Home + Design

How to Style a Bookshelf

Home Decor Tips from Amy Tinnin with A Cup Full of Sass Article by Amy Tinnin | Photography by Ashley Michele Photography An empty bookshelf can sometimes feel intimidating. It’s easy to overthink and not know where to begin. These styling tips are ones I use when decorating my shelves.  1. Start with Books A great place to start is by stacking books both vertically and horizontally to add interest and create a spot for layering.  2. Family Photos Framed family photos make a shelf feel...

Home + Design

Crafting a Legacy

Built for the Moments That Matter: Legacy Sawyer + Craft Article by Kayle Nephew | Photography by Stephanie Zaricor, Jake Nelson The scent of sawdust hangs in the air—a warm, earthy reminder of the hands at work. Inside a quiet workshop tucked in the woods of Black, Missouri, thick slabs of walnut and hickory rest against the walls, each with their own stories waiting to be written. This is where craftsman Jake Nelson begins his process, one that’s equal parts patience, precision, and...

Style + Beauty

A Glimmer of HOPE in Every Cinderella Story

A smile. A reflection that finally feels like you—inside and out : The Glass Slipper Article by Kayle Nephew | Photography by Stephanie Zaricor For some, it’s a gown. For others, a suit. For many, it’s the first time they’ve ever felt truly seen. It’s the quiet confidence that replaces doubt, the moment you stand a little taller—not just because of what you’re wearing, but because of how it makes you feel. At The Glass Slipper in Fredericktown, Missouri, this transformation happens every...

Home + Design

Celebrate in Style

How Pretty Porch Co. is Helping Parkland Families Stress Less, & Decor More Article by Kayle Nephew | Photography by Stephanie Zaricor, Lauren Michele Productions What would you do with a little more time and energy? Two things we never seem to have enough of—and once they’re gone, they’re gone. Imagine reclaiming the hours you’d normally spend running from store to store, lifting heavy mums and straw bales, coordinating colors, or untangling a string of lights. What if someone else took...

Life + Culture

Homemade Dog Food

Recipe from Amy Tinnin - A Cup Full of Sass Article by Amy Tinnin | Photography by Ashley Michele Photography My two pugs are more than pets—they’re part of the family. That’s why I started making their food at home, and it’s been one of the most popular posts on my blog. You may be surprised just how easy this recipe is. I add all the ingredients to my slow-cooker to cook, and my dogs love it. If you decide to try this recipe for your pet, please consult your veterinarian. Every dog has...

Education

From Educator to Author

How Jennifer Huff is Turning the Page in Retirement Article by Kayle Nephew | Photography by Stephanie Zaricor For Jennifer Huff, retirement wasn’t an ending—it was the spark of something new. After decades of pouring her energy into the Central and North County School Districts, where she trained teachers, introduced new technologies, and helped students fall in love with learning, Jennifer found herself missing the hustle. She missed the kids, the camaraderie, the purpose. So, like any...

Local Services

Jackson's Journey

Ringing the Bell, Sharing the Joy Article by Kayle Nephew | Photography by Destiny Borgmann, Stephanie Zaricor When you meet Jackson Wood, it’s easy to see why so many people have rallied behind him. With an infectious smile and a brave spirit, Jackson has endured more in his young life than most ever will. Diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) just after turning three, he and his family have faced years of hospital stays, treatments, and uncertainty. But out of this journey came...

Professional Services

Hope, Hooves, and Healing

How Stacey Gillette and T-K Ranch Are Bringing Innovative Therapy to Local Kids Article by Kayle Nephew | Photography by Stephanie Zaricor In the stillness of a country pasture, where the only sounds are the rhythm of hooves and a child's quiet laughter, a unique type of therapy is bringing healing to those determined to find hope. Not every wound is visible. Not every cure comes in a bottle. Sometimes, it begins in the soft nuzzle of a horse, the steady hand of a therapist who refuses to give...

Food + Beverage

Say Cheese!

A Look Inside the Award-Winning Cheeses of Baetje Farms Article by Kayle Nephew | Photography by Stephanie Zaricor In the heart of Ste. Genevieve County, hidden among the lush green hills of Bloomsdale, lies a destination that feels more like the French countryside than rural Missouri. Baetje Farms, a local gem with global recognition, is producing some of the most award-winning goat cheese in the world—and they’re doing it with heart, heritage, and a persistent dedication to quality. The...

Event Planning + Services

The Iron Knot

Rooted in History, Reimagined with Love Article by Kayle Nephew | Photography by Destiny Borgmann On a quiet stretch of Church Street in Bonne Terre, Missouri, a century-old chapel and its surrounding buildings have found new life, and purpose, as The Iron Knot ; the town’s newest wedding and event venue. With its curated charm, meticulous renovations, and a story rooted in history and hometown pride, The Iron Knot is more than a place to say “I do.” It’s a testament to the history and...