WRITTEN BY CHERICE TAYLOR

School's out, the final bell has rung, and the lazy days of summer have officially arrived. But as you glance around at your kids, a familiar thought might creep in: are they truly destined for a summer of endless lounging and inactivity? As you navigate your own daily routine of work and household responsibilities, the contrast can be stark. A casual "What have you been up to today?" might be met with a nonchalant "Just relaxing" or "Nothing much yet."

WRITTEN BY MASON LEWIS

Hardscaping refers to your landscape's permanent, non-living elements, like patios, retaining walls, walkways, and even boat ramps. These features add structure and style to your outdoor space and serve practical purposes that increase your property's functionality, value, and long-term durability. At Lewis Enterprises, we specialize in designing and building high-quality hardscapes that do more than just look good—they work hard for your home.

WRITTEN BY AUBRY BLAIS, THISTLE MEDICAL SKINCARE STUDIO

With your wedding day on the horizon, it's never too early to start checking off those to-dos, especially when it comes to feeling confident in your skin. Your year will be jam-packed with events, so having a strategized annual game plan allows you to achieve the skin of your
dreams.

WRITTEN BY PACHECO’S HARDWOOD FLOOR

The choice between prefinished and unfinished wood can feel overwhelming when it comes to hardwood flooring. Both offer timeless beauty and long-lasting durability, but understanding the differences is key to selecting the best option for your lifestyle, budget, and timeline. At Pacheco's Hardwood Floors, we've helped homeowners throughout Fredericksburg and the surrounding areas make smart, stylish decisions for over a decade. Here's what you need to know.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE PHOTO BY KAREN PRESECAN

In the vibrant community of Embrey Mill, the Hudson family– Christina, Bryan, Saniya, Devon, and London– has crafted more than just a house—they've built a home where five distinct personalities blend into one harmonious unit. This close-knit blended family represents the modern American dream: finding connection, building community, and creating meaningful lives together in a place they love.

WRITTEN BY AMANDA KELLER

Bennie Wall is the Managing Principal in the Fredericksburg office of Carrell Blanton Ferris & Associates, PLC, a premier law firm that focuses exclusively on Estate Planning, Estate Administration, and Elder Law. Bennie joined the firm in 2017 as an estate administration associate.  Early in his career, he witnessed firsthand how a lack of planning creates turmoil and stress for families during some of the most difficult moments. Bennie said, “I wanted to be part of the solution by helping families plan ahead so they could avoid unnecessary complications and experience smooth transitions when the time came.” 

WRITTEN BY MARIA NEGRON

In the heart of Galveston, Texas, a young boy grew up surrounded by the rich cultural tapestry of the Gulf Coast. This was the beginning of an extraordinary life journey that would take him across the world and through the annals of history.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

J Hood Services is a premier heating, cooling, and plumbing solution provider throughout Northern Virginia. Since 1998, local owners Dan McCarthy and Jeff Hood have built a reputation for excellence that stands on a simple foundation: your happiness is our core value.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

At D'Alessandro Law PLLC, Diana D'Alessandro brings 15 years of legal expertise to her practice, specializing in a wide range of services including real estate transactions, estate planning, estate administration & probate, and civil litigation. Beyond her professional credentials, however, lies a story of family influence and personal mission that shape her approach to practicing law.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE PHOTO BY KAREN PRESECAN

In the shadow of historic battlefields where key events have shaped America's story, Steward and Malanna Henderson have written their own remarkable chapter—a romance that seems predestined and a shared passion for preserving and telling the stories that have shaped our nation.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

In the heart of Spotsylvania County, a compassionate organization is quietly making a profound difference in the lives of local families. Wyatt's Closet, which started as a small outreach program in 2022, has blossomed into a vital support system for community members facing unexpected challenges. Its growth from one initiative to a significant community resource is a testament to the power of community and compassion, inspiring all who hear its story.

WRITTEN BY KARIE OWENS

Is your carpet only a few years old and void of stains, but beginning to loosen and wrinkle? Is the only hope of restoring a new look by purchasing a brand-new carpet? The answer is maybe not. An alternative is called carpet stretching.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

Patricia Grant, owner of Patricia Grant Agency, LLC, affiliated with Farmers Insurance, has established herself as more than just an insurance provider—she's a community educator and relationship builder with over three decades of experience in the property and casualty insurance industry.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

With over two decades of experience in the cleaning industry, Ryan Seidman, owner of Heaven's Best Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning of Stafford, brings more than just a spotless carpet to the table. With a focus on professionalism, employee well-being, and community engagement, this local business offers something truly refreshing—a commitment to integrity and personalized service.

WRITTEN BY MALLORY HARDGROVE PHOTO BY KAREN PRESECAN

In the bustling community of Stafford, Virginia, one local business owner has been quietly hustling, building her beauty empire while raising her daughter as a single mother. Kathryn "Kat" Halstead, owner of Kat's Beauty Lounge and Chatham Heights Beauty Co., has not just transformed personal challenges into professional triumphs, but has also shown remarkable resilience in the face of adversity, creating a stable, loving home for her 11-year-old daughter, Leela.

WRITTEN BY DR. KATRINA SPIES, DVM

Storms, fires, floods, even power outages can happen when we least expect them. While we often prepare emergency plans for ourselves and our families, pets are often an afterthought. They shouldn’t be. Our animals depend on us, especially in a crisis. 

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.