Author: c-magazine-writers

 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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In 1997, the New York Times called Deborah Eisenberg’s short stories “spirited and masterly road maps through sad and forbidding and desolate terrain.” Thirteen years later, the same newspaper cast her among the modern age’s greatest writers: “Eisenberg conveys [her characters’] interiority in such a fine grain that one thinks of Virginia Woolf, if only Woolf’s work were leavened with startling humor.” Tremendous praise, indeed, but not the first time the UVA Creative Writing professor has kept such luminous company. Last year, she was named a MacArthur Genius, an award that carries with it not only the legacy of past winners such as theater director Peter Sellars, poet Galway Kinnell, and choreographers Merce Cunningham and Paul Taylor, but also $500,000. The committee commended “the hallmarks of Eisenberg’s style—crystalline prose, keen perceptions of emotional nuance, and wry wit.” Though Eisenberg’s stature is diminutive, her personal warmth is as large as her literary profile. Stylish and carrying just the slightest hint of self-deprecation, she professes to love teaching and walking through crowded city streets on warm days. She favors high heels and cuts a strikingly urbane figure wherever she goes. We love her relentless pursuit of art (she has published four collections of stories) and the fact that she’ll admit to eating a whole bag of candy corn in one sitting. “There are two kinds of people in the world…,” she says with a wink, speaking of her guilty pleasure. Sounds like the start to a great story.

From left: 19th century Victorian pendant in gold vermeil over silver from The Jeweler’s Eye ($450, 201 E. Main St. #C, 979-5919); lapis pendant necklace by Marraccini Designs from Angelo ($1,200, 220 E. Main St., 971-9256); personalized monogram necklace from The Engraving Shop ($145, 209 Second St. SW, 295-6108); Midas necklace by Dori Csengeri ($285) and Star Anise necklace by Silver Seasons, both from Lynne Goldman Studio ($295, Barracks Road Shopping Center, 977-9644).

 

Julia Thomas wears a yellow and black plaid coat from Glad Rags ($56, 1923 Commonwealth Dr., 979-1816); a Rag + Bone Somerset dress from Elsie Garden ($408, 109 S. First St., 979-2888); black tights from Gap ($12.50, Fashion Square Mall, 973-5026); black rhinestone earrings from Bittersweet ($24, 106 E. Main St., 977-5977) and Pink Studio Cassandra heels from Duo ($99, 101 Elliewood Ave., 979-1212).

 

 

 

 

 

SOFTEN THE EDGES

Pascale Torres wears a Knitted Dove ruffled plaid coat from Bittersweet ($144), a Trina Turk Hansel vest from Duo ($188); a black and gold Lewis Cho top from Spring Street ($189; 107 W. Main St., 975-1200); two nikki-b beaded necklaces from Elsie Garden ($82 and $96); a yellow gold and sterling ring with black jade and a diamond by Lee Marraccini from Angelo ($1,000, 220 E. Main St., 971-9256); Inhabit leggings ($290) and Pour La Victoire Deon boots from Scarpa ($330, 2114 Barracks Rd., 296-0040). 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BUILD ON THE BASICS

Lille Smallwood wears a Tulle coat from Finch ($92, 1501 University Ave., 244-0050); a Theme embellished tunic dress from Duo ($74, 101 Elliewood Ave., 979-1212); navy blue tights from Gap ($12.50) and Biviel studded ankle boots from Scarpa ($190).

 

 

Feed a fever

Don’t get stuck sneezing through flu season. Stock up on nutritional (and yummy!) ingredients that will stave off sickness. The Toliver House’s Donna Sharer, who handles the menu at the women-run Gordonsville restaurant, provided these recipes:

To make these recipes vegetarian, simply replace the chicken broth with veggie and eliminate the meat. Donna Sharer assures no flavor will be sacrificed.

Winter Vegetable Beef Stew
1/8 cup canola oil
1 lb. of chuck Roast (bone in or bone out)
1 large rutabaga, peeled and coarsely chopped
2 medium turnips, peeled and coarsely chopped
2 large Russet potatoes, peeled and coursely chopped
2-3 carrots depending on size, peeled and coarsely chopped
2-3 ribs of celery, coarsely chopped
1 large yellow or Spanish onion, peeled and coarsely chopped
1/2 head cabbage, cut into wedges
1 can whole tomatoes with juice, squished
V8 juice to cover
Salt and pepper to taste
Dried parsley (optiona)
Bay leaf (removed when done)

Heat oil in a Dutch oven. Generously sprinkle pepper on the roast and sear in hot oil, browning both sides well. Add all ingredients to the pot. Bring to a boil, cover and cook on low until meat is fall-apart tender. Add water as needed to keep it juiced up.

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

1 large onion, diced
3 stalks of celery, diced
2 tsp. minced garlic
1 Tbsp. butter
1 Tbsp. olive oil
2 Tbsp. melted butter
6 Tbsp. flour
1/8 tsp. paprika
2 tsp. dried thyme
Sprinkle of salt
Sprinkle of pepper
8 cups of warmed chicken stock
3 cups diced potatoes
20 oz. frozen mixed vegetables
Pulled chicken from 1 roasted chicken
2 cups of heavy cream

In a large soup pot, add oil and butter. Once they’ve melted together, add the onion, celery and garlic. Sweat the vegetables and add the melted butter, flour, paprika, thyme, salt and pepper. Cook flour/roux mixture until it’s lightly browned, then add chicken stock. Bring the pot to a simmer and allow it to thicken for about 20 minutes. To the pot, add potatoes, mixed vegetables and roasted chicken. Simmer soup until the vegetables and potatoes are tender. Salt and pepper to taste. Once the soup is ready to serve, stir in the heavy cream. Garnish with squares of baked puff pastry.—Donna Sharer

Stay moisturized

Hello, good buy. Purchase a series of four facial treatments at Moxie, and the Garrett Street studio will give you the fifth one free. We recommend The Moxie Facial, combining steam cleansing, exfoliation, a facial massage, light extractions and two masques. It’s great for all skin types and especially aids in restoring moisture and Ph balance. Call 979-5556 for more information.—Caite White

Want to continue the moisturizing effects at home? Try these DIY ideas—no fancy humidifier needed. 

Drape a damp (not dripping) towel over your headboard.

Place a pan of water at the base of your heater. 

Cut the top off a gallon milk jug, fill it 3/4 to the top with water and place a rolled up newspaper inside to act as a wick.

In all instances, the water evaporates into the room, dampening the air and moistening your skin. Drink up!

 

Meet your virtual neighbors

It’s O.K. if you want to spend a snowy day in your PJs. Here are three local blogs we love for those times when you just want to sit, surf and relax.

Finding Amy… Again: Suzy Said C’ville’s Amy Eastlack chronicles her journey to healthier living. Funny, down to earth and totally inspiring. You go, girl!

Dried Figs and Wooden Spools: “Mother, wife, writer, canner, sewer, you name-it-er” Gillian Grimm has a penchant for projects. We like her Martha Stewart-meets-Lucille Ball smarts. (And check out the pictures of her adorable North Downtown house!)

From Charlottesville With Love: This blog from jewelry designer Laurel Smith is, pun intended, a gem. Sweet, simple and uplifting. Plus, we love her outfit suggestions every Friday.—C.W.

 

Enjoy a good read

We don’t have to tell you how great it feels to cozy up in front of a fire with a blanket and a good book. The only problem is, what should you read? Wistar Murray weighs in with five of her favorites.

Y: The Last Man (10 volumes) by Brian K. Vaughan and Pia Guerra

Originally published as 60 comics, the Y series is now widely read in book form. If you’re new to the graphic novel format, this tale of Yorick Brown, who is literally the last man on Earth after a Y chromosome die-off, might make you wonder why more grown-up books aren’t illustrated. 

The Shaking Woman or A History of My Nerves by Siri Hustvedt

Part illness memoir and part history of neurological science, this book is not the easiest read, but it will open up a rich inner world. Hustvedt, like her husband Paul Auster, is a novelist by trade, but she writes brilliantly in a nonfictional vein, as her frequent contributions to The New York Times and Psychology Today can attest. 

Veronica by Mary Gaitskill

In gorgeous, moody prose, an ex-fashion model mourns the death of her friend Veronica while recounting the volatile history that brought the two women together. 

Vanity Fair by William Thackeray

People typically spend more time alone during the cold winter months, and Thackeray’s infinitely sarcastic social satire will remind you that sometimes you’re better off keeping your own company. 

The Woods by Harlan Coben

This author’s oeuvre was my dirty secret this summer. Coben’s mysteries may be schematic, but their multiple plot twists keep you engaged in the best thriller tradition. Plus, there’s something to be said for being able to buy a book at a grocery store.—Wistar Murray

Charlottesville native Wistar Murray is an MFA student at Columbia University, specializing in Fiction Writing.

 

Purge your makeup

Don’t wait for spring for a serious overhaul. Local makeup artist Lora Kelley gives a few tips on when to say “Out with the old, in with the new!” to your cosmetics. Want to extend their shelf-life? Keep your makeup in a clean, dry place. “And avoid leaving it in your car!” she says.

Mascara: 6 Months

Lipstick: 1 year, but keep it clean by spraying it with alcohol 

Powder: 1 year if it’s from the drug store and 2 years if it’s high-end

Brushes: Keep them forever if they’re high-quality, washing them with soft soap every two weeks and laying them flat to dry. For daily use, try Laura Mercier, MAC Cosmetics and Sephora’s brush cleaner.—Lora Kelley

Lora Kelley is a Charlottesville-based makeup maven who specializes in getting you glamorous for weddings, portraits or other special events. Click here to get a peek at her handiwork and visit loraelaine.com for more information.

 

Kick butt and save lives

Feel the burn? That’s your muscles stretching, not your wallet. For $10 a class, or 10 classes for $60, get leaner while supporting breast cancer research. Enlist in Bootcamp For The Cure at Total Performance Sports and Fitness. The intense 30- to 60-minute workouts are timed without rest between exercises like pushups, jumping jacks, crunches, tire flipping and sled-pushing. Every month, 50 percent of the proceeds from the bootcamp (about $300) goes to Susan G. Komen for The Cure and local breast cancer research organizations. Call Total Performance Sports and Fitness at 220-0185 for more information.—Chiara Canzi

Who says a sports bra can’t be fashionable? Any Tonic bra packs a trio of invaluable features: Super supportive, it flatters the upper torso and comes in fun shapes. We like Tonic’s Sunset bra: hot orange, with a racerback design. $53 at Hip Joint, 110 Second St. NE. 971-6888.—C.C.

 

Button up

Trading spaghetti straps for scarves may put you in a winter funk, but a study from the University of Wroclaw in Poland suggests there’s plenty to feel good about even while you’re putting on the layers . In 2008, anthropologists there concluded that men find women more attractive during the winter months. Apparently, seeing less bare skin leaves more to the imagination. Nothing wrong with a little mystery, eh, ladies?—C.W.

Get your learn on

Grab your poles and go! …Ski poles, that is. Both Wintergreen and Massanutten offer ski clinics for lady snow bunnies this winter.

At Wintergreen, a Friday clinic is offered January 22-February 12, from 9:30am to 11:30am. Break for lunch (which is included), then hit the slopes again from 1pm to 2:30pm. The courses are taught by female certified ski instructors and costs vary from $95 for a 1-day Friday clinic to $350 for a four-day clinic. 

If Fridays aren’t your bag, try the two-day course February 19 to February 21. Taught by female certified ski instructors and World Champion Extreme Skier Alison Gannett, the weekend seminar will set you back $650, but it includes the 4-day clinic mentioned above. Call 325-2200 for more information.

Rather pop in here and there? At Massanutten, every Thursday from 10am to noon, female instructors will teach the fundamentals for only $30. Call 289-9441 for more information.—C.C.

 

D up

Less time outdoors means decreased Vitamin D, a key component in boosting the immune system and fending off certain cancers, diabetes and cardiovascular disease, all of which become threats when skin is exposed to UVB rays. Up your Vitamin D intake in the winter by eating fatty fish like salmon, tuna and mackerel, egg yolks and mushrooms. And, while you’re at it, throw in a daily supplement. Women under 50 should have 200 IUs per day, while ladies over 50 should double that amount.—C.W.

 

 

Take your GFs on a date

Join the special gals in your life for a night on the town. Here are our top three picks:

Cinderella at Play On! Theater, December 2-5, 9-12 and 16-19: The Rodgers and Hammerstein classic inspires with its rags-to-riches story and oh-so-singable musical numbers. Call 872-0184 for more information.

The Gift of the Magi at Hamner Theater, December 1-6, 9-13 and 16-18: Della Young sells her hair to buy a chain for her husband Jim’s pocket watch, while Jim sells his watch to buy Della a set of combs. You’ll be romanced by their devotion. Call 361-1999 for more information.

The Beaux’ Strategem at UVA’s Culbreth Theatre, February 17-19 and 23-26: Two down-on-their-luck gentlemen concoct a plan to steal two heiresses’ money, but fumble through it in the name of love. Call 924-3376 for more information.—C.W.

 

Journey inward

Here’s one way to keep an open mind this winter: meditate. Plenty of places in town offer mindfulness classes and seminars. Here are four we’re dying to try out:

Lightarian Angel Links Program at Ananda Community Center for Conscious Living ($65/session, 218 W. Market St., suite 2, 245-6940): Channeled meditations connect you directly with Rose Aura, Michael, Raphael, Uriel and Gabriel, the Angelic links that advance spiritual development. 

Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction at The Mindfulness Center at UVA ($375; location TBD, 924-1190): This core program at the Center was developed by international mindfulness pro Jon Kabat-Zinn. Learn to be more present in your life and make conscious choices during this three-week seminar, Monday evenings from January 24-March 14. 

Kundalini Yoga and Meditation at Breathe Meditation Studio ($108 for 10 classes; 4405 Ivy Commons, 245-8080): This Saturday morning class consolidates the mental and physical techniques found in nine types of yoga and is enhanced by the meditation practice.

Saturday Buddhist/Practice Group Series at the Jefferson Tibetan Society ($10 donation suggested; 118 Olinda Dr., 980-1752): A 90-minute session combines 15 minutes of shamatha meditation, Buddhist prayer and discussion.—C.W.

Among the many things passed along through Bebe Heiner’s Louisiana family line are great bone structure and a strong taste for philanthropy. 

Heiner made an early mark as an arts supporter, collector and active patron—think Virginia Center for Creative Artists and UVA Art Museum. But in time, the licensed professional counselor, who gave time and money to the Virginia Institute of Autism and Martha Jefferson Hospital, among others, turned her attention to mental health care. She had seen that “there’s plenty of mental health care for people who can afford it, but for people who can’t, there’s none.” So three years ago she founded The Women’s Initiative, which provides counseling services to women regardless of their ability to pay. “There are so many rewards to this work,” says Heiner, “and for me personally, it’s a journey.”

C is all applause when it comes to Heiner’s dedication to women’s well-being, and we think her sense of style is pretty sharp, too. And what, you might wonder, does a mental health advocate do for herself when it’s time to decompress? She hangs out with Frida, her golden doodle puppy, and, she says, “I love dark chocolate.”

Come clean

Goodbye, skirts and flip-flops: Changing seasons means it’s time to put away your summer wardrobe in favor of cozier attire like tights, boots and turtlenecks. Lifestyle management pro Sue Battani offers some tips on keeping things in order when it comes to your switched-over closet.

Filtering: Out with the old, tired and seldom seen. Assess your wardrobe and filter through it, keeping those items that are not only prac-tical, but also make you happy just to wear them. If you haven’t worn that polka-dot blouse in well over a year, chances are you never will again. Hand it down to someone who will be glad to put it to use.

Hanger Shuffle: If I were to take a sneak peek into your closet right now, I would unveil a colony of wire hangers taking over your wardrobe. Some sporting paper covers and some just downright ugly, naked wire. Don’t stand for those sticky lines on your sleek black dress pants or the pointy shoulders on your cardigans. Invest in several packages of plastic hangers or, better yet, wooden or padded varieties. Recycle the wire beasts at your dry cleaners.

The Cover-Up: Sticking to the subject of dry cleaning, remember that your clothes deserve to breathe. As soon as you bring those freshly pressed clothes home, remove the plastic bags. Your closet will have a tidier appearance and you’ll have created more room on the rack at the same time.

The Great Divide: Time to organize your wardrobe. You know you have the perfect gray coat to go with your favorite silk blouse, but where the heck is it? An outfit that you have put together time and again should remain matched up in your closet. Try to group pieces together by occasion as well. For example, all casual clothing together, all business attire together, etc.

CONSIGN UP If you still need some room in your closet, consider consigning your leftovers to one of these local stores. Duo (101 Elliewood Ave., 979-1212) The Corner retail spot boasts an entire second floor of secondhand designer pieces. Get cash on the spot for your clothes. Glad Rags Consignment Boutique (1923 Commonwealth Dr., 979-1816) A treasure trove of fashionable duds, Glad Rags stocks modern and vintage alike. Plus, check out the killer jewelry section. Jean Theory (110 Fourth St. NE, 296-JEAN) Runner-up for Best Secondhand Clothing Store in this year’s Best Of C-VILLE poll, Jean Theory offers cash up front for your gently used apparel. Natalie Dressed (2114 Angus Rd., 296-6886) Now under new management, Natalie Dressed offers clean, high-end pieces. Consignors get a 40 percent return on their items. Sugar Snap Consignment (480 Shopper’s World Court, 973-0736) Catering to those under 4’ tall, Sugar Snap packs kids clothes, shoes and accessories. Get cash for your trade-ins, or store credit to accommodate your kids’ future size changes.

Shoes to Show: Traditional shoe racks can be helpful in keeping pairs sorted, but very few people I’ve worked with have the discipline to use them consistently. If you have a love for your shoes and have the room to show them off, go ahead! Take individual photos of each pair of shoes in your arsenal for the season. Then purchase clear plastic shoe boxes and place the respective shoe snapshots on each box. The next time you look for those black patent leather stilettos, you’ll know just where to find them.—Sue Battani

Sue Battani owns Cville Concierge, a lifestyle management service that aids in the areas of personal errands, domestic services, travel arrangements, organization and more. For additional information, call 409-0119.

 

Wash, rinse, pretreat

Caring for your clothes goes beyond hanging them neatly in the closet. Use these laundry tips to keep everything tidy.

Get it hot. The hotter the water, the better the clean. Whites can withstand a hot wash, as hot water also causes more fading. Clean colors and hefty darks in warm water. Delicates and bleed-easy colors should be washed, separately, in cool water.

Tame the stain. If you’re not saving that last drop of coffee on your favorite blouse for later, blot it with a cloth and then sponge it with cool water. Apply a pretreat like OxiClean or Spray ‘n Wash and then toss it in a machine with warm water. 

Fill ‘er up. Turn on the water and pour in the detergent prior to putting your clothes in the machine, lest the soap distributes unevenly and spots your new dress.

 

Face forward

Wrinkles are an inevitable sign of aging. But, taking preventive skincare steps now will reduce creases and lines later. Enter Frownies: facial strips that address physical causes of wrinkles and help reshape the facial muscles, sans Botox.

Place the strips on the forehead, crow’s feet, between the eyes or corners of the mouth before going to bed. The strips, which adhere to your face with a glued backing, are said to hold the visible layer of skin flat, allowing the skin cells to reposition themselves. In the morning, spritz with Rose Water Hydrator Spray for an extra glow. 

Frownies ($19.95) and Rose Water Hydrator Spray ($10.95) are available locally at Rebecca’s Natural Foods and Whole Foods Market.—Hannah Pace

 

Break it down

Don’t let the workday get you down, ladies. Every Wednesday beginning at 12:30pm, Abby Arnold offers a free 30-minute meditation class at her West Market Street studio, Ananda Wellness Center. 

Arnold says Ananda provides instructions for beginners, but many experienced meditators are welcome to participate as well. "It is generally a guided meditation session," Arnold says. Sit, relax and get connected with the inner spirit.  

For more information, visit anandawellnesscenter.com or call 245-6940.—H.P.

 

Lush lash lust?

Mascara dehydrates your eyelashes and leads to brittle and breakable lashes. And, if you’ve recently fallen victim to trendy lash enhancers like Latisse, you need extra help. To rehydrate and keep your eyelashes looking long and irresistible, try this all-natural conditioner recipe.—H.P.

Do It Yourself Eyelash Conditioner Recipe:

• Mix a 50/50 blend of Sweet Oil (sold at drugstores) and Apricot Kernel Oil (sold at health food stores).

• Use a lash wand to coat lashes lightly and leave overnight.

• Wash it off in the morning before applying makeup.

• Use once weekly for best results.

 

Full stretch

There’s a new kid on the block. More than one, actually. Yogis Kelly Cox and Merrill Woodriff have opened Bend, a yoga studio for children on the Downtown Mall. They cater to kids six weeks to 18 years old, aiming to promote physical health and body awareness. Visit the studio at 420 E. Main St., Suite B, or call 296-BEND for more information.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Keep your cool when things get hot

Displaying anger at the office is a destructive response to conflict and can have a powerful, detrimental impact on personal and professional relationships. An emotional outburst has a long-lasting effect on organizations and relationships because people don’t easily forget these episodes. The fear of something similar happening in the future can shut down open, honest communication. 

How do we lose our tempers? We have an emotional reaction to a hot button—an event or person who sets off an automatic response. We then take action (e.g. start yelling, walk away, etc.) as a result of the emotion. However, if we know our hot buttons and are able to notice when we are emotionally charged, we can choose a more constructive response.

What can you do when your normally rational thinking brain is hijacked by anger? 

• Learn what kinds of people and/or situations trigger an afflictive emotional reaction. If you are not sure, choose two or three days during the next two weeks to intentionally notice your emotional state throughout the day. Consider keeping a log or journal. What patterns do you notice? 

• Practice noticing your emotional reactions in the moment. What indicators do you notice that inform you of your emotional state? Often, anger and other afflictive emotions show up in the body—headache, tight stomach, red face, rapid breathing, etc.

• Once you notice your emotional state, you can employ a cooling strategy. Common cooling strategies include deep breathing, taking a walk, calling a good friend, etc. Find a cooling strategy that works best for you. Don’t hesitate to take time to calm yourself down before engaging with a person and/or situation.

• Consider starting a mind/body practice such as yoga or meditation. Research has indicated that these practices can train our brains to be less reactive to emotion.

With intention and practice, it is possible to learn constructive responses to conflict.—Cathy Smalley Pales

Cathy Smalley Pales is a UVA grad with 18 years’ experience in leadership development. She’s president of Powerful Purpose Leadership, a coaching business that aids individuals and businesses in developing better working relationships.

Work it, girl!

Feel the need to sharpen your career skills? We recommend diving into one of these local classes. Don’t forget your No. 2 pencils.

Social Media: How To Use It
Tweet yourself to a course in how to blog, Facebook and Wiki with the best of ‘em.
Tuesday, October 19 or Wednesday, November 3 ($200) at UVA’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies
www.scps.virginia.edu

Basic Computer for Beginners
No computer skills whatsoever? This amateur class will teach you to turn on the computer (no, seriously), organize files and save documents.
September 7-October 18 ($113-137) at Charlottesville Albemarle Technical Education Center
www.catec.org

Business and Marketing Writing
This online course will teach you effective buzzwords, up your interpersonal skills and polish your marketing ethics.
Beginning September 15 or October 20 for six weeks ($90) at Piedmont Virginia Community College
www.ed2go.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Scout Charlottesville publisher Susie Matheson believes one thing: “If the local stores disappear, every town becomes the same.” Accordingly, she spends a lot of time promoting all things Charlottesville, whether through her blog (scoutcharlottesville.com), her free iPhone app (search “SCOUT-cville”) or The Scout Guide, soon to be released in its second edition. Knowing she’d have a lot of local goodies, we took a peek inside her purse. 

 

 

 

 

 

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Clockwise from top right:

LemLem scarf: “I wear it as a sarong or a wrap in the evenings when it gets cold.”

Made with Love bracelets from E.G.: “I put them on for working or at night for going out. You can hand a few off to friends; makes a great quick present.”

UV Protection: “These vintage sunglasses are from an old warehouse. Scarpa has a bunch of different kinds and they’ve never been worn.”

Chuck Pinnell keychain from And George (3465 Ivy Rd., 244-2800): “I love that I can wear it around my wrist.”

Bristols6 Stylin’ Tape: “This is an easy fix for a loose hem.”

Bliss Sunban Face: “Easy coverage and it smells amazing.”

SCOUT change purse from Creme de la Creme: “I like this not only for the Scout name, but also the Dachshunds.”

Becca Cosmetics makeup palette: “Easy makeup after a morning of Ashtanga Yoga—shower at AYC and off I go!”

Beauty for Real lip gloss in Sun Light from Neroli Spa & Apothecary (2118 Barracks Rd., 984-3450): “This I love. So subtle and so pretty.”

Fekkai ‘Marine Summer Hair’ spray: “I use this when I am at the beach—swim, shower, done.”

Miel de Abejas makeup bag from e.g. (109 S. First St., 979-2888): “These are so great, and they have a whole assortment of sizes in that bag.”

Wish paper from Creme de la Creme (2138 Barracks Rd., 296-7018): “It’s a good thing to take out to dinner…or to entertain crying kids.” Most of the paper goods in Matheson’s purse are from Creme de la Creme.

Her Look Commando Cotton underwear from Derriere de Soie (105 E. Main St., 977-7455): “My mother always said to have a spare pair.”

Kama Sutra Weekender Kit: “For a gift, of course!”

MacBook and Birthday book: “I live for my computer, but still love the little leather reminders.”

Dog treats from Sammy Snacks (2130 Barracks Rd., 984-5941): “I usually have three dogs in tow.”

Lollia lotion: “This hand creme smells wonderful!”

The bag: Matheson says this Carla Mancini bag from Scarpa (2114 Barracks Rd., 296-0040) is “my new fall bag.”

Knife: “Such a beautiful pocket knife from Creme de la Creme—good for protection.”

Gift cards: “I always carry these and a little ribbon to attach to a bottle of wine I need to pick up on the way to a dinner party.”

Apple iPhone: “I use it to check my SCOUT-cville app.”

Kiehl’s Original Musk perfume: “It’s labeled ‘Love Oil,’ and it’s great because men and women can both wear it.”

Yellow wallet: “I got this at Scarpa. Yellow is the color for fall, they tell me.”

Dr. Singha’s Travel Tonic: “I bought this for jet lag recovery before heading to Italy.”

The Good Dog matches: “These make an easy gift. Tie a ribbon around them, done.”  

 

Laine Welch, 29
Originally from Hampton Roads, VA
Occupation: Fundraising and Alumni Relations for UVA
“I love living in Charlottesville. There are so many smart, talented people here!”

 

 

 

 

 

Vaughan Keeney, 29
Originally from Franklin, VA
Occupation: Employee of Rhett Associates
“I like that I am really friendly and give everybody a fair chance.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Abby Arnold, 47
Originally from McLean, VA
Occupation: Owner of the Ananda Community Center for Conscious Living
“I love finding a balance between my inner beliefs and outer life. I believe in encompassing work and life together, and I also love chocolate.”

 

 

 

 

Veronica Fitzhugh, 31
Originally from New Jersey
Occupation: Peer Support Specialist
“I’m satisfied that I can do something meaningful with my life.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mrinalini Chakravorty, 36
Originally from India
Occupation: English Professor at UVA
“Being eclectic is a personal aesthetic for me.”