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Make Room for Exploration
In today’s world, we have more opportunities and tools to help us explore than ever before: air travel, smartphones, apps for every reservation possible. Yet, those same tools are often what keep us so preoccupied that we let precious moments of exploration slip by.
Perhaps I have a unique perspective on this, as I’ve always been obsessed with exploring. During college, I worked at Tuscarora Lodge & Canoe Outfitters on the Gunflint Trail in Minnesota. It was a 15-hour drive just to get there, with the last hour being a two-lane road into the heart of the Northwoods. I spent my summer traipsing about the woods in a canoe-access-only National Park, most of the time barely crossing any other humans along the way.
Upon closing down the camp in the fall, I accepted a position as a Nanny in the French Alps for a planned gap year before heading to grad school. I took my bike, backpack and snowboard and went to live with total strangers on the other side of the Atlantic. That one year turned into 15 years of exploring endless nooks and crannies of Europe.
While moving to another culture may be an extreme version of exploration, there is so much to do here, in our own backyard! Since returning to Ohio and having four young children in tow, we’ve kept exploring. We make it our mission to find new and exciting places to discover, try new places and things, be beginners, even get lost. It is these unstructured and open-ended moments where the space exists for deeper connections to be made, friendships to be fostered and trust to be built.
Exploration can come in so many different forms: music, literature, food, style, culture–the options are infinite. It doesn’t have to be something big; it can be playing a board game out on the patio, walking a new trail or going out to find a fun cookie place we’ve never been to before in a different part of town.
My hope is that this issue encourages you to make room for exploration. Prioritize time away from the regular schedule of life. Lose yourself on a trail or in a book. Book that trip you’ve been thinking about. Make time for the things that matter most to you, and to make “one day,” today.
July 2024
PUBLISHER
Deborah Mekenese
Deborah.Mekenese@CityLifestyle.com
EDITOR
Tera Michelson | Tera.Michelson@CityLifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Natalie Mazey
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Haley Williams
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Cassandra Castaneda, Amanda Donaho, RF Graphic Designs
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall
LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling
DEBORAH MEKENESE, PUBLISHER @INDIANHILL.CITYLIFESTYLE
inside the issue
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Student-athletes of Indian Hill High School committed to colleges at a signing ceremony. 2: IHHS honored 24 students going into the arts + the military with a signing ceremony. 3: 2024 Conquer the Hill 5K Winner Sam Hall with Race Organizer Anna McCuiston. The race raised more than $15,000 for Braves Helping Braves. 4: A local youth soccer team offered a supportive water stop at the 5K. 5: The 5K was a family fun day for Logan Hines + children Poppy, William + Sophie. 6: Madeira's Memorial Day at McDonald Commons featured a wreath-laying ceremony, presentation of colors and guest speaker. 7: Tails were wagging as guests explored "Dog Care Reimagined" at Central Bark Madeira-Indian Hill's Spring Open House.
Jackie Barnes Design Hosts Grand Opening of New Location–July 20
Jackie Barnes Design is expanding into a new beautiful studio at 4204 Plainville Road, Mariemont. The community is invited to make a toast to the new space at their Grand Opening and Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony on July 20 from 12-3 p.m. Meet the design team and enjoy refreshments as you tour the studio for an exclusive showcase of their latest design projects. Don’t miss the raffle for a chance to win a complimentary design consultation! JackieBarnesDesign.com
Old Glory Relay Celebrated at BMW Rally Stop
The 2024 Old Glory Relay passed through the BMW Rally Stop in Cincinnati on its 30-day, 1,600-mile journey from Philadelphia to Chicago in April. The BMW Store welcomed veterans and supporters to encourage runners, walkers and cyclists on Team Red, White & Blue as they carried the US flag toward the finish line. Attendees observed a veteran recognition ceremony, took BMW rides and drives in electric vehicles and received complimentary BMW x Team apparel. BMWStore.com
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Archery Program Begins 2nd Year at Indian Hill Shooting Club
The Indian Hill Shooting Club added Archery to its shooting sports lineup last August and is now continuing into its second year. The youth and beginner instructional program will run on Monday evenings, late August through October. The lower range will feature eight lanes with three-dimensional and block targets in real-life scenarios at 20, 30 and 40 yards, allowing for simulated hunting experiences. Find details about club membership online. IndianHill.gov/ recreation/shooting-club/
ESCAPE TO A LUXURIOUS VACATION HOME DESIGNED BY EVOLO DESIGN
Home Away From Home
ARTICLE BY TERA MICHELSON | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
When designing vacation homes, Evolo Design
lets nature take the lead.
A vacation property is an opportunity to make yourself at home while exploring an entirely new location. Jay Takach, owner of Evolo Design in Madeira, assures his clients that their home away from home can be both comfortable and luxurious, without bypassing beautiful design.
Custom spaces are Evolo’s specialty. Each design is as unique and different as each client. The style of each room is carefully curated to match the vision and needs of each homeowner. Takach and his team are deeply intuitive, taking the time necessary to talk with clients about their goals for each room and building the mutual trust required to manage a personalized home build or renovation. After discussing vision and budget, Evolo gets to work shaping the space, complete with warm, individualized touches that make a house feel like home.
“One thing that we do well as a company is understanding our client's needs,” Takach shares. “It’s our goal to take on the project and run with it to lessen the burden, especially for a distant vacation home.”
Evolo has designed homes in vacation spots all across the country. From South Carolina to Northern Michigan, Nevada to Massachusetts, Evolo achieves success for their clients by remembering why they are there in the first place.
“We want to create a space that allows for the best vacations—the most memorable are when you're with people that you love in a fun environment,” Jay explains. “A vacation house is the backdrop to spending time together.”
When designing vacation homes, Evolo Design lets nature take the lead. Takach looks to the natural surroundings for inspiration: color, texture, balance and light. The mood of the vacation spot itself comes through in the design.
“I’m inspired by nature,” he says. “The natural environment surrounding a vacation home is the star of the show. I try to stay pure to the area and the environment,” he adds, “so the design resonates with the local aesthetic.”
In the Michigan lakehouse pictured here, Takach took inspiration from the rippled, sandy lake as viewed through the main living area’s wall of windows.
“The lake is so blue,” he recalls, “it's a very specific color of aqua. We took the inspiration to Edward Fields who created a custom carpet for the main living room. We had it made in various shades of blue and sand.”
When it’s all said and done, the Evolo team relies on what they know best—design philosophy and basic design principles.
“Getting from point A to point B is really about scale, fabrics, furniture and aesthetics,” Takach says.
With Airbnb and VRBO use on the rise, the latest trend in vacation homes is to rent them out when their owners can’t be there.
“Moving from having a vacation home as an expense to using it as an investment doesn’t change the principles of doing good design,” Takach says. “What it does change is what you need from a marketability
CONTINUED >
Evolo Design understands that a vacation home is all about escape. “ ”
standpoint—add durability, but with hospitality in mind,” he shares. “In these situations, we want to put together something that is visually striking, so it stands out when it’s listed on one of those websites.”
In one vacation home that was being prepared for the rental market, Takach increased the headcount by adding a bunk room.
“That home was really about family and close friends. We gave each bedroom a specific vibe, yet they had one color palette which was important for unity,” he says.
“Another way we helped to prepare this home for both family and renting was to add a second entertainment area just off the kitchen and dining room.”
Evolo Design understands that a vacation home is all about escape.
“No two clients are the same,” says Takach. “We try to work with them and understand what ‘escape’ means to them , whatever it may be.”
Evolo Design, 6912 Miami Avenue, Cincinnati | EvoloDesign.com , 513.791.6800
A Handmade Date Night
Make it feel like an extra special at-home date night with thoughtful touches from the heart—and hands.
A date night at home is the perfect occasion to shower your loved ones with affection and appreciation. While storebought gifts and cards have their charm, there’s something incredibly special about receiving a handmade gesture. By opting for a handmade date night, you’re not just expressing love but also showcasing your thoughtfulness and effort. These handmade creations convey a personal touch that can’t be replicated.
From-Scratch Pasta
what you need
Lavender Bath Salt Blend
what you need
16 ounces Bokek Dead Sea Salt 20 drops lavender essential oil
what you do
In a mixing bowl, add drops of the essential oil to the bath salt and mix well; store in a glass jar. Add 1/3 to 1/2 cup of the scented salts to a bath for a relaxing experience. SeaSalt.com
Yield: 1 pound
2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
4 large eggs
what you do
1. Mound the flour in the center of a work surface with a well in the middle. Crack the eggs into the well and beat with a fork until smooth, then work flour into eggs with the fork. Use a bench scraper to work in the rest of the flour a little at a time. When the flour is incorporated, form the dough with your hands into a rounded mass for kneading. Lightly dust your workspace with flour and knead dough about 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Cover dough with a bowl or plastic wrap and rest 1 1/2 hours, or chill overnight.
2. To roll by hand, flour a clean work surface. Vigorously roll dough to a very thin circle and roll constantly with even pressure as it stretches for several minutes until as thin as possible, almost translucent.
3. To cut by hand, lightly fold sheets one at a time into thirds and cut to desired thickness. Recipe from MarthaStewart.com
Dark Chocolate Truffles
what you need
1/2 cup heavy cream
8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup cocoa powder, for dusting
what you do
1. Bring the cream to just a simmer in a saucepan over low heat. Pour the cream over the chocolate in a bowl and let stand about 10 minutes to melt the chocolate. Add the vanilla, stir until smooth and set aside to cool for 1 hour at room temperature.
2. Beat chocolate at medium speed until thick and light-colored. Spread over the bottom of a baking dish, smooth and refrigerate 2 hours until firm.
3. Pour cocoa powder onto a deep plate or shallow bowl, and using a melon baller or small ice cream scoop, scoop out balls of chocolate. Roll in cocoa powder until coated and transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Recipe from FoodNetwork.com
CEO of Style & Giving
ARTICLE BY TERA MICHELSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMANDA DONAHO
MEET KASEY JOHANSEN, CEO OF KC CONSULTING & WOMEN100
““I just decided it would be so much more powerful and impactful if women started collaborating rather than competing.”
Kasey Johansen is a woman on a mission. As a professionally trained opera singer, pageant alumna, personal stylist and CEO of a philanthropy, she is a force. One of her many superpowers is empowerment—and she’s not afraid to use it. Wherever she goes, Johansen forges a path of connection and kindness.
In Johansen’s career as personal stylist, image consultant, modern elegance coach and personal brand developer, she stands beside clients to throw open their closet doors to find their authentic selves. Through her business, KC Consulting, Johansen calls upon her fashion, pageant and performance experiences to curate wardrobes to instill confidence and cultivate success.
Johansen wants her clients to look good, but she is most interested in helping others feel good. The finishing touches of her styling work are the bold accessories of confidence, value and joy.
CONTINUED >
Kasey Johansen: KC Consulting + Women 100
Let Personal Stylist and Image Consultant Kasey Johansen into your closet to help you develop your look, find the perfect outfit for a special occasion or take a leadership role in the boardroom. Join her in her mission to empower women to make an investment and impact on our community with the Women100 movement.
KCConsultingStyle.com Women100Cincy.com
“Everything I do is based in empowerment,” Johansen shares. “I want people to feel good, which makes them even more successful in their daily life, whatever it is.”
In May, Johansen launched Women100, a nonprofit philanthropy. Alongside a focused and inspiring small group of local women, Johansen founded it to harness the giving power of women to make a difference in four distinct areas: education, environment, arts and culture and community. As Women100 gathers members, they gain momentum to make change for the good in our city.
“I just decided it would be so much more powerful and impactful if women started collaborating rather than competing,” she says. “I really believe that as one woman you can have power, but as a collective you can have impact.”
Women100 launched in May under the leadership of Kasey Johansen.
AND FIND YOUR PEACE GET LOST
Exploring The Lost Pines Resort and Spa
Just on the outskirts of Austin, nestled on 400 acres of luscious and sprawling countryside, this fun-filled resort does not disappoint. Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa is a family-friendly destination that offers an array of activities for all ages to enjoy.
Guests are transported to a simpler time where both adults and kids can be seen casually riding bicycles around the property or strolling along the Colorado River that hugs the resort. Open areas with yard games, outdoor game tables, sports courts and a mini golf course invite families to engage in activities that allow for quality time spent enjoying the outdoors.
Choose between an adventurous getaway or a serene escape, as Lost Pines Resort and Spa has something for everyone. Resort experiences include horseback riding, skeet shooting, archery, guided ATV tours, fishing, kayaking and more. Cool off poolside at one of the many pools, or float on the 1,000-foot lazy river. The expansive, 18-hole, 7,200 yard golf course designed by award-winning architect Arthur
Hills, allows golfers to enjoy the natural beauty of this championship course.
A Texas ranch-style resort wouldn’t be complete without animals. Visit the Lost Pines corral for daily meet and greets with longhorns, miniature ponies, miniature donkeys, goats, alpacas and pigs. Families can enjoy nightly movies on the outdoor movie screen. Scheduled kids activities are available day and evening throughout your stay. The expansive grounds allows guests to spend time exploring the activities on the property.
The resort offers a variety of dining experiences for the culinary enthusiast including six different on-site restaurants, each offering unique bites and beverages. Enjoy a farmto-table dining experience at Stories, where all food is sourced from local purveyors. They also offer an expansive selection of wines, scotch, and mixed drinks. For a unique dining experience, visit the renowned, exclusive 10-seat omakase, Sushi By Scratch, with Chef Philip Frankland Lee. This menu-free establishment boasts a private and unexpected experience that is sure to please. Advanced reservations are required and encouraged as dining spots fill up quickly. For a more casual dining experience, visit one of the other four on-site restaurants including Maverick’s Roadhouse, buffet style dining at Heartwood House, light bites enjoyed poolside at Old Buck’s Place or eat alfresco at Maude’s Bar and Terrace.
After a day of making memories, retreat to the newly remodeled and spacious rooms and suites. The views are breathtaking, and all rooms offer elevated amenities that invite relaxation. The Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa is the perfect vacation destination to recharge regardless of what stage of life you are in. For more information visit LostPinesResortandSpa.com
ADVENTUROUS GETAWAY OR A SERENE ESCAPE
ELEVATE YOUR CLOSET
Every woman dreams of an organized and beautiful closet space, but it often comes last on the list of places that get their time and attention. Follow our nine tips for transforming and elevating your closet. How you organize your closet will of course differ based on the size of your space, the size of your wardrobe, and the kind of life you lead. But applying these guidelines will result in a much more organized and aesthetically pleasing space.
FACE CLOTHES THE SAME DIRECTION
It may seem silly, but when dealing with a small space, little things count. Hanging all clothes the same direction is a no-brainer for continuity in your closet.
9 WAYS TO ORGANIZE AND INJECT STYLE INTO YOUR SPACE
ARTICLE BY HALEY WILLIAMS | PHOTOGRAPHY
BY CASSANDRA CASTANEDA
USE REAL ESTATE WISELY
Reserve the front and middle of the closet for clothes worn most often. For someone who gets dressed for work each morning at 6 a.m., work clothes should be at the front of the closet. Store lesser-worn items like formal wear and out-of-season clothes toward the back and on the upper shelves. A large mirror and counter with chair provides the perfect spot to select jewelry and finalize finishing outfit touches. While every closet is different, the key here is everything has a home.
ORGANIZE BY KIND AND COLOR 02 03 04 05
HIDDEN STORAGE
Hidden storage is a game changer in keeping a closet visually clean. Tuck folded clothes behind closed cabinet doors if the space is multipurpose. The floor-toceiling built-ins in Keri’s closet contain folded clothes, athleisure and other items she needs as she gets ready each day. Tuck away the least-used items: Use hidden storage and the very top of the closet for out-of-season items and stuff only worn a few times a year.
NEGATIVE SPACE
Using space efficiently is important, but keep in mind every good design includes some negative space. For instance, consider adding built-ins on the long wall of your closet but keep the short wall open with a mirror.
Group clothes by kind first and color second. This ensures quick location of that favorite shirt when it’s needed. Bonus - it’s easy on the eye. Group like with like: Gather belts, sweaters, long-sleeve shirts, work pants, dresses, button-down shirts, jeans, shorts, etc., and decide the best place to store each item as a group (e.g., hang pants in the closet, fold and stack sweaters in a bureau). Working with groupings will help you figure out how much space you need and the best way to store each type of item.
UPGRADED HANGERS
The simplest and fastest way to make a BIG difference in your closet organization is to get matching hangers that go beyond the traditional plastic or wire hangers. And for sure ditch any with paper from the dry cleaner!
07
BAG & SHOE STORAGE 06
Alternate the way shoes are facing. This ultimately helps fit more on each row and provide a visually appealing way to display those prized possessions.
Everyone understands the frustration of searching for that one clutch when rushing out for the evening. Bags benefit from a space all their own. Get clear container storage for small bags and purses so you can locate and access them easily.
08
LIGHTING
Lighting is everything in a closet. Gone are the days of dim recessed lighting being sufficient. Consider adding a statement lighting fixture like a chandelier or pendant that provides ample bright lighting to your space, no matter how big or small.
09 MAKE A STATEMENT
WHY USE AN ARMCHAIR WHEN YOU HAVE ROOM FOR A SOFA? SLIDE UP A STOOL AND COLORFUL AREA RUG TO COMPLETE THE LOOK. IF YOU HAVE EXCESSIVE WALL SPACE, CONSIDER A MINI GALLERY WALL OR A STATEMENT WALL WITH WALLPAPER TO POLISH THINGS OFF.
realty report
UPGRADE YOUR SPACE WITH THE TIMELESS BEAUTY OF TILE
Tired of your outdated backsplash? Look no further! Our team offers top-quality tile installation and exceptional customer service in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. Your backsplash is an opportunity to express yourself. We deliver a hassle-free installation experience with attention to detail. Let us help you express yourself through your backsplash and create a stunning look for your home.
THURSDAYS
Madeira Farmers Market
Dawson Road at Miami Avenue, Downtown Madeira | 4:00 PM
Join area growers and makers to shop local at the Madeira Farmers Market, 4-7 p.m. each Thursday through October. From produce and flowers to cold pressed juices and all natural body products, the Market has something for everyone. A community booth is available for rent by application. Subscribe to their weekly newsletter for vendor specials, recipes and market news. MadeiraFarmersMarket.com
SATURDAYS
Summer Music Series
Railroad Avenue, Downtown Madeira | 5:00 PM
Visit downtown Madeira for live music, good food, DORA drinks and family fun every summer Saturday, 5-9 p.m. through August 3. Bring your own chairs and some dancing shoes. July artists include Heather Roush & The HeartStrings, The Blank Checks, Christopher James, The Whistlepigs, Woodnote, Eastside Roots, Wild Carrot and The Ben Peterson Band. See the full lineup online. MadeiraChamber.com
JULY 4TH
Village of Indian Hill
Fourth of July Parade & Fireworks
Stephan Field, 6475 Drake Road, Cincinnati | 10:00 AM
Village holiday festivities kick-off with the Fourth of July Parade, beginning at Cincinnati Country Day School at 10 a.m. The party continues with fun activities for all ages and music by the Most Wanted Band at the Festival at Stephan Field immediately following the parade. Fireworks begin at 9:45 p.m. Find parking and traffic details online. IndianHill.gov
JULY 4TH
Red, White & Blue Ash
Summit Park, 4335 Glendale Milford Road, Blue Ash | 4:00 PM
Celebrate Independence Day at the 2024 MadTree Brewing Red, White & Blue Ash event on July 4, 4-10:30 p.m. Hear opening band Motherfolk at 6 p.m., followed by headliner Judah & the Lion at 8:15 p.m. End the evening with a dazzling Rozzi Fireworks display, beginning at 10 p.m. Games, rides and food will be available for purchase. BlueAshEvents.com
JULY 18TH
Farm to Table Summer Dinner
Greenacres Arts Center, 8400 Blome Road, Cincinnati | 5:30 PM
Don your garden party best and join Greenacres for a delightful Farm to Table Summer Dinner experience. The evening will begin with a 5:30 p.m. cocktail hour and continue with four courses prepared from Greenacres-grown ingredients by guests Chef David Saffles, Stephanie Webster and Katie Reeder of Oakley Wines. Tickets are available for purchase for 21+ diners only. Green-acres.org/ event/farm-to-table-summer-dinner/
JULY 20TH
Indian Hill Trail Clearing Volunteer Event
Bridle Trails, Specific Location
Shared Upon Registration | 8:30 AM
Support volunteer efforts to restore the Village’s Bridle Trails. Join the Trees & Trails Foundation as they hike the trails to clear out brush, trees and limbs and repair the paths. Dress for comfort and protection and bring your own hand tools, bug spray and water. Sign up online to RSVP, sign a waiver and get specific location information. Trees-Trails.org
INTERIORS | KITCHENS | BATHS
Want to be featured?
HIDDEN GEMS 4
3 4
Laura Wogen, Scott Oyler + Mike Hines Share Four Local Favorites
ARTICLE BY TERA MICHELSON
PHOTOGRAPHY BY RF GRAPHIC DESIGNS
The area’s top realtors share four local hidden gems. OylerHines.com
NUMBER 1: CLIPPINGER FIELD
Oyler Hines tailgates for the historic Camargo Hunter Trials on this gorgeous grassland.
NUMBER 2: MIAMIVILLE TRAILYARD
Unwind at this open-air restaurant just off the bike trail.
NUMBER 3: MITCHELL’S SALON & DAY SPA
Rejuvenate with the pampering services at Mitchell’s flagship Kenwood location. (They might be a little biased by a Hines family connection!)
NUMBER 4: GRAND VALLEY PRESERVE Hike, fish and canoe on these 379 acres exclusively for Indian Hill residents.
Laura Wogen, Scott Oyler + Mike Hines of the Oyler Hines Group of Coldwell Banker Realty in Cincinnati.
