Travel

Where Wellness Meets Travel

At Xinalani in Puerto Vallarta, the goal isn’t escape—it’s reconnection. Article and Photography by Megan Bohannon Imagine waking up to a warm breeze and the sound of waves crashing into the shore instead of an alarm clock and a screen full of notifications. From an open-air jungle shala tucked into the hillside, the day begins slowly: local cuisine, movement, yoga and rest. In a culture obsessed with productivity, optimization and the perfect morning routine, that kind of stillness feels...

Finance + Legal Services

Building More Than Wealth

How Jodie and Dan Orel built a family-centered financial practice in Blue Springs Article by Mary King | Photography by Megan Cason For 30 years, Jodie and Dan Orel have helped families in Blue Springs plan for the future, protect what matters most and build long-term financial confidence. Through their Primerica office in Blue Springs, the couple focuses on helping individuals and families navigate everything from buying their first life insurance policy to mapping out a path for retirement...

Life + Culture

Before Blue Springs was Blue Springs

Exploring the early history of Blue Springs and the people who helped shape it Article by Katarina Brewer | Photography by Blue Springs Historical Society What comes to mind when you pass the “Blue Springs” sign as you drive down I-70, or when someone asks you to tell you about the place you call home?  Maybe you think of the top-tier schools or local parks you’ve enjoyed with family and friends. Perhaps a specific event, business, or restaurant comes to mind.  For many years, Blue Springs...

Food + Beverage

Sweet Summer Kabobs

An easy, fresh grilling recipe perfect for backyard dinners and summer cookouts Article by Katarina Brewer Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Nothing says summer quite like the smell of food cooking on the grill. These pineapple chicken kabobs are a fun and easy go-to meal. This recipe combines the sweetness of pineapple with homemade marinade for a delicious dish full of summer flavor. One of my favorite things about kabobs is how simple they make dinner for the whole family. Everyone can build...

Finance + Legal Services

A Man Worth Knowing

Chad Smith on faith, family and the quiet work of showing up Article by Grace Utlaut | Photography by Krier Photo If you’ve spent any time around Blue Springs, at a Chamber luncheon, in a church classroom, or on the sidelines of a youth basketball game, chances are you’ve crossed paths with Chad Smith. A longtime State Farm agent, husband, father, coach, and Sunday school teacher, Chad has spent decades investing in the people and places that make this town feel like home. At the heart of it...

Arts + Culture

Music and Imagination Collide

How the Art That Blows is turning retired instruments into a future of belonging Article by Katarina Brewer | Photography by Provided What happens to a trumpet that can no longer play a note? Or a violin that played in its last show? In the music world, this is a heartbreaking moment for any musician, but The Band of Angels takes these “unplayable” instruments and turns them into masterpieces with a mission.  Since 2014, the Band of Angels has been taking retired instruments that once served...

Education

Beyond the Forecast

How Pete Grigsby’s broadcasting career is shaping students at Blue Springs South High School Article by Katarina Brewer | Photography by Janie Jones For many years, he has been a voice of calm during a thunderstorm, guiding us through the unpredictable Midwest skies. But instead of seeing Pete Grigsby on air during a weekday morning broadcast, you’ll find him at Blue Springs South High School, working with students on the fundamentals of storytelling, production, and communication. At school...

Home + Design

Honest Maids to the Rescue

Even the busiest moms deserve a little relief and a fresh start Article by Breanna Hicks | Photography by Amanda Krier Crystal knows what it’s like to have a busy household. As a mom of a teenage son and a young daughter, her days are filled with responsibilities—keeping up with schedules, manages a home, and makes sure everyone is taken care of.   A few years ago, Crystal faced an unexpected challenge. In 2022, she found herself laid off and navigating the uncertainty of being a single mom...

Health + Wellness

More Than Skin Deep

Inside Indigo Med Spa, where connection comes first Article by Mary King | Photography by Janie Jones At first glance, Indigo Med Spa offers what you might expect: facials, injectables, skin treatments designed to help women look and feel their best. But step inside, and it becomes clear; this isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about something deeper. “This isn’t just about beauty,” said Suzanne Singleton, owner of Indigo Med Spa. “This is a movement.” A Shift in Purpose Indigo Med Spa...

Shopping

Mother's Day Gift Guide

Support local and celebrate Mom with the perfect gift Article by Katarina Brewer | Photography by Krier Photo Trying to find the perfect Mother’s Day gift? Make this Mother's Day meaningful with a gift found close to home. We’ve rounded up some of the most unique local finds in beauty, wellness, home, and style to help you find the perfect match for every woman on your list. Explore our selection and find the perfect gift for the amazing women in your life. 1. Swimwear, cover-ups, and...