Food + Beverage

A Nacho Average Friendsgiving

Turn Thanksgiving leftovers into a festive, shareable plate from Alex P. Taylor’s Totally Nachrageous. Article and Photography by For Alex P. Taylor, food has always been about more than what is on the plate. It is about bringing people together, creating a moment, and having fun while doing it. Taylor, known as the “Nacho King,” is the author of Totally Nachrageous: Next-Level Nacho Recipes for Parties, Game Days & Crowd-Pleasing Fun, a nationally published cookbook featuring approximately...

Arts + Culture

The Light That Changed Everything

Pearl & Company transforms resilience into handcrafted candles, meaningful rituals, and memorable gatherings designed to bring people together everywhere. Article by Tricia Gouin, Publisher | Photography by Ally Montemagni Sometimes, the smallest rituals can bring the greatest comfort. For  Pearl & Company founder Kelsey Davey,  that ritual was simply lighting a candle. In June 2022, while working as an on-duty police officer, Kelsey responded to an emergency outside a local grocery store...

Beauty

Get Glowing With Grace Aesthetics

Discover personalized aesthetics, advanced technology, and a radiant holiday glow designed especially for you. Article by Tricia Gouin , Publisher | Photography by Ally Montemagni For  Grace LaValley, DNP , aesthetics is where medical expertise, artistry, and individualized care come together. As the owner of  Grace Aesthetics & Wellness,  Grace has created a contemporary practice centered on helping clients feel confident while enhancing their natural beauty. Grace began her career in...

Food + Beverage

Breaking Bread

Sweet & Sourdough Article by Maureen Sullivan Officially just over a year in business, Sweet Baby Rae’s Sourdough has drawn devoted followers who can’t wait to order sourdough loaves, scones, bagels, and other baked goods. Named after her 7-year-old daughter Raelynn—Rae for short, Sweet Baby Rae’s Sourdough is the creation of Kristin Fontaine of Holyoke. “When she was a baby, we called her sweet baby Rae,” says Kristin, who notes that it seemed the perfect name for the business. Although she...

Food + Beverage

Thanksgiving MVP (Most Valuable Pie)

Hometown nostalgia baked to perfection and served every holiday season. Article by Tyler King | Photography by Angie Guzzo Pies have become synonymous with Thanksgiving, and there’s no better pies than the ones from Rice Fruit Farm.  Rice Fruit Farm is a local treasure in the heart of Wilbraham, Massachusetts. Originally opened over 100 years ago in 1894 as just a farm stand, the fruit farm has grown alongside the town throughout generations. In the late 1960’s, the Rice family opened the...

Home + Design

Where Beauty Takes Root

Article by Tricia Gouin , Publisher | Photography by Rooted Flowers At Rooted Flowers, each season brings a reminder that the most beautiful things begin with connection—to family, community and the land beneath our feet. There is something meaningful about knowing where your flowers come from. At Rooted Flowers, every stem begins with soil, patience and a family willing to tend something slowly, season after season. For this first-generation family farm, growing flowers is about more than...

Beauty

Wicked - Inspired Facials

Thoughtful rituals, personalized education, and skin confidence come together in every facial at Rooted Aesthetics Article by Tricia Gouin | Photography by David Heisler Model- Sierra Hateley Every facial is a collection of thoughtful rituals, from customized skincare to those little moments that help you truly unwind. One of my favorites is a cooling jade scalp massage—a simple touch designed to ease tension, encourage circulation, and elevate your entire facial experience. Education is...

Food + Beverage

A Sweet Escape

Pete’s Sweets turns the bakery into an experience with creative treats, elaborate decorations and a new theme around every corner. Article and Photography by Madeline LeBlanc If you have a sweet tooth like me, Pete’s Sweets in East Longmeadow is a spot you need to experience. This local bakery takes cupcakes, cookies and specialty drinks to another level, but what makes it even more special is that you never quite know what you are going to find when you walk through the door. Throughout the...

Real Estate

Today Real Estate is Showing Up

Article by Amanda Waterfield In a field of over 2,400 Pioneer Valley realtors, Karen Kopeski has been able to stand out and thrive. Her move to Today Real Estate and a change of location last year have given Karen an edge in Western Mass. Today is celebrating one year at its MillWorks location in Westfield, a multi-use mill space that houses offices, photographers, co-sharing space, retailers, and a restaurant. Today Real Estate occupies a large space on the second floor, featuring high...

Food + Beverage

Wicked & Wonderful

Cookbook author Jessie-Sierra Ross sets a grown-up trick or treat table with two bewitching cocktails Article by Jessie-Sierra Ross, Tricia Gouin | Photography by Johnathon Ross Halloween is more than just a night for the neighborhood ghosts and ghouls! For local cookbook author, TV food personality, and former professional ballerina Jessie-Sierra Ross, it’s the perfect time to show you how to get creative with magical floral tablescapes and wickedly delicious cocktails! Jessie-Sierra's years...