Naughty Girls Donut Shop
By Victoria Kidd Photos by Lauri Bridgeforth It’s an unnecessary food, really. Sweet fried dough— often coated with a sugary glaze and formed into a circular shape before its center is removed—does not serve a nutritional purpose, after all. Nonetheless, the doughnut is a food with a following, and doughnut connoisseurs have welcomed the sweet offerings of Front Royal’s Naughty Girls Donut Shop, located in the Riverton Commons Retail Center. Owner Tiana Ramos, a high school junior at the time the store opened, runs the store with the assistance of her parents, Natalie and Miguel Ramos. The store is a true experiment in entrepreneurship for Tiana, but it’s also a proving ground for some of her classmates as the shop is fully managed by high school students. It all started with a simple confession. The young Ramos had been mulling over her future, and she told to her parents that she wanted to be a pastry chef. Natalie and Miguel, both having professional training and experience in the food industry, put plans into action to help her get a taste of sweet success. “The Naughty Girls idea was a joke,” Tiana relays. “When I worked at the hospital volunteering they called me ‘Naughty Girl,’ because of my tattoos.” She says her hospital colleagues would capitalize on her desire to make great food by applying her nickname to their requests for “naughty treats.” The request would be the topic of numerous family discussions. “My mom use to joke with me about opening up a bakery and calling it Naughty Girls Bake Shop. We never thought it would actually come to pass.” But it did. The store opened its first location in June of 2014. Their following has grown well beyond the borders of Front Royal, and there are even rumors that the team may be being courted for a reality television show. All of that success is the product of a young entrepreneur who spent years perfecting a vision. On the Naughty Girls website Tiana is quoted as saying, “Once I decided to go for it, everything came together so quickly. I realized that I had been considering it for so long that I had already made most of the decisions.” Tiana applied her affinity for the glamorous pin-up style of the 1940s to the restaurant’s theme. It’s a style that capitalizes on the “naughty” premise while also positioning her venture as alternative to the common nationally recognized brands. Uniforms, décor, color schemes, and virtually every other aspect of the shop has been carefully considered to make sure customers step into an atmosphere that sets a very specific mood. The...
Flamingo Fandango
by Brian Jolliff The third Flamingo Fandango Girl’s Night Out will be held Friday, Aug. 28 in downtown Martinsburg. Funds raised from the event benefit CASA of the Eastern Panhandle. “We held the event several years ago and ladies in the community keep asking us to please host it again,” says Leslie Crabill, past President of CASA-EP and Committee Chairperson. “It was such a fun evening and raised much needed money for abused and neglected children in our community.” The Girl’s Night Out fundraiser is a “progressive social” that encourages participants to wear their favorite fun and crazy pink outfits and stop by participating merchants for a beverage, conversation and retail therapy. Participants are asked to register ahead of time online at mycasaep.org. Tickets are $25 online and $30 at the door. Ladies will check in at 4 p.m. at the historic Shenandoah Hotel where they will receive a floral lei necklace, a drink and a route card. There will be a brief introduction explaining the evening then they’ll be “let loose” in downtown Martinsburg. “The Peking, Casa Visone and The Station Grill have always been tremendous supporters of this event,” says Crabill. “We’re very excited to have several new merchants this year.” Participating businesses will have drink specials and appetizers for all Fandango ladies. TLC Photography will be taking group photos in front of their store during the event. Photos will then be available for purchase on their website. Crabill says that while the Girl’s Night Out is a fun and festive event, it serves to support a much more serious cause – child abuse. The fundraiser will help the nonprofit agency in two ways – by raising funds to support CASA and spreading awareness of its mission. “We do this event because there is such a great need for CASA services. Child abuse is such a sad topic to talk about, but here’s this great event that lets the community come together and shine some light on the issue,” she says. “Not only does it help CASA, but it promotes our downtown, too.” The Flamingo Fandango Girl’s Night Out will be held from 4 to 8 p.m with an after-party at Les’ Station Grill. The event will raise proceeds for CASA of the Eastern Panhandle, a nonprofit organization that advocates for the best interests of abused and neglected children within the court system to secure a safe and permanent home for each child. For more information, including registration, visit www.mycasaep.org online, or email Leslie Crabill at lcrabill@mybct.com. She can also be reached by phone at 304-728-2416. 2015 ~ Hostesses Leslie Crabill Kresha Hornby Mary Lewis Elaine Bartoldson...
Succulents as Sculpture
by Lisa Bartell of Wisteria Manor One of the hottest trending plant species on the planet right now are “Succulents.” Succulents have their own built-in watering systems; this is why their leaves and stems appear fat and fleshy – because they are full of moisture. The root system is shallow so the roots can gather water closer to the surface. If you’re my age, you probably remember your mother growing “Hens and Chicks” or “Cats and Kittens.” Those are succulents. Succulents are a form of cactus, but not all cactus are succulents. Designers have been incorporating these sculpturesque plants in home decor due to their diverse aesthetic structure. Some have smooth rounded shapes for a traditional setting and others a more fierce razor edge for a modern vibe. They come in different colors and some even flower. Another great characteristic? Well, to put it plain and simple: “they are hard to kill.” They require little watering, wo you can go away for a week or two and neglect your plant and when you come home it will look as good as the day you left. And if you never want to water a succulent we can solve that problem: buy an artificial one. The market is saturated with these and boy do they look real! How to plant In a shallow container, fill with ¾ potting mix and cover the top with small gravel. Next, mix the two together and dampen with water. Remove succulent from nursery container and place in new soil, tamping down soil around it to hold plant firm. Only water when it’s absolutely dry. Place in a sunny location such as a windowsill or outside in a sunny spot. This plant is great for planting outside in spaces that normally lack attention, like among craggy rocks or blistering hot, dry areas. Choosing a container Choosing a container for your succulent is fun, because you can go crazy and use your imagination. Remember, the root system is shallow in succulent plants so you can use something as shallow as a seashell! I have seen these planted in teacups, soup ladles, tea tins, a shoe, an old work boot, and driftwood. I even saw an old book opened to the first page and an inch deep hole cut through the remaining pages forming a pocket with a succulent stuck right in the middle of it. People are even making vertical wall planters out of wooden frames and chicken wire and planting with succulents. These can hang right on an outside garden wall. Some clever designers even use color and shapes in a pattern to form a mosaic....
The Old Opera House
Bringing arts to Charles Town for more than a century by Tricia Lynn Strader In an age when everything changes almost daily, one fixture of Charles Town has remained constant. The Old Opera House presents six main stage productions, a summer youth production, a one-act play festival, and a ballet every other year. It has been at North George Street since the dawn of another century. Prior to the early 1900s, the second and third floors of the Charles Washington Hall were used as a small theater. But in 1910, Annie G. Packette, whose family tree included George Washington, raised $50,000 and employed a Washington, D.C., architect to design and construct the New Opera House. It was a classic theater structure, complete with flyspace for hanging scenery above the proscenium stage, an orchestra pit and a rarely seen curved balcony. The main theatre then seated 500 people and lived through two wars, a depression and the advent of radio. The large “P” seen by visitors at the top of the proscenium arch is a tribute to Annie Packette. “It’s one of the oldest theaters in West Virginia still operating,” says Steven Brewer, managing and artistic director. “One unique feature is the carved balcony. For Annie to raise $50,000 in 1910 is pretty impressive.” He believes the area was rich in artistic culture. “The Apollo (in Martinsburg) is one year newer. The Shepherdstown Opera House is about the same age. The area must have been quite vibrant and interested in arts to invest that kind of money at the time.” The first show – performed in Charles Town’s New Opera House on February 14, 1911 – was a comedy given by homegrown talent and titled “Bachelor Girls’ Federation of Clubs.” Proceeds from the play went to the Daughters of the Confederacy for the benefit of indigent confederate veterans of the country. From the 1940s to the 1970s, the theater was dormant, as were many theaters after the emergence of “talkie” films. At various times since, areas of the building and an adjacent structure dating to the 1890s were used as apartments, a floral shop, movie theater and tavern. The former auditorium became a haven for pigeons. In 1971, there was hope for the aging structure. Dixie Kilham, owner of Hilltop House in Harpers Ferry, and Robert and Diane Angel contacted the owners of the building, Mr. and Mrs. Augustine Todd, about using the theater for local productions. The Todds agreed at least to the cleaning of the structure. That cleaning out included hauling 35 dump-truck loads of pigeon droppings out of the auditorium. Once the building was clean, a group...
The Allure of Lavender
by Lisa Bartell of Wisteria Manor “Ladies fair, I bring to you Lavender with spikes of blue; Sweeter plant was never found Growing on our English ground.” — Caryl Battersby Have your eyes ever had the pleasure to see a bountiful field planted with lavender, row after row of alluring azure blooms against a blue sky? The tempting aroma that wafts among the rows and dances on the breeze has such a calming relaxing effect on one’s nature. This ancient herb from the Mediterranean has been around for over 2,500 years. Known to have been used by Mary on the Christ child at his birth and after his crucifixion (known in Hebrew as “Nard” or “Spikenard”), it has passed down through the ages for its aroma, beauty and medicinal purposes. Romans used it in their public bath waters to perfume themselves. Hence the Latin root word of lavender, “lavare” which means “to wash.” Romans also used it for its medicinal properties, gaining knowledge of this from the Greeks. People from the Renaissance period thought it would ward off the horrific plague. During the Victorian Era, the English used lavender in their homes for its clean fresh scent, hanging it in bundles in every room, placing sachets in dresser drawers and washing their linens in its essential oils. This came about due to Queen Victoria’s obsession with all things lavender. English society, loving to follow trends set by their queen, followed suit. Queen Victoria loved it so much that she had it strewn on her floor, so when stepped it would release its clean aroma into the room. It was of the utmost importance to the queen that she took it upon herself to appoint Miss Sarah Sprules as her “Official Purveyor” who would oversee her never ending supply of lavender. This herb was in such demand, that farmers started farming it commercially to supply both commoners and royalty. Today we still use lavender for many things. Medicinal Lavender is widely used to treat insomnia, hair loss, stress, anxiety and post-operative pain. It is also used by aromatherapists, and by massage and acupuncture practitioners, as well as for chiropractic manipulation. Household uses Lavender is also used as laundry and carpet freshener, linen spray and bug repellent. Here is an easy recipe: Linen spray recipe 2 teaspoons witch hazel 40 drops of lavender essential oil 4 ounces of distilled water spray bottle Mix witch hazel and oil together and let it set for a few minutes. Add water and put in the spray bottle. Always shake well before using. (You may want to spot test an item before using.) Cooking Lavender...
Outdoor Spaces, Outdoor Fun, Enjoy The Sun
by Brenda Miller, Designer of Interior Spaces, The Miller House Even though landscape and patio space is often overlooked, outdoor renovations and redesigns make for perfect outdoor spaces for family and fun. An outdoor space is a great way to give your “blah” house a much-needed boost while creating a place to enjoy the sunshine. Define what you really want from your outdoor room. It sounds obvious, but it’s surprisingly easy to begin designing a space just for one purpose. Some people love being out in the elements, while others are sensitive to wind and sun; some love entertaining, while others want to enjoy a space as a spa-like retreat. These questions may help you to get a better sense of what you really hope to get out of your outdoor room: Do you prefer to spend time in your yard with family and friends or alone? How do you want to use your outdoor space — to cook, dine, lounge and play? Or do a combination of those? Do you mind carrying food, utensils, etc. from the house to the yard, or would you rather have easier access? Do you like the feeling of sitting out in the elements, or do you prefer a more sheltered space? How important is privacy to you? What times of day do you like to use your yard? Set your budget ahead of time, and work carefully with your designer to make sure you stick to it. You may want to do some research ahead of time on materials and landscaping techniques that are appropriate for your location and style. OUTDOOR KITCHEN Have you ever found yourself running back and forth between cooking indoors and cooking outdoors on a warm afternoon? The best way to prevent this from happening is to properly design your outdoor kitchen so that it can function like your indoor kitchen. Now, this doesn’t mean you need a large outdoor kitchen. In fact, a small one might be just what you need. Benefits of an outdoor kitchen It’s a great entertaining source both for social and family gatherings. Cooking outdoors in the summer can keep your air conditioning bill down. Cooking emits heat which warms the home. It keeps both the mess and clean-up outdoors. All your cooking is done in the same space. Elaborate outdoor kitchens can also add to the real estate value of your house and may help you if you plan to move away after a few years. According to the Property and Environment Research Center, in the Northeast, 43 percent of homeowners report having an outdoor room. Though all these numbers do not...
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