WRITTEN BY KARIE OWENS

It has been a little over two years since our family moved from Pennsylvania to Virginia. Fredericksburg is quite different from our hometown, with its hustle and proximity to our nation's capital. Nicely situated in this new place we call home, our eyes have been opened to the many gems of nature and history embedded in our local community and nearby towns. Our family time explorations have led us to walks that made us feel like we should be in the midst of an enchanted forest with fairies, caverns of stalagmites and stalactites creating a scene that is a reminder of Lord of the Rings, and battlefields where soldiers stood and fought for what they believed in. What beauty, rich in creation and history, right in our backyard!

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

Comfort Paws, LLC, an integrative veterinary practice based in Stafford, Virginia, is dedicated to improving the quality of life for pets through a variety of specialized services. Founded by Dr. Katrina Spies, Comfort Paws offers pain management services such as acupuncture, rehabilitation, laser therapy, herbal medicine, quality of life assessments, hospice and palliative care, and food therapy. To ensure accessibility for all pet parents, the practice provides house calls, in-clinic, and telehealth appointments.

WRITTEN BY DAN BOMAR, COMFENERGY

Did you know that your attic can be the reason why your upstairs bedrooms are too hot in the summer or too cold in the winter? It can also be the reason you have high energy bills. So how can you tell if you have poor “home performance”?

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE, PHOTO BY KAREN PRESECAN

The Romero family, residing in St. George's Estates, is a shining example of dedication to their country and community. With a rich history of military service and local involvement, they have left each place they've called home better than they've found it. Stafford has been fortunate to have them as residents since 2004, and they've become an integral part of the community through their active participation in sports and business.

WRITTEN BY MORA SOAN

This activity is brought to you by the author of 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 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.