Author: c-magazine-writers

Finding beauty in brokenness. Rebuilding the ruins. Giving voice to the voiceless.
These phrases are more than talking points for 31-year-old Ebony Walden. They are the juxtapositions that have shaped her life.

(Photo by Cramer Photo)

Now a planner with the city’s Neighborhood Development Services, Walden has long been passionate about redeveloping urban areas. “Particularly,” she says, “low-income African-American areas, because I grew up basically pretty poor and on welfare.”

After graduating from Georgetown and the University of Virginia, Walden made it a mission to empower others. This year, she will train Charlottesville residents to affect change in their communities through the city’s Neighborhood Leadership Institute.

“I like the idea of citizens taking ownership of their spaces,” she says. Ultimately, Walden wants to hear more people say, “This is my community, and I want to work in partnership with the government, but I have some agency in this, as well.”

The multi-talented planner sees poetry as another way to express agency. In 2009, she founded WordSmith Poetry and began hosting monthly jams. Last year, she traveled to 17 countries on her Poetic Justice World Tour.

“The world is such a beautiful place, but it’s also such a broken place,” says Walden. “I think there’s a lot of beauty in the broken spaces.”—Taylor Harris

On poetry jams:
“I just wanted to create an environment where people’s voices could be heard. In our society, where do we have a forum where people’s voices are actually heard with equal weight? Just listening to one another and affirming one another and supporting one another. To me, it wasn’t necessarily about the poetry, which I love. It was about the open forum.”

On hope:
“If I’m a person who has come out of poverty and was able to go to Georgetown and UVA and be an urban planner…my pain—if I offer that to somebody—will be hope for somebody else. That will be hope for the child in the projects in poverty to be like, ‘I can do it.’”

On confidence:
“It really comes from having your identity in the right place. It’s having my identity in Christ
—that I know who I am. That I’m completely loved and completely accepted…All I have to do
is be me, and that’s great. I have a lot of flaws, but I think I’m coming into what it means to be completely myself, because that’s who God has made me.”

(Photo by Cramer Photo)

Age: 71
We recognize her for…

Her professional accomplishments. Already a celebrated artist, the German native turned her attention to writing in 2004 when she published My Father’s House, a memoir about growing up in wartime Germany, which she says is her greatest achievement.

Her poise. A single phrase accompanies each e-mailed reply from the author: “In your body is a good place to be.” It’s one of her favorite quotes and an apt reminder for the rest of us. To maintain her physique, the Scottsville resident begins her day with a 7am walk, followed by a swim, writing or painting, then an afternoon of Pilates and meditation. And, she says, “all the tumult on the farm knocking at my door.”

Her style. She’s a regular on Ari Seth Cohen’s Advanced Style site, a Sartorialist-style blog dedicated to ladies over 60. With her blue hair and artfully arranged outfits (“Creativity out of necessity,” she calls it), Ost often catches the attention of passersby.

Her sense of style extends beyond her person, too. The artist’s Scottsville estate, which she shares with husband Ludwig Kuttner, is a fantasy land, filled to the brim with her own sculptures and treasures collected over seven decades. Isn’t she fabulous?

Love schtick
Leaves falling from the trees, snuggly sweaters and cool, crisp autumn air—it’s the perfect recipe for romance, no? This fall, cozy up to your special someone and keep these tips, from Angelo owners Pam and Lee Marraccini, in mind. More than 35 years of marriage and they own, of all things, a jewelry store? It doesn’t get much more romantic than that.

Begin with a similar value system.

“We were both raised with very similar backgrounds, in third generation Italian families. We began from the same base. It was much easier to understand each other and understand each others’ families; there was one less stressor at the beginning having that.”

Laugh together and enjoy each other’s company.

“One of the things that I liked about Lee most was that I had never felt so at ease with any other guy I had met before him. He laughed at my jokes. He thought I was funny. And the fact that I was even joking was a sign of how at ease I was with him. I noticed that and thought, No one else thinks I’m funny like he does. And in a way, that was a form of support and appreciation that I never experienced before.”

Develop a respect for each other’s independence.

“We naturally support each others’ individual interests, time spent with friends without each other. We work and live together, so there isn’t a lot of time apart. He travels to shows and yoga workshops without me. I travel to meditation retreats without him. We pursue our own interests.”

Pay attention to each other.

“We listen to each other as a habit. We don’t tune each other out. We may not agree at all times, but we honor the other person’s right to have their own opinion. We are together a lot. We often have lunch together. We cook and eat dinner together, sitting at a table on the screened in porch.”

Have patience and faith to overcome difficulties that arise.

“A happy marriage is something you have to work at, in the everyday, mundane sort of way.”

Go deep
This football season, you don’t have to be a UVA wide receiver to train like one. We asked Hyam Hosny, owner of Clay Fitness + Nutrition, for explosive drills that’ll get you fit without getting you tackled.

Side-To-Side Ladder: Jump so that your right foot lands in the ladder’s first box and your left foot lands outside. Alternate feet moving forward so that your left foot lands inside the second box and your right stays outside. Continue for five lengths of the ladder, and complete five sets.

Kettlebell Snatch with Proposal Lunge: Assume the proposal position (no diamond necessary) with your right knee down and kettlebell hanging at your right side. Quickly push off your left foot and stand, snatching the bell straight over your head. Exercise control by keeping your right foot suspended as you stand. Try 15 snatches with each arm.

Body Bar Battling: Face your partner, each of you holding a weighted body bar at a 45-degree angle. Touch the bars in the center to form an “X.” Push against each other, fully extending your arms. Then re-cross your bars, each of you forming the opposite “leg” of the “X.” Repeat for two one-minute drills.

TRX Atomic Press: For the athletically daring, Hyam recommends TRX® Suspension Training®. Place both feet inside the rings and assume a plank position. Draw your knees to your chest while lifting your hips toward the ceiling. Pause at the top before releasing back through the plank position and doing a push up.—Taylor Harris

Get outta town
It takes adulthood and a full-time job to teach us just how much can be seen and done in 48 hours. Fortunately, our state boasts leaf-peeping locales complete with charming B&Bs all close enough for the relaxation to begin before you can say, “Are we there yet?”—Megan Headley

Luray
Only an hour and a half north in the Shenandoah Valley is this town known for its beautiful caverns, which make up a 4 million-year-old underworld. Above ground, in addition to the 360 degree views that the Skyline Drive lookouts and Shenandoah National Park hiking trails afford, is an ornamental garden maze that’s just too much fun not to attempt. When you find your way out, head straight to the Woodruff House—a Victorian B&B with jacuzzis and fireplaces in every room.

Staunton
Head an hour west on I-64 during the peak of fall’s foliage and you’ll no longer take this neighboring town for granted. With top notch restaurants, like Staunton Grocery and Zynodoa serving the best of local ingredients, along with Shakespeare at the Blackfriars Playhouse and live music at the Mockingbird, you’ll want at least 48 hours here. For in-town lodging, try the Frederick House, or for a countryside feel, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage is straight out of England.

Williamsburg
We all have the faded childhood photo of our heads in the stockades, but this town (along with nearby Jamestown and Yorktown) just two hours east on I-64 has tons to offer beyond its colonial schtick. The Berkeley plantation and mansion along the James River marks the site of the first official Thanksgiving in 1619 and offers stunning views from boxwood terraces and flowered gardens. For lodging, the Williamsburg Manor is about as quintessential as B&Bs go.

She was a day tripper
Desperate for a change of scenery, but want to be home in time to feed the dog? We’re blessed with beauty less than an hour east, west, north and south of us.

East: Just 10 minutes on 250E and you’ll feel a million miles away upon entering Keswick Hall’s idyllic property. Treat yourself to lunch or cocktails on the terrace or taste wine at nearby Keswick Vineyards.

West: Just past Crozet is the pastoral town of Afton, where wineries like Afton Mountain, Pollak and Veritas have wine as appealing as the views. Beer lovers can get a local pint at Blue Mountain Brewery and foodies can fill up on local produce at amFog.

North: Orange County’s Montpelier, the home of James Madison, holds its “Fall Big Woods Walk” around the 200-acre Landmark Forest on October 16, and the famous steeplechase horse races on November 5.

South: The half hour drive down Route 20 to Scottsville is country driving at its best, especially when your trip continues in a canoe or kayak down the James River surrounded by autumn’s array of colors.—M.H.

Listen in
Charlottesville’s own Lindsay Pitts, of the indie rock duo Birdlips, may be off touring the country, but she took the time to check in with music lovers back here at C.

She says,”These are a combination of things that I have loved forever and some things I’m listening to a lot right now in no particular order.” We say, load ‘em on your iPod to listen while you’re waiting for the bus.—Christy Baker

Paul Simon: “I Know What I Know”
Broadcast: “American Boy”
Shuggie Otis: “Inspiration Information”
Pink Floyd: “The Great Gig In the Sky”
Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti: “Fright Night”
Kurt Vile: “Jesus Fever”
Dungen: “Ta Det Lungt”
Joni Mitchell: “Free Man In Paris”
Fleetwood Mac: “Dreams”
Margo Guryan: “California Shake”

Tip of the day
Navigating the social and financial expectations of tipping can be daunting. Every pizza delivery, every manicure, even a poker hand may be accompanied by the question of whether to tip and, if so, how much? C asked some local ladies about the tricky business of gratuity.

Claibourne Reppert, a seasoned stylist at Moxie Hair Lounge, says 20 percent is a pretty standard tipping start. And if you feel especially smitten with your stylist, toss a little more her way.

As for other salon workers, Reppert says to tip accordingly, percentage-wise, to the price on your bill. Shampooers are to a salon what valet parking attendants are to a hotel, she says. “Just throwing them a couple bones is pretty standard if that’s not a stretch for you.”

When it comes to gratuity for taxi drivers, Casie Fitzgerald, a dispatcher for Access Taxi (and a former cabbie herself), says there aren’t any set standards. “I still think along the same lines as waitressing is fair—you know, 20 percent.

Playing the tables? Anne Tejano, a Charlottesville-based poker dealer, says, “[Tipping] totally depends on whether or not the table’s hot, and if there are large transfers of money. …Normally people just tip $.50 to $1 or $2 per hand.”—C.B.

Did you know? The USDA updated the age-old food pyramid. The new “MyPlate” format divides daily servings into four food groups. Here’s what you should take away: Fruits and veggies take up one half of the plate (with veggies taking up slightly more of your diet) and protein and grains occupy the other half (with grains weighing a bit more heavily). Dairy’s moved to a side dish, and the USDA recommends reaching for low-fat or nonfat dairy as often as you can.

Reclaim your lunch hour
Nothing breaks up the work day like lunch, but if you’re stuck in a rut, foraging for your midday meal can become a chore—not to mention unhealthy and expensive. Jeanette Peabody, Chef de Cuisine at Hamiltons’ at First and Main, thinks like a restaurant chef when it comes to most of her meals, but for her own lunches, she keeps it simple and likes to make use of leftovers. Here’s a week’s worth of chef-worthy lunches that will keep you waiting for noon to strike.—M.H.

Monday: Sliced pork tenderloin on a baguette spread with grainy dijon and topped with sautéed greens.

Tuesday: Mixed greens topped with Caromont goat cheese, sliced apples, roasted beets and pecans dressed in a cider vinaigrette.

Wednesday: Seared tuna (inside tip: Seafood at West Main sells its uneven cuts for half price) with ginger/soy dressing, green beans sautéed in garlic and sesame oil, cucumbers and radishes over mixed greens.

Thursday: Ratatouille (a mixture of eggplant, zucchini, peppers, tomatoes, onions, garlic and herbs) over whole wheat couscous or polenta, topped with parmigiano.

Friday: Marinated tofu over raw kale and shredded carrots dressed with a mixture of tahini, lemon, garlic, dijon, honey, parsley and olive oil.

Kid-friendly, mother approved
Your kids might ask for turkey and cheese on whole wheat five days in a row, but when they are hungry, they’ll welcome a surprise in their lunch box, especially if it’s a tasty adaptation of your own lunch. Thursday’s ratatouille is sweet and savory enough to resemble tomato sauce, so serve it over spaghetti with a sprinkle of parmigiano or spread it on a whole wheat pita and melt fresh mozzarella over top for a gourmet pizza.

Get to class
A recent poll in the Wall Street Journal says Americans are spending more time in front of the T.V. and less time hitting the books. Knowing we can do better than that, we sifted through a few local course catalogs to find classes so fun, you’ll forget all about the latest episode of “Modern Family.” Here are six opportunities to get your learn on.—Caite White

At Piedmont Virginia Community College
pvcc.edu/workforceservices
“Preserving Fruit at Home” ($69)
September 24, 1-4pm
Picked too many apples at Carter Mountain (or have an overabundance from the trees in your backyard)? Mike Lachance teaches you how to maximize your bounty.

“The Story of Your Life: Writing Your Memoir” ($149)
Wednesdays, August 31-September 28, 6-8:30pm
We always say, “That’ll go in my memoirs.” Now’s our chance (and yours, too)! Identify and structure your narrative, and use memory exercises to recall some key moments you may have been missing.

“Basic Drawing” ($125)
Tuesdays, September 13-October 18, 6:30-8:30pm
Start with the basics and work your way up to figure drawing.

At UVA’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies
scps.virginia.edu
“The Great American Singers” ($150)
Mondays, September 12-October 17, 6:30-8:30pm
Discuss everything from Billie to Ella to ol’ Blue Eyes, plus some country and rap thrown in for good measure.

“Introduction to Mindfulness” ($125)
Thursdays, August 25-September 15, 7-9pm
Learn to reduce stress and cultivate positivity through focusing on the present moment.

“Introduction to French Language” ($190)
Wednesdays, September 15-November 2, 6:30-8:30pm
Master the basics in the language of love. Oui oui!

A few others, if you please:
Charlottesville Trade School (cvilletradeschool.com): A roaming school (it sometimes sets up at The Bridge/Progressive Arts Initiative) for everything from knitting and printmaking to coffee brewing and backcountry cuisine.

McGuffey Art Center (mcguffeyartcenter.com): Wheel-throwing, dancing and mixed media classes (among others) are available for adults and kids alike.

The Charlottesville Cooking School (charlottesvillecookingschool.com): You’ll find classes in everything from creating beautiful birthday cakes to tasty Thai dishes at this hands-on culinary school.

Les Fabriques (lesfabriquesinc.com): Pattern drafting, embroidery and sewing basics are a few of the classes on the menu at this 29N spot.

Brows will be brows
Whether you like them thin and arched or full and natural, shaping your eyebrows can be tricky. Luckily, CitySpa’s “Eyebrow Queen,” Sara Arredondo, schooled us on the art of brow grooming.

Her first instructions? Grab a pencil, and place it vertically alongside of your nose. Where the pencil intersects with your browline is where your eyebrow should start. To find your brow’s natural endpoint, hold the pencil from your nostril to the edge of your eye. Tweeze any hairs that fall outside.

But remember that all plucks are not created equal. “You tweeze pulling up and outward instead of down,” Sara advises, “because when you [pull downward], you damage the hair follicle, and the hair will start growing in the direction you tweezed it.”

If you still see renegade hairs, try trimming them. Brush your eyebrows up and cut the hairs out of line, then brush down and repeat.

Are your brows in need of a lift? Ask a friend to mark the spot along your browline above each iris. This is where your eyebrows naturally want to arch.

And if you accidentally get tweezer-happy, know you’re in good company. “I’ve done it before, too,” admits the Eyebrow Queen.—T.H.

 

When you fall back November 6, keep things running smoothly—and fashionably!—with these five tickers from around town.

Fall for flats

(clockwise from top left):

The 1920s fan detail adds whimsy.
Libby Edelman flats ($24.99, T.J. Maxx, 974-7410)

Bright red patent leather adds a little sass. Adrienne Vittadini flats ($39.99, T.J. Maxx, 974-7410)

Dainty bows make a practical flat lovely. Delman pointy toe flats ($250, Scarpa, 296-0040)

We love that these look like thumbprints. TOMS Classic flats ($54, Richey & Co., 245-0208)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Toya Trager wears a Jack olive ribbon jacket from Bittersweet ($98; 106 E. Main St., 977-5977), a Charlie Jade lattice dress from Duo ($144; 101 Elliewood Ave., 979-1212), Current/Elliott roller jeans from E.G. ($188; 109 S. First St., 979-2888), Delman Riley boots from Scarpa ($425; Barracks Road Shopping Center, 296-0040) and gold hoop earrings from Finch ($8; 1501 University Ave., 244-0050).

 

 

Give ’em the boot

(clockwise from top left)

That double buckle is so “home on the range”—in a good way. Frye Shirley Multi-strap Harness boots ($348, Bittersweet, 977-5977)

Floral details tone down the toughness. Lucchese flower embroidered cowboy boots ($380, Scarpa, 296-0040)

These’ll look rugged over skinnies. Frye Billy Heel short boots ($278, Bittersweet, 977-5977)

Love the ruching at the vamp. OTBT Rhinelander booties ($159, Shoe Store Next Door, 293-8400)

Pair these with knit tights and chunky sweaters. Cozy! La Canadienne boots ($395, Richey & Co., 245-0208)

Can’t beat a classic. Frye Jane Redwood boots ($298, Bittersweet, 977-5977)

 

Toya wears a Trina Turk blouse from Duo ($228), a Free People top from Finch ($68), Current/Elliott cowboy jeans from E.G. ($196) Biviel Oxford heels from Shoe Store Next Door ($180; 411 E. Main St., 293-8400), peacock feather earrings from Finch ($10) and Diana Warner stackable bracelets from Duo ($58 each).

 

 

To new heights

(clockwise from top left)

A T-strap gives these a vintage feel. Biviel Fango heels ($155, Shoe Store Next Door, 293-8400)

Rock ‘n’ roll with a hint of boho. Colleen Cordero lace-up studded heels ($585, Scarpa, 296-0040)

The lacy detail is dark and romantic. Indigo by Clarks Plush Silk heels ($100, Shoe Store Next Door, 293-8400)

Sexy pumps perfect for pencil skirts and trouser pants. Pour La Victoire laser cut out pumps ($295, Scarpa, 296-0040)

 

Leather scallops add luxe to ladylike. Butter tweed kitten heels ($285, Scarpa, 296-0040)

 

Perfect with rich fall colors like emerald and plum. Max Studio heels ($49.99, T.J. Maxx, 974-7410)

 

In showbiz, entertainers who display talent in more than one arena are called “triple threats.” In the arts, our local Barbra Streisand is Rosamond Casey, a three-time McGuffey Art Center president (and current resident artist) who specializes in painting, book art, calligraphy and—quadruple threat!—narrative installation.

Speaking with Casey, who talks with her hands and shifts her weight with as much grace as a figure in one of her acrylics, it’s difficult not to envy her poise and contentment. Perhaps it’s the kind of self-confidence that comes with age. In her late 50s, Casey has a more than 30-year career behind her and more still to come. “I can’t stop thinking about new projects,” she says. “I have a bunch of paintings in my head that I’m trying to get out.” 

We admire her unwaivering commitment to the arts (“Everybody has in them some urgent expression that wants to come out,” she says) and her perseverance (“[Her five-year gallery-as-book project, Mapping the Dark] was such a crazy idea. I had no reason to have faith in it, but it worked. And it’s led to so many things”). And we’ll salute any woman who can successfully pull off a pair of salmon-colored palazzo pants with confidence. 

On the money

Anyone will tell you saving is a chore–it’s easier to “invest” in shoes than stocks, but the dividends are questionable. We spoke with financial advisor Margie Swanson of M.H. Swanson & Associates to get the 411 on easy investing.

First thing’s first: Eradicate debt. Carrying credit card debt or a loan will stop progress towards investing before it starts. You can’t invest money you don’t have.

Next, systemize savings. Set up a savings account into which a specified amount from your paycheck is automatically deposited each month. This way, you can steadily build up a six-month liquid cash reserve.

Once you have some capital built up, do your research. “Knowledge in any situation is power,” says Swanson. First establish a retirement account, especially if your workplace offers to match your deposit up to a certain amount. Otherwise you’re passing up free money. A money market account or cash equivalent account (such as a Certificate of Deposit) is good in the short-term. Fixed-income mutual funds, through which you and a few others can pool a set amount of cash with a financial institution for a predetermined interest rate, are less risky than growth investments such as stocks.—Sean Santiago

Good save

Money talk If you’d rather sock away straight cash, try putting aside a portion of each paycheck. Assuming you get paid twice per month, how much will you save if you stash away… $25/paycheck from age 30-60: $18,000 $50/paycheck from age 30-60: $36,000 $100/paycheck from age 30-60: $72,000 $200/paycheck from age 30-60: $144,000

Maybe investing’s not your bag. That’s OK. Sacrifice a few daily staples and you’ll feel instant relief on your wallet.

Daily java fix: One $2 cup each day of the work week equals $10. Multiplied by four (for each week of the month, that’s $40. Subtract the cost of a travel mug (approximately $7) and a box of 100 tea bags (approximately $5, and easier on the stomach) and you’d save $28 that month (and $40 every month thereafter).

Work commute: A 10-mile drive to and from work each day (a five-mile commute each way), at 37 cents per mile, equals $3.70 per day. That’s $18.50 per week and $74 per month. Switch to a $1.50 day pass with the Charlottesville Area Transit and you’ll shave off $44 per month. (If you travel four miles or less every day, stick with driving. It’s actually cheaper.) If you work for or attend UVA, you can ride the bus for free. (Translation: Beaucoup de savings!)

After work unwind: If you’re brave enough to give it up (trust us—it’s possible!), cancelling your basic cable would save you at least $30 per month—even more if you get extra channels like HBO. Read a book or take a walk outside instead. Just 30 minutes of mild exercise per day can lower your cholesterol and your risk of diabetes.—Caite White

GET SCREENED Martha Jefferson and UVA hospitals provide a free skin cancer screening each spring, but here are a few practices around town that take regular appointments. Albemarle Dermatology Associates (above Signature Medical Spa, 3350 Berkmar Dr., 923-4651)  Charlottesville Dermatology (600 Peter Jefferson Pkwy., Suite 230, 984-2400) Family Dermatology of Albemarle (215 Wayles Ln., Suite 150, 964-9500)

Behind the screening

Here’s the bad news: Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, accounting for nearly half of all the cancers in the country. The good news: When caught early, the majority of skin cancers can be cured.

Getting screened every two years should become part of your sun protection strategy. During a screening, a dermatologist will visually inspect your entire body, paying close attention to areas most often exposed to the sun. Between screenings, check moles, spots and birthmarks every month at home. Look for any unusual growths, changes in color, irregular borders or sores that won’t heal.—Megan Headley

 

SPF’d?

The acronym for sun protection factor, SPF indicates how long a sunscreen remains effective on the skin. If you normally develop a sunburn in 10 minutes without wearing a sunscreen, SPF 15 will protect you for 150 minutes. SPF 45 blocks 98 percent of UVB rays (nothing blocks 100 percent) and is as much protection as you need with reapplication every two hours. Choose a broad-spectrum sunblock that absorbs both UVA and UVB rays and avoid PABA-based products if you have sensitive skin.—M.H.

All you needle

On the quest for eternal youth—or at least the appearance of it? These days, spas and dermatologists offer an extensive menu of nonsurgical cosmetic enhancements, with temporary injectables among the most popular. With minimal pain and healing time and little associated risk of allergic reactions, the various options available differ most in terms of cost: The more you plunk down, the longer you’re wrinkle-free. Here’s the fill in on how to lose those lines.—M.H.

Botox, Dysport
What is it? Botulinum toxin Type A; injected into facial muscles
Cost: $300-450
Targeted facial area: Wrinkles
How long does it last? Three to six months
Collagen
What is it? Bovine or human collagen; injected under the skin
Cost: $450-550
Targeted facial area: Wrinkles and folds, fat loss, scarring, lip augmentation
How long does it last? Three to six months
Juvederm, Perlane, Restylane
What are they? Hyaluronic acid-based gel; injected under the skin
Cost: $500-600
Targeted facial area: Wrinkles and folds, fat loss, scarring, under-eye hollows, lip augmentation
How long does it last? Six to 12 months
Radiesse
What is it? Calcium Hydroxylatpatite-based gel; injected under the skin
Cost: $650-700
Targeted facial area: Wrinkles and folds, fat loss, scarring, under-eye hollows, lip augmentation
How long does it last? Two to three years

Ten for the road: Download these MP3s today

Local music maven Katie Jackson, aka DJ Frenchbraid, is more hip than skinny jeans. When she’s not spinning vinyl (in a side ponytail and requisite vintage headband), Jackson plays guitar and has performed with Charlottesville natives Kiste and a Misfits cover band. Her top 10 picks, she says, are “a mix of “electronic, rock, ambient, doom, minimalist, pop.” Naturally.—Christy Baker

“Bad Day (Javelin Mix)” by Darwin Deez
“True Blue” by Dirty Beaches
“Black and Yellow (DJ Kue Remix)” by Wiz Khalifa
“Bewitched” by Candlemass
“Embody” by SebastiAn
“You” by Gold Panda
“Lost and Found” by Sparks
“Dirty Mister Dirty” by Generationals
“Helicopter” by Deerhunter
“Jet Boy Jet Girl” by Elton Motello

 

 

 

Get these apps!

You’ll feel pretty, oh so pretty. Download these beauty-focused apps right now.
iFitness Hero
Straightforward instructions for fat-busting cardio exercises, plus features to track weight, fitness routines and overall progress. $0.99
Stylebook
In the mood for über-organization? Use this app to photograph every item in your closet, keep track of how many times you’ve worn each piece and assemble outfits. $3.99
Hair Cast 2
Bad hair days begone: This app uses your location to analyze weather conditions and provide styling tips based on your hair type. Free

Eat by number

Walk into a place like Revolutionary Soup and the menu can be daunting. And, if you’re keeping tabs on your caloric intake, placing your order can be even more of a challenge. Here are a few tasty choices, broken down by calorie estimation.

You could have a Lisa Quesadilla: white cheddar, chevre, house seasoned black beans and fresh spinach are layered between two flour tortillas and grilled. With a side of salsa and sour cream, although scrumptious, Lisa weighs in at a hefty 750 calories.

Instead, try a 12 oz. Crab & Corn Chowder at 310 calories. The house salad (177 calories), with local spring greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, mushrooms, mandarin oranges, topped with roasted pumpkin seeds and a side of balsamic vinaigrette is a must-order. For a grand total of 487 calories, you might still have room for dessert. (Try the gooey, fresh baked brownie at 150 calories or house-made chocolate chip cookie at 65 calories).—C.B.

The calorie amounts are the author’s estimates, which were made using a calorie counter app from FatSecret.

Hips and salsa

Feel the burn, Latin-style. Improvisational workout routine turned into home fitness phenomenon, Zumba is the brainchild of a Colombian fitness instructor who, by happy accident, left his standard workout music at home one day. It’s an intensive “fitness party,” loosely combining the footwork of salsa, meringue and other Latin dances with resistance training. The cardiovascular exercise targets the abdominal area and is great for building core strength.

ACAC Zumba instructor Gerardo Jimenez leads a group of hip-shakin’ ladies.

“There’s lots of hip shaking,” says Gold’s Gym’s Heidi Shaner. “It’s very easy to pick up and…you don’t feel self-conscious, because you’re in a group.”—S.S.

Zumba every day

Monday at Shergold Studio (652 W. Rio Rd., 975-4611): 6-7pm, $10 or $80 for 10 classes
Tuesday at Charlottesville Parks and Recreation (1000A Cherry Ave., 970-3072): 7-8pm, $8 for Charlottesville residents and $11 for all others
Wednesday at ACAC Downtown (111 Monticello Ave., 984-3800): 5:30-6:30pm, $12 guest fee
Thursday at Dance Explosion (2363 Commonwealth Dr., 953-8268): 8-9am, $12 guest fee
or Gold’s Gym (1801 Hydraulic Rd., 973-1307): 7:40-8:40pm, $15 24-hour guest fee
Friday at Albemarle Square ACAC (500 Albemarle Sq., 978-3800): 8:45-9:30am, $12 guest fee

 

 

(clockwise from left):

Anokhi scarf from Spring Street ($24); Eric Silva necklace with ruby briolettes from Angelo ($175; 220 E. Main St., 971-9256); Miguel Ases hoop earrings from Spring Street ($156); Rhinestone hair clip from Spring Street ($32); Elise M. Fergie belt from Lola ($62).

(Clockwise from top left):

Ocean Inspired Beadery sponge coral and sterling silver necklace from Lola ($149); Audrey Kate rhinestone and leather bracelet from Pearl ($74.50; 201 E. Main St. #A, 296-1115); Miguel Ases teardrop earrings from Spring Street ($179; 107 W. Main St., 975-1200); San Diego Hat Company sun hat from Lola ($48; 2214 Ivy Rd., 975-5652)

 

 

 

 

 We don’t need to tell you how important it is to be healthy; we tout the virtues of healthy living in nearly every issue of C. But, according to the most recent health care report card from the National Women’s Law Center, some Virginia ladies just aren’t getting it. Among the 11 categories where we’re failing: having gynecological screenings, eating right and, perhaps most alarming, keeping our weight under control. In fact, 26 percent of women ages 18-44 in Virginia are severely overweight. Let C help you get back on track, with yoga practice, healthful cleanses and the ultimate healthy smoothie.

Clean living

Mix lemons with maple syrup and black pepper for a 10-day Master Cleanse that rids your body of harmful toxins.

Every year, it’s the same resolution: Take care of our bodies. If you’re looking at a detoxing program, you might consider the Master Cleanse, a strict 10-day diet of lemon juice, maple syrup and black pepper only. The goal? To eliminate toxins. If it sounds brutal to you, you’re not alone. Local nutritionist and dietitian Kate Bruno says detoxing actually detaches people from their food intuition.

“When [people] do start to eat again, their bodies want to hold on to a lot of the nutrients almost in this survival kind of mode,” she says.

But it’s not all bad. The Clean Menu Detox, hyped by actress Gwyneth Paltrow, consists of fruit smoothies, seafood and chicken dishes, among other things. And, according to Zachary Bush of the Revolutionary Health Center in Scottsville, with an effective liver cleanse, “You can rapidly reduce the systemic stress that results from chronic consumption of processed foods, cholesterol and inflammatory fats.” Bush has sound advice for would-be cleansers." 

Most of all, you should enjoy your cleanse. Don’t pick one that sounds like it is going to make you miserable. You should enjoy the food as much as the increased energy and health that a successful cleanse will provide.”—Chiara Canzi

For a singular cleanse, try the mono fruit detox, which calls for eating only one fruit for a week.

 

It’s the balm

 

We don’t know about you, but winter’s left our hands cracked, dry and generally unappealing. Enter Combat-Ready Balm, a multipurpose and great-smelling skin salve from eco-esthetician (and St. Anne’s-Belfield alum) Sara Damelio. An all-natural and organic lotion, Combat-Ready was born when Damelio sent a homemade jar to her husband, then stationed in Iraq. A few weeks later, he asked for more. 

No wonder. It heals skin damaged from bug bites, minor cuts and scratches, shaving burns and wind burn. 

Find the whole Combat-Ready line (including soap and lip balm) at Rebecca’s Natural Food (Barracks Road Shopping Center, 977-1965). A 2 oz. jar will run you $25. Damelio gives a portion of every purchase to Operation Sand Flea, her campaign to ship care packages to soldiers overseas.—Caite White

 

 

Go green

When it comes to the Green Monster, looks can be deceiving. Trust us, green is good.

Talk about packing a punch: This trés vert smoothie is loaded with vitamins A, C and E, not to mention iron, folic acid and Omega-3s. In other words, lots of energizers and nutrients for your skin, nails and hair. The best part? The basic recipe is super versatile. Up the fruit, toss in some honey—anything goes!—C.W.

Classic Green Monster

1 cup almond milk, or milk of choice

1 ripe banana, preferably peeled and frozen

2 handfuls organic spinach

1 tbsp. chia seeds (or 1 tbsp. ground flax)

1 tbsp. nut butter

1-3 ice cubes

Starting with the liquid, pour milk into a blender. Add in the chia or flax and nut butter. Next, add in the spinach followed by the banana on top. Blend until smooth. Add the ice cubes and blend some more. 

*Reprinted with permission from ohsheglows.com and greenmonstermovement.com.

 

 

Good reads

Local author Kathryn Erskine recommends young adult fiction for readers of all ages.

Sometimes it’s nice to harken back to a simpler time. Namely, childhood, when you could spend an afternoon curled up on a comfy chair with Scout Finch or Freckle Juice. National Book Award-winning YA author Kathryn Erkine provides some of her favorites to get you in the mood.

The Watsons go to Birmingham—1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis

Ten-year-old Kenny and his entire family are an absolute hoot, and very believable. There’s some poignancy and history here as well as laugh out loud humor. All the warmth of To Kill a Mockingbird wrapped inside the wacky comedy of A Christmas Story.

Catherine, Called Birdy by Karen Cushman

You’ll feel like you’ve been dropped in Medieval England, complete with drafty castle, raunchy humor, and snarky teen. Short diary entries are perfect for brief spurts of time—carpool line, coffee break, boring meetings (look down at book on lap, look up at boss and nod…repeat).

Marcelo in the Real World by Francisco X. Stork

Seventeen-year-old Marcelo, probably on the autism spectrum, is neither prepared nor eager to work in his father’s law firm for the summer. But there’s intrigue, adventure and romance when you enter the “real world,” and Marcelo handles it better than anticipated. A great story with quirkiness, heart and humor.

The Strange Case of Origami Yoda by Tom Angleberger

Remember the Star Wars movies? Remember comic books? Remember middle school? O.K., forget middle school, but remember how much you enjoyed Star Wars and comic books? Read this book, you must! Laughing, you will be!

A Tale Dark and Grimm by Adam Gidwitz

The real (awesomely gory) story of Hansel and Gretel, and what happened before and after the witch became toast. Gidwitz delivers the tale like a true storyteller, but dark. And grim. And hysterically funny. If you liked The Princess Bride, (or even if you didn’t) try this tale.—Kathryn Erskine 

Charlottesville resident Kathryn Erskine won the 2010 National Book Award for her young adult novel, Mockingbird, which tells the story of Caitlin, an 11-year-old with Asperger’s, as she struggles with the death of her brother.

 

 

Fiber for your life

At risk for diabetes? The Mayo Clinic suggests the following: Be more physically active, drop extra pounds and eat more fiber and whole grains. Start with über-fibrous split peas: Just one cup packs more than 16 grams. Not feeling the princess vibe? Reach for raspberries, artichokes or spaghetti.

Veg out 

Only 34 percent of us get enough fruits and veggies. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) says adult women should have at least four (if not five) total servings of fruit and vegetables per day. What’s a serving? 

One banana, apple or peach

One Roma tomato

10 baby carrots

3/4 cup tomato juice

Straight facts

Blessed with straight-as-a-pin hair? Keep your tresses looking silky by eating plenty of foods with Omega-3s (like salmon, tuna and other fatty fish), using a shampoo that skips ingredients like ammonium lauryl sulfate and getting a trim every six to eight weeks. And remember: Never wring out your locks after the shower. Hair is most vulnerable when wet, so try blotting it with a towel instead. 

Still feel like your mane is taking last place? Head to the kitchen for a fast fix: A mask made from mixing mayonnaise and an egg should get your strands back on track.—C.W.

Hey, curly girls: Here’s one answer to your post-blowdry frizzies. The DevaFuser at Salon Druknya ($42, 221 W. Main St., 979-0012) is an innovative way to dry your hair. The hand-shaped contraption utilizes 360 degree airflow, which dries your curls from the inside out, leaving them healthy, shiny and touchable.

 

Try bellydancing the low-commitment way: At Alexandra Dance Studio, your first class is free.

Yoga revamp

 

Studio 206, long a place for physical and spiritual renewal, is having a revitalization itself. The Downtown studio will now specialize in Vinyasa yoga.

Try the flow-style yoga or other classes throughout February with 206’s two-for-one deal; bring a friend and you each take a class for the price of one. Visit studio206downtown.com for more deals.—C.W.

Mix up your workout and visit Alexandra Dance Studio (109 Second St. SE, second floor, 249-4611), a new fitness spot from ACAC bellydance instructor Alexandra Bourque Snyder. Says Snyder, bellydancing tones the entire body—especially the abdominals and glutes. $15 for drop-ins, with monthly and quarterly rates also available.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vita mix-up

Unsure which multivitamin to choose from the many bottles you see in the store? Says Martha Jefferson dietitican Rita Smith, they’re pretty much all the same. Reach for Centrum, Women’s One-A-Day or even a store brand. Just be sure it’s specifically marked for your age group: Post-menopausal women should take a vitamin with less iron.

Woman power

If you build it, they will come. At least, that’s true for Women Build, a Habitat for Humanity program that gets ladies to build simple and affordable homes for other women.

Volunteers get their hands dirty nailing walls and building windows, both in the summer and during the winter months. And in 10 years, Women Build has erected seven homes, “an amazing feat,” says Special Projects Assistant Laurie Curtin. Visit cvillehabitat.org for more information.—C.C.

If construction isn’t for you, there are plenty of other opportunities to donate your time. Head to the local SPCA to socialize with cats or walk dogs. Join the Rivanna Conservation Society for an outdoorsy streambank cleanup, or help the Blue Ridge Food Bank sort through donations, to name just a few.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You have to get up pretty early in the morning to overwhelm Leslie Greene Bowman. No, really. You have to get up early. That’s because the President of the Thomas Jefferson Foundation, known to the rest of us as Monticello, rises with the sun and puts one of her six horses through its paces before she even gets breakfast

(“I don’t drink coffee,” she admits, “because you couldn’t live with me if I did”). Though it was only 10 o’clock on the morning C met with the native Californian, Bowman had already been out for a total of 90 minutes with Zydeco, the Dutch Warmblood she rides most regularly, been in touch with her assistant and styled herself into a fabulous mint-green Carlisle suit and a kicking pair of brown slip-ons she picked up in Switzerland.

Bowman’s energy and appeal go a long way to account for her success at the job she assumed in October 2008.  In the short time since, she’s gracefully aired out the Little Mountain and made it more welcoming to visitors from here and afar. Evening programs, select tours of previously unseen rooms upstairs, a grand refiguring of the all-important dining room—Bowman’s had her reins on all of them. And more’s coming.

An avid reader, the art historian by training had just finished Jane Austen’s Persuasion when we talked.  She’s a confessed “ideas factory,” but besides riding, we wondered how she winds down or gives herself a treat when the time is right.

“I try to be asleep by 11,” she says, “and I really go for Lindt Peanut Butter Truffle Balls.”