A Publication of Edmond Life & Leisure
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A PUBLICATION OF EDMOND LIFE & LEISURE
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At Home in Edmond Spring 2021
A Publication of Edmond Life & Leisure
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At Home in Edmond Spring 2021
Letter from the Publisher WELCOME TO SPRING AT HOME IN EDMOND! Spring awakens in Edmond
Spring can usually be considered as a time when we wake from the cold and dark of winter. This year, more than any other time in our lives, spring of 2021 is all about wakening not only in Edmond but throughout the entire world. Being in the middle of a pandemic was not what we expected a year ago but that is exactly where we found our community. Winston Churchill said, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” He described the attitude in Edmond and that spirit continues to pull us out of the dark that consumed so much of last year. The experience was different for everyone. Many lost loved ones and that is the true tragedy from this virus. We would be remiss if the true heroes in our community were not recognized. Our first responders and front-line medical staff at our hospitals saved so many. The ones we lost were difficult, but these workers stepped up every day during this pandemic, put on their armor of PPE and walked face first into danger to give much needed medical attention to our loved ones. My fear is that their trauma and battles are not over because such bravery must have taken a toll on them emotionally as well. I hope we will all be supportive of this blessed community of true fighters over the coming months and years. As Oklahoma does a great job with vaccine distribution, we see our community opening back up. We have several months, at least, to go before life as we knew it will return. However, the joy we see in the eyes of folks walking around downtown Edmond tells me that we are on that path. Edmond is strong and rebounding every day with more hope and enthusiasm. Our community will not only make up for lost ground from 2020 but they will exceed what would have been without this pandemic. It was a difficult year for all businesses in our community and our newspaper is included in that difficulty. We made it folks and proud to be your locally owned and distributed newspaper. Our goal is to uplift and support Edmond with every ounce of ability and resources we possess. Thank you to our advertisers and business partners that have supported our form of community journalism. We hope you enjoy our Spring 2021 edition of At Home in Edmond. I must thank our staff from advertising, production and the newsroom for all their hard work. Our staff has risen to the challenge and worked hard to produce a quality magazine that Edmond can enjoy. We also thank our many loyal advertisers and welcome the new advertisers for their support of this At Home in Edmond publication.
Ray Hibbard Publisher Edmond Life & Leisure At Home in Edmond
PUBLISHER
Ray Hibbard
EDITOR
Deanne York
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Rose Drebes Mallery Nagle
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Deanne York
ADVERTISING
Alexx Harms Advertising Director For information on advertising in At Home in Edmond, call 405-340-3311
READER SERVICES
107 South Broadway Edmond OK 73034 Phone 405-340-3311 Fax 405-340-3384
WEBSITE AND SOCIAL MEDIA
edmondlifeandleisure.com @edmondlifeandleisure
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At Home in Edmond Spring 2021
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At Home in Edmond Spring 2021
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Contents
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14 4 LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER 11 TIPS FOR DYEING EASTER EGGS 12 FUN ACTIVITIES TO ENJOY THIS SPRING 14 A CHICK THAT KNITZ 18 HOUSEPLANTS, A BENEFIT TO YOUR HEALTH
19 EASTER TREES MAKE FESTIVE SPRING DECORATIONS
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20 ORGANIZE YOUR HOME OFFICE 23 IT’S ALL AT THE MARKET 26 DESIGNS BY MK 27 BOLD COLORS ADD VITALITY TO HOMES 30 ADVERTISER’S INDEX
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Tips for dyeing Easter eggs Coloring eggs is a beloved Easter tradition. Eggs long have been symbols of fertility and rebirth, making them fitting icons for spring. One story links eggs to Easter as well. According to some religious scholars, Mary Magdalene, the woman who was the first person to see Jesus Christ after His resurrection, was holding a plain egg in her hand while waiting for the emperor to share the good news. The emperor then told her that Jesus’ resurrection was as improbable as that egg suddenly blushing. The egg then turned red. Dyeing eggs is an entertaining activity, but one that also may have some religious significance. Many families will color eggs this Easter, and these guidelines can make the process go smoothly. • Wait until just before coloring to hard-boil eggs. Good Housekeeping recommends boiling eggs for 11 minutes for a hard boil. Do not chill the eggs afterward; warm eggs absorb color more effectively for more vivid results. • Egg dye can stain furniture, clothing or tablecloths. Therefore, dress in clothing that you’re not worried about staining. Also, cover work surfaces with an old tablecloth and newspapers to soak up any spills. • Make a drying rack to ensure that eggs will dry evenly. This can be a rimmed cookie sheet lined with layers of paper towels to absorb any excess dye that runs off
the eggs. Or push pins into thick foam board and place the eggs on top to allow air to circulate. • Consider using glass bowls or ceramic mugs to house the colored dye solutions. These vessels are more sturdy than plastic cups, and less likely to be overturned by eager young hands. • Scissor-style tongs are ideal tools for retrieving eggs from the dye. Eggs tend to slide off of the spoons or wire rings provided in kits, leading to splashing and kids dunking their fingers in to grab eggs. • Stir dyeing cups often to guarantee consistent color. • Use electrical tape to make patterns on Easter eggs. Dip the eggs and let dry. Afterwards, remove the tape to reveal the designs. • If food coloring-based dyes seem too messy, use watercolor paint sets and allow everyone to get creative. While some people may want to use Easter eggs for recipes
later on, it may be safer to boil up a fresh batch of eggs for that purpose, even if it seems wasteful. According to Emily Rubin, RD, LDN of the Thomas Jefferson University Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, “hard-boiled eggs should be refrigerated within two hours of cooking and discarded if left out for more than two hours at room temperature.” Chances are it may take two hours or more for children to find hard-boiled eggs hidden by the Easter bunny.
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Fun activities to enjoy this spring With its increased sunshine and warmer temperatures, spring is a beloved time of year. For those who live in areas where the weather changes dramatically throughout the year, spring can be a respite from the snow and also a chance to enjoy the outdoors prior to the arrival of the muggy, hot days of summer. Families can create a bucket list of entertaining and perhaps educational spring activities. Those who want to try something new can explore these ideas. • Check out a cherry blossom showcase. Cherry trees are popular and beautiful trees that flower in the spring. Their masses of pink and white blossoms are one of the first signals that winter has ended. Cherry tree varieties bloom over the course of several weeks, and climate will dictate how early or late these trees will showcase their spectacular flowers. Visit public gardens and
other areas known for their dramatic cherry blossom displays. • Watch a sunrise or sunset. Take advantage of longer days by enjoying nature’s light show. Wake up extra early and start the day with the sunrise. If you’re not a morning person, then wait until the last of the amber and red streaks light the sky and watch the sun drop below the horizon. • Fly a kite. There is a reason why the adage “March goes in like a lion and comes out like a lamb” is so fitting. Early spring weather can be gusty and unpredictable. Take advantage of windy conditions by flying a kite by the coast or in an open field. • Head to a farm. Spring is not only about the rebirth of trees and flowers, but also a prime time for various animals to give birth to their young. A visit to an area farm or petting zoo can be a great way to
catch a glimpse of some of these adorable little as they enter and adapt to their new environments. • Check out a small town. Take a road trip to an out-of-the-way hamlet. Spend the entire day there shopping, dining and supporting a small town community. • Enjoy al fresco dining. While outdoor dining during the pandemic may have been done as a necessity, do not forget how it also can be a relaxing way to enjoy a meal. Find a restaurant with a particularly scenic backdrop and dine outdoors. • Visit a thrift shop or flea market. Spring cleaning can serve as the catalyst for people to put items on sale. One person’s trash is another person’s treasure. Spring can be a great time to shop for antiques as well. • Go horseback riding. Enjoy the scenery on the back of a majestic mare or spectacular stallion.
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PHOTOS PROVIDED
Tammy Pelfrey, owner of A Chick That Knitz
By Mallery Nagle According to Tammy Pelfrey, owner of A Chick That Knitz, today’s knitting is not your grandmother’s knitting. And she’s not spinning any yarns. Pelfrey opened the store at 14 S. Broadway in October to share her love of the craft with knitters of all ages. “I had a mother-in-law who knitted darling matching cardigans for my children,” the grandmother of four said. “When I became a grandmother, I wanted to give the same things to my grandchildren.” “I took a knitting class at Hobby Lobby, and I was off,” she continued. “That was 10 years ago.” During her career as a nurse, Pelfrey found the hobby to be very therapeutic. She pointed out that repetitive motions stimulate the right side or the creativity center of the brain. “It’s relaxing in our fast-paced
lifestyles,” she said. “As nurse, if you came home from a tough shift, it would take the anxiety away. It’s not a selfless hobby.” She added the softness of the yarn also has a calming impact. A year into their leisurely retirements, she and her husband, a retired firefighter, decided they were not the “leisure” types. After visiting several fiber festivals around the country, trade shows for knitting materials and accessories, she decided to try hand-dyeing yarn. She soon became a dyed-in-wool devotee. The Etsy store she opened to sell her wares had such a large following that she outgrew her garage. Then she outgrew her living room and moved her furniture into storage. It became apparent that she needed to open a store. Today, her store is part retail space, part yarn dye-
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PHOTOS PROVIDED
Gorgeous hand-knit items are available on consignment
ing studio. All of the yarn in the store is her handdyed creation. She also offers classes on knitting and crocheting. “We’ve had a large response to the classes,” she said. “We have waiting lists. People are looking for something to do at home. It’s addicting. You finish something and you want to run out and get more yarn. The anxiety just slips away.” Thursdays are Knit Nights at the store. Pelfrey said it creates a sense of community while you work on a project. The weekly events attract participants from 8 to 90. She noted knitting is growing in popularity among members of Gen Z and Millennials, as knit ware is fashionable. “It’s not your grandmother’s knitting,” she said, pointing to cowls and knit caps. Part of the retail space is devoted to consignment pieces. The store offer hand-knit pieces, knitting accessories, jewelry and dog toys. “I want to support local makers,” Pelfrey said. A spring-themed display window replaced the store’s Narnia winter-themed window in March. Although she believes the elaborate winter scene in the window drove a lot of foot traffic, she noted that knitting is not a winter-only hobby. During the warmer months, continues on Page 16 knitters turn their
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needles to items such as pillows and other home goods and spring shawls. In addition, the store has a need one/take one shelf. Her customers donate hats, gloves and blankets
to those in need. “We have a heart for people,” she said. “We love people and love to help people. It’s a wonderful hobby with beautiful products.”
PHOTOS PROVIDED
Weekly store events welcome local knitting enthusiasts
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Houseplants,
a benefit to your health The lines between the outdoors and indoors are being blurred. Homeowners build extensive outdoor living spaces so they can relax on weather-resistant furniture and even cook in lavish kitchens in their backyards. In addition, indoor three-season rooms full of bright, open windows that showcase outdoor vistas challenge the boundaries between outside and inside. For those working with limited budgets, there are some easy, inexpensive ways to enjoy the majesty of natural landscapes indoors. Houseplants can be used to improve indoor spaces, and they also provide various health benefits. Help with allergies According to WebMD, rooms with houseplants tend to have less dust and mold in them than those without any foliage. Leaves and other parts of the plants serve as natural filters, catching airborne particles and allergens. Plants with textured leaves might be especially effective at trapping particles.
Put more oxygen into the air The human respiratory system works by bringing in oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide. Plants do the opposite during photosynthesis. They absorb carbon dioxide and then release oxygen. Plants can put much more oxygen into the air, improving indoor conditions. Increase indoor humidity and reduce illness Studies from the Agricultural University of Norway found that indoor plants can increase humidity in indoor spaces, which decreases the incidences of sore throats, dry coughs, dry skin, and the common cold. Higher absolute humidity can decrease the chances of survival and transmission of the flu virus. Filter the air Researchers who presented their work at the 252nd National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society found certain houseplants can combat the potentially harmful effects of volatile organic compounds. Plants may help filter out VOCs like
benzene, acetone and formaldehyde, which can enter indoor air via cleaning supplies, dry-cleaned clothes, furniture, printers, and paints. Improve interior atmosphere Prevention magazine says plants can be used to screen unattractive areas, moderate room temperature by shading spots from the sun and even reduce noise. Plants also can improve ambiance and create a pleasing atmosphere in a room. Can improve mood Growing and caring for plants can alleviate everyday stress. A nationwide study from UK Magazine Gardeners World found 80 percent of gardeners declared themselves satisfied with life compared to 67 percent among non-gardeners. Gardeners were more positive mentally. Greenery can help people feel more at home and improve mental health. A rehab center in Norway found patients reported a greater increase in well-being four weeks after having greenery added to their surroundings.
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Easter trees make
festive spring decorations
Easter is coming and it’s time to put up the tree. For those thinking right now that trees are for an entirely different Christian holiday, you are both right and wrong. Even though trees may be more widely associated with Christmas, Easter trees are an increasingly popular and festive tradition that trace their roots to Germany. The Easter tree is known as Ostereierbaum in Germany and is a centuries-old custom. Eggs are hung on outdoor tree branches and bushes or are placed on cut branches displayed inside. While the tradition is traced to Germany, German-influenced locales like Hungary, Poland, the Czech Republic, and the Pennsylvania Dutch region of the United States also are popular places for Easter trees to appear. For 50 years, one person branched out with his own Ostereierbaum tradition. Volker Kraft decorated an apple tree on his property in the town of Saalfeld, Germany, adding more eggs each year as the tree grew larger. The tradition came to an end in 2015. At one point the tree held 10,000 eggs, all hand-crafted by Kraft and his family. However, a tree in Rostock, Germany held the Guinness World Record for tree with the most eggs — a display of 80,000. While Easter trees are typically more modest than Kraft’s tree, the displays can be as large or as small as one desires. Many Easter trees consist of a few branches
placed in a vase decorated with flowers, ribbons and Easter eggs. Pussy willow branches work well, though any branches can stand in. When decorating Easter trees, families can use plastic eggs or even real ones. Using a sharp knife or needle, make two small holes in a raw egg. Blow out the inside of the egg until the shell is hollow. Then decorate the egg and thread a ribbon through the holes so it can be hung on the tree. If desired, place sweet Easter treats, such as chocolate eggs or pastel-colored cupcakes, under the Easter tree.
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It’s all at The Market By Rose Drebes The Market, which was located just west of Quail Springs Mall for 18 years, was set to close on Christmas Eve, 2019. Shauna Morrissey was a dealer there for her children’s boutique, Carson’s Closet. “All the dealers and small business owners were devastated,” she said. “After a few days of discussion, my husband and I started driving around looking for places to relocate The Market. We knew we had to keep The Market alive.” And that they did. Shauna said they wanted to stay close to the old location. Having lived in the area of Northpark Mall their entire lives, they knew it was the best fit. Northpark has also always been
a favorite “local boutique-type place to shop,” she said. “We signed a lease, started renovations and 55 days later we opened our doors on March 1, 2020,” Shauna said. The Market had a “fabulous” grand opening. “The store was full of new, exciting items and after 15 days, we had to close our doors due to COVID,” Shauna said. “We still found a way to make sales for the dealers with private shopping and curbside pickup. “We reopened on May 1 and haven’t looked back. We are going strong.” The Market to-
PHOTOS BY ROSE DREBES
Beautiful gifts for everyone are all available at The Market
day has 79 “amazing” small local Oklahoma businesses under one roof, she said. Dealers can rent walls, spaces or booths. Shauna said that her business has 10 employees so dealers don’t have to cover hours at The Market. Many of the dealers also have full-time jobs. “The dealers decorate their space, bring in product and we do continues on Page 24
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the rest,” Shauna said. The Market offers a collection of home decor, fashion, gifts, floral, children’s items, men’s gifts, food and even paint, she said. “We are your one-stop shop for any item and everyone on your list from newborns to grandpa,” she said. “We do set limits on different categories to keep a variety in the store. Our dealers are constantly changing up their items and displays to keep the store looking good.” In fact, many of The Market’s customers come
back once a week to look for new products, Shauna said. The Market is open seven days a week, Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, 12-5 p.m. On sale days, there are extended hours. For every $25 purchase, customers receive a punch on a loyalty card. With a full card, $15 off a purchase is available. Follow the market on Facebook and Instagram or check the website for events, promotions and sales at themarket-okc.com.
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PHOTOS PROVIDED
Karla Martens is Designs by mk
By Rose Drebes Designer Karla Martens will work countless hours to make sure the spaces she designs are just right. Karla formerly had a booth in The Market in Northpark Mall and has now opened a storefront for Designs by MK in the same mall. “Owning my own storefront has always been a dream of mine, moving into The Market helped that dream come true,” she said. “I met so many new clients from having a booth in The Market that it led me to need more space and gave me the opportunity to open my own store.” Karla has over 20 years in design experience. She specializes in residential design, but also loves the challenge of a commercial space. “I can take my clients’ visions and make them a reality,” Karla said. “I am able to help home or business owners who are strug-
gling to design a space. I have designed remodels for old homes, new builds and business offices.” Designs by MK creates modern interiors are distinguished by their originality, warmth and pinpoint attention to detail. Founded on the simple belief that good designs increase the quality of life, the company has overseen many projects, including private homes, retail spaces and even venturing to work environments. Services include holiday design, staging homes, full-home design, home rearranging and custom drapes and furniture. Karla is considered one of the top 10 leading designers in Oklahoma and, but frequently travels to a client’s home or business in other states in order to give each space her own personal touch. What sets her apart, Karla said, is that she truly listens to her
clients. “I also incorporate items they cherish that are already in their spaces with new,” she said. “I am always looking for the latest trends.” Today’s trends are shiplap and gold accents. “Black is huge right now,” Karla said. Karla’s daughters said that their mom will spend hours and hours as she is very passionate about making every corner or space, continues on Page 28
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Digital Color Brochures Business Cards Letterhead Offset Printing Spiral Binding and much more!
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Monday - Friday | 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
405.348.0066
3120 South Boulevard Edmond, Oklahoma 73013 csr@reidprint.com | reidprint.com
Making You Look Professional in Print.
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Designs By mk small or large, exactly what her client has envisioned. “I want new potential clients to know that I truly love what I do and put my
heart and soul into each space,” Karla said. For more information, visit designbykarlakaymartens.com.
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Advertiser ‘s Index Amini’s Galleria............................................................. 3 Brent Gibson Classic Home Design............................... 7 Citizens Bank of Edmond..............................................17 City of Edmond Household Hazardous Waste.............23 City of Edmond Water Conservation...........................22 Designs by MK.............................................................27 Don’s Floor Gallery......................................................20 Downtown Edmond Business Association....................27 Edmond Electric...........................................................31 Edmond Family Counseling..........................................19 Edmond Furniture Gallery............................................32 Edmond Life TV............................................................15 Edmond Parks and Recreation......................................30 Fillmore & Chambers Design Group...............................2 Forrester Brothers.........................................................19
Framin’ Gallery...............................................................9 Garage Innovations........................................................9 Gary Baccus - State Farm.................................................9 Integris Health Edmond.................................................10 Ken Chambers Design/Build..........................................29 Matthews Funeral Home...............................................27 Norwalk Furniture & Design..........................................25 RCB Bank.......................................................................11 Reid Printing..................................................................27 Scott Coleman Homes....................................................5 Shop Edmond................................................................13 TLC Garden Centers........................................................6 Visit Edmond.................................................................21
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