From a Mother’s Heart
This issue holds a special place in my heart. Children are more than just the future, they are the heartbeat of our communities today. Their laughter, their curiosity, and their potential shape the world in ways we can’t fully measure.
As parents and caregivers, we put so much effort into nurturing their growth and investing in their futures. But let’s not forget that children also shape us. They bring joy, laughter, and meaning to our everyday lives.
We also cannot overlook the powerful role pets play in our families. They offer unconditional love and teach us valuable lessons in empathy, responsibility, and companionship. The bond between kids and their pets can be transformative, fostering strong emotional connections that last a lifetime.
In our house, neither myself nor any of my four children could imagine life without Libby, our dog, or Buddy and Mabel, our cockatiels. They are an integral part of our family, and the magic they bring to our crazy little household is invaluable.
Both children and pets need us. They need our care and attention to shape who they become, and in turn, they shape us. This issue is dedicated to celebrating the kids and pets who fill our lives with joy and love.
Whether volunteering at great rescues like K9s for Camo, spending an evening together at The Pinball Social Club, or getting involved in the community through Scouting America, I hope this month’s issue inspires you to pour a little extra love into the children and pets in your life. They are the ones who remind us of the simple joys and the importance of unconditional love.
Here’s to our future, our little ones, and the pets who make everything better. Cheers!
ASHLEY GRANT, EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
@SPRINGFIELDCITYLIFESTYLE
August 2026
PUBLISHER
Donna King | donna.king@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Brian Walker | brian.walker@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Ashley Grant | ashley.grant@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Ashley Grant, Kali Kasprzyk, Shannon Roberts
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Bailey Hough, Janie Jones, Ashley Grant
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Mary Albers
LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler
city scene
1. Show Me Chuy collaboration with Sisters Cities to help Grupo Canela from Tlaquepaque raise funds to visit Isesaki, Japan. 2 – 3: Monthly Wine Class at Show Me Chuy
Going out of town for the holidays? Make it a vacation and transformation.
Boarding doesn’t have to be a break from progress. While you’re away, your dog can enjoy enrichment, structure, and professional training in a safe, fun, and caring environment.
Reserve your spot early — spaces fill fast during the holidays.
Book your dog’s training stay today
howlidayinnpetresort.com (417) 771-5221 4939 US-60 Rogersville instagram:@howlidayinn417
business monthly
Springfield Community Gardens is Building Stronger, Sustainable Local Food Systems
Springfield Community Gardens (SCG) is building a stronger local food system in Springfield through community gardens, urban farms, food access programs, and farmer partnerships. SCG connects local produce directly to community pantries, schools, and organizations while supporting over 100 local farmers with supply chain and marketing assistance. Through hands-on education, SCG makes it easier for people to grow food, access healthy produce and participate in a sustainable community food system. Visit springfieldcommunitygardens.org to learn more.
Springfield Symphony Offering Exclusive Club for Music Lovers
The Notables is the Springfield Symphony’s exclusive club for music lovers ages 21–49 who want to connect, engage, and support the arts. Members enjoy special social events, networking opportunities, invitations to guest artist receptions, flexible concert tickets, discounts on additional tickets, and access to the Symphony Gala. The Notables offers a fun and meaningful way to experience the Symphony while helping advance its artistic and educational mission.
At Home Real Estate Services: Delivering Exceptional Results
At Home Real Estate is dedicated to helping clients navigate property management with ease. Their team combines local market expertise, personalized service, and innovative marketing strategies to deliver exceptional results. They pride themselves on building lasting relationships, understanding clients’ unique goals, and making every experience as stress-free as possible. Whether managing investments or supporting homeowners, At Home Real Estate is committed to providing exceptional service every step of the way. To learn more, visit athomehere.com
Photography by Swaters Milligan Creative
Summer is the perfect time to slow down and recharge—but your money doesn’t need to take the same break. While you’re enjoying long days, warm weather, and a well‐deserved pause, your finances can continue moving forward quietly and confidently.
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TREY & KATIE KENNEDY
ON MARRIAGE, KIDS, AND THE COMEDY OF REAL LIFE
Trey Kennedy makes a living finding comedy in regular life. Marriage. Toddlers. Yoga pants. The Thursday-night scramble between school dropoffs, soccer practice, and whatever has to be done by morning. Twelve years in, it shows: millions of followers across every platform, three stand-up specials, a sold-out Relatable Tour, and a style of humor fans send each other captioned, “Are you watching me?” He delivers the kind of comedy that travels because everyone’s living some version of it.
Katie, his wife of six years, is a former biomedical engineer who also built a modeling career. She’s now raising their kids and co-hosting Correct Opinions alongside Trey — the show where the two of them swap takes on marriage, parenting, and whatever came up that week.
Trey has been at this longer than people realize. An Edmond, Oklahoma kid who grew up playing basketball described himself as a “shy kid who never thought he’d be an entertainer.” He started making videos while attending Oklahoma State University. After building millions of followers on Vine before the platform shut down, he gave himself six months on Instagram and Facebook to see whether he could rebuild from zero. He did. Stand-up soon followed. His first special, Are You For Real?, streams on YouTube; the second, Grow Up, on Amazon Prime; the third, built around the Relatable Tour, wrapped earlier this year. “I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now,” he says. A slow climb, made one bit at a time.
ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
“I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now.”
Most of what Trey writes lately starts in his own kitchen. Thomas is three and a half, and he is, in his father’s words, “a movie.” He narrates his own life from the moment his eyes open and mispronounces words in ways his parents now repeat to each other because no one else would believe them. His younger sister, Eva, is what Katie calls “the calm one.” With a third now in the mix, the Kennedys are officially outnumbered.
After six years of marriage, Trey and Katie have learned that the partnership runs best when it gets its own time on the calendar. So once a week, they leave the kids with a sitter and go out for coffee. “You need a system,” Katie says. “It’s about taking time to look each other in the eye. Not the kids. Not the cameras. Just each other.”
The same instinct shapes the work. Most of Trey’s trial and error happens onstage or on Instagram, but the first read is always Katie’s. “There’s only been one time ever I’ve had to be like, ‘you’re not doing that,’” she says. The rest of the time, she just laughs first.
FEATURING TREY & KATIE KENNEDY
Trey and Katie talk about marriage, parenting, and the moments that don’t make the Instagram feed.
Watch or listen to the full conversation wherever you get your podcasts.
HAIR & MAKEUP BY MIKAYLA CRANE
DOGS That Serve
HOW K9S FOR CAMO CHANGES LIVES ONE SERVICE DOG AT A TIME
ARTICLE BY ASHLEY GRANT PHOTOGRAPHY BY BAILEY HOUGH
For nearly a decade, a Springfield-based non-profit has been transforming the lives of veterans, inmates, and rescue dogs through a multi-layered restorative program. Summer Gerhardt, owner of Howliday Pet Resort and vice president of K9s for Camo, has been involved since the beginning alongside her husband who also serves on the board. The nonprofit was officially launched by founder John Lopez after years of informally training dogs and pairing them with veterans.
Over the years, the organization has grown into a collaborate effort involving local rescues, correctional facilities, professional dog trainers, and volunteers. K9s for Camo works closely with groups such as Rescue One, Valley Hills Animal Control, and other shelters to rescue dogs with potential for service work. Those dogs are then placed in correctional centers, where inmates help train and care for them as part of the program.
After the prison training phase, the dogs return to Howliday Pet Resort for advanced public access training. Trainers work with dogs in real-world environments like stores and restaurants to ensure they can stay focused despite distractions. Once fully trained, the service dogs are matched with veterans at no cost. The dogs are trained to assist with conditions including PTSD, anxiety, seizures, diabetes, and mobility challenges.
One veteran’s story stands out to Gerhardt. Early in the program a veteran struggling with PTSD and anxiety was unable to leave his home. After receiving his service dog, his confidence steadily grew. Eventually, he was able to reduce some medications and enjoy something simple but deeply meaningful: lunch with his daughter at the mall. This beautiful scenario had seemed impossible only months prior.
K9s for Camo aims to place 21 service dogs each year, though training can take up to a full year. Gerhardt says the organization is now rebuilding momentum and urgently needs volunteers, foster homes, donations, and community support to continue changing lives. To learn more or to get involved, visit k9sforcamo.org
THE SCOUT EFFECT
Building confident kids who are prepared to positively contribute to their communities
ARTICLE BY ASHLEY GRANT | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
In a growing city like Springfield, where urban meets small-town values, it doesn’t take long to realize the heart and soul of the community are the people. For Travis Rubelee, Scout Executive serving the Ozarks with the Ozark Trails Council, Scouting America, that realization came quickly after moving into the area.
“As a recent transplant, it became clear right away that this is a family-focused place,” he says. “And scouting mirrors that.”
For more than 110 years, scouting programs have been part of the fabric of southwest Missouri. These programs have shaped generations through a framework built on the principles of duty to self, duty to God, and duty to country. But in 2026, the story of Scouting in Springfield is not one that is nostalgic. It is one of relevance and renewed invitation to be part of something incredible.
Across the Ozarks, scouts are learning service is something local, something tangible, and something that builds deep roots of character. One of the most visible examples is the annual Scouting for Food initiative, where young people canvas through the city to collect donations for area food pantries and organizations like Ozarks Food Harvest. It’s a simple act with a measurable impact, and one connecting scouts directly to the needs of their neighbors.
Other efforts are more specialized but no less meaningful. Rubelee points to a recent Eagle Scout project led by a local student named Sara , who organized an instrument collection drive benefitting Springfield Public Schools. Through partnerships with local businesses and even a connection in Kansas City, the project resulted in 60 refurbished instruments finding their way into the hands of students who otherwise might not have had access to them.
“It became bigger than just a project,” Rubelee says. “It was the community showing up for its kids.”
Scouting programs begin with Cub Scouts, where children participate alongside their trusted adult, creating a shared experience rooted in guidance and encouragement. As scouts grow, so does their independence. By middle school and high school, they’re pursuing merit badges in fields as varied as archaeology, science, artificial intelligence, or cybersecurity, alongside traditional skills like camping, canoeing, and pioneering.
CONTINUED >
“The impact is already measurable. Local scouting programs have contributed to nearly 20,000 hours of community service...”
This beautifully blends the heritage of Scouting America with the forward-thinking defining the organization’s current chapter in Springfield. “We’re teaching those foundational values,” Rubelee says, “but we are also helping kids discover potential career paths and passions they may have not considered.”
The impact is already measurable. Local scouting programs have contributed to nearly 20,000 hours of community service, translating into close to half a million dollars in support returned to the region. These efforts align with the broader national initiatives, including a push toward increased civic engagement in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.
Still, for Rubelee, the numbers only tell part of the story.
“You don’t always see the full impact right away,” he says. “it’s when they become young adults, when they step into the world, that you realize what this experience has done for them.”
That long view is part of what makes scouting uniquely suited to the Springfield community, where investment in people, especially young people, is seen both as a responsibility and a rich legacy.
Yet, like many community-driven programs, Scouting faces a simple challenge: awareness. “We want more kids to be part of something that builds character and citizenship,” says Rubelee.
Recruitment efforts continue to expand, particularly through local school partnerships. Families can join at any point in the year, and there is a growing emphasis on accessibility, ensuring every child has a pathway into the program.
At its core, Scouting America in the Ozarks isn’t just about badges and campfires. It’s about forming individuals who understand their role in a larger community and who are prepared to positively contribute to it.
silver ball revival
Retro games, modern competition, and community connection thrive in small-town Missouri
On a busy side street, located just off of the main road through Willard, Missouri, lights and chimes spill from the Pinball Social Club, hinting at something nostalgic. For owner Matt Darst, the venue is more than a hobby, it is an intentional effort to build community around simple, old-school fun.
Matt’s professional life might not immediately suggest an enthusiasm for pinball, as he has spent many years developing affordable housing projects across Arkansas. Upward Housing Group was started by Matt and wife Cassie as a step of faith during the uncertainty of the pandemic. As their business expanded, a long-dormant interest began to resurface.
Like many enthusiasts, Matt grew up playing pinball and then stepped away from the game as adult responsibilities began to overshadow free time fun. Nearly three decades later, his teenage son began visiting arcades around Springfield and discovered a fascination with the game. What started as a shared pastime soon evolved into league participation, tournament play, and a realization that southwest Missouri had many interested players, but few spaces welcoming to all age groups, especially competitively.
ASHLEY GRANT
“The venue is more than a hobby, it is an intentional effort to build community around simple, old-school fun.” ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY
When Matt noticed a building in Willard had become available, his development company purchased it, dedicating an unused portion to what would become The Pinball Social Club.
Since its opening in 2025, the response has exceeded expectations. Roughly 80 percent of visitors travel from outside the immediate area, with players routinely driving in from Branson, Lake of the Ozarks, and Arkansas to compete in the club’s growing slate of in-house tournaments.
Matt sees success through a slightly different lens – one that focuses less on attendance and more on the culture forming around the retro game. The demographic has become increasingly diverse, drawing those who are longtime players as well as teens who are discovering a love of pinball for the first time. Increasingly, students are drawn by word of mouth and love the digital upgrades to the simple machines.
Mobile scoring apps and leaderboard systems add a competitive edge to the games, while those who visit frequently are often driven to earn monthly achievements and digital badges that add slight technological advances while preserving the tactile thrill of traditional play.
For Matt, a native of the Springfield area, the club reflects the small-town ecosystem he values: family-friendly fun, skill-building, and intergenerational community. Parents who once played in arcades now stand beside their children comparing scores and coaching them through the basics of ball control and shot selection.
In an era dominated by streaming entertainment and algorithm-driven feeds, The Pinball Social Club offers something rare: screen-free social competition that still feels modern. This balance is exactly what Matt strives for. The flashing lights might draw people in, but it’s the relationships and community that keep the silver ball rolling.
Helping families and their pets start life together on the right paw
A BETTER START
ARTICLE BY ASHLEY GRANT | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Bringing home a new pet is a milestone moment for many families, but owning a pet can come with plenty of questions. At All About Dogs and Cats, Leigh and Dennis Daniels have built their business around helping pet owners start these moments off on the right paw. From guiding owners through a wealth of pet food choices to supporting local rescue adoptions, the couple has created a store that is as much about education and community as it is about dogs and cats.
After careers spent working for other people, the Daniels found themselves asking a question many professionals in the corporate world eventually face: What’s next?
As they began to explore available opportunities, they discovered that All About Dogs and Cats was for sale. The opportunity almost felt tailor-made.
Leigh is a Springfield native, and Dennis has lived in the area for three decades. Both have always been passionate about animals, in particular about what they feed to their own pets. So, they took a leap of faith and purchased the store in 2020.
Today, the store has grown far beyond its original footprint and relocated into an 8,500 square-foot destination for pet owners across southwest Missouri. And when customers walk through the doors, they notice something different: an intentional focus on the customer.
The Daniels note there is a difference between a franchise and a locally owned independent retailer, one that comes with pressure but also freedom. This freedom allows the Daniels to be selective about food, treats, and products that they offer to their customers, ones that meet their quality standards. Whenever possible, the Daniels also look for American-sourced ingredients and smallbatch production.
Nutrition education is paramount to the Daniels’ mission, while community involvement and helping rescue animals find homes are also driving forces. With shelters and rescues in the community at capacity, the Daniels have made concerted efforts to support area rescues.
Today, that commitment shows up in multiple ways, including several adoption events hosted at the store throughout the month. But one of their favorite initiatives is a passion project for Leigh; an adoption support program called Sharing the Love. This program partners with nonprofit rescue organizations in southwest Missouri to help new pet owners offset the cost of bringing home their newest addition. Families who adopt through participating rescues receive coupons redeemable at the store for complimentary pet essentials.
Beyond food and adoption support, the Daniels also work with local artisans who sell pet-themed merchandise in their store, several whose proceeds benefit local rescue groups.
A key focus for the Daniels is to keep the business in Springfield and connected to local pet families. They are committed to being an active part of the community, and it is that sense of commitment and connection that resonates with so many.
To learn more, visit allaboutdogsandcats.net .
For the Daniels, local ownership means choosing products carefully, supporting rescues and helping pet families feel informed.
THE slower KEYS
Islamorada, Cheeca Lodge, and the art of staying put
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY SPRINGFIELD CITY LIFESTYLE
Some trips invite a full itinerary. Others ask you to put the keys down, look at the water, and let the day decide for itself.
Islamorada has always felt like the second kind of place. Near the top of the Florida Keys, it gives you the beauty of island life without asking you to hurry all the way to Key West. Close enough to feel reachable. Far enough to feel like you have truly left. And quiet enough to remind you what vacation is supposed to do.
For anyone who loves a small resort, Cheeca Lodge has the kind of ease that is hard to manufacture. It is oceanfront, intimate in spirit, and polished without feeling precious. They know how to take care of you. A perfectly made jalapeño margarita delivered beachside is the kind of detail that says everything.
That is the charm of a place like this. One person can book a deep-sea fishing trip before sunrise. Another can wander toward the pool, take a slow walk, read under a palm, or decide that pickleball is the day’s full agenda. Anglers have long understood the pull of Islamorada, with its sportfishing culture, marinas, charter boats, and stories that begin before breakfast. But non-anglers are not left behind. The water, the food, the service, and the pace make it just as easy to stay close and settle in. For families, that balance matters. There is room for adventure, but also room for grandparents, teenagers, readers, and anyone who just wants the view after lunch.
If you want to make a trip of it, start in Miami. Spend a night in Coconut Grove, rent a Jeep, and let the road carry you south into the Upper Keys. There is something cinematic about that drive, especially for anyone who remembers the tropical, moody pull of Bloodline. By the time you reach Islamorada, the city has loosened its grip.
CONTINUED >
Then comes the decision: explore or stay put. You could gather the day’s fish haul and have a chef prepare something unforgettable. You could stroll the resort, book time on the water, linger over dinner, or take the kind of walk that has no real destination. If you must, continue south to Mile Marker 0. But as for us, we would be moving at a slower pace.
That is what small resorts do best. They do not require constant motion. They offer enough beauty, comfort, and care that leaving the property can feel entirely optional.
And for Springfield readers, one detail makes this feel especially close to home. Bass Pro Shops, through its nature-based resorts division, has acquired Cheeca Lodge, connecting one of the Florida Keys’ most storied fishing resorts with a brand already woven into the fabric of the Ozarks.
It makes sense. The best outdoor places are not just about scenery. They are about how a place makes you feel: cared for, connected to the water, grateful for the chance to slow down.
Some vacations are remembered by what you saw. Others are remembered by how long you wanted to stay.
Islamorada is the kind of place that makes staying feel like the whole point.
Worth Knowing
Islamorada sits at Mile Marker 82, an hour and a half south of Miami. Spend a night in Coconut Grove, rent a Jeep and let U.S. 1 carry you south. The drive is worth the time.
Cheeca Lodge and Spa is the anchor. Oceanfront on 27 acres with 1,200 feet of private beach, three pools, sport courts, watersports, and dining that gives you little reason to leave. The fishing pier stretches 525 feet, the longest in the Florida Keys.
For Springfield visitors, there is an added layer. Bass Pro Shops recently acquired Cheeca Lodge through its nature-based resorts division, connecting one of the Keys’ most storied properties with a brand grounded in the Ozarks.
Behind each of our 200+ City Lifestyle magazines is someone who cares deeply about their community. Someone who connects people, celebrates businesses, and shares the stories that matter most. What if that someone was you?
Or maybe it’s someone you know. If this isn’t the right time for you, but you know someone who could be the perfect fit, we’d love an introduction
ROUTE 66
EATS
Family of Virginia Bowler shares savory memories from “Ginny Lee’s”
ARTICLE BY ASHLEY GRANT PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Before dawn on any given morning in 1970s Springfield, the lights at Ginny Lee’s were on. Long before most of the city began to stir, Virginia Bowler, aka “Ginny Lee”, was already in the kitchen of her West College Street restaurant, now the College Street Cafe. As the sun rose, her hands were busy brewing coffee, baking rolls, and cutting potatoes for hand-cut fries. What started as a way to stay busy soon evolved into a place that people counted on. Virginia built her reputation on doing things the right way. Potatoes were cut by hand and prepped the night before, meals were made from scratch, and her famous madefresh-daily yeast rolls became a local favorite. When the restaurant moved near the old Rockwood Motor Court because of a fire, the following moved with it.
It was never just her, though. The place ran on family. Kids and grandkids worked in the kitchen and served tables right alongside Virginia. Regulars came for the food, but they stayed for the family atmosphere. Over time, Ginny Lee’s became part of the community, not just for what it served, but for how it brought people together.
These recipes are fully original in wording, structure, and presentation built from standard culinary technique rather than any single sourced recipe—so they’re appropriate for publication.
GINNY LEE–STYLE YEAST ROLLS:
Inspired by the big, fluffy rolls that made Ginny Lee’s a Springfield staple—served warm, generous, and never skipped.
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 cup whole milk (Milk substitutes can also be used for those with dairy allergies.)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted (Plus more for brushing.)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs, room temperature (You can also substitute ¼ c. of unsweetened applesauce per 1 egg. For added fluff, consider also adding a tsp. of baking powder when this swap is made.)
• 3½–4 cups all-purpose flour
DIRECTIONS:
1. Warm milk until just lukewarm. Stir in sugar and yeast; let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Mix in melted butter, salt, and eggs until smooth.
3. Add flour gradually until a soft, slightly tacky dough forms.
4. Knead 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled (about 1–1½ hours).
6. Punch down and divide into 12–15 pieces. Shape into rounds and place close together in a greased baking dish.
7. Cover and let rise again until puffy, 30–45 minutes.
8. Bake at 375°F for 15–18 minutes until golden. Brush generously with butter while hot. CONTINUED
DIRECTIONS:
1. Scrub potatoes and cut into thick strips, leaving skins on.
2. Soak in cold salted water for at least 2 hours (or overnight).
3. Drain and dry thoroughly.
4. Heat oil to 325°F. Fry potatoes in batches for 4–5 minutes until tender but pale. Remove and let rest.
5. Increase oil temperature to 375°F. Fry again for 2–3 minutes until golden and crisp.
6. Remove, drain, and salt immediately. Serve hot.
7. Consider serving with a variety of sauces, including ketchup, mayonnaise, bbq sauce, or even honey.
GINNY LEE–STYLE HAND-CUT FRIES:
Modeled after the fresh-cut fries remembered by family—skin-on, double-fried, and made the long way because it mattered.
INGREDIENTS:
• 4 large russet potatoes
• Cold water
• 1 tablespoon salt
• Oil for frying (Vegetable or peanut oil are recommended but sunflower oil also works well. For a more gourmet taste, consider using beef tallow or duck fat.)
• Salt to taste
SMOOTH SAILING
Family cruising makes travel easier, calmer, and more memorable
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY
BY ASHLEY GRANT
Family vacations don’t have to be stressful. Cruising offers an easy way to keep everyone happy, with meals, entertainment, lodging, and transportation all in one place. Kids can enjoy pools, youth clubs, games, and activities designed for their age, while parents relax knowing they’re having fun
in a supervised environment. Each port introduces families to new destinations without the hassle of repacking or long drives. From watching sunsets together to exploring exciting shore excursions, a cruise creates memorable experiences that blend adventure, relaxation, and quality family time.
Bookcase Styling your
Tips for an Organized and Aesthetic Display
ARTICLE BY SHANNON ROBERTS
A bookcase is often more than just a storage unit for books; it’s a focal point of a room that can enhance the overall decor and reflect personal style. Styling a bookcase can be a rewarding endeavor, allowing you to showcase your literary collection and curate a space that feels inviting and visually appealing. Here are some tips to help you achieve a beautifully styled bookcase.
Styling a bookcase is a creative process that combines practicality with aesthetics. By using these tips, you can transform an ordinary bookshelf into a stylish, engaging focal point that complements your home’s decor while showcasing your personality and interests.
Step 1
Strategically Place Books on the Bookcase While Incorporating Decorative Elements.
When placing books back on the shelves, think about the arrangement, vertical stacks are more traditional, horizontal stacks more modern, or both for more visual interest. Adding decorative elements such as picture frames, vases, or sculptural objects to break the monotony. Incorporating items with varying heights can create a dynamic arrangement. Use larger items like art pieces or baskets on lower shelves and smaller decorative objects higher up. Aim for a balanced look while avoiding perfect symmetry. This creates an organic flow, drawing the eye naturally across the shelf. Incorporate asymmetrical groupings for added interest, mixing textures, colors, and shapes.
Step 2
Use Color Wisely and Add Natural Elements.
Color plays a role in styling a bookcase. You can opt for a monochromatic palette for a sophisticated look or introduce pops of color for a more energetic vibe. If your books are of various colors, pick a few colorful decorative pieces that complement or contrast them effectively. Integrating plants or natural elements can breathe life into your bookcase. Small potted plants can add color and texture.
Step 3
Create Zones and Add Personal Touches.
If your bookcase has multiple shelves, consider creating zones or themes for different sections. Infuse your personality into the bookcase through memorabilia, travel souvenirs, or personal artwork. These pieces add a storytelling dimension and make the space uniquely yours.
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
AUGUST 1ST
Zoltan Kaszas at Springfield Comedy Club
Springfield Comedy Club 420 W College Street, Springfield, MO | 6:00 PM
Get ready for a night of nonstop laughs with comedian Zoltan Kaszas on August 1 at 6pm and 8:45pm. Known for his sharp observations and relatable humor, Kaszas delivers a comedy experience audiences won’t forget. Choose from General Admission or Premium seating and enjoy an evening of entertainment. To purchase tickets, visit comedyspringfield.com/events/134340
AUGUST 6TH
Good Morning, Springfield! State of the Schools
Pipkin Middle School 417 W Lynn St, Springfield, MO | 7:30 AM
Join Good Morning, Springfield! for a special event highlighting the innovative programs of Springfield Public Schools. Information will be presented by the school superintendent with support from the SPS communications team. Doors will open at 7:00 a.m. Tickets are $35 for members and $45 for non-members. For more information, contact Brooke Cooper at 417.862.5567.
AUGUST 7TH – 8TH
Birthplace of Route 66 Festival
Downtown Springfield
Head downtown for a free festival celebrating the birthplace of Route 66. The weekend will feature two full days of events along historic Route 66 and include car shows, music, a parade, free concerts, tons of local vendors and more! For a full schedule of events or to find out how to get involved, visit route66festivalsgf.com
AUGUST 15TH
417 Salsa Fest
Plaza Towers 1736 E Sunshine, Springfield, MO | 10:00 AM
Next-Level Networking invites you to join them for Springfield’s hottest summer event. The salsa competition will be judged by local chefs while attendees can enjoy sampling entries, great music, dancing, and exciting networking opportunities with local professionals, community leaders, and friends from across the Springfield area. For more information, email NextLevelNetworkingPR@gmail.com
AUGUST 16TH
Family & Fireworks
Second Baptist Church 3111 E Battlefield, Springfield, MO | 5:30 PM
End the summer with a BANG at the Family & Fireworks event presented by Second Baptist Church. This free fireworks show will also feature inflatables, games, and food trucks. Arrival starts at 5:00pm and fireworks will begin at dusk. For more information, visit secondbaptist.org/family-fireworks
AUGUST 19TH
Wine Class with Show Me Chuy
Show Me Chuy 410 E Republic Rd, Springfield, MO | 6:00 PM
Show Me Chuy is excited to host monthly wine classes on the third Wednesday of each month. This exclusive event is perfect for couples, friends, or anyone looking to enjoy a night out. Tickets are $60 per person and registration is required. Reserve your spot early by calling 417.771.5357
Transforming Homes with Style
Building Beauty. Restoring Value. Inspiring Design.
Silver Tile and Stone is a trusted remodeling company dedicated to transforming homes across Springfield and surrounding communities. With over 22 years of experience, the team delivers exceptional results through expert tile, hardwood, and vinyl installations. Every project is guided by precision, creativity, and a passion for quality, turning ordinary spaces into stunning reflections of style and craftsmanship.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation. At Silver Tile and Stone, flooring is more than a trade; it’s an art of transformation.
