Bella Magazine - December 2018

december 2018

T H E H O L I D AY I S S U E H O L I D AY E N T E R TA I N I N G REGION’S BIGGEST GIFT GUIDE

YEARS 2006-2018

December 2018

D e c e m b e r 2018

Issu e On e H u n d r e d F i f ty

YEARS 2006-2018

inside

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

editorial

For editorial consideration: editorial@beckmediagroup.com Contributors: Dr. Ally Bowersock, K.L. Kranes, Member One Federal Credit Union, Laura Richards, Hayleigh Worgan

the holiday issue

Here it is!!! The biggest holiday issue in the region, including the largest Holiday Gift Guide and packed with so many helpful entertaining tips and tricks. Enjoy!

Editorial Intern: Cassandra Kuhn, University of Florida

pages 7-15

bella holidays

•••

Be the hostess with the mostess. This section is full of entertaining hints, sips and tips to make your holidays spectacular and go off without a hitch.

advertising

With over 12 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

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holiday gift guide

A carefully curated of holiday gift ideas for you, her, him and them!

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holiday desserts

This elegant, yet super simple, Caramel Cheesecake will be the hit of your holiday gathering.

Shannon Peters Advertising Sales Representative shannon@beckmediagroup.com

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save smarter

This month Member One Federal Credit Union’s column will help keep the ‘happy’ in your Happy Holidays with tips for stress-free holiday spending.

•••

operations

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

YEARS

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2006-2018

young female writers club

Our featured young writers offer their picks for literature gift giving!

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LLC

happenings

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. ©2006-2018 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

Don’t miss these annual event picks. Make them holiday traditions with your family!

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bella holidays

5 Hacks for Holiday Hosting Simplify your holiday entertaining.

It may feel impossible to fit even more into

already jam-packed days, but when the holidays roll around, entertaining and celebrating always find a way. Fortunately, you can find some shortcuts when hosting that offer plenty of festive style while also helping you avoid stressing over every detail.

This year, rely on some time-saving hacks so you’re not just throwing the holiday party, but enjoying some seasonal fun of your own.

Repurpose with purpose. There’s no need to make

time for a trip to the store or to spend a bundle on party supplies. A pretty, oversized flowerpot or planter that has been cast aside for winter makes a perfect tub for icing down beverages. When it comes to decor, you can cover any old box with some of last year’s leftover holiday paper to add some colorful touches around the home. A similar idea: wrap canvas art or other frames in pretty paper to extend the theme up the walls.

Make easy attractive. Most holiday celebrations

center on the food, but it’s still an area where you can shave some time. For example, a simple but attractive option is to forgo the family china and opt for gorgeous disposable plates and utensils.

(Chinet Classic White has a wide range of products designed for practical use. They do not bend, fold

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or leak, and are strong enough for extra helpings no matter the occasion. And for a more elegant affair, the Chinet Cut Crystal collection is the only fully coordinated line of disposable plates, cups, cutlery and wineglasses.) Guests will barely realize they’re not using the good china, but you’ll definitely notice when you’re able to skip time at the sink to spend more precious moments with your loved ones.

Fill the freezer. Whether your holiday entertaining is

more impromptu in nature or you host a single sizable shindig, keeping a well-stocked freezer can help make hosting a cinch.

Dedicate an afternoon to preparing items you can easily defrost and serve later, like casseroles, appetizers, side dishes and desserts.

Forgo fussy food. An elegant sit-down meal isn’t the only way to enjoy a holiday gathering. Guests may even appreciate a break from traditional heavier fare. Simple food stations, finger foods and even store-bought meals are all timesaving alternatives. Another time-saving option: dressing up store-bought food as part of a larger spread. For example, you can top side dishes like mashed potatoes with olive oil or butter and sprinkle with cheese or embellish a main course such as ham with rosemary sprigs and fresh fruit.

Keep cleanup simple. For a festive, yet deceptively easy table, consider using kraft paper as tablecloths and let some of that leftover wrapping paper do double-duty as table runners. Simply cut the wrapping paper to your desired length and fold the edges under to create clean seams. Match the DIY table coverings with a coordinated line of disposable tableware to make cleaning up a cinch.

Explore more hacks to simplify your holiday entertaining at www.mychinet.com december 2018

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bella holidays

A Holiday Gathering Guide for Hosts Simple tricks for preparing the perfect holiday meal.

Gearing up for a crowd at your holiday

festivities can provide moments of excitement, stress, fun and plenty of other emotions as the big dinner draws near. This year, avoid any nagging feelings of doubt with this step-by-step guide to prepare for large gatherings.

Plan in advance. Even if you’re typically the lastminute type, the hectic holiday season is no time to wait until a few days ahead of the celebration to throw meals and more together. Instead, be sure to put together a guest list and send invites at least a few weeks out. Take inventory of supplies like silverware, plates, serving dishes and any accessories you’d like to feature at the table. Make an outline of the food each guest is bringing, or, if you’ll supply all the food, ensure there will be plenty for everyone.

Make a list. Planning only takes you so far if you don’t

write everything down. Once the menu is determined, list out what you’ll need to make the magic happen. Don’t forget to jot down easily overlooked items that can be picked up the day of, such as ice.

Remember to thaw. One surefire way to make the big day a big disaster is to forget to thaw your main course. If you’re planning to roast a turkey—perhaps the most common centerpiece—remember it takes around a day to thaw for every two pounds of meat. So, for example, it could take close to a week for a 14-pound turkey to fully thaw prior to cooking.

Prep the day before. There are many tasks (big and

small) that can be taken care of the day before guests arrive, making the holiday less stressful for hosts. From whipping up simple appetizers like dips to giving the house a thorough cleaning, there’s plenty of pressure that can be taken off your shoulders 24 hours in advance.

For more food prep info visit, www.omahasteaks.com

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Whole Basted Turkey with Roasted Grape Gastrique Roasted Grapes: 4 cups assorted grapes (picked, washed and dried) 1 tablespoon olive oil 3/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1 cinnamon stick Nonstick cooking spray Gastrique: 2 tablespoons water 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 4 tablespoons water 1 Omaha Steaks Whole Basted Turkey (10 pounds) To make Roasted Grapes: Heat oven to 350 F. In bowl, combine grapes, olive oil, salt, pepper and cinnamon stick.

Lightly spray baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray. Pour grape mixture onto baking sheet. Bake 15 minutes. Remove from oven and pour into bowl.

To make Gastrique: In small saucepan, combine water and sugar. Bring to boil over medium-high heat, 5-7 minutes, until sugar starts to brown.

Remove from heat and slowly add vinegar. Return to heat and stir until combined. Add cornstarch and water mixture; bring to boil. Remove from heat.

Pour Gastrique mixture over Roasted Grapes and reserve.

To prepare turkey: Thaw completely in refrigerator 3-4 days or, keeping turkey in vacuum-sealed packaging, place in sink full of cold water 5-7 hours, changing water approximately every 30 minutes.

Heat oven to 350 F. Remove turkey from vacuum-sealed bag. Place turkey in bag provided; secure bag with twist tie. Place bag in deep roasting pan. Using fork, puncture 6-8 holes in top of bag. For extra browning or crispness, slit top of bag for final 20-30 minutes of roasting.

Roast turkey 2 hours, 45 minutes-3 hours. Turkey is done when internal temperature measured with kitchen thermometer reaches 165 F. Pour Roasted Grape Gastrique over turkey and serve. w w w. l o v e l y b e l l a . c o m

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e g a l l i V t s We

The Shoppes at

SHOPPING DINING SERVICES

Located less than 1.5 miles from I-581 on Electric Road in Roanoke County page 10

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bella holidays

Healthier Holiday Sips No need to sacrifice your wellness goals to have fun!

Winter celebrations

might be full of yummy drinks and decadent food, but that doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice your wellness goals to have fun!

Humm, the most drinkable kombucha (and now Roanoke-based!!), wants to keep the wholeness in your holidays by offering a better-for-you cocktail option. Humm Kombucha, is authentic kombucha made with USDA organic, all-natural ingredients, and it is non-alcoholic (doesn’t mean you have to be!), filled with antioxidants, and contains 2 billion probiotics at the time of bottling. By replacing sugary pop with these fun-flavored probiotic drinks, not only saves you from feeling sodaguilt, but it also enhances the experience of your fizz-filled festive cocktail! www.hummkombucha. com

KomBRRRcha Cocktail (Makes 2)

½ a 14 oz can coconut milk 1 bottle coconut lime humm kombucha 3 oz. silver tequila Juice of two limes 2 cups ice 1 lime, sliced into rounds for garnish Lime wedge, for rimming glass Sugar, for rimming glass Cranberries, for garnish Directions: Combine coconut milk, tequila, lime juice and ice in a blender. Blend until smooth. Rim glasses with lime wedge and dip in sanding sugar. Pour the blended drink into glasses and garnish with lime and cranberries.

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bella holidays

A Fitting Snack for Holiday Festivities Accommodating all your guests tastes.

The to-do list

for holiday hosts seems to be a never-ending one, starting with planning, guest lists and preparation then ending with goodbyes and cleanup. The hours of work that go into a festive get-together are almost always worth it in the end, and family members surely appreciate the hospitality—especially when it comes to food.

When hosting for the holidays, it can be a challenge to accommodate all of your guests’ favorite tastes while factoring in dietary preferences and restrictions. Building out a balanced menu, like other parts of hosting, starts with devising a thought-out plan.

To help accomplish this task without cooking up personal dishes for everybody in the house, consider these simple tips:

Request that guests RSVP. Assuming you have a basic understanding of which friends and family members adhere to special diets, knowing exactly who is coming can be a major help before heading to the store.

Think back to past festivities. Try to remember which dishes were

hits at last year’s party, and which ones were hardly touched. Maybe the appetizers that disappeared in a flash will be good ideas to repeat this year.

Create dishes that fit (almost) everyone. While you can’t

control guests’ flavor preferences, it is possible to whip up snack trays, main courses, desserts and more that fit a multitude of dietary restrictions. For example, these Bacon, Baked Brie and Cranberry Holiday Melts feature Crunchmaster Multi-Grain Crackers for a gluten-free, non-GMO, low-sugar, tasty crunch. Because they’re made with wholesome ingredients, these simple snacks are crafted to fit nearly every healthy lifestyle. Plus, if multiple family members adhere to vegetarian lifestyles, you can simply omit the bacon. (Crunchmaster Crackers can be found at EarthFare.)

Add “warning” labels. Despite your best efforts, it can be nearly

impossible to create foods every single person can enjoy. If you make a dish containing a common allergen, such as peanuts, simply place a card next to the bowl, tray, plate or pan that informs guests of the ingredients included.

Bacon, Baked Brie and Cranberry Holiday Melts Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 5 minutes Servings: 6

24 Crunchmaster Multi-Grain Crackers, Sea Salt flavor 24 small slices Brie cheese 1/4 cup prepared cranberry sauce 2 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled Heat broiler to high and position rack in center of oven.

Arrange crackers in single layer on foil-lined baking sheet.

Top each cracker with slice of Brie, 1/2 teaspoon cranberry sauce and sprinkle of bacon. Broil 1-2 minutes, or until cheese is melted.

Tip: For vegetarian option, substitute chopped hickorysmoked almonds or pecans for bacon.

Nutritional information per serving: 200 calories; 13 g fat; 7 g saturated fat; 45 mg cholesterol; 350 mg sodium; 11 g carbohydrates; 1 g fiber; 4 g sugar; 10 g protein.

For other recipes, coupons, tips and nutritional information, visit www.crunchmaster.com w w w. l o v e l y b e l l a . c o m

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Take me to

2 Piccadilly A holiday shopping destination of women-owned boutiques featuring designer clothing and accessories to exclusive home décor and professional interior design services. Everything is at Piccadilly Square!

Holiday Gifts

Galore!

The aroma of a sparkling holiday season is created by blending pomegranate, Mandarin orange, pine, cloves, and cinnamon with a hint of vanilla and amber. Check out all the exquisite candles and scents from Nest Fragrances available at Punch Boutique.

Moscow Mule Kits & Five Flavor Bitters Bar Sets

The Moscow Mule kit equips you with what you need to start your own Moscow mule tradition! Just add club soda and vodka—and you're good to go! Enjoy! The Five Flavors Bitters Bar Set adds a flavorful infusion of spices, fruit & bitter root to any cocktail, recipe or even coffee! Flavors include citrus, smoked chili, aromatic, orange, and ginger. Find these and other fun kits at Yarid’s Roanoke.

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Piccadilly Square is nestled in South Roanoke on Franklin Road and is your one-stop-shopping destination for everybody on your holiday list.

Teacher gifts, hostess presents, something for that hard-to-shop-for relative... something can be found within the boutiques of Piccadilly!

Not only does Yarid’s carry top designer shoes and accessories, they also offer hot holiday gift trends for the discerning shopper. We are loving their Moscow Mule kits and Five Flavors Bitters sets that feature everything you need to whip up your new favorite holiday cocktail (you just add the alcohol). These kits make perfect hostess gifts.

Punch Boutique is one of our favorites for year-round shopping, but the holiday season always puts a knowing smile on our faces because we know many names can be crossed off our list with everything Catherine and Whitney offer! From clothing and accessories staple items, to statement pieces and superb gifts, Punch has something for everyone! Our favorite right now is their exquisite line of candles and scents from Nest Fragrances that make THE perfect gift. (Not only do they smell devine, but they are gorgeous to look at!)

Also, be sure to stop into Lusso and Magnolia for even more gift ideas. From unique clothing and accessory lines from around Lusso the world available at Lusso, to a huge selection of home decor gifts from Magnolia, there’s even more at Piccadilly Square! This shopping destination of women-owned businesses is sure to become your favorite local one-stopshopping spot.

3107-3117 Franklin Road • South Roanoke

Happy Holidays!

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Holiday

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Gift Guide

Our curated gift guide for you, her, him and them. Happy Holidays!

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4 1. Crane & Lion Wrap Sweater

Crane & Lion is a luxury yoga brand lifestyle for women who are awake and active in the world. We are loving their wrap sweater! Wear as a long sweater, a wrap sweater, use as a travel blanket... the versatility will make it hard to leave home without it. www.craneandlion.com

2. Rifle Paper Co. 2019 Agenda

Get a head start on 2019 planning with this elegant hardcover planner featuring floral lining and gold foil accents. www.riflepaperco.com

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3. Paddywax Cranberry & Rose Holiday Candles

The holiday candle to keep the party going all night long. Attached gift tag makes it perfect for gift-giving (or gift-keeping)! www.paddywax.com

4. Champagne Boss Gift Set

Thoughtfully has created creative and curated gift sets perfect for hostess or co-worker gifts! All items arrive perfectly packaged so you don’t have to worry about gift wrapping and are available for purchase at www.thoughtfully.com. Our favorite is The Champagne Boss, a glitzy, glamourous, and fierce gift set that includes: Stainless steel champagne saber, white fur wine bag, champagne glasses, 3 Bellini and mimosa toppers, and white crystal sugar. december 2018

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for her

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These scarves are printed by hand with carved wooden blocks in Bagru, Rajasthan. Designs are based on watercolor paintings by Block Shop owners and sisters, Hopie and Lily, which are inspired by their 3 home bases: downtown LA, Joshua Tree and Jaipur. www.blockshoptextiles.com

2. The Knitter’s Dictionary

For beginner and skilled knitters alike, there’s always something new to discover in your next hand knit project. The Knitter’s Dictionary puts an expert knitting instructor in the palm of your hands to help navigate any pattern.

3. Pure by Rachelle Parker

We’ve discovered the perfect handcrafted spa baskets, scented natural bath and body products anyone on your gift list would love! Pure Parker offers natural personal care and essential oil products and gift baskets. (We love their bath bombs!!) Check out all their spa collections, essential oils and personal care products on their website. www.pureparker.com

4. Rifle Paper Co. & Corkcicle Tumbler

Rifle Paper Co. has partnered with drinkware brand, Corkcicle, on a collection of tumblers and canteens which incorporate Rifle Paper Co.’s playful floral patterns with Corkcicle’s elevated water bottles. www.riflepaperco.com

5. Effortless Wireless Headphones

SleepPhones are the world’s most comfortable headphones for sleeping and relaxing. Made of high-quality flat speakers embedded in a super comfy headband, think of them as “pjs for your ears.” www.sleepphones.com

6. OMM Spa Collection

OMM Collection was created to meet the demand for a holistic, natural approach to “farm to beauty” concept. Their all-natural spa and hair products draw on ancient health and beauty traditions mixed with modern techniques, and are made with purity and elegance in mind. www.ommcollection.com w w w. l o v e l y b e l l a . c o m

7. Spongelle Holiday Body Wash Infused Buffer

The perfect stocking stuffer and shower essential—body wash infused within a shower buffer. www.spongelle.com

8. This Changes Everything Planner

For the dreamer who makes things happen, this 17-month planner from Pipsticks is full of inspiration, stickers and personality. www.pipsticks.com

9. Bloom Culinary Tote

Perfect for foodies who love their moveable feasts, check out this gorgeous culinary tote from Thread & Whisk! Whether you are transporting a potluck dish, your fave wines, or a home-baked treat to share, you can now do it in style. www.threadandwhisk.com

10. IPL PerfectSmooth IPL Hair Removal Device

Using professional intense pulsed light to target precisely at melanin in hair follicles to disable hair growth, you can achieve permanent hair removal in the comfort of your own home. www.cos-beauty.com

11. Vim & Vigor Compression Socks

Perfect for soon-to-be-moms, friends who love hitting the gym and staying healthy, or just on-the-go family members, Vim & Vigr combines innovative technology and fashionable designs in their compression socks and sleeves and make the perfect gifts! www.vimvigr.com

12. Tea Forte Warming Joy Tea Collection

This delicious (and gorgeous!!) collection of festive teas is an invitation to celebrate the season. Perfect when company comes calling—or to savor during a quiet moment. Available in delicious flavor combinations with accessories and gift sets for everyone. www.teaforte.com

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for him 1. Sherpa Adventure Gear Yatra Pack

This nice and subtle water-resistant pack for his daily office commute and happy hours at the local brewery makes a great gift. Check out other styles at www.sherpaadventuregear.com

2. Tapplock One Smart Fingerprint Padlock

Replace combinations and keys with your fingerprint! Tapplock’s smart padlock’s state-of-the-art fingerprint sensor allows you to access your items in under a second and features unbreakable durability. The Tapplock app can also be used to open the lock and give temporary, remote access to others!

Check it out at www.tapplock.com page 20

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3. Harry’s

Perfect for any man on your holiday list, Harry’s Shave sets offer affordable, yet close shave razors and products all in one gift giving package! www.harrys.com

4. Badass Beard Care

This veteran-owned company has created cost-friendly, organic and all-natural beard care and grooming products. From premium beard oils, washes, balms and waxes, to tools and more, Badass Beard Care has a perfect fit for both the bearded and beard-free men in our lives. www.badassbeardcare.com

5. Marley Positive Vibration Wireless Headphones

Earth-friendly audio maker, House of Marley is crafting sustainability designed audio for home and on the go. Their Positive Vibration 2 wireless bluetooth headphones offer stylish functionality for the discerning music lover. www.thehouseofmarley.com w w w. l o v e l y b e l l a . c o m

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1. Global Warming Mug

Watch the effects of global warming with this cool heat sensitive mug and spread the global warming message even during your coffee break! www.thumbsup.com

2. Live Happy Stocking Stuffers

Live Happy is dedicated to promoting and sharing authentic happiness, inspiring people to live purpose-filled healthy, meaningful lives. Check out these super cute pens! Lots more on their website: www.livehappy.com

3. Soapstandle

End messy soap dishes and counters with this soap stand and handle in one! www.soapstandle.com

4. Flora 1761 Nail Lacquer

This sophisticated beauty collection of nail polish is inspired by the historic elegance of flowers. Vegan and cruelty-free. www.flora1761.com

5. Faber-Castell Pens

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are available in great colors from Faber-Castell. They will become your new ‘favorite pen.� www.fabercastell.com

6. MidCentury Christmas Stocking Stuffer edition

Perfect stocking stuffer for any nostalgic baby boomer, Christmas lover, or anyone who would love a little bit of seasonal cheer.

7. Chapstick

Chapstick is offering fan-favorite flavors in festive packaging perfect for gifting, stocking stuffing, or just adding to your own collection. www.chapstick.com

8. Miss Jones Baking Co. Cake in a Cup

Organic cake mixes now available as microwaveable desserts in a cup! And not to worry, we tested them for you and they taste as if they came straight out of the oven, not rubbery microwave tasting at all! www.missjones.co

9. Blocks by SPEKS

The irresistible new desk toy that will bring holiday cheer to anyone on your holiday list, this tactile toy for grown-ups is a set of magnetic beams for stacking or building into limitless shapes and structures. www.getspeks.com december 2018

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1. Disney The Nutcracker & the Four Realms: A Center Stage Pop-Up Book

The Ballerina of the Realms dances on every page of this magical book from Disney’s all-new live action film The Nutcracker & The Four Realms. This beautiful format is a perfect holiday gift for fans of this classic tale.

for the kids

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2. Dreaming in Color sticker book Full color throughout and full of stickers! www.pipsticks.com

3. Hands Off My Stickers! Collection Book

This sticker collection book is perfect for saving and organizing all your favorite stickers. www.pipsticks.com

4. Speed Stacker Competitor Stacking Set

Sport stacking with Speed Stacks is an individual or team sport where participants of all ages and abilities stand specially designed cups in specific patterns. This set has all a stacker needs to start stacking! www.speedstacks.com

5. Handcrafted Lip Balms Kit

DIY natural beauty has never been easier, or more fun!

These kits includes everything you need to male you own all-natural lip balms, with instructions to make 12 different types, each iwth its own flavor and benefits. www.quartoknows.com

6. SuperMe Cape

Let your child feel like a complete super hero with these cute backpack sets, complete with cape and mask! Personalization is available! Check out all the styles and options at www.supermehero.com

7. Dinosaur: A Photicular Book

With over 2 million copies in print, the bestselling Photicular book series is back with Dinosaur: A Photicular Book, a celebration of everyone’s favorite prehistoric beasts.

8. Lil Gadgets Children’s Wired Headphones

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Children love music, but most of the time they are using products made for adults. Lil Gadgets has created a line of high-quality, high performance headphones with safety features and style made just for kids. www.lilgadgets.com

9. Kid Made Modern Holiday Craft Kit

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Designer Todd Oldham from Kid Made Modern has created these kits to encourage kids to break from red and green holiday customs in favor of bold colors and sharp aesthetics built to foster imagination and adventure. www.kidmademordern.com

10. Paint by Sticker: Cats

A mindful crafting activity that results in 12 full-color portraits of some truly adorable felines, crafters and cat lovers alike will love this book.

11. Squishmalllow

More than 50 styles of these cuddly soft plush characters are available this holiday season and make the perfect gift!

They are also perfect for people with anxiety and sensory issues or kids on the spectrum. www.squishmallows.com

12. Derwent Academy Art Supplies

For aspiring artists, including hobbyists and students ages 14+, who want a creative outlet to experiment with new products and techniques, Derwent Academy’s wide range of art supplies are high-quality and affordable. Well-known in the UK since 1832, for the first time they are being sold in the US. www.derwentart.com

13. Exploration Station: Human Body

The Smithsonian presents these super cool kits full of informative fact books and full-color photos, stickers, 3-D models to build, inflatables and more! They make learning fun. www.silverdolphinbooks.com

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1. Virginia Museum of History & Culture

for the family

Purchase your 2018 Official Virginia History Ornament today before they sell out! This limited-edition ornament features recognizable Virginia emblems including the State Capitol, the Commonwealth’s seal, the state bird, and the state flower. The tree is capped by the Roanoke Star. Perfect for anyone on your list! Available at ShopVirginiaHistory.org or in the shop at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture. $19.95 each or save 10% when you purchase 5 or more!

2. Jenga Giant

any wall, shower tile or wherever else you’re looking to sing along. wwwjamaudio.com

5. World Almanac & Book of Facts 2019

Terrific holiday gift for everyone from children to mothers, students to sports fans, pop culture lovers to trivia fanatics, and everyone in between. www.worldalmanac.com

6. SculptaPalooza Family Party Game

The biggest Jenga Giant game ever! It stacks to over five feet high in play, so it will be big fun to play and exciting to watch. www.jengagiant.com

This fast-paced, hands-on game gets teams racing against the clock to sculpt their way thru hilarious challenges for laugh-out-loud family fun. www.educationalinsights.com

3. BJ’s Wholesale Club Membership

7. The Mountain Lake Symposium & Workshop: Art in Local

Give the gift of savings! Family memberships are perfect for any family or friend on your holiday list. www.bjs.com/roanoke

4. Jam Wireless Speaker

At the office, in the shower, on your way, or already there... Jam Audio offers wireless sound for every space. The waterproof Hang Up speaker sticks to w w w. l o v e l y b e l l a . c o m

This gorgeous book is full of contemporary art, interdisciplinary research, traditional Appalachian culture and advanced technology. This book showcases the creative works that emerged from the Mountain Lake Symposium, a decade-long art conference founded by artist Ray Kass in 1980. See works created by Sally Mann, Cy Twombly, John Cage and more during this collaborative event throughout the years. www.upress.virginia.edu december 2018

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bella holidays

Holiday Desserts

Wow them with this elegant, yet simple, Caramel Cheesecake.

Perfect for the holidays!

This deliciously rich cheesecake topped with creamy caramel, crunchy pecans and a wafer crust will be the rave of the party.

Caramel Cheesecake

Crust: 46 crushed wafers 1/4 cup sugar 1/4 cup butter, melted 16-18 whole vanilla wafers for side of form Filling: 3 8oz. packages cream cheese, softened 1 cup sugar 1/2 cup sour cream 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 3 large eggs, lightly whisked Topping: 26 caramels 2 tablespoons milk 1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted (optional) Preheat oven to 325°.

For the crust: Mix crushed wafers and sugar then stir in melted butter. Press wafer mix onto bottom of a greased 9-in. springform pan. Arrange whole vanilla wafers around sides of pan.

For the filling: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Next beat in sour cream and vanilla. Add lightly whisked eggs; beat on low speed just until blended. Pour over crust. Place pan on a baking sheet. Bake until center is nearly set, 55-60 minutes. Cool on a wire rack 1 hour. Refrigerate overnight, covering when completely cooled.

For the topping: In a microwave, melt caramels with milk; stir until smooth. Drizzle over cheesecake; sprinkle with pecans.

enjoy!

Note: To freeze cheesecake: Wrap individual portions of cheesecake in plastic wrap and place in a resealable plastic freezer bag. Seal bag and freeze. To use, thaw in the refrigerator.

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Recipe adapted from Taste of Home.

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save smarter

Keep the “Happy” in Your Happy Holidays Savvy tips for stress-free seasonal spending.

Presented by Member One Federal Credit Union

It’s the most

wonderful time of the year—and for many of us, it’s also the most expensive. We’re here to help with tips for maximizing the festivities while minimizing the financial frustration this holiday season.

Use credit sensibly. Starting the new year with new debt is enough to make a Scrooge out of anyone. If you’re going to put your seasonal spending on a credit card, you need a plan in place to pay it off quickly. That means setting a shopping limit and sticking to it, as well as budgeting money each month to pay down the balance. Opt for a low-interest card and/or one that offers cash back rewards to get the most bang for your holiday buck.

Shop securely. Not much can put a stop to your seasonal cheer faster than falling victim to credit card fraud or an online scam. While you’re busily scoring online deals, take a moment to ensure that any website you order from is secure by checking for “https” plus a padlock symbol at the beginning of the site’s URL field. Any device used for online shopping should be protected by up-to-date anti-virus software. Consider using PayPal, or if you choose to shop with a card, make it a credit card instead of a debit card to safeguard your bank accounts.

Give experiences, not things. Cut the consumerism and the clutter this year by sharing experiences instead of exchanging stuff. Our local community is filled with activities that would make great gifted experiences. Consider giving tickets to a Rail Yard Dawgs hockey game or a Mill Mountain Theatre performance, paying for a YMCA membership, or treating a friend to an art class at the Taubman Museum. w w w. l o v e l y b e l l a . c o m

Volunteer. Stay in the spirit of the season with a group

volunteer activity. In lieu of a holiday party, ask friends if they’d be interested in getting together for a cause. It’s less money spent on food, drink, and decorations, but more importantly, it’s a refreshing reminder of the real reasons behind the holidays and a chance to bond with your buddies while doing something meaningful. Volunteermatch.org is a good place to start looking for ideas.

Save. Get ready for next year with a Christmas club savings account. The holidays will be back upon us sooner than we might imagine—just think how quickly 2018 went by! Starting a dedicated savings account early in 2019 can make next year’s holiday season even easier. With a Christmas club account, you make regular deposits from your paycheck each month, in any amount you choose. Then, you withdraw those funds at a specified date, usually in October, and begin your prebudgeted holiday shopping. The trick: if you try to withdraw money before the set date, it will cost you a fee. Try keeping your receipts this holiday season to get an idea of how much to budget for 2019.

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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young female writers club

2018 Bookish Gift Guide Book gift ideas from our young female writers.

Written by K.L. KRANES

They’re back! Twinkle lights. Pinecones. Freshly

baked cookies. That’s right, the holiday season has arrived.

If you’re anything like me, the sight of candy canes conjures equal parts nostalgia and stress. And by December whimsical thoughts of gumdrop forests have been overshadowed by the taxing search the perfect gifts.

Luckily, the young women featured in Bella’s monthly column on Virginia’s young female writers are here to help with a handy book-based gift guide. Whether your gift needs fall in December or June, a book may be the perfect option to give to your friends and loved ones. But there are so many books out there? How do you pick the best one?

The bright, funny and literary young women of Bella’s Young Female Writers Club have some suggestions.

The Adventures of Robin Hood

by Roger Lancelyn Green Cara Hadden, featured in the March 2018 issue of Bella, knows her books.

The 15-year-old is an avid reader and short story fiction award winner. When it comes to gifts, she recommends the classics.

“I personally loved this book because of its timeless themes of good triumphing over evil, patriotism for one’s country, and the love of family and adventure,” Cara explains. “With well-developed characters, including the strong Maid Marian and cunning Robin Hood, an intricate plot, and poignant historical context, the story seemingly comes to life in a whirlwind of green forests and colorful imagery. This classic blend of history and legend is a fun tale for all ages because it shows how a group of people successfully does the wrong thing for the right reasons and aren’t afraid to stand up for what they believe to be just and true.”

Assassin: the Battle for Astodia

by Maryam Durrani Maryam Durrani, featured in Bella’s April 2018 issue, wrote a YA trilogy before she turned 18. This young writer is passionate about inspiring women and recommends Assassin book for anyone who enjoys a science fiction story with a strong female lead.

“This book means a lot to me,” Maryam explains. “It’s about women empowerment, leadership, has a ton action, fantasy, and even a little bit of romance! Assassin: the Battle for Astodia is a book people of all ages would really enjoy. You will literally be sitting on the edge of your seat while reading this series! page 28

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Girls Made of Snow and Glass

by Melissa Bashardoust Yasmeen Jaaber, featured in the June 2018 issue, chose a book with a female character who reflects her own fearless personality.

The children’s book author, who uses her writing voice to fight for the rights of women and minorities, felt this feminist fantasy fairy tale would make a wonderful gift.

“Girls Made of Snow and Glass is unlike any fantasy book I’ve ever read,” Yasmeen explains. “It’s laced with a harsh, yet dainty voice and filled with many twists and turns. Girls Made of Snow and Glass is the perfect book to cozy up with when the weather gets cold.”

Unaccustomed Earth

by Jhumpa Lahiri Accomplished playwright and author Emma Choi, who was featured in the September 2018 issue of Bella, enjoys writing and reading stories celebrating diversity.

“I’d recommend Unaccustomed Earth by Jhumpa Lahiri,” Emma says. “It’s a beautiful collection of digestible stories—great for someone who doesn’t have the time to commit to a whole novel but still wants to experience something beautiful. It’s also a great way to support a female writer of color.”

Tough Mothers

by Jason Porath Middle-grade author, Paige Brotherton, featured in the October 2018 issue, thinks a book celebrating our foremothers will satisfy a variety of readers.

“Easy to manage on a busy schedule and filled with beautiful pictures, Tough Mothers is about mothers throughout history who changed their community,” Paige explains. “It is amazingly inspirational because each matriarch used their unique skills to make a difference in a variety of causes—there’s no one way to change the world for the better. This book would make a perfect gift because it just came out (so no one will have already read it), and it includes art, history, science, and every other subject that someone might love, because women worked in every one of those fields! Additionally, it is a nonfiction book that reads like a storybook, so both nonfiction and fiction readers will be satisfied.”

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My True Love Gave to Me edited by Stephanie Perkins Sarah Hasson, soon to be featured in the January 2019 issue, suggests a unique holiday-centered collection of short stories by famous authors for the readers in your life.

“It is a collection of 12 holidaythemed short stories,” Sarah explains.

“It features authors such as Holly Black, David Levithan, Jenny Han, and Rainbow Rowell, to name a few. This book is hilarious and heartwarming. It takes all the holiday TV and movie tropes and spins them around in the best possible ways.

Every story is totally unique, but you can relate to everyone.”

The City of Ember

by Jeanne DuPrau Deeptha Bejugam, who will be featured in an upcoming issue, chose a book that celebrates adventure.

“This book is one that I read in middle school and with no doubt, I can say easily that its message of courage, weakness, and trust still sticks with me today,” Deeptha explains. “If you know someone who has the heart of an adventurer or is even a quiet person with revolutionary ideas, this book about a journey to fight impending doom will inspire and entertain anyone who reads it.”

Me and Earl and the Dying Girl

by Jesse Andrew Emma Flood, who will be featured in an upcoming issue of Bella, suggests the complicated emotions of a quirky, funny tear-jerker as a bookish gift.

“This book is the perfect gift for the person in your life who understands the beauty in saying a hard thing in a simple way,” Emma explains. “A completely blunt take on the human condition, Me, Earl and The Dying Girl gives readers what other books in the business of bittersweet YA lack: true, raw and uninterrupted feeling. Walking a fine line between holding on and letting go, Andrews captures the humanity in all of us that many people miss.

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

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December Happenings YEARS 2006-2018

Don’t miss these annual holiday events! Make them part of your family traditions.

Sponsored by Garland Properties

happenings

Roanoke Symphony’s Holiday Pops

The most highly anticipated holiday show of the season—Holiday Pops! There’s no better way to lift your spirits than with the music of the season delivered in full sound and spectacle by the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra. This year, David Stewart Wiley conducts Holiday Pops with all the magical elements you have come to expect—high energy, familiar carols, and lots of holiday warmth, and we’ll throw in a surprise or two!

Concert is December 7 at Salem Civic Center. Doors open at 6pm and the concert begins at 7:30pm. We’ll see you there! For tickets and more info visit www.rso.com

Downtown Roanoke Inc’s Dickens of a Christmas

Be a part of the memories for the Roanoke Valley’s premiere holiday celebration, Dickens of a Christmas!

Celebrating its 36th anniversary, Dickens occurs on the first three Fridays in December. From a parade, tree lighting, vendors, music and more, there is something for everyone. This year’s schedule is: • • •

Friday, December 7, 5:30pm-10:00pm: featuring the City of Roanoke Christmas Tree Lighting at 6:15pm Friday, December 14, 6:00pm-10:00pm: City of Roanoke Christmas Parade Friday, December 21, 6:00pm-10:00pm: featuring Coca Cola Snow Zone and RVSPCA Pet Costume Contest at 6:30pm

For all the details visit www.downtownroanoke.or

Good Samaritan’s Love Light Tree

Celebrate the life of someone you cherish and light up the holidays for a terminally-ill person in our community. Support Good Samaritan Hospice’s 23rd annual Love Light Tree program, by purchasing a Love Light porcelain ornament or Love Light tag in honor of someone who has touched your life and left it changed forever.

Your contribution helps provide grief support programs in the Roanoke and New River Valley communities. At the beginning of the holiday season Love Light Trees will be setup in the Valley View Mall in Roanoke as well as the New River Valley Mall in Christiansburg and will be left on display at these locations throughout the months of November and December. Each branch of the trees will be decorated with the names of someone who is being remembered or honored.

For a donation of $10 dollars, a “love light tag” is placed on the tree. That person’s name remains on the tree throughout the holiday season representing the light that person has brought into the world.

For a donation of $25 dollars, individuals receive a 2018 porcelain deer ornament to keep or to have sent to someone as a gift; a reminder that their loved one is being thought of during the holidays. With the purchase of the 2018 porcelain deer ornament for $25 dollars the donor will also receive a complimentary Love Light tag placed on our Love Light Tree at the location of their choice.

You can also order Love Light tags or porcelain ornaments over the phone by calling Mary Hodges, Director of Development, at (540) 776-0198. Tuesday, December 18th, is the deadline date to order Love Light ornaments to guarantee shipment is received in time for Christmas. www.goodsamhospice.com

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Our monthly Happenings feature is sponsored by Garland Properties, a proud supporter of the local arts and small businesses in our community.

Each month, we look forward to sharing our favorite local events with you!

Visit www.garlandpropertiesva.com for more information. w w w. l o v e l y b e l l a . c o m