Every day a new skincare hack or serum blows up on the internet. "This got rid of my acne instantly" or "This serum changed my life," are claims we often hear right before the next fad comes. Peyton Ragen, owner, and creator of 417 Sacred Skin focuses on a different approach. "I believe that true beauty starts with healing yourself. When you feel better about your life, body, and surroundings, the outside matches that." Before going to esthetician school, she knew she wanted to focus on natural ingredients but never knew her holistic business would start even before she graduated.
Read MoreAt first glance, being a vegan or choosing to eat a plant-based diet in Springfield Missouri sounds like a difficult feat. Although it might be surprising, the vegan population in Springfield has grown exponentially in recent years, and the community has responded to this change. Plant-based eaters can now find a vegan option at many restaurants in Springfield, and grocery stores (even Walmart) are starting to accommodate vegans with fully plant-based sections in their stores. Amy Bennett is the owner of the recently opened vegan fast food joint, Bosky’s Vegan Grill. Bosky’s is now one of the very few restaurants in town that provides a fully vegan menu.
A local vintage clothing start-up collaboratively founded by Elijah Baig and Sam Fuson (@elijahbaig_ & @sam.fuson on Instagram), Springy Jeans has catapulted its way toward success. Specializing in curated vintage pieces, Springy drops new collections every weekend, with said drops happening digitally as well as in their retail space. Since last interviewing with the brand about two years ago, Springy Jeans as a brand has made its way into the hearts of those who love refined vintage pieces. Elijah and Sam, the co-founders have since moved to Los Angeles, now primarily doing pop-up shops around the iconic city, putting pieces up for sale on their website, as well as managing their flagship store, Springy on Walnut, here in downtown Springfield. Wanting to do an update to document their recent success, I reached out to Sam to ask a few questions.
Read MoreTake a moment to think about your favorite song. Why is it your favorite? Is it the way it sounds? Does it spark a memory? Maybe an emotion? How does it make you feel? However you feel, music creates strong emotions that we resonate with on a deeper level.
Read MoreKnitting is often thought of as a cozy, little craft done by grandmothers who sit in rocking chairs by a softly crackling fireplace. They have glasses with chains and use shades of blue and brown to make sensible cable-knit sweaters. While this is an accurate portrayal of some knitters, it is NOT a portrayal of them all.
Read MoreFor 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.
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