Meet 5 People in Asheville That Will Change Your Life
There are many people in the Asheville area that are making great strides to help folks in so many areas of life, health and wellness. I think immediately about my friend, Lindsay Fields, who is consumed with Yoga, Life and Kindness. She has been such a great influence to me over the years! A beautiful person all around that I believe everyone is this world should know and learn from. Then there are others, like Shane.. who counseled our teenager, my beloved son; and helped turn his mentality, life and actions around for the better and forever. Today, my son reaches out and helps others in a positive light. The meetings and therapy were years ago, and the program actually lost its funding; but not before he planted a seed that would grow so good. We cannot find him to say thanks again, but our family still praises and credits the work that he did today.
More? There is George & Jackie (counted as one person in this post) from The Optical Shoppe, who helped our family SEE. Yes, they are a local, family owned eyeglass and contact lenses shop in west Asheville on Patton Ave near the Post Office. Their products, customer service , and prices are so hard to beat. My friends and family have been to a dozen vision shops in the area, but were processed like a fast food hamburger. Not here! Jackie and George both took the time to make sure we got exactly what we needed, and that we could actually see much better, if not perfect. Thank you!
It was not until a recent event and party in Charlotte NC, and hanging out with a few Multi-Millionaire and Celebrity friends that I realized how bad my teeth were, and how good their teeth looked. Even my photographer told one of our clients.. “WOW, your teeth are amazing!” And this was not a simple teeth-whitening. Every tooth was in perfect order, shining, white as snow, and screaming inferiority at all of us. It was then that I decided to visit Asheville Dentist, Dr. Stuart Yoon, DDS and see what he could do for me. I told him I needed dental work to fit in with my budget, and my rich friends haha. To work they went, with their awesome dental hygienist Brooklyn walking me through each and every step, and I am almost there. Now the whole family, and several of my business partners have dental work happening and planned there. The Hygienist even got me to start flossing my teeth on a regular basis. First time ever! Perfection is so close now. Bravo!!
How many times has your neck, back and body pain limited you from living more; from more activities, family time, and even sexual activity? Plenty! At least that is what “she” said lol. We know a Doctor, who is a Chiropractor in the Asheville area, and who has done wonders for many folks across Western North Carolina. Dr. Henry Battistoni is a genius when it comes to Chiropractic work. One talk and session with him, and the doors of flexibility should quickly begin to open wide in your life. Have you ever been cramped? Oh, we have have, and so many times. Call him the Un-Cramper, the Un-Kinker or whatever you wish; but calling him is a must if you are seeking body work to relieve your pain and discomfort.
These are just a few of the great folks in town who have helped and assisted us tremendously. Are there others in the Asheville area health and wellness community that have helped you, your friends, and family? Please comment below and let us know about them. Thank you!
5 Places to Eat on a Budget in Asheville North Carolina
Eating on a budget is not something your usually hear in the Asheville area. With all of the amazing culinary options that exist, are birthing, and coming to our City; some of us will soon need to visit the bank and apply for a “Foodie Loan” just to experience it all each and every day. The deliciousness is like non-stop! But everyone is not willing, and many cannot pay $20, $50, $100 or $200 for a meal; even on a special occasion. And depending on the time of the day it is, and what you are doing; it may not make sense to eat expensive. Many “locals” who live and work in the area have expressed that they cannot afford to eat out in their own community. So these places came through, and now you can.
Here are a few places in the Asheville area that will not break the bank, but should and will satisfy your appetite!
1. Eats & Treats Cafe: this spot has incredible food for the price! I can go here and get a big, fresh, homemade breakfast for about $6. Lunch and Dinner are just a tad higher. In addition to this, they always have cake and other treats made by the owner herself; plus an Ice Cream station, just in time for the hot weather! You can eat inside, or hang out in the Gazebo or tables outside. Free Wifi too. They are located between Asheville & Weaverville in Woodfin NC.
2. Frank’s Roman Pizza: when it comes to great pizza is the Asheville area, Frank’s, who has been around for 35+ Years, somehow always takes the lead. And it is not just pizza. We are talking subs, salads, calzones and many Italian dishes that will make a native New Yorker feel at home, and a native North Carolinian feel as if they are in pizza heaven. Their prices are so right for the delicious food they serve. My favorite calzone in Asheville easy; possibly even better than Lenny’s in Brooklyn. $7 per person has been our average price when eating here with family and friends. They have locations in Asheville on Tunnel Rd right across from Walgreens, another location in West Asheville / Enka on Sardis Rd, and a third partner location in Woodfin NC.
3. Dragon China: this spot in West Asheville keeps the food delivery services busy all night long sometimes. Fresh, yummy, hot Chinese food.. cooked to order, along with great prices. It will be hard to find quality Asian food in the area that compares to this family run business.
4. Woody’s Hoagies: this place has the Cheesesteak right out of Philly! Great appetizers, hoagies, beer and pizza too. With their delish food and great pricing, this spot has become one of the best budget eating spots in AVL. They just recently started staying open until 2 in the morning on Friday and Saturday, which gives all of us a wonderful late-night food option!
5. Eddie’s Dog House: if you are looking for authentic hot dogs from Nathan’s, great burgers, 18 hour smoked beef brisket, french fries and onion rings… this is the spot for you! They even have a traveling food camper and can set up just about anywhere. Hot Dog!
Do you have any suggestions for eating on a budget in Asheville & WNC? Where can we eat on a budget in Weaverville, Hendersonville, Waynesville, Black Mountain and all of the other towns across Western North Carolina? Please comment below and let us know..
Enchanted Animal Affaire Unveils “Light of the Phoenix,” Benefits Lake Louise Community Center
WEAVERVILLE, N.C. – The third annual Enchanted Animal Affaire, the “Light of the Phoenix,” kicks off May 24, and runs June 1-26, with a Gala and Auction on June 28.
Annual fundraiser to benefit renovation of Lake Louise Community Center, Weaverville
Get your copy of the downloadable 2013 EAA Poster here.The Phoenix represents the future renovation of the Weaverville Community Center at Lake Louise.
“The Weaverville Business Association has already pledged $5000 to this future effort,” says Liz Lewis, event chairman. “This fundraiser supports the Weaverville Business Association.”
The local, non-profit organization of businesses of businesses which support and promote Weaverville as an outstanding place to visit, do business, live, and work.
For the Enchanted Animal Affaire, the Weaverville Business Association partners with local artists and businesses. The artists create one-of-a-kind works of art, and merchants display the illuminated multi-media works to the delight of townspeople and guests.
Participating artists include Joan Atwood, Phil Atwood, Mark Bettis, Verge Design Studio, Sharon Bailey, Leah Baker, Randi Milofsky, Rob Durham, Gwen Komala Durham, Jackie Williams, Ray Mann, Mark Peyton, Barbara McGuire, and Pamela Paddock.
This year’s affaire will kick-off on May 24th with an unveiling at Maggie B’s Wine & Specialty Store, where the public will see the sculptures for the first time. Sponsoring businesses will each house a phoenix through June 25, giving residents and visitors the opportunity to participate in a scavenger hunt and drawing to win one of the works.
Entry forms may be obtained at Aabani Salon & Spa, Blue Mountain Pizza & Brew Pub, Edward Jones Financial Advisors, Maggie B’s Wine & Specialty Store, Mangum Pottery, Miya Gallery, Optix Eye Care, the Tarrants Agency Inc., Tierney and Company Real Estate, Weaverville Home Trust Bank, Weaverville Pet Pantry, and Well Bred Bakery & Cafe.
The local art collectors and scavenger hunt hopefuls will gather on the evening of the 2013 Enchanted Animal Affaire Gala and Auction, now one of Weaverville’s most anticipated summer events, to see the phoenixes as a flock one last time before the good-natured bidding begins. In addition to the widely anticipated auction, the evening fundraiser held at the community center includes live music, an array of hors d’oevres from local restaurants and a cash bar.
“In addition to sponsoring community events, such as the Enchanted Animal Affaire, the association works with town management to ensure businesses have a voice in local matters,” says Lewis.
“The support member businesses receive for their ventures is exceptional, and we look forward to an exceptional event,” she says.
Scavenger hunt forms and informational brochures may be obtained from area businesses. The 2013 Animal Affaire Gala and Auction will be at the Weaverville Community Center at Lake Louise, 60 Lakeshore Drive, 6-8 p.m. Admission $10. For more information, profiles of the participating artists and businesses, visit the Weaverville Business Association online at www.visitweaverville.com. Sherri L. McLendon is a freelance writer in Weaverville.
Dying to Look Good: Do You Know What Your Skin is Eating?
Toxic and carcinogenic ingredients in personal care products are improperly screened by safety agencies, according to Lorre Diamond, Asheville, a Florida licensed esthetician and educator.
Diamond, the featured speaker at a Tuesday, May 21, event at Jubilee! from 7-9 p.m., is determined educate and inspire others to remove toxic ingredients from their homes.
Lorre Diamond, Ingredient Investigator
Flipping through the pages of an industry magazine in 2006, Diamond came across disturbing information about a common chemical called a paraben, and referred to on labels as methyl, propyl, butyl, and ethyl paraben.
“Though manufacturers commonly use paraben to inhibit microbial growth and extend the shelf life of products, one article by Amanda Gardener found that parabens had been detected in breast cancer tissue.”
That disturbing bit of news led Diamond to more research. “The problem wasn’t just limited to paraben additives. I found that elegant bottles of beauty and personal care products contain A multitude of toxins and carcinogens in exotic fragrances and creamy textures.”
Diamond calls the series of revelations that followed an “inconvenient truth.”
“ I learned that on labels, words such as organic, natural, dermatologist tested, fragrance free, hypoallergenic, and cruelty free are just marketing. Our system is broken.”
The status quo is bleak as Diamond sees it, though she notes some non-profit action groups are making positive inroads. Nevertheless, labeling laws for personal care products do not exist in the United States. Neither the Cosmetic Fragrance and Toiletry Association, nor the Food and Drug Administration require the beauty industry to be forthright on their labels. Product safety testing remains inadequate. Products placed on the shelf in stores without adequate testing include products targeting women, men, teens, and infants, in an ironic sort of gender equality.
Daily, women use 168 difference ingredients , while men use 85 ingredients , children use 61 ingredients, Diamond’s research shows.
“My intensive research left me angry and confused,” says Diamond. “Every day, I was learning more about toxic chemicals such as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Propylene Glycol, Nitrosamines, so-called “natural” fragrances, 1-4 dioxane, and others.”
For example, in 2006, a team of researchers from the University of California found sunscreen may “do more harm than good once it soaks into the skin, where it actually promotes the harmful compounds it is meant to protect against,” according to the Organic Consumers Association.
The exceptions are those labels on Certified Organic products, says Diamond.
“I began searching in health food stores, on line, through books and trade shows for a product line that would be beneficial, cost-effective, healthy, and void of toxins.”
She also began searching for a better way to work.
“My inconvenient truth made it impossible for me to work in spas or salons with a clear conscious, as I was unwilling to sell and apply their toxic products.”
As a result, Diamond began speaking publicly on the dangers of chemicals and personal care products to as many people and organizations as possible. After a recent study showed hundreds of toxic chemicals in the umbilical cord, she has begun to focus her education on young adults of child bearing as, as well as cancer patients and survivors. Each group has proven susceptibility to synthetic cosmetic ingredients, she notes.
Today, Diamond calls herself an ingredient investigator after the fashion of Christine Hoza Farlow, D.C., author of the book, Dying to Look Good.” She cites Farlow’s text precisely:
“… no one knows the effects of the many different ingredients used in the thousands of different combinations, the effects of using numerous different products, one on top of the other, or the effects of repeated use of ingredients or products over time.”
No one knows, she repeats. Then, she questions.
“No one knows?”
Learn to decipher ingredients on a label, identify the most toxic ingredients in personal care products, and make better, healthier choices to protect your health. Attendees are invited to bring their favorite personal care product for an ingredient check. Cost is $10. The event is Tuesday, May 21, from 7-9 p.m., Jubilee!, 46 Wall Street, Asheville.
