Rescuing a Pet 101

BY JULIE FRITZ

In the midst of this pandemic, people have realized the need to have more love in their home. Pets can bring that love, and there are so many animals out there that need love, too. However, there’s so much to think about when you are considering adopting a pet. The thought alone can be overwhelming. Here are a few things you should think through before you bring your pet home.

MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY FOR THE COMMITMENT

Thinking about the commitment ahead is the first step to deciding if you’re ready to adopt a pet. Adopting a pet is no small task. Animals require love, care and affection. They can also be costly. You need to make sure you understand your responsibilities before you take this on. It would be terrible to realize you were not ready or prepared after the fact. Adopting a pet is more than just a warm, fuzzy feeling and snuggling something cute and little. It is a responsibility and a commitment, and you just need to be sure you’re ready for all that comes with it.

KEEP AN OPEN MIND

You may have thought about the perfect pet for you, but keep an open mind when you’re looking around. You might find the opportunity to adopt a puppy or an older dog, or a cat with special needs. You may not even realize how many different types of pets need a home. Decide what will work best for your family, and then go on the hunt to fall in love.

PREPARE YOUR HOME

It’s essential to get your house ready before you bring home your new furry friend. Set up a special space for your dog or cat where you can put their crate or bed and toys. If you’ve got a puppy on your hands, make sure you get your home puppyproofed. They like to chew, so make sure to keep trash and recycling under a lid or behind closed doors. Keep electrical cords covered and stow away socks, shoes and other things they might like to get their teeth on.

GET SUPPLIES

You can prepare ahead of time by getting some things you might need like a bed or crate, food and water bowls, a collar and a leash. It’s fun to buy lots of toys and treats, too, but you might want to wait until you know precisely what your pet needs and wants before you spend too much money. FIND A VET

Your sweet pet is going to need medical care, so make sure you find a vet that you can trust to help make sure your pet gets everything he or she needs. If you’ve never had a vet before, do some research. Ask the other pet owners in your life which vet they use. All of that will help you make the right decision.

PLAN FOR TRAINING

No matter what kind of pet you end up bringing home, they’re going to have to learn something new for sure. Talk about it as a family to make sure you have a consistent plan for all aspects of house training. When you’re all on the same page, it will make it much more manageable.

When you’re ready to adopt a pet in the Clemmons area, here are a few really great places to check out:

Godbey Creek Canine Rescue in Mocksville has a mission to protect, provide, promote and place rescue dogs within a two-hour radius of Mocksville. You can get more information by visiting their website at godbeycreekcaninerescue.org.

The Animal Adoption and Rescue Foundation (AARF) of Winston-Salem serves to connect rescue cats and dogs with loving families and helps foster the bond between them. Their website, www.aarfws.org, has all the information you need to get started on your adoption.

Forsyth Humane Society believes animal companionship enriches human life. They can help you prepare for and adopt the right pet for your family. Learn more at forsythhumane.org.

A HOME DESIGN CENTER IN CLEMMONS, NC

BY DENISE HEIDEL

For more than three decades, Andrew and Kelly Lael have been building and designing homes. In 2019, they re-branded their business, Lael Homes, and in 2020, they made plans to expand. Village Kitchen & Bath Design Studio is a perfect extension of their business model.

President Kelly Lael said, “We have been operating Lael Homes as a one-stop-shop for years. We take great pride in our ability to pull together options that simplify the process for our clients. However, we have long dreamed of having a design studio. We wanted to create a beautiful space that would showcase quality resources such as cabinets, tile, backsplashes, countertops, flooring, lighting, etc. Should our clients need window treatments, furniture, rugs and more – we are closely aligned with companies that can pull the entire vision together. Village Kitchen & Bath Design Studio has something for everyone.”

“Agree,” said Andr¬ew Lael, CEO of Lael Homes. “Our new design studio is a space where new possibilities can be imagined. While we are a licensed general contractor, and we can accommodate a new construction or remodeling project, we also welcome the opportunity to work with other builders and designers.”

Village Kitchen & Bath Design Studio is projected to open in March of 2021, and already, excitement is buzzing! “We are opening beside Pete’s Restaurant – a Clemmons landmark,” said Kelly. “Village Kitchens & Bath Design Studio is a woman-owned business with Andrew as my partner. We’ve been renovating and outfitting, and we can’t wait to welcome our customers to Village Kitchen & Bath!

“We have great partnerships with our vendors, including trusted names like Wellborn Cabinets,” continued Kelly. “They are a ‘Made in America’ line which feels great to support, plus they are a family owned business. We’re also proud to work with major vendors and boutique-style companies. We will be offering exclusive product lines and brand new releases that won’t be found anywhere else in this market. Our team is committed to sourcing quality products and we love being a small business that supports other small businesses.”

Andrew said, “It’s part of the Lael Homes difference. We have an uncompromising commitment to excellence. We stay on top of trends in the industry, and while we aren’t interested in being trendy, we understand that certain trends will have more staying power than others. We help our clients choose options that will work for the long-term and that will remain stylish over time. Wellborn Cabinets are an excellent example of quality and excellence. Plus, they produce product lines that cover a broad scope of options that will work with everything from a rental unit to a multi-million-dollar mansion.”

“The new storefront is the perfect next step for our growth plan,” continued Kelly. “In addition to Andrew and myself, our company is growing! We’ve hired an interior designer and project manager, in addition to our bookkeeper and office manager. We know there are a lot of exciting opportunities coming up in 2021. We know that families are looking for lasting quality that not only fits their home décor and style but also their lifestyle. Our showroom will give visual examples of how many possibilities there are to make that happen.”

Andrew shared, “Our business is relational by nature, and to that end, we’re branching out to coordinate packages, including builder packages, that will cater to custom builders and remodelers. We are available to assist to the degree that they need us, including a design room where builders and their interior designers can meet with their clients in our showroom.”

“Your home is always a great investment,” continued Andrew. “As we gear up for spring, we look forward to hearing from those who need to get the ball rolling on their own home renovation and building projects. We consider it such an honor to help families create the home they want to love for years to come.”

Village Kitchen & Baths Design Studio is a division of Lael Homes, a premier contractor and interior design business. Visit the showroom at 2661 LewisvilleClemmons Road in Clemmons. Call Andrew and Kelly Lael of Lael Homes for more information or for a free, inhome consultation. Visit VillageKB.com or LaelHomes. com. Call 336.546.7307. Be sure to like them on Facebook and follow them on Instagram and Houzz.

Lael Homes

BRINGS OUT YOUR INNER GODDESS Through Innovative Creativity and a Brand New Location

Since it’s grand opening in 2015, Aeracura Aveda Salon has become no stranger to bringing innovative style and care to Winston Salem. Over the last five years, the Aeracura team has not only continued to provide its highly trained expertise and commitment to its clients but has pushed the envelope when it comes to embracing new training and techniques to keep the level of care always rising!

Most recently, ambition and innovation came together in creating an exciting expansion with a second location, Aeracura Salon and Spa, which you can now find at 6265 Towncenter Drive in Clemmons.

The brand new location is a beautiful addition to the Aeracura family, staying true to its brand roots and mission. “Aeracura is the Norse Goddess of blossoming,” says Christi Bradham, owner of Aeracura Salon. “She is a caretaker of gardens and a muse for artists. The name fits because I see this salon as a place of beauty and artistry; the colors, location, and style of the salon were chosen intentionally to reflect these elements.” The new location is 2800 square feet of salon and spa ready to serve those community members looking to experience services that highlight their most beautiful self, while creating moments that help them embrace their inner goddess! Like most family businesses, Christi shared that it’s all hands on deck as they prepare for the new location opening. “My family has been working tirelessly on getting everything ready so that our guests feel as though they have walked into a whole new enchanting world! My husband Zach has been doing most of the construction, and he has poured his heart into the details to make this location feel as exquisite as our salon in Reynolda Village.”

The vision for this second location stayed true to that of the original Reynolda Village salon, with the importance of natural sunlight incorporated as much as possible. So, naturally, you can expect to walk in and be greeted by rays of sunshine throughout the space with its huge ceiling-to-floor windows. While it may seem like just a nice design feature, “Natural light is imperative to see hair color more vividly and see the fine details in the precision of a haircut,” said Christi.

The entire Aeracura team is very excited about the new salon but also that they will be extending their service menu to focus on more spa treatments at their new Clemmons location with luxurious facials, relaxing full-body massages, waxing, and brow and lash treatments. Christi described this exciting update as “a total mind and body experience to recharge and refresh!” Timing couldn’t be better for feeling refreshed and pampered with the spring season in full swing and the start of the wedding season here. Team members are always studying new trends and techniques while strictly using environmentally-friendly Aveda products made entirely of naturally derived plant and flower ingredients. The Aveda partnership helps Aeracura maintain zero harsh chemicals or fumes which can easily disrupt the natural and calming environment they strive to create.

One of the many things that sets the Aeracura team apart is they are heavily inspired by nature and take great pride in being artists of their craft. From their master and senior stylists, colorists, and estheticians to their makeup artists and spa coordinators, they genuinely live out the salon’s mission every day in their work by truly loving to make people look and feel their greatest!

BY TARYN JEREZ, PHOTOS BY SHAUN STOCKTON PHOTOGRAPHY

If you are looking to learn more and experience what the Aeracura team has to offer, you can book an appointment by heading to aeracurasalon.com or visit one of their two beautiful locations: Aeracura Salon and Spa at 6265 Town Center Dr. Clemmons, NC 27012 or Aeracura Aveda Salon at 101 Reynolda Village Winston Salem, NC 27106.

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Online Booking Available at Aeracurasalon.com

JAMIE LYNN PHOTOGRAPHY

The year 2020 will forever be known as one full of surprises. It was one thing after another, and for many, close family and friends were missed greatly due to our desire to keep them safe. As is the case with every new year, it is the hope that 2021 will be known as the year of positive change and accomplishment. I have always believed that our best moments in life are centered around delicious, quality food and drinks with our dearest friends and loved ones. While 2020 kept many of us apart, we were able to spend more time with those closest to us, especially around the dinner table. Because I was exposed to flavor combinations involving meats, cheeses and grains as a young child, I developed a love for these foods and the remarkable statements that can be made through them. I created charcuterie boards for close family and friends, and with some encouragement, decided to launch my own company. The Board Babe was born, and I hope these boards fill your bellies and your hearts! Below are some of my quick tips for making a board that’s right for you. I would love to chat more about how I can help make your casual evening at home, picnic outside with friends or business meeting a little more special and unique! Tips for Making a Charcuterie Board: • Mix soft and hard cheeses for variety.• Pick different cured meats like salami, prosciutto and sopressata. • Add a sweet twist with fresh fruits like kiwi, raspberries and blackberries. • Dark chocolate cleanses the palate between bites. Please come visit The Board Babe, Charcuterie Café & Lounge at our new location at 848 West Fifth Street in Winston-Salem. We have a variety of charcuterie, tapas, and wine/beer and a beautiful patio with plenty of outdoor seating! You can find me online at theboardbabe.net and on instagram @the.boardbabe

May Your Box Runneth Over BY TABATHA RENEGAR, PHOTOS BY JAMES STEWART IMAGES

As you make your way around town, you have probably noticed charming little cabinets here and there containing food and other items. They are Blessing Boxes, a grassroots movement of neighbors helping neighbors by making non-perishable food available anonymously to folks who find themselves in need.

According to The Southeastern University Consortium for Food Security and Health, 17% of the population in Forsyth County is food insecure, meaning they are in the state of being without reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food. In simpler, difficult terms, a large number of our neighbors don’t know where their next meal is coming from. We can only assume that this number is higher now due to the pandemic. Families who may have never found themselves worried about feeding their children are now struggling. The sad fact is, it only takes one “bad month” to plunge some households into food insecurity.

Blessing Boxes give us all the opportunity to support our friends and neighbors by stocking the shelves with non-perishable food items like canned soup, vegetables, as well as basic toiletries and baby supplies. And yes, even toilet paper! Every once in a while, you might even see a Blessing Box with dog or cat food to help those taking care of pets in addition to themselves. Items are anonymously donated and anonymously received. Like many folks, you may have found yourself doing a little stockpiling as you’ve done your grocery shopping lately. How can you resist when Del Monte canned veggies are four for $2.00? Or, Uncle Ben’s rice is a BOGO? Sales on non-perishables give us the perfect opportunity to think about the Blessing Boxes and how we can help a neighbor find what they need in a dignified way. You can even keep a box in your trunk filled with various non-perishables so that when you come upon a box, you’re ready. Even adding one or two items can make a big difference.

The morning that I was assigned this article, I had just returned from walking my dog for the sole intent of taking some extra boxed stuffing, cranberry sauce and mashed potato packets to one of the Blessing Boxes near our house. (Yes, now you know what Thanksgiving looks like at my house.) As Norman and I approached the box, a woman pulled over and got out to take a look at what was inside. I hesitated a little – unsure if I should leave her be or let her know I was about to add more. I didn’t want to make her uncomfortable in any way. Norman decided for me by giving a little squeak to catch her attention in hopes of the adoration he so craves. She commented on his cuteness, and I thanked her and said that I was about to add some more items if she had a minute. She put what was in her hand in her car while I added our items to the box, and then we began to walk on. She said “thank you,” and I said “it’s my pleasure, friend” and Norman and I continued on.

Although the exact origin of these boxes is unknown, whomever named them Blessing Boxes was a genius. Being able to open those little doors and place something inside is one of the greatest blessings on Earth.

Here is a short list of just a few of the Blessing Boxes in our community:

Lewisville United Methodist Church, 6290 Shallowford Road, Lewisville

Shiloh Lutheran Church, 703 Lewisville Vienna Road, Lewisville

New Philadelphia Moravian Church, 4440 Country Club Road, Winston-Salem Ardmore Moravian Church, 2013 West Academy Street, Winston-Salem

Habitat Restore Lewisville, 6499 Shallowford Road, Lewisville

Ardmore UMC, 630 South Hawthorne Road, Winston-Salem First Baptist Church, 405 North Main Street, High Point

Friedburg Moravian Church, 2178 Friedberg Church Road, Winston-Salem

Horizons Residential Care Center, 5900 Bethabara Park Boulevard, Winston-Salem & 101 Horizons Lane, Rural Hall St. Paul United Methodist Church, 2400 Dellabrook Road, Winston-Salem

South Fork Elementary School, 4332 Country Club Road, Winston-Salem