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AU G U ST 2019
pages 4-5 NEW MONTHLY COLUMN: Meet Grace Brian of Line + Tow, a sustainable clothing company based in Roanoke. Thru her company, she empowers consumers to think critically about their purchases and what they are wearing.
Issu e On e H u n d re d Fift y- E i g ht
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page 7 NEW MONTHLY CONTRIBUTOR: Check our our newest contributor, Dr. Jenna Montana of Cultivate Wellness! This month she’s helping you realize your body is asking for a break.
Joey Coakley Beck Publisher & Owner jbeck@beckmediagroup.com •••
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editorial
pages 9-11 NEW MONTHLY SECTION: Wake up refreshed each morning to take on your day with these simple tips from eLivingToday.com and we’ve rounded up a few new products for your post-summer skincare routine.
For editorial consideration: features@beckmediagroup.com Contributors: Beth Deel, Jason Gallimore, Wendy Maxey, Member One Federal Credit Union, Dr. Jenna Montana, Hayleigh Worgan Jane Grosskopf Editorial Intern, George Mason University •••
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page 12 It’s not too late to squeeze in a fabulous summer getaway! Wendy Maxey of Star City Travel offers up a few tips and tricks, and even a few trip ideas to get away before Fall arrives.
advertising
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page 15 One of the region’s most unique events is taking place this month at one of our favorite destinations—Chantilly Farm. Cirque du Floyd is a 2-day showcase of talented regional circus artists, stage performers, buskers, musicians and more! Check it out & get your tickets before they sell out.
To market yourself and your business to the women of Southwest & Central Virginia, call us at (540) 339-6117 or email advertise@beckmediagroup.com
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page 17 Member One Federal Credit Union is here this month with financial tips to help get your college freshment off on the right financial foot for the next four years and beyond!
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For general inquiries: bella@beckmediagroup.com
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Sara Coakley Office Manager
page 18 Here are a few helpful tips to prepare your children as they head back to school and make it a successful year!
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page 21 Who doesn’t love new school supplies? Check out these cool and super cute back-to-school finds we’ve discovered and absolutely love!
LLC
P.O. Box 107 Roanoke, Virginia 24002 (540) 339-6117 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
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page 22 From backyard BBQs and family picnics to a bight addition to seasonal recipes, sweet cherries pack a punch when it comes to flavor and nutrients. Check out these easy recipes to enjoy as summer comes to a close. augus t 2019 •
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Become a Conscious Consumer Line + Tow empowers customers to think critically about their purchases
WRITTEN BY Hayleigh Worgan PHOTOS COURTESY Line + Tow
For at least the last twenty years, people have searched for the best bargains to add to their closet every season. Clothes are discarded in giant trash bags from closets every few months in the pursuit of something new. At some point, many consumers stopped paying critical attention to the items with frayed threads that hit clearance racks after a few hundred people tried them on in the dressing room. Their price point alone was enough to add one, in every color, to Grace Brian their already overflowing dresser drawers. Fast fashion has become a huge problem in our modern world. According to a recent article in National Geographic, microplastics, from a variety of sources including fibers, are turning up in the fish we eat, the water we drink, and even the air we breathe. We sat down with Grace Brian, founder of a sustainable clothing company, Line + Tow, to discuss small and large changes individuals can make to their habits to have a lasting impact on the world around us. According to Grace, lasting change begins in the hazy moments before consumers open their wallets. “The best thing people can do is think critically about advertising,” Grace explains. “It is important to keep in mind that we need a lot less than we think we do. Every time you see an advertisement—or something that you want to buy—think about the fact that if you buy that thing someone makes money. They don’t really care about you, they just want to make something look good enough for you to spend money on it. They do not care what happens to it after you spend your money. A great example of this is how we have been led to believe that we need individual cleaning solutions for all different things—tile floor, wood floor, counter-tops, marble counter-tops, glass, the sink, the tub, the shower, tile, carpet, exterior surfaces, shampoo for men that’s different for than shampoo for women, shampoo for babies, soap for the face, the hands, the body, soap for shaving, soap for clothes, soap for dishes—the list goes on and on. These variations exist because they are another way to make money. Once we decide what we actually want and need, and we don’t pay attention to advertising, we will all own a lot less.” Grace also encourages consumers to consider the entire life cycle of an object they are buying. It might be natural to strictly consider the impact an item will have in the world from the time it is purchased until the time you are done using it, but the truth is that there were environmental impacts of that item’s creation, and it will continue to have effects long after it has left your possession. “A good example of this is paper coffee cups vs. reusable travel mugs. The process of making a paper mug uses a lot less energy and resources than making a metal and plastic mug. You would need to use your reusable cup about 200 times to break even,” she estimates. Therein lies the truth behind what is marketed to those who are learning what it means to be concerned about the environment and combat climate change. If consumers don’t do their homework, they can still be tricked into buying things that have a larger affect on the environment by
allowing those items to sit unused in their homes or taking them to the donation bin before their lifespan is complete in favor of the next new gadget. Companies and industries all around the world are trying to sell everything from t-shirts proclaiming, “Save the bees!” to giant, plastic reusable water bottles with pictures of dolphins and turtles. Climate change is important to address, but the attention it is receiving also makes it a target for capitalization. Grace reminds us that, despite what all of those ads on social media are saying, we don’t need to purchase the printed t-shirt to practice sustainability. As the owner of a business that sells sustainable clothing, she wants people to understand that they do not need to purchase anything marketed as “sustainable” for the simple act of owning something that is sustainable. “You don’t need money to be sustainable because the most sustainable thing is to not buy stuff you don’t need,” she says. Changes happen when we slow down and consider how each decision will ripple from our small communities to widespread consequences around the world. Of course, eventually, you will need something specific for your wardrobe that you don’t have or will need to replace. Career changes, a move to an area with a different climate, and new hobbies sometimes require new gear. When that time comes for you, do your homework before you run to the mall. Research how different brands make their clothes. Know what goes into the process and how their employees are treated. Value is more than what you see on a price tag. Plus, if you can afford it, long lasting pieces that require a small investment seem a lot more realistic when you haven’t purchased a new outfit in a year. Small changes, especially in your identity as a consumer, produce big results. Grace encourages businesses to consider joining this movement as well. Uniforms are an excellent opportunity to practice sustainability in the professional world. For example, Bloom, a new restaurant in Wasena, ordered their aprons from Line + Tow at the beginning of the summer. When you have to buy something new, spend like every dollar that passes through your hands will somehow influence the rest of your life. Because whether we keep what we buy for years to come or discard it within minutes, the echoes of our choices as consumers will change the world as we know it. Visit www.lineandtow.com for more information on location, hours, and available products. In addition to clothing items, they also sell clothing repair tools. In the future, they plan to offer classes. Stay tuned to their Facebook page, www.facebook.com/lineandtow, for more information on upcoming events! 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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Your Body isAsking for a Break
WRITTEN BY Dr. Jenna Montana
Maybe we can understand on an intellectual level we’re all a little maxed out, but these 5 bodily signs can present themselves even if we think we’re not stressed. Everyone hears the word “stress” and envisions a different picture. And everyone’s 100% looks a little different, but allow me to do a very watered down version of human physiology for you: Environmental Stress + Your Brain/Awareness = Adrenal Stimulation. Our adrenal glands are atop each kidney and are responsible for all sorts of neat stuff—sex hormone production, regulating blood pressure, and helping us wake up in the morning. It’s a beautiful thing. But, like just about everything else, can start to approach too much of a good thing when they’re working overtime. In a perfect world, the body and mind are exposed to minor to moderate “stress” or stimulation (think: exercising, learning a new skill, extreme temperatures, sex, problem solving, falling in love, playing with our pets) every day or so, which helps us improve ourselves and thrive. Maybe every now and then we get exposed to a super intense negative stressor, “duress,” which causes a flood of stress hormones and the inevitable stress hangover. However, in our modern, far from perfect, world, prolonged adverse stimulation (think: traffic jams, home repairs, unexpected financial expectations, resentment, loneliness, processed food, smoking, drinking) shifts bodily priority into survival from a place of calm.
1. You get biweekly head colds. Do you tend to get over one head
cold just to come down with another? Your immune system’s outta whack, sis. Prolonged stress, emotional or physical (looking at you, weekend warriors), causes a temporary depression of the immune system, leaving us vulnerable to opportunistic bugs lurking in the shadows. Something our immune system could easily tackle on a calm day is no match for a wimpy immune system beat down from an intense bout of mental (or physical) gymnastics. Perfect example: ever start a workout routine strong just to fall ill one week later? Thank your stress hormones. Or don’t.
2. Your jaw is clicking. Researchers have identified a pattern between
incidence of temporomandibular joint (TMJ = your jaw) dysfunction and anxious tendencies. Tongue thrusting, cheek chewing, teeth grinding and clenching, are all methods the brain uses to provide stimulation to the anxious or busy mind. Think of it as a biological leftover from when we were babies looking for a pacifier. When the jaw is in perpetual motion due to these habits, this taxes the jaw in ways that can result in popping, clicking, and pain at the
joint of the jaw that lives just in front of your ear. Additional symptoms might be headaches, tooth marks on the sides of your tongue, and neck pain.
3. You think one bowel movement a week is normal. Not to bring
about any potty shame for you, but I promise, I’m just looking out for your health here. Going #2 is an absolute must, not just for elimination purposes, but with new research coming out daily about the gut-brain axis, it’s likely good for clearing the mind as well. Multiple resources cite the tight relationship between mental stress, controlling behavior, and tendency toward constipation.
4. Sigh! You’re sighing. Frequent sighing can be as sign of shallow
breathing. When the fight-or-flight pattern is switched on in the body, we recruit the muscles of our neck and shoulders to take a breath, which only gets us so far. In fact, we are supposed to breathe by using the diaphragm (a muscle in your abdomen) which, when contracted, draws air into your lungs. (Ask your yogi about “belly breathing”) In an effort to increase ever-important oxygen due to prolonged shallow breathing, the body responds by inducing a sigh.
5. Did you just wink at me? Or was that a twitch? Twitchy eyelids
are a common sign of sleep deprivation, which rarely exists in the absence of stress. Always consult with a trusted health practitioner to rule out other causes of overactive muscles, but more often than not, I see this in patients under an immense amount of stress.
So you checked one or five of these boxes—now what? Ask yourself an incredibly important question: what constructive hobbies do I have that help me relieve stress? Is it working with your hands? Is it interacting with the natural world? Is it just more dang sleep? If those answers seem out of reach for you, or you have these hobbies and still struggle with these physical symptoms, you may need someone to work with you to find and address the root cause. Dr. Jenna Montana practices functional medicine in Roanoke. She holds a Doctorate of Chiropractic and Master’s degree in Nutrition from Logan University. Additionally, she uses acupuncture and nutritional counseling to enhance her treatment offerings in her practice, Cultivate Wellness. Find her on Instagram @dr.jennamontana
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{{ self care }}
d e h s e r f e R p Wake U
Simple ways to begin your morning
Ready, set, go. Just as you would set off at the starting line of a race, this hectic pace is how mornings begin for many men and women. Instead of waking with dread to face another hectic morning, consider these tips for a healthier way to ease into your daily rituals. While these activities may require you to allow extra time, you may be pleased with the productive results. Meditate. A practice that has been around for thousands of years may still be one of the best stress busters for hurried mornings. To start, find a place in your home that is free of noise and distraction. Practice sitting still, with eyes closed, and focus only on your breathing. Using deep, controlled breaths, try to steer your thoughts away from negative and stress-inducing thoughts.
Stretch. While the most health-conscious person may opt for a morning sweat-a-thon, working in some stretches can also be beneficial. When you awake, think about oft-used muscles and extend each one for 15-30 seconds. Activate. Give your brain some fuel in the morning while also doing something nice for your mind. For example, journaling is a gentle way to ease into your morning and get your brain firing. If you can’t think of a topic, simply write down a few affirmations for the day, revisit a pleasant memory from your past or scribble down a goal for the week. Journaling can be an uplifting way to engage the mind and express gratitude for the day ahead. Find more tips for starting your day on the right foot at eLivingToday.com. augus t 2019 •
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{{ self care }}
Post-Summer Skincare Admit it. As summer begins to wind down, you may have missed a day or two (or more!) of taking the best care of your skin. Tsk. Tsk. But stepping up now, you can get ahead of it and help revive damage done with a few products we’ve rounded up. From helping with hyperpigmentation, to hydrating super thirsty skin, to helping achieve an overall lighter, brighter complexion... check out these products from leading skincare companies that may be just what you need.
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1. DeVita Hyaluronic Acid Intensive Seru-Gel Boost hydration above and below the surface with multi-molecular hyaluronic acids for a fuller, smoother, more supple complexion that radiates youth. www.Devitaskincare.com
2. Raw Nuture PM Treatment This nighttime treatment is an antioxidant and nutrient-rich night blend that hydrates and stimulates
collagen production. Repairs, restores and conditions to make the skin stronger and more fit. Softens the appearance of lines around the eyes and forehead. www.aoskincare.com
3. Trilogy Vitamin C Booster Treatment An intense 2-week brightening treatment with 6% high-potency natural vitamin C that’s freshly acti-
vated when you begin your treatment. Antioxidant powerhouse vitamin C kickstarts the skin’s renewal processes that help improve brightness, pigmentation and skin tone. www.trilogyproducts.com
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4. Robin McGraw’s Let There Be Bright Shine bright like the star that you are! Brighten complexion and even skin tone with this seriously
fast-acting serum. This Triple Action Brightening complex combines lactic acid and vitamin C to naturally lighten skin and defend it against future discoloration damage. Their advanced Dynamic Infusion Technology delivers antioxidant-rich active ingredients such as SulforaWhite and coconut fruit extract 26 times faster—which means you’ll see lighter, brighter skin 26 times faster. www.robinmcgrawrevelation.com
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{{ travel }} Last-Minute Summer Travel
It’s not too late to squeeze in a summer vacation and you may even score unbelievable deals by waiting
WRITTEN BY Wendy Maxey
It’s hard to believe another school year is just around the corner. Maybe you’re kicking yourself because you didn’t take as many trips as you wanted this summer. Don’t beat yourself up! Technically, summer isn’t over. Besides, last-minute, spontaneous travel is often the most memorable (and sometimes less expensive).
Be Fexible with Flights
If you plan on flying, book flights on the weekdays. Weekends tend to be more expensive. Check various gateways. For example, instead of Roanoke, look into flying out of Greensboro, Charlotte or Raleigh. Even Lynchburg sometimes has lower fares than the Star City. Or, if you want to get out of town over Labor Day weekend, try flying on the holiday itself.
*Travel Tip: As of this writing, a roundtrip flight from Raleigh to Ho-
nolulu comes in just under $700 on Labor Day. If you’re interested in international travel, use this airline hack. Book a trans-Atlantic flight to a major gateway city (example: Rome), and then book a separate connecting flight to your destination of choice on a European budget airline. August and September often see price drops internationally.
Location, Location, Location
Look into destinations where it’s currently the off-season. The Caribbean, Mexico and Argentina fall into this category. Late summer is also a great time to visit Costa Rica. Don’t let the rainy season stop your adventures. If you want to keep it stateside, think about New Orleans, Austin or San Francisco. September is an ideal time to explore these cities. Consider locations where the U.S. dollar is strong. Again, Mexico is a great choice. You can book an all-inclusive stay for two in Tulum, Mexico, for $2,000 that includes flights from Roanoke, airport transfers, a junior suite and unlimited food and drinks for four nights. Bonus: If you want to take the kids, the first child is free.
Consider a Cruise
If you’ve cruised before, you probably know last-minute deals can be found. The great thing about cruising is how easy it is. Just pack your bag and go. Taking a break from all the planning makes for a perfect vacation. *Travel Tip: As of this writing, a six-night Western Caribbean cruise (roundtrip from Miami) is less than a $1,000 for two in an ocean view page 12 •
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cabin from September 1-7. An inside cabin is even less expensive, if you don’t care about the view. Add to that a mere 2-hour flight from Charlotte for $118 per person and you have quite a last-minute vacation for roughly $600 per person.
Cruise ships change their itineraries at the end of the high season, and “repositioning” cruises can be a steal. For instance, ships that tour Alaska often switch to warmer waters in the fall months. These sailings tend to be longer, but often for lower prices.
Jump in the Car or Take the Train
According to a recent poll by Expedia, three out of four Americans don’t plan to leave the U.S. That’s no surprise, given the amazing destinations we have access to within a few hours drive. Just do a basic Google search for “destinations near me,” and you’ll uncover a wealth of ideas. Roanoke’s new Amtrak station is an awesome way to travel. Roundtrip fares to New York City are $120 per person, and the train drops you right in the middle of the city at Penn Station. A major benefit to taking the train to New York (other than the luxury of sitting back and enjoying the ride) is not having to deal with the astronomical prices that come with parking your car—let alone navigating the city streets! Often, booking last-minute means discounted rates on hotels—in some cases up to 15 percent. *Travel Tip: A great tool for finding less expensive hotels is the Hotel Tonight app. Plug in New York City and you’ll find several recommended hotels for under $150 per night. This app includes customer ratings and useful descriptions like “colorful, eclectic rooms,” or “located among the fresh-cut blooms of the Flower District.” At the very least, make sure you’re using your vacation days. Even if it means a long weekend trip to the beach or a simple staycation. Wendy’s love of travel started at an early age with family beach vacations. Early on in her career she was managing editor of a hotel reservations website. Wendy is co-owner of Star City Travel, a Roanoke-based Dream Vacations franchise. Need travel advice? Call (540) 713-3068 or visit starcitytravel.com.
General admission is $5 • Registered brides FREE
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{{ happenings }} WRITTEN BY Jason Gallimore PHOTOS COURTESY Chantilly Farm
Cirque du Floyd One of the area’s most unique events celebrating regional circus arts
On August 16-17, local and regional performance artists will converge at Chantilly Farm in Floyd County for the third annual Cirque du Floyd. The two-day event showcases some of the most talented regional circus artists ranging from jugglers and hoopers, to acrobats and magicians. Stage performers, buskers, musicians and interactive schtick will be enjoyed by patrons throughout the weekend. In addition, circus arts workshops will be offered at no additional charge to ticket buyers. Circus arts are making a comeback internationally in recent years, as modern cirque-style elements marry with more traditional circus arts. Perhaps the most widely acclaimed example of cirque-style productions would be that of Cirque du Soleil, a touring production that features miraculous feats of human artistry and athleticism by showcasing aerial acrobatics, magic and other performance arts. Cirque du Floyd draws inspiration from those performers, but has made the circus arts more accessible to all ages and classes of people. Headlining on Chantilly Farm’s Pavilion Stage is internationally acclaimed aerial performance artists, ImaginAerial. They will once again make the trek from New York City to Floyd for a Saturday evening performance that will be based on the classic tale, Wizard of Oz. This year’s event also features Dance Afire, Gypsy Geoff, Mountain Circus Arts, Magician Nelson Oliver, Lunaversal Hoopz, Lynsey Grace, juggler Erin Riley, Muddles and Millie, Dr. Moon & Lady in Black, and Casey Jones & Holorhythm Community Drum School, and more! Businesses and organizations that are friendly to the circus arts will be creatively represented. Each evening, the event will close out with performances from great regional bands like Music Road Company, The Jared Stout Band and Flirting With Chemicals. Mistress of Ceremonies for this event is the ever-fabulous Shamama, who will keep the crowd worked up with her sweet and sassy antics.
Attendees can show their Cirque spirit by coming to the event dressed as their favorite type of circus performer, character or outfitted in cosplay to be part of a nightly costume parade. Costume contest winners will receive prizes, by category. The goal is to have even more interactive participation and color the festival fields with people in their festive garb. Besides the mesmerizing talents of the many performance artists, attendees may also enjoy local vendors of arts, crafts and other unique wares set up during the event. Food and drink will also be available from a variety of vendors. A stageside beer and wine garden is planned, however outside alcohol will not be permitted within the event area. Bring lawn chairs for seating and for the safety of the performers, no pets will be allowed inside the festival area. Both RV and tent camping are available throughout the weekend and camping reservations can be made by calling the Chantilly Farm Campground offices at (540) 808-4984. For those looking to experience this one-of-a-kind event, tickets are available for single-day and weekend admission. Don’t wait to get your tickets for this incredibly unique event. Ticket prices are structured to be as family-friendly and affordable as possible. Purchase online at www.chantillyfarm. com or on Facebook.
Jason Gallimore is an independent event planner and marketer living in Salem. Jason serves on the Board of Directors for both the Floyd Center for the Arts and Floyd County Chamber of Commerce. With a lifelong passion for music and the arts, Jason is involved in a wide range of festivals and special events in the region.
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{{ save smarter }}
Five Financial Tips for College Freshmen ARTICLE COURTESY Member One Federal Credit Union You’ve picked out your dorm decorations, emailed your roommate, and printed out your class schedule and campus map. But, you’re not really ready for freshman year unless you’ve considered your finances! Here are five tips to get you off on the right financial foot for the next four years and beyond.
Choose the right banking account.
College may be the first time you’ve chosen your own financial institution, since many of us start out keeping our savings in the same credit union or bank as our parents. But in college your banking needs are likely to change. Look for a checking account with no fees or minimum balance requirement. If you’re leaving home for school, your financial institution should either have an ATM on or near campus, or should waive ATM fees. Some financial institutions offer checking accounts designed with college students in mind, and may even offer student-focused money-management advice.
Get a part-time job.
Even if you’re feeling flush with financial aid right now, those funds can disappear a lot faster than you think. Not only that, but financial aid money is really only meant for spending on educational expenses. You may see some of your classmates using their financial aid for some lessthan academic expenditures—but if you’re earning your own spending money on the job, you’ll be less tempted to do the same. That, in turn, may help you to borrow less money and get out of college with less debt!
Don’t pay full price for books.
If you want to spend the most money you possibly can on your textbooks, buy them from the school bookstore. Otherwise, try to find them just about anywhere else. Check with textbook rental companies like
Chegg, scour through Amazon and eBay, explore your campus library, or even ask around if any fellow students might have a copy to sell secondhand.
Take advantage of the “free” stuff.
When you look back on these best four years of your life, you’ll sigh fondly at the memory of all the free stuff that comes with being a college student. From t-shirt giveaways and free food trucks on the quad, to gym access and on-campus healthcare services, take full advantage of everything “free” your school offers you. Technically, most of this isn’t truly “free” since your tuition and student fees went toward covering it—but that’s all the more reason to get what you paid for!
Start networking now.
College is fun, but don’t forget the real reason you’re there: to prepare for your future career. One of the best ways to do this is to start networking early, because like it or not, there’s truth in the saying that “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” Join clubs and organizations related to your major, complete an internship, assist a professor with research, and add classmates on LinkedIn. These kinds of college activities will set you up for financial success after graduation day and beyond!
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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{{ family }}
Back to School Ready
Help prepare your kids as they head back to school Whether your child’s stance on heading back to school is eager and enthusiastic or falls a bit short of that level of excitement, by working together your family can gear up for a successful school year. Transitioning back into school mode can feel overwhelming for many families. From building relationships with the educators at your child’s school to ensuring all the right equipment and supplies are on-hand, you can help your child feel well-prepared when the school bell rings. Talk with teachers. Many schools host open house nights, and these serve as opportunities for parents to meet new teachers and discuss any concerns. Particularly as kids advance in grades and begin rotating through teachers, these events provide a chance for parents to begin building a relationship with teachers that develops more naturally in younger grades, when kids are the same classroom most of the day. If your district doesn’t host this type of event, reach out to the teachers to request time to meet one-on-one. Use the meeting to talk about your child’s strengths and weaknesses, and to learn what to expect from the year ahead, including communication styles and frequency. Gather school supplies. Sales start early on all the back-to-school necessities, so you can start bargain shopping early. As kids approach upper grade levels, it’s also a good idea to start exploring long-term supplies they can use year after year, such as a graphing calculator. For example, Texas Instruments’ TI-84 Plus CE can take students through all of the math and science courses they need to take in middle school, high school, college and into their careers. The calculator is 30% thinner and 30% lighter than previous models with six times the memory for storing vivid, full-color graphs, images and data. The lightweight, durable design comes in fun colors like Rose Curve Gold so students can crunch numbers in style. Learn more at education.ti.com/84ce. Gear up for extracurricular activities. Learning during the academic year isn’t limited to the classroom. Extracurricular activities allow kids to practice what they’re learning in the classroom in practical ways while teaching valuable lessons about social interaction, teamwork and more. Often, these activities require special equipment such as uniforms or sporting equipment, so be sure to check into the requirements, including signups and tryout dates, and make note of deadlines and items you’ll need to obtain. Also keep in mind that some extracurriculars begin before school formally resumes, so early is better when planning to sign your child up for any activities outside of the classroom. Research college prep information. For students in upper grade levels, it’s never too early to begin planning toward college. Whether it’s time to register for entrance exam testing or simply begin taking practice tests or attending coaching sessions, it’s smart to start early and begin working toward those milestones. As your child completes registration and considers which classes to enroll in, encourage him or her to consider dual credit classes to get a head start on college curriculum. Also keep in mind that electives are a convenient way for students to explore topics and interests that may translate into future careers. Take time to talk. Especially if your child is a worrier, he or she may benefit from having you open the door to a conversation to air any trepidation. A new school building, new teachers, new friends and new coursework can all be overwhelming. Even if your child seems to take it all in stride, encouraging him or her to share any thoughts or concerns sends an important message that you’re interested in helping work through any issues.
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Tackling the preparation for another busy school season as a family can help equip your child with all he or she needs to start the year on a path toward success. • a u gu st 2 0 1 9
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finds
Cool Back-to-School
Just in time for back-to-school, there’s a whole new line of calendar planners for students (of all ages) to help organize their days. Workman Publishing has partnered with the wildly successful subscription sticker club Pipsticks to launch a planner line that has tapped into the nostalgia and low-tech appeal of stickers. These 17-month large planners (they also offer pocket size!) feature 1000+ stickers, as well as monthly and weekly spreads with clean colorful graphics—leaving room to organize and schedule plans. There are 3 themes available and are designed with a focus on organization, goal-tracking, and creativity. www.pipsticks.com
Nothing is more fun packed in with your back-to-school supplies than stickers! We’ve found a book filled with more than you can imagine: So. Many. Stickers. Packed with 2500 (!!!) tiny, trendy stickers, this book features 50 pages, each covered with 50 fun stickers. It’s a plethora of stickers to add to a stationery stash, stick in your planner, or share with friends! Nostalgic high-top sneakers, cassette tapes, and roller skates are mixed with favorites like sloths, llamas, and fruit. www.pipsticks.com augus t 2019 •
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Sweet Summer Cherries A sweet superfruit for taking advantage of the last days of your summer meals From backyard barbecues and family picnics to a bright addition to seasonal recipes, sweet cherries not only provide a boost of flavor but also pack a punch when it comes to nutrition, helping keep you and your family healthy during busy summer months. Cherries can help reduce inflammation and lower blood pressure as well as relieve stress and gout, and can improve sleep quality. The perfect time to take advantage of the goodness of Northwest-grown sweet cherries is through August. Eat fresh cherries straight out of hand as a snack, bake them into a pie or pair with ice cream for a sweet summertime treat. The rich fruitiness of sweet cherries helps blunt the sharp edge of dried fruit in a quick and easy Cherry Sauce recipe. Low in sugar and versatile, this sauce can be used as a base ingredient for cocktails, a glaze for meats, a spread for sandwiches, a topping for yogurt and more. Add some ginger or orange peel to complement your menu and you may have a new, nutritious summer favorite. Or, for a sweet, simple snack, use cherries to make an appetizer like Cherry Bruschetta. Find more recipes and ways to use cherries at nwcherries.com.
Cherry Sauce Servings: 16
3/4 cup water 3/4 cup maple syrup 4 cups fresh Northwest-grown sweet cherries 4 cups dried cranberries 4 peels (2 inches each) fresh ginger (optional) 3 tablespoons citrus zest (optional) Black pepper (optional) Fresh herbs (optional) Raspberries (optional) In medium saucepot, add water, syrup and sweet cherries. Bring to simmer, stirring occasionally and more frequently as sauce begins to form. Add cranberries; continue stirring. Once reduced, remove from heat and add fresh ginger, citrus zest, black pepper, fresh herbs and raspberries, if desired. Cool 30 minutes-1 hour before transferring to wider, shallow pan for speed cooling. Once cooled, store refrigerated in airtight container up to 2 weeks. page 22 •
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Cherry Bruschetta Servings: 6
18 slices (1/2-inch thick) small baguette-style bread 1 tablespoon olive oil, divided 1 1/2 cups pitted Northwest fresh sweet cherries, coarsely chopped 1/4 cup chopped cilantro 1/4 cup diced yellow sweet pepper 2 tablespoons finely chopped green onions 2 tablespoons lime juice 1 teaspoon grated lime peel 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 2 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese 1 tablespoon thinly sliced fresh basil Heat oven to 350 F. Arrange baguette slices on cookie sheet and toast one side 5 minutes. Turn slices, brush with 1/2 tablespoon olive oil and bake 5 minutes. Combine cherries, cilantro, sweet pepper, green onions, lime juice, lime peel, garlic salt, pepper and remaining olive oil; mix well. Top each baguette with thin slice cheese, 1 tablespoon cherry mixture and sprinkle of basil. Serve warm or cold.