Sophie August 2014

August 2014 Priceless

Starting Over

After 50 Dog Days and a

Cute Kitten

Peaches, Zucchini, & S’mores!

Getting Good at “Play” Featuring

Denise Ingram, MD of Park Ridge Health

2 | Sophie AUGUST 2014

Sophie AUGUST 2014 | 3

26 | Dramatic Couture

Take a seat for ACT’s Costume Drama Fashion Show.

36 | All About Paul Kline enjoys the entertainment of their new kitten, Squeaky.

38 | More Than A Pretty Picture Carson Abernethy interviews photographer, Katherine Brooks.

Features 12| Full Circle Dr. Denise Ingram represents the first generation in her family to be a true local.

24 | Chiming In Susan Reinhardt says employment doesn’t have to end at age 50.

Beauty & Fashion 18 | Asheville Style Original fashions and accessories from Southern Charm.

August 2014 Priceless

22 | Just For Me Makeover Jacqui Perry gives Elizabeth Garzarelli a new look.

Healthy Living 34 | Keeping Your “Best Friend” Cool Debi Manfre shares her tips on how to keep your dog comfortable in the summer heat.

46 | Let’s Get Cooking!

Debi Manfre and Sophie readers share their favorite peach recipes.

48 | Sun & Soil Kristina Urquhart give us her spin on a delicious Ratatouille recipe.

52 | On The Go Healthy Eating Medea Galligan shares her 7 tips for eating healthier.

Home & Garden 25 | Crafty Girl Make the perfect “make-up” bag.

Vincent Grassia

44 | Garden Bloomers Betty Sharpless discusses ways to get rid of poison ivy.

JeanAnn Taylor

Starting Over

After 50 Dog Days and a

Cute Kitten

Peaches, Zucchini, & S’mores!

Getting Good at “Play” Featuring

Denise Ingram, MD of Park Ridge Health

4 | Sophie AUGUST 2014

Cover Photo by: Paola Nazati, paolanazati.com Hair by: Jessylyn Luck and Makeup by: Linda Morrison of Carmen!

Carmen! Salon & Spa at Belk, Asheville Mall

Managing Editor Creative Editor

Debi Manfre

50 | ID.exchange Laura K. Sullivan explains how to adapt basic kitchen design principles.

Production Manager

54 | Tried and True Jackie Brown prepares delicious S’more Campfire Cones.

Creative Services Specialist

Lisa Gallagher Adalee Elkins Contributor

Carrie Harder Proofing Diva

Karen Shepard

58 | Why Are We Working So Hard?

Christine Garvin discusses why we should give ourselves “time off.”

Director of Advertising

In Every Issue

Advertising Consultants

Patricia Martin Betts

16 | Sophie Celebrates You! The accomplishments and achievements of our readers are highlighted.

Jody Gantt Meg Hale Brunton Pam Hensley Rick Jenkins Jennifer LeBlanc Rose Lunsford LuAnne Sheffield Michael Smith Kimberly White

37 | Real Men Read Sophie

Distribution Manager

10 | Quick Tips A variety of inspiration and information.

14 | So-Social Favorite picks from social media expert, Kirsten Fuchs.

60 | Meg’s Movie Review Meg Hale Brunton gives her scoop on “Godzilla.”

Share your ideas and inspirations.

On the Cover: Dr. Denise Ingram of Park Ridge Health

Publisher

42 | Porch Life Amy K.uykendall takes the party outside.

56 | Betty’s Book Review Betty Sharpless reviews Drink The Harvest written by Nan K. Chase & DeNeice C. Guest.

Table of Contents

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Dan Jaworsky Justin Gostony SOPHIE MAGAZINE 22 Garfield Street, Suite 100 Asheville, NC 28803 828.210.0340 sophiemagazine.com Distributed throughout WNC, Sophie is a complimentary monthly magazine for today’s woman. Contributions are welcome and may be sent via e-mail. Include your name, address, and phone number, so we can contact you if we decide to print your submission. Sophie reserves the right to edit any editorial submissions. Sophie also reserves the right to refuse any advertisement or article that is deemed inappropriate for the publication. No portion of Sophie may be reproduced without permission of the publisher. None of the information herein is intended as medical or professional advice.

Sophie AUGUST 2014 | 5

Contributor Question

KIRSTEN FUCHS

I enjoy refreshing cool drinks, lots of fresh fruits (like watermelon) and relaxing indoors! I also layer my clothes in the summer so I adjust to all parts of the day/evening.

MEG HALE BRUNTON I’ve always preferred the heat to the bitter cold of winter. I like sitting in a car that’s been in the sun all day, I do Bikram hot yoga sometimes, I even keep a heater under my desk for when my feet get cold during the day. If I ever get too hot, I find a good swim at the Y chills everything out.

CARSON ABERNETHY

Living in Boston, Seattle, and now Asheville, I’ve never really been very exposed to extremely hot weather.

However, when Asheville does get hot, I love making myself cold smoothies.

Sitting in the sun with a strawberry smoothie, some sunglasses, and a good book is the perfect way to get through a hot summer afternoon!

BETTY SHARPLESS Watermelon and frozen bottles of ice tea to drink all day!

How do you stay cool during these super hot summer days?

KRISTINA URQUHART I grew up in sweltering south Florida and love the heat. But it’s not always conducive to being productive or feeling good. I’m pretty DIY in most areas of my life, but central air conditioning is my vice.

I just can’t quit it!

AMY RENIGAR I keep a water bottle with me at all times to stay hydrated, and I do my exercising and outside work in the evenings when the air is cooler and sun is low.

MEDEA GALLIGAN

LAURA K. SULLIVAN A light summer dress always helps but a refreshing crisp drink of citrus infused water usually does the trick.

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I stay cool by sipping my cold-pressed organic juices over ice! The Healer is a summer favorite, made from refreshing cucumbers and kale, flavored with a hint of ginger and lime and finished off with aloe vera juice and Celtic Sea Salt is mineral-rich and alkalizing- the perfect combination to hydrate, nourish and revive you on a hot summer day without any sugar or caffeine!

CHRISTINE GARVIN This summer, I’ve definitely tried to get to the water as much as possible.

Locally, the French Broad and I have shared some sweet tubing trips and afternoons laying on rocks covered with its rushing waters. I’ve also spent time on the Davidson, and have plans to float on the Green River soon. I’ve also made one trip to Wrightsville Beach, and hope to make another trip before the summer’s end!

JACQUI PERRY I really enjoy ice cream in the summer or anytime! I am also trying to drink more water by adding fresh fruit to add a little flavor!!

Sophie AUGUST 2014 | 7

From the Editor

S

ummertime is definitely here. The heat and the afternoon thunderstorms leave us no doubt! I’m not a big fan of the heat, but I do love summertime activities like swimming, hiking, and picnics. And wearing sundresses and sandals, of course.

I asked our contributors to share how they stay cool during this time of the year.

Their answers are on page 6. As for my husband Paul and me, we’re fortunate to live in a place where a short hike takes us to a small lake. A quick dip in the fresh water is perfect for cooling off on a hot summer day and spending precious time together.

Our pets also need to stay cool. Debi Manfre shares her tips for keeping dogs cool with Keeping Your “Best Friend” Cool, on page 34. And while we’re on the subject of pets, Paul Kline shares three life lessons he has learned from our new kitten in All About Kittens on page 36.

One of the best things about summer is peach season! This sweet fruit is one of my favorites. In fact, I can almost make an entire meal out of them. Debi has several delicious peach recipes in Let’s Get Cooking, page 46. I’m sure you’ll find a new recipe to try.

Photo by Kirsten Fuchs Location: BB Barns, Asheville, NC

Congratulations to Charline Perry! She submitted her recipe, Peaches N Cream, and is the winner of a handmade apron. Next month, we’re looking for recipes using tomatoes. Please submit your recipes to Debi at writer@sophiemagazine.com. One lucky reader will win an apron handmade by me!

Fashion is so much more than trendy prints and Pantone colors. Designers in Asheville recently expressed their eclectic and wild side with unexpected apparel. The Costume Drama Fashion Show, directed by Sara Fields, event planner extraordinaire, was amazing. Turn to page 26 to see these stunning garments through the remarkable photography of Audrey Goforth.

If you are out working in the yard or hiking through the woods, be watchful of poison ivy. Betty Sharpless makes it crystal clear on what to look for and what to do if you stumble upon this innocent looking vine. Her article Out in the Garden is on page 44. Christine Garvin is back this month with an article on the importance of “play”. This oftenoverlooked aspect of life can turn our world from depressing to cheerful. Please read her article Why Are We Working So Hard? on page 58.

The end of summer is still several weeks away, but it’s already time to start thinking about what is coming up next.

Most schools begin this month as well as many extracurricular activities. I’m so excited to begin a new (part time) venture as a ballet teacher for young children. Beginning this month, I’ll start teaching at Weaverville Dance Academy. It’s a full circle for me. I taught there over 20 years ago when the studio first opened. As my career evolved, I eventually had to give it up, but when owner, Michelle Hall, called to ask if I could teach for her, I knew it was time to go back. I’ve missed teaching aspiring ballerinas how to plié and relevé!

We are also planning another party to celebrate Sophie Magazine’s 9th Anniversary! I hope you will join us at the Renaissance in Asheville on September 18th!

JeanAnn Taylor

editor@sophiemagazine.com

We’re confident, strong, and we like who we are. We’re smart and sophisticated. We’re savvy. We have panache. We’re not afraid to take risks.

We’re edgy and we’re real. We know what we want, and we’re willing to work to make our dreams come true.

8 | Sophie AUGUST 2014

Celebrate with Sophie!

9th Anniversary Celebration Please join us for our

Enjoy appetizers, wine, cake, and mingle with the Sophie staff.

Thursday, September 18 4pm – 7pm RENAISSANCE ASHEVILLE HOTEL 31 Woodfin Street Asheville, NC 28801

smart • sophisticated • savvy

Sophie AUGUST 2014 | 9

Quick Tips

NATIONAL PEACH MONTH

Well, it’s August, and that can only mean one thing, it’s time to honor and enjoy the summertime flavor of juicy peaches! Eat them right off the tree, sliced in cream, make peach cobbler with ice cream or you can even blend them in delicious slushies. It doesn’t matter how you eat them, just as long as during this month, you celebrate by eating peaches in as many ways as you can think of. Here are some interesting facts you might not know about the delicious peach: • Peaches are native to China, and have been cultivated for more than a thousand years. To the Chinese, peaches bring good luck, wealth and protection.

• There are over 700 varieties of peaches.

• Peaches are high in vitamin A, B, and C. A medium peach is only 37 calories.

• Ripen peaches by placing them in a brown paper bag for 2 to 3 days.

• The juice from peaches make a wonderful moisturizer, and can be found in many brands of cosmetics.

• Peaches are the third most popular fruit grown in America.

• The world’s largest peach is located in Gaffney, South Carolina. It weighs over 10,000 pounds. It is the town’s water tower which was built in the shape of a peach in 1981. In July, Gaffney holds their annual South Carolina Peach Festival, which celebrates the peak season for local peach production.

• Peaches are a good for digestion. Eat peaches to cleanse your kidneys and bladder.

• Peach varieties can be either clingstone, where the flesh of the fruit clings to the stone, or freestone, where the stone readily twists away from the fruit.

dog days of summer The phrase dog days refers to the sultry days of summer. In the Northern Hemisphere, the dog days of summer are most commonly experienced in the months of July and August, which typically observe the warmest summer temperatures. In the Southern Hemisphere, they typically occur in January and February, in the midst of the austral summer.

Here are some tips on how to stay cool during the hot summer days: • Wear loose-fitting clothing, preferably of a light color.

• Cotton clothing will keep you cooler than many synthetics.

• Fill a spray bottle with water and keep in the refrigerator for a quick refreshing spay to your face after being outdoors.

• Consume cold and frozen treats.

• Always stay hydrated.

10 | Sophie AUGUST 2014

HOW TO CARE FOR MAKEUP BRUSHES 1. Wash the brushes. Wash them once a week in a bowl of warm soapy water. A mild shampoo works best. This will remove traces of makeup and care for the brush. Rinse with luke warm water.

2. Dry them. Squeeze off excess water. Leave the brushes to dry flat. Never blow-dry or use direct sunlight to dry them. This can cause permanent damage.

3. Store them properly. Stand brushes upright or lay them flat. Keep your brushes separate from your makeup to keep them clean and hygienic.

Gladiolus

| fun flower facts

• They represent remembrance, calm, integrity, and infatuation.

• The name comes from Latin’s “gladius” meaning “sword” for it’s sword shaped leaves.

• The Mediterranean and British gladiolus flowers were used to treat physical ailments.

• They are native to South Africa and grow best on a sunny site in sandy loam soil with good water drainage. Any soil that is good for growing vegetables is good for gladiolus.

Mix compost into planting beds in spring to help with water drainage and fertility.

• Gladiolus bulbs, in botanical terminology, are referred to as corms. A corm is a shortened and thickened section of the stem that appears at the base of the plant. On the corm are buds for each layer of leaves.

August Wacky Days:

Here are just a few strange and wacky daily holidays you might want to celebrate this month.

Wiggle Your Toes Day

6

8

The best place to wiggle your toes on a hot August day, is in the pool.

Or, sit on a dock and stick your wiggly little toes in the water.

Sneak Some Zucchini onto Your Neighbor’s Porch Day By the time August arrives, gardeners are reaping far more zucchini than they can possibly use. Today is the day to sneak over, under the cover of darkness, to your neighbor’s porch, and unload some zucchini.

Lazy Day

10

This is your chance to goof off, and definitely not work. And, it definitely comes at a good time. Hot, muggy weather makes it easy to kick back and be lazy for a day.

Left Hander’s Day

Summer afternoon— summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language. ~Henry James

13

It isn’t easy being a leftie. But those of us who are, would have it no other way. Lefties are proud of it.

Take a minute to appreciate your left handed friends and loved ones.

Race Your Mouse Day

28

The folks at Wellcat.com, who created this day, want you to race your mouse around the icons on your screen. They suggest you do so while waiting for “whatever it is you’re waiting for to come up on the screen”.

Sophie AUGUST 2014 | 11

Advertisement

Full Circle Written by Kirsten Cutler

Dr. Denise Ingram represents the first generation in her family to be a true local, but she’s seen many generations of families as a primary care physician in Arden, N.C. Dr. Ingram moved to Arden with her family when she was 10 years old, attended Valley Springs Middle School and T.C. Roberson High School. “My son actually had the same 7th grade teacher I had,” she says with a laugh. She remained in-state to attend UNC at Chapel Hill and UNC Asheville for undergrad studies, and then medical school at Chapel Hill before deciding on the specialty of family medicine. “I always wanted to be a pediatrician, but during clinical rotations in medical school, I realized that I also enjoyed caring for adults,” Dr. Ingram says.

A residency at MAHEC brought Dr. Ingram back to Western North Carolina to practice medicine. After starting her career in Weaverville, Dr. Ingram joined Park Ridge Health in 2004. More than 10 years later, she has no plans to go elsewhere.

“The combination of an exceptional specialist network and the technology to efficiently refer our patients makes it easy to keep patients in the Park Ridge Health family,” Dr. Ingram explains. “On top of that, our supportive leadership team and culture of patient-first care allows me to do what I need to do – provide care.”

Though Dr. Ingram currently practices on Glenn Bridge Road in Arden, she will soon be relocating to Park Ridge Health’s new health campus in South Asheville. She’s looking forward to it for more reasons than one.

“I like the fact that it’s truly going to be more of a home for patients, combining the exceptional care they’ve come to expect from us with enhanced technology,” Dr. Ingram says.

“Patients will be able to come in and get their mammogram or bone density scan the same day as their physician appointment. This will be especially important for patients who are less likely to follow through on a second visit, or who have trouble with transportation.”

Photo credit: Charlie Cutler Dr. Ingram has been providing care in Western North Carolina for 16 years.

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Providers in specialties like endocrinology, podiatry, general surgery and cardiology will also see patients at the new facility, and extended hours will be available.

“Although we’ll have a variety of medical services available under one roof, we will still offer what I like to call an ‘old-fashioned atmosphere,’ where patients don’t feel like a number,” Dr. Ingram adds.

Dr. Ingram has another reason to be excited about her relocation: The property on which Park Ridge Health South Asheville now stands has sentimental value in her personal history.

“The property was actually once owned by my husband’s family,” she says.

In college, Dr. Ingram worked as a server and supervisor at the Shoney’s which previously stood on the property. While working there, she met her now husband of 17 years.

“My husband was one of the managers at the restaurant, and that’s where we met,” she says.

In 16 years of practicing medicine, Dr. Ingram has seen a lot of change. She says she’s excited for the next one – and that nothing is going to change about her enthusiasm for her chosen profession.

Photo credit: Charlie Cutler Dr. Denise Ingram (third from left) and Dr. John Lang (third from right), board-certified family medicine physicians, with their medical team.

“I truly enjoy the time I have with my patients,” she says. “I have cared for some families through three generations. I like taking care of families and watching kids grow up.”

Join Park Ridge Health for the Grand Opening of its South Asheville health campus on Thursday, September 4 from 5 to 8 p.m.

Park Ridge Health will offer tours of its newest facility, refreshments, a chance to meet staff and providers, raffle prizes, giveaways and fun for the whole family.

The address is 379 Long Shoals Road, Arden, NC.

Photo credit: Hal Alexander Dr. Ingram will be one of more than 22 providers offering care at Park Ridge Health South Asheville.

Sophie AUGUST 2014 | 13

So-Social (Sophie Online) Social Media Favorites From Sophie’s Social Empress: Kirsten Fuchs FAVORITE APP OF THE MONTH: Shopular

As soon as I have pulled into the parking lot of the Asheville Mall my iPhone sends me a note with a link to Shopular giving me coupons and discounts to all of the stores that I frequent. Shopular was created to bridge the gap between shoppers and the brands they love. You decide what deals you want to see and what the latest offers are from retailers like Target, Michaels, Kohl’s, Belk, Lowe’s and many, many more!

Who doesn’t like to get an extra discount at the register? I know I do!

Cost: FREE

FAVORITE PINTEREST FIND: Words of Wisdom and Hope When I am feeling down or discouraged, I know that I can go to Pinterest and search for something to cheer me on. I love all of the quotes and posters on Pinterest that people share.

I sometimes print them out and tape them to my bathroom mirror until I no longer need them. If you need some cheering up, or need to send something to help a friend feel encouraged, take a look at Pinterest. It’s cheaper than a card and just as helpful.

FAVORITE BLOG OF THE MONTH: Thru The Cooking Glass My sister-in-law, Jessica, started a blog about a year ago and without sounding biased, I am thoroughly impressed with her recipes! Every dish includes one unique item - booze! Whether it is an entree or a dessert, you will find one spirited surprise on the list of ingredients. From Corona Cupcakes to Champagne Mushroom Risotto, you are guaranteed to discover something surprisingly delicious on this blog. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do! thruthecookingglass.com

FAVORITE LOCAL RESTAURANT: Strada Italiano

I mentioned a couple of months ago how my husband and I are exploring one restaurant a month that we have never dined and we recently discovered Strada Italiano. We loved dining at this Italian restaurant with a touch of Asheville inspirations. We ordered two, yes two, of the same appetizer and could have easily ordered a third. The Tuscan figs were stuffed with goat cheese and wrapped in Prosciutto. Heaven on a plate! What followed was just as good, but oh, those figs!

If you partake of this wonderful establishment, please ask for Christopher Curtis to be your server. He was divine! We immediately became FB friends. Tell him I sent you. They are located at 27 Broadway in Asheville and are open Everyday for Lunch/Brunch 11 am - 3 pm and for dinner 4 - 9:30 pm Sunday - Thursday and 4 -10:30 pm Friday & Saturday.

Follow Sophie & share your favorite blogs, apps & inspirations... sophiemagazine.com 14 | Sophie AUGUST 2014

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Sophie AUGUST 2014 | 15

Sophie Celebrates You!

Send your accomplishments, achievements, recognitions, and business news to writer@sophiemagazine.com. Include your full color photograph, saved as high quality JPEG at 300 dpi. Please limit the number of words to 35.

Sophie reserves the right to edit content.

Karen Hawkins, recently received the 2014 International Doll Show Best Creation Fantasy Award sponsored by Tru Born.

Kristin Henderson, Exercise S pe ci alis t , H e ar t P at h / P u l m o n a r y Re h a b , w a s recently awarded one of Mission Health’s quality service award for her dedication in helping patients. Kristin goes above and beyond to encourage patients and guide them to build strength and confidence within themselves.

Jacqui Perry is the new owner of The Sanctuary Boutique located at 101 First Ave West in Hendersonville. This is a “Fine Boutique for Women” carrying Eileen Fisher, Lilla P., Hobo, jewelry, accessories and more. The boutique also offers color and wardrobe consultations.

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Marie Reed, of Exit Realty Vistas is proud to be announced as the Top Seller for the month of June.

American Business Women’s Association Sky-Hy Chapter, is pleased to announce this year’s recipient, of the Stephen Bufton Memorial Education Fund is Cynthia Calhoun.

She will be receiving $1500 outright Grant.

Jane Ward, of Exit Realty Vistas is proud to be announced as the Top Lister for the month of June.

Carolyn Chambers, Lead Medical Staff Coordinator, recently received one of Mission Health’s quality service award.

One co-worker had this to say, “Carolyn is thoughtful, patient and absolutely relentless in assuring the credentialing and peer review responsibilities are performed professionally and thoroughly. Her performance is t r uly one of M ission Hospital’s finest examples of Service Excellence.”

Morgan Hembree, RN Nurse Educator, Nursing Professional Development, was recently awarded one of Mission Health’s quality service award for her outstanding dedication. When staff or co-workers bring concerns to Morgan, she consistently takes time to listen, research further, takes the concern to appropriate stakeholders, and follows up in a timely manner.

Biltmore OB-GYN is pleased to announce the addition of a new physician, Dr. Stacey Olney.

Dr. Olney is an experience medical professional specializing in women’s care.

Sophie AUGUST 2014 | 17

Asheville Style

Cobalt Blue Skirt $19 White Cutout Sleeve Blouse $19 Tribal Print Shawl Dawl $46 Livin’ Freely Floral Locket $20 Antique Gold Bicycle Earrings $6 18 | Sophie AUGUST 2014

Colorblock Gray Tank $15 Paintbrush Cardigan $25 Gray Knit Skirt $13 Catwalk Studios Handbag $35 3 Bead Vintage Button Earrings $10 3 Bead Vintage Glass Pendant $25

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Hip-remix AVL Original Skirt $40 Niki Biki Seamless Tank $8 Must Have Gold Cardigan $20 Bristol Hills Natural Gemstone Necklace $20 Posh Patina Locally Handcrafted Earrings $15

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Clothing & Accessories by:

61 Haywood St • Asheville 828-285-8738 TrueSouthernCharm.com - All Clothing Made in the USAPhotographer: Tanya Kolodich Blue Parachute Photography Facebook.com/blueparachutephotography 828-551-8550 Hair Stylist: Zhenya Lazarchuk

155 East Chestnut St • Asheville 828-713-6921 zhenya.lazarchuktikhonov@facebook.com Makeup Artist: Ren Allen

1 Page Ave, 143B • Asheville 828-713-1083 makeupatga.com Model: Marsha van Rijssen Fashion Coordinator: Angela Ramsey Assistant Fashion Stylist: Amy Moore

Cobalt Blue Shawl Dawl $40 Boutique Basic Tee $13 Chiffon Chevron Tribal Pants $19 Livinʼ Freely Map of Asheville Necklace $20 3 Bead Glass Map Earrings $20 Sophie AUGUST 2014 | 21

Just for Me Makeover Written and Coordinated by Jacqui Perry | Photography by Kirsten Fuchs Full on into summer it is August and we know that fall will be just around the corner. As we go from month to month, we see different changes the seasons bring. Much like our lives, each day brings change. Meet Elizabeth Garzarelli, our August makeover model. She has been through changes that have brought on difficult times, but this incredible woman lives in the moment and doesn’t take anything for granted.

Jacqui: Over the past year you have been through 5 surgeries that have brought on many changes. This is one of the reasons you wanted a Sophie Makeover. Tell me about your past year?

Elizabeth: Well, I am not a super private person so sharing is not difficult. Last year I had lost 35 pounds and then was diagnosed with breast cancer. I went through a double mastectomy and reconstruction surgery at Duke Cancer Center. Duke used a procedure called flap where they use my own tissue from my stomach and thigh areas for the breast reconstruction. I can really say I have had breast reconstruction, two thigh lifts and a tummy tuck just because of the nature of the procedure. I thought, I have a new body why not get a makeover to go with it!!!!

Before

Jacqui: How has your life changed since breast cancer?

Name: First of all, I learned how to ask for help and I realized how loved I was from my family and friends. My husband and daughters are so supportive. I have learned not to postpone anything that is important to me. I deepened my spirituality. I prayed a lot!!!

Jacqui: What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

Name: I love walking in the woods, reading and cooking when I can spend time preparing a meal. I recently made honey lavender ice cream that was awesome! I also enjoy container gardening with tomatoes, flowers and herbs.

Jacqui: Tell me about your career?

Name: For 14 years I was a psychotherapist. I now am an executive recruiter for a publishing company specializing in education and text books. I meet some incredible people who are so eager to change the world through education. I most recently joined the board of an organization called POP (Pages Opening People) where we collect books to distribute to prisons, homeless shelters and under resourced schools.

Elizabeth, with such a wonderful outlook on life is such an inspiration to be around.

She is beautiful inside and out!

Clothes and accessories: Belk, Asheville Mall Salon Manager: Linda White for Carmen! Carmen! at Belk Hair: Color: Jesslyn Luck Cut: Linda White for Carmen! Carmen! at Belk Makeup: Jennifer Spear for Laura Mercier at Belk Photographer: Kirsten Fuchs

22 | Sophie AUGUST 2014

Elizabeth after

Interested in a makeover? Send your photo and 75 words of why you need a makeover to info@luminousyouinc.com.

Sophie AUGUST 2014 | 23

Chiming In

New Career After 50!

Written by Susan Reinhardt | Photograph by JeanAnn Taylor It’s just after 9 p.m. on a weekday, and I’ve cleaned and sterilized all my makeup brushes, stowed them away, wiped the glass counters, and closed and balanced the cash register.

Welcome to my world as a luxury-line cosmetics manger. It’s a job I always considered, even written about in my fiction, and now I find myself giving makeovers, skincare lessons and showing women how to look and feel better about themselves.

What a huge departure from my work for more than 30 years as a journalist and columnist for various newspapers. Instead of facing computers and subjects to interview, I approach lovely women and try my best to raise their self confidence.

About nine months after the sudden and unexpected loss of my job at the Citizen-Times, Belk at Biltmore Square Mall hired me as a Lancôme counter manager, giving me a chance based on my “people” skills, despite the fact I warned them the cash register would be my personal devil.

In a world in which women (and men) over 50 are discarded by big corporations like yesterday’s trash, I’m pleased that Belk and Lancôme both hire “women of age,” those of us who still have a lot to offer despite the birthdate on our driver’s license.

Many of my friends over 50 have teetered upon this crossroad. Like me, they have been loyal to a company for 20 or more years, and one day find themselves filling out forms for unemployment, wondering why their higher-ups deemed them no longer worth the bigger salaries they’ve worked decades to attain.

It’s cruel. It’s unfair. It’s life in Corporate America.

Racism isn’t tolerated. Sexism is taboo. But ageism permeates the workforce and the corporate world, and not much is done to address this despite the Age Discrimination in Employment Act that went into effect in 1967. The facts show it’s almost impossible to prove such cases.

For me and others I know personally, it’s not worth the fight and time in court.

One year ago this month, I got a phone call from Human Resources at the paper, and learned that effective immediately myself along with many co-workers had been laid off. Most of us were well past 40, some right at the edge of reaping retirement benefits.

But I moved on, and it wasn’t easy.

While vowing to be “Better and not Bitter,” my personal motto, it’s so frustrating to apply for dozens of jobs and find out they don’t hire because of age and over-qualifications.

Those of us with experience and a few gray hairs, often find ourselves squeezed and suffocating in the cracks of opportunity.

But I hold no grudges. I’ve always trusted in God’s plan – the belief that what is meant to be, shall be. And that when one door slams and yanks off a toenail, another opens and gives you a pedicure.

24 | Sophie AUGUST 2014

Susan applies her final makeup touches before going to work.

I’d almost given up on finding another job, when a friend of mine told me Belk at Biltmore Square, which is still open despite construction for the outlet malls, was hiring in cosmetics.

I met with the management and human resources, and they didn’t flinch about my age. After this initial meeting, an executive with Lancôme interviewed me, and we hit decided this was a good fit.

Within two days, I got a call from Belk, offering me the job. The manager even wrote me a nice card of welcome. Soon after I was hired, Lancôme flew me to New York City to train for a few days.

And what was so wonderful to see in the training were women of all ages working for Lancôme. Many were even older than I was. How refreshing this company, along with Belk, hires people based on factors other than age.

In the short time I’ve been on this job, I’ve realized that change is possible. Change can be a good thing. And that employment doesn’t have to end at age 50.

Feel free to drop by my counter for a chat and skincare consultation.

Susan Reinhardt is the author of the hilarious and quirky novel “Chimes from a Cracked Southern Belle,” along with “Not Tonight Honey, Wait ‘Til I’m a Size 6,” “Don’t Sleep with a Bubba.” and “Dishing with the Kitchen Virgin.” susanreinhardt.com

Crafty Girl

Travel Chic Created by JeanAnn Taylor

Show off your savvy travel style with this “make-up” bag. Everything will stay in place with pockets you can make to fit your brushes, mascara, and lip gloss.

Go to sophiemagazine.com for instructions on making this travel bag.

All supplies available at Hancock Fabrics, River Ridge Shopping Center, Asheville, NC.

Sophie AUGUST 2014 | 25

Dramatic Couture Directed by SARA FIELDS Photography by Audrey Goforth

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n its third year, Asheville Community Theatre fundraiser Costume Drama wowed another sold-out audience with fashion designs created in the categories of: Paper, Nature, Transformation and Upcycled/Recycled Materials. The entries provided a breathtaking display of creativity - each one as unique and interesting as its designer. The show winners were: Olivia Mears of Avant-Geek (Paper), Susan Sertain and Ida Bostian of The Costume Shoppe (Transformation), Aurora Moulin (Upcycled/ Recycled), and first time show entrant Amanda Tucker of Blossoms Biltmore Park in Nature and Best Of Show.

The show raised over $10,000 for community arts programming at Asheville Community Theatre.

Designer: Amanda Tucker of Blossoms at Biltmore Park CATEGORY: Nature Model: Sarah London Hair: Katie Manselle of Ananda Makeup: Jennifer Sellers 26 | Sophie AUGUST 2014

Designer: Melissa McKinney Gough CATEGORY: Paper Model: Charlene Deaver Hair: Katie Manselle of Ananda Makeup: Zach Russell of Makeup at the Grove Arcade Sophie AUGUST 2014 | 27

Designer: Carley Brandau CATEGORY: Nature Model: Kristen McGee Hair: Lalenya Settlemyre of Bari Salon Makeup: Amanda Anderson of Doll Box Productions

28 | Sophie AUGUST 2014

Designer: Aurora Moulin CATEGORY: Upcycled/Recycled Model: Tristin Vitriol Hair: Charlotte Murphy of Ananda Makeup: Aurora Moulin

Designer: Aurora Moulin CATEGORY: Paper Model: Patrice Wilson Hair: Charlotte Murphy of Ananda Makeup: Aurora Moulin

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Designer: C arly Robbins and Eatherly Hood Schultz of Floressence CATEGORY: Nature Model: Megan Rose Phillips Hair: Wesley Bolden of Eclipse Salon Makeup: Megan Rose Phillips

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LIKE NEW LOOKS FOR A FRACTION OF THE PRICE

32 | Sophie AUGUST 2014

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Keeping Your “Best Friend” Cool Written by Debi Manfre

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ummertime … when the livin’ is easy … except when experiencing record temperatures and humidity! It’s not only important for us to stay cool in summer, it’s just as important to keep our dogs cool, too. They suffer the same problems we do, like overheating, dehydration and sunburn. Remember that dogs cannot cool themselves by sweating like us. The main way a dog cools off is by panting. Unfortunately, panting is not enough when it is extremely hot and humid. Here are some ways to help your “best friend” cool off in the heat of summer.

•

Beat the sun. Exercise your dog early in morning or late at night.

These are the cooler parts of the day and this will make it more enjoyable for both you and your dog.

•

Keep your dog hydrated. An overheated dog will drool excessively. Carry a bottle of water when going on a walk with your dog.

Make sure he has plenty of water available at home. You may need to refill your dog’s water more often than usual.

•

Never leave your dog in a parked car. The car retains more heat than an open area, even in the shade. On long road trips, make sure you have water for your dog and leave the air conditioner on.

•

Pools for cooling. If your dog loves water, then a large tub or molded plastic kiddie pool might be a great addition to your yard.

Find a nice spot in the shade to set it up. Make sure you supervise your dog at all times. Change the water frequently. Don’t leave the pool full when not in use, as it may attract mosquitos or become a safety hazard for small children.

•

Did you know dogs cool from the bottom up? Dogs prefer to lie on tile or concrete floors when it’s hot out. Lay down a damp, wet towel for your dog to lay on. Try spraying water on his paws and stomach, not just the top of him.

•

A refreshing cool down. A “bath” without soap. Use a garden hose or use a cool, very wet towel to wet your dog down for evaporative cooling.

•

Ouch - hot feel alert! If you are walking your dog, remember that while paw pads are “tough” they are also sensitive, and can be burned when walking on hot pavement. If possible, walk on grass or dirt. Or, get your dog a pair of booties for his paws.

•

Cool equipment. There are a number of accessories to help your “best friend” beat the heat. A cooling collar, bandanna, vest or coat just needs a short spell in the freezer or a cold water soak to keep him comfortable for several hours.

•

Cool your dog inside and out. Whip up a batch of quick and easy homemade “ice cream” (see recipe). Frozen green beans, strawberries, and blueberries are also a nice refreshing treat.

34 | Sophie AUGUST 2014

Easy Homemade Doggie “Ice Cream” I make this for my dog, Jakester. He loves them. When I say “Do you want ice cream?”, he barks and goes to the freezer. I give him the cup. He grabs it with his mouth and brings it in the living room to lick away at the cool treat.

Ingredients: • 6 oz. container plain Greek or lowfat yogurt • 1 banana • 2 tblspns. peanut butter • 2 cups low sodium chicken broth Directions: • Mix all of the ingredients in a blender until smooth.

• Pour mixture into ice cube trays, or 5 oz. paper cups. If using paper cups, fill them about 2/3 full. You should get about 6 paper cup servings.

• Freeze overnight.

• Pop out the “ice cream” cubes and store in a freezer bag. If using cups, store in a gallon sized freezer bag.

• “Ice cream” can be messy so best served outside on covered porch or under a shady tree.

Note: If your dog cannot eat dairy, you can use goat yogurt or substitute yogurt with 6 oz. of chicken broth. You may substitute blueberries or strawberries for the banana.

Sophie AUGUST 2014 | 35

All About | Kittens

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Written by Paul Kline Photography by JeanAnn Taylor

had just come home from work on a Friday afternoon. I was hot, tired and all I wanted to do was have a cold drink and sit on the porch for a while to relax. It was then that my wife surprised me with this little orange fluffball.

I never thought I would be the kind of man who would tolerate, and even enjoy, having cats around the house. But I have to admit that they keep us entertained and often laughing out loud. I’m actually a bit envious of their carefree life, where everything is one adventure after another. In fact, watching our kitten, Squeaky, has given me several important life lessons to ponder.

Squeaky is completely happy no matter what is going on around him.

Give him the top to a pop bottle and he’s playing hockey on the hard wood floors. He can entertain himself for ten or more minutes by chasing his own tail. He can hide out in a paper bag, and take a nap in the watering can where his purr echoes against the metal. He lounges on the windowsill and watches the world while enjoying the breeze and sunshine. What a life.

He’s utterly amused at what is going on around him; the rabbits and chickens in the yard, the birds flying down to the bird feeder, the little bug that keeps escaping his claw. He’s interested in everything as if it’s all there for his own personal enjoyment. No cares, no worries, he’s just happy and content.

Life lesson number one: Find joy in simple things.

As a kitten, he is constantly under our feet. Try as we might, it’s inevitable that he sometimes gets a little kick. The thing is, it doesn’t even faze him. He just comes back for more love and attention.

Lesson number two: When you get smacked, don’t hold a grudge.

Squeaky constantly performs acrobatic tricks for us. He hangs upsidedown on the chair, flip-flops on the area rug, and tries to climb the silk tree in the living room. Occasionally, he falls. Okay, he frequently falls. And sometimes we laugh. No, we always laugh.

Life lesson number three: Don’t take yourself so seriously. When you fall, shake it off and try again.

Given that the animal shelters are full of kittens this time of year, I thought I would share a few tips that may help if you are considering adopting one this summer. This isn’t intended to replace a vet’s advice, just a few observations of my own.

First, set boundaries. Kittens are smarter than you think. Just like 36 | Sophie AUGUST 2014

Paul and Squeaky

children, if you start young, they will learn and know what is expected of them. Start grooming your kitten early as well. They will learn to sit still and enjoy the process.

Kittens grow at a very rapid pace. Be sure to give them kitten food. It has the calories and protein requirements they need for growth. They should remain on kitten food until they are nine to twelve months old.

They also drink a surprisingly large amount of water, so keep the water bowl full at all times. Cats don’t like their food and litterbox to be in the same proximity, so place them as far apart as possible.

Young kittens rely on their siblings and mother to stay warm. If your kitten is under eight weeks old, be sure to provide him with a warm place to sleep and play even in the summer.

Have your kitten spayed or neutered before six months of age. This will prevent them from developing the unpleasant habit of spraying. Don’t allow kittens to bite. They need to know that it is not acceptable behavior.

Expose them to loud noises such as vacuum cleaners, and let them socialize with your other animals. We introduced our kitten to our older cat and chickens the first week we got him. It was of course supervised, but within just a few days, they all became friends. It’s hysterical to watch our 15-pound cat play with our 2-pound kitten. It only took Squeaky one time to jump at a chick to learn that chickens don’t like to play.

Reward your kitten for good behavior. This will influence how he behaves with people and other cats as he gets older. Pet them often and let them know that you are there to take care of them. Playing with your kitten will help him form a strong emotional bond with you.

REAL MEN READ SOPHIE

We know that men read Sophie, so send a photo of your man reading Sophie to writer@sophiemagazine.com, and you may see your photo published in the magazine!

Enjoy your new kitten because just like children, they grow up fast!

Paul Kline is the owner of North Star Construction. Visit nscbuilds.com.

David and Daniel Jackson, Jacksons Mowing in Etowah

Steve Slagle and Samuel Laipham of Nothing New Used Furniture Squeaky’s favorite napping spot.

Sophie AUGUST 2014 | 37

More Than a Pretty Picture An interview with Katherine Brooks Written by Carson Abernethy

“I like to represent people at their best; I want my photographs to be empowering to them, to give them confidence.”

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atherine Brooks believes that there is much more to photography than simply a pretty picture. Her photographs are taken to elicit an emotional response from viewers, as she focuses on capturing what she describes as, “the true nature and character of a person.”

She surpasses the common assumption of a superficiality that can be associated with photography, and expresses the creative aspects of the industry. As I spoke with Katherine, I was instantly impressed by her ‘can do’ attitude, and her deep love for her work. She is the epitome of the common idiom, “it’s never too late to learn,” as she started this avocation at a late age with little knowledge of technology and photography itself.

Apart from photography, she juggles the job of a mom of three boys, as she loves the bridge photography creates between her life at home, and at work. In this interview, Katherine shared her ideas about photography and how she was able to negotiate the challenges of starting a new career in a competitive field.

How did you first become interested in photography? Seeing my dad.

He was always taking pictures in the background. He would take pictures everywhere, yet he didn’t do it professionally, he did it for fun. He was just always behind the scenes, capturing the family, and now being grown, I love having all of those pictures and memories. As a profession, I started reading everything and going to workshops everywhere. I learned a lot about the importance of technology and spent hours and hours customizing my own website. I created a blog and used social media to spread my business.

What do you love most about your job? What’s interesting is I didn’t think I was a very creative person, but I love the creativeness about [photography]. That’s what fuels me more than anything. Every new situation is unique and fun. I love being able to schedule it around my family, which is nice. I also love being around and meeting new people. We always create these inside jokes and funny things that happen on the shoot. I feel very connected to the people I take photographs of, even though I’ve never met them before. I always come out with new friends from each shoot.

I love that part of it. Then there’s also the piece that when you’re done shooting, you’re on your own, and the editing process is a nice quiet time that I can focus, listen to classical music, and finish my work.

38 | Sophie AUGUST 2014

Katherine with her playful puppy.

What inspires you the most? I really try to capture the personality and true nature of the people I photograph, and I don’t want it to just be a pretty picture. Completely sideline of that, I’m a very unfashionable person, but I absolutely love photographing fashion, beauty, and styled shoots.

Maybe its because I’m not like that, but I’m very drawn to these kinds of shoots. I think that they’re really fun, creative, and interesting.

What are your favorite things to take pictures of? Well I have a lot

of favorites. I’ll shoot a family and love it, and then I’ll shoot something else, and love that even more. It’s sort of like each new session becomes my favorite. I also love doing headshots, especially high school seniors.

Additionally, I love personal projects, and taking on that fashion editorial look. I can take aspects of my personal projects, and bring them into my everyday shoots. Mainly, I want to represent people at their best. I think that’s empowering to them, and builds their confidence. I like giving that to people.

What and where do you imagine your dream photo shoot? Well this may not apply to “the” dream photo shoot, but a dream of mine is to

have my own studio. Ideally, I would love to have a big garage studio with natural light from large windows and I think that would be really neat because you could do a lot with that in the sense of editorial fashion. But for me personally, I don’t need to go or travel anywhere.

I think you can be really anywhere background wise and still create this awesome dramatic image. It doesn’t have to be the greatest location ever. In fact, I actually love when the family or person that I’m photographing chooses the location, because I find that to be more personal to them and I arrive there and its new and different for me. That gets my creative juices going. It’s really spontaneous and that’s how I like to work. I don’t go in with a master plan, it just happens organically.

Do you have any big plans for photography in the future? I always want to learn more. Mainly, I just

want it to be the best it can be. I’m constantly reading photography books, and that’s so enjoyable for me. I have stacks and stacks. I want to know everything I can know. My style is spontaneous but I want to know what I’m doing. So, I want my photography to continue to improve, and be the best I know it can be.

Katherine captures Gracey’s sweet smile.

Carson is a rising senior at Asheville School. She loves fashion and writing.

Sophie AUGUST 2014 | 39

learn. dream. live. run. western north carolina 40 | Sophie AUGUST 2014

Register, Volunteer, and Learn More at gotrwnc.org or (828) 713-4290

Donate to GOTR of WNC If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation to Girls on the Run of WNC, checks can be mailed to 50 S. French Broad Ave, Suite 249, Asheville, NC 28801, or you can visit their website: gotrwnc.org/donate.

Sophie AUGUST 2014 | 41

ID.exchange

Porch Life: Take the Party Outside Written by Amy Kuykendall

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hen the weather turns warm and the days get longer, there are few meals more pleasant than those you can enjoy in your own backyard. An outdoor kitchen that is designed to function like your indoor kitchen just might be the ticket.

Pull up a stool and stay a while. Watching the chef at work is half the fun. Bring the party to the cook by including a stainless steel or stone bar top, or bar-height table and stools near the grill. This will allow guests to sit, mingle and watch all the action while staying out of the main kitchen space.

Include a prep zone. A strategically placed prep area will make it easy to do all of the work outside. Include an easy-clean work surface to chop veggies and meat, or to mix the drinks. The addition of a mini-fridge is perfect for keeping the food at hand yet out of the sun – and for storing cold beverages for the chef. This zone can double as a serving station when it is time to eat.

Keep it cool. A covered deck or pergola can transform a portable grill into a true outdoor kitchen. It’s also nice to keep the chef in the shade. If that addition is not an option, consider an extra-large freestanding umbrella. It can be used to shade the prep area, then moved to cover the eating area for guests.

Lounge around. Oversized, comfortable furnishings will encourage relaxation and make your guests feel right at home. Mix and match the furniture just like you would inside. Matchy – matchy outdoor sets are not necessary, but choose seating that is flexible and can be moved around easily. A small round table with two to four chairs in one corner, and settees and armchairs with outdoor pillows throughout the rest of the space will create mingling areas for your guests.

Accessorize. Use a pretty serving tray to display ingredients for the meal (bonus: it’s a great way to cart them from the house). Plant a few containers of fresh herbs to keep handy by the prep area – rosemary for the chicken, thyme for the veggies, and maybe even fresh mint for the mojitos! Finish off the space with a few potted plants and an outdoor rug to add color and warmth.

Set the mood. Nothing creates ambiance in the evening like the right lighting.

A combination of landscape lighting and direct light over the grilling area will offer a balance of function and ambiance. Include a fireplace or stone fire pit to further enhance the outdoor experience; you can even do the cooking campfire-style when you add a few grilling grates. Finally, speakers installed around the entertaining space will allow you to create the perfect mood for all of the outdoor fun.

Entertaining family and friends always feels more relaxed and fun when you can do it outside. A great cooking space will transform your summer cooking into prime party entertainment!

Visit idologyasheville.com for more information.

42 | Sophie AUGUST 2014

Sophie AUGUST 2014 | 43

Garden Bloomers

Betty demonstrates wearing long sleeves and protective gloves whenever handling poison ivy!

Out in the Garden Written By Betty Sharpless | Photograph by JeanAnn Taylor

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ooking back I have talked to you about this infamous vine before, but something as big and scary as…POISON IVY…needs to be talked about out loud and in the light of day. Right now the poison ivy is going great guns in all of my clients’ gardens. There are two basic ways to get rid of it but the first thing you need to do is identify it.

Many of you former campers may remember the old saying “leaves of three, let it be”. In the late winter, poison ivy often just looks like a harmless stick coming out of the undergrowth. Before pulling up this vine, check for hairy roots coming out the length of the vine. If you see these, go back and put on extra gloves and long sleeves. In the early spring poison ivy gets small sets of red shiny leaves, three in each set. As the summer progresses, it actually is harder to spot poison ivy as the leaves start to blend in, loosing their shine and hiding among other leaves. (That is when you are most likely to get poison ivy.) In the fall, poison ivy is the first foliage to turn yellow.

The name of the kindergarten teacher who did not know this when getting ready for fall parents day will go unnamed…

So, now that you know what it looks like, it’s time to get rid of it. It has been my experience that it takes about two seasons to really get rid of a stand of poison ivy. As I said above, there are two good ways to get rid of poison ivy.You can cut and pull it or you can spray it. When pulling poison ivy, of course you want to protect as much skin as possible trying not to wipe your gloved hands on your face, or scratch an itch. It is best to pull PI when it is cooler out, you’ll have more clothing on and your pores will be closed.

The worst poison ivy I ever got was when I pulled PI on a hot July day in a tank top. What was I thinking? For really big poison ivy climbing up a tree, cut a 6-inch chunk out of the vine to starve it out with a hand pruning saw. Then 44 | Sophie AUGUST 2014

spray the open cut as discussed below. If you are going to put out the vines for pick up, be kind enough to label them for the brush removal people. After you have pulled as much as you can see, mark your calendar for a month later and be ready to spray new growth.

Spraying is the second effective method. You must use a spray concentrate that specifically says that it will work on poison ivy. Plain weed killer will just roll off the oil that coats the leaves. Spray according to directions, then spray again in two weeks. Again, mark your calendar for a month ahead to check it again.

After you have sprayed, pulled or walked in the woods in poison ivy, walk right over to the washing machine to undress. Wash your clothes in hot soapy water. Wash your skin first in cold water and dish soap. (We like Dawn the best.) Cold water keeps your pores closed and the dish soap breaks down the oils lurking on your skin waiting to cause a rash. When you do shower, use tepid water temperature and a really soapy soap. Dr Bronner’s brand of soaps work very well. I have been told that taking a little extra vitamin C also helps fight the rash. If you do still get poison ivy, use an anti itch lotion and try not to scratch. If the rash continues to get worse, do not wait to go see a doctor.

Remember where the poison ivy was growing previously and check on those areas periodically. Poison ivy is very sneaky about pretending to give up and then creeping back in when you least expect it.

Betty Sharpless is a professional free-lance gardener who knew it was time to write about poison ivy again when she spent this entire past July telling people how to identify and avoid poison ivy.

A bird sitting on a tree is never afraid of the branch breaking, because her trust is not on the branch, but on its own wings.

Always Believe In Yourself.

Sophie AUGUST 2014 | 45

Let’s Get Cooking

Let’s Celebrate The Peach Written by Debi Manfre

Did you know, August is National Peach Month? Enjoy the delicious fruit in these tasty recipes.

Spinach and Grilled Peach Salad with Blue Cheese & Bacon

If you’ve never had grilled peaches before, you are in for a real treat; just a few minutes over the coals adds a trace of smoky char that is the perfect complement to their natural sweetness. Put them together with fresh spinach and a crumble of blue cheese and bacon, and you’ve got a salad that is great as a meal for 2 or an appetizer salad for 4.

Peaches ‘N Cream Submitted by Charline Perry

This month’s recipe winner.

Charline will receive a free handmade apron!

Ingredients: • 6 tblspns. butter • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs • 1 3/4 cups plus 2 tblspns. granulated sugar, divided • 4 cups fresh peaches, peeled & sliced (8-10 peaches) • Pinch of salt • 3 tblspns. cornstarch • 1 cup water • 1/2 of a 3 oz. package of peach Jello (about 3 1/2 tblspns.)

• 8 oz. pkg. of cream cheese • 1/2 cup whole milk • 1 8 oz. container whipped topping

Directions: • In medium bowl, combine butter, cracker crumbs and 2 tblspns. sugar; mix until well combined. Reserve 1/3 of the crust mixture for topping. Press remaining crust mixture into the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish; set aside.

• In large bowl, combine peaches and 1/2 cup sugar, set aside.

• In med. saucepan over med. heat, combine 3/4 C sugar, salt, cornstarch and water. Cook, stirring constantly, until thick and clear. Remove from heat. Add Jello and stir until it dissolves. Fold in sliced peaches.

• In medium bowl, beat cream cheese with 1/2 cup sugar until fluffy; add milk, beat until well blended. Fold in whipped topping. Spread half of cream cheese mixture over crust. Spoon peach mixture over cream cheese layer. Spread remainder of cream cheese mixture over peaches. Sprinkle with reserved crust mixture. Chill.

Makes 12 servings.

46 | Sophie AUGUST 2014

Ingredients: • 8 strips of bacon • 2 ripe but firm peaches, halved and pitted • 2 bunches or 1 reg. bag of baby spinach leaves, washed and dried • 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (You can substitute with feta or goat cheese, if you don’t care for blue cheese.)

• 2 tblspns. ketchup • 2 tblspns. wholegrain mustard • 1 tblspn. granulated sugar • 1 tblspn. chopped garlic • 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar • Juice of 1 lime Directions: • You may grill your peaches on a gas grill or charcoal fire. When the temperature of your grill or fire is medium-hot, you’re ready to cook.

• Cook your bacon in a saute pan over medium heat until crisp (6-8 minutes). Drain your bacon on a paper towel until cool. Then crumble it roughly into a small bowl.

• Make the dressing: Combine the ketchup, mustard, sugar and garlic in a blender or food processor and puree. With the machine running, add the oil in a slow, steady stream. Next add the vinegar and lime juice and pulse to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Put dressing in a medium bowl.

• Rub the peach halves with oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper. Grill cut sides down. Grill until nicely browned (4-5 minutes). Remove from the grill, cut each half into 4 wedges, place in a bowl, toss with some of the dressing.

• Put the spinach leaves in a large bowl and toss with some of the remaining dressing until moist.

• Divide spinach among salad plates. Evenly divide and arrange the peaches on top. Sprinkle generously with cheese and bacon.

Recipe courtesy of ivillage.com

Homemade Peach BBQ Sauce

Low-fat Peach Ice Cream

Courtesy of kissmysmoke.com

Submitted by Jackie Brown

Ingredients: • 3 tblspns. butter • 1 large or 2 small shallots, diced • 1 or 2 cloves garlic, pressed or chopped finely • Salt and pepper to taste • 2 tblspns. brown sugar • 1/2 to 1 tspn. cinnamon • 1/2 to 1 tspn. smoked paprika • 1 cup ketchup • 1 cup fresh peaches • 1 tblspn. worcestershire sauce • Juice from 1/2 fresh lemon Directions: • Pulse your peaches in a food processor until chunky or smooth, depending how you like your sauce. Set aside.

• In a large saucepan melt the butter over med. heat. Add the shallots and cook until golden brown. Add the garlic. Cook for about 1 or 2 minutes.

• Add the spices, ketchup, brown sugar, and peaches. Cook until it comes to a boil.

• Add the worcestershire sauce and the lemon juice, stir and bring back to a boil. Let it boil for about a 1 or 2 minutes, stir, then reduce to a simmer.

Simmer for about 20 to 30 minutes. Give it a stir here and there.

• You can store the surplus in the fridge for a couple of weeks.

Fresh Peaches with Sour Cream Submitted by Betsy Sloan Ingredients: • 2 large, fresh, ripe peaches • 1 tblspn. sugar • 1 tblspn. orange juice • 1/2 tspn. almond extract • 1 tblspn. brown sugar • 1/2 cup sour cream • 3-4 Amaretto cookies or favorite sugar cookie Directions: • Peel and slice peaches. Put into a bowl with the tblspn. sugar, orange juice and almond extract. Stir to coat -- then let fruit marinate for a few minutes.

• Meanwhile, mix well the sour cream and brown sugar in a bowl.

• Crush cookies in a paper bag with a rolling pin.

• Divide peaches into 4 ramekins or dishes. Top each serving with some of the sour cream mixture, then the crushed cookies. Serve and enjoy!

Serves 4

Do you love fresh peaches? This fresh peach ice cream is the perfect summer dessert for you. We love the fresh taste and beautiful natural color.

It’s easy to enjoy as a fresh real milk shake or freeze firmer for a couple of hours for a firmer texture. Either way it’s a delicious summer treat if you enjoy peaches.

Ingredients: • 4 fresh peaches, peeled and cut into small bite-size chunks • 3 tblspns., freshly squeezed lemon juice • 1 cup sugar, divided • 1 cup 2% milk • 2 cups half and half • 1 tspn. vanilla Directions: • In a small bowl, combine the peaches and lemon juice and 1/3 cup of the sugar. Allow peaches to macerate for 2 hours.

• In a medium bowl, whisk to combine the milk and remaining 2/3 cup sugar until sugar is dissolved.

• Stir in half and half and vanilla.

• Turn ice cream machine on and pour mixture in. Add peaches the last 5 minutes.

• Freeze ice cream for about two hours for firmer ice cream or enjoy as a shake if you like.

For more delicious peach recipes from our readers, visit our website, sopiemagazine.com

Photo by KIrsten Fuchs

In September, our gardens and the farmers’ markets are bursting with a bounty of tomatoes.

There are so many ways to prepare them. Share your favorite tomato recipe with me. One recipe submission will be chosen to receive a free apron handmade by JeanAnn Taylor, our Sophie editor. Go to sophiemagazine.com and fill out the recipe form or you can email your recipe to me at writer@sophiemagazine.com. Please include a detailed list of ingredients and instructions plus your full name, address and phone number.

Let’s get cooking!

Debi Manfre Sophie AUGUST 2014 | 47

Sun & Soil

Royal Ratatouille Written by Kristina Urquhart

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ou planted those Black Beauty zucchinis back in March with the best of intentions. But with every subsequent summer rain, the fruits swell to comically large proportions. By summer’s end, every available surface in the kitchen is occupied with the tender oblong fruits with dark green flesh. You’ve given them away to friends and neighbors, made zucchini bread, zucchini fries, cream of zucchini soup, and you still have too many to count.

This is your solution: Unbelievably simple. Lick-the-plate delicious. Embarrassingly easy. It’s a tradition in our house to make this classic French dish – and an homage to my vegetarian days – with all local, organically grown fare gleaned from my garden or the markets every summer.

Everything’s in season now, down to the garlic and herbs, so there are no excuses to try it. As far as a “peasant” meal goes, it doesn’t get any better than this.

Ratatouille Ingredients: • 1/4 cup olive oil • 1/2 garlic bulb or 5-7 cloves, peeled and diced • 2 tablespoons thyme • 4 tablespoons parsley • 1 medium onion • 1 medium eggplant • 3-4 medium zucchini or squash • 2 medium tomatoes • 2 red, yellow or orange peppers • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese • Salt and pepper to taste Directions: • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Coat the bottom and sides of a large casserole dish with olive oil.

• Slice eggplant, zucchini, peppers, tomatoes, and onion into ¼-inch thick discs. Remove pepper seeds, but leave tomato seeds (they’ll lend the dish some juiciness).

• In a skillet, heat 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil, half of the garlic and half of the parsley over a medium heat. Sauté the eggplant discs until tender - about 4 minutes.

• Once the eggplant discs have cooled enough to handle, layer the zucchini, peppers, tomatoes, onion and eggplant discs in the casserole dish at a 45 degree angle (roughly! No need to be perfect), alternating vegetables. Top the vegetables with salt, black pepper, garlic, parsley, thyme, Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil. Bake for 45 minutes, and serve hot. Satisfies the tummy rumbles of 2-4 (pretty hungry) people. The two of us (my husband and I) ate the whole dish, shamelessly.

Follow Kristina Mercedes Urquhart’s homesteading exploits on her blog, kristinamercedes.tumblr.com.

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Kirsten Fuchs photography 828.216.9141 kirstenfuchs.com

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ID.exchange

What’s Cooking in the Kitchen? Design for All!

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Written by Laura K. Sullivan, Allied ASID, CAPS

he kitchen is the heart of a home, and arguably the most important room in the house. Kitchens require more attention than ever when it comes to universal design. Here’s how to adapt some basic areas in the kitchen using universal design principles.

Homeowners in all age groups have clear preference for open floor plans, which dictates a focus on kitchen design more than ever. Baby boomers tend to be a very social group who like to entertain often. The kitchen becomes prime entertainment space with guests gathering around the island or counter space. A two-tiered island provides extra space and accessibility. Including a 30” table height surface at the island will offer optimal seating for everyone, regardless of age or mobility. It will also provide a workspace for those whom standing is a problem, allowing them to sit while preparing food.

Appliances that are smart, high-tech and high style are a must. Almost every appliance today is available in a variety of styles and features that have real benefits for those looking for a safe cooking environment for all without compromising aesthetics. A built-in microwave drawer placed just beneath the countertop will eliminate a high reach, and is a great solution for shorter

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individuals and those managing a wheelchair or cane. A refrigerator with a freezer drawer at the bottom is much easier to operate, and the double door on the top offers full, unencumbered access to the refrigerator. Ovens that have a side-swing door are more accessible and safer than regular ovens, because users don’t have to bend over a hot door or extend their reach to access the interior.

All corners of the 50+ kitchen must be well-lit. As we age, we all require more uniform and balanced lighting levels. Strategically planned ambient and task lighting provides both beauty and safety. Recessed ceiling lights are the primary source of illumination in most kitchens. But adding lighting above the cabinets, as well as under-cabinet lighting, will create balance and make the kitchen feel more spacious. Pendants over the island are both functional and add a decorative touch. The proper blend of lighting and fixtures creates both ambiance and a well-lit work environment.

Everyone can be in on the cooking act! With key features, products and an accessible layout, people of all ages and abilities can live comfortably and safely.

Visit idologyasheville.com for more information.

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Eating Healthy On The Go Written by Medea Galligan, MS Nutrition, CHHC, AADP

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et’s be honest, eating healthy these days takes education, planning and a determination to make conscious decisions about what we are and are not going to eat. But what are we to do when we live at work or on the road and are faced with nothing but a slew of fast food restaurants and convenience stores? What are we to do when traveling for vacation or to see relatives?

Eating healthy on the go can seem like a daunting task. Believe me, I know.

It took me years to figure it out. There are certainly times when hitting up the drive-thru seems like the easiest option, like when it’s 2pm and you just got a lunch break, or you are in the middle of nowhere, starving, and you stop to get gas. These situations are not only oh too familiar, but believe it or not, they can be easy to avoid if you’re prepared.

Here are 7 useful tips to help you get through your day and stay true to your goal of eating healthier: 1. Grab a quick, healthy breakfast. There’s no way you’re going to survive the morning, never mind the day, if you don’t start the day with a good breakfast. It’s tempting to skip the first meal of the day in favor of a few extra minutes of sleep, but rather than starting your day on an empty stomach, you can pack a healthy breakfast the night before and store it in the fridge. That way all you have to do is grab and go. Choose simple foods from two, three or more food groups to get more bang for your breakfast buck. Some quick, healthy, on-the-go options include: • Peanut or almond butter and banana sandwich on whole grain bread.

• Half of a whole wheat pita stuffed with chopped hardboiled egg, shredded carrot and diced red and green pepper.

• Plastic container filled with Greek yogurt or cottage cheese, berries and other seasonal fruit.

• Cooked quinoa tossed with a handful of raw nuts and frozen berries packed into a leak-proof container.

• Homemade scrambled egg burrito.

2. Pack a lunch. Obvious, I know. And be sure to pack your lunch the night before. It’s so easy to put it off until morning. Depending on what your evenings are like, this is sometimes easier said than done, but more than worth the effort. When you’re running late, you spill your coffee, the dog gets loose – something is bound to go wrong, and making a lunch is usually the first thing to go. By packing your lunch the night before with natural, satisfying whole foods and leftovers from your delicious dinners, you can be sure that you won’t be tempted to hit the vending machines or swing through a drive-thru.

3. Stock up on snacks. If you have a work fridge, an office drawer, a 52 | Sophie AUGUST 2014

locker, or a book bag – fill it up with easy to grab snacks. Here are some delicious whole food snacks that will keep you going throughout the day: • Raw nuts (walnuts, cashews, almonds) • Raw seeds like pumpkin and sunflower • Dried fruit like figs, prunes, raisins and apricots (no sugar or sulfites added) • Homemade trail mix with the above ingredients • Fruit (apples, pears, oranges) • Veggies like carrot sticks, celery and bok choy stems • Natural whole food bars like Larabars and Cliff Bars, or see my recipes at HealthyLifestyleConcepts.com to make your own!

Of course, if you have access to a refrigerator then the options are endless – string cheese, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, hummus, and more.

4. Healthy Beverages. Be sure to stay hydrated throughout the day, and drink filtered or bottled water at the first signs of hunger. Most of the time we mistake hunger for thirst. This is especially true if you drink coffee or caffeinated teas or sodas, which act as a diuretic and pull valuable water and nutrients out of your body. A great healthy and portable drink option, besides just bringing filtered water from home in a water bottle or buying bottled water on the road is to add one or two packets of Emergen-C to your water. It gives you immune-boosting vitamin C (1,000 mg per packet) as well as a full array of necessary minerals and electrolytes without all the sugar, artificial sweeteners or colors of expensive sport drinks like Gatorade or bottled juices and teas. You can buy boxes of Emergen-C at Walmart for $7 or $8 for 30 packets, and I suggest keeping one at home, one in your car, and one at work to make sure you always have a delicious and healthy beverage option. They come in many flavors, Super Orange, Strawberry Kiwi, Acai, etc., and each packet contains only 5mg of (natural) fructose as a sweetener.

5. Prepare meals and ingredients over the weekend. It’s much easier to pack lunches during the week if you have ingredients on hand. Check out your local Farmers’ Market for the best prices on fresh foods. So, what are some essentials that make packing meals simple?

For salads: • Pre-cut/washed vegetables (spinach, matchstick carrots, cherry tomatoes, broccoli, spring mix) • Cooked grains (quinoa, rice, wheat berries) • washed and cooked beans for protein (black beans, kidney beans) • Sunflower or pumpkin seeds (or any type of nut/seed) • Dried cranberries • Hummus/salsa/balsamic vinaigrette for dressing (a tiny container to store is great) For wraps: • Some of the same from above (tempeh, beans, veggies).

• Whole wheat wraps (I love La Tortilla factory) or try using lettuce leaves!

• Hormone-free cheeses, natural chevre from the farmers’ market.

• Hummus, almond or natural peanut butter.

• Left over beef or chicken stir fry with a little sesame oil and tamari.

Here are some of my favorite wrap ideas. I got creative with these, but you can always keep it simple with just hummus and veggies or apples and peanut butter.

• Sweet potato, pomegranate, tempeh wrap • Eggplant, goat cheese, green pepper wrap • Grilled chicken and green apple filled wrap • Salmon, arugula and red pepper wrap 6. Buy vegetables in bulk – wash, cut, and fill bags/Tupperware for the entire week. If it’s there – then it’s easy to grab, right? Make eating healthy the easy option. Basically, do everything you can to set yourself up for success. If you don’t already do this or it doesn’t come naturally to you – then just do it until it becomes habit. After a while, the food prep time will just become part of your usual routine.

Here are healthy, and delicious, lunch ideas: • Nut butter, apple, and cinnamon quesadillas • Salad bowls with chickpeas, sunflower seeds, and homemade dressing • Greek yogurt with fresh fruit and cinnamon • Whole wheat wraps with broccoli slaw, matchstick carrots, and hummus (doesn’t get any easier than that) 7. Choose healthy dine-out options. Being on the go means you’re going to end up eating out at some point, especially if you’re on a road trip or have a long drive between destinations. Eating out in a healthy way is not just all about portion size- it’s also about the QUALITY of what you are eating. So don’t be afraid to ask how certain dishes are cooked so you know exactly what you’re getting (roasted versus fried, for example). You can also ask for sauces and dressings on the side, avoid anything fried and don’t feel compelled to clean your plate. Another tip: as soon as your order arrives, split your dish into two servings to share or eat for a later meal.

I hope these tips show you just how possible, with a little planning, that it is to avoid the fast food/convenience store/vending machine traps that can easily sabotage your efforts to improve your diet and your health. If you feel that you can benefit from one-on-one support in adopting a healthier lifestyle, you can reach me through my website at HealthyLifestyleConcepts.com.

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Tried And True

Campfire Cones Here are some toppings to get you inspired, but feel free to use any kind of fun treat you may have: • • • • • • • • • •

S’MORE Campfire Cones Pleeease!

Written and prepared by Jackie Brown Are you ready to have some campfire fun? By the way, campfire cones don’t have to be made by your camp site. It can take place right in the comfort of your own back yard or porch. Since August 10 is National S’mores Day, why not celebrate with a creative twist? This is the perfect summer treat for children and adults. It’s just plain fun to fill your cone with an assortment of goodies. Though we had an adventure by our camp site, I took along what I had on hand in the cupboard. I later thought a maraschino cherry on top would have been fun since we had the banana split theme going. We had the best luck with the cone facing toward the hot fire where the ashes were white and very hot. Try building your own cone right in your own backyard fire pit. You’ll impress neighbors, friends and family with your ingenuity. It will have them coming back for S’MORE of your hospitality!

Package of sugar cones Mini marshmallows Granola Chopped nuts Chopped bananas or other favorite fruit Store-bought or homemade granola Mini-chocolate chips Maraschino cherries Heath topping Mini M&Ms

Directions: • Wrap foil around sugar cone in a triangle shape with enough to extend over top.

• Fill cone with your favorite toppings.

• Cover top of cone with foil.

• Place near a hot camping fire, outdoor fire pit or even a grill.

• Depending on heat source, cones may be ready in two minutes to ten minutes. Carefully check cones with a hot pad after a few minutes.

• Enjoy hot, but be careful with little ones!

What ingredients would you pack your campfire cone with?

Are you looking for more wholelicious recipes for your busy lifestyle? Freezer Fairy is the answer!

48 wholelicious servings in 2 hours, visit freezerfairy.com Freezer Fairy, Jackie Brown

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Betty’s Book Review

Drink The Harvest Written By Betty Sharpless Drinking the Harvest was a delightful surprise from start to finish. As a long time home gardener and food preserver, I found it hard to believe that there could be a “beginning” book for something as complicated as preserving juices, wines and even cider.

While the introduction assures the reader over and over that canning juice and bottling wine is easy, I was pretty skeptical, until I started getting into the actual how-to get started sections. Before the actual sections on preserving there are brief but accurate chapters on gardening, pruning basics and basic materials needed.

The authors wisely point out that you do not need to invest in state of the art equipment for gardening or preserving to produce an excellent product.

The whole emphasis is to start small and successful and expand from there.

Every new section comes with excellent how to step-by-step photos, definitions and directions. I was especially impressed with the chapter on home

Drink the Harvest

By Nan K. Chase, DeNeice C Guest Storey Publishing June 2014 made wines, which included several historical wines that were a part of our pioneer history, including dandelion wine and potato wine. While I had never even contemplated making either of these, reading this made me think: “hey I could do that!” The section on making kombucha, a fermented beverage that is really pricey in the store, especially was clear and encouraging.

While reading this book at Asheville Pizza, my waiter said: “Wow! That looks really good” and it is. I would really recommend this to every gardener from beginning to advanced. Even if you never actually make the fermented drinks, it is a really great read and would be a lovely gift for a gardening friend.

Betty Sharpless is a professional free-lance gardener wine aficionado who wonders how long it takes to pick “two quarts of dandelion petals….”

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Why Are We Working So Hard?

Written by Christine Garvin

What happens when we get too caught up in the “external world”?

We hinder our process of self development.

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ork, particularly when it’s meaningful, heartfelt, and our passion, can keep us focused outside of ourselves. There is always something to be done, always someone to email back, always planning for the future. It usually feels like the work is never done.

I think many of us live our lives this way nowadays. In some ways, it’s linked deeply to the “American Dream” - the harder you work, the further you’ll get. Even when we’ve witnessed so many cracks in this theory, it’s still embedded in us, somewhat unconsciously. Now that we have so many things to keep us busy and linked in, we actually miss out on what was a huge part of the American Dream up until 20 or 30 years ago - weekends, finishing work at 5pm to go home for a family dinner, vacation time that increases every year, healthcare coverage, and guaranteed protected retirement. Basically all of those no longer exist, at least not on a large scale.

So what are we working so hard for?

I’m certainly not saying that hard work is a bad thing. In fact, I think it’s a good thing - but for our health, sanity, and actual enjoyment of life, it needs to be balanced with play and rest. We’ve gotten really, really bad at play and rest. Much of our play and relaxation is about using something to quickly take the edge off, whether that’s (usually) unhealthy foods, beer or wine, or something harder. It’s not about hopping on a swing, driving up on the Parkway to watch the sunset, or sitting on our front porch sipping iced tea for hours without once looking at our smart phones.

Even though I’ve learned the lesson several times over of how important it is to get plenty of play and rest along with my work, I still continue to need to learn it. Work can be just as additive as any substance; it stimulates your sympathetic nervous system to go into constant overdrive, and it takes concentrated effort to bring yourself back into your calming and healing parasympathetic nervous system (PNS). Besides overseeing your sleep, the PNS activates your digestive system, which means you absorb and use nutrients from your food much better than when you are in the “fight or flight” response of the sympathetic nervous system (aka, your overall health will be better). It also ups your immune system, makes your skin glow, and releases those wonderful feel-good hormones: endorphins.

So we rob ourselves of all the goodness available to us via the PNS, and all the ways it increases our quality of life, when we are always focused on “working hard”.

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I think many women, in particular, struggle with this balance in their lives, with work, family, friends, and at the very bottom, ourselves. We unfortunately end up seeing it manifest as unbalanced hormones, which causes a range of problems from painful menstrual cycles to struggles around getting pregnant to early menopause.

It’s time we start getting back to our internal world instead of just focusing on the external. That’s the way we’ll lead richer, fuller lives - not by putting it all on the line to further our careers or build our businesses, or even to raise our families. By giving ourselves the “time off ” we deserve, we will be better for the other people, and work, in our lives.

For more information about empowering dance classes and health consultations, go to christinegarvin.com or email Christine at christinegarvin@gmail.com.

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Meg’s Movie Review

“Godzilla” Written by Meg Hale Brunton

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ere’s a riddle: what does Godzilla have in common with the Incredible Hulk? Both of them are green, both are products of exposure to radiation, and both of them fail horribly whenever modern filmmakers try to make movies about them. As much as I love a nice bigbudget action blockbuster, I found “Godzilla” to be a little less godly and a little more of a bust.

SPOILER ALERT: I normally don’t give out spoilers, but in this case I consider it a case of false advertising. I feel a little betrayed and want to talk about it. So, I’ll be subtle. If you’re going to kill off the lead actor I came to see within the first 20 minutes of a movie (maybe one who has just come off of what is being hailed as the greatest television drama of our generation), you had better have a pretty excellent hand to back up your gamble.

Even George R.R. Martin knows that.

Not only did the filmmakers of “Godzilla” not have the acting talent to hold my attention, but it also had no real plot to speak of. The audience spends 75% of the film watching people gape at television screens, bewildered by news coverage of a giant moth-creature as it comes closer and closer to their hometowns. With the exception of a few flicks of the Godzilla’s recognizable tale-scales, the title-character does not appear at all until the last half hour of the film. Bryan Cranston (“Breaking Bad”) must charge about the same hourly rate to have his face appear on screen as it costs to generate Godzilla’s. He plays Joe Brody, a nuclear engineer, who begins to notice some strange seismic activities in his readings and suspects he isn’t being given the full story on them.

For the most part, the plot of “Godzilla” follows the journey of Brody’s son Ford, played by Aaron Taylor-Johnson (“Kick-Ass”). His character is stuck amidst the turmoil and is trying desperately to get home to his wife, played by the kid sister of the Olsen twins, Elizabeth Olsen (“In Secret”).

Yes, we are officially that old that the Olsen twins’ little sister is playing people’s wives in movies.

Ken Wattanabe and David Straithairn are completely wasted on their few precious scenes, and seem to spend them silently debating whose career was more ruined by getting screwed out of the Academy Award (David Straithairn: “Good Night and Good Luck”, Ken Wattanabe: “The Last Samurai”). Although, I guess an Academy Award didn’t help Juliette Binoche (“Chocolat”) in this movie; she gets about 5 minutes of screen-time.

Okay, the monster battles were fairly cool, but not much more impressive than watching a crocodile and crane battle it out on Animal Planet. I’m sorry for my lack of wonderment at the very impressive skill that is graphic design, but I am the CG generation. “Jurassic Park” came out when I was 60 | Sophie AUGUST 2014

12. My little brother can design monsters on his computer. At this point in my life, it takes a little more than a big computer-doodled dinosaur to impress me.

By the end of the film, the character whose well-being I was most concerned about was the monster. I was highly disappointed with “Godzilla” and give it 3 out of my 10 stars. If you can’t make a drama out of a B movie, you should just leave it as a B movie. At least then, no one expects more from you.

The Pink Pages

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Concerning Our Community Grove Park Sunset Mountain Neighborhood Tour Of Homes The Grove Park Sunset Mountain Neighborhood will hold its annual Tour of Homes on Sunday, September 7 from 11 am - 5 pm. The tour will be showcasing 11 unique stops.

Come see a remarkable variety of homes this year all situated in the beautiful Grove Park district.

Advance tickets are $15 and go on sale August 15 at The Chop Shop, Avenue M, Mobilia, Four Corners Home in the Grove Arcade and Metro Wines. Advance tickets also available via Paypal at gpsmna.org. Day of Tour tickets are $20 at the Grove Park Inn Country Club.

Continuous trolley between all stops included in the ticket price provided. Parking available at Grove Park Inn Country Club. Proceeds benefit neighborhood beautification projects.

For more information, contact Suzanne Escovitz at sescovitz@charter. net or call (828) 254-4400.

Open Hearts Art Center Talent Show & Fun(d)rasier We will be holding our annual Talent Show & Fun(d)raiser on Saturday, August 23 from 5-9 p.m. at Highland Brewing Company. Join us for a night of amazing talents performed by Open Hearts Artists’ and special guests, delicious dinner sponsored by Carrabba’s Italian Grill, children’s activities and Raffle.

Tickets are $20 in advance. Purchase tickets online openheartsartcenter.org/donate or by calling our facility (828) 505-8428. This fun(d) raiser will benefit our Boundless Art Program.

This program allows our artists who often times have little to no community involvement a way to visit galleries, attend performances, volunteer and be contributing members of society. Last year we raised enough support to get the program off the ground, now we need to sustain this amazing program.

Open Hearts Art Center is a nationally accredited community based non-profit art program, providing unique opportunities for differently abled adults to express themselves boundlessly and fearlessly.

Open Hearts day program provides semi instructional classes five days a week, Monday through Friday, 9am-3pm in visual and performing arts.

The programs offered are as unique and varied as the individuals teaching and participating in them. When visiting the studio you might see a group dance performance, student artists painting on a life size canvas or artists sewing up a stuffed monster. A typical week at Open Hearts could include classes in painting, drama, dance, music, fiber arts, mixed media, ceramics, sculpture, screen printing, gardening (seasonal) and creative writing. Professional artists and crafters collaborate with student artists to develop a project idea and then bring it to life.

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Volunteers Needed At Opportunity House

Opportunity House, the Arts and Crafts Cultural Center in Hendersonville, is seeking volunteers to help in our Thrift Store and also at our front desk. Do you have a couple of hours a week to make a difference?

For more information, please call 692-0575.

Mission Belles Announce 2014-2015 Scholarship Recipients

Mission Belles, the nursing alumni from the former Mission Hospital School of Nursing, have announced five nursing students from across the region have received a $1000 2014-2015 Mission Belles Nursing Education Scholarship.

Jenna Autrey, Western Carolina University; Kimberly “Alyse” Dunn, Western Carolina University; Stacie Raasch, Blue Ridge Community College; Katherine Sevigny, Southwestern Community College; and Tina Wells, Western Carolina University.

To qualify for the scholarship, which is typically awarded in June prior to the beginning of the following academic year, students must be enrolled and entering their senior year at a fully accredited Associate or Baccalaureate of Nursing program in western North Carolina or at a surrounding school, that offers in-state tuition for North Carolina residents. Students must have an overall B average (3.0 unweighted GPA), complete and submit the application form and provide an instructor’s letter of reference.

Join Eblen In Helping Those In Need Battle The Heat By Providing Fans This Summer

Eblen Charities has seen a tremendous number of those most in need of relief from the rising temperatures calling upon us for help. Families with elderly members, small children, and those who are living with illness and disabilities find themselves in more and more physical distress as the temperatures continue to rise to near record levels.

The Eblen Cooling Assistance Project has again stepped up to offer help by providing fans to those most vulnerable to the heat. With the increased heat and need comes the challenge of providing the funds to purchase the fans needed to help those who seek assistance in breathing easier this summer. Eblen is most grateful to their staff and partners Duke Energy and Lowe’s in helping them meet the challenge the heat has presented. Thanks also to Bill Wadell and Tommy Koontz of Eblen Charities for finding, picking up, and delivering the fans to the Eblen Charities office.

If you would like to join them in providing relief from the heat for these families most in need, you can do so by helping Eblen purchase fans for $10 each. Donations can be sent to Eblen Charities at 50 Westgate Parkway, Asheville, NC 28806 or by contacting Bill Murdock at (828) 242-2848 or at eblenfound@aol.com.

August Music On Main Street Fridays thru August 15, 7 - 9pm Hendersonville’s favorite summertime event. Showcasing a diverse lineup of musical talents, from pop, oldies, rock, to contemporary music. Bring a chair. Concert is at the Visitor Information Center located at 201 South Main St. Info at historichendersonville.org Asheville American Sewing Guild Meeting August 2, 10am-1pm Meeting at House of Fabrics, 214 Merrimon Ave, Asheville. Program: Making Zipper Mesh Bags Kits Available at the meeting.

Visitors welcome. Contact Loretta Dian Phipps, ldphipps43@gmail.com, for further details.

“Chair”-ity Transformed – An Evening of Art August 3, 6 - 8pm Artists, architects and craftsman have transformed chairs and unique furniture that will be auctioned off during this “Chair”-ity Transformed event at the Brevard Music Center in the Strauss Auditorium. The event will feature live artist demonstrations, heavy tapas, wine, beer and other beverages. This is a fundraiser for the TC Arts Council. For information or to purchase tickets, call the TC Arts Council at (828) 884-2787 or visit their website tcarts.org.

Us TOO of WNC August 5, 7pm A prostate cancer support forum for men, caregivers and family members will meet at First Baptist Church of Asheville on 5

Oak Street. This month Ruth Kent, RN will offer insights into patient advocacy. No fee to attend. For information call (828) 338-0290.

Buncombe County Family Group Night August 5, 5:30 - 6pm dinner; 6 - 7:30pm meeting This is a support group for parents and caregivers raising children with special needs. Group members offer emotional understanding, information and advice for others in similar life situations. Held at Mission Reuter Children’s Center Family Support Network of WNC, 11 Vanderbilt Park Drive, Asheville. For more information, call (828) 213-9787.

The Laurel Chapter of the Embroiderers' Guild of Amercia Meeting August 7 The meeting will be held at Cummings United Methodist Church, 3 Banner Farm Rd. in Horse Shoe, NC. Registration is 9:30 to 10a.m. followed by a short business meeting and the program until noon. Sue Osterberg, a chapter member, will teach the needle art techniques required to make a stump work acorn.

If interested, contact Carol Foster (828) 686-8298 or Janet Stewart (828) 5759195.

Black Mountain’s Sourwood Festival August 9 & 10 Music, dancing, arts & crafts, super food, kid’s rides and games, face painting and more in a no alcohol environment make it the perfect event for you and your entire family. Info at sourwoodfestival.com.

RiverFest & Anything That Floats Parade August 9, 1 - 7pm The festival has an exciting line-up of live music, dancing, face painting, and hooping along with food trucks, craft beers, a kid’s parade and arts and crafts. Admission is free. Be sure to stop by the viewing platform at French Broad River Park to cheer on the parade rafters. Event will be held at the French Broad River Park, 508 Riverview Drive, Asheville. For more visit riverlink.org or call Dave Russell, (828) 252-8474 ext. 11

Sit! Stay! Drink! Charity Event August 20, 5 - 8pm Event will be held at Silver Fork Winery in Morganton, NC. Join us for a fun evening of fundraising, adoptions, wagging tails, and happy hearts! Music by Titanium Hipsters, silent auction, adoptable animals, photo booth, canine massage, and more!

Proceeds to benefit A Better Life Animal Rescue. Ticket price is $30 for adults and $15 for kids. Includes food plate, dessert & one glass of wine. For reservations, call Silver Fork Winery at (828) 391-8783 or purchase at door.

48th Annual Shindig on the Green August 9, 16, 23, and 30 A joyously spontaneous celebration of traditional and old-time string bands, bluegrass, ballad singers, big circle mountain dancers and cloggers on summer Saturday evenings in downtown Asheville. Stage show and informal jam sessions at Pack Square Park on the Bascom Lamar Lunsford stage. Bring your instruments, lawn chairs or blanket, family and friends. folkheritage.org

Asheville Quilt Guild Workshop August 24, 9am - 3:30pm Fran House will present a wool applique workshop, “Basket with Flowers.” This is an ideal workshop for those who love to work with their hands, love the look and feel of wool and are looking to learn the basis of wool applique. The workshop will combine wool applique and wool piecing with a variety of embellishment.

Ms. House will also discuss and show many samples of combining fabrics for unusual and stunning looks. A choice of two kits are available for the workshop.

Visit ashevillequiltguild.org for more information.

The Western North Carolina Knitters and Crocheters for Others Meeting August 11, 7 - 9pm The meeting will be held at New Hope Presbyterian Church on 3070 Sweeten Creek Road. This group provides handmade items to 18 local charities. We create hats, scarves, baby hats and booties, mittens, dolls, blankets, sweaters, afghans, dishcloths, etc. All skill levels are welcome.

If interested, contact Janet Stewart at (828) 575-9195.

American Business Women’s Association Meeting August 14, 5:30 - 7:30pm The monthly meeting will be held at Crowne Plaza Resort located at One Resort Drive, Asheville. Guest speaker will be Jeremy Lerner. His topic will be “Branding”, Formulate and Establish Your Brand! Enjoy our dinner meeting, $25.00 each and learn about this important subject. RSVP: abwaskyhychapter@gmail. com or go to our website abwaskyhy.com 10th Annual Lake Lure Olympiad August 15 - 17 Looking for a one-of-a-kind sports experience that combines the physical challenge of competition with a fun, family-friendly and a majestic natural setting? Events include the 10K Dam Run, a 1-mile Family Fun Run, a barbecue on the Beach at Rumbling Bald Resort, a dazzling water ski show performed by the Lake Lure Ski Club and fireworks. Visit lakelureolympiad.com for details and to register for racing events.

RiverMUSIC Concert Series August 29, 5 - 10pm Five Friday nights of live concerts by the French Broad River in the River Arts District of Asheville returns for a third year in 2014. RiverLink has teamed up with Heira Productions to assemble a top-notch mix of quality national acts and local favorites. Gates for all events open at 5 p.m There will be beer from local craft brewers, food trucks, live music from local and national acts, and the waters of the beautiful French Broad flowing right by the stage. For more information, call (828) 252-8474.

ON GOING Strength in Survivorship First and third Saturday of each month, 11am-12pm Meeting is free and led by cancer survivor and Licensed Professional Counselor, Julia Derouen, 808-7673. Meeting is held at the Mills River Library, 124 Town Drive, Mills River, NC Write us to let us know what you think about Sophie! Send an e-mail to editor@sophiemagazine.com.

The deadline for calendar submissions is the 8th of every month.

Please send them to: editor@sophiemagazine.com.

Sophie AUGUST 2014 | 65

66 | Sophie AUGUST 2014

Sophie AUGUST 2014 | 67