WRITTEN BY DR. KATRINA SPIES, DVM

As families gear up for the new school year, it's crucial to remember our furry companions who also feel the impact of changing routines. Our beloved dogs and cats experience stress during this transition, making it essential to consider their well-being alongside our own preparations.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

Established in 2023, Heart-Centered Academy has become more than just an educational institution; it has become synonymous with hope, offering support for students and their families. This faith-based, non-profit learning center, led by Executive Director Melissa Coleman, offers a unique blend of individualized and small-group support tailored to meet the diverse needs of children from elementary to high school.  

WRITTEN BY PAUL GARDNER

In the realm of home improvement, landscape lighting is often overlooked. Yet, it's one of the most impactful investments you can make for your property. At Ignite Illumination, we believe every house deserves the transformative power of well-designed outdoor lighting. Here's why landscape lighting is not just a luxury but a necessity for every home.

WRITTEN BY JULIA PESNELL

Summer is widely known as a time for vacation and relaxation. However, many students of Riverbend High School use the summertime to work behind the scenes to prepare for success in sports during the upcoming Fall. Student involvement in preseason training, kids' camps, and fundraisers sets the teams up for incredible success by the time Fall rolls around. Two incredibly remarkable teams stand out this summer as they both have been extremely active.

WRITTEN BY JULIA PESNELL

The transition back to school after summer break can be pretty bumpy. Re-perfecting your sleep schedule and ramping back up the workload can be challenging, as the relaxing summer has abruptly ended. 

WRITTEN BY CHERICE TAYLOR

“Success occurs when opportunity meets preparation" - Zig Ziglar.

August represents new beginnings and opportunities. 

WRITTEN BY BEATA ALGHABRA

The "sandwich generation" refers to those who find themselves juggling the dual responsibilities of raising children while also caring for aging parents. This group often faces unique challenges and stresses, as they strive to meet the needs of two dependent generations. The emotional toll of balancing the needs of both children and aging parents can lead to anxiety, depression, and burnout. Additionally, juggling schedules, meeting expectations and demands of our professional lives, medical appointments, school activities, and daily responsibilities can leave little time for personal rest.

WRITTEN BY KARIE OWENS

What do Leonardo da Vinci and this Italian girl have in common? With my Italian heritage, my heart has a special place for stylish tile and stone design. I was captivated when I recently interviewed a Daltile representative at the NK Floor showroom. Daltile is a 77-year-old company that started in Dallas, Texas, and is leading with innovation. They are in every business segment, including commercial, residential, industrial, and remodels. They are respected among builders and architects. Daltile products include tile, natural stone, granite, porcelain, glass, and metals for the interior and exterior. They also sell slabs for fabrication. They have so much to offer, from price-friendly to higher-end products. Daltile has a quality product for every stone passion.

WRITTEN BY JULIA PESNELL

Reading is both an imperative skill to develop from a young age, and a skill that sparks imagination, creativity, and kindergarten readiness. Dolly Parton recognized the importance of reading for young children in 1995, when she first founded Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

Leila Abel, the dynamic force behind One Way Construction Inc., has led a life marked by resilience, compassion, and a commitment to serving her community. As a nearly 55-year-old mother of two grown men, including one who serves in the military, Leila juggles her responsibilities with the same care and dedication she extends to her clients and community projects. She is also a doting pet mom, especially to her beloved Cavapoo, Hank.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE, PHOTO BY KAREN PRESECAN

Friendship is often a foundation for any partnership, but that rings even more true regarding business. Two local friends, Lauren Jordan and Erin Reid, have combined their talents and passions to create Verdant Wellness, a flourishing business dedicated to health and well-being. Their journey, marked by shared values and complementary personalities, has brought them professional success and deepened their personal bond.

WRITTEN BY JULIA PESNELL

Spring Season Standouts: Riverbend High School Spring Sports Recap

WRITTEN BY JULIA PESNELL

The music department is often overlooked within a school as large as Riverbend. The students in the band, chorus, and orchestra are very talented. This year, they have had multiple public performances and assessments, all of which the Bears have performed amazingly at. 

WRITTEN BY JULIA PESNELL

As summer is now upon us with full force, a unique opportunity for children to dive into their passion for reading has arisen. Summer is the perfect time to fight dragons in a fantasy world, put on a detective's hat to solve a fictional mystery, or see life through the eyes of another character. 

WRITTEN BY ZACH LETHBRIDGE

In 2024, kitchen design will continue to evolve, emphasizing the fusion of natural elements, personalization, and minimalist principles for easy maintenance. These themes underscore the coupling of contemporary technology with timeless aesthetics, resulting in functional and visually appealing kitchens while prioritizing environmental consciousness.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE, PHOTO BY KAREN PRESECAN

Tough Mudder. Ironman. The Murph Challenge. America is no stranger to competitions, from athletic to intellectual and everything in between; we even celebrate our nation's birthday with a hotdog-eating competition. We're well-versed in the requirements of marathons and triathlons, too, where participants continue to push themselves to their mental and physical limits— it's not a new concept. 

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

When it comes to swim safety, one often overlooked factor is the color of bathing suits. While the style and comfort of swimwear are usually prioritized, the color can play a crucial role in enhancing visibility and preventing drowning, particularly in crowded or natural water environments. Here’s why the color of your bathing suit matters and how it can make a significant difference in water safety.

WRITTEN BY ALLIE MEDINA

It is imperative over the summer for kids to keep moving, get exercise, and interact with their peers. One of the most effective (and fun) ways to do this is athletic camps. This summer, Colonial Forge continued the county-wide tradition of hosting an array of student-run sportscamps for a variety of ages and skill levels.

WRITTEN BY NORA AHMAD

Students at North have been spending their summer either on vacation, practicing sports, relaxing, or, in this case, being employed. Plenty of students at North Stafford have jobs throughout the year and a summer job. As we get ready to start the new year, rising juniors and seniors might want to consider a summer job as well.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

It’s no secret that war takes a toll on service members. Some return from war with visible wounds and scars, but many more return with wounds invisible to the eye— that’s precisely where Leashes of Valor steps in to help. Founded in 2017 by retired Marine Corps Capt. Jason Haag, this nonprofit organization provides service dogs at no cost to wounded and disabled veterans who served during and after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.