My family loves going out to eat. We enjoy trying different foods, not having to cook or clean up, and visiting new restaurants. It might seem easy to just hop in the car and go since we’re past the days of toting a diaper bag around, but we can’t be…

The Importance of Sleep Cannot Be Overstated. We all know how good it feels to wake up refreshed—“bright eyed and bushy tailed” as the saying goes. A full night of quality sleep starts the new day off right— with clarity of mind and purpose and energy to tackle what lies…

I’ll admit, I was late to the game when it came to reading local author Sadeqa’s Johnson’s New York Times bestsellers, Yellow Wife and The House of Eve, but after having the pleasure of meeting Sadeqa last year, I dove in and thoroughly enjoyed each one. When we met, she…

Materials 3 pipe cleaners 1 straw 2 big beads 6 pony beads 1 permanent marker Ruler Scissors Instructions Cut your straw into eight equal pieces, approximately 1-inch long. Hold three pipe cleaners together, making sure the ends are all lined up. Find their middle and twist them together several times…

Too Early by Nora Ericson,Illustrated by Elly MacKayAges 0–3A gentle, cozy story following a family’s bleary-eyed wake-up routine, a little one who’s eager to start the day, and the quiet magic of early mornings. All in a Year by Chihiro TakeuchiAges 3+The Tanakas are moving out of their apartment building…

It was 2018, and I was prepared to become a father. I’d read the books. I’d asked questions of all the other parents in my life. I’d even attended a four-week course at the hospital covering everything from changing diapers to booking pediatric appointments. I was ready. I was not…

When your child feels anxious or isn't eating well, your first thought probably isn't about their digestion, but it might be worth considering. The gut and brain talk to each other constantly, and the trillions of bacteria living in the digestive tract (the gut microbiome) play a surprisingly big role…

I hope you enjoyed a wonderful holiday season and you're as excited as I am to be kicking off a fresh new year, full of possibilities! Our annual health and wellness issue is always one of my favorites because it's all about resetting-the mind, the body, and the home. We…

Getting older is rough (or should we say, ruff), especially for dogs. Their lives are so short that it seems to accelerate the aging process. As dogs age, their behavior often changes in ways that can feel confusing or even concerning to their families. Just as people experience age-related shifts…

The beginning of the new year is typically when people reassess their health goals and kick their fitness routines into high gear, but I've actually been on quite the wellness journey of my own for the past few months. Some of it has been physical, like paying attention to how…

For three years, one of Health Brigade's dedicated community health workers has served Richmond's Latino community with compassion, connecting families to healthcare and essential resources. One such family faced immense hardship-the mother was caring for three children with special needs, including a daughter with cerebral palsy who was in need…

Prenting can sometimes feel like coaching a championship team with no sleep, no playbook, and an audience that cheers and cries at the same time. I’ve been there. As a dad, educator, and business owner, I’ve learned the science of child development in between diaper changes and the art of…

Winter in Central Virginia can have a mind of its own. One morning you wake up to frozen steps, and the next day you're opening the windows for warm, fresh air. These swings can be inconvenient for anyone, but for many older adults, they introduce real challenges-from staying warm indoors…

There's something about the new year that makes us crave a fresh start. We set goals to eat healthier, move more, or spend more time with the people we love. But here's the truth: your home deserves a resolution, too. When our spaces feel lighter and more organized, our days…

Q. My family always seems to hibernate during the winter, but by February everyone feels stir-crazy and disconnected. Is it really worth bundling up and getting outside during the colder months? How can we make outdoor time feel fun and doable for kids? A. Outside time gets a little harder…

Protein water, protein pretzels, protein coffee, protein cereal—everywhere we turn, protein is promoted as a beneficial addition to people's diets across every stage of life. Rumor has it that protein helps with weight management, builds strong muscles, improves our hair, skin, and nails, and makes foods more filling. But what…

Slow Cooker Chicken Wild Rice SoupServes 6 Ingredients 1 cup wild rice blend, uncooked1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast5 cloves garlic, minced1 cup yellow onion, chopped3/4 cup celery, chopped3/4 cup carrots, chopped1 teaspoon dried thyme1 teaspoon dried rosemary2 teaspoons sea salt, plus more to taste2 bay leaves6 cups low sodium…

Your one-year family membership includes access to a 25-yard, six-lane indoor saltwater pool, a family recreation indoor saltwater pool, a basketball and multipurpose gym, free group exercise classes, free indoor cycling classes, adult locker rooms with sauna, steam, whirlpool, and towel service, youth locker rooms, free babysitting, and more! Enjoy…

The highly anticipated follow up to New York Times bestseller author (and Richmonder!) Sadeqa Johnson's Yellow Wife and The House of Eve hits shelves on February 10th, and we have a signed copy up for grabs! Read the RFM review here.