Leawood, KS April 2024

EVERYDAY EXCEPTIONAL

The Grecale embraces a new luxury paradigm made of tradition, innovation, and concrete vision. Every detail has a purpose. Every function expresses emotion, down to the smallest knob. Discover all the key design feats of the Maserati Grecale at Maserati of Kansas City.

Maserati of Kansas City

9400 W 65th Street, Merriam, KS 913.677.3300 | maseratiofkansascity.com

Spring into ‘aNu You’ with Regenerative Therapies!

Dr. Cristyn Watkins is The KC Regenerative Doctor®

Regenerative treatments represent the future of skin rejuvenation. At aNu, Dr. Watkins has been bringing these cutting-edge solutions to our patients for over 6 years to promote enhanced repair, regeneration and results!

We utilize PRP, PRF and Exosome treatments in combination with a range of non-invasive aesthetics procedures to dramatically enhance their efficacy and reduce downtime. For instance, a single microneedling treatment combined with regenerative therapy can deliver outcomes equivalent to three standard microneedling treatments. In addition, these therapies also trigger the new formation of collagen and elastin fibers for sustainable skin volumizing and elasticity.The skin cell regenerative and repair capacity of these therapies are known to produce the most dramatic benefits when combined with the following treatments:

- Hair Restoration

- Radio Frequency & Regular Microneedling

- Laser Skin Resurfacing - MOXI, HALO, Contour

CLINICALLY PROVEN BENEFITS:

- Wrinkles, fine lines, age spots

- Skin hydration, brightness and elasticity

- Smoother skin texture and reduced pores

- Reduction of scars, skin irritation and redness

To learn more about the MOST ADVANCED FACIAL REJUVENATION THERAPIES schedule a consultation with aNu Aesthetics and Optimal Wellness today!

Multiple locations in KC to serve you!

Office: 816-359-3310

www.anuaesthetics.com

April: Investment

Investment is the act of devoting time, effort, energy or finances to a particular undertaking with the expectation of a worthwhile result. We can invest in a lot of things such as our community, our relationships, our finances, and our health with the hope that the effort will have a positive impact. We can invest in our community by supporting our local businesses, schools and local organizations. We can serve the community through volunteerism and investment in future generations. On a personal level, we can invest in our families and enrich relationships by giving time and effort to the people in our lives that mean the most to us. This type of investment has the most meaningful impact to not only ourselves but to the people closest to us.

My children are getting older, I have two in college, one in high school and one in middle school. My hope is that the investment that I have made throughout their childhoods raising them will positively impact their lives as they become adults themselves. I am currently making a conscious effort to put my phone down more and give my undivided attention to them when we are together so that they know they are my priority without the distraction of technology and that they are worth my time. With our busy schedules, the moments of having all of us home are becoming few and far between, so when we are home, it is important for me to invest in them and embrace the time we have together.

While investing in ourselves, relationships, community and finances can look very different from person to person, the effort we put into these areas of our lives are done with the common goal of having a positive impact that yields results. In this issue, we wanted to share about some of the ways that we can invest in our community, our health, our finances and with those that we love.

VanBrock proudly presents George Balanchine’s Jewels

May 10-19

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Marvin Introduces Elevate Bi-fold door Concept

Marvin, a premium manufacturer of windows and doors, has announced the launch of the Elevate Bi-Fold door, a new scenic exterior door concept that can fold accordion-style as bi-parting or unidirectional with a true floor-to-ceiling feel that opens up wider than standard patio doors. Windura, Marvin’s Certified Installing Retailer in Overland Park, KS, can help you “double your space to hang out”, per a recent happy Leawood customer who transformed a standard bank of windows into a

VanBrock Spring Pop-UP event

April 18th, 10:00am – 6:00pm Spring Pop-Up at VanBrock

Personal appearance by designer Claudia Mae.

Join us for a day filled with color and kick off Spring in style!

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ECHL-best Kansas City Mavericks Prepare for Postseason

In the midst of one of the best seasons in franchise history, the Kansas City Mavericks clinched a spot in the postseason with six weeks remaining in the regular season. With the playoffs beginning in mid-April, head to  kcmavericks.com for all the latest information and ticket options!

Which Weight Loss Approach is Right for You?

Do I Qualify?

Individuals seeking a more tailored approach to weight management are ideal candidates for beginning a journey toward optimal wellbeing. If someone is struggling with stubborn weight gain despite adhering to proper diet and exercise, they may qualify for a weight management program. Those with ambitious weight loss goals could also find value in a personalized solution to support their wellness journey.

Appetite Regulation: Semaglutide

Originally utilized for over 15 years to treat diabetes, Semaglutide revealed an unexpected benefit: weight loss. By mimicking the body’s hormone that regulates blood sugar levels and appetite, Semaglutide reduces feelings of hunger, leading to decreased food intake and subsequent weight loss. It has proven particularly effective for individuals who have encountered difficulties with weight loss using other methods.

Fat Utilization & Appetite Regulation: Tirzepatide

Another innovative medical option is Tirzepatide, which activates two receptors via hormone stimulation. In addition to suppressing appetite, Tirzepatide regulates glucose and blood sugar levels while enhancing the body’s utilization of fat through increased energy expenditure. Tirzepatide’s multifaceted approach makes it a promising candidate for managing both obesity and type 2 diabetes effectively.

Increases Energy & Fat-burning: BioBoost

It is designed to provide an extra boost of energy, fat-burning, immunity support, and mental clarity through a blend of vitamins, minerals, and fat-metabolizing amino acids. BioBoost can help regulate sleep assisting with insomnia. Its core ingredients include Methionine Inositol Choline (MIC), also known as Lipotropic Injections, which target primary fatty deposits in the body to aid in fat release. Additionally, it contains essential B vitamins such as B6 and B12, which play crucial roles in energy metabolism, DNA synthesis, and nervous system health.

Benefits of Medical Weight Management

Under careful management by an experienced medical team that customizes dosage to individual needs, the benefits of medical weight management may include:

- Weight loss

- Increased energy levels

- Improved sleep quality

- Better blood pressure control

- Enhanced self-confidence

- Reduced joint pain

The Art of Collecting

As consumers, we are constantly being enticed to buy. Whether it’s the jewelry we can’t live without, concert tickets to a show we don’t want to miss, or that favorite pair of shoes calling our name, we buy what we love, and art should be no different.

If you are new to acquiring original art, you may find it daunting, but it shouldn’t be. It is a special purchase that forces you to dig deep and discover a bit more about yourself. At first, many people shy away from buying original art because of the commitment. It’s a big decision after all, and how do you really know when it’s the “perfect” piece? Because art is subjective, part of the process is learning what style of art is the best fit for you. Is it colorful and energetic abstracts, or soothing landscapes that catch your eye? Maybe you are drawn to local photography, or even figurative works. There is no wrong answer, and maybe it’s a mix of several styles that create your unique collection. The best way to find out your “art personality” is to get out and visit your local galleries. Consider making it a tradition to visit galleries while traveling or buy a piece of art as a gift on special occasions. In the gallery setting, you can explore various art styles, mediums, and even learn more about the talented artists who create those works.

With the purchase of original art comes other considerations. Often, we have clients who need direction figuring out what size of art they need and its placement in the design of their space. If you find a piece of art you love, you will always find a spot for it. Ask the gallery if they offer in-home art consultation services to see the piece in your setting. Great custom framing is key, and well-designed framing is the jewelry to a great piece of art. Quality archival framing protects your art from UV rays that can damage a piece over time. Original art should last generations.

I’m often asked, should I buy art for investment? There is a place for investment art, but I don’t believe in buying art with the pretense that it will go up in value. There is no guarantee it will and to me, good investment art brings different riches to your life. Art that brings you joy, adds personality to your space, and makes your home original is an investment in you. The best art investment should be the feeling you experience gazing into an oil painting that perfectly captures a warm sunset over the prairie, or the texture created by a palette knife on the abstract that seems to pop off the canvas. That is what makes investing in original art priceless.

Megan Hoban is a gallery-owner and corporate art consultant who works with residential and corporate clients in Kansas City and beyond. For more information on Prairiebrooke Arts and the featured artists please visit  www.pbarts.com

Art that brings you joy, adds personality to your space, and makes your home original is an investment in you.

A BEAUTIFUL OUTDOOR SPACE DESERVES AN EXCEPTIONAL SOUND SYSTEM!

Make this outdoor season the best one yet. Have Longwire upgrade your outdoor oasis with a professionally installed speaker system. You won’t believe the immersive sound that fills the entire space and wonder how you ever relied on a Bluetooth speaker. Ready to transform your outdoor experience? Call Longwire and let’s start planning an upgrade now that will impress at any volume.

IS YOUR FINANCIAL ADVISOR ALSO A GOOD INVESTMENT MANAGER?

FROM MITCHELL CAPITAL MANAGEMENT

investment

Most financial advisory firms do an excellent job of helping clients define their goals, dreams, desires, and fears. They create and implement plans to facilitate these goals and dreams, managing emotions along the way. However, the practice of managing portfolios is different. Financial advice is about managing investors. Investment management is about managing investments.

Managing investors and investments aren't always found in the same package. Investment management is hard work. It requires commitments of time, money, an experienced team of analysts, and technical infrastructure. Having built and managed portfolios of individual stocks and bonds for over 35 years, we know this too well. Even then, it is only sometimes the case that a good financial advisor is a good investment manager too.

Over the last decade, financial advisory firms have moved in the opposite direction by removing the human research element from their investment services, choosing instead to utilize lower-cost exchange-traded funds (ETFs) built to mimic particular benchmarks or markets passively. Financial advisors assumed the role of portfolio managers more than ever, trying to convince clients they lost no value in the process.

Too many advisors thought this should be simple and easy. But investment management diverts attention from other business requirements, including client servicing and marketing for more clients. Therefore, the conclusion of a growing number of advisory firms is to outsource investment management entirely by using model portfolios created and managed by the home office or third parties on behalf of thousands of clients.

Significant drawbacks exist for investors using models created by others. First, there is no agreed definition of a model portfolio. The universe of model portfolios is large and growing quickly, offering a dizzying array of choices, complicating

any search for the 'right' model. Second, investors in model portfolios give up the option of any customization that might be beneficial or appropriate in their case, just like with the first Model T Fords, where you could have any color you wanted, as long as it was black.

Third, because sponsors design models for the largest number of clients, you cannot receive informed answers about your portfolio from the person or team making decisions on your behalf. There are too many layers between you and the decision-makers. Fourth, many models are still relatively new and unproven and change frequently, sometimes reflecting the day's trend. Models are only as good as the team doing the selection. What do you know about them?

The next time you visit with a prospective financial advisor whose business model includes acting as an investment manager, ask about their investment process and performance results. How do they compare to other investment managers in your area or relevant benchmarks? Push past claims that every client is unique and no other investment portfolio is comparable. You need a way to gauge the value received for your investment management fees.

Ask them who makes the investment decisions and how accessible they are to client questions. Be sure you are satisfied with the answers. As financial advisors take on the investment management role for clients, you should understand who makes the decisions on your behalf.

To contact Mitchell Capital Management, visit www.mitchcap.com

HOW TO DESIGN A RELAXING SPACE

INVESTING IN HOME DESIGN CAN GIVE YOU A PEACEFUL SANCTUARY WHERE YOU CAN ESCAPE FROM THE STRESSES OF DAILY LIFE. SO GO AHEAD, TAKE THE PLUNGE AND REVAMP YOUR LIVING SPACES – IT’S WORTH EVERY PENNY!

invest inyour living space

There are many things that can help a room feel relaxing, but let’s keep it simple and focus on my top three. I would say that one must incorporate good lighting, great textures, and a decluttered space to truly get the cozy vibes. Let’s tackle each.

GOOD LIGHTING

It’s imperative that there are multiple sources of light in a space. Rooms need a soft warm light, so I always like to use a light bulb between 2,700k and 3,000k. Also, all lights should have the same temperature light bulb to avoid clashing. It’s not enough to just have recessed or pendant lighting. I add a table or floor lamp to a space to truly have ambient light.  Candles are a must for me. They can be scented candles (an extra way to add relaxation) or I like to use remote control tapered candles, so I don’t have to worry about cleaning up wax later.

GREAT TEXTURES

Textures are seen in toss pillows, rugs, draperies, throw blankets and furniture upholstery. Textures add color, pattern and visual interest. I like to use at least three different textures to help a room feel lived-in and welcoming.

DECLUTTERING

So many times, a person thinks that every nook and cranny and every wall need to have something, and this is not the case. A decluttered space is actually more relaxing because overcrowding of items doesn’t quiet the mind. Decluttering a space can be overwhelming, I get it, so just do it in stages.  You’ll love the outcome when the room is tidy, organized and you are only surrounded with what brings you joy.

KC Pier: Your Foundation For Success

UNIQUE SHIP SHAPE MONITORING SYSTEM ADDS SECURITY.

The level of trust customers have when they call KC Pier Foundation and Repair emanates from the experienced crew and the Ship Shape home monitoring system.

Eric Scheele opened KC Pier in 2016, which organically grew from his other company, KC Property Guys, his real estate, rehab and investment company. He explained. “It started as a single crew from my other company. As we were rehabbing homes throughout Kansas City, we found many had foundation issues. We weren’t really satisfied with the service and expense of repairs, and the lack of standing behind warranties by other foundation guys. By 2016 we took one of our rehab crews and created a foundation repair crew. They cut their teeth with KC Property Guys houses, and by 2016, we decided to go ahead and take our service public and have been going gangbusters ever since!”

They now run three foundation crews and have a full office staff.

They are traditional in their repair and structural waterproofing on residential houses around KC. Eric explained that what sets them apart is they tend to do higher end repairs at affordable prices.

“We don’t cut corners and offer options to homeowners. We do have repairs that have a lifetime warranty, and others with lesser warranties. We use high quality materials with higher quality processes,” he noted. “That way, you get the most out of your money.”

KC Pier Ship Shape is a smart home foundation monitoring system that checks for such statuses as waterproofing, temperature and humidity. This is their own unique product they offer with every repair.

That technology and set of sensors are all included as part of their resolution to provide the utmost service. On the final day of the repair, their technology expert comes in to teach homeowners how to set up their home monitor with KC Ship Shape to get real time texts on their phone. KC Pier has a monitor in their office as well.

The monitor picks up when there is a power loss, water detection or high humidity in your basement or crawl space.

“We pair that with a level of service and come back out and check and evaluate the work done with our whole 30-point inspection process, at six months and one year. We leave the homeowner with the repair, the Ship Shape monitor and the six-month and one-year report,” he continued. “We check how our repair is performing.”

He expressed that a lot of people don’t understand how a foundation interacts with geological forces around it, and how the soil pressure on an exterior wall affects foundations in KC.

“Those are powerful forces, but when we reinforce the wall, it can last a lifetime, so you don’t have to worry about those problems happening again and don’t need to fear the unknown,” he said. “People are fearful once they start to see a crack in their foundation wall, and the perceived expense when they see water in their basement. We can fix those for a lifetime and teach them how to trust foundation and have peace of mind.”

Visit kcpier.com . In Kansas call 913-777-4379; in Missouri call 816-974-7437.

“We don’t cut corners and offer options to homeowners. We do have repairs that have a lifetime warranty, and others with lesser warranties. We use high quality materials with higher quality processes.”

Amina Hood: Crafting Elegance, One Hat at a Time

In the heart of Kansas City, Missouri, Amina Hood has made her mark as a prominent hat designer, blending luxury and artistry into each piece she creates. Although her journey into the world of millinery was unexpected, it was born from a blend of passion for textiles and an eye for design.

"Becoming a hat designer was never my original plan; it just unfolded naturally.”

With a background in luxury retail, she found herself unexpectedly creating a hat for a friend in need. Little did she know, that moment would spark a passion that would define her career.

Amina's career in Kansas City began a decade ago, marked by an inaugural show at First Fridays in the Crossroads. This event ignited her ambition to expand her business within the vibrant art community.

"I am eternally appreciative of Kansas City and the arts community for their unwavering support, which has been instrumental in my journey as a creative entrepreneur.”

Amina describes her design style as "relaxed luxury, with meticulous attention to detail and superior textiles”. Her professional training as a couture milliner continues to set her creations apart from others in the industry. Her hats have graced the pages of fashion publications such as Vogue and L'Officiel, in addition to being showcased in the world-renowned Metropolitan Museum of Art.

When it comes to materials, Amina believes sourcing those of the highest quality is the first step to designing an exceptional hat. She often finds inspiration from her global travels and is dedicated to finding the finest natural materials, such as silk, wool, and Panama straw. These materials not only ensure the beauty of the hats but also their longevity and craftsmanship.

Amina's designs are also deeply influenced by cultural and historical elements. Recently tasked with designing a hat for a short film set in the late 1800s, she immersed herself in research to ensure accuracy and authenticity. The result was a stunning silk top hat that she describes to have “perfectly captured the essence and style of the era”, again, showcasing her commitment to excellence in every project.

Running a millinery business comes with its unique challenges such as the lack of suppliers and materials, especially in the Midwest.

“The scarcity of millinery materials in Kansas City makes it difficult to find what I need locally, often resulting in urgent overnight shipments from New York City.”

Despite the late nights and shipping fees, Amina remains committed to timeless design, coupled with her unique eye, of which sets her apart in an industry that often revolves around temporary trends.

One of her most memorable experiences is being chosen as a member of the US Milliners Guild and participating in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s exhibition showcasing the history of rock and roll.

“As our business continues to grow, I am committed to providing customers worldwide with creative, exceptional hat designs and tandem products of the highest quality.”

“Each member was asked to create a hat inspired by the theme, and my design was a punk-inspired mohawk hat made of leather. The mohawk was fashioned with wire drum brushes, giving the hat an edgy, rock-and-roll feel.”

Looking ahead, Amina is excited about expanding her wholesale business into new domestic and international markets, all while dipping into the equestrian dressage market, and designing pieces tailored towards enthusiasts. This being said, her native vision remains the same.

“As our business continues to grow, I am committed to providing customers worldwide with creative, exceptional hat designs and tandem products of the highest quality.”

Upholding her mark on the world of hat design, her dedication to quality, craftsmanship, and artistic expression remains unwavering. Through her hats, she not only adorns heads but also weaves stories of elegance and sophistication, making her a true artisan in the world of fashion.

To shop visit aminahood.com

Deeply Personal, Highly Customized Interiors That Let You Live Your Best, Most Authentic Life.

Kara Kersten Design Renovations | Furnishings New Construction Design

karakerstendesign.com

V @karakerstendesign

infokarakerstendesign@gmail.com

Become a Part of the Ripple Effect

CELEBRATES 10 YEARS OF SPREADING KINDNESS AND MAKING OUR WORLD A MORE ACCEPTING PLACE

KANSAS CITY’S SEVENDAYS® ORGANIZATION

Ten years ago, Kansas City experienced a deeply saddening event that rocked our city. Three individuals became victims of an unexpected hate crime at the hands of a White Supremacist, but what was born out of this tragic incident was a more promising future to inspire our youth to be kind. “Love, not hate” became the legacy of this day, along with the conviction to “Make a ripple, change the world.”

SevenDays® is a non-profit organization that facilitates annual community events, curriculums and grants for schools across the metro to empower us to teach our kids how to overcome hate by promoting kindness and understanding.  It’s the foundation for engaging in seven different ways on seven different days of action, creating a roadmap of generating kindness all year long.

It challenges students to think, “What can I do today to inspire kindness and carry that forward?” Through membership in Kindness Youth Leadership Teams, high school students apply to get involved and then meet monthly during the school year to work on various aspects of SevenDays®, including the planning of annual events and activities. With an intentional focus on youth in schools, SevenDays.org  provides free lesson plans for K-12 faculty to take a role in cultivating a world focused on teaching kindness. Students receive mentorship from adults involved with SevenDays® and go out into the community to perform community service. The group is diverse and intentionally all-inclusive throughout its area-wide schools, grades, ethnicity, race and faiths.

It also provides a variety of opportunities for adults and youth alike to get involved, including two public events to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the April 2014 crime, beginning Wednesday, April 10 with the ‘Kindness Breakfast’ that takes place at the Church of the Resurrection in Leawood. Additionally, on Sunday, April 14, SevenDays® will host its first Community Kindness Festiva l. This free event will take place from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on the grounds of the Jewish Community Center in Overland Park and will be a fun, family-friendly afternoon of music, food trucks and interactive kindness activities.

Kansas City’s own Kate Cosentino, who appeared on NBC’s “The Voice" in 2023, is the festival’s headliner. Cosentino was a cousin of Terri LaManno whose life was taken during this tragic 2014 occurrence. Coincidentally, Kate was previously involved in a former SevenDays® songwriting competition and was one of its winners. In a full circle moment, she will bring her renewed stage presence and inspiring words to this year’s commemoration event. At the breakfast, the committee will honor individuals from two competitions they facilitate: The first is a button design. High school students can enter and submit designs for all seven themes, and one student’s design will be chosen for each theme. The second competition is a kindness action scholarship for seniors. Students can create a kindness project and write an essay about their vision and the impact.

Additionally, a Ripple of Kindness award will be given to an extraordinary individual in Kansas City for doing work that goes above and beyond. Previous winners include former Chiefs quarterback, Trent Green, for his work with Children’s Mercy Hospital and Ronald McDonald House, former Royals General Manager, Dayton Moore, for his C You in the Major Leagues foundation, as well as CEO of Community America, Lisa Ginter for her community impact.

SevenDays’ Co-founder, Mindy Corporon, will be the event’s featured speaker. Mindy lost her 14-year-old son Reat and her father Dr. William Corporon in 2014’s fateful crime, and she has since committed her life to “gathering people to shine the light on peace.” Her impactful accomplishments include starting the Faith Always Wins Foundation  - now SevenDays®,  - to engage communities with kindness activities and initiatives. She authored Healing a Shattered Soul to reflect on her personal journey of navigating anguish and offering kindness, along with winning a multitude of awards for her powerful thought leadership.

SevenDays® is all about accepting and understanding those around us, and considering them as our neighbors. When one person understands the power of kindness and acts on it, they make a ripple. A ripple can change the world.

SevenDays.org

If you make the effort to cook it with your family, you will gain the skills and learn to make some good and whole food plant-based recipes.

What’s the secret to a happy, healthy, and long life?

Believe it or not, it’s actually quite simple: There are no secret ingredients, no sizable expenditures, and absolutely zero manufactured elements of any kind. Dive in with us as we share insights from our interview with the internationally renowned Blue Zones Founder, National Geographic Explorer, and award-winning journalist who is revolutionizing the way Americans make choices that can lead to living your best life.

For over twenty years, Dan Buettner has been fully committed to studying the health and longevity of Americans as well as influencing the proper and attainable health-centric environments our communities should embody. What started with identifying five “blue zones” around the world where people are both living longer as well as enjoying a higher quality of life in their elder years has now also evolved into proactively creating eco-systems where our communities engage in setting the standard for clean health.

If you haven’t subscribed to watching “Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones” streaming on Netflix, do yourself a favor and soak up the well-documented views into how Ikaria, Greece, Loma Linda, California, Sardinia, Italy, Okinawa, Japan, and Nicoya, Costa Rica exemplify the basis behind the Blue Zones truth and have since inspired Dan and his team to further extrapolate how we can manufacture healthy blue zone lifestyles in virtually any city and within our homes by way of intentional adaptation.

Most of us are well aware of the “American way of life” we reside in, that being one of convenience in all shapes and forms. We excel in offering the most fast food options in any country. We rank at the top of the most cars per household. We embrace a sedentary

at-home lifestyle. And, for many of us, it stems from our childhood to no-fault of our own; comfort foods and Friday night pizza deliveries, complacent recliners and cushy car commutes. In short, however, now more than ever we categorically live in a country where processed foods and ultra-convenience, unfortunately, translate to life-threatening health diseases and a lack of organic joy.

What is the best news of all? All of these characteristics are wildly easy to overcome with effortless, yet conscious pivots to making better decisions with our time, our food, and our focus. Ask yourself: Are you driving or walking? Are you connecting socially? Set your sights on avoiding the majority of processed foods and start eating a largely whole-food and plantbased diet that will (statistically) give you another 10-12 years on your life.

In place of your toaster, keep a fruit bowl on the counter. Create a low-level junk food drawer. Stop buying processed meat, potato chips, sweetened snacks like cookies and candies, and worst of all, sugar-sweet beverages, and start buying more beans, nuts, grains, and tea.

“Am I going to tell you to never have these? No, people deserve to treat themselves. But you’ll do yourself an enormous favor if you just don’t bring those into your home. If you want to go out for those treats, go ahead,” Dan says. “Simply just don’t bring them home, and you’ll cut out 70-80% of consumption right there.”

Buettner’s first cookbook, The Blue Zones Kitchen, is a fantastic resource featuring ingredients and cooking methods that can increase longevity, wellness, and mental health. The recipes also include lifestyle tips such as proper portion sizes and the best times to eat dinner.

Who do you hang out with? Happiness is contagious. “The Blue Zone approach is to go through your contact base and think of some friends whose recreation is pickleball, biking, or gardening. Who will care about you on a bad day and have a meaningful conversation? Identify one or two friends who are vegan or vegetarian and show you how and where to eat whole foods. Actively invite them out for lunch, and bring them into your social circle: this will have a bigger, long-term impact on your behavior than any new diet or exercise, and it costs you zero. Plus, there is a ton of data that shows it works, and it's long-term.”

“We are marketed the idea that if we change our behavior by exercising more, taking the right supplements, trying this longevity or that anti-aging hack, that we will lose weight and get healthy, yet it never works for the long-term,” says Dan. The Blue Zones approach is not trying to change your behaviors, it is asking you to change your surroundings…your eco-system.

Every time you go out to eat, you will consume an extra 300 calories that are laden with more sodium,

sugar, and oil than eating at home. “Get your hands on a plant-based cookbook, pick a dozen recipes, and cook those with your family on Sundays. If you make the effort to cook it with your family, you will gain the skills and learn to make some good and whole food plant-based recipes.”

And, we would be remiss not to attend to the travelers at heart who would love to indulge in a luxurious resort paired with the facets of an actual Blue Zones destination. Dan highly recommends seeking out Silvestre in Nosara, Costa Rica where the experience offers wellness programming, fully-equipped kitchens, and outdoor activities that will fuel your inspiration for a healthier life.

Tap into Dan’s wisdom that is creating a new category of places that are not merely the legacy of a healthy culture, but more consciously created by enlightened individuals that are intent on supercharging healthier communities!

Follow @DanBuettner and @BlueZones for full insights Visit BlueZones.com to shop exclusive products

The Blue Zones approach is not trying to change your behaviors, it is asking you to change your surroundings… your eco-system.

A healthier alternative to commercial beef: Wagyu has Omega-3 rich fatty acids, and unsaturated fats that can have positive effects on cholesterol and heart health. Wagyu beef has cholesterol levels similar to fish or chicken, and it’s health benefits have been compared to that of Salmon. spring is here, along with exciting news!

In addition to our signature Wagyu beef, we are pleased to introduce a curated selection of seafood offerings featuring Premium Northern Atlantic Lobster Tails, Jumbo White Tiger Shrimp, and Nova Lox Smoked Atlantic Salmon. Create a memorable meal with your favorite Surf & Turf pairings!

why wagyu?

Depth of Flavor: Wagyu genetics and the well distributed IMF create a savory flavor that goes beyond typical “beefy” notes. An Umami explosion for your tastebuds.

Rich Marbling: High levels of intramuscular fat (IMF) create a unique buttery richness and velvety texture.

Highly Versatile: Known for superior steaks, Wagyu also makes succulent burgers, and even finely sliced beef for sushi. Wagyu tenderness and flavor make it a delight across lots of cooking styles.

TEXTURE ART

These trend-forward DIY art pieces add texture and dimension to your walls. They are easy enough for anyone to do regardless of artistic ability and make the perfect statement piece.

ROPE TEXTURE ART

Supplies needed:

• Window insulation strips

• Canvas

• Kilz Interior primer

• Staple gun

• Spray paint, color of choice

• Super glue, optional

Create the desired design using insulation strips. Simply peel off the sticky backing and attach to the canvas. Be sure to wrap each strip around the back and press firmly.

Instructions:

Create the desired design using insulation strips. Simply peel off the sticky backing and attach to the canvas. Be sure to wrap each strip around the back and press firmly. Use staple gun to secure strips to the back of canvas. Add a dap of super glue to any curved areas that appear to loosen. Once your desired design is created, apply a thin coat of Kilz interior primer. Spray paint the entire canvas the color of choice that you would like. Allow to dry for a minimum of 24 hours.

JOINT COMPOUND

TEXTURE ART

Supplies:

• Joint Compound

• Painters tape

• Canvas

• Drop Cloth

• Putty spatula

• Spay paint

• Putty knife

Use three fingers or design took to create designs across the canvas to your liking.

Instructions:

Spray paint Canvas to create a faux frame and allow this to dry completely. Apply 1-inch painters tape around the outside edge of the canvas. Be sure to crease the edges to create a tight seal to keep the joint compound from getting under the tape. Next, mix the joint compound to soften it up to a creamy consistency. Scoop compound onto the canvas and work around with the putty knife to cover the entire surface. The desired thickness should be about 1/8 of an inch thick all around as the compound mixture will be heavy when dry. Be sure that the compound is the same thickness all around to prevent cracking. Next, use fingers to make vertical lines on the entire canvas. Use three fingers or design took to create designs across the canvas to your liking. Once you get to your desired design, remove the painters tape by carefully peeling up slowly. Allow the canvas to dry for 2-3 days. Spray with a clear glass paint and allow to dry for an additional 24 hours.

MINT JULEP

ingredients:

• 2 1/2 ounces Woodford Reserve Bourbon

• 1/2 ounce Simple Syrup

• 4 fresh mint leaves

• Crushed Ice

with Gomer’s Wine & Spirits

directions:

Place mint leaves in bottom of glass and add simple syrup. Muddle well to release aroma of the fresh mint. Add Woodford Reserve bourbon to the glass. Fill the glass to the top with ice and stir. Garnish with fresh mint and serve.

Recipe by Gomers

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