Massage therapy uses suction to promote healing

“The best thing with which you can treat sickness is cupping.”
– The Prophet Muhammad

As a health and wellness hobbyist, I had been curious about cupping therapy and massage for years. During this alternative massage treatment, the practitioner uses varying sizes of suction cups to invigorate skin and muscle, usually on the back. The increased blood flow and circulation is thought to promote healing, reduce pain, relieve muscle tension, and remove toxins.

Until recently, the options to receive such a service in Lynchburg were either nonexistent or extremely hard to find. But I finally got to see what all of the hype was about when I booked a session with Liza Yowell at Telitha Apothecary in the Boonsboro Shopping Center. Yowell is an independent contractor who lives on the Outer Banks of North Carolina but is often in Lynchburg providing skincare and “MediCupping” at Telitha.

Yowell was introduced to cupping 12 years ago when she received the treatment from an acupuncturist on the Outer Banks. She says the practice of cupping stems from Traditional Chinese Medicine.

“Fire cups are typically used in Traditional Chinese Medicine where cotton is saturated in alcohol, lit on fire and inserted in glass cups with a hemostat in order to create a vacuum effect,” she explains. “The cups are then applied onto the patient’s skin in order to loosen the muscles, liquify the fascia, dispel blood and lymph stagnation and improve the flow of Qi energy (the body’s vital force).”

After mastering the art of firecupping, Yowell became certified in vacuum therapy MediCupping, using a machine that is safer, more subtle, and gentler than fire cups.

She describes the service she provides as “a combination of manual massage and MediCupping therapy. I rely on the cups to quickly and easily liquify the fascia and soft tissue so that I can access the deeper layers of the muscles.”

The service typically lasts about an hour.

Yowell is often amazed at how quickly the tissue softens with less effort than a conventional massage. She also has a personal story of how cupping helped her.

“Cupping is extremely effective at breaking down scar tissue,” she says. “I had breast cancer in 2016 and I felt such relief working with the machine to loosen up my mastectomy scars. It really helped release a lot of the tightness in my chest from the surgery.”

Former NFL football player Jake Grove of Forest was first introduced to cupping therapy in 2005 in San Francisco. He played center position in the league from 2004-2010 and had his share of injuries and soreness. Fellow teammates had suggested he try Chinese firecupping at an Eastern Medicine Clinic in order to improve his performance and decrease his pain.

At the time, Grove says he took all varieties of anti-inflammatories as well as narcotic pain medicine.

“Cupping helped me reduce the amount of medication I took on a daily basis,” he said. “I feel like it did help lower my pain and inflammation. Particularly later in my career and after multiple surgeries. The day after a game I could barely walk and cupping on my knees, back and shoulders helped me to recover quicker.”

Another place in Lynchburg to try cupping is The Spa in Wyndhurst, where massage therapist Denayha Cotton enhances her cupping massage with silicone cups.

She strongly encourages communication from the client as the process can actually be painful for some.

“Even though I use the softest cups possible, it can still be painful if a client has a large knot or tight ropey muscles that are causing them trouble. This is why feedback is an absolute must, that way you are not in any more pain than necessary,” says Cotton.

To prepare for your session, Cotton advises that clients drink lots of water and eat a clean diet before and after the treatment to help with the detoxing process. Clients should also avoid hot showers immediately after treatment.

There will most likely be markings or redness on the surface of the skin that can last up to two weeks on average.

The color will change and varies based on the amount of toxins and debris being released. These purplish circles are a side effect that indicates blood, lymph and Qi stagnation.

Grove attests that he always had the cupping marks on his skin wherever the cups were used after a service. Many people like to “see” the results left from the cups—and if they don’t, they are easy to cover up.

Whether you’re just curious like me, or want to relieve consistent pain like Grove, cupping therapy is definitely worth checking out.

“Most important to me, there is no downside to cupping,” says Grove.

“There are no chemicals, no needles.”

Charcuterie boards are colorful, creative and always crowd-pleasers (even when there’s not a crowd).

Pinterest. Instagram. Weddings. Taking up their own endcap at the grocery store.

The charcuterie board business is booming right now.

Maybe it’s just a coincidence that these boards began to explode about the same time as the pandemic. They serve as a fun way to eat anything (fun moments are important during a pandemic), a good way to gather and share with your “quaranteam,” and can even be made into single servings for socially distanced gatherings.

The term “charcuterie” refers specifically to the process of curing meat products such as salami, bacon, and ham.

Most traditional charcuterie boards are spilling over with meats, various types of cheese, and other accoutrements. However, themed boards with more eclectic choices—see sidebar on page 137—are becoming popular as well.

Michelle Ayers, owner of Purple Door Gourmet Kitchen, has been making charcuterie boards for a decade but has seen their popularity rise this year along with their larger counterpart: the grazing table.

“I have done very large displays as long as 18 feet for an event for 300 people to small trays for two to 20,” she says. “This is my absolute favorite part of my work. I always dreamed of playing with food for a living and now I get to do it every day.”

The Purple Door Gourmet Kitchen and Catering

Food Checklist
Every board is unique, but Michelle says the checklist in her head for a charcuterie board always includes color, texture, flavor, and variety.

“Every board needs to have assorted cheeses, cured meat, olives, nuts, chutney, crispy bread and chocolate,” she says.

Personal chef and health coach Megan Current, of The Current Dish, also receives numerous requests for charcuterie boards. She always starts with the “forward points”: the meats and cheeses.

“The rule of thumb for cheeses is making sure to have an aged cheese, such as cheddar, and a
soft cheese. I like brie. Then a hard cheese such as gorgonzola,” she explains. “For the meat,
I include a variety of favorites such as prosciutto, peppered salami, and capicola.”

From there, Megan likes to include local jams and honeys, pickles, olives and fruit. But she will branch out depending on the season or occasion—for example, a caramel dip for apple slices or cake pops for a birthday board.

The Current Dish

Building Your Board
Once you’ve gathered your items comes the trickier part for amateurs. Part of the appeal of a charcuterie board is the way it looks. As Michelle explains: “I believe you eat with your eyes first.”

First, decide what will be your focal point.

A brie or goat cheese log works well, or use folded meats in a creative way.

“Some people like to make a prosciutto river, sort of a swivel line down the middle of the board,” Megan says.

Folding or rolling meats will not only allow you to pack more items onto your board, but it also looks nice. Depending on your types of cheeses, mix it up and have one sliced and another cubed, for example. For accoutrements such as olives, fruit or nuts, put some into small bowls and others directly on to the board.

“Rosemary or mint sprigs are a pretty way to fill in any holes and add some greenery,” says Megan.

Better Than Dip
For those with new fitness goals in the new year, charcuterie boards can also be a smarter appetizer choice. “You have an option of foods that are whole and less processed, many with single ingredients,” Megan says. “Also, it’s so much easier to fill up on these foods compared to something like chips and dip.”

Better yet, it’s the one-size-fits-all appetizer for family members or friends with various dietary preferences. You can order or create a board with a little bit of everything on it and let everyone pick and choose what they want.

Whether you make your own, or let a professional such as Megan or Michelle take control, the sky is limit when creating a charcuterie board. Have some fun and be sure to share your photos with us on Facebook or Instagram with the hashtag, #LynchburgLiving.

Take it further

Not-Your-Average Charcuterie Board. While lacking the traditional cured meats, these boards
pull from the idea of arranging your food in a “choose-your-own” display.

TACO Board:
Chips or Shells, Small Pitas, Salsas, Cheese, Guacamole, Veggies

VEGAN Board:
Carrot “Bacon,” Tomato “Ham,” Assorted Fruits and Vegetables

BRUNCH Board:
Bagels, Capers, Smoked Salmon, Cream Cheese, Red Onion, Fruit

In 2020, 2002’s miracle drug is not only used for wrinkles… (and people aren’t afraid to admit getting it!)

Smart phones. Electric cars. Botox. Twenty years ago (remember Y2k?) none of these items were exactly mainstream yet.

Out of them, only one hasn’t really changed much since its inception—and that’s Botox, an injectable, skin-improving drug that can only be administered by a licensed medical professional. What has changed since Botox debuted in 2002 is its range of uses as well as the stigma it carries.

For those unfamiliar with the lingo, Botox differs from filler, which is also used to improve the look of the skin. Botox freezes the muscle to reduce the look of wrinkles, while filler does what its name implies, fills out wrinkles and creates smoother skin.

When it comes to Botox, most patients are looking to erase wrinkles, but according to Craig Petry, M.D., owner of Wyndhurst Medical Aesthetics, it only temporarily binds the neuromuscular junction so the nerve cannot cause a contraction of the muscle. Botox generally lasts about four months and wears off as the muscle regains its function. Dermal filler can last between six months and two years.

Dr. Petry says one of the most important things to consider when it comes to injectables is that experience matters. “Any medical professional with a license can order Botox and, because of such, we often have to correct errors in injection,” he explains. Dr. Petry also has a master’s level training in Botox and fillers. “Be sure that your injector knows facial anatomy and has experience with thousands and thousands of patients because every patient is different and needs Botox in slightly different areas and amounts. A skilled injector is worth the price.”

With all the hype surrounding Botox and dermal filler, Dr. Petry is pleased to see training improve for injectors. Instead of just correcting a fine line, there is now more of an emphasis on fixing the underlying problem. “We see more of filling the cheeks to work against gravity and atrophy whereas before injectors would see lines around the mouth and think, ‘let’s just fill these lines.’ But now training emphasizes that the injectors work up and out with cheeks and then down and in,” he explained.

Fillers can be used in the lips, and small amounts of Botox can correct a lip flip or “gummy smile,” Dr. Petry says, adding that he has also used Botox to correct some minor facial asymmetries such as one brow being higher than the other.

Botox is not just cosmetic but could be therapeutic in some cases. Some people who suffer from chronic migraines are turning to Botox for relief. Botox is injected around pain fibers that are involved in headaches; it blocks the release of chemicals involved in pain transmission. According to the American Migraine Foundation, Botox is only FDA-approved for those with chronic migraines (more than 15 per month).

Botox also could be an option to consider for excessive sweating. In the face, the drug cuts down on the output of the sebaceous gland so people are less oily and sweaty. It is used in the hands and armpits to reduce sweating from a condition called hyperhidrosis.

According to a review in the June issue of Current Sports Medicine Reports, there also is growing evidence that Botox can be an effective treatment for certain sports injuries and chronic pain conditions.

In terms of cosmetic Botox, Dr. Petry says the risks are minimal, but bleeding and bruising are the most common side effects. “In all the years and hundreds of thousands of units of Botox that I’ve injected, I’ve never seen an allergic reaction, infection or any adverse events,” he said. “It is probably one of the safest cosmetic procedures ever invented.”

Another major change in the Botox world—the drug isn’t nearly as taboo as it once was. While the industry is still dominated by women, more and more men are interested in the benefits of Botox. According to the 2018 Plastic Surgery Statistics Report, about half a million men try Botox every year.

Botox Parties are the latest trend. Wyndhurst Medical Aesthetics offers discounted group rates for 8-10 people in their office, meaning you would not be keeping your Botox injection a secret but instead sharing the experience with a few friends. Lynchburg native and life purpose coach Kessley McCormick says when she was beginning her own research on injectables, not many people were talking about it.

Once she began to receive Botox from Dr. Petry, McCormick says she talked about her experience with anyone who was interested, describing the process as liberating and a major confidence boost. “This wasn’t just about vanity,” she said. “This was about doing something for myself no matter what anyone else thought.”

Why many are turning to elderberries as a way to avoid the doctor’s office

What if someone told you that to build up your immune system, prevent sickness, reduce length of sick days, and possibly even help with chronic or autoimmune diseases… all you had to do was take a daily dose of syrup? After this year, your answer would likely be a quick, resounding YES.

Maybe you have heard of elderberry products before but aren’t quite sure what the hype is all about. They are made from the fruits produced by the black elderberry shrub (officially called Sambucus nigra)—the berries are loaded with vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, zinc and antioxidants.

Morgan Powell turned to elderberries in 2016 after her three young children always seemed to be sick. While researching herbs and natural remedies, she learned about elderberries and decided to whip up a batch of syrup for her family to try. In a matter of weeks, she noticed a significant improvement in her children’s health and wellbeing. “My husband and I thought it would be great to spread the word and help other families build their own immune systems and keep their children healthy, and the idea to create a small business out of it came naturally,” she explained.

Powell started her Central Virginia–based business, The Enchanted Elderberry, in the fall of 2018. She sells elderberry-infused syrup, vinegar, gummies and loose teas at the Bedford and Forest farmers’ markets. Powell says she grows her own fruit but sometimes has to order from Croatia when her supply is limited. The berries are generally harvested in the fall.

Elderberry syrup isn’t just a natural remedy with no credible support. Powell shared that before she spread the word, she wanted to know that elderberries were not only a safe option but also had the science to back them up. “What elderberry does on a molecular level is attach to a virus, preventing it from entering or replicating in a cell inside,” she explained.

Many of the benefits of the elderberry can be attributed to the antioxidant anthocyanin.

While scientific studies on the effects of the berries have only been conducted on a small scale, the National Institutes of Health believes they have anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti-obesity effects. More reasons to consider adding this small, dark purple berry into your daily routine include aid to the upper respiratory system, ease of joint and muscle pain, and blood vessel support.

Ready to stock up? When purchasing your elderberry products, always consider the source and make sure you are buying a credible product. Also, never eat elderberries raw as this can cause nausea and dizziness; side effects are not experienced when consuming the product in any cooked form.

Finally, the most important piece of advice, doses and concentration can vary, so always check with a physician or pediatrician before adding elderberry into your diet. Powell says most children take one teaspoon a day while adults may take two, even three if fighting an illness.

According to Powell, her results are measurable. Her children have not been to the doctor in over three years for a virus since taking elderberry syrup year-round. “Since starting this entrepreneurship, we’ve been humbled at the amount of people we have helped live healthier lives,” she said. “Elderberry can be a great addition to your daily routine.”

The Enchanted Elderberry is available at the Bedford and Forest farmers’ markets. Elderberry products can also be found locally at Health Nut Nutrition (Wyndhurst) and Nature’s Outlet (Graves Mill Shopping Center).

Don’t be afraid to take your fitness goals to new heights this year!

Here you see the feet of Lynchburg Living writer Rachel Dalton as she tries out a new Aerial Pilates class at Iron and Grace Fitness Studio in Lynchburg.

Aerial Pilates draws from all of the traditional elements of Pilates—but instead of lying on a mat, you utilize a silk hammock that’s suspended from the ceiling just a few inches above the ground. This extra challenge forces you to use different muscles.

Read more about Rachel’s experience in the Winter/Spring issue of Be Well Lynchburg, on stands now across Central Virginia, and visit ironandgraceva.com to see the most updated class schedules.

Photo by Laura Beth Davidson

Aji Brings Ramen, Sushi and Much More to Lynchburg’s Downtown

Located in the heart of Lynchburg at 908 Main Street, Lynchburg’s newest Asian restaurant, Aji Ramen and Sushi, is certainly filling a void in the downtown area.

The eatery opened in August and, since then, has been impressing customers with its authentic and exotic cuisine.

Owner Eric Wu was born in China but always had roots in the Lynchburg area. Before returning to Lynchburg to open Aji he was struggling with a grueling schedule at a Chinese restaurant in Winchester. Tired of working for someone else and having to spend so much time away from his sons, Wu decided it was time to come back home to the Hill City.

Eric and his wife, who shares a background in the restaurant industry, say they chose Downtown Lynchburg because it was lacking the Asian cuisine he was eager to share with locals. The restaurant’s name, Aji, stems from a special person in their life named Carolyn Roberts. “She used to come to our buffet restaurant and we became like family members. l really appreciate her like a mother so we named the restaurant Aji, which means mother in our language,” he says.

Their menu offers a large variety of ramen—which Wu describes as a very popular Japanese noodle soup. The pork- and vegetable-based broth cooks for 10 hours and serves as the base.

Varieties include beef, miso, and chicken.

The sushi at Aji is made from fresh fish that’s flown in three times a week. While sushi lovers can find traditional rolls and sashimi on the large menu, Wu offers exciting combinations such as the Mango Spring Roll with shrimp, crabmeat, and mango wrapped in rice paper instead of the usual seaweed wrapper.

If you’re looking beyond sushi and ramen, there is something for everyone from the pineapple fried rice, General Tso’s Chicken, and kimchi to the Tom Yum soup, various curries, and hibachi dishes.

Wu is accustomed to working with customers who have dietary restrictions and allergies—he welcomes everyone to come and give them a taste or a sip. In their “cozy corner” spot, they serve beer, wine and saké. Finish your meal with tasty (and often hard to find in our area) mochi, a Japanese dessert that consists of a ball of sticky, sweet rice dough filled with creamy, delicious ice cream.

Aji Ramen and Sushi
908 Main St, Lynchburg, VA
(434) 845-2816
ajiramenandsushi.com
Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Closed Sunday

Photography by Jenna McKenney

Aerial Pilates classes offer a heightened version of a traditional mat workout

As a self-described exercise hobbyist, I am always on the prowl for new workouts to try around town and beyond. I seek out challenging classes at studios when I travel and enjoy experiencing the latest fitness trends in larger cities and here at home.

But… I’m also a creature of habit (and someone who wants a lot of bang-for-my-exercise-buck) and have been working out regularly at Iron & Grace on Old Forest Road for almost a decade. So you can understand my excitement when my old faithful gym announced they would be offering a trendy new class that’s taking hold across the nation—Aerial Pilates. I jumped at the chance to dangle from the ceiling and embrace my inner acrobat.

While I, like you, had a lot of questions about how this would go, I knew I would be in good hands. Iron & Grace co-owner Alaya Sexton has taught Pilates all over the world, taken thousands of hours of continuing education in many fitness realms and also has her 500-hour yoga certification. As a side note, after I had my son three years ago, I swear Alaya’s traditional Pilates classes helped bring me back to life—and to size. Lying on or standing on a mat, I would enjoy (or let’s be honest, suffer through!) a combination of poses to lengthen, strengthen, and condition my core, while improving my joint integrity, posture, and balance.>>

A few years ago, Alaya took a 50-hour training program called AIReal yoga, which led her to design this new Aerial Pilates class at Iron & Grace. Classes began in September and I was one of the first to sign up.

Aerial Pilates draws from all of the traditional elements of Pilates listed above—but instead of lying on a mat, you hang from a silk hammock that’s suspended from the ceiling just a few inches above the ground. This forces you to use different muscles. “It is simply a new environment to practice, a different place to develop your balance, focus and core control,” says Alaya. “We are in a variety of positions that cannot be achieved without the hammock.”

The body naturally responds to the swing and instability of the hammock by “spontaneously contracting your core to find support,” according to Alaya. This is a new and different challenge for the body and utilizes muscles that may not be reached in other classes. “There is a distinct sense of play and release that you cannot get from any of the specialized Pilates equipment or matwork,” she says.

When you get past the awkwardness of climbing into the silk, the workout consists of a variety of postures and movements to strengthen and lengthen the body. For example, during my class we did “hundreds” while suspended in the hammock, a classic Pilates move where you extend your legs and lift your head while doing 100 beats with your arms. I also learned that breathing in Aerial Pilates is very important, just as it is in traditional classes. Your breath helps you move through difficult poses.

During an aerial workout you may also find yourself inverted or upside down—don’t let this intimidate you. There are some amazing benefits to it! “Many yogis claim inversion is the key to anti-aging and appearing younger. The ‘traction’ position used in inversion can help ease symptoms for people who suffer from back spasms and herniated discs,” Alaya says.

Fellow aerial workout enthusiast at Iron & Grace, Virginia Myers, says Aerial Pilates requires concentration and a willingness to get out of your comfort zone. “Being in the silks in the air feels equal parts liberating and challenging. It is as difficult as you want to make it,” Myers explains, adding that Alaya provides modifications to cater to a range of fitness levels.

Aside from modifications, Alaya also keeps class sizes very small (6 people max) to provide special attention to all participants. While I had some Pilates experience before taking her class, I have worked out alongside people of varying fitness levels. Everyone can do something and reap benefits no matter where they are in their fitness journey.

If you are ready to sign up, be sure to arrive to your class early so you can adjust your hammock. “The height of your hammock is dependent on your height so individual adjustments need to be made before class starts,” Alaya says.

Also, women should wear comfortable leggings or long pants and a shirt with sleeves to protect their underarms. The hammock will be wrapped under your armpits so this ensures you don’t have any chafing. (Men, don’t feel left out—you are welcome too!

And when Alaya mentioned how Aerial Pilates has a “sense of play,” she wasn’t overexaggerating. At the end of each class, you get to swing on your hammock—which is not only an incredible release, it’s so much fun!

The day after my first Aerial Pilates class I felt a satisfying soreness in my abs, arms and legs. I was surprised to find my hands were sore, too, but then realized of course they were—from gripping the hammock.

Aerial Pilates is a chance to get off the mat, get out of your plank and experience a new level of exercise with muscles you didn’t even know you had. I am already looking forward to my next class and hope to see you there.

Reserve your class time on the MindBody app or call Iron & Grace at (434) 944-8633.

Redefine “Fast Food” with These Healthy, Local Options

Between holidays, homework and hectic schedules, it can be hard to maintain a balanced diet—especially while on the go. The good news? There are healthy, delicious food options available all throughout our fair city—and you don’t have to make reservations at these fast casual spots. Skip the drive thru and trust us; these tasty treats are worth the walk inside.

Crisp
Crisp, now with a new menu, is the place in town for a made-to-order salad with fresh ingredients. Head to either of their two locations at lunchtime and be prepared for a line out the door. What you may not know is Crisp also serves made-from-scratch soups—perfect for chilly fall or winter days—to enjoy either alongside your salad or on their own. Some favorites are taco, black bean, and French onion. Pro tip: take your soup over the top with croutons, shredded cheese, and tortilla strips.

1124 Church St., Lynchburg
or 18013 Forest Rd., Suite A-01, Forest
www.crispsaladandjuice.com

Tahini’s
As the temperatures drop, nothing will warm you up more than a Mediterranean spiced chicken kebob from Tahini’s. Served over rice with your choice of fast casual fixings, this hearty and healthy meal sticks with you all day. If you’re craving something bubbly, try one of Tahini’s Stubborn Sodas made with no artificial sweeteners, colors or high fructose corn syrup. Customers also love the Chicken Shawarma salad (top).

912 Main St., Lynchburg
www.tahinisgrill.com

Magnolia Foods
By now, many of you know about Live Pure Smoothie Cubes (if not, check out the feature in the May/June 2019 issue of Lynchburg Living) but did you also know you can snag a fresh smoothie made with their products at Magnolia Foods on Rivermont Avenue? Grab one to take with you or stock up on the bags of cubes right there in the freezer section. They all taste like dessert (with no added sugar) and are loaded with superfoods.

2476 Rivermont Ave., Lynchburg
www.magnoliafoods.com

Millie’s Living Cafe at Health Nut Nutrition
Feel your sweet tooth kicking in? Stop by Millie’s Living Café at Health Nut Nutrition in Wyndhurst and grab a raw, organic, cold-pressed juice. Their juices are made with fresh ingredients to deliver a delicious combination of flavors— not to mention a huge punch of vitamins and minerals. Try the “Pineapple Zen” with jalapeño for an extra kick or the “Liver Lover” with apple, beets, carrots, and kale. I’m also a huge fan of their Dragon Bowl—it’s loaded with fresh fruit and superfoods.

1701 Enterprise Dr., Lynchburg
www.healthnutnutrition.com

Montana Plains Bakery
Another delicious place to chow down on a hearty wrap is Montana Plains Bakery, also with two locations to choose from. Try the veggie whole wheat wrap stuffed with carrots, avocado, cucumber, hummus, and romaine. Loaded with protein and vitamins and fiber, this one is a win-win.

4925 Boonsboro Rd., Lynchburg
or 102 Tradewynd Dr., #A, Lynchburg
www.facebook.com/montanaplainsbakery

Corner Burger
Head next door for a juicy (and better-for-you!) burger at Corner Burger. By using only grass-finished beef, their burgers have less total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol and calories, but they have more vitamins E and C, beta carotene, and omega 3 fatty acids, according to owner Kent Wood. They love using local purveyors and supporting the community so you can feel good about this one!

12130 E Lynchburg Salem Turnpike, #3, Forest
www.mycornerburger.com

The Leaf Creative Salads
If you find yourself near Cornerstone, pop in to The Leaf for one of their tasty salad combinations. They have a vast assortment of toppings such as grilled corn, roasted Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes or bow tie pasta. Even better? Make your salad portable by turning it into a wrap.

112 Cornerstone St., Lynchburg
www.facebook.com/theleafsalads

T&E Catering
Trying to stay away from gluten? Believe it or not Central Virginia has its very own completely gluten-free restaurant. Located in New London’s Poplar Forest Plaza, folks are flocking to T & E Catering for the pasta, sandwiches, and desserts… all of it GLUTEN FREE. The wings and dirty fries are the talk of the town and perfect to take on the go for a tailgate, picnic, or even just for staying in on a Friday night.

12130 E Lynchburg Salem Turnpike, #4, Forest
www.tandecatering.com

Local growers offer a variety of trees— and lots of holiday cheer

Whether it’s a long-held family tradition or an experience waiting to be crossed off your bucket list, there’s something enthralling about the hunt for the perfect Tannenbaum. Perhaps it’s the visions of family gathered around on Christmas morning, warmed by kinship and good cheer; perhaps it’s the memories made along the quest, traditions formed and Kodak moments captured while the kids are still getting along.

Whatever the reason, Central Virginia is home to a handful of tree lots and farms where traditions new and old find their roots. Even if your family swears by artificial trees, it’s worth taking a day to explore someplace new where you can stop and smell the pine needles, sip a warm drink and snap some Christmas card photos.

These particular farms are family-friendly and guaranteed to make spirits bright:

Green Needles Christmas Tree Farm
Over the river and through the foothills, eight acres of white pines and Canaan, Douglas and concolor firs grow in the blissful solitude of Green Needles Christmas Tree Farm. Owned and operated by Jon Perdew, the farm is a 30-minute jaunt from Lynchburg and mere miles from regional icons like the James River and the Blue Ridge Parkway, making it the perfect destination to behold the scenery of the season.

Perdew purchased the farm from its previous owners 14 years ago, and although farming and agriculture don’t flow through his bloodline, they’re second nature to him. The Maryland native worked as an irrigation contractor in his home state until his children’s higher education brought the Perdew family south, where he tried his hand at growing Christmas trees.

Fraser firs are hard to come by in Central Virginia because of the region’s climate. However, Perdew knows that some people have their hearts set on bringing one home, so Green Needles provides a selection of fresh, pre-cut Frasers grown in Floyd County each season.

Besides the ample selection of trees, homemade wreaths and the occasional appearance by Mama Crockett’s Cider Donuts and Sourdough Pizza Company, Green Needles offers fun for all ages. Find one of the three tire swings hanging around the farm or sip hot chocolate and mosey out to the foot bridge overlooking the pond.
And if you don’t get enough of the rambling landscape when you visit to score your tree, you can reserve the farm’s old Christmas shop-turned-Airbnb for a night or two in the off season. In the warmer months you can find Perdew at the Forest Farmers Market with the fruit and flowers that also sprout at the farm.

Green Needles Christmas Tree Farm
1175 Yew Tree Lane, Coleman Falls, VA 24536

Dancing Hill Christmas Tree Farm
Considered one of Bedford’s best-kept secrets, Dancing Hill Christmas Tree Farm will make you feel right at home among the towering trees, sprawling fields and glimpses of Blue Ridge Mountain vistas.

A Bedford native and retiree from the Virginia Department of Forestry, owner Richard Miles began planting trees in 1980 to learn more about the process as he helped others establish their own tree farms and to add a little extra cash to his children’s college fund.

Miles’ plan sprouted, quite literally, into a local legacy. Of the farms in the region, Dancing Hill is one of the oldest individually-owned—and with the help of his children, Miles plans to keep the farm up-and-running as long as he can.

On the farm’s 35 acres (six of which belong solely to the trees), Miles hosts an array of white and Scotch pine, blue spruce and small assortment of firs. Like Green Needles, Dancing Hill also offers pre-cut Frasers from Rifton Farm and Nursery in Floyd County.

Pack a picnic lunch and tailgate in the field, then wander over to the gift shop to find the perfect keepsakes for all your loved ones before cozying up on the front porch with a cup of hot chocolate. And don’t forget to pose for some family photos with the antique sled or the handcrafted Santa Claus, snowmen and reindeer displays—this year’s Christmas cards will be a hit for sure.

If your schedule is too full of festivities to visit on the weekend, the farm is open seven days a week. Just 10 minutes from local eateries in downtown Bedford, you and the kids can easily grab lunch and head for the Hill.

Dancing Hill Christmas Tree Farm
1401 Dancing Hill Rd., Bedford, VA 24523

Ingemont Farms
On the outskirts of Roanoke, Ingemont Farms is a quaint and cozy winter wonderland. The farm is nestled on a hilltop overlooking nearby mountain ranges and five acres of picturesque terrain where the friendly farm dogs Jake and Jed frolic and roam.

When owner Geoff Trevilian’s grandfather started Ingemont Farms, their staples were blueberries, pigs, chickens and eggs. Trevilian added Christmas trees 40 years ago, fostering a passion for the green giants that had taken root in his childhood. When Trevilian was growing up, his “job” was to pick out the family’s tree every year; as an adult, it seemed fitting to be a place where other families could establish the same tradition.

Aside from his grandfather’s influence, Trevilian was greatly inspired by late local forester Robert Kennedy and attributes much of his success as a tree grower to Kennedy’s skill and bestowed wisdom.

At Ingemont, you have your choice of white pine, Leyland cypress, Douglas fir and a few Frasers, as well as Canaan Valley firs which, according to Trevilian, are a great replacement for Fraser firs if you can’t find the perfect one. You won’t see any pre-cut trees at Ingemont, however. According to Trevilian, it’s important to the farm that its visitors know their trees were grown there.

The farm has a “you pick, we cut” method to ensure the quality of the cut and the safety of the procedure. But if that goes against your tradition, Trevilian says not to worry—visitors are free to cut their own trees if they’d like.

Ingemont opens for tree-hunting Friday, Nov. 29 from noon till dark and every Saturday and Sunday to follow until Christmas. Weekday visits to the farm can be made by appointment.

Ingemont Farms
1697 Camp Jaycee Rd. Blue Ridge, VA 24064

Tree Tips
If you’ve never gotten a Christmas tree straight from the farm before, the excursion may seem like a daunting task. Luckily for rookies, Perdew, Miles and Trevilian offer a few simple tips:

1. Plan ahead. Trees looks much smaller in the field than they do indoors; Perdew suggests measuring the space your tree will occupy in your home and having a gameplan for how you’ll get it there so you don’t end up with an oversized tree awkwardly anchored to the top of your vehicle.
2. Fragrance. Consider which fragrance you want wafting through your home. It may sound odd, but according to Miles, different trees have different smells. Because of their sap, some spruces tend to release an unpleasant aroma, while pines smell more earthy and Leyland cypresses emit a somewhat fruity scent.
3. Watering. You’ll want to get your tree in water within five hours of cutting it if at all possible, adding water each day as needed. Trevilian suggests adding water twice a day for the first few days after bringing the tree inside.
4. Ornaments can make or break your tree (literally). The heavier your ornaments are, the stiffer you’ll want your branches to be. Miles suggests hanging weighty ornaments closer to the center of the tree and filling the outer branches with the lighter, more delicate ones to avoid a Christmas catastrophe.

The story behind a “game changing” smoothie company that formed its roots in the Hill City

If it wasn’t for a chance encounter at a Christmas party in Lynchburg over a decade ago, Tiffany Tatom might never have met Mary Cope. But meet they did—and over a three-hour conversation, they realized how much they had in common. They also had no idea at the close of that conversation they’d one day go into business together as health coaches and, later, as the founders of Live Pure Smoothie Cubes.

During that first meeting, Mary told Tiffany she was currently enrolled at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN) in New York City. Meanwhile, Tiffany had been suffering with digestion issues since childhood. She had seen countless doctors, who had run many tests, but no one could give her any answers—and no one ever asked what she was eating. At the age of 30, she developed a perforated ulcer in her stomach and had emergency surgery. Years after the surgery she continued to suffer and desperately wanted relief.

A week after meeting Mary and learning about IIN, Tiffany signed up as well and started working toward her career as a health coach. “I learned about every diet imaginable and was taught from the most prominent doctors from all over the world. I began learning about my body and the connection between food allergies and intolerances and how they can affect our digestion,” she explains.

On a personal level, she realized she had many food intolerances that were causing those painful stomach issues. “As I learned about what did and did not affect me, I slowly modified my diet and my life literally changed. I rarely have any symptoms, have so much energy and overall feel great,” she says.
After graduation, Tiffany began health coaching—teaching clients to read nutrition labels, “clean” up their pantries, cook healthy meals, make good choices at the grocery store, and use diet journals.

Then in 2013, Tiffany and Mary joined forces to start a corporate wellness company where they worked with more than 1,000 people. They kept hearing the same complaints—clients wanted healthy food… fast. “We found that people are simply confused by what to eat and often feel defeated. We had to reteach their brains to eat real, whole food,” Mary says. “We also taught people how to prepare food quickly. Everyone is so busy and preparing a healthy meal seems daunting. We took their favorite recipes, cleaned them up and made sure they had a feasible list of go-to items.”

The women also wanted to get greens into everyone’s breakfast but knew no one wanted to start the day with a salad. That’s how they ended up in the smoothie business.

“We wanted to offer something that hit all the marks for all walks of life. Fast and delicious—no more throwing out old produce—and fuels you to get to the next meal,” Mary says.

Their green smoothie, they now call the Game Changer, was born. It includes greens (such as spinach) for energy, peanut butter to keep you full, cinnamon to reduce inflammation, as well as a date, a banana and probiotics. It helped their clients cut down on processed sugar, gain energy, lose weight and so
much more.

But even with those incredible results, they didn’t stop there. Once Tiffany and Mary perfected the Game Changer recipe, they pictured their smoothie arriving ready-to-go in a neat cube. All someone would have to do was add a liquid, blend and sip away.

After a trial and error process—a lot of taste testing, dumping and starting over—the superfood smoothie cube was created.

“The hard part is getting all the nutritionals to meet our standards while keeping the flavor and consistency on point. It’s easy to make a smoothie taste great with lots of dates, bananas, and honey. But we wanted to keep our smoothies with no more natural sugar than if you were to eat an apple,” explains Tiffany. “I can tell you once we got it right we both knew it. Especially when we would taste test them with kids. Kids don’t lie.”

In 2017, they launched Live Pure Smoothie Cubes, which can be shipped to every state in the US except Alaska. They currently have seven flavors that can be mixed and matched to create well over 15 smoothies.

For flavor inspiration, Live Pure looks at flavors in ice cream, blended coffee drinks, and juices. They follow the trending ingredients but also utilize classic healthy foods with staying power.

Each ingredient has a purpose. For example, the Acai Maqui Smoothie is loaded with antioxidants, which help protect your cells. “The acai berry may support weight loss, healthy skin and can be anti-aging. We added strawberries and raspberries because they are high in dietary fiber, and manganese, which aids in digestion. Fiber also helps you feel full!” Tiffany explains. This particular smoothie also includes the metabolism boosting maqui berry and lucuma, a superfood to help promote hair, skin and nail growth.

In addition to fruits and vegetables, every smoothie contains healthy fats to keep you feeling full and satisfied. They grind their own almond, cashew and peanut butter. And, as promised, superfoods are included in every cube. (A superfood is a nutrient-rich food considered to be especially beneficial for health and well-being.)

Also, there are approximately five billion CFU’s of high quality probiotics in each smoothie to help boost immunity and gut health.

The results are real. Tiffany and Mary say their smoothie cube customers report successes such as lower blood pressure, bad cholesterol and blood sugar. Customers have also told them about reduced inflammation and pain. Other benefits include weight loss, increased energy, and clearer skin.

“I am a true believer that cutting refined sugar and adding high antioxidant and nutrient dense raw foods to your diet can do wonders for your skin. When I make a continuous effort to cut out processed foods or use our smoothies to replace any sugar cravings, I can tell a real difference,” says Mary.

They found most clients with acne, eczema, and digestive issues were often gluten- or dairy-intolerant. Live Pure smoothies are vegan, gluten free, dairy free, and organic.

Live Pure tries to source their ingredients flash frozen but, when possible, they prefer to buy local and support farmers. Customers often comment on how fresh the frozen smoothies taste and Tiffany says this is because they only source from reliable and certified suppliers to ensure the perfect flavor every time.

Smoothies are great healthy meal replacements as well as pre-workout snacks (giving your body energy in the form of carbohydrates). You can also blend one after you hit the gym.

“Just grab your favorite cubes and add in some grass-fed collagen to support your joint health or a clean protein powder. A scoop of nut butter is one of our favorites too. Post workout snack—done in under a minute,” she says.

Quick, convenient, healthy—the Live Pure team created a product to check off all three boxes to encourage healthy eating (or in this case, sipping) because that is the cornerstone for a healthy lifestyle.

“We are what we eat,” says Tiffany. “When we eat real food that is nutrient dense and is bioavailable we absorb the nutrition in our cells and literally start to feel good, even great, and sometimes amazing.”

Learn more about Live Pure Smoothie Cubes at livepure.love. They are available on Amazon.

Just How Easy Is It? A Live Pure Smoothie How-To!

INGREDIENTS
10 cubes
1 cup of liquid

DIRECTIONS
Blend for 20 seconds

It’s that easy. As for your liquid. Live Pure recommends unsweetened vanilla almond milk or coconut milk for the best results, since many nut milks can contain a lot of sugar. “The little touch of vanilla enhances all of our smoothie cube flavors,” Tiffany says.

The team also suggests using filtered water, coconut water (especially pre- and post-workout because of naturally occurring electrolytes) or organic grass-fed milk.

“If possible buy organic plant based milks to avoid harmful pesticides,” says Tiffany. “Kroger has a line called Simple Truth Organic that we recommend.”