vol. 45 / oasis 📚Life gets pretty crazy, so we're in need of a quiet escape this week...
VOL. 45 / OASIS
Whether you are traveling or working this summer, the quiet joy of reading fills the time in between with transcendent escape.
This week, we tapped local experts for their tips on the perfect summer reading titles. Browse this volume attentively...
Ready, set, read!
bbgb
tales for kids
Though they are best known for their children's book selection, bbgb actually caters to booklovers of all ages. We've frequented this vibrant, darling bookstore for ages - they always know which read to recommend. We asked owner Jill Stefanovich for her summer reading best.
What the kids are reading / The Language of Spells by Garret Weyr. Think magic, humor, heartbreak… oh, and dragons.
Current fiction fav /Varina by Charles Frazier takes the perspective of Jefferson Davis' wife before and after the Civil War.
Let’s read local / Any book from Steven Smith’s Virginia Mysteries series. You’ll recognize these Richmond settings... spooky.
Two chances to treat the kiddos / Read 8 books before August 30 to earn a free cookie from Sugar & Twine, or enter their bike giveaway!
In the city of Richmond alone, there are nine public libraries, and even more in the surrounding counties. Our favorite happens to be the brand new Libbie Mill Library located in Henrico County. We also hear great things about the Varina branch.
There’s no better feeling than leaving the library with an armful of awaiting adventures. As for what to read? This summer, the libraries are featuring PBS's The Great American Read, celebrating America's 100 most beloved novels, spanning everything from Pride and Prejudice to Ready Player One. See how many you've already read and find some fresh ideas.
Now, where to read your library finds? Try a shady spot in Forest Hill Park, posting up on a soft picnic blanket (with snacks, of course).
Next up, we head downtown to Shockoe Slip for all the suggestions and a pair of killer events from our friends at the Fountain Bookstore. They found some gems...
Kids' picture book of the summer /Do Not Lick This Book by Idan Ben-Barak and illustrated by Julian Frost. The title says it all.
Best summer cookbook /Cool Smoke: The Art of Great Barbecue by Tuffy Stone, local author and owner of Q Barbeque restaurants.
Current fiction fav /Hope Never Dies by Andrew Shaffer, in which Obama and Biden partner up Holmes-Watson style to solve murder mysteries. (What?!)
vol. 44 / sparks 🎆Trying oh so hard to stay cool this week...
VOL. 44 / SPARKS
Thanks to all who came out to Boho last Thursday! We had a blast.
That Richmond humidity that we're oh-so fond of is slowly making its comeback, so this week, we're sparking your interest in three things that will both keep you cool AND make you feel cool!
Read on...
North End
Juice Co.
Remix your summertime salad routine with a trip to this sidewalk juice bar for a poké bowl. That’s right; North End Juice Co. serves not only refreshing smoothies and açai bowls, but also yellowfin tuna and vegan poké bowls.
Why we’re obsessed: they’re delicious AND reasonably priced. Seriously, the entire bowl is the price of one special sushi roll at a restaurant.
Important distinction: North End Juice Co. closes at 4:30pm, but North End Market, immediately next door, is open 4-10pm, serving those precious poké bowls (and ice cream). Midlo friends: there’s a location near you, too!
This new local jewelry company collaborates with refugees settled in Richmond, providing them with work and contributing to their sense of belonging.
Kamili’s vibrant, colorful (and gorgeous!) bracelets are crafted by refugees from the comfort of their own homes, giving them an opportunity to contribute financially to their families, while taking care of their children.
The bracelets themselves are made from African heishi beads and are finished with 24-karat-gold-dipped discs. Try stacking them for an easy fashion statement - or surprise a friend with a fun summer gift.
We're ice cream fanatics, so this event sounds extra-amazing. Mark your calendars now! Blue Bee Cider is hosting an ice cream festival, conveniently when the heat and humidity start taking a toll.
Gelati Celesti, King of Pops and Scoop RVA will all be there, and Nightingale Ice Cream Sandwiches is crafting a specialty sandwich with Blue Bee cider!
There’s definitely a “cool” theme, as there will be plenty of shade on their patio, plus cyrofacials (cold therapy that reduces aches & pains). Sounds heavenly, if you ask us.
vol. 43 / on a roll 🌀Let's get the ball rolling on this whole weekend thing...
VOL. 43 / ON A ROLL
Thanks to all of you who stopped by The Brunch Market on Sunday! It was so fun to meet some members and welcome new ones. Keep the upcoming markets on your radar; based on the amazing vendors this past weekend, you can count on plenty more in the future.
Fun perk for you in today's newsletter, and your last chance to sign up for our Boho ride tonight!
Weekend, here we come!
Maven
Made
We’re not beauty experts, not by a long shot. Which explains why we were so skeptical of the facial serum sample we received at Rebelle Con last November. What even is facial serum? (Again, not beauty experts.)
It took us several months to try that little blue vial from Richmond’s own Maven Made, and now we regret every day this miracle wasn’t in our lives. We. are. obsessed. Addicted. But in a healthy, self-care-y way.
Maven Made’s facial serum has drastically improved our skin and has given us major glow. Plus, we love the zen ritual of the evening application. It just feels like a treat, and the smell is dreamy. #notsponsored
We’re hooking you up with a perk (which we’re using on those astrological rollers): use code HEREMAVEN for 15% off purchases through July 31!
Proudly standing at the corner of S. Allen & W. Cary, this shiny new (and orange!) establishment seriously brings it. The bagels are hot and fresh like the coffee, and we highly recommend their breakfast sandwiches (our fav was The Glamper).
The shop is the fun kind of busy, so grab a friend and head there for a quick breakfast this weekend!
River City Roll makes for a solid night out. It’s a complete experience: drink, food, activity. Bring a pack of friends or a first date.
Our signature bowling alley move (questionable that we have one…) is, when inputting your names on the screen, skip your given names and use famous diva or sports star names. Imagine hollering that it’s Cher’s turn or congratulating LeBron on his strike.
While you’re playing, you’ll obviously need nourishment. This isn’t average bowling alley food. The seasonal menus are adventurous but approachable, and the fries… unreal.
Oh, you like living on the edge and waiting until the very last minute to book tonight's Boho ride and wine tasting?! Or did your plans for tonight fall through? You're in luck; we have a few spots left...
Reserve a remaining spot now, and, while you're at it, why not invite a friend to do the same?
Go
