Tulsa April 2015 by City Lifestyle

Tulsa APRIL 2015

TulsaLifestylePubs.com

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Thinking Green

Let’s Create Little Free Libraries GRACING US WITH GREEN 1ARCHITECTURE CREATES EARTHFRIENDLY SPACES GET YOUR LANDSCAPE READY FOR SPRING THE PALACE CAFÉ: GREAT FOOD, SUSTAINABILITY-MINDED

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Editor’s Letter

Hope Springs. T

he symbolism of the seasons in our lives is such a beautiful way nature speaks to us if we listen. The message of hope heralded in by spring is just one of the best. Little green buds popping out of gray-brown branches whisper to us that life is always being made new, and the dark days of winter do not last forever.

We are so blessed in the Midwest to get to experience all of the seasons. I’ve lived in Oklahoma, Kansas and Missouri my entire life, with the exception of a long hiatus in “Paradise,” a.k.a. the British Virgin Islands. It was a fantastic time, but honestly, two years of never-ending sun is not as appealing as it sounds. The changing seasons are like the ticking of a clock that lets us know time is passing, and without those changes time suspends. Too much of any good thing is not good. Give me the constantly changing weather and beauty of spring wrestling itself out of winter. Paradise is right here where we are.

APRIL 2015 publisher Kathy Slemp | KSlemp@LifestylePubs.com

editorial coordinator

Kendra Mathewson | KMathewson@lifestylepubs.com

home & fashion editor Natalie Nirk contributing writers Lisa Allen, Rebecca Eckert, Lara Friend, Natalie Nirk, Cherlyn Reeves, Ben Wehr

contributing photographers Defining Image Photography, Rebecca Eckert, Adam Murphy Photography Published monthly, subscriptions are also available for $22 for 1 year, $39 for 2 years by visiting TulsaLifestylePubs.com

So, being mindful of preserving our “paradise” then is what we built our theme around for March. In this our “green” issue, we are liberal with our definition of green and have explored topics related to gardens and landscaping as well as the captivating work of the environmentally savvy architects at 1Architecture whose designs have garnered national acclaim. And, we hope to see more Little Free Libraries around town to foster the sustainability spirit while sharing some good reads. Email or Facebook us if you build one -- we'd love to see and share with our neighbors.

Whether it’s a green thumb or a green mindset, we hope this issue gets you thinking.

Kendra Gensemer Mathewson, Editorial Coordinator KMathewson@LifestylePubs.com

application architect | Michael O’Connell it director | Randy Aufderheide

by Community ™

join us ON THE COVER Little Free Libraries

are popping up all over the country.

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P.O. Box 12608 Overland Park, KS 66282-3214 Proverbs 3:5-6 Tulsa Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of Tulsa’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Tulsa Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

Dustin & Christin

matters of the heart. Similar heart conditions brought Dustin and Christin together. Their remarkable beginning produced a bond made even stronger by each of them undergoing a heart procedure within the first six months of marriage. And now, thanks to Oklahoma Heart Institute, their future is even brighter. To learn more about Dustin and Christin’s life-changing experiences at Oklahoma Heart Institute, visit OklahomaHeart.com.

OklahomaHeart.com | 918.592.0999 “Like” us on Facebook.

April 2015

Departments 8

Around Town

Home Matters

Hot Spot

Style Wise

20 Locally Owned

16 Gracing Us with Green

Let’s celebrate 1Architecture’s contributions to a more

environmentally-sensitive world.

Water & Woods

Sold Properties

Lifestyle Calendar

Parting Thoughts

18 Pass It On

Little Free Libraries are a great way to share, and sustain.

24 Planting Ponderances

Our “ode to begonias” considers the best flowers to plant for

Oklahoma weather.

18 Lifestyle Publications

Medical Staffing & Home Care Specialists Call us. We can help. ServiCeS inCluDe:

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Around Town

FEED MR. MURPH Mr. Murph is the nickname for Material Recovery Facility (MRF), the facility at Tulsa Recycle and Transfer. Mr. Murph was specifically designed to reclaim recyclables by sorting through the entire waste stream and reducing the impact of trash on the overall environment. He is the very first of his kind in Oklahoma. A key part of what makes Mr. Murph so special is his automation. The recovery process starts when mixed recyclables are dumped onto his conveyor belts and then taken through a series of manual and mechanical stages that separate valuable recyclables from residual material. Products such as metal, plastic, paper and cardboard are then bailed and transferred to be recycled and reused to make products and energy. The rest is taken to the landfill for disposal. Once the residual waste is placed into the landfill it begins decomposing which creates methane gas. The gas is collected and used to create electricity. Mr. Murph is one of the most innovative machines created to tackle our growing waste problems. By recycling valuable materials and reusing them in the manufacturing process, we create a cleaner environment for Tulsa for generations to come. For more information about Mr. Murph, visit FeedMrMurph.com.

MOVERS FOR MOMS AIMS TO RAISE AWARENESS FOR MOTHERS IN NEED Two Men And A Truck is raising awareness for moms in need with their annual Movers for Moms campaign. This year’s beneficiary is the Margaret Hudson Program (MHP), a 8

Tulsa Lifestyle | April 2015

Tulsa Area United Way agency that provides comprehensive academic and family support services to help teen mothers succeed in life and parent healthy families. The company’s locations across the country collect essential care and toiletry items every spring and deliver them to local women’s, family organizations and shelters on or before Mother’s Day. Franchises partner with local shelters, school, and other community organizations to collect goods that will make Mother’s Day special for moms living in shelters or receiving care from community support organizations. Be on the lookout for an event with the Tulsa Oilers this month. For more information, please contact Justin Langston, marketing manager at Two Men And A Truck. You can reach him at 918.234.2636 or at justin.langston2@twomen.com

NOW OPEN: UTICA PARK CLINIC URGENT CARE Utica Park Clinic Urgent Care is now open just south of 91st & Mingo at 9245 S. Mingo in Tulsa. Primarily treating injuries and illnesses that require immediate care but are not life-threatening, the compassionate healthcare providers and staff can help you with issues such as allergies, arthritis, asthma, minor burns/rashes, cold & flu, cuts & minor lacerations, ear infections, eye infections, headaches, poison ivy & poison oak, pregnancy testing, sexually transmitted disease, minor skin infections, sprains, strep/sore throat, minor sunburn, urinary tract infections and more. Utica Park Clinic Urgent Care will be open seven days a week: • Monday – Friday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. • Saturday, 10 a.m.- 8 p.m. • Sunday & Holidays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Walk-ins are always welcome and no appointments are necessary. Most insurance plans are accepted. For more information, call 918.574.0250. Scott Fowler, D.O., oversees the operations of Utica Park Clinic Urgent Care. Dr. Fowler is board certified in Family Medicine and has practiced in Oklahoma since 2007. Before joining Utica Park Clinic, he held positions at Prague Family Clinic and Prague Community Hospital in Prague, Okla. In addition to being fluent in his native language of English, he speaks, reads and writes in Spanish with high proficiency.

4TH ANNUAL CANDLELIGHT BALL The Child Abuse Network (CAN) annual fundraiser takes place at the Mayo Hotel on April 25th. It is only through grants and philanthropic donations that CAN is able to provide services to children who are victims of alleged abuse or neglect. Each year, CAN raises funds and awareness for programs through special events, and the CANdlelight Ball is an important one. Please consider supporting CAN by sponsoring or attending. Contact the development office at 918.624.0201 or via email for more information. This year’s After-Party tickets are $75 each. The After-Party begins at 9 p.m. in the Grand Hall and includes live music, dancing, drinks and desserts. Follow their Facebook page for more updates on the event and to view photos from past CANdlelight Ball events. ChildAbuseNetwork.org

CANdlelight Ball Honorary Chair Tim Harris and Event Chair Amanda McConnell

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April 2015 | Tulsa Lifestyle

Home Matters

Is Your Landscape Ready for Spring? ARTICLE CHERLYN REEVES | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

ave you ever looked over your landscape during the winter months and thought to yourself, This year I am going to get my landscape in shape? So you gather a bunch of inspirational photos out of magazines, pin ideas on Pinterest and save them all in a folder for your grand landscape project in the spring. Then spring comes and you find yourself scrambling to figure out what plants will work best in your landscape, or what type of edging will look best, what type of soil do I need, how much soil do I need, what type of mulch will work best and where is the best place to get it? You quickly find yourself overwhelmed and frustrated and now it’s already spring. What do you do? It’s time to call a landscape designer. How can a landscape designer help? It may just be one of the best investments you make for your property. The landscape designer can provide you with a master plan of your property that can include not only planting beds, and a detailed plant list, but can also include any other additional features that you might want added to your property in the future such as a pool, outdoor fireplace, pergola or an outdoor kitchen. This professional can help make your vision a reality and not just a dream. The landscape designer will be able to create a cohesive overall plan for your property, a plan that can be installed in phases or done all at once depending on your budget. If your project needs to be done in phases, the landscape designer can create a scope of work along with some construction drawings for you. If you are the type of person that likes to get out there and get your hands dirty, you will be able to follow the plans and install the project yourself. If you would rather sit back and watch the magic happen, you can ask the designer for an overall estimate of the project to be installed. 10

Tulsa Lifestyle | April 2015

What will you get from the landscape designer once you have agreed to hire him/her? Depending on your project you should get the following items from the designer: • Plan view of the property (possibly a 3D rendering depending on the firm) • Detailed planting list, with plant names and sizes, soil recommendation, mulch recommendations and options for edging • Estimated budget with a materials list and cost of labor • Sketches or inspirational photos to give you a visual of what the area will look like after installation • Construction drawings (if needed for your project) Each firm will offer different prices for design services, so make sure to understand the design fees before you hire a landscape designer. So if you are serious about getting your landscape in shape this year, consider hiring a landscape designer. Here at Tom’s Outdoor Living we are seeing more and more clients asking us to provide them with an overall landscape design plan for their property. Each client is different and most of them will do their projects in phases. But having the plan in place really helps get the project started. Many of our clients have had the desire to create an overall landscape plan for their property but never knew where to start. So, is your landscape ready for spring this year? Cherylnn Reeves is a designer for Tom’s Outdoor Living. Contact her at creeves@tomsoutdoorliving.com or visit TomsOutdoorLiving.com. Tom’s is located at 2120 S. 130th East Avenue, Tulsa. 918.695.1653

YOU BRING THE PEOPLE. WE BRING THEM ALL TOGETHER. CALL OUR EXPERT PLANNERS TODAY AND RECEIVE

– Jane Beckwith, Holland Hall Teacher Corporate and Social events from 10 up to 300 guests. Expires 12/31/2015. Up to three (3) hours. Must mention ad and present coupon upon booking.

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15 KIDS VS. 30? T H E R E I S N O CO M PA R I S O N .”

Celebrate Juliette Low Leadership Society Celebration Luncheon

GUEST SPEAKER

Jessica Buchanan An international aid worker, Jessica was kidnapped by Somali land pirates. Come hear her story of survival and rescue.

Thursday, April 16, 2015 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Southern Hills Country Club

Honorary Chairs, Wendy and Gentner Drummond Tickets or sponsorships: visit www.gseok.org/jlls or call 918-745-5202.

Jane’s favorite things about teaching at Holland Hall are the collaboration and the connection. She worked with a fellow teacher to develop an innovative Downtown Tulsa Studies project, where students spend a hands-on semester getting to know their city. She loves the smaller Holland Hall class sizes, “because I’m interacting with students in such a way that I really connect with them. I have a sense of what they’re going through in all aspects of their lives. I so enjoy helping them find their comfort zone, experiencing those breakthrough moments, seeing them achieve and excel. What’s not to love about that?”

Meet Holland Hall’s amazing faculty. Contact Olivia Martin, Director of Admission, at (918) 481-1111.

Customized GSEOK Cuffs designed by Rustic Cuff will be available at the luncheon.

www.hollandhall.org April 2015 | Tulsa Lifestyle

Hot Spot

The Palace Café GOOD FOOD MADE WITH PASSION, AND AN EYE FOR SUSTAINABILITY ARTICLE LARA FRIEND | PHOTOGRAPHY ADAM MURPHY PHOTOGRAPHY

alace Café originally opened in Tulsa in 2002 at the corner of 15th and Peoria on historic Cherry Street. The owner and Executive Chef is James Shrader and he offers a delightful fine dining experience. Using fresh and local foods is a large part of Chef Shrader’s passion. It promotes a tastier and healthier product and helps local farmers, while creating more jobs within the community. “What sets Palace Café apart from other restaurants is that we have access to the Cherry Street Farmers Market right outside our door,” Chef Shrader states. “We try to buy locally when the market is in session and we also have a booth at the market.” Shrader has been a merchant at the Cherry Street Farmer’s Market since the beginning. The market is open on Saturdays from April to October. At their tent you’ll find an array of baked goods, breads, prepared foods and their ever-popular Breakfast Burritos made with local Fisher’s Farms cage-free eggs. They have meat or vegetarian available. “I began using the farmers market in 2003 and it has significantly grown each year,” says Shrader. “It has changed my life. It really allows the restaurant to shine during the farmer’s market season because we do seasonal menus. I like to speak with the farmers at the market and develop a relationship with them. They keep me informed of what products they will have available and I plan my menu around it. We always buy the kale, asparagus, tomatoes and herbs. We plan to put out our spring menu on March 21, the first day of spring.”

PALACE CAFÉ

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His culinary team consists of Chef de Cuisine Trey Wilson and Pastry Chef Jessica Burge. They are able to oversee many of the kitchen responsibilities allowing Chef Shrader time to focus on catering and planning. “We have Jessica, our In-house Pastry Chef, who makes everything from scratch,” Shrader says. “This is one thing that most restaurants underappreciate, but she is a vital part of my staff.” She crafts a seasonal pastry menu and creates delicious and distinctive dessert items, breads, and baked goods. “Palace Café had a total overhaul in 2011 with the primary intention of incorporating a bar,” Shrader shares. “The remodel was so drastic that most people think it is a new restaurant.” The restaurant is very quaint and has a stylishly comfortable atmosphere. The tables are adorned with white tablecloths and there are several high-back, cozy booths to choose from. The restaurant seats 64 and there’s also a private dining room available for parties and events that seats 22. The bar offers many craft cocktails and has an extensive wine list, as well as 1/2 price appetizers and bentos from 4 to 6 p.m. In his restaurant, Shrader creates a West Coast style of food that Tulsans love. He likes to incorporate a lot of fresh seafood and local produce in his dishes. All of the dishes are prepared fresh daily from scratch. You will find many dishes that include fish and different fish specials are featured daily. They also offer a separate vegetarian menu. There also are many favorite dishes kept in rotation, one notably the Palace Royal burger. I had the opportunity to try it and it will not disappoint. Another unique menu option is the bento appetizer where you can have a tasting of the seven appetizers on the menu. On Sunday the restaurant offers an extensive brunch. For good food made with passion and an emphasis on sustainability, I definitely recommend trying Palace Café for your next special meal.

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Lara Friend, a dedicated wife and mother of two, is a culinary arts graduate from Oklahoma State Institute of Technology. She currently enjoys life as a homemaker and writer, and simply loves working with food. April 2015 | Tulsa Lifestyle

Style Wise

A Splash of Spring! ARTICLE & PHOTOGRAPHY NATALIE NIRK

Cool blues and greys remain stronger than ever, and you can’t go wrong accenting them with warm brights in home and fashion alike….

American Style book, $63 @Home Design Studio

Stylish chairs in which to read stylish books… Orange Marilyn chair, $799, & grey velvet sequined pillow, $118 @Home Design Studio

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Bettye Mueller Medley patent-leather sandals, $395 (on sale now for $91.25) @Posh 14

Tulsa Lifestyle | April 2015

Natalie Nirk is the Home & Fashion Editor of Tulsa Lifestyle and also a registered interior designer with the Oklahoma Board of Architects. NatalieNirkInteriors.com

French blue-grey velvet chair, $2,449, & Poppy Medallion pillow, $90 @Home Design Studio

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Yellow twisted hobo, $78 @Posh Rustic cuff bracelets: Initial $42, Madison $32, & Meagan $85 @Posh Thyme lotion, $22, & quartz-look soap, $16 @The Dolphin Fine Linens

Navy print tunic, $58 @Posh Multi-color scarf, $19 @Posh Moto leather-look jean, $78 @Posh The Shoe Book, $49 @Home Design Studio (HDS) Vince Camuto Mitzy metallic silver sandals, $110 @Posh

1Architecture An endless exercise in sustainability ARTICLE NATALIE NIRK | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Architecture Owner Shelby Navarro has had a passion for all things sustainable for as long as he can remember. As a Native American growing up with his grandfather in Verdigris, Oklahoma, he can fondly recall multiple ways of life that have greatly influenced the views he has today. “My grandfather read Organic Gardening magazine in the ‘70s long before ‘organic’ was even thought about so much,” says Shelby. “He would take us on recycling trips often, and we even had solar panels on our house back then. He always inspired us to put back what we take. ” His grandfather would make wine glasses out of beer bottles, and practiced repurposing regularly. Many of these early practices instilled in Shelby the thought processes he is now proud to exercise in his current work. Sustainability is defined as “something that improves the quality of human life while living within the carrying capacity of supporting eco-systems.” It’s obvious Shelby takes this seriously. His firm has developed a national reputation, especially for its environmentally sensitive approach. “I focus on staying true to the ‘Four Rs: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Rethink,” he shares. In 2008, 1Architecture constructed the first LEED Platinum-certified property in all of Oklahoma--and one of only 40 in the WORLD at the time--which was a condominium near Cherry Street in Tulsa. Shelby and his team acted as both architect and shared in the general contractor responsibilities for this project, and faced many challenges and expenses at that time when few sustainable products were available locally. One of many unique installations was the live grass roof that was watered by a rainfall collection system. The grass was a particular kind that would not need mowing or other upkeep, and would attract urban wildlife. To meet the required points to attain the coveted LEED Platinum status, the property had to incorporate a multitude of “green” features. Currently the firm handles mostly commercial projects and some multi-family residential projects. “We try to incorporate sustainable features in everything, and enjoy figuring out things we can do that cost the same or even less,” Shelby explains. Their firm recently completed Tulsa Zoo’s $3.5 million Mary K. Chapman Rhinoceros Exhibit, the Rhino Reserve. It’s a beautiful work of art with curved exterior walls comprised of straw bale in varied colors, and a grass roof the zoo is currently experimenting with to determine best growing and maintenance conditions. The roof also has superior drainage and rainfall collection systems; things the future-thinking Shelby prioritizes in all his projects for water conservation and city infrastructure overload prevention. 1Architecture has enjoyed working with Andolini’s Pizzeria on Cherry Street and their new location in Broken Arrow’s Rose District. They’ve incorporated green features like LED lighting and re16

Tulsa Lifestyle | April 2015

claimed materials from the wood floors inside; the exterior brick is from a street roadbed in Kansas City; eco-leather on the bar front and tankless water heaters. Shelby renovated the dilapidated old E. House building in the Pearl District to create 1Architecture’s new home. Their modern office showcases a lot of things he enjoys regularly incorporating into projects such as the low-VOC paint throughout and allergen-reducing carpet tiles. The exterior walls on the front and two sides inside their space are completely original, except for the freshly powder-coated steel posts. “People ask us all the time how we got this amazing finish on the walls,” laughs

A LEADER IN ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE SOLUTIONS

1Architecture has developed a national reputation for sustainable design, urban revitalization, and culturally sensitive Native American work. 1Architecture designs have been featured in Usa Today, Eco Home, Natural Home, Dayspa and the book 50 Us Architects. doors made from wood found in junkyards are installed on many doorways, and the atmosphere is bright with brilliant pops of green color and a relaxed feel throughout. 1Architecture’s latest endeavor is work-

with rammed earth, it’s a process where dirt is put in lifts and compacted down, which results in a variety of different lovely shades and a unique facade. “This will be the first large hospital in this area, and the tribe wants to express who they are in how it’s built,” says Shelby. “We’re excited to be developing new standards for the entire health system.” He’s greatly interested in implementing features that are proven to promote wellbeing, such as simply having the right daylight, by studying closely and thinking through options. Shelby greatly encourages Native Americans to seek careers in the architecture,

1Architecture constructed the first LEED Platinum-certified property in all of Oklahoma--and one of only 40 in the WORLD at the time. Rachel Navarro, Shelby’s wife who also works at the firm. The amazing finish actually was the result of exposure to the elements during the many years the building sat empty with a badly damaged roof. They uncovered a lot of beauty underneath it all, and what they couldn’t reuse on the site, they rebuilt. Sliding barn

ing on breaking ground with the Muscogee (Creek) Nation to build a new hospital in Okemah, Oklahoma, envisioned as a pillar of sustainability. The $56 million property will be complete with LED lighting, low-VOC paint throughout, rammed earth incorporated into exterior materials, and geothermal heating and cooling. For those unfamiliar

design and engineering fields. He helped establish the Lou Canard Navarro Scholarship to further this cause. Shelby and his team are also honored to be involved with the Mayor’s team in the planning for the Arkansas River Corridor in Tulsa that is currently underway, with views of downtown Tulsa and the Arkansas River at River Parks. The dedication to sustainability and architectural improvements of the man at the helm of 1Architecture can be heard in his words and seen in his actions. The results are many extraordinary places and spaces around our area and, no doubt, many more to come. Natalie Nirk is the Home & Fashion Editor of Tulsa Lifestyle and also a registered interior designer with the Oklahoma Board of Architects. NatalieNirkInteriors.com April 2015 | Tulsa Lifestyle

Leave a Book, Take a Book

Promoting literacy, community and the environmental spirit one Little Free Library at a time

ARTICLE LISA ALLEN | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

ne movie that all three of my kids can agree on is “Ferris Beuller’s Day Off.” They even recite lines now and then, including the ubiquitous “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” That quote has now become our standard when we’re driving in a new part of town, though it goes more like this: ‘Little free libraries might be here, Mom! If you don’t stop driving so fast, we might miss them.’ Thousands of Little Free Libraries can be found throughout the United States as well as in places across the globe like Lithuania and Lebanon, Rome and Winnipeg and Sao Paulo and Dublin. As of this writing, there are more than 15,000 Little Free Libraries scattered across the world. 18

Tulsa Lifestyle | April 2015

The original Little Free Library was built to resemble a one room schoolhouse. Todd Bol built it as a tribute to his mother, a former school teacher with a passion for reading. He adorned it with a sign that said ‘free books,’ mounted it on a post in his Hudson, Wisc., yard, and filled it with books. He built more and gave them away, and then joined forces with Rick Brooks of Madison, Wisc. Together, they saw the potential to effect good through the giving and receiving of books. The non-profit organization Little Free Library’s goals are twofold: to promote literacy and the love of reading for both children and adults through free book exchanges worldwide and to promote a sense of community. What started in 2009 as a tribute to one mother has grown into an international movement that not only promotes the love of read-

There is no need for a library card, and there are no due dates or fines, and the selection of books is ever changing. Everyone is encouraged to leave a book or to take a book, and can return it or not, at his or her discretion.

ing, but is also beginning to evolve into walking and biking tours and is, in some places, influencing school curriculum as well as service and social media projects. The Little Free Library concept is not unlike that of a traditional library, though the differences are significant. There is no need for a card, and there are no due dates or fines, and the selection of books is ever changing. Everyone is encouraged to leave a book or to take a book, and can return it or not, at his or her discretion. Even more fun is that each Little Free Library can reflect its owner through its design. Many look like exaggerated birdhouses, but others vary in shape, size and decoration. Official Little Free Libraries are chartered with the non-profit Little Free Library and are included on a comprehensive online map. While there is a fee to obtain a charter, the planning and construction of each unit is left up to the discretion of the owner. Kits are available for purchase, but many opt to use recycled or repurposed items to build a distinctive container that mirrors their reasons behind joining the movement, and several are part of landscape vignettes that include gardens and benches. The Tulsa area is home to one officially-registered Little Free Library located at 1201 N. Garfield Ave. in Sand Springs. Who will be the next to build one here? Come on, Tulsa! Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s build some Little Free Libraries. To learn more and to browse the official Little Free Library map, visit LittleFreeLibrary.org.

Locally Owned

Bring a Little Nature Indoors TULSA AQUARIUM SERVICE CAN HELP YOU CREATE EDUCATIONAL AND ENRICHING OPTIONS ARTICLE BEN WEHR

scape into a world of wonder. Whether it’s a hobby, part of the home décor, or an odorless, allergy-free pet for the kids, aquariums are educational and enriching. If you’re like a lot of people though, thoughts of an aquarium stir up images of green water or memories of uncontrollable fish deaths. You may have vowed never to own an aquarium again. “It’s just not for me.” “They’re too much work.” “I don’t want the kids’ hearts to be broken when the fish die.” Well, I’ve been doing this aquarium thing for a while and I’d like to offer you a bit of aquatic hope and encourage you to dive in, maybe for the first time, maybe with a renewed sense of optimism. I’m Ben Wehr, owner of Tulsa Aquarium Service. I’ve been fascinated with nature all my life and have eagerly sought to build the perfect habitat for the animals I care for. From design and installation, to the day-to-day maintenance, we provide services focused on drawing people into a fascinating world of wonder. Perfect balance and harmony is the goal when creating an environment within a glass box. Let’s take a look at how incredibly awesome an aquarium can be, what impassions me every day, and why I continue creating tiny worlds of wonder for homes and offices in the Tulsa area. There are three unique ecosystems we provide: reef, river and rain forest. I’ll briefly go over the details of each one and hopefully you’ll come away from this wanting an ecosystem experience of your own. REEF

A living reef is perhaps the most colorful and biologically diverse aquarium ecosystem a person can own. From blue starfish, to purple CONTINUED >

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Confident Retirement is not a guarantee of future financial results. Brokerage, investment and financial advisory services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC. © 2014 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.

APRIL 1:

Soledad Barrio & Noche Flamenca

Choregus Productions

Dean Demerritt Jazz Tribe Brown Bag It, PAC Trust

1-29:

Colors of the Day

Photos by Michael McRuiz

3-11:

Godspell

Tulsa Project Theatre

Strings & Pearls

Brown Bag It, PAC Trust

10, 12: Of Mice and Men Tulsa Opera

12:

Modigliani Quartet

15:

David Karimian, CRPC® Financial Advisor

Tulsa Camarata

Brown Bag It, PAC Trust

15-25: The Phantom of the Opera Celebrity Attractions

16-19: Bard Fiction Theatre Pops

17:

Will Shortz

Tulsa Town Hall

17-19: Charlotte’s Web

The Playhouse Tulsa

24-26: Treasure Island

Theatre Tulsa Family

30-5/1: A Devil Inside

Chamber Music Tulsa

Riverfield Country Day School

Discover how you can replace Your Beauty Supplies Your Household Cleaners Your Drinking Water

Just from one device. Complimentary Water Testing - Call today!

Your Water for HealtH, InC. 24: Mannheim Steamroller TICKETS: 918-596-7111 Christmas Celebrity Attractions

OR TULSAPAC.COM

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Locally Owned

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polka dot shrimp, to the infamous orange clownfish and anemone, the life on a reef with its dazzling color is simply astonishing. From a simple 10-gallon reef to a fully automated 500 gallon, there’s a fit for every budget and commitment level. RIVER

Tulsa Showroom 10322 E. 71st Tulsa, OK 74137 / 918.872.7767 Bixby Showroom 7600 E. 151st Bixby, OK 74008 / 918.366.6650

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Our MOttO: It's hard to compete with a mom’s touch.

918-938-8222 www.mommy-maids.com We service Tulsa Metro & the Oklahoma City area. 22

Tulsa Lifestyle | April 2015

Refreshing and invigorating, a beautiful fresh water tank makes you feel just like jumping in. The colors and diversity do not diminish when going from salt to fresh. With a little research and a bit of digging in, a refreshing slice of the Amazon with a school of dashing neon tetras can fit perfectly in your home or office. RAIN FOREST

Perhaps the most exotic of the three ecosystems, the rain forest is the next generation of the planted terrarium. Just picture this: somewhere in your home, maybe the living or dining room is a medium-sized aquarium, a waterfall gently cascades down pebbles on the back wall. To the left and right of this waterfall are stones and wood, some nestled into the mossy backdrop, others reaching toward the front glass. From the top to the bottom of this living back wall you notice ferns, orchids and many other tropical plants. All of a sudden a flash of color draws your eye to the lush carpet of moss blanketing the bottom of the terrarium and there sits a little blue frog. You find yourself captivated and lost in wonder as you stare contently at this perfectly balanced ecosystem. Previously only seen in public zoos and aquariums, terrariums like this are easily obtainable for the average person. Now, if all of these aquarium ecosystems sound intriguing, and you can picture one of the three I’ve described above fitting perfectly in your home or office but you just can’t see yourself taking the time, effort or money to figure out how to do it, well that’s okay. That’s what I’m BEN WEHR here for. Tulsa Aquarium Service AFD Aquarium Services specializes in providing the ideal TulsaAquariumService.com aquarium for your life and life918.282.0158 style and we would love to create an awesome aquarium with you.

Exceptional Kitchen and Bath Design and Remodeling Visit our new location in The Farm Shopping Center 6502 E 51st Street | chdkitchenandbath.com | 918-949-9017

SEA-DOO: FOR EVERYONE WHO DREAMS OF FUN ON THE WATER. Say hello to the Sea-Doo Spark, our latest watercraft. It is easy to own, easy to tow – thanks to its light weight and compact size, and is an absolute blast to ride. Plus, it comes in a variety of colors and customization options, so you can flash some personality and make it your own. ®

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Say hello to the Sea-Doo Spark, our latest watercraft. It is easy to own, easy to tow – thanks to its light weight and compact size, and is an absolute blast to ride. Plus, it comes in a variety of colors and customization options, so you can flash some personality and make it your own. ®

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©2015 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP). All rights reserved. ™, ® and the BRP logo are trademarks of Bombardier Recreational Products or its affiliates. Products are distributed in the USA by BRP US Inc. Always ride safely and responsibly. Not all riding conditions are appropriate for inexperienced or beginner riders. 2107610

April 2015 | Tulsa Lifestyle

Water & Woods

An Ode to Begonias AMONG SPRING FLOWER CHOICES FOR OKLAHOMA WEATHER, THIS MAY BE THE ONE FOR YOU ARTICLE REBECCA ECKERT

pringtime is here and that means it is time to plant flowers. The fall pansies are waning, the grass is greener, the weather is nicer and the flowerbeds need some sprucing. Choosing the flower you want to plant can be a daunting task and there are many things to take into consideration. Are your flowerbeds sunny or shady? Do you want to water daily, weekly or merely whenever you remember? Do you want to just admire your beautiful beds as you leave and arrive home or do you want to be out interacting with your flowers everyday? From high maintenance flowers to low, there is an option out there for you. Impatiens are a great choice if you have a lot of shade, but they take quite a bit of care. They need to be kept moist; not too wet or deadly fungal diseases will develop and not too dry or they will loose their leaves. They are also prone to getting thrips, tiny winged bugs that will eat the impatiens. Petunias are another popular choice for spring planting. They like the sun and don’t have to be watered obsessively, but they do require you to remove dead blooms so they can create new ones. Petunias are also less tolerant of heat than other options and the rabbits love to eat them. A third choice for spring planting is a flower that can withstand the hot Oklahoma summer and is low maintenance. A flower for those of us that want our yards to look pretty but don’t want to be out deadheading flowers, sweeping up dead blooms, dealing with bugs, and checking soil moisture levels every day. Let me introduce you to… the begonia. The begonia has a perpetual bloom that lasts from spring until fall. Some love the sun and some thrive in the shade. In order to water begonias, you drench the flowerbed then don’t worry about 24

Tulsa Lifestyle | April 2015

it again until the soil is dry, meaning they are tolerant of moisture swings. They beautifully withstand the hot and dry Oklahoma summers and they do not usually get bugs. Did you know that the choices in begonias aren’t limited to just color? One of your options is leaf color. The green or “light” leaf begonia is great for areas with more shade and the bronze or “dark” leaf begonias love the sun. You can also order them like you would order a cocktail: Vodka, Whiskey, Tequila or Gin anyone? Begonia size is another option you may not have known about. You can get big, super, or dragon wing begonias. Big and super begonias are just what their name implies, you can go big or you can super size them. Dragon wing begonias cover more ground and look the prettiest in the shade. If you are like me, and you really dislike bugs and don’t always remember to water flowers regularly, the begonia may be the flower for you. Whichever flower you choose this spring, just remember to take into consideration where you are planting them, how much time you are willing to spend caring for them, and how much of a visual impact you want. A final thought about spring planting to keep in mind is that you should wait until after the chances of overnight frosts have passed. A good rule of thumb is to wait until mid April. This is Oklahoma and our weather can be quite unpredictable! Rebecca Eckert, a wife and mother of two, is a Tulsa native with a degree in psychology from Northeastern State University. She loves spending her free time with family, volunteering, or baking and loves the pursuit of a great book and an amazing pair of shoes.

Tulsa’s most experienced staff of Emergency and Critical Care Veterinarians, Registered Veterinary Technicians and Assistants stand ready 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to take care of YOUR pets’ emergency medical needs.

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www.aectulsa.com April 2015 | Tulsa Lifestyle

Sold Properties

Recently SOLD Tulsa Properties NEIGHBORHOOD

SALES PRICE

BDRMS

F/H BATH GARAGE CAP.

YEAR BUILT

SQ. FT.

LOT SQ. FT.

Forest Park South

$1,075,000

6/2

1988

9,772

45,134

Sequoyah Hill II

$925,000

5/3

2008

6,587

15,880

Highland Park Estates

$870,000

3/1

1952

4,755

14,280

Brook at Stone Bluff

$860,000

5/1

2014

6,000

15,746

Berwick Fairways

$750,000

4/3

2011

5,416

11,272

Bolewood Acres

$700,000

4/1

1988

4,678

21,644

Sunset Terrace

$653,000

2/2

1925

4,880

11,767

Berwick Fairways II

$620,000

3/1

2014

4,500

11,302

The Estates of Forest Park $610,000

3/2

1993

5,209

27,221

Southern Park Estates

$576,000

5/1

1995

5,299

17,369

Devonshire at Graystone

$565,000

5/1

2003

5,326

45,930

Sunset Park

$500,000

3/1

1920

3,140

8,905

*Information not disclosed. Source: Tulsa NORES MLS. 02/1/15 -02/28/15

“Call me for a more comprehensive analysis of your neighborhood!”

Brian Frere

918.298.6900 | bfrere@cox.net April 2015 | Tulsa Lifestyle

April Lifestyle Calendar

whose story demonstrates character, confidence and courage. The event supports the Girls Scout Leadership Experience in Oklahoma. GSEOK.org/jlls or call 918.745.5202 for tickets.

APRIL 5, 6

APRIL 18

HOUSEHOLD POLLUTANT COLLECTION EVENT

BOOTS AND BLUES FOR A CAUSE

EXPO SQUARE

HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO

The M.E.T. will collect residential waste/pollutants including expired medications from citizens from Bixby, Broken Arrow, Glenpool, Jenks, Owasso, Sand Springs, Collinsville, Claremore, Tulsa and Tulsa County. Call 918.584.0584.

Wear your blues and put on those boots for a western good time! You’re invited to a great night of “heel kickin” fun, all benefitting Joy in the Cause, a non-profit 501c3 charity whose mission is to provide care, compassion, and joy one personal act of kindness at a time.Channel 6’s LeAnne will emcee and “Cowgirl” Mavis Pearl will be the canine hostess for the evening. JoyInTheCause.org

APRIL 6 BOTANIC GARDENS AROUND THE WORLD

APRIL 20

SAINT SIMEON’S

Tulsa Botanic Garden President and CEO Dr. Todd Lasseigne presents this informative event at 6 p.m. 3701 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Tulsa, 74106. RSVP 918.794.1945 or lmorris@saintsimeons.org. FREE

PARTY FOR THE PLANET TULSA ZOO

The Tulsa Zoo invites you to a ‘Party for the Planet’ the whole family will enjoy! Celebrate our planet at the Tulsa Zoo with green-themed activities for kids. 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. TulsaZoo.org

APRIL 16 EARTH DAY FAIR

APRIL 21

TULSA

THE MECHANICS BEHIND

From 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at 500 S Main, Bartlett Sq. Information on all aspects of environmental living and business and live music. Hosted by Metropolitan Environmental Trust. MetRecycle.com

THE ENERGY INDUSTRY POLO GRILL RESTAURANT

APRIL 16 JULIETTE LOW LEADERSHIP SOCIETY CELEBRATION LUNCHEON SOUTHERN HILLS COUNTRY CLUB

The Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma invites you to the event featuring guest speaker Jessica Buchanan, a childhood Girl Scout

Ever wonder about the events and financial mechanics behind the energy industry and our current oil prices? Come join us for an informational evening to address questions on this popular topic, and more. Free event. Hosted by Karimian & Associates, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. For more information call 918.388.2000, or visit AmeripriseAdvisors.com/Sylvia.j.karimian.

I know... It’s only “Rock ‘n Stone”... But, I like it...

410 S Peoria Ave, Tulsa, OK 74120 28

Tulsa Lifestyle | April 2015

Family Owned and Operated

918.592.1234 visionstile.com

THIS MONTH LET US PAY YOUR

SALES TAX

9922 S. Riverside Parkway Tulsa, OK 74137

www.LuxeTulsa.com

918.459.8950

Home & business moves Local & long distance moves Free, no-obligation estimates Competitively priced boxes & packing supplies Trained, professional & uniformed movers

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK速 Tulsa

918.771.4049 twomenandatrucktulsa.com Each franchise is individually owned & operated. U.S. DOT No. 1632967 | MC 705022

April 2015 | Tulsa Lifestyle

business directory ANIMALS & ANIMAL CARE

ENTERTAINMENT & RECREATION

Tulsa Aquarium Service (918) 282-0158 Tulsaaquariumservice.com

Tulsa Performing Arts Center (918) 596-7111 tulsapac.com

ART & PHOTOGRAPHY

FINANCIAL SERVICES & PLANNING

Animal Emergency Center (918) 665-0508 aec-tulsa.com

Defining Image Photography (918) 231-0933 definingimagephotography.com Foshay Photographers (918) 384-9422 foshayphotographers.com

AUTOMOTIVE

SiSameonin,ts

Downtown

Utica Square

7.8 mi.

Tulsa

St. Francis Hospital 14 mi.

“I love it here at Saint Simeon’s!

It’s just a short dri ve from many of my

favorite destinations,

including Utica Squar e.” –Resident Kay Herrin g

Four Levels of Assisted Living, including Assisted Living Plus Independent Living Memory Center HealthCare Center Skilled Nusing 918-425-3583 | www.saintsimeons.org

Karimian & Associates (918) 388-2003 karimianadvisors.com Privatised Banking, LLC (918) 688-7906 PrivatisedBanking.com

Sinclair Dino Lube (918) 806-8656 sinclairdinolube.com

HEALTH & WELLNESS Your Water for Health Inc. (918) 951-0601 yourwaterforhealth.com

HOME BUILDERS

Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma & REMODELERS (918) 749-2551 Carriage House Design Inc gseok.org (918) 949-9017 chdkitchenandbath.com

EDUCATION

Grade Power (918) 250-5500 gradepowerlearning.com

Cobblestone Homes, Inc. (918) 640-7252 cobblestonehomesok.com

Holland Hall (918) 481-1111 hollandhall.org

NichTech Roofing (918) 283-2001 nichtechroofsystems.com

Metro Christian Academy (918) 745-9868 metroca.com

Tom’s Outdoor Living (918) 695-1653 tomsoutdoorliving.com

Saint Simeon’s is a mission of the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma

Tulsa Lifestyle | April 2015

Quarter_3.66x5_Tulsa_Lifestyle.indd 1

First Mortgage Company (918) 496-2241 firstmortgageco.com

Shaggy’s Power Sports (918) 251-2553 shaggyspowersports.com

COMMUNITY EVENTS & ORGANIZATIONS

4 mi.

Dave & Busters - Tulsa (918) 449-3100 daveandbusters.com

1/29/15 2:30 PM

Visions Tile & Stone (918) 592-1234

innovative • timeless • stylish

Cobblestone Homes, Inc. Luxury Custom Homes and Renovations

pictured home now available ~ 7916 S. Frisco

918-640-7252 | CobblestoneHomesOK.com

Call Belinda Tucker for details: 918-698-4418

We give you

Renovate your homeowners policy.

fast service

so you can get back on the road. Bring in thiS Ad And reCeive

10% off Brent Hagar, Agent 324 W Main Street Jenks, OK 74037 Bus: 918-299-8855 www.brenthagar.com

Great insurance. Low rates. Remodeling your home can increase its value. Protect it by taking a new look at your homeowners insurance policy. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. CALL ME TODAY. ®

your next service

f/SinclairAutoCenter Fast service • Warranty on all Work done • Free estimates Full service & repair shop • complete detailing available

4 convenient Locations in the tuLsa area tuLsa

owasso

9724 E. 81st Street

9700 N. 119th E. Avenue

(81st & Mingo)

(off of 96th St. North next to Lowes)

Tulsa, Ok 74133

Owasso, OK 74055

918-461-8382

918-274-0676

Broken arrow 1031 N. 9th Street

1325 E. Kenosha

(71st & Lynn Lane next to Rocket Brothers)

(East of Lynn Lane on 71st with Hanks carwash)

Broken Arrow, OK 74012 Broken Arrow, Ok 74012

0901136.1

State Farm Fire and Casualty Company, State Farm General Insurance Company, Bloomington, IL

918-258-5823

918-286-3522

April 2015 | Tulsa Lifestyle

business directory $125.00 OFF Good toward any upgrade or with order of eight (8) windows or more. Expires 6-30-2015.

Complimentary Design Consultation • Free In-Home Estimates Showroom open by appointment.

OklahomaShutters.com

918.366.6419

HOME DESIGN & FURNISHINGS

MEDICAL CLINICS & FACILITIES

Luxe Furniture & Design (918) 459-8950 luxetulsa.com

OTHER

Knotty Rug (913) 677-1877 knottyrug.com

Natalie Nirk Interior Design (918) 637-1335 natalienirkinteriors.com Oklahoma Shutters (918) 366-6419 oklahomashutters.com The Refuge Lifestyle (918) 872-7767 shoptherefuge.com

HOME SERVICES

Mid America Storm Shelters (918) 227-1919 midamericashelters.com/ Mommy-Maids (918) 938-8222 mommy-maids.com Two Men And A Truck - Tulsa (918) 234-2636 twomenandatrucktulsa.com

INSURANCE

State Farm - Brent Hagar (918) 299-8855 brenthagar.com

The story of your life is often told by Photographs. Family, friends and special moments fill the pages of that story. Remember these cherished moments with the fine art of photography. Schedule your session today!

918.384.9422

FoshayPhotographers.com 32

Tulsa Lifestyle | April 2015

LEGAL SERVICES Wells Law, PLLC (918) 392-4030 wellslawtulsa.com

Hillcrest Healthcare Systems (918) 585-8000 hillcrest.com Gold Star Referral Clubs (918) 933-4864 GoldStarClubs.com

PROPERTY & REAL ESTATE

Brian Frere Home Team (918) 298-6900 brianfrere.com McGraw Realtors - Ronda Butler (918) 361-6231

SENIOR LIVING & SERVICES First Call (Tulsa) (918) 665-1011 my-firstcall.com

Saint Simeon’s Senior Community (918) 425-3583 saintsimeons.org

SPECIALTY SHOPS Look Eyecare & Eyewear (918) 992-5337 looktulsa.com/

TRAVEL & LEISURE

The Campbell Hotel & Event Center/Maxwells Restaurant (918) 744-5500 thecampbellhotel.com

Just storm-Proof It! Stone Coated Steel RoofS

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the last roof you wIll ever buy! 3 3 3 Lifetime Performance in All Climates Dampens Exterior Noise Class “A” Fire Code Rating 3 Withstands Winds Exceeding 170 mph 3 Designed to Protect Your Home Against Contraction Damage 3 Can Be Installed over Existing Wood Shingle, Shake or Composition Roofs 3 Class 4 Hail Resistant Rating 3 High Quality 26-gauge Galvalume Steel

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mid america storm shelters Safety hatch induStrial leader features our unique Gravity Lock

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call today to Get your Shelter! 918.227.1919 midamericaShelterS.com April 2015 | Tulsa Lifestyle

Parting Thoughts

Spring Planting: A Family Affair WORDS REBECCA ECKERT

t our house, planting the flowerbeds is something we do as a family. The kids help decide what colors to plant, they haul flats, dig in the dirt, and water in the new flowers. It is an activity we have done since our kids were babies, so when planting day is near they know it and enjoy being involved. You see, flowers aren’t “just flowers” to my family--they are our livelihood. I didn’t know much about flowers until I married into the family that owns and operates Sunnyside Greenhouse in Bixby. Through my husband, I’ve unintentionally learned more than I ever thought I would need to know about growing, planting and caring for flowers. Now, we aren’t talking flower shop flowers in beautiful arrangements, we are talking down and dirty, 150-degree greenhouses, pH-balanced fertilizers, strategic watering and constant flower monitoring. The spring growing season starts in late January and each tiny little plug is hand planted into specially mixed dirt. Flats full of plugs get put into greenhouses where they get watered and babied until they go to their forever family. They are a 7-day-aweek, 24-hours-a-day concern until the last flat has left and the last greenhouse empty. Growing flowers is definitely a labor of love--long days of dirt, sweat and draining physical work, constant worry about weather conditions and how they might affect the growing plants. Greenhouses have to be heated for portions of the night then vented out during the sunny parts of the day. The process is a little like parenthood for those who grow flowers for a living. Which is why at our house, we refer to the plants as “Dad’s babies.”

Tulsa Lifestyle | April 2015

Living the greenhouse life is about more than just beautiful flowers. More often than not, it means that our weekends revolve around watering schedules, weather conditions and even sunsets. If a storm is brewing, it’s not uncommon to see the four of us plus the dog hustling to help close up greenhouses to protect the baby plants before the storm actually rolls in. Our family outings often end up being detoured by driving around to see “Dad’s babies” so we all get a visual reminder of the results of the time and stress of the seasons. We get to teach our kids about hard work and how nothing comes for free, just ask my daughter who has been punished for acting spoiled by having to help out at the greenhouse for a few hours over her spring break. Our television watching can even revolve around flowers. I laugh every time we are watching a movie or TV and I hear comments from my husband like, “Check out the bougainvillea on that house!” or “Those are the biggest hydrangeas I’ve ever seen!” Having a husband who grows plants for a living isn’t always a bed of roses, it can be quite stressful to have the household completely on my shoulders for over half of the year, but like many families, we just keep our sense of humor and wait it out. So, we’ll buckle down and plow our way through this year’s spring growing and selling season, so we can enjoy our summer . . . at least until pansy season begins in August! Rebecca Eckert, a wife and mother of two, is a Tulsa native with a degree in psychology from Northeastern State University. She loves spending her free time with family, volunteering or baking and loves the pursuit of a great book and an amazing pair of shoes.

WELLS LAW Practical legal SolutionS, BeSt PoSSiBle reSultS

call 918-392-4030 Foreclosure Defense • Litigation Probate • Estate Planning 320 S. Boston avenue, Suite 1026 tulsa, oklahoma 74103

WellsLawTulsa.com April 2015 | Tulsa Lifestyle

Featured Property

price: $1,175,000

0ld world

Charm

This 5,225 sq. ft. 2008 Midtown home features Italian gate library doors, fine woodwork, and a wine cellar that will appeal to the sophisticated buyer. Open floor plan with gorgeous kitchen and great entertainment space! Relax or welcome guests in privacy by the outdoor fireplace and enjoy the fountain, swimming pool, spa and year-round landscape. Ronda Butler & Associates is a premier, top-producing real estate team that specializes in luxury homes in the Midtown and South Tulsa areas.

Please call us at 918.361.6231 to receive a Comparable Market Analysis for your property.

Ronda Butler & Associates 308 N Aspen Avenue Broken Arrow, OK 74012