Beauty

Beauty from Within

Beaux Mondes Salon and Spa Weaves Wellness + Beauty in a Tranquil Transformation Article by Tera Michelson | Photography by Amanda Lippert Photography Beauty that comes from within is unstoppable. Confidence and joy glow through healthy hair, skin and nails. Beaux Mondes Salon and Spa in West Chester embraces the fact that beauty and wellness go hand in hand. New Owner Michelle Clapsaddle believes that when we feel our best, we look our best. She is leading the popular spa through a makeover...

Fitness

More Than a Workout

F3 Nation is Changing Men’s Lives Article by Tera Michelson | Photography by Lowell Michelson On a cold, winter Saturday in West Chester, just before the sun is up, 15 local men are gathering at the Union Centre clocktower to work out. The guys of F3 Nation are pumped to greet the day and each other for an hour of sweat therapy. More than 5,000 groups of men like this one will meet in 410 regions around the world at various times throughout the week to exercise together. Not only are they...

Sports + Recreation

Fencing Finesse

Regional Fencing Tournament En Garde at Liberty Center Article by Mike Burcham | Photography by Provided by USA Fencing A unique event is coming to Liberty Township in February. The Queen City Cup youth fencing tournament is making its Butler County debut at Liberty Center, showcasing the finesse and skill of this strategic sport. “We’re thrilled that the Queen City Cup fencing tournament will be hosted in Butler County in 2025,” said Kathryn Rawlinson, vice president of marketing and...

Health + Wellness

Breathe Easier

The American Lung Association is Creating a Healthier Future for Southwest Ohio Article by A.J. Lape | Photography by Provided by American Lung Association The American Lung Association (ALA) has been a steadfast advocate for lung health, addressing respiratory diseases like asthma, COPD and lung cancer. With a mission to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease, the organization’s work impacts communities across the country, including right here in Southwest Ohio. From...

Life + Culture

Wrap it Up

Pro Tips to Make Your Holiday Packages Shine Article by Tera Michelson | Photography by Brianna Richardson Photography Some argue that the best gifts come in small packages, while others claim that the most memorable presents come under gigantic bows. When it comes to holiday gift-giving, presentation matters. We turn to professional gift wrapper Amber Blakley, founder of Westfield Wrapper, for her tips to make your holiday packages shine this giving season.  Stock a Wrapping Station Prepare...

Life + Culture

Christmas Cheer

Kids 'N Cops Program Strengthens Community Bonds During the Holidays Article by A.J. Lape | Photography by Provided by West Chester Township The holiday season can be a time of joy and togetherness, but for some families and children, it can also bring challenges. To spread cheer and ensure every child feels special, West Chester’s Kids ’N Cops program—part of a national initiative by the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP)—works to make a difference. Each year, officers from the West Chester...

Food + Beverage

Winter Menu

Delight Family + Friends with Savory Salad + Festive Focaccia Article by Stephanie Amlung, Amanda Stout + Carly Tamborski | Photography by Cathy Lyons–Lyons Photography + Stephanie Meinberg Your great-aunt’s candied yams. The infamous Jell-O fruit salad. Grandma’s fruitcake. Long-standing traditions aside, holiday meals often feature special dishes for the sake of nostalgia and not necessarily taste. Thankfully, we’ve got friends in the flavor business—Melanie Cedargren of The Spicy Olive and...

Travel

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, the town has loads of unique shopping, vibrant restaurants and family-friendly activities.  “The holiday season in a town called Santa Claus is pretty...

Entertainment

Celebrate the Season

The More the Merrier at West Chester’s New Holiday Family Fun Day—December 7 Article by Tera Michelson | Photography by Provided Mark Saturday, December 7 in your calendar—the volunteer elves of C3 Caring Community Collaborative (C3) have been preparing a day of holiday fun to celebrate the season. The nonprofit organization committed to bringing our community together invites you to take a break from the holiday rush and join your neighbors at The Square @ Union Centre for the local party of...

Life + Culture

Red Kettle Season

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year to Give to The Salvation Army Article by Mike Burcham | Photography by Provided The act of giving is what makes the holiday season such a magical time. There may not be a better example of giving than The Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign. “I like to say that we were the original crowdfunders,” says Julie Budden, divisional director of development for Salvation Army’s Southwest Ohio Northeast Kentucky Division. The Red Kettle Campaign started in 1891...