Author Archives: vbadmin

  1. 9Round

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    The year is new with endless possibilities and opportunities. A new owner to the Village at Briarcliff’s 9round, though not new to the brand’s level of fitness. Melissa McFarland and husband Chris are franchise owners for five gyms in the Northland. Bringing 9round to Missouri is all thanks to this power couple.

    Opening soon is a new location in Smithville, adding to the family of gyms in Liberty, Briarcliff, Parkville, New Mark, and Tiffany Springs. 9rounds owned by Melissa allow for members to use any of the locations at any time!

    There are NO class times! This means you are the only one making your workout times. Instead of going to a gym for a class, waiting 15 minutes for the class to start and then completing the class is 1 hour and 30 minutes. Who has that much time to spare in a day while working a full time job? Not very many people. How many people’s schedules fit perfectly with the class times set by gyms? Even fewer. 9round offers their members the freedom to fit in their schedules, time to get results.

    Never do the same routine twice. Every 3 minutes is the start of a new round! Walk in and get started with a new sequence. The workout is just 30 minutes and you’ll be glad you did it! The results will come but 9round wants the focus to be on the process because that’s what keeps people going. The little accomplishments of doing the workouts will make the goal [being fit] attainable and enjoyable!

    “It’s effective, fun, and convenient!” – Melissa M.

    The trainers are there for you, whenever you walk in the door. Whatever your athletic level, 9round and the trainers tailor the workouts for you! How many gyms and their classes tailor specifically to your needs and level? After the initial training session at other gyms, you are on your own with a program and it is solely your responsibility to complete it properly and effectively. At 9round, you always have a trainer to help you and make sure you don’t get hurt or slack off. You have personalized motivation! In order to get that kind of treatment, other gyms charge extra premiums.

    “We have a 73-year-old member that when he started couldn’t do many of the exercises, but now he is doing them all and loves it!” – Melissa M.

    The first workout is free! Walk in to 9round at any of the locations and test drive the program for no cost to you! 9round offers deals and discounts a lot because they care about healthy living. Deals on workout gear like 9round gloves are offered. Wear swag and earn shirts when you achieve goals! Only people and members who accomplish 100 workouts get that shirt. Be in the elite and earn your results, and shirts, by working and focusing on the process.

    Traveling outside of the Northland and away from Melissa’s 9round gyms is not an issue because Melissa and her team of trainers want you to succeed. She will call the 9round gym where you’re traveling to get you in so you never miss a day! Since 9round was franchised in 2009, no corporate office is making decisions that are best for the gym and its members. Trainers, owners, and employees are there because they want to be and want to be there for you. Take the fitness journey, it’s only 9rounds. The place where exercise and fun are synonymous and fitness is on your time.

    Mention this feature and receive $30 off start-up! *limited time only. For information about 9round memberships, locations, and trainers visit their Facebook page: Facebook and their website: 9Round9Round_02_FINAL9Round_01_FINAL

  2. Break Time

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    Take a break. Take a breath. Happiness and enjoyment are improved by breaks! Fantastic! That’s right, you will get more enjoyment out of something if you take a break, just not during the tasks you dread having to perform.

    Imagine getting a massage, if given the choice of an uninterrupted 30-minute massage or a 1 minute break in a 30-minute massage, which would you choose? Likely, uninterrupted, however it’s actually not as enjoyable as it would be with the break, in conclusion of a study about disruption. Here’s why:

    According to a 2008 study, Leif Nelson and Tom Meyvis conducted; taking a break disrupts the adaptation process. The study asked participants to imagine having the choice of a massage uninterrupted or a massage with a brief break in the middle, which would they choose? The majority chose the uninterrupted massage, not considering the adaptation process, instead overestimating sensitization (the increase of intensity by a stimulant; i.e. fine wine). Taking the break in the middle of the massage interrupted the adaptation which made the intensity of the massage (stimulant) more impactful because the enjoyment of the second half of the massage was as enjoyable as the beginning. To test this, Nelson and Meyvis had subjects sit in a massage chair for 3 minutes. One group sat through the entire 3 minutes uninterrupted while the other group had a 20 second break in the middle and then resumed the massage. They asked the participants to rate their enjoyment of the last two minutes and only those minutes. The group with the break described the enjoyment and intensity higher than those uninterrupted. However, several participants rated the entire massage and not the last two minutes.

    The reason for the heightened enjoyment of the massage came from the disruption of adaptation. This created two positive experiences, not having adapted to the feeling of the chair massaging their muscles. Chairs are different and not as enjoyable as the Spa at Briarcliff.!

    Adaptation is the decrease in the intensity of an experience. Unless it’s high-quality wines, which gets better and intensifies the longer you have it…and you’re painting. Adaptation is helpful for a lot of reasons and is necessary, to an extent. To adapt to temperature is necessary for your body in order to maintain its proper functions. Adaptation is the body’s equivalent to the brain tuning out sound. Imagine being in the light of mid-summer sunshine; at first you feel your eyes were just burned in the brightness of the day but eventually the sunlight isn’t as harsh on your eyes because you’ve adapted. One of the best ways to help your eyes adapt is to protect them from the harsh sun, Budget Blinds in the Village at Briarcliff can help save those important peepers of yours. Budget Blinds offers a variety of style and lighting/shading options.

    Still not convinced a break is helpful in the middle of a positive experience? You’re eating your favorite ice cream flavor for a special occasion, or because it’s Thursday, but instead of stopping and waiting until another occasion or next Thursday, you only eat that flavor of ice cream. Would the flavor be as rich on your tongue in a few hours as it was the first few bites? Eventually, the ice cream wouldn’t have a flavor, it’d just make you sick with all of the sugar. That’s adaptation. The intensity of the taste and the enjoyment of eating your favorite ice cream flavor falls significantly, until it is bland and not enjoyable.

    Take a break from eating the ice cream and the next time you take the first few bites will taste much better because you disrupted the adaption of taste to the flavor. You save your sweet treat to enjoy another time.

    Breaks make the good times more enjoyable, but what does a little more enjoyment mean in the grand scheme of life? Glad you asked! Enjoyment makes you happy and happiness results in success. To increase happiness, and therefore success, start saying yes to more opportunities and experiences. “Yes” is not as well known to this day and age unlike its counterpart, “no.” Saying yes to more things will create more moments of happiness, just little ones, that will add up to greater satisfaction and overall happiness than if you had just a few large moments. Nelson and Meyvis showed that when we get used to things, those things give us less pleasure. We start taking for granted what once brought much pleasure and happiness. By breaking pleasurable and enjoyable things up and doing lots of small, different pleasurable things, we’d get more enjoyment overall and feel happier. Small things to say yes to are seemingly nothing in terms of making you happy long-term, but a lot of short-term enjoyable moments add up to long-term happiness. Say yes to going to the movies, to going out with friends even if you’re tired, see your families more, eat out at a new restaurant or a familiar one, but say yes more than you say no. Try it for a week; and feel great.

    The Village at Briarcliff is your one-stop-shopping center for whatever your needs and enjoyment/happiness of life. Shop. Dine. Relax, in the Village.

     

    Sources:

    Nelson, Leif D., and Tom Meyvis. “Interrupted Consumption: Disrupting Adaptation to Hedonic Experiences.” Journal of Marketing Research45.6 (2008): 654-64. NYU. Web. 13 Jan. 2016.

    “Do Many Small Pleasures Beat Fewer Larger Ones?” Barking Up The Wrong Tree. Psyblog, 04 Nov. 2011. Web. 14 Jan. 2016.

  3. Resolution Solution

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    The New Year is in and it’s resolutions are the same as last. However, this year let’s make our “get fit” resolution one month at a time. January has 31 days in the month and we have a 30-Day Challenge for you. We actually have three because we want to help kick start your New Year’s.

    “21-days to form a habit.” Great in theory but in reality it takes longer to form a second natured habit. In order to form a positive habit into second nature requires sacrifice. But hey, who said greatness was easy? Don’t fret though; there are three manageable phases to form a habit.

    According to Tom Bartow, the following model of what a habit formation really looks like:

    Phase 1: THE HONEYMOON

    This phase is characterized by the feeling of “this is easy.” But at some point the bubble must pop. The honeymoon phase is usually the result of something inspiring, like a new year, and for the first few days we make positive changes in our lives.

    Phase 2: THE FIGHT THROUGH

    Inspiration fades and reality sets in, life starts returning to “normal.” Old habits die-hard, the key to moving to phase three is to win 2 or 3 deterrents. This is critical. To win, use the following questions:

    1. RECOGNIZE: Recognition is essential for breaking down the obstacles. When you reach the first obstacle simply say, “I have encountered an obstacle, and I need to break through it to move on.” It’s silly to say to yourself but if you read this again and again, we’ll be saying it to you for you. Each obstacle we overcome makes the next one easier, but choose to let the obstacles stop you makes the next one even easier to stop you for good.
    2. ASK 2 QUESTIONS: “How will I feel if I do this?” and “How will I feel if I don’t do this?” Bring emotion into the equation; it’s what drives us all. Let yourself feel the positive in winning the fight and the negative in losing.
    3. LIFE PROJECTION: If the above 2 techniques haven’t moved you to action, then imagine in great detail how your life will be in 5 years if you don’t start making changes. Be completely honest with yourself, and allow yourself to feel what life will be like if the changes aren’t made. Before giving up with the idea, “I’ll just do this in a few weeks, months, or years,” think about where you could be if you push through in the same amount of time you wanted to push it off.

    Phase 3: SECOND NATURE

    Entering second nature is often known as “getting in the groove.” Don’t throw of my groove. Beware of the groove! Once in second nature, the following are 3 common interruptions that will send a person back to the fight through:

    1. THE DISCOURAGEMENT MONSTER: We allow negative results discourage us into thinking, “This isn’t working, and there’s nothing I can do.”
    2. DISRUPTIONS: Life causes significant changes in our current pattern, like vacations, holidays, illness, weekends, etc.
    3. SEDUCTION OF SUCCESS: We focus on positive results and begin to think, “I’m the special one. I have finally figured out how to have great results with not so great process.”

    If someone experiences an interruption that send them back to the fight through, winning 2 or 3 will bring them back to second nature. Results and habits aren’t as easy as brushing our teeth. They require doing things others won’t or can’t do. GREATNESS IS ACHIEVED DAILY. Marry the good habits because it requires a consistent commitment. Commit to make it through the obstacles, no matter how many times you go back, keeping fighting to succeed.

    Want some extra help and motivation join 9round and/or Foundation Fitness with personalized training and one of a kind classes and training. Kick this New Year resolution’s bum at 9round Kickbox Fitness. Complete 1 or all of the 30-Day Challenges (tip: try one each month) and watch your clothes get looser. Don’t worry about having to buy an entirely new wardrobe because Top Cleaners, located in the Village at Briarcliff, offers alterations! Top Cleaners is top of the line in every service they offer. From dry cleaning to tailoring clothes, Top Cleaners is the place to clean up.

    Get fit. Feel better. Be happy. All at the Village at Briarcliff.

     

    Source:

    “Habit Formation: The 21-Day Myth.” Forbes. Forbes Magazine, 15 Apr. 2013. Web. 4 Jan. 2016.

     

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  4. New Year’s Eve Celebrations

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    Ella Fitzgerald said it best: What are you doing New Year’s Eve?

    Not sure? No problem. The Village at Briarcliff has some fun and festive options. There’s something for everyone, no matter your taste. Here’s what’s happening in your village New Year’s Eve.

    Trezo Mare

    Enjoy fresh, Italian-inspired cuisine at this warm and cozy restaurant. Trezo Mare features house-made pastas, mozzarella, and breads. You’ll savor bold flavors from wood-fired steaks, seasonal produce, and “jet-fresh” seafood.

    Trezo Mare is also known for its extensive wine list. Share a bottle at a celebratory dinner with family and friends or an intimate dinner with your sweetie.

    For New Year’s Eve, Trezo Mare’s team is developing a few very special offerings in addition to the full, regular menu. The restaurant will be open its usual hours, closing around 10 p.m.

    Make your reservations today by calling 816-505-3200. Learn more about Trezo Mare at www.trezomare.com.

    Jose Pepper’s

    If there’s ever a night for a fiesta, it’s New Year’s Eve. Jose Pepper’s hosts a party every day with refreshing drinks, appetizers that hit the spot, and hearty Mexican entrees.

    Put some spice into your celebration. We’re big fans of the loaded chile con queso – it features ground beef and is topped with guacamole, queso fresco, and pico de gallo. Jose Pepper’s is also famous for its 2 for $7 house margaritas. This deal isn’t limited to happy hour – it’s good all day, every day.

    On New Year’s Eve, Jose Peppers will be open its regular hours, closing around 9 p.m. You don’t need reservations. Convenient carry-out is also available.

    Check out the full menu at www.josepeppers.com. Questions? Call 816-382-3898.

    Piropos

    Savor the flavors of Argentina this New Year’s Eve. Piropos offers this cosmopolitan cuisine, which is actually very similar to American Midwestern. Enjoy grilled meats, seafood, fresh salads, and vegetables. It’s flavorful food that’s simple but elegant.

    USA Today recently named Piropos one of the 10 best restaurants in Kansas City. Come see for yourself during the restaurant’s extended hours on New Year’s Eve.

    The chefs at Piropos will be offering the regular menu, plus some dinner specials. A piano player will entertain guests downstairs, and everyone can enjoy spectaculars view of the downtown skyline.

    Make your reservations by calling 816-741-3600 or visiting Open Table. You can also learn more about Piropos and its menu at www.piroposkc.com.

  5. Holidays at Briarcliff

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    The Village at Briarcliff is all lit up. Our festive decorations will put you in the holiday spirit, and our friendly retailers will help you take care of those last-minute holiday details.

    Whether you’re welcoming surprise guests or needing a few moments for yourself, The Village at Briarcliff has you covered.

    If you need …

    … a present for that hard-to-shop-for tween, teen, or woman on your list: Finishings for Her will hook you up. We love the stylish and versatile blanket scarves in the shop. They’re perfect with the weather we’re having, and Finishings for Her offers a variety of colors and patterns.

    … to prep for a big night out: Stop by The Spa at Briarcliff. No matter what ails you, the attentive staff will have you feeling good-as-new. Freshen up with a bit of Botox, relax with a massage, or get that party-ready look with gloMinerals cosmetics.

    … to feed unexpected guests: Grab some healthy grub from GreenAcres Market. Try artisanal bread and a homemade soup. We’re big fans of the spicy chicken tortilla soup. It’s gluten-free and adds a kick to any holiday gathering. And don’t get us started on the desserts at GreenAcres. Yum!

    … a hostess gift: Visit Nell Hill’s. If you’re looking for a holiday-themed present, the shop has an array of whimsical Santas. Looking for something more pragmatic? Look no further than Nell Hill’s huge selection of trays. You’ll find all sizes, shapes, colors and patterns, and trays are always a welcome gift.

    … to relax with your gal pals: Indulge in happy hour at Jose Pepper’s. It runs from 3 ‘til 6 Sunday through Friday, but 2 for $7 house margaritas are available all day, every day. Never underestimate the power of Mexican food and good conversation. They’ll take you from Grinch to gracious.

    … to add a little oomph to your party ensemble: Sometimes just one new piece can feel like a whole new wardrobe. Design in the City has lots of those statement makers. We have a hard time choosing between the shop’s stylish outerwear, fresh and festive t-shirts, and jewelry that makes us feel sparkly.

    No matter what you need to make your holiday complete, The Village at Briarcliff has it. Stop by and let us make your holidays bright!

  6. High Style and Hometown Pride

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    Kansas City is home to amazing artisans and designers. Now, their locally made goods are available under one roof at Made in KC, in The Village at Briarcliff.

    “Our main goal is to provide a platform for people in KC to support local artists and makers of creative items,” says Keith Bradley, who manages the store. “We support more than 50 local artists through our shops. We hope not only to sell their products but to connect people to the artists.”

    These connections are being made, and made-in-KC goods are flying off the shelves.

    “Our Briarcliff location has only been open since mid-October,” says Keith. “The response from customers is just really, really great. They’re excited we’re here, and they want more stuff!”

    The “stuff” at Made in Kansas City ranges from apparel designed in the area to completely handmade items like ceramics, leather goods, and jewelry. The store’s fun and fresh Royals gear has been especially popular.

    That world championship apparel makes great holiday gifts. Made in Kansas City is also offering locally made gift baskets. The wooden crates are crafted locally, and the contents have different themes, like barbecue, handmade goodies, and KC pride.

    Like the rest of the store, gift basket items aren’t what you’d find at the airport or a gift shop. Everything in Made in Kansas City is carefully curated, with an eye on quality.

    “What we’re all about is providing this platform so people have easy access to these products,” says Keith. “We want to promote all the good things happening in our city.”

    Shopping at Made in Kansas City does more than support one area business. It strengthens our community and keeps the creative juices flowing.

    “It’s important to shop local,” says Keith. “That money’s more likely to stay in Kansas City and bring other good things. And it encourages people to do more creative things. We’ve got to shop local throughout the year, not just on Small Business Saturday.”

    For the latest Made in Kansas City news, follow the shop on Instagram. And check out www.madeinkc.co.

  7. Warming up to the holidays

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    Thanksgiving is right around the corner. Friends are posting shopping day countdowns on Facebook. And is it too early to peg down a babysitter for New Year’s Eve?

    It’s a lot to take in – and no surprise that many of us are slow to get into the holiday spirit. However, there are fun, rewarding ways to ease into the holidays and enjoy the season.

    See a show. Sometimes, the right movie can completely change your state of mind. If you’re having trouble feeling Thanksgiving, revisit the classic “Planes, Trains and Automobiles.” Or, see the underrated “Pieces of April.” If Christmas is your concern, check out “Elf” or “Scrooged.” And there’s always the classic “The Bishop’s Wife,” starring Cary Grant.

    Move. No, not to another city. Get some exercise. Whether you stretch out in a yoga class, get in a sweaty workout, or do some serious mall walking, getting the blood flowing will give you more energy. And if you want to really get in the spirit, try ice skating. Several arenas are now open around the metro. Ice skating feels special, and it will give you a refreshed, rosy glow.

    Raise your temperature. The simple act of putting on a cozy sweater or savoring a hot drink can make you feel calm and nurtured. A little self-care can go a long way, especially during this hectic time of year. Don a favorite scarf, or treat yourself to a decadent coffee. We’re big fans of the limited-time baked maple pumpkin latte at Kaldi’s Coffee.

    Volunteer. Working to make someone else’s holiday special can make your spirits soar. Many organizations, like Operation Breakthrough, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Community LINC, need gifts for the families they serve. Food banks like Harvesters always need donations and assistance. Find a way to help others, and get your family involved, too. When you give, you often get back even more.

    No matter how you ring in the holiday season, be kind to yourself. That effortless holiday fun can be a lot of work. Take care of yourself, and have a relaxed holiday season.

  8. Have a healthier Halloween

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    It’s that time of year when candy, sugar, and processed who-only-knows-what find their way into our homes. A piece of candy isn’t that bad, but when it’s an entire bag – or more? Well, your teeth could rot just thinking about it.

    Trick-or-treating doesn’t have to be terrifying. Here are a few ways to celebrate All Hallows’ Eve that are healthy, delicious, and fun for everyone.

    Think outside the candy aisle. You don’t have to hand out candy to trick-or-treaters. And you don’t have to be that much-maligned house that gives out toothbrushes, either. Pinterest is full of alternative treat ideas. One of our favorites is clementines. Use a Sharpie to draw a face and you’ve got a tasty jack o’ lantern.

    Go green. Our own GreenAcres Market is always introducing new products and recipes. Their focus on healthy snacks means fresh options for Halloween. And if you need a dessert for an adult gathering? Word on the street is that their pumpkin cheesecake with ginger spice cookie crust can’t be beat.

    Or, go teal. Food Allergy Research & Education encourages you to paint a pumpkin teal to let trick-or-treaters know that you’re handing out non-food treats. This helps make Halloween fun for everyone, including families impacted by severe food allergies. Stickers, vampire teeth, and glow sticks are popular giveaways.

    Go trunk or treat. Nothing is scarier than genetically modified organisms (GMOs). That’s why The Village at Briarcliff is hosting GMO Free Trunk or Treat. Join us Friday, Oct. 30 from 6 to 8 p.m. This festive family event will have games and yummy treats that are free of pesky GMOs. The event is free, too.

    Halloween doesn’t have to be a dietary free-for-all. Plan ahead to ensure that you and your ghouls have a healthy and safe celebration.

  9. Gearing up for cold-weather workouts

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    As the temperatures fall, it’s time to shift into high gear with exercise. While the pull of the couch can be strong, cool-weather workouts can be invigorating. They can also impact how you feel next swimsuit season.

    Working out in chilly temps is a way to get some variety into your routine. The trick is to make sure you have a plan and you’re prepared. Here are some tips for staying active as the mercury drops.

    Get the right gear. No matter the activity, the right tools make all the difference. This is especially true with shoes. Footwear can make or break even the most casual athlete. For walking, we love the selection and personalized service at The Foot Stop.

    Drink up. Colder temperatures might mean you don’t perspire as much as you did in the heat of the summer. But don’t be fooled! You’re still sweating, and you still need to hydrate. Drink water before and after any activity to keep your muscles loose and all systems go.

    Stretch. Cold weather can make muscles tight and more susceptible to injury. Take extra time to stretch before working out in cool temps. You may save yourself from a painful sprain or tear.

    Mix it up. Variety is the spice of life, especially when it comes to exercise. 9Round offers a 30-minute kickboxing circuit that will take your workout from blah to hurrah. This unique approach allows you to show up any time – new circuits open up every three minutes.

    Love the skin you’re in. Just because it’s cool doesn’t mean you can’t get sunburned. Slather sunscreen on your face and any other exposed skin. Sunscreen can help protect against windburn, too. And don’t forget your lips – they need SPF, too.

    Know when to say when. Sometimes, it’s just too cold to work out outside. Luckily, you can get your sweat on at Foundation Fitness day or night. This 24-hour facility works with any schedule – and it’s climate-controlled.

    Exercise can help you stay happy and healthy, no matter the weather. Play it safe – and warm – as temperatures drop.

  10. Made in KC excited to be in the Village at Briarcliff

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    Made in KC appeared on KC Live and was showcasing the fantastic items that are now available at their new location in the Village at Briarcliff.