To be eligible for the prize you must answer the following question and email your answer to lpinckney@ellwoodthompsons.com before Tuesday, February 7,2012. The question is: Where did the phrase “Virginia is for Lovers” come from?

A winner will be selected via a random drawing on Wednesday, February 8, 2012 and be announced via email and on our Facebook page.

This unique, local prize pack includes the following:

An iPod/iPhone pouch from The Revolution. Bath fizzles from BCakes, Valentines Soap from Richmond Soap Studio. An 8oz tin candle from Naked Soy, and some Frankenrose love refresher oil from House of Lukaya!

On Sunday, March 25th, the UAR will make it’s way to the east cost to the river city!

Richmond VA – Sunday March 25, 2012 benefitting: TBD

The Urban Assault Ride is coming to the River City! We hope you’re ready for the party, Richmond!

Price : Only $30-60/person! (sign up early to get the best pricing!!) You’ll get a 100% cotton t-shirt, a couple of the best beers you’ve ever tasted, and some great SWAG!

Online Registration closes Friday, March 23th, at 4:00 PM EST.

Packet Pick Up: (Saturday 3/24 11 – 2pm)
Location: TBD

“These little seeds–yes, the ones you smothered on a terra cotta pot shaped like a scientist when you were a kid–have been a household name for ages, thanks to their infection commercials. But before they were made into pets, chia seeds were a well-known health supplement. The Mayans have been eating them since practically the beginning of time, and, more recently, health advocates like Dr. Weil have been spreaking their praise the better half of a decade. But 2011 was definitely the year when these nutritionally-dense little pods picked up some serious steam.” -Blisstree

So what do these super tiny, flavorless seeds do for you? The real question is, where do we even start? Chia seeds are rich in protein, magnesium, fiber, antioxidants, and calcium. But the real selling point with the seeds lies in the incredible amount of omega-3 fatty acids they contain – more than any other plant food.

Ultrarunners and marathon runners have instantly caught on to the amazing hydrating ability of the seed. Just like when you first applied the chia seeds to your chia pet, the seeds formed an instant “goo” when introduced to water. This “goo” holds nearly three times the natural water weight of the seed.

“A native herb to parts of Mexico and South America, they’ve been a dietary staple for the indigenous people there for ages. But they’re just as healthy for the Western set, because they’re basically a vegetarian’s dream vitamin. A rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, protein, calcium, and potassium, the tiny, oily grey seeds pack a powerful nutrient punch, and offer many of the vitamins and minerals often missing from a meat (and dairy)-free diet.” -Blisstree

We carry several brands of chia seeds, including our favorite ones from Health Warrior, a Richmond, VA based company.

These steps go hand in hand with our Environmental Pledge:

At Ellwood Thompson’s, we realize that our actions directly impact our community and environment. It is our goal to establish new  environmental standards in our community and beyond.

We make every effort to bring awareness to environmental issues and more importantly, practice what we preach. We strive to reduce our waste, recycle and compost everything we can, support alternative modes of transportation and incorporate green building methods into our store.

Being a sustainable community partner is something that we owe to our planet.

These initial eight panels will offset our energy consumption equal to not driving 100,000 car miles. That might not be much, but it’s a start. With our new and restructured Environmental Pledge in place, you’ll be seeing a lot more sustainable changes in the near future. To learn more about Urban Grid Solar, click here.

My NYC Biking Story: Dr. Janice Turner from Streetfilms on Vimeo.

There mission is to become one of the most respected brewers in the United States through integrity in their ingredients and in their business practices, through respect for brewing heritage, and through the inspired creation of extraordinary beers.

The story of how Hardywood Park Craft Brewery came to be is about as old as it’s co-founders, Eric McKay and Patrick Murtaugh. Lifelong friends, Eric and Patrick first discovered hand crafted beer in 2001 at a sheep station in Australia called Hardywood Park, and have been brewing and introducing people to great beer ever since.

We were fortunate to get a few cases in of the Farmhouse Pumpkin Ale and gave it a try.

Beer style: Wallonian (Australian) -style Farmhouse Ale Brewed with Pumpkin and Spice (8.5% ABV)

Brewer’s Notes: In the tradition of the farmhouse ales of Belgium’s southern countryside, Hardywood Farmhouse Pumpkin is brewed with a blend of rye, wheat and barley, earthy flavoring hops and a classic saison yeast. Beyond this, Hardywood Farmhouse Pumpkin breaks totally free of classic style guidelines.

Ripe, flame roasted Virginia sugar pumpkins and brown sugar provide a hearty backbone to this 8.5% ABV beer. Freshly ground Ceylon cinnamon, whole Grenada nutmeg, whole Madegascar clove and whole allspice are harmonized with pounds of freshly sliced organic ginger root.

A beautiful hue of autumn russet, Hardywood Farmhouse Pumpkin displays a voluminous head, with a bouquet of aromatic fresh spice. Medium to full in body, this ale offers a balanced flavor of caramelized pumpkin and pie spices, with a lingering finish laced with a hint of fresh ginger.

Sugar pumpkins came from the Farm to Family Market on Mechanicsville Turnpike. Peruvian organic ginger came from Ellwood Thompsons Local Market in Carytown. Pumpkin Pie Spice came from C.F. Sauer, right around the corner from Hardywood. Whole Ceylon cinnamon, whole Grenada nutmeg, whole Madagascar cloves and whole allspice came from Penzys Spices in Carytown. All are local Richmond businesses.

Todd Taylor’s Tasting Notes: Starts off with a beautiful golden tint with pumpkin hues and a slightly tan head. The aroma is made up of nice sweet pumpkin spices and farmhouse yeasts. The taste is medium bodied with a lingering spice finish, slight carbonation that is crisp and clean. Wonderful farmhouse yeast flavors.

It’s a great ale to share with a friend or a loved one on these cool fall evenings.

These beautiful, miniature gardens and succulents don’t require much attention at all. Just some sunlight and water about once ever two weeks. Terrariums are available now in the produce department throughout the holidays. For more information on Rich’s terrariums, visit his website.

Read the rest of the story here.

Good People In Cycling, Episode I – Craig Dodson, Richmond Cycling Corp from Road Holland on Vimeo.

While so much of the world may see cyclists as neon spandex clad ants that take up too much of the road, the reality is that there are so many wonderful people involved in our sport. To highlight them, Road Holland is kicking off a film series entitled “Good People In Cycling.” In each episode we’ll take a look at people who are doing extraordinary but often unsung work to help others.

Episode I features Craig Dodson of the Richmond Cycling Corp from Richmond, VA. Craig founded RCC as a way to give back all that he got out of cycling to kids who might otherwise never get on two wheels. In the process, he’s changing lives. For more information about Craig and Richmond Cycling Corp visit richmondcyclingcorps.org.

Pronounced mar-uh-go-heap-ay, known for being the largest bean in the coffee world. The Nicaraguan Maragogype Peaberry is an extremely rare find and Blanchard’s Coffee Co. is excited to have purchased this year’s entire crop, which was limited to a little over 300 pounds.