BECAUSE EVERY WOMAN DESERVES TO FEEL HER BEST
This month is all about you. Whether you're balancing work, family, or life’s daily demands, your comfort and well-being is a priority. At Relax The Back Buffalo, we offer expert-backed solutions designed to ease pain, improve sleep, and promote relaxation - so you can feel your best every day. Take a moment for yourself and experience the difference self-care can make. Visit our store and discover true comfort and relaxation.
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Ladies Issue
I don’t know about you but I love any opportunity to recognize the women in my life who just make life more rich and beautiful. Our wives, mothers and daughters are some of the most influential women in our lives.
And of course with Mother’s Day this month, all eyes are on moms… But it’s not just the biological mothers but the mother figures in our lives who have made an indelible impact on us. It’s the family members, teachers, friends and neighbors doing awesome things in our communities, pouring into our lives - making themselves unforgettable and irreplaceable.
While it’s always important to shop local and support our area businesses, this month is the perfect time to invest in businesses owned by women in our communities. That’s one of my favorite parts of this role - connecting with and championing the best of the best when it comes to Amherst women.
They are movers and shakers, builders and makers. They are both seen and unseen. Their silent service blesses those who are under their care. Their attention to detail shows us something about beauty that can’t be seen or understood any other way.
I hope you’ll take a few minutes to send a text, make a phone call or get your kids on a video call with the women in your life who deserve recognition. It only takes a minute to brighten someone’s day and remind them how much you love them.
Thanks
CHELSEY JUAREZ, PUBLISHER
@AMHERSTCITYLIFESTYLE
May 2025
PUBLISHER
Chelsey Juarez | chelsey.juarez@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Angela Broockerd | angela.broockerd@citylifestyle.com
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Rachel Kolich
LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
From Stem To Vase:
TRANSFORMING FLORALS INTO ART
Flowers have a rich history of symbolic meanings. As far back as the 19th century, they were used to convey secret messages. Stories throughout history recount how flowers were used to send hidden messages between people. French publishers began producing flower dictionaries that cataloged the many floral codes that had been gathered over time. Some of these meanings were linked to the flower’s root name, often derived from mythology, while others were drawn from the flowers themselves. The colors, medicinal properties, and even the superstitions associated with these flowers all contributed to the creation of this secret language. In addition to their symbolic significance, flowers bring natural beauty to any interior, enhancing spaces with their color, texture, and mood-boosting qualities. Floral arrangements not only create a cozy atmosphere but also infuse a room with personality, elevating the overall ambiance. There are multiple ways to creatively integrate florals into your home, and whether using fresh or artificial flowers, creative displays can make quite the statement piece.
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“Floral arrangements not only create a cozy atmosphere but also infuse a room with personality, elevating the overall ambiance.”
Flower Frogs
Using a frog to display flowers creates a minimalist yet elegant look that highlights the individuality of each bloom. It helps the stems stay in place. To set it up, place the frog on your chosen display base, whether it’s a vase, bowl, platter, or any container you prefer. Then, simply insert the flower stems by gently pressing them into the prongs. Tip: Flowers with sturdy stems and a lighter top work best in a frog, as delicate blooms tend to lose their shape more quickly.
“Tip: Flowers with sturdy stems and a lighter top work best in a frog, as delicate blooms tend to lose their shape more quickly.”
Florals and Fruit
Add an extra burst of color and texture to your floral arrangement by layering fruit around the edges of your vase. To achieve this, place a smaller vase inside a larger one, ensuring the flowers stay contained in the inner vase to preserve their shape. Fill the surrounding space with water and then arrange sliced fruit along the vase’s outer sides. For a fresh touch, add ice cubes to keetp the fruit looking vibrant longer and to hold them in place. Not only will the flowers’ fragrance fill the air, but the citrus notes from the fruit will add a refreshing scent.
Hanging Florals
For a dramatic effect, try creating a hanging floral display. Floral cones are available for this style, or you can craft your own for a more personalized, organic look. The contrast between long-stemmed white flowers and a dark wall creates a striking visual impact.
No matter how you choose to display them, flowers are a wonderful addition to any room. They boost mood, improve air quality, spark creativity, and bring a decorative charm to any space.
“They boost mood, improve air quality, spark creativity, and bring a decorative charm to any space.”
Adventure Awaits
Chance Adventure Co gives families the freedom to hit the open road in classic style.
Kelley and Sam Chance have it figured out when it comes to spending quality family time together with their two young sons, Sully, 9, and Grady, 7. They literally took a chance in 2013 and bought Stella, a 1984 Airstream Excella, as a renovation project. One family camping trip and they were hooked. Now they are true vintage Airstream enthusiasts.
They sold Stella, but the “silver bullet” calling never left and Chance Adventure Co was born. Sam had talked for years about renovating and renting Airstreams.
ARTICLE BY JUDY GOPPERT
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KELLEY PHOTO
“There’s something magical about those silver trailers, especially the old ones. They have such character, and many stories within their aluminum walls.”
“Once the pandemic hit, it was now or never,” Kelley says. “We welcomed Carolina into our family, a 1983 31’ Excella, and she’s been rocking out camping trips with us and our clients since early last year. In 2020, she traveled to Yellowstone, Glacier, the Badlands, Upper Peninsula in Michigan, Indiana Dunes, Kannapolis, Kansas and more. Georgia, a 1978 31’ Sovereign Land Yacht, is currently being renovated from the frame up.”
They will be adding to their fleet soon and are adding an Airstream Renovation Workshop on their Tonganoxie property. They also have the Chance Adventure Co shop, loaded with outdoorsy inspired items.
Adventure is a part of life for this active couple, who live on 10 acres. They have horses, garden, hike, bike and explore.
“By far, our favorite thing to do as a family is travel and spend time outdoors. We hiked the three miles roundtrip, 480-foot climb to Delicate Arch when the boys were 8 and 5, biked through the Badlands, kayaking Lake Michigan. We’ve had so many incredible experiences connecting the four of us, and connecting us to nature via camping,” she says. “The boys have learned a deep appreciation and love for Mother Earth, to navigate the terrain using a compass or their own wits, to identify and care for the flora and fauna around us, and they’ve gained so much confidence and courage through it all.”
Each trailer is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after each rental. Airstreams are available for rental for road trips, or they can deliver and set up at local locations.
“There’s something magical about those silver trailers, especially the old ones. They have such character, and many stories within their aluminum walls,” she says. “Making them a part of our family story just made sense.”
Visit ChanceAdventureCo.com for more information or call 913-669-9251.
SAVOR LIFE & FIND YOUR True Wealth
ARTICLE BY SHEENA STEEDMAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY SCOTT MOORE
The soft morning light filters through the curtains as you awake to birdsong and a gentle breeze. Stepping onto the balcony, you behold endless vineyards rippling in the Tuscan hills and can’t believe this paradise is real.
Walking downstairs, you’re greeted by many new faces of people smiling and excited to see you, new friends, gathered around a long wooden table immaculately set with steaming quiche, luscious fruit, warm bread, and Italian cappuccino.
This is just the beginning of days spent practicing yoga in nature’s rhythms, discovering ancient towns, and pausing to savor beauty at every turn.
Indulge in Tuscan serenity, savor life’s richness, and rediscover yourself
If you can envision waking up like this, you’re ready for a yoga retreat with Scott Moore.
Retreats are an investment—in your truest self—the part of you that gets lost in the rush of daily life.
We frequently invest our money into stocks, bonds, and real estate, yet fail to invest in the one irreplaceable resource that makes it all possible, ourselves—our true wealth.
On this journey, all details have been meticulously planned so you can stay within your budget and fully relax into the experience.
After immersing in the richness of the present moment, slowing down and savoring life, you’ll return replenished and ready to bring this mindset of appreciation into your everyday world.
Reap the returns of a broadened perspective and renewed vitality—the dividends are endless.
Find out more about upcoming retreats with Scott Moore in destinations like Tuscany, Sardinia, Bordeaux, and the French Riviera at scottmooreyoga.com/retreats .
Total Health and Wellness
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ARTICLE BY MEGAN HOBAN
The Art of Collecting
As consumers, we are constantly being enticed to buy. Whether it’s the jewelry we can’t live without, concert tickets to a show we don’t want to miss, or that favorite pair of shoes calling our name, we buy what we love, and art should be no different.
If you are new to acquiring original art, you may find it daunting, but it shouldn’t be. It is a special purchase that forces you to dig deep and discover a bit more about yourself. At first, many people shy away from buying original art because of the commitment. It’s a big decision after all, and how do you really know when it’s the “perfect” piece? Because art is subjective, part of the process is learning what style of art is the best fit for you. Is it colorful and energetic abstracts, or soothing landscapes that catch your eye? Maybe you are drawn to local photography, or even figurative works. There is no wrong answer, and maybe it’s a mix of several styles that creates your unique collection. The best way to find out your “art personality” is to get out and visit your local galleries. Consider making it a tradition to visit galleries while traveling or buy a piece of art as a gift on special occasions. In the gallery setting you can explore various art styles, mediums, and even learn more about the talented artists who create those works.
With the purchase of original art comes other considerations. Often, we have clients who need direction figuring out what size of art they need and its placement in the design of their space. If you find a piece of art you love, you will always find a spot for it. Ask the gallery if they offer in-home art consultation services to see the piece in your setting. Great custom framing is key, and well-designed framing is the jewelry to a great piece of art. Quality archival framing protects your art from UV rays that can damage a piece over time. Original art should last generations.
I’m often asked, should I buy art for investment? There is a place for investment art, but I don’t believe in buying art with the pretense that it will go up in value. There is no guarantee it will and to me, good investment art brings different riches to your life. Art that brings you joy, adds personality to your space, and makes your home original is an investment in you. The best art investment should be the feeling you experience gazing into an oil painting that perfectly captures a warm sunset over the prairie, or the texture created by a palette knife on the abstract that seems to pop off the canvas. That is what makes investing in original art priceless.
Art that brings you joy, adds personality to your space, and makes your home original is an investment in you.
GARDEN TO GLASS
DIY COCKTAILS WITH FRESH HERBS
Nothing says spring like the aroma of fresh-cut herbs in a crisp, cold, cocktail. With warmer weather finally here, growing herbs at home can transform your cocktail hour and add a fresh kick to your springtime favorites.
Growing herbs is incredibly easy and can be done in a variety of ways—from a container in a window, to a planter box in the yard. With a container or garden full of fresh herbs, you will be ready to take your cocktails up a notch.
Basil is a bright herb that is easy to grow and perfect for cocktails. Make sure to harvest immediately before mixing drinks and take leaves from the top to ensure a continual harvest. Fresh muddled basil leaves lend a crispness to the Gin Basil Cucumber cocktail.
Sage is easy to grow and does well in containers. The leaves add an earthy freshness to a refreshing cherry-infused Bourbon.
Mint is also easy to grow, but give it lots of room, as it likes to spread out and is virtually indestructible in the garden. Mint is a versatile herb but is especially lovely in the Rhubarb Mint Mojito.
Try recreating these refreshing cocktails with herbs grown at home and take your cocktail game to new heights!
ARTICLE BY TARA NORRIS PHOTOGRAPHY BY ADALYN SINCLAIR
MR. BROWN INGREDIENTS
• 2 oz. cherry-sage infused Bourbon
• 0.75 oz. apple brandy or apple jack brandy
DIRECTIONS
• Place over an ice ball in an old-fashioned glass
• Top with ginger beer and garnish with Bordeaux cherries and leaf of sage
RHUBARB MINT MOJITO
INGREDIENTS:
• 2 oz. white rum
• 1 oz. rhubarb puree (2 cups rhubarb, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup water)
• 0.5 oz. fresh lime juice
• 8-10 fresh mint leaves
• soda water
• lemon-lime soda
• ice
DIRECTIONS:
• Muddle mint, lime juice, and rhubarb puree in a glass or small cocktail shaker
• Once muddled, add the white rum and ice
• Top with large cocktail shaker and shake for a few seconds
• Remove large shaker and pour everything into a glass
• Top with more ice
• Add soda water and lemon-lime soda (equal parts to your liking)
• Garnish with mint leaf and lime wheel
GIN BASIL CUCUMBER
INGREDIENTS
• 2-3 fresh basil leaves
• 0.5 oz. fresh lime juice
• 0.25 oz. simple syrup
• 2-3 cucumber slices
• 2 oz. gin
• tonic water
DIRECTIONS
• Muddle basil, lime juice, simple syrup and cucumber slices together in a small cocktail shaker
• Add gin and ice to cocktail shaker
• Shake well
• Strain over an ice ball
• Top with tonic water and garnish with basil leaf and a cucumber slice
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MINDY WESTER
SPREAD SPECTACULAR
TRANSFORM YOUR MOTHER’S DAY CELEBRATION INTO AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE WITH A STUNNING CHARCUTERIE BOARD
As Mother’s Day approaches, it’s time to go beyond traditional gifts and express your love with a feast for the senses. Create a captivating and vibrant charcuterie board that brings together a symphony of sweet and savory delights, edible rosettes and an array of delectable treats that are as pleasing to the eyes as they are to the palate.
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At the heart of this spectacular spread, a bouquet of floral offerings takes center stage featuring assorted chocolate florets, delicate white rose wafers, and salami and cheese blossoms. Perfectly crafted and delicious, they establish the visual and gastronomic theme for the entire display. Accompanying the spread are glasses adorned with edible floral rims, beckoning you to sip and savor the essence of spring; dried lavender, marigold, rose, lemon peel and lily garnishes provide vibrancy and are entirely edible. Elevate the visual appeal with rosefolded napkins and a sprinkle of seasonal flowers atop layers of fresh greenery.
Complement your floral artistry with a curated variety of cheeses, prosciutto, colorful olives, fresh blueberries and strawberries, and candied oranges. Fragrant rosemary bread is perfectly paired with choice preserves, honey and olive oil.
Extend the creative flair to pastries, introducing a variety of shapes, colors and textures. Citrus-infused sugar cookies, raspberry tarts, mini strawberry Belgian waffles and salted caramels are visually alluring and add an extra layer of delight to the overall presentation.
The beauty of crafting a charcuterie board lies in its versatility – an opportunity to showcase your thoughtfulness and create an experience tailored to your loved ones. Consider swapping chocolates for macarons, experiment with your own garden herbs and infuse your spread with unique seasonal and local flavors. A charcuterTEA is a delightful way to make your mother feel extra special. Simply fill a teacup with her favorite confections and unique flavor combinations for an individual experience of love and gratitude.
"The beauty of crafting a charcuterie board lies in its versatility."
DIY Duotone Statement Earrings
Shake Up Your Jewelry Box With These Handmade Geometric Earrings— Perfect For Yourself Or As A Gift For Your Best Ladies
SUPPLIES:
• 2 half-circle stamping blanks
• 2 large gold bars
• 2 medium gold bars
• 2 ear wires
• Jump rings, assorted sizes
• Embroidery thread
• Metal punch
• Bent nose forceps
• Needle nose pliers
Use both your bent nose forceps and needle nose pliers to secure each end of the jump ring. Gently twist the jump ring to open the gap, and place the jump ring through the holes in the pieces you are connecting. When securely through both pieces, gently twist the jump ring in the opposite direction to close the gap and secure the pieces.
2. 3. 4. 5.
Make sure to have all of your materials gathered before starting the project for easy assembly.
Take your half-circle stamping blanks, large gold bars and medium gold bars and arrange them in the order you want your earrings to flow. You can see how we arranged ours, but consider switching up the placement of each item for varying earring styles.
Mark where each of the holes line up on the individual pieces. These spots are where you’ll be creating holes with the metal punch to connect each item with jump rings.
Once you have your spots marked, carefully and precisely punch holes in your individual pieces. Once all of your holes are punched, connect each piece with the desired size of jump ring.
For an added touch, punch extra holes in the bottom piece and finish off with knotted embroidery thread for a bohemian tassel effect. 1.
Are you thinking of making a move in the new year? When it comes to preparing for the spring real estate market, there’s no such thing as getting ready too soon! Start planting the seeds for your spring success now. Contact me today to make a plan to boost your home’s appeal, attract more buyers, and make it stand out in real estate’s busiest season so you can sell quicker and for top dollar.
Whether you’re upsizing, right-sizing, or investing this spring, we want to take the stress out of buying and selling, so you can focus on what matters most. A house is made of walls and beams, but a home is made of hopes and dreams. Let us guide you home, this spring and every season.
Timeless style, every season, every occasion always at Napoli's