Most tree and shrub problems begin long before they’re visible. often starts underground quietly years before symptoms appear above the surface. That’s why our specialists focus on monitoring and diagnosis, not assumptions or unnecessary treatments.
Professional inspection. Early detection. Expert guidance. Your
took years to grow. Protect it with expert care.
When
It’s May, which means two things: our annual Women’s Edition is back and spring is in full swing. We hope you’re as blessed by these stories as we were in bringing them to you.
So, I was not aware that aging means caring significantly more about the weather. The first warm day of spring made me realize there are way more people living in Frederick than I remembered—like droves of bears coming out of hibernation blinking repeatedly at the sun. I love our town in every season but I feel slightly deserving of a gold star for enduring that winter, as should you. It is a unique joy to see your lovely faces bustling around town again.
It would be easy to fill countless pages about women and the remarkable strength I’ve had the privilege to witness from both a front row seat and from afar. I could go on about resilience, impact and influence. And while I deeply celebrate all of those things, it’s not where I want to land in this moment.
If you search for quotes about women, it’s overwhelming how many focus on accomplishments, power and what we are capable of. Women are incredible, no doubt about it. But are we also allowed to just be? Are we supposed to be productive every moment—doing all the things, wearing all the hats—to be the woman this day and age expects or demands?
What would it look like to live in the unforced rhythms of grace? Successful AND rested. Productive AND present. Charging ahead AND sitting still.
The stats for women’s health are staggering—cortisol levels, autoimmune issues, cocktails of chronic challenges. That’s not what we were made for—and honestly, I’m tired of it (literally and figuratively).
I don’t have all the answers, but I do have hope. Many are beginning to lean into what it means to walk in those unforced rhythms of grace despite our culture— pressing into faith, family, community. Willing to ask for help. Starting to breathe, heal and flourish in sustainable ways. Progress, not perfection.
From meaningful girlfriend getaways and leadership growth opportunities to wellness revelations and powerful movements born out of hardship, you’re in for a treat.
A quick shoutout to Tara and the rejuvenating trip we took to Destin with publisher friends across the country—more on that ahead!
Happy Mother’s Day to moms and mother figures everywhere. We celebrate you this month and always!
May 2026
PUBLISHER
Amber Smith | Amber.Smith@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Sierra Stults | Sierra.Stults@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Becky Hillyard, Coast to Coast & Co., Kali Kasorzyk, Natalia Holguin, Sarah Knieff, Shadae Paul, Sierra Stults
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Ana O Photography, Carlos Holguin, Kristen Evans Photography
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER
LAYOUT DESIGNER
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST
We turned our distillery into a whole experience, a vacation without leaving town. Come for lounge vibes and cocktails you'll want to tell your friends about. A place where the drinks hit just right, and every visit turns into a story worth sharing.
CONTINUES THROUGH JUNE 21
FOR EVERYONE, NO FOR EVERYONE, NO FOR EVERYONE, NO ER SHIP REQUIRED ER SHIP REQUIRED ER SHIP REQUIRED ERSHIP
Please Drink Responsibly. 21+ Only. TRUE
One Woman’s
The downtown hotel and conference center represents one of the Chamber’s most impactful infrastructure projects of the past decade. This development strengthens Frederick’s economic engine by expanding capacity for business travel, conferences, tourism and large-scale events. By supporting increased visitor spending, job creation and longterm commercial activity, the project reinforces downtown Frederick as a regional destination and a critical driver of sustained business growth and economic momentum. FrederickChamberInsights.com
This year's theme verse is from 1 Chronicles 16:24 that says to "Tell of His glory among the nations, His wonderful deeds among all the peoples.”
The NDP-Frederick is a non-profit comprised of volunteers whose purpose is to encourage prayer and help mobilize prayer efforts within the Christian community, especially with area youth. A Youth Prayer Rally will be held on the 7th starting at 5:30pm and will consist of prayer, praise & worship, testimonies, live music, liturgical dance, food, fellowship and giveaways. NationalDayOfPrayer-Frederick.org
If you truly want things to be simple for your family when you go, consult with an experienced Estate Planning attorney to ensure your wishes are accurately documented and your assets are protected. The risks of using free or cheap online services can vastly outweigh the apparent savings.
When you join Homewood Living Frederick, you will find a warm, welcoming community where neighbors become lifelong friends. Here, connection and community are in the heart of everything we do. Whether taking an art class, enjoying a meal in the dining room, or participating in social events, each day will offer opportunities for you to enjoy.
The Maryland Christian Chamber of Commerce (MDCCC) equips, connects and mobilizes Christian business owners, entrepreneurs and professionals across the state to thrive in both faith and business. Guided by Kingdom principles, the Chamber serves as a dynamic hub for fostering meaningful relationships, encouraging ethical enterprise and empowering Christian leaders to impact their communities through commerce. Join us and be part of a growing community of Kingdomminded professionals transforming the marketplace for Christ! MDChristianChamber.com
ARTICLE BY SIERRA STULTS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANA O PHOTOGRAPHY
In 1999, the road between Frederick and Baltimore felt much longer than forty-five miles.
For Patty Hurwitz, then just 44 years old, that stretch of highway represented the distance between her life as a mother and her life as a cancer patient. At the time, Frederick lacked a comprehensive breast cancer program. Every surgery, every specialized treatment and every anxious follow-up meant leaving her support system behind and spending hours on the road—a grueling commute that pulled her away from the comforts of home during the most overwhelming season of her life.
Instead of accepting this as the status quo for future patients, Patty and her husband, Jeff, decided to build the bridge they wished they’d had. What began as a deeply personal trial would grow into one of Frederick’s most impactful grassroots health initiatives: The Hurwitz Breast Cancer Fund.
In the early years, the effort was intimate. Each October, the Hurwitz family transformed their store, Colonial Jewelers, into a hub of hope. They hosted Pink Ribbon Galas right inside the shop, where jewelry vendors would donate exquisite pieces to be auctioned off. It was a modest start, but the Frederick community noticed and they didn’t just attend; they rallied.
What started as a family project quickly gained momentum that surprised even its founders. “We started this because we wanted better breast cancer care in Frederick,” Patty reflects. “We never imagined how far the community would carry it.”
As the years passed, the mission outgrew the walls of Colonial Jewelers. A dedicated committee formed, partnerships blossomed and the Pink Ribbon brand became a staple of Frederick’s philanthropic identity.
Today, that small gala has evolved into an elegant blacktie evening at Hood College’s Coblentz Hall, where guests gather under soft pink lights to celebrate the progress made in their own backyard.
About a decade into the fund’s journey, the Pink Ribbon 5K was born. Its debut was humble and started on a rainy morning that saw just 200 determined participants.
Today, that number has quadrupled, with nearly 800 runners and walkers gathering each year, primarily on the campus of Hood College, which has generously hosted the event for years. That partnership began early on, with Coach Brad Barber and his entire lacrosse team of 60 men showing up at 6 a.m. each race day to help bring the event to life—a tradition that continues to reflect the heart of the cause.
But the most moving moments of the race happen before racers move an inch. Each year, survivors are honored in a ceremony that culminates in the Survivor’s Walk—a visual
“We started this because we wanted better breast cancer care in Frederick—but we never imagined how far the community would carry it.”
“Every mile, every name, every dollar raised is a reminder that this community stands together in the face of something that touches us all.”
testament of resilience. Along the route, hundreds of pink and white tribute flags flutter in the breeze, each one representing a life touched by breast cancer.
The night before the race, Patty Hurwitz personally sits down and writes every single name on those flags by hand.
“It’s emotional every year,” she says. “Each flag represents someone’s story.”
For Patty, the work isn’t just about fundraising; it’s about the pink thread of connection. Over the years, she has spent time sitting with families while their loved ones are in surgery, offering the unique comfort that only someone who has walked the path can provide: “You can do it—I’m a survivor, too.”
The scale of the fund’s success is staggering, especially considering it is managed by a core group of fewer than ten volunteers. To date, more than $4 million has been raised and remarkably, every single dollar has stayed right here in Frederick.
This local focus has allowed Frederick Health’s Center for Breast Care to stay at the absolute forefront of innovation. Early funding brought digital mammography and advanced biopsy equipment to the city. Today, the fund is pushing into the future of precision medicine.
The impact includes:
• The fund supported a biobank for breast cancer research and a dedicated Research Nurse Navigator to guide patients through clinical trials.
• Frederick Health now hosts eight breast cancer clinical trials, offering cutting-edge treatments typically found only at major university hospitals.
• Funding helped introduce the Galleri blood test, a revolutionary tool that can detect cancer before it even appears on a traditional scan.
• A locally-developed clinical trial, funded entirely by the organization, is currently studying how yoga can prevent lymphedema after treatment.
The Hurwitz Breast Cancer Fund continues to find creative new ways to engage and meet the needs of the community. This May 20th, the streets of downtown will host the return of Breakfast at Tiffany’s, where hundreds of women will arrive in their black dresses and pearls for a “Holly Golightly” style bar crawl. It’s a joyful celebration of the sisterhood that often forms in the wake of a diagnosis and a town that shows up for each other.
From transformative corporate partnerships, like the $1 million raised by NVR Ryan Homes, to the single dollar dropped in a jar, the message is clear: Frederick shows up for its own.
Looking ahead, Patty’s dream is as clear as it was in 1999: to detect cancer earlier, treat it more effectively and one day, prevent it altogether. Until then, the work continues—one breakthrough, one fundraiser and one hand-written name at a time.
Because in Frederick, no one has to face the road alone.
$4+ million raised for local breast cancer care 1,000+ local patients impacted annually 27 years serving the Frederick community
Breakfast at Tiffany’s September 23, 2026
Pink Ribbon 5K October 18, 2026
Pink Ribbon Gala May 8, 2027
Website: pinkribbonfrederick.org
Facebook: PinkRibbonFrederick
Instagram: @pink.ribbon.frederick
- Kerry Reisinger
ARTICLE BY COAST TO COAST & CO.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KRISTEN EVANS PHOTOGRAPHY
HOW NEWMAN-DAILEY’S DEEP ROOTS IN DESTIN CRAFT THE PERFECT WELLNESS RETREAT
In a world that moves at an exhausting pace, taking intentional time for yourself has become more than a luxury—it’s a vital part of whole-person wellness. Surrounding yourself with the right people plays a powerful role in that wellbeing. Close friends who uplift, encourage and ground you can help restore emotional balance, reignite joy and strengthen the sense of connection that many of us lose in the rush of daily life. This is why planning a retreat with the right support system, in the right environment, can be truly transformative. And when it comes to crafting a wellness-focused escape in beautiful Destin, Florida, NewmanDailey stands as the ultimate concierge.
For the foundation of your retreat, Newman-Dailey’s valued clients enjoy access to their turnkey rental, Blessings by the Beach. Designed with comfort and ease in mind, this home creates the ideal space for rest, reflection and rejuvenation. It’s where mornings begin peacefully, laughter echoes through shared spaces and the simple act of slowing down becomes a gift in itself.
Whole wellness starts with the choice to prioritize yourself and surround yourself with people who elevate your life. With Newman-Dailey guiding the journey, your Destin retreat becomes a meaningful, restorative experience— one that nurtures relationships, renews your spirit and brings you back to center. DestinVacation.com
“SURROUNDING YOURSELF WITH THE RIGHT PEOPLE PLAYS A POWERFUL
Wellness isn’t just about spa days and quiet mornings—it’s about aligning every element of your environment and your relationships to support your best self. Newman-Dailey understands this holistic approach. Their concierge service is designed to remove stress, create intentional experiences and curate moments that allow you and your friends to reconnect, replenish and realign. From the first planning call to the final sunset, they focus on crafting a retreat that nourishes the mind, body and spirit.
Their deep connections within the Destin community elevate every aspect of your stay. One of the most enriching experiences they offer is the opportunity to enjoy the culinary mastery of personal chef David Cunningham. Sharing a fresh, thoughtfully prepared meal with friends isn’t just delicious—it’s a form of relational and nutritional wellness, bringing everyone together in a way that feels grounding and joyful. CindersAndSaltSpiceCo.com
To support emotional and social wellbeing, Newman-Dailey can put you in touch with the right people to coordinate a Dinner Cruise. We enjoyed an incredible experience with SunQuest’s newest vessel, SOL y LUNA, where breathtaking views and gentle ocean breezes set the tone for meaningful conversations and moments of pure calm. These serene experiences help quiet the mind and allow you to be fully present with the people who matter most.
Evenings spent at The Edge Seafood Restaurant & SkyBar—one of Destin’s local favorites—added an additional layer of connection and enjoyment. With stunning waterfront dining and a lively yet relaxing atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to unwind, celebrate friendship and savor the coastal lifestyle. During our dinner, we enjoyed live music and incredible customer experience from all the staff. While we took in the enchanting scenery of the Destin Harbor during sunset, we savored their signature Southern Mussels, craft cocktails and mouth-watering entree dishes. EdgeSeafood.com
WHERE FAITH MEETS THE WORKDAY
ARTICLE BY SHADAE PAUL
In a world where professional success is often measured by performance alone, many women are wrestling with a deeper question: What does it look like to fully integrate my faith into who I am as a leader?
Answering that question became the foundation of Cornerstone for Women Leaders, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving women across Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Virginia.
But Cornerstone didn’t start with a program; it started with intentional and vulnerable conversations with women leaders over coffee. During these conversations, women from diverse industries shared a common thread: they were navigating high-pressure environments while carrying experiences of isolation, burnout and at times, being overlooked or undermined. Many were women of faith who felt confident in their beliefs, yet uncertain about how to integrate those beliefs into their everyday work.
Today, Cornerstone is the only women-led, women-governed organization in western Maryland providing faith-based leadership training to women across college campuses, nonprofits, businesses and online. Its mission is simple, yet deeply needed: to equip women with the training, practical skills and spiritual foundation required to lead with faith.
What makes Cornerstone especially different is not just what it offers, but how it delivers it. Rather than creating something entirely separate from existing systems, its programs are intentionally built within trusted and accessible spaces: community colleges, workplaces and digital platforms, which makes the integrated training credible and flexible while meeting women where they are.
Cornerstone is also deeply committed to access. As a volunteer-led and donor-supported nonprofit, all contributions and program revenue are reinvested into expanding initiatives and providing scholarships.
Developed in consultation with local women leaders, Cornerstone’s programs emphasize in-demand professional skills such as communication, conflict resolution, time management, ethical decision-making and financial stewardship—all grounded
in biblical principles. This balance creates space for women from all professional and denominational backgrounds, whether they are leading teams, organizations, community groups or simply discerning their next step.
Cornerstone’s vision comes to life through programs offered in multiple formats: in-person courses hosted at a local community college, customized on-site trainings for organizations, accessible online learning and community-centered events like Flourish, a seasonal gathering open to all members of the public. CornerstoneForWomenLeaders.com
A closer look at how Cornerstone’s programs are shaping leaders across the region
Cornerstone’s on-campus programs are hosted at Hagerstown Community College (Hagerstown, Maryland) to create space for women to step away from their daily responsibilities and engage deeply with leadership development from a biblical perspective. Led by experienced instructors and coaches both in-person and virtually, these sessions are designed to be practical, interactive and grounded in real-life application. Hear from Sierra on the next page.
In addition to its programs for individuals, Cornerstone partners with organizations to deliver customized, on-site training. These sessions are designed to strengthen both team effectiveness and individual capacity to equip organizations to drive meaningful impact. Hear from Carleah on the next page.
Beyond formal training, Cornerstone also creates intentional spaces for genuine connection. Flourish, its seasonal gathering hosted by Cornerstone in partnership with two women-led companies Young Consulting Services and Apply It Consulting, LLC, brings women together for worship, conversation and teaching that speaks directly to the realities of leading with faith. These gatherings offer something many women don’t often experience: room to be both poured into and understood. A portion of ticket proceeds goes to support women’s professional development programs at Faith House at the Frederick Rescue Mission. Hear from Georgia on the next page.
Founder, The Sierra Learnership Collaborative
“When I attended the Cornerstone program at HCC, I was already leading and coaching others through my business, but personally I was seeking a deeper connection between my faith and leadership. I’ve always loved exploring the Bible, yet I often found myself reading it at a surface level and missing the deeper meaning within the stories.
Cornerstone helped me slow down. Instead of simply reading scripture, I began exploring the leadership lessons woven into the narratives. That shift changed how I engage with both faith and leadership today. It continues to influence my work as I teach and model leadership, including initiatives like the Tri-State Leadership Summit, where we create space for intentional growth and meaningful leadership conversations.”
Carleah Summers
Founder & CEO, Andrea’s House
“Andrea’s House sought leadership and board governance training to strengthen our structure and ensure we were stewarding our mission well. Cornerstone for Women Leaders felt like the right fit because of their strong expertise and Christ-centered approach to leadership development. The faith-based foundation made the experience especially meaningful, aligning leadership principles with our values and calling. The training was exceptional—truly the best board training we’ve ever had. Our board left more unified, structured and confident in their roles. Personally, I gained greater clarity and confidence as a leader. Since the training, our organization is operating with stronger governance and a renewed sense of purpose.”
Georgia Smith
Vice President, Fiserv (Retired)
“When I attended Flourish, I had recently retired from a 30-year career in the fintech industry. I was professionally burned out and personally healing after years of self neglect. I was drawn to the event because of my experience in the Cornerstone for Women Leadership classes at HCC, where I valued the connection with like-minded women. A faith based leadership space mattered deeply to me because leadership is rooted in service and supporting one another through life’s journeys. The event itself was amazing—filled with inspiring, self reflective stories and uplifting music. My greatest takeaway was a renewed commitment to lead through faith and continue serving God’s people.”
ARTICLE BY NATALIA HOLGUIN, RDN, CPT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CARLOS HOLGUIN
A few years ago, I was sitting across from a woman in a coaching session who had just finished telling me everything she wanted to change about her body.
“I just want to lose about ten pounds,” she said. “If I could flatten my stomach a little and tone my legs, I think I’d finally feel confident.”
I asked her a question I often ask my clients.
“What would change in your life if you lost those ten pounds?”
She paused for a moment, then started listing things.
“I think I’d feel more confident at work… I wouldn’t be so self-conscious in photos… I’d probably go out more with friends… I’d feel more comfortable wearing what I want.”
“Interesting.” I thought. None of the answers had anything to do with her body.
They had everything to do with the woman she believed she would become once her body changed.
That moment stuck with me.
Because after years of coaching women through health journeys, I’ve realized something important:
Most women aren’t really chasing a smaller body.
They’re chasing the version of themselves they believe that body will finally allow them to be.
After more than a decade of coaching women through health and nutrition journeys, I’ve noticed a recurring theme. Many women begin their health journey with a picture in mind: a smaller body, a flatter stomach, a different number on the scale. Health becomes something they pursue because they want to escape the body they currently have.
The motivation often sounds like this:
“I hate how big my thighs are.” “If I could just lose this stubborn ten pounds.” “I just need to get back on track.”
Behind these thoughts, there is often a long history of: punishing workouts, restrictive diets and “starting over on Monday” cycles. Fitness and nutrition slowly become tools used to escape the current version of themselves. But after years of walking alongside women in this process, I’ve realized something else that’s important:
The body we think we want is rarely the real goal.
When we dig a little deeper—beyond meal prep strategies or emotional eating habits—we often uncover something much more vulnerable. What women really want is to become someone who feels confident in her own skin, has energy and strength, feels at peace with food, trusts herself, shows up fully in life and believes in her own worth beyond her appearance. In other words:
You’re not chasing a body. You’re chasing a woman.
And that woman looks different from the one most diet culture programs promote. She is disciplined but compassionate, strong yet well-rested, nourished rather than restricted, consistent instead of extreme and confident in any body size rather than insecure or timid.
Over the years, I’ve also noticed something interesting in my coaching practice. The women who experience the most sustainable transformation are rarely the ones with the most perfect meal plans or workout routines. They are the women who have developed a clear picture of who they are becoming. This is what I call identity-driven change. When you know who you are becoming, decisions become clearer, habits become easier and consistency becomes more natural. Your behaviors begin to reflect your identity. For example, a woman who sees herself as strong trains consistently, a woman who values nourishment prepares meals and a woman who honors her body also honors rest. These actions no longer feel like punishment; they feel like alignment.
Instead of asking: “What diet should I follow?” or “How do I lose ten pounds?” Try asking a different question: “What would the woman I am becoming do today?” Would she: drink water, go for a walk, cook a nourishing meal, go to bed earlier, speak kindly to herself and others?
When you have a clear vision of who you want to become, your daily choices begin to align naturally with that vision. A strong vision: guides your daily decisions, reduces decision fatigue and builds consistency over time.
Without vision, health efforts often feel forced—like discipline that is restrictive or legalistic. Eventually, motivation fades and health becomes another “failed attempt.”
“What women really want is to become someone who feels confident in her own skin, has energy and strength, feels at peace with food, trusts herself, shows up fully in life and believes in her own worth beyond her appearance.”
But when your habits are rooted in identity, they become expressions of who you are becoming. Write it down. Get specific. Then begin building a life that reflects that woman. Health is not built through punishment. It is built through alignment. When you stop trying to escape who you are and start building who you are becoming: your habits begin to change, your mindset begins to shift and eventually, your body reflects that life.
Don’t train for the body you’re trying to force.
Train for the woman you are becoming—and let the body follow.
You may find that this approach brings a freedom and ease to your life that you never thought was possible.
Natalia Holguin , RDN, CPT is a Registered Dietitian, Certified Personal Trainer, and founder of Live Confident Nutrition, where she helps individuals improve body composition, metabolic health and their relationship with food through sustainable, personalized nutrition strategies. She has experience across clinical nutrition, performance coaching and digital health startups, contributing to the growth of organizations such as Players Fitness and Performance, Rebel Health Alliance and Fitness Blender. Natalia’s approach integrates evidence-based nutrition, behavior change and holistic health to support long-term wellness.
Your health journey isn’t about escaping your body—it’s about becoming the woman you were created to be. If you’re ready to approach nutrition and wellness with confidence and sustainability, learn more by visiting LiveConfidentNutrition.com.
Marketing becomes constant motion. Pushing content. Pushing promotions. Pushing announcements. Always reacting. Always behind. Always reacting. Always behind.
And the harder you push, the more it feels like your marketing is running you instead of building momentum.
If this feels familiar, this is where we begin.
Bus: 301-694-6711
KathySchultze.com
Kathy@KathySchultze.com
VB @KathySchultzeStateFarmAgent
ARTICLE BY KALI KASORZYK
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
The power of taste, trust, and the courage to “just start.”
She didn’t have a business plan, a media budget, or even a name anyone could pronounce. What Becky Hillyard had was taste, a young family, and the instinct to just start. Today, her lifestyle brand Cella Jane commands an audience the size of Vogue’s, she’s nine collections strong with Splendid, and she’s built it all while raising three kids — refusing to sacrifice one for the other. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Becky shares what it really takes to build a brand, a career, and a life you love. Read the highlights below, then scan the QR code for the full conversation.
Q: WHEN DID YOU KNOW CELLA JANE WAS MORE THAN A HOBBY?
A: Two moments. Women started emailing me saying they bought something I recommended and felt amazing — asking me to help them find a dress for a wedding. That felt incredible. Then I looked at my affiliate numbers for one month and realized I could cover our mortgage. I thought, I can actually do this. I never set out to build a business. I started it because I genuinely loved it.
Q: WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST RISK YOU EVER TOOK WITH THE BRAND?
A: Designing my own collection. It’s easy to point at items on a website and say I love these. But to create something from scratch, put your name on it, and wait to see if people connect with it — that’s terrifying. I had an incredible partner in Splendid, and women loved the pieces. It was the biggest risk and the biggest accomplishment.
Q: HOW HAS INFLUENCER MARKETING CHANGED SINCE YOU STARTED?
A: When I started, brands didn’t know whether to take it seriously. Now it’s a legitimate line item in their marketing budgets — sometimes bigger than TV. Because what we’ve built is trust. People trust a real recommendation from someone they follow far more than a commercial. There’s no question about it now.
Q: YOU’RE A MOM OF THREE RUNNING A FULL BRAND. WHAT DOES YOUR DAY ACTUALLY LOOK LIKE?
A: I try to get up at five and not hit snooze — that first hour before the house wakes up is the most productive, most peaceful hour of my day. Then it’s all hands on deck with the kids and school drop-off. After that I work — planning content, connecting with my team, editing. After pickup, the day shifts completely and it’s all about them. I’ve learned to protect both halves fiercely, because both matter.
Q: WHAT WOULD YOU TELL SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO BUILD SOMETHING OF THEIR OWN BUT KEEPS WAITING?
A: Don’t wait. Don’t wait for the perfect camera, the right strategy, or enough followers. We find every excuse to stay comfortable. Just start, be consistent, and be authentically yourself. The right people will find you — and they’ll stay.
This conversation is just the beginning. Becky goes deeper on the risks that almost stopped her, the design process behind her latest Splendid collection, and what she’d tell her 2012 self today. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on the Share the Lifestyle Podcast.
“Trust is the only metric that actually compounds.”
— Becky Hillyard
Where warmth, history and community come together. Nestled just minutes from downtown Frederick, our intimate 52-resident Assisted Living and Memory Care community offers personalized care in a cozy, family-like setting. Residents enjoy engaging activities, comfort-inspired dining and scenic surroundings — all in a pet-friendly community.
www.HeartFieldsAtFrederick.com 1820 Latham Dr, Frederick, MD (301) 663-8800
At her heaviest, Melissa could barely lift 10 pounds and struggled with constant fatigue— but she chose change over comfort.
When she first walked into The X in Frederick, she knew she needed something different. What she didn’t know was how powerful that decision would become.
With supportive coaches and a community behind her, Melissa built strength step by step. She didn’t just lose weight — she gained confidence and momentum.
Today, she’s down 110 pounds and can lift 145% of her body weight.
Melissa’s story isn’t just about weight loss — it’s about what’s possible when you commit. If you’re ready to feel stronger and take control of your life, your starting point is here.
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
MAY 2ND-3RD
Frederick Running Festival
Frederick Fairgrounds | 6:30 AM
This festival features four races, which all finish at the Frederick Fairgrounds. Runners can experience a big time race with small town charm. Choose between a half-marathon and two-person team relay on Sunday or the 5K and Kids Fun Run on Saturday. FrederickRunFest.com
MAY 7TH-10TH
The Frederick Greek Festival
920 West 7th Street, Frederick | 11:00 AM
Find delicious Greek food and desserts, join in on traditional Greek dancing, watch performances from the adult & children's church dance troupes, enjoy a live band, taverna and more! Open Thursday through Saturday from 11-8 and Sunday from 11-6. FrederickGreekFestival.com
MAY 7TH
Alive @ Five
Carroll Creek Amphitheater | 5:00 PM
An outdoor happy hour every Thursday from 5-8pm starting May 7th though September 24th. All events are 21+ only with a $6 entry + $6 drinks . Food is also available for purchase on site. Find the lineup and event details at Downtown Frederick.org/AliveAtFive
MAY 9TH
Carroll Creek Linear Park | 12:00 PM
Presented by Visit Frederick, admission includes beer samples from dozens of Maryland breweries—featuring more than 200 unique beers, all brewed in Maryland, including selections from a few breweries not yet open to the public. Guests can also enjoy live music along with a delicious lineup of local food and craft vendors. VisitFrederick.org
MAY 15TH
Thurmont Main Street
Art and Wine Stroll
Thurmont Main Street | 5:00 PM
Twenty artists & artisans, ten wineries, breweries and distilleries! Visit some of the best artists around while enjoying local food trucks and more! ThurmontMainStreet.com
MAY 16TH-17TH
Beyond the Garden Gates Garden Tour
Downtown Frederick & Baker Park 1:00 PM
A favorite of residents and visitors alike, this tour has grown to draw over 800 visitors annually and has raised thousands of dollars for local garden clubs and multiple beautification projects around Frederick. In addition to the the stunning landscapes, visitors are also treated to a variety of discounts from downtown Frederick retailers and restaurants. Guests are invited to enjoy light refreshments during the tour. CelebrateFrederick.com
MAY 23RD
Caribbean Wine & Music Festival
Linganore Winecellars | 10:00 AM
Celebrate the sights, sounds and flavors of the Caribbean! This festival features island-inspired food, live reggae, calypso music and tastings of Linganore’s various wines. A perfect way to kick off the summer season. LinganoreWines.com
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Spring: the days grow longer, weather turns warmer, and the earth’s greenery starts to make its reappearance. During this time, flowers shoot up from the ground in a ballet of colors and movement. Walking outside becomes a cherished moment to breathe the fresh air and immerse yourself in lush surroundings. Being inside your home turns dreary and dull, everything that thrives is now outside, but this can easily be remedied. Why not bring some life inside? Make a spring floral bouquet to lighten up your space. Flowers add color and character to any room that needs a little lift, and our step-by-step guide will inspire you to create something grand.
• Flowers of your choice
BY SARAH
• Scissors
• Twine or floral tape
• Ribbon (optional)
• Decorative paper (optional)
• Bouquet sleeve (optional)
Step 1: When creating a beautiful floral arrangement, the first thing to do is decide on a color scheme and prepare the flowers. Have fun deciding what colors you want to play with. Perhaps go pastel for spring or match the hues to other decor items in your house. Once you have picked your flowers, you need to do a little prep work. First, remove extra leaves and damaged petals from the stems. Then make a fresh diagonal cut to the bottom of all the flowers. This allows each bloom to soak up as much water as they need.
Step 2: Now it’s arranging time — think focal and filler. The best way to start the arranging process is by choosing your most interesting or favorite flowers — this will be your focal point. Hold the focal flower(s) upright and add your supporting blooms around it. Make sure to turn the bouquet as you build so that the design is as desired. Once this is complete, add your filler flowers to finalize the look. Filler options include baby’s breath, ivy, fern, eucalyptus and more.
Step 3: Let’s get ready to tie. Once you’ve arranged your bouquet, tie all the stems together using twine or floral tape. If using twine, we recommend securing it in a small bow in case you would like to rearrange at any given time. Floral tape is easy to move on and off for this purpose as well.
Step 4: Add the finishing touches. At this point, you are almost done with your bouquet and all that’s left is embellishments. There are so many ways to further adorn your creation: one way we love is to wrap it in fun decorative paper or put it in a special sleeve made just for flowers. If this idea isn’t for you, we recommend going to Pinterest for inspiration. Just remember, whatever way you choose to decorate your bouquet, you will end with a personalized piece made with love and care.
