Author Archives: vbadmin

  1. Turn your House into a Home

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    Looking for a quick gift, new furniture, or a fun way to while away the afternoon? Nell Hill’s is your destination.

    Nestled in The Village at Briarcliff, this one-of-a-kind shop isn’t just a store – it’s an experience. Owner Mary Carol Garrity and her team of tastemakers have created a lush environment chock full of design ideas. Nell Hill’s boasts 16,000 square feet of realistic room settings.

    “We’ve been in business in Atchison for 34 years, and it’s been great,” says Mary Carol. “But having a location at Briarcliff for the last 7 years has been extremely gratifying. We have so much lovely, well-lit space to do all these vignettes. We feel the store should be inspiring, and this space gives us the opportunity to do things we couldn’t do in a smaller shop.”

    Kansas Citians had been making the pilgrimage to Nell Hill’s in Atchison for years. Now, the location at The Village at Briarcliff means that this unique resource is just minutes away.

    The shop features everything you need to make your home truly yours. You can build your space from the floor up with area rugs, upholstered furniture, and larger pieces like bookcases and armoires. You’ll also find a huge selection of the finishing touches that really make a space unique. Pillows, artwork, and accessories are available for every taste. Nell Hill’s also features:

    • Fabrics for both indoor and outdoor spaces
    • Everything you need to set the perfect table – whether it’s for everyday use or a gala
    • Lighting, from table lamps to statement chandeliers
    • Botanicals … because every room needs a pop of green

    And if you’re not sure what will work in your space? Mary Carol and her stylists offer custom design services.

    No matter what you’re looking for, you’re sure to find it at Nell Hill’s.

    “What makes us unique is the mix of products we offer, and how it’s displayed,” says Mary Carol. “We feel there’s a lot of emphasis on quality and value.

    “You can come in here and buy a $22 candle or walk out with a room full of furniture. Hopefully, you’ve had a great time and it’s entertaining as well.”

    At Nell Hill’s, it’s not unusual for complete strangers to strike up a conversation about sconces or a fantastic throw.

    “It’s like a fun cocktail party, except without the alcohol,” says Mary Carol. “People interact with people they’ve never even met. We just want you to have an experience that inspires you to do things in your own home.”

    Don’t miss out on the fun, ideas, and unique design at Nell Hill’s. Between visits, you can keep up with Mary Carol via the shop’s blog and Facebook. And don’t forget the shop’s Pinterest boards – like Nell Hill’s itself, they’re brimming with inspiration.

  2. Spring is here. Is your home ready?

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    For the last few months, we’ve been bundled up, taking refuge near fireplaces and under warm throws. In winter, everything tends to feel dark and gray.

    Now that the sun’s finally out and spring is here at last, it’s a great time to reinvigorate your home. Throw open the windows and inject some color into your space. Small changes can have a big impact on your energy and the feel of your home.

    All things fabric: Switching out the soft goods in your home can refresh your space. Trade out the heavy blankets on your bed for linens in lighter colors. Even a bright throw across the foot of the bed can make a bedroom feel different. In the living and family rooms, consider trading out throw pillows. This inexpensive change can give a sofa or lounge chair new life. Colorful placemats or a cheerful table runner can spread a sunny disposition to your dining room as well.

    Mantel: No place in a home is more well-suited to seasonal change than the mantel. If you’re fortunate enough to have a spacious mantelpiece, make the most of it! Switch out your accessories with the seasons. For spring, consider plants. Topiaries, potted grasses, and fresh flowers can make even the darkest fireplace pop. Colorful vases and pots add magic, too.

    A welcoming front door: The entry to your home tells visitors what to expect – and it’s a great place to infuse a little springtime charm. Need inspiration? The designers at Nell Hill’s recently came up with 6 fabulous spring door displays. Try a new wreath or basket near your front door to refresh the front of your home.

    Candles: Good lighting makes all the difference, and everyone looks better in candlelight. Plus, scented candles are a creative way to infuse fragrance around your home. For spring, consider botanical fragrances like lilac and basil. If you don’t have a garden or the funds to fill your home with flowers, candles are a wonderful way to get the same odiferous punch.

    No matter your personal style, there are easy ways to prepare your home for spring. Follow your bliss and make your space your own!

  3. Staycation, all I ever wanted!

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    Now that winter is maybe, hopefully winding down, we can’t help but dream of a little escape. Not anything big – just a break from the ordinary.

    Luckily, we don’t have to travel far to get a taste of the exotic. We can stay in our own neighborhood and still travel around the world, thanks to the culinary delights of The Village at Briarcliff.

    The restaurants of The Village can take you to a sultry little cantina in a Mexican village. Or a family table in the heart of Tuscany. Or even a relaxed but cosmopolitan restaurant in Buenos Aires. All of this, just minutes from downtown Kansas City.

    Don’t miss a stop on your culinary trip around the world:

    Jose Pepper’s Border Grille & Cantina offers classic Mexican fare and delicious specials. This cantina is known for south-of-the-border favorites like enchiladas, fajitas, and quesadillas. It’s also a perfect happy hour destination, with $2 house margaritas, 16 oz. draw beers, and crispy beef or chicken tacos. Stop in for lunch, dinner, or happy hour. When you need Mexico to come to you, Jose Pepper’s offers convenient carry-out and catering options.

    Trezo Mare Restaurant and Lounge is your destination for fresh, Italian-inspired cuisine. House-made pastas, mozzarella, and breads compliment wood-fired steaks and produce that’s fresh from the farm. Trezo Mare offers an extensive wine list, and its wine room is ideal for rehearsal dinners, business gatherings, or intimate dinners with friends and family. Whether it’s a special occasion or a random Wednesday, every meal at Trezo Mare is cause for celebration.

    Piropos Restaurant offers a taste of Argentina, right here in Kansas City. This elegant, laid-back eatery overlooks the Kansas City skyline but prepares the very best of Buenos Aires cuisine. Grilled meats, seafood, fresh salads, and vegetables combine for gracious, delicious meals. The food is simple yet flavorful, and the atmosphere is relaxed and inviting. Piropos is open for lunch and dinner, and hosts events, banquets, and weddings.

    You don’t need a passport to explore the world. Come to The Village at Briarcliff and let your taste buds travel the globe.

  4. Take a break and rejuvenate

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    Do you need a little “me” time?

    Don’t we all?

    Fortunately, there’s a destination spa that’s not a plane ride away. It’s just around the corner. The Spa at Briarcliff offers a full range of services in a unique, relaxing environment.

    “It’s a privilege to be in such a beautiful atmosphere every day,” says spa director Danielle Finney. “This is a place for healing. It has a destination spa feel – you truly escape. It’s unlike any other spa.”

    The medical director and caregivers at The Spa at Briarcliff offer a variety of services to help you look and feel your best:

    • Massage therapy
    • Facials and dermaplaning
    • Medical aesthetics, including Botox® and laser therapies
    • Nail services
    • Body treatments
    • Waxing
    • Spray tan
    • Makeup application
    • Brow and lash tinting

    There’s truly something for everyone – and every need. The Spa at Briarcliff offers massage packages, so you can purchase a series of relaxing treatments at a great price. Treating yourself shouldn’t be a once-a-year event. Monthly or quarterly services can improve how you feel and how you look.

    “We have options to help make a visit to the spa more of a ritual,” says Danielle.

    No matter what services you choose, you can count on attentive caregivers who are focused on your wellbeing.

    “Our caregivers are amazing with our guests,” says Danielle. “We’re all focused on providing a therapeutic, pampering experience.”

    The Spa at Briarcliff offers unique experiences that you won’t find elsewhere. The Float Experience is a private room where clients float in 12 inches of mineral-rich, temperature-maintained water. It’s designed to detoxify the body, reduce fatigue, and promote healing. Just 1 hour can provide the equivalent of 4 hours of normal rest.

    The Amazon RiverWalk Experience is rejuvenating. The specially designed treatment room has a warm fireplace, and the experience starts by relaxing in the currents of the RiverBath. Then, a massage or invigorating body treatment attends to the individual needs of the client. This experience ends with a private feature shower with multiple shower sprays.

    Then, there’s the famous the European Bath Ritual.

    “The European Bath Ritual is the best way to start any experience here,” says Danielle. “It truly starts your escape from the world, your escape into relaxation.”

    The ritual consists of 3 jetted pools with cascading waterfalls. The pools have different temperatures, and clients move from pool to pool. The experience eases muscle tension, increases circulation, and promotes relaxation. The European Bath Ritual is complimentary with any purchased service.

    The Spa at Briarcliff is dedicated to offering personalized, pampering treatments. Learn more on the spa’s website, or call 816-746-5333 to schedule your appointment.

  5. Last-Minute Valentine’s Day Gifts

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    Let’s say you’re in a relationship. And let’s say you’ve been so focused on Presidents Day that you completely forgot that Valentine’s Day is coming up.

    This is completely hypothetical, of course. But what would you do?

    There are three basic approaches:

    • Run away. Whether you hide out in a remote cabin or just don’t answer your phone for a few days, this approach is apt to make you single – or at least get you in trouble.
    • Do the easiest thing possible. If getting a gift for your sweetheart involves swinging through a drive through or grabbing an impulse purchase next to the drug store checkout, you won’t be fooling anyone.
    • Get creative and show some love. This option might take a little effort, but the payoff will be worth it.

    You don’t have to plan for months or spend a fortune to dazzle your darling. Here are some ideas for showing you care – even if you waited until the last minute.

    • Breakfast in bed – It’s a classic idea because it’s a good idea. Everyone loves to be pampered, and most people love breakfast. Sneak out early to get your sweetie a favorite coffee and donuts. Or, whip up a little French toast while your love is still snoozing.
    • Netflix – It’s not the most romantic gift ever. But if your honey doesn’t have this service, it will be a game-changer. If you’re going to share the account, load the queue with movies and shows you know your love wants to see.
    • The perfect embellishment – Every woman loves a little sparkle. And that sparkle doesn’t have to be jewelry! Maybe your love lusts after cowboy boots, or would be thrilled with a new scarf. Stop in a small boutique like Finishings for Her and find a gift that will delight. And if you don’t have a clue, a gift certificate is always a winner.
    • A good, old-fashioned love letter – Who doesn’t love to hear how much they are loved? Take a few minutes to put pen to paper. Describe a few things you love about your beloved, and talk about how your life has changed because of her. It doesn’t have to be fancy or long-winded – short and sweet can be incredibly powerful.

    No matter how you acknowledge Valentine’s Day, remember the real goal of the holiday. Show your love!

  6. Your Heart’s Desire

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    It’s February, the month of love, candlelit dinners, and sweet treats. But who says you need a sweetheart? Now is the perfect time to lavish a little love on yourself.

    Romantic partner or no, Valentine’s Day is for you. It’s a great reminder that we can all benefit from a little love and attention. Take this opportunity to be extra kind to yourself. It will do your heart good, and help you avoid the winter doldrums.

    Try something new. Learning a new skill can just plain ol’ make you feel good. Try a cooking class, or a new workout. Or, visit a new place – around the corner or around the globe. You’ll expand your world, meet new people, and feel empowered.

    Pamper, pamper, pamper. Take time to do things that truly make you happy. It’s amazing what “you time” can do for your heart – and your outlook. Pampering yourself might include spa treatment, your favorite meal, or just quiet hours with a book. Carve out time to indulge.

    Give a little love. Giving really is better than receiving. Shower your friends and family with valentines or homemade treats, and enjoy the warm feeling it gives you. Volunteering is a great way to bring joy to your heart, too.

    Get a new look. When you look good, you feel good. Treat yourself to a new outfit from Amelia’s Boutique. Being fashion-forward can help you move forward in other areas, too. You’ll feel a boost of self-confidence that will help you face any challenge – even if the challenge is just a dreary winter day.

    Appreciate all kinds of love. Valentine’s Day is so focused on romantic love that it can be easy to overlook other valuable relationships. Spend quality time with family and friends. Take a special treat to a loved one in a nursing home. Or enjoy an extra-long walk with a furry pal. Remember the non-romantic loves in your life.

    However you decide to celebrate Valentine’s Day, be sure to treat yourself. Even if that treat is just a small cup of coffee, it can have a big impact on your day. A little kindness goes a long way.

  7. New Outlook for Your Window

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    Window coverings are the unsung heroes of interior design. They help pull a space together, manage light, and can even impact utility bills. Yet many of us don’t have a clue what options are available, much less what would actually look good in our homes and offices.

    That’s where Two Blind Girls come in.

    Mother/daughter team Sherry Moore and Natalie Kesselring own Budget Blinds of the Northland & Kansas City. Nestled in the Village at Briarcliff, Budget Blinds offers a wide array of window coverings and truly personalized care.

    “We are so keen on customer service,” says Sherry. “It’s our goal to go above and beyond our customers’ expectations. We want everyone to be satisfied. And, since we have a storefront, we’re always here, long after the sale.”

    Sherry, Natalie, and their team offer free in-home consultations. These sessions allow customers to see a selection of high-quality, fashionable samples and work with an expert to find the perfect window coverings.

    Concerned about style, price, or function? Don’t worry. The Two Blind Girls have an encyclopedic knowledge of what’s available, and they enjoy coming up with creative window treatment options.

    “I like the design process, finding the products that fit a customer’s home the best,” says Sherry. “Since we offer free in-home consultation, we get to work with them to find the perfect window coverings.”

    Budget Blinds offers more than just blinds. Their extensive selection also includes:

    • Shutters
    • Draperies
    • Shades
    • Window film

    Budget Blinds of the NorthlandTheir products have even been featured on “Buying & Selling with The Property Brothers” on HGTV.

    But you don’t have to be on TV to get personalized service. For The Blind Girls, every customer is unique, and every window treatment is truly custom. There’s a big difference between having stock blinds cut at a big-box retailer and having window coverings specially ordered to your home’s the exact measurements.

    “It’s always good to use a professional. If we measure wrong, it’s on us. If you measure wrong, it’s on you,” says Sherry. “We go to bat for everyone. We are your voice to the manufacturers. We make sure you get the right window coverings and that they are installed correctly.”

    The Budget Blinds team includes two professional installers. Justin Davis has more than 10 years of experience in shutter and window covering installation. Ashton Lewis started as an apprentice installer and is now an expert in all kinds of installations.

    Budget Blinds serves both residential and commercial clients. Whether it’s new construction, a major renovation, or just a little freshening up, the Two Blind Girls bring the right know-how to any project.

    “Everything we do is custom,” says Sherry. “We order from the manufacturers to get you just what you want.”

    Want to learn more about what Budget Blinds of the Northland & Kansas City can do for you? Stop by the shop at the Village at Briarcliff. You can also visit them on the web or call 816-505-5515.

  8. Valentine’s Day To-Go from Trezo Mare

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    Take advantage of 4 different ways to enjoy Trezo Mare this Valentine’s Day.

    Trezo Mare’s Specials on Friday – Sunday, Brunch for 2 on Saturday and Sunday, and our Valentine’s Day to-go dinners that can be picked up in advance and prepared at home and a wine dinner on Monday with the wine maker in the house.

    Brunch for two:

    Cinnamon Rolls
    Fruit and berry platter for two

    Choice of two:
    Lobster Frittata, hollandaise sauce, crisp green salad
    Crab cake benedict, hash browns
    8oz ribeye steak (or flat iron), 2 eggs your way, hash browns

    Dessert for two:

    Assorted chocolates, chocolate mousse cup. Perfect to share!

    Weekend specials:

    Mache salad-candied pecans, sweet onion marmalade, raspberries, herb oil, balsamic reduction, shaved parmesan
    Filet Oscar-wood fired topped with lobster, spinach, and Béarnaise, horseradish mashed potatoes, baby carrots
    Chilean Sea Bass-Pan seared, crab salad, ginger rice, sea beans, miso glaze
    Fettuccine with Scallops and Clams-arugula, bacon, sweet vermouth cream

    Dessert:

    Delicious Italian brownie, vanilla ice cream, pomegranate reduction, chocolate sauce, toasted pistachios

    **Menus are subject to change.

    Trezo Mare is the perfect spot for Valentine’s Day. Pick up your Valentine’s Day to-go dinner, find your perfect date night with your Valentine. We have your special dinner covered at Trezo. Don’t forget the flowers!

  9. What’s So Special About January 1, anyway?

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    Maybe you didn’t get around to setting New Year’s resolutions. Or maybe you did, and you’ve already fallen off the wagon. Either way, you’re not alone.

    Researchers at the University of Scranton found that 45% of Americans typically make New Year’s resolutions. Of those, 75% maintain their resolution through the first week of January – and the numbers drop from there. Only 46% of resolutions are still standing after 6 months. And if you want to get really depressed? Consider that a mere 8% of Americans are successful in achieving their resolutions.

    The top New Year’s resolution for 2014 – and probably every year – was losing weight.

    Considering the overall success rate of resolutions, it’s tempting to just grab the Ben & Jerry’s and curl up on the couch. But not so fast!

    Whether you’re setting a new intention or trying to get back on track with a New Year’s resolution, there are easy ways to spark change in your life. Here are 5 tips for that most popular resolution: weight loss.

    • Put it in your calendar. If it’s in your calendar, an appointment is official and important, right? What could be more important than taking care of yourself? Put your workouts in your schedule, and treat them like high priorities.
    • Play. Run around with the dogs, or get down on the floor with the kids. Being active in new ways can rekindle your desire to move. Plus, what kids call “play” is very often exercise.
    • Try something new. If the same old activities are getting you the same old results, break out of that rut. Don’t be intimidated by trying a new class or getting a personal trainer. We were all beginners at some point.
    • Do a short workout. Small amounts of time can create big results. Try a 30-minute kickboxing class with 9Round. A new workout begins every 3 minutes, so you can jump in when it’s convenient for you.
    • Get support. Working out with a group or a trainer helps you feel accountable. On those days when you might let yourself off the hook, other people counting on you to work out can get you to the gym.

    January 1 seems to be the official day for new beginnings. But any day is a good day to start fresh. Be kind to yourself and take 1 day at a time in your journey to good health.

  10. This Is Your Year to Get Fit

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    How’s That New Year’s Resolution Going?

    The promise of a New Year—it’s a great time to take a quick self-assessment, start afresh, and get fit by making some fitness goals for the New Year. Maybe you need to do a little holiday recalibration or maybe this year really and truly is The Year you’ll shed those extra pounds and become that healthier, stronger person you promised yourself you’d become last year. And the year before. And maybe the year before that.

    Let’s face it: New Year’s resolutions are tough to keep. In fact, research shows that most people will give up on them in less than month. Old habits are hard to break and while we love the before-and-after story, we’re just not so good about sticking with the in-between, sweat-it-out routine that it takes to get there. Get fit this year!

    Sarah Giboney, personal trainer and owner of the Village’s Foundation Fitness has a few tips to help you keep on track and keep this year’s promises.

    Be realistic.

    Change happens over time. Not in a week or even a well-intentioned month. So instead of grabbing those lofty resolutions that you’re just going to dump come February, start with ones you can actually reach and set your yourself up for success, one month at a time.

    If you’re new to fitness, that could be mean committing to walking 2,000 more steps a day or heading into the gym for just 30 minutes of cardio three times a week. If you’re ready to improve your health, forget the fad diet du jour. Instead, make one simple and easy change—like starting a food journal or adding a vegetable to your plate at every meal.

    The point is to build a healthy foundation for fitness that makes sense for you and your lifestyle, goal by goal, month by month, that you can make part of your life.

    Set smart goals.

    We all get caught up in what the media says we should look like, and then we set goals that are often incredibly difficult to live with and live up to.

    Your goals should be smart, says Sarah. That is: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Timely.

    • Specific: If you want to lose weight, for example, your goal may be to lose 5 pounds in the next month. If you want to improve your body composition, your goal could be to reduce your body fat by 1 percent over the next 6 weeks.
    • Measurable: Goals that can be measured are easier to track—and stick with. Measuring your weight loss is as easy as jumping on the scale. You can determine your body composition by hiring a trained professional to do a skin fold caliper test. Sarah offers those for a nominal fee and is included in any training package. However, goals like “become a better me” or “get stronger” make it difficult to know when you’ve reached success.
    • Attainable: Goals should be challenging, sure, but they have to be realistic. Losing 20 pounds in a month? Not likely or healthy. If you’re new to fitness goals, Sarah suggests setting up a consultation with a personal trainer to find out what makes sense for you and your lifestyle.
    • Relevant: At the end of the day (or at 5 a.m. in the morning), you’re the only one who’s going to actually do the work to achieve your goals, so it should be something you want to accomplish and something that is important to you. Write it down and take an honest look at it. Are you ready? Are you willing?
    • Timely: We can all lose those five pounds . . . someday. Goals need deadlines. Attach a date to your goals, so you know when you’ve achieved them—and when you’re ready to set new ones.

    Make it personal.

    Foundation Fitness BriarcliffIt’s worth repeating: your goals are yours. They have to make sense for your lifestyle and the work it takes to reach them has to be something you can commit to.

    For many of us, time is the biggest issue—and the one thing that really thwarts our resolve and intentions. We bite off too big of a commitment that we can’t maintain. We go extreme only to see little payoff. We buy the one-solution that swears to fix all, only to wonder when, if ever, we’ll see some real results.

    Put away the magazines, ignore the trends that are grabbing the attention of all your friends, stop spinning your wheels on a plan that was never designed to work for you.

    Sit down, one-on-one, with a personal trainer and make your goals personal and accountable. A personal trainer can help determine the goals that are right for you and develop a personalized plan that will work for your body type and your lifestyle.

     

    To help you set the right resolutions (and get the resolve to reach them), Foundation Fitness is offering a free 30-minute consultation, along with flexible and affordable fitness packages. Call 816-810-9931 or email sarah@foundationfitnessbriarcliff.com.