Issuu

A P R I L 2 02 1

EMBRACING OUR ENVIRONMENT

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

APRIL 2021 PUBLISHER

Renee Moore | renee.moore@lifestylepubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Nature never disappoints. "NATURE NEVER DISAPPOINTS. There is always something new to see and learn each time one goes outdoors!" - Richard Thoma

Jordan Moore | jordan.moore@lifestylepubs.com INTERN

Bridget Killian AD DESIGNER

Rachel Chrisman L AYO UT DESIGNER

Emily Lisenbee

You would be hard-pressed to find someone who loves nature more than Richard Thoma. Richard has been a member of the Webster Groves Nature Study Society for over 30 years. He was the leader of the Missouri Butterfly Count organization. He has a teaching insect collection of over 7,000 specimens. His book, 100 Years of the Webster Groves Nature Study Society documenting the century-old orga-

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Molly Higgins, Abby Lapides CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Molly Higgins, Ann Lapides

nization is currently available through the WGNSS website, www.wgnss.org. But here is what I find most inspiring about Richard - he, along with his best friend Ted MacRae, has hiked the Ozark Trail in its entirety and has begun hiking it in reverse. How cool is that? Do you know who else loves butterflies and nature? Abby Lapides. If you haven't met her yet, stop by to see her at Sugar Creek Gardens. Abby's love for insects, animals, and the environment is remarkable. And her seemingly unlimited knowledge of plants is incredible. I've never even heard of nativar plants until Abby explained what they are in her article Sowing the Seeds of Love.

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

Nature never disappoints, and the same can be said about our communities. We

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

have our own little ecosystem that supports each other, relies on each other, invests

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

in each other, and welcomes each other.

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams

It's like a breath of fresh air.

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

Renee Moore, Publisher

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

ON THE COVER Abby Lapides, owner of Sugar Creek Gardens

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANN LAPIDES 4

Kirkwood Lifestyle | April 2021

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

Proverbs 3:5-6 Kirkwood Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Kirkwood area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Kirkwood Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

INSIDE THE ISSUE APRIL 2021

FEATURES 12 Naturally Photogenic Webster Groves Nature Study Society photography and history

18 Sowing the Seeds of Love Planting, providing, giving and living through gardening

24 Buy, Sell, Build, or Stay? Embracing the home environment

12 18

30 Restore Reclaim Renew restores more than barnwood

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

Good Times

Around Town

Artist’s Palette

Local Limelight

24 Our Town 30 Locally Owned 34 DIY

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

GOOD TIMES

Wonderful Outdoor Wedding Kirkwood Lifestyle reader Aggie Liebich shared with us that her favorite thing about her backyard is that it served as a magical venue when COVID derailed her wedding plans. "David and I were supposed to get married at The World's Fair Pavilion, but it was canceled due to the pandemic," said Aggie. "So we threw a backyard wedding together in three weeks. We definitely missed many people who couldn't be there, but it was such a good decision. Now we have this wonderful memory in our new home." PHOTOGRAPHY: CASSIDY PARKER SMITH

Kirkwood Lifestyle | April 2021

AROUND TOWN

Montessori for Life GET YOUR FILL FROM THE REFILL EFFECT The Refill Effect is a Kirkwood-based business located at farmers' markets and online ordering with curbside pickup and deliveries in the 63122 zip code. Owner Sarah Kim offers "the products you want without the packaging you don't." Sarah provides customers the opportunity to find goods they need to take care of their households while taking care of the planet. The Refill Effect is committed to "nothing remaining to go into the landfill at the end of a product's life, and gentle

AMI Accredited Education Ages 14 Months Through12 Years

impact on people and the planet during use." www.therefilleffect.com

Tours by appointment, 314-822-2601

COME ENJOY THE ART AT THE KIRKWOOD PERFORMING ARTS CENTER On Saturday, April 24, The Kirkwood Performing Arts Center is featuring 25 artists from Kirkwood and around St.

1280 Simmons Ave. | Kirkwood, MO 63122 www.villadimaria.org

Louis. Everyone is welcome! Come see the inside of this stunning building, view the art, talk with artists, and even take part in the Postcard Competition. There

Kirkwood Lifestyle | April 2021

will be blank postcards and a wide variety of drawing and painting materials for anyone to pick up a brush or a colored pencil and start creating. At the end of the show, one postcard will be selected as the official postcard for KPAC.

WELCOME TO DOWNTOWN KIRKWOOD, JAY We are thrilled to welcome Jay Jamison to Downtown Kirkwood. Jay is the owner of Backbone Barber Co. located at 203 N. Kirkwood Road. Jay has been cutting hair for over 15 years and decided to open his own shop in Kirkwood. "Kirkwood is the ideal place for a barbershop," said Jay. "Great environment and great people that will appreciate and love my vision as much as I do." Backbone Barber specializes in combining classic cuts with a more upscale and modern approach while focusing on an exceptional personal experience.

THERE SHE GOES IS COMING SOON We are excited about the opening of There She Goes at their new retail location 9903 Manchester Road in Warson Woods. Owner Sheila Stewart expects her new shop to officially open within the next few weeks. Until then, shoppers can check out the latest on-trend styles of tops, dresses, denim, jewelry, accessories & gifts at www.shopthereshegoes.com

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

ARTIST’S PALETTE ARTICLE BETH GLENNON

N AT U R A L LY P H OTO G E N I C WEBSTER GROVES NATURE STUDY SOCIETY PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST

Photography by Ted MacRae

Photography by Bill Duncan

Photograph by Bill Duncan

Photograph by Ryan Fairbanks

THE WEBSTER GROVES NATURE STUDY SOCIETY PHO-

Each category is judged by three people - an art/photography

TOGRAPHY CONTEST IS ONE OF THE FEW NATURE PHOTO

expert, an educated naturalist experienced in the category they

CONTESTS SPECIFICALLY FOCUSED ON OUR REGION’S

are judging, and a WGNSS board member (many of whom are

NATURAL AREAS. Bill Duncan, WGNSS Nature Photography

naturalist experts themselves).”

Group Chairperson, explained, “Submitted photographs must

“This contest is not necessarily about who can take the pretti-

have been taken in Missouri or one of its contiguous states.

est photographs of a flower or bird. Equal weight is placed on the

Kirkwood Lifestyle | April 2021

aesthetics of the photograph and the natural history story portrayed

photographs and the winners will be presented at the next general

in the image,” stated Bill. “For instance, how rare is the species or

meeting on April 7th. These are the 1st place winners and the grand

habitat? How well does the photograph tell the story of the natural

prize-winning photograph from the Webster Groves Nature Study

interactions between the subject and its environment? Is there a

Society’s last contest conducted in 2019.

conservation or educational message?”

“The Webster Groves Nature Study Society includes people of all

The Webster Groves Nature Study Society is currently conduct-

ages and occupations who share an interest in learning more about

ing its 5th contest, which is held every two years. All submitted

nature and the environment,” stated Richard Thoma, WGNSS First

Richard Thoma on the Ozark Trail. Photo by Ted MacRae

Photography by Casey Galvin

Photography by Lisa Saffell

Photography by Casey Galvin

Vice-President. Richard is the author of the new book, 100 Years of

beyond the St. Louis area in its membership breadth and scope of its

the Webster Groves Nature Study Society. Founded in 1920 by the

programs. Members enjoy educational programs, field trips, as well

residents of Webster Groves, WGNSS actively promotes the con-

as weekly bird and botany walks. Entomology, Nature Photography,

servation of wildlife and the preservation of natural habitats. The

and Nature Book Club meet once a month. The newsletter, Nature

society retains its original name for historical reasons but reaches far

Notes, containing updated events can be found at www.wgnss.org. CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

LOCAL LIMELIGHT

“THINK ABOUT WHAT ONE BASKETBALL WILL DO.” 14

Kirkwood Lifestyle | April 2021

ARTICLE BETH GLENNON

T he Buddy

FUND BRUCE CONNER, OWNER OF MASSAGE ENVY - SUNSET HILLS AND BOARD OF DIRECTOR OF THE BUDDY FUND DESCRIBES THIS ACTIVE ENVIORNMENT

these kids active and give them an out, we will lose them.” Tim said that officers and administrators from the recipient organizations like KLIFE, Live for Life Academy, Boys Hope Girls Hope often comment KIRKWOOD RESIDENT BRUCE CONNOR HAS THE ENVIABLE JOB OF BUYING BASKETBALLS FOR KIDS IN HIS BOARD OF DIRECTOR’S ROLE FOR THE BUDDY FUND.

about how The Buddy Fund doesn’t just change lives; it saves lives. Through incredible partnerships with Rawlings, Markwort, and Riddell, Bruce can purchase new sports equipment at wholesale

The Buddy Fund was started in 1962 by Cardinal Baseball player

prices. “We can double our purchasing power,” said Bruce. It’s an

Buddy Blattner. “Buddy knew that keeping kids active after school

understatement to say that the recipient organizations need more

was a way to keep them out of trouble,” stated Bruce. “So, Buddy

help. “We can’t do enough,” Tim added. “When you go into these

started buying shoes, gloves, bats, and balls for underserved chil-

organizations, the kids are locked in on you. They know you are part

dren in St. Louis.” Today, The Buddy Fund provides new sporting

of their hope. They get it. They are so incredibly grateful and apprecia-

equipment for over 75 recipient organizations around St. Louis. The

tive,” Tim said. “That’s why we do what we do.” www.buddyfund.org

Buddy Fund Executive Director Tim Murch humbly states, “Think about what one basketball will do; what one soccer ball can do. We provide a dozen balls that affect hundreds and thousands of kids.” Tim stated the cold facts, “80% of African American males that grow up in the city and don’t graduate from high school are either dead or incarcerated by the time they are 24.” Bruce noted, “If we don’t keep CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

Kirkwood Lifestyle | April 2021

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

Sowing the Seeds OF LOVE GOD CREATED ADAM AND EVE TO FROLIC IN THE GARDEN OF EDEN. SO, NATURALLY, WE FEEL COMFORTABLE IN THE GARDEN.

Avery Coester

THERE IS SOMETHING CALMING AND REGENERATIVE ABOUT BEING IN A GARDEN EXPERIENCING NATURE: BUTTERFLIES ON FLOWERS, PICKING TOMATOES OFF A VINE, OR LAZING UNDER A SHADE TREE. As a plant lover, I see gardening as the definition of love. Gardening provides self-love as it is proven to help mental and physical well-being. Giving flowers, fruits, and veggies, or plants are acts of love. Many people choose roses or dogwood trees to memorialize a loved one. It’s also an act of love for the Earth. As humans, we are the stewards of this world. I believe that since we are the dominant species, we are responsible for all other species. We live in a critical time where habitat loss and climate change are endangering many plants and animals. In Missouri, 735 plants and 410 animals are of concern by Missouri conservationists, with 52 in danger of extinction. The last 20 years have seen a dramatic decline in the monarch butterfly population. While a multifaceted issue, one of the biggest reasons has been habitat loss for these opulent creatures. In recent years, there has been a massive national initiative to help preserve this fragile population. One organization, Missourians for Monarchs, has

ARTICLE ABBY LAPIDES PHOTOGRAPHY ANN LAPIDES 18

Kirkwood Lifestyle | April 2021

“As hu mans, we are the stewards of th is world. I bel ieve that si nce we are the dom i nant species, we are responsi ble for a l l other species.” A bby Lapides CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

SOWING THE SEEDS OF LOVE (CONTINUED)

been instrumental to this cause. We can help by planting a butterfly garden. Even a 10’ x 10’ butterfly garden can have an impact. A slight increase of just 10% of our neighbors creating butterfly gardens would help keep a continual butterfly habitat line to get the monarchs from Canada down to Mexico and back. Imagine if everyone on your street had a butterfly garden. Even the smallest stamp of land can make a significant impact on our environment. Planting flowers for pollinators, reducing or eliminating pesticide use, and creating habitats for birds and other local wildlife benefit both our plant, our animal friends, and ourselves. Over a third of our food requires pollinators. Frogs, lizards, and opossums eat ticks, mosquitoes, and other annoying insects. Hawks, owls, and snakes can help manage a mouse problem. All these animals can cohabitate in our yards if we give them a chance. When I started working at Sugar Creek in 2008, we couldn’t give Missouri native plants away. Now, it’s a significant portion of our business. Through excellent programs like Grow Native!, people learn how important native plants can be for our neighborhood ecology. Native plants are super easy to grow. They have had thousands of years to be perfectly designed to thrive in our unpredictable weather. If you’ve ever considered growing native plants but declined because you thought they were too big or too wild looking for your yard, take a look at “nativar” options. Nativars are native plants bred for ornamental value, petite sizes, larger or longer flower time, and interesting foliage color. Nativars are a great choice if you want the benefits of native plants with a more traditional garden look. While I have yet to meet a plant I don’t like, vegetable gardening is where my heart lies. If you’ve never had a sun-warmed tomato fresh off the vine, you have yet to experience one of life’s greatest pleasures. Typically, homegrown veggies are more flavorful than what’s found in the grocery store. And, because you are the gardener, you know how they were grown, what kinds of chemicals, if any, were used, and how fresh they are. There’s nothing more locally grown than a garden five feet from your kitchen. Vegetable gardening also encourages you and your family to eat more veggies. Multiple studies have correlated gardening to fruit and veggie intake. Across the board, adults and children who garden eat 20

Kirkwood Lifestyle | April 2021

Tommy Lapides

Jim and Tommy Lapides

more fruits and veggies than those that do not. The Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics surveyed about 1,200 college freshmen and found those who had gardened ate significantly more fruits and vegetables than those who had never gardened. A recent study in Texas found that children who had a learning garden at their school ate more vegetables than ones who did not. Another Texas study found that adults over the age of 50 who gardened ate more veggies than those who did no gardening. A 2019 study from the American Society for Nutrition found that 1 out of 7 of all heart-related deaths can be attributed to not eating enough fruits and vegetables. Research shows that gardening can improve our mental and physical health. A study from Princeton University found that home gardening affects happiness in ways similar to biking, walking, or dining out. Out of 15 activities studied, gardening had the highest positive effect on women’s emotional well-being. The American Heart Association considers gardening moderate exertion involving all types of exercise: strength, endurance, balance, and flexibility. A study from the University of Arkansas found that women over 50 who garden had higher bone density than women who used conventional exercise methods like running, swimming, or aerobics. Luckily, you don’t necessarily need a backyard to enjoy the benefits of plants. Houseplants provide many of the same emotional and physiological benefits that gardens do. Research shows that office green spaces can boost employee productivity by 15%, while also reducing stress. Doctors in England are prescribing potted plants to help treat anxiety and depression. Plants can even discharge you from the hospital faster: Kansas State University studied patients recovering from surgery and found those with plants in their room had shorter hospital stays and required fewer pain medications than those without. Today is a great time to “get growing.” Gardening a wonderful activity that has been proven to bring the family together and teaches the next generation about healthy eating and good environmental stewardship. Sow the seeds of life, love, health, and happiness.

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

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Kirkwood Lifestyle | April 2021

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OUR TOWN LE

B ET

LE NNON

BUY, SELL, BUILD, OR STAY?

AR TIC

New Home from FM Design Build

EMBRACING THE REAL ESTATE ENVIRONMENT WITH MIKE, ANTIONE, MANDY AND MATT

Kirkwood Lifestyle | April 2021

buyer finds a house, their offer includes a letter indicating they’ve been vetted and approved. That tells the seller that our buyer can close faster, they are more reliable, and there is less risk involved. Antione: Buyers need a good agent who knows how to differentiate between the highest offer and the best offer. DRINKS WERE POURED AND DISCUSSION FLOWED AT ONE 19 NORTH AS MIKE SWALEH, AREA MANAGER AT FAIRWAY INDEPENDENT

MORTGAGE

CORPORATION,

GATHERED

WITH THREE OF HIS PEERS TO DISCUSS THE CURRENT REAL

IS NOW A GREAT TIME TO SELL A HOME? Antione: It depends on the seller’s mobility. Many people aren’t selling homes because there’s nowhere else to go. The number one thing I ask sellers is, “Do you have a place to move?”

ESTATE ENVIRONMENT: ANTIONE LAWRENCE, PARTNER AT

Mike: For the longest time, sellers would list their house, get an

HYBRID REAL ESTATE, MATT MOORE, OWNER OF FM DESIGN-

offer, and would then find a house to buy. Now it’s the opposite

BUILD, AND MANDY SHIELDS, PRESIDENT OF INHANCE IT

because it’s so much harder to find a house than to sell a house.

HOME STAGING.

Antione: Because of the market, you can’t submit an offer on another house if you have a contingency.

CONTINUED >

DESCRIBE THE CURRENT REAL ESTATE ENVIRONMENT. Mike: We are all resoundingly grateful to be in this industry doing what we love. The fact that we are sitting here, busier than ever, is a huge blessing. That being said, we’re facing a serious housing issue. Antione: Inventory is extremely low. There are not many opportunities for buyers in our area. Mandy: Our design work has increased because people are choosing to stay in their homes, and they want help designing their space to be conducive to everyone being home. Matt: Currently, there is a month and a half of inventory. That means, if no additional homes go on the market, we’ll sell out in the St. Louis area in less than 2 months. Mike: I’ve seen properties receive over 30 offers this year and we are only 10 weeks into the year. The demand for homes is going

New Home from FM Design Build

to be around for a while because it’s driven by demographics - not just economics. The economy could turn and pull back some of the demand by 25 or 30%, and it would still be a seller’s market. When

Mike Swaleh, Matt Moore, Mandy Shields, Antione Lawrence

we look at the demand for housing, we look at how many people turn 33 each year. That is the average age of a first-time homebuyer. The number of people who turned 33 over the last couple of years, and the number of people turning 33 in the next three years, are record highs each year. Matt: A couple of our clients chose to build with us because they lost out on multiple offers on houses, and they were the highest bidder. Mike: However, when you have 30-something offers, it’s not the highest price that wins the offer. It’s the surest bet. Our company has a program that makes our buyers the surest bet. With our program, 80% of the underwriting work is completed upfront. By the time a

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

OUR TOWN (CONTINUED)

Mike: The economy is doing well, and interest rates are low. More

Matt: We’ve had some really creative requests from clients. Home

people can qualify for two housing payments, which means they can

offices are priorities in the new homes we are building. We’ve had

buy before selling.

requests to turn big walk in-closets into offices.

Mandy: That’s where staging comes into the picture. People are

Mike: After each of our clients close on their home, we make sure

moving out of their old home before they list it. We are staging vacant

they have access to a multitude of resources. We have systemized

homes to prepare them for sale and we’ll help design the space in

processes that allow us to check in with the homeowner on an

their new house.

annual basis to make sure their current home mortgage still fits their

Antione: Staging sells homes. The value of a property with staging is 15 – 20% higher. That could be a game-changer.

needs. But our priority is helping clients win, whether they are buying or building a home.

Mandy: 99 – 100% of buyers look at a property online first. The

Antione: We value each client tremendously. We are a small

staged homes are always at the top of the list buyers want to see.

brokerage with 12 agents, but we are competitive. We have a great

We focus on creating a luxury look no matter the home’s price range.

brand with 5-star reviews. We like being small, so we can cater to

We use the same furniture regardless of whether a home is a $150K

our clients’ needs and exceed their expectations whether they are

condo, a $250K home, or a million-dollar home. We integrate differ-

buying or selling.

ent colors, woods, metals, neutrals, and textures to create a look any buyer would love. Antione: Unfortunately, that’s not a good market for buyers. The opportunity for buyers is to build or have a lender that can advocate on your behalf to put your offer over the top.

BUYING AND SELLING A HOUSE IS OVERWHELMING. HOW DO YOU MAKE IT EASIER? Matt: Typically, when people build a custom home, they’re presented with a change order every time they want to customize their

Matt: Finding the land to build is just as competitive as finding the

home. That’s not how we work. We want to show our clients the

house. And lumber prices have doubled. But the market is slightly

pleasant parts of building a house rather than them getting nickeled

better for people looking to build.

and dimed with change orders. I want this to be an enjoyable experience for the homeowner. It’s a big deal to build a custom house. Our

BUY VS. BUILD

goal is to make it a fun process.

Matt: Building allows buyers to take their time and choose their

Mandy: We offer staging consultations to detail everything needed

house. They don’t feel like they are settling on a house that doesn’t

to prep their home for photos and showings. We help prioritize and

fit their needs. And they can build a new home at the same price

provide checklists and information to make the process easier.

point they were willing to pay on an over-market competitive bid for an existing home. Mike: Owning your own home is the American Dream, but building your own home is the pinnacle of the American Dream. Matt: Building a house has a reputation for being overwhelming. I solve problems every day, so I’m comfortable shielding my clients from the burdens that come with building a custom home. Mandy: This is the first year that the pandemic completely controlled the customized home trends. Home offices and open floor plans have changed because people want their privacy.

Kirkwood Lifestyle | April 2021

CONTINUED >

“The demand for housing is based on how many people turn 33 each year. The number of people turning 33 in the next three years are record highs.” Mike Swaleh

Staging by INhance IT CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

OUR TOWN (CONTINUED) Staging by INhance IT

Antione: For

sellers,

are

very

hands-on. We handle the entire process and all the transactions, including coordinating the cleaning, staging, and pictures. It’s fast. We ask that they take our expertise, especially when facing multiple offers. Mike: We work with real estate agents to help their buyers win their offer. We pay attention to what is going on, and we are willing to adjust. We are a holistic lender, which means looking for more than one path to secure a loan. We help buyers compete.

Kirkwood Lifestyle | April 2021

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

LOCALLY OWNED

T Owners Barry and Sue Kraft

Kirkwood Lifestyle | April 2021

O R

RECLAIM RENEW HAS BEEN CREATING CUSTOM FURNITURE SINCE 2007 AND RECENTLY OPENED A BRAND NEW SHOWROOM IN DOWNTOWN KIRKWOOD.

RESTORE ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY MOLLY HIGGINS

FOR A UNIQUE FURNITURE OR DECOR

“Our hope is to get as many people into

PIECE FULL OF PERSONALITY, RECLAIM

our downtown location as possible,” Barry

RENEW IS THE PERFECT KIRKWOOD

said. “We’ve taken an old building that used

BUSINESS TO CHECK OUT. They offer a

to be a feed store, it’s probably been 6 differ-

wide selection of furniture and other home

ent things in the last 108 years the building’s

decor products from tables to accent walls to

been here, and I think we are the best fit since

barn doors and more. Through their process

the feed store was here.” From the first step

of reclaiming locally sourced barnwood mate-

inside the store, it’s easy to see how much

rials to use in creating a new item, Reclaim

they love being in Kirkwood.

Renew ensures that each piece is both sustainable and one of a kind.

“I think it’s more than just a rustic barnwood furniture store – we can achieve a lot of differ-

“Our mission is to both reclaim and renew

ent looks with barnwood,” Barry said. “There’s

materials and make them into cool furniture

pretty much nothing we haven’t already built,

pieces and home decor. And then also reclaim

but we love the challenge of building a cus-

and renew lives for the people we get to impact

tom project specifically for every client that

and work with every day – both employees and

we have.”

clients,” said Barry Kraft, owner. “We say often that we make old things new.”

In addition to creating furniture, Reclaim Renew also focuses on giving back to CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

LOCALLY OWNED (CONTINUED)

the community. Through a collaboration with the organization Rise Together Ministries, they are working to train and employ members of St. Louis’ community of immigrants and refugees to work in furniture production. “The goal of the program is to get these guys jobs with other businesses. A big part of that has been getting to know a few other companies that are willing to take a risk with a guy who’s either a refugee, who’s been through rehab, been through the prison system, or has been down on his luck,” Barry said. “These are guys who are looking for a way to rise up out of that situation that they’re in.” It could be said these men are looking to reclaim and renew their lives. By putting people first and prioritizing employees, partners, and customers, Barry can focus on collaboration to make sure the end product is exceptional. With the opening of the new Kirkwood showroom, it’s easier than ever to support local businesses when shopping for a new decor piece. The showroom is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Sunday from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Kirkwood Lifestyle | April 2021

CityLifestyle.com/Kirkwood

DIY ARTICLE HAYLEY HYER

A Chemical-Free Home

DIY Laundry Scent Enhancer If you have ever added those popular scent beads to your load of laundry before, you know how lovely it is to pull your amazingly scented clothes out of the dryer. The funny thing about a product like that is it truly has no purpose other than adding a good smell, but it does add lots of chemicals to your daily life! There's a safer and more beneficial way to make your clothes smell heavenly. Try this DIY scent enhancer with your next load of laundry and put it to the test.

Ingredients 3 parts Epsom Salt + 1 part Baking Soda + Essential Oils

Directions Mix your ingredients together in a jar or canister and scoop about ¼ cup directly into the washer basin before adding the clothes—just like you would with scented beads. Continue with your laundry like normal.

Learn More

For more information on starting a chemical-free household, you can browse online resources such as ChemFreeCom.com or find a social media group to join with likeminded people who have some experience from their own trial and error. If you get overwhelmed, remember that you don't have to get rid of all chemicals in one day. Every swap you make is something to celebrate!

Kirkwood Lifestyle | April 2021

come enjoy our campus blossom! Call us today at 636-431-2046 to schedule your tour of our beautiful campus. Our marketing team is fully vaccinated to keep you safe during your tour!

3380 Lake Bend Dr. St. Louis, MO 63088