WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

With a unique approach to restoring your hardwood floors, Apogee Hardwood Cleaning offers a cost-effective alternative to revitalizing worn and dull-looking wood flooring in the Stafford area. Founded by Steve Bressette in September 2022, the company has shifted its focus to cleaning and refinishing hardwood floors, carving a niche as a high-quality, convenient, and reasonably-priced service provider.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE, PHOTO BY KAREN PRESECAN

Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig. Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. All are iconic sports duos who make each other better. Rick and Lisa Perry, the dynamic duo known as "The Dream Team," have made each other better for 41 years now. Together, they’ve created a legacy of “winning” in all aspects of their life: personally, spiritually, and professionally. From their early days in the US Army to building roots in North Stafford, their story is a testament to the power of faith, family, and a commitment to helping others.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

Mothers are used to seeing a need and filling it. For most mothers, however, the need is less drastic than Elizabeth Coulter's. Her son, Louie, has a unique genetic mutation, called HUWE-1. Upon receiving the diagnosis and looking for help, Elizabeth quickly learned there was none. Well, none that focused on her son's particular mutation. Thus, Louie’s HUWE was born.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

Real talk: I haven’t always been the best cook. I essentially learned to cook from ordering HelloFresh in my B.K. (before kids) time, telling myself, “I may not know how to cook, but I can certainly read.” Ordering those meal kits helped give me the confidence to mix and match certain main entrees and sides, trade out ingredients for what fit my tastes better, and make things my own so I began playing with some older family recipes as well. This recipe is adapted from my mother Nancy Skarupa’s cajun shrimp chowder. I’ve taken a few liberties with one of my all-time favorite seasonings: Slap Ya Mama! Warning: it slaps! 🙂

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

Are you ready to take your plumbing experience to the next level? Look no further than Next Level Plumbing.

“At Next Level Plumbing, we don’t just provide plumbing services; we deliver an unparalleled commitment to excellence,” explained Caleb Newton, owner of Next Level Plumbing.

WRITTEN BY LINDA OSORIO

Wow, I'm still shocked at how fast 2023 went, and now here we are in 2024! As the calendar flips to a new year, many of us will find ourselves caught up in the tradition of making resolutions, often centered around losing weight or committing to a challenging workout routine.

WRITTEN BY JULIA PESNELL

As the 2023 Riverbend fall sports season comes to a close, this year has certainly been one for the history books!

WRITTEN BY JULIA PESNELL

Riverbend High School has more clubs than can be counted, ranging from academic clubs to community service clubs and clubs that are just for fun, such as the Card Game Club! Because of the wide variety of clubs, there is a club available to fit nearly every student's interest.

WRITTEN BY JULIA PESNELL

After winter break, jumping back into the swing of school can be challenging. Whether it's re-perfecting a sleep schedule or finding time to fit in homework, this time of the year can be particularly stressful. With the next real "break" being over two months away, it can begin to feel like the school year is dragging along. Students are constantly counting down the minutes to the end of the school day or the weekend and looking ahead to the long-awaited snow day.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE, PHOTO BY KAREN PRESECAN

In a world where fate weaves its intricate tapestry, some stories stand out for their undeniable charm and luck. The narrative of Josie and Ed is a testament to the timeless beauty of love and crafting your tale and the magical synchronicity of life's journeys.

WRITTEN BY JEANETTE TORRES

Kids love playing in the snow but the harsh cold during these winter months can make it difficult to enjoy it outside. So why not bring the fun indoors?

WRITTEN BY LIZ HENSEL

Every new year, our family aims to make our home a little “greener.” Making your home green is not just a trend; it's a responsibility. Fortunately, creating an eco-friendly living space doesn't have to be a daunting task. Here are some practical and impactful ways to make your home more environmentally sustainable.

WRITTEN BY ANGIE ANDERSON, EAST + IVY

Buying a home is a milestone filled with excitement and apprehension. The decision to

purchase a house is shaped by various factors - from financial stability to market trends.

WRITTEN BY DESHAUN CUFFY

This simple soup recipe is a favorite amongst family and friends. Perfect for the cold days ahead, and such a great take on the classic Chicken Parmesan that you already know and love.

WRITTEN BY LIZ HENSEL

Happy New Year! Welcome to 2024! If you read December's issue, then you already know that I am a huge fan of glitter. What better way to welcome the New Year than with a little bit of sparkle?

WRITTEN BY ARIEL GROFT

Bringing new life into the world is a journey. You travel through 9 months of pregnancy, through the wild symptoms that come with it, and through hours of labor to birth your baby. We get so excited about pregnancy, baby showers, and maternity photoshoots but not much about labor. I am here today to create positive hype around labor and help you plan for your best birth in 2024.

WRITTEN BY SUZY THOMPSON, CLUB PILATES

Pilates is a full-body workout that incorporates elements of strength, flexibility, stability, core activation, balance, and functional movement. Suitable for all fitness levels, the exercises work the body against spring resistance and keep muscles in constant motion under tension.

WRITTEN BY NORA AHMAD

North Nation’s winter sports have officially started, and here at North Stafford High School, we have started the season off strong with our girls and boys varsity basketball teams.

WRITTEN BY ALLIE MEDINA

Colonial Forge’s Adam Ahmad has shone brightly as a member of the graduating class of 2024 throughout his high school career.

WRITTEN BY CHERICE TAYLOR

Have you made your New Year’s Resolution yet? It is important for families to set goals together. Students of all ages can set personal and educational goals. Do you already do this? If so, that is fantastic. If not, why not start now? It’s a new year.