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Ringing In the Season

Natural or Lab-grown Diamond Ring? Unwrapping the Differences. Article by Chris Sherritt | Photography by Provided ’Tis the season … to be madly in love and ready to put a ring on it. Even better, Chris Tillery from Facet Jewelry explains the differences between natural versus lab-grown diamonds, so you can make a decision that shines for a lifetime. Visit Facet to see the differences for yourself, shop engagement rings, or create a custom design. Congrats! FORMATION: Give Me a Squeeze ...

Food + Beverage

The Cherry on Top

Putting a Twist on Holiday Salads This Season Article by Carly Tamborski | Photography by Stephanie Meinberg Your great-aunt’s candied yams. The infamous Jell-O fruit salad. Grandma’s fruitcake (comedian Jim Gaffigan has well-known opinions on that festive fiasco—worth looking up). Long-standing traditions aside, holiday meals often feature special dishes for the sake of nostalgia and not necessarily taste. Thankfully, we’ve got a friend in the flavor business—Melanie Cedargren of The Spicy...

Home + Design

Wrap It Up

Pro Tips to Make Holiday Gift-Giving Sparkle and Shine Article by Tera Michelson | Photography by Brianna Richardson Photography Some argue that the best gifts come in small packages, while others claim the most memorable presents come under gigantic bows. One thing’s for certain—when it comes to holiday gift giving, presentation matters. Which is why we turned to professional gift wrapper Amber Blakley, founder of Westfield Wrapper, for her tips on making your holiday gifts stand...

Home + Design

Deck the Mantel

A Fireplace Finish that Radiates the Season’s Warmth and Joy Article by Lisa Fletcher | Photography by Matthew J. Capps Curling up by the fireplace with a warm cup of deliciousness is one of life’s best little pleasures. During the holidays, that charm only grows when your mantel is decorated with florals, berries and twinkling lights—creating a cozy, festive atmosphere. But decorating for the holidays should feel inviting, exciting, not overwhelming—and it shouldn’t break the bank. Hesitant...

Event Planning + Services

Local Experiences

Ring in the New Year at Some of the Hottest Spots in Town! Article by Nicole Browning Fountain Square Party (or skate!) on the Square, with fireworks at 8p and midnight. MyFountainSquare.com   The Belle and the Bear Dance your night away at Montgomery’s favorite music bar. TheBelleAndTheBear.com   Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden Party animals of all ages can walk on the wild side at Happy Zoo Year. CincinnatiZoo.org   Cincinnati Cyclones Indoor fireworks? Puck drops at 6p...

Life + Culture

Confections and Community

How One Longtime Baker Continues to Shine Article by Bill Furbee “I started baking when I was very little,” says Maddie Feder. “On library days in school, others would check out stories or novels … I’d check out cookbooks.” Her passion for baking would continue to grow over the years, and today, she says the kitchen can also serve as a distraction. “From pain, from illness, from stress … from life.” Maddie, who graduated from Loveland High School in 2017, has Ehlers Danlos Syndrome. The...

Food + Beverage

Shelf Life

Loveland’s LIFE Food Pantry Has a Choice New Location Article by Kathy Doane | Photography by Matthew J. Capps The moment the wall clock hits 10 a.m. on a Tuesday morning, the line of early birds waiting outside the Loveland LIFE Food Pantry begins coming through the front door. Each person takes a seat as volunteers and clients exchange cheerful greetings. One person hurries forward to get registered and be shopper No. 1. A few minutes later, she and a volunteer push through the swinging...

Health + Wellness

Breakthrough Relief from Plantar Fasciitis

If you've ever woke up in the morning and taken a few steps only to be met with a sharp, stabbing pain in your heel, chances are you've experienced the all-too-common foot condition known as plantar fasciitis.Unfortunately, plantar fasciitis can greatly impact your daily life and activities. Simple tasks like walking or standing for long periods of time can become painful and difficult. Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that affects countless individuals, causing discomfort and limiting...

Life + Culture

Come In! Everyone’s Welcome!

VFW 5354 Branch Hill Post Has Become a Community Center Article by J.M. Green | Photography by Matthew J. Capps Ask this former Army soldier if he prefers Christian Gonzalez or Chris Gonzalez. He’ll say he’d rather you call him Gonzo. Not an homage to an odd-nosed purple Muppet, but to journalist Hunter S. Thompson. “If you’re a fan, you’ll understand,” he laughs. Which probably means there’s some crazy stories in Gonzo’s past. And there’s the dilemma with many military veterans—there are...

Life + Culture

Local Experiences

’Tis the Season of Thanks: The Perfect Gift Sets Article and Photography by Courtney Kraemer Simply Zero Tea towel, bath bomb, thank you cards—an eco-friendly trio of treasures!  SimplyZero.co   Bike Trail Books/Split Leaf Co. A plant, candle and bookmark—thoughtful gifts from this bookstore-meets-plant-shop.  BikeTrailBooks.co   Lemons and Limes Boutique Kate Spade stationery and bar soap—a unique, elegant indulgence!  LemonsLimesBoutique.com   Rosé Wine Bar Wine lover? Choose a...