WRITTEN BY LIZ HENSEL

I have been studying Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine for the past six years. Even though I plan to utilize my practice for humans, I learned that acupuncture can also be beneficial for our beloved pets.

WRITTEN BY LIZ HENSEL

Did you know that Trattoria means “simple food?” Named after the ancient vine zibibb, which is the source of some of the most delicious wines from Italy, Zibibbo 73 has become a local favorite, enchanting patrons in Stafford, Virginia, with its warm ambiance and authentic flavors.

WRITTEN BY MICHELLE FLYNN

Tired of the same old dinner dates and movie nights? In Fredericksburg, there's a cool spot that's shaking things up. Welcome to Wine & Design, where date night gets a splash of paint and a whole lot of fun.

WRITTEN BY LIZ HENSEL

It is now February, the second month of the New Year! How are those resolutions going? Are we still drinking that gallon of water? Checking in the gym? Cooking at home instead of takeout?

WRITTEN BY MELISSA HUNTLEY-BOSCO, HB LAW PLC

Estate planning is a critical process that ensures the smooth transfer of assets and wealth to the next generation, while minimizing taxes and potential conflicts. Blended families, where people bring together children from previous marriages or relationships together, estate planning becomes even more crucial to address the unique challenges that may arise. This article will explore key considerations and strategies for estate planning tailored to blended families in the state of Virginia.

WRITTEN BY LIZ HENSEL, PHOTO BY KAREN PRESECAN

When you first meet Hillary White, you first notice how bright her eyes sparkle. Her stare shows strength, joy, love, and a triumphant glare. The stare of someone given severe life challenges yet refused to let anger win.

WRITTEN BY MORA SOAN

Enjoy this fun activity based on the children's book, Jacob in Japan! Jacob is a gnome who lives in New York. He owns a beautiful garden on the rooftop of a skyscraper. He is a picky eater and he only eats ordinary bland food. One windy night, Jacob falls into a magic flower pot. He wakes up in Japan. What will he do next? Will Jacob starve himself or will he find a way to enjoy and experience Japan? With an open mind, he may discover new and delicious foods that he never knew existed.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

Bringing comfort and joy to all is what Rosie does. This lovable golden retriever, and her owner, Thelma Poock, can often be seen in a local library or Stafford County school. Rosie just celebrated her eighth birthday in January, and she boasts many years filled with tail wags and bringing an abundance of joy to others with her calming presence.

WRITTEN BY TAYLER TANKS

In 2021, a young man named Reggie Annor founded the Mountain View High School Black Student Union. His goal was to establish a space in a school setting where individuals of color could assemble and express themselves. An optional organization run by students is the Black Student Union. James Garrett and Jerry Varndo developed it in the 1960s to promote development and progress via community service, education, and diversity.

WRITTEN BY LIZ HENSEL

Every Peruvian reading this might gasp at the indignation that I have turned the traditional Pisco Sour pink! It was a worthy experiment and perfect to celebrate Valentine's day with your significant other or your gal pals.

WRITTEN BY CHERICE TAYLOR

I often hear people say, "I’m just a parent." Being a parent is powerful. Take advantage of the resources available to you at your student’s school, online, and in your local community.

WRITTEN BY KARIE OWENS

NK Floors is a family-owned business with a vision to provide superior products and services, invest in the future through training and partnerships, and give back by helping others. We are a premier provider of nearly all types of flooring for both residential and commercial applications. We work alongside leading manufacturers.

WRITTEN BY LINDA OSORIO

I distinctly recall my first experience with professional massage. Struggling with excruciating pain in my right shoulder, as a single mom and waitress without health insurance, seeking relief without accruing medical bills became my mission. Rather than opting for pain medication, I pondered the idea of having someone massage my shoulder, prompting a quick search for local massage therapy services.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE, PHOTO BY KAREN PRESECAN

Meet the Watsons– a spirited family of five who has chosen to establish roots in South Stafford, where sports, camaraderie, and community combine to craft their story.

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.