We have a jam-packed issue for you this month, and it just so happens to be my favorite month of the year! Not only is it my birthday month and Women’s History Month, but March includes my all-time favorite sports event: March Madness!
In this issue, our new Mountain View High School intern, Tayler Tanks, sums up the respective Mountain View basketball teams’ seasons, and we highlight another awesome team: The Blais Family. Aubry and Jason Blais have numerous ventures throughout the area and stay quite busy pursuing their passions together through Highland Barn, Thistle Medical Skincare Studio, and Vom Drengr-Jager Kennel. They have the honor of being our cover feature this month, and, boy, isn’t that cover absolutely gorgeous?
We also introduce Corgi Clay Art Studio and owner Debra Balestreri’s triumph in establishing a local art hub in Sta ord, glean some strategies from Cherice Taylor about finishing the school year strong, learn how to keep your floors in great condition from Apogee Hardwood Cleaning, receive quick and easy tips for photographing your pets from Karen Presecan, and announce the winner of the “Cutest Pet in Sta ord” Contest.
Once again, I’m overjoyed to share these stories with you. I hope you’ll give us some feedback and let us know if you have any suggestions or some exciting events coming up in Sta ord that you’d like to share. We are always happy to promote all of the wonderful activities, businesses, and happenings in the area.
Thank you to our incredible business partners and sponsors, and thank you, readers, for supporting them!
Happy reading, Sta ord!
Contact: Dori Stewart
Email: doristewart@bestversionmedia.com
Phone: (540) 288-7928
Have feedback, ideas or submissions? We are always happy to hear from you! Deadlines for submissions are the 10th of each month. Go to www.bestversionmedia.com and click “Submit Content.” You may also email your thoughts, ideas and photos to: doristewart@bestversionmedia.com
CONTENT SUBMISSION DEADLINES:
Content is due by the 10th of the month preceding the month of publication.
To learn more about becoming an expert contributor, contact Dori Stewart at BVM at: doristewart@bestversionmedia.com or 540-288-7928
David Stewart | Dominion Septic 540-737-1008
DominionSeptic.com
TREE SERVICE
Patrick Wade | Arbor Tech Tree & Landscaping Service 540-522-6103
KITCHEN REMODELING
Chris Romero | Kitchens For You 540-720-2022
kitchensforyou.com
Dan Whitley | Edward Jones 540-371-3953
edwardjones.com
Steve Bressette | Apogee Hardwood Cleaning 571-604-0562
apogeehardwood.com
Linda Osorio, LMT | Bear River Massage 540-356-5535
bearrivermassage.com
REAL ESTATE
Jen Van Buren | eXp Realty 321-987-6689
jennifervanburen.exprealty.com
HOME COMFORT
Justin Dobson | Comfenegy and 3 Pros Basement Systems
800-604-2252
comfenergy.com 3prosbasementsystems.com
MEMORY CARE
Morningside House Senior Living 540-370-8000 mhseniorliving.com
Hardwood floors add a timeless elegance to any home, but their beauty and longevity depend on proper care and maintenance. Understanding the best practices for maintaining your hardwood floors can seem daunting, but it’s simpler than you might think. Following recommendations from the National Wood Floor Association (NWFA) and being mindful of the products you use can keep your floors looking pristine for years to come.
According to the NWFA, the key to maintaining your hardwood floors begins with regular cleaning. Here’s a simple routine to follow:
• Daily or As-Needed Cleaning: Use a soft-bristle broom, microfiber mop, or a dust mop to gently sweep away dust and debris. This prevents the accumulation of grit that can scratch your floors.
• Weekly Vacuuming: Use the bare floor setting on your vacuum cleaner to remove dust and small particles from the nooks and crannies of your flooring.
• Monthly Cleaning: Clean with an appropriate wood floor cleaner. Avoid using excessive water or steam mops, which can damage the wood over time.
Beyond daily and weekly care, hardwood floors need periodic maintenance:
• Screen & Recoat Every 3-5 Years: This involves lightly sanding the top finish and then applying a new top coat. It refreshes the look of the floor and adds a layer of protection.
• Full Refinish Every Few Decades: When your floors start to show significant wear, a full refinish is necessary. This process involves sanding down to the bare wood and refinishing it, completely revitalizing your floor.
The market is flooded with cleaning products claiming to be suitable for hardwood floors, but beware, not all are beneficial. Here’s what to look for:
• Check Ingredients: Always read the labels. Avoid products containing harsh chemicals that can damage your floors.
• Residue-Free Products: Some cleaners leave a residue that builds up over time, leading to a dull appearance. Opt for residue-free options.
• Neutral pH Cleaners: Many commercial cleaners are high in pH (alkaline) or, conversely, home remedies may be low pH (acidic). Both extremes can damage hardwood floors. Neutral pH products are safest.
• Avoid Acrylics, Waxes, or Polishes: Especially if your floor has a polyurethane finish (common in modern hardwood floors), avoid products that promote a quick, shiny finish. These can actually harm your floor’s finish.
Caring for hardwood floors is an essential aspect of maintaining your home’s beauty and value. By adhering to these expert recommendations from the National Wood Floor Association, you’re well on your way to preserving the elegance and durability of your floors for years to come. Remember, the right routine and products make all the di erence.
For a more in-depth exploration of hardwood floor care, don’t forget to check out our comprehensive guide available on Amazon: “A Guide For Hardwood Floor Care: An All-in-One, Easy Guide for Homeowners on Hardwood Floor Maintenance”. This book is an indispensable tool for anyone committed to keeping their hardwood floors in pristine condition.
We also have a treasure trove of resources on our YouTube channel, Apogee Hardwood Cleaning @apogeehardwoodcleaning. On our channel, you’ll find a plethora of informative content including practical tips, videos showcasing our team working on actual jobs, and genuine client testimonials. These resources are invaluable for anyone looking to see real-life examples of hardwood floor care and hear directly from satisfied customers.
Most people adopt a hobby or two when they become emptynesters, but not the Blais Family. For Jason and Aubry their hobbies turned into lifelong passions and pursuits.
Aubry, 46, and Jason Blais, 55, are quite the Renaissance couple with a multitude of interests and loves that have blossomed into various businesses within the Sta ord area. This talented couple met in 2016 and actually got married at Highland Barn, a rustic venue that the couple now runs.
Back on their wedding day in April 2020, the barn still bore the imprint of its humble origins with a dirt and gravel floor. Dirt was certainly kicked up by their boots, as the couple danced all night with their closest family and friends. Soon after, Jason, a retired Special Forces Army O cer, hung up his combat boots and traded them for his farm ones. Aubry remains “so proud of his contribution to the US Army and his pride in serving our country well.”
The discipline gleaned from his service is certainly paying o as he tends to the needs of the farm. A Citadel graduate, Jason’s dedication to his country echoes in the disciplined rhythm of their farm life, and discipline is what he and Aubry instill in their dogs.
In addition to running Highland Barn, the couple trains Deutsch Drahthaars, better known to us as simply German hunting dogs at Vom Drengr-Jager Kennel. While people across the country found new hobbies during COVID-19, the pandemic catalyzed and inspired the Blais family
Both Vom Drengr-Jager and Highland Barn were established in 2020 and allow the couple to fulfill yet another passion of theirs: their love for animals. Along with their highland cows at the barn, their Deutsch Drahthaars bring them so much joy and are highly-skilled.
“They are versatile hunting dogs that point, flush, and retrieve upland game and waterfowl,” Aubry explained. “They can track a wounded deer
and can also do predator eradication.” The couple trains their dogs through the extensive testing program of Verein Deutsch-Drahthaar Group North America (VDD-GNA). Soon Aubry will pass all of her tests as well.
Aubry has been studying for the past two years in order to receive her certifications and graduate from George Mason University in May as a Family Nurse Practitioner. She is already a registered nurse, which is another hat she wears for business number three: owner of Thistle Medical Skincare Studio, which was established in 2018. Thistle has become Aubry’s new career and main focus, while Jason takes the reins over the barn and the dogs.
While all three businesses fulfill di erent passions the Blaises have, one thing unifies them all: the couple’s generous spirit of giving back.
“Thistle gives back to the community every year through our local social services by covering the Christmas wish lists for three families and three senior citizens from our community,” Aubry explained. “We also donate gift certificates to local schools and organizations for their fundraising e orts,” as the two have lived in Sta ord since 2004 and raised their blended family together.
“We have chosen to stay here as it is where our children were raised, and we love the sense of community; our friends and family are here,” Aubry said. “We get to enjoy all four seasons on our farm, and it’s close to the mountains and ocean for fun getaways.”
The camaraderie between their neighbors is also something they love about Sta ord and the Blaises embody the spirit of communal support that has helped define their rural haven.
“Our neighbors are fellow farmers. We are always happy to help out by fixing fences, loaning supplies, or looking after farm animals while they are away,” Aubry said. “We also host
a big annual summer BBQ, which is always a lot of fun, and we host occasional public events to allow our community a chance to enjoy a day at the farm.” (Stay tuned for more details for this summer’s picnic.)
Their Highland cows are the biggest attractions– in both size and fame– at the farm, along with the beautiful wedding venue of Highland Barn. Their two Highland cows, Nutmeg and Nettle (both four years old) and a bull named Maverick (7 months) are always bringing in admirers from the area. Of course, they have three of their own Deutsch Drahthaars, too: Tyr (9), Blaze (5), and Ari (1). When they aren’t taking care of their fourlegged family members or training others, running a wedding venue, or helping others get the best skin of their lives, they enjoy simple, leisurely home activities, including gardening vegetables and flowers, cooking, and baking. Aubry is “always interested in trying out new recipes,” and is currently “trying [my] hand at homemade sourdough bread.”
Beyond their farm gates, Aubry and Jason love exploring the world together. From the lush landscapes of Costa Rica to the romantic charm of France, the Caribbean’s sun-soaked beaches to the vibrant streets of Mexico, they enjoy their adventures and some time to recoup and relax before getting back to work on the homestead. They have a trip to Kauai in the books for later this year, and a few European adventures, like Scotland, Germany, and Italy, remain on their bucket list.
Back in Sta ord– and when they can find the time in their schedules– the couple savors more of the simple pleasures of life and some local favorites. They enjoy “summer nights watching a movie at Potomac Point Winery’’ under the stars, a lovely dinner at Robiolina Italian Cuisine, or “strolling through the Sta ord Farmers Market for fresh produce, pastries, and flowers.”
The Blais family continues to intertwine their passion for animals and nature with hard work as they see the fruits of their labors and the richness of a life well-lived on the land that their farm o ers.
Mountain View High School’s basketball teams made a few waves this year.
Led by head coach Ben Sargent and assistant coach Anne Gregory, the Lady Wildcats have had a solid season. One highlight from this season was their win against their rival North Sta ord, which showcased their talent and determination, with standout players like #12 Elizabeth Harley, #23 Tehani Daniels, and #10 Genesis Betancor leading the charge.
O the court, the Lady Wildcats exemplified teamwork and scholarship, emphasizing the importance of balancing academics and athletics. Laniyah Wright highlighted the team’s camaraderie, emphasizing how they support each other both on and o the court.
“One thing that makes the team special to me is how we all assist each other,” Laniyah said. “If someone is confused about what we’re doing, a teammate is always there to help them better understand.”
On and o the court, these ladies are phenomenal. Their leadership and determination contribute to their wins on the court. These young ladies weren’t just basketball players; they were also scholars.
At Mountain View High School, it is very important to find the balance between academics and athletics when you’re a student-athlete. Being a student-athlete comes with much responsibility, including knowing how to handle your time wisely and always putting your grades first while still allocating time to devote to your sport.
Unfortunately, the girls did not make it past the first round of regional play this year, but they have high hopes for next season after finishing 11-12 for their 2023-2024 campaign.
Similarly, the boys’ basketball team, coached by Kevin Brown, has demonstrated resilience despite facing challenges throughout the season. While their record may not reflect it, their dedication and positive attitude have been unwavering. Most notable this year was their standout game against Park View High School where they scored 74 points, showcasing their potential.
For sophomore Cooper Konetschni, being a first-year starting player has been an invaluable learning experience. ¨Playing basketball as a sophomore on varsity has been an incredible experience,” Cooper said. “It is all about embracing challenges and just giving them your all. It has been a great opportunity to showcase my skills and learn from the other experienced players. I look forward to seeing what the next season has in store for us.”
Beyond wins and losses, both the girls’ and boys’ teams embody the spirit of basketball, showcasing their love for the game with every dribble and shot. While they did not make it to “March Madness” this year, the Mountain View Wildcats still proved a lot to themselves and others on and o the court.
Fri., Mar. 8
Safe Sitter Certification
@Dorothy Hart Community Center
Time: 10am- 4pm
408 Canal St. Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Register: fxbg.com/events
Sat., Mar. 9
Youth Four-Leaf Clover Slab Cup Workshop
@Corgi Clay Art Center
Time: 1- 2:30pm
15 Tech Pkwy.
Sta ord, VA 22556
Tickets: corgiclayartcenter.com/ class-list
Sat., Mar. 9- Sun., Mar. 10
Market at the Center
@Dorothy Hart Community Center
Time: 10am- 4pm
408 Canal St. Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Thurs., Mar. 14
Pottery & Pint Night
@Corgi Clay Art Center
Time: 6- 8pm
15 Tech Pkwy.
Sta ord, VA 22556
Tickets: corgiclayartcenter.com/ class-list
Fri., Mar. 15
Artists for Brighter Days
@Downtown Library- Theatre Entrance
Time: 7:30pm
1201 Caroline St. Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Cost: Suggested $25 Donation for Fairy Godmother Project
Sat., Mar. 16
Tropical Johnson
@Strangeways Brewing Fredericksburg
Time: 8pm
350 Lansdowne Rd.
Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Sat., Mar. 16
3rd Annual Grand Slamrock 5K
@Virginia Credit Union Stadium
42 Jackie Robinson Way
Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Register: fxbg.com/events
Sat., Mar. 16
4th Annual Gelding Ball
@The Inn at Old Silk Mill
Time: 6pm-10pm
1707 Princess Anne St. Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Tickets: centralvahorserescue.org
Sun., Mar. 17
“ShamRockabilly Swing” Dance
@Old Silk Mill
Time: 4- 8pm
1707 Princess Anne St.
Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Sat., Mar. 23
Youth Bird Feeder Workshop
@Corgi Clay Art Center
Time: 10- 11:30am
15 Tech Pkwy.
Sta ord, VA 22556
Tickets: corgiclayartcenter.com/ class-list
Sat., Mar. 23
NERF Mania
@Virginia Credit Union Stadium
Time: 11am- 6pm
42 Jackie Robinson Way
Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Register: fxbg.com/events
Sat., Mar. 23
2nd Annual Open House
@Leashes of Valor: Axel’s Place
Time: 1- 4pm
8407 Old Plank Rd Fredericksburg, VA 22407
Sat., Mar. 23- Sun., Mar. 24
Children’s Art Show
@Dorothy Hart Community Center
Time: 10am- 4pm
408 Canal St.
Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Sun., Mar. 24
Beeping Egg Hunt
@Gari Melchers Home and Studio
Time: 2- 4pm
224 Washington St. Falmouth, VA 22405
Fri., Mar. 29
Dog Egg Hunt
@Virginia Credit Union Stadium
Time: 6pm
42 Jackie Robinson Way Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Register: fxbg.com/events
Fri., Mar. 29
Movies in the Park- Double Feature
“It’s The Easter Beagle Charlie
Brown” & “Lady and the Tramp”
@Virginia Credit Union Stadium
Time: 7:30pm
42 Jackie Robinson Way
Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Fri., Mar. 29
Pottery & Pinot Night
@Corgi Clay Art Center
Time: 6- 8pm
15 Tech Pkwy.
Sta ord, VA 22556
Tickets: corgiclayartcenter.com/ class-list
Sat., Mar. 30
4th Annual WIN Tea
@The Clubs at Quantico 3017 Russell Rd. Quantico, VA 22134
Sat., Mar. 30
Huntley Homecoming
@Virginia Credit Union Stadium
42 Jackie Robinson Way Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Tickets: eventbrite.com/e/huntleyhomecoming-tickets-827579842587
Fri., Apr. 5
First Friday
@Downtown FXBG
Time: 5- 9pm
706 Caroline St.
Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Sat., Apr. 6
Summer Showcase & Hiring Fair
@Dorothy Hart Community Center
Time: 9am- 2pm
408 Canal St. Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Sat., Apr. 6
Raptor Encounter
@Motts Run Reservoir
Time: 2- 3pm
6600 River Rd.
Fredericksburg, VA 22407
Register by April 3: earthquest.org
Every Wednesday Night Trivia with Trapper
@6 Bears & A Goat Brewing Company
Time: 7pm
1140 International Pkwy. Fredericksburg, VA 22406
Now thru Sun., Mar. 24
Jersey Boys
@Riverside Center for the Performing Arts
95 Riverside Pkwy. Fredericksburg, VA
Thurs., Apr. 4- Sat., Apr. 6
Thurs., Apr. 11- Fri., Apr. 12
Something Rotten! A Very New Musical
@Mountain View High School Time: 7pm
Tickets: mvwildcats.com
At the time this magazine went to print, all event times and locations were accurate, but please check event websites for the most current information. Some events may have been postponed or canceled.
By Cherice Taylor
Cherice Taylor, M.A. in Education Administration and Center Director at Sylvan Learning, is an experienced educator and community leader involved in the Rotary Club of Sta ord and a Charter member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Psi Psi Omega Chapter. With a strong commitment to service and community improvement, she is a poet, mother of four, and advocates the philosophy of “Service Above Self.”
Spring is almost here. Let’s talk about calendars and planning tips.
Do you have a wall calendar in your home o ce, place of business or kitchen? Do you rely on your electronic device calendar? Do you use both or are you that person that can keep it all in your head?
I am a paper calendar person. I like writing on them not just for regular schedules and appointments, but also big moments like ‘made the team’, or ‘accepted to college’. I also use my phone calendar and I have my kids invite me to their appointments so we both have it on our calendars.
It is a challenge to keep up with the children’s activities, family appointments, school activities, play dates, family vacations, early dismissals from school, etc.
The family calendar is an option:
• Put it in a central place like on the refrigerator
• Middle and High School students can put their events on the calendar themselves
• Doctor’s appointments
• Parent-Teacher Conferences
• No School Days
• Vacations
I know this seems basic, but once it is a part of the routine, everyone will look at the calendar first to see what’s going on in your family and they may even add it to their own digital calendar. This is a small way to help our kids ultimately manage themselves as young adults.
Planning tips as students enter the last quarters of the school year:
• Get those summer camps, programs, etc. set up for the elementary kids.
• Look for jobs, internships, shadowing opportunities for the middle and high school kids.
• See what colleges are near your family vacation destination or on route and check it out.
• Meet with the principal and/or counselor to discuss next year’s class placement (elementary school) and 3 year plan for middle and 4 year plan for high school students to ensure you’re all on the same page.
• Encourage your students to finish the school year strong.
• High school juniors should start asking their current teachers if they will write a letter of recommendation for college applications and scholarships. This will give teachers time to ask
your student any questions he/she may have. Some teachers or sta may have your student send them a resume or fill out a ‘Brag Sheet’ that some schools have the high school seniors fill out. These tools assist teachers and counselors in writing the best recommendations they can for your student.
• SAT and ACT season. Some colleges are test optional. You can call the college or university admissions o ce and/or check the website to be sure. If your student is in Algebra 2, then they are better prepared to take the new Digital SAT. You can find dates for upcoming tests at collegeboard. org and act.org.
Some of your students may have already had their spring break. Some of your students are counting the days until spring break. Cherish the moments either way. This is a great time to review the goals set in January and make whatever adjustments that are needed to finish strong.
“Whether you think you can or you can’t, either way you are right.”
-Henry Ford
In the heart of Sta ord, Corgi Clay Art Center gives Sta ord residents a creative outlet for artistic expression and camaraderie in the local community. Founded by Debra Balestreri, an accomplished ceramic artist and educator, Corgi Clay o ers an array of opportunities for pottery enthusiasts of all skill levels.
Debra, the owner and CEO of Corgi Clay, brings a wealth of experience to her endeavor. With a background as a Director of Education at a non-profit art center and extensive experience teaching at both community classes and university level, Debra’s passion for ceramics knows no bounds.
After years of juggling multiple roles, she decided to consolidate her e orts and pursue her dream of establishing an art center focused solely on the ceramic arts. Corgi Clay is the embodiment of Debra’s dream to give Sta ord something it desperately needed.
“I was maintaining my parallel careers as an artist, a small-business owner, and a teacher, sitting in my home studio, plugging away at commissioned projects. I just started to wonder: Why is there no Public Arts Center? No creative space here in Sta ord? Where do my fellow community members go to be creative? Where do Sta ord families go to have fun experiences together?” she explained.
The lack of answers to these questions catalyzed Debra’s vision to create her own. “We needed to create a space for this community to create wellness in our day-to-day lives, build community, social cohesion, and civic engagement,” she said, adding that Sta ord is the “in-between” area that often gets overlooked between Woodbridge and Fredericksburg.
“The business owners here [in Sta ord] have so much heart and a true desire to create a sense of community,” Debra explained. “We’re the little guys and take care of our own.”
Debra certainly fits the mold of Sta ord business owners: passionate and dedicated to the local community. At Corgi Clay, education lies at the heart of everything they do. Debra’s mission is to impart her knowledge and love for ceramics to the community, fostering a sense of connection and belonging among participants.
“I have taught for many years, all skill levels, and I find real joy in that process,” said Debra. “I believe that if the community takes our classes, they will find a home in this medium like I did many years ago. They will find their people, their tribe. That connection will come through shared experiences and learning.
Stafford County’s first vibrant, creative community that offers ceramics classes, firing services, artist residencies, teaching and exhibition opportunities, and memberships for potters.
There is so much to love about ceramics, and it’s often misunderstood as a crafty pastime for kids, but it has so much more to o er.”
Through classes, firing services, artist residencies, and teaching opportunities, individuals can explore the intricacies of clay as a medium for functional pottery and sculpture.
“We are not a ‘paint a machine-made pot’ pastime,” Debra emphasizes. “We are a ceramic art center dedicated to learning the creation process.”
The Annual Cherry Blossom Festival is almost here! Beginning mid-March, locals and tourists alike will find the District celebrating the beautiful sakura (cherry trees) that line the Potomac and bring new life to the capital region every year.
The origin of these trees is very special. They were gifted by the City of Tokyo to the United States as a symbol of friendship in 1912, and since then, the ancient tradition of hanami (flower-viewing) has spread from Japan to the United States and throughout the world.
Sakura are truly beautiful in every phase: as a bud signifying new life, in full blooms of rich pink, and as they fade, they serve as a reminder of the fleeting nature of life. Traditionally, han-
ami picnics give families and friends a chance to reflect and be inspired by the changing of the seasons.
Some favorite hanami snacks are rice balls, fresh fruit, and of course, sushi. We also love sipping on craft sake! Here are some of our favorite sake to try during cherry blossom season:
Dassai “45” Nigori - An excellent “cloudy” sake. Creamy with some light, fruity sweetness that finishes slightly dry. Perfect as a starter for a mini charcuterie board.
Real Magic Junmai by North American Sake Brewery - Yes, you read that right, American craft sake is real and we have one in Charlottesville, VA! This sake is clean and mellow, and absolutely delicious with fried chicken, spring rolls, even pizza.
Hakkaisan “AWA” Sparkling - This bubbly, elegant sake will change your life and you might never go back to regular Champagne again! Made using secondary in-bottle fermentation to produce the finest bubbles, this pairs perfectly with oysters, shrimp, and chocolate.
Interested in a sake tasting? Email kanpai@ capitalsake.com and follow us on Instagram @capitalsake.
BROWNIES:
• ½ C butter
• 4 oz. unsweetened chocolate
• 1½ C sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1½ t vanilla
• 1 C flour
• ½ t salt
TOPPING:
• 1 pkg (10 oz.) mint chocolate chips
• ½ C plus 1 T of butter, cubed
Place butter and chocolate in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave on high for 2 minutes, stirring once after the first minute. Stir until smooth. In another bowl, whisk together sugar and eggs, and then stir in the chocolate and vanilla. Add in flour and salt and stir until combined. Pour into lightly greased 9x9 pan and bake at 350° for 25 minutes. Allow cooling for an hour.
Melt chocolate chips and butter in a saucepan. Cool for about 30 minutes while stirring occasionally. Spread over cooled brownies.
If you would like to contribute a favorite recipe, please email Mallory at mhardgrove@bestversionmedia.com.
There is something delightful about stepping onto a new floor’s smooth, soft surface. The tones and texture of each plank pull you into the harmonious blend of the room’s interiors and colors. With each step, you can drink in the hues of ash, pine, oak, or your delight in nature. You feel grounded, balanced, and rejuvenated. A beautiful floor means a welcoming space. A durable, dependable, and versatile floor means quality for everyday life.
NK Floors in Fredericksburg could not be more excited to o er COREtec Floors by Shaw Industries for attractive, versatile, luxury vinyl plank flooring. If you want to improve the overall look of your home, choosing new floors to meet your personal, unique preferences is a fundamental place to begin. Flooring is the foundation of your interior design. Is your decor allure traditional, with rich history and lavish colors? Are you a lover of mid-century modern or have an eclectic flair? You may enjoy creating your space with the latest contemporary trends. Whatever your genre of design, COREtec has a floor to meet your style and match it with quality and durability.
What makes COREtec so unique? It is an original product where fashion encounters functionality. COREtec is a vinyl flooring product available in planks and tiles. Its state-of-the-art manufacturing technology produces the genuine appearance of natural stone and wood. The wood vinyl plank selections integrate an embossing technology for wood-grain textures you can feel with each step. The vinyl tile styles look just like real tile and range from matte to shiny, multi-colored to stark solids, each catering to your personal style. Keeping up with all the new trends and classic traditions, you will be captivated by its beauty. With just one jaunt to our showroom, you could imagine your silhouette dancing over one of these masterpieces.
So, just how is COREtec composed? Where is the functionality in such a distinctly captivating look?
We must live daily in and on this magazine-like image. Do you have spills, children running through the house, furry friends, and high-tra c areas? Most of us do. So now what? No problem. COREtec pledges to o er products that are water-proof, pet-proof, and kid-proof. It boasts of scratch resistance, dent and impact resistance, and noise reduction.
One of the key components is cork. The pre-attached underlayment of cork provides a natural repellent to water, in/below-room sound reduction, and thermal insulation. Your steps will be soft and silent with a warm sensation. What does this mean for you? Lower heating bills are music to the ears. You can work or study in a home o ce while friends and family can play a friendly game of Taboo or watch the Super Bowl.
The second way that COREtec stands out is found in the CORE. There are three cores to meet the customer’s unique needs: WPC, SPC, and Mineral Core. A water-proofed foam core (WPC) provides warmth when the core expands and serves as an insulator, preventing outside temperature transfer. WPC is also less dense and absorbs the impact of each step, making it easier on joints. There is also a sound abatement feature that reduces noises from impacts. The solid polymer core (SPC) provides strength for commercial and high-tra c areas. Finally, the Mineral Core contains no PVC, reducing the amount of movement and increasing rigidity. It also has the versatility of various finishing options and scratch-resistant surfaces.
COREtec, when properly installed, outperforms laminate, glue-down LVT, and click vinyl. Our installation teams install according to manufacturer specifications so you can have the quality floors you deserve. The pictures speak for themselves. When fashion meets functionality, beauty is born. COREtec is revolutionizing the flooring industry and making your next dream home a reality. Your style and standard of excellence are waiting.
We asked. You voted. We’re proud to introduce Marco as “Sta ord’s Cutest Pet.” He’ll get wagging-- eh, I mean bragging-- rights for quite a while, and The Colangelo Family, will certainly enjoy their prizes from Petman Grooming and Karen Presecan Photography!
Here’s a little more about Marco (left) from Amy Colangelo: Marco is a 4 year old Aussiedoodle, who was born on Christmas Eve. He is very playful and energetic. He loves hanging out with his three brothers and his sister and will sometimes pick on his brother Oatie (our cat). His favorite toy is his corn on the cob that he stole from his cousin Jersey (a golden doodle), and his favorite treat is peanut butter nubz. He loves to accessorize with bandanas or a bow tie-- and he will actually cry if he doesn’t have one on. If you play fire engine sounds, he will sing along (howl). He is a very loved and spoiled puppy who greets all of the neighborhood dog friends passing by his house.
As you can see, the competition was pretty fierce. Adorable and amiable Dyson (right) was a close runner-up, and he’ll be rewarded with second-place prizes as well.
wonderful, pawsitively perfect
It’s not impossible to take great pictures of your pets, even on your own. Dogs and cats can photograph beautifully but require very di erent techniques. Before you begin, find a place in your home or outside that doesn’t have a distracting background. For example, in front of a solid color wall, or with a bush or plants in the background if outside.
Once you have your pet in place, you need to grab their attention. You know your pet better than anyone, so use their favorite treat or toy. For dogs, have them sit, and show them the treat or toy, then place it right above your phone or camera. Step back and click away.
Don’t forget to give them the treat if they stay put for you before you try again. If you want to get those cute head tilts, make a high-pitched noise, or use an app on your phone. Squeaky toy sounds, bird sounds, and duck calls all work well. Di erent noises work for di erent dogs. And most of the time, the noise only works a few times, so don’t waste it.
For cats, a toy on a string works wonders. Dangle it in front of them to grab their attention and be ready to snap away. For both dogs and cats, it helps if they are on a chair or in a basket.
Throughout my years of being a pet photographer, I have photographed dogs, cats, hamsters, sugar gliders, pigs, rabbits, birds and a lizard. It is possible to get beautiful images of any pet. It takes a lot of patience but is so rewarding once you create that perfect image.
This activity is brought to you by Mora Soan, 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.
Materials:
• Pistachio shells
• Red paint or red sharpie/marker
Directions:
• Paintbrush
• Black sharpie
Step 1. Paint the pistachio shells all red. Let the paint dry completely, approximately 30 minutes. Another option: With a red sharpie color the pistachio shell completely.
Step 2. With a black sharpie draw a curve on the top of the pistachio for the ladybug head.
Step 3. With a black Sharpie add two dots for the eyes.
Step 4. In the middle of the curve draw a straight line down to separate the pistachio shell into half.
Step 5. Draw 3 or 4 dots on each side of the line. Voilà!
Step 6. Optional, glue ladybugs on leaves.
To purchase a book, visit your local Barnes and Noble and follow Jacob’s story on Instagram @jacob_the_gnome.
