December 2010

Ever consider riding a roller coaster in the company of penguins to celebrate the holidays? How about enjoying a Christmas meal in a colonial tavern, or drinking hot cider on the beach as festively decorated boats sail past you and your crew? Here’s the lowdown on how to spice up…

Ten years ago, Julian Metts, MD, traveled to Guyana in South America for a dental mission trip. While he was there, he met a girl who had drunk a corrosive substance called lye and had become quite sick due to lack of care. Dr. Metts was so moved by her…

  1. “We love your kids, but it’s getting harder and harder to act like we love the Favorite Teacher gifts.” Look in the highest cabinet of any teacher’s kitchen. Go to the local Goodwill store and count the A+ Teacher mugs. How do you suppose they got there? This…

Ah, December. The month when fall rounds the corner, stubs its toe on a discarded turkey bone, and careens towards winter. The month when autumn’s fiery foliage dims to dull brown husks collecting on our lawns and in our gutters. The month when sweet solstice twilight is washed away by…

  “You know, none of this stuff was even on my list,” I overheard my medium-sized daughter tell her older sister after the Christmas morning dust had settled. She sounded a little miffed. I don’t remember the year (eight maybe?) but I’ll never forget the list: dry erase markers. That…

Wouldn't You Like to Know? Every once in a while, I’ll find a local Richmonder we’d all like to know a bit more about. Same questions each time, from the Prying Publisher, and the answers are just for you. This month, I talked to Linda Stoner Winslett, founding artistic director…

As individuals, we challenge ourselves to find the perfect gift for friends, loved ones, and associates. As citizens, many of us also wish to experience the true meaning of the season by helping others in need. This year, GiveRichmond.Org can help you achieve both and make the most of your…

Create your own strand of party lights using recycled plastic bottles and the work of designer and businessman, Louis Comfort Tiffany, as inspiration.   What you need: Cylindrical plastic bottles of any size and color Scissors or mat knife Permanent markers String of low-voltage Christmas tree lights Duct Tape  …

Have you ever wondered why your skin becomes so dry and flaky during the winter months? Dry skin results from lack of water in the epidermis, the skin’s outermost layer. The epidermis is made up of proteins and lipids and serves as a protective barrier, keeping bad things like bacteria…

1. Peppermint Bark  Place 10 oz semi-sweet chocolate morsels (not quite a bag) in a bowl, and microwave on high 30 seconds. Stir with a rubber spatula. Microwave for 30 more seconds and stir again. Continue until melted. Pour the melted chocolate onto a baking sheet covered in parchment paper…