Life + Culture

Crowd Pleasing Comfort Foods

Fall entertaining has never been easier than with these deliciously simple recipes. Article by Lauren Lane & Amanda Stout | Photography by Janie Jones Photography Whether you plan to host family for holiday festivities or come together for a Friendsgiving you’ll need plenty of options to feed a crowd. Lauren Lane knows how to make everyone feel cared for and cozy. As a distinguished culinary influencer recently showcased on a Netflix cooking competition, Lauren has cemented her status as a...

Life + Culture

Sharing Gratitude and Thanks for the Season

Locals share their love for community and what they are thankful for during the holidays. Article by Amanda Stout | Photography by Provided We are so thankful to be a small part of the Mason and Deerfield community–sharing the good news about its people, businesses, nonprofits and vibrant events. We hope the reflections from a few of your neighbors inspire gratitude for your traditions and the special community you call home.  Dynette Clark When I look around, I can't help but feel...

Arts + Culture

Holiday Home

Designer tips to make your home shine for the season. Article by Tera Michelson | Photography by Anjali Fong Photography It’s time to deck the halls! Are you stuck in a holiday rut? If your style has lost its sparkle, it may be time to refresh. Local interior designer and owner of Sacksteder’s Interiors, Karen Sacksteder accepts the annual challenge of sophisticated and affordable holiday makeovers. With thirty-six years in design, she has a well-trained eye and a contagious penchant for...

Life + Culture

Fall Into Running Season

Start a new tradition with these family-friendly fall races, each benefiting local nonprofit organizations. Article by Jonathan Stout | Photography by Provided Countryside YMCA Patriots 5K & Trail Run The Countryside YMCA Patriots 5K & Trail Run takes place at Countryside YMCA in Lebanon on November 2 at 9 a.m. and supports their Veterans Connect program. For every 10 registrations, the YMCA sponsors a veteran in Warren County to participate in a 12-week program focused on age-appropriate...

Life + Culture

Picture Perfect Focaccia

Surprise and delight your family and friends this fall with savory, decorative focaccia bread. Article by Stephanie Amlung & Amanda Stout | Photography by Cathy Lyons–Lyons Photography Decorative Focaccia Bread Recipe Servings: 24 Ingredients 16 ounces warm water (110 ° F), divided into 2 bowls. 1 tablespoon granulated sugar 7 grams of active dry yeast 2 ounces olive oil, for making the dough 1 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon flaky sea salt, for sprinkling...

Life + Culture

Nothing’s In The Water

It’s all natural for these local entrepreneurs and their bottled water. Article by Pamela McWhorter | Photography by Provided How can you take some of the world’s best water and make it even better? Former Procter and Gamble colleagues Erik Loomis and Satinder Bharaj, PhD, say they’ve found a way, and it’s called Pahhni® Premium Alkaline Water. Their startup business—which springs from the award-winning waters of the Great Miami Buried Valley Aquifer in Hamilton, Ohio—has been making a splash...

Life + Culture

Get to Know Your Onions

Peel back the layers of cooking with different types of onions. Article by Tera Michelson | Photography by Provided The onion is a flavor superstar. Sometimes sweet and sometimes savory, onions are a versatile and essential ingredient, adding depth and richness to a variety of recipes. No matter how you chop, dice or slice it, the onion is a culinary staple in almost every culture.  Onions 52 knows onions. As a leading grower, packer and distributor of onions nationwide, they focus on one...

Life + Culture

The Gift of Fun

Karen Wellington Foundation strives to put fun on women’s calendars for making memories during difficult times. Article by Marie Kriedman | Photography by Provided The Karen Wellington Foundation (KWF) aims to make cancer easier for women and their families. Karen Wellington was the inspiration for it all. She was diagnosed with breast cancer at 30 years old and passed in 2007 at the age of 40. The foundation strives to capture Karen’s energy, zest for life and spirit by focusing on the joy of...

Life + Culture

Culinary Adventure

Mason’s Looking Glass Hospitality engages all the senses with their newest dining experience, Alara. Article by Tera Michelson | Photography by RVP Photography On a busy corner in Madison Square, a new hot spot beckons diners to a fun food experience that engages all the senses. An enchanting setting for business and pleasure alike, Alara is a delightful restaurant with an adventurous seasonal menu that’s the secret sauce of its success. One of seven local restaurants under the direction of...

Home + Design

No Pane, No Gain

Take a peek inside to learn how making better windows is a Gilkey family tradition. Article by Kathy Doane | Photography by Matthew J. Capps & Provided You might have seen one of Gilkey Window Company’s TV commercials where founder Mike Gilkey is surrounded by his little grandkids. He’s enthusiastically preaching the virtues of the family product to his mildly interested young audience. It’s cute, it’s sweet, ending with Mike’s commitment “to building the best windows for you.” If making...