Central Virginia HOME Magazine 2023 Jun/Jul/Aug

Matt Kime

Bo

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PHOTO: UNIVERSITY OF LYNCHBURG

BY JANE RENNYSON

BY GINNY SMITH

CHRISTINA MOORE

BY KENDALL ATKINS LIVICK

BY JERRY HALE

BY MITZI BIBLE

FERNE HALE

BY SARAH NICHOLAS

When I was a little girl growing up in the rural outskirts of Chatham, I took for granted that fireflies would light up the woods behind my house and that the stars would shine brightly, unencumbered by streetlights. I savored the sticky sweetness of homemade ice cream straight from the wooden bucket filled with rock salt. I ran through the sprinkler. If you’re like me, you wish sometimes that you could go back to those endless, care-free summer days. While we cannot turn back time, we can intentionally rediscover the wonder of summer. That’s why I think you’ll especially enjoy Shelley Basinger’s article about seeing summer through the eyes of a child. She offers some beautiful ways to slow down and enjoy the sights and sounds of our region.

Another summer night delight can be found in the sights, sounds and fragrance of a moon garden. Mitzi Bible gives you a primer on some of the best plants that bloom and show up beautifully in the moonlight. While you’re basking outdoors in the evening, you’ll want to keep away pesky mosquitoes, so don’t miss our article on preventing pests.

Summer also offers an opportunity to savor fresh flavors and imbibe cool refreshments. We’ve gathered some fun cocktail and mocktail recipes from local restaurants that you can try at home. Or relax and order one of these flavorful concoctions at Isabella’s Italian Trattoria or

Milano’s Enoteca & Italian Ristorante. Speaking of taking it easy, we’ve got some simple five-ingredient recipes to make your grocery store trip a bit shorter. Simpler menus make it easier to keep your pantry tidy — we’ve also got you covered there in this issue.

As always, we feature a stunning local showcase home that offers many ideas for decorating and refurbishing. This time, we revisit a home from years ago that has been updated with many new touches to lighten and brighten. The Crists’ hospitable home invites in family and guests and makes them feel right at home.

Finally, as we think of guests, we know summer is prime time for travel. Make sure your guest room is ready for visitors! We offer guidance on creating an awesome night of sleep as well as including little touches that make friends and family feel welcome.

There’s so much more to check out in this issue. I hope you’ll enjoy it by sunlight — or moonlight — preferably at the pool!

’Tis moonlight, summer moonlight, All soft and still and fair; The solemn hour of midnight Breathes sweet thoughts everywhere... “Moonlight, Summer Moonlight”

By Emily Jane Brontë

Donna Dunn | donna@jamesrivermedia.com

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VOLUME 1 7 ISSUE 3

PUBLISHER

Trish Roth

EDITOR

Donna Dunn

ART DIRECTOR

Kira Rider

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Shelley Basinger

Carter Heald Bendall

Mitzi Bible

Paula Peters Chambers

Martha S. Coffey

Kate Ericsson

Ferne Hale

Jerry Hale

Margie Lippard

Kendall Atkins Livick

Christina Moore

Sarah Nicholas

Jane Rennyson

Ginny Smith

PHOTOGRAPHER

Michael Patch

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Donna Collins

SALES LEADER

Tom Sand

ADVERTISING SALES

Kirsten Morey Becker

Julia Belvin

Joe Katany

Anne Marie Poore

Kenny Shelton

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Central Virginia HOME is published five times annually by James River Media, LLC. For an annual subscription, please send $20 and your name, address and telephone number to: Central Virginia HOME

109B Tradewynd Drive, Lynchburg, VA 24502

For advertising information please call (434) 845-5463 or email SALES@jamesrivermedia.com

To discuss coverage of an event relating to home or garden, please contact Central Virginia HOME at HOME@jamesrivermedia.com

JAMES RIVER MEDIA, LLC

(434) 845-5463

Copyright 2023 by James River Media, 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 James River Media, 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, James River Media, 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, James River Media, 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.

As summer arrives, we can look forward to some time off to relax and spend with friends and family. Personally, I always look forward to my annual trip to Minnesota, where I spend my days enjoying all that lake living has to offer... fishing on crisp, early mornings with my dad and sunny afternoons on the dock by the water with a cool beverage in hand. In this summer issue, we provide you with valuable information to guide you through the season. Read all about it in Donna’s editor’s note.

For those who may not be aware, we bring HOME to life with “The HOME Show” every Saturday at 9 a.m. on WLNI 105.9. (It also repeats Sundays at noon). Piedmont Floor Show, a long-time HOME advertiser is now our presenting sponsor, and I’m excited to deepen our partnership with Charles Snider, Chase Dewitt and Ed Roakes. You’ll be hearing much more from them about the latest in flooring, cabinetry and bathroom trends,

along with tips for installation and design in the coming months so please tune in!

Our nonprofit spotlight this issue features Beacon of Hope whose mission is “to inspire Lynchburg’s youth to pursue post-secondary education or training, invest in their potential, and equip them to become contributing individuals

to the betterment of our community.” Learn more about Beacon of Hope on pages 58-59.

As always, I would love to hear your feedback and ideas on future stories, showcase homes and the magazine. Thank you for reading!

Trish Roth | trish@jamesrivermedia.com

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Make your garden glow

ENJOY PLANTS DESIGNED TO SHINE BY THE LIGHT OF THE MOON

BY MITZI BIBLE

Summer nights under the stars are always magical. As the hot temperatures retreat and surrender to a cool breeze, we’re drawn outdoors to breathe in the fresh air and exhale all the stresses of the day. Create a special garden space to awaken the senses, where the moonlight illuminates blooms, grasses calmly rustle and fragrance fills the air.

Nighttime naturals

There are plenty of plants that can bring a moon garden to life. The key is to choose plants with lighter colors — white, silver or even soft pink blooms or foliage — that can reflect the moonlight. Some of the fun in creating a moon garden is exploring the world of night-blooming flora — plants that are all too happy to see the sun go down.

One of the most popular attractions in a moon garden is a nocturnal flowering vine aptly called “moonflower” or “moon vine.” A nighttime counterpart to the morning glory, this gardenia (Ipomoea alba) only opens its large, iridescent white blooms at dusk or on cloudy days. Then, as the sun rises, the blooms curl back into the bud. It’s true: you can only catch the show at night.

The moonflower is an annual that grows easy and fast, so make sure you have plenty of space for it to wander. The vine looks lovely hanging on an arbor or lining a fence. And even though it is a night lover, it does best when planted in full sun. The moonflower is also fascinating to watch because it will attract moths that frolic around the blooms all night. (Many night-blooming flowers are white to attract the pollinators needed to reproduce).

Martha Dudley, manager of Rainfrost Nursery in Forest, recommends the moonflower to anchor your moon garden, but says it’s the fragrance that makes this plant the whole package. Some say it closely resembles the smell of an Easter lily. She also recommends planting viburnums that can complement a moon garden with their pleasant aroma, as well as Nicotiana, also known as flowering tobacco or nightscented tobacco. The plant’s trumpet-shaped flowers open in late afternoon into the night. Other plants that only show off at night include night-blooming jasmine, four o’clocks, evening primrose and angel’s trumpet.

MOONFLOWER AT NIGHT

EVENING PRIMROSE

MOONFLOWER DURING THE DAY

Leafy reflectors

There are many choices for plants with foliage that will pick up the moonlight on their own. Dudley suggests planting lamb’s ear, with its signature silvery, velvet leaves, as a perennial groundcover, and artemisia, which also features silvery, lacy foliage and works well as a backdrop. She also recommends two ferns: the painted fern, a perennial with silver leaves and streaks of red and black, and ghost fern, named no doubt for its silvery, feathery fronds.

The leaves of the Hakuro willow, in combo shades of gray, white and pink are perfect fits as well and can be bought as a tree or more like a shrub for a corner planting.

You can also consider trees with light-colored bark or variegated foliage. Dudley says you can’t go wrong with the low-growing silver dragon liriope and the liriope spicata. These plants can keep the yard in bounds with edging. “You can underplant them against a dark plant, and that will pop your eye to that,” Dudley says.

PAINTED FERN

The extras

While the moon itself should take the lead, there are many garden features and accessories that can add to the ambiance.

“It’s even about the noises, the rustle of grass in a breeze, and if you pop a fountain in there to add a little running water, it just hits your senses in a perfect way,” Dudley says.

The ornamental grass called “morning light,” growing several feet tall, can be used to fill out your space. It has a green leaf with a thin line of white running through, so it will blend perfectly with other plants that are accentuated with hints of white, light grays and pinks. But most of all, the grass serves its purpose by rustling in the breeze and becoming a part of nature’s nighttime band.

Watching moonlight reflect off water is a sight to behold. Choosing to locate your moon garden by a pond or pool would be ideal, but adding a small pond, fountain or birdbath (in lightcolored stone) can make magic, too.

You may choose multiple solar light stakes to scatter about, but sometimes a single light shone on something that’s especially pretty in your garden will have more impact, Dudley adds. A set of twinkle lights wrapped up and down an arbor is especially attractive.

Because it’s all about the senses, wind chimes — even the softer ones that have a reflective piece that twirls and scatters the moon’s rays as it gets caught up in a breeze — will give you something fascinating to gaze upon and listen to.

Getting started

Dudley offers these tips for planning a moon garden:

n “Pick a spot that is mostly open to the sky, where you can clearly see the moon.”

n “Rather than planting five types of plants, plant a few in drifts for much more impact — especially at night, when you’re not going to see a lot. It’s all going to depend on the foliage or the bloom, so if you have that mass of things, it’s beautiful.” (She adds that we don’t want to get too busy and “pop everything everywhere,” because it takes away the soothing effect of a tranquil garden.)

Who says gardens can only be enjoyed in the daylight hours? We can find plenty of plants that aren’t ready to call it a night when the sun sets. Take some time to unwind in a moon garden, and you’ll soon be marveling at the natural sights, sounds and smells all around you. The moon has a mystifying effect on all of us — and apparently on the botanical world as well. ✦

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This kitchen is a timeless, modern classic with white wood construction cabinetry and white quartz. There were some challenges to overcome due to all the angles and multiple doorways in the room but the end result was phenomenal. The Aragons not only started their kitchen renovation but also added a large 2-story garage and covered patio for their hot tub.

Summer through the EYES OF A CHILD

REDISCOVER THE SIMPLE JOYS OF LIFE AND NATURE

BY SHELLEY BASINGER

One of the keys to happiness is finding wonder and awe, even in everyday life, according to a recent article in the Journal for the Association for Psychological Science Researchers say the feeling of awe engages five processes — including a heightened sense of meaning — that benefit our overall well-being.

This reminds me of my youngest children, ages 4 and 6, who still get so excited when they stumble across the small scenes in nature that adults like me often overlook. A fuzzy caterpillar crossing our sidewalk or a slimy worm emerging from the dirt bring these two so much joy. Far too often, I’m too busy heading inside to do another load of laundry to stop and appreciate these moments with them.

This summer, I hope you will join me in committing to a renewed focus on the world around us and finding new or unique ways to spend time with your family outside.

Here are a few ideas to get you started in Central Virginia: Explore a secret garden

RECOMMENDED LOCATION: Claytor Nature Center |

1844 Woods Road, Bedford

It’s a little off the beaten path for those who live in the Lynchburg city limits — but a trek to the Claytor Nature Center in Bedford County is worth the mileage. Most of the Claytor Nature Center land was donated to the University of Lynchburg by A. Boyd Claytor III.

Located off Route 43 in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the grounds include an 18th century farm and farmhouse and the Virginia Claytor Memorial Gardens (named after Claytor’s wife). You don’t have to be a gardening expert or even an enthusiast to be awed by the stunning arrangement of formal flower, herb and shrub plantings — all of which surround a reflecting pool with the Peaks in the background. And a fun nature fact: next to the farmhouse stands one of Virginia’s largest green ash trees!

Not only should you bring your camera, but you should also pack some sturdy shoes and binoculars. The grounds include a hiking trail system that takes you by freshwater streams, woodlands, wetlands and grasslands that include a portion of the Big Otter River. The Belk Astronomical Observatory and Ramsey-Freer Herbarium on the property are open only for special events.

The Claytor Nature Center is open to the public from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. most days. There is a $5 per car suggested donation. Learn more on their website: www.lynchburg.edu/academics/academic-andcommunity-centers/claytor-nature-center/.

PHOTOS: UNIVERSITY OF LYNCHBURG

Take your stargazing skills up a notch

RECOMMENDED LOCATION: Liberty University

Astronomical Observatory | 259 Lone Jack Road, Rustburg (Entrance located on Traveler Road)

An appreciation for nature also includes the natural wonders located a little further from our backyards — try 25 trillion miles away!

At the Liberty University Astronomical Observatory, visitors get a chance to view the planets, moon and stars through a 24-inch DFM Engineering telescope. This is the largest telescope in the region, and it sits about one story off the ground. The observatory also has 8-inch Celestron telescopes that offer a clear, wider view of the night sky.

Before or after your stargazing experience, learn more about the constellations and stars in the observatory’s instructional lab.

You must register before visiting the observatory and you can only do so 24 hours before the evening you want to come. Also, keep in mind that observation hours are highly dependent on the weather.

Visit their website to learn more: www.liberty.edu/arts-sciences/mathematics/ astronomical-observatory/.

PHOTO: LIBERTY UNIVERSITY

Brush up on your birdwatching skills

RECOMMENDED ACTIVITY: Lynchburg Parks and Recreation’s Hill City Birding Series

Do you ever spot a cool-looking feathered friend on your porch, but it flies away before you can make an identification? Then the Hill City Birding Series — a program of Lynchburg Parks and Recreation — is for you.

A naturalist leads participants through Lynchburg’s parks to look and listen for birds of the season. You can also learn how to use popular apps to identify birds and record what you see in nature.

There are opportunities to join this program at Hollins Mill Park (June 10), Ivy Creek Park (July 8) and Percival’s Island (August 12). You must sign up at least three days in advance.

Learn more and explore other nature-inspired Lynchburg Parks and Recreation programs on their website: www.lynchburgparksandrec.com/ programs-and-activities.

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Find a new walking path

RECOMMENDED LOCATION: Abbott Lake | 85554 Blue Ridge Parkway, Bedford

Take advantage of the longest days of the year by finding a new location for your evening walk. We recommend trading a few laps around the neighborhood for a spot with a spectacular view—such as Abbott Lake at the Peaks of Otter Lodge.

The 24-acre lake — named after the Blue Ridge Parkway’s first resident landscape architect and planner, Stanley William Abbott — also features a one-mile loop trail around its perimeter. Half of your walk puts the spectacular Peaks in full view; the other half weaves you through the woods at the base of the mountains. Bring your camera because you can capture some gorgeous photos as the Peaks reflect off the lake.

When you aren’t stopping to take in the beautiful scenery, be sure to pause and see if you spot any smallmouth bass, catfish, golden shiners, sunfish or blue gill in the Abbott Lake waters.

Start a nature-inspired journal

RECOMMENDED LOCATION: Your home backyard

Adults and kids alike can benefit from the practice of journaling, which is proven to improve your overall mental health. During the summer months, consider starting a journal that focuses specifically on the natural wonders around your home.

For some of you, this may look like stepping outside on your back patio and writing down what you observe. For others, it may include taking your journal a step further by describing how the scenes in nature make you feel or even crafting a short poem.

Then, there are some of you who may completely be turned off by the idea of flowery language. For this group, simply observe something in nature in which you aren’t familiar, do a little research on the topic and write down your new findings. At the end of the season, your nature journal can serve as a selfcreated encyclopedia of your neighborhood habitat.

Children can easily join you on this exercise. Fill an inexpensive composition book with their drawings about nature and even include a few treasures such as leaves and sticks.

PHOTO: JAMES RIVER MEDIA

ABBOTT LAKE

for summer Fresh design

Lighten up with cooler colors and breezier décor

BY JANE RENNYSON

Transforming your home from warm and cozy for the cooler months into light and airy for spring and summer doesn’t have to be time consuming or expensive. A few changes here and there can easily evoke that fresh, breezy feeling we longed for all winter. Here’s a quick guide to transitioning your style from season to season.

First things first, tidy up!

One of the simplest ways to freshen up your living space from season to season is to dust and declutter. It doesn’t make sense to spend time redecorating if your home isn’t neat and clean. Before you add anything new, do a quick walk through and eliminate your old and tired décor to make room for some new additions.

While you’re surveying the areas you want to change, consider rearranging the furniture. Modifying the layout of a room instantly gives it new life. Why not position your furniture so you can better see the outdoors? Make sure your windows are clean enough to enjoy the lush greenery and bountiful colors of spring and summer flowers from the living or family room, where you probably spend most of your time. Enhance that view by switching out heavy drapes and curtains with simple sheers in white or cream.

Fabulous fabrics and natural materials

Window treatments aren’t the only fabrics that can be altered for the change of seasons. Revamp your existing sofa and throw pillows with slipcovers in a lightweight cotton or linen. A new duvet can brighten up a winter comforter, and you can even layer a new rug in a soft, neutral tone over that drab wall-to wall-carpet. Put away heavy blankets made of faux fur and wool, and replace them with more breathable fabrics. Placemats, tablecloths and napkins in soft pinks, blues, yellows and greens are perfect for summer dinners on the patio.

Natural fabrics and materials are paramount to achieving that carefree mood we are aiming for as the seasons change. Add woven baskets, driftwood or seagrass on shelves, coffee tables or mantles. Introducing a small piece of furniture like a side table or ottoman in teak, wicker or rattan will do the trick as well. Coral, sea shells or starfish scattered throughout the house take our minds down memory lane of those treasured beach vacations.

Color and more color

An infusion of color into your home can brighten your mood and easily liven up your space. Choose your favorites and incorporate them around the house in unexpected ways. In the kitchen, you can purchase inexpensive colorful barstools for the island, or switch out your everyday dinnerware for plates with summer themes and bright hues. Add a pop of color with new dish or tea towels, an updated light fixture or by painting the pantry door.

Indoor plants and fresh flowers not only add color, but they come with health benefits as well. They purify your air and reduce stress. Search out a local flower farm or farmer’s markets for wildflower bouquets. Popular choices for low maintenance indoor plants include bamboo, mosses or succulents in a terrarium, peace lilies and orchids.

Although color can make a big difference, don’t underestimate the ability of an all-white room to have an impact in your home as well. And adding mirrors to an any room will help reflect the room’s light and make it appear brighter and more open.

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Smaller spaces have big potential

Bathrooms are a small space with the potential for a big change from season to season. Switching out rugs and towels in seasonal colors or installing a new shower curtain in an updated fresh pattern is a good place to start. If your bathroom cabinetry is on the smaller side, consider changing the paint color if it needs revamping. If you want to install traditional wallpaper, a first-floor powder room is usually a manageable size to tackle that project. However, peel-and-stick wallpaper is on trend and a perfect way to add color and style with less hassle and commitment.

Sounds, sights and smells of summer

When decorating from season to season, don’t forget to engage all of your senses. This will add to the overall feel of the house. Position planters filled with your favorite blooms outside so they are visible from many places inside your home. Add a fountain on your porch, and open your windows and doors from time to time to enjoy the sounds of water flowing and birds chirping. Add reed diffusers, candles and potpourri with your favorites scents of the summer such as lavender, gardenia, linen and lemon verbena. While you’re at it, incorporate a few new dinner and drink recipes to your entertaining menu and you’ll be ready to celebrate the summer with family and friends in your newly decorated home! ✦

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ere Ordinary Ends... Bedford Begins.

Sensational summer sips

Stir up some fun beverages from popular local restaurants

BY KATE ERICSSON

James Bond preferred his martini shaken, not stirred, Don Draper liked his bourbon in an Old Fashioned and Ernest Hemingway enjoyed rum mixed into a Mojito. Initially inspired by British punches, which contained spirits, fruit juices and spices in big bowls, cocktails have been an indelible part of American culture since the 1800s.

The first definition of the drink has been attributed to New York editor Harry Croswell, who penned this colorful description in 1806: “Cocktail is a stimulating liquor, composed of spirits of any kind, sugar, water and bitters — it is vulgarly called bittered sling, and is supposed to be an excellent

electioneering potion, in as much as it renders the heart stout and bold, at the same time that it fuddles the head.”

Cocktails rose in popularity with the availability of ice in the mid-19th century. Imagine a room-temperature margarita! Ice made spirits more palatable, and by the end of the century, most barkeeps had ice at their disposal. Prohibition put a damper on the ability to imbibe, but a post-war interest in Tiki culture started to rise in the 1930s when a man named Don Beach opened the first Tiki Bar in Hollywood. He was inspired by the Polynesian culture that he had experienced while traveling in the South Pacific, and shortly thereafter drinks with umbrellas were in vogue.

PHOTOS: JAMES RIVER MEDIA

The craft cocktail movement spanning the aughts was characterized by a revival of traditional recipes and methods in the bar industry. Made with premium spirits, fresh juices, botanicals and bitters, the craft cocktail offered the “mixologist” an invitation to innovate. Today’s bartenders continue to elevate the art of mixing a cocktail.

In its simplest form, a cocktail is a drink that mixes several ingredients, at least one of which is alcoholic, into one complete drink. The simplest cocktails contain just a few ingredients, while more complicated ones can have upwards of six or seven ingredients.

Low-alcohol and no-alcohol (mocktails) drinks grew in popularity in 2022 and are projected to continue gaining market share in 2023 and beyond. They currently make up nearly $10 billion of value in top global markets. Today’s mocktails are more sophisticated than the pink sugary offerings of the past. During the past few years, there has been a proliferation of companies and online stores such as Curious Elixirs and Seedlip that make botanical non-alcoholic spirits with no sugar. Mingle Mocktails has garnered a lot of press lately with its sparkling, fruity and low-calorie mixed beverages available in cans or bottles. Here are some unique summer cocktails and mocktails being served locally by talented bartenders.

THE BUILDING BLOCKS FOR A SUMMER COCKTAIL OR MOCKTAIL

Rosato Mio

With a bright rose hue, Ramazzotti Aperitivo Rosato is a fresh and fruity aperitif with special natural aromas of hibiscus and orange blossom.

4 ounces prosecco

2 ounces rosato Ramazzotti

Chiffonade of fresh basil

Add ingredients to a goblet with ice.

THE BASE

Vodka, gin, tequila, rum, whiskey or a non-alcoholic spirit option

THE BODY Prosecco, champagne, seltzer or fresh fruit juice

THE PERFUME Bitters, such as Angostura or Peychaud, liqueur, fruit or syrup

THE GARNISH Edible flowers, berries, citrus, mint, olives, herbs or rimming salts/sugars

Isabella’s Italian Trattoria

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Mocktail

2 lime wedges

1 ¼ ounces

simple syrup

4 large basil leaves

½ ounce sours mix (lemon and lime)

Splash San Pellegrino Limonata

Splash Soda water

Splash Sprite (optional)

In tin or glass, muddle lime, simple syrup and basil. Rinse tin with soda water and dump all components into goblet. Fill with ice. Top with sours mix, more soda water, San Pellegrino Limonata and a splash of Sprite for sweetness. (Beverage will be tart; Sprite is optional). Garnish with fresh lime wheel.

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Peaches of Saint Tropez

Glass: Rocks (with ice)

½ peach

½ ounce honey

½ ounce lemon juice

½ ounce orange juice

1 ½ ounces vodka

½ ounce Campari

Rosé Wine

Muddle the peach; add honey and muddle again. Add the other ingredients, except for Rosé Wine, and shake with ice. Strain in glass over ice. Top with Rosé Wine. Garnish with a peach or orange wedge.

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Blackberry Mist Mocktail

1 ounce blackberry basil syrup*

½ ounce lime juice Club soda

BLACKBERRY MIST MOCKTAIL

*SYRUP

2 cups blackberries

½ cup sugar

1 cup water

10 basil leaves

In a highball glass, add blackberry basil syrup and lime juice. Cover with ice and finish with club soda. Garnish with fresh lime wheel.

*BLACKBERRY BASIL SIMPLE SYRUP

Combine blackberries, sugar, water and whole basil leaves in a small saucepan, and cook until the blackberries are soft and juicy. Press the berries to release the juice as the blackberries cook down a bit. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and the blackberries have turned a bit purple. Let the syrup cool, and strain out the pulp from the blackberries. Store the syrup in the fridge.

Summer is the perfect time to perfect your own specialty cocktail or mocktail to serve guests at outdoor gatherings, dinner parties or wedding brunches. While you can probably get away with serving one singularly spectacular signature cocktail at your event, a well-stocked bar has the ingredients for options to abound. Just make sure you have plenty of ice! ✦

Milano’s Enoteca & Italian Ristorante 4327 Boonsboro Road Suite 7 Lynchburg

Be our guest Design a Room that Welcomes

BY MARGIE LIPPARD

In Disney’s animated musical Beauty and the Beast, Lumiere the candelabra, Cogsworth the clock, and Mrs. Potts the teapot charm and welcome the frightened Belle to the castle of their reclusive master, the Beast, through their buoyant rendition of “Be Our Guest.” They “only live to serve,” and their impeccable hospitality leaves no detail unattended. Likewise, you can take pride in hosting travelers this summer in a guest room that impresses, relaxes and enchants. Whether it's fresh flowers or beautiful bedding, the thoughtful details you add will make your visitors feel special and their stay unforgettable.

PHOTO: CURTAINS, BLINDS & BATH

PHOTO: CURTAINS, BLINDS & BATH

Delightful details

Nothing says “Be Our Guest” better than details that anticipate your guests’ every need. Bedside tables adorned with nice lamps, a carafe of water and glasses and a bouquet of flowers will delight your weary travelers. Offer your guests an elegant place to unpack their bags on a bench or a small sofa at the foot of the bed. Declutter and give your guests ample closet and drawer storage space. A fulllength mirror for dressing, a blackout curtain to hide the morning sunshine, a soothing sound machine and a cooling ceiling or box fan will ensure a memorable stay.

Mady Greer of Curtains, Blinds & Bath, an interior design shop in Lynchburg, thinks that hosting a visitor is the perfect time for a guest room refresh, from new sheets and window treatments to lovely accents. She says, “Many people come here [to our shop] because guests are staying with them. Make sure your guest room is fresh and clean. A reed diffuser will maintain the fresh smell. They are wildly popular, and you don’t have to remember a burning candle. Make a little welcome basket with extra towels, a toothbrush and toothpaste and a couple of bottles of water, and stock your bathroom well.”

Dreamy Bedding

The centerpiece of the guest room is the bed, and what better time for a dreamy bedding makeover than a visit by loved ones? You can be proud of your bedding investment when your guests wake and praise your mattress, sheets and sleeping pillows.

Consumer Reports ranks the Saatva Classic innerspring mattress first in overall quality. It has a dual layer of coils, memory foam layers, a soft pillow top, edge support and a variety of firmness levels. The Sleep Foundation rates the Helix Midnight the best overall mattress. This hybrid mattress (which comes in a Luxe version) features steel coil support, foam layers, a premium quilted pillow top and a cooling Tencel cover.

For a good overall mattress, Greer prefers a foam mattress. She says, “It won’t be too hard or too soft. It fits that middle bill.”

Like mattresses, sheets play a major role in how well we sleep. Cotton sheets with a high thread count are good quality and popular. Thread count refers to the number of horizontal and vertical threads per square inch: The higher the thread count, the softer and more durable the cotton sheets will be. Generally, good cotton sheets have a 200-800 thread count, but fabric and weave are also important. Cotton sheets come in several weaves. Sateen is silky and warm; percale is cool and crisp; twill has a dense texture and is durable; and flannel has a warm, soft feel.

Made of fibers from the bamboo plant, bamboo sheets are trending. They are eco-friendly, hypoallergenic and cooling. Bamboo sheets aren’t woven in a manner that counts threads, but their weaves are akin to cotton sheets.

Among cotton sheets, Consumer Reports recommends LL Bean’s Pima Cotton Percale. Among bamboo sheets, the Sleep Foundation rates the Luxome Luxury Sheet Set as best overall. Greer recommends cotton sheets with a high thread count, but she prefers Tencel sheets, which are made with plant-derived rayon. She explains, “I love to buy those sheets for clients because they are cooling to the touch. They are durable, wash up nicely and don’t hold wrinkles. I love a Tencel sheet rather than a Percale cotton style.”

PHOTO: CURTAINS, BLINDS & BATH

Mattresses 101

Mattresses are expensive, so it’s important to research various types before you buy one.

According to the Sleep Foundation, there are four basic mattress categories:

n foam

n innerspring

n hybrid

n latex

Made of polyurethane foam layers, foam mattresses cradle the body and give the luxurious feeling of sinking into the bed, but they can trap heat.

(Queen size: $900$1,300)

Innerspring mattresses, composed of a system of steel coils encircled by foam or latex layers beneath a pillow top, are supportive, firm-edged and breathable; however, they have limited motion isolation. (Queen size: $600-$1,100)

Hybrid mattresses, constructed with bodyhugging foam or latex layers and steel coils much like the innerspring variety, offer contouring, support and breathability.

(Queen: $1,500-$2,000)

Made with eco-friendly latex rubber, latex mattresses yield better bounce and aeration than foam mattresses but are more expensive. (Queen: $1,600-$2,000)

Sleeper pillows and shams

For Greer, nice sleeper pillows with medium firmness are a great way to make your guests feel comfortable without investing a lot of money. She elaborates, “Make sure your pillows are nice and have that medium firmness. Everyday sleeper pillows have a mix of Polyfill, foam or a fiber alternative fill. Stay away from down fills for sleeper pillows because of allergies.”

The Sleep Foundation identifies three sleeping pillow fill categories. These include natural materials, like down made of duck or goose feathers, cotton and latex; synthetic materials, like polyurethane memory foam; or a combination of the two, such as a down alternative made of polyester microfiber. Down alternative sleep pillows have the airy feel of down pillows, but they are hypoallergenic (unlike feathers), firmer and less expensive. Consumer Reports ranks the

Saatva Pillow “the best pillow ever” while the Sleep Foundation rates the Saatva Latex pillow as “best overall.”

Decorative sham pillows beautifully accent sleeper pillows, but they are not a substitute for them. Greer uses down alternative in her designer shams: “For my decorative shams, I use a heavier down or down alternative fill. It sits beautifully on the bed. It’s full and fluffy, but you may not want to sleep on it. “

Making the most of your space

Guest rooms can double as a bedroom and office, play space or sitting area when you use a sleeper sofa or daybed. Greer explains, “You can get a sleeper sofa that pulls up when your guests aren’t there. You can make it cozy with side tables and an accent chair. It gives you the look of a sitting space that doubles as a sleeping space when you pull the sleeper sofa out.” By adding a TV, a bookshelf stacked with favorite books and a bin of toys, you’ll create a cozy seating area to hang out with friends and family.

Transformative hospitality

In Beauty and the Beast, Lumiere, Cogsworth and Mrs. Potts display a warm hospitality to their guest, Belle, which was transformative. It broke the spell that entrapped the Beast by opening their hearts to love. Who knows what small miracles your gracious hospitality might inspire when your guest room makes others feel special and welcomed. ✦

PHOTO: CURTAINS, BLINDS & BATH

20331 Timberlake Road, Lynchburg

434-239-8133

KevinMidkiffDDS.com

EATING. TALKING. SMILING. CHEWING. PRONOUNCIATION. BONE STRUCTURE. PROTECTION. SPEAKING. BITING. PRODUCING SALIVA. PREVENTING HEALTH ISSUES. TEARING. CHEWING. SMILING. BONE STRUCTURE. EATING. PROTECTION. TALKING. PRONOUNCIATION. BITING. PREVENTING HEALTH ISSUES. PRODUCING SALIVA. SPEAKING. PROTECTION. TALKING. BONE STRUCTURE. EATING. PROTECTION. BITING. PREVENTING HEALTH ISSUES. EATING. TALKING. CHEWING. SMILING. PRONOUNCIATION. BONE STRUCTURE. PROTECTION. BITING. PRODUCING SALIVA. SPEAKING. TEARING. CHEWING. PREVENTING HEALTH ISSUES. BONE STRUCTURE. EATING. TALKING. SMILING. PRONOUNCIATION. PROTECTION. SPEAKING. EATING. PROTECTION. BONE STRUCTURE. TALKING. BITING. SMILING. CHEWING. TEARING. EATING. TALKING. SMILING. CHEWING. PRONOUNCIATION. BONE STRUCTURE. PROTECTION. SPEAKING. BITING. PRODUCING SALIVA. PREVENTING HEALTH ISSUES. TEARING. CHEWING. SMILING. BONE STRUCTURE. EATING. PROTECTION. TALKING. PRONOUNCIATION. BITING. PREVENTING HEALTH ISSUES. PRODUCING SALIVA. SPEAKING. PROTECTION. TALKING. BONE STRUCTURE. EATING. PROTECTION. BITING. PREVENTING HEALTH ISSUES. EATING. TALKING. CHEWING. SMILING. PRONOUNCIATION. BONE STRUCTURE. PROTECTION. BITING. PRODUCING SALIVA. SPEAKING. TEARING. CHEWING. PREVENTING HEALTH ISSUES. BONE STRUCTURE. EATING. TALKING. SMILING. PRONOUNCIATION. PROTECTION. SPEAKING. EATING. PROTECTION. BONE STRUCTURE. TALKING. BITING. SMILING. CHEWING. TEARING. EATING. TALKING. SMILING. CHEWING. PRONOUNCIATION. BONE STRUCTURE. PROTECTION. SPEAKING. BITING. PRODUCING SALIVA. PREVENTING HEALTH ISSUES. TEARING. CHEWING. SMILING. BONE STRUCTURE. EATING. PROTECTION. TALKING. PRONOUNCIATION. BITING. PREVENTING HEALTH ISSUES. PRODUCING SALIVA. SPEAKING. PROTECTION. TALKING. BONE STRUCTURE. EATING. PROTECTION. BITING. PREVENTING HEALTH ISSUES. EATING. TALKING. CHEWING. SMILING. PRONOUNCIATION. BONE STRUCTURE. PROTECTION. BITING. PRODUCING SALIVA. SPEAKING. TEARING. CHEWING. PREVENTING HEALTH ISSUES. EATING.

TEETH WORK FOR YOU. WHAT ARE YOU DOING FOR THEM?

Waughs Landing Drive | $519,000 Quality custom construction in Rivermont’s newest neighborhood, Blackwater Run Flint Property Group proudly represents these three outstanding developments: Cottage Hill, The Preserve at Oakwood and Blackwater Run.

For more than 10 years, Lynchburg Beacon of Hope has helped hundreds of Lynchburg high school students discover their potential and build pathways to a brighter future. James River Media’s Mari White spoke with Executive Director Laura Hamilton about Beacon of Hope’s ongoing success and big plans.

Laura, let’s start with some numbers: how many young people has Beacon of Hope helped send to local colleges and universities with your Stay Close, Go Far scholarships?

Since the launch of our High School Future Centers in 2012 and particularly with the launch of the Stay Close Go Far Promise Scholarship (SCGF) for the LCS Class Of 2019, more than 750 students have begun their college and career pathways through a Beacon scholarship. In the fall of 2023, we anticipate more than 1,000 total LCS alum in the Beacon of Hope/Stay Close, Go Far pipeline. The beauty of Beacon is that this support web is wide and timeless — we are here for our students and families, no matter where they are in their career journeys.

What kind of impact has it had on our workforce, our local economy, and our community in general?

In the decade Beacon of Hope has been around, we’ve had an extraordinary impact!

• In 2012, when the Future Centers launched at Heritage and EC Glass, a little more than half our students were pursuing college, certification, or on-the-job credentialed training after high school. In 2019-20, pre-pandemic, 85% of our students had a viable, accessible plan for college or career after high school.

• Since 2015, this community has invested $7 million in its students to pursue college, certification or credentialling programs.

• Our young people are becoming more aware of employers, careers and opportunities in our region. Our Scholars are completing their programs, returning to Lynchburg, choosing careers at our local employers, and recruiting other LCS graduates.

Do you plan to expand Stay Close, Go Far?

When we launched Stay Close, Go Far, we had raised enough grassroots dollars to fund Lynchburg City Schools graduates through the Class of 2024. We have continued to press Promise eligibility for our young people all the way through the LCS Class of 2027. But that’s not enough! Our dream is to create Promise in Perpetuity, raising endowed funds that will support every single LCS graduate to access free community college or the equivalent scholarship at one of our Stay Close, Go Far partners forever.

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You’ve just started a new program to help even more students. Tell us about Promise Pathways.

Many of us can attest: Pathways are often neither straight nor linear. We know this. And we especially were reminded of this repeatedly during the pandemic. Our students pause. They restart. Life, transportation, obligations, financial barriers — they can all contribute to exit ramps along the highway. No matter how clear a student’s Google map starts, the journey is rarely a straight one.

Beacon’s Promise Pathways Program is a pilot program this summer to reconnect with our students who have “paused” on their pathways. We’ll work with national partners (College Promise), our local employers, the Lynchburg workforce community and CVCC to help Lynchburg’s young people engage in our web of support, workforce preparation, career navigation and training. It’s our hope that the skills and credentials they achieve along the way will be stackable, transferable and lead to upward mobility. Some may go back to finish a certificate program so they can move from floor staff to Supervisor, others will regain their footing and find stable employment that allows for decent housing, and still others will connect to any number of resources to help them map out their unique next step.

I heard that Beacon of Hope’s internship program resulted in a daylong interview-palooza not too long ago!

Yes! Our High School Summer Internship program began in 2021-22 when we met with some of our local business leaders to learn more about the “product” of young employees they were seeing. What did they wish young folks knew before coming to work? What made employees successful and sustainable?

Following these meetings, we recruited a pilot class of 13 local businesses who signed on to “build this plane while we were flying it.” We placed 34 rising junior and senior high school students from Heritage and EC Glass with these employer sites across the region where they learned interview skills, job readiness, and on-the-job training.

That pilot was so successful that this year we had 23 employers sign on, and more than 175 high school applicants!

Fast forward to interview-palooza this past April. Together with our friends at the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance, we created a 2-hour speed interview event where more than 940 individual interview meetings occurred. Industry leaders were so impressed that many agreed to host even more interns than originally agreed. In all, 80 students will benefit from this experiential opportunity during summer 2023.

Beacon of Hope truly aims to home grow our workforce, and we do that not just by removing the financial barriers that keep students from entering or remaining on a college or credential pathway, but by introducing them to many opportunities right here at home.

What’s one thing you wish everyone knew about Lynchburg Beacon of Hope?

That Beacon of Hope serves ALL students of LCS. Beacon is not a program that you opt into — it’s a Promise from this community to our young people that we will prepare them for success, that we will provide them opportunities to move upward, that we will not disappear when their maps take a turn. The Stay Close, Go Far Promise Scholarships are an incredible investment by this grassroots community in EVERY SINGLE student in LCS. Most importantly, for our young people, college and credentialing is a means to a really positive end. Our dream is to see our local workforce strong, vibrant and filled with local talent who we’ve trained and retained. And finally, that we’re here to stay, no matter the winding pathway, or the pauses, or the restarts.

Picture-Perfect PANTRIES

BY GINNY SMITH

Easy ways to decorate and organize this high-traffic area

How many times have you bought tomato sauce at the store and returned home to find several cans of it taking up space in your cabinet? Or did you buy that new can in order to avoid searching through boxes, bags and other kitchen congestion?

As we all know, a well-organized pantry saves us time, money and, let’s face it, frustration. So, why do we overstuff our shelves? Tuck, shove and squeeze items in such a way that we don’t even know what we have? Why do we clutter our pantries with shoes, coats and other items that clearly have homes elsewhere?

Even though we may not fully understand the answers to these questions, we can create a pantry space that meets our needs for food storage while giving us a fresh start on kitchen organization.

Reimagine unused spaces

A separate room off the kitchen is definitely ideal for a pantry, but a designated area within the kitchen is also a great option for storage. Make use of oddly-shaped areas in your kitchen or empty walls to add cabinetry or shelving. Repurpose an old piece of furniture to use as a pantry or add shelves to the end of your island to create a small area for kid-friendly snacks. Also, you could add shelves to a nearby closet to give you the extra space you need. Simply look around your kitchen — and the areas nearby — to see if the perfect pantry is waiting to be discovered.

Decorate to motivate

Once you choose your space, take time to create a pantry that is as beautiful as it is functional. A well-organized space will motivate you to keep it that way! Think about what you’d like to store in your pantry, besides food, of course. Appliances? Seasonal items? Is the space large enough to include an area for pets with feeding bowls, food storage and toy baskets? Once you know what you want to include in the pantry, the fun part begins: designing and decorating.

Before you begin stocking your pantry, add a pop of personality to the space. Consider painting the walls a bright color and adding some patterned wallpaper between the shelves. Don’t forget the flooring! Gorgeous hardwoods, colorful tiles or even the right paint will give you a look you’ll love and motivate you to keep your space in order.

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GALLERIES & MORE

Organize and reorganize

Now that you have a freshly-decorated space, you’re ready to stock up, that is after you’ve cleaned out! Throw away all outdated items and those you’ll never use. Next step: organization! Check your inventory of baskets, bins and see-through acrylic containers. You can experiment with organization systems and then reorganize to suit your needs.

Try separating your pantry into zones, making them work for you and your family. Here are a few suggestions for categories: baking supplies, canned goods, quick meals, liquids, spices, fruits and vegetables, cereal and other boxes, portable snacks and lunches.

Put the items you use daily at eye level and the less-used items up high. Store snacks for the kids in baskets on the floor so that they can make their own choices. If you really want to make your life easy, put the items you need for meal prep in separate baskets. Then, when it’s time to make dinner, grab a basket and the items you need for that meal are already gathered.

Whether your space is a separate room or an area of your kitchen, you can reimagine, decorate and organize to create the picture-perfect pantry. Best of all, you won’t have to wonder if you have any tomato sauce!

Pantry Hacks: Tips for Better Organization

n A pull-out cabinet system with sliding shelves and drawers takes your pantry to the next level.

n If you have space, add a countertop to create a food prep area and to store appliances.

n Think about incorporating electrical outlets into your pantry design so you can use those appliances without moving them back and forth to the kitchen.

n Lighting is another important feature to consider. Under-shelf lighting enables you to see into the recesses of your pantry.

n So many organization options are available and easy to find. Shelf risers are a must to enable you to double your space. A stackable can organizer is worth the money.

n Wire storage baskets are great for potatoes and other veggies.

n Airtight food storage containers for flour, sugar, cereal and other staples can be labeled and will keep your

pantry looking neat and wellorganized. In fact, label every basket, bin and container to ensure that everything has a place and is returned to its proper spot.

n Corner shelves should have Lazy Susan turntables to maximize space and reduce clutter.

n Tray dividers make storing your baking sheets, pizza pans and cutting boards easy and efficient.

n Spice racks corral the small bottles and jars to make them easy to find.

n Make use of the walls with hooks for reusable bags, aprons or towels. A shoe bag on the back of the pantry door can also be a good deposit for boxes of plastic bags and cleaning supplies. ✦

WHAT’S HOT INpots

& pans

WHY YOU MIGHT WANT TO INVEST IN AN UPGRADE

BY KENDALL ATKINS LIVICK

We often procrastinate upgrading cookware because this chore feels like a bore. I remember many a wedding shower, mustering up half-hearted enthusiasm when watching brides unpackage pots and pans. Yet the hallmark of adulthood is when you realize you’ve reached the point at which you can feel genuine excitement while selecting cookware.

In the world of pots and pans, there are several ways to invest in quality, as well as ensure the safety and health of your family and guests. So let’s get to it.

OUTDOOR POWER SALES SERVICE DELIVERY

Questions before the hunt

Start with a few guiding questions.

n Are you a casual chef or is cooking your passion?

n Do you plan on making fancy and elaborate dishes or will you stick to the basics aside from special occasions?

n What is the overall aesthetic and feel of your kitchen? Is it an entertainment hub for gathering or an off-thebeaten path demolition site for messy creations?

n How much storage do you have? Do you want a variety of sizes or will bare-bones basics get the job done?

n What are your specifications in terms of eco-friendliness and health standards?

n How long will you reasonably hang onto this culinary set?

n Would you prefer a timeless staple that is classic and neutral or a fun statement choice in a signature color?

n What’s your budget?

n Perhaps one of the most important considerations is stove type: Is your stove cooktop a glass top, induction, gas or electric? Are the eyes of the stove smooth, coiled, or grated?

Material consideration

CAST IRON is a timeless option that remains nonstick if properly cared for. Cast iron, along with carbon steel are known for retaining their flavor throughout countless cooking processes.

CERAMIC is naturally nonstick, chemical free and easily washed with water and soap.

STAINLESS STEEL is known for its effective and evenly distributed heating qualities. However, it will be more likely to accrue tougher stains and lose its aesthetic luster over time.

55 Hicks Road Lynchburg, VA 24502 434-363-6936

The naturally chemical-free materials like cast iron and ceramics are options that haven’t gone out of style! However, if going with more modern materials, experts caution customers on avoiding chemicals like lead, cadmium (a heavy metal) and PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl), which don’t break down in the body or environment. PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) or PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) can cause toxic fumes that could lead to fever, throat and breathing issues, along with other health disturbances.

To play it safe in terms of health and eco-friendly products, do your research and make sure your chosen cookware gives you peace of mind when it comes to preparing and disposing of food. To research the cookware you have in mind, check out consumerreports.org, visit the manufacturer’s website or contact the company’s customer service department to inquire. When in doubt, go with a more timeless option.

Trending cookware brands like GreenPan and Our Place, advertise that they are free of toxic chemicals. Popular for their form and function, these choices add both a pragmatic and stylish aesthetic touch to the stovetop. These brands feature both timeless neutral colors like blacks, beiges and silvers as well as trending colors such as rose hues, sage greens and jewel tone blues.

Sometimes as our attitudes, families, houses and awareness levels shift, so do our needs. If thoughts of cookware can make you feel even the slightest surge of exuberance, then congrats! You’re officially a grown up. If not? Don’t worry. We’re not judging if you never reach this level of enthusiasm. Either way, hopefully this article gives you a starting point for checking a task off the to-do list.

Happy cooking!

Cast Iron Care

Cast iron remains a timeless material due to its flavoring ability, as well as its versatility. Used for cooking, baking, searing and roasting, cast iron shows durability when used both on the stovetop and in the oven. This material is also unfussy, requiring specific, yet simple care tips.

Do your research to make sure the pan or skillet you order doesn’t have extra special specifications. Some come preseasoned. If not, you’ll need to go to the manufacturer’s website or watch a video tutorial on how to season it yourself. A well-seasoned skillet is what prevents sticking.

Use a firm but gentle dish sponge to scrub the surface. Anything more aggressive, like a scrub made out of metal, could be too corrosive.

Washing can get a bit controversial. Staunch cast iron purists out there will turn their nose up to the use of soap. Other fans of cast iron recommend light soaping in order to get rid of stuck food. Either way, soak the skillet in warm water. Add a bit of soap only if you wish or when dealing with extra grime.

Dry completely with a towel.

After turning off the burner, immediately cover the whole surface of the hot skillet with a thin coating of neutral-tasting oil such as grapeseed or flaxseed oil. The combination of heat and oil create a protective nonstick coating.

Heat for a few minutes on the stovetop to make sure that every drop is dry. The goal is to avoid any rusting.

Once cool, store in a place free of humidity and moisture. ✦

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PHOTOS: JAMES RIVER MEDIA

BY SARAH NICHOLAS

5 Ingredient Favorites Summer cooking made easy

Does anyone out there adore grocery shopping?! Well, kudos to you if it’s your thing, but for this gal, it’s not a fun time! I would wager that most of you readers fall into my camp. How about going grocery shopping without a mile-long list? Better, right? I can almost hear the sighs of relief! These five-ingredient recipes will allow you to grab the small basket instead of the industrial-sized cart.

PHOTOS: JAMES RIVER MEDIA

First, here are some ground rules: salt, pepper, butter and olive oil do not count as ingredients (because you don’t buy those during every grocery trip). If we all agree, let’s see what’s cooking! These recipes are simple, flavorful and fun to make. They all can be easily made, so you have more time at the pool or in the garden this summer. Enjoy!

Crispy Butter Bean, Mushroom and Date Salad

Calling all vegetarians: this salad is easy and uses only one skillet — win, win! This dish is great for a weeknight when you want to feel like you are getting a good helping of veggies but still want to have a hearty meal. Some substitutions I make are using gnocchi instead of butter beans, mixing up different types of mushrooms or adding roasted pine nuts to the top.

2 tablespoons olive oil

4 cups mushrooms, chopped (use your favorites)

1 teaspoon salt

3 cloves garlic, smashed

2 large Swiss chard leaves, remove stem and torn or chopped

1 tablespoon salted butter

1 ½ cups canned butter (lima) beans, rinsed and drained

6 dates, pitted and chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

In a large skillet on medium high heat, add olive oil, mushrooms and salt. Toss together. Cook until mushrooms are softened with crispy edges and most of the water is gone. Add the garlic and Swiss chard and toss one more time. Set aside.

In the same pan, on medium heat, add the butter and beans. Toss together and crisp up, about 5-7 minutes. Toss in dates and heat through. Turn the heat to low and add all the ingredients back into skillet and toss gently. Cook for 1 more minute to heat through and season to taste.

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Browned Butter & Tomato Fettuccine

Perhaps the most simple, decadent and quick weeknight pasta out there! You can find all sorts of versions of a tomato sauce, but this one has five ingredients, takes about 10 minutes to cook and is packed full of flavor. I also like to “cheat” a little and top with parmesan, but in the spirit of five ingredients instead of six, here it is. You can decide on how rebellious you want to be!

1 pound fettuccine

I cup reserved pasta water

1 stick salted butter

1 6-ounce can of tomato paste

3 cloves garlic, grated

1 cup heavy cream

Salt and pepper to taste

Bring a stock pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta just shy of desired tenderness. Take off 1 minute from your “normal” cooking time. Save 1 cup of pasta water for sauce and drain pasta.

While water is boiling, melt butter in a sauté pan and cook on medium while swirling gently until browned, not burned, and until it smells fragrantly nutty! Turn your heat off and add tomato paste and garlic, and whisk in to incorporate. Note: the mixture will look slightly separated, but don’t panic. Bring back to low heat and stir in heavy cream. Salt and pepper to taste. Add the pasta and pasta water and toss until coated. Allow to simmer for about 1 to 2 minutes.

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“You made this whole (big, scary to us) process so flawless and easy! We cannot thank you enough for all you have done! We so look forward to our life in the Lynchburg Area.”

-Warm regards, M

Creamy Corn and Ricotta Tart

This tart recipe is creamy, sweet and totally summer ready! The ingredients are simple and a fan favorite in my house. The kiddos devour it, and it is super easy to modify with the addition of fresh herbs and cheeses!

1 pie crust (store bought is fine)

3 ears corn, removed from cob

1 tablespoon salted butter

4 eggs

½ cup heavy cream

1 pinch kosher salt, more to taste

1 cup whole milk ricotta

1 teaspoon ground pepper

In a 9” pie or tart pan, roll out the pie crust and line with parchment and pie weights (or dried beans) to weigh down. Partially bake in a preheated 350-degree oven for about 15 minutes. While the crust is baking, add butter and corn to a skillet, on medium high, and cook until softened and golden, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat to cool. Season to taste with kosher salt. Add the eggs, cream and salt to mixing bowl and whisk until combined.

Stir in the corn to the egg mixture and add to the tart crust. Dot the top of the tart with dollops of ricotta. Bake for another 45 to 50 minutes. Top with ground pepper. ✦

makeover A fresh

Renovations

BY CARTER HEALD BENDALL Photography by Michael Patch

Christine and Frank Crist graciously opened their house to HOME readers back in 2012. Fast-forward a decade and readers may not recognize the brick Georgian home located on Turkey Foot Road in Forest. Built 40 years ago, the house has undergone numerous renovations. As the needs of the family changed, so did the home.

Frank, a local dentist, and Christine, a former art teacher and artist, have worked as a team to design, build and renovate their home. The function of certain rooms has changed, as children grew up and moved out. In 1993, after adopting a child, the Crists set about adding on a main bedroom suite to the main floor of the house. Additionally, in 1999, they renovated their kitchen to bring it up to the standards of Frank’s culinary skills. Most recently, they have worked on lightening and brightening up the house, as well as adding more modern touches in the décor.

A ‘relaxed, playful look’

A gracious foyer features a painted cream grass cloth wallpaper, which sets the tone for the light and airy home. At the end of the foyer, a hallway leads to the living room, sunken den and kitchen. Christine has focused on updating this area of the house over the last few years with the help of Mady Greer from

Curtains, Blinds & Bath. Greer says that working with Christine has been easy because, “she has fantastic taste and style on her own.” The two have worked effortlessly together to make sure every room has its own personality but also flows with the rest of the house. Greer says her goal was for each room “to have a relaxed and casual look.”

2012

When the house was built, fir was installed under the chair rail in the living room and along the walls and ceiling of the den. Although beautiful and in style at the time, more recently, it felt dark and outdated to Christine. After some initial uncertainty from Frank about painting the wood white, Greer helped him see how wonderful it could be. The results were immediate: the rooms feel light and airy and allow the beautiful backyard, seen through the windows of the den, to really shine. Additionally, a small pony wall that separated the living room from the sunken den was removed to make the rooms feel more open and modern.

Christine and Greer used the lightening of the room as a springboard to update the rest of the den. Christine says, “Working with Mady is so great. I can be honest and she won’t be offended.” As a compromise for Frank, the pine beams and tongue-and-groove on the ceiling were left in their natural state.

“After some initial uncertainty from Frank about painting the wood white, Greer helped him see how wonderful it could be. The results were immediate: the rooms feel light and airy.”

The floor-to-ceiling windows bathe the room in light. Greer helped Christine update the lighting in the room to a simple gold arm chandelier with white shades. Christine commissioned local artist Kelly Mattox to paint an abstract for the space above the fireplace. Kelly created drafts of different options, and the two landed on a version that was heavy on blues, purples and greens. The large-scale piece commands your attention as you enter the room. A pair of neutral khaki-colored sofas provide ample seating, along with an ottoman covered in an oriental rug. This ottoman adds a dose of texture to the room. Tan carpeting covers the floor, and a baby grand piano anchors the corner.

Conversation spaces

In the adjoining living room, a light blue sofa provides a pop of color. It is covered in a Crypton fabric, which the hotel and cruise ship industry have popularized because of its stain resistance. This is perfect for a household with an 11-year-old, a dog and two cats. Having a preteen in the house has driven many of the design choices. The sofa sits atop a red oriental rug.

Two barrel-back, cream-covered club chairs reside opposite the sofa. They swivel so one can join in the conversation in the den as well. Greer oversaw the ordering of these chairs and even went to the factory to see them being built to make sure they were extremely comfortable. An acrylic coffee table situated in front of the sofa provides function, but does not take up any visual space. A collection of smallscale artworks grouped together to create a larger impact resides on the wall behind the sofa.

The kitchen and breakfast nook flow off the living room and den. Since the HOME article in 2012, the Crists have made a few small changes to the kitchen. Christine had Greer update the curtains, taking them from ornate swags to cleaner, lined cream roman shades with tape trim. The cream cabinets, granite and stainless-steel appliances have remained timeless and did not need updating.

In the breakfast nook along the back of the house, which used to be a screened-in porch, Christine has painted the walls cream and the tongue-in-groove ceiling white. Greer also created new woven roman shades for this room that help control the sunlight from the floor-to-ceiling windows. A cream kitchen table provides lovely views of the backyard pool. Opposite the table, a hutch displays Christine’s collection of blue and white porcelain. During down time in Covid, Christine personally

applied blue and white polka dot wallpaper to the back of the hutch. This addition makes the porcelain collection stand out.

On either side of the hutch are original paintings of marshes — one done by Christine herself. Christine’s love of art has spanned her lifetime. She enjoys adding original art to her collection and moving the art around the house to keep things fresh. Christine says, “I love going to the Lynchburg Art Show in the fall every year to find special pieces that I could not paint myself.”

2012

Colorful updates

Connected to the kitchen, along the front of the house, the dining room has also seen recent renovations. Greer helped bring new life to this room, which was formerly brown, saying, “We used Christine’s collection of Rose Medallion porcelain as our starting point and inspiration.” This chinoiserie porcelain features pinks, greens, turquoise and white colors. The hutch in this room houses the collection of Rose Medallion as well as crystal stemware. Christine has worked to pare down what was originally in here to make it less chaotic to the eye.

Above the two pieces of landscape art on either side of the hutch, Greer added modern brass art sconces to brighten the room, which only had one other light source: the crystal chandelier above the dining room table. Nestled in between a pair of windows, Christine recovered a cane-back settee with pagoda fabric in the colors of the Rose Medallion. Greer found this fabric for Christine, and they both fell in love with it. The newly redone curtains, panels of white with coral geometric shapes, were sourced to coordinate with the beloved settee fabric. A pale cream oriental rug rounds out the room.

As the dining room sits on one side of the front door, the front formal room sits on the other. This room was almost totally white back in 2012. To update this room, Christine added a new colorful oriental rug with tones of coral, pale blue and cream. These colors allowed for more Rose Medallion to be featured here as well.

Christine was able to continue using the cream damask sofa that was already in the room. She added two coral throw pillows for a pop of color and two abstract floral side chairs. A new large abstract painting and coral-colored silk curtain panels were also added to the room to modernize it.

Off the front formal room, in what was once the main bedroom, resides the library. Christine fretted over what color to paint this room, knowing she wanted some version of blue to work with the blue-and-white oriental rug she already owned. Ultimately, with the help of LED bulbs that brought in tons of light, she landed on a soothing navy blue. Christine added solid white lined curtain panels with geometric tape trim to also lighten the space. Bookshelves line the walls, filled with Frank’s cookbooks. He is an avid cook who voraciously reads new cookbooks. More of Christine’s collection of blue-and-white porcelain rounds out the décor in this room.

The upstairs of the house consists of four bedrooms and two adjoining bathrooms. The Crists’ granddaughter Willow now has her bedroom up here and looks forward to working with Greer to update this room for her 11th birthday present. In the bedroom that adjoins Willow’s room, Greer drew inspiration from a black, tan and gray plaid blanket for the color palette. She used an equestrian theme for the décor for the room, with carved wooden horses and equine pictures on the walls. Greer updated the curtain rods to brass and added a sputnik ceiling light overhead. A guest bedroom and playroom occupy the other rooms upstairs.

Outdoor upgrades

The outside of the Crist house has also seen renovations. Most recently, at the end of the pool, a pergola was taken down and a pool house built in its place. The pool is surrounded by more than 80 feet of manmade streams, expanded over the years, that culminate in a waterfall. At the bottom of the waterfall is a pond filled with huge koi. A netting over the pond had to be installed to keep blue herons from snatching the fish. Boxwood, camellia, laurel, Lenten rose and daffodils make up a large portion of the plant material.

The Crists absolutely adore this backyard and everything it has afforded them. Christine says, “During Covid, this was our sanctuary. With our granddaughter living with us, it provided fresh air and a science project all at the same time. We don’t know what we would have done without it.”

The Crists have been lucky enough to live in a house that has evolved with their children. Over the house’s 40-year lifespan, it has seen six children grow up within its walls. Time and time again, the Crist house has risen to the challenge of providing a warm and charming place to call home. What a wonderful track record. ✦

PROUDLY SERVING CENTRAL VIRGINIA FOR GENERATIONS SPECIALIZING IN ESTATE PLANNING

Thinking about estate planning? It’s not something to try at home! Davies & Davies specializes in estate planning and has been serving families in Central Virginia since 1951. HOME publisher Trish Roth sat down with attorneys Peter Davies and Jake Snow to learn more about what makes their law firm unique.

TRISH: PETER, A LOT OF PEOPLE MIGHT THINK A WILL AND AN ESTATE PLAN ARE THE SAME THING, BUT THEY’RE NOT. WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

Peter: An “estate plan” means different things to different people. It could be tax planning for wealthy individuals. Or it could mean nominating a guardian for minor children of clients just getting started in their professional lives. At a minimum, I think an estate plan means a power of attorney, a medical directive, a will or revocable living trust and a review of account titling and beneficiary designations.

TRISH: WHEN SHOULD SOMEONE BE THINKING ABOUT AN ESTATE PLAN?

Jake: Think about it (and act on it!) after any significant life event — a marriage, a divorce, a first child, a noteworthy uptick in financial net worth. If you already have an estate plan and have had no significant life events, review the documents around every three years or so. There’s no magic number, but it’s important to make sure there have not been substantive changes in the law.

TRISH: WHY IS ESTATE PLANNING NOT A “DO-IT-YOURSELF” PROJECT?

Peter: A bad will can be worse than no will at all. A will can transfer your home, your life’s savings and even your children which is why it should be done correctly. Experience goes a long way. There’s a reason we don’t cut our own hair; we rely on professionals. Estate planning and administration is 100% of our firm’s practice; it’s what we specialize in. We stay current on new laws and focus our worries on a client’s estate plan so they don’t have to worry about whether it was done correctly.

TRISH: WHAT’S THE BIGGEST CONCERN YOU HEAR FROM YOUR CLIENTS?

Probably the biggest concern is that people want to make things easier for their loved ones once they’re gone. We hear that and take it to heart. It’s important to us, too.

TRISH: YOUR CLIENTS REALLY APPRECIATE THE PERSONALIZED SERVICE THEY RECEIVE FROM DAVIES & DAVIES. WHAT ELSE MAKES YOU STAND OUT?

Jake: In addition to appreciating the value in seeing a specialist, I think people deserve an accessible lawyer. We don’t screen phone calls. I’m very proud of our turnaround time for documents, not making people wait to get their drafts. We see our clients on time. We try to treat people the way we want to be treated. The Golden Rule, I suppose.

TRISH: WHAT’S ONE THING EVERYONE NEEDS TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN IT COMES TO ESTATE PLANNING?

Peter: Find an attorney who is a good fit for you. This is an important undertaking, and trust matters.

Jonathan DAVIES

Peter DAVIES

Jake SNOW

Caring for the Wood that Stands Up to Weather

BY FERNE HALE

PHOTO: JAMES RIVER MEDIA

The allure of teak Teak is a low-maintenance wood if you allow it to age naturally and turn to a silvery gray color. Teak requires no extra finishes or treatments to last for generations. The amount of time it takes to weather varies based on the amount of sun exposure and the environment in which the furniture resides.

To remove moss, dirt and surface stains, an occasional wash using soapy water with a splash of white vinegar or bleach added and a soft nylon brush is all you need, plus a rinse-off with the hose. Pressure washing is not recommended as it removes natural oils and opens up the woodʼs grain.

To seal or not?

If you have new teak furniture, you can decide whether to let it go natural or opt to use teak sealer/protector to keep the original honey color. Keeping the teak color by using a protector is more work and requires repeated cleaning (at least once a season), but this gives the wood a layer of UV protection, prevents mildew from forming and creates a barrier between the wood

and the air, preventing oxidation that causes the wood to turn gray. Sealer also protects the teak from the oil stains that potato chips, ketchup and some drinks commonly cause on untreated teak. Before applying teak protector, let new furniture weather outside for one

or two weeks. Then clean the teak with soap and water or teak cleaner, rinse and let dry completely. Apply a thin coat of protector with a cloth or sponge. Wait an hour and apply a second thin coat. Let it dry for five hours before using the furniture.

Funderburk Iron Works serves the Lynchburg area with more than 25 years of welding and steel fabrication experience and 20+ years in specialized ornamental iron work — highly detailed and all handmade. From forging in the fire to the welding table, we can make your dream a reality.

Restoring its golden color

No matter how old your teak is, it can be restored to its original honey-golden look. Hereʼs how:

n Sand the teak, going with the grain of the wood, with 80-grit sandpaper to remove the top layer of dirt, debris and patina. An electric sander is fine for use on large areas like tabletops.

n Wash the furniture with a garden hose. While furniture is still wet, apply teak cleaner (mild dish soap mixed with warm water will also work) using a soft bristled brush or a spray bottle. For tough stains, add a small amount of bleach to the solution and scrub the entire surface of the piece. Let the scrub solution sit 1 or 2 minutes, then brush along the grain.

n Rinse the furniture with a garden hose to wash off the cleaning solution and allow it to air dry.

n When surface is dry to the touch, sand again with 220grit sandpaper. Be sure to sand in the direction of the wood grain. After sanding, use a dry rag, tack rag or blower to remove any remaining dust.

n Apply a teak sealer or protector if you want the honeygolden look. A protector can be used once or twice a year, always following use of teak cleaner. Apply the protector to all surfaces with a soft-bristled brush. Then leave the furniture to air dry for 24 hours.

Voila! All ready for summer!

How to Clean Sunbrella Fabrics

Nothing accents beautiful teak furniture more than clean cushions. Here are a few cleaning tips for Sunbrella fabrics. Note: Please read the manufacturer’s recommendations before proceeding.

FOR REMOVABLE OR NON-REMOVABLE FABRICS

n Soak in solution of ¼ cup mild soap and 1 gallon lukewarm water.

n Use a sponge or soft brush to lightly scrub stains.

n Rinse well to remove soap. Air dry.

n Clean the area from seam to seam, not just on the spot. This should avoid leaving a visible cleaning ring on the fabric.

MACHINE WASHING

n Consult the furniture manufacturer's recommendations.

n Remove covers from cushions.

n Close all zippers on fabric. Machine wash on a cold, delicate cycle, using a mild detergent.

n For severe mold or mildew, add 1 cup of bleach. Air dry.

CLEANING OFF MOLD AND MILDEW

n Mix ¼ cup mild soap and 1 cup bleach in a gallon of water.

Trust Matters

Lynchburg Dental Center offers services in the areas of family dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, teeth whitening, implants and restoration, dentures, and dental hygiene—ensuring confident, healthy smiles.

n Spray this mixture on entire fabric surface, and let it soak in for 15 minutes.

n Clean entire surface with soft brush, sponge or towel.

n Rinse to remove all soap residue. Air dry. ✦

Brad Lentz, DMD

Carrington Crawford, DDS, FAGD

Karen Kenny, DDS

DO IT yourself

Practicing the Eco-Friendly Four Rs: Repair, Refurbish, Refinish & Repaint

BY MARTHA S. COFFEY

Anew trend is sweeping the nation, and if the number of YouTube tutorials, Instagram posts and Pinterest pages dedicated to home improvement projects is any indication, the trend is here to stay. Homeowners young and old are rejecting the “buy cheap stuff, use it ‘til it breaks and then trash it” mentality. Instead, they are making eco-friendly commitments to buy higher quality home goods that can be repaired, refurbished, refinished or repainted instead of purchasing replacements. The reasons for joining the ranks of the multitudinous Do It Yourselfers (DIYers) are manifold with the most obvious being that fixing things saves you money by extending the life of your possessions and saves the planet by keeping so many old and broken items from going to landfills.

Other less tangible but nonetheless valuable benefits of practicing the eco-friendly four Rs include the bonding experience that occurs when family and friends work together and the sense of accomplishment that comes from learning new skills. With these benefits in mind, below are four questions to ponder as you select your first DIY project.

n Is the item worth fixing and the job worth doing yourself? Experts advise performing a cost analysis to make that determination. If the cost of the repair/redo is 50% or less of the replacement cost, then it might be a good candidate for a DIY job.

n Can you find a tutorial to teach you how to repair, refurbish, refinish or repaint the item? Let your favorite internet browser help you find detailed instructions with pictures.

n Do you have the tools and supplies you will need? Remember to include any purchases you would have to make in your cost analysis.

n Can you locate the parts necessary for completing the project? Include the price of parts in your cost analysis, too.

If you can answer these questions affirmatively, then you are ready to tackle your first DIY project. Just as practicing the three Rs as a student made you proficient in reading, writing and ‘rithmetic, practicing the four eco-friendly Rs will teach you self-reliance and reward you with savings and the satisfaction of knowing you are doing a good deed for the environment.

Repair a broken vacuum cleaner

Second only to large kitchen and laundry room appliances, the vacuum cleaner is the most critical tool we use to keep our households running smoothly and is a likely candidate for the first of the four eco-friendly Rs: repairing something.

have internet access and a modicum of patience. A quick online search will yield brand-specific manuals, websites for parts purchases and YouTube tutorials showing you how to perform innumerable repairs. Completing the project yourself will spare you the headache of finding a local repair shop to

Refurbish outdoor furniture

With warm weather here, we naturally want to spend more time outdoors. What better way to enjoy the summertime than to sit outside? For that you will need comfortable outdoor furniture, making the refurbishing of existing or new-to-you pieces a worthwhile activity.

If you have plastic furniture, a thorough cleaning with soap and water on a sunny day will return it to like-new condition, whereas refurbishing metal lawn furniture will require a more extensive list of supplies. To fix up metal furniture, you will need a drop cloth, work gloves, wire brush, a rust-dissolving solution, sandpaper, paint brushes and rust-inhibiting metal primer and paint. Begin by finding a shady spot or empty garage and put your nonslip drop cloth down. Don some old clothes, goggles and chemical-resistant gloves before beginning to remove every bit of rust and any loose paint with the wire brush and sandpaper. Count yourself lucky if this labor-intensive step goes smoothly. If stubborn rust spots remain, apply a rustdissolving acid according to the manufacturer’s instructions, hose your piece off and dry it well with old rags before applying a rust converter, which will chemically convert any trace rust into a solid substance that coats and seals metal furniture.

Finally, you are ready to apply the rust-inhibiting metal primer and paint in three light coats each. Following these steps and applying a little elbow grease in the process will yield impressively refurbished outdoor furniture.

Refinish a bathroom vanity

Patient homeowners can successfully transform outdated bathrooms without calling in professionals. Since bathrooms tend to be small rooms, they can relatively inexpensively be updated with fresh coats of paint or striking wallpaper and cleverly refinished vanities. Fortunately, most bathrooms have wood vanities suitable for refinishing over the course of several days. The steps include removing old paint or stain, sanding, priming and applying new stain or paint and then a sealer. These newly refinished vanities can be further transformed with the installation of new countertops, sinks, faucets and hardware, all by following the simple steps outlined in product guides and demonstrated in YouTube videos. Add the crowning touch to bathroom transformations by hanging new mirrors, installing new towel bars and investing in new towels and bath rugs in eye-popping colors. As in any DIY endeavor, if you feel ill-equipped for the job, call in a professional!

Repaint your front door

If you believe the adage about first impressions being lasting ones, then repainting your front door makes great sense. A single quart of exterior latex paint in a bold new color will give the outside of your home a radically updated look. Consult home decorating magazines and paint store employees to learn which colors are trending. (The Early Spring issue of HOME offered all the 2023 Colors of the Year).

Pick up paint store color chips and tape them to your existing front door to aid in color selection. Latex paint in a glossy finish is recommended, along with a companion primer. You can paint your door in place or remove it from its hinges if you have a storm door. Always begin by removing all the hardware before you clean, sand and then wipe down your door. Once these steps have been taken and you’ve got a tarp laid underneath, you are ready to prime the door, let it dry and then brush or roll on two coats of new paint. Your job will be complete when you reattach the new or polished hardware to the repainted door. With minimal time, effort and expense, you will have made an impactful update to your home’s exterior and gotten some valuable practice with the last of the ecofriendly four Rs.

Indeed, a lifelong commitment to repairing, refurbishing, refinishing and repainting your own or secondhand items instead of discarding them and buying new ones will make a lasting difference in our environment — all while sparking joy.

BOOST YOUR BUSINESS IN 2023

Reach more customers through strategic marketing with HOME magazine and WLNI

As you plan your marketing strategy, meet with us to reach a wider audience with HOME magazine and WLNI. These two mediums offer a unique way to bundle your messages to reach a larger audience in different ways. Both are hyper local, focusing ads and content to our local community, and both are targeted to adults with the disposable income to afford your products and services.

“Arthur’s Jewelry has advertised on WLNI for many years. In our package we create traditional 30- and 60-second spots in addition to the spotlight features and live call ins when we are in Antwerp Belgium on diamond buying trips. The WLNI listener is a very engaged listener. As a talk radio station, the listener does not channel surf during commercials because they don’t want to miss the programming. When James River Media bought HOME magazine, we jumped on board because we knew it would continue as the first class operation I know them to be. I have very few other advertising media in which our customers tell us by name that they came to our store because they like what they heard or read on WLNI and HOME magazine.”

Jim Messier Arthur’s Jewelry

“We have people all the time come into the store and say ‘oh I meant to come in but I heard you on the radio and so I turned around to come back in’ … and we have results right there that people are telling us right away, which is very unheard of for any of our advertising.

HOME magazine is great because it is so inclusive of small businesses in the area which we love and really value. We have people all the time that we go into their homes, and they have stacks of HOME magazine sitting around, and they will pull them out and say ‘I saw this in HOME magazine and I want it to look like this.’ It’s something that people hold on to; it’s something they bring in and show us — and yes we see results from it all the time.

The staff at JRM is super accommodating. If we need help designing an ad or coming up with the verbiage, they are great at that — we feel like it’s a great fit for our store.”

Ashley Hilbish Curtains, Blinds & Bath

While HOME magazine allows you to SHOW potential customers your products and services, WLNI offers you the ability to TELL your story in your own voice.

Let’s partner to boost your business! And you can experience success like Arthur’s Jewelry, Curtains, Blinds & Bath, Servus Capital Management and Terry Auto Group.

“Financial Advising is a very competitive industry, and I needed to find a way to promote my unique investment philosophy to a highly educated, high income earning demographic. I chose WLNI because it gives me the ability to truly educate and inform its audience on what sets me apart from other advisors. The results have been fantastic over the last 2 years – so much so that I recently added HOME magazine to my marketing plan. HOME reaches a similar audience in a different way – and truly complements the message I have been getting out on WLNI. The ability to layer my marketing strategy in these two different outlets, while being able to coordinate it all with the great team at James River Media has allowed me to focus on my business while they handle many of my marketing needs and most importantly continue to help my business grow.”

Allan Malina Servus Capital Management

“As we all know, it’s very hard sometimes to measure the return on our advertising. However, in my 31 years here at Terry Auto Group, I have found that consistency and covering multiple sources of advertising is the key for us. We started advertising ‘Deal of the Day’ on WLNI over 13 years ago. We have remained a consistent advertiser with them ever since. We have also been in every issue of HOME magazine for approximately the last 8 years. I consistently hear from folks who say ‘we heard your ads on the radio’ or ‘we love your magazine ads.’ There is no doubt in my mind that the combination of radio and magazine exposure from James River Media has improved my business. I look forward to supporting them as well as them supporting my business for many years to come.”

Mark Dalton GM/VP Terry Auto Group

Home DIY Projects for Beginners

Other easy projects for repair, reuse and repainting include:

n Repair a down comforter with replacement fill and some stitches — be sure to look up more info on fill weight and power. If it’s looking a little dingy, invest in a new duvet cover.

Soils, fertilizers, and amendments from Foxfarm, Coast of Maine, Espoma, Gaia Green, Dakind 420, Down To Earth and many more

Huge selection of bird feeders and bird seed

Animal feeds from New Country Organics, Tribute Horse Feeds, Diamond Dog & Cat Foods and others

Local honeys, produce (seasonal) and Virginia’s Finest Foods

Unique gifts

Lawn & garden supplies and plants

16075 Forest Rd, Forest (434) 525-1007

georgesgrowshop

www.georgesgrow.com

n Add peel-and-stick wallpaper to an old bookcase to give it a pop of color.

n Update worn or dated doorknobs or light fixtures with spray paint.

n Make worn couches and chairs new again with trendy covers.

n Wax sticky wooden drawers to help them slide in and out more easily. ✦

PHOTO: MICHAEL PATCH

BUZZ OFF!

Beat back pests with a mixture of repellents and elimination

BY PAULA PETERS CHAMBERS

The advent of warmer weather brings so much to enjoy: light-filled days, gentle breezes and temperatures that invite outdoor lounging.

What’s less enjoyable? Serving as the appetizer, entree and dessert for a horde of mosquitoes.

Mosquito bites come from the females in the species, who use the protein in blood to power reproduction. While the lifespan of a female mosquito varies widely — from weeks to months, depending on the environment — a female can lay hundreds of eggs in a short amount of time. For many of us, itchiness and swelling follows a bite. Sometimes, the bite can also be the gateway to disease, if the mosquito has previously bitten an infected primate (human or not). While disease transmission is more common in tropical and sub-tropical climates, no one wants that risk.

An ounce of prevention

To discourage mosquitoes and other bothersome bugs, first make it harder for them to find a comfortable habitat. Mosquitoes are happiest with dark, warm, damp places, because that’s where breeding is most successful.

Start by eliminating any place where water can collect and stand. This includes plant pots (pay attention to the drip dishes underneath), wheelbarrows, buckets, trash cans, abandoned toys, clogged gutters and plastic gutter downspouts that may not empty fully. Remove plant debris, like leaf piles, and fallen branches or trees. Keep grass and weeds trimmed, and dethatch grass yearly, to remove packed plant material at its base. Use a covered compost bin, not an open compost heap.

If you have a pond, consider stocking it with fish that eat mosquitoes or use a larvicide, which is safe for the fish, but not the insects. If you have a birdbath, change the water weekly. Change the water daily in outdoor pet bowls.

Another way to attack a pest problem is to enlist help from nature. A wide range of plants – American beautyberry, basil, bee balm, catnip, dill, eucalyptus, garlic, lavender, lemongrass, marigold, peppermint, rosemary and sage – serve as natural mosquito repellents, to varying degrees. Ring a deck with pots filled with your favorites, or install beds filled with growing pest-fighters. And use cedar mulch because cedar oil is another natural repellent.

Birds and bats are also natural predators. Hang a few feeders, to attract a variety of birds. If you’re not opposed to bats, provide a bat house. Ideal placement is 15 to 20 feet off the ground and in the open, where sunlight will heat it for five to eight hours a day. Don’t attach the house to a tree, which is likely to not get enough sun and exposes the bats to predators. Bats also need a water source, so if you’re not close to a natural body of water, add a bird bath nearby (but change the water often).

A pound of cure

Even the best prevention efforts can’t eradicate backyard pests. Mosquitoes are attracted by the carbon dioxide that people exhale, so if we’re breathing, bugs will follow.

One of the best chemical-free ways to keep pests away is to use fans. Mosquitoes can’t fly well in a breeze. Scientists also theorize that the moving air will confuse the bugs as they follow scent, so they won’t know where to alight. Other approaches are to use citronella and lavender candles, burn coffee grounds or use devices that automatically release repellents, though these don’t work well on windy days.

BAT HOUSE

A study published in the October 2022 issue of the journal Cell suggests that some people are more susceptible to bug bites because of the acidic composition of their skin. If you’re a bug magnet, try washing with a repellent soap on a day that you plan to be outside. Also wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothes, as bugs are drawn to bright colors and patterns.

If you are willing to include chemicals in your defense arsenal, consider the synthetic repellents found in a variety of sprays and lotions, all EPA-approved: DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus and IR3535. While DEET is the oldest and perhaps best-known, picaridin has been found to cover a wide range of insects by mimicking a chemical found in pepper plants. Don’t confuse oil of lemon eucalyptus with lemon eucalyptus essential oil, which is sometimes marketed as a mosquito repellent. IR3535 is a synthetic repellent developed by Merck in the 1980s; it has been used in Europe for more than three decades.

Additional chemical applications are available via foggers that can be used for short-term events or commercial broadcast treatments, which can last for several months.

Any time we step outdoors, we leave a controlled space and enter an environment that isn’t designed solely for our comfort. With some forethought, we can enjoy that experience more this summer.

For information about the most common pests in your area, the National Pesticide Information Center — npic.orst.edu — provides contact information for county extension offices. ✦

We had a huge magnolia tree removed and he came the same day to grind the stump. He was fast and did a great job of removing the stump and large roots. We highly recommend him and will definitely call again for any future jobs. Extremely professional work and the price was great!

- Marie G.

UNIFYING THEMES

design cohesiveness at home

BY CHRISTINA MOORE

Home décor can be overwhelming. With so many options available, it can be hard to determine how to make your home look put together without investing too much time or money. Thankfully, there is a way to achieve design cohesiveness throughout your home without breaking the bank.

Design cohesiveness entails using color, texture and shape to create a unified aesthetic within your space. By following some simple guidelines, you can create a cohesive home that reflects your personal style.

Curating design elements

When you’re tying together design elements in your home, there are a few things to keep in mind:

n First, think about the overall style or theme of your home. This will help you choose furniture, artwork and accessories that fit with the overall look.

n Next, consider the colors and finishes of your different pieces. Try to choose items that complement each other and create a cohesive look.

n Finally, think about the scale and proportion of your different elements. Choose pieces that are proportional to each other and fit well within the space.

By following these tips, you can create a cohesive design in your home that flows from one room to the next.

Choose a style or era

When it comes to design cohesiveness, one of the most important things you can do is determine a certain era or design style that pulls all your pieces together. This will help you create a look throughout your space and make sure that each element works together.

There are a few different ways you can go about determining the era or style for your home. First, take a look at the overall architecture of your space. If you have an older home, chances are it was built in a specific style, like Victorian or Edwardian. You can use this as a starting point for your design, and then add in elements from other eras or styles that complement it.

Another way to approach this is to start with one key piece, like a piece of furniture or artwork, and then build the rest of your room around it.

Whichever method you choose, make sure that you take the time to really consider what will work best for your space. Once you have a clear idea of the era or style you want to achieve, putting together the rest of your room will be much easier.

Don’t overdo it

When it comes to design cohesiveness in your home, there is such a thing as too much of a good thing. When every element in your home is perfectly coordinated, it can start to feel like you’re living in a showroom instead of a comfortable and inviting space. A little bit of variety can make your home feel more welcoming, so don’t be afraid to mix and match.

Break out here and there

There are definitely places in home design where you can break out of your style! The great thing about decorating your home is that you can make it unique to your taste and personality. If you want to try something new or different, go for it in these three areas:

n Your entryway provides a great place to make a bold statement. This is the first space that guests will see, so make it count!

n Have fun with your kitchen style. If you usually go for a more traditional look, why not try something more contemporary? Or vice versa!

n Experiment with different styles in your bedroom. After all, this is YOUR space to relax and escape from the rest of the world. Go ahead and mix things up a bit!

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Open concept homes

In an open concept home, the layout and flow of the space is important in creating a unified design. The furniture, décor and finishes should all work together. For example, you will likely want the flooring to be the same across the connected spaces.

Colors and textures are among the most important aspects of design cohesiveness. Choose a limited color and/or texture palette and use it throughout the space. This will help to create a sense of harmony and visual interest.

The final element to consider in an open-concept home is lighting. Use lighting to create different zones within the space and highlight certain areas or pieces of furniture. This will help to add visual interest and bring the whole space together.

Identify design threads

Use a repeated element throughout the home. This could be a certain color, style, material or pattern. By using a design thread, everything in the home will flow together.

Design cohesiveness plays an important role in creating a comfortable atmosphere. By using the same color palette, furniture shapes and textures throughout your space, you can create a unified look that brings all the different elements together. Whether it’s in the form of matching upholstery or accessories, coordinating colors and patterns to make your space feel cohesive is essential to achieving a harmonious interior design style. Remember, when it comes to finding balance in your home’s design, less is more. ✦

Securing your home

Team up old-school safety smarts with digital tools

BY JERRY HALE

Every homeowner deserves to feel safe and secure inside their residence. Unfortunately, in a world where criminals don’t hesitate to prey on those who aren’t well protected from break-ins, some forethought, behavior change and modifications to your property are likely needed to help protect you from potential invaders. While digital tools abound, don’t forget to take common-sense measures to stay safe.

Start with the basics

Begin your safety assessment with these routine precautions:

n Always lock all doors and windows when leaving home or retiring for the night.

n Install high quality door locks.

n Supplement the locks on sliding doors with a commercial slide blocking device, available online or from home stores, or a length of heavy dowel (an old broom handle will do) fitted into any sliding door’s lower slide channel.

Ride with the #1 Auto

n Set timers on a couple of lamps when you are going to be away after dark. Timers with “random-on-time” settings are preferred if you are going to be away from home several days in a row. For long-term use, choose timers that are ambient light sensitive so the “on” time will vary as daylight patterns change.

n Don’t let mail or packages pile up while you’re away. Stop your mail or have a neighbor gather up packages if you’re on vacation.

n Carefully conceal any hidden keys (definitely not under the doormat, above the door or in some other obvious location).

n Illuminate areas where a burglar might crouch near your doors and windows. Motion-detecting fixtures or bulbs inexpensively provide responsive lighting outside your home.

n Periodically trim back shrubbery that might otherwise provide convenient screening for a break-in artist.

n Keep valuables out of sight in a hidden spot, home fire safe or bank safety deposit box.

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Fight daytime break-ins

“FBI statistics show that the vast majority of break-ins occur during the day, when people are away from home,” notes Lt. Scott Arnes of the Bedford County Sheriff’s Department. “So locking up when leaving home is a no-brainer.”

In addition to locking up, you can also protect your home in the daytime with digital home-security devices. Prices for outdoor and indoor security monitoring cameras are steadily decreasing; most offer “apps” that will alert your smartphone whenever suspicious activity is detected and capture images of potential intruders. Additionally, signs indicating that your property is being monitored can be effective deterrents: FBI statistics show that 83% of would-be burglars avoid homes with security systems when selecting their targets.

Modern home security systems fall into three main categories:

n Wired local alarm system. This most-basic setup includes sensors on doors and windows that will set off an audible alarm when tripped. These alarms are not connected to a central monitoring station or any company operators and cannot be controlled remotely. Such systems rely on a piercing sound to warn intruders they’ve been detected and suggest that law enforcement may be on the way.

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n Wired digital alarm system. These systems incorporate multiple sensors connected to a central control panel that can shut off the system or alert authorities of an intrusion. Upon detection of a break-in or fire, they typically communicate with a monitoring call center that notifies appropriate responders and/or takes other action the homeowner may have specified.

n Wireless alarm systems. A wireless system will notify a cell phone app or a digital communicator via cell towers or Internet Protocol — as opposed to vulnerable phone lines — to alert the homeowner or a monitoring service to a potential security breach. Homeowners can also use their phones to enable/disable the system and to monitor, for example, the activities of a teenager left home alone or a pet-sitter who has been given access to the home in their absence. Doorbell cameras fall into this category and are both low cost and easily DIY installed. When activated by motion, they transmit a video image to the homeowner’s phone or tablet using an included smartphone app.

Enlist dogged determination

While some professional thieves may have experience circumventing in-home alarm systems, break-in artists are known to routinely avoid properties where they have reason to believe large dogs reside. A serious-sounding dog bark, real or recorded, will usually send a burglar to a softer target. Evidence of a sizable dog in residence — like a large dog bowl, bone, chewy toy or even grungy-looking tennis balls left conspicuously visible — may help redirect would-be burglars to a less-threatening “opportunity.”

Homeowners who are willing to invest a bit more in home security have options that include professional installation of a full array of indoor and outdoor motion-sensitive cameras, with digital recording storage capability. A quality system can cost well into the thousands but will provide a video record should

a security/safety incident occur as well as serve as an effective deterrent. (Burglars take notice of such installations and of window decals that warn a home is wired!)

A security professional will also make sure your exterior doors are sufficiently sturdy and your door and window locks are of high enough quality to defeat all but the most skilled of unauthorized enterers. Security specialists (ADT is one that gets good reviews) can perform an entire analysis of your home and recommend actions to improve your security posture.

As with other aspects of personal well-being, good home security requires your attentiveness. A conscious checkup now, before an incident occurs, is the surest way to minimize the likelihood of an inconvenient or potentially dangerous break-in. ✦