Consuming a moderate amount of caffeine (read on to learn how much) can actually improve your heart health. | Photo by the RICtoday team
About 8 in 10 Americans consume some form of caffeine each day. So, how much is safe?
Research shows that consuming up to 400 mg of caffeine a day is safe for most adults — this equals roughly 2-4 cups of brewed coffee. (Note: It’s recommended that pregnant or lactating women limit their daily caffeine consumption to 200 mg.) However, consuming more than 400 mg of caffeine a day may increase your risk of heart disease by raising your heart rate and blood pressure over time.
A small change you can make: If you’ve had four cups of coffee in a day and want to have more (we’ve been there), you can switch to half-caff or decaf.
Did you know?Consuming a moderate level of caffeine (200-300 mg a day) may actually reduce your risk of heart disease.
A small change you can make: If you typically have 3-4 cups of coffee a day, try to cut back by one cup.
Keep in mind, though, that many caffeinated drinks — like soda, energy drinks, and blended iced coffees — contain a good bit of added sugar, and consuming too much can lead to diabetes, a major risk factor for heart disease.
A small change you can make: If you drink multiple sodas per day, try swapping one out for sugar-free sparkling water.
Some people may be more sensitive to the effects of caffeine, depending on their current health conditions and medications. Be sure to discuss your caffeine habits with your primary care provider and/or your cardiologist.
Wondering about your heart health as you enjoy your morning coffee (and read this newsletter)? Good news: One of the best heart hospitals in the country is right here in downtown Richmond. Call the VCU Health Pauley Heart Center at 804-628-4327 to make an appointment — the local heart health experts there would love to discuss your questions or concerns.*
Big Hits Music Bingo | 7 p.m. | Stone Brewing Richmond | Cost of purchase | Jam along to hits and mark them off your card until you hit bingo while sipping a beer.
Tuesday, Feb. 4
Wine and Galentines | 7-10 p.m. | Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant | $79 | Grab some friends and celebrate Galentine’s Day early with pan-roasted rosemary chicken paired with a red blend + more wine pairings.
“Dirty Dancing” in Concert | 8 p.m. | Dominion Energy Center | $40+ | Watch the classic 80s film while a live band and singers perform its iconic songs.
Wednesday, Feb. 5
Midweek Movie Matinee, Black History Month: “Respect” | 2-5 p.m. | Richmond Public Library West End | Free | Bring a drink and settle in to enjoy snacks + watch this film about the rise of Aretha Franklin’s career.
Thursday, Feb. 6
Charcuterie Tray Workshop | 5-7 p.m. | James River Cellars, Glen Allen | $49+ | Create and stain your own wooden tray to display cheeses, meats, and fruits during your next get-together.
Evening of Magic RVA | 7:30-8:30 p.m. | TheLAB | $25 | Spend the evening at this intimate, close-up magic show.
Locals who were financially affected by the recent water outage can now apply for financial assistance through March 14. To qualify, you must be a resident of the City of Richmond, have “demonstrated financial hardship” related to the outage, and have a balance owed or overdue in an approved category. (CBS 6)
Sports
The Richmond Kickers are sporting a new look. The local soccer team unveiled a new logo and brand identity for the 2025 season, in part to separate their brand from local youth league “Richmond Kickers Youth.” Check out the new design and let us know which you prefer. (Richmond BizSense)
Open
“We can run” to the newly-opened Grateful Dead-themed bar in the former Weezie’s and Town Hall space. Ripple Ray’s features a full bar and menu items like burgers, wings, and sandwiches + plans to bring in musical acts. (Richmond BizSense)
Community
Through Saturday, April 12, community members can make a free appointment for tax assistance thanks to a partnership between the local Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority chapter + AARP Foundation. Make an appointment.
Arts
Main Projects — Richmond’s newest art gallery — is set to open on Friday, Feb. 7 at 1625 W. Main St. The gallery’s flagship exhibition, entitled “Lovers,” will include works about love and human relationships. (Richmond BizSense)
Mansion Monday
According to Zillow’s 2025 trend predictions, home libraries will be big this year. After taking a peek at this historic 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom Greek Revival home featuring a room with floor-to-ceiling bookcases and a rolling ladder, we can see why.
Home
Selling your home? Promote your listing where buyers will see it — right here in this newsletter (in as little as two days).
Category
Arts
Honey, I shrunk the art gallery
The lower level of this FLAG is dedicated to sharing stories — there’s even a journal and pen to write. | Photo by Ell from Arbiter of Oddities
Calling all makers, art appreciators, and curators of curious things — we’ve found a picture-perfect way to enjoy art in Richmond.
Free Little Art Galleries, aka FLAGs, are small boxes stationed around the country where locals can donate, take, or simply enjoy tiny art. They’re like Free Little Libraries, except dedicated to creativity.
Find a gallery
There are a few known FLAGs in the Richmond area — and hundreds around the globe — which can be found using this map:
A four-pack of bamboo + glass jars — these 10-ounce containers are perfect for overnight oats, chia seed puddings, dressings, snacks, or anything else you want to prep and store.
Hey, Richmond. My name’s Brianna, and I’m just popping in for the day to help out the team — but that doesn’t mean I, like many of you, am not obsessed with Richmond’s pride and joy named Poppy. Check out these Poppy prints you can purchase from a local artist.
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