FXBG Neighbors

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FXBG Neighbors Connecting the FXBG area through local stories, small business spotlights, and community-driven content—in print, online, and on the podcast.

Meet the Team

The team may be small, but they complement each other very well. It’s the classic story of when strangers become friends. The friends just happen to be powerhouses in their own fields. Let us introduce you to the team that makes the publications of FXBG Neighbors arrive at your doorstep every month. Editor and Publisher: Dori Roberts Stewart

The first thing you notice about Dori is

her kind smile. She gives an aura that automatically makes you want to get to know her more. By the way, that kind smile is on par with her personality, she is an incredibly kind person with a thunderous background. Dori was a teacher at Colonial Forge High School teaching high school engineering for 11 years before starting an award-winning company. She has even been featured in Forbes, the Wall Street Journal, CNN Money, Fox Business, and Kiplinger’s, and was named Stafford County Business Innovator of the Year. She is the host of her own podcast called Business in the Burg and is now the editor and publisher of Neighbors of Courthouse, Neighbors of Chancellorsville, and Stafford Living Magazine. As a long-time resident, Dori is excited to serve the community she loves to bring people together and also help other businesses grow. Content Coordinator: Liz Hensel

Liz has been living in the Stafford area for the last two years. However, her ties are rooted to Virginia, as Virginia was her first duty station while she was on active duty with the Marine Corps. Her husband is still on active duty, and they hope to make Stafford their forever home with their two daughters and two rescue dogs. While serving in the Marine Corps and Marine Corps reserves has allowed Liz to see all parts of the country and the world, there is truly no place like home. Working on this magazine gives Liz the opportunity to meet her neighbors and the local businesses and more importantly, she gets to highlight them to others. Liz is also the founder of a nonprofit called Leave No Paws Behind USA. She led the campaign to have the legislative change to include pet transportation fees included in military moves. With her leadership, the bill was passed in the FY23 National Defense Appropriation Act. Liz is excited to continue to write the stories of our FXBG Neighbors. Photographer: Karen Presecan

Meeting Karen is walking into a room full of joy. That is what her photography sessions provide. A military spouse, Karen found her love for photography after her husband left on a deployment. Looking for a creative outlet, Karen Presecan Photography was born. Now, the whole family is involved. Her children help her with setups while her husband handles the finances. Talk about teamwork! Karen’s sincere passion for her work speaks for itself. Her philosophy is to bring joy to the home with stunning photographs of special moments. Her photography portfolio ranges from professional headshots, families, senior portraits, and my personal favorite pets. Karen's photos can be seen on our cover and for many of our family features. She is thrilled to be part of the FXBG Neighbors team. Together these three women work together to bring you the most up-to-date news in the neighborhood. They tell the stories of your neighbors and connect you with the top businesses that serve the residents of the Stafford and Fredericksburg area. This is what FXBG Neighbors is about! Welcome to the neighborhood.

🎨🐸🐝 Introducing the September Kids Corner! 🐝🐸🎨At FXBG Neighbors, we’re not just about family features and expert advice,...
21/09/2025

🎨🐸🐝 Introducing the September Kids Corner! 🐝🐸🎨

At FXBG Neighbors, we’re not just about family features and expert advice, we also love creating space for kids to learn, imagine, and have fun! That’s why we’re excited to share our Kids Corner by Mora Soan, where everyday items are transformed into hands-on projects that bring families together.

This month’s activity: turning simple corks into buzzing bees and silly frogs, then using them to play a fun tic-tac-toe game. It’s screen-free fun that sparks creativity, builds fine motor skills, and creates memories kids (and parents) will love.

👉 Explore more creative projects at fxbgneighbors.com or visit for inspiration.

📚 Parent Education Corner 📚Have you ever wondered where to find articles that offer real, expert advice especially for p...
21/09/2025

📚 Parent Education Corner 📚

Have you ever wondered where to find articles that offer real, expert advice especially for parents? 🌟

This month, we’re featuring insights from Cherice Taylor, M.A., a seasoned educator and advisor who provides thoughtful guidance for parents navigating one of the most important topics today: student social and emotional health.

From CDC statistics on youth mental health to practical family, school, and community-level strategies, this article shines a light on how parents and support systems can play a critical role in helping students thrive, especially during times of change and transition. 💙

💡 Whether your child is starting a new grade, preparing for college, or simply adjusting to life’s challenges, you’ll find valuable takeaways and resources here.

👉 Visit fxbgneighbors.com/blog for more expert advice and guidance from trusted voices in our community.

Your customers don’t just live online or offline, they move between both worlds all day, every day. Think about it: they...
20/09/2025

Your customers don’t just live online or offline, they move between both worlds all day, every day.

Think about it: they scroll through social media in the morning, check emails during lunch, and then pick up the mail or flip through a magazine at home in the evening.

Digital ads give you speed and precision, you can target the right people instantly and track every click and action.
Print ads give you trust and staying power, your message literally lands in their hands and stays in their homes long after the screen goes dark.

When you combine the two, you create a marketing powerhouse:
✨ Digital builds awareness and drives quick action.
✨ Print builds credibility and lasting relationships.
✨ Together, they make your business feel everywhere, visible, trusted, and unforgettable.

The most effective local businesses aren’t asking “print or digital?” They’re asking “how can I use both to connect with my community at every touchpoint?”

💬 DM us or visit fxbgneighbors.com to create a marketing strategy that makes sure your business is seen, remembered, and chosen.

Say hello to our newest sponsor, Lawrence Adams of Lyndale’s Honey Do List! 👋We’re proud to welcome Lawrence to the FXBG...
20/09/2025

Say hello to our newest sponsor, Lawrence Adams of Lyndale’s Honey Do List! 👋
We’re proud to welcome Lawrence to the FXBG Neighbors family, a business built on honesty, heart, and helping homeowners take the stress out of their to-do lists.

It all started with a simple idea: what if someone could take care of the little tasks that pile up around the house, mounting TVs, hanging blinds, assembling furniture, so families can spend more time enjoying their homes?

That’s exactly what Lawrence set out to do. Lyndale’s Honey Do List is Stafford’s trusted solution for small home projects, done professionally and with pride. Backed by a strong work ethic and genuine care for the community, Lawrence is on a mission to make life easier, one task at a time.

💬 Need a trusted helping hand? You now know who to call.

📍 Based in Stafford, VA
🌐 lyndaleshoneydolist.com
📧 [email protected]
📞 (540) 227‑7078
Lyndale's Honey Do List

💙 Join us in giving Lawrence a warm FXBG welcome!

It’s not enough for local businesses to collect reviews, you need to respond to them. Why? Because every reply builds tr...
19/09/2025

It’s not enough for local businesses to collect reviews, you need to respond to them. Why? Because every reply builds trust, shapes perception, and shows your community that you value their voice.

✅ Responding proves professionalism.
✅ It strengthens your local SEO (yes, Google notices!).
✅ And most importantly, it turns feedback into lasting connection.

Remember, your responses don’t just speak to one reviewer… they speak to every future customer deciding if they can trust you. 🏡✨

💡 Want more tips on how to grow your visibility and strengthen your community connections? Follow us here, we share strategies tailored for local businesses every week.

✨ Meet Our Expert of the Month: Karie Owens of NK Floors ✨This month, Karie is sharing her insights on Stanton Carpet, a...
19/09/2025

✨ Meet Our Expert of the Month: Karie Owens of NK Floors ✨

This month, Karie is sharing her insights on Stanton Carpet, a leader in premium flooring and custom rugs for over 40 years. Known for blending fashion, function, and performance, Stanton offers everything from timeless wool collections to bold, fashion-forward designs.

Whether you’re:
🏡 A homeowner ready to elevate your space
🛋️ A designer looking for artisan textures
🏠 A realtor aiming to boost home appeal
👷 A builder seeking high-end finishes

…Stanton delivers innovative style and lasting quality.

💡 Karie and the team at NK Floors are here to help you discover flooring that’s both beautiful and durable, tailored to your lifestyle and vision.

📖Read the full article here: fxbgneighbors.com/blog/discover-stanton-carpet
👉 Learn more about Stanton Carpet and explore NK Floors’ offerings: nkfloors.com

18/09/2025

What do you get when a facilities manager and a soccer coach fall in love with the perfect burger?

You get Smashed Life, a Fredericksburg-born food brand built on flavor, hustle, and heart.

On the FXBG Neighbors Podcast, host Dori Stewart sits down with James and Catie Wine, the duo behind the smash burger sensation that started in a food truck and is now evolving into Smashed Life Grill, a brick-and-mortar spot opening soon at Maltese Brewing Company.

No culinary school. No investors. Just a homemade smash sauce (plus ranch = “smanch”) and a serious belief in community. From fundraisers to youth sports sponsorships, the Wines have poured as much into Fredericksburg as they have into their burgers.

This episode dives into the messy beginnings, the viral sauces, and the kind of local love that turns a side hustle into a full-blown food destination.

📍 Find them at Maltese Brewing Co.
🌐 smashed-life.com
📧 [email protected]
📞 (540) 645-2803
📲
📺Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/RE7Be9C26sg?feature=shared
🎙️ Hosted by Dori Stewart |

🍔 Want to share your story next? Book a free interview at fxbgneighborspodcast.com

Smashed Life Food Truck

18/09/2025

🍂 September Issues Are Here! 🍂

This month’s covers are here, and they’re more than just pages. Each one is a snapshot of community life across Fredericksburg and beyond Northern Virginia, highlighting the people, families, and businesses that make our neighborhoods thrive. 🏡✨

From back-to-school energy to inspiring local features and everyday heroes, every issue is a reminder of why local stories matter, they connect us, inspire us, and strengthen the bonds that make home feel like home. Here’s where we’re delivering connection each month:

✨ Brookside & Old Town Neighbors – Fauquier
✨ Bull Run Mountain Neighbors – Prince William
✨ Clifton Living – Fairfax
✨ Neighbors of Chancellorsville – Spotsylvania
✨ Neighbors of Courthouse – Stafford
✨ Neighbors of Culpeper – Culpeper
✨ Neighbors of Fairfax Station – Fairfax
✨ Neighbors of Historic Manassas – Prince William
✨ Neighbors of Lake Manassas – Prince William
✨ Potomac Shores Neighbors – Prince William
✨ Stafford Living – Stafford

📬 September is a season of fresh starts, and we’re proud to deliver that spirit straight to your mailbox, one neighborhood at a time.

💡 Love your neighborhood? Love seeing local stories come alive? Creating your own neighborhood magazine could be your next big move. Let’s talk about how you can build deeper connections right where you live.

The Power of Local Print 📰“Local print doesn’t just share your business, it shares your place in the neighborhood story....
17/09/2025

The Power of Local Print 📰

“Local print doesn’t just share your business, it shares your place in the neighborhood story.” ✨

Community magazines and local publications give your business more than visibility, they create connection. Print advertising places your brand directly into the hands of neighbors, builds recognition through repetition, and reinforces your role as a trusted part of the community. 🏡💙

💡 Want to explore more about print advertising? Visit fxbgneighbors.com to learn how local print can help your business grow.

FXBG is growing, and we couldn’t be more excited to celebrate another amazing business joining our community! 🎉 Join the...
17/09/2025

FXBG is growing, and we couldn’t be more excited to celebrate another amazing business joining our community! 🎉

Join the Fredericksburg Chamber as we welcome Drybar Fredericksburg with their official Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening. This is your chance to connect with fellow neighbors, support local, and be part of a celebration that highlights the heart of our business community.

🗓 When: Friday, Sept 19 | 4:00 PM
📍 Where: Drybar, 5926 Plank Rd, Fredericksburg, VA 22407
🎀 What: Ribbon Cutting Celebration + Community Welcome
🎟 Tickets: FREE Event
👉 Register here: https://www.fredericksburgchamber.org/events/ribbon-cutting-grand-opening-drybar-fredericksburg/

💡 Every ribbon cutting is more than just a ceremony, it’s a reminder that when local businesses thrive, our whole community shines brighter. Let’s show up and give Drybar a warm FXBG welcome!

16/09/2025

🌿 Great marketing doesn’t just make noise, it makes meaning.

Meet Savannah Garth, founder of Poppy Rose Marketing, whose journey from reluctant influencer to trusted brand strategist is reshaping how small businesses show up online, with heart, clarity, and confidence.

On the FXBG Neighbors Podcast, Savannah shares how her agency helps overwhelmed entrepreneurs cut through the digital noise by focusing on what truly matters: authentic storytelling, consistent strategy, and meaningful results.

The name Poppy Rose is rooted in her family’s birth flowers, a nod to the personal touch she brings to every project. From social media and SEO to branding and web design, her team delivers marketing that reflects your values, not just your visuals.

💡 And her take on success? “If a client outgrows our small business, I’ve done my job right.”

If you’re tired of chasing trends and ready to grow with intention, Poppy Rose Marketing might just be your next best move.

📧 [email protected]
🌐 poppyrosemarketing.com
📲 | facebook.com/poppyrosemarketing
📞 (512) 657-1207
🎙️ Hosted by Dori Stewart |
📺Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/V5qIqnIr5-Q?feature=shared

📅 Want to be featured? Book your free interview at fxbgneighborspodcast.com

🎨 This Month’s Expert: Oscar Espinoza, Alpha Painting 🎨When it comes to painting, most homeowners are told to “play it s...
16/09/2025

🎨 This Month’s Expert: Oscar Espinoza, Alpha Painting 🎨

When it comes to painting, most homeowners are told to “play it safe.” Stick to neutrals, avoid bold colors, think about the next buyer. But as Oscar Espinoza reminds us, paint isn’t just about resale, it’s about joy.

Oscar has seen it time and again: clients call him just before listing their homes, and once the beige walls are refreshed or a bold accent is added, they’re left asking, “Why didn’t we do this sooner, for us?”

Paint has the power to completely transform a space, not only in how it looks, but in how it makes you feel. Whether it’s a calming sage, a vibrant coral, or a timeless navy, the right color can energize your mornings, soothe your evenings, and make your home truly yours.

Oscar’s advice is simple: stop deferring joy. A home should reflect the people living in it, not just the ones who might buy it someday. Life’s too short to live in a beige box.

👉 Ready to love your space again? Let Alpha Painting bring your vision and your colors, to life.

🌐 alphafxbg.com
📖Read the full article here: fxbgneighbors.com/blog/paint-for-love-not-just-resale

Alpha Painting LLC

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