Real Estate

Real Estate Terms Explained

Buyer TermsBuying a home comes with a learning curve, especially if it has been a while. Understanding these buyer-focused terms can help the process feel clearer and more manageable.Pre-ApprovalA pre-approval confirms how much a lender is willing to loan based on income, credit, and assets. It helps buyers shop confidently and strengthens their offers.Down PaymentThe portion of the purchase price paid upfront at closing. Different loan programs require different down payment amounts.Earnest...

Real Estate

Thinking About Downsizing?

If downsizing has been on your mind lately, even in passing, you are not alone. Most people do not wake up one day and decide it is time. It usually starts with small moments. Rooms that no longer get used. Maintenance that feels more tiring than it used to. A quiet thought of, there might be an easier way to live.Downsizing is not about rushing or giving something up. It is about finding a home that fits where you are now.Here are a few signs I often see when people start to feel ready.1. YOU...

Real Estate

What Adds the Most Value Before Listing Your Home

What Adds the Most Value Before Listing Your HomeThe upgrades that add the most value are not usually the biggest or most expensive. They are the ones that improve first impressions, condition, and buyer confidence.1. Fresh, Neutral PaintThis is consistently the highest return improvement. Fresh paint makes a home feel clean, bright, and move in ready. It helps buyers focus on the space rather than what needs to be done.2. Strong Curb AppealBuyers form opinions before they walk inside. Trimmed...

Professional Services

Diamonds Direct:

Where Luxury Meets a Giving Heart Article by Jamie Segall | Photography by Provided The holidays are a season for giving, and at Diamonds Direct, generosity isn’t just seasonal, it’s part of the company’s DNA. Known not only for its stunning jewelry but also for its deep commitment to the community, Diamonds Direct has spent years proving that luxury and philanthropy can go hand in hand. “At Diamonds Direct, giving back is part of our DNA,” says Brodie Wallace, Brand Ambassador of Diamonds...

Professional Services

Home for the Holidays

Kansas City design icon opens charming Midtown shop celebrating timeless beauty, friendship, and festive warmth. Article by Lauren Powers | Photography by Janie Jones If you’ve lived around Kansas City long enough, chances are Nell Hill’s has played a part in your story. The scent of candles, the clinking of vintage glassware, the bustle of women carrying shopping bags brimming with possibility. And at the center of it all was Mary Carol Garrity, the woman who made classic, comfortable style...

Auto + Marine

Driving Kansas City Forward:

Aristocrat Motors Expands Its Legacy Article by Allison Swan | Photography by Provided When it comes to luxury vehicles in Kansas City, Aristocrat Motors has long set the bar. Known for its world-class lineup of Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Jaguar, Land Rover, Alfa Romeo, BMW, Volkswagen, and Maserati, Aristocrat delivers an experience built on craftsmanship, performance, and personalized service. Centrally located in Merriam, Aristocrat serves drivers across the metro, from Merriam and Leawood to...

Arts + Culture

The Bam Bam Room KC

Where Mahjong Meets Community Photography by Janie Jones The Bam Bam Room KC in Leawood is bringing people together through the timeless game of Mahjong. This newly opened parlor blends beauty, tradition, and community, offering a welcoming space for players of all ages to gather, learn, and connect. The moment you walk in the Bam Bam Room KC you will find tables set with elegant Mahjong boards, beautifully crafted tiles, and detailed accessories that make each game feel special. The...

Event Planning + Services

Illuminate your holiday season at the Luminary Walk!

The spirit of the season comes alive with this Christmas tradition. Article by Judy Spaar | Photography by Provided There is nothing more magical than immersing yourself in the shimmering light fantasy experience at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens! You and your family can visit through December 30th. This Luminary Walk began wowing visitors in 1999 as a single-night event created by the passionate volunteers of the nonprofit group, Friends of the Arboretum (FOTA.) Their goal...

Shopping

Curate + Celebrate:

Spreading Joy Through Thoughtful Gifting Article by Judy Spaar | Photography by Janie Jones Happiness comes in daily doses when you call upon Mallory Hannah to bring joy and intention to gifting. Through her business, Curate + Celebrate, she curates and styles meaningful gifts for every occasion which is a true labor of love inspired by her mother, whom she affectionately calls the GOAT of gift giving. “She celebrates everything, finds joy in every detail, and taught me that thoughtfulness is...

Food + Beverage

Toboggan Flip

from J. Rieger Article and Photography by Ingredients 1.25 oz J. Rieger & Co. Gin 0.5 oz Pear Brandy 0.25 oz Caffè Amaro 0.75 oz Vanilla Syrup 1 whole egg Method Combine all ingredients in a shaker tin. Dry shake (no ice), then add ice and shake again. Strain into a coupe glass and garnish with toasted rosemary.