is the disposal of waste. Whether it be a t-shirt, a spatula, or plastic water bottles, you will begin to notice how often you take out the trash and the size of your trash bags. Once a necessary evil to maintain some semblance of order in the chaos, taking out your trash now seems like one more chore you could reduce to create time in your schedule for more important things—like spending time with your family. It may seem like recycling will add more responsibility to this chore, but in reality it sends you to the landfill less frequently. Start small by creating a separate location for your discarded water bottles and cardboard. This process will also help you as you rethink consumption and convenience—allowing you to choose options that are more helpful for you and the environment. Ultimately, minimalism is about maximizing your happiness. Only beautiful things can result from that. Without the unnecessary clutter, those beautiful, simple things will be a lot easier to appreciate.
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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veganville Written by Ginger Rail*
Hot Dog Pancakes
I love pancakes. When I was very young (when jousting was still an Olympic sport), my mother frequently made Hot Dog Pancakes for breakfast. In case you don’t know, this tempting ambrosia consists simply of sliced rounds of hot dog dropped onto pancake batter while it’s still cooking. Thinking back on that greasy mélange of salt and carbs today, I’d have to say it’s probably one of the chief reasons I am now vegan. To be fair, the Baloney Cups I ate so many of are right up there, too. What? You don’t know what “baloney cups” are? Why yes, I’d be glad to enlighten you. Take slices of baloney and throw them in a frying pan. Heat until the baloney creepily curls into cup shapes. But wait, the fun doesn’t end there! Once the succulent baloney vessels are ready, you then fill them with other tasty treats. The possibilities are endless—fried eggs, tater tots, corned beef hash, leftover fish sticks. Your choice is limited only by your imagination and your wallet, but as I recall, we never stuffed our baloney with locally-grown organic produce or scrambled tofu. It was always something that immediately lodged in your aorta or glued your colon shut for days. It’s way easier to be vegan today than it was when I first started. Vegan options are available at every supermarket, and in lots of restaurants. It’s still kind of tough when I eat at friends’ homes, though. Case in point: Many years ago, I went to a party that the hostess so kindly made some homemade hummus for, since she knew I would be there. This was long before hummus became available everywhere, including movie theatre concession stands. Anyway, I took an Optimus Prime-size bite of the grainy, lumpy mucilage, I immediately had the sensation that I was gumming rancid sauerkraut, which is really amazing because sauerkraut has been found in Egyptian tombs that is still edible. In fact, they use primeval Egyptian sauerkraut at Coney Island’s annual hot-dog eating contest every year. At any rate, I didn’t eat any more hummus that night, but later in the evening I casually engaged my hostess in conversation so I could find out her mysterious secret ingredient. Turns out she loaded the dip with powdered, instant beef broth and…I stopped listening at that point. OK, so there was still some educating to do. I said a silent apology to cows everywhere, and proceeded to drink heavily (to sanitize my mouth, of course). To this day, I rarely eat in anyone else’s home. For one thing, I’ve never really gotten over being flimflammed by that hummus-chef poseur. And for another, I’m one of those rare, fat vegans. There aren’t many of us, but we do exist. So really, I could go a week without eating and live off the reserves in my cankles. If I’m going to your house, the point is to hang out, not shovel food in my pie-hole, which I can do anytime with abandon at my house. But about those long-ago childhood breakfast favorites: I just know you’re going to make Hot Dog Pancakes and Baloney Cups this weekend. I just know it. And I welcome you to Veganville.
*Ginger Rail is the pen name of our favorite vegan writer in Southwest Virginia. She spends her spare time entertaining her friends and family with her hilarious adventures–and now she’s also sharing them with us! Be ready to laugh with her each month (and maybe learn a few things too)! w w w. l o v e l y b e l l a . c o m
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grown up ice cream
sandwiches Because kids really shouldn’t be allowed to have ALL the fun!
We still have a few more weeks of summer left, and it’s important to make the most out of them! Make a splash at your next summer get together by serving Boozy Gelato Ice Cream Sandwiches for the adults attending your festivities. This easy decadent treat is great for date night or a girls night in—and you can create your own unique taste combination using your favorite liqueurs and cookies!
Boozy Gelato Ice Cream Sandwiches 2 cups plain yogurt 1 cup sugar 4 tablespoons of your favorite liqueur (We used Amaro Lucano and it was delicious!)
1/2 teaspoon of orange zest (or more to taste) Add yogurt, sugar, and liqueur in a blender and blend until smooth. Stir in orange zest until desired flavor is reached. Stir yogurt by hand (or in an ice cream machine according to the instructions). Pour into a container and chill in freezer for at least four hours. Once frozen, add a scoop on top of your favorite cooke and sandwich with another cookie on top.
Visit our Pinterest page for more great summer recipes! Tag your creations on Instagram #bellagirlsday! Photo by Amanda Picotte w w w. l o v e l y b e l l a . c o m
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clean eating Creating a healthy meal plan with Gwyneth Paltrow’s newest cookbook
Written by Hayleigh Worgan
We could all use a few helpful hints when it comes to making healthy choices for ourselves and our families. Fortunately, creating healthy and delicious meals is much easier than you might realize. Our go-to guide to planning and creating meals for the week is Gwyneth Paltrow’s newest cookbook, It’s All Easy: Delicious Weekday Recipes for the Super-Busy Home Cook. Not only will it help you cook healthy dinners for your family, it will inspire you to eat better for breakfast and lunch—creating the perfect opportunity for you to feel better and be the best version of yourself all day!
Quick Pick-Me-Ups
Simple Meals
If you’ve ever found yourself reaching for that second, third, or fourth cup of coffee around 2 p.m., you’re not alone! However, why not use that opportunity to put something in your body that will work for you in more ways than one? That’s why we love Gwen’s suggestions like Lemongrass and Mint Tisane and Matcha Tea. Matcha Tea is considered an “anti-oxidant powerhouse.” It can help you build up your body’s immune system for the upcoming winter months when everyone seems to have a cold. And, if you’ve never had Lemongrass and Mint Tisane, it is a unique drink that is perfect for powering through the last bit of your day.
Everyone is busy. Don’t let that be a reason that you fill your body with the processed ingredients and chemicals in fast food. Most of these recipes can be replicated in the time it would take you to pick up or order takeout. You don’t have to be an accomplished chef. All you need are a few fresh ingredients from the farmer’s market or your local grocery store. There is even a recipe for Socca Pizza! It’s easy to whip w w w. l o v e l y b e l l a . c o m
together for end of summer gatherings, and is sure to be a favorite among children of all ages.
Clean Eating
You know we promote local farmers and clean eating in almost every issue. The truth is, we want you to be healthy so you can enjoy your life, go on adventures, and be part of a vibrant, growing community. The first step on that journey is research. There are a lot of diet books and cookbooks out there that promote healthy eating. Many of them offer wonderful advice. The important thing to remember is that you don’t have to be miserable to be healthy. You can enjoy desserts like Coconut Key Lime Tarts or a Fresh Peach Milk Shake (both of which are in It’s All Easy). The key is to be mindful of the ingredients in these dishes, where everything originated, and, of course, moderation.
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JK Naturals Organic Personal Care Products www.jknaturals.com
GreekGirl Beauty Protein www.greekgirlbeauty.com
bella loves
Our end of summer must-haves because the fun doesn’t have to end with the season!
Whether you are heading back to school or back to work, the end of summer doesn’t have to be a drag! Check out these healthy and cool products to keep you looking and feeling your best in the exciting (though a little less warm!) months ahead.
The Nevins State Backpack www.statebags.com
Sweet Water Decor Eyelash Dreamer Makeup Bag www.sweetwaterdecor.com
Farmaesthetics Dry Shampoo www.famaesthetics.com
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