Event Planning + Services

Little Animals Creating Big Memories

How Little Dreamers Barnyard Brings Magic Of Animal Connection To Celebrations And Beyond Article by Mel Boban | Photography by Leave It To Beaver Photography Animals are more than just companions; they have the power to spread happiness, spark joy and bring calm to chaos. Sarah Case Murphy, founder and owner of Little Dreamers Barnyard based in Washington, Missouri, is passionate about the importance of animal interactions. She says she sees firsthand the magic that happens when kids, and all...

Local Services

Every Person Belongs

Gateway Down Syndrome Association: 50 Years Of Serving, Supporting And Celebrating People With Down Syndrome Article by Abigail Bosslet Fifty years ago, seven mothers of children with Down syndrome gathered around a table with a simple but powerful goal: to create a better future for their children. It was 1976, and support for families was scarce. Parents often received devastating and inaccurate messages from medical professionals, with some being told their child would never walk, read or...

Arts + Culture

Painting To Heal And Hope

Football Injury Forces Teen To Reframe Life Article by Julie Brown Patton After 17-year-old Jatayvion “JT” Thomas suffered a football-related spinal cord injury that resulted in quadriplegia, the senior found an inspiring-to-all, different form of expression.  With the assistance of therapeutic art via Ranken Jordan's Care Beyond the Bedside program, JT is painting by using tools in his mouth to produce incredible works of art. Kristin LaRose, MSN, RN, CRRN, NE-BC, ACHE, Ranken Jordan's...

Arts + Culture

More Than A Doll

How Olympia Dolls Inspire The Next Generation Article by Kristi Sellers Oftentimes, children's entertainment is increasingly driven by screens and fleeting trends. Luckily, some toys are designed to leave something more lasting behind. Olympia Dolls is one of them, blending imaginative play with timeless stories that have inspired generations for centuries. Founded by entrepreneur Jennifer Oz, Olympia Dolls introduces children to legendary female figures from Greek mythology through...

Life + Culture

Wagging Tails, Playful Personalities

Meet Bogey And Favorite Furry Friends Chosen By Community Votes Article by Kelley Lamm From wagging tails and playful personalities to unwavering loyalty and unconditional love, our pets truly become family. That's why we were so excited to host our first   Cover Pet Contest and celebrate the special companions who fill our homes and hearts with joy. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who entered, voted and shared the incredible stories of their beloved pets. The enthusiasm from our community...

Life + Culture

17th Annual Pedal The Cause

Anyone Can 'Ride' To End Cancer, Sept. 19-20, Assures PTC's Eleanor Goedeke Article by Julie Brown Patton WHAT IS PEDAL THE CAUSE? "It's a charity bike ride (not a race) and community celebration that funds local cancer research at Siteman Cancer Center and Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children's Hospital. 100% of participant-raised donations seed, speed and lead cutting-edge cancer research. To date, we've raised more than $56 million, creating a real impact in fighting cancer." HOW TO GET...

Home + Design

Forty Years Of Timeless Design

Prestige Pools & Spas Celebrates 40 Years Of Creating Sophisticated Outdoor Environments Defined By Craftsmanship, Innovation And Enduring Legacy Article by Stacey Dixson | Photography by Katie Pinkston Celebrating 40 years in business, Prestige Pools & Spas stands as one of the St. Louis region’s most enduring and sophisticated names in luxury outdoor living. What began in 1985 as a family-operated swimming pool company founded by Fran and Joan Struckhoff has evolved into a premier...

Arts + Culture

Twister: The Horse That Paints

A Miraculous Twist-Of-Fate Results In The Birth Of An Equestrian Picasso Article by Robin Seaton Jefferson | Photography by Cameron Glenn His name is Twist-of-Fate, but everyone calls him Twister. Part thoroughbred and part draft horse, Twister is known as a warmblood horse, a combination that gives him both his good looks and kind disposition. It also makes him a fast learner and a good role model. By all accounts, Twister's lucky to be alive at Longmeadow Rescue Ranch, a division of the...

Arts + Culture

Forest Park ForBooksEver

New, Local Interest Books To Explore: "How Forest Park Was Made" & "Forest Park St. Louis Gathering Place Since 1876" Article by Julie Brown Patton Forest Park is a crown jewel of St. Louis, along with being the focus of two new books.  How Forest Park Was Made by   Ian Sullivan Ian grew up in the countryside outside of St. Louis. He says Forest Park became a frequent destination to hunt down adventure, refuel imagination and stumble into learning. Still a St. Louis native, Ian...

Travel

Exploring Ecotherapy

Advice Editorial: St. Louis Area Nature Destinations Just A Hop, Skip And Jump Away Article and Photography by Mel Boban Summer often prompts destination travel for adventurers, but there are plenty of parks to explore close to home that scratch the travel itch. Head to one of these handpicked favorites to soak up Missouri's beautiful, sprawling nature. These spots remind that home can be just as gorgeous as a faraway place. Pickle Creek Trail in Hawn State Park, Ste. Genevieve Just a short...