Central Virginia HOME Winter 2017 by James River Media

HOME CENTRAL VIRGINIA

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EMBRACE YOUR SPACE dining room design home gyms

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Central Virginia HOME Winter/Holiday 2017

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QUALITY • AFFORDABLE • ELEGANT Contact us today for your free consultation and let us begin designing your new home in 2017!

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Central Virginia HOME Winter/Holiday 2017

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CONTENTS Central Virginia HOME Winter/Holiday 2017

48 84

18 18

BY MEGAN BRUFFY

BY SLOANE LUCAS

BY CHARLOTTE A.F. FARLEY

BY JESSIE THOMPSON

DINE IN STYLE Make your dining room a delightful destination

COZY COTTAGE Merry memories fill a brick bungalow in Bedford

WORK IT OUT How to set up a home gym

LOCAL ART Three Lynchburg collectors share their favorite pieces

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK HOME Magazine c vhomemaga zine .com 11

W I N T E R / H O L I DAY 2017

DESIGN

36 THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS

Mirrors add style to any space

BY CHRISTY RIPPEL

73 DOUBLE UP

Turn your home office into holiday guest quarters BY SLOANE LUCAS

96 CHAMPAGNE FLUTES

Sparkling stemware for holiday toasts

IMPROVE

43 STEAM YOUR CARES AWAY

Custom steam showers offer a relaxing retreat BY NOELLE MILAM

70 READY, SET, WRAP!

Gift wrap spot ensures pretty parcels BY ASHLEY BLAIR SMITH

82 CLEAN SWEEP

Ready your chimney for Santa and the winter season BY KATHERINE FULGHUM KNOPF

GARDEN

25 JOLLY HOLLY

Garden gems for winter and beyond BY BECKY CALVERT

58 CREATE A COLONIAL CHRISTMAS

All about elegant “della Robbia” decor BY MITZI BIBLE

78 BIRD FEEDERS

Gift ideas to attract feathered friends BY SARA WARRENDER

LIVE

32 JUST DESSERTS

A holiday dessert party is simple and scrumptious BY MARLEY MILLER

40 HOLIDAY HOSTESS GIFTS

Local shops have you covered 92 EMBRACE THE SEASON Scandinavian tips for winter contentment BY RORY RHODES

97 AROUND TOWN

Holiday events in our area 1 2

32 Central Virginia HOME Winter/Holiday 2017

For Your Year-round

Outdoor Living Needs

Award Winning Pool Builder

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Central Virginia HOME Winter/Holiday 2017

EDITOR’S note “Glitter and be gay, that’s the part I play,” sings Cunégonde in the operetta “Candide,” from Voltaire’s novel of the same name. I often hear it in my head this time of year, though it has nothing to do with the reduced circumstances Cunégonde laments in her aria. The sparkle of the holiday season has an irresistible pull. There’s so much to enjoy, and celebrate… and do. Sometimes all that doing can be daunting, during what is supposed to be a time of meaning and merriment. So how to find that balance between the glitter and the substance? With this issue of HOME, we offer ways to get ready, get organized, get festive, and take a breather when needed. Our article on dining rooms will help you make the most of an often under-used area, both during the holiday season and beyond. We’ve got ideas on how to turn your home office into a holiday guest room, and how to mitigate the holiday pounds by setting up a home gym. We’ll help you get your holiday To-Do list in order with hostess gift ideas from local businesses, tips on setting up a gift wrap station, and advice on hiring a chimney sweep now to ensure a safe and snug fireplace in the season ahead. When it’s time to get festive, find inspiration in our featured holiday home, where the decor is infused with meaning and memories, as well as at holiday home tours around town. Deck your halls in Colonial Williamsburg style with tips from our “Noel au Naturel” article, and try our recipes for a holiday dessert party—a fuss-free way to gather with friends and family.

Next Time

c o n s i g n m e n t furniture & home decor

If you’re looking for a spruce up, our piece on mirrors will show you how to brighten any space with a little shine. Likewise, our feature on local art collections might encourage you to shop for a new work by one of the region’s many talented artists. Outside, holly is in its element, and now is a terrific time to see where your garden needs a bit of winter gloss and get planning. Finally, when you need to take a moment for yourself, check out our information on custom steam showers that will steam all your cares away. And our guide to Scandinavian-style contentment offers simple ways to find joy and balance this time of year. This holiday issue of HOME offers plenty of seasonal celebration, as well as tools to take with you into the new year. Until next time… — Rory Rhodes, Editor rory@westwillowpublishing.com

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PUBLISHER’S note On a recent day, when I was deep into final tweaks and last-minute details for this issue of HOME with art director and friend, Edwana Coleman, this photo of the two of us arrived in an email. The merry moment it captured—with its big smiles and warm glow—put an answering smile on my face during a busy day. It was a timely reminder that, no matter how crazy life gets or how immediate our deadlines, it’s important to take time to enjoy the moments which come our way. I’ve read many books over the years about “the power of now”, and been inspired to be mindful of appreciating the moment. It’s a simple-sounding directive that can be a challenge, because it’s so easy to get caught up in what happened yesterday and what will—or needs to—happen tomorrow. But real happiness is found in allowing yourself to be in the here and now, without comparing it to the past or dreaming of the future. The philosophy of mindfulness is echoed in this issue’s article about “hygge” and “lagom”, two Scandinavian concepts of contentment. I hope, after reading it, that these notions will inspire you, too, to be more present in “the now”, and to find your own comfort spot this season. For me, comfort and joy is found with my people—my family, friends, colleagues, and the advertisers and readers who have made HOME a fulfilling experience for over ten years. As we approach this holiday season, I invite you to join me in seeking these moments of mindfulness and balance, wherever you find them. Give thanks and enjoy the gift of now—whether it’s in cozy contentment, or time spent laughing with friends—seize it and savor it. — Julie Pierce, Publisher julie@westwillowpublishing.com

HOME CENTRAL VIRGINIA

design ✦ improve ✦ garden ✦ live

VOLUME 11 ISSUE 5 PUBLISHER Julie Pierce EDITOR Rory Rhodes ART DIRECTOR Edwana Coleman GRAPHIC ARTIST Kate Scullen CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Mitzi Bible Megan Bruffy Becky Calvert Charlotte A.F. Farley Katherine Fulghum Knopf Sloane Lucas Noelle Milam Marley Miller Rory Rhodes Christy Rippel Ashley Blair Smith Jessie Thompson Sara Warrender PHOTOGRAPHERS Michael Patch Craig Shaffer OPERATIONS MANAGER Colleen Miller

TOTAL HOME

comfort

ADVERTISING SALES Kirsten Morey Becker Janet Lampman Julie Pierce Anne Marie Poore SUBSCRIPTIONS

Central Virginia HOME is published five times annually by West Willow Publishing Group, LLC. For an annual subscription, please send $20 and your name, address and telephone number to: Central Virginia HOME 2003 Graves Mill Road, Suite B, Forest, VA 24551 For advertising information please call (434) 386-5667 or sales@cvhomemagazine.com. To discuss coverage of an event relating to home or garden, please contact Central Virginia HOME at info@cvhomemagazine.com.

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Copyright 2017 by West Willow Publishing Group, LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from West Willow Publishing Group, LLC. All pictorial material reproduced in this magazine, whether in a produced ad or by itself, has been accepted on the condition that it is with the knowledge and prior consent of the photographer or the artist concerned. As such, West Willow Publishing Group, LLC is not responsible for any infringement of copyright or otherwise arising out of publication thereof. The information contained herein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. However, West Willow Publishing Group, LLC makes no warrant to the accuracy or reliability of this information. Opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of ownership or management.

Central Virginia HOME Winter/Holiday 2017

SMILE THIS SEASON Actual patient, Kaylee

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FROM HOLIDAY TO EVERY DAY how to optimize your dining room

BY MEGAN BRUFFY

When my husband and I bought our first home last fall, we were thrilled to have a formal dining room, but there was one hiccup: We didn’t own a dining table. That beautiful space, which I had insisted was an absolute necessity, sat empty for months, though it wasn’t for lack of want. Adding to the pressure, we were newlyweds slated to host Thanksgiving for the very first time. Every morning, for weeks, I sat in the middle of the room and stared at the natural light that flooded the room, the lyrical grains in the original hardwood floors, and the bare walls desperate for life and a good coat of paint. My thoughts were rapid-fire. Should I choose a round table, or build one of those adorable banquets with built-in storage? Should I leave the table set every day or only for special occasions? And, good heavens, what should I do about drapes? The questions mounted and I felt incapable of doing anything except searching Pinterest for the answers. As the holidays approached and I carefully curated the rest of the house, it hit me: I couldn’t make decisions because I didn’t have a clear vision of how I would use the space. I essentially had a holiday version and an everyday version of the room in my head and I couldn’t quite seem to reconcile the two. How could a room be a heartwarming, seasonal vignette and simultaneously be a comfortable space where I could pay bills in my pajamas? As it turns out, when done right that space can, in fact, be all that and more. As we approach the holiday season, allow me to offer some thoughts for how you, too, can make the most out of this often-underutilized room for the holidays and beyond. 18

Central Virginia HOME Winter/Holiday 2017

Define the space

A dining room is perhaps the most versatile room in the house. When you’re ready to establish your dining room or envision a new life for an existing design, consider this: What purpose do you want the space to fulfill? In addition to hosting meals, it can serve as a homework station, craft area, home office, game room, catchall for keys and mail, or any number of uses. Your end goal will guide all the decisions along the way. If the space is multifunctional, consider storage options: bookcases, sideboards and china cabinets, closed bins and baskets. Having storage nearby allows you to quickly transition the space to a new use and no one will ever be the wiser. This is especially important during the busy holiday season where we often pivot quickly between work and holiday parties and preparations. If you want the room to feel more formal, incorporate elements such as intricate centerpieces and multi-layer place settings. The holiday season presents plentiful opportunities to augment the formality of this room. For instance, even in a more casual space, luxurious table linens paired with a seasonal centerpiece of holly leaves, garland and tapered candles immediately elevate the space. Once you’ve achieved your ideal design, think about how you will actualize your aspirations. Will you eat dinner there each evening? Will it become the new gathering spot for your family? Will you make it a technology-free zone where you go to unwind? The design of the room and your intentions for it should be complementary. Dress it up

Now that you can visualize your goal, let’s talk about furnishings. From tables and chairs to rugs and drapes, the layers of a dining room are many. Today, more than ever before, there is a table for every situation, so how do you know which one to choose? First things first, the shape of your table should accentuate the shape of the room. For instance, rectangular tables match the scale of a large or narrow space, while round tables are best suited for smaller or open concept rooms. Note that the continuous edges of a round table give the illusion of a bigger space—choose a glass top to further enhance this effect. If you have a tight area, a table with a leaf is ideal. You can expand it during the c vhomemaga zine .com 19

holidays or when you have company, but remove the leaf for a more manageable size during daily life. So, you have a table, but where will you sit? Seating is rich with opportunity and often becomes a focal point depending on the material and color. For a more formal, traditional feel, pair a wood table with matching wood chairs, or even upholstered wingback chairs. Benches and banquets create a more casual feel and can also provide storage. To create more room for your eye to move, try armless or low chairs, or for a modern contrast, mix and match seating: chairs on one side and a bench on the other, or wood chairs in alternating colors. This is a prime chance to make a statement. If your walls and decor feel a bit neutral, you can punch up the room with chairs upholstered in rich sapphire or garnet. To add a touch of elegance, consider monogrammed slipcovers. Bonus: Many are machine washable, making them classy and functional. Identify more opportunities

Whether your dining room serves a singular function or pulls double duty, it may crave additional furnishings, especially during the holidays. Sideboards offer storage and create an optimal surface to serve food, keeping the serving dishes from taking up valuable real estate on your table. If you only use this space occasionally, try repurposing furniture from around your home. Entryway and sofa tables make perfect substitutes for sideboards, and bookcases present delightful display space for holiday decor or even dessert trays and gifts during a party. On the walls, open shelves provide an alternate storage option. They can display china, personal collections, or even masterpieces created by little ones! During the holidays, drape shelves in garlands and lights to create an ethereal ambiance. For windows, hang drapes at the top of the wall to offer a dramatic cascade and make the room seem larger. Also, why choose just one window covering? Consider two layers: a thin white sheer below a thick colored curtain. The top layer can be pulled back, allowing light to permeate the sheer layer while still offering a certain amount of privacy.. Floors are often an overlooked area of the dining room, but they are a treasure trove. If you have hardwood floors, a 2 0

Central Virginia HOME Winter/Holiday 2017

well-placed rug can define your entire space, but it should be large enough that a chair won’t catch the edge when pulled back. The general rule is to account for 36 inches of rug on each side of the table. A jute rug is fairly simple to keep clean, while low pile rugs allow chairs to slide under the table. Consider choosing a simple design that incorporates accent colors found in the room. It’ll help tie everything together. Curate the perfect accessories

During the holidays, options for table decor can be overwhelming. From linens to china to centerpieces, it’s hard to know where to start. Personally, I like to build from the bottom up. When it comes to linens, it all depends on how sumptuous you want the room to feel. Double-layered tablecloths that touch the floor lessen the amount of light that gets to move in the room, giving it a heavy, formal feel. Conversely, a simple runner delineates the center of the table and creates an airy feel. For china, don’t be afraid to experiment with color! Try coordinating rose-colored chargers with milky white plates and snowflake adorned bowls, or

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0053 Remaining Embers

0556 Smoke Screen

0140 Cozy Cover COLOR OF THE YEAR

0585 Oyster Catch

0563 Vigilant

0427 Arbor Vitae

0109 Kung Fu

0584 Tornado Wind

0553 Smoky Wings

0508 Midnight Magic

0582 Paved Path

0392 Alsot Olive

We’ve partnered with the trusted paint experts at James T. Davis to created a color palette that embraces color trends for 2018. We hope you’ll find this palette inviting and easy to use in your everyday living spaces.

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for a bolder look, couple bronze chargers and bowls with amethyst colored plates and napkins. A pop of color or imaginative pairing of patterns is often a conversation starter, especially at seasonal gatherings. The last component is the centerpiece. One quick search on Pinterest will present a dizzying array of suggestions, especially for the holidays. I’ve always found that the trick to centerpieces is balance. It should quite literally center the table, and it can incorporate absolutely anything: candles, vases, baskets, plants, marbles, metal letters, lights, everything but the kitchen sink. If you aren’t sure what to do, start with a tray. Place it in the center of the table and start layering—a small stack of colorful antique books next to a trio of white pillar candles and a glass bowl of mints, or a quartet of brass herb planters surrounded by decorative pebbles. During the holidays, a set of hurricane vases filled with beloved ornaments adds dimension and nostalgia, while a pair of small poinsettias provide a pop of color and fresh fragrance.

Host an event

The holidays are the perfect time to put your new design into action. Throw a cookie exchange or a card decorating party, both of which will make ample use of the entire table. During a holiday cocktail party or gift exchange, push the dining table against the wall to create more room to roam. If you’re feeling extra festive, turn your dining room into a gift wrapping haven and invite all your friends. The sideboard can hold all the accoutrement—ribbon, bows and tags— while the table embraces roll upon roll of wrapping paper. Before you dive into design choices, take a few minutes to sit in your dining room and ask yourself: What is the purpose of this space in my home? Whether it is a hub of family activity, a secondary office or a sanctuary for elaborate meals, a little imagination can inspire your dining room to serve you well during the holidays and throughout the year. ✦ Central Virginia HOME Winter/Holiday 2017

Looking for a new home for the holidays? YOU NEED JANE & KATE BY YOUR SIDE!

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Treasures for the

HOLIDAYS

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Central Virginia HOME Winter/Holiday 2017

GARDEN a classic evergreen

HOLLY

the winter garden gem BY BECKY CALVERT

WITH ITS SHINY GREEN LEAVES AND BRIGHTLY-COLORED BERRIES, HOLLY HAS BECOME THE SUBJECT OF TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS CAROLS, WHILE REMAINING A SYMBOL OF WINTER SOLSTICE CELEBRATIONS AROUND THE GLOBE.

When winter arrives, unassuming evergreens like hollies take center stage in the garden. With their glossy green leaves and cheerful berries, they stand out in what can otherwise be a muted landscape. If your winter garden feels a bit bare, consider the holly, a classic evergreen for all seasonsâ&#x20AC;¦

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The holly tree has been a symbol of winter celebrations dating back as far as Ancient Rome. Celtic Druids believed that a Holly King and an Oak King fought a battle for the seasons at Yuletide and midsummer, with each king reigning for half the year. Holly boughs have been used to ward off lightning strikes and witchcraft over the centuries. With its thick, shiny, prickly green leaves offset by brightly-colored winter berries, holly has become the subject of traditional Christmas carols while remaining a practically universal symbol of winter solstice celebrations around the globe. With close to 400 species, holly trees are native to every continent but Australia and Antarctica. They are primarily an evergreen, although there are a few deciduous varieties. In addition to their distinctive serrated shape and spiny teeth, holly leaves are waxy, helping to prevent water loss—a common characteristic of evergreens. They have smooth, close-grained gray bark, and the wood is often used for making black piano keys and violin pegs, as well as fancy inlays, small furniture and other decorative pieces. Hollies can be planted as stand-alone specimens or closer together in a row as a privacy hedge. Their berries, a winter food source for birds and other wildlife, are technically not berries, but drupes. Drupes are more commonly known as stone fruits —think peaches and plums—but because of the diminutive size of the holly fruit, they are generally referred to as berries. While we tend to associate red berries with the holly tree, they can come in a variety of colors—orange, yellow, blue, black, purple and white. These fruits have small amounts of toxins in them that are harmful to dogs, cats and humans, so be sure to keep children and pets from ingesting them. Traditionally, hollies are dioecious, meaning plants are male and female, with the female bearing fruit when a male is planted nearby. (In recent years, some self-pollinating cultivars have been also been developed.) Both male and female hollies produce small, white blossoms in spring, with the berries forming in early to late fall, though it can take several years for berries to form on a young plant. Among the more popular and interesting varieties that do well in our area, here are a few to consider:

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inkberry holly Central Virginia HOME Winter/Holiday 2017

English holly

chinese holly

It is the English holly that is most associated with winter solstice decorationsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;native to most of Europe, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s able to adapt to many soils, climates and sunlight levels. It can grow to a height of anywhere from 15 to 50 feet while reaching a diameter of eight to 20 feet. It also comes in a variegated version, with dramatic white margins on the leaves that makes the tree stand out. American holly

english holly

A native of North America, American holly is so similar in appearance to the English holly that it can be hard to tell them apart. American hollies prefer a slightly acidic soil and grow best in full sun, although they will tolerate light shade. Once established, they are slow growing and low maintenance. They can grow to a full height of 40 to 50 feet when planted as a stand alone specimen tree. Inkberry holly

american holly

The Inkberry holly is native to the American southeast, and doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have the prickly leaves typical of other varieties. Also known as an evergreen winterberry, it produces purple berries and prefers moist soil. There are some cultivars of inkberries that produce white

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Satisfying Every Budget & Style

berries as well. Inkberry hollies reproduce with suckers, so they will require some maintenance to keep from overtaking an area if planted in your garden. They grow four to eight feet tall, and spread to a diameter of four feet. Chinese holly

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While not native to our area, another popular holly that does well here is the Chinese holly. Chinese hollies have a more rounded leaf shape, typically with one spine on the tip of the leaf. These hollies also prefer full sun and well drained soil, but may need to be protected during cold spells. Chinese hollies will grow to a height of about 20 feet when planted alone. Sky holly

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Sky holly is a Japanese cultivar that resembles a boxwood more than a typical holly. Narrow in shape, it grows to a height of about eight feet while never getting wider than about two feet. It does well in containers and is often used as an architectural accent plant at entryways or in formal gardens. Planting and care

The best time to plant hollies is in the spring, right before they start growing for the season. They like a moderate amount of water that is usually provided by rainfall, although if there is a drought the first year they are planted, water them weekly. A few inches of mulch, spread as wide as the branches, helps protect the roots from freeze and thaw damage. Fertilize them in the spring and fall as needed. Pruning depends upon the type of holly, but generally it’s best to avoid heavy pruning in winter months, which can spur tender new growth. However, it’s fine to clip a few sprigs for your holiday decorations. Hollies are relatively easy to care for while adding interest to your year round landscape, although they are probably most appreciated this time of year. As you ponder your spring planting—because let’s face it, most of us gardeners start plotting next year’s garden while still putting this year’s to bed—take a look around your winter garden, and see where a holly might brighten the landscape next year, and in the years to come. ✦

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Central Virginia HOME Winter/Holiday 2017

Gardeners Unique plants • Vegetative screen walls & arches Ornamental topiaries • Native trees and shrubbery Perennials/annuals • Local gifts & crafts Simply Southern apparel

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REID ST. GALLERY

Reid Street Gallery opened in 2016, representing local artists and quickly becoming a cultural center for the community. The gallery offers all kinds of classes and events, and also partners with other local groups to offer book signings and lectures. After celebrating one year of operation, the gallery has expanded into additional space in the building, adding a gift shop and cooking school. Reid Street Gifts offers something for everyone and every occasion, with home decor, clothing and jewelry, as well as original artwork and other local products. The cooking school, Chef’s Palette at Reid Street, offers classes of all types, for every skill level, in an absolutely beautiful and fun setting. Reid Street Gallery is a great destination for a day trip, and has plenty to offer for everyone.

GIFTS Reid Street Gifts is a great place to pick up a gift for a birthday, hostess, holiday, or other special occasion. Items includes gadgets and things for the kitchen or cook, original artwork, men’s and women’s clothing and accessories, local honey and natural products, and jewelry. There is something for every budget!

WE ARE EXCITED TO INVITE YOU TO REID STREET GALLERY IN CHARMING CHATHAM, LOCATED CONVENIENTLY BETWEEN DANVILLE AND LYNCHBURG IN SOUTHSIDE VIRGINIA. HOUSED IN A RENOVATED FORMER FARM SUPPLY WAREHOUSE, REID STREET GALLERY SHOWCASES ART AGAINST PRESERVED HISTORIC ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENTS.. 30

Central Virginia HOME H Woi nl itdeary//HW o il n i dt aeyr 2 0 1 7 6

HOME premier project 2017

G A L L E RY Reid Street Gallery represents over 40 artists from the region, and offers an alwayschanging selection of original artwork. Work for sale includes incredible graphite drawings, oil and watercolors, pottery and sculpture. Several artists also accept commissions for an extra special gift. Reid Street is always looking for new artists.

CLASSROOM Reid Street is the place to be for artists of all levels, with classes for fun or for the serious artist. Art After School offers local students an opportunity to explore the various media of art, and specialty classes like Fused Glass are geared toward adults interested in trying new techniques.

K I TC H E N For those who consider food an art form, Reid Street is excited to offer Chef’s Palette at Reid Street, a brand new cooking school. A full class schedule will have something to interest everyone, from beginners to expert chefs, including basic kitchen skills to culinary artistry. Chef’s Palette will invite noted chefs to share their favorite recipes and encourage novices to explore more in the kitchen. The possibilities are endless!

VIEW OUR ALWAYS CHANGING SELECTION IN PERSON TUESDAY–FRIDAY 10- 6 OR SATURDAY 10-2.

24 Reid Street, Chatham, VA 434-433-2264 reidstreetgallery.com facebook.com/artforyall/ c vhomemaga zine .com 31

LIVE holiday desserts

tempting treats host a holiday dessert party with these crowd pleasers BY MARLEY MILLER At my house, the holidays are all about the food—especially, the dessert. Hosting a dessert-themed gathering is a creative way for me to celebrate the season: Guests gather at the table and sample an assortment of tasty treats, while Ella Fitzgerald’s holiday music plays in the background and the yellow Lab makes the rounds in her new plaid collar. The best part? Prepping for this party takes no more than a single afternoon, so when guests arrive, I’m out of the kitchen and into the fun! If you’d like to host a dessert party of your own, here are three recipes guaranteed to impress your crowd. 3 2

Central Virginia HOME Winter/Holiday 2017

PEPPERMINT FUDGE BROWNIES

Yield: 24, 3-inch squares Recipe adapted from: Labensky, Martel, and Damme, “On Baking”

Nothing says holidays like the delicious combo of peppermint and chocolate. Even better, this recipe does not take a lot of time. PLAN AHEAD: Brownies can be fully baked and frozen for up to a month. Wrap securely in plastic wrap and store in a Tupperware container. Allow 4 hours for thawing at room temperature.

Brownies

1 pound + 4 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 pound (16 ounces) bittersweet chocolate (such as Guittard’s bittersweet baking bar) 10 eggs 6 ½ cups sugar 1 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 1 tablespoon peppermint extract 6 cups all purpose flour 5 tablespoons crushed peppermint stick

Topping

4 cups milk or dark chocolate chips 2 cups crushed peppermint stick Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees and grease a half sheet pan (roughly 19-inch x 13-inch.) Sift together flour and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside. In a medium saucepan, melt butter and chocolate together, stirring regularly. Set aside. Using a hand mixer or a 6 quart stand mixture fitted with the whisk attachment, whisk eggs and sugar on low speed until

fully incorporated, stopping your mixer occasionally to scrape the bottom of the bowl. Increase speed to medium high for 1 to 2 minutes or until it lightens in color and begins to thicken. Reduce speed to low and slowly add the melted chocolate mixture. With mixer still on low, add vanilla and peppermint extract. Add salt and flour in 3 or 4 additions, mixing on low just until the flour disappears, stopping occasionally to scrape the bowl. Remove the bowl from your mixer and, with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon, stir in the crushed peppermint. The batter will be thick and appear slightly grainy. Pour the batter in the prepared sheet pan, spreading evenly. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out with just a few specks of batter. Let the pan cool completely before topping—about 1 hour.

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To top the brownies

Melt chocolate chips in a small saucepan on the stove over low heat, or in a heat proof bowl in the microwave, stirring every 20 seconds. Pour the chocolate over the brownies, spreading to the corners with a butter knife or icing spatula. While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle crushed peppermint over the top.

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ROSEMARY AND ORANGE POUND CAKE Yield: 1, 9 x 5 loaf pan

Every year, I meet someone who says, “I don’t really like dessert.” (My best friend and husband are among this group.) But they like this pound cake! It’s not too sweet, more like bread than cake, but still filled with festive flavor. 16 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature 1 ¾ cups sugar 3 eggs 2 ½ cups all purpose flour ½ cup whole milk ½ teaspoon baking powder 2 tablespoons orange zest 1 tablespoon + 2 teaspoons finely chopped rosemary ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1 teaspoon orange extract

Glaze zest of 1 orange 4 cups confectioners sugar ¼ cup whole milk

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease loaf pan with melted butter or nonstick pan spray. Sift together flour and baking powder. Set aside. Using a stand mixer with paddle attachment, beat the butter and sugar together on low speed, increasing the speed as the two mix together. Beat the mixture for 2 to 3 minutes or until it lightens in color and begins to look and feel fluffy, making sure to stop the mixer occasionally to scrape the sides of the bowl. Reduce mixer speed to low and add eggs one at a time. When each egg is added, your batter may appear broken or curdled, but keep mixing and it will all come together.

Alternate adding the flour mixture with the milk (do this in about three stages), mixing just until the flour disappears. Remove the bowl from the mixer and, with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon, stir in the orange zest, rosemary, vanilla and orange extract. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes or until the top has risen and is slightly brown. Then, lower the oven temperature to 325 degrees and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan until you can handle it with bare hands—45 minutes to 1 hour.

For the glaze

Place the pound cake on a wire rack. In a large bowl (The bowl should look enormous compared to what’s in it but, trust me, this glaze likes space!) vigorously whisk together milk with confectioners sugar until it is a pourable consistency. If it is too thick, simply add more milk. If too thin, add more sugar. Once you have reached the correct consistency, switch to a spoon and add the orange zest. Pour the glaze on top of the cake, letting some of it drip down the sides.

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Central Virginia HOME Winter/Holiday 2017

FRENCH BUTTER COOKIES

Yield: roughly 24 cookies using a 1 ½-inch circle cutter Recipe from: Dorie Greenspan, “Paris Sweets”

This one dough has endless possibilities. It is delicious on its own, but can be easily transformed by adding fresh herbs, dipping them in chocolate, or sandwiching with your favorite jam or buttercream. From this one dough, you can create a full cookie platter. At the end of the recipe, I’ve included some of my favorite variations. PLAN AHEAD: The cookie dough can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge. See step 7 for instructions.

16 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature ½ cup confectioners sugar 1 egg yolk pinch of sea salt 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 2 cups + 1 tablespoon all purpose flour

Using a stand mixer with bowl and paddle attachment, beat butter on high for 1 minute or until it appears pale, smooth, and creamy. Lower the mixer speed and gradually add confectioners sugar. Increase the speed to medium and beat until sugar is fully incorporated. Add the egg yolk and continue to mix, scraping down the sides of the bowl as you continue. Add the pinch of salt followed by vanilla extract. Lastly, working in two additions, add flour and mix just until it blends in. The finished batter will appear grainy and crumbly— almost sand-like. Tear off a large square of plastic wrap and place the dough in the middle. Using the wrap, shape the dough into a square of ¼-inch thickness. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. (At this point, the dough can be covered and stored for up to three days if you are planning ahead.)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Once the dough is chilled, remove from the fridge and unwrap the plastic. Lightly dust the dough with flour and, using a cutter of your choice, cut out your cookie and place it on the cookie sheet. Bake the cookies for 11 to 14 minutes. The tops of the cookies will remain pale while the edges will turn a light brown. To check the doneness, look at the bottom of the cookie—like the edges, it will be light brown.

Eat the cookies as-is, or follow the optional finishes below n Dip in chocolate. n Make sandwiches with a high-quality raspberry or strawberry jam. n Flavor the batter with culinary lavender or fresh thyme by adding 1 tablespoon of herbs to the batter. ✦

I’ll Get You Through It!

When you’ve done this for thirty years, you hear a lot of different stories. The one I hear most is that person who won’t come in because they are afraid of what they might hear. They think they have the worst mouth ever. They’re even embarrassed. They almost made an appointment a few times... and then just couldn’t go through with it.

If you are that person this is what you should do:

Give me one shot. One visit. Come in with someone you trust. Hear what I have to say. There will be no probing, no picking, and certainly no embarrassment. In sixty seconds I’ll make you feel safe.

The Promise:

I’ll make you feel better no matter what you have going on. I positively, absolutely will help with the fear. I’ll give you options with your budget in mind. It’s that simple.

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DESIGN mirror trends & tips

REFLECT YOUR STYLE

with mirrors

BY CHRISTY RIPPEL

irrors have been used in design for their beauty and practicality for centuriesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;one of the most famous examples being the Hall of Mirrors in the Palace of Versailles, France. Completed in 1684, the hall contains 357 mirrors opposite 17 large glass doors, reflecting views of the extensive palace gardens. While your home may be more modest, you can still use mirrors in your decor to reflect your own beautiful views and treasured art, to visually lighten or expand a space, or even bring architectural interest to a room with little of its own. If you think mirrors are just for the bathroom vanity or the back of your closet door, read on for other ideas on how to use them in your home.

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Central Virginia HOME Winter/Holiday 2017

Mirrors come in an endless array of sizes, styles, shapes and even finishes, and what you are looking for in a room depends on whether the mirror needs to be functional (checking your outfit) or is merely decorative. For example, not all mirrors are clear glass—some are antiqued, which is a newly-manufactured mirror made to look old, with flaws and a mottled appearance. These are great for reflecting light, but not useful for practical applications, like above a bathroom sink. A convex mirror, also called a “fish eye” mirror, is a curved mirror that bulges outward. During the 16th century, especially in Northern Europe, convex mirrors were common in many interiors and even thought by some to be a charm to ward off evil from the home. It’s an interesting shape and excellent for light reflection, but again, not for practical use. While a true antique convex mirror would be an expensive find, there are reproductions that look beautiful and are affordable. Designers advise that bigger is better—a small mirror looks out of place on a large wall, unless a collection of mirrors is grouped to make a statement. Consider mirrors of different sizes hung together, a collection of convex mirrors up the stairs, or several of the same mirror hung in a grid or row. Measure your space to get an idea of the size you are looking for, and bring the tape measure when you go shopping, as it is difficult to judge scale when you look at a mirror in the store. When you hang, make sure that the mirrors are reflecting something you want to emphasize. Have a blank wall opposite a great piece of art, or a gorgeous view? A mirror is a great addition, and will double your view, but be sure the height of the mirror reflects that desired view. Enlist a helper to hold the mirror at the proposed height while you admire it from all points in the room so you can measure twice, drill once! And for heavy mirrors, be sure to use an anchor suitable to the weight. Consider hanging hooks (sometimes called monkey or gorilla hooks) that are inserted through drywall without needing to be anchored to a stud—heavy duty hooks can hold up to 150 pounds, and are found at home improvement and hardware stores. Mirrors such as sunbursts (a circular mirror with decorative rays) and floor mirrors not only reflect what’s beautiful about a room—they can be the beauty. In the bedroom, a large leaning floor mirror can do double duty, visually expanding a space while also providing an outfit check before heading out the door. A sunburst mirror, or other mirror with an interesting frame, can be a welcome addition on a blank wall. If closet doors are hohum, mirrored panels (either standard or antiqued) can be added to the inlay to punch up the room’s design. In the family room or living room, the mantel is a popular place to hang a mirror—again, be c vhomemaga zine .com 37

sure the scale is appropriate and that a too-small mirror isn’t visually swallowed by a chunky mantel. A fun option here is to layer over the mirror—an antique window, interesting empty picture frame, or a decorative wreath suspended over the mirror with ribbon. Beautiful objects that look good from all angles can be placed in front of the mirror, like a vase of flowers, an interesting garland (try magnolia), or attractive candlesticks. Consider the mirror the base layer, and change the additions seasonally. In the dining room, a mirror hung on the wall at the appropriate height can reflect a beautiful chandelier, or, at table height, the glow of candlelight when the table is set. In a dining room or any room that needs a dose of architectural character, a large mirror with panes, made to look like a window, provides a focal point. In a boxy room, a tall floor mirror leaning diagonally in the corner softens the room’s right angles. A floor mirror is also handy for covering up anything on the wall that is undesirable, like an old, unused vent or an imperfection. While bathrooms have always contained mirrors above the vanity,

they were often giant mirrors with no decorative flourish, anchored to the wall. Use this space to make a statement—a mirror with an interesting shape or beautiful frame can instantly transform a bathroom from basic to beautiful. Above a double vanity, two separate framed mirrors, rather than one, looks chic and updated. Another current way to use mirrors in the bathroom? Look for a freestanding bathroom vanity with mirrored panels, which will brighten the space. While there are many indoor possibilities, take a look at your outdoor space, too, which might benefit from the addition of a mirror. In a covered outdoor space with a furniture grouping, a mirror makes the spot feel more like an extension of the indoors, and can reflect a view of an interesting tree or garden. There are endless sources for mirrors, from high-end furniture and home stores, to antique shops, thrift shop and yard sale finds, and of course online boutiques. Wherever you shop, remember that the right find can bring the perfect shine to your space. ✦

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LIVE hostess gift

shop local for hostess gifts

Throughout the year, but especially during the holiday season, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s helpful to know where to go for thoughtful hostess gifts. While a nice bottle of wine will always be in style, Lynchburg area shops feature unique and charming gifts which will add that personal touch. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve gathered a selection of offerings that we hope will inspire you to visit and support local businesses. Happy shopping!

Local honey and honeycomb, $6 to $15. REID STREET GALLERY: reidstreetgallery.com

Preserved boxwood topiaries, $10 and up. JAMES T. DAVIS jamestdavis.com

Vance Kitira pear-shaped candles. Smokeless, odorless, and dripless, $6 each. SOUTHERN PROVISIONS: southernprovisionscompany.com

Modern Sprouts self-watering eco planter, $35. GLADIOLA GIRLS: gladiolagirls.com

Archipelago home & bath, $9.50 to $48. THE LITTLE GALLERY: thelittlegallerysml.com 4 0

Christmas in Virginia towel, $9.95. FARMBASKET: thefarmbasket.com

Assorted cookbooks and recipe journals. Recipe Journal, $14.99. Food to Die For, $25. GIVENS BOOKS: givensbooks.com Central Virginia HOME Winter/Holiday 2017

Mud Pie pineapple salt and pepper shakers, $22.50. BLOOM BY DOYLES: doylesflorist.com

Virginia Diner peanuts, $12 and up. RUSTIC VIEW HOME AND GARDENS: rusticviewhomeandgardens.com Snowman dip chiller and spreader. Cheeseball and dessert mixes from Wind & Willow. $5.50 to $26. ACCENTS FLAGS AND GIFTS: accentsflagsandgifts.com

Antica Farmacista home fragrances, $28 and up. HIGH COTTON: fb.com/highcottonlynchburg

Assorted hostess gift baskets starting at $20. PAISLEY GIFTS: paisleygiftslynchburg.com

Reprotique coasters, $125. INTERIORS BY MOYANNE: moyanne.com

Thymes Frasier Fir fragrance diffuser, $50. FARMBASKET: thefarmbasket.com

Poinsettias starting at $4.50. VIRGINIA GARDEN SUPPLY: vagardensupply.com

Nora Fleming serveware and gifts, starting at $21.99. BLOOM BY DOYLES: doylesflorist.com

Moose Mix for Bloody Marys, $10.50 to $25. MOOSEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CAFE: fb.com/moosescafelynchburg

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Central Virginia HOME Winter/Holiday 2017

IMPROVE custom steam showers

steam shower upgrade

your personal retreat BY NOELLE MILAM

Imagine for a moment what it feels like to hit the shower after a long day. Perhaps youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been raking leaves or youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve completed a challenging workout, or maybe you find yourself chilled to the bone after an afternoon of cheering on a favorite team. You are cold and tired, your muscles ache, and a shower is definitely in order. Now, imagine what it would be like if that shower was also an oasis of comfortable seating, soft lighting, and gentle steam, perhaps even steam scented like lavender or eucalyptus. Yes please! Since the days of the ancient Romans, people of many cultures have embraced the benefits that come from steam bathing. The moist heat stimulates subcutaneous blood flow, helping to accelerate the healing of damaged tissue, or sore joints from overuse, strenuous exercise, or arthritis. Steam bathing naturally flushes out impurities in the skin, contributing to a healthier, more radiant complexion. Spending time in the spa-like environment helps lower stress, contributes to relaxation, and can provide deeper, more restful sleep.

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According to Sara Baker, showroom manager for Ferguson Bath, Kitchen, and Lighting Gallery, “Many homeowners are looking to bring the spa experience into the comfort and privacy of their own home, and steam showers definitely provide that experience.” Baker goes on to explain that having one’s regular shower do double duty as a steam shower allows busy people to combine the health benefits of steam into their usual shower routine. A steam shower can also be an excellent upgrade for your home. Real estate agents have been telling us for years that the best return on our investments occur when we upgrade kitchens and baths. A steam shower is one of those luxury upgrades that can be a real attention-getter when you go to sell your home, but also one that you can enjoy in the meantime. Homeowners looking to incorporate the spa experience into their homes can build (or renovate) a steam shower with such features as soft music, aromatherapy, and comfortable seating. Modern steam generators are state of the art, says Baker, explaining, “The systems are 100% digital, including Bluetooth technology and a mobile app that controls water temperature, light, and music devices.” How do steam showers work? A steam shower spends most of its life as a regular shower. But when you push a button on the control panel or app, the magic happens: Water flows into the steam generator, which has a heating element (think of a very powerful electric tea kettle), boils, and then the steam is pumped through a small nozzle close to the floor of the shower. Within a few seconds the stream starts, and within a few minutes the entire shower enclosure is full of steam. And another nice bonus: Steam showers are very efficient. On average, a 20 minute residential steam shower uses less than two gallons of water! Once you’ve had your steam, you can turn off the system and rinse off without ever leaving your shower. If you are considering adding one to your home, it is important to do your research. Be sure to take the time to ask questions about how different models work and what features are available for your space. Steam generator units vary in size and steam output, so you want to find the right unit for your home’s requirements. “When designing a new showering space,” says Baker, “You will need to know the cubic footage of your existing shower before considering a steam shower. The larger the space, the larger the steam generator needs to be.” Steam generator units are designed to be enclosed behind the walls (or in some cases, under the floor) of your bathroom, so access to these spaces is crucial. “There are many factors to consider when converting a traditional shower into a steam shower,” notes Baker, “Bathroom size, access to behind-wall panels, shower door height, and where the steam head should be mounted. We recommend working Central Virginia HOME Winter/Holiday 2017

FERGUSON ENTERPRISES

with a licensed professional contractor to make sure your shower is compliant with your local building regulations.” Also, since you do not want the increased heat and moisture level to encourage mold, mildew or bacteria, talk to your contractor about the need for ventilation, vapor-sealed light fixtures, and a waterproof membrane for walls, floor, and ceiling. Discuss appropriate materials for the visible surfaces as well. Tile is the most common choice, and an excellent one, as most tile is non-porous. It pays to double check, however: Some specialty tiles are porous, as is most natural stone, and these may not make suitable choices for a steam shower. Another thing to keep in mind is that unless you want all the steam to hang out over your head, you’ll want to be sure that the ceiling of the shower is not more than eight feet high, and that it has a very slight slope to prevent water condensation from dripping down on you while you steam. Finally, to keep all that lovely steam in the shower, you’ll need the area to be sealed, and that usually means some form of custom glass door. Be sure to let your glass fabricator know that this is for a steam shower, so they can guide you in choosing the best type of glass, sealers, and hinges. So, before you schedule that spa weekend, consider adding a spa-like steam room environment to your own shower, and start reaping the benefits of health and relaxation right in the privacy of your own home. A steam shower can be a valuable upgrade to a master bath, but it is also a touch of luxury that you can enjoy now and for years to come… no appointment necessary. ✦

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Central Virginia HOME Winter/Holiday 2017

A unique selection of shopping and dining, coupled with friendly business owners makes Boonsboro Shopping Center a superior shopping destination.

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Persian Rugs & More

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A CLASSIC CHRISTMAS IN A

BEDFORD BUNGALOW

BY CHARLOTTE A.F. FARLEY

Photography by Michael Patch

n a narrow street in the heart of Centertown Bedford lies a bungalow that looks like it came straight from a Currier & Ives landscape, complete with the warm glow of fireplace light peeking out its windows. Here, the past meets the present, held together by time-honored and natural touches of the season. Complete with a broad veranda, dormer windows, and a large loft, the gracious charm of the 6 YHi9Lee Street home reflects that of its owner John Stafford, who keeps coffee and holiday treats like chocolate shortbread on hand to greet winter guests.

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ohn, who appears every bit of a true Virginia gentleman, is actually a native of the all-American Main Street town of Hudson, Ohio, but his family was one of Virginia’s first, with the county and town of Staffordsville near Mountain Lake bearing the family name. John returned to his ancestral Southern heritage during his college years at Washington & Lee University in Lexington. When his parents came to visit him at W&L, they especially enjoyed taking trips to the town of Bedford. “My family loved to stay at the Peaks of Otter Lodge when I was in college; it was a special place for us,” John explains. Still, it would be some time before he would make Virginia his permanent home: John’s initial career path brought him to Pittsburgh, a favorite city with the exception of one thing: “The weather is horrible!” John jokes. He stayed there for 20 years, working for Brooks Brothers and Kerr Engineered, and raising his two daughters: Meredith, 28, an artist who recently relocated to Pittsburgh from Seattle, and Hillary, 24, a student in Breckinridge, Colorado. All the while, the idea of living in Virginia loomed. John remained active in his college alumni association and contemplated working for the university, a process that catalyzed his pursuit of a new career path in higher education. His search led him back to Virginia as Lynchburg College’s major gifts director/officer. He also searched for a new home: “I found this little place online when I was looking for houses. I’d never lived in a bungalow before and I thought it could be really cool.” Although he loved the property as it was, he added a rear terrace for entertaining and made plans to expand the space. In addition, he wanted to make the house feel warm and cozy. John’s first step upon moving in was to paint and warm up the color palette. “It was all painted Benjamin Moore’s Navajo White on plastered walls,” he notes, which didn’t suit the design aesthetic he desired. Instead of white, John chose rich hues like golds and deep emeralds. Entering from wide covered porch, visitors walk on original heart pine floors straight into the living room, where their eyes catch sight of cottage-style beadboard painted in a velvety golden color. A comfortable couch sits beneath the window, affording views of the veranda and fireplace. John enjoys collecting antiques and art, so it is only natural that an array of artwork adorns the space; pieces range from botanical prints John found in an old book and had framed, to oil paintings of the local landscape. Of particular note are the two portraits looming over the doorframe into the dining room: They depict two of John’s great-grandmothers from different sides of his family. “North and South!” exclaims John. From 5 0

Central Virginia HOME Winter/Holiday 2017

the Oriental throw rug, bookcases filled with photo albums, classic oil portraits of John’s daughters and the logs on the fire, the room brims with history and calls for relaxation. During the holidays, the Christmas tree becomes the focal point of the room. John takes a traditional approach to trimming the tree, which features a careful curation of treasured items from past and present. Family ornaments, decorations from his hometown, and memorabilia from boarding school and W&L all twinkle against colorful lights. John’s personal collection of ornaments dwells beside original decorations and glass pieces that have seen every Christmas in this home since it was built in the early 1930s. He tells the story of how he came to possess these bits of Christmas past: “After I had lived here for about a year, there was a knock on the door. It was the prior homeowner, who surprised me with a box containing all the deeds for the property (a longtime family home), a bill of lading from 1933, a Ball jar filled with skeleton keys, and a box of ornaments from the first Christmas of the house.” The newest additions to

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the tree include handcrafted ornaments such as small mosaic pieces by artist Dotti Stone, miniature paintings by artists Revelle Hamilton and Lisa Floyd, and other samplings from area artists. After spending nearly a decade at Lynchburg College, John became the executive director at the Bower Center for the Arts in Bedford. He truly loves the town of Bedford, a Main Street town much like his native Hudson. “I love that Bedford is in the middle of the triangle of Smith Mountain Lake, Roanoke and Lynchburg. I like the size of the town. It has a good vibe, and I think its best days are ahead of us. This town has great ‘bones’ and all of the elements in place,” he explains. In his home, John created depth and interest not only through updating color, but also by renovating unused attic space. John enlisted the talents of Bob Flint at 52

Central Virginia HOME Winter/Holiday 2017

L.G. Flint for the new layout, including the construction of a new staircase (in the place of an old hall closet) that leads up to “Treetops”, a large and airy guest suite with sleeping loft and additional bathroom outfitted in classic hex tile. The key feature of the sleeping loft is a built-in dormer bed whose mattress John won in a fund drive for WVTF/Radio IQ. John recalls that the radio station called him on his birthday with the news that he won the grand prize: a new mattress from Savvy Rest. Since he heard the news on his birthday, he “thought it was some kind of prank from [friend and radio deejay] Tab O’Neal.” Beyond the living room is a formal dining room dressed in Brunswick green, which provides the perfect backdrop to the dashes of Christmas throughout the room: a soup tureen filled with paperwhites perched on the sideboard, a porcelain nativity of pure white, the angel from his parents’ tree. John brings the Christmas spirit into his home by adding beloved items like nutcrackers alongside wreaths of magnolia leaves and boxwoods and live greens outfitted with red bows. Natural elements like pine, moss, apples and pears make appearances as well as a fresh garland draped along the back sunroom. It is clear that John appreciates the simple elegance of natural beauty. The dining room ottomans provide storage along with extra seating for one of John's many dinner parties. Although bungalows by nature are of a modest size, John has hosted up to 40 guests in his home by setting up tables in every room—even upstairs while the renovations were taking place! When John moved to Bedford, he joined two supper

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clubs in the region for socializing and “to take the place of Sunday dinners.” He remains active in each, frequently entertaining at his quarter sawn dining room table that comes with eight leaves and seats 14. John obtained this table (among other furnishings, such as his bed and a side table) from Rob and Stephen Earle, a pair of brothers he befriended in college. Imagine John’s surprise when, years later, as he was sitting in the waiting room at the dentist’s office and perusing a book to pass the time, he saw his furniture on the very pages he was reading! The Earle brothers had owned a cottage in East Hampton, New York featured in Martha Stewart: How to Decorate, and Stephen happened to be the style editor for “How to Decorate: The Best of Martha Stewart Living” for many years. Opposite the dining room is a first floor bath, which features the home’s original deep tub and is adjacent to the master bedroom. The focal point in the master seems to be the raised antique bed until your eye beholds the sight of John’s vast collection of bowties and neckties on display around the perimeter of the room. The back part of the house contains the heart of the home: the kitchen. The room proves to be more than just a place to prepare meals and eat breakfast; Christmas sentiments abound here. An artful display of Christmas cards from friends and loved ones hangs on the louvered doors—a tradition John carried over from his parents. A boxwood wreath hangs above the kitchen window, framed by nutcrackers who look ready to march into holiday festivities. A drop-leaf table hosts more paperwhites, and Christmas angels keep watch in strategic spots throughout the kitchen. John added some charm and whimsy by placing his mother’s small wicker rocking chair from childhood in the space. 5 4

Central Virginia HOME Winter/Holiday 2017

Perhaps the sweetest decoration of all is the framed photograph by the kitchen door, of the playhouse John once built for his daughters in the backyard of their Pittsburgh home. “It had flower boxes, awnings; it even had electricity!” John remembers. A small brass plaque on the playhouse reads, Built by Daddy with Love. His daughters’ playhouse was built with love, and his current bungalow is based in love, too, since John has followed the best design advice out there by surrounding himself with things that he loves. Here in this home, one can enjoy a soak in a claw foot tub on the main level before heading upstairs to read or nap in new sleeping loft. Here too is where glass ornaments over 80 years old take their place beside mosaics made in 2016. Scottish poet Alexander Smith referred to Christmas as the “day that holds all time together.” Had he used the word season instead of day, his sentiments would ring just as true. Indeed, John Stafford’s Christmas provides a sense of beautiful juxtapositions: north and south, handcrafted and naturally found, and the holding of time together through the old and the new. ✦

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HOME premier project 2017

VARICOSE VEINS

why me? what can be done?

If you have varicose veins, you can start by thanking your parents and grandparents because most varicose veins and spider veins are genetic. If both of your parents had varicose veins you are twice as likely to develop them yourself. If heredity has spoken there may not be much you can do to prevent getting varicose veins; however, you can certainly slow down how soon they form and how bad they get. Varicose vein disease is very common and effects over half the population by age 65, and while many men have the disease, nearly 72% of all women age 60 – 69 will have spider or varicose veins. In addition to heredity, normal female hormones and pregnancy can cause the condition. Other, less significant factors that could contribute to varicose veins are prolonged standing, obesity, and increasing age. This is not just a cosmetic issue: the bulging veins put patients at risk for developing complications such as blood clots and ulcers so early evaluation is recommended. Many office-based treatments are available and highly effective in eliminating the condition along with the associated risks. Often these procedures are covered by insurance. 5 6

There are some preventive steps you can take to minimize the development of varicose veins. Follow a regular exercise routine like walking, running or cycling to keep calf muscles strong. Avoid standing or sitting for prolonged periods—especially with crossed legs— and if you must sit for prolonged periods, make a point to take a short walk every hour or so to help get blood moving. Maintain a healthy weight and diet. If you’ve already developed varicose veins, medical-quality elastic compression socks can help if worn regularly. While there are many things you can do to help prevent or slow the progression of varicose veins, if you have any visible varicose veins you should see a vein doctor. Varicose veins that bulge under the skin or are causing symptoms such as aching, burning, cramps, or itching could present a serious health risk and should not go untreated. Varicose veins put you at risk for blood clots, hemorrhage and may result in development of skin ulcers and infection. A vein specialist can assess the severity of the varicose veins with a physical examination and an ultrasound test to view the veins, measure blood flow and determine if treatment is recommended. Central Virginia HOME Winter/Holiday 2017

VARICOSE VEINS ARE NOT JUST A COSMETIC ISSUE: THE BULGING VEINS PUT PATIENTS AT RISK FOR DEVELOPING COMPLICATIONS SUCH AS BLOOD CLOTS AND ULCERS SO EARLY EVALUATION IS RECOMMENDED.

There are now many office-based procedures to treat varicose veins that do not involve surgery. Physicians in established Vein Centers largely perform these newer procedures and most are covered by insurance. For developed varicose veins, Virginia Vein Specialists uses a radiofrequency-heated catheter to burn the varicose veins from the inside. This highly effective treatment is an outpatient procedure and normally takes about 30 minutes. There is very little discomfort or down time and many patients returning to normal activity the same day. For less advanced varicose vein disease, sclerotherapy is usually an option. This involves using tiny needles to inject specialized medicines into the veins. This also has very little discomfort and offers a good result, but depending of the severity of the disease may not be covered by insurance. IF YOU HAVE VARICOSE VEINS, PLEASE CONSULT ONE OF THE SPECIALISTS AT VIRGINIA VEIN SPECIALISTS FOR A SIMPLE EVALUATION.

113 NATIONWIDE DRIVE LYNCHBURG VIRGINIA VEIN SPECIALISTS is located at 113 Nationwide Drive in Lynchburg. For questions or to schedule a consultation, call 434-237-5893, or visit www.virginiaveinspecialists.com. JOHN ALFIERI, MD, is a board certified Interventional Radiologist specializing in vein disease and is the director of Virginia Vein Specialists in Lynchburg. ERIC KLINE, MD,is board Alfieri Kline certified in Diagnostic Radiology with sub-specialty certification in Vascular & Interventional Radiology.

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GARDEN holiday decor

noel au naturel

Bring Colonial Williamsburg style to your holiday decorating BY MITZI BIBLE

When you tour Colonial Williamsburg during the holidays, you’ll see the town’s signature Christmas decorations that greet guests strolling down the picturesque streets. Evergreen wreaths, swags, and garlands are uniquely adorned with colorful fruits, berries, leaves, seed pods, and even seashells. They speak to simpler times… resourceful times… times when the Earth’s own creations were cherished treasures. No laser light shows, inflatable snowmen, or plastic reindeer here. The natural look runs the show every year—and has influenced homeowners all over the country. Perhaps this Christmas you will be inspired to add a bit of nature to your Noel. 5 8

Central Virginia HOME Winter/Holiday 2017

Cues from the renaissance

You might be surprised to hear that the handmade decorations from Colonial Williamsburg which sparked a decorating trend aren’t actually part of the town’s rich history—at least not before the 1930s. While Christmas was celebrated in 18th century colonial America, home decorations were minimal, especially ones placed outdoors. Some historians say the townsfolk never would have wasted fruit and vegetables on a decoration that just hung around and was never eaten. An article in the 1996-1997 “Colonial Williamsburg Journal” (by Libbey Oliver and Mary Theobald) says that the idea to use fruit in decorations actually circulated in a home decorating magazine in the 1920s. The magazine suggested using natural products for decorations in the way that Luca della Robbia, an Italian Renaissance sculptor, did when circling his terra cotta artwork in sculptured fruits and foliage. Transferring the “della Robbia” style to home decorations was first embraced by the magazine’s wealthy readership. But by the late 1930s, when Colonial Williamsburg started decorating for Christmas and adopted the style itself, visitors began copying it in their own homes, popularizing it across the country.

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The appeal of della Robbia decor is the brightly-colored fruit that accentuate a backdrop of fresh evergreen boughs. Many people choose traditional Christmas colors, incorporating apples that are red, green, or even both, like the McIntosh variety. Pomegranates are another red alternative, matched with limes or green pears. But some designers have created an even more colorful display with oranges and lemons. The more color variants, the longer a display can stay up after Christmas is over. In Williamsburg, you will also see whole pineapples—large and miniature—used in many of the wreaths and in toppers above the doors, as the pineapple remains a sign of hospitality. It’s one thing to work with light greenery in making a wreath, but the heaviness of fruit poses a challenge. The Williamsburg designers stick thick wire through the middle of the fruit, then bind it to the greenery in the back. Some decorations are built on a wood base with nails on which to impale the fruit, and other greenery is then stapled around it. Using fruits in your arrangement does require some maintenance. For people who have their decorations up longer c vhomemaga zine .com 59

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than a couple weeks (most of us), the fruit may need to be replaced one by one, or a whole fresh new decoration can be put in its place. For this reason, replicating the della Robbia style for your own home is best on your porch, lamppost, or fencing, where the cold temperatures can keep the fruit around longer. If you bring the style inside to decorate mantels or use as centerpieces, it is best to buy the hardest, least ripe fruits you can find. Some fruits have a longer indoor life than others. (Pears do better than apples, for example.) Another way to make your fruit-accented decorations last longer, whether outdoors or indoors, is to use dried fruit, such as orange slices, which add a lovely texture to the piece. To dry fruit, line a baking tray with parchment paper and bake slices in an oven preheated to 150 degrees; bake for three hours and flip after the first 90 minutes; air dry on a cooling rack for an additional three hours. If you don’t want to dry your own, a range of dried fruit is available online. Dried flowers can also add some staying color to your decoration. And, like our mothers always said, we can’t forget our vegetables. Consider adding whole artichokes as “blooms” on a wreath, tucked between okra pods and dried peppers. Forest finds

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In addition to your garden and orchard, the great outdoors can provide plenty of other natural materials for your della Robbia decor. Large, shiny magnolia leaves are a natural favorite and, combined with varied sizes of pinecones, wheat stalks, or milkweed pods, can provide the bulk of a wreath. Other popular wreath base material include grapevines, boxwood, fir, mountain laurel, rosemary, and ivy. Fruits and berries of all sizes and colors offer colorful contrast to the browns and greens. And then there is always the Christmas necessity: mistletoe. Nature provides more than just beautiful patterns and colors: Take advantage of wonderful natural fragrances by sneaking in cinnamon sticks, pine boughs, and cedar clippings. Some designers have stretched their imaginations to include locally available resources and symbols. In Williamsburg, where the town’s residents get in on the fun by joining a decorating Central Virginia HOME Winter/Holiday 2017

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contest, you may see creative wreaths made with mushrooms, peanut shells, seashells (large oyster shells are a favorite), cotton bolls, and even the left-behind gifts of wildlife—antlers and feathers. Create your own

While many of the decorations in Colonial Williamsburg are made by professional floral designers with years of experience, you can make your own simple della Robbia decorations with easily available materials. Here are some basic guidelines: n Building Materials. Depending upon your desired creation, you might need: a grapevine or wire wreath form; needle-nose pliers and wire cutters; green spool wire and/or floral wire (medium and heavy gauge for various fruits); floral tape and floral wire picks; gloves. n Greenery. Evergreens such as spruce, boxwood, magnolia, holly, pine, or cedar. A combination of several types will provide interesting contrast. n Accents. Pinecones, fruits (apples, pomegranates, oranges, lemons, pears, etc.), dried flowers, berries, and/or vegetables such as peppers and artichokes. n Prep. Pre-soak cut evergreens in lukewarm water for several hours or in a bucket overnight. n Building the Base. Gather several bundles of evergreens and use wire to attach them to your base form. Then begin adding your accents, starting with the largest items first. n Symmetry. Space your fruit clusters at equal intervals. For a wreath, start with fruit clusters attached at the 3, 6, 9 and 12 o’clock positions. n Securing in Place. Attach fruit by inserting sturdy wire through its center and wrapping wire onto the wreath form. Pinecones and berries can be fastened to floral wire picks with floral tape, then inserted into the foliage. All-natural Christmas decorations can certainly take us back to a more primitive era, before glitter and metallic bows made their way into the holidays. It can be a welcome change in the midst of a busy gift-giving season to accept the gifts that Mother Nature gives us year-round, and to share her gifts with our family and friends. ✦ Central Virginia HOME Winter/Holiday 2017

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Central Virginia HOME Winter/Holiday 2017

HIT THE (HOME) GYM Building a personal workout space BY SLOANE LUCAS

Keeping fit with the holidays approaching can be challenging. Months of back-to-back festive events leave you with less time, while facing an over-abundance of tempting food and cocktails. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve ever considered putting together a home gym, nowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a great time to get started.

ome gyms have become increasingly popular in recent years, with nearly one-third of new and potential homebuyers saying that having a home exercise room is either essential or desirable, according to the National Association of Home Builders, a Washington D.C.-based industry trade group. The benefits can be significant. You can purchase the exact equipment you want, save on gym fees, and maximize your ability to work out on your own schedule. If more than one member of your family works out, the potential for savings and convenience are even better.

Options are limitless. On one end of the spectrum, you can dedicate a room in your home as a workout space, giving it a professional gym feel by installing large mirrors and soft, rubber flooring. On the other end, you can just repurpose a small, unused alcove as a workout area. Hardcore gym enthusiasts can invest in professional-grade equipment, including heartmonitoring treadmills, full-size ellipticals, and bikes that have access to on-demand spin classes. Alternately, there are many types of smaller, collapsible equipment that mimic standard gym options. You can even have a gym without any bulky exercise equipment, and instead create a space for an in-house cardio room or a yoga studio.

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Thinking it through

The kind of home gym you create will depend on three key factors: your workout style, available space and size of budget. Are you dedicated to working out and accustomed to full-scale gym equipment, or are you someone who attends an occasional cardio class? Do you have a spare room, or are you trying to carve out an area? Do you have the budget to purchase expensive equipment, or are you trying to stretch your dollars? Being honest with yourself about your workout style—and that of other members of your family—is a good way to begin. If you like the social aspect of working out at a gym, including group classes, a home gym might not be for you. On the other hand, if you just want the most convenient place to hit the treadmill for an hour a day, you might be better served by bypassing travel time and monthly fees and setting up shop at home. Likewise, think about what you really need in regard to equipment. If you have been working out at a gym for years, and prefer durable equipment with all the bells and whistles, ask yourself if you have the funds and the space to purchase and set up highquality machines. On the flip side, if you’ve never really worked out steadily, ask yourself if you really need to gut a guest room and install a bank of cardio machines. Assessing your space

Once you have an accurate sense of what you need and want, assess your available space. Some natural places to create a home gym are spare rooms, sunrooms, lofts, attics, basements and garages—with the latter three being either raw space or finished. A spare room is often an ideal option, but use will depend on location. A ground floor room usually provides excellent space for ellipticals and treadmills, but if you have lots of kids and visitors around, it might be too noisy for a yoga studio. An upper floor space might work for equipment (provided you’re confident the floor can sustain the weight) but if that same room is next door to, or directly over, a bedroom, it might not be the best place for a Zumba studio. Basements are often leveraged for home gyms, especially if they are finished. The floors can usually support heavy equipment, and you are somewhat insulated with regard to noise— both from hearing it and making it—so the space is often suitable for a variety of exercise preferences. An unfinished basement can also work, but be honest with yourself before you decide to use it. Is it dark and dingy? Will you really be enthusiastic about working out in 6 6

THE KIND OF HOME GYM YOU CREATE WILL DEPEND ON THREE KEY FACTORS: YOUR WORKOUT STYLE, AVAILABLE SPACE AND SIZE OF BUDGET. Central Virginia HOME Winter/Holiday 2017

that space? If yes, no worries. If not, think about other options, including investing in finishing the space prior to building out your gym, or even adding just a few upgrades. Some simple ways to beautify your basement space include painting the walls a fresh color, and installing light fixtures or adding freestanding lights to make the space brighter. Soften the space by adding some cushioned flooring or an area rug. Get a TV for the space so that you can stream exercise classes or watch shows while you work out and feel less isolated. You can even keep a small stack of gym towels handy, and add a small dorm fridge loaded with pre-filled water bottles, so you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to go upstairs to hydrate. Garages, even if used primarily for cars, can also be great spaces. You can store a free-standing kicking bag in the corner and, after backing the car out and shutting the door for privacy, turn on some tunes and host your own kickboxing session. You can even have mechanical equipment in a garage, assuming you can cover it when not in use to protect it from dirt and dust. The downside: This space is somewhat dependent on seasonality, and

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can be steamy in summer and cold in winter, although large fans and space heaters can help offset temperature fluctuations. If you are pressed for extra space, consider nooks and alcoves within your home, as well as rooms that might currently be dedicated to one use but could, if stretched, be enlisted for a different use. Open loft space at the top of the stairs, or a corner of a home office, bedroom, den or laundry room might suffice— if not for multiple machines, then at least for one that you will really use. When choosing your workout space, give some thought to flooring. If you’ve just installed expensive hardwood floors, plan to purchase additional protective padding to prevent scratching from heavy equipment. (You can purchase clear protective covers, so the floors can still be seen, or you can put down padding and cover with a decorative area rug.) Or, choose a space with old carpeting, so damage is not as big of an issue. Carpeting will also muffle sound while wood will echo it. You can even buy soft rubber or foam flooring to mimic a gym floor—a great option for unfinished space like a basement, attic or garage. Getting your gear

Equipment is entirely dependent on use and budget. You have countless choices based on how you plan to work out and how much you’re willing to spend. You can purchase much of the same heavy-duty equipment as chain gyms—such as treadmills, ellipticals, stationary bikes (both upright and recumbent), weightlifting systems, rowing machines, and stair-climbers. Some high-tech cycling options to investigate include Peloton, which streams live spin classes to your stationery bike, allowing you to have access to an instructor in your own home; and Zwift, which allows subscribers to ride and compete with other digital cyclists from around the globe in a virtual world, including racing on digital versions of championship courses! If access to electricity is an issue, such as in a garage, consider options like the Woodway Curve, a non-motorized treadmill favored by professional athletes and trainers. Or, you can find less elaborate equipment, including collapsible treadmills that are lighter and portable, and compact ellipticals. Just check the usage guidelines to ensure they are suitable for the size and weight of the users. A lightweight bike might be fine for someone who is five foot three and 120 pounds, but unstable for someone who is six feet tall and 220 pounds. For punching and kicking, select gear closer to what you might find in an old-school boxing or kickboxing gym, such as hanging bags. For areas where flooring isn’t an issue, like basements and 6 8

Central Virginia HOME Winter/Holiday 2017

garages, you can get freestanding bags where you fill the base with water or sand to stabilize. Terrific low-tech, old-school gear can include jump ropes, tension bands, medicine balls, and even hula hoops, which have made a recent comeback in popularity. Some of the latest low-tech trends include Bosu balancing balls and kettlebells, which help strengthen your core. To ensure a varied workout, both for yourself and other family members who might utilize the gym, you should have a selection of options. You can even replicate your favorite gym workout. With a Wii and a TV set, you can do cardio classes like Zumba at home. Or you can build your own CrossFit studio by purchasing individual elements of the workout. If you aren’t ready to fill a whole room with pricey options, then just start small. See how you like using a collapsible piece

of equipment stashed in a corner of an unused room, and if all goes well, eventually plan a dedicated space with higher-end equipment. Home gyms, like any other room, can be flexible, adaptable and can grow with use. But regardless of your space, don’t forget to add a few fun finishing touches. Whether it’s ensuring access to a TV set, setting up nice lighting, or having gym amenities handy like water and towels, ambience and convenience will keep you coming back. Creating a home gym now is a great investment in your longterm health and well-being. You’ll be poised to maximize your workout, eliminate gym fees, and stay in shape regardless of the obstacles and temptation that come your way. And if you’re especially good, you can even ask Santa for new equipment. ✦

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IMPROVE gift wrap stations

tis the season

TO GET WRAPPING

THE HOLIDAY SEASON IS THE PERFECT TIME TO SET UP A DEDICATED WRAPPING SPACE WHICH CAN BE USED THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.

BY A SHLE Y BL AIR SMITH The hustle and bustle of the holiday season can be both frantic and magical. Between baking countless batches of cookies, shopping to find the perfect gift for friends and family members, and decorating your home, there are many memorable moments to be had and shared with loved ones. Gift wrapping doesn’t usually fall under the “memorable moments” category, though. When it comes time to wrap all of your pretty parcels, you may feel overwhelmed with the clutter of your gift wrapping supplies. But don’t get caught up in the notion that wrapping presents has to be a chore! 7 0

Central Virginia HOME Winter/Holiday 2017

hile finding the time and space to gift wrap presents for the holidays can be a challenge, it doesn’t have to be this way. With a few adjustments and organizational tools, you can set up a space for your very own gift wrapping station to keep you organized and on task.

Location

If you’re anything like me, you tend to keep all of your gift wrapping supplies randomly stashed all over the house. Rolls of wrapping paper in the corner of the closet or jumbled in a Rubbermaid tub, gift bags tucked behind a shelf, and tissue paper in a drawer. While these storage options are fine for occasional use, it’s not ideal, especially when you start running around trying to gather all of the supplies when it’s time to wrap! The Christmas season is the perfect time to set up a dedicated gift wrapping space. You can use this space for gift wrapping throughout the year: Birthdays, weddings, and baby showers, for example, are just a few occasions when a creative nook for gift wrapping comes in handy. A gift wrapping station can be set up anywhere in your home, but there are a few things you will want to keep in mind when searching for the right spot. While a dedicated room might not be possible, with a little creativity and organization, an existing space can work well. A laundry room can make a great space for all of your gift wrapping needs. If you’ve got extra shelving space or a closet, you can store your supplies there for quick and easy access. A folding station for clothes or a counter top can serve as a place to spread out your gifts and wrapping paper. An office or guest bedroom is also a great place to store all of your holiday packaging. If using an office, your desk probably already has some of the supplies you need such as scissors and tape. Store extra supplies such as tags, ribbon, and bows in a desk drawer, boxes, or baskets and use the top of the desk for your wrapping station. If you’re tight on space, try turning a coat closet into a gift wrap organizer. An over-the-door wire organizer can hold wrapping supplies, and if you don’t have a flat surface nearby where you can wrap your gifts, you might want to buy a folding card table that you can keep tucked in the closet. Organization

Whether you’re setting up shop in a guest bedroom, office, or a closet, keeping your gift wrapping supplies in order is a must! Before heading out to your local craft or office supply store, take a look around your house to see what organizational tools you may have on hand. Baskets are handy for holding some of your bulkier gift wrapping items such as gift boxes. Place them in a guest or laundry room closet and add a few inexpensive wall-mount magazine holders to help keep bows and tissue papers organized and wrinkle free. Gift tags and Washi tape (a decorative tape with a myriad of prints and patterns) can be stored in cute tin buckets or mason jars and placed on shelves in closets, on desk tops, or in a craft cart. Stackable boxes are also useful space savers and help keep things organized. A free-standing cart is a great way to keep all of your gift wrapping supplies handy and accessible in one place. Most carts have several levels to them, so you can easily store all of your

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gift wrapping supplies If you don’t already have a hoard of gift wrapping supplies, it’s a good idea to stock up on some essentials. Here is a quick list of items you might want to keep on hand: n Scissors n Tape (regular and double sided) n Washi tape n Ribbon and twine n Gift tags n Gift bags n Gift boxes n Tissue paper n Bows n Gift wrap

bows, tags, ribbons, tape, scissors, and tissue paper. And when you’re not using the cart, simply roll it away into a corner or a closet. Mount a mail organizer to the wall of your gift wrapping space to store gift bags, tissue paper, and more. Peg boards are also a great way to keep all of your supplies neatly organized and displayed in one place. If you are setting up your gift wrapping station in a closet, you can use dowel rods mounted with cup hooks to the sides of the wall, or inside a shelf, to neatly hold rolls of paper. If you need to spread out the paper, simply take the roll off the hooks and replace it when you are done. Storing your gift wrap this way not only looks nicer than keeping it in the back of the closet, it also keeps the wrap from getting crumpled and ripped along the edges. The holidays are meant to be enjoyed with friends and family, so let’s not get caught up in the stress and frenzy that can so easily surround us. Instead, start the season off right with a neatly-organized space dedicated to all of your creative gift wrapping ventures. ✦

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Central Virginia HOME Winter/Holiday 2017

DESIGN office guest rooms

DOUBLE DUTY home office becomes holiday guest room BY SLOANE LUCAS

ith more and more of us taking advantage of telecommuting opportunities, homes today often have a room set aside as a private office. It’s a smart and practical allocation of space, being used at least a few times a week, if not daily. With the holidays approaching, however, you may want to enlist that room to do double duty as a guest bedroom. You’ll probably need to subtract some items from the space, and then add others. At a minimum, you’ll need to address the office furniture (and equipment) you already have, while adding some sort of bed into the existing space. But with some creative furniture and storage choices, you can maximize usage and optimize this valuable space in your home, without sacrificing its main purpose.

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Subtracting from the space

If you are using your office daily or several times a week, you may have already invested in a good office desk and chair, and you may normally have your computer, printer and phone all hooked up and out in the open. If you want to make the room as inviting as possible, you might not want to have all of that clutter in the guest room. Can you relocate your PC or laptop into another room temporarily? Unplug the printer and move to a closet? If you can remove your existing equipment and make the desk into a table for guests, the room will be that much more inviting. If you don’t already have it, you can also purchase some furniture that will allow you to hide your office equipment on the fly. Instead of an open office desk, a cabinet allows you to close the doors and stash away your PC. Corner units are especially helpful, tucking into unused space. You could also install a drop-down table that can be lowered to support a laptop and folded back up when not in use. You may even opt for movable furniture, such as a small desk on wheels that can be rolled out and stashed in other rooms when guests are visiting. For open bookshelves, be sure to tidy and straighten. If possible, cluster items toward the top and bottom of the shelves and leave an open shelf for your guests. You may also want to upgrade your storage space to shelves with doors, so you can tuck everything inside. Adding to the space

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Once you have a plan for removing or hiding the clutter, consider your options for making the room suitable for sleeping. To ensure your office is welcoming and comfortable for overnight guests, invest in top-quality convertible bed options. Murphy beds are an excellent choice, allowing you to have real mattresses and the look and feel of a real bed, with the option to fold it all away against a wall when guests depart. A good quality sofa bed is another option. Sofa mattresses have come a long way, and the convertible couch option comes with the added bonus of being a usable piece of furniture all the time —including an alternate place to work or read in your office. Before buying furniture and equipment, take measurements and consider placement, including where the electrical outlets and cable jacks are located. You can’t install your Murphy bed over the only cable access, or put a couch in front of the only plug. Sketch out the room if you have to, and make scale paper cutouts of the furniture to move things around. Make sure your couch or Murphy bed, when open, still allows for easy movement around the room, so your guests aren’t crawling over themselves to get to the door.

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Central Virginia HOME Winter/Holiday 2017

Amenities and decor

A few additional touches can make the most of the space and make the room even more comfortable. A nightstand (which could conceal extra storage) and a small table lamp allow guests to have items by their bedside, and to read before going to sleep. A lightweight folding stand, like those in hotels, provides a place for your guests to keep their suitcase. If you have a closet in the room, remove some clothing or push clothes to either side and provide extra hangers, to create space for guests to hang their clothes. If you don’t have a closet, install hooks on the backs of doors, and add a coat rack, or other freestanding storage. You can even buy temporary canvas closets that can tuck into a corner, then collapse when not in use. If your office hasn’t been painted in a while, consider a fresh color for the walls. Add a mirror, so guests can check their outfits or apply makeup in the room. Blackout curtains give guests privacy and allow a sleep-in if needed.

Be sure to have the bed—in whatever form—ready before guests arrive. Pull out the couch or pull down the Murphy bed, lay out the pillows and blankets, and have the linens on prior to arrival. Plan ahead, so you aren’t racing to set it all up after they get there. This is especially important for late evening arrivals when guests may just want to get to sleep. Like having a hotel room ready at check-in, guests can get settled right away. Anything you appreciate when you go to a hotel can be recreated at home. Have a welcome basket waiting with bottled water, toiletries, and magazines. Leave out fresh towels and a bathrobe. Have extra blankets folded at the foot of the bed. With some thoughtful updates to your office, you can turn the space into a welcoming guest room for friends and family, making their stay that much more comfortable, relaxing and fun. ✦

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Central Virginia HOME Winter/Holiday 2017

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GARDEN bird feeders

Christmas gifts to attract

winter winged visitors BY SARA WARRENDER While winter brings the joys of dancing flames in the fireplace, it can also mean a bland view of a landscape devoid of color. But, when gardens are stripped of blooms, and branches are covered with a blanket of snow and ice, you can naturally ornament your garden with the brightly-colored, fluttering wings of our regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wild birds. This season, consider giving your loved ones the gift of entertainment, twittering morning songs, and the satisfaction of caring for birdlife with affordable (and adorable!) bird feeders and houses. Before choosing the first thing you see, it helps to be familiar with a few of the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most common bird species, their favorite foods, and how to choose accessories they are prone to visit.

Central Virginia HOME Winter/Holiday 2017

Winter’s frequent flyers

Even when large, frigid flakes of snow begin to fall, there are many birds who remain staples of the area. To give you an example of the friends you can expect to make this season, we chose a sampling of five species to highlight, and will tell you how to set your birds’ dinner table and who will send an instantaneous, twittering RSVP! Red-bellied woodpecker. Red-bellied woodpeckers are year-round residents of our area and can be quickly spotted by their vibrant red markings. These birds, of course, prefer wooded areas, and make their nests in dead trees. Woodpeckers may be encouraged to roost in a sturdy bird house attached high in a tree, mimicking his natural habitat. They enjoy suet, peanuts, and sometimes sunflower seeds. Tufted titmouse. Like the red-bellied woodpecker, titmice are year-round residents of the area, and can be quickly identified by their large, black eyes that seem to hold a quiet, eager expression. These stout little birds are “secondary cavity nesters”, meaning they cannot construct their own homes, and depend on holes in dead trees, or bird houses. They like sunflower seeds, but you can also find them dining on suet, peanuts, and other seeds. Northern cardinal. Summer or winter, cardinals are reliable sources of vibrant red color, and feature a short, thick bill and prominent crest. They do not often use bird houses, but they will most likely roost close to your home if you have thickets of dense vine and shrubs, or provide nesting materials such as small twigs, pine needles, and grass clippings nearby. Virginia’s state birds are not picky eaters, although they do seem to have a special interest in sunflower seeds. Blue jay. These medium-sized birds will be sure to hold your attention with a prominent crest, and beautiful blue, white, and black plumage. Blue jays can be encouraged to roost in a bird house when placed near trees. Their nests typically consist of moss, bark, small twigs, and other plant materials. Jays are known to dine on peanuts, sunflower seeds, and suet. They also frequently visit birdbaths, and will be sure to keep you entertained on dreary winter days. Carolina chickadee. These notoriously-friendly little birds can be spotted by their stout body with a black cap, black bib, gray wings and back, and whitish underside. They are known for becoming so trusting they will even eat from your hand if you are patient enough! If you want these talkative creatures to be common in your yard, mount a nesting box near a forested area and fill it with wood shavings or sawdust. They enjoy suet (especially peanut butter), sunflower seeds and peanuts, along with berries and insects.

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Setting the table for a bird-friendly feast

Each of these birds prefers to dine from feeders such as trays, hoppers, suet cages, or window feeders. These feeders can serve as the perfect Christmas gift for any adult or child wildlife enthusiast. Whether living in a rustic farmhouse, or an apartment in the city, there is a feeder suited to each home style, and bird species! A simple tray, or platform, feeder typically attracts the widest variety of seed-eating birds, and can be used to effectively serve larger seeds. With a few inexpensive construction materials, you can also make your own tray feeder, and provide the perfect homemade, functional gift for family and friends at Christmas. This type of feeder needs to be fitted with a squirrel baffle on the pole or suspension chain, unless you don’t mind sharing with other creatures. Hopper feeders (sometimes called “house feeders” because of their appearance) are another popular choice among bird lovers, and make adorable gifts. They often come in ornate shapes resembling detailed houses or barns. Functioning much like an automatic feeder, they also protect seed mixtures from the weather. A squirrel baffle is useful here too. Suet feeders are square, plastic-coated wire cages which are filled with high energy cakes made from a mixture of tallow or lard, seeds, dried fruit, and sometimes mealworms. They are irresistible to many types of birds—and squirrels too, so plan accordingly! 8 0

Central Virginia HOME Winter/Holiday 2017

Window feeders are small plastic feeders which affix to window glass and attract many small species right to your favorite viewing spot. To be sure squirrels can’t jump to them to dine, choose a window which isn’t close to low-hanging branches. Because of these feeders’ position on the glass, they’re also handy for alerting birds to the presence of a window and preventing crashes, by breaking up the mimicked reflection of the sky. These versatile feeders are a great gift for anyone who wants a front-row seat for bird viewing this season. Whichever feeder you choose, hang it in a safe and visible area, ideally about ten to twelve feet from natural shelter such as bushes or trees. If you’re not using a window feeder, make sure to leave at least ten feet between feeders and windows, to avoid fatal collisions. And finally, getting water from snow or a frozen source drains birds’ precious winter energy, so providing a clean, thawed source of water during the winter will ensure your bird friends are healthy and happy. A home for the holidays

If you’d like to provide birds with a comfortable spot to beat the winter weather, consider a roosting box. Roosting boxes are different from summer bird houses, which are meant for nesting. They are designed specifically for cold weather, with decreased ventilation and multiple interior perches to accommodate a variety of feathered friends. They should be positioned against prevailing winds, and facing south to receive the most sun. For maximum safety, mount your roosting box on a slick metal pole adorned with a critter baffle, and provide extra insulation with wood shavings, small twigs, and grass clippings. Because they are not typically as ornate as summer bird houses, a custom design on the outside of a roosting box would make a wonderful Christmas surprise for friends or family. Whether a bird feeder or a roosting box, giving the gift of caring for the area’s birds is sure to bring a smile to the face of your friends and family this season. If you’re dreading the upcoming cloudy winter days, you may even personally adorn your own land with one of these great gift ideas! ✦

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IMPROVE chimney cleaning

CLEAN SWEEP is your chimney in tip-top shape? BY K AT H ER I N E F U LG H U M K N O P F

s the cold weather closes in, most of us are busy with preparations for our winter holidays. We want Santa to have a clean ride down the chimney, and everyone enjoys a crackling fire during the winter season. With the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it is easy to forget about chimney maintenance, so weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got the facts and tips you need to know â&#x20AC;Ś

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Central Virginia HOME Winter/Holiday 2017

Understanding the layout

A chimney is made up of several parts, beginning with the firebox. Some fireboxes include a built-in ash dump, which is an easy way to keep the ashes from accumulating. If you have one, just open the metal door on the firebox floor and sweep the ashes into the ash pit. (The ash pit is emptied periodically through a clean out door in the basement.) If not, then regular scooping and disposal of the ashes is necessary. Next up in the chimney is the damper, a metal vent that keeps rain, birds, bats, and rodents out of your fireplace when you are not enjoying a fire. The damper sits on the smoke shelf, which is below the smoke chamber. Above the smoke chamber is the flue, which draws the smoke from the fire upwards and out of the chimney. Why and when to clean

Burning wood produces creosote, a flammable tar. Most chimney fires start in the smoke chamber due to a build up of this residue. Burning green logs or pine creates heavy creosote build up. If you see steam or foam bubbling out the ends of the logs when they’re burning, it means the wood is wet. Green wood doesn’t burn cleanly and creates a lot of airborne ash that turns into creosote and soot. Dry hardwoods, such as oak and birch, are better choices for fires. Being dry and dense means they burn hotter and produce less air born particles. If you see dark, clumpy ash when you open the damper to start a fire, that’s creosote. Even if you don’t see anything, after 50 to 70 fires, it is a good idea to clean your chimney. A way to tell if it’s time is to do an informal inspection yourself. First, clean all the ashes out of the firebox and remove the grate. Wearing eye protection and using a strong flashlight, rub the point of your fireplace poker along the inside of your chimney liner. If you find a thick build up of soot which has a tar-like appearance, this is creosote. Scrape off a section to see how thick it is. If the creosote build up is 1/8 inch or more inside the chimney, it’s time to call a professional chimney sweep. Getting your chimney inspected

Chimney sweeps are hired for several reasons: They can rid your chimney of heavy creosote, and they are trained to inspect for chimney deterioration. Sweeps recognize poor venting problems

and assess your chimney’s structural condition for loose mortar and bricks. John Briscoe of Black Goose Chimney Sweep, Inc. says it well: “If you don’t remember the last time your chimney was swept; if you’ve never had your chimney swept; if you burn 1 ½ cords of wood each year—that is a pile of wood 4' x 4' x 8' —if you have any issues with rodents, water or smoke, or if your chimney is the main way you heat your home, then you need to have your chimney inspected by a professional.” Briscoe has been a certified chimney sweep since 1990 and gets re-certified every three years. He starts every cleaning with the National Fire Protection Association’s Level 1 inspection. This is the industry standard, and is a visual inspection followed by a chimney cleaning. During the inspection and cleaning, the chimney sweep looks for obstructions, cracks in the chimney liner, and signs of water damage. Older chimneys can have gaps between clay liner sections where the mortar has fallen out. If he sees any damage or structural issues, Briscoe says, “I’ll take a closer look and perform a higher level chimney inspection.” Finding a chimney sweep

One way to hire a chimney sweep is to get recommendations from friends or family. If they do not have suggestions, an internet search will give you the names and numbers of local sweeps in your area. There are over 1,800 Certified Chimney Sweep® professionals who work across the United States. (Contact the Chimney Safety Institute of America for a list, at csia.org.) You want to find one who is certified, insured and will give you a written estimate before beginning to work on your chimney. Ask how long they have been in business, and for a list of references. It’s also a good idea to check with the Better Business Bureau for any issues. Finally, you’ll want to make certain that their insurance covers them for accidents to the workers as well as to damage that could occur to your home. Winter is a busy time of year for chimney sweeps, so don’t wait to make your appointment. A warm fire in the fireplace adds cheer to your home, and the heat and colors dancing on the logs make those dark winter evenings cozy. But knowing you are snug and safe is the best feeling of all. ✦

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PIECE by PIECE

LOCAL AFICIONADOS CULTIVATE ART COLLECTIONS BY J E S S I E T H O M P S O N

Photography by Craig Shaffer

CARWILE

DEACON

BLACKBURN

Nobel-prize winning playwright George Bernard Shaw once said, “Without art, the crudeness of reality would make the world unbearable.” Shaw would undoubtedly find comfort in Lynchburg, as it has both a thriving art community and those who see value in curating their own unique collections. We took time to talk with three area connoisseurs. Here are their stories…

Central Virginia HOME Winter/Holiday 2017

JAY BLACKBURN HAS ALWAYS BEEN A COLLECTOR. There were coins, and stamps,

records. But when he got his first piece of artwork as a young adult, he didn’t know that it would become the cornerstone of his extensive art collection. “My father was a physician, and when he retired and closed his office, he gave me one of the paintings,” Jay says. It was a very colorful abstract by well-known local artist Jimmie Kyle. Jay, an optician who owns McBride Blackburn Opticians in Lynchburg, didn’t know then that the painting was considered desirable. (It is his wife Tammy’s favorite, and currently hangs above their dining room mantel.) But as his collection has grown, so has his knowledge. He credits German artist Bernhard Gutmann (1869-1936) with helping the arts thrive in the region. Back in 1895, Gutmann helped form the Lynchburg Art Club, became the first supervisor of art in Lynchburg public schools, and taught art at both Lynchburg High School and Randolph-Macon Woman’s College. Jay’s Gutmann piece, a view of Spain’s Palma Harbor painted in the 1920s and titled “Church and Commerce,” is displayed on an office wall. He has no qualms about picking it off one wall and hanging it on another. In fact, every wall at McBride Blackburn, including the back rooms, offers phenomenal pieces of art, which Jay rotates as the mood strikes. The works are functional as well as beautiful—the paintings are conversation pieces, and a new, proper prescription might highlight a previously undiscovered aspect of a favorite scene. He strives to build lasting relationships with customers, many of whom he greets by name with a smile, and the art helps them connect. Some clients have even added to his collection. One woman, says Jay, inherited a piece by Georgia Morgan, a Lynchburg artist who co-founded the Lynchburg Civic Art League in 1932 and worked tirelessly to promote art education and exhibits for people of all races and socioeconomic backgrounds. She didn’t dislike it, but didn’t really have a place for it. So she slipped it under her bed, where it remained, mostly forgotten, for decades. When she saw another Morgan painting at Jay’s office, she asked if he might like hers, and they struck a deal. Another client saw a small Julia McHood painting hanging that caught her eye. She had a similar piece, a 5.5 x 7 inch of the Quaker Meeting House on Fort Avenue titled “The Manhood,” that she had kept in a drawer, which she offered to him. She declined to cash Jay’s check, saying she was happy to have the art be appreciated by others. c vhomemaga zine .com 85

LOCAL GALLERIES Academy Center of the Arts Satellite galleries: Magnolia Foods Flint Properties Westminster Canterbury academycenter.org Art on 12th The Art Box artboxvirginia.com/art-on-12th Goosecreek Studio goosecreekstudio.com Lynchburg Art Club & Gallery lynchburgartclub.org Oxide Pottery oxidepottery.com Peakland Market & Catering Co. peaklandcatering.com Pheasant’s Eye Boonsboro Shopping Center Reid Street Gallery reidstreetgallery.com Rivermont Studio Fb.com/rivermontstudio Riverviews Art Space riverviews.net The Little Gallery thelittlegallery.com

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While there are a few regional artists Jay is still looking to acquire, his collection is becoming more focused. His only steadfast rule is that the artist be connected to Central Virginia in some way. He has works from the 1800s to present, pictorial landscapes to bustling city streets, abstract to almost photographic. And because of limited space (“I honestly have more art than I can hang,” he says), he’s more particular about purchases. Now, it’s also about the hunt—he adds to his collection from estate sales, auctions and a lot through word of mouth—and about discovering new things about artists connected to the region. Surprises, he says, are usually welcome. For example, he bought a painting he thought was by nineteenth century artist Flavius Fisher. In having the work professionally restored, the artist was revealed to be “Mrs. Flavius Fisher”. The landscape of Tobacco Row Mountain, says Jay, “Well, it is one of my favorites.” ARTIST AND COLLECTOR PHILLIP D. CARWILE WAS EXPOSED TO QUALITY ART AS A KINDERGARTEN STUDENT IN LYNCHBURG. “Julia McHood was my

teacher,” he says, and recalls with photographic precision the illustrations she created to go with the nursery rhymes they learned. She had

a continuous piece of brown paper spooled between two wooden dowels, and would scroll through dozens of images of the Three Little Pigs, Little Red Riding Hood, and Little Miss Muffet as she taught the lessons. “What kid wouldn’t be hooked on art after you’ve seen that?” he asks earnestly. He’s taken many roads in life, but eventually all lead back to his passion for art. After high school and community college, Phillip joined the Navy, where he served as a yeoman for the captain aboard the USS Wright. He clerked for tobacco company G. Stallings, then earned an art degree from VCU, and worked as the both the gardener and curator at the Edgar Allen Poe Museum (“The gardening position paid better,” he quips.) Eventually, he got a job working in the Social Security Department in Richmond, but transferred to Lynchburg when an opening presented itself. He landed on Pearl Street (of note: he bought the 9,000-square-foot home that once belonged to Lynchburg artist Margaret Kirkpatrick) and eventually moved to a smaller house on Fort Avenue. Back in the Hill City, Phillip, who had always collected art—his only criteria had been that he had to like it a lot, and it had to not be exorbitantly priced—began to immerse himself in the local art scene, and to hone his collection.

Central Virginia HOME Winter/Holiday 2017

Surround Yourself with the Extraordinary Finest Quality and Selection of Fine Art and Home Decor

There is not a surface in his house that is not covered with art. Even the floor holds vertical stacks of canvases. Paintings line every square inch of every wall, and he knows information about each piece of art, along with personal and professional anecdotes about the artists, and what was happening locally (and globally) at the time of production. He is quick to point out some favorites in a vast collection which includes dozens of his own works. (A student of plein air artist Ron Boehmer, Phillip’s own painting style has evolved from picturesque landscapes and realistic cowboys to abstracts.) His favorites are currently in his living room, which is dedicated to oils. There is a Narcissus Diaz de la Pena of a wooded scene, dappled with light. “If you go to the great museums throughout the world, his work will be there,” he says. There is a Jules Roblin of the River Valley in France, notable for its pastel palette, and its story. He saw the painting for sale at Betty Davidson’s Estate Specialists and asked for the price, as it was not marked, but Betty was out of the store. When he returned a few days later to inquire again, the painting had been sold. Years later, the painting came back to the store, “The owner ‘changed her colors,’” laughs Phillip. There is a small, round pastoral scene by Hudson River painter William Hart. Georgia Morgan’s “Silent Night,” is a serene snowy evening scene in deep blues. Other favorites include a snow scene by Margaret Helbig, and a Jonas Lie (regarded as one of the best-known American impressionist landscape and seascape painters of his time) that once belonged to the Kirkpatrick family. While not actively looking to acquire more works, Phillip finds himself browsing estate and yard sales, antique shops and auctions. Mostly, he says, he learns about pieces by word of mouth. Although he owns works by masters, he is quick to give high marks to Central Virginia’s vast array of artists. “My knowledge of art and art history probably led me to seek out certain artists,” he says, “All of these [local] artists are connected and intertwined, and they all have an influence on one another. The important thing is that they all made a living from art. They all had to be able to teach to do that… but because of that, there is a continuity between the artists, between the generations.”

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Central Virginia HOME Winter/Holiday 2017

TROY DEACON SAYS HE HAS NEITHER THE TIME NOR PATIENCE TO CREATE PAINTINGS OF HIS OWN. But he has a keen eye,

scores of friends and clients in both the arts and interior design spheres, and a laser-sharp focus of what he wants to collect. “I’ve always collected scenes because I can relate to them,” says Troy, who works in investments for Bank of the James. “Psychologically, it’s nice to have art that you can relate to.” Troy had an interest in local art years ago, but was space limited in his first place, an apartment at Riverviews. “Eight hundred square feet for two people is just really not a lot of space,” says Troy, who also owns High Cotton Fine Home Furnishings & Gifts in the Boonsboro Shopping Center. Prodding from his friend and well-known local watercolorist Annie Massie (“She’s just so collectible,”) and a move to a home in historic Daniels Hill, started him collecting in earnest. He would hit tag sales, visit consignment shops, and attend First Friday events. “Things just have a way of coming up,” he says.

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Now living on Rivermont Avenue, Troy’s home displays dozens and dozens of places in Lynchburg; downtown is featured prominently in his collection, which includes a handful of paintings by Massie and Carwile. There are images of the Visitors Center, the Community Market, the home of Dr. Robert Johnson, the Miller-Claytor House, Court Street, Anne Spencer’s cottage Edankraal, the Dabney Scott Adams House. He will occasionally let museums and nonprofits borrow a piece. “There’s no rhyme or reason to it,” Deacon says, “I just have to like it.” What he likes, a lot, is the Old City Cemetery. (His husband, Ted Delaney, is its director.) A great deal of his large collection is dedicated to the historic site. A standout is a piece he commissioned by local artist Kelly Gravely Mattox. Troy was so committed to his vision of what he wanted the painting to look like, he took a photo of the scene, printed it on a large canvas and gave it to Mattox as a blueprint. She delivered. “It’s my favorite piece,” he says without hesitation. A series he is particularly proud of is a five-piece body of the original pen and ink drawings done by Ann van de Graaf (who was born and raised in Africa and England before coming to Lynchburg for college) that chronicles the Civil Rights Movement in Lynchburg. Another work that brings him joy is a bird’s-eye view of downtown. Among Troy’s oldest works, a piece by Helen Shouse was actually created with layers of papier-mâché, and church steeples fashioned from aluminum foil. "Ted and I are very fortunate to have met people in our younger years like Annie Massie and Phil Carwile to teach us the significance of Lynchburg artists and their work," says Troy. "Every Lynchburger new and old should collect a piece of history from this town that everyone falls in love with." ✦

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Central Virginia HOME Winter/Holiday 2017

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LIVE mindfulness & balance

HAPPINESS, Scandinavian Style BY RORY RHODES

Last winter, I began hearing a lot about the Danish concept of “hygge.” It has no exact English translation, but roughly correlates to creating a cozy feeling, and recognizing the joy of a simple moment. More recently, the Swedish philosophy of “lagom”—referring to the practice of moderation and having “just the right amount”—has been making the rounds. These concepts, which are well-understood in their respective nations, have more of an aspirational feeling here in the States. Our curiosity is piqued by the fact that Scandinavian countries such as Denmark and Sweden consistently top global happiness charts, despite those long, chilly winters. So how can we put a little bit of these practices into our daily lives? Read on for some ways to embrace winter contentment in the season ahead… 92

Central Virginia HOME Winter/Holiday 2017

Hygge

Hygge peaked my interest last year because I was in the middle of reworking my office and looking for ways to improve my work space on a small budget. Pronounced “HUE-ga” or “WHO-ga,” from a centuriesold Scandinavian word that gives us the word “hug”, hygge is about creating contentment through mindfulness and simple pleasures. It’s not something you do so much as something you feel, and while you can certainly practice hygge alone, in traditional Scandinavian communal manner, it’s considered even better when done with friends. A philosophy for creating sanctuary in a busy world, hygge doesn’t have to cost money… though of course if your idea of cozy is a cashmere robe in a mountain chalet, then it might! But you can create hygge this winter in simple ways. A cup of tea in your grandmother’s bone china teacup and saucer. A soft sweater, warm socks, or a cozy throw on a rainy day. A scented candle or a pot of seasonal flowers (like amaryllis or paperwhites) for a sensory lift. A crackling fire serves up plenty of winter hygge—for a quiet afternoon read, an evening by the fire with friends, or an anytime s’more session! Enjoy a home-cooked meal with friends—a hearty stew or nourishing soup with crusty bread and lively company is all that’s required to banish the winter blues. I brought hygge into my office by creating a cozy corner with a few repurposed objects to add a little shine, and a gift from a friend, a deliciouslyscented hand cream that’s packaged in a paint tube-style container. The act of unscrewing the little cap, squeezing out a creamy dollop, and rubbing it into dry winter skin is a soothing moment in a busy day. My hygge-inspired set up cost very little, but always provides a lift. Lagom

If hygge is an evening bubblebath, lagom is a morning shower before work. It’s the notion of doing what is essential and letting go of the superfluous. Lagom is a philosophy from the Swedes meaning “just enough,” and there’s a famous Swedish proverb, “Lagom är bäst,” which means, “The right amount is best.” While the virtue of moderation is hardly a new concept, lagom encompasses a wider social philosophy that extends to modesty, teamwork, and even sustainability. c vhomemaga zine .com 93

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Though on occasion Swedes have grumbled about the constraints of lagom, it’s a useful survival tool during this time of year. During the holiday and post-holiday season, it can bring a welcome sense of balance, the antidote to consumerism and excess. It’s the game plan for those of us who manage to get through the holidays without gaining seven pounds, and the thing to remember at the gym on January 1st for those of us who didn’t! You can practice lagom at the holiday party by having a glass of wine, then refilling your glass with seltzer or club soda. Have a taste of every delicious item at the big dinner, but don’t go back for seconds. (If you can’t resist, balance it out with a light menu the following day.) While it’s hard to resist the “wow” factor of a giant pile of presents, perhaps there’s someone on your list who would treasure a small gift with meaning, or the gift of time with you. If you’re feeling pressured to go all out with decorations, an eight course meal, and general fanfare, give yourself permission to do “just enough” to get into the spirit of the season. Lagom should also apply to our annual post-holiday atonement. Don’t try and undo a month of revelry during two hours at the gym—slow and steady wins the race. “Dry January,” the recent trend of foregoing alcohol for a month, is a fine goal, but a beer with friends one Saturday evening doesn’t mean all is lost. Lagom isn’t about deprivation; it’s about having one or two pieces of chocolate instead of the whole box. 94

Central Virginia HOME Winter/Holiday 2017

Winterruhe

There is a German term which doesn’t seem to have begun any trends yet but is also worth mentioning. “Winterruhe,” (pronounced “vinter-roo-uh”) means “winter rest”, and is the natural phase of quietness which many plants and animals experience during the cold season. It’s not the deep sleep of hibernation; rather, winterruhe is a time of decreased activity that serves both to conserve energy and resources during cold months, and also to rest in preparation for the busy season to come. For many of us, the low ebb of winter energy is something we vaguely feel that we ought to resist. After the sparkle of the holidays, it’s time for skiing, ice skating, hosting football and fondue parties, indoor projects, and maybe some warm-weather travel—all wonderful ways to embrace the season, but don’t forget to nourish yourself and set everything aside on occasion. In the days before electricity, winter evenings were long and dark, and winterruhe came as naturally to humans as to creatures of the forest. Today it can be tough to let the world go by, but remember that rest is as important to your health and happiness as diet and exercise. Take a morning off from errands and responsibilities and sleep in. Turn off all the modern devices and head to bed early. Enjoy an afternoon nap. Time taken now will restore depleted reserves for later. Try incorporating these philosophies into your winter, and you might find yourself savoring the season instead of enduring it. If Nordic countries can find contentment in the cold, with a few mindful techniques, now need not be the winter of our discontent. ✦

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DESIGN seasonal stemware

FESTIVE FLUTES

Nothing says celebrate like a glass of sparkling wine. Champagne, prosecco, cava—even sparkling cider feels like a special occasion when served in a champagne glass. When stemware came into vogue several centuries ago, Champagne was served in a bowl-shaped glass called a coupe. This wide, shallow bowl—also known as a champagne saucer—was de rigueur for the first half of the twentieth century, and while it’s beginning to make a comeback, it still reminds us of Gatsby-era fêtes and mid-century soirées. It’s unmatched for grand glamor and throwback style, and is also an appealing way to serve dessert. The most popular shape today is the champagne flute, which was all the rage by the 1980s. The tall, slender shape of the champagne flute is specifically designed to slow the escape of those delicious bubbles. Its cousin, the tulip flute, also features a narrow base, which then swells into a rounder shape before curving back again at the lip. For sensory enjoyment, the tulip flute may be the best of the bunch, allowing for a more generous serving than a flute, protecting the bubbles, and gathering more of the effervescent aroma in it’s bulbous upper section. Find your favorite flute and raise a glass with friends and family. Cheers! ✦ 9 6

Central Virginia HOME Winter/Holiday 2017

LIVE around town Holiday Makers’ Market

The Lynchburg Symphony Orchestra’s Family Holiday Extravaganza.

This year’s LSO holiday concert will be performed on December 17, at 3 p.m., at E. C. Glass High School Civic Auditorium. The concert continues this season’s movie theme by showcasing music from Frozen, It’s a Wonderful Life, Toy Symphony (complete with toys that make noises) and How the Grinch Stole Christmas. The finale is an audience sing-a-long of favorite Christmas carols. Come early and have your photo taken with your favorite character, while enjoying punch and cookies. Families are welcomed to dress up as movie characters. For details, including ticketing information, please visit lynchburgsymphony.org. Wreaths Across America

Bedford Council of Garden Clubs Christmas Home Tour

The 10th anniversary of the Wreaths Across America Project will take place on Saturday, December 16, at the Old City Cemetery in Lynchburg. The ceremony honors those who have served and sacrificed their lives to keep our nation free. Attendees will be invited to participate by placing fresh evergreen wreaths on the graves of the fallen. The ceremony begins at noon; please arrive early as the cemetery gates close promptly at 11:45 a.m. This event is sponsored by the Blue Ridge and James River Chapters of the Daughters of the American Revolution, in cooperation with the Old City Cemetery. For more information, please visit gravegarden.org.

The Bedford Council of Garden Clubs is proud to present its 2017 Christmas Home Tour on December 3, from 1 to 5 p.m. This year’s theme is “Christmas in the World’s Best Little Town.” Five homes will be featured on the tour—a biennial tradition since 1973—and the newly-remodeled Bower Center for the Arts will serve refreshments and showcase art exhibits. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 the day of the tour. For itinerary and ticket purchase locations, please visit bedfordcouncilofgardenclubs.org.

The Jefferson Choral Society is hosting its Holiday Makers’ Market on Saturday, December 16, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Moose Lodge 715, located at 2307 Lakeside Drive in Lynchburg. Artwork, crafts, jewelry, baked goods and Christmas decorations by local artists and artisans will be for sale. Enjoy both breakfast and lunch from concessions on the premises. For more information, visit jeffersonchoralsociety.org.

ay et da i l o ’ M rk

H ers

To Benefit the Jefferson Choral Society Sat., dec. 16, 9 am - 2 pm MOOSE LODGE 715, 2307 LAKESIDE DR., LYNCHBURG 40+ LOCAL ARTISANS & VENDORS

Lynchburg Christmas Parade

Deck the Hills

Downtown Lynchburg Association is pleased to introduce Deck the Hills, an exciting new holiday event, December 2, from 4 to 8 p.m. Celebrate the season on the lower Bluffwalk in Downtown Lynchburg, which will be decorated with lights and holiday décor. The main feature of the event will be a tree decorating competition open to downtown businesses. Event goers will have the opportunity to vote on their favorite tree, and the winner will be announced at the end of the event, right before the big Christmas tree is lit at the Craddock Terry Hotel. Other family-friendly activities will include live carol singing, seasonal food and craft vendors, and holiday photo booth fun. It will be a fun and friendly community event, enjoyed by all.

Don’t miss the 58th annual Lynchburg Christmas Parade, a Rockin 50’s Christmas, presented by Lynchburg Retail Merchants Association and sponsored by FOX WFXR news. It will take place on December 3rd starting at 4 p.m. on Memorial Avenue. For an application or route information visit lynchburgchristmasparade. com or Contact Rebecca Sturm-Clauser, at the Retail Merchants Association (434)528-1732.

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ADVERTISER index Accents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Member One Federal Credit Union. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Acupuncture Works. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Milano’s restaurant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Alpaca by Jaca. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Moose’s Café. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Anthony and Company. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59, 79

Nadine Blakely, Realtor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Blickenstaff & Company, Realtors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

National Pools. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

bloom by Doyle's. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Next Home. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Bowen Jewelry Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Next Time Consignment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Centra. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Paisley. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Central Virginia Orthodontics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Peakland Pilates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Childrens Dentistry & Orthodontics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Periodontal Health Associates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

CLC Incorporated. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

Persian Rugs & More. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Cottage Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Phoenix Custom Homes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Custom Structures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Piedmont Eye Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Daniele Mason, Realtor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Piedmont Floors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

Davidson & Garrard / CAPTRUST. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

Pink Ladies Cleaning Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Decorating Den Interiors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Pinnacle Cabinetry & Design. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Dr. Kevin Midkiff, DDS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

PIP Printing and Marketing Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Farm Basket. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Reclaimed @ Smith Mountain Lake. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Favored Flavors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Reid’s Fine Furnishings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Ferguson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Reid Street Gallery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30-31

Fink's Jewelers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Rempfer Construction, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

First Bank & Trust Company. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

Riley Dental. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Flat Creek Pet Care. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Rustic View Home & Gardens. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Flint Property Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Scott Weiss Architect. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

Gladiola. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Select Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Grand Home Furnishings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Southern Landscape Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

High Cotton. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Southern Provisions Company. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Hot Yoga Lynchburg. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Spectrum Stone Designs, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Interiors by Moyanne. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Star City Striders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Isabella's. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Stones n' Bones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

James River Day School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Structure Foundation Solutions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

James T. Davis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Tax Resolution and Accounting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Judy Frantz/John Stewart Walker. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Terrell E Moseley, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Just Liz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

The Art Box. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

L. Oppleman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

The Cabinet Gallery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

La La’s Salon and Spa. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

The Columns. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Lauren Bell Real Estate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

The Little Gallery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

Liberty Landscape Supply. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

The Shoppes of Altavista. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Little Dickens & Givens Books. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

The Summit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Lynchburg Christmas Parade. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

The Vinyl Porch Rail Company. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Lynchburg City Schools. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Timberlake Pharmacy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Lynchburg Community Market. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

Valley View Retirement Community. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Lynchburg Dental Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

Virginia Garden Supply. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Lynchburg Retail Merchants Association. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Virginia Vein Specialists. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56-57

Lynchburg Stone & Brick. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Watts Petroleum. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Mary Kay, Mable Hamlette-Franklin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

Wellington Builders, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Main Street Eatery and Catering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

Winey Chicks Boutique. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

McBride and Blackburn Opticians. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

Wired Up Electrical. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

For advertising information please call (434) 386-5667 or sales@cvhomemagazine.com. 9 8

Central Virginia HOME Winter/Holiday 2017

This year, give your family the outdoor living

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