For years, only body hair on men was seen as acceptable. Women have been conditioned to shave almost every inch of their bodies. Though shaving is still perceived as the “norm,” things are finally changing. The perception that body hair on anyone besides men is gross or dirty must change. Not only is body hair natural, but making people waste their time and money on shaving so that they won’t be shamed or judged is absurd.
Read MoreA world-renowned prodigy in storytelling, Taylor Swift continues to run the industry and relate even more to people’s lives just when you think she has already said everything you needed. “Midnights” explores the concept of “what keeps you up at night,” the songs highlighting these different midnights of her life with recollections of relationships, significant moments of her career, moments of self-doubt, and more.
Read MoreAlthough it’s frightening to think that October is already here and midterms are lurking in the dark corner of the room ready to jump-scare us any second now, this month also symbolizes the best part of fall. The weather is starting to hit that perfect temperature, and the anticipation for Halloween is almost unbearable. If you’re anything like me, you know that Halloween is the best holiday.
Read MoreLatinas in TV, film, and other forms of media often have an exaggerated, stereotypical reputation. Latinas in the media are often seen as “exotic,” tempered, very curvy with a small waist and large breasts, showing more cleavage than other characters and usually wearing fitted clothing. These are things that exacerbate the sexualization of Latinas. There is nothing wrong with a confident Latina who decides to show their curves, but that shouldn't be the only type of Latina we see on our screens.
Read MoreWhether she’s assisting customers in her store, working at a farmer’s market, or parked outside a local business, there’s always a chance to visit Tasha Adams and her plants. Hickory Lane Plants is a local, female-owned plant nursery that will never leave you disappointed. From her adorable green trailer named Lucy, to a newer white truck named Joe, to a full storefront, Hickory Lane has become an essential (and the first mobile) spot for plant people.
Read MoreCatalina is a growing sensation that started right here in Springfield. They are an alternative band with an indie rock sound that is often compared to Pinegrove, My Chemical Romance, and All Time Low by listeners. I interviewed Lennon Rauhoff, lead vocalist, about starting the band, their music, and what comes next.
Read MoreOne of my favorite ways to treat myself is to buy myself flowers. It’s a classically romantic gesture that seems to have been lost throughout the years, but flowers make a perfect gift for any occasion (even if the occasion is to celebrate yourself!). Luckily, Springfield’s local floral experts at Fleur Floral Studio offer customers a variety of blooms to suit every taste and brighten your day.
Read MoreHave a birthday coming up that you want to be special but have no idea what to do for it? Or maybe have some plans but have no clue what to wear or how to decorate? This guide is for you! Let’s face it, you are special and there’s no reason you shouldn’t be the center of attention on your special day. If you’re looking to celebrate your birthday in style, follow the guide below to plan the perfect party that is bound to impress.
Read MoreLooking for a worthwhile stop here in Springfield? Check out Hakaar’s Bazaar at 217 W Commercial Street, a retro vintage shop specializing in rare furniture, home goods, and vintage clothing ranging from the 1950s to 1970s.
Read MoreAre you getting bored of your biweekly trips to Walmart or Price Cutter? Always getting the same grocery staples and never spicing up your shopping list? If you have been craving a change of scene when it comes to grocery shopping, Culture Counter Commons is a breath of fresh air.
Read MoreWhether you’re looking for something to lighten up a hard week or a story to make you think more about the world around you, seeing a movie at an indie theater is a great option. Luckily, Springfield has one that engages a wide variety of audiences: Moxie Cinema. Since 2005, the Moxie has operated as a non-profit, independent theater providing the community with unique and local movie showings.
Read MoreHow many times have you looked at a Pinterest bedroom filled with plants and thought “I wish I could do that”? For some, the thought of keeping a plant alive is impossible. Owning a houseplant (or 30) can seem overwhelming, but with the right guidance and a little bit of patience, anyone can be an amazing parent to their little green companions.
Read MoreAnyone familiar with pop culture and film knows the name Wes Anderson. His reputation for aesthetically-pleasing, perfectly-hued, symmetrical cinematography goes far beyond that of most directors. But what exactly makes up his directing style, and how do his movies look so pleasing to the eye? We’ve put a spin on our favorite film covers to showcase what makes a Wes Anderson a Wes Anderson.
Read MoreIt’s National Pie Day, but Springfield’s local pie experts at Prairie Pie have their own special reason to celebrate— the business is celebrating its one year anniversary as a brick and mortar store. Owner Eleanor Taylor spent years baking wholesale pies for pre-order, but now, anyone can stop by the shop, housed on Jefferson in what used to be Vito’s Kitchen, to try out their wide variety of sweet and savory pies.
Read MoreDowntown Springfield welcomes a new, bright and airy coffee shop, Green House Coffee + Affogato Bar. Located at 431 S. Jefferson Ave. Suite 172, Green House specializes in affogato. The Italian coffee-based dessert is made with a scoop of ice cream or gelato, topped with a pour of espresso or strong brewed coffee.
Read MoreDinner parties no longer have to be long, boring, drawn-out meals; they can be a wonderful escape from the everyday hustle and bustle of college or adult life. By following a few simple steps, you can throw a glamorous and fun holiday dinner.
Read MoreNestled amongst the other cozy homes lining historic Walnut Street, Pagination Bookshop serves as a warm and welcoming space for book lovers of all kinds. Visitors of the indie bookstore are invited to experience what co-owner and MSU English professor Jennifer Murvin calls the “magic of the browse” by exploring the shelves of carefully curated stories inside the historic home.
Read MoreThe first time I ever saw the Emmy award-winning show, “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” I knew I wanted to be a part of the culture. The glamour, humor, performing, and extravagance was so enticing I couldn’t resist the overwhelming need to be a drag queen. When season twelve of the show was airing, I saw a queen by the name of Crystal Methyd on the show, and she just so happened to be from Springfield, MO. I was planning on going to Missouri State University in Springfield the same year to pursue a higher education, so I knew that was my queue to get in the drag scene as soon as I could.
Read MoreRemember back in middle school when you’d stay up late under the covers, face lit up by the dim light of your phone screen as you scrolled through the latest One Direction fanfiction? Or maybe you remember substituting the public library for AO3 where you read Harry Potter AUs? Maybe you still do. No judgment.
For many of us, reading for pleasure seems like ancient history, and the only book you actually remember liking wasn’t even a book, but a story conjured up by a 14 year-old Directioner typing away in their bedroom. Now that you’re older, you might be wondering how to get yourself to read an actual book, and to that I say, look to the past for inspiration. There are plenty of books out there full of romance and drama reminiscent of your favorite works of fanfiction. If you want to ease back into reading with quick, easy to digest stories that are still well-written and engaging, here is a list for every taste.
Read More
All throughout history, fashion has been used to communicate people’s identities to the world. Because being LGBTQ+ has historically been unaccepted by mainstream society, participating in these fashion identifiers usually happened in secret. The community would use certain accessories or styles of dress to communicate to one another their sexuality without the rest of the world knowing the code. Using fashion identifiers that only the in-crowd understood has been an important part of queer fashion history, with many examples.
