Oh-So-Cool Ice Cube Painting
This two-for-one project means kids get to make their own paint set and then have fun creating original works of art. And there’s a science bonus: Learn about liquid and solid states of matter. What you need: • Ice cube…
The Sun’s Rays and Your Home
As you protect your family from dangers of the sun with SPF 50, big floppy hats, and swim shirts, consider what that same hot ball of heat is doing to your furniture. With the summer sun beating down, it’s timely…
Put Unexpected Money to Work
You’ve recently graduated from college, and perhaps you received a gift or a signing bonus. You are ready to start your adult life off on strong footing, but you aren’t sure what the best choice is for this unexpected windfall.…
Homebody Summers
With five minutes left before the big switch from the art room to the music room, my fellow Vacation Bible School volunteer had a circle of adorable 5-year-olds to entertain, mine included. “Let’s tell everyone where we’re going on vacation…
The Heat is On
August in Richmond makes some people miserable. They complain about the humidity and the mosquitoes. Friday Cheers is long over. The tomato plants didn’t make it, thanks to the squirrels. Cutting the grass turns into a strategic maneuver against the…
Men, Depression, and the Beast Within
When it comes to societal roles, men tend to picture themselves as majestic beasts. As beasts, they protect their offspring, work for their families, and have a strong sense of pride in their kingdom. But what happens when the beast…
Water, Water Everywhere
On June 19, 1972, a weak Category One hurricane hit the gulf coast of Florida. By the time it reached Virginia a few days later, Hurricane Agnes was just a tropical storm, although its fourteen inches of rain combined with…
Cooking Up Summer Yum
What’s the first meal you remember regularly fixing for yourself when you were a child? At our house, it was breakfast. On weekends especially, many parents want to sleep in a bit longer. That’s when kids can spring into action…
Notes on Summer Safety
Climb on and we’ll all go together!” Golf carts aren’t just for the course anymore. Leave it to parents to find a new use for the golf cart: the mover of all the things and all the people. These slow-moving…
Smart Speakers and Family Life
Imagine having a personal assistant follow you around the house adding items to your grocery lists, playing your favorite songs, and most importantly, turning off all the lights. Smart speakers like Amazon’s Echo, Apple’s HomePod, and Google’s Home can do…
