On the money Anyone will tell you saving is a chore–it’s easier to “invest” in shoes than stocks, but the dividends are questionable. We spoke with financial advisor Margie Swanson of M.H. Swanson & Associates to get the 411 on easy investing. First thing’s first: Eradicate debt. Carrying credit card debt or a loan will […]
On the money Anyone will tell you saving is a chore–it’s easier to “invest” in shoes than stocks, but the dividends are questionable. We spoke with financial advisor Margie Swanson of M.H. Swanson & Associates to get the 411 on easy investing. First thing’s first: Eradicate debt. Carrying credit card debt or a loan will […]
Ever since Dave Matthews struck it big, locals have been wondering what’s our Next Big Thing. While that discussion has often veered towards bands, what stands perhaps the best chance of keeping Charlottesville on the national cultural map is something else entirely: scantily clad women arm wrestling for charity. Check out the latest CLAW bout […]
Hand-picked and homemade Flowers can add beauty and flavor to both savory and sweet dishes at home, but think of flowers like mushrooms: If you’re not certain they’re edible, don’t eat them. Consult a reference first, or get your flowers from a source who grows them without pesticides. Borage tastes like cucumber, adding a fresh […]
Baldi hacked? Imagine our surprise last week when, after nearly a year with nary a word, once-local restaurateur and now-infamous runaway Jim Baldi accepted our Facebook friend request, along with 21 others. We suspect it wasn’t the former Bel Rio owner himself who logged on, but at least one of his new friends left a […]
Poor Gray Pinot. This grape with two names and two personalities is so misunderstood. It originated in France (where it’s called Pinot Gris) as a natural mutation of Pinot Noir. When it made its way into northern Italy, it became Pinot Grigio. If that were the extent of its differences, we could call the whole […]
If it’s true that good things come in small packages, then it’s no surprise that, at 30, 5′ tall jewelry designer Laurel Smith is already a national success. But, ask the Charlottesville native what it feels like to have her Laurel Denise line in more than 150 stores across the U.S.—including Anthropologie’s flagship store in […]
Pretty party (left to right): Julia Thomas wears a Molly B. blue and yellow polka dot bikini from Spring Street ($115; ), a Velvet blue maxi dress from E.G. ($142), Bernardo Maverick sandals from Duo ($108), an Elise M. double skinny belt from Lola ($40), bangles from Bittersweet ($3 each), and gold-filled lapis earrings from […]
(clockwise from left): Anokhi scarf from Spring Street ($24); Eric Silva necklace with ruby briolettes from Angelo ($175; 220 E. Main St., 971-9256); Miguel Ases hoop earrings from Spring Street ($156); Rhinestone hair clip from Spring Street ($32); Elise M. Fergie belt from Lola ($62). (Clockwise from top left): Ocean Inspired Beadery sponge coral and sterling silver […]
The phrase “perpetual motion” comes to mind when the name Hyam Hosny pops up. The Clay Fitness owner, nutrition counselor and personal trainer rises at 4:45am, gets to her studio an hour later and doesn’t stop moving until 3pm—only occasionally does she break for lunch. (Don’t worry; she keeps up her energy by munching on […]
Every year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture releases a frightening statistic: the lifetime cost of raising a child. It’s enough to scare any would-be parent into celibacy. According to the USDA’s 2009 report, the financial burden born by the average middle-income family from birth to the time the kid is kicked to the curb at […]