March 2012

If you’ve got a kid racing toward 15-and-a-half, you’re probably already stomping the imaginary brake pedal.Or maybe, willing time to slow just a bit. Learning to drive is one of the milestones of life. At some point, it is every teen’s dream – and every parent’s nightmare. Millions of teens…

Nearly six million American children have life-threatening food allergies. If that stat wasn’t on your radar before, the tragic death of Amarria Johnson, the first grader who died from ingesting peanuts at her Chesterfield County school in early January, has significantly raised awareness. Allergies can lead to death when exposure…

When you’re making a list of what you’d love to do with the family and those few days off that finally got approved, consider Massanutten Resort in the gorgeous Shenandoah Valley. More than a hundred recreational options await you at this Virginia destination, about ten minutes from Harrisonburg, and not…

When I was much younger, I made a promise to my future children.I would never answer their questions with the despised dismissiveness I so commonly received to my own (incessant) inquiries: It’s nothing you need to worry about. Or, Because that’s the way it is. Or the accursed, You’re not…

Working from home, I’ve always appreciated peace and quiet. But there’s one squabble I never minded hearing. In fact, I actually made a point of tuning in to this argument, because I knew the day would come when it would cease to echo through our home. There was a time…

Creativity. It’s something we all want. We see flashes of it in our spouse, in our coworkers, in the friend who spends twenty minutes on Pinterest and actually makes something. And we hope, in ourselves. Creativity is originality of thought. It’s enthusiasm. It’s optimism. It’s everything we want our kids…

You don’t have to look far to see signs of spring in Richmond.From the budding of the trees and the warming of the temperatures to the animals emerging from their winter hideaways, there seems to be the promise of new birth in the March air.My boys have been able to…

1. Curried Butternut & Kale 

 At 350° F, roast 1 cup of pre-cubed butternut squash, coated in olive oil, 2 tbsp curry powder, and a couple pinches of salt. Meanwhile, sauté 1 cup raw kale (chopped into bite-size pieces) over medium heat, with a sprinkling of water.For each open-faced…

Do everyone a favor. Start working on your 2011 tax returns right now. Now is the time to get your act together, rather than at eleven o’clock at night on the phone with the IRS the night before taxes are due. The helpline folks really are quite nice, and you…

Q: When I’m painting my nails, my 6-year-old son wants to join in the fun. He’ll help me, and sometimes paint his too.I don’t see a problem with this, but my boyfriend does. Do you think this is an issue? A: I have heard this concern regarding boys’ play before. Some dads…

It all started with a young man, a cigar box, and a collection of arrowheads. That’s the rumor anyway. It’s fitting that The Valentine, the delightful museum in the heart of the city, has a charming backstory rooted in a boyhood love of collecting.The first museum in Richmond, the History…

You’re getting ready for a new baby.During all the excitement and preparation, one essential item to consider is taking time to write a birth plan. A birth plan is a tool that lays out your desires for birth and immediate postpartum. Share this information with your partner, your health care…

In 1956, Elvis performed two concerts at the Mosque (now the Landmark Theater) in Richmond. He was just twenty-one. Alfred Wertheimer’s photos documenting the performance, and the young musician’s travels, are on display at VMFA through March 18.Even though this exhibition, Elvis at 21, will be leaving in a few…