Bella Magazine - January 2020 by Bella Magazine

2020

january

inside

JAN UA RY 2 0 2 0

Issu e On e Hu n d re d S ixt y- T h re e

pages 4-5 Artist Carson Overstreet works with Jessica Durham of magnolia in Roanoke to show how incorporating art into your home décor can make a huge decorating impact.

2006-2020

page 7 Women take responsibility for so many things regarding work, family and home life. But for many, they often overlook themselves—especially when it comes saving for their future and investing for retirement. Gretchen Weinnig Beedle of The Conner Group offers a few steps in this month’s Finance column to making sure your financial future is secure.

Joey Coakley Beck Publisher & Owner jbeck@beckmediagroup.com

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editorial

For editorial consideration: features@beckmediagroup.com

Contributors: Gretchen Weinnig Beedle, Wendy Maxey, Member One Federal Credit Union, Hayleigh Worgan

pages 9-12 New year, new you! In this

month’s Mind Body Soul section meet the doctors of Shenandoah Podiatry and read their tips for taking care of your feet during these cold winter months. We also have 5 tips to ward off the cold winter weather. And there’s two product highlights you can’t miss!

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advertising

With over 14 years experience in Southwest & Central Virginia, Bella is the BEST advertising option with proven results, loyal readership, wonderful content, and an award-winning design!

pages 14-15 We’ve rounded up warm and cozy winter finds to get you through these upcoming cold winter months.

To market yourself and your business to the women of Southwest & Central Virginia, call us at (540) 339-6117 or email advertise@beckmediagroup.com

pages 17-19 Ditch the meal kits and put

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operations

For general inquiries: bella@beckmediagroup.com

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pgs

Sara Coakley Office Manager

your meal prep on autopilot with weekly delivery from Fresh n’ Lean and know you will get delicious, gourmet, HEALTHY meals ready to heat and serve. And if you’re in a rut with your electronic pressure cooker (or just got one and don’t know where to begin), check out the new cookbook from author, Sharon Matten, Shabbos Under Pressure.

page 21 Wendy Maxey of Star City Travel has tips to make traveling with the kiddos easier on everyone!

LLC

P.O. Box 107 Roanoke, Virginia 24002 (540) 339-6117 Bella Magazine is the property of Beck Media Group LLC. It is a free publication printed monthly and is distributed throughout Southwest and Central Virginia and beyond. The Publisher reserves the right to refuse ad space for any advertisement or editorial content the staff deems inappropriate for our readers. The concept and design of Bella Magazine, as well as the design, advertisements, art, photos and editorial content is property of Beck Media Group LLC and may not be copied or reprinted without written permission from the publisher. ©2006-2020 Beck Media Group LLC All Rights Reserved. PRINTED IN VIRGINIA

page 22 While everyone is slumbering the winter away, check out these 2 highlighted events happening this month: Women Rock 2020 and Opera Roanoke’s newest production Apollo’s Fire: Return to Sugarloaf Mountain. Get out, ladies, and don’t miss them!

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Transform Your Home Décor Using art as a starting point to transform your home

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{{ bella home }} PHOTOS & ARTICLE COURTESY magnolia

Jessica Durham (L) & Carson Overstreet (R)

Art is one of the most transformative elements of décor. It can turn a room devoid of personality into one that is filled with calm, happiness, or gravitas, depending on which mood you would like to create. A common misconception is your art must match the furniture. Richmond artist Carson Overstreet and Roanoke based interior designer Jessica Durham illustrate that art doesn’t have to match your sofa. Using accessories, lamps, pillows, and throws from Jessica’s shop Magnolia, located in Piccadilly Square on Franklin Road, Jessica and Carson demonstrate how art and styling can create a variety of looks around a Cisco Brothers off-white sofa and Taracea coffee table. Each piece of art is by Carson Overstreet and available for purchase at magnolia. The first vignette (left photo) features a landscape “Virginia Vineyard.” Landscapes continue to remain a popular subject for artists and art-lovers alike because they can create a window where one does not exist and are often depictions of locations the owner finds relaxing. Landscapes compliment a variety of design styles from the most traditional homes, to transitional, bohemian, and modern. This particular piece “Virginia Vineyard” presents a sweeping view of a vineyard at sunset with the Blue Ridge Mountains in the distance. This colorful depiction has hints of pink and purple in the sunset which is brought to the viewer’s attention even further by the selection of a pink and purple accent pillow. Carson and Jessica selected neutral elements including an ivory knit throw by Pom Pom at Home and white sheepskin pillows to add texture and dimension while keeping the focus on the art. A mercury glass lamp by Currey and Co. reflects the champagne floater frame on the piece without being too “matchy matchy.” White table top accents with greenery provide additional texture without competing for attention. A purple and pink overdyed rug ties the vignette together. Secondly, Carson and Jessica illustrate how Carson’s abstract landscape “Misty Water” can be styled. Abstract landscapes are a more modern take on the landscape while still maintaining a figurative subject matter. This genre has become much more popular recently as it works especially well with transitional design. This piece “Misty Water” (above right) depicts a water scene with tones of pale and navy blues and a hint of pink reflecting from the sky onto the water. Here, Carson and Jessica chose solid black and navy and neutral patterned accent pillows to bring out the darker tones of the piece. The bold pattern of the lumbar pillows and deep color of the solid square pillows is softened by their silk velvet texture. An abstract lamp by Currey and Co., recycled glass demijohn, faux shagreen box, and custom black and ivory books featuring the location coordinates of Blacksburg, Virginia reflect the cool tones of the art while allowing the focus to remain on the painting. A crystal votive holder and branches in the demi john bring in natural elements.

Abstract art is often thought of as the most “modern” of contemporary art, however, in this vignette, Carson and Jessica show how to style a colorful abstract piece with more traditional elements to ensure the piece would work with any décor. Carson’s piece “Cascades” (above left) features cool greens and blues with pink and yellow accents, it works especially well with a traditional décor because the brushstrokes are reminiscent of impressionist art. The one of a kind bird pillow is a classic floral botanical pattern with a a cheerful color palette that compliments the bright colors of the abstract. The selection of more neutral elements for the rest of the vignette, from the blush Lacefield Designs pillow to the chunky knit of the Pom Pom at Home throw blanket provide texture, but keep the setting neutral so the painting and accent pillow are the focus. Celadon Lamps by Arteriors add a hint of color and height but are not so vibrant that they compete for attention. A simple preserved moss in a natural driftwood bowl brings in a pop of green natural element while being low maintenance and easy to care for. Before you can begin to style your room to compliment your artwork, you must first hang your art. For art hanging over a sofa or a piece of furniture, a good general rule of thumb is to hang the art 10 inches from the top of the sofa, or at least 8 inches over a piece of furniture. Artwork that takes up approximately 2/3 of the width of your sofa is a good guideline to follow to ensure proportionality. For example, the sofa photographed here is 84 inches wide and the paintings are all between 48”-60”. An artwork larger than this guideline is ok, oversized art makes a more interesting statement than undersized art. Once you have selected your art and decided where to hang it, make sure that the nail or hook you are using is sturdy enough to hold the art. Once you have hung your art, select your accessories to either compliment the colors in your art or choose neutral, textured pieces to let your art shine. Carson Overstreet is a self-taught painter who began painting in the fall of 2013 after 13 years of non-profit work. She hails from Bedford, Virginia and currently lives in Richmond, Virginia with her two children. Her work focuses on impressionistic florals and landscapes, abstract landscapes and nudes on paper and canvas. www.carsonoverstreet.com Jessica Durham began working as an interior designer in Roanoke and the surrounding areas in 2008, but her interest began much earlier, watching her mother, who has had a lifelong passion for design. After encouragement from friends, Jessica began to do some design consulting, which grew to design projects and led to opening a furnishings booth in Black Dog Salvage in 2008. Following the success of this venture, she and her mother opened magnolia in Abingdon in 2010. The business continued to grow, and Jessica continued to work on both commercial and residential design projects in and around Roanoke primarily through word of mouth. At the time Jessica’s three children were small, but when the timing and location were right in 2013, she opened magnolia in the Forum Shopping Center on Starkey Road. In 2017 the store moved to a much larger location in Piccadilly Square. www.magnoliafurnishings.com

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Ensure Your Financial Future is Secure, Ladies

WRITTEN BY Gretchen Weinnig Beedle

The 2010 US Census Bureau statistics are eye-popping. Not only are the majority of women significantly less prepared for retirement than men, but women also face additional challenges building up a healthy nest egg. It’s common knowledge that half of all marriages end in divorce and that the financial consequences can be severe. But on top of that, with maternity leave, child-rearing and part-time employment, women, on average, work up to 13 fewer years than men (2010 Census Data). If you were to max out an IRA for those 13 years, you would set aside at least an additional $75,000 in contributions alone. Add to this the fact that the average age of a widow is currently 59.6, meaning most widows will still be well short of retirement and social security benefits before losing a spouse’s earning power in the household. Women take responsibility for so many things regarding work, family and home life. But for many, they often overlook themselves—especially when it comes saving for their future and investing for retirement. So, how do you take the steps you need to ensure your future is secure? First, take part in the planning process. Many women manage the purse strings for household expenses but do not play an active role in investments, insurance, or retirement-planning. While only 47% of women surveyed felt confident talking about money and investments, 92% were eager to learn (TransAmerica Retirement Survey 2018). Ensure you are included in all of the financial discussions your spouse may be handling for your family so that you can be informed and motivated to learn more. Second, start putting away money in your own retirement accounts through workplace-based retirement plans and/or personal IRAs. Intend to increase your percentage of income saved each year to keep building your

retirement savings. Even if you don’t work outside the home, only work parttime or don’t have retirement benefits through work, if you or your spouse have earned income, you can contribute to an IRA. These additional savings accumulate quickly and are a smart investment for you and your entire family. Third, get a thorough review of your homeowners, long-term care, and life insurance. Saving for sudden, unexpected expenses often gets us sidetracked from making sure we can replace needed income in the event of a major life event like the loss of a home or loved one. Be sure you have coverage that works best for your situation. Finally, seek out a financial adviser that you feel like hears you. Your priorities and concerns are just as important as everyone else in your household. More importantly, you want to feel comfortable with the individual who is managing your future finances. The relationship with an adviser serves both of you. Make sure you are just as happy with whom you are working, as the outcome matters as much to you as it does your spouse. And with women often outliving their partners by 5-7 years (2010 Census Data), it’s even more important to ensure you are working with someone who works for you. Gretchen Weinnig Beedle, Registered Representative offering securities through NYLIFE Securities, LLC (Member FINRA/SIPC), a Licenses Insurance Agency 131 East Lee Avenue, Vinton, VA 24179 (540)521-4711. Licensed Agent, New York Life Insurance Company. Financial Advisor with Eagle Strategies, LLC, a Registered Investment Advisor. The Conner Group is not owned or operated by NYLIFE Securities LLC or its affiliates. The Conner Group does not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. Please consult your own tax, legal or accounting professional before making any decisions. NYLIFE Securities, LLC and Eagle Strategies, LLC are New York Life Companies.

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Take Care of Your Feet Strong Foundations = Future Stability

Taking care of your feet often falls to the bottom of the to-do list during the winter months. However, people of all ages should be aware of the consequences of ignoring foot injuries and prevenDr. Natalie Hoffman (L) & Dr. tative care. Medical professionals, Dr. Jennifer Keller (R) Natalie Hoffman and Dr. Jennifer Keller, at Shenandoah Podiatry want to remind patients that their feet are just as important as any other part of their body. Winter sports injuries, dry, cracked skin, and daily stress can create serious health conditions. Stay ahead of them with these tips:

Use the proper winter preventative care procedures.

Apply lotion daily. Make a nighttime routine of doing so before bed. “Winter is a time when the skin can dry out and crack if not properly cared for. Additionally, toe/restrictive shoes can increase pressure to toes. The main goal is to prevent wounds,” explains Dr. Hoffman.

Don’t forget to rest.

Repeating an activity despite pain can compound an injury. Resting is key! Many foot injuries are stress related due to repeated trauma to the area. Make sure to rest and stretch properly. Dr. Hoffman reminds patients not to ignore their pain or hope that injuries will improve without treatment.

Wear proper footwear.

Dr. Keller recommends that patients replace their walking shoes every 300 miles or every 6-12 months (depending on walking habits). Your feet are worth the investment, and patients should replace their shoes when they are worn out. “I see people wearing shoes well beyond when they should have been replaced,” Dr. Keller says. “Wearing appropriate footwear is key to preventing injuries.”

WRITTEN BY Hayleigh Worgan which is why it’s just as important for a child to see a podiatrist as it is for them to see their family doctor. Dr. Hoffman reminds us that they can be treated early in life via “conservative methods.” “Intervention is crucial and often prevents or limits future problems as adults,” adds Dr. Keller. “As a local youth soccer and basketball coach, I firmly believe in the benefits of an active lifestyle. I have experienced children who didn’t want to run and play simply because their feet and legs were getting tired easily due to flat feet. Many times, the correct sneakers or shoe inserts can help tremendously.”

Most importantly, do not be afraid to visit the podiatrist.

They have each patient’s best interest at heart, and strive to keep each one mobile and living their best lives. Shenandoah Podiatry is a state-ofthe-art medical facility that has many non-invasive treatments for a wide variety of foot issues. Both Dr. Keller and Dr. Hoffman work to meet their patients’ needs in a way that is most beneficial to the individual. Paying attention to the small details because they make a BIG difference is one of the reasons Dr. Keller pursued this field. “My mom was struggling with a heel spur and I saw how much it was limiting her,” Dr. Keller adds. “She was so grateful to her podiatrist, and I saw what a difference he was able to make. I love interacting with people and making a more direct impact for individual than advancing science in general.” For more information on Shenandoah Podiatry, visit www.shenandoahpodiatry.com or call (540) 904-1458. Dr. Keller and Dr. Hoffman are actively seeking local businesses to co-host educational events in Southwest Virginia. Stay up to date on upcoming events and programs by following Shenandoah Podiatry on Facebook. Hayleigh is a freelance writer, independent author, and writing consultant. In 2017, she published her first novel. She spends a lot of time traveling and exploring new regions for inspiration, but Roanoke will always be her home. www.hayleighworgan.com

Bring children to the podiatrist when needed.

Foot conditions experienced by children may not go away over time,

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5 Tips to

Ward Off Cold Weather

Colder weather brings plenty of changes, especially in the ways you take care of your home and self. Especially when the temperature drops, extreme winter conditions can play havoc not only with your skin and health, but also your family’s comfort. Take steps to protect your family and household as the weather starts to cool this season with these practical tips: Take steps to help prevent the flu. As temperatures drop, the chances of getting sick rise. That’s partly because certain germs and viruses thrive in colder temperatures, and because the cold puts extra strain on your immune system. When it is cold outside, people are also more likely to spend time indoors (and in closer quarters) where germs are more easily spread. Do your part to help prevent the flu by washing your hands often and covering your mouth or nose when you cough or sneeze. Also be sure to stay home if you’re sick and avoid exposing others to your illness. Prepare your wardrobe. Colder weather outside means more skin sensitivities and dryness. Long pants and sleeves don’t just add warmth; they also protect your skin from harsh outdoor elements. When you haul your winter wardrobe out of storage, start the season on a comfy note by washing everything with an option like ‘all Free Clear Liquid Detergent or Mighty Pacs. (It’s the No. 1 laundry detergent brand recommended by dermatologists, allergists and pediatricians for sensitive skin due to its hypoallergenic formula. www.all-laundry.com ) Dress in layers from head to toe. Bundle up with winter accessories to match the daily weather forecast. For chillier mornings and nights, cover exposed areas such as

your head with a hat, neck with a scarf and hands with gloves. To accommodate warmer weather during the day, layer flexible clothing options to accommodate temperature shifts. Stay active. Physical activity naturally warms your body in the short term. In fact, shivering is your body’s natural physical response to generate body heat when you’re cold. Aside from the immediate benefits, keeping active during the colder months can help in other ways, too. A healthy cardiovascular system keeps your blood flow steady and strong, and a good circulatory system plays an important role in keeping your body, and especially your extremities, warm when temperatures take a dip. Nourish your body and skin. Preventing painful dry cracks and itchy, scaly skin is a job that requires attention inside and out. Externally, moisturize shortly after showering to trap in the water lingering on your skin, use extra lotion throughout the day on areas prone to drying and reapply lotion after washing hands. Remember to protect sensitive spots like your lips that can easily chap and crack. You can also prevent dry skin by ensuring you’re drinking plenty of water and eating a healthy diet with plenty of essential vitamins and healthy fats. j anuar y 2020 •

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{{ mind•body•soul }} Unwrapped Life Take the plunge and ditch your plastic bottles of shampoo and conditioner

You’ve seen the solid shampoo and conditioner bars floating around on Instagram. Interesting, but can they seriously work? You really, reeeeeally want to reduce plastics but you’re talking about our tried and true bottles of shampoos and conditioners we can’t live without. Or can we? We took the plunge and tried these little shampoo and conditioner bars, with a ton of skepticism (not going to lie). This thing that looks like a small bar of soap was going to give us the same luxurious lather and results from our ‘fancy’ salon products? We’ll be the first to tell you: We love these shampoo bars! Traditional hair care brands would have you believe that you need a bottled product to get salon-quality results: well, they’re wrong. Unwrapped Life bars are specifically formulated for certain hair types and concerns, without stripping the hair of natural oils, and they come ‘naked’, without excessive single-use plastic packaging (wrapped in kraft paper that can be easily recycled, or composted)! The result really is soft, manageable healthy hair. And not to mention, they’re also vegan, cruelty-free and color-safe! They say their bars typically provide 50-75 washes (with proper care and storage), which replaces 2-3 16oz bottles of traditional liquid product! Plastic waste (often found in packaging) is a BIG problem, and something as consumers, we need to start refusing! Did you know that only 9% of plastics are actually recycled and that over 79% of plastics ever produced are accumulating in landfills and waterways (that should be reason enough, but let’s keep going!). In the US alone, more than 552 million shampoo bottles are estimated to end up in landfills annually. One way to do your part (that works!) is make the switch to solid shampoo and conditioner bars; no waste, great hair and no compromises. Give these bars a try! We’re a convert and as our families use up all our bottled products, we’re replacing with earth-friendly and good-for-you bars. Learn more about Unwrapped Life on Instagram or on their website at www.unwrappedlife.com.

My Perfectly Imperfect Life 127 Exercises for Self-acceptance

The modern vision of success is tied to perfection: perfect job, perfect home, perfect family, perfect self. But this worldview doesn’t leave room for mistakes. Even connecting with friends on social media sometimes seems to require perfectionist outlook—and the pressure to be perfect often leads to stress, anxiety, and a host of other issues. Now, the editors of the internationally renowned magazine Flow have created a workbook for embracing the imperfections and mistakes in life: My Perfectly Imperfect Life: 127 Exercises for Self-Acceptance, a gentle, welcoming approach to self-care that will help the reader honor the things that make them unique— flaws and all. Filled with written prompts to shift focus, make small changes, and cultivate an open mind as well as charming illustrations by Dutch illustrator Karen Weening and quotes that capture sweet, relatable moments of imperfection, this interactive journal becomes a personal keepsake and source of motivation as the reader makers their way through it. This book is a tool to help embrace yourself— mistakes and all—with joy. www.flowmagazine.com page 12 •

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BellaFinds

Warm winter finds to keep you toasty this season

1 2 1. These slipper socks will keep you toasty this winter. Pudus prides themselves as a vegan and animal-friendly brand. Each product is made with ultra-plush faux-fur lining that’s cruelty-free so everyone can enjoy their warmth. www.ilovemypudus.com

PATCH natural bamboo bandages are for everyone! Offering a natural, convenient and effective alternative to common adhesive bandages, flexible fabric strips and other first aid wound care products. www.us.patchstrips.com

3. Give your immune system a boost with Everydaze

Essential C’s Konjac Jelly pouches. These convenient, Vi-

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tamin C packed, low calorie packs are a healthy substitute to sugary snacks, while boosting your immune system and promote inner beauty. www.everydaze.com

Moodbeli’s Cloud Powder is a must have for anyone who loves adaptogens, tonics and healthy glowing skin. Loaded with ‘tocos’ (rice bran solubles) and organic coconuts, this creamer is rich in essential vitamins and minerals that strengthen, tone and nourish skin from the inside out. www.moodbeli.com

Stay warm with Invroheat wall-hanging infrared room heaters! Decorative wall art that is also a safe and energy-efficient way to heat your space. No more bulky space

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4 heaters that take up floor space, Invroheat’s simple, safe and money-saving design makes warming up a room easy. www.invroheat.com

A California-based company combines the art of storytelling and fragrance to introduce a fresh take on candles with Anecdote Candles. Playful packaging, cheeky names, and alluring aromas come together to inspire old memories or spark new conversations. www.anecdotecandles.com

These delicious bars are full of wholesome ingredients like whole grain oats and organic coconut oil. They keep you feeling full for longer while speeding up your

6 metabolism. Bobo’s Oat Bars are gluten free, soy free, organic, nonGMO and vegan! www.eatbobos.com

Protect your hair with Boucleme Revive 5 Hair Oil, a weightless antioxidant multi-use oil and powerful tool within your curl care line up. Protect your hair from UV rays humidity, heat and environmental pollutants, while providing the hydration and revival to lack luster curls—all while smelling absolutely incredible. www.boucleme.co.uk

Dionis Goat Milk Beauty Balm—A 100% natural goat milk beauty balm will tame flyaway hair, highlight cheekbones, can be sued as a lip balm or cuticle cream and can also be applied to any dry spot to moisturize and repair. www.dionisgmskincare.com

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Fresh n’ Delicious

Finally a good home delivery subscription! If we really are what we eat, it’s time to step away from the microwave lean “cuisines” and pick up something slightly less processed. While it’s true that no single food will erase laugh lines or make you feel 22 again, a healthy diet full of anti-aging foods can boost skin quality, improve immunity, and more. However, eating well can be a time-consuming process with shopping, prepping, cooking, repeat and so on. You have tried all the home delivery subscriptions and meal kits (we have too) without much success... introducing Fresh n’ Lean! Ditch the meal kits and put your meal prep on autopilot with weekly delivery from Fresh n’ Lean and know you will get delicious, gourmet, HEALTHY meals ready to heat and serve. That’s right, no prep work on your part. The dietitians and physicians at Fresh n’ Lean, the nation’s largest organic ready-to-eat meal delivery service, understand the importance of using food to promote health and beauty and have already done all the work for you. The Bella staff tried these recently and we’ll be honest because a meal delivery of vacuum-sealed microwave packs had us completely skeptical. With an investment like this, you don’t want a rubbery, cardboard tasting meal in the end and, honestly, that is far from what we had. We were pleasantly surprised by the delicious, gourmet meals we ended up with. Mahi Mahi...flaky and fresh! Chicken thighs...moist and delicious. CEO, 28-year-old Laureen Asseo literally built Fresh n’ Lean out of her one-bedroom apartment! Their meals contain no artificial ingredients and are organically grown and their service offers a ‘cancel anytime’ promise. Choose from Protein Plus, Vegan, Keto, Paleo and High Performance options based on your personal dietary needs. Pricing starts as low as $8.14 per meal and you set the preferences and number of daily meals, as well as how many days per week. Give them a try and see how you CAN have delicious gourmet meals tailored directly for your dietary needs delivered right to your front door! www.freshnlean.com

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new cookbook Shabbos Under Pressure Makes Pressure Cooking Easy & Delicious The once-lowly and maligned pressure cooker has become the go-to kitchen appliance. You got one for Christmas and now don’t know what to do with it? This relic of your grandparents’ kitchen is not only improved and safer than ever before, but it saves time, creates more flavor, and conserves energy. Food writer and chef, Sharon Matten, has created a cookbook perfect for today’s busy kitchen. Shabbos Under Pressure is a traditional Jewish cookbook with a fresh and current feel. Cooking with an electric pressure cooker has become the preferred way to make delicious meals for the family faster and easier. The recipes and tips work for every brand of electric pressure cooker, whether an Instant Pot, Crock Pot Express Cooker or any other brand of pressure cooker. Crafted with Shabbos in mind, this is a universal and everyday cookbook as well, appealing to the novice home cook and the more experienced homemaker. The recipes offer a tantalizing blend of traditional and not so traditional, written with easy to follow step-by-step language. Each recipe is paired with beautiful full color photographs of completed dishes. Sprinkled throughout, you’ll find welcome time saving ideas, personal stories and delightful anecdotes. “Today’s Jewish home cooks want to feed their families with delicious, yet traditional, recipes more contemporary and faster. Today’s safer pressure cookers remove the fear of disaster and gives us a fabulous way to cook family meals quickly and easily,” says Sharon. If you can boil it, steam it, or braise it, you can pressure cook it! Cooking under pressure equals pressure free cooking with Shabbos Under Pressure. For more information, visit www.sharonmatten.com and enjoy the recipe below from Sharon’s new cookbook! “This is one of my all-time most interesting and favorite recipes. Yes, it’s really made with Coke. Truly. What’s cool about the cola is that the carbonation tenderizes the meat while it’s cooking, and the cola taste is particularly excellent. The recipe is super-fast to make with only a few easily accessible ingredients, it’s made with vegetables (healthy!), and you can have a cold drink of cola while preparing this yummy roast!” -Sharon Matten

Coca Cola Pot Roast

3–3½ pound beef roast 2 cups Coca Cola 2/3 cup orange juice 1 pound baby carrots 3 stalks celery, sliced lengthwise and cut into 3” pieces (or more if you like) 2/3 cup ketchup 1/4 cup onion soup mix

Place a rack/trivet into the EPC pot. Place the roast on top of the rack. Pour the Coca Cola and orange juice over the roast.Carefully arrange the vegetables around the roast. Pour the ketchup over the roast and vegetables, then sprinkle the onion soup mix over the roast/vegetables. Lock the lid and close the pressure valve. Cook for 55 minutes using manual high pressure mode. Naturally release the pressure for 30 minutes, then manually release the pressure. Remove the roast. Wait 10 minutes, then thinly slice the roast. Place the slices in a roasting pan or casserole. Top with the vegetables and pan juices. Serve hot or cold.

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Traveling with

Kids

WRITTEN BY Wendy Maxey

I don’t know about you, but the first time my son flew (on a plane) he was two years old. It was a short, direct flight, which made it easier, but I was still nervous about keeping him occupied—and keeping peace with surrounding passengers. To avoid their eyerolls and buy their sympathies, I gave them small goodie bags with ear plugs, gum, candy and a note letting them know this was his first flight. It went over well, and the flight was smooth sailing (for the most part). January is a great time to start planning your spring and summer escapades with the family. With that in mind, here are more helpful tips when you have the kids in tow.

If You’re Flying

Let your kids pack their own carry-on bags. This is a big part of travel preparation and gives them a sense of ownership. They can bring whatever toys, games, books they want (within reason and weight limits, of course). When the dreaded “I’m bored,” is spoken, just remind them to grab something out of their bag. Surprises are a big hit with kids, so pack some surprise toys and snacks. This is very helpful in a pinch. Even just small Lego sets, a new coloring book or a small travel game like Checkers does the trick. They get excited just to open something new. Make sure that you buy water once you’ve cleared the security process. Or take an empty water bottle and fill it up. You don’t want to be left at the mercy of the beverage cart! Lastly, and this comes from experience, please make sure your kids use the bathroom before the landing process begins—even if they say they don’t have to. Once that descent starts, you’re stuck in the seat for at least 20 minutes and inevitably they will have to go. Trust me.

Road-tripping?

Taking a road trip with the kids sounds like such a fun adventure. Reality sets in quickly—usually before you’ve made it out of city limits. (Cue the Griswalds in Vacation.) Your older kids will happily spend the hours on their favorite devices if you let them. If that’s the case, just make sure they are charged up ahead of time. If you want to avoid hours of screen time and truly make it a memorable trip, incorporate some road games. There’s I Spy, the Roadside Alphabet Game, 20 Questions and Name that Tune, to give you a few examples. At first you may get some eyerolls or drawn-out sighs, but eventually they will get into it. Or even find and read interesting facts about your destination. Emphasis on “interesting” here. You can even spend the time learning a new language! If you have smaller children, put an adult in the back seat to ride with them. This will help keep them occupied and help take care of any accidents that might occur (spills, toy drops, etc.). This is especially helpful if your child is still in a backwards-facing car seat. Let them get crafty. I’m not talking about slime kits or kinetic sand (although the latter would probably be OK in small amounts). More like

bracelet kits, art supplies (minus the scissors) and coloring sheets. My son loves to draw so driving is a great time to give him a blank piece of paper and let him go to town. Depending on the age of your children, this is a big one. Map out interesting stops along the way. This gives them something exciting to look forward to and breaks up the driving into chunks. For instance, I always looked forward to stopping at South of the Border on the way to Myrtle Beach when I was younger. These stops make the road trip part of the vacation.

At the Hotel

Once you’re at the hotel, inevitably there will be down time to fill—whether a rest break or a weather situation.

• Instead of gluing yourselves to devices or TV, spend some time

together. Bring some easy-to-pack card games like Uno or Skip-Bo.

• Bring a hoverball to kick around. You won’t break anything, and the kids can expend a little energy.

• Indulge in room service. It can be expensive, but even for adults, room service is fun.

• And if there is an indoor pool … problem solved! • Whatever you do, please let them push the elevator buttons! Hopefully these tips will help for your next family trip. Keep in mind that for all these scenarios, it’s smart to pack extra clothes and medicine in case of emergencies. And wet wipes are key—no matter what age! Wendy’s love of travel started at an early age with family beach vacations. Early on in her career she was managing editor of a hotel reservations website. Wendy is co-owner of Star City Travel, a Roanoke-based Dream Vacations franchise. Need travel advice? Call (540) 713-3068 or visit starcitytravel.com.

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Winter happenings not to miss! Check out Women Rock & Opera Roanoke’s newest production this month.

Women Rock 2020

Come celebrate the New Year with local and regional ladies who can help you with everything from financial services to skin care and well-being. The Women Rock 2020 ladies’ business expo will be held on Saturday, January 25 from 12-4 at the beautiful and spacious Vinton War Memorial! (This is a new location for the event!) Admission is FREE. Come for wonderful networking, excellent information and plenty of door prizes! For more information, or to find out how you can reserve a vendor table, please contact Sunshine Services at (540) 819-6335 or e-mail welcomesunshineboco@gmail.com. Find the event on Facebook for all the up-to-date details.

Opera Roanoke

Opera Roanoke presents Apollo’s Fire: Return to Sugarloaf Mountain on January 31, 2020. The performance begins at 7:30pm at Jefferson Center in Roanoke. Apollo’s Fire is a Grammy award-winning baroque orchestra, playing period instruments like the flute, lyre, and harpsicord, bringing audiences a unique and exciting concert showcasing music of the Appalachian Mountains! page 22 •

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Apollo’s Fire has played sold-out concerts at the BBC Proms in London, the Aldeburgh Festival, the Irish National Concert Hall, Carnegie Hall in NYC, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, among others. Learn more at www.apollosfire.org Tickets and all the details can be found on Opera Roanoke’s Facebook page or on the web at www.operaroanoke.org