WRITTEN BY CHERICE TAYLOR

May's a whirlwind with Mother's Day, testing, and graduations – joy and stress mixed as the school year wraps up and big changes become visible. How do we, as families, navigate this and support our kids' emotions (and our own)? The million-dollar question, right?

WRITTEN BY DR. KATRINA SPIES, DVM

Spring brings warmer weather, blooming flowers, and the start of allergy season. Like us, pets can suffer from allergies that often appear as itching, ear infections, or digestive issues. While we can’t cure allergies, there are steps we can take to manage them—and help keep your furry family members feeling their best.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE PHOTO BY KAREN PRESECAN

"At the heart of it, my business is all about helping people feel more connected—to their community, their neighbors, and the businesses that serve them," says Dori Stewart, publisher and entrepreneur, whose own journey mirrors the resilience and vision driving female business owners across Fredericksburg. "Being a female entrepreneur means I get to write my own story, take risks, and create opportunities—not just for myself, but for others."

WRITTEN BY KARIE OWENS

What makes an effective volunteer?

Volunteers are dependable and consistent in their commitment to the organization(s) they serve. They show up and forget about themselves. An effective volunteer is passionate and motivated, with the desire to make a positive impact.

WRITTEN BY KARIE OWENS

Hardwood floors are beautiful and timeless but over the years can show signs of wear and tear. Fortunately, hardwood floors can be restored to their original appeal through a process known as sanding and refinishing. What exactly does this process entail, and how do you know if it’s the best option for your floors? 

WRITTEN BY OSCAR ESPINOZA

So, you’ve decided to give your home a fresh coat of color! 🎨 Maybe you’re dreaming of a serene sage bedroom or a daring crimson accent wall. But before you hand over the keys to your castle (or even just the garage), there are a few crucial  questions to ask your painting contractor. Think of this as your “pre-paint pep talk” to avoid brushstrokes of regret. Let’s dive in!  

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

When Stafford homeowners envision a kitchen or bathroom transformation, they turn to Kitchens For You, Inc. for its unique blend of exceptional craftsmanship, reliability, and personalized service. As a veteran-owned and operated business, Kitchens For You Inc. has been a trusted name in the community from Woodbridge to Ladysmith since 2012.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE PHOTO BY KAREN PRESECAN

For nearly three decades, Deborah and Wayne Conley have called Stafford home, raising two sons together, pursuing careers that have impacted their community, and building a life full of purpose, connection, and exploration.

WRITTEN BY AARON JOHNSON

Few innovations have been made in my lifetime that have had as much of an impact on the world as the battery-powered lawn mower. Not only has it revolutionized the way we care for our lawns, it has reduced air pollution and made our neighborhoods quieter. 

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

Luxuria Totalis, a luxury spa experience that has quickly established itself as a haven for those seeking rejuvenation and self-care. Since opening their storefront doors in March 2024, owner Briana Way and her team of skilled professionals have been dedicated to providing exceptional spa experiences with their signature all-inclusive Headspa services leading the way.

WRITTEN BY REBECCA CHANDA

Tattooing is an ancient art form, but the reasons for removing tattoos have evolved along with it. Whether it’s to erase an impulsive decision, make room for new ink, or remove a memory best forgotten, laser tattoo removal has become the gold standard. At Bloom Medical Aesthetics, our licensed healthcare practitioners understand the removal process of unwanted ink and the art of tattooing at its core. 

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE PHOTO BY KAREN PRESECAN

For Angela Richwine and her three sons, life is a journey filled with growth, athletics, and adventure. Each member of the Richwine family embraces opportunities every chance they get.

WRITTEN BY DR. KATRINA SPIES, DVM

April is both National Heartworm Awareness Month and Prevention of Lyme Disease in Dogs Month, making it the perfect time to focus on protecting pets from these serious yet preventable diseases. Understanding how these infections are transmitted and taking proactive steps can help ensure your dog stays safe and healthy.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

A dedicated group of volunteers is quietly changing lives one wooden ramp at a time, right here in our backyard. Servants At Work (SAWs) Virginia, a nonprofit organization founded in 2019, builds custom wheelchair ramps for people with ambulatory disabilities who are financially unable to afford such modifications to their homes.

WRITTEN BY MASON LEWIS

Hardscaping is a transformative process that goes beyond mere stone and concrete. It's about creating functional, long-lasting, and visually appealing elements that can turn your outdoor space into a beautiful extension of your home. Whether you're envisioning a new patio for entertaining or a retaining wall for erosion control, the potential is boundless. Proper planning and execution are key, and here are some crucial lessons and considerations to guide you on this exciting journey.

WRITTEN BY CHERICE TAYLOR

Did you know that “Celebrating Military Children and Youth: Building Stronger Character and Relationships” is the theme for this year’s Month of the Military Child? Purple Up! is on April 17, and to show support for all military children, people wear purple. Many in our area are active duty, retired, veterans, or know a family that fits that description. I am the daughter of an Air Force veteran.

WRITTEN BY CHRISTINA HUDSON

In a world where fitness options abound, it can be overwhelming to choose the best workout program for your lifestyle and goals. Traditional gyms have long been the go-to option, offering a variety of machines, free weights, and group classes. However, in recent years, F45 Training has emerged as a revolutionary alternative, providing an innovative, community-driven, and results-oriented approach to fitness. 

WRITTEN BY KARIE OWENS

Earth Day is celebrated each April by planting trees, participating in community clean-ups, or contributing to local conservation agencies. At NK Floors, we observe the importance of being planet-conscious by offering eco-friendly products for every flooring need. Eco-friendly flooring and building products are designed to have minimal environmental impact throughout their lifecycle, including manufacturing, use, disposal, and recycling.

WRITTEN BY GREGORY WHITE

As a homeowner, it's crucial to grasp the complexity of your home's water system. One of the most vital, yet often underestimated, aspects of plumbing maintenance is backflow prevention. Understanding backflow can be the key to ensuring your family's health is not compromised by potential water contamination.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE PHOTO BY KAREN PRESECAN

In a bustling neighborhood where children play freely outdoors until dusk, the Ramos family has created a life centered around community, athletics, and family traditions. Stephanie and Fernando Ramos, Stafford County natives with deep roots in the area, have built a home where their three children can thrive in a supportive environment surrounded by friends and extended family.