Lifestyle

August Means Catching the Last Gasp of RVA Summer Here are a few of my favorites: Head to RVA Big Market Saturdays at Bryan Park from 8-1 and get allll the great produce. Make something you've never made, or just enjoy something simple like a tomato sandwich, before those Hanovers are gone! SuzySno is moving from Jackson Ward to the old Sweet 95 spot on Arthur Ashe Blvd. Opens in August, so go get you some! What says RVA as much as beer, cider, and music?? Head to Brown's Island on August 13th for the JamPacked Craft Beer and Music Festival.  Cool down with the family and learn about sharks (!) at the Science Museum of Virginia's Predator or Prey  Carytown Watermelon Festival is back (40 years!) on August 14, in Carytown, of course. Are you running out of things to do with the kids and it's just. too. hot? The Byrd has great family movies running all month. Click HERE for their schedule! Sunflowers and Sunsets? Yes please! Take a short ride to Burnside Farms and wander as the sun sets (and it's a little cooler, maybe) and enjoy their sunflower bounty. Tickets required. More info HERE

It's National Ice Cream Day! I'm celebrating with some of my RVA ice cream (or ice cream like) favorites. I've always loved ice cream. I mean, what says celebration, and summer, as much as ice cream? Just like so many things, I have a hard time picking a favorite, because sometimes that favorite just depends on my mood. So, here are a few (well, more than a few, really) of my faves. I'd love to hear yours!   When it comes to gelato, our overall, hands down favorite is Deluca Gelato at Gayton Crossing. Their gelato really transports you to Italy, and never disappoints. They've got all the classics- from Stracciatella and Spumoni to loads of sorbets and seasonal flavors. My favorites? I always go for a combo of Banana Nutella and Chocolate Sorbet, but you really can't go wrong here. (It's also very close to home, which is definitely a blessing and a curse.) One of the longest running ice cream spots in Richmond is Gelati Celesti, and it's the OG for a reason. (When I had my cafe in the early '90's, in fact, I would not rest until I had a full scooping cabinet of their ice cream.) With multiple locations now, it's super easy to grab your favorite no matter where you are. My go to here is always "Just Ask," a delicious white chocolate ice cream with frozen peanut butter ribbons and Oreos. We have some seriously fantastic "newer" additions to the Richmond ice cream scene, and yes, I have favorites there too! Charm School Social Club on Broad Street (in the heart of the Arts District) has a great, slightly edgy/artsy vibe and fantastic ice cream and flavors. Anything is great, but whatever you choose, you must get the house made, toasted fluff on top. So damn good. For flavors here, my favorites are Fruity Pebbles or Cereal Milk (obviously I have a thing for cereal) or the Princess Cake. If you find yourself on Southside, Charm School's Study Hall is the place to stop by for some delicious soft serve. This walk up window has a more limited menu than their flagship, and soft serve only, with a rotating variety of flavors (and a killer Dole Whip!) If you're looking for vegan ice cream, both locations of Charm School have good options for you, too! Scoop is located in the Fan, tucked into a little spot on Strawberry Street (next to Idle Hands Bread Company, another favorite). They are a small batch creamery as well, offering unique flavors, brownie sundaes, ice cream flights (hello!) featuring three flavors, shakes, and custom ice cream sandwiches. My favorite flavor here was always Croissants & Jam, but that's no longer a signature flavor. (The nerve!) Now, it's a toss up between Banana Pudding (going away soon), Roasted Strawberry, and Brown Sugar Cookie Dough. You may recognize the name Ruby Scoops from the Food Network show featuring Ben & Jerry's. Yes, she won the Grand Prize (justifiably so!) Located on Brookland Park Boulevard in Richmond's North Side, here you'll find a rotating menu of unique flavors, from ice creams like Dulce de Leche and Black Sesame (my two favorites) to vegan flavors and sorbets. Westray's Finest on Lombardy St. went from truck to cafe this year, and they've got some seriously top tier, small batch handmade ice cream. My favorite there is Gold Rush (Sweet Cream base, Dark Chocolate Swirl, and Honeycomb Candy. Yes please!) Bruster's has always been a favorite, since there is a location near my parents' house and we'd go there on hot summer evenings when my son was little. A great place to walk up, get a delicious sundae or waffle cone, and have lots of variety in flavors. ( A few locations have a drive through, too!) If you're in the mood for something a little different than "just" ice cream (though none of the above are "just" ice cream!), here are a few of my other frozen favorites: Sno Shack in Mechanicsville is the most unassuming little shack (yep, the name is no exaggeration) smack in the middle of a parking lot in Mechanicsville. With dozens of flavors for sweet, fluffy shaved ice, it's a true, old school, summertime treat. (Oh, yeah, they close after Labor Day, too, so get it in the summer or wait till next year!) My recommendation here? Tiger's Blood, with a Volcano. (A yummy blob of ice cream in the center of the magical ice!) Another soft serve/custard option around town is JiJi's Frozen Custard. With delicious flavors that change periodically, and "Pundaes" to go with the event/season and the flavors, they always have something unique and tasty. They are a truck, so seldom in the same place at once, but follow them on social to know where they'll be. There are a few new(er) places on my list to check out too- Sweet Wynns is an ice cream workshop, giving you the opportunity to create your own handmade, custom flavor. How fun and delicious does that sound?? Graham's Ice Cream reopened in Mechanicsville a few months ago, with lots of fun flavors, sundaes, and shakes. The only other "must have" on my list (as of today- that's always subject to change!) is Carl's Frozen Custard in Fredericksburg. I got turned on to Carl's when my brother was at Mary Washington, and I've been a super fan ever since. Carl's is an institution, and in operation since 1947. Usually a line, always worth it, and 3 flavors- chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry. Why mess with perfection? My go to is a Chocolate Strawberry Malt (not on the menu, but they'll make it.) It's a must stop any time I'm going up I95, and I'll confess that on more than one occasion I've taken a cooler to buy a spare to have later.        

Every season (or every season I remember to do it) I come up with a "must do" list. Doing this sort of forces me to be mindful about the things I appreciate, and it goes hand in hand with my gratitude practice. It helps keep me focused on the things that really matter to me in my life, and not let time slip by without doing some of those things that I truly love. Have you ever done this? Are you down to try it? I'm sharing some on social media, as well as attaching a downloadable list of ideas below. Let me know what you do, or what you add! Enjoy!! Summer Must Do List Want to customize your own Summer Must Do List in Canva? Click HERE for a free template!

Home Sweet Home The movers are gone, and you’re surrounded by boxes. Overwhelmed? Now what? To get settled in as quickly and as possible, Mary suggests you start with the areas that will allow you to get back into your daily routines - the kitchen, primary bedroom(s) and bathroom(s), and if you work from home, your office. By getting the spaces unpacked and organized first, you’ll be able to quit the take-out meals and get ready for your day without digging through boxes. Unpack methodically - emptying each box and staging items in their new home before moving on to the next box. If you haven’t already, think about your space and how you’ll live in it. Keep your most used items in the spaces that are easiest to access, and keep things near the area you’ll use them. For instance, keep dishes near the dishwasher, and the cosmetics and skincare you use daily in the top drawer of your vanity. Once you’ve got those primary spaces unpacked, start in other spaces you’ll use regularly. We know as well as anyone how tempting it is to head over to The Container Store or Target to buy all of the fun things to get your new home organized. Don’t…yet. It’s important to know what you’ve got and where it belongs BEFORE you buy bins and baskets. As you unpack, stage items in the spaces you’ve designated and see if it makes sense for how you live in your new home. Don’t worry if you need to make adjustments. Figuring out what works best for you and your new space is part of the process. It’s okay to adjust until it’s most functional for how you live. Then, before shopping, measure your cabinets, shelves, and drawers to make sure the new bins/baskets/dividers will fit. It can be hard to get unpacked when you can’t take a hiatus from regular life. Other responsibilities can make it hard to get all of the boxes unpacked. Try to keep unpacking at the top of your priority list until all of the unpacking is done so that you don’t end up shoving boxes in a guest room closet to find them months (or more) later. If it feels impossible to get it all done, consider investing in a professional organizing service to help you get moved in. This can drastically reduce the time it takes to get back to “normal” life. (Organizers can help you through the entire move process - decluttering, packing, and unpacking - and has the tools to help you determine the most functional systems for your new home.) I (Cindy) highly recommend In Good Order to help you get both packed up and unpacked at your new place. Trust me. Especially when you are organizing a brand new (or new to you) space, having a pro there to help you manage, both mentally and physically, can make a huge difference in how you organize your home, and ultimately, how you live in and enjoy it. Do you have more questions about moving? We’ve got you covered!

Orange Ginger Roasted Carrots Who's ready for spring? Easter? Outdoor picnics, and colorful produce? This is great for Easter, or anytime you want an easy, colorful side, and so much better than those bland cooked carrots from my childhood. (I could make a joke here about every bunny loving them, but I won't do that to you.)      Ingredients 1 Large Orange, Unpeeled 12 oz (or so) Carrots 2 T Olive Oil 2 Garlic Cloves (unpeeled) 6 Thyme Sprigs 1 t Ground Ginger 1/8 t Kosher Salt Dusting of Cayenne Pepper (optional) Drizzle of Honey Cut your unpeeled orange in half. Cut one half into thin slices; toss with carrots, olive oil, garlic cloves, thyme sprigs, ground ginger,  and 1/8 tsp. kosher salt on a baking sheet. Dust with cayenne and drizzle with honey. Roast at 450°F 15 minutes, stirring once. Turn on broiler; broil 2 minutes. Discard thyme. Peel garlic; place garlic and carrots on a platter. Squeeze remaining orange half over carrots. Sprinkle with 1/4 tsp. kosher salt. (I use Jennifer Fisher Spicy Salt on this, and everything. It's unreasonably delicious, and just adds something special. Not paid, just a fan.)

What would Valentine's Day be without something a little sweet? (And most likely, chocolate?) If you want to make a homemade treat that is a wow, but also super simple, these shortbread hearts are a favorite of mine. I usually dip half in chocolate, but you can also drizzle them with chocolate, white chocolate, or icing, add a touch of sprinkles or a dusting of pink sugar, or press some colorful sprinkles in before baking. Whether your vibe is "love, love, love" with the kids, a little romance, or a solo evening of "treat yourself" with a plate of cookies and a good rom-com, these are always a great idea   Chocolate Dipped Shortbread Hearts 1 cup unsalted butter (softened) 3/4 cup sifted confectioner's sugar 1 tsp. vanilla extract (the good stuff!) 2 cups sifted all purpose flour 1/2 tsp. salt 3- 4 oz of semisweet chocolate (chocolate chips will work, but disks or bars are better.) 1 tsp. canola or vegetable oil Preheat oven to 300. Cream butter, sugar, and vanilla until combined in a stand mixture with the paddle attachment. On slow speed, beat in flour and salt until combined. Flatten into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap and chill until firm, at least 2 hours or overnight. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/16-to-1/8 inch thick. (Remember, these won't rise, so where they are raw is basically where they'll be cooked.) Cut out hearts with a 2-inch heart cookie cutter. Transfer cookies to an ungreased baking sheet; chill for 30 minutes. Get creative! Make designs with a fork, press sprinkles into the tops, whatever! Bake until just beginning to brown around the edges, about 18 minutes. (Cookies will keep in an airtight container at room temperature about 5 days.) Melt chocolate in microwave, 30 seconds at a time, stirring in between, then stir in oil when fully melted. Dip cooled cookies half in chocolate, or drizzle chocolate over with a spoon. (While chocolate is still warm, you can also add sprinkles, a little sea salt, chopped pistachios or pecans...there's no limit!) Happy Valentine's Day!

I confess. I love the New Year. Clean slate, fresh planner, new goals...so many possibilities... It's one of my favorite times of the year for sure. Ever since I can remember, I've started the year with a list or a plan. But, for the last few years, I've chosen a word of the year as well, and let that guide not only those goals, but also my year. As woo woo as I can be, I was pretty shocked at how well it worked for me the first time, so obviously I've kept it up. This week, this weird week between Christmas and New Year, that's what I'm working on. I completed my business plan weeks ago, but this week is about recalibrating after the holidays, reflecting on the year, looking back on the things that worked or didn't, and looking forward to 2022. Tips on Choosing Your Word of the Year I have my short list that I'll decide on later this week, but here are my tips if you have never chosen a word of the year and want to try it this year: Think about where you want to be, or what you want to accomplish, in the year to come. Make a list of those things. You'll likely see a common thread. Would you like things to be easier? More simple? Are you looking for more balance in your business, relationships, etc.? Growth? Adventure? Once you make a list of those things, that word, or spirit, will likely start to speak to you. If you're looking for some inspiration for YOUR word, I've included a list below of 100 words to get you started. Focusing on Your Word of the Year Remember, it doesn't have to mean anything to anyone but you! Pro tip- when you have it, make it your Lock Screen, get a piece of jewelry with your word (this is what I do), write it on your mirror, a post it in your car, or wherever you're going to see it all the time! Adventure Soar Peace Bountiful Ease Peace Balance Drive Vibrant Bloom Blossom Gratitude Grace Learn Mindful Explore Persistence Drive *my word for 2019 Power Freedom Rebirth Transformation Growth Amplify Ascend Transcend Sparkle Ambition Flourish Maximize Minimize Breathe Comfort Perseverance Vitality Create Ignite Reflection Positivity Progress *My word for 2020 Movement Release Centered Thoughtful Steady Flow *My word for 2021 Fearless Energize Liberate Influence Affinity Acceptance Abundance Service Empower Simplify Faith Boundless Giving Cleanse Yes Build Confidence Committed Enough Grounded Imagine Manifest Passion Serenity Resolve Speak Strength Lead Worthy Authenticity Celebrate Connection Hope Purpose Sparkle Love Life Synergize Truth Achieve Nourish Stretch Strength Liberate Overcome Wholeness Richness Success Conquer Momentum Becoming Challenge Change Belief Have fun choosing what will be inspiring to you. Good luck, and whatever your word is, have a beautiful, bountiful, New Year!

The Best Gingersnaps Recipe These are my must make holiday cookies, and keep really well in a closed container for a few weeks (or so they say, I seldom have them last that long.) The dough freezes well, too, and they make great gifts or treats with coffee or tea. Gingersnaps 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened 2 cups sugar 2 eggs 1/2 cup molasses 4 1/2 cups all purpose flour 3 teaspoons baking soda 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cloves 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg Additional sugar. In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in molasses. Combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, salt, and nutmeg. Gradually add to creamed mixture. Refrigerate for 1 hour or until dough is easy to handle. Roll into 1 inch balls; roll in sugar. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets and flatten slightly with a glass. Bake at 350 degrees for 8-12 minutes or until puffy and lightly browned. Cool for one minute before removing to wire racks. Yield: 11 dozen

Did you know that in my "former life," I owned a restaurant/cafe/catering business in Carytown named Gourmet Delights? One of the things we were known for were our carryout catering items. This was waaaay before supermarkets had the plethora of ready made items they do now, so being able to stock your freezer with delicious pasta dishes, soups, and and side dishes was a big deal. And one of the top sellers, especially around the holidays, was this one. Party Potatoes. Easy to make ahead, easy to travel, and always a hit. Did I mention make ahead? (Around the holidays, that certainly deserves a second mention!) Party Potatoes Ingredients 8 cups mashed potatoes (about 8 - 10 russet potatoes) 8 tbsp butter 8 oz cream cheese 8 oz sour cream 1/3 cup chopped fresh chives 1 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp black pepper Instructions Grease a 9x13 baking dish with one tablespoon of butter. In a large bowl, mix together the prepared mashed potatoes (I highly recommend using a ricer for these!) with six tablespoons of the butter, cream cheese, sour cream, salt,  and pepper. Fold in the chopped chives. Transfer the party potatoes to the prepared baking dish. Dot the top with the remaining one tablespoon of butter. At this point you can cover the dish with plastic wrap and store overnight in the refrigerator.       When ready to serve, preheat the oven to 350 degrees and remove the plastic wrap. Bake the potatoes for 50 - 60 minutes. *This dish also freezes well, just make sure you thaw completely before baking. What a way to make Thanksgiving just a little easier!

  So... Maybe you just bought a house that has a few projects (or is one big project). Maybe you're selling your house, and you need to do some updates to make sure you get top dollar. Or, maybe you love your current home, but just need a little something to make it fit your life and style right now. Unless you're Chip and Joanna, you'll probably need to hire a contractor. But where do you even start? Never fear, I'm here to help. Follow this process, and while I can't guarantee a totally stress free result, I can pretty much assure you that you'll have a better experience than if you don't. FIRST STEPS Have a plan of what you're doing. Major kitchen renovation? Small bathroom renovation? Or maybe you need a full blown addition. Odds are, the project is going to dictate the contractor you use. If you just need a new vanity and lighting in the bathroom, you are probably going not going to want to use the company that builds mega additions on luxury homes. The job is just going to be too small for them. Ask for recommendations from people you know who have used a contractor for (ideally) a similar job, a contractor (electrician, plumber, etc who may work with someone they like). Ask WHY they would recommend them, too! Ask me! I work with different folks all the time, and I know looooootttts of people, who do almost everything. I don't get anything from them from the referral, but I work with them enough that I know they'll treat my clients right. I always recommend getting quotes from 2, or ideally, 3, contractors for your project. Not just because the prices can be drastically different, but also because you are absolutely going to feel more comfortable with one. (And trust me, if they are going to be in your home, and you have to communicate a lot, this matters more than you realize.) ONCE YOU DECIDE ON A CONTRACTOR (or you're close to deciding!) I talk to people all the time who have never hired a contractor before, and don't even know where to start, what to ask, or what their expectations should be. Interestingly, I've talked to lots of contractors over the years who have a similar problem. So, I've put together a list of where to start when you have narrowed down your project, or when you are still deciding on that contractor. QUESTIONS TO ASK! What is your process/plan for this job? How do you work? (There's no right answer here, but their answer should "feel" good to you. What is the timeframe for this project? When can you start, and how long with it take to finish? What is included in your quote? (Is there anything you, the customer, needs to provide? If someone gives you a great deal on painting, but you have to purchase all the paint, make sure that it's still a good deal.) Will they take care of all the permits, and perform all the work to code? (This seems like it should be a given, but trust me, it's not.) Do they have tradespeople on staff, or do they subcontract those? (Plumbers/electricians, etc) How often with the person/someone in charge visit the job to oversee? Who will be your main point of communication? How will they communicate? If you are more easily available by text, and they only call, or email, make sure you are able to land on a way that works for everyone. How often will they update you on progress? What materials will be used? Make sure those are laid out in the contract, IN WRITING. Don't assume that "wood floors" mean the quality of floors that you want. Get the specifics. Where will they be doing their sawing/trim work, etc? How will they deal with dust, etc inside the house? (Generally speaking you want people doing the sawing, drilling, etc, outside, or in the garage. NOT in your living space.) What will be the level of finishing? Are they going to add new trim/replace trim, etc, and paint it? Are they going to redo your whole bathroom, but leave the old vent fan from 1974? (If you want that, it's one thing, but don't assume EVERYTHING will be new if you don't ask.) These are really just a few things to get you started. If you have a project in mind, get super clear on a list of your expectations before you meet with anyone, and most definitely before you sign a contract. And remember, like I always say- when you're looking for contractors, Cheap, Fast, or Good. You can only get two. Never all three. What do you choose, and how involved do you want to be?      Got more questions? I'm happy to answer them, or point you in the direction of great people, if I'm able!