Bella Magazine - November 2019

November

2019

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pages 4-10 This special issue is packed with delicious holiday recipes and food finds perfect for all your upcoming family gatherings. From Party-Perfect Potatoes to Hot Cocoa Pancakes to yummy Rugelach cookies, we have all your holiday meals covered.

Check them out and start cooking today!

Issu e On e Hu n d re d S ixt y- O n e

Joey Coakley Beck Publisher & Owner jbeck@beckmediagroup.com

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page 13 Fall in love with outdoor home décor with these seasonal decoring tips from eLivingtoday. Here are a few ideas to amplify your personal autumn style.

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editorial

For editorial consideration: features@beckmediagroup.com

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Contributors: Beth Deel, Jason Gallimore, Wendy Maxey, Member One Federal Credit Union, Dr. Jenna Montana, Jennifer Pfister, Hayleigh Worgan

page 15 Meet Olivia Hammock of the jewelry and accessories line, Adrift and Company! Her gorgeous designs will brighten up any holiday or seasonal outfit. Check her out in this month’s Shop Local section and learn where you can find her products locally.

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With over 13 years experience in Southwest & Central Virginia, Bella is the BEST advertising option with proven results, loyal readership, wonderful content, and an award-winning design!

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To market yourself and your business to the women of Southwest & Central Virginia, call us at (540) 339-6117 or email advertise@beckmediagroup.com

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pages 16-17 We’ve rounded up several outstanding, earth-friendly product lines perfect as the weather changes and your skincare needs begin to change.

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page 19 As we begin the holiday season,

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Dr. Jenna Montana of Cultivate Wellness explores the connection between emotional-mental stress and how that relates to your overall gut health.

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Sara Coakley Office Manager

page 21 This month we are proudly featuring the 56th Piedmont Craftsmen Fair taking place in Winston Salem, NC. This wondeful time-honored, weekend-long event showcases over 100 curated fine craft artists and is considered to be the “Grand Dame” of craft fairs.

Read more to find out why and start planning your visit today!

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P.O. Box 107 Roanoke, Virginia 24002 (540) 339-6117 Bella Magazine is the property of Beck Media Group LLC. It is a free publication printed monthly and is distributed throughout Southwest and Central Virginia and beyond. The Publisher reserves the right to refuse ad space for any advertisement or editorial content the staff deems inappropriate for our readers. The concept and design of Bella Magazine, as well as the design, advertisements, art, photos and editorial content is property of Beck Media Group LLC and may not be copied or reprinted without written permission from the publisher. ©2006-2019 Beck Media Group LLC All Rights Reserved. PRINTED IN VIRGINIA

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page 22 As many of us begin to look into next year’s healthcare plans, Member One Federal Credit Union provides four helpful tips for taking control of your healthcare costs in this month’s Save Smarter column. Read on for tips how you can cut healthcare costs. november 2019 •

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A Full Menu for Fun-Filled

Holiday Festivities

When holiday gatherings turn into all-day events, having meals ready from morning to night becomes an important part of seasonal hosting. Starting with breakfast through the main course followed by a savory dessert, a full day of celebration calls for a variety of dishes.

To help keep your crowd fueled for a wide range of activities, consider these recipes with pantry staples you may already have on hand! From Hot Cocoa Pancakes to get your morning started, Browned Butter Smashed Potatoes with Butternut Squash to pair with a holiday ham and Black Forest Cake to end the festivities on a high note, enjoy a full day of deliciousness.

Find more holiday recipe inspiration at www.Culinary.net.

Begin the Holiday with a Family Breakfast

With so many activities scheduled and places to be during the holidays, starting the morning with a filling breakfast can help set your family on the path to enjoyable moments with loved ones.

These Hot Cocoa Pancakes require little time in the kitchen, leaving you more time to spend with the family before hitting the road or working on decorations for seasonal gatherings. Made with Aunt Jemima pancake mix, containing no artificial coloring or flavors, this recipe makes it simple to put breakfast on the table quickly while still achieving a meal full of flavor.

Visit www.auntjemima.com for more family-friendly recipes.

Hot Cocoa Pancakes

Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 2 minutes per pancake Yield: 12 pancakes (3 per serving) 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar 1 cup 2% or non-fat milk 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 cups Aunt Jemima Original Complete or Buttermilk Complete Pancake & Waffle Mix 1/4 cup water Marshmallow spread (optional) Chocolate syrup (optional) Aunt Jemima Syrup (optional) Heat skillet over medium-low heat or electric griddle to 375 F. In microwave-safe bowl, mix cocoa powder, sugar, milk and vanilla until well combined. Heat in microwave 30 seconds, or until warm. Stir again to ensure mixture is combined. Combine cocoa mixture, pancake mix and water. Stir until large lumps disappear (do not beat or overmix). If batter is too thick, add additional 1-2 tablespoons water. Pour slightly less than 1/4 cup batter onto lightly greased skillet or griddle. Cook 90 seconds, or until bubbles appear on surface. Turn and cook additional 30 seconds. Repeat with remaining batter. Top pancakes with marshmallow spread and drizzle chocolate syrup, or top with syrup.

Party-Perfect Potatoes

Almost every holiday meal calls for side dishes to complement the main course, and as one of the most versatile base ingredients available, potatoes often provide home chefs with a multitude of options.

Served mashed, fried, scalloped, sliced, diced, boiled, roasted or just about any style in-between, potatoes are ideal for matching with the centerpiece of your family meal. These Browned Butter Smashed Potatoes with Butternut Squash call for Wisconsin yellow-flesh potatoes to achieve a dense, creamy texture with their just-buttered appearance.

Find more dishes for your holiday gatherings at www.eatwisconsinpotatoes.com.

Serve Up a Savory Sweet

No holiday gathering is complete without dessert, and you can take your sweets to the next level with this rich, creamy Black Forest Cake recipe.

Tart cherries and whipped cream are combined with Domino Golden Sugar—a less processed option which is made from pure cane sugar and works cup-for-cup just like white sugar, but with a golden color and distinct hint of molasses flavor—for a contrasting profile to put a spin on a seasonal classic. www.dominosugar.com

Black Forest Cake Servings: 8

Cherry Filling: 1/2 cup Domino Golden Sugar 1 tablespoon cornstarch 1/2 cup water or unsweetened cherry juice 2 cups fresh or frozen pitted tart (Montmorency) cherries 2 tablespoons cherry brandy (optional) Cake: 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour 2/3 cup cocoa powder 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup butter, softened 1 1/2 cups Domino Golden Sugar 2 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 1/2 cups buttermilk Stabilized Whipped Cream: 1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin 2 tablespoons cold water 2 cups (1 pint) heavy whipping cream 2 tablespoons Domino Golden Sugar Chocolate curls or shavings, for garnish (optional) To make cherry filling: In medium saucepot, whisk sugar and cornstarch with water or juice then bring to boil over medium heat. Stir in cherries and cherry brandy, if desired, and boil 2-3 minutes, stirring, until sauce is thick and translucent. Drain cherries from sauce and set both aside.

To make cake layers: Heat oven to 350 F. Line bottoms of three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper. Grease and flour bottoms and sides. In medium bowl, sift flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt. In mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar 2 minutes on medium speed. Add eggs and vanilla; beat 1 minute. Stir in flour mixture and buttermilk. Pour batter evenly among cake pans and bake 20-22 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool and remove layers from pans.

To make stabilized whipped cream: In small pan or microwaveable bowl, combine gelatin and cold water; allow gelatin to bloom. Heat until gelatin melts and dissolves; set aside. In chilled bowl, whip cream with chilled beaters until soft peaks form. Add sugar and gelatin; beat until stiff.

Prick tops of two bottom layers with fork and brush cherry filling over layers. Sandwich bottom layers with a 1/4-inch-thick spread of stabilized whipped cream. Sandwich second and top layer with same whipped cream. Spread remaining whipped cream over top layer and sides. Garnish with shaved chocolate, if desired, and decorate with any remaining whipped cream.

Browned Butter Smashed Potatoes with Butternut Squash Prep time: 25 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes

1 pound (3 medium) Wisconsin yellow-flesh potatoes, cut into 3/4-inch chunks 1 small butternut squash (about 1 pound), peeled, seeded and cut into 1-inch chunks Water 1 teaspoon salt, plus additional, to taste, divided 3 tablespoons butter, divided 8-10 fresh (2-3-inch) sage leaves, stacked and cut into 1/4-inch strips 1/2 cup 1% milk Freshly ground black pepper, to taste In 3-quart saucepan, cover potatoes and squash with water; add 1 teaspoon salt. Bring to boil over high heat; reduce heat, cover and cook until tender, 12-15 minutes. In small saucepan over medium heat, mix 2 tablespoons butter and sage. Tilting pan and watching closely, cook about 3 minutes, until butter foams and begins to brown; keep warm. Thoroughly drain potatoes and squash, return to pan and shake 1-2 minutes over low heat. Using hand masher, roughly mash to create chunky mixture. Over low heat, gently mix in remaining butter and milk. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Spoon into serving bowl and drizzle with brown butter and sage.

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Just Peachy

Adding Grace to Your Holiday Meals

Belinda Smith-Sullivan

Who doesn’t love a sweet and juicy peach? Long associated with summer, a new book shows that peaches can be a year-round treat.

Just Peachy by Belinda Smith-Sullivan provides a vast array of delicious recipes all showcasing the versatile peach that can delight holiday meals.

“Peach season is short-lived, and it can be even shorter depending on your location. On average, peach season lasts from late May to mid-September,” Chef Belinda says. “The easiest way to extend the season—and enjoy this versatile fruit year-round—is to can and freeze peaches while they are plentiful and inexpensive.”

Just Peachy contains 70 recipes that cover a wide range of dishes that include peaches. Recipes range from breads, breakfasts, appetizers, entrees and desserts to sauces, preserves, condiments and drinks, all beautifully photographed. Chef Belinda has included facts about peaches, information on growing and growers, festivals, a list of all peach varietals and how to use them, and the history of peaches.

Recipes in Just Peachy range from the sweet (Blueberry-Peach Slump) to the savory (Spicy Oven Ribs with Peach Barbeque Sauce). For the upcoming holiday season, add grace to your celebration with her Peach-Sweet Potato Casserole and PeachGlazed Ham Steak.

Just Peachy proves the peach is a very versatile fruit, lending itself easily to savory applications, especially when paired with meats like chicken, pork, fish, and lamb. Chef Belinda’s peach-inspired recipes will allow home cooks to celebrate the holidays deliciously. www.chefbelindaspices.com

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Peach-Sweet Potato Casserole Serves 6 to 8

This savory dish could almost pass for dessert. Creamy, spiced sweet potatoes get a hit of bourbon and a decadent pecan streusel topping. Serve it as a side to pork, lamb, or turkey—it steals the show every time. Use fresh ripe peaches or peaches you’ve canned or frozen.

TOPPING: 1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar 1⁄3 cup flour 4 tablespoons butter, softened 1⁄2 cup chopped pecans CASSEROLE: 4 large or 6 medium sweet potatoes, baked and cooled 4 tablespoons butter

1⁄2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar 1⁄4 teaspoon nutmeg 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1⁄3 cup heavy cream 2 tablespoons bourbon 2 to 3 cups ripe peeled peach slices

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR TOPPING : In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, and butter with a fork until crumbly. Stir in the pecans and set aside.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR CASSEROLE: Peel the sweet potatoes, discard the skins, and place the flesh in the bowl of a stand mixer. Add the butter, brown sugar, nutmeg, and vanilla; beat until thoroughly combined. Add the cream and bourbon and continue beating until smooth. Pour half of the mixture into a prepared baking dish.

Cover with sliced peaches and finish with remaining sweet potato mixture. Top with the brown sugar topping. Bake, uncovered, for 30 minutes, or until top is golden brown. To make ahead, prepare the casserole, but do not bake. Cover with plastic wrap, and then cover with aluminum foil and freeze.

When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Uncover and bake at 350 degrees F, increasing baking time to 45 minutes or slightly longer.

Recipes and photos from Just Peachy by Belinda Smith-Sullivan Photography by Mark Boughton

Peach-Glazed Ham Steak Serves 4

Ham steak is traditionally thought of as a breakfast item, but properly prepared, it can be an anytime-of-the-day meal. Feeding a crowd? Use this glaze recipe on a whole ham—just double the glaze ingredients.

2 peaches, peeled and chopped small 2 tablespoons firmly packed brown sugar 2 tablespoons water 1 teaspoon ancho chile powder 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1⁄2 teaspoon ground cardamom 1 smoked ham steak, 1⁄2-inch thick (about 1 1⁄4 pound) In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the peaches, brown sugar, water, chile powder, mustard, and cardamom. Cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened and peaches start to break down, about 20 minutes. Make diagonal cuts, 1 inch apart, into outer edges of ham steak to prevent it from curling up on the grill. On an outdoor grill or an indoor grill pan, over medium-high heat, place the ham steak and brush the top with glaze. Cook for 4–5 minutes and turn over.

Brush the cooked side with glaze and cook for another 4–5 minutes. Remove to a platter, brush once more with the glaze, and let rest for 5 minutes.

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Holiday Desserts from Around the Globe Over time, many families tend to return to the same holiday favorites, from ham and mashed potatoes to pies and cookie classics. This season, you can add a twist to tradition with these globally-inspired desserts.

Rugelach, for instance, is like a cross between a croissant and a cookie featuring walnuts for a nutty flavor and crunch with ties to Greece, Turkey and the Middle East. If you’re looking to steal the show at cookie exchanges, Mexican Wedding Cookies provide a crumbly, melt-in-yourmouth texture perfect for dipping in hot chocolate.

Both treats include California walnuts, which have an agricultural history deeply rooted in tradition and can stand alone as a tasty snack or offer an opportunity to level up dishes from appetizers to desserts.

Find more holiday dessert ideas at www.walnuts.org/holiday.

Rugelach

Prep time: 50 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes Servings: 32 Dough: 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened 4 ounces cream cheese, softened 1 tablespoon granulated sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 cup flour Filling: 1/3 cup granulated sugar 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon 1/2 cup apricot jam 1 cup finely chopped California walnuts 1/2 cup raisins, chopped 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted To make dough: In large bowl, using electric mixer on medium speed, beat butter, cream cheese, sugar, vanilla and salt until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Scrape sides of bowl and beaters as necessary. Reduce speed and slowly mix in flour, about 30 seconds. On floured work surface, form dough into ball. Divide into two equal pieces. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and press into two disks. Refrigerate 30 minutes, or until firm.

Heat oven to 375 F and place racks at upper-middle and lower-middle positions. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In small bowl, combine sugar and cinnamon; mix well and set aside. On lightly floured surface, roll out each piece of dough into 11-inch circles, about 1/4-inch thick. On each round, spread 1/4 cup jam and sprinkle 1/2 cup walnuts and 1/4 cup raisins. Evenly sprinkle 1 tablespoon cinnamon-sugar mixture on each disk. Using knife, cut each round into 16 even wedges. Beginning at wide ends, roll each wedge up into cookie. Place cookies on prepared baking sheet with pointed end underneath cookie. Space cookies about 2 inches apart. Using pastry brush, brush melted butter over cookies; sprinkle remaining cinnamon-sugar over top.

Bake cookies about 20 minutes until slightly puffed and pale gold, rotating baking sheets halfway through. Transfer hot cookies to wire rack and allow to cool completely before serving.

Mexican Wedding Cookies

Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 38 minutes Servings: 36

2 cups California walnuts, toasted, divided 2 cups all-purpose flour 3/4 teaspoon salt 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened 1/3 cup granulated sugar 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, plus additional (optional) Heat oven to 325 F. Adjust oven racks to upper-middle and lower-middle positions. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.

In food processor, finely grind 1 cup walnuts, about 10-15 seconds. Transfer to medium bowl. In food processor, pulse remaining walnuts about 5 seconds. Add to medium bowl with finely ground walnuts. Stir in flour and salt; set aside.

In electric mixer bowl, combine butter and granulated sugar. Beat 2 minutes, or until fluffy. Scrape sides of bowl. Add vanilla; beat 1 minute. Add flour and walnut mixture; beat 30 seconds, or until combined. Scrape down sides of bowl and beaters; continue hand-mixing dough until well combined.

Working with 1 tablespoon dough at a time, roll into 1 1/4-inch balls and arrange 1 inch apart on prepared baking sheets. Bake until cookies are lightly golden brown, about 18 minutes, rotating baking sheets halfway through. Remove cookies from oven and cool on baking sheets 10 minutes. Transfer to wire rack; cool completely. Roll cookies in powdered sugar. Before serving, re-roll cookies in powdered sugar, if desired.

Gently shake to remove excess.

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Food Finds Canned Cocktails

Flying Embers Organic Hard Kombucha sparkling probiotic teas are artfully crafted by infusing ancient plant wisdom and modern fermentation methods for an uplifting buzz with real benefits. Flying Embers is organic, gluten-free and have zero sugar. Their current line of four flavors include Ancient Berry (with elderberry, goji, and raspberry), Ginger & Oak, Lemon Orchard (with lavender, mint, and ginger), and Grapefruit Thyme. Flying Embers is made from sparkling fermented tea kombucha culture with adaptogenic ingredients and live probiotics at 4.5% alcohol by volume. www.flyingembers.com

Drink Espresso, Save the Planet

Yes, you can have great espresso at home while saving the planet. Woken Coffee pods offer flavorful blends for home espresso machines that are eco-friendly by being 100% compostable. They are filled with wonderful blends varying in intensity, from South America to India and are easy to make, drink, and dispose of. Shop their individual flavors or sign up for their subscription service at www.woken.coffee

Beyond the Nut Butters

With the holidays upon us, finding a healthy snack may be scarce. Beyond the Equator’s 5 Seed Butter is a great source to maintain healthy habits because these spreads are beyond your typical “nut butter”... each contain absolutely NO peanuts, tree nuts or soy and are made with seeds! The ingredients are simple—seeds, brown cane sugar, salt, natural flavors and natural vitamin E. Sunflower seeds create a wonderful base butter while chia, flax, and pumpkin seeds add a nutritious superfood punch and lend to a luscious creamy texture. (They also are a great alternative ingredient in your favorite energy bite recipe.)

Available in creamy, unsweetened and crunchy. www.beyondtheequator.com page 10 •

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Fall in Love with Outdoor Décor

Just because the temperatures cool doesn’t mean the amount of time and attention you spend on your outdoor spaces should. Fall is the perfect time to add seasonal touches and decorations to the exterior of your home that not only improve curb appeal, but also amplify your personal style.

Consider these seasonal ideas for decorating your patios, porches and backyards.

Use Bold Autumn Colors

Orange is a go-to fall color, but other seasonal shades, such as burgundy, can be incorporated to complement those orangey tones of pumpkins. Think blankets, throw pillows, mums and faux leaves as accent items that can add fall hues to your home.

Plant Autumn Varietals

Potted plants are one of the quintessential elements of outdoor decor, and taking advantage of your favorite fall blooming plants—Nippon daisies, Oriental lilies, chrysanthemum and helenium, for example—can add seasonal greenery and fiery tones to your garden or planters.

Bring the Indoors Out

You can create beautifully designed spaces that you’ll enjoy year-round by bringing the indoors outside. Coffee tables, weather-proof area rugs, throw pillows, hanging lighting and wicker furniture can be staples of fall outdoor living spaces that provide the same cozy feel as your living room.

Warm Up with a Fire Pit

Calming and on-trend, creating a DIY firepit—either in a safe spot in your yard or simply on a tabletop—using concrete blocks, a ceramic pot or copper bowl and some logs can serve as a perfect gathering place for fall nights.

String Some Lights Around Your Space

If you have an outdoor space that could use some ambience, a string or two of clear party lights or strategically hung lanterns can improve the look and feel of your patio or yard. Of course, you can also opt to light candles or repurpose leftover outdoor torches.

Welcome Guests with a Personalized Doormat

Adding a personalized, seasonal welcome mat can add some personality to your porch as a simple way to supplement function with a touch of style. With a range of options typically available, swapping it out seasonally can keep your front door fresh.

Hang a Leafy Wreath

While lush green wreaths work many months out of the year, autumn is an opportunity to string together red, orange and gold hues that can often be found in yards as well. Simply pick up some faux leaves at a craft store—or pick them up from your yard for an even more natural look—and attach to a wooden or metal wreath frame then hang with some fall-themed ribbon or rustic twine.

Find more ideas for decorating your home at www.eLivingtoday.com. oct ober 2019 2019 •• november

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Adrift and Company Brightens up the Holiday Season!

WRITTEN BY Hayleigh Worgan

Hayleigh is a freelance writer, independent author, and writing consultant.

In 2017, she published her first novel.

She spends a lot of time traveling and exploring new regions for inspiration, but Roanoke will always be her home. www.hayleighworgan.com

Adrift and Company began in Olivia Hammock’s studio apartment in the Spring of 2018. She was passionate about her work from the very beginning, and it provided a much needed creative outlet alongside her healthcare career. At night, when she could take a moment to focus on her ideas, her creative process came alive. She sketched out pieces that she imagined would work well together and eventually tried the looks out on her friends and family. Once her collection became something tangible, the true challenge was presenting it to the public.

“It took me a while to get comfortable with showing people my earrings and several months to get up the nerve to approach anyone about having pieces in their store,” she recalls.

However, customers were impressed by her jewelry from the start. Of the 100 pieces that she brought to the South Roanoke Home and Garden Tour, only 26 remained at the end of the event. Soon, with the support of her neighbor, Shelby Bingham, her jewelry found a home at Punch Boutique.

“Working with a group of women who are invested in our community and continue to give back means a lot more to me than partnering with just anyone,” she explains. “I’m very lucky to have been given the chance to start there.”

The gratitude that Olivia feels for the relationships that have resulted from Adrift and Company is visible in every piece she produces. Most of them are named after her family, friends, or places in the Roanoke Valley. The Hollins biochemistry graduate sees this business venture as more than just an opportunity to share her work. It is a way for her to give back to the people who have supported her all along.

Olivia’s jewelry provides her customers with a fun and easy way to express their personalities from the office to a night out with friends. Her versatile, affordable pieces make their busy lives a little more convenient.

“I want customers to be able to come home from work, and quickly change without having to re-invent their entire outfit. I often come home to change and forget to change my jewelry because I’m in such a rush to get out the door again,” she says. “When you have quality versatile pieces in your wardrobe, you don’t have to worry about it!”

That is exactly what she has accomplished with her collection. Whether you are heading to the office or a gathering with friends, the Adrift and Company collection will transform your holiday look this winter! Add the versatile Shelby Earrings to complete any winter ensemble. Wear the SoRo Earrings as a staple that will complement almost any office holiday party outfit. These pieces make wonderful gifts as well! The Amelia Island Necklace is an unforgettable favorite that brings a touch of the ocean to your heart wherever your journeys may take you.

Ready to add a few to your collection? Adrift and Company creations are available year-round at Punch Boutique in Roanoke. On November 9, Olivia will participate in the HomeGrown Market at the Berglund Center. Shop now to make sure you get these one-of-a-kind creations before they are gone!

Find Adrift and Company online at www.adriftandcompany.com, and follow them on Instagram @adriftandcompany. november 2019 •

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{{ bella finds }} Healthy skincare and beauty products that not only work, but are earth-friendly and good for your skin and well-being.

Check out these product lines offering a full range of products perfect for this time of year as the weather changes and your beauty needs can use a boost.

Bio Select

We are featuring the acclaimed brand, BIOselect, from Greece and the island of Crete, the epicenter of wellness culture and century old traditions. BIOselect was founded to represent the local secrets of glamour and longevity, offering a fully natural portfolio of products, imaginatively created to blend modern life needs, tradition and expertise. They offer two lines of products: natural and organic. They are among the first companies and the only complete line of organic cosmetic skincare int he Greek market in cooperation with the prestigious European certification body for organic products (ICEA). www.bioselect-us.com

Mad Hippie Cheek & Lip Tint

This fun cheek and lip tint is a versatile product for dual application! The perfect product to lock in moisture keeping lips soft, smooth and sexy all day long. This tint gives the perfect glow to cheeks or can be layered for a bolder look. The only product you need in your makeup bag to complete every look!

Key ingredients include Sea Buckthorn Berry, Blueberry extract and Jojoba Oil. www.madhippie.com

Migraine Stick

With the holidays (and visitors) arriving, long days and family gatherings is a recipe for migraines. Be prepared with Migrastil’s Migraine Stick! This all-natural soothing support to get ahead of the pain by applying a small amount at your temples, forehead and back of the neck at the first sign of pain. The Migraine Stick contains peppermint, spearmint and lavender essential oils in a coconut oil base. wwwmigrainestick.com

Rahua Hair Spray

Choosing environmentally friendly, non-aerosol, non-toxic formula hair sprays that provide great

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hold and keep ourselves and others safe is now possible! Rahua Defining Spray is 98% natural and uses plant-based ingredients that fix your hair in place and allow for flexible hold. Organic sugarcane extracts power this hairspray, offering definition and a firm, yet malleable, long-lasting hold without stickiness. Other ingredients help with UV protection, hydration and aromatherapy. www.rahua.com

Kuleana Beauty

Kuleana products feature natural beauty oils and facial cleansers made in Hawaii, using locally grown ingredients. In Hawaiian, “kuleana” means a personal sense of responsibility. This value inspires the company to practice sustainability, support local farming and help create a cleaner, kinder, healthier world for us. Kuleana makes products from macadamia nuts, kukui, avocado, coconut, and sunflower oils, many of which have been saved from Hawaii’s landfills. We are loving the Soothe Gentle Facial Cleanser and their Moisturizing Beauty Oil. Check out all their products at www.kuleanabeauty.com.

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Gutsy Gratitude

The connection between emotional-mental stress and gut function WRITTEN BY Dr. Jenna Montana

This month I think it’ll be good to give some Gutsy Gratitude. (I’m a sucker for alliteration *gag*!) As we contemplate (read: stress over) the impending holiday season, I want to express a gentle reminder that gratitude is the literal root of Thanksgiving.

Now that that’s out of the way, I want to explore the connection between emotional-mental stress and how that relates to gut function. We’ve heard the term, “go with your gut” but has anyone really dug down to why that phrase exists?

Turns out, some really smart people have.

The gut microbiome, or the trillions of minuscule organisms that inhabit your large intestine serve to help regenerate the gut wall, create neurotransmitters, protect our immune defenses, synthesize vitamins from your food, and provide the energy your gut cells run on—just to name a few. This ecosystem of cultures, we’ll call “flora” don’t just live in the gut; each region of the body: skin, eyes, ears, mouth, belly button, and beyond, all harbor their own little oasis of flora in unique distribution based on the spot.

However, numerous things can alter this flora on any given day at any given time. Antibiotics? Check. Alcohol?

Check. Yogurt? You betcha. This is not to say these things do harm or good, one might say certain situations require each and every one of these things in small amounts (wink)—but know that just by reading this article your flora may be changing.

You picked up this magazine and licked your finger to turn a page, you just exchanged flora from your finger to your mouth and visa versa. Crazy! But, don’t go germaphobic on me now. I am simply illustrating a point. Even when you think you’re alone, you’re never without your microbiome.

In fact, in studies where we take lab rats and genetically modify them to be “germ free” or have NO microbiome, they fail to thrive in measures of sociability, immune status, and stress resilience. Some brave souls have tried to translate this research to humans, and while it can get tricky, there are limited data to suggest we need a robust microbiome to help protect us from neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s, anxiety, or depression.

If you are unsure where to start on protecting your microbiome, there are numerous resources to get you started.

Ever heard of eating local honey to prevent seasonal allergies? The same thought exists here. The pollen native to the plants you’re allergic to is found in small amounts in that honey, but is bathed in a fabulous immune-boosting goo—aka HONEY! A diet rich in locally grown fruits and vegetables should be the foundation of any good eating plan, but also in the interest of preserving our flora. Native flora from the soil thrives on these vegetables, and actually can help us get the most nutritional benefit from these plants.

So there you have it, if you started this article without a single, solitary thing to give thanks to, we always have our microbiome.

Dr. Jenna Montana practices functional medicine in Roanoke. She holds a Doctorate of Chiropractic and Master’s degree in Nutrition from Logan University. Additionally, she uses acupuncture and nutritional counseling to enhance her treatment offerings in her practice, Cultivate Wellness. Find her on Instagram @dr.jennamontana

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{{ happenings }} Showcasing the Exquisite Handwork of Fine Artisans The 56th Piedmont Craftsmen Fair returns to the region with its hallmarks of craftsmanship and excellent design

Necklace by Una Barrett

Piedmont Craftsmen’s 56th Fair will be held November 23 and 24 at the Benton Convention Center in Winston-Salem, NC. This weekend-long celebration of mastery and artisanship will showcase 100 fine craft artists. However, this is not your average craft fair. The one thing visitors to Piedmont Craftsmen’s annual Fair can expect is that their expectations will be seriously shaken. Those looking for fine functional craft will not be disappointed. Neither will those looking for fine art.

Called the “Grande Dame of Craft Fairs” by the Winston-Salem Journal, Piedmont Craftsmen’s first Fair was held more than fifty years ago in a building formerly occupied

by Krispy Kreme, on the edge of Old Salem. Since its founding by a group of craft makers and craft collectors in 1963, this juried membership guild has consistently attracted the most respected artisans working in their craft media. A rigorous two part peer jury process insures that those invited and accepted for membership are not only masters of their chosen technique, but are creative, producing work that is distinctive and innovative.

And the founding principle, the “handshake” between makers and collectors, has remained an integral part of Piedmont Craftsmen. Artists Woven wearables by Vickie Vipperman participating in the show for the first time are sometimes surprised by the warmth, knowledge, and loyalty of those who attend the Fair as shoppers.

A visitor shopping for a simple coffee mug will be hard pressed to choose from among more than 20 clay artists. Stoneware, porcelain, earthenware;

brilliantly colored glazes, subtle earth tones, delicate graphic designs; no two are alike. The same holds true for jewelers, working in materials ranging from paper or colored porcelain to silver and copper, to gold and precious stones.

Jewelry purchased from the goldsmith’s own hands is not just a statement piece, it is the beginning of a beautiful friendship, a connection between maker, materials, object and owner, quite unlike any other purchase.

Although guild membership does not include painters, those looking for art to hang on the wall will find photographs, limited edition engravings, mixed media pieces and fiber art. One-of-a-kind wearables may be woven, felted, knitted, or hand dyed. Glass is hot blown, kiln formed, leaded, fused, or even combined with other materials in totally unexpected ways. Wood finds more expressive qualities than one would have thought possible as carved birds, vessels, and flowers, as well as furniture that invokes traditions from across the globe.

Live music curated by Winston-Salem’s premier music venue, The Ramkat, will play throughout the weekend. Food concessions available inside the Exhibition hall will feature a limited menu of lunch and snack items, as well as local craft beers from Foothills Brewery. One- and two-night packages with downtown Winston-Salem’s finest boutique hotels are available for out of town guests.

With education as a central part of Piedmont Craftsmen’s mission, visitors to the Fair can count on seeing artists demonstrating their techniques throughout the Fair. Some artists demonstrate in their booths. Other demonstrations, including clay wheelthrowing and handbuilding, glass bead making, metal forming, basketry, and paper pulp painting, are scheduled at specific times at two separate education areas.

Admission is $8 for adults; $7 for senior citizens, students and groups; children under 12 free with an adult. Weekend passes are $12. Hours are Saturday from 10am-6pm.; Sunday noon-5pm. For event details, information about hotel packages and more, call (336) 725-1516 or visit www.piedmontcraftsmen.org. november 2019 •

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{{ save smarter }} 4 Tips for Taking Control of Your Healthcare Costs ARTICLE COURTESY Member One Federal Credit Union

It’s that time of year when many of us are enrolling ourselves and our families in health insurance plans—and mentally confronting what seems like ever-rising healthcare costs, combined with uncertainty over the future of the system itself. Now it’s also time to become your own advocate and take back as much control as possible over your healthcare. With or without insurance, we have tips on how you can cut costs.

1. Don’t pay top-dollar for prescriptions.

Bring the same prescription to several different pharmacies in your neighborhood and you could find yourself charged several different prices, so shop around. And when prescribed a new medicine, don’t feel shy about asking your doctor for manufacturer’s coupons/rebates or free samples, which they may have received from pharmaceutical representatives. (Just remember that certain types of drugs, like controlled substances, won’t be eligible for this.) If your prescriber doesn’t have any coupons handy, the next place to check is the manufacturer’s website.

2. Review every medical bill.

To err is human—but unfortunately, when those errors involve medical billing it can become quite costly for the patient. Mistakes do happen, so request an itemized statement each time you undergo medical treatment, and ask that it be written in “plain English,” instead of medical billing codes. Carefully check for errors like duplicate charges, incorrect quantities of medicine/supplies, an extra day on a hospital stay, or tests that may have been originally ordered but then canceled.

3. Keep a healthy number in your emergency savings account.

Many financial experts advise keeping three to six months’ worth of living page 22 •

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expenses saved for emergencies (like health emergencies) in a separate bank account, preferably a high-yield savings or money market account. If you have health insurance, remember to include your premium in that three-to-six month calculation. Should you end up needing an unexpected, costly medical procedure, you also give yourself the option of falling back on these savings instead of, say, going into debt to cover your deductible. If you’re on a high-deductible health plan (HDHP) and your employer offers one, you might also consider a health savings account (HSA), which can provide tax benefits as well.

4. Be honest about your budget with your doctor.

Doctors today tend to be empathetic to the fact that healthcare costs are a real strain for many patients. For example, if you don’t have insurance and tell your provider upfront, they may be able to offer you a discounted cash price. If you know you’ll struggle paying for a major procedure, talk with the hospital’s billing department beforehand about financial aid programs.

Even for routine care, tell your practitioner that you’re aiming to keep healthcare expenses low so they can help you find ways to curb costs, perhaps by prescribing generic medicines. Then, uphold your end of the bargain by practicing good-sense, preventative self-care—still the best means of staying in control of your health!

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.