Bella Magazine - May 2016

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MEET THE MAKERS MIND • BODY • SOUL SPRING EVENTS • FASHION

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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 ••• Contributors Katie Page of Centra Health, Gwendolyn Miller, Member One Federal Credit Union, Lynn Phelps, Hayleigh Worgan Editorial Inquiries editorial@beckmediagroup.com

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

spring fashion

bella home

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Shop local for your wardrobe essentials in Pantone’s 2016 Spring colors!

Meet the Astonish team!

women’s health page 21

bella loves page 9

A few easy tips to stay healthy that may also save your life.

Beauty essentials for the warm weather ahead.

save this buy that page 25

page 11

memories in bloom

Things to consider before buying a new home.

Designing a garden space that reflects the important things in your life.

exploring minimalism page 26

meet the makers page 12

Tips for tackling the items to which you are most attached.

A Virginia family inspires and nourishes customers with their delicious granola.

spring happenings page 29-30

girl power page 15

Recognizing those who stand up for women’s healthcare.

Your complete social calendar for the month of May!

giving back page 17

Local organization helps empower homeless women and families.

ON THE COVER: Outfit from Trina Turk found at Punch Boutique in Roanoke

find us:

lovelybella.com

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spring into fashion A few tips for building your wardrobe for the warm seasons ahead of us!

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All items from Punch Boutique w w w. l o v e l y b e l l a . c o m

With the arrival of spring comes the opportunity to get out, meet new people, and make a great impression. Whether it is your first time meeting someone, or you are gearing up for the event season ahead with your friends, start this month off on the right foot with great pieces from Punch Boutique, Golden Shoestring, and Bush Flora Shoes!

The Spring 2016 Pantone Fashion Color Report includes ten bright, yet stable shades that are perfect for any wardrobe. The variety helps consumers choose the perfect shades to reflect their personalities while showcasing some of the season’s most popular styles.

Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute, says, “Colors this season transport us to a happier, sunnier place where we feel free to express a wittier version of our real selves.”

We couldn’t agree more. Colors like Green Flash and Limpett Shell transport us to beautiful days on the Greenway, while Lilac Grey and Rose Quartz provide a quiet and elegant lakeside vibe.

Accented with Buttercup accessories, your outfit will be classy, yet memorable.

Punch Boutique has a wide selection of dresses and shoes that will definitely make a lasting impression. Their Alice & Trixie Ainsley Dress and Catalina Tank are just two of many great statement pieces that incorporate Pantone’s 2016 Spring Color trends. Paired with a Serenity blue top, the Trina Turk Moss 2 Pants are a fun and chic way to show off your personality. Add a yellow Deux Lux Leyla Pouch for just the right pop of color! No matter what you choose, the staff at Punch is ready to help you create the perfect outmay 2016

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fit for your fashion needs. You can also shop their collection online at www.punchboutique.com.

Vionic sandals from Bush-Flora Shoes

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Outfit from Punch Boutique

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Everyone knows an outfit is not complete without the perfect pair of stylish, yet comfortable shoes. Bush-Flora Shoes offers many dressy and casual designs that will carry you through spring and summer—no matter which event you are attending! For example, they offer many designs and colors of Vionic sandals (which have become a staple in our wardrobes)! Buy just one pair, or several to match your new outfits! Visit Bush-Flora Shoes (located on the upper level of Towers Shopping Center) where the friendly staff is waiting to help you find the shoes you need for the warm weather ahead!

You will also find great consigned designer pieces and accessories at The Golden Shoestring. Located behind Jiffy Lube on Franklin Road, it is a treasure chest just waiting to be explored!

Visit their website at www.thegoldenshoestring.com.

Assembling your spring and summer wardrobe doesn’t have to be stressful. If the Pantone Spring 2016 colors are not enough to help you relax, the environments at these great local shops will certainly do the trick! Visit our website, www.lovelybella. com, throughout the month for more of our favorite fashion finds, and let us know your top picks on our Facebook page!

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bella loves

Our warm weather beauty essentials!

Now that you have the right outfit for summer, it’s time to add the finishing touches! We have compiled a list of our favorite spring and summer pampering must-haves below.

They will make great additions to your own beauty routine—not to mention unique Mother’s Day gifts!

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Agent Nateur Natural Deodorant www.agentnateur.com

Stay tuned to www.lovelybella.com for more great recommendations throughout the month!

Jane Iredale Flawless PurePressed Blush. Available at Skin Care Consulting in Roanoke The Original Pedi-Sox Available at Polished in Roanoke & NRV w w w. l o v e l y b e l l a . c o m

Yes to Tomatoes Detoxifying Charcoal Products www.yestocarrots.com

100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Pomegranate Oil Anti Aging Lipstick (in Narcissus) www.100percentpure.com may 2016

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memories in bloom

Cultivating a garden that will bring you joy Written by Lynn Phelps Photo by Lynn Phelps

Spring is here in full force, and that means your yard—especially your garden—has the potential to be a beautiful and inspirational space. Like your home, it is important that you fill up your surroundings with plants that are meaningful and useful to you. In this way, even if you are a beginner gardener, you can find joy in learning to care for and build your outdoor retreat.

For my family, that means that we surround ourselves with sentimental plants that tell wonderful stories of previous generations.

Our garden holds special memories that bloom each spring. Some of them are plants that began as a root replanted, others were simply bulb dug up and given to us to re-home. Our hydrangeas originated at a previous home we owned when our children were young. When they bloom, I remember how beautiful they were in the backdrop of those moments. The roses were gifts—some given to me by my husband and children over the years for Mother’s Day. A few of them were bought from a store, but one batch in particular were gifted to me from my mother. They do not bloom, and rarely change, but their roots run all the way back to my grandmother’s yard. I remember them as a child on her steps, then as an adult on my mother’s porch, and now the very same pot of chicken and hens sits nicely on my step—as a loving reminder that love still grows and blooms wherever it’s planted.

From blooms to weeds they all have memories. Yes, even the weed known as Creeping Charlie that’s threatening my garden has a memory. The birds that enjoy my various blooms and weeds are also a gift. Without the help of all the things that grow together, I would not have been able to attract such a large variety of feathered friends.

My memory garden is a special collection even if I lack the proverbial green thumb. If I can do it, so can you. There are not any specific requirements so don’t worry if you don’t have gifted plants or roots from memories to bloom. Check out your local farmers market and the farm stores in our area for heirloom seeds and plants that you can add to your collection.

You can also make it a fun experience to share with your family and friends by hosting a plant exchange garden party! This will allow you to learn more about those you love by swapping plants—and any stories that go with them.

Finally, do not let a small yard deter you from beginning your memory garden. Start with house plants for a balcony, small yard, or even your front porch! The most important thing is that you have fun and make new memories that can be enjoyed for years to come.

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Lynn Phelps is a photographer, author, health and business coach in Southwest Virginia. You can see her work at www.lynnphelps.com.

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MEET THE

MAKERS Henry Hudson Baking Company offers tasty granola & inspirational messages for the perfect morning pick-me-up!

Written by Hayleigh Worgan

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In 2012, Hope Lawrence and her husband, David, returned to Virginia in search of a way for Hope to go back to work and stay at home with their young sons Hudson, 8, and Henry, 5. After many months of searching, they found the perfect farmhouse for their family just outside of Charlottesville in early 2012. It included a separate commercial kitchen, and the Lawrences realized this presented a unique opportunity for Hope to be with her family and start the bakery she had been dreaming of for years.

Named after their sons, Hudson Henry Baking Company is the sole source of income for the family of four. And it is very much family-owned and operated. Both Hudson and Henry help their parents, and Hudson even accompanied Hope to the LLC meeting with their attorney. He also appeared in their video audition for Shark Tank.

“What is important to us is being home with the boys and working together to provide for our family,” explains Lawrence. “Our business helps us live a good life with our boys.”

When they aren’t baking, packaging, and shipping their delicious granola, the Lawrence family focuses on new ways to give back to others.

This outreach began when the business did. As Hope perused through websites geared towards entrepreneurs, she found several motivational thoughts that she considered putting on posters to inspire her.

“Then I thought, what if people read these things in the morning to start their day instead of the news? These sayings should be on cereal boxes!” says Lawrence. She realized she had the perfect way to get those inspirational words in front of her customers and incorporated them into their packaging.

“The positive messages are as important to me as the granola,” she adds.

But she didn’t stop there. The Lawrence family works closely with their community by employing stay at home moms and participating in a work-study program with students at a nearby high school. They also put a lot of thought into the suppliers they choose for their ingredients. For example, their maple syrup comes from another family-owned and operated business, Mount Mansfield Maple Products, located in Vermont.

Their goal is to be a family business that helps others be their best. Whether that is through consuming their delicious granola, starting the day with their motivational quotes, or a combination of the two—the Lawrence’s want people to know that whatever their dream, a little positivity can go a long way. Their own success is the perfect example of this mentality. After just ten months of business, Hudson Henry Baking Company was featured on The Today Show in 2013 as one of Kathie Lee’s “Favorite Things.” Additionally, their products are available to a wide customer base throughout the country.

Hudson Henry Baking Company is extending a special discount code to Bella readers for 10% off during the month of May. To take advantage of this deal, visit www.hudsonhenrybakingco.com and enter the code: bella10 when you check out!

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

Let us know! bella@beckmediagroup.com

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planned parenthood’s

spring luncheon A special event to recognize important healthcare contributions in our community

Keynote speaker Dahlia Lithwich

Honoree Dr. Hilda Templeton

Planned Parenthood’s fifth annual Spring Luncheon will take place on May 25, 2016 from 11:30am to 1:00pm in Charter Hall on the top floor of the Downtown Roanoke Market Building. This year’s event will feature keynote speaker Dahlia Lithwick, a senior editor at www.slate.com. In that capacity, she writes the “Supreme Court Dispatches” and “Jurisprudence” columns.

She was also the recipient of the 2013 National Magazine Award for her columns on the Affordable Care Act.

Dr. Hilda Templeton, a former psychiatric consultant at Carilion Clinic where she specialized in adult psychiatry, will be honored during the event. She was a consultant to the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology for the treatment of antepartum and postpartum mood disorders in a highrisk obstetrical clinic. Templeton served on Planned Parenthood’s Board from 2011-2015 and was the co-chair of their Roanoke Spring Luncheon from 2012-2015. However, her involvement began many years ago in Newark, New Jersey. There, she was part of a health and welfare organization that worked closely with Planned Parenthood to set up a clinic. On the day they were set to open, politicians were sent in and closed them down before they could.

“That was the spring board for me to spend time and give money to Planned Parenthood, because their actions took away women’s choices. That was my initial fighting time for Planned Parenthood, and it’s just never gone away. Unfortunately, the politicians of today make it important for women of all ages to keep that fight alive,” she says.

Even in retirement, Templeton continues to emphasize the importance of a resistance to complacency when it comes to women’s rights and healthcare.

“The younger generations walked into things as a given,” she explains, “If they chose not to maintain a pregnancy, they had every right to make that choice for themselves. There are so many more women in medical school and in law school now. It isn’t a challenge anymore. We really need young women to come on board and support us to make sure that we don’t go backwards.”

She adds, “Planned Parenthood offers an opportunity for women to obtain excellent healthcare. Only three percent of what they do is aborw w w. l o v e l y b e l l a . c o m

tion. It goes back a long time, and has met the needs of not only people with limited incomes, but students and other women who have sought out healthcare and birth control.

It gives them a huge support system.”

This event will also recognize the United Way of Roanoke Valley with The Giraffe Award for a Community Partner That Has Stuck Out Its Neck for Planned Parenthood. When United Way was asked to defund Planned Parenthood this past year, effectively ending a decades-long partnership that has benefited thousands of women, men, young people, and families in the Roanoke Valley with comprehensive and medically accurate reproductive health education, they refused to be bullied into submission. Roanoke Valley residents have also stood by both organizations, recognizing the continued need for this vital partnership.

This luncheon is a wonderful opportunity to recognize the important contributions of those in our community and nationwide in helping women find the healthcare options that are right for them. It helps support Planned Parenthood’s preventive reproductive health care services and community health education programming. Tickets are $75 per person and $50 for nonprofit employees, teachers, students, clergy members, and those of limited income. For more information on the luncheon or purchase tickets, please visit www.ppaction.org. may 2016

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Written by Gwendolyn Miller

giving back Miriam’s House helps empower local homeless women and families

With a 22 year history of providing comprehensive services to homeless women and families, Miriam’s House, a nonprofit in Lynchburg, Virginia is dedicated to ending homelessness through the empowerment of women and families. In 2015, Miriam’s House tripled its service capacity through expanding both its onsite and community based programs. Both programs are aimed at quickly connecting homeless women and families to safe and affordable permanent housing. Services are provided free to residents and follow the Housing First model. Housing First models follow the belief that ending a person’s homelessness quickly and providing the most basic needs will empower homeless individuals to achieve goals in other areas of their life including mental health, substance abuse, money management, and parenting.

Most women who come to Miriam’s House have significant barriers to housing such as little or no income, poor credit, and untreated medical or mental health needs. The staff work with each family onsite to address these barriers and ensure that each family has the skills needed to succeed in permanent housing.

Some families participate in the community-based program which is modeled after a national best practice response to homelessness called rapid re-housing.

Rapid re-housing provides homeless families with the tools they need to exit homelessness and remain stably housed for years to come. Participants receive both financial assistance with startup housing costs such as security deposit, utility deposit, and first month’s rent while also receiving weekly visits from a Miriam’s House case manager. The case manager and families develop a housing stability plan to ensure that the family has the resources to remain in their home and not w w w. l o v e l y b e l l a . c o m

return to homelessness.

Miriam’s House holds one fundraising event a year in the spring, a luncheon at Lynchburg College. Staff share with Miriam’s House supporters and community members the work that is being done and how it meets such incredible needs in the community. During the luncheon the Elizabeth M. Forsyth Community Service Award is also presented. The Elizabeth M Forsyth Community Service Award, which is named after Miriam’s House founder, was created to annually acknowledge an individual who has made a significant contribution through recognizing community needs and developing solutions to meet them. This year’s recipient is Susan Smith. Susan has been a consistent volunteer at Miriam’s House with the Children’s Program for the past eleven years. While enjoying lunch and listening to the informative program, attendees will have the opportunity to win raffle prizes such as a gorgeous Moore & Giles weekend bag. The luncheon will take place on May 17 from 12:00-1:30pm at Burton Dining Hall on Lynchburg College’s campus. Tickets are available for purchase online at www.miriamshouseprogram.org

Miriam’s House welcomes volunteers for a variety of needs from weeding/planting in the flower beds, remodeling bedrooms, or even teaching financial literacy classes. There is always a need for in-kind donations of household items such as towels, bed linens, cleaning supplies, paper products, and trash bags. The onsite program operates a 15 household home so a donation of laundry detergent or toilet paper is always needed and very appreciated. To find out more about volunteer opportunities or make a donation to Miriam’s House contact Danielle Englund at danielle@miriamshouseprogram.org or 434-847-1101.

Gwendolyn Miller is a breast cancer survivor, photographer, and volunteer in Lynchburg, Va. She loves to travel, but is also passionate about giving back to her local community. may 2016

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e m o h bella

Written by Hayleigh Worgan

the miracle of memories

Preserving & restoring your most precious household items

Astonish Antique Restoration has served Roanoke and surrounding areas since 2004. However, proprietor Richard Patch has thirty years of experience working in the restoration of fine antiques, family heirlooms, and architectural woodwork. Many of those years were spent in Minneapolis.

When his children moved out of their home, he and his wife decided to venture back to Virginia, where Richard was born and raised, to continue the work he loved.

Today, he employs a team of six that help him achieve his mission to “preserve history and family memories of the living past.” Each team member is passionate about their work—so much so that it carries over into their personal lives. For example, Marshall, Astonish’s senior craftsman, makes beautiful creations of his own in his spare time. His dedication to the craft of woodworking is evident in the time he has devoted to building a dining room table for his wife, several guitars, and his own toolbox.

Everyone at Astonish views each piece of furniture as a treasured work of art. They evaluate what an item needs before planning out the delicate steps to conserve or restore it. Some restorations can be completed in the home or office of the owner. Occasionally, products have to be transported to the shop itself. Either way, they work diligently to make the process convenient for their customers by helping them arrange transportation if needed.

One of their recent projects includes restoring furniture that was damaged in a house fire. Many of the pieces were family heirlooms. At least one will have to be replicated from scratch. As they wait behind a curtain, soaking in vinegar and charcoal to reduce the smell of smoke, an icebox resurrected from another fire sits only a few feet away.

Even a closer look does not reveal the damage it incurred. Within three months, the items behind the curtain will be returned to their owner in excellent condition. It is just one of many heartwarming stories the pieces of furniture will carry for generations to come.

“We believe that fine antiques and family heirlooms should be treated with the care and deference that their venerable age deserves,” says Richard.

“Your antique or heirloom has an economic value, historic value, and sentimental value. Be careful not to violate any of these values. We can provide advice about any issue regarding your treasured piece and restore it to look like a well-maintained antique.”

Astonish Antique Restoration works with third parties for things like wiring, leather and upholstery, and weaving. Their goal is to complete restoration of your furniture to its original design, and they take that very seriously. They also work with ceramic and porcelain items like sentimental mugs and sculptures. If you are interested in a consultation, please visit their website, www.astonishrestoration.com, or call 540-769-6070. Be sure to like them on Facebook to see their incredible before and after photos as well!

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a special mother’s day reminder Take it easy, mom, you just had a baby

Written by Katie Page, CNM You waited nine months–and probably longer—to become a mom. The prenatal visits, the baby showers, and decorating the nursery are far in the rear view. There is a tiny little life in your arms. Don’t worry, most moms have the same thought, “what now?”

This is when all the childbirth and family education classes, prenatal instructions and support groups will be so valuable. Your baby is here and you should focus on a few things: feeding baby, feeding mommy, and resting.

Let care partners, friends, and family handle everything else.

In honor of Mother’s Day, here are 10 steps to better postpartum care:

Rest. No seriously, rest. Whether you’d had a vaginal delivery or C-section, your body has just endured an exhausting experience. You need time to recuperate. Rely on your support system to handle daily activities for at least two to three weeks.

Listen to your body. Do what you feel like doing. Your only objective is caring for you and your baby, but your body will let you know when activity is appropriate. Keep in mind, bleeding may increase as you boost activity.

Pamper your body. Cool compresses and warm sitz baths, a shallow bath that cleanses the perineum, can help with comfort and relaxation. Adding dried calendula, comfrey, and lavender oil to a sitz bath may help with healing and comfort. For breastfeeding mothers, coconut oil helps with nipple pain or soreness.

Expect a learning curve. Breastfeeding is natural, but not easy. The first two weeks will be difficult as you and baby adjust. Be flexible with nursing positions and watch the baby, not the clock, for feedings. Babies sense stress so if you reach a rough patch, take a short break and try again. Expect bumps in the road and allow the feeding schedule to develop organically.

Contact a lactation specialist. Centra offers a 24/7 warm line for mothers to call with feeding support. Lactation consultants are also available for one-on-one sessions to offer practical breastfeeding guidance. The warm line number is 434.401.9344.

Eat more. Breastfeeding requires an additional 500 calories a day so you need to squeeze in healthy snacks and meals when you can. Have a snack each time you feed baby or pump.

Make sure you stay well hydrated.

Pump for baby’s sake. Mothers returning to work can still provide baby with the best nutrition by pumping breastmilk during breaks. Check with your manager to find a quiet, clean, and private area to pump. Do you best to match your pumping schedule with baby’s feedings to keep up your milk supply.

Article courtesy of

Katie Page is a Certified Nurse-Midwife at Centra Medical Group Women’s Center, which offers obstetrical and gynecological care by midwives. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 434.385.8948. w w w. l o v e l y b e l l a . c o m

Expect incontinence. This part is no fun, but most new moms deal with incontinence after giving birth. Talk to your healthcare provider. In some cases, physical therapy can make a dramatic improvement. Centra Rehabilitation has several physical therapists that specialize in pelvic floor disorders and incontinence, often caused by childbirth. For more information, call 434.200.6623.

Get outside. Even with an infant, it’s ok to leave the house. Avoid large crowds and do not pass a newborn around, but taking a walk outside and enjoying sunshine is healthy.

Seek out support groups. Tap into your support system by planning time with friends. Look for other support groups in your community. Some even offer meal trains for new mothers.

The most important step is to ask for help. Having a baby is such a special time, but particularly for new moms, it’s a challenging and stressful first few months.

Feeling overwhelmed is normal. Take time to rest and focus on you, your baby, and the sweet journey ahead. may 2016

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words of wisdom

Understanding the risk of exposure to UV rays

May is Melanoma Awareness month. And, while it may not be something you want to think about with all of the fun and exciting things happening around you, simply being aware of it and adjusting your habits could save your life.

There are three general categories of melanoma: cutaneous (melanoma of the skin), mucosal (occurring in any mucous membrane of the body), and ocular (a rare form that occurs in the eye). Melanoma can be caused by several factors, but a large portion of melanoma cases can be linked to exposure to ultra violet rays from natural AND artificial sources. As your opportunity for exposure increases this month, we hope you will keep the following things in mind:

Wear sunscreen.

The front lines of the battle against melanoma are fought by protecting yourself. Because we are all about natural products, our first line of defense will be Goddess Garden Organics’ Everyday Natural Sunscreen SPF 30. It is made with plant-based ingredients and natural minerals, but still provides powerful broad-spectrum protection from the sun. This sunscreen is certified organic, reef safe, and biodegradable—which means it is good for you AND the environment. Order it now from www.goddessgarden.com and keep it handy!

Absolutely NO tanning beds. Unfortunately this is also the time of year

that you will start seeing a lot of advertisements for tanning salons. You may also hear that you should avoid them, but maybe that simple recommendation is not enough. Here are a few reasons why (according to www.melanoma. org ):

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Tanned skin is a result of damage to skin cells. Over time, that damage can lead to wrinkles, age spots, and even skin cancer.

Thinking of getting a “base tan” from a tanning bed to prevent a sunburn while you are outdoors this summer? Think again. It is equivalent to an SPF of about 3. Stick to sunscreen, UV protective clothing ( www.uvskinz.com ), and reducing your exposure instead.

You may have heard the rumor that tanning beds are a good place to get the vitamin D your body needs. The truth is that it can be acquired through other methods—like a healthy diet or a vitamin supplement. Most tanning bulbs emit UVA radiation. UVB is needed for the body to produce vitamin D. Don’t be afraid to ask your doctor about your vitamin D levels and how to increase them if needed.

Don’t forget to protect your eyes.

Invest in a pair of sunglasses with 100% UV protection. Treat wearing them as seriously as you do applying sunscreen. This extra step won’t hurt anything, will be little more than a tiny inconvenience at first, and will keep you from squinting uncomfortably all day. We really can’t think of a reason not to add it to your routine.

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Finally, even with prevention, it is imperative to consult your doctor if you notice anything abnormal on your skin.

Early detection allows you and your medical team to create a plan of action for your recovery. Don’t hesitate to get a second opinion. Your health, and your life, are far too valuable to leave to chance. Visit www.melanoma.org and www.skincancer.org for more information on understanding and preventing this disease. |

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the future of mortgage lending

Article courtesy of

A few things you should consider before buying a new home

s More home buying tips? Visit:

Movies like The Big Short remind many of us about a recent time that some in the financial sector would love to forget: the sub-prime mortgage crisis of a decade ago.

At its best, it was a time when some lending pros made fortunes while helping people achieve home ownership, especially those who didn’t think it was possible. At its worst, it involved too many people cutting corners, leading to unethical and illegal practices. Many homebuyers—particularly first-time buyers—soon found themselves responsible for paying something they never should have been approved for, and subsequently defaulted on their mortgages, which resulted in greater financial chaos.

But lenders have learned some powerful lessons. Federal laws are in now in place requiring bankers to look more closely at applicants, whether it’s someone seeking a mortgage or a short-term loan. In some ways, it’s a different lending market, but the same positive behaviors—good credit and financial stability—are prized. And remember, a good credit score is absolutely essential to qualifying for a mortgage—at least one with a reasonable interest rate. As a guide, a credit score above 720 is considered optimal to secure a conventional mortgage.

For those considering seeking a loan in the near future, here’s what may be in store:

www.SaveThisBuyThat.com

Join Member One here each month for more money-saving tips, giveaways and all things awesome! Be sure to follow @SaveThisBuyThat on Twitter and check out our board “Save This Buy That” on Bella’s award-winning Pinterest page. w w w. l o v e l y b e l l a . c o m

Risk of higher interest rates. Last fall, the Federal Reserve nudged up a key rate in the hopes of stimulating the economy, and the Fed is now watching to see how markets respond.

Crowdfunding. You may not get your friends or strangers to chip in to help you buy a home, but online fundraising campaigns are on the rise, and they’re being used for everything from catastrophic medical bills to “life goal” projects that may not qualify for traditional funding. Check out sites like Indiegogo or GoFundMe to learn more.

Less paper. Much of the lending process can now be done electronically, from the initial consultation to producing documentation to the actual application. Consumers can now even compare rates online. But even though you can complete a loan online, the folks at Member One Federal Credit Union are always happy to provide a personal touch. may 2016

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Written by Hayleigh Worgan

exploring minimalism Weighing the benefits of letting go

In the first few areas of your home—the kitchen, the bathroom, and your closet—it is easy to institute new guidelines for living with a minimal amount of items. However, once you reach sentimental or expensive clutter, things start to get tricky.

Here are a few things I consider when addressing these belongings:

Is it costing more to store them than I would lose by giving them away?

I recently met a couple who had downsized from a 4,000 square foot home to one just over 1,900 square feet after their children moved out. They owned several large pieces of valuable furniture that would not fit in their new home. For the last few months, they have stored that furniture in a storage facility while they consider selling it online.

There is nothing wrong with selling your more expensive items that you no longer plan on using, but the important thing is to be realistic about it. Research how much they are worth and create a plan for selling them as quickly as possible. The unfortunate thing about storing things like this in a storage facility is the amount of money you are giving to that facility. The items are out of sight, out of mind. Each month, around $80 is deducted from your checking account, and other priorities make you forget about what you are storing. At the end of 12 months, you have paid $960 to someone else to house your clutter.

Are you holding on to sentimental items out of obligation or guilt?

If the answer is yes, then it is time to let them go. When I first started reducing my clutter, I had totes full of belongings that were given to me over the years. I couldn’t even remember who gave some of them to me. I was also guilty of holding on to clothes purchased and given to me by family and friends that I would never wear. They had made their way into storage, but they still sat unused—deteriorating while I waited for a day when they either fit me or I decided that I liked them.

When someone gives you a gift, it should be given with the intent to make you happy.

Once that happiness is gone, it is time to let go of the item. When you do (as Marie Kondo says in The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up), it is like receiving the gift for a second time.

You don’t use it, but you really love it, and you don’t want to part with it just yet. Now what?

There are a couple of options here, and I have tried both. Kondo suggests that you take a photo of the item and get rid of it. That way, you can revisit the photo and how happy the item made you without being weighed down by the responsibility of continuing to store it.

The second option is to create a Happiness Box. This idea comes from The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin. Choose just one box to use for trinkets and mementos with which you cannot part just yet. Visit the box at least quarterly to view your items and consider their value.

By doing this, you can continue to let go of items that no longer hold the importance they did in your past and make room for the moments that will be important in your future.

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

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our first road trip of 2016

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s If you are interested in learning more about LEAF, go to www.theleaf.org. You can also download their app. This option is perfect for festival attendees because it works offline and offers a schedule of events, dates and location information, and a map of the event layout.

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Festival season has arrived, and we couldn’t be more excited! Our first stop of the summer will be North Carolina’s LEAF Festival—a four-day event benefitting local artists and musicians.

The 42nd LEAF Festival will take place in Black Mountain, North Carolina from May 12-15. For over 20 years, each May and October, an intergenerational family of 12,000 people join together upon the beautiful Lake Eden land to experience the power that music, art, and culture has to transform lives, strengthen community, and foster unity.

Sponsored by LEAF Community Arts, a nonprofit organization, all festival profit and donations go towards music and arts education programming both locally and globally. According to their website, since 2004 LEAF Schools & Streets has served over 45,000 youth with programs in over 20 Western North Carolina locations while LEAF International features cultural preservation programs in over 10 countries worldwide.

This year, LEAF’s theme is “World Fusion with Cuban Spice.” The lineup includes Juan De Marcos & The Afro-Cuban All-Stars, Shovels & Rope, Fatoumata Diawara, Danay Suarez, Dakha Brakha, Sarah Jarosz, Marchfourth!, Perdition Martinez, and more!

Guests will also have the opportunity to experience over 50 free of charge healing arts workshops. They include yoga, dance, martial arts classes, nutrition workshops, diverse healing traditions, ancient earth skills, and plant walks.

If you’re like us, one of the things we look forward to the most about this time of year is festival food.

You’ll find many delicious local options throughout festival grounds, where vendors are divided into the following culinary sections: Boathouse, Shipside, Lakeside, Eden Hall, Roots Family Stage, The Barn, and Meadow Green.

One vendor, Homegrown, has a menu that includes a fried chicken sandwich, a smoked trout wrap, a pimento cheese wrap, and smoked pork tacos with slaw. Start the day with organic fair trade coffees, hot chocolate, cookies, muffins, cinnamon rolls, or cake made with 100% organic flour and all-natural or organic ingredients from Bus Station & West End Bakery. Adults can also purchase local brews from Highland Brewing Company, New Belgium, and Pisgah Brewing Company. Of note, you can not bring outside alcohol to the festival—but you can buy fairly-priced ice and beer by the case and/or boxed wine at the Eden Field Camping drop-off.

The LEAF festival is also kid-friendly! Family activities include crafts, educational arts, performances, a Jelly Dome Adventure, and a variety of sports in the World Wide Play Field. may 2016

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filling up your spring Social Calendar Spring events you don’t want to miss!

Warm weather is finally here to stay—which means there are so many fun events happening in our area this month!

Starting with The Community School’s 36th Annual Strawberry Festival on Friday, May 6 from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday, May 7 from 10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in downtown Roanoke. Enjoy shortcakes, sundaes, berries and cream, chocolate dipped berries, and strawberry slushies—with sales benefitting students at The Community School! Go to www.strawberryfestivalroanoke.org for more information.

Join us at the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women Luncheon on Thursday, May 12 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Hotel Roanoke. This luncheon is a wonderful way to learn more about how millions of women have united to raise their voices about their number one killer, heart disease. With your help, many more lives can be saved.

“I’m honored to be involved with the Go Red for Women campaign,” says

Donna Littlepage, 2015-16 Go Red For Women Chair, Senior Vice President for Accountable Care Strategies at Carillon Clinic, and Chief Financial Officer at Virginia Tech Carillon School of Medicine. “It is very important to educate women on the dangers of heart disease and stroke and to continue the AHA’s support of research in this area.”

Find out how you can join the American Heart Association in the fight to raise

awareness and save lives by attending the luncheon. Visit www.RoanokeVAGoRedLuncheon.Heart.org for details.

The Virginia Knits Virginia Yarn Crawl will take place from Tuesday, May 17 to Sunday, May 22. Pick up an event passport at any of the eight yarn shops from our area that will be part of this event. Visit all of them, get your passport stamped, and turn it in at the last location to be entered into a drawing for yarn and other materials valued at $1,000.

Each shop will have a special hand-dyed yarn available during the event and door prizes will be available at every location. For more information, please call Wool Workshop in Roanoke at 540-685-2285.

Center in the Square will present Miniatures on the Market on Sunday, May 29 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. This will be a great opportunity to celebrate Memorial Day as a family with a miniature petting zoo, pony rides, horse carriage rides, BBQ, family games, and more! Go to www.centerinthesquare.org for more information.

Chateau Morrisette’s Mountain Adventure Weekend will take place from Friday, June 3 through Sunday, June 5. This weekend will be full of outdoor fun and includes a wine reception and special wild game menu on Friday evening and all day Saturday. Planned adventures include horseback riding through the vineyard, kayaking down the Little River in Floyd, and clay shooting in the Nancy Morrisette Field. Activities are a la carte— pay only for the adventures you reserve! Reservations and prepayment are required. Please call (540) 593-2865 to save your spot!

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