Bella Magazine - March 2017

b march 2017

WO M E N S H I STO RY M O N T H M I N D • B O DY • S O U L LO C A L WO M E N

march 2017

M a rc h 2017

Is su e On e H u n d re d Twe nty- N i n e

Joey Coakley Beck Publisher & Owner jbeck@beckmediagroup.com Hayleigh Worgan Editorial Director hworgan@beckmediagroup.com Sara Coakley Office Manager bella@beckmediagroup.com ••• ADVERTISING Meredith MacKenzie Advertising Sales Representative meredith@beckmediagroup.com (540) 904-6800 ••• Contributors Annette Clark/Alzheimers Association, Member One Federal Credit Union, Aaren Nuñez/Well Fed Farm, Zoë Pierson, Hayleigh Worgan Editorial Inquiries editorial@beckmediagroup.com

inside working women

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Honoring past accomplishments and looking towards the future.

spring happenings

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Exciting things happening in Southwest and Central Virginia!

mind • body • soul

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Take charge of your health and live your best life.

save smarter

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A few steps for creating a plan to tackle your bills.

common good

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Exploring the local food culture in Southwest & Central Virginia.

poppyseed

Celebrating the connections that create diverse families in the region.

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. ©2017 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

meet the maker The Pie Lady transforms family dinner.

bella loves

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Make your dreams come true!

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working women

Written by Zoë Pierson

international women’s day Celebrating acts of determined women

Left: Suffragists General Rosalie Jones, Jessie Stubbs, and Colonel Ida Craft. Photo courtesy Library of Congress. Right: Pistol Packin’ Mama, at the four engine school at Lockbourne AAF, Ohio, are members of a group of Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPS) who have been trained to ferry the B-17 Flying Fortresses.

L to R are Frances Green, Margaret (Peg) Kirchner, Ann Waldner and Blanche Osborn. Photo courtesy U.S. Air Force.

With the formal day of celebration on March 8, we should keep in mind the women who have worked diligently for their achievements in the social, economic, and the political sectors. While popular women in those jobs are receiving credit, there are many women who are donating their life’s work to help others and are not recognized. Here are a few women that haven’t been given as much recognition as they deserve:

Cecilia Katungwa

Bratindi Jena

TechnoServe uses their Young Women in Enterprise (YWE) program to help low income women in Kenya to gain business skills, financing knowledge, and start small businesses. Cecilia Katungwa used the skills she gained from the program to open her small shop for knitted goods in a Nairobi town. Cecilia has not only gained a source of income for herself, but has given a few other women the same opportunity. She is working to teach and empower the women and girls of her neighborhood to have the courage to change their future, and helping them to stay healthy by staying HIV/AIDS free.

When a corporate organization wanted to mine natural resources from Niyamgiri, Bratindi Jena started the Actionaid India’s Niyamgiri Protection Campaign in 2003 to try to stop their efforts.

She wanted to make sure the ecological resources and the indigenous people were not exploited.

Many people were against her and threatened her work, but she took her campaign to the law and gained attention of both national and international environmental campaigns. Her work has earned a “no mining license” so far, but she must keep working to make sure that stays intact.

Frances Perkins received her Master’s Degree from Columbia University in sociology and from there began her life of service for others. She was appointed secretary for the New York Citizens’ Committee by mayor Al Smith, and when she impressed many with her work, she became the Chair of the State Industrial Commission. FDR soon named her Industrial Commissioner where she began working on social issues and work regulations.

Soon after, she became US Secretary of Labor when Roosevelt won the presidency. As the first female cabinet member, Frances worked to build the New Deal, set minimum wage, unemployment insurance, instilled child labor laws, contributed to the building of Social Security and much more.

The legacy of these women should help all women feel empowered to continue to build change for a better tomorrow. Keep their efforts alive throughout the month, and show your support on March 8th! Visit www.internationalwomensday.com for Frances Perkins more information.

Zoë Pierson is a First Year at Hollins University who is pursuing a dual major in communication studies and international studies, with a minor in business. She enjoys animals, coffee, and reading new books. w w w. l o v e l y b e l l a . c o m

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women’s march on roanoke

How organizers & volunteers continue to make a difference

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It began last year at a Christmas party. Djuna Osborne approached her friend, Leslie Cramer, disheartened by the post-election climate.

“In general, there was so much negativity, hate, and discrimination. Everything you heard felt like you had to fact check it on every side. It felt very wrong in terms of the core of American values,” recalls Leslie.

At this point, Djuna had the paperwork to begin planning the Women’s March on Roanoke. She was ready to do it by herself, expecting around 50 people to attend. Leslie offered to help, and the idea quickly gained traction on social media. On January 21, over 3000 people participated in the Women’s March on Roanoke. Around the nation, millions of women and men turned out for sister marches. Now, two months later, it is important to keep that momentum alive. Together, with a group of volunteers, Leslie and Djuna are doing just that on a local level.

With an election coming up in November that has the potential to reshape the Virginia House of Delegates, it is important that everyone is well-informed about the concerns of each candidate. Leslie and Djuna hope that, through group huddles over the coming months, they can find people who are willing to go out and canvas for Democratic candidates. The goal is to get people excited and actively engaged in the election process. Every single seat is important.

“We are not stuck like this for the next four years,” says Leslie. “Changes aren’t going to happen overnight. Coming together for these events with like-minded people can be very comforting mentally and emotionally.”

She makes an excellent point. For some of us new to the world of activism, shocked into the glaring reality of injustice that still exists—that has always existed beneath the rosecolored glasses of privilege—an overwhelming desire to make the world better for our sisters and friends is coupled with a fear of territory we haven’t explored. Attending meetings like those hosted by the Women’s March on Roanoke allow us to see that many of our neighbors are willing to stand up for equality despite their differences. When people feel that from their community, it inspires them to be brave. It can be in a setting as simple as a postcard writing party.

“[These events] consist of people making connections and having an enjoyable evening. We are absolutely trying to get a message across through the postcards, but it is also about creating camaraderie and support,” she adds.

Leslie and Djuna are involved with other organizations throughout the community like Roanoke Indivisible and Together We Will. They have open communication with the Roanoke City and Roanoke County Democratic Committees. Every action and meeting helps make sure elected officials are held accountable for their decisions and listening to their constituents.

For more information on the Women’s March on Roanoke and how you can get involved, check out their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/womensmarchonroanoke.

They update it frequently with ways to stay connected as the movement evolves. march 2017

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spring happenings Fun (for all ages!) in Southwest & Central Virginia

As the weather gets warmer, your schedule should begin to look a little brighter. With fun events happening locally throughout March, there will be something for the whole family. Check out our favorites below, and stay tuned to www.lovelybella.com for updates on happenings throughout the month!

McDonald’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Shamrock Festival

Don’t miss the annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration on Saturday, March 11, beginning at 11 am in Downtown Roanoke. This is a great event for families with two free McDonald’s Kid’s Zone locations available from 12 to 5pm. Children can enjoy games, inflatables, face painting, and more in front of the Taubman Museum of Art on Salem Avenue and in Market Square. Corned Beef & Co. will host a Celtic Celebration from 10 am to 5 pm, and Martin’s St. Pats Block Party will open at 11 am. Visit www.downtownroanoke.org for more information.

Just Stevii presents: Experience!

A free event to encourage women to empower themselves and reach their full potential is a great way to celebrate Women’s History Month. That’s why we are so excited that Just Stevii presents: Experience! will take place at the Kirk Family YMCA on Friday, March 17 from 5 to 9 pm. Roanoke is one of four stops on Stevii Aisha Mills’ cross-country tour.

Stevii is a motivational speaker with a goal to help women who are dedicated to pushing past their past to loudly (and proudly!) declare, “I love my life!” Her event will feature several fantastic vendors, including The Purposeful Speaker and Total Life Changes. Visit www.stevii.com/ experience to learn more.

American Impressionism in the Garden at the Taubman Museum of Art The American Impressionism in the Garden exhibit at the Taubman Museum of Art includes several new loans from major institutions across the United States. During the late 19th century, many American Impressionist artists studied alongside their French counterparts in Paris and Giverny to capture light’s fleeting effects by painting en plein air, or outside. They distinguished themselves by depicting uniquely American subjects—notably, the garden. This exhibition explores that era, breathing in the fresh aroma of a world in bloom. It will be on view until May 14. Go to www.taubmanmuseum.org for information.

Frederick Childe Hassam (American, 1859-1935), "Descending the Steps, Central Park," 1895, Oil on canvas, 22 3/8" x 22 1/4", Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond. Gift of the Estate of Hildegarde Graham van Roijen, 93.112. Photograph: Katherine Wetzel ©Virginia Museum of Fine Arts w w w. l o v e l y b e l l a . c o m

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Written by Zoë Pierson

mind • body • soul

what we’re reading

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These days, it is seemingly harder to enjoy and trust in the company of strangers. Because of the awful things we continuously hear in the media, we are apprehensive to go anywhere with a crowd, especially traveling. Upon reading Kim Dinan’s first book, The Yellow Envelope, even the most apprehensive among us may start to see that if you believe in the ability of the Earth to take care of you, it will.

After Dinan moved to Portland with nothing but her husband, two dogs, and a few boxes, her generous new boss offered the luxury of her home (and tours of the city!) to the couple. Jump a few years into the future and Dinan had her own home, a different job, and a seemingly perfect life; but she knew that she was missing out on the life she wanted. After talking her husband into selling everything and planning to travel until whenever they decided when, her former boss (now friend) gifted the couple $1,000 in a yellow envelope to help others throughout their travels. They only had a few rules with the money.

Don’t overthink it, document it (or not) so that they might be able to see it in the future, and decide the amounts to give away based on how they were inspired.

Throughout their travels in South America, India, Nepal, and Peru, Dinan realized that every time something on her trip didn’t go the way they planned, a native aided them. She was most surprised by the generosity that was shown in India. Between losing a cell phone and traveling in an old rickshaw that was prone to breaking down every time she drove it, someone was willing to reach out without expecting compensation in return.

She speaks openly about how their travels challenged the relationship between her and her husband. The strain of being constantly together in an unfamiliar environment after being in such a stable routine for years put tension into everything they did. The distances traveled, the strenuous hiking, and the ever-changing landscape took them as far apart as they could be, changed the outlook they both had on the relationship, but ultimately brought them back closer than ever.

The purpose of the yellow envelope was to make a difference in the world, no matter how slight. It also changed Dinan’s perspective on life completely. Not only did she gain more confidence and happiness through gifting small donations to many people during her travels, but the reality of traveling to Third World places brought her to appreciate the smallest things handed to her. She loved harder and more often. She came out of the three years of touring the world a completely different person.

While not many believe in the reality of dropping everything and traveling for extended periods of time, Dinan’s newly identified lessons can be incorporated into believing in the humanity of the world. It does still exist, and we should not be so scared that we miss the opportunity to experience it. Visit Dinan’s blog, www.so-many-places.com, to learn more about her travels and where to purchase The Yellow Envelope. march 2017

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Written by Hayleigh Worgan

planning for the future

A young woman searches for a doctor who will let her be in control of her own body

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When Christa Poindexter graduated from high school in 2008, she knew that giving birth to children was something that she did not want for her future.

“I remember talking to my first gynecologist, well before I was sexually active, and explaining that I was interested in permanent birth control for when I became sexually active,” she explains. “The doctors look at you like you are crazy.”

For Christa and many other women, this conversation is still difficult to have with medical professionals in the south, predominately in what is considered the “Bible Belt” region. The double standard still exists that, even in your twenties, you are old enough to choose to commit to a child for the rest of your life, but not old enough to decide that you never want to give birth to children.

Four years later, Christa brought it up to her doctor again. She explained that she planned on adopting children when she was ready, something that is desperately needed across the country. Again, her doctor refused to offer any form of permanent birth control.

“She explained that she would not perform the procedure unless her patient was 30 years old or had two to three children, and she preferred three children. It was a shocking thing to me,” Christa says.

Even when she moved to more progressive areas, like Philadelphia, she was met with resistance. “In Philadelphia, a doctor told me she did not want to dismiss it, but that I was simply too young. She told me that it wasn’t that she wanted me to have children, but my age was not what her practice would allow,” she adds. “When I asked if she knew someone who would do it, she said I should try a different form of birth control.”

This suggestion, although perfectly valid for women who seek temporary birth control, was simply not right for Christa. During her first three months on any form of birth control pills, she experienced severe side effects from headaches to hair loss. When she explained these to her first doctor, she suggested a non-hormonal IUD. Until that time, Christa had never experienced cramps with her monthly cycle. Once she had the IUD, her cramps became worse, and her cycle lasted 18 days.

Christa then switched to a hormonal IUD and began having headaches, back aches, and extreme cramps.

She experienced weight gain and emotional turmoil. For years, she struggled with each temporary solution offered to her in place of the permanent one she desired. Then, she moved across the country.

When she met with her doctor in California, at age 26, she inquired about a permanent procedure once more. This time, after acknowledging that Christa was young, she followed it up with the truth that rises above a woman’s age or marital status: Christa owns her own body. She should be able to make decisions like this one for herself.

They agreed to a procedure called Tubal Ligation. This can mean different things for different people, but for Christa it meant that her fallopian tubes were removed. She met with the doctor and surgeon thirty days prior to the surgery for an evaluation that made sure she understood what the procedure meant and that she was not forced. By law, her doctor had to go through every single form of birth control verbally as an option. Once Christa refused all of them, they could schedule her surgery. |

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“All of the changes that I’ve experienced are positive. My monthly cycle is back to normal. I am happier, not moody and crying all the time. My hair isn’t falling out, and I don’t have any weird body changes. I’ve lost weight. It’s all positive for me,” she explains. “I have no scars.

They walked me right through it. I have no pain or soreness.”

Christa does say that some women could have scars, and it is important to remember that, like birth control pills or IUDs, side effects can be different for everyone. People who are interested in this procedure should have full discussions with their doctors about options and potential side effects to make the best decision. Of course, based on your age, you may be having that discussion with more than one doctor. Above all, be the best health advocate you can for yourself. It never hurts to get opinions from a few different medical professionals to weigh your options.

You may also want to look at your insurance coverage before scheduling a permanent birth control procedure.

“When I selected my insurance plan with my employer, I noticed that most of them covered sterilization. It was interesting to me to see that they also believed an individual owns their own body, and they wanted to give options for coverage based on that. The surgery was very expensive, but my insurance covered all of it except my copay since I was in the hospital,” Christa says.

Since her procedure, Christa has received both criticism and congratulations. From her critics, Christa is often told the same things her original doctors said almost ten years ago.

She is young. She may regret this one day.

Some even revert to talking about how much they love their own children, which is an odd argument to hear from someone else in the context of Christa’s body.

“Of course they love their own children,” she says. “I’m not telling them they shouldn’t, or that I won’t love the children I adopt one day.”

Because, when it all comes down to it, the public outcry that goes into whether a woman can choose permanent birth control seems to far surpass the energy that goes into helping children in foster care or in need of adoption. Christa, who has volunteered through various organizations to help these children, has seen this problem first-hand.

“I work with various age groups, and it has made me feel close to them. I don’t have to go through the challenge of birth, that could be detrimental to my health and the health of a baby,” she explains. “At the end of the day, there are children out there already who need love, and I can provide that for them without going through childbirth.”

Hayleigh Worgan uses her voice as a writer and the editor of Bella Magazine to tell the stories of women in our community regardless of race, religion, country of origin, or sexual orientation. In her free time, she works on creative pieces that focus on equality. www.hayleighworgan.com

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Written by Annette Clark

mind • body • soul

women & alzheimer’s disease Awareness is the first step to winning the public fight against this illness

Alzheimer’s disease has a striking impact on the lives of individuals, but it can be especially strong for women--whether they are living with the disease or they are caregivers, relatives, friends, or loved ones of those directly affected.

So, why do we feel that women are impacted more significantly than their male counterparts? The answer is that we do not completely understand the why, but we do know that Alzheimer’s dementia disproportionately affects women in a variety of ways.

According to Alzheimer’s Association research, women are 2.5 times more likely to provide 24-hour care for an affected relative than males. Many of them have been forced to quit work or reduce their work schedules to do so. This can have a long-term effect on them financially, emotionally, and physically.

In addition, women make up nearly two-thirds of the more than 5 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s today. The Alzheimer’s Association states in their 2016 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures, that an estimated 3.3 million women aged 65 and older in the United States have this disease.

Researchers are passionately working to determine if or why women develop the disease at a higher rate than men. Even though women live longer than men and age is a significant risk factor, researchers suggest that longevity alone may not account for the unequal disease burden that women face. Studies have revealed that there may be distinct biological and genetic factors shaping how the disease develops and progresses in women.

The Alzheimer’s Association concludes that more research is needed to understand the different roles that genetics, hormones and lifestyle factors play in Alzheimer’s in men and women. Several factors now in the spotlight that are potentially modifiable are years of education, occupation, exercise, diet, stress, anxiety and sleep. A better understanding of these differences will be extremely important as we move forward with more effective strategies for treating, preventing, and diagnosing Alzheimer’s.

With all the unknowns, we can say that Alzheimer’s disease remains one of the most critical public health issues in America. The Alzheimer’s Association is the leader in advocating for public policy issues and critical research funding. Call 1.800.272.3900 or www.alz.org to see how you can join the fight.

Resources: Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures reports and excerpts from “Sex biology contributions to vulnerability to Alzheimer’s disease”: A think tank convened by the Women’s Alzheimer’s Research Initiative. The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association.

Annette Clark, MsG, is a Family Services Director with the Alzheimer’s Association Central and Western VA Chapter. She has 19 years of experience working at the Adult Care Center of Roanoke Valley before joining the Association staff 13 years ago. march 2017

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save smarter

Article courtesy of Member One Federal Credit Union

good debt -vs- bad debt

Learn the difference and get some tips for tackling debt Most of us have debt, and some would even argue it’s a necessary part of life. But did you know that not all debt is created equal? Borrowing money for a good or service that you otherwise can’t afford at the time isn’t always a bad thing, but it’s important to be aware of its impact on your overall financial health.

First, let’s define good debt. This includes anything that increases your personal wealth and/ or generates income. Expenses such as a mortgage, education, or things that save you time and money like a home equity loan to make energy-saving improvements, are wise, long-term investments. That’s because over time, the value of a home generally increases and the potential for a higher wage goes up with additional education. Putting money toward an investment product like a 401(k) or taking out a small business loan to help build a profitable business are also considered good debt because it could be worth more in the future.

So what’s bad debt? This kind of debt includes purchasing things that have no lasting value, don’t increase your wealth, and don’t produce income. While it might be easy to use a credit card for that daily gourmet coffee or high-end purse, these are generally considered unnecessary luxuries and can add up quickly to bad debt from overspending. Debts with a high interest rate and/or debts that include late fees and penalties could end up costing more than the value of the original item, making these expenses an unwise financial investment.

Keep these tips in mind about debt. Always pay close attention to interest rates. Even a seemingly good debt can go sour if it has a variable interest rate that skyrockets after a few months.

Monitor your debt-to-income ratio. This is calculated by comparing your monthly gross income to your debts, both good and bad. Lenders use this figure as one factor in the qualification process, so it’s best to keep this ratio low (38 to 43 percent is generally considered good) to show that you can afford to pay back the money you’re borrowing.

How do you make a dent in your debt? Start by making a list of everything you owe. Map out the amounts, the interest rates, and the time it will take to pay them off. Then, determine which debt is costing you the most in interest and focus on paying that one off first. You should still make at least the minimum payment on the rest of your debts, but this strategy will help you pay off what you owe at the lowest possible cost in the long term.

In an ideal world, you would pay for everything in cash and be debt free, but that’s not the reality for everyone. So, the next time you’re faced with borrowing money, think about the type of debt you’re taking on; then, develop a plan to reduce it as quickly and efficiently as possible.

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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. march 2017

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common good Exploring the local food culture in Southwest & Central Virginia

Photos & written by Aaren Nuñez

Aaren Nuñez is a Mother, Farmer, Cook, and Photographer. She lives with her partner, Craig and two sons in Floyd, VA where she owns and operates Well Fed Farm raising heritage breed livestock. On any given day you can find her milking a cow or two, developing a recipe, driving a tractor, photographing food, and of course thinking about her next meal. Say Hello! aaren@wellfedfarm.com Instagram: @wellfedfarm Facebook: Well Fed Farm, Floyd VA w w w. l o v e l y b e l l a . c o m

Comfort food for a tricky season March. Ah, you trickster, you. There most likely will be an unseasonably warm day that has us flinging open the windows and dreaming of spring. Many of the trees around the farmhouse have even broken bud. However, I try not to get fooled by getting my hopes up this early. It most likely will end up snowing in another two days. (Shhh, don’t tell the hens. They just started to lay again after a long winter off.) Since moving to the farm, I have learned to do my “spring” cleaning before I actually can and want to get outside. It is more of an inspirational “late winter” cleaning in these parts. Once the weather shifts, it’s all systems go around here. Cobwebbing corners or taking care of what is in the back of the laundry room closet completely falls off the radar.

So, while I spend a few (and hopefully last) chilly indoor afternoons cleaning out the pantry shelves, I’ll tally what is running low, needs to be replenished, or simply needs to be used up. On a Sunday, I normally cook up a pot of beans or some bone broth because I am around to keep an eye on it. And when the big oven gets cranked on, it will be filled with whatever is on hand or in the fridge and needing to get used before it gets forgotten, and eventually tossed out to the chickens.

I will roast almost anything. Just give me a hot oven with space to be filled. Bones for a beef stock, a ceramic dish full of garlic heads hit with olive oil, salt, and thyme for scrambled cheese eggs later or perhaps to use in a sourdough loaf, some brussel sprouts mixed with the last, lone, thinly sliced Cara Cara orange (skin and all), beet and kale rounds for snack “chips,” bread heels for croutons… and usually I always pop several big sweet potatoes into the oven, as well.

There is still an apple box full of homegrown sweet potatoes I dug back in October, patiently waiting to be used in the cold basement cellar. They are still firm and covered in dirt and after being forgotten for a spell (whoops, life!) the Sweets now back in full-on rotation. march 2017

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common good

Sweet potatoes are among the more favorite cold weather staples around here. With only a few tweaks they can jump from being used in pancakes or a pie to a more savory preparation of a hash, pork chili, or simply slow roasted, split open, and garnished with nothing more than a knob of butter, a touch of salt, and a few shakes of hot sauce. Of course, since we do eat so many of them, I love playing around with loading them up with any number of things: legumes, brown rice, or quinoa, roasted veggies, and different sauces and salsas. It is a very welcoming blank slate, and having roasted sweets on hand means you can have a meal ready relatively quickly. Especially if you loaded that hot oven with all types of odds and ends while it was on.

Slow Baked Sweet Potatoes

-Aaren

with roasted kale, cauliflower, crispy chickpeas, miso butter & orange cashew cream (Serves 4) 4 good-sized sweet potatoes, skins scrubbed and dried, rubbed with olive oil and salt 2 cups cooked chickpeas (Garbanzo beans), drained and rubbed dry between two folds of a clean kitchen towel One bunch Lacinato kale, rinsed, stripped from the stem, torn into small pieces, and thoroughly dried One small head of cauliflower, large stem removed, and cut into small florets 4 tablespoons good quality olive oil, salt, black pepper, and red chile flakes For the miso butter: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened 2 tablespoons white or red miso Pinch of black pepper and chili flakes For the cashew cream: ¾ cup raw, unsalted cashews ½ cup water, plus more for soaking 1 tablespoon fresh squeezed orange juice 1 teaspoon maple syrup 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt Turn your oven to 300F and place one oven rack in the middle of it. Place a parchment-lined tray on the second rack just below the first upper one. (This will catch the sugary drips. Roasting sweets at a lower temperature helps more of the starch in the sweet potatoes convert to sugars while also limiting the burnt sugar smell from juice oozing drips that can result from a high temperature bake off. Most likely you will have a few drips and the tray will catch these and aid in clean up)

Place oiled and salted sweet potatoes directly on the higher oven rack. The oven need not be preheated fully. Roast sweet potatoes until they give easily inwards with a squeeze around their middle, and the skin looks a bit loose and wrinkly (around 2 hours usually, or sometimes a touch more depending on your oven and the size of tubers). Remove sweets to a shallow bowl and cover to keep warm. Bump up the oven temperature to 400F.

Meanwhile, while sweets are in the oven… Place the cashews in a small bowl and add water to cover. Soak the nuts for 30 minutes (minimum), but ideally an hour or two or up to overnight (if planning ahead).

Go ahead and make your miso butter by combining the room temperature butter with the miso paste, black pepper and chile pepper until thoroughly combined and set aside. (Miso butter will last at least a week in the fridge and can be used everywhere that wants a pop of umami. I just melted some on top of a steak.)

To make the cashew cream, rinse the soaked cashews well under running water in a sieve. Place the nuts in a VitaMix or other high-speed blender along with ½ cup cool, fresh water, the orange juice, maple syrup, and a good pinch of salt. (A food processor will work, but will take longer and require a good bit of scrapping down to fully process.) Blend on high until smooth and creamy. Transfer to a small ramekin, and taste for seasoning. (This sauce keeps for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

The level of liquid can be adjusted for a thicker, spoon-able cream, or a thinner, drizzle-able sauce and cashew cream is a delicious to finish a bowl of squash soup with, smear on toast, or used as a crudité dip.)

Toss the cauliflower florets with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and ¼ teaspoon salt and spread out, avoiding over lapping, on a parchment lined baking sheet. Place this sheet into the 400F oven after sweet potatoes have been removed. Roast for ten minutes.

Using the same cauliflower bowl, toss kale and chickpeas with remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, another ¼ teaspoon of sea salt, and a few grinds of black pepper.

Remove the cauliflower tray (after ten minutes) and mix in the chickpeas and kale, spreading everything out as much as possible. Return tray to oven for another 20 minutes (or so). When the kale has shrunken down and crisped up, the cauliflower has darkened a bit in places, and the chickpeas appear tight and taste crispy, you’re done.

Build your potatoes by slicing each sweet length-wise, and giving a little squeeze to expose the inside. Add several small knobs of miso butter and let it melt into the orange flesh. Layer up the roasted, crispy veg, and finish with cashew cream, and perhaps a shake or two of fermented hot sauce. page 20

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common good

Written by Zoë Pierson

eating healthy starts in the garden

Transform your diet as winter comes to an end

Chipotle Chicken & Corn Chowder { www.iheartnaptime.net }

Baked Beet Chips { www.minimalistbaker.com }

Strawberry Ginger Smoothie { www.hollyscheatday.com } w w w. l o v e l y b e l l a . c o m

Indulge yourself in the flavors of the season, and don’t let the eccentric notes of March pass you by! Find out when to plant, harvest, and the healing benefits of a few fruits and vegetables.

Carrots are potassium-rich and increase blood flow which means that you could benefit from better organ function and reduce stress on the cardiovascular system. Richer forms of vitamin C with antiseptics and antibacterial abilities offer their help while fiber sets out to help your digestive system. It’s even been said that beta-carotene helps to reduce the risk of cancer, specifically lung cancer. It is important that you have deep, loose soil for planting, and read seed packets to verify days to maturity. Baby carrots typically take 50-60 days to mature, while “mature” carrots take about 75 days or so from planting. Loosen soil before pulling carrots from the ground, and don’t store them near apples or pears as it makes the carrots bitter.

Beet juice can help increase your stamina if consumed regularly before exercising. It increases tolerance to high intensity exercise and lowers oxygen costs of lower intensity workouts. They also contain betaine, which lowers inflammation and can help to increase performance to people with chronic diseases and prevent future conditions from happening. Beets support your bodies detoxification process, so they flush out all of the bad stuff and help your blood and liver to stay clean. If you are growing beets, they should be planted 10-12 weeks before the first fall frost. Give the soil plenty of moisture. Beets can be harvested around your schedule, but the longer you wait for a larger bulb, the tougher they will be.

Anthocyanins, found in strawberries, can reduce the risk of heart attacks in women; with three servings per week. Stroke risk can also be reduced, as formation of blood clots are diminished by the potassium and antioxidants. Due to the low glycemic index of strawberries, they can keep blood sugar stable and reduce chances of other problems dealt with by diabetics, like kidney disease. Pregnant women are encouraged to maintain an adequate folic acid intake to protect from neural tube defects, and strawberries are a great way to do this. Strawberry season only lasts 3-4 weeks, so be very aware. For the first year they are planted, pick the blossoms off of the “mother” plant in order to produce better “daughter” plants. The second year, the berries tend to be ripe 28-30 days after bloom. Pick berries when they are completely red, in the morning, with 1/4 of the stem attached.

Cilantro, also known as coriander, has an oil in its leaves that helps to preserve other foods from spoiling, and a compound made from the leaves and seeds has been shown to have an antibacterial effect against salmonella, even more so than the medical antibiotic against it. This one is also great for detoxification and juices! It can be planted in spring after the last frost, or in the fall in a sunny spot. Be aware of fertilization, as you can over fertilize cilantro easily, and make sure to water regularly. When it grows its stalk, cut off the plant after the seeds stop, and let it self-seed. Large leaves can be cut individually from each plant, while small leaves can be cut off 1 and 1/2 to 2 inches above the crown. To store cilantro, you can either freeze or dry it.

The blogs we have included on this page have creative (and delicious!) ways to incorporate these vegetables into your diet! Give them a try, and let us know what yourecipes thinkcourtesy on ourofFacebook page { www.facebook.com/bellamagazine }.

Photo and Cara Mangini, The Vegetable Butcher, and Workman Publishing march 2017

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poppyseed Bella’s guide for all families of Southwest & Central Virginia

Family Fun Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Handmade Charlotte!

Photos provided by Handmade Charlotte

If you’re looking for a fun project to do with the kids for St. Patrick’s Day, try this adorable DIY for Giant Lucky Charms Barrettes from Handmade Charlotte { www.handmadecharlotte.com }. They have so many unique projects for kids of all ages— visit their website for more great spring craft ideas!

You will need: Crayola Model Magic Food coloring Scrap paper Pencil Scissors Bobby pins Tape Parchment paper

Lay a piece of parchment paper down on your work surface.

Grab a handful of Crayola Model Magic and add food coloring to change the color–wear gloves if you don’t want your hands to be dyed. Roll out flat until about ¼” thick. Draw and cut out Lucky Charms shapes onto paper, about 2” tall. Place your paper pattern onto the rolled Model Magic and use scissors to cut out the shape. The Model Magic is just tacky enough to hold the paper in place as you cut. Repeat and let dry. Use tape to attach a bobby pin onto the back of each Lucky Charm.

The tape was strong enough to last the day, but if you want something more permanent, use a short piece of ribbon and glue instead.

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poppyseed

science fun at home Hands-on learning for the little scientist in your family!

Explorabox is a nonprofit organization that inspires “students to feel ownership over their education, share ideas with one another, and experience the excitement of scientific discovery.� They have conducted camps for children coming from underprivileged backgrounds including visits to technology companies like Google to meet with top scientists and engineers. They also hold workshops at local schools teaching through firsthand science activities and offer after school science camps.

Because they are a nonprofit, Explorabox relies on tax-deductible donations to provide these services.

For a donation of $25, you can purchase a hands-on science kit of your own. They offer several different options including an electricity kit that allows kids to explore circuits, electromagnetism, and static electricity. They even get to build their own motor!

Explorabox also offers kits that include information and experiments with microscopes, magnetism, nutrition, and chemistry. For additional science fun between kits, they provide free instructions for science activities you can try at home. Visit their website, www.explorabox.org, for more information on everything they do and how you can help! page 24

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The Pie Lady’s Chicken, Bacon, Spinach & Asiago Pie

The Pie Lady’s Chocolate Pecan Pie

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

Let us know! bella@beckmediagroup.com page 26

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MEET THE

MAKERS

Written by Hayleigh Worgan

Bringing Families to the Table, One Pie at a Time

In late 2015, Cindy Bailey became an empty nester. Her daughter was a student at Virginia Tech, and her son would soon be leaving for West Virginia. As the reality of these changes began to set in, Cindy looked around her family’s home and thought it might be time to make a few changes of her own.

“I was a stay-at-home mom and worked part-time across the street at Ikenberry Autumn Adventure. My friend, who works at Ikenberry, told me that The Pie Lady was selling her business. She encouraged me to buy it,” Cindy recalls.

Cindy and her husband met with the original owner of The Pie Lady, Lisa. They decided that a business out of their home was ideal and convenient. In the fall of 2015, they began transforming their family room, initially a garage with a beautiful fireplace, into The Pie Lady kitchen. Perhaps it is the lingering family atmosphere, or the fact that Cindy and her husband live in the house adjacent to the kitchen, but it is reminiscent of a simpler time when families gathered around stovetops to share recipes and secrets. The large, open space is welcoming from the moment you walk through the door.

Although Cindy enjoys the cooking aspect of The Pie Lady, her passion is in the marketing of the product. Selling the pies gives her an opportunity to connect with her customers. As Cindy explains, people don’t feel guilty about spending money on food. Not only is it something they will use and enjoy, it often encourages their family to gather around a table together—free from the distractions of daily life.

Of course, The Pie Lady’s pies are different than the ones you will find boxed up in the freezer section of your grocery store. While they are convenient to prepare, they are also homemade. Cindy’s friend, Debbie, is her kitchen manager. Together, they work hard to produce quality products made from scratch.

“They are not the American Chicken Pot Pie,” Cindy explains. “They are a meat pie, like the French variety. It is more meat-based than gravy-based. The chicken is shredded. It is kind of like a quiche.”

There are nine varieties of dinner pies including Just Chicken, Buffalo Chicken, Chicken Fajita, Chicken and Vegetables, and Chicken Cordon Bleu. Customers can also purchase a Chocolate Pecan dessert pie.

You can find Cindy at events throughout the area, and her pies may soon be in some of your favorite local stores.

“Ikenberry’s wants to carry them, and so does Heritage Family Market. We have locations in Lexington and Radford that want to carry them too. We just have to be able to keep up with the supply,” she says.

That said, they are open to wholesale and fundraising opportunities. If you are interested in purchasing a pie for your family, or simply want to learn more about The Pie Lady, check out their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/thepieladychickenpies.

Our monthly Meet the Maker feature is proudly sponsored by HomeTown Bank. Each month, we recognize local makers selling their unique handmade products. Visit our website, www.lovelybella.com, to view these features throughout the year.

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bella loves thinking of you Sweet (and beautiful!) notes for the people who matter most

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Celebrate the women you love by sending letters of encouragement or thank you notes. It’s a simple gesture that can inspire someone to keep pursing their dreams, mentoring others, or even complete daily tasks. We’ve been practicing our calligraphy to add a special touch to the “Thank You” notes we send with a Laura Hooper Calligraphy starter kit. It includes everything you need, from the pen holder and inks to an instructional tips and techniques book. Visit www.lhcalligraphy.com to learn more and purchase one for yourself! march 2017

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bella loves

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Swoon-worthy Dreamboards

The first, and perhaps the most important, part of achieving your goals is writing them down. With that in mind, we ventured through Instagram to find our favorite examples of “dream” or “vision” boards for 2017. Posting your goals collectively in one place will help you focus on what is important and may even allow friends and family members to act as cheerleaders for you to reach those goals. However, it is important to remember that one day of straying from them does not mean you’ve failed. Your vision board is there to help you get back on track, and be courageous in the process. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

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