Life + Culture

Celebrating the Golden Moments

Kevin and Natalie Ballard of Golden Hour Jewelers create jewelry that tells your story Article by Patti Zielinski | Photography by Leigh Love To Kevin and Natalie Ballard, owning jewelry is an experience: It celebrates love, commemorates milestones, is a living history of a family’s legacy. When you look at a beloved piece of jewelry, it recalls the person who gave it to you or the feeling you had when you purchased it. When the Ballards were conceptualizing Golden Hour Jewelers, which...

Fitness

Where Every Kid Belongs — and Battles Hard

The War Zone in Battlefield, MO brings big play energy Article by Patti Zielinski | Photography by Tiffany Enowski When Lisa and Chris Clay were seeking a safe, fun way to occupy their two oldest sons during their summer break while they worked, they spoke to Vanessa Grimaldi, owner of the War Zone Nerf Arena, which is close to their home.  “I explained to Vanessa that the boys were our foster kids and we were adopting them. That immediate relationship we built with Vanessa made us feel...

Local Services

Second Chances Daily

Build trust and better behavior through expert dog training near Springfield, Missouri. Article by Patti Zielinski | Photography by Jess White One of the things that Brandon and Summer Gerhardt love most about owning Howliday Inn Pet Resort in Rogersville is watching the transformation in the dogs they train. “Sometimes, we are their last stop: If this training doesn't work, the dogs may never find a home or their owners might have to give them away,” Summer says. “We watch them get their...

Arts + Culture

Texas Hill Country Road Trip

9 Must-Visit Small Towns for a Charming Getaway Article and Photography by Craving a scenic escape that blends natural beauty, historic charm, and laid-back adventure? This curated road trip through the Texas Hill Country offers a picture-perfect route filled with dance halls, wine tastings, creekside strolls, and small-town treasures. Salado Begin your journey in Salado, a peaceful enclave known for its artistic spirit and quaint downtown. Stroll the tree-lined Main Street, visit working...

Life + Culture

From Hunger to Hope

Convoy of Hope fulfills its mission of feeding children, empowering women and growing communities worldwide Article by Patti Zielinski | Photography by Clayton Gilligan, Convoy of Hope A woman’s social media post spoke volumes: “Please donate to Convoy of Hope, because cheese sandwiches and chainsaws saved my life.”   In 2017, when Hurricane Harvey devastated the Houston area, Convoy of Hope jumped to action to help people—like the woman who later posted her gratitude—take care of their...

Wellness

Summer Skin, Uncomplicated

Expert insight from Healing Hands Skin Therapy Article by Donna King | Photography by Madi Taylor This summer, we’re leaning into light, warmth—and the kind of skin that glows because it’s truly cared for. In a season made for movement and sunshine, it’s the perfect time to explore not just new routines, but new ways of thinking about skin health. April Wilkie, founder of Healing Hands Skin Therapy and a trusted skincare professional for over 30 years, shares how to approach your summer...

Life + Culture

Golden France

A Journey through Sud Touraine Article by Natalie Ballard, Golden Hour Jewelers | Photography by Provided For this issue of Explore, we invited Natalie Ballard of Golden Hour Jewelers to share a glimpse into a lesser-known corner of France that has inspired both her work and her sense of home. Through the vineyards and villages of the Sud Touraine region, she reflects on what it means to discover beauty—in craft, in place and in community.   If you speak to a Parisian, they will surely...

Wellness

Horses of Hope

Inside a Missouri nonprofit where healing begins with horses Article by Donna King | Photography by Jess White In the quiet pastures just outside Rogersville, Missouri, something transformative unfolds. It doesn’t involve fluorescent lights, waiting rooms, or clipboards. It begins with the sway of a horse’s back, the steady rhythm of hooves, and the warm breath of an animal trained not just to carry—but to connect through a safe relationship. At Horses of Hope, therapy isn’t about control...

Style + Beauty

Timeless Timepieces

Expert Guide by Golden Hour Jewelers’ Kevin Ballard Article by Kevin Ballard Kevin Ballard, co-owner of Golden Hour Jewelers, has worked in luxury watches for over twenty years, and was trained by some of the world’s most exclusive brands, notably Vacheron and Patek Philippe. Here are Kevin's top watch choices. Dress Watch : Maker - Jaeger Le Coultre  Model - The Reverso  Timeless sophistication and class. The quintessential dress watch on strap. Its elongated case is timeless in design and...

Arts + Culture

Harmony and Heart

Inside Springfield’s Barbershop Harmony Society Chapter Article by Tina Lesniak Barbershop music is more than a nod to the past — it’s a living, breathing art form thriving in communities like Springfield, Missouri. At the center of this harmonious movement is the Springfield chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS), a vibrant collective that extends well beyond the traditional quartet format. According to Paul Olguin, Springfield Sound director and BHS member, “We are actually more...