Silver Bells
Merry Christmas and holiday greetings to all of our readers!
Now that the Red River Valley has turned into a blanket of white, I think it's safe to start playing holiday music— which is a big debate in my family. Do you have a rule for when it's "appropriate" to start playing those holiday tunes? Though I think there's no right or wrong answer, I believe those who are in favor of delaying the festivities might just be in shock that yet another year has flown by— and that's understandable. That said, 2024 brought some memorable
moments, in my life personally, but also for HOME by Trendsetters.
This year, I traveled to many beautiful places, most of which were first-time visits; Georgia, North Carolina, Nashville, and Kansas City, just to name a few. For HOME by Trendsetters, we journeyed all around the Red River Valley, showcasing some of the most beautiful homes I've seen yet, from colorful Airbnbs to rustic lake homes.
Going back to music for a moment— on all of my adventures, I always have something playing as the
backtrack to my experiences. I believe music is like salt for food—it enhances the flavor of life. And since it's "Spotify Wrapped" and "Apple Music Rewind" season (Yes, I use Apple Music and yes it's better than Spotify don't get me started), I figured I'd throw in my favorite songs of the year—including my favorite holiday song.
Top 3 played songs of 2024: "Living in Color" by Audien, "MAGNET" by Gryffin, "Smile" by Martin Garrix
Top 3 Artists of 2024: Martin Garrix, Galantis, Zedd
Favorite albums of 2024: "Telos" by Zedd, "Beyond Us" by Aodhán King, "Moonlight" by Forester
best wishes to you and yours this holiday season.
Josiah Kopp Editor
Favorite holiday song: Surprise—it's the title of this editor's note. Though "Silver Bells" has been covered by many artists, my favorite version is by Andy Williams. It has a timeless sound that gives me a sense of nostalgia.
Thank you for being a part of the HOME by Trendsetters family this year. From all of us at Spotlight,
DECEMBER
2024
Volume 1 Issue 012
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BY BRADY DRAKE | PHOTOS BY JOSIAH KOPP
A Taking Control of Health
STORIES OF TRANSFORMATION AT VALLEY VITAL MEDICINE
t Valley Vital Medicine, there is no shortage of people who have gone through a journey of dealing with health problems to finding a place where they can really take control of their health. Don't just take our word for it. Let's
Medicine for care to help with her chemo side effects and symptoms.
"I talked to Trevor, and they had a good plan for what I needed. It's been wonderful. I've had no side
It’s incredible. This treatment plan here has made all the difference. I have ozone once a week, vitamin C twice a week, and I use the PEMF Mat."
Sharon should know that the treatments are making a difference as she has had cancer three times. "First, it was non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma 35 years ago. Then, after I retired, I had breast cancer about seven or eight years ago. And now, this. At first, I was feeling really tired and unwell, and they were running tests. They thought it might be sarcoidosis because of something on my lungs. They decided to check my abdomen with a CT scan, and that’s when they found the mass on my liver. It turned out to be cancer all along, but no one was expecting that. I’m just thankful they found it when they did. My doctor was shocked that the same cancer came back after 35 years. He thought I was cured, but they say lymphoma is one of the most treatable cancers, and I’m so
Sharon remembers how bad she felt during her past treatments.
"I remember that first week after treatment—I’d sleep my weekend away. The meds, especially the ones for nausea, just made me so tired. Then, the next week, I went to work because I’d just started a new job and didn’t want to use too much time off since I didn’t know what the future held. But I had brain fog. I somehow got through the week, and by the time I started feeling okay, it was time for another treatment. With the support plan at Valley Vital Medicine, it's completely different."
SHARON ODEGARD
MYRA JOHNSON
and she was struggling with a bad shoulder injury that no one could figure out.
"My chiropractor suggested prolotherapy, so I did some research," Myra said. "Valley Vital Medicine was the first one that popped up, and it was close by. I went from barely being able to move my shoulder to having full range of motion again, thanks to prolotherapy shots."
Myra eventually came back to the clinic because she was dealing with chronic Lyme disease and co-infections, which left her feeling really sick.
Trevor Hausauer,
FNP-C, IFMCP and Owner Valley Vital Medicine
because I was going through a bad flare. But I’m definitely getting better. When you’ve had chronic Lyme for so long, it causes a lot of damage. So a lot of the treatment now is about dealing with the damage that’s already been done, as much as it is about treating the disease itself."
Myra says that the ozone treatments and HOCATT sauna have been especially helpful for detoxing. "With Lyme disease, your body can get overloaded with toxins, and mine couldn’t detox properly. The HOCATT has really made a difference."
Myra has also found vitamin C IVs helpful for her chronic respiratory infections, which happen because her immune system is weak from Lyme disease. "Instead of lasting for months, they're gone in just weeks," she said.
When asked if she still feels like she's getting better, Myra said,
Myra's progress has been slow but meaningful. "When I first came, I was barely able to do anything," she said. "I couldn’t keep up with my dishes, and it’s just my husband and me— it’s not like I was chasing after a bunch of kids. Some days, I couldn’t even cook. I had no strength, no energy at all. While I’m still tired because I’m still dealing with it, I’m no longer unable to function. Just yesterday, I went to church for both services, had a Bible study in between, and even cleaned the house. I never could have done that before I started coming here."
Through the innovative treatments and compassionate care at Valley Vital Medicine, Myra has found physical improvement and a renewed sense of possibility. While her journey with Lyme disease is far from over, Myra’s progress reflects the power of personalized care at Valley Vital Medicine.
NEXT PAGE >
KEVIN SOUZA
friend did the wellness experience, and we talked about the whole process," Kevin said. "So I decided I wanted to try it myself. I came up in April, did the test, then returned for a consulting session and got started."
Kevin found out he was aging faster than his actual age and decided he needed to make some changes. "I didn't have any specific health conditions, but I was overweight," Kevin said. "I've been overweight my whole life, even though I've always been active."
Kevin grew up playing football and baseball, and now he plays golf two to three times a week. "I just wanted to stay active, especially for my two
reach his health goals. "He asked me what I wanted to achieve, and I told him—I’m the type of person who needs to see results fast and is willing to do whatever it takes," Kevin said. "In the beginning, I was coming up twice a week for IVs, ozone, and some EBOO. I was also taking vitamin B shots and started on Trevor's reset program right away for the diet. Then Trevor put me on a restricted-calorie plan, and we went from there."
The reset program involved fasting and a detailed plan for eating. Kevin said, "Trevor specified how many ounces of meat, vegetables, and overall calories I should have." So far, Kevin has lost about 70 pounds.
of weight, but then it came right back. This time, the weight came off fairly early, and I haven’t gained any of it back. I’ve just kept losing a little at a time," Kevin said. "Trevor really teaches you how to eat and understand what your body needs, and which supplements are right for you. I have learned you've got to re-evaluate your habits—eat clean, eat good food, and avoid processed stuff. Our lifestyles are fast-paced, so it’s easy to grab fast food, but you have to realize that’s probably not good for you."
ELIZABETH NARASIMHA
"I moved to Fargo a year and a few months ago, and even before that, I found Valley Vital Medicine online while looking for healthcare providers," Elizabeth said. "I knew this was the kind of care I needed."
Originally from Washington State, Elizabeth moved to Fargo for different personal and family reasons. As a mom in a blended family with kids who have special needs, she needed a healthcare provider that could meet her family's different needs. "It was a big change for us, and I was looking for a place that could bring all of our healthcare needs together in one place, which the city of Fargo could, thankfully."
Elizabeth's health journey started long before she moved to Fargo. For the past ten years, she has focused on wellness and natural health, using naturopaths back in Washington. After arriving in Fargo, she wanted a functional medical provider who could give her the personal care she needed.
"I made sure to have a conventional doctor for 'just in case' situations, but I knew I needed either a naturopath or a functional medical provider. That's when I found Valley Vital Medicine," Elizabeth said. "I liked that the clinic has services available right here. It's not just about being sent to different places—I can see a provider, get my labs done, and actually have a
conversation with someone, which is really important to me."
Elizabeth's health needs were complex and didn't fit into one simple diagnosis. "I've been working on different health problems for the last ten years—energy issues, symptoms like fibromyalgia, even though I don't fully agree with that prior diagnosis, and at one point, a prior autoimmune diagnosis, which I don't entirely accept either," she said. Instead of just managing symptoms, Elizabeth has always focused on finding the root of her health problems and helping her body heal naturally. "I'm not interested in just taking something to cover up the problem without actually fixing the root cause. I'm always more focused on understanding what's really going on."
Working with Valley Vital Medicine has helped Elizabeth a lot. "Absolutely the clinic has helped me feel better," she said. "By following their recommendations, my energy gets better, my mood gets better— everything works together. I don't think I've been sick; even if one of my kids gets something, it's mild, and we get through it quickly because we're always giving our bodies what they need to stay healthy."
Elizabeth says that working with Valley Vital Medicine is about taking responsibility for her health. "Coming here means you're really taking charge of your health," she said. "Health isn't just physical—it's
mental, emotional, and spiritual. All these parts make up who we are and our overall wellness. When you come to Valley Vital Medicine, you're sitting down and having a face-toface conversation about your needs, the things that are bothering you, whether it's in your body, mood, or how you're feeling. You're asked what you want support with, to ultimately work toward getting better."
For Elizabeth, the personal care she gets at Valley Vital Medicine is different from anything she's had before. "I do have a conventional doctor in Fargo, and she's great, but she only gets maybe 10 minutes with me, and she has to be quick. At Valley Vital Medicine, you get 30 minutes face-to-face, and you're truly heard and supported. All the staff at Valley Vital are like that—it's a community," she said.
At Valley Vital Medicine, patients like Sharon, Myra, Kevin, and Elizabeth are taking action to take control of their health. If you are ready to do the same, get your first appointment scheduled today.
Book your free Discovery Call here to see if Valley Vital Medicine is the right fit to help you reach your health goals:
The Power of GLP-1 Medications
with Everest Regenerative Medicine
By Josiah Kopp
We love seeing our community of interior designers turn build concepts into beautiful realities, making houses homes, and breathing life into every set of walls they step into—but did you know some designers also specialize in decorating homes for the holiday season? One of those individuals is Christen Anderson of Christen Joy, who gave us a tour of her Moorhead home, "The Dutch," transformed to don the holiday spirit.
Photos by Jill Ockhardt-Blaufuss
"The sunroom is what I’d call our 'kick up your feet and relax' space," Christen said. "At the end of a long day, this is where we love to unwind—maybe with a glass of wine—and just enjoy a quiet, cozy moment. I wanted the room to feel a little more playful and informal, but still full of personality and charm."
Christen has always been drawn to citrustype themes for the Christmas season, which she believes makes the space feel cheerful, fresh, and unexpected. The fireplace garland acts as the centerpiece of the room, overflowing with artificial lemons and oranges in all different sizes, shapes, and colors, offering lots of variation and character. "I love how it came together; it’s vibrant and full of energy," she said.
Throughout the house, Christen wanted to tie in touches of blue with the greens, so in the sunroom, you will see little details nodding to that. For example, the garlands and wreaths include juniper berries and she added blue ribbons to the mantels for a subtle but intentional pop of color. "It’s all about pulling everything together, so the orange in the wreaths complements the citrus in the garland, creating this fun, cohesive look," she said.
She also layered playful accents in to keep the room feeling cozy and welcoming, like the orange throw and the accent pillows, which bring in texture and warmth while keeping the space lighthearted. "For me, the sunroom is all about that balance between relaxed and stylish—just the kind of spot you want to sink into and enjoy," Christen said.
The hanging artwork by Grand Forks artist Katie Lee also ties in perfectly with the holiday theme—truly the start of the inspiration for Christen to run with the citrus theme she’s always adored. The piece is inspired by "Citrus Garden," a classic Schumacher fabric and wallpaper design so popular that it’s part of their vault collection. "[The painting] really became the starting point for the entire concept of the room; it helped me define the look and feel I wanted—fresh, vibrant, and full of personality, " Christen said. "The collaboration felt so natural, and her touch added a beautiful, personal element to the space."
Stepping into the formal living room, you'll notice a different vibe—more polished and grand. "I always joke that this is the space for book club, while the sunroom is where you watch Yellowstone," Christen said. "We added a nine-foot flocked Christmas tree, even though the ceilings are also nine feet. Some people might shy away from that, but I wanted it to feel over-the-top and dramatic."
Instead of a traditional tree topper, the tree itself is the star of the show, with its size and presence taking center stage. "I’ve always gravitated toward flocked trees—there’s just something about them that feels like bringing the outdoors inside," she said. "The white flocking creates such a perfect backdrop, making the ornaments and ribbons really shine like jewelry against the snowy branches."
The design for this room started with the furniture, which inspired the color palette. Christen pulled in shades of green and a mulberry/merlot color that feels rich and
elegant. Berries also became a key element, offering a timeless and refined touch against the flocked tree. "I went all out sourcing the perfect sprigs of berries to create a 'wow' factor, tucking them into the tree, the garland, and anywhere else they could shine," she said.
The wrapping paper under the tree was chosen with a thoughtful, artistic touch. As a passionate collector of artwork, Christen sought to extend her love for art into every detail, including the gift wrapping. The paper she selected was created by an abstract artist who translated their paintings into printed designs.
The ribbon and stockings were chosen to match the same palette, blending the perfect shades of purple and green. Lastly, Christen had custom pillows made, ensuring the entire room felt cohesive and complete. The result is a space that’s both sophisticated and festive, with a color story that flows seamlessly from every detail.
For the dining area, Christen wanted to keep the space clean and functional since this is where she hosts. Whether it’s appetizers, drinks, or full-on dinner parties—everything happens here.
"This serving countertop is one of my favorite features. It has a double-stacked edge, which we chose because we wanted it to feel special—like a built-in you’d find in an old home," she said. The countertop height is also higher than traditional serving countertops, which
makes serving convenient and helps elevate the whole space—literally and figuratively.
"As far as the look and feel is concerned, I’ve always loved blue and white ornamental vases. They’re such a great way to add height and interest to the space," Christen said. Often inspired by the South, Christen incorporated berries and magnolia branches into the decor to help tie the whole look together. "Those [magnolia] trees are just so beautiful," she said.
Stepping into Christen's design studio, you're greeted with a soft white palette with the unique architecture of "The Dutch." The glass-blown chandelier overhead gives a feeling of Disney's "UP" while being overly elegant and unexpected, while the rest of the space shares pops of color while keeping a professional tone.
"We really leaned into the Christen Joy theme here in the studio; I wanted to create an ombré tree, layering different shades of pinks and corals—coral being our brand color, of course," Christen said. "I started with that as the foundation, then added pops of orange for a fun, punchy vibe. Our
designs are all about boldness and vibrant color, and this space captures that playful, unapologetic energy. We had a little fun with the nutcrackers too—I love how cheeky they feel, adding a playful touch that balances the seriousness of the formal living room."
For the wrapping details, Christen selected a mix of patterns to bring the space together. A basket weave tree skirt pairs seamlessly with rattan-inspired wrapping paper featuring hydrangeas, while a bold check pattern adds a striking touch. The result is polished and coordinated, yet full of vibrant personality—perfectly reflecting the energy of the studio.
"While we pulled together the sparkle in The Dutch and our design studio, we also took the time to think about how fortunate we are to do what we love. We wish all our clients and those who follow our work the most joyfilled season and a beautiful 2025. We look forward to all that is to come for our design studio! Cheers from The Dutch, Christen, and George."
OPEN FOR VOTING!
The 2024 HOME by Trendsetters Awards
15 NOMINATED PROJECTS ARE UP FOR THE TOP HONOR
Welcome to the 2024 HOME by Trendsetters Awards. We are honored to have featured so many outstanding projects in Fargo-Moorhead and the surrounding areas this year. From new builds featured in Parade of Homes to DIY remodels, this year's nominated projects cover just about every style you could want in a home. In total, there are 15 nominated projects—get your vote in by scanning the QR code below!
To read the full feature on each project and see where it appeared in this year's HOME issues, scan this QR code:
Voting ends December 31, 2024, at 11:59 P.M. CDT
Now, let's take a peek at the projects!
"The Dutch"
BY CHRISTEN JOY
"The Dutch" is a personal passion project by Christen
This project features the primary and guest bathrooms inside her own home.
Anderson of Christen Joy.
"Unique Contemporary"
BY MONICA HART
This West Fargo home by Monica Hart boasts a floating staircase, a threeseason room that overlooks a pond, a lower-level reading nook, and a home bar and theater area that can be closed off from the rest of the lower level by sound-deafening electronic drapes.
"DIY Kitchen & Dining Remodel"
BY JEFF KOPP
After retirement in 2018, handyman and DIYer Jeff Kopp remodeled his and his wife Sandy's 1993 Beulah, ND, home, providing key tips to other DIYers looking to do the same.
"Milo's Place"
BY
ANDREW & JEREMY
YOUNG
Nestled near Downtown Fargo, Milo’s Place feels more like a fairytale home than an Airbnb rental. Packed with vibrant colors, easter eggs, and history, this rental has so much to offer.
"Katie Sullivan's Home"
BY KATIE SULLIVAN
What began as a builder-grade house was transformed over time into a family home filled with character and meaning—documented thoroughly on Katie's blog, Pretty Domesticated.
"Enchanted EleganceSeattle Home"
BY CHRISTEN JOY
For this Seattle project by Christen Anderson of Christen Joy, the family's goal was to give their children—all under the age of 10—elegant quarters to live and play in—the end result is stunning.
"Rock Wall Bed & Bath Remodel"
BY DESIGN
2 SELL
The homeowners wanted to create a space that felt unique to them; a sanctuary that felt like a collection of their experiences, memories, and travels. For them, the idea of having a rock wall was a main priority. Roxanne Kirby and the Design 2 Sell team made that happen in a magical way.
"Rockinghorse Farm New Build"
BY KLEIN CUSTOM HOMES
When designing the floorplan for this two-story home on Rocking Horse Farm, homeowner and interior designer Traci VanBruggen wanted to create a functional layout that would best suit the needs of her family and their lifestyle.
"River's Bend New Build"
BY TREVER HILL
One of the homeowners' main requests for their West Fargo home was to have a lot of ceiling detail. "One of the things I educate my clients on is layers; you need to have many layers in a space— ceilings are one of those layers that add so much to a space," Trever said.
"Newport Beach, CA Remodel"
BY TREVER HILL
For this California home, the owner teamed up with Trever Hill's team to remodel and flip the home, which was later purchased by a sports star. The end result of this Newport Beach paradise is nothing short of jaw-dropping.
"Rustic Lake Cabin New Build"
BY CENTURY BUILDERS
Wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, the homeowners’ goal for this new build was to have a home that felt like it was an extension of the nature around it; a serene and quiet home that encouraged enjoyment of the outdoors and lake life. The homeowners teamed up with Century Builders Director of Construction Eric DeClercq to bring their dream lake paradise to life!
"MultiLevel Coastal Dream"
BY PRAIRIE
DESIGN
STUDIO & INTERIORS BY DESIGN
Situated on the southern shores of Pelican Lake, this grand lake home stands tall with three levels and 10-foot ceilings, offering endless space for lake living and hosting guests.
“In hopes of utilizing the existing foundation walls, we designed the new home to fit on the original footprint which posed an exciting challenge," Prairie Design Studio Architect Leah Peterson said.
"Lake Ida Remodel"
BY CHRISTEN JOY
When the homeowner of this Lake Ida home approached Christen Joy for a refresh, his top needs were to open up the space in the kitchen, better storage and shelving solutions, change the flow of the entryway, and brighten up the overall space. Beautiful blues, warm woods, and clean whites helped bring the final design a proper modern nautical feel.
"The Pines at the District New Build"
BY DESIGNER HOMES
The custom floor plan of this Fargo rambler by Designer Homes offers a curated spin on their "Remington" layout, blending style and function through a transitional design that balances timeless elements with modern touches.
"Northern Lights Modern Tudor New Build"
BY AB BROTHERS
When Cory Althoff and his team at AB Brothers built this Horace Modern Tudor-style home, their main goal was to build something that would stand out architecturally. They incorporated an abundance of arches and barrel ceilings throughout the design, making for a beautifully unique end result.
There are so many things I want to do and explore,” Carol said. “When I grew up I was always drawing and painting, but growing up in Killdeer, ND, there wasn’t an art department. I took a couple of drawing classes in college, but other than that I didn’t have any formal instruction. In college, I thought about going into art, but I chose accounting. After graduating, I became a CPA and started my business, DFC Consultants. It was a good choice for my life, but while I have always considered myself an artist, I never had an opportunity to focus on it while working. I am now in the position to do that; the time is now!”
Embracing her new goals, Carol is now one of the premier members of the artist cooperative Gallery 4 in Downtown Fargo where she sells her work. From her large canvases to her small refrigerator magnets, her abstract compositions of bright colors and joyful movement catch the viewer’s attention, even when surrounded by the work of other artists. “I love colors—for me, they evoke emotion,” she said. “A lot of people try to find objects in my work. They respond to my work by trying to locate something ‘real.’ I love that people relate to a painting in a way that is best for them. But for me, it is all about the emotions; it’s about putting together shapes and colors to express something that never existed before.”
While her earlier works reflect her upbeat nature with a childlike playfulness and sparkle, Carol’s work has flourished with the opportunity to focus more intentionally. Her more recent pieces reflect richer colors, depth and understanding while retaining the compelling sense of gaiety— her signature.
“There is so much thought in an abstract painting," she said. "For me, it’s often more of a process than realistic work. I am constantly working on values, colors, contrast and design. I strive to create depth, and the colors reflect my moods and what is happening in my life.“ That's not to say she limits herself to abstract work. While very different in style, her pastel landscapes take her love of movement and color in a completely different direction, with varied and subtle shifts of color that evoke a dreamlike quality. “I am really loving pastel; I love the luscious colors; and the impressionistic effects I can extend to my landscapes," Carol said.
In addition, Carol creates commissioned pieces for customers. When she does an abstract commission, she discusses the desired color palette and size with the client, but the style remains her own. “It is fun being able to create really large pieces—it’s hard to do that for the gallery, just due to size restrictions,” she said.
Carol’s love to explore and her joy of trying new things is so much a part of each of her paintings, that it is no surprise that the viewer will often come away with a sense of warm-hearted cheer—as if sharing a journey with a dear friend.
You can see Carol Rogne’s work online at rognefineart.com or stop into Gallery 4 (115 Roberts St N Fargo) to view it in person.
