By Steve Cook :Baby, Its’ Warm Inside (the Igloo) Lola’s Farmhouse Bistro in Goochland (1840 Manakin Road) is being transformed into a “magical seasonal wonderland,” says Marianne Trak Hess, owner of this  popular restaurant with her husband Eric. Lola’s will also be featuring a special “Black Friday” brunch on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday following Thanksgiving. Here’s the big news. The igloos are back! These unique enclosed plastic pods allow you to dine on the lovely patio regardless of how low the temperatures go. And speaking of the season, Lola’s will be featuring some holiday-themed...

By Kim Amboy : It seems lately I’ve been talking to the person staring back at me in the mirror. “Who is that old lady?” I ask, or sometimes I greet her with, “Hello Mother.” That poor girl is in serious need of an overhaul! And it makes total sense, because Old Man Winter does a number on everybody. Cold winds outside and dry heat inside coupled with lack of exercise are all tough on waistlines, skin and hair. However, on a positive note, a little seasonal care can help. Here’s some self-care tips that’ll truly make a difference.Visit a Local Med Spa Get your “glow” back by visiting a local...

By Kaitlyn Bruce :The brilliant ambers, vibrant goldens, and deep burgundies have already begun overtaking the scenery. Thankfully, we live in a state that is abundant in locations for enjoying the fall season.When you think of places to visit in the fall, the lake might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but maybe don’t dismiss it so quickly. In previous years, the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation has listed Bear Creek Lake State Park (22 Bear Creek Lake Rd, Cumberland) as one of the top places in central Virginia to enjoy fall foliage, and I’d have to agree. The...

By Kim Amboy:It's perfect design fits nicely in your hand. It can last almost forever in your fridge. There are over 7,500 varieties grown worldwide, and it’s the main ingredient in countless culinary creations. While the French call it “la Pomme”, Spanish speakers refer to it as “la Manzana”, and Italians say, “la Mela.”  Just what are we referring to? Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you…. The Apple!Remember that old expression, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away”? According to Google, it originated as a Welsh proverb first recorded in the mid-19th century, and still aptly describes the...

By Steve Cook:Perhaps you feel about soup the way master chef Louis P. De Gouy expressed it:  "Good soup is one of the prime ingredients of good living." On the other hand, your sentiments may be more in line with those of Jay Leno, who said, "Soup is just a way of screwing you out of a meal." Regardless, there are times, especially on a chilly late fall afternoon when nothing satisfies better than a steaming bowl of soup. Sure, you can open a can of Campbell’s, add water and voila! But wouldn’t it be more fun to visit one of your favorite local restaurants and sample their delicious fare?...

By Kim Amboy:I was bored to death! Grandmother and I had come to visit great grandma on a cold winter’s day in Michigan when I was just five years old. Unfortunately for me, there were no toys or coloring books, and all I could find to do was sit and watch the two older ladies chatting and peeling a massive pile of carrots, celery, potatoes, and onions before putting everything through a hand-cranked metal food grinder. The resulting pulp was scooped into a giant pot on the stove along with other vegetables I did not recognize. I just knew it was going to be disgusting, and the look on my...

By Kaitlyn Bruce :  NASCAR has always been centered around family, with strong connections among its participants—fathers sharing the sport's traditions with their sons and brothers. Names like Allison, Earnhardt, Elliott, Petty, Wallace, and Waltrip highlight these familial ties in racing. The connection extends even beyond the track; in the stands, you can see parents passing their passion for the sport to their children as the entire family cheers for their favorite drivers. I remember spending Sunday afternoons either watching races with my dad or listening to them on the radio while we...