Richmond VA 7

FENG SHUI IN COLOR & DESIGN

Feng Shui, which literally means wind and water, is an ancient Chinese practice rooted in the theory of Yin and Yang. It is the ancient Chinese practice of using energy forces to harmonize individuals with their surrounding environment by organizing furniture, art, plants, and other objects within any given space or room to create peace and harmony.

It has been used for centuries to determine building sites such as the Forbidden City in Beijing, which is built on a north-south axis with the main entrance facing south. It was believed to be the most propitious direction according to the feng shui masters. Additionally, the pyramid addition to the Louvre in Paris, Trump Tower in Manhattan, and the Sydney Opera House in Sydney have all been influenced by feng shui principles.

In interior design, feng shui is a tool to help design a room that makes you feel good and enhances health, prosperity, harmony and balance for a joyful life.

Chinese philosophy is all about opposites - masculine and feminine, dark and light, warm and cold. Additionally, there is a focus on the 5 elements which are wood, fire, earth, metal and water. These symbolize qualities such as stability, wisdom, growth and creativity. Decorating with the five elements is meant to bring joy and balance to your life.

According to Better Homes and Gardens, you can feng shui your home with a few simple tips:

Clear your home of clutter and open up the flow of traffic. This will create an atmosphere of calm by creating a welcoming entryway. Adding feng shui plants and positioning furniture in relation to the door will give a feeling of

control and empowerment, creating balance. And don’t forget to use feng shui with your color selections.

The bedroom is the most important room for applying the principles of feng shui since we all spend so much time there. It is important to have the bed face the door but not straight-on. It is preferable to have a wall behind the bed so that you are aware if anyone is entering your space. This is referred to as command position. Use soft and muted pastel colors or earthen tones that you’d find in nature. Plants are not recommended for the bedroom as they are active and produce energy which is not conducive to the calm environment required in the bedroom. However, they are desirable throughout the rest of the home. Some of the best plants include lucky bamboo, orchids, jade, snake or rubber plants.

Although there is no scientific basis for the use of feng shui in design, it is about making your environment a healthy and happy one for your family, so why not give it a try.

NEW TRENDS FOR Weddings

After the thrill of an engagement, all attention moves to the upcoming wedding. It is a happy and exciting time for any couple and one filled with many choices and decisions. It can also be a stressful time if not properly organized. To make it a joyous event, a plan is essential and it starts with making lists of things to accomplish. Technology has made it much easier. There are on-line wedding planning tools for couples to use. Not only do they simplify wedding preparation, they save time and keep everything organized and in one place as opposed to old fashioned methods.

Post-Covid backyard weddings are out and luxury is in. Couples want their venue to be special, whether it is the country club, a spectacular garden, a historic estate, or a clear top tent for dancing under the stars. They want it to reflect who they are and their own personal love story and even their cultural heritage.

Oftentimes, couples are going for smaller, more intimate affairs. This allows more time to spend with people they care about most. It also helps with the budget and allows for spending on special effects or treats. Decor has shifted from traditional white to brighter, bolder colors. Couples can now more easily express their personalities. Food and flowers are often designed to be environmentally friendly using locally sourced products. Champagne towers add a touch of elegance and they have made a big comeback.

Hanging florals are a new and dramatic trend along with decorative ceremony aisles. Special effects lighting is another new trend. For a really unique look, go for a custom dance floor as the dance floor is often the center of the action at the wedding party. A new special effect is called cold sparks. The best explanation is indoor fireworks which add drama and sparkle to any event. They can be used in a variety of ways. Use them to light up the bride and groom’s entrance to the party, for first dances, or for the couple’s departure.

It is all about creating a memorable experience unlike any other. If you don’t have a lot of time to plan and implement all that is required for your wedding, consider hiring a wedding planner or pick a venue that coordinates the details for you. Country Clubs and Hotels are good at that as they often have excellent party planners on staff. Although a private wedding planner will add to the expense, they make sure the entire process runs smoothly from design issues, overseeing the budget, sending invitations, tracking RSVPs, managing vendors, and coordinating the schedule of the wedding. At a minimum, be sure to have someone in charge on the day of the wedding for any last minute issues that arise.

2024 PGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

* Schedule subject to change

APRIL

APRIL

MAY

MAY

MAY

MAY 20 - 26

MAY 27 - JUNE 2

JUNE 3 - 9

JUNE 10 - 16

JUNE 17 - 23

+ Signature Event

Charles Schwab Challenge Colonial Country Club, Fort Worth, Texas

RBC Canadian Open

Hamilton Golf & Country Club, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

The Memorial Tournament presented by Workday +

Muirfield Village Golf Club, Dublin, Ohio

U.S. Open #

Pinehurst Resort & Country Club (Course No. 2), Village of Pinehurst, North Carolina

Travelers Championship +

Highlands, Cromwell, Connecticut

# Not PGA TOUR Co-sponsored

^ Co-sanctioned with DP World Tour

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

NBC, USA NETWORK, PEACOCK

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

2024 PGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

2024 LPGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

* Schedule subject to change

** Purse subject to change

2024 LPGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

* Schedule subject to change ** Purse subject to change

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE RICHMOND

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

APRIL

APRIL 1 - 14 | CHERRY BLOSSOMS

Where to See Cherry Blossoms in Virginia is our complete guide to the best cherry tree blossom locations, tracking sites, and more.

For more info visit:

https://tinyurl.com/4yh6uzku

APRIL 12 - 14 | SPRING MARKET

Two exhibition buildings featuring unique gifts, gourmet foods, boutiques, fine artists and crafters and exciting decorative accessories for the home and garden.

For more info visit:

https://tinyurl.com/2a43e35h

MAY

MAY 3 - 6 | MAY FEST

Richmond MayFest takes place every early May with loads of great music, dancing and storytelling in and around Richmond Castle and Richmond town center. For more info visit: richmondmayfest.org

MAY 17 - 19 | RIVERROCK

The nation’s largest outdoor sports and music festival is Dominion Energy Riverrock, a three-day riverside experience in an urban setting with great food, craft beer and wine nearby. This isn’t your typical festival, and we’re not your typical town. For more info visit: riverrockrva.com

JUNE

JUNE TBA | BROAD APPETIT

Many Virginia beers and various wines are available to wash down the good eats. There are also street vendors and even local farmers and food providers for you to gather up your fresh ingredients for dinner. This is one of our favorite events in Richmond VA! For more info visit: broadappetit.com

JUNE 1 - 23 | SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL

Kicking off the Richmond Shakespeare Festival at Agecroft Hall is Shakespeare’s beloved Much

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE RICHMOND

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

Ado About Nothing. Masquerades reveal as much as they hide in this hilarious comedy. There is no comedic couple quite as beguiling as Beatrice and Benedick. Wielding words as both weapon and armor, their banter is code for so many things - part longing, part loathing, part love. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/ydxkubrc

JULY

JULY 12 - 13 | TOMATO FESTIVAL

A huge festival located at Pole Green Park in Mechanicsville, the Hanover Tomato Festival has just about every variation of tomatoes you can think of: fried green tomatoes, tomato pie, tomato Po’ boy, tomato tacos, tomato burger, fried tomato chips, tomato wraps, salsa, and on and on and on – all, of course, of the Hanover tomato variety. For more info visit: hanovertomatofestival.com

JULY 26 - 30 | HIGHLANDS FEST

75 years ago, Robert Porterfield began a cultural experience

unparalleled to our region. The Virginia Highlands Festival has continued to grow in size and scope to become a destination for tourists and a beloved regional cultural resource for the arts, history and culture of Virginia. For more info visit: vahighlandsfestival.com

AUGUST

Aug 11 | Watermelon Festival

One of biggest street festivals in Richmond, the Carytown Watermelon Festival serves up watermelon to all festival-goers as they make their way through Carytown…imagine that. But seriously, this festival has been going on for over 35 years and is another great summer outing for residents. For more info visit: carytownwatermelonfestival.com

AUG 11 - 19 | COUNTY FAIR

Well, there is no shortage of great things to do and see – whether you are young or old – or some place in between. With your family, friends, and friends you are

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE RICHMOND

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

about to meet. But the real reason everyone loves the County Fair is because of the singular focus to make the fair fun for you!

For more info visit: pwcfair.com

AUG 12 - 13 | JAZZ FESTIVAL

This is a world-class jazz event that’s worth traveling for. Every year, the Richmond Jazz and Music Festival lines up some of the best names in jazz, funk and blues. Make plans now to join us at this monumental festival!

For more info visit: richmondjazzandmusicfestival.com

SEPTEMBER

SEPT 24 - 29 | FILM FESTIVAL

An inclusive and spirited festival designed to honor true film artists. Richmond theaters will show quality flick after quality flick. In between screenings, you can catch panels, awards, musical performances, and more!

For more info visit: rvafilmfestival.com

SEPT 27 - 29 | FOLK FESTIVAL

This beloved event attracts people to downtown Richmond’s riverfront over three days to celebrate the roots, richness and variety of American culture through 30 different genres of music on seven stages, dance, traditional crafts, storytelling and food. With children’s activities, a folk arts marketplace, regional and ethnic foods and more, there’s something for everyone at The Richmond Folk Festival. For more info visit: https://bit.ly/3hMY9L2

Sept 27 - 30 | State Fair

The Virginia State Fair features dozens of food vendors offering all-time favorites like funnel cakes, cotton candy, and barbecue chicken. Vendors offer souvenirs, clothing, belt buckles, and various unusual designs.The beautiful Meadow Park is a great outdoor setting for exciting rides, games, shows, concerts, and other family fun. For more info visit: statefairva.org

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE RICHMOND

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

OCTOBER

OCT 1 - 31 | HARVEST FESTIVAL

Come celebrate with us and create an unforgettable experience picking pumpkins, getting lost in our corn maze and roasting marshmallows at the bonfire.

Don’t forget those freshly made Cider Donuts! For more info visit: https://bit.ly/3rKGaKc

OCT 18 - 19 | OKTOBERFEST

The Annual Richmond Oktoberfest is changing dates to the first weekend of October. Come celebrate at the only authentic Oktoberfest in central Virginia. The entertainment will be highlighted with the traditional march of the regional German Societies, the crowning of the Oktoberfest Queen, and the popular Beer Stein Hoisting Contest. For more info visit: richmondoktoberfestinc.com

NOVEMBER

NOV 1 - 2 | OYSTER FESTIVAL

As you walk through the festival

you will find many food & craft vendors, as well as wine tasting, beer tasting, and educational experiences. There is something for everyone at this popular festival & the Urbanna Oyster Festival invites individuals from all over to what has long been known as the Official Oyster Festival of the Commonwealth.For more info visit: urbannaoysterfestival.com

NOV 16 | MARATHON

Each of our scenic courses showcases some of our city’s favorite attributes. With street art and river views, historic architecture and beautiful parks, our race routes treat runners to a unique and unforgettable tour of RVA that ends with our renowned downhill finish and post-race party on the riverfront! During your race, you’ll also encounter live bands, DJs, spirit groups, and Party Zones that will offer plenty of encouragement and motivation. For more info visit: https://bit.ly/2SaqCDp

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE RICHMOND

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

DECEMBER

DEC 5 - 8 | BIZARRE BAZAAR

The Bizarre Bazaar’s Christmas Collection features more than 500 juried exhibitors in four contiguous buildings. The Christmas Collection will feature talented artisans of varied media, unique new shops, boutiques, small businesses, exciting new gift lines, holiday decorations, gourmet foods, jewelry, clothing, accessories, toys, quality crafts, fine art and much more! For more info visit: thebizarrebazaar.com

JANUARY

JAN 24 - 26 | BOAT SHOW

The Downtown Richmond Boat Show will feature over 150,000 square feet of boats all under one roof. See boats shine under the first class lighting only found at the Richmond Convention Center. This show will be the largest show Richmond has ever seen! For more info visit: downtownrichmondboatshow.com

FEBRUARY

FEB TBA | WASHINGTON PARADE

The George Washington Birthday Parade winds through a one-mile route along the historic streets of Old Town. It is the oldest and largest parade celebrating the birth of George Washington in the USA, thanks to thousands of participants and spectators. For more info visit: washingtonbirthday.com

* Schedule subject to change

2024 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

* Schedule subject to change

2024 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT

BANANA DATE NUT BREAD

• 3 ripe bananas mashed

• 2 eggs

• 1 stick butter

• 1 cup unbleached flour

• 1 cup whole wheat flour

• 1/2 cup shelled walnuts chopped

• 3/4 cup Medjool dates chopped and pitted blitzed with 1/4 cup water in a blender ( or 3/4 cup of sugar without water)

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees

• Grease a 9x5x3 bread pan

• Cream butter and date mixture

• Add eggs one at a time, beating well

• Sift flour, baking soda, and salt and add to creamed mixture

• Fold in mashed bananas, vanilla and walnuts

• Pour mixture into the bread pan

• Bake for 50-60 minutes or until the toothpick comes out clean

• Cool for 10 minutes and then put on a rack

TRAIN EXPERIENCES Wonderful

If you haven’t traveled by train, you might like to try it. There are so many fantastic train trips available across the world. They offer opportunities not available any other way. There’s never the hassle of driving and missing the beautiful and scenic countryside. They are eco-friendly,

comfortable, relaxing and also offer refreshments. Trains start and end their journeys in cities and will transport you through diverse and incredible landscapes.

Here are a few amazing train trip options:

JACOBITE TRAIN BERNINA EXPRESS

If you are traveling in Scotland, be sure to check out the Jacobite. This journey is often described as the greatest rail journey in the world. It takes you 84 miles in total from Fort Williams in the highlands of Scotland to the most westerly stop in Arisaig. It passes by lakes and rivers including Lake Nevis, the deepest in Europe and through charming villages. There is a stop in Glenfinnan which was made famous as the site of the Harry Potter films. Then it is on to Mallaig which was founded in 1840 and is now a busy fishing port. It is a great spot for a walk or some shopping and dining. Try the fish and chips! Then take the return trip or consider taking the ferry to Skye and the Small Isles.

In Switzerland, be sure to check out the Bernina Express which is a 90 mile journey from Tirano in northern Italy to Chur in southeastern Switzerland. Highlights include unparalleled panoramic views of the steep peaks of the Swiss Alps, charming villages and shimmering lakes. With 55 tunnels through the mountains and numerous bridges and viaducts, the vistas are stunning. Chur is the oldest city in Switzerland and the old town is actually car-free. The train has earned UNESCO World Heritage Designation due to its architectural features and long history.

SKAGWAY RAILROAD RAILROAD MUSEUM

In Alaska, don’t miss the Bennett Lake Scenic Journey. A trip through history that began with the gold rush of 1898 when men sought routes to the Klondike and the White Pass. It began in Skagway and continued to British Columbia and the Yukon Territory. The train climbs from sea level to 3,00ft - a true marvel of engineering. Travel in a vintage train from Skagway to Carcass in the Yukon Territory. See snow capped peaks, forests, sparkling lakes, and amazing waterfalls. Visit Bennett Station and the White Pass Museum. You can do a walk through an old gold rush town. Then ride through remote sections of the lake that are otherwise only available by hiking the Chilkoot Trail.

In Parrish, Florida, visit the Museum and see the historic trains of the old South. Or take the 6-mile ride on an early 1900s train from Parrish to Willow to see a rail collection and exhibition. Also they host special train events including a train robbery experience.