Meet this week's guest editor, Rebecca Thomas! A former restaurateur, Rebecca empowers people to make real, nourishing food at home without recipes, gadgets, or complicated prep. As the founder of Not Another Diet, she works to end generational diet culture by promoting simple, sustainable approaches to healthy living. With over 30 years of home cooking and 15 years in the restaurant industry, Rebecca created COOK!, a course that teaches intuitive, real-food cooking.
Her philosophy is all about enjoying the process of sourcing, preparing, and sharing food as a cornerstone of a healthy, joyful life. Outside of teaching, Rebecca loves biking, fresh produce, good coffee, and ... our favorite ... an early bedtime!
Take it away, Rebecca ...
GET LOST Touring Presentation with Pat McAleer
Part of a healthy, connected life is getting outside and challenging yourself -- a little or a lot, it all counts. I love hearing stories and practical advice from people who did just that. Come listen to Pat McAleer, a self-proclaimed "average rider" as he shares the highs and lows of his 10-day tour from Asheville to D.C. along the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive! This is a great presentation for anyone interested in doing a fun and challenging ride just a few hours from RVA.
Vitals:
GET LOST Touring Presentation: "10 Pictures, A Few Stories and an F-bomb"/ Thursday, December 12, 6:00 pm / FREE / Journeyman's Adventure Co., 115 N 18th Street
Honey Tasting with Dr. Hollee Freeman
Dr. Hollee Freeman is a tireless advocate and educator about all things bees. These little creatures are so important to the health of our environment and the food it produces. The more I learn, the more I want to know! Join her this Saturday for a reading from her book about bees and a honey tasting.
This is my favorite market due to its smaller size and later start time. I love biking here from my home in Church Hill. I fill my bags with seasonal veggies, sourdough rye from Europa Crust, and killer feta from Caromont Farm. I suggest strolling with a coffee, munching on some berries from Agriberry, and go hike through Forest Hill, one of the loveliest city parks, when you're done shopping. A perfect day.
This holiday season, surprise your loved ones with something truly special. The True Places RVA fine art print series depicts Richmond’s hidden outdoor spaces—destinations not found on maps or along well-worn paths. Shop limited-edition works by Ed Trask, Austin Miles, Steve Hedberg, Laura Goodman, and Melissa Burgess. Each locally made 14”x18” print is the perfect ready-to-frame size and available for immediate purchase, making it an ideal gift for local art lovers and those who seek to explore Richmond beyond the boundaries of a traditional map. On sale now at www.trueplacesrva.com.
Meet this week's guest editor, Joy Rush! Joy, a Richmond native and certified kids' yoga instructor, is the founder of YOGA JOY, a play-based yoga platform promoting mindfulness, movement, and wellness for children ages 2-12. Her work, including her bestselling book Yoga Fun A-Z, highlights children from a wide range of ethnicities and backgrounds, fostering inclusivity and representation. Through YOGA JOY, Joy offers accessible and engaging yoga practices, inspiring lifelong wellness for children and families.
Outside of work, Joy loves practicing hot yoga at Humble Haven Yoga, salsa dancing, and traveling with her son to explore new places and cultures.
Take it away, Joy ...
Tacky Lights of Richmond
Last year, local mom Erin Rebmann created a popular Tacky Light Map, featuring both iconic and new holiday light displays all over Richmond. This self-guided tour is a new festive tradition for us; we bring our own hot cocoa and drive around taking in all of the magic! From inflatables to synchronized light shows, the Tacky Lights Tour offers a magical way to celebrate the season!
Get ready to dance the night away with a mix of Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, and Kizomba at Aloft Short Pump with RVA Dance. Kick off the evening with an introductory lesson from 8:30 to 9:00 pm, then enjoy a night of music, movement, and great holiday fun!
My son and I love to visit Dominion Energy Gardenfest of Lights at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden every year. We can't wait to explore this year’s theme: Homes & Habitats, A Celebration of Connection, featuring millions of lights showcasing wetlands, forests, deserts, and more!
Our newest YOGA JOY program is Yoga Play! A signature activity from YOGA JOY, Yoga Play combines playful team-building with the transformative benefits of yoga. Designed to awaken the inner child, this engaging experience uses fun, play-based activities and simple yoga techniques to foster connection, collaboration, and creativity. By blending movement, mindfulness, music, and laughter, Yoga Play promotes overall team development in an inspiring and energizing way.
Meet this week's guest editor, Mike Harrison, an interior decorator and artist who recently made Richmond his home. Originally from New York, Mike’s background includes living alongside actors, musicians, and fellow struggling artists, an experience that profoundly shaped his approach to design. His work emphasizes relatable, budget-conscious spaces that inspire creativity and foster a sense of safety and comfort.
For Mike, a great week includes uncovering a thrift-store treasure, indulging in chicken wings, engaging in meaningful conversations that offer fresh perspectives, and embracing spontaneity with a resounding "yes" to new opportunities.
Take it away, Mike ...
Deals & Treasures at Diversity Thrift
If you’re looking for a must-visit spot, Diversity Thrift should be at the top of your list. This hidden gem is part of Diversity Richmond, an organization dedicated to creating an inclusive community that is safe and welcoming for LGBTQ+ individuals, families, and allies. Their mission is to serve as a catalyst, a voice, and a resource that enriches and champions diversity.
I can confidently say I’ve never walked out of Diversity Thrift without scoring an incredible find for my home. Knowing that every purchase supports such an important mission makes shopping there even more meaningful.
Vitals:
Diversity Thrift / Gallery and thrift open daily from 10:00 am - 6:00 pm (donation drop-off until 3:00 pm) / Diversity Thrift: 1407 Sherwood Avenue
Touchdowns & Turkey: Thanksgiving at HomeTeam Grill
Next up is HomeTeam Grill, the perfect spot to unwind and catch a game. I’ve had some amazing conversations with strangers here, and the welcoming vibe makes it easy to feel at home—shopping bags and all! Whether you’re looking for a laid-back environment to relax after a shopping spree or a place to watch football on Thanksgiving Day, Home Team Grill hits the mark. Vitals:
Thanksgiving at HomeTeam Grill / Thursday, November 28th, 4:00 - 11:00 PM / HomeTeam Grill, 1630 W. Main Street
Budget-Friendly Class and Trash
To wrap up the week, I’d recommend a visit to Class and Trash—with locations in Scott's Addition and Ashland. As someone often hired to bring magic into homes (yes, I’ve even decorated a Christmas tree for Mariah Carey using only thrifty finds!), I can easily pinpoint the best spots for adding sparkle on a budget. Class and Trash offers a funky fusion of vintage and modern, allowing you to maximize every dollar while creating something truly magical.
Ken and Lisa Waldrop originally opened Class and Trash in 2004 on Route 1 between Richmond and Ashland. The duo, who previously operated several booths in local antique malls, found their niche when they opened their own store in Ashland and later expanded to an outpost in Scott's Addition. Both locations feature a funky, affordable, and ever-changing lineup of furniture and unique objects worth exploring.
With Small Business Saturday (honored every year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving) just around the corner, there’s no better time to take advantage of the prime shopping opportunities right in our local community.
Vitals:
Class and Trash / 1720 Altamont Ave. / 11088 Washington Hwy. (Route 1)
More From Mike ...
I’m constantly on the move, traveling across the country—and throughout Richmond—bringing creative visions to life. While I’m no longer on social media, you can reach me at mikeharrisonart@gmail.com to connect or see examples of my work.
My mission is to help people transform their spaces as they step into the next chapter of their lives. Whether it’s through a painting, a mural, a complete bedroom redesign, or simply guidance on colors and thrift finds, I’m here to help bring your ideas to life. Wishing everyone a wonderful holiday weekend!
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