Bella Magazine - March 2016

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MEET THE MAKERS MIND • BODY • SOUL MINIMALISM • LOCAL WOMEN

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M arc h 2 016 I s s ue O ne H und red Seventeen

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 Gwendolyn Miller, Member One Federal Credit Union, Lynn Phelps, Hayleigh Worgan, Kelsey Wood of Centra Health Editorial Interns Madison Correiro, Hollins University Katherine Duffy, Roanoke College Katherine 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

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INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

EATING HEALTHY

SAVE THIS BUY THAT

THE BEST MONTH YET!!

Spring clean your finances with these tips from Member One.

Celebrating March, spring, and new beginnings!

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Easy ways to honor the women in your life and a brief history on the holiday.

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Garden staples for the growing season ahead!

page25 HEALTH

GET ORGANIZED

Centra tackles the tough topic of pelvic floor disorders.

A few simple changes to increase your productivity throughout the month.

page12 BELLA LOVES

A natural cosmetic subscription service that will help introduce you to better quality products.

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MINDFULNESS

A closer look at the products we use to clean our homes.

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MEET SARA BREMER

GIVING BACK

The West End Center provides a safe and educational place for local children to spend their time after school.

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LOCAL MAKERS

Meet local makers Jessica and Curtis Alley of Blue Ridge Blends!

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Learn why Sara is one of our biggest inspirations and how she is helping women throughout our area.

page30 HAPPENINGS

Celebrate our history and the relationships that bind us with Southwest Virginia Ballet’s production of TIES.

LIVING WELL

Getting rid of excess clutter in your bathroom.

find us:

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Going on this Month

Ten Productive Ways to Change Your Life 1.

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Shamrock Festival on March 12 at 11am in Downtown Roanoke. Admission is free, and the event is perfect for the entire family! Enjoy kid-friendly activities, shop local, and enjoy your choice of delicious food and beverages from the many restaurants downtown. Just don’t forget to wear green! Go to www.downtownroanoke.org for more information.

“The most important thing one woman can do for another is to illuminate and expand her sense of actual possibilities.”

- Adrienne Rich

If you’re looking for a way to celebrate International Women’s Month, check out Art Underground at the Aurora Studio Center on Saturday, March 19 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, March 20 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. This first annual art show is free and open to the public. It will feature artists working in a variety of forms including painting, drawing, print-making, collage, mixed media, photography, mosaics, fabric, and glass (stained and fused). Many (if not all) of the artists featured will be women. Bring your mom, your sister, and your friends to this unique event and celebrate local creativity! Visit www.facebook.com/auroraapartmentsandartstudios for up to date information throughout the month!

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Get up earlier. It’s easier said than done, right? Maybe start by listening to The 5 AM Miracle podcast hosted

by Jeff Sanders. You may realize what opportunities you are missing every time you hit the snooze button.

2. Sign up for a library card. People don’t just go there to read these days. If you’re looking for free clubs and classes to fit your interests, your first stop should be the library.

3. Check out The Productivity Project

by Chris Bailey. His insights on accomplishing more by managing your time, attention, and energy are very inspiring. Start a journal and record your progress.

4. Buy fresh fruits and vegetables.

Make it your goal to consume all of them before the end of the week.

Puree them in the juicer, mix them in a salad, or chop them up and eat them for a snack—just don’t give in and buy that box of cookies!

5. Pack your lunch. Do the math and you may discover that you are spending upwards of $50 each week eating out. That’s $200 per month!

Not only are you doing your body a disservice, but your finances are suffering more than you may realize.

6. Send a card. Take the time to send a Thinking of You card to a friend or family member.

7. Call your parents, just to chat. Sometimes we don’t realize the value of a relationship until we have hit rock bottom, or the person is no longer there.

8. Drink more water. Make it your personal goal to drink enough water every day. Start first thing in the morning—before coffee!

9. Exercise. Set aside at least 30 minutes daily for some form of physical activity, preferably early in the day.

10. Relax and forgive yourself. No one is perfect. Sometimes the most important thing you can do for your productivity is to remember that life is too short to dwell on mistakes.

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International Women’s Day Little Gifts of Appreciation

International Women’s Day is more than just giving your sister or mother a hug and saying you love them. This day was created with the intention to shed light on the struggle for gender equality as well as highlight the achievements of women. Although there has certainly been progress, we still have work to do before we achieve parity (or equality).

So, how do you show the women in your life you appreciate them while supporting females struggling around the world? Whether it be your mother, sister, friend or significant other, here are a few simple ways you can honor women:

Be informed.

Research gender parity by visiting the International Women’s Day website ( www.internationalwomensday.com ). Some protest that men have better pay because they have higher paying jobs.

However, one study found that female elementary and middle school teachers earned 87 cents to the man’s dollar for the same role, despite women holding more than 70% of the jobs available in that field. Do your research, and join the growing group of women (and men!) fighting to change that statistic.

Madison Correiro is a freshman at Hollins University, majoring in Environmental Science with a minor in Communication and Creative Writing.

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Written by Madison Correiro Donate to an organization supporting women.

There are many foundations whose goals focus on making life better for women. Locally, some of our favorites include:

The Virginia Blue Ridge Affiliate of Susan G. Komen is doing wonderful things for our area. In April, you can help them raise money for breast cancer awareness and prevention by supporting or participating in the Race for the Cure. Seventy-five percent of funds raised will stay local, the other 25% will help fund national research. ( www.komenvablueridge.org )

Planned Parenthood’s mission is to provide comprehensive reproductive and complimentary health care services in settings that preserve and protect the essential privacy and rights of each individual. When you support Planned Parenthood, you are helping women and families get the help they need in our region. ( www.plannedparenthood.org )

Help Save the Next Girl is a national nonprofit organization formed in honor of Morgan Dana Harrington, a 20-year-old Virginia Tech student who was abducted and murdered in 2009. They seek to sensitize young women and girls to predatory danger. ( www.helpsavethenextgirl.com )

Give a gift (that gives back).

Visit your farmer’s market and support local artisans by purchasing a “thinking of you” gift for the special women in your life. They offer a variety of items from soaps and lotions to handmade jewelry. Not only are many of these items better quality than anything you would find in a store, but you are also helping a family in your area!

Visit our website ( www.lovelybella.com ) throughout the month of March for more little ways to honor the women in your life! w w w. l o v e l y b e l l a . c o m

International Women’s Day has been observed since the early 1900’s. No one government, NGO, charity, corporation, academic institution, women’s network or media hub is solely responsible for International Women’s Day.

The first National Women’s Day was observed

across the United States on February 28, 1909. It was celebrated on the last Sunday of February until 1913, when it was permanently moved to March 8 across the globe.

In 2011, President Barack Obama proclaimed March to be “Women’s History Month,” calling Americans to recognize International Women’s Day by reflecting on “the extraordinary accomplishments of women” in shaping the country’s history.

For more information on the history of Interna-

tional Women’s Day, and the amazing women who have challenged preconceived ideals and notions in the hopes of equality, visit www.internationalwomensday.com.

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Finding Extra Time A few small tweaks in your schedule can dramatically increase your productivity.

Written by Lynn Phelps

Finding extra time can be as simple as planning ahead. With spring right around the corner, March is an excellent time to plan, organize, and prepare. It all begins with spring cleaning. I’m not just talking about dusting, mopping, and cleaning out closets. It’s time to purge, throw things away, and lose all of the time-zapping distractions.

The rules are easy. If you haven’t touched it in a year—get rid of it. If you can’t find it quickly when you need it, organize it.

Generally we spend a lot of time searching and being distracted. If you can open a cabinet, grab what you need, and use it right away then you gain a few extra minutes. Achieve this by organizing and labeling as much as you can. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Give everyone a lunch shelf. Incorporate servings of fresh food from each of the food groups in every section. You can also use the shelf for breakfast and afternoon snacks. The idea is to make it easier for everyone in your house to make healthy food choices throughout the day.

Designate pet and child toy bins. Cloth bins are easy to clean and keep hidden when they are not in use.

Create binders for important documents and digitize what you can to save space. Take the time to put important mail in the right spots when you receive it so it does not pile up on the counter.

Make a few first aid kits to keep around the house and in your car. This sounds like a no-brainer, but having them handy in case of an emergency can decrease your stress level much faster.

Keep cold medicines in a small basket and weed through them often. Not only will you always know what you have, but you will make sure that what you do have is not expired the next time that you need it.

Go through the items under your sink, in your cosmetic bag, and in the laundry room. Cleaning supplies and cosmetics have a shelf life too, and it might be shorter than you realize.

Now that you’ve eliminated some clutter, do yourself a favor and get ready for the week ahead. Make it a point to restock everyone’s lunch shelf on Sunday. List each evening meal, preparing and freezing what you can ahead of time.

(Check out our Pinterest page for delicious recipes you can prepare in advance!) You can also save time by lining up everyone’s outfits for the week!

Spring cleaning is important, but a few extra steps can help you set a productive routine for the rest of 2016.

Once you’re finished, take time to relax and paint your nails—that’s a time and money saver!

Lynn Phelps is a photographer, author, health and business coach in Southwest Virginia. You can see her work at www.lynnphelps.com. w w w. l o v e l y b e l l a . c o m

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bella loves Live Natural

Experiment with healthy & eco-friendly cosmetics from Petit Vour!

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We love subscription services. They are great ways to try quality products at inexpensive prices before you commit to a brand. Our latest obsession is Petit Vour, a company that offers a monthly delivery of non-toxic, cruelty-free, vegan, and ethically-made items. For as little as $15 each month, you can have a new box delivered to your door! Many of the products inside will be samples, but full-size options are included occasionally. You can also purchase full-size versions of the products you receive and 20% of your total will be credited to your account for a future purchase.

Items available include Meow Meow Tweet products (which we featured in our January issue!), Habit nail polish (which boasts bamboo caps and FSC-certified paper board boxes), Modern Minerals Eyeshadow, and Lily Lolo Mascara. We also received a sample size of One Love Dry Shampoo in our first box that has become a staple in our hair care routines!

Those products alone are enough to get you started on a natural cosmetics journey, but there are many more up for grabs!

Visit www.petitvour.com for more details on products and the subscription service.

You’ll be so glad you did!

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Written by Gwendolyn Miller

Giving Back

Local children find a safe-haven for learning at Roanoke’s West End Center Every day after school, the West End Center welcomes children from Roanoke City Schools. Children hop off the bus when they arrive and enjoy a snack and play time. Afterwards, the children begin to rotate through three 45-minute classes that include tutoring, wellness, PeaceBuilders, leadership, and creative expression. Thanks to some wonderful partnerships with other local community organizations, the children who attend the West End Center after school are exposed to a wide variety of extracurricular activities. Volunteers not only tutor children after school, but help engage children in activities such as yoga, pottery, soccer, and handwriting.

Sports are always a big hit and the children really enjoy visiting the YMCA. There are even summer opportunities available for children, such as gardening and swimming.

The West End Center has existed as an integral part of the community for decades. It was established in 1979 by the Mountain View Neighborhood Association, West End Presbyterian Church, and West End Methodist Church in response to an increase in unsupervised children and vandalism in the neighborhood. Its purpose is to be a safe and structured haven for school-age children. Over the years, additional programs were added based on developmental needs. These new programs include tutoring, reading classes, social skills instruction, wellness instruction, and classes for parents. Executive Director Joy Parrish’s goal is to implement a STEM program so that children who attend West End Center will have a better chance to access jobs in technical fields.

Last year, approximately 150 children participated in programs at West End Center. A staff of seven full-time and two part-time staff are there to help make a positive impact with the families and children who participate in WEC’s programs. There are approximately 50 tutors, not all working at the same time, staggered throughout the year to help assist children in their programs. They are always in need of academic tutors who are willing to help a child with homework. Anyone interested in volunteering at the West End Center in Roanoke can contact Nathan Proutey at 540-342-1118, or Melanie Huber at 540342-0902. w w w. l o v e l y b e l l a . c o m

Interested in helping out, but not available to tutor? The West End Center gladly accepts in-kind donations of napkins, paper towels, paper plates, plasticware, trash bags, toilet paper, copy paper, postage stamps, board and card games, high quality children’s books, and sturdy toys. Another way to contribute is by attending their spring fundraising event, “Spring Bling,” which will take place on Sunday, May 1 from noon until 4:00 p.m. in Hotel Roanoke’s Crystal Ballroom. Guests will enjoy a cocktail hour and silent auction, followed by a buffet brunch. After brunch, there is a fashion show featuring fashions from local boutiques as well as fashions modeled by West End Center participants! Go to www.westendcenter.org for more information.

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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MEET THE

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Photo by Lan Pham Wilson, MoreStomach Blog

Meet Jessica & Curtis Alley of Blue Ridge Blends

Some of the most beautiful creations often begin as hobbies. It takes passion and persistence to turn them into quality products that you can share with the world. For Jessica and Curtis Alley of Blue Ridge Blends, it all started with their passion for creating unique spices and dishes in their own kitchen.

“My husband used to be a chef and he made his own spice blend for us at home. He really loves to cook for people. They would ask what he put into each dish, saying it was delicious.

At that point, we started thinking about making our own spices—kicking it up a notch and making them organic and kosher,” Jessica explains.

However, they didn’t want to be just another organic shop. The Alleys saw the experience as an opportunity to set their brand apart by giving their customers an opportunity to choose what goes into their blends.

“Our blends are custom. We have low sodium options, and it is possible to request them without salt. If you like existing blends, but you want extra pepper—we can do that. If you have a flavor profile you like, we can add it. And, if it is different enough, we can add it to our arsenal and let you name it!” she says.

Their flavors include a poultry blend called, “Egle Eye Everything,” an intoxicating steak seasoning called, “Phill’s Fat Back Soul” (which is wonderful on tacos!), and pork’s favorite pair, “Angry Asian.”

Why go to the store and buy 10-15 bottles of herbs and spices when you can get everything you need locally, for a fraction of the price? Check out their selection and let them know what you are looking for if you can’t find it. They love feedback!

Currently, you can find Blue Ridge Blends at farmers markets in Radford and Fairlawn.

Be sure to follow them on Facebook for updates on their location! You can also purchase their products online at www.blueridgeblends.com.

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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Written by Hayleigh Worgan

Exploring Minimalism

Decluttering the bathroom (& making the mornings MUCH easier!)

Once I started decluttering areas like my living room and bedroom, I began to notice the excess in other areas of my home.

I never thought about the bathroom as a source of clutter. After all, I NEED all of my cosmetics. We NEED at least fifteen towels for two people. You never know when you will have company.

In fact, when I thought about working the KonMari method on my bathroom, it was the first time I had misgivings. I decided to use the same approach to dealing with my bathroom that I did with my closet. I piled everything in each category on my floor and forced myself to be honest about the quality, efficiency, and usefulness of each item. To my surprise, there was room for reduction everywhere.

Let’s start with the most obvious. In the past, I have been guilty of buying those huge cosmetic boxes with all of the lovely compartments for lip gloss, eyeshadow, eye liner, and every other thing I might need. I don’t want to talk about how long I kept individual items. It was definitely past their shelf life.

The truth is, I wear the same pink or brown eyeshadow every day. I use mascara, foundation, and occasionally eyeliner. That’s it. I used to think that I loved makeup, but now I love the extra time in the mornings that I gain from limiting my choices. All of my makeup now fits in one tiny box that I store in my DRESSER. That’s right, my dresser! The bathroom counter is empty and clean every time I leave, ready for any unexpected guests.

And, speaking of unexpected guests, I decided that my husband and I definitely do not need 15 towels. We kept four for guests and bought four PackTowls to alternate between us. PackTowls take up significantly less space and, like the name suggests, can be packed into a tiny bag and taken with you on camping trips and vacations. They absorb a lot of water and dry very quickly. You can purchase one (in various sizes) at Walkabout Outfitter in Roanoke.

As for the rest of our old towels? We donated them to Angels of Assisi. They (along with other animal shelters and rescue organizations) accept donations of clean towels for their adopted animals year-round.

Next, I moved to shampoos, body wash, and conditioner. Marie Kondo suggests that you store all of your hygiene items outside of the shower. Storing them on the sides of your bathtub makes them collect that greasy, slimy substance a lot faster. One of the greatest things about minimalism is that it teaches you to take the utmost care of everything you own, down to your shampoo. We now keep our (much smaller) selection underneath our sink and wipe them off after every use.

I quickly discovered that even the smallest changes were making a big difference—like buying a smaller hairbrush, eliminating hair care products that I never used, and disciplining myself to only use natural goat’s milk lotions and soaps. My bathroom is small, but the extra counter and shelf space has truly opened it up. Everything in it is either essential or brings me joy, and I owe that to the KonMari method!

Interested in learning more about minimalism and how it can change your life? Join us on March 23 at 12:15 p.m. for the first installment of our monthly "Lunch and Learn" series! RSVP to editorial@beckmediagroup.com for more info!

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. w w w. l o v e l y b e l l a . c o m

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Article courtesy of

Three Ways to Spring Clean Your Credit

Keeping up with your finances can seem like a never-ending task.

However, something as simple as monitoring your credit report can make a big impact and help you save money. Try these tips:

1. Review your credit reports

Checking your credit report is essential when it comes to saving money. Fortunately, viewing your credit report has been made easy by federal laws requiring all credit bureaus to provide you with a copy of your credit report once a year. You can receive your free copy of your credit report by visiting Annualcreditreport.com and requesting it. After filling out your personal information, choose which of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion) from which to receive your report. The report will include all of your credit history, including your loans, money owed, and payments made. Look for any inaccuracy that might be hurting your credit score, and check for any activity you can’t recognize and seems suspicious.

2. Check your credit score

Want more credit tips? Visit:

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

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Lenders constantly check your credit score when deciding whether to offer you credit and at which rate. Since credit reports don’t offer a free credit score, most consumers use the FICO score, which is the most widely used credit score among lenders. You can find out your FICO score from the credit bureaus for $19.95 each. Most FICO scores range between 300 and 850; if your score is low, here are some ways to improve it: • Pay your bills on time • Keep balances low on credit cards and other revolving credit • Apply for and open new credit accounts only when absolutely necessary • Pay off debt rather than moving it around

3. Monitor your credit

Most free credit report websites will offer a free credit monitoring service. Some of those websites include Credit.com, CreditSesame. com, and CreditKarma.com. Members who sign up for credit alerts will be notified of any changes to their credit reports or scores. march 2016

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Eating Healthy

Garden staples for the growing season ahead Written by Madison Correiro

There’s no food more fresh than that grown in your own backyard! It may seem simpler to drive to the closest supermarket for your fruits and vegetables, but you’d be surprised how much healthier (and tastier) it is to grow your own.

Research has found that some fruits and vegetables contain specific compounds that prevent some cancers, heart disease, or even strokes. Take carrots and sweet potatoes, for example. Within these two vegetables, there is a component called beta-carotene, which has been shown to defend against lung cancer.

There are plenty of fruits and vegetables that are best grown now, in March!

For most produce and even flowers, it is safer to wait until the final frost to start planting outdoors. However, some vegetables develop fine—or even better—in cool weather, such as beets or broccoli (which cannot flourish under summer heat). Other plants that are frost-tolerant include carrots, lettuce, peas, and cabbage. Pepper and tomatoes, on the other hand, should be planted indoors during March for an early spring bloom.

Check out our list of produce staples and visit our website throughout the month for more tips on early spring gardening!

Beets By planting them now, you can add

them to your summer recipes for a boost in Vitamin C and potassium.

Broccoli

A good helping of iron and Vitamin E can come from this vegetable, while simultaneously benefiting your liver.

Cabbage

Its high sulfur content will help purify your blood. Not to mention, it’s antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory.

Carrots Known for improving eyesight and clearing the skin, carrots contain iron, potassium, calcium, and natural sodium.

Corn

Reduces risk of hemorrhoids and colorectal (colon) cancer, and is fast-growing to boot.

Cucumbers

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great for cooling and juicing.

Herbs Herbs like basil, thyme, oregano,

and sage are heat-loving and perfect to improve your recipes.

Melons

With natural adenosine, melons are not only juicy but also decrease the risk of cancer and strokes.

Onions

Onions reduce the risk of osteoporosis and promote bone health.

Spinach

A well known cartoon character, Popeye, ate spinach constantly when he needed strength. I bet he didn’t know spinach also contains choline, which supports mental health!

Tomatoes

Similar to spinach, tomatoes have lycopene. This chemicals aids in both mental and physical health. w w w. l o v e l y b e l l a . c o m

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Okay, ladies, let’s talk about:

Treating Pelvic Floor Disorders

Written by Kelsey Wood, DPT

Article courtesy of

As women, our bodies experience many changes. Some cause discomfort, embarrassment and include frequent trips to the bathroom, pain during intimacy and pelvic area pressure.

These are called pelvic floor disorders.

The good news is pelvic floor disorders are common and treatable by specially trained physical therapists. At least one-third of all women are affected by pelvic floor disorders occurring from childbirth, genetics, obesity, repetitive activities, menopause and aging.

It can be uncomfortable to talk about personal topics like pelvic floor disorders and symptoms like incontinence, but these issues are very common medical problems. The most important thing to understand is just because something is common, doesn’t make it normal. Women don’t have to suffer in silence. With accurate diagnosis and treatment, most women find relief.

Childbirth is the most common cause of pelvic floor disorders. After the physical trauma of childbirth, many women struggle with pelvic discomfort and pain. Some women also don’t realize they hold stress in their pelvic floor.

Physical therapists can offer treatment and exercises to help women relax and improve symptoms. Common pelvic floor disorders include: • Urinary incontinence–involuntary leakage of urine • Overactive bladder–urgency or frequent leakage • Urinary voiding dysfunction–difficulty emptying the bladder • Pelvic organ prolapse–dropped bladder or loss of uterine or rectal support • Bowel dysfunction or constipation • Fecal incontinence • Postpartum injury after childbirth • Interstitial cystitis or painful bladder syndromes • Sexual dysfunction–painful intercourse, low sex drive

If your life has been on Common treatments for pelvic floor hold because of undisorders may include: comfortable, painful or • Manual treatment specific to your dysfunction embarrassing symptoms, • Bowel or bladder retraining get started on a new • Neuromuscular retraining for dysfunctional muscles path. Women don’t have • Biofeedback using censors for muscle re-education to live with the pain or • Therapeutic exercise, including strengthening and suffer in silence. stretching • Detailed education Kelsey Wood, DPT, is a physical therapist with Centra Rehabilitation specializing in women’s health and pelvic floor disorders. To sched• Individualized home program ule a private, one-on-one appointment, please call 434.200.6623. w w w. l o v e l y b e l l a . c o m

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Going Green in March Chemical-free cleaning products for a happy, healthy home The days grow longer and the sun melts the winter frost alongside the progression of seasons. With spring, of course, comes the infamous ‘spring cleaning’ in which over half of Americans participate each year.

While perusing the grocery store, more shoppers tend to search for “natural” or “green” labels on their cleaning products. However, “natural” may not necessarily mean safe. One of the main chemicals in cleaners, surfactant, loosens grime from surfaces. It can be derived from petrochemicals (made with crude oil and natural gas), or oleochemicals (made with fats and oils). All products not made from rocks, plants, living things or metal contain petrochemicals.

Unfortunately, both petrochemicals and oleochemicals can technically be labeled “natural,” as there is no regulated definition of the word. Increased research is discovering harmful ingredients in these nontoxic cleaning solutions.

For example, some cleaning products have been found to contain carcinogens—ingredients which can cause cancer.

At the very least, be sure to look for the EcoLogo on your dish soap or window cleaner.

The EcoLogo holds the companies they certify to a high standard of environmental responsibility (which includes any health effects). In order to find a safer cleaning agent, try biodegradable brands such as the ones below:

ECOS (Earth Friendly Products)

This company allows public access to their ingredients and Safety Data Sheets. A little research reveals that their Baby ECOS Stain & Odor Remover is made from plant derivatives as opposed to crude oil and natural gas. www.ecos.com

Nature Clean

A majority of their cleaning products display the EcoLogo, certifying their claims for environmental and personal health. All of their commodities are gluten-free, and Nature Clean removes preservatives from their powdered products to keep their claimed effectiveness in cleaning. www.naturecleanliving.com

Seventh Generation

Not only does Seventh Generation list all of their chemicals and components in page 26

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their merchandise, they also present a glossary of each ingredient with a description of its origin and purpose. Their Energy Smart Laundry Detergent, appropriate in both cold and hot water, is USDA certified and gluten-free. www.seventhgeneration.com Eager to start making natural cleaning products of your own? Make sure you stock up on essential oils--they are often a key ingredient to any DIY Cleaning Product. Visit our Pinterest page for recipes from some of our favorite bloggers, and give this one for Homemade Dusting Spray from www.pinsandprocrastination. com a try!

1 cup water

1/2 cup white distilled vinegar 2 tablespoons olive oil 10-15 drops of an essential oil of your choice

Mix all of the ingredients together in an empty spray bottle. Shake before you use. Spray directly onto the surface you are dusting or a cloth (microfiber works best) and wipe the dust off.

Visit www.pinsandprocrastination.com for directions on how to make your own DIY No-Sew Microfiber Duster! w w w. l o v e l y b e l l a . c o m

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Photos by Amy Pearman, Boyd Pearman Photography

Sara Bremer

meet motivator

Sara (center) and her team

March is International Women’s Month, and we wanted to focus on strong women who not only do great things for our community, but also do an amazing job supporting other women. Locally, one of the best examples of this is Sara Bremer. In addition to her full-time job with Siemens Healthcare, Sara also runs Just Dance Roanoke, a danceinspired fitness studio in Salem. Read Sara’s interview below, and go to www.justdanceroanoke.com to sign up for a class—it may just change your life!

How did Just Dance Roanoke get started?

“I was transferred to Roanoke from Charlotte, North Carolina with Siemens. It was six years ago when Zumba was at the height of the fitness industry, and I was teaching at a couple of facilities in town. There were so many women in my classes that expressed an interest in teaching, so I formed an organization of women that I trained and we began teaching at different gyms and facilities.

I had a really clear vision of what I wanted the company to be, and I had a strong team of supporting women that were ready to help me with this mission.

So I thought, why not? Doubt kills. I’m more afraid to not try than I am afraid to fail. Today, our studio has been open for three and a half years, and that makes me feel very blessed. Hard work really does pay off.”

What is your favorite part about the studio?

“I love teaching, but my favorite part is seeing the women that I’ve trained really shine as instructors.

Everyone that teaches was a participant in class first.

So it’s not like I’m taking fitness instructors from everywhere to teach our classes. It’s women who are inspired to teach by taking a class, and seeing their growth is by far my favorite part.

I also love meeting new people and hearing stories about how fitness has changed their lives— physically, emotionally, and mentally. It’s more than just physical fitness.”

Interviewed by Hayleigh Worgan What advice would you give new students?

“Just Dance Roanoke is a very safe, fun, judgement free zone! Relax, get out of your own head and Just Dance! We tell all of our participants at the start of our classes that, “As long as you’re moving, you’re doing it right!” So come in knowing that there are no mistakes, just happy solos!

Everyone in class is into their groove and not paying attention to what you’re doing or judging you.”

How do you manage your time?

“I’d be lying if I said that this was easy or that I am always the best at it. I have an amazing support system of women that work on stage and behind the scenes of JDR that keep the place running and my sanity in check when life gets insane. Taylor Swift’s squad has nothing on my team! No matter how crazy things get between work and dance, I do my best to set aside time for my personal health and fitness. I work with a trainer two days a week and consider these meetings with myself just as important as I would consider meeting with a client.”

What are your other hobbies outside of work?

“I’ve lived a lot of places, and I really enjoy traveling to see my friends and family. I also love reading and doing things that feed my creative soul, like designing the clothes we sell at Just Dance.”

What do you think is the most important thing a woman can do for herself?

“Women should spend more time doing what makes them happy and what makes them feel like the best version of themselves. If putting on makeup makes you feel good, even if you’re going nowhere, put on makeup. If dancing makes you feel good, dance. If yoga makes you feel good, do yoga. Whatever it is that makes you feel your best, do more of that.”

Know a fabulous local woman who deserves to be in the spotlight?

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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page 29

Photo by Dan McDilda (taken at Virginia Museum of Transportation)

Celebrating Our History Southwest Virginia Ballet presents TIES

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Learn about your history and the connections that encompass the past, present, and future of Roanoke, Virginia by attending TIES, presented by Southwest Virginia Ballet on Saturday, March 5 at 7 p.m.

Enjoy a collage of historic photos, live music, and expressive dance as performers delight the audience with a journey through local railroad history. Through their partnership with the O. Winston Link Museum and the Virginia Museum of Transportation, Southwest Virginia Ballet has recreated iconic scenes from the past, down to their artwork and costumes.

On its surface, TIES is about the history of the railroad and the ties that built our city.

However, past audiences will tell you that there is much more to the story.

Artistic director Pedro Szalay explains, “To me, TIES is about people and their incredible connections to others and to the land that holds them. Many have uprooted or been uprooted, leaving a country, a region, or a family. They are pushed by themselves or by circumstances to reach goals and go beyond their comfort zones. Many of the characters make connections via religion, race, or spiritual things. There are so many definitions of ‘ties’ reflected in this production.”

Szalay himself is no stranger to that type of change and the ties that can strengthen both communities and the individuals within them.

“As a result of World War II, my family emigrated from Hungary to Venezuela where I was born. I loved both my countries; however, when wing-spreading time came for this young man, I went to New York City, then to Richmond, Virginia, and finally here to Roanoke to follow my dreams,” he recalls.

Connections are important for the storyline of this production, but they were also a huge part of bringing it to the stage. Information from local museums was imperative to creating something that accurately reflected our history. Community participation was also important.

“It’s about collaboration. Working by yourself takes longer. Working together makes things happen. There are people from the community who dance for TIES. These are not professional dancers, but they are a reflection of the idea that the production is about the people involved to make it happen,” says Szalay.

Southwest Virginia Ballet will present TIES as a school outreach performance on Friday, March 4 at 10 a.m., and as a public performance on Saturday, March 5 at 7 p.m. in the Shaftman Performance Hall at the Jefferson Center. It will feature work by local artist Nancy Stark and original scoring by David Austin. Visit www.svballet.org for more information and to purchase tickets.

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