May
08

Smart Feet Helps Kids Get Smart With Reading

Since 2005, Ryan Richard and his team at Smart Feet have specialized in designer shoes for those with orthopedic discomfort (such as bunions or low arches). A certified pedorthist, Ryan is trained to customize footwear for each customer’s specific needs. But the Smart Feet staff doesn’t just stop at addressing people’s physical well-being. Through their Heart and Sole program, they dedicate hundreds of hours each year to various charities, making an impact on the overall life of our community.

As part of Heart and Sole, Smart Feet has joined with the University of Kansas Hospital to spearhead Kansas City’s chapter of Reach Out and Read. Based on the principle that “reading is the cornerstone for a healthy life,” Reach Out and Read helps area pediatricians to provide a book with every well-child visit, from birth to age 5. The program targets low-income areas, where literacy rates are lower than the national average.

From now through June 30, Smart Feet is collecting new children’s books for Reach Out and Read. If you’d like to help introduce reading into a child’s life–a simple act that could inspire a love of learning and break the cycle of poverty–please donate at your Briarcliff Village Smart Feet store. We are accepting books appropriate for babies through age 5.

For more information, call the store at (816) 382-3668.

 

May
01

Kansas-and-Missouri-Grown Farmers’ Market Begins

Spring is officially back! We’re kicking off the 2012 season of the GreenAcres Farmers’ Market this Thursday, May 3. Join us in the Briarcliff Parking lot from 3-7 p.m., where we’ll be firing up the grill for buffalo burgers, all-natural Greek lamb burgers and succulent Portobello mushroom burgers. It’s the start of a weekly celebration that will continue every Thursday into October. Bring your whole family for some shopping and the best local vendors in the area.

Every week, Missouri and Kansas farmers will be out in full force presenting their 100 percent organic produce, as well as jams, jellies and homemade baked goods.  You’re sure to hear us before you actually see us, since we’ll have live music on the sidewalk.  Park where you can and make your rounds to sample some of the best home-grown products anywhere.  There’s a woman who cans her own mustards; a man who makes homemade pastas; a berry vendor who has fresh blueberries, blackberries and strawberries.  Like a little spice in your life?  Check out the authentic Mexican tamales and salsas–yummm.  And Jerry’s Furniture will once again have handcrafted furniture for sale.

When you’re tired of all the seeing, visiting and buying outside, step inside GreenAcres Market for some of our own products: cheese and crackers, organic chips and dips…and to wash it all down, tastings from our wine collection.  There will be other product demonstrations, and as always, the GreenAcres knowledgeable staff will be on deck to answer any and all questions about wholesome, healthy living.  Welcome to spring!

 

Apr
17

Knowledge Is the Best Sunscreen

Days are getting longer, school’s almost over, and everybody’s dreaming of basking in the sun. But don’t start your summer without the latest facts about skin protection, courtesy of the doctors at Sunflower Dermatology.

On Thursday, May 3 at 5:30 p.m., Doctors Molly Mesner and Brian Matthys will lead a free seminar on ”Healthy Skin: Learn to Detect and Prevent Skin Cancer Early.” According to the American Cancer Society, skin cancer is among the most common of all cancers. It can affect people of any age, even under 30. Come get equipped with the knowledge you need for a great summer in the sun.

To RSVP, please email jenny@sunflowerdermatology.com. Light hors d’oeuvres will be served.

Apr
11

Salutations Recycles for Earth Day

Any store that specializes in stationery has to make an effort to stay “green.” In that spirit, Maggie Goldsborough of Salutations by Mairead Design offers an Earth Day special to help her customers responsibly replace their old paper products before purchasing new ones.

Bring in any of your old stationery on April 20th or April 21st in celebration of Earth Day, and receive a 20% off coupon for a brand new, customer order from Salutations. (Orders must be placed by May 31. Some exclusions apply.) As a trained artist, designer and paper enthusiast, Maggie will help you choose a brand new set of cards, letterhead or envelopes that make an immediate statement about you. And your old, outdated stationery will be properly recycled when you’re gone.

For more information about Salutations’ custom designs or the Earth Day special, contact Maggie at (816) 888-5880.

Mar
30

March Madness Sale This Weekend!

Two differences between basketball and shopping: one, the outfits are definitely cuter. And two, March Madness means everyone’s a winner. Finishings for Her, the fashion and accessories favorite in Briarcliff Village is tipping off its March Madness sale this weekend. So you can add to your wardrobe while your sports-minded friends are getting their brackets destroyed.

March Madness savings at Finishings for Her runs Friday, March 30 through Sunday, April 1. Slam dunk deals include 50% off selected jewelry, 25% off selected handbags, and Buy 1, Get 1 50% off all sportswear bottoms. (Meaning skirts, pants, shorts and jeans–including some designer labels like Miss Me.)

Like all sales, some exceptions do apply, so be sure to come in and check out the selection. Because a basketball game only lasts 40 minutes … but a cute new outfit lasts all season.

Mar
20

Spring Health Series at Green Acres

Thinking about trips to the beach, fitting into your bathing suit, and a season of increased activity? If so, you’re not alone. Spring and summer are the time for fitness, when everyone gets outdoors and begins to think more consciously about health. At GreenAcres, health is a priority every day; but here are a few seminars timed just right to prepare you for a fabulously fit summer.

Everyone Needs Magnesium
Thursday, March 22, 7-8 p.m.

Magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral in the human body and is essential to good health. From regulating body temperature to producing healthy bones and teeth, magnesium is responsible for a number of daily functions your body performs daily. In addition, magnesium has been shown to fight osteoporosis, heart disease, hypertension, migraines and more. Find out how you can put more of this miracle mineral into your diet, and the health benefits you can expect as a result.

GreenAcres Health Fair
Saturday, March 24, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Come learn from the experts!  GreenAcres will host local wellness groups and practitioners to teach and show all about what they do. We’ll have all the healthiest food samples, gluten free dietitians, blood tests, massage, acupuncture, thermography demos and more. Get all your healthy living questions answered in one place.

This event is free to the public. No registration is necessary. Fees may apply if you choose to take advantage of one of the health screenings available on the day.

Managing Stress Naturally
Thursday, March 29, 7-8 p.m.

Stress isn’t all in your mind. Studies have shown that anxiety takes a measurable toll on a person’s body and health. In fact, excessive stress is downright dangerous. Learn how to manage your stress using natural methods, and greet the summer with a happier, healthier lifestyle.

 

For more information, contact GreenAcres at (816) 746-0010.

Feb
14

Briarcliff Financial Planners Reveal Smart Strategies

Frustrated by the ups and downs of the stock market? Ameriprise Financial has a wealth of ideas that just might work for you. And during the next few months, they’ll be hosting a series of seminars about smart investing in a “post-2008” economy.

Join Fuller, Hartman, Sullivan and Associates on Tuesday, April 3, 5:30 p.m. at Piropos. In an informal setting, they will introduce the concept of non-traded Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), and discuss why, for some, they can complement stocks, bonds or mutual funds you may currently own.

“Non-Traded REITs have only become more available to the average consumer in the last several years,” Jerry Fuller says. “This is a perfect opportunity for anyone who’s serious about planning for the future to learn something they might not have known.”

For more information or to sign up, contact Jerry at (816) 997-9780 or jerry.k.fuller@ampf.com.

Jan
30

Go Red (For Real) at Eclektica Salon

When Kansas City’s premier stylists tell women to “Go Red,” they mean literally.

In celebration of Go Red for Women, Eclektica Salon at Briarcliff is offering 50% off all red color treatments on Sunday, Feb. 12, with all proceeds going to the American Heart Association. Maybe you’re already a redhead in need of a color boost. Or perhaps you’re contemplating a bold transformation. Either way, it’s the perfect time to explore a new look and support a great cause.

Find your perfect shade of copper, chestnut, russet, cinnamon, merlot or scarlet. Add a few splashes to your existing color … or go big, and leave blonde and brunette behind!

Once you choose your color, we’ll also provide a makeup artist to help advise on color palate and tips just for redheads. Enjoy refreshments, a day of pampering and beauty, and the chance to do something you’ve always thought about: going red!

Call Eclektica, the Salon at Briarcliff, to book your appointment: (816) 587-4159.

  

 

Jan
26

Briarcliff Village Goes Red for Women

Red is a good color for February. It’s also a great reminder of a heart-healthy lifestyle. From Feb. 1 to 14, Briarcliff Village will be joining Go Red For Women, a national campaign focused on heart disease in women. Come be part of our Window Display Contest, win a $100 gift card, and raise awareness that could save lives.

Watch our Facebook page for pictures of our merchants’ Go Red display windows. Vote in-store for your favorite, and you’ll be entered into a drawing for a $100 Briarcliff Village gift card. (We’ll announce the winner on Facebook, too.) In addition, we’ll be posting some resources and information about women and heart disease that we hope you’ll find helpful.

Heart disease is the #1 killer among women. But sadly, most of us never think about it as a “woman’s” health issue. By joining together, we can help each other learn and lower our risks. Please join us in this cause. Let’s Go Red!

Jan
18

Briarcliff Village Preps for Restaurant Week

Kansas City’s annual Restaurant Week runs Jan. 20-29, featuring the best culinary creations from leading chefs across the Metro. Amid national buzz about Kansas City’s dining scene (Saveur magazine and the Zagat Survey have both named KC at the top of their lists), two Briarcliff Village staples are preparing special presentations.

Piropos and Trezo Mare are both participating in the event with $30 prix-fixe dinner menus. A portion of all proceeds will go to Harvesters, a charity that provides hunger relief throughout Kansas City.

Piropos’ menu features such favorites as crab bisque, shrimp and scallops, grilled meats, and other cosmopolitan tastes from Buenos Ares, Argentina. A touch of Spanish, Italian and French influences make an exciting blend, match only by the breathtaking view of the Downtown skyline from the dining room. For the complete menu, visit the dining page of our website.

Trezo Mare specializes in Italian cuisine with fresh seafood flown in daily. Highlights of the menu include shrimp with polenta, wood-fired tilapia and chocolate mousse. See the dining page for a complete listing by course.

Reservations can be made through Open Table or by contacting each restaurant directly.