Como Living April/May 2019

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COMO COLU MB IA LIFESTY LE AN D CU LT U R E

LI V ING

AP R I L/M AY

CULTURE HOMES FASHION CO MOLI VI NGM AG.COM A Business Times Company Publication

Tour Lindsey Black's open-concept kitchen.

Entertaining at Home







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Don’t wait for your home to sell.

MOVE UP with

HEATH HIGGINS ABR, GRI, E-PRO, RDCPRO BEST SELLING AUTHOR | BROKER | OWNER 573-619-6308 | heath@heathhiggins.com

PriceForMyHome.com

Last summer Ron and

Svetlana made the decision they’d been dreaming about for years. Once Svetlana sold her business in Columbia, and Ron retired, they decided to sell their home and relocate to one of their favorite vacation spots – the Canary Islands in Spain. Curious about Heath’s “Move Up” program, Ron called and made an appointment with Carrie Spicer. She explained that if Ron listed his home with us, and we found a potential buyer who had their own home to sell, then Heath would purchase the future buyer’s home. Turns out that is exactly what happened. Carrie had an open house and told the potential buyers about Heath’s Move UP program. Heath looked at their home and made a cash offer with a quick close, so that they could purchase Ron and Svetlana’s home with no contingencies. It was awesome! Ron was able to focus on getting their belongings sold or ready for international shipping, while Carrie took care of the rest. The process started around May 1 and Ron and Svetlana closed on their home on September 14. Ron considers Carrie a dear friend and trusted advisor, and is enjoying his new home near the beach. He promises to use the Heath Higgins team again if he were ever to move back to Missouri! —Heath Higgins



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PREMIER QUALITY. PREMIER SERVICE. Roofing, Siding & Gutters

How many years have you been in this business? Premier opened in Oct. 2005. What is your product and/or service? We install roofing, siding and gutters. To what do you attribute your firm’s success? Our main focus is having a high level of customer service, and a commitment to providing the best quality job. What changes in the past few years have affected your industry the most? Material price increases have made staying competitive difficult for many in our industry. Because of our buying power, we have been able to insulate our customers from many of these price increases. What advice would give to someone needing your expertise? Always look for the best value, not necessarily the cheapest price.

Never pay money up front. A reputable company will have enough working capital and credit with their suppliers to be able to start your project without needing a down payment. Never do business with a company that will make you a party to insurance fraud. If they are willing to be dishonest about that, what else are they being dishonest about?

honesty and quality. He made a long-term commitment to keep these values, which wasn’t the fastest or easiest way to build a business, but definitely the best. Being a family business, it’s satisfying to know that we created longevity that will continue to provide for our family for generations.

Always hire a company that has weathered the test of time. What is the most important thing you want people to know about your business? We’re the only company so committed to quality that we hand nail. We’ve never had a shingle blow off any roof we’ve installed, which has led us to offering a lifetime wind warranty. Anything else? Troy Hake started Premier in 2005, because he saw an industry void in professionalism,

Premier Property Services

573-893-1050 | thepremierchoice.com | 625 Geld Street, Jefferson City, MO COMO L I V I N G

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Chelsi Price & Troy Hake


This Winter has thrown us all for a loop with extreme cold and snowstorm after snowstorm. Never fear, warmer weather is almost here! With the changing seasons, your garden beckons you once more. Lucky for you, Superior Garden Center has you covered with all of your greenthumb needs. With one of the widest selections of trees, shrubs, and flowers in the state, our locally owned establishment has been offering quality plants and expert advice since 1985. The big box stores can’t give you the TLC that our staff provides. We’re only a few miles west of town on I-70, at the Midway Exit. Hop in the car, and lose yourself in the endless possibilities our inventory provides.

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2450 Trails W Ave Columbia, MO

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COM O LIVING Business Times Company 2001 Corporate Place, Suite 100 Columbia, MO 65202

P: 573-499-1830 Website: comolivingmag.com Twitter: @COMOLivingMag Facebook: COMOLivingMagazine Instagram: @comolivingmag —

EDITORIAL Deb Valvo, Publisher Deb@BusinessTimesCompany.com

Beth Bramstedt, Editor Beth@BusinessTimesCompany.com

Tiffany Schmidt, Associate Editor Tiffany@BusinessTimesCompany.com

LE T TE R from TH E E D I T O R

Mary Kate Hafner, Associate Editor

SPRING FORWARD

MaryKate@BusinessTimesCompany.com

This issue makes me happy. I don’t know about you, but this winter left me feeling gloomy and apathetic. The gray, cloudy skies and endless ice and snow cast a shadow on my usual playful and engaging demeanor. I found myself moody, unmotivated, and desperately seeking the sun. These last few weeks have been a welcome reprieve. Enveloped by a sea of endless blue with the wind whipping my hair, I have felt energized and renewed. My hope is restored and life is “In winter, I ready for the taking. plot and plan. In My desire is that these feelings will be contagious as spring, I move.” you read our Home Entertaining Issue. —Henry Rollins You’ll enjoy a tour of Robin LaBrunerie’s museuminspired home. We’ll introduce you to the art of brewing kombucha and show you how this tea-based concoction is working its way into our cocktail glasses. Two local artists will showcase trends to help your eye makeup pop. In our feature section, you’ll meet the adorable Black family and see how they turned their kitchen and dining area into the perfect space for entertaining friends and family. We’ll show you the latest gardening trends, and you’ll hear from our advisory board on how to throw a stress-free party. So, take a long deep breath, grab a glass of sweet tea, and settle in on your porch. It’s time to be invigorated and inspired!

Kate Morrow, Graphic Designer

Beth Bramstedt Editor

COMO COLUMBIA LIFESTYLE AND CULTURE

LI V ING

APRIL/MAY

CULTURE HOMES FASHION COMOLIVINGMAG

On the Cover Lindsey Black enjoys entertaining in her new kitchen and dining room. Meet her family and learn about their building process on Page 56. Photo by Keith Borgmeyer.

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Tour Lindsey Black's open-concept kitchen.

A P R I L / MAY 2 01 9

.COM

A Business Times Company Publication

Entertaining at Home

DESIGN Cassidy Shearrer, Graphic Designer Cassidy@BusinessTimesCompany.com Kate@BusinessTimesCompany.com

Jordan Watts, Graphic Designer Jordan@BusinessTimesCompany.com

Sadie Thibodeaux, Graphic Designer Sadie@BusinessTimesCompany.com

MARKETING Deb Valvo, Marketing Consultant Deb@BusinessTimesCompany.com

Bonnie Hudson, Marketing Consultant Bonnie@BusinessTimesCompany.com

Susie Sapp, Marketing Consultant Susie@BusinessTimesCompany.com

MANAGEMENT Erica Pefferman, President Erica@BusinessTimesCompany.com

Renea Sapp, Vice President ReneaS@BusinessTimesCompany.com

Amy Ferrari, Operations Manager Amy@BusinessTimesCompany.com

Beth Bramstedt, Editorial Director Beth@BusinessTimesCompany.com

CONT RI B UT I NG P H OTO G RAPHE R S Keith Borgmeyer, Anthony Jinson, Madison Loethen, Tiffany Schmidt, Sadie Thibodeaux CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Brandon Hoops, Lisa Kent, Brooke Kottmann, Kelsie Knerr, Jordan Milne, Jessica Vaughn Martin, Emma Shivler, Doug Solliday INTERNS Kristin Blake, Ian Trantham



CON TE N TS FEATURES / DEPARTMENTS

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42 15 Letter from the Editor 19 Shelf Life: Introducing Joe Harper 21 Giving Back: A Good Day for Roses 23 Transformations:

26 29 42

From Carboholic to Ketogenic Things We Love: Craving Calm Home Tour: Down to a Fine Art Libations: A New Take on Tea

45

Gourmet: Strange Brew

51

Fashion: Shades of Spring

56

Feature: Island Life

79 Seasons: The Act of Loving 81 Unleashed:

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Feature: Nature and Nurture

68

Feature: 20 Tips to Throwing a

Stress-Free Party

77

Health & Wellness:

85 87 90

Healthy and Beautiful

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Ava Grace and Paisley Mae For What It’s Worth: Mirror, Mirror on the Wall April/May Datebook Strong Woman: Mary Jane Oliver Couple You Should Know: James and Michele Batye


We’re•so•much•more¶ than•a•bookshop. You’ll love not only what’s on our shelves but what happens between them, as well! Readings, signings, talks, book clubs, and more.

22 S. 9th St., Columbia • Mon – Thu: 10-6 • Fri – Sat: 10-8 • Sun: 11-5 (573) 777-6990 • mail@skylarkbookshop.com • SkylarkBookShop.com Sign up for our newsletter to get the latest on our upcoming events. Because books.

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SHELF LIFE

INTRODUCING JOE HARPER Local a u thor P h on g Ng uye n’s n ovel adds a compel l in g ch apter to “The Adve ntu re s of Tom S awye r.” by B R A N D O N H O O P S

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he mysterious story found me a few summers back in a cemetery off a slow stretch of gravel about a mile from my grandpa’s farm. It was there on the first line of the first page of the spiral bound burial registry. Name of deceased: “Unknown — Lightning Strike.” The ever-present journalist in me tried to piece together the narrative. There was something so evocative about that image: the solitary, disconnected, unknown individual, dead on the dusty plains of southern Nebraska. Did he arrive on one of the trains that came and went, looking for a plot of land to make a new start? Or maybe he was one of the drifters my grandma would tell stories about, needing a bit of sustenance to carry him deeper westward? What of the storm? Was it one of those almost ghostly arrivals known for whipping up and unsettling even the firmest soul? This encounter came fresh to my mind when I picked up Phong Nguyen’s novel, “The Adventures of Joe Harper.” I appreciate authors who use textured brush strokes. They layer in grit and tension, richness and depth. Theirs is not an emptycaloried, bright-lighted experience. Mark Twain has long been the resonant voice of the American soul and its nuanced characters. Phong may only “stand kneehigh to (Twain’s) genius,” as he states in his dedication, but he does add another compelling and fun chapter to the heritage of “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” and “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.” “The Adventures of Joe Harper” is a tale narrated by a 35-year-old Joe Harper, who has put aside a life of pirating with Tom only to take up a vagabond quest of finding a cave and dying proper. But it is to be no solitary affair. As Harper sets out from Missouri, his lot is soon tied to the companionship

of a Chinese railroad worker and an Amish runaway bride. The result is a propulsive, bingeable journey. Each stop, whether in Independence or Salina or Salt Lake City, feels like a new episode with plenty of drama, humor, and narrow escapes. “It originally started as a short story,” says Phong, 40, who has also published two short story collections. “But it let me know it was something bigger and wanted to be a novel. It came as a surprise to me.” Twain is very much a part of Phong’s identity. His first contact came in college, but, “I didn’t fully understand the depth and nuance of his writings at the time.” Then he became an English professor, and every semester for the past 11 years, he has taught courses featuring “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.” A curiosity about the distinctiveness of Joe Harper’s personality set Phong on the path to COMO L I V I N G

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publishing his debut novel in 2016. “He possessed that dramatic and romantic quality that made me want to explore Twain’s world,” says Phong, the Miller Family Endowed Chair of Literature and Writing at MU. Even if you have no previous Twain connections, like myself, it’s a book you should consider picking up. There is an exuberance to Phong’s writing that reminds us the best stories illuminate and make known that which can easily go overlooked or unnoticed. Phong will be a speaker at the Unbound Book Festival on Saturday, April 20, at Stephens College. The festival is free and open to the public.


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Carol Miller, Owner


GIVING BACK

A GOOD DAY FOR ROSES Givin g Ga rde n s g rows be a ut i f ul p l a nts a n d p e o p l e . by M A RY K AT E H A F N E R

Slow down when you see the cottages. That’s the best advice for new visitors to Giving Gardens, a series of endearing greenhouses situated on Central Missouri Subcontracting Enterprises’ campus on South Bearfield Road in Columbia. For 50 years, CMSE has served the industry communities with a workforce of 130 dependable employees who have disabilities. About 10 years ago, during the recession, CMSE’s contract volumes decreased, putting the jobs of CMSE’s employees at risk. Concerned over the idea of losing meaningful jobs, Executive Director Bruce Weber turned to his rotary club for help. There, he found a solution in Bill Ragen. Bill, the founder of Giving Gardens, had an extensive background in horticulture. It was under his guidance that Giving Gardens began. The greenhouse’s supplementary income not only provided job stability for CMSE employees, but a priceless therapeutic experience as well. “I mean really it’s an addiction, but if you’re going to have one, plants and dirt is a good one,” says Tammy Cundiff, greenhouse manager. And it’s a sustainable addiction. Giving Gardens grows almost every plant in their four greenhouses, unlike most box stores, which have plants shipped in from around the globe. Giving Gardens also offers creative workshops for groups or pairs to create their own potted gardens. “The whole thing about the greenhouse is that we have a quality product, competitive prices, and our customer service is off the charts. That’s strictly due to my employees,” says Tammy. “Where else can you shop where you’ll get a hug?” Out of CMSE’s 130 employees, 85 percent have a developmental disability — Down syndrome, autism, or a combination of multiple issues. The other 15 percent have

been diagnosed with mental illness, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. “A lot of these guys have been bullied much of their lives. They didn’t get treated well in the school system, some of them have bad home lives,” says Tammy. “To be in a place where you know you’re safe and you know that you’re accepted — that’s huge.” Laura Hinkle, one of the greenhouse employees, can identify with that unfortunate, but common, employee backstory. Laura grew up in Jonesburg before being separated from her parents. After being shuffled from one place to another, she eventually landed in Columbia. While she enjoys both the warehouse and greenhouse work environments, Laura prefers the greenhouse’s relaxing pace and presence. She loves all the plants, especially flowers with strong scents. One of her favorite greenhouse activities is sampling the fresh vegetables. Tammy calls Laura the “Catch Up Queen,” due to her speed and accuracy while planting. Her skills have made her an almost permanent fi xture in one of the coveted rotating greenhouse positions. Bruce and Tammy agree that their tagline, “growing beautiful plants and people,” sums up the project perfectly. “I’m helping my employees have a job that they truly enjoy. Anytime that you have a job and you’re making money, that gives you worth,” says Tammy. As the flowers bloom around them, greenhouse employees blossom into confident versions of themselves. The greenhouse is a home where they can develop the skills to move into the community workforce. Over the past five years, 30 employees have joined competitive or supported employment. They’ll always have a place to come back to, however. Come early and get in line. Giving Gardens opens their doors every year on April 1. COMO L I V I N G

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“To be in a place where you know you’re safe and you know that you’re accepted — that’s huge.” — TAMMY CUNDIFF


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T R A N S F O R M AT I O N S

FROM CARBOHOLIC TO KETOGENIC Audrey McFadden leaves sugar behind and beats her diabetes diagnosis. by B R O O K E KO T T M A N N | ph o to s by K E I T H B O R G M E Y E R

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hen Audrey McFadden turns her cell phone around to show me her before and after photos, even she can’t believe the transformation. For most of her adult life, she was overweight. In the before photo, Audrey’s frame is fuller, and she looks tired. In the after photo, she stands visibly trimmer, happier, and more confident. What changed between these photos? A Type 2 diabetes diagnosis and a personal promise to beat the disease without succumbing to daily medication and shots. The glimpse of these photos pays homage to Audrey’s motivation to balance her blood sugar and turn her life around.

ONCE UPON A CARB The majority of her life, Audrey was what she calls a carboholic. Carbs were her drug of choice, and sugar was her toxin. Growing up, Audrey’s diet included lots of white, starchy rice. She loved devouring sweet and savory treats alike. She willingly traded well-balanced meals for containers of processed pastries, ice cream, and crackers. She could eat an entire box of Wheat Thins in one sitting without a second thought. With her husband, Rod, frequently out of town while she was running around after their two boys, she was exhausted. Every day, to combat her fatigue, she couldn’t wait to get home from work to take a midday nap. But she never had reason to believe her health was failing. A routine checkup in the summer of 2017 implied otherwise. Her hemoglobin A1C, a measure of long-term blood sugar control, was a pre-diabetic 6.5, but her doctor never followed up.

“At the time, I had no idea what those numbers meant,” Audrey says of her appointment. Her doctor wasn’t concerned, so there wasn’t much reason to worry. She ignored her ominous results. “I just kept doing what I was doing.”

“I WAS OK WITH

GETTING THE DIAGNOSIS

WITH BEING SICK BY

Audrey used to say that no matter what, she could never give up her cheese and bread. If she could, she would eat a baguette with some soft Brie cheese for every meal. COMO L I V I N G

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BEING OVERWEIGHT, BUT I WAS NOT OK

SOMETHING THAT I CAUSED MYSELF.”


T R A N S F O R M AT I O N S In June of 2018, Audrey was back for another routine check-up, this time with a different doctor who ran her lab tests once more. Her hemoglobin A1C had risen to a vexing 7.3, full-blown Type 2 diabetes. Her blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglycerides were also too high. “I have to diagnose you as diabetic,” her doctor said. These seven words jolted fear across Audrey’s body. Insulin shots were her first thought. Finger pricks. Kidney disease. Heart disease. Loss of limbs. These thoughts followed, pounding more fear into her brain. The possible symptoms and plausible realities of living with diabetes taunted her. “I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, I do not want to be put on medication,” Audrey says. “Like a Band-Aid, it doesn’t fix the problem.” Audrey instead pleaded with her doctor to give her a few months to show her she was serious about getting healthy. “I was OK with being overweight, but I was not OK with being sick by something that I caused myself,” Audrey says. “It wasn’t like it was a disease I couldn’t avoid.” Diabetes isn’t something to mess with. Audrey took to Google to research the fastest ways to get her levels down. Her research pointed to the ketogenic diet, a low-carb and high-fat diet, as one of the swiftest ways to ketosis. Following a keto diet meant cutting carbs and all her favorite comfort foods. “I was eating my words — I had to,” Audrey says. Audrey was motivated to lower her A1C. Once acclimated to the diet, she mentally knew that this was how it was going to be and there was no turning back. On her phone, she installed Carb Manager, an app that tracks macronutrients and her daily protein, fat, and carbohydrate intakes. She cut carbs and all sugars cold turkey and instead opted for leafy greens, healthy fats, and nutritious proteins. She followed Facebook support groups for others eating keto with diabetes. “My body had been so good to me,” Audrey says. “I have two beautiful boys. I’ve traveled the world. But I’ve abused it so much that it can’t keep up. I have to be there for my boys. I have to fix this.”

HIGHWAY TO HEALTHY Across the table from me, Audrey emanates confidence. Her smile is contagious, and her glow is summery. Before sipping her coffee, she pulls a packet of stevia from her purse and pours it into her cup. She’s beaten the odds and is thriving. At her six-month follow-up appointment, Audrey’s labs read a normal hemoglobin 5.6 A1C. Her other levels are now within normal range. No medication, no insulin shots, no finger pricks after each meal. Just Audrey sticking to her diet and maintaining ketosis. “I have reversed my diabetes,” Audrey says. “My choices got me diabetic, and my choices got me out of diabetes.” Her doctor says she’s unusual, though, as most patients would rather fill a prescription, take medicine, and inject insulin than work at the root of the problem. Going backward and regressing in her diet isn’t an option for Audrey. All this time, and Audrey has no intention of “cheating” her diet and increasing her COMO L I V I N G

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sugar intake. “I don’t feel deprived (of carbs) ever,” Audrey says. “I just have to change it up, and it might be a little more work than the carby version, but I still enjoy it and I don’t feel deprived.” Audrey has gotten her diet down to a science. For breakfast she drinks coffee with whipping cream — the fat keeps her feeling full and is an energy boost. Salads with protein, cheese, and berries are on the menu for lunch. For dinner, she’ll eat protein, such as a Cuban pot roast, green vegetables, and strawberries for dessert. Baking keto and sugar-free is no match for Audrey’s culinary innovation. For Thanksgiving, she made a peanut butter and chocolate cheesecake. For Sunday brunch, she’ll make biscuits and gravy. For lasagna, she swaps out pasta for zucchini noodles. “Cooking in general has always been fun for me,” Audrey says. “I’ve always preferred to cook with whole, natural ingredients. Cooking keto is not really any more difficult.”


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THINGS WE LOVE

Craving Calm Johnston Paint & Decorating announces Benjamin Moore’s 2019 color of the year. B y M A RY K AT E H A F N E R | photo by K E I T H B O R G M E Y E R

B

Courtesy of Tallulahs

enjamin Moore’s color of the year strives to be a visual representation of a global feeling. This year’s color, Metropolitan gray, is a light, creamy gray that mixes the serenity of white with the attitude of black. While skeptics may have anticipated a bold and dominating color for 2019, in a world of constant chaos, calm is something we crave. The color of agreement and compromise, Metropolitan gray is meant to be mixed and played with. Like your favorite denim, it goes with everything and acts as a safety net when experimenting with more extreme colors and shapes. The complex neutral tones have the chameleon ability to fit any room, outfit, or anything else. Metropolitan gray is your middleman to create a union between black and brown and gold and silver. While wrongly written off as boring, gray has the unassuming power to shape your mood. What are we trying to escape to during an overly hectic day? A break? Really what we all need is a piece of actual quiet, and a nap in a cocoon of blissed out Metropolitan gray sounds like just the ticket. Work Metropolitan gray and its accent colors into your home with these pieces courtesy of Tallulahs and Coming Home.

COMO L I V I N G

1. Beatriz ball bowl and salad servers 2. Green place mat 3. Printed napkin 4. Vietri plates

Courtesy of Coming Home 5. Creative Co-Op terracotta vase 6. Creative Co-Op crocheted

potholders 7. Creative Co-Op stoneware

measuring bowls 8. Creative Co-Op enamel

measuring cups 9. Bornn eggplant mug 10. Saltshakers

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Join The Caring People for a fun night of Designer Purse Bingo … while supporting this ministry for single moms.

Thanks to our presenting sponsor

Thursday, June 13th • 6pm – 9pm (Bingo starts at 6:30!)

Knights of Columbus Hall 2525 North Stadium Boulevard, Columbia

Table of 10 - $350 | Individual Tickets - $40 Ticket includes food and 3 bingo cards | Cash Bar

To reserve your table or a seat, contact Ava Summers: avaruth.tcp@gmail.com | 573-864-3619

th ecarin gpeople.or g | 4 17.334.0131 | Toll Fr ee: 8 77.CARE.525 O U R M I S S I O N : When you change the life of a single mom; you change her children’s lives, as well. We’ve seen restoration and hearts healed from difficult circumstances many single moms’ experience. The ultimate goal is to disciple single moms. It’s our prayer they bring other single moms to a relationship with the Lord, find a home church, and prosper.

Where our family takes care of your family

We are pleased to announce Dr. Jenna Miller has joined our team and is accepting new patients. Call to schedule your appointment. When it comes to your smile, you deserve the best!

Call us now to experience world class dentistry. 1601 Chapel Hill Rd. • Suite C • Columbia • WillettDentalAssociates.com • 573-445-5300

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HOME TOUR

fine art Down to a

Rob i n a n d A l ex LaBrun erie’s h ome pl ays h ost to an e c l e c t i c a r t col l ection an d festive parties. by BE T H B R A M S T E D T | photos by K E I T H B O R G M E Y E R COMO L I V I N G

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HOME TOUR

The artwork in the living room is displayed by color palette. Many of their favorites were done in the ’30s, ’40s, and ’50s. One wall features a mid-century abstract painting, and another showcases a series of silhouettes and portraits representing different evocations of people. Robin’s older sister is a collector in Texas and always a source of inspiration; several of the living room pieces were gifts from her. Other focal pieces were purchased from Melissa Williams Fine Art, Doug Solliday Antiques, and Studio Home.


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alking into Robin LaBrunerie’s home off Stewart Road feels like walking into an intimate museum. The rooms on the main level boast color-blocked walls that showcase a variety of art styles and periods. Warm tones of gold and brown make way for royal blues and light purples, followed by lime greens and electric yellows as you near the sun room. Chinese relics, wooden antiques, sculptures, vintage tea sets, and watercolor paintings are tied together with the muted colors and patterns of “old” rugs from Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, and Morocco. Each space evokes a new emotion. The result is a feeling of warmth and acceptance, leaving the desire to slowly explore, taking in every nook and cranny of the 1939 home and its contents. A docent for the MU Museum of Art and Archeology, Robin and her husband, Alex, purchased the home in 1999. Robin admits that creating a tribute to the art they love was not their original motivation. “I thought this would be a great house for our kids to grow up in,” says Robin. “There are all these little hiding places. We used those so much. This was the best hideand-seek house ever.” The couple was also drawn to the neighborhood and the old-growth trees. “I love the charm and character of the old houses,” Robin says. “And we loved the yard. The yard is amazing.” As their kids grew up and left, however, Robin and Alex’s home has evolved into a showcase for their art. The progression seems inevitable, as their first conversations upon meeting were talks of poets and painters. “The best thing about this house is that it has so many different rooms, and that’s kind of perfect for me,” Robin shares. “We have so many different styles and periods of art and relics that we like, so I’ve been able to find a spot for all of our collections.” Those collections have expanded with each antique mall, flea market, and estate sale she visits and every gift she receives. “I shift everything when I find a new piece of art,” Robin shares. Robin says the space has also evolved into a party house. Whether it’s small appetizer and cocktail parties on Friday nights for friends, a big Halloween party, or formal dinner parties, Robin and Alex love to host. “The flow is good. It can hold a lot of people without it feeling crowded because there are different spaces for people to be, but they’re still visible to each other,” she explains. “And it has a bar!” Once a social worker, religious education director, food writer, and development officer, Robin believes her house is as eclectic as her background. Follow along as she guides us through rooms on the main level, sharing what inspires her most along the way. COMO L I V I N G

The study includes an eclectic mix of art, incorporating a wall of portraits and an abstract painting by local artist Jennifer Wiggs (see photo on Page 17). Much of the midcentury furniture came from the Chicago apartment of Robin’s grandfather.

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The family room is Robin’s most comfortable room and features Midwestern art, Chinese relics, and an extensive book collection that evokes a sense of hospitality.


HOME TOUR

The kitchen and bar showcase fun colors and more whimsical art, including paintings by several local artists.

The sun room was inspired by artist Claude Monet and incorporates the happy colors of blue and yellow into the house.

COMO L I V I N G

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Have you dreamt of expanding the comfort of your home with that perfect outdoor space? Often, creating an outdoor gathering space expands the comfort of home to your backyard. Whether it is a get together with friends and family or just a quiet night at home, spending the evening relaxing in a comfortable and stylish outdoor space is the perfect way to end any day. Working with the Kliethermes team means you are treated like family. Together we can transform your home to be everything you dream of for every season (ok maybe not winter).

Call Cale today to begin your next project. 573.446.2222 | kliethermes.com COMO L I V I N G

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ADVICE FROM THE EXPERTS

Anne Tuckley

ANNE TUCKLEY HOME

Jake Frink

ROST LANDSCAPING

Denise Payne

THE DENISE PAYNE REAL ESTATE TEAM

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ENVISION YOURSELF IN THE SPACE BY DENISE PAYNE Find more at www.denisepayne.com

As I was holding an open house for one of my listings recently, I noticed how many different views on the house were being discussed. It was a home that would work for many chapters of life, whether a starter home or a downsizing home or somewhere in between. The starter home people were discussing parking because they want to have BBQs with many visitors. The downsizing people were discussing where to put their favorite pieces of furniture, and other potential buyers were discussing how their lives with homework and dinner prep would look at the end of a work day. As I work with buyers, knowing how they entertain is vital to their happiness in a home. If a buyer sees themselves having game nights, BBQs, and visitors coming over to hang out in the kitchen while they prepare the food, a galley kitchen will not be their best choice. If that same buyer would rather have all the food prepared before the guests arrive and have it displayed for buffet style serving, then a galley kitchen would be acceptable. When a buyer sees themselves having a big volleyball net in the backyard for guests, then a flat backyard is a must. If a buyer sees themselves sitting around a fire pit entertaining, then a neighborhood that allows firepits is a must. I ask these types of questions when showing buyers, and many have not thought about how they would use the house for entertaining. But once they start thinking about entertaining, the ideas are endless. Building outdoor pizza ovens, water features, pavers for extending the patio, adding on a covered deck that may or not be screened, which then leads to a sunroom … These are all recent conversations I’ve had with buyers about their entertaining ideas and the joy that will bring to their life. Select a house that will bring you joy and feel like home. When making decisions, envision yourself having your friends and family over and what that time will look like.

DENISE PAYNE THE DENISE PAYNE REAL ESTATE TEAM

Denise has been a Realtor since 2004 and achieved the designations of Graduate of REALTOR Institute and Certified Relocation Professional. A Mizzou Alumni, she ensures that she knows all the current options of home financing to help both her sellers and her buyers know all their options. Denise also understands home staging and owns her own staging furniture and accessories to offer her sellers at no additional cost. She’s won many awards including the Centurion Producer and is a regular member of the Weichert President’s Club. She services all of Mid-Missouri by belonging to 3 MLS systems. 3700 Monterey Drive Suite A, Columbia, MO 65203 573-777-7274 | DenisePayne.com


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PICK UP THE PHONE, THE SUN IS CALLING BY CALE KLIETHERMES Find more at: www.kliethermes.com

Sun spaces: the last decor frontier. Out front or out back, our homes are meant to be lived in and enjoyed. No space or vision should be left out of the equation. There are some great options to give yourself and your loved ones an oasis retreat in the comfort of your home. Enjoy the warmth and energy boost of the sun without leaving the house, and without allergens. Sun spaces such a sun porches, sun rooms, or solariums, increase the livability of your home while increasing your square footage and your home’s overall value. Some real estate experts suggest the return on investment for a well-built sun porch could be as much as 80%. Worried about too much sun? Or worried about the autumn chill? In Missouri, we get to experience all four of Mother Nature’s moods, from extreme heat to extreme chill. Two major elements to consider when planning your sunroom are materials and location. Materials matter. Keeping a cohesive look between the existing space and the addition will be vital to maintaining flow between spaces. If you’re planning to use your sunroom during the winter, heated floors may be worth working into your budget. Give extra care to windows. Look for windows that will hold up against all weather, giving you years of enjoyment. Location is everything, in your neighborhood, and where you put your sunroom. The sun’s rising and setting will affect the coolness and heat of your sunroom throughout the day. Keeping in mind what activities you do and where you do them. Do you want to dine in your sunroom? Maybe add on close to the kitchen. Will your sunroom be a retreat from your busy schedule? Consider keeping the sunroom away from the TV room.

Now, the question we’ll hear again and again is: Will I actually use my sunroom? The answer is of course! When you work with an experienced team like ours, you can be assured they will design any addition as a natural extension your existing space. The purpose of the sunroom will drive any project. And, in our experience,

after a custom outdoor design, clients tend to hang out in their sunrooms as much as their kitchens. Go ahead, kick up your feet and take in the view, because it’s all you and all yours. Call Kliethermes Homes & Remodeling at (573) 446-2222 for a free consultation today.

CALE KLIETHERMES

KLIETHERMES HOMES & REMODELING

Cale Kliethermes has learned the construction business from the ground up, working with his father to uphold the 40-year legacy that is Kliethermes Homes & Remodeling. Having been immersed in the industry since his teenage years, Cale possesses decades’ worth of expert knowledge and experience regarding new construction and remodels. Cale studied business administration and finance at Regis University, in Denver, Colorado, and earned his CGR (Certified Graduate Remodeler) designation from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). He also served in Iraq with the U.S. Marine Corps, where he built secure housing and observation posts. Cale specializes in leading homeowners through the creative process of designing their ideal home, and he is skilled in determining unique solutions that result in life-changing differences.


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ESCAPE TO YOUR HOME

.edis .edistuo eht BY ANNE TUCKLEY Find more at: AnneTuckleyhome.com

What do you think of when you hear the words home entertaining? Do you think about the parties you host? Is it a man cave with a large, flat screen TV and surround sound? Is it a game room full of foosball and pool tables complete with a full bar? Typically, when one hears “home entertaining,” the instinct is to think about how we entertain others in our home, but what about yourself? It is just as critical that your abode serve to fulfill your own needs, because after all, you spend the most time there. I argue that every room in your home should be entertaining for you and your family, and if you fulfill that goal, opening your home to guests requires minimal effort. The following are a few ways to make the functional purely fantastic. BATHROOMS Aside from the occasional luxurious bath, which let’s be honest, does not happen regularly for most, bathrooms are a utilitarian room. Make those necessary moments more enjoyable by creating a luxurious experience every day. Put your mouthwash in a crystal decanter. Add a small lamp for soft lighting. Add a blue tooth speaker to play relaxing music while you shower. Indulge in specialty soaps. Forgo the aerosol air freshener and opt for an open window or scented

candle. These minor changes can transform a room of necessity into a room of pampering. KITCHENS Some of us love to cook. Some of us have other talents. Turn your kitchen into a space that best works with your lifestyle. If you don’t love to cook, forgo the endless supply of cooking gadgets. Love wine? Ditch some of the traditional cabinets for wine racks or a wine cooler. Live out of your pantry? Use that extra cabinet space that would usually be used for gadgets as additional food storage or even store other household goods such as towels, games, or art supplies. Storage

space is storage space. You can even turn that gorgeous kitchen island into a uniquercraft uo studio. ,erutinruf

de tis elbatrofmoc a FAMILY ROOMS Yes, TV is entertaining, but is should.tnot cubedthe orp ruoy fo only source of entertainment. Create a corner 91/2 .cnI ,seirtsudnI leetsxelF © meditation or reading nook. Fill end table or coffee table cabinets with books and games. Add a desk or table to encourage family game nights, craft time, or writing. And always add more lighting. Natural light is best, but artificial works, too. The more light you have, the more likely you will feel energized and encouraged to pursue nontelevised entertainment.

ANNE TUCKLEY

ANNE TUCKLEY HOME

Anne has been in the interior design industry for over 20 years and has resided in many metropolitan cities from NYC to Houston while honing in on her skills. Her specialties are interior design and home staging, with a focus on unique perception. Anne graduated with a BFA in fine art with a concentration in design and illustration. She has extensive experience in designing new construction as well as remodeling and conceptualizing out-of-the-box ideas. She ensures cutting edge design and superb customer service. 108 Corporate Lake Place, Columbia, MO 65203 573-639-1989 | AnneTuckleyhome.com


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SECTIONAL CONFIDENTIAL BY JAKE BAUMGARTNER Find more at baumgartners.com

Some homeowners may be hesitant to use a sectional sofa, often because of its reputation as an aesthetic killer. The truth is, you can custom create a sectional so that it not only adds function, but visual appeal to your space. At Baumgartner’s Furniture, we offer both reclining and stationary sectionals and can configure them in multiple formats to mold to almost any living space.

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In the 20SH 72SW 20SH 21SD 72SW 20SH 24AH 21SD 72SW 68OD 24AH 21SD 5WC 68OD 24AH 5WC 68OD 5WC 19SH 21SW 19SH 21SD 21SW 19SH 24AH 21SD 21SW 68OD 24AH 21SD 4WC 68OD 24AH 4WC 68OD 4WC 20SH 23SW 21SD 24AH 68OD68OD 5WC 5WC 20SH20SH 23SW23SW 21SD Loveseat Loveseat withLoveseat Console with Console and with Console and and Power Headrests PowerPower Headrests Headrests SAMPLE CONFIGURATIONS SAMPLE CONFIGURATIONS Power Headrests Power Power Headrests Headrests RockingRocking Power Recliner, Rocking Recliner, Power Rocking Power Rocking 42H 64W42H 39D64W 42H39D 64W 39DRocking Recliner, SAMPLE CONFIGURATIONS middle of the room, fill in around the sectional Recliner, & Recliner, Swivel Recliner, Gliding & Swivel & Recliner Gliding Swivel Gliding Recliner 20SH 48SW 20SH 21SD 48SW 20SH 24AH 21SD 48SW 68OD 24AH 21SD 5WC 68OD 24AH 5WC 68OD 5WC 42H 76W42H 39D 76W 42H39D 76W 39D shapes and sizes toRecliner fit any Single sections look great complemented with 112" dozens of different 76" also available also available also available 76"112" with tables, large baskets and lamps to create 20SH 48SW 20SH 21SD 48SW 20SH 24AH 21SD 48SW 68OD 24AH 21SD 5WC 68OD 24AH 5WC 68OD 5WC 112" 10"31" 31" 26" 31" 45" 45" 45" 45" 26" 31" 10"31" 31" 31" 26 10" 26" 45" size room, small or spacious. chairs. And if you move or downsize, you can an intimate feeling. Perfect for a family or living We know how much you love your home and39" 39" take a single section out and put it anyplace in room where you go to relax and reconnect. 45" 45" 45" 45 39" 39" 39" 45" 45" we’re always excited to find you just the right your home. Both large and small sectionals can -58H let -58H -72-58H -58H -72 pieces. Stop by one of our two locations separate to fit through small doors and narrow-23 -23 -23 and -23 -23-19-58H -19 -19 -72 -57H -57H -59 COMFORT 112" 112" 112" 26" 26" 26" 26 us share our passion so you can love your home stairways. Arm units, armless units, corner units -19 -19 -19 26" 26" Room size will play into which sectional -19 -19 128" 128" 2904-72 2904-192904-19 | 3904-19 2904-19 | 3904-19 | 3904-19 2904-232904-23 | 3904-23 2904-23 | 3904-23 | 3904-23 2904-572904-57 | 3904-57 2904-57 | 3904-57 | 3904-57 2904-582904-58 | 3904-58 2904-58 | 3904-58 | 3904-58 2904-592904-59 | 3904-59 2904-59 | 3904-59 | 3904-59 2904-72 | 3904-72 2904-72 | 3904-72 | 3904-72 128" even more. & wedge corner seat units can be configured into configuration you pick. Leave enough room Armless Armless ChairArmless Chair Chair Full Wedge Full Wedge Full Wedge LAF Recliner LAF Recliner LAF Recliner RAF Recliner RAF Recliner RAF Recliner ArmlessArmless Recliner Armless Recliner Recliner StraightStraight Console Straight Console Console 10 -72 -72 10" 10" 2904-57M | 3904-57M 2904-57M | 3904-57M | 3904-57M 2904-58M 2904-58M | 3904-58M 2904-58M | 3904-58M | 3904-58M 2904-59M 2904-59M | 3904-59M 2904-59M | 3904-59M | 3904-59M 42H 26" -59H 39D 42H 26W42H 39D 26W 42H 39D 26W 39D and42H 42H 45D45W 42H45D 45W 45D 10W42H 39D10W 42H39D 10W 26" 26" -59H -59H around the sectional the45W other furniture to2904-57M 20SH 26SW 20SH 21SD 26SW 20SH21SD 26SW 21SD 20SH 40SW 20SH 21SD 40SW 20SH21SD 40SW 21SD LAF Power LAFRecliner Power LAF Power Recliner Recliner RAF Power RAFRecliner Power RAF Power Recliner Recliner ArmlessArmless Power Armless Recliner PowerPower Recliner Recliner 31 -57H -57H 31" 31" 2904-57H | 3904-57H 2904-57H | 3904-57H | 3904-57H 2904-58H 2904-58H | 3904-58H 2904-58H | 3904-58H | 3904-58H 2904-59H 2904-59H | 3904-59H 2904-59H | 3904-59H | 3904-59H allow for movement into and out of the seating2904-57H LAF Power LAFRecliner Power LAF Power Recliner Recliner RAF Power RAFRecliner Power RAF Power Recliner Recliner Armless Armless Power Armless Recliner Power Power Recliner Recliner -57H 31" -57H -57H 31" 31" area and to other areas of the room. Sectionals with Power 39" 39" withHeadrest Power with Power Headrest Headrest with Power withHeadrest Power with Power Headrest Headrest with Power withHeadrest Power with Power Headrest Headrest 42H 31W42H 39D31W 42H39D 31W 39D 42H 31W42H 39D31W 42H39D 31W 39D 39" 42H 26W42H 39D26W 42H39D 26W 39D with deep seats or plush roll arms work well in 39" BAUMGARTNER’S FURNITURE 39" 20SH 23SW 20SH 21SD 23SW 20SH 24AH 21SD 23SW 68OD 24AH 21SD 5WC 68OD 24AH20SH 5WC 68OD 23SW 5WC 20SH 21SD 23SW 20SH 24AH 21SD 23SW 68OD 24AH 21SD 5WC 68OD 24AH 5WC 68OD 20SH5WC 26SW 20SH 21SD 26SW 20SH 68OD 21SD 26SW 5WC 68OD 21SD 5WC 68OD 5WC open concepts with lots of breathing room. SAMPLE SAMPLE CONFIGURATIONS SAMPLE CONFIGURATIONS CONFIGURATIONS Fabric112" selection also plays into what you find 76" 114" 114" 114" 124" 124" 124" 112" 112" 76" 76" essentially up31" in the26"26" furniture industry 31" 31" 26" 31" 26" 26" 26"26" 31" 26" 31" 31" 31" grew 31" 26" 26" 31" 26" 31" 31" as 10" 31" 26" 31" 31" 31" 31" 45" 45" 26"45" 10"26" 45" 45" 31"45" Jake 10"26" 10" 10" the most comfortable …10" and practical! There’s he is the fourth generation involved in Baumgartner’s an abundance of options to fit your décor, your 39" 39" 39" 45" 39" 39" 39" 39" 39" 39" 39" 39" 39" 45" 45" 45" 45" 45" Furniture. Working very closely with his father, Alan, Jake budget and your lifestyle. has been devoted to-57H the stores full-59H time since 2004. His-57H -57H -19 -58H -58H -72 -72 -58H -59H -58H -58H -57H -59H -57H -59H -59H -59H -59H -57H -59H -59H -59H -59H -58H -59H -58H -58H -23 -58H -23 -58H -23 -58H -23 -19 -23 -72-19 -23 -58H 112" 112" 112" greatest enjoyment, however, still comes from working FUNCTION 26" 26" 26" 26" 26" 26" -19 -19 -19 -19 -19 -19 128" 128" 128" closely with the customers. He is married to Sarah and A sectional does what its name states, sections -72 -72 -72 10" 10" 10" off a room. But you can also separate the pieces! they have two active boys, Noah and Laine. Jake received 26" 26" 26" -59H -59H -59H Pull apart the sections to fit whatever the -57H -57Hhis -57H degree in finance from Saint Louis University. 31" evening 31" 31" calls for. Love the movies, but hate to leave the -57H -57H -57H 31" 31" 31" 39" 39" 39" house? Turn your TV room sectional into theatre © Flexsteel©Industries, Flexsteel © Flexsteel Inc. Industries, 2/19Industries, Inc. 2/19Inc. 2/19 573-256-6288 baumgartners.com 39" 39" 39" FLX-TS-RIOFLX-TS-RIO FLX-TS-RIO seating by using recliners with consoles in the middle of your room.

JAKE BAUMGARTNER


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OUTDOOR PATIOS: AN EXCITING ADDITION TO YOUR HOME

BY JACOB PORTER Find more at rostlandscaping.com

Creating a patio in your backyard can be an exciting way to add to your home without having to change much, if anything, to your house. There are many benefits that come with this space. Some are obvious and others very subtle. When you decide you want to install a patio, a design professional can help maximize the potential. They can help you with selecting the features you would like to add to your patio as well as what you want the patio to look like.

WHAT ARE SOME BENEFITS? One of the most obvious benefits to the outdoor patio is the addition of living space to your home. Whether the space is for resting and relaxing, cooking a meal for family and friends, or to entertain them, it can maximize the potential of your home. Not only can your new patio create personal value, it can likely increase the value of the home as well. It is just like adding a room to your home, but we are placing it outside. Your outside room will also allow you to enjoy your home from another perspective. Instead of seeing the front or inside of your home most of the time, you get to enjoy the space in the back as well. This space is not only enjoyed from the outside; it can create a great view from a key window on the inside as well. What makes a patio most enjoyable, though, are some of the additional features that can be offered.

SELECTING YOUR FEATURES A patio doesn’t have to be a flat pad of concrete with a few chairs on it. There are many features that can be included into the patio that make it more functional, aesthetic, and appealing to you and your guests. A fire feature, such as a fireplace or fire pits, can give everyone an area to sit and relax around, even when the temperatures outside are not so enjoyable. Outdoor kitchens are great ways to provide food to everyone at your party while still being able to be outside with them. Other simple

features, such as sitting walls, are great ways to create an appealing vertical element while providing additional seating. Once you have selected your features, you will want to decide what you want them to be made out of.

DECIDING ON YOUR MATERIALS The most important decision you will need to make is what materials you want to use for your patio and features. Natural stone adds an

elegant beauty to your outdoor area by using a timeless material. Pavers and wall blocks can be a budget friendly option that comes in a variety of colors and styles to create the look you want. Many times using a combination of materials, such as a paver soldier course or border in a stone patio, can give the best look and help create the feel of different rooms to your new outdoor space.

JACOB PORTER ROST LANDSCAPING

Jacob comes from the small town of California, Missouri. With his plant science degree from MU and five years with Rost, he enjoys creating exciting outdoor spaces for his clients. Watching these creations come to life is only one highlight of being a designer for Rost. When he is not designing, he enjoys spending time with his wife and son, tournament bass fishing, and a little bit of woodworking. 573-445-4465

rostlandscaping.com


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L I B AT I O N S

A NEW TAKE ON TEA Packe d w i th p rob i ot i c s , kom b uch a cocktail s g ive drin kers a h eal thy bu zz. by M A RY K AT E H A F N E R | ph o to s by A N T H O N Y J I N S O N

T

he funktastic fizzy drink kombucha has jumped from our grocer’s shelves into our cocktail glasses. And, I have

to say, I’m ready to hand over my money.

kombucha tasting cafe located in the North

chamomile. However, that idea dissolves with

Village Arts District.

one sip — especially if you add gin or tequila.

Maybe “deceptively simple” is what we’re

THE DRINK FOR EVERYONE

looking for?

“I wish there was a word for something

At its core, kombucha is fermented

that seems so simple but is really complex,”

green or black tea, making the brew sound

hands of yoga moms, contractors, and law

say Josh Wexler, owner of DrinKraft, a

like it would be as mild as a fizzy evening

students. The few left with kombucha-

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These days, kombucha is seen in the


L I B AT I O N S avoidance may be skeptical of kombucha’s reputation of having an extremely tart, homebrew taste. Josh makes the comparison between homebrewed beer and kombucha. If you’ve only had homebrewed beer, your experience as a beer drinker may come to an abbreviated end. The same goes with our probiotic-rich friend, kombucha. Developing a taste for kombucha is similar to maturing a palette for alcohol. While you may start out drinking sugary punch at parties, you’ll eventually move onto, say, an oaky red wine. When DrinKraft makes a carrot and ginger kombucha, there’s a lot of chopped carrot and ginger going into the vat. The solids are strained moments before packaging to give ingredients maximum hang time. There’s no flavor rule book with kombucha. The vinegar-like drink will shift tastes from more tart to borderline sweet depending on fermenting time and ingredient volume. A key difference between home and commercial kombucha brewing is the vetting processes. While a homebrewer may only rely on taste, commercial brewers like DrinKraft use a three-part vetting system that combines taste, a pH balance thermometer, and a refractometer. The three-part system helps to ensure consistent taste. While you won’t get carded for kombucha because of the fermentation process, there is a small amount of alcohol present. In order to maintain all-age access, kombucha cannot surpass .5 percent alcohol content. Oh, and FYI — a fizzier kombucha will have a higher alcohol percentage.

A SHOT OF TEQUILA Naturally high in antioxidants and goodfor-your-gut probiotics, it seems almost counterintuitive to put a health drink like kombucha in a glass with infamous tequila. However, its inclusion is evidence to our culture’s shift towards a richer and more holistic lifestyle. Nathan Todd, partner of Bleu Events and occasional hipster, approached Josh to

use DrinKraft kombucha in the new Bleu concept, Pressed., a bar cultivating its own reputation for cocktail culture. Pressed. uses DrinKraft’s elderberry and hibiscus kombucha in their signature Pampano cocktail. The drink combines kombucha, Milagro agave tequila, fresh citrus, and agave syrup. Kelsey Parker, bar manager at Pressed., says the drink is hard to describe because of its complexity. “You get quite a bit of the tequila flavor on your first sip. You’re going to say, ‘Oh wow, that’s definitely tequila,’” says Kelsey, “but as the tequila settles in with the flavor of the kombucha, it mellows out quite a bit. Starting on sip two, you’ll start getting the taste from the elderberry and the hibiscus and the fruitiness and the sweetness.” The vibrant magenta kombucha is housed under the bar in an extra-large Mason jar. The surprise reveal gives the Pressed. guest a sense of exclusivity and curiosity, as if receiving a closely-guarded secret. “Kombucha adds a little bit more fizz and a little bit more tartness,” says Kelsey. The cocktail’s flexibility to switch out tequila for your preferred spirit without losing the kombucha’s core flavor makes the Pampano the perfect introductory kombucha cocktail.

BOTANICAL BUDS You can transform any cocktail into a kombucha cocktail. Take a cosmopolitan, a classic and sweet cocktail with an often healthy booze presence. Kelsey makes her cosmos with orange liqueur, Absolut citron, triple sec, cranberry juice, and fresh lime. If Kelsey were to swap the cranberry juice for a cranberry kombucha, the drink would make even Carrie Bradshaw rethink her predilection for a traditional cosmo. “Kombucha adds a lot of depth,” says Kelsey, “which is something you want in a craft cocktail, because it’s a full-flavor experience as opposed to chugging a gin and tonic down and ordering another one.” While kombucha can play nice with any spirit, its best friend is gin. Gin’s versatile botanical varieties mix perfectly with kombucha’s undeniable earthbound flavors; COMO L I V I N G

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bourbon or whiskey, by comparison, have a narrower flavor. Shrubs, sweetened vinegar-based syrups, and drinking vinegars are introducing more fruit of the earth to the bar as well. “A shrub is made from anything. It’s super simple. Take whatever — mango, jalapeño, peach, whatever — any fruit or vegetable,” says Kelsey, “and add a little bit of sugar, white vinegar, and then let it sit for 24 hours.” Because of its ease to make, most cocktail culture bars create their own sweet vinegars. Both kombucha and shrubs give bars and their bartenders the ability to create a truly signature cocktail menu. “It’s something to enjoy and savor, which is what we’re going for and what a lot of places are going for by incorporating kombucha into their cocktails,” says Kelsey.

Kombucha Cocktails All recipes make one Pressed.’s Signature Pompano 1 1/2 ounces Milagro Silver tequila 1/2 teaspoon agave nectar 1/2 ounce fresh lime juice 2 ounces DrinKraft elderberry and hibiscus kombucha Add all the ingredients into a mixing glass with ice and stir. Strain into a rocks glass filled with large ice cubes. Garnish with a lime or lemon wedge. Pressed.'s Kombucha Negroni 1.4 ounces Tanqueray gin 1 ounce Campari aperitivo 1 ounce DrinKraft elderberry and hibiscus kombucha Add all the ingredients into a mixing glass with ice and stir until wellchilled. Strain into a rocks glass filled with large ice cubes. Garnish with an orange peel.


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by J E S S I C A VAU G H N M A R T I N | pho to s by K E I T H B O R G M E Y E R

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THE ANCIENT ART OF FERMENTATION FINDS ITS WAY INTO MODERN KITCHENS.

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GOURMET

I

wasn’t a kombucha drinker until half a day into my 26th year, when I met Jared Zillig and his "mothers." He keeps them on a shelf in his dining room in three glass jugs hugged by malleable sheets of insulation — an experiment he conducted this winter to see if it would keep them in a better mood. (You see, he keeps his house cool, and moms like a cozy, temperate environment). Jared feeds them a fresh batch of sweet tea, their favorite, every few weeks. Now, you might think that this is no way to treat your mom, but when we’re talking about kombucha mothers, also known as SCOBYs, it’s exactly right. Just consult Sandor Katz, a self-proclaimed fermentation revivalist and author of “Wild Fermentation,” the book that introduced Jared to kombucha. In his books, Katz explains that the “mother” I keep referring to is also called a SCOBY, which is an acronym for symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast. It’s called a “mother” because it multiplies, creating layered “babies.” It looks like an alien life-form; it is a slimy, slippery disk, and it’s the wild, weird thing that brings kombucha to life. By now, you’ve probably heard of this delicately effervescent drink that proponents herald for its supposed health benefits. In its two-millennia history, the popularity of kombucha has waxed and waned in popularity, declining especially during periods when tea and sugar — two vital ingredients — have been rationed. Like any mercurial celebrity, it’s also had its share of alcohol-related scandals, due to overreaching liquor regulations that have since been remedied. Love for kombucha seems to just keep fermenting. It sits on the shelves of many a market, graces the menus of several local bars, and, more frequently these days, appears in glass jars at home. Jared, who is the bar manager at Broadway Brewery, is one of the many consumersturned-producers; he’s been home brewing kombucha for nearly four years. “If you enjoy a product that’s out there, and you think, ‘Oh I can do it myself,’ and you find that you can do it better, it’s really fun to do,” he says.

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GOURMET

Fermented and Fizzy Kombucha is a fermented tea, alive with the good kind of bubbles and bacteria. Its essential ingredients are tea (generally green or black,) sugar, and a SCOBY. The tea undergoes two stages of fermentation, starting with a base of sweet tea and the SCOBY. The two are combined and left to ferment at room temperature for one to three weeks. Each batch of kombucha is unique to the brewer — it’s good to taste it along the way to get your own desired balance of tart and sweet. The second fermentation is where the flavor really blossoms. The tea is placed in a bottle or sealed jar to build carbonation, and in this stage, it can be flavored with juices, fresh fruit, veggies, and more. Jared uses organic ingredients in his home brew, something he says is easier to do in small batches. “If it’s being mass produced, you’ll find that they’re adding lots of juice and not raw ingredients,” he says. “I use organic everything in kombucha, from the tea to the sugar to the fruit.” Finally, it’s placed in the fridge to slow down fermentation. Since it is fermented, it does contain a trace of alcohol, and when it’s made and sold commercially as a nonalcoholic beverage, it must have an alcohol content of less than 0.5 percent alcohol by volume. The cooler temperatures help halt fermentation and also stop the bottle from exploding under pressure. Now, it’s ready to fill you up will all sorts of probiotic goodness.

A Cure for What Ails You Kombucha is alive, and some people claim that it’ll help keep you alive, too. Though most claims have not been clinically proven, it’s a thought that’s been fermenting since the beverage received its name centuries ago. Legend has it, a Korean physician with the surname “Kombu” cured a Japanese emperor with the fermented tea sometime in the third century. Before that, ancient records show a drink, likely kombucha, referred to as an “elixir of life” or “immortality tea.” Jared testified to its curative powers in the case of a friend who was struggling with elbow pain, for which he’d already had a steroid shot. After draining a bottle of Jared’s

Jared Zillig and Mandy


GOURMET turmeric and black pepper kombucha, the friend’s symptoms seemed to dissipate. “It had been hurting me so bad, and I drank all of that kombucha and today my arm feels fantastic and I feel great,” he relayed to Jared. Jared credits the spike in wellness not just to the fermented tea, but to alreadypresent health enhancers in the later-added ingredients. “There are definitely some probiotics in kombucha, which are very good for your digestive system,” he says. “Depending on an ingredient that you use, like when I use turmeric, the properties can change a kombucha. So say you’re using blueberries; blueberries have their own antioxidants in them and are really good for you, and so I think some of that is imparted in the kombucha, and then the other parts of it from the SCOBY and fermentation are also good.”

Kombucha at Home In the late 1990s, kombucha finally took hold of an American audience. Since its arrival onshore, the tart, bubbly, flavorful, and probiotic-filled “booch,” as fans call it, has been the drink at hand for the sick, the health-conscious, and hipsters. Today, it’s mass produced by big brands, most notably GT’s Living Foods, which took in the lion’s share — nearly $400 million dollars — of kombucha sales in 2014. But like many of the modern commercial kombucha brands, the brewing began at home: In 1995, GT’s was a family business that sold to local health stores. The history of kombucha in Jared’s home began when a friend introduced him to the work of Sandor Katz and shared some of his own home brewing secrets. “He gave me the recipe that he personally uses, and it went from there,” Jared says. “He actually gave me my first SCOBY.” Jared now harbors three SCOBYs, which means he’s able to almost constantly keep the kombucha tap flowing. Vibrant colors and flavors, hues of gold and crimson, sharp flavors of golden beet, ginger, turmeric, raspberry, and more wade into batches of Jared’s kombucha, which is generally flavored according to the seasons — or what’s hanging out in his pantry. “It’s nice not to ever waste anything if you don’t have to,” Jared says. “So that’s another thing about making kombucha and shrubs — if I have something that’s about to go bad, instead of throwing it out, I still have a use for it.” His friends love it, too, maybe because they’re the ones who most often reap the benefits of his labor of love. “I drink it at home, a little bit every day, and I give a ton of bottles away,” he says. “It’s nice to be able to have enough to share.” When Jared hosts gatherings at home, the booch becomes part of the entertainment. “When I have certain friends over, they love mixing stuff together,” he says. “It’s always like, ‘What was this?’ ‘Oh, it’s the pineapple kombucha and the strawberry kombucha with some raspberry lemonade with some mango juice, topped with a beer.’” And their reaction is usually the same: “Oh, this is amazing!”

“I’ve been bartending for 15 years, so thinking of things like this kind of come along with thinking about drink.” —Jared Zillig Certain combinations of ingredients can elevate the health effects further. “I use turmeric and black pepper together, because black pepper increases the bioavailability of turmeric,” Jared says. “That one is really important for anti-inflammatory — that’s probably the main thing that people take it to supplement. For some reason, just drinking kombucha sometimes will make you feel a little better, and then having a special ingredient will also help.” Late last year, Jared faced a serious road to recovery following an injury and said kombucha helped in more than just a physical sense. “[Home brewing kombucha] really took off not too long ago,” he said. “I started making more and more when I went through that recovery, because I was kind of stuck here at my house for two plus months — I couldn’t work. But good things came from it, and this was one of them.” COMO L I V I N G

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GOURMET

Brewing at Home: What You’ll Need TE A: Green or black. SUGAR: Pure cane sugar is best. SCOBY: A symbiotic culture of bacteria

and yeast — you can snag one from a friend who already brews kombucha or order one online. JUICE/VEGGIES/FRUIT/FL AVOR:

If using juice, 100 percent juice with no additives is best. BOTTLES: Glass bottles or mason jars with airtight lids are best.

Wild & Alive
 Kombucha can bring out your wild side. (I mean, you have to be more than a little brave to get near a SCOBY.) And your creative side, too. How long it’s fermented, how it’s flavored — it’s all up to you. For Jared, the creativity was already there; kombucha was just another outlet. At work, he shakes and pours handcrafted cocktails with house-made shrubs and is always thinking up another creative twist. “I’ve been bartending for 15 years, so thinking of things like this kind of comes along with thinking about drinks,” he says. The walls of his home are freckled with his own paintings and photos, and an abundance of greenery flourishes throughout. “I’m a little bit of a creative person, so I always have to be doing something, whether it’s making kombucha, working on the house, or taking pictures.” In his kitchen, he twists open a collection of Ball mason jars that house his latest batches of kombucha, releasing the builtup CO2 with a small but sharp and bubbly pop. It’s part of his daily creative routine. “I like that I can make it at home; I like that it’s something that I can share with people; I can educate people,” he says. “It’s just an interesting, alive thing that we consume.” Wild, alive, and at home. And in case you’re wondering — Jared and his moms converted me. I just brought home my first SCOBY.


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FA S H I O N

SHADES of SP R I NG Brighten up your eyes with these easy tutorials created by local makeup artists. by T I F FA N Y S C H M I D T photos by K E I T H B O R G M E Y E R

Smoke & Mirrors modeled by Ashley Hoops. Just Peachy modeled by Elly Valvo. Ashley and Elly’s looks created by Haley Callaway, Aveda artist, Green Meadows Hair Co. & Spa. COMO L I V I N G

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All That Glitters modeled by Anne Tuckley. Gloss Over It modeled by Eryn Adams. Anne and Eryn’s looks created by BenLee Travett, Ell & Co. Salon and Spa. A PR I L / MAY 201 9


FA S H I O N

Just Peachy 1. Apply a small dab of orange shadow or lipstick to the lid and blend outward. 2. Use a blending brush to smudge the color into the crease of the lid and eye. 3. Apply a small dab of orange to your brush once more and swipe along lower lid directly under the lower lashes. 4. Finish the eye with a light coat of mascara on both upper and bottom lashes. 5. To complete the look, add a magenta lip and feather highlight along cheekbones and temple.

Pro tip: When using orange shadows, only a little color is needed due to its high pigment. COMO L I V I N G

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FA S H I O N

Pro tip: This look can easily be transitioned from day to night by adding a pop of blush or lipstick.

Smoke & Mirrors 1. Achieve this look with a bronzy or neutral palette. Start with a nutty brown across the entire lid, making sure to swipe into the beginning and end of the upper lid. 2. Add a light shimmery copper layer starting in the center of the lid to the end of the eye. Blend. 3. Add a touch of white glitter shadow to the inside of eye for brightness. 4. Thinly line the lower lid with a goldenbrown hue and blend into the existing shadow at the end of the eye. 5. Finish the look with a swipe of mascara across the top lashes and light highlight on the cheekbones.

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FA S H I O N

Pro tip: To get a truly glossy look, a cream lipstick can be used in place of or on top of shadow.

Gloss Over It 1. Apply a yellow cream lipstick or shadow to your brush and swipe across the entire lid from inner crease to just past the outer corner of the eye. 2. If desired, apply false lashes, or use a heavy coat of mascara to produce a full lash. 3. For an extra pop of color, apply a subtle streak of pale peach shadow underneath the lower lash line. 4. Finish the look by dusting a rosy blush across the cheekbones and adding a burgundy lip color. COMO L I V I N G

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FA S H I O N

All That Glitters 1. Apply a pale pink shadow to the entire lid. Apply one shade darker onto your brush and swipe just above the lid, across the brow bone, and into the corner of the eye. 2. Using a new brush, apply a glittery gold shadow from the inner eye to the outer eye, blending into both layers of pink. 3. Using a thin brush, blend a white shadow across the browbone between the shadow and eyebrow, and lightly dust the inner corner of the eye as well. 4. If desired, apply false lashes or use a heavy coat of mascara to produce a full lash. 5. Finish look with a light dusting of highlight along cheekbones and nose.

Pro tip: To achieve the rose gold look, blending each layer of shadow is essential. COMO L I V I N G

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Island Life Take a peek at Jacob and Lindsey Black’s open-concept kitchen. by J O R DA N M I L N E photos by K E I T H B O R G M E Y E R

When Jacob and Lindsey Black were in the process of building their new home, they knew they needed a kitchen that could maintain a classically beautiful vibe while feeding multiple mouths. “In our home, the gathering place is our kitchen, no matter the crowd,” says Jacob. “We were set on mixing a commercial grade look into a clean, crisp design while maintaining a very classy space. While the look was key, we also have three kids that eat more food than we ever imagined.” Lindsey emphasizes that the couple also needed to create a space that felt comfortable for the children. “While I’m cooking, you can always count on finding a Lego project, art work, or reading being done at the island,” says Lindsey. “I love that our kitchen island can host all of these things while I cook for our family. It is my hope that as they grow older, our home will be the hangout for them and their friends.”


Go with the Flow

Lindsey admits that closed-in dining rooms have “always felt a bit stuffy” to her. The solution in their new home was an open floor plan where the kitchen, great room, and covered patio all come into view as soon as someone walks through the front door. “We opted to create a space within the kitchen for a large dining room table close to our island, which also has plenty of seating (see cover photo),” says Lindsey. “We didn’t want to feel closed-in from the party as we prepared food and drinks for our guests, and the large island gives us a great space to line the kids up for a meal.” In addition to accommodating their children (Grant, 7; Lily, 5; and June, 2) on a daily basis, the Blacks love to entertain and enjoy a good party. One of Lindsey’s goals was to eliminate what she calls the “great Thanksgiving divide” — when the adults sit at the dining room table and kids are banished to the card table in the living room. “I feel our open-concept kitchen and living room is truly a gathering place,” says Lindsey. “As weather allows, the double doors to the outdoor patio will provide that much more living and entertaining space.”

It Takes a Village

The Blacks’ homebuilding team broke ground in October of 2017, and finishing touches were added up to December of 2018. Weldon Builders was their general contracting firm, led by Eran Eaton, a Columbia contractor who Jacob claims was the “superintendent” that “made the magic happen day to day.” “We made an effort at every turn to purchase as much product as possible from local stores and sources while using skilled contractors close to home here in Columbia,” says Jacob. “We enjoyed design consultation from Studio Home and Paige Davis as we went through the life of the building process. John Roche at Artisans of Wood worked ferociously to bring our idea of a clean, white kitchen with plenty of durable cabinet space to light. Brad Perry Electric ran electricity throughout the home and installed all fixtures and cabinet lighting.”

Jacob, June, Lindsey, Grant, and Lily Black

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The Blacks also worked closely with Downtown Appliance as they started the design of their home. Lindsey emphasizes that “the appliances give an industrial flare and tie in nicely with the rest of the kitchen.” “The entire team at Downtown Appliance helped us not only with the design and selection, but also with the delivery and installation,” says Lindsey. “We were fortunate to work closest with the late Andrew Helmreich. He took time to call in advance before delivery, stayed during the installation process to customize fitting for the range hood, and came back after all appliances had been installed to ensure our satisfaction. I absolutely feel that he went the extra mile.”

Appliance Alliance

“We knew we wanted well-respected options for low maintenance and life expectancy while still maintaining the style and look of the concept we envisioned for our kitchen,” says Jacob. The end results? Lindsey says that each appliance in the kitchen has something she “absolutely loves about it.” “The gas range speaks for itself,” says Lindsey. “The efficiency of the stovetop burners and spaciousness of the double oven is ideal for a busy family of five. And I chose to place the built-in microwave under the countertop in the island so it could be within reach of my three sous chefs, A.K.A Grant, Lily, and June.” Lauren Helmreich, sales manager at Downtown Appliance, says the range that the Blacks chose is the GE Monogram 48-inch dual fuel professional range with six burners, a grill, and a monogrammed 48inch custom hood insert. “The range features true European convection, ensuring evenly-cooked food every time you bake,” says Lauren. “The top has six sealed, dual-flame stacked burners, offering a full range of heat settings from an ultra-low 140-degree simmer to an intense 18,000 BTU hot flame. The grill is a ceramic infrared grill with 14,000 BTUs of adjustable heat, allowing you to grill a variety of foods right in the comfort of your own kitchen.”

To thoroughly clean all the pots and pans that withstand all that heat, the Blacks chose a GE Monogram ZDT dishwasher. “It’s extremely quiet and has 140 cleaning jets that deliver coverage to every corner,” says Lauren. “This dishwasher also has dedicated silverware jets and bottle jets for those extra tall glasses or sports bottles. And it has an LED light inside the dishwasher, leaving no questions whether or not the dishes are clean.” Lindsey described the lighting in the dishwasher as a “total game changer.” She loves that the multiple bottle sprayers on the top rack are great for sippy cups, water bottles, and flower vases, and says that it even plays “an inviting tune” at the end of each cycle. However, Lindsey’s favorite appliance of all is the Frigidaire All Refrigerator and All Freezer with trim kit, which she notes ticked all of their desired boxes — price point, functionality, and appearance. “It’s extremely important to me to feed my family fresh produce on a daily basis,” says Lindsey, a self-proclaimed “grocery shop-a-holic.” “I also prep a lot of our meals ahead of time. Having the space to organize all of that is very gratifying.” According to Lauren, each of these units is 32 inches wide and has 19 cubic feet of space, allowing the Blacks plenty of room to store everything they need. “The finish on the refrigerator and dishwasher is in a smudge-proof stainless steel,” Lauren notes. “So they never have to worry about cleaning off fingerprints!” COMO L I V I N G

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Speaking of fingerprints, Lindsey believes that her “littles” would all agree that the ice maker, which is built into the island, is their favorite appliance. “Just as we go through a lot of food, we also go through a lot of ice,” says Lindsey. “It is so convenient to scoop out ice into water bottles as we’re walking out the door to an activity, and it’s a time saver when it comes to entertaining — no more bagged ice on the grocery list!”

Favorite Features & Finishes

When it comes to the aesthetics, both Lindsey and Jacob agree that the oversized bell-shaped, brass light fixtures that Studio Home helped them find are one of their favorite features and the first focal point of the room. “No matter where you are in the open plan, they command your attention,” says Jacob. “They stand out from yet complement the stainless-steel appliances and give off a classy and fun look.” Lindsey loves how the lights go with the dark ceiling beams and “sit neatly above the island.” “It was most important to me to implement a timeless elegance with crisp, clean lines,” says Lindsey. “The combination of the black windows, which frame our wooded view, and bold, brass light fixtures meet that description. Waking up to our bright white cabinetry (and dark black coffee, of course) is invigorating.”


The brass cabinet hardware was a trend that Lindsey “couldn’t resist.” “At the suggestion of Studio Home, we went with a muted brass pull and knob and couldn’t be happier with the selection,” says Lindsey. “The dark, knotted ceiling beams are an additional trend we went with that provides a nice contrast against the white cabinetry and tongue-and-groove ceiling.” Additionally, highlighting the kitchen’s contrast is the light from the large windows and the glass double doors, which gaze upon their wooded view. “I love the many windows that bring the outside into our home,” says Jacob. “We built

the house close to a small creek that leads into our timber. The windows allow us to enjoy nature while being in the comfort of our home.”

Technical Trends & Touches

Beyond explaining the bells and whistles (or inviting tunes) that make the Blacks’ kitchen superior, Lauren is a whiz when it comes to noting what’s new in all things appliance. One major factor that customers at Downtown Appliance take

into consideration is the color and finish of their appliances. “GE is the one company that offers a variety of different finishes,” says Lauren. “They currently offer the traditional white, black, and stainless-steel appliances; but they also offer slate, black slate, and black stainless. These color options give our customers the options to find an appliance that perfectly matches their taste.” According to Lauren, both slate and black slate are matte finishes that provide a smudge-proof, durable finish. Black stainless is a higher gloss finish, but it is also fingerprint-resistant and very easy to clean. If you’re happy with the finish of your fridge but prefer to manage your kitchen appliances from afar, GE also has a full line of Wi-Fi enabled appliances. “Another new and trendy feature with appliances is that many of them are now Wi-Fi enabled and will pair with your Amazon Echo, Google Home, or even your Nest,” says Lauren. “While this may sound unnecessary, it can give the customer peace of mind and offer convenience when it comes to home appliances. It can also keep your appliances protected and running at their very best.” Lauren explains that with Wi-Fi connect, customers can get maintenance alerts and automatic software updates on their appliances. “The customer can be alerted if they accidentally leave their refrigerator door open or their oven on,” says Lauren. “Or if their dishwasher has sprung a leak, a notice will quickly be sent to the customer’s phone, allowing them to get to the unit and take action before any damage is caused.” Lauren adds that for convenience on those busy nights, you could even preheat your oven on your way home so that as soon as you get there, you can quickly put dinner in the oven. Or you could ask your dryer to go for 10 minutes to do a quick wrinkle release. “GE appliances understand our customers,” say Lauren, “and the company has continuously done what they can to make sure the customer’s appliance is there to meet all of their needs.”


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Women of Excellence for Excellence in Retail!

We believe we should all shop local for the experience and for the greater good of our community whenever possible.

MY SISTER’S CIRCUS Providing Columbia with Fashion and Style Since 1977 573-443-5618 • 1110 E. Broadway, Columbia Independent Distributor of LipSense

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Nature and

Nurture Bri g ht ly co l o re d b l o o m s a n d l u s ci o u s g re e n s c a rr y u s i nto s p r i n g . by T I F FA N Y S C H M I D T ph otos by S A D I E T H I B O D E AU X , T I F FA N Y S C H M I D T, A N D HELMI’S GARDENS COMO L I V I N G

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ith so much of our time spent inside this winter surrounded by screens and cell phones, it’s important to unplug, recharge, and get outdoors. Between never-ending emails and countless social media platforms, the digital effect on our lives can be exhausting. This spring, allow nature to nurture you into a restful state of being. Whether you have a fresh plot of grass that needs filling or an existing garden that needs postwinter upkeep, the rhythmic nature of tending to your garden can release the anxieties of day-to-day stressors and allow you to become more present in the moment. Paradoxically, the act of gardening can provide both a sense of control and release. We can physically define lines and boundaries within our space while the plants’ seasonal cycle of life and death remind us that letting go is an inevitable part of life. A sense of purpose can also be derived from the responsibility of caring for flowers or plants. Seeing the transformation of a garden you have planted and cared for is a rewarding experience. The process of keeping something alive evokes a sense of pride while affirming the human desire for success. Join us on a visual tour of Rost’s Superior Garden Center, Strawberry Hill Farms, and Helmi’s Gardens to see what the warm weather has in store for your grounds and your spirits.

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Trends MONOCHROMATIC PALETTES Style and color trends in landscaping change just like any other industry. Thankfully, it’s easier to change your plants than it is to change the style of your home. “Current

style is trending towards more textures in a monochromatic palette,” says Helmi Sheely, owner of Helmi’s Gardens, “but if you like crazy color, do it!” Helmi says the real secret is in the execution. “Decide what your style and colors are going to be and where you want to focus, and then do that area really, really well.” LOW-MAINTENANCE GARDENS Finding the time to maintain a landscape COMO L I V I N G

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can be difficult, but it doesn’t mean you can’t plant your own garden. “Low maintenance landscapes are more important than ever because our entire lifestyle is go, go, go,” says Allie Rost, of Rost Inc. “While there is no such thing as a no-maintenance landscape, there are plant varieties that are easier than others, and you can always add accent boulders for interest or irrigation systems for automated plant care.”


POLLINATOR PLANTS “Pollinator plants are becoming increasingly popular because of the benefits to bees and butterflies,” say Steven and Amy Sapp, owners of Strawberry Hill Farms. “There are many perennial pollinators that come back year after year but provide short doses of color. Annuals such as lantana and verbena will bloom all summer long and are great for our Mid-Missouri climate.” COMO L I V I N G

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Tips

ornamental grasses back to about eight inches above the ground and trimming back any perennials and shrubs that are getting too big.

SPRUCE IT UP Spring can be the best time of year to trim and clean up the beds around your house. “It’s easy to trim smaller trees when they have no leaves — you can see where branches are rubbing or growing in an unwanted direction,” Helmi says. She also recommends cutting all

ENJOY EVERY SEASON “One of the largest mistakes we see in landscapes is the lack of seasonal variety,” Allie says. “It’s incredibly easy to pick out what looks great at the time of purchase and end up with a landscape that looks fantastic for one season and boring the rest.” Allie suggests taking a COMO L I V I N G

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look at your landscape and trying to fill in with plants that have appeal in a variety of seasons. FOLLOW PLANTING PROTOCOL When arranging plants in a container, Steven and Amy encourage you to remember the “thriller/filler/spiller” rule. “First choose a tall centerpiece plant that wows, followed by a medium-height plant to fill in and a cascading plant that spills over the edge of the container,” the couple says.


MINIMIZE YOUR STRESS. MAXIMIZE HEALING. ENHANCE YOUR LIFE. Complim entary wellness classes offered. See web site for details

Our chiropractic care goes far beyond neck and back pain. We believe your wellness needs are as unique as you are and we are committed to providing individualized chiropractic. Schedule your consultation today to see how together we can improve your health. Call for an appointment 573-442-5520 1000 W. Nifong Woodrail Centre, Building 8, Suite 100 AchieveBalanceChiropractic.com

. Dr. Phelps is an International Speaker and Wellness Expert .

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4 special dates are approaching! (And one of them is National Prime Rib Day!!)

Start your event planning with a visit to the area’s finest butcher shop! Easter

National Prime Rib Day! Mother’s Day Memorial Day

April 21st

April 27th

May 12th

May 27th

Visit our beautiful store for an exceptional selection of steaks, ribs, roasts and so much more! We’re everything you expect in a quality, locally owned butcher.

Providing “travel worthy” meat since 1954! 125 E. Broadway, New Franklin, MO • Mon-Fri: 7am-5pm & Sat: 8am-5pm• 660-848-2229 • JenningsPremiumMeats.com

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20 Tips to Throwing a Stress-Free Party Spring is here, and whether it’s a wedding or baby shower, Easter dinner or a graduation party, chances are you’ll be entertaining guests at some point in the next few months. Whether that planning is enjoyable or makes you want to pull your hair out is dependent on the choices you make. Thankfully, COMO Living’s advisory board is here to help, offering their best tips and tricks for throwing a killer party while maintaining your sanity. COMO L I V I N G

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Let your guests bring something! People feel good when they can contribute to the meal, just be sure to give them some parameters so they don’t stress about what you want. —Jill Orr

2 Use electronic invitations, such as Evite. It allows everyone to respond and see who is coming. It also allows them to put the event on their calendar from the invitation and to change their reply if necessary. —Nancy Allison

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Hire or enlist a server! Pay someone who will gather up dirty dishes, empty trash, refill glasses, and be the bartender as needed. This will free you up to mix with your guests and enjoy the event. —Kathy Lou Neale

Group text your friends and ask each person to pick a carryout item from their favorite restaurant, then ask them to “carry it in.” —Carolyn Paris

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Create a menu list on a chalkboard or whiteboard for guests to see. It works for drinks and cocktails or a list of the appetizers.

Establish a beverage station separate from the food, so guests can serve themselves and traffic flows well. —Kathy Lou Neale

—Kathy Lou Neale Have friends over for a nice salad bar luncheon. Provide the soup, greens, and drinks, and let each guest bring a tossed salad topping. Don’t assign toppings — you’ll be surprised how creative this can be! —Muriel Browder

If you enjoy entertaining and like to change up the decor for parties, consider purchasing things after a holiday so you can get them for the best price. Then keep a storage bin of all your great clearance décor. —Adonica Coleman

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If your house needs to be cleaned, don’t clean it on the same day as your gathering. You will be frazzled and tired by the time your guests arrive. —Adonica Coleman

You set the tone for the entire event, so do whatever you can to get into a good frame of mind before the party starts: have a drink, meditate, or look at pictures of otters online. If you’re having fun, chances are your guests will be, too! —Jill Orr

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Be clear in your invitation what the food situation will be (light hors d’oeuvres, heavy hors d’oeuvres, cocktails only, dinner, etc.) so that guests come appropriately hungry and you’re not left with a surplus or shortage of food. —Anne Tuckley

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It’s good to move out any extra furniture so guests can socialize without bumping into something. You can also turn your living room into a dining room for a large dinner party. —Anne Tuckley COMO L I V I N G

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Do not clean your house beforehand, just pick things up a bit. You will need a cleaning afterward and there’s no reason to do it twice. —Nancy Allison

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Hire out — I hire Benjamin with Peachtree Catering. (It helps having a chef as a son!) —Ann Merrifield

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For happy hours, opt for tapassized plates (6 inches). They encourage mingling rather than sitting down and can easily be balanced on top of a drink glass to allow guests to shake hands, hug, etc. —Anne Tuckley

When decorating for a party, have a staple gun and 3M Command strips on hand. They are the keys to creating something magical! —Barbie Banks

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Resist the temptation to make your most elaborate dish. Go with simple things you know you can handle. —Stacie Pottinger

Host the event at your favorite restaurant. This is a really great way to enjoy a totally stressfree gathering. —Nancy Allison

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Instead of a full meal, consider having guests over in between typical mealtimes. This way you can just provide drinks and a light snack or desserts. —Adonica Coleman

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If you’re going through the work of having a party, how about having two? Invite your best buds over the next day for games or cards and serve leftovers. You will always enjoy party No. 2 more because you’ll be more relaxed. —Muriel Browder


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SPONSORED CONTENT

Live HEALTHY We’ve got spring on the mind, and the experts at MU Health Care have plenty of tips and advice to get your health ready for warmer days and activities. In this issue, we’re keeping things stress-free with easy ways to stay positive and ramp up your health for the season.

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Live HEALTHY

SPONSORED CONTENT

4 Tips to Spring Clean Your Health Oftentimes we think of spring cleaning in terms of house cleaning, but it’s a great time to spruce up your health as well. Here are four quick tips to get you started:

1. Get Up to Date on Doctor Appointments If you haven’t had a health check-up in a while, scheduling an appointment with a primary care provider is a great way to get an overall health check as well as screening recommendations for your age, family history and lifestyle. If you don’t have a primary care provider yet and aren’t sure where to start, visit muhealth.org/welcome to find the provider and location that’s best for you.

2. Check Your Medicine Cabinet Our medicine cabinets are easy to overlook and oftentimes collect expired health products and prescriptions. Get rid of anything old or expired, but be sure to take proper precautions, since some may be harmful to animals and the environment. A few things you can do to safely clean out your medicine: ask your pharmacy if they have take back programs, read medication labels for disposal directions or follow the FDA guidelines for medication disposal.

3. Be Proactive Against Allergies Spring allergies are unavoidable, but there are ways you can make them a little more tolerable. Pollen counts peak in the morning, so if possible, plan your outdoor activities in the afternoon and be sure to remove outerwear and shoes when coming back inside. Replacing your home filter every three months is another great way to avoid allergens, but if that’s not enough, you can try over-the-counter nasal steroid medications or more advanced treatments like immunotherapy.

4. Organize Your Space and Mind Keeping your space organized is good for both your physical and mental health. A study from Indiana University found people with clean homes are healthier and get more physical activity in than those with messy ones. In another study, women who described their living spaces as “cluttered” or full of “unfinished projects” were more likely to be depressed and fatigued than women who described their home as “restful” and “restorative.” So, if you’ve been trying to complete more tasks, feel more focused and up your physical activity, try taking some time to organize your home and workspace.

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SPONSORED CONTENT

Top 3 Reasons to Eat Seasonally 1

FLAVOR – fruits and vegetables taste the best when they are at their peak freshness.

2 COST – produce in season is more abundant, which means cost savings for shoppers!

3 VARIETY – consider how your favorite recipes can get a “taste-lift” with a few new ingredients! Varying up your veggies also ensures a nutritionally balanced diet.

Spring Meal Planning Tips

MARCH-MAY

In-Season Fruits and Veggies

CHECK YOUR GROCERY STORE SALES ADS. Shop for deals on seasonal fruits and vegetables.

Asparagus

AIM FOR A LITTLE BIT OF GREEN WITH EVERY MEAL.

Radishes

Puree into tomato sauce, mix into soups or casseroles, and top your pizza.

BUY FRESH HERBS AT THE LOCAL FARMER’S MARKET.

Beets Brussel sprouts Carrots

Store them in a sealable plastic bag with a damp paper towel to prolong freshness.

STEAM VEGETABLES TO PRESERVE NUTRIENTS. No added fat needed! Lightly top with salt, pepper or salt-free seasoning.

Greens

(Mustard, Collard, Arugula, and Spinach)

Green onions Snap peas Parsnips

LOOK FOR LOCALLY GROWN PRODUCE.

Swiss Chard

When food doesn’t have to travel as far to get to your table, it’s better for the environment and the local economy.

Strawberries

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Rhubarb


Live HEALTHY

SPONSORED CONTENT

Reduce Stress With Positive Thinking Stress is something that affects us all and can be a major instigator for unhealthy behaviors, such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and inactivity. However, adding positivity throughout your day is easy to do and can make a world of difference. Here are five simple ways:

Smile Remember to smile 20 times every hour — or roughly once every three minutes — to experience the stress-releasing benefits. Smiling allows us to connect with our true inner nature and helps us perform tasks better.

Exercise Find a fitness routine that is fun and helps you exercise without feeling like its exercise. Try for 150 minutes of physical activity a week, but be sure to vary the exercises to reap the benefits. For example: lift weights with a friend, take your dog for a walk, take a dance class and try out yoga.

Manage your time Your time doesn’t have to be spent knocking out a to-do list all of the time. Try listing the following in a daily diary: • Three things you have to do • Three things you enjoy doing • Three things you dislike doing Focus on filling your life with the things that bring you joy and, if possible, outsource the things that bring stress.

Mindful eating It’s easy to work through meals or eat when we’re not even hungry. That sort of wandering mind leads to a decrease in cognitive control and focus, and can make getting things done that much more stressful. Try to slow down and look at each meal as a celebration to enjoy.

Gratitude ANAND CHOCKALINGAM, MD Cardiovascular Surgeon

Turn off the negativity and choose to be thankful by focusing on the good things you have going on in life. It’s hard to feel stressed when you have a grateful heart.

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SPONSORED CONTENT

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and What You Need to Know Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common problem many people don’t know they have. If you wake up in the middle of the night with numb and tingly hands, there’s a chance you’re dealing with carpal tunnel syndrome. Here are four things to know:

1. Carpal tunnel is an actual tunnel in the wrist. Made mostly of bone and covered by a thick band of tissue, the carpel tunnel houses the tendons that move our fingers and nerves that give our hands sensation. When the tunnel is compressed, then tendons and nerves get irritated and can cause a numb, tingly or painful feeling.

2. Anybody can get carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome is often associated with heavy typing and factory jobs, but really, anybody who uses their hands can get it, including dental hygienists, artists, pianists, etc.

3. Repetitive use of the hands doesn’t necessarily cause carpal tunnel. Doing things over and over again can exacerbate carpal tunnel syndrome, but doesn’t necessarily cause it. Carpal tunnel syndrome is most often caused by inflammation and swelling associated with multiple conditions, including diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, fluid retention, high blood pressure, rheumatoid arthritis and trauma to the wrist.

4. There are a few ways to treat it. Seeing a doctor to confirm you have carpal tunnel syndrome is the first step to treating the condition. From there, you may choose to splint your wrists at night to take the pressure off, opt for steroid injections to relieve the pain or undergo surgery to release the tunnel pressure.

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STEPHEN COLBERT, MD Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon


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H E A LT H A N D W E L L N E S S

HEALTHY AND BEAUTIFUL Brighten up your crudités platter with gorgeous eye candy and flavorful dip. by K E L S I E K N E R R , R E G I S T E R E D D I E T I T I A N, B O O N E H O S P I TA L C E N T E R photo by MADISON LOETHEN

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ealthy appetizers can seem like an oxymoron, and “healthifying” popular fried, cheesy, and rich apps can be quite the killjoy. As a registered dietitian, you might expect me to convince you to switch to low-fat cream cheese in your next buffalo dip, but instead I want to encourage having a different mindset about appetizers for your next get-together. Instead of seeing veggie trays as a last-minute, prepackaged something you grab from the store, start giving them a little more of the attention they deserve. Call your veggie tray something fancy, like a crudités platter. Crudités are raw vegetables, cut into small pieces, sticks, or thin slices, and usually served with some sort of dip. Most of us want to be healthier, but part of our problem is that we make “healthy” so unattractive. Eating foods that are lower in calories or higher in fiber may be what gets you to start eating more vegetables, but to spark a new love for them, consider shifting your vocabulary around these “healthy” foods. For example, fresh vegetables are gorgeous eye candy that can lighten up a heavy party plate. Hand-select some out-of-the-ordinary options that

add elegance and intrigue to your platter. Visit the produce section and see what looks fresh and affordable. Appeal to taste buds with a variety of colors and textures. Think about what draws you to the foods you really love — the comfort they bring, the traditions they remind you of, their mouthfeel and flavor. I get it, most veggies don’t bring us the same kind of satisfaction as a slice of chocolate cake, but vegetables have so much inherent beauty and value that often goes unnoticed. Tell your guests about how you buy the baby zucchinis at the farmers’ market because they’re so tender or how you love the bigger carrots because they seem sweeter to you than the mini pre-cut ones. Also, put more thought into your dip than opening a bottle of ranch. Consider the way the flavor and texture of your dip complements the veggies. This feta vegetable dip recipe (sidebar) is fast and easy to prepare and offers a rich flavor to complement your colorful crudités platter. We could all use help steering away from today’s diet culture, and it’s much more fun to find ways to learn to love vegetables rather than treating them as something that we “should” eat!

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Feta Vegetable Dip Recipe by Kelsie Knerr, RD

INGREDIENTS: 7 ounces feta 1 medium roasted bell pepper (you can use the jarred variety) 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 tablespoon olive oil Optional: Add crushed red pepper flakes to taste.

INSTRUCTIONS: Blend all ingredients together in a food processor.

TIP: If you need to prep ahead, most cut vegetables store well when wrapped in damp paper towels and then sealed in plastic bags.


A LIFE SAVER FOR US AND OUR DAD. When our dad was admitted to the hospital over a year go with pneumonia, he became unable to live on his own and needed assisted living. We had very little time to find a place for him. Denise met with us and helped us secure a wonderful apartment for him. Two days later, we signed our dad up as a new resident. They provide him with the additional medical help, physical therapy, and transportation he needs. This allows him to still be as independent as he can while getting the care that he needs. A year later, we are so very pleased with this decision! Phil Wulff

Our care is designed to enhance the lives of every resident and their families.

Formerly known as Provision Living at Columbia

Assisted Living. Memory Care. Always There.

Schedule your visit today!

2333 Chapel Hill Road, Columbia, MO • (573) 304-4514 • CedarhurstLiving.com

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Phil Wulff and William Wulff


SEASONS

THE ACT OF LOVING With each gift, my beloved speaks a language of love. by L I S A K E N T

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hen I was young, I married my best friend, a cliché dismissed as sentimental until it happens to you. In my husband, I found my home. Now, ensconced in midlife and traversing the terrain of family life, inherent with its joys and sorrows, I’m filled with deepening gratitude for his presence and a love that grows stronger — and simpler — with time. A scene from the movie “Valentine’s Day” illustrates the enigma of mature love. Shirley McClaine says passionately to her husband of 50 years, Hector Elizondo, after a devastating rift: “I know I let you down. And maybe you don’t think I deserve your forgiveness, but you’re going to give it to me anyway. Because when you love someone, you love all of them — that’s the job. The things that you find lovable and the things that you don’t find lovable.” He quiets her pleading and whispers: “Shhhh. I understand. I’ll never leave you.” This truth struck a chord. The springtime of love, while authentic, is not sustainable, and when the veneer wears off, we’re left naked and exposed. Love the compulsive idiosyncrasies, the annoying habits, the abrasive characteristics? The graying hair and sagging skin, the morning breath, bed head, and restless legs, the flatulence and cellulite and soft bellies? Love these things, too? Yes. Especially these. Deserving or not, I know my husband loves me. And it’s not his abundant declarations that tell me so; it’s the gifts. From the start, Steven showered me with gourmet dinners, roses, lingerie, a gorgeous engagement ring, and a perfect proposal. He decorated the house with hundreds of hand-cut paper hearts. He wrote poetry. He saved me the Biscoff cookies from his flights. He also paid off my student loan, supported my mother financially, and raised my young children as his own. Consummately

generous, it’s his nature to give. Of his time, his efforts, his resources. For nearly 25 years, he’s lived his love with daily gifts, making coffee in the morning, brushing the small of my back as he walks past, letting me sleep in on Sundays, surprising me with my favorite wine. He replaces my brakes, manages the taxes, and does the laundry. He senses my moods and makes me laugh. He feeds me. Yet, of all his gifts, the most profoundly affirming is his desire for my happiness; he acknowledges my dreams and helps me to realize them. No strings attached. This year we spent Christmas at our little cabin in the woods. Out the front window is a pastoral view of the meadow sloping downhill to a pond. At the water’s edge sits a COMO L I V I N G

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gazebo Steven constructed for me to write in. I unwrap a homemade gift certificate entitled “Writer’s Retreat” and glance from his eyes to the window then back to a photo of the gazebo. Beneath it is printed, “You seldom have the opportunity to enjoy time for you, for writing, for breathing, and I want to help facilitate that. Please take a weekend for yourself, at the farm. Leave on a Friday, come back on Sunday. I’ll take care of the kids. I’ll plan your food, buy your groceries, and pack your car to send you on your way. Merry Christmas, honey. I love you.” Through tears I look to my beloved’s face where the map of our lives is written. With this gift, my best friend speaks a love language that says, “I know you.” And to be loved like that — it’s the greatest gift of all.


Pet owners trust us to provide a better experience for their cats and dogs ... Whether it’s grooming, boarding or both! Our experienced, conscientious staff is devoted to superior care for your pet. Come see for yourself.

( 5 7 3 ) 4 4 5 - 7 7 8 3 • t h e p e t f a i r @ t h e p e t f a i r. c o m • 1 7 0 6 I - 7 0 D r i v e S W • L i k e U s :

JUST OFF THE BEATEN PATH

you’ll find our wide variety of Perennials, Annuals, Tropicals, Vegetables, Flowering Hanging Baskets, Decorative & Native plants!

NURTURING BEAUTIFUL PLANTS AND PEOPLE.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

MAY 11TH

Join us for the Special Olympics Fundraiser as CMSE celebrates 50 years (1969-2019)! Selling Hot Dogs & Soda. Come Join the Fun!

Giving Gardens

Visit us on the web for a complete list of plants as well as information about our agency at

A Retail Greenhouse

cmsegivinggardens.com 573-442-6935 4040 S. Bearfield Rd., Columbia

Giving Gardens is a retail greenhouse owned and operated by CMSE – every purchase made supports our mission to employ adults with developmental disabilities.

Take Grindstone Pkwy to Bearfield Rd., Go south 1/2 mile on Bearfield (Just past the Cottages) Follow us at CMSE and Giving Gardens on Facebook

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK!

Mon - Sat 8:30am - 6pm | Sunday 11am - 5pm

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UNLEASHED

AVA GRACE AND PAISLEY MAE How I fell in love w i t h a cow a n d he r ca l f a t M U ’s d a i r y fa r m. sto ry a nd ph otos c o u r te s y of E M M A S H I V L E R

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ne fall night during my first semester at MU, I met a young heifer with a heart-shaped spot on her forehead. As a freshman in the animal science program, I was encouraged to participate in Little American Royal, a student-led program where we learned to care for and show livestock. Along with two other students, I was appointed to a heifer’s care for the week. We quickly named her Ava Grace and, nearly as quickly, fell in love. We fed, watered, mucked, and petted her. We bathed, groomed, and even walked her in a halter in preparation for Saturday’s show. Although none of us won, my classmates and I bonded with Ava and with each other. That week, I became increasingly interested in dairy cattle and the dairy industry. When the week ended, Ava returned to Foremost Dairy Research Center, MU’s dairy farm, and I joined the MU Dairy Club. As part of the club, I visited Foremost and got updates on Ava when I could. Soon I became more involved. I attended meetings, made friends, and helped plan outreach events and fundraisers. Our most successful event of the year, Calves on Campus, brought dairy calves to Speakers Circle at MU to educate the public about agriculture and the dairy industry. One year led to the next; Ava grew and matured, and as a sophomore, I found out that my girl was going to be a mom! I eagerly waited, and in March of 2018, Ava gave birth to a heifer calf, a little girl. I was asked to name her, and I chose Paisley Mae. I met Paisley when she was just two days old, and before long, she joined me with many other dairy club volunteers for our second annual Calves on Campus event. She and another calf charmed crowds of adoring fans while we educated students and faculty. Paisley returned to the farm, just like her mom, and I continued to watch her mature. Ava also matured and became a producing member of the herd, meaning she was milked twice each day. I visited her at the farm and watched her adjust to life as a milking cow. Now another year has gone by, and Ava and Paisley still live at Foremost Dairy. Paisley is almost a year old now, and Ava is still providing milk for Foremost. I’m so grateful to the animal science department at MU and the MU Dairy Club for giving me the opportunity to watch this family’s story unfold. I am hopeful that many other students will also develop relationships with livestock and with each other as they pursue their future careers in agriculture. COMO L I V I N G

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Emma with Ava Grace

Paisley Mae

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Schedule your FREE consultation today!

The CoolSculpting® procedure is FDA-cleared for the treatment of visible fat bulges in the submental area, thigh, abdomen and flank, along with bra fat, back fat, underneath the buttocks (also known as banana roll), and upper arm. It is also FDA-cleared to affect the appearance of lax tissue with submental area treatments.

Contact Us Today! (573) 298-6855

3207 W. Truman Blvd., Ste. A,THOMAS Jefferson City B NITTLER MD [Practice Phone] JCTotalHealth.com | [Practice Street Address]

During the procedure you may experience sensations of pulling, tugging, mild pinching, intense cold, tingling, stinging, aching, and cramping at the treatment site. These sensations subside as the area becomes numb. Following the procedure, typical side effects include temporary redness, swelling, blanching, bruising, firmness, tingling, stinging, tenderness, cramping, aching, itching, or skin sensitivity, and sensation of fullness in the back of the throat after a submental area treatment. Rare side effects may also occur. The CoolSculpting® procedure is not for everyone. You should not have the CoolSculpting® procedure if you suffer from cryoglobulinemia, cold agglutinin disease, or paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria. The CoolSculpting® procedure is not a treatment for obesity. Ask your doctor if CoolSculpting® is right for you. To learn more about what to expect, visit www.coolsculpting.com. *CoolSculpting® is the treatment doctors use most for nonsurgical fat reduction. ©2018 Allergan. All rights reserved. COOLSCULPTING® and its design are registered trademarks of ZELTIQ Aesthetics, Inc., an Allergan affiliate. IC03668-B

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[Practice City], [Practice State] [Practice Zip] [Practice Website]


F O R W H AT I T ’ S W O R T H

MIRROR, MIRROR ON THE WALL Throughout history, mirror styles have reflected their culture. sto ry by D O U G S O L L I DAY, D O U G S O L L I DAY A N T I Q U E S | photo by T I F FA N Y S C H M I D T

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In a more modest home, gold leaf was out of reach, so framing for mirrors would be made from local woods by a cabinet maker. These were mostly small affairs. If a mirror was broken, often a hand mirror would be made from one of the shards. These small, asymmetrical fragment mirrors are highly prized by collectors today.

e often take the presence of mirrors for granted in our lives and homes today. But only 200 years ago, the mirror, or “looking glass,” was a prized possession. Large sheets of glass were very difficult to make and quite costly. That’s why when we visit historic houses, we see all those small panes of glass in the windows. Mirror styles changed along with furniture styles in early America. In the early 1700s, Queen Anne style was prevalent. In the mid to late 1700s, Chippendale became more popular. (The English refer to this style as Georgian.) Around 1800, one would see mirrors associated with the styles of the fout al period. These include Hepplewhite, Sheraton, and neoclassical, or empire, styles, and the forms include eglomise, constitution, girandole, and bullseye. Most were gold leaf or a combination of gold leaf and mahogany veneer. By about 1845, Victorian style became the rage. Technological advances made during this time led to greater availability of large mirrors. Most mirrors during this era were made of carved walnut. Until the Victorian era, in an affluent home the mirror would likely be from a city maker and would reside in a place of honor. This was often near the front door so it would be seen immediately, or it would be the focal point of the parlor.

Only 200 years ago, the mirror, or “looking glass,” was a prized possession. Large sheets of glass were very difficult to make and quite costly. Mirrors help us see ourselves as individuals instead of part of a larger organism. Whether we see this as a good idea or not, they are a part of how we see ourselves in our mind’s eye. What do the mirrors in your home reflect about you?

American neoclassical period, which is from 1825 to 1845. It is an over-the-mantel mirror and is unusual for the extent of its carving; neoclassical examples are usually more restrained. This one features carved wood, gesso, gold leaf, and black paint. COMO L I V I N G

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Spring Into Action

Schedule your spring clean today! To receive a discount, mention this ad. Call Stephanie at (573) 256-1920.

It’s playtime!

Here’s what our clients are saying:

We have puzzles, games, toys and more for everyone.

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Visit our locally owned store and experience carefully curated toys for 0-100. Eco - fr ien d ly | Fa m i ly ce nt r i c | En g a g i n g

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Office: 573.256.1920 www.personaltouchcleaningservicellc.com Like us on Facebook!

We’re open 7 days a week. 906 Alley A • Columbia 573-441-0083 • speckledfrogtoys.com

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4/19-20

DATEBOOK APRIL 4 Andrew Ridker Author Visit Skylark Bookshop 7 to 8:30 p.m.

APRIL 19-20 Unbound Book Festival Stephens College, free Workshops throughout Saturday

APRIL 5-6 “How I Became a Pirate” Macklanburg Playhouse $12 for adults, $7 for children 7 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. Saturday

APRIL 27 Columbia’s Agriculture Park Grand Opening MU Health Care Pavilion 1769 W. Ash St. 8 a.m. to noon

APRIL 5-6 Missouri Contemporary Ballet’s “Carmina Burana” Missouri Theatre, $28 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday

4/27

ForColumbia Sign up to serve Forcolumbia.com True North’s Little Black Dress Southwell Complex Columbia College 6 to 11 p.m.

APRIL 10 Cassie Donish and Stacey Lynn Brown Author Visit Skylark Bookshop 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Dixieland Band Missouri United Methodist Church $10 individuals, $5 students 7 p.m.

Free Wednesday Film: “Boy Erased” Wrench Auditorium 8 to 11 p.m.

MAY 2 Kenny Chesney: Songs for the Saints Mizzou Arena, $36 and up 7 p.m.

APRIL 11 Showcase CoMo The Crossing, $10 1 to 6 p.m.

MAY 3-5 Disney’s “Alice in Wonderland” Warehouse Theatre $12 adults, $7 children 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

APRIL 13 The Collections Fashion Show Windsor Auditorium $15 general, $10 students and children 2 p.m., 4:30 p.m., and 7 p.m. MUST DO IN APRI L /M A Y A P R I L 19-20

Unbound Book Festival Stephens College, free Workshops throughout Saturday

MAY 4 Cassadee Pope The Blue Note, $15 8:30 p.m.

Mizzou Football Spring Game Faurot Field, free 3 to 5 p.m. Glenn Miller Orchestra Missouri Theatre, $28 7 p.m.

MAY 10 Leadercast CoMo The Crossing, $76 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

A P R I L 27

Columbia’s Agriculture Park Grand Opening MU Health Care Pavilion 1769 W. Ash St. 8 a.m. to noon

APRIL 18-21 New Works Dance Concert Warehouse Theatre, $16 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday COMO L I V I N G

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Spring Shop Hop The District All day

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We’re three committed, authentic women who’ve teamed up for the greater good of our company and, most importantly, our clients.

Kari Vogt CFP, Financial Planner

Our daily support and drive for one another to succeed is what makes this office so special. Clients see the relationship we have with each other and are excited to be a part of it, as well. Having such a supportive, encouraging team empowers everyone.

Jenny Hayes Account Administrator Our team has the ability to work towards a common vision, which is providing excellent customer service to our amazing clients. When women support each other, as we do, incredible and marvelous things happen!

Polly Reynolds CPA, CTFA,

Vice President and Trust Officer We each have our own strengths and weaknesses. However, we have become one unit, encouraging and supporting each other no matter what. And because of this, our clients get the best of each of us individually, as well as collectively. There is just nothing better to witness, as well as being a part of this team we call The Trust Company!

See us for your investment portfolio, trusts, estates and wealth management. Jenny Hayes

Polly Reynolds Kari Vogt

This is a Trust Representative Office.

4210 Philips Farm Road, Ste. 109 Columbia, MO 65201 573.876.7000 thetrustco.com Toll Free 800.285.7878


STRONG WOMAN

MARY JANE OLIVER Mot her of fi ve draws st re n g t h f ro m the chi l d re n s he l i ve s a n d wo r ks w i th. ph oto by S A D I E T H I B O D E AU X

TELL ME ABOUT YOUR FAMILY. My husband, Rob, and I are celebrating our fi fth anniversary this fall. We are the lucky parents of five incredible children and two goldendoodles. Rob and I have been blessed with amazing kids that love one another so much. As of May, all five will be teenagers, so our house is a little bit crazy and a lot of fun! When we have some downtime, Rob and I love to travel. We have our favorite vacation spots, but we love to go on new adventures. WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST FEAR? Tsunamis — weird, right? I was in a flash flood as a child, so the thought of tsunamis makes me anxious. Any time I’m stressed about something, it manifests as a nightmare about tsunamis. I love the beach, but it can make the trip a little challenging, as I’m constantly planning my escape. WHAT IS A MOMENT IN YOUR LIFE THAT DEFINED YOU PERSONALLY OR PROFESSIONALLY? I think my most defi ning moment is becoming a single mother to my daughters. I had spent several years being a stay-athome mom, and I suddenly had to re-enter the workforce. It was what was best for my family, but it was defi nitely an adjustment. Luckily, I was able to go back to the job that I love and now fi nd it very rewarding. My divorce also taught me how important it was for me to show my girls that both of their parents love and support them. We strive to work as a team to help our girls know that. WHAT GETS YOU OUT OF BED IN THE MORNING? Puppy kisses! My dog Abby wakes me up at 5 a.m., on the dot, every day. Honestly, though, mornings are my absolute favorite

time of the day — a good thing, since I have to be at work at 6 a.m.! WHAT WOULD WE BE SURPRISED TO LEARN ABOUT YOU? I’m an obsessive dog-mom! My two goldendoodles are spoiled rotten. I even throw them birthday parties and let them eat their cake at the table. WHAT IS THE MOST REWARDING PART OF YOUR JOB? One of the most challenging aspects of my job is also the most rewarding. I work with children who are victims of abuse. I care for them in emergency situations in the hospital, and I follow them through Rainbow House COMO L I V I N G

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as well. These kids are so incredibly brave, and they have taught me so much about inner strength. My job is incredible, and I love what I do. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A STRONG WOMAN? To me, being a strong woman means being very self-aware. A strong woman means being realistic enough to know what you’re capable of, grounded enough to know when you need to ask for help (although I don’t like to ask), and confident enough to ask for that help. It’s so easy to be afraid to ask for help or to fear judgment when you do, so that confidence is key to being a strong woman.


Life

midmo TIX

WELL ORGANIZED Imagine...custom closet and storage solutions that fit your life beautifully

Specializing in: Master Bedroom Closets, Pantries, Home Offices, Murphy Beds, Laundry Rooms, Mudrooms, Linen Closets, Craft Centers, Garages, and Much More.

Your best local option for selling and purchasing tickets to Mid-Missouri’s favorite events. Interested in learning more? Find us online at MidMoTix.com or contact us at info@MidMoTix.com.

Columbia: (573) 474-1072 Jefferson City: (573) 659-9000 OrganizeThatSpace.com

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A DVERTIS ER I NDEX A-1 Rental

50

Ferguson 16

Shelter Insurance Agents

70

Achieve Balance

67

ForColumbia 20

Skylark Bookshop

18

Angelique Photography

78

Helmi’s Gardens

Speckled Frog Toys and Books

84

Anne Tuckley Home

38

I-70 Container

25

Stange Law Firm

89

62

JC Total Health

82

Studio Home

22

Jenning’s Premium Meats

67

Johnston Paint & Decorating Direct

18

Superior Garden Center/ Rost Landscape

Art and Soul Photography Baumgartner’s Furniture & Carpet Boone Hospital Busenbark Flooring and Granite Cedarhurst Assisted Living & Memory Care

7 & 39 9 10 78

11

13 & 40

Kliethermes Homes and Remodeling 34 & 37

The Caring People

28

Macadoodles 44

The District

14

MidMoTix 88

The Pet Fair

80

The Tin Roof

20

Central Missouri Auto Body

20

Missouri Department of Conservation

CMSE Giving Gardens

80

Missouri Military Academy

88

The Trust Company

86

Columbia Art League

4

My Sister’s Circus

61

Trinity Community Church

62

Odyssey Chamber Music Series

44

Unbound Book Festival

61

Organize That Space

88

University of Missouri Health Care 2, 71-75 & 91

Personal Touch Cleaning Service

84

Weichert Realty: Denise Payne

36

Premier Property Services

12

Willett Dental Associates

28

82

Wilson’s Fitness

76

Wonders of Wildlife

41

Commerce Bank

3

Custom Complete Automotive

25

Dave Griggs Flooring America

5

DDS Dentures + Implant Solutions of Columbia

70

Providence Bank

Downtown Appliance

92

Realty Executives - Heath Higgins

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CYSK

COUPLE YOU SHOULD KNOW Michele and James Batye work together to nurture their high-functioning blended family. She’s the president of Dave Griggs’ Flooring America; he’s a real estate investor and sales manager. The Batyes dish the details on their unconventional family and nearly quarter-ofa-century relationship. HOW DID YOU MEET ? James: Mutual best friend. FIRST DATE? Michele: The original “Jurassic Park” at the theater. I’m convinced all lasting relationships begin with non-romantic movie choices. TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY. M: Now empty nesters, we live with our schnauzer, Fritz, in Ashland. Together we’ve raised three children who then added to our family by bringing in their perfect mates. Each of them is now in the early stages of raising our three grandchildren. I guess the unconventional part of our family would be that at the age of 26, I fell in love with not only the man I would marry, but also his three young children. I’m pretty sure there were friends and family who were skeptical that it would work, but it’s been 24 years since we all stood on the altar and said our “I dos.” One of the most important things in our family has always been the cooperation of everyone, and that meant faith and understanding of all parents, biological and bonus. To outsiders, we may seem like an anomaly, all four parents working together for all the children, even those who weren’t in our family unit, but at the end of the day, it really comes down to choice and compromise. HOW DOES BUSINESS PL AY INTO YOUR REL ATIONSHIP DYNAMICS? J: It’s intertwined in everything we do. M: In 2017, when I decided to purchase Dave Griggs’ Flooring America, Jim was

all-in, even though it meant personal commitment on his part with little involvement in the decision-making process. Even though he is not involved in the day-to-day business, he still is my sounding board for a lot of ideas, and I value his opinion. HOW DOES YOUR COMPETITIVENESS PL AY INTO YOUR REL ATIONSHIP? J: It doesn’t — we are a team. M: I am way more competitive than Jim. I found this out early in our relationship when we would do any type of activity. I’m all about the finish line, and he is all about the experience. That’s why our relationship works. He reminds me every day to stop and enjoy the journey. COMO L I V I N G

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WHAT ARE THE BEST ASPEC TS ABOUT YOUR PARTNER? J: Michele is a very driven person: When she makes up her mind, she does it and she does it with grace. My favorite example of this is how she came into mine and my children’s lives and just made it all work. She quickly built a relationship with all of us, including my ex-wife, so there could be harmony and function. It’s a rarity to see split families get along, but it definitely made all the difference in our children’s lives. M: Jim’s best aspects are probably a checklist of my worst. He is the romantic one of our duo with his small actions and affection. He is patient and rarely angered, approaching life with faith, humor, and stability — the qualities that can sometimes aggravate me into harmony.


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COMO L I V I N G | 2001 CORPORATE PLACE, STE. 100 | COLUMBIA, MO 65202

ONE OF THE REASONS WE’RE MID MISSOURI’S APPLIANCE RESOURCE.

1104 E. Broadway • 573-874-3333 • DowntownAppliance.com Did you know we have a larger selection than those big box stores? And other appliance store, too! So, whether you need an entirely new kitchen or washing machine replacement, you can be sure to get exactly what you want. AND all with our low-price promise.

Stop by our fully outfitted showroom today we’re open 7 days a week!

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While you’re here, visit our Sleep Shop. Featuring SERTA, the world’s best mattresses.

A PR I L / MAY 201 9


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