Bella Magazine - September 2016

b september 2016 MEET THE MAKERS MIND • BODY • SOUL FALL HAPPENINGS

Se pte m b e r 2 016

Issu e On e H u n d re d Twe nty- T h re e

Joey Coakley Beck Publisher & Owner jbeck@beckmediagroup.com Hayleigh Worgan Editorial Director hworgan@beckmediagroup.com Sara Coakley Office Manager bella@beckmediagroup.com ••• Want to advertise in Bella?

Email: bella@beckmediagroup.com or call (540) 904-6800 Let us get your business in front of the decision makers of Southwest & Central Virginia...

WOMEN!!

Debra Germann Advertising Sales Representative dgermann@beckmediagroup.com Advertising Inquiries advertise@beckmediagroup.com bella@beckmediagroup.com (540) 904-6800

inside inside

September 2016

extraordinary women page 7

Local artist Clara Heaton talks about her upcoming show, “A Sense of Place.”

weekend getaway page 9 Exploring the beautiful Abingdon, Virginia!

bella home

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Fall in love with Grand Home Furnishing’s Magnolia Home collection.

giving back

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A community effort to support victims of domestic violence.

meet the maker page 16 Introducing the amazing ladies behind Hippy Dippy!

know your options

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Correcting damage that can lead to heavy or irregular menstrual cycles.

••• Contributors Dr. Stephanie Harper, Christine Marraccini, MD, Member One Federal Credit Union, Ginger Rail, Hayleigh Worgan Editorial Inquiries editorial@beckmediagroup.com

staying prepared

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Tips from the Roanoke City & Allegheny Health Department.

exploring minimalism Understanding how consumerism can impact growth.

buying a new home

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The top reasons you should consider a local lender.

LLC

P.O. Box 107 Roanoke, Virginia 24002 540.904.6800 fax 540.904.6803 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. ©2016 Beck Media Group LLC All Rights Reserved. PRINTED IN THE USA w w w. l o v e l y b e l l a . c o m

fall arts & culture

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Arts and culture you don’t want to miss this season!

veganVille

find us

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A monthly look into the life of our favorite vegan.

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Photo by Kirsten McBride

extraordinary women Exploring “A Sense of Place” with local artist Clara Heaton Written by Hayleigh Worgan

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At Bella, we are lucky to work in close proximity with some amazing artists in our community, like Clara Heaton. Clara is a prolific painter in her own right, but she also does a lot to support other artists in Roanoke and the surrounding counties. She recently completed her BFA in Studio Art with a concentration in painting at Radford University. Through a strong mentorship with one of her professors, Dr. Halide Salam, and a passion for creativity, Clara is emerging with grace and tenacity into Roanoke’s flourishing arts community.

The passion in Clara’s paintings speaks volumes. It is a beautiful abstract culmination of her thoughts, how she interprets the beauty of her own personal experiences, and ultimately the world around her.

After becoming Salam’s personal assistant, Clara saw her work for the first time. She immediately noticed connections in their work. Shortly thereafter, she also began a friendship with one of Salam’s graduate mentees, Kevin Kwon.

“Before I met Kevin, we were in a juried show together. One of my pieces was placed next to Kevin’s, and my dad pulled me aside and showed it to me,” Clara explains. “My work was very linear, and Kevin’s was incredibly organic.”

Both pieces were the start of something new for them as artists. Kevin and Clara were fascinated that, without having ever met one another, their two bodies of work had the exact same color scheme and such a cohesive presence in the room.

Months later, Kevin asked her if she would like to do a show together and Clara immediately said yes. She also suggested the include their mentor, Salam.

As serendipitous as this all may appear, the truth is, Clara’s dedication, courage, and love for art propels her forward as she pursues these opportunities.

“The cool thing about art and artists is that you cannot become a powerful artist by relying on your talent,” says Clara. “You have to start dedicating hard work to it. You have to say, ‘I’m going to set time aside for this.’ If you can’t get over your ego, then you won’t ever grow.”

Opening night for “A Sense of Place,” in which Clara, Kevin, and Salam will showcase their work, will take place in the Aurora Lightwell Gallery on September 2 at 5pm. This event is free and open to the public. Together, the three artists from three different cultural backgrounds and levels of academic training, will respond to the feelings and perception of places unique to themselves through the discipline and practice of painting.

Visitors can also tour the gallery and view their work on weekdays from 10am to 5pm until September 30. For more information, visit www.aurorastudiocenter.com. september 2016

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our bella fall weekend getaway

Photos courtesy Abingdon Convention and Visitors Bureau

Planning the perfect road trip to Abingdon, Virginia!

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Summer is over, but that doesn’t mean that the fun has to be over too! Planning a weekend road trip with your favorite girlfriends is easy once you decide on the right location. For our Bella weekend getaway this fall, we are excited to explore the beautiful and welcoming landscape of Abingdon, Virginia. An easy two hour drive down I-81 (or a lovely three hour drive over the Blue Ridge Parkway), Abingdon is a gorgeous small town escape for those who love adventure and those in search of relaxation.

Our journey will begin by reserving a room at The Martha Washington Inn & Spa. For a girls’ weekend, Martha’s Residence is the perfect fit. It features two interconnecting king salons, each with a gracious sitting area in front of a fireplace. The massive high ceilings and ornate decor only add to the comforting elegance of the environment.

Guests can even ask for a connecting Deluxe King Room if more space is needed.

After we get settled, we can’t wait to take advantage of the beautiful scenery that Abingdon has to offer. The Virginia Creeper Trail is a short three block walk from The Martha Washington Inn. However, shuttle services and bike rentals are also available. Choosing to explore more of the trail by bike often includes the most popular ride—a seventeen-mile journey from White Top Station to Damascus. The trip is almost entirely downhill, which makes it perfect for those of us who have less cycling experience. Factoring in shuttle and ride time, however, this trip will take most of the morning and maybe part of the afternoon. Set aside the better part of a day to get the most out of it.

The Martha Washington Inn & Spa is not only the perfect place to stay, it is an excellent opportunity to relax and be pampered.

At the end of the day, we plan to recharge from our bike ride with a Hydrating Body Mask or Gourmet Glow Body Treatment. We may choose to unwind september 2016

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Photos courtesy Abingdon Convention and Visitors Bureau

with a Stress-Fix Massage or Chakra Balancing Facial. There is also the option to schedule manicures, pedicures, and salon services. And, ladies, you know as well as we do that there is nothing like starting a vacation by looking as relaxed and happy as you feel.

For us, the trip to Abingdon will not be complete without visiting Abingdon Vineyard & Winery. Owned by Janet Nordin and Bob Carlson, both Master Gardeners of Washington County, the vineyard is committed to acquiring and applying state-of-theart knowledge in viticulture and enological practices in order to produce fine, high quality wines. Not only will guests enjoy the fruits of that labor, but the experience is also enhanced by the location. The vineyard is a short half mile from The Virginia Creeper Trail and only seven miles from Abingdon.

The immediate area is a park-like setting with trees, wildlife, soft ripple sounds of a stream and a river rolling over the rocks. If the wine isn’t enough to inspire relaxation, a simple moment of closing your eyes, taking a deep breath, and listening to the nature around you may do the trick.

Finally, we can’t forget to explore the local shopping options available in downtown Abingdon. A fifteen minute drive from the vineyard, the Courthouse Hill District is full unique shopping opportunities including elegant home decor, clothing boutiques, fine art, and edible treats. One of our favorite stops to visit is the Abingdon Olive Oil Company. Their shop features organic, traditional extra virgin olive oil, and fused and infused olive oil varieties from around the world. Of course, we can’t forget Persnickety. We are in awe of their handpainted silk scarves—perfect for all of the parties and events in the months ahead!

After shopping and exploring all day, the evening will come to a close with a delicious dinner from any one of the amazing restaurants downtown. The Tavern is Abingdon’s most famous restaurant, but if you are craving Italian, try Figaredo’s—a delightful contemporary Italian bistro. For our girls’ trip, you’ll find us at Rain, reminiscing about summer over seared Atlantic salmon and ahi tuna.

If, like us, you are already dreaming of a weekend getaway to Abingdon, go to www.visitabingdonvirginia.com to plan your stay! We may just see you there! page 10

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bella home Make a statement with the Magnolia Home collection at Grand Home Furnishings

Written by Hayleigh Worgan

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As we declutter and redecorate our homes this fall, we can’t help but notice that something is missing. There are things that need to be updated and replaced. It is time that our furniture reflects our new minimalist values with a touch of elegance. This realization couldn’t come at a better time—as Grand Home Furnishings has just started offering a variety of pieces from the Magnolia Home collection by Joanna Gaines.

Most of us know Gaines from HGTV’s Fixer Upper, a show she hosts with her husband, Chip.

Together, they renovate homes for families and reveal the true beauty of each family’s story through the very walls in which they live. So, it is no surprise that her Magnolia Home collection reflects the same values and mission that you see within these renovation projects.

With that in mind, if you haven’t had the chance to preview some of these pieces for yourself, be ready to fall in love.

The traditional dining set in this collection is a statement piece that will become a staple in your family memories and traditions. Not only that, guests will remember it for years to come. The combination of colors and materials will help pull lighter shades from your walls and decorations to open up the room, while darker colors add just enough accent to set it apart.

However, don’t just limit yourself to changing up the dining room. Gaines has thoughtfully designed six furniture categories that portray her well-loved style: boho, farm, Frenchinspired and French youth, industrial, primitive, and traditional. And the best part? Grand Home Furnishings will carry pieces from EACH of these categories! They will include dining room, living room, bedroom, youth bedroom, accent pieces, storage pieces, and even an accessory line. You may just find yourself redecorating your entire home before the holidays. The good news is, you won’t be the only one—and these are purchases that you will cherish and use for years to come. After all, your home is the space where you come to unwind. Realistically, it is your most important investment.

“Home is the most important place,” explains Gaines.

“My passion is to help people create beautiful and meaningful spaces in their home. This isn’t just about designing furniture, this is about creating timeless pieces that help tell your home story.”

Of course, you may be thinking that every home’s story is different—and you are right. Every family’s history is unique in its own right, but every once in a while you find collections like this that can capture those beautiful nuances and reflect them for generations. Magnolia Home characterizes a design style that appreciates the uniqueness of vintage elements and creatively combines them in a simple and fresh way that is family-friendly and comfortably livable. That is something to which we can all relate.

The Magnolia Home collection is now available in all Grand Home Furnishings locations (except Summerville and Bristol). You can find more information on their location and the collection by visiting www.grandhomefurnishings.com. Also, visit www.magnoliamarket.com to learn more about Joanna Gaines, her family, and the new season of her show! w w w. l o v e l y b e l l a . c o m

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giving back

Local organizations come together to help victims of domestic violence

Written by Hayleigh Worgan

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Until we live in a world where domestic violence no longer exists, it is important that we remember the victims include all ethnicities, income levels, and age groups. The bravest thing a victim can do is seek help, and it is important for everyone in a community to know where to send someone who needs those services.

Family Services of Roanoke Valley, TAP Domestic Violence Services, and the Salvation Army’s Turning Point are working together to offer a “Star City Survivors Support Group.” This group offers comprehensive support for survivors of domestic violence and meets twice each week—once in the morning and once in the evening. The collaboration also includes a weekly support group offered by Family Service staff at Turning Point. Their goal is to empower survivors through trauma awareness and skill-building.

The best part about this partnership is that it creates an opportunity for each organization to offer their best services to those in need. Family Services of Roanoke Valley is a mental health counseling agency that provides individual and group counseling for people regardless of age or ability to pay. This includes children, adults, families, elderly, and group counseling. Some children who receive their services will continue to do so as adults.

Turning Point is a secure and accredited shelter for women survivors of domestic violence and their children. Family Services has a group at their location and they provide referrals into private counseling as needed. They also offer therapy for children staying in the shelter with their mothers.

Finally, TAP’s domestic violence services program focuses on crisis intervention and has a hotline for people who need immediate resources. They have several different programs to meet the needs of various situations including one that facilitates an environment for parents who are no longer together but are granted supervised visitation.

The Star City Survivors Support Group is made up of a group of women who start the ten-week course together after being referred into the group. Going through the course together allows them to build a community of people who can lift one another up.

There are ways that we can help as a community. Turning Point has a list of items they will take for donations including feminine hygiene products, food, and clothes. You can also provide information on Family Service of Roanoke Valley to someone in need of counseling services.

Visit their website, www.fsrv.org, for more details. Those interested in attending the Star City Survivors Support group must pre-register. To do so, call 540-283-4813. (Childcare is available.) september 2016

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MEET THE

MAKERS Hippy Dippy Products challenge their clients to live better, healthier lives

Photo by Brittney Leigh Photography

Audra and Sarah, founders of Hippy Dippy Products in Bedford, Virginia, are lifelong champions of health and well-being. Years ago, their friendship began through their mutual interest in helping others as mental health professionals. In April 2015, the two friends decided to expand that passion for improving the well-being of others by creating natural beauty and cleaning products.

“I have skin issues and eczema,” explains Sarah, “so I have to use natural products anyway. We started making our own, sharing them with family and friends, and it just took off.”

There are several reasons why Hippy Dippy Products are unique.

First, if any of their products include water, it is mentioned as an ingredient on the label. This is important, because key ingredients that help soothe your skin are not diluted.

When you are looking for the perfect combination product to combat the damage from summer and prepare you for the upcoming change in weather in addition to a busy holiday schedule, you want to make sure you are paying for something that contains quality ingredients instead of mostly water.

“Our eye serum contains evening primrose oil, which has a lot of fatty acids that are really good for your skin. It is good for people who have dry skin or eczema,” says Sarah. “The carrot essential oil has a lot of natural SPF. It also helps with free radicals in your skin and repairing the dark spots. It is literally concentrated.”

The same level of care goes into their household cleaning products. Our personal favorite is their fabric spray. It is one of their best sellers, and they make different ones for the seasons. We are most excited about their cinnamon and orange spice blend that will be out this fall, but there will also be a pine scent for the holidays.

You may pay a little more for Hippy Dippy fabric spray than some of the chemical-laden products in the store—but not by much. And, when you factor in all of the studies that link some of those products to major health issues, the cost difference is no longer an issue. According to the Environmental Working Group, there are several common harmful chemicals found in the average bottle of air freshener or fabric refresher.

“As far as the chemicals go there are links to cancer, allergies, reproductive issues, and endocrine disruption,” says Sarah. “We wanted to create a product that allows our houses to smell good without having these negative consequences.”

If you are interested in learning more about Hippy Dippy Products, contacting them for wholesale purchases, or buying some of their products for yourself (and your friends!), visit www.shophippydippy.com.

Are you a maker? Know of one we should cover?

Let us know! bella@beckmediagroup.com

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take back your life Minimally invasive surgical options for irregular bleeding

Written by Christine Marraccini, MD

Article courtesy of Christine Marraccini, MD, is an OBGYN in Lynchburg.

In addition to Centra Virginia Baptist Hospital, the following surgeons are COEMIG certified: Lewis Dabney, MD, Lynchburg Gynecology; Christine Marraccini, MD, Women’s Health Services of Central Virginia; Wade Neiman, MD, Women’s Health Services of Central Virginia; Lynnett Schindler, MD, Women’s Health Services of Central Virginia; Matt Tompkins, MD, Lynchburg Gynecology; Tracy A. Wheelock, MD, Women’s Health Services of Central Virginia; and Sarah Woods, MD, Lynchburg Gynecology. w w w. l o v e l y b e l l a . c o m

Gynecologists routinely treat women for a common problem in their mid to late 40s: heavy and irregular periods, sometimes lasting two weeks. Many women believe it is just part of aging and something to live with.

Heavy periods go well beyond discomfort and inconvenience. They can lower iron levels and keep energy level flat. Heavy, irregular bleeding is the most common problem among women ages 40 to 55.

Increased bleeding is caused by the hormone estrogen, which often builds up in fatty tissue. An overabundance of estrogen is especially common among overweight women. This additional estrogen causes the lining of the uterus to build up excessively and results in heavy bleeding as the lining sheds each month.

Often, the increase in menstrual bleeding is gradual over time.

Women sometimes don’t realize it and then heavy periods become a part of their life. They are just living around their period. Although common, heavy, irregular periods are not normal. While excess estrogen is the most common cause of heavy menstrual bleeding, this can also be caused by endometrial cancer. It is important that woman with heavy bleeding be evaluated by their physician to rule out cancer before hormonal causes are assumed.

Women don’t have to live this way. Periods should not affect your life. They shouldn’t affect your exercise, your work, your family or your activity.

Gynecologists have utilized surgical techniques to help with irregular bleeding for years. The rise of minimally invasive techniques has significantly improved the treatment experience for women. Minimally invasive surgery allows for smaller incisions and shorter recovery time for common gynecological procedures.

Centra Virginia Baptist Hospital was recently recognized as the region’s first Center of Excellence for Minimally Invasive Gynecology (COEMIG) by the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists. The designation recognizes surgeons and hospitals that have a proven commitment to safe, effective and evidence-based care.

COEMIG offers a database to compare surgeries around the world to help physicians continually improve patient experience and outcomes.

Surgeons have excellent options to address pain and bleeding from fibroids, endometriosis, hormonal imbalances and ovarian masses to allow women to cure their problem with minimal downtime.

These surgery options reduce infection risk, pain, and allow women to return for full activity sooner. Minimally invasive surgery is often performed without incisions. When incisions are required, they are dime-sized incisions, much smaller than traditional surgery, which typically requires six- to 12-inch incisions.

Minimally invasive gynecologic surgery is about helping women cure their GYN health issues with the least amount of pain and disruption to their busy lives. Women don’t have time for pain or bleeding, much less, for surgery to get these issues fixed.

Gynecologists consistently treat women for irregular bleeding.

It’s an uncomfortable topic for many women and often, they just suffer in silence. That’s not how it should be.

Women have safe and effective surgical options to get back to normal periods. Yes, there is something that can be done! You can fix the problem with a procedure you walk away from and continue with regular activity. With many procedures, patients are able to be back at work the next day. For more information on minimally invasive surgery options, visit wc.centrahealth.com. september 2016

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emergency preparedness Creating an emergency kit

By definition “emergencies” are a serious, unexpected and often dangerous situation that requires immediate action. Dr. Stephanie Harper, Director of the Roanoke City and Alleghany Health Departments, wants families and businesses to proactively prepare for a wide variety of potential emergencies by taking some simple, proactive steps.

Too often, emergencies catch us off guard and cause us to suffer more than necessary. The best way to prepare for the unknown is to stay informed about potential risks in our area, make and store a first aid and survival kit, and make a response plan to share with your family, friends and coworkers.

First Aid and Survival kits are available for purchase from a multitude of retail stores with a variety of essential supplies. However, whether you purchase or create your own kit, you should include these basic supplies: •

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Water: Clean Drinking Water is essential to life and not always readily available in emergency situations. Pack one gallon of water per person, per day. It is recommended you have at least a two week supply of both food and water in your home and a three to five day supply available to take with you if there is an evacuation.

Additional supplies you should consider depend on the needs of your companions and the types of disasters common to your area.

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Games, toys, and books

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Pet supplies: Such as food, water, leash, collar, tags, carriers, and a picture of your pet.

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Tools such as wrenches, duct tape, a whistle and utility knife

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Food: Pack food that is non-perishable and easy to prepare.

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A manual can opener.

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A change of clothes for each person.

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Sturdy footwear.

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Matches

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A sleeping bag or two blankets per person.

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Rain gear

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A flashlight.

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Towels

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A battery powered or hand-crank radio.

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Work gloves

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Extra batteries and bulbs.

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Plastic sheeting

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Medications and medical items: Pack a minimum of a seven day supply of any medications you and your companions may require.

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Scissors

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Household liquid bleach

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Fuel for your vehicle

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A multi-purpose tool such as a Swiss Army Knife.

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Sanitation and personal hygiene products.

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Prepare for all sanitation considerations by storing toilet paper, soap, garbage bags, plastic bags, a five gallon bucket with lid, disinfectant, pre-moistened towelettes and feminine hygiene products in addition to deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, eye glasses, contact lenses and supplies for use, diapers, etc.

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Copies of personal documentation: Each member of your group should keep copies of a medication list and pertinent medical information; proof of address; deed/lease to home; passports; birth certificates; photographs clearly showing the face of each family member (including your pets), and any insurance policies.

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A cell phone with charger.

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Family and emergency contact information.

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A set of keys to both vehicles and properties in a waterproof container.

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Cash and credit cards.

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An emergency blanket.

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A map of the area.

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A medical first aid kit with bandages, wound ointments, and care instructions. bella magazine

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You should store first aid kits in both your home and car and switch out your food and water supply every six months to maintain freshness. Also check medical supplies and hygiene products regularly to avoid using expired products. A free customizable checklist is also available at www.vdh.virginia.gov/OEP

This article is part of a series of articles from the Roanoke City & Alleghany Health Departments meant to inform local residents about the preventive measures they can take to protect the health of their families and friends this season. The Roanoke City & Alleghany Health Departments are working to prevent the spread of disease, protect the environment, prevent injury, promote and encourage healthy behavior, respond to disasters and assist communities in recovery, and assure the quality and accessibility of health services for all members of our community. www.vhd.virginia.gov w w w. l o v e l y b e l l a . c o m

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exploring minimalism

Finding the path that works best for you

Written by Hayleigh Worgan It is one thing to identify as a minimalist. It is another thing altogether to identify as a minsumer (someone who buys less).

I’ve addressed this concept briefly in earlier articles, but after discussing minimalism with a new acquaintance, I think it is worth exploring further.

Often, when minimalists get together and start talking about their lifestyles, it becomes a competition to see who has the least amount of clothing in their closets and who lives with the least amount of clutter. To some extent, the competition is healthy in that it shows us where we can eliminate additional clutter and live a better life.

However, it can be easy to lose sight of why you started living with less when you start comparing your journey to that of someone else.

For example, a few months ago, I discussed my experiment with Project 333— living with 33 articles of clothing (including jewelry and shoes) for three months. To some minimalists, even this number is excess. This is true for my new acquaintance, who has discovered a way to live with only ten items in her wardrobe.

As I stood in awe of her ability to appear so effortlessly stylish with only ten items at her disposal, she explained how it worked and that she also changed her wardrobe every season. At the time, it didn’t dawn on me to inquire if that meant that seasonal items went into storage or were simply donated and replaced later. Instead, I was mentally rearranging my own wardrobe (which includes clothes for all seasons), trying to decide what I could also eliminate to reach this magical number.

She recommended a book to me that led her to change her own life: Lessons from Madam Chic by Jennifer Scott. Naturally, I bought it as soon as our conversation was over and began reading it that night.

I’m going to be honest. I REALLY like the idea of a ten-item wardrobe. I’m just not ready for it yet. However, there are some excellent thoughts about living minimally in this book—including an entire section on not snacking throughout the day (which I’m also not ready to try), and tips on how to reduce your cosmetics. Scott, like Marie Kondo, has a large following online. Many of them post their seasonal ten-item wardrobes on their blogs. That level of discipline is admirable, but as I continued to research this idea, I also began to question how it would work with my own goals.

Reducing is the first battle, but it is not the war. Instead of replacing items every season, my first goal is to try living with a wardrobe that will work for the entire year. The longer I hold on to quality items, the less resources I will use to meet my needs. Even clothes that are donated contribute to a larger problem—the mass consumption of nonrenewable resources, labor, and finances that could be put to better use.

I do acknowledge that there are minsumers out there who are also choosing to live with the same ten-item wardrobe year-round, and I salute you. One day, I hope to join your ranks.

Hayleigh is a beginner minimalist who loves going anywhere she can hang her hammock. When she's not writing for and editing Bella, she enjoys trying new things in the community.

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money management Three reasons to choose a local lender for your mortgage loan

Article courtesy of

You’ve found it—your dream home. You’ve been saving like crazy (who knew those lattes were costing you so much?) and scouring the “for sale” ads, and it’s finally paid off. But before you start planning where to position the couch, you need to secure a mortgage lender.

You’ve worked too hard to go with just any lender. You need someone who is knowledgeable, trustworthy, and who is there to help you navigate the home-buying terrain. Online mortgages might promise cheaper rates and convenience, but here are three reasons why choosing a local lender might be wiser.

1. Upfront, accurate information. Online mortgage lenders’ low rates and willingness to approve applicants with questionable credit might be attractive. However, a low rate could mean hidden fees later in the process, and just because you’re approved for a mortgage loan doesn’t mean you can afford one. With a local lender, you are sitting across the desk from an actual person, so you can verify that all rates and fees are disclosed. Though local lenders are more selective about approvals, they will offer advice and tools to help you get approved quickly.

2. Local connections. When working with online lenders, you don’t know where they’re located. Not only do local lenders know your individual market better, they also have connections in the area that can help make things more affordable or easier for you—realtors and insurance professionals, for example. Also, local lenders are often involved in neighborhood events and local charities; it’s always nice to support an institution that gives back to your community.

3. Personalized service. Another benefit of working with a local lender is their ability to see your overall financial picture. Want to buy a larger house but you’re unsure of the monthly payments? A mortgage originator can look at refinancing other loans to free up more money each month or look for better, more affordable options.

So if you’re in the market for a mortgage loan, don’t leave it up to an unknown online lender. Reach out to a local expert who can give you the individual attention you deserve and get you on the road to approval.

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 information on the products and services they offer. w w w. l o v e l y b e l l a . c o m

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fall arts & culture Staying busy (& entertained!) in Southwest & Central Virginia!

Our fall calendars are already filling up with fun events going on throughout the area! Check out some of our favorites here and make sure to add them to your schedule. We may just see you there!

Chateau Morrisette will kick off September with Beer and Brats on the Courtyard on Saturday, September 10. Enjoy hearty handcrafted beers and delicious bratwurst amidst spectacular views of the Blue Ridge. Don’t worry, they will have wine too! Dance the afternoon away with pop, country, and reggae tunes from the Dancing Chicken Band.

On Saturday, September 24, take part in The Harvest with the Dogs Vineyard Experience. It is a fun, half-day, hands-on experience of the grape harvest at Chateau Morrisette. The experience includes an overview of viticulture at the vineyard with manager Steve VanSutphin, a gourmet box lunch with wine in the vineyard, a 45-minute grape harvest session, and learning to process grapes to begin winemaking. Your $70 fee also includes a free tasting, a souvenir t-shirt, and juice pressing. There will be both a morning and an afternoon session available to choose between.

Don’t forget their special Sunday Sounds sessions. This fall, they include the talented Melissa McSherry, Pat Anderson, the Mac Traynham Duo and the Indian Run Stringband. For more information on fall happenings at Chateau Morrisette, visit www. thedogs.com.

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The Jefferson Center also has several exciting performances scheduled for Fall 2016. On September 8, Grammy winners The SteelDrivers will perform with Blue Mule at 7:30 pm. Their edgy bluegrass sound paired with the raw and beautiful talent of each band member creates a performance audiences will not soon forget.

Just a few days later, on September 11, outdoor adventure lovers can enjoy the Banff Radical Reels Film Festival & Get Outside Expo. The film festival includes the most outrageous mountain sports films from the 40th Annual Banff Radical Reels Film Festival, presented by National Geographic. Local outfitters, nonprofits, and volunteer groups will have tables set up showcasing their organizations. The event lasts from 4-8pm.

The Jefferson Center is just warming up with their September events. Additional fall performances will include Alicia Olatujah september 2016

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(October 15), Lala Hathaway (November 10), and Loretta Lynn (November 18). Go to www.jeffcenter.org for more information on the upcoming season and to purchase tickets.

We have anxiously awaited Opera Roanoke’s presentation of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s South Pacific since we first heard about it a few months ago. Thankfully, we won’t have to wait much longer.

Classified as one of the great “American Operas” from Broadway, this World War II-era classic continues to entertain, inspire, and with its honest portrayals of race and class tensions, provoke audiences everywhere. We look forward to seeing the talented cast, directed by J.J. Hudson, perform this beautiful show on Friday, October 7 at 7:30 pm and Sunday, October 9 at 3 pm. Opera Roanoke fans will recognize Corey Crider (Sweeney Todd, 2015), in his role debut as Emile de Becque, and Ariana Wyatt (The Pirates of Penzance, 2013), making her role debut as Nellie Forbush. Visit their website at www.operaroanoke.org to purchase tickets.

Finally, we couldn’t be more excited about Jane Gershon Weitzman’s Fantasy Art Shoes exhibit at the Taubman Museum of Art! This show will run from September 3 through December 31. It features more than 70 inventive examples of fantasy art shoes chosen from Weitzman’s collection, remarkable for their imaginative construction and elaborate adornment.

Weitzman, who served as executive vice president of Stuart Weitzman and first vice president of Stuart Weitzman Retail, invited hundreds of artists over two decades to make these shoes for window displays in the company’s flagship boutique on Madison Avenue in New York City.

They later inspired her book, Art & Sole, which features nearly 150 of the shoes.

Each delicate shoe is constructed from unexpected materials such as bronze, ceramic, wire, Plexiglas, and corrugated cardboard. Other shoes are noteworthy for their surfaces, embellished with feathers, gems, and even cake frosting.

Visit www.taubmanmuseum.org for additional information on this exhibit, museum hours, and location.

Stay tuned to our website ( www.lovelybella.com ) and our Facebook page for up-to-date announcements and local happenings throughout the season!

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veganville Written by Ginger Rail*

Delicious or despicable? You be the judge?

Personally, I have never acquired a taste for raw cookie dough, which the rest of the world finds completely irresistible. To me, the texture is akin to that white paste-glue we used in elementary school before glue sticks were invented: gritty and mucilaginous. Trust me, I know, I ate a LOT of it. Anyway, there are plenty of things people eat today that mystify me even more than raw cookie dough.

For example, olive loaf. This luncheon meat that has been around forever, and while you won’t find many recipes for it anymore, back in the day cookbooks were loaded with directions on how to make your own homemade version of this menacing comestible. Today, it’s sold at deli counters in thick slices; odds and ends of pig full of pieces of pimento-stuffed green olives.

Unlike sausage, which is cooked in a casing, olive loaf is cooked in a pan to get that comforting meatloaf shape. Nutritionally, it’s perfect for high-endurance athletes can’t pack all that Gatorade on their marathons: it has 500mg of sodium in a single slice. That’s electrolyte-replenishment heaven!

Next, the equally enchanting head cheese. In truth, it is not cheese at all. It’s generally made from pig hearts, feet, and tongue. If you’re super-lucky, it’s made the old-fashioned way, by starting out with an entire pig’s head. Why is it called head “cheese” if there’s no cheese in it? Because, left at room temperature, the meat is spreadable, the way a fine French brie simply melts in your mouth. And don’t we all like to leave meat sitting out, especially on warm days?

Kopi Luwak coffee is quite the restorative, too. Some (unsophisticated) people call it “cat poop” coffee, but it’s really coffee beans which the palm civet, an Indonesian cat-like animal, has eaten and then defecated. Their golden guano is then collected and processed into the most expensive coffee in the world, and you will pay anywhere between $100 and $600 a pound. If you find it by the cup in a coffee shop, it will cost a minimum of about $50 for a single cup. About five times more Kopi Luwak is sold than is actually produced, which means that if your local mini-mart stocks it, you need to ask for some country of origin documentation.

Finally, this one might get me in trouble: Combos. I kind of feel almost un-American pointing out that these are pretty gross if you actually think about them, but it’s the truth. Do they, or do they not, look like dog kibble? These salt bombs were invented in the 1970s, so that’s strike number one. The fact that they had to be invented is strike number two. And strike number three? Mars, the maker of Combos, will not reveal how they are produced; it’s a “proprietary process.” Obviously, a casual glance at these brackish chunks indicates extrusion is involved, and any food that is made by extrusion, either partly or entirely, can’t be good for you. Besides, you know that 6-ounce bag you pick up at the gas station and scarf down on the way to work in the morning because you’re “not a breakfast eater?” It has over 800 calories and about 1800mg of sodium along with those juicy 40g of fat. But no pepperoni, if you’re eating the super-popular Pepperoni Pizza variety.

Hopefully all of these revelations will not ruin anyone’s favorite food—except all of the raw cookie dough eaters. THAT is a trend I would love to see disappear

*Ginger Rail is the pen name of our favorite vegan writer in Southwest Virginia. She spends her spare time entertaining her friends and family with her hilarious adventures–and now she’s also sharing them with us! Be ready to laugh with her each month (and maybe learn a few things too)! page 30

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