Holiday Gift Ideas from Brookside!

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What makes the best holiday gifts?  To me, it’s receiving something that’s a bit of a splurge that I wouldn’t normally  buy for myself.  Most everyone is more conservative with spending these days, so a little luxury type  gift that lifts spirits is so appreciated.  On my splurge list:  top quality coffee, a beautiful Christmas serving dish, fragrant soaps and lotions, pretty patterned leather gloves, a pedicure, hand made earrings.  As you are rushing around this week looking for those last minute presents, keep the splurge gift idea in mind.  And of course…shop Brookside!  Lots of splurge  —  and practical — gifts here.  Plus, the service is so much better than a cranky generic mall clerk and many shops offer free holiday wrap.  Read on for a few last minute gift suggestions from my neighborhood:

For Mom:  A night off from cooking!  Pick up a gift card from Carmen’s Cafe , Bella Napoli or Cosentino’s.

Jewelry  — or just about anything–from Stuff

Christmas decor from The Fiddly Fig

For Dad:   A massage from Massage Point, haircut from Brookside Barber Shop, services from Rydell Tailor.

For Grandma:  Scarf, jewelry or scented soaps from Worlds Window

Glass dishes from Shop Beautful

Scented candles from 5B Candlemaker

For Gen X and Y:  Gift card to Julian or The Roasterie

For kids:            Books from Reading Reptile

Card Games from Brookside Toy and Science

Bunch of hair ribbons from The New Dime Store

Gift card from Baskin Robbins/Topsy’s

I hope you find these suggestions helpful.  Shopping in Brookside isn’t a dreaded chore–you’ll find just about everything you need right here, with your dollars staying in the local economy.  Happy holidays and I hope your stocking is stuffed with a splurge gift for you!

It’s Christmastime and I Miss My Kids

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On Saturday I was baking gingerbread cookies for a cookie exchange party.  It was chilly and rainy, the kitchen radio playing good tunes, I was working the dough and then, shades of sadness moved in.  My kids are now old enough so that baking Christmas cookies with Mom is no longer an annual event.  They were gone, one working at the Dime Store, the other on the Plaza with friends. I was alone.

Naturally I started to think about all the holiday memories with the girls when they were small.   As we would drive through Brookside at night, Erin would shout out from her car seat “the lights, the lights!” all the way home.  We would make little gingerbread houses from graham crackers, frosting and candies.  I still have written Christmas lists, dictated to their babysitter, asking for ‘clicky-clacky shoes’ and a Barbie dreamhouse.  Erin cried for the first few years visiting the Crown Center Santa; I remember Siena stepping right up to plop on his lap. They would fight over who would put the angel on the top of the tree, and we would  leave out food for the reindeer as well as the Big Man.  On Christmas morning, they would carefully read each gift tag, stacking up the presents, so anxious to see what’s inside while Dad and I tortured them by saying ‘no gift opening until the coffee is ready!’.  We would drive for miles and miles over two days, visiting relatives and coming home late, both kids blissfully asleep in their car seats, holiday music on the radio. They were two normal kids, so excited about everything Christmas brings–not just the gifts but the music, the neighborhood decorations, the visits from friends, watching the holiday TV specials and….the annual tradition of making and decorating cookies with Mom. 

Well,  the kids are still here…not for long…and I’m still making Christmas cookies.  It’s mostly  a solo project now.  But the tradition will continue, as I know they will always enjoy eating them!  And although they aren’t around to help out,  it’s wistfully  sentimental to think about the memories of when they were kids at Christmastime. Those memories will out last the cookies…

How To Start Growing Your Business with Social Media

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I’ve been blogging for a couple of years now.  At first I thought, why should I blog? Because everyone else is doing it?  I  struggle with content and copy, trying to make it sound informative and friendly.  But because I run my own business, it was something I wanted to try to see if it would bring me more customers.  And it has. So with this blog I am going to credit my friend and social media consultant Mic Johnson at Blue Gurus for the inspiration to use social media to grow my business.

Mic Johnson of Blue Gurus

Mic Johnson, Social Media Coach at Blue Gurus

If you are already using social media to market your business, this blog is not for you.  For those of you who are not using it…you know you should be.  How to get started?  Why get started?  That’s what this blog is about.

I’m addressing the boomer generation and older here…those who just don’t see why they should spend time on various social media platforms.  Their business has succeeded without using these tools, why start now? They see social media as a chore, a time waster that may or may not bring measurable results. But using these tools is now a fundamental and permanent change in the way that companies do business.  Do you want people to know what is happening with your business…or don’t you?

If you know you need help getting on the social media rocket, Mic Johnson at Blue Gurus can help you. Plan  a consultation with them.   Blue Gurus is a young company, dedicated to helping small businesses implement a cohesive and comprehensive social media strategy that emphasizes a consistent message.  Yes, this is an obvious plug for Blue Gurus.  But they are different:  because of the way they work with their customers.  They don’t just sit down with the boss, take a few notes and come back later with everything up and running.  They take the time to show you how to work social media, step by step.  Talking with you and your employees, you learn how to create a LinkedIn profile, how to manipulate your WordPress website (which they will set up for you—see what they did for DowntownKC), how to manage your Twitter account and Facebook page, how to create a blog and tips for writing one.  Blue Gurus knows you have to work at social media to get it to work for you…and they will get you started.

Remember,  you have to keep up with your social media message… I think that’s the hardest part. It will pay off.  It has for me, and I’m nowhere near an expert at it.  I think the biggest benefit from using social media is that others can get a sense for your personality and get to know you before they contact you.  They will get ‘a feel’ for you and your services.  People will do business with people they like—social media can make that happen. And it can be an enjoyable, rewarding experience with the help of Mic at Blue Gurus.

Protect Your Brookside Home from Burglaries

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Last night I attended a Brookside/Waldo networking event at the Metro Patrol division of the KCMO Police Dept at 7601 Prospect.  The first bit of news I heard on arrival was that the cops had caught the guy who robbed McClain’s Bakery–twice!  They were waiting for him on the second event and picked up the perp the same day.  Thank you, officers, for your diligent policing of Brookside and our neighborhood shops.

I also talked to office John Trainor, who runs the Residential Surveys program for the department. This is a complimentary service, where John comes to your home and spends thirty minutes or so surveying your property from a security perspective. He will offer suggestions on ways to discourage burglars from making your house a target.  Usually these appointments are scheduled Monday through Friday, 11am-2pm, contact John via email to schedule a visit:  john.trainor@kcpd.org.

Another interesting fact I learned last night about break-ins:  50% of burglars go through the front door!  First they knock to see if anyone is home–if no answer, they will kick in the front door.  I asked about these thick, old Brookside doors–John said they are relatively easy to kick in, especially if the deadbolt is less than one inch long.  Also, most burglaries occur during the day rather than at night–I thought just the opposite.  Finally, approximately twenty cars per day are broken into in Kansas City MO.  Lock your car and don’t leave anything inside of value!

I hope this information is helpful to you–I’m going to schedule a visit with John at my own home.  Be proactive about protecting the contents of your home and vehicles–it just takes a little extra effort!

Why Old Brookside is Still Trendy

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A couple of days ago the New York Times ran an editorial titled “The Death of the Fringe Suburb”.  You can read it (link below)  for a few days; I am not shortening the link so  if it doesn’t connect  you can search for it on the New York Times website:

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/26/opinion/the-death-of-the-fringe-suburb.html?emc=eta1

The author, Christopher Bleinberger, makes several points that are relevant to our local housing market in the metro area and specifically Brookside.  Much of the housing boom in the late 90s through 2006 was high-end housing in outer ring suburbs (think of all the development near 159th and Metcalf,  Platte County, western Shawnee).  Since the crash, much of this housing is sitting empty–as the middle class lost jobs and gas prices outpace inflation, buyers (what few there are now) re-thought buying a home 20-30 miles from city amenities and office locations.

And who is today’s buyer?  The National Association of Realtors says one half of the total population now are baby boomers (born between 1946 – 1964) and Millenials (born between 1979 – 1996).  These buyers want urban downtown areas and suburban town centers (places like Prairie Village, Brookside, the Plaza area, Leawood). They want to walk to shops and restaurants, bike ride to amenities, use public transportation and not spend lots of time in the car. Mr. Bleinberger stresses that governments must give money to what’s known as ‘alternative transportation’ – buses, light rail, bike lanes–rather than only funding freeways and outer roads to nowhere.

I see this buying pattern with my own clients.  I am working with Millenials and Boomers, and both want the same thing:  updated homes in a neighborhood within a 15 minute drive of the office and walking distance of a grocery store, coffee shop, parks and other everyday city amenities.  They do not want the cookie cutter homes of the far-flung suburbs, which are generally built with cheaper materials than older homes.

That brings us to Brookside…and why this area (as well as Leawood, Plaza, Prairie Village, etc) will always be a desirable place to live.  For those homeowners who keep their properties updated and well-maintained, there will always be buyers waiting to make an offer.  Since 1920, homeowners have valued a Brookside address…and they will continue to do so for the next hundred years. What will the fringe suburbs look like 10 to 50 years from now??

Thanksgiving 2011–Community Events near Brookside

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Happy Thanksgiving weekend!  It will be over before you know it.  Take some time with your family to visit one of these big community events over the next few days.  Yes, there will be crowds..but as the years pass, it’s these activities you do with family and friends that make such great memories!

Country Club Plaza Lighting Ceremony, tonight 6-7pm.  Erin Stonestreet from “Modern Family” will flip the switch this evening. The mild weather will bring out larger crowds.  Don’t try to park on the Plaza–leave the car along one of the residential streets nearby and walk over to the ceremony.  Or stop by later this evening after dinner…the walk feels especially good after a big meal.

The Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting at Crown Center, Friday at 5:30.  Crown Center is stunning lit up for the holidays!  Remember the Ice Terrace is open as well.  Parking is trickier in this area–arrive very early or park along the street and walk to Crown Center Square.

Luminary Walk at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Friday 5-9pm.  This is my personal favorite outing over the holiday weekend.  Such a simple idea–placing luminaries along the walk–produces a magical scene visible from the streets as you drive by.   It’s a leisurely walk, and you usually see someone you know on the path.  Again, park on one of the residential side streets to avoid the frustrations of trying to park in the garage.

And what about Brookside??  The lighting of the Brookside Christmas Tree is Thursday, December 1 from6-8pm.  Refreshments, prizes and a choir will really get you in the holiday mood.  Near 63rd Street and Brookside Blvd.

Have a safe and happy weekend!

Gift Baskets Featuring Trader Joe’s Products!

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Trader Joe’s…the newest hot spot in Kansas City!  Everybody loves Trader Joe’s..but did you know, they DO NOT offer gift baskets??  But we do!

A friend and I are making gift baskets full of Trader Joe’s products for the holiday season (or any suitable occasion!).  Prices range from $30 up to $100..we have several themes (Italian Feast, Breakfast Basket, Snack Attack, Coffee Lover’s..) and we can customize to your specifications as well. We even have a basket for your favorite pooch!

It’s the perfect gift idea this year…for corporate gifts, client appreciation, a hostess gift or for that someone who’s difficult to buy for–kids like TJ’s snacks, older adults appreciate the quality of the quick fix meal offerings, guys who want munchies during football season–endless possibilities!

All of our baskets are made to order and are wrapped in shrink wrap.  We do request 48 hours notice for orders. 

Interested?  Contact me for more information and a brochure.  It’s an easy gift that anyone will appreciate!

Armour Hills 2011 Annual Homes Association Meeting-Recap

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Last night was the annual Armour Hills Homes Association meeting.  Approximately fifty people attended.  Special thanks to The Roasterie and McClain’s Bakery for providing us refreshments!  Here is a brief recap of what was presented and discussed:

Since the current board took over in January, we have improved the finances of the homes assocation, put a snow removal plan in place, reduced costs with our annual maintenence contracts and now have advertising in the Clarion   newsletter.  We have applied for four PIAC grants and should know early next year if we will be awarded any money.

Two board members were re-elected to their current positions:  Gunnar Hand as City Liason and myself as Codes Enforcement officer.

Councilpersons Jan Marcuson, John Glover and John Sharp attended the meeting, and they all spoke about the new redistricting plan. Marcuson and Glover seem fine with the plan–which is that our  homes association will no longer be in their district (the fourth district) but will move to the 6th district (represented by John Sharp).  Mr Sharp is totally against the proposed map outlinging the new districts.  Many Armour Hills  homeowners (and other homes associations south of 59th St) are against this new plan as well.  We feel it would cut Brookside in half as a cohesive neighborhood.  There could be financial implications as well, because of redistributed tax dollars and PIAC money.  There will be a public hearing on the redistricting plan November 30, 6pm at City Hall.  The general feeling is there is quite a bit of back door political manuvering going on with this proposed plan.

Our plans for 2012 include establishing an active Block Watch on each street with an active Block Captain.  We also hope to improve communication with our residents next year through an updated website, adding a Facebook page and updated email blast lists.

Thanks to all AH residents and City Council persons who attended last night.

Private Insurance for Sewer Line Breaks?

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Here in the older homes area of the metro KC area, many of the sewer lines from home to the main line in the street are made of clay tiles.  These lines are decades old, they are prone to collapsing and deterioating, plus underground tree roots can invade and block the lines.  Today in the Kansas City Star I was reading about private insurance premium homeowners can purchase that provides a warranty on this type of repair. You can read the entire story here.

According to the article, Roeland Park and Prairie Village are offering the services of a private company that issues a warranty to protect homeowners from paying thousands of dollars if their is a break in the sewer line between the house and the connection to the main sewer line. The information is sent using the city’s logo on the letter and as the return address. It looks like the city is endorsing or possibly providing the warranty–but it’s not. The municipality does get a rebate from the cost of the premium. In Roeland Park and Prairie Village, Service Line Warranties is providing the service for $59 per year.  Later in the story, it mentions another company that will offer a warranty for KCMO and Overland Park residents.

It’s true that replacing a sewer line will cost thousands of dollars. Typically, this repair is not covered by homeowners insurance.  When purchasing a home, many buyers have a plumbing service scope the line with a camera during inspections to see if there are any potential problems. Paying the cost of this warranty sounds like inexpensive protection against a potential pricey repair.

These are several  questions you should ask of the warranty company before purchasing this service:
Who are the contractors that replace the line? Can you chose from a list?
What number do you call for service? How quick is the response time? How long does it take to replace the line? What are the limits on payment? Is the work guaranteed? Is the warranty transferable to another homeowner? Also ask for references from others who have had to make claims on the service, and get a copy of the contract before deciding whether to buy.

It’s a bit sketchy to have the city’s logo on the letterhead and envelope…they have a financial stake in how many customers sign up for the service, and having the city’s endorsement surely influences homeowners to sign up. Still, for those homeowners living in the older parts of the metro area , it could be  worth checking out the offer…carefully!

Annual Armour Hills Board Meeting/Recent Burglaries

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Fellow Armour Hills residents–the Kansas City MO Police Department has confirmed there were six burglaries last Saturday night into early Sunday morning on 69th St, 69th Terrace and Rockhill Road. Only one home was occupied at the time.  The same person is believed to have committed all the break-ins.  The description is a young black male, about 120 lbs, acting alone and on foot.  Please be vigilant keeping your doors and windows locked, lights on, and look around while getting in and out of your vehicle and/or home.  Report anything you see that looks suspicious!

Also mark your calendar for the 2011 Annual Meeting next week:  Thursday November 17 at 7pm at the Country Club Congregational Church, 205 W 65th St.  We will conduct the election of board members, discuss the budget, goals for next year and recap our accomplishments for 2011.  We hope to see you there!