Local Services

Landscaping that Pays Off

How to increase property value and aesthetics with smart landscaping. Article by Jennifer Waldera A well-maintained yard does more than just enhance curb appeal -- it also adds significant value to a property. According to Matthew Tovey, Certified Arborist Representative at Arboristry, a Davey Company, "A nice-looking yard with well-landscaped trees and shrubs provides curb appeal as well as makes the house more desirable when selling." Investing in proper landscaping and tree care ensures...

Wellness

Prioritize Your Well-Being

Expert self-care insights from Dr. Christopher Rowley and the team at Center for Wellness and Change Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by James Lisowski What does “investing in yourself” mean from a mental health perspective? Investing in yourself means prioritizing your mental and emotional well-being, recognizing that true growth and fulfillment come from within. Much like tending a garden, it requires regular self-reflection, self-care, and personal growth. By acknowledging your...

Life + Culture

Family Time Well Spent

Local places for families to create memories together. Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Jack Looney and Jennifer Waldera Riverview Park  - 26+ acres of play, picnicking, and exploration. Wildrock  - Nature playscape, trails, bird sanctuary, and more in Crozet. Frontier Culture Museum  - 188-acre open-air museum ideal for all ages. Blue Ridge Tunnel  - Historic tunnel in Crozet that can be traversed on foot or by bike. Decades Arcade - A nostalgic Downtown Mall attraction...

Home + Design

Rejuvenate, Refresh, and Renew

Stephanie Snell's expert tips for skin health and confidence Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Charlottesville Skin & Laser Center When people think about self-investment, they often consider fitness, nutrition, or mental well-being. But one area that is sometimes overlooked is skincare and aesthetics, a field that goes beyond appearance to help people feel their best. At the helm of Charlottesville’s longest-standing medspa, Charlottesville Skin & Laser Center, Stephanie Snell...

Finance + Legal Services

Teaching Kids to Make Smart Money Moves

Elizabeth Morris of Morris & Wells Wealth Management shares her top tips for teaching children and teens about financial literacy. Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Jen Fariello, Sarah Morris Can you share a little about your background and experience in financial literacy? With over three decades in the financial industry, my journey began in banking in 1987 before I discovered my true passion in investment advisory. Throughout my career, I’ve been committed to helping others...

Home + Design

Style Meets Technology at Home

Create sleek and stylish solutions for smart home living. Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Lincoln Barbour, Alisa Foytik Interior designer Betsy Kraft has helped many local homeowners discover the sweet spot where technology and style meet. From hidden charging stations to artfully placed speakers, she's mastered the art of making modern conveniences feel right at home in both historic houses and contemporary properties. "Technology is inevitable," Kraft says, and she sees that as...

Life + Culture

Celebrate Spring with Style

Spring party tips from a seasoned entertaining expert. Article by Jennifer Waldera Maryury Padilla, founder of C-Ville Bites took the time to share with us some of her best tips for hosting a springtime dinner party. From food and drinks to music and lighting, Padilla has all of the recommendations for making your spring soiree a success.  What do you enjoy most about springtime entertaining? There is something so refreshing about springtime -- the warmer weather, spring flowers, and a...

Home + Design

Charlottesville Through Jamie Waller’s Real Estate Lens

Jamie Waller turns real estate dreams into reality in Central Virginia Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Contributing Photographers Twelve years ago, Jamie Waller and her husband arrived in Charlottesville with their newborn and toddler, ready for a new adventure. His job had brought them to this vibrant corner of Virginia, and it didn’t take long for Jamie to realize that Charlottesville was special. “Charlottesville is, without a doubt, the best place I’ve ever had the privilege...

Home + Design

Bringing Pantone's 2025 Color Home

Discover how to incorporate Pantone's Color of the Year into any space with simple ideas and bold transformations from local interior designer Laurie Mandichak. Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by April Hoffman, Laurie Mandichak, Jon Meadows Laurie Mandichak has been designing spaces in Charlottesville since 2009, bringing her talent for blending styles and honoring history to every project. With experience ranging from design at Artful Lodger to freelance work, she’s passionate about...

Home + Design

Passion Meets Precision in Building

TJ Troup of Troup Custom Carpentry pairs passion and purpose with timeless design. Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Ali Haney, Brand & Market What inspired you to pursue a career in this field? I’ve always enjoyed working with my hands and building things – model cars, playing with tools, and machines. I had dirt bikes and four-wheelers I would take apart and put back together. Some of my earliest memories were playing in my great-grandfather’s wood shop. As I got older, I...