December 2012

Each year, families across the Richmond area illuminate the night and the holidays with a dizzying array of lights and decorations that attract thousands of visitors in cars, in buses, and even on foot. Of course, lots of folks decorate for Christmas, but these three families have observed the tradition…

What is it that makes Hawaii so special? In poll after poll, it ranks as the top vacation destination for families. But is it really worth the long trip for us East-coasters, what with the tropical Caribbean islands and the beaches of Mexico just a short plane ride or two…

Just recently, our family incurred some new expenses – the kind related to having a teenager about to get her driver’s license.As we contemplated the increased costs of insurance, gas, and taxes, we decided our teenager should be making a contribution to those expenses. Not surprisingly, she wasn’t thrilled with…

There’s no better place to celebrate the holidays than right here in RVA! As I talked about Richmond to a mom I recently met who just moved here from Tampa, it occurred to me, it’s all brand new to this woman. She hadn’t even heard of the tacky light tour…

It’s happening. The air feels crisp. Boots and scarves greet you at every turn. Suddenly an insatiable craving for anything mulled overtakes you. That’s right, friends. The holidays are here – complete with lovely visions of nights spent sipping cider and building gingerbread houses by the fire with your rosy-cheeked…

Dear Santa, Yes, that’s right. It’s me. After all these years. You were probably expecting letters from my children, weren’t you? Well, keep your eye out; they’ll be along shortly. The kids have been busy making their lists, and this year, the lists are longer than ever. Yes, we’re trying…

  From their second-level perch, it’s apparent that the line starts just outside the food court, winds around the snow-flocked enchanted forest, and doubles back in front of Auntie Anne’s pretzel cart. That’s convenient – the mom decides as she takes the hand of each of her 4-year-old twins (one…

Volunteer Opportunity from Sportable Sportable is looking for twenty volunteers for its blind/low vision running/walking program on Thursdays, July 13, 20, 27, and August 3, at Henrico High School from 6:15pm to 8pm. Sportable is looking for guide running/walking volunteers who have a positive attitude and enjoy working with high…

Q. I just found out that one of my 16-year-old son’s close friends is in rehab – or has started AA or something similar. I don’t have all the details, but I’m worried. If his friend is in this deep, he might have a problem, too. What should i do?…

Financial pressures loom like storm clouds over young parents: job insecurity, reduced home values, rising costs associated with education and college tuitions for our children, and more. These issues not only occupy our thoughts; they tend to max out our financial resources. For many, setting aside funds for retirement is…

With so many teens and younger kids receiving tech gadgets such as smartphones for the holidays, it’s important to set up rules for usage. According to a recent report by Pew Internet and American Life Project, the volume of texting has risen from 38 percent of teens texting daily in…

White Chocolate Bark with Almonds and Dried Fruit Preheat oven to 350°F. With a pencil, draw an 8x10-in. Rectangle on a piece of parchment paper and turn over onto a sheet pan. Place ½ cup slivered almonds in one layer on another sheet pan and bake for 8 minutes. Set…

Here are a couple of legal terms for you: slander and libel. I know what you are thinking. I’m a law-abiding type, so why do i even want to know about it? Well, if you are one of the billion or so people using social media (tweeting, Facebooking, Pinning and…

Hone your skills in paper-making and create a unique holiday accent. The ancient egyptians pounded and flattened papyrus to make paper for scrolls. Now you can produce one-of-a-kind tags and cards using a similar technique. What you need: • Scrap paper: wrapping paper, tissue paper, construction paper, newspaper, napkins, etc.…