Sophie May 2014

May 2014 Priceless

smart • sophisticated • savvy

Sophie

Wins Big in National Contest

2

Tiny Crafts to Try

Spring Style

Statements New Brood Basics

Featuring

Laura Fleck, MD of Park Ridge Health

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Sophie MAY 2014 | 3

smart • sophisticated • savvy

Publisher

Vincent Grassia Managing Editor

JeanAnn Taylor Assistant Editor

Debi Manfre Production Manager

Table of Contents Features 12| The Meaning in Medicine Dr. Laura Fleck believes healing is much more than science.

46 | Chiming In Susan Reinhardt applies to Food Network’s “Worst Cooks in America.”

Beauty & Fashion

Healthy Living 20 | Teach Your Children Well JeanAnn shares her thoughts on parenting.

44 | Sun & Soil Kristina Urquhart explains the highs and lows on caring for baby chicks.

In Every Issue

Lisa Gallagher Creative Services Specialist

Adalee Elkins Contributor

48 | Strawberries!

Fun strawberry facts and a delicious fruity salsa recipe.

10 | Quick Tips A variety of inspiration and information.

Carrie Harder

Home & Garden

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

Karen Shepard Director of Advertising

16 | What’s Your Flavor Meet Honey Miller.

Advertising Consultants

38 | Crafty Girl Make the perfect tiny tote.

24 | A Mother’s Day Makeover Jacqui Perry gives Lizz Harr a new look.

39 | All About Paul Kline creates the perfect little table.

26 | Spring Style Enjoy the season wearing soft, pretty pastels in bold patterns.

40 | No Boring Flooring!

Amy Kuykendall helps you choose the right floors.

32 | “The New Now” Fierce feminine flowers along with delicate and daring statements.

42 | Garden Bloomers Betty Sharpless shares a project for young gardeners.

43 | Hydrangea Heaven Fall in love with these big beautiful blooms.

18 | Real Men Read Sophie 36 | Sophie Celebrates You! The accomplishments and achievements of our readers are highlighted.

52 | Meg’s Movie Review Meg Hale Brunton gives her scoop on “Divergent.”

Proofing Diva

Patricia Martin Betts Crystal Pressley Jennifer LeBlanc LuAnne Sheffield Meg Hale Brunton Michael Smith Jody Gantt Rick Jenkins Distribution Manager

Mark Graham Sophie On-line Development

Dan Jaworsky Justin Gostony Share your ideas and inspirations.

On the Cover: Dr. Laura Fleck of Park Ridge Health Cover Photo by: Paola Nazati, paolanazati.com Hair and Makeup by: Jessica Aakhus of Carmen! Carmen! Salon & Spa at Belk, Asheville Mall

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Email writer@sophiemagazine.com with recipes, books, article ideas and calendar listings. Follow Sophie on Facebook and Pinterest.

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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 MAY 2014 | 5

Contributor Question

KRISTINA URQUHART MEG HALE BRUNTON

SUSAN REINEHARDT

BETTY SHARPLESS

I would tell little Meg to never lose her self-confidence. I remember being a small child and not being afraid of singing for strangers, speaking in front of an audience, climbing to the top of the tree. I have found that kind of courage to be essential in this life and feel like I had to re-learn how to do those things as an adult, since I was actually quite shy as an adolescent. I would help little Meg to hold on to that self-assuredness and to always have the guts to reach for the next branch.

Sometimes I wish I had listened to my father and stayed in nursing school or medicine. That seems to be where the jobs are in this current market. I also wish I’d never worried about calories or physical appearance and focused instead on eating more healthfully.

Two things: One: wear sunblock and hearing protectors.

Two: Someone turning you down is not the end of the world.

Just ask someone else. (a la Girl Scout cookies and going to dances) Luckily my own mom taught me number two. It just took me a while to realize she was right. Again.

If you could “mother yourself”, what lesson would you teach your young self?

In other words, what do you know now that you wish you knew at a young age?

I’d tell little Kristina to worry less, especially about little things, and that there would be infinite number of things to worry about once she became a mother!

JACQUI PERRY

Life is short so live each day with radical excitement! Talk to your parents and ask lots of questions about their life growing up so you have many memories to cherish.

KIRSTEN FUCHS

If I could give my younger self one word of advice, it would be that it is alright to tell people “no” and not have to explain that decision. I still have to remind myself this to this day, but I am much better than I was as a kid. I was always afraid to disappoint friends if I didn’t go along with them.

I can now say “no” without feeling guilty and I hope I have passed this onto my kids. They are the ones I say “no” to the most these days!

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AMY RENIGAR

LAURA K. SULLIVAN

You cannot build healthy relationships with others if you don’t love, respect and take care of yourself. We always hear, “treat others as you would want to be treated,” but I wish I’d heard, “treat yourself as well as you treat others.”

Self awareness and value. As a young girl I lacked the self awareness, value and confidence that I do now. It would’ve helped my personality blossom sooner vs. being shy, timid or self conscious. I love who I am, and should’ve more when I was young.

LINDA WHITE I would teach “Linda” how to love others, encourage the discouraged, work hard with determination...and have fun while I do it... AND, eat dessert first!

Sophie MAY 2014 | 7

From the Editor

N

ine years ago, one lady, Kathy Corn, had enough faith in me to ask if I would produce a new magazine. I worked for Kathy as a sales rep and marketing director for Asheville Ballroom & Dance Centre. When she asked, I immediately said yes, even though I had no idea what I was getting myself into.

In the beginning, there were many skeptical people who thought Sophie would just be “another local mag” and wouldn’t last all that long. They were wrong. They didn’t realize the enthusiasm that would accompany this magazine. There are still those who can’t believe it. But I do, because I know the passion and purpose that goes into creating Sophie Magazine.

I know the writers who have a genuine and meaningful message to share with readers. I know the photographers who work assiduously to get the perfect image. I know the hair, makeup, and fashion stylists who want to show their best work. I know the Sophie staff who diligently work with me each month to make this the best magazine possible. They all take their work seriously and I’m thankful for every one of them.

Photo by Kirsten Fuchs Location, BB Barns, Asheville

Initially, I was criticized for running articles on fashion and beauty. That always amused me. What woman doesn’t think about fashion and beauty? Our success continued because we’re genuine and we’ve stayed true to ourselves. I’ve always said that Sophie touches women because we know who we are and we aren’t afraid to show our feminine side.

We honor our history and we forecast fashion trends. We inspire by telling the stories of everyone from movie stars to farmers. We share information on everything from how to raise chickens to how to relieve stress. We’ve shown how to build birdhouses and how to bake a pie. We share how to crochet flowers, how to grow flowers and which flowers are edible.

Sophie has touched lives and made a valuable and positive impact on our community. I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to sponsor organizations like Girls on the Run, The American Cancer Society, and UNC Asheville.

I’ve been told time after time how Sophie has inspired and changed lives. Preachers have quoted Sophie from the pulpit.

Business owners have told me that after a feature article in Sophie, they needed a larger location. After an internship with Sophie, one young lady went on to work for a magazine in New York City. Some of you cut out our mission statement and tape it to your refrigerator. I’m so very touched by these stories and it’s the motivation that pushes me to continue month after month.

Sophie is not a controversial magazine. I don’t publish articles to sensationalize people or circumstances. Sophie is for everyone who cares about maintaining their personal best, balancing a hectic life with grace, and having fun while doing it.

I’m thrilled, honored and humbled by the seven awards Sophie won. Out of 1400 entries, Sophie won FIRST PLACE for General Excellence! I’m on a cloud. Being the Editor of Sophie has been a tremendous experience. So, thank you Kathy for taking a chance on me, and giving me the opportunity to make Sophie Magazine a National Winner!!

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.

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smart • sophisticated • savvy

PLACE WINNER 1 for GENERAL EXCELLENCE st

from the Association of Free Community Papers, a national organization Sophie Magazine also received:

1 Place 3 Place 12 3 st

in Self Promotion for the Real Men Read Sophie feature

rd

st

,

for Best Glossy Cover, 2013 Fall/Winter I Do!

nd

, and

Honorable

rd

Place for Beauty and Fashion ad designs

Mention for Special Section, Sophie’s Beauty Book Sophie MAY 2014 | 9

Quick Tips

history of mother’s day Origin of Mother’s Day goes back to the era of ancient Greek and Romans.

But the roots of Mother’s Day history can also be traced in UK where a Mothering Sunday was celebrated much before the festival saw the light of day in the US. However, the celebration of the festival as it is seen today is a recent phenomenon and not even a hundred years old. It’s thanks to the hard work of the pioneering women of their times, Julia Ward Howe and Anna Jarvis, that the day came into existence.

Anna Jarvis began campaigning for a day on which all Americans would celebrate their mothers. She spread the word through church meetings and writing letters to government representatives and businessmen. Within three years she had all 46 states observing Mother’s Day, and in 1914 it became a national holiday.

Today the festival of Mother’s Day is celebrated across 46 countries (though on different dates). Millions of people across the globe take the day as an opportunity to honor their mothers, thank them for their efforts in giving them life, raising them and being their constant support and well wisher.

SPRING PEAS WITH MINT A simple no cook side dish made with fresh garden or frozen peas. Pairs perfectly with any grilled seafood or chicken.

Ingredients • 2 tblspns. extra-virgin olive oil • 2 tblspns. red wine vinegar • 3 1/2 cups shelled fresh baby peas or 1 lb. bag thawed frozen green peas • 1/2 cup diced red onion, cut into 1/4-inch pieces • 1/2 cup loosely packed mint, torn • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper Directions In a bowl, whisk the olive oil with the vinegar. Add the peas. red onion and mint and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Let stand at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Transfer to serving dish. Serves 6.

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I

grow plants for many reasons: to please my eye or to please my soul, to challenge the elements or to challenge my patience, for novelty or for nostalgia, but mostly for the joy in seeing them grow.

–David Hobson

LILY OF THE VALLEY | fun flower facts Lily of the Valley, May birth flower, is a small, bell shaped flower that gives off a large scent that attracts not only people, but bees who like to collect the pollen that the flower produces.

The Lily of the Valley flower is said to symbolize the return of happiness.

In ancient times, girls and boys would pick bouquets of Lily of the Valley because the flower was supposed to bring good fortune in love. Since the Middle Ages, the blossoms are often included as a traditional part of the bride’s beautiful bouquet and are considered symbolic of purity and modesty. If someone sends these flowers to you, he is sending a message that he desires fortune in love or that he wishes to make the right choice.

diy watering can Need a watering can? You can make one with a plastic laundry bottle. What a great way to recycle.

Materials • Plastic laundry bottle • Drill with bit that makes tiny holes • Utility knife Directions • Rinse out bottle thoroughly.

• Drill plenty of holes in the cap.

• To allow air to flow into the bottle and keep the water free flowing, cut a hole near the cap in the handle – not too close to the cap, otherwise the water spills out there, too.

May Is Skin Cancer Awareness Month When you’re having fun outdoors, it’s easy to forget how important it is to protect yourself from the sun. Unprotected skin can be damaged by the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays in as little as 15 minutes. Yet it can take up to 12 hours for skin to show the full effect of sun exposure.

Different Types of Skin Cancer Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States.

The two most common types of skin cancer – basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas – are highly curable, but can be disfiguring and costly.

Melanoma, the third most common skin cancer, is more dangerous and causes the most deaths. The majority of these three types of skin cancer are caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light.

How to Protect Yourself Take precautions against sun exposure every day of the year, especially during midday hours (10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.), when UV rays are strongest and do the most damage. UV rays can reach you on cloudy days, and can reflect off of surfaces like water, cement, sand, and snow.

• Seek shade, especially during midday hours.

• Cover up with clothing to protect exposed skin.

• Wear a hat with a wide brim to shade the face, head, ears, and neck.

• Wear sunglasses that wrap around and block as close to 100% of both UVA and UVB rays as possible.

• Put on sunscreen with broad spectrum (UVA and UVB) protection and sun protective factor (SPF) 15 or higher.

• Remember to reapply sunscreen at least every 2 hours and after swimming, sweating, or toweling off.

• Avoid tanning beds and sunlamps. The UV rays from them can be stronger than UV rays from the summer sun at noon.

• Examine your skin head-to-toe every month. If you notice any change in an existing mole or discover a new one that looks suspicious, see a physician immediately.

• See your physician every year for a professional skin exam.

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Advertisement

The Meaning in Medicine

Dr. Laura Fleck believes healing is much more than science.

Written by Kristen Cutter | Photographs by Charlie Cutter

L

Dr. Laura Fleck evaluates and treats patients with neck and low back pain of all types, and also provides testing and care for patients who have peripheral nerve issues and problems with the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord.

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aura Fleck has been practicing neurology, the medical specialty of caring for patients with brain, spine, and nerve problems, for almost 30 years. She has been serving the Asheville community for 12 years, and recently opened her own practice in east Asheville, Foundation in Spine Health, which is a service of Park Ridge Health.

In an environment of rapid, constant change, Dr. Laura Fleck, a spine neurologist, clearly remains excited about her chosen profession.

“For me, the practice of medicine just keeps getting better!” Dr. Fleck says. “And, it’s not because of new advances in the science of medicine. Today, the medical community and patients are more open to addressing care of the entire patient: body, mind, and spirit.”

Dr. Fleck’s specialty involves evaluating and treating patients with neck and low back pain of all types, including degenerative conditions and traumatic conditions.

“Such patients often present with pain in their neck or back, and with pain, numbness, tingling, and potential weakness in their arms or legs,” Dr. Fleck explains. “This can be frightening for patients, but there is good news. With advances in spine care, there is a lot that can be done for back and neck pain, and it usually doesn’t require surgery.”

Dr. Fleck also provides testing and care for patients who have peripheral nerve issues and problems with the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, like peripheral neuropathies, carpal tunnel syndrome, and focal nerve entrapments in the arms or legs.

“I provide EMG/NCV testing, which is a valuable tool for assessing the health of the nerves in the arms, legs, neck, and back,” she says. “I also address measures for managing the symptoms and restoring function.”

Although there is much science and deduction involved in the field of spine neurology, it’s clear that Dr. Fleck is fueled as much by her passion for people as her expertise in medicine.

“I have learned to approach each patient with the expectation that they are coming to me with more than just a particular complaint,” she explains. “The elderly patient I see for low back pain may also be struggling with loneliness since the death of her husband. She may have limited support to get her to her appointments, and may not be able to afford the medications I would like to prescribe. If I only provide her with standard medical care for her back pain, I miss the opportunity to actually ‘care’ for her: to provide comfort in her grieving, to define resources to help meet her needs, and to let her know that she is loved and important.”

Dr. Fleck says she is excited to see the medical field moving

beyond the simple application of science toward the goal of comprehensive care that benefits each patient’s long-term well being.

She is a strong believer in prayer with patients who request it or consent to it.

“When I was in medical school, addressing the feelings and emotional needs of patients was discouraged, unless you were doing a psychiatry rotation where those issues were pertinent to making a diagnosis,” Dr. Fleck says. “Now, research supports the value of a comprehensive approach to healing: one that blends applied science with careful listening, gentle compassion, and an appreciation of needs beyond those of the human body.”

“With the increasing demands that are placed on physicians, handling droves of paperwork and having to see more patients in order to pay rising overhead costs, it can be hard to stay focused on what is really important,” she adds. “But, I believe that if you ask the average physician what they feel is the most important and rewarding part of being a physician, they would tell you that it’s the time they spend face-to-face with their patients, holding hands, listening to stories, and sometimes wiping away tears.”

Dr. Fleck evaluates and treats patients who have been referred to her by another medical provider, such as a family physician, medical specialist, or chiropractor. Referrals can be faxed directly to Foundation in Spine Health at (828) 298-4836.

Photo by Hal Alexander Dr. Laura Fleck’s practice, Foundation in Spine Health, is located at Park Ridge Health East Asheville, 333 Gashes Creek Road.

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So-Social (Sophie Online) Social Media Favorites From Sophie’s Social Empress: Kirsten Fuchs

FAVORITE PINTEREST FIND: Cupcakes in champagne flutes I really loved this idea I found on Pinterest this week. What a clever way to display cupcakes for a party. You can fill the bottoms of the glasses with any candy or even milk! I am going to serve these for my next dinner party for sure!

You can find plastic champagne flutes at the Dollar Store.

FAVORITE BLOG: TWIN TOUGH I am friends with a woman from my church on Facebook and I was really impressed by the recipes and photos that she kept posting. I told her that she should start a blog and she said she already had one. Wow! I was really impressed by what I found. Rachel is a mother of twin 6 year old girls and she assists her husband with running the children’s ministry at Seacoast Church. I love finding hidden talent in our community and am proud to introduce you to Rachel and her blog, twintough.com. Visit and find recipes, beauty tips, DYI ideas and tips on being a parent of multiples.

Be sure to sign up to receive her posts!

FAVORITE APP:YELP

The most comprehensive review app, Yelp turns out to be an invaluable tool for finding businesses nearby, especially when you’re in a town you don’t know well. Yelp’s mobile app helped me find a great restaurant when I was in Daytona Beach a couple of weeks ago, and a nail salon when I was in Greenville one time. Need to find an acupuncturist in Austin? Or the most popular coffee shop in Charlotte (emphasis on “popular” and not necessarily “best,” by the way)? Yelp’s the app to do it. I love to use this app to be able to read reviews of what others have experienced. Cost: FREE

FAVORITE LOCAL RESTAURANT: THE BLACKBIRD

The Blackbird notes that their food is “Modern Southern with a ‘nod’ to tradition.” I have eaten there several times in the past few months and even before I was served, I was entertained by the seating at the windows so I had a view of the goings-on in downtown Asheville. The meals were what The Blackbird claimed to have - fresh, local and delicious! They are known for their coconut cake, so be sure to save room and be prepared to share a piece. It is one of the best desserts in Asheville! theblackbirdrestaurant.com They are located at 47 Biltmore Avenue in downtown Asheville (next to Aloft hotel).

Follow Sophie & share your favorite blogs, apps & inspirations... sophiemagazine.com sophiemagavl Sophie-Magazine 14 | Sophie MAY 2014

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What’s Your Flavor?

Honey Miller

CarePartners Director of Operations, Hospice Home Care What was your favorite storybook as a child? I loved Curious George. I could relate to his adventurous nature and some might even say that I had George’s mischievous side too. I even bought my son the entire Curious George Series for his book collection.

What is your favorite memory while growing up? I grew up on a Dairy farm in West Virginia and developed a great love for animals. When we had a cow that was pregnant my father would designate that calf to one of the ten children in our family. I was so excited when “my calf ” was actually born on my birthday! I named her Cinnamon. One of the more interesting “pets” we ever had was a baby skunk that we took care of after my father accidentally ran over the mother with the tractor. We would take him for walks on a leash and he never did spray us - which cannot be said for the poor cat though.

What is your favorite way to relax? I love to ride my motorcycle. To feel the wind in your face,smell the air and experience nature from the seat of a motorcycle is an experience that you cannot describe to others - it has to be experienced to understand. I sometimes go home from work and take a 30 min. ride and it helps me completely unwind and feel refreshed.

Do you enjoy vacationing? If so, what has been your favorite place to visit? My favorite vacation is to go camping. Our favorite camping spot is at Devils Fork on Lake Jocassee in South Carolina. The lake is one of the prettiest and clearest lakes that we have been to. We like to take the pop-up, our wave-runner and just spend all day on the water - or in the hammock by the water.

What color best describes your personality? I would say red. Red is bold, confident, and determined. It is not a color to describe the shy.

What is your favorite part of the day? I love the evenings when it is time to unwind, watch the sunset and release all the activity of the day.

What is your favorite season? I cannot say that I have a favorite season. I enjoy some aspects of all of them. Spring for the flowers and nature coming alive. Summer for the fun at the lake. Fall for the beauty in the colors of the leaves and harvesting the garden crops. Winter for the ability to bundle up in front of a fire and the beauty of the white snow when it falls.

What do you enjoy most about Asheville? Food!!! There are so many great restaurants here in Asheville! The food is as diverse as the culture here and I love to try new foods!

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Do you have a favorite author? Who is it? I really do not read that much.

I would have to say that I am drawn more to inspirational quotes than to reading books. Quotes deliver a message in a short and concise manner kind of like how I communicate - direct and to the point.

What is one thing that you must do everyday? Kiss my husband and son!

Working in hospice really helps you realize that every day is precious and that you need to not take time and life for granted - treat those around you as if you may not see them again.

Want to be featured in What’s Your Flavor?

Send an email to editor@sophiemagazine.com.

Mother’s hold their children’s hands for a little while, but their hearts forever.

Please join us for MANNA FoodBank’s

Sponsored by Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort Blue Cross and Blue Shield of NC • Empire Distributors Clear Channel of Asheville • Harris Teeter • Sophie Magazine

Saturday, June 7 • 7:00-11:00 pm 627 Swannanoa River Rd in Asheville

Entertainment

Sound Education • Lyric • Wham Bam Bowie Band Christine Garvin & Diana McCall Dance • Live DJ

Food & Drink

More than 20 local culinary sponsors (included with ticket)

Not-So-Silent Auction

Tickets

$75 per person • $800 reserved table for 10 MANNAFoodBank.org • 828-299-3663

Sophie MAY 2014 | 17

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!

Brian McLean, US Postal Service

Mike Goodwin, supporting the Asheville Quilt Guild

LIKE NEW LOOKS For A Fraction Of The Price

18 | Sophie MAY 2014

Sophie MAY 2014 | 19

Teach Your Children Well Written by JeanAnn Taylor

I

once heard a mother jokingly say that her future daughter-in-laws would dislike her because her young sons were so spoiled. She said she never made them clean up after themselves or help her around the house. She “loved them too much” for that. She wanted them to be carefree and happy all of the time. I’m afraid this mother made a serious mistake in how to raise responsible children.

When children are given expectations and then meet them, they feel valued and take pride in their accomplishments. Not giving them this opportunity robs them of experiencing the rewards of achievement.

Imagine never feeling a sense of pride for a job well done. Even a young child can grow from learning the gratifying feeling of being appreciated by setting the table or putting toys in a basket. Children, who are not expected to help parents, may grow up with an entitled perception of themselves.

Children rise to meet our expectations and they genuinely want to please us. Clear expectations are comforting to children. When they know what is expected, they feel more secure and don’t question what to do or how to act. Setting boundaries takes the questions and uncertainty out of a young child’s mind.

Teaching responsibility and accountability leads to respect, and encourages children to grow up and become better citizens. Adults who consistently blame their problems on others may have grown up in an environment where they never learned the concept of accountability.

When children are taught that someone else will clean up their mess, they grow up to be adults expecting someone else to come along and fix their mistakes.

When respect and good manners are taught at home, children learn that good behavior and helping out is a way of life, not just something you do on occasion. Inconsiderate or ill-mannered children are at a disadvantage because adults, as well as other children, will be less likely to establish relationships with them. No adult or child wants to pick up after someone else or make adjustments for bad behavior. It’s disrespectful to expect someone to pick up after you, and it’s inconsiderate to not offer to help around the house. Learning to be accountable for our own actions and consequences is an important part of growing up.

I fear the mother who “loves her sons too much” is actually setting them up for failure. Teaching our children to be helpful, respectful, and accountable is an act of love, not punishment. “So, teach your children well, and know they (will) love you” for it. Eventually.

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Rules for Life, Respect, and Integrity If you open it, Close it If you turn it on, Turn it off If you unlock it, Lock it back If you break it, Fix it If you use it, Take care of it If you move it, Put it back If you borrow it, Return it If you make a mess, Clean it up

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Saturday, May 17th

UNC Asheville

Race Village & Registration Open at 1:00pm

5K Start at 2:00pm

Thank you to our Presenting Sponsors:

Running Buddy & Community Runner Pre-Registration $15 or $20 day-of-event.

T-shirt guaranteed if registered by May 2nd

Register at: gotrwnc.org/5ks 22 | Sophie MAY 2014

Congratulations to Katie Fraboni!

Katie has won an organic hemp exercise mat bag.

Thank you to everyone who submitted photos depicting great yoga, barre, Pilates and dance poses.

Kerri Saum, of Rose Pilates.

Dianne Rose, of Rose Pilates.

Sophie MAY 2014 | 23

My Oh My Makeover Written and Coordinated by Jacqui Perry | Photography by Kirsten Fuchs

May Day! The grass is greener, the flowers more vivid, the temperature is rising and we Celebrate Mother’s Day! Meet our May makeover model, Liz Harr, born and raised in Marshall. She can’t imagine living anywhere else and with her busy life, thinks it’s just wonderful to take a mom’s day off to pamper herself!

Jacqui: What prompted you to write in for a makover?

Liz: I have been through many changes lately. I am recently divorced and turning thirty which is a big deal for me! I’m not old, don’t feel old and don’t want to look older than my years. I am trying to change my perspective on style as I had gotten into a rut and just needed to re-assess myself. A makeover was the perfect remedy for me.

Before

Jacqui: I know that you work for Yancey County Department of Social Services.

This must be a rewarding but also heartbreaking job at times. How do you manage?

Liz: I am the adoption specialist as well as foster case manager and yes, it can be rewarding and heartbreaking at times. I see hardship in the foster care part but the adoption part is so rewarding because you are assisting individuals obtain a gift they so desire. It is such a beautiful feeling, especially when teens are adopted. Sometimes teens can feel so unworthy and adoption gives them that sense of worth.

Jacqui: You wear many hats. What do you do with free time?

Liz: (laughing) What free time? I am a mom of two children (Ty and Lilly), I work and I am also going to school. I will have my MBA in June. It has been a long two years but I know it will be worth it. I do enjoy spending time with my mom.

Jacqui: You are recently divorced but shared that you are looking to date again.

What has changed in the last ten years since you dated?

Liz: I have changed! My standards are higher and the qualities I look for in a partner are different than ten years ago. My children come first, so someone must be accepting of them as well as bring what I can bring to a relationship.

Jacqui: What do you say to yourself when you feel stressed or down?

Liz: “We are only as strong as we tell ourselves we are.” My strength base comes from my parents and I try to instill that in my children.

Feeling refreshed and ready for anything that comes her way, Liz looks beautiful and we wish her only the best and a very Happy Mother’s Day!!!!

Clothes and accessories: Belk, Asheville Mall Salon Manager: Linda White for Carmen! Carmen! at Belk Hair: Color: Danielle Burleson Cut: Rebecca Gilkeyson And Makeup: Stephanie Clark at Carmen! Carmen! at Belk, Asheville Mall Photographer: Kirsten Fuchs

Liz after 24 | Sophie MAY 2014

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

Sophie MAY 2014 | 25

Spring Style!

Enjoy the season wearing soft, pretty pastels in bold patterns.

Fresh Produce Jacqueline Stripe Shirt in Delray Ocean $69 Jag Malia Slim Jean in White $69 Batik Scarf $16 Angela Maddix Murano Earrings $28 Brighton Sunny Wings Bracelet $54

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Fresh Produce Destination Impromptu Dress in Tea Rose $89 Fresh Produce Peplum Cardigan in Tea Rose $65 Brighton Moxie Lane Pouch $135 Brighton Caramba Necklace $98 Brighton Cabana Earrings $18

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Fresh Produce Rio Delray Maxi Dress in Delray Ocean $89 Brighton Mercury Necklace $115 Brighton Mercury Bracelet $76 Brighton Starry Night Earrings $58

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PHOTOGRAPHER: Amber Hatley amberhatley.com

CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES: Historic Biltmore Village 18 Lodge Street Asheville, NC 28803 828-505-7775 freshproduceasheville.com

HAIR & MAKEUP: Jesslyn Luck Carmen Carmen Salon & Spa Asheville Mall • 828-296-9463 MODEL: Lisa Keith FASHION COORDINATOR: Angela Ramsey

Fresh Produce Garden Delight Vintage Drape T in Periwinkle $49 Boca Pencil Skirt in Periwinkle $49 Brighton Genoa Pouch $195 Brighton Venusian Necklace $56 Brighton Contempo Necklace $69 Brighton Venusian Earrings $48 Brighton Venusian Bracelet $78 Sophie MAY 2014 | 29

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UNCA Asheville’s Our Turn to Play Luncheon The UNC Asheville Athletics Department hosted its annual Our Turn to Play Luncheon at the Wilma M. Sherrill Center on April 15.

The luncheon’s primary goal is to generate support for the UNC Asheville student-athlete scholarship fund. The event honors women as champions and leaders.

Olympian Gold Medalist Nancy Hogshead-Makar was the headline speaker.

Her speech implored young women to “Take A Stand” and set goals and achieve them by making a commitment to be the best they can be at their chosen endeavor.

At the luncheon, the inaugural Trailblazer Award was given posthumously to Betsy Montgomery for her work with swimming in the community. Montgomery, who died last year at age 88, was a prominent local swim coach who guided her daughter Mary to the 1972 Olympics. Betsy Montgomery founded the Asheville Aquatic Club in 1964.

Janice Brumit, Nancy Hogshead-Mayer, and Chancellor Anne Ponder

Director of Athletics, Janet Cone Sophie MAY 2014 | 31

“The New Now” Fierce Femininity Flowers this Season along with Delicate and Daring Statements

Cynthia Rowley - Split neck fit and flare floral printed dress

G

et ready for a season that is all about statement style with items that look new and feel decidedly modern! Your 2014 spring style forecast is here, courtesy of Arlene Goldstein, Belk’s Vice President of Trend Merchandising and Fashion Direction. She’s predicting dazzling jewelry, standout shoes and must-have apparel items that are sure to illicit “Oohs,” and “Aahs,” from those in the know and from those who can’t wait to find out what’s on the fashion horizon!

“Expect clothes that speak to the times,” says Arlene. “Fierce femininity will be in full bloom with the perfect mix of delicate and daring. We’re also anticipating a new angle on style, offering a spectrum of shape shifts. These trends will be joined by chic twists on fashion and fabrics from exotic locations, whether you travel or not.”

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Jetsetter – “As a style statement, “Jetsetter” always says “Yes,” to a tribal twist with a multi-cultural mix,” notes Arlene. Neutrals, especially khakis and greens, need no introduction. Details include both utility and handcrafted elements such as zips, pockets, studs and grommets along with ornate embellishments, tassels, fringe and frayed edges. Jacquards, silks, sheers, linen and washed poplin are just a few of the textiles that inspire this indisputably cool glam gal. Artsy camo, lkats, new tropicals and scenics are some of the flawlessly executed patterns that add to the spirit of adventure that is so relevant to this trend. Layers of jewelry, natural leathers, burnished metals, embellished totes and new gladiators give this trend the polish and panache it definitely deserves, effortlessly chic and natural.

Feminine Charms - The season has gone girly with Feminine Charms. From ultraromantic to the chic eccentric with a femme flare, this is a fashion story that delivers a dynamic aura. Expect looks to exude elegance with oversized ruffles, fit-and-flare silhouettes, appliqued petals and new, longer lengths. Heavy lace, luminescent layers and sheer fabrics easily finesse any look.

Have a preference for prints?

Florals are flawless along with dots, swirls and pattern mixes.

Step into the limelight with add-ons that offer everything from whimsy to clever practicality. Not-so-proper pearls, floral motif jewelry, shiny gold finishes, chain bags, clutches and single-sole pumps are just a few essentials. From blush to fuchsia, the family of pinks becomes the pigment palette of choice for spring. Also among bold trends, navy is ready for a regal return. White, white, white is a given.

French Connection Grace Knit Dress Sophie MAY 2014 | 33

Clean Slate - Clean Slate touts strong sculptural shapes and understated elegance, causing minimal chic to have maximum impact. Check out A-line silhouettes, asymmetric detailing and architectural lines. Anticipate an ultra-modern makeover with sportif touches that add an off-duty edginess. Textiles are interesting and innovative with cheer, metallic finishes and New Age synthetics that offer sleek chic at its best.

Bold patterns blaze with photorealisms, stripes, color blocking, exaggerated geos and digital designs. The simplest ideas are the best. Anything graphic goes a long way. Black and white rules and looks newest with a pop of color. The accessories in Clean Slate say it all. Count on items with a contemporary feel. Mirror metallics, boxy shaped handbags (clutches, totes, satchels), strong cuffs and geometric pendants, multi rings, chunky heels and anything color blocked is strong and powerful. So take a risk and reinvent.

Sleeveless JacketThis piece has simple, cool urban elegance.

Moto detailing, classic denim styling or short and boxy— you decide.

The options are endless.

Willow & Clay

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Rachel Roy Colorblock dress

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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.

Amanda Cooke has been promoted to Avon Unit Sales Leader with Avon products.

Julie Huneycutt has been named the new director for HopeRx, Henderson County’s community-wide initiative to address prescription drug abuse. She is the co-founder of Anna’s Hope, a fund dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers of prescription drug abuse.

Wendi Harper-Lonabaugh is a new nurse practioner at Biltmore OB-GYN. Wendi comes with 18 year s of experience in the healthcare field.

Phil Hurley, of Exit Realty Vistas is proud to be announced as the Top Producer for the month of March.

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

Sandra LoCastro, of Exit Realty Vistas is proud to be announced as the Top Lister for the month of March.

Mission Children’s Hospital educators Vickie Killough (left) and Beverly Hopps (right) received the North Carolina Child’s Passenger Safety Above & Beyond Award at the 2014 North Carolina BuckleUpNC Conference in Raleigh for their commitment to providing exceptional care and ensuring the safety of children in North Carolina.

Kirsten Fuchs photography 828.216.9141 kirstenfuchs.com Sophie MAY 2014 | 37

Crafty Girl

Tiny Tote Created by JeanAnn Taylor This Tiny Tote is the perfect size to carry sewing supplies, a child’s sippy cup, or your coffee cup. Make it in colors and trims to complement your personality!

Go to sophiemagazine.com for instructions on making this tiny tote.

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All About | Tiny Table Written By Paul Kline It’s “Front Porch Season” so I hope you are taking time to enjoy a few lazy afternoons out on the porch. There’s almost nothing better than sitting on the front porch on a warm day enjoying a nice beverage and just relaxing.

With just a little effort, you can create a great little table from just a few easy to find pieces.

Materials: • 4 – pressure treated deck spindles • 4 – 1x4 – 8 inches long • 1 – 18-inch diameter wood circle Directions: • Cut spindles 19 inches tall • Glue 1x4s to spindles placing them at the square end of the spindle • Glue wood circle to top • Paint Paul Kline is the owner of North Star Construction. Visit nscbuilds.com.

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ID.exchange

No Boring Flooring!

Written by Amy Kuykendall

Y

our floors take more punishment than any other surface of your home. Flooring must be durable, attractive and acoustically appropriate so that every sound in your home isn’t amplified. Whether you prefer a high-tech approach with engineered floors, laminates and bamboo or turn to the past with reclaimed and salvaged material, there are a myriad of options in flooring materials.

Solid Wood - Oak is, and has long been, the favorite species in flooring. If you’re feeling creative, consider other types of wood: mainly maple or ash, but also exotic woods such as Australian jarrah, a hard, heavy wood with a rich dark mahogany-red color. Another interesting application is the use of exotic wood borders to frame oak or pine. The use of solid wood flooring in kitchens and bathrooms is often discouraged because of the danger of water damage and swelling, however engineered wood is a nice alternative for those spaces. Wood makes for great flooring. It is beautiful, durable and easy to clean.

Bamboo - Bamboo is a grass, not a wood, and can grow to maturity in four to five years, as opposed to the decades it takes most hardwoods. It can also be grown without fertilizers and pesticides, making it environmentally friendly. It is just as hard as maple and oak, and is more resistant to expansion and contraction due to changes in the weather.

Bamboo is a natural golden blonde color that takes stain very well. It has distinctive grain patterns and joint marks. It usually comes pre-finished and can be nailed or glued down like engineered flooring, and is just as low maintenance.

Cork - Cork is the bark of a Mediterranean tree that is harvested every nine years, making it a renewable resource like bamboo. Cork has excellent sound and shock absorption making it a comfortable option in areas where you spend long periods of time standing, such as a kitchen or home gym. (This also means that dropped glassware or china has less chance of shattering.) Cork’s color variation ranges from honey brown to green, red, chocolate and black. It is said that cork has “memory” and is springy and flexible like a wine cork, allowing it to recover well from compression. Cork is available in both tiles and planks and must be sealed after installation to protect the edges and joints.

Concrete - Concrete need not be relegated to the basement or garage. Sanded and polished concrete can look positively refined even in traditional spaces, especially when layered with pretty rugs, furnishings and accessories. A properly sealed concrete floor is about as worry-free a material as you could ever wish for. Concrete is a chameleon material in that it can be made to look like almost anything from brick to polished stone, textured fabric and even wood plank. It has a high weight-to-mass ratio, which must be taken into account for any residential use on anything other than a ground slab.

Visit idologyasheville.com for more information.

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Garden Bloomers

Gifts That Grow Love Written By Betty Sharpless

Lucy Harms packages up this year’s Mother’s Day gifts from zinnias she grew last summer.

S

pring is a great time for gardeners, large and small. Right now is a great time to introduce your young friends to the joys of gardening. A great way to do this is to help them plant seeds to be used as springtime gifts for others. Kids love to give gifts. Learning the value of homemade or homegrown gifts early will go a long way towards great gift giving pleasures the rest of their lives.

Any potting soil will work, just be sure to wet it and let it drain before the kids plant seeds. With zinnias or marigolds, about 5 seeds per cup is about right. Since the seeds are small, just have the child place the seeds on the top of the soil and press them in just a little. Sunflowers have larger seeds, so a pinky finger hole about 1/4inch deep is needed. I suggest sunflower 2 seeds per pot.

It’s a good idea to ensure success by choosing easy to grow seeds. We all remember the bean seeds in first grade, grown in our used little milk cartons! There is a reason that beans are so popular with teachers: they are a sure bet to germinate. However, giving someone a bean plant for a present? Hmmm… Flowers are nice and fun to receive, just pick ones that are also a sure bet. For beginning gardeners I recommend zinnias, marigolds or short sun flowers. Choose a container that allows drainage and has enough room for at least a half of a measuring cup of planting soil. A used yogurt cup is a great idea, just be sure to punch some holes in the bottom for drainage. Let the kids decorate the containers with stickers or paints before planting. Be sure to plant about 1/3 more plants than you think you need to ensure you have enough successful plants in the long run.

Once planted, keep pots in a tray on a sunny windowsill and keep them damp but not wet. Watering every other day will probably do the trick.

When the plants have at least two sets of real leaves they are ready for gifting. You can extend the learning by having the child draw a picture with instructions to attach to the gift.

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There are too many valuable lessons learned from this project to list, but I promise the smile on a child’s face when they get to give the little plants away will make it all worthwhile.

Betty Sharpless is a professional free-lance gardener whose career began putting onion sets out in the family garden in Pennsylvania at age 4.

Hydrangea Heaven Written By JeanAnn Taylor

I

t was love at first sight when I discovered these big beautiful blooms. Originally from Japan and once thought of as an “old-fashioned” flower, they are making a comeback and in a huge way. That’s no surprise to me. Their elegant, charming clusters are a sight to behold.

They look just at home in a formally manicured lawn as they do wrapped around the front porch of a farmhouse.

Hydrangeas are primarily known for their ability to change colors from blue to violet to pink. The trick is to simply change the pH of the soil. If a blue flower is what you fancy, add one tablespoon of aluminum sulfate to a gallon of water. For pink blossoms, mix one tablespoon of hydrated lime into a gallon of water. Pour the treated water under the shrub in the spring. No matter which color they are in the spring and summer, the blooms will dry as autumn and winter approach and turn to a soft shade of linen.

Hydrangeas are quite content in almost any location as long as they have well-drained soil, moisture, and shade during the hottest part of the day. There are large bush varieties as well as those that will grow to only a couple of feet tall, making them suitable for many locations.

Hydrangeas typically prefer morning sun, afternoon shade and need plenty of room to grow.

To keep them happy, spread two inches of mulch around the base to maintain moisture. Water thoroughly and check daily to make sure your new plant doesn’t need another drink. Keep the soil moist, but not soggy, as this will lead to root rot.

The best time to plant is spring and fall. For blooms lasting throughout the summer months, plant different varieties that bloom at different times. After they start blooming, sit back and enjoy the display!

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Sun & Soil

Chick Days Written by Kristina Urquhart

M

ay is a month made for baby chicks. The highs aren’t too high and the lows aren’t too low, so it’s perfect weather to have chicks shipped from a hatchery or to have a broody hen hatch, set and raise her own.

But even if temps are ideal, raising baby chicks is important business on the homestead. Grown chickens are hardy and pretty tough creatures (albeit flighty and odd), but chicks are quite delicate and sensitive to their conditions. When you get ready to raise chicks this spring, keep these points in mind: Protection: Chicks should be protected from drafts, predators, and themselves in the confines of a brooder. A brooder can be made from anything – a plastic bin, a cardboard box, or even an old bathtub. No need to spend a bundle on a fancy brooder. It should be large enough to hold the chicks as they grow, have pine shavings line the bottom, and a mesh covering overhead so the birds aren’t able to fly out once they realize they have working wings.

Temperature: Day-old chicks require 95 degrees Fahrenheit for the first week of life, 90 degrees Fahrenheit for the second week of life, 85 degrees Fahrenheit for the third week of life, and so on until they are either 1) fully feathered or 2) acclimated to 70-degree days. Fully feathered chicks can withstand night temperatures of about 55 degrees Fahrenheit outside.

Food and Water: Like adults, young chicks need fresh water at all times – that’s a given for anyone on the homestead. But their food will need to be age appropriate – look for chicken feed marked “Starter.” It has the correct nutritional value for growing birds (more protein and less calcium than Layer feed, if you’re curious).

Ailments and Vexes: Vaccinated chicks rarely have issues in the first few weeks of life. If you’ve chosen not to vaccinate your chicks, or you purchased unvaccinated chicks, and want them covered for illnesses such as coccidiosis (a nasty parasite), you can offer medicated Starter feed. That first week is crucial for blockages of the vent as well – when feces dry and cover the vent area, preventing the chick from defecating, it’s called “pasty butt” (a cute name for a nasty problem!). It’s truly more serious than it sounds. For the first week of life, check each chick’s rear end. If you suspect pasty butt, take a warm, damp washcloth and remove the stuck-on poop.

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Housing: Have chicken housing (called a coop or henhouse) ready to go before you even bring those peeps home. Four to five weeks in a brooder may seem like long enough to get that weekend project built, but it flies by in the blink of an eye. Be prepared!

Education: Read, attend workshops, join online forums or Facebook groups and educate yourself about keeping chickens! Don’t do it willy-nilly.

Chicks are not bubble-gum – they’re not an impulse buy.

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

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Chiming In

The Worst Cook?

Written by Susan Reinhardt

It took about three hours, but I applied to the Food Network’s “Worst Cooks in America.”

First, a bit of background as to why I qualify for this series that focuses on an “elusive skill” that many have tried and few can “truly master,” according to their site.

Blah. If they’re looking for a hopeless, hapless and wanna-be chef, they need to fully read this 10-page application I’ve submitted.

Naturally, I’m obsessing about the possible competition. Who else in this country has opened a can of gourmet Campbell’s New England Clam Chowder, lovingly stirred the pot, and served it proudly to her kids? And then one of those chirpy children squeals and holds up a slimy piece of plastic, dripping with white clam sauce, and screams, “Ewwwww! What is this?”

That evening, I moved in closer to my daughter’s bowl of sodiumpumped soup. Oh, Lordy. Not again. Seems every time I cook, something falls into the pots or pans.

“Honey, I’m so sorry. That appears to be one of my Crest White Strips.”

“Gross, Mother. I am not eating this.”

“Listen here. It’s nothing but a piece of plastic, and I’m sure it’s quite sterile since the soup did boil, and they put bleach, which is ultra-sanitizing, in those strips.”

She pushed her bowl aside. “I’ll just have some Frosted Flakes.”

Then there was the time I bought a roast on sale. I had cooked chuck roasts with a teensy bit of success in the Crock Pot, but this was a highdollar cut of meat with hardly a trace of fat clinging to the carcass.

After 10 hours on low, I tried to fork the thing from the bubbling broth.

The fork tines bent. I whipped out the ladle and the roast slid off and hit the floor, chipping a piece of tile it was so tough. Heavy as an anvil. We’d have had to grow another row of teeth to bite down on that thing.

Just the other night, my husband sent me a text, forgetting my lack of skills in the kitchen. Truth be known, I’ve hidden much of my incompetence by going to the Earth Fare or Green Life delis and trashing the cartons.

Come on, you know this little trick.

“Cook me something good,” he texted. “And I’ll buy you some porch furniture. Maybe I‘ll spring for a crown on that back molar you chipped on your ‘Tuna Surprise.‘” I was just glad his text didn’t say what most men’s missives might spout.

Something along the lines of, “Heat up the skillet, and I’ll heat up the Serta.”

I made Alaskan-caught salmon burgers. OK, I heated them up from a box of frozen patties. I also burned the pot holder and flames danced atop my stove.

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This wasn’t my first kitchen fire. When I was married to the “baby daddy,” I never realized taco shells packed more ignitables than a can of gasoline.

You leave those corn slings in the toaster oven for more than a minute, and I promise you’ll need to call 911 for the fire department. I’ve done it at least three times.

Believe it or not, there are a few other women out in this region who are just as terrible in front of four burners as I am.

My friend Cecile Medford over in Clyde remembers her days as a domestic hot mess.

“In my younger married years, I actually blew up a gas stove,” she said.

“The neighbors heard the boom and called the fire department. Singed my waist-length hair, burned all the hair off both arms and my eyelashes. At the time it was NOT funny, but I have laughed many times since.”

While everyone else is heading this month to all the greenhouses for yard beautification, I plan to buy a new cookbook that has recipes with four ingredients or less. And I’m going to keep calling the producers of the “Worst Cooks in America,” in hopes they might turn this pathetic kitchen virgin into a pure culinary harlot.

For those who would care to help me out, please go to worstcooks@ theconlincompany.com.

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.” Contact Susan Reinhardt at reinhardtnc@ yahoo.com. Follow her on facebook or visit her website: susanreinhardt.com.

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Strawberries!

May is National Strawberry month. Enjoy!

The strawberry, a member of the rose family, is a delicate heart-shaped berry symbolizing passion and healing. It’s soft red color and texture make it a delightful addition to spring salads. It’s the first fruit to ripen each spring. The berry has approximately 200 seeds and is the only fruit with seeds on the outside.

When buying strawberries, look for bright red berries with fresh green caps. If the caps are already removed, the beneficial vitamin C is lost. Store them covered in the coldest part of your refrigerator for up to three days. Strawberries should be handled delicately to prevent bruising. To wash, place them in a colander and rinse under cold running water. Don’t allow them to sit in the water or they will lose their color and flavor. Remove the caps with a sharp paring knife.

When Colonists arrived in America, they discovered strawberries from the Indians. A favorite Indian dish was to mix strawberries with cornmeal and bake into strawberry bread; this was the beginning of strawberry shortcake.

Strawberry Salsa Ingredients: • 1 quart local strawberries • 1/4 cup green onions • 1/4 cup cilantro • 1 lime • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt Directions: Remove the tops and dice the strawberries. Place in a medium bowl. Chop the green onions and cilantro, and toss with the strawberries. Cut the lime in half and squeeze the juice into the strawberry mixture. Add salt and stir. Serve with tortilla chips. *Optional ingredient note: When testing this recipe, my taste tester (husband, Gary) said it was missing something. I agreed. I added a medium, seeded, finely diced jalapeno. It was a nice addition.

-Prepared by Debi Manfre from an ASAP recipe card

Eating 8 strawberries a day will provide you with the needed daily intake of vitamin C. Additionally, it can improve heart health and lower blood pressure. One cup is only 55 calories.

Easy ideas for enjoying this season’s bounty Strawberries add a sweet punch to salads. Make an easy salad by tossing spinach, feta cheese, strawberries and almonds together with a balsamic dressing.

Whip up a Three Berry Green Smoothie: Blend yogurt, frozen strawberries, blueberries, raspberries with a handful of fresh or frozen kale or spinach for a tasty and healthy meal.

Use strawberries as a substitute or addition to baked goods, such as strawberry-bannana bread, or strawberry rhubarb upside down cake.

Fresh berries instead of jelly make an ordinary peanut butter sandwich an extraordinary treat.

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Photo by Debi Manfre

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Sophie MAY 2014 | 51

Meg’s Movie Review

“Divergent” Written by Meg Hale Brunton

F

irst of all, it must be said that I have not read this book, by Veronica Roth, or any of the others in the “Divergent” trilogy. That makes me a much more easily-pleased audience than people who’ve read the book and are hoping the movie will live up to it. Let me save you the suspense, it cannot be done. Even if a film captures the plot, characters, and overall feeling of the book, it can never portray every eccentricity of a character’s mind, or the full dynamic of two characters’ relationship.

There are some things that can only be translated in the written word.

Having said that, movies can do some phenomenal visual things that books (obviously) cannot do. And there are certainly plenty of visual opportunities in “Divergent.”

“Divergent” is the story of a girl named Tris, living in a post-war world in which society has been broken up into five factions: Abnegation, Amity, Erudite, Dauntless, and Candor. All groups are kept separate and know their place and task in this world. They even operate under the credo, “Faction before blood.” When a child from each group comes of age, they are tested to see which faction they are best suited for and given the opportunity to be moved into that faction. There is something special about Tris though; she is suited for several factions, a rare quality that they call ‘divergent’. The governing body of this world fears the Divergents because (since they don’t fit in to one specific group), they are harder to control and could potentially rebel against the system. There are even rumors that the divergents are being rounded up and killed. So, Tris tries to keep her talents under-wraps and to blend in with her faction. She joins Dauntless, an adventuring, punk, warrior group, because it feels challenging to her.

Tris is played by Shailene Woodley (“The Descendants”). I know that a lot of “Divergent” book-fans were concerned about the “The Secret Life of the American Teenager” star taking on the complex role of Tris, but I have to say, I was pretty impressed with her. Her performance was very honest, vulnerable and strong. I think she has a lot of potential as an actress and will be interested in what she does with her career following this endeavor. I was also very taken with the actor playing her love interest, Four, another relative unknown named Theo James (“Underworld: Awakening”). While his character is certainly more stoic and detached than Tris, I still found him convincing when his character was forced to confront his deepest fears. Or maybe he just looks like a non-stoned version of James Franco and I was happy with the eye-candy, but yes, I will be watching his future film role decisions as well.

In the spirit of so many beautiful actresses like Nicole Kidman and Cate Blanchett, Kate Winslet (“Titanic”) takes on the role of the villainous Erudite leader Jeanine in this film. She is quietly terrifying in the role and still manages to look great. Although, ever since I saw her in “The Reader,” I have accepted that there is nothing that Winslet can’t do.

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“Divergent” is basically a “Brave New World” meets “The Hunger Games” sci-fi/action/teen romance meld. I thought the idea for the plot was very compelling though and really enjoyed the notion of challenging yourself to step outside of your own personal box, as well as the box your parents want for you. It made perfect sense to me that the book was written by a college student (Roth), just beginning to find her place in the world.

It is a fun, thrilling, thought-provoking ride through the world that Roth created and I give it 8 out of 10 stars.

The Pink Pages

Pick up your copy today!

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Concerning Our Community Greater Tuna Comes to the Front Porch Theatre at BMCA

The Front Porch Theatre at Black Mountain Center for the Arts is pleased to present Greater Tuna starring Mondy Carter and Tom Chalmers on May 15-17 and May 22-24 at 7:30 pm. Tickets for the show are $15. The Arts Center is located at 225 W. State Street.

For tickets or more information call 828-6690930 or visit BlackMountainArts.org .

Pictured left to rightL Lucretia Piercy, President; Randye Unsell Woman of the Year, 2014

2014 American Business Women of the Year

American Business Women’s Association is proud to announce this year’s Woman of the Year Award goes to Randy Unsell of Henderson County. Randye has been very involved with the local Sky-Hy Chapter for the past several years, she has also been awarded the Top Ten Award from the ABWA National organization. We are very proud of Randye’s accomplishments and glad she is a vital part of our group.

UNC Asheville Baseball Team Fundraising Event Benefiting Vs. Cancer Foundation The UNC Asheville Baseball team will be raising money during a game against Wake Forest on May 13th at 6 p.m. The money raised will go to Kid’s Cancer through the VS Cancer Foundation. The game will be at McCormick Field in downtown Asheville. They are collecting donations up to the event and on that night, as well as auctioning off jerseys. To make a donation online or for more information, go to unca.vs-cancer.org.

Four Seasons Offers Free ‘Grief Support Groups’

Each individual grieves in his or her own way, says Michael Lee, counselor of bereavement services with Four Seasons Compassion for Life’s Sylva offices.

Every loss is different in some way, but grief often shares common characteristics of leaving people feeling isolated by feelings of sadness and loss. Through support groups, individuals can find validation and feel like they are not alone.

“Come as you are,” says Lee. “This is a safe and welcoming gathering of people from all walks of life. We know everyone’s story and journey are different. You don’t have to talk; you can just come and listen.”

The Grief Support Group sponsored by Four Seasons Compassion for Life is free and open to the public. Meetings are Fridays, 1-2:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 669 W. Main Street., Sylva Contact Michael Lee, bereavement counselor, mlee@fourseasonscfl.org for information or support.

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Garden Jubilee Festival

Garden Jubilee is Historic Hendersonville’s premier lawn & garden show, and one of the largest gardening shows in Western North Carolina. The Jubilee is a spectacular two day festival, held on Saturday, May 24 & Sunday, May 25 of Memorial Day weekend. Gardening is one of America’s favorite pastimes and the Blue Ridge Mountains provide a healthy environment for growing a vast variety of flowers and plants. Bring a wagon or cart to make transporting your plants easier. The Garden Jubilee Festival showcases more than 200 vendors lining Main Street.

Local and regional nurseries will be selling 1000’s of annuals, perennials, vegetables, herbs and hard to find plants on every block of the festival. A great way to enhance the beauty of a garden is to add ornamentation. There will be handmade lawn furniture, jewelry, garden tools, yard art, planters, wind chimes, birdhouses, as well as soaps, and pottery. Garden related vendors will be located on Main Street in Historic Downtown Hendersonville from Sixth Avenue to Caswell Street and Main Street will be closed to traffic, with vendors lining both sides of the street. A variety of food vendors will be located in the food court, between Barnwell and Caswell Streets.

Call the Henderson County Tourism Development Authority for information at 800-828-4244 or visithistorichendersonville.org.

MEMORIAL DAY May 26 17th Annual Arts and Crafts Show May 31, 10am-5pm & June 1, 10am-4pm Arts, crafts, food, music. Showcasing over 65 juried crafters/artists. Held at 207 Sutton Avenue in Black Mountain, NC. For more information visit olddepot.org.

ON GOING

May 25th Annual Spring Herb Festival May 2 & 3, 9am-5pm & May 4, 10am-3pm This is the largest herb festive in the southeast with over 55 herb businesses from North Carolina and Southeast featuring a large selection of herb plants, books, soaps, herbal crafts, medicinal herbs, lotions, dried flowers, herbal baked goods, and more. WNC Farmers Market located at 570 Brevard Road in Asheville.

The National Day of Puppetry May 3, 11am-3pm WNC families are invited to celebrate the National Day of Puppetry in downtown Asheville’s Reuter Terrace at Pack Place.

The festival features FREE puppet performances and a puppet parade. Go to ashevillepuppetry.org for more information.

WNC Prostate Support Group May 6, 7pm A prostate cancer support forum for men, caregivers and family members at American Cancer Society, 120 Executive Park, College St., Asheville. Medical herbalist, Cheri Wagner will speak. No fee to attend. For information call (828) 338-0290.

5th Annual Healthy Living Festival May 9, 10am-2pm It’s free and participants can learn a wealth of information to lead a healthier life. There will be plenty of vendors, information, door prizes, snacks, and more. Event will be held at the Jackson County Recreation Center, Cullowhee. For more information, call Melissa McKnight at (828) 587-8288 Walk on The Wild Side May 9-30 The TC Arts Council has teamed with artists from Transylvania County and WNC to present this art exhibit featuring animals in art. For more information call Tammy at 884-2787. The gallery is located at 349 S. Caldwell Street in Brevard, NC.

MOTHER’S DAY May 11 The Western North Carolina Knitters and Crocheters for Others Meeting May12, 7-9pm The meeting will be held at the New Hope Presbyterian Church on 3070 Sweeten Creek Road in Asheville.

The group provides handmade items to 18 local charities. All skill levels are welcome. If interested, contact Janet Stewart, (828) 575-9195.

Prime: Not Your Mother’s Health Talks May 15, 6-7:30pm Enjoy a free evening for women that includes health information, refreshments, onsite screenings and more. Event will be held at Mission Health Office, Biltmore Park Town Square. Pre-registration is suggested but not required. To register, visit mission-health.org Spring Tour of Homes May 17, 9:30am-5pm Tour beautiful homes throughout the county. This is a fundraiser for the TC Arts Council’s youth art programs. Tickets are $30. For more information call TC Arts at (828) 884-2787. artsofbrevard.org Third Annual Walk to End Lupus Now: Asheville May 17, Check in begins at 3:30pm Walk starts at 5pm The event will take place at Martin Luther King Jr. Park located at 50 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. For information call Christine John-Fuller, (704) 716-5640, ext. 5 or email: christine.fuller@lupusnc.org Plant Sale at Bullington Gardens May 17, 9am-4pm The sale will feature native and non-native perennials, annuals, herbs, vegetable starts, and small trees and shrubs. Proceeds from the sale benefit the educational programs

at Bullington Gardens. The Gardens are located at 95 Upper Red Oak Trail in Hendersonville. For more information, call (828) 698-6104 bullingtongardens.org.

“Spring into Wellness” Health Fair May 17, 11am-3pm This is a health and wellness community outreach event that is being hosted by Opportunity House. Enjoy demonstrations and conversation about health and wellness to find better balance in your life.

The event is free to the public and held at The Opportunity House, 1411 Asheville Hwy., Hendersonville, NC. For more information, call (828) 692-0575.

Pastyme Concert May 18, 5pm Trinity Episcopal Church 60 Church Street, Asheville, NC Cost:$10.00 trinityasheville.org Asheville Quilt Guild Meeting May 20, 10am Speaker - Mary Ellen Kranz will discuss “How Modern Technology Can Enhance The Traditional Quilting Process.”

Meeting will be held at the Folk Art Center. Visit ashevillequiltguild.org for more information Ikebana Flower Exhibition May 20 & 21, 10:30am-7pm Exhibition by more than 100 accomplished designers from across the US. This event, generally held only every five years in the US, will take place in Asheville as part of the North American Regional Conference of Ikebana International.

A “must see” blending flower design, container craft and Japanese culture. Event is at the Renaissance Asheville Hotel.

Admission: $10; free to members. For more information, call (828) 768-2027 or ikebanaasheville.org

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 Asheville City Market Saturdays 8am-1pm 161 South Charlotte (below College) Asheville City Market South Wednesdays 1-5pm Biltmore Park Town Square Long Shoals Black Mountain Tailgate Market Saturdays 9am-12pm 130 Montreat Rd East Asheville Tailgate Market Fridays 3-6pm Groce United Methodist Church 954 Tunnel Road French Broad Food Co-op Wednesday Tailgate Market Wednesdays, 2-6PM Downtown 90 Biltmore Avenue, Parking in Aloft is usually free for the first hour.

Leicester Farmers Market Saturdays 9am-2pm 338 New Leicester Hwy. Montford Farmers Market Wednesdays 2-6pm Parking lot behind the Visitors Center at the Chamber of Commerce, 36 Montford Ave. North Asheville Tailgate Market Saturdays 8am-12pm UNCA Campus Weaverville Tailgate Market Wednesdays 2:30-6pm 60 Lakeshore Dr, West Asheville Tailgate Market Tuesdays 3:30-6:30pm 718 Haywood 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.

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Concerning Our Community Asheville Zipline Canopy Adventures event benefits local individuals within the autism spectrum and their families.

Team up for the 2014 fundraising event hosted by Asheville Zipline Canopy Adventures and Treetops Adventure Park! The 3rd Annual Wells Fargo Zipping for Autism, held on Sunday, June 1, at One Resort Drive (behind Crowne Plaza Hotel) features an urban canopy tour for teams of 10 raising $800 or more.

Create your team to fly through the tree-lined corridors and enjoy the Asheville skyline. Teams raising $1100 or more will climb, zip, walk, jump, swing, and rappel over 30 towering trees and poles as they enjoy the wooded ropes adventure park. Spend the day having fun while raising funds for local autism services!

Teams must register online at zippingforautism.com by May 23. The website allows teams to generate donations and track progress, and provides sponsorship opportunity detail.

Mission Health Diabetes Support Group

The Diabetes Support Group brings people with diabetes together to learn from and support each other through education with Mission professionals and individuals sharing their stories and experiences.

The next meeting will be on Wednesday, May 21, 2014, 3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. The group meets the third Wednesday each month at Mission Health Education Center (third floor), 1 Hospital Drive, Room 3308, Asheville, NC For information, call 828-213-4788 or visit mission-health.org.

Community fund designated to help HopeRx

Tom Bridges, the former director of the Henderson County Health Department who retired in 2013, has generously designated retirement gifts made to a special fund at the Community Foundation of Henderson County – Tom’s Bridge to the Community – to help fund HopeRx. The HopeRx Steering Committee is grateful for Bridges’ generous gift and invites the community to support HopeRx with contributions to keep the initiative alive.

HopeRx is a project designed to unite community leaders, parents, educators, students, healthcare providers, EMS workers and volunteers, law enforcement, the judicial system, civic organizations and faith groups throughout Henderson County to work collaboratively to address the issues of prescription drug abuse, one of the top three health problems in our county.

To learn more, volunteer or make a contribution to HopeRx, please contact Julie Huneycutt at hoperxhc@gmail.com or 828 606-4586.

Contributions can be mailed to Community Foundation of Henderson County, PO Box 1108, Hendersonville, NC 28793, designate the donation to Tom’s Bridge to the Community for HopeRx. Contributions can also be made online at CFHCforever.org.

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