Arts + Culture

Innovating with Heart and Balance

Creative Visionary Behind Ponchairo Balances Work, Life, and Dreams Article by Tina Lesniak | Photography by Tiffany Enowski Necessity, as the saying goes, is the mother of invention. For Melissa DuVall, this adage sparked a creative journey that has intertwined her personal and professional life. Her invention, the Ponchairo—a blanket that fits like a poncho and can be stored on a chairback—epitomizes both practicality and ingenuity. What began as a cold day at her son’s baseball game has...

Travel

Oklahoma's Premier Destination

Explore the Charm of Monkey Island Article by Tina Lesniak Nestled on Oklahoma’s Grand Lake O’ The Cherokees, just about two hours from Springfield, Monkey Island is a jewel of the Midwest—a place where luxury meets recreation, and family memories are made against a backdrop of stunning natural beauty. For Ryan Stoner, an avid golfer and local insurance professional with Premier Insurance, the area, and its premier resort destination Shangri-La Resort, is more than just a vacation spot; it’s a...

Local Services

Transforming Lives

How Least Of These Food Pantry is Empowering Families Amid Rising Need Article by Tina Lesniak | Photography by Mountain Pine Studios In 2024, Least Of These, Inc. continued its work as a cornerstone of hope and support in southwest Missouri, serving 14,460 families and 42,903 individuals. The holiday season highlighted the growing need, with 1,252 families receiving assistance in December. Executive Director Kristy Carter and her team of 300 dedicated volunteers and six staff members have...

Life + Culture

Unique Date Ideas

New Experiences on Valentine's Day Article by Tina Lesniak | Photography by Photos provided Creative Escape Glass, 1700 South Campbell Ave, Suite H, Springfield “Our most popular special event is our Valentine's Date Night when couples tend to make more of an effort to find something unique to share,” explains Rebekah Santiago, owner/artisan at Creative Glass Escape. “Not only do they enjoy the experience of creating something together, but they will have that beautiful glass piece forever...

Health + Wellness

Nature's Reset

A one-day transformation inspired by the cycles of nature Article by Donna King, Integrative Nutrition Health Coach Nature reminds us of the power of resetting. Trees shed their leaves, rivers carve their banks, and seasons shift to make way for new growth. These cycles of renewal aren’t just limited to the outdoors—they offer a framework for our lives. Whether it’s organizing a closet or a mounting to-do list, the process of simplifying, letting go and resetting is refreshing. This simple...

Home + Design

Happy, Healthy Home

Prepping your house for health and a potential sale Article by Rob Bell Home environments shape our thoughts, feelings, and actions. Selling a house involves creating a healthy, inviting atmosphere that puts buyers at ease. These tips will help you market your listings as happy, healthy homes. No Clutter Clutter-free spaces are essential for healthy homes. Prioritize decluttering and tidying every room. Consider renting a storage unit for most of your belongings. If that’s not an option, box...

Health + Wellness

A Lifestyle for Longevity

Reinventing life and business with holistic wellness Article by Tina Lesniak | Photography by Provided At 40, Nancy Bogart faced a pivotal moment in her life. A mother and entrepreneur, she found herself at a crossroads—her health and lifestyle needed a change. Motivated by her own struggles, and with her husband Ron who was also ready to make changes, Nancy decided to transform her life. Today, she stands as a testament to resilience and reinvention. “When we hit 40, he and I decided to make...

Fitness

Life Transformation Inspires Others

Fitness, nutrition, and empowerment combine Article by Tina Lesniak | Photography by Tiffany Enowski Not everyone grows up an athlete or health enthusiast. Some people discover their potential later in life. This is the story of a person whose passion for fitness and nutrition was born from personal transformation. Today, Cassie Dimmick leads a thriving health and wellness community, empowering others to live their best lives. “I am passionate about fitness and healthy eating for all people...

Finance + Legal Services

Celebrating Generations of Compassionate Banking

State Bank's Year Round Spirit Article by Patti Zielinski | Photography by Leigh Love At State Bank of Southwest Missouri, employees and customers are more than just names on an account. One of the most heartwarming scenes in the 1946 Christmas classic It’s a Wonderful Life is when George Bailey, the small-town banker, offers care and compassion to his customers in Bedford Falls. George sees his customers not as numbers on a spreadsheet but as people with hopes, dreams, and sometimes...

Life + Culture

Give Back Through Convoy’s Gift Catalog

Every item donated supports people in need through Convoy of Hope’s programs. Photography by Provided By donating through the Gift Catalog, you’ll provide more than a gift to people in need … you’ll provide hope. Every item and bundle featured represents the work Convoy is doing around the world to help vulnerable people.  Browse all items at convoy.org/CL    (417) 851-4466   Disaster Relief Items Food & Water for a Family – $50 After a disaster strikes, basic necessities become...