Bella Magazine - April 2019 by Bella Magazine

april 2019

SPRING HAPPENINGS BELLA OUTDOORS MIND • BODY • SOUL

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Issu e On e Hu n d re d F i f ty- Fou r

Joey Coakley Beck Publisher & Owner jbeck@beckmediagroup.com •••

editorial

For editorial consideration: editorial@beckmediagroup.com Contributors: Beth Deel, K.L. Kranes, Member One Federal Credit Union, Laura Richards, Jenn Schultz, Hayleigh Worgan •••

advertising

With over 13 years experience in Southwest & Central Virginia, Bella is your BEST advertising option with proven results, loyal readership, wonderful content, and an award-winning design! To market yourself and your business to the women of Southwest & Central Virginia, call us at (540) 904-6800 or email advertise@beckmediagroup.com Natalie Andrusky Advertising Sales Representative natalie@beckmediagroup.com

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Profile

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Everyday Brave

Creating with meaning and purpose, meet Sarah Huffer of Old Farm Road Creations.

WELCOME to our newest column! Join Jenn Schultz here each month with her new feature, Everyday Brave, as she takes on life’s adventures, one brave day at a time. This month she shows you how simple it is to start your own blog! Yes, even you.

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Bella Outdoors

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mind • body • soul

Join us each and every month as we inspire and empower women of all ages to get outdoors by showcasing products, highlighting regional adventures and profiling women doing good for our outdoors. This month we welcome Earth Talk to our lineup, highlight a cool line of backpacks and gear for your adventures, and spotlight The Early Bird: the region’s premier spring outdoor and gardening event.

Check out two simple, protein-packed recipes to fuel your morning and get you going! We’ve also compiled high-performing, natural skincare brands that are must-haves to transition your beauty products to green and clean!

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Save Smarter

Member One Federal Credit Union shows you how to budget for your “big day”—your wedding!—with a special dedicated savings account.

Bella Eats

Ideas for an elegant—yes, super easy!—Easter menu with a holiday ham as the star!

operations

For general inquiries: bella@beckmediagroup.com Sara Coakley Office Manager

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What We're Reading

This month we’re reading works of contemporary poets and beloved authors of eras past in the new release: There Are Girls Like Lions. And introducing The New Girl Code, a series of novels about the wonders of working in tech, aimed at girls and young women.

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Young Writers Club

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Make a Difference

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Happenings

K.L. Kranes shares her love of independent bookstores and how they are not only a retail venue, but a means of bringing people together. LLC

P.O. Box 107 Roanoke, Virginia 24002 540.904.6800 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. ©2006-2019 Beck Media Group LLC All Rights Reserved. PRINTED IN VIRGINIA w w w. l o v e l y b e l l a . c o m

Help Make-A-Wish Greater Virginia make a huge difference in the lives of area children facing life-threatening medical conditions. Read more about what they do and how they change lives of local children facing difficult roads ahead.

Regional events happening all over Southwest & Central Virginia to pencil into your social calendar! This month we spotlight Docs Rock Fashion, a unique event benefiting the Bradley Free Clinic, while celebrating their 45th year! And don’t miss the kick off to the 2019 season of Salem After Five concert series, a much-loved music event in downtown Salem. Details on page 30.

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Sarah & Donovan Huffer PHOTO by Christian Rumley Photography

Profile

Old Farm Road Creations Creating with meaning and purpose.

Written by HAYLEIGH WORGAN

Photos courtesy Old Farm Creations

Sarah Huffer has worked in the nursing field for the past six years. It’s a meaningful job that she loves, but she felt something was missing in her life. In 2016, her mother purchased an embroidery machine, and the pair began to work on small projects like pillows, jackets, and shirts. Sarah realized that her missing piece was a creative outlet and, a year later, began focusing on her own designs. She purchased a Cricket and taught herself how to do screen printing. Her two passions started to overlap, and Sarah found herself creating designs that spoke to her, especially the experiences she’s had as a nurse and on nursing missions trips to Haiti. She explains, “I have a spiritual peace to my nursing practice. If I can provide items that speak to people at that level, then that is amazing to me. Some of it is funny and joking around, but mostly, I try to pick pieces that speak to my life and the way I treat my patients. I go back to the memories of Haiti a lot, because it was such a powerful experience for me. I want to put things out in the universe that are compassionate, kind, and speak to you when you look at them.” Although Sarah creates a lot of pieces from her own inspiration, she also does custom work for clients. In the past, these projects have included special items for weddings and bachelorette parties. Clients pick a message that is special to them, and Sarah finds a creative way to share it. However, the story behind their chosen messages is just as important to Sarah as the messages themselves. w w w. l o v e l y b e l l a . c o m

“I’ve had folks asking for hand-lettered wooden signs, and they would pick things special to them, but I always made sure that, if I was making something, it meant something to me. I didn’t want to make lots of items and sell them for a bunch of money. I wanted to do things that were meaningful and served a purpose,” she recalls. For Sarah, the connection to her community and those who support Old Farm Road Creations, is the most important and enjoyable part of her endeavor. Her products are budget-friendly, and perfect customizable gifts for all of the things you have to celebrate in the months to come! You can find Old Farm Road Creations at Layman Family Farm’s Nations Hope Vintage Market on May 18 from 9am-3pm. Proceeds from that event will go to benefit an orphanage that Sarah worked with during her time in Haiti. She will also have a spot in the Spring Craft & Vendor Show at The Berglund Center on May 4 from 9am-4pm! If you can’t make it to one of these shows, we encourage you to check out Old Farm Road Creation’s website, www.oldfarmroadcreations.com. There, you can find everything from designs to home improvement tips! You can also follow them on Instagram @oldfarmroadcreations. Hayleigh is a freelance writer, independent author, and writing consultant. In 2017, she published her first novel. She spends a lot of time traveling and exploring new regions for inspiration, but Roanoke will always be her home. www.hayleighworgan.com

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Everyday Brave

Starting a Blog The best advice: Just start it!

Written by JENN SCHULTZ, WHAT YOU MAKE IT

2. Figure out your goals.

Why are you writing a blog? Do you want to simply get your story out there? Do you want to help people? Are you hoping to generate income? Are you blogging for an already established business or community? Blogs fill all kinds of needs. Think about which ones you are filling. It will likely affect how you run your blog, what you pursue, how you set it up, and what you write about.

3. Choose your platform.

There are a number of free websites to choose from when setting up a blog. Blogger and Wordpress are two great choices. Blogger works through Google, and is fairly easy and straightforward to set up; however, it offers less customization. Wordpress allows for a lot of customization options with their many plugins; but it can take more time to understand how to work it if you’re not used to their display. Wix and Squarespace also offer free websites, but those fall outside my experience.

4. Own it.

Whenever I tell someone I have a blog, I get a lot of responses. Often,

I hear “Oh! I’ve thought about starting a blog, but...but I wouldn’t know where to start...but I don’t know what to write about...but I’m not very tech-savvy.” That makes me laugh a little because—well, if I can do it, trust me, anyone can. When I started blogging, it wasn’t a cool, profitable, or even well-known thing to do. I stumbled upon some blogs while searching for DIY projects. It amazed me that there were women out there who were claiming space on the internet to share their thoughts, tips, and ideas. I wanted a voice in that. Without knowing what I was getting into, I signed up on Blogger, and just started writing. I learned as I went, and everything I didn’t know, I Googled. (Trust me, I still Google half of what pops up in the blogging world.) Today it seems like everyone has a blog, on any topic. But you don’t need to be intimidated by the numbers, the technology, or where to find the inspiration. Starting a blog is still pretty simple.

1. Find your purpose.

Everyone has a story to share and something to say. Figure out your personal mission behind your blog, and who you want to reach. For example, my mission in blogging is to encourage and empower women, particularly millennial moms, to live a purposeful and fulfilling life, right where they are. I share lifestyle tips to help with everyday details, so we can focus a bit more on what really matters. Having a mission helps you remember who you’re targeting, and what topics to write about. Be as general or as specific as you like. And there is always room to grow and change as you go. w w w. l o v e l y b e l l a . c o m

Here’s the hard part. (Maybe. It was for me.) Own your blog. Tell your friends. Share about it on your social media. Add a picture of you (if you’re comfortable). For a long time, I distanced myself from my blog. I didn’t share my name or face, and I for sure didn’t tell anyone I knew in real life that I had one. But I realized that the more I owned it, the more traction it gained. The more people I reached. The more it grew. Again, your mission and goals for your blog can be very different from anyone else’s. But if you’re putting it out there in the universe, don’t be afraid to share it! Starting a blog may seem overwhelming. The best advice is to just start. You don’t need to have a degree in coding. You don’t need to wait until a thousand people are following you on Instagram. And you don’t have to be a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist. Simply decide to share your story, own it, and figure out the details along the way.

Jenn is a constantly-caffeinated wife, mama, and writer. By day she goes on adventures in Roanoke with her two boys. By nap time she pens whatyoumakeitblog.com, empowering moms to live a beautiful and purposeful life, right where you are. Chat with her on social @whatyoumakeitblog.

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Save Smarter

Budget for Your Big Day With A Special Savings Account

Written by MEMBER ONE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

According to a study by popular wedding website,

The Knot, the average cost of a wedding in the United States now exceeds $30,000. Even if you don’t plan on getting anywhere near that number for your big day, a wedding is still a major expense for most of us. But you can make budgeting and saving for your wedding more manageable with a dedicated account and scheduled, automatic saving.

Commit to a budget.

How much are you able and willing to spend on your wedding? Commit to a firm number before you even start to shop for venues and dresses. Planning your dream wedding in detail and then crunching the numbers after is a well-traveled and unromantic road toward wedding debt.

Set a savings goal and break it down.

Once you’ve settled budget settled on and have a wedding date in mind, you can set your savings goal and calculate how much money you’ll need to set aside each month. Simply divide your max budget by the number of months you have left until the big day. The more you can contribute via direct deposit, the better.

Start your wedding savings account.

The account you choose should allow automatic deposits and be separate from the rest of your finances. If you have at least several thousand dollars saved already, you may want to keep your wedding savings in a money market account. This will allow you to write checks to your vendors while also earning back some interest on your funds. If you’re just starting to plan and save for your wedding, a credit union club account could be a great tool w w w. l o v e l y b e l l a . c o m

for helping you budget. Club accounts are designed to help you save for one goal on a deadline. You set aside a certain amount of each paycheck for automatic deposit into the account. If you withdraw money from the account before the specified date, you’ll face some kind of fee or penalty. Some credit unions have general, all-purpose club accounts, while others may have an option called a vacation club account — which despite the name can be used for goals other than vacations (like your wedding).

Prioritize your plans.

When you envision the wedding you want, what stands out as most important? There’s no right or wrong answer here. For some brides-to-be, it might be a great live band at the reception, for others it might be the perfect venue and food, and of course for some it will be the fairy tale dress! Write down a list of two or three things that you feel make a wedding memorable, for the couple as well as for the guests. Ask your betrothed to do the same and decide together what you want to prioritize financially. Knowing that you’ll make up for it by spending less in other areas, you can then comfortably splurge on these top priorities to plan a wedding that’s special and financially responsible. Article courtesy of

Join Member One here each month for more money-saving tips and financial advice! Be sure to visit their website, www.memberonefcu.com, for more info on their products and services. Member One Federal Credit Union is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration.

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Bella Outdoors Get Outdoors, Ladies! Striving to inspire and empower women of all ages to get outdoors by showcasing products, regional adventures and women doing good for the outdoors.

and manatees from extinction, it dramatically increased their population numbers, putting them solidly on the road to full recovery,” says the Center for Biological Diversity’s Shaye Wolf. “Humans often destroy marine ecosystems, but our study shows that with strong laws and careful stewardship, we can also restore them, causing wildlife numbers to surge.” Another way to stop or slow the overexploitation of marine resources would be to end the approximately $20 billion in yearly subsidies for harmful fisheries that encourage destructive practices. The World Trade Organization has pledged to set new targets by mid-2019 that would require member nations to reroute any such subsidies toward investments in sustainable fisheries, aquaculture and coastal community development to reduce pressure on fish stocks. But even if such a drastic restructuring of the fisheries economy takes place, environmental leaders worry it may be too little too late.

Wishing For More Fish In The Sea As Marine Wildlife Dwindles Dear EarthTalk: There’s a lot of talk about overfishing and pollution wreaking havoc in marine ecosystems, but has anyone actually studied if there is less wildlife in the oceans these days? —Melissa Cassidy, Raleigh, NC

gear highlight

Environmental advocates do spend a lot of time harping about threats to our oceans, but sadly for all of us the facts bear out the concern. According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), population numbers for the majority of marine wildlife species have declined by half since 1970, with many species down as much as 75 percent. Furthermore, a third of all fish stocks are overfished and one in four species of cartilaginous fish (sharks, rays and skates) are living on the brink of extinction. “Driving all these trends are human actions: from overfishing and resource depletion, to coastal development and pollution, to the greenhouse gas emissions causing ocean acidification and warming,” says WWF’s Senior VP for Oceans Brad Ack. The oceans certainly aren’t as crowded as they used to be now that we have depleted stocks of large marine predators through overfishing, pollution and climate change. Another recent study by University of British Columbia researchers corroborates WWF’s findings, concluding that the biomass of predatory fish in the world’s oceans has declined by some two-thirds over the last 100 years, and the decline is accelerating, with 54 percent of it occurring in the last 40 years. No doubt these changes are happening partly as a result of overfishing. According to the United Nation’s Food & Agriculture Organization (FAO), nearly 90 percent of the world’s marine fish stocks are either fully exploited, overexploited or depleted. Efforts to rein in the industry in the U.S. and elsewhere have led to more sustainable practices, but bad actors still ply deep sea waters with destructive trawlers and other gear which not only collect more fish than is sustainable but also inadvertently kill many other marine wildlife in the process. There is some hope. Early results of efforts to essentially rope off certain parts of the ocean as “marine protected areas” (MPAs) to let marine wildlife recover are showing promise. A Center for Biological Diversity analysis of 31 marine wildlife populations found that habitat and other protections afforded them under the Endangered Species Act helped them rebound significantly, with three-quarters of endangered marine mammal and sea turtle species increasing population sizes accordingly. “The Endangered Species Act not only saved whales, sea turtles, sea otters

EarthTalk® is produced by Roddy Scheer & Doug Moss for the 501(c)3 nonprofit EarthTalk. To donate, visit www.earthtalk.org. Send questions to: question@earthtalk.org.

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Calling all Earth babes!

We’ve found cool, functional bags with a good-for-the-planet edge! Parkland has what you need for sustainable style this spring for all your outdoor adventures. Rocking the recycled, all bags are made entirely from recycled plastic water bottles because sustainable fashion saves the turtles! Established in 2015, Parkland Design & Manufacturing creates bags and accessories for everyday life. The exterior fabric of all Parkland products is made from 100% recycled water bottles. Our mission is to inspire others to make sustainable choices by offering products that combine purpose, style, and quality at an accessible price. Check out all the fun styles and even purchase online at www.parklandmfg.com. |

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Written by BETH DEEL

With an ever growing focus on living more sustainably while reducing our consumption and waste an upcoming local event is offering instructionals on how to provide some basic needs right in our own backyards. The urgent call for global climate action leaves many of us asking, what can we do to lessen our impact on Mother Earth? The Good Living School is a day long schedule of unique, hands-on classes including spring gardening, urban-homesteading, zero waste and sustainability classes, demos and workshops. This FUN and climate friendly schedule will be part of The Early Bird Spring Craft Fair and Gardening Primer event in downtown Roanoke on April 27th from 9am-5pm; an annual indoor/outdoor street festival, now in it’s 3rd year and the brainchild of Good Times Event Co. Highlight’s from this year’s Good Living School include:

Finding Morel Mushrooms Learn some cool facts and get the skinny on finding some of the most elusive delicacies our region has to offer, Morel Mushrooms! Join our local life-long mushroom hunter, Dave Tate as he introduces attendees to the basics of Morel mushroom hunting here in Virginia. Dave has hunted Morels since his Michigan childhood and is eager to share his experiences, as they relate to Virginia. Class is $5. Chickens in the City Get the scratch on raising a small flock in the city! Learn about chicken breeds, preparing to bring them home, how to acquire chicks/hens, housing/pens, feed, city/county regulations, and basic care in a fun and informative class taught by local farmer, Tina Badger, owner of Willowbriar Farm in Montgomery County. This class is $20 and will include informational handouts and an informative book on raising chickens for each participant to take home! Nature Amnesia and Urban Trees in America If a child does not play in a forest with their parents, will either of them notice when it is gone? Urban trees can bridge the gap between a rapidly urbanized and digitized society and the natural world. One tree can make a difference and the urban forest may reverse the amnesia. As the landscape around us changes and generations of Americans become further disconnected with the natural world, generational amnesia can develop in American societythat can change collective expectations of natural resource management. Taught by Jamie King of Trees Roanoke. (Special Note: Look for the Bartlett Tree Experts booth where local tree professional Jonathan Irvine will be handing out over 500 tree seedlings for FREE. Take a tree home and plant it your yard!) Simple Ways with Common Weeds This fun, interactive class will introduce you to several useful plants (aka herbs) that grow all around us. Meet your green allies: Plantain, violet, dandelion, nettle, chickweed, sorrell, dock, clover, motherwort, lemon balm, mullein, ground ivy, comfrey, yarrow, lambsquarters, chicory, burdock! Learn simple, safe ways to access and preserve the benefits of our green allies. Sample nourishing herbal infusions and take home a spring weed vinegar and ideas for how to use it. Identifying useful plants; safe places to gather; the meaning of “ethical wildcrafting,” and encouraging the useful plants to grow near you. Yummy ways to eat your weeds: infusions and decoctions, syrups or honey, pestos and butters, herbal vinegars and vodka tinctures.Topical uses for common weeds: poultices, infused oils and salves, herbal soaks and baths. Taught by Nancy Maurelli of Sister Nettle B&B. Mulch Matters Turns out there is much to learn about mulch! Mulch Matters is an introductory class on residential mulching. What are the benefits of mulching beds? How and when to properly install mulch! What are the do’s and don’ts of mulching? Attendees wil also llearn the properties of mulch including specific types, uses, and how the it’s made! Taught by Bess Platt of One Earth Landscapes, Mulch and Nursery! In addition to the Good Living School, The Early Bird event will also include over 50 vendors, small farm animal education, free tree seedlings, seeds and free interactive activities for kids. Also, local foods and beverages, food trucks, healthy cooking demos, classes and tastings. Entry to The Early Bird is FREE and family friendly, some of the classes at the Good Living School will require RSVP’s and/or small fees. RSVP for these classes and more at facebook.com/goodtimeseventco

Beth Deel is a local mom, artist and fun-maker! She plans socially responsible events at Good Times Event Co. and strives to reduce her personal environmental impact at home and at work, through planet-friendly lifestyle changes, environmental activism and zero waste goals. w w w. l o v e l y b e l l a . c o m

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Bella Outdoors

Back to Basics The Good Living School

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mind • body • soul

Fuel Your Morning These protein-packed recipes can help get you going.

As you prepare to take on the day, one of the most beneficial ways to energize yourself each morning is by fueling your body with the proper nutrients, including protein. U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team High-Performance Dietitian Allen Tran works with top athletes and recognizes the key role protein plays in their diets. Developed by Tran, these breakfast recipes can provide the nutrition necessary for journeying through your day with energy and verve. Protein Waffles include one of Tran’s favorite protein shakes Rockin’ Protein Builder for an easy boost of protein. (The 12-ounce shakes, which are low in carbs and sugar, are made with fresh milk and have 30 grams of high-quality protein to help build muscle without a chalky after-taste.) If you’re looking to make healthier choices or live an active lifestyle and are short on time, a premade recipe may allow for additional productivity. Recipes that can be made in advance—like the night before—may aid your goal to consume necessary nutrients without putting a rush on your morning routine. Chocolate Cherry and Banana Overnight Oats are made with chocolate milk and are a source of protein, calcium and vitamin D. Plus, they can be made in advance, allowing you to grab a healthy, ready-made breakfast to take on the go. Adding milk to your diet helps serve as a source of energy while building and repairing muscles. (Tran prefers Shamrock Farms’ chocolate milk for this recipe.) Find more tips and recipes to help enhance your nutrition at shamrockfarms.net. w w w. l o v e l y b e l l a . c o m

Chocolate Cherry & Banana Overnight Oats Yield: 2 jars

1/2 cup frozen dark sweet cherries 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats 1 container (12 ounces) chocolate milk 1 ripe banana, sliced 1 pinch salt In two mason jars, add 1/4 cup frozen cherries in each. In microwave, thaw 30 seconds. Divide rolled oats, milk, banana and salt between jars. Cover with lids and shake until combined. Store in refrigerator overnight or at least several hours. Serve cold or warm in microwave.

Protein Waffles Yield: 8-10 waffles

2 cups pancake mix 2 large eggs 1 container (12 ounces) Vanilla or Chocolate Rockin’ Protein Builder 1/4 cup canola oil 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon Heat waffle iron. Place pancake mix in bowl. In separate bowl, whisk eggs, protein shake and oil. Stir into pancake mix until just combined. Bake in waffle iron according to manufacturer’s directions until golden brown. *Tip: To freeze for later consumption, cool waffles on wire racks. Freeze between layers of waxed paper in re-sealable plastic freezer bag. In toaster oven or microwave, heat waffles until heated through.

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mind • body • soul

Go Green with your Beauty Routine Must-haves to transition your beauty products to green and clean!

Celebrate Earth Day by

www.crunchi.com cs.com www.smdcosmeti

cleaning up your beauty routine! We’ve found these high-performing, natural brands that are must-haves to transition your beauty products to green and clean! Good for your skin and good for the planet.

alhills.com www.cryst

www.aphorismskincare.com

ritual.co

www.rad rie.com

www.beautybake

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www.eliteskincare.com

www.primallifeorg anics.com

www.goldmountain

beauty.com

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bella eats

Simple Holiday Hams Ideas for an elegant, yet easy, Easter menu.

Whether you’re new to hosting or simply looking for ideas to make Easter entertaining easier than ever, there are plenty of ways to save time and stress in the kitchen. Go with what you know. Trying out new recipes is fun, but it can also add stress when they don’t turn out like you expected. Stick to tried and true dishes you can prepare and serve with confidence and save the experimenting for another time. Take shortcuts. At the center of many Easter feasts is a ham that has been expertly cured and cooked to perfection. Even so, starting with a full-cooked ham is a shortcut that no one is likely to notice, especially if you heat it properly. For exceptional quality and a variety of flavor profile options to choose from, turn to America’s Original Butcher, Omaha Steaks. The meats are fully cooked then frozen before being delivered to your door for maximum convenience. Work ahead. Plan your menu to incorporate items you can make ahead of time so you’re under less pressure the day of your dinner. Even handling the prep work like slicing veggies the night before can buy back precious minutes, that way when guests begin arriving, you can step out of the kitchen and enjoy the day right along with them. Find more ideas to make hosting this year’s Easter meal easy at OmahaSteaks.com.

To keep your ham extra moist, always put the cut-side down. You might also consider placing a baking rack in the pan and adding a quarter-inch of water before placing the ham on the rack. For a spiral-cut, bone-in ham, heat the oven to 325 F. Remove ham from film and foil. Place ham cut-side down on a raised edge baking pan lined with foil. Heat uncovered 60-75 minutes for the entire ham or 10 minutes per pound for smaller portions. For a boneless ham, heat the oven to 350 F. Place the ham, cut-side down, on a raised edge baking pan lined with foil. Cover the ham tightly with foil and heat 35-40 minutes. Another option for adding extra juicy flavor is a glaze, which can be as simple as dissolving three parts brown sugar into one part honey in a small saucepan. Or for a more elegant affair, consider a fruit-infused glaze (recipes below) to complement the savory pork.

Easy Fruit-Infused Glazes

Apricot Glaze

1/2 cup brown sugar 1 teaspoon cornstarch 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger cup apricot nectar, canned In saucepan, mix brown sugar, cornstarch and ginger. Stir in apricot nectar. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and boils.

How to Heat a Frozen Ham

Many frozen hams are fully cooked and can be served as soon as they’re properly thawed, which is an ideal solution for a casual brunch with mini sandwiches on the menu. However, if you’re serving an elegant holiday dinner, you’re more likely to prefer a warm centerpiece dish. A fully cooked ham is still a time-saving option; you’ll just need to allot time to heat it in the oven once it’s thawed. Start by thawing a fully cooked ham in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours. w w w. l o v e l y b e l l a . c o m

Cranberry Orange Glaze 1 can (16 ounces) cranberry sauce 1 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup orange juice 1/2 teaspoon cloves, ground 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, ground 1/4 teaspoon allspice

In small saucepan over low heat, combine cranberry sauce, brown sugar, orange juice, cloves, cinnamon and allspice; simmer 5 minutes, before serving.

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What We're Reading There Are Girls Like Lions

A celebration through poems of womanhood in all its dimensions.

Featuring the arresting works of contempo-

rary poets and beloved authors of eras past, including: Emily Dickinson, Warsan Shire, Gertrude Stein, Mary Oliver, Tracy K. Smith, Jennifer Chang, Margaret Atwood and more! This new book illustrated by Karolin Schnoor and containing a foreward by Cole Swenson, is for mothers, daughters, sisters, wives, partners, and friends. There Are Girls Like Lions is a celebration of womanhood in all its dimensions, including love, beauty, friendship, motherhood, work, aging, and much more. Find online or through your favorite bookseller.

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What We're Reading

The New Girl Code Inspiring the next generation of women in tech.

Introducing The New Girl Code, a series of novels

about the wonders of working in tech, aimed at girls and young women. The project is an initiative of Inspiring Fifty, a non-profit that aims to increase diversity in tech by making role models more visible. We are in this together, which is why Janneke Niessen, serial tech entrepreneur and UNICEF board member, created The New Girl Code—an inspiring read for girls that aim to increase diversity in tech and reminding them that there are no limitations to their future. The New Girl Code is part of a series of novels about the wonders of working in tech and role models young women can relate to and bring the possibilities of tech to life! All proceeds of the book will be used to distribute the book free to underprivileged children who would not have access otherwise. www.thenewgirlcode.com

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Young Writers Club Indie Bookstores The unlikely comeback kids.

The bookstore essence seeped into my bones as a child and never left. I distinctly remember when I was about 8 years old and my mother took me to a small bookstore at our local mall, well before the bloom of mega-bookstores. The dim lighting and blue carpet stirred mysterious excitement in my chest. Colorful spines wound down the aisles, trails blanketed by the scent of paper. As my mother perused covers of bare-chested men and ladies in tight bodices, I walked along the children’s book section, transfixed by the sheer mass of options at my literal fingertips. I picked out a book called The Hunky-Dory Dairy, mostly because I misread the title as “diary” and anticipated a book full of secrets. This random childhood day imprinted in my memory somewhat thanks to my embarrassing reading gaffe, but more because of the joy I felt wandering the bookstore and the promise of adventure thriving beneath each glossy cover. As I grew up, so did bookstores. They exploded into monstrosities called Books-A-Million, Borders and Barnes & Noble. These new book meccas marked the so-called end of the independent bookstore. Beginning in the 1990s, Borders grew from 21 stores to over 400 before the chain eventually went bankrupt. While independent bookstores dropped 40% between 1995 to 2000. As the world eased into the 21st century, the large chain bookstores started to supernova and shrink back in on themselves, a contraction often attributed to the rise of Amazon online book sales and ebooks. The hole left by the brickand-mortar large bookstore departures was not filled solely by digital book formats. It turns out, people still like print. In fact, recent research indicates digital books are not the dominant book force that was once anticipated. Between 2015 and 2016, just a single year, ebooks declined from 27% to 23% of all total books sales. In addition, approximately two times as many people read print books compared with ebooks and only 6% of Americans are digital-only readers. Conversely, independent booksellers in the last few years are flourishing. According to the American Booksellers Association (ABA), a non-profit trade organization for independent booksellers, from 2009 to 2015 the number of w w w. l o v e l y b e l l a . c o m

Written by K.L. KRANES

independently owned bookstores increased by 35%. Over the last year alone, the ABA reported a 4% increase in indie bookstores nationwide, marking the ninth year of growth in a row. In Virginia, the ABA has over 55 registered booksellers listed in their member directory. (www.bookweb.org) Other dire predictions for a final deathblow to bookstores also have not quite come to fruition, such as the rise of social media. Some futurists claimed our obsessions with Facebook, Twitter and Instagram might indirectly result in a decline in book consumption, particularly among high social media consumers such as millennials and young adults. Thus far, there is little evidence of a negative social media impact on book reading. In fact, Pew Research found young adults, aged 18 to 29, are more likely to not only read books, but to read print books, compared with people 65 and older. The resilience of print may be one reason for the comeback of the independent bookstore, but it is likely not the only one. Another potential component for their recent success: community. Unlike their big chain counterparts, indie bookstores are not nameless, faceless corporations. The owners and staff often live in the same neighborhoods as their customers and invest in the health of the local cities or towns. Essentially, indie bookstores care about the community and the community cares about them. Bookstores host authors and book clubs. They organize events, including sponsoring festivals or holding poetry readings. Indie bookstores remind us books are not simply a commodity, they can be a means for bringing people together. Virginia has no shortage of fantastic indie bookstores spread across the state, nestled in towns and communities. If you haven’t already visited one, perhaps it’s time.

K.L. Kranes is a blogger and author of young adult novels. Her debut novel, The Travelers, was published in 2016 by Saguaro Books, LLC. See more from K.L. at www.klkranes.com/blog.

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bella magazine

page 27

Make a Difference Make-A-Wish Greater Virginia Creating life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.

What is a wish? For children facing life-threatening medical conditions—and for their families as well—a wish provides a desperately needed respite from the exhausting reality of doctor appointments and medical treatments. At Make-A-Wish Greater Virginia, they believe wishes improve the odds for children battling critical illnesses—and they have the research to prove it. Wishes make sick children feel better. And when they feel better, they often get better. Why are wishes important? For many children, a wish marks a significant turning point in their battle against illness. Research indicates wish experiences can lead to increased emotional and physical health benefits and improved quality of life. Wishes are often transformative for the entire family, providing parents, siblings and the children with something to look forward to, and then something joyful to remember. Parents often share that having the chance to participate in a wish experience helped the entire family come together in a deeply meaningful way. Libby’s mom, Jennifer shared “While every child’s journey is different, Make-A-Wish offers such a meaningful way for the child and his or her family to truly experience something filled with joy. For Libby and our family, our wish meant being able to connect with and enjoy something that we loved prior to her cancer diagnosis. It was so important to be able to make new, precious memories after enduring a difficult situation. We are forever grateful to Make-A-Wish for providing this amazing opportunity to bring joy to Libby and our family.” Wishes can be powerful medicine. Increasingly, medical professionals view wishes as an important part of a child’s medical treatment. The wish experience can enhance a treatment plan, building strength and inspiring a child to fight harder to overcome challenges. “As a pediatric hematologist and oncologist, I have witnessed again and again, the positive influence granting a wish has on both the child and the family facing serious w w w. l o v e l y b e l l a . c o m

health conditions. A wish allows for children to have hope and a reprieve from the stress of treatment. It allows families a time of joy in the midst of struggle and grief.” Dr. Kimberly Dunsmore, Chair of Pediatrics and Senior Vice President of Carilion Clinic. There are roughly 20 children waiting for their wishes to be granted in our community. While they grant approximately 180 wishes each year, they are only reaching less than half the estimated 400 eligible Virginia children. The average cost of a wish is $10,000 and all funds raised benefit local children.

How can you help?

Join Make-A-Wish Greater Virginia in honoring six local women for their professional and philanthropic achievements at the W.I.S.H. Circle Blue Ridge luncheon on April 11, 2019 from 11:30am to 1:30pm at Charter Hall in Downtown Roanoke. Visit va.wish.org/ brwishcircle or call 804.217.9474 to learn more and purchase tickets today! For more information about how you can connect with their mission, please contact their office at 804.217.9474 or email info@ va.wish.org. Together, we transform lives, one wish at a time.

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bella magazine

page 29

Regional

events

happenings

to put on your social

calendar!

Spring Happenings

Docs Rock Fashion—1974 Then & Now: Celebrating 45 Years of Bradley Free Clinic

Local doctors hit the runway for a fashionable way to support quality healthcare for everyone.

Founded in 1974, Bradley Free Clinic is fueled by the energy of its medical volunteers and has grown to become a resource to many underserved in our community. The Clinic organizes this unique annual fundraiser that turns local doctors and medical professionals into runway models as they show off trending fashions from local vendors, all in an effort to raise money to fund the clinic’s vital services. Docs Rock Fashion returns to Roanoke on Friday, April 12, to celebrate 45 years of the Bradley Free Clinic with a fashion fundraiser like no other! The annual event features local doctors as you’ve never seen them before to benefit Bradley Free Clinic’s high-quality medical, dental, pharmaceutical and preventative healthcare services for low income, uninsured in the Roanoke Valley who lack the resources necessary to maintain their health and productivity. “This fashion show tradition has grown into an unforgettable night for the community to learn more about the Bradley Free Clinic services and rally behind the inspiring volunteer efforts local healthcare professionals are delivering in our community,” remarked Janine Underwood, Bradley Free Clinic executive director. The 2019 Docs Rock Fashion & Live Auction will take place on Saturday, April 12, 2019, at Hotel Roanoke in Downtown Roanoke. Tickets are $100 per person and can be purchased online at www.docsrock.org The evening will feature heavy hors d’oeuvres, followed by an entertaining fashion show emceed by Larry Bly and WFXR’s Kianna Price. Models, including prominent area physicians, dentists and other Bradley Free Clinic volunteers, will be outfitted with the finest jewelry, unique accessories, and formalwear inspired by the theme, 1974 Then & Now. Visit www.docsrock.org for tickets and all the details.

Salem After Five Concert Series Jon the Salem Parks & Recreation as they kick off the 2019 season of Salem After Five on Friday, April 26, from 5-9pm at the Salem Farmer’s Market in downtown Salem. Tickets are just $5 and children 12 and under are free. April’s concert will feature the much-loved band, Domino. For more details visit www.salemva.gov