WRITTEN BY DAN BOMAR, COMFENERGY

A comfortable home starts with the right balance of temperature and humidity. Insulation combined with dehumidification can help in achieving this. Proper insulation helps regulate indoor temperature, keeping your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. By preventing heat loss or gain, it also reduces energy costs, making your home more efficient. Common areas to insulate include attics, walls, and crawl spaces.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE PHOTO BY KAREN PRESECAN

The Buskirk family's story is one of love, community, and a deep-rooted connection to Stafford. Jordan and Desiree Buskirk and their infant son Sullivan (affectionately called Sully) have built a home filled with warmth, shared passions, and an appreciation for family traditions and new experiences.

WRITTEN BY KARIE OWENS

Engineered hardwood is a popular flooring choice because of its durable design, smart aesthetic, and price point. Like natural hardwood, engineered hardwood boasts natural beauty and adds innovative design that stands the test of time. Solid, natural hardwood is cut directly from a specific species of hardwood. Engineered hardwood differs in that it is a multi-layered flooring product made up of a veneer of natural hardwood on top of a plywood or high-density fiberboard core. Let’s look at the basics of engineered hardwood.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

For 45 years, S.E.R.V.E., Inc. has been a cornerstone of hope and nourishment in the Fredericksburg community. As the region's largest and oldest food pantry, S.E.R.V.E. provides vital food assistance to thousands of residents across Stafford, Caroline, Spotsylvania, and King George Counties and the City of Fredericksburg and Quantico. Through their innovative 'open-choice' pantry model, S.E.R.V.E. not only empowers guests to shop for themselves, treating them with dignity and respect, but also significantly reduces food waste and ensures that guests receive the items they need most.

WRITTEN BY DR. KATRINA SPIES, DVM

As an emergency veterinarian, I’ve seen how quickly a pet’s curiosity can turn into a life-threatening emergency. Each year, countless pets end up in the ER after ingesting common household items—many of which can be toxic. In honor of Pet Poison Prevention Month, here’s what every pet owner should know about common toxins, prevention strategies, and what to do if poisoning occurs.

WRITTEN BY KARIE OWENS

I sometimes consider myself a strong woman—a mother of nine, including giving birth to twins, twice. I have lived in two different parts of Africa. I have been at home with my children when someone tried to break in. I was medically evacuated out of the jungles of Cameroon for tropical illness. I have homeschooled and taught high school science at a local Christian school. I work alongside my husband in our business. I have had many struggles and hardships, some too painful to put to paper. I have tasted both victory and defeat. At times, I find myself lacking strength and I desire to grow into a woman who braves the dark. What qualities does a woman of fierce resilience possess?

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

When it comes to gathering with family, friends, or colleagues, food is more than just nourishment—it’s an experience, a centerpiece, and a conversation starter. That’s precisely what Burg Charcuterie delivers with its luxury charcuterie and catering services. 

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

When Aaron Johnson founded Uncle Onion’s Electric Organic Lawn Care, he had one mission in mind: to provide a better, safer lawn care alternative for families and the environment.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE PHOTO BY KAREN PRESECAN

For Jim and Karen Beall, Fredericksburg has always held a special place in their hearts. Their journey together started decades ago in a ninth-grade science class at Crossland Sr. High in Camp Springs MD, where Karen first took notice of Jim—who, at that moment, was sitting outside the classroom for being disruptive. That fateful day sparked a high school romance that carried them through college at separate universities—Karen at Mary Washington College (now the University of Mary Washington) and Jim at the University of Maryland. Despite the distance, their love endured, leading to 40 years of marriage—though, as Karen humorously notes, “it feels like 47.”

WRITTEN BY ANGELA RICHWINE

Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) is a specialized therapeutic approach to address functional disorders of the oral and facial muscles. It involves exercises and techniques designed to optimize the function of the tongue, lips, and facial muscles, which play critical roles in breathing, chewing, swallowing, and speaking. This therapy is becoming increasingly recognized for its benefits in improving overall oral and systemic health.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

Shane Heath, the founder of Battlefield Decks and Patios, has been transforming outdoor spaces in the community for over two decades. As a custom outdoor living contractor, Shane and his team specialize in creating stunning decks, porches, patios, and pools that elevate both the functionality and beauty of their clients’ homes. “We provide exceptional craftsmanship and customer experience,” Shane explains, emphasizing the high standards that set Battlefield Decks and Patios apart.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

Since 2021, Ryan Deane and his wife, Ellie, have been at the helm of Pro Service Plumbing & Gas, a family-owned business serving Stafford and the surrounding areas. Specializing in residential and commercial plumbing and gas services, Pro Service Plumbing & Gas can flush any problem. Their expertise ranges from fixing small leaks and water heater repairs to installing gas lines and replacing underground sewer systems. For Ryan, the journey of running a business has been as rewarding as it is challenging.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

The Presecan family of Stafford, Virginia, exemplifies a life enriched by a passion for animals, photography, and community. Karen and Hank Presecan, along with their children, Jackson and Vivian, have called Stafford home since 1999, when the Marine Corps first brought them to the area. Over the years, they have built a life rooted in their love for family, the natural world, and meaningful connections.

WRITTEN BY CHERICE TAYLOR

The Super Bowl attracts even those who aren’t typically fans of football. The Olympics brings together people from across the globe to watch the world’s best athletes compete. The Spelling Bee captures the attention of a national audience each year, cheering on the top spellers. Yet, when it comes to K-12 awards and recognition, opinions are divided. It’s often baffling to me how some dismiss the concept of "every kid getting a trophy." From my perspective, if effort is invested and goals are achieved, then everyone who reaches that goal should be acknowledged with an award, reward, or recognition.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE, PHOTO BY KAREN PRESECAN

For Dr. Katrina Spies and her husband, Dave, life is centered around a love of animals, a passion for their community, and a commitment to living fully—whether at home in Stafford or traveling the world. Their story begins with an unexpected encounter.

WRITTEN BY KARIE OWENS

The new year brings new trends in interior colors, textiles, and themes. The easiest and least expensive way to provide a clean and fresh feel in your home is to paint. If your home is due for a "glow up" and you are shopping around for colors and ideas, consider the following.

WRITTEN BY KARIE OWENS

Valentine's Day is for love and deepening connections. Understanding how love is communicated and received could revolutionize Valentine’s Day and your relationships! The five love languages, a theory founded by Dr. Gary Chapman in his book The 5 Love Languages, is the idea that people have different ways of expressing and receiving love. When implemented, this can strengthen your relationship with your partner or child and enhance their emotional well-being. Pay attention to how your loved ones show love, or ask how they like to receive love. Use this to identify the following love languages.

WRITTEN BY DR. KATRINA SPIES, DVM

The heart is more than just a symbol of love—it's the essential organ that pumps blood to power the body. February is Heart Month, a perfect time to focus on your pet's heart health. By taking proactive steps, from prevention to early detection, you can help ensure your pet's heart stays strong for years to come.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

Since its inception in 2016, Gwyneth’s Gift Foundation has educated and empowered thousands of individuals across Virginia. This nonprofit organization has been on a mission to create a "Culture of Action"— a world where everyone is equipped and confident to save lives in the event of sudden cardiac arrest.

WRITTEN BY ZACH LETHBRIDGE

Whether you’re looking for a complete overhaul, smaller cost-effective changes to improve functionality or simply refreshing certain aspects of your kitchen to improve aesthetics, there are an array of options available to homeowners.