YEARS 2006-2018
july 2018
F LOY D F EST 2018 R EG I O N A L F EST I VA L S BELLA FINDS & MORE
YEARS 2006-2018
Joey Coakley Beck Publisher & Owner jbeck@beckmediagroup.com •••
editorial
For editorial consideration: editorial@beckmediagroup.com
inside July 2018
Photo by Roger Gupta
J u l y 2018
Issu e On e H u n d re d For ty- F i ve
Contributors: Tina Hatcher, Faith Jones, K.L. Kranes, Amanda Marshall, Kristine McCormick, Member One Federal Credit Union, Hayleigh Worgan
•••
FloydFest
Editorial Intern: Cassandra Kuhn, University of Florida
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summer festivals
advertising With over 12 years experience in
Here is your packed summer fesitval guide—from our annual favorite, FloydFest, to other regional not-to-miss festivals. We’ve even thrown in our favorite festival finds to make your experience even better. We’ll see you out and about all summer long!
Southwest & Central Virginia, Bella is your BEST advertising option with proven results, loyal readership, wonderful content, and an award-winning design!
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happenings
We’ve spotlighted the Floyd Energy Fest taking place July 14th, the much-anticipated Virginia Cider Festival on July 21st in Weyers Cave, Virginia, and the Blackberry Delight Festival in the Shenandoah National Park on July 21st. So many festivals, so little time!
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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save smarter
Shannon Peters Advertising Sales Representative shannon@beckmediagroup.com
Member One Federal Credit Union shares financial wisdom and guidance each month. This month: Guiding children through a healthy realtionship with money with six easy tips.
•••
operations For general inquiries:
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Sara Coakley Office Manager
pages 25-22
young female writers club K.L. Kranes introduces us to 16-year-old author, Hannah Mullen of Mechanicsville, Virginia.
bella@beckmediagroup.com
mind • body • soul
Monthly contributor, Earth Girl Wellness lets us in on ‘Why We Should Avoid Sugar at All Costs.” How to inspire summer reading now that kids are out of school. And we’re introducing you to a new sunscreen product line from Jane Iredale that is perfect for an often overlooked part of your body!
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. ©2006-2018 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
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pardon muah
Our monthly fashion column with advice on the latest fashion trends and styles. This month, Amanda shares her favorite summer trend: bold stripes and straw hats.
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profile
YEARS 2006-2018
We’ve discovered a hot new LOCAL product to turn up the heat even more this summer! Meet Ryan and Chris Scherer of Roanoke and their Zen Pepper Company hot sauces. july 2018
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Photo by Roger Gupta
YEARS 2006-2018
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Floyd Fest
wild Follow us up the mountain for fun, music, and an experience you will never forget!
Written by Hayleigh Worgan
Nikki Lane
It’s no secret, we believe FloydFest is one of the most magical places on earth. The 2018 “Wild” theme encourages visitors to be part of the magic and enjoy the beauty of the mountains around them. This year, FloydFest has new features to keep things fresh for returning festival-goers, in addition to the amenities we all know and love! Entertainment will be divided among eight stages for FloydFest 18. Dreaming Creek Main Stage, the signature stage located in the main field, remains a familiar landmark. Additionally, Hill Holler Stage, the Ferrum College Workshop Porch, the Red Rooster Village Cafe, Children’s Universe, VIP Pub Stage, and Pink Floyd Beer & Wine Garden will return. The “Throwdown Tent” is a new addition this year, and will feature yoga every morning, hands-on demonstrations and workshops each day, and live performances in the afternoon and evening.
And speaking of performances—naturally, I am including a shameless plug for some of the amazing femalefronted bands throughout the festival! On Thursday at 3:30pm, check out the country and rock singer Nikki Lane on the Dreaming Creek Main Stage. Her third album was released in 2017, and her new music has been compared to Lana Del Ray, Jenny Lewis, Neil Young, and Tom Petty. Later in the evening, don’t miss Lindsay Lou. This trio will have you dancing by the Hill Holler Stage at 6:45pm on Thursday night! Their sound has been described as a mix of Americana, groove, roots, soul, and bluegrass. w w w. l o v e l y b e l l a . c o m
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On Friday, Lindsay Lou will play once more on the Dreaming Creek Main Stage at 3:30pm. Then, take a walk to the Ferrum College Workshop Porch to relax to the sounds of the Mama Said String Band at 5:30pm. This fivepiece string band will prime you for an evening of dancing and celebration! The Broadcast, a soulful blues, roots, and rock band formed in New York City and developed in North Carolina, takes the Pink Floyd Garden Stage on Saturday at 12:45am. Finish out the evening with the “explosive vocals” of lead singer Caitlin Krisko. Fans of high energy performances by 1970s classic rock bands will love this set. Saturday, head over to the Dreaming Creek Main Stage for smoky vocals of Nicki Bluhm at 3:30pm. Nicki is a singer, songwriter, and performer. She released her first album in 2008, and has toured throughout North America through the release of her subsequent albums, appearing at festivals like Bonnaroo, Outside Lands, Newport Folk, and Telluride Bluegrass. Next, VIP ticket holders will have the opportunity to catch the sounds of Morgan Wade & the Stepbrothers at 4:45pm on the VIP Stage. Morgan Wade is famous in Southwest Virginia for her country, folk, and high-energy Americana sound. Together, the band delivers “an intersection of rock, country, and folk that reflects the beauty, anger, hunger, and hope of coming of age in modern Appalachia.” ZZ Ward will deliver an unforgettable performance on the Dreaming Creek Main Stage at 8pm on Saturday. Her second full-length album was released in 2017, and has been described as “equally evocative of blues grit and hip-hop bounce.” Ward has appeared on Jimmy Kimmel LIVE!, Conan, Good Morning America, The Tonight Show, and more. She’s toured with Eric Clapton, and performed at Coachella, Bonnaroo, Firefly, and Made in America. Enjoy her set, and stick around for Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit at 10:30pm and the “Buffalo Mountain Jam” at midnight.
ZZ Ward
Nicki Bluhm
Lindsay Lou
summer
There really is no shortage of excellent bands at this festival. Fan favorites, Leftover Salmon and Keller Williams, will return for multiple performances. Government Mule will take the Dreaming Creek Main Stage at 10:30pm on Thursday. On Friday, Foster the People will play on the same stage at 11pm. You’ll want to stay through Sunday, as Old Crow Medicine Show will play at 6pm on the Dreaming Creek Main Stage as well. In fact, music and celebration will continue until 1am on Monday morning. page 8
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If music isn’t your thing, don’t worry! There are plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures awaiting FloydFest guests. Last year, we enjoyed an “On the Water” adventure that included a catered lunch and three hours on the water. A 45-minute shuttle ride (either via school bus or 15 passenger van) will take you to the Little River for this canoe/ kayak/tubing trip. Book your adventure for Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and/or Sunday. Make sure to bring your sunscreen and waterproof your phone or camera! You’ll want photos from this excursion!
Mamma Said String Band
FloydFest will also host the “Merry Moonstompers’ Famous Belcher Mountain Beatdown” on Saturday at 9:30am. This guided mountain bike tour depends the Blue Ridge and finishes with miles of handbill single track trail! This is not recommended for beginner mountain bikers, but there are miles of beginner-friendly trails in I.C. Dehart Park to explore at your leisure. Bring your own bicycle and helmet. Both the “On the Water” adventure and the “Merry Moonstompers’ Famous Belcher Mountain Beatdown” have small additional fees and require registration. Check out the FloydFest website, or register at the FloydFest Outdoor Experience Tent onsite (if space is still available). Runners will also love the Back Country Ski & Sport 5k Trail Running Race! Registration is free, and the race begins Saturday at 9:30 a.m. Top runners in several categories will receive prizes. The race will take runners through parts of the festival sites and continue with two laps on the Moonstomper Trail. There are also hiking and disc golf opportunities for whose who are interested. Visit the FloydFest Outdoor Experience Tent for hours and rules regarding usage. Ultimately, you will get the most out of FloydFest by staying all five days. Trust us, you will not be bored. On-site food trucks, craft beer, and wine are available for those who are interested. Between sets, relax in your hammock beneath the shade of the trees by your tent. And, if tent camping isn’t your thing, don’t worry! There are additional options for your overnight stay including Solid Ground Shelters for Glampers, Dancing Dave’s Festival Camping, The Show Sherpas, and Ferrum College Lodge & Learn. Regardless of where you sleep, every FloydFest is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will have you wishing it would never end! For more information on the festival, and to purchase tickets, visit www.floydfest.com. We can’t wait to see you there!
Hayleigh is a freelance writer, independent author, and writing consultant. In 2017, she published her first novel, The Huntsman: A modern retelling of Red Riding Hood. She spends a lot of time traveling and exploring new regions for inspiration, but Roanoke will always be her home. www.hayleighworgan.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 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!
Summer Style
‘Tis the season to uphaul your winter closet because summer is in full swing! The shops at Piccadilly Square are stocked with perfect essentials sure to fit every plan on your list. Written by Cassandra Kuhn
Punch Boutique
Featuring a fun and classy atmosphere with a “punch” of bright summer colors, Punch offers a variety of clothes and accessories to fit every personality. Quirky and sophisticated patterns are a popular trend this season and these blue lemon and lime shorts will sure to add some charisma to your closet. Pair these shorts with a classic white shirt and these geranium and gold tasseled earrings for a casual day on the town.
Lusso
Translated to “luxury” in Italian, Lusso’s relaxed atmosphere highlights unique upscale clothing items and accessories. This mint green multi-textured maxi dress would be great for a Sunday brunch and is a staple item for warm summer days. Add in an over-sized beach hat and espadrille sandals for a chic tropical look. Maxi skirts are also a popular trend for European summer vacations and can be styled in various ways, eliminating space on your luggage. This feather-patterned sheer soft pink skirt is ideal for strolling around town and has cut-out layers for a breezy look.
Yarid’s
If you’re looking for a fun summer shoe collection, Yarid’s will complete your look with high-end brands featuring Tory Burch, Jack Rogers, and TOMS. New to their store this month is a peach suede cross-body bag from See by Chloé. This simple bag matches with about any outfit and is a great alternative to a shoulder bag when going out. The gold rings indented on the outside add a pop of glitz to the classic look. To continue the fun colors, add these blue tasseled Brenle flats by Schutz, simple white jeans and a patterned top for the famous summer Palm Beach style trend.
Magnolia
You can’t complete your summer without a little home décor to splurge on. These greenery items from Magnolia will complement the natural look of your home and still keep the modern design with the engraved faces in the vases. The plants would be great on a side table or placed above books on a coffee table. Cassandra is a sophomore at the University of Florida studying Journalism. She enjoys hiking, kayaking, and listening to all kinds of music. Being from Roanoke, she enjoys coming home to the mountains and going to her favorite local shops and eateries. page 10
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3107-3117 Franklin Road • South Roanoke
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summer
Local Festivals Opportunities to enjoy music, art, and fun in the coming months! Written by Hayleigh Worgan Festival season is here, and we couldn’t be more excited! There is nothing better than spending a long weekend enjoying the warm weather, scenic mountain views, live music, and local food in the company of good friends and family. In addition to FloydFest, there are several festivals within driving distance happening in the next few months that we hope you will support! Check out our favorites below, and let us know your favorites on our Facebook page. The 14th Annual Horse & Hound Wine Festival takes place on July 14 from 11am-6pm at Johnson’s Orchards & Peaks of Otter Winery! Enjoy local wines from Peaks of Otter Winery, Rebec Vineyards, Tamahawk Mill, Ramulose Ridge, and more! Live entertainment will be provided by BigBossMan at this dog-friendly event. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the town of Bedford and support small businesses and local food trucks. Previous years have included appearances from the Virginia Donkey Rescue, a Parade of Horses, a Kiddie Korral, agility dogs, and even muskrat racing! Visit www.peaksofotterwinery.com for more information on ticket prices and how to purchase them. Can’t get enough of Floyd? We’re in the same boat. That’s why we will be attending the Cirque Du Floyd at Chantilly Farm August 17-18! Featuring performances from New York City’s ImaginAerial, Cheeky Monkey Sideshow, Mountain Circus Arts, Juggler Erin Riley, Magician page 12
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Nelson Oliver, DanceAFire, Imagine Circus, StoryUP!, Miss Kitty’s Cosmonauts, Gartrell the Great, live music from The Get Right Band and Music Road Company, and more! Enjoy a beer and wine lounge, local food, crafts and workshops, sideshow stage and roaming performances, along with a lot of outdoor fun. Arrive by 2pm on Friday to take advantage of free tent camping for the weekend! Visit www.chantillyfarm.com for more information on the event and how to purchase your tickets. Microfestivus celebrates its 21st anniversary this year! On Saturday, August 11, join the festivities from 12pm-6pm in downtown Roanoke. This is the premier fundraiser for the Square Society, a local 501c(3) nonprofit established to raise interest in awareness of the arts, as well as cultural facilities and activities supported by Center in the Square. This annual event has grown to be one of the largest beer festivals on the entire East Coast, and is a great opportunity to enjoy the ever-growing craft beer marketplace at an event that strives to offer a wide variety of local, regional, and national breweries. www.microfestivus.squaresociety.org Floyd Yoga Jam’s four-day music, yoga, dance, and art festival will return from August 30-September 2. This is a great opportunity for beginner to advanced yogis to relax, learn, and make new friends! The 2018 lineup will include musical entertainment by Oddisee, Phoebe Hunt & The Gatherer’s, The Get Right Band, Morgan Wade & The Stepbrothers, Seph Custer, Dangermuffin, and more! Floyd Yoga Jam is known for their excellent lineup of professional teachers who provide instruction for a variety of classes. Participants can also enjoy nature walks, meditation, art classes, and lectures. This festival is kid-friendly and includes a Kid Village that will host yoga classes specifically designed for children. The food trucks and beverage options alone are excellent reasons to attend this event. There are multiple options for camping, including a glamping package. For more information, and to purchase tickets, visit www.floydyogajam.net.
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July Happenings Celebrate summer with these fun festivals! YEARS
Sponsored by Garland Properties
happenings
2006-2018
SustainFloyd and Apple Ridge Farm present the Second Annual Floyd Energy Fest at Chantilly Farm on Saturday, July 14 from 10am-5pm. Come learn more about the many ways alternative energy benefits our local, regional and global community, while getting the opportunity to engage with local vendors and service providers in the alternative energy sector. Workshops are scheduled throughout the day for those interested in gaining a more in-depth knowledge of certain topics. Areas of interest may include off-grid classrooms, solar homes, energy conservation and efficiency, electric cars, renewable power including wind and solar, sustainable agriculture and forestry, green products, weatherization, energy auditing and much more. NEW THIS YEAR!!! Healthy Floyd will host the Healthy Floyd 5K Run at Chantilly Farm on the same day! Admission is $5 per person or $10 per family. The event strives to be Interactive and informative experience for all ages, so bring the entire family! Light foods and beverages will be available for purchase throughout the event. No pets will be allowed and the event is rain or shine. www.sustainfloyd.org
The Virginia Cider Festival will take place at Valley Pike Farm Market in Weyers Cave, Virginia on Saturday, July 21st! (Event benefits Mercy House.) More than 15 Virginia cideries will be present with more than 40 different hard ciders for tasting and purchase! Live music will be offered throughout the entire day. A portion of all proceeds from the Virginia Cider Festival at Valley Pike Farm Market will directly benefit Mercy House in Harrisonburg and the families that they support. For tickets, which includes tastings and a commemorative glass, or more info visit website at www.valleypikefarmmarket.com.
Blackberry Delight Festival
For many Shenandoah National Park visitors, it’s all about the blackberries. Starting mid-summer, thickets of Shenandoah blackberries ripen in the open areas along the roads, trails and streams of the national park. On Saturday, July 21, 2018 at Skyland (mile 41.7 and 42.5 on Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park, VA) from 10am-5pm. Blackberry Delight is an annual event that celebrates the sweet-tart fruit in all its glory. Skyland chefs create special blackberry-infused dishes combined with a full day of live music, dancing, local crafts, pony rides, and kid’s activities to make it a fun day for the entire family! For all the details, visit www.goshenandoah.com.
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
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West e g a l l i V
The Shoppes at
SHOPPING • DINING • SERVICES
Located less than 1.5 miles from I-581 on Electric Road in Roanoke County
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bella finds
Hoop Dreams by Cristin Morgan
Festival season have you in the mood for creating something dreamy? We’ve discovered a well-illustrated book that can take your embroidery game to the next level (or jumpstart the wanna-bes out there!). With designs that fit a wide variety of tastes, Hoop Dreams is great for beginners and embroiders of all levels. It takes you step-by-step through the process of embroidery. Cristin Morgan shows how to complete different designs for items such as hoops, pins, jackets, pillows, and more! She includes a list of all the materials used for each craft at the beginning of each corresponding section. Towards the back of the book you will find instructions on how to do each stitch. On the inside of the back cover, you will find an envelope that includes iron-on patterns as well. Learn how to embroider new designs and with new stitches through Hoop Dreams. - Samantha Fantozzi w w w. l o v e l y b e l l a . c o m
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festival finds
Festival Season is upon us! And to make your experience even more enjoyable, we’ve found some cool products you should check out that are easy to throw in your tote and have ready to use! Everything from sun protection to looking your best—and even a few gadgets to make your days easier and comfortable—we’ve found it! Have a great time and we’ll catch you at some of the region’s best festivals! (Don’t forget your sunscreen.)
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Las Bayadas Beach Blanket Las Bayadas are the most colorful and practical Mexican beach blankets available. Super large and soft, with long lasting colorful stripes, they are perfect for a day at the pool or beach or a picnic at the park! (Check out their color and size options, as well as their cute totes!) www.lasbayadas.com
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Goddess Garden Organics Sunscreen While enjoying festivals and all summer activities it’s easy to forget to apply sunscreen. We get it! We love Goddess Garden’s Natural Mineral sunscreen with its powerful protection without chemicals and it’s easy to apply and throw in your tote for a touch up later in the day. Available in a variety of sizes and SPFs. www.goddessgarden.com
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Goverre To-Go Cups These modern to-go cups for wine are perfect for enjoying your favorite wine anywhere! Goverre is made of glass with a silicone sleeve and has a drink-thru lid so you can simply pour, seal, pack and enjoy! Available in so many colors, good luck picking just one! You can find these at chocolatepaper in Downtown Roanoke or online. www.goverre.com
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myCharge Portable Chargers Selfies, social media posts and GPS usage can take a toll on your battery power this summer. Avoid those battery drains with myCharge’s Adventure Series portable chargers which feature high-quality chargers perfect for stashing in your beach bag, outdoor gear bag or emergency car kit for your road trip to provide extra power on-the-go. They offer water resistant versions, some with AC power ports and even ones that can jump start a vehicle or boat! www.mycharge.com
YEARS 2006-2018
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Paula’s Choice Skin Restoring Moisturizer Paula’s Choice Skincare has developed a skin restoring moisturizer with SPF 50 and paired it with antioxidants helping improve skin health and increase hydration. This silky cream hydrates skin, defends against sun damage and prevents signs of aging. www.paulaschoice.com
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Sundust Bronxing Powder SunDust is an instant mineral bronzing powder that provides a long-lasting, natural self-tan. The mineral-infused powder is contained in an all-in-one twist brush for easy application. The bronzed effect suits all skin tones and creates a beautiful, sun kissed glow to the face. www.sundustbeauty.com
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The Grandpa Soap Company One of the oldest continuously operating soap makers in America, Grandpa Soap Company is introducing a new line of naturally-made haircare products that are able to solve any skin or hair problem. Free of harsh and artificial chemicals; gentle enough for daily use and safe for color-treated hair. Check out their full line at www.grandpasoap.com.
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save smarter Presented by Member One Federal Credit Union
With school out for the summer, the kids are likely hanging around the house more than usual. Your little audience is watching and probably soaking in more than you realize—which includes how you manage finances. Healthy financial habits begin at a young age, so what better time to teach responsible spending and saving than during a break from the daily grind of school? Here are a few ways to help your kids get started on the path to financial success.
Set an example. Parents who make poor financial decisions like
impulse purchases, excessive credit card use, or have arguments about finances only confuse children about how to make smart money choices. Make a point to practice what you preach by not only explaining positive financial habits but demonstrating them as well.
Begin early. Once children start saying, “I want,” it’s a good time to
teach savings habits. While they won’t understand compound interest or annual percentage yield, you can explain how we sometimes have to wait for the things we want. Delayed gratification is an important lesson to learn.
Give commissions, not allowances. There is nothing wrong with giving your child money each week, but it should be earned. Have them perform chores like mowing the lawn, taking out trash, or doing dishes. This will teach them the value of work and prepare them for adulthood, and starting a job outside of the home.
Make it visual. For younger children, give them transparent jars to
keep their money in so they can see their progress. For older children, it’s wise to open a savings account with a local credit union. Online banking can help them easily monitor their progress.
Set savings goals. It’s much easier to put away money when you know what you’re saving for. If your child wants a game or pair of shoes, show them how much it costs and how long it will take before they can buy the item. You can also show them ways to reach their goal faster by earning more money through additional effort.
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Financial
Fitness for Youth 6 tips to guide children through a healthy relationship with money
Explain responsible credit card use. As a
teenager, getting your first credit card can be very exciting. Make sure your child knows how to use the credit card wisely and warn them that they should only make purchases if they can afford to pay off the balance each month. It’s also important to explain what credit is and how it affects their future—from buying a car to getting their first mortgage. Financial responsibility begins at a young age. Use these tips to help teach your child healthy money habits that will set the foundation for success now and continue well into the future. 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. july 2018
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young female writers club *
Monthly feature of regional young women making their way in the world and making a difference along the way! Written by K.L. Kranes
Better on
Paper
An Introverted Teen Writer
Hannah Mullen (Photos by Summer Santelli)
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. page 22
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Hannah stands in the middle of the hall and pulls out a notebook, fumbling for a pen. She can’t wait. She has to write it down now. Pressing the notebook against the wall, she begins to write. The idea flows out as her hand scribbles fast across the paper. When she’s done, her shoulders relax. She stuffs the notebook back in her bag and sets off to class. At 16-years-old, Hannah Mullen of Mechanicsville, Virginia often feels this grip of an idea and the compulsive need to get it out on paper. On paper she can be herself. On paper is where she feels safe. “I definitely use writing to work through my emotions,” she explains. “I use my notebooks for everything. I have a reading log in the front. I doodle. I write. It’s usually just whenever and wherever I get inspiration.” Although Hannah is a writer, she doesn’t necessarily want to make an impression. She would probably rather tiptoe through life making no noticeable divots in the fabric of the world, at least not until she first gave each step a great deal of thought. But, whether she wanted to or not, Hannah made an impression on the Hanover Writers Club. Even three years after she stopped attending meetings, they still remember her, the 12-year-old girl working on her first novel. When I ask Hannah why she decided to write and publish a novel, she replies, “I just woke up one day and decided this is what I wanted to do.” Two years after starting the novel, at age 13, Hannah self-published Experimentals on Amazon. She didn’t think anyone would read it. But attention and accolades do not seem to matter much to Hannah. In fact, it becomes clear early in our interview that Hannah doesn’t like to talk about herself or tout her accomplishments. I get the sense she would rather have her nose in a book than be on the phone with me. Regardless, she is gracious and witty, even if a bit reticent. “I’ve always loved books,” she says. At the beginning of our interview, Hannah answers my questions with these types of brief answers. I quickly realize, Hannah, like many writers, is introverted. I ask her, “You don’t trust easily do you?” She answers, “No.” I feel an instant kinship with Hannah as I too have introverted tendencies. By the end of the interview, I think I have won her trust, but I’m not certain. w w w. l o v e l y b e l l a . c o m
Once Hannah gets more comfortable with me, her personality begins to shine through. Although I can’t see her expressions, I imagine she is not quick with a smile, but when she gives one, it is meaningful. “Sometimes I will go a whole day without saying a word,” Hannah tells me. “People expect me to talk. I don’t mind presentations or anything of the sort but socially I’m a wreck. People think just because I don’t talk to them it means I don’t like them.” Writing helps Hannah cope with the social pressures of being an introvert in an extroverted world. When she writes, Hannah can carefully craft her words in a way that eludes her when speaking. “I can erase my writing and I cannot erase what I said. Sometimes I don’t think before I speak, but writing forces me to think,” she says. Although introverted, Hannah doesn’t spend her days hiding in her room. She has starred in theater productions since she was 8-years-old and takes part in her high school theater program. It isn’t the spotlight that unnerves Hannah, it is not being prepared for it. “In my head, things aren’t really thought out. It’s big word vomit,” she says. “I like acting because I don’t have to think about what I say.” Hannah’s thoughtful mind translates to a thoughtful person. Once Hannah opens up during our interview, it becomes clear she has a big heart. “I’ve always been drawn to helping people,” she says. In fact, although Hannah finds writing therapeutic, she doesn’t want to be a writer as her profession. It is partially practical. She knows the obstacles and difficulties writers face. Hannah is content writing for herself and pouring her emotions into her notebooks or her poetry blog, https://angsty-teen-poetry. tumblr.com. Hannah is more interested in helping people than gathering followers on Snapchat or Instagram. She donates her time at a nearby hospital, assisting with discharges and stocking the pharmacy, while dreaming of one day becoming a pediatrician. Her voice thrums with excitement when she talks about being accepted into a program called SODA (Student Organization for Developing Attitudes), which helps teach 4th graders how to deal with peer pressure. Speaking with Hannah reminds me that writing is not just about getting published or how many people follow your blog. Writing is a deeply personal experience. Hannah doesn’t want to just be known as a girl who wrote and published a book before she was even in high school. She would rather be known for her thoughtfulness and how she helped people. She may feel better on paper, but I think we would all feel better if we viewed the world a bit more like Hannah. w w w. l o v e l y b e l l a . c o m
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Welcome to Summer!
When summertime serves up dry, thirsty skin, reach for a refreshing drink of lemony hydration to replenish moisture and uplift your spirits. NEW antioxidant-rich HandDrink Hand Cream with SPF 15 from Jane Iredale keeps your skin healthy and glowing naturally all season long. Drink it up! This antioxidant-rich Lemongrass hand moisturizing crème provides broad spectrum SPF 15 protection for your hands, while smoothing and protecting skin without feeling greasy. Lemongrass Oils refresh and revive skin, Liposomal encapsulated Apple Extract brightens and evens the appearance of skin tone and White and Green Tea Extracts provide nourishment and antioxidant protection. You can always tell someone’s age by their hands so why not offer a little protection to an area often overlooked in sun protection and protect that precious skin! HandDrink joins their wonderful product line of sun protectors. We love their Dream Tint Tinted Moisturizer—a hydrating, lightweight, water-resistant tinted moisturizer with SPF 15 that gives a soft-focus effect that helps minimize the appearance of fine lines and enlarged pores. It’s formulated with lightweight minerals and is a tinted moisturizer that not only hydrates and provides sheer to medium coverage, but helps prevent trans-epidermal water loss. Use it everyday! Lip protection is often something overlooked, but it’s just as important as the rest of your body! Jane Iredale’s LipDrink provides SPF 15 and a powerful blend of antioxidants, green tea extracts and Vitamins C and E, to help protect against future damage. LipDrink is lemon scented and available in four shades including: Flirt: a peachy pink, Crush: a tinted sheer berry, Buff: a sheer nude, and Sheer, the original translucent shade. A fifth shade, Tease, a shimmery plum brown, will be launching this month. Locally you can find the full range of Jane Iredale skincare and makeup products at Skin Care Consulting in Roanoke (540-312-8126 www.skincareconsultinginc.com ).
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mind•body•soul
Why We Should Avoid Added Sugars at All Costs Added sugars in our foods and beverages are bad for our health. Here are my top 6 reasons to avoid added sugar.
No Nutritional Value This is a no-brainer. Added sugar has absolutely NO redeeming value! There is not a single thing Earth Girl can say that provides any reason to consume sugar. Done. Contributes to Tooth Decay
The large increase in added sugars to everyday products (even ketchup and salad dressing!) has contributed to a rise in tooth decay in spite of dramatic improvements to the delivery of dental care and a multi-billion dollar oral health care industry. We all have bacteria in our mouths (both good and bad). These bacteria eat sugar for nourishment. A by-product of this bacteria feast is acid. Acid erodes your teeth and causes decay. By limiting your sugar intake and brushing/flossing every day, you reduce the chance you will develop cavities.
Contributes to Insulin Resistance, Pre-diabetes, & Diabetes There should be no surprise here! Consuming large amounts of sugar overloads your body’s response to deal with the influx of sugar. Too much sugar causes the pancreas to constantly increase the amount of insulin it needs to make. Eventually the pancreas can’t keep up with production. This will eventually cause the cells that pick up sugar to be used throughout the body to stop working properly. All of this causes a perfect storm of chronically high blood sugar levels. Chronically high blood sugar levels will eventually lead to pre-diabetes and type II diabetes. page 26
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Written by Tina Hatcher
Leading Contributor to Obesity in Children & Adults Unlike healthy nutrients the body consumes, sugar provides no sense of satiety to the body. Your body never gets what it craves (needs) and constantly desires more. In other words, you never feel full. This causes greater calorie consumption and weight gain. In addition, added sugars that can’t be immediately used by the body are stored as fat. The preferred storage location is in your abdomen. Extra abdominal fat is the worst kind of fat leading to a variety of unfavorable metabolic disorders.
Highly Addicting Eating sugar causes your body to release dopamine, a neurotransmitter that controls your body’s reward center. Eating sugar makes you feel good. The reward response to sugar is similar to other rewarding behaviors such as a great run or illegal drugs. If your body is rewarded, it desires more. Food and drink manufacturers and marketers use this “sugar reward” to their benefit—not yours. They create an incredible combination of not only sugar but also salt and fat to create a super satisfying sensation every time you consume their product. They want you to become addicted so you want to buy more. Breaking a sugar habit is challenging, but absolutely necessary and achievable. If you need help in your sugar addiction, contact Earth Girl to help you overcome your battle and get on the road to a healthier you.
Tina Hatcher is the owner of Earth Girl Wellness, LLC. Her passion for overall wellness has allowed her to work in multiple disciplines from corrective exercise, sports performance and sports nutrition, weight loss, and nutritional counseling across all ages for the last 25 years. www.earthgirlwellness.com w w w. l o v e l y b e l l a . c o m
How to Inspire Summer Reading While summer is the perfect time for kids to take advantage of days spent away from the classroom, remember not to put valuable skills, like reading, on the backburner. In fact, research estimates that 1-2 months of learning loss can occur during the summer months. To help your child maintain his or her reading level and avoid the “summer slide”–which can be counteracted in part by reading 20 minutes a day over the summer—Kate DiCamillo, a two-time Newbery Medal-winning author and the Pizza Hut BOOK IT! Program literary partner, recommends finding ways to make reading a fun, interactive experience that incorporates children’s interests. “Reading together is one of the best ways I know to foster a love of reading,” DiCamillo said. “You can read to your child. Your child can read to you. You can listen to an audiobook together. You can both read the same book at the same time and discuss it when you are done. Reading is a way to connect to each other and the world.” Help your student maintain his or her skills and develop a love of reading this summer with these tips:
Love the Library
Fostering the habit during the summer can help ensure your child is prepared when school—and the annual BOOK IT! Program—starts again. The program, available to kindergarten through sixth-grade students, helps motivate students to read by rewarding them with recognition and pizza. Learn more about the program and find more summer reading tips and activities at www.bookitprogram.com/summer.
To help ensure learning doesn’t stop once school lets out for summer, making periodic trips to the library part of your routine can be a good step. For many children, browsing the shelves on their own and discovering new books in a library can help them get excited about reading. Most libraries offer something for every reader, regardless of age or skill level, including a structured environment that can help make reading a priority.
Incorporate Interests During the school year, many of the books your student is reading are probably assigned, but summer offers the opportunity for him or her to choose what to read and tailor selections toward specific hobbies or interests, which can increase enjoyment. Start by creating a list of books and activities that align with those interests, and take advantage of pre-built lists at libraries or online resources like those at bookitprogram.com/summer, which offers a variety of book suggestions and activities to help increase reading during the summer months.
Program Participation Many schools, bookstores and libraries offer summer reading programs for students. Joining a program can provide a way to track your child’s progress, and there are typically rewards involved for meeting certain criteria, which can provide a level of motivation that may otherwise be difficult to replicate.
Make Materials Matter In addition to traditional books, summer reading can include materials of all lengths, from chapter books to short stories and even magazines or comic books. Even if you’re committed to limiting screen time during the summer, consider a compromise that allows for the use of devices to read e-books or listen to an audiobook.
Read on the Road One of the best ways to ensure your kids are reading is to make reading materials available to them, even when you’re on the go during the busy summer months. Whether it’s a long road trip or just a trip to the store, taking books—or playing audiobooks–in the car is a perfect opportunity to squeeze in some reading time. w w w. l o v e l y b e l l a . c o m
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Photos by Banavenue Photography
Written by Amanda Marshall
Summer Stripes & Straw Bags Bright colors and patterns are all the rage this Summer and there’s nothing better than combining the two for an absolutely adorable off the shoulder bell sleeve romper from Express. AND paired with this mini straw clutch from Shopbop - WOW! You’re ready for a fun warm-weather event, time with your family, or a night out with friends. I ended up ordering this small straw clutch for a fun trip out of town and had my fingers crossed it would be as cute in person and it absolutely is. It’s actually big enough to easily hold an iPhone 8 Plus, cardholder, and lipgloss - my standard requirements for clutches. And I love the contrast of the romper’s pattern with the texture of the clutch! Oh, and did I mention the clutch it’s $35?! Yep. I’ll take two, please! As for this fun fiesta colored romper, I can’t say enough good things. It’s really comfortable because of the elastic at the top of the shoulders and the waist. And the material and design make it super versatile so you can easily dress it up or down. You could wear it to a pool party with flats or wedges, or to dinner with friends paired with a pair of gold ankle-strap sandals! Pairing a pattern with a texture is a great way to combine different trends if you’re worried about mixing and matching patterns themselves (which can sometimes be quite the art form). The pattern, especially if made up of bright colors, gives it the perfect punch, while the added texture gives the outfit some dimension and oomph! If you’re in need of a larger bag for your summer outing, straw bags are available this season in all different sizes, with round being the most popular shape. You’ll find crossbody bags, totes with tassels and poms, or structured satchels. My favorite retailers for straw bags are Nordstrom, Shopbop, and Target (tons of amazing, affordable options). For more summer attire and accessories, check out pardonmuah.com or @pardonmuahinsta on Instagram.
xo Amanda
Amanda is a Kentucky native and author of the lifestyle blog Pardon Muah. She shares beauty products, motivational stories, and fab fashion finds weekly. www.pardonmuah.com w w w. l o v e l y b e l l a . c o m
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profile Flavors of Summer Our new favorite local, handcrafted hot sauce! Ryan and Chrissi Scherer, the husband and wife team behind Zen Pepper Company, are making waves in the local agricultural community. Born in Texas, Ryan has always loved hot foods. He began growing and experimenting with different hot peppers in his early 20s. Through this experimentation, he was able to discern how their flavors came to life once blended with other ingredients. In 2010, he began small-scale farming Virginia Tech’s sustainability center in Catawba, researching forms of organic crop management and environmentally-friendly irrigation methods. “Virginia Tech owns the Catawba Sustainability Center,” Chrissi explains. “They have great land that they lease to people trying to start small agricultural businesses. The center receives grants for sustainable types of tools, equipment, and practices they are able to implement. Ryan took a course that the Virginia Tech Cooperative Extension offered a few years back called, ‘Growers Academy.’ [The course] was geared towards farmers who wanted to step into developing a small business. We both have been growing and gardening for a long time, and that was his first step in beefing it up a little.” Zen Pepper Company’s hot sauces first appeared at the farmers’ market at the end of 2016. There, Chrissi and Ryan met new friends through the Local Environmental Agricultural Program (LEAP). This connection, in addition to the popularity of their products, encouraged them to continue creating and sharing their sauces. As their popularity has increased, so has their knowledge and implepage 30
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mentation of sustainable practices. All of their hot sauces are created in a commercial kitchen, and they consider the impact on the environment with every step in their development. Pepper seeds germinate in soil blocks that they keep in their home. The couple avoids using high energy grow lights, and puts their lights on timers so they can cut down on energy usage during the growing process. They also implemented drip irrigation practices, which reduces the amount of water they use. “The sustainability center is a fantastic resource, because they supply the means for us to be able to do that,” Chrissi says. 2018 promises to be a big year for Zen Pepper Company. They are discussing expanding their presence at the downtown Roanoke Co-Op, and plan on attending a couple of festivals this year (TBA). Their business has taken off, and their most popular sauce, Ginger Habanero, is flying off of the shelves. Last year, they grew about four hundred pepper plants during the growing season. This year, they have expanded to about two thousand, and are encouraged by how receptive Roanoke has been of their products. For more information on Zen Pepper Company including where to find them and the flavors they offer, visit www.zenhotsauce.com. Find them on Facebook at Zen Pepper Co.
Written by Hayleigh Worgan
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