Arts + Culture

Holiday Magic In Santa Claus, Indiana

Nostalgic holiday traditions for the whole family to enjoy are just a car ride away. Article by Sarah Skate | Photography by Spencer County Visitors Bureau Live reindeer, miles of light displays and delicious gourmet treats are just a few of the magical Christmas offerings for Santa Claus, Indiana visitors. About three hours southwest of our area, the town has loads of unique shopping, vibrant restaurants and family-friendly activities.  “The holiday season in a town called Santa Claus is...

Arts + Culture

Unique Holiday Fun

Try out a new tradition this holiday season with our curated list of family-friendly activities. Article by Amanda Stout | Photography by Provided We all have our favorite local traditions during the holiday season. Whether taking a stroll through the Cincinnati Zoo’s Festival of Lights, getting lost in the story and music of the Cincinnati Ballet’s Nutcracker or ice skating with the family at Kings Island’s Winterfest, many of us have made memories at these nearby staples. This year we...

Life + Culture

Giving Back the Joy of Childhood

A Kid Again provides hope for families with empathy and camaraderie. Article by Jonathan Stout | Photography by Provided A Kid Again, whose local chapter is located in Montgomery, provides consistent, year-round, free adventures for children with life-threatening medical conditions and their families. These adventures include a Valentine's Bash, Kings Island days, Cincinnati Reds games, BB Riverboat rides, Newport Aquarium visits, Cincinnati Zoo excursions and more. At these adventures...

Arts + Culture

Heartwarming Holiday Books

Librarians from Mason Public Library reveal their favorite books for the season. Article by Marie Kriedman | Photography by Provided Curling up with a good book is a favorite pastime for book lovers eager to get lost in a new story, but winter adds an extra special touch of coziness. It’s the perfect time to grab a soft blanket, set a favorite drink and bowl of popcorn nearby, and settle in contentedly with the pages of a good book while watching gently falling snow. To help you get in the...

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...

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

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...

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

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...