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!
Meet this week's guest editor, Tim Barry! A Richmond native and self-taught musician, Tim is a pioneer of "Folk Rock," celebrated for his authentic and raw sound. Deeply connected to the city's community and natural landscapes, Tim draws inspiration from Richmond’s James River, which he considers an anchor in his life. Whether paddling, fishing, running, or exploring with his family, the river and its surrounding parks continually fuel his creativity and provide a sense of joy and respite.
Surprising to some, Tim is also an avid runner who finds peace and purpose in the rhythm of the trail. Despite his musical success, he cannot read sheet music—a detail that underscores the raw, unfiltered passion behind his craft.
For Tim, Richmond is more than just a home—it’s a close-knit community and a wellspring of inspiration, anchored by the enduring presence of the James River.
Take it away, Tim ...
November Fest: Concerts & Charity Drive at The Camel
November Fest concert tickets have already sold out, but there are other meaningful ways to get involved in the action! All weekend long at The Camel, we will be collecting food donations for Feed More and diaper donations for Little Hands Virginia. You'll find details about both charities in the "More About" section further down in this volume.
Vitals:
November Fest Charity Drive at The Camel / Friday, November 22 - Sunday, November 24 / Bring Donations / The Camel, 1621 West Broad Street
November Fest: James River Park Trail Work
I'm partnering with Keep Virginia Cozy, Friends of James River Park, and James River Park System staff to lead two days of cleanups and trail work during November Fest weekend. Join us in rebuilding a section of trail washed out by erosion. We'll be hauling rocks and filling dirt, so wear sturdy shoes, bring work gloves, and pack water! If you have a bucket or milk crate for carrying rocks, please bring it!
While registration is NOT mandatory, it will help gauge the supplies we will need to provide. Please register here to help us prepare!
Vitals:
James River Park Trail Work / Saturday, November 23, 10:00 am / FREE / W. 22nd St Parking lot of the James River Park System (W. 22nd & Riverside)
November Fest: James River Park River Cleanup
I’m hosting a river clean up on Sunday, November 24 with the same collaborators as Saturday's event; in fact, Keep Virginia Cozy could achieve a mind blowing 1 million pounds of litter removed from our public spaces if we collect enough trash Sunday. So let’s go big! Plus, Hike Hopped Seltzer will be on site providing some cold beverages!
Please visit this link for details, and hit “yes” on the sign up if you are coming. Let’s get off the apps and get outside together!
Vitals:
James River Park - River Clean Up / Sunday, November 24, 11:00 am / FREE / W. 22nd St Parking lot of the James River Park System (W. 22nd & Riverside)
More About the
November Fest Charities
If you are attending any of Tim's Richmond shows this weekend at The Camel, or want to drop by the venue to help out, they'll be collecting food donations for Feed More and diaper donations for Little Hands Virginia. Donations can be dropped off at the door!
Feed More, based in Richmond, is a cornerstone organization in the fight against hunger, providing meals to individuals and families across Central Virginia through its comprehensive network of food banks, kitchens, and delivery programs.
Little Hands Virginia supports children in crisis by providing essential items such as diapers, clothing, and hygiene products.
These organizations create a safety net for vulnerable populations, ensuring children and families in Richmond have access to both nourishment and the essentials needed to thrive.
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