Richmond Southern Women’s Show is near

Everything you need to know about being a well-rounded Southern woman will be unveiled next weekend at the Richmond Raceway Complex.

Fashion shows, smart shopping, creative cooking, healthy living -- even a little beefcake -- will be part of the 2009 Richmond Southern Women's Show next Friday through April 19.

First, the beefcake. The brave men of the Richmond Metro Area Firefighters will be back by popular demand for a fashion show and fundraiser next Friday at 5 p.m. Bring money and help fill their boots for the local chapter of the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

In the food arena, cookbook author Lisa Shively will demonstrate recipes from her "Fat Little Sweet Potato Cookbook" next Friday at 1:30 p.m., April 18 at 5:30 p.m. and April 19 at 11:30 a.m. Shirley Simmons, of local TV's "On Your Menu" fame, and other notable area chefs also will whip up tempting goodies on the cooking stage.

For the fashion-conscious, find out how to trim your waist and stomach with the help of designer Carol Wior's "Slimsuit." Visit the Miche Bag exhibit to see the handbag with interchangeable shells -- it goes with everything. The Richmond Women's Business Consortium and V magazine for women will present a "Fabulous Fashion on a Dime" breakfast next Friday at 8 a.m. Cost is $25.

Celebrity guests Mary Foley and Susie Galvez, chief talking officers of "Girlfriend We Gotta Talk!" radio show (WLEE 990 AM in Richmond), will broadcast live from the women's show next Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and April 19 from 3 to 3:30 p.m. Shelley Kincaid, author of the "Garage Sale Decorator's Bible," will demonstrate how to shop smart and rejuvenate your home with old things made new. Her seminars take place next Friday at 12:30 and 3:30 p.m.; April 18 at 9 a.m., 12:30 and 4:30 p.m.; and April 19 at 12:30 p.m.

Health screenings and professional services will help guests learn how to prevent illnesses and feel good inside and out. Stubborn belly fat, chiropractics and workouts by experts at American Family Fitness are among the topics.

Teeth whitening, healthy cosmetics and recuperative sleep will be part of the beauty buzz.

Contact Julie Young at (804) 649-6732 or .