Issuu

A P R I L 2 02 1

Welcome Spring! The Eco issue

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

APRIL 2021 PUBLISHER

Jeron Traphagan | jeron.traphagan@lifestylepubs.com Zach Traphagan | zach.traphagan@lifestylepubs.com MANAGING EDITOR

Thanks, Mother Earth!

Rachel Murphy | rmurphy@lifestylepubs.com

DEAR READERS,

L AYO UT DESIGNER

AD DESIGNER

Rachel Chrisman Emily Lisenbee

I don't think I've ever been happier to see spring. After a very long pandemic winter,

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

I'm ready to get outside and run, play, bike, and explore. Oh, and then there's my

Rachel C. Murphy

garden. . . what plans I have!

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Ashley Elwell

Our April issue always celebrates the planet as we try to enjoy nature and lessen our impact on our home. This year we have lots of inspiration from the Buy Nothing group to Melissa Lallo Johnson's beautiful garden to Celebrate Fatigues' double mission to reuse everything they can while honoring the troops that first wore those uniforms. I can't wait for you to explore this issue! As we move further into the year, let's take a deep breath and appreciate what we've been through. I'm writing this on the first anniversary of the pandemic. It seems like it should be so much longer than that as we've all changed so much. We've lost some things, yes, but we've also gained perspective about what really matters. As we enter our post-pandemic world, let's take a deep breath together and just exhale. We made it.

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

Happy Easter, and enjoy the spring!

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

Rachel Murphy, Managing Editor

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

ON THE COVER Melissa Lallo Johnson finds solace and joy in the leaves of plants. Read her story on page 22.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ASHLEY ELWELL, THREE THREE PHOTOGRAPHY 4

Northland Lifestyle | April 2021

CityLifestyle.com/Northland

Proverbs 3:5-6 Northland Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Northland 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 Northland Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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INSIDE THE ISSUE APRIL 2021

FEATURES 16 The Buy Nothing Group A spirit of giving unites and divides the Northland

22 Growing On Creating beauty with plants helps soothe the wounds of grief

28 To Honor and Reuse Celebrate Fatigues honors the U.S.

28 22

fighting forces and the clothing that got them through

12 DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

Around Town

Hops & Vine

Locals Only

34 DIY 40 Lifestyle Calendar

AROUND TOWN

NNN NNNN SNNN FFNNN

MISSOURI GOVERNOR APPLAUDS NORTHLAND Missouri Governor Mike Parson recently labeled the Northland an important success story for workforce development and education, a priority he has pushed since becoming Governor over two years ago. “One

thing

know

about

the

Northland is that you are very serious about the workforce of tomorrow, and you’re ready to work very hard at that,” he told members of the Northland Education

and

Business

Alliance

during a meeting held at the KC Tech Academy on March 2. Gov. Parson said workforce development is critical for a wide range of priorities, including keeping young people in Missouri by growing quality employment opportunities. “You have a huge opportunity here in the Northland,” he said. “Kansas City has so much going on, and you’re really on top of it here. Every time I talk to companies, they want to know what the local community has invested.” He said the Northland is answering that question with a full range of solutions: NEBA, Northland CAPS, the Tech Academy, the Northland Career Center, the Metropolitan Community College, and the Excelsior Springs Area Career Center.

BEST BUY TEEN CENTER OPENS The North

Kansas

City

YMCA

recently hosted an Open House to

Custom Framing Prices Better than Craft Stores.

introduce their newly expanded Best Buy Teen Tech Center to the public. The center is a member of The Clubhouse Network that provides a creative, safe, and free out-of-school learning envi-

Bring in this ad for $10 off your order. (see store for details)

8642 N. Boardwalk Ave. Kansas City, MO 64154 816-584-8009 8

Northland Lifestyle | April 2021

ronment where young people, ages 12 - 19, from under-served communities work with adult mentors to explore their own ideas, develop new skills, and build confidence in themselves through the use of technology. Some of the

technology available includes HP and Apple computers, a sound recording studio, 3D printing, photography, robotics, video production, and more. The total project cost, including capital improvements, was $250,000. Best Buy, The Clubhouse Network, City of North Kansas City, Harrah's Kansas City, Helzberg Diamonds, Arkema, Inc., the Sola Family, and the Plautz-Weaver Family were key funders. Shawn Torrez, Plant Manager at Arkema, Inc., served as the volunteer project manager in partnership

with

YMCA

Executive

Director Tina Weaver and Missions Board Chairman Julie Sola, GM at Harrah's Kansas City. To arrange a tour or to sign-up as a volunteer or adult-mentor, email Chase at chasecoffee@kansascityymca.org.

YOUNG HEROES PRIZE NOW ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS The Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes application system is online only and submissions are due by April 15th. The Barron Prize celebrates inspiring, public-spirited young people from across the U.S. and Canada. Established in 2001 by author T. A. Barron, the Barron Prize annually honors 25 outstanding young leaders ages 8 to 18 who have made a significant positive difference to people and the environment. Fifteen top winners each receive $10,000 to support their service work or higher education. Learn more and apply online at www.barronprize.org These young people are as diverse as their service projects. They are female and male, urban and rural, and from a wide variety of backgrounds. Since its inception, the Barron Prize has awarded more than half a million dollars to hundreds of young leaders and has won the support of Girl Scouts of the USA, Jane Goodall’s Roots and Shoots, and Youth Service America, among other organizations.

CityLifestyle.com/Northland

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HOPS & VINE

WHO NEEDS GLUTEN WHEN YOU HAVE CRUSHABLE TROPICAL HOPS?

B R E W I N G ' S B I G

H E N R Y

H A Z Y

I P A

FOR SO LONG, GLUTEN-INTOLERANT BEER DRINKERS HAVE BEEN RESIGNED TO SIPPING

ARTICLE RACHEL MURPHY | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

H O L I D A I L Y

CIDERS WHILE THEIR FRIENDS ENJOYED HOPPY IPAS AND ROASTY, TOASTY STOUTS. Maybe they grinned and choked down a beer based on sorghum, but they weren’t thrilled about it. Those days are now over, because Holidaily Brewing Company, a gluten-free and woman-owned brewery is now available for purchase in Kansas City! We tried three of their brews, the Favorite Blonde (crushable), the Fat Randy IPA (intense), and the Big Henry Hazy IPA, which was our favorite. Check them all out at your favorite local liquor purveyor.

TA S T E D

F R O M

Big Henry Hazy IPA

Holidaily Brewing Company

F L AVO R

PA I R S

P R O F I L E

Bright and juicy, tropical flavors.

W E L L

W I T H

A porch or hammock and someone else cooking.

OV E R A L L

Tropical stand out here, with a touch of melon and pine from Mosaic and Cashmere hops. Holidaily uses only certified gluten-free toasted millet and buckwheat malt, so there's no bitter aftertaste of sorghum and you know it's safe for those with serious allergies. This isn't just gluten-free beer. It's great beer that just doesn't have gluten.

Northland Lifestyle | April 2021

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ARTICLE RACHEL C. MURPHY | PHOTOGRAPHY ASHLEY ELWELL

LOCALS ONLY

THE BUY NOTHING GROUP 16

Northland Lifestyle | April 2021

A SPIRIT OF GIVING UNITES AND DIVIDES THE NORTHLAND

IF SOMEONE TOLD YOU THAT THERE WAS A PLACE WHERE YOU COULD SIMPLY ASK FOR SOMETHING AND IT MIGHT BE GIVEN TO YOU, WHAT WOULD YOU SAY? Maybe they still believe in Santa Claus or the Tooth Fairy, too. But barring mythical figures, there are ways to find what you need for free, and the Buy Nothing Project is helping to shape that mission. The Buy Nothing Project started seven years ago with the simple basis of ‘Give where you live”. According to their website, founders Liesl Clark and Rebecca Rockefeller sought to create a way for people to give, share, lend, and express gratitude through hyper-local gift economies. Their goal encompasses more than just getting rid of ‘stuff.’ The pair envisioned a way to get to know your neighbors and create community, something that Buy Nothing admins in the Northland are embracing as well. The organization’s local chapters, which have their home on Facebook, recently grew so much in the Northland that they decided to divide or ‘sprout’ to create smaller CONTINUED >

Jessica Martin shows off her new favorite body wash, courtesy of the Buy Nothing Project

CityLifestyle.com/Northland

LOCALS ONLY (CONTINUED)

areas for each group, making it easier for people to

so that they can easily moderate and guide the groups

trade items, time, and create local friendships.

toward the goals.

The way the group works is simple--if you have

Although Buy Nothing groups may seem like they

an item that you don’t need, post a picture of it and

are focused on getting rid of things, as popularized

offer it--for free--to someone who needs it. Members

by Marie Kondo, Jessica Martin, admin of the Platte

can choose who to give their items to based on any

Purchase group, says that she’s found more things

number of criteria, from random names out of a hat to

that she’s loved than gotten rid of things she hated.

the person with the most need. As the groups become

“I came in after Katie had revitalized the group, and

more active, they ‘sprout’ or divide into smaller areas

honestly, it was the best part of 2020 for me. It was amaz-

to focus on building community not only in their cit-

ing to come into a group that was so positive and uplift-

ies but in their neighborhoods. The most developed

ing. I just thought it was a really cool idea,” says Martin.

groups are trading things as small as a cup of sugar or an action like walking the dog. The Northland has had a Buy Nothing group for

of. But I’ve been gifted some things that I absolutely

several years, but it wasn’t active until recently when

love, like my new favorite body soap. I love the scent

Katie Smith Donais moved to the area from Dallas,

of pear, and someone was listing Neutrogena pear

where her Buy Nothing Group was thriving.

body wash. I figured I would try it, and now it’s my new

“I had heard about the Buy Nothing Group when I lived in Dallas but lived a half a mile outside of the boundary of the closest one, so I started my own. It

favorite thing,” she says. It’s not just physical items that make an impact. Gifts of service have also been exchanged.

really took off and was thriving by the time I moved

Colleen Stuhlman, the Parkville area group’s admin,

here last spring. When I moved here, I wanted to

says that being able to help others has been a blessing.

start a group here but found that there was one in my

“My husband and I have always been very handy

neighborhood, but it was getting ready to archive it

and do everything on the house and cars. There was

because there was no activity,” says Donais.

another member in the larger group that needed her

Coming in at the last hour, Donais offered to be

mailbox put on a post. She had a new mailbox, and

an admin and started actively moderating the group,

she had a new post, and we had a bag of cement. And

posting Wish Wednesdays where members could

we spent an entire afternoon at her house, and it led

post requests for anything they need or Gratitude

to other projects so we just stayed and hung out with

Thursdays where recipients can post photos of how

them,” says Stuhlman

the items they received were used.

“Just making that connection with other humans that

Since Donais’ involvement, the group has grown

we hadn’t had other than our immediate neighbors on

exponentially and precipitated a ‘sprout.’ Now, the

our block in many months was just absolutely incred-

Northland has four different groups: Staley/Gladstone,

ible. That’s what I really hope to see more of as we

Riverside/North Kansas City, Parkville/Weatherby,

become more hyperlocal--those times where you can

and Platte Purchase/Lake Waukomis. There’s a sepa-

say, ‘Hey, you’re just a few blocks away. I absolutely don’t

rate group for Liberty residents. Now the groups meet

mind walking over and doing this for you,’ you know?”

the goal of 20 minutes drive from border to border. Donais says that not only had the group grown in membership, but enthusiasm. “When it came time to sprout, I had more volunteers to become area admins than I needed!” she laughs. All admins go through the Buy Nothing Project training

“I came in fully thinking that I was going to clear out my house and gift all these things that I need to get rid

Northland Lifestyle | April 2021

As the groups become more hyperlocal, Donais and her fellow admins are excited to get to know their friends and neighbors better, all while keeping things out of the trash. Find your local Buy Nothing Group on Facebook.

Katie Smith Donais has sparked a revival of the group.

Colleen Stuhlman loves helping out by serving others.

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growing on MELISSA LALLO JOHNSON FINDS SOLACE IN NATURE AND BEAUTY ALL AROUND HER ARTICLE RACHEL C. MURPHY PHOTOGRAPHY ASHLEY ELWELL

BEAUTY COMES FROM UNEXPECTED PLACES. For Melissa

the manager and walked out with two truck-

Lallo Johnson, also known as the Fancy Flower Farmer on Instagram,

loads of hydrangeas that would have fried

beauty is all around her. She’s turned her one-acre lot in Liberty into

in the backlot. Those two trucks held the

a treasure trove of gorgeous landscaping featuring trees, flowers,

promise of things to come.

and shrubs, with a few potted vegetables thrown in for fun.

After the design of that initial bed, Johnson

But what the beautiful photos on Instagram don’t tell you is how

(over her husband’s protests) has trans-

much those blooms sprang from grief. After the tragic loss of both

formed their empty lot into an oasis of blooms

of her parents in an airplane crash in 2013, her barren lot of land

and shade. Johnson started looking for ways

reflected the emptiness that grief left in the wake of their passing.

to supplement her landscaping efforts from

“We bought this house in December of 2011. And when we moved

what she had on the property to save money.

in here, there was very little to no landscaping. My parents were very

Initially, Johnson’s husband wasn’t thrilled

big on landscaping; my mother could grow anything and always had beautiful flowers,” says Johnson.

at the yard transformation. “He threw a fit, saying I was taking up all

The loss of her parents was devastating.

his grass. But he went to work, and I called

“I was eight weeks out from having my second baby. I was working

up my grandparents and my aunt. We dug

full time, and this happened, and it just really, really messed me up.

and dug, trying to get all the plants in before

My parents were such a huge part of my life, and I was so sad all the

he got home from work. We hustled hard

time. I remember thinking that I needed to start crafting or some-

to get it all done. To finish it all up, I started

thing. My mother always loved to craft,” Johnson’s voice breaks.

cracking the rocks that we had pulled up to

“I asked God, can you lead me in the direction to find something that will give me some kind of hope again because I was just empty,” she says.

finish the beds,” says Johnson. “I was cracking rocks right and left. And he was still a little mad that I did it while he

God led her to Lowe’s in the middle of July. As the heat had begun

was at work. But then I called Happy Rock

to wilt the hopeful but unpurchased hydrangeas, she cut a deal with

and got a quote for how much rock would

Northland Lifestyle | April 2021

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Northland

GROWING ON (CONTINUED)

Northland Lifestyle | April 2021

cost if I had bought it instead of doing it myself. It would

been able to make nice days for myself now. It will never

have been $6700. That was the last time he ever said

be the same, but I still have good days. I still have joy, and

anything about my gardening,” Johnson laughs.

I still have hope,” she says.

Now, Johnson has more than 100 hydrangeas on her property in 22 different varieties. She dries them and

You can follow Melissa Lallo Johnson on Instagram at FancyFlowerFarmer.

uses them in preserved arrangments utilizing other dried flowers, rocks, tree stumps, and limbs to create beautiful arrangements that last. Johnson says that she doesn’t have any magical plant

SEASONS OF LOVE Look around you, Kansas City! Many treasures are waiting for you all through the year.

powers, just the willingness to learn and not give up. Oh, and 10-10-10 fertilizer and plenty of water for your hydrangeas.

SPRING

“I tell people, just try it. It might die, but it might not!

Get those seedlings going to have loads of dried

There’s no reason not to try. I’ve planted things that have

flowers the rest of the year! Plant hydrangea and other

gone wrong, but I’ve also found beautiful things. It’s

flowering shrubs. Plant evergreens to use around the

worth the effort,” she says.

holidays in decor and table arrangements. Harvest

More than arrangements, Johnson has found solace in working with the earth and see how it regenerates.

things like willow branches before they bloom, then dry them to make baskets or trellises. Plant succu-

“If someone’s suffered a loss, then nature consoles us.

lents right into your garden for tremendous summer

You know, I think that people need to see that someone

growth and bring them indoors in October to propa-

like me, who had such a tremendous tragic loss, has

gate and multiply.

CONTINUED >

SON NOT TO TRY. I’VE PLANTED THINGS THAT HAVE GONE WRONG, BU T

RE A

“I T

ELL PEOPLE, JUST TRY IT. IT MIGHT DIE, BUT IT MIGHT NOT! THERE’S N

I’VE ALSO FOUND BEAUTIFUL THINGS. IT’S WORTH THE EFFORT.”

CityLifestyle.com/Northland

GROWING ON (CONTINUED)

SUMMER Harvest as much as you can from your property. Hang dried flowers upside down in a cool, dark closet through the season. Experiment with anything you see. Press flowers under books. Use silica beads to expertly dry flowers in Tupperware. Experiment - you can’t go wrong! FALL Harvest acorns, grasses, branches of berries, mushrooms, seed pods, rocks, wood, etc. Anything that holds form is a great candidate. Be sure to bake your acorns at 200 degrees for 2-3 hours to eliminate any pests that hatch inside. WINTER Enjoy using all the things you’ve harvested to make unique table decor, arrangements, terrariums, and more. Divide succulents to make babies for the next growing season. Purchase an affordable greenhouse on Amazon for your basement and keep the excitement going all winter long. Check out @fancyflowerfarmer on Instagram and Facebook to learn more.

My Top 1 0 M u st- H aves Hydrangea Arborvitae Boxwood Holly Golden Vicary Privet Echinacea Rudbeckia Salvia Lavender Juniper

Northland Lifestyle | April 2021

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To H o n o r and Reuse

ARTICLE RACHEL MURPHY PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

CELEBRATE FATIGUES HONORS THE U.S. FIGHTING FORCES AND THE CLOTHING THAT GOT THEM THROUGH.

IN THE MOVIE CLASSIC, “WHITE CHRISTMAS,”

definitely an excessive amount of camouflage languish-

BING CROSBY SINGS, “WHAT DO YOU DO WITH A

ing in attics and, more often than not, rotting in landfills.

GENERAL WHEN HE STOPS BEING A GENERAL?

Swartz wanted to do something about it.

What do you do with a general who’s retired?” Connie Swartz had a similar question: What do you do with the fatigues worn by the 200,000 people who leave

Her husband, who served in the Army for four years

the military every year? With every soldier, sailor, airman,

during the Vietnam conflict era, had tucked his uniforms

and marine receiving roughly five sets of fatigues, there’s

away, just waiting for the next time they would be moved

Connie Swartz moved her husband's fatigues and uniforms ten times before coming up with the concept of Celebrate Fatigues. He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. 28

“It all started when I got tired of moving my husband’s uniforms,” says Swartz.

Northland Lifestyle | April 2021

to yet another spot in storage. The most tangible mementos of his service to his country had no real purpose anymore.

That’s how the accessories and bags were born. All of the products sold on the Celebrate Fatigues site are made from fatigues that

That box of camo sparked an idea for Swartz. She had always

have been donated by veterans or their families or purchased from

been crafty, having sewn throughout her life. Maybe there was a use

military surplus stores. Veteran volunteers help deconstruct the uni-

for those old uniforms, but not in their current forms. She started to

forms, and every part is used in some capacity, from the drawstrings

brainstorm her options and honor the men and women who wore

in pant legs to the branch insignia.

these uniforms while keeping them from the landfill or burn pile.

The project quickly grew out of Swartz’s home and into the caves

“The dormant fatigues in storage still hold the courage and ded-

in Parkville. She partners with other nonprofits to execute her vision.

ication they held on the first day they were worn. There’s so much

The veterans at the St. Andrews Veterans Home help with decon-

honor held in these uniforms that they have to come back into the

struction. Swartz works with Phyllis Carlyle on patternmaking and

light,” she says.

design. The Sewing Labs, a nonprofit that teaches sewing as a trade

Now that she had a purpose, she had to figure out how to accom-

to underemployed people, helps with production.

plish her vision. Because of the seams in fatigues, her projects had

Swartz says that while her primary purpose in creating the com-

to be fairly compact. After researching, she found that apparel would

pany was to honor our military veterans, the ecological impact of

be tough to execute with the available real estate in a standard uni-

saving these items from landfills is a close second.

CONTINUED >

form, but there were many options for accessories.

CityLifestyle.com/Northland

TO HONOR AND REUSE (CONTINUED)

There’s so much honor held in these uniforms that they have to come back into the light.” “My parents grew up in the Depression. You didn’t waste a thing,

you know?” she says.

Celebrate Fatigues products can be purchased on their website,

where all products can be broken down by branch of service. After an

That mindset helps to use everything, even scraps left over from

October 2020 launch, Swartz says that keeping up with the website is

cutting patterns. They make excellent stuffing for dog beds, which

enough for now, but she may look into in-store placement in the future.

the company makes and sells.

And what does her husband think of all this?

So who profits from all this industry? Swartz is in the process of

“I’ve heard him express, ‘I gave four years of my life. This rep-

getting approved as a 501(c)3, where all profits will be poured back

resents my life, and the options that I’m aware of [for disposing of

into the business. She currently produces 18 products, from scrunch-

fatigues] don’t feel right.’ That’s why after ten moves, he still had his

ies to dog bandanas to tissue holders, but she’s excited for what else

box, “ says Swartz. “He’s proud of the fact we’re doing it.”

may come to fruition in the next few months. To learn more or purchase items, visit CelebrateFatigues.org. 30

Northland Lifestyle | April 2021

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Northland Lifestyle | April 2021

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CityLifestyle.com/Northland

DIY

Benefits of a

chemical-free home

HAVE YOU EVER CONSIDERED WHAT IT WOULD TAKE TO TURN YOUR HOUSEHOLD CHEMICAL-FREE? It's not as hard as you might think! We hear a lot about the dangers of chemical ingredients, but it's easy to ignore all of the warnings and keep using our favorite products. When you don't know of a better alternative, it's just what you do! However, all of those ingredients add up and can make a big difference in your health, as well as the health of your family and pets. The products that are most important to swap out depend on your lifestyle and what you use the most. If your little ones are eating food right off of the counter, you might consider the ingredients from the cleaner you just used to wipe it down and start by switching to a natural method.

ARTICLE BY HAYLEY HYER

If you have sensitive skin, you might start by taking inventory of your beauty and personal care products to see what you can replace. To get you started, here are three DIY products that you can make yourself for your chemical-free home.

Northland Lifestyle | April 2021

DIY Scented Body Moisturizer Just like a new candle can brighten your day, a shimmery scented lotion can make you feel like a queen. The only problem is all of the artificial fragrances, alcohols, dyes, and other chemicals that your skin is absorbing from that bottle. There are some cleaner options such as unscented lotions, but that's a lot less fun. This DIY moisturizer allowed you to customize your own scent while still treating your skin the best you can. The key ingredient? Olive oil! Yes, any bottle of olive oil from your kitchen works. Pour some in a smaller bottle and add several drops of your favorite essential oils. Olive oil is super hydrating, feels great, and will make you question why you ever used lotion in the first place. Plus it's safe for your whole body. Just be mindful of the essential oils you choose. Some types—such as peppermint, eucalyptus, or tea tree oils—cause a cooling effect and can feel uncomfortable if it gets on your face or other sensitive areas.

DIY Counter Cleaner: Safe for Granite + Marble! You probably know that vinegar is a great natural cleaner for most surfaces. Unfortunately, it can be pretty damaging to delicate countertops made from granite or marble. Here's a DIY cleaning spray that's safe for any type of counters you have!

Ingredients + Rubbing alcohol + Dish soap

+ Essential Oils + Water

Directions In a plastic or glass spray bottle, mix one part alcohol with one part water. Add several drops of dish soap and whichever essential oils you would like to add for your desired scent. Shake it up each time you use it as the ingredients will tend to separate. Although it's natural and safe, still avoid spraying directly on your skin as the alcohol and dish soap can dry you out. CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Northland

DIY (CONTINUED)

Northland Lifestyle | April 2021

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

While these three recipes give you a great start, that's definitely not all you can do to kick the chemicals out of your home. 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 like-minded 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!

CityLifestyle.com/Northland

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Northland Lifestyle | April 2021

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CityLifestyle.com/Northland

APRIL

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

10 RARE PLANT SALE: SPRING EDITION City Market

Come find the rare plant you've been looking for at our annual spring sale

presented by Bird's Botanicals. We'll

have a variety of plants to choose from. First come, first served, so get here early!

15 BLOOM FEST: PLAY OUTSIDE Powell Gardens

Celebrating the joy, color, beauty, and creativity of nature, this brand-new festival features spectacular botanical displays, inventive floral design, and activities for the whole family.

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Feast your eyes on floral designs inspired by the art collection of the

PLANNelson-Atkins TATION Museum of Art. Join SHUgarden TTER experts for classes in spring gardening. Peruse artisan goods at EXPERTS Perennial Lounge and a spring market.

17 LIBERTY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION CONCERT Liberty Performing Arts Center

Join

the

Liberty

Symphony

Orchestra as we celebrate 50 years of

building

community

through

music! Our 50th anniversary season finale concert will feature the winner of our Collegiate Artist Competition.

22 CASTING CROWNS IN CONCERT Worlds of Fun parking lot

To book your FREE In-Home Consultation visit our website at

WWW.KCMOBLINDS.COM OR CALL 816-479-0160 40

Northland Lifestyle | April 2021

It’s a chance to create some “you remember when” memories with

your loved ones. Life 88.5 is welcoming Casting Crowns and their “A Night Under The Stars” concert performed in the parking lot at Worlds of Fun! Load up the car and come enjoy a socially-distanced live concert again! Tickets available at UnwTickets.

Come visit our New Location 6289 N Oak TRFY, Kansas City, MO 64118

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22 GIRLS' NIGHT OUT

Downtown Liberty Square

Join Historic Downtown Liberty, MO

Serving Kansas City for over 35 years

for our upcoming Girls' Night Out event on Thursday, April 22nd! Bring your friends out for an evening of shopping, food and fun in the Liberty

We have one of Kansas City’s largest showrooms offering Hot Tubs and Above Ground Pools

Square Historic District!

22 HEARTH AND VINE WINE DINNER Fence Stile Vineyards and Winery

Join us for Hearth and Vine, a sea-

One of K.C.’s largest service departments offering in-store service counter with a complete line of pool and spa equipment, computerized water testing, and pool opening and closing.

sonal four-course wine dinner hosted by Fence Stile Vineyards and Winery. Hosted by owner and winemaker Shriti Plimpton. For tickets, call 816.500.6465.

24 PARKVILLE FARMERS MARKET English Landing Park

Parkville Farmers Market is a friendly grower-verified market.

Support

your local farmers by shopping the market on Saturdays! It has a large selection of locally grown/produced assorted fruits & vegetables, meats, farm-fresh eggs, local honey & honey by-products, jams & jellies, homemade baked bread and sweet treats, plants and cut flowers, herbs, mushrooms, and more. CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Northland

24 CRUISE NIGHT

Downtown Liberty Square

APRIL

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

Take a stroll in downtown Liberty,

Missouri while enjoying show-wor-

thy cars. Old and new, car and bike owners showcase their pride and joy each last Saturday April-September.

MAY 1 LIBERTY FARMERS MARKET Downtown Liberty Square

Historic Downtown Liberty Farmers Market runs every Saturday, May through September 7 a.m.-noon and October, 8 a.m.-noon around the courthouse square. Vendors carry a variety of produce, flowers, meat, eggs, baked goods, prepared foods, and some craft items. Historic Downtown Liberty Farmers Market accepts credit and debit cards along with SNAP benefits, and EBT and Double-up Food Bucks.

WE PAY TOP PRICES FOR JEWELRY, DIAMONDS, GOLD AND SILVER PANDORA IS STILL 30% OFF JEWELRY BY MORGAN | PICTURE HILLS SHOPPING CENTER JEWELRY BY MORGAN | SHOPS AT BOARDWALK

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#1 in Custom Jewelry | #1 in Rebuilding and Refurbishing Jewelry 42

Northland Lifestyle | April 2021

Would you like to get in touch with us? We would love to hear from you! Contact us at CityLifestyle.com/ Northland using the Get In Touch link and let us know what you think.

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