When it comes to roofs, there’s a lot to consider. Whether your home is in need of a few new shingles or an entire new roof, the process can be overwhelming. Tall Pines Roofing is here to help. As a multi-generational, family-owned roofing installation business dedicated to providing customers with the best roofing experience possible, it’s no wonder Tall Pines Roofing is the fastest growing roofing company in Rochester. Owner Matthew Hebert comes to this work with 30 years o

A mother-daughter duo turned a dream and a former mechanic's garage into Grand Island's unforgettable destination Step through the doors of Leaf, Stone & Steel on Grand Island and you'll immediately understand why customers keep coming back – not just to shop, but simply to be there. Three glass garage doors flood 4,500 square feet of tropical plants, handcrafted furniture, glittering crystals, and one-of-a-kind art with natural light. Upbeat music sets the mood. A nine-foot

Cinderella moments aren't just for storybooks. They happen right here in Rochester, created by women who believe every girl deserves to feel valued and empowered.   Fairy Godmothers of Rochester began about twenty years ago, when Rene Spallina and Cynthia Jackson were inspired by an Oprah segment about a prom dress project in Philadelphia and felt a tug on their hearts. They were determined to start a chapter here. What began in a church basement grew into a full event at the

As featured in Dates in the States’ City Date Books  Spring in Rochester is a season of new beginnings. Blooms that perfume the air, gardens waking from winter, and neighborhoods alive with color. It’s one of the best times to explore the city at a slower, more intentional pace. This curated date invites you to wander, savor, and reconnect as you move through some of Rochester’s most charming springtime stops.  This full-day adventure is just one example from our city-date gu

In Japan, hanami, meaning “flower viewing,” is the centuries-old tradition of gathering beneath blooming cherry trees to appreciate their fleeting beauty. The blossoms, or sakura, symbolize renewal and the precious, passing nature of life. For a brief, luminous window, thousands of visitors spread blankets, stroll the winding paths, and look upward through canopies of petals. The blossoms’ short season is part of their magic. As Paula Hinz, co-founder of the annual Buffalo Ch

Supporting Motherhood, One Meaningful Gift at a Time Motherhood is often described as beautiful, life-changing, and deeply rewarding. But for many women, the journey also includes moments of uncertainty, grief, healing, and transformation. That is where brooksybox steps in – creating thoughtful care packages designed to support women through every stage of motherhood. Brooksybox is a gifting company created by Lauren Dewey, built around connection, empathy, and intentional ca

Showing Up With Flowers and Love Some stories stay with you. They linger because they’re rooted in love, loss, and the quiet moments when someone simply shows up. Hearts in Bloom Buffalo is one of those stories. Founded right here in Western New York by  Catherine Szabad , Hearts in Bloom Buffalo is a nonprofit dedicated to delivering flowers, small gifts, comfort, and connection to those navigating grief — especially widows, widowers, and mothers who have lost a child. Throu

Mindful journaling has a way of turning everyday thoughts into moments of clarity. For Alexis Russell, it’s been a path to creativity, healing, and personal growth. Originally from Washington, DC, she now calls Rochester home with her husband and two daughters. As the founder of Inspiring Experiences, LLC, and co-founder of EXP Studio, LLC, Alexis is passionate about creating spaces that inspire innovation and community. Her own journey through postpartum depression led her t

Q&A with Laura Wolanin from @Praisethesunshop Rochester-based artist Laura Wolanin is known for her whimsical, colorful murals that infuse joy into every wall they touch. With a background rooted in fine arts and a heart full of curiosity, Laura’s work blends storytelling with a touch of magic, whether she’s painting a private residence or a local brewery. Fueling the Process What do you listen to while working—music, silence, something else? Never ever silence— always someth

Chasing snowy trails and beautiful views with Hike & Stroll Rochester Nature is a furious yet gentle atmosphere that constantly invites exploration. Walking outside is one of the most underrated, yet deeply favored, activities. Often, the real adventure and challenge is simply knowing where to go. That’s where Carrie, founder of Hike and Stroll Rochester, comes in. A lifelong hiker, Carrie understands the quiet power of being on a trail. She launched her online hiking resourc

Transform your Home with Holiday Cheer with Katrina Hess As the holidays approach, Victor resident Katrina Hess welcomes them with creativity, comfort, and nostalgia. As a registered nurse and creative mom of two, Katrina brings the magic of the season to life through baking, crafting, and decorating, all with her children by her side. Inspired by her mother and grandmother, who filled every season with joy, Katrina now carries those cherished traditions forward, adding her o

7th Annual Roc Holiday Village Roc Holiday Village ranked fourth in Newsweek's  Best Christmas Market 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards Roc Holiday Village opens Friday, Dec. 5, at 4:00 PM and runs for 16 days until Sunday, Dec. 28, at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Park in downtown Rochester. All Cozy Igloos are sold out for the 2025 season. A limited number of Igloo Inn, Story Time, Paint & Sip and Holiday Floral Class tickets are available. Roc Holiday Village is proud

As the season of giving shines bright across Buffalo, these inspiring women remind us that generosity doesn’t always come wrapped in ribbons. Sometimes, it looks like a shared toy, a tube of lipstick, a warm visit, or a child’s smile. Each of them has found a way to turn their personal stories into acts of kindness that ripple across Buffalo, proving that compassion is the city’s true holiday spirit. Hannah Bogdan: Keeping the Joy of Play Alive The Buffalo Toy Library is buil

Creating Homes that Heal and Traditions that Last When Nicole and her husband planted their first peony in their garden, she never imagined the flower would become the inspiration for two businesses. Today, the Buffalo-based content creator and business owner is known for Peony and Linen, her online home décor platform, and White Peony Organics, a wellness brand helping women navigate perimenopause naturally. Through these ventures, she aims to help others treat their bodies

If you love antiques, handmade treasures, and the nostalgic charm of the holiday season, Holiday in the Valley at the Wadsworth Homestead is an event you won’t want to miss. Co-hosts Julie Achtyl and Jessie Karlsen, the duo behind Harvest Home Décor, share their passion for creating a holiday market that blends history, community, and creativity. From Local Roots to Holiday Magic Julie and Jessie’s love for home décor and antiques started young. Jessie grew up helping in her

Building Communities Of Women Entrepreneurs. One collective at a time. Megan Forness is in the pursuit of empowerment.As an entrepreneur in Buffalo, she owns five businesses that focus on creating safe spaces for female business owners: Barretend, the Hiraeth House, Harbor House, Valvaere Collective, and She Gathers. Three of her businesses follow a collective model, where vendors are highly valued and have the opportunity to achieve success in a supportive work environment.

A City Gem With Something for Everyone. Just steps away from Rochester’s downtown Louise M. Slaughter train station, DL Home & Garden sits at 283 Central Avenue. A historic part of the city, Central Avenue and the train station were the gateway to Rochester in the 1800s, greeting visitors in the bustling metropolitan center. Today, DL Home & Garden welcomes out-of-towners and Rochesterians alike to explore the 11,500 square-foot showroom, the largest of its kind outside of Ne

As the air turns and pumpkin spice begins its seasonal reign, it’s time to swap out your sundresses and sandals for cozy knits, structured layers, and rich textures. Whether you’re revamping your closet or just looking for some fresh outfit inspiration, these fall style tips and curated looks will keep you feeling confident, cozy, and on trend all season long.  Master the Art of Layering Fall weather can be unpredictable. That’s where layering becomes your secret style weapon

How One local Mother Honored LossThrough a Meaningful Legacy Loss is never easy. Sometimes it comes in a sudden, life-altering moment. Other times, it unfolds slowly and painfully. While each experience is different, what remains constant is the impact it leaves behind. Pregnancy and infant loss is far more common than many realize, affecting as many as one in four women. For some, the loss happens so early on, they may not even know they were pregnant. For others, like local

As summer lake life quiets down, Livingston County transforms into a fall wonderland where the rhythm of local life kicks in. Kids prep for school, families cozy up for chilly nights, and the landscape bursts into fiery hues of red, orange, and gold. It’s the perfect time to hop in the car and take in the variety of great scenery, farms, and farm stands scattered along the way to this gem of a destination. In this fall feature, we hear from local resident and photographer Gin

with @TableforOne_Rochester Erica Larsen launched Table for One in 2018 to merge her passions for food and photography. With a background shaped by both creative and analytical influences, she uses storytelling to spotlight local, family-owned food and beverage businesses across Rochester and the Finger Lakes. Passionate about the roots of food, Erica highlights dishes that tell a story, from holiday cookies to farm-to-table meals, while helping others discover the local food

Small-Town Charm, Scenic Views & Hidden Gems There’s something undeniably special about Youngstown. Just ask Sue McNaughton, a lifelong resident and proud ambassador of the village, who says, “I love the village. This morning, I saw the usual group of men gathered on the porch of the coffee shop. One of them walked up the steps with a leaf blower—maybe the porch needed cleaning, or maybe he just wanted to show off his new toy? Then I headed into the Youngstown Diner and settl

Stories of Courage, Community, and  Comeback. When faced with a cancer diagnosis, some people retreat inward. Others, like Buffalo...

Best Friends, Big Laughs, and the Espresso Martini Mission Taking Over Rochester You know those friendships where everything just clicks?...

What started as one woman’s dream to make golf more fun, social, and inclusive has turned into a powerhouse community with over 3,000...

Customized Menus, Culinary Excellence, and a Family Touch. As the premier catering service in Rochester, family-owned and operated Food by DeLeo Catering is in the business of creating unforgettable culinary experiences. Jason DeLeo started the business 23 years ago, and if anything, he and his wife, Nicole, along with their son, Antonio, are only getting started. Antonio is Food by DeLeo’s Executive Chef, and he and his father are both graduates of the Culinary Institute of

“If you can envision it, we can make it happen.” That is Julie Muscato’s motto. Owner of Julie Muscato Home & Gifts in Lockport, she...

Picture this: It’s September 7, 2024, in South Wales, NY. On this day, you witness Bari and Sean exchange vows beneath a handmade...

Summertime is filled with family and friends, sunshine, and laughter, and usually a picnic or two. While packing sandwiches and heading...

The Growing Allure of Moss Art With Robin Frey At first glance, moss might seem like an unlikely artistic medium. But in recent years,...

The Transformation of an Old Tool Chest into a Traveling Shop If you venture out to a local craft fair this summer, you might spot a...

The Wedding of Rhiannon and Dan Rhiannon and Dan’s wedding told a story stitched together with love, memory, and intention. Their...

A Commitment to Mental Health & A Luxury Experience with Wiktorski Orthodontics A Fresh Take on Orthodontics Open in BayTowne Plaza since...

In the heart of Derby, next door to Evans Ace Hardware, stands a thoughtfully curated shop that feels like home the moment you step...

WITH THE ARBOR LOFT & BRUNO'S BLESSINGS Agathi Georgiou-Graham is a fan of love. As co-owner of Arbor Venues, she makes it her business...

Celebrate Irish Heritage with The Barry Family Sláinte: a word most Americans have probably never heard before, but have certainly...

Since its inception in 1986 and based in the Buffalo Irish Center, Rince Na Tiarna (which translates from Gaelic to ‘Lord of the Dance’)...

The Vision of Denine Jackson Interiors Photography by avalonmohns.com A MOMENT OF TRANSFORMATION Denine Jackson still remembers the...

Janis & Mackenzie Reed In the late ‘90s, Janis Reed launched her interior design business and began working from home in the lakeside...

Spread Kindness Across ROC & BUF! It’s February in Western New York, which means one thing — well, it’s still winter, but that won’t stop...

Taking care of your skin all year-round is so important, and with the seasons changing your skincare routine may need to adjust along...

Coffee Connection - Rochester Addiction doesn’t discriminate. It touches the lives of people from all backgrounds—rich or poor, black or...

As winter comes and we start spending more time indoors, keeping a clean home becomes a key part of self-care. It’s not just about...

Refocusing on Ourselves with Megan Maley As we approach the holiday season and the new year, we tend to reflect on the past year, what...

The experiences we have while growing up profoundly shape how we celebrate holidays today. Some families choose to recreate cherished...

How to embrace the season with local travel expert Julie Fago When people hear I am from Buffalo, NY, the first thing they think of is...

Wrapped with a Secondhand BoW As the holiday season approaches, the excitement of gathering and giving grows. This year, instead of...

ROC HOLIDAY VILLAGE - A Winter Wonderland Returns with Fresh Experiences and Community Spirit Every December, Rochester’s Dr. Martin...