Loveland, OH March 2024

FOOD + BEVERAGE

BAGEL & DELI FINDS A SECOND HOME IN LOVELAND

HOME SERVICES

LOVELAND’S NEW RESTORE IS STOCKED AND READY TO GO

REAL ESTATE

HOW ONE LOCAL COUPLE’S BACKYARD MADE A BIG SPLASH

Committing To The Plant

Whenever I buy something new for my house—an end table, a lamp, an accent chair, even a plant, I do this thing where I walk out of the room, and then casually walk by that room, or step back in and out ... trying to decide if I really like the change. I do this multiple times a day, sometimes over the course of a few days. I either decide I think the change is right and keep my new addition, or I move the item to a new space (and start the process all over again) or return it. My husband has stopped asking me what I am doing when he catches me—he gets it.

As I browse the photos in this issue, I’m pretty sure I would keep everything in its place in every single photo. There are just so many lovely kitchens, bathrooms ... even a featured backyard that is sheer perfection. I wouldn’t change a thing.

I can’t help but dream about having The PLI Group replace the counter in my basement bar area as I read Counter. Culture., or covet the gold chandelier that graces our cover from Wiseway.

And please don’t get me started on that beautiful pool in Backyard Bliss. Sigh … I could float back there all day.

Of course, if I do want to make a change or two to my house, I have a new place to shop for décor. I’m talking about you, Loveland ReStore. I can’t wait to see what this new location has in store after reading Welcome Home.

I can’t lie, I’m loving this home issue! Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go walk past the new plant I just placed on the windowsill in my living room two days ago … I haven’t decided if I love it yet.

EMILY BARLOW, PUBLISHER @LOVELANDLIFESTYLEMAGAZINE

March 2024

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

Courtney Kraemer, Bill Furbee, Pamela McWhorter, Nicole Browning, Elizabeth A. Lowry, Lisa Fletcher, Stephanie Meinberg, Nicolette Martin, Angi Hockett

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Matthew J. Capps, Janie Jones, Sandi Nichols, Brad Stoelb

There might be a chill in the air now, but before you know it the warm weather will be here—and what better way to enjoy the summer sun than on your deck? And there’s no better time than now to contact us and schedule. We book up fast—so if you’re dreaming of barbecues in June, it would be best to reach out soon!

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: @Move2Loveland’s newest interns from Tigers Inc. with @LovelandCitySchools. 2: Kicking off Valentine’s with card artist, Lauren Connolly (@JLAerialViews), and Becky Giver, 2024’s Valentine Lady. 3: @DiscoverClermont / Clermont County CVB hosted their meeting in The Works Pizza’s remodeled train car. 4: A magical princess story time @BikeTrailBooks with @PrincessGraceEvents. 5: Gilkey Window Company was ready to welcome guests at the Greater Cincinnati Remodeling Expo. 6: The @BuckeyeTrailAssociation organized a ribbon-cutting ceremony @CartridgeBrewing’s Bridge Bash! 7: It was indeed a “Very Special Ladies Night” event @ExquisiteDesignSalonandSpa on January 20th.

@MOVE2LOVELAND

@BIKETRAILBOOKS

@LMRCHAMBERALLIANCE

@EXQUISITEDESIGNSALONANDSPA

THE WORKS PIZZA LOVELAND

DIANE WRIGHT

business monthly

A Healthy Bowl of Summer

These Loveland locals are thrilled to bring a new business to the historic downtown neighborhood with the addition of Playa Bowls, opening this month! Offering an assortment of healthy superfruit bowls, smoothies, juices, oatmeal and cold-brew coffees, the products here are fantastic, the experience is top-notch, and the vibes are amazing. Make sure to follow @playabowlsloveland on Insta, and stop by during their grand opening for free T-shirts, bowls, giveaways and more!

Scan to read more

Maid for Perfection

Looking for a cleaning company that’s a step above the rest? Check out Honestly Maids Cleaning Co., owned by Loveland locals Jeremy and Amanda Morris. Born from passion and high standards, this cleaning company gets the job done. Honestly Maids offers the best in home cleaning with environmentally friendly, nontoxic products—cleaning from baseboards to ceiling fans every time. Your satisfaction is guaranteed. Head over for a free quote today!

Scan

Still the One

Carpet Depot is now Loveland Flooring Center, but never fear—they’re still your best local hook-up for any flooring and carpeting needs. Now located on Loveland Madeira Road—look for their new sign!—and owned by Loveland locals with big hearts and a passion for serving their community, Loveland Flooring Center offers a variety of flooring options all installed by their own team. From LVP to carpeting to hardwood, there’s nothing these guys (still) can’t do for you.

Photography by @PlayaBowls

5

LOCAL experiences

Unlock Organization: Go-To Pros to Transform Your Space

ARTICLE BY COURTNEY KRAEMER

1. Sarah Nicole Redesign

Enhance your shelf space with stylish organization and design services. SarahNicoleRedesign.com

2. Neat Method

Take your kitchen, closets, pantry and storage from chaotic to composed. NeatMethod.com/pages/cincinnati

3. Simplify in Style

Moving? Get help purging and organizing, leaving spaces feeling fully functional.

SimplifyInStyle.com

4. The Life Less Cluttered

Helping clients find peace with decluttering and tailored organizational solutions. TheLifeLessCluttered.com

5. Closets by Design

Organize and optimize your garage and storage spaces. Cincinnati.ClosetsByDesign.com

Photo provided

Photo by Vecchio Photography

Photo by Paisi Images

Photo by The Life Less Cluttered

Photo by April Sova—Remember When Portraits

Since 1953

Outdoor speakers and televisions … Alamo has this year’s hottest products to take your porch, patio or deck to the next level.

We’ve been the experts for over 70 years— our sales staff, designers and installers make the process of buying the entertainment system of your dreams a breeze. 9572

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!

513.683.3666 | quiltersstudioofloveland.com | V @quiltersstudio | 535 W Loveland Ave

WELCOME home

NEW RESTORE GIVES BACK TO THIS COMMUNITY AND ITS FAMILIES

ARTICLE BY BILL FURBEE | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

LOVELAND’S

“Supporting our community is an investment in the well-being and resilience of the place we call home,” says Tracy Wells, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati’s (HFHGC) VP of Development and Communications. “By coming together to uplift one another, we create a foundation for shared success, strengthen the bonds that connect us, and cultivate a thriving environment where everyone can flourish.”

Loveland will soon be home to the organization’s sixth ReStore—a discount home improvement store and donation center. ReStores include a variety of new and used building materials, appliances and furniture, but many stores have inventory that expands beyond these three categories. More poignantly, profits generated from ReStores support Habitat’s mission “to build and improve the homes of those in our community,” explains Elayne Harrington, HFHGC’s Communication and Marketing Coordinator.

“When you shop at a ReStore, you’re helping those you call neighbors,” adds Elayne.

“The Habitat ReStore complements the mission of Habitat for Humanity by providing an ongoing source of funding for the organization’s housing initiatives,” Tracy says. In fact, proceeds from all ReStore sales are invested directly back into building and improving homes for families in need, addressing the issue of affordable housing.

“Whether you donate items or shop at a ReStore,” Tracy explains, “you support that mission.”

Tracy also points out that HFHGC has great relationships with big-box retailers and furniture stores, who regularly donate overstock items. “At any time, shoppers can find new, name-brand appliances and furniture,” she notes. “We often post those items on our socials, which is a great place to see the stock of things we believe the public has the most interest in.”

When you shop at a ReStore, you are helping those you call neighbors.

It’s the region’s largest nonprofit homebuilder—HFHGC serves Butler, Warren, Hamilton and Clermont counties in Ohio; Boone, Kenton and Campbell counties in Kentucky; and Dearborn and Ohio counties in Indiana.

“While Habitat for Humanity provides affordable housing solutions, it doesn’t simply give away homes for free,” Tracy explains, addressing a common misconception. “Partner families work alongside volunteers to build their homes and pay an affordable mortgage. We give a hand up, not a handout.”

The organization’s newest ReStore location is one that’s been planned for a while now.

“We’ve been looking on the east side of Cincinnati for several years to find just the right location,” says Steve Wilt, ReStore director. “The new Loveland ReStore will have a fresh, updated look but with the same great prices. The new ReStore will also highlight and provide information about all the services that Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati offers.”

According to HFHGC, a decent, affordable home truly adds up—kids are 25% more likely to graduate from high school, and 116% more likely to get a college degree. They’ll earn, on average, an income that is 100% higher than a child raised in a rented home. They’re 59% more likely

- Elayne Harrington

to be a homeowner themselves in 10 years, and their family income is 100% higher. That’s an equation for success—and sustainability—that simply cannot be ignored.

Last year, the revenue from just five ReStore locations allowed HFHGC to build four homes, Tracy offers. Noting that the homes are built in partnership with hard-working low-to-moderate-income families whose housing costs exceed 30% of their income. ReStores also proudly kept 4.7 million pounds of material out of landfills during fiscal year 2023.

“In supporting our community, we contribute to a collective legacy of compassion, unity and progress—leaving a lasting impact for generations to come,” Tracy says proudly.

In Loveland, the generosity of a community ready to embrace HFHGC’s mission has already been noted.

“We’d like to give a sincere thank you to all those who’ve volunteered to help get the Loveland ReStore up and running,” Steve smiles. “Loveland has been very supportive, friendly and helpful—it’s an honor and a privilege to serve and be a part of this community.”

HabitatCincinnati.org/ReStore

10681 Loveland Madeira Rd, Loveland 513.721.4483

Counter. Culture.

ARTICLE BY PAMELA MCWHORTER PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATTHEW J. CAPPS

Did you hear about the CPA who went from counting dollars to creating countertops? It’s no joke, but instead, the real-life story of Lisa Benzinger—a longtime CPA who’s now the co-owner of The PLI Group, one of the area’s largest countertop fabricators. And it all started off, where else, but in the kitchen.

TWO NEW ROCK STARS FOUND THE PERFECT MATCH IN PLI

Back in early 2020, Lisa was working at a firm specializing in mergers and acquisitions. The firm was representing the buyer and seller in a deal for The PLI Group. At the last minute, the buyer got cold feet and walked away from the purchase. However, what Lisa saw was a promising company with a solid operation that just needed some business TLC.

That night, as she watched her husband, Ryan Wehner, make dinner in their kitchen, she brought it up. “I wish we could buy this company.”

Ryan, who had then been at Fidelity for more than 16 years, didn’t hesitate. “Then, let’s do it,” he said.

That was on April 15, Tax Day. Less than six months later, on August 20, 2020, Lisa and Ryan closed and became The PLI Group’s new owners. And the rest is history? Not just yet—to say they were new to the fabrication business would be an understatement.

“To be honest, I really didn’t know what I was getting myself into,” she recalls. “I didn’t even know the difference between quartz and granite when we bought the company.”

ROCK SOLID DEDICATION

While Lisa and Ryan were fabrication newbies, the staff at PLI were seasoned pros—a well-honed crew that was passionate about the company and the work they do. In fact, more than 80% of the staff has been with PLI for five years or more.

“We’ve got amazing people. They love PLI,” smiles Lisa. “Everyone takes great pride in what we do, and we all get really excited when someone has a great install.”

And it’s that loyalty and commitment to making customers happy that really sets The PLI Group apart, according to Lisa.

“In this industry, we can’t really sell you something unique,” Lisa admits. “Countertops are countertops. What makes us different is our customer service. We go above and beyond to make sure it’s a great experience.”

CONTINUED >

PLI owners Ryan and Lisa

That often starts with a complimentary consultation with one of PLI’s two salespeople, Gretchen and Paul. If a customer isn’t too sure of their room dimensions, PLI will come out to get measurements. Then, it’s off to select a slab at PLI’s showroom, which has 10,000 square feet of slabs. If a customer has a unique look in mind, PLI will send them to a vendor to select the slab. Once a slab is chosen, a project manager will schedule a templater to come to the house to get precise measurements with a laser—every job is laser templated to ensure a great fit.

Once templated, PLI’s engineers create a drawing that shows exactly what the countertop will look like. For exotic cuts or exact vein matches, Lisa says customers can utilize PLI’s Slabsmith™ service, which creates an ultra-precise rendering. After the rendering is approved, the project manager schedules the installation.

“We have one of the quickest turnarounds in the city,” says Lisa. “We just did one in eight days—the whole process, design to install.”

While about half of PLI’s business comes from working with businesses such as homebuilders, remodelers and big-box retailers, Lisa understands that installing a granite or quartz countertop is no small investment for an individual homeowner.

“Most people spend the majority of their time at home in their kitchen … it’s a gathering place, so we want to make sure our customers love the end result.”

Customer satisfaction—it’s a bedrock value. From showroom walk-ins and complimentary consultations to custom work and more, when it comes to keeping their customers happy, The PLI Group will leave no stone unturned.  ThePLIGroup.com | 1003 Tech Drive, Milford | 513.891.7858

ELEGANCE SERVED ON THE ROCKS

One recent PLI installation featured a basement bar, hearth and tabletop covered in quartzite, a naturally occurring high-end stone. It’s also heat-resistant, which makes it a good choice for a fireplace. PLI used their Slabsmith digital imaging to line up the veins so they run continuously to stunning effect. PLI works with contractors and their schedules to ensure a great partnership—Matt with The Finished Basement was the contractor on this project and appreciated the communication of the installation team.

For those who want to bring the look of quartz to an outside fireplace, grill or entertainment area, Lisa suggests using Dekton, a manufactured material that looks like quartz but is durable in sunlight as well as heat- and freeze-resistant.

JUST ADD QUARTZ

When another family wanted to update their kitchen, they chose white quartz from PLI for their countertops to complement their white and blue cabinets. They also converted part of their old dining room into a huge pantry— which meant less appliances on the countertops and more space for the white quartz to really shine through.

Photo

It was November and all our neighbors were out there watching them move this massive pool … it was a blast.

— Brad

The backyard might be a part of your house you don’t think about often. You mow. You rake. Maybe garden. Maybe grill-out. Maybe workout. But what if it was a feature of your home that, properly utilized, could be turned into a full extension of your living space? Why settle for less, when with the help of a few local vendors and contractors, you can curate an entirely new area (a retreat, an escape) right in your own, well, backyard …

There are, of course, other incentives for renovating. Local real estate expert Ellie Kowalchik, of Keller Williams Pinnacle Group’s Move2Loveland team, says that outdoor living spaces have been increasing in popularity over the past few years. “Ever since the emergence of COVID-19, homeowners have placed significant value on private outdoor sanctuaries that extend their usable living space to include the outdoors—allowing them to ‘vacation at home.’ Professional appraisers have even remarked that yards with pools can be valued as much as $100,000 higher than those without,” according to Ellie.

Ready for some inspiration? Thankfully, the perfect example of a beautifully utilized backyard exists, and it belongs to Sandi Nichols and Brad Stoelb—Loveland residents who constructed their own oasis in their wooded backyard right here in the city. Situated on an acre of land in a secluded cul-de-sac, Sandi and Brad’s gorgeous home backs up to a large swath of forest, initially leaving them with only a minimal parcel of their land to utilize when they first purchased the house back in 2018.

“We knew we wanted to do the whole backyard. Brad always wanted a pool, so we knew we wanted to add that ... but we had to get the deck completed first,” explains homeowner Sandi about their dreams

for the yard from the start. The deck in question is a gorgeous second-story white and gray deck that spans the whole back of their house. It was completed in November of 2020 and was built by All Decked Out, a Cincinnati-local company whose work speaks for itself. Sandi and Brad’s deck is perfectly crafted, and looks like an original feature of the house despite being an addition.

The next thing that needed to be tackled was to create a viable surface for their pool when the time came to add it into the mix. Brad explains, “Bares Run Creek goes through the woods back there, so there’s quite a hill down to it—which meant we had to have a retaining wall to make it all work.” Because of the slope of their backyard, the couple had to find someone to level out the yard and put in that retaining wall to give them more surface area to work with. Enter Outdoor Environments, Inc., another local vendor with notable work performed across the Loveland area. In late summer of 2021, they bulldozed the backyard, and brought in 70 truckloads of gravel and dirt to create an all-new flatter yard space.

Finally, in November of that same year, it was time to talk pool. “The pool is pretty cool. With a fiberglass one like we chose, the company first molds it, then puts it on a big truck. Ours came in from North Carolina, and they had to use a crane to get it past our house and into the backyard,” Brad remembers fondly. “It was the coolest thing—it was November and all our neighbors were out there watching them move this massive pool … it was a blast.” And because their pool isn’t overly gigantic, it’s an idyllic setup—serenely looking out along the lush woods, perfectly concreted in and flanked by an army of comfy deck chairs.

Once the pool was in place, and the stamped concrete work (done by TowneScapes) was complete around it, it was time to talk about irrigation. “When the wall was installed, they had to dig up the whole backyard, so the front yard was torn up some from trucks coming in,” Brad remarks about this expected part of the total yard transformation. Instead of going straight in with sod, Sandi and Brad had a full irrigation system installed by Vanderwist of Cincinnati. Then Motz Turf Farms came in and replaced all of the damaged grass with sod, completing the renovation and restoring the yard to picture perfection. The final touch? An outdoor kitchen, renovated by All Decked Out—the ultimate place to gather with friends and family to enjoy all of the hard work that went into creating the relaxing atmosphere right in their own backyard.

Now, Sandi and Brad’s summers are punctuated by lazy days in the pool. They can change up the scenery while they

work from home, taking in the Cincinnati sun and enjoying a fresh breeze while using the backyard as their home office. The pool was even put to use this past winter as a make-shift mini hockey rink—instead of covering the pool as usual over the winter, Brad let it freeze over and put out a goal to shoot at with his hockey-playing son, something made possible thanks to their fiberglass pool choice.

At the end of the day, their remodeled backyard is like a vacation that’s right on their own doorstep. “Sandi takes a lot of pride in the things she does with the house. We don’t do a lot of vacations—” Brad starts to explain, and Sandi quickly interjects. “I like my house better.” With a yard like this, we couldn’t agree more.

Considering a reno project of your own and want an expert opinion on choices to help maximize your return on investment? Contact Ellie Kowalchik at 513.697.SELL or Ellie@Move2Team.com for a free consultation.

“ ”

Professional appraisers have even remarked that yards with pools can be valued as much as $100,000 higher than those without.

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Out With The Old And In With The New

We’re a 38-year-old, family-owned stone shop specializing in granite, marble, porcelain, quartz, and quartzite. We’d love to work with you on your next project, whether that’s for your kitchen, vanity, bar top, or even outdoor grill or fireplace. We know remodeling projects can be stressful, so we make the entire process hassle free.

Beautiful Stone. Quick Turnaround. Excellent Service. Reasonable Pricing.

SCHEDULE YOUR CONSULTATION NOW TO MAKE YOUR SPACE EXTRAORDINARY!

513.891.7858

thepligroup.com

1003 Tech Drive, Milford

• Brush for two minutes, two times a day.

• Brush and floss for your child until age 7 – longer if needed. Floss daily between teeth that are touching. Start as soon as teeth come in.

• Replace a toothbrush when it shows signs of wear or recovering from an illness.

• Don’t use any fluoride-containing mouthwashes on children younger than 6.

FILL YOUR BELLY WITH BAGEL & DELI

ARTICLE BY ELIZABETH A. LOWRY PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATTHEW J. CAPPS

Every university campus has its iconic eateries. Places where students and alumni alike go for eating and reminiscing (the latter sure to make it a stop during homecoming weekends and other nostalgic visits).

For those familiar with Miami University, this iconic place is none other than Bagel & Deli Shop, one of Oxford’s most notorious attractions, serving up crave-worthy steamed bagel sandwiches since 1975.

While a yearly pilgrimage to a favorite spot is enough for some, for others, like former Bagel & Deli employee and Miami alum Nate Lewis, a more frequent fix is needed. Like, a permanent one. One in the form of the recently opened Bagel & Deli outpost in downtown Loveland—where, together with his partner, Kelly Lang, they hitched their proverbial wagon (or, um, truck) to Cappy’s Wine and Spirits, creating a perfect pairing.

A BAGEL AND A DREAM

In March of 2020, Nate took Kelly on a spur-ofthe-moment trip to Oxford for his birthday. Among the things on their itinerary? Eating at Bagel & Deli, of course.

“The moment we pulled up, I was intrigued by this little inviting bagel shop with the cool sign,” Kelly recalls. “After spending what felt like an hour drooling over every personalized menu sign, I landed on the Smoke and Toke with smoked salmon and capers. After the first bite, I was hooked—then promptly purchased all the merch in my size!”

That one trip led to both another bagel sandwich purchase on their way out of town and a non-stop conversation about how to become part of Bagel & Deli in the future—a conversation that continued for the next four years, culminating in the creation of the Bagel & Deli Truck.

“Nate’s been close friends with Gary Franks, one of the two Shop owners, for 20+ years,” Kelly says. “We worked very closely with him to make sure everything was the same.”

And Kelly and Nate (much like the rest of us) couldn’t be happier about how everything turned out. “We get to spend each day together, discussing

our many blessings and reminiscing about our trip where he introduced me to the BEST bagels in the world, which ultimately became our shared dream and changed our lives forever.”

BAGEL & DELI TRUCK + CAPPY’S = A MARVELOUS MATCH

Bagel & Deli Truck’s home (a 1997 run-down former circus concession trailer-turned-bagel-deli) was first discovered (dirty, dented and covered in weeds) in one of their friend’s greenhouse fields. Despite its condition, Kelly and Nate knew right then and there that they had found their eatery’s new home.

“With hard work, determination and a dream, we restored every piece of the trailer ourselves—along with our awesome and talented friends,” Kelly says proudly. “We knew the exterior would be our forever first impression and expression of who we are—it had to be just right. So we flew in our niece, a mural artist, and after almost eight full days of painting, she brought our little sketches to life!”

Best of all? As Loveland residents, Kelly and Nate wanted to open their truck in historic downtown. Cappy’s agreed, and the rest is bagel history.

BAGEL & DELI MENU & MERCH

So what’s different between the original and the new Bagel & Deli? Absolutely nothing.

“Our only non-negotiable from the very start was that everything had to be exactly the same as Bagel & Deli Shop,” Kelly says. “All the menu items, ingredients and equipment used are an exact match to the shop. We even use the same vendors, including the one-andonly Marx Bagels for all our bagels and bialys.”

Due to space limitations, the truck doesn’t advertise all 90 specialty sandwiches like the original. However, Kelly says if someone doesn’t see their fave from the Oxford location on their menu, if they have the ingredients on the truck, they’ll make it for you anyway.

With so many menu items, it can be hard to whittle down to just a few must-haves. But the duo was able to offer us insight into the best-performing sandwiches and employee picks.

2023’S TOP FOUR

• The Crunch and Munch (2023 Bagel of the Year!): turkey, smoked cheddar, lettuce, honey mustard, Parmesan peppercorn dressing and Nacho Doritos® on a combo bagel

• Messy Katie: turkey, Colby, cream cheese, avocado, lettuce, tomato, spinach and honey mustard on a bialy (Polish bread roll)

• Mr. Turkey: turkey, provolone, lettuce, tomato and mayo on a plain bagel

• Pizza Bagel: pepperoni, provolone and pizza sauce on a plain bagel

EMPLOYEE FAVES

• Redhawk Rueben (Kelly): corned beef, Swiss, sauerkraut and 1000 Island on a pumpernickel bagel

• Alumni (Nate): roast beef and cream cheese on an onion bagel

• Cookie Monster (Jake): cream cheese, cinnamon and a chocolate chip cookie on a blueberry bagel

In addition to ordering their delicious bagel sandwiches to take home or eat right there on Cappy’s patio, you can also show your support for Bagel & Deli by sporting their hoodies (made by Cincy Shirts, of course) and keeping an eye out for future events by following them on Facebook and Instagram. The truck is open daily Wednesday through Sunday (Thursday – Saturday for dinner, too), and is also available on DoorDash and UberEats. Ready to make new bagel memories with them? Count us in.

BagelAndDeliTruck.com | @bagelanddelitruck Facebook.com/117374594783893

Messy Katie

LIGHTS, PLUMBING, ACTION

ARTICLE BY LISA FLETCHER PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

FROM LIGHTING ONE TO WISEWAY –NEW OWNERSHIP, NEW OPTIONS

Photo by Matthew J. Capps

If you know the Loveland area and ever dreamed of refreshing your home with radiant new light fixtures, odds are you’ve made the trip to locally-owned Lighting One on Fields Ertel. From sconces and chandeliers to ceiling fans and more, the showroom is packed, floor to ceiling, with a vast array of beautiful lighting options.

But there’s even more to offer the public now that Lighting One has been acquired by Wiseway Supply, an electric, plumbing and lighting distributor based in Florence, Kentucky. From state-of-the-art plumbing and electrical supplies to even more extensive designer lighting selections, the updated showroom will now be more of a one-stop shop for all your home improvement needs.

CONTINUED >

Kohler

Kohler

Kichler

Fear not—an expanded showroom doesn’t mean the reliable, helpful service Lighting One customers have come to rely on will change. “Expect the same great down-toearth people willing and able to help you in a no-pressure environment,” says Matthew Streuer, original owner of Lighting One, and now Wiseway showroom operations manager.

“We created the store with the following mantra: ‘(One) in service, (One) in selection, and (One) in design.’ That will not change,” Matthew says proudly. “We don’t just say we have good customer service—we actually live it day-in and day-out through our interactions with our customers.”

By this spring, the transition from Lighting One to Wiseway is estimated to be completed, with an updated showroom just waiting for customers to explore. Ryan Wilking, Digital Marketing and E-Commerce Coordinator for Wiseway, says to expect a hands-on experience when you come to their showroom. “We’re dedicated to guiding you every step of the way,” he affirms.

Some of the new plumbing options will include kitchen and bathroom faucets and fixtures, toilets, bathtubs, vanities, sinks and more. And expect to see your favorite, mosttrusted brands like Moen, Delta and Kohler.

“Picking out plumbing selections can be overwhelming,” Ryan points out. “Our staff is trained and knowledgeable in all things plumbing and lighting, and will be there to guide you every step of the way.”

Even if you aren’t ready to take the “plunge” and purchase new plumbing or lighting fixtures just yet, stopping in at the rebranded showroom and checking out their creative and innovative displays will leave you with exactly the inspiration you’ve been craving.

Spring is just around the corner, so let the home improvements commence! Head to the Wiseway Supply Lighting & Plumbing Showroom, open Monday – Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Store.WisewaySupply.com 9583 Fields Ertel Rd, Loveland | 513.278.4001

Photo by Matthew J. Capps

TONE + TEXTURE

STYLE YOUR HOME IN TONES AND TEXTURES WITH DESIGN HELP FROM HOUZZ INTERIOR DESIGN EXPERTS

ARTICLE BY NICOLETTE MARTIN

WOVEN + KNOTTED

LIVING BOHO-CHIC WITH WOVEN TEXTURES AND MACRAMÉ

Decorate your space with handmade textures such as the modern, maker revival of 1970s macramé and year-round tropical feel of wicker. MACRAMÉ Made through knotting instead of weaving, macramé can add a unique touch in many various ways. Houzz contributor Laura Gaskill suggests incorporating it as nursery decor, plant hangers, wall hangings and modern fiber arts. WICKER According to Houzz contributor Yanic Simard, “the best way to really embrace the luxury-cottage appeal of wicker and rattan is to combine different forms of the two in one space... Look for other unexpected places to add a natural twist to your home with a new material woven into your palette.”

AGAINST THE GRAIN BRIGHTS + WHITES

TIPS FOR DECORATING WITH NATURAL MATERIALS

Houzz contributor Katie Treggiden offers many ways to incorporate natural materials and natural-state timber into your home, including using wood to cover one wall in a home for a pleasing accent wall; featuring your firewood as a striking, stacked display; and mixing different types of wood and different finishes in the same space. “A simple way to incorporate the wood trend is to expose structural wooden beams already present in your home,” Katie says. “Instead of painting them or boxing them in, leave them raw or give them a coat of wax to enrich the tones.”

ADDING TASTEFUL POPS OF COLOR TO YOUR WHITE ROOM

Do you feel like your all-white room is missing something? Houzz contributor Kelly Porter bets what’s missing is energy.

“The best way to add a spark to any space,” she says, “is with bright color.”

Kelly says green is one of the easiest colors to live with, looking organic even in its more vivid tones.

“When searching for the perfect bright green, think springtime—fresh green grass and newly sprouted leaves,” she says. “These greens have lively undertones that will look comfortable and warm in your white space.

Other colors Kelly recommends adding as accents are yellow, royal blue, orange, blue-purple, red-purple and sky blue.

TRANSFORM YOUR LIVING SPACE INTO A

ZONE BLUE

What’s the secret to a happy, healthy, and long life? Believe it or not, it’s actually quite simple: There are no secret ingredients, no sizable expenditures, and absolutely zero manufactured elements of any kind. Dive in with us as we share insights from our interview with the internationally renowned Blue Zones Founder, National Geographic Explorer, and award-winning journalist who is revolutionizing the way Americans make choices that can lead to living your best life.

For over twenty years, Dan Buettner has been fully committed to studying the health and longevity of Americans as well as influencing the proper and attainable health-centric environments our communities should embody. What started with identifying five “blue zones” around the world where people are both living longer as well as enjoying a higher quality of life in their elder years has now also evolved into proactively creating eco-systems where our communities engage in setting the standard for clean health.

Buettner’s first cookbook, The Blue Zones Kitchen, is a fantastic resource featuring ingredients and cooking methods that can increase longevity, wellness, and mental health. The recipes also include lifestyle tips such as proper portion sizes and the best times to eat dinner. Plus, check out his additional seven books that dig deep into the exact foods you should eat to how your circle of friends and family can influence your quality of life.

Every time you go out to eat, you will consume an extra 300 calories that are laden with more sodium, sugar, and oil than eating at home. “Get your hands on a plant-based cookbook, pick a dozen recipes, and cook those with your family on Sundays. If you make the effort to cook it with your family, you will gain the skills and learn to make some good and whole food plant-based recipes.”

New York Times Best Selling Author and Netflix Producer, Dan Buettner, Inspires a Better Life Based on Research from the World’s Healthiest Cultures.

Tap into Dan’s wisdom that is creating a new category of places that are not merely the legacy of a healthy culture, but more consciously created by enlightened individuals that are intent on supercharging healthier communities!

Follow @DanBuettner and @BlueZones for full insights and visit BlueZones.com to shop exclusive products.

EVERYTHING FOR DINNER UNDER ONE CASTLE

513-583-7675 (PORK)

513-677-2442 (CHIC)

10486 Loveland Madeira Rd at the Loveland Crossing Center email castleprimemeats@gmail.com

MARCH 2024

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

FRIDAYS

Boosters Annual Fish Fry

St. Columban Parish | 5:00 PM Fish Fridays are in full swing—and no one serves it up better than the St. Columban Boosters! Order online, drive-through to take home, or dinein right in the Parish Hall, it’s your choice for chowing down on crispy, crunchy Lenten-fab fish (plus desserts and drinks, too, if you like). Credit cards only, drop in or order ahead. Go, fish! StColumban.org

MARCH 1ST - 17TH

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Loveland Stage Company

“Sha la la, Joseph, you’re doing fine!” One of the most iconic shows of all time, don’t miss this reimagining of Joseph (favorite son of the Bible’s Jacob) his brothers, his betrayal—told in full living color and entirely through song (that’s one part country, one part calypso, one part rock ’n’ roll). Fridays/ Saturdays at 7:30p, Sundays at 3p. LovelandStageCompany.org/tickets

MARCH 3RD - 26TH

Jewish Music Festival

Greater Cincinnati

Talk about sounds of spring—for three weeks this month, the entire city will come together to celebrate the unique, powerful sounds of Jewish music, from orchestral to chamber to choral and more. This extraordinary tribute is led by CCM’s Dr. Aik Khai Pung, encompassing nine different concerts, locations, composers and performers. Explore this historic collaboration, price and venue varies.  CincinnatiArtsAndCulturalExchange. org/concerts/jewish-music-festival/

MARCH 7TH

Eastside Business Bash

Little Miami Brewing Company | 4:00 PM

Explore 45+ local companies, network with like-minded locals, interact with industry leaders, with light bites and a beverage or two—it’s the 3rd Annual Business Expo, a unique collab between the Milford Miami Township Chamber and Little Miami River Chamber Alliance that brings together our greater community and its beloved array of businesses all under one roof. Free to attend! MilfordMiamiTownship.com/ business-expo

MARCH 16TH

A Little Extra Luck Gala

Oasis Conference Center | 6:00 PM

This is IT—GiGi’s Playhouse Cincinnati’s biggest fundraiser of the year! This amazing achievement center provides free therapeutic and educational programs for people of all ages with Down syndrome. Your gala ticket includes dinner, dessert and drinks, plus entertainment, raffles, auction and more—and helps 3K+ families in Greater Cincy benefit from this programming. You’re in luck—tickets and sponsorships still available. GiGisPlayhouse.org/Cincinnati/gala/

MARCH 20TH

Free Snoring/ Sleep Apnea Screening

Cinci Smiles | 8:00 AM

It’s National Sleep Awareness Month, which immediately prompts the all-important question—are you getting a good night’s sleep? Is snoring disrupting you or a loved one? If you’re not sure (or want to be sure), that’s your cue to take advantage of this free screening—Dr. Timothy Kitzmiller and his team successfully treat patients every day with easy-to-use mouthpieces (a CPAP alternative!). By appointment. CinciSmiles.com

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Our family, our team is here to take care of

family.

We treat your family like our family when you sit in our chair. Whether you’re here for dental, sleep or beauty, we’ll make sure you are comfortable and happy with the results. We do it all—from routine cleanings and advanced procedures like implants, veneers and Invisalign to erasing wrinkles and fine lines. Or if snoring is disrupting a good night’s sleep, we offer low-maintenance sleep solutions.

(FDA Approved Oral Appliances)

Handmade Soap

Add a spa-like feel to your home with this refreshing soap recipe that's simple to make at home.

ARTICLE BY ANGI HOCKETT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

lavender honey lemon soap

ingredients

• 2 lb. goat’s milk melt-and-pour soap

• 1 lemon rind, zested

• 3 tablespoons of dried lavender buds

• 2 tablespoons of honey

• 15 drops of lavender essential oil

• 6 drops of lemon essential oil

• jar or bowl for melting soap base

• Silicone mold

directions

Chop soap into smaller pieces. It will melt faster this way. Place in bowl and microwave (or double boil). Be careful to watch soap and not let it burn.  If you are using microwave, heat in 30 second increments, stirring frequently. Once soap is melted add your essential oils first. Once essential oils have been added and mixed thoroughly, add the lavender buds, lemon zest and honey. Have your mold ready to go, on a flat, even surface. You’ll want to move quickly before the soap cools too much. Mix everything thoroughly again, and pour mixture into mold. Let the soap cool for 2-3 hours until bars are completely solid. Wrap or package however you like.

Recipe from Sisoo.com