Missouri Magazine 2021 Winter Issue

M i ssoMuagrazine i

MISSOURI'S PREMIER MAGAZINE

BeccaVarner Air br u sh Tan n in g Gu r u / Ow n er Th e Br on zin g Bou t iqu e Cu st om Air br u sh Tan n in g

In this

ISSUE

Winter Issue 2021

44

Missour i Magazine

Celebr ating Why We Love Missour i

St ay i n g C ozy

16

Faces o f M i sso u r i

62

T i ed T h e K n o t

DEPARTM ENTS Publisher ?s Note 8 Staff 10

34

L et 's Go Gl am p i n g

Recipes 54 Events 82

Cover Photo Credit: Rachel Hays Becca Varner The Bronzing Boutique

#EXPLOREM ISSOURI

Jefferson City, Missouri

Publisher'sNOTE

Ready for Spring I don't know about you but I am ready for Spring! For the warmer days, flowers blooming and enjoying the outdoors. This issue is dedicated in memory of my beautiful grandma Joanne S. McKeone.

Thank you for reading our current Issue. Our team had a lot of fun putting together our latest issue and we hope you enjoy it. This issue features Faces of Missouri, delicious recipes, fashion and so much more.

Celebrating why we LOVE Missouri and uplifting the community is a big part of our mission at Missouri Magazine. That's why we love #TheFacesofMissouri, which features a series of conversations with people who live and work in Missouri. Meet the heart and face behind The Bronzing Boutique located in Jefferson City, Missouri Becca Varner.

We have amazing local businesses featured throughout our current issue. We hope you will stop in and say hi to these businesses and other businesses throughout Missouri. Let them know you heard about them at Missouri Magazine. We love celebrating Missouri and local businesses.

Hope you enjoy all that life and Missouri has to offer!

Cherish Life,

Cheri Cranford 573-284-5406 hello@missourimagazines.com Proverbs 3:5-6

M i sso u r i M agazi n e Fou n der & CEO

Cheri Cranford Cr eat ive Dir ect or

Ashley Bullard Con t r ibu t in g Wr it er s

Tiffany Ash Bennet Bodenstein KatherineMiller Con t act M issou r i M agazin e CDM Media Group, LLC. 205 N Oak Street Stover, MO 65078 573-284-5406 hello@missourimagazines.com Missouri Magazine is published bi-monthly

by CDM Media Group. T he opinions expressed by contributing writers are not necessarily those of the publisher or of Missouri Magazine. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without prior consent of the publisher. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication. However, the publisher cannot assume responsibility for errors or omissions. ©2021 CDM Media Group.

Missouri Magazine welcome unsolicited manuscripts and photographs. Please email submissions to Cheri Cranford at hello@missourimagazines.com

MI SSOURI MAGAZI NES.COM Proverbs 3:5-6

FACES OF M ISSOURI | THE HEART BEHIND IT ALL

Facesof Missouri

B ecca Varner The Br onzing Bout ique "One of my favorite things at Missouri Magazine is celebrating the people and heart behind so many amazing businesses throughout the state of Missouri. As I type out the interview, I always love reading the inspiration/heart behind their business. From the first time I met Becca I felt like I have known her my entire life. What a beautiful boss babe inside and out Becca is. She is a mom, business woman, entrepreneur, tanning guru who strives to bring the best tanning experience and products to you. It is my pleasure to introduce to you, Becca Varner, the face behind The Bronzing Boutique in Jefferson City, Missouri." -Cheri Cranford, Founder & CEO of CDM Media Group, LLC.

M issou r i M agazin e: Tell us a little about yourself and your journey.

Becca Var n er : I am a momma to three children, 17, 8 and 5. I was born and raised in Jefferson City, Missouri.My degree is in psychology, trade is in banking and passion is bronzing my clients (leaving them feeling better than they came in).

M issou r i M agazin e: Tell us your role at The Bronzing Boutique by Becca.

Becca Var n er : I am the owner and tan-guru of The Bronzing Boutique M issou r i M agazin e: Share a little about Bronzing Boutique by Becca with our readers.

Becca Var n er : The seed for a spray tanning business started when my mom got skin cancer for the third time. I grew up going to tanning beds with my mom and went to them myself in my teens. However, my love for the sun came with the awareness that I needed to be safer about it. After the birth of my second child, my passion grew to become my own boss. I started The Bronzing Boutique in 2012 with a studio in my home and I became the first ever mobile tanning business in JCMO. There is an importance to balance. I protect my skin with SPF and I?m all about that extra glow with my top of the line, vegan, cruelty free, brown, and violet based airbrush solution.

M issou r i M agazin e: What do you love most about living in Missouri?

Becca Var n er : The outdoors! I love getting outside and being any body of water, I can. We are always chasing the next adventure as a family and being in the moment.

M issou r i M agazin e: What are your family?s favorite activities?

Becca Var n er : We love pool time, vacations to experience something that gets us out of our comfort zone and movies.

M issou r i M agazin e: Where can someone find you when you are not at work?

Becca Var n er : I?m a self-development junky so I love learning more about myself and others: psych major :), Working out, running, traveling, in the mortgage business during the day, East and West Co Ambassador, Co-Creator of the Holiday Mart JC, spending time with friends to unwind.

M issou r i M agazin e: What do you consider your greatest professional achievement?

Becca Var n er : Cultivating balance between mind, body and spirit within my family, friends, career and my business.

M issou r i M agazin e: Do you have a favorite local charity?

Becca Var n er : I am one of three founding co-creators of the Holiday Mart JC that raises funds for various local organizations in the JCMO area through a one-night shopping event. We have raised funds for The Central Missouri Foster Care and Adoption Association, Cody?s Gift, Iserve, Special Learning Center, Samaritan Center, Halo Inc M issou r i M agazin e: What are some of your local favorite places?

Becca Var n er : Love sushi (you can find a roll named after me lol) The Katy Trail, Meadow Lake Country Club, Studio573, Barvino or Vines on Broadway M issou r i M agazin e: How did the name of your business originate?

Becca Var n er :I researched and wrote down close to 100 names, I chose the top 10 and let my closest friends and family narrow it down.

M issou r i M agazin e: What inspired you or led you to your current career?

Becca Var n er : I think I have a quick-witted response to that. I am a banker by day and see naked people at night. :) But in reality, cultivating positivity, grown, self-love, entrepreneurship, healing or even financial freedom is just scratching the service to all I do in days?work.

M issou r i M agazin e: How long have you lived in Missouri?

Becca Var n er : Born and raised M issou r i M agazin e: What has kept you here?

Becca Var n er : My kids, they are all school aged and we have been so lucky to grow in and through this community. I?ve been so lucky and appreciative of the contribution we have been able to provide to JCMO. M issou r i M agazin e: What is something on your bucket list?

Becca Var n er : Well just a few weeks ago I would have said skydiving but Check...just did that one!!! It was one of the most indescribable experiences of my life besides giving birth. In addition, I?ve wanted to travel overseas more (Africa 2021-2022), expand my footprint beyond JCMO and Kearney MO and get my kids through school with a little less gray hair :)

M issou r i M agazin e: What is your favorite thing about Missouri?

Becca Var n er : My community of JCMO, local adventures, good food M issou r i M agazin e: What is your favorite restaurant in Missouri and what do you love there?

Becca Var n er : Love Sushi, I?ve been going there since they first opened, I love this family-owned business. You can even get a Becca roll. :) M issou r i M agazin e: Who is the most interesting person you?ve met in Missouri?

Becca Var n er : It might sound cliche but every person I met is interesting. I believe nothing happens by chance, it?s a meant to be moment. Each person that I come across has a story and an impression it meant to leave in my life for some reason or another.

M issou r i M agazin e: What is something interesting that most people don?t know about you?

Becca Var n er : Phone a friend. lol don?t have one here.

M issou r i M agazin e: Where do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years?

Becca Var n er : Primarily running The Bronzing Boutique as a full-time gig and working on early retirement.

M issou r i M agazin e: How did you get started in the tanning business?

Becca Var n er : I?ve always been an avid spray tanner, but I wanted to offer something different than what we had. I wanted a more natural product that was safer on the customer and the environment and an incredible customer service experience.

M issou r i M agazin e: Tell us about your day.

Becca Var n er : I first take time for me. I pray, read, meditate, journal, make my coffee then I?m off to dropping kids off to school, then I start my day providing advise guidance and education in the banking world, then I?m off to tanning my amazing clients. Any off day is spent working out and running my business behind the scenes.

M issou r i M agazin e: What is some spray tanning tips you would like to share with our readers?

Becca Var n er : #1 Don?t be afraid of it.

There is still such a misconception that a "spray tan" is going to turn you orange.

That is not the case anymore. You want to prep, prepare the day of and have a good consistent aftercare system in place. Like I tell my clients its 50/50, we are a team that if we follow the rules then the outcome is going to be that flawless.

M issou r i M agazin e: Do you have any specials for your tanning clients?

Becca Var n er : I always run Limited Edition scents for personally made and launched Get Naked Body Scrubs. They

Becca Var n er : The people, the journeys, the stories, the love they pour into me as much as I pour into them. Making an impact on some cellular level for each person I come in contact with that they believe they are capable of so much!

M issou r i M agazin e: What drives you most in life and your career?

Becca Var n er : To provide a sense of stability for myself and my kids. Be a game shifter.

M issou r i M agazin e: What is your favorite quote?

are ever changing, edible, all natural, gluten and paraben free to prep for your tan or on your own. My best sellers have been coffee/mint (can we say cellulite reducer), Hot Apple Cider (tea bath soak). I have had so much fun creating these based on things I enjoy. Example: Bourbon Vanilla, Candy Cane, Moscato Wine, Essential Oils, Charcoal Detox, Raspberry Lemonade.

Becca Var n er : Get up, do the work and get better. -Kobe Bryant M issou r i M agazin e: What choices have you made to invest in yourself and your own success?

Becca Var n er : There have been some sacrifices for sure, but as my family has shifted within owning my business for 8 years, I shift with it. I?m so lucky to have the clients that grow and change with me.

M issou r i M agazin e: What are your steps for success?

M issou r i M agazin e: What is ahead for Bronzing Boutique by Becca?

Becca Var n er : Clear a path for your dreams, be clear on those dreams and surround yourself with mentors and friends that help you to level up and get out of your own way when its needed.

Becca Var n er : I?ve already expanded to Kearney; Missouri and I want to grow my team both locally and statewide.

M issou r i M agazin e: Where does your inspiration come from?

Becca Var n er : I?m a self-growth addict so I?m always working on the next level of achievement. However, I?m raising 3 tiny humans that I want to be a mirror shifter/game changer for them to do whatever they desire. I?m finally learning that I need to divorce the outcome and marry the process and that has changed dramatically in the way I run my life.

M issou r i M agazin e: What is your favorite part about your job?

M issou r i M agazin e: If you could go back in time and give yourself one piece of advice what would it be?

Becca Var n er : If I have asked for the change, growth, new goals, I need to also have the patience, grace and give myself a break.

M issou r i M agazin e:Anything else you would like to share with our readers?

Becca Var n er : It?s never too late to be what you want to be.

For more information about The Bronzing Boutique by Becca follow them on Facebook or call 573-680-4758.

M ost Beau t if u l People in 2020 w ill be an n ou n ced on Apr il 30t h Photo Credit: Joe and A Camera

AT HOM E| STYLE

Ho m e TrendingStyles We are loving all the gorgeous details at the new Courtyard in Jefferson City, Missouri by Thomas Construction. It's a must see from the beautiful rock work to every detail throughout the hotel.

Thomas Construction is a leader in commercial & residential construction & architecture company serving the Midwest region for over 30 years.

Thomas Construction offers their clients excellence service in new construction, remodeling & restoration.

573-348-3636 www.thomasbuilder.com

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Let'sGo Glamping

Escape t o Cam p Lon g Cr eek at Big Cedar Lodge Summer is in full swing; longer days, later nights and of course, sweeter moments.

Between the hustle and bustle of daily life and the growing list of weekend engagements, it is easy to find yourself at

Camp Long Creek at Big Cedar Lodge is the perfect place for you to disconnect from your hectic lives and reconnect with the people that mean the most to you.

There?s something about camping that refreshes the soul and reminds us to appreciate nature and the way it draws us closer through shared adventure. the end of summer wondering where the time has gone. Before summer slips away, take some time to getaway, unwind and relax in the great outdoors.

Imagine pulling up to a campsite where you are first greeted by friendly staff with genuine Ozarks hospitality. As you drive down the road you catch a glimpse of a beautiful infinity pool with a cabana. Not

Mountains, Big Cedar was originally a country retreat for two wealthy Missourians in the 1920?s. It wasn?t until 1987 when Johnny Morris, founder of Bass Pro Shops, purchased the land that it became the Premier Wilderness Resort that guests from all over the world have come to love.

too far off you see The Canteen in a vintage airstream buzzing with people enjoying their favorite summertime snack. Go a little further and there you find your Glamping Tent, your home for the next few days as you experience the Ozarks and all it has to offer.

Each glamp-site features its own outdoor living space, complete with privacy fence, stone patio and a free-standing soaking tub surrounded by candles and a fire pit.

Inside, you are greeted by a king size bed crowned by a chandelier. Just a few feet from there, notice your outdoor deck with an unmatched view of Table Rock Lake. Welcome to your getaway, where camping and comfort truly meet.

Fir st , t h er e w as Big Cedar Lodge To understand Camp Long Creek, it?s important to know where it all began; Big Cedar Lodge. Nestled deep in the Ozark

Spreading across 4,600 acres in the wooded hollows, overlooking sprawling Table Rock Lake, Big Cedar has an endless list of amenities and attractions.

One of the most treasured activities is the growing game of golf. With four courses designed by some of the top names in golf; Jack Nicklaus, Arnold

Palmer, Tom Watson, Gary Player, Tom Fazio, Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, Big Cedar is quickly becoming known as America?s Next Great Golf Destination. A fifth course, Payne?s Valley, is well underway and will be the first public access course designed by Tiger Woods.

Incorporating the beauty of the Ozarks into every shot, the golf experience at Big Cedar is one to add to your bucket list.

Another guest favorite is the 18,000 square-foot Cedar Creek Spa which features artisan details and nature-inspired décor. A grand, double staircase will lead you to your luxurious treatment room complete with its own cozy fireplace. You?ll also find a full-service salon, indoor grotto pool, steam and ice room and private outdoor showers.

The fun doesn?t stop there! Big Cedar offers spectacular restaurants, two full-service marinas, a 50,000 square-foot activity center, unparalleled fishing and countless outdoor adventures. There are also many accommodations to fit any style, from private cabins surrounded by wooded beauty to grand lodges lined with rustic elegance. Now, with the new addition of Camp Long Creek, Big Cedar offers a completely new way to stay ?

Glamping.

Glam pin g in t h e Ozar k s Located just minutes from the heart of Big Cedar Lodge, Camp Long Creek is an

outdoor paradise surrounded by thousands of acres of unspoiled wilderness. From handcrafted furniture to the s?mores kits waiting for you when you arrive, this glamp-site offers the signature creativity and attention-to-detail that noted conservationist, Johnny Morris, is known for.

Camp Long Creek offers 40 custom retreats that combine the rustic appeal of the great outdoors with the relaxing comfort of today?s modern amenities.

The nature-inspired accommodations include open concept luxury Glamping Tents, Camp Huts perfect for a couple?s getaway, spacious One Room Camp Cabins, and family-friendly One Bedroom Camp Cabins. All of the accommodations are temperature-controlled and include a kitchenette and indoor plumbing. While the lodging is an experience in itself, you will also have access to a variety of amenities.

Located on-site, Bass Pro Shops Long Creek Marina offers boat and personal watercraft rentals, fishing guides and supplies and everything you need to get out on the water. To cool off, take a dip in the infinity pool or enjoy lake ?beach? access. In addition to the many restaurants at Big Cedar, Camp Long Creek offers three dining options: The Canteen Grill, The Cabana by the pool and Lady Liberty. Inside a vintage airstream, The Canteen offers camping favorites like cheeseburgers, hotdogs, and cold beer. While relaxing by the pool you can enjoy seasonal snacks and drinks

at The Cabana. For a truly unique dining experience, set sail on the Lady Liberty, a beautiful 62-foot luxury yacht. This two-hour fine-dining experience includes delicious food, live music and views of Table Rock Lake.

With so much to do, don?t let another day pass by without making time for the moments that turn into your favorite memories.

So, take a break from your everyday routine and reconnect with the ones you love in the great outdoors. Book your glamping getaway at Camp Long Creek today! www.BigCedar.com

LoveLetters

Love Letters designs and sells t-shirts for the city and sport you Love! We love how their line makes you feel beautiful and confident even in a t-shirt. When we came across Love Letters we knew we had to share ?Love Letters? t-shirts with our readers. There are so many t-shirts to choose from. You will fall in love with this line.

Love Letters started in 2013 with two friends LeAnn and Amy. They both had a mutual passion and a whole lotta coffee and haven?t looked back since. Their major love for their city and the people who live there. They wanted to share that love and feeling with women everywhere.

Love Letters pride their selves with special designs and an amazing fit all while striving to have a little something for everyone at a really sharp price!

Dress them up? Dress them down?

Doesn?t matter, you?re going to look amazing either way! Love Letters is a labor of love and they?re loving every minute of it!

Sh oplovelet t er s.com

AT HOM E| LIFESTYLES

W INTER DECOR

stayingcozy oncoldnights

By Ch er i Cr an f or d

Add neutral colors to your home decor. You can do this by adding throw pillows and a comfy throw to your favorite chair.

This makes for a perfect area to grab your favorite book and get cozy and warm.

During the winter and colder temperatures outside bringing warmth into your home by adding candles. Add candles to your mantle and make sure to add different sizes to your candle collection. Candles makes your home serene and relaxing.

Another fun idea is to create a space for a tired tray. You can decorate every month for the occasion . This is a fun idea to do as a family.

We love having a hot chocolate or coffee bar in our home. You can create a fun space for the kids to make a warm cup of hot chocolate after playing in the snow.

LoadedBakedPotatoSoup INGREDIENTS 6 slices bacon 1 tbsp. butter 2 cloves garlic, minced 1/4 c. all-purpose flour 4 c. whole milk 4 large Potatoes, cubed kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper 3/4 c. shredded Cheddar, plus more for garnish 1/2 c. thinly sliced scallions, plus more for garnish sour cream, for garnish

DIRECTIONS In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 8 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and let cool, then crumble.

In a large pot over medium-high heat, sauté butter and garlic.

Add in milk and flour. Whisk constantly, until slightly thick, about 5 minutes, then add potatoes and season generously with salt and pepper. Increase heat to a simmer. Cook potatoes until creamy and tender, 25 minutes.

Stir in cheese and scallions until creamy.

Serve topped with crumbled bacon and garnish with sour cream, scallions, and cheddar.

AntipastoStuffedChicken INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

Preheat oven to 400°. Place chicken on a cutting board and make 5 slits in each breast, being careful not to cut through completely. Transfer to a baking sheet.

2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil 1 tsp. dried oregano 1/2 tsp. garlic powder Kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper

Drizzle olive oil over chicken and season with oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

1/4 lb. deli ham 1/4 lb. salami 4 slices provolone, halved 1 c. drained and sliced pepperoncini

Stuff each chicken breast with ham, salami, provolone, and pepperoncini, then sprinkle with olives and Parmesan.

1/3 c. chopped assorted olives 1/4 c. freshly grated Parmesan Freshly chopped parsley, for garnish

Bake until chicken is cooked through and no longer pink, about 25 minutes. Garnish with parsley before serving.

IN THE KITCHEN

Thai Basil Chicken INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS

3 tbsp. canola oil

In a wok or large cast iron skillet over high heat, heat oil. Add bell pepper, shallots and garlic, and cook, stirring frequently, until golden, about 2 minutes. Add chicken and cook, breaking up the chicken into small bits, until cooked through, about 3 minutes more.

Add chilis and toss to combine.

1 red bell pepper, stemmed, seeded, and chopped 3 shallots, thinly sliced 5 cloves garlic, thinly sliced 2 lb. ground chicken 2 Thai bird's eye chilis, thinly sliced 1/3 c. low-sodium chicken broth 1/4 c. oyster sauce

Pour chicken broth, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and sugar into the wok and cook, stirring, until thickened. Add basil and toss until wilted.

1 tsp. fish sauce 2 tsp. granulated sugar 2 c. packed Thai basil leaves Cooked rice, for serving

Serve over rice.

INGREDIENTS

BloomingApples

Cooking spray 4 tbsp. melted butter 1 tbsp. packed brown sugar 1 tbsp. granulated sugar 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon 4 apples 8 chewy caramel squares Breyers Natural Vanilla ice cream, for serving Caramel, for drizzling

DIRECTIONS FOR OVEN Preheat oven to 375° and grease a medium baking dish with cooking spray. In a small bowl, whisk together butter, sugars, and cinnamon.

Slice top off of each apple then use a melon baller (or a teaspoon) to scoop out core. Using a paring knife, make two circular cuts in apple. Place apple cut side down on a cutting board and slice crosswise, being careful not to cut through the core.

Place cut apples in a small baking dish. Fill each apple with two caramel squares, then brush melted butter mixture on top. Bake until the apples are tender, about 30 minutes.

Serve warm with ice cream and drizzle with caramel.

FOR AIR FRYER In a small bowl, whisk together butter, sugars, and cinnamon.

Slice top off of each apple then use a melon baller (or a teaspoon) to scoop out core. Using a paring knife, make two circular cuts in apple. Place apple cut side down on a cutting board and slice crosswise, being careful not to cut through the core.

Fill each apple with two caramel squares, then brush melted butter mixture on top. Place cut apples in basket of air fryer. Bake at 350° for 15 to 20 minutes.

Serve warm with ice cream and drizzle with caramel.

By Bennet Bodenstein

There?s a new sheriff in town; no, make that a new winery. The name is Knotty Vines and their object is to offer the consumer the best possible wine quality at an affordable price; a task at which they have more than succeeded. By careful selecting of the grapes, the Knotty Vines vintners produce wines that are well above the quality that their price tag might indicate. I know that I may have gotten a bit excited about these wines but when I find a value I like to scream value.

Kn ot t y Vin es 2018 Caber n et Sau vign on ($14.99).Before even tasting this wine I was impressed with the way it was presented. Honoring the ancient tradition, the wine is presented in the classical cabernet sauvignon style bottle with the sides of the bottle gently sloping from wide at the top and thinner at the bottom. I know that the bottle doesn't indicate the quality of what is inside it but it is good to see that the Knotty Vines vintners are thoughtful enough to conform to tradition and that to me, is a plus. The next plus came when I sampled the wine; affordable or not, this wine showed me everything that a good cab should be like. The aroma was pure cab,blackberries, plum, cocoa, and oak.The flavor shows the traditional cassis and is backed up by cherry, raspberry and chocolate which carry on to the luscious finish. I believe that if you removed the label and

TheWineSearcher: I ntroducingKnotty Wines served the wine to a wine aficionado, it could pass for a wine that should command a much higher price. Plain and simple, I liked it and I am sure you will too.

Kn ot t y Vin es 2018 Ch ar don n ay ($14.99).

This wine, for a modern affordable California, makes a very loud statement.

Here again I am impressed by the quality of this wine. Let me start: The wine is a chardonnay that boldly presents its attributes and definitely not one of those wimpy chards we encounter all too often today and has enrolled many new members into the ABC (Anything But Chardonnay) club. This wine proves that an affordable chardonnay can be made without losing everything that we seek in a chardonnay. This chardonnay is heavy with the aroma of apple, apricot. pineapple, along with notes of spice in the background. These fruit aromas carry over to the taste and then on to the finish where it ends in that special mouth feel that is the trademark of a better Chardonnay.

Kn ot t y Vin es 2018 Pin ot Noir ($14.99). I saved this for last because it was the one that troubled me the most; the wine was very light in color. While Pinot Noir wines are normally a bit lighter in color than the other reds this one looked more like a dark rosé. It is not uncommon for pinot noir makers to add skins from a previous vintage or even the skins of other varieties to darken their wine. It appears that pinot noir wine lovers like their wines dark. The Knotty Vines 2018 Pinot Noir may not pass the color code but it is really and truly a pinot noir, and a very nice one at that. The wine opens with the traditional black cherry augmented by a very obvious aroma of pomegranate with vanilla and a suggestion of oak. The flavor reprises the aroma with the addition of plum, vanilla and just the right amount of oak. The finish is fresh and alive with summer dark berries and lasts for a very long time. This is a really interesting wine. I will be truthful, I approached this wine with the idea that it was some poor, weak imitation of a fine wine that I would not bother to write about because print space is too valuable to waste on junk. I must admit that I liked the wine and I was amazed that such quality would sell for such an affordable price. Forget the color, try this wine.

B rad and R achel Wint er Wonder land St yled Phot o Shoot by: KB Phot os & Design www.k bphot osanddesign.com

Lake of the Ozarks is always beautiful during the summer. Few know the quiet beauty of the winter season here in central Missouri. Missouri winters can bring snow storms, which transform wooded forests into breathtaking winter wonderlands. It might be cold outside, but it shouldn't stop couples from having a romantic engagement session in the middle of winter! There's something special about walking on fresh powder, holding hands, and snuggling up close to keep warm. We hope this photo shoot inspires engaged couples to brave the elements of nature (hot, cold, or wet), seek out adventurous destinations with jaw-dropping backdrops, and enjoy some time together in the great outdoors.

Capturing Your Storybook Moments- Kristen with KB Photos & Design.

IN FLU EN C ED

By Tiffany Ash @gld_gry

Have you been influenced lately?

Chances are, even if you think the answer is no, it?s yes. Influencers are all up in our socials and believe me, if you?ve ever bought anything from any of your social media feeds, it was because you were influenced.

In the style world, doing someone?s hair or even selling clothes, kind of puts you in the role of influencer.

On the social feeds, it?s not enough to just post your product. Your followers want to know and see YOU (the person behind the product). They want to hear from you, learn about you, and, most importantly, get to know you! This interaction between consumer and influencer has changed how so many of us purchase things and especially what we wear and how we wear it!

Personally, I?m here for it. I love finding style inpso on instagram and tik tok and Pinterest. I get it though, it can be super overwhelming. So many people talking about so many products you ?must have? in your life! In this article I wanted to drop the who, what, and why of some of my favorite influencers ( and these girls are not the fake annoying kind

INFLUENCED| FASHION

who are just showing up to sell you things? promise!).

First - one of my absolute favorite chicks on instagram is @marylawlesslee. Her style is impeccable and every aesthetic is drool worthy. Mary does have a little shop based in Nashville, but she does?t overly sell her things. She just shares her faves and gives little glimpses into her life through stories. Mary keeps it real and seems to stay true to her personality.

A local fitness influencer that I love to follow is @ktschreiber.

Katie is based in St. Louis, Mo and her energy, you guys, is LIT! She has the cutest little fam and just recently had a baby. She shares all the real new mom challenges and joys along with health tips, her fitness journey, and other lifestyle pieces. She?s a cool chic for sure!

Lastly, (and I saved one of the best for last) is @missmarypowers, also from the Lou! This mom is so funny, so real, and the voice I hope never goes away on instagram. She is a STYLE genius and is all about mixing new and old and real life pieces with a little sumthin?sumthin?if you get my drift. She recently launched her own little shop online, but is the mom I find myself going to when I?m looking for inspo on how to style a more unique piece in my closet. I think Mary will become one of your favorite influencers on the gram, too!

So there you have it. Go forth and be influenced! ; )

WHERE TO SHOP| SHOP LOCAL

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ce Cream Factory icecreamfactoryco.com

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sage River Popcorn osageriverpopcorn.com

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hawnee Bluff Wines shawneebluffwinery.com

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issouri Furniture missourifurniture.com

ShopinMissouri S

assy Junk Boutique

facebook.com/sassyjunkboutique

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tudio 573 studio573fitness.com

cCall's Candles mccallscandles.com

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ilver Dollar City

silverdollarcity.com

things to do Old Kin der h ook For more details, go to www.oldkinderhook.com

Won der s of Wildlif e For more details, go to www.wondersofwildlife.org

Sigh t & Sou n d For more details, go to www.sight-sound.com

Sain t Lou is Scien ce Cen t er For more details, go to www.slsc.org

Gat ew ay Ar ch For more details, go to www.gatewayarch.com

Hollyw ood Wax M u seu m -Br an son For more details, go to www.hollywoodwaxentertainment.com

Aqu ar iu m at t h e Boar dw alk For more details, go to www.aquariumattheboardwalk.com

M issou r i St at e M u seu m For more details, go to mostateparks.com/park/missouri-state-museum

Visit ou r w ebsit e f or m or e even t s at m issou r im agazin es.com

In M em or y Of

JoanneSueMcKeone 1935-2020

A life well lived is a precious gift Of hope and strength and grace, From someone who has made our world A brighter, better place It's filled with moments, sweet and sad With smiles and sometimes tears, With friendships formed and good times shared And laughter through the years.

A life well lived is a legacy Of joy and pride and pleasure, A living, lasting memory Our grateful hearts will treasure ~Author Unknown

Beautiful Winter PhotosinMissouri

Submitted by: Brandy Farr

Submitted by: Tami Hughes

Submitted by: Megan Burnam

Submitted by: Shellie Clint Marler

Submitted by: Stephen Miller

Submitted by: Kim Hansen

Submitted by: Christy Payne

Submitted by: Kim Hansen