Loveland, OH July 2023

Summer in Full Bloom

HOME + DESIGN ROOTED IN JOY, ALL SEASON LONG

FOOD + BEVERAGE LOCAL JAVA JOINTS AND SUMMER FLAVOR FAVES

LIFE + CULTURE FINDING YOUR WAY AT BOLTZ TO NUTZ FARM

Your health care should always revolve around you

Whether it’s tackling a serious health issue or improving your overall well-being, we’re committed to helping you stay healthy and strong. Our doctors and health care professionals are passionate about providing you with personalized health care solutions so you can be there for what matters most. Because whether in our office, or virtually from the comfort of your own home, we believe your health care should always revolve around you. Visit

“Outdoor living space specialists”

Chill, grill, dive into the pool, or just lie still.

Whatever patio preference you have, make sure you hire the preferred outdoor specialist— Finer Lawn & Landscaping. One call will get you a team of experts who will turn your dream of a quick dip in the pool or a snooze in the shade into a reality.

DON’T WAIT ALL YEAR—WE HAVE THE AVAILABILITY TO INSTALL YOUR PROJECT THIS SEASON! CALL TODAY!

5% OFF ANY OUTDOOR LIVING SPACE OR POOL INSTALL.

It’s a Loveland Summer

Some things are just uniquely summer: reading a good book at the pool, a backyard BBQ, watering your porch flowers (hoping they make it to August at least)—all the ingredients for a good old-fashioned Midwest summer. We wanted to help make this the best summer ever, so we added a little twist on some summer staples.

First, the backyard get-together. We all love burgers and dogs, but a low-country seafood boil … well, that’s next level. It’s easy, it’s fun, it’s different, and Seafood Station has the recipe and expertise to make sure it goes off without a hitch. Read Low-Country Lovin’ and get cooking!

Now what about those porch flowers you love but are clueless about how to take care of? Meet Tiffany Seoldo, owner of Rooted in Joy Planters. Not only can she create potted masterpieces for your patio or porch, she can advise you how to care for them. Read Ode to Joy and take notes.

Lastly, we all love a good summer read, and The Bookmatters bookstore has some recommendations. Read Everyone Matters at The Bookmatters so you know what you should read as the temperatures climb and lounging by the pool is a must.

Enjoy and don’t forget the sunscreen!

July 2023

PUBLISHER

Emily Barlow | emily.barlow@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Stephanie Meinberg stephanie.meinberg@citylifestyle.com

SALES SUPPORT DIRECTOR

Courtney Kraemer | courtney.kraemer@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Courtney Kraemer

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Carly Tamborski, Bill Furbee, Nicole Browning, J.M. Green, Elizabeth A. Lowry, Stephanie Meinberg, Courtney Kraemer, A Beautiful Mess

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Matthew J Capps, Elizabeth A. Lowry, A Beautiful Mess

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

AD DESIGNER Rachel Collins

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard

EMILY BARLOW, PUBLISHER @LOVELANDLIFESTYLEMAGAZINE

Proverbs 3:5-6

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

1: A glorious, gorgeous day to Sip, Shop and Spa @JunoMedSpa with @TheBeautyBoostCincy. 2: @TheBMWStoreCincinnati celebrated the Kentucky Derby in fine style @MoerleinLH. 3: The rain stayed away at the @LMRChamberAlliance’s annual Food Truck Rally! Featuring sponsor @WoltermanLawOffice among others. 4: @TheBeautyBoostCincy shared insights and built new connections at their Biz Q2 MeetUp. 5: Congratulations to @Move2Loveland on their beautiful new office. They know how to throw a party! 6: @QuiltersStudio had quite the creative crowd at their open house on May 18th. 7: A wonderful thank-you luncheon hosted by @LovelandCitySchools to celebrate local businesses and their interns.

Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @lovelandlifestylemagazine

a berry bountiful harvest @BloomsandBerries Strawberry Days.

business monthly

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Count On Me

Loveland’s Mathnasium has changed hands and found new ownership in Emily Ballinger. With a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and an MBA in human resource management, Emily worked in education for 15 years, making her the perfect fit. “As a mom myself, I’ve seen how hard of an impact the pandemic has had on children and their education. I saw it every day. I just want to help—I love my new job!” she says.

Scan to read more.

Row With It!

Paddle for a cause this August 5th at Adventure Crew’s annual Paddlefest! Bring your kayak, canoe or SUP, and travel either 9-miles or 4.5-miles (a shorter option known as Paddlefest MINI, thanks to sponsor Cincinnati MINI) down the Ohio River. Registration is open, and benefits Adventure Crew—a nonprofit dedicated to connecting city teens with nature and each other through outdoor adventures. Don’t forget to check out the Friday night pre-party, Outdoors for All Expo—a free, open-to-everyone event.

Scan to read more.

Here Comes the Bride

Planning your big day and looking for inspiration? Join the Marmalade Lily July 30th from 12–4p for samples, gowns and more at their Summer Bridal Show! Attend a mini info session about Marmalade Lily weddings and flowers, check out the latest trends, and meet some of Cincinnati’s best bridal vendors, all under one roof. Bonus—every couple who registers at themarmaladelily.com and checks in for the event will be entered to win hourly goodies and giveaways.

Scan to read more.

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Loveland

Photography by Elizabeth A. Lowry

Photography by Adventure Crew

Photography by The Marmalade Lily

20

JULY

local experiences

best places and things to do in our area.

Sand and sun. Airplanes and art. Shopping and splashing. Playgrounds and produce. Summertime adventures abound during our favorite vacay month, and we don’t want you to miss out on one minute of the season’s best for family fun with kids of all ages. Think of this as our mini bucket list of must-do hikes, bikes, likes and more. Grab the whole crew and get ready to check off each one!

FIFTY WEST BREWING COMPANY: Get the ultimate in summer fun at this family-friendly brewery—an outdoor oasis with sand volleyball, firepits, cornhole and more—starring tasty burgers and cold, craft brews. 7605 Wooster Pike, Cincinnati, OH

DAYTON AIR SHOW: Experience high-speed, fly-by thrills at this must-attend annual event, July 22–23—showcasing breathtaking aerial displays and exhilarating demos perfect for aviation enthusiasts and families alike. 3800 Wright Dr A, Vandalia, OH

LAND OF ILLUSION: Nope, you’re not dreaming—the perfect slice of paradise is right here  at Aqua Adventures, a Caribbean-style adventure park featuring FUN-tastic, splashin’ fun for all ages! 8762 Thomas Rd, Middletown, OH

FINDLAY MARKET: Head downtown and explore the oldest public market in Ohio—OTR’s bright, bustling bazaar of diverse vendors, fresh produce, artisanal foods, local crafts and much more. 1801 Race St, Cincinnati, OH

LITTLE MIAMI SCENIC TRAIL: Let’s ride! Rent bikes and set off down the trail— spanning 78 miles from Anderson to Springfield—nature’s beauty abounds as you pedal along this picturesque route.

Want to recommend a local experience?

low-country lovin’

ARTICLE BY CARLY TAMBORSKI

chef jeff’s low-country boil

ingredients

“Recipes vary by regions. Ours is more traditional Carolina-style with Old Bay seasoning and shellfish. But you can shake it up with Cajun seasoning, crawfish, just about anything in between.”

FOR 8

• 3 lb red potatoes

• 4 lemons, quartered

• 3 large yellow onions, quartered

• 3 heads garlic, cut horizontally

• ½ cup Old Bay Seasoning

• ½ cup Kosher salt

• 8 links sweet Italian sausage

• 24 clams

• 2½ lb of easy-peel shrimp

• 1 lb mussels

• 7 ears of corn, shucked and halved

• 6 pre-cooked snow crab clusters

• unsalted butter, melted

directions

In a large propane-style cooking pot, add potatoes, lemon, onion, garlic, Old Bay and salt to pot, fill with cold water to cover plus 2–4 inches above. Turn heat to high, cover with lid and bring to a rolling boil—approx. 45 minutes. Once water is boiling (look for steam under lid), cook for 25–30 minutes, until potatoes are tender. Add uncooked sausage to pot, cover and continue to cook at a gentle boil for 10 minutes. Next, add clams, shrimp, mussels and corn to pot, finishing with snow crab to sit on top (not fully submerged)—cover and cook for final 5 minutes. Uncover and carefully scoop out all items, dumping out onto spread butcher paper or newspaper. Serve with melted butter and extra napkins.

The Summertime Seafood Boil Anyone (Everyone!) Can Make

When you think of summer foods, what instantly comes to mind? Hot dogs, burgers, barbecue, s’mores. But what about a meal that brings the sunshine, fun and friends together in a culinary experience that’s meant to be shared—the Low-Country Seafood Boil. “Low-country boils are meant to be messy, low-maintenance and fun!” says Allison Simmons, resident fishmonger at Seafood Station. “Rather than plates, everything is dumped on a giant table and served family-style.” Yep, just cook, dump, dig in. Ready?

No propane pot? Fear not—rent one from Seafood Station or use a turkey deep-fryer instead. They’ve also got a YouTube channel where you can watch Chef Jeff in low-country boil action.

SeafoodStation.net | 10488 Loveland Madeira Rd, Loveland 513.683.5993

Photo credit: Elizabeth A. Lowry

Reimagine the Familiar

Coffee’s On!

ARTICLE BY BILL FURBEE PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Signature Summer Treats Abound—Complete with Sugar, Cream and Java

Coffee shops can be a magical place. Providing the community with a place for conversation, cookies, and—of course—that all-important caffeine, our region has been blessed with a heaping handful of java joints that satisfy not just locals, but attract visiting tourists as well.

It’s for good reason—whether relaxing at a table, enjoying some sweet work scenery, or indulging in baked or toasted decadent delights, there’s simply nothing like time spent at a dreamy coffee shop.

And, just as every shop has its own unique atmosphere and personalized decor, each one also offers their own signature, irresistible caffeinated concoctions that allow it to stand out from the rest.

Ready for a taste of just how wonderful summer can be? When your active schedule kicks in, these local shops will have just what you need to power through (and enjoy) the day or night.

Mile 42

WHERE: 133 Broadway Street, Loveland

WHAT: A small but totally unique (and essential!) shop, the drinks Mile 42 serves up to pleased customers speak for themselves, with names like Frogman, Caramel Swirl, and Honey Bee. Their Coconut Vanilla Fixie—a cold brew with coconut, vanilla and cream— tastes like sunshine in a cup. Need more? Don’t forget to pick up a pastry!

Hometown Cafe

WHERE: 111 Railroad Ave, Loveland

WHAT: Serving up good stuff right on the hometown (ahem) bike trail, this charming cafe is a Loveland staple dedicated to putting the “fresh” in “refreshment.” This summer’s menu at Hometown Cafe promises to be better than ever, with their signature (irresistible) Iced Lavender Haze Latte at the top of our list. With just the right touch of lavender, hazelnut and honey, it’s a savory supplement for every winding journey.

Branch Hill Coffee Co.

WHERE: 371 Bridge Street, Loveland

WHAT: A bit farther down the bike trail, Branch Hill Coffee makes going the distance worth it—they even offer a super-cool drive-through for expeditious service. Oh, and about their summer special … it’s a Violet Cream Latte with both white chocolate and violet flavors, great served either hot or cold, with oatmilk. Yum!

Your (Unofficial) Passport

With no shortage of crafty caffeinated confections to dazzle our senses and leave us wanting more, we’re in for a summer like no other. Ready to see (and taste) for yourself? We’ll see you on the Coffee Trail!

TOP: Violet Cream Latte

RIGHT: Iced Lavender Haze Latte

LEFT: Coconut Vanilla Fixie

Forager Coffee + Tea

WHERE: 122 Main Street, Milford

WHAT: If you’re looking for relaxing comfort in a simply gorgeous space, look no further than Forager Coffee + Tea. Bonus: many of the drinks are made from responsibly-farmed and foraged botanicals. This summer, check out the Lemondrop Latte, created with house-made lemon simple syrup, for the perfect balance of citrus and sweet.

Lot #1 Coffee

WHERE: 9 East Main Street, Lebanon

WHAT: Serving up delicious drinks in Lebanon’s oldest building, Lot #1 offers an enchanting experience with charm like no other. Upstairs, relax with an organic chai latte or wildberry smoothie. In the mood for something different? Look for specials like this Iced Lavender White Mocha.

Addesso

WHERE: 125 East Main Street, Mason | 10938 Reading Road, Sharonville

WHAT: With two locations just slightly off the beaten path—the Mason original, and a new Sharonville spot (connected to The Book Bus Depot)— Addesso is a can’t-miss coffee spot that goes the extra mile. Take their Iced Black Walnut Maple Latte—black walnuts from Kentucky, roasted in-house, steeped in maple syrup from a local farm. The latte is made with that black walnut maple syrup, and gently steamed. Yowza!

TOP: Iced Black Walnut Maple Latte

RIGHT: Matcha Fizz and Lemondrop Latte LEFT: Iced Lavender White Mocha

ARTICLE BY NICOLE BROWNING | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATTHEW J CAPPS

Roll-Model Citizens

A UNIQUE NONPROFIT DEDICATED TO HELPING PEOPLE FIND SOLID GROUND

Nestled away from the main roads of Loveland lies an 11-acre parcel of land studded with tilled fields, fishing ponds and raised garden beds. It isn’t odd to see chickens milling about, and don’t be surprised if two massive, fluffy Great Pyrenees bound up to meet you when you arrive. Boltz to Nutz Farm is a singular oasis outside of the hustle and bustle of everyday life—and everything here exists to provide accessibility to all.

In 2015, Yvonne and Eric Boltz’s life turned upside down. While out on a training cycling ride, Eric was struck by a negligent driver, changing the path of his life forever. With a damaged spinal cord, Eric found himself paralyzed from the chest down, learning to cope with the lasting side effects of such an injury while finding ways to navigate the world from a wheelchair.

“The nutraceuticals idea came out of experiences from Eric’s journey with pharmaceuticals,” Yvonne says of the first half of the Boltz to Nutz business model. With Yvonne a chemist and Eric a materials scientist, the two decided to pursue a path manufacturing nutraceuticals derived from hemp they grow themselves on their property. “Fifty percent of spinal cord injured people have chronic, fairly severe pain—but it’s neuropathy, so not treatable with opiates. Opiates can make you not care about it, but don’t get rid of the pain. CBD does a much better job at both, treating neuropathy and also spasticity, without the sedating effects of some pharmaceuticals,” Eric sums up.

Through their for-profit nutraceuticals company and private donations, Eric and Yvonne developed the next branch of their business—the nonprofit BoltzStrong farm. Everything on this farm was built with a mindfulness for those who would not normally have access to them—in essence, it’s a teaching farm. A learning place. A liberating space. All of the paths are wheelchair-friendly. There are raised garden beds so those in wheelchairs or anyone who cannot bend easily can reach them. There’s a beautiful, full-fledged accessible kitchen, which means, first and foremost, that everything has roll-under access. “For 10 years I wasn’t able to use an oven because of accessibility. Now that I can roll under it, it’s liberating having a little bit of normalcy back,” Abby, a Boltz to Nutz employee and the first person to cook in this glorious kitchen, elaborates. The cooktop sits on a counter with a switch that allows it to be raised or lowered to the user’s desired height, a feature all the counters and a set of cabinets have built in. “Eric and Abby don’t have core strength due to their injuries, so they have to lean,” says Yvonne, which is why the Boltzes installed an induction cooktop, which transfers heat into certain materials, leaving the surface warm to the touch but not hot enough to damage skin. Soup to nuts, everything in here was carefully, thoughtfully curated to create a userfriendly experience.

So what exactly is this big, beautiful kitchen here for? Accessible cooking classes. “We don’t make it easy, we make it possible. The cooking classes we do, the students leave exhausted,” Yvonne promises. BoltzStrong sets their students up for success with all the tools they need, providing beautiful produce, herbs and eggs from their farm. From modified knives with arm holds to cutting boards that help grip the food being cut, no detail has been overlooked. With limited range of motion and minimal muscle strength, it takes some creativity and stamina for these students to get their end result, but this kitchen provides new opportunities to some who haven’t cooked for themselves in a long time. Eric explains, “You may learn from these classes that you don’t want to cook very often because it’s such a pain, but at least you’ll know how.” And that’s what these students get to take away from the BoltzStrong kitchen— the skills to do something profoundly normal again. To regain independence.

At the end of each class, the students and able-bodied volunteers come together to share the meal they’ve created. “We end each class by eating the food we make, and if it’s something that isn’t going to be quite done by the end, then we actually make it ahead of time, because sharing a meal here is important to us,” Eric states, proof that these classes are more than just learning skills and adapting—they’re creating a community for anyone who comes through the door. In fact, cooking classes are free and open to anyone (including kids)—check their site for info.

At the end of the day, the Boltzes have created a safe space full of compassion and understanding, where everyone is encouraged “to be authentic, to be present, to be themselves.”

Boltz2Nutz.com | BoltzStrong.org

“Pain is something you can cope with, and maybe it causes suffering, but a lot of people learn to deal with it. This is an outreach for people who are suffering—you’re not alone, you can do new things, you can be engaged. And that’s the best thing you can do to combat it—you can change things.” - Eric

ANDY MEYER

Partner & Senior Wealth Advisor ameyer@vfplanning.com

MICHAEL FRANKS

Senior Wealth Advisor mfranks@vfplanning.com Call

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Cincinnati’s Premier Contemporary Quilting Studio

The Studio is home to over 5,000 bolts of fabric. We strive to provide a selection of current fabrics, threads, patterns, books, notions and supplies for quilters in the Tri-State area. Hire us to professionally quilt, or train on our machines and quilt it yourself! We hope to become your go-to shop for all your quilting needs!

Near and Far, Finer Lawn & Landscaping Is Transforming Old-School into Simply Stunning

BIG SPLASH

ARTICLE BY STEPHANIE MEINBERG PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATTHEW J CAPPS

Picture the backyard … it’s wooded and wild, more suitable for hidden hobbit holes than an active family of five. A steep, sloping, tree-packed hillside, rife with shady nooks and rough crannies and not much else when it comes to usable outdoor space. After nine years of “making do” with their expansive but impractical yard, Heather and Jason Kammer finally took the plunge— and changed the entire thing.

“In my opinion, there was no other choice than to put in a pool,” Heather laughs, remembering those early decision days last year. “We saw the potential. We wanted it to be a kind of gathering place—for our daughters to have friends over, for bringing family together.” With two teens and a gradeschooler, it felt like the right time. Pool, check—now what? There was so much more to consider, contract and plan. Even though the Kammers lived across town in Delhi Township, one company came recommended—enter Finer Lawn & Landscaping. Because yes, they travel.

“We basically started at ground zero,” recalls Donnie Powell, owner of Finer Lawn. “We had to go in and dig out everything that was there, on the slope and hillside—it’s not a perfectly flat backyard. There were elevation changes and drainage, we had to take all that into consideration. It needed to be a blank slate, creating that space from scratch.”

Donnie sent his designer to draw out a plan hand-in-hand with the Kammers. “We sketched out everything—pool, retaining wall, fence, landscaping— to have a really good visual of what the space would look like.”

Then the real work began. Once the pool was installed, Donnie’s team added paver decking around the pool. “We liked the idea of stamped concrete, but we’d heard that could be slippery,” Heather says. “Donnie offered the idea of laying down concrete and then putting pavers over it for sustainability—plus it’s super low-maintenance. It’s one of the first things people compliment—the pavers take everything up a notch.”

Then came the retaining wall, then landscaping, then black aluminum fencing. Everything was graded, topsoiled and sodded, which completed the project without having to wait to grow grass. The finishing touch—a pavilion over the pool. “It’s a great extra gathering space that’s covered, for all-weather purposes,” Heather notes. Or Donnie’s idea for phase two: a place for an outdoor kitchen or TV. “Donnie’s team shows up when they say they do. He’s given us advice and really helped us though this project. They’re trustworthy, reliable, and I appreciate that.”

“I love the completion of the project,” Donnie says. “This point where you see all the hard work, all the planning, the prep, the days, weeks, everything you’ve worked toward. It’s not until you’re done that you can look back and see it, and I’m like, ‘wow, this turned out awesome.’”

“My favorite part—there’s a wider space of pool decking for lounge chairs where everyone can lay out, soak up the rays,” Heather smiles. “The overall transformation … it’s kind of hard to believe that it looks like what it does today.” Talk about making a splash.

CONTINUED >

MEANWHILE, BACK IN LOVELAND

You didn’t think the story ends on the West Side, did you? Donnie and his crew are Loveland-based (Donnie himself, born and raised), so of course there’s more to ooh and ahh over, right in historic downtown.

“We’re contracted with the City of Loveland and have been working with them on and off for many years,” Donnie shares. “We’re helping transform Nisbet Park to meet the needs and wants of the community.” And it starts with something concrete—Donnie and his team added a number of concrete walkways next to the brand-new gazebo. “People can now navigate through the park, with a stroller, just walking—the new sidewalks allow you to go all the way around.” Pavers, too, were added, along with brand-new sitting areas.

They’ve also added their signature touch to the local landscaping—along the bike trail, around the gazebo, in front of City Hall. “We’ve been busy down in Loveland,” Donnie smiles. “Just this past year, we’ve put in more than 500 new plants.”

“When I work in Loveland, I feel like I’m working at my own place, my home. What I like most about it, though, is that I’m making something nicer or more enjoyable, creating spaces for my community to enjoy—that’s what satisfies me.” And there’s still more—more walkways, more sitting areas. “Projects throughout town I can’t give away just yet, but cool things are coming that we’re all looking forward to.” You’re right, Donnie. We can’t wait.

ODE TO JOY

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY ELIZABETH A. LOWRY

Conducting an Orchestra of Flowers, One Planter at a Time

Self-proclaimed “flower addict” and Rooted in Joy Planters owner, Tiffany Seoldo, has had a love for landscaping and gardening for as long as she can remember. Although not officially born with a green thumb, you could say she was raised with one, having avid gardeners for parents.

“My mom belonged to a garden club, so I tagged along to picnics and gatherings in other gardens,” Tiffany explains. “Friends and neighbors were always walking around our yard admiring her flower beds—when I was looking for a place to get married, I knew their backyard was the spot!”

Though appreciation is one thing, actually knowing how to landscape is another.

“It wasn’t until my husband and I bought our first house that I started to comprehend how much time and effort went into landscaping,” she remembers. “Under their tutelage, I slowly learned how to create perennial gardens that offered sequential interest—every season.”

While it took a few years and lots (and lots) of experimentation, Tiffany grew to love container gardening specifically—it allowed her to change up the look of a landscape simply by switching colors and plants to highlight the beauty of the seasons.

“I liken container design to conducting an orchestra— every plant plays its part and comes in at the ideal time to create a perfect, cohesive harmony.”

A BUSINESS TAKES ROOT

From there, she says the idea of designing containers as a business grew organically (no pun!)—from time planting for friends and teaching them gardening to working at Blooms & Berries Garden Center where she assembles planters and experiments with new arrangements.

Over time, Tiffany started receiving referrals from friends to design for their friends and family. Then, one day over coffee, a friend suggested she start her own business.  “That’s when the seed was planted and Rooted in Joy Planters grew,” Tiffany says. Priding herself in creating one-of-a-kind arrangements, only planting with materials she has personally trialed, finding ways to connect the container to its surroundings, Tiffany also coaches her clients in proper planter care so they find a little joy in gardening, too.

LET’S WORKSHOP THIS

When she’s not planting containers around town, you can catch Tiffany teaching container workshops at Blooms & Berries. During the lesson, Tiffany not only walks you through the process of creating a gorgeous planter, but also shares basic design principles and tips for getting a pro look.

“We really want people to have fun—to create flower magic, learn the best ways to care for their plants,” she smiles. “Anyone can have a beautiful planter, but it takes attention and follow-through to keep everything beautiful. Just like pets, they require a little daily work.”

Try to Contain Yourself

CURIOUS ABOUT CONTAINER GARDENING? TRY TIFFANY’S TIPS FOR CREATING BEAUTIFUL DISPLAYS AT HOME.

1 |

Always check plant tags first. You’ll find plant height, width and sun/shade requirements.

2 |

To create a well-balanced container, you’ll need a thriller (the focal point and something that brings height to the arrangement), a filler (adds volume around the thriller and a middle layer), and a spiller (plants that cascade down and soften the edge of the container). Be sure the plants you choose share the same watering and/or light requirements.

3 |

Remember to deadhead (remove) spent blooms to prevent the plant from going to seed and to keep producing flowers.

4 |

Always check the soil before you water. If the surface looks dry, insert your finger a few inches to determine if it’s dry several inches down. If so, go ahead and water. If not, wait a day and recheck. Water at the soil level (not over the plant leaves) and be sure to water deeply—a thorough soaking less frequently is better than sparse drinks daily.

Facebook.com/RIJPlanters BloomsAndBerries.com/event-calendar

CITY LIFESTYLE

Summer Bucket List

Welcome, summer! As a hyper-local publication, we thrive on helping our readers make connections with the cities they live in, the businesses that make up their communities and the inspiring individuals making a positive mark. Are you ready for your most adventurous, fun summer? Here are summer bucket list ideas for you to accomplish this year. We hope you’ll explore a new neighborhood, spend a lazy Saturday afternoon at a new winery or taste the flavors at a local ice cream shop. Let us know what you discover and enjoy! We’d love to hear.

KIDS ADULTS

Make the most of this Summer! Check off these activities on our Kids Summer Bucket List as you complete them throughout the summer. P.S. You might need an adult’s help with some of these!

Make Popsicles

Go Swimming

Play Sand Volleyball

Have a Family Movie Night

Stargaze

Go on a Picnic

Watch Fireworks

Build a Fort

Make Tie-Dye Shirts

Build a Sandcastle

Bake Cookies

Splash at a Waterpark

Have a Water Balloon Fight

Make Homemade Pizza

Pick Your Own Fruit

Explore a New Local Park

Go Fishing Camp in the Backyard

Sleep In

Play Board Games

Do a Random Act of Kindness

Write a Kind Note to a Friend

Ride a Rollercoaster

Visit a Carnival Go

Summer is finally here. Take advantage of the season with our Adult Summer Bucket List. Check off these activities as you complete them with your family and friends and congratulate yourself on a Summer well-spent!

Learn Something New

Take a Cooking Class

Visit a Local Winery

Go on a Bike Ride

Explore a New Area of your City

Try a New Restaurant

Try a Local Ice Cream Shop

Hike a New Trail

Explore a National Park

Read a New Book

Book a Self-Care Service at a MedSpa

Take a Roadtrip

Go Whitewater Rafting

Barbeque New Recipes

Visit the Local Farmers’ Market

Go Snorkeling

Go on a Bar Walk

Go Rock Climbing

Have a Bonfire

Go Zip Lining

Plan a Family Camping Trip

Go to a Film Festival

See an Outdoor Concert

Host an Adult Scavenger Hunt Volunteer at

DIY Your Way To a Bug-Free Summer

Adult- and Kid-Friendly Natural Bug Repellents from A Beautiful Mess

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY A BEAUTIFUL MESS

Adult Blend Kids Blend

(age 15 and over)

MATERIALS:

• 10 drops lemon essential oil

• 10 drops lemongrass essential oil

• 8 drops lavender essential oil

• 8 drops eucalyptus essential oil

• 1.5 ounces distilled water

(minus 1 teaspoon to make room for the essential oils in the bottle)

• .5 ounce 95% proof grain alcohol*

INSTRUCTIONS:

In a 2-ounce spray bottle, add the grain alcohol (or Solubol) and drop in essential oils. Swirl to combine. Place the cap back on the bottle. Allow the oils to disperse in the alcohol for about 1 hour, then add distilled water, swirling again to combine.

MATERIALS:

• 10 drops lemon essential oil

• 10 drops lemongrass essential oil

• 4 drops lavender essential oil

• 1.5 ounces distilled water

(minus 1 teaspoon to make room for the essential oils in the bottle)

• .5 ounce 95% proof grain alcohol*

INSTRUCTIONS:

In a 2-ounce spray bottle, add the grain alcohol (or Solubol) and drop in essential oils. Swirl to combine. Place the cap back on the bottle. Allow the oils to disperse in the alcohol for about 1 hour, then add distilled water, swirling again to combine.

*The grain alcohol is used as a preservative as well as a carrier for the oils, but you can also use a product like this instead of grain alcohol at a 1:4 ratio (1 drop essential oil to 4 drops Solubol) if you’d rather and then just fill the rest with water to fill the 2-ounce spray bottle.

While there can be concern about citrus oils on the skin when exposed to sunlight, lemongrass isn’t a photosensitive oil, and if lemon essential oil is steam-distilled rather than cold-pressed (Oui Fresh essential oils are cold-pressed) it can be used on the skin. So just make sure to note which one your lemon oil is and only spray on clothes if you don’t have a skin-safe lemon oil (which is an application method a lot of people prefer anyway if they are more sensitive to oils).

Find more DIYs at ABeautifulMess.com.

A sample of recently sold properties in Loveland.

This data is a sampling of sold properties from May 2023. Source: Cincinnati MLS system. DOM = Days on Market.

As a leader in health and wellness, FYZICAL can assist you to enhance your mobility, relieve chronic pain, recover from surgery, and prevent injuries. By demonstrating proper body mechanics, appropriate stretching, strengthening and conditioning exercises, our PTs can help you stick to your goals of improving your wellness and establishing a fitness routine, safely.

For more information on how we can help you, please call and speak with one of our Physical Therapists today.

events

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

JULY 4TH Independence Day Celebration

HISTORIC LOVELAND | 4:00 PM Swoosh. Sizzle. KABOOM. The city’s annual July 4th celebration is gonna be BIG. Get ready—there’s a Kid Zone. And a Water Zone. Food trucks and a parade. A free concert (thank you, Pandora Effect), and of course, the big-bang-boom fireworks display to commemorate the holiday at 10p. Don’t miss out on the red, white and blue fun! lovinlifeloveland. com/events/loveland-independence-day-celebration/

JULY 11TH

Composting 101

LOVELAND LEARNING GARDEN

| 10:00 AM

It’s time to get down and dirty—it’s composting for kids! Designed for children between 1st and 4th grade (but older siblings are always welcome), this free event teaches kids the fundamentals of composting, including the what, the how and the why it reduces waste—then encourages them to take their knowledge back home. One adult must be present, registration requested. lovinlifeloveland. com/events/composting-101/

JULY 14TH

Hoots & Hops

CINCINNATI NATURE CENTER

| 6:00 PM

Local craft beer, tasty small bites, live music, RAPTOR Inc., all under the trees and on the trail—it’s a sipping extravaganza, with ticket proceeds benefiting the Nature Center’s mission of Inspiring Conservation. This event sells out fast (no worries, there’s an-

other August 11!). Tickets are $45, and cover 4 beer or wine tastings, plus 4 small bites. 21+ only. CincyNature.org/ things-to-do/hoots-and-hops

JULY 16TH

Concert in the Park: School of Rock

NISBET PARK | 6:00 PM

Have you heard these kids play? The future of music is bright indeed. Now’s your chance at a (free!) Sunday show featuring the talented young artists honing their craft at Mason’s premier school for music eduction and development. Trust us, these students can jam. Enjoy the night out, complete with a DORA bev or take-out from a local fave.  lovinlifeloveland.com/ events/concert-in-the-park-schoolof-rock/

JULY 28TH - 30TH SMOY Fest

ST. MARGARET OF YORK CHURCH

Oh, yes, it’s festival season, and SMOY’s version is a 3-day weekend packed to the brim with a stellar lineup. From live music (all three nights!) to carnival rides and games (of course), plus raffle baskets and TWO eating contests—wings and ice cream (not together). It’s a full extravaganza of food, fun and refreshments for the whole family.  SMOYFest.org/schedule.asp

JULY 29TH

Road to Health: Health & Wellness Expo

NISBET PARK | 9:00 AM

Back for a 2nd year and better than ever, come shine a light on your health or kick your summer goals into high gear—from food samples and free fitness classes to workout resources and industry vendors. But it’s not just physical fitness—take care of your mental, spiritual and financial health here as well. Total well-being, all in one place. LMRChamberAlliance.org/events

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Loveland

ARTICLE BY J.M. GREEN

EVERYONE MATTERS AT THE BOOKMATTERS

Book Buyer Isa Fernandez says walking down Main Street to the late 19-century building that houses The Bookmatters in Milford is like walking into a Hallmark movie. Established by Amanda Ackley, former Executive Director of the Blue Manatee Literacy Project, the bookstore boasts an equally charming staff. Isa will soon know your binges, birthdays, and, of course, favorite reads (including these summer standouts).

Yellowface The Postcard The Edge of Sleep

by R.F. Kuang

A first-person fiction ride, Yellowface is about a young white woman, June Hayward, whose friend, Athena Liu, is excelling as an author while June’s writing career is stalling. Something happens to Athena (no spoilers here), and June steals Athena’s novel and makes it her own—a white woman now sharing an Asian-American story. It is phenomenal, transfixing, and the dark humor is outstanding.

by Anne Berest

The Postcard is a novelization of an actual family. The Berest family receives a postcard in 2003—on the front is a photo of the Paris Opera House, on the back are the names of Anne’s great-grandparents who died at Auschwitz. This is about generational grief and finding the story of her lost family members from the holocaust. An important story now because of recent antisemitism. It will open peoples’ eyes. Anne did her homework—she knows what she’s talking about.

by Jake Emanuel and Willie Block

This new thriller is based on a podcast series by the two authors—which became a television show, which became the book. The premise: if you go to sleep, you die. The main character, Dave Torres, a night watchman, realizes at the end of his shift that everyone has dropped dead around him because they fell asleep. He and his ex-girlfriend are trying to remain awake and solve the mystery of “how do we wake up.” Keep your eyes open for this one!