Loveland & South, CO March 2026

The HOME & DESIGN Issue

The Place That Never Leaves Us

There’s a quiet understanding that comes with living here, one you don’t always notice until you’ve left and found your way back.

Home, after all, isn’t always a structure. Sometimes, it’s a person who knows your story. Sometimes, it’s an idea you carry with you. And sometimes, if you’re lucky, it’s a town that grows alongside you, holding your beginnings, your growing years, and your returns.

Loveland has always held that kind of gravity. It’s the kind of place where childhood feels expansive and safe, where bikes wander farther than expected and seasons are something you feel in your body. It’s a place that teaches you how to belong, to land, to community, to be present for one another. Where raising kids doesn’t feel rushed, and growing up doesn’t feel like something you have to escape.

Here, home is layered. It’s front porches and familiar streets, but it’s also the way people show up. It’s school drop-offs and Friday nights, trails worn smooth by years of footsteps, and the quiet comfort of seeing the same faces in different chapters of life.

Many of us leave at some point, curious, restless, hopeful. And yet, Loveland has a way of staying with you. It becomes the place you measure others against. The place that shaped your sense of normal. The place you imagine when you think about slowing down, starting over, or bringing someone new into the world.

To raise children here is to give them room to explore, to fail gently, to grow with a sense of grounding. To grow up here is to learn that life doesn’t have to be loud to be meaningful. And to come back is to realize that home isn’t about standing still, it’s about continuity.

This Home Issue is a reflection on all of that. On the spaces that hold us, the rhythms that shape us, and the places that feel familiar even as we change. It’s about houses and streets, yes, but also about memory, belonging, and the quiet confidence of knowing where you’re from.

Home can be many things.

But for so many of us, this is where it begins and where it makes sense to return.

DESIREE GUSTAFSON, PUBLISHER @LOVELANDANDSOUTHLIFESTYLE

March 2026

PUBLISHER

Desiree Gustafson | desiree.gustafson@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Shen Wu Tan | shenwu.tan@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Adriana Karagozian, Shen Wu Tan, and Kimberly Gonzales

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Monica Jean Photography, E.T.C. Photography, Cassidy Hiseler at CassiHise Photography, David Asher Stranathan, PÜR EVERGREEN

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman

LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas Learn

Saturday, April 18th • 10am -

Saturday, April 18th • 10am - 2pm

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1:

the Future Freshman Career

2: 5th Annual Mac

Off 3:

Valley

at Berthoud High School 4: Four Seasons Veterinary Specialists ER Technician Allen cuddling

Daisy 5: Locals welcomed new owner of the Berthoud Weekly Surveyor, Megan Levy, at a networking event. 6: The Berthoud Chamber bid farewell to its ambassador, Jenna Tande of SouthState Bank (left). 7: The Loveland Chamber hosted a networking event at Sweet Heart Winery & Event Center.

8: Locals attended Don Wood's introductory woodturning class at Loveland CreatorSpace. 9: The LFRA recognized Trevor Schuetz for his 11 years of service at the volunteer Canyon Battalion. 10: Rialto Theater staff spoke to 8th graders about jobs aligned with careers & technical education programs. 11: Elk sun bathing on the Olde Course in Loveland 12: Ishmikhan and Dennis, former students of Taylor's CDL Training, out on the road 13: Wally’s Speed Shop and Rocky Mountain Rebuilders celebrated an evening with their team and loved ones with the Colorado Eagles. 14: The LFRA held its Annual Badge Pinning and Promotional Ceremony.

business monthly

Bradford Weddings & Events Awarded a Best of Zola 2025

A big shoutout to Bradford Weddings & Events for winning a Best of Zola 2025 award! “We are honored to be recognized as a Best of Zola wedding professional — and even more grateful for the incredible couples who trust us with one of the most important days of their lives,” the company posted on social media. “At Bradford Weddings & Events, planning is at the heart of everything we do.” The business provides full-service planning, partial planning and design, 90-day coordination, rentals, and florals.

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Resilient Soul Yoga Celebrates Its 3rd Year Anniversary

Kudos to Resilient Soul Yoga for reaching its third anniversary! What a milestone! “Three years ago, this was a dream – an empty room filled with hope, intention, and a deep longing to create something meaningful,” Resilient Soul Yoga posted on Facebook. “Today, it is a living, breathing space shaped by every person who has walked through our doors. Every breath taken here. Every tear, laugh, release, breakthrough, and moment of rest. This studio exists because of you!”

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Club at Loveland Orchards Offering New Adult Swimming Classes

The Club at Loveland Orchards is now offering two new swimming classes for adults. There is now a masters swim class on Mondays from 6:00 AM to 6:30 AM and an adult swim fundamentals class on Thursdays from 5:00 PM to 5:30 PM. “You’ll have two opportunities each week to strengthen your form, become faster, and flip quicker than you ever thought you could,” Club at Loveland Orchards said on social media.

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Sweet Heart Winery Wins Two Major National Awards

Cheers to Sweet Heart Winery for being named a Best of The Knot Wedding Venue and the WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award Winner for 2026! “Our mission is simple—create experiences for people to connect,” said Charles Oster, CEO of Sweet Heart Brands. “This recognition tells us we’re doing exactly that, at one of the most important moments in a couple’s life.” The award-winning winery, nestled along the Big Thompson River in Loveland, offers waterfront wedding ceremonies, mountain immersion, iconic timber-frame architecture, and more.

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A New Era for Element Design

Element Design Center has reimagined its showroom to support complete projects through curated selections and full-service supply, managing sourcing and coordination so you don’t have to. Many projects are completed in as little as two days, so you can enjoy your new space sooner, with less disruption. We’re your complete home transformation partner: kitchen and bath remodels, tile and comprehensive flooring solutions, subfloor repair, and specialized services. This is design made simpler. Faster. Better. - Element Flooring and Design Center

Anthony Navarro Recognized for Hitting New Professional Milestones

Anthony Navarro reached new professional heights in 2025. He was named the organization's Executive Council in June and received recognition from the MDRT Foundation for attaining Million Dollar Round Table production honors. A registered representative with nationwide reach, Navarro serves clients across all 50 states. His practice encompasses estate planning, life protection strategies, business development, retirement rollovers, income disability coverage, and long-term care planning—delivering comprehensive solutions designed to maximize value and long-term protection. - Anthony Navarro

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ARTICLE BY ADRIANA KARAGOZIAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MONICA JEAN PHOTOGRAPHY

AT THE CORE OF HOME

VALCORE CONSTRUCTION AND THE WOMAN REDEFINING WHAT IT MEANS TO COME HOME

Home is more than an address. It is the place where life unfolds quietly and loudly all at once—where holidays gather, where milestones are marked, where exhaustion softens into rest at the end of the day. For Misty Flannery, owner of Valcore Construction, home is not just what she builds; it is what she protects, restores, and reimagines for the people who trust her with it.

"When I started Valcore, my goal was simple: help people fall in love with their homes. Roofing was what I knew, so it was our starting point. But the long-term vision was always bigger — windows, siding, and exterior upgrades that completely change how a home feels the moment you pull into your driveway.”

That feeling—pulling into the driveway and feeling something soften in your chest—is where Valcore begins. Misty understands that a home is the one place most people are deeply emotionally invested in, yet often feel powerless to change. Rising home prices, unpredictable weather, and an industry riddled with mistrust have made home improvement feel daunting, inaccessible, and risky. Valcore exists to change that narrative.

Founded in March of 2020, just one week before the world shut down, Valcore Construction was born into uncertainty. Where many businesses struggled, Misty adapted. With door-knocking suddenly off the table, she leaned into something more enduring: relationships. Referrals, trust, and community became the foundation of her company, mirroring the very homes she was helping to protect.

At the heart of Valcore is a philosophy that runs counter to much of modern consumer culture.

"Our philosophy is rooted in moving away from the disposable economy. Too many products today are designed to wear out after just a few years, quietly locking homeowners into an endless cycle of repairs and replacements. We see it in technology, and unfortunately, we see it in home improvement as well. That’s why we focus on products built to last — siding, windows, paint, gutters, and roofing products that not only protect your home, but also save you money over time and give you confidence that you won’t be doing this again anytime soon.”

"IT'S THAT FEELING OF PEOPLE PULLING UP TO THE HOUSE THAT THEY DIDN'T THINK COULD BE BEAUTIFUL, AND THEY LOVE IT. I WANT PEOPLE TO FALL IN LOVE WITH THE HOUSE THAT THEY'RE IN.”

This long-term vision is especially powerful in Colorado, where hailstorms, heat, and freeze-thaw cycles punish shortcuts. Misty isn’t interested in fast fixes or insurance-driven replacements every few years. She wants homeowners to invest once—and invest well—so they can stay rooted in the place they already love.

That love of place extends beyond individual homes and into the broader community. Valcore is deeply involved in Northern

Colorado, not as a marketing tactic, but as a reflection of shared responsibility. “We are actively involved in several groups like the Chamber of Commerce, and other networking groups, but also we participate in several charities, like Mountain States Children's Home, Foster and Adoptive Families of Larimer County, 4-H…,” the list goes on.

For Misty, business ownership is inseparable from stewardship. She knows the people she serves because she sees them at school events, grocery stores, and community gatherings. This proximity brings accountability—and integrity.

“Honestly, it's that feeling of people pulling up to the house that they didn't think could be beautiful, and they love it. I want people to fall in love with the house that they're in.”

Too often, homeowners feel trapped between what they can afford and what they desire. Misty challenges the idea that the only path to happiness is a new house. “If I can show them how they can make their current home exactly what they want without having to buy a whole new one, I think everybody wins.”

That belief is especially resonant in a housing market where buying new is out of reach for many. Valcore helps homeowners reclaim agency over the spaces they already inhabit, transforming frustration into pride.

As a woman business owner in a male-dominated industry, Misty brings a perspective shaped by empathy and attention to

detail. She understands that homes are not just structures but stages for life’s most meaningful moments—Christmas mornings, birthday dinners, and everyday evenings that quietly become memories. Her approach is grounded in listening, transparency, and respect.

That respect also defines how she runs her company. “I aim to change the storyline to where people know that there's contractors out there that really do have their best interests at heart, that aren't looking to get rich on every single project. We're looking to make sure that people are getting a good product for a good price, and that they're getting the service that they deserve.”

The name Valcore itself speaks to this mission. “Valcore, the name itself, comes from the word core values. Because I had worked in the industry for a while, I saw a lot of owners who focused so much on getting the fancy trucks and the expensive

vacations and the fancy clothes…. Their employees were being mistreated. Their homeowners were just another number. I wanted to establish a company that was built around my core values, of focusing on the people that are involved in the process.”

Family-owned and operated, Valcore reflects the very values it promotes. Clients work directly with the Flannery family— from the office to the job site—creating a rare level of trust and continuity. It’s a reminder that at its best, home improvement is not transactional, but relational.

In a world that often prioritizes speed over substance, Valcore Construction stands as a quiet counterpoint. It asks homeowners to slow down, invest wisely, and rediscover what it feels like to love where they live. And through Misty Flannery’s leadership, it reminds us that when you build from your core values, you don’t just create better homes—you create a stronger sense of belonging.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Adriana Karagozian is the owner of From Scratch Farm, a chef, and sustainable grower dedicated to intentional cooking, holistic wellness, and helping people reconnect with the earth.

ASHER ARCHITECTS + ENGINEERS

ARTICLE BY SHEN WU TAN

Making clients’ visions and dreams a reality

Ever since David Asher Stranathan was a young lad, he loved designing and building things, whether it was with Legos or scraps of lumber, nails and a hammer in hand. Around age 12, he constructed a shed just for fun and to have his own space. When he was in his teens, he and his brother, Peter, built a 14-foot tall climbing wall.

With a natural knack for taking his visualizations and creating something tangible, David discovered his passion for architecture early on. His pure enthusiasm captured the attention of one of his elementary school teachers, who told David he should become an architect.

The teacher’s suggestion certainly stuck.

David went on to study environmental design at the University of Colorado Boulder, obtaining his bachelor’s degree in 2006. In 2013, he earned his master’s degree in architecture from the University of Colorado Denver.

In March 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, David officially founded Asher Architects + Engineers in downtown Berthoud. Prior to this, he worked at a different firm in Loveland, with hopes of eventually leaving. Once the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the firm owner urged David to venture off on his own.

Since its establishment, Asher Architects + Engineers has grown to eight full-time employees (including David) and two part-time employees. The architecture firm specializes in both commercial and residential projects.

“We make sure the client is getting what they dreamt of,” David says.

“It’s really cool in our industry that we really get to affect the way people live or the way they work,” he continues. “We get to actually create something that will help them enjoy their lives daily…. We enhance how people live, work, and play.”

Most of the architecture firm’s business is primarily in northern Colorado, with the majority of it in Larimer and Weld counties. However, the staff at Asher Architects + Engineers are licensed in Wyoming as well.

David and his team have worked on a wide range of projects, such as parks, retail, and restaurants – with a goal of always trying to leave a positive lasting impact on the communities they’re serving.

Some notable projects David and his staff have completed include Esh’s Grocery Market in Windsor, Washway Car Wash in Greeley, B-Town Automotive in Berthoud, and the Berthoud Fire Museum. They’ve also worked on apartments and custom homes and assisted with designs for nonprofit organizations like the House of Neighborly Service and Habitat for Humanity.

Each year, the team at Asher Architects + Engineers designs dozens of custom homes, commercial buildings, and the landscapes and living spaces that bring them to life.

“We take every house design personally,” David comments, noting that he and his team focus on custom single family homes. “Almost every house we design is a one off. We hardly ever do a house that’s going to be built multiple times.”

For David, his favorite part of the job is being able to take a client’s vision and turn it into reality.

He shares, “Being able to create something from nothing and watch it be built and then be able to walk through their homes with them or go to the business that we designed, the most rewarding and fun part of it is just seeing it come to life.”

12 HOUSE CLEANING TIPS

A how-to guide for deep spring cleaning

ARTICLE BY KIMBERLY GONZALES, CEO/FOUNDER/INVENTOR OF PÜR EVERGREEN PHOTOGRAPHY BY PÜR EVERGREEN, COURTESY PICS

Spring is in the air! As the seasons change, the snow is melting, and the sun shines just a tad longer. It's the perfect time to refresh your space, clear out winter dust, and embrace a cleaner home. Here are 12 tips to start your deep spring cleaning off right!

1.

Start with a purging party! Blast some music, walk through your home with a basket or box, and remove anything you no longer need. Donate, recycle, or repurpose items to keep them out of landfills.

Swap heavy winter bedding for lighter fabrics. Wash all linens, blankets, throw pillow covers, pet bedding, and plush pet toys. This is a great way to refresh your space that has been sitting confined in the cold winter months. Use PÜR Evergreen’s plastic-free, biodegradable laundry detergent sheets . They’re gentle on fabrics, tough on dirt, and free from harsh chemicals.

Spring cleaning can be overwhelming, so break it up by tasks. For example, once a bedroom has been decluttered, start with any ceiling fans. Then start cleaning top to bottom, right to left. Clean blinds, windows, window tracks, walls, and baseboards. Dust any areas that need dusting. A good microfiber cloth and using a natural, synthetic scentfree cleaner is the best. PÜR Evergreen's all purpose cleaner and disinfectant is a safe and natural option.

All those winter germs are floating in the air and on surfaces we don’t think to clean. Handrails, door frames, door knobs, remote controls, and light switches are often missed when cleaning.

This is a great way to refresh your home and have it smelling like spring blossomed in your house. With dust accumulating and pet dogs and cats at home, hair will naturally cling to curtains. Throw curtains in the washing machine or get them professionally cleaned.

Another great way to help refresh and clean your house is to have your couches cleaned. Vacuum the cushions first and remove them to clean where items have found their way into dark crevices. Clean any rugs or carpets to remove build up of dirt and other impurities.

7.

Every few years, it is a good idea to have your air ducts and vents cleaned. Forgotten small pieces of Legos that get lost or dandruff from pets and people accumulates over time. Purifying the air is an important step for spring cleaning.

When was the last time you drained and cleaned your washing machine? Take a cloth and wipe out your washing machine and the rubber seals at least once a month for freshness.

Going through your pantry is a great way to not only donate non-expired food but to reorganize and wipe down shelves. Use containers for your canned goods and buying bins to store other items to keep your space looking refreshed and organized.

CONTINUED >

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Kimberly loves pouring her heart into helping others—quietly, genuinely, without needing applause. Owning a cleaning company shaped that part of her even more… and eventually led her to create a natural, non-toxic all-purpose cleaner because she wanted something safer for homes, families, and pets, which is PÜR Evergreen! She also has a mission to help provide free cleans. At the end of the day, she is just someone who wants to make a meaningful difference in this world—one home, one heart, one connection at a time.

Photo: Kimberly Gonzales, CEO/Founder/Inventor

of PÜR Evergreen

10. WIPE DOWN KITCHEN CABINETS AND TOPS OF CABINETS

Can you recall the last time you removed all your items in your cabinets and tossed unmatched lids of water bottles or containers? How about the last time you wiped your shelves down? Well, there is no time like the present, my friend. Use a natural all purpose cleaner like PÜR Evergreen and a Swedish dishcloth to clean your cabinets. Don’t forget the tops of your cabinets. Once cleaned, add parchment paper to the tops of them to make cleaning easier in six months. Just replace the parchment paper then.

11. FRESHEN THE AIR NATURALLY

Skip synthetic air fresheners and toxic sprays! Instead, add a few drops of minty essential oils to your toilet paper roll and paper towel roll for a refreshing, natural aroma every time you use them. ( PÜR Evergreen All-Purpose Cleaner works great for this, too!) You also can diffuse essential oils or simmer citrus peels and herbs on the stove.

12. OPEN WINDOWS TO LET YOUR HOME BREATHE

Windows and doors have been shut all winter long. Your home needs to breathe! Open your windows to allow the fresh air to come in and out naturally.  For more tips and natural products, you can visit PÜR Evergreen's website, follow them on social media, or stop by their store.

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/purevergreen Website: https://purevergreen.com/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/purevergreen/

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

VARIOUS DATES BETWEEN MARCH 1ST - 29TH

Guided Wine Tastings

Sweet Heart Winery & Event Center, 5500 West U.S. 34, Loveland, CO 80537 | 12:00 PM

Join Sweet Heart Winery’s highly trained Wine Ambassadors for an intimate, immersive tasting experience designed to deepen your connection to wine. This guided journey invites you behind the scenes of our craft, where storytelling, technique, and passion come together in every pour. You’ll enjoy a thoughtfully curated flight of six handcrafted wines, each selected to engage your senses and showcase the artistry behind our winemaking. - Sweet Heart Winery

MARCH 1ST

Colorado Miss Amazing: Amplify Your Abilities

Rialto Theater, 228 E. 4th St., Loveland, CO 80537 | 3:30 PM

A formal pageant style event where girls and women with disabilities develop life skills, strengthen self advocacy, and present their talents with confidence. The program fosters an empowering, supportive environment that celebrates individuality, personal growth, and achievement. - Rialto Theater

MARCH 8TH

Colorado Bridal Show

Embassy Suites, 4705 Clydesdale Pkwy., Loveland, CO 80538 | 11:00 AM

Plan your wedding at Colorado's largest and longest running bridal show circuit: Colorado Bridal Shows! - Colorado Bridal Show

MARCH 11TH

Harmony & Heritage: An Evening with the Webbs

Candlelight Dinner Playhouse, 4747 Marketplace Dr. Johnstown, CO, 80534 | 6:00 PM

From classic oldies to contemporary originals, three generations of the Webb family share their musical legacy, featuring Bruce’s timeless favorites, Jalyn’s theatrical showstoppers, Eli’s singer-songwriter artistry, and a rousing family finale with the entire Webb family, Don’t miss this one night only concert! - Candlelight Dinner Playhouse

MARCH 11TH

Green Drinks Northern Colorado

Primrose Studio at Reservoir Ridge Natural Area, 4300 Michaud Ln., Fort Collins, CO 80521 | 7:00 PM

At this free event, we’ll hear from special guest John Garvey, an alum of CSU's Impact MBA program and former chair of DarkSky Colorado, who will present on why dark skies matter, as well as some of the surprising and bizarre effects of light pollution. We also welcome the Northern Colorado Astronomical Society and, if weather permits, we will enjoy stargazing after dark! RSVP at Green Drinks Northern Colorado on Meetup. - Katy Delehoy

MARCH 13TH

Beyond The Buzz Social Networking

The Love Shack - Craft Mocktails, 120 E. 4th St., Loveland, CO 80537 | 9:30 AM

The point of this is to connect with like-minded individuals about sobriety, life, and business. We want to create a space for sober business owners to relax and connect with each other. Supporting each other in our sober journeys and business ventures! We'd love to see you for the first meeting of 2026! - The Love Shack

MARCH 14TH

Nerdy Derby Race Day: Parent-Child Activity

320 N. Railroad Ave., Loveland, CO 80537 | 1:00 PM

In this fun parent/child workshop, each team will design and decorate a derby car to race on our full-scale Nerdy Derby track. This class is a perfect blend of creativity, hands-on building, and friendly competition. Kids will explore basic engineering concepts like speed and friction while customizing their cars with unique shapes, paints, and decals. Enjoy light-hearted racing, teamwork, and lots of laughter in a supportive makerspace environment. - Loveland Creatorspace

MARCH 14TH

St. Paddy's Day Run

Berthoud Recreation Center at Waggener Farm Park, 1000 N. Berthoud Pkwy., Berthoud, CO 80513 | 12:00 PM

Lace up for a festive run through the charming streets of Berthoud, ending downtown just in time to revel in the St. Patrick's Day festivities. Dress in your best green attire, and enjoy the local business celebrations once you cross the finish line! - Town of Berthoud

MARCH 19TH

Larimer County Pioneer Roads by Ken Jessen

503 N. Lincoln Ave., Loveland, CO 80537 | 6:30 PM

The first road into Larimer County with scheduled stage and postal service was the Overland Trail. It forged new routes combined with existing ones. Other formal roads followed: the Big Thompson Canyon Road, which opened Loveland as the gateway to Estes Park; Fall River Road into North Park; the ambitious Trail Ridge Road; and Poudre Canyon Road. - Loveland Historical Society

MARCH 21ST

Woodblock Portraiture

Loveland Museum, 503 N. Lincoln Ave., Loveland, CO 80537 | 10:00 AM

Join Julie Lapping Rivera for an immersive workshop exploring the art of portraiture through woodblock printing. - Loveland Museum

MARCH 27TH

Neighbor Nights: Family Feud

Johnstown Activity Center, 10 S. Parish Ave., Johnstown, CO 80534 | 6:00 PM

Get ready to shout out your best guesses in a friendly round of Family Feud, neighborhood edition! Bring the whole family, and team up to see if you can guess the most popular answers to fun survey questions. Families of all sizes and ages are welcome to join the fun.Thompson Rivers Parks & Recreation

MARCH 29TH

"Gemstones and Leather Jewelry" with Diane Kremer

Lincoln Gallery, 429 N. Lincoln Ave., Loveland, CO 80537 | 1:00 PM

Create a stylish leafy vine wrap bracelet and matching earrings with knotted leather, gemstones, and bright pops of pewter. The double-wrapped bracelet with button closure is one size fits all. You will learn basic knotting techniques using the Nifty Knotter tool invented by the instructor, Diane. The Nifty Knotter is yours to keep. The kits make great gifts! - Lincoln Gallery

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