Style + Beauty

Skin in the Game

Why Skincare Is A Long Game Worth Playing Article by Ashley Grant | Photography by Shannon Bowers Today’s world is built on the expectation of instant results. So when it comes to skincare, investing time and money into healthy, glowing skin can feel counterintuitive. There is no overnight transformation, no one-time fix for a big reveal – and yet, for April Wilkie, esthetician and owner of Healing Hands Skin Therapy in Springfield, Missouri, that is precisely the point. Like any meaningful...

Travel

Welcoming Spring in the Ozarks

As spring awakens across the Ozarks, consider these great ways to welcome its arrival Article by Ashley Grant | Photography by Provided When spring arrives in the Ozarks, it arrives quietly. It delicately tiptoes in by way of warmer afternoons, budding flowers in the fields, and fresh breezes that smell of sunshine. Then, almost overnight, the Ozarks are bursting with new colors, signaling its arrival. In Springfield and beyond, there are many ways to welcome the season for those who wish to...

Finance + Legal Services

A Sound Investment

One Composer’s Commitment to Her Craft and Her Community Article by Ashley Grant | Photography by Ashley Grant While most might reduce the meaning of the word “investing” to numbers on a screen, Springfield pianist and composer Cindy Dittrich has built a life that proves some of the most rewarding returns are measured in confidence and creativity. Cindy’s passion for music began almost before she can remember. Growing up near Chicago, music was a soft yet steady anchor in her daily life...

Arts + Culture

Bold Color, Unbound Freedom

Coloring the community with his creative spirit, Jorge Ortiz has found home and inspiration in Springfield Article by Ashley Grant | Photography by Leigh Love For local artist Jorge Ortiz, art has never been about rules or a single, defined path. Instead, it has been about intuition, emotion, and the quiet but strong pull toward creativity that has followed him from a small town in Mexico to Springfield, his home of over 20 years.   Ortiz grew up in Mexico where his family had strong roots...

Home + Design

Creating Spaces that are Elegant & Efficient

Interior Lindsay Lattner shares tips for designing a livable space that is welcoming and stylish. Article by Ashley Grant | Photography by Leigh Love In today’s homes, beauty alone is no longer sufficient for modern families. Rooms and living spaces are expected to accommodate busy schedules, evolving family needs, and the rhythms of contemporary life, all while still feeling intentional and well designed. Designing spaces that balance elegance with efficiency has become a growing focus for...

Home + Design

Finding Home

Crafting beautiful spaces through family values, trust, and top-tier service. Article by Ashley Grant | Photography by Leigh Love Despite its Metropolitan status, Springfield remains a community where neighbors feel like extended family and fine craftsmanship and superior customer service are the crux of a business’s reputation. GoodLife Home Renovations is one such business and is quickly becoming one of the most trusted names in home remodeling. But the history of this blossoming business...

Food + Beverage

Secret Family Recipies

Mercedes Jenkins and her father share their secrets to a strong family and indulgent desserts Article by Ashley Grant | Photography by Provided Walking through the doors of Thicc Cakes is like walking into a fragrant fairytale – one filled with the scent of sugar, butter, and pure bliss. For Mayre Mercedes Jenkins, who owns and operates the business with the help of her father, Bari Jenkins, this sweet venture has been a childhood dream come true. Baking has always been Mercedes’  favorite...

Home + Design

Design that Endures

Chad Holgerson on Homes, Patience, and the Power of a Plan Article by Ashley Grant | Photography by Shannon Bowers When talking to Chad Holgerson about design, it’s clear he isn’t interested in chasing trends. He’s chasing something far more lasting: homes that endure—quietly, beautifully, and for a very long time. Holgerson, founder of Keystone Creative in Springfield, Missouri, has spent decades observing how people live in their spaces and the problems they encounter, long before...

Home Services

Thinking about sprucing up a bathroom but not sure where to start? Silver Tile and Stone brings playful pro tips and professional know-how to help transform any basic space into a relaxing oasis.

Tip 1: Pick your tiles like you pick your friends — stylish but reliable. Large tiles can make your shower look bigger and are a breeze to clean.Tip 2: Nooks aren't just for reading — build recessed shelves in your shower for shampoo, soap, and secret snack stashes (okay, maybe not the snacks).Tip 3: Don’t underestimate the power of lighting. A well-lit shower can boost your mood and highlight those killer tile choices.Tip 4: Waterproofing isn’t glamorous, but it’s like a superhero cape for your...

Event Planning + Services

Exploring Cultures of the World Without Leaving Springfield

Arlie’s Farm illuminates the idea that home can be both a sanctuary and an adventure Article by Ashley Grant | Photography by Shannon Cay Tucked into a picturesque countryside, Arlie’s Farm feels like a passport to the world - without the jet lag. Unique offerings of this family-owned oasis are its rental properties that draw visitors from all over the country who are searching for a piece of paradise and a taste of culture. With a passion for design and travel, Beth Combs has infused every...