INSIDE BLOOM
Bloom-Winter2014:
1/17/2014
1:12 PM
Page 4
Make it a lasting transformation Christina Kunkle shares her approach to making changes into habits.
p. 13
16 Order up!
Kathleen Mania-Casey traces her journey to the Valley. your HEALTH
your TABLE p. 5
Feeling SAD?
your BEAUTY Gray with grace.
Bloom
p. 9
your MONEY Maximize your refund.
Winter 2014
p. 22
your HOME
Welcome back, ladies! Another season, another issue — take a moment, relax and see what the Winter 2014 issue has to offer. With the season’s short days, it seems as though time is moving more rapidly and, given the limited sunshine, it’s easy to get caught in winter’s doldrums (“Feeling SAD?” page 5). Add the stresses of inclement weather and work to the mix and the pressure’s on. Whether it’s a pot of soup bubbling on the stove to help thaw the kids after a day frolicking in the snow (“All in the pot,” page 22) or taking the time to decompress before you walk in the door (“Off the clock,” page 27), the Bloom staff has your household’s happiness at heart. Or, take the time afforded by snow and ice to add some pizzazz to your wardrobe. Local seamstresses recommend doing-it-yourself when it comes to creating the perfect ensemble (“Crafting your clothes,” page 14). Area certified financial planners share tips about tax refunds (page 10) — but be careful, the checks Uncle Sams cuts aren’t to be confused with tax returns (the forms due April 15).
4
Warm inside and out!
Key to success: reading!
Crafting craze Designing your own clothes can ease stress on the wallet, open doors.
p. 14
p. 24
your RELATIONSHIPS p. 10
Leave work at work.
p. 27
Local stylists weigh in on the great gray debate (page 9) and one reporter learns the importance of introducing children to books as early as possible (page 24), as she prepares to welcome a little one of her own. This season’s cover girl, Kathleen Mania-Casey, may be a Jersey girl at heart, but she’s certainly adapting to life in the Valley. She’s brought the flavors of her family in the form of simple comfort foods offered at Grilled Cheese Mania, her food truck housed on South High Street. Through hardship and triumph, Kathleen’s brought a little chaos and a lot of love to Harrisonburg. She shares her journey to the Friendly City on page 16. In this season of new beginnings and (sometimes abandoned) resolutions, know that the staff of Bloom appreciates each reader and hopes that shows through in this issue! Thank you for reading and, if you can stay warm enough, keep blooming! Kate Kersey Editor
Bloom Staff Kate Kersey, editor Candace Sipos, staff writer Katie King, staff writer Matt Gonzales, staff writer Sarah Stacy, staff writer Therran M. Dennis, staff writer Kim Potter & Sara Schu, account executives
Alice Bridges & Penny Anderson, composing Bloom is a publication of Rockingham Publishing Co., Inc. Copyright © 2012 Rockingham Publishing Co., Inc. 231 S. Liberty St. Harrisonburg, VA 22801 For advertising information, contact Kim Potter at 574-6224 or kpotter@dnronline.com or Sara Schu at 574-6227 or sschu@dnronline.com.