December 2020

GIFTS FOR THE BABIES & TODDLERS IN YOUR LIFE Who doesn’t like to shop for this age group? Keep an eye out for educational items — such as this book that explains why grandparents can’t hug during the COVID-19 pandemic. Consider…

On Saturdays, the line of shoppers forms early and extends throughout the morning at the Pasta La Fata booth in the Columbia Farmers Market. And for good reason. The delicious Italian cookies and handmade pastas that Shelly La Fata and…

First-time franchisees Beverly and Chad Davis have brought a taste of Utah sweetness to Columbia. Crumbl Cookies opened in the Broadway Market Place in November. The Columbia location will offer more than 120 specialty cookies, staple…

This time of year, probably more than ever, you need something warm and comforting for dinner. Chicken and dumplings hits the spot. Depending on where you grew up, it may be more of the epitome of comfort food, passing up even mac and…

As a former art history professor, and now adjunct at the University, Julie Plax has a great appreciation for the ancient and the antiquated. It was this love that led her after many years to purchase one of Columbia’s oldest homes — and…

HOMES TELL STORIES ABOUT THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE IN THEM — their struggles and their triumphs. They tell of quiet moments and loud celebrations, of dreams that come to life and others that are lost without warning. OUR HOUSE — specifically…

Gloria Gaus Draws on a Lifelong Love to Launch Her Second Act Art Off the Trail, Gloria Gaus’ new studio and art gallery, is — as the name implies — only a few blocks from the Katy Trail in Rocheport. She can be found there on Fridays…

HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR INDOOR WORKOUT.' For outdoor exercisers, the concern isn’t White Walkers. Instead, hikers, bikers, runners and the like need to watch out for freezing temps and slick surfaces. If you’re one of the many…

A Columbia family continues a toasty tradition. While you may think it took some convincing for us to get Battle High School Head Football Coach — and former Mizzou Defensive End — Atiyyah Ellison to model holiday jammies for us,…

This summer, when parents were forced to realize that the coronavirus pandemic would derail Columbia Public Schools’ status quo well into the fall semester — if not well into 2021 — they were faced with a practically impossible task: Get…

When it comes to a traditional buffalo style wing there is no other option in Missouri than CJ’s hot wings in downtown Columbia. If you don't think they have the best wings in CoMo than one has never touched your lips. Once you’ve had…

JILL ORR'S NEWEST RELEASE EXAMINE INTERGENERATIONAL ALCHEMY. Jill Orr, formerly solely a mystery-genre writer, decided to step out of her comfort zone this fall and launch a new humor non-fiction gift book, How Not to Be Old (Even…

For years, I’ve wanted to visit Lamar Valley in the winter, especially to see wolves. Located in the remote northeast corner of Yellowstone National Park, the Lamar Valley is America’s version of the Serengeti. Or soI’ve read. And Montana…

Since March, bars and restaurants have been scrambling to pivot their food and drink offerings into pandemic-friendly options. One such “invention” is the to-go cocktail.You can go to your favorite restaurant or bar and pick up a delicious…

It may seem counterintuitive to promote online shopping, but if done through local stores, the benefits are the same as going into storefronts, (although it may be a little easier to click rather than walk away from that sweater you don’t…