Bella Magazine - November 2018

YEARS 2006-2018

november 2018

H O L I D AY S I P S VIRGINIA MADE HAPPENINGS & MORE

November 2018

N ove m b e r 2 018

Issu e On e H u n d re d For ty- N i n e

YEARS 2006-2018

inside

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

editorial

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

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bella eats

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bella finds

Be a part of the Fermentation Revolution by transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary.

We’ve found items to help with keeping cozy indoors as we welcome cooler temps.

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Editorial Intern: Cassandra Kuhn, University of Florida •••

advertising With over 12 years experience in

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get creative

Check out this practical, hands-on guide to strengthening creative intuition, Creativity Takes Courage.

Shannon Peters Advertising Sales Representative shannon@beckmediagroup.com

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mind • body • soul

This month fall into a fitness routine and take advantage of the changing seasons. And now that the holidays are here, area photographer, Laura Richards, shows us the best way to capture those meaningful memories.

•••

operations

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

virginia made

Our Virginia Made column is full of area makers and artisans! Check out the annual (and fabulous) makers market, Riot Rooster, taking place this month. And Faith Jones of Hill City Handmade spotlights one area maker, April Chavez of 704 North Design Co. (above photo)

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

holiday sips

Temperatures and leaves are changing... and so should your cocktail options. Deep Eddy Vodka and Stella Rosa gives us autumn options!

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young female writers club

K. L. Kranes introduces us to young writer (and wise beyond her 15 years), Elianna Bavuso.

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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save smarter

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happenings

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profile

This month Member One Federal Credit Union highlights five money markers that reveal your financial fitness, just in time for holiday spending.

Roanoke Symphony Orchestra presents a special Masterworks performance two nights in November and one of the best artisan and craftsmen festivals returns for its 55th year, the Piedmont Craftsmen’s Fair. All the details are here!

Meet Kristie Paxton of locally-owned Peacock Soap Company. november 2018

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bella eats

Fermentation Revolution

Transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.

Fermentation

is one of the hottest kitchen trends of the past several years, and for good reason­—it allows us to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary (delicious pickles, olives, ginger beer). But, more than that, fermented foods enhance nutritional value, aid in digestion and help regulate our immune systems.

Contrary to what you may think, fermenting doesn’t have to be complicated or difficult or overwhelming. You don’t have to disinfect your entire kitchen or worry about weird things growing in your pantry. Home fermentation is an inexpensive way to prolong the life of your food, multiply its nutritional properties tenfold, awaken your taste buds and liven up every meal.

Canadians Sebastien Bureau (a food scientist) and David Cote (an organic restaurant chain founder) have written the perfect book providing 70 easy and cost-effective recipes for everything from fermented vegetables, fruits and sugars to milk, grain and legumes. Fermentation Revolution covers the science behind fermentation, as well as types of fermentation processes and useful equipment.

Fermentation Revolution is an excellent book to get you started on the road to in-home fermentation. With 70 easy, healthy recipes for sauerkraut, kombucha, kimchi and more, this is THE book to help you get started, even if you’re just mildly curious. www.revolutionfermentation.ca

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Photo w wcourtesy w. l o v e l Sister’s y b e l l a Sauce .com

bella finds

Getting Cozy Indoors

Cooler temps and changing leaves means one thing...

getting cozy indoors! We’ve discovered a few great finds to help with just that! Dust off the crock pots, make a pot of tea and enjoy your November in warmth and comfort. (Also keep an eye on our Facebook page because we’ll be giving away some of these items all month long!)

Sister’s Sauce Bespoke Bloody Mary Mix

This is not your average bloody mix! A clean, all natural Bloody Mary mix handcrafted one bottle at a time in Starrsville, Georgia, Sister’s Sauce is gluten and fat free with no MSG, additives or high fructose corn syrup. It’s made of a classic, simple mix boasting tomato juice, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, Lea & Perrins Worcestershire, horseradish, Tabasco, salt, pepper and garlic. Check Sister’s Sauce out at your next tailgate or consider for upcoming gift giving... and get a few for yourself, of course! Shop on their site at www.sisterssauce.com

Z Wraps

We love these all-natural reusable food wraps. Made with cotton fabrics in signature designs, these sustainable wraps are handcrafted with organic beeswax, organic jojoba oil and tree resin. Everyday use infused with timeless style and sustainable beauty. www.myzwraps.com

Simple Happy Kitchen

Plant-based lifestyles are now more popular than even, spreading far and beyond the vegan and vegetarian communities. The problem: There’s so much confusing information everywhere... meet Simple Happy Kitchen. This guide is packed with humorous and engaging illustrations designed to deliver all the info you and your family need to enjoy this lifestyle. www.simplehappykitchen.com

Rigoni di Asiago Spreads

Rigoni di Asiago is a family-owned company from Italy that produces delicious, organically farmed jam, honey and chocolate spreads. Our favorites are the raw honeys, but be sure to check out their 9-year-old-approved chocolate-hazelnut spread, Nocciolata (which also comes in a dairy-free version) or the leading fruit spread in Italy, Fiodifrutta.

Find their products locally at Earth Fare.

150 Waffle Maker Recipes

Dust off the waffle maker­–you know you have one somewhere–because we’ve found a book full of sweet and savory recipes to turn it into your ‘new’ favorite kitchen appliance!

These tips and techniques will soon have you making waffles like a pro... and kicking it up a notch with making more than just plain ol’ waffles. Think: sandwiches, pizzas, snacks and even desserts! With 150 Waffle Maker Recipes, you’ll be able to take advantage of your waffle maker in ways you never imagined. Find online or at your favorite bookstore. w w w. l o v e l y b e l l a . c o m

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bella sips

Holiday Sips

Leaves change and so should your cocktail options.

Unpack your sweaters and grab your favorite mug because the fall season is quickly upon us. As the leaves change, outfits change and attitudes change... so should your drink option!

Our summer favorites—Deep Eddy Vodka and Stella Rosa—can easily be transitioned from tropical faves to warm, autumn cocktails.

We’ve included recipes below of a few delicious options. Enjoy!! (Responsibly, of course.)

Pumpkin Spice Pie Martini 2 oz. Deep Eddy Original Vodka 1 oz. Dark rum 1 oz. Half n half 2 tbsp. Canned pumpkin puree 1 oz. Maple syrup ¼ tsp Pumpkin pie spice ¼ tsp Vanilla extract Graham crackers Cinnamon Sugar

Method: 1. Smash up the graham crackers, cinnamon and sugar together.

2. Wet the rim of the glass with maple syrup and dip it into your cinnamon, sugar, cracker mixture.

3. Combine remaining ingredients into your cocktail shaker and shake for 30-45 seconds.

4. Pour and strain into your rimmed martini glass.

5. Garnish with a little bit of grated nutmeg and cinnamon stick.

Sparkling Apple Cider

1 bottle of Stella Rosa Imperiale Moscato 1 cup of apple cider Apples Pomegranate Orange slices Lemon slices Ice

Method: 1. Combine Stella Rosa Imperiale Moscato with all other ingredients 2. Add ice when ready to serve 3. Garnish with apple slices

... and one more to try!

Deep Cranberry Bliss

(created by Bartender, William Escalante at The Bygone Restaurant) 1 ½ oz. Deep Eddy Cranberry Vodka ¾ oz. ginger syrup* ¾ oz. Tait Farms spiced apple shrub ½ oz. fresh lime juice 1 dash of apple bitters

Method: Shake and strain into a highball glass. Top with a splash of club soda and garnish with dried cranberries and a lime wedge.

*Peel and mince ½ pound ginger. Add ginger to 8 cups water and bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer 20 minutes. Strain and discard ginger.

Add 8 cups sugar, stirring to dissolve.

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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!

Holiday Entertaining

It’s here. Holiday entertaining is in full force. Between now and after the first of the new year, your social calendar is running out of free days! But, never fear, ladies, the shops of Piccadilly are here to help you (and your home) look your best.

Between selecting the menu, sending out invites and finding the perfect teacher gifts, that doesn’t leave much time for refreshing your holiday look or sprucing your entertainment spaces. Piccadilly Square is a one-stop-shop with boutiques featuring just the perfect embellishments for you and your home.

Lusso, Punch and Yarid’s have everything you need from tip to toes to add some holiday sparkle to your attire. Lusso and Punch offer designer pieces to add to your wardrobe and accessories. Check out the stunning (and comfortable!!) line of party dresses from Hutch. We are loving this one shoulder dress from Punch with its fuschia large scale floral jacquard print full skirt! Punch offers this fabulous line, along with many other designers not found anywhere else in the region. Lusso carries unique pieces from all over the world, so you’re sure to find that perfect addition to your holiday style. And to finish off every outfit, you MUST have the perfect shoes and handbag... that’s where Yarid’s comes in! With designer lines like VANEli, Kate Spade, Tory Burch, Ferragamo and more, you will find THE perfect sparkle.

Now let’s talk about your entertaining space. Just a few decorative additions to your home can bring it to holiday entertaining level. Think pillows, lamps, artwork and throws. Even a holiday candle can add so much to the ambiance. Magnolia Cassandra is a sophomore at theand University of Florida studyingInteriors can help with ideas to get your Elaine Stephenson Journalism. She enjoys hiking, kayaking, and listening to all kinds home ready for the holiday season! With their trained staff, let of music. Being from Roanoke, she enjoys coming home to the them help you step up mountains and going to her favorite local shops and eateries.your entertaining game without lifting a finger.

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3107-3117 Franklin Road • South Roanoke

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virginia made

Holiday Shopping

Support local artisans and small businesses while celebrating RIOT Rooster’s 10th Anniversary!

To say we are excited about RIOT Rooster is an understatement! This month, RIOT Rooster will celebrate its 10th year, and will host their two-day event at 16 West Marketplace. Come on out to shop small, relax, and celebrate with your favorite Bella girls on Friday, November 16 from 5-10pm and Saturday, November 17 from 9am-6pm!

As returning fans of this event already know, there are many reasons to love and support RIOT Rooster. In addition to the importance of supporting local, small businesses, RIOT Rooster is a place that puts the fun back in holiday shopping. Unlike other shopping events in the area, it is open to the public with no admission fee! Community is the main focus here, and you’ll find that in the details. Always family-friendly, special features include a fire-pit lounge and the Cactus Joe Choo Choo, which will offer free downtown rides to attendees.

Several artists participating this year are making limited edition items to commemorate the 10th anniversary of this special event. First up, one of our personal favorites: Piper Lane, of Magpiper Metalworks (www.facebook.com/magpipermetalworks), is creating a “ring for the resistance”. She will offer ten of these limited edition, adjustable rings, exclusively for RIOT Rooster.

Next, Giant Star (www.facebook.com/giantstarco), a collaboration between Josh Gibson of Giant Step Design and Stratton Delany from Starlight Bicycles, will offer a limited edition RIOT Rooster tee available only at this year’s event. They will also sell their popular stock designs of regional natural assets such as McAffee Knob and The Cove.

Finally, Robin Gross and Andy Dillon of Transcendent Glass (www.facebook.com/TranscendentGlass), a knitting and glass-making business, will create their own limited edition collaborative piece for RIOT Rooster. Keep an eye out on social media for more details as they are available!

With what we know about RIOT Rooster, 16 West Marketplace will be filled with talented artisans, and there will be something special for everyone! This is the place to find handmade, upcycled, recycled, and odd and useful gifts for all of the people who are hard to shop for on your holiday lists. Set aside time to browse and enjoy the environment—you won’t even have to leave for food and beverages!

Existing businesses will be open inside 16 West Marketplace, including Little Green Hive and Wok n Roll Kitchen. The Roanoke City Democratic Committee will also serve craft libations on both days, with all proceeds benefitting the West End Center.

This event is eagerly anticipated by those who attend every November, so don’t miss your opportunity to get there on Friday night and take advantage of swag while you shop for the limited-edition items throughout 16 West Marketplace! Stay tuned to RIOT Rooster’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/RIOTRooster) for vendor updates, giveaways, and more!

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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virginia made

Local Maker

Meet April Chavez of 704 North Design Co.

The holiday season is upon us. The hustle and bustle of November is welcome as plans are made for Thanksgiving and Christmas. The last two months of the year are here with promises of warm gatherings with family and friends, food and laughter. There’s a mood of festivity in theair as plans are made and gift shopping begins. Makers like April Chavez, owner and artist of 704 North Design Co finds herself especially busy during this time. Her painted signs of Blue Ridge inspired mountains and inspirational sayings are in high demand during theseason.

As a stay-at-home mom, art is an outlet for April. Born and raised in Iowa, when she moved to Lynchburg 15 years ago for college, her family came right along with her. Now married with two children, family remains at the top of her priority list. While her children are at school, the ins and outs of 704 North keeps this maker busy. Beginning the business with more than just wood signs, April has now found her niche and business is booming.

Lynchburg is known for having a strong community who support local business owners and makers. That support along with a growing social media following and requests for herproducts in local stores and boutiques set April on the path to owning her own business. Realizing the demand for her work, she soon found herself with an Etsy shop and setting up at local markets. The recurring theme of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains is one of 704 North’s most popular designs. April’s inspirational signs also stand out as a declaration of her faith and personal motto to live a life worthy of the gospel ofChrist.

April prides herself in the work that goes into each piece. From start to finish the designs are cut, sanded and painted by the maker. Other aspects of the business such as photographs and social media are all a part of her hard work. Local shows sometime become a family affair as her children and husband tag along to help set-up or simply just to bring meals or support.

Much of the business was learned by trial and error. Fortunately, her parents who run a small business as well as her husband who also has a business provide sounding boards for ideas.

Running the business is not all fun and games but what makes it worthwhile is the joy of customers as they fall in love with a piece and joyfully take it to its new home.

All work and no play makes a dull day but even while painting April finds entertainment listening to conspiracy theory podcasts. Binge watching CW shows or Netflix is usually on the agenda with her husband on off days. Surprisingly enough, April is an avid sports fan and dreams of a vacation that includes going to the Masters. You can find her with her children taking trips to the skatepark with her son or taking her daughter to dance. Spending time with family is a priority most days because, as rewarding as 704 North Designs is, family is the greatest reward of all.

For more details, find 704 North Design Co on Facebook and Instagram.

Faith Jones is a local entrepreneur, creative, and believer. Her businesses include Faith Inspired and The Hill City Handmade. Faith has a degree in Art and Photography and is a former high school art and culinary teacher. She enjoys spending time with her family and travelling. www.thehillcityhandmade.com w w w. l o v e l y b e l l a . c o m

Written by FAITH JONES Photos courtesy of 708 North Design Co november 2018

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e g a l l i V t s e W The Shoppes at

SHOPPING DINING SERVICES

Located less than 1.5 miles from I-581 on Electric Road in Roanoke County page 18

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get creative

Creativity Takes Courage A practical hands-on guide to strengthening creative intuition.

Dare to break the mold with

Creativity Takes Courage. This inspirational and thoughtful guide is a practical, hands-on guide to strengthening creative intuition and an interactive workbook focusing on the pleasure of the process, this is a creativity book like no other. Organized around a series of 13 dares, it challenges the reader to bravely silence the critical inner voice, look around at the world through the eyes of a child, disconnect from technology, learn from failure, and even take time to be bored. Paper ‘goodies’ are sprinkled throughout, from postcards to daily project notebooks and a quietness diary, to fold-out posters and pull-out Polaroid-style frames. These surprises bookend chapters and serve as a guide to putting each dare’s lessons into immediate practice. www.flowmagazine.com

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mind • body • soul

Fall into a Fitness Routine Take advantage of the changing seasons & commit to healthy habits.

Fall is notorious for comfort foods like pumpkin spice lattes and game day nachos. Combine these tempting seasonal staples with darker, shorter days and it can be hard to maintain an active mindset. Despite the enticement to indulge, you can keep your active lifestyle going or even kick off a new fitness regime.

This year, take advantage of the winds of change when the seasons switch and commit to smart habits for a healthy fall.

Dress for success. As the temperatures drop,

you may be tempted to bundle up before heading outdoors to exercise, and for your warm-up and cool-down period, that’s not a bad idea. However, while you’re in the midst of your workout, it’s easy to get overheated. Wear layers that you can shed as you begin to sweat and consider moisture-wicking materials that can prevent sweaty clothes from getting cold in the breeze.

Stay hydrated. You may not feel as thirsty

when you exercise in cooler weather, but it’s just as important to keep your body well hydrated. When you sweat, you lose more than just water. An option like Propel Electrolyte Water helps you replace what’s lost in sweat through its key electrolyte – sodium – and supports hydration by stimulating thirst and aiding in fluid balance. With the same level of electrolytes as Gatorade, zero calories and no sugar, it can be a perfect choice to support your active lifestyle. (Learn more at propelwater.com.)

Opt for early workouts. When dark comes early, it can trick your mind into thinking it’s time to wind down for the night. Avoid that motivation pitfall by planning your workout earlier in the day, such as first thing in the morning or during your lunch break.

If early mornings are daunting, remember that it won’t take long to shift your sleep schedule and early exercise is a caffeine-free way to put some energy into your day.

Find exercises you enjoy. Forcing yourself

through exercises you despise will only backfire in the long run. If you’re not a runner, look for other ways to get your cardio pumping. Interval walking with varied paces and elevation can be an effective alternative or look at ideas like kickboxing or aerobics that you can have fun with while working up a sweat.

Indulge in moderation. Virtually every

perfectly acceptable, but use caution when the fall goodies start tempting. Those warm, rich desserts and drinks are filled with empty calories that can make all your hard work go to waste.

Set realistic goals. Having a long-term goal is a good

idea, but be sure to set attainable expectations for yourself, including some milestones you can celebrate along the way to keep your motivation strong. Be realistic about how much time you can dedicate to fitness with your other life demands so you can set your goals accordingly.

Don’t skimp on skin care. The sun may not be as hot, but if you’re exercising outdoors, you’re still at risk for sunburn. Protect any exposed skin with sunscreen before working out.

expert agrees that an occasional indulgence is w w w. l o v e l y b e l l a . c o m

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mind • body • soul

Meaningful Photos How to capture more meaningful family photos.

Written by LAURA RICHARDS

Photos courtesy of Laura Richards Photography

Every Christmas morning, I would wait at the

top of the stairs with my brother and sister until Christmas “started.” This meant that Mom and Dad were downstairs, ready to go with the camcorder (remember those big, bulky things with actual cassette tapes in them?).

“Okay, come down!” Dad would yell. And for the rest of the morning, our Christmas together was documented, even the quiet parts when we were just opening new underwear.

I guess you could say that memory-capturing was a big part of our family, with an antique chest full of photographs to prove it. And I guess you could say that’s why it’s so important in my own family now as well. Documenting my son’s childhood is one of my greatest joys, and knowing that one day he’ll have boxes, albums, frames and videos of all those years gives me a certain kind of peace.

Inspired by these memories of holidays-past and the season ahead, I want to share a few tips on how to more meaningfully document your family.

Seek emotion. Real, raw emotion is the secret ingredient to great documentary photography. Try to capture a range of emotion, like the look on your daughter’s face when she takes the first bite of the sugar cookies you made together, or the tears that well in your mom’s eyes when she opens the photo album you made her.

Squat, crawl and climb. Experiencing the holidays from different angles will result in more interesting photos and videos. This is especially fun when photographing children and pets. Get on their level — or way above it.

Let it happen. Think of photography as moment-freez-

ing, not moment-creating. This year, document the holidays exactly as they happen. Don’t force smiles or poses. Our photos speak loudest when we observe quietly.

Embrace the small. Every moment spent with family

and friends is a reason to pull out your camera, whether it be the one on your phone or your fancy DSLR. The more photos

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you take, the more you’ll realize just how many tiny, beautiful moments we let quietly slip by.

Get closer. One of the most important things I’ve learned about photography is that there’s always room to move closer to your subjects. When you see your spouse hugging your son on Christmas morning, move in and capture the way his little head fits perfectly in the nook between neck and shoulder. This intimacy offers such a different and often emotional perspective.

Get in the frame. As moms, we often stand behind the

camera. We’re either so focused on our children that our own presence in the image seems trivial, or we don’t feel “perfect” enough to be in the frame. But here’s a secret: You are always worthy enough to be in the photograph. Your children love you more than a bad hair day, more than a holiday-stress blemish, more than the numbers on a scale — and their memories with you will mean the world one day.

Print, print, print. Better photos are tangible photos.

Promise yourself you’ll always have more pictures made from ink and paper than pixels. Promise your family they’ll always have albums to hold in their hands and look at on snowy days — or when they long for days gone. Try to print photos very soon after the holidays, so you don’t get overwhelmed or sidetracked.

Now why is all this important? Why is documentary photography important to your family? For me, it’s about creating legacy, and the idea that photographs are pieces of that legacy.

They’re one of the most precious things we can leave our children. Our traditions and experiences together are so important that we need tangible memories, ones that say, “The life and love we created mattered.”

Laura Richards is a natural-light maternity, newborn and family photographer in Roanoke, who specializes in heirloom-quality albums, wall art, prints and more. When she’s not photographing or editing, she’s chasing after her toddler, Tucker. www.laurarichardsphotography.com november 2018

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young female writers club

Breaking the Writer Stereotype Wise beyond her 15 years, meet Elianna Bavuso.

Written by K.L. KRANES

Photos courtesy of Elianna Bavuso

YEARS 2006-2018

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Being the new girl is hard. Try being the new girl who skipped a grade and moves every few years. 15-year-old Elianna D. Bavuso knows how this feels.

“We’ve lived in North Carolina, Florida and California and three different places in Virginia,” she tells me during our phone interview. However, for this experienced traveler, moving to the small town of Kilmarnock, Virginia, was a major adjustment. “Everyone knows each other and the closest bookstore is in Glouster, which is 45 minutes away.”

It took time for the self-described inquisitive, eclectic and ambitious Elianna to become comfortable in her new home.

“I have trouble talking to people. It’s hard because you’re always worried you’re going to say or do something wrong and everyone is going to hate you. So it’s hard to make friends,” Elianna admits.

From Elianna’s extensive extracurricular activities, on paper, she appears very social.

Dancer. Swimmer. Programmer. Target shooter.

Volunteer. Trivia master. Self-published author. No single label defines Elianna. However, two specific passions weave through the fabric of her life: science and writing.

Refusing to bend to stereotypes, Elianna asserts that despite common perceptions, the two subjects are not mutually exclusive.

“I feel like for a lot of people this generalization is true: someone will be great at science and terrible at English, or they’ll be amazing at English and horrible at math,” she explains. “But, I also feel like a lot of it is determined by how you were raised and what values your parents hold.”

While Elianna easily navigates between these two facets of her life, she also faces adversity, particularly in the field of science and technology, where subtle and overt prejudice towards women remains ingrained. Despite excelling at activities such as programming, video games and target shooting, Elianna feels there is still a sense women “can’t handle” these fields. But that hasn’t stopped her.

“My advice would be to stand your ground and assert yourself as a woman who is just as smart and hardworking as any boy out there,” Elianna says.

With a schedule packed full of activities, Elianna still makes time to focus on her writing. Inspired by both her mother, who is also a writer, and the Warrior Cats book series, Elianna started out writing fanfiction, molding the stories of the characters to fit her imagination. w w w. l o v e l y b e l l a . c o m

As she grew older, Elianna branched into other genres, developing her own unique work and eventually discovered the cathartic power of poetry.

“I enjoy poetry because it puts powerful thoughts and emotions into a few concise words, and there are really no rules to it. You can write it any way you want and it can still be correct.”

After filling notebooks with iambic pentameter-laced thoughts, Elianna decided she wanted to publish her work through Amazon Publishing. Always a perfectionist, she’s since taken down the book and plans to revise and republish in the future.

Although she oozes with determination and positivity, Elianna is not immune to the pressures of her busy schedule or difficulties at school. Writing serves as an outlet for her emotions. Through publishing, either via blogs or Amazon, she hopes her words may reach people experiencing isolation and depression.

“I write when I have bouts of emotion or when I need to express myself,” says Elianna, who idolizes poets like Langston Hughes and Maya Angelou. “I started really writing poetry when my depression was bad and I needed a way to talk about it, but didn’t want to say it to another person. I don’t know if I could help others feeling these things except by publishing my writing and letting them know that they’re not alone in this fight.”

Not only writing, but stories themselves, help this vintage book collector cope with the stressors of everyday life. Bookstores, with their pages full of ideas and stacks of potential, are an oasis for Elianna.

“My mom has to drag me out of bookstores,” she says. “They represent love and safety to me, because I know that as soon as I’m in those doors, no one is going to judge me for having big stacks of books.”

Her reading preferences reflect her multi-faceted lifestyle. She enjoys nonfiction and medical journals while also identifying the science fiction Legend series among her favorite books.

A girl of many talents, Elianna manages to keep a balance between her competing interests and activities. Instead of choosing one focus over another, science and writing work symbiotically, each fulfilling a need for Elianna. She likely wouldn’t be herself without one or the other.

When asked where she sees herself in 10 years, Elianna hopes to have finished medical school and started a residency program, following in the footsteps of her father and grandmother.

Although she plans to pursue a career in medicine, writing will remain a part of her life.

“Hopefully, I should also have finished at least one of my stories,” she says of her future self. “It’s bound to happen one day, right?”

For this multi-talented, driven young woman, there is little doubt it will.

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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save smarter

Money Master or Financially Challenged?

Five money markers that reveal your financial fitness.

Presented by Member One Federal Credit Union

With the inevitable uptick in holiday spending in sight, it’s high time to check in on your money management know-how. Many people might think they have a solid grasp of their finances, but there are certain key pieces you should have in place to truly be considered a financial pro. Below are five checkpoints to help determine if you’re really the money guru you think you are.

You’re aware of your income and expenses.

If you track how much money is coming in and going out each month, consider yourself a smart money manager. Failing to be in tune with your income and expenses can lead to overspending and debt, or missed opportunities to make the most of your money through investing. If you need to improve in this area, start by tracking your monthly income and expenses over a period of time and watch for trends. Ideally, you’ll have money left over at the end of a month to put into savings or investments. If you’re consistently left in the negative, find ways to cut down on expenses.

You have a savings plan. Not only does this include having funds on hand to pay for emergency expenses, this includes long-term investments for a secure financial future. If your employer offers an investment plan like a 401(k), participate—especially if they match your investment. If you’re not investing and don’t know where to begin, your local bank or credit union is a good place to start. They can direct you toward low-risk investment opportunities. It’s never too early (or late) to begin investing.

You’re debt-free or making progress on paying off debt. There’s good debt, like a mortgage

that provides a roof over your head, and bad debt, like credit cards near their maximum limit. Having some debt is fine, but

it should mostly fall into the good category. If you have bad debt, get rid of it as quickly as possible by devising a plan to pay it off. Start by tackling the largest balance with the highest interest rate first.

You’re aware of monthly bills. Similar to an awareness of your income and expenses, you should know what bills you’re incurring each month. Even if you have automatic payments established, you should know when bills are typically deducted from your account, the amount, and the terms of the purchases. Billing mistakes can happen, and it’s your responsibility to make sure you’re paying the correct amount or take action to correct the charge if necessary.

You think about the big financial picture.

When do you want to retire and what investments will help you get there? How many years are left on your mortgage?

How will you pay for your children’s education? You don’t have to make all the big financial decisions right now, but you should remain mindful of your overall financial health. If you always consider how every major purchase or investment impacts your overall finances, you’re more likely to make smart money choices.

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.

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

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november 2018

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

November Happenings The change in weather means fabulous regional events are here.

YEARS

Sponsored by Garland Properties

Beethoven & Shostakovich

happenings

2006-2018

Join the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra on Saturday, November 17 and Sunday, November 18 at Jefferson Center for a special Masterworks performance celebrating the beauty and drama of Beethoven’s monumental Seventh Symphony. (The second movement of that work has been noted as one of the most powerful and haunting displays of Beethoven’s genius.) Russian-born virtuoso Natasha Paremski joins the Roanoke Symphony in her debut performance as part of the RSO premier of Shostakovich Piano Concerto No. 2. The festivities will continue Saturday night at the After Party at Hotel Roanoke where you can enjoy signature cocktails, music and a tapas menu with all your symphony friends, Maestro Wiley and the orchestra! Details and ticket info can be found online at www.rso.com

Piedmont Craftsmen’s Fair

The 55th annual Piedmont Craftsmen’s Craft Fair will take place November 17 and 18 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina at the M.C. Benton Convention Center. Quality craftsmanship and excellent design have always been the hallmarks of Piedmont Craftsmen’s Fair. Held annually since 1963, the fair showcases the handwork of more than 100 fine artisans from across the southeast in a setting that allows shoppers to meet the crafts people, talk to them about their work and view demos of craft techniques.

Exhibiting members include craft artists who work in clay, wood, glass, fibers, leather, metal, photography, printmaking and mixed media creating one-of-a-kind works that can be functional as well as beautiful.

Admission: $8.00 for adults, $7.00 for senior citizens, students and groups, children under 12 free with an adult. Weekend passes are $12.00. Hours: Saturday, November 17 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.; Sunday, November 18 noon-5:00 p.m. For information call (336) 725-1516 or visit their website at wwwpiedmontcraftsmen.org

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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profile

Beyond the Gift

The unique origins of locally-owned Peacock Soap Company.

To celebrate her 10-year anniversary, Kristie Paxton and

her husband spent a week driving along the west coast. One night, they found themselves at a cute, very hospitable, Bed and Breakfast in Oregon. The owners had one room left to offer the Southwest Virginia couple, and it had a bathtub, but no shower.

“They felt so guilty about it that they stocked the room with soaps and lotions,” Kristie recalls. “They didn’t really sell them, but they allowed me to purchase some. I brought them home, used them up, and requested more.”

Soon after, Kristie decided to start making her own soaps for personal use. With a little help from the Bed and Breakfast owners and a few books, she quickly found that her new hobby yielded enough product to sell to the community as well. She opened Peacock Soap Company, lovingly named for her grandmother’s affinity for raising peacocks. For the past eight years, she has made and sold soaps, lotions, and other toiletries at local stores and the Grandin Farmers Market. Recently, she expanded her line to include beeswax and soap nuts.

“[Soap nuts] are literally a nut grown on a tree,” Kristie explains. “The nuts are grown in India. I buy them and package them. They are a really interesting alternative to laundry detergent.” Kristie has started using soap nuts in her home as well.

“They are completely reusable,” she adds. “You can throw them in the washing machine five or six times and then compost them.”

Peacock Soap Company stands out from the competition with unique scent offerings. Their beer and wine soaps actually contain beer and wine, and the sugar content makes each soap extra sudsy. (This would be a great stocking stuffer for the wine or beer lover in your life!)

Additional scents for the winter season will include Crackling Firewood, Ginger Snap, Evergreen, and the signature Peacock Bar.

Kristie also makes hand and body lotions, lightweight face lotions, lip balm, and liquid soaps. You can find her, on occasion, as a fill-in vendor at the Grandin Famers Market. Her products are also sold at Downshift and the Treehouse Collaborative. Additionally, Kristie will participate in the KrisKindle Market at the Clifton Forge School of the Arts this month! Stay updated on Peacock Soap Company and purchase directly from a link to their Etsy page by following them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/peacocksoapco.

Finally, if you see Kristie at the Grandin Farmers Market, be on the lookout for a special touch on her table! Another nod to her grandmother, Kristie displays her packaged soaps on her grandmother’s china.

“It’s kind of sweet because I get that question a lot about where my name came from,”she says. “It’s nice to be able to tote her along.”

Written by HAYLEIGH WORGAN

Photos courtesy of Peacock Soap Company 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.